When will I get the vaccine?

About 1.9% of the population, including nursing home residents and frontline healthcare workers, have received their first dose of the vaccine, according to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. The deadline for giving all people in nursing homes their first shot is next Sunday.

The next priority groups are people aged 70 and older, who should all have their first shot before the end of March, then other healthcare workers and people aged 65-69, especially those with certain medical conditions.

The provisional target for final completion is September 2021. Irelands main order is for the AstraZeneca vaccine which should be approved on January 29 and shipping will then begin.

How much will the vaccine cost me?

The vaccine is free regardless of age or income.

A deal approved by Cabinet guarantees payment to GPs and pharmacists for giving the vaccine. They will get 50 per two-dose vaccine and a 10 administration fee. This will decrease to 25 plus 10 fee for single-dose vaccines.

Where will I get the vaccine?

Most people will receive their vaccine shots from their local GP or pharmacist.

GPs will invite patients over 70 to appointments  they do not need to book.

Other age groups will use an online portal, which is not yet live for public use. HSE public messaging will alert people to this.

What vaccines are available?

Ireland has accepted five vaccines through the EU and could accept a sixth when trials are complete. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are already being delivered, using two doses.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is also two shots but crucially can be more easily stored and transported.

A German vaccine, CureVac, has not yet been approved, and trials are close to an end for the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.

Which vaccine should I get?

These vaccines have all been approved and are considered effective so the system will not require individuals to choose one over the other.

Martina Scallan, a virologist and professor at University College Cork, explains: The AstraZeneca trials averaged out at about 70% efficacy, which is very good on the normal spectrum. Our seasonal flu vaccines would be about 70% or a bit less; that is certainly an acceptable level of protection.

Vaccine teams will not mix the different vaccines for people receiving two shots.

Prof Scallan said: Its wonderful this technology is here. The emphasis is on protection and protecting populations, not on a competition between the vaccines. We need all of the vaccines which are shown to be safe to be rolled out.

Can we go any faster?

Health authorities say rollout is dependant only on supply through the EU deal.

Health workers here and elsewhere realised they could get up to seven doses from vials of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine instead of the predicted five which has increased the number of jabs possible.

Ireland has been allocated 3.3m doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, so when this is available, it will significantly boost current supplies. So far, we have 133,185 doses of the allocated 2.2m from Pfizer to deliver, according to the HSE.

About 4,000 people are now trained to deliver the vaccine, including members of the Defence Forces.
A lingerie-clad model who kneed a police officer in the groin said she 'didn't want men near her' after being groped by leering clients at a festival, a court has heard.

Kayleigh Laws, 28, wrestled with the officer when he attempted to detain her because he thought he smelled cannabis coming from her car after she left Goodwood Revival Festival.

The model, from Bristol, admitted to assaulting the policeman and possession of an offensive weapon after a knuckleduster was found in her vehicle.

At Worthing Magistrates Court, Laws, who runs an OnlyFans page, was sentenced to a community order and told to complete 60 hours unpaid work.

Kayleigh Laws, 28, wrestled with the officer when he attempted to detain her because he thought he smelled cannabis coming from her car after she left Goodwood Revival Festival

After arriving, Laws, dressed all in black, stopped to pose for pictures on the court steps.

The hearing was told she had been working as a hostess and serving drinks to a private party at the Goodwood Revival Festival, West Sussex, with her friend Sally Phillips.

The group drank Prosecco before a row erupted and Laws and her friend went to stay in her car for the night - planning on heading home the following day.

Laws, 28, who runs an OnlyFans page, was found to have a knuckleduster in her car

However, security staff became concerned by the way her car was driving so called police and the women were approached by PC Trevor Burton in a lay-by.

The court heard that when he smelt cannabis coming from the vehicle he knocked on the window to carry out a search.

No drugs were found but Laws erupted when the officer tried to detain her and she started resisting as PC Burton arrested her against the bonnet of her Vauxhall Astra.

Prosecutor Gaynor Byng said: 'She became aggressive - shouting and swearing in his face. She was unsteady on her feet and pointed her finger at the officer's face*

'After some time she did begin to calm down but within a short period she became abusive, raising a hand to his face.

'He took hold of her wrists at which point she raised her knee towards him, striking him in the groin*

'It did cause him pain and discomfort at the time.'

Defending, Mark Rogers, said that Laws reacted aggressively to being touched by the officer because she had been groped earlier on in the day.

He said: 'She had been working as an entertainer providing private dancing and drinks for the clients.

The model had been working as an entertainer providing private dances and drinks for clients at the Goodwoold Revival Festival before her bust-up with police

'The location, surprisingly to her, was an RV, in essence a small confine, and while she was there she was subject to some abuse*

'Clearly in that industry she accepts you have to be made of stern stuff and you need to be able to tell people not to touch you.

'Sadly for her, some of the men went over and above what they should be doing.

'At one point she was pushed on a bed and was held down by a male and at that point she decided to leave for a place of safety.

'She did not want any male near her - perhaps that explains why she was pushing the officer away.'

Laws had also been charged with drink-driving but was cleared at an earlier hearing.

She was sentenced to a community order and told to complete 60 hours unpaid work as well as pay 50 compensation and a 90 victim surcharge.
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Metalized Flexible Packaging Market by Material Type (Aluminum Foil Based, Metalized Film), Structure, Packaging Type (Pouches, Bags, Wraps), End-Use Industry (Food, Beverage, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Pet Food), Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Metalized Flexible Packaging Market size in 2020 is estimated at USD 4.5 billion and is projected to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2020 to 2025. The major drivers for the market include an increase in demand for the longer shelf life of products and increasing demand for customer-friendly packaging. However, volatile raw material cost restrains the market growth. Moreover, sustainable and new metalized flexible packaging is expected to propel the market for metalized flexible packaging.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=219963217

Browse in-depth TOC on "Metalized Flexible Packaging Market"

110  Tables

40  Figures

175  Pages

View Detailed Table of Content Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/metalized-flexible-packaging-market-219963217.html

Aluminum foil segment is estimated to lead the metalized flexible packaging market during the forecast period

By type, the aluminum foil based segment is estimated to lead metalized flexible packagings market in 2019. Aluminum is the most commonly used metal in flexible metal packaging, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness. Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metal derived from bauxite ore, where it exists in combination with oxygen as alumina. Magnesium and manganese are added to aluminum to improve its strength. Aluminum is highly resistant to most forms of corrosion and its natural coating of aluminum oxide provides a highly effective barrier against air, temperature, moisture, and chemical attacks. Aluminum foil based flexible packaging is used in packaging for food, beverage and pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Pouches is the major packaging type in the global metalized flexible packaging market

Pouches is the largest packaging type segment of the metalized flexible packaging market. The pouches segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2020 to 2025. The metalized flexible packaging market has witnessed a significant increase in the demand for pouches, mainly for food packaging, as it increases the visibility of the product and extends the product shelf life. There is increasing use of metalized flexible pouches in e-commerce and offline retail sectors owing to its less space requirement on the shelf.

Food is projected to lead the metalized flexible packaging market

The food segment is projected to witness the 2nd highest CAGR during the forecast period. The reasons behind rising metalized flexible packaging for food are changing consumer sentiments, rising demand for packaged & processed food backed by growth in population. Rising awareness among consumers about the nutritional value of food and growing demand for convenience food has further led to the development of metalized flexible packaging for the food & beverage industry. The demand for the longer shelf life of food products, such as meat, milk, and cheese, is expected to drive the market.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=219963217

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the metalized flexible packaging market during the forecast period

The metalized flexible packaging market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2020 and 2025. China, India, and Japan together accounted for the major share of the Asia Pacific metalized flexible packaging market in 2019. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region is an emerging and lucrative market for metalized flexible packaging, owing to industrial development and improving economic conditions. The presence of a number of plastic products manufacturing plants in China and rapid industrialization in Asia Pacific are expected to drive the metalized flexible packaging market during the forecast period.

Major companies such as Amcor Limited (Australia), Mondi Group (UK), Sealed Air Corp. (US), Sonoco Products Company (US), Polyplex Corporation Limited (India), Huhtamaki (Finland), Transcontinental Inc. (Canada) and Cosmo Films Ltd. (India) and among others.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=219963217

Browse Adjacent Markets: Packaging Technology and Processes Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Sustainable Plastic Packaging Market by Packaging Type (Rigid, Flexible, Industrial), Packaging Format (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary), Process (Recyclable, Reusable, Biodegradable), End-use Sector, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/sustainable-plastic-packaging-market-147972697.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/metalized-flexible-packaging-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/metalized-flexible-packaging.asp

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
B ritain currently has the worst daily coronavirus death rate in the world, data shows.

The figures, collated by an Oxford University research platform, showed an average of 935 daily deaths over the last week was the equivalent of more than 16 people in every million dying each day with Covid.

The research platform Our World in Data shows no other country currently has a higher death rate per capita.

The UK overtook the Czech Republic, which had the highest death rate since January 11 at 16.3, after publishing its latest death figures on Sunday night, when there were 671.

Covid-19 briefing: All you need to know

And the countrys death rate could surge further still, as death statistics at weekends and on Mondays in the UK tend to be lower due to a reporting lag.

It comes as a further 599 virus deaths were reported in the UK, bringing the total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test to 89,860. Meanwhile, another 37,535 confirmed s cases were also recorded in the last 24 hours.

This compares with figures released on Sunday of 671 further deaths and 38,598 confirmed cases.

Public Health England (PHE) has also confirmed 4,062,501 people have received a first dose of a Covid vaccine, with 24-hour vaccination sites set to be piloted in London before the end of January.

Boris Johnson warned on Monday that the UK is still in a "pretty precarious" position as ministers prepare for the easing of lockdown restrictions from early March.

The Prime Minister said the process would be gradual, with no great "open sesame" moment when curbs on freedoms are suddenly lifted.

Mr Johnson said: "I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can. It does depend on things going well.
Ant McPartlin's fiancee Anne-Marie revealed a first glimpse of her engagement ring as the couple stepped out for a stroll on Monday.

The couple beamed as they took their dogs for a walk in west London with the personal assistant displaying her stunning four-carat diamond and platinum ring.

Ant's engagement to Anne-Marie was announced on New Year's Eve after he popped the question in a romantic Christmas proposal.

Hard to miss! Ant McPartlin's fiancee Anne-Marie revealed a first glimpse of her engagement ring as the couple stepped out for a stroll on Monday

What a sparkler! The personal assistant display the four-carat diamond, which is thought to be priced at around 200,000

Ant and Anne-Marie couldn't have looked happier as they strolled along with their dogs.

The personal assistant proudly wore the eye-catching halo ring, which it's thought Ant may have paid to 200,000 for after designing the piece himself.

Tobias Kormind, managing director of Europe's largest online diamond jeweller 77 Diamonds, said: 'It's a very romantic design that harks back to an older style.

'A ring with a diamond of similar quality currently on our website is priced at 125,000. A traditional Mayfair jeweller might charge up to 200,000.'

The ring is certainly bigger than the one the I'm a Celebrity presenter gave his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, from whom he split in 2018 after a 12-year marriage.

It was revealed on New Year's Eve that Ant had got engaged to girlfriend Anne-Marie after romantically popping the question on Christmas Eve.

Wedding time! Ant's engagement to Anne-Marie was announced on New Year's Eve after he popped the question on Christmas Eve (pictured in 2019)

Hers is bigger! The ring (left) is certainly bigger than the one the I'm a Celebrity presenter gave his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong (right), from whom he split in 2018 after a 12-year marriage

Lisa Armstrong liked a tweet calling 2020 as a 's*** show of a year' amid the star's engagement news.

The make-up artist appeared to be making her feelings known on the matter by liking the message a friend wrote on the social media site on Thursday.

A few days later, Lisa also liked a tweet that described her as a 'beautiful lady, inside and out', as her friend wrote: 'Congratulations to YOU Lisa, real classy lady xx'

Ant has been linked to the personal assistant since March 2018 and it is expected that a 'thrilled' Declan Donnelly will 'act as the best man' at their wedding - just as he was at Ant's first nuptials back in 2006.

Over: Ant's nuptials comes three years after he confirmed he had split from his wife Lisa the pair are said to have finalised their divorce in April 2020 (pictured at their wedding in 2006)

Ant's forthcoming nuptials comes three years after he confirmed he had split from his wife of 12 years, the pair are said to have finalised their divorce in April last year.

A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Ant and Amzie are delighted to announce their engagement. The proposal took place on Christmas Eve at home in a very romantic setting.'

While a pal told The Sun: 'Ant has been planning this for some time - but wanted to make sure the moment was just right.

'He's a traditionalist, so got down on one knee after first checking with Anne Marie's family that he had their blessing. It was super-romantic, and obviously Anne-Marie said "yes" straight away.

'Obviously getting engaged in the midst of a pandemic isn't ideal when it comes to planning a wedding... at the moment a summer ceremony is looking extremely unlikely, so it may well be a 2022 affair.'

Ant McPartlin through the years 1989-1993: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly shoot to fame after meeting on hit TV drama Byker Grove as characters PJ (Ant) and Duncan (Dec). 1994: The duo release single Lets Get Ready to Rhumble under their Byker Grove names, with it reaching number 9 in the charts. The song later reaches number 1 in 2013. 2002: Hit gameshow Saturday Night Takeaway is launched as well as their hosting gig on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! making them staples on evening TV. 2006: Ant married Lisa Armstrong in Buckinghamshire with Dec being his best man for the nuptials. 2015: Dec marries Ali Astall, with Ant returning the favour and being best man for the occasion. 2017: Ant checks into rehab for addiction to painkillers. The star says he developed the problem after having an operation on his knee in 2015. 2018: Ant announces he had split from wife of 12 years Lisa in January and in March is linked to Anne-Marie Corbett for the first time. He also appears in court after being charged with drink driving. He is fined 86,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty. 2020: Ant and Lisa finalise their divorce in April, with her reportedly getting a 31m settlement. The TV host proposes to Anne-Marie on Christmas Eve. Advertisement

Dec was also best man at Ant's first wedding to ex Lisa in Buckinghamshire back in 2006, and is said to be 'thrilled' about the engagement.

Ant also got the honour of fulfilling the best man role at Dec's nuptials to Ali Astall in 2015, where the duo wore matching bright blue suits.

Although Dec joked to the Mirror over the weekend that he is yet to be asked to be best man at the wedding.

He told the publication: 'He hasn't asked me yet. I wait to be asked. We'll see!'

In November, Ant made a sweet reference to Anne-Marie during I'm A Celebrity's live final when he said 'my happy place is at home with my girlfriend.'

Ant and Anne-Marie share two dogs, Milo and Brumble, and are thought to have finally moved into their seven-bedroom 6m South West London home in 2020 after purchasing it the year before.

Best man? A 'thrilled' Declan Donnelly is expected to 'act as the best man' at Ant's wedding - just as he was at his first nuptials to Lisa (pictured in I'm A Celebrity)

Anne-Marie separated from her husband Scott in October 2017, and the pair amicably co-parent their two daughters.

In March 2018, Anne-Marie, who was the former couple's personal assistant, was seen giving Ant a packed lunch outside his house.

She also accompanied Ant to his court date, where he was fined 86,000 and disqualified from driving for 20 months after admitting drink-driving, in April 2018.

The pair continued to be seen over the next several months, and in June 2018, having revealed that she didn't know Ant and Anne-Marie were dating, Lisa accused Ant's new girlfriend of 'breaking the girl code' by dating the TV star.

Lisa and Ant finalised their divorce in April 2020, after their split in 2018 following the presenter's highly documented battle with painkillers and alcohol.

A year before he and Lisa split, Ant entered rehab after struggling with a two-year addiction to super-strength painkillers following a knee operation in 2015.

In April 2018, he was banned from the road for 20 months and fined 86,000 for driving while more than twice the legal limit, according to police.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  The Immigration Bureau arrested 55 foreign fugitives wanted for serious crimes in their home countries in 2020, it said Tuesday.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said there were lesser operations against wanted foreigners due to quarantine restrictions in place for the most part of 2020. Thus, last year's arrests were fewer than the 420 apprehended by the bureau's Fugitive Search Unit or FSU in 2019.

Most of the fugitives hail from South Korea at 26, followed by Japan at 10. Nine Americans and six Chinese nationals were also arrested, along with a Briton, a Russian, a Czech, and a Saudi national, the BI-FSU said.

"Fraud and economic crimes topped the crimes committed by these fugitives, followed by telecom fraud, cybercrime fraud, and sexual offenses," explained BI-FSU chief Bobby Raquepo.

The bureau added eight Japanese nationals caught last February were among the high-profile individuals arrested. They were rounded up while their Laguna resort room was being raided for engaging in cyberfraud and voice phishing operations. They allegedly defrauded fellow Japanese, with many of the victims retired senior citizens, of millions of pesos.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
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
E&J Gallo has offloaded two brands from its dessert wine portfolio, with Fairbanks and Sheffield Cellars transitioning to US peer Precept Wine.

The group, which finally completed its purchase of a raft of wine and spirits brands from Constellation Brands this month, has sold the two US brands to Precept for an undisclosed sum. Confirming the transaction yesterday, Seattle-based Precept said the production of the pair "is expected to remain" in California.

"I am thrilled to add these versatile wines to Precept's growing portfolio and expand our footprint in the burgeoning dessert wine category," said Precept founder & CEO Andrew Browne. "Our sales and marketing teams, along with our wholesale partners, are looking forward to building on the upward momentum of these great brands and categories."

Gallo CEO Ernest Gallo added: "We are glad to have found in Precept a buyer that will respect the history of the Sheffield Cellars and Fairbanks brands and will continue making these quality dessert wines  ."

The Fairbanks portfolio comprises:

Port - 75cl, 1.5-litre & 3-litre

Sherry - 75cl & 1.5-litre

Cream Sherry - 75cl & 1.5-litre

White Port - 1.5-litre, and

Cocktail Pale Dry Sherry - 1.5-litre

The Sheffield Cellars stable is made up of:

Tawny Port - 1.5-litre

Cream Sherry - 1.5-litre

Very Dry Sherry - 75cl & 1.5-litre, and

Marsala - 75cl & 1.5-litre

Privately-held Precept also owns the Chocolate Shop and Waterbrook wine brands. The company has vineyards in Washington, Idaho, New Mexico and Oregon.

What's coming up in wine in 2021? - Predictions for the Year Ahead
FCW Insider: Jan. 19

Biden's Cabinet will be the first to include a "Presidential Science Advisor," Dr. Eric Lander, who Biden nominated to serve as OSTP director.

Telework made the idea of bringing your own device a top priority as the Defense Information Systems Agency begins transitioning to a permanent version of the commercial virtual remote environment.

Joyce's predecessor, Anne Neuberger, is joining President-elect Joe Biden's administration as a deputy national security advisor.

Crisis situations like this one can induce the fog-of-war and lead to tradeoffs during remediation. While we may not know the full extent of the damage for some time, as is always the case in an event like this, we need to stop the bleeding. We must not afford the adversary an easy path to more information.

Quick Hits

*** Almost 400 jobs at the Office of Management and Budget have been approved for reclassification to Schedule F status, according to a letter from two senior House Democrats. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said that they have been alerted by the Government Accountability Office that the Office of Personnel Management had approved OMB's request to convert the positions to the new Schedule F status created by executive order in October. Under Schedule F, federal employees maintain few civil service protections and lose eligibility for union membership. The lawmakers are concerned that the Trump administration, with just hours left in office, will reclassify employees at OMB and possibly at other agencies.

"OMB's decision to implement Schedule F will only lead to additional protracted legal battles and a bureaucratic waste of government resources to the detriment of the vital operations of the agency," the lawmakers wrote. "In addition, it is simply cruel to strip federal employees, who have faithfully and consistently served the American public throughout the pandemic, of civil service protections."

*** The IRS is creating an online platform to allow taxpayers to directly file income reporting forms in the 1099 series directly with the agency. The new service is due to be in place by Jan. 1, 2023 under the Taxpayer First Act. The tax agency, in reply comments to a Government Accountability Office report, said the 1099 filing systems will serve as the basis for a larger information return modernization effort, and that a report to Congress on plans and the status of the project is forthcoming.
Sky Rojo is an upcoming Spanish television series that involves three prostitutes (a Cuban, an Argentine, and a Spanish) that flee from their pimp. They are then persecuted after committing several serious crimes and cannot go to the police for help.



This upcoming Spanish television series is the same creators of Money Heist ("La Casa De Papel") It will be two seasons of eight 25-minute episodes. According to the creators, the series is a hunt and shows "the impunity, ambiguity and brutal reality of prostitution, and the psychological portraits of those on both sides of the scale."



Starring: Miguel Angel Silvestre, Lali Esposito, Yanis Prado, Veronica Sanchez and Asier Etxeandia

[ First Look Photos of Sky Rojo ]

First Look Photos

















Premieres: March 19, 2021

Source | Photos


Apple analysts said that Apple's iPhone has a major flaw that is still unresolved. They provided the main reasons why the smartphone's Notification feature is the company's biggest failure.

According to Digital Trends' latest report, the major flaw can be noticed by those who were previously using an Android smartphone. If you are one of them, then you'll notice that iOS has one major difference that can really affect your smartphone experience.

The issue is said to be caused by two ideals that are supposed to be Apple design's core philosophy. These are iPhone's simplicity of interactions Apple ecosystem's power. To give you more idea, here are the major reasons why iPhone's notification flaw is still unresolved.

Two major reasons for iPhone's flaw

The first major reason behind the iPhone notification's flaw is the company's simplicity failure. Apple tried to make its iOS displays as simple as possible. However, the notification feature's redundancies are still noticeable.

If you compare iOS with Android, Apple's competitor has an advantage since it offers a long-pressing feature or stop-notification ability. The issue with iPhone resides in its developers.

Also Read: Apple macOS Big Sur Bootable Clone Option: Is it Possible to Create One Despite the Restrictions and Complicated System?

There are couple-odd apps that don't offer any quick actions such as the option to add the video to Watch Later list. On the other hand, the second issue with iPhone's notification is Apple's ecosystem failure.

The problem with an iPhone is that when a user dismisses a notification on the smartphone, the message will still appear on their iPad. If you archive an email on another tablet, computer, or smartphone, that notification will still wait on your iPhone, which is kinda annoying.

Although it seems not that bad, you still have considered how many notifications you receive on a daily basis.

Settings you need to change on an iPhone

According to CNET's latest report, there are certain settings you need to change to make your iPhone experience. Here are the settings you need to tweak.

Right now, iPhone 12 is offering a feature that automatically switches your 4G LTE and 5G networks. This usually drains your phone's battery life. To turn this off, all you need to do is to follow these steps;

To turn the automatic-switching feature off, you need to open the Settings app and follow these destinations;

(Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and tap LTE)

If you want to know more details about other settings you can change, just click here.

For more news updates about Apple's products and other services, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Apple M1 Macs Would Have a VLC Media Player Update with Full Support-Here's How to Download!

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
France-headquartered Legrand group's UPS brand in India, Numeric, on January 19 announced the launch of its 3 Phase modular UPS, Keor MOD.

The company said the product is designed to meet the needs of the IT, ITeS, data centres, infrastructure and healthcare industry.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Palash Nandy, CEO, Numeric, said that with the launch of Keor MOD, the company is stepping up its growth plan in the 3 Phase market segment.

He added that two other products will be launched for the customers over the course of the next few months.

UPS provides uninterrupted power supply at residential and commercial establishments.

In the UPS segment, 3 Phase products offer efficient means to distribute power over long distances, allow for large industrial equipment to operate more efficiently. This could be beneficial not just for manufacturing facilities but also for banks, IT/ITeS firms with multiple data centres.

"We have gained a strong foothold in the 3 phase segment with our Keor series, and this new product will further augment our product offer in the modular segment," he added.

Nandy said the data localisation policy and the new business normal have put the IT infrastructure on rapid growth gear.

"While the changing data consumption habits coupled with the burgeoning digital economy has put this sector on fast growth, the much expected 5G roll will further accelerate the growth providing a tremendous opportunity for us to position our wide range of solutions," he explained.

What is Keor MOD UPS?

Keor MOD has a 10-inch display screen which can rotate inwards to 180. This enables easy access and maintenance.

Nandy said the Keor MOD power module is the smallest 25 kW three phase module available in the market. Each power module in Keor MOD is an independent plug and play power module that serves as a three phase UPS with a nominal power of 25 kW in two rack units.

Keor MOD by Numeric

The company said the compact design will help save up to 75 percent of real estate space in comparison to other products.

Keor MOD offers both scalability and flexibility, up to 20 power modules can be paralleled vertically and horizontally, in maximum up to four frames to deliver output of 500kW with redundancy.

Depending on the backup time and power, the price can range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh for these products.

Talking about the industry, he said while the initial part of the lockdown (April to June) was challenging, segments like line interactive and smaller UPS have seen good sales.

He added that the company saw 60 percent growth in these categories due to work-from-home, without disclosing exact figures. "The UPS industry saw a degrowth of 18-20 percent. While we have also seen negative growth, it is in single digits. We will wipe out this degrowth by March 2021," he added.

Industry estimates said the Indian UPS market is at $55 billion and could zoom to $100 billion by 2023. Sectors like BFSI and IT will lead the growth.

Nandy added that Keor MOD could be the ideal solution for small and medium data centres and other critical high-computing applications.

Pfizer's Covid vaccine could produce a strong enough immune response to stop people who get the jab from spreading the coronavirus, a doctor in Israel has claimed.

Researchers found in a small study that recipients of the jab developed up to 20 times more antibodies within a week of having the second dose of the jab.

Higher levels of antibodies likely lead to a stronger immune response which could clear the virus before someone has a chance to spread it, but this is still not proven.

Until now, scientists didn't know whether vaccines would stop transmission and were banking only on it preventing severe illness and death. Pfizer itself has not published any data showing how the jab affects the spread of the disease.

Developers of other vaccines have also not offered any proof that their vaccines will be able to reduce transmission of the virus.

The survey done on 102 hospital staff in Israel is the first indication that a Covid-19 vaccine may stop transmission. It saw all but two of them develop antibody levels that were even higher than patients who had recovered from Covid-19.

Antibodies are substances produced by the immune system which store memories of how to fight off a specific virus.

Study leader Professor Gili Regev-Yochay said the results were 'encouraging and reasonable to assume that these people will not be carriers or contagious, although that is still not a direct conclusion,' the International Business Times reported.

Recipients of the Pfizer/Biotech vaccine developed up to 20 times more antibodies within a week of having the second dose of the jab. Pictured: A key worker receives the Pfizer-BioNTech jab at the Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Medics running the study found that 100 out of 102 people mounted large antibody responses to the coronavirus after two doses of the vaccine.

The research was done on members of staff at the Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv.

One of the two who didn't had a compromised immune system; the other is still being investigated, The Telegraph reports.

HOW COULD A VACCINE STOP THE VIRUS SPREADING? The main purpose of the Covid-19 vaccines when they were developed was to give people some early immunity against the virus so they wouldn't end up in hospital or die if they caught it. The jabs developed so far have all shown signs of being able to do this and are being rolled out to try and stem the tide of deaths caused by Covid. But if the vaccines produce a strong enough immune response they could also stop the virus from spreading by training people's bodies to destroy it on sight. Immunity developed by vaccines is based on substances called antibodies and also other types of immune substances such as white blood cells. These destroy the virus when it gets into the body, stopping it from reproducing and entering the body to cause infection. Any amount of this protection will likely reduce the risk of illness and death because it reduces how much of the virus can get into the body, but a weak response might allow the virus to linger in the body for a short period of time, during which people might be infectious to others even if they don't get ill themselves. A strong immune response from a highly effective vaccine, however, could make the body so good at destroying the virus that all of it gets eliminated as soon as it enters the body of a vaccinated person. This could mean it exists for too short a period of time for the person to breathe it out and spread it to other people. None of the vaccine-makers have yet published data showing whether this will be the case. Advertisement

Antibodies are critical for the immune system because they both destroy viruses and also flag them up for destruction by other white blood cells.

The director of the hospital's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Professor Regev-Yochay, said she thought it was unlikely that people who receive two doses of jab would spread the illness.

This is expected to be because they develop strong enough immunity that the virus cannot reproduce in their body.

It is possible that if people have vaccines that aren't highly effective, the virus can continue to circulate in their body for a short while without making them ill but still allowing them to pass it on.

Professor Regev-Yochay said in a briefing yesterday: 'The results of the survey are in line with Pfizers experiment and even better than expected,' the Jerusalem Post reported.

'I expect that the survey results of the other employees participating will be similar. There is certainly reason for optimism.'

Israel has had one of the world's fastest Covid vaccination programme and has given jabs to 2.6million of its 9million people already.

But the country has yet to see its infection and death numbers come tumbling down after four weeks of immunisations.

Studies from the country suggest the jab could eventually slow the rate of contagion by up to 50 per cent as well as stopping infected recipients becoming sick.

While Israel is leading the world in the vaccine race with more than one in five people receiving an initial dose, its infection rates were last week at their highest ever with more than 8,000 positive tests per day and a record 1,102 patients in hospital.

The vaccine trials run by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Oxford University and AstraZeneca had one primary goal which was to try and reduce Covid-19 rates.

To do that, the scientists simply vaccinated half of their volunteers with two doses apiece, and gave the other half two doses of a placebo jab.

They then recorded how many people were diagnosed with Covid-19 after the vaccine, they did not test how much participants caught or transmitted the virus without knowing.

In earlier tests in monkeys, animals that got Pfizer's jab had no traces of the virus in their respiratory tracts, and earlier tests in people showed they produced plenty of antibodies after vaccination.

The global trials run by Pfizer (pictured, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine), Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Oxford University and AstraZeneca had one primary goal

On Tuesday, Israel saw daily Covid-19 infections and active cases reach all time-highs. On Tuesday, Israel reported 9,997 new cases - its highest in a single 24 hours - and 46 deaths, after recording a record 67 deaths on Monday

Combined with the final clinical trial data, that suggests that the vaccine is triggering an immune response, and that immune response is strong enough to keep the virus from copying itself and spreading in the body.

In turn, that means the odds are low that someone's viral load - the concentration of virus in their cells - is high enough to spread the infection.

However the trials that Pfizer completed were not designed to state for sure that the vaccine can slow the spread of the virus.

It comes after nearly 5million people aged between 70 and 80 are being invited to receive their first dose, with some in Whitehall suggesting the rollout is going so well that the wider adult population could be covered by June rather than September.

However, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said people in their 70s will only be offered jabs in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have already had their first shot.

That could mean people in areas such as London and Suffolk, where progress has been slower, will have to wait longer.
2020 was a hard year. The coronavirus pandemic upended lives and forced millions of Americans to stay socially distanced and isolated. Many spent Christmas apart from family for the first time ever. As we enter the new year, I know were all yearning for a return to normal so that we can reunite with our friends, families and loved ones.

But the anguish and loneliness many of us feel right now should give us a deep sense of empathy for immigrants and refugees who have been separated from family for much longer and cant count on a return to normal.

I think of Arooj, who was resettled as a refugee by World Relief in 2017. Aroojs husband, Sunny, eventually escaped Pakistan after being tortured for his Christian faith, but their hopes to be reunited in the U.S. have been repeatedly deferred. The number of Pakistani Christians resettled to the U.S. has dropped as overall levels of refugee resettlement have fallen from about 85,000 in fiscal year 2016 to fewer than 12,000 last year. The couple has spent just one year in the same country since their marriage eight years ago. Its hard to sustain a marriage by video calls.

More than a decade ago, close friends of mine fled their home in East Africa after facing threats of political persecution. But the whole family could not make the trip: the oldest son, whom Ill call Pierre, had recently turned 21 and was unable to access the temporary visa necessary to accompany his family to the U.S. Pierres mom applied for and received asylum, then applied for her green card, then filed a petition for Pierre to join the rest of the family in the U.S. But that process takes many years because of tight limits within our archaic immigration laws; for some countries of origin, such as Mexico, waits can stretch to multiple decades.

Pierre finally arrived earlier this year and was reunited to his family after more than a decade apart. Gratefully, Pierre arrived just before the president banned most overseas processing of family-sponsored immigrant visas altogether. That ban, which would have barred Pierre had he not arrived before April 23 of last year, was recently extended by President Trump until March 31, further prolonging the separation of many other families.

My former next-door neighbor, whom Ill call Elena, came to the U.S. in 1990, crossing the border unlawfully out of economic desperation  fueled, in part, by her compulsion to provide for her five-year-old son, whom she left with her parents in Mexico. No mother makes that choice except under duress, but its a decision many have made. To quote the title of journalist Jason Parles book chronicling the multi-generational experience of a Filipino family that faced similar dynamics, sometimes a good provider is one who leaves.

Elena is desperate to embrace the son whom she left behind thirty years ago. Her U.S.-born younger children have traveled to Mexico to meet their brother, but Elenas undocumented status means that if she leaves, she could not return. She prays for some sort of a legalization that will allow her to see her oldest son and her mother at least once more.

Other families are forcibly separated by our immigration policies. Most Americans recall the news of thousands of children being separated from their parents as a result of zero tolerance policy enacted along the U.S.-Mexico border beginning in 2017. While the underlying policy was rolled back after public outcry, more than 600 children have still not been reunited to their parents, who, thus far, have not been located.

However, while that policy was new and particularly visceral, children have actually been separated from parents under both Democratic and Republican administrations on a much larger scale as a result of deportations. Under the Obama administration, as many as 92,000 parents of U.S. citizen children were deported in a single year. While in some cases the children accompanied the parent in leaving the U.S., many others stayed behind with a remaining parent or an extended family member, while thousands of others ended up in foster care. And its still happening: other former neighbors of mine are facing a pending deportation hearing for the father; if he is deported, his wife will be left behind with their eight children.

Some of the most egregious situations of family separation are likely to change with a new administration: President-elect Biden has promised to dramatically increase refugee admissions and to reunify children and parents separated at the border by the current administration, and he will have the authority to do so by executive action. He could immediately resume overseas visa processing, as evangelical leaders have urged him to do. But other changes  such as reducing backlogs for family reunification visas or any process to allow undocumented immigrants to earn permanent legal status  will require bipartisan congressional action.

A growing number of evangelical Christians, who historically have championed family values, argue that the best way to achieve those policy changes  to keep families together and reunite families without eroding the rule of law  would be a restitution-based immigration reform. Unlike an amnesty policy, which might keep families together but would not honor the law (and which would be destined for political failure), a restitution-based reform would allow immigrants in the country unlawfully to pay a fine as a penalty for having violated U.S. immigration laws, then to earn permanent legal status if they meet appropriate qualifications. Thousands of evangelical Christians have added their name to a call for this sort of approach in the past year, echoing various denominational leaders, Christian college and seminary presidents and parachurch ministry executives.

Whenever I FaceTime with extended family members and yearn to be able to be with them again, Im reminded to pray for my immigrant friends and neighbors to be able to embrace their loved ones again one day, too.

Matthew Soerens is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy for World Relief and the coauthor of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press, 2018). He has also frequently taught a course on Refugees and Forced Migration for Wheaton Colleges M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program.
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Holdings today announced the launch of its initial public offering of its ordinary shares. Tweet this

Ortho intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem $160 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due 2025 and $270 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.250% senior notes due 2028, in each case issued by certain of Ortho's subsidiaries, repay borrowings under its dollar term loan facility, and for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include further repayment of indebtedness.

The offering is being made through an underwriting group led by J.P. Morgan, BofA Securities, and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, who are acting as lead bookrunning managers, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank, Evercore ISI and Piper Sandler, who are acting as joint bookrunning managers, and ING, Macquarie Capital, Nomura, TCG Capital Markets L.L.C., Drexel Hamilton, H.C. Wainwright & Co., Ramirez & Co., Inc. and Siebert Williams Shank, who are acting as co-managers.

A registration statement on Form S-1, including a prospectus, which is preliminary and subject to completion, relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering of these securities may be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained by contacting:

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attention: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 1-866-803-9204, or by email at [email protected] ; or

11717, by telephone at 1-866-803-9204, or by email at ; or BofA Securities, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department or by email at [email protected] ; or

28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department or by email at ; or Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: +1 866 471 2526, facsimile: +1 212 902 9316, or email: [email protected] .

About Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is a global leader of in vitro diagnostics dedicated to improving and saving lives through innovative laboratory testing and blood-typing solutions.

Because Every Test is a Life, we never stop innovating to offer streamlined, sustainable laboratory solutions that deliver fast, accurate, reliable test results that support exceptional patient care.

As a trusted partner of hospitals, hospital networks, blood banks, and labs around the world, we proudly serve the clinical laboratory and transfusion medicine communities with customized solutions that enhance clinical outcomes, improve lab performance, overcome staffing challenges and better manage costs.

We are powered by Ortho Care, our global, award-winning, holistic approach to service, which supports customers with best-in-class technical support, award-winning field support, and remote service and inventory support.

SOURCE Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

Related Links

http://www.orthoclinical.com



Two of the sites are in the western suburbs, the North Riverside Health Center in North Riverside and Morton East Adolescent Health Center in Cicero; and two are in the south suburbs, Robbins Health Center in Robbins and Cottage Grove Health Center Ford Heights.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will establish a Quantum Computing Applications Lab in the country, in collaboration with (AWS), to accelerate quantum computing-led research and development and enable new scientific discoveries, officials said.

The MeitY Quantum Computing Applications Lab will provide quantum computing as a service to government ministries and departments, researchers, scientists, academia, and developers to enable advances in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and aerospace engineering.

AWS will provide hosting with technical and programmatic support for the Lab.

This initiative will provide scientific, academic, and developer communities access to a quantum computing development environment aligned with the government's science and technology priorities.

Quantum computing is an emerging field that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to build powerful tools to process information. It has the potential to solve computational problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers, and lead to new breakthroughs that can transform chemical engineering, material science, drug discovery, financial portfolio optimisation, machine learning, and much more.

MeitY Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney noted that quantum computing is at a very nascent stage in the country, and that it is important to make access to quantum computing available for researchers, young companies as well as small and medium businesses.

"This not only enables them to taste what quantum computing could do to their various kinds of use cases and applications, but to actually build solutions around that...making this kind of a lab available at this stage gives us a good start with the infrastructure not just being available, but also accessible in a very simplified way," he said in a virtual briefing.

The MeitY Quantum Computing Applications Lab, established with the support of AWS, is the first of its kind initiative in the world, MeitY Additional Secretary Rajendra Kumar said.

Max Peterson, Vice President (International Sales, Worldwide Public Sector) at AWS Inc said the lab will identify quantum computing problem statements for experimentation from among central and state governments, research institutions, and academia.

It will work with subject matter experts from the government sector to define the problem statements, and make them public, inviting applications from researchers, academia, and organisations to address them.

The Lab will then provide select applicants with access to quantum computing hardware, simulators, and programming tools, on-demand and at no cost, via Amazon Braket, that enables scientists and developers to build algorithms, conduct advanced simulations, and run experiments, he added.

Amazon Braket provides a development environment to enable users to explore and design quantum algorithms, test and troubleshoot them on simulated quantum computers, and run them on different quantum hardware technologies.

Rahul Sharma, President, Public Sector AISPL, AWS India and South Asia, said this is the world's first quantum computing lab on AWS that is aligned to a government mission.

"We don't have any such lab in AWS across the world. It's on the cloud, it's accessible to all. The key mission that we are trying to address here is to build for the world, from India...we want to be able to work with multiple stakeholders, whether it is startups, research institutions or developers and put quantum computing in the hands of every developer and scientists," he added.

Sharma said a steering committee has been constituted between MeitY and AWS that will help put together the point of view and then in late February or early March, proposals will be formally called through the MeitY website.

These proposals will then be evaluated followed by approval of the credits acquired for these goals.

(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.)
Patiala: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today asked Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh to tell the people of the state his weakness in failing to control the sand mafia, particularly in his home district.

In a statement released here, the SAD Senior Vice President and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said it was four years since the Congress had came to power and dozens FIRs had been registered in matter of sand mining but with zero result.

Daljit Singh Cheema

He said that in Ghanour, which is an assembly segment of CMs home district, more than three dozen FIRs had been registered but the area continued to witness unbridled sand mining which was even threatening the very existence of some villages.

The SAD leader also said that due to illegal mining the State was occurring losses in thousands of crores but no action was being taken because Congress leaders were running this illegal activity. He said apart from the CMO share, the proceeds of the booty went up to the Congress high command which was the main reason it was continuing unabated.

SADDr Cheema also said that more than three years ago General Manager Mining of Patiala and Mohali districts Tehal Singh Sekhon was beaten up by mining mafia for stopping them. He said that since then no action had been taken against the mafia. He said that every time an FIR was lodged the concerned SHO was transferred without taking any action against the mafia.

He said people of the state were watching why the CM was helpless in the matter and they wanted to teach a lesson to the Congress party and its goons.
A vegan restaurant in the French southwest has won a Michelin Guide star, the first for an establishment serving only animal-free products in France.

Claire Vallee runs the ONA restaurant in the city of Ares, near Bordeaux, which she launched in 2016 thanks to crowdfunding from supporters and a loan from a green bank.

'It felt like I got hit by a train,' Vallee told AFP about the moment she received a call from the Guide Michelin on Thursday informing her of its decision.

One of the stunning dishes served by ONA - the first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant in France

Claire Vallee, pictured, crowd-funded ONA after being turned down for financing by several French banks

In addition to the classic star award, Vallee also won a green star, which Michelin introduced only last year to reward establishments with a strong record for ethical practices.

ONA, which stands for 'Origine Non Animale' ('Animal-free origin'), is 'the first vegan restaurant in France to win a star', a Guide Michelin spokeswoman told AFP.

Vallee offered seven dishes on her gourmet menu before she had to close ONA because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Her favourite combinations involve pine, boletus mushroom and sake, or celery, tonka and amber ale.

Traditional French banks gave the young chef short shrift when she came to them looking for a loan to get started.

'They said the outlook for veganism and plant-based food was too uncertain,' she told AFP. The chosen location for her restaurant in the Arcachon basin on the Atlantic coast was also not considered promising enough.

Vallee says she holds no grudge: 'Everybody does their job.'

Vallee offered seven dishes on her gourmet menu before she had to close ONA because of Covid-19 restrictions

Confident 'that I had a few things going for me', Vallee went on to secure financing through crowdfunding, without the need for collateral, and through Le Nef, a bank that specialises in lending for projects it considers to be ethical.

'This goes to show that nothing is impossible,' she said.

Vallee admits to having wondered along the way 'whether we were good enough because vegetable-based cooking is difficult and innovative'.

But, she added: 'The most important thing is to enjoy doing this.'

Although now considered a pioneer for vegan cuisine in France, Vallee said she simply followed in the footsteps of others, singling out the late Jean-Christian Jury, who ran the Mano Verde restaurant in Berlin.
MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) -- ZF is an automotive manufacturer in Marshall, Illinois. They employ hundreds of people in Marshall and the surrounding area, but now the company is asking for a break from the city.

ZF company, formerly TRW in Marshall, Illinois is the largest employer for the city. That's according to the city's Mayor John Trefz. That means they pay a lot of money to the city in utility bills.

Recently, the company has asked the city for a 25% reduction rate in their electric bill. Mayor Trefz said that the request is going to come with consequences to the city.

"That's a big hit obviously," he said.

The mayor said one of those is going to be backlash from other employers in town.

"If you offer it to one, you must offer it to all or else face the consequences," Mayor Trefz said.

He said he also worries about the plant leaving the city of marshall and relocating.

"You lose the business you lose the money, right? You lose the money, everybody takes a hit," he said. "Life in Marshall as we've known it for all my life would totally change, completely if they decide to move that plant out."

But he said what they are asking from the city could impact its bottom line.

"We have an obligation to the people of Marshall to protect that account and make the city run as efficiently as possible," Mayor Trefz said.

Mayor Trefz plans to sit down with the plant managers and attorneys. He said they are going to offer the company deferment plans and he hopes they can come to a compromise that is a win-win for everyone
PHILIPSBURG:---The Sint Maarten Police Force is once again asking for the assistance of the community to locate a missing minor.

Angreille Pamilly Wigley, 14 years old, has been reported missing by her parents on Tuesday, January 19th, 2020. She was last seen on Monday morning January 18th when she left her home from Anguilla drive. She left home at approximately 06.30 A.M. on her way to school and has not been seen since then.



She was last seen wearing the Orange and blue uniform of Sint Maarten Vocational school.

If you know, or think you may know, the whereabouts of the missing teen please do not hesitate to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at 542-2222 ext. 203/204/205, by calling the 911 emergency number or by sending the police Facebook page a private message.

Persons can also contact the parents of the missing teen: R. Richardson (stepfather) at 554-4526 or Grieselda (mother) at 586-2486.

Angreille if you are reading this, please contact the police or your mom/dad and let her know that you are safe.

KPSM Press Release.

Authorities arrested a Monmouth County middle school teacher Tuesday on a charge accusing him of having sexual conversations with a person he thought was a 14-year-old boy.

Jesse Rosenbaum, 65, is charged with one count of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The science and special education teacher at Long Branch Middle School was detained near his Manalapan home.

Mercer prosecutors cyber crimes detectives had Rosenbaum under investigation for allegedly soliciting underage males to engage in sex acts and conversation. The complaint against him specifically accuses him of having sexually explicit emails, text messages and phone calls with a person he believed was a 14-year-old male, the office said in a statement.

The person Rosenbaum was allegedly communicating with was an undercover detective, in Mercer County, the office said.

According to his teacher pages on the Long Branch Public Schools website, Rosenbaum earned his teaching degree in 2005 after a 20-year career as a manager in the corporate world. Hes been a teacher in Long Branch ever since, teaching in three district schools.

He also described himself as a married father of three adult sons.

Rosenbaum has been suspended from his teaching job, which prohibits him to access school property and digital records, Superintendent Michael Salvatore said in a letter to the school community.

We have not been informed that this activity involved any students in our schools, but as we navigate this hybrid learning environment, we will have school personnel prepared to support students, parents and staff when necessary, Salvatore wrote.

News of the arrest has a real impact on the entire school community, he added, and the district knows that students will be talking about it and may feel shocked, anxious and angered. The district will help and support those concerns, Salvatore said.

The prosecutors Internet Crimes Against Children and Special Victims units have an open investigation into Rosenbaum. Anyone with information should contact Sgt. Joe Paglione at 609-273-0065.

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact with children via the internet to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 609-989-6568, or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tipline at 888-648-6007.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com.


MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa yesterday warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa against stoking political fires through arbitrary arrests of his opponents and silencing of divergent voices.

Chamisa told NewsDay in an interview yesterday that the Zimbabwean governments arbitrary arrests and torture of opposition activists and other citizens who hold divergent views were likely to escalate ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections, if they were not nipped in the bud.

He also called on the African Union regional bodies to act swiftly in condemning dictatorship on the African continent, as well as use of the military in settling political contestation disputes like what happened in Uganda during last weeks elections, where veteran leader President Yoweri Museveni was announced as winner of an election mired by intimidation and arrests of opposition leaders.

Museveni was announced winner, with the army camped at his rival Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)s residence.

On the arrests of journalist Hopewell Chinono, the MDC Alliance vice-chairperson Job Sikhala and party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere and others, Chamisa said it was clear that the Mnangagwa administration was using the law as a tool for oppression in Zimbabwe.

He said that intimidation of opposition leaders and divergent voices was the same template that was used by African dictators.

It is the same template used by dictators. It represents a major attack on alternative voices. It shows that our country is sliding back into the Rhodesian settler regime era, where politics of repression, torture, and arbitrary arrests were the order of the day. It is a signifier of shrinking democratic space, the main opposition leader said.

He said the country was sliding back into anarchy and tyranny taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown period.

We are sliding back into anarchy and tyranny. Whereas we have COVID-19, we have a pandemic of authoritarianism. We have a disease of despotism and dictatorship, escalation of persecution by prosecution.

He added: It is an attempt to poison the nation and stoke fires of hostility. Instead of my opposite number Mnangagwa being a father figure, he is choosing to behave like the last born in the family, starting fires and mischief when we need a head of State and sober mind.

We dont need to be pyromaniacs. He is in the habit of starting fires and a government leader must not start fires but extinguish them. This is advice I am giving to my opposite number Mnangagwa for free. He who starts fires often gets burnt by those fires. This is genuine elderly advice.

Stop harassing citizens. Its always wise not to make the mistake of growing old without growing up. Zimbabwe needs maturity and magnanimity, as well as tolerance in politics.

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo was not picking calls yesterday for a comment. But Zanu PF is on record distancing itself from the abuse of State machinery for political gain.

On the issue of the just-ended Ugandan elections, Chamisa said it spelt doom for Africa, adding that regional bodies must stand against such gigantic fraud.

It is ominous and spells doom for the African continent. A disputed election places a danger on our continents march to democracy and progressive governance.

There is a disturbing new wave of dictators, wherein the incumbent abuses State institutions to perpetuate their grip on political power.

No sitting President must abuse State institutions for personal purposes. Nobody must abuse key people institutions like the army, the police or courts to redeem their fortunes in a political office.

Apart from COVID-19, we now have the authoritarian pandemic of dictatorship and disputed elections. We have seen election disputes in Africa. We have shining examples in South Africa and recently Malawi. Brutal killings and elimination of competitors in the name of politics has no place in the new Africa that we seek to build.

He said no life should be lost on account of politics and elections.

Oppression must come to an end. Oppression will end when the oppressed stand up and the oppressor is forced to sit down and bow out. This has been the most unfair, violent election campaign in recent times with the butchering of innocent citizens almost on an industrial scale.

The expression of the will of the people cannot be altered by an army like what we saw in Uganda. That is unacceptable. The persecution of Bobi Wine is an attack on the fresh face of Africa and an attack on the largest constituency on the continent, the young people who must stand up and dominate Africa, he said.

Chamisa said the African Union and African bodies must condemn and disregard such gigantic fraud of the peoples will. He said the AU should stand up to condemn and not endorse Musevenis tomfoolery. Newsday

A record price-to-earnings valuation for Indian shares shouldnt act as a deterrent for investors, according to Radhika Gupta, the head of Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd.

Its risky to be underweight equities" at a time when local stocks remain heavily" driven by liquidity, said Gupta, the only female chief executive officer of a major asset manager in India. Her firm, which oversees Rs465 billion ($6.4 billion) in assets, is putting its money to work. An Edelweiss balanced fund that invests in both stocks and bonds has boosted its equity allocation to about 75%, from just 30% in March.

Also Read | Churn in Indias internet economy

Looking at a single metric of value or P/E is not a fair way to judge the market at a point when domestic economic activity is bottoming out, and you have such high liquidity," she said. We are buyers of businesses. We are looking at corporate earnings, the domestic economy, flows and risk appetite."

Indias benchmark S&P BSE Sensex has rallied around 90% from its low during the March swoon in 2020, hitting fresh records on the way. The rally fueled by central bank liquidity and incessant foreign inflows has the gauge trading at more than 23 times its 12-month forward earnings. Thats versus a five-year average multiple of around 18 times, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The Sensex was down 0.6% as of 10:16 a.m. in Mumbai on Monday, tracking broad declines in Asian stocks. It completed an 11th straight week of gains on Friday.

Guptas optimism is at odds with rising concern among many market watchers that stock prices in India have run ahead of themselves as the economy braces for its biggest annual contraction in records going back to 1952.

View Full Image Source: Bloomberg

Last week, the Reserve Bank of India also warned about the rally, citing a widening disconnect" between certain sections of the financial markets and the real economy. The RBI will also start draining cash from the banking system as it seeks to revert to normal liquidity operations from pandemic-imposed emergency measures.

Gupta, on the other hand, points to improving corporate earnings and the strength shown in recent months by high-frequency economic indicators such as exports, automobile sales and manufacturing output amid an uptick in consumption. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg have revised up 12-month estimated earnings for Sensex members by about 20% since a trough in July.

A lot of the uncertainty surrounding markets has ebbed," she said. The second quarter was good for company earnings led by margin expansion, the tail risk for banks has been contained and a couple of government reforms in the pipeline tell you that the downside risk isnt very high."

Foreigners continue to pile into Indian stocks, having bought a net $2.4 billion in two weeks in the new year, after pumping in $23.4 billion in 2020. That was the most since 2012.

Vaccines and the low interest environment that we are in could be a very good thing for emerging markets" like India, said Gupta. We are hoping to see a scenario of better-than-expected performance for the corporate sector. With lockdowns opening up, we expect revenues to come back."

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics

Ronaldo Scott, 18, has been handed a 24 month sentence suspended for two years . He filmed himself on social media as revellers damaged police cars and threatened police on the Angell Town Estate, Inner London Crown Court heard

A yob who held an illegal street party during the first national lockdown that descended into a riot which saw 22 police officers injured has been spared jail.

Ronaldo Scott, 18, and his pals threw a party in Brixton which spilled out onto the streets on June 25 last year.

When police tried to break up the rave they were pelted with bottles and attacked with planks of wood, a court heard.

A total of 22 officers were injured, with two being taken to hospital.

Home Secretary Priti Patel described the scenes as 'utterly vile' and the violent scenes were condemned by 10 Downing Street.

Scott filmed himself on social media as revellers damaged police cars and threatened police on the Angell Town Estate, Inner London Crown Court heard.

The teenager, who carried a stun gun and extendable baton on the day, 'threatened officers with violence' in the chaotic standoff and acted like a 'cheerleader' to the frenzied crowd.

Admitting violent disorder and carrying a prohibited weapon at Inner London Crown Court, Scott was handed a two year jail sentence suspended for two years.

Ronaldo Scott, 18, and his pals threw a party in Brixton which spilled out onto the streets on June 25 last year. The violent scenes includeda police van zooming away after officers encountered violence in Brixton

As the van whisks officers away, a thug clobbers its back doors. When police tried to break up the rave they were pelted with bottles and attacked with planks of wood, a court heard

A total of 22 police officers were injured in the violent episode with two being taken to hospital

Met Police chief Cressida Dick says public should report 'persistent' flouters for having house parties and breaking rules Britain's most senior police officer has urged the public to report 'persistent' Covid rule flouters to police. Met Police chief Dame Cressida Dick revealed police in London are receiving 'hundreds of calls a day' from concerned people reporting their neighbours for flouting lockdown restrictions. She said there is a 'small minority' of people failing to comply with the national lockdown with people still holding house parties, and keeping restaurants, pubs and cafes open despite the huge number of daily Covid cases and deaths. Speaking on an LBC radio phone-in, Dame Cressida said: 'The last thing I'm going to say on national radio is everyone should be shopping everybody. I don't think that. 'What I do think is, if you do have concerns that somebody is persistently not complying with the restrictions, with the regulations, then, yeah, you should talk to us. 'If you feel comfortable to do so, then talk to us.' Advertisement

He was also banned from owning a mobile phone or meeting other people charged with crimes in connection to the June 25 incident.

The party took place during the first national lockdown when people were encouraged to stay home.

Officer's policing of the 'stay at home' rules during the first lockdown were not as rigorous as they are now.

Currently, during the third national lockdown, forces across the UK have clamped down hard on people flouting the restrictions.

Met Police Chief Dame Cressida Dick said today there is a 'small minority' who are still not complying with restrictions.

She urged people to report 'persistent' rule breakers to police.

Chris Johnston, prosecuting, told the court Scott was 'highly excited and animated' on the day of the violence in Brixton.

He said: 'He participated in sustained and persistent unlawful activity.

'This particular defendant is one who threatened police officers with violence.

'He opened the van door in motion and video shows if the driver of that van did not take action, the occupants of that vehicle would have been stranded and under threat of attack by the defendant and others.

'Because he filmed himself we can see how he was the main cheerleader of the crowd around him.

'He was highly excited and animated.

'He was also in possession of a large extendable baton which [was] actually a stun gun.

'There is no question about whether the defendant has been stopped by police because he was acting in a way which was against the public interest.'

Scott's defence team said in court that the teenager, who has learning difficulties, had only recently turned 18 before the event.

A total of 22 officers were injured, with two being taken to hospital, during the June 25 incident last year

Home Secretary Priti Patel described the scenes as 'utterly vile' in a post on social media

Met police chief Dame Cressida Dick is 'baffled' that frontline officers have not been prioritised for Covid jabs The Met's police chief Dame Cressida Dick has said she is baffled that frontline police officers have not been prioritised for the Covid vaccine. The commissioner revealed that three colleagues, none of whom were police officers, have died after contracting Covid-19, including a police community support officer last week. Speaking on an LBC radio phone-in on Tuesday, she said she is 'baffled' as to why frontline officers are not closer to the front of the queue to receive the vaccine. 'In cohorts five to nine, you have people in what I might call my age groups and I am baffled really why, but obviously this is a decision that the Government's made so far on the basis of something called the JVCI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), who are experts. 'But in many other countries, police officers and law enforcement colleagues are being prioritised and I want my officers to get the vaccination.' The Commissioner said she was asking the Government to review the vaccine rollout process. Advertisement

Emily Lauchlan, defending, said: 'I would suggest he was not part of the larger group, the more violent group.

'He is guilty of violent disorder but of the lower category.

'His decision making ability is affected, he is still a very young man, he turned 18 weeks before this incident.

'He is somebody who engages extremely well with support, he has the support of the local council now and it may be this only out of the Angell Town estate.

'He has turned awful circumstance, being in custody during the pandemic, into a life-changing event.'

Judge Jeremy Donne, QC, handed the teenager a 24 month jail sentence suspended for two years and said: 'Far too many people decided to join in, far too few people tried to stop it.

'You are 18 years old, in a number of ways you are far younger.

'In reference to the disorder, my starting point is two years imprisonment. In respect of your learning difficulties I am going to reduce that to 20 months.

'With four months for the prohibited weapon, you have 24 months in prison, suspended for two years.

'I want you to change your life, and you need to steer clear of those who get you into trouble.'

Scott, of Bennett Road, Brixton, received a suspended jail sentence after he admitted violent disorder and possessing a prohibited weapon namely a stun gun.

The judge ordered he complete a 35 day rehabilitation course and obey an electronically monitored curfew for two months.

He was also sentenced to a three year criminal behaviour order.

The order means he must not meet others charged in connection with the June party or enter the area of Lambeth and Southwark.

It also bans him from carrying a mobile phone not registered in his or his mother's name.
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.
https://www.omg.org/

International technology standards consortium Object Management Group (OMG) announced important updates from its quarterly membership meeting, which took place online, December 2020. The chairs of OMG Task Forces (TFs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) presented updates about their standards work that will influence the future direction of technology, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud, finance, retail, modeling, and other areas.

Here is a summary of the accomplishments and work in process of OMG groups:

The Agent Platform Special Interest Group (Agent PSIG) discussed a new approach of the Agent and Event Metamodel for the revised submission. The new approach is based on KerML and SysML v2 that offer sought after features for modeling agents, such as dynamic classification and event ordering. The plan for the next Agent PSIG session is to complete the initial set of the Model Library that extends KerML for the Agent and Event Metamodel, said Zack Hashemi who works for Multi Agency Collaboration Environment (MACE), and is Co-chair, Agent Platform SIG.

The Artificial Intelligence Platform Task Force (AI PTF) set up a working group and mailing list to develop a taxonomy or ontology of AI. The analysis of the responses to the NIST RFI from mid-2019 is continuing to increase our awareness of what standards are needed by users as well as tool vendors, said Claude Baudoin, Co-chair, Artificial Intelligence Platform Task Force and Owner and Principal Consultant at cebe IT and Knowledge Management.

At the Blockchain Platform Special Interest Group (Blockchain PSIG), working alongside the Middleware and Related Services (MARS) PTF, we formally issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for standards for Linked Encrypted Transaction Streams (LETS) in the cryptographic space. A public presentation on the new Linked Encrypted Transaction Streams (LETS) RFP will be held on January 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET. We also issued a Request for Information (RFI) for disposable, or context-specific self-sovereign identity solutions. A public presentation on the Disposable Self-sovereign Identity RFI will be held on February 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET. In addition, we discussed plans for the IOTA Protocol Request for Comments (RFC) submission, expected in mid-2021, said Mike Bennett who works for IOTA Foundation, and is Co-chair, Blockchain PSIG.

Business Modeling & Integration Domain Task Force (BMI DTF) finalized the RFP for a Provenance and Pedigree Model & Notation (PPMN), which was issued by the Domain Technical Committee. Two more RFPs are being finalized based on feedback from the OMG Architecture Board: BPM+ Knowledge Package Model & Notation, and Situational Data Model & Notation. In all, the BMI DTF will soon have five RFPs in progress, said Claude Baudoin, Co-chair, Business Modeling & Integration Domain Task Force and Owner and Principal Consultant at cebe IT and Knowledge Management.

The C4I Domain Task Force (C4I DTF) discussed updates to the RFP for an Open Architecture Radar Interface Standard (OARIS) 3.0 based on feedback from the Architecture Board review resulting in the C4I DTF voting to formally release the RFP. Simon Mettrick (BAE) presented BAEs initial submission against the Tactical Decision Aids. There was a discussion with the DDS Foundation about standards that we have been working on related to Radar Data Models. In the coming meetings, in addition to its usual business, The C4I DTF plans to develop a description or diagram of the various standards that have come through the DTF and how they relate to one another and specific OMG standards, said Matt Wilson, who works at SimVentions and is Co-chair of the C4I Domain Task Force.

The Cloud Working Group completed a new discussion paper on Cyber Insurance, with special attention to the assessment of risk and protection of virtual assets in the context of cloud services. A curated bibliography of all the references used in the groups 30+ deliverables is being finalized. Work is starting on a paper on data governance. The CWG is collaborating with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) as well as with ANSI Accredited Standards Committee X9 on Financial Services on their X.125 draft standard, said Claude Baudoin, Co-chair of the Cloud Working Group and Owner and Principal Consultant at cebe IT and Knowledge Management. The Cloud Working Group will present this paper on a webinar: Cyber Insurance on February 10, 2021 at 11AM ET.

The Finance Domain Task Force (Finance DTF) agreed on the formal process for appointing a Certified Provider (CP) for the allocation of unique financial instrument identifiers under the Financial Instrument Global Identifier (FIGI) standard, and voted to appoint Kaiko, of France, as the CP for FIGI identifiers for cryptographic assets. We also discussed plans for the upcoming new version of the Financial Industry Business Ontology (FIBO), due later in 2021, said Mike Bennett who works for EDM Council, Inc., and is Co-Chair, FDTF.

The Manufacturing Technology and Industrial Systems Domain Task Force (ManTIS DTF) hosted a joint meeting with the German Chapter of INCOSE, the International Council on Systems Engineering (GfSE) PLM4MBSE working group. This collaboration focuses on the integration of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) IT-Systems and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches to product development in the manufacturing domain. Our current objectives in this area are to improve model-based engineering collaboration and develop standards to support the exchange and integration of PLM- and MBSE-related models in such a collaboration. At this meeting, the group discussed requirements for a Model Integration and Transformation Facility (MoTIF) RFP in more detail and agreed to elaborate a draft RFP for the March OMG TC Meeting, said Uwe Kaufmann, GfSE, Head of Project Group SysML Industrialization, and Member of Board of Directors at OMG and OMG Co-chair of Manufacturing Technology and Industrial Systems DTF (ManTIS).

The Middleware and Related Services Platform Task Force (MARS PTF) recommended two new specifications for adoption -- REST for CORBA and Space Telecommunications Interface (STI) for Software Defined Radios (SDRs). The REpresentational State Transfer (REST) for CORBA defines a standard and interoperable mechanism to enable CORBA objects to be exposed as REST services and to enable pure REST clients to transparently use CORBA services through the exposed REST facade. This new specification will extend the reach and use of CORBA, including access to CORBA services, by REST client applications that run on smartphones or web browsers. The STI for SDRs specification enables SDR technology to be used in a broad range of environments, such as space, where the ability to handle temperature and radiation extremes while accommodating small size, light weight, and power limitations is critical. STI for SDR accommodates evolving requirements and advances in technology, such as new hardware or cognitive radio concepts, while allowing multiple vendors to update different parts of the radio at the same time, said Charlotte Wales, Co-chair of the Middleware and Related MARS PTF and Systems Engineer, Process Specialist, Jack Rabbit Consulting.

The Safety and Reliability Working Group/submission team submitted the Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML) revised submission as a response to the Safety and Reliability for UML RFP. The submission was endorsed by the Analysis & Design Platform Task Force, OMGs Architecture Board and subsequently scheduled for a PTC adoption vote which will be finalized in February 2021. A beta version of the RAAML is available now and the submission is planned for adoption by OMGs Board of Directors at their March 2021 meeting, said OMG member Andrius Armonas, who works at Dassault Systems.

The Charter for Space Telecommunications Interface 1.0 Finalization Task Force (STI FTF) is evolving a standard for software-defined radios (SDRs). It covers a broad range of environments, including those with temperature and radiation extremes while accommodating small size, light weight, and power limitations. STI encourages reuse and portability of software, reducing risk, decreasing the development time and cost of deployed capabilities. It also allows multiple vendors to work on different parts of the radio at once where updates to one part do not affect the other parts of the radio. At the December OMG Technical Committee meeting, the group provided answers to numerous OMG Architecture Board comments to prepare for the adoption of the standard next quarter, said Dr. Janette C. Briones, who works at NASA, and is Co-chair of the STI FTF.

The Systems Engineering Domain Special Interest Group (SE DSIG) held a half-day session that began with a presentation by Professor Martin Torngren from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm on the challenges and opportunities in the era of cyber-physical system-of-systems. This was followed by an update and demonstration of the SysML v2 language and API which highlighted the changes since the initial submission during the last OMG meeting in September. The final two presentations included a broad overview of formal methods used to specify modeling languages by Elisa Kendall, and a presentation on the semantics of SysML v2 by Ed Seidewitz and Conrad Bock, both of where were intended to demystify the topic of semantics for the user community, said Sanford Friedenthal, Chair of the SE DSIG.

The Unified POS 1.16 Retail Communication Service Device Finalization Task Force (UPOS RCSD FTF) added Retail Communication Service Devices, i.e., devices that are components of robot devices used in the retail stores, to UPOS 1.15. Then retailers can use the single- to multiple-functional robot devices in retail stores. UPOS 1.16 RCSD enhancements include nine new devices and two existing devices added to UPOS 1.15, enabling UPOS to handle IoT devices such as service robots, digital signage, and voice input devices in the retail field. UPOS is expected to be useful for building next-generation store systems that will enhance the affinity between store systems and IoT devices. The report and updated specification are currently under OMGs Domain Technology Committee adoption vote and will be adopted by OMGs Board of Directors at the March 2021 meeting, said Tad Furuhata, Chair of UPOS 1.16 RCSD FTF at OMGs Retail Domain Task Force and Software standardization specialist at MS-Japan OPOS Group.

For more information, view the webinar: view the Results and Next Steps from OMG Q4 2020 Technical Meeting. The next OMG Technical Meeting runs from March 22-26, 2021. Guests are welcome to register and attend OMG Technical Meetings with OMG management approval.

For a full list of OMG works in progress, visit https://www.omg.org/public_schedule/. To participate in OMG specifications, visit https://www.omg.org/memberservices/index.htm.

Sponsors of the OMG December 2020 Technical meeting included: CATIA No Magic, RTI, SPARX, and Micro Focus.

About OMG

The Object Management Group (OMG) is an international, open membership, not-for-profit technology standards consortium with representation from government, industry, and academia. OMG Task Forces develop enterprise integration standards for a wide range of technologies and an even wider range of industries. OMG's modeling standards enable powerful visual design, execution and maintenance of software and other processes. Visit http://www.omg.org for more information.

Note to editors: Object Management Group and OMG are registered trademarks of the Object Management Group. For a listing of all OMG trademarks, visit https://www.omg.org/legal/tm_list.htm. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of terrorism," according to its foreign ministry website.

Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that besides Trump, sanctions were imposed on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, CIA chief Gina Haspel and six other ranking U.S. officials.

The foreign ministry did not say what kind of sanctions were imposed.

From time to time, Iran impose symbolic sanctions on U.S. officials. Tuesday's announcement comes on Trump's last full day in office.

Khatibzadeh said the sanctions were based on Iranian law. He said they were the result of the Trump administration's role in killing top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020 and its support for Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians.

He also cited the U.S.'s alleged role in the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in December and its alleged role in the criminal war in Yemen.

In December, Iran imposed sanctions on the U.S. ambassador in Yemen for his alleged role in support of airstrikes conducted by the Saudi-led coalition against Iran-backed Yemeni rebels known as Houthis.
The South African Post Office (SAPO) is on the brink of collapse and is facing bankruptcy despite receiving R8 billion in bailouts since 2014.

This is a warning from the DAs shadow deputy minister of communications and digital technologies, Cameron MacKenzie.

According to MacKenzie, there are reports of unpaid rentals and desperate suppliers, postal backlogs, and broken ICT systems.

MyBroadband has recently reported that many landlords have seized equipment and kicked out the SA Post Office from their malls for not paying rent.

Notices on the doors of some SA Post Office branches now state Closed until further notice without a clear indication of where people can now get services from.

The Post Office told MyBroadband while the backlog in rental payments on other properties has been settled, the Parkview and Menlyn Main post offices were closed by the property owner as a result of a rental dispute.

The SA Post Office is currently in discussions with the landlord to resolve the dispute with the intention of re-opening the branches shortly, it said.

The SA Post Offices struggles to pay rent comes as no surprise.

A recent High Court judgement revealed that the Post Offices year-to-date loss as at 31 July 2020 was R1.066 billion. Only 55 of the Post Offices 1,416 operational branches were profitable.

MacKenzie said in the absence of any further funding and expenses far exceeding revenue, the Post Office is resorting to the only means to stay afloat  stop paying creditors.

Suppliers are once again being parked in a queue for payment, despite all processes required to effect payment followed, including quotation, purchase order, service delivered, and invoice presented. All thats missing is the money to pay them, he said.

He added that SAPOs IT systems, including the essential on-line track-and-trace service, remain non-functional, so customers have no idea of the status of their parcels or mail.

COVID-19 protocols are virtually non-existent, especially during the peak grant payment periods, putting the health and welfare of staff and customers alike at risk.

MacKenzie urged the government to start implementing productive public-private partnerships and social compacts to save the SA Post Office.

The Department of Communications needs a new minister and the SA Post Office a new owner. If ever there was a moment to hang the sign Under New Management, that time is now, he said.

MyBroadband asked the SA Post Office for comment, but it did not reply by the time of publication.

Management challenges at the Post Office

Apart from the usual suspects  corruption, mismanagement, and a bloated workforce  the Post Office has also faced a management crisis since Mark Barnes resigned as CEO.

Barnes started his five-year contract as Post Office CEO on 15 January 2016 with a mandate to turn the struggling state-owned enterprise around.

Barnes, however, resigned as CEO on 1 August 2019  eighteen months before his contract was set to expire.

If the government had let management get on with our board-approved, portfolio committee supported strategy, we wouldve completed the turnaround of SAPO by now. Imagine that, he said.

Since Barnes departure the acting CEO, Lindiwe Kwele was suspended and the new CFO, Khathutshelo Ramukumba resigned after barely two months on the job.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Barnes said he could not comment on the current challenges at the SA Post Office since he was not there.

He instead reflected on his time at the Post Office. I fell in love with the place and the people who work there, he said.

While on a recent trip through South Africa, he saw scraggly queues of people outside Post Offices in towns waiting to get their social grants.

The only inclination I had was to get out of my car and go and help them and re-fuel the culture changes we brought about, said Barnes.

We needed all the ingredients for the Post Office to complete its turnaround strategy, but those ingredients were not made available to us by the shareholder, he said.

Looking back at his resignation in 2019, he said it became an easy decision after he looked at the facts.

There is no Post Office in the world which has succeeded in the new age without access to the national payment system and financial transactions, he said.

It is no longer about post. It is about having a government infrastructure  a series of two-way channels  which have huge relevance in the modern world.

This means when the government decided the Post Office Bank should be held separately, Barnes could no longer promise the delivery of a fully integrated, functional, and financially sustainable Post Office.

Barnes said he believes the governments current strategy around the Post Office is going to fail, which is why he decided to resign.

Mark Barnes interview

Now read: Post Offices closed for not paying rent
Sumitomo Electric Industries has been awarded a contract for the Stikine Crossing Submarine Cable Replacement Project from Southeast Alaska Power Agency (SEAPA) through its subsidiary, Sumitomo Electric USA.

The purpose of this project is to remove and discard one existing 138kV OF (Oil Filled) submarine power cable and install an environment-friendly 69kV XLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene) submarine cable with ancillary equipment for a fully functional system in the Stikine crossing (approx. 16,700 feet) between Vank and Woronkofski Islands, near Wrangell, Alaska, USA.

Sumitomo Electric is a leading manufacturer and EPC contractor for high-voltage AC/DC submarine power cables. In 2018, Sumitomo Electric completed a very similar project in relatively close waters for Orcas Power & Light Cooperative, Washington, USA.

This SEAPA project was awarded to Sumitomo Electric through a competitive evaluation bidding process for outstanding quality, reliable track record and sound proposal based on its extensive knowledge as a submarine cable manufacturer and contractor.

The Sumitomo Electric Group will carry out this project soundly with the highest priority on quality and safety, and through constant optimisation in project execution gain further experience to capture demand for power grid renewal projects in the US market, which is expected to rise in coming years, a release said.

The Group will continue to contribute to the creation of a clean society through the provision of high-quality solutions and the development of products and technologies that meet the needs of customers in the US and other countries that are expanding their investment in renewable energy and HV DC power grids in an effort to decarbonise.-- Tradearabia News Service

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., a developer of novel cancer therapeutics, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1/2 study evaluating the investigational agent TP-0184, an activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2) and ALK5 inhibitor, for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with low or intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

"The management of anemia in patients with MDS is challenging as this patient population tends to be older and often have non-hematological comorbidities which can make them relatively intolerant to therapy," said Patricia S. Andrews, Chief Executive Officer and Global Head of Oncology, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology (SDP Oncology). "Given the high unmet medical need, we are looking forward to learning more about the potential of TP-0184 in this patient population."

The primary objectives of the Phase 1 part of the open-label, dose-escalation study are to assess the safety and tolerability of oral TP-0184 as well as determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or maximum administered dose (MAD), and recommended dose for future expansion arms in the Phase 2 part of the study.

Following the completion of the Phase 1 portion of the study, the study will move into a Phase 2 expansion. The primary objectives of the Phase 2 portion of the study are to determine the effect of TP-0184 on the treatment of anemia in terms of hemoglobin increase, reduction in red blood cell transfusions and being red blood cell transfusion-free for at least eight weeks.

The trial is being conducted at sites in the United States. Additional information on this trial, including comprehensive inclusion and exclusion criteria, can be accessed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04623996).

About TP-0184

TP-0184 is an activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2) and ALK5 inhibitor. ALK2, also known as activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1), is mutated in multiple types of cancers, including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality affecting the pediatric population.1,2,3 ALK2 is also involved in regulation of iron homeostasis, through stabilization of hepcidin and reduction of bioavailable iron, which is associated with anemia of chronic disease.1,4 TP-0184 also has activity against ALK5, a transforming growth factor beta (TGF) family member that is involved in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). TP-0184 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors (NCT03429218) and in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in treatment of anemia associated with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (NCT04623996).

About Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. As a global oncology organization with teams in the U.S. and Japan, SDP Oncology is relentlessly committed to advancing purposeful science by transforming new discoveries into meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. The company's robust and diverse pipeline of preclinical and advanced-stage assets spans multiple areas, including oncogenic pathways, survival mechanisms and novel protein interactions, which aim to address unmet clinical needs in oncology.

For more information, visit www.sdponcology.com.

About Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is among the top-10 listed pharmaceutical companies in Japan, operating globally in major pharmaceutical markets, including Japan, the U.S., China and the European Union. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma aims to create innovative pharmaceutical products in the Psychiatry & Neurology area, the Oncology area and Regenerative medicine/Cell therapy field, which have been designated as the focus therapeutic areas. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is based on the merger in 2005 between Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. Today, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma has more than 6,000 employees worldwide. Additional information about Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is available through its corporate website at www.ds-pharma.com.

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of information presently available and involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Information concerning pharmaceuticals (including compounds under development) contained within this material is not intended as advertising or medical advice.

References:

Peterson P, Kim W, Haws H, et al. The ALK-2 inhibitor, TP-0184, demonstrates high distribution to the liver contributing to significant preclinical efficacy in mouse models of anemia of chronic disease [Abstract]. Blood. 2016;128:263. Taylor KR, Mackay A, Truffaux N, et al. Recurrent activating ACVR1 mutations in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Nature Genetics. 2014; 46; 457461. doi:10.1038/ng.2925 Wu G, Diaz AK, Paugh BS, et al. The genomic landscape of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and pediatric non-brainstem high-grade glioma. Nature Genetics. 2014;46(5):444-450. doi:10.1038/ng.2938. Steinbicker AU, Bartnikas TB, Lohmeyer LK, et al. Perturbation of hepcidin expression by BMP type I receptor deletion induces iron overload in mice. Blood. 201; 118(15):42244230. doi:10.1182/blood-2011-03-339952.

SOURCE Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ds-pharma.com


Some of Married At First Sight's most memorable brides and grooms were recently reunited to film a two-part reunion special in Sydney.

And while stars of the show nervously wait to see how they're depicted on screen, Ines Basic is hopeful that producers will stay true to the events that happened last month.

'I hope they put the edit together as truthfully as everything went down,' Ines, 30, told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight star Ines Basic, 30, (pictured) says she is hopeful that producers have edited the show's upcoming reunion as 'truthfully as everything went down'

'It's going to be so off putting if they don't... there are many ways things could be twisted,' she continued.

'It's super bias too like some people cop clean edits just because they favour them.'

While Ines remained mum about to specific events that could be twisted, the reality star was likely referring to co-star Cyrell Paule's feud with Jessika Power.

What is it all about? While Ines remained mum about to specific events that could be twisted, the reality star was likely referring to co-star Cyrell Paule's feud with Jessika Power

The controversial bride rose to fame on the show in 2019 after she married Sam Ball.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Ines, Cyrell and Elizabeth Sobinoff formed an unlikely bond after filming the reunion dinner party.

The warring brides put their differences aside and formed an alliance after bonding over their mutual dislike for Jessika, following their clash.

'I hope they put the edit together as truthfully as everything went down,' Ines, 30, told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. Pictured: L-R: Sarah Roza, Cyrell Paule, Ines

'You're amazing baby glow xxx': Since filming the all-stars special, Ines has been praising her co-stars in a series of gushing Instagram comments

Since filming the all-stars special, Ines has been praising her co-stars in a series of gushing Instagram comments.

'You're amazing baby glow xxx,' Ines wrote below a recent photo of Cyrell, 31.

She and Elizabeth also commented a series of love-heart emojis underneath another post shared by the fiery mother of one.

Something to bond over? A source told Daily Mail Australia that Ines wanted 'nothing to do' with former friend Jessika Power (pictured) after she clashed with Cyrell at the MAFS reunion

A source with knowledge of the situation told Daily Mail Australia that Ines wanted 'nothing to do' with Jessika after the all-stars reunion.

'Jessika and Ines were excited to see each other before filming and even caught up for drinks the night before,' they explained.

'But Ines couldn't even look at her the same way after ganging up on Cyrell.'


Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:18 am

Officials in the Ridgefield School District recognized the January Employee and Students of the Month at the regular board of directors meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Officials recognized Jody Harris, a preschool teacher at the Ridgefield Early Learning Center, as Employee of the Month. According to a news release from the district, her love and enjoyment of watching children learn and grow. Children run to greet her every morning and always want to be with her just a little bit longer at the end of the day. Harris arrives early and puts in extra time and effort and takes the initiative to offer her help to peers, families and children in meaningful ways.

Magnolia Gomez was selected as Januarys Student of the Month for the Ridgefield Early Learning Center. Magnolia is a hard worker in everything they do in class, including writing her name, drawing, doing craft and learning the American Sign Language alphabet. She is friendly to everyone and is always the first to help people with what they need. Along with this, Magnolia ensures all toys are cleaned up, whether she is playing with them or not and is always happy and excited to be with her friends and take part in activities.

First grader Benjamin Elder was honored as Student of the Month at South Ridge Elementary School. Benjamin comes into the virtual classroom each and every day ready to learn and exemplifies the Three Rs of being respectful, responsible and resilient. He is also positive and encourages others during shared learning times and is focused during group learning in Google Classroom. Always challenging himself to learn more, Benjamin is eager to take on any new challenge presented to him.

Archer Chewning, a third grader, was selected at Union Ridge Elementary School. During the nominating process, Archers name came to mind when his teacher thought about students that go above and beyond to help in the classroom. Archer participates in every Zoom activity and works hard to complete his assignments on time. He finishes his schoolwork at the beginning of each day so he can work on fun projects in class such as creating how-to videos. Even when hes done with his work, Archer willingly comes back to Zoom in the afternoon just so he can help classmates who are struggling. The news release said it is an honor to watch him continue to grow as a hardworking, compassionate and creative student.

Fifth grader Elijah Ayon was selected at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School. According to the news release, Elijah has been successful with remote learning and has been responsible and attended every single Zoom meeting. He completes every assignment and puts great effort into his work.

Hannah Edwards, a seventh grader, is the Student of the Month at View Ridge Middle School. Hannah is an excellent student, is always positive and has an amazing attitude. Hannah gives 100 percent of her efforts all the time and encourages others in class. . Hannah comes to class with her camera and microphone on, ready to interact with her teacher and peers. She is a leader in break-out rooms and asks good questions throughout lessons. Hannah is one of only a few students who reaches out to learn how life is going with everyone else in class. She is a bright light during these darker times, and she is very appreciated the release said.

Sophomore Bella Anderson-Colon received the honors of Student of the Month at Ridgefield High School. Bella is a student who does as much for others as she does for herself. According to the release, Bellas daily goal is to do whatever I can to make sure everyone is smiling. Bella also said she loves school, enjoys helping others and participates in her church youth group and worship team. She hopes to become a counselor after graduating high school.
Over the final three weeks of the Trump administration, many Americans have started to become accustomed to the reality that Black and brown people in the United States have been intimately familiar with for far too long: the terrifying threat of violent white nationalists in our midst. It would be comforting to think of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and ongoing threats as an aberration, an isolated series of events caused by a president for whom truth holds little value and who convinced an alarming share of the electorate that, despite all evidence to the contrary, he had won the 2020 presidential election.

Advertisement

If so, these threats might simply end upon Wednesdays inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who has called for unity and decency. But this view ignores our history and the role played by white supremacists, who have increased in number during the Trump administration and hold sensitive roles in our public safety systems. For instance, it was reported just on Tuesday that multiple U.S. Army National Guard members had to be removed from the inauguration security force because of inappropriate messages. Indeed, the attack on the Capitol and the ongoing threats of violence in D.C. and state capitals nationwide are at least in part a result of law enforcements and policymakers refusals to address the threat of white supremacy in our public safety system. This threat was present before the Trump administration began and will not disappear with Biden in the White House. To prevent this crisis of democracy from metastasizing, there must be urgent and rigorous efforts to address it head-on at every level of governmentfederal, state, and local.

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.

Federal investigative agencies have long known, yet refused to address, the infiltration of white supremacists in law enforcement agencies. It is then no surprise that law enforcement officers are alleged to have participated in the Jan. 6 violence and are under investigation or have been criminally charged for their actions during the attack. Leaders within the military, which has also been infiltrated by white nationalists, have at least taken steps this week to screen for members with extremist views before deploying them for inaugural duties, and recognize this problem as a crisis. There has been no systemwide recognition of this crisis among the nations 18,000-plus law enforcement agencies as a wholewhose officers wield enormous power to detain, arrest, and use force, sometimes fatally, against people, often with little or no oversight, and who do so disproportionately against people of color. The U.S. Department of Justice, the nations largest and leading law enforcement agency, which has oversight authority over local and state law enforcement agencies, has in the waning days of the Trump administration been entirely silent on this crisis.

Advertisement

House committees are now investigating the intelligence and security failures that led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. However, the refusal to address the threat posed by white supremacists and, at times, law enforcements tacit support for white supremacists is a problem that exists throughout agencies nationwide, and must be addressed nationwide. Just last summer, law enforcement officers told militia members, We appreciate you, before Kyle Rittenhouse killed two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. And while on Jan. 6, insurrectionists targeted the U.S. Capitol to disrupt our democratic processes, the threat posed by white extremists falls most heavily on Black and brown people and communities. Before insurrectionists tied a noose to a wooden beam in front of the Capitol, conjuring the racial terror of lynchings of Black Americans by ordinary white citizens, there was the white supremacist mass murder at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart in 2019; the Tree of Life synagogue slaughter in 2018; the white supremacist march on Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017; the massacre of congregants by a white supremacist at Charleston, South Carolinas AME Church in 2015; the Oak Creek Massacre at a Sikh gurdwara in 2012; and on and on.*

Advertisement

Advertisement

But simply removing white supremacists from law enforcement agencies, while necessary, is not sufficient to address the inequities in our public safety systems that have brutalized Black and brown communities and which weaken our democracy. The demands of protesters in 2020, following the police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, highlighted the urgent need for deep, systemic changes to our system of public safety. Federal, state, and local governments must support services and programs that reduce criminalization and produce safety while reducing the presence of law enforcement officers in Black and brown communities. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration per capita in the world, within which Black communities are grossly overrepresented due to overpolicing. Yet threats posed even by white extremists are not taken seriously. These inequities in our public safety system expose vulnerabilities that extremists can exploit, as those who breached the Capitol did on Jan. 6 where intelligence agencies and law enforcement failed to take the threat of their plans seriously. Insurrectionists and white extremists walked cavalierly through the halls of Congress after breaching security, carrying a Confederate flag, appearing to assume that they would be welcomed by law enforcement. In some instances, they were.

Advertisement

At the federal level, the Biden-Harris Department of Justice must immediately address the threat posed by white extremists in law enforcement to our democratic processes and communities of color, as well as the failures to investigate the threats posed by white supremacists. At the state and local levels, law enforcement agencies and their oversight bodies must investigate and hold accountable law enforcement employees who participate in white supremacist organizations or hold white supremacist views, whether they were present at the attack on the Capitol or not. And we must radically transform our system of public safety to address the structural inequities in law enforcement strategies, reducing the scope of law enforcement officers in Black and brown communities and investing in services that address communities underlying concerns. Our response to the Jan. 6 insurrection cannot be limited to prosecuting those who physically attacked the Capitol; we must address the structural frailties and inequities within our system of public safety that allowed the attack to occur.

Correction, Jan. 19, 2021: Due to an editing error, this piece originally misstated that the El Paso shooting took place at a mall. It took place at a Walmart.
It's a Sin also raises a thorny issue in the realm of content creation: it features a cast of gay actors playing gay roles, and Davies has spoken in the media about the importance of "authentic casting". Key to understanding the meaning of his words, Davies says, is knowing that the past cannot be re-written. That's good news for people who remember with affection Walton Goggins' tender portrayal of transgender heroine Venus Van Dam in Sons of Anarchy, or Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly and Charlie Hunnam, who are all straight, and starred in Davies' own seminal work, Queer as Folk. Nathan Maloney (Charlie Hunnam), Stuart Jones (Aidan Gillen), Vince Tyler (Craig Kelly) in Queer as Folk. Credit:Channel 4 "As a person living on the Earth in the year 2021, it's about learning now," Davies says. "It was something we took very seriously on It's a Sin, to cast gay. We have a gay director, a gay producer, and I was insistent on that because I felt it would lead us somewhere new. That it would bring a fantastic influx of energy. "From women making dramas that they star in, that they shoot, that they direct, they produce, I see that," he adds. "For example, I Hate Suzie [a dark comedy created by Lucy Prebble and Billie Piper], they have phenomenal voices, and I'm seeing that, seeing experiences that have not been seen before, and there is something new arising. Like it or not, it doesn't matter whether you don't like it, it's happening."

And it is, he says, a positive thing. "It's hard for me to quantify, because we'll never know what any other version of the show would have been like, but I feel an ineffable energy rising off the show. I think there's a gayness, a queerness of each part. It rises off the screen and it has flourished. There is heat and energy. I'm delighted." During its development It's a Sin had the working title Boys, but the title had to be changed to avoid confusion with the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys. It can be a sticky point  think of how important titles such as Desperate Housewives, Lost and even Gilligan's Island were in terms of instantly transporting the audience  but Davies says he was happy with the change. Nathaniel Curtis as Ash Mukherjee in It's a Sin. Credit:All3Media "I honestly never liked the old title, it was a bit of a place-holder," he says. "And we knew The Boys was coming out, we were just lazy and we'd all got used to the title and then basically [co-production partner] HBO Max kind of kicked us up the arse and said, 'We're not selling a show that's got the same title as another show. Please change.' I've never been so happy to change a title in my life." The new title is inspired obviously by the Pet Shop Boys song of the same name, but also by something a little more personal to Davies: the 1930s song It's a Sin to Tell a Lie, which had featured in the iconic Dennis Potter television series Pennies from Heaven. My auntie Maureen used to get drunk at Christmas and she'd stand by the piano and sing It's a Sin to Tell a Lie, so it's one of my favourite songs," Davies says, laughing.

As much as It's a Sin has lightness of touch, it also has gravity of subject matter and, at times, tells a heart-breaking story. Like many stories that have touched on the very specific ways HIV devastated the gay community in the 1980s, It's a Sin becomes something of a lament for those who did not survive the epidemic. but who are remembered with deep affection. "It is defining, and I'm absolutely clear that I'm not standing alone here. There's a generation of us, two generations of us, actually, of queer artists expressing this," Davies says. "It doesn't solely define us and I think those we've lost actually would be very determined to say that, that it's not the definition of their life, the way [they] died, but nonetheless with due respect, that is exactly my reason for writing, is [for] all those who lost someone." Olly Alexander as Richie Tozer. Credit:All3Media As time passes, Davies says, that loss only deepens. "It's meant to be the other way round. You're meant to forget them, but I see the more the world changes now, I constantly think, what would he make of this, what would she make of that? The more time passes, the more missed these people are." The series is also crammed with small details that are based on real people and events from Davies' own experience. The cumulative effect is an authenticity that is rare in television. "They're all in there, like names I can rattle off," Davies says. "And I think I'm very much looking forward to, and also slightly dreading somehow, friends of mine seeing this.
Key Prominent Players Covered in the Spirometer Market Research Report Are ndd Medizintechnik AG, COSMED srl, MGC Diagnostics Corporation, Morgan Scientific, Chest M.I., Inc., VYAIRE, Ganshorn Medizin Electronic GmbH, Medical International Research and other key market players.

Pune, India, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global spirometer market size is expected to showcase an exponential growth by exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% between 2020 and 2027. This is attributable to the increasing focus on technological advancement in spirometer owing to the rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases globally. Fortune Business Insights, in its latest report, observes that the market stood at USD 504.2 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 716.8 million by 2027.

A spirometer is a type of apparatus that is used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. It is used to diagnose COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions that affect breathing in patients. Additionally, it is used to periodically monitor the patients lung condition and check whether the treatment for his chronic lung condition is aiding in to breathe better.





Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/spirometer-market-100486





Technological Advancement in Products to Surge Demand

The increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases is propelling the demand for advanced spirometer across the globe. Lung function tests are vital to evaluate the proper functioning of the lungs and the increasing technological advancements are enabling the companies to invest in the development of advanced diagnostic tools. Moreover, favorable government support is driving the start-ups to develop innovative spirometer devices.

This is expected to bode well for the growth of the global spirometry market during the forecast period. For instance, in January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NuvoAirs connected spirometry device for sale across the country. The portable device provides accurate indications of the prevalence of cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD in the patient.

Story continues

COVID-19 Leads to Disruption in Supply Chain of Medical Devices

The global pandemic has led to the unavailability of locally sourced raw materials and parts across the globe. This has largely impacted the supply of medical devices, especially from the distributors in China. In addition to this, the shutting down of several Pulmonary Functions Tests (PFTs) labs, and testing centers, among others in the affected areas are expected to impact the number of patients opting for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. This is expected to hinder growth to some extent. However, safety guidelines issued by international healthcare organizations such as the American Thoracic Society to follow amid the COVID-19 are expected to increase the test volume measurement and the demand for spirometer in the near future.





Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market.

Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/spirometers-market-100486





North America to Remain Dominant; Presence of Established Players to Aid Growth

Among all the regions, the market in North America is expected to dominate and hold the largest global spirometry market share in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The North America market was valued at 252.6 million in 2019. This is attributable to the presence of established players that are focusing on developing advanced spirometer in countries such as the U.S. in the region.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to showcase an exponential growth backed by the increasing number of companies entering the untapped Asian countries that presents lucrative business opportunities between 2020 and 2027.

Product Launches by Major Companies to Consolidate Their Market Positions

The market comprises of several major companies that are striving to maintain their stronghold by introducing advanced spirometer and expand their product portfolios. Additionally, the other key players are adopting strategies such as merger and acquisition, partnership, and collaboration to maintain their presence and gain a competitive edge over their rivals. This is further expected to bode well for the growth of the global spirometer market in the forthcoming years.





Quick Buy - Spirometer Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/100486





Industry Development:

August 2020  Queset Medical, Inc., a leading distributor of supplies for testing devices, announced the launch of its PFT Anti-Viral Filters range that complies for the guidance for spirometer testing during the novel coronavirus.

List of the Companies Operating in the Market:

ndd Medizintechnik AG (Zurich, Switzerland)

COSMED srl (Rome, Italy)

MGC Diagnostics Corporation (Minnesota, U.S)

Morgan Scientific (Massachusetts, U.S)

Chest M.I., Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)

VYAIRE (Illinois, U.S)

Ganshorn Medizin Electronic GmbH (Niederlauer, Germany)

Medical International Research (MIR) (Rome, Italy)

Other Players





Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/spirometer-market-100486





Table of Contents:

Introduction Market Scope Market Segmentation Market Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Industry Developments - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships Regulatory Scenario for Key Countries New Product Launch Statistics on Prevalence of Respiratory Disorders for Key Countries Technological Advancements Pertaining to Spirometer Impact of COVID-19 on the Spirometer Market Telespirometry - Qualitative and Quantitative Insights

Global Spirometer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Type Devices Software Accessories & Consumables Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Volume Measurement Peak Flow Meters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) Asthma Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By End User Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Homecare Settings Physician/Primary Care Offices or Clinics Other Facilities Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa

North America Spirometer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Type Devices Software Accessories & Consumables Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Volume Measurement Peak Flow Meters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) Asthma Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By End User Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Homecare Settings Physician/Primary Care Offices or Clinics Other Facilities Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country U.S. By Type Volume Measurement Peak Flow Meters Canada By Type Volume Measurement Peak Flow Meters







TOC Continued.!





Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/spirometer-market-100486





Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

Devices

Software

Consumables & Accessories

By Type

Volume Measurement

Peak Flow Meters

By Application

COPD

Asthma

Others

By End User

Hospitals

Diagnostic Centers

Homecare Settings

Physician/Primary Care Offices or Clinics

Other Facilities





SECONDARY RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED TO DERIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Details such as revenues, market share, strategies, growth rate, product & their pricing by region/country for all major companies

Details in relation to prevalence, incidence, patient numbers, distribution of patients, average price of treatment, etc.

Number of end user facilities by region/country and average annual spending or procurement of devices by type of end user facility

Number of procedures and average price of procedures

Replacement rate and pricing of capital equipment

Market dynamics in relation to the market under focus  Drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities

Market & technological trends, new product developments, product pipeline.





Have a Look at Related Reports:

Cosmetic Surgery Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Surgical Procedures, and Non-Surgical Procedures), By Gender (Males, and Females), By Providers (Spas & Cosmetic Surgery Centers, and Hospitals & Specialty Clinics), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Wound Closure Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Sutures, Hemostatic Agents, Staplers, Staples, and Others), By Application (Gynaecology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmic, General Surgery, and Others), By End User (Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical Devices Market Share Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical Devices Market

Albumin Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Human Serum Albumin (HSA), Recombinant Albumin, and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)), By Application (Therapeutics, Di-agnostics, and Research), By End User (Hospital & Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry, and Research Institutes), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Hair Transplant Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Surgical and Non-surgical), By Gender (Male and Female) By End User (Hospitals & Clinics and Hair Transplant Centers), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026





About Us:

Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data.

At Fortune Business Insights we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges.





Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

308, Supreme Headquarters,

Survey No. 36, Baner,

Pune-Bangalore Highway,

Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US :+1 424 253 0390

UK : +44 2071 939123

APAC : +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Fortune Business Insights

LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs





Press Release: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/global-spirometer-market-10215




Unilever's portable food factory

Unilever has launched an "agile food factory" in the Netherlands the company suggests will provide it with flexible production lines.

The FMCG giant's engineers have designed a manufacturing unit that operates within a 40ft sea container and which, the company said, can be moved all over the world.

Unilever said the unit was developed for liquid boullion but the company hopes to use the technology for other food products, such as ice cream, ketchup and mayonnaise.

The factory is being trialled in Wageningen in the Netherlands, the town that is home to Unilever's global food R&D site.



Unilever said the unit can be shipped to new locations across the world, making the most of local ingredients and allow quicker responses to changing demand in local markets. Products can be rolled out faster, it suggested.

The model can also be used to produce small volumes for product trials, without the need for mass production lines.

The factory is remotely run by a central "platform eco system" that uses live production data. Sensors on the line feed data back continuously, so adjustments can be made and problems quickly fixed.

Unilever plans to lease, rent or sell these production units to young entrepreneurs, "opening up the opportunity for new ways of working to others".

Olivera Trifunovic, Unilever engineering manager and project lead, said: "This travel factory reflects a new dynamic model where thousands of nano factories could be run from a central system, allowing us to have flexible production lines wherever, and whenever, needed."

She told just-food the unit can be used for both retail and foodservice productions. "The travel factory has the ability to produce both types of products in certain pack formats," she said.

Trifunovic added: "Unilever has over 300 factories across 69 countries and many of these are big facilities that are designed to manufacture products in large quantities, at high speed. But sometimes we need to produce a small volume (perhaps a seasonal variant) or test a product before launching it. It's not commercially (or indeed environmentally) viable to use a mass production line for this.

"The intention is never to match the output of a large factory, but if needed we can incrementally increase production with any number of these units. Ultimately, a network of travel factories gives us greater flexibility in our supply chain. A dynamic model like this could see thousands of local production lines all across the world."
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.
Asheeta Regidi

Globally, the pandemic has had a transformative impact on digital payments in terms of adoption and growth. India, despite the initial dip in digital payment transactions and quick rebound in volume soon after, has recorded overall growth (CAGR) of 61 percent and 19 percent in volume (approx. 5.93 to 34.35 billion transactions ) and value (approx. Rs.920.38 to Rs.1,623.05 trillion) respectively over the last five years (March 15-20). The RBIs persistent steps furthering digital payments have supported last years challenges and forced wide-spread digitization.

The key initiatives last year, and their impact in the new year, are looked at here.

1. The changing face of UPI- Zero MDR, new revenue streams and the 30% cap

Last year started with zero MDR's implementation , changing UPIs revenue potential and converting a previously incentive-based approach to a mandatory, no-profit approach. Even now, industry meetings with the government for withdrawing the rule are ongoing. UPI transactions are nevertheless ever-increasing, recording 2.23 billion transactions of value Rs. 4 Lakh crore in December alone , leading to a search for alternative revenue streams. Avenues emerging last year to further UPI include recurring payments via UPI AutoPay , UPI based remittances and cross-border payments (via NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) , NPCIs international subsidiary) and offline PoS payments via forthcoming NFC-based UPI payments .

AutoPays launch together with its recent additional factor of authentication ('AFA') relaxation upto Rs.5000/- allows UPI based e-mandates . A specific advantage it has over existing facilities like NACH, for instance, is for instant subscriptions for e-commerce/OTT services . NACH nevertheless remains relevant due to UPIs cap (Rs. 2 Lakhs), making other steps furthering NACH last year (enhancing e-mandate limits to Rs. 10 Lakhs , reviving eSign based mandates ) welcome. Next, beyond taking UPI and RuPay infrastructure to other jurisdictions, NIPL is also targeting building inter-regional partnerships enhancing foreign inward remittance via UPI . An additional boost to UPIs relevance for global remittances is UPIs integration with Paypals Xoom , allowing direct Paypal to UPI transactions. Separate steps last year are SEBI extending UPI for public issues (introduced in 2018 ) to specified debt securities , along with introducing real-time API based PAN validation there.

Last year also increased antitrust and privacy concerns, in particular with WhatsApp Pays now official entry in the UPI space. First, this came with NPCIs 30% volume cap for all Third Party App Providers (TPAPs), to be calculated based on the total volume of transactions processed in UPI in the preceding three months. The NPCI's soon-to-come Standard Operating Procedures clarifying implementation will define how the cap will change the field for existing players (consider Google Pay and PhonePes dominance ), which need to comply by 2023, and also the impact for users. An additional cap for WhatsApp Pay is of an initial registered user base of 20 million, which can be expanded in a graded manner.

Second is with WhatsApp Pays legal hurdles for entry, including ongoing litigation before the Supreme Court on privacy and its licensing as a TPAP (this includes litigation against Google Pay ) and a dismissed Competition Commission of India (CCI) probe last year, which are interesting to watch from a Big Tech in Payments perspective. Yet another ongoing CCI probe is into Google Pays placement, etc. on Googles Play Store. While the Supreme Court made its reluctance to interfere with RBI authority clear in the cryptocurrency verdict last year, these cases combined certainly raise possibilities of increased judicial/antitrust scrutiny even in payments, given the changing landscape and Big Techs entry.

2. Furthering contactless payments- AFA relaxation, streamlining QR codes

The upcoming NFC-based UPI payments can see the UPI vs cards battle move to the offline payments space, allowing competition with NFC based card payments at PoS (via QR codes currently). The move targets offline P2M merchants and also feature phone users, and other upcoming features may include bank-issued prepaid cards and vouchers on UPI.

Apart from UPI, other steady steps towards contactless payments also target safe PoS payments amidst the pandemic. Recently the AFA was relaxed to Rs 5000/- for contactless card transactions, a limit users can change at their discretion . The NPCI also introduced RuPay Contactless (offline) feature , for offline payments on a pilot basis, which also includes reloadable wallets within the RuPay card. Towards streamlining QR code infrastructure and increasing user convenience thereby, initial efforts implementing the Phatak Committees recommendations are via RBI directions to payment system operators ('PSOs')  to shift to interoperable QR codes (Bharat/UPI QR ) by March 22, with no new proprietary codes hereafter.

Enabling these new facilities will also entail changes for existing payments acceptance infrastructure, like moving to ePoS/universal PoS terminals, say which combine NFC and QR code capabilities. A digital PoS will also be popular for increased penetration, given its significantly lower installation costs and ease of distribution. Support also comes from the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund ( announced last year , operationalized this month) , so as to incentivize acquirers to deploy PoS infrastructure by subsidizing it.

3. New payment aggregator norms and the additional escrow account

Next, the new payment aggregator norms in early 2020 were welcome, where key changes like the move to escrow accounts, permitting pre-funding and instruction based debits, collectively enable innovation and services that were previously not possible, such as customized settlement timelines or allowing API-based transaction banking (like instruction based payouts for refunds, vendor payments, etc.). One major issue of allowing only one escrow account was addressed to some extent through permitting an additional escrow account . This was a specific challenge given the technological infeasibility to process lakhs of transactions with a single account while maintaining reliable service levels.

4. 24x7 RTGS and its business benefits

Another step was making RTGS 24x7 last month, after round-the-clock NEFT in 2019 . Together with round the clock eKuber (core banking system of RBI), another upcoming advantage is allowing settlement files of payment systems (AePS, IMPS, NETC, NFS, RuPay, UPI) to be posted to the RBI throughout the year, instead of on RTGS working days alone. The aim is reduced build-up of settlement and default risks, better funds management by banks and increased overall payments efficiency. This is a particular benefit for businesses, allowing flexibility and efficiency even in large value payments. Consider for example its use for global trade, or for mutual funds where now the NAV (to be calculated on funds realization ) for RTGS payments can be obtained the same day.

5. Fostering payments innovation- Sandbox, Innovation Hub

Next, after announcing six offline retail payments products for underserved sectors ( NFC based offline P2M payments , feature phone based UPI payments , etc.) under the RBI regulatory sandboxs first cohort , the second now focuses on cross-border payments . The scope of innovation- enabling real-time international settlement, making varying domestic payment systems (wallets, m-money, cards, UPI, etc.) interoperable, creating a universal messaging mechanism (common language for payment instructions, infrastructure issues), lowering remittance costs, resolving conflicting privacy compliance issues, etc., makes this a promising space this year.

There is also the upcoming Innovation Hub , which internationally is often a center for informal and non-binding support to innovators and start-ups, like addressing queries on licensing requirements, regulatory barriers to a proposed innovation, etc. The Indian approach differs, with a stronger focus on industry-level and international collaboration and research, than on acting as a point of advisory. There is nevertheless a focus on building internal infrastructure promoting research and increasing engagement with innovators.

6. The changing payments governance landscape- NUE, NPCIs structure, SRO

Earlier, the most awaited change to the payments governance landscape was the independent Payments Regulatory Board . The focus has now shifted to the Umbrella Entities - for-profit companies with a retail payments focus, which are to act alongside the NPCI in a bid to reduce concentration risk and increase competition. Achieving interoperability between the promised multiple payment systems of all these bodies (NUEs, NPCI, RBI), and the changes thereby to the regulatory landscape for payments players are interesting aspects. There are also changes to the NPCI itself, a widened shareholding base including fintechs, payments banks, etc., and it possibly becoming a for-profit company, which could entail changes to its approach like increased liquidity increasing its risk appetite , or increased NPCI-fintech tie-ups.

Lastly, the upcoming Self-Regulatory Organization for PSOs will introduce mutually agreed upon and contractually enforceable behavioral and professional standards (like PCI-DSSs framework, USs FINRA ) to the landscape. Aiming to foster best practices on security, consumer protection and pricing, this could bring in uniformity in industry standards and interpretation of regulation.

Promoting competition and innovation

Overall, the RBI has shown a welcome range in its focus last year, from financial inclusion, promoting innovation to easing payments in the pandemic. The promised innovation resolving cross-border payments is among the specific steps to look forward to in the new year, say to ease exports or enable productive investment. This year will also likely see an increased focus on interoperability, given the promised multiplicity of payment systems, and on consumer protection, privacy and security (say the upcoming Digital Payment Security Controls ), an essential aspect for promoting digital payments.

Lastly, given the sheer pace of UPIs growth and the multiple steps to further it, it is hoped that the stance on zero MDR will be reconsidered, allowing the industry direct revenue from the core transaction itself, freeing them to focus on merchant acquisition, etc. instead of having to do without or try and find alternative ways to monetise. Instead, more policies like the NUE, which support innovation and competition, are welcome.

This story was writted with inputs from Reeju Datta, co-founder of Cashfree. The author is the head of Fintech Policy at Cashfree.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Vice President Leni Robredo, several lawmakers, and progressive youth groups denounced the Department of National Defense's decision to abrogate its three-decade agreement with the University of the Philippines that bars uniformed personnel from entering UP campuses without notifying school officials.

The Duterte administration's unilateral termination of the deal is clearly meant to silence the government's critics, Robredo said Tuesday, pointing out that the accord simply asks law enforcers to give notice to the university before conducting any security operations inside their campuses.

"This is neither a difficult nor onerous rule... Clearly, then, this is not a practical gesture, but a symbolic one. One designed to sow fear. One designed to discourage dissent. One designed to silence criticism," she said.

The vice president believes that the public will take a stand against the government's disregard for the safeguard established to protect dissenting students.

UP President Danilo Concepcion urged Lorenzana to reconsider his decision and revoke the abrogation.

"I must express our grave concern over this abrogation, as it is totally unnecessary and unwarranted, and may result in worsening rather than improving relations between our institutions, and detract from our common desire for peace, justice, and freedom in our society," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

RELATED: UP accord terminated to protect majority vs 'enemies of the state,' defense chief says

Senator Francis Pangilinan, a former UP Diliman University Student Council chairperson, emphasized the historical significance of the UP-DND accord which was signed in 1989 to prevent student activists in the campus from being arrested.

UP has always been and will always be a citadel of freedom and democracy. Please dont mess with UP, tweeted Pangilinan.

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, also a UP Diliman graduate, blasted the Defense Department for ignoring the role of educational institutions in upholding human rights and democracy.

This brazen step signals intensified attacks on academic freedom, and violations of rights of students, faculty, personnel resisting tyranny and fascism, tweeted Elago, while calling for an end to campus militarization.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, now a professor at the UP Diliman National College of Public Administration and Governance, said the governments act to terminate the pact can worsen the insurgency problem that has existed since the rule of dictator, former president Ferdinand Marcos.

These are the kinds of acts that worsened the insurgency problem during the Marcos regime. We should have learned by now that purely military actions will not solve this very complicated problem, Trillanes tweeted.

The League of Filipino Students said the abrogation of the accord is an attempt by the Duterte administration to attack academic freedom and is a way to enforce the Anti-Terrorism Law that can be used to silence student activists.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang kinakaharap ng mga kabataang estudyante ay hindi nalalayo sa hinarap ng LFS noong rehimeng Marcos. Nasa tungkulin natin bilang mga kabataang estudyante na tumindig at ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino, the group said in a video statement.

[Translation: At present, the dilemma faced by students is not too different from what LFS experienced during the Marcos regime. It is our obligation, as students, to stand and fight for the rights of the Filipino people.]

The Samahang ng Progresibong Kabataan also expressed their concern on AFPs unsubstantiated claims that schools like UP are breeding grounds of communist rebels may lead to militarization of educational institutions.

The AFPs demand to militarize UP campuses is an issue that concerns the very basics of our democratic life. Should we let them succeed in UP, the path is open for them to militarize all schools, the organization said in a statement. The relevance of our schools as academic institutions and centers of free conscience and speech is at stake.

The UP Manila University Student Council vowed to fight against attempts by state institutions to curtail academic freedom and democractic rights.

We refuse to cower to the deceptions of a government institution that masquerades as a protector of human rights but in reality, only serves as a conduit for the further curtailment of our freedoms, the council said in a statement.

Akbayan Youth chairperson RJ Naguit appealed to UP President Danilo Concepcion to protect the community from the possible militarization activities brought by the accords abrogation.

We urge President Danilo Concepcion to protect the UP community against President Duterte's latest crackdown or else UP will become a hunting ground for the likes of Debold Sinas and the AFP, he said in a statement.

Hashtags #DefendUP, #NoToCampusMilitarization, and #UPFight trended in social media overnight as several youth netizens reacted on the abrogation of the UP-DND accord.

In a letter, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana informed Concepcion that the UP-DND accord was "terminated or abrogated" as of January 15, 2021. He said this was done so they could perform their mandate to protect the youth from being recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army.
SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon (AMZN), Pharrell Williams' education equity nonprofit YELLOW, and the Georgia Institute of Technology unveiled a new educational collaboration called 'Your Voice is Power' to encourage middle and high school students to share their voice on equity while learning to code new music remixes, Amazon said in a statement. 'This collaboration between YELLOW, Amazon, and Georgia Tech is a celebration of Black creators and change-makers,' said Pharrell. The collaboration includes five teaching modules with lesson plans that teach coding while kick-starting meaningful conversations among students and their teachers about the importance of racial justice. The collaboration concludes with a competition for students to share their own voices through remixing Pharrell's new song 'Entrepreneur' using computer code on Georgia Tech's learn-to-code-through-music platform, EarSketch. The National Science Board estimates that the number of Black professionals in science and engineering must more than double to be representative of Black people in the U.S. population in 2030. All middle and high school students around the United States and Canada can participate in 'Your Voice is Power.' The first round of the competition will run from January 19 through March 12. The second round of the competition will run from March 15 through June 4. Amazon said that, beyond the competition and throughout 2021, Amazon Future Engineer and Amazon Music will work with additional inspiring artists to add their songs to the EarSketch library. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT

The first cargo of Nigerias newest crude grade, Anyala, is on its way to Northwest Europe.

S&P Global Platts, which provides benchmark prices for commodity markets around the world, reported this on Monday, quoting trading and shipping sources.

The report said the first export cargo is likely to travel from Fos-sur-Mer to the Cressier refinery in Switzerland through the SPSE pipeline.

Anyala is Nigerias newest oil development since the start-up of the giant Egina field in late 2018.

S&P Global Platts quoted data intelligence firm, Kpler, as saying that Aframax Minerva Clara loaded a 700,000-barrel stem of Anyala crude from the Abigail-Joseph floating production, storage and offloading vessel on January 10, and the tanker is on its way to the Fos-sur-Mer terminal located at Frances Mediterranean port of Marseille.

It said Vitol had chartered the tanker as it has a stake in indigenous producer FIRST E&P, which is the operator of the Anyala west oil fields, located in the shallow waters of the Niger Delta.

There are indications that a second cargo will load in March, with some Asian refiners already showing buying interest.

Anyala has been labelled a medium sweet crude grade similar in quality to Nigerias flagship crude Bonny light.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that when refined, Anyala will produce a high yield of middle distillates making it attractive to both simple and complex refineries.

The new crude is from Nigerias shallow-water Anyala west oil fields which struck first oil in November. Although the final investment decision on the project was made in July 2018, the first oil was initially expected in 2019.

The 68,000 b/d Cressier is operated by Varo Energy, a joint venture between Vitol, private equity fund, Carlyle Group, and private investment fund, Reggeborgh.

Since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the global oil market, Nigerias oil output has fallen sharply.

Worse still, having come under pressure to adhere to OPEC+ cut obligations, Nigerias key grades like Qua Iboe, Forcados and Brass river have also recently faced outages.
Mike Tysons had his share of celebrity scandals over the years, however, not everyone knows he once praised an infamous fascist dictator. Tyson once praised Benito Mussolini, comparing aspects of his mannerisms to hip-hop culture. Oddly enough, Tyson revealed he drew inspiration from Mussolini for a song he collaborated on with Madonna.

Mike Tyson | GERARD BURKHART/AFP via Getty Images

Mike Tyson on why Benito Mussolini was mesmerizing

According to Rolling Stone, it all started when Madonna wanted to work with Tyson. Madonna calls you and tells you to come somewhere, you go, Tyson says. I didnt know what the hell I was going there for. Tyson came into the studio to see Madonna and her producer. He rapped over a track called Iconic, talking about his life. Tyson said he felt like his music career could actually take off because he worked with Madonna. Considering Iconic was released in 2015 and Tyson hasnt had any hits since then, his feelings proved incorrect  at least so far.

Tyson revealed he drew inspiration from a surprising  and upsetting  source. When I did it, I think about being some guy like [Benito] Mussolini and theyre really arrogant, but you try to come from a positive perspective and be uplifting, he said. You watch Mussolini on television  even though we dont understand what hes saying  he is so mesmerizing. I look at myself in that way.

Benito Mussolini | Keystone/Getty Images

RELATED: Madonna Made Kevin Costner Feel Hurt and Embarrassed on Camera

Tyson went on to praise Mussolini  the man responsible for the death of democracy in Italy and a close collaborator with Adolf Hitler  even more. I know people may say this guys a fascist and all this stuff, but man, you can take positivity from watching him, added Tyson. No wonder why Hitler was attracted to him. This guys a hypnotic figure. Theres so much pride behind what hes saying. Im not even Italian and I feel the pride hes projecting. He had that street swag; he was doing this stuff with his hands and moving his head before it was even hip-hop.

What the collaboration between Madonna, Mike Tyson, and Chance the Rapper is like

The final song is a collaboration between Madonna, Tyson, and Chance the Rapper. According to XXL, Madonna wanted Jay-Z on the track instead of Chance the Rapper but Jay-Z felt someone less established should be on the song instead. For the most part, its a celebration of the concept of being an icon. Considering everybody on the track is an icon, the track seems self-aware. However, theres nothing directly about Mussolini in its lyrics. If it werent for Tysons comments, no one would connect Iconic to Italian fascism.

Iconic

RELATED: Madonna Once Responded to the Like a Virgin Scene in Quentin Tarantinos Reservoir Dogs

How the world reacted to Iconic

So did this bizarre and unnerving combination of Mussolini, Tyson, Chance the Rapper, and the Queen of Pop resonate with audiences? Iconic did not chart at all on the Billboard Hot 100. Considering Madonna has charted so many songs shes called the Queen of Pop, thats saying something. Apparently, people dont like fascism in their dance music.
Gandhinagar, Jan 19 : At least 14 migrant labourers from Rajasthan, including a child sleeping near a road were crushed to death and six others injured on Tuesday morning by a speeding dumper truck in Gujarat's Surat, police said.

The incident happened when the dumper truck lost control and ran over some 20 sugarcane farm labourers. Twelve were killed on the spot, two succumbed later and six others were being treated in a hospital.

The accident happened near the Kosamba village, 60 km from Surat.

All the victims hailed from Kushalgarh in Rajasthan, police said.

"A truck dumper ran over the migrant sugarcane workers on the Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight, after first hitting a tractor filled with sugarcane. Twelve out of them died on the spot, while two succumbed before they reached the hospital. There were seven male, six females and one child among the victims," said Rajkumar Pandyan, Surat Range Inspector General of Police.

The injured were being treated in the Smimer hospital in Surat, according to sources. The driver and the cleaner were also injured and have been admitted in the hospital.

According to the truck driver, the accident happened after his steering-wheel jammed and he lost control.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani expressed grief over the tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Gov. Eric Holcomb touted Indiana as rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic and called during the annual State of the State speech Tuesday night for the Legislature to support a new regional development program to spark that recovery.

Full text of Gov. Holcombs 2021 State of the State address can be read by clicking here.

Holcomb pre-recorded the speech earlier Tuesday before it was broadcast on television and online, rather than before the typical joint session of the General Assembly. He chose the virtual option in light of coronavirus precautions and security concerns over possible protests across the country related to President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration on Wednesday.

Holcomb focused much of his nearly half-hour speech on state initiatives responding the COVID-19 pandemic. He paused for about 10 seconds marking a moment of silence for the more than 9,000 Indiana residents whove died from the illness over the past 10 months, saying Its impossible to calculate the far-reaching ripple effect of the personal and community loss of lives and livelihoods.

The Republican governor, who was elected to a second term by a wide margin in November, strove to cast the state as in the midst of a strong recovery, pointing to state governments top-level AAA credit rating and some $2 billion in cash reserves as allowing more aggressive action than many other states.

Coming off 2020, Im convinced 2021 can be the best ever, Holcomb said. So the central question before us all is, how can we seize this day?

In a new initiative, Holcomb called for creation of a Next Level Regional Recovery program aimed at improving quality of place and economic development efforts among groups of cities and counties around the state.

It resembles the Regional Cities Initiative that then-Gov. Mike Pence pushed for in 2015 and awarded $42 million grants toward three regional plans. Supporters lauded its success, but Holcomb and leaders of the Republican-dominate Legislature didnt pursue more money for it in the two-year state budget adopted in 2019.

We are just at the beginning of developing this initiative and will work with members of the General Assembly and our mayors, our county elected officials, economic development officials and other stakeholders, so were ready to rock and roll when we have the green light, Holcomb said.

Holcomb also called on lawmakers to approve $100 million toward improving internet service in rural areas of the state and highlighted the states commitments to completing the Interstate 69 extension project between Indianapolis and Evansville thats been under construction since 2011 and upgrades to the South Shore commuter rail line in northern Indiana.

Holcomb last week proposed a modest increase in school funding for the new state budget  2% during the first year and 1% in the second year  while leaving for later discussions with legislators on taking up a report from a commission he appointed two years ago to recommend steps toward boosting the states lagging teacher pay.

When  not if  when we do this, we will be one of the best in the Midwest for teacher pay, and well be better able to attract and retain teacher talent, including attracting more minority candidates," Holcomb said.

Democrats faulted Holcomb and legislative Republicans for not taking more aggressive action on the issue that has festered since Republicans took full control of state government a decade ago.

This is a third State of the State in a row that Ive heard the governor make promises to Hoosier educators that an increase in pay is on the way, said House Democratic leader Phil GiaQuinta of Fort Wayne. I know Hoosier educators are tired of empty promises.

Holcomb only briefly referenced the warnings about possible violent protests at state capitols across the country that prompted him to close the Indiana Statehouse until Thursday and for legislative leaders to call off all business this week. He didnt discuss last years protests in Indiana and across the country against racial injustice and police brutality even while mentioning his hiring of a state equity officer and plans for all state police troopers to wear body cameras.

Senate Democratic leader Greg Taylor of Indianapolis said that Holcomb should have talked about calls from Black leaders for steps such as banning police use of chokeholds, along with ways the states $2 billion in reserves could help people suffering financially during the pandemic, especially those working in places such as grocery stores and nursing homes.

Many were paid wages that they cant even live on, they have to have several jobs to make ends meet, Taylor said. How does it seem fair that were going to still have Hoosiers after this pandemic and people in these essential jobs that cant get paid a living wage of living wage?

Holcomb recorded the speech earlier in the day, after previously planning to give the speech live in the Indiana House chamber before a small audience. But that plan was reconsidered following last weeks protest warnings from the FBI, said Earl Goode, Holcombs chief of staff.

Out of that came the decision that the simplest thing to do then was to move to the studio, so it was a combination of both, Goode said.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
 Flash

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to receive the Chinese-made Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine shots, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday.

Roque said in an online press conference that Duterte, 75, wants the jabs administered to him away from the public eye.

Asked if Duterte would receive the shots, Roque said, "Yes, and his answer was, 'No problem, I will take the vaccine as soon as it's available.'"

Duterte has talked about the safety of vaccines developed by China's biopharmaceutical companies.

In a late-night televised national address on Monday, Duterte said that China's COVID-19 vaccines, including those from Sinovac and Sinopharm, are being used in Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil.

Duterte also on the same occasion last week said that the Chinese vaccines are "safe, sure, and secure."

The Philippine government has said that it has secured 25 million doses of Sinovac-developed CoronaVac vaccines, which is seeking an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines.

The first batch of 50,000 doses of CoronaVac vaccines will arrive in the Philippines as early as February.

The Philippines is in talks with at least seven vaccine makers to procure 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.

It aims to vaccinate 50 million to 70 million people, or more than 60 percent of the total population this year, to achieve herd immunity.
A Mumbai sessions court granted bail to a 30-year-old man who was arrested on charges of attempt to murder, noting that the seized pistol allegedly used by the accused was a cigarette lighter.

The court also stated that the ballistic report submitted to the court did not find any positive evidence regarding the firing.

The accused was identified as Farhan Sayeed who was apprehended on November 29 for allegedly firing at a builder who could not pay Rs 45 lakh he had loaned him. According to a report by the Times of India, the court said, Admittedly, the applicant permanently resides in Mumbai, he has no criminal antecedents, so also, he is ready to abide by all the terms and conditions. In these circumstances, no purpose would be served by keeping the applicant

behind the bars, applicant has made out a prima facie case for the grant of bail,.

The builder Nasir Shaikh submitted an intervention plea opposing the bail plea. His advocate alleged certain lucane in the probe and raised doubts about its fairness.

On November 28, when the victim along with his brother-in-law went to the accused to ask for some more time to repay his loan, a heated argument ensued. Allegedly, the victim claimed that he was shot at twice by Sayeed, one bullet hit the sofa and the other went ineffective. Subsequently, the victim lodged a police complaint regarding the attack and handed over the bullets to the investigating police officials.
US President-elect plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the country without legal status, a massive reversal from the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies.

The legislation puts Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Donald Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations.

It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favoured by many Republicans, making passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

Expected to run hundreds of pages, the bill is set to be introduced after Biden takes the oath of office Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the legislation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

As a candidate, Biden called Trump's actions on immigration an unrelenting assault on American values and said he would undo the damage while continuing to maintain border enforcement.

Under the legislation, those living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfil other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

The bill is not as comprehensive as the last major immigration overhaul proposed when Biden was vice president during the Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather calls for coming up with strategies. Nor does it create any new guest worker or other visa programs.

It does address some of the root causes of migration from Central America to the United States, and provides grants for workforce development and English language learning.

Biden is expected to take swift executive actions to reverse other Trump immigration actions, including an end to the prohibition on arrivals from several predominantly Muslim countries.

During the Democratic primary, Biden consistently named immigration action as one of his day one priorities, pointing to the range of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trump's policies.

Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and enough other GOP senators to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades.

That kind of major win even if it involves compromise could be critical as Biden looks for legislative victories in a closely divided Congress, where Republicans are certain to oppose other Biden priorities that involve rolling back some of the GOP's 2017 tax cuts and increasing federal spending.

As a candidate, Biden went so far as to say the Obama administration went too far in its aggressive deportations.

(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.)
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
National Aeronautics and Space Administrations shared a spectacular image of a supernova captured by Chandra X-ray Observatory on its Instagram page last weekend. The American space agency captured a bright source of light at the centre of supernova RCW 103 remnant in 2016. The stellar object is about 10, 700 light from Earth.

In its caption, NASA wrote that the bright source at the centre of supernova remnant RCW 103 is a neutron star. A supernova is an astronomical process that occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star. Meanwhile, a neutron star is the collapsed core of a massive supergiant star, which had a total mass of between 10 and 25 solar masses, or probably more if the star was especially metal-rich.

NASA further explained the supernova by writing that to form one, the matter in a neutron star is packed together extremely tightly. To add, NASA mentioned that a sugar-cube-sized amount of neutron star material would weigh roughly the weight of Mount Everest.The post has garnered over 20, 246 likes on the photo-sharing site. Many space enthusiasts shared their thoughts on the post as some called it amazing, while others found it fascinating.

Explaining its properties, NASA has said that this object is the most extreme pulsars, or rotating neutron stars, ever detected. A compact neutron star is the source for the same. It exhibits properties of a highly magnetized neutron star, or magnetar. However, the deduced spin period is thousands of times longer than any pulsar ever observed.

The RCW 103 supernova is unique because the regular variation in the X-ray brightness of its source, with a period of about six and a half hours, presented a puzzle to astronomers. All its proposed models could not clearly explain the slow periodicity, but the main ideas were of either a spinning neutron star that is rotating extremely slowly because of an unknown slow-down mechanism, or a faster-spinning neutron star.

After data was collected from NASAs Chandra X-Ray, Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, ESA's XMM-Newton, astronomers expect that a single neutron star will be spinning swiftly after its birth in the supernova explosion and will then slow down gradually as it loses energy. However, astronomers believe that the magnetar or the neutron star within RCW 103 is nearly 2,000 years old, which is not enough time for the pulsar to slow down to a period of 24,000 seconds by traditional means.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : It is a vile and obnoxious tale of ethno centrism practised with great glee by a bunch of radicals in the heart of Kashmir Valley famed for its brand of Kashmiriyat on this fateful day exactly 31 years ago.

The abomination architected by a section of the JKLF leadership narrowed its whole gaze towards retribution and in the process paved the way for a systemic plan of ethnic cleansing of a minority community. This in turn led to metastasising of a peculiar kind where Islamic radicals held the Valley to ransom triggering the politics of abduction.

Almost overnight Kashmir became a death pit and the brutal cage match continues to be played there.

Successive govternments have felt no gravitational pull to rehabilitate Hindu migrants who have been dislocated from their home and hearth, thinking it is not their wound to suture. Instead of wanting to dial it up, governments have washed their hands off the invisible community even as resilient Kashmiri Pandits have rebuilt their lives by living through 30 years of trauma and mindless violence.

It all begins on December 8, 1989, with a V.P. Singh National Front government recently in place backed strangely by the Indian Left and Right, a tumultuous event takes place. Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's daughter Rubaiya is abducted by JKLF militants and the world is turned upside down.

Top erstwhile Jan Morcha leaders arrive at the house of Sayeed, where he is inconsolable as Arun Nehru, Arif Mohammad Khan and Satya Pal Malik (till recently Governor of Jammu and Kashmir) are trying to convince him to appear on national television to say that she is the nation's daughter and it's imperative that she be set free.

But a tearful Sayeed has lost all reason to think, overcome by extreme emotion, for obvious reasons. He refuses to do anything -- stunned and struck by lassitude and inertia.

Just six days earlier Mufti Saheb had taken oath as the first Kashmiri Muslim Home Minister in V.P. Singh's government. Almost at the same time, a germ of an idea takes root in JKLF's Asfaq Majid Wani's mind who wanted to do something spectacular in Kashmir Valley. His charter was to kick-start the "revolution" and he didn't know where to begin.

Watching the oath-taking of Mufti Saheb, he thought of an audacious PLO-type of plan to rattle the newly formed government. The original plot, conceived by Wani, was to kidnap Mufti's son, reportedly a doctor in Lal Ded hospital. But once recces were carried out, the son turned out to be a daughter - Dr Rubaiya Sayeed. As she finished her shift and left for home around 3 p.m. on December 8 boarding a bus at Exhibition Crossing, JKLF militants took over the bus with Wani and others following in a car.

The ill conceived plan actually worked and an era of turbulence was unleashed.

Around 5.30 p.m., JKLF top brass Javed Mir called up 'Kashmir Times' and relayed the news of the abduction of the Union Home Minister's daughter. All hell broke loose, with phones ringing non-stop in the Valley and Delhi. The triumph of V.P. Singh slaying Rajiv Gandhi was lost in translation as panic gripped the security mavens.

After 122 hours in captivity, against the wishes of then J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, five top separatists were released for Rubaiya. It became a watershed moment for Kashmiris as they brought India to its knees. Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Sher Khan (a Pakistani), Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Altaf Ahmed and Javed Ahmed Jargar were released the same day. A couple of hours later, Rubaiya was back home with her family.

Jargar later went on to carry out the hijacking of IC-184 plane in December 1999 which eventually saw the release of the dreaded Masood Azhar.

One would think that the next big play was the hijacking of IC-814, taking it to Kandahar and securing the release of Maulana Masood Azhar, but then we are missing the wood for the trees.

The swapping of three militants for 155 hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane was not the first incident of its kind after Rubaiya Sayeed's kidnapping in 1989, but one of several high-profile kidnappings which have gone unnoticed.

Following the Rubaiya playbook, innumerable abductions took place and the release of many militants took place in parallel. The period between December 1989 and January 1992 saw frenetic kidnappings.

Prominent among them was the abduction of Tassaduq Dev, brother-in-law of then Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad by Al Umar Mujahideen in January 1992. Three jailed activists of Al Umar were set free in exchange for Dev's release on January 17. Before this came the abduction of Nahida Soz, daughter of then National Conference MP Saifuddin Soz, by Jammu and Kashmir Students Liberation Front (JKSLF) in August 1991. Nahida was released when the government set free a Pakistan-trained hard-core militant, Mushtaq Ahmed.

Indian Oil Corporation Executive Director K. Dorraiswamy was abducted by activists of Ikhwan-Ul Muslimeen in Srinagar on July 29, 1991. His release on August 21 was possible when the government set free six militants. The released militants, included Javed Shalla, main accused in the kidnap and murder cases of Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Mushir-Ul Haq and HMT General Manager H.L. Khera in 1990. Seven more militants were set free to seek the release of Mir Nassar Ullah, son of former J&K Minister G.M. Mir Lasjan, A.K. Dhar, scientist and T.K. Raina, retired Deputy Commissioner, abducted in March 1992.

There have been many other such instances -- kidnappings of Dr Mustafa Aslam, son-in-law of then PCC President Ghulam Rasool Kar (February 24, 1992), Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh, son of then Additional Chief Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Rasool (March 21, 1992) and Ghulam Hassan Zia, assistant station director of AIR (April 1992). It is not known how the Government made their release possible.

Similarly, Allah Tigers militant outfit abducted former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Habib-Ullah Bhat on March 2, 1992 and released him a month later on April 3. The number of militants, if any, set free in exchange for his release is not known. Likewise, J&K Bank chairman M.S. Qureshi was abducted on June 28, 1992 and later released unconditionally.

The Rubaiya Sayeed case had set a precedent for kidnappings for seeking release of jailed militants. According to government statistics, the state witnessed an upsurge in abductions after Rubaiya's kidnapping. While only one kidnapping, that of Rubaiya, was reported in 1989 -- 169 abductions were reported in 1990, 290 in 1991, 281 in 1992, 349 in 1993 and 368 in 1995. It virtually became a cottage industry.

Incidentally, in one of these kidnapping cases, no militant was released for seeking release of Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Mushir-Ul Haq and HMT GM H.L. Khera in 1990. They were killed by the captors.

In a first, six Western tourists were kidnapped by Al-Faran, an Islamist militant organisation from the Liddarwat area of Pahalgam in the Anantnag district on July 4, 1995. The government refused to succumb to their demands. The six victims included two British tourists, Keith Mangan (from Middlesbrough) and Paul Wells; two Americans, John Childs of Simsbury, Connecticut, and Donald Hutchings of Spokane, Washington; a German, Dirk Hasert; and a Norwegian, Hans Christian Ostro. Mangan's and Hutchings' wives were left behind by the kidnappers as their husbands were abducted.

A note released by the kidnappers a day after the kidnappings read, "Accept our demands or face dire consequences. We are fighting against anti-Islamic forces. Western countries are anti-Islam, and America is the biggest enemy of Islam." Childs managed to escape and was rescued four days later. Ostro was beheaded by his abductors and his body was found near Pahalgam on August 13, 1995. His body was taken to AIIMS, New Delhi, where a post mortem was conducted by Professor T.D. Dogra, who established the beheading as ante mortem and reported that the words 'Al Faran' were carved onto his chest.

The kidnappers demanded the release of Pakistani militant Maulana Masood Azhar who had been imprisoned by India and 20 other prisoners.

Several national and international organisations issued appeals to Al-Faran to release the tourists. Representatives of the embassies of the victims' countries also visited Kashmir frequently to seek their release, without success.

In December 1995, the kidnappers left a note that they were no longer holding the men hostage. Mangan, Wells, Hutchings, and Hasert have never been found and are presumed to have been killed. In May 1996, a captured militant told Indian investigators and FBI agents that he had heard that all four hostages had been shot dead on December 13, 1995, nine days after an Indian military ambush that killed four of the original hostage-takers, including the man said to have been leading them, Abdul Hamid Turki.

Journalists Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark claim, however, in their book 'The Meadow', say that the remaining hostages were sold from Al-Faran to Ghulam Nabi Mir, also known as Azad Nabi, who held them for months before shooting them dead on December 24, 1995.

Rubaiya Saeed became a successful template leading to a classic double bind for the security establishment.
A man who was allegedly using a high-tech drone to film a horse racing meeting at Punchestown Racecourse ended up being arrested by gardai for breaching coronavirus regulations.

The incident unfolded this afternoon when gardai observed two English nationals in the vicinity of the Co Kildare racecourse after they were alerted to the situation by a complaint from a member of the public.

While one man left when he was directed to do so by officers from Naas garda station, the arrested man was allegedly very uncooperative and was detained when he refused to leave the area.

He is due to appear before Naas District Court on Tuesday morning.

Sources told Independent.ie that the two men who gardai encountered yesterday are understood to travel around Ireland where they film race meetings on drones.

Read More

There were seven races at Punchestown on Monday with the meeting starting just after 1pm and ending at 4.15pm.

Like all sporting events the event happened behind closed doors because of the pandemic.

Gardai announced details of the mans arrest in a statement.

Gardai in Naas who were responding to a complaint, have today, Monday 18th January, 2021, arrested one male in the vicinity of Punchestown Racecourse.

This male had been one of two persons who had been deemed to have breached the 5km travel restriction imposed as part of the measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19, a spokeswoman said.

While the other person complied with the direction, this male was arrested for refusing to comply.

Following receipt of a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the arrested male has been charged and is due to appear before Naas District Court on Tuesday morning, she added.
President-elect Joe Biden's daughter Ashley says she is 'worried' about her father's safety at Wednesday's inauguration in light of the 'horrifying' MAGA riots at the Capitol earlier this month.

In her first televised interview, the 39-year-old future First Daughter shared her fears for her 78-year-old father, while confirming that her mother Jill, 69, has had no contact from Melania Trump, describing the outgoing First Lady's decision to skip 'traditional protocols' as 'unfortunate'.

24 hours before Biden is inaugurated at the 46th President of the United States, Ashley voiced her concerns over the safety of the event, telling former First Daughter and Today host Jenna Bush Hager: 'I think anybody you love who is being threatened or... yes, you worry.'

Personal: Joe Biden's daughter Ashley has appeared in her first televised interview, during which she discussed her 'worry' about her father's safety at the inauguration on Wednesday

Concern: 'I think anybody you love who is being threatened or... yes, you worry,' the 39-year-old told Today host and former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager

'Unfortunate': Ashley also confirmed that her mother Jill (pictured together with Biden in 2008) has not had any contact from outgoing First Lady Melania Trump

However Ashley, who has remained largely out of the spotlight during her father's political career, said she takes some comfort from knowing how 'incredible' the Secret Service are, adding: 'He has so much protection, so in that way, I don't [worry].'

The latest handover of presidential power has been unlike any other in US history for a number of reasons - not least because it comes just two weeks after a group of MAGA protesters stormed the Capitol building in a violent attack that many have accused President Donald Trump of encouraging.

Speaking about the riots, Ashley said she was 'deeply saddened' by the violence - particularly because the Capitol holds such historical significance, as well as many personal memories for her family.

'This was a place I grew up going as a child... and a place where dad has worked for over 30 years, a sacred place really,' she said. 'And to see what happened, to see what was going on, it was truly horrifying.

'The violence deeply saddens me, and it causes so much trauma.'

Ashley - who is Biden's only child with wife Jill - did not discuss President Trump during the interview, however she did speak briefly about the 'unfortunate' lack of communication between his wife Melania and her mother Jill.

Traditionally, the handover of power between the outgoing and incoming Presidents and their families includes a First Ladies' 'tea and tour' around the White House, during which the wife of the newly-elected leader can ask her predecessor questions and is given an introduction to residence staff.

This year, that will not happen, Ashley confirmed, while noting that her mother has not heard from Melania at all.

'No, I don't think they're doing the traditional protocol, which is unfortunate, but I think we're all OK with it,' she said.

As for her role as First Daughter, Ashley revealed that she will not not follow in predecessor Ivanka Trump's footsteps by taking up an official role within her father's administration.

'I will not have a job with the administration,' she said.

'I will however hopefully use this platform to advocate for social justice, for mental health, to be involved in community development and revitalization.

Changes: Traditionally, the outgoing First Lady welcomes her successor to the White House for a 'tea and tour', as Michelle Obama did with Melania in November 2016 after Trump's election

Unconventional: Ashley (pictured left with Jill in February) confirmed Melania is not following 'traditional protocols'. Instead, Melania shared a video about her time as First Lady (right)

Heading out: President Trump (pictured being welcome to the White House by Barack and Michelle Obama) has said that he will not attend Biden's inauguration

'I do hope to bring awareness and education to some topics, subjects that are really important.'

Unlike Ivanka, 39, who was a well-known New York City socialite and business founder by the time her father entered the White House, Ashley has always shied away from the public eye - despite finding herself at the center of a few scandals when she was younger.

Like her older half-brother Hunter, whose mother is Joe's late wife Neilia Hunter, the incoming First Daughter has had several public brushes with the law. She was reportedly arrested in 1999 for possession of marijuana, and again in 2002 for obstructing a police officer.

In recent years, however, she has turned her life around, focusing on building a career in social work and social justice  and her appearance on the Today show suggests she is poised to take on a more public-facing role when her father officially becomes President on Wednesday.

Ashley did not address her older brother's troubled personal life, however she made a thinly-veiled swipe at the public scrutiny over the controversies that have clouded Hunter, 50, and the rest of her family.

'In those [darkest] moments, we had each other,' she said of the media coverage of her father and the rest of her family.

'Yes it hurts, but you also know the truth. At the end of the day, they may get it wrong, but at least I got it right. At least I know the real deal. I know the type of man my father is, and the woman my mother is, and the man my brother is.'

Hunter has come under a great deal of scrutiny over his colorful personal life, including his drug addiction, for which he has been admitted to rehab on several occasions since 2003.

In 2018, her dad hit the headlines again when it was revealed that he had fathered a child with Arkansas-based stripper Lunden Roberts.

In October 2020, just days before the election, Hunter sparked furious scandal once again when the New York Post published emails and documents that were allegedly taken from the hard drive of a laptop that he had left at a Delaware computer store.

The Post was given a copy of the hard drive by President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. The laptop contained a series of emails, as well as personal photos, including several of a sexually-explicit nature, according to the Post.

Family first: Ashley, who is Joe and Jill's only child, was raised with two half-brothers, Hunter, 50 (center) and Beau (right), who passed away from brain cancer in May 2015

Tragedy: Biden's first wife Neilia and their infant daughter Naomi (center) died in a car crash in December 1972. Their sons Hunter (left) and Beau (right) survived the accident

Poignant: Ashley said that the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter, and the later death of his son Beau, has helped her father to make his family his 'number one' priority

Then, in December of last year, Hunter confirmed that the US Attorney's Office in Delaware was investigating his tax affairs.

Noting that public 'cruelty and meanness' are the reason she doesn't have a public social media account, Ashley explained that she has tried to 'have boundaries for herself'.

She also defended her father against stories about his public gaffes; the President-elect has made several slip-ups during events and speeches, including verbal stumbles, mixing up numbers, and referring to members of his family by the wrong name.

However Ashley insisted that Biden is not a 'gaffe machine', describing him as 'brilliant' and 'smart'.

'I thought that the media always got it wrong when they made him out to be this gaffe machine, or that he wasn't as smart,' she said. 'The man is brilliant.'

She then heaped praise on her parents' relationship, agreeing with Jenna's description of their 'inspiring love' - and confirming public perception that her mother Jill is her father's 'best political asset'.

'They really do [have a great love that is inspiring],' she said. 'Mom keeps dad grounded. She will always remind him to take out the trash. Dad loves his Raisin Bran in the morning, and she's like, "Joe, wash that bowl, don't put it in the sink."

'I agree [that she is his best political asset]. You know she's straight up with dad. She's fierce and extremely loyal.'

Ashley credited her father with making sure that his family is his 'number one' priority, explaining that the loss of his first wife Neilia, daughter Naomi, and son Beau have helped him to realize the importance of prioritizing loved ones.

Poignant: The future First Daughter (pictured with her parents and siblings in 1987) said she and her father believe that her late brother Beau (right) was with them on the campaign trail

High praise: She credited her mother Jill (pictured together in 2016) with being Biden's 'best political asset' and said she keeps the President-elect 'grounded'

'Dad is so empathetic and has the ability to recognize pain, to feel others' pain, and to comfort. It's also made family his number one,' she said.

'We have a rule still today that no matter where dad is, no matter what meeting, if one of the kids calls, you have to get him out.'

Biden lost wife and infant daughter in car accident before Christmas 1972, and then his eldest son Beau died from brain cancer in May 2015.

Speaking about the loss of her older half-brother, Ashley shared how much she misses spending time with her sibling, describing him as a 'fine man'.

'Happiness is being with my brothers,' she said. '[Beau] was such a fine man. He was such a man of integrity. But he also had a kind of fun, goofy side, a great sense of humor. I just miss being with him.... being in the same room saying nothing.'

Both Ashley and her father believe that Beau was present during Biden's presidential campaign, and she pointed to one particularly poignant memory before her dad was chosen as the Democratic candidate when they both felt his presence.

'I remember when we were in South Carolina, things weren't looking so great, and we went and found a small community church, we didn't tell anybody,' she recalled.

'We went in by ourselves, we sat in the back. And the song that reminds dad of Beau is He Will Raise You Up On Eagle's Wings. And all of a sudden in this small little church on the speakers, is the song. And dad and I looked at each other, started bawling, hugged, and we're like, "This is Beau."

'And then I was like, "Beau did you have to raise us really that far up?"'

She added: '[Beau] was 46 when he passed... dad will be the 46th President.'
Alkane Resources Limited ( ) (OTCMKTS:ALKEF) (FRA:AK7) has set the stage for a strong year following a big December quarter of gold production, sales and exploration.

The highlight of the companys quarterly activities report was $38.2 million in gold sales, all from its Tomingley Gold Operations (TGO) 50 kilometres southwest of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales.

TGO produced 15,919 ounces of gold for the quarter, which was above earlier forecasts, and it sold 16,613 ounces at an average price of $2,302 an ounce.

As a result of these impressive numbers, Alkane has boosted its guidance for the 2021 financial year to between 47,000 and 52,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,450 to $1,600 per ounce.

Skys the limit at TGO

Alkane believes there is further potential to be developed at Tomingley and is planning to develop the Roswell and San Antonio gold deposits to the south of TGO as soon as possible.

The company is currently consulting with regulators, landholders and other stakeholders, as well as conducting on-ground assessments required for the Environmental Impact Statement.

It said feasibility plans to include open cut and underground mines at Roswell and San Antonio were expected to be finalised this quarter once an indicated resource estimate at San Antonio is completed.

As previously reported by Proactive Investors, Alkane has lifted its Roswell gold resource estimate by 50 per cent to 660,000 ounces.

A detailed snapshot of drilling results in the December quarter can be found here.

Books looking healthy

Alkanes foundations are solid ahead of the 2021 calendar year, with its cash, gold bullion and listed investments totalling $82.3 million.

That does not include a $20 million working capital facility that the company executed with Macquarie Bank during the quarter.

It holds forward sale contracts for gold totalling 14,250 ounces at an average forward price of $2,239 per ounce.

Alkane's market cap sits at approximately A$488.2 million and during the past 12 months, shares have traded in the range of A$0.585 to A$1.54. Today shares have as much a 12.89% higher to A$0.885.

- Daniel Paproth
[January 19, 2021] Array Kicks Off New Focus with Name Change and Commitment to Life Sciences Events

DENVER, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Array, a leading content engagement solution provider for life sciences events, announced today that it has changed its name from Educational Measures and focused its vision for the company going forward. The change consolidates the brand around the company's Array content engagement software and services which have been used to increase audience engagement at over 7,000 life sciences events. Along with the new name, the company has debuted updated product branding and a new website at www.ArrayLive.com . The new look and messaging reflect the company's focus on life sciences industry events and its commitment to helping clients create meaningful events that improve patient outcomes. Array Content Engagement Software includes over 25 unique interactive features that increase audience engagement by 80%. "Since the company was founded nearly two decades ago, the world of life sciences events has changed considerably. So, we evolve," says Marc Crawford, CEO and Co-Founder of Array. "In the past year alone,we have enhanced our virtual and hybrid deployment options, built up our product development team, introduced new reporting features, and narrowed our business focus to life sciences industry events. And we have even bigger plans for 2021. It is time our brand reflects these changes as well."



Array's technology and services offer event planners a stress-free way to present content, engage audiences, and measure the impact of their events. Array Content Engagement Software includes over 25 unique interactive features that increase audience engagement by 80%. Array Managed iPads provide in-person audiences with individual devices they can use to interact with live presentations. And finally, Array Client Success Services ensure smooth execution of events thanks to presenter training, expert advice, and technical support. These elements form a single solution to ensure a consistent experience across in-person, virtual, and even hybrid events. "As virtual events continue to proliferate due to COVID-19, we are also starting to see the beginnings of hybrid deployment come into play," says Jeannie Griffin, VP Product. "Hybrid means different things to different event planners, but everyone agrees it is the way of the future. Regardless of if an audience member is remote or in-person, our clients want to be able to deliver a consistent user experience, presenter experience and have analytics across both user types. With managed iPads for in-person and web-based access for remote audience members, we help them make this a reality, and we will continue to focus our development efforts in this area."

This announcement comes after an impressive year for Array. Since March, Array has been used at over 1,200 virtual events with hundreds of thousands of life science attendees worldwide. In November, the company revealed they would be focusing exclusively on life sciences eventssuch as advisory boards, investigator meetings, CME events, and more. Array is currently the only content engagement solution designed exclusively for the life sciences industry. About Array Array provides content engagement technology and services designed specifically for Life Sciences events  with nearly 20 years of experience at over 7,000 Life Sciences events. The unique interactive features in Array software can increase audience engagement by 80% and help to improve events with engagement analytics down to individual audience members. Array offers technical support and event production expertise to ensure the successful execution of virtual, in-person, and hybrid life sciences events. Based in Denver, CO, Array is a private company. www.ArrayLive.com iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/array-kicks-off-new-focus-with-name-change-and-commitment-to-life-sciences-events-301210839.html SOURCE Array

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that a total of 4,54,049 people have been inoculated since the commencement of the vaccination drive, and only 0.18 per cent of beneficiaries developed adverse events following immunisation, while 0.002 per cent were hospitalised.

"The adverse events following immunisation are fairly low. In fact, these are the lowest in the world in the first three days. In India, we have an extremely robust system of adverse events following immunisation reporting and management," said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a bid to allay fears and vaccine hesitancy.

According to the government's data, 580 adverse events have been reported so far, out of which seven required hospitalisation.

"Only 0.18 per cent of beneficiaries developed adverse events following immunisation, while 0.002 percent were hospitalised," the Health Secretary said.

"There are mild AEFI, severe AEFI, and serious AEFI. In India, anxiety or hysteria is also recorded. We must dispel this notion that AEFI means that people have lost consciousness and were hospitalised. If post-vaccination, I have a crying bout, even that is captured. It may add to the number but it subsides." He also said that deaths of two men in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka following immunisation were found to be not related to the vaccination.

A 52-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district died due to cardiopulmonary disease one day after being vaccinated, while a 43-year-old resident of Karnataka's Bellary died due to cardiopulmonary failure two days later.

The nation-wide vaccination drive had kick-started on January 16.

Bhushan said that the country had vaccinated the highest number of people in the whole world on the first day. On the first day, India had inoculated 2.07 lakh people, while the UK and the US had given it to only 19,700 and 79,458 people, respectively.

Besides this, the Union Health Ministry lauded nine states for their performance in vaccinating people. It included Lakshadweep, which vaccinated 89.3 percent of people of the target set by it, followed by Sikkim, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, Telangana, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Three states and UTs -- Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Punjab -- vaccinated less than 40 per cent of people out of the total target.

The Health Secretary, however, assured: "We have just started and would pick up speed."
She's been keeping her fans back home in lockdown Britain updated on her trip to Dubai with sizzling daily updates posted on Instagram.

And Eve Gale didn't disappoint fans on Tuesday as she sent temperatures soaring with her latest sizzling snap.

The Love Island star, 21, flaunted her very ample assets in a plunging hot pink swimsuit as she posed up a storm on the beach.

Pink lady: Eve Gale didn't disappoint fans on Tuesday as she sent temperatures soaring with her latest sizzling snap from her Dubai getaway

Eve oozed confidence in the cleavage-baring Mars The Label one piece as she flashed a sultry pose and played with her hair for the picture.

The reality star got up on her tip-toes so as to perfectly highlight her bronzed pins and slender physique.

Eve kept things glamorous with a generous make-up palette, while her blonde tresses were swept up into a high ponytail.

On Monday, the influencer wowed fans by sharing a busty snap alongside twin sister Jess.

Racy: The Love Island star, 21, flaunted her very ample assets in a plunging hot pink swimsuit as she posed up a storm on the beach

The ladies pouted into the camera as they left little to the imagination in their plunging swimsuits.

Last week, Eve once again flaunted her sensational physique as she spent another day in the sun in Dubai.

The beauty showed off some serious underboob in a pastel pink cut-out swimming costume which boasted a criss-cross detail over her taut midriff.

She posed up a storm with one arm in the air and the other resting on the edge of the boat, with the Dubai cityscape behind her.

Eye-popping display: Eve and twin Jess pouted into the camera as they left little to the imagination in their plunging swimsuits in another busty snap shared on Monday

Eve and her sister Jess are just two of many celebrities who have jetted to Dubai in recent weeks, joining many other Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for work purposes as the government currently asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel.

However several Love Island stars have been forced to hit back at angry fans after they were criticised for jetting off on holiday during the global pandemic.

Kym Marsh has also hit out at influencers travelling to Dubai amid the coronavirus restrictions in the UK and thinks the government should close the borders.

The TV presenter, 44, admitted she was unimpressed by photos on social media of reality stars living it up in the UAE while Britain is in the midst of its third lockdown.

Kym admitted in her OK! magazine column she thinks work trips should be put off for the time being.

Sizzling: Eve is in Dubai with her twin sister Jess, who has also been sharing sizzling bikini snaps to Instagram during the visit

She wrote: 'Lots of influencers seem to be going abroad. If you've got to travel for work then fair enough, but I personally would be putting off that trip and staying home.

'From what I can see from the pictures of people in Dubai, every man and his dog is there and it doesn't look particularly socially distanced!'

From 4am on January 15, passengers arriving by boat, train or plane - including UK nationals - will have to take a test up to 72 hours before leaving the country.

They will need to present proof of a negative test result - using a PCR test or on some occasions a LAMP or lateral flow test - to their carrier on boarding while the UK Border Force will conduct spot checks on arrivals.

New arrivals who flout the rules will face a minimum 500 fine, while the operator who transported them will also be fined.

Passengers will still have to quarantine for 10 days regardless of their test results, transport minister Robert Courts said in a statement.
With the recently adopted executive bylaws for Law 149/2019 regulating civil society, Egypt has taken a major step in the codification of community work. The law marks a unique qualitative shift for civil society associations in Egypt, according to Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Al-Kabbag. Its various articles and many privileges are on par with the strongest community work laws in the world. The NGO law guarantees the right to establish civil society organisations by mere formal notification and the right to exercise their activities freely. It has eliminated red tape and prohibited government authorities from intervening in NGO affairs, dissolving them or dismissing their boards of directors except by court ruling.

The executive bylaws translate the rights and privileges enshrined in the law into practical terms. It contains articles that support all forms of human rights, especially the right to form civil associations and private community organisations, Al-Kabbag added. The law marks a breakthrough, especially with respect to sources of funding and the surveillance of their activities. It has introduced effective controls on the powers to dissolve and penalise them. It includes articles designed to promote the freedom to volunteer and the principles of accountability and good governance, which officials regard as the beginning of a new historical stage in the history of civil society work that proceeds from an approach that is both developmental and rights oriented.

The new law was drafted in response to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisis appeal to lawmakers to address the demands of civil society to review Law 70/2017 with a view to opening up new horizons to rights and freedoms and a broader scope for civil society activity in Egypt.

Al-Kabbag stated, Law 148 with its executive bylaws is incontrovertible proof of the changes that have taken place in social policies. They have swept aside old policies centring on the provision of a narrow and restricted range of social services, the criteria of entitlement to which were always the object of doubt and confusion, clearing the way to broader social policies of comprehensive development, the importance of partnership between the three sectors of the state, and the role the civil society sector can play as the governments fundamental partner in development, progress and the elimination of poverty in its various dimensions.

According to the Federation of Civil Society Associations, the law facilitates the bureaucratic processes required to establish NGOs, solicit donations and spend funds. With the newly adopted bylaws, it ushers in a new phase of mutual trust between civil society and government and rounds out the circle of legislative reform for the community work ecosystem in Egypt. The bylaws give existing NGOs six months to bring their affairs into compliance with the regulations. The ministry and the federation are expected to launch a nationwide campaign to raise NGO awareness on how to meet the compliance requirements. Should an association fail to comply, the ministry would bring the matter to a court seeking a ruling to dissolve the entity in question.

As for associations accused of working with terrorist organisations, the new regulations stipulate that they can only commence the compliance process after receiving a final court ruling acquitting them of all charges. The law prohibits NGOs from engaging in political, political party or syndicate activities, or letting their offices be used for such purposes.

According to the Federation of Civil Society Associations, some 700 NGOs in Egypt receive foreign funding, the amount of which is contingent on the projects the associations carry out. Grants come from foreign NGOs, independent international organisations such as the UN Population Fund, the Red Cross, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, UNESCO, or foreign governmental organisations such as USAID. The donor organisations generally stipulate the type of activities they fund in accordance with their own charters. Some work in housing, others in education or the eradication of illiteracy, others in poverty reduction. The Egyptian government is looking forward to more extensive and closer cooperation with civil society organisations in development work, in order to surmount obstacles to progress and improve the efficacy of social services and human development efforts.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 21 January, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Short link:


SECRETARY OF STATE: Anthony Blinken

CONFIRMED Obama's deputy national security advisor then deputy secretary of state with long history as a Democratic staffer including for then senator-Biden. Fluent in French having been brought up partly in Paris, he is stepson of a Holocaust survivor.

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY: Janet Yellen

CONFIRMED First woman to chair the Federal Reserve becomes first woman to run the Treasury. Harvard then Berkeley academic who chaired Bill Clinton's council of economic advisers before holding series of Federal Reserve roles, and whose research is in labor markets.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Lloyd Austin

CONFIRMED Retired four-star general who led CENTCOM, the military command which covers the Middle East before retiring in 2016. Led troops in combat in Iraq and is now the first black Pentagon chief. Had to get waiver to join cabinet because military are supposed to wait seven years.

SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Alejandro Mayorkas

Cuban-born Mayorkas would be first Latino to lead Homeland Security. He was Obama's deputy secretary of Homeland Security and a former director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Was the main architect of DACA, the program for illegal immigrants who arrived as children.

ATTORNEY GENERAL: Merrick Garland

Federal appeals court judge who Obama nominated to the Supreme Court only to have Republicans refuse to even hold a hearing. Was a career federal prosecutor whose cases included civil rights, Marion Barry's cocaine possession and the Oklahoma City bombing. Was appointed to the federal appeals being by Clinton and from 2013 to 2020 was chief judge of the D.C. circuit, seen as the second most important circuit in the judiciary.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Xavier Becerra

Currently California's attorney general and a former congressman. Surprise pick led litigation at Supreme Court to keep Obamacare from being struck down and pushed for single-payer healthcare while in Congress. Born to Mexican immigrants and first in family to attend college.

SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Marcia Fudge

Former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus a long-term Biden ally and also campaigned for Kamala Harris during her failed presidential run. Seven-term north-east Ohio rep will have to leave the House, slimming an already wafer-thin Democratic majority but her district is heavily Democratic

SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION: Pete Buttigieg

Former mayor of South Bend Indiana and surprise Democratic star when he ran for president, Buttigieg at 38 is youngest nominee so far. Would make history as first openly gay cabinet secretary confirmed by Senate. Infrastructure is key area for seeking bipartisan support for Biden and moderate Buttigieg is seen as able to make overtures to Republicans.

SECRETARY OF ENERGY: Jennifer Granholm

Michigan's first female governor who served two terms in the battleground state, from 2003 to 2011, where she pushed green energy and worked with Biden on the bailout of the auto industry. The moderate has been a CNN commentator during the Trump years and helped Biden with debate prep when he faced off with Sarah Palin.

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE: TOM VILSACK

Only nominee who held the same role in the Obama administration. Vilsack was an Iowa politician and governor who ran his own 2008 bid for the presidency then got behind Hillary Clinton when it failed. Since the end of the Obama administration he has been president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the agriculture lobbyist.

SECRETARY OF LABOR: MARTY WALSH

Currently the mayor of Boston, Walsh served in the House from 1997 until 2014 and will be Biden's ambassador to the organized labor. He was both a member of the Massachusetts House and head of the Boston Building Trades.

SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: DENIS MCDONOUGH

McDonough was an aide to Biden in the Senate in the 1990s and a longterm foreign policy aide, including to Obama during his presidential campaign. He held a series of National Security Council roles, and was then White House chief of staff for Obama's second term. He will be only second non-veteran to run the VA.

WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF: Ron Klain

One of Biden's longest-standing aides. Most recently was Ebola czar at the tail-end of the Obama administration and was both Al Gore and Joe Biden's chief of staff when they were vice president. Veteran fixer has alternated Democratic government service with lobbying and lucrative advisory roles.

UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR: Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Career diplomat spent 35 years in the State Department and was ambassador to Liberia and assistant secretary of State for African Affairs before being fired by Trump. One of the most prominent black female diplomats in Washington, she was an advisor with Madeline Albright's consultancy group during the Trump years. Grew up in segregated Louisiana.

CIA DIRECTOR: William Burns

Another career diplomat who rose to be ambassador to Jordan and Russia then Obama's deputy secretary of state. Russian and Middle Eastern specialist retired in 2014 to run the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and kept largely silent on the Trump years until 2020 when he published a series of outspoken criticisms.

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: AVRIL HAINES

CONFIRMED Theoretical physics graduate who dropped out of grad school to buy and run a bookshop and cafe where there were erotica readings, before going to law school and becoming a State Department lawyer. She became CIA deputy director in 2013, choosing not to discipline agents who conducted torture. She also worked on drone strikes.
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvino Wealth Management Team proudly announces the launch of Performance Wealth, a new independent Registered Investment Advisor. As a fully independent firm committed to excellence, Performance Wealth will be empowered to choose the technology, asset managers, and investment solutions that are best suited to each client's needs. The nine-person Salvino Wealth Management team manages $2.2 billion in client assets and will use their advanced skills and expertise to create detailed financial plans and investment portfolios in-house, drawing on the best research tools available.

"The wealth management industry has evolved considerably in the last 20 years," explained Tom Salvino, CEO & Wealth Manager, Performance Wealth. "Our decision to create Performance Wealth was driven by the realization that we could do a lot more for our clients as an independent firm than we could affiliated with a financial services corporation. We believe results matter and as a fiduciary committed to transparency, we make sure our clients always know exactly what they own, what they are paying, and who is doing the work."

Performance Wealth is also the story of three generations of the Salvino family. It begins with Al Salvino, a veteran wealth advisor who began his financial career in 1963, the pioneer days of the profession, and continues with his sons Tom and John, a pair of Certified Financial Planners (CFP), both of whom, like their father, are graduates of the University of Notre Dame and received their MBAs from Loyola University and the University of Chicago, respectively. Grace Salvino, a graduate of the University of Michigan, studying for her MBA at the University of Chicago, represents the third generation of her family at Performance Wealth. Together, the three generations of the Salvino family have more than 100 years of collective experience, and scores of satisfied clients.

As the firm's name implies, the team is performance-oriented and data driven, allowing them to tailor thoughtful recommendations designed to achieve meaningful outcomes and improve clients' lives. In constructing client portfolios, they rely on a research process that focuses on revenue and earnings acceleration and other important factors.

Performance Wealth looks to deliver outstanding performance in everything they do, from client relationships to portfolio construction and investment management. The firm's core valuesrespect for people, society, and the planetdrive their investment approach, which is in alignment with ethical, environmentally and socially responsible standards.

What really sets the firm apart from most other advisory firms is their combination of education, experience, and superior skills. Too often clients choose advisors who manage the client relationship but outsource all the real work by relying on planners elsewhere in their firm and asset managers scattered around the country. Because planning, investment selection and portfolio management are all handled in-house, Performance Wealth's clients can pay lower fees, be more income tax and estate tax efficient and those savings when compounded over time can make a meaningful difference in wealth accumulation and estate growth.

About Performance Wealth

Performance Wealth is an independent Registered Investment Advisor with offices in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, IL, Naples, FL and San Diego, CA. With more than 100 years of combined experience, this multi-generation privately-owned firm provides a wide range of services including financial/retirement planning, investment management, social security planning, as well as coordinating estate, tax, and insurance planning with the goal of preserving and enhancing their clients' wealth. The team combines energy, perspective, skills, and investment experience to provide a distinct value for their clients.

This content is intended to provide general information about Performance Wealth. It is not intended to offer or deliver investment advice in any way. Information regarding investment services are provided solely to gain an understanding of Performance Wealth's investment philosophy, its strategies, and to be able to contact Performance Wealth for further information.

CONTACT: Michaela Morales

JConnelly

973 224 7152

[email protected]

SOURCE Performance Wealth
Airlines: IATA chief Alexandre de Juniac, seen here speaking at a conference in Seoul, warns that governments will be reluctant to sell. Photo: Jean Chung/Bloomberg

Government bailouts of airlines might stall post-pandemic consolidation in the sector, the CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac has warned.

Theres an expectation amongst some airline bosses such as Ryanairs Michael OLeary that the Covid crisis that has bludgeoned the sector will lead to acquisition and other opportunities.

Mr de Juniac told the virtual Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin conference yesterday that about 50 airlines around the world have gone bust since the pandemic began last year.

Government presence in many airline shareholdings may stall or slow down consolidation because governments, having injected public funds in airlines will be reluctant to sell it or sell part of it to new partners, he said.

Im not sure that consolidation will accelerate, he added. The financial situation of many airlines is so weak that they have no means to buy anything. They have to survive.

Read More

Globally, governments have pumped about $160bn (132bn) into the aviation sector since the pandemic began.

But its reckoned the Chinese government has also injected an additional $40bn, bringing the total to $200bn.

Mr de Juniacs tempered view on consolidation is at odds with that of other aviation executives.

At yesterdays conference, the chief executive of aircraft lessor Gecas, Greg Conlon, said he believes there will be consolidation amongst airlines. He said the fact carriers have also taken on more debt during the pandemic will also benefit the aircraft leasing market.

Theres going to be, certainly, less operators than there were before, he said of a likely shake-out amongst carriers around the world.

Were starting to see that, he added. Theres going to be some consolidation in terms of the number of airlines out there.

Gecas is one of the worlds largest aircraft lessors.

Gus Kelly, the chief executive of Dublin-based AerCap, the worlds biggest jet lessor, said its not in the interest of governments to see airlines fail.

Airlines are a vital part of global infrastructure, he said at yesterdays conference, which is typically held physically in Dublin at this time every year.

It and another event held annually at the same time in the city, the Airfinance Journal conference, usually lure thousands of delegates from around the world.

And airlines are a vital part of specific economies and their infrastructure, said Mr Kelly. I do believe governments will continue to support airlines. Theyre not going to support every airline. Thats not going to happen. We will no doubt see a few more casualties over the winter, but governments realise that airlines have to survive.

Mr de Juniac said hes broadly optimistic for the airline sector.

There is still a very strong appetite everywhere in the world, particularly in developing countries, and also in more developed countries, to fly, he said. The long-term growth is still there for air traffic.

At IATA, Mr de Juniac will be succeeded in the spring by Willie Walsh, who retired as chief executive of Aer Lingus owner IAG last year.

Mr de Juniac said he hopes Mr Walsh will successfully boost and encourage the restart of the industry.

"I fully trust him to do that perfectly," he said.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
With an eye on the reactivation of the economy as a whole, Spain's tourism industry has asked to be one of the priority sectors in the vaccination process to revive activity and do so by generating confidence and providing security for the traveller.

"We propose that tourism staff be included as a priority due to the importance of this industry to the economy so that it can once again be the driving force behind the recovery," said Miguel Sanchez of the Andalusian business confederation CEA.

He said, They key is safety. For this it would be very important to have the guarantee that all personnel who are in continual contact with travellers are vaccinated."

It would be a fundamental step to build trust and position Spain as a safe holiday destination, he says.

Vaccination hotels

Meanwhile the Costa del Sol hoteliers association Aehcos has offered the use of its members establishments to the health authority to help in their vaccination plans.

"The association has establishments in 31 municipalities in the province of Malaga, and we want to help by offering hotels and facilities to the vaccination teams.

The president of the association, Luis Callejon Sune, explained, "This solidarity initiative is being launched, since we understand that some municipalities may have difficulties when it comes to finding large and safe spaces to carry out vaccination."

He added that the hotel sector has shown since the beginning of the pandemic that "establishments have always been very strict with pandemic security measures and, in fact, no incident has ever been detected in their facilities".

Vaccination is key

This Monday Spains Trade and Tourism Minister, Reyes Maroto, pointed out that the government is working on a common vaccination certificate that allows the recovery of international movement and tourism in a safe way.

"Vaccination is key to regain mobility and allow the entire tourism sector to reopen, he said.

For his part, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fernando Valdes, speaking to the World Tourism Crisis Committee of the World Tourism Organisation in Madrid, has urged an "international response - as coordinated and coherent as possible - that allows to reactivate travel in a safe manner while the vaccination campaign advances in various regions of the world".
Children are playing in a street of Adi Harush refugee camp.  UNHCR/Chris Melzer

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, regained access to two refugee camps in Tigray and found Eritrean refugees in desperate need of supplies and services two months after conflict forced humanitarian workers to withdraw from the region.

UNHCR led the first humanitarian mission to Mai Aini and Adi Harush refugee camps since the start of the conflict in November, after being granted one-time access by the Ethiopian authorities to conduct a needs assessment.

The assessment, which concluded last week, found help is urgently needed for the tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees in northern Ethiopia. Refugees were cut off from any supplies and services for more than two months. Wells were not functional without fuel for the pumps  leaving refugees to use water from a nearby creek for washing, cooking and drinking, resulting in diarrhea like illnesses.

The only assistance refugees received since the start of the conflict was a one-time food distribution conducted by the World Food Programme (WFP) almost a month ago. Plans are underway for a second distribution.

Thankfully, teams found that in both Mai Aini and Adi Harush camps, buildings and structures remain intact, including refugee homes, schools and clinics, with little damage observed.

However, refugees told our staff that while they were not impacted directly from the fighting, they were threatened and harassed by various armed groups. The refugees told us they continue to have safety concerns, reporting that armed gangs roam the camps at night stealing and looting.

UNHCR is working with the government and partners to re-establish a regular presence at the camps and launch a response based on the information collected. We have called on the government to strengthen security in both camps.

Further north in Tigray, we have not had any access to the Shimelba and Hitsats refugee camps since November. As highlighted in the High Commissioners statement last week, we continue to receive a number of reports of significant damage to those camps and indications that many refugees have fled in search of safety and food. We remain deeply concerned about them.

Some 5,000 Eritrean refugees have made their way to the town of Shire and are living in dire conditions, many sleeping in an open field on the outskirts of the town, with no water and no food.

UNHCR reiterates the UN wide call for full and unimpeded access to all refugees in the Tigray region and remains committed to work with the Ethiopian government to seek solutions together. We stress again that swift action to restore safe access are needed now to save thousands of lives at risk.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
There's been a lot of discussion about WhatsApp and its questionable privacy policy lately. A huge chunk of people have even decided to ditch the app for other alternatives. WhatsApp has extended the deadline to accept its new privacy policy, which means there's still some time to reflect and make a well-informed decision.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High court has spoken about the new privacy policy of social messaging app. It pointed out that accepting the new WhatsApp privacy policy is a "voluntary" thing and one can always choose to not use or join it. It's more like a general reminder to people pointing out how it's not mandatory to use any app in particular and there always some alternatives out there.

 Unsplash

"It is a private app. Don't join it. It is a voluntary thing, don't accept it. Use some other app," Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said to the petitioner who challenged WhatsApp's new privacy policy. Additionally, the court also said if the terms and conditions of most mobile apps are read, then we'd be surprised as to what all we are consenting to. "Even Google maps captures all your data and stores it," the court said.



WhatsApp and Facebook, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi, made it a point to note that the plea was not maintainable and many of the issues were raised without any foundation. They also told the court that all messages shared between friends and family would remain encrypted and cannot be stored by WhatsApp and none of that changes under the new policy.

For those of you who don't know, the new policy would only affect the business chats on WhatsApp and it doesn't affect the normal chats for all its users. The petition against the app on the court contended that the updated privacy policy violates users' right to privacy under the Constitution.

 Unsplash

For now, the Delhi High court has pushed the hearing to January 25 saying the issues require further consideration. The central government also agreed with the court that the issue needs to be analyzed. We'll be keeping an eye on this issue to see how it unfolds, so stay tuned for more info.



Source: Livemint
GRANITE CITY  Police in Missouri have identified a man fatally shot last week as being from Granite City.

According to authorities, police received a report of a shooting in Riverview, Missouri, about 10 miles north off St. Louis around 9 p.m. on Jan. 12.
An Irishman has died following an avalanche in Switzerland.

The incident occurred at a ski resort in the country yesterday, near Siviez in the Col des Gentianes region.

Police in Switzerland said that the man was a 29 year old Irish national residing in Valais.

In a statement, they said: At around 12:20pm, three skiers left the marked slope.

When a snow plow broke away, one of the skiers was carried away and buried.

After the rescue, he was flown by helicopter to the Sion hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Department Of Foreign Affairs said that it is aware of the incident.

In a statement, the Department said: We are aware of the case and providing all possible consular assistance.

Several Swiss ski resorts remain open, with strict Covid-19 precautions in place.

Swiss media reported last weekend that crowds had flocked to the slopes after heavy snow in many parts of the country created perfect skiing conditions.

But Alpine experts said the avalanche risk at the time was at the second-highest level in most of the Swiss Alps, and that conditions were extremely dangerous.

Eight people have died in a series of devastating avalanches in the country since Saturday.

Two people died in separate avalanches in central Switzerland on Saturday - one in Engelberg and one in Stoos. Police said both victims were skiing off-piste. There was another death on Sunday in Casanna in Klosters.

There was another death on the Rochers-de-Naye mountain on Sunday afternoon above Montreux when four local skiers aged 19 to 21 set off an avalanche that swept them away.

Two were able to dig themselves free and rescue a third friend who was buried under the snow. The fourth skier was found that evening during a large search operation but he died from his injuries later at a Lausanne hospital.

Another skier was killed by an avalanche near Gstaad on Sunday while skiing with two others.

And on Monday morning, a 38-year-old British man was killed after he and a group of nine people were swept away by an avalanche at the popular alpine resort of Verbier, to the east of Geneva.

One of the nine was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries while the eight others escaped uninjured, local police said.

On average, 24 people die in avalanches in the country every year, with some 90% occurring in open mountainous areas where people were off-piste skiing, snowboarding, or backcountry touring on skis or snowshoes.
RIGA, Latvia, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruslan Pankratov, a Latvian psychotherapist, and leader of the RICIBAS political party, is campaigning for the right of the public to have access to medical treatment and diagnosis information regarding politicians and other political figures.

RICIBAS has cited the recent death of Gennady Kernes, the popular mayor of Kharkov (Ukraine), at Germany's Charite hopsital as one such case for which they are advocating greater transparency.

Kernes passed away at Charite after a three-month struggle with COVID-19. Kernes was diagnosed two days after he was officially elected the Mayor of Kharkiv by 60.34% of voters. The politician was expected to recover, yet his health rapidly deteriorated with limited release of information to the public.

Other notable political figures have been treated at Charite, including activists Alexei Navalny and Pyotr Verzilov, and Ukraine's ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

RICIBAS believe that the cases of Navalny, Timoshenko, Verzilov, Kernes and others that are active in the political and geopolitical arena, make experts and civil activists demand transparency and information disclosure, including medical history, regarding the patients whose health and diagnoses can affect the lives of millions.

About RICIBAS

RICIBAS is an anti-globalist political organization in Latvia, advocating Christian values and protecting the rights of national minorities. It was founded under the name Eurosceptics and led by Ruslan Pankratov.

SOURCE RICIBAS
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe.

Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime.
Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned Governor Babagana Zulums claims that Christians are members of...

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned Governor Babagana Zulums claims that Christians are members of Boko Haram.

Governor Zulum said this while speaking during the 17th Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture organised by the Nigerian Bar Association in Ikeja, Lagos State

Zulum had said Boko Haram has members who are Christians, Muslims, white men and Asians.

But Omokri says Nigerians would have been on fire if a Christian had made such claims.

The former Presidential spokesperson making reference to Bishop Kukahs Christmas message asked Zulum to name the Christians among former Boko Haram members who have been rehabilitated by the Buhari-led administration.

On his Twitter page, Omokri wrote If a Christian uttered the rubbish Zulum uttered, Nigeria would be on fire.

Take Bishop Kukahs Christmas message, no mention of Islam yet, JNI, MURIC and Sharia Council wanted to crucify him.

Cam Zulum tell us how many of them are Christians? the useless man just woke up and vomited what will make this country divide!

Omokri taking a swipe at the Governor suggested that Nigeria should break up if we cannot co-exist.

If we cannot stay together peacefully, perhaps we should go our separate ways!

Zulumand his useless Buhari government have been rehabilitating thousands of repentant Boko Haram for years.
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.

A woman is suing sportsman Conor McGregor in a multi-million euro personal injury lawsuit.

The case is one of two initiated against the mixed martial arts star over events alleged to have taken place in 2018.

An associate of Mr McGregor (32) is named as a co-defendant in the actions, which have been filed in the High Court in Dublin.

The multi-million euro claim has been lodged by a young woman who has known Mr McGregor for many years.

A second, smaller claim, also a personal injuries action, has been lodged by the womans mother.

The nature of the allegations made in the lawsuits cannot be disclosed at present for legal reasons.

Mr McGregor has denied any wrongdoing. The matter was previously the subject of an extensive investigation by An Garda Siochana.

However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution decided no charges should be brought.

In a statement to the Independent.ie, Mr McGregors spokesperson Karen J Kessler said: After an exhaustive investigation conducted by the Gardai which, in addition to interviews of the plaintiff, included interviewing numerous sources, obtaining witnesses' statements, examining closed circuit footage and the cooperation of Conor McGregor, these allegations were categorically rejected.

The plaintiff knows the facts contradict the assertions in this lawsuit. Mr McGregor will dispute any claims and is confident that justice will prevail.

The cases were filed on Monday, just days before Mr McGregor is due to return to the UFC octagon in Abu Dhabi. His fight with American Dustin Poirier on Sunday is his first bout in a year.

Both women suing Mr McGregor are represented by Coleman Legal Partners, a firm which specialises in personal injury, medical negligence and historical abuse cases.

Partner Dave Coleman said: Proceedings have been served. We can make no further comment as the matter is before the courts.

Mr McGregor is being represented by Michael J Staines & Company, one of the countrys leading law firms.

The two women are looking for two separate trials. It is thought each trial would involve several witnesses having to give evidence.

One-time plumbers apprentice McGregor, from Crumlin in Dublin, is one of the highest paid athletes in the world. According to business magazine Forbes, he earned $48m (39.6m) in the twelve months to May 2020 from winnings and endorsements.

The father-of-two was estimated to be worth 148m by the Sunday Independent Rich List last year when he was riding high on the success of his whiskey brand Proper Twelve, named after the Dublin postcode where he grew up.

Earlier this week he showed off a diamond watch, reputedly worth $1m (820,000), on his social media account.

Throughout his career Mr McGregor has cultivated a bad boy image, using the nickname Notorious and goading opponents.

He has had a number of scrapes with the law in recent years.

In 2019 he was fined 1,000 by Dublin District Court for punching a man in the face in a south Dublin pub.

The court heard McGregor had 18 previous convictions, the majority of which were in relation to road traffic offences. He had a previous assault conviction from 2009 when he was an apprentice plumber.
"We are excited for the support of this potentially game-changing therapy," Dr. Irena Ivanovska, Celdara's program lead and director, said. "RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19), SARS, Ebola, and influenza continue to wreak havoc on a world ill-equipped to control them. Successful development of this broad-spectrum antiviral agent would provide a novel first-line therapy and importantly, enable rapid deployment during new or re-emerging viral outbreaks such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful to the scientists and policymakers at NIAID and across NIH for their support of this program, and we look forward to executing the work and bringing this medicine to patients."

Dr. Botten's research has demonstrated that the drug's target is required for the propagation of arenaviruses, coronaviruses, and filoviruses, and that it associates with these viruses as well as orthomyxoviruses and hantaviruses. In the target's absence, viral particles cannot attach to host cells, effectively stopping viral spread.

"We've made great strides to understand how this protein regulates the infectivity of viral particles," said Dr. Botten. "This new funding from NIAID provides us with an exciting opportunity to move beyond the basic science and to translate our discoveries into medicines. "Because the host molecule targeted is required for multiple families of pathogenic viruses, we expect that a single antiviral could broadly protect against many of the most dangerous pathogenic threats, thereby preventing or at least mitigating future outbreaks and pandemics. We are thrilled by this opportunity to develop such a countermeasure."

Celdara is an experienced biopharma developer focused on launching promising products to the patients who need them the most. Celdara has a robust anti-infectives pipeline which forms the foundation from which the Pandemic Security Initiative (PanSec) was launched. PanSec is a public-private partnership which has a singular goal to ensure that we are better prepared for the next pandemic.

Dr. Jake Reder, Celdara's cofounder and CEO, commented, "We are proud to continue our highly productive partnership with Professor Botten and the University of Vermont, and we are especially excited about the potential of this work in particular. An innovative, safe, and effective broad-spectrum antiviral that could be used both prophylactically and therapeutically is the holy grail of pandemic preparedness. With the support of NIH, we will determine just how close we can come to this ideal. Should we be successful, the resulting medicine would redefine how humanity prepares itself against viral threats."

Dr. Botten and Celdara began their collaboration in 2016 to develop medicines for treatment of emerging and re-emerging hemorrhagic fever viruses. Since that time, they have secured support from NIH and other funding sources to develop drugs to treat a range of highly pathogenic RNA viruses, including hantaviruses, arenaviruses, coronaviruses, and filoviruses.

The research reported in this press release is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health Grant Award RAI157527. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

About the University of Vermont

Since 1791, the University of Vermont has worked to move humankind forward. UVM's strengths align with the most pressing needs of our time: the health of our societies and the health of our environment. Our sizelarge enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet intimate enough to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of studyallows us to pursue these interconnected issues through cross-disciplinary research and collaboration. Providing an unparalleled educational experience for our students, and ensuring their success, are at the core of what we do. As one of the nation's first land grant universities, UVM advances Vermontand the broader societythrough the discovery and application of new knowledge.

About The Pandemic Security Initiative

The Pandemic Security Initiative seeks to protect the nation from future pandemics by developing medical countermeasures that integrate the best of ground-breaking science, entrepreneurial innovation, public-sector investment, and private-sector efficiency. With support from the public and private sectors, including the Department of Health and Human Services, its mission is to identify and develop innovative diagnostics, prophylactics, and therapeutics against pandemic scale threats. Celdara Medical initiated this work in 2014 and formalized it under the Pandemic Security Initiative umbrella in early 2020 to capture learnings from and aid in the response to COVID-19. Celdara Medical's Academic Partner Network includes collaborations with over 60 leading universities, and thousands of pipeline innovations from hundreds of universities and research labs spanning all 50 states and dozens of countries. The Pandemic Security Initiative is an entrepreneurial, operating, health-security product developer. For more information on the Pandemic Security Initiative visit www.pansec.org.

About Celdara Medical

Celdara Medical was founded by Drs. Jake Reder and Michael Fanger in 2008 and is headquartered at the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center (DRTC) in Lebanon, N.H. Celdara Medical builds academic and early-stage innovations into high-potential medical companies, identifying discoveries of exceptional value at the earliest stages and moving them toward the market. Celdara Medical partners with inventors and their institutions, providing the developmental, financial, and business acumen required to bridge discovery and profitability. With robust funding options, a diverse and high impact Programmatic pipeline, and partnerships with world-class academic institutions and industry leaders, Celdara Medical navigates all aspects of a complex industry, accelerating science to improve human health. Further information about Celdara Medical is available at celdaramedical.com.

SOURCE Celdara Medical

Related Links

https://www.celdaramedical.com/


LAKE MARY, Fla., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Scanit, a patented new technology that can be used to read a QR and DRV code from up to 60 feet away, is announcing a strategic partnership opportunity with its first-to-market technology. A game changer in the marketing industry, Scanit allows companies to expand their outreach to consumers, even while social distancing guidelines are in place and beyond.

Scanit logo Scanit

Scanit's technology works similarly to a traditional QR code reader. However, while basic QR code readers focus on print mediums, Scanit can also be used to read Direct Response Video (DRV) codes, which are utilized in digital media, including TV commercials, drive-thrus and websites. Scanit recently launched a digital wallet that can be scanned phone to phone, phone to ATM and phone to point-of-sale terminals, supporting transactions with cash, credit or cryptocurrency. With Scanit's unique ability to read codes up to 60 feet away, the technology opens the door for safe consumer engagement during the pandemic and more long-term uses like digital billboards and signage at stadiums in the future.

"We are excited to extend our technology to companies that can truly benefit from it," said Scanit CEO and co-founder Wayne Steidle. "Our partnership opportunity will open doors for social media companies, retailers and even restaurants that are looking to engage with consumers where they are  in the digital world."

The partnership opportunity is open to all companies looking to improve their marketing strategy. Scanit's DRV code reader can be integrated with technology that is already utilizing QR code readers. The company's robust, backend data capture abilities can measure analytics like real time response-rates to marketing materials, as well as demographics. Partners can also adopt Scanit's rewards program, which allows users to accumulate points as they scan DRV codes and then redeem them through an online catalogue.

"By launching this partnership opportunity, we are working to provide marketing teams across industries with superior technology both during the pandemic and moving forward," explained Mark Lass, COO and co-founder of Scanit. "Even after the pandemic, digital marketing will continue to be a primary focus and Scanit's technology is as convenient to the consumer as it is helpful to the marketer."

For additional information about the partnership opportunity, visit www.scanit.io or reach out to the team directly at [email protected] or 888-876-2501.

About Scanit

Scanit is a patented QR and DRV code reader. Founded by Wayne Steidle and Mark Lass, the app can be used to scan codes in both print and digital mediums from up to 60 feet away. Users are also enrolled in a patented rewards program that allows them to earn points for each scan, which can be used to purchase merchandise.

Media Contact:

Kate Stuard

309.533.2206

[email protected]

SOURCE Scanit
Russia on Tuesday said that its second Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by Vector Institute has shown 100% efficacy. The announcement is based on results of clinical trials, reported Reuters quoting news agency TASS.

Russia began mass trials of EpiVacCorona, which is being developed by Siberia's Vector Institute, in November.

Mass production of the country's second Covid vaccine, will be launched in February 2021, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Monday, reported TASS.

"We will begin mass production of the Epivaccorona vaccine developed by the Vector Center in February 2021," she said.

On July, 24, 2020, the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology received a Russian health ministry permit for clinical trials of its anti-coronavirus vaccine on volunteers. The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27. The vaccines clinical trials were completed on September 30.

completed clinical trials of a second potential vaccine against Covid-19, developed by Siberia's Vector Institute, the RIA news agency cited Russian consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor as saying on Wednesday.

"14 persons were vaccinated during the first phase, and 43 more during the second phase. Forty-three more volunteers from the placebo control group received a placebo", Rospotrebnadzor Russia's consumer rights protection and human well-being watchdog had earlier said, according to Sputnik News.

The watchdog added that all the volunteers taking part in the clinical trials of the Covid-19 vaccine were feeling fine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 14 that the Vector-developed vaccine had received registration. On November 16, the health ministry issued a permit for post-registration trials of the vaccine on volunteers older than 60 and a permit for tests on 3,000 volunteers aged from 18 to 60 was issued on November 18.

Moscow has said its other approved COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, is 92% effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim results. "The Sputnik V vaccines efficacy is confirmed at 91.4% based on data analysis of the final control point of clinical trials. The Sputnik V vaccine efficacy against severe cases of coronavirus is 100%," the manufacturer says in its official website.

Currently, the vaccines clinical trials are underway in India, UAE, Egypt, Venezuela and Belarus while it has been registered in Algeria, Argentina, Belarus, Bolivia and Serbia for inoculation.





To date, 3,591,066 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,978,764 patients having recovered from the disease. Russias latest data indicates 66,037 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.

With agency inputs









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!!
Police in Kisii on Monday, January 18 arrested a Grade 4 pupil following a failed attempt to poison her father.

A local administrator confirmed the incident saying the 14-year-old girl poisoned her fathers porridge after he questioned her over a relationship with a Form 4 student. l

The girls alleged boyfriend is aged 19 and is a student at Kegati Secondary School.

Kisii Police Commander Jebel Munene said the Kegati Primary School pupil poisoned the porridge at their home in Kegati location Nyaribari Chache.

Police said the minor admitted to spiking the porridge to her father who questioned her after he realized the beverage had an unusually foul smell.

Commander Munene said the girl was booked at a local police station ahead of her arraignment in court. He said the girl will be charged with attempted murder.
I'm so old (having graduated kindergarten and beyond) that I remember when foreign influence in an election was regarded as a bad thing and was falsely alleged to be behind Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory.

No such qualms from Trump-haters at The Lincoln Project are evident in this report from Israel Today:

The Lincoln Project is a group of Republicans who campaigned against Trump on charges that he was morally and ethically unfit to lead the nation. Four of the group's founders have now been hired by Gideon Sa'ar, a former Likud star and head of the nascent New Hope party, who wants them to do the same to Netanyahu. (See: The Likudnik Who Just Might Unseat Benjamin Netanyahu) According to a Channel 12 News report, Lincoln Project founders Steve Schmidt, Rick Wilson, Stuart Stevens, and Reed Galen will be helping Sa'ar to smear Netanyahu in the run-up to the March 23 vote. They'll find that the groundwork has already been laid for them by a local anti-Bibi movement that has been holding demonstrations across Israel for many months already.

It is important to note that, according to the report, The Lincoln Project itself is not formally involved, only some of its prominent and principal actors. Notably missing from the list of Lincoln Project alumni working in Israel was LP cofounder John Weaver:

John Weaver, a veteran Republican operative who co-founded the Lincoln Project, declared in a statement to Axios on Friday that he sent "inappropriate," sexually charged messages to multiple men. "To the men I made uncomfortable through my messages that I viewed as consensual mutual conversations at the time: I am truly sorry. They were inappropriate and it was because of my failings that this discomfort was brought on you," Weaver said.

"The truth is that I'm gay," he added. "And that I have a wife and two kids who I love. My inability to reconcile those two truths has led to this agonizing place."

I wonder if those heading for work in Israel will be able to spend money there on their own firms, as this report alleges they did in the U.S.
Baghdad, Jan 19 : A leading Iraqi political bloc has confirmed it would not retreat from demanding the government to implement Parliament's decision to withdraw foreign forces from the country.

Monday's confirmation by the al-Fatih Coalition, headed by Hadi al-Ameri, came because "the decision of ending the presence of foreign forces from Iraq was already passed in the Iraqi Parliament and approved by the government of resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi", Xinhua news agency quoted bloc spokesman Ahmed al-Asadi as saying.

Al-Asadi said that Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi included the implementation of the decision to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq in his political program when he assumed the post.

On January 5, 2020, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in Iraq.

The resolution was passed two days after Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces, were killed in an American drone strike near the Baghdad airport.

A few thousand US troops are leading international coalition forces tasked with helping the Iraqi security forces in the fight against the Islamic State by carrying out airstrikes against the terror group's positions in Iraq and Syria.

The American troops also provide military equipment and training to Iraqi forces.
She has jetted to the Maldives from Dubai with her bestie Joanna Chimonides.

And Georgia Steel was sure to send her follower's temperatures soaring as she shared her latest slew of sizzling Instagram snaps on Monday afternoon.

The Love Island star, 22, flaunted her jaw-dropping physique in a white wet T-shirt and a pair of tiny thong-style bikini bottoms.

Wow! Georgia Steel was sure to send her follower's temperatures soaring as she shared her latest slew of sizzling Instagram snaps on Monday afternoon

Georgia appeared to have just taken a dip in the island's clear blue waters, as she was soaking wet in the series of images shared on her profile.

The reality personality posed with her hands sweeping back her mane of brunette locks, while arching her back to display her gym-honed physique.

In another snap, Georgia turned her back to the camera to show off her very peachy posterior the in the pair of skimpy grey bottoms.

She captioned the images: 'We be drippin'

Sexy: The Love Island star, 22, flaunted her jaw-dropping physique in a white wet T-shirt and a pair of tiny thong-style bikini bottoms

She captioned the images: 'We be drippin'

Stunning: Georgia appeared to have just taken a dip in the island's clear blue waters, as she was soaking wet in the series of images shared on her profile

Georgia also shared a further insight to their trip, by posting several shots from their idyllic getaway on her Instagram Stories.

One image showed her stunning pal Joanna, 24, relaxing on their balcony wearing a tiny brown bikini while sipping on a drink.

She later posted with her arm around Joanna, both wrapped in white towels around their bodies and heads as they raised a glass to the ocean.

Downtime: One image showed her stunning pal Joanna, 24, relaxing on their balcony wearing a tiny brown bikini while sipping on a drink

Glam girl: Georgia also shared a more glamorous look on her Stories, as she revealed a backless white mini dress before joining her pal for dinner

Georgia also shared a more glamorous look on her Stories, as she revealed a backless white mini dress before joining her pal for dinner.

She also posted some fun pictures of herself enjoying a game of tennis in a stylish mint green bikini, as she jumped around on the court after serving the ball.

Georgia also took a snap of her curvaceous shadow.

Despite the UK being in national lockdown, Georgia didn't stop her flaunting her golden tan on Instagram for her stranded followers back home on Sunday.

She slipped herself into a black two-piece and added a bucket sun hat to the look, basking on the uncomfortable-looking steps.

Game on! She also posted some fun pictures of herself enjoying a game of tennis in a stylish mint green bikini, as she jumped around on the court after serving the ball

Silhouette: Georgia also took a snap of her curvaceous shadow

Act natural: Despite the UK being in national lockdown, Georgia didn't stop her flaunting her golden tan on Instagram for her stranded followers back home on Sunday

Georgia left little to the imagination, showcasing her long limbs and toned tummy.

She wore her brunette locks in sleek lines, tucked behind her shoulders, but kept make-up simple so as not to interfere with her sunning.

She threw a see-through black sarong on and flashed her peachy behind in another snap, as she got up and left her bathing spot.

Georgia captioned the photos, 'I'll put you on my bucket list' - a reference to her large Dior hat.

Comfy? She slipped herself into a black two-piece and added a bucket sun hat to the look, basking on the uncomfortable-looking steps like an outstretched adder

Don't fall now! Georgia left little to the imagination, showcasing her long limbs and toned tummy

Off you pop! She threw a see-through black sarong on and flashed her peachy behind in another snap, as she got up and left her bathing spot

Georgia is throwing caution to the wind in the face of the global crisis by country-hopping with fellow ex-reality star Joanna.

The stars hadn't a care in the world as they flew from Dubai to the Maldives, under the headline of 'work purposes'.

She previously told her 1.6m Instagram followers the 'work' trip had been planned for a long time and she was thankful it could go ahead despite the pandemic.

Just beachy: She sizzled in a barely-there neon bikini as she shared her latest set of sun-soaked snaps with her 1.6m Instagram followers on Saturday

Strutting her stuff: Georgia had been living it up with the legions of influencers in Dubai before heading for her beach holiday, which she said she feels 'so grateful' to be able to do

She captioned one: 'I feel so lucky to be able to travel with my job at the moment.

'I'm so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to work with @velassarumaldives for the next week and make memories that are going to last me a lifetime.

'I thank the universe every day.'
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.
In return for the payment of exceptional aid, participants agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5pc. Stock Image

IN what has been described as a catastrophe, some 18,000 farmers are understood not to be compliant with the rules of the BEAM scheme.

The EU and Government-backed beef support package announced in 2019 saw 77m paid out to 33,445 farmers. One of the conditions under which the 50 million was granted by the EU was that farmers must reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5pc.

However, the Farming Independent now understands that given the current rate of non-compliance with the rules of the scheme, 40m may have to be paid back by farmers.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue is understood to be exploring options to address the crisis.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said that he had met the Minister yesterday to see how the situation can be addressed.

There are 18,000 farmers currently not achieving the reduction. It could see farmers having to hand back as much as 40m out of 77m which would be a catastrophe, Mr Cullinan said.

Clearly Covid has impacted the market with marts not operating fully and advisors not able to get out on farms.

We have to go back to the EU commission to get changes to avoid farmers who signed up to the scheme in good faith but now cannot meet the conditions, he said.

The average payment under the scheme was 2,265 while some 1,470 beef finishers benefited from the maximum payment of 10,000.

Minister McConalogue said he understands the concerns raised by some farmers who are currently not reaching their reduction targets.

I am also conscious that many applicants have already taken the steps necessary to comply with the schemes terms and conditions, and that others took the decision not to apply. These are also relevant considerations.

I have been listening to and engaging with farmers on the issue and I am exploring whether any fair and proportionate options are available to facilitate compliance under the terms and conditions of the scheme approved by the European Commission, he said.

The Department recently sent letters to all participating farmers to remind them of their commitments under the scheme, update them on the current nitrates trends on their holding and to assist them in meeting the 5pc commitment under the scheme.

Obligations under the measure were based on analysis of the herd profile and nitrates profile of the national herd.
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.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 : The Odisha government on Tuesday requested the Centre for early release of the pending subsidy of Rs 6,039 crore to complete the paddy procurement process in the state.

State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, in a letter to Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal, said that the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC), which undertakes paddy procurement, has so far borrowed a staggering sum of Rs 15,000 crore to run the programme by way of upfront investment.

"This high volume of bank loan is mainly due to non-release of subsidy by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. OSCSC has pending claims towards provisional and advance subsidy of Rs 6,039 crore," said Swain.

Since all resources including the sanctioned limit of bank finances has been exhausted by the OSCSC, the pending subsidy may be released urgently as further paddy procurement from farmers will be severely affected, he added.

Swain also informed Goyal that the Food Corporation of India has asked the state government to limit the delivery of surplus parboiled rice of Odisha to the extent of 50 per cent of the last year delivery and not to accept any surplus in the form of parboiled rice during the Rabi season of the current Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21.

"Odisha is primarily a parboiled rice consuming state. Raw rice is consumed only in six districts. Most of the rice mills in the state are parboiled mills. Therefore, asking the state to deliver surplus rice in the form of raw rice in Rabi and to limit procurement of parboiled rice in the Kharif to the extent of 50 per cent of last year FCI delivery will have far-reaching adverse consequences for the state," he said.
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.
Brandon Lewis is acting like the emperor with no clothes by claiming Brexit is not impacting upon Irish Sea trade, a DUP minister has said.

Agriculture minister Edwin Poots was reacting after the Northern Ireland Secretary suggested depleted shelves witnessed in the regions supermarkets was down to Covid disruption, and not the new trading arrangements.

Mr Lewis has repeatedly insisted that the Northern Ireland Protocol, which sees the region continuing to abide by many EU single market and customs rules, has not created economic barriers on goods moving from Great Britain.

The protocol requires health certifications on animal-based food products entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Expand Close DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots (Liam McBurney/PA)

The new customs rules also require declarations on many items being shipped into the region from Britain.

On Tuesday, Mr Lewis said shortages of some products in the weeks since the transition period ended were due to the knock-on effects of UK trade with continental Europe being temporarily halted pre-Christmas due to concerns over the new Covid variant.

Brandon Lewis is clearly going about like the emperor with no clothes; however, it is not a small boy who is pointing it out, but the entire crowd, Mr Poots told the Stormont Assembly.

He really needs to reflect on that. It is not a good policy to go about saying something that is blatantly not the case.

We know what the problems are and where they emanate from, and we know that those issues need to be dealt with.

Asked about empty supermarket shelves, the Secretary of State told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Thats actually something weve seen across other parts of the UK as well, nothing to do with leaving the EU, nothing to do with the Northern Irish protocol, but actually to do with some of the challenges we saw with Covid at the Port of Dover just before Christmas and the impact that had on supply lines coming through.

I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle.

Expand Close Brandon Lewis has argued that there is no Irish Sea border created by the Protocol (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Brandon Lewis has argued that there is no Irish Sea border created by the Protocol (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

A representative of the retail industry said the end of the Brexit transition period had forced a difficult adjustment on retailers in Northern Ireland.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: The big takeaway for the Secretary of State and the UK Government is making sure that Great Britain suppliers who supply into Northern Ireland do make sure that they comply with the paperwork and make sure they are aware that how they trade with Northern Ireland has changed.

There was certainly a knock-on effect  the reality is that this new regime we have in relation to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland certainly has been a very difficult adjustment.

Mr Roberts, who represents independent small and medium-sized firms, not large supermarket chains, said traders have faced a challenging period but are adapting to extra red tape created by the protocol.

He said they are also attempting to source more products locally.

Expand Close The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards to avoid a hard Irish border on the island (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards to avoid a hard Irish border on the island (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said: We are confident we will get through it.

Members have taken a very solution-based approach and independent retailers are probably, out of all the sectors  we are probably the most adaptable to change.

I would be optimistic that it will, to use a Northern Irish expression, collapse into place.

Hauliers representatives in Northern Ireland have also suggested the problems are being resolved.

I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle Brandon Lewis

Mr Lewis said there was no reason for lorries to return empty from Great Britain due to excessive paperwork.

Smaller food traders have struggled to adapt to problems with multiple consignments travelling in one lorry, meaning loads have to be resealed and certified by officials several times.

Mr Lewis said: Even on foodstuffs, theres no reason for that to be the case.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported from the rest of the UK.

Mr Lewis said the UK is working with the EU to get a permanent resolution before that ends.

The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost.
Addressing a ceremony marking the forces 75th anniversary (February 21) in Hanoi on January 19, PM Phuc stressed that to fulfill the heavy responsibility assigned by the Party, State, Ministry of Public Security, and people, the public security intelligence force needs to be well aware of the situation and their tasks while closely following and effectively serving the Party and States leadership and governance.

In the time ahead, it has to thoroughly grasp and build an action programme to effectively carry out the Resolution of the coming 13th National Party Congress, have a better grasp of the situation, and improve strategic counseling to meet new requirements in the national development and defence process, the PM said.

The force was also requested to proactively take action to help enhance Vietnams relations with external partners and promote the countrys position and prestige, thus serving the cause of national industrialisation and modernisation.

PM Phuc also asked for increased education in terms of politics, thought, tradition, revolutionary morality, and occupational skills for intelligence officers, as well as the building of a contingent of intelligence officers who have firm political mettle, steadfastness, and absolute loyalty to the Party, Fatherland, and people, are ready to sacrifice for the sake of the Party and nations revolutionary cause, and have a sharp vision and outstanding qualifications to fulfill both short- and long-term tasks.

The Government leader expressed his belief that under the Partys leadership, the peoples public security intelligence force will obtain even greater achievements, thereby contributing to the cause of national construction and defence and deserving the Party, State, and peoples trust.

On February 21, 1946, then President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No 23/SL on unifying public security units nationwide to into Viet Nam Cong An Vu (Public Security Department of Vietnam) and regulating tasks for it, including intelligence affairs.

Over the last 75 years, the peoples public security intelligence force has secured a lot of excellent accomplishments, deserving its status as one of the key and trustworthy armed forces of the Party, State, and people.

On this occasion, the force was honoured with a first-class Fatherland Protection Order by the Party and State for its major contributions to the cause of national development and safeguarding.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 02:56:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ANKARA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkish prosecutors issued on Tuesday detention warrants for 238 people, including military personnel, for their alleged links to a network believed to be behind a coup attempt in 2016, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.

The police launched large-scaled operations in 60 cities across Turkey and detained 160 of the suspects allegedly linked to the U.S.-based Muslim preacher Fetullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of being behind the failed coup in July 2016 that killed 250.

Among the suspects were 218 serving military personnel, including six colonels, three lieutenant colonels and nine majors. They are accused of keeping in regular touch with the members of the Gulen movement via payphone, Anadolu said.

Prosecutors in Izmir Province also issued warrants for suspects in northern Cyprus where the Turkish military is deployed, it added. Enditem

For it should never be forgotten that 74 million Americans voted for the man who now seems bent on destroying the edifice on which he stood

Not long before Donald Trump became the first-ever American President to be impeached for a second time  this time with a real possibility of conviction  his daughter Ivanka chose to remind the world of the close ties between her father and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opening and closure in record time of a study centre in Gwalior that exalted Nathuram Godse, the killer of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also occurred almost simultaneously.

It is the legal action against Mr Trump by Americas senators and congressmen that grips the worlds attention. The impeachment proceedings threaten to overwhelm President-elect Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion plan to end a crisis of deep human suffering by speeding up the supply of coronavirus vaccines and financially helping Americans who are still struggling with the economic disaster caused by the grim pandemic. It even distracts notice from the contradictions, if not crisis, of democracy that Mr Trumps rantings and ravings have unwittingly highlighted. For it should never be forgotten that 74 million Americans voted for the man who now seems bent on destroying the edifice on which he stood.

While he is believed to have broken many constitutional norms during his four years in the White House  including trying desperately hard to thwart the peaceful transition of power to his legitimately elected successor  millions of Americans had endorsed his excesses. The January 6 rioters who stormed the US Capitol building in Washington chanting Hang Mike Pence and Wheres Nancy? clearly saw both the Republican vice-president and the Speaker of the House  the first and second in the line of presidential succession  as national enemies.

There is footage available of the rioters beating a police officer with a flagpole as the crowd chanted USA and crushing another officer repeatedly in a door. The violence resulted in five deaths; more might have perished if the police hadnt distracted the mob from breaching the debating chambers long enough to whisk every legislator away to safety. The outrage to civilised governance was infinitely worse. Some Repub-licans, after encouraging or standing by mute as the President attacked the democratic process for months, have shaken consciences. Ten of them joined all 222 Democrats in the House vote accusing Mr Trump of incitement of insurrection that was passed on January 13, a week after the attack.

Even those who concede that Mr Biden obtained more votes can ask if that invalidates the views of 74 million Americans.

A similar question arose in 2000 when George W. Bush defeated Al Gore by winning 271 electoral votes, one more than a majority, despite Mr Gore receiving 543,895 more votes nationally. Many Americans did not regard it as a satisfactory outcome, but they accepted it without protest.

The flaw goes back to 507 BC when the Athenian Cleisthenes introduced demokratia, or rule by the people, from demos, the people, and kratos, or power. Setting aside the claims of Vaishali, Athens was the first democracy for the Western world. But it was a far cry from the universal adult suffrage which we identify with democracy today, and which can be indistinguishable from mob rule. In the middle of the 4th century, for instance, Athens boasted about 100,000 citizens (sons and daughters of citizens), some 10,000 metoikoi, or resident foreigners, and 150,000 slaves. Only male citizens above 18 were a part of the demos, meaning only about 40,000 people could participate in the democratic process.

Around 460 BC, under the rule of the general Pericles (generals were among the only public officials who were elected, not appointed), Athenian democracy began to evolve into an autocracy (Herodotus the one man, the best) which eventually led to Mao Zedongs concept of peoples democratic dictatorship. The premise was that the party and the State represented the people and acted on their behalf to preserve the dictatorship of the proletariat, and save the government from collapsing into a dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, or liberal democracy. Mao famously used the term on June 30, 1949, commemorating the 28th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

However, not all democracies are killed by Army coups or declarations of emergency. Many are destroyed from within. The urge to perpetuate a particular groups stranglehold on power or the plea that a mere head count does not adequately reflect the mood and temper of the people explains opportunistic devices like Gen. Ayub Khans basic democracy (Pakistan), King Mahendras panchayati democracy (Nepal) or guided democracy (Indonesia). Mr Trumps America First slogan is strongly echoed in the implicit argument that Indias majority feels disenfranchised unless it enjoys special privileges. Hence the Hindu Mahasabhas attempt to propagate the true nationalism which Godse stood for through an eponymous library.

Three years ago, the Mahasabha installed a statue of Godse and was about to organise prayer meetings there, but the statue was removed. This second try has to be seen in the context of the constitutional dismemberment and demotion of Jammu and Kashmir, motivated tinkering with academic curriculums, triumphalism over the new Ram temple in Ayodhya, Hindutva trolls, opposition to inter-faith marriages and attacks on Muslims in the name of cow protection. WhatsApp and Twitter are said to be the main instruments for hounding the community.

In view of such similar populist moves, it was not surprising that 39-year-old Ivanka Trump, a senior adviser to her father, should choose this moment to recall her 2017 visit when she led a high-powered delegation to the Global Entrepreneur Summit in Hyderabad. As the world continues to battle Covid-19, our countries strong friendship in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity is more important than ever, she tweeted, paying particular tribute to Mr Modi by name.

Given the association with a man who is widely accused of desperate attempts to subvert democracy, its a compliment the Prime Minister of an India that is still proud of being the worlds largest democracy could have done without.
National Police officers have arrested a man in Marbella who is the alleged leader of a Scandinavian criminal organisation dedicated to the trafficking of ecstasy between Spain and Finland.

The 33-year-old man, of Finnish nationality, was arrested on the Costa del Sol after 18 months of investigations.

A simultaneous operation in Finland saw the arrests of three men, aged between 21 and 30, all Finnish and alleged members of the criminal network. Three house searches were carried out in which some 100,000 ecstasy pills, two rifles and a pistol were recovered, among other items "of interest to the investigation" said a police statement.

In the searches of two apartments linked to the suspect in Marbella, the police seized computer equipment, mobile devices and 30,000 euros.

The alleged leader of the criminal group has been detained in Spain and is awaiting a court appearance.
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 former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne believes the majority of the English public will not care if Northern Ireland leaves the UK for a united Ireland.

Mr Osborne - a former Conservative MP - said that by unleashing English nationalism, Brexit has made the future of the UK the central political issue of the coming decade.

He also lambasted Northern Irelands unionists for scuppering Theresa Mays Brexit deal which would have avoided introducing separate trading arrangements for the country.

Writing in the London Evening Standard, where he is now editor-in-chief, Mr Osborne said that Northern Ireland is heading for the exit door from the UK.

Some supermarket shelves here were depleted this month as suppliers grappled with new rules surrounding sending goods from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland.

Read More

The Northern Ireland Protocol means the country follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards.

By remaining in the EU single market, it is for all economic intents and purposes now slowly becoming part of a united Ireland, wrote Mr Osborne.

Its prosperity now depends on its relationship with Dublin (and Brussels), not London. The politics will follow.

Northern Irish unionists always feared the mainland was not sufficiently committed to their cause.

Now their short-sighted support for Brexit (and unbelievably stupid decision to torpedo Theresa Mays deal that avoided separate Irish arrangements) has made those fears a reality.

It pains me to report that most here and abroad will not care.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has previously said there is no Irish Sea border and important preparations had been made for the end of the Brexit transition period, while the DUP has strongly criticised the new arrangements.

Processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable in Northern Ireland at the end of the protocol grace period, the partys Agriculture Minister said.

Edwin Poots acknowledged the country had plenty of homegrown beef and potatoes but warned Northern Ireland Assembly members trimmings like Bisto or trifle could be missing from traditional Sunday dinners.
We take pride in cultivating a workplace where employees feel connected to each other and our mission.

Evive, the leader in digital engagement and communication technology, today announced that Built In Chicago honored the company with two 2021 Best Places to Work Awards. Evive earned second place on Built In Chicagos list of 100 Best Midsize Places to Work and tenth place on the 100 Best Places to Work. Evive has made the Chicago list of best midsize companies to work for three consecutive years, moving up 38 spots since last year.

Evive changes how companies communicate, using predictive analytics and behavioral science to deliver messaging that connects the right person to the right resource at the right time. Through powerful employee engagement, Evive enables employers to optimize each employees journey, guiding people to better health, wealth, work and life success.

Were thrilled to know that our employees are benefitting from our commitment to company culture, collaborative environment and stellar benefits, says Prashant Srivastava, president and CEO of Evive. We take pride in cultivating a workplace where employees feel connected to each other and our mission.

Each year, Built In Chicago distributes awards to companies of all sizes. Winners are determined using an algorithm that includes company data about compensation, benefits and cultural programs. To reflect todays employment landscape, Built In weighted criteria more heavily for remote opportunities and programs for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Most companies focus on traditional human resource practices and perks, but Evive prioritizes employee well-being, satisfaction and growth. This leads to less turnover, stronger performance and unparalleled collaboration. Employees feel supported, heard and rewarded, creating a positive company culture that is empowered, engaged and aligned with business objectives.

Companies like Evive raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees," says Sheridan Orr, chief marketing officer at Built In. The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures, but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. Were thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.

To read Built In Chicagos 2021 lists, visit 100 Best Places to Work in Chicago and 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Chicago.

For more information about Evive and the employee journey, read our blog post, Learn the Stages of the Employee Journey and How Personalized Engagement Helps HR Leaders Succeed.

About Evive

Evive changes the way companies communicate. As the market leader in data-driven, personalized engagement, Evive has extensive experience helping large and midsize companies optimize the employee experience across their diverse populations. Starting with rich healthcare and HR data sources, Evive uses proprietary predictive analytics and behavioral science expertise to deliver highly segmented, multi-modal messaging that connects the right person to the right resource at the right time: driving individual action and delivering measurable outcomes across the spectrum of employee experiences. To learn more about Evive, visit https://goevive.com/ or LinkedIn. Contact press@goevive.com to learn more.

About Built In

Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Monthly, 2.5 million tech professionals rely on Built In to stay up on trends, grow in their roles and discover companies with missions they want to join. The platform publishes stories about companies tech, culture and people. This activates sought-after professionals to apply to customers open roles. https://www.builtin.com

About Built Ins Best Places to Work

Built Ins esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 100 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work.
To support vital coverage of this and other topics, invest in a digital subscription. For regular updates, sign up for our breaking news email alert.

Vaccine FAQ: Monitoring the vaccine rollout in San Antonio and Texas

 Timeline of coronavirus in San Antonio 

January 28

6:45 p.m. | San Antonio officials reported 20 new deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday as the coronavirus continues to spread in the region. The newly reported deaths occurred in the past two weeks and are the second-most reported in a single day here since the summer surge.

Officials also reported 1,752 new cases Thursday, pushing the seven-day rolling average of new cases down to 1,459 per day, which is down from 2,062 a week ago.

January 27

6:25 p.m. | The coronavirus death toll in Bexar County topped 2,000 Wednesday, a tragic milestone fueled by the virus uncontrolled spread during the holidays.

Officials warned months ago that gatherings and unmasked activities could have deadly consequences. Now that the holidays have passed, its clear they did: Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported nine more deaths Wednesday, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 2,007.

January 26

6:00 p.m. | The coronavirus death toll in Bexar County neared 2,000 Tuesday even as the number of COVID-19 patients in area hospitals fell to the lowest point in three weeks, officials said Tuesday. San Antonio added 18 new deaths and 821 cases of the virus Tuesday. The total case count since March now stands at 162,929.

January 24

5:00 a.m. | Years before COVID-19 emerged as a worldwide threat, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District developed a plan to handle exactly such a catastrophic public health scenario. So what went wrong? Read the full story.

6:45 p.m. | The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in San Antonio has nearly doubled over the last month. Today, the figure rose by six  to 1,381  after having dropped in each of the past five days.

January 23

6:45 p.m. | The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported 1,684 new coronavirus cases Saturday  563 fewer than reported the day before. The seven-day rolling average stood at 1,806 Saturday, decreasing by 165.

But the health authority also reported 18 new deaths Saturday, after two days of 17 deaths each. In one week, 176 people have died with COVID-19.

January 21

7:30 p.m. | COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 17 more people in San Antonio, adding to the growing death toll from the latest coronavirus surge. On Thursday, officials reported 2,507 new infections, pushing the seven-day average for daily new cases to 2,063 and the cumulative number of cases to 155,588.

January 20

6:15 p.m. | For the first time in 2021, new COVID-19 cases in San Antonio have fallen to fewer than 1,000.

Officials reported 850 new cases on Wednesday  a precipitous decline from the 2,395 cases recorded on Tuesday.

There were 18 new deaths reported, however.

January 19

6:30 p.m. | San Antonio surpassed 150,000 coronavirus cases Tuesday as the winter surge of COVID-19 kills more residents and threatens to cripple area hospitals.

Officials reported 2,395 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the total since the pandemic began in March to 152,231. More than a fifth of those cases  34,627  have occurred since the start of the new year.

January 18

6:37 p.m. | In a month filled with grim milestones, San Antonio hit another one Monday, with area hospitals caring for 1,520 patients with COVID-19  253 more than the record set this summer, when state leaders shut down bars and mandated masks to stave off the virus. Health officials fear the worst is yet to come.

January 17

6:47 p.m. | San Antonio set a record for the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 Sunday, pushing local hospitals even closer to reaching full capacity. In the past 24 hours, San Antonios hospitals admitted 130 people with COVID-19, pushing the total number of infected patients to 1,439, up from 1,394 Saturday and six patients higher than the previous record, which was set Jan. 11.

January 15

7:07 p.m. | Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced 2,889 newly diagnosed coronavirus cases and six more deaths of people who tested positive for the virus. San Antonios new seven-day rolling average of cases has exceeded 2,000 for the first time and now stands at 2,041.

January 13

6:13 p.m. | San Antonio recorded a staggering death toll Wednesday of 25 residents killed by COVID-19, the second highest number recorded in a single day since the pandemic began. The record remains 26 San Antonians reported dead on Aug. 12.

The sharp daily increase has pushed the death toll here to 1,685. It follows an unprecedented surge in new cases that hit a record of 3,002 on Sunday.

January 10

6:30 p.m. | Officials reported 3,002 new cases Sunday  by far the most in one day here  plus 70 backlogged cases from more than two weeks ago.

As San Antonio officials reported a record-breaking number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations Sunday, state health officials said more vaccine doses are on the way.

January 9

2:30 p.m. |The South and West Sides are both getting their own mass vaccination sites.

Starting Monday, WellMed will offer 1,500 free vaccinations per day, six days a week. The Moderna vaccine doses will be administered at two locations: The Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center at 517 S.W. Military Dr. and the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center at 8353 Culebra Road.

January 8

7:30 p.m |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.

January 5

6:30 p.m. | Hospitals in Bexar County were caring for more coronavirus patients than at any other point in the pandemic as the virus continued its winter assault on the San Antonio region Tuesday and broke records for new cases and daily hospital admissions. The San Antonio region added a record 2,152 new cases of the virus.

5:00 p.m. | Houston and its surrounding communities on Tuesday became the latest region to require new emergency restrictions after seven straight days of ballooning coronavirus hospitalizations.

3:00 p.m. | Brooke Army Medical Center is taking on a greater number of trauma patients as University Hospital works to preserve beds for the soaring number of COVID-19 patients in San Antonio.

January 4

6:30 p.m. |COVID hospitalizations swelled to 1,259 on Monday  just a handful of patients away from the peak of the last surge in mid-July, when 1,267 people were being treated.

Were right at that, and probably in all likelihood well exceed it, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said during the daily coronavirus briefing.

January 3

4:00 a.m. | Whether San Antonio gets more federal cash to spend on coronavirus-related expenses as its leaders see fit may depend on what happens Tuesday in Georgia.

4:00 a.m. | Nearly a year into the pandemic, even as a more contagious variant of the coronavirus circulates and the death toll rises to previously unimaginable levels, many have lost the discipline  if they ever had it  to follow the advice of public health experts to socially distance and wear masks.

January 2

8:00 p.m. | San Antonios coronavirus numbers continued to climb over the New Years holiday, and officials pounded the increasingly urgent drum beat to avoid large gatherings, wear that mask when in public and stay at home as much as possible. There were 1,298 new cases of coronavirus reported Saturday, bringing the seven-day average to 1,197. So far, 119,355 people in Bexar County have tested positive for the virus.

4: 00 a.m. | Registration now is closed on the website, WeCanDoItSA.com, but people will be able to schedule appointments when more doses of the Moderna vaccine arrive.

University Health officials said they dont know when that will be.


KJU designated the United States as its biggest enemy, but also kept the door for dialogue ajar by asserting that the US changing its hostile policy was necessary to establish better ties. (Photo:AFP)

At the eighth congress of the ruling Workers Party on January 5-12, North Koreas supreme leader Kim Jong Un (KJU) was bestowed with an additional title of general secretary. In Communist parties, the general secretary of the central committee is the most powerful post as the party secretariat controls personnel, internal affairs and discipline. In the old Soviet Union, Josef Stalin eliminated all rivals as the CPSUs general secretary. After the abolition in 1982 of the post of chairman of the Communist Party of China, the countrys paramount leader is the central committee general secretary, a position held by President Xi Jinping. In North Korea, KJUs father Kim Jong Il, as well as the republics founder Kim Il Sung, had occupied this powerful position.

In recent times KJU has shown increasing sensitivity to the poor living conditions of the long-oppressed North Korean masses and has given more attention to economic growth. The economy suffered badly from the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, the most recent in Resolution 2371 of August 2017. The North Korean regime is faced with an existential dilemma. Any compromise on giving up its nuclear weapons capacity could threaten the regimes survival as it could open a window for a US-led external attack or internal revolt.

In an autocratic system where the supreme leader is seen as infallible, it was surprising for KJU to accept failures on the economic front. In his address at the congress, KJU noted with regret that the goals we set were immensely underachieved in almost all areas. In a candid assessment reflecting the economys dire condition, KJU said the last five years were the worst of the worst for North Korea.

The North Korean economy, crippled by sanctions, was further hit by the devastating floods of 2020. Western observers estimate North Koreas economy may have contracted by 8.5 per cent last year after a modest 0.4 per cent growth in 2019. Covid-19 has also badly impacted the North Korean economy as it closed its borders with China.

The unprecedented 2018-19 dialogue with outgoing US President Donald Trump was triggered by the North Korean leader in his New Year message of January 2018 in the hope that North Korea may obtain some easing of sanctions without giving up its nuclear deterrence capability. In the three summits between Mr Trump and KJU in Singapore, Hanoi and the DMZ, the US establishment managed to restrain President Trump from signing a limited deal that would have eased the sanctions without a time-bound roadmap towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea.

In a signed article in Foreign Affairs last April, then-candidate Joe Biden had set out his approach towards North Korea: I will empower our negotiators and jumpstart a sustained campaign with our allies and others, including China, to advance our shared objective of a denuclearised North Korea. Herein lie the seeds of fundamental differences between the two parties: North Koreas stated objective being denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

At the party congress, KJU issued a stern warning to the incoming Biden administration, threatening to expand its nuclear arsenal. He exhorted his scientists to develop new capabilities of solid-fuel ICBMs, hypersonic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons. This would alarm both South Korea and Japan as any future threat of using tactical nuclear weapons may elicit an equivocal response from the United States guaranteed nuclear umbrella. The development of tactical nuclear weapons would also require fresh nuclear testing.

In his opening speech, KJU designated the United States as its biggest enemy, but also kept the door for dialogue ajar by asserting that the US changing its hostile policy was necessary to establish better ties. In his closing remarks, KJU vowed to strengthen the nuclear war deterrent.

North Korea has not slowed down its development of nuclear weapons and delivery systems. In October, at the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Workers Party, a massive new ICBM was displayed. In another military parade on January 14, North Korea unveiled a new submarine-launched missile claiming it was the worlds most powerful weapon.

To draw Washingtons attention, KJU is likely to resume the time-tested North Korean policy of brinkmanship and shrill rhetoric. He may refrain from personal attacks on President Joe Biden but apply pressure by threatening an ICBM or nuclear test. The Trump administrations one success was to pressure KJU to temporarily cease high-profile testing. The last North Korean nuclear test was in September 2017 and the last ICBM test in November 2017.

After nine years at the helm, the young 37-year-old KJU has evolved as a confident and mature personality. He met President Donald Trump thrice in full media glare and often made extempore unprepared remarks. remarks. He has gradually given some visibility to his sister Kim Yo Jong after ruthlessly eliminating any possible challenger to his untrammelled power. However, at the congress, Kim Yo Jong seems to have been dropped from the politburo which she joined as an alternate member last year.

The world at large needs to appreciate KJUs efforts to lead North Koreans in the direction of a better life while ensuring regime survival along with peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in is a sympathetic partner of KJU in this endeavor. India would hope that the two Koreas and the US work in harmony to pursue the twin objectives of the denuclearisation of North Korea and peace and tranquillity in Northeast Asia.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High around 50F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.
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.
BMW Motorrad Unveils New R 18 Custom Motorcycle

MUNICH - January 18, 2021: Unmistakable design that is distinct from all others  that is the new Spirit of Passion by Kingston Custom. After Roland Sands, Dirk Oehlerking lends the BMW R 18 his inimitable signature with the second R18 gem in the SoulFuel series, a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and selected customisers. Previously, a sensation was also caused by an R 18 conversion created by Bernhard Naumann  also known as Blechmann.

Oehlerkings Kingston Custom is well-known for its extreme customising. Anyone expecting a complete rebuild of the R 18 will be in for a surprise, however. The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left the technology as it is. The frame is 100 % original and so sophisticated that nothing should be changed here, says Oehlerking. But the bike has still been transformed into an unmistakable Kingston Custom conversion.

The Spirit of Passion in detail. The biggest eye-catcher  and also the greatest challenge  is the Kingston fairing. The bodywork is finished in handmade Kingston design, as are the handlebars and mudguard. The BMW R 18 exhaust has been modified by Oehlerking in Kingston Roadster style, while his saddle is drawn from the range of universal accessories. The turn indicators have been replaced with Kellermann indicators and the LED front headlight is now integrated in the fairing. The original paintwork and lines have been adopted for the fairing and wing, with the addition of some details in Kingston style. The wheel suspension and fuel tank are original. The design as a whole is based on classic art deco style.

BMW R 18: the original. Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture, the BMW R 18 is predestined for customising. The R 18 features a pronounced historical reference, technically and visually echoing famous models such as the BMW R 5 and refocussing on motorbike essentials: purist, no-frills technology  and of course the big boxer.

More about the maestro. Motorbike racer, designer and craftsman Dirk Oehlerking demonstrates once again in his Spirit of Passion that he not only understands his craft but has embraced it in his work for over 35 years. For him, the design process begins long before the first screws are applied or sketches are made: I put a lot of thought into it beforehand. My motorbikes always convey soul, charm and character. Theyre outstanding specimens, so they require great care and attention. I have a constant stream of images running past my minds eye when it comes to deciding what style I want to focus on. Once Ive made that choice, I start with a sketch in pencil and Tipp-Ex. Then I keep going until I know in my heart of hearts: thats precisely it!

A native of Hanover, Oehlerking already has his own tradition of customising BMW machines. Around 17 of the brands own creations are his, including the Black Phantom and its sibling bike, the White Phantom. The two models defined completely new standards in the industry at the time. Yet redesigning the R 18 was a novel undertaking for Oehlerking. This project is probably the most impressive of my entire career. It means a lot to me  if not everything at this moment. The trust that BMW Motorrad has placed in me once again is hugely important to me. Im very grateful for that.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
A Concordia Parish Sheriffs Office deputy found his service dog shot and killed in his backyard in the 300 Block of Stampley Street in Vidalia on Saturday.

Walter Mackel said his wife, Pamala, let their four-year-old Belgian Malinois, named Behr, outside on Saturday morning and later found him dead after he had been shot.

Mackel said Behr came to live with him and his family while Mackel was recovering from being shot in the line of duty in July 2019.

Behr was already trained to help with post-traumatic stress disorder and stayed with Mackel through his recovery, Mackel said.

Mackel and his family moved into the house on Stampley Street seven months ago and did not have security cameras installed, he said adding he has no way of knowing who shot Behr to press any charges.

Our neighbors have been very supportive, Mackel said. I know it had to have been a stranger wandering the neighborhood. Maybe it was someone walking the back ally behind our house or someone snooping around but that is speculation.

Mackel said Behr was friendly and behaved like a big old baby.

My one-year-old son used to crawl in the kennel with him and played with him all day, he said.

Mackel said losing Behr was like losing a family member.

I cant make sense of what happened, he said. I just hope it doesnt happen to anyone else. It took a huge part of our family from us, especially my kids. My three-year-old son Walter is taking it pretty hard because he grew up with Behr.

___

(c)2021 The Natchez Democrat (Natchez, Miss.)

Visit The Natchez Democrat (Natchez, Miss.) at www.natchezdemocrat.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Passengers queue for check-in at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, England, south of London, on Dec. 20, 2020. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

Cancel Foreign Trips Because Travel Rules Could Change Suddenly: Trudeau

OTTAWAPrime Minister Justin Trudeau says any Canadian planning an international trip should cancel it.

Trudeau is warning that while Canadians have the right to travel, the government could at any time, and without warning, enforce new restrictions on travellers returning to Canada.

New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 add a level of uncertainty that could affect decisions about how to handle international arrivals.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has documented 183 flights arriving in Canada from abroad since Jan. 4 alone, on which at least one passenger had COVID-19.

That includes four flights from London since the ban on incoming flights from the United Kingdom was lifted Jan. 6.

Trudeau would not say when pressed what other measures he is considering, noting only that travellers now must present negative COVID-19 tests before boarding their planes, and still must quarantine for two weeks after arriving.

By Mia Rabson
MEDINA, Ohio -- Several local churches came together to host a service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday evening (Jan. 18).

Some got to attend the event in person, and it was also streamed online. The event was hosted by Cornerstone Chapel.

Pastors and praise teams from Second Baptist Church, St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Harvest Presbyterian Church, Medina United Church of Christ Congregational and Medina Church of the Nazarene also participated.

The event was kicked off by the Rev. Luke Lindon of Medina United Church of Christ Congregational, who streamed his message from his office.

The Second Baptist Church praise team and members of St. Matthew sang, the Rev. David Wallover of Harvest Presbyterian read scripture and Mayor Dennis Hanwell, a member of Medina United Methodist Church, led participants in prayer.

The Rev. Mark Giaimo of Cornerstone introduced the keynote speaker, the Rev. Cornell Jordan, pastor of Metro Assembly in Youngstown, and provided some background.

Giaimo began working at Cornerstone 21 years ago and started out working with the youth.

I enjoyed bringing messages to the youth every week but, when we had extra events such as camps and retreats, I always wanted to bless our youth by bringing in topnotch speakers, said Giaimo. After a few years of these events, I had used every friend and every acquaintance I knew.

In 2007, after asking the community for input, Giaimo was told to reach out to Jordan to see if he would speak. Jordan agreed.

On that day, in all seriousness, a friendship was born, and since that day our friendship has grown, Giaimo said.

On Monday, Jordan preached on John 4:4-6, which is the story about how Jesus crossed Samaria even though the Jews and Samarians did not get along.

For the Jew, Samaria was the other side of the tracks, said Jordan. They were those people, the ones we dont interact with. ... No true Jew would travel through Samaria.

He said that love is the motif of this passage from the Bible, and that King repeated that message when he said that he chose love rather than the burden of hate. Jordan pointed out that maybe God was trying to teach us something here.

We, too, have a Samaria that we must go through, Jordan said. Guess what We, too, doesnt have a color attached to it. It doesnt have no economic state to it. It doesnt have no educational background to it.

He shared how this story is still quite relevant today, as many of us still havent learned how to love one another.

The story of Jesus crossing Samaria can relate to some of the issues we are facing in our country today and was fitting when it comes to honoring King, he said.

We must address our Samaria, he said.

Near the end of his sermon, he challenged listeners to do four things: Examine their own hearts and motives, have honest and edifying conversations, trust the Holy Spirit to enable change and avoid fueling the wrong fire.

Read more from the Medina Sun.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -- The NAACP will meet virtually this evening. New members will be introduced and sworn into their new roles, but the gathering will also pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.

The group wants to remember Dr. King's leadership, service, and vision for our country.

News 10 spoke with the president of the local NAACP division, Sylvester Edwards.

He said this evening's gathering will help celebrate the legacy that Dr. King left for us.

Edwards said we all must focus on keeping that legacy moving forward. He told News 10 he's glad to have this holiday to reflect on race and equality throughout our history, but he said Dr. King's work isn't done.

Edwards said, "The dream that he has is still on the way. He had made that statement so many years ago and we're still working, it's a work in progress."

He said he remembers exactly what was going on during the Civil Rights Movement because he was growing up during that time.

Edwards said, "We could pick our hero's, and she-ro's, and he was an example, the best example that we have to go the straight and narrow."

Edwards said this year this day means a lot because of all we had to witness and live through in 2020.

He told News 10 Dr. King's message is still as important today as it was all those years ago.

The message, do everything with love, and always lend a helping hand. Edwards said, "And that's a part of what the NAACP is all about. We have a lot of people who are volunteering for a lot of different non-profit organizations. And this is what dr. King would want us to do, help our fellow man."

Edwards told News 10 there will always be hope of a brighter future.

He said recently he sees that light of hope coming from the youth in our community, and around the country.

Edwards told News 10, "We as older people have done as much as we can, and we're going to keep going, pushing on, and we still struggle. But what's going to make it easier is the next generation behind our children and our grandchildren. It's their future and they know what's best for America."

Edwards left us with one last message he's learned from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said we should make sure we always love one another.

For more information on the NAACP in Terre Haute, you can go to their Facebook page, or click here for the website.

This meeting is open to the public. To attend you can click here on this zoom link. Or you can dial any number listed below.

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 929 436 2866

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 6833

Webinar ID: 892 0170 3753
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 number of highways have opened to traffic recently in the Mekong Delta, which has a regional population of 20 million.

On the first days of the new year, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued a decision to start the construction of the My Thuan  Can Tho Expressway which connects the Trung Luong  My Thuan Highway, and to inaugurate the Lo Te  Rach Soi route.

The My Thuan  Can Tho 6-lane expressway, with total investment capital of $209 million, is expected to be put into operation in 2023.

These projects are expected to settle the bottlenecks in transport infrastructure in the Mekong Delta for socio-economic development. They will contribute to improving locals lives and shortening the time needed to travel from HCM City to Mekong Delta provinces.

The highways will also help connect the traffic of Mekong Delta with HCM City in a comprehensive way, opening a new development space for the western part of the southern region.

Before these projects opened to traffic, the entire Mekong Delta had only one highway, the HCM City  Trung Luong, 50 kilometers long, not enough for the development prospects of the Mekong Delta, which makes up 50 percent of total food output, 65 percent of fruit and 75 percent of seafood output of the country.

Experts believe that problems in transport make it impossible to fully promote the great potential and lead to high logistics costs.

The development of transport infrastructure in the region will help save time and reduce logistics costs for enterprises and people.

According to Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The, transport is the blood vessel of the economy. Where transport develops, the local economy will develop accordingly.

In Vietnam, infrastructure is very good in developed areas. Mekong Delta is a fertile land with favorable conditions for agricultural production, but it is still poor because of limitations in transport infrastructure in particular and technical infrastructure in general, The said.

That is why the Party and the State have been gathering strength to develop infrastructure in the region.

Many large projects and transport works have been completed recently and put into operation, including the Cao Lanh, Vam Cong Bridges, and Lo Te  Rach Soi highway.

According to The, in 2021, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) will start the construction of the bypass in Long Xuyen City (An Giang province) and Rach Mieu 2 Bridge (which connects Tien Giang and Ben Tre). The Ministry is joining forces with municipal and provincial authorities to develop a transport system for Mekong Delta.

MOT is joining forces with cities and provinces to build up a plan to kick off the Can Tho  Ca Mau Highway project, Chau Doc  Can Tho  Soc Trang and Highway 30, connecting Cao Lanh City in Dong Thap and An Huu In Tien Giang in the next five years, The said.

Once Highway 30 is completed, people from Rach Gia City in Kien Giang will be able to go by highway to HCM City, he explained.

Also according to The, the highway connecting HCM City and Can Tho City will be completed by 2023.

Chair of Vinh Long Lu Quang Ngoi said the My Thuan  Can Tho Highway will help ease the overloading of Highway 1, contribute to development in the Mekong Delta, and ensure national defence and security for the cities and provinces in the region.

Chair of Vinh Long Lu Quang Ngoi said the My Thuan  Can Tho Highway will help ease the overloading of Highway 1, contribute to development in the Mekong Delta, and ensure national defence and security for the cities and provinces in the region.

Ngoi believes that once the My Thuan  Can Tho route opens, the number of traffic accidents on Highway 1 will decrease. The provincial authorities will apply measures to speed up site clearance so as to hand over the site to investors so they can execute the project on schedule.

Deputy chair of Kien Giang province Nguyen Thanh Nhan said local residents have waited a long time for the Lo Te  Rach Soi highway.

This is a key transport infrastructure for Mekong Delta. It connects the region with airport, seaport and border gate, thus helping to develop the regional economy, he said.

The formation of highways will help the Mekong Delta become a sustainable, dynamic and effective agricultural economy of the country.

New runway for Mekong Delta

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the My Thuan  Can Tho project, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said many important works in the countrys transport development strategy have been implemented in Mekong Delta's 13 cities and provinces, which shows the great efforts to implement Resolution No 120 on regional development.

MOT has suggested developing seven highways in Mekong Delta with total investment capital of VND64.554 trillion.

In the 2021-2025 period, Vietnam will need capital of VND37.272 trillion for the Can Tho  Ca Mau, Chon Thanh  Duc Hoa, Duc Hoa  My An, My An  Cao Lanh, An Huu  Cao Lanh, Chau Doc  Can Tho  Soc Trang, and Ha Tien  Rach Gia  Bac Lieu projects.

Ho Van

Highways open to traffic, Mekong Delta expects no more traffic jams More national highways were open to traffic in an effort to reduce traffic congestions in the Mekong Delta.
Canada will allow Boeing's 737 Max to fly again in the country's airspace starting Wednesday, Canada's Transport Ministry said Monday.

The ministry announced it has completed its nearly two-year review of the aircraft and has issued an "airworthiness directive" detailing a series of changes that must be made before the plane can return to Canadian airspace.

It said it will complete the final step of the process to clear the aircraft on Wednesday by lifting a notice to airmen banning commercial flights of the Max in Canada.

Countries across the world grounded the Max in March 2019 after two crashes just months apart, in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 people, including 18 Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Canada was one of the last countries to ground the MAX, banning it only after the European Union. Britain and Australia had already done so.

The crashes exposed serious flaws with the plane's flight-control system and the jet's certification process.

An investigation by the U.S. Congress reportedly found that missteps at Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) led to the computer malfunction going undetected.

The investigation found shortcomings within both Boeing, which it said compromised safety to maximize profits, and the FAA, which it reportedly said exercised inadequate oversight over the aircraft's approval.

Some families of Canadians who died in the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max said they still don't trust the aircraft, CTV reported Monday.

The Canadian government said it spent 15,000 hours independently reviewing the proposed changes to the Max and conducting its own test flights.

"Over the last 20 months, Transport Canada's civil aviation safety experts, by their rigor and thoroughness, have ensured the safety concerns the department had identified have been addressed," said Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Monday.

"Canadians and the airline industry can rest assured that Transport Canada has diligently addressed all safety issues prior to permitting this aircraft to return to service in Canadian airspace," the minister added.
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.

TRUMP INCITES MOB read the banner headline on the Jan. 7 New York Times the morning after a seditious crowd stormed the Capitol to try to block certification of the 2020 election results. Aside from certain loyalists, it seems that most agree that under the colloquial understanding of incite, Trump incited the insurrection. Even some insurrectionists pointed the finger at him, like the one who said, We were invited by the president of the United States, as they lay siege to the Capitol.

Advertisement

When the Senate tries Trump on the single charge in his second impeachmentINCITEMENT OF INSURRECTIONit will doubtless consider whether his incendiary Jan. 6 diatribe is protected expression under the First Amendment, as his defenders claim. The question will also be central in a criminal prosecution if the D.C. attorney generals current investigation leads to an indictment. So, did Trumps words satisfy a legal definition of incitement, whether in a criminal court or his Senate trial?

Advertisement

Advertisement

To answer that question, we have to start with Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969). In an opinion joined by all of the justices, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a Ku Klux Klan leader under a state statute that criminalized advocacy of crime  violence, or other unlawful methods of terrorism as a means of effecting political change and barred assembly with any group that promoted such doctrines. The court held that the law criminalized too much speech because it failed to distinguish between mere advocacy at the heart of political speech and incitement to imminent lawless action, which the First Amendment does not protect.

Advertisement

The Brandenburg ruling proclaimed that freedom of speech protects advocacy of the use of force or of illegal acts except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to produce such action. That test continues to govern incitement law.

Brandenburg involved an appeal from a criminal conviction by a Ku Klux Klan leader, Clarence Brandenburg, who had advised the hooded crowd at a Klan gathering that if the federal government continue[d] to suppress the Caucasian race, its possible that there might have to be some revengeance taken. A wooden cross was burned during the rally, and a video revealed weapons. No acts followed. Brandenburgs exhortation lacked imminence. The possibility of illegal forms of revenge was remote; the threat of vengeance was conditional, only to occur if something out of the crowds control happened. Brandenburg did not call for any immediate action.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Trumps speech on Jan. 6 was very different from Brandenburgs. At noonwith Congress scheduled to meet in joint session at 1 p.m.Trump exhorted the crowd: And after this, were going to walk down and Ill be there with you. Were going to walk down  to the Capitol. The crowd applauded. Later, wrapping up, he reiterated, So we are going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue  and we are going to the Capitol. Trumps words more than satisfy the imminence requirement.

Whether he directed illegal acts presents a trickier question. Trump did not specifically instruct people to storm the Capitol, disrupt the certification of Bidens election, destroy or steal government property, kill law enforcement officers, or terrorize the officials in the building, including his own vice president. Its important to note, however, that incitement can be implicit as well as explicit.

Advertisement

Trump did nothing to stem the violence while he watched it unfold live on television. He never seriously exhorted the crowd to cease and desist.

Fact-finders sitting in judgment will decide whether Trumps language was implicitly directed at inciting or producing imminent lawlessness. But public actions from that day suggest it was. He stirred people up with baseless claims, rejected by dozens of courts since Election Day, that he had won the election in a landslide. He insisted, We wont have a country if we dont fight like hell, adding that we will not let them silence your voices. Were not going to let that happen. He questioned the steadfastness of Vice President Mike Pence (Im not hearing good stories), whom the insurgents later threatened to hang. Meanwhile, the audience chanted, Fight for Trump, suggesting they got the message.

Advertisement

Advertisement

That context matters. After Trump spoke, many of those who listened to him in person attacked the Capitol. Trumps own behavior that afternoon also proves significant. He did nothing to stem the violence while he watched it unfold live on television. He never seriously exhorted the crowd to cease and desist. When he finally spoke, he undercut his scripted law-and-order message by reiterating that a sacred landslide victory had been viciously stripped away from great patriots. He urged them to Go home with love. Trump reportedly called freshman Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, seeking his help in delaying certification of the Electoral College count. All of this demonstrates that Trump intended the result he got: insurrection. It also points to dereliction of duty to protect the government and the Constitution.

Advertisement

Senators or jurors might also justifiably look backward to Trumps Dec. 19 tweet inviting supporters to gather in Washington on Jan. 6Big protest  Be there, will be wildand possibly further back to all of Trumps efforts to delegitimize the 2020 election. None of those earlier tweets and statements count as incitement because any threat they contained was remote, but they provide context for how Trumps listeners understood his Jan. 6 speech. Trump, in turn, presumably knew that people from all over the country planned to bring weapons and disrupt the Capitol because they shared their plans on public social media sites. Those preparations increased the likelihood that Trumps speech would spark lawlessness, though Trump may argue that the insurrection had independent momentum.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal observers debate whether courts should look to the average listener or to specific listeners, like the self-selected group that attended Trumps rally, to determine the likelihood that the crowd will take action. But Trumps words amount to incitement under either standard. Lets start with the subjective. We know how a significant portion of those at Trumps rally understood his language, not only from their actions but from their subsequent words. For example, after she was arrested, Jenna Ryan, who flew from Texas to Washington for the Jan. 6 events, justified her conduct by saying: I was following my president. I thought I was following what we were called to do.

The widespread impression that Trumps speech incited the ensuing riot appears to satisfy an objective standard as well. Many who watched Trumps speech from afar feared it would trigger violence, though we lacked the imagination to envision the horror that followed. An audience did not have to be specially primed to hear Trumps speech as a call to action and as permission to, in the words of one reporter, take more extreme measures.

Advertisement

Trumps defenders point to a single sentence of his speech to counter the incitement charge. A master at crafting deniability, Trump put on the record: I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard (emphasis added). He then pivoted to his pervasive imagery of warfare: Our country has been under siege for a long time.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This same maneuver had enabled Trump to escape liability in a civil suit brought by peaceful protesters who had been roughed up at one of his campaign rallies in 2016. Trump convinced an appellate court that his single admonition, Dont hurt em, insulated his five exhortations to get em out of here from any plausible reading as advocating violence.

Advertisement

But if a single sentence in an inflammatory speech could inoculate incitement from liability, every sentient speaker would add the requisite phrase while inciting to their hearts content. Here, the extent of inflammatory rhetoric compared with a passing nod at peaceful behavior indicates Trumps language was directed to incite and was likely to incite. Still, that will be question for senators or jurors to decide.

In the end, the intricacies of incitement doctrine in criminal law may not matter in the Senate. Different rules apply.

Senate rules are conspicuously silent regarding the standard of proof in impeachment trials. When Chief Justice John Roberts presided over Trumps first impeachment trial, he submitted the case to the senators for a vote without specifying any standard, or indeed giving any guidance at all.

Advertisement

Absent guidance, a senator might justifiably conclude a preponderance of the evidence established that Trump incited insurrection, while in criminal proceedings the prosecution would have to show that it had proved each part of the Brandenburg test beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction in the Senate would not broaden the constitutional definition of incitement. Under the criminal standard, Trumps implicit direction to the crowd on Jan. 6 might fall short of the stringent Brandenburg requirement that the speech be directed to producing imminent lawless action.

That distinction alone could lead to a conviction in the Senate, followed by a decision not to pursue charges or an acquittal in federal court. Neither of those outcomes should be seen as undermining the legitimacy of a Senate conviction.

In a moment of crisis, it may prove tempting to disregard the fundamental premise that free speech is essential to democratic self-governance. The First Amendment recognizes that speakers hope their words will lead to action and not prove impotentbut it never protects violence. Brandenburg allows dissidents of every stripe to organize, motivate, and act. It must continue to protect movements from Black Lives Matter and environmental causes to the Proud Boys, until they cross the line from zealous advocacy to unprotected incitement.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
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.
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says cancelling the Keystone XL expansion risks a dangerous precedent for other pipelines stretching from Canada to south of the border.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney attends a news conference in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol

EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says cancelling the Keystone XL expansion risks a dangerous precedent for other pipelines stretching from Canada to south of the border.

Im not sure that people involved in this decision in Washington are fully aware that the border-crossing section of the pipeline was built last year as part of construction efforts, Kenney told a virtual news conference Monday.

If a precedent is created that the United States can unilaterally stop border crossings of pipelines that already exist, then this could be applied to the many other pipelines that provide Canadian energy to U.S. consumers.

Documents seen by The Canadian Press show Joe Biden plans to scrap the Keystone XL expansion on his first day as United States president. He is to be inaugurated Wednesday.

Alberta is relying on the line's expansion to get more crude to U.S.-based refineries and ports where it can fetch a better price on world markets. A downturn in oil prices, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to major job losses in the province and a budget deficit predicted to hit $21 billion this year.

Alberta has invested $1.5 billion directly to TC Energy Corp. for the Keystone project along with contractual commitments of $6 billion more in loan guarantees

Kenney said if the project is scrapped, Alberta taxpayers are on the hook for about $1 billion.

He also said his United Conservative government may pursue damages through the courts, given some of the cross-construction that it helped finance has been completed.

Keystone XL has been an on-again, off-again proposition for years.

The US$11.5-billion line was approved by Canada in 2010, but blocked in 2015 by then-U. S. president Barack Obama, only to see the construction permit signed in 2017 by Donald Trump after he was elected to the Oval Office.

TC Energy Corp. promised Sunday to invest US$1.7 billion on a solar, wind and battery-powered operating system for the pipeline to ensure it achieves net-zero emissions by 2030. The company also said it would rely exclusively on union labour.

Kenney said the environmental and economic arguments deserve a hearing from Biden. He noted that after Biden won last Novembers election, he talked to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and they promised to discuss energy issues.

Kenney wants to see that happen, because Canada is "the most important ally and trading partner of the United States.

"The United States government owes Canada the respect to at least sit down with us and talk about this vital project in the broader context.

Biden has been clear in the past about his opposition to Keystone as part of a larger mandate to combat climate change. In May, his campaign said cancelling Keystone would be a priority of his administration.

Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley said, Its clear that Jason Kenney is now swinging wildly at anything and everything to distract from his failure on Keystone XL. Hes threatening lawsuits while also pleading with the U.S. to let KXL proceed.

We now know at least $1.5 billion dollars has been put at risk, but it will likely be more. I cant help but wonder how this money could have been better spent on new renewable energy projects and sustainable jobs."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2021.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said Alberta would be on the hook for US$1 billion.
Bitcoin has been held below record highs this week, but the baton has been taken up by Ethereum which has spiked to a fresh record high on Tuesday with a peak near $1,440 before a slight correction.

Liquidity and debasement fears surrounding traditional currencies will continue to drive investor interest, but market volatility will remain extremely high in the short term.

Ethereum surge continues, 100% gain in 23 days

Attention in the cryptocurrencies often focus on bitcoin, but the moves in the biggest coin have been overshadowed over the past few days by Ethereum (Ether) which is the second-ranked asset.

Ethereum closed at $737 at the end of 2020 and has doubled since December 27th with a surge to record highs ahead of Tuesdays New York open. The overall Ether valuation has also jumped to over $150bn.

Above: ET/USD chart

A firmer dollar provided only a temporary headwind to Ether and the US currency has post ground on Tuesday with the euro-to-dollar rate trading above 1.2100.

Ethereum increases market share

There are significant differences between the two assets. eToro cryptocurrency analyst Simon Peters noted; Bitcoin has a single goal: To become a global decentralised digital currency' that can be used as a form of payment in shops and accepted by businesses.

In contrast, Ethereum is a decentralised computer platform. Peters added Ether is the technology's actual currency and can be purchased through both centralised and decentralised exchanges, or digital wallets.

The Ethereum 2.0 platform was launched in December which increased potential transactions and made the coin more attractive to investors, although transaction costs are still relatively high.

Messari researcher Ryan Watkins commented; Ethereums daily transaction volume is going parabolic. It now settles $12 billion in transactions daily, $3 billion more than Bitcoin.

Grayscale, the worlds largest crypto asset manager built a substantial position during 2020 and latest filings indicate a position of 2.9 million. Increased institutional involvement has also increased wider interest and retail buying has surged.

ECB targets bitcoin regulation

The subject of cryptocurrency regulation has been an important focus within global central banks. ECB President Lagarde weighed in with comments last week;

There has to be a regulation. This has to be enforced and agreed upon  on a global level because if there is a leak, that leak will be used. She added; bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity.

If bitcoin attracts increased regulation, investors are liable to switch to alternative assets.

Liquidity also drives rapid price gains

Cryptocurrencies overall have continued to derive support from expectations of extremely loose monetary and fiscal policies by the Federal Reserve and global central banks. There are also medium-term concerns over currency debasement amid the surge in debt issuance.

DailyFX analyst Daniel Moss noted; The provision of extraordinary fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has also underpinned ethereum and bitcoin prices since their March 2020 lows.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Hospitals across Northern Ireland will come under intense pressure across the next seven days, the regions health minister has said.

Robin Swann was speaking as a GP warned that medical staff are facing pressures unlike any other they have faced before amid the pandemic.

There were 823 individuals in hospitals in the region with Covid-19 on Monday, 65 of whom were being treated in intensive care.

Unfortunately when we saw the number of positive cases two-three weeks ago, we knew this was what was in front of us, Mr Swann told the BBC.

We know that the next seven days is when we will see that real intense pressure coming on our inpatients and our intensive care units.

Our worst-case scenario has us modelling up to 1,200 inpatients, and thats a serious pressure, but then also in the week to ten days that follow the additional pressures then that come on our ICU beds.

Mr Swann said there are surge plans for ICU to accommodate up to nearly 200 ICU beds.

That comes at a stretch, that comes with putting our staff under severe pressure in ICU units, he said, adding that would see specialist nurse/patient ratios go from 1:1 to 1:2-1:3.

Thats not something we want to do but its something that we have modelled and built into that surge capacity.

Medics have warned of the pressures the health swervice is facing (Niall Carson/PA)

Today, we have 144 ICU beds across our system stood up and staffed, and that looks after not just Covid patients but also other patients who need ICU support.

Dr Tom Black, head of the British Medical Association (BMA) in the region, said staff are doing their best, but many doctors feel they are unable to give care to the standard they would want.

On Monday, the Department of Health said a further 19 people who previously tested positive for coronavirus had died in Northern Ireland.

Another 640 individuals have tested positive for the virus.

Some 146,733 coronavirus vaccinations had been administered in Northern Ireland by Monday.

This includes 125,717 first doses of the jab and 20,016 second doses.

Monday also saw the holding of a Coroners Court in Northern Irelands Nightingale venue for facilitating courts and tribunals.

The inquest was the first hearing of any kind to take place at Belfasts International Convention Centre (ICC) at the Waterfront Hall since it became a Nightingale venue earlier this month.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the move is a significant milestone in efforts to ensure that courts and tribunals can continue to operate safely and effectively during the pandemic.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa - It's a common sight in communities across the nation, the welcome sign that greets visitors as they drive into town.

The City of Clear Lake wants to make a big investment in some new welcome signs. On Monday night, the city council gave preliminary approval for the project.

The city could purchase four of the signs. Two of them would feature LED screens, which could be used to show messages for upcoming events. One in particular would be located near the SUrf abllroom and feature metal guitars to promote the area.

City Administrator Scott Flory says the new signage would show visitors what kind of a city Clear Lake is.

"The signs that we have in place now are high maintenance and probably circa 1995 kind of signs so they're dated and they don't really reflect the terriffic success that we've had economically," said Flory.

The sign project could run anywhere from about $90,000 to just over $100,000, depending on the resolution used on the LED display screens.
Effie Evelyn Pollack, January 17, 2021

Beloved wife of the late Alvin Pollack; dear mother and mother-in-law of Cindy Ginsburg (Monroe) and Jeff Pollack; dear grandmother of David Ginsburg (Mikki), Emily Ginsburg and Cindy Pollack (Michael Skaggs); dear great-grandmother of Mitchell Ginsburg and Alexander Pollack; dear sister of the late Wesley Pechta, the late Arthur Pechta and the late Jean Lindstrom.

Effie was born and raised in Allenville, MI and moved to Chicago to attend the Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing and enroll in the U.S. Army Nursing Corps. While in Chicago, she met her husband and after graduating, they returned to Alvins hometown of St. Louis. After taking a break from nursing to raise her children, Cindy and Jeff, Effie continued her career in pediatric nursing and retired after many years as a nurse with the Special School District. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, weekly family dinners, and devotion to her family.

A private graveside service will be held on January 19, 2021 at 10:30 AM CT. The service will be available via Live Stream for those that are interested in participating. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. Memorial contributions preferred to The Humane Society of Missouri, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the charity of your choice. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is all set to deport a 40-year-old man to Haiti despite the fact that he has never been to the Central American country in his entire life. Paul Pierrilus, whose parents are from Haiti but now US citizens, was detained on January 11 after he was called to an immigration office for a routine visit. Pierrilus was told that the immigration office has documents to prove he is a Haitian citizen.

Read: Donald Trump To Hold Early Sendoff At Military Base Hours Before Biden Takes Oath

According to The Guardian, Pierrilus' sister Neomie says that her brother has never been to Haiti, and nor does he has any connections there. Neomie, who is an American citizen, provided her brother's birth certificate that shows he was born in the French Caribbean territory of Saint Martin. Neomie said their parents never applied for her brother's citizenship in Saint Martin. After migrating to the US, Pierrilus's parents and sister were granted American citizenship, but he remained stateless.

Read: 'Violence Will Never Be Justified': First Lady Melania Trump Bids Farewell

Haiti not safe for Pierrilus

Neomie also provided copies of emails from former Haitian ambassador Herve Denis, which confirms that her brother is not a Haitian citizen. Guerline Jozef, head of the community group Haitian Bridge Alliance, has slammed the Trump administration's decision to deport Pierrilus to Haiti because of the man's zero connection with the culture, language, people and also because of the ongoing political crisis in the country, which puts his life in danger. Jozef further added that it not legal to send Pierrilus to Haiti because he was neither born there, not is he a citizen of the country.

Read: Australia PM Morrison Calls Trump's US Capitol Riot Remark 'incredibly Disappointing'

However, the Trump administration is expected to go ahead with the scheduled deportation of Pierrilus and other people to Haiti. ICE has faced a lot of backlash ever since its inception in 2003, during Bush's rule. The agency had toned down its deportation efforts during the Obama-Biden administration, but it picked up again after Trump took over. There are growing calls from rights advocacy groups and members of the public to shut down ICE.

Read: Trump Expected To Issue More Than 100 Pardons Before Biden's Inauguration: Report


The Monstrous Hybrids That Control Us

Commentary

Conservatives are confused about how to view the tech giants, which have become so powerful in so many areas of our lives.

Should the Facebooks, Twitters, and Googles be seen as private companies and thus be left alone to be disciplined by the free market? Or should they be seen as de facto monopolies, and thus proper targets for government control?

Jane Jacobs, one of the great public intellectuals in the last half of the 20th century, coined a term in her bestseller, Systems of Survival, that describes what big tech companies have becomemonstrous hybrids.

Jacobs, who made Toronto her home after leaving the United States over the Vietnam War, described two broad moral foundations for societyone based on guardianship, the other on commerce. Each has distinct characteristics, or moral syndromes, as she called them, and each is legitimate. The guardiansthese include politicians as well as public and private police forces, the courts, NGOs, clerics, and most government employeestend to shun trading, dispense largesse, deceive for the sake of the task, and exert force.

These characteristics work well in protecting society, and they differ entirely from the traits that dominate commercial morality, which include shunning force, coming to voluntary agreements, and competing and dissenting for the sake of the task.

When these moral syndromes are pretty much followedwhen guardians stick to their lane of protecting society and commercial enterprises stick to making profitssociety functions well. But when guardians move into the commercial lane, or vice versa, they create hybrids with characteristics of both syndromes.

The results can be monstrous.

As examples of monstrous hybrids, Jacobs cited the Mafia and street gangs who run businesses while ruling territories they control, police officers who abuse their authority by soliciting bribes, and companies that obtain commercial monopolies through collusion with government officials. Jacobs didnt discuss Big Tech; she published Systems of Survival in 1992, before Big Tech was granted the immunity from prosecution that helped catapult it to dominance. But Big Tech embodies everything Jacobs saw as ruinous to society.

Instead of staying in its commercial lane, Big Tech became a political player, took on functions of government, and otherwise acted as guardians.

In a leaked video of a Google meeting that took place shortly after Donald Trumps 2016 win of the presidency, the companys leaders, from co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin on down, seem of one mind in their determination to counter the populist movement and Trump voters, whom they viewed as extremists. Brin asked how Google could ensure a better quality of governance and decision-making. CEO Sundar Pichai promised that Google would develop machine learning and artificial intelligence to neutralize what they saw as misinformation shared by low-information voters.

Google made good on its vow, as since reported in countless venues, among them a major Wall Street Journal investigation that showed Google blacklists conservative sites and hides information from those using its search engine to promote its own agendas.

Facebook likewise acts as a wing of the Democratic Party by censoring information that would hurt the Democrats and, in its words, by deciding prior to the 2020 election to run the largest voting registration campaign in U.S. historywith a goal of helping more than 4 million people register to vote. Unsurprisingly, this campaign operated to get out the Democratic vote.

Twitters censorship efforts extended to blacklisting the New York Post, Americas oldest daily newspaper, to hide alleged evidence of corruption by the Biden family from the public. And when conservatives migrated to Parler to escape Big Techs censorship, Apple, Google, and Amazon acted in unison to shut Parler down.

Big Tech unquestioningly acts as propagandists for the left, enforcing the lefts agenda of political correctness, cancel culture, and identity politics while compromising the publics privacy and right to free speech. If anything, Big Techs role in society has become more consequential as guardiansthey effectively became arbiters of election integrity by deciding what information voters should be able to see and when they could see itthan as commercial enterprises.

To deem the big tech giants simply as actors in the free market because they once happened to have been incorporated betrays a confusion born of willful blindness.

Conservatives werent always so confused. After Systems of Survival was published a generation ago, its analysis was enthusiastically embraced by paragons of free-market conservatism. A Forbes magazine review by a Cato Institute scholar concluded that the essence of good public policy is keeping the two syndromes as separate from each other as possible. A Reason magazine review agreed that trying to mix the two syndromes, or to apply them to inappropriate activities, produces institutional, social, and moral breakdown.

Todays conservatives need to clear the cobwebs from their minds and see the big tech giants for what they are: monstrous hybrids that need to be brought to heel if the rest of us are to enjoy the liberties that we once took for granted.

This is the first part in a series. Read part two here.

Lawrence Solomon is a columnist, author, and executive director of the Toronto-based Consumer Policy Institute. @LSolomonTweets LawrenceSolomon@nextcity.com

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

A global inquiry has identified crucial failures in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic when Chinese authorities could have acted "more forcefully" to protect public health.

The inquiry, which reports to the World Health Organisation, has also found that most countries did not act on warnings about early cases and did not share information fast enough when cases emerged.

Former New Zealand prime minister and former head of UNDP Helen Clark has criticised China and other countries for being too slow to act on the spread of COVID-19. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The report also criticises the WHO for taking three weeks to form an emergency group to counter the virus and being too slow to declare the crisis to be a pandemic.

The findings are part of a second report from an ongoing inquiry chaired by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who said they would look further into the "coherence" of the health response.
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.
Postmates is the latest gig company to slap customers with fees to pay for Proposition 22, the measure that keeps gig workers as independent contractors.

Gig companies including Postmates, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart ponied up $220 million to push Prop. 22, which allows them to circumvent a California law that could turn their workers into employees. Prop. 22, which voters passed by 58% to 42% in November, includes some health care benefits for drivers and couriers who put in enough hours, provides accident insurance, and guarantees 120% of minimum wage plus 30 cents a mile while workers are going to or fulfilling a ride or delivery request.
The COVID-19 vaccination drive has garnered tepid response in Punjab as only 27.9 per cent beneficiaries have so far received their first jab in the state. Centre has flagged Punjab and Chhattisgarh over their "poor coverage" in vaccination drive.

Punjab rolled out the coronavirus vaccination process on Saturday, with the aim to inoculate 1.74 lakh healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The state evoked a poor response of just 22.67 per cent on first day as 1,327 beneficiaries, including doctors and other frontline healthcare workers, turned up to receive their first dose of vaccine, as against the target of 5,853 in 22 districts. The figure improved marginally to 33.1 per cent on second day as 1,993 out of 6,021 health workers were vaccinated.

The reason for low vaccination rate was healthcare workers' concerns over the vaccine's safety along with a glitch in the CoWIN digital platform which was used to register beneficiaries and inform them about vaccination sites.

Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination: What's going on in healthcare workers' minds?

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has said he would get himself vaccinated in the next phase. He has said that the vaccine would be administered to the health workers first, followed by the Army and police personnel, in line with the guidelines of the Government of India.

The Chief Minister said that as many as 408 vaccination teams had been constituted and 59 teams have been working to inoculate the healthcare workers in the initial stage. Besides, 729 cold chain points had been established in the state for adequate storage of vials at the desired temperature.

Also Read: Don't take vaccine if you have these conditions; Bharat Biotech releases advisory

According to Union Health Ministry, a total of 4,54,049 beneficiaries have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country, while 0.18 per cent adverse events were reported following immunisation, while 0.002 per cent had to be hospitalised. In a span of 24 hours, 2,23,669 people were vaccinated for COVID-19 across 3,930 sessions taking the cumulative total of people vaccinated to 4,54,049 (across 7,860 sessions conducted so far) in the country.

India's total COVID-19 active caseload has dropped to 2,00,528 as on date which consists of just 1.90 per cent of the total cases, while the daily new cases touched a new low on Tuesday with 10,064 daily new infections being added to the national tally.

Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination Day 3: Further dip in turnout; just 8 get jabs at AIIMS
Birthday wishes

Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun.

Happy Birthday Wishes
Washington, Jan 19 : A woman who according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stole House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's laptop during the January 6 Capitol riots and tried to sell it to Russians, has been arrested.

A listing posted on the Justice Department's website on Monday said that Riley June Williams was arrested earlier in the day in Pennsylvania's Middle District, The Hill news website reported.

The listing tracks arrests made in connection to the violence.

According to the Department, Williams has been charged with "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds".

In a court filing on Sunday, the FBI said a witness told the Bureau that Williams "intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia's foreign intelligence service".

It was not immediately clear if Williams was still in possession of the laptop or if she had destroyed or discarded it.

According to the filing, the witness also showed the FBI a video of Williams stealing the laptop, The Hill news website reported.

After the violence, Pelosi's Chief of Staff Drew Hammill had confirmed that a laptop used for presentations was stolen.

But it was unclear whether that was the laptop Williams stole.

A long-distance couple who fell in love online during lockdown broke up three weeks after he moved 10,000 miles to live with her - when coronavirus turned them from 'soul mates to cell mates'.

Rosanna Wilson, from Torquay, had been chatting to Andrew Monck, a property photographer from Sydney, since July and within weeks the loved-up pair made things official, enjoying romantic video calls twice a day and even getting matching tattoos.

The 32-year-old charted the new relationship on her video blog, shared with her 30,000 TikTok followers, but now it's all over after Andrew made the decision to move back home days before Christmas - just a few weeks after arriving.

Despite building a 'man cave' with a mural of Sydney Harbour to make her boyfriend feel at home, Rosanna admits Andrew struggled with lockdown restrictions in the UK, and they became more like 'cell mates' stuck in the house together.

Rosanna Wilson had been chatting to Andrew Monck since July and within weeks the loved-up pair made things official, enjoying romantic video calls twice a day and even getting matching tattoos

The couple met online last year when Andrew contacted Rosanna to offer a male perspective on her '30-Something Singleton' YouTube channel.

She was soon documenting their life as they enjoyed video dinner dates and binge-watched Netflix across time-zones.

After four short months, the couple organised for Andrew, 33, to travel to the UK from his home in Australia, to move in with the influencer in Devon.

But shortly after Andrew touched down at Heathrow on November 17, things quickly began to crumble and instead of candlelit dinners out, the pair were stuck inside due to coronavirus restrictions.

The week before Christmas, their excitement turned to heartbreak when Andrew announced he was moving back to sunny Australia - leaving Rosanna devastated.

After four short months, the couple organised for Andrew, 33, to move to the UK from his home in Sydney, Australia, to move in with the 32-year-old influencer (pictured) in Torquay, Devon

The vlogger recorded videos of herself in tears over the break-up, sitting mournfully on her own in the 'man cave' she set up for Andrew, with a Sydney harbour mural on the wall.

However, Rosanna is determined to make something 'positive' out of it and is using her experience to urge other long-distance lovers to think things through before making such a big move.

She said: 'We were soul mates that ended up like cell mates. We were locked in this house together.

'There was the option of doing it long distance again but the straw had broken the camel's back.

Shortly after Andrew touched down at Heathrow Airport on November 17, things began to crumble as they were stuck inside due to coronavirus restrictions and Andrew said he was moving back to Australia the week before Christmas

'[The break-up] was Andrew's decision. I was very upset for a good couple of weeks, then I thought right, let's get on to my YouTube channel and make something positive of it.

'Andrew left on 16 December - [just days] before Tier 4 came in [for London]. It was exactly a month.

'It wouldn't have been ideal to be stuck together into the New Year. I would have had to stick him in the man cave and left food out for him.'

Rosanna had first started chatting to Andrew after another break-up last summer and the pair hit it off immediately - enjoying WhatsApp video dates.

The duo even got matching tattoos on their wrists, Rosanna of Andrew's Sydney co-ordinates and him or her UK ones.

Rosanna documented the pair's life as they enjoyed video dinner dates and binge-watched Netflix across time-zones, as they did romantic video calls twice a day

The couple then agreed to make the huge move and fly Andrew in from Australia - with Rosanna making her spare room into a man cave with a giant mural of Sydney Harbour.

Rosanna said: 'I waited for him and went to Heathrow to pick him up. It was really nice, for a month.

'Things just got to him with the lockdown. It was the winter, always dark, and he was really struggling with that.

'He came from a country with low COVID-19 rates to a country with high rates.

'These are unusual times. If this was a normal time, I'd go over there. Then he'd come over here [more].

'People should do each country at least once, and stay for at least a month, because moving in together changes the whole dynamic.

Rosanna is using her experience to urge other long-distance lovers to think things through before making such a big move

'When Andrew said he wanted to go back, it was a shock, but I brought it up first. I simply asked "are you okay?".

'The reason I asked that was I could feel him becoming distant.

'It was the little things like sleeping on the edge of the bed rather than closer. I noticed he was becoming distant for about half a week before I asked him that question.

'After that, all the stuff came out that he wasn't happy here and wanted to go back.

'If I asked him later, he would have had to stay here. It would have been very difficult to go back. He was very lucky to go when he did.'

The 32-year-old vlogger charted the new relationship on her video blog, shared with her 30,000 TikTok followers and took to the platform in tears after the break-up

The night of their break-up, Andrew and Rosanna still exchanged Christmas presents - though she wept into hers as reality sunk in.

She now plans to repurpose Andrew's man cave into a Tiki bar where she can enjoy cocktails with friends when restrictions are lifted.

Rosanna said: 'I had the Sydney harbour mural [done]. It's still there. I'm ordering another wall mural to go up there. It's going to be a beach theme.

'My dad has taken to woodwork over lockdown and he's built me a bar. I'm going to put that in there with the beach theme behind it so it looks like a Tiki bar. That's where I'm going to vlog.

Vlogger Rosanna (pictured with her dog Flash) asked Andrew whether he was okay because she could feel him 'becoming distant' before he said he was moving back to Australia

'We'd bought presents for each other. The night we broke up, a few days before he left, it was Saturday night and he said 'do you want your Christmas presents now then, because you might as well?'

'It was a large mixture of emotions. I love presents, but I was crying whilst opening my Christmas presents.

'We exchanged presents on that Saturday night to take the edge off what was happening.

'He got me some Tim Tam [chocolate biscuit] pyjamas that they have in Australia and made some things for me. I got him some Vans.'

Since the break-up, Andrew has been back in touch to apologise for leaving and asked if the pair can remain friends.

Since returning to Australia, Rosanna said that Andrew has got back in contact and the pair have remained friends

Rosanna has used her platform on social media to help remain positive, but warns other women in her position to be more cautious.

Rosanna said: 'I don't think he wanted this - he didn't know what to do.

'He got back in contact and I have remained friends. He apologised. He's out of his quarantine in Australia and he said "I'm sorry I ran away".

'In my latest video, I asked "what would Beyonce do?" Let's get on with it now.

'My advice to people doing long distance is you'll both need to agree to work on it. Before moving in together, make sure you're really honest with each other about what annoys you. We did that.

Rosanna said the pair will not go back to dating long-distance because 'the straw had broken the camel's back'

'Andrew knew I hated when people don't put the toilet seat down. In Australia, they tend not to carry a basket. He'd put it in his backpack and put through the till at the end.

'I found that uncomfortable but it's normal over there. [I would advise others to] talk about any cultural differences, flaws and annoyances first.

'The main advice after a break-up is keep busy. It helps. I've got Flash, my dog, who is my saviour, or I'd be truly on my own.'

Andrew is a property photographer having studied graphics and art, and set up company 8v8 Photography in 2016, which is based in Sydney.
(Natural News) Defense Secretary Mark Esper has warned that China is developing killer satellites and directed energy weapons that it plans to use against the United States.

Esper made the warning as part of a keynote he gave at the Air Force Associations 2020 Virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference back in September. As part of his warning, Esper stated that China was turning space into a war-fighting domain using sophisticated technologies to achieve space superiority over the United States.

They have weaponized space through killer satellites, directed energy weapons, and more, in an effort to exploit our systems and chip away at our military advantage, he said.

Americas rivals looking to use space to erode American military dominance

Space has become an area of interest for the military. As thousands of satellites continue to be launched, they have become both targets and weapons.

In response to this, Esper has confirmed that the Pentagon is investing heavily into technologies that would give the U.S. an advantage in space.

Thanks to our largest research and development budget in the departments history, we are advancing critical technologies to maintain our military edge in areas such as hypersonic weapons, directed energy, and autonomous systems, Esper said.

According to the Department of Defenses (DOD) 2019 audit, the Pentagon invested $95.3 billion on space and future warfare tech R&D such as AI, hypersonics and directed energy weapons last year.

In his keynote, Esper stated that this was in response to efforts by countries, such as China, to erode the U.S.s long-standing dominance in airpower by weaponizing space to chip away at Americas military advantage.

In addition, he warned that these countries are also exploiting gaps in cybersecurity to undermine Americas security without confronting its traditional strengths. All of these are being done in an increasing gray zone that keeps us in a perpetual state of competition.

Russia also developing space weapons

China isnt the only country that is suspected of attempting to militarize space. Russia too has fallen under the Pentagons watchful eye.

On Dec. 16, U.S. Space Command (USSC) officials revealed that Russia had conducted a new anti-satellite missile test. The test was the third such test that Russia had conducted this year, following similar tests in April and July.

Russia publicly claims it is working to prevent the transformation of outer space into a battlefield, yet at the same time Moscow continues to weaponize space by developing and fielding on-orbit and ground-based capabilities that seek to exploit U.S. reliance on space-based systems, said USSC commander, Gen. James Dickinson in a statement. Russias persistent testing of these systems demonstrates threats to U.S. and allied space systems are rapidly advancing.

The tests all involved various forms of anti-satellite weapons meant to attack U.S. reconnaissance and military communications satellites. These include an anti-satellite missile launched from the ground, as well as a co-orbital anti-satellite weapon  a satellite that can attack other satellites.

In addition to the tests, the U.S. Space Force has also tracked Russian satellites that were seen to be stalking an American spy satellite in orbit. Space Force commander Gen. John Jay Raymond has called these reports unusual and disturbing.

Space Force will be a key component in addressing spaceborne threats

The threat of space-based weapons from China and Russia highlights the importance of the U.S. Space Force that President Donald Trump signed into existence in December of 2019.

Amid grave threats to our national security, American superiority in space is absolutely vital, Trump said when he created the Space Force.

In his keynote, Esper stated that he was proud of the progress made by the Space Force in implementing its Defense Space Strategy. The latter outlines what the U.S. needs to do to achieve a comprehensive military advantage in space within 10 years. (Related: NASA-Space Force agreement may pave the way for a military moon base.)

Specifically, the strategy outlines three key objectives for the Space Force: to maintain the U.S.s space superiority; to provide space support to all joint military operations; and to ensure space stability  deterring aggression and upholding international agreements in space with its presence, similar to how the U.S. Navy polices international waters.

According to Esper, the progress made by the Space Force would help ensure our dominance across all domains.

Hopefully, this progress continues as threats continue to mount from Americas rivals.

Follow MilitaryTechnology.news for the latest on the Space Force and the threats it faces.

Sources include:

NewsWars.com

AirForceMag.com

Space.com

TheEpochTimes.com
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging all nations to condemn any efforts by the Iranian regime to expel inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, or otherwise reduce Irans cooperation with the IAEA.

Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear program to extort the international community and threaten regional security, said Secretary Pompeo in a statement.

Irans parliament passed a law in December requiring the government to reduce cooperation with the IAEA in the absence of near-term sanctions relief. On January 9, a member of Irans parliamentary leadership said that all IAEA inspectors would be expelled unless U.S. sanctions were lifted by February 21.

Secretary Pompeo pointed out that the threat to expel IAEA inspectors has implications for more than just Irans commitments under the Iran Nuclear Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. Iran, he said, has a legal treaty obligation to allow IAEA inspectors access pursuant to Irans NPT-required safeguards agreement. Violating those obligations would thus go far beyond Irans past actions inconsistent with its JCPOA nuclear commitments.

Secretary Pompeo noted that the threat to expel the IAEA inspectors follows the Iranian regimes December announcement that it has resumed 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow, the fortified underground facility Iran originally constructed in secret, further breaking its nuclear pact, he said. The worlds top sponsor of terrorism should not be allowed to enrich uranium at any level.

The United States, declared Secretary of State Pompeo, fully supports the IAEAs continued professional and independent verification and monitoring of Irans nuclear program. Irans expulsion of international inspectors must be met by universal condemnation.
A Dalit couple was fined and denied entry into the temple by a Khap panchayat for their inter-sect marriage in Tamil Nadus Thirupathur.

Kanagaraj (26) and Jayapriya (23) belong to the Muracha Parayar and Thamana Paraya sects respectively. Both sects fall under the Scheduled Caste community. The duo had eloped Pullur village after Jayapriya's parents opposed their relationship and tied the knots in January 2018 in Chennai.

A driver by profession, Kanagaraj lost his job in Chennai during the Covid-19 lockdown and returned to Pullur with his wife. The Khap had already imposed a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh to be paid on the couple if they ever returned to the village.

Paying fines for marrying outside caste is common in our village. Usually the amount is about Rs 5,000-10,000. However, for us its 2.5 lakhs. I was ready to pay Rs 25, 000, but they didnt take it. Now, I refuse to pay any fine. But the Khap heads keep insisting on it. When I wanted to attend the village festival my wife and I were denied entry into temple. The khap panchayat was held twice since we returned and the heads insisted that we pay the fine, said Kanagaraj.

A complaint was filed by Kanagaraj at Thimampettai police station. "Ellappan and Nagesh, the heads of the khap panchayat, agreed to withdraw the fine during the enquiry. However, they are still insistent that we pay them, he said.

Denying the accusations, Ellappan said, No fine was ever imposed any fine. There were quarrels between the two families since they had married without their parents' consent. A fine of Rs 500 or so was to be paid by them for causing disruption in the village. I know people here are poor. How will the panchayat impose such a fine?"

Meanwhile, during a temple function that was held last week, Kanagaraj's father-in-law was allegedly attacked by Ellappan and his men. Kanagaraj had filed a complaint with the local police station and an FIR has been registered. Ellappan, too, had filed complaints against Kanagaraj and his family members. An FIR has been registered on them as well.

The Superintendent of Police of Thirupathur district, Vijayakumar, said there is no pending complaint with the police about the imposition of fine and said there was no transaction of money between the two groups. "There are complaints from both the groups about the subsequent quarrel during a temple rally. We have filed FIRs on both sides. Two months back we remanded two people in a nearby village where similar fines were imposed. Therefore, if there is a complaint we will take due action on it"

(With inputs from Saradha V)
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 Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Monday said that the meeting between a group of ministers and farmer unions scheduled for January 19 has been postponed to January 20.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. here at Vigyan Bhawan. It would be the 10th round of talks between Centre and the representatives of the agitating farmers who are on streets along the borders of Delhi since almost two months, demanding withdrawal of the newly passed farm laws passed by the Central government.

In a letter to the representatives of the protesting farmers, Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said the scheduled meeting of a Group of Ministers with agitating farmer organisations for January 19 has been postponed to January 20 due to some unavoidable reasons.

Stating in the letter that the meeting would be held on January 20, the farmers' leaders have been requested to attend the meet.

With a view to improve the agriculture and allied sectors, the Central government implemented the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020.

Though the Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of these laws and set up an expert committee to resolve the issue, the Central government has kept open the channel of dialogue with the farmers' unions.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is leading the negotiations on behalf of the government, has repeatedly reiterated that whatever provisions would be appropriate in the interests of the farmers of the country, the Narendra Modi-led government would consider including them in the new farm laws.
The GAU-8 Avenger is one impressive weapon system and the foundation of the A-10 Warthog, despite its age, wont go away anytime soon.

Used for combat during the time of the Gulf War in 1991, the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt  also known commonly as the Warthog  destroyed more than 900 Iraqi tanks, some 2,000 other military vehicles, and approximately 1,200 artillery pieces. The aircraft also reportedly shot down two Iraqi helicopters.

The aircraft was used in subsequent operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina during Operation Deliberate Force and later in Operation Allied Force; and it has seen deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. While the A-10 could be equipped with a variety of rockets, missiles and bombs, a lot of the destruction was wrought from the aircrafts rotary cannon.

General Electric GAU-8/A displayed next to a Volkswagen Beetle for size comparison. (U.S. Air Force photo)

A Modern Gatling

The development of the weapon dates back to the early 1970s when the United States Air Force issued a request for proposal (RFP) for a 30mm rapid-fire cannon that could be used with its A-X Close Air Support aircraft. General Electric developed a prototype, designated the GAU-8. In addition to the weapon, the government contract also called for the development of four types of ammunition that would be used with the cannon and these included Armor Piercing Incendiary, High Explosive Incendiary, Semi-Armor Piercing High Explosive, and Target Practice.

The weapon needed to be capable of destroying a wide variety of targets that could be encountered during close air support missions, and that included light, medium and heavy tanks as well as armored personnel carriers (APCs) and even fixed and mobile artillery. Additionally, the militarys specifications called for the weapon platform to be capable of destroying hardened targets including bunkers.

The first in-flight testing of the GAU-08 began in 1974 and it was tested in a variety of flight profiles, from as high as 25,000 feet to as low as 100 feet, and from speeds ranging from 155 mph to nearly 480 mph and up to five Gs.

The seven-barrel Gatling-style gun was originally designed to fire upwards of 4,200 rounds per minute but has since been reduced to a still impressively high 1,800 rounds per minute. Each of the 30mm cartridges spits out by the GAU-08 is larger than a typical beer bottle and it took two hydraulic motors to spin the barrels, all of which would shake the aircraft and produce clouds of hot gas.

As the Drive reported, there was even a long-standing urban legend that when fired, the aircraft would slow down. That wasnt the case, but what was true was that the muzzle flash could blind the pilot, while the gasses could leave soot on the windscreen. As a result, a window-washing function was added to the A-10. Another problem was that the gases contained no oxygen and could flow up to the wings and into the engines, which could cause them to choke out.

The Air Force worked for more than a decade to fix the issues, and this included lengthening the barrels while a gas diverter was tested. However, the Air Force engineers came up with a rather unique solution to address the concerns that the engine would give out. The propellant mixture of the ammunition was revised, but in the end, the ignition system was modified. If gasses from the GAU-08 caused the planes engines to chock out, theyd be immediately restarted. When the gun is fired those igniters come on, which reduces the possibility of a flameout.

Additionally, because the guns recoil was still great enough that it could push the A-10 off target, the gun was mounted laterally off-center, but the active firing barrel actually directly in the aircrafts centerline.

The Air Force has sought to retire the A-10, but last year Congress required the service to keep it the plane flying and with it that powerful rotary cannon.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.

This article appeared originally at 1945.
The former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has shared concerns that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations will be slowed by large numbers refusing the shot, predicting only a third of the U.S. population will volunteer for innoculation.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb aired his concerns in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning, saying that many younger people who are unlikely to face serious illness might decline to get vaccinated.

So far, 10.5 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, out of the 31 million doses distributed to states, according to the latest available CDC data.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has estimated that up to 80 percent of the U.S. population, or some 260 million people, will need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the point at which the virus is unable to spread widely.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb on Tuesday aired his concerns that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations will be slowed by large numbers of Americans refusing the shot

'At some point demand is going to become an issue,' Gottlieb said in the interview, pointing out that last fall, the number of people getting a flu vaccine hit a record high, but was still only 120 million.

'Those were people who were worried about getting COVID going out and getting flu vaccines. That may be the universe of people who really have significant demand for a COVID vaccine,' he said.

'There's going to be a lot of intense demand even in younger cohorts, but I think once we get to 100 million, maybe 120 million vaccines, the demand is going to get soft,' he added.

'We've talked about access being the real challenge right now, and now we're talking about supply because we're starting to get to a steady state of supply and it's hard to increase the supply in the near term,' said Gottlieb. 'At some point, demand is going to be come an issue.'

'We can't lose sight of that and just take for granted that everyone wants this vaccine,' he said.

Joseph Leblanc receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida

The latest poll from Pew Research on the question indicates that 60 percent of Americans say they would definitely or probably get a coronavirus vaccine

Meanwhile, in New York state nearly a third of nursing home workers refused to be vaccinated, the governors office told the New York Times.

In some ares, staff members who refused the vaccine outnumbered those who have been vaccinated. On Long Island, 46 percent declined while 34 percent have been vaccinated.

Ohio's governor previously said that a staggering 60 percent of nursing home workers in that state declined to be vaccinated.

The latest poll from Pew Research on the question indicates that 60 percent of Americans say they would definitely or probably get a coronavirus vaccine if it were available to them today.

That was up from 51 percent who said the same in September. However, about four out of 10 still say they definitely or probably would not get a vaccine.

About half of this reluctant group  or 18 percent of U.S. adults  says its possible they would change their mind once people start getting a vaccine and more information becomes available.

President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to to vaccinate 100 million people in his first 100 days in office.

His plan includes having the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Guard build coronavirus vaccine clinics across the United States.

Biden's incoming CDC director has said the new administration plans to bring in the military and medical students to ramp up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky told Good Morning America's George Stephanopoulos Tuesday morning that the CDC will commission military medical personnel, retirees and nursing and medical students to make sure there are enough people 'on the ground' to get shots into the arms of Americans.

Walensky said they will also make the vaccine more 'accessible' by launching mobile vans and giving more pharmacies doses as she vowed that the incoming administration will focus on 'the science'.

She didn't say in the brief interview whether the government would change any of the eligibility requirements for people to get the vaccine, or whether it would leave more of the decision making to states.
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
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the Delhi Police for its effective handling of the coronavirus situation and said that despite many of the personnel themselves suffering from the virus, the force meticulously faced all challenges that came its way in 2020.

Shah, during his visit to Delhi Police headquarters on Tuesday, addressed police officers and congratulated the force for its role in handling the pandemic.

"The Delhi Police passed all tests that came its way like the pandemic, northeast Delhi riots, lockdown, lockdown opening, sending migrant workers to their homes or even effectively handling the farmers' protests peacefully through dialogue. I would like to congratulate Delhi Police for all its efforts," Shah said.

He said that effective policing and law and order is a prerequisite for any development work in the nation like GDP growth, industrialisation, effective progress in education, women and children's safety or urban development.

He said that every police personnel irrespective of his position is a part of the development programme that forms the spine of the system. Even the work of every constable is important for the overall growth and work of the police force, he said.

Shah said the work of Delhi Police is amplified as important and strategic places are in Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister's residence, various embassies, historical monuments and several important research and development institutions.

"The Delhi Police should also pursue improvisation. Sometimes ambition and aim to improvise takes us forward. This could only happen when the police hierarchy from the top to the lower order works in coordination as a team," he said.

He said that to defeat Covid we have to effectively work on vaccination.

"There are various challenges in front of Delhi Police which could not be achieved through traditional means and there is a need for improving the techniques and the infrastructure. I am glad that National Forensic Science University and Delhi Police also signed an MoU," Shah said.

Shah also emphasised on the effectiveness of forensic work and scientific evidence in bringing criminals to justice. He said that crime control could not take place just by arresting criminals but to bring the criminals to justice.

Nearly 119 forensic officers from NFSU would help Delhi Police in its forensic investigation so that the rate of conviction increases.

Shah also appreciated the Delhi Police efforts in reuniting missing children and said that the promotion given to police officers in this regard would in turn motivate other forces to do the same.

He said that there are plans to link all CCTV cameras in the capital to effectively bring down crime.

Shah also said that every police station should set up at least five specific goals to achieve in a time-bound manner.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

In bilateral relations with the United States, Ukraine primarily wants to focus on the US support for the territorial integrity of our country, its active involvement in the process of resolving the situation in Donbas and the de-occupation of Crimea, as well as economic cooperation.

First of all, this is the US support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, taking into account military assistance, Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Ihor Zhovkva said in an interview with TSN.ua.

He noted that this issue has always been important for all US administrations. In this context, Zhovkva recalled that the defense budget, which was approved by both chambers after overriding the veto of incumbent President Donald Trump, provides for the same amounts of military assistance.

And more importantly, it is an increase in funding for the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine. This is of great importance and we hope that this priority will remain on the agenda for the democratic administration as well, the diplomat said.

According to Zhovkva, the second priority is the active involvement of the United States in the process of resolving the situation in Donbas and the de-occupation of Crimea. He noted that formats and forms of this involvement can be discussed, at the same time he predicted that "this issue will definitely be on the radar of the new democratic administration."

The economic bloc should remain the third priority area in bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.

We need to increase trade, despite the pandemic. We had a good trade turnover totaling USD 6 billion before the coronavirus [pandemic]. But now, obviously, it is decreasing. We need to continue implementing projects that we already have. The first thing that comes to my mind is energy... The agricultural sector is traditional for our relations. We can also talk about new areas such as IT and artificial intelligence, the deputy head of the Presidents Office stressed.

Zhovkva also noted that fighting corruption is an equally important priority. Here we will indeed be allies of President Biden in carrying out anti-corruption measures in Ukraine, he said.

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States will take place in Washington, D.C., on January 20.

ish
Left  a schematic of the long form of the tracrRNA used by the CRISPR-Cas9 system in bacteria; Right  the standard guide RNA used by many scientists as part of the gene-cutting CRISPR-Cas9 system. Credit: Joshua Modell, Rachael Workman and Johns Hopkins Medicine

In a series of experiments with laboratory-cultured bacteria, Johns Hopkins scientists have found evidence that there is a second role for the widely used gene-cutting system CRISPR-Cas9as a genetic dimmer switch for CRISPR-Cas9 genes. Its role of dialing down or dimming CRISPR-Cas9 activity may help scientists develop new ways to genetically engineer cells for research purposes.

A summary of the findings was published Jan. 8 in Cell.

First identified in the genome of gut bacteria in 1987, CRISPR-Cas9 is a naturally occurring but unusual group of genes with a potential for cutting DNA sequences in other types of cells that was realized 25 years later. Its value in genetic engineeringprogrammable gene alteration in living cells, including human cellswas rapidly appreciated, and its widespread use as a genome "editor" in thousands of laboratories worldwide was recognized in the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year to its American and French co-developers.

CRISPR stands for clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Cas9, which refers to CRISPR-associated protein 9, is the name of the enzyme that makes the DNA slice. Bacteria naturally use CRISPR-Cas9 to cut viral or other potentially harmful DNA and disable the threat, says Joshua Modell, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular biology and genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In this role, Modell says, "CRISPR is not only an immune system, it's an adaptive immune systemone that can remember threats it has previously encountered by holding onto a short piece of their DNA, which is akin to a mug shot." These mug shots are then copied into "guide RNAs" that tell Cas9 what to cut.

Scientists have long worked to unravel the precise steps of CRISPR-Cas9's mechanism and how its activity in bacteria is dialed up or down. Looking for genes that ignite or inhibit the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-cutting system for the common, strep-throat causing bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, the Johns Hopkins scientists found a clue regarding how that aspect of the system works.

Specifically, the scientists found a gene in the CRISPR-Cas9 system that, when deactivated, led to a dramatic increase in the activity of the system in bacteria. The product of this gene appeared to re-program Cas9 to act as a brake, rather than as a "scissor," to dial down the CRISPR system.

"From an immunity perspective, bacteria need to ramp up CRISPR-Cas9 activity to identify and rid the cell of threats, but they also need to dial it down to avoid autoimmunitywhen the immune system mistakenly attacks components of the bacteria themselves," says graduate student Rachael Workman, a bacteriologist working in Modell's laboratory.

To further nail down the particulars of the "brake," the team's next step was to better understand the product of the deactivated gene (tracrRNA). RNA is a genetic cousin to DNA and is vital to carrying out DNA "instructions" for making proteins. TracrRNAs belong to a unique family of RNAs that do not make proteins. Instead, they act as a kind of scaffold that allows the Cas9 enzyme to carry the guide RNA that contains the mug shot and cut matching DNA sequences in invading viruses.

TracrRNA comes in two sizes: long and short. Most of the modern gene-cutting CRISPR-Cas9 tools use the short form. However, the research team found that the deactivated gene product was the long form of tracrRNA, the function of which has been entirely unknown.

The long and short forms of tracrRNA are similar in structure and have in common the ability to bind to Cas9. The short form tracrRNA also binds to the guide RNA. However, the long form tracrRNA doesn't need to bind to the guide RNA, because it contains a segment that mimics the guide RNA. "Essentially, long form tracrRNAs have combined the function of the short form tracrRNA and guide RNA," says Modell.

In addition, the researchers found that while guide RNAs normally seek out viral DNA sequences, long form tracrRNAs target the CRISPR-Cas9 system itself. The long form tracrRNA tends to sit on DNA, rather than cut it. When this happens in a particular area of a gene, it prevents that gene from expressing,or becoming functional.

To confirm this, the researchers used genetic engineering to alter the length of a certain region in long form tracrRNA to make the tracrRNA appear more like a guide RNA. They found that with the altered long form tracrRNA, Cas9 once again behaved more like a scissor.

Other experiments showed that in lab-grown bacteria with a plentiful amount of long form tracrRNA, levels of all CRISPR-related genes were very low. When the long form tracrRNA was removed from bacteria, however, expression of CRISPR-Cas9 genes increased a hundredfold.

Bacterial cells lacking the long form tracrRNA were cultured in the laboratory for three days and compared with similarly cultured cells containing the long form tracrRNA. By the end of the experiment, bacteria without the long form tracrRNA had completely died off, suggesting that long form tracrRNA normally protects cells from the sickness and death that happen when CRISPR-Cas9 activity is very high.

"We started to get the idea that the long form was repressing but not eliminating its own CRISPR-related activity," says Workman.

To see if the long form tracrRNA could be re-programmed to repress other bacterial genes, the research team altered the long form tracrRNA's spacer region to let it sit on a gene that produces green fluorescence. Bacteria with this mutated version of long form tracrRNA glowed less green than bacteria containing the normal long form tracrRNA, suggesting that the long form tracrRNA can be genetically engineered to dial down other bacterial genes.

Another research team, from Emory University, found that in the parasitic bacteria Francisella novicida, Cas9 behaves as a dimmer switch for a gene outside the CRISPR-Cas9 region. The CRISPR-Cas9 system in the Johns Hopkins study is more widely used by scientists as a gene-cutting tool, and the Johns Hopkins team's findings provide evidence that the dimmer action controls the CRISPR-Cas9 system in addition to other genes.

The researchers also found the genetic components of long form tracrRNA in about 40% of the Streptococcus group of bacteria. Further study of bacterial strains that don't have the long form tracrRNA, says Workman, will potentially reveal whether their CRISPR-Cas9 systems are intact, and other ways that bacteria may dial back the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

The dimmer capability that the experiments uncovered, says Modell, offers opportunities to design new or better CRISPR-Cas9 tools aimed at regulating gene activity for research purposes. "In a gene editing scenario, a researcher may want to cut a specific gene, in addition to using the long form tracrRNA to inhibit gene activity," he says.

More information: Rachael E. Workman et al. A natural single-guide RNA repurposes Cas9 to autoregulate CRISPR-Cas expression, Cell (2021). Journal information: Cell Rachael E. Workman et al. A natural single-guide RNA repurposes Cas9 to autoregulate CRISPR-Cas expression,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.12.017
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 15:35:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TOKYO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday as investors sought out bargains, with sentiment bolstered by hopes for a new COVID-19 relief package in the United States.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 391.25 points, or 1.39 percent, from Monday to close the day at 28,633.46.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 10.35 points, or 0.56 percent, to finish at 1,855.84.

Rubber product, electric power and gas and air transportation issues comprised those that advanced the most by the close of play. Enditem
The living proof is a problem discovered last year that is yet to get a fix, though Google officially acknowledged it on its support forums this week.More specifically, this glitch makes it impossible to shut down Google Maps completely, as the running notification doesnt go away even if the app itself has already been closed.At this point, its not exactly known whats causing the problem. On the other hand, users explain on Googles forums that force quitting the app and sometimes rebooting the phone are the only methods to make the Google Maps notification go away.I'm having the same issue as well. I drove to work today, and closed out my app when I arrived. Then, I closed the app again in my building when it said I was now 3 min away. Then it was open asking me to rate the dr. office I share a building with. I've since left for and have returned from a meeting in my office, I have closed it a few more times, and it is still open. This has been a two-hour game of closing the Maps app, and I've just finally decided to close out every single app individually before restarting my phone, one user explained on the forums A Google product expert confirmed on the forums the company is aware of this issue, though, for the time being, theres no ETA as to when a fix could land.In the meantime, the glitch doesnt seem to be related to a specific phone model, as users report the same behavior on Samsung , OPPO, Xiaomi, and even the Google Pixel. In most cases, rebooting the device is what makes the notification go away, but only until Google Maps is relaunched for navigation.
Specializing in a Variety of Plant-Based Meats & Assortment of Vegan Foods

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Plant&Co. Brands Ltd. (CSE: VEGN) (FSE: VGP) (OTC Pink: VGANF) ("Plant&Co." or the "Company"), a modern health and wellness company curating delicious plant-based foods, is pleased to announce it has acquired various Canadian corporations doing business as YamChopsTM~ Grown not raised ~, which specializes in the preparation, distribution, and retail sales of over 17 proprietary plant-based meats, chicken, pork, fish, and various other vegan style food products in both a business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) revenue models.











Welcoming YamChops to Plant&Co's family of companies.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/72359_8b36984eb4aadb9b_001full.jpg

Once featured on TV's famous Dragons Den and named NOW Magazine Reader's Choice Award for "Best Butcher & Best Deli" in Toronto, YamChops is considered one of North America's first and Canada's only plant-based butcher shop. For over 12 successful years, it has specialized in the development, preparation, and distribution of plant-based meats and other vegan style food products. YamChops has a retail location in the heart of Toronto's food district and it enjoys popular demand on four of the most popular food delivery platforms: Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, Corner Shop and Ritual One.

"The acquisition of YamChops was part of the company's M&A strategy to instantly arrive at the point of in-market sales of a known, trusted and established plant-based brand. This acquisition is truly transformational in adding to our growing portfolio of plant-based products and companies," said Shawn Moniz, CEO of Plant&Co. Brands. "With over a decade of product development, preparation, trademarks and distribution experience in the emerging plant-based food market, YamChops is known for its high-quality foods that taste great and customer service that is second to none, placing Plant&Co. in a leading position in the plant-base sector. Creating delicious plant-based foods that compete with meat is an art form which the YamChops' team has perfected. We have a great opportunity to leverage the recent growth in popularity of these healthy meat and dairy product alternatives and expand our newly acquired business across North America and beyond."

Plant&Co's strategy is to utilize the existing distribution networks and B2B relationships for large and bulk ordering of plant-based product already in place with nation-wide distributors, such as Grande Cheese, United Natural Foods Inc (UNFI), Whole Foods, London Drugs, Organic Garage, Nature's Emporium, Choices Markets, The Big Carrot, Natural Foods Ambrosia, and Natures Fare Markets, to rapidly grow and expand the 17 proprietary plant-based products of YamChops to new and emerging markets not only in Canada but to the explosive US markets. YamChops currently has B2B distribution to Sobey's London, Pusateri's, and Nature's Emporium.

"Our new YamChops team will work closely with our Holy Crap team and advisory board to leverage the physical and digital footprints of each company's existing customer following (numbering in the tens of thousands of customers unique to each brand). By marketing a consolidated umbrella of products through targeted sales channels and new and established footholds in the emerging plant-based North American markets, we will be able to cross-pollinate resources and amplify sales within Plant&Co's family of brands and products," continued Mr. Moniz.





YamChops own plant-based beef, chicken and lamb burgers.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/72359_8b36984eb4aadb9b_002full.jpg

The YamChops plant-based butcher shop is set up like any neighbourhood butcher shop. Customers can find a butcher counter with a glass case full of vegetarian and vegan delicacies on display. These delicious food products have been perfected over the years and include YamChops' very own plant-based:

Beef, chicken and lamb burgers,

Sausages, ribs and bacon, and

Vegetarian spin-offs of "chicken teriyaki" and "tuna salad" made

from chickpeas.

Yummy YamChops chutney and other condiments.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/72359_8b36984eb4aadb9b_003full.jpg

YamChops also offers foods beyond the plant-based butcher block such as condiments to complement its main attractions. Chutneys, pickled vegetables and sauces like Mongolian beef sauce are available at their shops. YamChops also offers a line of juices called "Au Jus".

YamChops' success was recognized in a recent Wall Street Journal article, naming the company as a leader in the race to for a piece of the faux-meat market, being named beside a titan of the business, Tofurky.



https://www.wsj.com/articles/tried-tofurky-maybe-its-time-for-yamchops-and-incogmeato-11606420989



YamChops was considered a trail blazer when it established operations in 2008 and began the preparation of plant-based meats and food specialty products. Today, as plant-based food products have entered the mainstream and are included on the shopping list of many shoppers across North America, YamChops has firmly established its leadership position the marketplace and is poised for growth. The sales of plant-based meats in North America, a food category that did not exist a decade ago, grew to almost US $800 million in 2019, up 37 per cent from 2017. According to research firm Euromonitor International, plant-based meats sales could reach over US $2.5 billion by 2023.

YamChops offers high-quality plant-based food products that appeal to all types of eaters: vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and those who are simply choosing to reduce their meat, fish and dairy consumption. It is looking to take its unique and high-quality food products coupled with unmatched customer service beyond the market of Toronto to the rest of Canada and across North America.

Transaction Structure

On January 18, 2021, the Issuer entered into a definitive share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with 2574578 Ontario Inc. ("257") and JDB Innovations Ltd. ("JDB", and together with 257, "YamChops") and each of the shareholders of YamChops (the "Vendors") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of YamChops (the "Transaction").

As consideration for the Acquisition of YamChops, the Company (i) made an aggregate cash payment of $608,446.26 to the Vendors (the "Cash Payment"); (ii) issued 344,828 common shares to the Vendors (the "Consideration Shares"); and (iii) settled certain outstanding debts of YamChops held by third-parties in the amount of $161,553.74 (the "Debt Settlement"). The Consideration Shares are subject to voluntary pooling restrictions from which 100% of the Consideration Shares will be released on February 17, 2021.

The Company is at arms-length from YamChops and its shareholders. The Transaction neither constitutes a fundamental change nor a change of business for the Company, nor has it resulted in a change of control of the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. In connection with the completion of the Transaction, the Company has issued 109,589 common shares to an arms-length third party who assisted with facilitating the Transaction.

The Company also announces it has granted incentive stock options to purchase a total of 750,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.78 per share for a period of two years to certain directors and officers in accordance with the provisions of its stock option plan.

About YamChops

YamChops is a plant-based butcher shop based in Toronto, Ontario. Vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and even meat enthusiasts love visiting the beautifully curated shop located in the heart of Toronto's food district. Whether customers sample YamChops' Tunaless "Tuna", Chick*n Schnitzel, Szechuan "Beef", Montreal Style "Steak", or browse their vegan grocery assisted by its knowledgeable staff, customers will have an unforgettable experience at YamChops vegan butcher shop. YamChops' mission is to provide extraordinary plant-based foods and provide extraordinary service to its customers, with a vision to expand its plant based culinary experience and make YamChops the destination of choice for all consumers. For more product information please visit: www.YamChops.com.

About Plant&Co. Brands Ltd.

Plant&Co. Brands Ltd. (CSE: VEGN) (FSE: VGP) (OTC Pink: VGANF) is modern health and wellness company curating delicious plant-based foods. For more information please visit: www.PlantandCo.com.

For additional information, please contact:

Shawn Moniz

Chief Executive Officer

ir@plantandco.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes information about the expectations, intentions, plans and future actions of the Company and YamChops. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Plant&Co. or YamChops described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72359

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Electoral Council would like to remind all registered political parties that in accordance with Article 37. Par. 1 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties, they are required to submit to the Electoral Council a chronological register of donations of all donations received throughout the year 2020, be it in cash, by check, or in-kind, before February 1st, 2021. Political parties who did not receive any donations in 2020 must also submit a signed register.

All registered political parties, including parties who did not participate in the 2020 parliamentarian elections are requested to complete their register of donations.

All party representatives will receive an email with instructions on the procedure set by the Electoral Council for the execution of the registration of donations in 2021.

The completed register will have to be printed, signed by the party representative, and submitted to the Electoral Council no later than January 31, 2021.
GREENWICH  For the second year in a row, organizers have canceled the annual St. Patricks Day Parade due to health concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The parade, which traditionally steps off from Town Hall and heads down Greenwich Avenue, had been scheduled for March 31 with former Selectman John Toner as grand marshal.

But with large crowds expected at the parade, which is one of Greenwichs most popular events, organizers said this was the safest decision.

We had proceeded as if it would go on, but we just felt that with the infection rates still so high that it would be irresponsible to have a celebratory event like that at this time, James Dougherty, from the Greenwich Hibernian Association, said Tuesday.

The necessary restrictions, with masks, social distancing and a limit on attendance, plus the uncertainty over COVID-19 cases in the next two months, made it impossible to go forward, Dougherty said. The parade is is organized by the Greenwich Hibernian Association and receives a permit from the town.

We felt it just couldnt be done at this time, he said. Local civic organizations, schools and pipe bands had been interested in taking part in the parade, but it was just not feasible this year with so many unknowns, he said.

We didnt know if we would have been able to get permission (from the town) to do it anyway, and we just didnt feel it was the right thing to do at this time, Dougherty said of the decision to cancel. Its a hard thing to do, but we have to worry about peoples health and safety first of all.

The plan is to go ahead with raising the Irish flag at Town Hall on March 17 to mark St. Patricks Day, he said.

The parade was canceled last year as well as the pandemic hit in mid-March 2020  one of the first major events called off in Greenwich due to COVID-19. St. Patricks Day Parades were also canceled in New York, Boston and other cities, but Stamford was able to hold its parade in 2020 because it was held on an earlier date.

Toner was scheduled to be the grand marshal last year as well. Dougherty said they intend to honor in the 2022 parade.

Move vaccinations for COVID-19 are expected as the state enters into Phase 1B. The town and Greenwich Hospital are scheduling appointments for vaccination for people age 75 and over. The program will expand in the weeks ahead to add essential workers, seniors over the age of 65 and younger people who are more vulnerable to the virus due to comorbidities.

As for the fate of other big events in town, the Greenwich Town Party did not happen in 2020, but the current plan is to go forward this year. No acts have been announced for the annual all-day music festival in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, but organizers have said they are hopeful it can go on.

Organizers of the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival, which was canceled last fall, said last year that they intended to hold two events in 2021 in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, one in late April and one in the fall. On Tuesday, event organizers said there were no updates at this time.

The Greenwich International Film Festival has already announced that it will hold a virtual social impact film showcase in late February. The event moved to digital screenings last spring as well due to the pandemic.

There is some hope of holding a half-way to St. Patricks Day parade of some form in September, Dougherty said.

We at least want to have something at that point to get people interested again and get people out because we hopefully have something to celebrate at that point, he said.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
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
DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Life 2.0: A Journey from Near Death to New Life by Kevin Kirksey shares the emotional story of Kirksey's near-death experience, having had no prior signs, symptoms, or warnings of being in trouble, and the lessons he learned upon his survival. Life 2.0 aims to save and extend others' lives while providing individuals with a new perspective on life and a deeper appreciation of the little things that can profoundly change the course of one's life.

Kevin Kirksey and June Kirksey Life 2.0: A Journey from Near Death to New Life

After asking his doctor a simple question, which later proves to save Kirksey's life, he takes a simple test which showed that he was at extremely high risk of a near term highly probable fatal cardiac event or stroke. Kevin Kirksey immediately came face to face with his mortality, accepting the reality that severe cardiac disease threatened to take his life in the immediate short term. Following open-heart surgery, due to his observations of many little things that were done for him, he began down a road of profound physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Life 2.0: A Journey from Near Death to New Life follows Kirksey's experiences during this trying time, encouraging motivated individuals to examine their own lives as well.

Life 2.0 examines Kirksey's journey through recovery and beyond, touching on how caregivers' selflessness inspired him to consider living a different life, one he never imagined possible. Through this candid, heartwarming story, Life 2.0: A Journey from Near Death to New Life will serve as an inspiration for healthcare workers, patients, and their families, as well as anyone who has found themselves amid a life-changing experience. Kevin Kirksey hopes that his story will remind men and women of the virtues in life that truly make it worth living.

Praise for Kevin Kirksey and "Life 2.0  A Journey From Near Death to New Life"

"Life 2.0 is an incredible account of one man's stark recognition of his mortality and the beautiful path to health and the new life he experiences. Not since Steven Levine's "A Year to Live" have I read a more moving account of how a brush with death can be a lesson to live more fully. Kevin shows us the preciousness of life that we sometimes take for granted and how to continue this amazing journey of life with a newfound faith and love for those we encounter."

 Michael Conley, San Francisco, California

"Life 2.0 is a call to move forward with our lives, bringing the best of our past with hope for the future and humanity. Mr. Kirksey came to his Life 2.0 through a life-altering illness and long rehabilitation. Still, he notes that all of us can access Life 2,0 by examining our hearts and asking ourselves those all-important questions regarding our purpose on Earth and what matters most. It is an important work that challenges the reader to live a richer, more meaningful life."

 Dr. Kimberly Townsend, Syracuse, NY

"Kevin's story is a true inspiration and brought me to tears at points. What he's gone through some would call luck, others would call a miracle. Regardless of what you would call it one thing is certain: it's a pretty incredible story. When it's all over, if you're anything like me, you'll be rethinking your health and planning your own v.2.0."

 Tim Bryant, Eaton Rapids, Michigan

If you would like more information about this topic or schedule an interview with Kevin Kirksey, please call Kevin Kirksey at 972.400.2186.

About Kevin Kirksey:

Kevin Kirksey has lived and documented his story of profound transformation to living Life 2.0. His journey, including the unusual set of circumstances that led to his extended and enhanced life, has been shared with many through writing, speaking, print media, internet, and television. Kevin works with healthcare organizations, Medical Schools, and the American Heart Association to raise awareness of cardiac disease so that lives can be saved, restored, extended, and enhanced. Kevin and his family reside in Dallas, TX. To learn more about Kevin, his book, his speaking, and what others say about his journey, visit (www.kevinkirkseyauthor.com)

More About This Title:

Life 2.0: A Journey from Near Death to New Life by Kevin Kirksey, also appearing in Publisher's Weekly Hot Releases  December 2020, will be released by Morgan James Publishing on January 19, 2021. Life 2.0ISBN 9781631950469has 238 pages and is being sold as a trade paperback for $16.95. To order from Amazon use https://amzn.to/3hv89tL

About Morgan James Publishing:

Morgan James publishes trade quality titles designed to educate, encourage, inspire, or entertain readers with current, consistent, relevant topics that are available everywhere books are sold. ( www.MorganJamesPublishing.com )

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Kirksey

972.400.2186

[email protected]

SOURCE Kevin Kirksey
In the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, journalists struggled to cover the devastation in a way that resonated, much as they have with the covid-19 pandemic today. In Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World, Lesley M.M. Blume tells the story of how New Yorker journalist John Hersey cracked the code.

On this weeks Kicker, Kyle Pope, editor and publisher of CJR, and Blume discuss the problem with coverage that focuses too much on numbers, science, and policy, at a time when covid deaths in the US continue to surge.

SHOW NOTES

How to cover a fast-moving pandemic, Kyle Pope, CJR

As the COVID death toll grows, so do the obituary pages, Ari Goldman, CJR

What has journalism learned from the pandemic? Amanda Darrach, CJR

PREVIOUSLY: How will Trumps followers fight for airtime?

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Amanda Darrach is a contributor to CJR and a visiting scholar at the University of St Andrews School of International Relations. Follow her on Twitter @thedarrach.
The failure of the Minister for Education to allay the concerns of teachers and school staff to guarantee the reopening of special education later this week has been described as a "calamity" by one TD.

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Education Donnchadh O Laoghaire said the failure of Norma Foley to address concerns raised by school staff represents "a monumental failure on the government's part".

Plans for in-school special education to resume on Thursday are in doubt as the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) says teachers' safety concerns have not been addressed.

Following an emergency meeting of the unions central executive committee, the union said teachers' grave safety concerns had not been adequately addressed by public health or by Government.

In a statement, the union said it will continue to engage with the department and public health authorities in an effort to work towards a phased reopening.

The INTO committee is due to meet again today.

Read More Nphet feared country was entering third Covid wave in December

Mr O Laoghaire said there has been a failure to engage in proper dialogue with school staff.

"Trying to dictate policy by press release is not the way to do business. It is utterly irresponsible and has once again proved fruitless due to the failure of the Minister to address the concerns of school staff.

"This represents a monumental failure on the government's part. Students, parents and teachers remain in limbo once again, with no clarity."

The Cork TD said the children with additional needs who missed out when schools closed last year are among the greatest victims of the last lockdown.

He said he believes there is a genuine desire among everyone to ensure that children with special educational needs can safely return to in-school learning.

We might have a solution by now if the Minister didn't take teachers for granted and once again try to bounce them into a decision without the government having done its homework.

Ahead of today's INTO committee meeting, Minister Foley said there has been almost daily communication with the primary stakeholders.

The Minister for Education said the needs of the most vulnerable children in our education system must remain the priority.

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan said the students and families must be supported.

Vindicating the educational rights of children with special educational needs is a priority for everyone in the Department of Education and in our education system.

INTO president Mary Magner said teachers are committed to supporting pupils but the safety of staff members is vital.

Separately, Forsa, the union that represents special needs assistants, is also due to hold an executive meeting today to discuss the situation and advise its members.

According to the union, serious concerns remain over childcare and vulnerable staff members.

Families across the country waking up to confusion

The CEO of autism charity As I am, Adam Harris has called for clarity from the Department of Education and the teachers unions about when special needs schools and classes will return.

The lack of clear information and concrete commitments was causing major distress for families he told Newstalk Breakfast.

For the third time this month we have families across the country, who support the most vulnerable children in the State, waking up to confusion.

What I think is astonishing about this back and forth between unions and the departments is we're hearing a lot about how professionals need time to return to the classroom.

What was being completely overlooked, he said, was that for such young people returning to school was about vital development skills that made a difference in their quality of life.

It was not just a case of getting up on Thursday morning and throwing on your uniform, he said.

It required intense preparation to support these young people to return to the classroom.

The lack of respect in giving people clear information and making concrete commitments was causing major distress to families, he added.

What we need today is clarity. We need clarity from the department about the supports they can put in place for teachers.

"We need clarity from the unions in terms of what they actually want, and what success actually looks like - and finally we need clarity about how the Constitutional right for these children to an appropriate education is going to be provided.
AMSTERDAM, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

A new company with the agility, creativity and efficiency to capture the opportunities of the new era of mobility, offering innovative solutions that will help change the way society moves

Rich heritage stemming from storied and iconic automotive marques, innovative mobility brands and deep roots in the communities in which it operates

Well positioned to compete in global markets with 39 electrified vehicles available by the end of 2021

Significant scale with well-established commercial positions in Europe , North America and Latin America

, and Strong opening balance sheet

Targeting more than 5 billion of annual steady state synergies

Robust governance structure from Day One dedicated to creating superior value for all stakeholders

Unwavering commitment of the 400,000 employees to exceed consumer expectations and pursue greatness

Today marks the launch of Stellantis NV [STLA] ("Stellantis" or "the Company" or "Group"), a world leader for a new era of sustainable mobility dedicated to providing freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and efficient transportation solutions uniquely positioned to capture the exciting opportunities of a global industry undergoing rapid and profound change.

Formed from the combination of two groups with strong track records and sound finances, Stellantis is a truly global company of 400,000 diverse, highly talented and experienced employees who design, develop, manufacture, distribute, and sell vehicles and mobility solutions around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the communities in which they live and work.

The 11-member Board of Directors is led by Chairman John Elkann. Carlos Tavares as Chief Executive Officer leads one of the most experienced and successful management teams in the industry whose diversity, experience and competitive spirit are amongst its key strengths. With a deep bench of executive talent relentlessly committed to improvement and innovation, Stellantis is well-positioned to continue its founding companies' track record of value creation for all stakeholders guided by a common principle: challenge the status quo.

With a proud heritage stretching back 125 years, Stellantis is home to a full portfolio of storied brands that have graced the road and conquered the podium in the world of motorsport. Founded by visionaries who infused these marques with passion and a competitive spirit, the brands cover the full spectrum of market segments from luxury, premium and mainstream passenger vehicles to hard-charging pickup trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, as well as dedicated mobility, finance and parts and service brands.

Stellantis already has a well-established presence in three regions  Europe, North America and Latin America  in addition to significant untapped potential in important markets such as China, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and India. With industrial operations in more than 30 countries, the Company has the ability to efficiently meet and exceed consumer expectations and deliver vehicles and services of unparalleled quality in more than 130 markets.

Stellantis starts from a position of considerable strength with robust operating margins reflecting the Company's leading positions in North America, Europe and Latin America. The Company expects to leverage its size and economies of scale as an enabler to invest in innovative mobility solutions for its customers, targeting annual synergies of more than 5 billion at a steady state. These synergy estimates will be achieved through the implementation of smart purchasing and investment strategies, optimizing powertrain and platform utilization, applying cutting-edge R&D and a continuous focus on manufacturing and tooling efficiencies. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction.

Nine Governance Committees will ensure an efficient operating structure from Day One, including company-wide performance & strategy, planning, regions, manufacturing, brand and styling.

Stellantis' portfolio is uniquely suited to offer distinctive, sustainable mobility solutions to meet its customers' evolving needs, as they embrace electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving and shared ownership. As the electrified market continues to grow, Stellantis is well positioned today with 29 electrified models available and plans to introduce ten additional vehicles by the end of this year.

The Company is strongly committed to playing an active part in contributing to the societies in which it operates, as it works towards achieving a long-term goal of carbon neutrality across all products, assembly plants and other facilities.

Marking the occasion John Elkann said: "It is no coincidence that Stellantis is born precisely when our world requires a new kind of automotive company that will champion clean and intelligent solutions to provide freedom of movement for all. Our global scale and reach provide us with the resources to invest in state-of-the-art technologies, distinctive excellence and unmatched choice for our customers. But it is the geographic and cultural diversity of Stellantis' people that from Day One is our greatest competitive advantage. It is they, with their energy, their knowhow and their constant commitment who make Stellantis what it is today. And it is they who day-by-day will build an even greater company for this new era of mobility."

Commenting on the first day of Stellantis' journey, Carlos Tavares said, "This is a great day. One year after we announced this project, Stellantis is born, notwithstanding the unprecedented societal and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to warmly thank all of the teams who made this possible and also thank the entire workforce who continued to move our operations forward during this exceptional year. This demonstrates the agility, creativity and adaptability of our company which aims to be great rather than big, determined to be much more than the sum of its parts. It is also a further signal of the new company's determination to be a leading player in the automotive industry in this ever changing environment. Stellantis is dedicated to "pursuing greatness" and enhancing the well-being of its employees."

The new company began trading yesterday, January 18, on Euronext (Paris) and the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Full year 2020 results will be reported on March 3, 2021.

About Stellantis

Stellantis is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider, guided by a clear vision: to offer freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and reliable mobility solutions. In addition to the Group's rich heritage and broad geographic presence, its greatest strengths lie in its sustainable performance, depth of experience and the wide-ranging talents of employees working around the globe. Stellantis will leverage its broad and iconic brand portfolio, which was founded by visionaries who infused the marques with passion and a competitive spirit that speaks to employees and customers alike. Stellantis aspires to become the greatest, not the biggest while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates.

Twitter

Linkedin

Facebook

Youtube

www.stellantis.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains forward-looking statements. In particular, these forward-looking statements include statements regarding future financial performance and the expectations of the combined group (the "Group") resulting from the merger of FCA and Groupe PSA as to the achievement of certain targeted metrics at any future date or for any future period are forward-looking statements. These statements may include terms such as "may", "will", "expect", "could", "should", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "remain", "on track", "design", "target", "objective", "goal", "forecast", "projection", "outlook", "prospects", "plan", or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Rather, they are based on the Group's current state of knowledge, future expectations and projections about future events and are by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of the Group to launch new products successfully and to maintain vehicle shipment volumes; changes in the global financial markets, general economic environment and changes in demand for automotive products, which is subject to cyclicality; changes in local economic and political conditions, changes in trade policy and the imposition of global and regional tariffs or tariffs targeted to the automotive industry, the enactment of tax reforms or other changes in tax laws and regulations; the Group's ability to expand certain of their brands globally; its ability to offer innovative, attractive products; its ability to develop, manufacture and sell vehicles with advanced features including enhanced electrification, connectivity and autonomous-driving characteristics; various types of claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations and other contingencies, including product liability and warranty claims and environmental claims, investigations and lawsuits; material operating expenditures in relation to compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations; the intense level of competition in the automotive industry, which may increase due to consolidation; exposure to shortfalls in the funding of the Group's defined benefit pension plans; the ability to provide or arrange for access to adequate financing for dealers and retail customers and associated risks related to the establishment and operations of financial services companies; the ability to access funding to execute the Group's business plans and improve their businesses, financial condition and results of operations; a significant malfunction, disruption or security breach compromising information technology systems or the electronic control systems contained in the Group's vehicles; the Group's ability to realize anticipated benefits from joint venture arrangements; disruptions arising from political, social and economic instability; risks associated with our relationships with employees, dealers and suppliers; increases in costs, disruptions of supply or shortages of raw materials; developments in labor and industrial relations and developments in applicable labor laws; exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes, credit risk and other market risks; political and civil unrest; earthquakes or other disasters; the risk that the operations of Groupe PSA and FCA will not be integrated successfully and other risks and uncertainties.

Any forward-looking statements contained in this communication speak only as of the date of this document and the Group disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly forward-looking statements. Further information concerning the Group and its businesses, including factors that could materially affect the Group's financial results, are included in FCA's reports and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (including the registration statement on Form F-4 that was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2020) the AFM and CONSOB and PSA's filings with the AMF.

SOURCE Stellantis
YPSILANTI, MI  The Washtenaw County Health Department is postponing another COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week due to low supply.

The clinic originally set for 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, is being postponed as a result of the county not receiving its anticipated amounts of vaccine from the state of Michigan this week, health department officials said on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

This is incredibly difficult for everyone involved, Washtenaw County Health Officer, Jimena Loveluck, said. We are working as hard as we possibly can to vaccinate eligible individuals as quickly as possible.

The health department is able to keep just 220 of the 960 appointments scheduled for Thursday. The remaining 740 appointments scheduled on Jan. 21 are being rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, officials said. The health department will contact all individuals who need to be rescheduled.

Last week, the health department announced its postponement of the clinic scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19, which leaves 960 people who qualified to receive the vaccine still waiting. Appointments originally scheduled for Jan. 19 are being rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9, at approximately the same time, officials said.

The state shipped the Moderna vaccine to the Washtenaw County Health Department instead of the number of Pfizer vaccine doses it anticipated receiving, officials said.

Since the health department clinics are not currently set up to administer the Moderna vaccine, because of the way the vaccine must be stored, health officials said they are coordinating with local providers who can use Moderna to vaccinate those age 65 and older immediately.

There are currently three places administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan -- local health departments, health systems and pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens. which are administering vaccines at long-term care facilities.

Area health care providers are contacting patients age 65 and older as they have appointments available, officials said. The health department has an individual vaccine appointment request survey for those without a primary health care provider, or who are eligible because of employment.

The request survey puts people in line for a vaccination appointment. Those completing it will be contacted when an appointment becomes available, officials said.

The health department is advising that it may be several weeks before people are contacted with an available appointment. Appointments are being filled by randomly selecting from among eligible individuals, officials said.

In Washtenaw County, the health department is currently still vaccinating healthcare providers within the first phase of eligible recipients, and older adults without a primary health care provider. Vaccinations for a few designated essential workers, such as first responders, are also being scheduled. According to state guidance, 75% of the vaccine is designated for older adults, officials said.

Through the week of Jan. 11, the health department reported vaccinating 2,400 people. In all, 4,952 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered by county health officials.

READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Contagious coronavirus variant identified in Michigan

COVID-19 vaccinations are spreading across Michigan; read the latest developments

COVID-19 threat remains in Washtenaw County, officials say, as positivity rate increases
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/18/2021



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.

: The Other Way star Jenny Slatten has shared updates on her visa and marital status and made it clear she's frustrated with Sumit!Jenny, a 61-year-old from Palm Springs, CA, and Sumit, a 32-year-old from India, starred on Seasons 1 and 2 of : The Other Way.Jenny and Sumit shared an update on their current situation with host Shaun Robinson during an episode of 90 Day Bares All that was released on Discovery's new discovery+ streaming service on Monday.Shaun began the videochat by pointing out Jenny had been in India for a year at the time of their interview, which was the longest period of time she and Sumit have spent together in person."Jenny, what is your visa status right now?" Shaun asked."When the pandemic hit, it shut the borders and no flights in, no flights out. So I just applied for an extension every month, so that's the way I've been doing it," Jenny explained."Every month, [I file] a new extension," she added.Shaun noted it seemed like Jenny didn't really know what was going to happen in the future and was living month-to-month."My visa can expire, and if they don't want to extend it, that's when I'm probably going to have to leave the country," Jenny explained.Jenny, however, acknowledged she'd be able to stay in India with no problem if she and Sumit actually got married -- which had been the couple's plan all along."So, why don't we just do that?!" Shaun asked in regards to tying the knot."Sumit doesn't seem to want to separate from his family, so [that's it]," Jenny shared with an angry look on her face.Sumit remained silent as Jenny spoke and just nodded his head in agreement as he sat beside her."Are you satisfied with the relationship with Sumit, just not being married?" Shaun asked for clarification."No," Jenny confirmed.Sumit apparently had no comment and seemed nervous and sweaty.Jenny and Sumit initially met on Facebook and Sumit catfished Jenny, but once she discovered his true identity, she still wanted to be with him.On : The Other Way's first season, Jenny moved to India with the understanding she and Sumit would get married and she'd continue to live in India permanently, but Jenny soon discovered Sumit was actually married to another woman and his family was furious at him for having an affair with Jenny."I was dating Jenny when my parents set up an arranged marriage, and I barely knew the girl before I married her... No one should force me into a marriage... It's my decision. I want to be with Jenny. It's my right to be happy," Sumit said in an interview during Season 1 of : The Other Way.However, Jenny's visa eventually expired and she had to return to the United States.Sumit promised Jenny that he was going to divorce his wife, regardless of the implications it would have on his relationship with his family, in order to be with Jenny forever, and Season 2 featured Jenny returning to India on a Tourist Visa after spending five months away from her love.Sumit had, in fact, filed for divorce by the time Jenny arrived, and the divorce was later finalized on the show.Sumit's parents, Sahna and Anil, however, were adamantly against the idea of Jenny and Sumit getting married due to the large age gap between them.Anil said Sumit had "smashed" his dreams of playing with his grandchildren one day given Jenny is almost double Sumit's age."I love Jenny and I'm going to fight for her," Sumit told the cameras. "I have to make them understand Jenny and I love each other and it's a true love. And that's what's more important than what society thinks."Sahna told Sumit that he was only thinking of his own happiness and acting selfishly, but Sumit insisted Jenny made him happy and he was "dying" in his arranged marriage."I was the one who was suffering! I told you three times that I wanted to commit suicide," Sumit cried to his parents."I am your son. I am getting true love with Jenny. You are asking me to choose between you two. Why can't I choose both? Think about it."Sumit promised Jenny that he wouldn't let anyone stop them from getting married, and the couple soon learned they could exchange vows legally in a temple even if Sumit's parents rejected and disapproved of their union.But Sumit was still desperate for his parents' blessing, and so he postponed the ring ceremony and asked Jenny to be patient about marriage and sit down with him for a chat with his parents.It had been eight years since Jenny had a real conversation with Sumit's parents, so she didn't know whether they would accept her.Sahna and Anil expressed how they'd never be happy with Sumit's decision to marry Jenny."I am going to marry her," Sumit noted."Marriage? Over our dead bodies," Sahna shouted, adding that her body would be in the ground when Sumit chose to marry Jenny."This is all you could find?!" Anil yelled. "You'll find other women a thousand times better -- a million times better."Sahna begged her son to not marry Jenny and said she'd feel totally "ashamed" if Jenny became his wife.Sumit got down on his knees and begged her for approval because life without Jenny would be "a disaster," but Sahna threatened to commit suicide if Sumit proceeded to marry Jenny against her wishes.Jenny acknowledged the situation was "really sad" and it was such "a horrible thing" for Sumit's mother to say."I don't want to be the reason for her to even think about trying to do something," Sumit explained to the cameras.Sumit ultimately decided he wouldn't marry Jenny because he couldn't live with himself if his mother killed herself over his choices.Sumit agreed not to marry Jenny, but he planned to continue dating her.Jenny noted she understood why she and Sumit couldn't get married but her visa was going to expire in three weeks. Sumit, however, told Jenny that they'd continue living together and he'd find a way to keep her in India."Or else I'm going to go back to America and that's going to be it. We'll continue with a long-distance relationship or it's going to be done," Jenny said."I won't give up on you," Sumit promised.Jenny said she wouldn't be willing to fly back to India for a fourth time and do this all over again.Sumit later gave Jenny something to prove his commitment to her and that he still wanted her to be in his life. Sumit gave Jenny a promise ring during : The Other Way's second-season finale, not a marriage ring, and she gushed, "Finally! I finally got my ring, yay!"Sumit said the ring signified his love and devotion to Jenny, and she was overjoyed. Sumit said the couple would continue to fight for their love and be together, even though they couldn't tie the knot.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Lidl has announced the return of 36 products from 25 small Irish suppliers, including a local Kilkenny business, which were part of the retailers annual Kick Start Supplier Development Programme last summer.

The limited edition range will be available in Lidls 208 stores from Thursday, January 28 and features Kilkenny-based supplier, Goatsbridges delicious Cold Smoked Trout (2.99) and Trout Pate (2.79). Goatsbridge was set up more than 800 years ago in Kilkenny and today it is run by Mag and Ger Kirwan who live on the Thomastown farm with their family and work together to carry on the proud family tradition of pure and sustainable fishing.

Busy Botanist Herbal Tea will also be available. With participating suppliers from Donegal through to Cork, joining Lidls existing network of more than 260 local Irish suppliers for the limited edition promotion, shoppers looking to buy Irish and support local will have plenty of variety to choose from alongside the retailers award-winning quality and value.

Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Lidl has already invested 1 million through the programme since its inception in 2017, with countless supplier success stories to tell including many suppliers going on to stock Lidls every day range permanently. Supporting local is particularly important this year and what better way than to give small Irish suppliers the big opportunity to showcase and sell their products across Lidls 208 stores on the island of Ireland.

At Lidl, it has never been more important to us to support our local communities, as well as the livelihoods of those who continue to operate throughout the pandemic, through our growing local supplier network," said Lidl Ireland Buying Director, Cathal Corcoran.

"Our Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for small to medium sized Irish businesses to showcase their products to more than 2 million customers that enter our stores every week. The quality of Irish artisan food and drink is up there with the best in the world, and we are delighted to bring unique, delicious, local produce to shoppers looking to support our local economy when they need it most.

Lidl takes great pride in supporting small Irish suppliers and bringing the best of Irish produce to its loyal community of customers. Visit www.lidl.ie/kickstart for more information on Lidls annual supplier development programme, Kick Start.
The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) served judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oleksandr Tupytsky with charge of deliberate false testimony and bribery of a witness.

"The SBI investigators, as agreed by the acting prosecutor general, reported that the Constitutional Court of Ukraine carries out the administrative functions of its head in the crimes committed against justice, provided in Part 2 of Articles 384, 386 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the SBI press service said on Facebook.
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 Philadelphia resident was charged in a hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian in Camden County earlier this month, authorities said.

Gregory Graves, 40, faces counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, being involved in a fatal accident while having a suspended drivers license and hindering apprehension or prosecution, Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Runnemede Police Chief Paul Dailey said in a statement Saturday night.

Police found the victim, Frederick Murray, 61, of Somerdale, suffering from multiple injuries on Jan. 3 at South Black Horse Pike and East Clements Bridge Road in Runnemede after being called to a pedestrian hit in the area, authorities said. Murray was rushed to an area hospital, where he died Jan. 11.

Investigators recovered surveillance footage that showed a blue Chevrolet Trailblazer was involved in the accident, the prosecutors office said. An anonymous tip led police to a Glendora business, where they found the Trailblazer with noticeable damage to the front grill, authorities said.

The prosecutors office said Graves was identified as the driver and charged Saturday. It was not immediately clear if he had retained an attorney.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
Government of India had approved the use of Covaxin as part of the vaccination drive as one under a clinical trial mode. This, it was learnt, was causing concern among potential recipients of this particular vaccine among some healthcare personnel in the state. (Representational Photo)

Hyderabad: A quickly planned rollout of Covaxin, a Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by the city-based Bharat Biotech, was on Monday equally quickly pulled back without any explanation by the State health department authorities. Covaxin was to become a matter of pride for the state and government, being a Made in Telangana vaccine.

The launch of the Covid-19 vaccination on January 16 in Telangana began with people getting jabs of Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. Whereas Telangana, which received 20,000 doses of Covaxin, remained in cold storage at the State Vaccine Depot in Koti in the city.

Late Monday morning, the health department issued an invite to the media saying there would be a rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine at the office of the Director of Public Health at Koti in the afternoon. The guests of honour were to be health minister Etala Rajendar and IT and industries minister K.T. Rama Rao.

While the invite did not mention Covaxin being rolled out, it is self-evident this was the agenda as Covishield had already been rolled-out and was being used across the state for vaccination of healthcare personnel.

However, within an hour, the health department announced the vaccine rollout was being postponed before going into total silence on the matter throughout the day.

According to inside sources, one of the possible recipients of the first dose of Covaxin was to be Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao. It may be recalled that Director of Medical Educations Dr K. Ramesh Reddy had received a shot of Covishield on January 16.

Though everything was set for the rollout of Covaxin on Monday, the reason for the postponement were intelligence reports that the state government received from various parts of the state, of strong reluctance on part of several healthcare personnel to become part of a somewhat forced Phase III trial of a vaccine which had only an Emergency Use approval.

Across the country, anyone receiving Covaxin doses as part of the Covid-19 vaccination drive, are required to sign a three-page consent form, agreeing to be part of the trial and that they are doing so on their own accord and not under any duress from any quarter.

It may be recalled that the Government of India had approved the use of Covaxin as part of the vaccination drive as one under a clinical trial mode. This, it was learnt, was causing concern among potential recipients of this particular vaccine among some healthcare personnel in the state.

As per the action plan for vaccination, vaccine recipients do not have an option to choose between the two vaccines. It was learnt that the TRS government did not want the embarrassment of several potential recipients pulling out from taking the vaccine manufactured by a company based in Telangana.

However, there was no official word from Bharat Biotech throughout the day either on the rollout of a vaccine as announced by the health department or the subsequent decision to postpone the event.

By evening, it ended up that the only thing manufactured was a bit of embarrassment for all parties concerned.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company

OTTAWA - Ontario Conservative MP Derek Sloan could be expelled from his party's caucus as early as Tuesday for accepting a donation to his leadership campaign from a white supremacist.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole holds a press conference on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on Dec. 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Ontario Conservative MP Derek Sloan could be expelled from his party's caucus as early as Tuesday for accepting a donation to his leadership campaign from a white supremacist.

But Sloan accused the party of hypocrisy, saying that Paul Fromm, who has been associated with Neo Nazis for years, was a party member and voted in last year's leadership contest  a fact that would have been known to all candidates, including eventual winner Erin O'Toole, as well as the party itself.

"If I am guilty of something, they are guilty of something. This is ridiculous," Sloan told supporters in a Facebook video late Monday night.

"I'm not going to go down without a fight."

The party did not immediately return a request to confirm Fromm's membership, though he noted himself on Twitter that he had registered to attend the upcoming policy convention, which only party members are allowed to do.

Several hours earlier, O'Toole had issued a statement saying he will seek to have Sloan expelled from the Conservative caucus and will bar him from running for the party in the next election.

He said accepting Fromm's donation was "far worse than a gross error of judgment or failure of due diligence" by his former leadership rival.

Racism is a disease of the soul, repugnant to our core values. It has no place in our country. It has no place in the Conservative Party of Canada. I wont tolerate it," O'Toole said in the statement, issued less than three hours after word of Sloan's donation first emerged.

It is up to Conservative MPs to vote on whether Sloan ought to remain, and some MPs said Monday they expect that vote to happen as early as Tuesday.

Privately, several expressed concern with the way O'Toole had handled the issue, noting while many aren't fans of Sloan's hard-right social conservative views, booting him over a donation could set a dangerous precedent.

Some were also quick to point out that O'Toole opposed an effort to oust Sloan from caucus during the leadership race, when he was accused of racism for remarks he made about Canada's chief public health officer.

Sloan said he was completely unaware that Fromm had donated to his campaign until a report surfaced in Press Progress late Monday afternoon, and no one from the party or O'Toole's office reached out to him.

Fromm has been a fixture in right-wing politics for decades, including participating in events with the neo-Nazi Heritage Front.

He had tried to buy a membership for the 2017 Conservative leadership race via candidate Kellie Leitch's campaign, but his money was returned.

Sloan said it's absurd to believe that any leadership candidate, or any MP, should be familiar with the names of every single one of their donors.

Fromm's total donation of $131 was made Aug. 7, just weeks before the contest ended. Of that, Sloan's campaign received $117.90, with the party taking the rest.

Sloan said Fromm donated to his campaign using the name "Frederick P. Fromm," further obscuring the source of the funds.

He said the party would have checked the name at the time, and never raised a red flag then, nor did anyone do so when Fromm's mail-in ballot would have come in.

"They are now trying to kick me out of the party for not having some excessive standard of scrutiny that they don't even have themselves," Sloan said.

O'Toole ultimately won leadership of the party last year thanks to Sloan's supporters, and those of social conservative Leslyn Lewis, who backed him instead of his main rival, Peter MacKay, on the last ballot.

Ever since, questions have dogged O'Toole about how he'd seek to ensure the views of social conservatives are respected but also win support among more moderate Canadians wary that those points of view would dominate the party's agenda.

The issue became a live one again in recent weeks as O'Toole faced pressure to clearly draw a line between his party and the kind of extreme right wing politics that has flared up into violence in the U.S.

On Sunday, he issued a statement pledging that there would be no room in his party for the "far right," a missive that his office insisted was in response to attacks from rival parties all week long on that score.

But it had prompted questions about how he intends to honour that pledge given that his caucus includes those who don't share his support for LGBTQ rights and a woman's right to choose, among other issues.The issue was poised to also come to a head at the party's upcoming policy convention.

Delegate registration ended this past Friday and, while O'Toole had said Sunday that he leads a "moderate, pragmatic, mainstream party," factions of the party's right wing have been organizing to advance their causes at the virtual event in March.

"Sick of hearing Conservative politicians say they 'won't reopen the abortion debate?' Then change it," the anti-abortion group Right Now told its supporters.

"Register to become a delegate at the upcoming online policy convention and vote to remove that line from the policy handbook."

Sloan himself had also been aggressively recruiting delegates to go to the convention, using his membership lists to blast emails and robocalls to party members saying he was their voice and their issues must be represented.

"We need as many truly 'conservative' delegates to participate as possible. The more 'conservative' delegates who participate, the more success we will have in making the (Conservative Party of Canada) into a truly conservative party," Sloan wrote in an email to his supporters, obtained by The Canadian Press.

On Twitter, Fromm himself suggested he is registered to be a delegate at the convention thanks to Sloan's outreach.

"I inadvertently got Derek Sloan into trouble when I responded to an appeal from his office to register for the party's policy convention," he wrote.

"Wasn't O'Toole talking about building an inclusive party?"

Party leaders don't normally have transparent control over what policy resolutions are put to debate at conventions.

It's a complicated system that includes member votes, regional representation and the ultimate green-light by party officials.

But previous Conservative leaders have been accused of placing pressure on those officials to structure debates such that time runs out before certain ideas can be discussed.

Those allegations saw O'Toole promise during his leadership bid that all ideas that make it to the convention will have a chance to be heard and voted on.

"Lets embrace our grassroots, not run from it," he said in his platform.

Whether he stands by that pledge is unclear. His office directed questions on the subject to the party, which did not return a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2021.
Scientists of a laboratory in Wuhan in China, where the cases were first Covid-19 cases and the Covid-19 pandemic has been theorized to have originated, in a new video, revealed that they had been bitten by bats who may have been infected.

While the SARS-Cov-2 virus or Covid-19 emerged in Wuhan in end 2019, around late Autumn, the video is dated much earlier - from 2017. The video, which is almost two years before the coronavirus pandemic struck Wuhan, and then later the world, shows Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists working on 'live viruses' without a PPE kit. This was apparently a breach of the World Health Organisation safety rules on PPE, according to Business Today.

According to a report in Mail Online, a researcher in the video says that "one animal's fangs had gone through his rubber gloves like a needle" while he was collecting samples in a cave.

One scientist can even be seen holding a bat with his bare hands in the video, reports the news portal. The video also then cuts to a person's limb showing swelling from another bite. The narrator of the video points out the fact that bats can carry a variety of potent viruses, reports The Taiwan Times.

The footage was captured by a Chinese TV crew and broadcast in 2017, reports The Sun.

These revelations raise the possibility that the scientists may have become infected with a coronavirus from the bat bite, and it could even be the virus we now identify as Covid-19, and may explain how the virus jumped from bats to humans in the first place. The video, however, isn't available online and the logo suggests it is from 'CCTV-13,' a news channel of China Central Television and the biggest news channel on mainland China.

The video, however, raises questions for the WHO team which is investigating the first place the virus was found: at a Wuhan wet sea-food market.

The 13-member WHO team which arrived in Wuhan on to probe the origins of COVID-19 are currently put up in a hotel in Wuhan to serve 14-day quarantine.

Their site visits in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in December 2019, are expected to include the WIV and the wet market, where the deadly virus was suspected to have been transmitted from live animals like bats to humans. The market remained closed and sealed since early last year. The WHO team's visit has become a bone of contention as Beijing, which questions the widely-held view about the virus' origins in Wuhan, delayed granting permission to it. China says the virus has appeared in many places in the world and it only reported first in Wuhan.
Sports lie at the margins of our culture, different from how it is elsewhere in the world, and from how it used to be. This is one of the reasons why criminality among youth proceeds unchecked. There is no youth labour market, and the school system ruthlessly triages youth.
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.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Introduction

revolution revlooSH()n/ noun

a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system.



How did Jesus start a revolution  or should I say  the revolution?

How did a band of about 120 disciples of Jesus go from hiding in a room with the doors locked to turning the world upside down?

So often, Ive been obsessed with what the men and women did in the book of Acts while skipping over why they did what they did. Ive been reading the book by Simon Sinek, Start With Why.1 Lets just say it has been challenging. Im looking at the apostles, and myself, in a whole new light.

What was the apostles why? Why did the world get turned upside down? Why did people walk into repentance and get baptized at alarming rates?

We get stoked on a 10 percent rate of increase in church attendance while on the very first day of the church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the number of believers went from 120 to about 5,120. Thats like a 4,000 percent increase!

Some people, namely the original 120, really, genuinely believed. That belief was heard and acted upon to the point where the people in the crowd at Pentecost said, What must we do?!

And the response was mass baptism and repentance. Why, then, did these 120 believe so deeply?

Because a dead man became a living man. That same power of the living Man was poured out onto and into these 120 followers of Jesus at Pentecost. Literally, the same life flowed through their bodies that flowed through Christ.

I want that! People will believe that. I want that why. I want a living Jesus, not one I must manipulate people to meet or convince them of His reality.

The thing with living people is they tend to turn up or show up and, most definitely, act out.

So, how do you start a revolution?

You overthrow the system of death and replace it with a system of life. You come back from the dead and then share the same power that accomplished the defeat of death with your followers.

Why follow Jesus?

Hes alive.

Why read my Bible?

Hes alive.

Why become a part of a group of believers?

Hes alive.

Why does the Sermon on the Mount matter?

Hes alive. Why repent? Hes alive.

Why be baptized?

Hes alive.

Why share the gospel with everyone you possibly can?

Hes alive.

Why be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Hes alive

Why make disciples?

Hes alive.

disciple dsipl/ noun

a personal follower of Jesus during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.



Youll notice above that the Websters definition of disciple states, during his life. Well, I see what you tried to do there, Webster, but Hes alive!

A living Jesus is our reason. In order to perpetuate this revolution, we must carry that same life in us  the life of the Spirit of Christ or the Holy Spirit. Ask God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit consistently for a week and see what happens.

Now, how do you start a religion?

You lose your living Savior. His life becomes an idea just short of your reality. Then you start to manipulate into programs, routines, ritual, and argument because, when the why is gone, there is only manipulation left.

Here are some blaring examples of manipulation when the why goes out the window. Youll notice that businesses use the same names of the types stolen from Simon Sinek:2

All you have to do is say a prayerCost reduction

Pray this prayer and youll be richAspiration

Read your Bible and youll be a better personAspiration

If you dont come to this, youll get a phone call or a textFear

Listen to this new song/podcastNovelty

Guest speaker today!Promotion

These things arent inherently wrong, except for a couple of them. Ill let you and the Almighty decide which ones those are. But if you use this as your approach to discipleship, you are on a hamster wheel of disappointment  almost guaranteed.

When the why is genuine, the outcome will be genuine action.

People respond to that. Theyll wait in line for that.

Theyll fill a house to the point where there is no room for that. Note the ministry of Jesus. Just look at the result of Jesus work in Mark 1:2934:

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simons mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Ask yourself this question: Why am I doing this Christianity thing? Let the Holy Spirit and the Word lead you. It might change everything. It just might provoke you to something radical that results in violent action  violence that takes the Kingdom by force  and that, in turn, will bring revolution.



This is an excerpt from the book, The Way of the Violent: An Urgent Message to the Christian Man, to be released on January 23, 2021.
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 19.01.2021:

Eight more dead bodies of Armenians have been found during searches in Nagorno-Karabakh.

One of the bodies is a civilian. A total of 1,246 fallen servicemen and civilians have been retrieved so far.

According to Hunan Tadevosyan, the representative of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) State Service for Emergency Situations, five detachments are working in the Fizuli, Jabrayil, Hadrut, Kovsakan regions, and in the Meghri town of Armenia-adjacent areas which are now under the control of Azerbaijan.

Two Armenian rescuers have been injured after a mine explodes during a search for bodies in Armenia's Syunik Province.

The wounded received medical aid at the medical center in Meghri and have been transferred to the hospital in Kapan.

Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan and several other ex-officials' court trial kicked off Tuesday.

During Tuesdays court session, Kocharyan's lawyers submitted several motions for the recusal of the current members of the prosecution.

The son of the Armenian and Karabakh ex-president Levon Kocharyan was at the court's yard during the trial.

He noted that a few days after the start of the war, Robert Kocharyan went to Karabakh to try to be as useful as possible, but the authorities ignored him.

"The President of Karabakh did not even consider it necessary to meet with my father and hold discussions," the ex-president's son noted.

Meanwhile, Robert Kocharyan came out of the building of the Yerevan court where his trial on the March 2008 tragedy case was being heard. He approached those who had come to support him.

Renowned Armenian actor, director, Distinguished Worker of Arts of Armenia, Vigen Stepanyan, has died of a stroke at the age of 68.

Stepanyan played more than 100 roles in various theaters, staged 43 plays in various countries and languages, starred in about 50 films in various studios of the ex-USSR, acted in more than 60 TV plays, wrote and staged more than ten plays, and two short films and one full-length film were shot with his script.

Also, nine more deaths from COVID-19 were reported, making the respective total 3,007 cases.

Five more cases of dying from some other illnesses were recorded in Armenia in the past one day, and the corresponding overall death toll in the country is 734 now.

The number of people who have recovered so far is 153,500, and the number of people currently being treated is 7,671.

And 626,377 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Armenia to date.
The wholesale arm of Orange Group, International Carriers, is partnering with Cote Ouest Audiovisuel to supply network access and content delivery services in West Africa using its Media Delivery Boost (MDB) solution.

The deal introduces a new value proposition that facilitates TV and OTT content delivery using the Orange CDN, enabling Cote Ouest Audiovisuel to distribute its content to all Orange subscribers in the region, replacing the satellite delivery that was previously used.

For Orange, the development of CDN is a strategic axis for revenue growth, especially in Africa where it already operates the largest network of this type in the region, enabling the delivery of media content in 10 countries. As a regional market leader, Cote Ouest Audiovisuel will continue to supply services to countries in West Africa, including Cote dIvoire, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Bernard Azria, CEO of Cote Ouest Audiovisuel, said: Video consumption on mobile is exploding today and we found that Orange MDB is the ideal solution for our content delivery needs. Its a pay-as-you-grow model, managed by experts and its available in the regions where mobile broadband is growing at a strong pace. Cote Ouest Audiovisuel is proud to be a partner with Orange on this deal and we will provide mutual support and promotion for our respective commercial activities.

Added Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange International Carriers: We are very happy that Cote Ouest Audiovisuel, a major audiovisual broadcaster in West Africa, has chosen to trust our CDN offer, Media Delivery Boost. This new partnership consolidates our leadership as a CDN provider in Africa, a continent which remains at the heart of Oranges development strategy. We are proud to contribute in this way to improve the access to qualitative content services for West Africa.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of national security after reports that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh. "Remember his promise - '??? ??? ????? ???? ?????' (Will not let the country bow)," Gandhi said on Twitter as he posted a link of a news report about the alleged "Chinese village".

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also slammed the prime minister on the matter. "Modiji where is that 56-inch chest," he asked on Twitter.

In a cautious reaction to the reports, India had on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security, and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Congress leader P Chidambaram had on Monday demanded answers from the government on the issue, alleging that BJP MP Tapir Gao has claimed that China has built a 100-house village in the "disputed area" deep into Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if the allegation made out by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to China or will blame the previous governments for it. "Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a 'disputed area' within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year.

"If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts," he had said on Twitter. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over eight months. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in order to resolve the eastern Ladakh standoff, but no significant headway has been made for its resolution..

.
It is beyond absurd to suggest that expecting India to strike back at Pakistan, after the Pulwama attack, was a crime. It was publicly available information and thousands of journalists reported, wrote, broadcast and analysed in the same direction after Pulwama. There are thousands of articles from that time suggesting a hard and tough response from the Indian Forces. The Government stated the same in interviews to our Network and elsewhere, which were broadcast across the world. Two things were made public at that time, officially 1. That there will be an extremely tough military retaliation by India. 2. That the time and place of the retaliation will be chosen by India.

I am horrified that the Congress party actually thinks that any journalist in India expressing the views publicly stated by the Government is committing a crime. In the last 10 months, from an attempted acid attack on me to framing of fake and false cases to arresting me illegally (in a case which the Supreme Court said had no prima facie merits) to assaulting me, my wife and my son, and slapping cases against them to filing an omnibus case against my entire newsroom and all my editors to putting me in jail on the trumped up charges to assaulting me in custody to interrogating my colleagues for 500 hours to whiplashing my colleague Ghanshyam with a chakki belt in custody and now joining hands with Pakistan to questioning my love and commitment to this great nation. I have been through it all.

Millions of Indians have joined hands with me today. I have the support of every nationalist Indian, and I dont need a certificate from anyone else.

To the media in India: I request a moment of introspection. You may not agree with my views, you may not agree with my ideology, you may not agree with my Network but if you are quiet today when a journalist is targeted for a WhatsApp chat on a publicly available information then think about the precedent being set. I have faced enough incarceration, Im ready for some more.

To all my supporters: Let us rally now to fight for the truth, with ALL our might.

Satyamev Jayate!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Jai Hind!
For migrant workers it is extended festival vacation but loss for many businessmen

Gujarat: 15 migrant workers killed after truck runs over them; PM Modi condoles tragedy

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Surat, Jan 19: Fifteen migrant labourers sleeping by the roadside in Gujarat's Surat district were killed on Tuesday after being crushed under a speeding truck, police said.

The tragedy took place near Kosamba village, around 60 km from Surat, police said, adding that all those killed hailed from Rajasthan.

The truck driver, who apparently lost control over the vehicle after hitting a sugarcane laden tractor, has been detained. The truck ran over the migrant construction workers on the Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight, Surat SP Usha Rada said.

Karnataka: Union minister Shripad Naik injured in road accident; wife, aide dead

The truck driver lost control over his vehicle after dashing against the tractor and veered off the road onto the pavement where the workers were sleeping, she said.

"The truck was on its way to Mandvi from Kim. The driver lost control of the vehicle after it hit sugarcane hanging out of the tractor trolley coming from the opposite direction.

"The truck's front window pane shattered on impact, which blocked the driver's vision. The truck then veered off the road and crashed into the sleeping labourers," she said. Three workers injured in the tragedy are being treated in a nearby hospital, the police official said.

''The state government will be providing Rs 2 lakh compensation to family of the deceased & Rs 50,000 to those injured from CM Relief Fund,'' Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each person killed in the accident and Rs 50,000 would be given to each injured.

''The loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest,'' PM Modi tweeted.
As these awards highlight Cambridge Semantics leadership in the Boston-area tech community, we are especially proud of our colleagues and their remarkable skill in building and delivering transformational analytic software solutions on behalf of our clients and partners. - Brian Owen, CEO

Cambridge Semantics, a leading provider of enterprise-scale knowledge graph platforms, is honored to be recognized by Built In Boston as part of its 2021 Best Places to Work Awards.

Built In Boston recognized Cambridge Semantics in multiple categories: Best Places to Work, Best Small Companies to Work For, and Best Paying Companies. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, both nationally and in the eight largest tech markets in the US.

Our customers, including leading global F100 pharmaceutical, financial services, and manufacturing companies, gain tremendous benefits by aligning with Cambridge Semantics. Succeeding at digital transformation with emerging technologies like ours requires an exceptionally innovative and collaborative team, said Brian Owen, CEO of Cambridge Semantics. As these awards highlight Cambridge Semantics leadership in the Boston-area tech community, we are especially proud of our colleagues and their remarkable skill and commitment in building and delivering transformational analytic software solutions on behalf of our clients and partners.

Built In determines winners for Best Places to Work based on an algorithm considering company data about compensation, benefits, and cultural programs. To reflect the attributes candidates are searching for on Built In today, this years program weighted certain criteria more heavily, such as remote opportunities and programs for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

These companies raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees, says Sheridan Orr, Chief Marketing Officer, Built In. The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. Were thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.

Tech professionals rely on Built Ins Best Places to Work lists to discover employers that align with their preferences, passions, and values. Since its inception three years ago, the award has expanded in reach, from online views of tens of thousands to just under 1 million views today.

About Built In and the Best Place to Work Awards

Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Built Ins esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 100 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work.

About Cambridge Semantics

Cambridge Semantics Inc. is a modern data management and enterprise analytics software company. Our solutions transform siloed data into enterprise-scale knowledge graphs, revealing previously hidden insights, fueling pervasive analytics, and making previously unanswerable questions answerable. Cambridge Semantics solution Anzo is a scalable knowledge graph platform for modern data integration and analytics. Anzo dramatically simplifies and accelerates the integration, modeling, and blending of siloed data into insight-rich knowledge graphs at enterprise scale. Anzo is built on AnzoGraph, the fastest & most scalable knowledge graph engine supporting data integration, graph algorithms, data warehouse-style analytics, feature engineering for Machine Learning, and more. The company delivers solutions that enable IT departments and business users across Life Sciences, Financial Services, Government, Manufacturing, and other industries to accelerate data delivery and provide meaningful insights across the organization at hyper-speed and scale.

Visit http://www.cambridgesemantics.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter: @CamSemantics.

###

Media Contact:

Barbara Petrocelli

Cambridge Semantics Inc.

+1 (516)313-0263

barbara.petrocelli@cambridgesemantics.com
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.


Former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, have suggested that Donald Trump might have been in contact with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the day of the deadly riots at the US Capitol, and called for a 9/11-type commission to investigate the events of 6 January.

Speaker Pelosi was in conversation with Ms Clinton for the podcast You and Me Both on Monday, when the former secretary of state said she would love to see Mr Trumps phone to see if he had been talking to Mr Putin on 6 January  the day of the riots.

Ms Pelosi responded by saying Putin wants to undermine democracy of America and with Mr Trump all roads lead to Putin. She said the Capitol riots were a gift to Putin and the people who stormed the building were Putin puppets.

These people, unbeknownst to them, they are Putin puppets. They were doing Putins business when they [stormed the Capitol], at the incitement of an insurrection by the president of the United States. So yes, we should have a 9/11 commission, and there is strong support in the Congress to do that, she added.

House Democrats, led by Ms Pelosi, last week introduced an article of impeachment for inciting insurrection and passed it, making Mr Trump the first and only US president to be impeached twice.

While he is still to face trial at the Senate, Mr Trump condemned the riots through a video message after his social media accounts were banned.

In line with the Democratic leaders accusation of Mr Putins indirect or indirect involvement in the riots, a Pennsylvania care worker was accused of attempting to steal Ms Pelosis laptop in order to sell it to Russia, according to an affidavit.

The womans former romantic partner stated that "Williams intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia's foreign intelligence service, according to the affidavit.

The FBI is investigating the matter and the woman has been charged with entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct.
As COVID-19 vaccines are currently being rolled out globally, Nigeria has acquired the ultra-cold freezers needed to store the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines when they finally arrive the country.

A visit to the countrys vaccine storage facility on Tuesday showed that there are three Ultra-cold freezers needed to store the doses of vaccines expected by the end of January.

The National Strategic Cold Store located a few miles from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is where all vaccines are stored on arrival into the country. The vaccines are then distributed to various zones and states across the country.

The Nigerian government said it will receive at least 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of January through the COVAX co-financing public-private facility.

A check by this newspaper in December 2020 showed that the countrys National Strategic Cold Store does not have the capacity to effectively store the vaccines.

The facility houses 11 walk-in cold room refrigerators and four walk-in freezer rooms.

But there were no ultra-cold freezers much needed to store some of the frontrunners such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, according to Iyabo Daradara, Director, Logistics and Health Commodities at the National primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The National Strategic cold store has 11 walk-in cold rooms refrigerators which store at +2 to +8 and four walk-in freezer rooms which are used for vaccines that need freezing.

We do not have ultra-cold freezers in the country, she said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

New development

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Faisal Shuaib, said the country now has enough capacity to store the vaccines.

Each of this ultra cold freezer has 700 litres capacity, that is a total of 2,100 capacity. The requirement for the 100,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines that will be available by the end of January/February is 500 litres, so we have enough capacity for the 100,000 doses, Mr Shuaib said on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the facility.

He said the ultra cold chain storage was only required at the national level and six zonal stores where the vaccines can be stored for a longer period.

He explained that the Pfizer vaccine can be stored for five days at plus two to eight degrees outside of ultra cold chain, which is suitable especially at rural areas.

Pfizer has informed us that the COVID-19 vaccine can be stored for five days at plus two to eight degrees outside of ultra cold chain, which is suitable especially at low level, Mr Shuiab said.

This means that the ultra cold chain storage is only required at the national level and six zonal stores where the vaccines can be stored for longer period, the vaccines then will be transferred to lower levels using dry ices in isolated dry thermals when they are ready to be deployed.

He said the federal government was working with states to ensure vaccines are safely distributed to every part of the country.

The private sector will be providing dry ices. This is what we need to keep the vaccines potent when they are taken out of the cold chain equipment. So we can move them to the states, LGAs and health facilities where they will be utilised.

Other vaccines

Mr Shuaib noted that Nigeria already has storage facility for other approved vaccines and are making efforts to get some of them. This, he said, led to less investment on ultra cold chain equipment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Apart from the Pfizer vaccines, there are other vaccines in the portfolio of the COVAX and other vaccine candidates. Our plan is not to over invest in ultra cold chain equipment given that there are other vaccines that can be kept between + 2 and + 8 degree Celsius, he said.

There are other approved vaccines that do not require expensive storage facility like the Pfizer and bioNTech vaccine.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, for instance, has lower interim efficacy results, but offers the best possibility for distribution in Nigeria because the temperature required is not as low and manufacturers can produce it at a lower price.

Mr Shuaib said the government would be focusing on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that requires + 2 to + 8 degree Celsius.

He reiterated that all imported vaccines will be tested by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) and certified safe for human use before it is administered.

We will like to assure all Nigerians that this verification exercise will also be applicable to the COVID-19 vaccine and NAFDAC will continue to monitor the efficacy of the vaccine even after its administration to ensure proper documentation of any side effects, he said.

Two tradesmen who suffered electric shocks at a shopping precinct where they were working at the Gold Coast have been rushed to hospital with head and chest burns.

One man was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a critical condition while the second man was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

Two people were taken to hospital with serious burns after a workplace incident on the Gold Coast. Credit:Nine News, Twitter

Emergency services were called to Ashmore Pitstop on Southport Nerang Road just before 10.30am on Tuesday.

Among responding paramedics were specialist critical care officers and a high acuity response unit.
President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, arrive to volunteer at Philabundance in Philadelphia, Pa. Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. AP



Two days from the inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris pitched in on Martin Luther King Jr. Day service projects as a militarized and jittery Washington prepared for a swearing-in that will play out under extraordinary security.



Biden and his wife, Jill, joined an assembly line in the parking lot of Philabundance, an organization that distributes food to people in need, and helped fill about 150 boxes with fresh fruit and non-perishables.



As Biden and Harris took breaks from their inaugural preparations to honor the civil rights hero Monday, outgoing President Donald Trump remained out of public view at the White House for the sixth straight day. In past years, Trump has marked the holiday with unannounced visits to the King memorial in Washington but no such outing was expected this year.



Such a visit would have been complicated because Washington has become a fortress city of roadblocks and barricades before Wednesday's inauguration as security officials work to avoid more violence following the Jan. 6 riot by a pro-Trump mob at the U.S. Capitol.



In a measure of how nervous the capital city has become, U.S. Capitol Police on Monday briefly locked down the Capitol complex and paused inaugural rehearsals after fire broke out at a nearby homeless encampment. Authorities urged staff working inside the complex to stay away from exterior windows and those outside the building to take cover as they briefly prohibited entry and exit from the grounds as a precaution.





President-elect Joe Biden, left, participates in a National Day of Service event at Philabundance, a hunger relief organization, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Philadelphia. AP



Biden transition officials, including incoming Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall and the deputy attorney general nominee, Lisa Monaco, held a videoconference with acting heads and career staff from national security agencies to discuss the security situation surrounding Inauguration Day.



Harris played down any personal security concerns, saying she's ''very much looking forward to being sworn in.''



''I will walk there, to that moment, proudly with my head up and my shoulders back,'' Harris told reporters after volunteering at a food bank.



Still, Washington residents were on high alert and much of the city felt desolate, with large swaths of the area around the Capitol, White House and National Mall sealed off from all but authorized personnel.



Katie Henke, 40, a southwest D.C. resident, said the city felt on edge. She's concerned enough that she packed a ''go-bag'' with clothes and other personal items in case she feels she must flee her neighborhood.





Wearing a face mask to reduce the risk posed by the coronavirus, Dr. Jill Biden (L) arrives at the Philabundance food bank during the Martin Luther King National Day of Service on January 18, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AFP-Yonhap







''This is legitimately scary,'' she said. ''Between the pandemic and Trump, I feel like our country is at a weak and vulnerable point. And we know there are forces inside and outside the country that see that vulnerability as an opportunity to do something.''



Some 25,000 National Guard troops were being dispatched across the city to bolster security. Monuments  including the King memorial  are closed to the public until after Wednesday's inaugural events.



Harris was also set to resign her Senate seat on Monday. She offered thanks to her California constituents in a farewell video posted on social media ''for the honor of representing the place of my birth, as a proud daughter of California.''



Biden continued to build his administration. His transition team announced Monday he will nominate Rohit Chopra to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, tapping a liberal ally of Sen. Elizabeth Warren to lead the agency whose creation she championed.



Chopra, a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, helped launch the agency after the 2008 financial crisis and served as deputy director, where he sounded the alarm about skyrocketing student loan debt. The pick comes as Democrats are eyeing ways to provide student loan relief to millions of Americans as part of a COVID-19 aid package.





U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris waves near her husband Doug Emhoff as they volunteer at Martha's Table on Martin Luther King Day in Washington, U.S. January 18, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap



Biden also announced his intent to nominate Gary Gensler, former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission.



Inaugural organizers on Monday finished installing some 200,000 small U.S., state and territorial flags on the National Mall, a sobering display intended to honor the nearly 400,000 Americans killed in the coronavirus pandemic.



Biden and Harris plan to take part in an event on Tuesday, soon after the president-elect arrives in Washington, at the reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial to honor American lives lost to COVID-19.



Even before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, inauguration festivities were expected to be muted due to the virus. Mayor Muriel Bowser urged residents to stay away from the city on Inauguration Day.



And instead of the typical inaugural balls, Biden's inaugural committee has recruited artists, including Bruce Springsteen, the Foo Fighters and John Legend to perform from remote locations around the country in a prime-time televised event.





In this Nov. 13, 2019, file photo, Garth Brooks performs "Dive Bar" at the 53rd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. AP-Yonhap
LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- January 16, 2021, marked Amphibious Medics' 20th anniversary, the leading occupational medical support provider in the United States. Growing from a single medic and founder, Michael Donoghue, working out of his garage to three offices nationwide supporting over 600 employees in the field.

Amphibious Medics began as a company focused on supporting the marine side of Hollywood productions. Kicking off their business as dive medics for a Sprint commercial featuring Richard Simmons. The company adopted the slogan "Present and Prepared"; this has been the motivation and founding spirit since its inception in 2001 and remains the same today.

In 2011, the company earned contracts to be the sole medical support provider to the Tough Mudder and Spartan Races, growing exponentially in three years from a team of 10 to 23,000 independent contractors working every weekend in multiple states at one time. In addition to mud runs, Amphibious Medics earned their first construction client, Whiting-Turner, in 2011. This launched Amphibious Medics to the next phase in their business within the construction industry.

Mike Donoghue, Amphibious Medics Founder & CEO, reflected on the company's 20th anniversary by saying, "Looking back, I had no idea that I would be surrounded two decades later by such a professional, industrious, and enjoyable team. As cliche' as the statement is, it's literal in our case. 'The company is the people.' The evolution of Amphibious Medics from one veteran with a jump bag to the nationwide powerhouse we are today is an American success story that we all get to share in. When intelligent, dedicated, and happy people come together for a cause, anything is possible. We've proven that over the last twenty years and will continue to keep pushing the boundaries of scale and service. With a smile!"

Over the past twenty years, Amphibious Medics has been successful at adapting to and evolving to the challenges of the industries they support. This has enabled them to consistently stay ahead of others in the industry and continue supporting their clients with tip of the spear advancements in site safety. Working collaboratively with its clients to assess their needs and leverage them efficiently and effectively by partnering with general contractors, industrial operators, and government agencies to offer comprehensive and customized First Aid & EHS support solutions nationwide.

For more information on Amphibious Medics and their services, please visit www.amphibiousmedics.com.

Contact:

Erika Souders

562-706-1656

[email protected]

Related Images

visit-www-amphibiousmedics-com.png

Visit: www.amphibiousmedics.com

Related Links

Visit Our Website

Join Our Team

SOURCE Amphibious Medics
INVESTIGATION ALERT: Nationally Ranked Shareholder Rights Law Firm Labaton Sucharow is Investigating SolarWinds Corporation (NYSE: SWI) For Potential Securities Violations

Labaton Sucharow, a nationally ranked and award-winning shareholder rights litigation firm, is investigating potential securities violations against information technology company SolarWinds (News - Alert) Corporation (NYSE: SWI) in connection with the vulnerability of its servers to software breaches and cyberattacks.

If you currently own shares of SolarWinds and want to receive additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please contact David J. Schwartz using the toll-free number (800) 321-0476 or via email at dschwartz@labaton.com.







Labaton Sucharow LLP is one of the world's leading complex litigation firms representing clients in securities, antitrust, corporate governance and shareholder rights, and consumer cybersecurity and data privacy litigation. Labaton Sucharow has been recognized for its excellence by the courts and peers, and it is consistently ranked in leading industry publications. Offices are located in New York, NY, Wilmington, DE, and Washington, D.C. More information about Labaton Sucharow is available at http://www.labaton.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119006048/en/
Yet, the project could be completed "as soon as it becomes reasonably possible."

Russia's gas giant Gazprom has acknowledged its Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project may be suspended or discontinued over "risks associated with changes in political conditions."

This is reported by Reuters.

Read alsoReuters: U.S. plans to sanction Russian vessel involved in Nord Stream 2

"While implementing our major international projects, such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, we have faced and may continue to encounter risks associated with changes in political conditions in various regions related to such projects," Gazprom said in a eurobond prospectus seen by Reuters on Tuesday. "In exceptional circumstances, including owing to political pressure, such changes may result in a project being suspended or discontinued."

However, Russia's news agency TASS quoted Gazprom saying that it was planning to complete the pipeline "as soon as it becomes reasonably possible."

Nord Stream 2: Background

The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019.

The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies  ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.

According to media reports, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intends to do his best to prevent the construction of Nord Stream 2.

On November 4, 2020, the media reported that U.S. Congress wanted to expand sanctions against Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream.

On December 4, 2020, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he doubted that the U.S. position on Nord Stream 2 would change after Joe Biden's inauguration.

On December 6, 2020, United States Charge d'Affaires to Germany Robin Quinville called on the EU and Germany to declare a moratorium on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

On December 9, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with expanded restrictions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

On December 11, 2020, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline resumed.

On December 29, 2020, it became known that the House of Representatives overcame Trump's veto on the NDAA containing sanctions against Nord Stream 2.

The United States is calling on European allies and private companies to halt work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, and is preparing broader sanctions against the Russian project in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Senate approved the 2021 NDAA, which provides for new sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2.

On January 7, 2021, the Mecklenburg-West Pomerania government approved the creation of the Mecklenburg Climate Protection Fund whose main objective is to help complete the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline by bypassing U.S. sanctions.

On January 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of State told European companies which it suspects are helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that they face the risk of seeing new sanctions.

On January 18, 2021, the United States warned allies in Europe about its intention to impose sanctions on the Russian ship Fortuna, which is participating in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The curbs on the Fortuna are expected to become effective as of January 19, 2021.

Reporting by UNIAN
T he Duchess of Sussexs legal fight with the Mail on Sunday is back at the High Court this week, as she seeks a victory to bring the bitter battle to an end.

Meghan has been at war with newspaper publisher Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) for two years since extracts of a letter to her father, Thomas Markle, were first published.

This week, she is asking for ANLs defence to be thrown out as utterly fanciful which would deliver her a spectacular victory.

What is the case about?

At the centre of the bitter legal battle is a letter written by the Duchess in August 2018, sent to her father at his Mexico home.

The five-page, 1,250-word handwritten letter was sent through a trusted contact who knew her father, discussing their broken relationship and pleading with him to stop talking to the media.

Her lawyers say the contents of the letter were intrinsically private, personal and sensitive, touching on her love for him, concerns over his health, and her sense of betrayal over his denial of working with the paparazzi.

Just before Meghans wedding to Prince Harry, Mr Markle was accused of staging paparazzi photos for money when he was due to walk his daughter down the aisle.

In legal papers, the Duchess lawyers say the final line of the letter was: If you love me, as you tell the press you do, please stop. Please allow us to live our lives in peace.

How did the letter get out?

The existence of the letter was first revealed in an eight-page article in US magazine People, when a close friend said Meghan had written to her father asking him to stop victimising her.

Three days later, on February 9, 2019, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline articles were published, containing substantial extracts of the letter.

A further four articles were published by the media group, which Meghan say amounted to breaches of her privacy.

PA

Meghans claim

The 39-year-old claims publication of parts of the letter amount to misuse of private information, a breach of copyright, and intrusion into her private life.

She says the message to her father was never intended for public consumption and contained intensely personal and private information.

She revealed the pain she was suffering as a result of the breakdown of her relationship with her father, poured out her heart to him, and issued a healtfelt plea for him to stop cooperating with negative press stories.

She launched the High Court claim in October 2019, setting up a legal battle which has made headlines around the world.

The Mail on Sundays defence

The newspaper publisher argues Meghan knew her letter would be read by people other than her father - including possibly journalists - and they say it was written with that firmly in mind.

It argues the Duchess did not have an expectation of privacy, and there is a strong public interest in the activities of the Royal Family.

The newspaper group also contends that its stories were needed to set the record straight after the People magazine article, by putting across Thomas Markles side of the story.

Adding into the case last year was a biography of Meghan and Harry, Finding Freedom, which touched on the letter controversy.

Meghan says she allowed a friend to pass on personal information to the authors of the book  to set out the true story  while the Mail suggests this shows she was willing to reveal details of her private life.

Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle / PA/Reuters

What is happening at court this week?

The Duchess is seeking summary judgment in her case, arguing ANLs defence is hopeless and does not stand a chance of succeeding.

Her lawyers have called the defence prolix, diffuse, and lacking in clarity, asking Mr Justice Warby to end the case and hand her victory.

ANL is fighting the legal move, arguing this is a case that can only be resolved with a full trial.

What happens next?

If the judge refuses to stop the case, a trial is due to take place in autumn this year.

The case was due to be heard this month, but was delayed after a request by Meghan which ANL did not oppose.

Meghan has brought this legal claim to protect her privacy. But if the case goes to trial she is likely to find her personal life under even more global scrutiny.

Thomas Markle is expected to be among the witnesses for ANL, and Meghan herself would likely have to give evidence and face questions about her personal dealings.
Washington: The race against the virus that causes COVID-19 has taken a new turn: Mutations are rapidly popping up, and the longer it takes to vaccinate people, the more likely it is that a variant that can elude current tests, treatments and vaccines could emerge.

The coronavirus is becoming more genetically diverse, and health officials say the high rate of new cases is the main reason. Each new infection gives the virus a chance to mutate as it makes copies of itself, threatening to undo the progress made so far to control the pandemic.

On Friday, the World Health Organisation urged more effort to detect new variants. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said a new version first identified in the United Kingdom may become dominant in the US by March.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Although it doesn't cause more severe illness, it will lead to more hospitalisations and deaths just because it spreads much more easily, said the CDC, warning of a new phase of exponential growth".

"We're taking it really very seriously," Dr Anthony Fauci, the US government's top infectious disease expert, said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press."

"We need to do everything we can now...to get transmission as low as we possibly can," said Harvard University's Dr Michael Mina. The best way to prevent mutant strains from emerging is to slow transmission."

So far, vaccines seem to remain effective, but there are signs that some of the new mutations may undermine tests for the virus and reduce the effectiveness of antibody drugs as treatments.

We're in a race against time" because the virus may stumble upon a mutation" that makes it more dangerous, said Dr Pardis Sabeti, an evolutionary biologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Younger people may be less willing to wear masks, shun crowds and take other steps to avoid infection because the current strain doesn't seem to make them very sick, but in one mutational change, it might," she warned. Sabeti documented a change in the Ebola virus during the 2014 outbreak that made it much worse.

It's normal for viruses to acquire small changes or mutations in their genetic alphabet as they reproduce. Ones that help the virus flourish give it a competitive advantage and thus crowd out other versions.

In March, just a couple months after the coronavirus was discovered in China, a mutation called D614G emerged that made it more likely to spread. It soon became the dominant version in the world.

Now, after months of relative calm, we've started to see some striking evolution" of the virus, biologist Trevor Bedford of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle wrote on Twitter last week.

The fact that we've observed three variants of concern emerge since September suggests that there are likely more to come." One was first identified in the United Kingdom and quickly became dominant in parts of England. It has now been reported in at least 30 countries, including the United States.

Soon afterward, South Africa and Brazil reported new variants, and the main mutation in the version identified in Britain turned up on a different version that's been circulating in Ohio...at least as far back as September," said Dr Dan Jones, a molecular pathologist at Ohio State University who announced that finding last week.

The important finding here is that this is unlikely to be travel-related" and instead may reflect the virus acquiring similar mutations independently as more infections occur, Jones said.

That also suggests that travel restrictions might be ineffective, Mina said.

Because the United States has so many cases, we can breed our own variants that are just as bad or worse" as those in other countries, he said.

Some lab tests suggest the variants identified in South Africa and Brazil may be less susceptible to antibody drugs or convalescent plasma, antibody-rich blood from COVID-19 survivors  both of which help people fight off the virus.

Government scientists are actively looking" into that possibility, Dr Janet Woodcock of the US Food and Drug Administration told reporters on Thursday. The government is encouraging development of multi-antibody treatments rather than single-antibody drugs to have more ways to target the virus in case one proves ineffective, she said.

Current vaccines induce broad enough immune responses that they should remain effective, many scientists say. Enough genetic change eventually may require tweaking the vaccine formula, but it's probably going to be on the order of years if we use the vaccine well rather than months," Dr Andrew Pavia of the University of Utah said Thursday on a webcast hosted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Health officials also worry that if the virus changes enough, people might get COVID-19 a second time. Reinfection currently is rare, but Brazil already confirmed a case in someone with a new variant who had been sickened with a previous version several months earlier.

We're seeing a lot of variants, viral diversity, because there's a lot of virus out there," and reducing new infections is the best way to curb it, said Dr Adam Lauring, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Loyce Pace, who heads the nonprofit Global Health Council and is a member of President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 advisory board, said the same precautions scientists have been advising all along still work and they still matter".

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Sarah Trott quit The Bachelor in tears on Monday's episode amid worries about her sick father, inability to share her man, and bullying from her castmates.

The other women at Nemacolin Resort began to lose patience with Sarah, 24, a broadcast journalist from San Diego who kept stealing time with Bachelor Matt James, 29.

She repeatedly needed Matt to reassure her that their connection was real, even to the point of interrupting his group date and hiding in her room until he found her.

Going home: Sarah Trott quit The Bachelor in tears on Monday's episode amid worries about her sick father, inability to share her man, and bullying from her castmates

Stealing time: The other women at Nemacolin Resort began to lose patience with Sarah, 24, a broadcast journalist from San Diego who kept stealing time with Bachelor Matt James, 29

Her behavior caused some of the women in the house to savage her and they turned into Mean Girls, with several of them calling Sarah 'toxic,' 'calculated' and 'manipulative.'

Sarah tried to make amends, and Serena Chew, 24, a flight attendant from San Francisco, snapped, 'You burned all the bridges.'

'I hope that your connection with Matt is really strong right now, because the rest of your living situation here is going to be horrible,' said Kit Keenan, 21, a socialite from New York City.

Mean girls: Her behavior caused some of the women in the house to savage her and they turned into Mean Girls, with several of them calling Sarah 'toxic,' 'calculated' and 'manipulative'

Burned: Sarah tried to make amends, and Serena Chew, 24, a flight attendant from San Francisco, snapped, 'You burned all the bridges'

Horrible: 'I hope that your connection with Matt is really strong right now, because the rest of your living situation here is going to be horrible,' said Kit Keenan, 21, a socialite from New York City

'She is such a calculating little b****,' marveled Victoria Larson, 27, the self-proclaimed 'queen' from Los Angeles, who said that she'd want to 'f***' Matt if he sent Sarah home.

The only person to support her was Katie Thurston, 29, a bank marketing manager from Renton, Washington, who claimed after listening to them, 'I did not like that at all.'

Sarah left anyway, opining at the end that it was 'the hardest thing' she'd ever done, and wondering as she drove away in her car if perhaps she had made a mistake.

Calculating: 'She is such a calculating little b****,' marveled Victoria Larson, 27, the self-proclaimed 'queen' from Los Angeles, who said that she'd want to 'f***' Matt if he sent Sarah home

Supportive Katie: The only person to support her was Katie Thurston, 29, a bank marketing manager from Renton, Washington, who claimed after listening to them, 'I did not like that at all'

Mistake: Sarah left anyway, opining at the end that it was 'the hardest thing' she'd ever done, and wondering as she drove away in her car if perhaps she had made a mistake

It had been a long week for her, as she began the episode by fainting at a rose ceremony and claiming to be 'overwhelmed' by the whole process.

'This is so embarrassing,' she told Matt, who consoled her outside and observed that she seemed 'mentally and physically exhausted' that week.

Sarah had shared a great date with Matt, but subsequently seemed unable to handle the fact that he was dating more than a dozen other women.

Fainted: It had been a long week for her, as she began the episode by fainting at a rose ceremony and claiming to be 'overwhelmed' by the whole process

Embarassing: 'This is so embarrassing,' she told Matt, who consoled her outside and observed that she seemed 'mentally and physically exhausted' that week

Unable: Sarah had shared a great date with Matt, but subsequently seemed unable to handle the fact that he was dating more than a dozen other women

Making matters worse, she'd had to temporarily stop being a caretaker for her father, who had ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and the guilt was decimating her.

At the rose ceremony, Victoria seethed, 'This is the Bachelor, not the Sarah show.'

After Sarah recovered, Matt gave out the rest of his roses, sending home Marylynn Sienna, 28, Alana Milne, 26, Illeana Pennetto, 25, Kristin Hopkins, 27, and Sydney Johnson, 28.

Guilt-ridden: Making matters worse, she'd had to temporarily stop being a caretaker for her father, who had ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and the guilt was decimating her

Not Sarah's show: At the rose ceremony, Victoria seethed, 'This is the Bachelor, not the Sarah show'

Goodbye: After Sarah recovered, Matt gave out the rest of his roses, sending home Marylynn Sienna, 28, Alana Milne (right), 26, Illeana Pennetto, 25, Kristin Hopkins, 27, and Sydney Johnson, 28

The next day, show host Chris Harrison, 49, visited the ladies to tell them that he'd helped plan Matt's upcoming dates.

To help Matt loosen up, they would all have the same objective: to make him feel comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.

For the first group date, 10 women were charged with writing erotica about Matt, and reading it in front of him and the rest of the cast.

Chris helps: The next day, show host Chris Harrison, 49, visited the ladies to tell them that he'd helped plan Matt's upcoming dates

Group date: For the first group date, 10 women were charged with writing erotica about Matt, and reading it in front of him and the rest of the cast

To help inspire them, Bachelor Nation favorite Ashley Iaconnetti, 32, read a sexy scene from Chris' 2016 romance novel, The Perfect Letter.

Matt hit the stage first with his own salacious tale, followed by several deeply embarrassed women and a few whose raunchy stories made everyone roll in the aisles.

'Yes, yes, oh my God, yes!' Katie cried as she wrapped up her fiction.

Ashley returns: To help inspire them, Bachelor Nation favorite Ashley Iaconnetti, 32, read a sexy scene from Chris' 2016 romance novel, The Perfect Letter

Matt first: Matt hit the stage first with his own salacious tale, followed by several deeply embarrassed women and a few whose raunchy stories made everyone roll in the aisles

Katie's tale: 'Yes, yes, oh my God, yes!' Katie cried as she wrapped up her fiction

Victoria imagined Matt ending sex with her by yelling, 'Yes, queen!'

While everyone laughed, one person did not enjoy being in the audience: Sarah, who said listening to the women imagine sex with Matt 'felt like a knife through my heart.'

At the after-party, Matt told Rachael Kirkconnell, 24, a graphic designer from Cumming, Georgia, he had really liked her story, and gave her the rose.

Yes Queen: Victoria imagined Matt ending sex with her by yelling, 'Yes, queen!'

Knife: While everyone laughed, one person did not enjoy being in the audience: Sarah, who said listening to the women imagine sex with Matt 'felt like a knife through my heart'

Rachael gets the rose: At the after-party, Matt told Rachael Kirkconnell, 24, a graphic designer from Cumming, Georgia, he had really liked her story, and gave her the rose

Back at the resort, Serena Pitt, 22, a publicist from Toronto, learned she would have the next one-on-one date with Matt, as Sarah refused to come downstairs at all.

'I just feel emotionally exhausted,' said Sarah, who admitted to feeling 'triggered' because of issues she'd had with faithfulness and commitment in her past relationships.

'In my heart, I know all these special moments that we had, and it kills me to think he's having these special moments with other women, too.'

Date: Back at the resort, Serena Pitt, 22, a publicist from Toronto, learned she would have the next one-on-one date with Matt, as Sarah refused to come downstairs at all

Kills me: 'In my heart, I know all these special moments that we had, and it kills me to think he's having these special moments with other women, too'

She decided to interrupt the after-party and 'grabbed' Matt while he was chatting with Katie.

'It's been hard the past two days,' Sarah told him. 'I have never opened up to anyone ever, probably, as I did with you on our date, and to flip a switch the next day, and today with what that group date was, it was a lot to process.'

Matt tried to console her, but an irritated Katie came back to claim her time and cut them off, even sitting down next to Matt while he was still talking.

Interrupt: She decided to interrupt the after-party and 'grabbed' Matt while he was chatting with Katie

Opened up: 'It's been hard the past two days,' Sarah told him. 'I have never opened up to anyone ever, probably, as I did with you on our date, and to flip a switch the next day, and today with what that group date was, it was a lot to process'

My time: Matt tried to console her, but an irritated Katie came back to claim her time and cut them off, even sitting down next to Matt while he was still talking

Sarah finally left them alone and went to apologize to the other women, who were angry and called her interruption 'disrespectful.'

Upset, Sarah walked out and moaned to the cameras, 'This is my worst fear. I just feel like I have a target on my back now.'

Victoria walked up to her outside and said, 'Are you okay?' before asking her if there was something wrong with her health and claiming, 'We were worried for you!'

Apology: Sarah finally left them alone and went to apologize to the other women, who were angry and called her interruption 'disrespectful'

Worried: Victoria walked up to her outside and said, 'Are you okay?' before asking her if there was something wrong with her health and claiming, 'We were worried for you!'

Katie was incensed, and strode up to Sarah asking her, 'Are you having insecurities?' before insisting that she get it together.

When Matt went to pick up Serena P. for their date the next day, Sarah stayed in her room, and again he went to console her.

She said she'd almost packed her bags that morning, and Matt told her that it would have been a 'tragedy,' because he had 'real feelings' for her.

Get it together: Katie was incensed, and strode up to Sarah asking her, 'Are you having insecurities?' before insisting that she get it together

Console: When Matt went to pick up Serena P. for their date the next day, Sarah stayed in her room, and again he went to console her

Tragedy: She said she'd almost packed her bags that morning, and Matt told her that it would have been a 'tragedy,' because he had 'real feelings' for her

The other women were understandably furious.

Matt then went off with Serena to ride horses and drink wine in the countryside.

They bonded over the fact that they had gone off the beaten path in their lives, and toasted to 'unconventional living and breaking the norm.'

Furious: The other women were understandably furious

Horses: Matt then went off with Serena to ride horses and drink wine in the countryside

Bonding: Matt then went off with Serena to ride horses and drink wine in the countryside

Matt said he'd seen his mother grow older without a partner and he didn't want that for himself, telling Serena, 'The feelings I have for you, they're real.'

As they kissed, two donkeys wandered into the frame, and brayed.

Over dinner that night, Matt told Serena he had last dated someone a year before, for four months, but he hadn't been ready to commit.

Real: Matt said he'd seen his mother grow older without a partner and he didn't want that for himself, telling Serena, 'The feelings I have for you, they're real'

Kiss: As they kissed, two donkeys wandered into the frame, and brayed

'I can't say I've been in love yet,' he confessed.

Serena said she'd been 'deeply in love' with her ex but could imagine falling in love with Matt, after which he gave her the rose and told her the feeling was mutual.

At the resort, the women got the second group date card and Sarah suddenly showed up.

No love: 'I can't say I've been in love yet,' he confessed

Rose: Serena said she'd been 'deeply in love' with her ex but could imagine falling in love with Matt, after which he gave her the rose and told her the feeling was mutual

Sarah shows up: At the resort, the women got the second group date card and Sarah suddenly showed up

Everyone was angry with her, and as she tried to apologize again, they savaged her.

'You didn't take anyone's feelings into account except your own,' said Serena C. 'I don't even think you took Matt's feelings into account.'

'Just say you needed his validation and you thought you were more important than everyone else's time,' Victoria added, piling on.

Feelings: 'You didn't take anyone's feelings into account except your own,' said Serena C. 'I don't even think you took Matt's feelings into account'

Victoria: 'Just say you needed his validation and you thought you were more important than everyone else's time,' Victoria added, piling on.

Sarah was told that she could keep apologizing and no one would forgive her.

Only Katie took pity on Sarah, finding her afterward as she wept alone and saying, 'I'm sorry. For me, that was hard to watch. I did not like that. I did not like that at all.'

Sarah said she was going to leave, and Katie urged her to explore her connection with Mattfor all of their sakes, so he wasn't left wondering 'What if?'

Hard to watch: Only Katie took pity on Sarah, finding her afterward as she wept alone and saying, 'I'm sorry. For me, that was hard to watch. I did not like that. I did not like that at all'

Explore: Sarah said she was going to leave, and Katie urged her to explore her connection with Mattfor all of their sakes, so he wasn't left wondering 'What if?'

Sarah held fast to her decision, explaining, 'I really have to put my well-being first, and I'm not in a good headspace here.'

She told Katie that her father had a terminal illness and could die within weeks, so that was dividing her too.

Katie cried as she listened, sharing that her father died in 2012 and she would give anything to have more time with him.

Terminal: She told Katie that her father had a terminal illness and could die within weeks, so that was dividing her too

Anything: Katie cried as she listened, sharing that her father died in 2012 and she would give anything to have more time with him

'Knowing that changes everything,' Katie said, encouraging Sarah to go right away.

'I believe in my feelings with Matt; we have a great connection,' Sarah said in a confessional. 'But Matt deserves the best and I just don't feel my best. I want him to have everything and more of what he came here for, but I don't think it can be with me.'

Katie told the women that Sarah had gone home, and Victoria applauded.

Change: 'Knowing that changes everything,' Katie said, encouraging Sarah to go right away

'I want to remind everyone to stay classy in this process, because we don't know our stories,' Katie said. 'I don't want her to think she was bullied out of here.'

Sarah told Matt she was leaving, and explained, 'I just felt so attacked by so many of the women in the house,' she said. 'Some of the women in there are really cruel and malicious.'

Matt emphasized again that he didn't want to lose her but said, 'When you're ready, some guy is gonna be extremely lucky, and I'm bummed that it's not me.'

He walked her to her car as she cried, saying, 'That's the hardest thing I've ever done.'

The Bachelor returns next week on ABC.

Bullied: 'I want to remind everyone to stay classy in this process, because we don't know our stories,' Katie said. 'I don't want her to think she was bullied out of here'

Attacked: Sarah told Matt she was leaving, and explained, 'I just felt so attacked by so many of the women in the house,' she said. 'Some of the women in there are really cruel and malicious'

Bummed: Matt emphasized again that he didn't want to lose her but said, 'When you're ready, some guy is gonna be extremely lucky, and I'm bummed that it's not me'
New Study, Same Result - Greenhouse Gases Dominate Global Warming

Posted on 18 March 2013 by dana1981

A new study by Jones, Stott, and Christidis of the UK Met Office (Jones et al. 2013) examines the causes of global warming by using global climate model simulations from the World Climate Research Programmes Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) and comparing those model results to observed global surface temperatures. CMIP5 is one of the largest collaborative efforts for bringing together climate model data for access by climate scientists across the world. The prior phase, CMIP3 was used heavily in studies included in the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report, while CMIP5 is used in many studies evaluated in the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment report, due out in 2013.

Over the past 60 years (19512010), the study finds that global average surface temperatures have warmed 0.6C, while in climate models, greenhouse gases caused between 0.6 and 1.2C surface warming. This was offset by a cooling from other human influences (mainly from aerosols) of 0 to 0.5C. These results are consistent with all prior studies of the causes of global warming (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Net human and natural percent contributions to the observed global surface warming over the past 50-65 years according to Tett et al. 2000 (T00, dark blue), Meehl et al. 2004 (M04, red), Stone et al. 2007 (S07, light green), Lean and Rind 2008 (LR08, purple), Huber and Knutti 2011 (HK11, light blue), Gillett et al. 2012 (G12, orange), Wigley and Santer 2012 (WS12, dark green), and Jones et al. 2013 (J12, pink).



The climate model runs considering all external influences on global surface temperatures (mainly greenhouse gases, aerosols, the sun, and volcanic eruptions) simulate the observed temperature changes accurately (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Global annual mean surface air temperature for CMIP3 (thin blue line) and CMIP5 (thin red line) for all external temperature influences (forcings) compared to the four observational datasets (black lines). The weighted ensemble average for CMIP3 (blue thick line) and CMIP5 (red thick line) are estimated by given equal weight to each models ensemble mean. All model and observed data have same spatial coverage as HadCRUT4. The baseline is 18801919. Figure 4a from Jones et al. 2013.

The average of the models does overestimate the observed surface warming over the past decade. This is why the sum of human and natural contributions from Jones et al. 2013 exceeds 100% in Figure 1  because the modeled warming slightly exceeds the observed warming.

As we have previously discussed, this is mainly due to the preponderance of El Nino events in the 1990s and La Nina events in the 2000s. This internal variability has had a cooling effect on recent surface temperatures (though not of overall global temperatures) which is not captured in the average of the model simulations. However, it is within the range of all individual model simulations, as is evident by the fact that the observational data in Figure 2 (black) falls within the envelope of CMIP5 model simulations (yellow).

The study also runs simulations for just natural temperature influences (Figure 3), and just greenhouse gas temperature influences (Figure 4).

Figure 3: Global annual mean surface air temperature for CMIP3 (thin blue line) and CMIP5 (thin red line) for all natural external temperature influences (forcings) compared to the four observational datasets (black lines). The weighted ensemble average for CMIP3 (blue thick line) and CMIP5 (red thick line) are estimated by given equal weight to each models ensemble mean. All model and observed data have same spatial coverage as HadCRUT4. The baseline is 18801919. Figure 4b from Jones et al. 2013.

Figure 4: Global annual mean surface air temperature for CMIP5 (thin red line) for greenhouse gas temperature influences (forcings) compared to the four observational datasets (black lines). The weighted ensemble average for CMIP5 (red thick line) is estimated by given equal weight to each models ensemble mean. All model and observed data have same spatial coverage as HadCRUT4. The baseline is 18801919. Figure 4c from Jones et al. 2013.

The main messages from these two figures are that natural temperature influences cannot account for the observed global warming, especially over the past 50 years, and that greenhouse gases have caused more warming than has been observed, meaning that the net non-greenhouse gas effect is a cooling one (mainly from human aerosol emissions).

The study notes that the spread of CMIP5 model runs is a bit larger than the CMIP3 envelope (yellow vs. blue in Figure 2), possibly because models now include

"...a much wider exploration of aerosol uncertainty than previously carried out in models that now include a much more sophisticated treatment of aerosol physics. Despite this wider spread of model results, calculations of attributable temperature trends based on optimal detection support previous conclusions that human-induced greenhouse gases dominate observed global warming since the middle part of the 20th century."

Overall, Jones et al. (2013) concludes that greenhouse gases have caused between 100% and 200% of the observed global surface warming over the past 60 years, and other human influences (primarily aerosols) have offset a significant percentage of that warming via cooling effects. Natural temperature influences have had a very slight cooling effect, and natural internal variability appears to have had a fairly significant cooling effect over the past decade, but little temperature influence over longer timeframes.

The results of this study are consistent with the wide body of evidence supporting the settled science that human greenhouse gas emissions are the dominant cause of the current global warming.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Those of you who are reading this post are the type of people who pay attention to things. That's why you already know that 26,000 National Guard troops drawn from all over America and from Puerto Rico have assembled in Washington, D.C. in advance of Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday. (That's about three divisions' worth of troops.) But have you given serious thought to what the troops' presence means?

I've heard from some optimistic people who believe that the troops are the last phase in a Trumpian plan to reclaim America and maintain it as a true constitutional republic, rather than the socialist tyranny the Democrats seem to have planned. I'm a perennial pessimist, so I'm sorry to say I don't believe that the troops' presence means anything good.

Instead, I'm inclined to agree with Tucker Carlson's brilliant Monday-night opening monologue regarding the deeper meaning behind a massive D.C. lockdown that makes it look like Baghdad circa 2003. As Tucker noted, this troop build-up is five times the number of military personnel currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

In April 1968, when Washington, D.C. was in flames following Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, with a riot that injured more than 1,000 people, killed more than 13, and devastated D.C. for the next thirty years, President Johnson called in only half that number of National Guard troops to protect the nation's capital. Even during the Civil War, at the height of the fighting, there weren't 26,000 troops in D.C.

What's the justification for the current troop build-up? According to the Democrats, it's because of a dangerous insurrection. If you're thinking that means an armed, murderous, determined attempt to overthrow the U.S. government and put a new government in its place, think again. Instead, the Democrats are referring to January 6, when a small number of people  a minute fraction of the 500,000 to 1,000,000 Americans who gathered to hear Trump speak  entered the Capitol without arms or a plan.

An even smaller number of those people committed property violence, and an even smaller subset of those people assaulted police officers with bear spray, fists, or heavy objects. Three people died, one at the hands of an unidentified government shooter.

I cannot condemn the violence strongly enough. I detest violence, political or otherwise. However, when the events on January 6 are compared to the riots that caused billions of dollars of damage across America over the summer and took at least two dozen lives, January 6 wasn't even small potatoes; it was small lentils, at most.

Nevertheless, it is that unfocused, semi-spontaneous event that Democrats are using to justify turning D.C. into a military occupation. The Congress critters are the heroes of their own drama, and they are willingly abandoning even a pretense of being a free, democratic republic to heighten the magnitude of their over-the-top histrionic response.

As a reminder, when Trump was inaugurated, the video below, which contains newly released footage of events in 2017, shows the kind of violence that leftists visited on the city because they lost the election to a man who promised to  and did  govern within the rule of law and for the greatest good of the greatest number of people:

What's even more disturbing about the military presence is that, as Tucker points out, it appears that the Pentagon has thrown its weight entirely to the Democrat party. Certainly, it is following the ludicrous "insurrection" narrative. We see clearly that the one institution in America that was entirely non-partisan, at least at the upper levels, has become just another part of the Deep State. It seems that Obama succeeded in changing management in the Pentagon.

Apparently, though, not all troops are viewed with the same degree of trustworthiness as their Pentagon superiors. The most disturbing part of the Tucker monologue, below, comes at 3:00, when Tucker plays footage of Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Memphis. According to Cohen, because 70% of the Guard troops are white males (as is Cohen himself), they are dangerous and must be vetted.

On Monday, Nancy Pelosi, who criticized Trump for offering National Guard troops to protect America's burning cities last summer, tried to help get the troops in the correct frame of mind. She did that by telling them that President Trump, who is still their commander in chief, is a "clear and present danger to the nation that we all love."

Kevin D. Zuban's cartoon perfectly sums up the attitude of our Democrat-run military, working in alliance with the Democrat-party takeover of the federal government:

In 2020, something went badly wrong in America. It became a warped simulacrum of itself, and nothing demonstrates that more in 2021 than seeing that Americas most trusted institution  the United States military  has chosen sides.

Image: Nancy Pelosi reviews National Guard. YouTube screen grab.
The chief constable of Northamptonshire Police has been referred to the police watchdog after internal emails showed he described the spokesman for Harry Dunn's family as an 'issue'.

Nick Adderley faced calls from the Dunn family to resign in October 2019 after a 'disgraceful' tweet in which he commented on their legal battles with 'how sad but how predictable'.

Mr Adderley had apologised to the Dunn family two months later for a 'breakdown' in communications - describing his comments as 'misconstrued'.

Mr Dunn, 19, was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside US military base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019.

The suspect, 43-year-old Anne Sacoolas, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the crash and she was able to return to her home country.

Nick Adderley, chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, has been referred to the police watchdog after internal emails showed he described the spokesman for Harry Dunn's family as an 'issue'

Mr Dunn, 19, was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside US military base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019

The suspect, 43-year-old Anne Sacoolas, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the crash and she was able to return to her home country

How was Anne Sacoolas able to flee back to the US as British police investigated? US diplomat's wife Anne Sacoolas fled the UK after allegedly killing 19-year-old Harry Dunn in August by running him over in her car Anne Sacoolas used a loophole to claim diplomatic immunity after allegedly killing Harry Dunn in a crash involving her Volvo SUV. It was believed that diplomatic immunity only applied to US officials - and their families - if they worked at the US Embassy in London. But it appears that because of the work done at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire  a US intelligence hub in Britain - the same applies there. Sky News claims an immunity deal between the UK and US there started in 1994. As a result Northamptonshire Police were planning to get Anne Sacoolas to sign a 'waiver of diplomatic immunity' - but she, her husband and their children fled on a private jet. Harry's family claim that Mrs Sacoolas had promised to work with police and admitted culpability. Advertisement

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged her with causing Mr Dunn's death by dangerous driving in December 2019 but an extradition request submitted by the Home Office was rejected by the US State Department a month later.

Emails obtained through a subject access request have shown how Mr Adderley warned the Home Office 'that the issue is with the family's spokesperson [Radd Seiger], who would disclose any engagement to the media and may not do so accurately'.

The Northamptonshire force had also made its views clear to the Foreign Office on the Interpol notice issued for the suspect - which emails have suggested was a diffusion notice and not a red notice.

Police had contacted the family to say Sacoolas was 'wanted internationally' in May last year.

Emails showed that the police 'regretted the email that had gone out to Harry Dunn's family's spokesperson' - adding 'Northants Police maintain that it was not their intention to provide the information to the family'.

Internal Home Office communications from May 13 also revealed how they suggested the force 'be more open' with the Dunn family about the Interpol notice 'as we don't want them to feel abandoned'.

But Mr Adderley rejected the suggestion, saying: 'Following our telephone conversation this morning and taking into consideration the Judicial Review we are party to, I have taken the decision not to write to the family, or the family spokesperson.'

The Dunn family submitted a complaint to Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mold on Sunday.

The emails follow 'unprofessional and unacceptable' communications from Foreign Office officials who described Mr Dunn's mother as 'excessive' and Mr Seiger as 'evil'.

Emails obtained through a subject access request have shown how Mr Adderley warned the Home Office 'that the issue is with the family's spokesperson [Radd Seiger], who would disclose any engagement to the media and may not do so accurately'

Speaking after the complaint was submitted, Mr Seiger said: 'The way Harry's family have been treated by public bodies has been nothing short of appalling.

'We hope that the IOPC will investigate this matter thoroughly and, moving forwards, we hope all parties will join me in helping this family to get justice for their son.

'That should be their sole concern, as it has been mine from the outset.'

A spokesman for the office of the Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner said: 'We can confirm that we have received and recorded a complaint against the Chief Constable from a member of the public and in line with the statutory guidance on such complaints, we have referred it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.'
Our customers like that they can make one call to us in order to ensure the health of their whole backup system.

Recognizing how dependent organizations are on battery power for essential operations like computers and healthcare equipment, CD & Power announced today a new service to ensure uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system health. The offering includes a potent combination of new technologies and rigorous testing protocols to identify and resolve potential issues before they happen.

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) maintenance ensures that battery backup equipment functions when the power goes out. CD & Powers maintenance procedures include measuring battery voltage, inspecting system components, performing infrared thermography to detect hot spots and, when needed, monitoring performance around the clock.

Commenting on the cataclysms that define the year 2020, Jill Collaro, President said, If last year has taught us anything it is this: we have no control over events, we do control our readiness to power through them.

Whether it comes from a stationary generator sitting in wait on the roof of a hospital or an essential UPS on-call for a computer center, backup power must kick in the instant power fails. Organizations need to trust that any inspection, maintenance, and repair work has been done properly and thoroughly. As pioneers in offering comprehensive backup system maintenance spanning both generators and UPS systems, CD & Power gives organizations a single source of support.

Heres the thing about back up power, said Lisa Carter, General Manager, it sits inactive practically 24/7. Do not be fooled by its silence. It requires the frequent care and attention. Our customers like that they can make one call to us in order to ensure the health of their whole backup system.

These new UPS maintenance service is available from CD & Power now.

About CD & Power

CD & Power is the Largest Independent Generator Service Company in Northern California. Since 1985, the company has been the go-to expert for diesel engine and generator maintenance and repair. From its Martinez, CA headquarters the company rents diesel generators from 10 kW to 1 MW in size as well as a range of portable, hybrid solar generators. Additionally, the company sells, installs, maintains, and repairs most brands of commercial generators. The companys Sacramento office is the home base to an additional team of generator service technicians, providing timely support to customers across the capitol corridor and central valley areas. For more information about CD & Power, visit their website at: https://www.gotpower.com/
MASON CITY, Iowa - Each day, Crisis Intervention Service works with men, women and children who are in domestic abuse and sexual assault situations in their 15-county area. And when it comes to rebuilding one's life after such a crisis, getting back on their feet may be a challenge.

On Monday, Crisis Intervention partnered with RSVP of North Central Iowa to collect essential items like conditioner, soap, granola bars and gift cards for survivors of abuse and assault at locations across North Iowa. As the drive occurred on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, RSVP Director Molly Anderegg feels that the collection drive would fit the late Civil Rights leader's mission of helping one another.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. was about peace and love, and that's really what's needed in someone's life when they are struggling with someone who is abusive to them. What better way than to honor Martin Luther King,Jr. than to help those in need who are struggling in an abusive relationship?"

Donations are accepted at any time. For more information, contact Crisis Intervention Service at 641-424-9133.
The first month of 2021 kicked off with news about 2022: former U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, considered one of the strongest Republicans who could challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her seat, announced she wasnt running.

So did Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, who told The Detroit News he had no interest in running.

Former Sen. Pete Lucido had expressed interest in running in 2019, but recently got elected Macomb County Prosecutor and is no longer eyeing a gubernatorial run in 2022.

Im flattered that people have called me... but I said you know, with all due respect, I just got elected to do a job I really care about, Lucido said.

Michigan Republicans arent sure, yet, which big names will be in. But more than a year out, theyre gearing up for a tough race against Whitmer, who has built both a strong public image and her campaign coffers in her first two years in office.

This is a big, complex, expensive state to run campaigns, and an incumbent advantage with super high approval numbers whos well-funded and has no top-tier opponent is a pretty good situation as we look to Michigan, said Marshall Cohen, political director for the Democratic Governors Association.

But Republicans see key weaknesses, including that Whitmers executive orders designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus rankled many last year and that she hasnt lived up to her campaign promise to fix the damn roads.

I think we will have a good, strong candidate in 2022. Who that is at this point, I cant say, said Michigan Republican Party Communications Director Tony Zammit.

The race has the potential to be a good one for Republicans. The conventional political wisdom goes like this: in a mid-term election, the party that controls the White House tends to do worse than the other one. And its backed up by political science.

Its a national trend that the presidents party loses ground in the midterm, said Matt Grossmann, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University.

Because of that, he anticipates a number of Republicans will vie for the spot.

Two names new to statewide politics, Bob Scott and Austin Chenge, have already filed to compete in the Republican primary.

But experts dont think the list of contenders will end there.

One big name hanging out there is John James, who lost two statewide campaigns for U.S. Senate but has a lot of clout with the Michigan Republican Partys base. There are former lawmakers, federal appointees and congressmen who might fit the bill. And then, of course, any wild-card self-funders from the business world -- exactly what former Gov. Rick Snyder was back in the 2010 cycle.

I think theres a lot of people who think they could really muster a good campaign, but I think theres also a lot of uncertainty about where everyone is right now, said Republican political consultant Stu Sandler.

Miller would have been formidable, he said, but overall its still very early in the cycle for candidates to start getting in the race.

But according to Grossmann, across the board campaigns are lengthening.

Jenell Leonard, owner of political communications firm Marketing Resource Group, said she expected to see candidates emerge in the next couple months.

I would think if people are seriously considering it that they need to start putting their names out there and they need to at least start making the rounds by early March, Leonard said.

Whitmer herself was an early campaigner in 2018, announcing her run in January of 2017. It gave her a head start on courting key endorsements and raising money. She cornered a lot of the traditional support early on, and no big political names ended up going up against her in the Democratic primary (she faced off handily against Shri Thanedar and Abdul El-Sayed, both relative political newcomers at the time.)

The advantage for incumbents is typically keeping their name out and fundraising. As of October, the last filing deadline, Whitmers campaign account had $2.25 million in cash on hand.

Thats more than just a war chest. That is a huge fundraising haul in an off-year that is going to be only growing over the next two years, said Andrea Bitely, senior director of strategy and client services for public affairs firm Truscott Rossman.

So, whomever on the Republican side is considering running needs to get their act together and start fundraising and start building their name ID, she said.

Bitely said two factors stemming from the coronavirus crisis could leave Whitmer vulnerable in 2022. One is how vaccine distribution goes (at one point, Michigans vaccine distribution ranked close to the bottom, nationally.) And the other is how the economy recovers. High unemployment could be held against Whitmer in a campaign.

IPPSR conducts regular polling, including on politicians favorability numbers.

She has basically started divisive but higher than the president, and she got a boost but not a huge boost around COVID, and then shes not retained much of that boost, said Grossmann.

But Democrats see a state thats getting more Democratic, and a roadmap for the governor.

I think Biden getting 52% in Kent County is a pretty big signal that there are, you know, sustainable Democratic successes in Western Michigan. When you put together the Kent, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw youre talking about a real coalition throughout the state that can be successful, Cohen said.

More on MLive:

Gretchen Whitmer is a national figure now. What you need to know about The woman in Michigan

Republican legislative leaders slam Whitmer for going it alone on new COVID-19 restrictions

$300 payments begin, but most Michigan unemployed workers are still getting $0

Michigan is among worst states in the country for administering COVID-19 vaccinations, CDC data says
OTTAWA  Federal cabinet minister Dan Vandal says its time for the province to fully include Metis in vaccine planning, just as the Manitoba Metis Federation launches its own COVID-19 testing program.

OTTAWA  Federal cabinet minister Dan Vandal says its time for the province to fully include Metis in vaccine planning, just as the Manitoba Metis Federation launches its own COVID-19 testing program.

"I am writing today to respectfully recommend that the province of Manitoba involve the full, and meaningful, participation of the (MMF) in Manitobas COVID-19 vaccination task force," Vandal wrote in a Jan. 15 letter obtained by the Free Press.

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/MIKE SUDOMA Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal.

The letter, addressed to Premier Brian Pallister, came a month after Manitoba received its first doses of vaccines, which are prioritized for several groups, including Indigenous communities.

The province has included First Nations on its vaccine task force since Dec. 18, but has refused to invite any Metis leaders, arguing last week that doctors must craft the pandemic response, not politicians.

Provincial officials have instead reached out to collaborate on messaging around vaccine hesitancy, and how Metis people could access the planned "super sites"  but have specifically ruled out setting up clinics in areas with large Metis populations.

"Only through full and active participation will the pressing health needs of Manitobas Metis be adequately met," reads Vandals letter.

First Nations reserves generally fall under federal jurisdiction, while those living off-reserve, as well as Metis, are served by provincial health systems.

I am writing today to respectfully recommend that the province of Manitoba involve the full, and meaningful, participation of the (MMF) in Manitobas COVID-19 vaccination task force."  Federal cabinet minister Dan Vandal in a Jan. 15 letter to Premier Brian Pallister

Yet Ottawa has said it must ensure all Indigenous communities that could be hard hit by COVID-19 need priority for vaccination.

The federal Liberals have thus urged provinces to work in lockstep with Indigenous leaders to plan vaccine rollouts, but have avoided calling out governments that arent doing so.

Vandal, who is Metis, has faced an onslaught of calls from MMF members, asking him to go over the heads of the Pallister government and set up a direct vaccine distribution plan between Ottawa and the federation.

Newly minted provincial Health Minister Heather Stefanson is meeting midday Tuesday with the MMFs health minister to talk about the vaccine rollout.

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/SEAN KILPATRICK MMF President David Chartrand.

"I am hopeful your government invites them to the planning and decision-making table at that meeting," Vandal wrote.

Last fall, the MMF filed a human-rights complaint, claiming the province has refused to share any COVID-19 case data, though the government insists it had tried to ink the same agreement it has with First Nations and Inuit leaders.

The MMF is particularly alarmed that public-health nurses are told to ask people whether they identify as Metis, both because of the risk of people falsely claiming Indigenous heritage, and because MMF members with COVID-19 have reported nurses not asking anything about whether theyre Indigenous.

In any case, the MMF announced Monday it has launched its own testing clinic, through the private firm Intrinsic Analytics. MMF members are invited to book an appointment by phone, and have a PCR test taken inside their vehicle at a Winnipeg site.

MMF President David Chartrand said the private lab will deliver results in a day, compared to the days-long waits people are experiencing in the provincial system.

We are not the ones that created a system that abandoned us and left us out. We have no choice but to find an alternative."  Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand on the MMF launching its own COVID-19 testing site

He argued the MMF needs the data to understand just how many Metis people are getting infected, and how to target programs for people who need to isolate.

"We are not the ones that created a system that abandoned us and left us out. We have no choice but to find an alternative," Chartrand said.

He said the MMF will share its data with Manitobas public-health teams, so that they get an accurate picture of cases and do contact tracing.

"Hopefully it will help the system, even though the systems not helping us," Chartrand said.

Manitoba chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said he was not familiar with the testing service, when asked about it shortly after the MMF made its intentions public.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

 With files from Danielle Da Silva
An accountant who punched, kicked and stabbed his partner in a case of "extreme domestic violence" has been given a last chance to appeal his conviction after the Court of Appeal heard he had fallen out with several legal teams hired to represent him.

Sidney Sutton (43) of Brindley Park Square, Ashbourne, Co Meath was convicted of four counts of assault, one of assault causing harm and one count of producing a knife capable of inflicting serious injury following a Circuit Court trial in 2017.

The offences occurred in the early hours of February 6, 2016 as Sutton and his partner, Edele Aherne, returned to their home after attending a wedding in Slane, Co Meath on the previous day.

Sutton had pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused Ms Aherne of assaulting him and inflicting her own injuries through self-harm.

The court heard Sutton had become aggressive in a taxi on the way home by pushing his partner in the head and also shoving her head against a wall after getting out of the vehicle.

On entering their home, Sutton punched Ms Aherne in the face and followed her into the bathroom where he continued to punch and kick her, dragged her to the floor and stamped on her legs.

He then returned to the bathroom with a knife and stabbed Ms Aherne in her leg and shoulder.

Speaking at the three-judge Court of Appeal this Monday, the father-of-two asked for an adjournment of his appeal hearing, saying his current solicitor told him on Friday that he would not be able to attend. Sutton said he is anxious to proceed and added that he is serving a sentence, "for a crime I didn't commit. My career is destroyed and I have missed two Christmases with my children."

President of the court Mr Justice George Birmingham replied: "You seem to have fallen out with a very large number of solicitors."

He said the State had "bent over backwards" to facilitate Sutton in what the judge described as a "protracted and sorry saga".

He added that it was with reluctance that he would adjourn the hearing to April 26 and added: "We want to make clear, it will proceed or go out of the list on that date."

If Mr Sutton is not able to proceed, Mr Justice Birmingham said the court will dispose of the appeal as if it has been abandoned. "This is a last opportunity to advance the appeal," he added.

He further told Mr Sutton that if he wants to argue that he received inadequate legal representation at trial then his trial lawyers must be put on notice so that they can respond.

Mr Justice Birmingham sat with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Mr Justice Pat McCarthy.

The Court of Appeal previously ruled that Sutton's original sentence of two years in prison with the final 12 months suspended was unduly lenient and ordered him to serve a further 16 months.

On that occasion Mr Justice John Edwards described the offence as "egregious", in particular the stabbing which he described as the culmination of a prolonged incident involving extreme domestic violence.

It is unusual for the court to hear an undue leniency application before hearing a conviction appeal, but Mr Justice Birmingham said it was necessary because of Mr Sutton's "reluctance or inability to get the appeal against conviction on".
New York, Jan 19 : A Black woman's Bible has featured in every single big moment of Kamala Harris' political career up till now. She laid her left hand upon it as she took the oath of office to be Attorney General of California, and it was there when she swore to defend the Constitution of the United States, as a Senator from California. "I carry Mrs. Shelton with me always," wrote Harris in a 2019 article in Bustle.

Shelton's Bible will be one of two that will feature at Kamala Harris' coronation at noon on Wednesday when she becomes America's first woman Vice President.

"When I raise my right hand and take the oath of office tomorrow, I carry with me two heroes who'd speak up for the voiceless and help those in need: Justice Thurgood Marshall and Mrs Shelton," Harris posted on Twitter, barely 24 hours before she takes office.

The second Bible belongs to the late civil rights icon and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, in a nod to his role in Harris' choice of Howard University for her graduation and in shaping her thinking to see law as a tool to bring equity. Marshall also graduated from Howard, a legendary school among historically black universities. Howard is only a short distance away by train from the White House.

The "Mrs Shelton" Harris invokes is Regina Shelton who owned three houses in a single block in Oakland, California, and ran a nursery school in one of them. This was a time when Kamala Harris' mother, newly separated from husband Donald Harris, was looking for help to care for her girls Kamala and Maya and also needed a place to stay. Gopalan and her daughters moved into an apartment above the nursery. The bonds soon grew so strong that Harris began referring to Shelton as her "second mother." In an interview to Yahoo!, Shelton's nephew Aubrey LaBrie said Shelton used to ferry Kamala and Maya to a Baptist church in West Oakland every Sunday. The Bible on which Harris has taken all her oaths of office is the same Bible that Shelton carried with her to church.

"That's been her amulet so to speak, her oracle, my aunt's Bible," LaBrie told Yahoo News in an interview.

Harris will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Wednesday, extending the 'historic' tag to yet another first. Harris will be the first Indian and Black American woman Vice President taking her oath of office from the first Latina justice on the US Supreme Court.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
President Donald Trump speaks after touring a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas on Jan. 12, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Administration Hits Venezuela With More Sanctions

The Trump administration announced a round of financial sanctions that target a network of individuals moving oil on behalf of Venezuelan socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned three individuals, 14 business entities, and six ships with sanctions, accusing them of assisting Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, which is under Maduros control, evade previous sanctions. Over the past several years, the Trump administration has moved to sanction Maduro, saying that the Venezuelan leader is illegitimate while recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Those facilitating the illegitimate Maduro regimes attempts to circumvent United States sanctions contribute to the corruption that consumes Venezuela, said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. The United States remains committed to targeting those enabling the Maduro regimes abuse of Venezuelas natural resources.

The fresh sanctions target people and businesses linked with Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman who U.S. officials say is a close associate Maduro. Saab is jailed in the African nation of Cape Verde while fighting extradition to the United States to face corruption charges. Other figures targeted by the sanctions are Alessandro Bazzoni, Francisco Javier DAgostino Casado, Philipp Paul Vartan Apikian, Elemento Ltd., and Swissoil Trading SA.

Venezuelan regime leader Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, on Feb. 14, 2020. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)

As a result of todays action, all property and interests in property of these individuals and entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to [the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control], said the Treasury. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by the designated individuals and entities, are also blocked. OFACs regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons.

On Tuesday, the Department of Commerce announced measures to block U.S. technology from being used by militaries in Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and China.

Last month, U.S. Department of State and Treasury Department took action against a Venezuelan election systems company for supporting Maduros allegedly fraudulent Dec. 6 legislative elections.

The firm, Ex-Cle Soluciones Biometricas C.A. (Ex-Cle C.A.), is accused of materially supporting Maduros regime by providing goods and services that the Maduro regime used to carry out the fraudulent December 6, 2020 parliamentary elections, said the Department of the Treasury in a news release, while also announcing sanctions against the company and two of its executives.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Telugu superstar Vijay Deverakonda on Tuesday revealed that there was a time he would worry if anyone would notice his work, and if people would turn up at theatres to watch his films.

Vijay posted a video on Instagram, where his fans are seen celebrating his upcoming film "Liger". In the clip, some fans are seen pouring milk on the film's poster while a few have the film's title tattooed on themselves.

Vijay captioned the clip, saying: "My loves, Yesterday you made me emotional, happy emotional :') Your love has reached me! There was a time I worried if anyone would notice the work I did, if people would turn up to the theaters, yesterday we released just the First Look poster of #Liger and the scenes of celebration across states moved me."

He added: "Listen and Remember these words - You just wait for the teaser - I am guaranteeing Nationwide Madness! Full Love Your man, Vijay Deverakonda"

My loves Yesterday you made me emotional, happy emotional :) There was a time I worried if anyone would notice the work I did, if people would turn up to the theaters, yesterday we released the First Look poster of #Liger and the scenes of celebrations moved me.. https://t.co/PT2gA9MdDF Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) January 19, 2021

"Liger" is directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Karan Johar and is set to release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages.
I was completely frustrated. Our SUVs were sunk in mud. And while still morning, I felt the December daylight already racing away. It seemed we would never reach our intended village in northwest Vietnam, nestled between Laos and China.

It was my second trip in 2010 to Dien Bien province, home to the famous Vietnamese military victory over French colonial forces in 1954. The government was always happy to facilitate tours of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield.

But I wasnt there to see the battlefield. I was there to understand why the local government was not allowing churches to register.

There I was, literally stuck, prevented from reaching Muong Thin, a White Hmong village thatif it existedallegedly contained one of the only three registered house churches in the entire province. Ive traveled 10,000 miles to be stuck on a road to nowhere, I thought. Am I getting played by the local officials?

Working on religious freedom is like that road to Muong Thin. You are never quite sure if the road works, or where it leads, or who the partners may (not) be. All you know is that you have to keep showing up, believing that God has gone before you, trusting the relationshipsno matter how unlikelythat he has revealed.

Image: Courtesy of Chris Seiple

***

Since the US Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, many ambassadorial positions, along with several inter-governmental and non-governmental entities, have been established across the world, often working together [see footnote at bottom].

Yet, despite the institutionalization of positions and alliances over the past 23 years, the world has never seen greater violations of international religious freedom (IRF). Governmental restrictions on religion have never been higher worldwide, while social hostilities have also soared.

In short, those who care about religious freedom have never been more organized to such little effect.

Just check the latest Open Doors report, released last week, on the top 50 countries that harass and persecute Christians for their belief. While Open Doors only tracks persecution against Christians, the Pew Research Center has chronicled how religious freedom has worsened over the past decade for Christians (harassed in 145 countries as of 2018), Muslims (in 139 countries), Jews (in 88 countries), and those of other faiths or no faith.

At the start of a new year, in the wake of National Religious Freedom Day (January 16) and as the Biden administration takes the IRF torch from the Trump administration, it is good to reflect on what has worked and what has not worked in our collective efforts to protect and promote religious freedom.

A point of reference in this needed discussion is the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE). This NGO was founded in 2000 by my parents to steward their global relationships after their experiences at Eastern University, World Vision, and the State Department where my dad served as the first US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom (19982000). I joined IGE in January of 2001 to operationalize the answer to their big question: Instead of reacting tactically, fighting to get people out of jail for their faitha noble cause, to be surecould a proactive strategy be developed that helped transform the structures of persecution within a country, such that people didnt go to jail for their beliefs in the first place? And could a relational diplomacy discern leverage points of self-interest that resulted in win-win situations for all parties?

By 2012, I was able to articulate a theory of change from my own Christian perspective about how best to operationalize the building of religious freedom within a country, instead of advocating for it from outside a country. In 2014, I refined and discussed this theory from a secular perspective. More recently, Ive had the privilege of working on an even broader framework: a covenantal pluralism where each and all have the obligation to engage, respect, and protect those different from themselves as a function of their inherent, God-given dignity and their God-given liberty of conscience.

Article continues below

But Ive never taken the time to succinctly state some of the best practices of engagement that guide day-to-day operations. Here are 10 best practices that help me engage complicated places, based on IGEs experiences in Vietnam:

1. Articulate the principles of engagement that form and inform your best practices.

In April of 2001, we wrote up IGEs Principles of Engagement on one piece of paper. It is a natural thing, I suppose, to want to change the world. But these principles suggest something different: We followers of Christ engage the world not to change it, but because we are changed.

What changed most in me these past 20 years is that I now understand that we glorify God when we care about the liberty of conscience of everyone (not just our fellow believers). I believe that liberty of conscience is the greatest gift from a gift-giving God. Without the freedom to think, there is no freedom to accept grace.

What are your principles of engagement that encourage you to seek his face, so that you can know yourself, and therefore be positioned to know his world? What is your theology of engagement? Such questions must be constantly asked, as the only thing more dangerous than thinking without doing is doing without thinking.

2. Hire people, not positions.

This work requires team players who can think holistically, and historically. You need people who look for the whole, past and present, not accepting any simple explanatory framework. You need people who know how to Listen, Observe, Verify, and Engage. You need people who are humble and honest, empathetic and elicitive, patient and persevering. You need people familiar with suffering, which should be discussed during the interview process. And you need people who have and/or seek the skills of engagement: evaluation, negotiation, and communication. You must be intentional about educating (how to think) and training (what to do), as a part of your mutual and ongoing discipleship within your organization.

3. Let your Yes be yes, and your No be no (Matthew 5:37).

We Christians believe that God knows and sees everything, but we dont always act that way. In an authoritarian context, the government sees everything but does not know everything. What you say in the official meeting must be consistent with what you say in the van ride, what you say at dinner, and what you say at the hotel.

A Vietnamese official once said to me: Thank you for telling the truth  we know who you are. There will always be those who do not want you to succeed. Dont give them leverage by violating your integrity.

4. Harness self-interest.

Usually, it is the tactical transaction that eventually leads to tangible transformation. Make the case that allowing citizens to believe as they wish is good for the countrys stability, economic development, womens empowerment, and better regional and global relations (not least with the United States).

I quickly learned to argue that seminary is securitythat the more theologically trained pastors, imams, and monks there were, the more likely their congregations were to live out the best of their faith, and thus the more likely they were to be loyal citizens. After many years of making this case to the Vietnamese government, a Protestant seminary was established in 2013 in North Vietnamthe first of its kind.

Article continues below

5. Act at the invitation of government officials (who, by the way, are also made in the image of God).

Doug Johnston, president emeritus of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (which he founded in 2000), once told me: There are always good people in bad places. If you expect a boogeyman behind every conversation, you will find one. And to be sure, there is a spiritual oppression in certain places. But most government officials care about their people. Many officials do not have other opportunities for a livelihood. Almost none can emigrate to another place. And all government officials dont want to be embarrassed or have attention drawn to their challenges or mistakes.

Some things have to be said in public; others at dinner. Work with them, recognizing that religious freedom might be your top issue, but it is almost always No. 11 on their daily Top 10 list. The right government partner can ensure geographic access while providing political cover.

IGEs work in Vietnam began because, after spending a day with us in May 2004, a senior Vietnamese official said: You are the first Americans not to give us a list and tell us what to do. We were welcomed through open doors after that.

6. Allow relationships to reveal strategy.

There are many that you are supposed to meet in a country, but few that you were meant to meet. Listen to everyone, but make time to spend time with those that have something about them. Dont worry about the schedule (especially on the first trips). Let the activities give you the excuse to build relationships.

And dont be afraid to go sightseeing. I was usually against this idea in my younger years, because I was there to get something done. But sightseeing is an opportunity for your hosts to express pride in their country. And its an opportunity to understand how they understand their history. Such excursions and mealsand above all, riding in a van or SUV togetherreveal all kinds of conversations that would not develop at the proverbial strategy session with local partners.

The result is that you are prepared to propose a strategy that is consistent with its environment, because it has been developed together. Relational diplomacy takes time; and your team, board, and donors must be educated to understand and support this patience.

7. Work top-down (with government officials) and bottom-up (with grassroots organizations).

In my experience, religious freedom work usually starts with the former, because the whole reason for your presence is to better understand why there are problems (even as government officials assure you otherwise). As sufficient trust emerges, push the envelope. Expand the location of your activities, as well as the invitation list: first go with the religious leaders that the government suggests; then suggest some of your own registered religious leaders; then move to unregistered religious leaders. And then go see those religious leaders in their local context.

Your visits may not (immediately) change policy or practice, but you do make hope tangible by spending time with the religious communityeven as you signal to the government that you now know these people and that you will be checking on them. And please, seek to discern the individual and institutional power dynamics at play as you engage, as they are almost always a function of the relationship between the ethno-religious majority and the ethno-religious minorities, shading everything from access to education to economic development to religious freedom.

Article continues below

Working with government officials also includes your own government. It is vital to understand the ebb and flow of the bilateral relationship between your government and theirs, to include the points of self-interest. Relationships in the various elements of your government, not least its political parties, are critical. Sometimes I call this holistic effort, at home and abroad, Track 1.5 Diplomacy. If Track 1 is government-to-government relations, and Track 2 is people-to-people encounters, sustainable solutions take place at their intersection.

8. Find the story.

Every culture has a mechanism for respect, for welcoming the stranger. Every country has a potential future rooted in the best of its past. Ive always told my hosts: Im not here to name, blame, and shame you, although I will speak truth to you behind closed doorsbecause thats what friends do. But I do want to come alongside the best of who you already are. I want to be your ambassador to the rest of the world, telling your story to others who otherwise wouldnt hear it, let alone listen.

I remember being in a Hanoi museum on one of my first visits. I found this 1949 quote on the wall from Ho Chi Minh, who is revered across all sectors of society as the founder of modern-day Vietnam:

The teaching of Confucius has a strong point; i.e., self-improvement of personal virtue. Jesus Bible has a strong point; i.e., noble altruism. Marxism has a strong point; i.e., a dialectical working method. Ton Dat Tuns doctrine has a strong point; i.e., their policies are suited to conditions in our country. Does Confucianism, Jesus, Marx and Ton Dat Tun share common points? Yes. They all pursued a way to bring happiness to human beings and benefit to society. If they were still alive today, and if they were grouped together, I believe they would live in harmony, like close friends. I try to become their pupil.

I used this quote time and again, all over Vietnam, saying that we wanted to help create the table where all beliefs and none had a seat, so that all citizens could become pupils in order to make Vietnam better, together.

9. Develop a practical and non-threatening way forwardwith and through local partnersfor the short and long term.

Design agreements (with public signings) for which the government can take credit. These agreements, however, must provide practical short steps that build on each other. The agreement is not binding, legally, but it is binding publicly, as such agreements are never about the law but about the public perception of what is (not) being done in a country.

That said, the transparent rule of law equally applied to all citizens is the long-term goal. It is often difficult to implement because there is little prior understanding of, let alone training for, the rule of law. The solution is to create non-threatening spacesas part of the signed agreementsthat present academic and comparative contexts from around the world, equipping government and religious leaders to make their own decisions based on these global case studies.

From the beginning, IGE partnered with The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at Brigham Young University, the flagship school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also founded in 2000, by Cole Durham, ICLRS and IGE have worked together in Vietnam, Laos, China, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan. While we have different theological views, it was and remains true that IGE wanted to work with the best. And why is ICLRS the best? Because they remember their faiths own persecution in the US. They know what it is like to be a minority, and their members go to the best law schools to protect and preserve their freedom to believe as a function of everyones freedom of conscience or belief.

Article continues below

When Vietnam developed a draft law on religion, its drafters came to IGE and ICLRS, which provided a 51-page critique of the law (which we spent three hours discussing at the Vietnamese National Assembly). This partnership continues to walk with Vietnam, providing the best and ongoing advice, as friends should.

And while these academic conferences are non-threatening, providing different perspectives on how the rule of law might evolve in a particular country over the long-term, their most important function in the near-term is to allow people to meet who otherwise would not. Conferences are excuses for coffee breaks. And coffee breaks are where a religious minority leader from the provinces can meet a national leader from the capital. A relationship is begun. Stereotypes begin to soften. Honest conversations about community, citizenship, and constitution take root.

10. Always remember: The method is the message, the process is the product.

Everything you dofrom planning to programsmust speak to and model the ends you seek. Your words and actions testify to Christ as you help local partners build an inclusive table, where everybody gets a seat, with the freedom to not only express, share, and/or change beliefs, but to bring those beliefs to the public square. This kind of consistent integritysometimes, unknowinglybuilds trust, enabling the path forward.

In 2006, I had the opportunity to testify before the US Senate Finance Committee. Because I had been to Vietnam three times in the previous 18 months (including trips to the Central Highlands, where there had been problems), I was able to name the challenges as well as the positive trends that were emerging. I recommended that Vietnam be removed from the State Departments religious freedom violations list, that the US establish permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam, and that the US support Vietnams accession to the World Trade Organization. And, wouldnt you know it, those things actually happened, in that order!

Almost 10 years later, I was at an event in Hanoi with Vietnamese officials, discussing how far the partnership between IGE and Vietnam had come. One of the officials pulled me aside and said something I will never forget: Do you remember when you gave that Senate testimony? All of us were watching here in Hanoi. You did not shy away from our challenges but you also gave us credit for what we were doing. You were honest. I think that is why IGE has been successful. We trust you.

In other words, while what you do is important, how you do it is vital. At the end of the day, trust is the only commodity you trade in when it comes to working cross-culturally in contexts that you will never fully understand.

***

Image: Courtesy of Chris Seiple

We eventually made it to Muong Thin village. There we met Pastor Tu of the White Hmong people. He shared with us what it was like to pastor a 148-person church in the Northwest Highlands of Vietnam. We prayed and sang. His church sang Silent Night for ustruly a joyful noise!

While IGE serves all faiths and noneas a function of our beliefit was a wonderful way, as Christians during that 2010 Advent season, to close out what became one of the most significant trips I ever took.

In my frustration about trying to find the village that morning, I had forgotten that earlier that week, IGE and its partners had completed the first-ever meeting between Protestant church leaders from across Vietnam and government officials and scholars in Hanoi. This meeting led to another roundtable in 2011 with 18 church leaders, and a third in 2012 with 23 church leaders. These roundtables set a vital precedent, as they began to mainstreamto the government and to the general populationthe idea that Vietnamese Christians were good citizens and loved their country as much as anyone else. This momentum contributed to the establishment in 2013 of the first Protestant seminary in North Vietnam (as noted above).

Article continues below

My faithless pessimism that morning on the way to Muong Thin also did not know that we would be given the privilege of speaking into Vietnamese society. Vietnams national news agency, VTV4, would do a three-minute report on our delegations visit. Also, Talk Vietnam would eventually air a 45-minute interview, which is still available (part 1 and part 2).

We were told that December in 2010as Vietnams central government tried to register more churchesthat the local government had registered only three churches in Dien Bien. Today, the province has 115 registered churchestransparently living out their faith, serving their communities and country. Perhaps some of the above best practices contributed to this steady progress.

I end with the conclusion from my Dien Bien trip report to the IGE board: In all of this, there is the healthy reminder that as Christians who worship a sovereign God, we are liberated from definitions of success. In fact, we at IGE have foremost learned that working overseas is merely the opportunity to be faithful, showing up and shutting up, seeking to come alongside what God is already doing through those whom He has appointed and/or anointed for this time.

Chris Seiple, PhD, is president emeritus of the Institute for Global Engagement, which played a significant role in helping to remove Vietnam (2007) and Uzbekistan (2019) from the US State Departments religious freedom violations list. He is a senior fellow at the University of Washingtons Jackson School of International Studies, and is co-editor, with Dennis Hoover, of the forthcoming Routledge Handbook on Religious Literacy, Pluralism, and Global Engagement.

Article continues below
(Alliance News) - Petra Diamonds Ltd on Tuesday said its first half production was down sharply, mainly as a result of the Williamson mine in Tanzania remaining on care and maintenance.

The South African and Tanzanian focused diamond miner saw total diamond production in the six months to December 31 fell 16% year on year to 1.7 million carats from 2.1 million.

Run-of-mine production slipped 40% to 4.2 million from 7.0 million.

Diamonds sold fell 2% to 1.7 million carats, leading to revenue in the half falling 8% to USD178.1 million.

Chief Executive Richard Duffy said: "We are living through a time of great uncertainty as a result of Covid-19, which has put considerable pressure on the business and all of our employees."

"I am delighted that we have now secured the support of our noteholders, lenders and shareholders for the proposed restructuring of the group's balance sheet, which will formally complete in the coming weeks following the receipt of the requisite regulatory approval. This marks a significant milestone in putting the company on a sustainable footing going forward. The improvement in the market, with prices from our January sale now back at pre-Covid levels, is very encouraging and will provide some support as we look to optimise the value of our asset base," Duffy continued.

Duffy said the firm's operations in South Africa, and Cullinan in particular, continue to "perform well", despite the emerging operational challenges at Finsch - which can be attributed to waste ingress, that has negatively impacted on its carat production.

"Mitigation plans have been developed and are currently being implemented to address this. Williamson remains under care and maintenance and we are considering various options to resume mining operations," Duffy added.

Petra noted Cullinan is on track to deliver on its throughput stretch target for 2021, having met the first half recovered carats stretch target of 1 million carats. However, the higher than expected levels of waste ingress at Finsch is having a "detrimental impact on throughput benefits due to both lower grade and volume".

Petra confirmed production guidance for 2021 remains suspended.

The firm also noted it is aware of media reports suggesting that the parcel of 71,654 carats of diamonds from the Williamson mine in Tanzania, which was blocked for export in September 2017, has been nationalised.

"To date the company has not received any communication from the government of Tanzania about this matter and Williamson Diamonds Ltd, the owner and operator of the Williamson mine, has written to the Minister of Minerals requesting an update on the status of the parcel," Petra added.

Shares in Petra Diamonds closed 2.9% higher in London on Tuesday at 1.75 pence each.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
by Sumon Corraya

Ordained on 15 January, five days earlier, he baptised 11 members of his family. Khokon came to know Christianity in 2000, at a Catholic school, attracted by the life of PIME missionaries and local priests. In his parish, 500 adults will be baptised this year.

Naogaon (AsiaNews) - The Church of Bangladesh is growing very fast, the result of the tireless and generous work of the missionaries. New members join each year whilst vocations to the priesthood and religious life also emerge among them.

Fr Khokon Christopher Baro, 37, is one of the most recent examples. His priestly ordination among the religious of Holy Cross took place last Friday in Rajshahi cathedral.

Until 2000, when he was 16, he didn't even know what Christianity was, but that year he discovered the Christian faith by going to live at a boarding school run by the Church.

Fr Khokon was born into an ethnic Oraon family in the village of Laxmidanga and had always followed the tribal religion, which worships spirits, the sacred tree, and nature.

But looking at the life of Christians, he was struck by it and several times expressed the desire to become a disciple of Jesus too.

I was attracted, he told AsiaNews, by the life of PIME missionaries and local priests, by their commitment, morals, lifestyle and prayer. So I started reading the bible and discovered the person of Jesus Christ. I immediately said that I wanted to be baptised, but the priests advised me to wait.

I was baptised in 2006 and later entered the Holy Cross Seminary. I greatly appreciate the priests and nuns: they work for the rich and the poor to feed them spiritual food.

PIME missionaries, some local priests, and nuns began evangelising in the village of Laxmidanga in 1973. PIME left the parish in January 2020.

The last parish priest, the missionary Fr Emilio Spinelli, handed over the parish to a diocesan priest. All these decades have been very fruitful.

The first prayer centre was established in Buthahara in 2007. Today the local Catholic parish has 4,500 members.

Each year more than 500 people get baptised, in 50 villages. From there came the vocations of five nuns and the first priest, Fr Khokon.

When I told my parents and brothers and sisters that I wanted to become a Christian, none of them objected. When I entered the seminary, took my first vows and then at the diaconate they participated in the feast and were happy.

Whilst I was in the seminary, many priests and nuns visited my home in the village. Thus, my brothers, uncles, aunts and other relatives also became attracted to the Christian faith. On 10 January, five days before my ordination, I baptised 11 of them.

Fr Khokons father and mother passed away in 2015 and 2016, but he is sure that if they were alive, they too would have received Jesus.

Fr Swapan is vice parish priest of Bhutahara. He points out that our parish has great opportunities to increase the number of believers. Last year 250 adults received baptism; this year there will be more than 500. And vocations are also growing.
The Covid-19 death toll has crossed 400 with the deaths of 18 more people yesterday.

The death toll now stands at 408, with 96 of those occurring in the last seven days alone.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.
A group of Houstonians brought their calls for Ted Cruz's resignation to the senator's doorstep.

The "pallbearers for Cruz," a self-described group of anarchists unaffiliated with any specific organization, carried three coffins to Cruz's Houston home before placing them on the lawn.

BEFORE INAUGURATION DAY: Abbott slams 'offensive' increased vetting of National Guardsmen

According to a statement, each coffin respectively represented those that died during the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Cruz's career, and the Texas senator's call to reject electoral votes based on President Donald Trump's repeated disproven claims of widespread election fraud, which the group said has damaged American democracy.

Paul Beyer

"Ted Cruz was elected to office as a 'constitutional conservative' and has broken his oath to defend the constitution to pander to his base," the group said in a statement. "His lies have cost American lives. It is time for Ted Cruz to retire and allow someone who will defend the constitution to represent the State of Texas. Today, Ted Cruz should resign."

Cruz has faced widespread calls for his resignation since Jan. 6, when a pro-Trump mob stormed and breached the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the deaths of five people and delaying the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Cruz was one of the most vocal challengers of certifying the results and ultimately voted to object to Arizona and Pennsylvania's vote counts after the riot.

Several have said that Cruz's vocal dissent to the election results spurred the mob. New Yorker reporter Luke Mogelson captured on video one rioter rifling through a lawmaker's papers in the Senate chamber, saying, "I think Cruz would want us to do this, I think were good."

Cruz has maintained he bears no responsibility for the attack on the Capitol and condemned the violence.

What I was doing and what the other senators were doing is what we were elected to do, which is debating matters of great import in the chamber of the United States Senate," Cruz told KHOU. "I joined with 11 other Senators and we proposed to the Senate that Congress should appoint an electoral commission.
GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A former Grand Rapids Community College assistant professor has received his sentence for the backyard pool drowning death of his son.

Koets, 51, was sentenced Monday, Jan. 18 in Ottawa County Circuit Court to a minimum of two years and a maximum of 15 years in prison on an involuntary manslaughter charge.

The charges stemmed from a March 2019 incident where Koets 16-year-old son, Samuel Koets drowned in the backyard pool at the familys home in Georgetown Township.

According to the parents, Samuel, who was non-verbal, functioned at the level of a 13- to 17-month-old child.

Related: Former GRCC professor faces minimum 19 months in prison for sons backyard pool drowning

Sam had value and the sanction will not restore Sam, but it will recognize that all humans have value and because of the neglect that you committed a valuable human has lost his life, Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing said prior to sentencing Koets.

Koets pleaded guilty in December to single counts of involuntary manslaughter, fourth-degree child abuse and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, with his sentence running concurrently on the charges.

He previously admitted in court that he was negligent for leaving his Sam, unsupervised on a back deck.

Koets attorney David Kallman called the situation a very unique and tragic case, citing in court Monday that his client will have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life.

This is not blaming anybody here in terms of anyones actions, but Sam is a very high-needs child, Kallman said. He required 24/7 around the clock supervisor and care. He was in the room that was in the house because of the way he destroyed everything else in other rooms.

On the afternoon of March 28, 2019, Koets placed his son on the back deck of his home before he left for work to teach classes at Grand Rapids Community College.

Samuels mother, Michelle Koets was asleep when his father left him.

The son was left in the backyard with restraints wrapped around his body which keeps his arms restrained. At some point, Samuel gravitated toward the pool, which was covered, and got inside.

Koets 18-year-old daughter came home and saw Samuel in the pool. It was cold, with ice in the pool. She told police she went around the house yelling for her mother or anyone else, but no one answered.

She saw Sams arms wrapped up and then left.

After that, Koets asked his 13-year-old daughter if she had returned from school and asked her to check on the freak.

The daughter sent a photo of her brother in the pool to her dad, according to court records.

Koets instructed the daughter to pull him out. She informed him that her brother was stuck. The father says to yell at him to come back. She says she thinks hes stuck and sends another photo, showing her brother in chest-deep water.

Moments later, he tells her to pull his testicles out, said Ottawa County Sheriffs Detective David Bytwerk at a previous court hearing.

The father instructed the daughter to get her mother, and then asked if Samuel is out of the pool and for an update on the situation.

Samuel ended up collapsing and drowning in the freezing water.

Paul Kraus, Ottawa County prosecuting attorney, said Monday that incidents like the one described, where Samuel was left unattended, occurred often.

Let me be clear, Sam was in no way able to care for himself, yet he was routinely left unattended, Kraus said. There were 15 occasions where law enforcement of Child Protective Services, or CPS were summoned to the home, primarily because Sam was unattended and had escaped from the residence.

Koets said he and the family learned to manage Samuels autism as best as they could.

The words that I used were not good, Koets said, referring to when he called his son a freak while in text conversation with his daughter. It was a way of blowing off steam and Im not excusing myself for that, but I would never harm or abuse Sam. I would have never done any of that to any of my children. My home has always been a place filled with love and compassion and I cannot change the past and I do have the ability to honor my sons memory.

Koets wife Michelle was sentenced to 21 days in jail June 11, 2019, in Hudsonville District Court on a misdemeanor charge of obtaining a controlled substance by false representation.

Police said the couple continued to refill their sons Ritalin prescription eight months after he died.

Koets, who had been a full-time GRCC faculty member since the 2007-08 academic year, termination was effective Jan. 28, 2020. A member of the Computer Information Systems Department, he had been placed on administrative leave with pay Oct. 28, 2019.

The college notified him three days after he was arraigned in the death of his son.

Weve learned mistakes, we learned a lot of lessons here, Koets said. Its families with special needs children who are frightened, theyre desperate. They dont know where to turn and I feel like we can provide an opportunity to help because of what my family has been through.

Related news:

Father didnt alert rescuers when son with autism waded into deep, cold pool, police report says

Professor ordered to stand trial in drowning death of teen son with autism

Former GRCC professor faces minimum 19 months in prison for sons backyard pool drowning

Teen with severe autism had arms bound when found in icy pool, lived in deplorable conditions, records say

After teen with autism drowns, Dad asks: Is it an accident? Are we in trouble?

Its a nightmare: Professors arrest in death of son with severe autism rocks family

Professor ordered to stand trial in drowning death of teen son with autism
President Donald Trump rescinded COVID-19 travel restrictions on Europe, the UK and Brazil, the White House said in an announcement Monday.

The COVID-19 travel restrictions apply to all non-American citizens arriving from the said regions and will take effect on January 26, Tuesday, reported CNBC.

Reuters noted that the administration had prior plans to lift the COVID-19 travel restrictions back in November which were imposed early last year in response to the pandemic. This earlier move earned support from the coronavirus fast force and public health officials.

It prevented entry for non-US citizens who have been to Brazil, the UK, Ireland and the 26 countries of the Schengen area within the last 14 days.

Lifting COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Call for Extra Precautions

With the ban lifted, the White House added extra precautions by requiring travelers to present either a recent negative coronavirus test or evidence that they have recovered from the disease, reported Bloomberg.

It was part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's order for all international travel which was signed last week.

Read also: Johnson & Johnson's Single-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Signs of Promise

"This action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from Covid-19 while enabling travel to resume safely," Trump said in his proclamation.

Airlines were also hoping the new testing requirements will allow more travel from European countries by 95% or more. White House officials were pressed by the airline industry on the issue in recent days.

Airlines have been greatly affected by the restrictions as bans contributed to a sharp decline in travel. They lobbied to end blanket bans and argued that testing and increasing vaccination efforts should help the country get back to safely allowing international travel.

Industry trade group Airlines for America wrote a letter to Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the coronavirus task force earlier this month and raised their concerns on testing and vaccination.

"We believe a well-planned program focused on increasing testing of travelers to the United States will further these objectives in a much more effective way than the blanket travel restrictions currently in place," the letter read.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on China, Iran Remain in Place

Travel bans will stay in place for other countries like Iran and China due to their "lack of cooperation" in fighting the virus, the White House said.

This means most non-US citizens who seek entry to the United State will have to halt their plans to travel anytime soon.

News of the roll back on travel restrictions come after a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus was found in the UK. It has also circulated in other countries, including the U.S. which reported more than 24 million cases of the coronavirus and almost 400,000 deaths related to the disease.

Related story: Fauci Warns of 'More Ominous' Strains of COVID-19 Emerging in South Africa, Brazil

Experts believe that with the virus running on a surge in the U.S., allowing people into the country from other parts of the world won't pose a significant risk, a person familiar with the debate said.

The CDC's new rules of testing negative before travel was seen as a way to get travelling back on track with minimal interference while also adhering to safety precautions.

Martin Centron, CDC director for the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine said last week that the testing order is one step further into that direction.
The federal government is counting on a boost in domestic tourism to help the economy ride out an extended ban on overseas travel, which it says will be one of the last things to change while the pandemic continues.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said some Australians would choose to see more of their own country in response to the curbs, one day after a top official said there would be no return to widespread overseas travel this year.

The tourism industry says domestic spending won't be able to make up for the loss of international tourists. Credit:Virginia Star

But travel agents and the tourism industry said there was no hope the domestic spending could fill the gap left by international tourists, leaving employers waiting years for the money to pay workers.

Nationals MP Pat Conaghan, a key advocate for the governments $128 million package for travel agents last month, backed industry calls for a bigger scheme like JobKeeper to save tourism jobs.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday justified the Duterte administration's decision to abruptly end the Department of National Defense's agreement with the University of the Philippines that prohibits the entry of state forces in its campuses without prior notice.

He claimed the three-decade old agreement accorded to UP out of courtesy is now obsolete because there is a need to protect the majority of Filipinos against a university that has become a "breeding ground" of groups with extremist beliefs to recruit students to go against the government.

"The countrys premier state university has become a safe haven for enemies of the state. The Department of National Defense will neither renege nor shirk on its duty to protect the rights of the majority. It will not tolerate those who will violate the laws of the land in the guise of lawful public dissent, free assembly, and free speech," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana also said UP cannot be given special treatment and be regarded like the demilitarized zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, where the military cannot enter without coordination.

"What makes UP so special? We are not your enemies. We are here to protect our people, especially our youth," he said in a tweet.

Philippine National Police Chief Debold Sinas expressed support for the DND's decision, saying the deal failed to serve its purpose.

"The agreement between the DND and UP that limits police and military presence in all its campuses nationwide did not serve the best interest of public order and security in all 30 years that the accord was in effect," he said in a statement.

The top cop vowed that the law will be observed at all times regardless of the termination of the accord. He said the PNP would respond to reports of police abuse in the UP campuses.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who previously served as PNP Chief, said the military and police should come up with an agreement with UP on boundaries to be observed now that the agreement has been scrapped. He said this will ensure that it will not affect the culture of academic freedom in the state university.

"If it is designed to muzzle the academic and other freedoms being enjoyed by UP in general, you can describe it as that  overstepping," he said.

In a letter made public on Monday, DND informed UP officials that it is ending the 1989 accord that barred the police and military from entering any of its campuses without notifying school officials, citing the supposed "clandestine recruitment" of students in communist organizations. The letter, however, said that no military nor police personnel would be stationed inside campuses.

The UP-DND Accord states that prior to entering any UP campus, the military and police must give notice to university officials. An earlier agreement, inked by student leader Sonia Soto and ex-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile in 1982, protected the autonomy of the university from military intervention.

Soto said it is now time for the "iskolar ng bayan" to fight back against the government's decision to end the agreement that protects students.

"We fought hard from 1977-1982 for what we called democratic reform movement in campuses nationwide... It's now the Iska/Iskos of today's turn to fight for this historic accord," she said in a statement.

UP President Danilo Concepcion urged Lorenzana to reconsider his decision and revoke the abrogation.

"I must express our grave concern over this abrogation, as it is totally unnecessary and unwarranted, and may result in worsening rather than improving relations between our institutions, and detract from our common desire for peace, justice, and freedom in our society," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Vice President Leni Robredo, some lawmakers, and progressive youth groups also denounced the DND's sudden decision to abrogate the agreement.

RELATED: Lawmakers, youth groups denounce termination of UP-DND pact

The Duterte administration has repeatedly red-tagged students of UP. President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the state university of recruiting students to join the communist insurgency. He previously threatened to defund UP after confusion following calls of academic strike.
A Scotwoman who survived two world wars and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic has received her coronavirus jab on her 108th birthday.

Marion Dawson, believed to be the third oldest person in Scotland, was vaccinated at the church she attends in Houston, Renfrewshire.

After receiving her Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination she said: 'I'm glad it's passed. I never felt a thing.'

Marion Dawson, believed to be the third oldest person in Scotland, was vaccinated at the church she attends in Houston, Renfrewshire today

Mrs Dawson, from Houston, was born in 1913. She was vaccinated by Dr Diane Fisher at Houston and Killellan Kirk, which is being used by her GP surgery to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations to the local community.

Dr Fisher, a partner at Strathgryffe Medical Practice, said: 'We are so excited to be starting our vaccinations of our over-80s population here in the church within the heart of Houston, and that our first patient to be vaccinated is doing so on her birthday, so it's a really great start to our campaign.'

Mrs Dawson is the oldest person in the area covered by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Kirk minister Rev Gary Noonan said: 'Mrs Dawson is a local treasure in Houston, having lived through two world wars, and until the lockdown she never missed a week at church.

'It's fitting she can get her vaccine in the kirk, a place she loves.

'The church should be at the very heart of communities, so I'm delighted we can offer our building to assist in this national effort. I encourage everyone to get the vaccine and help bring the hope that will allow us to gather safely once more.'

Mrs Dawson celebrating her 107th birthday last year at the same church, when she was presented with a cake

Mrs Dawson was wife to the late Robert, mother to Jean and Allan, as well as a grandmother of two and great-grandmother of two.

For her birthday last year, she received a special greeting card from the Queen and was joined by friends and family at the same church for cake and a celebration.

Dr Mark Storey, practice partner and one of the vaccination team said: 'It's been a very difficult year in general practice and society as a whole.

'In our practice we have a family of 10,000 patients, so we are delighted to start vaccinating, especially with Mrs Dawson. Happy Birthday, Mrs Dawson.'

Union Home Minister on Tuesday asked the to set five targets for each police station to improve performance by 2022 when the country will celebrate 75 years of Independence.

During an event organised at the headquarters here, he praised the force for the work done during the coronavirus pandemic and said it has been providing exemplary services to people of the capital.

Shah also said the police force tackled the northeast Delhi riots last year and brought back peace in the city.

"Be it tackling the northeast Delhi violence, the lockdown announced after the outbreak of COVID-19, the unlocking process or the movement of migrant workers, the has provided exemplary services to the people," the Union home minister said.

According to police, Shah honoured the COVID-19 warriors and conferred ranks to police personnel who were given out-of-turn promotion for their exceptionally outstanding works.

He paid homage those who lost their lives on the line of duty and presented commendation rolls to police personnel for their contribution beyond the call of duty, during the pandemic period.

Shah emphasised the importance of scientific and technical investigation to make watertight case against accused."Conviction of one criminal acts as a deterrent for many others who may indulge in such activities," he said.

He acclaimed the MoUs signed with Forensic Science University, Gujarat and IIIT, Delhi, for integrating use of modern technology and Artificial Intelligence in police working.

The Union home minister also stressed that the Centre has sanctioned several financial packages for constructing residential colonies and purchasing built up flats for Delhi Police personnel.

Housing Satisfaction Ratio will rise to 40 per cent by the year 2022 from 19.5 per cent, he said.

Addressing a gathering at the event, Shah mentioned several challenges faced by the city police force. "To tackle challenges, we will have to first understand them and accordingly bring changes in the way we function," he said.

The Union minister said each police station of the Delhi Police should set five targets for its improvement and better performance by 2022, that is, when India completes 75 years of Independence.

About the challenges ahead, he said, "Since Delhi is a capital, we have several challenges in front of us... terrorism is a challenge, drug trafficking, fake note business and well as traffic are also challenges."



Shah chaired a meeting with senior police officers to review security arrangements for Republic Day celebrations.

The meeting came a day after the Supreme Court asked the force to decide on the entry of protesting farmers in the national capital on January 26. The farm unions, protesting the central farm laws, have announced to hold their tractor rally on the Outer Ring Road on the Republic Day.

Shah noted that the Delhi Police has a very large area of responsibility as various key installations such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, prime minister's residence, embassies, headquarters of many key organisations and science centres come under its jurisdiction.

He also appreciated the city police's initiative to reunite missing children with their parents. He announced that 15,000 CCTV cameras will be installed in Delhi for close monitoring of crime and criminals and also for the maintenance of law and order.

These police CCTV networks will be connected with the the ones installed in railway stations, Shah said.

A presentation on police functioning was given and Shah stressed on the use of technology to the optimal level to make policing more transparent and people oriented, according to police statement.

In a statement, Additional PRO of Delhi Police Anil Mittal said the force activated many e-initiatives like e-Beat Book, integrated complaint monitoring system, safe city project, integration of crime and criminal tracking network and systems with ICJS and office automation.

Setting up of separate Police Technological Cell and Social Media Cell has also proved to be a milestone in police working, he said.

"Complaints of people are being addressed effectively through social media. Special attention is being paid to physical and mental health of police personnel and their families.

"The AYUSH Ministry has proved to be a guiding force in this direction. Besides, insurance claim structures have also been revised to the benefit of policemen," the statement 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.)
A pasty chef was arrested by security forces in Egypt after she provided cupcakes with penis decorations for a private birthday party in a wealthy Cairo neighbourhood.

The female chef was arrested after pictures of the party and the cupcakes were shared on social media. State media reported that the baker was then identified after the authorities took statements from eyewitnesses.

She was in tears when she arrived at a prosecution office in Cairo, reports Al Masry Al Youm newspaper.

According to the newspaper, the chef told the authorities that patrons of the Gezira sporting club came to my shop and handed me pictures of genitals, and asked me for cakes in these forms.

After she was questioned by prosecutors, the baker was released on a bail of 5,000 EGP (233) reports the Guardian.

Although Egypt remains more liberal than Gulf Arab states, the Muslim-majority country has taken a more Conservative direction over the past half-century.

Belly dancers, pop divas and social media influencers have faced backlash for violating the norms.

Two young woman were jailed last year for sharing indecent videos on TikTok.

An Egyptian judge overturned an acquittal verdict of Haneen Hossam, 20 and Mawada Eladhm, 22, on January 14 after they faced fresh charges of human trafficking.

Last summer, an Egyptian court of first instance sentenced Hossam and Adham along with another three women to two years in prison for violating the values and principles of the Egyptian family, inciting debauchery and promoting human trafficking.

The verdict came after the two women had vaulted to TikTok fame, amassing millions of followers for their video snippets set to catchy Egyptian club-pop tracks.

In their respective 15-second clips, the women wearing makeup pose in cars, dance in kitchens and joke in skits  familiar and seemingly tame content for the platform.

The two women were also fined 300,000 Egyptian pounds (around 14,000).

Their case drew the ire of Egyptian feminists who dismissed the prosecution of Hossam and Adham as another example of their conservative societys encroachment on womens freedoms.

At the time, womens rights advocates circulated an online petition describing the arrests as a systematic crackdown that targets low-income women.
FLINT, MI -- Attorneys for former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder say they will ask for Flint water criminal charges against him be dismissed because he was charged in the wrong county.

Snyder was charged last week with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty related to the water crisis after indictment by a one-man grand jury.

The former governors attorney told Genesee District Court Judge William Crawford Tuesday, Jan. 19, that the charges are fatally flawed because they charged in the wrong venue because Snyder was not in the city of Flint when they allegedly occurred.

Brian Lennon, the attorney for the former governor, also requested information about procedures and protocols used to ensure that neither Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud, who leads the Flint water criminal investigation, nor her investigators and prosecutors had access to attorney-client privileged information seized by the Department of Attorney General.

Crawford asked water prosecutors and attorneys for Snyder and former Flint Department of Public Works Director Howard Croft to meet privately Tuesday to discuss procedural issues after hearing briefly from each. The parties later reconvened to discuss future court dates and procedural matters.

Croft was also appearing for the pretrial conference on two counts of willful neglect of duty related to the water crisis.

Assistant Attorney General Brian Osikowicz told Crawford he received a letter from Lennon to Hammoud late Monday, Jan. 18, indicating he planned to file a motion to dismiss the charges against Snyder Tuesday.

Lennon said his letter to Hammoud, who leads the water crisis prosecution, indicates the indictment against Snyder is fatally flawed because its charged Governor Snyder with crimes that allegedly (were carried out) in Genesee County.

At all times during the indictment Governor Snyder was in his office in the Romney Building in downtown Lansing, Lennon said in arguing any case against his client should have been filed in Ingham County.

Lennon said Tuesday that he had not yet filed the motion to dismiss to give the government an opportunity to recognize the mistake and voluntarily dismiss the indictment against Governor Snyder.

Snyder, 62, served as the governor from 2011 until 2019, but left office amid demands from many in Flint that he resign for his part in the citys water crisis.

He is charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty, misdemeanors that are punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Lennon said he wants information from prosecutors about whether a neutral taint team was used in the collection of electronic and other records and said he had it on good belief that a taint team was not used.

A taint team is a team of prosecutors and agents that is not connected to the investigation and which reviews seized materials to determine whether the information is privileged.

Prosecutors have said previously that they reviewed millions of documents and electronic devices in putting together their cases against Snyder and eight other criminal defendants.

Wed like to talk to the prosecution about that in a conference room today and come back and put those concerns on the record, Lennon said, noting the issue could impact the timing and number of motions and requests for evidentiary hearings that we need.

Special Assistant Attorney General Molly Kettler told Crawford prosecutors are very much looking forward to receiving actual motions from attorneys for Snyder.

We dont intend to litigate this by emails and informal discussions, Kettler said.

In information expected to be filed in District Court, Lennon requests the names and titles of personnel assigned to any taint team, if such a team was used, as well as written policies, memoranda or directives provided to it or those who reviewed records to determine if they were privileged as well as protocols that were followed.

Lennon also requested evidence held by prosecutors during the investigative subpoena process used by former special prosecutor Todd Flood, including transcripts that were leaked to various news organizations in 2019.

Flood was fired as special prosecutor in 2019 by Hammoud, who later that year dismissed eight pending Flint water criminal cases and restarted the investigation, citing what she characterized as flaws in the foundation of Floods work.

In April 2020, VICE, an edgy news and culture website, and the Metro Times, Detroits alternative weekly, published stories based on a transcript of Bairds investigative subpoena interview. The stories alleged Baird tried quieting the discontent among Flint residents affected by the water crisis.

Crawford said Tuesday that neither Snyder not Croft will be required to appear during the next court pretrial conference on Feb. 23.

When Snyders video feed was turned off at one point in Tuesdays conference, Kettler said the former governor should be required to keep the camera on when he appears in court.

In addition to presiding over state oversight of Flints water system, Snyder appointed a series of emergency financial managers to run city government here before and during the water crisis, and those managers made decisions that resulted in the citys water source being switched from pretreated Lake Huron water to the Flint River in April 2014.

Despite complaints about the waters taste and odor, and mounting evidence that it contained elevated levels of lead, bacteria and chlorination byproducts, the former governor waited until October 2015 before taking action to switch the city back to Lake Huron water.

The former governor was briefed in spring 2014 on the plan to change Flints water source, and conversations within his office intensified in fall 2014 when Snyder was briefed about two boil water advisories in Flint due to fecal coliform bacteria, as well as citizen concerns about the waters quality and safety.

In October 2014, General Motors announced Flint River water was too corrosive to use in its manufacturing, and top legal aides to Snyder suggested that Flint be switched back to Detroit water -- something that didnt happen until a year later.

A top aide to the former governor testified in 2017 that he warned his boss of growing concerns about lead levels in Flint water in July and August 2015 -- months before Snyder has said he ultimately concluded the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality had under-estimated the danger.

Snyder eventually apologized for state governments role in the resulting emergency, but he has denied allegations that he was warned about risks related to the crisis and failed to act until it was brought to light publicly.

Lennon in a statement Tuesday called the charges against Snyder politically motivated, false and seriously flawed.

Croft was appointed by former Flint emergency manager Michael Brown to lead Flints DPW and served in that role from 2011 until November of 2015.

As director of the department, Croft had responsibility for oversight of parks and recreation, street maintenance, water and sewer, garbage collection, planning, fleet management, and economic development for the city.

He became a primary defender of the quality of city water after the switch to the Flint River, once drinking discolored water from a sample bottle brought to City Hall by a resident to show it was safe.

His attorney has said Croft relied on the experts every time he made a decision and was trying to do the best he possibly could for the citizens of Flint as a citizen of Flint himself.

Read more on MLive:

Former Gov. Snyder, 8 others criminally charged, accused of trampling trust of Flint people

Judge Elizabeth Kelly to preside over the most serious Flint water cases

As Flint was slowly poisoned, Snyders inner circle failed to act

Aide says he shared lead worries from Flint with Gov. Snyder in July 2015
Study shows that bio-mimicking spiral patterns inspired the natural strength of lobster shells can improve the overall durability of 3D printed concrete

New research shows that patterns inspired by lobster shells can make 3D printed concrete stronger, to support more complex and creative architectural structures.

Digital manufacturing technologies like 3D concrete printing (3DCP) have immense potential to save time, effort and material in construction.

They also promise to push the boundaries of architectural innovation, yet technical challenges remain in making 3D printed concrete strong enough for use in more free-form structures.

WATCH AND EMBED THE VIDEO: https:/ / youtu. be/ mpPAPlst42o

In a new experimental study, researchers at RMIT University looked to the natural strength of lobster shells to design special 3D printing patterns.

Their bio-mimicking spiral patterns improved the overall durability of the 3D printed concrete, as well as enabling the strength to be precisely directed for structural support where needed.

When the team combined the twisting patterns with a specialised concrete mix enhanced with steel fibres, the resulting material was stronger than traditionally-made concrete.

Lead researcher Dr Jonathan Tran said 3D printing and additive manufacturing opened up opportunities in construction for boosting both efficiency and creativity.

"3D concrete printing technology has real potential to revolutionise the construction industry, and our aim is to bring that transformation closer," said Tran, a senior lecturer in structured materials and design at RMIT.

"Our study explores how different printing patterns affect the structural integrity of 3D printed concrete, and for the first time reveals the benefits of a bio-inspired approach in 3DCP.

"We know that natural materials like lobster exoskeletons?have evolved into high-performance structures over millions of years, so by mimicking their key advantages we can follow where nature has already innovated."

3D printing for construction

The automation of concrete construction is set to transform how we build, with construction the next frontier in the automation and data-driven revolution known as industry 4.0.

A 3D concrete printer builds houses or makes structural components by depositing the material layer-by-layer, unlike the traditional approach of casting concrete in a mould.

With the latest technology, a house can be 3D printed in just 24 hours for about half the cost, while construction on the world's first 3D printed community began in 2019 in Mexico.

The emerging industry is already supporting architectural and engineering innovation, such as a 3D printed office building in Dubai, a nature-mimicking concrete bridge in Madrid and The Netherlands' sail-shaped "Europe Building".

The research team in RMIT's School of Engineering focuses on 3D printing concrete, exploring ways to enhance the finished product through different combinations of printing pattern design, material choices, modelling, design optimisation and reinforcement options.

Patterns for printing

The most conventional pattern used in 3D printing is unidirectional, where layers are laid down on top of each other in parallel lines.

The new study published in a special issue of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing investigated the effect of different printing patterns on the strength of steel fibre-enhanced concrete.

Previous research by the RMIT team found that including 1-2% steel fibres in the concrete mix reduces defects and porosity, increasing strength. The fibres also help the concrete harden early without deformation, enabling higher structures to be built.

The team tested the impact of printing the concrete in helicoidal patterns (inspired by the internal structure of lobster shells), cross-ply and quasi-isotropic patterns (similar to those used for laminated composite structures and layer-by-layer deposited composites) and standard unidirectional patterns.

Supporting complex structures

The results showed strength improvement from each of the patterns, compared with unidirectional printing, but Tran said the spiral patterns hold the most promise for supporting complex 3D printed concrete structures.

"As lobster shells are naturally strong and naturally curved, we know this could help us deliver stronger concrete shapes like arches and flowing or twisted structures," he said.

"This work is in early stages so we need further research to test how the concrete performs on a wider range of parameters, but our initial experimental results show we are on the right track."

Further studies will be supported through a new large-scale mobile concrete 3D printer recently acquired by RMIT - making it the first research institution in the southern hemisphere to commission a machine of this kind.

The 55m robotic printer will be used by the team to research the 3D printing of houses, buildings and large structural components.

The team will also use the machine to explore the potential for 3D printing with concrete made with recycled waste materials such as soft plastic aggregate.

The work is connected to a new project with industry partners Replas and SR Engineering, focusing on sound-dampening walls made from post-consumer recycled soft plastics and concrete, which was recently supported with an Australian Government Innovations Connections grant.

###

'Influences of printing pattern on mechanical performance of 3D printed fibre-reinforced concrete', with collaborators Luong Pham (first author and RMIT PhD researcher) and Professor Guoxing Lu (Swinburne University), is published in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (DOI: 10.1089/3dp.2020.0172).
BUCHAREST -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has convicted Romania of violating the rights of two transgender people by refusing to recognize their gender identity because they had not undergone sex-change operations.

The Strasbourg-based court on January 19 ruled that the Romanian state violated Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which upholds the right to respect for private and family life, and ordered the country to pay a total of nearly 26,000 euros ($31,525) in moral and nonpecuniary damage, costs, and expenses.

The applicants, named as X and Y by the ECHR, are Romanian nationals who were born in 1976 and 1982, respectively, and were registered as female at birth.

X moved to Britain in 2014 and obtained male forenames there after Romanian courts refused to change his gender.

Y was issued with a new Romanian identity card in 2018 indicating a male forename and giving his gender as male, but only after undergoing surgery the previous year.

The ECHR said in a statement that Romanian national courts "presented the applicants, who did not wish to undergo gender reassignment surgery, with an impossible dilemma: either they had to undergo the surgery against their better judgementor they had to forego recognition of their gender identity."

The court said that Romanias stance placed the pair in a situation of "vulnerability, humiliation, and anxiety.
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.

Algiers, 18 January 2020 (SPS) - The Sahrawi people seek to achieve one target, namely expending their sovereignty over its territories, especially as Morocco keeps secret the war in Western Sahara because recognition would mean admitting the existence of the opposing party, said Secretary General of the Ministry of Security and Documentation Sidi Oukal.



Speaking at Special Meeting show on TV3 channel, Oukal explained that Morocco kept the battles on the spot secret because recognizing the war would mean recognizing Western Sahara admitting all legal and economic consequences.



Since the violation of the ceasefire on 13 November, the war is taking place on a daily basis along the wall of shame where 300 military attacks were conducted, stressed Oukal.



The Sahrawi Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) used all legal ways to achieve its goal, including the armed struggle which is the basis of the recovery of our right, he said.



Besides, the Sahrawi army adopts an attrition war in view of imbalance of forces and a popular war underpinning war of nerves and classic war. The attrition war focuses on the human factor and aims to undermine the enemys forms, he continued.



Referring to the losses recorded in the ranks of the Moroccan army, the Sahrawi official said "the Moroccan soldiers are a static position and constitute fixed targets.



The head of the Secretariat of the Polisario Front Khatri Addouh said that the Tweet of the outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump recognizing Morocco's alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara will have no legal consequences and cannot influence international positions.



He also ruled out the possibility of changing the legal nature of the Sahrawi issue, explaining that "Trump's statement meant an open and official normalization of the Moroccan regime with the Zionist entity, especially since the UN Secretary General stressed that the Sahrawi cause was still a question of decolonization and self-determination, on which all organizations have expressed their positions of solidarity. (SPS)



062/090/700
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.

Freezing cold in Ukraine: Gas withdrawal from USFs hits five-year high

Gas is being pumped from USFs not only for the needs of Ukrainian customers, but also for foreign clients.

Reporting by UNIAN

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter
When Ricky Salvaggio signed up for the Moderna vaccine trial in July, he didnt think it was a big deal. A retired pharmacist, the 66-year-old knew he was at risk for severe disease in his age group and thought his participation might help scientists figure out if the vaccine worked.

The faster they can get people signed up to find out if it works, it would benefit everybody, Salvaggio said in July.

The first shot went in on Aug. 12, and he got the second one on Sept. 8. Salvaggio had a headache, a sore arm and some feelings of malaise after the second shot, but he still didnt know if he was in the placebo group or if he got the vaccine. He and his wife continued to distance themselves from extended family, keeping their pod tight at just immediate family.

But the week before Thanksgiving, his daughter and her husband, a pilot, got sick with what they thought was a cold. Salvaggio and his wife cared for their 15-month-old grandson while his parents recuperated. But then the baby started running a fever.

Watching the baby, I remember holding him. He was sneezing and coughing on me, said Salvaggio. His daughter and her husband got their COVID-19 tests back: positive for the coronavirus.

We thought we were doing everything we could, said Salvaggio, who has two brothers with extended family that live nearby. We never got together as a large family, never got together for holidays, birthdays.

Everyone in the family got sick  his daughter and her husband, his wife and his son. Everyone except Salvaggio, whose test was negative.

I never got one symptom, said Salvaggio. "I didn't get a sniffle, and here I was around all of these sick people."

+2 Requiring the coronavirus vaccine would help businesses, schools get back to normal. But will they mandate it? After receiving a shot of the coronavirus vaccine, a dose of growing immunity isnt the only thing recipients leave with. They also get a smal

Salvaggio now knows for sure what he strongly suspected in November. He was unblinded in the trial last week. He got the vaccine. He credits it with keeping him symptom free, especially because he has several factors that put him at a higher risk: hypertension, prediabetes and an older male.

Based on everything that happened within my family, I think I would have had a COVID case. No one can predict how you would do. I kind of think about it  what would happen if I would have gotten it? Potentially, it can be life saving."

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

His family had respiratory symptoms, headaches and lost their sense of taste and smell. His 33-year-old son-in-laws blood oxygen dipped to 92 at some points, according to an at-home pulse oximeter. If it falls to 90, medical professionals recommend seeking emergency care.

The struggle is familiar to families grappling with social distancing while juggling work and child care. Its also familiar to doctors, who say most COVID-19 patients they see in hospitals now arent getting infected because theyre going to large gatherings.

Its pretty sad when we have grandparents who are ill in the ICU and then the son or daughter is also coming in, said Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner Health. Weve had that scenario multiple times across our facilities.

The rest of the family has recovered, though the effects linger. His daughter still cant smell or taste. His wife gets tired more easily and has lingering headaches.

Ochsner to delay thousands of coronavirus vaccine appointments after getting no new doses in regular shipment Ochsner Health System, Louisiana's largest, said it will delay vaccine appointments for thousands of patients after receiving zero new doses i

For Salvaggios part, hes taken it upon himself to urge his contacts to get the shot when its their turn. When it affects your own family, it hits home, he said.

Why would you choose to gamble with a virus instead of a vaccine that seems to work? he said. Its certainly safe, and you don't have to go out on a limb like I did.

The Moderna trial is in the process of unblinding participants, offering the vaccine if they were in the placebo group. Pfizer has said it will unblind participants by March 1. Several sites in Louisiana participated in the clinical trials.

Trial participants will continue to be monitored with blood draws to check antibody levels in order to gauge how long the vaccines protection lasts.
The end of another touch-and-go practice landing became anything but routine after a brief, loud noise filled the cockpit of the T-38C flown by Capts. John F. Graziano and Mark S. Palyok.

Whats that? one of the pilots asked.

A compressor stall and loss of engine thrust left Graziano with seconds to react as he took control of the Talon, the Air Forces mainstay supersonic training jet. A probe into the Nov. 13, 2018 crash that killed Graziano, 28, of Elkridge, Md., found that he mishandled throttle and flight control inputs as the jet lost power on takeoff.

On ExpressNews.com: After a loud buzzing, T-38 crew in Del Rio had seconds to act

A recent report from a commission studying aviation accidents like that one at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio and another T-38C deadly mishap there in 2017 says that many of them never should have happened.

That they did raises hints that the Pentagon hasnt done enough to prevent crashes and save lives.

Military aviation mishaps The National Commission on Military Aviation Safety conducted a study of mishaps across the armed services from fiscal years 2013-18. It examined more than 6,000 accident reports and talked with aviators and maintainers at 200-plus units at 80 different sites. Among its findings: In five years, 198 personnel were killed and 157 aircraft were destroyed in 6.079 accidents, called mishaps in the military. The cost topped $9 billion. Pilots did not fly often enough, yet a relentless, high operations tempo overall is causing chronic fatigue and unsafe conditions.. Maintainers had too many administrative duties and needed better training. Lack of consistent, reliable funding was the single biggest readiness issue impacting safety. Insufficient data collection and analysis is increasing risks. There are few new causes in accidents. The same mistakes are being repeated. Most are preventable. SOURCE: National Commission on Military Aviation Safety See More Collapse

In just five years, 198 military personnel and 157 aircraft were lost in 6,079 mishaps  the militarys term for accidents  costing $9.4 billion. Most were avoidable, the National Commission on Military Safety said.

The panel studied the scope and depth of the problem from 2013-18. Congress created it in 2019 to examine the rates and causes of mishaps, and recommend ways to improve aviation safety. While the commission was conducting its study, military aviation mishaps claimed another 26 lives, 29 aircraft, and $2.25 billion.

Everywhere commissioners went, their report stated, certain answers were consistently repeated, regardless of service, rank, or airframe. Pilots didnt fly enough so proficiency waned, crews made do with inadequate training and were slammed with administrative duties while struggling to get funding.

They endured risky maintenance practices and a crushing operations tempo, a term that refers to the pace of troops training, deploying and returning home to repeat the cycle.

Observers said reversing those trends boils down to four fixes: Slowing that pace, getting pilots into the air more often, giving maintenance crews more time to do their jobs and opening the funding spigots for cash-starved aviation units.

We came away from our visits impressed with the patriotism, dedication, and level of effort we observed throughout the ranks of America's military, said retired Gen. Dick Cody, the commissions chairman. But we also came away deeply concerned and troubled by the decline in experience, crushing optempo and lack of resources.

Yet another issue is the fact that many military aircraft have reached the end of their intended lifespans but are still flying. In some cases maintenance crews scrounge for parts at the Boneyard on Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., a resting place for old planes.

Some aircraft now flying go back 65 years. The T-38 has been in the Air Force since John F. Kennedy was president. The C-130 and KC-135 tanker became operational under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In their report, commissioners warned the pace of operations is leading to unsafe practices and driving experienced aviators and maintainers out of the force. Flight hours are down and waivers for pilots not making them over the course of a year are on the rise, they said. That in turn bypasses critical currency and proficiency requirements,  increasing risk, and creating major distractions and delays in developing the best possible aviators.

The commission found that aviation and maintenance experience, keys to doing a job safely and well, are also in decline. New pilots and maintainers report to operational units without basic skills.

As flight hours are replaced with simulator hours, the sims often are outdated. Others are out of service or even unavailable.

Aircrews, moreover, have reported unexplained physiological episodes. UPEs, as theyre called, can result from hypocapnia, a state of reduced carbon dioxide in the blood, or hypercapnia, excessive carbon dioxide in the blood usually caused by inadequate respiration. UPEs linked to flaws in life-support systems in the Air Forces basic fyling trainer, the T-6A Texan II, forced the 559th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph to halt operations for a day in 2018.

On ExpressNews.com: Cockpit oxygen problems persist in Air Force trainer flown in San Antonio

The commission said maintainers are distracted by career-enhancing assignments unrelated to their highly specialized aviation skills.

Both aircrews and mechanics are further deluged with voluminous additional duties depriving them of vital training opportunities. The net result is a shortage of mid-grade maintainers and aviators across the services, and an overall decline in experience levels, it said.

Then, theres money. A junior Marine at one base told the commission his unit reused expendable $5 filters on aircraft. When asked why, he said the organization had missions to do even if it didnt have the money to buy new filters. The report said that egregious example of funding woes occurred because money was shifted to other priorities.

Inconsistent funding, and the tolerance it fosters for maintenance shortcuts, were the likely causes of the next mishap at this unit, the report predicted.

One of the Armys most experienced attack helicopter pilots found little in the report that was new. Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lance McElhiney, who spent nearly 44 years as an aviator and flew in four wars, said getting enough flight time has been a problem since the end of the Vietnam War.

Many accidents, he added, are preventable when the right personnel with the right training are in place at critical moments.

Theres a lot of accidents that happen, said McElhiney, who joined the Army at 21, flew in Vietnam and retired at 67 after flying the AH-64D Apache Longbow in Afghanistan. Like I always used to say, were more dangerous to ourselves than the enemy ever dreamed of being to us.

The seriousness of the problem was made clear starting in the summer of 2017. The services saw a number of high-profile mishaps over the next 12 months that called into question the overall state of military aviation safety.

A Marine Corps KC-130 came apart in the sky over Mississippi, killing 15 Marines and one Navy corpsman, the report said. An Army UH-60 crashed into the sea during a night exercise off the coast of Oahu, killing all five aboard. A Navy C-2A Greyhound ditched into the Philippine Sea with three fatalities.

There were other deaths, as well as UPEs that grounded the T-6.

The commission ranked accidents as Class A, which involves a death, to less severe Class B and C mishaps. Overall Pentagon accident rates increased during the five years in the study, largely due to Class C mishaps. Though many were minor, the commission said they could be a harbinger of more serious safety issues.

A key commission recommendation is to create a Joint Safety Council that reports to the deputy secretary of defense. The council would establish military aviation safety standards, collect and analyze safety data, and develop safety priorities. It would be led by safety officials from across the services and have the authority to monitor and coordinate aviation safety programs.

On ExpressNews.com: Engine failure blamed for crash in path of S.A. suburban growth

The proposal carries the promise of helping the services learn from each other, said McElhiney, who has 13,000 hours in AH-1G Cobra and Apache attack helicopters and flew with Cody decades ago. Still, he wonders about potential limitations. There has long been a lack of standardization across the services and each service has unique missions.

Still, he believes the council is a good idea in part because his old friend advocates it.

Dick Cody treated us all very fairly and if hes doing this, hes doing it for a good cause. The man has got good intentions, he always has, said McElhiney, 74, of Harker Heights. I mean, Dick Cody is probably one of the most stand-up, honest guys Ive ever met in my life. Hes very loyal and hes very dedicated to aviation and the betterment of aviation as a whole.

sigc@express-news.net
Aki Technologies, the company that helps marketers target pivotal moments using personalized advertising, today announced its continued momentum with the hiring of key Sales Directors. The new Sales Directors are:

Ryan Gelisse, based in Detroit

April Porchia, based in Arkansas

Mary Beth Agase, based in Chicago

Matt Goynes, based in Dallas-Forth Worth

The newest members of the sales team bring notable expertise to Aki Technologies. Ryan Gelisse was previously at SITO mobile, where he helped marketers and agencies leverage consumer behavior for targeted media solutions. Gelisse previously worked at Carat, Google, Microsoft and AOL. April Porchia brings a host of experience from her buying days at Walmart corporate, her business development role at Disney, her sales position at Unilever, and most recently her social media influencer marketing sales role at Inmar/Collective Bias. Mary Beth Agase has worked with brands such as Quaker and Pepsi as well as with agencies; Agase consulted with Aki before joining the Chicago team full time. Matt Goynes developed and managed a full sales funnel for the Texas and Oklahoma region of NinthDecimal; before NinthDecimal, Goynes led Twitters mobile app re-engagement sales efforts in the Southwest.

These recruits position Aki Technologies to handle emerging business in expanded geographies and enlarge Akis personalization and video offerings. Being aware of and sensitive to a consumers state of mind in a particular moment has always been Akis mission. Throughout the pandemic, Aki has continued to deliver salient insights about consumer receptivity and has guided clients to best optimize personalized messaging and drive sales. In 2020, Aki helped nearly 4 million consumers put 6 million products in shopping carts. As a result, the company is growing and will be developing additional retail product suites that it will unveil in 2021.

I am proud of Akis innovation and resilience as demonstrated by our ability to not only survive but thrive during 2020, a unique time of challenge for our industry, said Scott Swanson, CEO. Im happy that Aki is adding these experienced experts to the team to further support our clients as they branch out into video and personalization.

The hires follow a period of continued growth for the company. In January 2020, Aki Technologies acquired the technological assets of Eyeview, which bolstered Akis video and personalization offerings. The company also hired Stephanie Klimaszewski to serve as VP of Marketing and launched a CPG division, which brought on Risa Crandall, Cristina Costa and Alexa Williams to head sales efforts in that vertical. In September, Aki Technologies was recognized by Martech Breakthrough Awards for its video innovation. And in December, Aki hired David Sanderson to head Creative Solutions.

Aki Technologies also increased its revenue 25% year over year. Sales increased 70% from Q4 2019 to Q4 2020. Aki now has offices in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as well as Dallas, Detroit, and Bentonville. Aki now counts 110 employees with plans to hire another 15 this year in order to support new business endeavors.

About Aki

Aki Technologies helps marketers target pivotal moments in the consumer journey with personalized advertising. Leveraging four personalization patents, Aki wields its award-winning technology to make any digital ad unique to its viewer in the moment by factoring in variables like region, weather, buying preferences, and other historical and real-time factors. This approach delivers consumers a personalized, relevant ad experience that drives marketing results. Leading brands run their mobile, desktop, connected TV and digital out of home campaigns with Aki to build awareness, engagement, foot traffic and sales. To learn more about the company visit http://www.a.ki.
Why has the Lankan MPs links to Kasargod come under the ambit of the Indian agencies

Under garb of farmer protests, SJF collects funds and diverts it for subversive activities

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 19: The probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is being widened in connection with the Sikhs for Justice (SJF) case.

Sources tell OneIndia that there have been a lot of funds that have been channelised in the past couple of months. Over USD 1 lakh has been collected in the name of the farmer protests, the official cited above said.

The source further added that the agencies are looking into the source of funding. While there is no harm in collecting funds in the name of the protests, the NIA is looking to find if money is being collected in the name of the protests, but is being diverted to fund separatist activities of the SJF.

Farmers' Protest: Farmers have constitutional right to take out tractor rally, says Union leaders

The probe was ordered after the SJF, a proscribed organisation arranged protests in front of Indian missions abroad. After the financial trail was found the ambit of the probe was widened.

The probe was handed over the NIA after the foreign nations where the protests were organised did not take action. The NIA after a recent amendment has foreign jurisdiction and hence was handed over the probe. Investigations have found that funds have been coming in from Canada, US and UK. The official cited above said that this money is being collected by the SJF in the name of the protests. However not all is going towards the protests. A good part of it is being diverted towards subversive and propaganda activities of the SJF.

While the farmer unions have decried this action, an Ministry of Home Affairs official said that if funds are coming from abroad, then the agencies have every right to known the source of the same.

The NIA had on December 15 filed a fresh FIR. In it the agency said that the SJF was sending foreign funds through NGOs to pro-Khalistani elements for on ground campaign and propaganda against the Government of India.

An NIA officer said that so far they have summoned 40 persons as witnesses in connection with the SJF case. The NIA is also examining the role of the Khalsa Aid, which had recently provided foot massagers to the farmers who are sitting in protest against the three farm laws.

On Saturday, the NIA summoned Baldev Singh Sirsa, the president of the Lok Bhalai Insaf Welfare Society, one of the unions taking part in the talks with the government over the new farm laws for questioning.

Delhi cops will decide on who can enter Delhi: Supreme Court on farmers' tractor parade

The NIA will also question a UK based television journalist working for KTV for questioning. The journalist, Jasveer Singh Muktsar will be questioned on January 18.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Nobeljit Singh, a clothes shop owner from Hoshiarpur, Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu have also been summoned by the NIA for questioning.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 8:01 [IST]
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill of a lower court decision requiring it to release disciplinary records of students who violated the schools sexual assault policies.

The court issued a two-sentence decision without additional comment, listed among a host of orders.

Last May, the N.C. Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the flagship school of the UNC system had to release the records. The school had been sued by a media coalition including Capitol Broadcasting Co. and the schools student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel. In September 2016, the group requested documents under the North Carolina Public Records Act. The university denied the request, arguing that the records were protected by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act, which shields academic records from public disclosure.

School officials argued for years that they exercised discretion granted by the federal act to protect victims and the confidentiality of the Title IX process. Writing for the majority, Associate Justice Michael Morgan concluded that UNC-Chapel Hill officials do not have that discretion in light of the state law requiring release of the records.

Over my legal career I have learned that it is unwise either to gloat about a victory or despair about a defeat, but obviously its gratifying to prevail in a long, hard fight against dogged and worthy opponents, said Raleigh attorney Hugh Stevens.

The former general counsel for the North Carolina Press Association spoke in an interview with WRAL, adding, I am especially grateful that the result in this case upholds North Carolinas long-established policy that public records are the property of the people, not government officials.

In a statement, Joel Curran, UNC-Chapel Hill vice chancellor for communications, said while the school respects the courts decision, it is disappointed.

We stand by our belief in the importance of a confidential process for everyone involved, one that protects the identities of sexual assault victims. Since the North Carolina Supreme Court ruling in May, the University has fully complied with the courts direction, Curran said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Abuse Molestation

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Davos Agenda of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and deliver a speech via video link on January 25, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The Davos Agenda 2021 will be held virtually from January 25 to 29 under the theme of a crucial year to rebuild trust, the Swiss-based WEF announced on Monday. Over 1,500 businesses, government and civil society leaders from more than 70 countries and regions will attend the online meeting, according to a press release.

In addition to the Chinese president, around 19 heads of state and government will attend the meeting, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese official media reported.
ROSEBURG, Ore.  Leaders of Citizens Against Tyranny (CAT) have released a new list -- this time of businesses that support the group.

According to their website, CAT members believe that Gov. Kate Brown is infringing on business owners' and other organizations' rights with the coronavirus-related restrictions she has put in place.

RELATED: CITIZENS AGAINST TYRANNY TARGET BROWN, SUPPORTERS OVER COVID-19 RULES

The list was published on the groups Facebook page last week. There are about 100 business owners listed.

If someone reports a business to the Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Administration or other state agencies for violating COVID-19 protocols, CAT leaders said they will ban that person from businesses and organizations on the list.

One business owner told KEZI 9 News that he is proud to be listed in support of CAT. He said someone needed to fight for their rights as Americans.

As you know, some of the restaurants have closed permanently. They are not open anymore, said business owner David Jaques. The others are in dire straits.

Jaques said he hopes the leaders of CAT don't back down anytime soon, despite pushback from people in the community.

I think its important because I think the people of Douglas County should see that this is a broad cross-section of businesses, he said.

MORE: DOUGLAS COUNTY DA DENOUNCES CITIZENS AGAINST TYRANNY

However, not every business owner is happy about being on the list.

One business owner told KEZI 9 News anonymously that he went to an open meeting held by the group in early January out of curiosity.

He said they asked him to sign in support of the declaration without telling him what it was or that they would be publishing it publicly. He no longer wants to be associated because of this.

Another business owner also talked to KEZI 9 News anonymously, saying he knowingly signed onto the declaration because he agreed with what they stand for.

However, he said he has asked to be taken off because of the filthy traitor list they posted last month. That list, which was posted on the group's website, identified two women the group accused of reporting a business to the state for violating COVID-19 restrictions. The list has since been taken down.

The business owner told KEZI he doesnt want to be associated with anyone that targets people in the community.

KEZI 9 News reached out to Citizens Against Tyranny for comment, but they did not get back to us.
Livspace, India and Southeast Asias largest home interiors and renovation platform is excited to announce the launch of three new Experience Centres (ECs) in the cities of Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. Spread over 23,000 sq.ft, the Experience Centre in Marathahalli, Bengaluru is the largest destination for home interior solutions in the country. Furthermore, the ECs in Chennai and Pune located in TTK Road and Senapati Bapat Road respectively will be the largest in the cities.

The company collaborated with FITCH, world's leading retail and brand consultancy, to design a never-seen-before home design experience that brings together inspiration, information, expert design consultation and 8000+ in-display products and materials. A high octane marketing campaign marks the launch of these Experience Centres. The campaign will invite homeowners to experience home interiors like never before and will use mediums such as newspaper, radio, digital advertising and influencers including Danish Sait, the popular stand-up comedian, television host, radio jockey, actor and writer working in Kannada cinema. Valid till January 31st, Livspace through its marketing campaign also announces a 20% off on modular solutions to all its buyers.

The new Experience Centres supplement an existing network of 13 ECS located in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Jaipur, of which 8 small-format stores were inaugurated in the last six months. These small-format stores focus on the high demand for modular solutions in a city or neighborhood.

The companys continued focus on growing its footprint is a testament to the astounding success of the omnichannel model in the home interiors category that has resulted in an increased trust and satisfaction for consumers and increased cart value and faster conversions for the business. Livspace pioneered the omnichannel experience as early as 2015 and continues to innovate with different retail formats, technologies and partnerships to ensure a world-class home design experience for its customers. In 2021, the company will further expand its footprint by adding ECs of varying formats in the next 10-15 cities in India as well as in Singapore.

The latest Experience Centres have been designed keeping the following three pillars in mind:

1) Information: As home interiors is a low frequency and technically complex purchase, homeowners often struggle to get trusted information. To help homeowners make an informed purchase, Livspace has introduced Knowledge Booths that display information about everything from designing a modular kitchen to false ceiling, painting, electrical, plumbing, wall solutions, floor solutions and more. Anybody who is planning to renovate their home can visit the EC to understand their options in depth.

2) Inspiration: The room concepts in the ECs are designed keeping different personas, budgets, lifestyle, interior styles and trends in mind. The latest Bengaluru EC features about 40 room concepts including two show apartments mimicking the typical 2BHK and 3BHK in the city. ECs in Chennai and Pune display 15-20 room concepts and include kitchen, living room, bedroom, kids room, bathroom, guest room and home theatre.

3) Selection: Livspace Experience Centres are a one-stop-shop where homeowners can see samples and swatches for different materials and products used in a home. This saves homeowners the hassle of going to multiple stores. The material library includes stones, tiles, shutters, appliances, upholstery, curtains, wallpaper, rugs, wall claddings and more. Livspace ECs also display furniture, lighting and decor from its marketplace of brands.

Commenting on the opening, Ramakant Sharma, co-founder and COO at Livspace said Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai are incredibly important markets for Livspace showing exceptional recovery even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As market leaders, we wanted to create a differentiated and compelling experience to tap into the segment of homeowners who would otherwise go with a contractor, carpenter or a freelancer. Were driving a behaviour shift. Speaking about the experience, he added, Typically homeowners get confused as their information comes from multiple people and sources who are not necessarily experts. Moreover, theyll visit many stores to discover or purchase products and materials. As part of our promise of making interiors hassle-free, we wanted to create a single destination for getting inspired and informed even before you consult and collaborate with a designer. Our vision is for each and every person who is considering home renovation in these cities to visit our ECs at least once.

With the highest precautions in place, Livspace Experience Centres have safely welcomed over 30,000 customers from all age groups since the unlock phase was announced in India. It has also observed a speedy recovery in the number of direct walk-ins, currently reported at 80% of pre-COVID levels.
NextPharma Set to Acquire Two Lonza Sites Specialized in Lipid Oral Dosage Forms

Agreement initiates process for future acquisition of Lonza sites in Ploermel (FR) and Edinburgh (UK) allowing NextPharma to broaden technology offering into lipid finished dosage forms

Centers of excellence employing a total of 390 staff offer expertise in Lipid Oral Dosage Forms including softgels and liquid-filled hard capsules for the pharma and nutrition markets

Sustainable growth and people development a priority for both companies

A French version of this release is also available

Quote from Gordon Bates, President and Head of Small Molecules, Lonza:

"NextPharma is an established and well-respected company, with extensive experience in oral and topical finished dosage forms. As such, it is the ideal buyer given the technologies available at the Ploermel and Edinburgh sites. We are confident that the capabilities and experience at the two sites are a complementary fit with NextPharma's portfolio and that it is ideally placed to develop both to their full potential. Both our companies have a focus on people development and customers and we will be working closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for all if the project is concluded."

Quote from Peter Burema, CEO of NextPharma:

"At NextPharma, we are very excited at the prospect of adding two new centers of excellence, at Ploermel and Edinburgh, to our manufacturing network, allowing us to further broaden our technology offering for both our existing and new customers. These technologies, combined with the know-how and expertise of the employees at both sites, would provide additional solutions for drug formulations which will benefit patients across the world. On behalf of NextPharma, I look forward to welcoming our future colleagues, and I am confident that together we will continue to further develop and grow NextPharma as a leading and well-respected European CDMO."

Basel, Switzerland and London, United Kingdom, 19 January 2021 - Lonza and NextPharma announced an agreement for the potential sale of Lonza's Ploermel (FR) and Edinburgh (UK) sites. The agreement is subject to relevant conditions and regulatory approvals. Where applicable, both parties will consult with local Works Councils.

The Ploermel (FR) and Edinburgh (UK) sites employ around 260 and 130 permanent staff respectively. They produce liquid-filled hard capsules (including Licaps) and softgels (including for high potent and hormonal products) for the pharmaceutical and consumer health and nutrition markets.

NextPharma offers specialized CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing) services in oral and topical (including sterile ophthalmic) finished dosage forms. With this intended acquisition, NextPharma plans to develop and broaden its technology offering into lipid based finished dosage forms (softgels and liquid-filled hard capsules), in addition to offering high potency capabilities and New Chemical Entity development services to both its existing and new customers.

With this intended divestment, Lonza plans to exit both softgels and liquid-filled hard capsules for the pharma market, aside from retaining capability for feasibility studies as part of a technology selection offering. In the consumer health and nutrition space, Lonza plans to exit softgels but continue to offer Licaps-based products (lipid capsules) out of Colmar (FR), Greenwood (US) & Sagamihara (JP). Capsules (including Licaps for nutrition) remain core to Lonza's offering and the company has recently announced an investment of CHF85m to expand capsule manufacturing capacity by 30 billion capsules annually across eight sites.

Should the agreement receive all necessary approvals, a seamless customer experience will remain a focus through the carve-out and ownership transfer process. NextPharma has indicated that maintaining high standards of service delivery and quality for customers will remain a priority through the transition period.

About Lonza

At Lonza, we combine technological innovation with world class manufacturing and process excellence. Together, these enable our customers to deliver their discoveries in the healthcare, preservation, and protection sectors.

We are a preferred global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We work to prevent illness and promote a healthier world by enabling our customers to deliver innovative medicines that help treat or even cure a wide range of diseases. We also offer a broad range of microbial control solutions, which help to create and maintain a healthy environment.

Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today operates in 120 sites and offices in more than 35 countries. With approximately 15,500 full-time employees, we are built from high-performing teams and of individual employees who make a meaningful difference to our own business, as well as the communities in which we operate. The company generated sales of CHF 5.9 billion in 2019 with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 1.6 billion. Find out more at www.lonza.comand follow us on Twitter @LonzaGroup or Facebook @LonzaGroupAG.

About NextPharma

NextPharma is a leading European pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) with a current footprint spanning five sites in Germany, one in France and one in Finland, and with healthcare logistics services in the DACH region. NextPharma supplies products globally, with six of its seven sites FDA-approved. With expertise in solids, semi solids and non-sterile and sterile liquids, the company provides services from pharmaceutical development, clinical supplies, scale-up and process validation through to commercial manufacturing for a large range of dosage forms including tablets, capsules, granules, powders, pellets, gels, creams, sprays and syrups. Additionally, it provides a wide range of packaging solutions including blow-fill-seal, blisters, bottles, sachets, stick packs and tubes. NextPharma's expertise and centres of excellence enable it to provide a unique service offering in certain very specific specialised areas such as hormonal solids and semi-solids, cephalosporins, penicillins, narcotics, modified release products, ophthalmics as well as paediatric medicinal products. For more information, please visit www.nextpharma.com.

Lonza Contact Details

Dr. Sanna Fowler

Head of External Communications Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 8929 sanna.fowler@lonza.com Dirk Oehlers

Investor Relations Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 79 421 1609 dirk.oehlers@lonza.com

NextPharma Contact Details

Peter Burema

Chief Executive Officer NextPharma Tel +44 203 585 4120 Peter.burema@nextpharma.com

Additional Information and Disclaimer

Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST"). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-ST's continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual.

Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this news release.
Simone Gold, 55, was among three Los Angeles residents who were arrested on Monday

Dr Simone Gold, the Beverly Hills doctor who gained notoriety when she advocated for hydroxychloroquine as treatment against COVID-19, has been detained in connection with the Capitol riots.

Gold, 55, was among three Los Angeles residents who were arrested on Monday for the insurrection that occurred in D.C. earlier in the month.

In addition to Gold, 52-year-old Gina Bisignano and 37-year-old John Strand also face charges in connection to the insurrection, the Daily Beast reports.

A criminal complaint for charges against Gold and Strand states that federal authorities were alerted of the pair's attendance at the Capitol after the doctor did an interview with the Washington Post.

Simone Gold became easily identifiable after she staged a press conference on the steps of the Supreme Court in July with America's Frontline Doctors - a group she founded last year to speak out against the government's efforts to contain the coronavirus.

Scroll down for video

Gold took a bullhorn to yell her theories about the COVID vaccine being dangerous

Gold (circled) can be seen inside the Capitol during Wednesday's riots, which killed five people

Gold's video promoting hydroxychloroquine was taken down, but not before it was seen by millions of people.

She confirmed to The Washington Post that she is the person pictured carrying a bullhorn on the Capitol grounds, but said she thought the building was open, and intended to be there to make a speech.

Gold said she was worried that photos of her inside the Capitol would distract from her advocacy work with America's Frontline Doctors.

'I do regret being there,' Gold said.

Gold with doctors from America's Frontline Doctors - a group she founded last year to speak out against the government's efforts to contain the coronavirus.

Gold said she was worried that photos of her inside the Capitol would distract from her advocacy work with America's Frontline Doctors.

In video on social media, Gold is seen apparently making a speech during the riots. She told the paper it was the same speech she gave at a rally the day before the insurrection, where she referred to the coronavirus vaccine as an 'experimental, biological agent deceptively named a vaccine.'

Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol last Wednesday, prompting chaos in which crowds breached the building and forced the evacuation of both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

Five people, including a police officer, died as a result of the rampage.

Officials have opened more than 170 subject files on individuals identified as persons who potentially committed crimes at the Capitol.
HOUSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigo Natural Resources LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "Indigo" or the "Company") announced today that it intends to offer $700 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2029 (the "Notes") in a private placement to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), subject to market conditions and other factors. Indigo intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to fund the redemption of all of its outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes due 2026 and to pay the related premium, fees and expenses and to partially repay borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws. The Notes are being offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, regarding Indigo's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenue and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on Indigo's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Indigo cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Indigo's control, incident to the exploration for and development, production and sale of natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks.

About Indigo Natural Resources LLC

Indigo Natural Resources LLC is an independent natural gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas, focused on the development of the Haynesville Shale and the Bossier Shale. The Company is one of the largest natural gas producers in North Louisiana, with direct access to Gulf Coast markets and associated industrial and LNG demand growth. The Company's website is located at www.ndgo.com.

Contact

Emily Newport, SVP  Finance and Investor Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Indigo Natural Resources LLC

Related Links

https://www.ndgo.com/


Dhaka, Jan 19 : Bangladesh Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that the country would receive two million doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) from India as a "gift" on Wednesday.

Maleque confirmed to IANS that a special Air India flight carrying the consignment would be landing at Dhaka airport on Wednesday, India has said in a letter to the Bangladesh government.

"We expect the vaccine will arrive as per schedule on Wednesday or on Thursday. I will personally receive the vaccine at Dhaka airport," the Health Minister said on Tuesday.

The inoculation drive will begin within a week, post vaccine arrival.

"The immunization will be carried out at 300 centres across the country," Maleque added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has reported 702 fresh Covid-19 cases, pushing the tally to 5,29,031, while the death toll in the country mounted to 7,942 with 20 more fatalities, health officials said on Tuesday.

As many as 642 people have recovered in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries to 4,73,885, officials added.

Of the fresh deaths, 11 are from Dhaka, six from Chittagong, two from Rajshahi and one from Khulna division.

The health workers will get the first vaccine jabs and after a week, senior citizens, police officers and other government officials will be administered the shots, Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General of Health Directorate of Bangladesh, told IANS.

These vaccines will be kept in the storages of Central Medicine Store Depot, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and in the cold storage of Tejgaon Health Complex in Dhaka.

Bangladesh reported its first Covid case on March 8, 2020 and the first fatality on March 18 of the same year.

Alam assured of the vaccination roll out in all the districts after receiving the first consignment of Covishield doses.

The Bangladesh government in November last year signed a deal with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to buy 3 crore doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines.
Amaravati, Jan 19 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit Delhi on Tuesday, his third visit to the national capital in the last four months.

Reddy is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discuss various issues concerning the southern state such as releasing state funds and the Polavaram project.

He will leave for Delhi at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday after reviewing the implementation of the 'YSR Cheyutha Scheme' and the 'Andhra Pradesh-Amul project'.

The Andhra CM last visited Delhi in December 2020 and called upon Shah and discussed various issues about the state, including releasing funds for the Polavaram project.

Reddy had submitted a memorandum on the Polavaram project and urged Shah to consider the second revised cost estimate to release Rs 55,656 crore expenditure funds and issuing the required directives to the Finance and the Jal Shakti departments.

He had also requested the Central government to reimburse the land acquisition, relief and rehabilitation packages as per the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

He had also visited Delhi in October and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the development of the state.

In October 2020, Reddy had complained to the Chief Justice of India S. A. Bobde about the alleged intervention of a sitting Supreme Court judge to protect the interests of the opposition Telugu Desam Party.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Listen to article

Technical Adviser to Governor Umahi on Media, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze has commended the efforts of the Catholic Church in resolving the fuss among her boss who doubles as Chairman, South/East Governors Forum, Dave Umahi and two other key political leaders of Ebonyi State; former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim and the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu.

In a statement made available to the media, Monica expressed delight over the truce, describing it as the greatest gift the church has given to the people of Ebonyi State in the New Year.

Referencing the Bible Book of Psalms 133:1 where the Psalmist exclaimed how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze who also doubles as the founder and President of David Umahi Nweze Akubaraoha Ebonyi Transformation Agenda (DUNAETA), a grassroots NGO based in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, emphasised that no society can thrive and no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos and prayed that the truce reached amongst the trio be nurtured and sustained for the greater good and continuous growth of Ebonyi State.

She recalled that conflict arose among the leaders when Governor Umahi, in his foresight saw the need to take Ndi Igbo to the party at the centre, an idea which some leaders misconceived and as a result, hurriedly and ignorantly too, tried to make themselves available as clogs on the wheel of progress of the Igbo nation, contrary to the good intentions of the South/East political leader cum Chairman, Governors Forum, South/East zone, His Excellency, Dave Umahi.

With the establishment of peace and enthronement of harmony among the trio, Lady Monica, aka Ada Ebonyi expressed optimism that Senators Anyim and Egwu will soon join Governor Umahi in the APC as the party stands as the only alternative and machinery through which the Igbo's can position themselves to vie for the office of the President of Nigeria as the PDP which Ndi Igbo laboured for over 16 years is hellbent at picking her presidential candidate from the North, unless Anyim and Egwu are not seeing the looming danger in the umbrella party which informed the defection of Umahi to the ruling APC.

Monica commended the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki diocese, Bishop Nnachi Okoro for wadding into the clash of political interest that had ensued between Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim and others, and brokering peace among them.

Recall that Umahi, Senator Anyim, Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor of the state and all the serving senators/members of the House of Representatives currently in the National Assembly have not been having good political relationship, since Umahis defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

This development had created a sharp political division, alignment, realignment, and reemergence of political camps among stakeholders in the State thereby placing the State in the likelihood of crisis.

The Bishop, in collaboration with the founding fathers of the state, engaged Governor Umahi, Sen. Anyim, Dr. Egwu and other political actors in a closed-door meeting that took place at the Bishops house. He tasked Umahi, Anyim, Egwu to give peace a chance and put away their differences for the sake of peace in the State. The Governor had some weeks ago apologized to his political opponents and charged them to stop attacking his opponents and leaders of the state.

Monica quoted her boss as saying, I offer apologies to them. I am not going to sit on the judgment with anybody. This apology and forgiveness should be enough to settle all bad blood. And I have no regret for that. God directed me to do this. And I thank all our leaders who have intervened; I am the father of the state. And I should be ashamed of myself if the state of Ebonyi is allowed to go into bitterness and into disunity.

Ada Ebonyi further quoted her boss as stating, "I thank the Catholic Bishop Nnachi Okoro, I thank CAN people led by the chairman Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali. I thank the founding fathers, I thank the Ohanaeze leadership led by Chief Nnia Nwodo and all the leaders of the South-East, who made this reconciliation possible.

"This feat simply demonstrates that Umahi is truly an Apostle of Christ". Monica said.

In another development, Lady Monica congratulated and commended Senator Sunny Ogbuorji who was the erstwhile Ebonyi APC gubernatorial candidate in the last general election for resolving to work with the new leader of the party in the State, Governor Umahi into building a virile and vibrant chapter of the party in the State. This development surely will make the Ebonyi State one of the most organised chapters in the nation.

She however cautioned Barr. Silas Joseph Onu, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ebonyi State Chapter to desist forthwith, from any act or comment that is capable of causing disharmony and disaffection among people the State as his pleasure in raising false and unsubstantiated allegations against the Governor and the APC government in Ebonyi State will no longer be treated with kids glove.

She however counseled Silas Onu and his perforated umbrella party - the PDP, to learn the art of constructive criticism, stressing that the roles of opposition demands tact and goes beyond childish tantrums.

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & TA on Media to Gov Umahi

19th January, 2021
Girl Born With Two-Thirds of Her Brain Missing and No Eyeballs Defies Doctors Predictions

Upon hearing that their unborn baby daughter had enlarged ventricles in her skull and was missing two-thirds of her brain, parents Lorraine and Brian Bartholomew refused an abortion, firmly believing that God was in charge of their daughters destiny. Their little child, who was given a 1 percent chance of being born alive, defied the odds and now almost three years later is a living miracle.

Native Arizonian and stay-at-home mom Lorraine, and her auto technician husband, Brian, from California, made their home together in Tucson, Arizona. Both 38, the couple has six children, ranging in age from 9 months to 20 years old.

When Lorraine was five months pregnant with Eleanor, the couple learned their baby girl was missing two-thirds of her brain matter. We asked the doctors if there was any chance her brain could grow more but were told confidently that the die was already cast, Lorraine told The Epoch Times via email.

Doctors recommended an abortion.

They were so sure she would die that they had us set up with a special grieving program at the hospital, Lorraine recalled. They even recorded her heartbeat in utero for us, and put it in a teddy bear for us to keep as a memento!

Describing the prospect of abortion as unthinkable, Lorraine and Brian declined.

While an ultrasound confirmed that Eleanors vital organs were functioning normally, her brain malformation was severe. At 33 weeks, a fetal MRI added new insight: She also had no eyeballs or optic nerves. Doctors even gave Eleanor a 1 percent chance of being born alive.

We already loved her and had been praying for great things for her life, said Lorraine. We felt so completely hopeless. However, she and her husband, both Christians, found strength in prayer.

Eleanor came into the world on April 13, 2018, and was delivered via cesarean section at 37 weeks due to the fluid enlarging her head. For the couple, seeing Eleanor for the first time was one of the scariest moments of their lives, according to the mom of six.

We suddenly saw this little baby being carried to a little table, who was not moving, had a very large head, no eyes, and had yet to take her first breath, Lorraine remembered. When Eleanor finally gasped for air, the couple rejoiced and cried.

Honestly, even though her head was so shockingly large, my first thoughts were just about how beautiful she was, Lorraine recalled upon seeing her daughter for the first time. I was so grateful that she was alive and I could hold her in my arms.

Eleanor, who had heard Brians voice while she was in the womb, even acknowledged her father in the NICU by turning her head.

Eleanor had received four official diagnoses after her birth, all of them rare, and none of them related.

Her main diagnosis before and during the birth was holoprosencephaly, a rare malformation affecting 1 in 16,000 babies born alive (most with the condition dont survive), in which the brain fails to divide into two hemispheres.

Schizencephaly was the second-rarest brain malformation in the world, which meant Eleanor was missing a portion of her brain; and at birth, Eleanor was missing two-thirds of her brain.

She had hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, a condition affecting 1 in 1,000, and will have a brain shunt for the rest of her life to drain the extra fluid.

Her final diagnosis, bilateral anophthalmia, affects 1 in 100,000, which means Eleanor has eye sockets but was born with no eyeballs. Also missing her optic nerves, she has zero light perception.

Yet by the time she was 4 months old, Eleanor had already overcome one major prognosis: Her brain matter had grown substantially, a miracle for which, said her mother, there is no medical explanation.

Today, Eleanor is 2 1/2 years old and is doing great. Lorraine and Brian maintain a website, Faith For Eleanor, to share updates on their daughters remarkable progress.

They expected her to have seizures because of her brain abnormalities, but shes never had one, Lorraine told The Epoch Times. She is super happy and joyful. She loves playing with her siblings, listening to music, and swimming in the pool with her floatie.

Brian, a musician in a band named Brian Justice Music, delights his daughter with his original songs.

[Eleanor] cannot walk yet, but she can stand strong. She has a cane that she is learning to hold, Lorraine shared, referring to her daughters progress. She will learn braille  Mommy and Daddy are learning braille. She eats by mouth and breathes on her own! She is very healthy.

Lorraine adores watching her daughter learn new things, feel with her handswhich to her are her eyesand communicate by using signs. The toddler even challenges her parents by inventing new signs that Lorraine and Brian are compelled to figure out.

The biggest trials, said Lorraine, have been Eleanors medical procedures. It is the worst thing to have to watch your child go through a painful procedure or surgery and not be able to take the pain away, she explained. And in her case, the fact that she cant see anything makes it worse.

Through trials and triumphs, Eleanors parents couldnt be prouder of their daughter. She explores and tries so very hard at everything she does, said Lorraine. She has a very stubborn streakno wonder with that red hairthat can be challenging, but also is going to help her go far!

For other parents of children with special needs, Lorraine advocates trusting God and having the courage to question doctors. She encourages the rest of the world to engage without fear, to help people with special needs feel accepted and included.

Instead of, Dont stare, teach [children] to say, Hello! she recommended. And questions are okay! Weve never been offended by someone asking about Eleanor.

God knows what Hes doing when He makes these children, Lorraine reflected. Theres nobody like our Eleanor!

This story was last updated in January 2021.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
At the end of 2020 Japan decided to proceed with a two-decade old plan to design and build its own stealth fighter. This F-X/F-3 effort would only produce a hundred aircraft unless Japan obtains export customers. Until 2013 Japan refused to export weapons, since then such exports are allowed as long as they do not go to any nation at war or violate any arms embargoes. The FX project will cost $12 billion and the Japanese parliament provided $703 million in the 2021 defense budget to start work. Japan has been actively developing technologies for a new fighter for over a decade and for that reason the first FX prototype is expected to make its first flight in 2028 and enter service in the mid-2030s.

Japan has already developed and flown a stealth fighter prototype. This aircraft, the X-2, was made public in early 2016 after it made its first flight in April 2016. With that there was no point in trying to keep it hidden from public view anymore. Work on X-2 began in 2009 and at the time Japan realized it would take another decade to get the X-2 into service, assuming all the technical and fiscal obstacles could be overcome and the government agreed to provide the cash. At that time China and Russia were also trying to develop similar aircraft while the U.S. has already done so, several times, since the 1980s when the F-117 appeared.

The X-2 was actually a demonstrator aircraft for testing stealth concepts. The stealth tech that works would then be incorporated into what became known as the F-X. A new fighter was needed to replace the locally built F-2s by the end of the 2020s. At first it was planned to call the F-2 replacement the F-3 (or ATD-X). This version would have a lot less stealth and other advanced tech. The decision to go full stealth came about after Japan received its first F-35s and realized that the original X-2/F3 concept was too limited. Japanese F-35 pilots confirmed that the F-35 software was as essential as the stealth features and the reason why F-35 export customers have been increasing their orders once their pilots have experience with the F-35.

Japan was always aware that the FX option depended on how dangerous their neighborhood got. The Chinese and North Korean threats have increased over the last decade and FX is an effort to ensure the Japanese defenses keep up. The X-2 program was meant to prove Japan could develop and build a modern stealth fighter. The single X-2 prototype was not meant to become an actual combat aircraft, but rather a technology demonstrator that would make as many as 50 test flights and conclude the process in 2018. That is what happened even though the X-2 only flew 34 times. After 2018 it was a matter of obtaining foreign partners and money from the Japanese parliament to proceed to stage two, which is the F-X.

Meanwhile Japan decided to purchase 42 American F-35 fighters in 2011. These were needed to replace its 110 elderly F-4Js. The F-35A is a 31-ton, single engine fighter that is 15.7 meters (51.4 feet) long and with a 10.7-meter (35 foot) wingspan. The F-35A can carry 8.1 tons of weapons in addition to an internal 20mm four-barrel autocannon. Japan agreed to pay about $127 million for each F-35, which included training, maintenance equipment, and a supply of spare parts. The Japanese are assembling the F-35 in Japan as the AX-1 and some of the components will be made in Japan. Despite the AX-1 deal, Japan continued to explore the possibility of developing and building its own stealth fighter, especially since the Americans would not sell the F-22 to export customers. In 2010, wary of the continuing delays (and rising costs) of the F-35 program, Japan seriously considered buying another 50 locally made F-2s. This Japanese F-16 variant has a 25 percent larger wing area and better electronics than the original F-16. The 22-ton F-2 carries nearly nine tons of bombs. This plane is twice as expensive (at $110 million each) as the F-16, part of that is due to the better electronics (like an AESA radar), but mostly this is due to higher production costs in Japan. The F-2 has been in service since 2000 and 98 have been built so far. Once some Japanese F-2 pilots converted to the F-35 they reported that more F-2s were not the way to go.

Since the 1990s Japan has been concerned with the growing belligerence of China and North Korea, plus a simmering territorial dispute with Russia. More warplanes, and the modern ones at that, were needed just in case. Rapid Chinese development of its new stealth fighter, the J-20, also alarmed the Japanese. The delays in the F-35 program proved to be minor compared to the problems the Chinese and Russians encountered with their first stealth fighters. South Korea had the same idea, having also obtained nearly as many F-35s as Japan and also plans to develop their own stealth fighters.

All this is bad news for China, Russia and North Korea because if you do the math, it is clear that the modern warplanes available and planned for the local anti-China coalition (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and a growing number of South-East Asian nations) match what China has and, once you add American forces deployed in the Western Pacific, China is at a disadvantage. This coalition developed because China has been making territorial claims on many of the coalition members or otherwise threatening them. Absent that aggression there would be no coalition or arms race.

The government has decided to observe January 23 as 'Parakram Diwas' to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the first 'Parakram Diwas' programme in Kolkata on January 23 on Bose's 125th birth anniversary and inaugurate an exhibition on the grounds of Library to mark the occasion, Patel said.

Patel said PM Modi will also felicitate prominent members of the Indian Army formed by Bose and their family members in Kolkata on Saturday.

He said 200 Patua artistes from West Bengal will make a painting on a 400-metre-long canvas depicting Bose's life.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will participate in a programme in Cuttack, Odisha, where Bose was born.

Another programme will be held in Haripura village in Gujarat's Surat district where Bose was elected as president of the Indian Congress in 1938.

The culture ministry is also considering building a memorial in the honour of around 26,000 martyred members of the INA, Patel said.

A 85-member high-level committee helmed by PM Modi has been formed to plan year-round programmes to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the minister 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.)
WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the beginning of inauguration week, the two Congressman representing parts of southern Oregon released statements addressing King's legacy, the coming administration change, and the U.S. Capitol insurrection earlier this month.

RELATED: Alone among Oregon Reps, Cliff Bentz votes against impeachment of President Trump

Rep. Cliff Bentz, a Republican, said that he would attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris this week  calling for peace, justice, and cooperation in paying tribute to King's legacy:

As our country observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we pay tribute to the incredible life and meaningful legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His peaceful calls for justice, during a time of great division in our nation appealed to the better angels of our nature and advanced the cause of freedom for many who were being denied their constitutional and inalienable rights.

In many ways, our country continues to work toward fulfilling the dream envisioned by Dr. King. There is no doubt that we must continue this work together, peacefully, as we should all issues confronting our great nation. This year in particular, we are reminded that there can be no justice when those who claim to pursue it employ only violence and destruction.

The tragic events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, reflect what happens when individuals and groups decide to resort to violence to achieve power. The outcome was disastrous. In the aftermath, many have gone to jail. Many have, and will be fired from their jobs, as they pay a price for their criminal actions. Violence against our democratic republic should not be tolerated.

There have been many responses to the defilement of our Capitol, but particularly necessary is the need to remind all Americans that our political process - while imperfect - works. It is the best system we have, and violent actions to undermine it are illegal, ineffective, and unnecessary. We must prove that there are viable political solutions and that by working together we can achieve them.

Later this week, I will be attending the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. I plan to do so, despite those who think I should not participate in this event. Notably, these calls for protest by not attending are not unlike those that were made - and acted upon - by democrats during the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017. I will not repeat their mistake. We must also prove, together, that we will make our systems of government more transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people. This means addressing the widespread perception, right or wrong, that our elections systems arent working as well as they should.

As the elected Representative of Oregon's Second Congressional District, it has been my goal to restore that confidence. Moving forward, I am committed to increasing awareness of the election processes we have in place in Oregon, working with others to correct imperfections in America's election systems, and making sure that every state's election process reflects the voice of the people and is consistent with our Constitution.

I know that both parties can come together around viable solutions to our biggest issues. We have done it before, and it is essential to the survival of our democracy. This work will not be easy, but if there ever was a day to recommit our nation to the belief that democracy advances the cause of liberty and justice for all - let it be on this special day recognizing the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

RELATED: Oregon lawmakers urge removal of Trump from office

Rep. Peter DeFazio, in his statement, also addressed the need to overcome white supremacy and reform the nation's criminal justice system:

Reflecting on a year where our nation has faced so many challengesfrom the ongoing pandemic, which has taken nearly 400,000 American lives, to our painful and ongoing reckoning with racial injustice following the tragic death of George Floyd, to the vicious attack on our Capitol by white supremacists, I take comfort from Dr. Kings powerful words:

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

As we await the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, our nations first Black woman vice-president, I stand ready to tackle the challenges our nation faces head-on.

With a Democratic House, Senate, and President we will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. We will work to overcome white supremacy and reform our criminal justice system. We will work to expand voting rights, roll back the voter suppression tactics of the Trump era, and fight to get dark money out of politicsrestoring the voice of the people and the promise of our system of representative democracy. And we will rebuild this nation by enacting a comprehensive infrastructure proposal that will help all communities thrive and grow and prosper.

I look forward to the work we will achieve these next four years, and I promise I will never stop fighting to better the lives of the American people and to defend our country and system of government.
Bell Rexall Pharmacy had already stood at the corner of Kaighn and Haddon Avenues in Camden for 21 years by the time Paul Rosen landed his first job there in 1952.

After school and on weekends, Rosen stocked the shelves with Alka-Seltzer, Dixie Peach Pomade, and bottles of womens cologne. He stuffed small plastic bags with candies: cherry slices, gumdrops, chocolate coins, and ice blue mint squares. But mostly, he remembers the atmosphere.

The people that owned it treated you like you were coming home for dinner when you walked in, said Rosen, a veteran attorney. They knew your name and everything about your family. Bell Rexall Pharmacy was synonymous with Camden. When he came across a feature of Bell Pharmacy in the January 2021 issue of Philadelphia Style, he was impressed that it was still open for business.

The pharmacy on Tuesday celebrates its 90th anniversary, making it one of Camdens oldest family-owned pharmacies. It was opened in 1931 by the pharmacys namesake, Henry Bellitz. In 1946, Max Schwartz took over and remained the owner and pharmacist in charge until his retirement in 1997.

That year, he sold it to the Doganiero family, which had their own 50-year legacy in Camdens pharmacy industry before buying Bell. Today, the pharmacy is still run by the Doganieros with family members Anthony Minniti and his sister Marian Morton at the helm. The key to the pharmacys longevity, Minniti believes, is having deep connections to the community it serves. Bell Pharmacy has solidified its reputation as steadfast and dependable to residents of Camden, particularly those in the LGBTQ community.

Were going to celebrate 90 days recognizing 90 years, Minniti, 50, said. We will encourage the public to share their memories and experiences of Bell Pharmacy, on the pharmacys Facebook page and website.

Margaret David lives close to Bell Pharmacy and said she has over a decade of memories to share. Once a month, she visits Bell to pick up her survival kit, an assortment of vitamins, blood pressure medication, and her asthma pump.

There have been times that Ive gone in there, dealing with personal health stuff, the workers just make you feel so comfortable, David said. Camden gets a bad rap sometimes, but theyve hung in there all of these years and I really appreciate that.

Under Minnitis leadership, Bell Pharmacy has become a hub for the health needs of Camdens LGBTQ community, offering such services as PrEP counseling, HIV medication and therapy, and hormone treatments.

Minniti has a close friend who is queer, and throughout the friendship, hes learned about some of the struggles that those in the LGBTQ community face.

I felt the horror of the AIDS epidemic far more than most. I lost friends and also had to console those that were left behind, Minniti said. For some who contracted HIV, I had to be professional in helping them address the clinical side while remaining the supportive friend when the gravity of their situation overwhelmed them.

Minniti believes in a one-visit solution philosophy when it comes to caring for queer communities. We want to remove as many barriers as possible and make it as easy, safe, and discreet as possible for members of the LGBTQ community to receive care, he said. I committed personally to do this, because its something I deeply believe in. Its not a business model per se as much as what I find to be a moral imperative.

In 2019, Bell Pharmacy underwent a major exterior renovation, complete with new, glossy orange-and-navy signage, a nod to the pharmacys original look. Throughout its years, the pharmacy has endured riots and urban decay, which forced the owners to board up their storefront. But now, the Parkside neighborhood is seeing such improvements as road repairs and a new charter school.

Inside the pharmacy, theres an area that mimics a museum exhibit. Dozens of pharmaceutical relics  a midcentury mortar and pestle, glass prescription bottles, and old scales, for example  are permanently displayed in the front of the store.

The purpose of the museum is to give younger residents the ability to see, firsthand and not on the internet, what an old pharmacy was like, Minniti said. Thats also how we built our branding  we redid the store to its 1940s-1950s look.

Like Rosen, Joseph Schwartzs first job was at Bell Pharmacy, in 1966. The son of longtime owner Max Schwartz, Joseph Schwartz started stocking shelves and running small errands at 8, and when he was tall enough, his father allowed him to work the cash register.

It was a family thing. It was our second home, Joseph Schwartz said. When his father boarded up the pharmacy amid the riots after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there were people on the corner waving the rioters away, and they spray-painted Dont touch this building.
Alcohol intake should be avoided after getting the first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine for some days because some neurological symptoms like dizziness have been reported after vaccination.

According to healthline.com, a Russian health official last month advised citizens being vaccinated with the country's Sputnik V vaccine that they should abstain from alcohol for two months.However, the developer of the vaccine, Alexander Gintsburg, later commented that this advice is too extreme.In a tweet from the Sputnik V account, Gintsburg advised refraining from alcohol for three days after each injection, guidance that he says applies to all vaccines.said Sudhir Bhandari, principal and controller at the SMS Medical College in Jaipur.Currently, India is banking on two vaccines -- Serum Institute of India's 'Covishield' and Bharat BioTech's 'Covaxin' -- and four more are in the pipeline to be rolled out in the country, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.To date, a total of 447 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) have been reported in the last two days of the massive inoculation drive against Covid-19 that is now underway in the country."Some neurological symptoms like dizziness have been reported after vaccination, therefore, it is suggested not to take alcohol for 24-48 hours after vaccination so that patient can appreciate any side effect of vaccination," said Manoj Goel, Director, Pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram."To ensure healthy lifestyle, alcohol consumption should be avoided," added Harshal R Salve, Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS.Source: IANS
Joe Scheidler, the founder of the Pro-Life Action League, carries a sign along Michigan Ave. in Chicago, on Aug. 23, 1996. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, file)

Joe Scheidler, Founder of Pro-Life Action League, Dies at 93

Joe Scheidler, a prominent pro-life figure who founded the Pro-Life Action League, died on Jan. 18 at the age of 93, the organization announced.

Scheidler died of pneumonia, surrounded by family at his Chicago home. He is survived by his wife, seven children, twenty-six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

He was widely known as the Godfather of Pro-Life Activism, according to the organization.

Joe began his lifes work fighting abortion in 1973, shortly after the Roe v. Wade decision, and founded the League in 1980 to recruit and equip pro-life Americans to be a voice for unborn children in their own communities throughout the country and the world, the Pro-Life Action League said in a statement. Countless pro-life volunteers and leaders alike credit Joe with having inspired them to join the movement.

Eric Scheidler, Joes oldest son, who is now the Pro-Life Action Leagues executive director, said in a statement, My fathers proudest accomplishment was the pro-life work of those he inspired to take an active role in the fight against abortion, the greatest injustice of our time. For years, people have been telling me about the talk or protest where they met my father, and how his words and example prompted them to do more than just talk, but to take responsibility for addressing the injustice.

Scheidler served in the U.S. Navy as a military policeman at the end of World War II, after which he earned a bachelors degree in communications at the University of Notre Dame and a Masters Degree at Marquette University. He spent eight years studying for the Catholic priesthood at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He later served as a teacher at Mundelein College. In 1965, he led a group of students to march with Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery.

Its fitting that my father died on the day when Americans remember the legacy of Martin Luther King, Eric said. Seeing the impact that regular Americans could have by taking action against racial injustice inspired my father to mobilize Americans in the same way in the fight against the injustice of abortion.

Eric told the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday that his father devoted five decades of his long life to proclaiming the value of human life at its most vulnerable stage, the child in the womb.

In Chicago, Joe Scheidler used stand at downtown street corners carrying signs showing photographs of fetuses.

Scheidler was at the center of a legal battle with the National Organization for Women (NOW v. Scheidler) that led the U.S. Supreme Court to decide that a federal law against extortion was improperly used to punish pro-life demonstrators, the website says.
Tapestry Collection: Rendering of New Lobby With the exceptional amount of migration to Florida recently, its encouraging to see this much growth and development in the region. Firmo Construction's partnership with HOS Management will be a transformative conversion for this property, located in the heart of Fort Myers River District. Past News Releases RSS

Construction management firm and general contractor, Firmo Construction, has been hired to transform downtowns Hotel Indigo on Main Street and Broadway into a Tapestry Collection, Hiltons newest upscale brand, over the next year. In partnership with hospitality and development company from Savannah, Ga., HOS Management, Firmo will execute a full, top-to-bottom conversion of the eight-story property.

With the exceptional amount of migration to Florida recently, its encouraging to see this growth and development in the region. Our partnership with HOS Management will be a transformative conversion for this property, located in the heart of Fort Myers River District, said Eric Collin, President of Firmo Construction. Firmo is ready to bring decades of innovative building methods, construction expertise, and work with the Hilton brand to deliver this full-service luxury hotel tailored to the unique community of Fort Myers.

With approximately 6,500 square feet to renovate per floor and a total of 72 guest rooms, Firmo will be working alongside interior designer, Z-Space Design, and architect Tim Miller of Dimensions, Inc. while applying applying a phasing method throughout construction as the hotel transforms into a sophisticated new look. With this technique in place, different floors will remain open to guests as the remodel progresses, allowing the hotel to remain fully operational throughout its renovation. When finished, the new Tapestry Collection by Hilton will feature 96 uniquely designed, upscale guest suites, a fully renovated rooftop pool and bar, and a new commercial kitchen and lobby bar for an expanded food and beverage offering.

Our team is excited to continue our collaboration with Firmo Construction on this new opportunity to bring vibrant, sophisticated accommodations to downtown Fort Myers, said Krishan Gandhi, Vice President of Development of HOS Management. The conversion to this Tapestry Collection by Hilton is positioned to bring guests and visitors of this growing city an unparalleled experience, which is a pillar at the core of our mission for each of our hotel properties.

The second partnership in the City of Fort Myers for these two companies, Firmo Construction and HOS Management are also collaborating on the Hampton Inn by Hilton project located on Cleveland Avenue and McGregor Boulevard, which will feature 118 guest rooms, an outdoor pool and patio, and a fitness center. Construction on this property began in October after a small groundbreaking ceremony.

For more information about either project, please email Nicole Miskovic at nicole@firmoconstruction.com or call 941-210-9966.

Link to high quality renderings of the Future Tapestry Collection

About Firmo Construction

Established in 2003, Firmo Construction is a fully integrated design-build firm and licensed general commercial contractor in more than 15 states. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the firms mission is to deliver the client's vision by elevating each project to its fullest potential through innovative solutions. An early adopter of USGBCs LEED system, Firmos committed team of professionals began implementing sustainability and efficiency practices into projects when the program was still in its infancy. The team continues to evolve with that progressive mindset today, remaining industry leaders in design and building technology. For more information, visit: http://www.firmoconstruction.com

About HOS Management

HOS Management is a second-generation Savannah hospitality and development group with over 30 years of industry experience managing a diverse collection of iconic hotel brands, including Hilton, Choice, IHG and Marriott, throughout the Southeast region. Founded by brothers Anil and Kirit Patel, the company strives to build thriving, sustainable hotel properties, provide incredible guest experiences, and give back to the communities in which they do business through company and employee-driven philanthropic initiatives. HOS has successfully cultivated long-standing relationships with hotel partners, investors and most importantly, guests, through its brands family-oriented philosophy. Visit http://www.HOSManagement.com to learn more.

Many of us are using lockdown as an excuse to mooch around the house in nothing more glamorous than a T-shirt and joggers.

But Helena Christensen, 52, ensured to maintain her glamorous reputation as she put on a leggy display while creating a fashion shoot in her living room.

The Danish supermodel showed how much she is missing the world of catwalks and red carpets as she posed up a storm in slinky ensembles from her own collection.

Wow! Helena Christensen, 52, ensured to maintain her glamorous reputation as she put on a leggy display while creating her own fashion shoot in her living room

In one shot, Helena wore a black bodysuit with a very low cut front, paired with a sparkly bolero jacket and hot pink stilettos.

The brunette beauty exuded confidence as she grinned for the camera while posing with one arm on her wall.

Helena then slipped into another plunging number, this time opting for a slightly frilled skirt and jacket with a velvet detailing.

She looked incredible as she lounged on a plush sofa with one toned leg resting over the arm and her pink satin slipper delicately hanging onto her foot.

Work it: The Danish supermodel showed how much she is missing the world of catwalks and red carpets as she posed up a storm in the slinky ensemble from her own collection

Continuing the sizzling photoshoot, Helena moved to the office and donned a flowing boho print skirt over her plunging leotard, flashing a glimpse of her bra.

Other looks included a purple velvet wrap dress, paired with red heels and lipstick, as well as a chic mini-dress which Helena accessorised with a black circle bag.

On her Instagram page, Helena tagged the photos Bohemian snapsody. New vintage pieces up online and more to come.

The photoshoot gave fans a glimpse of the quirky decor in several rooms in her house, in the Catskills in upstate New York.

Busty: She also slipped into a boho midi skirt, flashing her blue bra under a plunging leotard

Confidence: Helena exuded glamour in a purple velvet wrap dress which she styled with a slick of red lipstick and patent leather heels

Helena's Australian shepherd dog Kuma was also seen in a few of the snaps, with him looking rather unimpressed by the glamour as he tried to snooze on a sofa.

The clothes Helena modelled are mainly vintage items and are available online from her brand, Staerk and Christensen.

She runs the business with artist and designer Camilla Staerk, with the stunning items being priced from $120 (88) to $465 (342).

According to the brand's website, SCVS is an 'exclusive curation of luxury vintage and secondhand treasures for the wardrobe and the home by Camilla Staerk and Helena Christensen'.

Chic! Another look saw Helena don a patterned black mini dress and tote a stylish circle bag

Lockdown problems! Other images revealed Helena had to do a little tactical styling to model a fringed red skirt, flashing knickers when she turned around for a cheeky snap

Staerk and Christensen is a studio based in New York, which publishes work in fashion, interior, architecture, photography and film.

Helena recently declared she 'doesn't give a flying f***' what anyone thinks about her dress sense as she gave a candid interview about body confidence to Times 2.

The supermodel, who has won legions of fans with her timeless beauty and stunning figure, said her upbringing in Denmark instilled in her a sense of confidence and a 'natural approach' to her body - which has helped her soar to the top of the modelling industry.

She said: 'In Denmark we are brought up with a natural approach to our bodies. We are not taught that its anything to hide. In modelling it was never an issue for me.

Timeless beauty: The clothes Helena modelled are mainly vintage items and are available online from her brand, Staerk and Christensen

All in the details: She donned a chic silk scarf in her hair for another glam shot

'I look at it as an artistic approach, showing the beauty of the female body, the life-giving body, which is a miracle in so many ways.'

The star added that she 'doesn't think about it either way' whether her sexy dress sense is empowering or not, saying: 'For me its about what do I want to wear to make me happy? And its about not really  excuse the expression  giving a flying f*** what anyone else thinks.'

The star also spoke about the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and sexual harassment, praising the 'courageous' people that spoke out about sex crimes.

Helena said she was never a victim of sexual abuse and added that she always had a 'hardcore attitude to anyone who made her feel uncomfortable.'
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.

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.
has urged Gulf Arab nations to enter a dialog with Iran, saying the time was right for Doha to broker negotiations now the neighbors have begun to patch up their own differences.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whos long called for a summit between leaders of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council and the Islamic Republic, said his government was hopeful that this would happen and still believe this should happen.



suspends WTO dispute with UAE



has suspended a trade dispute with the United Arab Emirates at the WTO, a document showed.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slalom, the modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation, today announced that it has hired Sonia Whang as its Westchester/Southern Connecticut markets first sales director. Sonia will be responsible for growing Slaloms footprint across the New York and Connecticut region.



Im thrilled that Sonia Whang has joined Slalom, said Tom Kauffman, managing director for Slalom Westchester/Southern Connecticut. Sonia comes to our market with deep expertise in selling complex solutions to world-class enterprises. Her proven track record of building trusted relationships across clients and with our partner ecosystem will have an immediate impact on our ability to deliver valuable outcomes to clients within the region.

Sonia Whang has over 20 years of experience working with business and technology services firms to grow markets and collaborate with clients and partners on transformation initiatives. She was recently based in New York City and served as head of business development for banking at GFT USA, Inc., an engineering services firm headquartered in Europe. Before that, she held leadership positions at both Virtusa and Sapient, driving and implementing sales strategies to foster long-term business relationships with Fortune 500 companies. Sonia has also previously served as the board chair of Code to Work which is focused on connecting employers with young job seekers from diverse backgrounds who are interested in technology.

Sonia grew up in West Virginia and later moved to the northeast for school. She has been a Westchester resident for the last 15 years and currently resides in Scarsdale with her husband and two sons.



About Slalom

Slalom is a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. In 39 markets around the world, Slalom's teams have autonomy to move fast and do what's right. They are backed by regional innovation hubs, a global culture of collaboration, and partnerships with the world's top technology providers. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Seattle, Slalom has organically grown to over 8,000 employees. Slalom has been named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For five years running and is regularly recognized by employees as a best place to work. Learn more at slalom.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7b74e9d-409c-4a00-9779-496d22cbad2e
Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal Directs Palava Lakeside To Refund Money with Interest to Home-buyer

In a landmark judgement, the Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (MahaREAT) has directed the promoters of Palava Lakeside to refund with interest (at interest of 2% more than the marginal cost of funds-based lending rateMCLRof State Bank of India) money paid by two home-buyers, who withdrew from the project three months after delivery of their flats was due.

Ruling on the sanctity of the specified date of possession, the Tribunal held that the promoters of Palava Lakeside (Bellissimo Hi-Rise Builders Pvt Ltd, Bankim Ashok Doshi, Sushant Keru Hirue and Palava Dwellers Private Ltd) in Kalyan failed to hand over possession of two flats by 28 February 2018 as mentioned in the agreements for sale (AFS) and thus the allottees were entitled to withdraw and get refund with interest.

More importantly the Tribunal has explicitly stated possession as contemplated in Section 18 of RERA is not fit out possession. There is no concept of fit out possession under the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act (MOFA) or RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act). There is no provision under RERA by which offer of fit out possession can be given. The Tribunal has, thus, overturned the earlier order passed by MahaRERA.

The MahaREAT order says Once, it is evident that promoters failed to give possession by the specified date as mentioned in the agreement, promoters are not entitled for extension of such specified date on the basis of any clause regarding grace period in the agreement for sale.

The order further points out that Section 18 of RERA is absolute on the point of specified date mentioned in the agreement for giving possession and not at all the extended date on the basis of grace period.

The order clarifies that permitting possession beyond the specified date would lead to disastrous consequences, rendering the agreed date of possession as specified in the AFS irrelevant.

The two home-buyers had filed a complaint before MahaRERA earlier. The home-buyers Suryakant Yashwant Jadhav and Suryakant Jadhav HUF had booked flat numbers 901-H and 902-H in Palava Lakeside A to H and paid 96% of the sale consideration.

As per their complaint, the AFS (signed in 2014) promised possession for fit-outs by February 2017 and within a year the final possession with occupancy certificate but with a grace period of a year.

The pthe tribunal held that thecomplete when the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act came into effect on 1 May 2017; hence the promoters registered it as an ongoing project under RERA.

In May 2018, with no possession given, the buyers decided to withdraw from the project and demanded refund with interest and compensation.

They filed a complaint with MahaRERA invoking section 18 (1) of RERA which provides for refund with interest and compensation for builders failure to hand over possession of flat by the date specified in the agreement.

In March 2019, MahaRERA held that Section 18 was not applicable to their case as the promoter said that part OC was received for the project in May 2018, before the complaint was filed. The Authority said that once the project was complete, Section 18 would not apply while advising the home-buyers to take possession of flats when ready.

The aggrieved home-buyers approached the MahaREAT against the impugned order passed by MahaRERA.

On 12 January 2021, Tribunal members Sumant Kolhe (judicial) and SS Sandhu, in concurrent but separately reasoned findings, held that the MahaRERA order was not sustainable under law.

In such circumstances, "failure to handover possession of the flat" as contemplated under Section 18 of RERA is "failure to handover physical possession of the flat with occupancy certificate.

The counsel for the promoters denied any delay and said hence withdrawal from project could not be permitted. As per Section 19(10) of RERA, the developer has to hand over physical possession of the apartment with OC to a home-buyer, who is then obliged to take delivery within two months.

Noting that the builder offered possession with OC to the buyers on 21 June 2018, the tribunal said there was a delay in handing over possession.

The tribunal also added Once it is evident that promoters failed to give possession by the specified date as mentioned in the agreement, promoters are not entitled for extension on the basis of any clause of grace period in the AFS.

The home-buyers had also claimed the fit-out and grace clauses in agreement were one-sided while the promoters denied it.

In its order, the tribunal said These clauses substantiate the charge of allottees that promoters got one-sided agreements executed.

SS Sandhu additionally reasoned that if MahaRERAs order is accepted it would lead to chaos and no allottee would be able to seek reliefs under section 18 (1) if possession is given much beyond the date specified.

He observed Legislature never intended such consequences for allottees, while framing the social welfare legislation of RERA.

The buyers had also claimed Rs25 lakh in compensation. Though the Tribunal did not grant it, it gave them the liberty to file an independent petition for compensation before an adjudicating officer under Section 71 and 72 of RERA.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Paddy Doherty is home from hospital as he continues his recovery from pneumonia and coronavirus.

The 61-year-old Celebrity Big Brother winner shared appeared short of breath in the softly-spoken video from his bedroom at his home on the English Welsh border and praised the doctors and nurses who helped care for him as 'warriors of God'.

Doherty was rushed to hospital last week after an illness worsened, prompting wife Roseanne Doherty to call 999.

He was later diagnosed with pneumonia and coronavirus and admitted to hospital.

In the latest video shared last night, Doherty said: 'Thank my god. They let me home about half an hour ago.

'I'm at home now. I've got a load of steroids I've got to take, just a bag of steroids.

TV star Paddy Doherty has been sent home from hospital after battling pneumonia and Covid

Pictured: Doherty shared a video from his home on the English Welsh border thanking his fans for their well wishes and praising doctors and nurses as 'true angels' who he says saved his life

'Just got to keep indoors now for 10 days and I'm a new man.

'So I want to thank you all for praying and just being concerned about me.

'But the most important people I've ever seen in my life is them nurses and doctors. They're a great team.

'Can I just say one thing? Listen - you're on about a front line, not being a c*** or anything, but you're on about a front line - imagine soldiers, they've got to go up front first before the back crew gets killed, they got to go up.

'And that's what it's like, they're going up. They know exactly what's happening, and they're wearing this [PPE], and they can catch it faster and they're putting their lives...

'I've never seen nothing like them. They are the true warriors of God, true angels.

Doherty with his wife Rosanne at their home on the England/Wales border in March 2013

Last week the My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star struggled for breath as he shared a video from hospital and thanked his fans for 'praying for me' as he battled pneumonia and coronavirus

'They've nerves of steel. I was afraid there. It was 50-50, it wasn't even 50-50 but I lived to tell the story.

'Them nurses and doctors - thumbs up - there's no words for them. They're just a different level. They're the greatest people on the planet.

'Without them, life wouldn't exist.'

As he signed off by saying 'I'm home, I'm home', he asked fans to pray for nurses and doctors and added: 'God be good to them all and their families.'

Mr Doherty, who previously lived in Flintshire, suffered extreme exhaustion which left him stuck in bed for two days after he first fell ill.

As his condition worsened, his worried wife Roseanne alerted emergency services before he was taken to hospital in Chester.

He was placed on oxygen by doctors to help him fight the illnesses.

Last Friday, Doherty urged his fans not to underestimate coronavirus as he was admitted for treatment.

The reality TV star said although he was reluctant to go to hospital, paramedics told him he may not wake up the following morning if he stayed at home.

In a video shared from his hospital bed, he warned fans the virus was 'not a joke' as he thanked them for their well wishes and added: 'Be lucky, be safe and God bless you all. Look after yourself.'

Doherty's son Simey had written on Facebook: 'Can everybody please keep my father in prayer as I was just speaking to him and he has got double pneumonia. Also claw seen in the lungs and tested positive for Covid.'

Doherty (right) with his son Simey (left) at the 2011 TV Choice Awards in September 2011

And his wife Roseanne added: 'Please will everything pray for my Paddy - he has been taken in to hospital. He is not very well [sic].'

Yesterday, Paddy Doherty took to Facebook page to share his heartache over being unable to attend his late sister's funeral.

In an emotional video he revealed his distress at being unable to attend the service and say goodbye to his sister.

'My lovely sister gets buried tomorrow,' he said.

'Please pray for her family, her sons, her lovely daughter and her beautiful husband.

'And for my brothers and sisters. And myself, because I can't be at my sister's funeral.

'It's a bad thing, but it is what it is.'

In March 2019, Doherty had a five-and-a-half-hour operation to treat his prostate cancer after suffering excruciating pains when he urinated and passing blood.

He had his first operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary and said at the time how he had considered taking his own life because of the pain from the cancer.

Doherty is a British former bare-knuckle boxer who rose to national fame when he featured on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, a Channel 4 documentary about travellers.

He then won the eighth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2011 after beating Kerry Katona in the final. Other housemates that series included Jedward and Amy Childs.

Doherty also appeared with another housemate, Sally Bercow, on the Channel 5 documentary When Paddy Met Sally which saw them stay at each other's homes.

Meanwhile, it has emerged the UK now has the highest coronavirus death rate in the world.

Britain was averaging 935 daily fatalities in the week up to January 17, or the equivalent of 16.5 people in every million.

Statistics compiled by the Oxford University-based research platform Our World in Data shows no other country currently has a higher death rate per capita.

Britain overtook the Czech Republic, which had been at the top since January 11 with a death rate of 16.3, after publishing its latest death figures on Sunday night, when there were 671 victims.

Fatality statistics on the weekend and on Mondays in the UK tend to be lower due to a reporting lag, which means the country's death rate could surge even further into the lead this week.

However there are signs that Britain's crisis is starting to slow thanks to its third national lockdown. Infections are down by a fifth in seven days and deaths are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Rounding out the top five countries with the worst death rates are Portugal (14.82 per million), Slovakia (14.55) and Lithuania (13.01). Panama is the only country in the top 10 list which is not in Europe.
The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

First Minister Arlene Foster has slammed those behind the alleged dissident republican shooting of a private helicopter as it flew over Fermanagh.

Police said there was no damage and the pilot was unaware the aircraft was shot at on Thursday, January 14.

Police have closed the Wattlebridge Road and Cavan Road, outside Newtownbutler due to an ongoing security alert after a report the CIRA left a device in the area on Wednesday, January 13.

The terror group has claimed it fired on a police helicopter. A claim dismissed by the police. Previously dissidents have tried to lure police into the area for an attack.

In a video on Twitter, the First Minister, who grew up close to the Wattlebridge area, said it was time to remove these crazed political ideologues and they should back off the community.

There has always been a small band of extreme republicans in that area who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting, stated Mrs Foster.

This latest incident where republicans claim they left a device in the area and then shot at a civilian helicopter is crazy.

Regardless of the debate about whether they did or did not target a helicopter - who in their right mind would even think about shooting down a helicopter over a populated area?

The devastation is unthinkable - families quietly going about their business and then a helicopter lands on their house, shot down, for what reason?

To round it all off, this helicopter was a civilian craft which just happened to be in the area.

There have been few incidents in recent time which have highlighted the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists.

I condemn their actions and urge the community in and around Newtownbutler on both sides of the border, to go to the police if they have information.

There still remain some in our society who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting.



The recent incident in Wattlebridge highlights the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists. pic.twitter.com/bgpbFx4IjH  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 19, 2021

South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn confirmed that the Police Service helicopter was not deployed in the Wattlebridge area at any time on Thursday.

A fixed wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on this date, he continued. Following extensive enquiries we have established that a private helicopter was travelling through the area on Thursday.

If there is any truth to the claims from dissident republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the aircraft that they shot at. Fortunately the helicopter did not sustain any damage and its occupant was unaware of any shots being fired.

He continued: "Those involved have shown their absolute disregard for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was intended for police, makes it no less heinous. Police officers safeguard our communities every day in the face of this threat and continue to do their utmost to build a safer society.

We can all show our contempt for such senseless attacks by standing together and working in partnership to find those responsible.

The Continuity IRA have sought to disrupt our communities a number of times over the last few years with a booby trap device in Craigavon in July 2019, an explosive device on the Cavan Road in August 2019 and an explosive device on a heavy goods vehicle in Lurgan in January 2020.

They did not care about the danger they caused to our communities then, nor do they care now.

All right thinking people will appreciate the catastrophic affects that a crashed aircraft would have had on the helicopter pilot and residents living in this area. Their recklessness knows no bounds.

The public will appreciate that we are taking this very seriously and today we have commenced searches, working with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, to make the area safe and to gather evidence to progress our investigation.

A number of roads will be closed with traffic diversions in place. We will do our utmost to facilitate local residents and minimise any disruption.

I am asking everyone to work with us to find those responsible for this attack on our community.

If anyone has any information that can assist the PSNIs investigation, call the non-emergency number 101.
A retired man told gardai that boredom at work and curiosity about the internet led him to produce and distribute hundreds of graphic images and videos of child abuse.

Frederick Hunt (74) was caught after an FBI investigation linked an email address involved in the trading of child pornography to his home in Ballinteer, Co Dublin.

In January 2012, gardai went to his home and seized a number of mobile phones and computer devices. They also linked Hunt to illegal activity carried out on his work computer at his former place of work in the Irish Times building in Dublin city.

Using a number of email addresses, Hunt received and sent hundreds of images of young children being sexually abused and raped, Detective Garda Suzanne Carlos told the court.

One email referred to a female toddler wearing a bondage mask and involved in a sexual act with another child. Images of young girls in sexual poses and videos of the sexual abuse and bondage of pre-teen girls were linked to Hunt.

Gardai identified 18 essay type stories describing the sexual abuse of children. Some of these were written by Hunt, including one referring to abduction and rape of pre-teens, leading to charges of production of child pornography.

Hunt of Ballinteer Court, Ballinteer, Dublin, pleaded guilty to seven sample counts out of a total of 101 various charges under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. He pleaded guilty to production, distribution and possession of the material on dates between December 2010 and January 2011.

In interview Hunt told gardai he was bored at work with nothing to do and began browsing the internet, not looking for child pornography but said that's where he ended up.

I was curious about the internet. I never had any intention of harming children. I'm not a paedophile not in the sense of harming children, he told gardai.

Det Gda Carlos agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that it was very difficult to reconcile the individual behind the emails with the man before the court. She accepted Mr Bowman's description of his client as mild mannered, gentle and compassionate.

Counsel handed in a number of testimonials from Hunt's now adult children, including those he and his wife fostered over the last two decades.

Mr Bowman said these show his children's deep affection for him and describe a loving caring empathetic man who gave without reservation to them over their life times. He said they are aware of his crimes and were shocked.

He told the court there was no issue in relation to the safety of these children and they have gone to to flourish as adults.

A testimonial from Hunt's wife detailed how she is up to 90 per cent bed ridden due to physical illness and that Hunt is her effective carer. She said she is totally dependant on Hunt, who cooks for her and washes and tends to her other bodily needs.

Mr Bowman said that Hunt is now a pariah in his community. He said because of the almost unique stigma attached to this type of offending, the punishment is served in the community before and long after sentenced is passed.

He said his client is being treated for cancer and he asked for time to address these health concerns. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned sentencing to April 28 next and ordered that a Probation Services assessment be carried out.

Dt Gda Carlos told the court that 746 images and videos involved sexual abuse of real children. She said that both these and the 251 animated or cartoon images would be categorised at the most severe level of material in a three level system.

She said usually the animated images are categorised at the lowest level but not in this case.

The court heard because of the delay and backlogs in the investigation of this type of material gardai were only in a position to charge Hunt in 2018.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
An association of government doctors in Karnataka has demanded that health care workers be allowed their choice of the COVID-19 vaccine, saying there have been some concerns among a section of the fraternity over the present arrangement for making available the doses. State Health Minister K Sudhakar, meanwhile, dismissed as "far from truth" reports that there was hesitation among some sections to take the vaccine.

Since January 16 when the coronavirus vaccination drive was rolled out across the country, two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers. In a letter to Sudhakar, the Association of House surgeons, Post Graduates and Super Speciality Residents of Govt. Medical and Dental Colleges said it has received information from various parts of the state that resident doctors, including in some medical colleges, were concerned they had been given Covaxin, whereas other centres had received Covishield.

Before receiving Covaxin they have been made give an the undertaking stating that its clinical efficacy was yet to be established, it said. The undertaking and "the discrepancies" in the distribution of the vaccine sounds "very suspicious" and the resident doctors were very guarded in getting vaccinated, the January 18 letter signed by association President Dr Dayanand Sagar said.

Sudhakar, without making any reference to the letter, in a tweet said: "In the entire country, the maximum number of people have taken the vaccine yesterday in our state. The vaccines are safe and the vaccination drive in the state has been going on successfully. Don't believe in rumours. Don'thave any fear about vaccines." Covaxin is being administered in vaccine sites set up in districts of Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Ballari, Shivamogga, Chamarajanagar and Davangere. The association letter noted that it was also a matter of "great concern" that the government has decided to inject a vaccine whose phase III results were yet to be declared.

While the interim analysis report of Covishield was available, the same was not true in case of Covaxin, it said. The resident doctors feel that they have been discriminated against and gross injustice was caused to them, and also the government was "erratic when it comes to the safety of the doctors," it said.

Terming it as an immediate and urgent concern, the doctors have demanded that vaccines which have got results of phase III (at least interim analysis) and vaccines that have shown results with respect to safety and efficacy be given. The choice to select a vaccine should be given in view of that both vaccines were yet to complete phase III trials, it added.

According to the state government, a total of 53,341 frontline health workers have been vaccinated till Monday, achieving 49 per cent coverage of the targeted beneficiaries.
The sentence, which comes amid an ongoing protest movement that has seen unprecedented public criticism of the monarchy, was swiftly condemned by rights groups.

The former civil servant identified only by her first name Anchan, right, greets friends as she arrives at Bangkok Criminal Court to be sentenced. Credit:AP

The court initially announced her sentence as 87 years, but reduced it by half because she pleaded guilty to the offences, the group said.

The Bangkok Criminal Court found Anchan Preelert, guilty on 29 counts of violating the countrys lese majeste law for posting audio clips to Facebook and YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy, the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said.

Bangkok: Amnesty International has described the jailing of a 65-year-old Thai woman for 43 years and six months for breaching strict laws on defaming the monarchy as shocking and a serious assault on Thailands vanishing space for freedom of expression.

The manner of her sentencing is also chilling. The way authorities have evidently sought to maximise the punishments by multiplying criminal charges sends a clear message of deterrence to Thailands 50 million internet users," Amnesty Internationals Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra said in a statement.

A senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch said earlier:Todays court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy wont be tolerated, but they will also be severely punished, said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch.

Violating Thailand's lese majeste law  known widely as Article 112  is punishable by three to 15 years imprisonment per count. The law is controversial not only because it has been used to punish things as simple as liking a post on Facebook but also because anyone  not just royals or authorities  can lodge a complaint that can tie up the person accused in legal proceedings for years.

During the country's last 15 years of political unrest, the law has frequently been used as a political weapon as well as in personal vendettas. Actual public criticism of the monarchy, however, had until recently been extremely rare.

That changed during the past year, when young protesters calling for democratic reforms also issued calls for the reform of the monarchy, which has long been regarded as an almost sacred institution by many Thais. The protesters have said the institution is unaccountable and holds too much power in what is supposed to be a democratic constitutional monarchy.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is under pressure over the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine amid claims that official guidance was not available or insufficient.

As a second Dublin maternity hospital admitted vaccinating relatives of staff, the minister was struggling to get on top of the situation last night.

His spokesman said vaccines were operational matters that would not be notified to the minister, with issues first being addressed by the HSE.

But the HSE only issued new protocols on what to do with leftover doses in the middle of last week.

This was after the Coombe hospital gave 16 doses of the vaccine to relatives of family members because it said it was unable to get direction from health authorities and did not want to see the vaccines go to waste.

Read More

Yesterday the Rotunda said it had also given vaccines to the relatives of staff members, while Tallaght Hospital said jabs went to management and administration staff.

It also emerged last night that 10 construction workers who are doing building work at University Hospital Kerry in Tralee received the Covid-19 vaccine.

The hospital said they needed to work in clinical areas and were involved in time-critical construction projects.

Opposition leaders are set to ramp up the pressure on the Mr Donnelly from today. Questions will be raised in the Dail over the ministers handling of the vaccine rollout.

Labour leader Alan Kelly told the Irish Independent the fact that vaccines were being given to family members of hospital staff was very undermining for the vaccine programme.

There are a series of questions that need to be answered by the hospital and the minister. What did the HSE protocol say, and why wasnt it followed? he said.

Minister Donnelly doesnt seem on top of this, and one of the reasons I wanted a dedicated minister for vaccines was for when issues like this that arise.

Social Democrats spokeswoman Roisin Shortall said what happened was completely unacceptable and a slap in the face for priority groups still waiting.

There were anecdotes of other examples, she said. Many frontline workers facing daily risk have still not received a vaccine despite two hospitals giving surplus jabs to relatives of staff.

However, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said that spare vaccines should be used for those with the highest priority.

The HSE issued revised guidelines to hospitals and healthcare settings last Tuesday saying that any planned vaccination session has to include a standby list with contact details of 120 healthcare workers who

could receive any additional vaccines.

Hospital groups have been unable to say how hospitals are prioritised for receiving the vaccine.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been reported that the highly sophisticated breach of SolarWinds and the cyberattack that was spread through its Orion platform has impacted an estimated 18,000 customers and went undetected for months.

"We must come together to defend against an attack of this magnitude" says Brody Ehrlich, AppGuard Chief Operating Officer. "The damage done to governmental agencies and enterprises is not fully recoverable and this type of threat is repeatable for the next group to emulate, whether it uses SolarWinds or another widely used application. AppGuard's software is uniquely positioned to assist cyber defense solutions providers because we can implement specific protections designed to mitigate threats of this type, even in cases where it goes undetected for a period of time."

AppGuard is pleased to announce a rapid response offering developed to be deployed by our trusted partners and incident response teams, to assist in mitigating this threat and others like it. We expect that governmental agencies, healthcare providers, and enterprises within the government supply chains are at highest risk and will bear the brunt of future attacks of this nature.

"Traditional cyber technologies and solutions such as EDRs, Next Generation AV (NGAV), White Listing/Application controls could neither identify nor contain the compromise. This is common of tools that seek to diagnose the threat instead of defending the risk points. AppGuard's zero-trust defense prevents and contains compromises to systems and infrastructure," adds Fatih Comlekoglu, the Chief Technology Officer and inventor of the AppGuard technology.

"This SolarWinds exploit and breach shows us why having a Zero Trust solution in place to protect your endpoints and servers is more critical than ever before. AppGuard's patented controls give organizations a way to adopt zero trust policies faster than any other solution" said Kristen McFadden Gandhi, Global SVP of Product at AppGuard. "With AppGuard's autonomous policy engine in place, customers can make use of SolarWinds functions while protecting themselves from the dangerous processes spawned by the malicious code. We already have some customers doing so now."

ABOUT APPGUARD, INC.

AppGuard, a Blue Planet-works company, provides award-winning server and endpoint cybersecurity protection for enterprises and government agencies as well as small and medium-sized businesses. Spawned from collaboration with intelligence agency use cases, AppGuard's patented technology applies process and application level activity policies which automatically adapt based on threat context. This allows it to prevent a breach without having to recognize or identify malware.

Contacts

AppGuard, Inc.

https://www.appguard.us/

Sarah Wolf

Marketing & Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE AppGuard

Related Links

https://www.appguard.us/


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

March-April will be crucial for the Indo-China standoff

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 19: There has been no withdrawal by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from the friction points, even as both India and China prepare for the 9th round of military commander level talks.

India is prepared for a long haul and would be extremely cautious when the snow melts in March. Meanwhile the Chinese continue to build infrastructure near the various friction points.

Sources tell OneIndia that the Chinese infrastructure continues to be built in the various friction points including the Spanggur Gap and Galwan Valley. India on the other hand too is building infrastructure.

In message to China, Army Chief says dont test our patience

The next couple of months will be crucial. It is important see how the issue would pan out in April-May, when the summer sets in.

In a reaction to a report that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh, India on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security, and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India has stepped up the construction of border infrastructure, including roads and bridges for the improvement of livelihood of its citizens.

The response from the ministry came when asked about a report by NDTV channel, saying China has constructed a new village in the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh and it consisted of about 101 homes. The news channel said the report is based on satellite images accessed exclusively by it.

"We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along the border areas with India. China has undertaken such infrastructure construction activity in the past several years," the MEA said.

"In response, our government too has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads, bridges etc, which has provided much needed connectivity to the local population along the border," it added.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

The ministry also asserted that the government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas for the improvement of livelihood of its citizens, including in Arunachal Pradesh.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 14:19 [IST]
Kazakhstans authorities plan to start inoculating citizens with Russias Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on February 1, Health Minister Alexei Tsoi said at a government meeting on Tuesday.

"On January 19, it is planned to sign an agreement between Karaganda Pharmaceutical Complex and the Russian Direct Investment Fund for the supply of the first batch - 20,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. On January 20, it is planned to issue a one-time import permit, and the ministry will send letters to SK-Pharmacy Company for procurement under a special order. In the future, starting from February 1, plans are in store to start vaccination against coronavirus of the appropriate age groups," TASS cited him as saying.

According to Tsoi, vaccination will be carried out in stages, taking into account the supply of the vaccine. At the first stage, it is planned to inoculate doctors of infectious diseases hospitals, emergency medical services, intensive care units, hospital reception rooms and employees of sanitary and epidemiological services. School teachers and university lecturers will be vaccinated at the second stage. Later on, vaccination is expected to cover people with chronic diseases and some other groups. Plans are in store to vaccinate up to 6 million people in Kazakhstan by the end of the year.

The production of Russias Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine was launched in Karaganda in late December 2020. It is planned to manufacture two million vaccine doses in stages. Work is in progress to launch mass production of Kazakhstans QazCOVID-in vaccine in March.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 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.
Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Joshua Roberts/AFP via Getty Images)

Bidens Homeland Security Nominee Noncommittal on Dismantling or Expanding Border Wall

Homeland Security Secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas wouldnt say if hes planning to dismantle or expand the barrier built along the U.S.-Mexico border by the Trump administration.

Mayorkas, who headed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and served as deputy secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the Obama administration, testified Tuesday before a panel of senators about his stances on immigration, border enforcement, cybersecurity, and his previous service.

During the conformation hearing, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) asked Mayorkas whether he believed the border wall constructed by the Trump administration should be torn down. Mayorkas replied that he agreed with the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) that the border is not a monolithic challenge.

The border is varied depending on the geography, depending on the specific venue and depending on the conduct of individuals around it and we dont need, nor should we have a monolithic answer to that varied and diverse challenge, Mayorkas said.

When asked whether he believed that the border wall should be extended into certain areas, Mayorkas again said he would look forward to studying that.

I look forward to studying that because I am aware of the challenges that the border presents, I am very well aware of the factthat traffickers are seeing to exploit the border and not only to move people across it illegally, but to move contraband, to move fentanyl, the narco traffickers have sought to exploit the current challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I look forward to studying the border to make sure those challenges are repelled, Mayorkas said.

The exchange comes as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the Trump administration had completed its goal of 450 miles of new border wall by the end of 2020, and that the agency has received enough Congressional funding for the walls further expansion.

Mark Morgan, the CBPs acting commissioner, said earlier this month in a press call that Congress has set aside $1.375 billion for the project, which would allow his agency to finish 738 miles in total.

It represents a historic accomplishment by this administration, Morgan said. It doesnt just stand tall as a simple reminder of promises made to the American people and promises kept, but it stands as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to do everything we can to ensure we have the tools to protect our national and economic security. It should serve to remind us all that borders matter and failure to secure them have consequences for every town, city, and state in this great nation.
Joe Biden will take the oath of office at his inauguration as president of the United States from a Supreme Court chief justice he voted against.

It will be the fourth time that John Roberts will stand across from a man who either voted against his confirmation to the Supreme Court or has made no secret of his unflattering views of the chief justice.

Mr Biden was one of 22 senators who voted against Mr Roberts in 2005. Another was former president Barack Obama, who twice took the oath from Mr Roberts.

Expand Close Chief Justice John Roberts, right, reads the oath of office to President Barack Obama (AP/Paul Sancya, File) AP / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Chief Justice John Roberts, right, reads the oath of office to President Barack Obama (AP/Paul Sancya, File)

President Donald Trump castigated the chief justice as a disgrace for his role in upholding Mr Obamas healthcare overhaul. Mr Roberts presided over Mr Trumps first impeachment trial last year and could preside over his second as well.

Mr Roberts is far from the only justice whose confirmation Mr Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris opposed. Mr Biden, who was a senator from Delaware for more than 35 years, also voted not to confirm Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Ms Harris, a California senator, cast votes against the nominations of Mr Trumps three appointees to the high court: Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

It is the first time in American history that the incoming president and vice president have together voted against a majority of the court.

The unusual milestone reflects that both halves of the Democratic ticket served in the Senate at a time of increasing political polarisation that found full expression in Supreme Court nomination fights.

Its more partisan, more polarised, more contentious than at any time since after the American civil war, said Richard Friedman, an expert on Supreme Court history at the University of Michigan law school.

But Mr Friedman and others dismissed the idea that bruised feelings would play any role in how justices decide cases.

Mr Friedman said: Its a remarkable thing what life tenure does. It can diminish the force of any kinds of grudge. You dont need to get back at anybody.

Expand Close Donald Trump takes the oath of office from chief justice John Roberts (Jim Bourg/Pool Photo via AP, File) AP / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Donald Trump takes the oath of office from chief justice John Roberts (Jim Bourg/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Deanne Maynard, an appellate lawyer who served as a Supreme Court clerk in the 1990s and also worked in the Justice Department, said it would be a mistake to think justices allow personal feelings to influence decisions.

The court likes to think of itself as approaching, and does try to approach, every case on its facts and on its own law. I cant imagine the justices are thinking back to the tally in their confirmation hearings when they decide any given case, Ms Maynard said.

Mr Roberts record on issues that were important to Mr Obama and Mr Trump offers support to the idea that deciding cases isnt personal. He cast the decisive vote and wrote the opinion that upheld Mr Obamas healthcare law in 2012. He also upheld Mr Trumps ban on travel from several mostly Muslim countries in 2018, then ruled against Mr Trump on other immigration-related cases, including the administrations failed effort to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census and wind down protections for about 650,000 immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

Mr Biden and Ms Harris are also taking office at a time when the court is more conservative than it has been since the early days of the New Deal and Franklin Delano Roosevelts administration.

If the administration runs into trouble at the Supreme Court, it is likely to be over a clash of ideologies.

The courts conservatives are not going to necessarily like big pieces of legislation, said University of South Carolina political scientist Jessica Schoenherr. When Mr Roberts joined the liberal justices in the 2012 Obamacare case, four conservative justices were prepared to strike down the law in its entirety.

Expand Close Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are coming to power at a time when the Supreme Court has a strong conservative majority (AP/Matt Slocum) AP/PA Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are coming to power at a time when the Supreme Court has a strong conservative majority (AP/Matt Slocum)

Efforts by the new administration to reverse Mr Trumps positions on some issues could also meet resistance on the court, Ms Maynard said.

To the extent it is a situation where the Biden administration might take a different view, then I think thats where the composition of the court might matter, she said.

Presidents do not always see eye to eye even with the justices they put on the court. In addition, preserving the courts independence is practically an obsession of Mr Roberts, Mr Friedman said.

He said: All justices are very conscious of their role. They may not always be totally dispassionate, but its not as if they go in saying, I like this president, let me do him a favour.

Mr Trump has criticised his three appointees for failing to take his side in election challenges.

President Theodore Roosevelt was enraged when Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes voted against the president in a major antitrust case. Mr Roosevelt said of Mr Holmes: Out of a banana I could carve a firmer backbone.

President Dwight Eisenhower also soon regretted his choice of chief justice Earl Warren, referring to the man who led the court during its liberal era as the biggest damned-fool mistake I ever made.
[January 19, 2021] Bank of America Reports Fourth-Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Bank of America reported its fourth-quarter 2020 financial results today. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed in the following ways: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005530/en/ Bank of America newsroom at https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com

Bank of America Investor Relations website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com

Business Wire's news webpage at http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/news Investor Conference Call information:

Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan and Chief Financial Officer Paul Donofrio will discuss the financial results in a conference call at8:30 a.m. ET today. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is 79795.



Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Investors can also listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call and view the presentation slides by visiting the Events and Presentations section of the company's Investor Relations website. Replay information for Investor Conference Call:

Investors can access replays of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations website or by calling 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international) from noon on January 19, through 11:59 p.m. ET on January 29.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,700 lending centers, 2,600 financial centers with a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and approximately 2,400 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email news alerts. www.bankofamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005530/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Victims of Northern Irelands Troubles are being used as pawns in a game of ping-pong between Stormont and Westminster, an advocacy group has said.

The Stormont Executive and Westminster Government remain at loggerheads over who should pay for a long-awaited compensation scheme for victims.

The Victims Payment Scheme was given the green light at Westminster last year, and Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy said it should therefore be paid for by London.

Belfast bomb victim Jennifer McNern (centre) launched a court bid over her Troubles pension (Liam McBurney/PA)

However, a UK Government spokesman said Secretary of State Brandon Lewis believes Stormont is funded to deliver commitments, including this scheme.

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has been designated to administer the scheme, which could cost an estimated 800 million (899m).

The continuing stalemate emerged on Monday as Mr Murphy unveiled his draft Budget.

The Executive is fully committed to delivering these payments and, in line with the British Governments own statement of funding policy, it is the responsibility of the British Government to provide the necessary funding, he told MLAs.

Victims group Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) has condemned the appalling and callous treatment of innocent victims of terrorism.

UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said: Our victims are pawns in a deplorable political game of ping-pong.

It does no-one any credit, neither the devolved Stormont administration nor the Government.

He urged Executive ministers and Mr Lewis to come up with a solution.

A compromise or temporary fix is urgently required until we can resolve all outstanding matters, he said.

We have already asked Mr Lewis for a meeting, which is now urgent. We will also lobby ministers to see what can be done to get payments to the people who need them and who, for far too long, have suffered in silence.

The Victims Payment Scheme was designed to compensate those severely injured in the Troubles.

Recipients are to get between 2,000 (2,245) and 10,000 (11,000) a year for the rest of their lives, with applications due to open in March.
A former civil servant has been given a record prison sentence of 43 years after admitting to having defamed the monarchy in Thailand.

On Tuesday, at the Bangkok Criminal Court, the woman, named Anchan, was sentenced for 29 counts of violating the countrys lese majeste law after sharing audio clips to Facebook and YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy, the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said.

The majeste law, more commonly known as Article 112, which forbids people from criticising the Thai monarchy is punishable by three to 15 years' imprisonment per count.

The woman, in her sixties, was handed 43 years and six months in prison - a sentence which had been reduced from 87 years after her guilty plea.

Her case dates back six years, when anti-establishment sentiment was growing after a 2014 military coup led by Prayuth, Commander of the Royal Thai Army. She was held in jail from January 2015 to November 2018.

A former civil servant, named Anchan (pictured), has been handed a record prison sentence of 43 years after pleading guilty to having defamed the monarchy in Thailand

The woman denied the charges when her case was first heard in military court, where lese majeste offenses were prosecuted for a period after the coup.

However, after her case was transferred to a criminal court, she pleaded guilty in the hope that leniency would be shown because she had only shared the audio rather than liking or commenting on any posts.

She said: 'I thought it was nothing. There were so many people who shared this content and listened to it. The guy (who made the content) had done it for so many years.

'So I didnt really think this through and was too confident and not being careful enough to realize at the time that it wasnt appropriate.'

Anchan had worked as a civil servant for 40 years and had been arrested just one year before she was due to retire, with a conviction meaning she would lose her pension.

After King Maha Vajralongkorn (pictured) took the throne in 2016 following his father's death, he informed the government that he did not wish to see the lese majeste law used. However, as the number of protests grew last year, and criticism of the monarchy got harsher, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned a line had been crossed and the law would be used

The sentence, which comes amid an ongoing protest movement that has seen unprecedented public criticism of the monarchy, was swiftly condemned by rights groups.

'Todays court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy wont be tolerated, but they will also be severely punished,' said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch.

Thailand's Article 112 is controversial not only because it can be used to punish acts as simple as liking a Facebook post but also because anyone can lodge a complaint of royal defamation, meaning the accused could be tied up in legal proceedings for years.

During Thailand's last 15 years of political unrest, the law has frequently been used as a political weapon as well as in personal vendettas. Actual public criticism of the monarchy, however, had until recently been extremely rare.

That changed during the past year, when young protesters calling for democratic reforms also issued calls for the reform of the monarchy, which has long been regarded as an almost sacred institution by many in Thailand.

The woman denied the charges when her case was first heard in military court, where lese majeste offenses were prosecuted for a period after the coup. However, after her case was transferred to a criminal court, she pleaded guilty in the hope that leniency would be shown because she had only shared audio rather than liking or commenting on any posts

The protesters have said the institution is unaccountable and holds too much power in what is supposed to be a democratic constitutional monarchy.

Authorities at first let much of the commentary and criticism go without charge, but since November has arrested around 50 people and charged them with lese majeste.

Sunai Phasuk said: 'It can be seen that Thai authorities are using lese majeste prosecution as their last resort measure in response to the youth-led democracy uprising that seeks to curb the kings powers and keep him within the bound of constitutional rule.

'Thailands political tensions will now go from bad to worse.'

After King Maha Vajralongkorn took the throne in 2016 following his father's death, he informed the government that he did not wish to see the lese majeste law used.

However, as the number of protests grew last year, and criticism of the monarchy got harsher, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned a line had been crossed and the law would be used.

The protest movement has lost steam since the arrests and new restrictions on public gatherings that followed a surge in coronavirus cases.

The previous longest lese majeste sentence was issued in 2017 to a 35-year-old man who posted social media posts deemed defamatory to the monarchy.

The salesman was initially sentenced to 70 years but had his sentence halved after pleading guilty.
Boohoo is facing a backlash for hosting an international suppliers conference at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The three-day gathering took place at a luxury hotel in Dubai last week, with suppliers told to bring products and fabrics to show the online fashion business's bosses.

Senior figures from Boohoo attended, including chief executive John Lyttle, after flying there by private jet.

Controversy: Umar Kamani and Arabic model girlfriend Nada Adelle were reportedly present at the event in a luxury hotel in Dubai

Umar Kamani, 32, the founder of Pretty Little Thing and son of Boohoo co-founder Mahmud Kamani, was reportedly present as well.

Boohoo last night insisted the event complied with Covid-19 rules but it appeared to fly in the face of Foreign Office guidance which advises against 'all but essential travel'.

Some guests are said to have mingled without masks during the event, including Lyttle.

A spokesman insisted that wearing a mask 'was compulsory during the meeting' but could not say whether their 53-year-old boss had observed the rules at all times.

Under Dubai's local Covid rules, people must wear masks in public places including inside hotels.

The event was said to have angered some suppliers, and some declined to attend. One said later they had been reluctant due to safety fears, but feared losing business if they did not go.

Boohoo is battling to draw a line under a sweatshop scandal after it emerged last year that workers making its clothes in a Leicester factory were paid as little as 3.50 an hour.

Glitzy: The invitation for event sent out to suppliers. Some guests are said to have mingled without masks, including Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle

Retired judge Sir Brian Leveson, who has been tasked with monitoring Boohoo's supply chain, warned that 13 of the company's suppliers did not have 'adequate Covid governance' in place.

The firm has been scrambling to reassure investors after a report last year detailed 'excessive' hours, life-threatening conditions and illegally low pay in some of its supplier factories.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, who represents North West Leicestershire, said Boohoo bosses 'should not be flying'.

He added: 'When you have a company like Boohoo, which has tolerated massive labour abuses in its supply chain, we shouldn't be surprised to also hear that it is not respecting the Covid guidelines as well.'

Last month, Mahmud Kamani insisted he had been 'shocked and appalled' by the factory revelations and pledged to make 'a better Boohoo'.

Mary Creagh, a professor at Cranfield University, Bedford, who campaigns for responsible business, said: 'Before Christmas, Boohoo's bosses were in the House of Commons talking about the steps they were taking to better protect people working for their suppliers and become a more responsible business.

'Once again they talk the good talk, but when it comes to being a responsible business, investors and the board still do not seem to be getting the change they were promised.'

Boohoo said: 'In line with government guidance, everyone that travelled received a negative Covid test before they left for Dubai.

'The measures that we have all become very accustomed to in the UK, wearing masks, using sanitiser, social distancing and frequent hand washing, were implemented throughout the meetings. It is totally inaccurate to suggest that any supplier was pressured to attend.

'A number of suppliers declined the invitation and their choice was entirely respected.'

DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuesday Morning ("Tuesday Morning" or the "Company") (OTC:TUEM) today announced the leadership transition following the Company's successful reorganization completed in late December. Mr. Becker will serve in his current capacity as Chief Executive Officer and Director until a successor has been named to ensure a seamless transition. The Board and Mr. Becker are united in their commitment to the Company's future success as a leader in the off-price sector. To reflect that commitment, the Board is commencing a search process to identify the Company's next CEO, retaining a leading executive search firm to assist in a thorough search process.

"I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished during my five years as CEO," said Mr. Becker. "Most recently we successfully completed our financial and operational reorganization and have emerged as a stronger company. Tuesday Morning is poised for a bright future in the off-price home goods market and is well-positioned to continue serving our valued customers and business partners. I look forward to working closely with the Board and my successor to ensure a seamless transition."

Sherry M. Smith, Chairperson of the Board, said, "Steven has successfully navigated the Company through a very challenging year. As we enter our next phase of growth, Steven and the Board believe that it is the right time to transition leadership. We appreciate Steven's commitment to lead the Company and continued support to facilitate an orderly transition as the Board conducts a comprehensive search for the Company's next CEO."

Recent Board Appointments

As previously disclosed in a Form 8-K filing on December 23, 2020, Tuesday Morning announced new Board memberships following its emergence from Chapter 11 through the appointment of four new directors.

Effective December 31, 2020, Anthony F. Crudele, Douglas J. Dossey, W. Paul Jones, and John H. Lewis were appointed to Tuesday Morning's Board. The four new directors have joined continuing directors Steven Becker, Frank Hamlin, Reuben Slone, Sherry M. Smith and Richard Willis.

Also effective December 31, 2020, Terry Burman, James T. Corcoran and Barry S. Gluck retired from the Board. The Company appreciates their valuable service to the organization.

Additionally, Sherry M. Smith has been named Chairperson of the Board. Ms. Smith has served on Tuesday Morning's Board since April 2014 and brings extensive leadership expertise from her career as a corporate executive and public company director.

About Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Morning Corporation is one of the original off-price retailers specializing in name-brand, high-quality products for the home, including upscale home textiles, home furnishings, housewares, gourmet food, toys and seasonal decor, at prices generally below those found in boutique, specialty and department stores, catalogs and on-line retailers. Based in Dallas, Texas, the Company opened its first store in 1974 and currently operates 490 stores in 40 states. More information and a list of store locations may be found on the Company's website at www.tuesdaymorning.com.

Media Contact:

Edelman on behalf of Tuesday Morning

[email protected]

SOURCE Tuesday Morning Corporation

Related Links

https://www.tuesdaymorning.com


Subscriber content preview

U.S. investors will have to divest their stakes in the companies by November.



By ZEN SOO

AP Technology Writer

HONG KONG  The U.S. government has blacklisted Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp. and China's third-largest national oil company for alleged military links, heaping pressure on Beijing in President Donald Trump's last week in office.

The Department of Defense added nine companies to its list of Chinese firms with military links, including Xiaomi and state-owned plane manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (Comac).





. . .
Medtecs has long been committed to disaster relief and cross-border charitable activities. Since the outbreak of the pandemic last year (2020), Medtecs has spared no effort to actively participate in relief efforts overseas. It has donated isolation gowns, coveralls, shoe covers, masks and other pandemic prevention supplies to Italy, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Cambodia, to just name a few. This year (2021), in the spirit of safeguarding the health of all, Medtecs will continue to use its brand influence and resources to assist countries around the world to contain the spread of the coronavirus, with focuses on supporting countries in European and American regions that have been the hardest hit. In addition, in response to the surge in global demand for PPE following the COVID-19 outbreak, Medtecs has expanded its production capacity to the United States, set up additional logistics and warehousing centers in different regions, continuously optimized production and distribution channels, and launched the "Medtecs Express" service, to help in the global fight against the pandemic.

Medtecs Donates Millions of Facemasks to France, and is Looking Forward to Working Together with Other Countries to Fight the Pandemic

The 2021 New Year has just begun, and the pandemic shows no signs of abating. The number of confirmed cases and deaths around the world is still soaring day by day, putting incredible strain on medical systems in many countries, leading to common problems such as lack of hospital beds, necessary medical supplies and medical staff. In response, with more than 30 years of experience in the manufacturing of high-quality medical consumables, Medtecs has implemented the business model of "sustainability first". To meed demand surge, Medtecs has ramped up its monthly production capacity to 70 million pieces through vertical integration and cooperation with upstream vendors. Medtecs provided masks, protective clothing and other medical consumables to Taiwanese authorities in the early stages of the coronavirus crisis to ensure sufficient supply in Taiwan's emergency PPE stockpile. At the same time, Medtecs also provided support to other countries by donating millions of masks and isolation gowns, coveralls, shoe covers and other pandemic prevention supplies to America, Italy, Germany and other countries seriously impacted by the outbreak. In December 2020, Medtecs donated 1 million masks to the French Red Cross, hoping that this donation will help as many front-line medical staff from French medical institutions as possible. Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave, on behalf of the French Government, expressed sincere gratitude to Medtecs for its kindness shown and also for being a steadfast global partner in the fight against the pandemic.

Medtecs Set Up Distribution Centers in Europe, Asia and America and Collaborates with DHL and FedEx to Offer Fast Delivery of Essential PPE

Mask Factories Established in America to Provide Fast Delivery of Quality Products, and the Medtecs Express Service Launched to Serve the Global Community

After 30 years, Medtecs has become an industry leader as one of the largest global PPE suppliers. The Group has upgraded its warehousing and logistics management, expanded production lines and sales channels to respond to the global paradigm shift in terms of supply chain management and disaster preparedness. Part of this process saw Medtecs establish its first mask manufacturing facility in the United States with a monthly output of up to 6 million pieces, set up additional distribution centers in Europe and other regions to improve local supply efficiency, collaborate with DHL and FedEx to reach more customers and end-users, and launch the Medtecs Express service by which customers can order facemasks and other essential disease-prevention supplies online and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps from Medtecs's distribution centers in no time.

About Medtecs

Medtecs International Corporation Limited ("Medtecs", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is the world's leading supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a trusted multi-national PPE stockpiling solutions provider to governments and group purchasing organizations around the world.

The Group commenced operations in 1989 and has since established a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Medtecs was incorporated in Bermuda in 1997 and currently is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

Medtecs has offices and facilities strategically located in Taiwan, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore and China. In 2020, the Group incorporated Medtecs USA Corporation, it's first subsidiary in the United States, for expansion into the local PPE and medical consumables market.

Medtecs is dual-listed in Singapore and Taiwan. For more information, please visit: http://www.medtecs.com/en/

SOURCE Medtecs International Corporation Limited

Related Links

http://www.medtecs.com


BARCELONAOnline ad placement company ExoClick has introduced a set of new minimum bid prices across all ad formats and tiers for both desktop and mobile in US dollars and Euros.

The following minimum bid prices are now in effect:

Video formats In-stream and Slider:

Tier 1 : 0.1 CPM / 0.01 CPC

Tier 2: 0.05 CPM / 0.01 CPC

Tier 3: 0.01 CPM / 0.01 CPC

Native - Banner - Instant Message:

Tier 1: 0.01 CPM / 0.01 CPC

Tier 2: 0.005 CPM / 0.005 CPC

Tier 3: 0.001 CPM / 0.001 CPC

Popunder

Tier 1: 0.5 CPM

Tier 2: 0.3 CPM

Tier 3: 0.1 CPM

Fullpage Interstitial

Tier 1: 0.5 CPM / 0.05 CPC

Tier 2: 0.3 CPM / 0.03 CPC

Tier 3: 0.1 CPM / 0.01 CPC

Note: The minimum prices are not available for Members Area ad zones.

ExoClicks Sales and Ad Operations Director Evan Zirdelis explained, These new low bid prices will run from now on across ExoClicks network. They are a great opportunity for advertisers to experiment and test out campaigns, ensuring a wide range of data is collected for campaign optimization. Running new low bidding RON campaigns will help advertisers discover new ad zones to target. Additionally, advertisers should set up new campaigns with the ExoClick Bidder which will adjust each ad zone according to the CPA goal they set. Our new low bid prices are the perfect way to launch campaigns with minimum risk.
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.
Malin Andersson has reflected on her struggle after losing her daughter Consy two years ago, saying 'even the most painful moments are here to make you a warrior.'

Consy tragically died following complications from being born premature, and the former Love Island star, 28, shared a photo when she was pregnant with a trigger warning as she discussed enduring 'heartache after heartache' on Tuesday.

Alongside the photo, she wrote: 'TRIGGER  And NOBODY prepared her for the next few years of her life. Nobody told her what her future would entail.

'Even the most painful moments are here to make you a warrior': On Tuesday, Malin Andersson shared a pregnancy photo and reflected on her struggles after losing daughter Consy

'For the bubble post Love Island would fade, her mum would pass, she would become pregnant and endure heartache after heartache... and eventually... just eventually - that strong soul which was always inside her, would be the thing to make her shine brighter than she had ever shone before.

'All it took was for her to be laid bare & to finally be her authentic self.'

Malin went on: 'Sometimes we are cracked open so heavily that we have no choice but to surrender and allow in the light to overcome the darkness.

'When I look back at this photo - I was in the unknown, not aware of more heartache and pain lying ahead.

Tragic: Consy tragically died following complications from being born premature, and Malin discussed enduring 'heartache after heartache' since the picture she shared

'We presume things will always be ok, and we take things for granted. We think that life HAS to work out in the way we want it to - whether its good for us or not.

'I know the reasonings of why certain things have happened, and now I can see it clearer then day. For what I wanted then, wasnt what I needed.'

Sharing how she hoped talking about her experiences would help others, she went on: 'The path set out for me was something I couldnt see.. but - writing this for you all - I want to give you hope.'

'Hope that the journey life takes us on brings you more clarity, and if you cant see it now; that you certainly will see it.

Honest: Adding a trigger warning, Malin admitted: 'Sometimes we are cracked open so heavily that we have no choice but to surrender and allow in the light to overcome the darkness'

'We arent meant to know everything, and we definitely dont have control over every aspect of life as much as we want to.

'Let go, surrender to the universe and trust. Have faith knowing that even the most painful moments are here to make you a warrior in the long run.'

She added: 'Lockdown has been difficult for me too.. it allows me to be still with my mind - but the un-comfort in that brings me closer to healing.

'All our journeys will lead us to places we would never expect... Be uncomfortable to be comfortable @sandscharity'

Reflection: Speaking about her loss, Malin went on: 'Have faith knowing that even the most painful moments are here to make you a warrior in the long run'

Candid: Sharing how she hoped talking about her experiences could help others, she said: 'We arent meant to know everything, and we definitely dont have control over every aspect of life'

The past few years have been incredibly tough for Malin, and earlier this month her violent ex was freed from prison following an attack in which he broke her hand, leaving the Love Islander to up the security on her London home.

Tom Kemp, 28, Consy's father, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court in September after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star 'black and blue'.

The Sun reported that he has served three months of a ten month sentence and will serve the remaining seven months of his term on Home Detention Curfew.

Malin previously accused her 'narcissistic' ex Kemp of being abusive in Instagram posts last year and shared pictures of herself with a cut cheek and bloodied nose.

Sentenced: The past few years have been incredibly tough for Malin, and earlier this month her violent ex Tom Kemp was freed from prison following an attack in which he broke her hand (pictured together in April 2019)

But Kemp, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, denied the claims at the time, branding her a 'liar with mental health issues'.

Following the news of Tom's release and before Tier 4 was introduced across huge parts of England, Malin took to Instagram Stories and said she was jetting to Dubai for Christmas because it's 'so depressing here,' and said 'that's all I've got to say.'

Malin and Kemp had an on-off romance, splitting briefly during her pregnancy, amid claims Kemp had been unfaithful to her, but reconciling shortly before the birth.

Their baby daughter Consy was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was being treated at Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away aged four weeks on 22 January, 2019.

In March they split again, with Malin admitting it was better to end things between them as she and her partner struggled with their grief.

In October, Malin told how she believes the physical abuse Tom subjected her to while she was pregnant was a factor behind her daughter's death at just one month old.

She revealed Kemp 'slapped and punched' her while she was six months pregnant, causing her to fall on her back and her stomach to hit the side of a bed.

Speaking to The Sun, Malin said she is convinced the incident contributed to Consy's death as after a few days, she noticed she wasn't moving around as much.

Horrific: Malin previously shared pictures of her injuries on social media, which included a broken hand, a bloodied nose and a bruised cheek

A month later, the movements reduced again and Malin insisted Kemp drive her to the hospital where doctors discovered Consy's irregular heartbeat, leading her to have an emergency cesarean that day at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

She said: 'When Tom threw me about, I'd tense my stomach so much, I could feel her pausing inside me. The doctors didnt understand what happened to her, but I know in my heart.'

In June last year, Malin posted a lengthy Instagram post, captioned: 'The third and final lot, I am NOT a victim anymore.'

Calling their romance 'toxic and unhealthy', she said 'it has been an ongoing battle to emotionally let go as dealing with the grief from both my mum and daughter I've had him as my comforter.'

Injuries: Tom also left Malin with broken bones and bruises in a violent tirade

Accusing Kemp of emotional and physical abuse she said: 'Including being spat at, hit, pushed, kicked, scratched, spoken down to, controlled, manipulated, cheated and so much more I experienced the worst pain yet to come last night.'

Malin claimed she had received a phone call from a woman asking why the star had been texting her 'boyfriend.'

She wrote: 'After a calm and collected call with her we had finally came to the confirmation they have been speaking since January (when our daughter was in intensive care).'

'While I've been focusing on my mental health I've been receiving multiple emails, calls, texts from one extreme to the other (I'm a bad mum, my mum hates me I'm going to hell to the extreme of I love you I can't be without you etc.

'This ladies is a fine example of a narcissistic man. I will NOT be another victim to domestic violence, I will not be beaten mentally or physically when I've fought through so much worse than this.

Adding that she was 'exhausted, heartbroken and confused' she urged her followers to 'listen to your gut and learn to love yourself.'

Malin then told MailOnline: 'Tom is clearly embarrassed about his behaviour and will say anything he can to defend himself.

Shocking: In June last year, Malin said 'it has been an ongoing battle to emotionally let go as dealing with the grief from both my mum and daughter I've had him as my comforter'

'I dont want to get into a slanging match with him, I know the truth as do his family (who coincidentally are supporting me), but I share everything with my followers, the good, bad and ugly.

'I have gone through some of the worst pain imaginable over the past couple of years and if me speaking out and showing my strength can help even one person in a similar situation and encourage them to leave an unhealthy relationship then its worth any negative things he has to say about me. I will not be mistreated any longer.'

Malin also discussed the long-lasting effects she had suffered as part of her abusive relationship, revealing that she now suffers sleepless nights due to the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) she deals with following the abuse.

She said that as well as the physically violence, Tom mentally abused and manipulated and her ex would say things about her late daughter and mother.

Describing her ordeal to the Sun, Malin said: 'You just feel helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, depression, anxiety.

'The emotional abuse stays with you a lot longer than the physical. It takes a long, long time to heal. 'It's horrible because it's almost like you're in a prison.'

Claim: Malin posted a lengthy Instagram post last year, captioned: 'The third and final lot, I am NOT a victim anymore'

Trying to help: Malin said: 'If me speaking out and showing my strength can help even one person in a similar situation... then its worth any negative things'

Malin's daughter died a year after she lost her mother Consy-Gloria to stomach cancer.

The reality personality says her abuser would even say things about them to her following her tragic loss, as he aimed to get to her 'where it hurt'.

She explained: 'You don't have any worth, you doubt yourself, you second-guess everything, you become apologetic and confused. You almost feel like you're losing your mind'

Malin said that in the early days of their relationship he would lavish her with gifts and compliments, but his personality soon switched and he would throw things that were in his hands, such as a bottle of water, out of anger.

However she added that she would end up feeling sorry for him after he began crying and apologising for his actions.

Speaking after Kemp's conviction in September, a friend of Malin had told The Mirror: 'Her nightmare is over at last.'

The star told a friend that she 'couldn't move for about two weeks' after the attack, and Malin herself told The Sun: 'You just feel helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, depression, anxiety.

'The emotional abuse stays with you a lot longer than the physical. It takes a long, long time to heal.'

Anyone affected by the death of a baby who wants to talk about their experience can call Sands on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call Refuge's freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247
CARROLLTON, Texas, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FASTSIGNS International, Inc. , franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 for the fifth consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks FASTSIGNS as #44 overall  the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100  for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

"We are incredibly proud to once again be the #1 franchise opportunity in the sign, graphics, and visual communications sector. After such an unprecedented year with so much uncertainty, our business model continued to show its resiliency and FASTSIGNS emerged strong and poised for growth in 2021," said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "This recognition is proof of our outstanding international network of franchisees and their commitment to serving their communities as well as our exceptional franchise support team that worked around the clock to help the system succeed."

Fastsigns Holdings Inc., parent company of FASTSIGNS, reported a strong year of growth amid the pandemic, most notably making its first acquisition with the addition of NerdsToGo , an emerging IT services brand, to its portfolio. Additionally, FASTSIGNS signed 31 franchise agreements to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers worldwide and the opening of 30 locations, including the brand's first center in the Dominican Republic. Much of FASTSIGNS' success in 2020 can be credited to centers being deemed essential businesses, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to focus on what matters most  serving their customers.

This year, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. aims to sell 30 NerdsToGo franchises nationwide as part of its plans to grow the brand's presence in new and existing markets. FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign at least 35 franchise agreements across the U.S. in markets such as Southern California, the Midwest, New England, and along the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS is particularly focusing on its co-brand and conversion programs, which helps existing business owners add a FASTSIGNS to their store or fully convert their business to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for signs, graphics, and visual communications. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

"I spent over 30 years as the owner of an independent sign shop before converting my business into a FASTSIGNS franchise in 2016," said Jeffrey Chudoff, a FASTSIGNS franchisee in Maple Shade, New Jersey. "I could not imagine what it would have been like to operate during the pandemic without the support of FASTSIGNS and our network of franchisees. While so many small businesses struggled or closed their doors permanently, we exceeded $1 million in revenue for the first time. I was truly in business for myself, but not by myself."

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brand's online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity.

FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee  a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times' annual Top 200+ list, Franchise Gator recognized the brand as one of its Top 100 Franchises of 2020, Franchise Direct named FASTSIGNS one of the Top 100 Global Franchises, and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans. In 2019, the brand was named to America's Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the "Best of the Best" for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as one of its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees' Choice for eight consecutive years.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ( [email protected] or 214-346-5679).

About FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 740 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in 8 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touchpoints.

In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC the parent company of NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand. Learn more about sign and graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com . Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns , Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS . For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ( [email protected] or call 214.346.5679).

Contact:

Chelsea Bear

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fastsigns.com



Eastons new choice for fire chief brings nearly 40 years of firefighting experience to the job, as well as an eye toward moving the department forward.

Henry Hennings has been acting fire chief since last July, when he took on the role to succeed former Chief Mike Krill upon Krills retirement. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and city Administrator Luis Campos announced Hennings appointment Tuesday, subject to city council confirmation Jan. 27.

I am looking forward to working with the administration and the firefighters union to better the department, Hennings said in a news release on his promotion.

Hennings, 56, joined the all-professional Easton Fire Department as a firefighter in 2004, coming from the Philadelphia Fire Department where he was a firefighter/EMT. He rose through the ranks in Easton to lieutenant and captain before being named deputy chief/fire marshal and served as the citys emergency management coordinator.

He has also worked as a medical intensive care unit paramedic in Upper Merion Township, Lancaster and Bangor, according to the citys release. He got his start as a fire protection specialist and EMT with the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 88 and has been a Pennsylvania-certified EMT Paramedic since 1992. His certifications include fire instructor and fire investigator, and he belongs to the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Arson Investigators and Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators.

Henry Hennings, Eastons acting fire chief since the summer of 2020, is named fire chief Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, by Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and city Administrator Luis Campos, during a news conference in City Hall.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Hennings plans as chief include bringing the department up to full strength, which includes 45 firefighters and line officers, plus the deputy chief and chief.

Easton is proud of our full-time professional fire department, and Henry will bring the leadership needed to continue the professionalism of the department, stated Panto.

Panto noted that hiring is a lengthy process for both the city fire and police departments, beginning with a background check and training: So its really not until the year after we hire them that theyre really members of whether it be the fire or the police departments.

Hennings also proposes a comprehensive study for apparatus and facilities, updates to software technology to improve efficiency, pursuing grants and other alternative funding and continuing the comprehensive risk analysis that Krill submitted prior to his departure.

Campos said the city will be leaning on Hennings to boost efficiency and productivity in the fire department, including through an evaluation of the departments capital assets like its fleet and fire stations.

In terms of productivity the chief has an aggressive plan to have the department serve in ways that are not just the traditional responding to fire type of services, Campos said.

Panto acknowledged that improvements to the department will need to take the coronavirus pandemic into consideration, and its effects on city finances. Easton had to close a $5.5 million budget gap last year resulting from the pandemic, which cut revenue from sources like Wind Creek Casino and city parking fees from over $1 million each to the neighborhood of $300,000-$350,000.

We know that the fire department has a number of capital needs both in the apparatus and in facilities and for some reason it keeps getting put off further and further, Panto said. We need to take action and really do something about that and thats our intent.

Eastons fire chief is budgeted this year to receive a salary of $105,261.

The appointment comes as the city last month shored up its contract with the firefighters union, Local No. 713 of the International Association of Fire Firefighters, that runs from Jan. 1 of this year through 2024.

The contract includes no raise for 2021 but wage increases of 4% in 2022, 3.75% in 2023 and 3.5% in 2024. Base pay is set to increase from $37,750 for a Recruit I and $53,929 for a first-year firefighter on through $85,694 for a captain in 2021 to, in 2024, $42,158 for the bottom-rung recruit, $60,226 for a new firefighter and $95,700 for a captain.

The chief and deputy chief are not covered by the contract.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
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 - Canada won't stop trying to convince Joe Biden of the merits of Keystone XL, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted Tuesday, despite reports the U.S. president-elect appears poised to sign the pipeline project's death warrant.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provides an update on the COVID-19 pandemic from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

WASHINGTON - Canada won't stop trying to convince Joe Biden of the merits of Keystone XL, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted Tuesday, despite reports the U.S. president-elect appears poised to sign the pipeline project's death warrant.

Trudeau shrugged off media reports that Biden intends to revoke the cross-border project's presidential permit as early as Wednesday, the day he takes the oath of office and moves into the White House.

But even the prime minister's full-throated defence of the controversial US$8-billion effort to ferry Alberta bitumen to U.S. refineries betrayed a note of resignation, focused less on what he intended to do than what he'd done already.

He'd been singing the praises of Keystone XL for more than seven years, Trudeau said, including in a congratulatory phone call with Biden in the days immediately after his election win in November.

He said it would be Kirsten Hillman, Canada's envoy in Washington, who would be making Ottawa's case with what he described as the "highest levels" of the Biden team.

And he acknowledged the elephant in the room: that Biden's campaign team promised back in May that it would do precisely what transition documents reviewed by The Canadian Press suggest will happen Wednesday.

"We understand, of course, that it is a commitment that  the candidate Joe Biden made to cancel this pipeline," Trudeau said.

"At the same time, we continue to demonstrate the leadership that Canada has shown on fighting climate change and on ensuring energy security as a priority for North America."

Advocates for the project, however, are clinging to hope that the ensuing outcry  the Alberta government is already threatening legal action  will prompt the Biden team to give them a chance to change the president-elect's mind.

Canada has known ever since May "that we would have to work very hard to make our case for this project," Hillman said in an interview Tuesday when asked about reports of the project's imminent demise.

"I actually see it as something that has been ongoing for a long time. And I'll be honest, it's still ongoing," she said.

"We're continuing to have these conversations, regardless of what is out there in the press, and we are still having conversations with people within the Biden team about this, even today."

Trudeau spoke with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney Tuesday about Keystone XL.

A readout out from the prime minister's office says Trudeau told Kenney that Canada has made the case for the project, including recently to president-elect Biden.

The Prime Minister said that workers in Alberta and across Canada will always have the governments support.

"The Prime Minister looked forward to working with the incoming administration of president-elect Biden to fight climate change, protect jobs and grow the economy."

Kenney issued his own statement, saying he thanked the Prime Minister for his governments continued support for the project.

He said he urged the federal government to do everything possible to convey a clear message to president-elect Biden that rescinding the Keystone XL border crossing permit would damage the Canada-US bilateral relationship.

The public relations campaign also continued Tuesday as a D.C.-based strategic communications firm hired by the Alberta government released details of a recent poll aimed at gauging public attitudes toward Keystone XL in the U.S.

The online poll by JDA Frontline Partners was conducted among 1,400 respondents over a 10-day period that ended Monday. It suggests nearly half of those surveyed supported the project, while 24 per cent opposed it and 25 per cent said they didn't know.

The poll also suggests that compared to high-priority issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the U.S. economy, the question of Keystone XL's potential effect on climate change did not rank very high.

"Voters don't think it's an urgent thing," said pollster Matt George. "And in terms of potential impact, voters don't think that rescinding that permit will have a major impact on addressing climate change."

Indeed, when informed construction on the pipeline had already begun and crossed into the U.S., nearly three-quarters of respondents  71 per cent  said it should be completed.

Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population.

The politically fraught project, originally proposed in 2008, aims to deliver more than 800,000 additional barrels a day of diluted bitumen from the Alberta oilsands to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

It has long been a linchpin in Canada's strategy for boosting fossil-fuel exports by delivering Alberta's landlocked underground energy resources to tidewater.

At the same time, it has become a lightning rod for partisan and public discord in both countries as debate continues to escalate over climate change, economic growth and society's long-standing dependence on fossil fuels.

As a result, it never found favour among the Democrats in Barack Obama's White House, which included Biden as vice-president. That administration slow-walked the approval process for the better part of eight years, much to the frustration of then-prime minister Stephen Harper, before outright rejecting it in 2015.

Trudeau's newly elected government didn't seem especially upset, said Conservative MP Michael Chong, the party's foreign affairs critic, noting Obama hosted a state dinner at the White House in Trudeau's honour five months after that November 2015 decision.

"When that dinner took place, there was lots of talk of bromance in the air, and lots of smiles all around, but very little discussion about the decision to abort the decision on Keystone XL," Chong said in an interview.

"I think the present decision is just a continuation of what happened in November of 2015."

Canada's pitch to the Biden team has for months framed Keystone XL as a vastly different, more environmentally friendly project than the original. And TC Energy Corp. plans to spend US$1.7 billion on a solar, wind and battery-powered operating system for the pipeline to ensure it achieves net-zero emissions by 2030.

It has also included the idea of talking about energy exports and climate change as part of a shared North American strategy, a proposal federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson repeated during an online panel discussion Tuesday.

"Canadian energy opportunities with the United States are bigger than any one project," Wilkinson said.

"It's important, not just for Canada but for the United States as well, to be thinking about how the continued use of fossil fuels in combustion fits in the context of a broader climate plan."

As for the question of whether an early Keystone XL decision by the Biden White House would put the Canada-U. S. relationship on an awkward footing, Hillman sounded unconcerned.

"It's important for us to be able to have a robust and mature relationship with the United States," she said.

"A robust, mature, and close relationship is one where you can have disagreements, and you can have them in the strongest possible terms, and you can move on, and not let those disagreements derail the entire relationship."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2021.
The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

The FBI is issuing new security warnings ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, citing potential armed protests in state capitals nationwide. Meanwhile, Congress is considering proposals to establish a national bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Patsy Widakuswara has this report. VOA Khmer's Sopheada Phy narrates.
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, three days after county commissioners met in person for their weekly meeting.

Calvert said Monday that he notified the other members of Commissioners Court, who have since undergone testing that has come back with negative results. During the courts weekly meetings, all officials wear masks and sit more than 6 feet apart.

They were all very kind in offering their help, Calvert said of his colleagues.

Although Calvert cant be sure of the source of his infection because the virus has spread so rampantly across San Antonio, he believes that he was exposed to the virus by a friend on Jan. 1. When he found out that hed been exposed, he got tested on Jan. 6, which was negative.

It wasnt until he was cooking butter basil shrimp for his dinner Thursday night that he realized hed lost his sense of taste.

I thought, Well, I haven't cooked this for a while, but I didnt think my food would be so bland, Calvert said.

So you know those popcorn things with three types of popcorn? I went over and tasted the caramel popcorn  I couldnt taste the caramel popcorn. Then tasted the cheddar  I couldnt taste the cheddar popcorn either, Calvert said. I couldnt taste the chocolate pecans and I thought, Oh, God. I might have COVID.

Calvert said his only symptoms so far are a runny nose, minor congestion and a feeling of pressure in his head. He said Monday he believes he is past the worst of it.
Clearing the air. David Sutcliffe denied any participation in the violent march on the U.S. Capitol, protesting President Donald Trumps loss to President-elect Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Read article

There are rumors circulating that I stormed the capital



, Sutcliffe, 51, tweeted on Saturday, January 16, after some fans speculated that he was on-site during the event that led to five deaths earlier this month. Not true.

The Gilmore Girls alum, who played Lorelais (Lauren Graham) ex and Rorys (Alexis Bledel) father, also retweeted a video of one of the participants smoking weed in the Washington D.C. government building, seemingly showing his support of the men and women who broke windows and doors to access the building where members of the House and Senate were meeting.

Broadimage/Shutterstock

Though I would have been proud to share a smoke with this great Patriot! he added.

Sutcliffes comments, which came 10 days after demonstrators attacked the Capitol, caused some fans to turn against him for allegedly backing the rally.

No wonder I didnt like you in Gilmore Girls it all makes sense, one user commented.

Read article

A second person wrote, I always liked Luke better, referencing Scott Pattersons character, Luke Danes, on the WB show.

Another user questioned whether the Canadian actor was joking. Guys  is it possible hes kidding? I literally saw this days ago and laughed and moved on thinking it was an actual joke, the person tweeted. I feel like hes sitting at home laughing  watching the outrage. If its not a joke then  Im concerned. And sad. And worried.

Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock

Sutcliffes tweets are not the only ones on social media that fans had an issue with following the demonstration.

After Bachelorette alum James Taylor tweeted about attending the march on the Capitol, creator Mike Fleiss revealed he was no longer welcome in Bachelor Nation.

Whoever that former cast member/idiot jerkoff is that went to Trumps treasonous rally, got a message for ya  You are officially exiled from #BachelorNation!!! Fleiss, 56, wrote on Twitter earlier this month.

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, for her part, called for more change within the franchise after seeing that Taylor, 33, was in Washington D.C.

Reason #4853569536 we have to do better with casting, the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, 35, host replied to Fleiss.

Taylor, who competed on JoJo Fletchers season of the dating series, previously claimed to have support from ABC and Bachelor Nation after the rally.

Read article

Big thanks to #TheBachelor family for supporting me during this time  from top to bottom, he tweeted on January 11. Conservative producers are the best!!

He added: Thank you @ABCNetwork @ABC & @BachelorABC for having my back while I legally supported our President.

A source, however, told Us Weekly that Taylors claims of support from the network are unequivocally false.
The family of Ian Ogle say love will triumph over a hate campaign thats been running two years after he was murdered.

As the second anniversary of the brutal murder approaches, we speak to the three main women in Ians life, his mum, his wife and his daughter.

During our time together the brave trio  who continue to fight for justice for Ian  shed tears as well as laughter as they swap stories about the popular loyalist community worker.

The word love is mentioned repeatedly and their love for Ian makes them a formidable team who support each other and drive for justice.

Expand Close Ians wife Vera (right) and mother Margaret are still seeking justice two years on from the murder / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ians wife Vera (right) and mother Margaret are still seeking justice two years on from the murder

Ians 65-year-old mum Margaret has fire in her belly but is still full of tears over the memories too.

Im not with Ians dad anymore but we are still friends and we made Ian with love, he didnt just drop from the sky, says Margaret.

He was created through love and love is what filled this family and love is what everyone had for Ian.

The way he was taken from this earth from us couldnt have been any further from love.

But we still have love and they can do whatever they want to try and bring us down but well still be standing here.

Savagely

Ians partner of 30 years Vera recalls the couples first dates back when they were just 16-years-old and how Ian thought his own jokes were hilarious.

While his daughter bears the brunt of the abuse but refuses to take a step back despite her family worrying she could be murdered herself.

Ian Ogle was murdered on January 27, 2019 just yards away from his Cluan Place home.

He was stabbed and beaten in the street minutes after praying with a pastor.

In the aftermath of the shocking murder the family were overwhelmed by support from the community.

Those responsible came under pressure after the killing from within the wider community of east Belfast.

But Toni Ogle-Johnston, Ians outspoken daughter who once faced down those responsible, says two years on little has changed.

Expand Close Ian Ogle's daugher Toni Ogle-Johnston / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ian Ogle's daugher Toni Ogle-Johnston

When they condemned the murder of my dad the whole community was behind us and we felt it might bring real change, she tells us just yards from the spot where he was savagely attacked. But as time has gone on there are elements of the community who have not only turned their back  theyve actively campaigned against us.

From out-and-out threats on social media to graffiti calling me a coke-sniffing whore to quietly going round warning groups and businesses not to support the Justice for Ian campaign.

Weve had bands cancel on us, DJs who said theyd been told not to play any of our events and even a business who said theyd been told not make a mural for us.

We have found out who our real friends our, thats for sure. Some people turned their back on us while many are too scared to support us publicly but we still get lots of support from the community even if many come up to us quietly to tell us.

Graffiti supporting the Ogles campaign surfaced round east Belfast this week but was removed almost as swiftly  an attempt to literally whitewash history.

Scheme

Toni says its time for east Belfast to change and move forward and says despite all the heartache and the threats shes seen green shoots of hope in the community.

Since dad was killed we have seen people standing up to the bullies more than they would have in the past, says Toni.

Ians wife Vera Johnston says she met Ian 30 years ago when they both 16-year-olds taking part on the government YTP work scheme.

Expand Close Ian Ogle's wife Vera / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ian Ogle's wife Vera

I remember sitting in the computer room in Castlereagh Tech and Ian was sitting outside watching me and the tutor saying to me, I think hes after you, says the mum-of-two.

Wed already been out on our first date by then but Ian was sitting there because he was really shy!

Like most people back then we got together when his mates asked my mates if Id go out with him.

Ian was the perfect boyfriend and used to buy me a gravy chip every weekend when we got out 29.50 from the YTP.

He was always joking, he thought he was hilarious but his jokes were terrible. He used to work as a doorman and youd worry about him getting home safely. Hed always say the women fighting were worse than the men!

Vera says she still dreams about Ian and hasnt been able to move on since his murder.

I miss everything about him, I still dream about him regularly and every morning I sit for a moment and then remember hes gone, its like punch in the gut every time.

Ian did so much to look after me because I have fibromyalgia. He looked after me so well. He was my hot water blanket at night. I used to send him up to bed before me to get the bed warm.

Coped

Now I wake up alone every day and things are just much tougher without him. I still think hes going to walk down the stairs. It still doesnt seem real.

He always said to me hed better go before me because he said he couldnt have coped without me. Im not doing much better.

Five people stand accused of murdering Ian Ogle but Covid-19 has stunted an already painfully slow court process and no date has been set for any trial.

And while his mum wants nothing more than justice, shes fully aware her family will still be the losers in all of this.

Nothing has changed really, says Margaret fighting back tears. Ian is still six feet under in Roselawn, he didnt get to enjoy Christmas, he didnt get to see the new year.

Im hoping and praying that we get justice and if we dont, Ill be the first to start campaigning for it again.

I feel guilty because I live out in Holywood and the rest of the family in east Belfast have been tortured since the murder.




In the early months of the pandemic, a mutation arose in a lineage that then became dominant across much of the world. Known as D614G, the mutation is now believed to make the virus more easily transmitted from person to person, compared with variants without it.

In December, researchers in Britain found B.1.1.7, which is about 50 percent more transmissible than previous versions of the virus. The variant is a driving factor in the surge of cases and hospitalizations there now.

B.1.1.7 was in the United States in early November, according to a study posted online Tuesday by University of Arizona biologists Brendan Larsen and Michael Worobey. That would mean the variant had been circulating for two months before being detected.

In California, researchers looking for B.1.1.7 began noticing an unusual mutation in their samples. The mutation, called L452R, alters the shape of a protein, called spike, which decorates the surface of the coronavirus.

We stumbled on this really unexpected finding and went with it from there, Dr. Vail said.

The mutation has popped up in different viral lineages over the past year. Scientists have studied L452R because it might help coronaviruses stick to our cells and infect them.

In California, Dr. Vail, Dr. Plummer and their colleagues found that whenever they came across a variant with the L452 mutation, it also carried four other distinctive mutations. That combination, they said, indicated that they were dealing with a single lineage that had emerged at some point in California. The researchers named any virus carrying all five mutations CAL.20C.

The California Department of Health held a news conference Sunday night to announce that the L452 mutation was becoming more common in California. On Monday night, Cedars-Sinai issued a news release about its study, which will soon be posted on the preprint website MedRxiv.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Dr. Manalo Joins Mercy Health

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Dr. Rosabel Manalo has joined Mercy Health  Paducah Family Medicine.Dr. Manalo is a primary care physician who earned her medical degree at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. She completed family practice residencies at Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital, Cayce Medical and Dental Center, and Meharry Ambulatory Care Center, all in Nashville, TN. Additionally, she completed a residency at Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN. Dr. Manalo is certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians. She brings to Mercy Health more than 30 years of health care experience.For appointments, Mercy Health  Paducah Family Medicine can be reached by calling 270-538-5596. For a complete online medical directory, visit mercy.com.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 number of female paedophiles has almost doubled in four years as experts warn there is a 'lack of understanding' surrounding the abuse.

While the majority of convicted paedophiles in the UK are men, there were at least 2,297 reported cases of children being abused by women in England and Wales from 2015 and 2019, according to police figures.

The shocking figure marks an 84% increase in female perpetrated child sexual abuse, from 1,249 cases in 2015 to 2,297 four years later, a Freedom of Information request by BBC Radio 4 has revealed.

There were at least 2,297 reported cases of children being abused by women from 2015 and 2019, according to police figures (file photo)

Dr Andrea Darling, a criminology researcher at Durham University, told the BBC that the actual figures could be far higher as all child sexual abuse is typically underreported.

In addition, there is often a 'lack of understanding' surrounding female-perpetrated abuse.

She said: 'That means that potentially abusive behaviour that may have been picked up if the perpetrator had been a male is explained away.

'I've seen that consistently in my research.'

Campaigners also highlight that the surge in reported cases could also be in part down to victims having more confidence to come forward.

According to police reports, only 3.8% of all child sexual abusers were female between 2018 and 2019, figures from the Office of National Statistics show.

Further figures from the Ministry of Justice show of the 5,547 offenders found guilty of child sexual abuse in England and Wales in 2018, only 66 female abusers were convicted.

Vanessa George, 49, as seen in her police mugshot (pictured), was dubbed Britain's worst female paedophile after sexually assaulting up to 64 children as young as two at a nursery in Plymouth

High profile cases of female child abusers over the years include Vanessa George.

She was dubbed Britain's worst female paedophile after sexually assaulting up to 64 children as young as two at a nursery in Plymouth.

George was jailed for a minimum of seven years in 2009 after she filmed the abuse and sent it to other paedophiles.

A police operation investigating her crimes uncovered an online paedophile ring involving several other women.

Female paedophile Angela Allen was also convicted of child sex abuse after police investigating George's case found the women had exchanged sick images online with IT worker Colin Blanchard.

Police discovered depraved Allen had not only shared images online but had also raped a three-year-old girl.

Allen, from Bulwell, near Nottingham, was sentenced in December 2009 after admitting four counts of sexual assault of a child, and one of distribution of indecent images of children.

Angela Allen (pictured left) was one of four women who assaulted children and shared images in a paedophile ring, while nursery worker Sophie Elms was also convicted of child sex abuse

She was also freed from prison early last year after serving 10 years in jail.

In 2018 teenage nursery worker Sophie Elms became Britain's youngest named female convicted paedophile after admitting sixteen charges against young children.

Elms was only 17 when she committed offences against two young children aged just three and two years old.

Christine Callaghan was paid 2,285 by another paedophile to livestream footage of herself sexually abusing a young girl over three years, a court heard

She pleaded guilty to the charges against her during her trial at Swindon Crown Court in 2019 and was sentenced to seven years and ten months in jail.

These included penetration, sexual assault, and taking and distributing indecent photographs of children.

Sick Christine Callaghan was also jailed for 12 years and four months in August in 2019 after she admitted four counts of child sexual abuse charges.

A court heard she was paid 2,285 by another paedophile to livestream footage of herself sexually abusing a young girl over three years.

She was paid to carry out the horrific acts by Dean Petley, 30, who admitted 11 charges and was jailed for eight years.

Peltey paid Little 750 so he could watch her assault two children.

Despite the rise in reported cases of female perpetrated child sexual abuse, the Freedom of Information data obtained by BBC's File on 4 programme shows the gender split between male and female victims is roughly half.

Following their investigation, a Government spokesman said: 'The government will not allow there to be any safe space for sex offenders to operate - either online or offline, male or female - and will do all we can to help survivors of abuse.

'To this end, we will soon publish a first of its kind strategy to tackle all forms of child sexual abuse, including that perpetrated by female offenders.'
U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham announced on Monday he will be stepping down with more than 11 months still to go before his term expires.

The bureaus deputy director and chief operating officer, Ron Jarmin, will fill the post after Dillingham leaves on Wednesday, NPR reports.

A career civil servant, Dillingham said he came out of retirement to serve under the Trump administration.

I have had the distinct honor of directing three statistical agencies, Dillingham wrote in a statement. I retired from Federal service nearly five years ago but returned because I felt a calling to serve once more.

The move comes after whistleblower complaints that Dillingham pressured statisticians to speed up a report about non-citizens in the United States. A watchdog group at the federal agency raised concerns about the bureau not having enough time to run quality checks on the data.

Those employees acknowledged that they have not had sufficient time to conduct their normal data quality checks, and they expressed concern that the data required for this report is not ready for publication for several reasons, Department of Commerce Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson wrote in a memorandum to Dillingham.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Oct. 12, 2020. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

New York Gov. Cuomo Asks Pfizer to Sell COVID-19 Vaccine Directly to State

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 18 asked Pfizers CEO if the state could buy COVID-19 vaccine doses directly from the U.S. drugmaker, saying that the Trump administration has failed to release enough doses to his state.

In a letter (pdf) to Pfizers CEO and Chairman Albert Bourla, Cuomo said that New York state would lose a footrace with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus unless it dramatically increase[s] the number of doses getting to New Yorkers.

It is abundantly clear that these vaccines are the weapons that will finally win the war against COVID-19, the Democratic governor wrote, highlighting the nationwide surge in hospitalizations and deaths linked to COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus.

After myself and seven other governors called on the Trump administration to release more doses, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said that relief was on the way. To date, however, the federal government has not acted on that promise, Cuomo wrote.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar speaks during a news conference on Operation Warp Speed and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, in Washington on Jan. 12, 2021. (Patrick Semansky/Pool/AP Photo)

The governor said he was appealing to the drugmaker directly as the company was not bound by commitments that Moderna made as part of Operation Warp Speedthe governments program to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

The distribution of any doses obtained directly from Pfizer will follow the rigorous guidance the state has established, while enabling us to fill the dosage gap created this week by the outgoing federal administration, he wrote. All of this will further our goal to vaccinate 70 to 90 percent of New Yorkers as soon as possible and reach herd immunity.

Pfizer, however, told Reuters that such a proposal would first require approval by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. No other state has bought COVID-19 vaccine doses directly from the producer.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is also is seeking to purchase vaccines directly from the drugmaker.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a drive-in campaign rally with Democratic presidential-elect Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama at Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan, on Oct. 31, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Trump administration officials had said they projected 20 million people would get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 31.1 million doses have been distributed as of Jan. 15 but just 12.2 million have been administered.

Health Secretary Alex Azar said last week that President Donald Trumps administration is releasing all COVID-19 vaccine doses, after initially holding back second doses as a safety stock.

Both of the authorized vaccines are built on messenger RNA platforms and require two doses spaced several weeks apart.

We now believe that our manufacturing is predictable enough that we can ensure second doses are available for people from ongoing production. So everything is now available to our states and our health care providers, Azar told ABCs Good Morning America on Jan. 12.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Education researchers said the pandemic teaching shortage would likely intensify learning disparities, especially in high-poverty schools where experienced substitutes often choose not to work.

Its a disaster. Those kids who have already got the worst of Covid and its consequences are the ones who are going to face a larger lack of sufficient, and sufficiently qualified, teachers, said Emma Garcia, an education economist at the Economic Policy Institute, a think tank in Washington. Its going to have negative consequences immediately and its going to take them longer to be able to catch up.

Indeed, recent data from the Household Pulse Survey, an experimental effort from the U.S. Census Bureau to measure Americans experiences during the pandemic, suggests that the decreased availability of teachers  both in-person and online  may disproportionately affect low-income students.

In the two weeks before the December holiday break, for instance, 6.3 million survey respondents said children in their households had no live contact with their teachers in the preceding week. The impact was greatest in households earning $25,000 or less, the lowest income bracket, where nearly 1.4 million respondents said there was no contact; fewer than 300,000 respondents in the highest income bracket, households earning $200,000 or more, said the same.

As teacher availability decreases, many schools are seeking additional instructors both for in-person and virtual teaching positions. Kelly Education, an employment agency that provides temporary staff to school districts, said demand for long-term substitutes, who may take over an absent teachers classes for weeks or a semester, rose by 34 percent this school year.

To entice newcomers to try teaching during the pandemic, some districts are increasing pay or lowering the bar to entry by eliminating college course requirements for substitutes. Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia  one of the nations largest districts, with about 178,000 students  has tried both approaches. The district has been grappling with a decrease of more than 1,000 substitutes, amounting to a 30 percent drop.

After raising pay for short-term substitute teachers by $5, to $98 per day, proved insufficient to recruit enough fill-in teachers, the district lowered educational requirements for substitutes in December. Rather than needing 60 college credits, substitutes can now teach with a high school diploma. Monica Batiste, the districts associate superintendent for human resources, said the rule change enabled the district to hire first- and second-year college students majoring in education.
Sure, its Germany. But dont think it cant happen here. If you have harbored the suspicion that covid hysteria is a Trojan horse for totalitarian control over our lives, Germany points the way forward: Germany to hold Covid rule breakers in REFUGEE CAMPS under new crackdown to stop Brit mutant virus explosion.

GERMANYS worst Covid rule breakers will be held in detention centres under new proposals being drawn up by a number of state governments. The move forms part of the countrys efforts to stop the spread of the more contagious mutant strain of the virus detected in the UK last month.

Viruses mutate easily, usually to form less lethal strains. This is because it is bad for the virus if the host organism dies. The viruses die too. There is no reason to think that the new strain in the U.K.certainly not the last of new coronavirus strains that we will see in months to comeis any more dangerous than the one(s) we have been dealing with.

In the eastern state of Saxony, people who ignore lockdown measures will be held in a cordoned-off part of a refugee camp being built next week. State authorities have said the centre will only be used for those who repeatedly breach self-isolation requirements. A similar scheme will be used in neighbouring Brandenburg, while in northerly Schleswig-Holstein rule breakers will be held in a part of a juvenile detention centre. The southwestern state of Baden-Wurttemberg will reportedly use rooms in hospitals.

What, exactly, are these scofflaw Germans doing?

Officials have expressed concern that more people continue to mix and use public transport than they did during the first lockdown in spring.

All right then! I suppose shutting down public transport could be an option, but that wouldnt yield the same satisfaction as putting dissenters in detention centers. At bottom, the problem in Germany, as always, is a shortage of rules:

Markus Soder, head of state of Bavaria, has said the country must start taking the worrying mutant strain extremely seriously. The rules that we have may be clearly too few, he said.

Sure thing. Well get right on that!
By combining Blue Yonders advanced forecasting and scheduling capabilities with Trax Flexforce, a 1.4 million-strong, AI-driven, on-demand retail workforce, Dynamic Workforce Management will help retailers successfully navigate current labor challenges.

Trax, a leading global provider of computer vision solutions and analytics for retail, and Blue Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfillment, today announced a partnership to launch Dynamic Workforce Management to provide retailers and fulfillment centers with real-time demand visibility and a flexible, skilled workforce to solve store issues quickly and at scale.

By combining Blue Yonders advanced forecasting and scheduling capabilities with Trax Flexforce, a 1.4 million-strong, AI-driven, on-demand retail workforce, Dynamic Workforce Management will help retailers successfully navigate current labor challenges. The integrated solution allows retailers to optimize scheduling with Blue Yonders Workforce Management and fill any gaps in shifts via the Trax Flexforce marketplace.

The retail industry is facing a growing number of challenges when it comes to having the right workforce, said Justin Behar, chief corporate development officer at Trax. From unexpected changes in consumer demand, to high employee turnover rates, to fierce competition in the labor market, retailers need a solution to meet the needs of todays reality. Through this partnership with Blue Yonder, retailers now have the ability to meet online order surges without overworking permanent staff, creating a more positive workforce morale and keeping customers happy with stocked shelves.

Dynamic Workforce Management enables retailers to be responsive to daily store and distribution center (DC) needs. Traxs AI-powered matching algorithms find the best Flexforce worker for the job based on performance, experience, and workload, while the real-time reporting platform supplies retailers with key insights and transparency on every shift. By providing the exact support to meet store and DC needs, merchandising and fulfillment issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.

By partnering with Trax to offer Dynamic Workforce Management, we can provide retailers with a full-service solution to solve everyday resource challenges, said Michael Orr, product marketing director at Blue Yonder. Dynamic Workforce Management addresses real pain points related to distribution centers, merchandising, and online order picking and delivery. Retailers can truly benefit from this solution to create more accurate staffing schedules and increase productivity, all while saving money and time.

Retailers and consumer goods manufacturers around the world leverage Traxs in-store execution, store monitoring and retail analytics solutions to better manage on-shelf availability and optimize merchandising. These solutions are powered by proprietary fine-grained image recognition and machine learning algorithms that turn photos of retail shelves into granular, actionable shelf and store-level insights.

Dynamic Workforce Management by Trax and Blue Yonder is now available for retailers in North America. For more information, visit traxretail.com/products/dynamic-workforce-management-by-trax-and-blue-yonder.

About Trax

Trax is a leading provider of computer vision solutions and analytics for retail. Our proprietary computer vision, machine learning and Internet of Things-powered platform turns everyday shelf images into real-time, actionable insights that our customers leverage to optimize their in-store execution strategy and product availability. Simply put, we digitize the physical world of retail. Many of the worlds top CPG companies and retailers use our dynamic merchandising, in-store execution, market measurement, analytics and shelf monitoring solutions at scale to drive positive shopper experiences and unlock revenue opportunities at all points of sale. We began as pioneers in the retail computer vision space and we continue to lead the industry with innovation and excellence through our development of new advanced technologies and autonomous data collection methods. Trax is headquartered in Singapore and provides services to customers in over 90 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.traxretail.com.

About Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfillment. Our intelligent, end-to-end platform enables retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers to seamlessly predict, pivot and fulfill customer demand. With Blue Yonder, you can make more automated, profitable business decisions that deliver greater growth and re-imagined customer experiences. Blue Yonder - Fulfill your PotentialTM blueyonder.com

Blue Yonder is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name Blue Yonder is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc.
[January 19, 2021] Southern California's Flagship PBS Stations KCET and PBS SoCal Rebrand In Anticipation of Digital Future

PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California's flagship PBS stations and home for award-winning public media productions as well as premieres of new PBS programs, announced today a rebranding effort that includes the launch of new logos and a creative refresh both on-air and online. Two years after both local public media stations merged along with satellite service Link TV (Dish 9410 and DirecTV (News - Alert) 375) to create the Public Media Group of Southern California, they have unified their online platforms with an all-new website redesign that will make it simpler for visitors to discover programming, editorial and resources as well as make it more efficient for the organization to manage video assets and content. The changes will ensure digital users a more streamlined and intuitive experience. Viewers can explore the updated brands, graphic packages and contemporary colors that reflect the hues of Southern California starting today by tuning in to all three broadcast stations and by visiting the websites at kcet.org, linktv.org and pbssocal.org (revisions to PBS SoCal's site will be completed by Tues., Jan. 26). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005978/en/ Key Art for New Rebranding Efforts for PBS SoCal and KCET. Image courtesy of Public Media Group of Southern California "We have been hard at work to fully integrate our stations in the two years since our merger. This rebrand will help us to connect seamlessly with viewers across all platforms. Our new advanced capabilities that we launch today set us up for a bright future in a digital age where national and local PBS content is front and center, alongside programming from Disney (News - Alert) +, Apple TV, Netflix, and other streaming leaders," said Public Media Group of Southern California's President and CEO Andrew Russell. "As we head into a new year, it is important to remember that although the looks of both PBS SoCal and KCET are changing, our mission remains the same: to strengthen the civic fabric of Southern California while sharing diverse perspectives and providing an essential connection to a wider world." The comprehensive rebranding initiative is the result of PBS SoCal and KCET's strategy of transforming for a digital world and strengthening the connection to a community where one-third of the current audience is streaming content. Under PBS SoCal and KCET, a combined seven broadcast channels are available to 18 million viewers in ten counties across Southern California. While the local TV broadcast stations will continue to be as vital as ever to the organization's success, the new branding effort recognizes the stations' commitment to on-demand and digital-first content for audiences both regional and nationwide through streaming, apps, social media, educational curricula and virtual events. "You Happen Here" Marketing Campaign. A multi-platform marketing campaign started airing on PBS SoCal and KCET recently under the banner "You Happen Here." Over the course of the next few months, a variety of on-air promo spots, website messaging, membership communications and social media posts will be distributed emphasizing growth, culture and illumination highlighting the organization's commitment to sharing stories, voices and perspectives with the community. "It is a critical time to engage our audiences as we aim to define and solidify brand unity for PBS SoCal, KCET and Link TV. We want the viewer to look at these broadcast brands next to one another and understand that these channels belong together as a family," commented Public Media Group of Southern California's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Dan Ferguson. "Though our mission to serve the public good remains the ame, the new messaging accentuates that PBS SoCal is the home for the entire PBS family of programming and acts as a leading educational resource for children and families, where KCET is a guide to illuminating arts, culture and local news in Southern California."



Digital Integration and Website Launches. The goal of renovating the websites for PBS SoCal, KCET and Link TV was for users to find more of the content they enjoy by consolidating three different platforms into one, making it a more efficient and streamlined experience for both the organization and the user. New York/Paris-based brand and digital product agency AREA 17 helped reimagine the digital ecosystem across the three brands. A more colorful, modern, and easier-to-use format will now feature personalized capabilities and will be compatible with other systems used by the organization. The reconstructed sites migrated two distinct content management systems into a single, shared architecture and foundation on the Brightspot content business platform in order to support the future evolution of viewer engagement on the digital platforms. New opportunities for personalized and segmented user experiences will be available with a heavier emphasis on content to stream on-demand. "Visitors to PBS SoCal's website will experience new content and features that support early learning, including new tools for navigating through educational content. The KCET users will find topical collections encouraging exploration and discovery connected to the region," explained Public Media Group of Southern California's Senior Director of Digital Bijan Rezvani.

Rebrand Creative Overview. Public Media Group of Southern California also collaborated with AREA 17 to develop the new brands for both PBS SoCal and KCET. With brand values for the new PBS SoCal rebranding that include trust, curiosity, connection and possibility, the new brand retains the relationship to the PBS national brand while bringing in a unique Southern California feeling. Alongside the national PBS blue, coral is the new signature color with a primary typeface of PBS Sans. At the heart of the brand package is graphic elements like the circle crops and circle highlights which frames imagery that aims to highlight the beauty of PBS programming and introduces audiences to new worlds through storytelling. Graphic elements also provide flexibility in expressing the brand across platforms where a line and highlight device will be used to call attention to key information and move the eye through content. KCET'S new look-and-feel is rooted in the ethos of Southern California - creativity, diverse perspectives and optimism. Bold and inviting, the logotype uses the typeface Gellix to reflect KCET's open and optimistic nature. A new KCET logo combined with a distinct new vibrant yellow brand color embodies Southern California values of illumination, inclusion and exploration. The secondary color palette is inspired directly from the region's iconic sunsets. Graphic elements such as maps and geometric highlights inspired from the logo's letterforms highlight and guide viewers through the system. The system is tailored for content discovery and develops a modern and flexible brand language optimized for both broadcast and digital. The redesigned brand will be combined with on-air photography capable of serving the organization's growing audiences across multiple platforms now and well into the future. "Featuring new brand marks, a vibrant palette of California colors and a flexible design language optimized for content discovery and engagement, we have created a beautiful and powerful new visual system that distinguishes our brands while also unifying our portfolio of channels," added Public Media Group of Southern California's Senior Director of Creative Services Hiawatha Bradley. 21st Century Technology Upgrades. Public Media Group of Southern California's digital advancements for the future also include merging PBS SoCal, KCET, and LinkTV Master Control into one streamlined operation. With a focus on leveraging cloud based storage, combined with a scalable future proof roadmap to take the organization into the future, a partnership was created with PMM which allows the organization to deliver the best programming public media has to offer as well as the latest news and information from around the globe. Additional integration improvements have included a successful merge of two massive ProTrack databases that drive broadcast schedules, manage content and program rights, etc. These efforts and many others have been made to bring the organization into the 21st century and to be technologically prepared for the future as well as operating more efficiently because of these upgrades. For more information about the branding change, visit kcet.org and pbssocal.org starting Jan. 26. Join the conversation on social media using #PBSSoCal and #KCET ABOUT PBS SOCAL AND KCET PBS SoCal and KCET are both part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California. PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS station and delivers content and community outreach experiences that inspire, inform and educate. PBS SoCal offers the full slate of beloved PBS programs including MASTERPIECE, NOVA, PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, and a broad library of documentary films including works from Ken Burns; as well as educational content including PBS KIDS programs like DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD and CURIOUS GEORGE. KCET is on-air, online and in the community, and plays a vital role in the cultural enrichment of Southern California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions and its website, kcet.org. For additional information about both PBS SoCal and KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org and pbssocal.org KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung (News - Alert) Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV. About LINK TV Founded in 1999, Link TV is an independent viewer-supported media organization dedicated to providing programs that engage and inform its audiences with unique perspectives, and empower them to become involved in the world. Reaching more than 31 million U.S. satellite households nationally (DIRECTV channel 375 and DISH Network channel 9410), Link TV connects American viewers with people at the heart of breaking events, organizations at the forefront of social change and the vibrant cultures of an increasingly global community. Select programming from Link TV is also available for streaming on Apple (News - Alert) TV, YouTube and Roku platforms. For additional information about Link TV productions, web-exclusive content and program schedules, please visit linktv.org. About the Public Media Group of Southern California The Public Media Group of Southern California (PMGSC) tells stories that matter through original programs that reflect the diversity of our region, and through the full schedule of trusted PBS programs. Our Southern California content channels PBS SoCal and KCET are available over-the-air in the Los Angeles market with programming available to stream on the free PBS App. Our Link TV channel is available nationally on DirecTV and Dish Network. A donor-supported community institution, PMGSC sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations and delivers social impact through a variety of services including those that prepare our most vulnerable children for school. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005978/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
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.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
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 World Health Organization is in advanced negotiations with Pfizer to include the firm's COVID-19 shot in the body's vaccine-sharing scheme, which would speed vaccine deliveries to poorer countries, a senior WHO official said on Monday. The COVAX scheme -- led by the WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance -- is due to start rolling out vaccines to poor and middle-income countries in February, with 2 of 3 billion doses expected to be delivered this year.

"We are in ... detailed discussions with Pfizer. We believe very soon we will have access to that product," WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward told the WHO's executive board meeting, adding that it would then look to add others. COVAX aims to deliver 135 million doses of all shots it has deals for to 92 lower and middle income countries in the programme by the end of March, he said.

So far, over half of the 50 million inoculations given globally in 50 countries have been done in the United States and China, according to Aylward. None have yet been given in Africa, he said. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday blamed vaccine nationalism for the inequity, saying the world was on the brink of "catastrophic moral failure".

The WHO already has deals with several suppliers, including AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute of India. Austria's Clemens Martin Auer, one of the 34 WHO board members, said at Monday's meeting COVAX had been slow in securing deals and called its failure to procure mRNA vaccines, such as that made by Pfizer and BioNTech, "a major mistake".

Aylward justified the WHO stance saying they were expensive and that its cold-chain requirements were difficult for many countries to manage. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at ultra-low temperatures of about -70 degrees Celsius before being shipped to distribution centres in cool boxes filled with dry ice.

So far, 44 countries out of the 50 that have already begun vaccinations have used the shot, WHO data shows. The WHO also hopes to procure Pfizer shots via donations, rather than some countries being "double-served", Aylward said. "We would be very keen to try and translate a lot of the commitments and interest in dose-sharing into actual deals, particularly with countries that have large bilateral deals on key products," he said, without naming countries.

Also read: California reports over 3 million COVID-19 cases; death toll reaches 33,992
This Republic Day, Rafale jets, whose induction into the IAF began last September and is work in progress, will make a debut in the Republic Day fly-past.

Flt Lt Bhawana Kanth, amongst the first three women fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF), will also be a part of the Republic Day Parade.

This will be the first time a woman fighter pilot will be part of the parade.



File Photo

She will be part of the tableau that will showcase mock-ups of the light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter and the Sukhoi-30 fighter plane, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Since my childhood, I have been watching Republic Day parade on television and its a matter of pride that now Im participating in it. I would love to fly other fighter jets, including Rafale and Sukhoi," she told India Today.

Rafale jets to make debut













File Photo

Rafale fighter plane, the latest multi-role fighter aircraft acquired by the Indian Air Force, will feature in India's Republic Day parade this year and will be part of the flypast at the culmination of the parade. Some new formations will also be seen for the first time.



IAF Spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi told news agency ANI that a total of 42 aircraft will be seen in the flypast including 15 fighter planes, five transport and one vintage aircraft.

The spokesperson said helicopters from IAF and Indian Army will also be part of the flypast.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - U.S. Census Bureau director Steven Dillingham says he plans to resign with the change in presidential administrations.

Dillingham had been facing criticism over efforts to produce citizenship data to comply with an order from President Donald Trump.

Dillingham said in a statement Monday that he would resign on Wednesday, the day President-elect Joseph Biden takes office.

The Census Bureau is in the middle of crunching the numbers for the 2020 census.

Democratic lawmakers last week called on Dillingham to resign after a watchdog agency said he had set a deadline that pressured statisticians to produce a report on the number of people in the U.S. illegally.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
A man has been refused bail after allegedly being caught sexually assaulting a young girl he met and groomed over social media.

Jamil Ahmed Chowdhury, 22, was detained by the family of a 14-year-old girl who he allegedly kissed and sexually assaulted during an encounter on January 2 this year.

After that alleged meeting the Bangladeshi national had kept in contact with the girl, sending a 'high' number of messages to each other over Instagram.

Following the first alleged meeting the girl's mother became aware of the messages between the pair, and police said she told Chowdhury her daughter was underage.

Jamil Ahmed Chowdhury, 22, faced Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday afternoon where he was refused bail over the alleged sexual assault and grooming of a 14-year-old girl in Sydney's west

But they allegedly continued to message and Fairfield Local Court heard on Tuesday that at one point they 'professed their love for each other'.

When Chowdhury allegedly returned to the girl's home on Monday night her family were home and restrained him until NSW Police arrived.

He was arrested and taken back to Fairfield Police Station for questioning, where the court heard he denied the allegations.

Court documents alleged Chowdhury met the teenage girl on December 1 last year and had continued 'indecent' their chats on Instagram until Monday night.

Police allege Chowdhury hoped this would make it easier to procure the girl for sex.

The alleged sexual assault occurred on January 2, 2021, after which Chowdhury allegedly kept in contact with the teenager over Instagram

The girl's family detained Chowdhury after he allegedly returned to her home on Monday night until police arrived. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with two offences

He was charged with one count of having sexual intercourse with a child and one count of grooming a child over the age of 14 and under 16.

Chowdhury applied for bail on Tuesday afternoon but that application was refused by Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis.

Chowdhury was ordered to reappear in court on February 9, 2021.
The public service announcement showed a mother finding her teenage son lifeless, juxtaposed with the sound of a ukulele and a woman singing, "That's how, how you OD'd on heroin."

It aired locally during the 2015 Super Bowl but attracted national attention and has been viewed more than 500,000 times on YouTube.

"You want to tap into a nerve, an emotional nerve, and controversy and anger," said Mark Schupp, whose consulting firm created the ad pro bono. "The spot was designed to do that, so we were happy with it."

But like other ads and PSAs seeking to move the needle on public health, it went only so far.

Marketing experts say public health advertising often falls short because it incites people's worst fears rather than providing clear steps viewers can take to save lives. They say lessons from opioid messaging can inform campaigns seeking to influence behavior that could help curb the coronavirus pandemic, such as wearing masks, not gathering in big groups and getting a covid-19 vaccine.

The Super Bowl ad was produced and aired by the St. Louis chapter of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse using $100,000 from an anonymous donor. Then-director Howard Weissman said a top priority for his group was for Missouri to start a prescription drug monitoring program.

Five years later, Missouri remains the only state without a statewide program. And the number of opioid deaths has steadily increased in that time, state data shows, up from 672 in all of 2015 to 716 deaths in just the first six months of 2020.

The national council, now called PreventEd, is one of many nonprofits and government agencies that invest millions in messaging aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. People who study such advertisements said it's difficult to measure their impact, but if the metric is the number of overdose deaths, they have not yet succeeded. The country set a record for overdose deaths in 2019 that it was on pace to break in 2020.

"You have to give them a solution, especially in a health context, like with opioids, because similar to with cigarette smoking, if you increase fear and don't give a solution, they are just going to abuse more because that's their coping mechanism," said Punam Anand Keller, a Dartmouth College professor who studies health marketing.

To address public health issues, marketers often use images of diseased lungs to discourage smokers or the bloody aftermath of car crashes to prevent drunken driving. But these can provoke "defensive responses" that may be avoided by giving people ways to take action, said a 2014 International Journal of Psychology review of campaigns that use fear to persuade people.

Missouri's state health and mental health departments, with the help of federal funds, spent at least $800,000 on advertising in 2019 to curb the opioid epidemic through their Time 2 Act and NoMODeaths campaigns, according to data from advertising agencies and partner organizations.

Mac Curran, a 34-year-old social media influencer, described his struggles with opioid addiction in a number of videos for Time 2 Act, one of which was viewed more than 100,000 times on Facebook. In another recent video, Curran used storytelling to highlight the benefits of getting treatment for his addiction. He talked about strangers cheering for him when he returned to a friend's streetwear store after getting out of the recovery program, and discussed how he learned coping skills he could use throughout life.

Jay Winsten, a Harvard University scientist who spearheaded the U.S. designated-driver campaign to combat drunken driving, described Curran's videos as "really excellent because he comes across as genuine and well spoken. People remember stories more than they do someone simply lecturing at them."

Still, Winsten emphasized the importance of including actionable steps and would like to see Missouri and other groups focus on teaching friends of users "how to intervene and what language to use and not to use."

Others, including the libertarian Cato Institute, argue that PSAs on drug use just don't work and point to the history of failed campaigns to discourage teen marijuana use.

Yet agencies keep trying. Missouri's mental health department and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health at the University of Missouri-St. Louis convened focus groups in 2019 with drug users and their families and captured their words on billboards for the NoMODeaths campaign. One said, "Don't give up on treatment. It's worth the work," and gave a number to text for help with heroin, fentanyl or pill misuse.

In addition to giving information, the goal was "to let people who use drugs know that other people care if they live or die," said Rachel Winograd, a psychologist who leads the NoMODeaths group aimed at reducing harm from opioid misuse.

She said she understands the argument that PSAs are a waste of money, given that organizations like hers have limited funds and also try to provide housing for those in recovery and naloxone, used to revive people after overdoses.

But, Winograd said, some of the advertisements appeared to work. The organization saw a big increase after the ads ran in the number of people who visited its website or texted a number for information on treatment or obtaining naloxone.

Although federal funding rose for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, Winograd's team and state officials decided to cut NoMODeaths' advertising budget in half and instead spend the money on direct services like naloxone, treatment and housing.

Now health agencies are consumed by the coronavirus pandemic and are trying to craft messages that cut through politically charged discourse and get the public to adopt safety measures such as wearing masks, staying physically distanced and getting vaccinated.

Convincing people to wear masks has been difficult because messages have been mixed. Missouri's health department has tried to depoliticize mask-wearing and get people to view it as a public health solution, said spokesperson Lisa Cox.

But Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appeared without a mask at public events and has declined to enact a statewide mask mandate. He also said at a Missouri Cattlemen's Association event in July, "If you want to wear a dang mask, wear a mask."

Cox would not comment on whether Parson's approach undermined the state's public health efforts, but Keller said it did.

Missouri's messaging about vaccines has been much more straightforward and clear. A website provides facts and answers to common questions as it encourages people to "make an informed choice" on whether to get the shots.

Keller praised the "unemotional, not-fear-arousing" approach to the vaccine messaging issued so far.

"It needs the right messengers: well-known individuals who have high credibility within specific population groups that currently are hesitant about taking the vaccine," Winsten said.

This time, Parson has been one of those messengers. When he announced the launch of the vaccine website in November, he said in a news release: "Safety is not being sacrificed, and it's important for Missourians to understand this."

In spite of the politicization of the virus crisis, Winsten, who serves on the board of advisers of the Ad Councils $50 million covid vaccine campaign, has "guarded optimism" that enough people will get vaccinated to curb the pandemic.

And he remains hopeful that PSAs could eventually help reduce the number of people who die from opioids.

"Look at the whole anti-smoking movement. That took over two decades," he said. "These are tough problems. Otherwise, they would be solved already."
Burma Myanmars Military Asked to Ensure Rakhine IDP Safety

An IDP camp in Sittwe. / The Irrawaddy

Sittwe, Rakhine State  The Rakhine State government has asked the Western Command of Myanmars military to ensure safety for returning internally displaced people (IDPs).

The state government counted the IDPs at camps last month to assist their return and the IDPs asked for their safety to be ensured.

The Western Command will check which townships, wards and villages are safe to return. The IDPs will be able to return in safety. I had an informal talk with the commander about it. He said he would make the check when he is back from a trip. We have also sent a formal letter, said Rakhine States military-appointed minister for security and border affairs, Colonel Min Than.

The state government also sent the list of potential returnees in each township to the Western Command, said Col. Min Than.

As clashes have ceased since November, we consulted with the chief minister to adopt plans for the return of IDPs. The plan is mainly about how much rice we should give them and what follow-up assistance to give them after their return, he said.

A total of 201 people registered to return in Sittwe, 117 in Ponnagyun, 9,893 in Kyauktaw, 2,202 in Ann, totaling 12,413, according to Col. Min Than.

With an informal ceasefire being observed with the Arakan Army (AA) since November after two years of fighting in northern Rakhine and Chin States Paletwa Township, some IDPs have been returning to their homes voluntarily.

U Oo Tun Hline from Shwe Parami camp in Rathedaung Township said he is spreading his time between the camp and his village. As all the houses in our village are damaged, we went to repair them. And we harvested the paddy. There are others people who spread their time between the camp and their villages, like me. The village is relatively stable now but we have concerns to move back in permanently, he said.

State lawmakers have called on the government to create livelihoods for returning IDPs and make sure troops withdraw from villages.

People must be able to travel freely. There remain many inspections in some places and people must be able to travel freely for health and social reasons. And troops stationed at monasteries and schools in some villages must withdraw, said Upper House lawmaker U Khin Maung Latt.

Chairman of Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC) U Shwe Sein Baw said some villagers dare not return because of troop deployments.

It is a good sign that military tensions have eased but we cant say stability has been restored completely. Troops from both sides are still near villages and people are concerned that armed conflicts can erupt anytime. So problems will remain until both sides reach a solid agreement, said U Shwe Sein Baw.

There were 234,915 IDPs at camps in Rakhine State in November last year and more than 50,000 of them have returned home since then, according to the REC.

As the government has declared the AA a terrorist organization, The Irrawaddy was not able to contact the armed group for a comment.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

You may also like these stories:

Karen Border Force Withdraws Resignations After Spat with Myanmar Military

Myanmars Ruling NLD Holds Talks With Three Ethnic Parties in Shan State

Venue Squabbles Complicate NLDs Outreach Efforts to Myanmars Ethnic Parties
The Federal Council

Bern, 19.01.2021 - The Swiss electorate will vote on 7 March on the popular initiative Yes to a ban on full facial coverings. The Federal Council and Parliament recommend that voters reject the initiative. Very few people in Switzerland wear a full facial covering. A nationwide ban would undermine the sovereignty of the cantons, damage tourism and be unhelpful for certain groups of women. Instead, the Federal Council and Parliament favour an indirect counter-proposal, which would require persons to show their face to the authorities if this is necessary for identification purposes.

The popular initiative Yes to a ban on full facial coverings' demands that no one be allowed to cover up their face completely in Switzerland. The rule would apply in all public places such as on the streets and in restaurants. Exceptions would only be permitted in places of worship and at other sacred sites, for health and safety reasons, because of the weather and because of local Swiss custom. There would be no further exceptions, for example for tourists who wish to wear facial coverings.

Upholding cantonal sovereignty

The Federal Council considers the initiative to be unnecessary since there are very few women in Switzerland who cover their face completely. Most women who do so are tourists, and these spend only a brief time in the country.

At present the cantonal authorities are responsible for deciding whether and in what circumstances persons may or may not cover their face completely. The Federal Council believes this approach is the correct one as the cantons best understand the concerns of the local population and should therefore be allowed to regulate the matter accordingly. A ban on full facial coverings could, for example, have a negative impact on tourism in certain regions. And even if a nationwide ban were in place, the cantons would be responsible for enforcement and this could lead to differences in the application of the ban or in issuing fines.

Nor would a nationwide ban on full facial coverings improve security. Parliament has approved other instruments for combating extremism, including tighter criminal law provisions and increased counter-terrorism police measures. Furthermore, a ban would not improve the position of women who wear veils. Other instruments exist for tackling integration issues; banning certain items of clothing is not the right approach.

Federal Council wants uniform rule for identification

The Federal Council acknowledges that facial coverings can lead to difficulties in certain situations, for example when a person must show their face for identification purposes. It therefore supports an indirect counter-proposal that requires persons to show their face if necessary for identification, for example at administrative offices or on public transport. Refusal to do so would result in a fine. The indirect counter-proposal closes a loophole in federal law and improves a specific aspect of security. It also proposes support programmes to promote women's rights'. However, the indirect counter-proposal will only come into force if the popular initiative is rejected.

Address for enquiries

Information Service FDJP, T +41 58 462 18 18, info@gs-ejpd.admin.ch

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Justice and Police

http://www.ejpd.admin.ch



Federal Office of Justice

http://www.bj.admin.ch




First Lady Melania Trump released a farewell message Monday as she prepares to leave the White House, saying that "violence is never the answer," weeks after the president's supporters stormed the US Capitol.

In a formal, six-minute speech recorded on video, she made only a fleeting reference to her husband as she paid tribute to military families, pandemic health workers and those helping victims of opioid abuse.

"The past four years have been unforgettable," the First Lady said. "As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all of the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism and determination."

"Be passionate in everything you do. But always remember that violence is never the answer, and will never be justified," she said.

"When I came to the White House, I reflected on the responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, give strength and teach values of kindness."

The Trumps' departure has been fractious, with the president refusing for months to accept the election result due to false allegations of fraud, and declining to congratulate his successor Joe Biden.

The outgoing president and his wife have also not invited Biden and his wife Jill for the traditional tea visit in the Oval Office, and will not attend Biden's presidential inauguration on Wednesday.

"The promise of this nation belongs to all of us who do not lose sight of our integrity and values, use every opportunity to show consideration for another person, and build good habits into our daily lives," Melania Trump, 50, said.

President Donald Trump has been largely out of the public eye since his supporters rampaged through Congress on January 6, triggering his historic second impeachment a week later.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Hundreds of students protested in Rome on Monday to demand more classrooms, transport to school and better access to education.

After almost 10 months of remote learning, it was the first day back for high school pupils, yet many chose to demonstrate instead.

For most high schools, only half of the students from each class were allowed to return to ensure enough space between desks for social distancing.

"Remote learning is not working," said high school student Simone Shiaze. He added, "Many families cannot afford providing digital devices to their children to attend internet lessons regularly."
Advertisement

One in eight people in England  around 5.4million people  had already had Covid-19 by December last year, the Office for National Statistics estimated today.

Blood tests on a random sample of the population, to check for signs of immunity to Covid-19, suggested that 12 per cent of over-16s had been infected in the past. This was up from one in 14 people in October, suggesting a staggering five per cent of the country was infected even during the early parts of the second wave.

One expert claimed the surveillance study results suggest coronavirus 'is much more widespread in the UK than previously realised'. And almost a million people have been officially diagnosed with the virus since January 1 so the proportion who have already had it is now likely to be even higher.

But the 12 per cent figure could easily be an under-estimate because antibody levels fade over time  and some people won't ever develop any. The true size of the pandemic is a mystery because millions of infected people were not tested during the height of the crisis last spring.

If the results are accurate, it would suggest Covid has an infection-fatality rate (IFR) of around 1.4 per cent, given there have been around 78,000 lab-confirmed deaths since the pandemic began. No10's top scientific advisers believe the mortality rate is closer to the 0.5 per cent mark, suggesting around 15million people  or more than a quarter of England's population  have already had the virus.

The ONS's survey, which collects regular blood samples from a group of people intended to represent England's population, suggested that signs of immunity are strongest in Yorkshire and the Humber, where antibodies were found in 17 per cent of people.

London  which has been worst affected in both the first and second wave  saw the second highest past infection rate at 16.4 per cent. Six out of nine regions had levels higher than the England average, with only the South East, South West and East of England showing lower signs of immunity than the country as a whole.

The figures are different to estimates made by Cambridge University experts, who also feed into SAGE. Last week the team estimated the attack rate  the proportion of how many people in any region that have had the virus  stood at 30 per cent in London and 26 per cent in the North East.

It's thought that at least 60 per cent of a population need to have caught the virus for the group to reach herd immunity, which is when a disease runs out of room and can no longer spread because too many people are immune to it.

The figures vary to estimates made by Cambridge University experts, who also feed into SAGE. Last week the team estimated the attack rate  the proportion of how many people in any region that have had the virus  stood at 30 per cent in London and 26 per cent in the North East

HALF of Covid survivors may still be vulnerable to South African variant because it can 'escape' immune system The South African coronavirus variant may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past, scientists fear. Researchers say that a mutation on a specific part of the virus's outer spike protein appears to make it able to 'escape' antibodies. Antibodies are substances made by the immune system that are key to destroying viruses or marking them for destruction by white blood cells. South African academics found that 48 per cent of blood samples from people who had been infected in the past did not show an immune response to the new variant. One researcher said it was 'clear that we have a problem'. Professor Penny Moore, the researcher behind the project, claimed people who were sicker with coronavirus the first time and had a stronger immune response appeared less likely to get reinfected. Antibodies are a major part of the immunity that is created by vaccines  although not the only part  so if the virus continues evolving to escape from them it could mean that vaccines have to be redesigned and given out again. But experts so far say they have no reason to believe vaccines won't work, which may be because they produce a stronger immune response than a very mild infection, and because they produce various different types of immune cells. At least 54 people in the UK have already been confirmed to have had the South African Covid variant, although these were picked up by random sampling so the true number is likely much higher. In a bid to stop new variants coming into the country, Britain has now made it mandatory for all international arrivals to quarantine for 10 days and provide proof of a negative test within three days before departing for the UK. Advertisement

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates how many people have had coronavirus already by checking the blood samples of adults over the age of 16 for antibodies. It omits people living in care homes and prisons, or other communal settings.

Antibodies are substances made by the immune system that are key to destroying viruses or marking them for destruction by white blood cells. The presence of them in the blood generally means someone has either partial or total immunity against catching a disease again.

They can only be made by someone coming into contact with the exact virus they are related to, or by someone getting vaccinated against the virus.

This means this could be the ONS's last clean antibody study where data isn't muddied by the fact that millions of people have had a vaccine and will now show the same sign of immunity.

The report said: 'The estimates suggest there has been an increase in antibody positivity in the most recent month.'

And the ONS added in a tweet: 'Our data shows Covid-19 infection rates remain high.'

A sharp increase in the percentage of people testing positive for antibodies is another sign of the devastating effect the second wave has had on the UK, with it surging from just seven per cent in October to 12 per cent in December.

This suggests at least five per cent of the country caught and recovered from coronavirus in just two months of the second wave in the autumn. This only includes people over 16 and living at home, and doesn't account for care home residents or the people who died of the virus.

It's also possible that people with a very mild illness don't develop enough antibodies for a test to pick them up, so the true number could be even higher  around a third of people who catch the virus don't report any symptoms.

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, said: 'This study shows that infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is much more widespread in the UK than previously realised with around one in 10 people estimated to have been infected by December 2020.

'Measuring antibodies in the blood is an indication of previous infection but doesnt indicate when that infection took place.

'Significant increases in antibody positivity where observed between November 2020 and December 2020 in England, Wales and Scotland although these are estimates with large variations including substantial differences between regions in England.'

He added: 'The implications are that infection rates increased significantly between November and December.

'This raises some important questions concerning the possible impact of the UK variant virus on infection rates  this variant is more transmissible and may account for the increased levels of infection as detected by antibodies. It is also interesting from the perspective of the vaccine.

'We are still not sure about the impact of vaccination on the levels and duration of protective immunity in those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.'

The testing programme estimated that outbreaks have not reached as deeply into the population in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as they have in England.

In Wales, an estimated one in 10 people would have tested positive for antibodies in December  in Scotland, one in 11 and, in Northern Ireland, one in 13.

Matt Hancock reveals he is self-isolating after being 'pinged' by the NHS app Mr Hancock was spotted out in a busy London park over the weekend playing rugby with his sons Matt Hancock today announced he is self-isolating after being 'pinged' by the NHS app - days after he was spotted out twice in busy London parks. The Health Secretary said he will be staying at home until Sunday after receiving the notification. Mr Hancock had Covid last year, but even those who have been infected before must isolate. He tweeted today: 'Last night I was alerted by the @NHSCovid19app to self isolate so I'll be staying at home & not leaving at all until Sunday. We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control.' Mr Hancock was spotted out in busy London parks twice over the weekend playing rugby with his sons, despite Boris Johnson entreating the public to stay at home as much as possible. Taking daily exercise is permitted. However, as his isolation is scheduled to end on Sunday and the standard quarantine period is 10 days it appears his contact must have happened before then - most likely Wednesday or Thursday. Mr Hancock attended meetings in Downing Street on January 13. He led a press conference last night with medical chiefs Susan Hopkins and Stephen Powis. Under the rules, they are not expected to have to self-isolate unless Mr Hancock is confirmed as positive with the virus. Advertisement

Antibody data on infection in private households suggests that one in 10 in Wales had also been infected by December, alongside one in 13 in Northern Ireland and one in 11 in Scotland.

The figures come from the Office for National Statistic's Covid-19 Infection Survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.

Last week, the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biostatistics Unit Covid-19 Working Group at Cambridge University said it believed the proportion of the population who have ever been infected was 30 per cent in London, 26 per cent in the North West and 21 per cent in the North East.

This dropped to 13 per cent in the South East and 8 per cent in the South West.

It came as some family doctors continue to express their frustration about the rollout of vaccines across the UK.

With more than half of the over-80s and half of elderly care home residents having received the jab, ministers have now given the go-ahead to begin vaccinating the next priority groups  the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said 'there will be an overlap' between those in the first group getting their jab and those in the second as the NHS keeps up the momentum of the vaccine rollout.

He told LBC radio: 'We're very clear that areas should be getting through the majority of the first cohort before they move on to the second cohort, but there will be an overlap.

'The reality is, as you're moving through these, as you start to bring the second cohort in, there will be a bit of an overlap.

'So, while they're still finishing cohort one, some people from the second cohort will be having their vaccines and being contacted.

'That's understandable because the other alternative is you get through cohort one and you pause before you can start getting cohort two in and that would be wrong.

'In order to keep things flowing and moving we will see some overlap, but areas should be getting through the majority of cohort one before they start moving to cohort two.'

On Monday night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that some parts of the country had made better progress than others in vaccinating those in the top priority group, but said more supplies of the vaccine are being pumped to areas that have fallen behind.

He said: 'We're prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s', adding: 'But we don't want to stop the areas that have effectively done that job already.'

Some GPs have taken to social media saying they are 'crying out for more vaccines' and that their elderly patients want to be vaccinated in local surgeries rather than having to travel further afield to mass centres.

The number of people in the UK receiving their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine has now passed four million and the Government is on track to vaccinate around 15 million high-priority people across the UK by February 15.

Once those vaccines have taken effect, around two to three weeks later ministers will consider whether lockdown measures can be eased in England.

Despite pressure from Tory MPs to move as quickly as possible, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there will be no 'open sesame' moment when restrictions will all be lifted together.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Lewis said it is 'too early' to outline how the national lockdown will be eased in England.

'I'm afraid it's still a bit early to outline that at the moment. The Prime Minister said when we put these restrictions in place that we'd have a review point in mid-February; we're still some weeks away even from that review point.

'I think we've got to wait until we get to that point and see where we're at, see how the vaccine programme is rolling out, see how the restrictions have worked and then we can look at what the next steps are.

'But whether that's in February or whether we move forward in March, it's just too early now in relatively early January to give an outline to that.'

Elsewhere, Professor Janet Lord, director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, urged caution among those who have been vaccinated.

Asked whether people who have received the jab can hug their children, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would certainly advise not to do that at the moment because, as you probably know, with the vaccines they take several weeks before they are maximally effective.

'It's really important that people stay on their guard even if they've had that first vaccination.'

She also warned against the idea of a coronavirus immunity passport until more is known about transmission of the virus among those who have been vaccinated.

'People might think (it is a) passport to freedom and even those who haven't been vaccinated will see those changing their behaviours and think 'Well, why should I bother if no-one else is either?',' she said.

'That's the real worry we've got at the moment.'

However, Professor Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, said those who have proven immunity should not be restrained.

'There's a serious ethical issue that you're only entitled to restrict people's liberty in a liberal society if they represent a threat to other people,' he told the Today programme.

'Carrying a virus is like carrying a loaded gun that can go off accidentally.

'We're entitled to restrain people and check whether they have a gun, but, if they don't have a gun, to restrain them, that's false imprisonment.'

He added that efforts should be made to allow those with 'certain immunity' to return to work and normal life.
HOLON, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lesico (TASE: LSCO), one of the leading Israeli infrastructure companies in Israel, announces that all the preconditions for the execution of the construction and upgrade of a water supply facility in Ghana for 85 million euro have been met. The company received a down payment of approx. 13 million euro.

The project, one of few projects that the company have signed in the past through its subsidiary, includes planning and execution of an upgrade and construction of a water supply facility for the Ghana national water company, and includes construction and renovation of a water pump facility in the Volta river, construction and renovation of water treatment facilities with a capacity of approx. 40,000 cubic meters per day and laying of approx. 60 kilometers of water transmission and distribution lines. It also includes construction and renovation of water towers, booster stations and ground reservoirs. The project will be executed by a subsidiary (100%) formed in Italy.

The project funding will be provided by Deutche Bank, and will be insured by the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) along with a sub insurance of the Israeli insurer ASRA. The subsidiary is expected to receive ongoing payments under the terms of the agreement with the Ghana government, from the funding party, depending on the progression of the project. The funding agreement is between Ghana government and the funding party.

Eyal Leshamn, Lesico CEO, stated: "We are proud to be partners of this strategic agreement with Ghana government and we consider this a major milestone for Lesico, as a leading player in the water and environment design build domain. In this project, with the help of BlueBird project finance company that specializes in funding of international projects, we have built the funding and insurance package for Ghana. This project will allow us to open a new market, in which we will be able to use all of our capabilities and proficiencies of our different lines of activity. It is also merges with the Group vision and strategy re business expansion in Africa".

About Lesico

Lesico, managed by Eyal Leshman, was founded in 1969 and is considered one of the leading infrastructure companies in Israel. The company focuses on unique and complex technological and logistics projects, that require expertise. The company has 260 employees in Israel and tens of subcontractors that work with the company for decades. The company also operates in the US by subsidiaries. The company has a large number of clients in two divisions: Building - design build projects in the areas of: civil and army engineering, railways for light and heavy trains, pipe systems, conventional energy facilities, renewable energy facilities, environment and manufacturing of pipes. Maintenance - maintenance and franchise services that include: maintenance and service for municipal and private infrastructure and energy and facilities, franchise for environment and energy projects in BOT methods and more. http://www.lesico.com

SOURCE Lesico
BEIRUT, Lebanon  Joseph R. Biden Jr.s arrival in the White House may signal the start of a less congenial American relationship with Saudi Arabia, but the kingdom could point to recent progress on a number of issues that have caused longstanding friction with the United States.

Long one of the worlds most prodigious executioners, Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that executions declined by 85 percent in 2020 because of legal reforms. Groups that have chronicled incitement against non-Muslims in Saudi textbooks say that the most offensive examples have been excised. And the sentences for two high-profile Saudis widely seen as prosecuted for their politics appear to have been calibrated to limit their time in prison as Mr. Biden takes charge of the kingdoms most important ally.

Human rights campaigners have applauded the changes while emphasizing the many places where the kingdom still fails to ensure basic rights.

There have been a lot of good reforms to be excited about, but the total absence of any kind of free expression and the continued political crackdown have mitigated Saudi Arabia getting more credit for these changes, said Adam Coogle, deputy director for the Middle East for Human Rights Watch.

Outgoing US President on Monday issued an executive order to lift travel restrictions on European countries and which his administration had imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Travel restrictions on several other countries including China and Iran remain in place.

In an executive order, Trump said he is removing the restrictions applicable to the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Brazil, while leaving in place the restrictions applicable to China and Iran.

A decision in this regard, he said, is being taken after the January 12 directive of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States.

Trump said that European Union, Britain, Ireland and will cooperate with the US in the implementation of CDC's January 12, 2021, order and that tests administered there will yield accurate results.

However, the same cannot be said of China and Iran. Those jurisdictions' responses to the pandemic, their lack of transparency, and their lack of cooperation with the United States thus far in combatting the pandemic, cast doubt on their cooperation in implementing CDC's January 12, 2021, order, Trump said.

The previous travel restrictions were announced on March 14 and May 24 of last year.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tamara Eccelstone breastfed her youngest child on Tuesday morning while enjoying another day in sunny Dubai.

The Formula 1 heiress is making the most of a New Year break in the United Arab Emirates with husband Jay Rutland and their children, daughters Sophia, six, and Serena, three months.

With temperatures climbing to a welcome 21 degrees, Tamara, 36, took advantage of the warm weather by relaxing by the pool with the younger of their two daughters.

Doting mother: Tamara Eccelstone breastfed her youngest child Serena, three months, on Tuesday morning while enjoying another day in sunny Dubai

Taking to Instagram, the socialite shared an image of herself breastfeeding Serena, whose head was protected from the glaring sun by a pink bonnet.

Tamara is an outspoken advocate of the practice and has previously shared pictures on social media of herself breastfeeding elder child Sophia while fending off online criticism for continuing to do so beyond the child's fourth birthday.

Despite the division, the mother-of two told previously told HELLO! that breastfeeding helped her reconnect with Sophia and settled her down at the end of the day.

Nurturing: Tamara is an outspoken advocate of the practice and has previously shared pictures on social media of herself breastfeeding elder child Sophia as an infant

Its only at bedtime, she told the publication in 2018. Its her bedtime routine. We do bath time, then we read four stories every night, then she has the boob.

She falls asleep. Thats her way, she doesnt have a dummy or a bottle to comfort her.

Tamara also revealed she was almost done with breastfeeding the then four-year old Sophia ahead of her first year at school.

She said: I definitely think its something that [Sophias] almost done with and its phasing out. And Im fine about that. Its happened so gradually and Ive been expecting it.

Good times: Tamara jetted to Dubai with husband Jay (pictured with daughter Serena) and their children for the festive season in December

Under wraps: The family initially kept their location a mystery but they soon revealed they were in Dubai after they flew to their sun-drenched festive getaway before lockdown

Tamara jetted to Dubai with husband Jay and their children for the festive season in December.

The family initially kept their location a mystery but they soon revealed they were in Dubai after they flew to their sun-drenched festive getaway before lockdown.

It was revealed this week that travellers returning to the UK from the UAE will have to quarantine following a 52 per cent surge in the number of COVID -19 cases there.

New rules will require international travellers to come back negative after a PCR test before arriving in England. They will come into force from Friday.
(Newser)  The MyPillow founder is now tied up in the Dominion Voting Systems drama. Dominion has officially warned Mike Lindell that it will quite likely be suing him as Trump allies continue to falsely claim that the company's voting machines were rigged to flip votes from President Trump to Joe Biden in November. "You have positioned yourself as a prominent leader of the ongoing misinformation campaign," Dominion says in a letter to Lindell cited by the New York Times. "Litigation regarding these issues is imminent." The MyPillow CEO is a staunch supporter of Trump and may have recently run the idea of martial law by the POTUS.

story continues below

"They sent this letter a couple of weeks ago," Lindell says. "Theyre lying, theyre nervous because I have all the evidence on them." Lindell has also backed accused teen Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse and touted an unproven COVID cure in recent months, the latter of which got him blasted by Anderson Cooper. "I want Dominion to put up their lawsuit because we have 100% evidence that China and other countries used their machines to steal the election," he tells Axios. Dominion has already sued controversial former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, and an employee of the company has sued Trump himself as well as the right-wing media companies Newsmax and OANN. Meanwhile, another right-wing outlet issued a statement retracting its "completely false" claims about fraud on Dominion machines, the Daily Beast reports. (Read more Dominion Voting Systems stories.)
(Newser)  The presidential pardon watch continues, with President Trump expected to issue roughly 100 pardons and commutations on his last full day in office. Joe Exotic's legal team feels confident he'll be on the pardon list. How confident? The head of his legal team, Eric Love, tells KOCO 5 there is a limo prepared to pick Joe up at FMC Fort Worth and take him to an undisclosed location. Love said in a Tuesday video that he has "the biggest Dodge truck limo in Texas" on standby. The reality TV star is serving a 22-year sentence at the Texas prison in connection with a murder-for-hire plot and wildlife law violations.

story continues below

"We've got hair, makeup, wardrobes. Trust me, anything you can think of we have it, including a doctor and also a mental health expert," says Love, who explains that Joe, born Joseph Maldonado-Passage, doesn't want the public to catch sight of him until he's had his hair tended to. "So, the most important person ... is the hair and makeup and wardrobe," says Love. In the 257-page pardon request Maldonado-Passage sent Trump in September, he alleged he was "sexually assaulted by jail staff, beat up and tied in a chair to the point the skin came off my arms." "Please be my hero," he wrote, adding: "#TrumpJr.2024." Sources told TMZ at the time that they knew of no such assault. (Read more Joe Exotic stories.)


After a two-day break, the Covid-19 vaccination drive will resume for four days all over Maharashtra starting Tuesday, officials said here on Monday. Halted owing to glitches in the CoWIN app for January 17-18, the campaign will be taken up simultaneously at 285 centres in the state, besides nine in Mumbai, as per the schedule already announced. This has been possible with a fully digital registration process for the vaccination programme amid optimism that there will not be any more technical issues, said a BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) health department official. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday reviewed the upcoming phase of vaccination with all Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, Zilla Parishads and other officials, two days after the drive was launched in the state on January 16. He urged the concerned officials to get any glitches in the app rectified by the Centre at the earliest and speed up the vaccination process for the big phase resuming on Tuesday. Thackeray also urged health workers and frontline warriors to get vaccinated and help spread a positive message to the masses. However, in case anyone develops adverse reactions or side-effects, they must be treated on priority and those with serious symptoms must be given extra care, he said. More than 100 health workers are likely to be vaccinated daily at all the vaccination centres in the state, informed Principal Secretary (Health) Pradeep Vyas.




Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the national capital, Accra, have become rigorous in the enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols following reports of upsurge in active cases in the country.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in his update number 22 on measures taken against the spread of the pandemic, said there had been an upsurge in the number of active cases, from a little over 900 to I,924 cases and directed the police to enforce adherence of the safety protocols.



The GNA observed that there were wash basins for hand washing, dispensers containing soap and sanitisers, and wall thermometers outside the premises of the offices for visitors and staff to observe the safety protocols.



At the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, one has to go through the processes of hand washing, hand sanitising and checking of temperature before allowed access to the reception of the offices.



Officers, a nurse and an administrative staff enforcing the protocols ensured that all staff and visitors masked up and had gone through all the safety protocols to contain the spread of the virus.



The GNA also observed that clients and people walking around the Ministries were in nose masks.



In a related issue, traders in parts of Accra, continue to disregard COVID-19 safety protocols and sat in close proximity, with many not wearing nose masks, on Monday.



A few traders, who had their nose masks under their chins, told GNA they were having difficulty in breathing with the masks, so we removed it occasionally to breathe in fresh air.

Handwashing stations were also completely out of sight.

Some drivers, who spoke to GNA, said they needed personal protective equipment to observe the safety protocols and ensure that passengers did same.

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
In this picture obtained from social media, lorries of Scottish seafood company D.R. Collin & Son Ltd are seen on a street during a protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that has stopped them exporting to the European Union, in London, on Jan. 18, 2021. (D.R. Collin & Son Ltd via Reuters)

Johnson Reveals 23 Million Compensation Package as Post Brexit Red Tape Stifles UK Exports

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed that a 23 million ($31.24 million) fund has been created to compensate businesses whose exports have been delayed by excessive red tape following Britains exit from the European Union.

The government said this extra cash was on top of a 100 million ($136 million) investment in the industry over the next few years and nearly 200 million ($272 million) provided to the Scottish government to minimize disruption.

The funding announcement came as more than 20 shellfish trucks parked on roads near the British parliament and Johnsons Downing Street residence on Monday to protest against the post-Brexit bureaucracy that has throttled exports to the EU following the creation of a full customs border.

A lorry drives during a protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that hinders exports to the European Union, at the Parliament Square in London, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

Though British trade with the EU remains free of tariffs and quotas, many fishermen have been unable to export to the bloc since catch certificates, health checks, and customs declarations were introduced at the start of this year, delaying their deliveries and prompting European buyers to reject them.

The trucks with slogans such as Brexit carnage and incompetent government destroying shellfish industry were parked just meters from Johnsons 10 Downing Street office in central London.

Police were asking drivers for details. They said in an email to The Epoch Times that though no arrests had been made 15 people, who were either drivers or passengers in those vehicles, have been reported for COVID related offenses.

Those involved have been reported and the question will be considered as to which prosecution under COVID regulations is appropriate, they added.

However, in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times, Alistair Sinclair National Coordinator of the Scottish Creel Fishermens Federation (SCFF) said the protesters should be applauded.

Every community around the coastline of Scotland should be encouraged to applaud the actions of this vital demonstration from within the seafood supply chain that supplies Europe with the finest seafood in the world, he said.

A lorry with a sign in protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that hinders exports to the European Union, drives at Parliament Square in London, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

Meanwhile, Alasdair Hughson the SCFFs chair and owner of Keltic Seafare said that It is inevitable that the UK Shellfish industry would want to make its voice heard loud and clear on this matter.

He said that businesses already struggling to survive were now being blamed for not completing paperwork correctly amid guidelines which are unclear and changing all of the time.

If this debacle does not improve very soon we are looking at many established businesses coming to the end of the line, he said, with knock-on effects for all who depend on them, including the hundreds of small fishing businesses in extremely fragile communities around our coasts.

Meat exports have also been affected by the delays over paperwork.

Alongside seafood, fresh meat is one of the most time-critical perishable products, the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said in a statement.

Every hour a lorry load of meat is delayed increases the chance of that order either being reduced in price, canceled and returned or, in the most severe cases, thrown away and ending up in landfill, the BMPA said.

Its CEO Nick Allen said that on Jan 11 one exporter had reported six lorry loads of meat valued at 300,000 ($408,000) waiting for customs clearance into the Republic of Ireland, with one of those loads having at that time already waited five days.

A lorry drives during a protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that hinders exports to the European Union, as police officers in vans watch over the demonstration at the Parliament Square in London, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

He called for the modernization of the customs documentation.

We are calling for the current customs and certification system to be modernized and digitized, as the existing paper-based system is a relic from the last century and simply not fit for purpose, he said.

From October last year, the government ran a Time is running out campaign telling businesses to urgently prepare for Brexit and Britains tax and customs authority, HMRC, wrote to 200,000 businesses that trade with the EU, setting out the new customs and tax rules they would be governed by and advising on how to deal with them.

But the governments new fund is to compensate firms who through no fault of their own have experienced bureaucratic delays, difficulties getting their goods through where there is a genuine buyer on the other side of the channel, Johnson said.

A UK government spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times that it is working with EU countries to address paperwork issues and its priority is to ensure that goods can continue to flow smoothly to market.

They said it recognizes the fishing industry is facing some temporary issues following the end of the Transition Period, some of which are the responsibility of devolved administrations and some the responsibility of UK Government.

The Scottish government did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Burma COVID-19 and Security Issues Hamper Myanmars Efforts to List Mrauk-U with UN

A pagoda in Mrauk-U. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

Yangon  COVID-19 and security issues are making it difficult for the government to continue with follow-up work to allow the nomination of Rakhine States Mrauk-U to become a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Myanmar submitted a draft nomination to the United Nations cultural agency in September 2019 and a final application in January 2020. But one year after submitting the final application, Myanmar has yet to finalize the management plan.

Field surveys could not be conducted in Mrauk-U amid fighting between Myanmars military and the Arakan Army (AA) that broke out in the township in March 2019 and continued until late last year. And Unesco has not been able to conduct a survey due to COVID-19.

Daw Khin Than, chairwoman of the Mrauk-U Heritage Trust, said: Domestic and foreign experts and staff from Yangon and Naypyitaw cant come to Mrauk-U due to instability. COVID-19 has also hampered the nomination process.

Since coronavirus broke out in Myanmar in late March, the Department of Archaeology at the Ministry of Religious and Culture has barely cooperated with the Mrauk-U Heritage Trust in the process, she said.

[Buildings] were damaged and lost rapidly. Im afraid only the earth will be left to tell future Rakhine generations, citizens from Myanmar and the international community of the civilization, Daw Khin Than told The Irrawaddy.

Rakhine State MP U Hla Thein Aung of Minbya Township submitted a proposal to the state parliament in September 2019 urging Myanmars military and the AA not to fight at Mrauk-U.

He warned of damage in Buthidaung and Mrauk-U townships, calling on the government to protect the areas heritage. Archaeologists also called on both sides to spare Mrauk-U from fighting.

Though stability has been restored with Myanmars military and the AA observing an unofficial ceasefire since November, the archaeology department will not be able to resume field surveys until the threat of COVID-19 recedes, said U Than Zaw Oo, director of the department.

The department has, however, been holding online meetings since October last year to design management plans and reporting on damage to Mrauk-U.

When experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites inspect and ask about the differences, we will have to explain the progress and damage. The process can only be resumed after COVID-19, he said.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has declined in Myanmar since Dec. 19 but the number remains around 500 per day.

Since 2014 the culture ministry has carried out digital mapping and worked to better preserve Buddhist temples and palaces at Mrauk-U. In May 2017, the government began the Unesco World Heritage List nomination process.

Mrauk-U was the seat of Arakans kings from the 15th century to the late 1800s with the arrival of British imperialist forces. At its height, the empire controlled large parts of todays Bangladesh, Rakhine State and parts of central Myanmar. Much of the citys remains are well-preserved and some 380 temples are scattered among the lush hills of northern Rakhine.

Three historic Pyu cities became Myanmars first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2014 and Bagan was added in July 21019. Mrauk-U is expected to become the third site.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
As Donald Trump heads out of the White House today with the jeers of opponents drowning out his final boasts about his toughness on China and avoidance of new wars, few people need much reminding of what he got wrong.

While the man who loves to boast that he's the ultimate winner  'We revitalised our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before', he claimed last night  is now being dismissed as one of the White House's biggest losers, the idea that he got anything right sounds almost like heresy.

But The Donald did sometimes deliver. Granted, he was abrasive when his allies wanted him to be emollient and some of his key achievements could so easily have backfired badly, but Trump occasionally got results that might have eluded a more measured leader.

Which begs the question: might history remember Trump more kindly than his current critics?

US President Donald Trump addresses the Face-to-Face With Our Future event at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2018

Trump's Triumphs...

CHINA: Relations with China will dominate U.S. foreign policy in the years ahead as the two countries compete for primacy on the world stage. Earlier presidents, awed by China's industrial might, were accused of being led by the nose by Beijing.

When Trump bristled at the Chinese regime and refused to accept trading arrangements  he said they were skewed against the U.S.  he was accused of naked xenophobia and nationalism. The trade war he initiated has certainly hurt Americans economically, but the rest of the West is following in Trump's steps as it wakes up to the risk of being too obliging to China.

Take 5G networks, the next big advance in telephone technology, as one example. Since the U.S. banned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from its 5G networks over security concerns, Australia, Canada, Singapore, France and  after much foot-dragging  the UK followed suit.

WAR ON TERROR: He must share the credit with Barack Obama, who launched an international coalition to destroy Isis. However, Trump continued the policy and was in the captain's chair when the alliance finally destroyed the 'caliphate' in Syria and Iraq.

It was his administration that launched the raid that killed the Isis supreme commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October 2019. And Trump also ordered the killing of Iran's General Qasem Soleimani, widely applauded as long overdue given his involvement in so many terror outrages. Iran's threatened revenge backfired badly when last year it shot down  accidentally  a civilian airliner over Tehran (believing it was an Israeli plane), infuriating its own citizens with its initial lies and cover-up.

Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

ISRAEL: Many experts believed Trump would reignite bloody violence in the Middle East when he recognised Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, angering Palestinians who also lay claim to it. But yet again that scepticism has proved premature.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have all opened diplomatic relations with Israel  a 'normalisation' that had long seemed impossible.

Trump had bullishly challenged entrenched assumptions  and it worked. Parts of the Arab world that have been off limits to Israelis for decades are suddenly open  tens of thousands of Israelis flew to Dubai last month for lockdown-free sun, sand and even glitzy Hebrew weddings following the U.S.-brokered deal.

NATO: The U.S. has been complaining for years that its European allies in Nato should be pulling their weight and paying more towards the West's defence. In many cases the criticism was justified. However, nothing happened until Trump started throwing chairs around.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg gives Trump some credit for Canada and European allies adding $130 billion to their defence budgets, on the way to $400 billion by 2024.

Had he secured a second term, Trump may have planned to go further. Insiders say he has long talked of removing the U.S. completely from the alliance  a move that defence experts say would only be good for Russia.

Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson onstage during the annual NATO heads of government summit on December 4, 2019

HOME AFFAIRS: Trump has won praise from opponents for reforming the criminal justice system to reduce America's huge prison population, for restoring crucial legal rights to male students accused of sex crimes on campus, and even for clamping down on flavoured 'vaping' cartridges to save teenagers from addiction.

SPACE FORCE: Trump established a new branch of the U.S. military to fight in space. It may sound like sci-fi wackiness but both Russia and China are expanding militarily into space, developing satellite-destroying weapons and hypersonic missiles that can travel so fast through near space as to be invulnerable to defences on Earth.

ECONOMY: Until Covid-19 hit, Trump was on course for re-election on the back of a buoyant economy. He and his opponents bicker over how much of this he inherited from Barack Obama but the economy certainly got stronger under unconventional Mr Trump.

His signature policy, $1.9 trillion in tax cuts, encouraged businesses to invest and consumers to spend, boosting the economy. Sceptics chorused that his refusal to make corresponding government budget cuts would end in disaster. Instead, he kept spending and the U.S. economy continued to grow.

... And the Worst of the Misses

CORONAVIRUS: With some 400,000 Americans so far dead and many millions out of work, Trump's handling of Covid-19 is already being cited as one of the biggest disasters in U.S. history. The world's richest country has been one of the worst affected and voters said the president's lazy and chaotic response was their main reason for voting Democrat.

He dangerously downplayed the threat, promoted unproven medicines and publicly denigrated his chief scientific experts.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: Joe Biden has a mountain to climb to restore America's tarnished international reputation. Trump's ban on travel from Muslim countries, his aggressive 'America First' war cry, and his unabashed courting of authoritarian leaders  especially his mystifying chumminess towards Russian President Vladimir Putin  significantly undermined the America's standing in the world.

While he had a point in attacking the World Health Organisation for being in thrall to China over coronavirus, this was outweighed by his decision to unilaterally pull the U.S. from both the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate agreement.

US President Donald Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona, June 23, 2020

A group of Central American migrants climb the border fence between Mexico and the United States, near El Chaparral border crossing, in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on November 25, 2018

KOWTOWING TO SICK EXTREMISTS: Trump's response to a deadly neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia  claiming there were 'very fine people on both sides'  remains one of the most controversial moments in his presidency.

His failure to condemn the white supremacists and sinister conspiracy theorists who support him led to the outrageous storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on January 6 which left five dead and dozens injured.

POLARISING AMERICA, DAMAGING DEMOCRACY: The U.S. was fiercely divided before he became president but Trump has done his best to exacerbate those divisions. He brought the office of president into disrepute by his shameless self-aggrandisement, mercurial temperament and  above all  by his endless lying, from the size of his inauguration crowd to claims of mass election fraud.

His refusal to admit defeat gracefully and continued insistence, against all evidence, that the election was 'stolen' from him, alienated even his most loyal allies. He limps pathetically from office, isolated and angry. He couldn't have seen coronavirus coming, but for everything else he only has himself to blame.

THE WALL: Remember Trump's 'big, beautiful wall'? Plenty of his supporters do as it encapsulated how he would tackle the illegal immigration problem, and also violent crime, by keeping out the undesirables from Latin America.

Experts warned that building one along the entire 1,954 mile border with Mexico was both unfeasible and pointless (as most migrants came by road). Four years later, only 452 miles of wall have been completed, and only 40 miles of that is new build. Ironically, Trump achieved far more success by tightening up asylum rules.
Union Home Minister on Tuesday praised the role of the during the pandemic and said the police force has been providing exemplary services to people of the capital.

He also said that the police force tackled the northeast Delhi riots last year and brought back peace to the city.

Be it tackling the northeast Delhi violence, or the lockdown announced after the outbreak of coronavirus, or the unlocking process, or the movement of migrant workers, the has provided exemplary services to the people, Shah said at an event held at the headquarters here.

The minister said the Delhi Police has a very large area of responsibility as various key installations come under its jurisdiction that include Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister's residence, embassies of a large number of countries, headquarters of many key organisations, science centres, among others.

He also appreciated the city police's initiative to reunite missing children with their parents and said such moves were service to humanity.

Shah announced that 15,000 CCTV cameras will be installed in Delhi for close monitoring of crime and criminals and also for the maintenance of law and order.

These police CCTV networks will also be connected with the CCTVs installed in railway stations, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
EDWARDSVILLE  Liberating self through the pursuit of freedom, while chasing the shadow of justice is an illuminating descriptor of the pedagogical philosophy, rooted in Critical Race Theory (CRT), held by a young Black educator who has pledged himself to socially-just, community-based teaching, scholarship and activism.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Nate Williams, PhD, associate professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behaviors (SEHHB) Department of Teaching and Learning, has been on campus for five months and is already knee-deep in classes, programs and initiatives that seek to secure the educational liberation of marginalized people and amplify knowledge for everyone.

My teaching is intimately linked to my community-engaged research, offered Williams. The fundamental questions I ask about the nature of schooling emerged from the daily injustices I witnessed, and was implicated in during my time as a student and classroom teacher in urban schools.

In response, I intentionally characterize my pedagogy by three elements, regardless of the course I am teaching. These elements are facilitation, critical reflection and creativity. As an educator, my responsibilities center on promoting opportunity and hope, while liberating my students through content acquisition and critical reflection. I employ collaborative learning and reciprocal teaching, which allows my students to take ownership in the classroom by assisting in the design of lessons covered.

Williams expertise is vast, some of which includes critical race pedagogy, critical race praxis, bi-racial identity development culture, politics and education, bi-racial identity development, and inquiry assessments and design.

He is also co-vice president elect of the Critical Race Studies in Education Association (CRSEA) with Dr. Timberly Baker, associate professor in educational leadership at Arkansas State University. CRSEA is an interdisciplinary consortium of experts who recognize global implications of race and education for minoritized people. Through scholarship, they identify and expose inequities for the ultimate eradication of white supremacy.

Critical Race Theory is a tool for scholars and scholar-activists to label and analyze asymmetrical systems of racialized power in the world, explained Williams. CRT is an established, yet evolving conceptual framework that is an amalgamation of Critical Legal Studies, Black Intellectual Thought and a Black liberation tradition, centered on deciphering the legacy of white supremacy and racialized tyranny in society.

CRT is important, because it is the best tool to understand and disrupt the dehumanization of practices of white supremacy, which mitigates success, access and humanity for all peoples.

Williams knowledge and passion can be discovered in various campus duties and projects that include:

Lead designer/architect for SEHHBs secondary education program redesign, which involves reconceptualizing the secondary education licensure program through a critical race pedagogy framework

Faculty member of the DREAM (Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization) Collective at SIUE, where he helps develop, coordinate and participate in podcast episodes and webinars

SEHHB liaison for the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, where he has designed an enrichment program for Black males, supports food security efforts, and has created the new Project T.E.A.M. (Transformative Education Achievement Model) @ SEHHB to be launched in the spring

Williams, who was an assistant professor in the Educational Studies Department at Knox College in Galesburg, became interested in SIUE as a result of learning about some of its progressive ideas and happenings from his mentor and friend SEHHB Dean Robin Hughes, PhD.

After first hearing about SIUE from Dean Hughes, I did my own research and liked what I discovered, he continued. The aesthetics of the campus continue to leave me awestruck. As well, the anti-racist feats SIUE is attempting to accomplish is noteworthy. For example, SIUE is headed in the right direction with many of the new hires, specifically Black faculty and administrators across campus. Admittedly, I have to emphasize though, that there still arent enough Black employees. However, the new hires and campus-wide initiatives (like the DREAM Collective) provide hope for authentic change. Although the path before us is arduous, we will march forward and make SIUE an anti-racist institution.

Williams has plans to accomplish many great things at SIUE, some of which include:

Help to make SIUE #1 in graduating licensed Black male educators

Help to increase the number of Black male educators by creating a pipeline to the SEHHB from area high schools

Help make SIUE the go-to institution for CRT work and CRT scholars

I choose to engage in the work I do, because I know that I am not here by my own doing, Williams added. I am also motivated by those whom I believe should be in a similar professional status as myself, but bullets (literally and metaphorically) of inequity, injustice and racism have struck them down.
Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced that the 25-hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) they developed for the air transport market has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification.

The new Honeywell Connected Recorder-25 meets and exceeds the requirements of the upcoming 2021 EASA minimum 25-hour cockpit voice recording mandate for aircraft weighing over 27,000 kilograms.

The importance of reliable cockpit voice and flight data recorders cannot be overstated. Thats why we are working alongside Curtiss-Wright to design and develop the next generation of recorders that leverages our full hardware and software expertise to meet the 25-hour requirement, and identify the right information and make it available to accident investigation agencies when its most needed, said Amanda King, Vice President and General Manager, Aerospace Connected Secure Solutions, Honeywell Connected Enterprise. With the new regulatory requirement, we saw an opportunity to evolve our recorder technology to not only meet the conditions of governing agencies, but also make this product more powerful and better connected, providing aircraft operators with another source of data collection that can be used to improve aircraft maintenance and performance.

Developed for customers that require Class 6 cockpit voice recorders, the CVR is ideal for both new installations and retrofit applications. It weighs less than 9.5 pounds (4.3 kilograms) and includes a 90-day underwater locator beacon. The recorder weighs substantially less than early-generation, rack-based, solid-state recorder alternatives, which helps significantly reduce fuel costs.

Both companies are pioneers and innovators of crash-protected recorders, providing flight recorders to the industry for over 60 years, said Lynn M. Bamford, President and Chief Executive Officer, Curtiss-Wright Corporation. Working together, we will take flight recorder connectivity and performance to new heights, with extended operation and greater survivability.

Developing the Next Generation of Voice and Data Recorders

In 2019, Curtiss-Wright and Honeywell announced a collaboration to develop a new way for airlines to monitor and analyse flight data. The companies signed an agreement to develop the next generation of mandate-compliant voice and data recorders, using real-time connectivity. This means the aircraft data can be used for more efficient operations, allowing for additional predictive maintenance and real-time playback of data and voice communications. Along with added connectivity, these next-generation recorders provide an easy upgrade that saves installation time and lowers costs due to being form-fit replacements for Honeywells HFR-5 series Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders (FDRs).

As a source of critical aircraft data, black boxes passively collect large amounts of information from multiple sources during each flight. This ensures that in an accident, investigators can use the data to learn more about the chain of events leading up to it. This new recorder will serve as a Black Box in the Sky, meaning owners, operators and manufacturers can access the data during flight, resulting in the potential for better maintenance predictability and operational insight through data analytics. In addition, in an emergency, the data on board will be quickly accessible to investigators.

As part of the development of the new recorders, Honeywell will offer the product in several variants, including as a standalone CVR, as a standalone FDR, or as a combined voice and flight data recorder. - TradeArabia News Service
According to preliminary statistics from Vietnam Customs, two-way trade revenue between Vietnam and China reached US$133.09 billion in 2020, up 13.8% on2019 despite the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam posted export revenue from China of US$48.9 billion in 2020, up 17.9%, and import revenue of US$84.1 billion, up 11.5% over the same period in 2019. Thus, Vietnam suffered a trade deficit of US$35.2 billion, an increase of 3.74% against 2019.

China continues to be the countrys largest tradingpartner, the largest commodity supplier to the market and the second largest export market of Vietnam (after the US).

The main growth driver of Vietnam-China trade in 2020 is the growth of manufacturing and processing goods with revenue of US$37.07 billion, up 20.06% and construction materials with revenue of US$3.12 billion, up 104.09%.

However, several traditional Vietnamese goods faced difficulties in their export activities to China including agricultural and aquatic products with export revenue of US$6.8 billion in 2020, down 3.3% compared to 2019.

According to statistics from China Customs, Vietnam is the eighth largest commodity supply market and the fifth largest export market of China.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - A non-profit is donating to the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester.

The house offers a home for transplant patients and their families.

On Monday, it received 40 boxes of goodies from a group known as the Power of 10.

At the transplant house, guests are not allowed visitors right now, so these little care boxes means a lot to them.

Executive Director Mary Wilder says these care packages included socks, treats, masks, and a piece of ginger candy.

Boxes came for both men and women.

Wilder says the care packages gives the guests hope and a reminder that they are important.

"When we receive a donation like this that let's them know other people in the community are thinking about them, that is a tremendous encouragement. We all know if we're discouraged or going through something really tough and we receive an out of the blue surprise, it just warms our hearts. And that's how they feel," says Wilder.

Wilder says the Power of 10 group reached out to her about offering these gifts monthly.
For people who lost work during the pandemic, life is one big uncertainty. Some jobless Philadelphians have gone from receiving hundreds of dollars a week in unemployment benefits to less than $50 without understanding why, said Andrew Lee, an organizer with the nonprofit Philadelphia Unemployment Project.

You can imagine how stressful it is for households with unemployed family members trying to budget for necessities like rent or heat or food, when they dont know how much money will be coming in from week to week, he said.

Renters are more likely than homeowners to work in industries that the pandemic has hit hardest. So, as a whole, they have been especially vulnerable to variations in unemployment benefits, their primary income. One source of that variation has been the ups and downs in supplemental payments from the federal government. The share of peoples income that has had to go toward housing  at the expense of other essentials  also has fluctuated with these payments.

When the federal government added $600 in weekly payments to states unemployment benefits early in the pandemic, a typical unemployed renter in the Philadelphia metropolitan area was spending roughly 29% of that income on rent, according to a report Zillow released this month. Thats just under the 30% threshold at which a household is considered rent burdened. High rent burdens in communities are associated with higher rates of homelessness.

When the $600 federal unemployment payments stopped at the end of July and $300 payments replaced them, the rent burden on Philadelphia-area households increased. Unemployed renters in the region were spending roughly 43% of that income on rent.

In the fall, federal payments stopped altogether and the share of income that unemployed tenants spent on rent jumped to about 79%. The $300 federal payments picked back up again this winter.

This roller coaster ride is a clear demonstration of just how much of a difference even modest amounts of federal assistance can mean to struggling renters, Chris Glynn, a senior economist at Zillow, wrote in his report.

And theres another looming cliff coming in March, Glynn said in an interview, referring to the scheduled end of the $300 supplemental federal unemployment benefits. So the ride may not be over yet.

 READ MORE: How low-income people are spending their $600 pandemic stimulus payments

President-elect Joe Bidens coronavirus relief legislation is expected to extend supplemental federal unemployment benefits, which also can help renters reduce the debt they owe their landlords. But some residents in the region who qualify for unemployment benefits have been waiting months for payments.

Jonette Prescott of West Philadelphia was a successful door-to-door salesperson, enticing people to try solar panels or otherwise save money on their electric bills. Then, in April, she lost work because of the pandemic. Prescott, 50, was able to go back to work for a couple months during the summer before she was out of a job again. She has continued to fight for benefits. Over the last nine months, she has received $1,100, she said.

Prescott has been staying in a room of a house owned by a family members acquaintance. She gives the homeowner what money she can but hasnt been able to afford regular payments without a job or unemployment income. She is grateful the owner is letting her stay without charging her. But its not the home she envisioned for herself before the pandemic, when she was living in a shelter and saving money to be able to rent a home of her own.

I didnt want to rent somewhere and end up evicted because I couldnt pay the rent, she said.

 READ MORE: Jobless workers have spent months waiting to get paid Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits: Its a nightmare

Lee, of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, which advocates for jobs, housing protections and benefits for jobless residents, said one womans unemployment benefits cover only 70% of her rent. She picks up hairdressing jobs when she can for some extra income.

It is especially egregious that benefits that people have paid their way into are not sufficient to cover normal living expenses, Lee said.

In Philadelphia, the median rent for apartments is $973 for one bedroom and $1,127 for two, according to an Apartment List report released this month. The federal governments boost to unemployment benefits gives households more room to pay for food, utilities, and other expenses. But since unemployment because of the pandemic is the main reason renters cant pay their rent, overcoming the pandemic and bringing back jobs is critical.

The current employment landscape, said Glynn at Zillow, creates a really nasty housing vulnerability problem for many households, where our most vulnerable households are the ones that have been disproportionately impacted.

Black and Latino households are more likely than white households to both rent their home and to have lost work because of the pandemic.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.
The states acting chief information security officer, Vitaliy Panych , has had his status affirmed: Hes the new state CISO, the Governors Office announced last week.Panych, 35, has been the acting state CISO since his predecessor, Peter Liebert, left the California Department of Technology (CDT) in 2019 and entered the private sector.Panych is a veteran of state government, having started his career in June 2003 as a network engineer at the states Teale Data Center. He joined the state Franchise Tax Board in 2007 as a system software specialist. In 2008, he was named Information Security Vulnerability Management lead for FTB, a role he held until moving to the Employment Development Department in 2009, where he served as security and compliance manager.In 2016, Panych was named agency information security officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation , a role he held for three years until moving to CDT in January 2019.The trilingual executive  in addition to English, he speaks Russian and Ukrainian  has maintained a steady profile since taking over as acting state CISO, frequently appearing in conferences, briefings and other gov tech events.Panych, who lives in El Dorado Hills, has bachelors degrees from California State University at Sacramento in computer science and political science. He has a portfolio of professional accreditations and distinctions, including numerous Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) credentials.This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the annual salary is $164,580.
A passenger who says he was beaten unconscious by British Transport Police after claims he was 'rude' in a row over a 22 train ticket is now suing for over 200,000 compensation.

Engineer Cameron McArthur, 62, was on his way to Heathrow from Paddington station in March 2016 when he became embroiled in an argument with a rail worker after having to switch from the tube to a train due to industrial action.

When he was asked to pay a 22 additional fare, it is claimed Mr McArthur was 'rude', telling the male member of station staff: 'I wouldn't pay for a go on your mother and daughter for that f*****g price'.

Mr McArthur told Central London County Court that he was handcuffed and 'beaten unconscious' by a BTP constable and community support officer.

Cameron McArthur, 62, says he was beaten unconscious by British Transport Police after claims he was 'rude' in a row over a 22 train ticket, and is now suing for over 200,000 compensation

But he denies threatening or doing anything to harass anyone and is now demanding damages of over 200,000 after launching a court claim against the Chief Constable of British Transport Police.

BTP are defending the action, claiming Mr McArthur was drunk and accidentally knocked himself out during the scuffle with the officers.

In documents submitted to the court, Mr McArthur told Judge Heather Baucher that he 'was beaten unconscious whilst detained in handcuffs at Paddington station' on March 24 2016.

'The defendant police officers assaulted the claimant. He was handcuffed unlawfully...He was beaten unconscious by the defendant police officers whilst detained in handcuffs at Paddington Station,' the documents state.

The engineer was on his way to Heathrow from Paddington station in March 2016 when he became embroiled in an argument with a rail worker after having to switch from the tube to a train due to industrial action

Outside court, he added that he was attempting to switch from the tube to a train due to a strike on the Piccadilly Line but now has only a hazy recollection of the incident due to suffering a head injury during the clash with the police officers.

The Chief Constable, in his defence to the action, told the judge that an officer had attended after a report that Mr McArthur was being rude and refusing to pay for a ticket.

'The officer asked the claimant what was wrong. He noticed that the claimant was intoxicated and unsteady on his feet.

'The claimant replied "So I will tell you what I told him - I wouldn't pay for a go on his mother and his daughter for that f*****g price." The claimant was warned that his behaviour was unacceptable and the officer began to escort him out of the station.'

When he was asked to pay a 22 additional fare, it is claimed Mr McArthur was 'rude', telling the male member of station staff: 'I wouldn't pay for a go on your mother and daughter for that f*****g price'

The Chief Constable claims that Mr McArthur then 'became aggressive and was swearing loudly' and went on to tell the BTP officer: 'I'm going to punch you in the f*****g mouth'.

'As a result of this threat of violence, the claimant was arrested for a public order offence and cautioned...the officer had a reasonable belief that the claimant would punch him and therefore applied handcuffs to prevent the claimant assaulting him,' the defence states.

'As he was applying the handcuffs, the claimant suddenly flung his head backwards in an attempt to head butt the officer,' the defence continues, adding that the officer assisted by a PCSO then 'went to manoeuvre the claimant to the floor to prevent any further injury'.

'However the claimant pulled away, lost his balance and fell to the floor hitting his head. It is understood that the claimant may have lost consciousness for a short period of time.

'The officer used reasonable and proportionate force. It is denied that the claimant was assaulted.'

Responding to the Chief Constable's account of the incident in his claim form, Mr Mcarthur told the judge: 'The allegation that I refused to pay for a train ticket is a lie.

Mr McArthur told Central London County Court that he was handcuffed and 'beaten unconscious' by a BTP constable and community support officer. British Transport Police say Mr McArthur was drunk and accidentally knocked himself out after the scuffle

'I had merely enquired about the cost of a ticket and because it was too expensive chose not to buy it.

'I had no intention to use the train service without a ticket.

'Contrary to reports, I was not drunk.

'I deny threatening the officer or anyone else,' he stated, also denying he 'behaved in any manner which could have caused anyone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed.'

He added that he 'disputes the defendant officers had an honestly held reasonable suspicion to arrest him for any offence'.

'Each and every laying of hands on the claimant by any officer was unlawful and each constituted a battery.

'The use of handcuffs constitutes an assault.'

Mr McArthur says he 'sustained head injuries including but not limited to cuts, bruises and concussion. These were caused by the British Transport Police officers beating (me) unconscious.

'There was a violent assault on (my) person...The assault took place in full view of the public,' he adds.

On 9 September 2016, Mr McArthur was brought to trial, accused of a public order offence and assaulting a police officer in relation to the incident.

However, the case against him was dismissed after no witnesses appeared for the prosecution.

The Chief Constable told Judge Baucher that occurred because of an 'error made by the court'.

Mr McArthur however told her that he was 'maliciously prosecuted'.

'The defendant continues to fail to apologise,' he stated, adding that he wants 'overall damages in excess of 200,000'.

The case appeared in court for a brief pre-trial hearing, and has now adjourned until a later date.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte pleaded for lawmakers' support on Tuesday as his teetering government faced a confidence vote while it struggles to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The ruling coalition has been on the brink of collapse since former premier Matteo Renzi withdrew his Italia Viva party last week, depriving Conte of his majority in the upper chamber.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Conte, who since 2018 has headed two politically divergent governments, is desperately seeking the backing of opposition lawmakers to allow his coalition to stay in power.

"We are calling on all political forces, and also parliamentarians, who have Italy's destiny at heart to help us restart as quickly as possible," he told the upper chamber.

The prime minister has repeatedly warned of the danger of leaving Italy rudderless in the middle of a pandemic that has claimed more than 82,000 lives and devastated the economy.

His government won a first confidence vote late Monday in the lower house, but faces a tougher task persuading the Senate, where it lost its majority following Italia Viva's defection.

In a twist, Renzi's party said it would abstain, making it easier for the government to win the vote on Tuesday evening -- but the crisis risks being merely delayed.

Conte was widely expected to take around 155 votes in the 321-seat chamber -- saving the day, but with only enough support to keep going as a minority government.

Minority government

Minority governments are nothing new in Italy, which has had 29 prime ministers and 66 governments since 1946.

But the task facing this one is unprecedented, with parts of the country currently under partial lockdown and a 220-billion-euro ($267 billion) European Union recovery package to push through parliament.

"Conte would end up commanding an extremely shaky majority that would risk collapsing at any divisive vote in the coming months," said Wolfango Piccoli of the Teneo consultancy.

Conte's coalition is made up of the former anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and a smaller leftist party.

If they win on Tuesday, they will hope over the coming weeks to persuade a few renegade Christian Democrat, conservative and socialist lawmakers, as well as former M5S members and defectors from Renzi's side, to join them.

The knife-edge nature of the vote was demonstrated by the decision of some lawmakers to attend despite coronavirus restrictions.

Liliana Segre, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor and non-partisan lifetime senator, said she would contradict her doctor's advice to travel from Milan to Rome to cast her vote for Conte.

'Difficult' Renzi

Italy was the first European country to face the full force of the pandemic early in 2020 and has been one of the EU's hardest-hit countries.

It has been allocated a large share of a 750-billion-euro ($904 billion) European Union rescue fund, but Conte's 220-billion spending plan was a trigger for the current turmoil.

For weeks, Renzi had criticised Conte for his leadership style and his handling of the pandemic, and warned that he and M5S risked squandering the EU billions.

Critics in turn accused Renzi -- whose Italia Viva party is polling at just three percent -- of seeking to deliberately destabilise the government so he can play kingmaker.

Conte compared Renzi on Tuesday to "someone who constantly fills the common path with mines" and said he found it "very difficult" trying to govern while being under attack.

Centre-right waiting

If Conte loses Tuesday, he could resign and seek to form a new cabinet, or PD and M5S -- and even Renzi -- could go on without him.

Another option might be a technocratic government, probably led by a non-partisan figure, to see Italy out of the worst of the Covid-19 crisis.

The nuclear option is snap elections, which none of the ruling parties want.

Opinion polls point to victory for the centre-right coalition comprising Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's far-right League party.

In both speeches to the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, Conte appealed for support from lawmakers from "the highest European tradition -- liberal, popular and socialist".

He was heckled by opposition lawmakers shouting "Go home!", while Salvini tweeted: "The sooner this government goes, the better for the country."

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
MBABANE  Desperate times call for desperate measures!

This adage rang true for a bucopho who risked his life when he received a call from a desperate family seeking his assistance to take an elderly woman to hospital. It was at around 8pm and the family made it known that they needed his assistance as they had tried calling 977 but had not received help. Nkosingiphile Pilos Masina of Nceka under Siphofaneni Inkhundla, after having been informed that the elderly woman presented symptoms of COVID-19 including a strong fever, quickly wore what he believed was his own protective clothing and drove the woman to the nearest hospital. He said after the symptoms had been described to him, he concluded that they were similar to the ones stated by health experts related to COVID-19.

As he prepared to transport the woman, he shared the news in a WhatsApp group for bucopho and tindvuna tetinkhundla, telling them about the tough task ahead.

Mask

I then wore my mask and a jacket which I usually use for gym. The jacket has a hood which I told myself would cover me properly. I have a Mazda sedan. I do not have a bakkie, otherwise I would have requested them to board at the back, he said. He said he found himself with no choice, but to assist the elderly woman despite the threat on his own safety. The scenario, according to Masina, followed another one which happened recently, where he unknowingly assisted another resident who had actually tested positive for COVID-19 and had been advised to go home and isolate.

I was called by the mother telling me that her daughter had fallen sick, but since the facilities were full they had said she should go and recover at home. She stayed at home for the first day and it was promising. However, at around 11pm the next day, her condition deteriorated. I had to transport them to the Sithobela Clinic, he said. According to Masina, when he offered to transport the mother and her daughter, he was not aware that the latter had actually tested positive for COVID-19. All they told me was that she had become worse. Actually, since she is still young, I suspected that she might be pregnant. But when we arrived at Sithobela Clinic, the mother then confided that her daughter had actually tested positive for COVID-19 at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital and the wards were full. She also confided that they had used public transport and the bus was in full capacity, said Masina.



NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Odyssey Investment Partners ("Odyssey") announced that a fund it manages has acquired Applied Technical Services, Inc. ("ATS" or "the Company"), a premier provider of high-quality testing, inspection, and calibration services, in partnership with Jim J. Hills, the Company's President, and the existing ATS management team. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ATS, headquartered in Marietta, Georgia with more than 40 offices across the US, is a leading technical service platform that deploys a national network of experienced, highly technical professionals to provide mission-critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance ("TICC") services. Powered by innovative technology, significant operational scale and expertise, and deep knowledge of complex regulations, ATS delivers a vast suite of comprehensive services and solutions tailored to customers' needs. The Company serves many of the world's largest companies across numerous industries and offers advanced capabilities spanning laboratory testing, calibration services, non-destructive testing and consulting engineering services.

A family-run company for more than 50 years, ATS will continue to be led by Mr. Hills and the existing management team, which will maintain a significant ownership position in the Company.

Odyssey's partnership with ATS builds on the firm's experience in the testing services space through its previous investment in EAG Laboratories, a diversified materials testing provider.

Jason Cowett, a Managing Principal at Odyssey, said, "We are excited to partner with ATS, which is primed to accelerate its decades-long track record of growth given its strong value proposition and robust diversification across customers, geographies, and end markets. The Company has built considerable momentum driven by investments in infrastructure and talent, deep customer relationships, and an ingrained entrepreneurial culture. ATS has significant runway to continue its organic expansion and accelerate strategic acquisitions by capitalizing on its proven M&A capabilities in the fragmented markets it serves. We look forward to our partnership with Jim, his outstanding management team, and all of ATS's talented professionals."

"We selected Odyssey as our partner because we believe the firm has the knowledge and experience to help us capitalize on the transformative growth opportunities ahead of us," said Mr. Hills. "Our business, founded by my father, Bill Lewis and Ralph Johnson more than five decades ago, has a trusted reputation of providing clients with exceptional expertise, uncompromised safety, and the highest-quality service. With the valuable support of Odyssey, ATS and our over 900 expert professionals will continue to scale our comprehensive, nationwide platform of advanced TICC services and lead the industry in providing the technical answers and solutions our customers need. We are excited to work with Jason and his team going forward to execute on our strategic growth objectives."

ATS was advised by Harris Williams through the process, with Latham & Watkins LLP serving as legal advisor to Odyssey and Houlihan Lokey, Inc. serving as financial advisor.

About Applied Technical Services

Applied Technical Services, Inc. is a world-class, technologically advanced testing and inspection firm with extensive consulting and engineering capabilities. With headquarters in Marietta, Georgia and over 40 branch offices and over 900 employees scattered throughout the U.S., ATS has established an excellent reputation within the industrial, commercial, medical and legal communities for providing market leading services that include materials testing, environmental testing, chemical analysis, calibration, non-destructive testing, forensic and consulting engineering, and fire and explosion investigation. For further information about ATS, please visit http://www.atslab.com.

About Odyssey Investment Partners

Odyssey Investment Partners, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, is a leading private equity investment firm with more than a 25-year history of partnering with skilled managers to transform middle-market companies into more efficient and diversified businesses with strong growth profiles. Odyssey makes majority controlled investments in industries with a long-term positive outlook and favorable secular trends. For further information about Odyssey, please visit www.odysseyinvestment.com.

Contact:

Mark Semer

Kekst CNC

(917) 439-3507

SOURCE Odyssey Investment Partners
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 opening of the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion marks the beginning of a new era in cancer care," said Wright Lassiter, III , President and CEO of Henry Ford Health System . "This investment is a testament to decades of cancer care innovation at Henry Ford Hospital, where we've developed and delivered first in the world care. The pavilion brings this innovation to new levels, serving as a global destination for cancer care, with our other System cancer sites working together to create one elite team for each patient."

All aspects of the building's design, from the multi-level attached parking deck to its floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the building with natural light, was guided with input from cancer patients, survivors and families.

"This new Henry Ford Cancer Institute location in Detroit provides the ideal environment for our clinicians and team members to deliver the best in patient-centered care in a warm and embracing setting," said Adnan Munkarah, M.D., Chief Clinical Officer of Henry Ford Health System. "Those who are battling cancer will have access to the most innovative therapies and clinical trials delivered by one of the best teams in the world  whether that level of care is being delivered at the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion or in partnership with one of our many other Henry Ford Cancer Institute locations."

The new cancer pavilion was made possible through the generosity of Detroit businessman and philanthropist Mort Harris, who donated $20 million to Henry Ford Health System in December 2016 in honor of his late wife, Brigitte. The $20 million gift was in addition to a separate $20 million gift from Harris to support Henry Ford's precision medicine, brain cancer and pancreatic cancer programs. Brigitte Harris battled pancreatic cancer for almost two years before she passed away in 2016.

"This is a transcendent moment in the fight against cancer," said Steven Kalkanis, M.D., CEO of Henry Ford Medical Group and Chief Academic Officer of Henry Ford Health System. "At a time when our society has endured extraordinary challenges, the opening of this new Henry Ford Cancer Institute location in Detroit is a beacon of hope in the lives of everyone affected by this disease. The pavilion provides the facilities and resources required for our dedicated researchers and clinicians to push the boundaries of modern medicine that will allow us to detect cancer earlier and treat it more effectively than ever before."

Advanced and Transformative Cancer Care

One of the key elements of the care patients will receive at the new cancer pavilion, as well as other Henry Ford Cancer Institute locations throughout the health system, is access to Precision Medicine, which customizes treatment based on each patient's unique genomic profile as well as environmental and lifestyle factors.

"Henry Ford Cancer Institute is the first and most comprehensive in Michigan to offer integrated genomic testing and treatment expertise to all cancer patients," said David Kwon, M.D., Physician in Charge at Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion. "Precision Medicine is just one of the ways we ensure that care is tailored to each unique patient. The pavilion also offers 14 clinics where patients see the medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, along with other specialists who specialize in their specific type of cancer. It is the expertise of our collective team  paired with the most advanced treatment options and an innovative healing environment  that strengthens our patients on their journey and gives them hope."

"Our new cancer pavilion is designed to deliver an exceptional care experience surrounded by compassion, comfort, innovation and hope," said Madelyn Van Tassel, Interim Vice President and Executive Director of Henry Ford Cancer Institute. "A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult and frightening moments in a person's life. Our care teams are committed to guiding each patient through their unique journey and recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to support our patients' wellbeing."

Key features of Henry Ford's new cancer pavilion include:

Clinics by Cancer Type

Patients will meet their entire team of experts who specialize in their type of cancer in a single clinic location, where they will receive a wide range of personalized cancer care.

Precision Medicine Program

Two people may have the same type of cancer, but no two people respond to treatments in precisely the same way. Precision Medicine works to find the most effective, targeted treatments custom-fit for each person.

OncoStat Clinic

Same day urgent cancer care for medical concerns, such as side effects following chemotherapy, radiation treatment or surgery, are offered by cancer-specific medical providers in a serene and safe environment, dedicated specifically to cancer patients.

Supportive Services

Nurse navigation, financial counseling, social work, genetic counselors, cancer nutritionists, psych-oncology, and integrative medicine services are just some of the comprehensive services meant to support the whole person.

Clinical Trials Office

Staffed with research nurses, this office will give patients access to the latest clinical trials.

Infusion Center

Former patients and survivors were instrumental in the design of the infusion area, where the layout was designed to maximize safety and comfort, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize ambient light as well as a separate roof-top terrace specifically for patients.

Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Clinic

A clinic space dedicated to stem cell transplant and cellular therapy offers the most advanced options, such as CAR-T therapy, that will revolutionize patient care with certain types of cancer or blood disorders.

Radiation Oncology Clinic and Treatment Center

The new cancer pavilion features some of the most advanced radiation therapy options available, including ViewRay MRIdian Linac. Henry Ford Cancer Institute was the first in the world to offer this level of MRI-guided radiation therapy. Others technologies include:



Varian Edge radiosurgery system



Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator



High dose rate internal radiation

"At the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, we are committed to providing care as one team, regardless of the site of care. This new pavilion serves as the anchor to our commitment," said Benjamin Movsas, M.D., Interim Medical Director and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Cancer Institute. "Everything about the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, from the advanced treatment options offered to the sunrays shining through the building's windows, symbolizes hope for our cancer patients and their families in this supportive and compassionate environment of expert patient-centered care."

Artfully Designed with Patients in Mind

Designed by Detroit-based architecture, engineering and planning firm SmithGroup, and constructed by Turner Construction Co., the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion features a beautiful third-floor terrace and several quiet meditation spaces to provide a comfortable and calming experience for patients and families, as well as a Healing Arts Gallery and Art Walk.

The Healing Arts Gallery will exhibit a rotating collection of paintings, prints, photography and other media produced by patients and emerging metro Detroit artists. The Art Walk features replicas of masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts, part of its Inside|Out program, along the second-floor corridor and across the Nancy Vlasic Skywalk.

The pavilion also features special gathering places for patient and caregiver support groups, yoga classes, music and art therapy. To protect the health of patients, families and staff, in-person classes and gatherings will be on hold due to COVID-19 and will resume once safe to do so.

Food offerings are another aspect of the building that was planned with input from patients, survivors and their families. The Market, designed specifically to cater to the needs of patients undergoing active cancer treatments, will offer a broad range of lighter fare and comfort foods, including hot entrees, self-service gourmet beverages, fresh produce and other goods, and gluten-free and vegan options.

The new cancer pavilion is the anchor of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, which comprises more than 1,450 cancer care experts at five hospitals, 11 outpatient facilities and hundreds of aligned doctor's offices throughout Southeast and Southcentral Michigan. Henry Ford Cancer Institute provides world-class cancer care to nearly 10,000 new patients each year.

To learn more about the new cancer pavilion, visit henryford.com/NewCancerPavilion.

About Henry Ford Cancer Institute:

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute is one of the largest cancer programs in Michigan, providing care at five hospitals, 11 outpatient facilities and hundreds of aligned doctor's offices throughout southeast and southcentral Michigan. Cancer experts at Henry Ford communicate seamlessly across the institute's multiple cancer treatment locations, offering patients access to the most advanced treatment options and expertise, close to home. Treatment for the most complex or rare cancers and the Institute's extensive cancer research program is anchored at its Detroit location. For more information, visit henryford.com/cancer.

About Henry Ford Health System:

Founded in 1915 by Henry Ford himself, Henry Ford Health System is a non-profit, integrated health system committed to improving people's lives through excellence in the science and art of healthcare and healing. Henry Ford Health System consists of six hospitals including Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit; Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson, MI; and Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital  an inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Henry Ford Health System also includes Henry Ford Medical Group; Henry Ford Physician Network; more than 250 outpatient facilities; Henry Ford Pharmacy; Henry Ford OptimEyes; and other healthcare services. Our not-for-profit health plan, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) provides health coverage for more than 540,000 people.

As one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, Henry Ford Health System trains more than 3,000 medical students, residents, and fellows annually in more than 50 accredited programs, and has trained nearly 40% of the state's physicians. Our dedication to education and research is supported by nearly $100 million in annual grants from the National Institutes of Health and other public and private foundations.

Henry Ford Health System employs more than 33,000 people, including more than 1,600 physicians, more than 6,600 nurses and 5,000 allied health professionals.

SOURCE Henry Ford Health System

Related Links

http://www.henryford.com


WASHINGTON, D.C.  Despite receiving conditional approval from federal regulators early last year, the Jordan Cove LNG project hit another snag on Tuesday stemming from key Oregon environmental permits.

The proposed Jordan Cove LNG project would see a pipeline constructed from the town of Malin in Klamath County to a new export terminal in Coos Bay.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave its blessing to the Jordan Cove project in March of last year. But multiple state permits have eluded Pembina, the Canadian energy company backing Jordan Cove.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality denied a water quality certification for the project in 2019. In early 2020, Jordan Cove withdrew its application for a state removal fill permit after it was denied an extension on the deadline. And in July, the state Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) reversed an earlier approval for dredging around the proposed terminal facility in Coos Bay.

Facing those stiff headwinds on the state level, Jordan Cove petitioned the FERC, arguing that Oregon DEQ had waived its authority to issue Clean Water Act certification for the project.

RELATED: Three southern Oregon groups sue feds over approval of Jordan Cove LNG project

The FERC ruled on Tuesday that Jordan Cove had failed to request certification, and DEQ could not have waived its authority to issue certification for a request it never received.

The federal decision received an immediate outpouring of support from opponents of the project  including southern Oregon Tribes, environmental groups, and landowners who have resisted granting easement to the pipeline.

The FERC decision is very encouraging. It is certainly our hope that Pembina will give up on this devastating project once and for all, said Chairman Don Gentry of the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin Tribes.

Todays decision confirms Oregon's right to protect its communities and waters from big polluters like the proposed Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline, said Andrew Hawley, attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center. We have battled this harmful behemoth for decades and defeated it at every turn. With everything we know today about climate change this project must never again rise from the ashes.

NewsWatch 12 reached out to Pembina for comment on Tuesday's ruling and has not yet received a response.
The Apple Car project has reportedly been handed over to Kia from Hyundai. The report also details that the production could start in the United States if the deal goes ahead.

A new report from the Korean website eDaily details Apples plan for the ambitious car project. The report highlights that the project has been handed over to the Korean car maker Kia from Hyundai. It was earlier believed that the car project would be handed to Hyundai, with Apple and Hyundai signing a deal by this March.

It is known that the Hyundai Motor Group (005380), which received a proposal from Apple for electric vehicle-related cooperation, has internally arranged that Kia ( Kia Motors (000270) ) is in charge of this project. If Kia decides to do this, the Apple car production base will be at Kias Georgia plant in the US.

The report details that the discussions around the Apple Car cooperation project were held this Tuesday, between Apple and Kia. Kia has reportedly confirmed that if the deal goes through, the production will be held in Kias West Point plant in Georgia, USA. The report also says that making the car in the United States will facilitate cooperation with Apple.

Theres no detail on when the production could start. The report only highlights that if both the companies sign the deal, the car would then be manufactured in the States. This comes after the company tried to sign Hyundai for the project.

All the details of the car have emerged after Apple, reportedly, achieved a breakthrough in battery technology. Though analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have said that the car wont be ready up until 2025-2027, some acquiring have hinted something else. It was recently found that Cupertino-based giant discussed investing in an electric car company Canoo. Yesterday, a brilliant concept of Apples in-car infotainment system emerged showing us what Apples in-car display could look like.

Our Take

Its too early to say if the ambitious Apple car project will see the light of the day or not. Apple could altogether be partnering with the automobile manufacturers to test its software, and its in-car systems, or it might be an entirely different story.

What are your expectations from Apples Car? What features do you expect from it? Do let us know in the comment section below.
Pompeo has been tagged by a number of officials and analysts with the dubious distinction of the worst secretary of state in American history

Washington: Spurned by many foreign allies, ridiculed by adversaries, disliked by a significant number of his own diplomats and trying to preserve his political future, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week offered an insight into his legacy as a commander of the Trump administrations scorched-earth foreign policy by citing a seminal moment in his personal history.

In 1983, when Pompeo was a cadet at the US Military Academy at West Point, an Iranian-linked militia bombed the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 US troops. By his own telling  My life wouldnt be the same after that, Pompeo said on Tuesday, in his last public speech in office  it was a powerful indoctrination for a young soldier in training to protect the United States from deadly enemies.

Thirty-five years later, after becoming the 70th secretary of state in 2018, Pompeo embraced the same military mentality to confront the world. Foreign policies were described as mission sets, and his wife, Susan, was a force multiplier in disarming dignitaries and families of state department employees.

Pompeo dismissed the power of persuasion, instead trying to strong-arm European leaders, taunting rulers in China and Iran, and working to keep dictators off-balance, including negotiating with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un but not President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

But by rejecting the traditional role of predictable diplomacy and mirroring President Donald Trumps own style, Pompeos strategy backfired, according to foreign policy analysts and a large cohort in the state department.

As he leaves office, Pompeo, 57, has been tagged by a number of officials and analysts with the dubious distinction of the worst secretary of state in American history.

That will come back to haunt him as he considers running for president in 2024 or seeking another elected office, as he is widely believed to be doing. The glass is far more empty than it is full, said Richard Fontaine, president of the Centre for a New American Security and a former diplomat who advised late senator John McCains presidential campaign as the Republican nominee in 2008.

Fontaine noted that Iran is now closer to building a nuclear bomb and that North Korea has more nuclear weapons than it did at the beginning of the Trump administration. Relations with key European leaders, the United Nations and other diplomatic and economic alliances are in worse shape. The United States has less standing to promote democracy and human rights in the world than it did four years ago, according to many career diplomats.

And Pompeos role in enabling the presidents shadow foreign policy in Ukraine  undermining years of US support to ward off Russian military aggression  raised concerns among lawmakers during House impeachment hearings in late 2019 about whether his loyalty to Trump outweighed US security interests.

Pompeo is not the first military man to become the countrys chief diplomat: Colin Powell had retired as a four-star army general before becoming George W Bushs secretary of state in 2001. Powells tenure was forever stained by his citing of faulty intelligence to urge the invasion of Iraq in 2003  what he has called painful and a blot on his record  but he is widely viewed as more of a statesman than Pompeo.

For political purposes, Pompeo might hope to be remembered as a key player in Trumps administration  a designation that is far more tarnished abroad than it is with hard-core Republicans who care little about foreign policy in elections. After the storming of the Capitol by Trumps supporters this month, however, a growing number of Republican officials have sought to distance themselves from the departing president.

Notably, Pompeo has not, although people close to him said he was appalled by the attack. Instead, he has continued a barrage of daily Twitter posts that began on 1 January to herald what he called his foreign policy successes, echoing Trumps campaign slogans.

Pompeo was at the fore of the Trump administrations crackdown on China, Iran and Venezuela, using a mix of economic sanctions and provocative policy shifts to reshape global strategy against each.

That was especially the case for China, as Pompeo emerged as the administrations most vocal critic of Beijing. He took every opportunity to highlight Chinas human rights abuses of Uighur Muslims and other ethnic minorities and, as a parting shot, he is now considering whether to declare them acts of genocide.

He has also led global condemnation of Beijings expansionist ambitions and oppression in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the South China Sea. Other nations, however, have refused to follow the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, which stripped funding from the UN agency during the coronavirus pandemic, which Pompeo insisted on calling the Wuhan virus, again echoing Trump.

In dealing with Venezuela, Pompeo marshalled about 60 countries against Maduro after disputed elections and battered the government in Caracas with sanctions. But Maduro has remained in power.

In Europe, Pompeo is credited with helping to strengthen NATO as a bulwark against Russia, including through increased military spending. Alexander R Vershbow, a former NATO deputy secretary-general who was also a former US ambassador to Russia and South Korea and an assistant defence secretary, said Pompeo had helped protect NATO from Trumps contempt for the allies and bullying tactics.

Pompeo also deployed shuttle diplomacy to warm relations between Israel and states in West Asia and North Africa as part of the Abraham Accords, the administrations signature foreign policy achievement. But those peace pacts were largely brokered by Jared Kushner, the presidents senior advisor and son-in-law.

Pompeo has steadfastly supported Israel by defying internationally recognised norms, such as by moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and declaring Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the legitimacy of West Bank settlements. As an evangelical Christian  a group that makes up a key conservative political constituency  Pompeo has sometimes framed actions against Iran in religious terms linked to Israel and biblical prophecy.

The Abraham Accords were part of a pressure campaign to isolate Iran with sanctions and military threats that began after Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with Tehran in May 2018, just weeks after Pompeo moved to the state department after serving as the CIA director.

Over the next two years, he repeatedly vexed efforts by other world powers to keep the 2015 nuclear deal intact. Pompeo was visibly energised by jousting with Iranian officials on Twitter: You know youre on the side of angels when this happens, he tweeted on Tuesday, months after Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, called him the Secretary of Hate.

Pompeo was among Trumps advisors who pushed for military strikes against Iran, which the president resisted in June 2019 but allowed in January 2020 to kill a top Iranian general who was in Iraq.

Still, Pompeo reversed himself in November, among a group of senior officials  including Vice-President Mike Pence; Christopher C Miller, the acting defence secretary; and General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  who countered the presidents request for strike options against Iran with a warning that it could easily escalate into a broader conflict in the last weeks of Trumps presidency.

Pompeo has described himself as a disciple of realism, restraint and respect  an approach advocated by his longtime financial backer, Charles Koch, a conservative billionaire whose network of donors gave more campaign contributions to Pompeo than to any other congressional candidate in the country in four House elections from 2010-16.

As secretary of state, Pompeo has hardly been secretive about his political future  first eyeing a Senate campaign from Kansas, his adopted home state, and then fuelling expectations that he might run for governor in 2022 or president in 2024. His turbulent tenure at the state department was characterised by a series of investigations, some of which continue, including whether he violated ethics laws by engaging in political activity while on the job.

Yet Kochs continued financial support is far from assured. With a focus on soft-power diplomacy instead of war, the Charles Koch Institute  his policy foundation  is pouring $7 million in new grants to two Left-leaning think tanks, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the International Crisis Group, that will have influence in the Biden administration.

Pompeos support for expanding NATO, striking Iran and keeping U.S. troops in conflict zones have not been forgotten, said Will Ruger, the foundations vice president for policy and research.

I dont believe that the secretary is a card-carrying realist and restrainer, said Ruger, whom Trump nominated in September to be his ambassador to Afghanistan.

In a farewell message, Pompeo made clear that the military was paramount under his watch.

Leading @CIA & @StateDept, I constantly focused on protecting our great military and all Americans, he tweeted on Thursday. If nothing else, our enemies knew: attack our soldiers & you will pay.

Lara Jakes c.2021 The New York Times Company
Parliamentary has constituted a 20-member Committee of Selection, to oversee the nomination of members to the 11 Standing Committees of the House.



The Committee, pursuant to Standing Order 152, would also see to the composition of the 16 Select Committees of the House, groupings and associations.



Chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the committee was expected to present its report to the plenary of the House within 10 sitting days of its composition in line with Standing Order 151(2).



The 19 other members of the Committee comprise of nine New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs), including Leader of the Majority Group, and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, and eight National Democratic Congress MPs, led by MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.



A report of the leadership of the House approved on Friday underscored the importance of the Committees for the effective delivery of Parliament.



Mr Speaker, the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic having commenced, it is imperative to compose the membership of the committees, parliamentary groupings and associations for the effective discharge of the mandate of Parliament nationally and at the international level, the report said.



The report was jointly signed by Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, and Mr Iddrisu.



When the Committee of Selection presents its report, it is expected that every member shall be appointed at least one Standing Committee as provided by Standing Orders.



To a ratio of 138:137, membership of the Committees of even numbers translates into 50/50 on both sides and the Majority Group with a number more on committees with odd numbers.



Membership of the group is expected to reflect the different shades of opinion in the House as provided for under Article 10(5) and reinforced by Parliaments Standing Order 154.



Accordingly, in the composition of the Committees, groups, associations and delegations, considering of regional and gender balance, among other relevant issues, would be taken into consideration, the report said.



The Standing Committees include the Standing Orders, Business, Privileges, Public Accounts, Subsidiary Legislation, House, Finance, Appointments, Members Holding Office of Profit, Gender and Children and Government Assurance.



The 275 member House is made up of 137 NPP Members plus and independent lawmaker constituting the Majority Group and 137 NDC MPs.



Among them are 40 women; ten on each side of the House.

Source: The Ghanaian Times









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

Featured Video
Former Married At First Sight bride Aleks Markovic has shared new bombshell details about her TV wedding to Ivan Sarakula last year.

In an Instagram Q&A, the 28-year-old finally revealed why her 'traditional' Serbian parents refused to attend her televised nuptials.

'My parents are very traditional, they met in Perth and married after three months of knowing each other,' she explained.

'My parents are very traditional': Aleks Markovic has finally revealed why her parents never attended her Married At First Sight wedding to Ivan Sarakula

'They are still happily married and didn't want to support a "fake" reality TV wedding,' she continued.

'Fair argument by them!' Aleks added, followed by a crying laughing emoji.

She also revealed that her parents still don't approve of her doing the show, but were proud of how she conducted herself on screen.

'They are still happily married and didn't want to support a "fake" reality TV wedding,' she revealed in an Instagram Q&A

'They never disowned me, they were simply worried about their daughter and the backlash that would come with a show like that,' she said.

Aleks memorably wed fellow real estate agent Ivan on Married At First Sight's seventh season last year.

The couple bizarrely refused to discuss their sex life during filming and eventually quit the experiment together.

'They never disowned me, they were simply worried about their daughter and the backlash that would come with a show like that,' Aleks explained

They later returned for the reunion, where the authenticity of their relationship was questioned by some of their co-stars.

Shortly after the episode aired, the real estate agents confirmed that they'd split for good.

Since filming, Aleks has gone on to launch her own line of lipsticks.

Flashback: The couple bizarrely refused to discuss their sex life during filming and eventually quit the experiment together

Meanwhile, Ivan has returned to work as a real estate and has undergone a physical makeover since the show.

He was recently romantically linked to fellow Married At First Sight star Tamara Joy.

However, despite the allure of a reality romance, the pair have both exclusively revealed to Daily Mail Australia that they are nothing more than 'just friends' - with no wiggle room for anything romantic in future.
WASHINGTON - President-elect Joe Biden announced Tuesday that he will nominate Pennsylvania's top health official, Rachel Levine, to be his assistant secretary of health. Levine, a pediatrician, would become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

"Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic - no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability - and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond," Biden said in a statement. "She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration's health efforts."

As Pennsylvania's secretary of health, Levine has risen to national prominence for leading the state's public health response to the coronavirus pandemic, despite repeated and ugly attacks on her gender identity.

Biden's transition team noted that Levine - appointed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017 as acting health secretary - was confirmed three times by the Republican-controlled state Senate to serve as secretary of health and the state's physician general. At the time, she was one of only a handful of transgender officials serving in elected or appointed offices nationwide.

If confirmed as assistant secretary of health, Levine would be the highest-ranking transgender official in the U.S. government.

"President-elect Biden said throughout his campaign that his administration would represent America," said Mara Keisling, the executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Today, he made clear that transgender people are an important part of our country."

Serving under Xavier Becerra, Biden's nominee to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Levine would oversee key health offices and programs across the department, 10 regional health offices nationwide, the Office of the Surgeon General and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Her nomination comes after an election season in which a record number of LGBTQ candidates ran for office but after four years of a presidential administration that repeatedly erased protections for transgender people - in health care, federal employment, federal prisons, homeless shelters and other housing services receiving federal funds.

President-elect Biden has signaled a dramatic shift from the Trump administration when it comes to inclusion of the transgender community. He mentioned transgender people in his acceptance speech, and released a lengthy platform outlining his plans to prioritize LGBTQ rights. Biden also named to his transition team Shawn Skelly, former special assistant to the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, and coordinator of the Defense Department Warfighter Senior Integration Group. Skelly was the first transgender veteran to be appointed by a U.S. president.

Over the last two months, advocates have urged Biden to nominate LGBTQ leaders to key positions in the administration. Biden named Pete Buttigieg to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, making him the first openly LGBTQ person nominated to a permanent Cabinet position. As the highest-ranking appointed transgender official in the U.S., Levine was often near the top of advocates' lists of suggested names for top roles.

"She's just so highly qualified, regardless of her gender identity," said Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, who was the first openly transgender appointee in the Obama White House. Freedman-Gurspan happened to be in Pennsylvania with friends on Tuesday morning when the news of Levine's nomination broke.

"We all screamed," she said. "It is well deserved and I think it sends a message to the trans community about how valued we are. We have a seat at the table. There's no doubt about that."

A graduate of Harvard University and Tulane Medical School, Levine was the chief resident at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where she also taught. In 2014, she was a top doctor at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and served on the board of Equality Pennsylvania, a statewide gay rights group, when Wolf asked her to co-chair his transition team for health matters.

The following year, Wolf appointed her as Pennsylvania's physician general, the state's top doctor. Impressed with her background in behavioral and mental health, the state Senate voted unanimously to approve her, paying little attention to her gender identity during the confirmation process.

"With very few exceptions, my being transgender is not an issue," she told The Washington Post in 2016, declining to comment on an attack by a former Florida congressman.

But after Levine received a promotion to become Pennsylvania's health secretary, the coronavirus raised her profile across the state and the country. As she sought to contain the pandemic with aggressive social distancing rules, it also made her the target of more frequent abuse.

One attack in particular made headlines and earned a scathing rebuke from the governor: A photo of a man sitting in a carnival dunk tank wearing a floral print dress and a long blond wig. The man said he was going for a Marilyn Monroe look, but organizers of the carnival fundraiser in Bloomsburg, Pa., said he resembled Levine.

"Dr. Levine? Thank you. You were a hit and raised a lot of money for the local fire companies. Wonder why so many were trying to dunk you?" the Bloomsburg Fair Association wrote in July on Facebook, adding a smiling emoji, before deleting the post.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought hate and transphobia into the spotlight through relentless comments and slurs directed at Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who is a highly skilled, valued, and capable member of my administration and Transgender," Wolf wrote in a statement at the time. "The derogatory incident involving the Bloomsburg Fair is the latest of these vile acts, which by extension impact Transgender people across the commonwealth and nation."

Last May, a radio personality repeatedly misgendered Levine, calling the health secretary "sir" at least three times while questioning her on the state's coronavirus response. A commissioner at a township near Pittsburgh said he was "tired of listening to a guy dressed up like a woman." After Pennsylvania ordered its residents to wear masks at all times in public, a Facebook page run by one town shared a meme referring to her as "a guy who wears a bra."

"The entire nation got to watch her succeed in the face of really difficult attacks," said state Rep. Brian Sims, a Democrat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and an LGBTQ activist who has known Levine for years. "Republicans still deny her basic equality, and she focuses on saving their lives."

Sims has seen how Levine's leadership has forced people in the state to better understand the transgender community, and to learn how to address transgender people like her. "Never before have I seen more people proactively, correctly using pronouns," even some of those who oppose her, Sims said. "She's robbed people of the false premise that they don't know any trans people and therefore don't need to be respectful of trans people."

Levine rarely talks about herself publicly, Sims said. But he remembered a powerful moment from July, when Levine began her regularly scheduled pandemic briefing to directly respond to the transphobic attacks she had been suffering for months.

"While these individuals may think that they are only expressing their displeasure with me, they are, in fact hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians who suffer directly from these current demonstrations of harassment," she said.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling just a month earlier barring employment discrimination for gay and transgender people, Levine said, Pennsylvania is one of many states where LGBTQ people can still be denied housing and public accommodations in places that do not have local nondiscrimination ordinances. Transgender women of color in particular face high rates of violence and murder, she added.

"We have not made progress unless we have all made progress," she said. "As for me, I have no room in my heart for hatred, and frankly I do not have time for intolerance. My heart is full with a burning desire to help people and my time is full with working toward protecting the pubic health of everyone in Pennsylvania. I will stay laser focused on that goal."
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.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
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
The City of San Antonio has issued more than 4,900 warnings and 444 citations for violating the emergency declarations, according to an enforcement report.

Officials had received over 26,200 calls reporting violations as of Monday.

READ ALSO: FAQ: When and where Texans can get the COVID vaccine

The social distancing orders, intending to slow the spread of COVID-19, first went into place on March 18. The most recent, a 10th addendum to the eighth emergency health declaration, went into effect on Sept. 21.

Multiple city departments  Code Enforcement, Parking Enforcement, Metro Health and the San Antonio Police Department  are enforcing the order.

Here are the citations issued so far:

January 30

- At Subway, located at 18410 U.S. Hwy 281, the proper signs about COVID-19 symptoms were not posted. The manager told inspectors that the owner had removed the sign. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that Hops & Hounds, located at 13838 Jones Maltsberger, was over capacity. Staff were not wearing masks and customers were not social distancing. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported a large party at a private residence on the 7700 block of Autumn Park. Inspectors found a large gathering and saw underage drinking. Citations were issued for minors in possession of alcohol.

Also, 36 citations were issued to individuals for violating the COVID-19 emergency order. All attendees were required to leave the area.

- At Roxy Sports Bar, located at 3249 Wurzbach, staff and customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- At Bar 301, located at 23567 I-10 West, staff and customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. The bar was offering on-premises consumption but did not have the proper tag from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Two citation were issued.

- At El Corona Nite Club, located at 7503 U.S. Hwy 90 West, staff and customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. The club had 731 people inside, over the max 50 percent capacity of 450. Two citations were issued.

January 29

- A caller reported that employees were not wearing masks at Chevron (Luisa's Cocina), located at 418 Fair. Inspectors saw employees not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that Smoke BBQ, located at 501 E. Crockett, was over occupancy. Inspectors saw several customers not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- At 301 Bar, located at 23567 I-10 West, the health and safety signs were not posted and social distancing features were not being enforced. The bar was offering on-premises consumption but did not have the proper tag from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Three citations were issued.

January 28

- At Rodriguez Auto Center, located at 2521 S. Presa, employees were not wearing masks and there were no social distancing features in place. A citation was issued.

- At Kennedy's Irish Bar, located at 19179 Blanco Road, employees were not wearing masks and social distancing features were not enforced. A citation was issued.

January 27

- At Chelitas Mexican Restaurant, located at 550 Enrique M. Barrera, social distancing features were not in place or being enforced. A citation was issued.

- At Vehicle Wrap Texas, located at 6563 Babcock, staff and customers were not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

January 23

- At Taqueria El Rancho de Jalisco, located at 505 Fair, staff were not wearing masks and no social distancing features were in place. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that people were not wearing masks at Dollar General, located at 5735 West Commerce. Staff were not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

- At Three Legged Monkey, located at 2313 N.W. Military Hwy., customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- At El Corona Nite Club, located at 7503 U.S. Hwy 90 West, customers were not wearing masks or social distancing at the overcrowded club. The club had 766 people inside instead of the 450 allowed at 50 percent capacity. Two citation were issued.

January 22

- At North Park Mazda, located at 9333 San Pedro, employees were not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

- At Shell, located at 1753 Rigsby, the health and safety signs were not posted. Staff and customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that Hops and Hound, located at 13838 Jones Maltsberger, was over occupancy. Inspectors saw kitchen staff and customers not wearing masks or social distancing.

The general manager said the restaurant had very little staff to monitor customer compliance, but that business was picking up and they will be hiring more employees to help with the mask requirements. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that people were not wearing masks at Center Court Pizza & Brew, located at 20711 Wilderness Oak. Inspectors saw several customers and employees not wearing masks properly. A citation was issued.

- At El Sol Mexican Restaurant, located at 1815 Pleasanton, the health and safety signs were not posted. Kitchen staff were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- At the Sand Box bar, located at 7280 UTSA Blvd., social distancing features were not being enforced and customers were not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

January 21

- At Mega Vape, located at 2603 S.W. Military, the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- At H-E-B, located at 735 S.W. Military, a customer did not have a mask and refused to comply with the mandate. Social distancing features were in place but not being enforced. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that construction workers were not wearing masks at 7203 Wurzbach. Inspectors saw multiple workers not wearing masks and issued a citation to the property owner in charge of the workers.

- At Lin's Buffet, located at 7863 I-35 South, the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- At Twin Peaks, located at 103 S.W. Loop 410, employees were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

- At the Sand Box bar, located at 7280 UTSA Blvd., multiple groups were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

January 19

- A caller reported that people were not wearing masks at Mario's Grocery, located at 2902 Guadalupe. Inspectors saw customers not wearing masks. A citation was issued.

January 16

- A caller reported people not wearing masks at Midas Oil Change, located at 11000 Interstate 10 West. The health and safety signs were not posted and staff were not wearing masks in the bay area. Two citations were issued.

January 15

- At Gloria's Hideout, located at 5330 S. Zarzamora, the health and safety signs were not posted. The bar had a "red tag" from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission but was offering on-premises services. Two citations were issued.

- At Cowboys Dancehall, located at 3030 N.E. Loop 410, employees and customers were wearing masks and social distancing  except for one employee of an outside food truck who was not wearing a mask or social distancing. The food truck employee was cited.

January 14

- At Bombay Klub, located at 4542 W. Cesar Chavez, the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- At Diamonds Show Club, located at 2525 N.E. Loop 410, employees and customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. The club was operating without a certificate of occupancy. A citation was issued.

January 12

- A caller reported that customers at Kwik Wash Laundry, located at 11802 Blanco, were not wearing masks. Inspectors found that no health and safety signs were posted and a customer did not have a mask. Two citations were issued.

January 11

- An email reported that Cowboys Dancehall, located at 3030 N.E. Loop 410, held a large event on Jan. 9. There were no masks or social distancing. Two citations were issued. Videos showed a packed dance floor as fans gathered to watch country musician Cody Johnson.

- At TX7 Clothing Store, located at 2310 S.W. Military, inspectors found no health and safety signs posted anywhere inside. A citation was issued.

Jan. 9

- At Dollar General, located at 3350 S.W. Military, the manager told inspectors that health and safety signs had been removed "per corporate." A citation was issued.

- At Dollar General, located at 8718 S Zarzamora, the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- A caller reported that people were not wearing masks at QuikTrip, located at 4710 Fredericksburg. Inspectors found that health and safety signs were not posted and two customers were not wearing masks. Two citations were issued.

- At Dreamers, located at 2376 Austin Hwy., the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- At Streetfare SA, located at 1916 Austin Hwy., the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- At Big Bang and One Pocha Live Lounge, located at 4408 Walzem, the health and safety signs were not posted and the tables were too close to each other. A citation was issued.

Jan. 8

- A caller reported that people were not wearing masks at the EZ Wash laundromat, located at 6101 S. Flores. Inspectors saw individuals not wearing masks and issued a citation.

- At Little Sam's convenience store, located at 3215 Roosevelt, the health and safety signs were not posted. A citation was issued.

- An email reported that masks were not being worn at Planet Fitness, located at 207 N. General McMullen. Inspectors found the business was allowing customers to walk around without masks or social distancing. Employees were wearing masks, but members were not. A citation was issued.

- At Sir Winston's Pub, located at 2522 Nacogdoches, customers were not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

Jan. 7

- At My Bar, located at 6402 Callaghan, employees were wearing masks but social distancing features were not enforced. A citation was issued.

January 6

- A caller reported that employees at C.D. Division Tire-Muffler Shop, located at 730 Division, were not wearing masks. Inspectors saw employees not wearing masks or social distancing. A citation was issued.

January 5

- A caller reported that people at Lowe's, located at 1200 N. Loop 1604 W., were not wearing masks. Inspectors saw people inside the store without masks. A citation was issued.

- At Guzman's Barber Shop, located at 414 N. General McMullen, employees and customers were not wearing masks. Social distancing was not being enforced. A citation was issued.

January 4

- At Roy's Taco Hut, located at 246 Enrique Barrera, there were no social distancing features in place and social distancing was not being enforced. A citation was issued.

- At Koo Kutz Barbershop, located at 10029 San Pedro, customers and staff were wearing masks but health and safety signs were not posted at the entrance. A citation was issued.

Click here for all citations dating back to April.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 47F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
What if we define radicalism not by opposition to public opinion but by a refusal to accept the conclusions of mainstream economics? Here, too, Democrats are the moderates and Republicans the radicals.

Its true that once upon a time there was a near-consensus among economists that minimum wages substantially reduced employment. But that was long ago. These days only a minority of economists think raising the minimum to $15 would have large employment costs, and a strong plurality believe that a significant rise  although maybe not all the way to $15  would be a good idea.

Why did economists change their minds? No, the profession wasnt infiltrated by antifa; it was moved by evidence, specifically the results of natural experiments that take place when an individual state raises its minimum wage while neighboring states dont. The lesson from this evidence is that unless minimum wages are raised to levels higher than anything currently being proposed, hiking the minimum wont have major negative effects on employment  but it will have significant benefits in terms of higher earnings and a reduction in poverty.

But evidence has a well-known liberal bias. Did I mention that on Friday, just days before their eviction, Trump officials released a report claiming that the 2017 tax cut paid for itself?

Voodoo economics may be the most thoroughly debunked doctrine in the history of economic thought, refuted by decades of experience  and voters consistently say that corporations and the wealthy pay too little, not too much, in taxes. Yet tax cuts for the already privileged are central to the Republican agenda, even under a supposedly populist president.

On economic policy, then, Democrats  even though they have moved somewhat to the left in recent years  are moderates by any standard, while Republicans are wild-eyed radicals. So why does the G.O.P. think that it can get away with claiming the opposite?

Part of the answer is the power of the right-wing disinformation machine, which relentlessly portrays anyone left of center as the second coming of Pol Pot. Another part of the answer is that Republicans clearly hope that voters will judge some Democrats by the color of their skin, not the content of their policy proposals.

In any case, lets be clear: There is indeed a radical party in America, one that, aside from hating democracy, has crazy ideas about how the world works and is at odds with the views of most voters. And its not the Democrats.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has won the first of two confidence votes at the Lower House of Parliament by 321 in favour, 259 against and 27 abstaining.

Conte sought the confidence vote after former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, now a senator who leads the Italia Viva party, pulled out of the ruling majority last week, sparking a government crisis, reports Xinhua news agency.

As a result of Renzi's move, Conte now needs to find other political allies with enough votes in parliament to give him a new majority.

The government he leads is currently backed by the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the center-left Democratic Party (PD).

Renzi cited disagreements with the government over its handling of the pandemic and its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, a massive investment project using European Union (EU) funds, as his reasons for quitting.

Monday vote was was the first of two confidence votes the Prime Minister is facing.

The second one will take place on Tuesday after Conte addresses the Senate.

According to Italian law, the cabinet can survive only if it has the confidence of both chambers of the parliament.

Conte will face a tougher test in the Senate and the outcome is highly uncertain.

However, some domestic observers expect Conte's government to survive the current crisis, but with a thinner coalition majority compared to the one that has ruled since September 2019.

"The Prime Minister might obtain the confidence, but is not likely to enlarge the boundaries of his majority," Italy's weekly news magazine L'Espresso said on Monday.

Conte's effort to find new allies among lawmakers from political groups outside the M5S-PD coalition in the Senate might succeed, after all, resulting in a 161-seat majority (which would exactly mean half of the senators plus one), L'Espresso added.

If this was the case, the magazine said, it would still be a very thin political base.

"So scarce numbers...would have an immediate political repercussion: the margins for the government's action will be just as narrow," L'Espresso added.

Meanwhile, at a video conference with international media on Monday, the director of LUISS University's School of Government Giovanni Orsina said he expected the government to win the confidence vote in both houses, despite several uncertainties.

"The cabinet is likely to survive, but with a thinner majority," Orsina said.

At the same conference, LUISS professor of Applied Economics Valentina Meliciani warned the crisis should not end up affecting the country's ability to plan and to spend efficiently the huge financial resources soon coming from the massive EU recovery fund.
US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn-in tomorrow in a toned-down event. This will be the first swearing-in ceremony in US history when an inauguration celebration has been curtailed, largely due to COVID-19 concerns, but also because of the January 6 insurrection. The security near the Capitol Hill and the White House has been beefed up ahead of the inauguration day.

Read: New Radicals Reunite After 22 Years To Perform At Biden's 'Virtual Inauguration Parade'

No gathering at National Mall

President-elect Joe Biden himself has said that there won't be as many people present during the inauguration day as it used to be before. He has urged his supporters to stay at home and watch the swearing-in ceremony live on television, keeping in mind the COVID-19 restrictions. The National Mall, where supporters of presidents-elect from all over the country used to flock on the day of the inauguration day, will remain closed tomorrow.

Only 1,000 tickets sold

According to reports, viewing stands this year will not be erected particularly because of the risks associated with large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The sale of tickets will be much smaller than in previous years as only 1,000 tickets will be given out as compared to up to 2,00,000 in 2017, when Trump was inaugurated. Congressmen will be allowed to bring only 1 guest along with them on January 20 because of the curtailed event this year.

Read: Joe Biden-Harris Inauguration Day 2021: Schedule, Timings And How To Watch

Biden cancels rail journey

Meanwhile, Biden has cancelled the rail tour from his home state Delaware to Washington DC on January 20 due to security concerns. Biden has taken the two-hour rail journey every day from Delaware to DC for more than 40 years that he has been in Congress. He had planned to do the same on Jan 20, but it has been called-off due to security concerns.

Read: Joe Biden To Propose 8-year Citizenship Path For Immigrants

National Guards take charge

Thousands of National Guards have been deployed in Washington DC ahead of the inauguration day to keep a check on the security. The January 6 riots and the storming of the Capitol Hill building by supporters of President Trump, when a joint session was underway to certify Biden's win, has exposed the poor security in the Capital. National Guards have been deployed to help local police and ensure a safe and orderly transition on Jan 20. Biden and Harris are expected to be inaugurated by noon local time on Jan 20.

Read: Biden Has Set Sky-high Expectations. Can He Meet Them?


 Flash

China welcomes the expected return of the United States to the Paris Agreement on climate change under the incoming new U.S. administration of Joe Biden, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Tuesday.

Hua made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to media reports that the incoming Biden team plans to sign an executive order to return to the Paris climate agreement.

Hua said climate change is a global challenge that requires joint efforts from the international community. China encourages all efforts that are conducive to international cooperation on climate change and will continue to work with the international community to actively implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and make greater contributions to the global response to climate change.

"China welcomes and looks forward to the return of the new U.S. administration to the Paris Agreement and its positive contribution to global climate governance," Hua said.
We are extremely gratified to receive SOC 2 Type II certification and view this as a monumental achievement by our entire Torchlight team. We are proud to set the industry standard with the highest level of commitment to protecting our customers and partners sensitive data.

Torchlight announced today it has successfully completed American Institute of CPAs (AICPAs) Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II Audit, attesting to the highest levels of information security underpinning its employee-caregiver support solutions. While the SOC 2 Type I Audit completed one year prior affirmed Torchlights controls at that point in time, the Type II attestation required the company to maintain and demonstrate continuous and consistent controls over an extended period of time.

We are extremely gratified to receive SOC 2 Type II certification and view this as a monumental achievement by our entire Torchlight team. We are proud to set the industry standard with the highest level of commitment to protecting our customers and partners sensitive data, said Adam Goldberg, Torchlights CEO. In light of the rise in enterprise data breaches in recent years, and especially now during such vulnerable times, it is no longer an option to operate in the CareTech space without a documented track record of controls to ensure trust and transparency when it comes to security.

Torchlight engaged AARC-360 to conduct the audit. A firm of certified public accountants and advisors registered with the PCAOB, AARC-360 combines deep insights gained across industries to provide assurance, advisory, risk, and compliance services to companies located both locally and internationally. In accordance with AICPA guidance, AARC-360's SOC 2 examination services are designed to provide independent assurance against defined criteria around the principles of security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy.

The audit revealed no exceptions, meaning all of Torchlights controls met or exceeded the highest of security standards and the company successfully adhered to those controls to ensure the utmost levels of security and quality.

Successful completion of our first SOC2 Type II audit with zero exceptions is a true testament to the company-wide emphasis placed on data security at Torchlight. Those using Torchlights services can rest assured that our security practices are among the best in the industry, as confirmed by this audit, stated Dan Johnson, Information Security and Compliance Leader at Torchlight.

SOC2 Certification

Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 certification is widely recognized as a gold standard for data security and requires companies to establish and follow strict information security policies and procedures. By achieving certification, an independent third party has validated the design and implementation of Torchlights controls relevant to data security, availability, and confidentiality. Torchlights SOC 2 certification demonstrates their commitment to data security through the practices and procedures it follows for protecting against unauthorized access, maintaining the availability of its service, and protecting the confidential information of its customers.

About Torchlight

At Torchlight, we believe that caring is everyones business and caring is good business. We are the only complete caregiver support solution for employers and member organizations. We offer solutions informed by data and, thus, are built for better results. Our approach includes a user-friendly digital platform and a team of expert advisors. No matter the age, stage or concern, Torchlights decision-support tools, caregiving knowledge base, and human expertise combine to reduce stress and enhance outcomes for both families and their sponsoring organizations more cost-effectively than call center or concierge-only solutions. Because getting caregivers the right resources, in the right ways, right from the beginning should be business as usual. Learn more at http://www.torchlight.care, or email press@torchlight.care.


A day after Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny returned from Germany to Moscow, he was subject to an extraordinarily fast court hearing in which a judge ordered he be jailed for 30 days. Shortly after the decision, Navalny released a video message calling on Russians to take to the streets in protest. The 30-day detention is seen as the first step ahead of a decision that could imprison the Kremlin critic for years. Do not be afraid, Navalny said in the video. Take to the streets. Dont do it for me, do it for yourselves and for your future. He added that theres nothing these thieves in their bunkers fear more than people on the streets. Navalnys allies said nationwide demonstrations are being prepared for Saturday.

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.

Navalny had been detained Sunday at a Moscow airport as he returned from Germany, where he spent five months recovering after he was almost killed in a nerve agent attack. Navalny personally blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has denied any involvement. Amid increased international outcry over his detention, Navalny was quickly summoned to the court hearing Monday. His lawyers said they were only informed minutes earlier of the hearing that took place inside a police station. Most journalists were not allowed to witness the hearing, except for a couple of pro-Kremlin news outlets. Officials blamed the pandemic for the restrictions.

Advertisement

Navalny will now have another hearing on Feb. 2 over claims that he violated the conditions set out in a 3-year suspended jail sentence he received in 2014. The European Court of Human Rights has characterized the embezzlement case as a political prosecution. Prosecutors say Navalny violated parole and say he should face prison time. If the court agrees, Navalny could be in prison until July 2024, which conveniently would be a few months after Russias next presidential election is scheduled to take place.

Mr. Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable. The Kremlins attacks on Mr. Navalny are not just a violation of human rights, but an affront to the Russian people who want their voices heard.  Jake Sullivan (@jakejsullivan) January 17, 2021

Advertisement

The Kremlin scoffed at international outcry over the detention, including from President-elect Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan. Deal with the problems in your own country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said. Joining the chorus of criticism of Moscow was Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who is now a Russian resident. The arrest of Navalny seems to me a repetition of mistakes made in the Soviet era, Snowden wrote on Twitter.

Advertisement
An Australian woman who spends her days and nights looking after coronavirus victims in London's biggest mortuary has issued a dire warning.

Rose Carbon, originally from Brisbane, Queensland, said complacency is deadly as she cares for those who haven't survived United Kingdom's second wave of Covid-19.

Last week the UK's average daily death rate was 935 people, which is more than the 909 people in Australia who have died from coronavirus overall.

Australian mortuary assistant Rose Carbon (pictured) spends her days and nights looking after the deceased bodies of coronavirus in a London hospital and has issued a dire warning

Ms Carbon (pictured), who is originally from Brisbane, said complacency is deadly as she cares for the victims of United Kingdom's second wave of Covid

Ms Carbon said the second wave is one hundred times worse than the first wave, and blamed the growing number of dead on complacent UK citizens.

'We're under an immense amount of pressure. We had a heavy day before the pandemic, but this second wave is so much worse than the first, and not enough people realise that,' Ms Carbon told NCA NewsWire.

'If every single person in the UK adhered to government guidelines, we would get rid of this so much quicker.'

Ms Carbon said she was staying back on weekends and late nights to keep on top of the 'exhausting' workload. Pictured: Patients arrive by Ambulance at the Royal London in East London on January 18

Ms Carbon said she and her colleagues were staying back on weekends and late nights just to keep on top of the 'exhausting' workload.

She warned hospitals and the health service was being overwhelmed and was nearly at capacity.

As the mortuary she works for runs out of space, Ms Carbon said she was concerned about how the delays impacted family and friends' ability to grieve.

The mortuary is no longer able to let families view the bodies of their loved ones and it was taking weeks for funeral homes to have spots free, which Ms Carbon said impedes the grieving process.

'People cannot grieve properly, and cemeteries and crematoriums can't keep up with the demand,' she said.

Ms Carbon also commended Australia and New Zealand's response to the pandemic, and said the lockdowns and restriction 'worked'.

'If you look at the stats of when Melbourne went into lockdown  of course that was incredibly tough, but it worked,' she said.

Ms Carbon said backed up mortuaries and cemeteries impacted peoples' ability to grieve. Pictured: Security staff at the overflow mortuary at Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip

Another Australian health worker, Katherine Lennon, moved to the UK from Cairns in Far North Queensland in December 2019 to work as an intensive care nurse.

Only a year after moving, the 25-year-old has started hearing sirens and started dreaming of death.

'Last night I just kept having nightmares about people dying in the bays,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'Usually those nightmares involve pressing alarms and no one coming and yelling for help.'

Katherine Lennon (pictured) moved to the UK from Cairns in Far North Queensland in December 2019 to work as an intensive care nurse
Despite discussions extending into mid-January, Jiangxi Copper - a major importer of unrefined copper - and First Quantum - operator of Zambian copper-gold project Kansanshi - were not able to agree to a deal for contracted volumes, two sources familiar with the matter said.For years, First Quantum has sold custom copper anode and blister copper to Jiangxi Copper as feed for its production of copper cathodes, and the annual contract volume is one of the biggest globally for copper intermediates.

Last...
Pennsylvania Governor Announces $4.7 Million Grants for Worker Training

Gov. Tom Wolfs PAsmart Next Generation Industry Partnership will supply 28 Pennsylvania businesses with grants to train their workers.

Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf announced on Jan. 11 that $4.7 million in grants were awarded to improve workforce development in the state.

The grants were awarded through the PAsmart Next Generation Industry Partnership, a program that was created by Gov. Wolfs administration to train and educate workers so they are able to get higher paying jobs. Gov. Wolf said in a press release that training workers has become more important due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Twenty-eight total grants were given out to businesses across the state of Pennsylvania. Healthcare Industry Partnership, Pennsylvania Steel Alliance and Transportation and Logistics Industry Partnership are three recipients of the grant.

Programs like the Next Generation Industry Partnership are helping Pennsylvania be at the forefront of the economic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jennifer Berrier, Department of Labor & Industry Acting Secretary. By aligning businesses in the same industry to create training programs, we can provide Pennsylvania workers with the skills they need for todays job opportunities while helping multiple businesses develop a strong candidate pool.

For more information on the PAsmart Next Generation Industry Partnership grants, visit governor.pa.gov.
Aftermath of Tuesday's explosion at T-Junction Bamenda WhatsApp

Locals say two people suffered injuries during an explosion at T-Junction in Bamenda.

A woman and her daughter were injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blew off around 3:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at a usually teeming business hub in the city, concurrent reports have said.

It is not known if the injuries suffered by the duo are life-threatening. Those familiar with the story, however, say the victims were seriously injured and are in hospital. A township taxi driver is said to have driven them to a local hospital shortly after the explosion.

Eyewitnesses say they heard a loud sound that forced them to take to their heels, fearing the unknown.

Vendors of fast food, as well as bar owners in the area, have reported losses to the explosion. Other shops and businesses in the vicinity of the explosion were also affected.

Defense and Security Forces who rushed to the area are trying to determine the cause of the explosion.

"The explosion was well calculated and planted. It was caused by an improvised explosive device because we could identify a telephone, nails, and other iron objects which indicate that it was an intentional act," a security officer is quoted as saying.

At the scene of the incident are fragments of a metal case used to sell pork fries in which the explosive materials are thought to have been hidden.

On January 7, security forces diffused an explosive device in Kumba. The discovery came a day after an improvised explosive device reportedly implanted by separatist fighters in Momo, North West region detonated, killing five persons, including four soldiers and a local civil servant.

Cameroons state forces have been battling to dislodge armed separatists who pitched their tents in the North West and South West Regions since Anglophone protests transformed into an armed conflict in 2017.

Corporate demands by Common Law Lawyers and Anglophone Teachers led to protests in November 2016. The street demonstrations later morphed into ongoing running gun battles between state forces and armed separatist fighters in the predominantly English-speaking regions, leading to untold destruction of human lives, their habitats, and livelihoods.

Tit-for-tat killings, kidnappings, arsons, maiming, and outright terror have become part of daily lives in some parts of the English-speaking regions.

While in Bamenda on Monday, January 18, 2021, territorial administration minister Atanga Nji Paul said President Paul Biya has won the war waged on separatists although pockets of resistance still exist. He advised those still carrying arms against the state to surrender or face the music.
s ( ) (FRA:8EE) Geraint Harris presents the latest results from Pian Bracca South, at the flagship Gorno Zinc Project in northern Italy. Harris talks through his surprise at finding this 'complete bonus' of new thick, high-grade extensions south of Pian Bracca. Their drill holes PBD36 and PBD37 have returned multiple intersections of zinc, lead and silver mineralisation from either side of a new drill area.
will receive 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' as a gift from India on January 20.

Citing the letter by the Indian High Commission written to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka Tribune reported that a special flight from India carrying the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20.

The Health Services Division under the Ministry has issued a letter to the drug regulator the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to take appropriate steps to administer the vaccine.

The vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS' facilities, such as the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), Dhaka Tribune further said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that additional storage for the COVID-19 vaccines will be provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

On January 8, had approved the procurement of 30 million doses of Covishield COVID-19 vaccine from India.

Bangladesh drug regulator Directorate General of DGDA had authorised Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited to import and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine from India. In the initial six months of the first phase, Beximco will procure five million vaccine doses per month, reported Dhaka Tribune.

An agreement was signed in November between the Bangladesh government and Serum Institute of India through which Beximco Pharma will avail 30 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last year during foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's visit to Bangladesh, it was emphasised that Bangladesh will be a priority recipient for the COVID-19 vaccine developed in India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A team of researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has found evidence that suggests smart watches can detect COVID-19 symptoms before a person has become aware that they are infected. On their website, the team at Mount Sinai describes testing 297 healthcare workers by looking at data from their Apple Watches.

One of the early signs of a COVID-19 infection is inflammation in infected areas of the body. And when inflammation begins, the body responds by slightly altering blood flow. That change in blood flow can be seen in slight changes to a person's heartbeat, detectable via smart watches like the one from Apple. By noting a person's heartbeat over long periods of time, a smart watch can determine a normal baseline for the person wearing the watch. And when a sudden prolonged change happens, such as sustained heart rate variability, the device can detect that, too. In the test at Mount Sinai, the volunteers were asked to wear the smart watch full-time and also to install a watch app that specifically looked for sustained changes in their heartbeat. The researchers found that the watches were able to identify two-thirds of those people who were infected an average of seven days before the volunteers noticed any symptoms.

CBS News recently looked into the findings by the team at Mount Sinai and those of another study at Stanford University, as well as other companies investigating whether their smart watches could work similarly. They found that for the most part, the answer was yes, smart watches can very often detect a COVID-19 infection up to a week before the onset of symptoms. They further noted that engineers can make apps for the smart watches to alert the user, who could then self-quarantine until tested. And that, they further note, could very well slow the spread of the current pandemic and those that may occur in the future.

 2021 Science X Network
HEALTH Minister Stephen Donnelly has rebuked his predecessor Simon Harris over suggestions there is no protocol in place for spare Covid-19 vaccines.

Independent.is has learned that Mr Donnelly indirectly hit out at Mr Harris at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday while updating ministers on the latest developments with the vaccine rollout.

The Fianna Fail Minister was said by sources at the meeting to have reminded colleagues that the Cabinet had discussed in detail and signed off on the vaccination plan before Christmas. While he did not directly address Mr Harris, one source said: It wasn't that subtle.

Read More

On Monday, Mr Harris raised concerns about the lack of clear protocols around how spare vaccine doses are used following controversy over the Coombe Hospital giving 16 vaccines to family members of staff.

Speaking at Government Buildings, the Higher Education Minister said he would be very concerned if there is not a protocol in place for what should be done with leftover vaccine doses. Either this is a situation in place where there is a protocol about what you do with so-called spare vaccines and that wasnt followed, or more concerning if there isnt a protocol in place, the Fine Gael Minister said.

Mr Donnelly, who is a constituency rival of Mr Harriss in Wicklow, was said by one Cabinet colleague to have been a bit miffed by the comments and inferred this annoyance when addressing the issue of protocols for leftover vaccines at the weekly Government meeting.

The Cabinet source said: It was put forward pretty forcefully, he just said there has been some public comment about lack of clarity around protocols but let's be clear there are protocols, anyone who needs assistance can contact him directly.

A second Cabinet source described it as an indirect rebuke, but said it was clear to those in the room what Mr Donnelly was getting at.

The source added: He said if a colleague has any question or query they can contact him at any time, that these protocols have been in place and its important we reassure people in place.

One source at the meeting said that Donnellys position was backed by the Green Partys Roderic OGorman, the Childrens Minister.

An ally of Mr Donnellys said the Minister was annoyed at the perception Mr Harris had created that there are no protocols around unused vaccines.

It's not personal, it just happened that Simon Harris was the one who went out and basically questioned the operation of a vaccination programme that he had a role in approving. He knew the protocols were there, every member of the government knew the protocols were there, they said.

A third Cabinet source played down suggestions there was any rebuke of Mr Harris, who is said to have not responded to the implicit criticism of him at the meeting, Allies of the erstwhile health minister claimed Mr Harris did not consider it a rebuke.

He thinks the vaccination programme is going well, but if Donnelly doesn't get on top of it in terms of communicating it, it will become a very political problem and it already is, one said.

Last week, Mr Harris criticised communications around the vaccination plan, saying the public do not know enough about it. Mr Harris was among a number of Fine Gael TDs to raise criticism and said that communications needed to be improved at a parliamentary party meeting.

He said that the public are not satisfied they know enough about the rollout of the vaccine programme and suggested Fine Gael needed to try and fill that gap.
BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gen II Fund Services, LLC, a leading independent private equity fund administrator, today announced that the firm has relocated its Boston office. The new address is 175 Federal Street, 16th Floor. The move was effective January 1, 2021.

Located in Boston's financial district, the office space features a modern design and an open floor plan. The new facility is more than triple the size of Gen II's previous Boston client service center, which opened in 2017. Gen II also has offices in New York, San Francisco, Stamford, Dallas, and Luxembourg.

"As the largest independent private equity fund administrator, Gen II has a long-established strategy of continually enhancing our service capabilities across the United States," said Norman Leben, Managing Principal and Co-Founder, Gen II. "Growing our office in Boston is in keeping with that effort. With this expanded service center, we are doubling down on Gen II's commitment to the Boston market and to serving clients with a greater presence in the region."

"The facilities at 175 Federal have been fully modernized and purpose-built to support and enable a distributed workforce," said Steven Millner, Managing Principal and Co-Founder, Gen II. "With this significantly increased space and enhanced amenities, we are future-proofing the services Gen II will be able to provide to clients from the Boston office. As we grow, we will continue to invest in our people, processes and technology to provide best-in-class fund administration."

About Gen II

Gen II is one of the largest independent private equity fund administrators, administering over $375 billion of private capital on behalf of its clients with offices in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Stamford, Dallas, and Luxembourg. Gen II offers private fund sponsors a best-in-class combination of people, process, and technology, enabling fund sponsors to effectively manage their operational infrastructure, financial reporting, and investor communications. The Gen II team is one of the most experienced and longest tenured teams in the private equity fund administration industry, with broad expertise across buyout, funds of funds, real estate, energy, infrastructure, credit, co-investment, hybrid funds, feeder funds, venture capital, retail, and managed accounts. For more information, please visit www.gen2fund.com.

Contact:

Philip Nunes

BackBay Communications

617.391.0792

[email protected]

SOURCE Gen II Fund Services, LLC

Related Links

www.gen2fund.com


The Securities and Exchange Commission charged father and son investment advisers, Michael and David Sztrom of Rancho Santa Fe, California, and their company Sztrom Wealth Management, Inc., with defrauding advisory clients by creating the false impression that Michael Sztrom was associated with registered investment adviser Advanced Practice Advisors, LLC (APA).

The SEC's complaint alleges that, from November 2015 through March 2018, David and Michael Sztrom provided investment advice to clients through Sztrom Wealth Management (SWM). As alleged, David and Michael Sztrom concealed from clients that Michael Sztrom was not associated with APA or any registered investment adviser and was not subject to compliance oversight by APA or any other firm. As alleged in the complaint, David, without any disclosure to clients, also allowed Michael to use APA's clearing broker for client transactions. Furthermore, and again without disclosure to clients, Michael impersonated David on telephone calls with the clearing broker on at least 38 separate occasions, leading the clearing broker to terminate its agreement with APA. The Sztroms' and SWM's deception and multiple failures to disclose breached their fiduciary duties to clients. The complaint also alleges that David Sztrom allowed Michael Sztrom to access to confidential client information and to use his personal cell phone, instead of APA's email system, to text advisory clients about their investments.

The SEC's complaint, filed in federal court in the Southern District of California, charges Michael Sztrom, David Sztrom, and Sztrom Wealth Management, Inc. with violating the antifraud provisions of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The complaint further charges David Sztrom with aiding and abetting APA's books and records violations of Section 204(a) of the Advisers Act and Rule 204-2(a)(7) thereunder. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions and civil money penalties against all defendants.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Teri M. Melson and supervised by Victoria A. Levin of the SEC's Los Angeles Regional Office. The litigation will be led by Michael Sew Hoy and supervised by Amy J. Longo. The SEC examination that led to the investigation was conducted by Emanuel Asmar and Yasin Shah and supervised by Christopher Martinez and Christine Connolly.
The 1998 movie Saving Private Ryan is one of the all-time great war movies. While much of the movie is a fictional account, the premise behind Capt. Millers mission is based on a true story. That is the story of the Niland brothers  Edward, Preston, Robert, and Frederick  from Tonawanda, New York.

The two middle brothers inspiring the Private Ryan film, Preston and Robert, had enlisted prior to the beginning of the War. After America entered the war the oldest, Edward, and youngest, Frederick, known as Fritz to his friends, joined up in November 1942.

Matt Damon stars in "Saving Private Ryan." (Paramount)

Because of the tragedy of the Sullivan brothers aboard the USS Juneau earlier that year, the brothers were split up and sent to different units around the Army.

Edward became an enlisted pilot, with the rank of Technical Sergeant, of a B-25 Mitchell bomber flying in the Burma-India-China theatre.

Preston was commissioned into the infantry and assigned to Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Robert and Fritz both became paratroopers. Robert served with Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Fritz joined Company H, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

As fate would have it, three of the brothers found themselves preparing for the invasion of mainland Europe.

However, before the brothers could start their Great Crusade to liberate Europe, Edward was shot down somewhere over Burma. He was listed as Missing in Action, but this usually carried a presumption of death at the time, especially if he had fallen into the hands of the Japanese.

Then, in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, Robert and Fritz joined over 23,000 Allied paratroopers in cracking Fortress Europe.

Although Fritzs unit, 3rd Battalion, 501st PIR, was supposed to be the division reserve, the misdrops meant they were thrust into action in ad hoc groups. These forces were able to secure vital causeways, bridges, and locks allowing the 4th Infantry Division, and Niland brother Preston, to exit Utah beach later that day.

This wasnt quite what happened in Private Ryan, but the movie still draws from these events.

U.S. Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, move out over the seawall on Utah Beach after coming ashore. Other troops are resting behind the concrete wall. (Army Signal Corps photo)

Elsewhere, Robert Niland had landed outside of Ste. Mere-Eglise with the rest of the 505th as part of Mission Boston. After the 3rd Battalion was able to capture the town early in the morning, the 2nd Battalion linked up with it to establish a defensive perimeter.

When a strong German counter-attack came from the south, Robert Niland and the rest of D Companys 3rd platoon were left to guard the northern approaches to the town in a small village called Neuville.

When two companies of Germans came at their position, they fought tenaciously to hold them off to buy time for their comrades to the south. When the position became untenable, Robert Niland, along with two other paratroopers, volunteered to stay behind and cover the platoons retreat toward Ste. Mere-Eglise.

While manning a machine gun in the face of the German onslaught, Robert Niland was killed in action.

One on the 210mm gun of the German Crisbecq Battery in Normandy, not far away from Utah Beach. (U.S. Army photo)

That very same morning, Lt. Preston Niland led his men onto the shores of Utah beach as part of the seaborne invasion of Normandy. Though casualties were relatively light for the men of the 4th Infantry Division on Utah beach, the battles beyond would be much tougher.

Despite having made if off the beaches, the men of the 4th Infantry Division still had numerous gun batteries of Hitlers Atlantic Wall to clear. The task of capturing the Crisbecq battery, which had already sunk the destroyer USS Corry, fell to Lt. Niland and his men.

On June 7, Niland led his men against the German position. During the heavy fighting Niland fell mortally wounded. The rest of his unit was repulsed. The battery would not fall until several days later to units of the 9th Infantry Division.

The Niland brothers parents received all three notifications in a very short amount of time. Their only condolence was a letter from Fritz informing them that Dads Spanish-American War stories are going to have to take a backseat when I get home.

Fritz was unaware of the fate of his brothers. If only the brothers could have known that their story would turn into Saving Private Ryan, one of the most classic war films in history.

When the War Department received word of the tragedy orders were dispatched to return Fritz Niland to the United States. That task fell to the regimental Chaplin, Father Francis Sampson. Sampson located Fritz, who had been searching for his brother in the 82nd and began to paperwork to send him home.

Returning to the United States in 1944, Fritz served for the remainder of the war as an MP in New York.

Preston Niland Grave Marker, one of the Niland brothers, in Normandy American Cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer (Wikipedia)

Then, in May 1945, the Nilands received some rather unexpected news. Edward was found alive in a Burmese POW camp when it was liberated by British forces.

He had survived bailing out of his plane, several days in the jungle, and nearly a year as a prisoner of the Japanese. During his captivity he had lost significant weight and returned to New York at a meager 80 pounds.

The other two Niland brothers, Preston and Robert, are buried side-by-side in the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.

MORE POSTS FROM WE ARE THE MIGHTY:

10 brothers who received the Medal of Honor

This film is the beautiful story of a WWII romance told through love letters

The crazy improvised gas mask used by World War I troops

We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty.

Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment

Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
It's all change in the White House this week

After a tumultuous election process in 2020, President-Elect Joe Biden is due to be sworn into office tomorrow (20th January). From the outset of his campaign for office, Biden has made it clear that he intends to introduce some significant policy shifts in an effort to reverse some of the changes introduced by the outgoing Trump administration. While businesses are yet to be briefed on all the changes, many are hoping for a period of greater political stability after recent unrest in the US.

The Trump administration campaigned on a platform of deregulation, especially for environmental issues. This led to disagreement within the US industry as some manufacturers agreed with the reduced environmental requirements to reduce production costs, while others objected on the grounds that it would make US-made vehicles less competitive in export markets with stricter emissions and economy requirements. Now, with the incoming administration promising to tighten regulations again, we look at what auto companies can expect from the beginning of Joe Biden's presidency.

US rejoins Paris Climate Agreement

The Trump administration was criticised by climate scientists and environmental campaigners for pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement  a motion adopted by the UN in 2015, committing countries to reduce greenhouse emissions to limit global temperature increases. In contrast, President-Elect Biden has stated that he intends for the US to rejoin the agreement on the very first day of his presidency.

While the Paris Agreement does not set country-specific targets for reductions in greenhouse gasses, it is a symbolic gesture signalling that the incoming administration is taking climate change issues much more seriously than its predecessor. While only symbolic, the US rejoining the agreement is likely to precede the introduction of stricter emissions and fuel economy standards for vehicles sold in the US. This may slightly increase the on-cost to US auto manufacturers building combustion-powered vehicles for additional emissions reduction equipment but, considering many are already spending a great deal on transitioning to electrified vehicles, that may be a price worth paying for greater clarity on future emissions requirements and the greater ease of exporting to markets with similarly stringent regulations.

Fuel economy standards tightened

Under the Trump administration, vehicles sold in the US would only have to demonstrate a 1.5% increase in average fuel economy between 2022 and 2025, a sharp decrease from the 4.7% mandated by the previous Obama administration. It is not yet clear whether Biden will return standards to the level they were under Obama, but they will certainly be raised from the level set by the Trump administration.

Tighter fuel economy standards will encourage automakers to build more efficient vehicles, pushing them away from combustion-powered SUVs and pickup trucks that sell particularly well in the US. To continue selling vehicles in these hotly contested segments, automakers will probably increase the number of electrified SUV and pickup options. We are already seeing this through the introduction of models including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the GMC Hummer EV, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Tesla Model Y and Cybertruck.

Climate activists in positions of power

President-Elect Biden has now assembled much of his cabinet and administration team, including hiring lawmakers with strong backgrounds in climate campaigning for top environmental roles. Notable among these are former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation. In his own campaign, Buttigieg proposed a $1tn transport infrastructure plan, including a 13-fold increase in public transport funding. With Buttigieg at the helm, expect the Department of Transport to focus more resources on public transport, emissions reduction and infrastructure for EVs.

Elsewhere, Biden has chosen North Carolina's Michael Regan to run the US's Environmental Protection Agency, which had many protection policies rolled back under the Trump administration. Regan has spent nine years developing the EPA's air quality program and has a strong background in legislating on environmental issues. His appointment can be seen as another strong signal that the incoming administration is serious about tackling climate change. While this might increase short-term costs for US automakers, it may provide more stability in the long term and push them to remain competitive with Chinese, Japanese and European automakers that are aggressively pursuing their own electrification strategies.

Softened approach on Iran

The Trump administration took a hard line on Iran, pulling the US out of the Iran Nuclear Deal and threatening sanctions against others that agreed to trade with the country. This led to a number of automakers including PSA, Renault and Daimler pulling business from Iran, and a general souring of relations between it and the US. Biden's team has promised to return the US to the Nuclear Deal, which sees the removal of some restrictions against Iran in return for it limiting its nuclear material refining activities.

With the softening of the US's stance against Iran, expect global automakers to begin to restart plans in the country. This could see a revival of the joint venture planned between PSA and Iran's Saipa, potentially leading to PSA-developed vehicles being built under license in the country for local sale and export to nearby markets. A similar joint venture between Renault and Iran Khodro, another large national automaker, is also likely to be resumed. Daimler was also gearing up to manufacture trucks in Iran before US sanctions kicked in and will probably be keen to return when they are lifted.

This article first appeared on GlobalData's research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center
Patna, Jan 19 : The Bihar police are still clueless about the murder of IndiGo state head Rupesh Kumar Singh, even as seven days have passed since Singh was allegedly shot dead by criminals near the Shastri Nagar police station area in Patna.

A top official of Patna police said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up which is probing the different angles into the case, including the deceased person's involvement in government tenders and seizures of gold consignments from the Patna airport.

Vinay Tiwari, the City SP of Patna central, who is also heading the SIT, visited the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the Water Resource Department on Monday and held meetings with the respective chief engineers. He asked them to provide all the details in a bid to make some inroads in the high profile case.

Sources said that these two departments generally offer Grade 3 tenders and their allotments are done at the district level. The Grade 3 tenders involve an amount of Rs 1 crore to Rs 3.5 crore.

After obtaining this information, separate SIT teams were dispatched to districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani, Chapra, Gopalganj, Sitamarhi etc. The teams will contact the executive engineers in these districts to know whether any contract was given to Singh's brothers or any other relative.

The official said that Singh was involved in a heated exchange of words with a contractor of a parking lot at the Patna airport, who is being questioned. Besides, the SIT has also quizzed 50 employees and contractual workers in this connection.

Besides, the SIT has also sent a notice to a person who was sacked by Singh a couple of months ago. That person, a native of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, appeared before the Patna police on Monday.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had seized a gold consignment worth Rs 15 lakh from the Patna airport a couple of months ago. Sources have said that Singh had given a tip-off to the DRI about the smuggling of gold.

The alleged smugglers were about to take a flight to Delhi. They are currently lodged in the Patna Beur jail. The SIT has contacted the DRI in connection with the case. Its officials are likely to quiz the gold traffickers to find out whether they were involved in a conspiracy.

Bihar police are yet to crack this case due inconclusive evidences to identify the shooters. Hence, the have prepared a list of over 200 shooters and are conducting rais at their possible hideouts across the state. The official said that a massive operation has been launched to crack the case.

The SIT is facing hurdles due to the lack of CCTV footage. The deceased was a resident of Kushum Vila apartment at Punaichak. He was shot near the gate of his apartment. There was a CCTV camera installed there but it was not working. The police have obtained CCTV footages from the adjoining shops in the market, but the shooters or their bikes are not clearly visible in them.

Jitendra Kumar, ADG (headquarters) of Bihar police, told IANS that several teams have been formed under the SIT to crack this case.

"We are very close to reaching the actual culprits. The case will be cracked very soon," he said.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, the president of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), has claimed that the SIT is just misleading the people of Bihar.

"The police are still clueless about the case. Big players are involved in the murder of Rupesh Singh. He has been eliminated under a deep conspiracy and the state government is trying to save the culprits," Yadav said.

"The state government should put all information extracted from the phone of Rupesh Singh in public domain. A minister in the current government had reportedly borrowed money from Rupesh Singh for government tender worth Rs 2,000 crore. The state government should unveil the name of that minister," Yadav said.

Madan Mohan Jha, the state president of Congress, said that he has met with the deceased person's family in Saran district.

"The SIT is unable to trace the shooters involved in the murder of Rupesh Singh. The family members of the deceased have zero expectation from this government," Jha said.
State residents 65 and older and others with chronic medical conditions can start signing up for COVID-19 vaccinations.

The state expanded its list of residents eligible for vaccinations Tuesday and started an online vaccination quiz to help people determine if they are immediately eligible.

In addition to people 65 and older, residents 16 to 64 with serious medical conditions that make them more at risk to COVID-19 are eligible, said Cindy Findley, the state Department of Healths deputy secretary of health promotion and disease prevention.

The quiz is available at www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/#Step1ChecktoSeeifYoureEligible. Just below the quiz, the webpage has an interactive map that shows vaccine providers.

If it is your turn to get vaccinated, you will go to our interactive map to find a vaccine provider near you. Then, you will schedule an appointment directly with that provider, Findley said.

The change reflects amended federal guidelines issued last week.

Previously, the state generally limited initial vaccinations to frontline health care workers and residents and staff of nursing homes, though the Department of Health also allowed police and firefighters who respond to medical emergencies to get vaccinations. Residents of two downtown Scranton senior citizens apartment buildings received vaccines Monday, before the expanded list was announced, though Gov. Tom Wolf last week telegraphed plans to expand the list.

Findley said it would take weeks to get everyone on the expanded list vaccinated.

The state also announced Rite Aid will soon begin vaccinating people in about 6,000 long-term and congregate care settings that werent part of the federal program carried out by Walgreens and CVS, which vaccinated people at nursing homes. The 6,000 include group homes for people with disabilities; residential treatment facilities and long-term structured residences for adults with behavioral health needs; private psychiatric hospitals and some personal care homes and assisted living centers.

The state Department of Health statistics reported today another 5,341 COVID-19 cases, including 371 in Northeast Pennsylvania counties  Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming. In all, the state has recorded 777,186 cases with 46,749 in the local counties.

The department reported another 77 deaths increasing the total to 19,467. The region reported nine more for a total of 1,238.

Locally:

Lackawanna added 101 cases for 11,343 total, including 1,450 probable. Three new deaths raised the county total to 308.

Luzerne added 116 cases for 20,879 total, including 1,421 probable. Five new deaths raised the county total to 547.

Monroe added 77 cases for 7,820 total, including 166 probable, and remained at 230 deaths.

Pike added 27 cases for 1,917 total, including 142 probable, and remained at 38 deaths.

Susquehanna added 23 cases for 1,348 total, including 125 probable, and remained at 44 deaths.

Wayne added 21 cases for 2,467 total, including 203 probable,and remained at 36 deaths.

Wyoming added six cases for 975 total, including 157 probable. One new death raised the county total to 35.
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.
Those who think 2021 will be a carbon copy of last year may be mistaken, according to dominant Formula 1 team Mercedes' boss Toto Wolff.

Although the sweeping new rules have been delayed until 2022 because of covid, Wolff said mandatory aerodynamic changes for this year could shake up the pecking order.

Not just that, Mercedes' innovative DAS steering system has been banned.

"DAS was a good tool that helped us to warm the tyres," Wolff told motorsport-total.com. "But it wasn't the magic bullet that some people often said it was.

"Nonetheless we will have to compensate in some other way," he added.

Wolff also said Mercedes is not underestimating the aero rule changes for 2021.

"Everybody is talking about the rule changes for 2022, but there is already a rather drastic one for 2021," he said. "We will lose a lot of downforce - everyone will."

(GMM)
[January 19, 2021] Dedrone Appoints Ben Wenger and Mary-Lou Smulders to Leadership Team

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dedrone, the market leader in airspace security, appointed Mary-Lou Smulders as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Ben Wenger as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Smulders will lead Dedrone's global marketing and communications team, and Wenger will head global sales to provide best-in-class counter-drone technology to enterprise and government customers around the world. Mary-Lou Smulders joins Dedrone, having served as strategic advisor at the company since February 2020, formally being appointed CMO in December 2020. Prior to Dedrone, Smulders served as CMO at financial technology company 9th Gear Technologies as well as at crisis communication systems leader AtHoc, growing the brand and supporting their acquisition by security software and services provider BlackBerry in 2015. During her twenty-year career in enterprise software, Smulders also served as Senior Vice President of Global Applications and Services Marketing for Oracle Corporation and has advised on strategic transformation initiatives at Booz & Co. Early in her career, she was an engineer on multiple oil rigs for ExxonMobil and Shell Oil. Ben Wenger joins Dedrone as CRO following a two-decade career in enterprise technology sales and was formally appointed as Dedrone CRO in December 2020. Wenger was previously the Vice President of Sales for emergency communication technology company Everbridge, where built the go-to-market strategy to include strategic global integrators nd scaled the global sales team to meet significant revenue growth. An experienced enterprise software sales leader, Wenger built his career at enterprise software company CA Technologies, where he managed a team of sales directors focused on CA's most strategic customers, culminating in CA Technologies acquisition by Broadcom, Inc. in 2018.



"Our executive team has strengthened with the additions of Mary-Lou and Ben, our team is fully aligned to meet the challenges of leading the global airspace security market." shares Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. "Mary-Lou and Ben are seasoned leaders who have storied careers in enterprise security and defense systems and provide practical experience to scale Dedrone and support our company's mission of protecting people, assets and information against unwanted drones. On behalf of Dedrone, we are confident in the leadership and market expertise that both Mary-Lou and Ben bring to their respective roles and are thrilled to welcome them to our team." On behalf of Dedrone's board, Venky Ganesan, Partner at Menlo Ventures, shares, "We are pleased Mary-Lou and Ben have joined Dedrone's executive bench, as they bring the depth of experience and success in scaling enterprise security technology companies for a global market. We look forward to supporting Mary-Lou, Ben, and the entire Dedrone team as they continue to deliver the world's leading airspace security technology to protect organizations against drone threats."

About Dedrone Dedrone is the market leader in airspace security. Dedrone's counter-drone system is trusted by critical infrastructure, government operations, military assets, correctional facilities, and enterprises to protect against unauthorized small drones. With flexibility to host in the cloud, or on premise, Dedrone's SaaS technology combines cutting-edge software with best-in-class sensors and effectors, to provide early warning, classification of, and mitigation against all drone threats. Dedrone systems are deployed by hundreds of customers globally. Established in 2014, Dedrone is headquartered in San Francisco, with operations in the Washington, D.C.-area, Columbus, Ohio, London and Germany. For more information about Dedrone and to reach our counter-drone subject matter experts, visit dedrone.com and follow @Dedrone on Twitter and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dedrone-appoints-ben-wenger-and-mary-lou-smulders-to-leadership-team-301210489.html SOURCE Dedrone

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji has shared an old picture of his father and founder-chairman Azim Premji from his yesteryears, saying "despite all he has achieved, he hasn't changed at all". "I've learnt from him to stay grounded and to never let things go to your head," Rishad said via his #TheStoryofWipro tweet.

The younger Premji said his father took over a small 'vanaspati' (oil) business at 21 and over 53 years, he grew it into a diversified and global company.

My father, Azim Premji took over a small vanaspati biz at 21 & over 53 years grew it into a diversified, global co. Despite all hes achieved, he hasnt changed at all. Ive learnt from him to stay grounded and to never let things go to your head. #75YearsofWipro#TheStoryofWipropic.twitter.com/yDT6yp6nxd  Rishad Premji (@RishadPremji) January 19, 2021

Azim Premji, one of the richest men in India, is known to donate a large part of his fortune to philanthropic causes. He had also emerged as the most generous Indian for FY20, according to Hurun's philanthropy list. Premji donated Rs 22 crore a day or Rs 7,904 crore (in personal capacity) in a year to emerge as the most generous Indian in FY20.

Rishad Premji had last month shared his father's philosophy on wealth in a tweet. He had said his father "has always believed that he was a trustee of his wealth and never its owner."

"My father has always believed that he was a trustee of his wealth and never it's owner. Being part of the communities in which we live and work is also a core part of Wipro," Rishad tweeted.

Rishad Premji also wrote a letter to his employees last week, thanking them for their contribution and dedication towards the company. Premji said that their actions in 2020 have demonstrated that they are worthy custodians of the company's proud legacy.

Also Read: Azim Premji finds philanthropy much more complex than running a business

Also Read: Azim Premji finds philanthropy much more complex than running a business

Also Read: Azim Premji, most generous Indian, donated Rs 22 crore every day; tops Hurun's philanthropy list
U.S. Special Forces soldiers attached to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, practice combat marksmanship skills training on a range, near Kabul province, Afghanistan, on Feb. 24, 2014.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Connor Mendez/Released)

Taliban Calls on Biden to Honor Trumps Deal to Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan

The Taliban has called on President-elect Joe Biden to honor a peace deal negotiated with the Trump administration, which calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by May to help advance peace talks.

Steps must now be taken to end the war, not to prolong it, and the agreement was made for the purpose, Mohammad Naeem, a Taliban spokesman, said Jan. 18, according to Bloomberg.

Naeem was referring to a four-component peace pact between the United States and the Taliban (pdf), signed in February 2020, which included a Trump administration commitment to the Taliban to remove all U.S. military, intelligence, and contractor personnel from Afghanistan by May as a move to spur peace negotiations.

The Taliban promised to prevent the use of Afghanistan territory to launch attacks against the United States and its allies, and committed to engage in peace talks with the Afghan government that would eventually lead to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.

In his statement, Naeem warned that the lack of complete implementation of the agreement can affect the ongoing process of negotiations.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a Jan. 5 interview with Bloombergs David Rubenstein, said he expects the intra-Afghan negotiations to be difficult, but expressed optimism about their ultimate success.

Theres every reason to expect that this agreement will be complicated, fraught, one step forward, two steps back, and that there remains an awful lot of work to do, Pompeo said.

Weve built out a real coalition to try to work to build out an Afghanistan that is reconciled and peaceful, he continued. I am confident that it will be both fraught, but I am optimistic as well. Im optimistic that the Afghan people know that the days of endless fighting have to end.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his negotiating team have been pushing for a cease-fire agreement before settling other issues, including a power-sharing arrangement with the Taliban, who instead want to wait until the final stages of the talks to declare a cease-fire.

Some senior U.S. commanders have been skeptical of the Talibans stated commitment to peace, with the Pentagon noting continued high levels of Taliban violence against the Afghan government and other targets.

In the latest deadly attack in the capital of Kabul, two female Supreme Court judges were gunned down on Jan. 17 on their way to work, according to a statement from the countrys Presidential Palace.

The United States condemns todays assassinations of female supreme court judges and calls for a prompt investigation, the U.S. ambassador in Kabul, Ross Wilson, said in a Jan. 17 statement on Twitter.

The Taliban should understand that such actions for which it bears responsibility outrage the world and must cease if peace is to come to Afghanistan, Wilson added.

Shaharzad Akbar, the chairwoman of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, wrote on Twitter that the country is suffering what seems to be a systematic massacre and the world seems to be just watching.

In a bid to move the process further down the roadmap to a peace settlement, President Donald Trump in November ordered a reduction of U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan to 2,500 from 4,500.

Christopher Miller, in his final days as the acting secretary of defense, announced the 2,500 troop level last week, saying it brings the United States closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war.

Miller said the United States remains in a position to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used to harbor those who seek to bring harm to the United States of America.

Naeem hailed the drawdown as good advancement.

Miller also said on Jan. 17 that the Pentagon is planning for additional troop reductions to zero by May, adding that any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based.

Trump in a statement on Jan. 14 alluded to his longstanding desire to get out of Afghanistan entirely.

United States military troops in Afghanistan are at a 19-year low. Likewise, Iraq and Syria are also at the lowest point in many years. I will always be committed to stopping the endless wars, Trump said.

Bidens nominee for national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN early in January that the incoming administration would support diplomacy with the Taliban, although it remains unclear whether Biden will honor the May deadline for troop withdrawal.

A Bloomberg request for comment on the Biden teams plans in this regard went unanswered.

The U.S. military action in Afghanistan in October 2001 was aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime, running al-Qaida out of the country, and laying the groundwork for a global war on terrorism.

During Bidens time as vice president, the Obama administration pushed U.S. troop totals in Afghanistan to 100,000 in a failed bid to compel the Taliban to come to the negotiating table. When Trump took office four years ago there were about 8,500 troops in the country, and he raised it to about 13,000 that summer.

Billions of dollars have been spent in Americas longest war, which saw tens of thousands killed, mostly Afghan civilians.
Boohoo, to its credit, has been trying to clean up its supply chain and governance in response to the blistering report from Alison Levitt QC.

So it is acutely disappointing that on the same day as its new high-powered monitor, Brian Leveson, was delivering his debut ethics report last week, Boohoo bosses were in Dubai attending a glitzy event with suppliers.

Doubtless the sessions attended by Boohoos chief executive John Lyttle, as well as members of the founding Kamani family, can be classed as essential business.

Essential business: Boohoos chief executive John Lyttle, as well as members of the founding Kamani family, attended a glitzy event with suppliers in Dubai

However, the instruction on the vamped-up invitation, replete with women in bikinis and doing high kicks, was to arrive at Dubais flashy hotels at the weekend before the real business began.

We are told that suppliers, mainly from the sub-Continent, were able to make their own choices about attending in the midst of the pandemic.

However, if you are a textile and fashion business, seeking to bid for or retain contracts with one of Europes fastest-growing groups, it would be tricky to stay away even if there were concerns about Covid-19.

Everyone involved in the event was, we have been reassured, tested for Covid before and afterwards and social distancing properly enforced.

But there were moments during the week when senior Boohoo executives were seen without masks, even though the rules on faced coverings in Dubai hotels in public areas are extremely strict.

The optics of all of this for a company under close scrutiny are all wrong. Some suppliers are understood to have been uncomfortable with the arrangements.

As seriously, even in the often over-exuberant fashion sector it is not a good image for the bosses to be living it up in Dubai amid a pandemic.

It is impossible to forget Boohoo is a company in the process of reforming practices in a supply chain where inattention to working conditions and pay in Leicester garment sweat shops has been shameful.

Home rule

When it comes to financial regulation, Britain and the US tend to sing from the same song sheet.

After all, the Wall Street banks, like it or not, dominate trading, M&A and public fundraisings in the City. There is great potential for divergence ahead.

Boris Johnsons government, amid some resistance, is preparing to relax regulation, although the Singapore analogy is slightly bonkers.

The rule of law in Singapore under the Lee family dynasty, still in control, is brutal, and it is the low-tax regime which is different.

No one should have any doubt about attitudes toward financial wrongdoers, as former Barings trader Nick Leeson could testify.

As far as one can tell, the approach favoured in London is simply about making it easier to trade new instruments, such as green bonds and their derivatives, and seeking to attract more initial public offerings to the Square Mile by changing listing requirements but not relaxing governance standards.

Nevertheless, as post-Brexit UK liberalises, the Biden regime is tightening. The choice of Gary Gensler, a poacher-turned-gamekeeper, as the next chairman of the Securities & Exchange Commission suggests, the Wild West of the Trump years is over.

Gensler grew up at Goldman Sachs and was the key figure in imposing new discipline on Americas banks in the wake of the 2008-09 financial crisis. In his current role at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he has taken a keen interest in bitcoin.

Better regulation of cryptocurrencies, not before time, probably will be a focus of attention when he takes over at the SEC.

Stronger consumer enforcement  defanged in the Trump years  is to be strengthened amid pressure from former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren. Johnsons instinctive liberalism is likely to face challenge from Bidens interventionist tendency.

China syndrome

There always have been big questions about the integrity of Chinese economic data. Nevertheless, we have to take at face value the 6.5 per cent surge in output in the final quarter of 2020 and 2.3 per cent increase in the size of the economy over the full year.

As much of the world suffers under the shadow of the Wuhan virus it is hard not to applaud this miraculous turnaround.

In much the same way as Chinas struggle with Covid casts a shadow over global prosperity this time last year, we should reluctantly see the strong rebound as a shard of light.
New GV70 (code: JW) uses N3 FWD-AWD platform

With 108,184 registrations and a year-on-year rise of 90 per cent, Genesis became South Korea's number three brand in 2020, gliding past Samsung, SsangYong, Chevrolet-Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz. Sales are also rising in Canada, the USA, Australia and a handful of other countries. Next - this year - the brand pushes into Europe, and then surely China must be next. Let's look at the premium marque's latest and future models.

SUVs

The GV70, Genesis' second SUV, was revealed online at the end of October with the first examples turning up in South Korea's registrations data for November.

There is also a GV70 Sport which has its own front bumper, darkened exterior trim, larger tailpipes and unique 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Sport has what is claimed to be carbon fibre trim.

Up to three engines are available, each one turbocharged, depending on the market: 2.2-litre diesel, 2.5-litre petrol and 3.5-litre petrol. In the US and Canada, only the four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines will be offered when sales start later this year.

We should also expect a GV70 plug-in hybrid. That would be due well before the 2024 mid-point of what should be a six/seven-year build cycle. It might even be the case that such a powertrain will be the only one for European markets, although the diesel is possible too.

An electric SUV is due to arrive later in 2021, based on Hyundai Motor Group's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This bespoke architecture will be used by each of HMG's three brands.

The 'GEV70' (the official name remains secret) will be a battery-electric crossover to take on the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model Y and others in the premium-priced D-SUV segment. Production is due to commence in June. We should expect a life cycle of six to seven years, which means a facelift in 2024 and a replacement in 2027/2028. Full details should be announced in Q2.

Meanwhile, the brand's first SUV went on sale in January last year, production having begun during the prior month. South Korea was the first market, and the 4,945 mm long GV80 introduced HMG's M3 platform. The first deliveries took place in Canada and the USA in November, new for the 2021 model year. Aside from annual tweaks, a mid-cycle facelift won't fall due until the 2024 model year. The second generation should appear in CY2026.

In the home market, a 3.0-litre diesel is standard, in combination with rear-wheel drive. There was an unexpected and unfortunate problem with the new diesel in June 2020. Hyundai Motor immediately stopped deliveries of the GV80 with this powertrain once it learned that engines were showing signs of excess vibration. This was caused by carbon buildup when the engine was at idle for prolonged periods, the company told the Korean media.

"Hyundai is working to find a solution and will notify consumers once more detailed checkups become available," Hyundai Motor Corporation was quoted as stating. As at the stoppage of deliveries, around 8,000 GV80 diesel SUVs had been delivered and Genesis division had orders for a further 10,000.

There are also two petrol engines and these, rather than the diesel, are what buyers in North America can choose from: HMG's new 2.5-litre four-cylinder (Theta 3) and 3.5-litre V6 (Lambda 3) units. Each has two turbochargers and 48 V electrics. The official names are Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi and Smartstream G3.5 T-GDi. The straight-six diesel is called Smartstream D3.0. Power outputs are said to be 304 PS for the 2.5-litre petrol, 380 PS for the 3.5-litre petrol and 278 PS for the 3.0-litre diesel. Each sends drive to the back or both axles via an HMG-developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

There have been claims that Hyundai is also developing a GV90 but at the moment this remains speculative. Such a model would be around 5.2-5.4 m long and therefore aimed at the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, future Volvo XC100 and successors for the Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80.

Cars

The G70 was revealed to the media in September 2017 at an event in South Korea. A facelift was then announced last October, with the restyle and revised engines line-up the main news for the 2021 model year in North America (the USA is the brand's top market).

This 4.7 m long sedan is closely related to the Kia Stinger though it does not share that model's hatchback body style. Aside from South Korea, the US and Canada, the G70 is also available in the Middle East, Russia and Australia. At the time of its launch in the latter market, Hyundai stated that all future Genesis models would be available in RHD form.

This RWD and AWD model originally offered the choice of up to three turbocharged engines: 254 hp 1,998 cc four-cylinder petrol, 202 hp 2,199 cc four-cylinder diesel and 365 hp 3,342 cc V6 petrol. The changes announced in October 2020 saw engines become 185 kW (252 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb ft) 2.0-litre, 272 kW (370 PS) and 510 Nm (376 lb ft) 3.3-litre V6 and 149 kW (202 PS) and 441 Nm (376 lb ft) 2.2-litre diesel. There are also slightly more powerful versions of the petrol engines: 188 kW for the 2.0-litre Sport and 274 kW for the 3.3-litre Sport.

In the USA, where the G70 was introduced for the 2019 model year, both 2.0-litre and 3.3-litre engines are available. Unusually for the segment, the importer offers a manual gearbox. This is for the four-cylinder engine only. Hyundai-Kia-Genesis' own eight-speed automatic gearbox is optional, and standard for the turbo V6.

There have been rumours that a G70 Shooting Brake could join the line-up and these were seemingly confirmed when images of prototypes were published in June 2020. This suggests Hyundai is approaching the launch of Genesis in Europe in a well thought out way. That's assuming of course that the plan is to sell such a model in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and other markets where people are keen on estates.

The life cycle is due to end in 2023 and at the moment, there is no confirmed replacement planned. Hyundai may instead remove its luxury division from this segment, depending on how buyer preferences for D segment sedans and estates evolve over the next few years. It could even be the case that the electric car due on sale sometime between this year and 2023 becomes an eventual, effective successor.

This vehicle is being developed with many of the same components as will feature in related Hyundai and Kia EVs. The Kia will come to market first, company insiders say (codename: CV), likely followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and then a Genesis.

Rather than being an electric version of the G70, it is believed that the EV will instead be a special model which could be called 'GE70'. A hatchback or sedan, it should be around the same size as the Tesla Model 3. The architecture will be E-GMP.

Prototypes of a larger electric sedan - perhaps it will be called GE80 - have been photographed undergoing testing in South Korea. The range is expected to be in excess of 500 km and there are also reports of Level 3 autonomous drive features, some of the necessary tech being supplied by Samsung SDI. The battery will supposedly come from SK Innovation. Reports of the launch timing vary but 2022 seems a safe bet, along with a six to seven-year manufacturing cycle.

As for conventional cars in the E segment, Genesis already offers the 4,995 mm long G80. The latest RG3 series model, which has been in production at one of HMG's Ulsan plants since March last year, is available with HMG's Theta 3 and updated Lambda 3 engine families.

Theta 3 in the G80 is a 2,497 cc four-cylinder unit producing 224 kW (304 PS) and 421 Nm (311 lb ft), while a new generation of the Lambda V6 has a capacity of 3,470 cc and outputs of 280 kW (380 PS) and 530 Nm (391 lb ft). Each of these petrol engines has two turbochargers. Theta 3 and Lambda 3 will gradually replace the normally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 and biturbo 3.3-litre V6 in relevant Hyundai, Genesis and Kia models.

The third engine is not for North America but it does feature in the Korean market line-up. The 2,151 cc four-cylinder diesel produces 154 kW (210 PS) and 441 Nm (325 lb ft).

HMG's new SmartStream 3.0-litre straight-six will likely also be added to the line-up at a later date, as should a G80 PHEV. All variants are due to be facelifted in 2023. A successor is pencilled in for 2026 or 2027 but it is too early to say whether or not it will be offered with petrol engines.

A new generation G90 should go on sale worldwide from early 2022. Today's V8 may be phased out at that time too. HMG's 400 PS 3.5-litre Lambda 3.5-litre V6 will likely continue though and there should also be a PHEV four-cylinder powertrain.

Genesis' next full-size sedan should be equipped with LiDAR for Level 3 autonomous drive. Audi fitted some versions of the A8 with this capability but concerns over liability in the event of collisions meant that it was not switched on by the German firm. How Hyundai intends to keep itself immune from litigation is not known.

Insiders claim that the car's cameras will be supplied by Mando, with radar coming from Velodyne and Hyundai Mobis.

As for an electric G90, this might not happen due to the RS4 series G90 being based on HMG's M3 platform rather than E-GMP. There is also the issue of insufficient potential demand in key markets such as the USA, Russia and the Gulf States, at least in the early years of a life cycle which should stretch into 2028/2029. If cars such as the Mercedes EQS start to become profitable and sought after in countries where the G90 is available, then HMG will surely find a way to give Genesis some form of big electric sedan.

Hydrogen

There are no specifically stated plans for any Genesis models which would run on Hydrogen. However, Hyundai Motor Group stated in December that it would use 'HTWO' as a new (sub-)brand for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis fuel cell vehicles. The luxury division's first such vehicle could be on sale in relevant markets from around mid-decade.

Reports for many other manufacturers' future models are grouped in the OEM product strategy summaries section of just-auto.com.

Future platform intelligence

More detail on past, current and forthcoming models can be found in PLDB, the future vehicles database which is part of GlobalData's Automotive Intelligence Center.

This is the second report in a three-part series with HMG's brands as its focus, the first brand having been Hyundai, with Kia coming next.
Trump Issues Executive Order Preventing Career Bureaucrats From Having Final Word on Federal Rules

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 18 prohibiting career bureaucratsrather than presidential appointeesfrom authorizing and having the final word on new federal regulations.

The President chooses Federal agency heads who exercise executive authority and implement his regulatory agenda. The American people, in electing the President, thereby have a role in choosing the individuals who govern them, the presidents order states.

However, some agencies have chosen to blur these lines of democratic accountability by allowing career officials to authorize, approve, and serve as the final word on regulations. This practice transfers the power to set rules governing Americans daily lives from the President, acting through his executive subordinates, to officials insulated from the accountability that national elections bring. This practice undermines the power of the American people to choose who governs them and I am directing steps to end it.

The order directs that new federal agency rules must be initiated and signed by senior appointees, who will have the sole discretion to approve the agencys regulatory agenda.

The president issued the order two days before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Agency heads can apply for exemptions from the executive order in the event that complying with it would impede public safety. The exemption notices have to be published in the Federal Register, the order mandates.

The order prohibits agencies from delegating rulemaking authority to anyone other than senior presidential appointees. The order requires agency heads to determine if current delegations and agency rules are in line with the new mandate.

The order directs agency heads to review rules enacted over the past 12 years to determine if they have been issued by a senior appointee. The agency heads have to deliver the results of the report to the president in 90 days.

The order targets the rules created and approved by unelected bureaucrats who Trump has long criticized for having too much power. The retroactive nature of the order covers rules spanning the entire eight years of the administration of President Barack Obama. Beyond a report to the president, the order does not specify a remedy for the rules which have been promulgated by career staff rather than senior appointees.

Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders on the final days of his first term. On Monday, he signed orders meant to protect Americans from overcriminalization based on violations of federal rules and defend the nation from the national security threat posed by China-made drones.
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During his monthly press conference, the Prime Minister of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, addressed how its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is attracting businesses to the dual islands. On January 14th, at the National Emergency Management Agency, Prime Minister Harris noted that investors from countries like the United States, China, Russia and Canada were all taking advantage of the CBI Programme. St Kitts and Nevis operates the world's longest-standing CBI Programme and has welcomed investors and their families to its shores since 1984. The concept, birthed in the Caribbean, attracts foreign direct investment to a nation's economy in exchange for citizenship. St Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most cost-affective investment routes under its Sustainable Growth Fund a hailed as the fastest and most straightforward path to a second citizenship. PM Harris spoke highly about how the Programme is bolstering business on the islands during his press conference. "Just last week, we had the grand opening of the Lans Kitchen Restaurant in Frigate Bay. [It is] a new upscale cuisine being added to the menu of services offerings here in St Kitts and Nevis and the lady behind that again is a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis," he said. "So, we have a wide range of interest in our CBI Programme, that is why it has become the Platinum Brand because persons from everywhere have come and have participated with respect to the CBI Programme," Prime Minister Harris concluded. Granting that an applicant passes the necessary due diligence requirements, the receipt of citizenship is provided along with a wide range of benefits, including the right to live and work in the country. This also involves global mobility to nearly 160 destinations, comprising of major business hubs. Investors can also choose to pass down citizenship for generations to come, establishing a future legacy for their families. Recognised by the industry as a Platinum Standard brand, St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme has maintained its popularity across the globe for several decades. The latest edition of the CBI Index highlighted its efficiency, due diligence framework, and its lack of mandatory travel or residence as a reason why the Programme is highly regarded within the investment migration realm. Contact:

pr@csglobalpartners.com

www.csglobalpartners.com
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Trump Administration Establishes a Banking Rule Worth Paying Attention To

Jan. 18 , 2021 (EIRNS)With just a week remaining in President Donald Trumps administration, his Office of the Controller of the Currency (within the U.S. Treasury) promulgated a Fair Access to Financial Services rule on Jan. 13 which has angered Wall Street and, no doubt, annoyed Windsor Castle and the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. The rule, if enforced, would appear to rule green finance out of order in the United States banking system, in spite of the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening of the Financial System which the Federal Reserve just joined after four years of being scared out of it by the President.

The rule prohibits banksalthough not using this termfrom redlining companies or funds because they invest either in energy technologies, in agriculture or ranching, or in arms and armaments. No bank, under the rule, may decide or threaten not to lend to or invest in a group or class of companies or funds, as for example, coal and oil and engineering companies have been threatened out of fossil fuel power projects in African and South Asian countries under Mark Carneys sundry central bank committees and taxonomies. Rather, the bank must provide the OCC with criteria and data supporting each case of redlining of each single company, and show that those criteria are financial, not climate, social or governance.

Wall Street is very unhappy at this OCC action, as evidenced in the complaints in three consecutive days lead stories, Jan. 14-16, on the website of American Banker the ABAs publication. Wall Streets TV channel, CNBC, reported Jan. 14 that the rule is not just opposed by the largest banks, but faced widespread opposition from legal scholars and environmental, social and governance experts. Right up to Prince Charles, no doubt. If the Federal Reserve and the biggest Wall Street banks cannot coerce oil and coal companies into building big wind farms instead, farmer cooperatives into swearing off fertilizers and pesticides, ranchers into cutting their livestock herds, Joe Bidens rejoining the Paris Climate Accord might be a hollow gesture.

CNBC tried to reassure by quoting one expert, that one way or another, this rule is not long for this world under a Biden Administration. But it shows the adversary Trump remains to the Green Deal, and should be paid attention to and fought for.

What the rule does, in effect, is what China and Russia and India do to make sure that their companies in the above sectors get creditthe difference being, that those countries make official statements welcoming the zero-carbon targets of the Paris Climate Accord while placing them decades off into the future. They are all involved in offering nuclear and clean-coal technologies to developing nations. Those are still first among the nations with which the United States can collaborate in nuclear development, space exploration, and in fact a new Bretton Woods credit system for such development.
Alex Kockhans, Director of the Centre pour le developpement des apprentissages Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa (CDA), the Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch and Sonja Ugen, Research Scientist at the Luxembourg Centre for Educational Testing (LUCET) of the University of Luxembourg. Credit: MENJE

The University of Luxembourg, the Centre pour le developpement des apprentissages Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa (CDA) and the Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch presented a new publication on learning disabilities in multilingual contexts on Monday 18 January 2021. The handbook "Lernstorungen im multilingualen Kontext: Diagnose und Hilfestellungen" is the first result of a joint collaboration between the University of Luxembourg and the Centre pour le developpement des apprentissages Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa (CDA) and focuses on the results of a study of the (standardized) assessment tools currently used in Luxembourg to diagnose specific learning disorders. The results of the study are based on interviews and questionnaire data collected from practitioners at the local, regional and national levels.

Diagnostical challenges in the multilingual Luxembourg school context

In Luxembourg's traditional public schools, classes are taught in several languages. Luxembourgish is the main teaching language in the first cycle of primary school, whereas German is the primary teaching language from the second cycle on, as children learn how to read, write and calculate in German. Most students, however, learn German as a language in parallel to acquiring literacy and mathematical skills. In addition, the student population is multilingual, only about 35% of the overall number of students attending traditional public schools speak Luxembourgish as their first language.

There are currently few diagnostic tools available that consider the characteristics of Luxembourg's multilingual school context. Most tests in use have been developed in German-speaking countries for native-German-speaking children and rarely contain adaptations for children with German as their second or third language. As a result, practitioners need to compromise when administrating such tests, which jeopardizes the objectivity of the diagnostic process. Moreover, to provide the most appropriate support, it is crucial to determine whether potential learning difficulties can be attribute to specific learning disorders or whether they are rather due to insufficient language skills.

A handbook taking into account the specificities of the Luxembourg's school system

This handbook contains a theoretical and a practice-oriented part. It describes the current state of research into specific learning disorders in general and within the Luxembourgish context and addresses further aspects to be considered in the diagnosis of specific learning disorders, such as intelligence, (neuro-)psychological capabilities and social-emotional behavior. It also provides an overview of existing pedagogical support and adaptive measures which can help children in their everyday school life and illustrates the process of diagnosing a specific learning disorder on two case studies in the areas of reading/writing and arithmetic. The handbook contains a variety of ideas concerning possible pedagogic and didactic support and adaptative tools aimed at teaching professionals, which may facilitate learning for children with learning difficulties in traditional public schools.

During a second phase of their collaboration, the University of Luxembourg and the CDA will focus on the development of specific tests tailored to the Luxembourg student population and the Luxembourg educational system to optimize the diagnostic process and to make adequate resources available to the specialists.

More information: The handbook is also available online on the Melusina Press platform on 26 January. The handbook is also available online on the Melusina Press platform on 26 January. DOI: 10.26298/bw1j-9202
Washington [: American social media giant Facebook is publishing a research conducted by its artificial intelligence (AI) unit in an effort to help healthcare providers predict in advance if a COVID-19 patient may need more intensive care solutions and adjust resources accordingly.

According to Mashable, Facebook in a recent detailed blog post said that it had developed two AI models, one based on a single chest X-ray, and another from a series of X-rays that could help forecast if a patient infected by COVID-19 is likely to get worse. A third model predicts the amount of extra oxygen a COVID-19 patient might need.

The research, which can help produce predictions based on chest X-rays, has been done in collaboration with NYU Langone Health's Predictive Analytics Unit and Department of Radiology.

As per Mashable, Facebook's AI models in general did a better job than a human when it came to forecasting a patient's need for more intensive care resources up to four days in advance. (ANI)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Pfizer | Stock performance from Budget 2017 to Budget 2018:29%, Budget 2018-19: 31%, Budget 2019-20: 34%, and Budget 20-21: 26%. In the last four years, the stock has gained 188 percent to Rs 5148.90 as of January 11, 2021.

The World Health Organization is in advanced negotiations with Pfizer to include the firm's COVID-19 shot in the body's vaccine-sharing scheme, which would speed vaccine deliveries to poorer countries, a senior WHO official said on Monday.

The COVAX scheme -- led by the WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance -- is due to start rolling out vaccines to poor and middle-income countries in February, with 2 of 3 billion doses expected to be delivered this year.

"We are in ... detailed discussions with Pfizer. We believe very soon we will have access to that product," WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward told the WHO's executive board meeting, adding that it would then look to add others.

COVAX aims to deliver 135 million doses of all shots it has deals for to 92 lower and middle income countries in the programme by the end of March, he said.

So far, over half of the 50 million inoculations given globally in 50 countries have been done in the United States and China, according to Aylward. None have yet been given in Africa, he said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday blamed vaccine nationalism for the inequity, saying the world was on the brink of "catastrophic moral failure".

The WHO already has deals with several suppliers, including AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute of India.

Austria's Clemens Martin Auer, one of the 34 WHO board members, said at Monday's meeting COVAX had been slow in securing deals and called its failure to procure mRNA vaccines, such as that made by Pfizer and BioNTech, "a major mistake".

Aylward justified the WHO stance saying they were expensive and that its cold-chain requirements were difficult for many countries to manage.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at ultra-low temperatures of about -70 degrees Celsius before being shipped to distribution centres in cool boxes filled with dry ice.

So far, 44 countries out of the 50 that have already begun vaccinations have used the shot, WHO data shows.

The WHO also hopes to procure Pfizer shots via donations, rather than some countries being "double-served", Aylward said.

"We would be very keen to try and translate a lot of the commitments and interest in dose-sharing into actual deals, particularly with countries that have large bilateral deals on key products," he said, without naming countries.
A spate of violence has killed more than two dozen people across Afghanistan, even as peace talks are under way between representatives of the government and Taliban militants in Qatar.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement on January 19 that four Afghan soldiers were killed overnight in Taliban attacks on checkpoints in the northern Kunduz Province.

According to the ministry, 15 Taliban fighters were also killed and 12 were wounded.

However, Ghulam Rabani Rabani, a provincial council member in Kunduz, disputed that figure, saying Afghan security forces sustained significantly higher losses with at least 25 soldiers killed in separate attacks in the Dasht-e-Archi district, including 13 soldiers and four police officers.

At least eight other soldiers were killed near Kunduz city, the provincial capital, Rabani said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said the militants were behind all the attacks. The Taliban was able to seize weapons and ammunition from the checkpoints, he said.

The discrepancy in the reported casualties could not be verified independently as Kunduz is off limits to journalists and the Taliban holds sway across most of the province's rural areas.

In southern Helmand Province, Abdul Zahir Haqyar, a government representative in the Washer district, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen late on January 18, said Abdul Nabi Elham, the provincial governor of Helmand.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for that attack.

Separately, in southern Uruzgan Province, at least 10 people, including women and children as well as a journalist and a policeman, were wounded in the explosion of a sticky bomb attached to a motorcycle, according to Mohammad Omar Sherzad, the provincial governor.

In the capital, Kabul, a car caught fire after the apparent explosion of a magnetic device, wounding at least two people, Ferdaws Faramarz, a spokesman for Kabul police, told RFE/RL.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Kabul in recent months.

Taliban representatives and the Afghan government earlier this month resumed peace talks in Qatar, the Gulf Arab state where the insurgents maintain an office.

The halting talks are aimed at ending decades of conflict, but a recent spike in violence that each side blames on the other is threatening progress.

Under a deal signed in February last year by the Taliban and the Trump administration, an accelerated withdrawal of U.S. troops means that just 2,500 American soldiers will still be in Afghanistan when President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20.

With reporting by AP
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:47:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PARIS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- France has detected about 2,000 cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variant first identified in Britain, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Tuesday.

Veran told the France Inter radio that the new strain accounts for 1.4 percent of new cases confirmed in France, or 200-300 infections per day.

"There are probably 2,000 cases in total," he said.

"When a virus is more aggressive and more contagious, it can become dominant quite quickly," the minister added.

In a report published on Monday, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) said it expected the COVID-19 new strain (VOC) would become dominant at home between late February and mid-March, depending on the epidemic evolution.

"These results support the need for strengthened social distancing measures and for accelerating the vaccination campaign to face the threat of the VOC variant," it said.

The first case of the virus variant in France was spotted on Dec. 26, 2020, prompting the country to impose travel restriction and to keep border with the United Kingdom closed.

France on Monday reported 403 new COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, the most since Nov. 24 last year, raising the country's coronavirus-related fatalities to 70,686, according to the health authorities.

The cumulative number of infections was 2,914,725, while 25,619 COVID-19 patients were being treated in hospitals across the country, including 2,813 on ventilators. Enditem
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

A retired Idaho fertility doctor who admitted to using his own sperm to impregnate several of his patients is preparing to face trial in a lawsuit brought by one of the women and her daughter.

Kelli Rowlette, 39, filed the lawsuit against Dr Gerald E Mortimer, 77, in 2018 after an Ancestry.com DNA test identified the physician as her biological father - nearly four decades after her mother Sally Ashby went to him for help conceiving in 1980.

The suit accusing Mortimer of medical negligence, failure to obtain informed consent, fraud, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress is set to go to trial in May if both parties fail to come to a settlement agreement beforehand.

Mortimer denied the allegations at first before admitting in a deposition in December 2018 that he used his own sperm to artificially inseminate Rowlette and multiple other women - but claimed he did not recall a specific number. He said it was at least two women, but no more than ten.

'I was ashamed,' Mortimer said in the deposition. 'I regret the fact that I was a sperm donor, that I did those things in the past. I guess I feel bad about that. I wish I hadn't done it.'

Dr Gerald E Mortimer (left and right) admitted to artificially inseminating at least three women with his own sperm without their consent in 2018. The 77-year-old physician from Idaho Falls is now preparing to face trial in a lawsuit brought by one of the women and her daughter

The medical practice where Mortimer worked from 1977 to 2005, Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates of Idaho Falls, was also named as a defendant in Rowlette's suit.

Court records indicate that Mortimer left the practice because he feared he would be exposed for using his own sperm to inseminate patients.

He went on to serve as president of a temple in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines in 2009.

It wasn't until years later that Mortimer was finally caught, when Rowlette, who lives in Washington state, sent her DNA sample to Ancestry.com.

At first she assumed the results were a mistake, because they did not match her mother's husband who raised her, Howard Fowler.

Instead, the genealogy site showed a parent-child relationship between Rowlette and Mortimer, a retired reproductive specialist living 500 miles away in Idaho.

'I thought the test was incomplete or wrong,' Rowlette said in a deposition. 'I thought it was impossible.'

She went on to learn that her parents, who are now divorced, went to Mortimer in 1980 when they were having trouble conceiving.

Fowler and an anonymous donor provided semen samples for artificial insemination - but Mortimer used his own instead.

Mortimer delivered Rowlette in 1981 but never informed her parents that he was the biological father. He continued to see the girl at appointments when Ashby was pregnant with her second child, a son named Nick.

Ashby shared her horror at learning the truth in a deposition in 2018, saying that she felt 'violated' and as if she had been 'raped' by Mortimer and was 'in a state of shock for quite some time'.

When he was sworn in under oath for the deposition in 2018, Mortimer admitted for the first time that he had inseminated Ashby and other women.

In a transcript of the deposition, obtained by the East Idaho News, Mortimer appeared to struggle to come up with clear answers, saying he wasn't sure how many women he'd personally impregnated without their consent.

He said he got the idea to use his own sperm in '1980 or 1981' because: 'I had patients that couldn't conceive. I wanted to help if I could.'

Asked if the inseminations had resulted in any children besides Rowlette, Mortimer said he didn't know.

During the deposition Mortimer also confessed that he'd lied when he initially claimed he was not Rowlette's father because he was 'ashamed'.

In a transcript of a 2018 deposition, obtained by the East Idaho News, Mortimer said he started using his own sperm to impregnate patients because: 'I wanted to help if I could'

Mortimer appeared to struggle to come up with clear answers, saying he wasn't sure how many women he'd personally impregnated without their consent

Mortimer also confessed that he'd lied when he initially claimed he was not Rowlette's father because he was 'ashamed'

Even after he admitted to personally impregnating Ashby under oath, Mortimer still refused to take a paternity test to confirm his biological ties to Rowlette until the court ordered him to do so.

In a motion requesting a summary judgment, Mortimer's lawyers acknowledged that he inseminated Ashby without his consent but denied having broken the laws outlined in Rowlette's suit. The court dismissed that motion in February 2020.

The court ruled in favor of two motions by Rowlette's lawyers, including one for a summary judgment on her claim that Mortimer breached his duty of care.

The second motion amended Rowlette's complaint to allow for a jury to consider punitive damages.

'Here there is substantial evidence to support submitting the issue of punitive damages to the jury,' US District Judge David C Nye wrote in an order granting the motion.

Rowlette's lawsuit seeks undisclosed compensatory damages exceeding $75,000, along with potential punitive damages.

Mortimer's license to practice medicine in Idaho was renewed in 2019 and is still active, according to state records.

Read a full excerpt from Mortimer's 2018 deposition below:

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde discussed the issue of remote monitoring of the situation in the Russian-occupied Crimea.

"Today I also stressed that the OSCE SMM in Ukraine has a mandate for the entire territory of our state, and the issue of starting remote monitoring of the situation in Crimea is already overdue. The SMM has the ability to launch such monitoring, and carry out remote analysis of the situation in the occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," he said at a press conference after talks with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Linde in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Kuleba said he took the opportunity to meet with Linde to inform about the development of the Crimean Platform initiative and confirmed the invitation of Sweden to join this initiative.
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.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 18:07:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CHANGSHA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Central China's Hunan Province saw robust foreign trade growth in 2020, local authorities said Tuesday.

The province's total foreign trade volume rose 12.3 percent year on year to 487.45 billion yuan (around 75 billion U.S. dollars) last year, a record high, according to the provincial government.

Of the total, exports hit 330.64 billion yuan, up 7.5 percent year on year, and imports stood at 156.81 billion yuan, up 24.1 percent.

The province's trade with countries and regions along the Belt and Road continued to grow in 2020, increasing 19.7 percent to 147.28 billion U.S. dollars.

Li Quan, head of customs of the provincial capital Changsha, attributed the strong foreign trade performance to the thriving high-tech industry and cross-border e-commerce. Enditem
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
In 2019, having served area clients for many years, the Bank announced its plan to open its first branch in the Salinas / Monterey region and hired Rich Aiello, SVP, Relationship Manger, to lead the effort. The new branch has been staffed with a team of well-known bankers who will serve existing clients and support the development of new relationships in Salinas, Monterey and contiguous market areas.

Santa Cruz County Bank Board Chairman and acting CEO, William J. Hansen, commented, "Our expansion into Monterey County, with the opening of our eighth full-service banking office, allows us to better serve our long-established business relationships in Monterey County and attract new business. We know the right location coupled with well-regarded and well-known bankers is the formula for success."

Rich Aiello stated, "Our Monterey team is comprised of experienced and highly-skilled bankers. Each team member has a long history of serving clients in the greater Monterey Bay region, as well as serving the community at large. We look forward to welcoming new relationships and serving the community in Monterey. We are well-positioned to help lead and support the community in the economic recovery of businesses impacted by the pandemic."

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

Santa Cruz County Bank was founded in 2004. It is a top-rated, locally-owned and operated, full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. The bank has eight branches  Aptos, Capitola, Cupertino, Monterey, Santa Cruz (2), Scotts Valley, and Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment, and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local not-for-profit organizations.

Santa Cruz County Bank stock is publicly traded on the OTC marketplace under the symbol SCZC. Stock purchase orders may be placed online, through a brokerage firm, or through Market Makers listed in the Investor Relations section of the bank's website. For more information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com.

SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank

Related Links

http://www.sccountybank.com


The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
An estimated one in eight people in England had had Covid-19 by December last year, new figures show (Niall Carson/PA)

An estimated one in eight people in England would have tested positive for antibodies to Covid-19 by December last year, up from one in 14 in October, new figures show.

Antibody data on infection in private households suggests that one in 10 in Wales had also been infected by December, alongside one in 13 in Northern Ireland and one in 11 in Scotland.

The figures come from the Office for National Statistics Covid-19 Infection Survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.

Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp (PA Graphics)

They are based on the proportion of the population who are likely to have tested positive for antibodies to Covid-19, based on blood test results from a sample of people aged 16 and over, but do not reflect all the people who have had coronavirus and do not take account of antibodies waning over time.

The ONS found substantial variation between regions in England, with 17% of people in private households in Yorkshire and the Humber estimated to have tested positive for antibodies in December, compared with 5% in south-west England.

In London, the figure was 16% in December, up from 11% in October, while it was 15% in the North West, up from 6% in October.

In the West Midlands, 14% have had Covid, up from 8% in October, while 8% in the South East and the East of England have had the virus, both up from 5% in October.

The study came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he is self-isolating after receiving an alert through the NHS Covid-19 app.

In a video posted on Twitter, he said: Last night I was pinged by the NHS coronavirus app, so that means Ill be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday.

Mr Hancock, who has previously had coronavirus, said self-isolating is important because it is how we break the chains of transmission.

Meanwhile, some family doctors continue to express their frustration about the rollout of vaccines across the UK.

The latest figures showed 4,133,720 people in England, Scotland and Wales have received a first dose of vaccine.

Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp (PA Graphics)

With more than half of the over-80s and half of elderly care home residents having received the jab, ministers have now given the go-ahead to begin vaccinating the next priority groups  the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said there will be an overlap between those in the first group getting their jab and those in the second as the NHS keeps up the momentum of the vaccine rollout.

He told LBC radio: Were very clear that areas should be getting through the majority of the first cohort before they move on to the second cohort, but there will be an overlap.

The reality is, as youre moving through these, as you start to bring the second cohort in, there will be a bit of an overlap.

So, while theyre still finishing cohort one, some people from the second cohort will be having their vaccines and being contacted.

Thats understandable because the other alternative is you get through cohort one and you pause before you can start getting cohort two in and that would be wrong.

In order to keep things flowing and moving we will see some overlap, but areas should be getting through the majority of cohort one before they start moving to cohort two.

On Monday night, Mr Hancock acknowledged that some parts of the country had made better progress than others in vaccinating those in the top priority group, but said more supplies of the vaccine are being pumped to areas that have fallen behind.

Nevertheless, some GPs have taken to social media saying they are crying out for more vaccines and that their elderly patients want to be vaccinated in local surgeries rather than having to travel further afield to mass centres.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, family GP Dr David Holwell said it is disappointing that the number of vaccines being given in his area has fallen because of a lack of supplies.

The doctor said that in his part of West Sussex they had been doing 2,000 vaccinations a week but only received 300 doses last week.

He said: We were doing an average of about 2,000 vaccines a week, then last week we got 300 and this week we will get 800, so its disappointing.

The Government believes it is still on track to vaccinate around 15 million high-priority people across the UK by February 15.

Once those vaccines have taken effect, around two to three weeks later ministers will consider whether lockdown measures can be eased in England.

Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp (PA Graphics)

Despite pressure from Tory MPs to move as quickly as possible, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there will be no open sesame moment when restrictions will all be lifted together.

Elsewhere:

 Waless health minister, Vaughan Gething, said 70% of care home residents and staff in the country should have received a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of this week. He expects over-70s in Wales to be invited for their vaccinations in the near future.

 ONS figures show that more than a quarter of all care home deaths in England and Wales registered in the week ending January 8 involved coronavirus  960 out of 3,395.

 Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has said she is baffled why frontline officers are not closer to the front of the queue to receive a vaccine.

 Figures from the Department for Education show 21% of primary school pupils were on-site last week, while 5% of secondary school students were in class.

Elsewhere, Professor Janet Lord, director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, urged caution among those who have already been vaccinated.

Asked whether people who have received the jab can hug their children, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I would certainly advise not to do that at the moment because, as you probably know, with the vaccines they take several weeks before they are maximally effective.

Its really important that people stay on their guard even if theyve had that first vaccination Professor Janet Lord

Its really important that people stay on their guard even if theyve had that first vaccination.

She also warned against the idea of a coronavirus immunity passport until more is known about transmission of the virus among those who have been vaccinated.

However, Professor Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, said those who have proven immunity should not be restrained.

Theres a serious ethical issue that youre only entitled to restrict peoples liberty in a liberal society if they represent a threat to other people, he told the Today programme.

Carrying a virus is like carrying a loaded gun that can go off accidentally.

Were entitled to restrain people and check whether they have a gun, but, if they dont have a gun, to restrain them, thats false imprisonment.

He added that efforts should be made to allow those with certain immunity to return to work and normal life.
As part of its commitment to offering members the best healthcare experience, Capital BlueCross has expanded its innovative wellness resources to include a new mobile app focused on mental wellness needs.

NeuroFlow is a self-guided mobile app  available on iOS or Android  that can help users improve their mental wellness and better address anxiety, depression, and other mental health needs. It offers self-care and relaxation exercises, mindful meditation resources, and sleep and mood monitoring tools.

Capital BlueCross helped bring NeuroFlow to market through the Lancaster-based Smart Health Innovation Lab (iLab), which Capital BlueCross co-founded in 2018. The lab works to bring emerging healthcare technologies to market faster and advance cutting-edge technology aimed at improving health outcomes for patients. NeuroFlow was among the labs first graduates.

Capital BlueCross CEO Todd Shamash said the launch of NeuroFlow comes at a critical time when mental wellness has emerged as a leading healthcare issue.The COVID-19 pandemic has really put mental wellness front and center, as so many people have struggled with the ripple effects of social isolation, economic hardships, and of course, the devastating loss of loved ones, Shamash said. Capital BlueCross is working hard to make mental wellness resources more readily available now and beyond the pandemic. Its an issue that needs more attention, more open discussion, and more resources. The NeuroFlow app initially will be available to members of certain Capital BlueCross group plans. Eligible members will be able to download and register for the app using information sent to them by Capital BlueCross.

Capital BlueCross also prioritizes mental wellness in its Virtual Care telemedicine app by offering access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors in addition to physicians. To improve access to care during the pandemic, Capital BlueCross has temporarily waived Virtual Care member fees through March 31, 2021, for medical and mental health visits. This means eligible members are not responsible for paying a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.

In early 2021, Capital BlueCross will issue a mental wellness toolkit to employers covered under its plans. The toolkit will offer guidance and resources to help employers and employees better address mental health needs, including ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.

About Capital BlueCross

Capital BlueCross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our members. The company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

About NeuroFlow

NeuroFlow is a digital health company combining workflow automation, consumer engagement solutions, and applied AI to promote technology-enabled behavioral health integration (tBHI) in all care settings. NeuroFlows suite of HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based tools simplify remote patient monitoring, enable risk stratification, and facilitate collaborative, measurement-based care. With NeuroFlow, healthcare organizations can finally bridge the gap between mental and physical health in order to improve outcomes and reduce the cost of care. http://www.neuroflow.com.
Slate is now asking those who read the most to support our journalism more directly by subscribing to Slate Plus. Learn more.

Dear Prudence,

Eight years ago, I was in a secret relationship with my first love, a man who emotionally abused me for the entirety of our three-year relationship. (This was my first gay relationship.) We were part of the same circle of friends, and Jon swore me to secrecy. No one knew, except for my best friend, whom I confided in. Jons abuse led me to contemplate suicide. I finally broke things off, moved away, went to therapy for years, and am now happily engaged. My fiance just got transferred back to Jons city. My old group of friends is thrilled that Im moving back, but I feel sick. Jon and I went no-contact a few years ago, and I dont know if he knows about my return. Im dreading having to navigate hanging out with my old friends if Jon is there. Asking them not to invite him would mean revealing our old relationship. I definitely want to make new friends, and Im not putting all my eggs in this friend groups basket, but I know this is something Ill have to confront eventually. What should I do?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Dreading Reentry

Im curious if youre reluctant to reveal your former relationship because you want to protect yourself from uncomfortable follow-up conversations or because you still somehow feel obligated to keep your promise of secrecy. In either case (and especially since you say you think youll have to confront this eventually), I wonder if the best compromise would be to offer enough of the truth now that your friends would know not to invite you both to the same events, but not so much that youd feel exposed: You may not know this, but Jon and I dated years ago. Things ended badly between us, and I dont want to spend time with him. It would mean a lot to me if you would respect that distance. Saying it before you move could also reduce the likelihood that someone would put you both on the same group chat, so you wouldnt have to worry about seeing his number pop up on your phone out of the blue. I hope you will at least consider the possibility of discussing his abuse with your old friends so that they can better support you, but its merely a possibility, not an obligation of any kind. You do not have to keep silent for your ex; you are not bound by a promise extracted from you under coercive and abusive circumstances.

Advertisement

Get Prudie in Your Inbox 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.

Dear Prudence,

Ive been working from home since March. A lot of my co-workers have partners and roommates who are also working from home, and its commonplace for people to walk by in the background during work Zoom calls or for kids to occasionally pop onto the screen to say hello. Until recently, nothing unprofessional has ever happened, but last week during a call with my co-worker Madeline, her husband burst into her office, called her the C-word, and blew up at her for forgetting peanut butter when she went to the store. Then he realized I could see and hear him and did a complete 180. Suddenly he was charming and acting like nothing had happened. Madeline followed his lead. I reached out to her afterward to ask if she was OK, and she pretended not to know what I was talking about. If my own roommate hadnt overheard, I almost would have doubted what Id witnessed. Now Im unsure what to do. Madeline and I are friendly but not friends. Her husband seems deranged to me. I want to reach out to her again, but what if she keeps denying I saw anything?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Rampage Over Zoom

How awful for Madeline, and how upsetting for you to witness an unexpected flash of rage and misogyny, followed by such a disconcertingly immediate shift to friendliness and charm. Im not surprised that Madeline didnt immediately open up. She likely felt both exposed and embarrassed in front of a colleague and may even have worried that shed become the subject of gossip or that her husband would try to harm her if he believed she was talking about his abusive behavior to other people. To that end, I think its likely that she will continue to act as if nothing had happened, so dont be surprised if you bring it up again and her response is unchanged. You cant (and shouldnt) try to get her to acknowledge anything to you or to convince her that she needs to leave her husband, but I do think theres a worthy and attainable goal for you here: not merely to ask if shes OK, but to say definitively that what he did was wrong and that youre here for her if she ever needs help or a listening ear. You can make it clear that you wont hound her on the subject and that you understand she is free to make her own decisions, but its worth saying clearly that calling someone the C-word for forgetting peanut butter is not OK. You may get further with her by sticking to language like wrong and not OK rather than Your husband is abusiveI think he likely is, but you dont want to risk putting her on the defensive if you dont have to. Make it clear that you dont judge her and that you wont put her on the spot if she doesnt want to discuss it with you but that you hope shell consider talking to someone else. I hope she does, too.

Advertisement

How to Get Advice From Prudie

 Send questions for publication to prudence@slate.com. (Questions may be edited.)

 Join the live chat every Monday at noon. Submit your questions and comments here before or during the live discussion.

 Call the voicemail of the Dear Prudence podcast at 401-371-DEAR (3327) to hear your question answered on a future episode of the show.

Dear Prudence,

My long-term boyfriend lost his job during the pandemic (like most people in his industry) and got a retail job to help make ends meet. The problem is that he now spends the entire evening talking about the ins and outs of his new job, and I really, really dont care. I dont care that the blue shirts came in this afternoon or that theyre having a New Years sale. I am interested in his day, but I really cant listen to a 25-minute story about one customer he helped. I try to be supportive because hes really proud of himself, but helping someone find the right-size jeans in the back is not especially exciting. I feel bad because I dont want him to think I dont care or that Im dismissive of his achievements or concerns, but its driving me crazy! How can I be a more supportive partner without having to nod through another evening of rambling anecdotes about how many socks they sold today?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Endless Retail

Good news: You can be a supportive partner and also say, Weve spent almost every night this month talking about the day-to-day details of your job, and its driving me nuts. I can give you 20 minutes when you come home to hear about inventory and customer requests and your co-workers, and then I want to talk about the rest of our lives, like we used to. Dont say I really, really dont care or these anecdotes are stupid and endless, obviously, but theres nothing unsupportive about capping off work talk at the end of the day when youre trying to relax and, you know, not be at work.

Advertisement

Help! Im Terrified That Coming Out as Trans Will Ruin My Career.

Danny M. Lavery is joined by Colby Gordon on this weeks episode of the Dear Prudence podcast.

Subscribe to the Dear Prudence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dear Prudence,

My husbands childhood was mostly spent at his grandparents home, where they raised him and made him into the great man he is today. As great as my husband is, his mother is not. She tends to be selfish, self-centered, and makes very bad decisions. Whenever my husband tells me of his childhood spent with his mother, it breaks my heart. He and his sister were constantly moving, living in one-bedroom apartments, while his mother brought in man after man into their lives. It scarred him so much that he had to go to therapy.

Advertisement

Advertisement

If Im being honest, once my husband told me about his childhood I instantly did not like his mother. Now that we are married, were facing an issue that I have never dealt with before: his mothers finances. She texts and calls my husband for money every couple of months and guilt trips him about how his poor mother cant make rent or doesnt have enough money for food. However, when we go to her $2,600-a-month condo, she seems to be doing fine. I know my sister-in-law and her husband give her money and its what is expected, since were family. But I dont want to! I believe she is a grown adult and can support herself. My husband agrees with me, but he wont speak up. He hates confrontation and just gives into whatever she says. He tells me that its his mother and he has to be there for her. I dont know what to do. Should I speak up and tell her to leave us alone? We are trying to start our livesbuying a home, having children, etc. I know she already doesnt like me because Ive changed her son and I control so much of his life. (Those are just some of the rumors she spread around the family about me.)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Mother-in-Law Only Wants Money

The real risk of speaking up and telling your mother-in-law to leave you alone is that, if your husband doesnt back you up, all youll do is increase the levels of hostility between the two of you, without actually changing the dynamic between the two of them. If you say Leave us alone, and he says, I have to be there for her, your words wont carry any real weight. I can understand your frustration when he says one thing to you and something very different to his mother, but you wont address the underlying issues if you simply try to speak on his behalf. Rather, I think you should speak to him and try to figure out a manageable compromise. The best time for a conversation about how much money you want to give to relatives would have been before you got married, but the second-best time for that conversation is now. I dont know whether you and your husband maintain separate bank accounts, but youre certainly entitled as his spouse to ask him to discuss a budget and possible limits with you, especially if his financial support of his mother affects his ability to contribute to your shared expenses. And youre also entitled, during such a conversation, to advocate for your own priorities: I want us to set aside $X per month so we can buy a home and prepare to have kids, and I dont want your mother to have access to that money. Since your husband is afraid of confrontation and has a history of giving in whenever someone he loves feels strongly about something, you should also ask open-ended questions and be prepared to listen if he says he wants to continue giving her money for food, even if you disagree. I dont know what city his mother lives in or what the average rents are there, so I dont want to discount the possibility that she may very well experience periodic food insecurity even with a $2,600-a-month condo. Asking your husband to discuss limits so you two can afford to start a family is not the same thing as trying to control him, or forbidding him from ever helping his mother financially, so as long as you dont try to make this decision for him, I dont think you have to worry youre overstepping your bounds by stating your objections. But it would be a real mistake to try to state your objections to herespecially if he then undercut your objections by sending her money anyway. Good luck!

Advertisement

Dear Prudence Uncensored

You cannot realistically expect your husband will stop caring about his mother just because you dont like her.

Danny Lavery and art historian Anna Hetherington discuss this letter in this weeks Dear Prudence Uncensoredonly for Slate Plus members.

Dear Prudence,

2020 was a rough year, and its affected my mental health. The past couple of months have been the worst, including what Im pretty sure are panic attacks with intense physical symptoms. I called a crisis hotline during the most recent attack. I am also still dealing with the trauma from a massive, deadly disaster that happened here several months ago. I dont really talk about any of this with anyone. Im closest to my boyfriend and roommate, but I dont want to burden them with my problemsthey are already under enough stress as it is. I really just need a loved one to talk to about this in a constructive way. What are some strategies for letting them know what Im going through without feeling like Im burdening them further? I dont have health insurance, and I dont know if therapy is something I can afford right now.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Need to Talk, but Dont Know How

Ill start with practical suggestions for trying to get professional help (assuming youre U.S.-based). The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics has a searchable national database that includes mental health services, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America has information on free or low-cost options such as single-issue support groups, federally funded health centers, and therapists offering sliding-scale or pro-bono sessions, as well as prescription savings programs for people without insurance. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also has a searchable database of weekly support groups. Im glad you were able to call a crisis hotline during your last attack, but I hope you can avail yourself of additional resources so you dont feel as though the hotline is your first, last, or only option when you need help.

Advertisement

When it comes to talking to your boyfriend, roommate, or other loved ones, it might help to ask about their stress levels before bringing up a difficult topic: Do you have some time today to listen to me talk about _____? Ive been having a tough time with it lately, but if nows a bad time, I can talk to someone else. You dont have to have a formal script preparedyou can just ask if theyve got the time and reassure them that theyre not your only option if the answer is No or Not now. But the mere existence of problems isnt a burden for the people who care about you. You can bring them up conscientiously without worrying youre a drain on your loved ones! As long as you make sure to give them space when they need it and occasionally ask them about how theyre doing in return, I dont think you have any reason to fear youll tax them.

Advertisement

Now available in your podcast player: the audiobook edition of Danny M. Laverys latest book, Something That May Shock and Discredit You. Get it from Slate.

Dear Prudence,

My 47-year-old stepson has been unemployed for more than five years and has burned through most of his savings and 401(k). Being unable to afford to keep living in California, he moved in with me and my wife on her urging. In three months all he has done is play video games, emerging only to eat. When approached about finding a job, he says, When COVID is gone. I feel we are enabling him. My wife doesnt want to talk about it. I feel alone in my thoughts.

Advertisement

Endless Vacation

Id feel alone too, given your position! It certainly doesnt seem like your wife is very interested in your input on this subject. She invited her son to move in with you two, and she doesnt seem to have drawn up anything like a lease, a time frame, or anything in the way of house rules or shared domestic responsibilities for this new living arrangement. She also doesnt even want to discuss the possibility of coming up with ground rules with you now. Thats pretty dispiriting!

Advertisement

Advertisement

If your stepson has been out of work for half a decade and spends every day playing video games, I think its unlikely that hes suddenly going to turn into a motivated go-getter once the vaccine has been widely distributed, so Id advise you to consider his tenancy as something long term rather than something you can try to outlast in another few months. Can you imagine yourself living with the two of them for years to come, even if he never gets a job or does much to help out around the house? What would peaceful neutrality look like between you, your stepson, and your wife? If you cant imagine that, are you prepared to tell your wife that youre unwilling to live with her son past a certain date? In that event, you should prepare yourself for the very real possibility that her response will look something like, Sorry to hear that, but my son comes first. If you have to move out, theres the door.

Classic Prudie

In the past year, my 18-year-old cat has been diagnosed as blind in one eye, with severe glaucoma in the other, and now diabetes. Combined, his medications and special food cost approximately $400 per month. I wanted to have a discussion to determine at what point we would want to have the cat put down. My husband freaked out and accused me of trying to MURDER the cat. To this day, he refuses to discuss it and will often say things to the cat (while in my presence) like, Dont worry, buddy, I wont let momma kill you. To be clear, I did not want to have the cat put down right now. I just wanted to begin the conversation so that we would both be prepared. How can I address this with him without being accused of caticide?
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 01:14:31|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HONG KONG, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Guo Shuqing, Party chief of the People's Bank of China and chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, clarified a number of misunderstandings the international community has on China's economy Monday at a forum.

At the 14th Asian Financial Forum, Guo said that for a long time, China's economic and social development have made a positive global impact and over the past decade, China contributed 30 percent on average to global growth.

Yet internationally, there have been some negative remarks on China's economy, he said, pointing out that obviously misunderstandings exist.

He said the private sector now accounts for 60 percent of China's economy while before 1978, there were hardly any, and China's industrial policies in general have been consistent with the market-oriented reforms.

At the end of 1970s, China encouraged light industries and lifted import restrictions on consumer goods, making China "expo of brands of all nations." Since late 1980s, China's main policies have been to prevent duplicated constructions resulting from over competition, he added.

Guo noted that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in general are subject to negative subsidies from the government budget.

He also said banks and SOEs are financially independent from each other and banks' ownership has long been well diversified. Even banks with relatively large state-owned shares, are impossible to transfer benefits to state-owned enterprises.

The strong competitiveness of Chinese production is not due to a lack of labor protection, Guo said, noting that China's Constitution and laws provide strong protection for people's interests and in the past 10 years, the income of Chinese workers has grown rapidly.

Organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the forum is an online event being held from Monday to Tuesday.

Under the theme "Reshaping the World Economic Landscape," the forum runs round the clock across different time zones, providing a platform for policymakers, financial experts, investors, business leaders and economists to examine the current economic landscape and explore global business opportunities. Enditem
Bibek Debroy has by now secured for himself a premier position in any ranking of those who have translated Indias ancient Hindu texts from Sanskrit to English. In the last decade and a half, Mr Debroy has produced eminently readable and easily accessible translations of the Bhagavadgita, the Mahabharata (ten volumes), Harivamsha, the Ramayana (three volumes), the Bhagavata Purana (three volumes) and the Markandeya Purana. By any yardstick, this is a stupendous achievement.

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
Fifteen migrant labourers sleeping by the roadside in Gujarat's Surat district were killed on Tuesday after being crushed under a speeding truck, police said.

The tragedy took place near Kosamba village, around 60 km from Surat, police said, adding that all those killed hailed from Rajasthan.

The truck ran over them on the Kim-Mandvi road, police said. While 12 persons died on the spot, three of the eight injured died in a nearby hospital, police said.

The truck driver has been arrested, police 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.)
ADVERTISEMENT

Gunmen have kidnapped an Adamawa traditional ruler, Ardo Mustapha.

The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Monday around 12 midnight at his home in Mayo-Farang, Mayo Belwa Local Government Area.

Mr Mustapha is the District Head of Mayo-Farang and Sarkin Noman Adamawa.

He was kidnapped in Mayo-Farang, he just returned from Abuja, after Ishai prayer.

There was much exchange of fire between them and some vigilante or palace guard.

This is unfortunate, and the kidnappers are yet to contact the family this morning, a frightened neighbour told PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday morning.

We are trailing them  Police

Confirming the abduction, the police spokesman in the state, Suleiman Nguroje, said police officers have been deployed to rescue the kidnapped monarch.

On getting the news of the abduction of the traditional ruler, police immediately swung into action and the commissioner of police had tasked personnel deployed to rescue him.

They (gunmen) are being trailed and by Gods grace he will be rescued, he said urging residents to provide information to the police.

Security is for everyone, so people should also help by providing useful information or reporting any suspicious persons around them, Mr Nguroje said.

Kidnapping for ransom in rampant in Adamawa and many parts of Nigeria.
On Monday, a signature petition from one lakh school students from across the country was submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying urging all to pass draft rules to ban the use of animals in circuses. In the petition, students from both private and government schools said that circuses are notoriously cruel where animals are continuously chained or confined to small, barren cages and are deprived of adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

READ | BJP Questions Congress' Flip-flop On Jallikattu Ahead Of Rahul Gandhi's Madurai Visit

A class 5 student Sitara Priyanth, who took part in the signature campaign said, "We young people know circuses are no fun for animals. Animals don't want to be caged, chained or beaten. Circuses can have willing human-only performers instead".

According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, if the rules are passed, India would join Bolivia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Cyprus, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, and Malta in banning the use of animals in circuses.

"Sensitive animals exploited by archaic circuses have true allies in today's caring young people. Every one of these signatures is from a young person who wants to make India a kinder country for all, including animals", said Puja Mahajan, PETA India Associate Director of Education and Youth Outreach.

READ | John Abraham Named As PETA's Person Of The Year For His Fierce Advocacy Towards Animals

As per PETA India, in addition to being cruel for animals, circuses are also breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases (those that can jump from other animals to humans), including tuberculosis (found in elephants), glanders (found in horses), parrot fever (found in birds), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, which is caused by COVID-19 and can be transmitted to humans from camels.

READ | 'Alt-furry': Russia Circus Faces Backlash For Dressing Animals In Nazi Clothing

Russia Circus Faces Backlash For Dressing Animals In Nazi Clothing

A Russian circus sparked outrage on January 15 for dressing up animals in clothing that depicted the controversial Nazi symbols. In a footage posted by the circus on YouTube, monkeys and goats were seen wearing swastikas and were paraded for what the circus called educational purposes by a woman dressed in a Soviet-era uniform. The show prompted the Russian police officials to open a probe into the matter and was condemned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The bizarre event was held in the city of Izhevsk in the Udmurtia region, according to news agency DPA, and was organized to celebrate the Soviets victory over Nazi Germany in WWII.

READ | South Korea Culls Nearly 19 Million Poultry Animals To Curb Spread Of Bird Flu

(With PTI Inputs)
As the days of the President's appointment keep unfolding, it is expedient that the personality of potential appointees be unravelled for consideration.



The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi Wiawso Constituency, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, having been a long-standing member and stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is worth being honoured as a Cabinet Minister in this second term of H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo's tenure.



Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, a native of Sefwi Wiawso holds an MBCBH from the University Of Ghana Medical School, a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, New Orleans, U.S.A and a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.



Until his appointment as the Western Regional Minister by H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo in January 2017, he had selflessly, diligently and effectively served this country in varying capacities.



From 1982 to 1994, Dr. Afriyie served at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Effia Nkwanta Hospital, and later became the Health Service Director at the Bibiani Government Hospital. He was also the Managing Director of Greenshield Hospital in Sefwi Wiawso from 2005 to 2014.



While he served as the Managing Director of Afriyie Farms from 1990 to 2016, he was appointed by the former President, H. E. John Agyekum Kuffuor as Minister of Lands, Forestry, and Mines and later served as Minister of Health from 2001 to 2005.



As Health Minister, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie introduced and implemented the well-known National Health Insurance Scheme, the National PostGraduate Training programme of Doctors and established the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons for a Postgraduate training of Doctors in Ghana; he additionally introduced the National Ambulance System in 2004 to facilitate health delivery in the country.



Having served distinctly in varying capacities, Dr. Afriyie, during the period of President Kufuors government, served as a member of Cabinet Sub-committee on Cocoa Affairs (2001-2005); Member of National Development Planning Committee (2001-2004); Member of National AIDS Commission; and Chairman of Board of Directors of the Electricity Company of Ghana.



As part of his political achievements, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie served as the Western Regional 1st Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party from 1996 to 1997. With the experiences he gathered, he became the party's 2nd National Vice Chairman from 1998 to 2000.



Dr. Kwaku Afriyie popularly known as the "Western Pillar" also served as a member of the National Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party from 1998 to 2004 and from 1998 to date, he has been a Member of the National Council of the New Patriotic Party. Ahead of the 2000 general elections, the Western Pillar, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie was also a staunch member of the NPP National Campaign Team from 1998 to 2000.



Prior to becoming the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie had consistently contested the seat from the period of 2004 to 2012 but to no avail. In 2016, he finally won the seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the first time and brought the difference between candidate Nana Addo and John Mahama from negative 13,177 to negative 238.



Dr Afriyie promised HE Nana Addo that he is going to win 2020 Presidential election for the first time in Sefwi Wiawso since 1992 for the NPP and truly he delivered by obtaining 32,232 as against John Mahama 30,533 with the difference of 1,699.



In H. E. Addo Dankwa's first tenure, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie served as a member of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee and member of the Health Committee.



Resulting from his hard work, enormous contributions and unmatched promise delivery records, over five hundred (500) delegates of the New Patriotic Party in his constituency appealed for him to run unopposed in the parliamentary primaries.



True to the appeal, the good people of the Sefwi Wiawso constituency convincingly re-endorsed the candidature of Dr. Kwaku Afriyie for the second time in the 2020 general elections where he won thirty-one thousand seven hundred and thirty-six (31,736) votes, representing 54.29% of the total valid votes cast.



As an active Member of Parliament, Dr. Afriyie's voice has consistently been heard on very sensitive issues including illegal mining, International Childhood Cancer Day, Global Trends in Agricultural Insurance Indices and the recent novel Corona-Virus pandemic.



In the heat of the pandemic, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie was appointed to serve on the COVID-19 management board that advises the President on managing the pandemic. Dr Afriyie provided support for a countless number of individuals both within and outside of his constituency, as well as equipping some health facilities to combat the disease.



Having chalked such tremendous success and made so much input in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over decades, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie is one of the finest Members of Parliament who is worth serving as a Cabinet Minister.





Maclean Desmond

NPP Regional Communication Team Member, [email protected]

Source: NPP Regional Communication Team Member, [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
Stevie Wonder is urging the incoming Biden administration to form a national 'Truth Commission' to investigate racial inequality in America.

The music legend, 70, made the request in a video message posted to his Twitter account on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, saying he is 'sick politicians trying to find an easy solution to a 400-year problem'.

Speaking directly to the late Dr. King, Wonder stated: For 35 years, we've had a national holiday honoring your birthday and principles, and you would not believe the lack of progress. It makes me physically sick.

'I am sick of some people using God as a convenience rather than a commitment. I am sick of lies and deceit that dominate our reality. I am sick that truth is struggling to be heard and defended'.

Wonder then stated: 'I'm calling upon President Biden and Vice President Harris to launch a formal government investigation to establish the truth of inequality in this country'.

Neither Biden or Harris have publicly responded to the request.

Wonder has been a prominent supporter of President-elect Biden, and has played at his campaign shows.

Stevie Wonder is urging the incoming Biden administration to form a national 'Truth Commission' to investigate racial inequality in America. He is pictured performing at a campaign event for Biden in October last year

Wonder was also integral in helping to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day - an annual public holiday observed on the third Monday of January to honor the Civil Rights activist.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated in the US every year since 1986.

Wonder met Dr. King in 1964 - four years before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.

Wonder started off his video message, which was a direct address to the late historical figure, by stating: 'Dear Dr King, I met you when I was 14 years of age. You were a true hero and you became an inspiration.

'More than any award I've ever received, I want you to know that I am thankful for how you influenced my place of love, which allowed me to try to push the needle of love and equality forward. It is painful to know that needle has not moved one iota.

'For 35 years, we've had a national holiday honoring your birthday and principles, yet you would not believe the lack of progress.'

Neither Biden or Harris have publicly responded to the request. They will be sworn into office on Wednesday

Wonder met Dr. King in 1964 - four years before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee

Wonder stated that the establishment of a 'Truth Commission' might be the only way forward.

'Without truth, we cannot have accountability. Without accountability, we cannot have forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we cannot heal,' he stated.

Wonder proclaimed that the commission would 'validate the truth and will recommend reconciliation'.

He concluded: 'It is time for all to take the only stand. We can not be afraid to confront a lie and a liar. Those in leadership who wont or dont acknowledge the truth should be held accountable. Dr. King, these times require courage, as they did when you lived and paid the ultimate price.'

Wonder's message came on the same day that Dr King's oldest son, Martin Luther King III, stated that his father would be 'greatly disappointed' in the state of the nation were he alive today.

'My father always believed in the people of our nation,' he told CNN.

'Certainly, he would be greatly disappointed in how we have chosen to conduct ourselves at this particular moment, but most particularly probably disappointed in the commander in chief, because the commander in chief is supposed to bring people together and not to bring people together to actually intercept your government.

'If he saw the issues of poverty and income inequality that exist today he would be greatly disappointed.

Wonder's message came on the same day that Dr King's oldest son, Martin Luther King Jr. III (pictured), stated that his father would be 'greatly disappointed' in the state of the nation were he alive today
The Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre announced on January 19 that freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birthday, which falls on January 23, will be celebrated as a national holiday.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birthday will be celebrated as Parakram Diwas starting this year  his 125th birth anniversary.

The Centres announcement comes months ahead of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, where it is hopeful of clocking a win this year.

The official notice issued by the Union Ministry of Culture read: The people of India fondly remember Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's unparalleled contribution to this great nation in his 125th birth anniversary. The Government of India has decided to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary year of Netaji beginning from January 2021 in a befitting manner at national and international level.

In order to honour and remember Netajis indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, the Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on the 23rd of January every year as Parakram Diwas to inspire people of this country especially the youth and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour.

Netajis grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose has reacted to the Centres decision saying instead of Parakram Diwas, January 23 should have been celebrated as Desh Prem Diwas.

News agency ANI quoted him as saying: The people of India for many many years, have been celebrating 23rd January as Desh Prem Diwas or Patriots Day. Mahatma Gandhi had announced Bose as patriot of patriots, so, it would have been more appropriate if the Government of India would have announced January 23 as Desh Prem Diwas.

As per media reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely be visiting West Bengal on January 23 to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses 125birthday and take part in the celebrations at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata.
Trump Pardons Bannon Hours Before Leaving Office President Trump made the decision to pardon Stephen K. Bannon, the former White House chief strategist, after a day of frantic efforts to sway his thinking. He also pardoned Elliott Broidy, a Trump fund-raiser who pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate foreign lobbying laws. This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of the presidential transition.

With hours left in office, Trump pardons Bannon and other allies. Stephen K. Bannon had been charged with defrauding political donors who supported building the border wall that President Trump wanted. Credit... Jefferson Siegel for The New York Times President Trump has granted clemency to Stephen K. Bannon, the former White House chief strategist who was charged with defrauding political donors who supported building a border wall that Mr. Trump advocated, and Elliott Broidy, one of his top fund-raisers in 2016, among other people. Mr. Bannon was indicted and arrested in August by federal prosecutors in Manhattan on charges related to the money raised to promote the construction of the wall long sought by Mr. Trump. Mr. Broidy, a fund-raiser for the president, pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to violate foreign lobbying laws as part of a covert campaign to influence the administration on behalf of Chinese and Malaysian interests. The pardon for Mr. Bannon was described as a pre-emptive move that would effectively wipe away the charges against him, should he be convicted. It was particularly remarkable because he had been charged with a crime but had yet to stand trial. An overwhelming majority of pardons and commutations granted by presidents have been for those who were convicted and sentenced. The president made the decision on Mr. Bannon after a day of frantic efforts to sway his thinking, including from Mr. Bannon himself. The White House had planned to release the list of those granted clemency earlier on Tuesday, but the debate over Mr. Bannon was part of the delay, officials said. By late afternoon on Tuesday, advisers believed they had kept a pardon for Mr. Bannon from happening. But by around 9 p.m., Mr. Trump had changed his mind once again. Mr. Trump and Mr. Bannon spoke by phone during the day as the president was weighing the pardon, and Mr. Bannons allies tried to apply pressure to make it happen while his detractors pushed the president not to go ahead with it. Mr. Bannon helped guide the presidents campaign to victory in 2016. He then had an extraordinarily messy split with Mr. Trump in August 2017, prompting him to leave the White House. But Mr. Bannon was supportive of Mr. Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, helping heal the rift between them. Two rappers were among the 143 people granted pardons or commutations in the final hours of the Trump presidency. One was Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known as Lil Wayne, who pleaded guilty in December to having illegally possessed a gold-plated .45-caliber Glock handgun and ammunition as a felon. The other was Bill Kapri, known as Kodak Black, who was sentenced in 2019 to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to lying on background paperwork while trying to buy guns. In addition, Mr. Trump granted clemency to Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit, who left office in 2008 after he was convicted of obstruction of justice and perjury. Maggie Haberman and

McConnell, weighing impeachment vote, says mob that assaulted the Capitol was provoked by the president. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, viewed the inauguration stage on Tuesday. Credit... Chang W. Lee/The New York Times Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, said on Tuesday that the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 had been provoked by the president and other powerful people, stating publicly for the first time that he holds President Trump at least partly responsible for the assault. The mob was fed lies, Mr. McConnell said, referring to attempts by Mr. Trump to overturn the election based on bogus claims of voter fraud. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. And they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like. Mr. McConnell made the remarks on his last full day as majority leader, speaking on the eve of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s inauguration and as the Senate was bracing to receive a single article of impeachment from the House charging Mr. Trump with incitement of insurrection. The Kentucky Republican has indicated privately that he believes that Mr. Trump committed impeachable offenses, but he has said he has yet to decide whether to vote to convict the president, and many senators in his party are awaiting a sign from Mr. McConnell before making their own judgments. It would take 17 Republicans joining all 50 Democrats to find the president guilty, which would allow the Senate to hold a second vote to disqualify Mr. Trump from public office in the future. Mr. McConnells remarks came hours before he was set to meet face to face with his Democratic counterpart, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, to work out a set of rules for the trial and the coming Senate session, when the chamber will be split 50-50 between the parties. Democrats will hold control because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will have the power to break Senate ties, but Mr. Schumer will need at least some cooperation from Mr. McConnell to run the chamber and get things done. On impeachment, the Republican leader appeared to be striking a far different posture than he did a year ago, when the Senate first sat in judgment of Mr. Trump. Then, Mr. McConnell acted at the White Houses behest to set trial rules that would favor acquittal. Now, he has told allies he hopes never to speak to Mr. Trump again and is doing nothing to persuade senators to back him, instead calling the impeachment vote a matter of conscience. But as Democrats take unified control of Washington, he warned them that pursuing a partisan agenda would come at their own political risk. Certainly Novembers election did not hand any side a mandate for sweeping ideological change, Mr. McConnell said. Our marching orders from the American people are clear: Were to have a robust discussion and seek common ground. We are to pursue bipartisan agreement everywhere we can, and check and balance one another respectfully where we must. Speaking after Mr. McConnell, Mr. Schumer stressed that the Senate would proceed on three thorny paths at once, convening a trial at the same time as Democrats try to confirm Mr. Bidens cabinet nominees and begin to draft additional coronavirus relief legislation. Though some Democrats have fretted that Mr. Trumps trial will overshadow Mr. Bidens opening days in office, Mr. Schumer insisted a trial was necessary to eliminate the risk Mr. Trump may continue to pose to the country, even out of office. He will continue spreading lies about the election and stoking the grievances of his most radical supporters, using the prospect of a future presidential run to poison the public arena at a time where we must get so much done, Mr. Schumer said.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

To heal, we must remember, Biden says at ceremony for coronavirus victims, as U.S. tops 400,000 deaths. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. honored the victims of the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, the day before his inauguration. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. arrived in Washington on Tuesday and led a national mourning for Americans killed by the coronavirus pandemic as the death toll topped 400,000, a gesture to the tragedy the country had endured even as he pledged that light would pierce the darkness. On the eve of his inauguration as the 46th president of the United States, Mr. Biden flew to the capital from his home in Wilmington, Del., and headed to the Lincoln Memorial, where he presided over a brief ceremony paying tribute to those who had died from Covid-19 in the past year. To heal, we must remember, Mr. Biden said, standing in front of the Reflecting Pool, which was surrounded by 400 lights to commemorate the 400,000 victims of the virus. Its hard sometimes to remember. But thats how we heal. 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. As he spoke, the bells at Washington National Cathedral began to chime, and the Empire State Building in New York and the Space Needle in Seattle were lit. Cities from Miami to San Diego also planned to light buildings for the occasion while Mr. Bidens inaugural committee encouraged Americans to light candles in their windows in a show of national solidarity. Events were also planned for Mr. Bidens hometowns, Wilmington and Scranton, Pa. The somber remembrance kicked off two days of in-person and virtual events in Washington as Mr. Biden takes the oath of office on Wednesday at a time of economic struggle and cultural upheaval after President Trumps four tumultuous years in the White House. Somber in his demeanor and brief in his remarks, Mr. Biden was joined by his wife, Jill Biden, as well as Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff. Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, delivered the invocation while two acclaimed gospel singers, Yolanda Adams and Lori Marie Key, performed. The event occurred several hours after Mr. Biden bid an emotional farewell to Delaware, his home state. He choked up a couple times during a send-off ceremony at the Major Joseph R. Beau Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Del., named for his eldest son, who served in the war in Iraq and was elected as the states attorney general before dying of brain cancer in 2015. Its deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts here, a place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans, the president-elect told a small crowd of allies and supporters before heading to a chartered white and gray passenger jet. I know these are dark times, but theres always light. Thats what makes this state so special. Thats what it taught me: Theres always light. Image A field of flags on the National Mall represents the thousands of Americans who would normally attend the inauguration. Credit... Todd Heisler/The New York Times Paraphrasing the Irish writer James Joyce, who once said, When I die, Dublin will be written on my heart, Mr. Biden paused to compose himself and his voice trembled. Excuse the emotion, but when I die, Delaware will be written on my heart, he said. Referring to Beau Biden, he added, I only have one regret, that hes not here. We should be introducing him as president. Mr. Biden was flying to the nations capital rather than taking the train  his favorite mode of transportation  because of security concerns less than two weeks after a mob encouraged by Mr. Trump stormed the Capitol and temporarily halted the counting of the Electoral College votes ratifying Mr. Bidens victory. Mr. Biden noted during the event in Delaware that 12 years ago he assumed the vice presidency as the partner of a Black man, Barack Obama, and that on Wednesday he would assume the presidency as the partner of a Black and South Asian woman, Kamala D. Harris, who will be sworn in as vice president. Dont tell me things cant change, he said. They can, and they do. Thats America, thats Delaware, a place of hope and light and limitless possibilities. And Im honored, Im truly honored to be your next president and commander in chief, and Ill always be a proud son of the state of Delaware. Mr. Biden is expected to spend Tuesday night at Blair House, the presidential guesthouse on Pennsylvania Avenue, across from the White House. Peter Baker and

Biden plans to propose a sweeping immigration overhaul on his first day in office. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s plan would make the American immigration system more generous to people from other parts of the world while rejecting the fearful messaging about immigrants employed by President Trump. Credit... Adriana Zehbrauskas for The New York Times President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. will propose far-reaching legislation on Wednesday to give millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States a chance to become citizens in as little as eight years, part of an ambitious and politically perilous overhaul intended to wipe away President Trumps four-year assault on immigration. Under the proposal that Mr. Biden will send to Congress on his first day in office, current recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as Dreamers, and others in temporary programs that were set up to shield some undocumented immigrants from deportation would be allowed to apply for permanent legal residency immediately, according to transition officials who were briefed on Mr. Bidens plan. The legislation would also restore and expand programs for refugees and asylum seekers following efforts by Mr. Trump and Stephen Miller, the architect of his immigration agenda, to deny entry to those seeking shelter from poverty, violence and war. Mr. Bidens bill would inject new money into foreign aid for Central American countries and enhance security at the border with new technologies instead of construction of a border wall. If passed by Congress, the legislation would profoundly reshape the American immigration system, making it more generous to people from other parts of the world while rejecting the fearful messaging about immigrants employed by Mr. Trump since he became a presidential candidate in 2015. But Mr. Bidens proposal will also kick off a contentious new era of debate in the country about how America should treat outsiders, an issue that has been at the center of the breach between the two parties for decades. By sending his immigration proposals to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Mr. Biden is signaling his willingness to step into that political maelstrom during his first days as president. The immigration bill faces an uncertain future. Democrats narrowly control both chambers of Congress, but Mr. Biden will need bipartisan cooperation, especially in the Senate, where legislation requires 60 votes. Because Democrats hold 50 seats in the chamber, the president-elect will need 10 Republicans to support his efforts in order to pass it into law. Former President Barack Obama successfully persuaded 68 senators, including fourteen Republicans, to support a comprehensive immigration bill in 2013, only to have the effort die in the Republican-controlled House. Now, with Democrats in charge of the House, the challenge for Mr. Biden will be in the Senate, where almost all of the Republicans who backed Mr. Obama have left. They include former Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee, Jeff Flake and John McCain of Arizona, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Jeffrey Chiesa of New Jersey, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Dean Heller of Nevada and Mark Kirk of Illinois. Some of them were replaced with more conservative senators who are unlikely to back Mr. Bidens plan. During his four years in office, Mr. Trump transformed much of the Republican Party in his image. His core voters  and those of many Republicans now in office  now put immigration at the top of their concerns, and many echo the presidents harsh and overstated messaging about the dangers from immigrants to their lives and livelihoods. Mr. Biden is betting on his longstanding relationships in the Senate and a backlash to some of Mr. Trumps more extreme immigration measures, including separating migrant families at the border and forcing asylum-seekers to wait in slumlike facilities in Mexico while their applications for entry are processed. He is also counting on support from religious and business groups who have long backed a more robust system of immigration. Catholic organizations argue that the country is morally obliged to be more generous to those seeking refuge, while groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce say the country needs immigrants to remain competitive.

Trump approves document disclosures in apparent bid to taint Russia investigation. The release of the documents on the eve of President Trumps departure appears to be a final attempt to settle scores with the F.B.I. and to undermine the investigation, known as Crossfire Hurricane. Credit... Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times President Trump authorized the declassification of documents related to the F.B.I.s Russia investigation, the inquiry that clouded his first years in office and that he has sought retribution for ever since. The release of the documents on the eve of his departure appears to be the final attempt by Mr. Trump while in office to settle scores with the F.B.I. and to undermine the investigation, known as Crossfire Hurricane. Mr. Trump and his allies have long attacked the officials who opened the inquiry as politically motivated. No documents were immediately released, and it was not clear what material Mr. Trump declassified or why he waited until the final hours of his presidency to do so. He said there was a binder with materials on the investigation. I determined that the materials in that binder should be declassified to the maximum extent possible, Mr. Trump wrote in a memo to the attorney general and the directors of national intelligence and the C.I.A. that was released by the White House. He had accepted some redactions, Mr. Trump noted. The White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, had also long attacked the investigation and pressed for the release of more information and documents while in his previous role as a congressman. While Mr. Meadows served as Mr. Trumps top aide, the White House repeatedly declassified documents in an apparent effort to taint Crossfire Hurricane, drawing condemnations that the administration was politicizing intelligence. Career intelligence officials objected to the move, concerned that it would jeopardize intelligence-gathering and sources of information. A review by the Justice Departments independent inspector general determined that investigators had sufficient reason to open the Russia inquiry and found no evidence that political bias played a role in the move.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

As he heads for the exit, Trump vows that his movement is only just beginning. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:02 - 0:00 transcript Trump Releases Farewell Video on Inauguration Eve In a farewell video released on Tuesday, President Trump said he took on the tough battles during his four years in office and vowed that the movement we started is only just beginning. My fellow Americans, four years ago we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens. As I conclude my term as the 45th president of the United States, I stand before you truly proud of what we have achieved together. We did what we came here to do, and so much more. Above all, we have reasserted the sacred idea that in America, the government answers to the people. I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices, because thats what you elected me to do. Now, 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. In a farewell video released on Tuesday, President Trump said he took on the tough battles during his four years in office and vowed that the movement we started is only just beginning. Credit Credit... Oliver Contreras for The New York Times President Trump delivered a defiant and unapologetic farewell speech to the nation in a video released on Tuesday, declaring that he took on the tough battles and vowing that the movement we started is only just beginning. Mr. Trump, who has not appeared in public in days and remained in seclusion at the White House in his final hours in office, sought to frame his administration as a period of progress despite the coronavirus pandemic that has now killed 400,000 Americans and the divisions that led to the storming of the Capitol this month by a mob of his supporters. I did not seek the easiest course, Mr. Trump said in the 20-minute video, posted online the day before he leaves office. By far, it was actually the most difficult. I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices, because thats what you elected me to do. Your needs were my first and last unyielding focus. This, I hope, will be our greatest legacy. Mr. Trump made no explicit concession to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., nor did he mention his name. After months of falsely claiming that he did not lose and trying to overturn the results of the election, Mr. Trump has scorned the traditional transition of power, refusing to invite Mr. Biden for the customary postelection visit to the White House and opting to skip the inaugural ceremony on Wednesday. But he did offer well wishes to his successor without naming him. This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous, Mr. Trump said. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck, a very important word. In listing what he sees as his accomplishments, the departing president cited the strong economy before the outbreak of the pandemic, his tax cuts and regulation curbs, his judicial appointments including three Supreme Court justices, his revision of the North American Free Trade Agreement, his investment of additional money in the military, the normalization of relations between Israel and several of its Arab neighbors and his confrontations with China and Iran. I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars, he said. Mr. Trump again condemned the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol without acknowledging any responsibility for encouraging his supporters, for which he has been impeached by the House and faces trial by the Senate. All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol, he said. Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated. Likewise, as the death toll from the pandemic reached a macabre new benchmark, he offered no regrets about his handling of the virus, which he repeatedly dismissed and said would simply disappear. He claimed credit for the record-fast development of vaccines, which even some opponents have praised him for, but made no mention of the troubles that have slowed their distribution. As he faced a new chapter of life deprived of his favorite tools of communication, he took another jab at the political censorship and blacklisting by social media companies that have locked him out of his accounts, citing his many false and incendiary messages. YouTube said on Tuesday that it was extending its suspension of Mr. Trumps channel for at least another seven days, preventing him from uploading new content or streaming video until next week, because of concerns about the ongoing potential for violence. Shutting down free and open debate violates our core values and most enduring tradition, Mr. Trump said in his video. In America, we dont insist on absolute conformity or enforce rigid orthodoxies and punitive speech codes. We just dont do that. He plans to leave the White House early Wednesday morning and attend a farewell event with current and former administration officials at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington before flying to Florida, landing an hour before Mr. Biden takes the oath of office in the act that will formally end the Trump presidency. But Mr. Trump made clear he would not go away and be silent. Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, he said, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning. Daisuke Wakabayashi contributed reporting.

The Senate worked through a marathon day of confirmation hearings for Bidens cabinet. Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington, spoke to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, before the confirmation hearing for Janet L. Yellen, the nominee for Treasury secretary. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times The Senate had a jam-packed schedule of hearings on Tuesday to begin considering President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s nominees for his cabinet, but the process has been badly delayed, likely making Mr. Biden the first president in decades to take office without his national security team in place on Day 1. The delay by congressional Republicans in recognizing Mr. Bidens election victory, coupled with two Georgia runoff elections that left the Senate majority up in the air until Jan. 5, held up confirmation hearings for Mr. Bidens team. That has made it impossible for the Senate to move quickly to fill top national security posts, including the secretary of defense, a job normally filled immediately after the president takes office to illustrate continuity of American power. Senate committees kicked off hearings on Tuesday for five nominees: Janet Yellen to be Treasury secretary, Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be secretary of homeland security, Avril D. Haines to be director of national intelligence, Lloyd J. Austin III to be secretary of defense and Antony J. Blinken to be secretary of state. Here is an overview of the hearings: The nomination of General Austin , a retired three-star general, faces a double hurdle: In addition to ordinary confirmation, he needs a special waiver to join the cabinet because he was an active-duty officer within the last seven years. While Congress approved a similar measure for Mr. Trumps first defense secretary, Jim Mattis, lawmakers in both parties have balked at doing it again.

Mr. Blinkens hearing included discussions of conflict zones around the world, coming back repeatedly to China and the Obama administrations nuclear agreement with Iran, from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018. Mr. Blinken made clear on Tuesday that Tehran would have to come back into compliance with the deal for the United States to lift sanctions.

Mr. Mayorkas , a deputy secretary of homeland security in the Obama administration, testified before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel. If confirmed, he would be tasked with restoring stability to an agency that has been riddled with vacancies and led by a revolving door of acting officials.

Ms. Haines , appearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, pledged to help the F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security with a public, written intelligence assessment of the threat posed by QAnon, a wide-ranging conspiracy theory movement that was involved in the riot at the Capitol this month.

At the Finance Committee, Ms. Yellen told lawmakers that investing in vaccine distribution and expanded jobless benefits would provide the biggest bang for the economy in a future stimulus package, arguing that additional stimulus measures should be focused on those hardest hit by the pandemic. Anticipating the delays, the Biden administration has indicated it will place acting secretaries at the head of most agencies, including an appointee of Mr. Trump, David L. Norquist, at the Pentagon. Given the unconventional transition, marked by the outgoing administrations refusal to recognize its defeat, the way Senate Republicans handle the Biden cabinet nominations will provide an early indication of how cooperative they intend to be with the new president. Republicans have complained that Democrats subjected Trump nominees to excessive delays, and they might want to return the favor. Jennifer Steinhauer , Lara Jakes , Zolan Kanno-Youngs , Alan Rappeport and Julian Barnes contributed reporting.

Biden announces his picks for senior positions in health and in transportation. Pennsylvanias secretary of health, Rachel Levine, spoke at the states Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa., in May. Credit... Joe Hermitt/The Patriot-News, via Associated Press President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. has tapped Pennsylvanias secretary of health, Rachel Levine, to be the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services. She would be the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Biden has pledged to transgender and gender-nonconforming people in the United States and around the world that he will fight for their safety and dignity. His promise stands in stark contrast to the efforts of the Trump administration, which over the past four years has chipped away at protections. In her current position, Dr. Levine has led Pennsylvanias response to the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic  no matter their ZIP code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability  and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond, Mr. Biden said in a statement Tuesday. She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts. Almost two months after resigning as New York Citys transportation commissioner, Polly Trottenberg was nominated to become the deputy secretary of the Transportation Department in the Biden administration. Ms. Trottenberg led the citys transportation efforts for seven years, and has been on President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s transportation transition team. She would serve under Pete Buttigieg, the former presidential candidate who has been nominated as Transportation secretary. She previously served as an assistant secretary for transportation policy and under secretary for policy in the Obama administration. Our nation needs a safe, equitable and environmentally sustainable transportation system that creates jobs and supports economic recovery, Ms. Trottenberg tweeted Monday, adding that she looked forward to working alongside Mr. Buttigieg and the federal transportation agency to build back better. Eileen Sullivan and

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

The Justice Department ends stock trade inquiry into Burr without charges. Senator Richard Burr was one of five senators known to have been investigated for possible insider trading around the pandemics onset in the United States. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times The Justice Department on Tuesday informed Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, that it would not pursue insider trading charges against him, according to his lawyer and another person briefed on the decision, quietly ending a monthslong investigation into his dumping of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stock in the turbulent early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision by the department and the Securities and Exchange Commission effectively cleared a cloud of legal jeopardy that has loomed over Mr. Burr since the sales were first disclosed in March. At the crux of the case was whether Mr. Burr, then the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, had acted based on nonpublic information about the contagion that he received at senators-only briefings. A handful of other senators drew similar scrutiny for their trades over the same period and were cleared in the spring and summer. Mr. Burrs case proved far more complicated and included grand jury subpoenas and a search of his electronic storage accounts. At one point, the F.B.I. seized his cellphone  a highly invasive tactic for a sitting member of Congress that required signoff by Attorney General William P. Barr. Mr. Burr, 65, insisted throughout that he had acted within the law, but preemptively stepped down from his Intelligence Committee post to avoid distractions and adopted a low profile in the Senate. He had already planned to retire when his term ends in 2022. Mr. Burrs lawyer, Alice Fisher, declined to immediately comment beyond confirming that case had been closed without charges. Nicholas Fandos and

Whos got the nuclear football? Actually, the question is when Biden gets the biscuit. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s launch codes go live as soon as he is sworn in. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times The last time a president refused to show up at his successors inauguration  Andrew Johnson in 1869  the United States did not possess the worlds deadliest nuclear arsenal, and it would be seven decades before Washington first established the principle that the commander in chief would be given sole authority to launch it. So the handoff of power from President Trump to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Wednesday includes a grim new piece of choreography involving the fate of two nuclear footballs and  more important  two sets of nuclear launch codes, contained on a card called the biscuit. Mr. Trumps codes are to go dead at noon, like a canceled credit card. And Mr. Bidens go live as soon as he is sworn in. That, at least, is the theory. It has never been tried before at this distance. In past inaugurals in the nuclear age, the football  and all the authentication procedures and the authorities that go with it  moved imperceptibly from the departing president sitting at the dais to the incoming one standing with the chief justice of the United States. In this case, one football, and Mr. Trumps biscuit, will be in Florida. Another set, Mr. Bidens, will be on the West Front of the Capitol, in the same spot where a violent effort to prevent that transition from happening took place two weeks ago. This is entirely unusual, said Scott Sagan, a Stanford University professor who has written extensively on nuclear command and control. There is no reason to think it wouldnt work technically. But there was a seamlessness to the process when both the incoming and retiring presidents were on the same stage, one that made it harder for an adversary to exploit the transition of power. President Trumps decision not to attend the inaugural just puts an unneeded complication, and some more risk, into this process, Mr. Sagan added. The Pentagon will say nothing about how it is preparing for the moment. And Mr. Bidens transition team would not talk about it either, referring questions back to the departing administration. But Mr. Biden would not be new to the process. As vice president, and the one who would inherit nuclear launch authority if the president were incapacitated, he would have been briefed often on the elaborate system of authenticating an order. David E. Sanger and

The Trump administration issues leases for drilling in the Arctic refuge. Snowcapped peaks of the Brooks Range of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Credit... Christopher Miller for The New York Times The Trump administration on Tuesday issued oil and gas leases for parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, fulfilling its goal of selling drilling rights in the long-protected wilderness in northeast Alaska. The Bureau of Land Management announced that it had signed and issued leases for nine tracts, totaling more than 430,000 acres. The nine were among 11 tracts that received successful bids at an auction earlier this month that raised far less money for the federal treasury than had been first anticipated. Two companies received leases to a single tract each. The state of Alaska, which bid for the leases through an economic development agency when it appeared that there might be few other takers, received seven leases. The state had successfully bid on nine tracts, and it was not immediately clear why they did not receive leases on all nine. The incoming president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., opposes drilling in the refuge. The issuance of leases before he takes office may make it difficult for his administration to undo them. But lawsuits against the plan, which have been filed by environmental groups and others who hope to prevent drilling in the area, are still pending. And any plans for exploratory drilling or other work in the refuge will require additional environmental approvals.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Bidens Peloton bike could present cybersecurity risks at the White House. A class at the Peloton showroom in New York in 2016. The bikes tablet has a built-in camera and microphone, allowing users to see and hear one another if they choose. Credit... Dolly Faibyshev for The New York Times President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. moves into the White House on Wednesday facing many weighty issues: a global pandemic. A crushing recession. Racial injustice. Right-wing extremism. But Mr. Bidens personal exercise regimen will face a different kind of burning question: Can he bring his Peloton bike with him? The answer, cybersecurity experts say, is yes. Sort of. A Peloton, for the uninitiated, is part indoor stationary bike, part social media network. The bikes are expensive  upward of $2,500 apiece  and have tablets attached, enabling riders to livestream or take on-demand classes and communicate with one another. When Mr. Biden was cloistered during the coronavirus surge this spring, The New York Times reported that he began each day with a workout in an upstairs gym that contains a Peloton bike, weights and a treadmill. The Biden team did not respond to requests for comment, but a person close to the president-elect said that Mr. Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, engage in regular morning negotiations over who gets to ride first. But the Peloton tablets have built-in cameras and microphones that allow users to see and hear one another if they choose, and for Mr. Biden, therein lies the rub. The last thing the C.I.A. wants is the Russians and the Chinese peering or listening into the White House gymnasium. Last week, Popular Mechanics warned about the security risk under the headline Why Joe Biden Cant Bring His Peloton to the White House. The article prompted an explosion of chatter in Peloton world, but really, cybersecurity experts say, if Mr. Biden wants his bike, he can surely have it, though it might bear little resemblance to the off-the-assembly-line version after the Secret Service and the National Security Agency are finished with it. Peloton does not exactly comport with Mr. Bidens regular guy from Scranton political persona. But for Mr. Biden, who at 78 will be the oldest person to be sworn in as president, riding a Peloton makes good political sense, even if it clashes with Working Class Joe. President Trump spent much of last years campaign trying to persuade Americans that Mr. Biden is feeble  an argument Mr. Biden dispensed with when a Fox News clip of him riding his bike through the streets of Delaware went viral. I wasnt really thinking of him as an energetic young guy, but the fact that he rides his Peloton for exercise means to me that he has more energy than I thought he did, said Jennifer Loukissas, a federal employee who rides her Peloton at home in Kensington, Md. Ms. Loukissas said she had spent some time trying to discern Mr. Bidens Peloton leader board name. I looked up all of the Joe Scrantons I could think of, she said, in a reference to Mr. Bidens birthplace. None of them seemed to match up.

Biden and Harris announce creation of a White House gender policy council. Former ambassador Julissa Reynoso will help lead a new White House Gender Policy Council. Credit... Ivan Franco/European Pressphoto Agency A day before they are inaugurated as president and vice president, Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Harris announced the leaders of a new White House Gender Policy Council that will help guide policy decisions in the new administration. The policy council  which Mr. Biden has promised to create during his campaign  will be led by Jennifer Klein, the chief strategy and policy officer at the anti-sexual-harassment organization Times Up, and Julissa Reynoso, a lawyer and former ambassador who will also be an assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady, Jill Biden. The council is intended to coordinate government policies that affect women, which span a wide range of subject areas and federal agencies. The Biden transition team said it would work with the Domestic Policy Council, the National Economic Council and the National Security Council. From health care, the economy, education and national security  every issue is a womens issue, Susan E. Rice, the incoming Domestic Policy Council director, said in a statement from the transition team announcing the creation of the new council. Mr. Biden noted in the same statement that the coronavirus pandemic had exacerbated many of the economic and personal inequities women already faced.

Women will wear pearls on Inauguration Day in support of Kamala Harris. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the first female vice president of the United States. Credit... Scott McIntyre for The New York Times Sandra Broome-Edwards, 67, has worn pearls every day since early January. Ive been sitting at home watching Good Morning America with my pearls on, she said. Its my way of acknowledging the momentous occasion that is coming. Ms. Broome-Edwards is one of over 430,000 women who are members of a Facebook group called Wear Pearls on Jan 20th, 2021. The idea is to honor Kamala Harris, the countrys first female Vice President-elect, who wore her signature pearls when she graduated Howard University, was sworn into Congress, grilled Brett Kavanaugh, debated Vice President Mike Pence, as she received her Covid-19 vaccine and likely, again when she is sworn on Wednesday. They represent sisterhood, said Darnell-Jamal Lisby, a fashion historian. They are also the symbol of Ms. Harriss sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, which she joined while at Howard, a historically Black college. The group was started in early December by Hope Aloaye, 46, a retired navy chief who lives in Orange Park, Fla. I woke up and thought, We need to come together as women not just to celebrate Kamala Harris, but ourselves, she said. Image Hope Aloaye dons her pearls in support of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in Jacksonville, Fla., yesterday. Credit... Malcolm Jackson for The New York Times Within three days, the group had 1,000 followers. Within a week, it reached 30,000. Demand has been so high that Ms. Aloaye tapped 20 volunteers to help her vet requests to be admitted to the group ensure there are no bad actors. With few opportunities to leave the house during the pandemic, some women are excited for any excuse to put on their pearls. I might run out to the grocery store that morning just so people can see me wearing them with a big smile on my face, said Jan Thompson Gorniak, 53, a forensic pathologist in Las Vegas. Ms. Gorniak was buying their first set of pearls so she could be part of this community. On Jan. 2, she went to Zales and bought a long strand of pearls for her 53rd birthday. Now I think they say, I am dainty, but at the same time, I have strength, she said.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

F.B.I. arrests 5 people from California and Florida in connection with Capitol riot. Supporters of President Trump breached the Capitol on Jan. 6. Credit... Kenny Holston for The New York Times Three residents of Beverly Hills, Calif.  one seen wearing a Louis Vuitton sweater during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6  were among the latest people who were arrested in connection to their involvement in the melee, the F.B.I. in Los Angeles said on Tuesday. Gina Bisignano, the owner of a skin care and eyelash salon, was filmed throughout the riot in the Louis Vuitton outfit. Dr. Simone Gold, who was also arrested, has been a high-profile advocate of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug invoked by President Trump to treat and prevent coronavirus without substantial evidence of its efficacy. The third person arrested was John Herbert Strand, who, according a Twitter account believed to be his, is affiliated with Americas Frontline Doctors, Dr. Golds organization. In a video filmed in the crowd directly in front of the Capitol, Ms. Bisignano states her first and last name, place of residence and Instagram account. In a separate video, she identifies her business while speaking through a bullhorn to the crowd, according to the F.B.I. She appears to struggle with a police officer who tries to expel her and others, and later raises her fist in what appears to be a gesture of defiance, the F.B.I. said. We need strong, angry patriots to help our boys, Ms. Bisignano says on video, according to the F.B.I., as she calls for gas masks and weapons. Nearby, rioters are physically assaulting police officers. Later, she confirmed to The Beverly Hills Courier that she had entered the Capitol. The day after the riot, a Twitter account believed to be used by Mr. Strand posted a selfie that seemed to be taken on the steps of the Capitol in which he wore a black jacket, pink scarf and dark sunglasses, the F.B.I. said. Mr. Strands website states that he is a fashion & commercial model and actor. An F.B.I. special agent submitted several photographs obtained through social media that appeared to show Mr. Strand and Dr. Gold inside the Capitol during the riot. A video posted by CNN appeared to show a man and a woman consistent in appearance with Mr. Strand and Dr. Gold walking through National Statuary Hall in the building, the F.B.I. said. The account believed to be operated by Mr. Strand reposted a video entitled, Trump Supporter Gets Shot And Murdered The US State Capitol! Mr. Strand added his own caption, I was there. This is inexcusable. Confirming that she did enter the Capitol, Dr. Gold told The Washington Post that she brought Mr. Strand to ensure her safety and followed the crowd, assuming that it was legal to do so. Also on Tuesday, Felipe Marquez and Gabriel Garcia, both of Florida, were arrested in connection to the riot. A tipster submitted a compilation of videos from Mr. Marquezs Snapchat feed, including images of him in what appeared to be a Tesla and later in Washington. Mr. Garcia, who ran unsuccessfully for the State Legislature last year and is a former captain in the U.S. Army, uploaded at least two Facebook Live videos taken inside the Capitol and at least one video before entering the building, according to the F.B.I. At one point, he yelled Free Enrique, an apparent reference to Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the right-wing organization the Proud Boys, who had been arrested in Washington.

Two members of straight pride group are arrested for involvement in Capitol melee. Sue Ianni and Mark Sahady, along with other supporters of President Trump, march through Washington on Jan. 6. Credit... Joseph Prezioso/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Two members of the organization Super Happy Fun America, an advocacy group for the straight community, were arrested on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in the Capitol rampage on Jan. 6. The group, which organized a Straight Pride Parade in Boston in 2019 and whose website displays the motto Its Great to be Straight, claimed to have brought nearly a dozen buses to Washington before President Trumps rally and the subsequent riot at the Capitol. In court documents, an F.B.I. special agent corroborated a local news report that placed the two members of the organization  Susan Ianni of Natick, Mass., and Mark Sahady of Malden, Mass.  inside the Capitol. A photograph at the riot appeared to show Ms. Ianni in a blue jacket with her fist raised and Mr. Sahady beside her. The F.B.I. special agent also identified Ms. Ianni and Mr. Sahady in a photograph posted to Twitter by Super Happy Fun America the day before the riot, showing them smiling with thumbs up to the camera, among others on what appeared to be a bus. On the Facebook page New England for Trump, Ms. Ianni  a member of Naticks local governing body, the Town Meeting  is listed as a contact for the buses to Mr. Trumps rally departing from Newton, Mass. She claimed to be the lead organizer for the buses that left Massachusetts but declined to comment when asked by a local reporter if she had entered the U.S. Capitol, saying too many people were arrested wrongly for a peaceful protest after being waived in by Capitol Police, according to The MetroWest Daily News. The F.B.I. special agent identified Mr. Sahady as the vice president of Super Happy Fun America. From a Twitter account that the F.B.I. said belonged to him but has since been suspended, Mr. Sahady appeared to spread the false claim that the election had been stolen, urged others to attend the riot and labeled Mr. Trump as the legitimate President, according to the F.B.I. In one ominous tweet, the F.B.I. special agent added, Mr. Sahady said, January 6  Washington, DC  It begins.

More Capitol Police officers test positive for coronavirus after riot. The police confronted intruders outside the Senate chamber on Jan. 6. Credit... Erin Schaff/The New York Times At least 19 Capitol Police officers either tested positive for the coronavirus or were found through contact tracing to have been exposed since a mob of Trump supporters  most of them not wearing masks  attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to three people familiar with the matter. They are the latest additions to a growing tally of people who have been infected since the deadly riot at the Capitol. Seven members of Congress have tested positive since the attack; some House Democrats have pointed to their Republican colleagues who did not wear masks while they were sheltering from rioters and forced into secure hiding for hours. One of the people, who was not authorized to speak on the record about internal department matters, said that Capitol Police officers were being given rapid coronavirus tests to help determine which other officers may have contracted the virus from the Capitol siege.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story
After team India's historic win in the final Test with Australia in Brisbane on January 19, former Congress Party leader Sanjay Jha took a jibe at the political party and said that there's an "inspirational message" in it for them.



They were bowled out for 36 in the first Test.

The comeback is made of fairy-tale stuff.

For my good ole Grand Old Party there is as inspirational message here. We got 44. :-)). Get up, shake off the dust and dirt, and fight. And stop moping and crying about the past.  Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) January 19, 2021

"They were bowled out for 36 in the first Test. The comeback is made of fairy-tale stuff. For my good ole Grand Old Party there is as inspirational message here. We got 44. :-)). Get up, shake off the dust and dirt, and fight. And stop moping and crying about the past," tweeted Jha.

The Indian team pulled off an exhilarating three-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Test in Brisbane to claim the series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

On July 14, 2020 Congress suspended Jha from the party citing anti-party activities and breach of discipline. The move came after he was suspended as the AICC spokesperson in June.

In an open letter last year, Jha had gone on to say, "The Congress has demonstrated extraordinary lassitude, and its lackadaisical attitude towards its own political obsolescence is baffling."

"I would like to call a spade a spade here and a shovel: there has been no serious effort to get the party up and running with any sense of urgency."
Los Angeles officials have asked the regulator to lift the usual limitations on the number of cremations as deaths from COVID-19 cause bodies to pile up across the county.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which is in charge of monitoring the air pollution and regulating activities that affect air quality, announced on Sunday that the usual restrictions are being lifted for 10 days, until January 27.

Los Angeles County currently sees one person die of COVID-19 every eight minutes, and death rates have more than doubled - pushing funeral homes and crematoriums to their limits.

As of January 15, more than 2,700 bodies were stored at both hospitals and the coroner's office, the AQMD said.

National Guard members are seen moving bodies into temporary storage on January 12 in LA

Rows of refrigerated morgue containers are seen behind a tarp outside the coroner's office

'The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed that the growing backlog of cremation cases within the county constitutes a threat to public health,' wrote Wayne Nastri, executive officer for the AQMD, in his order.

He said that the 28 crematories in Los Angeles County 'have the resources and capability to perform more cremations,' but were prevented from doing so due to 'regulatory limits.'

Nastri said that his order was issued with the expectation that the situation would deteriorate, and the death toll would spike following the New Year festivities.

He wrote that the coroner 'anticipates that another surge is approaching as a result of the New Year's holiday, since deaths tend to occur 4-6 weeks after gatherings.'

On Saturday Los Angeles became the first county in the nation to record one million coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

Dr Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County's public health director, said that their health system was 'severely strained'.

'Our community is bearing the brunt of the winter surge, experiencing huge numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths - five-times what we experienced over the summer,' she said.

A healthcare worker tends to a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit in Mission Viejo on January 8

Health care workers use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine in Apple Valley

Mobile mortuaries have been set up outside hospitals to cope with the surge in deaths.

On Saturday she confirmed that the mutant U.K. strain had been found in L.A. County, which is significantly more infectious. The arrival of the new strain has given rise to fears that the caseload will sharply increase, as it did in London.

The virus is surging across California, where daily deaths are averaging 528, an increase of over 15 per cent from a week ago.

Much of the state, including the southern region, remains under a stay-at-home order.

Los Angeles County health officials reported on Sunday more than 13,800 people have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic begun, and more than 7,400 remain hospitalized with the virus - 23 per cent of whom are in the ICU.

Late last week, County health officials said in a news release that both healthcare workers and ICU capacity remain 'strained.'

'The most important action for everyone to take to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives is to stay home and not mingle with others not in your household,' the release said.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 48F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 41F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Cantors Driving School Florida driver training car Owner Frank Cantor comments: This third location makes it easier than ever to take the road test in Martin County and St. Lucie County with Cantors Driving School, a Florida-authorized third party driver's license road testing service.

Cantors Driving School announces that it now offers the Florida driver's license road test at its new third location in Jupiter, Florida. Cantor's Driving School is authorized as a third party tester by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to administer the road test at their location in Deerfield Beach, FL in Broward County, Atlantis, FL in Palm Beach County, and now at this new location in Jupiter, FL. Jupiter is in the northern part of Palm Beach County, and will serve that area, along with Martin County, St. Lucie County, and as far north as Vero Beach in Indian River County.

The Florida driver's license road test service is available as part of a package of driving lessons, or qualified student drivers can just take the road test at Cantor's Driving School at a cost of $75. Road test results are uploaded immediately to the Florida DHSMV, so driving students that take and pass the road test can go to the closest DHSMV location and get their official Florida driver's license immediately.

Starting immediately, the road test service in Jupiter, FL is offered 4 days a week: Wednesday - Friday (12 PM to 5 PM), Saturday and Sunday (8:30 AM to 12 PM). More days and hours may be available in the future; check the website for the latest information. The test routes have been approved by the Florida DHSMV.

Taking the driver's license road test with Cantors Driving School has many advantages and benefits, including:



Fast and convenient - No long wait to schedule a road test at the Florida DHSMV testing center; make an appointment the day before and be in and out within an hour.

Weekend appointments are available at Cantor's Driving School, but not at the Florida DHSMV.

All road tests are done in a Cantor's Driving School vehicles - late model, mid-sized, easy-to-drive cars with dual brake controls and valid insurance.

Friendly service with a family-owned driving school.

Owner Frank Cantor comments: This third location makes it easier than ever to take the road test in Martin County and St. Lucie County with Cantors Driving School, a Florida-authorized third party driver's license road testing service.

Students can save money by purchasing a package of driving lessons that includes the driver's road test. Road tests at this new location start and end at the Cantor's Driving School office - 1025 West Indiantown Rd, Suite 101, Jupiter, FL 33458, located In River Place shopping mall. All tests are administered in a Cantor's Driving School car, and there is no pick-up and drop-off service for road tests.

About Cantors Driving School

Cantors Driving School is one of the longest continually operated driver training schools in the nation. Over 50,000 drivers have learned to drive with Cantors Driving School, which was started in Pennsylvania in 1976. Cantors Driving School is a Florida state-registered driving school (license #4032), a AAA-Approved Driving School, and a member of the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA).

Cantor's Driving School offers private, one-on-one, behing-the-wheel driving lessons 7 days a week, day and evening hours, with door-to-door service, with money-saving packages of driving lessons. It also offers a convenient Florida state-approved online driver's education courses, including the Florida First Time Driver mandatory course, the official DMV permit test, and traffic school courses.

Contact Cantors Driving School

For more information or to inquire about driving lessons, online drivers courses or other services, please call the southeastern Florida office at 954-740-1103 or visit Cantors Driving School website at https://www.cantorsdrivingschoolfl.com/.


Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
The mobile app icons of Google and Facebook on a smartphone in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 9, 2020 (The Epoch Times)

US Trade Reps Urge Australia Not to Rush Google, Facebook Payment Law

U.S. trade representatives have urged Australia to scrap proposed laws that will make it the first country in the world to force tech giants to pay local media companies for news content.

Assistant Trade Representatives Daniel Bahar and Karl Ehlers called on the government not to rush the laws and to work towards developing a voluntary code if possible.

The U.S. Government is concerned that an attempt, through legislation, to regulate the competitive positions of specific players in a fast-evolving digital market, to the clear detriment of two U.S. firms (Google and Facebook), may result in harmful outcomes according to its submission (pdf) to the Senate Economics Committee.

There may also be long-lasting negative consequences for U.S. and Australian firms, as well as Australian consumers, it continued.

The submission claimed the News Media Bargaining Code placed a highly prescriptive burden on the two tech giants, even when they had not violated existing laws.

Googles offices stand in downtown Manhattan in New York City, on Oct. 20, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Bahar and Ehlers also claimed Australia could potentially breach international trade obligations.

Dr. Rob Nicholls, associate professor at the University of New South Wales and competition law expert, said the trade representatives were tasked with advocating for U.S. businesses globally and their submission reflected that.

Further, the Media Code was simply part-and-parcel of international business.

All sovereign states have rules for businesses. For example, McDonalds is subject to the mandatory Franchising Code of Conduct in Australia. Such business rule changes are a result of action by the Executive balanced by the Legislature and enforced by the Judiciary in Australia, just as it is in the U.S. he told The Epoch Times.

Changes in regulatory burden are simply a normal part of doing business, he said.

Nicholls also said the representatives did not identify specific free trade breaches by Australia.

A Facebook logo is displayed on a smartphone in this illustration taken on Jan. 6, 2020. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

If there were such (free trade) issues, Australia would have complained about the Clean Network policy in the context of the U.S.Australia Free Trade Agreement, as this places a regulatory burden on Australian telecommunications businesses, he said.

The Clean Network is signed by over 50 nations and aims to exclude untrusted vendors from telecommunications networks including 5G.

The call by the trade representatives for Australia to reel in efforts to contain the tech giants, stands in stark contrast to moves from other governments, including the United States, to rein in the power of Google and Facebook.

In October, the U.S. Department of Justice and 11 states launched a major antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of monopolistic conduct. A successful lawsuit could see the breakup of the entity.

Meanwhile in September, regulators from the Five Eyes nations signed an intelligence-sharing agreement to assist with existing and future investigations of digital platforms, according to the chair of Australias competition regulator Rod Sims.

In response to the U.S. trade representatives submission, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Reuters that Australia would push on with the code to address the bargaining power imbalances with digital platforms and media companies.

The federal government unveiled the world-first Media Code in July with Frydenberg noting this would enable the government to legislate how Google and Facebook would pay publishers for displaying news content on their search results or feeds.

Previously, the tech giants generated web traffic and engagement by displaying news content at no cost. In turn, they monetised the traffic by selling advertising.

The Code, which was unveiled following an 18-month investigation revealed the tech giants wielded tremendous market power to the detriment of news publishers and journalism in Australia.
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.
Nationalists and unionists are deeply divided on the prospect of a Biden White House as the 46th US president is sworn in today.

TUV leader Jim Allister predicted four years of an "activist president meddling in Northern Ireland".

SDLP Belfast councillor Seamas de Faoite, one of the few local politicians to have met the incoming president, challenged unionist stereotypes of him and forecast that he would be a bridge-builder.

After his inauguration, the president-elect is expected to appoint a high-profile special envoy to Northern Ireland who will be "much more engaged" than his predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, sources said.

With Biden boasting the deepest Irish roots of any president since JFK, unionists are fearful of a significant "greening" of the White House.

In a now famous clip from last year, he is seen responding to a BBC reporter who asked him for a comment. "The BBC? I'm Irish," he replies, walking away. A quip on St Patrick's Day six years ago - "If you're wearing orange, you're not welcome in here" - also sparked controversy.

"From a unionist perspective, he's viewed very negatively," said Mr Allister.

"Through his approach and past utterances, Joe Biden has demonstrated that he is wedded to the nationalist narrative which now includes resistance to liberating the people of Northern Ireland from the incredible economic damage of the protocol.

"Donald Trump had a hands-off approach to this part of the world and that was a positive. Unionists don't want to interfere in US affairs and we don't want Americans interfering in ours.

"I believe that Joe Biden will be an activist president, meddling in Northern Ireland."

Seamas de Faoite, who met the president-elect when he was campaigning in the New Hampshire primary last February, said: "Joe Biden has a deep affinity with the people of Ireland and a great sense of fairness. He knows how to compromise and bring people together.

"He spent 30 years in the US Senate doing that. He established a friendship with the Republican John McCain, whose politics were very different to his own. That experience helps him understand the challenges Northern Ireland faces."

Mr de Faoite challenged unionist stereotypes of Mr Biden. "Characterising him as a 'plastic Paddy' is simply wrong. He has a good team of people around him who know Ireland and the challenges of peace," he said.

"Every recent administration until Trump - even Bush's - was very involved in the North. Biden's support for our young people will be crucial as the next generation forges a united future in the place we call home."

An official visit to Ireland by the incoming president is expected once Covid allows it.

DUP politicians enjoyed a strong relationship with Donald Trump. Ian Paisley tweeted a photo of himself with Melania at the 2018 St Patrick's Day celebrations in the White House.

Writing in this newspaper, the DUP MP said: "The tide has turned. This week unionism was represented in Washington to an extent not witnessed before.

"The DUP delegation, led by Nigel Dodds, three MLAs - Edwin Poots, Paul Givan and Jonathan Buckley - MEP Diane Dodds, councillor Philip Brett and myself, invested time and energy in a campaign to deliver a message to a captive audience about Northern Ireland.

"The president didn't need to be introduced to the unionists there as he's on a first-name basis and made that known by referring in glowing terms to his friends in Northern Ireland."

While there will still be an open door to the White House for unionists, the style and substance of this presidency will be very different from the administration that preceded it.
This is the answer given by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao to someone who offered to pay for the vaccine to bishops and priests. Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila echoed Ongtioco, saying that the poor deserve more attention and care. Priority should be given to frontliners and vulnerable people rather than priests, Pabillo said.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Catholic bishops of Metro Manila declined an offer for free COVID-19 vaccine; instead, they urged that it be given to those who need it most, namely the poor.

Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao disclosed that someone offered to sponsor vaccines for them and their priests but they decided that help must go first to vulnerable sectors.

Since we are considered frontliners [. . .] someone offered to sponsor the vaccine for the bishops and priests of the National Capital Region (NCR), Ongtioco said.

We are grateful for the offer but we said we would be happy if it were given to the poor first because they have no means to pay, he said.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila echoed Ongtiocos statement, saying the poor deserve more attention and care.

Priority should be given to frontliners and the vulnerable instead of priests, Pabillo said.

As far as the archdiocese is concerned, COVID-19 vaccination of priests will be voluntary. Thats their own decision, Bishop Pabillo said.

For now, the country is in talks with various pharmaceutical firms about COVID-19 vaccine.

Under the vaccination programme laid out by the Philippine government, priority will be given to medical workers, senior citizens, indigents, and the uniformed personnel.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines had earlier asked the government to ensure that the vaccination programme was accessible to all.

The bishops also said that vaccines produced must be in line with ethical principles and should be administered respecting each persons moral decisions.
Ramping up its offline presence in the country, Toshiba Home Appliance Business has launched its first exclusive store in India. Opened in Bangalore, the Toshiba Lifestyle Centre is expected to deliver first-hand experience of its home appliances range including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water purifiers, and air purifiers.

Speaking to Business Today exclusively, Pranab Mohanty, Vice President and Business Head, Toshiba Home Appliance Business, shared the company's retail strategy for India. "Consumers want to interact with the brand, touch, feel and experience the products in their natural habitat, before making their purchase decisions. This is what the Toshiba Lifestyle Centre offers. We plan to open 10-15 exclusive stores by the end of this year. We have already shortlisted some places in Mumbai and Delhi, and are also exploring locations in Ahmedabad and Pune."

In 2021, Toshiba aims to further strengthen its dealer base across India through an extensive retail network of large format stores, multi-brand outlets, and a robust dealer network across India. "We are also partnering with retailers to create an experience zone within their store. We plan to expand shop-in-shop presence and will have stores in Kolkata, Punjab and other cities," adds Mohanty.

With most of the consumer durables brands available across offline and online retail, Toshiba Home Appliances Business had consciously started with the offline channel and is gradually expanding in online retail. "Consumers prefer to experience, have a look and feel before purchasing a mid-premium home appliance. That said, given the changing consumer behaviour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our customers are opting for online purchase as well. To address demand, our partners who are in offline retail can also sell online, as this helps in maintaining price hygiene," avers Mohanty.

At the moment, over 85 per cent of Toshiba Home Appliances are imported from the company's Thailand manufacturing plant and the remaining 15 per cent from China. Toshiba had plans to set up a home appliance manufacturing facility in India, which got pushed back due to COVID-19 pandemic. But given the current circumstances, the company is very optimistic of establishing it towards the end of this year.

ALSO READ: Maruti Suzuki hikes prices up to Rs 34,000 over higher input costs
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.
The is speculation about what the US is moving between Syria and Iraq in convoys of truck, with it speculated that it could be wheat, logistical equipment, or oil reports Enab Baladi.

There are conflicting narratives about what the US trucks belonging to the International Coalition are transporting between Syria and Iraq. The trucks go through the al-Walid border crossing, which connects the two countries.

SANA said that US forces loaded trucks with stolen grains from Syria and sent them to northern Iraq, through the al-Walid crossing in the countryside of Hassakeh.

SANA quoted local sources as saying that the US forces sent 20 trucks carrying stolen grains from the silos and warehouses that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had seized in the countryside of Hassakeh, through the illegal al-Walid crossing with Iraq.

For its part, the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) said that a convoy of trucks belonging to the International Coalition entered the city of Qamishli, loaded with logistical equipment and fuel tanks coming from the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

According to NINA, the convoy was made up of 35 American trucks and armored vehicles, and entered through the al-Walid crossing, via the M4 highway (Aleppo-Hassakeh), and headed towards the US sites in Hassakeh and Deir ez-Zor.

The agency said that last week, a similar convoy entered International Coalition sites in Hassakeh, coming from Kurdistan, through al-Walid, and then set off towards the Conoco and al-Omar oil fields in Deir ez-Zor Governorate.

The Autonomous Administrations Border Ports Authority announced the reopening of the al-Walid border crossing in February 2020.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
A Lehigh Valley man was part of a group that tried to force its way past police and into the Capitol during the deadly insurrection early this month, the FBI said.

Five people including a U.S. Capitol police officer were killed in the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 and dozens of others were injured. Multiple arrests have been made since, and the FBI has released a slew of photos trying to identify other people involved.

On Saturday the FBI released photos of Craig Bingert in an attempt to identify him. Bingerts attorney contacted FBI agents Sunday in Philadelphia to say he had identified himself as one of the suspects sought and offered for Bingert to turn to himself in, court records say.

Bingert, of Washington Township, Lehigh County, is charged with impeding or attempting to impede law enforcement officers performing official duties during a civil disorder.

The FBI said Bingert was recorded on a Metropolitan police officers body camera in Washington, D.C., and he was wearing a military camouflage/ military style jacket and a hoodie underneath the jacket, as well as a blue skull cap with the words America visible.

Agents said a man in the crowd yelled, among other things, to push them out of there, referring to law enforcement on the other side of the police barricade.

The man counts down and Bingert is one of the people in the crowd that pushes the barricade, and later tries to lift it up, court papers say.

At one point, Bingert turns around, faces the crowd and begins waving the flag, as the crowd yells and chants, including F*** the police, court records say.

Calls for comment to numbers listed for Bingert did not go through.

Bingert is one of a group of people from around Pennsylvania who are facing charges following the insurrection.

A Carbon County man was arrested Friday after authorities said they found Facebook posts and selfies of him inside the Capitol that day.

At the protest in DC. I went inside the capitol building and got tear gassed, Andrew Wrigley reportedly wrote.

In addition, federal authorities are looking for Riley June Williams, of Harrisburg, after her former romantic partner says she took a laptop from House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the riot at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, The Associated Press reports.

And in New Jersey, a naval contractor accused of being a white supremacist and nazi sympathizer is facing multiple charges after he told an informant he participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, entered the building and encouraged other rioters to advance on the building, according to a criminal complaint reported on by nj.com.

ARRESTED: Craig Bingert, of Pennsylvania, a man who whose picture the FBI plastered on a wanted poster. He turned himself in for his role in the Capitol riot. Videos shows him pushing a barricade toward police, & later waving the Americans flag while yelling F*ck the police. pic.twitter.com/ubAh0RFw1E  David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 18, 2021

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
An Orange County Sheriff's Department vehicle is parked at the Saddleback Station on Sept. 14, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Inmate Ordered Released Due to COVID-19 Concerns Removes Tracking Device, Escapes

An Orange County inmate released early due to an ongoing American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit escaped mandatory electronic monitoring by removing her device, police said Jan. 19.

The 28-year-old woman was released following a Dec. 11, 2020, court order from Judge Peter Wilsonwho is overseeing a lawsuit from the ACLUto release half of Orange Countys inmates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He ordered the immediate release of Sandy Gonzalez, and one other individual to provide the necessary physical distancing and other measures to protect against COVID-19, said the Orange County Sheriffs Department (OCSD).

P0lice said that given the inmates extensive criminal history, she wouldnt have otherwise qualified for electronic monitoring.

Gonzalez was booked into custody last March by the Fullerton Police Department for felony armed robbery, shoplifting, possession of a controlled substance, child endangerment and resisting arrest.

She was released to the sheriffs departments electronic monitoring last Dec. 13, and told to remain at a specified residence and wear a GPS-enabled electronic monitoring device. Police said she was instructed that removing the apparatus would constitute a jail escape.

On Jan. 15, the OCSD unit that oversees the electronic monitoring program received a notification that Gonzalez had removed her ankle monitor and fled.

She was arrested Jan. 16 in Long Beach, returned to the Orange County Jail, and booked on a felony charge of escaping from jail, police said.

This inmate was in custody for a violent felony of robbery with a firearm, and despite numerous objections was ordered by a judge to be released, Sheriff Don Barnes said in a press release. The inmates subsequent escape from custody then required a manhunt by numerous personnel to locate her, bring her back into custody and return her to jail, where she should have remained in the first place. The known risks to the community associated with the court ordered release demonstrates a blatant disregard for the publics safety.

The OCSD says it has worked extensively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in its jail system. It went from a high of more than 1,200 COVID-19 positive cases in December to 139 cases Jan. 19.
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.
Bangui, Central African Republic (PANA) - Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed after their convoy was ambushed by members of the UPC and anti-Balaka armed groups in southern Central African Republic (CAR), the UN Mission in the country said on Monday
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 : The BJP national leadership is conducting a survey in all constituencies of Kerala to pick suitable candidates for the forthcoming Assembly election.

While the BJP currently has only one MLA in the Kerala Assembly - veteran leader O. Rajagopal, the national leadership is bent on getting at least 10 party members elected to the Assembly in the 2021 election.

The BJP leadership, according to sources, has already commissioned a central survey agency to pick the candidates for the Assembly polls or at least provide a shortlist of candidates for each constituency.

While BJP has a vote share of 14 per cent in the state, in around 35 constituencies the party's vote share was 20 per cent which is worrying both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF. The recent state committee meeting of the CPM in which the local body election results were studied, the party leaders were of the opinion that the 20 per cent growth of vote share for BJP in certain constituencies has to be studied and countered.

The BJP leadership also knows that it has fared well in certain pockets and the idea of the survey is to get a better report on the prospective candidates and the public response.

BJP state general secretary A.N. Radhakrishnan while speaking to IANS said "It's a direct operation of the central leadership and we don't have any idea on this. This is a method BJP has always adopted in all elections across the country." There will be several minority faces, especially Christian candidates in the BJP list as the party has been trying to woo the community over several issues where both the groups can identify. The Church, especially the Catholic Church, has been skeptical over the reduced proportion of minority scholarships in Kerala in comparison to the Muslim community.

Also both the Church and the BJP believe that there is a well organised 'Love Jihad' conspiracy from a section of Muslim groups to woo Hindu and Christian girls and convert them to Islam. Several Christian girls were converted after marrying Muslim youths and some girls had even left for Afghanistan to be part of the IS terror group in Afghanistan and Syria.

The BJP has also intervened in the tussle between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Christian community and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lent an ear to the grievances aired by both factions. The Prime Minister is also meeting the heads of the Catholic churches in the state on Tuesday at the PMO.

The survey team is to submit its report to the central leadership by this weekend and after this the party will prepare to announce the candidates' list in consultation with the RSS state leadership.

BJP state chief K. Surendran told IANS that "BJP is in election mode. We are chalking out winning strategies and will have a sizable presence in the state Assembly."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A second lawsuit has been filed against a former Bexar County resident whose girlfriend and her two daughters were found shot to death in his home two years ago.

Carlos Montez Jr. of San Antonio, the father of Clark High School sophomore and cheerleader Alexa Denice Montez, 16, has sued Charles Edward Wheeler, 33, accusing him of gross negligence and seeking wrongful death, survival and exemplary damages of more than $1 million.

Alexa Montez was found dead with her mother, Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, and her sister, 10-year-old London Bribiescas, at Wheelers home in the Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs on the morning of Jan. 10, 2019. Wheeler called 911 around 9 a.m. to report the deaths.

He told investigators hed left the previous night following an argument with Olsen and went to stay with his parents.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths as homicides, but the Bexar County Sheriffs Office is still investigating. No criminal charges have been filed.

The suit, filed Jan. 11, is the second lawsuit attempting to blame Wheeler for the deaths by accusing him of allowing Olsen to get access to a gun he kept in a bedside table.

Wheeler sold the home and moved to Austin. His attorneys have said he had nothing to do with the deaths and have repeatedly called on Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar to publicly clear his name.

Wheeler has always declined to comment and requested privacy.

On ExpressNews.com: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror

An earlier lawsuit filed against Wheeler on Jan. 8 by Hector Bribiescas, the father of the younger girl, accused Wheeler of failing to protect the children or alert authorities as Olsens behavior was escalating when the couple argued that night. That lawsuit also seeks more than $1 million in damages

The latest lawsuit, like the first, accuses Wheeler of leaving his home without taking action to protect the children or call authorities while knowing there was an unsecured gun at the residence.

It cites Wheelers text messages to others, in which he claimed that Olsen was acting really strange and that she had been on some kind of pills. The suit contends that Wheeler admitted to leaving his $1 million home knowing that Olsen was in a highly emotional state of mind from their argument and knowing she had immediate access to his gun or guns. Wheeler routinely kept a loaded handgun beside the couples bed, it states.

On the night of the incident in question, (Wheeler) knew that Nichol Olsen was acting irregularly and was not in the right state of mind, the lawsuit states, referring to Wheelers communications with Olsens brother and with Alexa Montez, the plaintiffs daughter.

Wheeler knew Olsens behavior was escalating, was erratic and highly emotional and was potentially threatening and/or could lead to actual violence, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit claims Wheeler knew or had reason to know that the girls were in trouble and that he sent multiple text messages to Olsens brother, Justin Olsen, starting at 11:31 p.m. that night, which provided evidence of an escalating situation and need to take reasonable measures.

According to the lawsuit, Wheelers text messages asked Justin Olsen to check on his sister, stating she had been acting really strange and that she had been on some kind of pills. Justin Olsen responded, telling Wheeler that his sister didnt answer his calls.

Whether Nichol Olsen was taking any medication hasnt been publicly revealed. The autopsy and toxicology reports for her and her daughters havent been released because of the ongoing sheriffs office investigation.

On ExpressNews.com: Father of 10-year-old child slain in Anaqua Springs shootings sues moms boyfriend

The lawsuit also claims Wheeler sent a text message to 16-year-old Alexa Montez the same night that said I left your mom making me worried. Someone using the teens phone then sent a text message to Wheelers phone that said Are you here? I think shes talking to herself. That was followed by an emoji indicating fright, the lawsuit said.

Wheeler also told Justin Olsen he had been trying to call Alexas phone all night, but the teen did not answer, the lawsuit states. It further alleges Wheeler told investigating officers he had been calling and texting Nichol and the girls all night and got no answer. Yet, the lawsuit said, Wheeler didnt alert the authorities.

At 7:32 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2019  about 90 minutes before Wheeler called 911  he texted Justin Olsen again, saying he needed to know whether to send police to the house if Olsen hadnt heard from his sister, the lawsuit shows.

Wheeler knew or should have known under the circumstances that Nichol Olsen posed a risk of violence, knew or should have known that Nichol Olsen posed a threat to the children and that imminent harm was reasonably foreseeable and failed to take reasonable measures to prevent Nichol Olsen from committing acts of violence using defendants gun, the lawsuit states.

It adds that 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 deadline to file a lawsuit for the deaths was Jan. 10, the two-year anniversary of the crime. Because that date fell on a Sunday, it could be filed the next business day, said Paul Torres, the San Antonio attorney representing the Montez family.

The family has been waiting over two years for answers of any measure from the sheriffs office, Torres said in a statement Tuesday. Theyve been left out of the loop for the most part.

The lawsuit, Torres said, is an effort to seek justice for an unspeakable tragedy that could have and should have been avoided.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
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.
Video above  Harris: Going into Wednesday 'ready to work'

President-elect Joe Biden is set to become the nation's 46th president Wednesday, taking his oath atop the steps of the U.S. Capitol building. The inauguration will be like no other in American history, hot off the heels of a historic storming of the same building earlier in the month, spurred on by the president that Biden will replace. More than 20,000 National Guard troops will be in Washington, D.C., as a safeguard.

At the same time, a once in a century pandemic has all but erased normal life for Americans and the world. Major events were postponed, canceled or completely changed. The inauguration is no different, with an incoming president asking for supporters not to attend the event and crowd sizes expected to be kept small.



The timetable for the day will be more flexible than in previous years, with only certain events pinned to specific times. Here is the planned order of events to usher in the presidency.

Here's a look at how the festivities will play out:

Our White House: An Inaugural Celebration for Young Americans

A first-ever curated livestream for young Americans before and during the inaugural ceremonies. The livestream will be hosted by award-winning entertainer and advocate Keke Palmer. It will feature a message from incoming first lady Jill Biden, historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Erica Armstrong Dunbar, excerpts of student voices from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs We the Young People, and segments from the Library of Congress.



The livestream will also feature trivia questions and even a segment on presidential pets produced by Nickelodeon.

The event can be streamed from BidenInaugural.org/youth and the PICs YouTube channel.

Related video: Inauguration Aims to Engage, Entertain and Educate Kids





Inaugural Ceremonies

The main event: Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the U.S. Capitol building and take their oaths of office. Afterwards, Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision for the future, almost certainly covering his plans for the pandemic and to heal a divided nation.



Pass in Review

After the ceremony, the now-President Biden, the new first lady, with the now-Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, will participate in a Pass in Review on the East front with members of the military. The Pass in Review is a military tradition that is meant to reflect a peaceful transition of power between administrations.



Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery

The Bidens, with Harris and Emhoff, will then visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush and former President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Presidential Escort

Biden will then receive a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House. Every branch of the military will be represented in the escort, including the U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the Commander-in-Chiefs Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry The Old Guard.

Virtual Parade Across America

In place of a regular parade, and to observe social distancing, Biden and Harris' escort will be followed by a Parade Across America, which will be televised and feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities across the country.

Celebrating America Primetime Special

"Celebrating America," a 90-minute prime-time program hosted by Tom Hanks, will feature remarks from both Biden and Harris and include remarks and performances that "represent the rich diversity and extensive talent America offers."



The special will feature Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Kerry Washington.
The pandemic has canceled Mardi Gras parades and balls, but it hasn't curbed the craving for king cake.

Locally, Thee Heavenly Donut, Gambino's Bakery, The Ambrosia Bakery and Baum's Fine Pastries, along with other bakeries and supermarkets, are cranking out thousands of king cakes each day leading up to Mardi Gras on Feb. 16.

While traditional cinnamon and cream cheese varieties tend to sell the best across the board, the bakeries are pushing the flavor envelope.

Thee Heavenly Donut is known for its fried king cakes at its locations at 5830 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. and 17732 Highland Road.

The bakery also offers a host of unusual flavors from Almond Joy to Bananas Foster to Louisiana Cajun Mud and chocolate maple bacon.

"Louisiana Cajun Mud is our take on the Mississippi Mud cake," said Shane Castille, who owns the bakery with wife Kara Castille. "It has Bavarian cream and chocolate in the middle with cream cheese topping and pecans."

Castille said his wife comes up with lots of the flavors, but customers have also suggested fillings that have made it on to the menu.

"Our most popular is the pecan praline," he said.

Thee Heavenly Donut, with 24 hours notice, will make you a Cajun Boudin King Cake. Other flavors include chocolate, strawberry cream cheese, chocolate-covered strawberry, turtle pecan, pecan praline and wedding cake.

Ambrosia is probably best known for its Zulu king cake, a decadent concoction stuffed with coconut, cream cheese, chocolate morsels, cinnamon and sugar and topped with more chocolate and toasted coconut.

Also popular at the bakery, at 8546 Siegen Lane, are strawberry cream cheese and pecan praline.

New this year are Mardi Gras-themed hot chocolate bombs.

"We were curious to see what the different colored icings would do when we poured hot milk over them," said co-owner Felix Sherman Jr. "They melted with the chocolate. We put the chocolate in a mold and filled it with hot cocoa and marshmallows. I would order that ahead of time so we can have it ready for you."

At Gambino's, you'll find Nutella, wedding cake, praline and cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese and Bavarian cream flavors.

"We're working on a couple of interesting flavors right now, but we haven't launched them yet," said Angela St. Romain, store manager for Gambino's at 8646 Goodwood Blvd.

Gambino's also crafts Mardi Gras sugar cookies and petit fours iced in purple, green and gold.

Baum's offers the traditional flavors and amps up the taste with cakes that have twice the filling.

"Our popular double-filled cakes are praline and cream cheese and strawberry cream cheese," said Tonya Crawford, manager of Baum's at 8046 Florida Blvd.

Baum's also will offer Mardi Gras-themed petit fours and cookies during Mardi Gras week.

Not only are locals snapping up the annual treats, they're sending them all over the country.

"We had one going out to Alaska today," said Ambroisa's Sherman. "We usually stick to the states in the continental United States because king cakes don't stay fresh long. The one we sent to Alaska today was on a whim."

To extend the freshness of cakes, Sherman said they go out as kits.

"Ours aren't decorated when we send them," he said. "We include the icing and the sugar, and you can decorate it yourself. This way, the cake stays fresher much longer."

This also allows the cake's recipients to participate in this Mardi Gras tradition.

"We receive a lot of pictures from people showing us their cakes," Sherman said. "We try to repost them on our Facebook page. We love seeing them."

Thee Heavenly Donuts' Castille said while the bakery is missing out on some business  sales people aren't picking up king cakes in the numbers they normally would to drop off at workplaces when they make calls  lots of companies are still buying them.

"Companies will buy them by the hundreds," he said.

In somewhat of a change brought on by the pandemic, many orders these days are coming in online, Sherman noted.

"It's kind of the trend, and it's beneficial to us because we have a limited number of staff," he said. "And the number of orders seems to have increased."

But that's not to say an old-fashioned phone call won't work.

"A lot of people are using our website, but we still have a lot of people who prefer to call in their orders or come in and place their orders," St. Romain said. "We're still a service industry, and when people come in, they get the aroma and personal service  the whole package. And we get to know them."

St. Romain added that mail orders are not being hampered by coronavirus restrictions, and people don't seem to be in a hurry to order early.

"You really can't change human nature," St. Romain said. "People are ordering like they usually do. And since there won't be a celebration on Mardi Gras Day, there's really no deadline. But our customers also know that we make king cakes on demand year-round, and you'd be surprised by the number of people who do this. There are people who live in Texas who host a Mardi Gras party in the summertime, just because it's fun."
A shooting Monday night on Bourbon Street started with an argument during a guided tour, New Orleans police said Tuesday.

The shooting happened at 7:42 p.m. Monday on Bourbon near Gov. Nicholls Street (map), police said.

Update: Oklahoma man touring French Quarter shoots man who dared him during argument, cops say

The shooter was on a guided tour, New Orleans police said, when he "became involved" in an argument. The man began waving a handgun and fired two shots, according to preliminary information from police. Someone, described only as a male, was hit by a bullet. The injured person was taken in a private vehicle to a hospital, and his condition was not immediately available.

Authorities did not say what started the argument.

The suspected shooter has been apprehended, police said. His name and possible charges have not been released.
Healthcare workers in the national capital are taking into consideration the experience of their colleagues on possible side-effects of coronavirus vaccines. Besides, they are also scouring newspapers and the internet to get accurate information about side-effects.

A 24-year-old nursing staff at Moolchand Medcity, named Jay Mahawer told PTI news agency that he has been reading about vaccines and their side-effects on the internet.

"There have been reports of reaction following vaccination. So, there was a little bit of anxiety," Mahawer said.

Mahawer has taken the jab after reading about AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria taking the shot.

"I experienced dizziness for a few minutes after taking the vaccine. My family was already scared. So, I have not told them yet," Mahawer said.

His colleague, Ritik Bhati, 24, also took the vaccine and said he felt 'completely okay'.

"There is nothing to fear. I have not experienced any side-effects yet...I had also talked to a few people who were vaccinated on Saturday about their experiences", he said.

Bhati, who hails from Alwar, Rajasthan, also did not inform his parents about the vaccine.

Another nurse, Anuja Mehta also spoke to her colleagues who took the jab before going for her own vaccination.

Mehta, who works at Medeor hospital in Qutub Institutional said, "My parents were worried. They asked me to wait for some time but I was feeling good about the vaccine as those who have already taken it had shared their experiences with us."

According to experts, people have adopted a "wait and watch" approach which has resulted in low turnout at vaccination centres. Besides, lack of awareness, fears related to adverse events, and glitches in the Co-WIN app are other reasons for such low participation.

Nearly 3,600 healthcare workers received the COVID-19 vaccine shots in Delhi on Monday, a further dip in the figures compared to that on the opening day of the immunisation drive.

On day 1 of the vaccination programme, a total of 4,319 (53 per cent) health workers against a target of 8,117 were administered the vaccines at 81 centres across the city.

On day two, 3,598 people were administered the vaccine in the national capital.

So far, one 'severe' and 51 'minor' cases of AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) have been reported among healthcare workers who received coronavirus vaccine in Delhi.

The vaccine is to be administered in Delhi on four scheduled days of the week -- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Currently, the number of vaccination centres in Delhi are 81, out of which Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is being administered at 75 centres while Bharat Biotech-made Covaxin are being given at remaining six facilities.

Also read: Don't take vaccine if you have these conditions; Bharat Biotech releases advisory

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination Day 3: Further dip in turnout; just 8 get jabs at AIIMS

Body of kidnapped priest found with machete wounds in Nigeria; brother remains missing

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A Catholic priest's body was discovered last Saturday in Nigeria with apparent machete wounds while his brother remains missing following their abduction last week.

The Christian Association of Nigeria spoke out this week after the killing of Fr. John Gbakaan, a priest serving in the Minna Catholic Diocese in Kaduna state who was kidnapped by unidentified perpetrators.

We received the news of the kidnapp[ing] and killing of our dear Rev. Father John with great shock and pains, CANs Vice Chairman, the Rev. John Hayab, said in an interview with the Nigerian news outlet Vanguard published Sunday.

As reported by Agenzia Fides, a news service affiliated with the Pontifical Mission Societies, Gbakaan served at the Saint Anthony Church in Gulu. He was kidnapped last Friday along the road from Lambata to Lapai in the state of Niger in Nigerias troubled Middle Belt.

????????#Nigeria: Le Pere John Gbakaan, cure de la Paroisse Saint Antoine de Gulu a ete enleve et violemment assassine ce 15 janvier. Il a ete attaque en compagnie de son frere alors qu'ils allaient rendre visite a leur mere. L'AED prie pour sa famille et tous les #chretienspersecutes. pic.twitter.com/GbrGFbkKUU  AED (@AEDenFrance) January 19, 2021

Fides confirmed the priests killing with Fr. John Jatau, the parish priest of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Madala, a suburb of Abuja.

Jatau said that Gbakaan went with his brother and another priest on Jan. 14 to visit his mother in Benue state.

On their return trip home on Jan. 15, Gbakaan and his brother were attacked by armed men around 9 p.m. After the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded an initial ransom equivalent to nearly $80,000 from the diocese. The ransom was later reduced to the equivalent of $13,000.

According to local media cited by Catholic News Agency, Gbakaans body was found tied to a tree on Jan. 16 around the same spot he was abducted. His Toyota was also recovered. However, there are no signs of Gbakaans brother.

Today in Northern Nigeria, many people live in fear, and many young people are afraid to become pastors because pastors lives are in great danger, Hayab said.

When bandits or kidnappers realize that their victim is a priest or pastor it seems a violent spirit takes over their hearts to demand more ransom and, in some cases, go to the extent of killing the victim.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, as well as Catholic clergy, have spoken out in recent years against the troubling number of religious leaders who have been killed or kidnapped by armed criminals and terrorists.

Last February, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria mourned the killing of an 18-year-old seminarian who was abducted along with his classmates.

In January 2020, the world mourned the execution of the Rev. Lawan Andimi, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerias chapter in the Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state. Andimi made headlines when he praised God in a ransom video produced by Boko Haram militants. He was reportedly killed for his refusal to deny Christ.

In October 2020, the Islamic State West Africa Province released a proof-of-life video showing that it had abducted the Rev. Polycarp Zongo of the Church of Christ in Nations. It was reported last week that Zongo is still believed to be held by his captors.

As Christians in Nigeria face the threat of violence from Islamic extremist groups in the northeast, radicalized Fulani herders in the Middle Belt and armed bandits, the country ranks as one of the worst places in the world when it comes to the level of Christian persecution.

Nigeria is ranked No. 9 on Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List, a list of the top 50 countries in the world where Christians are most persecuted. Additionally, Nigeria was named by the U.S. State Department in 2020 to its list of countries of particular concern. The list identifies countries where religious freedom violations are either tolerated or perpetrated by the government.

Critics of President Muhammadu Buhari contend that his administration has not done enough to thwart troubling trends of violence taking place nationwide, whether that is the rise of extremism in the north or the deadly communal violence in the farm-rich Middle Belt.

International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law, an Anambra-based civil society organization run by Christian criminologists Emeka Umeagbalasi, estimated in December that as many as 2,200 Christians were killed in 2020 across Nigeria.

Sadly, those in power are wanting us to be singing their praises while our loved ones are being killed, Hayab said. No responsible citizen will enjoy criticizing his leaders for fun or because he hates them. Citizens criticize leaders so that they will sit up and do what is right.

We are simply pleading to the Federal Government and all security agencies to do whatever it will take to bring this evil to a stop, he continued. A person living in fear can never be productive and effective in the things he is doing. All we are asking from the government is protection from evil men that are destroying our lives and properties.
In an article posted on the South China Morning Post (SCMP) website, Australia-based financial market and political analyst Daryl Guppy accused Australia of applying a double standard in how it treats China and the United Kingdom amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guppy compared the differences in Australia's policies against China, UK, U.S. and other Western countries, highlighting discrepancies in Australia's treatment of their citizens.

On February 1, 2020, Australia banned foreign nationals on flights from the Chinese mainland, "including those in mid-air, just one week after Wuhan had gone into lockdown." The ban remained in place all through 2020 and has yet to be lifted.

By contrast, tourists from Italy were not banned until March 2020, and although the U.S. was already "on its way to becoming the epicenter of the pandemic," American tourists were still allowed to visit Australia. Meanwhile, "Australian citizens, residents and their immediate family members have been able to arrive in the country from Britain, despite its surging infection rates," Guppy wrote.

Also, though British health secretary Matt Hancock admitted that a new variant of the coronavirus was first identified in the English county of Kent in December 2020, Australia has still not banned tourists from the country. In fact, the Australian national cabinet has only recently decided to impose preflight coronavirus testing on passengers coming from Britain.

As a result, Guppy pointed out that Australia now has a growing number of cases of the COVID-19 variant that originated in Britain, "some of which are contained in quarantine facilities for returning travelers."

Citing historical events, Guppy suggested that political roots are behind Australia's actions and said it harks back to the country's "colonial past as a European outpost in Asia."

He said in 2003, Australian Prime Minister John Howard accepted then-U.S. President George W. Bush's description of Australia as a "sheriff" of Asia.

In May 2019, Australia rejected the UN motion condemning Britain's occupation of the Chagos Islands.

In February 2020, Australia announced plans to militarize the Cocos (Keeling) Islands so that the airfield there could support the deployment of a Boeing P8-A Poseidon aircraft.

Furthermore, Guppy said Australia has been pressuring Pacific island nations to reject development assistance from China and warning countries and regions about China's so-called vaccine diplomacy but gave no alternatives.

Guppy said Australia's double standard undermines not only its already poor relations with China but also its ties with the rest of the continent.
Evian bottled water producer Danone is reportedly facing calls from an activist investor to make further changes to the way the company is run.

Bluebell has called for the replacement of Danone CEO Emmanuel Faber

According to a report on France's Challenges.fr, Bluebell Capital Partners, which bought an undisclosed stake in Danone at the end of last year, has written to Danone's management asking for governance changes. Bluebell demanded a separation of the functions of chairman and chief executive officer and called for the replacement of CEO Emmanuel Faber.

In a statement to just-drinks sister site just-food in response to news stories about Bluebell's call, Danone said: "The leadership team of the company is highly focused on delivering long-term sustainable value for our shareholders. We value constructive dialogue with all our shareholders."

Danone has already announced a number of structural changes as part of a cost-cutting exercise in order to reboot profit margins.

In November, Faber revealed a new locally-focused corporate structure under six separate zones each with its own leadership team to promote, among other things, product development that fits with local trends and demands. The company also plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs and eliminate 20% of its SKUs.

In December, Danone announced it was creating a strategy transformation committee to sit beside three existing board committees that oversee audit functions, governance and engagement. It also revealed that Cecile Cabanis, the former CFO who stepped down in October, had been appointed vice chair of the board in a non-executive capacity.

Commenting on London-based Bluebell's demands, Jefferies analyst Martin Deboo broadly agreed with the group. Quoted in the UK's Financial Times newspaper, Deboo said Danone's current management has "a poor operational record and [have made] questionable capital-allocation choices".

Bruno Monteyne at Bernstein warned about difficulties to come at Danone despite the changes announced at the end of last year.

"It may be years of pain before investors will know whether that new plan is any better than the old one," he said.

just-food contacted Bluebell Capital Partners seeking further information.

Why there's something for everyone in beverages post-COVID - Click here for an analysis
(TNS)  Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine may soon have a new top boss: Joe Biden.On Tuesday morning, a day before Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, he appointed Levine, from his native Pennsylvania, as Assistant Secretary for Health. She would be the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate and serve in federal office."Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic  no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability  and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond," Biden said in a statement. "She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration's health efforts."Levine's friend and colleague Adrian Shanker, executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, said he was "ecstatic and beaming with pride" upon hearing of Levine's appointment. "This is a groundbreaking, history-making nomination," he said. "But that's not why Dr. Levine will do a great job in this role. It's not because she is a transgender woman. It's that she will make a tremendous difference for the American people's public health."For more than 10 months now, Levine has been the face of Pennsylvania's response to the coronavirus pandemic, holding live-streamed briefings several times a week. She is also a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine. Her expertise includes eating disorder treatment, the opioid crisis, adolescent medicine, medical marijuana, and LGBTQ medicine.Gov. Tom Wolf in a statement called Levine "a highly skilled and valued member of my administration" and "a wise and dedicated partner" who "will be greatly missed" in Harrisburg.Shanker, who has been friends with Levine for a decade, said he spoke to her Tuesday morning and expressed how excited he was for "all Americans to benefit" from Levine's experience."I can't speak for her," he said. But "I can certainly say that LGBT Pennsylvanians are so excited for this nomination."As the first transgender person to lead a Pennsylvania state agency, Levine has singlehandedly increased the visibility of transgender people in the commonwealth.During her tenure, the 63-year-old has stood up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people in the face of personal transphobic attacks."I and the people of Pennsylvania owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership, strength and dedication to protecting every person's health amid unprecedented circumstances  and, at times, amid hateful distractions," Wolf said. " Dr. Levine is both competent and compassionate, and never lets the anger or fear of others sway her from her goals."Most of the time, Levine chooses not to address the hate, which has moved supporters to create a #RespectforRachel hashtag and a Facebook fan page with more than 8,000 members. She prefers to stay on message, focusing on the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and how important it is for all Pennsylvanians to "do our part to stop the spread."But in July, she addressed a string of transphobic attacks head-on."While these individuals may think that they are only expressing their displeasure with me, they are in fact hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians who suffer directly from these current demonstrations of harassment," she said at a briefing."I have no room in my heart for hatred. And frankly, I do not have time for intolerance."Levine was confirmed as the commonwealth's Secretary of Health in March 2018. She had already made history three years earlier when she became the first transgender person appointed to a Pennsylvania cabinet position. Before the pandemic struck in March, Levine led the commonwealth's response to the opioid epidemic, helped establish its medical marijuana program, and worked to ensure equal access and care for people in the LGBTQ community."Her work for our commonwealth has been transformational," Wolf said, "and I appreciate it more than I can say."In Biden's statement announcing Levine's appointment, he was quick to point out that she was confirmed three times by the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania state senate.Before joining the governor's administration, Levine worked for two decades at Penn State Health's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. While there, she created a multidisciplinary program to treat eating disorders.A native of the Boston suburbs, Levine graduated from Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine, and trained in pediatrics and adolescent medicine at New York City's Mount Sinai Medical Center."Dr. Rachel Levine is a remarkable public servant with the knowledge and experience to help us contain this pandemic, and protect and improve the health and well-being of the American people," Vice president-elect Kamala Harris said in a statement.Asked after Biden's win whether she had been contacted by the incoming administration, Levine said she had not, and the buzz about the possibility had since died down . While Levine would rather keep the focus off of herself, Gov. Wolf has always been quick to tote her accomplishments, saying publicly in recent months that Biden would be lucky to have Levine on his team.On Tuesday, the governor said he would announce Levine's replacement later this week.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
The fund will invest in five renewable energy facilities that were developed, constructed and are now owned and operated by GPI, including Futtsu Solar, Kanagi Solar, Ohorayama Wind, Otsuki Wind, and Tsugaru Wind. The 122 MW Tsugaru Wind power facility is the largest operating wind farm in Japan.

"This pioneering new fund will help us expand our growth in Japan through partnering with these major Japanese institutions on some exciting new onshore and offshore wind projects," said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. "The strong investor demand for this new fund demonstrates both the confidence in our business model and the compelling future development opportunities in our Japanese pipeline. Together with our partner, GPI, we have built one the best development pipelines in Japan consisting of more than 2.4 gigawatts of renewable energy projects."

Pattern Energy has seven renewable energy facilities in Japan, including five in operations and two in construction, totaling 432 MW of capacity.

About GPI

Green Power Investment Corporation (GPI) is a Japanese developer, owner and operator of renewable energy assets. The founder of GPI, Toshio Hori, was one of the earliest pioneers in renewable energy, having built some of the first large scale wind power projects in Japan, the United States and Europe. GPI is headquartered in Tokyo and has a team of more than 100 professionals covering all areas of expertise necessary to operate and manage a full-scale renewable energy business. GPI's development portfolio totals more than 2.4 gigawatts of wind capacity, including approximately 1 GW MW of wind projects that have FiT certifications. Pattern Energy holds a majority interest in GPI.

About Pattern Energy

Pattern Energy is one of the world's largest privately-owned developers and operators of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects. Its operational portfolio includes 28 renewable energy facilities that use proven, best-in-class technology with an operating capacity of 4.4 GW in the United States, Canada and Japan. Pattern Energy is guided by a long-term commitment to serve customers, protect the environment, and strengthen communities. For more information, visit www.patternenergy.com.

Contacts:

Matt Dallas

Pattern Energy

917-363-1333

[email protected]

SOURCE Pattern Energy Group Inc.

Related Links

www.patternenergy.com



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 Jagan Mohan Reddy government had registered cases against these individuals based on a complaint that close aides of Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu and his son Lokesh, who were privy to confidential information about the setting up of the new capital in Amaravati, purchased lands at cheap rates from farmers. (File Photo)

Vijayawada: In a major setback to the state government, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday quashed the prosecution launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against some individuals in the sensational insider trading case.

The case involved purchase of lands in the new capital area of Amaravati at cheap rates, by allegedly concealing the capital status that the area was about to get then.

The Jagan Mohan Reddy government had registered cases against these individuals based on a complaint that close aides of Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu and his son Lokesh, who were privy to confidential information about the setting up of the new capital in Amaravati, purchased lands at cheap rates from farmers.

One of the accused was Kilaru Srihasa, wife of Lokeshs close aide Rajesh.

Dealing with petitions filed by the accused seeking quashing of the case, Justice Ch Manavendranath Roy said, The prosecution of the petitioners is wholly unjustifiable and clearly opposed to all cannons and basic tenets of criminal law. This amounts to a sheer abuse of the process of law, warranting intervention of this court.

The verdict gained major significance as the state government registered an FIR also against former Advocate General D Srinivas and kin of a Supreme Court judge.

Aggrieved by the order, the state government decided to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court.

Maintaining that acquiring property is a fundamental right, Justice Roy said private sale transactions carried out with the willingness of the sellers cannot be seen as a criminal act. No criminal liability can be attributed to the accused in the FIR, the court ruled.

The insider trading is essentially an offence in the field of stock market. This is totally alien to the Indian Penal Code and unknown to our criminal jurisprudence under the IPC, the court stressed.

Disagreeing with action of the state in charging the accused with dishonest concealment of information regarding the setting up of the capital from the sellers, the court observed that a buyer had no legal obligation to disclose any information relating to latent advantages in the purchase of land.

No offence of conspiracy to do any illegal act or commit an offence is made out from the facts of the case, the court ruled.

FACT-SHEET

Those who purchased such lands include the Lalitha Super Speciality Hospital, Thottempudi Venkateswara Rao, CD Murali Mohan and BVR Sarma, Gayathri Realtors Ltd, Kilaru Srihasa w/o Rajesh, a close associate of former CM Chandrababu Naidu, Good Life Estates and others.

CID registered the case citing offences punishable under sections 420, 409, 406 and 120B of IPC.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Leading Digital Asset Manager Expands its Product Portfolio with a Bitcoin ETP Built on its New Institutional-Grade Platform

ST. HELIER, Jersey, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinShares, Europe's largest digital asset manager with over $2.9 billion in assets under management*, today announced the launch of a new physically-backed ETP, CoinShares Physical Bitcoin (Ticker: BITC). BITC will be the first product released on CoinShares' new institutional-grade ETP platform and will launch with significant assets under management. Each unit of BITC is backed with 0.001 bitcoin at launch, providing investors with passive exposure to Bitcoin and the convenience of an exchange traded product.

Product Name ISIN Ticker Base Currency CoinShares Physical Bitcoin

(BTC) GB00BLD4ZL17 BITC USD

BITC will initially be listed on the regulated SIX Swiss Exchange and has a base fee of 0.98%, well below the industry standard of 2%. The product is launching with over $100mn in AUM, a level that allows BITC to meet institutional and corporate baselines for investment consideration.

Head of Product, Townsend Lansing commented: "Since 2014 CoinShares has provided an effective bridge between the cryptocurrency ecosystem and traditional finance via our XBT Provider family of ETPs. BITC and its platform represent the next stage of this evolution. As the European market leader for these products, we will continue to develop investment vehicles that eliminate the boundaries prohibiting institutions from actively investing in what we believe to be the future of finance."

CoinShares' full suite of service offerings through its best-in-class industry partnerships allows BITC to provide investors with access to Bitcoin through a secure and transparent regulated instrument, further bridging the gap between institutional investors and digital assets. BITC is physically backed - meaning a dedicated CoinShares entity directly holds the underlying digital assets which are custodied by Komainu. Komainu is the first hybrid institutional-grade digital asset custodian designed specifically for financial service providers and blue-chip corporates. It is a joint venture between Nomura, one of the most trusted global investment banks, Ledger, the leader in digital asset security and CoinShares.

In addition to the security provided by Komainu, the CoinShares Physical product line also enjoys real-time attestation through Armanino and will be supported by a team with decades of experience in the structuring and distribution of ETPs to European investors. The team is led by Chief Revenue Officer Frank Spiteri who joined last year after previously serving as Head of Distribution for WisdomTree Europe. In addition, the CoinShares' research department - often cited as a bellwether for the industry - will be available exclusively to clients to bring clarity and understanding to a new and complex asset class. This is unique among European ETP providers whose in-house expertise is often limited to equities, fixed income, commodities and other traditional asset classes.

CoinShares has also partnered with market-leading Authorised Participants and Market Makers who will support the product line's liquidity. CoinShares expects immediate demand from existing clients.

Chief Revenue Officer, Frank Spiteri concluded: "Over the last 12 months, we have seen a steady increase in interest and demand for digital assets from our institutional clients, and this platform has been built with their feedback in mind. The physically backed structure is familiar to institutions who have extensive experience in trading similar commodity-based investment vehicles. We're looking forward to servicing both new and existing investors with our new CoinShares Physical product line."

* As of January 4, 2021

About the CoinShares Group

CoinShares is Europe's largest digital asset investment firm, managing billions of assets on behalf of a global client base. Our mission is to expand access to the digital asset ecosystem by pioneering new financial products and services that provide investors with trust and transparency when accessing this new asset class.

For more information on CoinShares, visit: https://coinshares.com

Media Contact

Jay Morakis

+1 646 859 5951

press@coinshares.com
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.
The Pollack Group has been chosen as U.S. communications agency partner for Openpay, an Australia-based company that provides Buy Now, Pay Later solutions for consumers and businesses. The agency will work to establish Openpay as a leader in the BNPL through a strategic media relations program and thought leadership platform. Openpays technology allows payments for a purchase to be spread out over a period of one to 24 months. With multiple audiences across the payments spectrum, including banks, merchants, processors, we need to showcase how Openpay is leading the shift toward a much more consumer-friendly and merchant-centric payments future, and we are glad to have The Pollack Group on our side," said Openpay global chief strategy officer and Openpay US chief executive officer Brian Shniderman.

Zapwater Communications and Studio Jungla are working together as agencies of record in the U.S. and Canadian markets for Grupo Xcaret, a sustainable tourism brand with assets across Mexico ranging from hotels, resorts and restaurants to eco-adventure parks, tours and transportation. The agencies will partner with Mexican firm Alchemia Communications Group to provide strategic communications for the brand. Alchemia leads the public relations and marketing services for Grupo Xcaret within Mexico while in the U.S., Zapwater will manage public relations and influencer relations, and Studio Jungla will initiate travel industry trade communications. Grupo Xcaret is marking its 30th anniversary in 2021 with the grand opening of a new luxury resort, Hotel Xcaret Arte in Quintana Roo and the Xibalba reserve in Yucatan.

Magrino picks up agency of record status with Hu Chocolate, which offers a line of organic, vegan products. The agency will work on creative programming and brand awareness development for the brand in the U.S. market through integrated public relations strategies and marketing campaigns. In addition to its chocolate bars, Hus product range includes snacking and baking chocolate (Gems), chocolate-covered nuts and berries (Hunks), and grain-free crackers.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  Two people facing drug and weapons charges in Worth County are pleading not guilty.

Alexander Jordan Kew, 28 of Cedar Rapids, and Constance Myah Jennings, 23 of Corwith, are now scheduled to stand trial starting April 28. They were arrested after an attempted traffic stop on Highway 65 into Northwood on October 27, 2020.

Law enforcement says they tried to pull Kew and Jennings vehicle over but they kept driving until reaching Villawoods Apartments. Court documents state a search of their vehicle then found a large amount of methamphetamine and a .357 revolver.

Jennings is charged with possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in stolen weapons, and possession of marijuana. Kew is accused of the same crime as well as eluding and riving while barred.
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.
New Delhi: First supplies of vaccines to combat the covid-19 pandemic from India will be sent to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles from 20 January, the Indian foreign ministry said on Tuesday, with consignments to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius to commence after regulatory clearances from these countries come in.

The move, which comes within days of India beginning its own immunization programme, underlines Indias primacy in the South Asia region besides reinforce its image as being the pharmacy" of the world. India is seen as one of the largest manufacturers of vaccines and generic drugs in the world.

The Indian government will also conduct a training programme, covering administrative and operational aspects for two days for those involved in the immunization process from cold chain, communication and data managers to those involved in the immunization process of the recipient countries, a statement from the Indian foreign ministry said.

In response to the requests from neighbours and partner countries, and in keeping with Indias stated commitment to use Indias vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight the covid-19 pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from 20 January 2021," the statement said.

In the case of Maldives, a consignment containing 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines will reach Male on 20 January. Bhutan is to get 150,000 doses of covishield vaccine. Maldives and Bhutan will two of the earliest recipients of Indias gift of the vaccine manufactured by the Pune based Serum Institute of India (SII).

- Indias vaccine diplomacy is yet another testament to its Neighbourhood First policy, in which Maldives occupies a special and central place.

In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances," it said.

Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply covid-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad," the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Twitter post said: India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead."

India started its massive vaccination campaign on Saturday aiming to inoculate 3 crore health and other frontline workers to start with. With the highest number of coronavirus infections after the US, India plans to vaccinate around 30 crore people with two doses in the first six to eight months of this year. Frontline workers will be followed by about 27 crore people older than 50 or deemed high-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions. So far, Indian drug regulators have given the go-ahead to the Oxford-AstraZeneca developed and Serum Institute of India manufactured Covishield and Bharat Biotech International Ltds Covaxin for domestic inoculation. A second lot of vaccines including Zydus Cadilas ZyCoV-D, Russias Sputnik V, Biological Es protein subunit shots, and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals mRNA jabs, are likely to be ready between March and August. Besides these, the Pune-based Serum Institute is also likely to make doses of a vaccine developed by US-based Novax company.

In its statement on Tuesday, the Indian foreign ministry said that India has been training personnel of several neighbouring countries to enhance and strengthen their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme besides through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, it said.

Recalling that last year India had supplied hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and paracetamol tablets, as well as diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves and other medical supplies to a large number of countries during the early days of the pandemic and after, the statement said that India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines."

This will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVIs Covax facility to developing countries," it said referring to an international organisation created in the year 2000 to improve vaccine access including that of covid-19 vaccines to the world's poorest countries.

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!!

It is hoped that Syria will receive the coronavirus vaccine next month, although it is not known which vaccine it will be writes Hashtag Syria.

The General Director of al-Mouwasat Hospital, Dr. Essam al-Amin, expected the arrival of the first shipments of the coronavirus vaccines next month. Amin did not have knowledge of the type of vaccine that will be used, indicating that the matter is in the hands of COVAX, which will determine the name of the vaccine and the number of doses that will be provided to Syria.

The COVAX platform was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure rapid, fair, and equitable access to the coronavirus vaccines in all parts of the world, as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

In exclusive statements to Hashtag Syria, Amin said, The Ministry of Health has gathered all the necessary data in the event that the vaccine becomes available, including data about the eligibility of the beneficiaries, the required doses, and those considered of higher priority for vaccination.

Amin also said that, until now, the numbers of coronavirus cases recorded by the Ministry of Health are still logical, stressing that the health situation in relation to the pandemic is still under control. However, this is no guarantee that a new peak wont happen, according to Amin.

He added, Prevention, social distancing, and precautionary measures are among the most important means of preventing a new wave of the virus.

As for the new strains that are being talked about, Amin said they are mutant strains, and the current strain is not the original strain from the global outbreak last year. He stressed that when the virus multiplies, its components undergo a genetic modification.

Amin also said that the new strains do not pose an additional risk when it comes to the spread of the virus, stressing that the vaccine, for now, is effective against all existing strains.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Help India!

TCN News

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding Indias pluralist and tolerant ethos, and Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), which is committed to the ideals of multi-religious pluralism in the United States, India and beyond, along with leading politicians, civil rights activists and organizations from India and the US have urged Indias Supreme Court in an online press conference to grant immediate bail to former police officer Sanjiv Bhatt, calling his conviction in a murder case wrong and based on fraudulent evidence.

Support TwoCircles



IAMC and HfHR were joined by leading personalities from India such as Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, renowned documentary filmmaker and human rights defender Anand Patwardhan, human rights activist and artist Mallika Sarabhai and Magsaysay Award winner Sandeep Pandey in criticizing Mr. Bhatts conviction, predicting that it would not stand under judicial scrutiny, and urging the Supreme Court to set him free immediately in order to uphold the rule of law.

Sanjiv Bhatt is widely believed to have been targeted only because he had claimed to be an eyewitness to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis complicity in the mass violence against Muslims during the Gujarat pogrom of 2002. The horrific violence, perpetrated by Hindu nationalist forces owing allegiance to the supremacist ideology of Hindutva, claimed the lives of over 2,000 people many of whom were raped and burnt alive. It led to the US Department of State revoking Mr. Modis US visa under the International Religious Freedom Act. The revocation was in place until Mr. Modi became Prime Minister of India.

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a bail hearing for Mr. Bhatt on January 22. Under Indian law, courts can grant bail to those convicted of various crimes, including murder, pending their appeal at higher courts. Mr. Bhatt was convicted in June 2019 for the death of a man in 1990. His defense was not allowed to cross-examine prosecution witnesses during the brief trial, nor was it allowed to present its own witnesses or submit evidence. Indias human rights groups have called it a sham trial.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, currently a member of Parliament and formerly an Undersecretary General at the United Nations, said he was outraged by the injustice meted out to Mr. Bhatt, whose conscientious service to society and indomitable capacity for speaking truth to power had put him in jail.

Sanjivs case is a reflection of the grim times that we live in, where constitutional values and fundamental privileges that have been granted by the constitution to all Indians appear in many cases to be diluted and in many cases perhaps even supplanted by illiberal forces, Dr. Tharoor said. All Indians with a conscience like Sanjiv Bhatts must stand up and fight back against such challenges that threaten to undermine the very foundation of our republic.

Filmmaker and human rights defender Anand Patwardhan said Mr. Bhatt had been jailed for no other reason than the fact that he opposed the massacre in 2002 and spoke against it. Mr. Patwardhan said the civil society should build a movement for Mr. Bhatts release.

Human rights activist, classical dancer and actor Mallika Sarabhai said there was a definite agenda not only in the retribution against Mr. Bhatt but in the case of most critics of the Modi government. If anyone speaks against the government or asks a question, which is a fundamental right of our democracy, they are somehow punished. Raids are carried out against them, false cases are brought up, fraudulent charges are made, and they are made to silence, Ms. Sarabhai said.

I hope that today we will be able to appeal to the better sense of our great courts to say what is being done to Sanjiv is wrong and needs to be corrected immediately, she said. Vindictiveness should find no place in our courts or in any of the decisions taken. It is a sign of weakness and it is a sign of fear. And our courts can neither be weak nor fearful. I hope that our appeal will see that Sanjiv gets a fair trial and that this case is dismissed as the frivolous case that it is.

She said she was deeply worried as Indias dependable institutions such as the Supreme Court had keeled over to the powers that be. The Supreme Court was today taking cases which are liked by the government on an urgent basis; and other cases which are extremely important and involve thousands of people have been left to stew, she said. Dozens of human rights fighters, educators and writers were in jail without bail, without even the slightest courtesy for their age of any other infirmity.

Gandhian activist and Magsaysay Award winner Sandeep Pandey said Mr. Bhatt was the most courageous of all police officers as he filed an affidavit stating that Narendra Modi had chaired a meeting in which the police officers were told to go soft on the Hindutva brigade which was rampaging against the Muslims. Mr. Pandey said that manipulation of cases was a common story in the Modi government.

Mr. Pandey cited the case of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath, who had 16 cases against him, including a case of murder and inciting riot, but the cases were withdrawn later. They manipulate cases so that either the witnesses are threatened or the people who have filed the cases are threatened to withdraw the cases and the judges are influenced so that the people who have committed the crimes are not convicted.

If Mr. Bhatts affidavit was taken seriously by the court, proceedings will begin against Mr. Modi and obviously that cannot happen because he is now Prime Minister. Sanjiv is paying a price for what he did and the people who are in power are in a situation right now to be able to manipulate things, so that they can get away with their crimes. Everyone knows about it.

The crimes committed by Mr. Modi, Indias home minister Amit Shah and Mr. Adityanath were well known but because they are in power they can evade action against themselves.

Renowned activist S. R. Darapuri, who is a former Inspector-General of Police in Uttar Pradesh, said he could related to Mr. Bhatts predicament as they both were upright and righteous police officers who had both been at the receiving end of State oppression.

Mr. Bhatt was not involved in any way in the case in which he has been falsely implicated. He has been prosecuted and convicted merely because he dared to expose the involvement of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat in the 2002 pogrom, Mr. Darapuri said. Mr. Bhatts situation is not unusual as it has become the unavoidable fate of those who dare to question the State.

A large number of human rights activists and other prominent personalities who have dedicated their lives to the social cause are facing the same consequences, said Mr. Darapuri, who was arrested in Uttar Pradesh last year for opposing the anti-Muslim Citizenship (Amendment) Act. said. Unfortunately, our criminal justice system has been subverted to serve the interest of those in power. The world must recognize the impending danger of the onslaught of fascism in India, he added.

Womens rights activist Arundhati Dhuru said even thirty years ago in his early career Mr. Bhatt never used the power of his baton or firearms but he always always stood by the side of the people to fight against oppression. This is a testing time for the honorable Supreme Court of India to uphold the same constitution by the rule of law, and take out all the charges and release [Mr. Bhatt] unconditionally.

Saurin Shah, Ahmedabad-based lawyer who defended Mr. Bhatt at his flawed trial, gave a detailed chronology of the case. In October 1990, Mr. Bhatt was posted at Jamnagar, Gujarat, when local police arrested 133 rioters, one of whom died 18 days after release. Importantly, none of the 133 people, including the person who died later at a private hospital, had made any allegations of police torture or brutality, even when they met a magistrate. The medical record at the jail where the rioters were imprisoned do not mention any injuries to anyone.

The alleged murder victim, Prabhudas, was twice examined by the jail doctor and at the local government hospital, and none recorded any complaint of torture or injuries.

Commending Mr. Bhatt as a brave officer who spoke truth to power, Raju Rajagopal, co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights, recalled that Mr. Bhatt had witnessed the fateful decision by Mr. Modi, who was at that time Gujarats chief minister, that the law enforcement shall stand down to give Hindu nationalist organizations free rein to attack Muslims. Mr. Bhatt had been incessantly hounded by the authorities since that time, Rajagopal said.

In 2018, he was interrogated on a decades-old case, was tried on completely bogus charges without any opportunity for the defense to call their witnesses, and was put him away for life.

Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director of Indian American Muslim Council, said the Indian government must stop politically managing Mr. Sanjiv Bhats case and let the law take its course under the supervision of independent judges not the judges who are either scared of government or have themselves becomes political.

There is no ambiguity that Mr. Sanjiv Bhatts conviction and incarceration are politically motivated and that the charges against him are baseless, Mr. Ahmed said. The courts clearly know it but the political masters want him silenced so that their own crimes stay in the dark rooms out of the public eye.

Mr Ahmed said that Mr. Bhatt deserved a fair trial and an independent judiciary.

IAMC and HfHR have pledged to continue the struggle, not only to secure Mr. Sanjiv Bhatts release but to end the victimization of human rights defenders, journalists and whistleblowers. Both organizations expressed confidence that ultimately the forces of hate and division would be defeated in their attempt to subvert pluralism and democracy in India.
Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (881) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (897) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (851) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (852) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (942) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (701)
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nevro Corp. (NYSE: NVRO), a global medical device company that is providing innovative, evidence-based solutions for the treatment of chronic pain, today announced the results from data presentations at NANS supporting the use of HF10 therapy for patients with chronic pain, including results from the Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN) and Non-Surgical Refractory Back Pain (NSRBP) randomized clinical trials (RCT). Results were presented at the 2021 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Virtual Meeting held from January 14-16, 2021.

"Nevro once again had a substantial presence at this year's NANS meeting, with data presented from 20 clinical abstracts, including late-breaking abstract results from our SENZA-PDN and SENZA-NSRBP randomized clinical trials, both of which demonstrated highly favorable results to important pre-specified endpoints at six- and 12-months in the PDN study and three-months in the NSRBP study," said D. Keith Grossman, Chairman, CEO and President of Nevro. "No other SCS treatments have demonstrated such positive results in treating PDN and NSRBP patients, and we believe there is a significant opportunity to expand an innovative treatment option to patients who are unable to find relief with currently available options."

"We would like to thank Dr. Petersen, Dr. Kapural, the SENZA-PDN and SENZA-NSRBP investigators, and the many other clinical investigators studying HF10 therapy for presenting their results at NANS," Mr. Grossman continued. "We are proud to continue our longstanding commitment to investing in the field of neuromodulation and expanding our growing body of clinical evidence to treat underserved patient populations suffering from debilitating chronic pain."

Sustained Benefits of 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial Results1

Nevro's SENZA-PDN trial is the largest PDN RCT of SCS treatment conducted to date with 216 randomized subjects. The data presented at NANS highlighted complete 6-month results and analysis of all prespecified secondary endpoints and a first look at 12-month pain relief and preliminary crossover results. Key findings at six months, presented by lead Principal Investigator Dr. Erika Petersen, Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, included significantly improved and sustained outcomes with 10kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation versus Conventional Medical Management.

Data from the SENZA-PDN trial formed the basis of the company's recent PMA supplement submission to the FDA. This submission, assuming a six-month review cycle and regulatory approval from the FDA, would position the company to achieve approval and initiate U.S. launch activities for the Senza System and HF10 therapy for treatment of chronic pain in PDN patients in the second half of 2021.

Spinal Cord Stimulation at 10kHz for Non-Surgical Refractory Back Pain: Multicenter RCT Primary Endpoint Results2

Nevro's SENZA-NSRBP RCT data included 3-month primary endpoint results in 159 randomized subjects from 15 study centers. Key findings at 3 months, presented by lead investigator Dr. Leonardo Kapural, Medical Director for the Carolinas Pain Institute, included superior responder rate and significant pain relief for 10kHz SCS cohort versus Conventional Medical Management.

RESCUE3 and Waveform Pairing Studies4

Other Nevro data presented at this year's NANS meeting included the RESCUE study, which evaluated 120 patients who failed traditional SCS, and the Waveform Pairing study, which evaluated 230 patients who were provided waveform pairing programming to optimize their treatment. The RESCUE study demonstrates HF10 therapy as an effective therapeutic option to "rescue" failed traditional SCS patients with relief from chronic pain and provides more evidence that HF10 operates with a frequency dependent mechanism of action. The Waveform Pairing study demonstrated increased versatility and waveform pairing may help improve therapeutic outcomes in difficult to treat patient populations. Both of these studies reinforce the importance of access to 10 kHz therapy, whether independently or paired, to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

For a complete list of Nevro's NANS presentations, please visit https://conferences.nevro.com/nans21/.

Replay of Nevro NANS Investor Briefing

An archived recording of Nevro's virtual investor briefing at NANS is available in the "Investors" section of Nevro's website at www.nevro.com.

1 Petersen et al. Sustained Benefits of 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial Results.

2 Kapural et al. Spinal Cord Stimulation at 10kHz for Non-Surgical Refractory Back Pain: Multicenter RCT Primary Endpoint Results.

3 Kapural et al. Journal of Pain Research 2020:13 28612867.

4 Russo, M et al. Improved Versatility and Frequency Pairing Capabilities with 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pain.

E-Poster presented at the North American Neuromodulation Society Meeting 2021 Orlando, FL.

Internet Posting of Information

Nevro routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investor Relations" section of its website at www.nevro.com. The company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Nevro website regularly for important information about Nevro.

About Nevro

Headquartered in Redwood City, California, Nevro is a global medical device company focused on providing innovative products that improve the quality of life of patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain. Nevro has developed and commercialized the Senza spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, an evidence-based, non-pharmacologic neuromodulation platform for the treatment of chronic pain. HF10 therapy has demonstrated the ability to reduce or eliminate opioids in 65% of patients across six peer-reviewed clinical studies. The Senza System, Senza II System, and the Senza Omnia System are the only SCS systems that deliver Nevro's proprietary HF10 therapy. Senza, Senza II, Senza Omnia, HF10, Nevro and the Nevro logo are trademarks of Nevro Corp.

To learn more about Nevro, connect with us on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting the company's current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including: our belief that, in relation to our SNZA-PDN and SENZA-NSRBP study results, no other SCS treatments have demonstrated such positive results in treating PDN and NSRBP patients and there is a significant opportunity to expand an innovative treatment option to patients who are unable to find relief with currently available options; and our belief that our PDN submission to FDA, assuming a six-month review cycle and regulatory approval from the FDA, would position the company to achieve approval and initiate U.S. launch activities for the Senza System and HF10 therapy for treatment of chronic pain in PDN patients in the second half of 2021. These forward-looking statements are based upon information that is currently available to us or our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof, and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including our ability to successfully commercialize our products; our ability to manufacture our products to meet demand; the level and availability of third-party payor reimbursement for our products; our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth and the costs and expenses of operating our business; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary technologies; our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights and proprietary technology of third parties; competition in our industry; additional capital and credit availability; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and product liability claims. These factors, together with those that are described in greater detail in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2020, as well as any reports that we may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation, except as required by law, or undertaking to update or revise any such forward-looking statements.

Investors and Media:

Julie Dewey, IRC

Nevro Corp.

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corp Communications

650-433-3247 | [email protected]

SOURCE Nevro Corp.

Related Links

http://www.nevro.com



Economists generally estimate that the production of petroleum from Canadian tar sands is only profitable when global oil prices range between $65 and $100. But oil prices averaged only about $40 a barrel over the course of 2020 and are expected to remain below $50 a barrel through 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration, the statistics office of the Energy Department.

This is going to have greater symbolic importance than market importance, said Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners, a nonpartisan research firm, of the new administrations plans to rescind the projects permit. The Keystone XL has been pending for a decade. If you can go one decade without it, investors might reasonably question if you can go three.

Experts noted that even if the oil that would be produced and moved by the pipeline was eventually burned, its contribution to global warming would be infinitesimal compared with the greenhouse gases produced by entire economic sectors, such as automobiles. But Mr. Biden is also expected to move quickly to reinstate Obama-era controls on auto pollution, which Mr. Trump had rolled back. It will likely be a year or more before those rules could be legally back in place.

In terms of climate change policy, there is so much else that can be done that makes a bigger difference, said Robert Stavins, an environmental economist at Harvard. However, I can see the new administration looking to abandon Keystone because it is something that can be done quickly with a stroke of a pen without Congress.

Had it been completed, the pipeline was designed to take as much as 830,000 barrels a day of Canadian and North Dakota crude to refineries in Texas and Louisiana for processing into oil that could be exported oversees or used to enhance domestic supplies.

The loss of Keystone XL is yet another blow to the oil-producing province of Alberta, which has been struggling with low prices for more than five years.

Last spring, its government invested $1.1 billion and offered loan guarantees to keep the project alive. Several experts said that most of that money is likely now gone.
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
California's state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Erica S. Pan on Sunday recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory," Pan said in a statement.

She said more than 330,000 doses from the lot arrived in California between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers.

Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.

Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.

However, six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination centre on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.

The CDC has said the vaccine can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, which are normal signs that your body is building protection".

However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna, the rate of anaphylaxis  in which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to drop  was about 1 in 100,000.

The announcement came as California counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to reduce its rate of infection, which has led to record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.

California, with a population of 40 million, has received about 3.5 million vaccine doses and has only administered about a third of them, according to the CDC.

So far, the state has vaccinated just 2,468 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to the federal data.

Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week said anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate so many people and are concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes first.

On Monday, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District sent a letter to state and county public health officials asking for authorization to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at schools for staff, local community members and for students once a vaccine for children has been approved.

Doing so will help reopen schools as soon as possible, and in the safest way possible," Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote.

California is nearing 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 33,600 people have died since the start of the pandemic last year, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County  the nation's most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemic  works out to about one person every six minutes.

On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.

The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years," the agency said.

California has had about 500 deaths and 40,000 new cases daily for the past two weeks. Although hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions remained on a slight downward trend, officials have warned that could reverse when the full impact from transmissions during Christmas and New Year's Eve gatherings is felt.

As case numbers continue to rise in California, the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase," the state Department of Public Health said in a statement Sunday.

Adding to concerns, California is experiencing new, possibly more transmissible forms of COVID-19.

The state health department announced Sunday that an L452R variant of the virus is increasingly showing up in genetic sequencing of COVID-19 test samples from several counties.

The variant was first identified last year in California and in other states and countries but has been identified more frequently since November and in several large outbreaks in Northern California's Santa Clara County, the department said.

Overall, the variant has been found in at least a dozen counties. In some places. testing has found the variant in a quarter of the samples sequenced, said Dr. Charles Chiu, a virologist and professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

However, not all test samples receive genetic sequencing to identify variants so its frequency wasn't immediately clear.

However, health officials said it was linked to a Christmas-time outbreak at Kaiser Permanente San Jose that infected at least 89 staff members and patients, killing a receptionist. The outbreak has been blamed on an employee who visited the hospital emergency room wearing an air-powered inflatable Christmas tree costume.

The variant is different from another mutation, B117, that was first reported in the United Kingdom and appears to spread much more easily, although it doesn't appear to make people sicker.

That variant has already shown up in San Diego County and Los Angeles County announced over the weekend that it had detected its first case.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
More than 4 million people have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Britain, according to official data on Monday which showed there had been a further 37,535 cases reported and 599 deaths within 28 days of a positive test

A total of 4,062,501 people have received their first shot Public Health England said as the government ramps up the vaccination programme.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination: 23 elderly people dead after Pfizer shot in Norway
(Image: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File)

United States President-elect Joe Biden has promised to administer 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 100 days and even his advisers are sceptical that this can be done. Yet Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to inoculate 300 million people in roughly the same time, and there is little doubt that he will succeed. India was also able to run an election with a nearly a billion people without the drama and turmoil of the US presidential elections.

What is the difference? It comes down to having a strong federal government  which takes responsibility for national emergencies  and facilitating democracy.

The disarray of the US SARS-CoV2 vaccine rollout and distribution will likely result in tens or even hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths. The vaccines are highly effective yet millions of doses remain sitting in coolers in hospitals around the country. How is this possible? Why arent they sticking needles into arms literally the minute the vaccine coolers roll off the trucks?

The answer is Ronald Reagan and the mistrust of Big Government. The US has long enjoyed a healthy dose of scepticism towards government solutions. Yet it owes its existence as a nation to Big Government. Prior to the formation of the Continental Army and the awarding of the US Federal Government to raise funds for the army, the early colonial soldiers were destitute, hungry and poorly equipped. The US didnt defeat Adolf Hitler by hoping that each state could supply enough troops and that their radio systems would communicate with each other. Wars have traditionally been a job for Big Government, and rightly so.

National emergencies that require top-down decisions on key matters have almost always done better when Big Government stepped in to take charge. This extends into the public health realm. The victory over smallpox was a product of Big Government, with a centralised plan to eradicate the scourge. The US did not make progress towards clean water and clean air without Big Government intervention. Likewise, the Acid Rain crisis was addressed through market forces brought to bear by Big Government. State-by-state laws on the pollutants causing acid rain would not have worked nearly as well.

Reagan famously said, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'. This quote has animated much of conservative thinking ever since. The idea that Big Government is invariable intrusive, incompetent and unnecessary became a key attribute that nearly every conservative lawmaker had to recite and pay fealty to.

Reagan was a product of his time and place. He was reacting to a Soviet menace and the clear failure of centralised economic planning that ultimately destroyed the Eastern Bloc. Reagan was also tapping into a long history of the American frontier ethos holding that people can and almost always should do it themselves without government interference. Yet Reagan himself pushed for and oversaw a broad military expansion, a clear manifestation of Big Government. In fact, Big Government was fine if it fit the political mould of military need.

This outmoded way of thinking is now hurting the US in its greatest hour of need. The US Federal government has until recently refused to provide any guidance to states on how to distribute vaccines. States have provided light guidance to hospitals. Hospitals have frozen, like deer in the headlights, and put in place questionable policies.

The basic guidance from the Federal Government has been that the first people to receive vaccines are frontline workers and care home residents. Even within these guidelines there is much room for interpretation. Are grocery store workers frontline? Are hospital administrative staff frontline workers? Should care home residents that have had COVID-19 and recovered receive the shot? If some of my hospital frontline workers refuse the shot, how long do I need to hold their doses in case they change their minds?

This debacle has cried out for guidance and simplicity. Vaccinate all healthcare workers first. Those who refuse the vaccine can receive it in the future but their dose will be immediately released for others. Vaccinate everyone over 65. Vaccinate all frontline workers like first responders, transit workers and workers in supermarkets. Require proof of employment but dont be precious about it. The perfect is the enemy of the good, and good enough is much better than letting vaccines go bad, as is currently happening. These are the sort of decisions that India made.

India has suffered economically more than most countries have. It has dire problems of hunger, poverty, and inequity. Yet, despite the additional setbacks caused by the pandemic, Modi showed a determination to demonstrate effective and reliable leadership in a time of crisis. He positioned himself as a modern-day CEO of the country and showed what good governance looks like.

This is why I went on Twitter and commented to NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant that the irony is that it may make sense for Washington to outsource vaccine delivery and inoculation to New Delhi.

The US should also get Indias help to run its elections.
A father filmed himself furiously confronting a man accused of grooming and raping his 14-year-old daughter when he allegedly visited her home to try and abuse her again.

Jamil Chowdhury, 22, allegedly exchanged an 'extraordinarily high' number of messages with the girl on Instagram after meeting her online last year, Sydney's Fairfield Court heard.

He is accused of engaging in oral sex with the girl and performing a sex act on her during a January 2 attack at her home in Villawood in Sydney's west.

When he allegedly tried to see the teenager again at her home on Monday night her family were waiting for him and restrained him until police arrived, the court heard.

Jamil Chowdhury, 22, is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Villawood in Sydney's west

The girl's mother (pictured) had told Chowdhury to stop contacting her daughter after allegedly seeing messages between them

Chowdhury denied messaging the girl in a police interview - instead claiming the girl signed into his account and then logged out to respond as herself.

Footage shows the father holding Chowdhury down as he cowered on a sofa holding his hands over his head.

'When he came in I got behind my daughter, closed the door and grabbed him on the neck,' the father told 7News.

The girl's mother became aware of the messages between the pair after the first sexual encounter, police alleged.

She then told Chowdhury her daughter was underage and to stop contacting her, the court heard.

But they allegedly continued to exchange messages and the court heard at one point they 'professed their love for each other'.

Chowdhury faced Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday afternoon where he was refused bail over the alleged sexual assault and grooming of the 14-year-old girl

A magistrate on Tuesday said it was highly unlikely the accused's version of events was true, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Court documents alleged Chowdhury met the teenage girl on December 1 last year and continued their 'indecent' chats on Instagram until Monday night.

Police alleged Chowdhury hoped this would make it easier to convince the girl to have sex with him.

He was charged with one count of having sexual intercourse with a child and one count of grooming a child over the age of 14 and under 16.

Chowdhury applied for bail on Tuesday afternoon but that application was refused by Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis.

He was ordered to reappear in court on February 9, 2021.
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.
Credit: Asociacion RUVID

An international study with the participation of the Natural History Museum (UV) has made the first record of a cave-dwelling Kinnaridae from the Old World. It is Valenciolenda fadaforesta, a species found in Valencian caves and a remnant of an ancient extinct fauna. The uniqueness of its characteristics makes it necessary to establish a new genus of Hemiptera. The work has been published in the journal Subterranean Biology.

According to the article, Valenciolenda fadaforesta is a tiny creature of exceptional morphology, with no eyes or ocelli, pale pigmentation and glassy wings bordered by bright blue waxy hair in males, which evokes images of a fairy. Hence its name, Valenciolenda fadaforesta, "fairy of the Valencian forests," since the specimens studied were found in the natural reserves of the Sierra Calderona and Les Rodanes of Vilamarxant.

An international research team led by the Humboldt-University (Berlin, Germany), of which biologist Sergio Montagud (Natural History Museum of the University of Valencia) is a member, has just provided a detailed description of the ecology, behavior, distribution and state of conservation of this cave bug.

Like the rest of the hemiptera, the insects of this species feed on the sap of the plants and trees with their beak or stiletto. In the case of Valenciolenda fadaforesta, they obtain it from roots that penetrate down into the caves. The nymphs, as usual, do not have wings. However, they are well-developed as adults, which is in contrast to much underground life. "This is a very interesting species," says Sergio Montagud. "The males show very marked ornamentation, which has been observed in other cave species and whose function we do not know. We don't think they can fly, but they are capable of considerable leaps and can use their wings to glide," he says.

The registry of this ancestral hemiptera is incorporated into the ZooBank and GenBank, international databases of zoological nomenclature and genetic sequences, to contribute new data to the study of underground biodiversity. The species represents the first record of a cave-dwelling kinnarid from the Old World; the first record also of a cave hemiptere from continental Spain, and it is the seventh species of cave kinnarid in the world.

The very absence of representatives of this family in continental Europe reinforces the biogeographical interest of this discovery. "Valenciolenda descends from a species that was once epigeal, that is, not underground, and that must have lived in an ecosystem and among a completely different fauna," the biologist explains. "Those conditions changed and the current representatives of the family are distributed in remote areas. Valenciolenda adapted to the subterranean world as a survivor of that fauna that has now disappeared, just as there are other species of relict invertebrates in Valencian caves that tell us about those extinct ancestors, such as the Ildobates neboti beetle," he adds.

The unexpected discovery of Valenciolenda fadaforesta in an Iberian cave highlights the importance of underground biodiversity. The study of cave fauna can provide valuable information on the evolutionary and biogeographic history of organisms and their adaptations to the subterranean environment, but fundamentally, it provides science with data on the composition of ecosystems in the past and on the development and evolution of biodiversity on Earth. "Along with fossils, cave-dwelling organisms are, today, our best window to the past," Montagud concludes.

Explore further Tiny cave snail with muffin-top waistline rolls out of the dark in Laos

More information: Hannelore Hoch et al. First record of a cavernicolous Kinnaridae from the Old World (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoromorpha, Kinnaridae, Adolendini) provides testimony of an ancient fauna, Subterranean Biology (2021). Hannelore Hoch et al. First record of a cavernicolous Kinnaridae from the Old World (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoromorpha, Kinnaridae, Adolendini) provides testimony of an ancient fauna,(2021). DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.37.60483
Spokesman for the Iranian government Ali Rabiee denied reports that talks have been held behind the scenes between Iranian diplomats and representatives of US President-elect Joe Biden.

We have not received any message from Mr. Bidens team, Rabiee told a virtual presser in Tehran, Jan. 18  just two days before the incoming president's inauguration. He was addressing media speculation about the two sides engaging in informal talks that could set out the framework for future negotiations on the United States returning to the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In a Jan. 16 report, Israels Channel 12 claimed that negotiations had already started between unnamed members of Bidens circle and Iranian officials about the new administrations plans to rejoin the 2015 accord. No further details were released.

Rabiee reaffirmed Irans official position that any such negotiations would be pointless before the new US government lifts sanctions that were triggered by President Donald Trumps departure from the JCPOA. He noted that Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Tehran has failed, advising Biden that there is no other wise way than to abolish the policy.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has on multiple occasions signaled willingness for rapprochement with the incoming US administration should the latter remove the sanctions. Yet the stance has pitted Rouhani against powerful hard-liners at home who have supported such contentious measures such as boosting nuclear enrichment to a level that may overshadow any US-Iran opening.

In his first few days in office, Biden is expected to reverse several controversial Trump-era executive orders that could see the United States reenter the Paris Climate Agreement. Nonetheless, according to oil strategist Julian Lee, a return to the JCPOA and an immediate removal of sanctions on Irans oil industry are not yet on Bidens priority list.

Despite the uncertainty around possible US-Iran talks, positive signs ahead of Bidens inauguration have already appeared in the Iranian foreign exchange market.

Irans national currency, the rial, which has in the past 10 months experienced the sharpest nosedives in its history, is now bouncing back, regaining some 10% of its value in one week.

The recovery seems to have been prompted by Rouhanis comment last week that with the US return to the JPCOA and the subsequent removal of international banking restrictions, the Iranian currency could enjoy an immediate 50% boost. And while the target has yet to be met, there have been considerable price drops across the auto and housing markets, which have been shaken by unprecedented turbulence due to the US sanctions.
Oil prices have tripled in nine months. Brent averaged just US$18/bbl last April, as demand collapsed and the market was swamped with crude. As the effects of the pandemic unfolded, the mood turned increasingly bearish. Ann-Louise Hittle, Head of Macro Oils, was among those who saw light at the end of the tunnel, anticipating that it wouldnt last and that oil prices would stage a strong recovery inside 12 months, Hellenic Shipping News writes in the article How the oil market plays out in 2021.

Brents recent move to over US$56/bbl prompted me to ask how she sees things developing from here.

First, demand will continue to recover strongly through 2021. The bounce from the April low has been spectacular, global demand already up 15 million b/d. Asia, one-third of global demand, is almost back to the Q4 2019 peak. Demand in North America and Europe has also jumped, though both are still well below 2019 Q4 levels. Rising Covid-19 cases and new, strict lockdowns in the UK and parts of Europe have led us to lower our forecast for global demand in 2021 by 0.4 million b/d in our early January update. But the roll-out of an effective vaccine programme, now underway, boosts our confidence that well see a resurgence in global economic growth this year (GDP growth up 4.6%), which is bullish for oil. We expect global demand to increase another 6.3 million b/d, and to reach just under 99 million b/d by year end, 1 million b/d below the Q4 2019 peak.

Second, active management of supply remains critical in the short run to drive down stubbornly high inventories. Last Aprils OPEC+ agreement to cut 9.7 million b/d of production helped stabilise the market and, just as importantly, sent a strong message of intent. Saudi Arabias decision at the 5 January OPEC+ meeting to cut another 1 million b/d of its own output for two months highlights its determination to hold OPEC+ together and get the market back on an even keel. As a result, prices have jumped 10% since the end of 2020. As demand picks up through this year, we foresee a progressive implied inventory drawdown through the second half of 2021. We expect Brent to reach US$60/bbl by year end on the improving fundamentals.

Third, the geopolitics of the oil market are starting to shift. Saudi Arabias normalising of relations with Qatar and Irans holding of a South Korean oil tanker reflect the transition to a new US administration. President Trump was active and intrusive in the oil market; we expect Joe Biden will be more Obama-style, his influence more discreet. He will look to leverage whats shaping up to be an experienced and worldly foreign policy team. Bidens initial focus will undoubtedly be the domestic agenda  to alleviate the surging pandemic in the US, drive economic recovery and secure US jobs. Democratic control of the Senate means he can try to progress the climate agenda, including support for renewable energy and electric vehicles, with their potential for investment and employment in the US. Foreign policy related to the oil market will be low down the initial Biden list. Iran is an elephant in the room, capable of delivering 1 million b/d of oil exports within months  if sanctions were lifted. We expect this issue to be put on the back burner, at least until after Irans own presidential elections in June 2021.

Fourth, with upstream investment at a 15-year low, 2021 will be another step towards a potential squeeze in oil supply. Non-OPEC supply, excluding Russia, has already been hit hard by the price collapse of 2020, down 2 million b/d in the 10 months since the crisis began, the Lower 48 accounting for 1.5 million b/d, taking production to under 9 million b/d. The Lower 48 rig count has jumped by over 100 from the Q3 2020 lows to 338 as WTI has risen. The count will exceed 400 by end Q1 on our estimates, only enough to stabilise production  we dont expect output to climb back above 9 million b/d until H2 2022. The industry is adhering to tight capital discipline to repair balance sheets after the damage inflicted by the crisis of 2020. Most free cash flow generated in 2021, whether in the US L48 or the wider industry, will go to paying down debt rather than recycled. The lack of investment in supply will come home to roost as oil demand recovers  we expect demand to be over 100 million b/d again by late 2022. We think theres a risk of a significant tightening in the supply and demand balance which will lift Brent above US$70/bbl by mid-decade.
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 Montclair Education Association called for elementary teachers to continue with remote instruction just as they are set to return to the school buildings for in-person classes next week  the first time since March when schools were shuttered statewide.

The teachers union said it has not received proof of building updates, including fixes to ventilation systems. The union also requested professional development days for teachers to prepare for a hybrid setting.

...Our elementary staff is being mandated to return to their buildings without sufficient training, communication of an effective academic plan for all learners, and any evidence that the building is able to support the healthy learning environments needed to teach all of our students safely, the union said in a release.

Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ponds said in a letter to families on Jan. 15 that teachers would be given professional development days and time to set up their classrooms. The letter said engineering consultants inspected and approved modifications to ventilation systems.

The superintendent did not directly respond to NJ Advance Medias questions about what type of updates were completed and how much they cost in a statement.

After months of preparation, I am pleased to report that the Montclair Public Schools District has met the health and safety standards needed in order to reopen in person as required by the New Jersey Department of Education, Ponds said in an email. As you are aware, every school in New Jersey is mandated to offer in-person instruction.

The district plans to have pre-K to 5th grade teachers and students return for hybrid instruction on Jan. 25, and 6-12 graders are to return for hybrid classes on Feb. 8. Pre-K students whose families have chosen in-person instruction will be in school five days a week for about three hours.

Elementary teachers have already begun to return to the school buildings to set up their classrooms.

About 1,000 people signed a petition calling on Ponds and the local school board to have students and faculty continue remote learning, Montclair Local first reported.

The Montclair Education Association said coronavirus cases continue to rise throughout the state and in town. The decision to reopen is incomprehensible with the anticipation of the COVID-19 vaccine availability right around the corner.

All of New Jerseys 21 counties were classified last week as having high COVID activity, according to the state Department of Health. That means, under state health guidelines, that school districts are encouraged to consider switching to all-virtual instruction.

As of the end of last week, there were 80 districts with full in-person instruction classes, up from 77 on Jan. 4.

Another 360 districts were offering a hybrid of in-person and remote classes (up from 348), 325 were all-remote (down from 339), and 46 were using a mix of remote, in-person, and hybrid learning (down from 47).

This story was updated with a statement from Ponds.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.
It was reported at the second meeting of the NEC that the council has joined hands with the NA Standing Board, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee in the preparation work.

As of January 14, the issuance of documents regarding the elections of deputies to the 15th legislature, and all-level Peoples Councils for the 2021-2026 tenure has been completed.

Efforts have been made to ensure security and safety for the elections, according to chief of the office of the NEC Nguyen Hanh Phuc. Meanwhile, election committees have been set up swiftly in localities.

The council agreed that an online national conference implementing the election work will take place on January 21.

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, also chair of the NEC, asked the councils sub-committees and office to promptly completed documents and provide advice for the council in this regard.
The violent mob that laid siege to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 carried symbols expressing the purpose of their insurrectionist campaign to derail Joe Bidens electoral certification.

Alongside American flags, anti-Semitic banners and Confederate battle flags flew the yellow-and-red striped flag of the former South Vietnam. This confounded many onlookers. One reddit user wondered why the mostly white anarchist mob had coopted South Vietnamese iconography.

The rioters flying the South Vietnamese flag were more likely Vietnamese American supporters of Donald Trump.

Election surveys find that Vietnamese Americans were the only Asian American group in which a majority voted for Trump last year. They are attracted to Trumps hard-line stance against China, anti-communist rhetoric and self-avowed commitment to protecting America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, according to journalists and researchers.

The South Vietnamese flag recalls Vietnams own failed democracy  and the peoples struggle to save their nation.

A nationalist flag

After Vietnam gained independence from French colonial rule in 1954, the country split into two, sparking a civil war. The U.S. helped establish and back South Vietnam, a pro-Western democratic republic that fought communist North Vietnam. American ground troops formally joined the war to defend the south in 1965.

In 1975, opposition forces overtook the South Vietnamese capital, Saigon. Crashing through the gates of the main palace, they seized the building and raised the flag of the revolutionary northern government.

The fall of Saigon was the turning point of the Vietnam War, which caused over 1 million North Vietnamese deaths, military and civilian, and a quarter-million South Vietnamese casualties. The war killed nearly 50,000 American troops and displaced about half a million people.

Many Vietnamese refugees sought asylum in the United States. Today, they invoke the ongoing cultural value of this fallen regime by flying the South Vietnam flag at Lunar New Year parades and musical concerts.

The flag reflects community solidarity, but it also has a more fraught symbolic meaning.

As I wrote in my 2018 book Returns of War: South Vietnam and the Price of Refugee Memory, some Vietnamese Americans view their fallen homeland as an extension of the American push for freedom and democracy worldwide. I have interviewed Vietnamese American soldiers who fear American freedom is failing and fervently believe in the United States activity in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

For them, flying the South Vietnam flag is a show of nationalism  a militarized patriotism that is simultaneously South Vietnamese and American.

Changing political loyalties

I have also observed how Trump employs old anti-communist tactics that appeal to some conservatives in this community.

Last year, he tweeted for his followers to liberate the country by force from COVID-19 lockdowns. Hours before the Capitol insurrection, he urged supporters to fight like hell to defend his administration.

A handful of Vietnamese Americans heeded that call, participating in local stop the steal rallies in California. Participants at the Capitols armed takeover have only begun to be identified, but media outlets captured what appear to be Vietnamese Americans holding up the South Vietnamese flag.

Different from their white counterparts, they were inspired to subvert democracy by the memory and politics of the fall of Saigon.

Vietnamese fealty to the Republican Party may be waning. Social scientists find younger Vietnamese Americans lean more progressive. Born after 1975, they never fought communism nor fled it as refugees. Like their parents, though, these Vietnamese Americans live in a country at war with itself.

Bui is an associate professor of global and international studies at University of California, Irvine. This piece was first published in The Conversation.
TOLEDO, Ohio  A police officer was shot and killed Monday during a standoff with an arson suspect, according to reports.

Brandon Stalker, 24, was taken to a hospital after being shot once but died of his wounds, WTOL Channel 11 reports. The 27-year-old suspect also died at the hospital of gunshot wounds, reports say.

This is a very dark and hurtful day for the city of Toledo, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said, according to WTVG Channel 13. The events that took place today challenge all of us in how best we should respond to the sadness that we feel in our hearts. For those who react with feelings of hatred and a desire to take our community into a darker place, I might simply say that Dr. King said Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.

Police tell WTOL that the gunman was a suspect in a fire that occurred Monday morning at Rosary Cathedral in Toledo. WTVG reports officers spotted the suspect Monday afternoon standing beside a street in the city and that when they approached, he brandished a firearm and went inside a residence.

A SWAT unit was called in and negotiations with the suspect lasted about two hours, reports say. The negotiations were unsuccessful, so police fired tear gas into the home.

The suspect then reportedly came out of the house with two firearms and began firing. Stalker and the suspect both were wounded, WTOL reports.

Stalker was engaged to be married and had a young child, reports say. He is the second Toledo police officer to be killed in less than a year.

Fran and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a tweet. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, Chief , and the everyone at the Toledo Police Department.

DeWine has ordered that all U.S. and Ohio flags in Lucas County be flown at half-staff in honor of Stalker.

More crime-related content on cleveland.com:

Two Kent police officers involved in shooting after home invasion were released Saturday from hospital

Akron SWAT team has standoff with man after woman says he wouldnt stop calling her

63-year-old Cleveland man dies after stabbing woman and then stabbing himself

Akron police arrest man on weapons charges Sunday following traffic stop on Shaw Avenue
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Select local governments in Eastern Visayas have banned the entry of live hogs and pork meat products due to confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Abuyog town, Leyte.

The said LGUs include Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, and Northern Samar province.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez ordered the closure of its borders from pigs and other pork products from Mindanao starting January 16.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Southern Leyte also issued an advisory banning the entry of undocumented swine, pork, and other pork products.

In the province of Northern Samar, Vice-Governor Gary Lavin issued an executive order prohibiting the entry of live hogs coming from Mindanao, Luzon, and the province of Leyte.

The ban started on January 18 and will last for two months.

According to the Department of Agriculture Region 8 information officer Francis Rosaroso, more than 500 live pigs infected with ASF were buried in Abuyog town after the agency confirmed the presence of ASF.

The DA has started culling hogs within the 500-meter radius of the affected farms in Abuyog town, in a bid to stop the spread of the infection.

CNN Philippines correspondent Wilmark Amazona contributed to this story.
MERCER ISLAND, Wash., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CarepathRx, a leader in pharmacy and medication management solutions, announced today the formation of a comprehensive partnership to fully integrate the pharmacy operations of Knox Community Hospital (KCH). This multi-year agreement will expand patient access to innovative specialty medications, hospital home infusion, 340B pharmacy, and long-term pharmacy in the home, all supported by CarepathRx's proprietary technology platform.

To meet the unique needs of patients that require home infusion, specialty therapies, and/or have chronic pharmacy needs, this partnership will help expand KCH's pharmacy capabilities and clinical support services to optimize patient care. "We are very excited about this partnership," said Keith Crawford, Chief Strategy Officer at CarepathRx. "Our end-to-end, integrated pharmacy solutions will allow KCH to connect pharmacy to the discharge process through our Transition of Care platform, build the capabilities to provide and administer home infusion, and optimize their 340B program through our technology and contract pharmacy services. These new competencies will help KCH advance patient continuity of care and improve their hospital financial performance."

"Building on our Mission to exceed the expectations of our community, we are excited to partner with CarepathRx to enhance patient care and positively impact patients' lives through expanded services from a provider they know and trust" said Robbi Jo Mitchell-Enderle, Medication Safety Officer and Director of Pharmacy at Knox Community Hospital. "By expanding services beyond the hospital, KCH will be able to continue our relationship with our patients, which will ultimately promote better outcomes."

About CarepathRx

CarepathRx is transforming pharmacy care delivery for health systems and hospitals, delivering improved patient outcomes that drive clinical, quality, and financial results. Through the industry's most comprehensive, end-to-end hospital pharmacy care delivery model, CarepathRx is turning hospital pharmacy into an active care management strategy and revenue generator while providing support across the patient's complete healthcare journey. The company takes an enterprise approach, providing a powerful combination of technology, market-leading clinical pharmacy services, and wrap-around services that optimize pharmacy performance across the enterprise for fully integrated pharmacy operations, expanded healthcare services, improved ambulatory access, minimized clinical variation and new health system revenue streams. Today, CarepathRx serves more than 15 health systems and 600 hospitals, with more than 1,500 employees nationwide. For more information about CarepathRx, visit www.carepathrxllc.com.

About Knox Community Hospital

Knox Community Hospital is a 99-bed, Joint Commission-accredited, community hospital located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus. Members of the Knox Community Hospital medical staff represent numerous specialties offering a wide range of clinically excellent services surprising for a community hospital. Our dedicated staff, along with a strong team of volunteers, is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care. Knox Community Hospital's independent, not-for-profit status ensures that all remaining revenue after expenses is committed solely to improving patient services, technology, and facilities for the health of the people of Knox County and surrounding areas. www.kch.org

Contact: Keith Crawford/CarepathRx

Mobile: 720-854-5588

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Robbi Jo Mitchell-Enderle/Knox Community Hospital

Office: 740-393-9008

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE CarepathRx
It is said that taking a holiday can either make or break a relationship.

And it seems the former option is true for Locky Gilbert, 31, and Irena Srbinovska, 31, who were spotted looking absolutely smitten as they holidayed in Adelaide on Monday.

The Perth-based Bachelor couple were seen strolling hand-in-hand at Rundle Mall as they filmed content for their travel-themed Instagram pages.

Still going strong! Locky Gilbert, 31, and Irena Srbinovska, 31, who were spotted looking absolutely smitten as they filmed content for their Instagram pages in Adelaide on Monday

Locky and Irena had spent the past week road-tripping across the Nullarbor Plain from Perth to Adelaide, but showed no sign of fatigue as they played up to the camera.

Nurse Irena showcased her slender frame in a cleavage-baring black skivvy and a pair of high-waisted faded jeans.

She completed her ensemble with a pair of black leather booties, a cross-body handbag and a pair of sunglasses propped up on her head.

Say cheese! The Perth-based Bachelor couple were seen strolling hand-in-hand at Rundle Mall as they filmed content for their travel-themed social media pages

Up-beat: Locky and Irena had spent the past week road-tripping across the Nullarbor Plain from Perth to Adelaide, but showed no sign of fatigue as they played up to the camera

Stylish: Nurse Irena showcased her slender frame in a cleavage-baring black skivvy and a pair of high-waisted faded jeans

Allowing her blonde locks to fall loosely by her shoulders, the reality star enhanced her look with a simple pendant necklace and a silver ring.

Meanwhile, adventurer Locky draped his beefy frame in a grey T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

The beaded Lothario topped off his look with a black wrist watch, white-and-tan sneakers and a pair of sunglasses hung from his collar.

Elegant: Allowing her blonde locks to fall loosely by her shoulders, the reality star enhanced her look with a simple pendant necklace and a silver ring

These boots are made for styling! She completed her ensemble with a pair of black leather booties, a cross-body handbag and a pair of sunglasses propped up on her head

Giving the fans what they want! During their outing, Locky and Irena proved that they have online content-making down to a fine art

During their outing, Locky and Irena proved that they have online content-making down to a fine art.

The pair were joined by their own personal photographer, who dutifully captured every moment of Locky and Iren'a romantic stroll in the sun.

At one stage scene, Locky and Irena displayed their impressive presenting skills as they stood together and spoke to the camera.

And... rolling! The pair were joined by their own personal photographer, who dutifully captured every moment of Locky and Iren'a romantic stroll in the sun

They were later joined by a local fan, who seemed eager to appear on the famous couple's popular Instagram page.

After a chatting to the fan on-camera, the couple generously agreed to pose for a photo with the fan and a group of other passersby.

At another stage, the photographer was seen filming an off-the-cuff moment between Locky and Irena as they danced together and cuddled in front of a silver statue.

Giving back: After a chatting to a fan on-camera, the couple generously agreed to pose for a photo with the fan and a group of other passersby

Feeling clucky? Locky, who previously admitted he wanted Irena to be his 'baby mumma', effortlessly interacted with two young fans

Rugged: Adventurer Locky draped his beefy frame in a grey T-shirt and dark blue jeans

Cute! At another stage, the photographer was seen filming an off-the-cuff moment between Locky and Irena as they danced together and cuddled in front of a silver statue

Locky and Irena are set to spend a few days in Adelaide, before hitting the open road again.

They will next visit Victoria, where Irena was originally based prior to meeting Locky on The Bachelor last year.

Irena announced her decision to move to Locky's Perth hometown in September, and officially relocated to the Western Australian capital a month later.

Always on the move! Locky and Irena are set to spend a few days in Adelaide, before hitting the open road again

Homecoming: They will next visit Victoria, where Irena was originally based prior to meeting Locky on The Bachelor last year

'After many attempts we're finally in Perth,' she wrote on Instagram at the time.

'I had to apply for a G2G like everyone else and it wasn't easy. I was rejected time and time again but it was finally approved,' she enthused.

During her time on the Bachelor, Irena's former love rival Bella Varelis, 25, sensationally accused the nurse of faking her passion for hiking just to get close to Locky on The Bachelor.

However, the fact that Irena and Locky have spent most of their time as a couple embarking on hiking adventures since the show suggests otherwise
La Liste is also publishing the first edition of Gastronomy Observer

(free download at www.laliste.com/en/gastronomyobserver)

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The year 2021 kicks off with two initiatives which respond to the pandemic for La Liste, a prominent restaurant finder and worldwide classification since 2015. In solidarity with chefs and restaurants around the world, La Liste has canceled its annual ranking and today reveals a set of new special awards and an in-depth new publication, Gastronomy Observer, which draws on the guide's unmatched database to unearth emerging insights and innovations across our global food culture.

La Liste is best known for publishing its annual ranking of the top 1,000 best restaurants in the world, powered by the almost 900 sources which feed its algorithm. Guy Savoy (Paris), Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin, New York), Seiji Yamamoto (Ryugin, Tokyo) and Yosuke Suga (Sugalabo, Tokyo) retain their #1 position on La Liste Top 1,000 for another year.

10 new special prizes reward the work of those who have been able adapt and reinvent themselves during the crisis and contribute to building the gastronomy of tomorrow. There are 30 chefs, restaurants or concepts from 18 countries, all of them symbolic of a sector which never gives up. These awards reflect the richness, diversity and wonder of global gastronomy.

"Despite repeated closures and low morale, the restaurant sector never gives up. La Liste wants to be the catalyst to support restaurants' recovery by recognizing exceptional individuals who stand up to the crisis and shape the future of gastronomy", says Helene Pietrini, managing director newly appointed by Philippe Faure, founder of La Liste. She is known for her commitment to improving diversity and promoting inclusivity across the culinary landscape and previously managed The World's 50 Best Restaurants for several years.

Among the winners are the Ghanaian chef Selassie Atadika, a trailblazer for "New African" cuisines, sustainability leader Matt Orlando from Danish Amass restaurant, and Mashama Bailey, the breakout star of Southern cooking from the United States and inclusivity model.

Spain'sDabiz Munoz wins the Innovation Award for his GoXo fast-casual delivery empire, the perfect example of "pivoting" to feed our new culinary appetites.

"A storm is a perfect opportunity to dance under the rain," says Munoz of his approach to adapting. "In life, there are doors that close and leave you immersed into deep darkness, but when this happens, there's always a window, you just need to have talent and a lot of attitude to open it. In the XO world giving up is forbidden, and that's the story of my latest idea."

Gastronomy Observer is a new venture for La Liste. Led by co-founder and editor-in-chief Jorg Zipprick, it tells the story of a tumultuous year through the restaurant finder's database as well as academic studies, journalism and interviews. It illustrates and praises the great efforts of restaurateurs to feed others while developing new ways to survive amid multiple lockdowns. But it doesn't shy away from the dark side of the industry, and also covers abusive kitchen culture, hospitality's diversity problem, and MeToo in restaurants.

Helene Pietrini adds: "La Liste wanted to document and publicize the remarkable efforts of a sector which is essential to our culture, our economy, and our wellbeing. Out of this crisis, we're seeing the emergence of trends, talents and non-negotiable values which will grow and embed themselves within food culture. Gastronomy will always be ready to change and reinvent itself!"

For the full list of winners and to download Gastronomy Observer visit www.LaListe.com

New Destination Champion Award , sponsored by Moet Hennessy

Africa is in the spotlight thanks to its ambassador Selassie Atadika , female chef of the Ghanaian restaurant Midunu . With more than 1,150 African restaurants in its mobile app, La Liste intends to explore this continent as its food culture flourishes.

In France , Florent Ladeyn , a chef dedicated to eating locally, has put French Flanders back on the map with his Auberge Vert-Mont .

, sponsored by Moet Hennessy is in the spotlight thanks to its ambassador , female chef of the Ghanaian restaurant . With more than 1,150 African restaurants in its mobile app, La Liste intends to explore this continent as its food culture flourishes. In , , a chef dedicated to eating locally, has put French Flanders back on the map with his . Innovation Award , sponsored by Rungis International Market

The international award goes to Dabiz Munoz , who has built his GoXo fast-casual empire, a perfect example of an idea developed by the creative chef on social media when he was stuck at home, and then meticulously adapted for delivery in Madrid , and then Barcelona .

In France , the energy of Kayserberg's Olivier Nasti is unstoppable, and he's launched his high-end drive-in, a farmers' market, a food truck as well as takeaway menus from a range of famous chefs.

, sponsored by Rungis International Market The international award goes to , who has built his fast-casual empire, a perfect example of an idea developed by the creative chef on social media when he was stuck at home, and then meticulously adapted for delivery in , and then . In , the energy of Kayserberg's is unstoppable, and he's launched his high-end drive-in, a farmers' market, a food truck as well as takeaway menus from a range of famous chefs. Digital Influencer Award

Since the beginning of the lockdowns, Simone Zanoni , the Italian chef from restaurant L e George at Four Seasons Hotel George V , has created Italian recipes from his own kitchen. He's now put his motto Bomba Atomica to a range of food products and accessories available online. A genuine family adventure called Casa Zanoni which turned into a digital phenomenon.

Since the beginning of the lockdowns, , the Italian chef from restaurant L , has created Italian recipes from his own kitchen. He's now put his motto to a range of food products and accessories available online. A genuine family adventure called which turned into a digital phenomenon. Game Changer Award - Inclusivity

From the US, Mashama Bailey , the female chef at Grey in Savannah, Georgia , who trained in Burgundy before immersing herself in Southern food. She is an important new figure in American cooking but also a model for equality and inclusivity.

From the US, , the female chef at Grey in , who trained in Burgundy before immersing herself in Southern food. She is an important new figure in American cooking but also a model for equality and inclusivity. Ethical and Sustainability Award , sponsored by Accor Live Limitless

The chef-patron of Amass in Copenhagen , a zero-waste urban restaurant, Matt Orlando has applied the same principles to his new opening Amass Fried Chicken.

In France , female chef and entrepreneur Nadia Sammut , brings free-from cooking to life at her family's Auberge La Feniere in Luberon, which she took over to build a world which tastes better.

, sponsored by Accor Live Limitless The chef-patron of in , a zero-waste urban restaurant, has applied the same principles to his new opening Amass Fried Chicken. In , female chef and entrepreneur , brings free-from cooking to life at her family's in Luberon, which she took over to build a world which tastes better. Community Spirit Award

In France , Chefs with Caregivers from Elysee Palace head chef Guillaume Gomez and journalist Stephane Mejanes , and in Hong Kong , the Covid-19 Playbook developed by the founders of the Black Sheep Restaurants group. Both illustrate the strength of community spirit and generosity across the sector.

In , Chefs with Caregivers from Elysee Palace head chef and journalist , and in , the Covid-19 Playbook developed by the founders of the Black Sheep Restaurants group. Both illustrate the strength of community spirit and generosity across the sector. Artisan and Authenticity Award

From his Ferme de la Ruchotte en Burgundy, Fred Menager alternates between farmer and chef and cultivates honest, traditional cooking. In Japan , Masashi Yamada is keeping the tradition of irori cuisine alive by cooking game and fish on an open fire. In Mexico , Celia Florian cultivates Oaxacan traditions in her restaurant Las Quince Letras serving corn, beans and chillies alongside chapulines - grasshoppers

From his en Burgundy, alternates between farmer and chef and cultivates honest, traditional cooking. In , is keeping the tradition of cuisine alive by cooking game and fish on an open fire. In , cultivates Oaxacan traditions in her restaurant serving corn, beans and chillies alongside - grasshoppers Openings of the Year

New restaurants were rare in 2020 and therefore all the more deserving of recognition. We're awarding four restaurants: CocoCouture from restaurateur Matilda Shnurova in St Petersburg ; Kol , the most eagerly anticipated opening in the British capital from ex Noma Mexico chef Santiago Lastra ; Euphoria by Jason Tan in Singapore ; Ever from Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser , both formerly of Chicago's Grace.

New restaurants were rare in 2020 and therefore all the more deserving of recognition. We're awarding four restaurants: from restaurateur in ; , the most eagerly anticipated opening in the British capital from ex Noma Mexico chef ; in ; from , both formerly of Grace. New Talents of the Year , sponsored by Moet-Hennessy

Top Chef Mory Sacko opened Mosuke , his first restaurant in Paris ; Peruvian female chef Francesca Ferreyros is serving local cooking with Asian flavours at Baan while waiting for her first big opening, UNE; Antonio Bueno has launched Casa Bueno in Italy , only a few kilometers from Mirazur, where he was Mauro Colagreco's second in command for many years ; Daniel Smith , formerly of London's Clove Club, has embedded his inventive cooking with local produce at The Fordwich Arms in Britain's smallest town in Kent ; the Fillipino chef Josh Boutwood bubbles over with energy and has opened his third restaurant in Manila , The Test Kitchen .

, sponsored by Moet-Hennessy Top Chef opened , his first restaurant in ; Peruvian female chef is serving local cooking with Asian flavours at Baan while waiting for her first big opening, UNE; has launched in , only a few kilometers from Mirazur, where he was second in command for many years ; , formerly of Clove Club, has embedded his inventive cooking with local produce at in smallest town in Kent ; the Fillipino chef bubbles over with energy and has opened his third restaurant in , . Hidden Gem Awards go to eight restaurants worth an extra mile as soon as you can travel : La Femme du Boucher from female chef Laetitia Visse in Marseille , France ; Nur from female chef Najat Kaanache in Fez, Morocco ; Spanish seafood restaurant D'Berto from female chef Marisol Dominguez ; 102 House in Foshan, China which embodies a renaissance in Cantonese food ; Koks in the Faroe Islands , Langouste, a meeting point for all of Belgrade , Serbia ; Cafe Suisse and female chef Marie Robert in Bex, Switzerland ; and last but definitely not least the Willows Inn lead by Waine Bletzel on Lummi Island in Washington State , US.

In addition to this exceptional list, La Liste is proud to share the first ever edition of Gastronomy Observer, an in-depth report on the industry across 2020, which measures the impact of the pandemic on restaurants, and considers the resilience of the sector and its structures in terms of country and the government aid offered. This free digital publication was made possible because of the hundreds of sources in La Liste's database of 25,000 restaurants as well as scientific and academic studies, background articles and interviews. Innovations, trends and new models have been identified and illustrated, giving a global panorama of the year 2020 in restaurants.

A new culinary map is emerging. In every country, homeworking is killing custom in urban areas and attracting chefs to rural locations. Meanwhile gastronomic tourism is reinventing itself and restaurants are preparing for a new customer base.

Ghost kitchens will grow and may evolve further to follow the fast fashion model.

model. The demand for healthy, traceable and seasonal products is evident everywhere. A new appetite for traditional comfort food appears popular with those who have enjoyed home cooking during the lockdowns.

In the face of the crisis, the diversification in a restaurant's purpose will continue. The restaurant will no longer be a standalone venture but a brand with a showroom, and a concept led by a chef who is more an entrepreneur than a cook. Expect new dishes, new menus, takeaway, digitization and new types of relationships with both suppliers and customers.

The advent of a movement to rebuild the sector along sustainable lines, prioritizing equality, diversity, kindness, and solidarity. Humans are at the centre of this reinvention.

In 2021 La Liste will give priority to its database, which is able to locate more than 25,000 restaurants in 200 countries, more than any other guides. Beyond the best restaurants ranked in the Top1000, you will find thousands of favorite addresses, hidden gems, and iconic spots reflecting the excellence but also the diversity of the world of gastronomy. The App is available in nine languages on Android and IOS. Download our app for free: laliste.app.linl/download

Due to health constraints, La Liste cancelled its annual year-end event, which was scheduled last November to take place at Paris Quai d'Orsay to reveal the Top1000. Events were also cancelled in Japan, Korea and China, where La Liste is well-known and respected. Subject to travel restrictions, we are planning a new event in 2021 to bring back the spirit of conviviality and community among our chefs and partners.

International and French press contact

Coline Le Houezec

coline@pascalevenot.fr

Agence Pascale Venot

+33(0)1 53 53 40 50 / +33(0)6 61 20 59 42

Visit our website

www.laliste.com

Follow us on social media, share your experiences and tag laliste1000 laliste2020 on:

Instagram @LaListe1000

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Laliste1000

Twitter @LaListe1000

About La Liste

Each year, La Liste provides a ranking of the 1,000 best restaurants in the world. Its method is based on an algorithm integrating and weighting more than 880 sources, including opinions from the international, national and regional press, ratings and rankings from recognized guidebooks as well as customer satisfaction from review websites. La Liste is above all a database that goes well beyond the 1,000 best restaurants in the world, with nearly 25,000 addresses in 200 countries all accessible from its mobile application available in nine languages. La Liste asserts itself as the world's leading selection of restaurants.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422181/La_Liste.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422182/La_Liste_Logo.jpg

How HK's policies of pseudo-anonymity and deep under-pricing of metered parking have resulted in a half-baked not-very-smart upgrade to the system, launched yesterday.

Meter Madness



One of the many inefficiencies of HK's road transport policies is that the price you pay (if you pay) for metered parking on a public road in HK has not changed since 1994, back when Bill Clinton was 2 years into his first presidency and the HK taxi flag fall was HK$11.50 (now $24). Metered parking is never more than HK$2 per 15 minutes (less in some spots), which is almost always a huge discount to the commercial parking spaces nearby. It's even cheaper if you don't pay or overstay, which is not an option in commercial car parks. Labour costs of enforcement are too high to provide a meaningful deterrent. So the spaces are often full, and in some areas, gangs running "valet parking" operations tend to monopolise them to profit from the under-pricing.

Yesterday, the Government launched its latest so-called "smart mobility" parking meters. They have radar to detect whether a space is occupied, but out of misplaced privacy concerns, they don't record the plate numbers of vehicles, so there's no automatic charging or fining for owners of vehicles who don't pay or overstay. It requires old-fashioned legwork to send a cop or traffic warden to record the plate number and issue a ticket. At least the meters will tell the cops where to look, so the deterrent may become more efficient.

Users will still need to decide in advance how much parking time to buy, and fiddle with QR codes or card payments to start the meter. There's a new smartphone app which allows you to remotely extend the parking time, but because of the under-pricing, there is a policy that you can only remotely renew the spot once - for example, 2 hours plus another 2 hours. Then you presumably have to come back and use a different payment method or move to another space. That's what happens with an under-priced resource - you have to ration it. As the web site states:

"To prevent motorists from continuously purchasing additional parking time remotely via mobile phones with a view to occupying the parking spaces for a prolonged period, HKeMeter will restrict the validity period of each connection and the connection will become invalid upon the expiry of effective parking time of the parking meter concerned."

So, not that smart.

A better way: a Park-and-Go scheme

A proper solution would work as follows:

If an owner wishes to use parking meters, then she must place a deposit in a virtual bank account designated by the Government for that vehicle and printed on the annual licence document, or alternatively, link the account to a credit card, debit card or autopay.

To avoid using hard-to-remember bank account numbers, each account would also have a dedicated email address using the vehicle registration number, for example, "AB1234@parking.gov.hk". Money can be instantly sent to an email address using the Faster Payment System (FPS) from any other bank account or payment app in HK.

The vehicle drives up to the meter, its plate is read by cameras in the meter, and charging begins, debiting the vehicle's account automatically.

When the vehicle leaves, the meter sees the vacancy and charging ends.

If the vehicle parks without adequate balance in its account, then the owner is notified of a fine charged to the account, which must be paid before the annual licence is renewed or the ownership is transferred. Unpaid fines would increase the longer they are unpaid, and beyond a certain negative balance (say, $1,000), the meter would alert enforcers to tow and impound the vehicle until payment is made (this could be outsourced).

The parking fees should be set at commercial levels, discovered by market forces (supply and demand) for each area and time-of-day/ day-of-week - and owners can park as long as they wish.

When the vehicle is deregistered, any remaining deposit is refunded.

Simple, eh? This solution has the following benefits:

No need to decide in advance how much parking time you need. Just park and go.

No need for an app to start the meter or "extend" the time - although a simple app or web site could tell you your account balance, parking usage and allow top-ups.

No police work is needed to visit parking spaces and issue tickets.

Regarding the purported privacy concerns - get real - any vehicle on the roads can already be tracked at multiple waypoints, and most payment methods on the new meters also require using identifiable payment methods. The only possible exception is the Octopus card, if it is one which is not linked to a bank account and doesn't have a pattern of usage that identifies you elsewhere (for example, CCTV and facial recognition on public transport). Commercial car parks record number plates routinely, so why not parking meters?

What the Government has done is to sacrifice all of the above benefits in exchange for having a pseudo-anonymous, under-priced parking meter system. If you don't want your vehicle to be identified, then don't use a parking meter - it's not a human right.

HK, Asia's Smart City?

In case you are thinking "can't be done", there's at least one system under trial in Taipei, by Acer ITS Smart Parking Solutions. Watch the video here.

The "new" HK meters are supplied and operated under a HK$682m 11-year contract awarded in 2019 to a joint venture between HKT Limited (HKT, 6823) and Flowbird. HKT is a subsidiary of PCCW Ltd (0008), which is 31% controlled by Richard Li Tzar Kai, son of Li Ka Shing. So HK is probably stuck with the not-so-smart meters until 2030.

 Webb-site.com, 2021

Organisations in this story

Topics in this story

Sign up for our free newsletter

Recommend Webb-site to a friend

Copyright & disclaimer, Privacy policy

Back to top
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
gettyimagesbank



India, one of the world's biggest drugmakers, will start exports of COVID-19 vaccines as early as Wednesday, government sources said, paving the way for many mid- and lower-income countries to secure supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.



The first batch of exports will be shipped to the tiny nation of Bhutan, said the officials, who asked not to be named as the plans are not public.



Two million doses of the vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII), will also be despatched to Bangladesh on Thursday, said officials briefed on the plans.



SII, the world's largest maker of vaccines, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



SII last week told Reuters it soon expected emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot, which it has been licensed to make for dozens of low- and middle-income countries.



That would pave the way for SII to begin supplies to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative aimed at fairly distributing COVID-19 shots across the world.



The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored at refrigerator temperature, is widely viewed as a more viable option for many poorer nations than shots from Pfizer and Moderna that have more onerous cold-storage requirements.



India has received requests from dozens of nations, including urgent appeals from Brazil, to begin exports of the vaccine from the SII centre in the western city of Pune.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, however, wanted to roll out the vaccination drive at home before launching exports, one of the sources said.



India began giving shots of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as another developed by Bharat Biotech, to health workers on Saturday.



India plans to start exporting Bharat Biotech's vaccine at a later stage.



Another source said landlocked Bhutan would get its Oxford/AstraZeneca shots free. "We will begin from tomorrow, other neighbouring countries will follow soon," the source said.



(Reuters)


The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread across the globe. Though some countries report surging cases, others seemed to have contained the virus's spread.

Many high-income countries have reported rising numbers of cases, while a few low-income countries such as the Philippines report a less severe COVID-19 outbreak. To date, the archipelagic country in Southeast Asia has reported 502,000 cases and 9,900 deaths among its population of around 108 million.

A team of researchers at the Department of Biology, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, and the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, reported that the COVID-19 dynamics in the Philippines are driven by age, contact structure, and mobility.

Model estimated epidemic indices from the calibrated Philippines model. Modeled median cumulative deaths, ICU occupancy, incidence, and percentage of the population recovered from COVID-19 (blue line) with shaded areas for 25th to 75th centile (dark blue) and 25th to 975th centile (light blue) and overlaid with reported cumulative deaths and ICU occupancy (black dots). Note that only the most recent estimate of cumulative deaths and ICU occupancy were included in the likelihood function, with the other time points presented as validation. ICU occupancy data was considered to have improved over the course of the epidemic.

Less severe COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic first arrived in the Philippines in January 2020, as two tourists from Wuhan City, China, arrived in the country. From there, the virus spread through communities.

To date, the country is still under community quarantine measures, wherein schools are still closed, and people who are at high-risk are now allowed to go out, unless for essential travels.

The study, posted on the pre-print server medRxiv*, investigated COVID-19 epidemiology in the Philippines and the efficacy and sensitivity to micro-distancing policies.

The Philippines is a low-and middle-income country (LMIC) severely hit by the pandemic in the Western Pacific Region. However, the country succeeded in containing the virus's spread while easing its most restrictive quarantine measures.

The country has not yet rolled out vaccinations but is currently in discussions with vaccine providers. To curtail the coronavirus outbreak, the government has implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions, including school closures, community quarantines, and postponement of large-scale public events.

Since October 2020, the country has shifted from community quarantine orders to comply with Minimum Health Standards (MHS) policies. These include wearing of masks and face shields, social distancing, and regular hand washing.

In the study, the team wanted to see why the country has controlled the virus's spread, even though it is an LMIC. They presented a data-driven COVID-19 model, including age, contact patterns, time-varying testing rates, and macro-and micro-distancing.

The researchers found that younger age, changes in mobility, and personal protective behaviors, seem to explain why the country has maintained a less severe COVID-19 outbreak than high-income countries.

The study findings show that COVID-19 epidemiology in the Philippines is no different from higher-income countries. For example, the country's hospitalization and the infection fatality rate are similar to HICs.

Also, the study underlines the essence of robust surveillance and reporting systems to understand COVID-19 epidemiology better. A country with younger populations may help reduce the disease burden since there is a lower percentage of the elderly, which are at a higher risk of being seriously ill with COVID-19. Those who survive to old age in the country are often of higher socioeconomic status and have a lower infection risk.

The team also noted that the country has more intergenerational contacts, which can lower the disease burden because older adults often reside with family rather than home care facilities, where other countries report surging cases tied to these facilities.

The study findings also showed that the country has lesser severe outbreaks than other countries because it gradually eased quarantine measures, and people adhered to MHS.

"These results were consistent across regions that span a wide population density gradient, suggesting that this approach could also be effective in other similar settings," the team noted in the paper. Further, the residents practice personal protective measures, which are essential while waiting for vaccines' availability.

Over the past months until the holidays, the country reports about 1,500 cases per day, leaving hospitals with adequate intensive care unit capacity.

"As people resume semi-normal activities while maintaining MHS, low levels of transmission are likely to continue, but should not overwhelm the healthcare system," the team added.

The team added that the country provided an approach that could help other countries relax interventions more safely. This is important in countries where winter starts to kick in.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.

Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
The Green Party has suffered another major blow with the resignation of two prominent councillors.

The partys leader on South Dublin County Council Liam Sinclair and his colleague Sophie Nicoullaud both quit the Greens in the last week.

Mr Sinclair told Independent.ie said he felt it was inevitable he would resign at some point after the Greens entered government and wanted to leave while he is still on good terms with his now former colleagues.

The Tallaght based councillor said he did not support the Programme for Government as he did not believe carbon tax proposals were fair on the less well-off and also hoped there would be commitments on free public transport.

I gave it a bit of time but there was a feeling of inevitability and I made the decision to jump now rather than get in a row over something, Mr Sinclair said. I bear no ill will towards by former colleague and I hope to work together with them when it is possible to do so but in the main we have different priorities, he added.

Mr Sinclair is a member of Green Party TD Francis Noel Duffys branch in Dublin South West. The councillor said Mr Duffy, who is the husband of Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin, left the door open for him to return in the future. A lot of things would have to change but I never say never, Mr Sinclair said.

Meanwhile, Councillor Nicoullaud told the Greens this morning she was leaving the party, saying it is "nowhere to be seen" in the coalition government.

She said she had heard nothing about a planned review of the programme for government that was previously promised by Tourism Minister Catherine Martin, the Green Party's deputy leader.

I was against going into coalition but I accepted the vote of the members. I voted for Catherine Martin and I was hoping Eamon would have given his turn to lead the party to Catherine after he had that position for years: It would have been a progressive gesture.

"I am disappointed Catherine is not doing any review of the Greens in Government has she said she would. I regret very long serving members of the party are still driving the party in their direction and not moving on and adapting to new world circumstances.

She said her values and those of the Green Party are "far from being the ones" of its coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and criticised the delay in banning co-living.

"We need drastic changes if we want to stand a chance to stop climate change. I cannot be part of a government who didn't ban co-living on its first day in office. More than ever, we need a government to place social justice first and not investors' interests first. This is not happening and the Green Party is nowhere to be seen in this government but only the reflection of the two majority parties in this coalition.

"When I canvassed for the local election I wanted more for the people of Ballyfermot-Drimnagh. Not all voted for me but I hear what their daily needs are and I am here to represent them. A just transition with climate and social justice is the only way forward to feed as many people as possible on this planet."

She said she will continue to represent her constituents in Ballyfermot-Drimnagh as an Independent councillor, but said she would be happy to work with her Green colleagues "to advance the projects we share".




LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- European High Growth Opportunities ManCo S.A. as the management company of European High Growth Opportunities Securitization Fund (EHGO), a fund based in Luxembourg, has responded on behalf of EHGO to certain incorrect allegations made by Iconic Labs (Iconic) in a press release on 18th January 2021.

In a statement, EHGO said:

From the start of the current managements journey with Iconic, EHGO has consistently provided significant support for Iconic and its management team, as we have for all the businesses that we invest in. We cannot, however, allow the misstatements contained in Iconics press releases from 14 and 18 January to stand uncorrected.

Iconic alleges that EHGO refused to provide the investment monies due under a loan note for which it had subscribed. What Iconic did not say, however, is that the reason why EHGO did not do so is because the conditions precedent to EHGOs obligation to do so had not been met by Iconic. Among other things, Iconic were in breach of our financing agreement by not having share issuance authorities in place to cover the conversion of existing and new notes. Accordingly, it was Iconic that did not meet the necessary conditions for the drawdown and EHGO did not breach its financing agreement with Iconic.

Iconic has also incorrectly stated that there was an agreement in principle between EHGO and Iconic which was reneged upon by EHGO. Whilst it is true that EHGO negotiated with Iconic in good faith to try to find a resolution to Iconics financing needs and its breach of our financing agreement, and made several proposals, these were summarily rejected by Iconic and its board (litigation is always a last resort for EHGO). Sadly, it was Iconic (and not EHGO) who eventually abandoned negotiations over a settlement (most recently at the end of December) with respect to our financing agreement. Following that, EHGO, which has a duty to its investors to pursue the amounts which are outstanding, had no alternative but to issue proceedings in the High Court in London.

That said, we are glad that Iconic has confirmed that it has always been and remains open to reaching a settlement with EHGO on commercially practical and sensible terms. If they genuinely wish to engage again in dialogue with us we will, of course, be delighted to do so and await their contact.

In the meantime, EHGO will not litigate this matter in the public domain, but rather through the courts as appropriate. Detailed particulars of claim will be served on Iconic shortly.

Notes to editors

About European High Growth Opportunities Securitization Fund

European High Growth Opportunities Securitization Fund is a fund based in Luxembourg which focuses on financing innovative companies globally that are deemed to be significantly undervalued.

Media Contact

For further information please contact: Edward Keller: [email protected]

SOURCE European High Growth Opportunities Securitization Fund
Courtesy of the National Park Service

Authorities are searching for a 41-year-old woman who went missing during a hike at Yosemite National Park last week.

Alice Yu Xie is believed to have gone on a day hike to the Upper Yosemite Fall overlook on Friday or Saturday morning, authorities said. She has not been seen or heard from since.
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





Early in the pandemic last spring, hard-hit parts of the U.S. Postal Service struggled to process mail on time. Then new leadership made changes in July that slowed the mail and raised fears of delays ahead of the election. Neither of those disruptions compared with what happened in December. Note: Includes three of the seven Postal Service regions. Region definitions can be found here . Source: United States Postal Service

In December, amid a crush of packages and record numbers of coronavirus cases, service performance across the U.S. Postal Service network plummeted to the lowest levels in years, with only about 64 percent of first-class mail delivered on time around Christmas.

The Postal Service was under scrutiny for months leading up to the election, when many feared that delays from operational changes would hamper the counting of mail-in ballots. By many measures, the Postal Service ultimately succeeded in delivering ballots quickly. But over the weeks that followed, during the peak holiday package season, the network grew more and more backlogged.

Under some of the most difficult circumstances weve faced in the past century, the U.S. Postal Service successfully processed and delivered both a record number of mail-in ballots and a record number of holiday packages for the American people, amidst a global pandemic, said Kim Frum, a spokeswoman for the Postal Service, in a statement that acknowledged the slow mail delivery in December.

The Postal Service delivered more than 135 million ballots and more than 1.1 billion holiday packages. But those extraordinary challenges have broadly strained the network.

This is the worst Ive ever seen it in at least the last 10 to 20 years that I can recall, said Angelo Anagnostopoulos, the vice president for postal affairs at GrayHair Software, which tracks mail for large companies that send, prepare and transport it. Several other industry experts echoed that assessment.

Decembers slowdown was the second significant wave of postal performance decline in 2020. Last summer, after the arrival of a new Trump-aligned postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, mail also slowed around the country. Citing the need for improved efficiency, Mr. DeJoy imposed policy changes that postal unions and many outside experts said slowed mail processing. After the resulting outcry, which prompted congressional investigations and lawsuits, the Postal Service reversed some of those policies, and delivery speed partly rebounded.

The Postal Service is a particularly opaque agency, normally reporting its performance only four times a year. But court orders preceding the election have forced it to publish unusually detailed data during a tumultuous time for the agency.

Those weekly numbers, down to the district level, show the parts of the country that particularly struggled in December. Worker shortages in sorting plants in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania were so prevalent that only a quarter of first-class mail was processed on time. Other types of mail, like periodicals and marketing mail, had a one in 10 chance of arriving on time in some parts of the country.

At the height of the holidays, less than a third of mail was on time in the Baltimore, Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern Ohio districts. Share of first-class mail considered on-time 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Share of first-class mail considered on-time 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Source: United States Postal Service

These severe declines in service reflect what large-scale mailers say they have seen among their own shipments and clients  and what anyone who mailed holiday cards might have experienced as well. Letters that usually traverse the country in days have sometimes taken weeks. Some mail sent in early January was delivered sooner than mail sent in mid-December, when letters piled up in processing plants behind newly arriving packages and mail.

At clogged postal facilities, truck drivers dropping shipments for commercial mailers sometimes had to wait 12 hours or more to unload, and in some cases had to leave and try again the next day, said Kathleen Siviter, an official with the National Association of Presort Mailers. She described drivers refusing to transport mail to postal facilities, and companies that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra transportation costs.

Delays like these had further consequences, in bill payments that arrived past due, in coupons that missed the sale window, and in nonprofit fund-raising pleas that werent opened before the end of the tax year.

Some of the factors leading to the December slowdown were unusual and are unlikely to persist: a huge, national wave of Covid-19 infections, which affected postal workers; increased parcel demand from the pandemic; the holiday rush; and difficulties hiring temporary workers at a time when competing shipping services were also hiring.

December was the perfect storm, said Paul Hogrogian, the president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. Everybody was fighting over hiring, and we couldnt hire.

The Postal Service wasnt alone in running behind schedule. Both FedEx and UPS also experienced some delivery delays in December, according to data from ShipMatrix, a firm that tracks parcel delivery for all three vendors.

All of this also followed an election when the Postal Service went to great lengths to prioritize millions of mail ballots. And in December, Michael Plunkett, president of the Association for Postal Commerce, says he believes the Postal Service then prioritized packages over mail. Packages take up more space in crowded facilities. But he cited another incentive, too.

Those package mailers have recourse  they can go to FedEx or UPS, said Mr. Plunkett, who is also a longtime former postal employee. If youre a mailer, its a monopoly, and you cant go anywhere else.

If mail performance doesnt improve quickly, many in the industry worry it could have long-term consequences for the way the Postal Service is viewed and how much it is used by commercial mailers.

I want people to have confidence in it, and I think theyre losing it, said Dave Lewis, the president of SnailWorks, another company that helps commercial mailers track their mail. People are saying, No, dont send it by mail, send it some other way. Thats very destructive to us in the long run.

SnailWorks began sharing data from some of its customers with The Upshot last summer, to help measure the performance of the Postal Service ahead of the election. That data, which tracks individual pieces of mail by bar code, shows not just a December surge in late mail, but also a spike in mail arriving five or more days late.

Over half of long-distance mail arrived late in December According to a sample of millions of letters from Frederick, Md., Miami, Milwaukee and Salt Lake City Note: Dates reflect delivery day. Long-distance mail represents first-class letters with a service standard of three days. Source: SnailWorks

The SnailWorks data, which isnt representative of the full postal network, is more current than the official Postal Service data. And it doesnt yet show much improvement.

I really thought by mid-January we would have started to see real signs of progress, Mr. Plunkett said.

Learn the keys to successfully navigating critical paths including project management, set-up processes, and risk assessment to drive your trial forward.

Todays decentralized and virtual trials require a shift to direct-to-patient (DTP) distribution to keep trials moving forward. Join Marken experts to explore opportunities to optimize a supply chain strategy and facilitate both direct-to-site and direct-to-patient services utilizing a global GMP depot network. Learn the keys to successfully navigating critical paths including project management, set-up processes, and risk assessment to drive your trial forward.

Join featured expert speakers from Marken: Nina Vas, Vice President, Clinical Distribution, Cell & Gene Supply Chain, and Gaurang Majmudar, Senior Director, Global Patient Centric Services, in a live webinar on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 9am EST (2pm GMT/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Decentralized Trials: How to Develop a Flexible Supply Chain Strategy.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

ABOUT MARKEN

Marken is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UPS Healthcare division. With Polar Speed and Marken included, the division staffs 128 locations with 5,500 employees worldwide. Marken maintains the leading position for Direct to Patient (DTP) and Home Health care (HHC) services, biological sample shipments and offers a state-of-the-art GMP-compliant depot network and logistic hubs in 56 locations worldwide for clinical trial product storage and distribution. Markens dedicated 1,600 staff members manage 100,000 drug product and biological sample shipments every month at all temperature ranges in more than 220 countries. Providing flexible supply chain solutions for todays adaptive trial landscape, we ship materials at all temperature ranges to investigator sites, depots, and directly to patients homes.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/


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.
During a brief window in the first round of business aid through the CARES Act, major hotel chains used networks of affiliated companies to draw tens of millions of dollars in low-interest loans, contributing to the quick depletion of the funds.

The programs initial $349 billion ran dry within 13 days, locking out many small businesses from the aid needed to keep workers employed, and the Small Business Administration recalibrated and imposed a $20 million limit on businesses owned by a single corporate entity.

For many small businesses, however, the adjustment came too late, leaving them to struggle for weeks before Congress authorized more money for the program. By the end of April, nearly a month after the Paycheck Protection Program launched, 40 percent of Houston-area small businesses who had applied for the loans had yet to receive them, according to a survey conducted by the Greater Houston Partnership, a business-financed economic development group.

And when their loans were finally approved after Congress allocated more funding, some received only paltry sums. In Houston, 193 businesses received less than $800 each to keep employees on the payroll throughout the pandemic. One Jersey Village medical laboratory with 10 employees received $35. A chiropractor in the Lawndale neighborhood received $1.

Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts, on the other hand, applied for the low-interest loans through a network of at least 28 companies that either shared the address of Omnis umbrella company or listed its executives as officers, according to filings with state secretary of state offices. The related companies received some $68 million.

To the chiropractor, Dr. Susana Dommar of Amazon Chiropractic Clinic, the stark contrast between her small businesss $1 loan and a major hotel chains $68 million was distressing.

By now, she said, Im traumatized by the news of all the people that dont need or deserve the help (receiving) funds that seem unavailable to me.

Capped too late

The disparities caused by failing to limit lending to properties affiliated with the same business was one of several hiccups in the rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program. Unclear rules created confusion about who qualified for the funds and glitches in the federal electronic system accepting applications slowed down the process.

The eventual $20 million cap on corporate groups was designed to limit the total PPP funds hotels or restaurants with multiple properties could receive, said a spokesperson for the House Small Business Committee. But by that time, loans well past that amount associated with major chains such as Omni had already been approved. The cap grandfathered in loans that had already been fully disbursed as of April 30.

In an emailed statement, Peter Strebel, Omnis president, said, regarding Omnis use of PPP loans, All PPP funds have been used for approved expenses as outlined in the legislation, and more than $51 million, the vast majority of the loans, have been paid out as payroll and benefits to thousands of associates

It has been instrumental to our survival during this pandemic, enabling us to safely re-open hotels and bring several thousand associates back to work.

Other hotel chains also obtained multiple loans through subsidiaries before the cap was imposed. Columbia Sussex, based in Kentucky, used a network of 17 companies, all of which shared the companys corporate address, to receive a total of $50 million. Westmont Hospitality, based in Houston and Toronto, applied through 23 businesses  either located at 5847 San Felipe St. or listing officers who were  to receive $30 million in aggregate.

Columbia Sussex and Westmont Hospitality did not respond to requests for comment.

When PPP loans arent forgiven

Hotels have also drawn scrutiny from employees and a union for their use of the funds. Unite Here, a union that represents hotel workers, says many hotels were not using the funds for payroll.

Quilcia Moronta, 42, greeted guests, sold memberships and cleaned exercise equipment for the expansive gym at the Omni in Providence, R.I., for 21 years  since before the property was bought by Omni in 2012. Last year, on a March day like any other, she told her coworkers shed see them the next morning and headed home, where she received a call. She had been laid off due to the pandemic.

She was so shocked, she recalled, that all she said was thank you. Then understanding set in: After more than two decades of steady work to support her family, she suddenly needed to scramble for a way to stay afloat during a public health disaster.

What hurt me most was that Omni always said we were part of the family, Moronta said. But at the moment we needed them most, they turned their back on me.

The hotel laid off all its workers when it closed in March. It has yet to reopen, according to Unite Here. The hotel, one of those that lists Omnis umbrella companys address as its principal office, has used none of the more than $2 million it received through the PPP to bring people back onto payroll or extend their benefits, said Marty Leary, the unions director of research.

If less than 60 percent of a companys PPP funds is used for payroll and benefits, the loan cannot be forgiven, according to the law, meaning that company would have to pay the money back over a two- to five-year period at 1 percent interest.

Compared to other sources of debt, thats a deal. When Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the hospitality company Landrys, made plans in the spring to shut down every dining room, gaming table and amusement park ride in his portfolio, he agreed to pay lenders close to 13 percent interest to borrow $300 million to have on hand in case the pandemic lasted through the end of the year.

Strebel did not address the layoffs at the Omni in Providence, but said that in aggregate, the majority of the PPP loans the hotel group has received have gone toward payroll and benefits. He also pointed to the Omnis charitable foundation, which he said had provided more than $3 million in grants to employees affected by the recession.

Any statements that falsely accuse Omni of misusing the funds or failing to use any of the loan proceeds for payroll costs appear to be designed solely to harm Omnis business, which will only further harm our associates, he said.

Where is that money being invested?

A mother of two, Moronta began making calls after realizing she had lost her job, reaching out to her church and food pantry for help. She attempted to pick up inhalers for her two children, 12 and 16, who suffer from asthma, only to learn her health insurance was already terminated.

In August, when it became public that the Providence Omni had received upwards of $2 million in PPP money, Moronta, whose health insurance coverage was terminated, felt a surge of hope. Were going to get some help, she said she thought. Were going to keep our benefits for a while.

But time passed, and Moronta and her former coworkers heard no news from Omni. In the week before Christmas, she was rationing her unemployment benefits to cover her most important bills and explaining to her children that the holidays would look different.

My question is where is that money being invested? she said, regarding Omni Providences PPP funds. Why are you not distributing that money and using it to help your own employees?

Answering such questions is not a prerequisite for companies that have already received PPP funds to apply for more under Congresss new stimulus bill, which authorized another $284 billion for the program. Businesses began applying for second PPP loans Wednesday.

Among their ranks were Dommar, the chiropractor. Hopefully, she said, Ill have better luck.

Includes previous reporting by Nancy Sarnoff and Paul Takahashi.

rebecca.schuetz@chron.com;

twitter.com/raschuetz
ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria imported the most from China, United States and India in the second quarter of 2020, data from the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations have shown.

The value of Nigeria merchandise trade in that quarter stood at N6.2 trillion, lower by 27.30 per cent than what was achieved between January and March when COVID-19 lockdown had not taken a hold.

Of that figure, Nigeria only exported goods worth N2.2 trillion, almost half of what it sold the previous quarter, leaving a trade deficit of N1.8 trillion.

Almost half of all imports to Nigeria came from Asia than from any other continent, logically, because China and India account for 39.32 per cent of total imports to Nigeria in Q2 2020, the report said.

It said almost a third of all Nigerian imports in the reviewed quarter came from China alone, which recorded N1.2 trillion or 31.41 per cent.

This was followed by the U.S. with N428.9 billion worth of imports.

India, Netherlands, and Germany ranked third, fourth, and fifth with values at N322.30 billion, 202.86 billion, and 157.15 billion respectively, the report said.

Brazil, Russia, South Korea, United Kingdom and Italy complete the top 10 list of countries Nigeria bought from between April and June of 2020.

Export

In terms of exports during the period under review, Nigeria exported the most (40 per cent) to Europe, while Asia followed with 32 per cent.

In specifics, 14 per cent of Nigerian goods were exported to Spain; 10.98 per cent to Netherlands; 9.93 per cent to China; 8.81per cent to India and 7.76 per cent to South Africa.
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.
[January 18, 2021] As Demand for Legal Technology Increases in the Asia-Pacific Region, ContractPodAi Opens First Office in Australia

ContractPodAi builds on its presence in the Asia-Pacific Region to accommodate business growth LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ContractPodAi, the award-winning provider of AI-powered contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions, today announced the opening of its first office in Sydney, Australia, to further accommodate business growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. Building on its strong operational presence in India, ContractPodAi's new Australian office focuses on bringing the world class CLM technology to the region. ContractPodAi is one of the few global CLM companies, providing a true end-to-end solution, to have a physical presence in Australia. "We see Australia, and the entire APAC region as an exciting market," said Sarvarth Misra, CEO and co-founder of ContractPodAi. "With this physical presence in the region, we can more directly support our existing customers there, while also using this as a stepping stone to further expand into APAC." In addition to having a large office in Mumbai, India, ContractPodAi also boasts several clients in the region and a partnership with Rajah & Tann, one of Asia's leading law firms.

ContractPodAi has appointed Darran Wilson as Country Manager in Australia. Wilson previously held leadership positions at global legal tech companies including Thomson Reuters, as well as InfoTrack, one of Australia's leading legal tech companies.



"I am pleased to join the ContractPodAi team as Country Manager," said Wilson. "I look forward to bringing our award-winning end-to-end contract management lifecycle solution to the APAC market where in-house counsel, contract management and procurement teams have a real need for such systems. I will be working closely with businesses to truly address their contract management challenges." To learn more about how ContractPodAi is using artificial intelligence to power the contract lifecycle management process globally, visit ContractPodAi.com

About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi)

A pioneer in the legal transformation space, ContractPodAi is now one of the world's fastest growing legal tech companies. Customers include some of the world's largest and highly regarded corporations. ContractPodAi is an award-winning easy to use, intuitive end-to-end contract lifecycle management solution aimed at corporate legal departments. It enables users to assemble, automate, approve, digitally sign and manage all their contracts and documents from one place. Our platform is built in partnership with some of the most trusted technologies in the industry including IBM Watson AI, Microsoft Azure, DocuSign and Salesforce. ContractPodAi is headquartered in London and has global offices in San Francisco, New York, Glasgow, Mumbai and Toronto. More information is available at ContractPodAi.com. Media Contacts:

Sara Zammit

Communications Specialist

sara.zammit@contractpodai.com

+1 (647)-405-3197 Australia Office Contact:

Darran Wilson

Country Manager, Australia

Darran.wilson@contractpodai.com

+61 2 7208 8707 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422362/Darran_Wilson_headshot.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422361/ContractPodAi_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
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.
Cruise and parent General Motors said they had entered a long-term strategic relationship with Microsoft to accelerate the commercialisation of self-driving vehicles.

The companies will combine software and hardware engineering, cloud computing, manufacturing and 'partner ecosystem' to "transform transportation to create a safer, cleaner and more accessible world for everyone", they said in a joint statement.

"Our mission to bring safer, better and more affordable transportation to everyone isn't just a tech race  it's also a trust race," said Cruise CEO Dan Ammann. "Microsoft, as the gold standard in the trustworthy democratisation of technology, will be a force multiplier for us as we commercialise our fleet of self driving, all electric, shared vehicles."

To unlock the potential of cloud computing for self-driving vehicles, Cruise will leverage Azure, Microsoft's cloud and edge computing platform, to commercialise its autonomous vehicle products at scale. Microsoft, as Cruise's preferred cloud provider, will also, in turn, tap into Cruise's deep industry expertise to enhance its customer-driven product innovation and serve transport companies worldwide through continued investment in Azure.

Microsoft will join General Motors, Honda and institutional investors in a combined new equity investment of around US$2bn in Cruise, bringing the post-money valuation of Cruise to $30bn.

"Advances in digital technology are redefining every aspect of our work and life, including how we move people and goods," said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. "As Cruise and GM's preferred cloud, we will apply the power of Azure to help them scale and make autonomous transportation mainstream."

GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra said: "Microsoft will help us accelerate the commercialisation of Cruise's all electric, self-driving vehicles and help GM realise even more benefits from cloud computing as we launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025 and create new businesses and services to drive growth."

GM also will work with Microsoft as its preferred public cloud provider to accelerate digitisation, including collaboration, storage, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. GM will explore opportunities with Microsoft to streamline operations across digital supply chains, foster productivity and bring new mobility services to customers faster.
Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga speaks during an interview in Budapest, Hungary, on July 23, 2019. (Krisztina Than/File Photo/Reuters)

Hungary Mulls Sanctions Against Social Media Giants

BUDAPESTHungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga on Monday raised the prospect of sanctioning social media firms over what she called systematic abuses of free speech.

The minister said she would meet the Hungarian competition watchdog this week to discuss possible penalties for what she described as unfair commercial practices as well as convening a meeting of the countrys digital freedom committee.

In a growing wave of criticism, some government officials are complaining about what they have described as efforts by social media companies, including Facebook, to limit conservative views on their platforms.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbans allies control large parts of the private media, allowing his agenda to be aired prominently.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a press conference at the Visegrad Group (V4) summit at Lednice Chateau in Lednice, Czech Republic, on June 11, 2020. (Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

But the right-wing premier faces the toughest challenge to his decade-long rule at a parliamentary election next year, as he tackles a protracted recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a united opposition, with polls showing a neck-and-neck race.

Shadowban means the act of social media providers secretly, for political purposes, restricting the visibility and access of our user profile without our knowledge about it, Varga said in a Facebook post.

To reduce their reach, Facebook also limits the visibility of Christian, conservative, right-wing opinions. I also have personal experience of that, Varga said without elaborating.

Facebook did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Varga has nearly 120,000 Facebook followers, while Orban has over 1 million, representing more than 10 percent of the Hungarian population. The prime minister frequently uses Facebook to announce government decisions about COVID-19 or economic policy.

The Facebook logo displayed on a tablet in Lille, France, on Aug. 28, 2019. (Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images)

A spokesman for Varga did not immediately reply to emailed questions seeking further detail about the ministers accusation of Facebook restricting the visibility of her posts.

Varga said in her post the matter should be regulated at European Union level, but said swifter action may be needed. Due to the systematic abuses, however, we may need to step up sooner, she said.

Her comments come days after ally Poland also flagged possible action against Big Tech companies, with the justice minister saying companies that remove posts they deem offensive could face fines.

Orbans Polish ally, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has a conservative Catholic social agenda, argues that Big Tech companies exercise a dangerous level of control over public debate, censoring opinions out of line with their own liberal world view.

By Gergely Szakacs
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.
WASHINGTON - The violent assault on the Capitol broke a four-year spell on the Republican Party leadership's refusal to criticize President Donald Trump.

But not for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The president's most loyal Cabinet member has spent the past several days heaping praise onto Trump and his presidency, saying it has made the United States "so much safer today than four years ago" and has served as a role model to other nations because of the "values we project out into the world."

In dozens of tweets from his official State Department account since Jan. 1, Pompeo has hailed Trump's "huge wins" and suggested that the president should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

"We restored America's credibility," Pompeo said, reviewing his nearly three years at the State Department.

To independent observers, the remarks are tone-deaf and reinforce Pompeo's status as one of the most partisan secretaries of state in modern U.S. history. While Pompeo claims that Americans have been "safer" under Trump's watch, the coronavirus death toll in the United States is fast approaching 400,000, with more than 3,000 Americans dying daily. Pompeo's promotion of "founding ideals" and the projection of U.S. "values" abroad came as the president attempted to subvert results of a democratic election, a bedrock of the United States' global image.

To Republican political observers, Pompeo's unflinching promotion of a twice-impeached president is part of a careful balancing act designed to lay future claim to Trump's large and loyal political base while retaining credibility among the GOP establishment.

"He has done a masterful job at walking that fine line," Danielle Pletka, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said of Pompeo. "I am pressed to think of anyone who has done it better."

Pompeo's subservience to the "Make America Great Again" legacy comes as another potential 2024 presidential hopeful, Vice President Mike Pence, falls out of favor with Trump's die-hard followers, including some Capitol rioters who chanted "Hang Mike Pence!" over his refusal to attempt to subvert the election. And Trump himself may come away damaged from his election brinkmanship as Silicon Valley strips him of his social media megaphones, businesses and local governments sever ties with his companies and lawyers warn him of a growing list of legal risks that will live beyond his presidency.

"A month ago, everyone thought Trump would be the leader of the opposition. Now, there's an enormous disruption about the notion that he can lead the conservative party going forward," said James Carafano, a vice president at the Heritage Foundation. "That opens up space for everyone in the conservative movement, including Pompeo."

Pompeo, who has made no secret of his presidential ambitions, is scrambling to build his social media presence during his final week in office, repeatedly urging the more than 3 million followers of the official State Department account to follow his personal Twitter account.

"I will never stop fighting for America First, even after my time as Secretary of State," he tweeted Monday. "There is always more work to be done and I look forward to continuing to share and engage with you on what's next. If you haven't already, please be sure to follow me @mikepompeo."

To some observers of Pompeo's attempts at retail politics, his presidential ambitions are borderline delusional. The former Kansas congressman styles himself as an anti-elitist Midwesterner despite hailing from California with a law degree from Harvard University. He is known to charm small gatherings of political donors with his quick wit and pithy rhetoric, but when he delivers speeches to large audiences, he speeds through prepared remarks awkwardly, often swallowing words and lacking cadence or gravitas.

"His primary goal was to do his job while being completely sycophantic to Trump, even if he came off as Manichaean and un-nuanced," said Tom Wright, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "That's the legacy of Pompeo: Trump's most loyal lieutenant - even more so than Pence. So now he's the heir to that."

One of the few times Pompeo expressed annoyance at criticism of his closeness to Trump came with the publication of a New Yorker profile quoting an unnamed U.S. ambassador saying Pompeo was like a "heat-seeking missile for Trump's a--."

Pompeo told CBS, "I find the language offensive, and I find the statement ludicrous."

Pompeo's piety about curse words came as a surprise to some in his inner circle who noted his frequent use of obscenities during heated office interactions.

But what Pompeo might lack in charisma he makes up for in devotion to the powerful constituencies that loom large in Republican politics. With a distracted president, Pompeo has used his considerable authority as secretary of state to implement last-minute policy moves that excite Republican pressure groups, hamper the incoming Biden administration's diplomatic efforts and potentially pay dividends for his own political future.

On Jan. 9, Pompeo said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. diplomats and Taiwanese officials, a decision that infuriated Beijing but won praise from Washington's Taiwan lobby. On Jan. 10, Pompeo announced his intention to designate Yemen's Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization, a move sought by anti-Iran hard-liners and pro-Israel donors despite concerns among aid organizations that it would significantly worsen the humanitarian situation in Yemen. On Jan. 11, Pompeo relisted Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a gift to Cuban American voters in South Florida that security experts said had little credible policy basis.

A Pompeo aide who handles his media relations, Katie Martin, did not respond to requests for comment.

Pompeo has suggested that the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 will not damage his reputation, or the president's, despite embarrassment and dismay inside the State Department about Pompeo's response to the attack.

"Look, what happened that day was terrible, and I have said repeatedly that those folks who engaged in this activity need to be identified, prosecuted, and they are criminals and ought to be treated as such," he told conservative radio host and Washington Post contributing columnist Hugh Hewitt. "But history will reflect on the good work that this president and our administration has done. Those books will be written about the changes that we have made in the world, the recognition that we have taken about reality, sovereignty, respect for basic dignity and human rights, a return to the founding principles in a way that previous administrations had not done."

At the State Department, U.S. diplomats and civil servants have criticized Pompeo's response to the assault, airing their dismay in the department's "dissent" channel, a protected method of conveying internal policy disputes. One dissent memo signed by more than 100 officials said Pompeo had damaged U.S. democracy by "failing to publicly hold the president to account." Another noted the hypocrisy of holding foreign governments to account for anti-democratic behavior without stressing that the U.S. president is not "above the law."

But Pompeo appears unbothered by such critiques, or charges that he is trying to "bluff his way to a legacy," as an essay in Foreign Policy magazine claimed.

Scholars of the U.S. role at the United Nations have raised particular exception to Pompeo's efforts to popularize the hashtag #EffectiveMultilateralism, touting the Trump administration's work with other nations.

Richard Gowan, the U.N. director at the International Crisis Group, ticked off a list of Pompeo's beleaguered efforts to win support at the United Nations on issues such as Iran, Venezuela, China and human rights.

"Ultimately, the administration has turned losing diplomatic battles at the U.N. into an art form, largely failing to get other states to do its bidding and then claiming this just shows the U.S. is better than other countries," Gowan said. "This clumsy approach often made it easier for China to gain influence at the U.N."

By his original metrics for success, Pompeo has struggled to come away with big accomplishments. Iran, his main focus of attention, is closer to a nuclear bomb than when he took office, and its aggressive behavior toward the United States has increased since the Obama era. North Korea has further developed its nuclear arsenal despite Pompeo's attempts to negotiate with Pyongyang. The U.S. standing at the United Nations and in European capitals has suffered under his tenure.

The Trump administration has taken on a more aggressive posture toward China, though critics debate how much it has to show for it. While the European Union has gone ahead with an investment pact with China despite U.S. objections, backers of the administration point to Washington's success in encouraging more countries to commit to using telecommunications partners unaffiliated with Beijing.

"I'm in favor of a strong posture towards China, but he undermined that by taking such a hard line that it alienated allies," Wright said. "By painting terms in black and white, it makes diplomacy more difficult. But Pompeo never cared about that, because his audience was the MAGA movement."

Many conservatives look at Pompeo's tenure as largely successful, Carafano said, because he remained "tough on bad guys like Iran and China."

But U.S. presidents rarely win the White House based on claims of foreign policy success.

"His struggle will be that national security issues don't really resonate," Pletka said. "If you're speaking at a local bar in rural West Virginia and you say, 'We upped sanctions on Iran and helped derail the terrible JCPOA,' that's not going to get anybody's beer up in the air cheering you."
Chennai, Jan 19 : Fined for parking in the no-parking area a couple of times? Be ready to pay an increased insurance premium for the traffic violation.

But don't ask how parking in no-parking area would increase the accident rate and the claims outgo for the insurers.

A Working Group set up by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) submitted its report on Monday, recommending linking of motor insurance premium to various traffic violations that ranges from parking in no-parking areas to drunken driving.

As per the report, the motor insurance premium will be increased if the vehicle had been charged by traffic police for violating the traffic laws.

The report recommends a system of calculating Traffic Violation Points basis frequency and severity of different traffic offences.

The Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) will coordinate with various states' Traffic Police and the National Informatics Centre to capture the traffic violation data, calculate violation points of each violating vehicle and make this information available to all general insurers through information technology (IT) system integration with them.

The pilot of the project is planned to be implemented in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

According to the report, the traffic violation premium may be fixed by the IRDAI and reviewed every three years or earlier as deemed appropriate.

The IRDAI Working Group is a follow-up of a High Powered Committee for Traffic Management in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary, requesting the insurance regulator to examine the issue of linking insurance premium to traffic violations.

However, the Indian insurance regulator should follow its motto of protecting the policyholder's interest by policing the insurers instead of turning them into a "traffic cop" to beef up their coffers with "traffic violation premiums", said experts in legal, insurance and consumer protection.

"On face of it, the recommendations seem to be good. Practically the result has to be seen - whether it results in increasing the revenue of the insurers or reduction in accidents," Saroja S., Director, Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) told IANS.

However, Saroja noted that the committee did not have a single representative from the policyholders side.

"IRDAI should curb the huge discounting of the premium - up to 80 per cent - charged for new vehicles instead of looking at other revenue avenues for non-life insurers," a senior official of the general insurance industry, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told IANS.

He said the traffic violation premium will add to the top and bottom line of the insurers as the motor insurance premium is arrived at taking into account the entire claims experience.

While the committee has enthusiastically recommended charging traffic violation premium, it did not give any valid reason for offering a discount on premium for not earning any traffic violation points.

D. Varadarajan, a Supreme Court advocate specialising in company/competition/insurance laws, told IANS that "the Working Group's recommendations of linking motor insurance premium with traffic violations is far-fetched, highly ambitious and is an attempt to shift the burden of implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act indirectly on the insurers, whereas the strict enforcement of the law lies on the shoulders of the state governments concerned".

Already, under the extensively amended Motor Vehicles Act, stiff penalties and fines, including imprisonment of errant drivers for various traffic violations are put in place, he said.

"The legality of the recommendation to charge 'Traffic Violation Premium' if implemented, would not withstand legal scrutiny, as it would amount to punishing a person twice for the same offence, one by way of traffic challan and other by charging traffic violation premium," Varadarajan added.

Citing the Working Group's report, he said it is clear that this system is not uniform among the select countries as discussed therein. For instance, it is noticed that Japan does not adopt this practice.

Varadarajan and Saroja were of the view that there should be concerted efforts for strict implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to Varadarajan, if the issue of uninsured vehicles is tackled on a war footing, most of the problems would be solved.

"This coupled with the extant practice of loading of premium or allowing no claim bonus, as the case may be, would suffice and let the insurers be not saddled with this additional burden. It is not clear as to whether the Working Group's recommendations are based on the views of the cross-section of the insurers, vehicle owners, especially the commercial vehicle segment, etc., who already have their tales of woes," Varadarajan said.
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 York, Jan 18 (AP)Coronavirus deaths are rising in nearly two-thirds of American states as a winter surge pushes the overall toll toward 400,000 amid warnings that a new, highly contagious variant is taking hold.

As Americans observed a national holiday Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pleaded with federal authorities to curtail travel from countries where new variants are spreading.

Referring to new versions detected in Britain, South Africa and Brazil, Cuomo said: Stop those people from coming here.... Why are you allowing people to fly into this country and then it's too late?" The U.S. government has already curbed travel from some of the places where the new variants are spreading such as Britain and Brazil and recently it announced that it would require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for anyone flying into the country.

But the new variant seen in Britain is already spreading in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Protection has warned that it will probably become the dominant version in the country by March. The CDC said the variant is about 50 per cent more contagious than the virus that is causing the bulk of cases in the U.S.

While the variant does not cause more severe illness, it has been blamed for causing more hospitalizations and deaths because it spreads more easily.

As things stands, many states are already under tremendous strain. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths is rising in 30 states and the District of Columbia, and on Monday the U.S. was approaching 398,000 deaths overall, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University by far the highest recorded death toll of any country in the world.

One of the states hardest it during the recent surge is Arizona, where the rolling average has risen over the past two weeks from about 90 deaths per day to about 160 per day on Jan. 17.

Rural Yuma County known as the winter lettuce capital of the U.S. is now one of the state's hot spots. Exhausted nurses there are now regularly sending COVID-19 patients on a long helicopter ride to hospitals in Phoenix when they don't have enough staff. The county has lagged on coronavirus testing in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods and just ran out of vaccines.

But some support is coming from military nurses and a new wave of free tests for farmworkers and the elderly in Yuma County.

Amid the surge, a vast effort is underway to get Americans vaccinated, but the campaign is off to an uneven start. According to the latest federal data, about 31.2 million doses of vaccine have been distributed, but only about 10.6 million people have received at least one dose.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, in a livestreamed event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, received a shot, and urged other Marylanders to do likewise.

We're all looking forward to the day we can take off and throw away our masks ... when we can go out for a big celebration at our favorite crowded restaurant or bar with all our family and friends, Hogan said. The only way we are going to return to a sense of normalcy is by these COVID-19 vaccines." Hogan's wife, Yumi, also got a dose by a National Guard medic, as did Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford and his wife, Monica.

In New York, Cuomo said the state, which has recorded more than 40,000 deaths, as in a footrace between the vaccination rate and the infection rate. He said federal authorities needed to improve their efforts to get vaccine doses distributed swiftly.

Similar challenges are surfacing worldwide.

The World Health Organization chief on Monday lambasted drugmakers' profits and vaccine inequalities, saying it's not right that younger, healthier adults in some wealthy countries get vaccinated against COVID-19 before older people or health care workers in poorer countries.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus began WHO's executive board meeting by lamenting that one poor country received a mere 25 vaccine doses while over 39 million doses have been administered in nearly 50 richer nations.

Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest income country not 25 million, not 25,000 just 25. I need to be blunt: The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure, Tedros said. He did not specify the country, but a WHO spokeswoman identified it as Guinea.

Tedros, an Ethiopian who goes by his first name, nonetheless hailed the scientific achievement behind rolling out coronavirus vaccines less than a year after the pandemic erupted in China, where a WHO-backed team has now been deployed to look into origins of the coronavirus.

Vaccines are the shot in the arm we all need, literally and figuratively, Tedros said. But we now face the real danger that even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the worlds of the world's haves and have-nots. (AP)

Also Read:Trump lifts COVID-19 travel curbs on Europe, Brazil

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
New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, has revealed he was eyeing a position in government but was talked out of it by President Nana Akufo-Addo.



He revealed that, the President wants him to continue doing party work to enable him complete his project. President Akufo-Addo wants me to help him with his project to consolidate his gains and handover to an NPP government in 2024, he said in an interview on Asempa FM on Friday.



Mr Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, said he wanted an appointment in a state agency because he is more than qualified.



Apart from Attorney General, I qualify for any position in government but after a long meeting with the President, I changed my mind, he stated.



The Bono Regional Chairman indicated that given the strength of the opposition National Democratic Congress, they need people like them to counter the vile propaganda and communicate government policies to Ghanaians.



Abronye DC appealed to footsoliders who are also jostling for positions to allow President Akufo-Addo to make the right choices.

Source: adomonline.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
[January 19, 2021] U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Awards Contract to CHZ Technologies

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CHZ Technologies, LLC was awarded a contract "Waste to Energy" from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The contract's objective is to provide evidence that the Thermolyzer technology, a non-incineration process, can recycle each of the five different complex feedstock mixes efficiently and economically and generate electricity with feedstock input of 4 (or 10) tons/day. "We are grateful for this opportunity to illustrate how the technology performs using feedstock that is reflective of what is sent to landfills every day across the nation," said Ernest Zavoral, CEO of CHZ Technologies, LLC. "The technology essentially recycles almost all of the waste into beneficial recycled saleable poducts. The technology is a waste industry disruptor," he explained.



An additional benefit of the Thermolyzer technology is that it will economically recycle byproducts of aluminum, steel, non-ferrous materials and glass that can be sold for profit. To meet this objective as the proposal states, 14 tests must be done on the five different waste mixtures. These results must show that the Thermolyzer technology can: operate economically at a rate of no more than 10 tons/day of Mixed Solid Wastes, recycle a variety of mixed waste that include plastics #1-7, metals, organics, and both wet and dry waste, and produce useable output energy safely and meet environmental permitting at any location. About CHZ Technologies:

CHZ Technologies, LLC, based in Austintown, Ohio, was established in 2014 with the purpose of creating an innovative, unique multistage thermal process through its patented Thermolyzer technology. Thermolyzer converts all hydrocarbon-containing materials into an renewable ultra-clean synthesis gas and a clean, salable byproducts. The renewable syngas can be used to generate electricity or steam heat in appropriately designed gas turbines, internal combustion engines and boilers.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-army-corps-of-engineers-awards-contract-to-chz-technologies-301210281.html SOURCE CHZ Technologies LLC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Part of the latest app update now live in the Google Play Store, the Android Auto SmartThings support gives users the opportunity of controlling up to six devices right from the head unit, all without the need for touching their smartphones.SmartThings could already be configured for Android Auto access via Google Assistant, but the recent update to version 1.7.59.23 adds native support for the car experience, so youll be able to see a dedicated app icon on the home screen. After tapping it, SmartThings provides access to the configured devices, which you can control with a single tap on the display.Setting up SmartThings for Android Auto only takes a couple of minutes. After installing the latest version, run the app on your mobile device, and you should see a new Android Auto section providing you with options to configure the items you want to be listed in the car.You can enable up to six devices to show on Android Auto and also enable scene notifications.Get a notification that lets you run a scene when youre near this location. Youll only get notifications while Android Auto is running and your phone is connected to your car, Samsung explains.Overall, the experience is as straightforward as possible, and this was Samsungs purpose from the very beginning.The company expressed its commitment to expanding its mobile services to the car at the Galaxy S21 launch event; it also revealed it plans to allow its new smartphones to double as car keys with integrated UWB support and a collaboration with several carmakers out there. This feature should arrive in the summer, as the project is currently being developed with partners in the automotive industry.

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.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - The trucking industry kept many people employed during the height of the pandemic, But it was also changing lives long before the coronavirus.

In this weeks Skilled to Work, reporter Sydney Darden spoke with one graduate about how he flipped a two-month trucking course into a six-figure career.

Watch the story in the video above.

Open this link for more information.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Mohd Shafiq was eight years old when his mother vomited blood due to inhalation of MIC gas leaked from the UCIL factory. Thirty years later, Shafiq was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HTN). For the last eight years, he has been on dialysis, which he has to take twice a week.

Last month, Shafiq had symptoms of Covid-19 and the BMHRC put his dialysis on hold until they received his Covid-19 test report. Due to a delay in dialysis, his conditions worsened. He had swelling in his entire body. He was later admitted to another hospital and given dialysis as soon as he was tested positive.

The deaths of four workers at the Rourkela Steel Plant last week due to a toxic gas leak is the latest in India's long toll of industrial disasters. Last year alone saw 30 odd minor and major such events including the LG polymers gas leak in Visakhapatnam and the Baghjan gas leak in Assam. While most such preventable "accidents" make the news, the lifelong consequences they leave for their victims, including the environment, generally don't. The Bhopal gas leak disaster is a case in point.

More than 36 years ago, in the early hours of 03 December 1984, around 35-40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the Union Carbide India Ltd. (UCIL) factory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The leaked gas from the factory, a subsidiary of the US chemicals manufacturer Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), gradually covered an area of around 40 square km, killing more than 3700 people (15,000-20,000 as per individual claims) and affecting around 6,00,000 in total. Pregnant women miscarried as they ran, children died in their parents arms, and hospitals were overwhelmed by the gas leak victims.

Widely known as the worlds worst industrial disaster, the Bhopal gas leak was a dreadful wake-up call for Indias policymakers. Before the tragedy, practically no industrial disaster safeguard policies or sui generis laws were in place in the country. The accused were tried under the Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to homicide and death due to negligence. In the years following the tragedy, though, several acts and rules were passed to deal effectively with such contingencies. The Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act 1985 (Act, hereafter), was passed in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The Act conferred on the central government the power to legally represent the victims to ensure speedy, effective, and equitable settlement of claims. Contrary to the Act's mandate, however, the compensation and individual claim settlement process has been endless and holds vital lessons on how not to handle such a tragedy.

Initially, there was a tussle between the UCC ($5 million) and the Indian government ($3.3 billion) over the compensation amount. Eventually, as part of an out-of-court settlement in 1989, four years after the tragedy, both parties agreed on a $470 million compensation.

However, this settlement was reached without any involvement of the victims and their families. As part of its order, the Supreme Court of India (SCI) quashed all criminal cases borne out of the disaster and transferred all civil lawsuits to its jurisdiction concluding all settlements.

Thus, not only did the government settle for roughly 14% of its initial estimate of losses, SCI endorsed it without consulting the victims and left no room for any future criminal lawsuits from individual victims against UCC. The SCI order sanctioning the amount was based on its then estimate of 2,05,000 victims (including casualties) [ibid]. However, as per official data, by Oct 2014, compensation had been awarded by the government to 5,74,386 victims and dependents, far above the initial estimate that was used to justify the amount paid by UCC. Government agencies started disbursing the compensation amount only in 1991-92, seven years after the tragedy and the process went on till 2014, with some receiving as low as INR 26,000.

Hassan Khan, 23, and Nawab Khan, 20, both brothers, suffer from cerebral palsy caused by the consumption of contaminated groundwater. Due to their poor health, even basic things like crossing railway lines on the way to their home is a struggle.

The gas leak, though, was just the beginning. Since the early 1990s, studies have been conducted on soil and water samples from the areas in the factory's vicinity that show high levels of toxic chemicals in the environment. One study from 1990 showed high levels of Dichlorobenzenes, a chemical that damages the liver, kidneys, respiratory and nervous system, in drinking water samples. Another study from 2009 showed the presence of pesticides 40 times above the permissible limit in groundwater samples from areas over 3 km away from the factory site. The chromosomal abnormalities and carcinogenic effects caused by MIC exposure have lingered on in Bhopal. Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Downs syndrome, cancer, blindness, hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning difficulties are some common ailments found in the population, particularly the survivors.

Manishas parents were unknowingly consuming contaminated groundwater before she was born. The 13-year-old was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability and needs regular therapy to do basic day-to-day activities.

While the physical and psychological impact of the disaster compounded, the compensation, monetary or otherwise, did not. That also holds true for the impact of the disaster on the area's living environment as the losses to soil health, aquifers, surface water bodies, flora, and fauna, etc. were never accounted for by those in power. Since the Bhopal disaster, there have been more than two dozen major and minor industrial accidents in India even as new hazardous waste management rules have been brought in, and its disaster management infrastructure has evolved considerably. Whether enough lessons have been learnt in handling the aftermath of an industrial disaster is still up for debate.

The abandoned Union Carbide Factory is seen from Atal Ayyub Nagar, one of the most affected areas.

Fifteen-year-old Tahminas grandmother recalls hearing a lot of noise coming from the nearby cinema hall followed by people running and panicking. Her eyes started burning, and she fainted after a while. Tahminas father, aunt, and grandparents were exposed to MIC gas that night. Many years later, Tahmina was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.

Nida's paternal grandparents who live within two kilometres from the UCIL factory were severely exposed to the gas. Her grandmother died a year after the incident. Nida, now 12-years-old, was diagnosed with Down's syndrome and an autoimmune disorder called Alopecia. Nida's mother was seven and remembers coughing a lot the night of the gas leak.

Ten-year-old Alfez spends a lot of time with his siblings and cousins who are among the few who understand his condition well. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) and currently undergoes regular therapy. His father was one-and-a-half-years-old when he and his family inhaled the poisonous gas.

Abhi Batham has to take occupational and speech therapy regularly as he has an intellectual disability with weak vision and stiffness in his hands. His parents and grandparents were all exposed to the gas. His grandmother was most severely affected and was later diagnosed with cancer, losing her life to it.

This photo project was made possible by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Photos by: Rohit Jain. Jain is an independent social documentary photographer and short story writer based in New Delhi, India. His works focus on human and life development photo stories.

Jitendra Bisht is Senior Analyst at the Social &Political Research Foundation, a young policy think tank based in New Delhi, seeking to make public policy holistic and accessible.

This story was first published on Social and Political Research Foundation (SPRF).
PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG) announced today that its Lindenmeyr Munroe division has agreed to acquire Maine Shipping and Packaging Supply, expanding its presence in the Maine market. Lindenmeyr Munroe is the largest privately held independent paper merchant in the U.S., specializing in paper for commercial printers as well as packaging, wide-format and jan-san products.

The acquisition signals a further commitment to the packaging sector, one of the industry's fastest-growing segments and a bright spot during the 2020 pandemic for CNG's North American Distribution Division.

Portland-based Maine Shipping and Packaging Supply has been in business for more than 30 years as a full-service supplier of wholesale shipping and packaging supplies and equipment.

"As our North American Distribution business strengthens its local, go-to-market strategy across all regions, we will continue to focus on growth within the packaging sector," said Andrew Wallach, CNG President and Chief Executive Officer. "The addition of Maine Shipping and Packaging Supply is consistent with that strategy, benefiting both new and existing customers with a broader range of packaging products and solutions."

Jeff Bryant, the president of Maine Shipping and Packaging Supply will join Lindenmeyr Munroe in a new senior sales role, bringing along a team with substantial product expertise, regional knowledge, and a reputation for excellent customer service.

Lindenmeyr Munroe President William Meany said the acquisition furthers the company's goal of long-term expansion across all sectors. "We have never been more committed to our core business of commercial printing papers while continuing to diversify into growth areas such as packaging, wide-format and jan-san products," he said, adding that the company will continue its ongoing investments in employees, inventories and technology.

About Central National Gottesman Inc.

Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG) is a $6.8 billion sales and distribution organization that owns businesses in the global pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, nonwovens & fibers, wood products and metals industries. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Purchase, NY, CNG employs more than 3,000 people in 29 countries around the world. CNG is privately held and builds on more than 135 years of family ownership, market knowledge and adaptability to create value for clients around the world. To learn more, please visit www.cng-inc.com.

SOURCE Central National Gottesman Inc.
A dad murdered his baby daughter by violently shaking her to death after having a 'difficult afternoon looking after her' when she would not stop crying, a court heard.

Philip Peace, 42, is accused of killing his five-month-old daughter Summer at their family home in Dudley, West Midlands, in September 2017.

He dialled 999 when the youngster collapsed and paramedics arrived at the address to find her 'limp, unresponsive and struggling to breathe'.

Summer was rushed to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley on September 8, 2017 and died around 24 hours later the following day.

Philip Peace, 42, has appeared at Birmingham Crown Court accused of killing his five-month-old daughter Summer at their family home in Dudley, West Midlands, in September 2017 (stock photo)

A court heard she had suffered a fatal brain injury, 11 broken ribs, a fractured sternum and was bleeding from the eye and spinal cord.

Peace told doctors Summer had started to cry and was 'inconsolable' a couple of hours before she collapsed - but he had only rocked her and bounced her on his knee.

However several medical experts concluded she died from a 'non-accidental injury' caused by being excessively shaken and potential impact with a cushion, jurors were told.

On Monday, Peace went on trial accused of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court.

Peace told doctors Summer had started to cry and was 'inconsolable' a couple of hours before she collapsed - but he had only rocked her and bounced her on his knee

Opening the case, prosecutor Andrew Smith QC said: 'At 4.08pm on September 8, 2017, Philip Peace dialled 999 after his five-month-old daughter collapsed.

'The prosecution's case is that Summer's collapse was caused by her being intentionally shaken by Philip Peace.

'Summer was taken to hospital and died a little over 24 hours later.

'We say that the deliberate and unlawful actions of Philip Peace caused the death of Summer and that he is responsible for her murder.

Summer was rushed to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley on September 8, 2017 and died around 24 hours later the following day. She had suffered a fatal brain injury, 11 broken ribs, a fractured sternum and was bleeding from the eye and spinal cord (stock photo)

'The prosecution say her collapse and death was caused by shaking perhaps together with impact.

'This is a traumatic event involving force.'

The court heard Summer's brain injuries were caused by 'excessive forwards and backwards moving of her head and brain - a whiplash-style injury'.

Mr Smith added: 'Dr Al-Sarraj found changes in her brain came about due to lack of oxygen and there was also damage to the wiring of her brain.

'That damage to the wiring of the brain is all consistent with being caused by non-accidental head injuries.

'His preferred explanation is excessive forwards and backwards movement of her head and brain.

Birmingham Crown Court heard Summer's brain injuries were caused by 'excessive forwards and backwards moving of her head and brain - a whiplash-style injury'

'A whiplash-style injury with or without further movement which places strain on the back of the neck particularly the medulla which controls the brain.

'Interference can lead to breathing stopping and then cardiac arrest which leads to reduction in oxygen to the brain.

'That same strain that causes subdural bleeding can cause bleeding to the eyes.

'The force was in excess of what is involved in normal handling of a child.

'Professor Stivaros specialises in interpretation of injuries to children's brains and heads.

'He found widespread subdural bleeding and that it was between two halves of the brain.

'It would be explained by severe acceleration and deceleration like shaking.. Impact against soft surfaces could be involved.

'The force would be deemed inappropriate and violent by independent observer.

'The degree of force involved would be obviously beyond that involved in handling a child.'

The court was told Summer also suffered 'significant bleeding' in the retinal area of the eye as well as her optic nerve.

Her broken ribs were said to have been caused by shaking or 'by someone with their hands wrapped around her chest squeezing in all directions.'

Mr Smith told the jury: 'All of this bleeding around the eye was fresh and consistent with having been caused at the time of her collapse.

'It is consistent with being caused by movement head traumas such as shaking. The degree of force would be obviously greater than that encountered in daily life.

'Another force could be impact against a soft yielding structure like a cushion. The most likely explanation of the injuries is excessive force or inappropriate handling by Mr Peace.

Evidence from Dr Kolar suggests the overall cause of death was head injury.

'The overall brain bleeding, the bleeding in her her eyes and lack of oxygen are associated with traumatic head injury,' said Mr Smith.

'He considers some of the causes of the head injuries were impact trauma, a forceful impact on a broad soft surface.

'We say she died of shaking potentially with impact that must have occurred just minutes before an ambulance was called to the defendant's address.

'The shaking occurred when he was alone with Summer. He admitted she had been difficult to look after that afternoon.

'The defendant intended to cause really serious injury to her.'

'But he denies acting unlawfully or causing any injury to Summer at any time.

'The count of manslaughter is an alternative to the count of murder.

'For you to consider is if he caused fatal injury without intention to cause serious injury.

'We will make you sure the charge is murder.'

Peace denies the charges and the trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks, continues.
Londons Nightingale hospital has been forced to relax its rules for admitting patients after NHS trusts sent only a handful of patients there.

The field hospital, at the ExCel centre, reopened its doors on Monday last week, with 64 beds ready for patients.

But it faced a backlash from hospitals, with many sources warning the criteria to discharge a patient to the site were so restrictive it would not help NHS trusts to free up beds.

By Friday, the lack of patients at the Nightingale, which was rebuilt at a cost of millions after being dismantled following the summer, led the North East London Foundation Trust and NHS England to agree changes to the admissions criteria to allow it to take on more complex patients.

Despite the changes, the hospital still had only 12 patients as of Monday, up from eight at the weekend. Some NHS hospital insiders told The Independent the new criteria still did not go far enough.

The Nightingale hospital has now agreed to take patients whose conditions are more complex than previously and who may need a care home bed.

It has also told hospitals that patients no longer need to have an identified discharge plan in place, and it will take patients who may stay up to 14 days.

Other changes including accepting patients who only have 14 days worth of medication as opposed to 28 days, as well as people considered obese or severely overweight.

Hospital bosses have also said they are prepared to take in homeless patients and those from outside London.

Patients must have two negative Covid-19 swabs within 48 hours of transfer to the Nightingale or they must have been isolated for 14 days.

One hospital source said: This definitely widens the scope but two negative Covid swabs is a big barrier. Length of stay at 14 days is better but it could still leave patients stranded.

Some clinicians are reluctant to send patients recovering from stroke or other longer-term conditions, who may need other therapy over a longer period.

Other managers believe the decision to not take Covid patients is a major failure.

One said: They dont seem to get that most hospitals in London are full of Covid patients.

But there is also frustration within North East London Foundation Trust, which runs the Nightingale, where some bosses believe hospitals in the capital are not taking full advantage of the field hospital or recognising its value.

The initial phase of the hospital, with 64 beds, could be extended, with NHS England planning a phase two of more than 360 beds.

When it opened last year, the Nightingale was primarily designed to care for severely ill ventilated Covid-19 patients but concerns over its safety and staffing levels meant it cared for just over 50 patients.

Earlier this month, NHS England asked the services five London areas to provide more than 23 nurses each to help staff the field hospital, despite widespread staff shortages.

Its understood many staff at the Nightingale have been recruited from agencies.

NHS England told The Independent it had worked with hospitals to make sure the criteria were appropriate in supporting Londons wider response to the pandemic.

In a statement, it said: The NHS Nightingale Hospital London is sufficiently staffed to safely care for new patients and those already admitted, using a combination of NHS staff redeployed from Londons hospitals alongside high-calibre staff from bank and agency partners. We are confident that staffing will not be a limiting factor in accepting any future referrals.

Photo: (Photo : Twitter/Canterbury Woods ES)

A soldier in the National Guard works double shift as a Capitol guard and an elementary teacher. He spends a few hours in the morning as a teacher in Virginia.

D.C. National Guard Sgt. Jacob Kohut is one of the over 20,000 National Guard members who will provide security ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. But he is on Zoom every morning in his Humvee to teach his elementary and middle school music students.

Provide a little bit of stability during these trying times

According to NBC News's Gadi Schwartz, Kohut said that he wants to help during this uncertain time. He explained that things have been turbulent since the pandemic happened, so he is all in to provide even a little bit of stability.

Kohut has been teaching music at Canterbury Woods Elementary School and Fairfax County's Frost Middle School for five years. When he is not teaching, he plays saxophone and bassoon in the 275th Army Band.

READ MORE: Working Mom Talks About Benefits of Choosing Family over Career

His students know about his two roles

His students know that he is in the military, so they know that he may get pulled away from teaching occasionally. Kohut tried to help his students relax when they learned he had to be of service in the wake of the Capitol riot. The National Guard would tell his students not to worry about him because they are all good over there.

Kohut has been quickly toggling between his roles for 11 years already since he joined the service. He said that his boots and uniform are right in the next room, so he is always ready to go.

According to "The Washington Post," Kohut played saxophone in high school, and he has earned a doctorate from George Mason University in music composition. Music has been an integral part of the National Guard's life.

READ NEXT: Mom Creates Special Onesies for Tiny NICU Patients After Seeing Her Daughter's Miracle

On Saturday, the US Army shared a Facebook post to recognize Kohut's service. It wrote that Dr. (Sgt.) Jake Kohut has been working nonstop since Wednesday. The Army also wrote that he is dedicated to his CWES students apart from protecting the nation's capital.

Dr. (Sgt.) Jake Kohut, member of D.C. National Guard and band teacher at Canterbury Woods Elementary School, Fairfax... Posted by U.S. Army on Saturday, January 16, 2021

A real hero

Canterbury Woods principal, Diane Leipzig, tweeted out how grateful she is because of Kohut. She explained that Kohut is a real hero because he teaches between shifts besides protecting the nation.

This is what a hero looks like. A member of the DC National Guard, our band teacher Dr. Jake Kohut has been working around the clock since Wednesday to protect our nations capital. And between shifts, he is dedicated to CWES students, teaching from DC. @fcpsnews @FrostsPrincipal pic.twitter.com/nsDRuV08OQ  CanterburyWoodsES (@Canterbury_Wood) January 13, 2021

CHECK THIS OUT: Girl Holds Bake Sale to Raise Money for Dad's Funeral

The dad-of-one has been remotely teaching classes in a Humvee while on his laptop. Sometimes he would be teaching from the drill floor before his 12-hour shift for the National Guard starts at ten in the morning.

Leipzig told the outlet that Kohut would do anything for his students because he loves them. She also said that the extremely dedicated teacher is an excellent example because he teaches the kids that practice, determination, and resilience are all important in life.
Larsen & Toubro Infotech on Tuesday reported a 37.85 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 519.3 crore for the December quarter, mainly driven by a surge in revenue and margin expansion.

The IT arm of engineering major L&T had posted a net profit of Rs 376.7 crore in the year-ago period.

It reported a 12 per cent increase in revenues to Rs 3,152.8 crore for the quarter as against Rs 2,811 crore a year ago. Compared to the preceding September quarter, the revenues were up nearly 6 per cent.

Its chief executive and managing director Sanjay Jalona said the company's revenues have exceeded the levels attained in FY20 and exuded confidence of closing FY21 with revenue growth in high single digits.

The net income margin expanded to 16.5 per cent as against 13.4 per cent in the year-ago period and 15.2 per cent in the preceding September quarter.

Jalona said a higher utilisation of over 84 per cent, greater volume of work done onshore in India and faster revenue growth helped in the margin expansion.

The company is targeting to maintain the net income margin number between 14-15 per cent and will be investing accordingly into the business because it wants to be seen as a growth company, Jalona said.

Jalona said he is happy with the deal pipeline and the conversations with clients are centred around digital transformation and workforce modernisation contracts.

Refusing to comment on whether the worst is behind for the IT industry, which has been posting handsome performance numbers, Jalona said he is very optimistic about the vaccination.

The total headcount of the company increased to nearly 34,000 at the end of December from 31,419 in the year-ago period and 32,455 in the September quarter.

Attrition also came down to 12.4 per cent from 17.7 per cent in the year-ago period.

The company scrip on Tuesday rose 1.93 per cent to close at Rs 4,093.10 apiece on the BSE.

(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.)
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.
Jealous male butterflies mark their mates with a strong and repulsive smell to deter any potential rivals, a new study shows.

Researchers analysed males of the tropical butterfly species Heliconius melponene in Panama, which creates a chemical in its sex glands, called ocimene.

The species has evolved to produce the powerful anti-aphrodisiac in its genitals, which it leaves behind on the female after sex, acting as a 'turn off' for other males.

Somewhat bafflingly to science, the very same chemical is also produced by flowers to actually attract butterflies for pollination.

Researchers identified a gene for the first time that shows H. melponene butterflies and flowers independently evolved to make this same chemical  but for very different purposes.

Heliconius melpomene butterflies mating in captivity in Panama. Researchers analysed the H. melponene genome, identifying a genomic region associated with ocimene production

'We identified the gene responsible for producing this powerful anti-aphrodisiac pheromone called ocimene in the genitals of male butterflies,' said lead study author Dr Kathy Darragh at of University of California, Davis.

'This shows that the evolution of ocimene production in male butterflies is independent of the evolution of ocimene production in plants.

For a long time it was thought insects took the chemical compounds from plants and then used them to detract love rivals.

'We have shown butterflies can make the chemicals themselves  but with very different intentions,' Dr Darragh said.

'Male butterflies use it to repulse competitors and flowers use the same smell to entice butterflies for pollination.'

Heliconius melpomene from insectaries in Gamboa, Panama. In Heliconius butterflies, there are other closely-related species pairs which differ in their production of ocimene

This sounds highly counterintuitive, but might be explained by context, Dr Darragh suggests.

'Its something that we dont fully understand but we think it has to do with how the signals are processed, perhaps alongside visual images, or other smells such as the other floral scent compounds,' she said.

'The scent itself doesnt vary but the context and therefore how the signal is interpreted does.

'The visual cues the butterflies get will be important  when the scent is detected in the presence of flowers it will be attractive but when it is found on another butterfly it is repulsive to the males. Context is key.'

H. melponene butterflies live for around six months. The females typically have few sexual partners and they store the sperm and use it to fertilise their eggs over a number of months after a single mating.

The males, meanwhile, have as many mates as they can and each time they mate they transfer the anti-aphrodisiac chemical because they want to be the one to fertilise the offspring.

This chemical is not produced by all butterflies of the Heliconius genus, however  for example Heliconius cydno, another species analysed for the study, does not produce the strong smelling pheromone.

Dr Kathy Darragh, first author of the paper, with a Heliconius butterfly in the Madingley insectary in Cambridge

This new analysis of the power of smell  also called chemical signalling  sheds new light on the importance of scent as a form of communication.

'The butterflies presumably adapted to detect it and find flowers and they have then evolved to use it in this very different way,' said study author Professor Chris Jiggins from the University of Cambridge.

'The males want to pass their genes onto the next generation and they don't want the females to have babies with other fathers so they use this scent to make them unsexy.

'Male butterflies pester the females a lot so it might benefit the females too if the smell left behind means they stop being bothered for sex after they have already mated.'

The study has been published in PLOS Biology.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Tuesday banned fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles from plying flyovers in the state.

Mr Abiodun announced this decision during his assessment visit to the scene of tanker explosion, which occurred on Monday in Abeokuta, claiming three lives with many others injured.

The governor also vowed that stiffer punishment would be meted out to any tanker driver found culpable.

According to him, the ban is meant to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens.

Three dead

The governor, however, confirmed the death of three persons as against the one earlier reported in the Tuesdays tanker explosion, while six others sustained injuries.

He said the injured, who were badly burnt, had been taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, and the state Hospital, Ijaye, both in Abeokuta.

We have gone a step further by inviting burn specialists from Lagos to attend to those that have 80 to 90 per cent burnt which requires special attention.

The specialists have since arrived Abeokuta. They will make a determination whether we are to transfer those with burns to burn centre in Lagos.

I will discuss with the state Ministry of Transportation, we will begin the enforcement of ensuring that tankers plying our roads are well checked to see if they are roadworthy or not.

We will put measures in place to reduce this kind of occurrence, part of that is to include that taker drivers should not operate on our overhead bridges anymore.

If their ability to control their vehicles has now become a hazard to other road users, we think it is important to declare that tankers are not allowed on our overhead bridges anymore.

We will put in place a very thick fine for any tanker driver found on any of these bridges.

This, among other measures, will be rolled out in the next one day or two days, he said.

Cause of accident

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the incident occurred around 8:20 a.m. along Presidential Boulevard Road, Guaranty Trust Bank in Kuto, Abeokuta, damaging some vehicles and injuring four people.

The tanker which was coming from Sagamu-Siun-Oke-Mosan Road had a brake failure and as a result, descended from the over-head bridge.

A witness, Seun Okeowo, told our correspondent the explosion affected some offices in the area.

The tanker rammed into scores of cars before it eventually exploded. It affected some offices in the area including that of the Guaranty Trust Bank.

ALSO READ: Anambra bans movement of fuel tankers during daytime

Another witness, Sunkanmi Alao, said motorists within Abeokuta metropolis avoided the road to ensure that fire services carry out their operations of finding a solution to the fire incident.

ADVERTISEMENT

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that it took the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Police to restore normalcy in the area.

Speaking on the incident, the Director of the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, Ige Olufolarin, said those confirmed dead were burnt beyond recognition.

Three persons are now confirmed dead and their bodies have been evacuated. Four people were also injured, he told journalists.

In addition to Mr Olufolarins confirmation, the state commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ahmed Umar, said the bodies of the victims and those injured were later taken to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Idi Aba, Abeokuta.

Fuel tanker explosion is one of the major transport mishaps in Nigeria and it continues to cause concern for the authorities.
French English

QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Icentia Inc., a leading Canadian technology companyspecialised in cardiac ambulatory monitoringwill be providing a new home-based service nationwide that will enable patients with heart rhythm disorders to have access to an ambulatory cardiac test from the safety of their homes while the pandemic surges on.



Icentia enables at-home tests through its CardioSTAT device, a Canadian designed and manufactured, proven alternative to traditional Holter monitor tests. Since its introduction in 2015, the CardioSTAT test has become the tool of choice for hundreds of physicians across Canada and the United Kingdom for the detection of heart rhythm disorders. This inventive and life-saving solution is now being implemented nationally for at-home tests in much needed times.

As the pandemic rages on, wait times in the Canadian healthcare system are becoming a serious issue. Backlogs for all procedures, including ECG monitoring, continue to grow. Social distancing and contamination risk requirements have increased the burden on hospitals and clinics, bolstering the demand for home-based tests. The pandemic is forcing our healthcare system to evolve and adapt. This smart and accurate cardiac monitoring technology is what Canadians need right now to stay safe and keep healthy, explains Dr. Marko Mrkobrada, Internist, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON.

This new home-based solution, where no visit to health care facility for hook up or device return is required, promises to lighten the load on medical staff while also increasing safety for all. We are glad to relieve some of the pressure on our healthcare system and to contribute to more safety through our home-based, patient-initiated tests. CardioSTAT test, which has proven to be easy to use, reliable and safe over the past years, makes even more sense in todays context, says Icentia CEO Pierre Paquet.

About CardioSTAT

The CardioSTAT test relies on a unique single-use electrocardiography monitoring device designed to be comfortably worn on the upper chest for up to 14 days. It has the potential to reduce lead times to diagnosis, while providing the patient with a greatly improved experience. Quick and easy to install, it avoids the inconvenience and discomfort caused by multiple skin adhesive electrodes wired to Holter monitors. The result is a highly efficient, yet comfortable and very discrete, wire-free cardiac monitor that does not restrict patients from showering or doing physical activity. Upon complete analysis of the recording by Icentia, results are reviewed by a certified cardiologist before being reported to the patients prescribing doctor. For more information, visit cardiostat.com.

About Icentia

Based in Canada, Icentia is a combined medical device and service company. Icentia pioneers innovative solutions for healthcare institutions in the field of medical testing. Icentia aims to help healthcare institutions in becoming more efficient while providing patients with the ease, comfort, peace of mind and safety of reliable at-home medical monitoring through technological advances. For more information, visit icentia.com.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
NANOTECHNOLOGY PREVENTS PREMATURE BIRTH IN MOUSE STUDIES

Media Contact: Rachel Butch, rbutch1@jhmi.edu

In a study in mice and human cells, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say that they have developed a tiny, yet effective method for preventing premature birth. The vaginally delivered treatment contains nanosized (billionth of a meter) particles of drugs that easily penetrate the vaginal wall to reach the uterine muscles and prevent them from contracting. If proven effective in humans, the treatment could be one of the only clinical options available to prevent preterm labor. The FDA has recommended removing Makena (17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate), the only approved medicine for this purpose, from the market.

The study was published Jan. 13, 2020, in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

There are an estimated 15 million premature births each year, making it the number one cause of infant mortality worldwide. Few indicators can predict which pregnancies will result in a preterm birth, but inflammation in the reproductive tract is a contributing factor in approximately one-third of all cases. This symptom not only puts babies at risk of being born with low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs, but also has been linked to brain injuries in the developing fetus.

The newly reported experimental therapy uses technology developed by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Center for Nanomedicine. Its active ingredients are two drugs: progesterone, a hormone that regulates female reproduction, and trichostatin A, an inhibitor of the enzyme histone deacetylase, which regulates gene expression. To prepare the treatment, the drugs are first ground down into miniature crystals, about 200-300 nanometers in diameter, or smaller than a typical bacterium. Then, the nanocrystals are coated with a stabilizing compound that keeps them from getting caught in the body's protective mucus layers, which absorb and sweep away foreign particles.

"This means we can use far less drug to efficiently reach other parts of the female reproductive tract," says Laura Ensign, Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology, with a secondary appointment in gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, co-author of the study and an expert on nanomedicine and drug delivery systems.

To test their therapy, the researchers used mice that were engineered to mimic inflammation-related conditions that would lead to preterm labor in humans. They found that the experimental treatment prevented the mice from entering premature labor. Neurological tests of mouse pups born to mothers that had received the treatment revealed no abnormalities.

The researchers also applied the drug combination to human uterine cells grown in the lab. The drug combination, they report, decreased contractions in the test samples.

Additional laboratory tests of the experimental treatment are planned to evaluate its safety before considering trials in humans.

LOOKING BACK DECADES SHOWS HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS NEED MORE THAN MOVEMENT TO PREVENT DANGEROUS CLOTS

Media Contact: Michael E. Newman, mnewma25@jhmi.edu

Based on a systematic review of scientific studies dating back nearly 70 years, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and collaborating institutions suggest that ambulation -- walking or exercising without assistance -- is not sufficient alone as a preventive measure against venous thromboembolism (VTE), a potentially deadly condition in which a blood clot forms, often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm (known as a deep vein thrombosis) and may dislodge. If that happens, the clot will travel via the bloodstream to lodge in the lungs and cause tissue damage or death from reduced oxygen (known as a pulmonary embolism).

The researchers presented their findings in the Dec. 8, 2020, issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal Open.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, VTE annually affects some 300,000 to 600,000 individuals in the United States, and kills between 60,000 to 100,000 of those stricken. Among the groups at highest risk are hospitalized patients, especially those who undergo surgery.

Since the 1950s, ambulation -- in the form of walking or foot/leg exercises -- as soon and as often as possible following surgery has been recommended as a means of reducing the threat of VTE in high-risk patients. The latest study was conducted to see if ambulation is enough or if other measures -- primarily medications known as anticoagulants or blood thinners -- are needed.

The researchers reviewed nearly 21,000 scientific papers from 1951 through April 2020 and used predefined scoring criteria to select the 18 most relevant studies. These consisted of eight retrospective and two prospective studies, seven randomized clinical trials and one secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

"Our systematic review revealed little evidence to support ambulation alone as an adequate means of preventing VTEs," says Elliott Haut, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the study.

The findings, Haut says, are concerning because ambulation is commonly thought to be effective as the sole prophylaxis used to avoid VTEs. In fact, he adds, several national and international clinical guidelines recommend this course of action.

"It's a mistaken belief that often leads to doctors discontinuing what they perceive as unnecessary medication or nurses presenting ambulation as an alternative prophylaxis to patients," says study lead author Brandyn Lau, M.P.H., assistant professor of radiology and radiological science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "On the contrary, there is overwhelming evidence supporting medications to prevent VTE in nearly every applicable population admitted to a hospital."

Haut, Lau and their collaborators hope these findings will help change the long-standing misconception that ambulation can prevent VTEs on its own and persuade physicians to take a more comprehensive approach.

JOHNS HOPKINS GYNECOLOGIC CANCER EXPERTS TO ADDRESS DISPARITIES IN CANCER CARE

Media Contact: Marisol Martinez, mmart150@jhmi.edu

Thanks to a nearly $400,000 grant from the American Cancer Society and Pfizer, three gynecologic cancer experts from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will address widespread race-related barriers and disparities in the delivery of care that may affect the outcomes of gynecologic cancer patients. The grant, awarded under the Addressing Racial Disparities in Cancer Care Competitive Grant Program, will enable the team to develop a scalable (adaptable) and ultimately sustainable way to identify and address the social determinants of health that contribute to these concerns.

The researchers for the Johns Hopkins grant are co-principal investigator Anna Beavis, M.D., M.P.H., and Stephanie Wethington, M.D., M.Sc., assistant professors of gynecology and obstetrics in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and co-principal investigator Anne Rositch, M.S.P.H., Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The project expands on a pilot program started in 2017 in collaboration with Hopkins Community Connection (formerly Health Leads) that identified and addressed challenges disproportionately affecting Black patients -- such as access to basic needs like food, housing and transportation -- which have now been exacerbated by the disparate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Black community. The team hopes that this expansion will be widely applied in the future and lead to more equitable outcomes for all women treated for gynecologic cancers.

"With the pandemic, our minority patients have been affected the most," says Beavis. "While basic needs have always been more prevalent in underserved populations, the pandemic has brought additional financial and other resource strain to our Black patient community, so this grant is very timely."

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs (cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva). The incidence of gynecologic cancers can vary by cancer type and race or ethnicity.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 94,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers each year. Black and Hispanic women get more cervical cancer associated with HPV than women of other races or ethnicities, possibly because of less access to screening tests and follow-up treatment.

###
Red Bull doesn't need the financial backing that can be brought from Mexico by Sergio Perez.

That is the insistence of team boss Christian Horner, who says Red Bull only decided to sign Racing Point refugee Perez for 2021 because he thinks "he can push Max more than Albon was able to last season".

Some have speculated that Red Bull also liked the look of the experienced 30-year-old's financial package, fronted by the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"Red Bull doesn't depend on that," Horner insisted to the Dutch publication Racingnews365.

"Perez's popularity in Latin America and Mexico in particular will be discussed in the coming months."

Horner said Perez's level of popularity was unprecedented for a Red Bull driver announcement.

"The interest surrounding his announcement was the biggest we have ever known with Red Bull," he said. "It's great that Formula 1 is so popular, plus of course we have a lot more platforms at our disposal than years ago.

"We've seen tremendous growth in traffic from Latin America, which is good for Formula 1," Horner added.

(GMM)
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th January, 2021) Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed by phone with his Bolivian counterpart, Luis Arce, the fight against the coronavirus and the Sputnik V vaccine, the Kremlin said.

"Particular attention was paid to the topic of cooperation in combating the spread of coronavirus infection, in particular, in the use of vaccines," it said.

It noted that the importance of the agreements reached in December 2020 on the supply of Russia's Sputnik V to Bolivia had been emphasized.

"Issues of further development of Russian-Bolivian relations in various fields were thoroughly discussed," the statement also says.
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.
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council, President Rick Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder, and our Vice Presidents released the following statement on the passing of Ted Kirsch, former President of AFT-PA and Vice President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

"Pennsylvania's Labor Movement mourns the loss of our union brother and Labor Leader Ted Kirsch. Ted joined our executive council in 1988 and served as vice president for 31 years, retiring in 2019. In his 17 years as President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and 12 years as President of the American Federation of Teachers  Pennsylvania, he led educators across the Commonwealth in the fight for their students and their workplaces. Throughout his life, Ted held a deep solidarity with union brothers and sisters in the Histadrut, Israel's General Federation of Labor, and the Israeli people."

"Ted was committed to building a better future for Pennsylvania's working families, and he spent his life fighting to preserve public education for everyone. Ted Kirsch inspired a generation of union members and provided wise counsel to our Labor Movement. On behalf of our entire Executive Council and more than 700,000 union members, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO extends our heartfelt condolences to his family and the many lives he touched. Ted's legacy of unionism and leadership will not be forgotten."

SOURCE PA AFL-CIO
The worlds oldest known all-purpose orifice sits in a fossil display case in the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt, Germany, so close to the glass that enshrines it that you can put your face up to it, like this, said Jakob Vinther, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol in England, holding his hand a couple inches from his nose.

It belongs to a Psittacosaurus, a beaked, dog-size, leaf-munching dinosaur that lived more than 100 million years ago. And its not technically an anus, even though it sometimes functioned like one. Its a cloaca: a multifunctional outlet named for the Latin word for sewer, through which some animals  including a menagerie of modern birds, reptiles, amphibians and even a few mammals  can defecate, urinate, copulate and/or extrude their offspring or eggs.

Now, that orifices opening, which was flattened during its fossilization, has been reconstructed into a three-dimensional model and published Tuesday in the journal Current Biology. Close examination of the Psittacosauruss prehistoric privates suggest that the cloaca is somewhat crocodilian, but is still distinct among known nether regions.

Its always kind of a rare gift when we get soft tissues like this preserved, said Armita Manafzadeh, a vertebrate paleontologist at Brown University who was not involved in the study.
Vice President Mike Pence will skip President Donald Trump's farewell ceremony on Wednesday, as will top Republican congressional leaders, in order for them to spend inauguration day with incoming President Joe Biden.

Pence is attending Biden's swearing-in ceremony later on Wednesday and aides told The Washington Post that it would be logistically challenging for the vice president to do both events.

The swearing-in will take place at the U.S. Capitol's West Front while Trump's farewell is at Joint Base Andrews, about 13 miles away. The events are three hours apart in timing and, as vice president, Pence has access to a motorcade and helicopter.

There have been reports that organizers are struggling to fill the seats for Trump's departure ceremony and are offering each invitee the chance to bring five guests of their own. Several former Trump staffers are declining to be there, including his former chief of staff John Kelly and his former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Both men were invited despite being top Trump critics in their post-White House lives.

Republican Congressional leaders also will snub President Trump's farewell in order to go to mass with Biden as part of a bipartisan display of unity.

Republicans Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, along with Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, will attend the Catholic service with Biden at St. Matthews church in downtown Washington D.C., about 10 blocks from the White House, Punchbowl News reported.

But McConnell and McCarthy's decision to spend the morning with Biden means they will miss Trump's military-style departure from JBA.

Vice President Mike Pence will miss President Donald Trump's departure ceremony from Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday morning

There are reports organizers are having trouble filling the seats for President Trump's farewell event and are allowing people to bring five guests with them

Trump is holding the departure ceremony on the morning Biden takes the oath of office, becoming the 46th president. Trump will be the first president in 150 years not to attend his successor's swearing-in. He will be at his Mar-a-Lago residence when Biden becomes president.

White House aides have sent out invitations for Trump;s farewell with guests instructed to arrive between 6am and 7:15am for the 8 am event. The ceremony may include a color guard and 21-gun salute.

The church service is at 8:45 a.m., Axios reported, meaning it will be impossible for McConnell and McCarthy to attend both events.

The images of the two Republican Congressional leaders with Biden are not likely to help their frosty relationship with Trump. In the wake of the January 6th MAGA riot on Capitol Hill both men accused Trump of inciting the crowd that stormed the Capitol, left five people dead and a mass of destruction in their wake.

'The mob was fed lies, they were provoked by the president and other powerful people,' McConnell said on the Senate floor Tuesday morning.

The invitation to congressional leadership is part of Biden's plan to demonstrate his contrast to Trump from the start of his presidency. The mass will come shortly after Trump departs the White House for the last time.

The outgoing president has eschewed the traditional trappings that come with a peaceful transfer of power. He did not host Biden at the White House for coffee after the election and will not greet him at front door ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

Joe Biden will attend Catholic church with Congressional leaders from both parties on the morning of his inauguration in a show of bipartisan unity

Republicans Mitch McConnell (top left) and Kevin McCarthy (top right), along with Democrats Nancy Pelosi (bottom left) and Chuck Schumer (bottom right), will attend Catholic mass with Joe Biden at St. Matthews church on Wednesday morning

Trump also announced he would not attend his successor's swearing-in. The last president not to do so was President Andrew Johnson in 1869 - who had also been impeached.

Shortly after Trump announced he wouldn't be there, Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton announced they would attend. George W. Bush and wife Laura had already confirmed they would be there. Jimmy Carter, 96, and wife Roslynn, 93, will not attend, the first inaugural they have missed since 1977, while they attempt to keep safe from COVID.

The presidential couples will join Biden after he takes the oath of office, when he and Jill Biden lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in another show of bipartisan unity that is part of Biden's inauguration theme of 'America United.'

Biden is also wooing congressional leaders at a time he'll need bipartisan support to pass his legislative priorities, which includes a $1.9 trillion plan to combat the coronavirus and immigration reform.

Democrats hold a slim three seat majority in the House and the Senate will be a 50-50 tie when Biden enters the Oval Office. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the tie breaking vote in the upper chamber.

Biden already has laid out an ambitious legislative agenda. His immigration plan would provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status in a massive reversal of Trump administration policies.

His COVID relief plan includes $1,400 stimulus checks and a $400-a-week federal unemployment insurance program. He is also asking for billions of dollars for federal nutrition programs and child care providers and an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. In addition, he is asking for $350 billion for states and $35 billion more for small-businesses financing programs.

Congress must pass his wish-list. Additionally, the Senate had to confirm all of Biden's Cabinet nominees.

President Donald Trump has had a strained relationship with Congressional leadership

Joe Biden is the second Catholic president in U.S. history after John F. Kennedy and a regular church goer

The Wednesday morning mass will be one of the few times for Biden to connect with Congressional leadership on a busy day. The traditional luncheon held by lawmakers in the Capitol for the new president was cancelled because of concerns about the coronavirus.

Trump, in contrast, had strained relations with Capitol Hill. McConnell was refusing to speak to him by the end of presidency and Pelosi famously ripped up the text of his last State of the Union address.

Additionally, Trump was reported to be so angry at McCarty over his blaming Trump for inciting the January 6 MAGA riot, he called him a p****. The two men previously had a strong relationship.

Biden is also only the second Catholic president in U.S. history after John F. Kennedy, who also worshiped at St. Matthew's.

He attends church regularly. On Thursday, his first full day as president, Biden will join a Virtual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service held at Washington National Cathedral, an interfaith service which dates back to the first inauguration of President George Washington. It will be entirely virtual this year to engage Americans safely

Gordon Chang: We Need to Cut Ties to the Chinese Regime

Gordon Chang, a China affairs expert and widely known for his book The Coming Collapse of China, said on Sunday that the Chinese regimes challenge is existential and the United States should cut ties to it.

Chinese leaders are both arrogant and insecure at the same time. And this, to me, is the worst possible combination of attributes. So what should we do? Chang said in an online webinar held by the Florida Society for Middle East Studies. In what to me looks like an emergency, we need to cut our ties to the Chinese regime.

Chang explained that cutting ties is not just decoupling. To decouple, or end supply chain vulnerability, is now a majority view. But he thinks the U.S. government should bring its factories back from China, end technological cooperation partnerships, cut off cultural exchanges, get Chinese diplomats and journalists out of America, get Chinas newspapers off newsstands, and get Chinese cable stations off of our airwaves, etc.

Yeah, this does sound drastic, but we do have an emergency, Chang continued. China uses all of its contacts with our country to try to overthrow our government. And we are being overwhelmed. The FBI and law enforcement in the U.S. is overwhelmed, so [are] the federal and state government[s].

Christopher Wray, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said in July 2020 that the FBI is opening a new China-related counterintelligence case about every 10 hours. Of the nearly 5,000 active FBI counterintelligence cases currently underway across the country, almost half are related to China.

Chinas form of communism is unreformable, Chang added. Now we are getting to a critical point. So for us, a whole of government, indeed, in fact, a whole of society approach must begin now.

Before Chang came to this conclusion, he first talked about three topics. First was Chinas spreading of the CPP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, second was Chinas subversion of the American government, and third was Chinas descent into militarism.

Spreading the CCP Virus

The deception about the contagiousness of the disease, forcing other countries to accept arrivals from China, downplaying the severity of the disease. These all show us that this was a deliberate release of the disease from China itself, said Chang.

Chang pointed out that the Chinese ruler Xi Jinping locked down Wuhan and surrounding cities, knowing it would be effective in stopping disease.

So that means [Xi] must have known that by pressuring countries to not impose those measures, he was spreading the disease.

Chang went on to say that the U.S. government must impose costs on China.

This is not the last pathogen that will be generated from Chinese soil. So we have to establish deterrence. And we can suspect that the next disease from China will be worse than COVID-19.

The total death cases for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, had reached almost 400,000 as of Jan. 17, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chang also pointed out that the 2017 edition of the Science of Military Strategy, an authoritative publication from Chinas National Defense University, actually discusses the establishment of a new form of biological warfare, employing specific ethnic genetic attacks.

So yes, China is designing pathogens that will leave the Chinese alone, but will sicken everybody else in the world, Chang claimed. And there is evidence that theyre actually working on diseases like this.

Subversion of the United States

Chang said that Xi Jinping launched incendiary disinformation campaigns against the United States after the first week in February 2020.

One of these campaigns culminated on March 12, when we saw the Chinese Foreign Ministry engage in a Twitter storm.

Chang said China Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian suggested that the disease started in America, and it was the U.S. army that carried this disease to Wuhan.

CDC was caught on the spot. When did patient zero begin in U.S.? How many people are infected?  It might be U.S. army [sic] who brought the epidemic to Wuhan, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian wrote on Twitter on Mar. 12, 2020, insinuating that the CDC had covered up the real number of CCP virus infections.

Chang went on to say that Beijing has also run large operations on social media or through text messages to attack the U.S. President and cause chaos in America.

These social media platforms in the U.S. have been taking down fake Chinese accounts, Twitter in the month of June of last year, took down 174,000 of them, continued Chang. Thats one social media platform.

Chang said that Tik Tok, a very popular video-sharing app, uses a sophisticated algorithm to make people addicted to it and sends videos to Americans to inflame the protests.

Because of this control, Beijing can, as they say, boost the signal. In other words, get Americans to do what they want.

Radio Free Asia reported that an intelligence unit of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army actually based themselves in the Houston consulate, Chang pointed out.

The Houston consulate was ordered to close by the Trump Administration in July 2020.

From there, they used big data and artificial intelligence to identify Americans likely to participate in Black Lives Matter and Antifa protests. And then, that military Chinese military sent them videos on how to riot, and they did that through Tik Tok videos.

This is more than just subversion. This is indeed an act of war, Chang added.

Chang also mentioned an unconfirmed report that Mandarin-speaking protesters were acting in obvious coordination in the burning of the St. Johns Episcopal Church, one block from the White House.

Chinas Militarism

Chang said that Peoples Daily, the main state-run publication in China, carried a piece that declared a Peoples War against the United States in May 2019.

That means Chinas challenge to us is existential, said Chang.

Chang pointed out that the United States is trying to protect the international system. However, Beijings narrative is that the United States is trying to protect its top position in the international system and prevent Chinas legitimate rise.

Unfortunately, we have a China that doesnt want to live within the current international system, continued Chang. It wants to overthrow it altogether.

Chang said China now has a so-called Wolf Warrior diplomacy. Under this diplomacy, Xi Jinping is threatening to invade Taiwan, provoking countries in its peripheral waters, and has invaded India and killed 21 Indian soldiers.

And of course, as we all know, its been moving fast to take away Hong Kongs autonomy.

Chang suggested that one reason for this would be Xi Jinping came into power as the least unacceptable choice. He realized he needed a political base, and he identified the military as the core of his support.

So Xi Jinping along with the military could end up running the country.

Another probable reason for Chinas militarism is China is beset by a host of problems, such as the environment is exhausted, people are festive, no support around the world, the economy was stagnating, Chang suggested.

Without prosperity, the only remaining basis of [Communist Partys] legitimacy is nationalism, Chang continued. Nationalism, as a practical matter, means military misadventure abroad.

So Xi Jinping, the all-powerful Chinese leader, has a very low threshold of risk, which means that he has incentives to do something which would be unimaginable to us.

Conclusion

Indeed, we should not be allowing an enemy to exploit the openness of our system to overthrow our form of government, Chang concluded.

Chang also expressed some concern with the upcoming Biden administrations foreign policy toward China.

Chang said that the incoming President Joe Bidens senior advisors have said they dont want to impose costs on China, they want to strengthen the United States.

But my point is, to the Biden team, you cant strengthen American technology or American economy when China is stealing somewhere between $500 billion to $600 billion worth of U.S. technology and information [each year]. Its just not possible.

John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence, stated in an op-ed in December that Chinas intellectual-property theft costs America as much as $500 billion a year.

This is drastic, this is politically unacceptable in our country, but it will become the inevitable result if we have tragic events, Chang continued.

But look, youre dealing with a Third Reich type state. So the question is, how do you deal with someone like Hitler? You know this is the crimes against humanity that China is perpetrating, are worse than those of the Third Reich prior to the mass exterminations of 1941.

Responded to a question about Chinas policy toward Uyghurs, Chang said that the concentration camps, genocide, forced organ harvesting to Uyghurs, and other things are worse than what the Third Reich did before its mass extermination in 1941.

According to some medical experts and independent investigations, Falun Gong practitioners are the main source for forced organ harvesting.

Were dealing with evil. Its very difficult for people in democratic societies to understand evil, and theres no perfect way to deal with evil, and we may screw up dealing with evil, but we better deal with it now while we still have a chance.

Nicole Hao contributed to this report.
Melbourne radio host Fifi Box spent Monday with the people who matter most.

The 43-year-old appeared to be in good spirits as she purchased ferry tickets in Sorrento, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, alongside her father, known as 'Opa'.

She was also joined by her two daughters, Trixie, seven, and Daisy Belle, one, and her brother.

Holiday: Radio presenter Fifi Box enjoyed a day out on the Mornington Peninsula with her daughters, father and brother on Monday

Fifi cut a casual figure in black pants, a striped T-shirt and a pink windbreaker jacket.

She completed her outfit with Nike sneakers, a grey cap and a bright pink face mask.

The media personality swept her blonde hair away from her face in a ponytail and went makeup free for the occasion.

All aboard! The group left their car and walked to the ticket booth, where they bought tickets and boarded the vessel

The group left their car and walked to the ticket booth, where they bought tickets and boarded the vessel.

Trixie was dressed in a pink polka-dot jumper and floral leggings, while Fifi's brother wore a blue jacket and shorts, white shirt and sneakers.

Opa looked after Fifi's youngest daughter by pushing the child along in a pink pram.

Helping hands: Trixie was dressed in a pink polka-dot jumper and floral leggings, while Fifi's brother wore a blue jacket and shorts, white shirt and sneakers. Opa looked after Fifi's youngest daughter by pushing the child along in a pink pram

Daisy wore a pink jumper and dark blue pants, and looked relaxed as her grandfather pushed her around the pier.

Opa donned khaki slacks, a black windbreaker and a button-up shirt.

Fox FM presenter Fifi walked alongside the four of them and carried an oversized bag while texting on her phone.
SELBYVILLE, Del., Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest report "Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market by Product (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement, Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement), Surgical Approach (Transfemoral Approach, Transapical Approach), Application (Aortic Valvular Heart Disease, Mitral Valvular Heart Disease, Pulmonary Valvular Heart Disease), End-use (Hospitals, Cath Labs), Regional Outlook, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast 2026", by Global Market Insights, Inc., the market valuation of transcatheter heart valve replacement will cross $19.5 billion by 2026.

Major transcatheter heart valve replacement market players include 4C Medical Technologies, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, HighLife Medical, JC Medical, LivaNova, Medtronic plc.

Favorable reimbursement scenario in North America and Europe will enhance market growth. The Medicare National Coverage Determination is a policy issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that allows the coverage of these heart valves under the Coverage with Evidence Development in the U.S. In 2019, CMS updated the Medicare reimbursement policy for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. The new national coverage policy will continue to cover TAVR under coverage with evidence development (CED) when the procedure is delivered according to an FDA-approved indication. Additionally, brand-specific reimbursement is available in Belgium and France, while in other countries reimbursement is established for the class of devices. Reimbursement differs for different types of access for the procedure only in France, Germany and Switzerland. In Germany and Switzerland procedure with transapical access has higher reimbursement. Such reimbursement policies are augmenting the number of people undergoing TAVR procedures.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3170

Rising interest of manufacturers in emerging countries such as the Middle East and Africa will drive the transcatheter heart valve replacement market expansion. A large and diverse population in the Middle East & Africa is disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, foreign manufacturers are focusing on meeting the demand and supply of transcatheter heart valves. Prevalence of aortic stenosis in the middle east region is increasing the adoption of transcatheter heart valve replacement procedures. Thus, manufactures of aortic valves are witnessing immense growth opportunities in the Middle East & Africa.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement segment valued at more than USD 537 million in 2019. Transcatheter pulmonary valves are majorly in demand for treatment of patients having leaky or narrowed pulmonary valve or with underlying diagnosis having surgically implanted pulmonary valve. For instance, patients with truncus arteriosus and patients with pulmonary atresia or Ross procedure require transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. In addition, transcatheter pulmonary valve reduces the number of heart surgeries a patient requires over their lifetime. This factor also contributes to the demand for transcatheter pulmonary valves.

Transapical approach segment in the transcatheter heart valve replacement market exceeded USD 1.16 billion in 2019. Transapical approach is preferred because proximity of the operator to the valve that eases crossing of the native valve with the delivery system. This approach also enables to avoid the passage of the delivery system around the aortic arch that could reduce the stroke risk of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Moreover, transapical approach is preferred by the majority of healthcare providers because it offers the lowest access-related complication rates. These factors are potentially fueling the demand for transcatheter heart valves.

Transcatheter heart valve replacement market for mitral valvular heart disease application segment will showcase growth rate of over 23.1% till 2026 owing to the incidences of mitral regurgitation and mitral valve stenosis across the globe. According to a published article, approximately more than 4 million people in the U.S. suffer from mitral regurgitation with an annual incidence of around 50,000. Patients with such conditions are recommended to undergo transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Therefore, the demand for transcatheter heart valves is spurring rapidly. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement devices are undergoing feasibility trials that will further propel the number of patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement.

Hospitals segment in the transcatheter heart valve replacement market is anticipated to expand at 14.1% CAGR through 2026. Hospitals receive favorable reimbursement that compels patients to prefer hospitals over other healthcare settings for transcatheter heart valve replacement procedures as these procedures are expensive. Furthermore, increasing government initiatives for the management of valvular diseases is another factor contributing to the expansion of the hospital segment.

Brazil dominated the Latin America transcatheter heart valve replacement market and accounted for USD 47 million in 2019 driven by the growing geriatric population base suffering from aortic valvular disease. There has been a significant increase in a number of patients suffering from non-rheumatic calcific aortic disease in Brazil in the past few years. Therefore, the acceptance of transcatheter heart valve replacement technique has augmented in recent years in the country, thereby leading to increased demand and supply of transcatheter heart valves. Rapidly rising number of hospitals in the country and strong presence of well-established industry players investing in development of novel transcatheter heart valves is further contributing to the market demand.

Request for customization of this research report @

https://www.gminsights.com/roc/3170

Some of the major companies operating in transcatheter heart valve replacement market include are 4C Medical Technologies, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, HighLife Medical, JC Medical, LivaNova, Medtronic plc, and Neovasc among others. The industry participants are consistently focusing on innovative product launches in order to expand their geographical presence and customer base.

Table of Contents (ToC) of the report:

Chapter 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market Insights

3.1 Industry segmentation

3.2 Industry landscape, 2015 - 2026

3.3 Industry impact forces

3.3.1 Growth drivers

3.3.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.4 Growth potential analysis

3.4.1 By product

3.4.2 By surgical approach

3.4.3 By application

3.4.4 By end-use

3.5 COVID-19 impact analysis

3.6 Regulatory landscape

3.7 Porter's analysis

3.8 Competitive landscape, 2019

3.8.1 Competitive matrix analysis, 2019

3.9 PESTEL analysis

Browse Complete Table of Contents (ToC) @

https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/transcatheter-heart-valve-replacement-market

About Global Market Insights, Inc.

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights, Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

transcatheter-heart-valve.png

Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement Market Growth Predicted at 17.6% Through 2026: GMI

Major transcatheter heart valve replacement market players include 4C Medical Technologies, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, HighLife Medical, JC Medical, LivaNova, Medtronic plc.

Related Links

Ventricular Assist Devices Market

Atrial Fibrillation Drugs Market

SOURCE Global Market Insights, Inc.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 sub-Saharan country of Angola is not one which readily springs to mind when thinking about oil producing nations. The deeply impoverished former Portuguese colony, which is an OPEC member joining the cartel in 2007, is the second largest oil producer behind Nigeria and ahead of Algeria, also both cartel members. The sub-Saharan country experienced a massive oil boom from 2002 into 2008 after the discovery of considerable offshore pre-salt oil reserves. The West African and South American margin basins were found to share many characteristics, including the pre-salt tectono-sedimentary sequences along with reservoir qualities and crude oil grades. Those are the primary geological formations which hold the smaller oil basins which underpin Angola and Brazils flourishing oil booms. The primary oil basins in Angola are the offshore Lower Congo, Kwanza, Benguela and Namibe basins.

Source: United States Geological Survey.

According to OPEC, Angola has proven oil reserves totaling 7.8 billion barrels and 343 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The latest OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report shows Angola produced on average 1.4 million barrels daily during 2019 and just shy of 1.2 million barrels during November 2020, making it OPECs seventh largest oil producer behind Nigeria and ahead of Libya. During the first half of 2020, Angola was pumping crude oil in excess of its OPEC+ production quota of 1.18 million barrels daily. That saw OPEC, by mid-2020, place pressure on Angolas government to curb oil output and ensure compliance with the agreed quota. By July 2020, Luanda had sent a letter to OPEC agreeing to comply with the cartels target and implement additional production cuts to make-up for the lack of compliance. That saw Angolas oil output fall from a 2020 peak of 1.4 million barrels daily during March to 1.145 million barrels daily (Portuguese) for December, which was 3% less than a month prior and 16% lower than the 1.4 million barrels daily pumped during 2019. This sharp reduction in oil production was responsible for Angola losing market share, notably in Asia.

Related: UAE Oil Major Turns To Hydrogen



Angolas oil exports to China declined sharply during the second half of 2020, despite strong growing demand from Asian refiners for sweet light and medium crude oil grades, such as Angolas Cabinda blend. According to news agency Reuters for the first 11 months of 2020 Angolas oil exports to China declined by 11% year over year to 38 million tonnes. It was Brazil which was responsible for taking Angolas market share with imports of its sweet medium grade crude oil varieties, notably Lula and Buzios, soaring 8% to just over 40 million tonnes. As a result, Angola was Chinas fifth ranked supplier of crude oil, falling from fourth place in 2019, behind Brazil which took fourth place. The latest January 2021 OPEC Plus production agreement allows Luanda to boost oil production. Angola is authorized to pump on average 1.267 million barrels daily, or 87,000 barrels more than the previous quota, for January, February and March 2021 which is a healthy 11% increase over December 2020. It was Riyadhs decision to shoulder the burden of the OPEC Plus production cuts by slashing its oil output by one million barrels daily until the end of March 2020, that has allowed Angola and other participants, notably Russia, to expand their petroleum production.

Angola has been experiencing accelerating decline rates at its offshore oilfields. The national hydrocarbon regulator, the Agencia Nacional de Petroleo, Gas e Biocombustives (ANPG), predicted that oil production would fall to virtually zero by 2040. Those rapidly rising decline rates coupled with Angolas economic dependence on petroleum, which is responsible for around a third of GDP and more than 90% of exports by value, saw the government institute a strategy to boost proven oil reserves and production. The similarities of the geological formations which comprise Angolas primary offshore oil basins with offshore Brazil indicates that the west Africans petroleum potential is vast. Luandas 2020 to 2025 energy plan claims there could be up to 57 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Key, however, will be attracting investment and the required technology as well as expertise to tap Angolas vast offshore petroleum resources. Central to the governments plan is attracting $679 million in foreign investment and providing $188 million in funding from its own coffers. That it is hoped will spur further drilling activity which has fallen sharply during recent years to see only three active drilling rigs by the end of December 2020.

At the end of December 2020, as part of the plan to reinvigorate Angolas oil industry, the national hydrocarbon regulator announced the auction (Portuguese) of nine onshore oil blocks, three in the terrestrial section of the Lower Congo Basin and six in the terrestrial part of the Kwanza Basin with bids closing 9 June 2021.

Angola Onshore Oil Blocks Auction

Angola, because of the shared geological characteristics of its offshore oil basins with Brazils vast pre-salt basins, produces predominantly light and medium grade sweet crude oil. The sub-Sharan countrys key internationally graded crude oil blend is known as Cabinda. It is a light especially sweet crude oil with an API gravity of 32 degrees and an extremely low sulfur content of 0.12%. This blend like Brazils sweet medium Lula and Buzios crude oil varieties, which have API gravities of 29 degrees and 28 degrees and sulfur contents of 0.27% and 0.31% respectively, is particularly suited to refining into high quality extremely low sulfur content fuels. Asian demand for sweet light and medium grade crude oils has soared since the introduction of IMO2020, which significantly limits the sulfur content of marine bunker fuel, was introduced in January 2020.

It was Angolas reduced petroleum output, to comply with OPEC production quotas, that was responsible for the countrys market share and crude oil exports to China declining. The latest increased OPEC production quota coupled with Luandas plans to reinvigorate Angolas hydrocarbon sector will boost oil reserves, production and market share giving the west African countrys economy a significant lift. China, which is the worlds second-ranked economy and largest manufacturer, is a key driver of a recovery in crude oil demand because of new COVID-19 lockdowns in Europe and a rapidly rising U.S. case count. That will make rising Chinese imports of Angolan crude, along with growing demand for lighter sweeter crude oil grades from Asian refiners, crucial to driving investment in the sub-Saharan countrys offshore oil fields.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com



More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Annie Lynch, the first person to receive the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland receives her second Covid vaccine today at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin 8. Photo: Marc O'Sullivan Photography.

The first person in Ireland to receive the Covid-19 vaccine has been given her second dose today.

Dublin woman Annie Lynch (79) received the first round of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in St Jamess Hospital on December 29, making her the first person in the country to be given the Covid-19 jab outside of clinical trials.

The mother of three, who has 10 grandchildren, returned to St James Hospital to receive her second round of the vaccine.

Read More

Commenting on her status as the first person in the country to be vaccinated against the virus, Mrs Lynch said she is hopeful she will get to see her family soon.

I feel very privileged to be the first person in Ireland to receive the vaccine.

Like everyone else I have been waiting for the vaccine and I really feel like there is a bit of hope there now. Its brilliant that its here, she said.

The news comes as it has emerged that almost 2% of the Irish population have now been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that, as of Sunday night, 94,000 vaccines have been administered, with 71,000 frontline healthcare workers and 23,000 of residents and staff of long-term care facilities vaccinated.

He confirmed the first rollout of second doses would commence this week, writing in a tweet: This week we are also seeing the first of our dose 2 vaccinations happening - so Annie Lynch and those who were among the first in the programme will be getting the second vaccine.

The vaccine rollout is focusing on three priority groups throughout the next couple of months, including long-term care residents, frontline healthcare workers and those aged over 70.




Demonstrators attend a Black Lives Matter protest to express solidarity with US protestors in Melbourne on June 6, 2020. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Jacinta Price Calls for Forgiveness and Healing on Australia Day

A Sydney MPs request for a minutes silence for Indigenous Australians on Australia Day has been countered by Alice Springs councillor Jacinta Price, who suggested that the day could instead provide a time for forgiveness and healing.

Why dont we use the morning of Australia Day to  forgive? Price told 2GB radio on Tuesday. Why dont we complete the act of healing and use forgiveness to move forward? As far as Im concerned that hasnt been achieved yet.

Price, a Walpiri woman and the Centre for Independent Studies Indigenous program director, was responding to questions about Independent MP Zali Steggalls letter sent to mayors in her Sydney electorate. Steggall asked them to observe a minutes silence on Australia Day to honour Indigenous Australians who may carry a feeling of loss and hurt about Australias early settlement by British colonists.

CLP candidate Jacinta Price during the Australian Prime Ministers press conference at the Bowali Visitor Centre, Jabiru, in the Northern Territory on Jan. 13, 2019. (AAP Image/ Michael Franchi)

January 26 provokes a range of emotions for many within our community, Steggall said. While it marks the commencement of European colonisation of this land, it also represents the commencement of violence, disempowerment and displacement of our Indigenous communities that has created sorrow, discrimination and hardship that has lasted for generations.

But Price thinks Steggall is feeding a divide and needs to stop painting Indigenous Australians as helpless victims who have no agency to move forward within Australia.

She said that Australia already commemorates what has happened between settlers and Indigenous people in the countrys history on National Sorry Day, held annually on May 26. Whereas Australia Day on Jan. 26 is about celebrating together.

Australia Day is about being inclusive and involving absolutely everybody that makes Australia a great nation, Price said.

People had come from many parts of the world to make Australia their home. Its not just black and white, Price said.

Alex Hawke, the federal immigration minister, said in a statement that Steggalls proposal was disappointing and ill-considered.

[The proposal] plays negative politics with our history and which can only perpetuate divisions between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, he said.

The truth is Australia Day unifies us all, because of our shared historythe good and the bad.

Regardless of the failings in our history, Australia has become one of the most free, egalitarian, safe and diverse societies today, and our shared commitment to continuing this journey together is what matters most, he said.

Jan. 26 is a significant day for many Australians, including new ones, as it was the day Australians stopped being British subjects in 1949, and it is the most popular day of the year that people choose to become Australian citizens, Price said.

It was also the day of a protest by a group of Indigenous men and women in front of Australia Hall in Sydney on Jan. 26, 1938, where they asked for full citizen status and equality within the community.

So I think Zali needs to learn a bit more about our countrys history instead of using shallow, PC, wokeish way of dealing with these particular issues, Price said.
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.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Federal authorities on Monday arrested Nicolas Moncada of Bay Terrace, after they allege he live-streamed himself while taking part in the riots at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6.

Here there are seven things to know about the 20-year-old man:

1) HE STUDIED ILLUSTRATIONS

Until May 2020, he was an illustrations major at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan, an official for the school said in a statement.

He did not earn a degree from the fashion school and was not enrolled there at the time of the alleged riot, the FIT official said, adding that the school did cooperate with government authorities after learning about Mr. Moncadas social media posts from members of the college community.

2) HIS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ARE AT CENTER OF CASE

On or around Jan. 6, Moncada used his Instagram account to post videos and pictures from inside or near the U.S. Capitol, authorities allege. In one video Moncada posted the scaffolding maintained outside of the U.S. Capitol and law enforcement officers standing on the steps of that building, federal authorities said in the complaint.

The same day, Moncada allegedly posted on Instagram a video taken inside the Capitol that he captioned, Nothing to see here Instagram! The video shows rioters screaming at the U.S. Capitol Police Officers, authorities allege.

3) HE SAID HE WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE FBI

On Jan. 16, Moncada appeared on a livestream with another YouTuber describing his experience at the Capitol as a day he was never going to forget.

It was quite the exhilarating experience to say the least, Moncada said. It is definitely not a day that Im ever going to forget, especially because I have so much video of it. I didnt even release all of it I am not releasing it for the main reason that Im still scared of the FBI. Im still scared of the FBI. I want to keep my profile as thin as possible for the time being.

4) HE DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS AN INDIE JOURNALIST

On his social media pages, Moncada describes himself as an indie journalist, commentator, artist and liberty loving liberal libertarian.

5) HE WAS AT MACS PROTEST

In December, Moncadas social media indicates he attended at least one of the protests organized at Macs Public House, which made national news when the Grant City pub battled against coronavirus restrictions to keep the bar open despite orders from the Sheriffs Office to close.

6) HES A GOOD KID, NEIGHBORS SAY

Neighbors defined Moncada as a good kid hours after FBI raided his home.

Hes a good kid His mom is upset, hes an only child. His grandma is upset too. They didnt expect this, neighbor Jay Sachs said.

Neighbor Vin Cigna said he has known Moncada since he was born and was very surprised to hear the news he was arrested.

It was a publicity stunt to show the world that, This is what were doing, Cigna said. This is an innocent kid. It was overkill. I dont think hes doing very well at all. I think hes scared. I think hes alarmed and hes not doing well.

7) HES MISTAKEN FOR ANTIFA, BUT VOTED TRUMP

In the 2020 presidential elections, Moncada voted for the re-election of Donald Trump, he said on his YouTube channel.

I voted for Donald Trump. I do not want a Joe Biden presidency, Moncada said. While I would personally take up the position of actually liking Donald Trump in some of the things he has to say, a lot of his ideas and position that he wants to implement.

In a Instagram video, Moncada shared a video of him with a Make America Great hat.

I found out why I was mistaken for Antifa three out of the four times that I was mistaken for Antifa in Washington D.C., he said as he turns the hat front to back. I was wearing my Donald Trump hat backward and people take that to mean that you are Antifa in disguise.

Nicolas Moncada, 20, is seen in this Instagram video with a Donald Trump hat on. (Instagram)

Moncada is expected to make his initial court appearance virtually on Tuesday before a Brooklyn federal magistrate judge, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York.

He will eventually be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington, D.C, the office said.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Warns of Evils of U.S. Technological Empires

Jan. 18 , 2021 (EIRNS)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave his annual press conference on the results of Russian diplomacy over the past year, today. The Foreign Minister said that big techs decision to censor the U.S. President comes from evil, reported RIA Novosti, according to Irans FARS News Agency today: Recent events, including those in the United States, [pertain] to a situation when half a dozen people who have created their technological empires do not even want to know what rights they have in their countries. They themselves define their rights on the basis of so-called corporate norms and they dont care a bit about the constitutions of their nations. We have clearly seen this in the United States, and this, of course, causes serious concern. Lavrov asserted that such a tendency comes from evil, and accused U.S. authorities of failing to deliver on their obligations to provide American citizens with free access to information. If the United States fails in its battle against censorship, it would have very serious ramifications for the entire world, he stated.

TASS quoted him as saying:

Lets hope that American society will not let its elites use blatant censorship, flagrant infringement of the constitution and international commitments in its struggle against one another. This is a problem of American society, though. If it fails to cope with this problem, we all should be ready to face the consequences of such a failure of the American state, and these consequences would be very serious for the global arena.

Lavrov continued that

everyone understands that, and this is the reason why Europe is drafting some sort of documents on how to begin dialogue after Joe Bidens inauguration in a bid to anticipate all possible scenarios of further developments.... But I would recommend focusing on how the United States ended up in a situation which risks undermining Americas statehood, if private corporations cannot be dealt with in such a way as to integrate themselves back into government mechanisms and the national constitution at the end of the day.

On arms control, Lavrov said that Russia anticipates the Biden Administration will make concrete proposals on the extension of the New START Treaty:

The most important and, probably, top priority area is the absolutely abnormal situation in the sphere of arms control. We have heard about the Biden Administrations plans to resume dialogue with us on these topics, including plans to try to agree to the extension of the New START before its expiration on February 5. We will be waiting for concrete proposals. Our position is well-known and it is still in force.

The media also asked him about Russias detention of Alexey Navalny who returned to Russia on Jan. 17. He was arrested at the airport in Moscow for having violated the conditions of his suspended sentence in a criminal case. Lavrov remarked: We saw how they latched onto yesterdays news of Navalnys return to Russia.... They are glad because it seems that this makes Western politicians think that in this way, they can distract from the deepest crisis that the liberal model of development finds itself in.

The transcription of Foreign Minister Lavrovs strong opening remarks is now posted to the Foreign Ministry website.
Trump admin. declares China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims 'genocide'

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The United States has officially designated China's persecution of Muslim minorities in western Xinjiang Province  including mass internment, forced labor, and forced sterilization  as "genocide" and "crimes against humanity."

After careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that since at least March 2017, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement released Tuesday.

I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uyghurs by the Chinese party-state, Pompeo said, adding that the CCP  which he described as a Marxist-Leninist regime that exerts power over the long-suffering Chinese people through brainwashing and brute force  is "engaged in the forced assimilation and eventual erasure of a vulnerable ethnic and religious minority group."

Pompeo made the determination just one day before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, making the U.S. the first country to adopt these terms to describe the CCPs human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

In his statement, Pompeo called on other countries to follow suit in denouncing Chinas actions.

We will not remain silent. If the Chinese Communist Party is allowed to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against its own people, imagine what it will be emboldened to do to the free world, in the not-so-distant future.

Johnnie Moore, the president of the Congress of Christian Leaders who also serves on the congressionally mandated U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, called the designation a fitting, parting shot from an [sic] historic Secretary of State.

This is a determination everyone  Democrat or Republican  ought to agree with, he tweeted. Religious Freedom must remain the beating heart of American foreign policy. Its also high time the Europeans step up

USCIRF Vice Chair Tony Perkins, president of the Christian conservative advocacy group Family Research Council, also praised the move.

"The goal is clear: Chinese officials want to reduce the Uyghur population in China by whatever means necessary," Perkins said in a statement. "The sad reality is that while the rest of the world has been focused on containing the coronavirus, Chinese communists appear to have ramped up the persecution of anyone the government perceives is a threat."

While the word genocide alone wont stop the suffering, it will certainly go a long way to sparking the desperately needed actions that can bring help and hope to all those suffering under the communist regime," Perkins added. The way forward is to continue spotlighting these flagrant abuses of religious freedom and international human rights laws and demand the rest of the world hold China accountable."

Previous reports from U.S. officials and human rights groups found that China has imprisoned more than 1 million people, including Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups, in tightly-controlled concentration camps in Xinjiang, where they are taught to be secular citizens who will never oppose the ruling Communist Party.

There, prisoners are subjected to torture, sterilization, and political indoctrination in addition to forced labor.

A recent report documented how hospitals in Xinjiang were ordered to abort and kill all babies born in excess of Chinas mandated family planning limits  including newborns born after being carried to full term. The orders were part of strict family-planning policies intended to restrict Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities to three children.

Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American attorney born in Xinjiang and a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, revealed that forced labor has been part of Uyghur life for as long as he can remember.

Its one of the methods, one of the vehicles the Chinese used to repress the Uyghur religion and Uyghur culture, he said. "When you buy anything made in China, if it's a textile cotton product, I think it should be something that gives you pause. As a consumer, please do your due diligence. Please stop at least buying any cotton or textile products coming from China ... this should be something easy to tackle.

Sam Brownback, U.S. ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom, said that the tactics used against Uyghur Muslims represent the cutting edge of religious persecution."

Though they live in a remote region, China is employing its most aggressive technology to oppress Uyghurs, including sophisticated cameras, facial-recognition technology, and collecting DNA samples, Brownback said.

They've got technology deployed now where they've got surveillance cameras virtually everywhere in the public, he noted. They've collected genetic data on most of the people in the region to where you can be tracked on the internet, they have facial recognition systems. They could now theoretically close all the concentration camps and you would still live in a virtual police state if you were a Uyghur in Xinjiang.

Christian leaders have repeatedly condemned the persecution of Uyghur Muslims. In September, Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore said that the crimes being perpetrated against religious minorities in China and elsewhere rely on invisibility where the rest of the world doesn't pay attention and tribalism.

The way of Jesus Christ says that we pay attention to our neighbor on the side of the road who is persecuted, who is being beaten, he said. So let's pray for the Uyghur [and] for other persecuted peoples. Let's pray not just individually, but together, and pray for them by name.

Let's be the people who stand up for whoever is being made invisible, whoever is being intimidated and bullied in our own neighborhoods and in our own communities because we're the people of Jesus Christ.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
National Rums of Jamaica has confirmed the appointment of a new CEO with Martha Miller replacing Neil Glasgow at the helm.

Glasgow, who only move up to the CEO position last year, made way for CFO Miller at the start of this month. Having joined NRJ from domestic rum rival Wray & Nephew in 2010, Glasgow has started his retirement.

Since joining the Monymusk Plantation brand owner in late-2013, Miller became deputy CEO in March last year. She has been tasked with leading NRJ "in the expansion of its reach as a major producer and exporter of quality rums from Jamaica", the company said.

"I want to thank Neil for his great leadership of the company over the years," said NRJ chair Komal Samaroo. "The company is entering a new exciting phase of its growth and Martha is well-equipped to provide high-quality leadership to the NRJ team as we pursue new opportunities and navigate around the various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have every confidence that under Martha's leadership, NRJ will become an even more significant contributor to the Jamaican economy."

Fourteen years ago, the Jamaican Government offloaded two-thirds of its holding in NRJ, which was a subsidiary of the National Sugar Co at the time. One third was purchased by the owner of the El Dorado rum brand, Demerara Distillers, while Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillers acquired the other third.

West Indies Rum Distillers was itself bought up by France's Maison Ferrand four years ago.

Dark & Light Rum - Volume Trends 2015-2024 Source: GlobalData

While both aged and light rums have been on the rise in recent years - albeit just - both segments are expected to have taken a hit last year. According to figures from GlobalData, aged rums have seen volumes post a five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.3% from 2015 to 2019. The light rum segment, meanwhile, has inched up by 0.02% on a CAGR basis over the same period.

Once the COVID fog has lifted, GlobalData expects growth to return for the two segments, although neither is predicted to hit their 2019 volumes levels come 2024.

Why copying gin's template for growth risks doing rum a grave disservice - Click here for a just-drinks comment
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) Andi Eigenmann and partner Philmar Alipayo recently welcomed the newest addition to their family, and on Tuesday, the couple gave their social media followers a glimpse of their newborn son Koa.

"And just like that, my heart has grown even bigger once more," the actress wrote on her Instagram page, accompanying the post with a close-up photo of their "little island boy."

Alipayo also took to social media to welcome their new bundle of joy.

"So happy and excited to welcome you in our family. Also so happy to have another boy in our family to help me love and take care of the girls," the professional surfer wrote in his own account.

Koa is the second child of Eigenmann and Alipayo. The two are also parents to Lilo, who was born in 2019. Eigenmann also shares a daughter, Ellie, with former boyfriend Jake Ejercito.

For nearly two months, Manitobans have been able to buy the pans necessary to make their meals  but not the bowls to eat from.

For nearly two months, Manitobans have been able to buy the pans necessary to make their meals  but not the bowls to eat from.

The public-health order that required all businesses in the province to restrict in-person sales of "non-essential" items has remained in place since Nov. 21, but has gone through several amendments in the weeks since. Prepaid credit cards, gift cards and newspapers were added to the essential list almost immediately after the health order was issued, and cosmetics were added Dec. 12.

With current orders set to expire Saturday, and case counts shrinking in much of the province, a potential relaxation of restrictions is likely on the horizon.

Some retailers, including the Superstore on Kenaston, have blocked off entire aisles during code red restrictions for in-store pickup of non-essential items. (Malak Abas / Winnipeg Free Press)

In the weeks under critical-level restrictions, it has been difficult for many to understand the rationale behind the decision, for example, that allows Manitobans to buy a hairbrush at a drug store, but not a hair dryer.

A spokesperson from the province said decisions to amend the order were made on a "committee based on comments or concerns," but did not elaborate on the composition of the committee or how amendments were decided upon.

"The team is diverse, so no, we wont be able to explain every decision, but clearly the list can be modified," the spokesperson said in an email Monday.

While people have speculated on the reasons for amendments  some in the province rely on prepaid cards to make essential purchases  the provincial spokesperson said the list is balanced based on the publics immediate need.

"At the same time it needs to remain relatively consistent so retailers and the enforcement team understand what the current guidelines are," he said.

However, inconsistencies inside stores have been one of the only constants. Here are some examples based on visits to some south Winnipeg big-box stores Monday:

Personal-care products

The category of personal-care products has one of the more specific lists of essential and non-essential items made available by the province  skin and hair-care products, razors, hairbrushes, elastics and nail polish are included in the essential list, while hair dryers, perfume and "decorative hair accessories" are considered non-essential.

While simple on paper, stores seem to have differing interpretations of the order. At the Tuxedo Village Shoppers Drug Mart on Corydon Avenue, a small section of hair clips is blocked off with caution tape, while hair ties, bobby pins and brushes are left open to the public. Not all of the hair accessories under the caution tape are decorative. While hair elastics are available to buy, scrunchies and large hair clips  sometimes a better option for thicker hair  are blocked off.

Despite one of the more specific lists of essential and non-essential items, access to personal-care products is determined by store interpretations of the order. (Malak Abas / Winnipeg Free Press)

Meanwhile, the nearby Superstore at Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue has an entirely different setup; all hair products, including decorative clips and "hair doughnuts," which exist solely for esthetic purposes, are available for sale.

And while the province considers razors essential, theres no specifics on whether electric shavers qualify under that rule. Regardless, Superstore has them under wraps, while Shoppers is willing to sell them.

Orthotic insoles, a mobility aid for some, are blocked off at Superstore and not mentioned in the provinces list of items. Air purifiers aren't available at Shoppers, but dehumidifiers are; dehumidifiers aren't for sale at Superstore. Both items are considered non-essential by the province.

Customers are out of luck looking for travel-sized products, even essentials, at Shoppers, but they're for sale at Superstore. They're also not on the province's list.

Home improvement

The lighting department at Home Depot is accessible for in-store purchases. (Malak Abas / Winnipeg Free Press)

Home-safety products and major household appliances can be purchased in-store, and much of the Kenaston Boulevard Home Depot location was open to traffic Monday.

That included products that may have not been deemed essential under a more specific list, including elaborate crystal chandeliers and ceiling fans.

Items blocked off at Home Depot includes television mounts, barbecue accessories and water filters.

Batteries, while considered essential and available at Home Depot, are among the blocked-off items at Superstore.

Valentines Day products

While heart-shaped boxes of chocolate popping up in stores are, technically, an essential item  they're food  both Shoppers and Superstore have decided that Valentines Day cards to accompany them are essential, too.

Even where all other greeting cards are covered up as per provincial restrictions just centimetres away, red-and-pink declarations of love and boxes of childrens cards  typically handed out at school, arguably an especially inappropriate practice this year  are available.

Valentine's cards are considered essential and available for in-store purchase while birthday cards remain off-limits. (Malak Abas / Winnipeg Free Press)

The small store-vs.-store variations may seem trivial to some, but could be making things more difficult for low-income people, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba director Molly McCracken said Monday.

McCracken said she's disappointed the province wasn't clearer.

"If youre a low-income person and you have to take a bus around to do your shopping, you go to one place and you cant get it, it could be very hard to get to another place to get something," she said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_

[January 19, 2021] Cooley Bolsters Global Fund Formation Practice With Singapore Hire

Sean Murphy is joining Cooley as a partner in the firm's global fund formation practice based in the Singapore office. Murphy arrives from Shearman & Sterling, where he was a member of its Asia asset management and investment funds practice. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005840/en/ Sean Murphy is joining Cooley as a partner in the firm's global fund formation practice based in the Singapore office. (Photo: Business Wire) "The Singapore venture market is growing exponentially," said John Dado, partner and chair of Cooley's fund formation practice. "We have a unique opportunity to build on the momentum initiated by our emerging companies and venture capital group and establish Cooley as the top firm for funds counsel in the region. With deep regional experience, technical know-how and an entrepreneurial spirit, we are confident that Sean will contribute significantly to this objective."



Murphy's background includes more than a decade of advising on all aspects of private fund structuring and formation, limited partner investments in private funds, co-investments and investments in private equity sponsors across Singapore, Hong Kong and New York. He regularly advises sponsors and investors on venture capital, growth capital, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, credit, special situations and hedge strategies. Murphy also has experience advising private funds and corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and joint venture arrangements. He received a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his JD from The George Washington University Law School. Murphy, who speaks Mandarin Chinese, is admitted to practice in New York. "I'm excited to partner with my colleagues in establishing a new frontier for Cooley and the Singapore VC market," Murphy said. "I look forward to joining this first-class group and building on the firm's leading reputation across the globe."

Cooley's Singapore office has grown exponentially since its launch in January 2020. The firm's first office in Southeast Asia has worked on numerous significant corporate transactions since opening and earned a Band 1 distinction for Startups & Emerging Companies as part of Chambers and Partners' Asia-Pacific rankings. Cooley formed the first venture capital limited partnership in the western US and has since become a global powerhouse in fund formation. The firm has been active in China, India and Southeast Asia for decades. With a team of 40+ lawyers focused full time on fund formation, Cooley is primary fund counsel to 500+ investment fund organizations. In 2020, the team closed 315+ funds, raising more than US$30 billion in capital commitments. The group also runs Vanilla by Cooley, a secure, cloud-based platform designed for fund managers to give investors a streamlined interface to subscribe for and manage fund interests online or on mobile. The group's blog, TheFundLawyer, is an information source for VC managers with a focus on industry trends and customs, as well as recent legal and tax developments. About Cooley LLP Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law. Cooley has 1,100+ lawyers across 16 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005840/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[January 19, 2021] Nationwide Transport Services Celebrates Inc 5000 Ranking for Fourth Year

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide Transport Services, parent company of subsidiaries such as Heavy Haulers, AutoTransport.com, Tractor Transport, and more, celebrates being ranked among Inc 5000's list of 2020s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. This is the fourth consecutive year they have been ranked. With only one in eight companies listed for three or more consecutive years, Nationwide Transport Services is proud to have made this prestigious list once again. Founded in 2009 by Jason Foltz, Nationwide Transport Services mission has always been to provide the best shipping solutions for automobiles and heavy equipment. It quickly became a family run business, with the rest of the Foltz family settling into roles to help the business grow. Their mission has always been to set a higher standard in the logistics industry by providing top quality service to every client. In 2017, their hard work paid off and Inc 5000 listed the company as number 3147 of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. The company was also ranked 60 among 167 companies in the logisticsand transport category. Nationwide Transport Services rankings are:



Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America 2020: 1772

2019: 1801 2018: 2793 2017: 3147 Visit their profile on Inc 5000 here:https://www.inc.com/profile/nationwide-transport-services Nationwide Transport Services, a family-owned logistics company with several subsidiaries, was founded with the mission to provide quality transport solutions. With over a decade of experience, they have become one of the nation-leading logistics companies. Nationwide Transport Services and its subsidiaries transport everything from automobiles to super load freight. Aside from having multiple offices across the United States, Nationwide Transport Services also provides international transport solutions. They offer services including trailer transport, hot shot trucking, oversize load solutions, and more. Nationwide Transport Services cares about your freight, which is why they make sure it's delivered safely and on time. For more information, visit their website at www.ntslogistics.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nationwide-transport-services-celebrates-inc-5000-ranking-for-fourth-year-301210936.html SOURCE Nationwide Transport Services LLC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Pedestrians walk along an empty shopping street in Leeds, northern England, on Jan. 6, 2021, on the second day of Britain's national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. (Oli Scarff /AFP via Getty Images)

UK Businesses Urge Government to Extend COVID-19 Furlough Scheme

The UK government should extend its business support measures before the next budget to help firms through the ongoing CCP virus lockdown, a leading British business group said on Tuesday.

In a letter to Rishi Sunak, the chancellor of the Exchequer, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) urged the government to extend the Job Retention Scheme to the end of June, give firms more time to pay VAT bills, and extend the business rates holiday.

What can the Government do to support business? Take action now, before the budget in March, on 3 key issues: 1 Extend the Job Retention Scheme beyond April

2 Give more time to pay VAT bills

3 Extend the business rates holiday Find out more: https://t.co/nvuXueqrfH pic.twitter.com/UEDT6byOYH  CBI (@CBItweets) January 19, 2021

CBI Director-General Tony Danker said that the governments support measures have protected many jobs and livelihoods.

But almost a year of disrupted demand and extensive restrictions to company operations is taking its toll. Staff morale has taken a hit. And business resilience has hit a sobering new low.

He urged the government to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with businesses and help viable enterprises survive the lockdown.

Noting that many tough decisions for business owners on jobs, or even whether to carry on, will be made in the next few weeks, Danker urged the government to take action before the next budget, which is still more than six weeks away.

On Jan. 6, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the whole of England under a new national lockdown, ditching the local tiered system, which he said had failed to hold back a surge of a new variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Under the new lockdown, people are instructed to work from home unless it is impossible for them to do so. All hospitality venues must remain closed as well as non-essential shops.

Lockdown measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The UK government has spent hundreds of billions of pounds on its response to the CCP virus pandemic, including the furlough scheme, support for the self-employed, tax cuts, and extra funding for schools and local councils.

Even before the latest national lockdown was announced, the UKs public borrowing for the current financial year was forecast to reach record levels in peacetime.

Sunak said last November that the UK will soon see the economic shock laid bare and that the country cannot sustain record levels of public borrowing in its attempt to deal with the consequences of the pandemic.

Simon Veazey 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.
Agra : , Jan 19 (IANS) A 90-year-old woman, Maya Devi, was allegedly beaten up by her daughter-in-law, 60, with a broom in the Bah area because the old woman went out of the house without informing her.

A video of the incident, that went viral on social media, purportedly shows Maya Devi lying on a cot crying and screaming for help as her daughter-in-law, Munni Devi, thrashes her.

Taking cognisance of the video, Agra police has now registered an FIR against Munni Devi under section 151 of CrPC (arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences).

The woman was produced in the court of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and later released on a bail on Monday.

K. Ventak Ashok, Superintendent of Police (East) told reporters that both, the victim and the accused, are widows and stay together in the Bhaupura village.

Munni Devi told the police that she was upset as her mother-in-law has a habit of going out without informing and then she has to search for her across the village.

The SP said Munni Devi was instructed not to misbehave with the nonagenarian woman and respect her. Police gave food to Maya Devi and assured her help in future.
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.
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.
MORE than 100 jobs are to be created in Limerick and across the Mid West as part of a major international expansion by Indigo Telecom Group - a global provider of telecom and data centre network support.

The company, which is headquartered in Magor, South Wales has announced it will create the new positions over the next three years through its Limerick-based subsidiary 4site.

The new roles will span from Fibre Planners, GIS Engineers, Design Engineers, Telecoms Surveyors and Project Managers to business support roles in accounts, sales and operations.

Indigo Telecom Group, which currently employs more than 400 people across 10 offices in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Netherlands, says it will be recruiting locally from Limerick and the Mid-West in the vicinity of its Irish headquarters at Raheen Business Park.

The company, which was established in 1997, is now focused on expanding its skills portfolio to capitalise on the market opportunities around Fibre to the Home (FTTH), wireless, 5G, data centres, digitisation and telco network services.

4site works closely with Limerick Institute of Technology and the University of Limerick to create job opportunities for

their highly skilled graduates.

Welcoming this morning's announcement, Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said: I am really pleased to see that Indigo Telecom Group, through its Irish subsidiary 4site is expanding in Limerick and will be recruiting over 100 people over the next three years. This is in addition to the 140 new staff that Indigo Telecom Group hired in 2020 - approximately 90 of which were here in Ireland - and underlines the companys continued commitment to the Mid-West. This year more than ever we have relied on our communications networks to keep in touch and I welcome the expansion of this sector here. I wish Indigo and 4site every success with the expansion plans.

Kevin Taylor, Chairman of Indigo Telecom Group, commented: "Were really excited to invest in Ireland, and specifically within the Limerick and surrounding areas. This provides a great opportunity for local staff to join an organisation which is on a high

growth trajectory and with plans to expand in 2021 and beyond. For people considering a career in telecoms or a new challenge, there couldnt be a better time to join a sector that is experiencing exponential growth and playing a critical role in the way we all connect with each other.

Ian Duggan, CEO of 4site and Indigo Board Member, added: We looked at various locations to expand our existing Fibre Centre of Excellence as we see unprecedented demand for our services in new markets such as Germany and the USA. We decided on the Mid-West of Ireland due to the very best local talent that we can continue to build on and develop further. This is a great vote of confidence from Indigo Telecom Group and is testament to the brilliant local talent and

the work we already do here in Limerick.

CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan says Indigo's announcement of the expansion of its International Fibre Centre of Excellence in Limerick is a strong vote of confidence in the Mid-West Region and the availability of the skilled and talented workforce. "Todays announcement demonstrates IDA Irelands exemplary record in winning investment for regional locations. I wish Indigo Telecom every success with this expansion.

Limerick TD and Minister of State Niall Collins has also welcomed this morning's announcement. "This is further confirmation that Limerick and the Mid West has both the capacity and potential to foster and create new jobs. Receiving this welcome news in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic underscores our competitiveness as a region. These welcome news jobs will provide rewarding careers to a variety of skilled people and will add hugely in a meaningful way to our local economy, he said.

Entering its 24th year in business, Indigo Telecom's clients include CityFibre, Cellnex, Vodafone, Nokia, NTT and Global Switch. Indigo Telecom designs, builds and supports.

For more information about the available roles, visit indigotg.com/careers/.
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.


TL;DR: A partnership between Rite Aid and Philadelphia, intended to help get the vaccine to health care workers, has enabled ineligible people to jump the line and get protection ahead of that top-priority group. Conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma, dementia, and hypertension were left off Philadelphias list of high-risk conditions for priority vaccination, even though there is evidence that each may be associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

 Kelly OShea (@kelloshea, health@inquirer.com)

What you need to know:

 Penn medical school is giving vaccine priority to employees who dont see patients. Philly says thats against the rules.

The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office filed a lawsuit against a Philadelphia company for allegedly jacking up its prices for N95 masks as consumers rushed to protect themselves from the pandemic.

 COVID-19 vaccines are starting to reach Philadelphia-area people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 Hundreds lined up at Girard College Monday to get free coronavirus testing as part of the Fairmount boarding schools 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

 St. Peters Episcopal Church in Society Hill on Sunday rang a bell in its tower 400 times to mark the approach of a somber milestone: 400,000 dead in the United States from the coronavirus.

 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.

As vaccination rolls out with mounting confusion and disorganization, the nations chain drugstores say they could be the shot in the arm that the massive effort needs. But nothing happens easily during this pandemic. A partnership between Rite Aid and Philadelphia, intended to help get the vaccine to health care workers, has enabled ineligible people to jump the line and get protection ahead of that top-priority group, called 1a, which is at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Read more here.

When Philadelphia released its list of high-risk conditions that would make those with them eligible for doses in the next wave of vaccination, some Philadelphia residents felt left out. Conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma, dementia, hypertension, and liver disease didnt make the cut, even though there is evidence, federal authorities said, that each may be associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Helpful resources

You got this: Serving up meals

Because of the pandemic and its economic fallout, the number of children in food-insecure households could reach 18 million, the highest in decades, according to Feeding America. Heres how one Cumberland County school district has found ways to feed thousands of hungry students while classrooms are closed.

 South Philadelphias Live! Casino and Hotel finally opened its doors over the weekend.

 Will 2021 be another year of waiting? My colleague Elizabeth Wellington explains why its so hard, and how to make it easier.

 Where to buy the best self-care products in Philadelphia.

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

Tipsters, tech-savvy kids, pharmacy hopping: The Washington Post explains how some Americans are landing coronavirus vaccines.

Artificial intelligence designed to read sentences can also be used to interpret genetic changes in viruses, speeding up lab work to spot new COVID-19 variants, MIT Technology Review reports.

In Los Angeles, ambulances circle for hours and ICUs are full. Is this what COVID-19 has in store for the rest of the country?, Stat asks.

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.
Biology - Volcanic microbes

Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributed to an international study that found almost 300 novel types of microbes living near a deep sea volcano. These microbes, which could be used in biotechnology, reveal new insights about their extreme underwater environment.

Two distinct communities of heat-loving and many acid-loving microbes live near Brother's Volcano, located about 200 miles northeast of New Zealand and 6,000 feet underwater. Known as extremophiles, these microbes thrive in water heated by magma and hydrothermal vents.

Though they live close to one another, the microbial communities reflect differences in water chemistry and temperature from geological features. In analyzing the new bacterial and archaeal families, ORNL's Mircea Podar thinks microbes like these can help better characterize extreme environments.

"We're heading to a point where microbes can be very informative about the environment they came from and even reflect some of the past," Podar said. "With more data, we can use microbes as a proxy to characterize environments where traditional measurements are challenging to capture."

Media Contact: Kim Askey, 865.576.2841, askeyka@ornl.gov

Image: https:/ / www. ornl. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021-01/ Hydrothermal%20vent. jpg

Caption: Deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimneys on Brother's Volcano's northwest caldera wall create a unique environment for microbes. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach/NSF, ROV Jason and 2018 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Image: https:/ / www. ornl. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021-01/ Magmatic%20vent. jpg

Caption: Magmatic hydrothermal venting at the cone site in Brother's Volcano creates a microbial community distinctly different from those at nearby geological features. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach, NSF, ROV Jason and 2018 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Image: https:/ / www. ornl. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021-01/ IMG_0546v2. jpg

Caption: ORNL contributed to the international study, which was led by Portland State University, and leveraged submersible technology from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach

Buildings - The unbreakable bond

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed self-healing elastomers that demonstrated unprecedented adhesion strength and the ability to adhere to many surfaces, which could broaden their potential use in industrial applications.

Elastomers, commonly used in the construction industry as sealants, are known for their durability. However, they can develop cracks when exposed to certain environments, leading to air and water leaks.

In a study, ORNL researchers used a blend of a self-healing polymer with curable elastomers to produce a series of self-healable and highly adhesive materials. The team proved that these elastomers can self-repair in ambient temperatures and conditions, as well as underwater, with their adhesive force only minimally impacted by surface dust.

"These tough elastomers can be made simply and efficiently through a scalable process, enabling a wider range of uses for the building, automotive and electronics industries," ORNL's Diana Hun said.

Media Contact: Jennifer Burke, 865.414.6835, burkejj@ornl.gov

Image: https:/ / www. ornl. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021-01/ Buildings%20-%20Unbreakable%20bond-%20lr. png

Caption: ORNL researchers produced self-healable and highly adhesive elastomers, proving they self-repair in ambient conditions and underwater. Credit: ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy

Modeling - Mapping the flood

A new tool from Oak Ridge National Laboratory can help planners, emergency responders and scientists visualize how flood waters will spread for any scenario and terrain.

The Two-dimensional Runoff Inundation Toolkit for Operational Needs, or TRITON, leverages the power of modern supercomputing to quickly create detailed flood forecasts based on meteorology, hydrology, terrain and surface conditions.

Free and available for use, TRITON can be downloaded in formats compatible with standard computer systems and with advanced architectures such as ORNL's Summit supercomputer. Running the model on Summit's modern architecture speeds processing by 40 times compared to conventional high-performance computing.

"The ultimate aim of this model is to support operational inundation forecasting for a range of applications, from infrastructure safety to national security," said ORNL's Shih-Chieh Kao who leads the project. "Understanding how a flood wave will propagate across a region or city enables appropriate planning and response."

Media Contact: Kim Askey, 865.576.2841, askeyka@ornl.gov

Video: https:/ / youtu. be/ mgo78s7iJ7g Image: https:/ / www. ornl. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021-01/ TRITON%20screenshot. png

Caption: The TRITON model provides a detailed visualization of the flooding that resulted when Hurricane Harvey stalled over Houston for four days in 2017. Credit: Mario Morales-Hernandez/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

###
Negotiators reported continued progress on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package on Saturday, with optimism rising that the overdue talks would soon produce an agreement.

The Senate convened a Saturday session, while House members stood by for a vote that will arrive no earlier than Sunday.

A new government shutdown of midnight Sunday was serving as a backstop for the tortuous negotiations, which were being conducted in secret largely among the top four leaders of Capitol Hill's warring tribes. A key negotiator said the talks continued in good faith.

But the American people cannot feed their families or pay their bills with Congress' good faith discussions, said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, leader of the Senate GOP faction.

We need to conclude our talks, draft legislation, and land this plane." The massive package would wrap much of Capitol Hill's unfinished 2020 business into a take-it-or-leave-it behemoth that promises to be a foot thick or more.

House lawmakers will probably have only a few hours to study it before voting as early as Sunday afternoon. A Senate vote would follow, and another stopgap funding bill will likely be needed to avoid a shutdown at midnight Sunday.

The House passed Friday's temporary funding bill by a 320-60 vote. The Senate approved it by voice vote almost immediately afterward, and President Donald Trump signed it late Friday.

McConnell didn't give an update on the talks, but a remaining issue involves an effort by Republican conservatives to rein in emergency Federal Reserve lending powers. Democrats said the GOP proposal would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the

An agreement in principle Saturday would be a precursor to more hours of translating compromises into detailed legislation. Lawmakers are eager to exit Washington and close out a tumultuous year.

House lawmakers were told they wouldn't have to report to work on Saturday but that a Sunday session was likely. The Senate will be voting on nominations Saturday.

The $900 billion package comes as the pandemic is delivering its most fearsome surge yet, killing more than 3,000 victims per day and straining the nation's health care system. While vaccines are on the way, most people won't get them for months. Jobless claims are on the rise.

The emerging agreement would deliver more than $300 billion in aid to businesses and provide the jobless a $300-per-week bonus federal unemployment benefit and renewal of state benefits that would otherwise expire right after Christmas. It also includes $600 direct payments to individuals; vaccine distribution funds and money for renters, schools, the Postal Service and people needing food aid.

Democrats on Friday came out swinging at a provision by conservative Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., that would close down more than $400 billion in potential Federal Reserve lending powers established under a relief bill in March.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is shutting down the programs at the end of December, but Toomey's language goes further, by barring the Fed from restarting the lending next year.

As we navigate through an unprecedented economic crisis, it is in the interests of the American people to maintain the Fed's ability to respond quickly and forcefully," said Biden economic adviser Brian Deese.

Undermining that authority could mean less lending to Main Street businesses, higher unemployment and greater economic pain across the nation." The Fed programs at issue provided loans to small and mid-sized businesses and bought state and local government bonds, making it easier for those governments to borrow, at a time when their finances are under pressure from the pandemic.

The Fed would need the support of the Treasury Department to restart the programs, which Biden's Treasury secretary nominee, Janet Yellen, a former Fed chair, would likely provide. Treasury could also provide funds to backstop those programs without congressional approval and could ease the lending requirements. That could encourage more lending under the programs, which have seen only limited use so far.

The pending bill is the first significant legislative response to the pandemic since the landmark CARES Act passed virtually unanimously in March, delivering $1.8 trillion in aid, more generous $600 per week bonus jobless benefits and $1,200 direct payments to individuals.

The measure in large part follows a template set by a bipartisan group of senators and a team of House pragmatists. But top leaders are firmly in charge, though relationship are frayed by months of warfare.

The COVID-19 package would be added to a $1.4 trillion governmentwide appropriations bill that would fund federal agencies through next September. That measure is likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump's U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature.

For Republicans, the most important COVID-19 aid provision was a long-sought second round of paycheck protection payments to especially hard-hit businesses and renewal of soon-to-expire state jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed.

Democrats have been denied direct fiscal relief for states and local governments, a top priority, and they got a supplemental COVID-19 unemployment benefit that was only half the size of what the CARES Act delivered. Democrats also won $25 billion to help struggling renters with their payments and $45 billion for airlines and transit systems, but some critics on the left said Democratic negotiators were getting outmaneuvered.

Indeed, McConnell has been in the catbird's seat since Senate Republicans outperformed expectations in November while House Democrats barely held their majority. Preelection Democratic demands for a bill exceeding $2 trillion were quickly cut by more than half. Still, Biden is pressing for an agreement, fearing a weakening will await him on Inauguration Day.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(CNN)  After arguably the most challenging year of his near-decade rule of North Korea, Kim Jong Un is sticking to his guns.

Kim announced last week at the Eighth Workers' Party Congress -- a meeting for North Korea's governing elite -- that his country plans to beef up Pyongyang's already dangerous nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs with new, sophisticated armaments, such as tactical nuclear weapons designed for use on the battlefield and warheads designed to evade American-made missile defense systems.

And at a parade marking the conclusion of the Congress, Kim's military showed off a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

Kim's message was crystal clear: Right now, North Korea needs its nuclear weapons to deter the United States "no matter who is in power," he said -- and no matter the cost.

The young leader's ambitious plans for modernizing his nuclear arsenal will prove expensive, at a time when money is already tight. North Korea voluntarily severed the last of its scant ties with the outside world in 2020 to prevent an influx of Covid-19. That included cutting off almost all trade with Beijing, an economic lifeline the impoverished country needs to keep its people from going hungry.

North Korea's economy is now in the gutter, and its food supply is reportedly in peril.

To ward off the pandemic, Kim effectively did to his country what many in Washington hoped economic sanctions would do: bring the North Korean economy close to the brink of collapse. That he did it on his own volition has led many to question if sanctions ever be strong enough to change Kim's thinking.

Some analysts disagree with that line of thinking. They see opportunity.

With North Korea's economy already on the ropes, they believe now is the time to deliver the knockout punch -- a blow of crippling coercive measures that, once and for all, convinces Kim that his continued pursuit of nuclear weapons does not guarantee his regime's safety, it threatens it.

Either way, Kim's plans will prove to be a major challenge for President-elect Joe Biden.

Trump, like Obama and President George W. Bush, will leave his successor a more-dangerous and better-armed adversary than the one he inherited.

Maximum pressure

Before Trump agreed to sit face-to-face with Kim in 2018, his administration put in place an aptly named strategy called "maximum pressure."

The goal was to use sanctions, diplomacy and other coercive measures, short of armed conflict, to convince Kim to agree to the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

As North Korea tested missiles and nuclear bombs at an unprecedented clip in 2017, the Trump administration turned up the heat. The US mission to the United Nations successfully lobbied the UN Security Council to put in place resolutions that went after North Korea's ability to make money by selling regular goods, such as coal and seafood. The Treasury Department used its tremendous power and influence over the global financial system to enact their own, unilateral sanctions. And diplomats successfully lobbied US partners to close Pyongyang's embassies overseas, which the regime has been accused of using as fronts for money-making opportunities.

By the end of 2017, North Korea was barred from almost all international trade. Even long-time North Korean ally China agreed to sign on to incredibly punitive UN sanctions that year, and Beijing appeared to be enforcing them at first.

That momentum didn't last. As Trump pivoted to diplomacy with Pyongyang in 2018, the United States took its foot off the gas on the pressure campaign. Hundreds of new sanctions that were ready to go were put on hold ahead of Trump's first summit with Kim in Singapore, the President said. Sanctions have been issued at a much slower clip since.

As the threat subsided and its relationship with the United States crumbled, China began loosening its enforcement of restrictions, Washington alleged, though Beijing repeatedly denies any claims that it does not fully enforce UN sanctions.

Many experts believe Washington gave up on maximum pressure too soon.

Some, including former US acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific Evans Revere, argue Biden's team should seriously consider a new maximum pressure model, ramping up sanctions "in ways that would impose even more pain and isolation on North Korea."

"Intensification of sanctions, plus other diplomatic, economic and banking and military pressures that you could apply on North Korea could certainly shake the regimes foundations, particularly now that we see that the regime is suffering a severe economic crisis the likes of which we haven't seen in a while," Revere said.

Revere and other proponents of sanctions argue there are still tools left in the US arsenal to pressure North Korea, and they should be pursued. The Biden administration could, for example, try harder to close North Korean trading companies in conjunction with US allies and target Chinese banks that help North Korea access foreign currency.

"There is much, much more to be done that could squeeze, isolate and undermine North Korea in ways that would shake their confidence in their long-standing assumption that nuclear weapons are their salvation and would also drive the point home that not only are nuclear weapons not your salvation, they are the thing that has the potential to undermine the stability of your regime," Revere said.

Risky business

Revere said he recognizes that such an approach is risky.

It could force North Koreans to choose between feeding its people and funding its nuclear weapons, and history shows Kim would likely choose the latter.

Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father and predecessor, let millions die of starvation during a famine in the 1990s rather than reform, accept aid or or do anything that might have threatened his iron grip on leadership.

Things aren't that bad in North Korea right now, but analysts believe the economic situation is more dire than it has been since the famine. Devastating storms, the punishing sanctions and the pandemic pummeled North Korea's economy in 2020. There appears to be enough food to go around, but the supply is under more strain than any time since the famine, according to Chad O'Carroll, the CEO of Korea Risk Group, which produces North Korea publications NK Pro and NK News.

"We can safely say there are nationwide shortages of several key food types, food items," he said.

Though costly, Kim's decision to shut North Korea's borders appear to have worked from a public health perspective. North Korea's claim not to have contracted a single case of Covid-19 is likely untrue, but the country has not seemingly not experienced a serious wave of infections.

A large number of cases would likely overwhelm North Korea's dilapidated healthcare infrastructure, so Kim is unlikely to lift border restrictions until the pandemic subsides. That means Pyongyang will, in order to achieve its objectives, continue to inflict a level of economic pain upon itself.

John Delury, a professor at Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Relations, said that should be "a sobering reminder to the Biden administration that (economic) pressure does not work on North Korea."

"North Korea subjected itself to an even more extreme form of economic pain (than sanctions) to keep away Covid. And yet, they're not budging on the nuclear thing," Delury said.

Getting everyone on the same page

Biden now faces the same foreign policy issue that has plagued his previous five predecessors: How to get North Korea to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

He may be forced to do so sooner than he'd like. Though the new weapons Kim mentioned are at various stages of development, most would need to be test-fired to be considered operational. If North Korea were to conduct such a test, it would likely set the stage for a diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Pyongyang in the first days of Biden's presidency.

There are hints about how the new US administration would approach that challenge. Based on his public remarks, Biden's strategy will likely involve a commitment to multilateral alliances. Biden's pick for Secretary of State is on the record saying Washington should look to the Iran deal for inspiration on how to deal with North Korea, meaning the new administration may consider something like trading a freeze in proliferation activities for limited sanctions relief. But sources familiar with the transition said the incoming administration will take time to flesh out a policy after meeting with allies and partners.

Whatever path Biden chooses, major roadblocks remain.

If, like his predecessor, Biden responded with sanctions and pressure, it might preclude the type of back-channel diplomacy used to set up the Iran deal. Pyongyang views sanctions as "hostile" acts and could in turn shut the door to talks with its typical bombastic language. North Korea referred to the last round of UN sanctions on it in 2017 as "an act of war," and called the idea that it would give up its nuclear weapons a US "pipe dream."

The strategy would also require buy-in from three uneasy players: China, Russia and South Korea.

"China and Russia will not fully enforce even existing sanctions," said Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. "Geopolitically it would be difficult to designate new sanctions without a very convincing rationale for Beijing, Moscow and even South Korea's Moon government."

China and Russia appear content with the status quo. South Korean President Moon Jae-in may not be on board with a pressure strategy because he favors engagement and economic cooperation as means of lowering the temperature. Moon said that dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation are key to the Korean peace process in a speech earlier this month.

If dialogue is the path chosen, the Biden administration must recognize its limits, said Delury.

"We should moderate our expectations of what engagement can do," he said. "We've seen what three summits can do, and it leaves a lot to be desired."

But the biggest issue might simply be bandwidth. Biden comes into office facing incredibly daunting challenges at home. He must stop the Covid-19 pandemic raging within the United States' own borders, heal a wounded nation still recovering after a Trump-incited mob of insurrectionists stormed the US Capitol, and get his Cabinet approved by the Senate which must try Trump after his impeachment on charges of insurrection.

"How do you deal with this North Korea challenge ... and deal with all these other things at the same time?" Revere said. "This is hard, but these are extremely capable people."

This story was first published on CNN.com "If Kim Jong Un destroyed North Korea's economy to keep Covid-19 out, will sanctions stop him from pursuing nuclear weapons?"
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Police have apologised to YouTube star Canking after 'up to 20 officers' swooped on his city centre flat with three people inside when they received a false tip-off that he was holding a party during lockdown.

The 18-year-old, whose real name is Jayden Gray, said multiple cops turned up at his Birmingham flat last Wednesday after reports of people entering the premises.

Yet only three people were found inside the apartment when police arrived including his girlfriend, who was fined for breaking Covid restrictions, and his flatmate.

West Midlands Police said officers had responded to a tip-off from a member of the public and added: 'We apologise if the tenant believed our response was excessive.'

Footage of the encounter was filmed by Mr Gray and clocked up more than 30,000 views on Instagram before eventually being deleted.

West Midlands Police officers pictured entering the flat of 18-year-old Canking, whose real name is Jayden Gray, in Birmingham last Wednesday. The force has since apologised

Mr Gray said: 'I wasn't breaking any rules, I wasn't having any parties.'

Mr Gray previously hit headlines after hundreds of people flouted social distancing rules for a meet and greet with him in Birmingham city centre on June 28 last year.

Large crowds turned up outside the Bullring shopping centre and several arrests were made, including a 19-year-old who received a caution after throwing an egg at an officer.

Mr Gray, who was born in Ireland, launched a YouTube channel in January 2012 and has built up a massive online following who watch his public stunts and brazen interviews with strangers in the street.

He said he was in his apartment playing music 'very low' before the police arrived at 9.30pm.

Mr Gray said: 'I heard a knock at the door and went to look through the peephole. One of them put their finger (on) the peephole so I couldn't see who it was.

Mr Gray said he was in his apartment playing music 'very low' before the police arrived (left and right) at 9.30pm. He added that he was shocked by how many officers entered his flat

'I was asking over and over again who it was, but they weren't saying anything and continued knocking.

'I wasn't going to open the door if they were not going to say who they were. So I walked away from the door and they continued knocking.

'I looked back through the peephole and the finger was not fully over it so I could see the police. I opened the door and was greeted with aggression.

Mr Gray (pictured), who was born in Ireland, launched a YouTube channel in January 2012 and has built up a massive online following

'There were five of them in the kitchen pressuring my girl. They said she shouldn't be here.

'One officer said something about spousal support but then another said: "No, we have to fine her".'

Mr Gray said he was shocked at how many officers entered his flat and sought evidence of who was living at the property.

Mr Gray said: 'A lot of them came in... I got my phone and started recording.

'At first 10 came and then way more were coming around the corner. There were at least 20 of them.

'There was just three of us, me, my roommate, and my girl. If they expected a party it made no sense for everyone to enter the building.

'I live in an apartment on the top floor.

'If there was a party, we couldn't get out of the apartment because we're not going to jump out. I feel like they were trying to make a point.'

Mr Gray criticised police for sending so many officers. He said: 'They didn't handle the situation properly.

Mr Gray previously hit headlines after hundreds of people flouted social distancing rules (pictured above) for a meet and greet with him in Birmingham city centre on June 28

'If they got the call and expected a party that is completely understandable. But the way they handled it is not right.'

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: 'We received a call just after 10pm on Wednesday (13 Jan) from a member of the public concerned there was a significant Covid-19 breach at a flat in Navigation Street, Birmingham.

'The caller suggested loud music was playing and there was a party being held at the address.

'Officers attended but found only one person at the address who was not registered as living there.

'An 18-year-old woman was issued a fine for breaching the lockdown restrictions.

'We apologise if the tenant believed our response was excessive but we were simply responding to information provided to us.'
[January 19, 2021] FII Institute Confirms 140 Plus Headline Speakers For Two-day FII Conference

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 19, 2021 /CNW/ -- The Future Investment Initiative Institute will headline more than 140 prominent speakers next week at the Fourth Edition of FII, a multi-hub conference linking tech pioneers, investors and policy makers as they rethink the global economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Request an invitation to hear from the 60 prominent speakers who will attend in-person in Riyadh and 80 who will participate virtually during the two-day investment conference from January 27-28. Speakers will address the investment conference from hubs in New York, Paris, Beijing, Mumbai. To address the theme "The Neo-Renaissance", H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Chairman of the FII Institute, will officially open the 4th edition of FII, under the leadership of the FII Institute. H.E. Al-Rumayyan will be joined by David Solomon, Chairman & CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group, Thomas Gottstein, CEO of Credit Suisse Group, Ray Dalio, Co-Chairman & CIO of Bridgewater Associates, and Marco Alvarez, CEO of Snam in considering how the global investment community can leverage the economic downturn to build a stronger, more sustainable future. H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman & CEO of Total, H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil company will discuss strategies to guide investment into the energy sector. Lord Gerry Grimstone, U.K.'s Minister of State for Trade, Eric Cantor, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Moelis & Co, H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of KSA, and H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Ministry of Internatinal Cooperation of Egypt, will consider polices to strengthen investment and trade partnerships to reflect a new set of geopolitical realities.



Others scheduled to participate include H.R.H Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Kai Fu Lee, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Sinovation Ventures, Thomas Barrack, Executive Chairman of Colony Capital, Jean Bernard Levy, CEO of EDF, Jean Todt, President of Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, Josh Giegel, Co-Founder and CTO of Hyperloop one, Anthony Scaramucci, Founder & Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital, and David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of The Carlyle Group. The FII Institute has identified sustainable investment, global economic growth and the future of healthcare, digitization, education and culture as priority topics. Speakers will address those pressing issues, as well as the rebirth of SMEs, how investing in culture can make it an engine of growth, and efforts to rectify long-standing gender inequalities.

The Institute was founded in Riyadh to bring together global leaders, tech pioneers, experts and policy makers to enable concrete ideas that can solve today's most pressing societal issues, while creating long-term platforms to reshape the future sustainably and create a positive impact on humanity. About the 4th Edition of FII The main program will be livestreamed from Riyadh. Speakers will be filmed and broadcast across all satellite FII cities and on live-streaming platforms. There will be keynote addresses, plenary sessions and also breakout discussions at all of the venues. Follow along on our social channels with Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram and join in the conversation with #FIINeoRenaissance. About the Future Investment Initiative Institute The Future Investment Initiative Institute is a new generation of global not-for-profit foundation that ensures the world's brightest ideas find their way to materialize, scale and create positive sustainable Impact on Humanity. With an ambitious vision to empower the brightest minds to shape a better future for ALL and with ALL, the FII Institute brings together global leaders and experts to collectively curate and enable concrete ideas that can solve today's most pressing societal issues while creating long-term platforms to reshape the future of humanity. To learn more about the FII Institute, visit http://fii-institute.org . Keep up with latest news by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FIIKSA). Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422931/FII_Institute.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422932/FII_Institute.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422933/FII_Institute.jpg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fii-institute-confirms-140-plus-headline-speakers-for-two-day-fii-conference-301210972.html SOURCE FII Institute

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
(Natural News) 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?

(Article by John Klar republished from AmericanThinker.com)

CRT does not hide its plans. Quoting Audre Lorde, BLM brazenly declares:

For the masters tools will never dismantle the masters 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 dont 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 todays 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 Americas 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 withsomething 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. Isnt 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.

Vermonts 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 citys 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:

Im not against the concept of liberty and justice for all, I think its a great aspirational statement, but right now its a farce in America[.]  Its maybe something to aspire to, but until we can recognize that Black lives matter, I dont 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 dont think theres any center with racism[.]  Im not interested in meeting somebody in the center, as a sign of unity, if they dont believe Black Lives Matter[.]

Thats right  its his way or the highway (only you cant 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 Caseys 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 todays 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

Read more at: AmericanThinker.com and Tyranny.news.
The International Space Station is not a "station" that places itself on one point in the orbit but is continuously moving to match the Earth's rotation and revolution around the Sun. That being said, it is that time of the year again, where the International Space Station would be seen from the planet without the necessary equipment and would appear several times in different locations.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) joint project with four other space agencies in the world, the International Space Station, is host to the neutral common ground in space. Now, the historical spacecraft and popular haven for scientists and their out-of-this-world research would soon appear to people as it travels around.

Ironically, while this may seem like a sight to see for people, according to astronauts from NASA, the International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, meaning that it can be seen several times in a day. However, timing is the key to locate and see the space station with the naked eye, as it would be almost impossible during the day.

Read Also: 'Battlefront 2' Crossplay: Redditors Demand Cross Platform Gameplay-What Does EA Say About This?

International Space Station Location: How to See it and When

Indeed, seeing one of the most historical and advanced space equipment is a sight to see during one's lifetime, and offers an awe-inspiring moment, especially with youngsters who aim to be astronauts one day. Timing is the key and good thing is that there are several schedules as to when the ISS would appear in the skies, right at dusk's hour.

According to Penn Live, Pennsylvanians would have the opportunity to see the International Space Station thrice this week, with the first one already showing itself last Monday, January 18 at 6:52 PM. The next scheduled include Tuesday at 6:04 pm at 11 degrees above southwest over the next five minutes.

Additionally, it would appear for the third time on Thursday, January 21 at 40 degrees west for four minutes and move to a maximum height of 63 degrees northeast.

ISS Tracker: NASA's Tool to Spot the ISS

Not everyone has the same time and geographical locations and relying upon a certain place's schedule would not guarantee the sight of the ISS. Good thing NASA created a tool to spot the ISS right at home or anywhere one is, and would only need to pinpoint a certain location for NASA to set a schedule and location of the space station.

NASA's Spot the Station tool helps in locating the humongous ISS, which could be seen by the naked eye and its glistening glory as it passes over the skies. In the search, the next possible location for the Theodore Roosevelt Historic Site in Manhattan, New York, is the coming Saturday, January 16 at 6:51 PM for only one minute.

One only needs to pinpoint the location they wish to sightsee the International Space Station, pick a schedule, and hope for the skies to be clear that night or the early dawn of the morning.

Related Article: Strange Planet with Three Stars and a Skewed Orbit Angle Discovered by Kepler Mission

This article is owned by Tech Times





Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
ASX-listed payments technology company Tyro has hit back at "false" short seller claims about its technical problems as it continues to scramble to fix outages that have been ongoing for two weeks.

Tyro resumed trading on Tuesday after entering a trading halt on Friday following the publication of a report by short seller Viceroy Research claiming outages with its payment terminals affected up to 50 per cent of its customers.

In an update to the Australian Securities Exchange on Tuesday Tyro said the Viceroy report contained "significant false claims and assertions" and at its peak 30 per cent of customers had been impacted. It said the outages, which have been ongoing for two weeks, were continuing to affect 15 per cent of its customers.

Tyro chief executive Robbie Cooke has been dealing with outages for two weeks. Credit:Peter Braig

Tyro is the largest provider of Eftpos terminals outside the big four banks and the fintech listed on the ASX in December 2019 at a valuation of $1.4 billion.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 11:37:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A staff member checks the packaging quality of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine products at a packaging plant of the Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm, in Beijing Dec. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved a vaccine by China's Sinopharm for emergency use amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved a vaccine by China's Sinopharm for emergency use amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday read that Sinopharm, one of the two vaccines approved by the authority, has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality.

The authority said the authorization will be reviewed every quarter keeping in view further data regarding safety, efficacy and quality.

People wearing face masks walk on a road in Rawalpindi of Pakistan's Punjab province on Jan. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

A vaccine manufactured by British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has also been given the authorization earlier, the handout said.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, the country's minister for science and technology, told Xinhua earlier that the Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for procurement by a cabinet committee for its safety and affordability.

Pakistan reported 1,920 new coronavirus infections and 46 deaths on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 521,211 with 10,997 deaths. 
Due to a technical failure on Monday, the SEBES network "partially emptied at two locations near the City of Luxembourg," the water union acknowledged. Residents had to wait until Wednesday to drink the tap water.

Earlier reporting: Drinking water is currently unfit for consumption in some parts of the city.

The Ban de Gasperich district in the south-east of the capital and the DuPont de Nemours site in Contern were affected by a technical failure on Monday 18 January, confirmed the Esch-sur-Sure Water Dam Union (SEBES).

Although deposits of manganese minerals found in tap water "do not pose a risk to human health", SEBES and the Water Management Administration recommend that affected populations "do not drink water until further notice".

Overnight the network was 'flushed' by the Water Service of the City of Luxembourg and microbiological analyses will be carried out on Tuesday 19 January. The tests were satisfactory.

Source of the problem - 1,500 m3 contaminated

The issue was caused by an issue with "a tank supply valve" which resulted in "partially emptying" the SEBES refuse network "at two locations near the City of Luxembourg". The result: nearly 1,500 m3 of water was contaminated and "drinking water pipes have been drained dry on these stretches".

SEBES and the Intercommunal Union for Water Distribution in the Eastern Region (SIDERE) 'cleansed' the network to the east of the country before resuming distribution.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Awakn Life Sciences Inc., a biotechnology company focused on research, development and delivery of psychedelic medicines for the treatment of mental health conditions, today announced the appointment of Dr. Shaun McNulty, formerly at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), as Chief Science Officer and Prof. Celia Morgan, from Exeter University, as Head of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for the company's Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Practice; both effective January 2021.

Dr. McNulty joins as an experienced biotechnology executive with over 20 years' experience in drug development having previously held positions at Pfizer, GSK, Syntaxin, ImmBio, Biosceptre and Inflection Biosciences. He will be responsible at leadership level for executing Awakn's research programmes and clinical trials.

"I am delighted to join Awakn at this exciting time in its expansion. The company has established a world class team to develop psychedelics for the treatment of patients. This highly innovative proven approach has the potential to address poorly met medical needs to improve the lives of millions of patients and their families," said Dr. McNulty.

Prof. Morgan will be responsible for leading Awakn's newly established Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for AUD Practice. Prof. Morgan is a Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, where she led the Ketamine for Reduction of Alcoholic Relapse (KARE) clinical trial, one of the world's leading trials assessing Ketamine as a pharmacological treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder.

"I'm extremely excited to work with Awakn to take our Ketamine-Assisted therapy forward. We have shown potential to help the huge numbers of people struggling with alcohol problems in our first Medical Research Council funded phase II trial and now it is time to take it forward to the next stage," said Prof. Morgan.

Anthony Tennyson, Awakn CEO, said, "We are delighted to welcome professionals of the calibre of Shaun and Celia to Awakn. Their experience and expertise will help us accelerate as we build and scale our business across our three divisions of Research, Clinics, and Platforms".

About Awakn Life Sciences

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on research, development and delivery of psychedelic medicines for the treatment of mental health conditions. Awakn is creating a paradigm shift in psychiatry by integrating psychedelic medicine into mainstream mental healthcare with a strategic focus on the treatment of Addiction, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD across three business lines of Research, Clinics and Platforms. For more information, please visit awaknlifesciences.com.

Investor Contact:

KCSA Strategic Communications

Valter Pinto

Valter@KCSA.com

Tim Regan

TRegan@KCSA.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72334
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
The City of Winnipegs switch to an electronic voting system that would record and publish all city council votes is now delayed  despite concerns Winnipeg has already fallen behind other jurisdictions.

The City of Winnipegs switch to an electronic voting system that would record and publish all city council votes is now delayed  despite concerns Winnipeg has already fallen behind other jurisdictions.

The city began testing an electronic voting system at executive policy committee meetings in September, though a motion headed to the Jan. 28 council meeting now calls for council approval before the system can be applied to final council votes.

Mayor Brian Bowman said hes open to further discussion but remains convinced the new system will provide the most open and transparent option.

"The way in which we currently vote is really an antiquated method of yea and nay. The key thing for me is that the default (presently) is not for votes to be identifiable. It doesnt allow (media) or members of the public to know how members of council, including myself, have voted on specific matters," said Bowman, noting several Canadian municipalities have already switched to similar electronic systems.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES The city began testing an electronic voting system at executive policy committee meetings in September.

City councils in: Calgary, Alta; Edmonton, Alta; Strathcona County, Alta; Airdrie, Alta; Port Moody, B.C.; Moncton, N.B.; Fredericton, N.B.; St. Johns, Nfld.; London, Ont.; Hamilton, Ont.; Toronto, Ont.; and Vancouver, B.C. have all switched to electronic recorded votes at council meetings, according to the City of Winnipeg.

Winnipegs electronic system now allows EPC members to enter each vote in their computers. The results are displayed to all who watch live video of the meetings and later posted online. Starting at Wednesdays EPC meeting, those results will also be displayed on screens within council chambers.

At all other committees and council, councillors must still vote by calling out "yea" or "nay" while seated, which doesnt highlight individual votes. When a recorded vote is requested by a council member, each councillor must stand to individually declare their vote for the record.

The mayor said requiring a record for each vote, not just when a council member happens to ask for one, would allow voting patterns to be tracked.

"Its one way to hold politicians more accountable than they are right now," said Bowman.

Its one way to hold politicians more accountable than they are right now.  Mayor Brian Bowman

The mayor said the change could have been extended to council at its Jan. 28 meeting. He said the new motion to require council to first approve the change will delay that.

Council speaker Devi Sharma has raised the motion over concerns the current voting system may be easier for some citizens to follow.

"Rising to show your support for or against an item is the most effective and recognized method as opposed to simply displaying a screen of results that would be difficult for some viewers to interpret and understand. Technology can create a barrier for those who dont use smart phones or computers and for those whose first language is not English," wrote Sharma (Old Kildonan), in an emailed statement.

By contrast, Sharma described the current council voting system as "very accountable and transparent."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES I think that if we have a change like that to our operating procedures, we the 16 (members of council) should decide if thats desired or not, said Brian Mayes.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who seconded Sharmas motion, said he agrees with the call for voting transparency but is also concerned those watching council meetings may have trouble keeping up with some electronic votes, since councillors would no longer have to stand up to see their votes counted.

Mayes said he hopes debate on the issue will trigger a compromise, while also giving council the final say on the matter.

"I think that if we have a change like that to our operating procedures, we the 16 (members of council) should decide if thats desired or not," said Mayes.

The mayor said he would consider allowing votes to be both stated and electronically registered, if thats needed to gain council support of the change.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
New Jersey on Tuesday reported another 3,761 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 54 additional deaths as the states vaccination effort increased to 388,000 shots administered while the state awaits the delivery of more doses.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the figures during his latest COVID-19 briefing in Trenton while also extending the states public health emergency declaration for the 11th time.

Murphy also noted that more vaccination locations are continuing to become available.

We know that there is pent-up demand and that getting an appointment may be proving challenging, he said. We continue to push forward with the approximately 100,000 doses we are receiving on a weekly basis.

The states 7-day average for new confirmed coronavirus cases dropped to 5,063 after two consecutive days with less than 4,000 new cases. The average is down 6% from a week ago, but up 13% from a month ago.

New Jersey has reported 572,306 total confirmed cases out of more than 8.6 million tests administered since officials announced the states first case March 4. There have also been 63,395 positive rapid antigen tests, which the state began reporting publicly earlier this month, though officials have cautioned that they could overlap with the confirmed PCR tests.

The state of 9 million residents has now lost 20,512 residents in the COVID-19 pandemic  18,421 confirmed deaths and 2,091 deaths considered probable, according to state data.

The statewide rate of transmission was 1.11, down slightly from 1.12 reported the three previous days. A transmission rate over 1 indicates the outbreak is expanding.

The statewide positivity rate for tests conducted on Friday, the most recent day available, was 10.12% based on 45,065 tests.

There were 3,506 patients hospitalized with confirmed (3,287) or suspected (219) COVID-19 cases across New Jerseys 71 hospitals as of Monday night. Thats up 59 patients from a day earlier, but down from a recent high of 3,873 on Dec. 22.

Overall, we are seeing a decent measure of stability across our hospital systems, Murphy said. And while we will continue to hold our breath a little bit, this stability is a good sign, especially considering that we are now outside the two-week window from the holidays.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES (sorted by most new)

Bergen County: 55,349 confirmed cases (406 new), 2,144 confirmed deaths (267 probable)

Monmouth County: 40,350 confirmed cases (371 new), 1,070 confirmed deaths (102 probable)

Middlesex County: 54,393 confirmed cases (339 new), 1,604 confirmed deaths (216 probable)

Ocean County: 40,361 confirmed cases (296 new), 1,453 confirmed deaths (91 probable)

Hudson County: 52,115 confirmed cases (275 new), 1,622 confirmed deaths (170 probable)

Essex County: 55,198 confirmed cases (264 new), 2,223 confirmed deaths (257 probable)

Union County: 42,000 confirmed cases (247 new), 1,435 confirmed deaths (186 probable)

Passaic County: 44,468 confirmed cases (240 new), 1,389 confirmed deaths (159 probable)

Morris County: 24,837 confirmed cases (207 new), 825 confirmed deaths (194 probable)

Atlantic County: 15,491 confirmed cases (175 new), 410 confirmed deaths (18 probable)

Camden County: 33,949 confirmed cases (168 new), 866 confirmed deaths (67 probable)

Gloucester County: 17,461 confirmed cases (142 new), 437 confirmed deaths (21 probable)

Burlington County: 25,953 confirmed cases (140 new), 616 confirmed deaths (52 probable)

Mercer County: 21,956 confirmed cases (130 new), 737 confirmed deaths (38 probable)

Cumberland County: 9,691 confirmed cases (83 new), 261 confirmed deaths (12 probable)

Sussex County: 6,129 confirmed cases (77 new), 194 confirmed deaths (51 probable)

Somerset County: 15,059 confirmed cases (69 new), 618 confirmed deaths (94 probable)

Hunterdon County: 4,844 confirmed cases (38 new), 91 confirmed deaths (54 probable)

Salem County: 3,561 confirmed cases (30 new), 118 confirmed deaths (8 probable)

Cape May County: 2,926 confirmed cases (25 new), 133 confirmed deaths (20 probable)

Warren County: 4,940 confirmed cases (24 new), 175 confirmed deaths (14 probable)

VACCINATIONS

At least 388,160 doses of the vaccine had been administered in New Jersey as of Sunday, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard. Of those, 343,957 were the first of two doses people will receive, while 43,969 were the second.

The state hit a high of 27,767 doses administered in a single day on Thursday, based on the most current data.

That was the first day New Jersey expanded vaccine eligibility to those 65 and over, residents with certain health conditions, and smokers, creating a backlog for appointments when vaccines promised by the federal government did not materialize.

Four of the six coronavirus vaccine mega-sites have opened throughout New Jersey to serve as vaccination hubs.

New Jersey has faced criticism for having a slower rollout than dozens of other states as it continues to deal with a second wave of the pandemic, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The state has been doling out doses in phases. And even though officials last week greatly expanded vaccine eligibility, demand remains greater than supply, and residents are scrambling for scarce appointments. More than 4 million New Jersey residents are now eligible.

Officials stress that the state is depending on the federal government for its supply and is receiving only 100,000 doses a week, though New Jersey has the capacity for 470,000 a day.

Murphy on Saturday said the federal government has not provided additional doses that were promised.

VACCINE DOSES BY COUNTY

ATLANTIC COUNTY - 12,042 doses

BERGEN COUNTY - 43,326 doses

BURLINGTON COUNTY - 18,844 doses

CAMDEN COUNTY - 22,383 doses

CAPE MAY COUNTY - 5,591 doses

CUMBERLAND COUNTY - 5,938 doses

ESSEX COUNTY - 32,223 doses

GLOUCESTER COUNTY - 13,875 doses

HUDSON COUNTY - 16,232 doses

HUNTERDON COUNTY - 6,256 doses

MERCER COUNTY - 9,147 doses

MIDDLESEX COUNTY - 29,051 doses

MONMOUTH COUNTY - 29,727 doses

MORRIS COUNTY - 28,100 doses

OCEAN COUNTY - 20,549 doses

PASSAIC COUNTY - 17,604 doses

SALEM COUNTY - 1,967 doses

SOMERSET COUNTY - 16,034 doses

SUSSEX COUNTY - 6,469 doses

UNION COUNTY - 19,215 doses

WARREN COUNTY - 3,990 doses

OUT OF STATE - 17,753 doses

UNKNOWN COUNTY - 11,844 doses

HOSPITALIZATIONS

The 3,506 patients hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases across New Jerseys hospitals as of Monday night included 643 in critical or intensive care (seven more than the previous night), with 429 on ventilators (three more).

There were 240 COVID-19 patients discharged Monday and 347 patients admitted, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard.

The governor has said any hospitalizations over 5,000 patients would likely trigger new rounds of restrictions.

But state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said Monday that officials arent concerned at the moment about an upcoming surge in the number of people needing to be hospitalized.

The interesting thing is: Our cases are increasing and our mortalities are increasing, but our hospitalizations are not, Persichilli told reporters before a public event in Old Bridge.

Hospitalizations are staying pretty stable, she said. I think its still affecting older individuals. Almost 60% of our deaths are older individuals, so it may be that its more transmissible, more asymptomatic. Its over 50% now are asymptomatic transmissions. Asymptomatic transmitters are perhaps affecting older, vulnerable adults, and thats who is ending up in the hospitals, and the mortality is significant.

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.

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 (31.2%), followed by those 50-64 (23.7%), 18-29 (19.3%), 65-79 (11.1%), 5-17 (7.5%), 80 and older (5.4%), and 0-4 (1.6%).

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 (33%), 50-64 (15.6%), 30-49 (4%), 18-29 (0.4%), 5-17 (0%), and 0-4 (0%).

At least 7,668 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 431 facilities, resulting in 7,054 active cases among residents and 7,619 among staffers.

GLOBAL NUMBERS

As of Tuesday morning, there were more than 95.7 million positive COVID-19 tests across the world, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 2.05 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications.

The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 24 million, and the most deaths, at more than 399,000.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com.
Hot on the heels of the Hyundai Nexo, the all-new Mirai is the Japanese automakers most advanced fuel-cell vehicle to date. Doug DeMuro had the opportunity to check the hydrogen-fueled sedan in detail, and the verdict is rather obvious. Its certainly better than the old one, said the YouTube vlogger, referring to the first-gen model produced from 2014 to 2020.Redesigned into a rear-wheel-drive sedan, the Mirai doesnt handle all that great for pretty obvious reasons, even though the steering response is surprisingly good. Not only is it heavy at 4,350 pounds (1,973 kilograms) in U.S. specification, but the second-gen model has been tuned to feel more comfortable in day-to-day scenarios like commuting on the freeway.As far as the interior is concerned, which isnt as spacious as you would have expected in comparison to the old Mirai , the one and only Doug DeMuro cant understand why Toyota opted for two volume buttons instead of a single volume knob. On the upside, the rear-seat passengers are treated to a touch-sensitive panel that allows them to control the heated and cooled outer rear seats, air conditioning, audio system, and the power sunshade.For a fuel-cell vehicle that retails at $70,000 or thereabouts, Toyota has somehow failed to understand what customers expect from a car at this price point in terms of practicality. More to the point, the trunk lid opens manually.Despite all of these shortcomings, the Mirai is "a compelling car. Probably the best hydrogen vehicle yet, and miles ahead of the old Mirai.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Raising concerns over the recently announced changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy, the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT has asked the messaging platform to withdraw the recent change.

In its strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, the ministry has slammed the platform's "all or nothing" approach.

The letter noted that the proposed changes to the privacy policy raise "grave concerns regarding the implications for the choice and autonomy of Indian citizens." The new policy announced earlier this month asked users to agree to the new terms by February 8. It said that not agreeing to the new terms would lead to a loss of access to their accounts. The sudden move sparked a lot of criticism across quarters and the demand for other messaging apps surged overnight.

A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court against WhatsApp. On Saturday, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) filed a plea urging the top court to direct the platform to withdraw its new privacy policy.

Further, amid intense criticism worldwide, the Facebook-owned platform has deferred its new data privacy policy by three 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.

FARGO, N.D., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Boris Perencevic M.D. is being recognized as a Top Doctor for his accomplishments in the field of Medicine and his professional excellence as an Anesthesiologist at Essentia Health and in Private Practice.

Growing up in Yugoslavia now called Croatia, Dr. Perencevic began his medical career over 30 years ago. He relocated to the United States after he decided to pursue anesthesiology, and shortly after completed a residency at Vanderbilt University. With a commitment to excellence, he obtained state medical licenses in Utah, North Dakota, and Maine. He also became board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Now retired, Dr. Perencevic established a commendable reputation throughout his extensive career for his professional excellence in anesthesiology. He gained valuable experience in private practice and flourished with Essentia Health-Fargo. Devoted to service, he strived to provide expert, experienced and comprehensive anesthesiology services. Additionally, he proudly served the veteran community in Fargo within the Fargo Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

In his spare time, Dr. Perencevic devotes to equestrian pursuits and quarter horses.



Dr. Perencevic dedicates this honorable recognition to Peter and Chris Jacobs, whom he thanks for their continuing love and support over the last forty years.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634 [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


(CNN) - Theres more evidence that people develop broad, long-lasting immunity to coronavirus after an infection.

A new study published Monday shows peoples bodies were producing a range of antibodies for six months after recovering from infection  and they were producing the B cells that, in turn, make these antibodies  something that promises even longer-lasting immunity.

Its the latest in a batch of studies that show peoples bodies continue to produce immune responses after infection, which lowers the risk that people can get infected with the virus over and over again.

The study, published in the journal Nature, also suggests that people produce a variety of antibodies that attack the virus from different angles. Thats good news for people worried about the emergence of new variants of the virus. Scientists are concerned that these mutations could help the virus evade either a natural immune response or a response elicited by vaccination.

The team took a close look at the blood of 87 people about six weeks after infection and then just over six months after infection.

They found, as have others, that theres an initial spike in antibodies produces  one that dies away after a few months. But then the B-cells kick in and start making new antibodies. And not only that  they seem to make a new variety of antibodies that can act on even mutated virus.

It appears to be happening because little pieces of the virus stay in the body long after infection, helping prompt an ongoing immune response. They took samples from the intestines of some of their volunteers and found evidence these little bits  called antigens  were continuing to stimulate the immune response.

"The observation that memory B cell responses do not decay after 6.2 months, but instead continue to evolve, is strongly suggestive that individuals who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 could mount a rapid and effective response to the virus upon re-exposure," the team lead by molecular immunologist Dr. Michel Nussenzweig at Rockefeller University in New York wrote.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "New study shows more evidence of long-lasting immunity after coronavirus infection"
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 pensioner was left terrified after a swan smashed its way through a double-glazed bathroom window in an 'enormous explosion'.

Jean Wilkinson, 78, told how she heard the 'explosion' before discovering the injured swan lying in the bathroom of her home in Attenborough, Nottinghamshire.

The retired telephone operator said: 'I think it was last Monday and I was sitting down after I'd just been in the bathroom five minutes beforehand.

'I had been having a wash and came to sit down to have a coffee and then all of a sudden I heard an enormous explosion.

Jean Wilkinson, 78, told how she heard the 'enormous explosion' before discovering the injured swan lying in the bathroom of her home in Attenborough, Nottinghamshire

'It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard. I have recently had a new shower room put in and I looked around the house and I was shaking.

'I thought maybe the shower screen had exploded as I couldn't think of anything else.

'I pushed the bathroom door open and it wouldn't open but there was glass everywhere.

'I went back again and pushed the door open further and found there was a swan on the floor and blood everywhere and shards of glass.

'I pulled the door quickly tight. I have a WhatsApp group with my neighbours and I just messaged ''I need help''.

'I said ''there's a swan that's just come through my bathroom window'' and within minutes three or four of my neighbours were there and one had phoned the RSPCA.

The RSPCA was called and arrived within a few hours to remove the swan and take care of it

Ms Wilkinson (pictured) said: 'I'm opposite the Attenborough nature reserve and I live in a log cabin on stilts on the River Trent so I have fields in front of me and the river at the back'

Ms Wilkinson said: 'The windows are all double glazed and there's a gap about an inch between the glass - so it is really thick glass'

'My neighbours helped me clear up and the RSPCA came in about three hours, which I thought was quite good.

'One of my neighbours actually looked in through the outside and saw the swan just sitting there very quietly with its head up.

'There was a lot of blood everywhere but it looked okay so we left it until they came.

'I think they like to be left in the quiet and it was possibly in shock - as was I.

'I live alone and it was all quite scary.'

Pictured is the carnage left behind after the swan smashed its way into Ms Wilkinson's bathroom

Ms Wilkinson boarded up her bathroom window after the swan smashed through her double glazing

Pictured is a close up of the shattered window after the swan broke through it

Ms Wilkinson lives on the River Trent so is used to being surrounded by swans

Ms Wilkinson says she is used to seeing swans around her home and in the fields outside her window but had never known one to crash through a window.

She added: 'I'm opposite the Attenborough nature reserve and I live in a log cabin on stilts on the River Trent so I have fields in front of me and the river at the back.

'There are always swans everywhere. But they've never crashed into the window and into the double glazing before.

'The chances of it happening are pretty remote as they don't tend to normally fly that low.

'The windows are all double glazed and there's a gap about an inch between the glass - so it is really thick glass.'
GREENWICH  The son of billionaire Peter Brant and former model Stephanie Seymour has died of an accidental drug overdose.

Harry Brant, a model and cosmetics entrepreneur, died Sunday at the age of 24, according to a statement that his family released to the media.

Brant died of a prescription drug overdose after struggling with addiction for several years, the statement said. Brant had plans to enter a drug rehabilitation center this year, the Brant family said.

We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease, his family said in a statement. He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done.

Harry was not just our son, the family statement continued. He was also a wonderful brother, loving grandson, favorite uncle and a caring friend. He was a creative, loving and powerful soul that brought light into so many peoples hearts. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out.

Brant founded a unisex MAC makeup line with his brother Peter in 2015, and he promoted the products on social media and YouTube. He modelled for the Italian edition of Vogue magazine.

Messages of shock and heartbreak flooded the comment section on Brants most recent Instagram post from about a week ago. Brant, in a December posting on Instagram, mourned the death of fashion model Stella Tennant, and he often posted observations about the fashion world.

Harry Brant was the son of billionaire Peter Brant, an art collector, newsprint manufacturer, polo player and media executive, and former model Stephanie Seymour. They own White Birch Farm on North Street in Greenwich.

Harry Brant drew headlines in 2016 when Greenwich police arrested him after they said he refused to pay a $28 taxi fare in town. Police charged Brant, 20 at the time, with sixth-degree larceny, resisting arrest and drug possession. When he was told he was under arrest, police said he tried to run away from the officers, who were able to restrain him as he resisted arrest. When officers searched Brant after he was in custody, police said they found a baggie that had a white substance in it. Police said that substance later tested positive for narcotics. Brant attended a drug awareness program following his arrest in 2016 to settle the charges.

According to an interview with Vogue, Brant said he had a love of art history that fed his interest in fashion. I love the idea of each object holding its own as a piece of art. Its the same thing that attracts me to true high fashion imagery, he said.

Brant studied at Rye Country Day and Bard College.

Greenwich police said Monday that there was no local involvement in the fatality.

Memorial arrangments were not announced.
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.
I want to distinguish between two main theories of impeaching President Trump. They are impeaching him for what he said about the election and impeaching him for what he told or encouraged people to do about the elections outcome.

The House of Representatives article of impeachment mingles the two into a stew it hopes tastes and smells like insurrection. The potpourri is heavy on what Trump said about the election but also contains a few pinches regarding what he said should be done in response.

Only the latter allegations should be considered in determining whether to impeach and remove Trump. A defeated candidate for office should be free to say whatever he wants to about the election. Ideally, such a candidate would concede at some point. Thats the tradition and its a noble one.

But there is no obligation, constitutional or otherwise, to concede. A defeated presidents only obligation is to leave office, which Trump will do.

The impeachment article asserts that Trumps claims about the election are false. Some of them, like his claim that he won in a landslide, are blatantly false.

But making false claims about very important matters doesnt meet the high crimes and misdemeanors standard of the Constitution. And its a good thing, too. Otherwise, many presidents would have to be impeached.

Suppose Hillary Clinton had been the incumbent president in 2016, instead of the president in waiting. Would it have been an impeachable offense for her falsely to have claimed that Trump collaborated with Russia in order to win the election?

Not in my opinion, and not in the opinion of Democrats, Im sure. No law prohibits politicians from saying whatever they wish to about an election. And a decent regard for freedom of expression should protect a politician from making claims, whether true or false, about that subject, or any other.

It turns out that there is precedent for impeaching a president for speech, but also for not removing a president so impeached. Josh Blackman and Seth Barrett Tillman remind us that Andrew Johnson was accused in one of his impeachment articles of using intemperate and inflammatory language that was critical of Congress.

The House passed this article, but the Senate rejected it. Seven Republican Senators opposed impeachment, causing the effort to remove Johnson to fail by one vote.

Five of these Senators denounced the idea of impeaching a president for exercising his right to free speech. According to Blackman and Tillman:

Senator John Henderson of Missouri stated plainly that the President, like other persons, is protected under the First Amendment. He too, Henderson continued, has the right to make foolish speeches. Senator James Grimes of Iowa admitted that Johnsons speeches were indiscreet, indecorous, improper, [and] vulgar. But he could not attempt[] to repress the freedom of speech. Senator Peter Van Winkle of West Virginia said the First Amendment was unquestionably of universal application, even to the President. Senator Joseph Fowler of Tennessee boasted that Johnson did no more than exercise that liberty of speech guaranteed to him by the Constitution. Senator William Pitt Fessenden of Maine warned that removing the President for his speech would not only den[y] him a right secured to every other citizen of the republic . . . but might deprive the people of the benefit of his opinion of public affairs. The President, Fessenden contended, has the right to communicate with the people. And the people have a right to hear those communications.

Historians laud the Republican holdouts for their votes. And rightly so. The five statements quoted above are foundational in a free society.

To remove Trump for making false statements about the election would be an affront to freedom. If Trump is to be removed it should be for what he urged people to do to reverse or thwart Joe Bidens victory. I will discuss whether Trump should be removed for this in my next post on the impeachment.


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 FBI privately warned law enforcement agencies Monday that far-right extremists have discussed posing as National Guard members in Washington and that others have reviewed maps of vulnerable spots in the city - signs of potential efforts to disrupt Wednesday's inauguration, according to an intelligence report obtained by The Washington Post.

The document, a summary of threats that the FBI identified in a Monday intelligence briefing, warned that "lone wolves" and adherents of the QAnon conspiracy theory, some of whom participated in the violent siege on the Capitol on Jan. 6, have indicated that they plan to come to Washington for President-elect Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony.

The FBI also said it had observed people downloading and sharing maps of sensitive locations in Washington and discussing how those facilities could be used to interfere in security during the inauguration.

But the intelligence briefing did not identify specific plots to attack the inaugural events that would be akin to the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, and it noted that "numerous" militia and extremist groups are publicly denouncing potential violence against at the transition of presidential power.

While the FBI has picked up "suspicious traffic" in monitoring the kinds of communication systems used by some participants in the Capitol siege, it includes "nothing that points to any specific action."

The FBI on Monday declined to characterize the credibility or gravity of the threats it outlined for law enforcement before the inauguration.

The agency instead pointed to remarks FBI Director Christopher Wray made last week, when he said the agents were monitoring an "extensive amount of concerning online chatter" and noted the challenge of "trying to distinguish what's aspirational versus what's intentional."

"We're monitoring all incoming leads, whether they're calls for armed protest, potential threats that grow out of the January 6 breach of the Capitol, or other kinds of potential threats leading up to inaugural events and in various other targets. So we're latched up with all of our partners in that regard," Wray added.

A spokesman for the Secret Service also declined to comment on the threat report, or to characterize the agency's level of concern.

"The U.S. Secret Service takes all threats seriously and will continue to work with our federal, state, local and military partners to continue securing the 59th Inauguration based on the relevant intelligence available to the security community," said spokesman Justine Whelan.

The Post is withholding some details outlined in the intelligence report at the request of the FBI to avoid revealing intelligence-gathering methods and specific security vulnerabilities.

The Secret Service is responsible for coordinating all security for the inauguration, which is categorized as a national security special event. The FBI is responsible for gathering intelligence on threats surrounding the event and managing any crises that develop.

After the Capitol attack, the FBI has scrutinized members of extremist groups such as the Oath Keepers, the Three Percenters and the Proud Boys, a male-chauvinist group with ties to white nationalism, making numerous arrests in recent days.

The FBI's intelligence briefing comes amid worry across the country about potential threats to Biden's inauguration and an unprecedented military lockdown of the District of Columbia's downtown and the National Mall.

At least 21,500 National Guard troops, thousands more law enforcement officers and miles of temporary fencing have been brought into the city to cordon off the iconic monuments and historic buildings that normally serve as the backdrop for a peaceful transfer of power between presidential administrations.

In its intelligence briefing, the FBI described the chatter it has been monitoring of groups associated with the Jan. 6 attack, particularly QAnon, whose adherents were prominent participants in the siege.

People affiliated with the baseless conspiracy theory, which claims that Trump is fighting against a cabal that traffics children, have shown interest in infiltrating security checkpoints at the inauguration, according to the report.

"QAnon members have discussed posing as National Guard soldiers, believing that it would be easy for them to infiltrate secure areas," according to the document, which added that members have been crowdsourcing images to surveil the security perimeter.

The FBI also said individual figures who have no clear ties to specific groups but have protested the election results have shown interest in the event.

"Concerns of lone wolf actors are increasing," according to the report, which noted that five people who took part in an armed demonstration at the Ohio Capitol on Sunday have said they were traveling to Washington for the inauguration.

The FBI has also observed an increase in surveillance of law enforcement's security preparations for the inauguration. According to the report, National Guard troops have reported seeing several individuals photographing and recording their work. Some of those videos have been uploaded online, the FBI report said.

The intelligence briefing also noted reports of unknown individuals accessing camera footage of secured areas where public access is prohibited.

It is unclear whether such efforts are the work of individuals aiming to disrupt the inauguration or curious passersby documenting the fortress that has sprung up.

The metamorphosis of the nation's capital into a veritable Green Zone is part of an aggressive effort by law enforcement to prevent more violence after the siege on the Capitol by an armed and violent pro-Trump mob.

Thousands of demonstrators that day came to Washington for a rally and other protests. Then, encouraged by Trump, they marched on the Capitol and fought through police barricades to break into the building and stop Congress's certification of the election results. Five people died in the riot, including one Capitol Police officer.

That attack - the first time the Capitol has been overrun since the War of 1812 - has led to perhaps the tightest security of any of the previous 58 presidential inaugurations.

When Supreme Court Justice John Roberts swears in Biden, there will be no sea of spectators filling the National Mall and no waving crowds lining a motorcade route along Pennsylvania Avenue that presidents normally take from the Capitol to their new home for the next four years.

To avoid line of sight of the Capitol balcony, where the ceremony takes place, barricades have walled off the National Mall and adjoining streets. Many residents of the historic rowhouses in neighboring Capitol Hill, just east of the Capitol, have to go through police checkpoints to leave and return to their homes.
Steele also lived in Jones house, but she said she last saw Singh in August because she was traveling. The two spoke on the phone and texted several times since October, and Steele said she did not believe her friend when he told her in late November that he was living in the airport as part of a spiritual awakening of sorts.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : In light of emerging evidence from Uttar Pradesh, Karnakata and Kerala over the Popular Front of India's (PFI) involvement in alleged anti-national activities, prominent Muslim organisation Sufi Islamic Board has made a fresh appeal to the Union Home Affairs Ministry to ban the group on a priority basis.

"We have requested the government to take cognisance of PFI's new links in Turkey with outfits working against the interests of our country. Such links bother us," Syed Khalidmiya Naqvi ul Husaini, chief of Sufi Board's Gujarat wing, told IANS.

On PFI members' alleged meeting with leaders of controversial Turkish organisation IHH(Insan Hak ve Hurriyatleri), the Sufi Board office-bearer said that Indian agencies need to probe deep into such relationships which could disturb harmony in India.

"IHH is linked to extremist organisations like ISIS. Therefore links of PFI cadres with IHH, if true, can have serious implications on our country's security. Recent investigations of National Investigation Agency against a few PFI cadres reveal their deep-rooted affiliation with terror outfits. The Home Ministry should move swiftly and ban this organisation," said Syed Khalidmiya, peer of the famous Dargah in Gujarat's Mehsana.

Probing a case of money laundering against the PFI, the Enforcement Directorate recently revealed to a court in Kerala's Kochi that PFI's student wing leader K.A. Rauf Sharif received huge amounts from suspicious overseas accounts. The ED, in its remand report, said that Sharif had funded the trip of four persons to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, where a Dalit woman died after being allegedly gang-raped. All four persons were arrested by UP Police in October last year on charges of disturbing social harmony and inciting riots.

Karnataka Police had also found primary evidence against PFI in the Bengaluru riots in early 2020.

On the PFI's alleged role in large scale violence during anti-CAA stir and Delhi riots, Syed Khalidmiya said that Delhi Police had arrested senior office-bearers of the Islamic outfit in connection with funding the riots.

"The police is doing its job but we are worried about the PFI's false propaganda. They are trying to mislead Muslim youths at the behest of those who are against the nation. We all want peace and therefore Sufi Board has launched a campaign to ban the PFI. The objective is to ensure communal harmony," he said.

While over a dozen cases of violence, terror activities and money laundering are being contested in courts against the PFI, the outfit maintains that it had no role in the riots in north or southern part of India, as portrayed by several law enforcement agencies.

On basis of documentary evidence against the PFI, the UP government had earlier initiated a move to ban the controversial Islamic organisation. Unperturbed with such grave charges, the PFI describes the organisation as a neo-social movement committed to empower people to ensure justice, freedom and security. It has several wings which caters to different sections of society, including the National Women's Front and the Campus Front of India.
This week America inaugurates a new president, and the free world gains a new leader.

In Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I believe Britain has partners for positive action to make our world a safer place.

The US and the UK share enduring values: respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom of speech and thought, representative democracy, equality and the rule of law.

These values have shaped our societies. In the past, we have had common cause to defend them.

Today, those values are under threat once again  and once again, the UK has a responsibility to play its part in defending them.

The threat does not just come from countries which reject our democratic values  nations like China, which continues to persecute the Uighur people and infringe the rights of people in Hong Kong, or Russia, where opposition leader Alexei Navalny recently survived poisoning only to face imprisonment.

On January 6, those values came under attack in that bastion of democracy the United States Capitol.

Donald Trump holds hands with then British Prime Minister Teresa May in 2017 as they walk the colonade of the White House in Washington

One day before being inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center

The sight of mob violence in the marbled halls of the US Congress, with elected members barricaded in offices and a police officer murdered, are images we thought we would never see.

Americans I have spoken to in the aftermath of that event remain profoundly shocked by it.

Sadly, we have known attacks on our own democratic institutions in recent years.

I will never forget the terrible day a terrorist struck the House of Commons and killed the brave PC Keith Palmer.

What happened in Washington was not the act of a lone extremist or a secretive cell, but an assault by a partisan mob whipped up by an elected president.

I know from experience that leaving power is not easy  especially when you feel that there is more you want to do.

But anyone who has the honour of serving in such a position must always remember that the office is bigger than the individual.

The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of any democracy; it is what makes us special.

When George Washington, the first American president, willingly stood down from office after two terms and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, it was a genuinely radical act.

Already the images of violence from the city that bears his name are being used as propaganda by autocrats who claim that democracy does not work.

The scenes at the Capitol show us how fragile support for democracy can be in a world where lies are spread on social media.

It also reminds us of the responsibility which free nations bear to live up to our high ideals.

A mob of supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump fight with members of law enforcement at a door they broke open as they stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington earlier this month

I set Global Britain as our foreign policy goal because I wanted to ensure that the UK did not turn in on itself or become isolated after Brexit.

Instead, I believe a constructive role awaits a self-confident UK  outside the EU but emphatically within the mainstream of western democracies.

With Brexit now achieved but the pandemic still raging and the long-term economic and social impact of Covid to be addressed, it is now even more important that we work together with our allies.

Last year, the UK led a collective effort to fund global work on vaccines. Now, as countries close their borders in response to Covid, we must work collectively to find a way of living with the virus.

This challenge makes the concept of Global Britain even more salient. 2021 can be a year when Britain leads on the world stage.

Hosting the G7 and the COP26 climate summit will put Global Britain at the forefront of joint endeavour between nations.

For this potential to be realised, there needs to be a change in world politics.

For too long we have been sliding toward absolutism in international affairs: if you are not 100 per cent for me then you must be 100 per cent against me.

In this world there is no room for mature compromise. Indeed, compromise is seen as a dirty word. In fact, the opposite is true.

Strong leadership knows when to compromise to achieve a greater good. If the world is to work together to build back better then we must all be willing to compromise.

We must reject a scene in which a few strongmen face off against each other and instead bring people together in a common cause.

The UK is well placed to play a decisive role in shaping this more co-operative world.

We have an excellent diplomatic network, a strong military, and enviable soft power. Outside the EU, we are a player again in the World Trade Organisation  as well as a leading member of Nato, the Commonwealth and the UN Security Council.

But to lead we must live up to our values. Threatening to break international law by going back on a treaty we had just signed and abandoning our position of global moral leadership as the only major economy to meet both the 2 per cent defence spending target and the 0.7 per cent international aid target were not actions which, in my view, raised our credibility in the eyes of the world.

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson attended the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford in December 2019

Other countries listen to what we say not simply because of who we are, but because of what we do.

The world does not owe us a prominent place on its stage. Whatever the rhetoric we deploy, it is our actions which count. So, we should do nothing which signals a retreat from our global commitments.

The arrival of President Biden provides Britain with a golden opportunity. He is an experienced hand, having served eight years as a diplomatically engaged vice president.

With Donald Trump, I never knew what to expect  from being offered, sometimes literally, the hand of friendship to hearing him question core tenets of the transatlantic alliance.

When a British prime minister walks out for a joint press conference with the worlds media unsure if the United States president standing next to her will agree that Nato is a bulwark of our collective defence, you know you are living in extraordinary times.

Mr Biden will have his own agenda in pursuit of the US national interest, but he will be a more predictable and reliable partner for Global Britain.

Together, a USA recommitted to international leadership and a United Kingdom guided by our common values can be a powerful partnership.

We can lead the world in action to tackle climate change at COP26 in Glasgow. We can galvanise the other great democracies which share our belief in freedom under the rule of law.

Together, we can make the 2020s a decade in which democracy and decency lead the world into a brighter future.
Cruises between the Port of Charleston and Cuba could be back on the table after President-elect Joe Biden takes office, and Carnival Cruise Line says it will be ready if the communist country is again opened to U.S. visitors.

Charleston is one of the ports the Miami-based leisure company had planned to use as a starting point for Cuban cruises before the Trump administration banned most Americans from making pleasure trips to the Caribbean island.

With Biden taking office Wednesday, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corp., said his company's ships will be ready if the ban is lifted.

"Obviously, Cuba was a focal point for the (former President Barack) Obama administration ...," Donald told investors during an earnings call last week. "We'll see what happens with the incoming administration. We obviously will be well-prepared."

Obama in 2015 lifted a decades-old ban on tourism-related travel to Cuba as part of an effort to thaw relationships with the country. President Donald Trump put the ban back in place in 2019. Last week, Trump added Cuba to a list of countries that sponsor terrorism  a move seen as a way to circumvent future efforts to lift the ban.

Biden, who was Obama's vice president, is seen as having a less restrictive attitude toward Cuban travel. However, he would need to remove Cuba from the terrorism list  an act that would require a formal State Department review  to restart cruises.

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!

"We'll be prepared to, again, help people who really want to go to Cuba, see it the best way we feel, which is arriving on the cruise and then experiencing what Cuba has to offer when it opens," Donald said last week.

Havana  known for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant music scene and vintage U.S. automobiles  was a popular destination during the short period when the travel ban was lifted.

Carnival had planned seven Cuban cruises originating at Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston prior to the ban. The itineraries included a four-day sailing that went to Havana and five-day trips that visited Havana and either Freeport, Bahamas, or Key West. None of the cruises took place.

Carnival and other cruise lines have been on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the State Ports Authority, said Carnival hasn't finalized plans for a return to the Holy City.

"We're sort of waiting in the wings, waiting for them to make a firm plan to restart," Newsome said. "We want to support them in any way we can in doing that."

Charleston is in a good spot to host cruises to Cuba because, at roughly 650 nautical miles from Havana, the voyage can easily fit within the four- to five-day trips the locally based Sunshine typically operates.
[January 19, 2021] "Miss Virginia" Movie Screening and Q&A to Celebrate School Choice Virtually

FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentucky families statewide will meet up virtually to celebrate educational freedom and school choice with a Netflix viewing party of "Miss Virginia." On Sunday, Jan. 24, tune in from the comfort of your home to enjoy this powerful feature film and an exclusive Q&A with the woman whose true story inspired the movie. The movie viewing will begin at 6 pm EST. The Q&A with school choice heroine Virginia Walden Ford will take place over Zoom at 8 pm EST and will be led by Dr. Gary Houchens, professor of educational administration, leadership, and research at Western Kentucky University. Whether families are looking for a new school for the 2021-2022 year or love their current school, the movie screening will offer shareable information and encouragement. Families can register for the free event here .



The event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2021, which will feature more than 33,000 celebrations across all 50 states. "We are excited to bring families from across the state together for a live online screening of 'Miss Virginia' in celebration of National School Choice Week," said Dr. Houchens. "I am looking forward to leading a conversation with Virginia Walden Ford after the screening about the importance of school choice and sharing it with all Kentucky families."

This event is hosted by EdChoice Kentucky, an organization educating the Commonwealth on the benefits of educational choice policies. National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities  such as school fairs, open houses, and student showcases  to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children. The effort is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miss-virginia-movie-screening-and-qa-to-celebrate-school-choice-virtually-301208074.html SOURCE National School Choice Week

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I recently returned home to Northeast Ohio after living in Washington, D.C. for nearly two years. The nations capital has indeed its share of good restaurants of all types. You wouldnt expect anything less in an area with such a large and diverse population.

But the time away made me realize and appreciate just how great of a food scene we have here, too. Sadly, some of my favorite restaurants closed while I was gone -- places like Sokolowskis University Inn, Spice Kitchen, and Lola Bistro, to name a few. Still, Im glad to be back and luckily there are still plenty of uniquely Cleveland spots that I cant wait to eat at again, if I havent already.

Here are some of them.

Barroco isn't fancy, just a comfortable place embracing different, creative and tasty flavors. If you don't know Latin food, this is the place to go. (Marc Bona, cleveland.com)Photo courtesy of Barroco Grill

Barroco

Finding Colombian-style arepas even in a big city like D.C. can be a challenge. But not in Cleveland, where Barroco has three locations. Never had an arepa? Think of it like a taco, but with a wider variety of ingredients (plantains! ropa vieja! mozzarella!) and a shell thats more like a flatbread than a tortilla. Dont forget to top it with one or more of Barrocos five signature sauces, each more tempting than the last.

12906 Madison Ave., Lakewood

287 Crocker Road Blvd., Westlake

3941 Erie St., Willoughby

barrocoarepabar.com

Don's Pomeroy House opened 1980. The original mansion was built in 1847 and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. (John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)The Plain Dealer

Dons Pomeroy House

Growing up in Strongsville, this was our familys special occasion restaurant. With its historic setting, formal dining rooms and menu centered on steaks and seafood, Dons Pomeroy House is the ideal spot for celebrating. But if its not that kind of night, you can still find the two best things on the menu -- the Fishmarket Salad and French Onion Soup -- downstairs in the casual pub.

13664 Pearl Rd, Strongsville

donspomeroy.com

Sushi geeks expecting a tranquil setting in which to meditate over stunningly fresh raw fish and vinegared rice are in the wrong spot at Ginko, a modern and colorful eatery in Tremont. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com)The Plain Dealer

Ginko

Dante Boccuzzis underground sushi spot has the hip, trendy vibe of izakayas in New York City or even Tokyo and the menu to go along with it. Not sure what to order? Leave it up to the chef by ordering the five-course omakase tasting menu.

2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland

danteboccuzzi.com/ginko-restaurant

The Smoked Turkey Club from Herb'n Twine in Ohio City is one of the best sandwiches in the city. Period.The Plain Dealer

Herbn Twine

For me, a good turkey sandwich is the ultimate comfort food and nobody does it better than this small artisan sandwich shop in Ohio City. Herbn Twines smoked turkey club is made with house-smoked turkey breast, gouda cheese, spinach, crispy maple-smoked bacon, marinated onion and sun-dried tomato mayo all between two slices of freshly baked bread. Mmmmmm.

4309 Lorain Rd., Cleveland

herbntwine.com

The Dim Sum selection at Li Wah is, well, legendary.cleveland.com

Li Wah

D.C. has its share of excellent, authentic Chinese restaurants, but, strangely, not many in the citys Chinatown district-- just dont tell the tourists. The same cant be said of Clevelands AsiaTown, which is full of them. One of the best is Li Wah, with a weekend Dim Sum brunch thats truly an essential Cleveland dining experience.

2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland

liwahrestaurant.com

Brisket is the superstar at Michael Symon's barbecue place, Mabel's. Ask for it and you get another question, "fatty or lean?" Go for the fat if your health budget will allow it. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)cleveland.com

Mabels BBQ

Clevelands barbecue scene used to be nothing that special, a mix of rib joints that served Texas, Carolina or Kansas City-style barbecue. That changed when celebrity chef Michael Symon opened Mabels in 2016 and introduced Cleveland-style barbecue, which features a Bertmans Ballpark Mustard based-sauce and meat seasoned with Eastern European spices and smoked over local fruitwood.

2050 E.4th St., Cleveland

mabelsbbq.com

Mason's Creamery is located at 4401 Bridge Ave. in Ohio City.John Petkovic/The Plain Dealer

Masons Creamery

An ice cream parlor that churns out eclectic (Ube! Taro!) and nostalgic (Capn Crunch! French toast!) flavors in the summer and serves authentic Japanese ramen in the winter-- theres no place like Masons Creamery anywhere else in the country.

4401 Bridge Ave., Cleveland

masonscreamery.com

Mr. Hero's Romanburger belongs in Cleveland's food hall of fame, if there was such a place.

Mr. Hero

This legendary local fast-food chain is like a Cinderalla song: you dont know what you got until its gone. I didnt get it either why family members who moved out of the area would always head straight to Mr. Hero whenever they came back to visit. But then I started doing it. Theres just something very Cleveland about a Romanburger.

Various locations

mrhero.com

The ''Uncle Tony'' pizza is one of the many specialties pies at Ohio Pie Co. (Photo Courtesy Lee Sechrist)

Ohio Pie Co.

Cleveland is a great pizza town thanks to places like Angelos, Citizen Pie, Crust, Edisons and Danny Boys. But the pizza at Ohio Pie Co. is unlike anything Ive tasted anywhere else. Owner Nick Robsons Ohio-style pie is made with a medium-thick crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and soft. The round pizza features a sweet sauce base, is covered in cheese from edge-to-edge and cut into squares so no two bites are the same. And if you think the pizza is good, wait till you try their cookies.

1315 Pearl Rd, Brunswick

ohiopieco.com

The menu at Salt+ is replete with voluptuous flavor-filled culinary inventions-- all on small plates. There's lots to savor and share in a cozy well-curated space that's as full of stylized adventure as the food being served. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Salt+

One way D.C. outshines Cleveland is in its abundance of tapas restaurants. But Id put Chef Jill Vedaas Lakewood spot up against any one of them. Every small plate on the menu, which changes seasonally, is so beautifully and thoughtfully composed, youll savor every bite, not wanting the experience to end.

17625 Detroit Ave, Lakewood

saltcleveland.com
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, Jan 19 : Superstar Salman Khan on Tuesday announced that his upcoming film Radhe will arrive in cinemas on Eid 2021. Salman's decision followed a request from exhibitors' associations across the country for a theatrical release of the film.

He took Instagram to share the good news with his 37.7 million followers: "Sorry it has taken me a long time to revert to all the theatre owners... It's a big decision to make during these times. I understand the financial problems that the theatre owners/exhibitors are going through and I would like to help them by releasing 'Radhe' in theatres."

Image Source: IANS News

"In return, I would expect them to take utmost amount of care and precautions for the audience who would come to the theatre to watch 'Radhe'. The commitment was of EID and it will be Eid 2021 inshallah. Enjoy Radhe this year in theatres on Eid.. God willing.." Last year wasn't easy on many, including cinema hall owners, because of lockdown and Covid-19.

With the release of Radhe, Salman's tradition of Eid releases will continue. In the past, his films like "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", "Dabangg", "Kick" and "Bodyguard" had released on the festive occasion.

The upcoming film is helmed by Prabhudeva, and also stars Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff, Zarina Wahab and Randeep Hooda.

Radhe is co-produced by Salman Khan, Sohail Khan and Atul Agnihotri under the banners Salman Khan Films, Sohail Khan Productions, and Reel Life Production.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine should launch remote monitoring of the situation in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

"Today Ive also stressed that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has a mandate [which covers] the entire territory of our country, and the issue of launching remote monitoring of the situation in Crimea is already overripen. The OSCE SMM has the capacity to launch such monitoring and [can] carry out a remote analysis of the situation in the occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," Kuleba said at a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The foreign minister of Ukraine said that he had informed his Swedish counterpart about the development of the Crimean Platform initiative and confirmed invitation to join it.

As reported, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde makes a two-day working visit to Kyiv.

ol
Philadelphia, PA, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Corp. (CSE: VSBY) (Frankfurt 5VS) (OTC: VSBGF) (VSBLTY), a leading provider of security and retail marketing technology, is partnering with Sky Packets, the New York City-based prominent developer of Wi-Fi Mesh networks and Smart City applications for municipalities and business improvement districts, to strategically deploy advanced security and Smart City solutions to U.S. and international customers.

VSBLTY Co-founder & CEO Jay Hutton, commenting on the strategic deal, said, We are particularly excited to partner with Sky Packets because there is a growing need worldwide for intelligent integrated security and Smart City applications for municipal governments, business districts, transit operators, among others. He explained that the joint deployments will include license plate recognition for security, smart parking, curbside management applications, as well as people and vehicle counting, demographic analysis, density management and retail analytics. These infrastructure solutions are even more in demand by businesses and governments today, Hutton added.

VSBLTY has a strong technology presence in retail and other industries, including current Smart City deployments in the U.S. and Latin America. The firms industry-leading VisionCaptor and DataCaptor software combine motion graphics and interactive brand messaging with cutting-edge computer vision analytics while providing enhanced customer engagement with audience measurement including customer traffic and demographics.

Henry Quintin, Co-Founder & CEO, said, Our partnership with VSBLTY will enable us to provide a wide variety of customers with state-of-the-art security solutions as well as advanced analytics and analysis never before available from a single source. Real-time analytics is the next logical step for intelligent networks and there is a growing demand among our current customers. The increasing complexity of citywide infrastructure initiatives calls for Sky Packets sophisticated management, security and experience deploying at scale. We are confident that with the addition of VSBLTYs security software we have the right solutions for businesses and governments in a variety of Smart City applications and public venues.

Sky Packets is a leading provider of Wi-Fi, CBRS networks for free local internet connectivity and other managed solutions for municipalities, business improvement districts, transit operators and out-of-home advertising companies. Among Sky Packets customers are the Times Square Alliance, Downtown Boulder, Brooklyn Public Library, Panasonic, Yaletown Vancouver, and Google.

Investor Relations

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO, +1-416-868-1079, x251

cathy@chfir.com

CONTACT: Linda Rosanio, 609-472-0877

lrosanio@vsblty.net

About VSBLTY (www.vsblty.net)

Headquartered in Philadelphia, VSBLTY (CSE: VSBY) (Frankfurt: 5VS) (OTC: VSBGF) (VSBLTY) is the world leader in Proactive Digital Display, which transforms retail and public spaces as well as place-based media networks with SaaS-based audience measurement and security software that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning.

About Sky Packets (www.skypackets.nyc)

Sky Packets was founded in 2007 in New York City as a result of a straightforward observation: technology has transformed how people interact with the world. Municipalities, business improvement districts, retail stores, property owners and outdoor events are consistently needing to adjust to this interaction. This mismatch led Sky Packets to change the calculus of delivering Wi-Fi Mesh networks and new Smart City applications to bridge the interaction between people and public/private spaces. With its powerful, turnkey, integrated set of applications and hardware solutions, municipalities, BIDs property owners and event coordinators can attract, engage and delight customers and residents by delivering experiences in their spaces that are relevant, helpful and personalized.

CONTACT:

Steve Amarante, Partner, 516-882-3155

connect@sky-packets.com
ALBANY  A Niskayuna man charged in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol appeared to be taking a cavalier approach to his federal case Tuesday.

Brandon Fellows, 26, smirked throughout his virtual detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart -- and at times appeared on the verge of laughter. Fellows, who appeared from the Rensselaer County jail, made a sarcastic "OK" hand signal when he asked if he could travel to western Massachusetts. He also admonished the judge for his description of his job.

Fellows, who while inside the Capitol put his feet up on the desk of U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, is charged with two misdemeanor federal offenses: violating a restricted building or grounds and violent entry or disorderly conduct. The judge said he found Fellows to be a flight risk and the case disturbing, but allowed him to be free on $25,000 unsecured bond. It was under conditions that prohibit Fellows from going to Washington D.C. outside of court appearances. He said Fellows cannot leave the 32-county Northern District of New York.

"Can we maybe add in western Massachusetts there since I frequent western Mass as well since it's on the border?" Fellows asked the judge.

"Uh, no," the judge responded.

"No? OK," Fellows said.

"I want to make sure, Mr. Fellows, that you understand the seriousness of what we're talking about here?" the judge told Fellows. He said Fellows -- who according to a federal prosecutor has resided in a converted bus or RV over the last four years -- must stay in his mother's home outside of work or medical appointments, religious obligations or court. He will be electronically monitored.

When the judge asked Fellows if he understood the conditions of his release, Fellows paused and said: "I guess, yeah."

Fellows asked the judge why, since he is being electronically monitored, he could not conduct business or prepare for work. When the judge asked him if he is a chimney sweeper, Fellows told him it was a "very derogatory way" to describe his job.

"I bring things up to code. I handle lots of real estate transactions -- I don't just clean," Fellows said, noting he works 12-hour days at times.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rosenthal told the judge that Fellows lied to his arresting officers by saying that he was in Pennsylvania on Saturday when Fellows was in the Capital Region. The prosecutor said Fellows claimed he would turn himself in at 7 p.m. that evening but did not. He said Fellows turned off his phone, wrapped it in foil, went to a local hotel and tried to hide the phone in a candy display. Rosenthal said Fellows' bail information showed he used drugs Friday and, contrary to his statements, has a prior criminal offense in 2019.

Still, the prosecutor consented to the conditions of release. Fellows' attorney, Senior Federal Assistant Public Defender Gene Primomo, told the judge he did not object to the conditions of release.

Fellows told the judge he was, in fact, prepared to turn himself in as expected Saturday night but that a "constitutional counsel" called him and told him not to do it unless the officer showed him a warrant.

The FBI announced Fellows' arrest Sunday as one of the zealous supporters of outgoing President Donald J. Trump who are accused of illegally entering the Capitol during a joint session of Congress called to certify President-elect Joseph Bidens November victory over Trump.

"We took the Capitol and it was glorious," Fellows, a 2012 Niskayuna High School graduate, posted on his Facebook account on Jan. 12, according to an FBI agents affidavit filed in U.S. District Court.

Related: FBI arrests Capital Region man for Capitol siege involvement

Calls for resignation of Malta town official after Capitol siege

Malta official resigns after involvement in U.S. Capitol siege

When a commenter told Fellows those involved in the Capitol siege accomplished nothing and that the government was not afraid of them, Fellows responded, using smiling emojis: Oh, I saw the fear.

Fellows continued: And they know many of us had guns at our hotel rooms and vehicles ... we just aren't pissed enough to kill the police or military. But we will fight them and make them retreat. Maybe things will get worse. All I do know is the more we are forced and silenced into things that we don't agree with the worse it will be.

It is a federal crime to knowingly enter or remain in a restricted building or grounds without authority, to do so and knowingly disrupt government business. The FBI affidavit said only authorized people with appropriate identification are permitted inside the Capitol. On Jan. 6, the exterior of the building was closed to the public  barricades were in place to keep people out of the Capitol.

At 2 p.m, that day, the affidavit said, the crowd that turned violent forced its way into the building. Twenty minutes later, members of Congress  as well as Vice President Mike Pence  were forced to evacuate.

Videos and images of the Capitol intrusion were captured on cameras  and by members of the mob themselves  and posted on social media. On Jan. 8, Fellows Instagram account showed a photo of Fellows in a fake orange beard and a jacket that said USA on a police motorcycle outside the Capitol. The motorcycle image was later on Fellows Facebook page as well.

The affidavit highlighted Fellows' comments in a Bloomberg news story that quoted Fellows as saying "I have no regrets ... I didn't hurt anyone, I didn't break anything. I did trespass though, I guess."

Fellows boasted that his Bumble dating profile was "blowing up" after he posted a picture of himself at the Capitol, the affidavit noted. It said that, according to the Bloomberg article, Fellows' interactions with police officers inside the Capitol led him to believe he would not face consequences for going inside.

"Did I think I was going to get in trouble?" Fellows said, according to the affidavit. "Uh, no.'"

The affidavit said Fellows claimed in the article he was planning to return to Washington D.C. for more protests surrounding Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20,  and that he predicted more violence.

On the TikTok social media platform, the affidavit said that Fellows stated: "I'm not a terrorist, but I will be posting more photos so long as the FBI doesn't come get me for walking in and taking photos and saying have a nice night to the police."

The affidavit said no evidence showed Fellows was involved in any theft, damage or destruction "other than being a part of the group that occupied (Merkley's) office for some period of time."

On CNN's website, a video showed Fellows telling a reporter: "Yeah we went in there and then I walked in and there's just a whole bunch of people lighting up in some Oregon room ... they were smoking a bunch of weed in there."

Fellows said "cops are very cool, they were like hey guys have a goodnight, some of them, which is crazy, it's really weird, you can see that some of them were on our side."
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  Police in Cedar Rapids have announced an arrest in the December shooting death of an 18-year-old woman at an apartment complex.

Police say in a news release that 20-year-old Larenzo Laroy Burnett was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and witness tampering in the fatal shooting of Marisa Doolin. Authorities found Doolin in the apartment Dec. 22 with a gunshot wound, and she died four days later. Police believe Burnett pointed a gun at Doolin, but that it accidentally discharged.

Investigators say Burnett also warned a witness not to talk to police about the shooting. Police say Burnett was already in the Linn County Jail on unrelated charges when he was arrested Tuesday morning.

The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Differing and 'confusing' explanations provided by the Government, including those by a Laois Offaly Minister for State, in an attempt to justify the retrospective taxation of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment payment have been criticised by a service which provides free legal advice in Ireland.

Eilis Barry, Chief Executive of the Free Legal Advice Centres, has called into question remarks made by the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys on the RTE 1 News at One programme that the payment would be treated as income by Revenue, similar to Jobseekers Allowance and that the retrospective nature of the legislation pursuant to which the PUP has been taxed is a matter for Revenue.

FLAC pointed out that the Jobseekers Allowance is not subject to tax, as it is a means-tested payment. Secondly, if it was clear from the outset that the PUP would be subject to tax, as the Ministers have claimed, there would have been no need for enactment of section 3 of the 2020 Act.

Todays interview on New at One represents the latest in a series of contradictory and confusing explanations from Government in relation to this matter which have no basis in law," said Ms Barry.

She highlighted another point raised by Laois Offaly TD and junior minister.

"The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Sean Fleming TD, has previously incorrectly claimed that section 3 of the 2020 Act is not retrospective in nature and that the legislation in place at the time of the PUPs introduction meant that it was always going to be subject to income tax. Further, in debating a separate provision of the Finance Act, the Minister for Finance endorsed the principle that changes to tax law are generally made on a prospective basis such that they apply only from the date on which they have legal effect but has refused to apply this principle to the taxation of the PUP.

"Ironically, when I wrote last year to the Minister for Finance to set out FLACs concerns at section 3 of the Finance Act 2020, his office responded by redirecting me to the office of the Minister for Social Protection, said Ms Barry.

"The payment was only made subject to income tax by section 3 of the Finance Act 2020. Section 3 also provided that this measure would apply, on a retrospective basis, to claims for the PUP from 13 March 2020. FLAC has repeatedly outlined its concerns as to the fairness and constitutionality of the retrospective nature of this piece of legislation.

"It is incumbent on the Government to acknowledge that claimants of the PUP could not have been aware that the payment would be subject to tax on its introduction, and that this appeared to be put beyond doubt when the PUP was placed on a statutory footing in August 2020, but that this position was reversed in December 2020, when it was decided to make the PUP subject to tax on a retrospective basis by way of further legislation. They should also seek immediate advice as to the constitutionality of this measure and take heed of the stress and confusion that has been caused to date, said Ms Barry

FLAC Legal Officer, Christopher Bowes BL, also comment on the comments made by Minister Humphreys.

The Minister stated today that it was clear from the outset that the PUP would be treated as income by Revenue. The reality is that most statutory social welfare payments are categorised as income by Revenue but payments such as Jobseekers Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance are specifically exempt from being taxed regardless of this categorisation. Legislation underpinning the PUP was only introduced in August 2020 and at that time deemed it for legal purposes to be an Urgent Needs Payment, a form of Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is also explicitly exempt from income tax.

"It is also wrong of the Minister for Social Protection to claim that the retrospective taxation of the PUP is a matter for Revenue. The taxation of the payment was brought about by legislation and Revenue has no discretion in that regard as it must implement the legislation as passed. FLACs concerns in relation to this issue were outlined to Government well in advance of that legislations enactment.

"FLAC issued a Briefing Note to members of the Oireachtas in November 2020 (in advance of the enactment of the Finance Act 2020) which highlighted that PUP claimants (who were entitled to rely on the official information published in relation to the payment) could not have been aware that the payment would be subject to taxation. The note also raised FLACs concerns that the retrospective taxation of the Covid PUP may not accord with the constitutional protection of citizens property rights," he said.

FLAC describes itself as an Irish human rights organisation, which exists to promote equal access to justice. As an NGO, FLAC relies on a combination of statutory funding, contributions from the legal professions and donations from individuals and grant-making foundations to support its work.
Matt Damon's Cameo In Natalie Portman Led Thor: Love And Thunder Confirmed, Actor Reaches Australia To Shoot

Hollywood star Matt Damon's return to Marvel Cinematic Universe is confirmed as the actor has reached Australia to film "Thor: Love and Thunder".

The 50-year-old actor, who had a cameo in "Thor: Ragnarok", and his family recently reached Australia and have begun 14 days of privately-arranged quarantine in New South Wales.

According to Deadline, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared the news of the actor's arrival in the country.

Hollywood superstar Matt Damon joining our homegrown talent to film such a major movie in NSW is a big win creating thousands of jobs for locals, he said.

The "Good Will Hunting" star was quoted in local media as saying he would be in Australia for the next few months.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natalie Portman (@natalieportman)

Australian film crews are world renowned for their professionalism and are a joy to work with so the 14 days of quarantine will be well worth it.

"I'd like to thank the enormous support provided by the NSW government and Australian government, without which this would not have been possible," Damon said.

In "Thor: Ragnarok", the third film in the Marvel Studios franchise, Damon portrayed an Asgardian actor playing Loki in a play about his noble sacrifice .

The actor's lawyer issued a statement to the local media saying his client's "relocation and quarantine" has been privately arranged.

Every aspect of the Damon family's relocation and quarantine has been privately arranged and funded... Their entry will in no way impact or reduce the number of spaces for Australians overseas waiting to return home nor create any burden to the Australian taxpayer whatsoever," the statement read.

Filmmaker Taika Waititi is directing the upcoming fourth installment, which marks Australian star Chris Hemsworth's return as the titular superhero.

Actors Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson are reprising their roles of Jane Foster and Valkyrie, respectively.

Hollywood star Christian Bale and Jaimie Alexander are also part of the cast.

"Thor: Love and Thunder" is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2022.

India is considering hiking import duties by 5%-10% on more than 50 items including smartphones, electronic components and appliances in the upcoming budget, three government sources privy to the discussions told Reuters on Monday.

The move to increase import duties is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's self-reliant India campaign that aims to promote and support domestic manufacturing, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the discussions are not public.

Also Read | Union Budget 2021 may offer special concessions for services sector

One of the sources said that the government was seeking to target additional revenue of about Rs 270 crore to Rs 280 crore ($2.7 billion to $2.8 billion) from the moves, as it looks to shore up revenue amidst the pandemic-driven slowdown that has stung the economy.

Two of the government sources also said that the duty hikes could impact furniture and electric vehicles, potentially hurting the likes of Swedish furniture maker Ikea and Tesla, which is planning to launch its cars in India this year.

The officials, however, did not specify how much of a hike was planned on furniture and electric vehicles.

Also Read | Union Budget 2021 may focus on governance reforms for banks

Both Ikea and Tesla executives have previously expressed concerns about the steep duty structure their products already face in India.

The list of items likely to attract steeper duties is set to include appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners too, three of the sources said.

The finance ministry could not be reached by telephone and did not reply to an email seeking comments.

India's finance minister will on February 1 unveil the government's annual federal budget for the 2021-22 financial year, which begins April 1.

The sources said the proposals may still be tweaked further before they are finalised.

Also Read | Demand to rationalise GST on food delivery biz to 5%

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the budget on Feb. 1 amid the shadow of a projected economic contraction of 7.7% for the current fiscal year.

India has in recent years taken a series of measures that industry executives say discriminate against foreign companies. Government officials say such taxes are essential to promote India as a destination for local manufacturing and to support domestic businesses.

"This is part of revenue-raising and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) plan," said one of the government sources.

Last year, India raised import taxes on a wide range of products such as footwear, furniture, toys, electrical and electronics items by up to 20%.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. is encouraging local chief executives to go for the COVID-19 vaccine that will come first to prevent deaths and slow down transmission of the coronavirus.

"Ito po ang dapat nyong i-weigh lalo na iyong mga areas na hanggang ngayon marami pa ring COVID-19 cases at deaths. In order to prevent deaths at tumagal rin ang transmission," Galvez said in an online forum on Tuesday.

[Translation: This is what you should weigh especially areas that still have high COVID-19 cases and deaths. In order to prevent deaths and slow down transmission.]

He also noted that experts already said the vaccines are 100% effective in preventing severe cases.

"Ang pagkakasabi ng experts natin is that kung may dumating na unang vaccine, tanggapin na po natin iyon kasi it can prevent 100% na hindi tayo magiging severe," Galvez said.

[Translation: Our experts already said we should accept the vaccine that will arrive since this can 100% prevent severe cases.]

The first vaccine to arrive in the country is from China's Sinovac, which was just given approval by the Food and Drug Administration to conduct clinical trials in the country.

The country is currently in talks to purchase 25 million doses from Sinovac. The first 50,000 doses are set to arrive this February, while another 950,000 is scheduled in March, Galvez said.

Meanwhile, Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine is expected within the first quarter, while vaccines from Moderna are expected to arrive in May, he added.

The latest tally from the Department of Health showed total COVID-19 infections in the country have reached 504,084. Active cases are at 27,857.

The death toll is now at 9,978, while recoveries are at 466,249.

The government aims to immunize 50 million to 70 million Filipinos this year.
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, Jan 19 : Actress Urvashi Rautela will soon be seen essaying a role that has been inspired from real life, and says narrating the life of someone else on the screen is always a big responsibility.

Urvashi will be seen as the wife of Randeep Hooda's character in the web series, Inspector Avinash. The thriller series is based on real events in the life of police officer Avinash Mishra.

"I play Poonam Mishra, wife of Randeep Hooda's character. Biopics are a great challenge for actors -- instead of creating a character from nothing, they have to portray a version of a real person on screen," Urvashi said.

"Bringing someone else's story to life is a big responsibility, but one that also helps a real life person's story be told," she added.

Talking about her preparation for the role, she said: "To get into the skin of the character, I have been hanging out with Poonam Mishra. I've been trying my level best to get as close to her personality and mannerisms as possible." "I'm wearing the same kind of bangles and sarees of her liking, basically trying to soak up the character to the best of my ability! I'm truly honoured to be playing her in the series because she, in my eyes, is the epitome of strength and courage. She has been a strong pillar of support to Avinash Mishra," she added.

The web series also features Mahesh Manjrekar, Rajneesh Duggal, Freddy Daruwala, Govind Namdev, Adhyayan Suman, Amit Sial, Priyanka Bose and Abhimanyu Singh.
The airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, plans next week to begin screening passengers for symptoms of covid-19 before they go through security, implementing a first-of-its-kind plan that was on hold for months while federal officials reviewed its funding.

The top executives of Eastern Iowa Airport wanted to use coronavirus relief money to check passengers for symptoms and won approval from local authorities in July. But airport revenue is strictly regulated, and the officials did not want to move forward without approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

In late December, the agency gave its approval. The decision opens the door for the nation's 500-plus other airports to implement screening programs.

"We're excited to get this launched," said Marty Lenss, the director of the Cedar Rapids airport. "We've been working on it for a while. We have always looked at it as one more layer in a multilayered approach in restoring passenger confidence."

On Tuesday, Lenss said that fixtures for the screenings were being installed, and that staffers were being shown around before Monday's launch. The cost will be covered by a portion of the $23 million the airport received in coronavirus relief funding.

The mandatory screening would build on efforts by airlines to try to keep sick people off flights. Airlines typically require self-declarations and mask-wearing by passengers but do not conduct professional health screenings or require coronavirus testing of domestic passengers.

The United States on Jan. 26 is to require passengers arriving from other countries to have evidence of negative coronavirus testing, adopting a measure that has been in place in many countries for months.

And after the Trump administration moved Monday to end restrictions on travel from Brazil and much of Europe that day, Jen Psaki, the incoming White House press secretary, said the Biden administration had a different plan.

"On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26," she wrote on Twitter. "In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

In Cedar Rapids, screeners from a local health-care group, Mercy Medical Center, will ask travelers questions about their health and potential exposure to the coronavirus, and will take their temperatures. The first step should take 10 seconds.

Anyone who fails the initial screening will be subject to a second review, which Lenss said in a few weeks could include rapid testing. Those who seem sick would be urged not to travel and be referred back to their airline, which would make the final decision.

Tim Sagers, Mercy's medical director, said the program could be a model for other communities.

"We've seen that travelers around the country may be apprehensive about air travel," he said. "Our aim in this partnership is to provide further assurance that those who fly are as safe as possible."

In at least two cases, people have died of covid-19 aboard planes in the United States, and thousands are suspected of having been exposed to the novel coronavirus, the pathogen that can cause the disease, during air travel.

The value of screening people for the disease has become less clear because it can be readily spread by those who are infected but not displaying symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shut down screenings for some international passengers in September after detecting nine cases among 766,000 people who were screened.

Lenss said he recognizes that the program will not be perfect.

"I'm sure we're going to learn something," he said. "We've never seen this as a silver bullet by itself."

The FAA determined that the screenings would be a legitimate use of airport revenue as long as they were conducted by trained medical personnel and not offered to the public at large.

"Airports may voluntarily choose to take such actions in an attempt to jump-start and support the recovery of airport operations and airport services," the agency wrote in a guidance document.

Eastern Iowa Airport is relatively small, not ranking among the 100 busiest in the nation in a typical year. But it is served by three of the four major carriers, as well as by two low-cost airlines. American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air expressed support for the program.

Hilarie Grey, a spokeswoman for Allegiant, said, "We look forward to seeing how it will work in the operational environment in the coming weeks."

In the new guidance, the FAA said airports should get the support of airlines and local health authorities before setting up screening programs.

Pramod Dwivedi, the director of public health for Linn County, where the Iowa airport is located, said authorities supported the program as a way of reducing the spread of the virus through air travel, saying in a statement that it is "instrumental in reducing air travel related COVID-19 transmissions."

The FBI still has not been able to identify the person who left pipe bombs at the Capitol on January 6 while thousands stormed the Capitol and agents fear they may still be active but they insist they've made it a 'top priority' to find the suspect before Biden's inauguration tomorrow.

The bomber was filmed on surveillance cameras leaving devices outside the Republican National Committee headquarters and the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

They were wearing a grey hoodie, black pants, gloves and an N-95 mask. While around 100 people have been arrested for their role in the riot and many have been charged, police are still no closer to closing in on the bomber.

The FBI has not even clarified if they think the bomber is a man or a woman.

The FBI has still not been able to identify the person who left pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC on January 6 while thousands were getting ready to storm the Capitol

This is one of the pipe bombs. Both were active and were later detonated but the person who made them hasn't been tracked down

The bomb was left to trash bins outside the building. It was active but did not go off

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who has any information about the bomber

Now, there are fears they may be 'still active' and a threat to Biden's inauguration tomorrow, according to an anonymous source cited by Fox News.

The anonymous official said the FBI has briefed other law enforcement agencies to tell them it is a 'top priority' that the suspect is found.

The FBI is currently offering a $50,000 reward to anyone with information about the bomber's identity.

The bombs that were found were both active, officials have said. They were diffused and are still being studied.

Biden's inauguration will be protected by some 25,000 National Guard troops but the threat of a insider attack is still overshadowing the event.

The Capitol is still shaken from the January 6 insurrection, when an estimated 15,000 stormed buildings in outrage over the election result.

The stage has been set for tomorrow's inauguration but it is being overshadowed by fears of an attack after the Capitol siege on January 6

People are so on edge that on Monday, a fire caused by a homeless woman in a tent beneath a bridge near the Capitol sent the dress rehearsal for the inauguration into a panic.

The rehearsal was called off and everyone taking part was rushed inside to shelter in place until the coast was clear.

There remain thousands of people at large after the January 6 riot.

On Monday, the FBI released photos of some of the suspects they are chasing for attacking Capitol cop Michael Fanone.

Some - including Riley June Williams who is accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop - have handed themselves in.

Now, more politicians are also blaming President Trump for inciting the riot.

Mitch McConnell on Tuesday told the Senate the President 'provoked' the attack.
WASHINGTON - Signaling his commitment to quickly confront climate change, President-elect Joe Biden is planning to move within days to quash the controversial multibillion-dollar Keystone XL pipeline, according to two individuals familiar with the decision who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced yet.

The politically symbolic pipeline, promoted by the oil and gas industry since it was first proposed about 15 years ago, has drawn opposition because it would carry tar sands, or heavy bitumen, from the boreal forests of northern Alberta, Canada, to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The energy used in extracting these molasses-like petroleum supplies would contribute heavily to climate change.

The move is one of a flurry of environmental actions Biden plans to take after being sworn into office Wednesday. He has said he will rejoin the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change on his first day as president, and his aides are looking at other policies ranging from approving wind projects off the East Coast to restoring protections for national monuments that President Donald Trump unilaterally undercut.

"Building new infrastructure like the Keystone XL pipeline, which would result in millions of tons of new carbon emissions, just adds fuel to a fire that's already burning down our house," Matt Casale, environment campaigns director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. "After four years of environmental setbacks, this is just one of a broader set of early actions we expect to see President Biden take to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to renewable energy and protect our cherished public lands and oceans."

Trump has worked doggedly to promote Keystone XL and other pipelines across the country, but he has encountered obstacles both in court and in the private sector.

As large financial institutions have become more sensitive to climate considerations, several major banks have announced that they would no longer lend money to oil sands extraction projects.

In addition to opposition from environmentalists and climate experts, the pipeline has also sparked criticism from farmers, ranchers and indigenous leaders who do not want to be forced to let the pipeline company gain rights of way through eminent domain, and who fear that the pipeline might one day leak into rivers or aquifers.

Biden plans to rescind the cross-border permit the project needs to operate, according to the individuals briefed on the decision. President Obama rejected the permit in 2015. Acting soon would bring a certain symmetry to Biden's move; President Trump approved a right of way for the Keystone XL pipeline on his third day in office, though the pipeline remained bogged down in courts and by the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

The Biden transition team declined to comment on the matter.

The pipeline, originally expected to cost about $8 billion, was to carry about 830,000 barrels a day of crude oil, virtually all of it coming 1,210 miles from the tar sands to Steele City, Neb. A southern leg from Cushing, Okla., a major storage hub, to the Gulf Coast was approved in 2012 and constructed. Most of the northern leg has also been completed, with some of the most important gaps in Nebraska.

In the absence of the Keystone XL, the oil industry has been shipping oil sands crude on railways and through an existing pipeline, simply called Keystone. The capacity of that pipeline has been increased during the Trump administration.

Fearing that Biden might move quickly to block the Keystone XL pipeline, the National Association of Manufacturers, the pipeline company TC Energy and construction unions have rallied to stress that the pipeline project itself would run on renewable energy and would bring job benefits.

"If this union project is blocked, workers and families will lose a huge opportunity," they wrote in a letter to Biden on Monday night.

TC Energy, the pipeline company previously known as TransCanada, has pledged to make its Keystone XL operations net-zero in emissions by 2023, which could eliminate more than three million tons of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases emitted every year, the equivalent of approximately 650,000 cars taken off the road, the company said in a statement.

This would be a fraction of the emissions resulting from using the oil itself.

North America's Building Trades Unions, which has frequently teamed up with the American Petroleum Institute to support oil and gas industry projects, said that fulfilling the renewable pledge would mean more jobs. TC Energy said it would contribute to a green energy job training program for building trades workers.

The project has been mired in litigation for years, and opponents managed to slow its construction during Trump's tenure through several lawsuits.

In different cases in late December, three Nebraska judges weighing landowners' claims about eminent domain ruled that TransCanada had "substantially and materially" changed the Keystone XL pipeline route since it was approved in 2017. As a result, they said, the company might need to reapply for a new route certification with the Nebraska Public Service Commission, a process that could take at least another several months.

TransCanada has been seeking rights of way from reluctant landowners by invoking eminent domain laws, which allows the government to expropriate private property with compensation for owners. But about 100 landowners have refused to sign and have filed 144 lawsuits, and 225 appeals over 11 years, according to Brian Jorde, a lawyer for the landowners.

Two of the judges in the December cases also cited Biden's pledge to stop the project as reason for halting all of TransCanada's current eminent domain proceedings against Nebraska landowners.

Separately, environmental groups last year also won a case in Montana federal court that effectively prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from using a special permit known as National 12 to fast-track approval of construction on hundreds of sensitive water and wetland crossings along the Keystone XL route.

Jane Kleeb, founder of the anti-pipeline group Bold Nebraska, said that by stopping the pipeline, Biden would be "showing courage and empathy to the farmers, ranchers and Tribal Nations who have dealt with an ongoing threat that disrupted their lives for over a decade. Today marks healing, hope and a path for the clean energy that builds America back better."
When COVID appeared, American states responded with a mask and lockdown for two weeks, to "flatten the curve." We saw how that turned out. Now, in response to a protest relabeled as an "insurrection," the government has responded with 26,000 National Guardsmen. Will a two-week deployment of three times the normal number of troops to D.C. "flatten the curve" of anger and frustration displayed by a small percentage of the 75 or so million who voted for President Trump?

The Guards are there to prevent another "insurrection." But would any organization attempting to execute a credible, coordinated, kinetic attack against our federal government to overthrow it choose a time and location when the government is most prepared to defend against such an assault  i.e., the inauguration? Anyone who has studied Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" would advise that organization to adhere to the second principle: "avoid strength, strike weakness." Those in our Nation's armed forces know that.

While there may be some protests and even some riots on Wednesday, as occurred during the 2017 inauguration, we will not see any credible use of force this time. But when will our government be able to "lower its guard"? As with our COVID response, from this point forward, will our government have to keep America in a heightened state of alertness/readiness with ever-increasing security, lockdowns, and restrictions, both physical and virtual, against a real or imagined threat, even more so than what is in place to combat COVID?

I do not condone, nor do I support, citizens using offensive violence against fellow citizens. I prefer Sun Tzu's first principle, "win all without fighting," if there is to be any confrontation at all. For me, winning is defined as all Americans enjoying their lives, liberty, and pursuits of happiness while finding ways to address and confront differences peacefully, openly, and respectfully. However, I don't think many of those on the extremes share my beliefs, especially considering all the violence we have seen over the past several months across our nation and, recently, at the Capitol.

Therefore, I am concerned that, if our leaders do not truly and sincerely unify our nation, we will no more be able to stop the radical elements within our society from taking fellow citizens' lives than we have been able to prevent the virus from taking lives. That reality will not deter our government from "acting in our best interest" by continuously limiting our liberty.

Might this lead to a civil war? Some have suggested we have been in a "cold civil war" for the past four years, if not longer.

While the vaccine may work to reduce our government's and fellow citizens' concerns about the number of people who have contracted or spread the virus, or will do so, what will be the vaccine equivalent to allay our government's and fellow citizens' fear about the number of people who have contracted or spread extremist views (in all their forms) or will do so in the future?

Attempting to silence people, removing people's ability to defend themselves, lumping everyone under the titles of the extremists, and demanding that everyone be silenced or forced to repent for the actions of a few  actions most Americans have already condemned  will not engender trust, confidence, and unity.

Know this: not all Republicans are white supremacists, neo-Nazis, QAnon conspiracy theorists, etc., and not all Democrats are violent members of Antifa, communists, looters and arsonists at BLM protests, etc. Not all, not a majority, not half, not even a large percent.

If you were able to account for, and label, all those on the violent extremes of both sides, you probably would not count more than one hundred thousand people, at best. In other words, less than 1% of 1% of all the reportedly 155 million people who voted in the 2020 election could be identified as acting unlawfully based upon extreme left and right views. But whichever media source you follow for your news, to drive valuable traffic, will highlight those few, reinforcing people's perceptions about "the other side."

Knowing this, let's stop branding all those with different political views "evil." There are many reasons why someone might vote for one candidate and not another (economy, education, defense, health care, social issues, climate, guns, etc.), while still not agreeing with the extreme beliefs held by the small minority of extremists who may support the same candidate. Remember, whether you like it or not, we have a two-party system.

I am fortunate to know a good number of Republicans and Democrats. While we may disagree on any number of issues, to the best of my knowledge, not one of them has ever harmed a fellow citizen nor damaged any property in support of their political beliefs. Having studied history and observed, firsthand, multiple times, the destructive power of war, I believe we must heed Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words before things spin too far out of control: "we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."

Image: American Unity, 1963 Civil Rights March. YouTube screen grab.
Gov. Phil Murphy will be back in Trenton on Tuesday to hold another coronavirus press conference at the War Memorial.

It will be streamed live at 1 p.m. from the George Washington Ballroom on the governors YouTube.com channel.

Murphy will be joined by state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan and Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, the former state epidemiologist who currently serves as an adviser on the pandemic.

The rollout of the coronavirus vaccine figures to dominate the discussion on Tuesday.

Officials have stressed that New Jersey has the capacity to administer 470,000 vaccine doses a week. But with states depending on the federal government for their supply, New Jersey has received only about 100,000 doses a week over the last month.

Persichilli said Monday the state is now moving forward with the expectation New Jersey will keep receiving only 50,000 Pfizer vaccine doses and 50,000 Moderna doses a week over the next month. More than 4 million people are currently eligible in New Jersey to receive the vaccine.

As of a 10 p.m. Monday, there were 3,506 patients in the states 71 hospital with the coronavirus or a case under investigation, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard. While thats 59 more patients than over the previous 24-hour period, there are 5.3% fewer patients in hospitals than two weeks ago despite predictions by health officials of a post-Christmas and New Years surge.

Late Monday, 643 patients were receiving critical care and 429 were on ventilators.

At least 366,010 had been vaccinated in New Jersey as of 9:30 a.m. Monday, with 325,361 of those first doses.

On Monday, Murphy disclosed 3,511 more cases of the virus and 23 additional deaths.

Murphy has no other scheduled public appearances Tuesday.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Dylan Donnelly is not your average new entrant to dairying. The 24-year-old went from owning no land to renting 160 acres outside Killarney from a farmer who was retiring.

Dylan started working on Roger ODonohues farm through the Farm Relief Services in 2015, initially just helping out a couple of hours a week, but as Roger moved towards retiring Dylan ended up working full-time on the farm.

Roger and Dylan then agreed that Dylan would take on the farm, through a rental agreement, and the herd, giving the landless young man an unreal opportunity to start his own dairy operation.

I was working here the last five years with the Farm Relief so I knew the running of the farm, he says.

Im 24 and this a great start to the new year. For the last year, I was working on Rogers farm full-time. When I started in 2015, it was 2/3 hours a day cleaning and such as he was winding down.

There is a lot of paperwork and office work involved in farming these days, between Bord Bia, the Department and things like registering calves in the next few weeks, or vet records.

I can do it in seconds on the phone, its fine for me. But for elderly people its fierce hard on them. They are not used to computers.

Expand Close Dylan in the milking parlour / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan in the milking parlour

For Dylan, the use of Farm Relief Services is a hugely positive aspect to farming.

There is great support with Farm Relief as it makes it handy to get a day off. Before, people would have been slow to take a day off but not any more.

There is no point in being tied every single day to the farm  theres an option there if you need to do something or go somewhere.

Rent

Dylan and Roger agreed to a fair price for renting the land.

It is a great deal for both for us, he knew me and knew Id continue milking. He wanted to see the place in working order and not left idle, says Dylan.

The farm was not advertised for rent  if it was there would have been a lot of people interested. These opportunities dont happen very often, and dairy farmers seem to be the only people looking for land at the moment.

Expand Close Dylan looking over his herd / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan looking over his herd

Roger, who lives just down the road from the outfarm, still pops in to see how things are going.

Were great friends after working together for the few years and he pops in every now and then for a chat and to pass one some sound advice, which is great.

Dylans love of farming started to emerge through helping out his stepfather Tim Dennehy.

My stepfather is just five minutes down the Mallow road and I started working on his dairy farm. Hes milking a herd of Jersey cross-breeds, 95 in total and was a Kerry monitor farmer for years, so I learnt a lot from him, he says.

Dylans herd is mainly Holstein Friesian, with a couple of Jersey cross-breds to help with milk solids.

My stepfather has a cross-bred herd and with the Holstein Friesian herd I thought I would add on a few Jerseys to keep solids some bit high, and hopefully they will balance themselves out.

Expand Close Dylan bringing silage to his cows / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan bringing silage to his cows

The heifers I bought are pure-bred registered Jerseys, 18 in all.

The milking parlour here is an eight-unit and there are automatic feeders and clusters  Roger put them in last year, as well as an automatic calf feeder, which helps keep the calves quiet!

Outside, the land is bone dry in the summer, according to Dylan, and hes hoping to get cows out in early February.

Its rock-hard here at the moment and hopefully, weather permitting, we will get the cows out for a few hours every day from early February. Its hard to say exactly when, but if we can get the heifers out early it would give them a great chance.

Read More

I reseeded a bit of it last year, 12 acres, but there will be a lot of reseeding done this year, Im just waiting on soil sample results to come back.

Its a good set-up and I am very fortunate that I knew it before. There is a lot of automation and not too much time spent milking, and the paddocks are well set up.

Dairying

For Dylan being a farmer always meant being a dairy farmer.

The freedom of farming is great  you have no one telling you what to do. You can do your own thing. Its a nice kind of life, he says.

Dairying has always been appealing to me. You are farming from start to finish, with the calves being born, keeping the cows in good health through to the milk lorry coming into the yard.

Expand Close Dylan checking the calving unit / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan checking the calving unit

Ive always loved dairying. Some people dont and are set on beef. But, for me, its an interesting job and there is something different to do every day. Its never the same problem, whether its calving, or AI, there is always something to be doing.

I also love the figures, both from working on the AI side of things to milk recording.

Dylan is doing as much as possible himself but has found great help and support from Kerry co-op.

I am a new entrant with Kerry, and Rathmore Creamery has been very helpful to me, from advising what forms I need to fill out and what has to be done  they have been really good about looking after me.

Calving is expected to start on January 23 on the farm and Dylan hopes to have 80pc calved by March 1.

I do think compact calving is important to keep all cows on the same track. They are all on minerals at the moment, so it makes sense to keep things as compact as possible. There is no autumn calving planned and a lot of the Jerseys are in calf with sexed semen, so Ive no real worries about bull calves.

The rest of the herd are all AI and Ive used a Polly bull for the last three weeks of breeding.

Read More

Having worked with Dovea genetics as an AI technician for the last six years, Dylan has a great insight into how other farmers operate and manage their set-ups.

Being out on farms, youd get different ideas from different farmers, from their handling facilities to their parlours and yards. Youd see something different in every yard youd go into and get great ideas of how to do and not do things, he says.

It is a great social job too, as farming can be isolating, and having a job like that means you are meeting someone different every day.

Start milking

Dylan hopes to start milking on February 1 and cant wait for it.

Im delighted to be in this situation. Were watching the cows very closely at the moment, as 50pc of the herd will be first-time calvers. Some of the cows are springing, so were all revved up to go, Dylan says.

It will take time for them to mature, but they are in and out for nuts and minerals, so are trained to the parlour, so thats a great start. Its half the battle done I hope.

My main concern now is training heifers to the parlour for the next couple of weeks.

Around calving, the concerns will be around getting cows up and standing and getting them out into the field.

I have a great nutritionist here who calls out and advises what minerals and bolus to give them.

And help is on hand with his younger brother and sister, Brian and Katie, who are at home from school due to Covid at the moment as well as his mum Kathy, who will be on hand to help feed the calves. This might come as news to her!

Expand Close Dylan with his brother Brian walking one of the many tracks on the farm / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan with his brother Brian walking one of the many tracks on the farm

Were busy fencing at the moment and putting down water troughs to get the place ready before the cows start calving.

If you want to make money out of calves you have to take them to beef

A career in farming has always been a goal for Dylan Donnelly despite the fact he had no land of his own.

When I finished school, I went to Clonakilty for two years and as part of that I went on two placements, one in Castleisland and the other in Australia, he says.

The four months in Australia were great. I was working on an 800-cow farm, run by a woman, and it was amazing to see such numbers being managed so well with four or five workers.

It was really well structured.

His time in Clonakilty, he says, was very interesting and introduced him to habits such as grass measuring and doing a lot of profit monitor work and cow nutrition, elements hes hoping to keep on top of on the farm.

Im not grass measuring at the moment, as Im so busy, but I plan on doing it as its really useful to know whats ahead in the rotations.

Expand Close Dylan checking the grass quality / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dylan checking the grass quality

Dylan started renting the farm this year, but the groundwork has been going on a lot longer than that.

Ive had my own herd number for years and rented a few different farms for a number of years.

Before this I had a block of 50 acres and was buying in calves in the spring and selling them in September/October for the past five years. But I finished that in 2019 when I started buying the dairy replacements for this farm.

If you want to make money out of calves you have to take them to beef. I was only keeping them spring to winter, so there was not a huge margin.

I bought the herd of 60 cows from Roger and I have 24 of my own, so around 80 are ready to calve down next week.
[January 19, 2021] SS8 Announces MEC Interception for Lawful Intelligence

SS8 Networks, the leader in Lawful Intercept and Monitoring Center platforms, today announced that it deployed its Xcipio mediation and interception platform in one of the largest global CSPs to support their Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) infrastructure. Next generation network architectures benefit from distributed traffic processing, which requires some communications traffic to be processed on the edge and not in the network core. This is true for CSPs that leverage an MEC, which is often used for high traffic applications including Internet of Things (IoT) services. Depending on how the CSP (News - Alert) deploys their MEC, a lawful intercept platform may be required to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. For this MEC deployment, Xcipio provides the CSP a cost-effective solution to intercept and filter all lawfully requested data at the edge of their network. The solution captures, filters and securely manages the intercepted data in real time with minimum resource utilizatio and then provides only relevant data to the requesting law enforcement analysts.



"As CSPs migrate to 5G and MEC based architectures, more and more of the essential data needed for an investigation is being processed at the edge of the network," said Dr. Keith Bhatia, CEO of SS8 (News - Alert) Networks. "Xcipio, and its advanced ability to rapidly intercept, filter and hand over requested data, helps intelligence agencies around the world to do their jobs more efficiently." Xcipio is a high speed and real time intercept platform that supports complex and high-volume networks. Available as an in-network or cloud deployment, the scalable mediation platform securely delivers communication and location data, as well as metadata, to law enforcement and intelligence agencies ensuring regulatory compliance.

About SS8 Networks SS8, a network intelligence company, provides solutions to help customers quickly identify, track, and investigate devices and subjects of interest. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with sales and support offices in the U.S. and UK, SS8 has deployments in more than 30 countries supporting networks with nearly 1 billion subscribers. For more information, visit www.SS8.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @SS8 or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005205/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- APITech (API Technologies Corp.), a leading provider of high-performance RF and microwave signal conditioning and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions, announces the appointment of Ian Dunn as Chief Technologist / Chief Technology Officer and John Tyhacz as Chief Engineer. Both positions will report to APITech Chief Executive Officer Terrence Hahn.

APITech is a technology solutions provider with a focus on strong engineering execution. These appointments are a foundation for the growth across our global Business Units. In their respective roles, Ian and John will partner to drive growth across APITech. In the CTO role, Ian will focus on Technology Development, Technology Roadmaps, New Product Innovation, and Product Differentiation. In the role of Chief Engineer, John will focus on Process Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Test, Design for Manufacture, and Process Excellence. Ian and John will also partner in several areas including design and customer engagement.

Before joining APITech, Ian held positions as VP of Advanced Technology and the Chief Scientist at Mercury Systems. He was responsible for advanced technology development with government labs and key technology partnerships. Before this role, he was the SVP & GM for Mercury's Sensor and Mission Processing business unit. Ian has held several P&L and technology roles at Mercury since completing his doctoral work. He received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in electrical engineering. Ian has 25 years of experience designing and programming parallel computers for real-time mission and sensor processing applications. He has authored numerous papers and a book on algorithm design for parallel computer architectures.

Prior to joining APITech in early 2020, John served for over 16 years at Honeywell International Inc. Automation & Controls Division serving as Vice President in multiple positions as General Manager North American Residential Controls, Eastern USA Sales, Global Supply Chain, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, and Business Process Improvement. John holds a B.S. in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and an M.S. in Business from New York University (NYU).

APITech CEO, Terrence Hahn, stated "Today's announcement accelerates our growth strategy to deliver results by enabling our teams to be the Electromagnetic Spectrum Innovator through aligned technology and engineering advancement. This is a very exciting time to be part of APITech and its transformation into a true market leader."

About APITech

APITech (API Technologies Corp.) is an innovative designer and manufacturer of high performance systems, subsystems, modules, and components for technically demanding RF, microwave, millimeterwave, electromagnetic, power, and security applications. A high-reliability technology pioneer with over 70 years of heritage, APITech's products are used by global defense, industrial, and commercial customers in the areas of commercial aerospace, wireless communications, medical, oil and gas, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, C4ISR, missile defense, harsh environments, satellites, and space. APITech is a leader in space technologies, with Class H and K manufacturing facilities.

To learn more about APITech and our products visit www.apitech.com

Contact:

Dana Morris

APITech

+1 508-251-6483

[email protected]

SOURCE API Technologies Corp.

Related Links

http://www.apitechnologies.com


We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
US Vice President-elect on Monday acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead after January 20 when will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, saying it is not going to be easy.

We're going into Wednesday knowing that we're ready to do the work, and we've got a lot of work to do. It's not going to be easy, Harris told reporters at Martha's Table in Anacostia here on Monday, observing the National Day of Service.

As we have discussed, Joe has outlined our plan for vaccinations, our plan for recovery, and in particular relief for working people, for families. And there is a lot to do. Some of them say that ours are ambitious goals, but we do believe with hard work and with the cooperation and collaboration of the members of the United States Congress that we can get it done, Harris said in response to a question.

Asked if she felt safe going to the inauguration, she said, I am very much looking forward to be sworn in as the next vice president of the United States and I will walk there to that moment proudly with my head up and my shoulders back.

and the future Second Gentleman of the US Doug Emhoff participated in a service event at Martha's Table in Anacostia on Monday, packing food into plastic bags which will be distributed. The couple were seen packing bags with the list laid out for them two potatoes, two oranges, a macaroni and cheese, etc.

We're here at Martha's Table to support the work that is happening. Volunteers are here. There are a number of high school students from Jack and Jill who are here, in honour of the Day of Service when we recognize and pay tribute to the work of Dr. King, she said.

I think it's so important to remember that Dr. King was killed in large part, I believe, because he was on the verge of bringing together the civil rights movement around racial justice with the fight for economic justice, she said.

When we look at where we are as a country today, when we look at recent events, we know that the fight Dr. King was engaged in is still a fight in America, which is to recognize the connection and to recognize our collective responsibility to address these injustices, the vice president elect said.

She further said today in America, one in six families describe their household as being hungry, one in five describe an inability to pay rent, while one in three describe an inability to pay their bills. "So, we are here today as part of what we collectively, all of us who are volunteering, see as our responsibility as part of Dr. King's legacy. And we're here to renew the commitment that we have to service, and to serve others especially those in need, Harris said.

Thousands of volunteers across the country participated in the National Day of Service -- an opportunity for all Americans to unite and serve at a time when the global pandemic calls on us to work together and support the communities, the transition said.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee, working closely with AmeriCorps and local, state, and national service partners, has organized more than 2,500 events in all 56 states and territories.

The day culminated in an hour-long virtual live-stream celebration that featured a diverse array of entertainers, speakers, and stories of service celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to service.

In 1994, Congress passed legislation designating the Martin Luther King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service a day on, not a day off. Since then, AmeriCorps the federal agency for service and volunteerism has led this national effort to engage Americans in honouring Dr King's legacy through service on MLK Day.

In 2009, then President-elect Obama called on all Americans to join the National Day of Service as part of PIC's activities. In 2013, the PIC participated in the National Day of Service again by hosting a service fair in Washington, DC, and organizing events across the country.

(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 radical Hindu nationalist leader has ordered closure of all churches in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. The leader has given the government a 30-day ultimatum and threatened initiating violence if the demand is unmet.

International Christian Concern (ICC) reported Sunday that Azad Prem Singh, a Hindu nationalist group leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad has demanded shut down of all churches operating in Jhabua district's tribal areas. The leader stated this demand over a memorandum dated Jan. 11, alleging Christians' mass conversion of the people to Christianity.

"In the past 70 years Christian missionaries have converted gullible indigenous people to Christianity and built churches specifically on protected tribal land," Singh claimed. "All the illegally built churches should be shut down immediately and action should be taken against all priests and pastors involved in the process."

ICC further said that as justification to pass laws restricting freedom of religion, these nationalists have cited the issue of the people's mass conversion to Islam and Christianity. Radical Hindu nationalists are accusing Indian Christians and Muslims of the tribal people and poor Hindus' mass conversion to Christianity and Islam fraudulently.

This allegation contradicts India's own population data regarding Christianity. According to this data, the number of Christians recorded in the census taken in 1951 is the same as the one documented in 2011, the country's latest available census data. In both records, Christians make up to 2.3% of India's population.

According to The Christian Post, anti-Christian violence has already taken place in Jhabua District in March 2004 where 85% of the population are tribal people.

On November 2020, a group in eastern Odisha state known as Janajati Suraksha Manch (Tribal Security Forum) has written India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind. The letter persuaded the officials to deny the converted tribal people with the country's constitutional provisions in government and public-sector jobs, educational institutions and other protections.

"Maintain your religion, culture and traditions," Megha Oraon, an official of Janajati Suraksha Manch, said. "Those who are taking benefits reserved for scheduled tribes from other religions should be stopped and a law should be enacted to stop people taking advantage."

Recently, the state government has passed an ordinance which is considered to be the country's strictest anti-conversion law. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion, 2020, aims to penalize fraudulent religious conversions including through marriage.

The Indian Express explained that under this law, for a couple of different religions to be legally married, they have to validate conversion first which requires a 60-day prior "declaration of the intention to convert" to the District Magistrate. It aims to show that the person being converted was not coerced.

The law entails between one and five years jail term for converting or attempting to convert illegally. The sentence is two to 10 years if the individual converted is a woman, a minor or a person belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. For someone hiding one's religion during marriage, the person is facing three to 10 years of imprisonment.

ICC said that the law is widely abused in other states where it is enforced. To justify assault and harassment, radical nationalists falsely accuse Christians of coercing people to convert to Christianity. Due to these wrong accusations, authorities have often overlooked the violence committed against Christians.
Iranian authorities have convicted an American-Iranian businessman on spying charges, U.S. media have reported, in a recently revealed case which comes amid high tensions between the two countries.

The State Department confirmed late January 18 in a statement to AFP that "we are aware of the reports that Iran has detained another U.S. citizen."

The statement did not identify the person and declined to provide further details, but Iranian media on January 14 reported the arrest of Emad Sharqi, describing him as the deputy head for international affairs at an Iranian venture capital company called Sarava.

Sarava Holding's former managing director, Saeed Rahmani, previously resigned in September 2019 and left Iran.

The website of the Young Journalists Club news agency said Sharqi had been caught "trying to illegally flee the country from the western border," RFE/RL's Radio Farda reported on January 14.

The Iranian agency did not disclose that he was a dual U.S. citizen, as Tehran does not recognize dual citizenship.

The Young Journalists Club is an offshoot of Iran's monopolized radio and TV network but run by managers close to the intelligence organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The Young Journalists Club reported that Sharqi had been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of espionage and gathering military information and was out on bail ahead of an appeal when he tried to hide.

But a family friend quoted by NBC television on January 18 said Sharqi, 56, whom the channel identified as Iranian-American, was summoned to a Tehran court on November 30, 2020, and told that he had been convicted of espionage without a trial.



NBC said that Sharqi was arrested in 2018, but was originally acquitted by an Iranian court in December 2019, ahead of his conviction late last year.

Based on reporting by AFP
The Rotorua community is welcoming a new audiology service after new research reveals that four in five Kiwis are concerned about hearing.

Audiologist Kris Fremista is celebrating the opening of her new business, the most recent Specsavers Audiology service in New Zealand.

Kris will provide the latest hearing services in a mission to fight a serious health concern across the country.

The opening comes as research reveals that an estimated 1.9 million New Zealanders (83 per cent) over the age of 40 have felt concerned about their own hearing, yet 59 per cent of these people have put their hearing at risk by not seeing a medical professional.

After 11 years of experience in the field, Kris says she is so excited to be joining the team at Specsavers Rotorua to help support people in the local area.

When I was younger, I always wanted to pursue a career that could make a difference. Hearing loss is not as simple as not being able to hear; an inability to pick up certain sound can affect how we interact with our family and can have a negative impact on relationships. It can also have implications on our performance at work, self-confidence, how we act in social situations and memory loss; it can seriously impact quality of life.

She says the research concerns her as its clear that many Kiwis are noticing hearing issues, but not doing anything about it.

One of the biggest joys of my role as an audiologist is seeing the impact our work has on the lives of the people we work with.

When a customer tells me how their hearing aids have helped them hear their family, its wonderful. Thats also why Im glad to be joining the Specsavers team to offer the best value services and solutions in an industry that has been somewhat restrictive in the past.

The research also showed that more than half of Kiwis over the age of 40 have not had their hearing tested in the last three years, the timeframe recommended by audiology professionals.

The biggest barriers for individuals not seeking help after noticing loss was not thinking that the problem would be too bad (65 per cent), believing that seeing a professional would be too expensive (22 per cent) and thinking that the problem would go away by itself (14 per cent).

Specsavers executive director of Audiology, Darrel Magna, says the new offering is giving New Zealanders a more accessible solution to hearing loss.

By offering audiology to our customers, were hoping to normalise hearing tests and address hearing loss earlier, before it affects a persons life.

All customers aged over 40 at Specsavers Rotorua will now be offered a free five-minute hearing screen as part of their standard eye check. People just shouldnt be delaying when it comes to hearing challenges, especially if it means they cant live their lives to the fullest.

All New Zealanders with hearing loss are eligible for some kind of hearing aid funding through the Ministry of Health, ACC or Veterans Affairs and Kris, who is a fully qualified audiologist, can offer assistance with the process of applying.

"I would encourage everyone over the age of 40 to see their local audiologist for a regular check-up. However, if you ever notice a change, you should visit sooner. There is more we can do to help if we catch any issues sooner, says Kris.

Hearing Checklist:

Specsavers audiologist, Kris, says if you experience any of the following tell-tale signs, you may benefit from a free 15-minute hearing check.

-Do you have the TV or radio turned up louder?

-Do you find telephone conversations hard work?

-Do you ask people to repeat things?

-Do you have difficulty following conversations in groups of people?

-Has someone suggested you might not be hearing as well as you used to?
Acclaim offers a sample of recent honors for Emory faculty and staff. Listings may include awards and prizes; election to boards and societies; and similarly notable accomplishments in the wider community. Acclaim is published monthly in Emory Report. To suggest items for the February 2021 column, please email your submission by Jan. 29.

Emory faculty and staff are frequently recognized for their work locally, nationally and internationally. The following is a sampling of recent accolades.

Honors highlighted in this column:

Ashley and Schwartz recognized for Graduate Medical Education

Emory School of Medicine representatives received two awards from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Ann Schwartz, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of psychiatry residency education, received the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award, which recognizes program directors who have fostered innovation and improvement in their residency/fellowship programs and served as exemplary role models for residents and fellows. The award is given to 10 program directors nationwide and is the top honor for a program director.

Sharon Ashley, senior program coordinator for emergency medicine education, received the Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award. The honor goes to program coordinators in recognition of their in-depth understanding of the accreditation process, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and projects to improve residency programs.

Fry Brown elected to executive committee

Bandy Professor of Preaching Teresa L. Fry Brown was recently elected to the executive committee of the Academy of Homiletics as second vice president. She will serve as president of the academy for the 2022-2023 term. Founded in 1965, the Academy of Homiletics is open to teachers and doctoral graduate students of homiletics, with a membership that spans the world. Fry Browns election came during the academys annual business meeting on Dec. 5.

Schneidman Award goes to Lamis

Dorian Lamis, assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences, received the Edwin Schneidman Award from the American Association of Suicidology. The award, founded in 1973 to honor American suicidologist Edwin Shneidman, honors scholars under the age of 40 for their contributions to the research of suicidology.

Lamis serves as the director of education and training at the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory, the director of research at the Grady Nia Project, and the associate director of the Postdoctoral Residency Program in Health Service Psychology. He has a strong interest in clinical work, especially with patients with serious mental illness who are at-risk for suicide and/or other self-harm behaviors. He provides direct clinical and administrative services in the Grady Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic, as well as supervises psychology practicum students, interns and postdoctoral fellows.

Lartey appointed as Suffragan Bishop

Charles Howard Candler Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Care Emmanuel Y. Lartey has been appointed Suffragan Bishop (Presiding Bishops Deputy) for the North American Mission Diocese (NAMD) of The Methodist Church Ghana, which consists of Ghanaian immigrant churches in the United States and Canada. Lartey was appointed during the 11th Biennial/49th Conference of The Methodist Church Ghana, held in Accra, Ghana.

Lavery elected as Hastings Center fellow

Jim Lavery has been elected a Fellow of the Hastings Center. Lavery is the inaugural Conrad N. Hilton Chair in Global Health Ethics, professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health in the Rollins School of Public Health and faculty of the Center for Ethics.

The Hastings Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit bioethics research institution that addresses fundamental ethical and social issues in health, health care, science and technology. Hastings Center Fellows are individuals whose work has informed scholarship and public understanding of complex ethical issues in those areas.

McCauley named to National Academy of Medicines Governing Council

Linda McCauley, dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, has been named to the Governing Council of the National Academy of Medicine. The three-year term will begin July 1, 2021. Founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is one of three academies that make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) in the U.S.

Smiths Talking Therapy wins first place award

Talking Therapy: Knowledge and Power in American Psychiatric Nursing by Kylie M. Smith won first place in the 2020 American Journal of Nursings Book of the Year Award in history and public policy. Smith, assistant professor in the School of Nursing, is the Andrew W. Mellon Faculty Fellow for Nursing and Humanities. She works with the School of Nursing and other areas to build collaborations between nursing and the liberal arts.

Talking Therapy traces the rise of modern psychiatric nursing in the U.S. from the 1930s to the 1970s. Through an analysis of the relationship between nurses and other mental health professions, with an emphasis on nursing scholarship, the book demonstrates the inherently social construction of mental health, and highlights the role of nurses in challenging, and complying with, modern approaches to psychiatry.

Strocchias book is collaborative award co-winner

Gender, Health, and Healing, 1250-1550, edited by Sara Ritchey and Sharon Strocchia was named co-winner of the 2020 Collaborative Project Award by the Society for the Study of Early Modern Women and Gender.

Strocchia is a professor in the Department of History.

Sullivan and Dogan to be recognized by Atlanta Business Chronicle

The Atlanta Business Chronicles 2021 Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Awards will include recognition of two honorees with Emory connections. The awards honor individuals who intersect social good and corporate success.

Willie Sullivan, managing director of Emorys John R. Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition, will receive a Rising Star award during the virtual event on Feb. 18. Tjuan Dogan, former assistant vice president for social impact innovation with Emorys Office of Government and Community Affairs, will receive the 2021 Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Award (Top Practitioner). Learn more and purchase tickets to the event here.

Yannakakis shares in article prize

Yanna Yannakakis and co-author Bianca Premo won the 2020 Jane Burbank Article Prize from the American Society for Legal History. Their entry was A Court of Sticks and Branches: Indian Jurisdiction in Colonial Mexico and Beyond, published in American Historical Review.

Yannakakis is associate professor in the Department of History and the 2018-2021 Winship Distinguished Research Professorship in History.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

I had a nasty case of COVID-19 several months ago. It's taken a while, but I'm fully recoveredexcept for one thing: I've been having trouble getting and keeping an erection. I know that most men have erection troubles at some point, but I never have before and I'm wondering whether there could be any connection between COVID and sexual difficulties.

What a great question. In a word, the answer is yes. A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation explored that exact question. Professor Emmanuele A. Jannini, of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and his colleagues found a definite connection between erectile dysfunction (ED) and COVID-19. How does it work? According to Jannini, there are several likely culprits:

Overall health issues. Like it or not, ED is a good indicator of our overall health and is often a symptom of an underlying health problem. And since COVID-19 can aggravate (or cause) many health concerns, it's no wonder that there's a connection to ED.

Psychological issues. In addition to the damage COVID-19 can do to one's physical health, there are also numerous mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, both of which can cause ED. Men's Health Network (MHN, menshealthnetwork.org) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI, pcori.org) recently organized a conference entitled "Behavioral Health Aspects of Depression and Anxiety in the American Male," which discussed this topic in detail. MHN and PCORI have also put together a series of webinars on the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of men and boys.

Cardio issues. Many people with COVID have developed cardiovascular problems, including dangerous levels of inflammation in the heart and circulatory system. And any problems with blood circulation may result in ED.

To dig deeper into the connection between COVID and ED, I spoke with Dr. Judson Brandeis, who's a urologist and an expert in men's sexual medicine. He's concerned that "the COVID-19 pandemic will result in widespread erectile dysfunction." How? Brandeis explains the big picture this way: "Erectile function is highly dependent on pressurized blood flow, which starts at the heart, pulses through the large arteries, and then flows through the small blood vessels. Conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking cause damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels, which causes ED. So does COVID-19." That's fairly easy to understand. But there's also a more complicatedyet fascinatingexplanation.

"The coronavirus hijacks our own cells to create new copies of itself, which then get released throughout our body," Brandeis says. "However, since our body has never seen this virus before, it hasn't developed the antibodies that would allow it to mount a targeted defense. As a result, it tries to stamp out the invader by launching a massive, non-specific immune response. The body's massive response ends up damaging itselfparticularly the endothelium, which is the delicate layer of cells that lines our blood vessels." The bottom line: blood vessels are narrowed and blood flow is restricted, which increases ED.

Ask your doctor about ways to protect your endothelium. Several clinical trials are currently exploring the use of nitric oxide (a chemical produced naturally in our body that acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the lining of blood vessels and increasing blood flow). According to Brandeis, the results so far are optimistic. Also, get vaccinated at soon as possible. That will help your body produce the right antibodies and may reduce blood-vessel damage. In the meantime, keep wearing a mask and avoid groups of people.

Explore further New insights into how COVID-19 damages the brain

(c) 2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 19:47:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

An Afghan girl learns painting at an "Art House for Women" managed by artist Hafiza Mohammadi in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of northern Balkh province, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2020. (Photo by Kawa Basharat/Xinhua)



by Abdul Haleem

MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- "My prime objective is to portray the suffering of my fellow Afghans in paintings and exhibit them to highlight the pains of the war-weary people," said Hafiza Mohammadi.

Dressed in a style mixing Western and traditional features, drawing picture of a Western-styled girl in her rented office, Mohammadi said that girls in Afghanistan should have the right to choose how to dress and live for themselves.

In the conservative Afghan society where people especially in the countryside deeply believe in old-fashioned traditions, women and girls are not allowed to wear Western-style cloths, nor to go to school.

Women and girls living in Afghanistan's rural areas even cannot go outside home unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Describing Afghanistan as a traditionalist and militancy-plagued society, fine artist Mohammadi believes that her paintings and painting exhibitions would help gradually change people's mindset towards modernism.

"Through painting and arranging exhibitions, I like to display the problems and pains of people particularly women and girls have faced in society," Mohammadi told Xinhua recently.

Young people, especially girls in the relatively peaceful Mazar-e-Sharif city, welcome fine art and have approached her to learn, she said.

"Many people, especially the women and girls are interested in learning painting, but unfortunately many parents do not allow their girls to come out of their homes to learn the art due to cultural barriers and security incidents," the ambitious female Afghan painter said.

To win parents' support and assure them of their girls' safety in painting classes, Mohammadi has rented a house in the city's safe area and turned it into an "Art House for Women" for her teaching.

"A number of talented girls have been learning the art of painting in the 'Art House for Women' and some have become skilled painters to display the miseries of people especially of women with their paintings," said Mohammadi happily.

The war-weary Afghans have suffered a lot over the past more than four decades of war, Mohammadi said, suggesting that a painter is in a good position to portray the outcomes of war, which is nothing more than killing, crippling of the people and destruction of the country.

"It is my dream to highlight the problems of women and those who have been disabled due to the protracted war. Today I'm able to fulfill this dream," Habiba Yusufi, a third-year student of fine art who often attends Mohammadi's classes at the Art House for Women, told Xinhua.

Yusufi said that working as a painter, especially for women, is difficult in Afghanistan's conservative society.

Nevertheless, she believes that the "struggle to overcome challenges empowers you" to achieve your noble goals.

"Although our families didn't allow us to come out of house and opposed the girls to study or work outside home, we resisted and continued to learn painting," said another junior painter Sajida Hekmatzada.

"Today I and some of my classmates are professional painters and our paintings have been displayed in some exhibitions," she said happily. Enditem

India: Axe-wielding tribal animists attack Christians during worship service, destroy church

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Six Christian families worshiping in Indias Odisha state were attacked by axe-wielding tribal animists who destroyed the believers church structure amid escalating religious persecution in the country.

Morning Star News reports that in December, the Christians, who had converted from tribal animism to Christianity, were worshiping in a wood-and-hay structure in Odisha states Chichima village when they were approached by a mob of about 20 to 25 men, led by an influential man of wealth.

When the leader of the mob asked the Christians why they had abandoned their tribal religion, Elder Burjo Tadinji answered: We have known the true living God; we will not leave him. We used to indulge in fights and speak lies, but we do not do all that now. We like this faith, and that is why we follow it.

Angered by the response, the mob began destroying the church building and manhandling the Christians, Pastor Bibudhan Pradhan told Morning Star News. The church was reduced to rubble, and Tadinjis adjoining home was also damaged. The mob tore the clothes of one Christian and with a stone broke the mobile phone of another Christian who was recording the attack.

They threatened to chase them out of their homes and the village if they reported the matter to the police, the pastor told Morning Star News.

The mob's leader, whose name was withheld to protect area Christians, then warned them not to report the attack to police.

If the police come, we will not let you live in the village and we will chase you away, he said, according to Tadinji.

As a result of the attack, the Christians are afraid to meet: Fear has gripped their minds, and they need much prayer, Pradha said, adding that hes unsure when church services might resume.

Animists worship gods based on ancestors, spirits, and nature. Pradhan said all the villagers are told to sacrifice a chicken to the Hindu deity Shiva every year. In Odisha state, Christians make up less than 2.8% of the population.

It is in the tribal culture to offer a sacrifice of a chicken while buying land, planting seed, harvesting the land, and other occasions, he said. When someone in their homes has fever or illness, they sacrifice a chicken to please the god of nature. They seldomly visit hospitals  only in emergencies. They often visit the witch doctor, who again demands them to perform sacrifice.

Sukanta Naik, a volunteer for the Evangelical Fellowship of India, told the outlet that Hindu nationalist groups have become active in indoctrinating tribal people, seeking to drive a wedge between tribal peoples and Christians. The Hindu nationalists often persuade villagers that those who have left their beliefs and other rituals have betrayed their ancestors, gods, and the country of India.

A recent report from the Evangelical Fellowship of India found that Indian Christians endured at least 327 incidents of persecution in 2020 despite COVID-19 lockdowns.

At least five Christians were murdered and six churches were burned or demolished in religiously motivated attacks. In addition, EFI noted 26 incidents of social boycotts where Christian communities were shunned by their non-Christian neighbors due to their religious identity.

A recent Persecution Trends survey from Release International predicted that in India, intolerance toward Christians and other religious minorities will continue to grow during 2021, largely due to growing Hindu nationalism.

India is ranked No. 10 on Christian support organization Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List of the countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian.

In India, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has encouraged persecution of Christians by sanctioning Hindu extremism, Open Doors research found. The party has told its nation that only Hindus are truly Indian, Open Doors CEO David Curry told The Christian Post. Political leaders have discouraged police from responding to attacks on Christians.

I put the responsibility at the feet of the ruling party, the BJP, which is very nationalistic," he said, adding that their message to the population has been, "we want India to be a Hindu nation."

I have a strong belief that if most Indian citizens knew what was happening in these Christian communities they would vote for different people," he said.
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.

Marmorstein: You might soon be living in a million dollar home  unfortunately
The image were projecting is a safe and secure environment for the peaceful transition of presidential power, he said. Were asking the residents of the Capitol area to be patient with us, to understand what were trying to do. I know there is some inconvenience, but I hope they understand that its necessary.
Celebrations and meetings cannot be replaced by virtual celebrations, says Fr Frans Bouwen. Unlike Christmas or Easter, technology and the worldwide web are not enough to make up for events with people present. The decision stems from health restrictions imposed by the authorities and a rising positivity rate in the area.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for the year 2021 in Jerusalem has been postponed as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

The annual event, which takes place in January after the Armenian Church celebrates Epiphany, will be held this year at Pentecost in May.

According to Fr Frans Bouwen, president of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenical Relations, the ecumenical celebration and meetings among the different Churches in Jerusalem cannot be replaced by virtual celebrations online.

Unlike other important events in the life of the Church, such as Easter or Christmas, technology and the worldwide web will not be enough to replace events with people present.

This explains the decision by the Churches of the Holy Land to join their sister Churches in the southern hemisphere of the world to celebrate the Week at Pentecost, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (LPJ) said.

Plans to organise one or two virtual celebrations online, with the help of the Christian Media Center were not possible, Fr Frans noted, because of the rise of coronavirus infections and the new quarantine restrictions in Jerusalem.

Given such a situation, all Churches and religious communities are invited to pray from 23 to 31 January 2021 only with their respective members, the clergyman said.

The invitation to pray and post messages of unity on social media this week could also be extended to the faithful.

The Monastic Community of Grandchamp, Switzerland, chose this years theme: Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit (John 15:1- 17). It expresses the Communitys vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the Church and the human family.
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.
Two high courts (HCs) have served notices on the Union government, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, (DRI), and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs over the issue of denying rebate on integrated goods and services tax (IGST) paid by enjoying the benefits of advance authorisation (AA) licence. Bombay and Punjab & Haryana HCs have issued these notices.

Gujarat HC has stayed the proceedings initiated by DRI to over this issue. An AA licence is issued to to allow them duty-free import of inputs, which are physically incorporated in export products.

Exporters were earlier entitled to import raw material without payment of IGST under the AA licence, and pay IGST on exports and claim rebate (refund) paid on exports. They received the benefits of rebate of IGST initially. However, the government then amended sub-rule (10) of Rule 96 of the central through a notification dated September 4, 2018. It denied rebates on IGST on exports if exporters enjoyed AA benefits with effect from October 23, 2017.

Earlier, Gujarat HC had upheld the validity of this rule.

The court also upheld the validity of another amendment to the rule that allows rebates to those who only avail of exemption on basic Customs duty and pay IGST on raw material. This amendment was made effective with retrospective effect.

This means that those who claimed a refund under this option need to pay back IGST on raw material, along with interest and avail of input tax credit. Aggrieved, exporters filed a review petition in Gujarat HC, as well as petitions in the Bombay and Punjab & Haryana HCs.

Meanwhile, DRI issued notices to exporters and initiated proceedings against them over the issue.

After DRI notices, the matter has been raised afresh in several courts which have issued notices or granted a stay on proceedings. The retrospective amendment is also a subject matter of challenge, said Abhishek Rastogi, who is arguing a plethora of petitions for exporters.

Offering rationale behind the fresh batch of petitions, Rastogi said while the authorities allege there is twin benefit, there is actually no additional benefit, given the exporters are in any case eligible to a refund of taxes on the input side in some way or the other.
Enthusiasm for electric vehicles has long been held back by concerns about battery life, but what if drivers were able to charge their cars while driving?

Several automotive, utility and infrastructure companies are testing technology that promises to allow electric cars, buses and trucks to charge on the move. The process, known as dynamic charging, involves under-road pads that wirelessly transmit electricity to receivers mounted underneath cars and, for some larger vehicles, overhead wires like those used by trams.

In France, Renault SA has teamed up with Electricite de France SA to test dynamic charging on the streets of Paris. In Sweden, trucking giant Scania AB has developed a truck with utility E.ON SE that can be charged overhead and is ready for mass production, while a startup will soon test wirelessly charged buses in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Charging should not be considered a pain and should not act as a brake on electric vehicle use and deployment," said Xavier Serrier, who is leading Renaults charging project. Technically speaking, it works," he said of the technology.

Financially speaking, dynamic charging remains questionable. Even the companies involved say they need to find ways to reduce the cost of connecting roads to the grid and make the technology economically viable, partly through scale. They also say any rollout would likely be limited to cities and key transportation and trucking routes because of the huge infrastructure investment needed.

The effort to charge cars on the goseen as a complement rather than a rival to regular EV chargingcomes as governments and companies around the world work to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Major economies including Germany, the U.K., and France have pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 and encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles is a part of that drive. The U.K., for instance, will stop selling new diesel and gasoline cars and vans starting in 2030.

Some sectors of the economy, such as electricity, are making progress on decarbonizing, but transport is lagging behind, according to the International Energy Agency. Of the cars sold globally in 2019, 2.5% were electric, while a record 42% were gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles, the IEA said.

Range anxiety, running out of charge before reaching your destination, is one of the biggest consumer hurdles for EV adoption," said Ram Chandrasekaran, principal analyst at energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.

The companies involved in dynamic charging hope the technology will help change attitudes to EVs. Renault estimates that it could be incorporated in its vehicles by the end of the decade and that the technology could allow it to use small, cheaper batteries.

In a 2017 research test with chip maker Qualcomm Inc., Renault charged a small van at 60 miles an hour. That led the European Union to include Renaults program in a group of charging projects it is funding with 15 million euros, equivalent to $18.4 million.

Renault is now preparing to test the technology in freeway and city conditions at test sites in Versailles and Paris. The French company is working with civil engineer Colas Group, which will focus on roads, and EDF-subsidiary Enedis, which will look at connecting streets to the grid and how to make money from consumers.

Right now, you need to spend several minutes or hours charging," said Karine Revcolevschi, who heads Enedis in the Paris region. Were wondering if we can meter [electricity] usage in the car."

In Israel, Electreon Wireless Ltd. is working with local bus operator Dan Bus Company on a dynamic charging pilot program that will shuttle students between Tel Avivs university train station and its campus. The project is funded by the company and the Israeli government.

Large vehicles like buses that run for long hours need larger batteries than cars, so the project is aimed at making electric buses sustainable, said Noam Ilan, Electreons vice president of business development. The company also has projects under way in Europe, including in Sweden and Germany.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen AGs Scania has spent millions of dollars breathing new life into an old technology, charging trucks by using pantographs, the roof-mounted connection to overhead wires that city trams use.

Scanias projects with Siemens AG and E.ON have been funded in part by Sweden and Germany. The company said it is ready to mass-produce its dynamically charged electric trucks, while Swedish authorities are working on proposals to electrify 2,000 kilometer, or around 1,242 miles of road, for heavy vehicles by 2030.

But Scania estimates it will cost as much as $2.5 million to electrify a kilometer of highway. Electreon puts the cost at $650,000 per kilometer, although that figure doesnt include grid connection.

That cost, combined with the availability of other charging methods and falling battery prices, mean its just not that economically compelling" to roll out dynamic charging, said Alex Gruzen, chief executive of WiTricity. The company owns the patents to various wireless technologies, including a charging pad sold by BMW AG to wirelessly charge parked cars.

Advocates of dynamic charging argue that, like wind turbines and solar panels, costs can be reduced by mixing public and private money and deploying at scale. The technology can complement other charging options, said Andrew Bui, who works on transportation innovation at engineering firm Aecom and has studied dynamic charging in the U.S.

The economics of dynamic charging as part of a broader range of options are highly feasible," Mr. Bui said, if infrastructure is first created for larger vehicles. Later on we can let smaller vehicles come into play."

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.
The compulsory collection of DNA being undertaken in some parts of the world is not just unethical, but risks affecting people's willingness to donate biological samples and thus contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of new treatments, says a paper in the European Journal of Human Genetics, published online today [18 January 2021].

Citing abuses being carried out in China, Thailand, and on the US/Mexico border, the authors1 call on scientific journals to reexamine all published papers based on databases that do not meet accepted standards of ethical approval, and demand an end to collaborations between academic institutions worldwide and those in countries carrying out unethical DNA collections. They also advocate that companies making equipment used in DNA analysis should stop sales to the institutions involved in ethically tainted genetic research.

While journals ask that studies submitted to them should have ethical approval, they may fail to recognise that some ethics committees do not abide by expected ethical standards. Citing the compulsory collection of DNA samples from ordinary people being carried out by the Chinese authorities in Xinjiang province as part of a programme of surveillance and control, the authors say: "It appears that almost half of over a thousand articles describing forensic genetics studies in Chinese populations have at least one co-author from the Chinese police, judiciary, or related institutions. It is impossible to carry out forensic population genetics research in China independently from the Chinese authorities. All this literature is thus potentially ethically tainted."

The paper calls on publishers to conduct a mass reassessment of the literature and to require further information on consent and ethical approvals, in addition to considering whether the studies fulfill the basic ethical requirements for non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. "Such an assessment would be important if, in the future, any doubt arises about the data and the uses to which they may be put."

Companies should reconsider their position too, says the paper. Thermo Fisher Scientific has decided to stop sales of equipment to Xinjiang police forces, but such action by one company alone is insufficient to tackle the problem. "The only effective way would seem to be to stop sales to police and judiciary forces across China of products used in the identification of humans by means of molecular genetics. Other Western suppliers, such as Promega and QIAGEN, should follow suit."

The example of Kuwait is encouraging, say the authors. In 2015, the Kuwaiti government became the first in the world to introduce a law requiring the compulsory collection of DNA samples from all citizens, residents, and visitors to the country. Such a measure was introduced purportedly to discourage terrorism, but many suspected that it could lead to genetic discrimination against some vulnerable minorities. The following year, after an international campaign against the measure, the law was dropped.

"While China, the USA, and Thailand are very different countries from Kuwait, both in their size and their leadership, the Kuwaiti example gives us reason to hope that international pressure may have an effect. We are concerned that the growing public awareness of abusive DNA collections will have a detrimental effect on the image of genetics in the wider world," say the authors.

"In this time of COVID-19, Chinese science is increasingly under scrutiny from all quarters. The country's reaction to the pandemic has been widely praised. It is surely not in their interest to damage their standing in the scientific world by continuing with what are clearly unethical and discriminatory practices," they conclude.
ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan.19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC) will announce its Half Year 2021 results for the six months ended 31 December 2020 after the US market closes on Tuesday 2 February 2021.

A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held at 5.30pm US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday 2 February 2021 / 9.30am Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday 3 February 2021. For those wishing to participate in the call please use the following dial-in numbers:

US and Canada: 866 211 4133 (toll-free)

Australia: 1800 287 011 (toll-free)

United Kingdom: 0800 051 7107 (toll-free)

Hong Kong: 800 901 563 (toll-free)

Singapore: 800 852 6506 (toll-free)

All other countries: +1 647 689 6614 (this is not a toll-free number)

Conference ID: 8641389

Access to the webcast and supporting materials will be available via the Investors section of Amcor's website (www.amcor.com/investors). A webcast replay will be available at the conclusion of the call.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Investors: Tracey Whitehead

Head of Investor Relations

Amcor

+61 3 9226 9028

[email protected] Damien Bird

Vice President Investor Relations

Amcor

+61 3 9226 9070

[email protected]



Media  Europe

Ernesto Duran

Head of Global Communications

Amcor

+41 78 698 69 40

[email protected] Media  Australia

James Strong



Citadel-MAGNUS

+61 448 881 174

[email protected] Media  North America

Daniel Yunger



KekstCNC

+1 212 521 4879

[email protected]

About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home- and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve value chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly light-weighted, recyclable and reusable, and made using a rising amount of recycled content. Around 47,000 Amcor people generate US$12.5 billion in sales from operations that span about 230 locations in 40-plus countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

www.amcor.com I LinkedIn I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube

SOURCE Amcor
Beacon Hospital said it has offered the HSE the use of its newly built vaccination centre to support the countrys vaccination programme (Julien Behal/PA)

Privately owned Beacon Hospital is to treat patients in a safety net surge capacity deal reached with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The south Dublin hospital said the agreement will enable it to continue to do the significant, complex, public work that is already under way in the hospital.

Beacon Hospital was the only private hospital that did not sign up to the HSE surge capacity deal in recent months.

The hospital said that following a period of renewed discussion and clarification, it signed up to the agreement.

We look forward to continuing to do this work and to increasing the capacity available - up to 30% - if required by the HSE to help support the public system during this time of immense pressure Michael Cullen, Beacon Hospital

Michael Cullen, chief executive of Beacon Hospital, said: Following a period of positive engagement with the HSE, we are pleased to confirm that we have agreed to sign a new surge agreement.

We are comfortable that the agreement shared with us on Sunday night addresses the concerns that we had raised and are pleased to be in a position where we will work even more closely with the HSE in the days and weeks ahead.

Over the past four months, between 15%-20% of Beacon Hospitals surgical capacity and 55% of our ICU has been dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of public patients with complex, time sensitive issues.

We look forward to continuing to do this work and to increasing the capacity available  up to 30%  if required by the HSE to help support the public system during this time of immense pressure.

Beacon Hospital said it has offered the HSE the use of its newly built vaccination centre to support the countrys vaccination programme.

The centre has the capacity to do up to 9,000 vaccinations per week and has already been used to vaccinate almost 1,500 HSE frontline workers.

In a statement, the HSE said it welcomed the decision of Beacon Hospital.

The HSE said the arrangement will provide support for public patients when the public hospital system is under great pressure.

This centre has already been used to vaccinate HSE frontline workers and will prove very useful over the coming months Paul Reid, HSE

Its statement said: We acknowledge that Beacon Hospital is already receiving patients from public hospitals and providing essential time dependent care for patients, and we look forward to working closely with them in the coming weeks.

HSE boss Paul Reid said: We are very pleased that the 18 private hospitals have now joined this arrangement, and look forward to working with them during this exceptionally challenging time for healthcare in Ireland.

We are also happy to accept Beacon Hospitals offer to give us the use of a mass vaccination centre.

This centre has already been used to vaccinate HSE frontline workers and will prove very useful over the coming months.

We are grateful for the offer.
To some, the HDFury Arcana will seem like an overpriced gadget that doesnt add anything to their home theater setup. For everyone who owns a pre-2019 smart TV and a relatively high-end soundbar capable of decoding object-based soundtracks (i.e., Dolby Atmos or DTS:X), it will be nothing short of a miracle.

The $199 4K Arcana fills a very specific need: As described by the company, the small box enables full audio to any eARC sound system for up to Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby MAT Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio and older formats. In laymans terms, it means a high-end soundbar such as the Sonos Arc will deliver full lossless audio to your soundbar even if your TV doesnt support eARC.

This is not a rare problem for people who value high-quality audio. While most modern televisions support HDMI ARC (the Audio Return Channel that sends sound from your TV to your audio system over an HDMI cable), ARC doesnt provide enough bandwidth to carry high-resolution lossless audio formats such as Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. A new standard called eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) delivers more than enough bandwidth, but only newer TVsstarting with high-end models sold in 2019support eARC. Read this story for a deep dive into the two standards.

Michael Simon/IDG The HDFury Arcana will add some extra cable clutter to your setup.

If youre like me, youre going to find out the hard way that your home theater system isnt all that it could beafter youve invested hundreds of dollars in a new soundbar. Few things are more frustrating than splurging on an expensive new device only to discover that another component in the chain prevents it from delivering all that its capable of. Thats exactly what happened to me: I excitedly set up my new Sonos Arc, put on a movie with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and heard only lower-resolution, Dolby Digital Plus. (This Sonos support article explains whats needed for each audio format).

Granted, it still sounded much better than the five-year-old Sonos Playbar I replaced, but for the price I paid, I wanted nothing less than full 3D spatial sound. And I wasnt about to replace the 82-inch TV I bought last year just to get eARC support.

Thats when I found the HDFury Arcana, a box specifically designed to address my issue. It has one input and two outputs, one that goes to the Sonos Arcs HDMI port, and one that goes to my TVs ARC port. Its not unlike an external GPU for a laptopthe Arcana upgrades your TVs ARC port to an eARC one as if you had purchased a brand new set. Itll even work with TVs or projectors that dont have a dedicated ARC port, and it solved the occasional lip-sync issues I was having with regular ARC.

Michael Brown / IDG Instead of your TV, the Sonos Arc will plug into the Arcana.

But if youre reading this, your situation is likely the same as mine: You bought a Sonos Arc to go along with your kinda-new big-screen 4K TV that cant deliver full lossless Atmos sound to it. And for that alone, The HDFury is well worth its $199 price tag.

Plug and play

Setting up the Arcana is incredibly simple, though itll obviously add to the cable clutter behind your TV. The box is small enough to hide, but youll need to provide AC power to the Arcana and add another HDMI cable to your collection.

Keep in mind that the Arcana doesnt come with any HDMI cables, so youll need to bring your own; specifically, one labeled Premium High-Speed HDMI, which provides bandwidth of 18Gbps. The cable that comes with the Arc will do the trick, but if you have any issues with sound or picture quality, try swapping out one of your other cables before running other diagnostic fixes.

IDG When you see the Dolby Atmos logo in the Sonos app an angel gets its wings.

The box has a small OLED display with various menu options and a somewhat clunky navigation wheel, but you shouldnt have to venture beyond the Audio menu (which will likely stay set to eArc Only). Theres also an option for firmware updates when you insert a USB stick. Mine arrived up to date, so I havent used it.

If you have only one device to connect, youll plug the HDMI cable directly into the Arcana and youre done. Since thats not realistic and you probably have more than one device in your setup, the Arcana supports HDMI switches between the box and your TV. I was able to integrate my existing Caavo Control Center and use the full functionality of its remote without an issue.

Michael Simon/IDG Youll need to download forware onto a USB stick to update the Arcana.

You might also need to reconfigure your 4K UHD Blu-ray player to send the correct audio bitstream to your soundbar. My Sony UBP-X800 player defaulted to PCM 7.1 sound (which is still better than I got without the Arcana), but a quick trip to the settings fixed it. All I needed to do was turn BD Audio Mix off to tell the player the Arc would handle audio decoding.

Small hiccups dont spoil the show

I have experienced a few quirks with my setup that you might also encounter, but nothing was a deal-breaker. Each time I power on my system, a message from the Arcana appears on the bottom of the TV screen for a few seconds. (Update: HDFury points out that this readout can be turned off by selecting "Off" in the OSD settings menu.) Also, when I play or stop a show within some apps, the screen goes black for a second or so. Ive tried various settings on the Arcana to fix it, but nothing has helped, so it could be due to my Caavo. At any rate, its a minor nuisance.

Michael Brown / IDG There are a few hiccups here and there, but the Arcana will unleash the full power of high-end soundbars such as the Sonos Arc.

I also lost the ability to control the Sonos Arc using my Caavo remote. My Samsung TV doesnt recognize the Arc as a receiver like it did when the speaker was plugged directly into an HDMI port on the set, so the TV thinks Im controlling its internal speakers (and displays TV speaker on its screen). All I needed to do was reconfigure the Caavo remote to control the Arcs volume instead of the TVs. That took seconds in the Sonos app.

Ive been using the Arcana as part of my home theater setup for a couple of weeks now, and I havent had any issues with connectivity. Nor have I needed to adjust settings or fiddle with anything. When I power on my Caavo, the Arcana sends the proper signals, and when I play an Atmos movie or show, the Dolby Atmos logo appears and I get fully lossless sound from my Blu-ray player. Its a beautiful thing to see. And hear.
Photo: Google Maps Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna

Interior Health has provided an update on eight active COVID-19 outbreaks within long term care homes in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Four more deaths occurred over the weekend; one at Sunnybank in Oliver, two at Noric House in Vernon and one at Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna.

"We are saddened to report an additional four deaths related to COVID-19 over the weekend bringing our total in Interior Health to 50, said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health.

I offer our condolences to the families, caregivers and loved ones of these four people who all passed in long-term care. We are in our most challenging period of this pandemic but hope is on the horizon as we continue rolling out vaccines every day. Now is the time to stay focused on the precautions that limit the spread of this challenging virus.

In some good news, an outbreak at the McKinney Place long-term care in Oliver has been declared over. There were a total of 78 cases: 55 residents and 23 staff, with 17 deaths connected to this outbreak.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
She faced backlash earlier this month after going for a hair cut at a Notting Hill salon during lockdown.

And Priyanka Chopra cut a glamorous figure as she showed off her up-do on Instagram on Wednesday.

The actress said she has become quite the hair 'expert' as she managed to sweep up her heavy blunt fringe to create the elegant chignon for a series of virtual interviews.

Chic: Priyanka Chopra cut a glamorous figure as she swept up her heavy fringe to create an elegant updo and shared a snap of her hairstyle on her Instagram on Tuesday

She complemented the hairstyle with a blue shirt and silver hoop earrings.

Priyanka captioned the photo: 'I must say, I've become quite the updo expert'.

It comes after Priyanka insisted she WAS following lockdown rules after going for hair cut at Notting Hill salon earlier this month, because her hair was being dyed for filming Text For You.

Different look: The actress, 33, marked the last day of filming on Text For You last week and was pictured with a full fringe

The actress was seen by police officers after they discovered her attending an appointment at the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill, but she avoided a fine.

Following the drama, 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.'

In the hot seat: Priyanka faced backlash earlier this month after going for a hair cut at a Notting Hill salon during lockdown (pictured)

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.

The pictures sparked disbelief from members of the public who have been subject to increasingly tight lockdown rules.

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?'

Sarah Nichols said: 'Getting so fed up with 'celebrities' thinking they don't have to do this lockdown like the rest of us.

Backlash: Members of the public were infuriated at seeing the actress going for a hair appointment when others are unable to visit

'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.
Clashes between police and protesters in Tunisia continued on Monday, days after the North African country marked the 10th anniversary of the demonstrations that ousted longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and set off the regions Arab Spring uprisings.

Police arrested more than 600 people connected to the unrest in the capital, Tunis, and the cities of Kasserine, Gafsa, Sousse and Monastir, the Interior Ministry announced.

Most of those arrested were aged 15-25. They burned tires and bins to block the movement of security forces, Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni said, accusing protesters of looting, committing vandalism and breaking the coronavirus curfew.

"This has nothing to do with protest movements, which are guaranteed by the law and the constitution," Hayouni said. "Protests take place in broad daylight  without any criminal acts involved.

The BBC reports a crowd of demonstrators that had gathered in the capital Tunis on Monday hurled stones and explosives at police. Security forces fired tear gas and water cannons in return.

Amnesty International urged Tunisias authorities to release those arbitrarily detained and refrain from using excessive force on the crowds. The rights group cited alarming footage online that showed security forces beating and dragging protesters.

Rampant unemployment sparked a wave of unrest in southern Tunisia this summer, with protesters demanding the government make good on creating long-promised jobs in the oil and gas sectors.

In a cabinet reshuffle aimed at appeasing the protesters, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi appointed 12 new ministers on Saturday.

The next stage is full of challenges, including the necessary reforms for the economy, which require increased efficiency and harmony, Mechichi said.
The U.S. Justice Department has filed charges against an Iranian political scientist accused of being an agent for Irans government.

The Justice Department said on January 19 that Kaveh Afrasiabi, an Iranian citizen with U.S. permanent residency, was arrested at his home in Watertown, Massachusetts the previous day on charges of "acting and conspiring to act as an unregistered agent" of Tehran.

Afrasiabi is due to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later on January 19. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

For over a decade, Kaveh Afrasiabi pitched himself to Congress, journalists, and the American public as a neutral and objective expert on Iran, John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

Demers said that Afrasiabi was actually a secret employee of the government of Iran and the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations (IMUN) who was being paid to spread their propaganda," he added.

There was no immediate comment from Afrasiabi or his lawyer.

Federal prosecutors said Afrasiabi worked to influence public opinion in the United States on behalf of Iran in news articles and during appearances with U.S. news media.

They said he also lobbied a U.S. congressman and the State Department to adopt policies favorable to Iran, and counseled Iranian diplomats concerning U.S. foreign policy.

Afrasiabi is said to have been paid approximately $265,000 in checks drawn from the official bank accounts of the Iranian mission to the United Nations since 2007. He also received health benefits since at least 2011.

With reporting by The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg
An inmate who escaped custody early Tuesday in south Alabama has been recaptured.

Michael Lee Jones, 53, is serving a 35-year sentence for distribution of a controlled substance out of Talladega. He has been in prison since 1998.

Jones escaped from a community-based work center  Mobile CBF/CWC  about 2 a.m.

He was recaptured on I-65 South shortly before 11 a.m. The exact location of his capture was not immediately available. Jones surrendered peacefully, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Alabama Department of Corrections at 1-800-831-8825.

The expressions of lament in the 2021 Lenten Meditations share sorrow, but they also come from a place of deep love, said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church. Because God loves us we know that God joins us in lamenting the loss of any living being.

In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, Episcopal Relief & Developments 2021 Lenten Meditations share deeply personal reflections on the theme of lament from a diverse group of writers. Many of the authors share experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty.

2020 was a deeply challenging year for many, filled with losses, said Sean McConnell, Senior Director, Engagement, Episcopal Relief & Development. We hope our supporters will use the 2021 Lenten Meditations to guide them through the four steps of lament and to help them heal and grow.

The meditations follow the Four Steps of Lament outlined by author and speaker Heidi Weaver:



Rest, to take sabbath time to simply be present to our current situation

Reflect on that which has been lost

Repent for the sufferings and loss we have caused or overlooked

make Restitution and be Restored to God and to one another

The authors of the meditations are all leaders in The Episcopal Church and represent diverse perspectives, ministries and backgrounds.

Editing the collection was powerful to me on a personal level, said Sandra Montes, Editor of the 2021 Lenten Meditations. Reading each reflection by Episcopal leaders of color who invited me into this season of Lent by opening up their hearts and using their voices to help me lament, while giving me hope, was incredibly moving.

The 2021 meditations are available online to download. Supporters are also invited to sign up to receive the daily meditations in English and Spanish by email. Unlike previous years, the meditations are only available online, not as printed booklets.

As many churches have moved their services online, we felt it was important to create a Lenten experience that would continue to be useful for our supporters, continued McConnell.

Episcopal Relief & Development also invites churches and supporters to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday this year on Sunday, February 21 or another Sunday in Lent. Lent was officially designated at the 2009 General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a time for dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, churches may hold a special service on any Sunday. Liturgical resources to help congregations observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday are available at episcopalrelief.org/sunday.

The expressions of lament in the 2021 Lenten Meditations share sorrow, but they also come from a place of deep love, said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church. Because God loves us we know that God joins us in lamenting the loss of any living being.

Download the Lenten Meditations and learn more about planning an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday at episcopalrelief.org/Lent.

ABOUT EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT:

For 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.


President-elect Joe Bidens incoming White House press secretary says his administration does not intend to lift coronavirus travel restrictions for Europe, the U.K., Ireland and Brazil.

The message from Jen Psaki came Monday evening after the White House said President Donald Trump had lifted the restrictions for those countries, effective Jan. 26.

Psaki then tweeted: On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26.

She added, In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Trump imposed the travel restrictions early in the pandemic to slow the spread of the coronavirus to the U.S. They prevented most people without American citizenship or residency from traveling to the U.S. from the affected regions.
The recent experience with the inequitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine only provides further proof that the global allocation of human resources organized under capitalism is an abject failure. Despite the stunning achievement of producing safe and efficacious vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in less than one year, the world faces the reality that the delivery of these life-saving therapeutics is disorganized, chaotic and is managed under the diktat of the markets.

Connecticut National Guard members wait to check-in vehicles for Connecticut's largest COVID-19 Vaccination Drive-Through Clinic, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

According to the Bloomberg vaccination tracker, approximately 42.2 million doses have been given across 51 countries, a rough daily average of 2.43 million doses per day, a significant majority representing high-income countries. The US has administered 14.3 million doses or 4.4 doses for every 100 persons, with 46 percent of all distributed vaccines administered. At least 1.8 million have completed the two-dose regimen across the globe. Only Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the United Kingdom are leading the United States.

In contrast, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that only 25 doses of the vaccines had been given in one lowest-income country. I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of catastrophic moral failure, and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the worlds poorest countries. With more than 8 billion doses of vaccines set aside in dozens and dozens of deals to secure vaccine access, by all accounts, if these were distributed evenly, at least half the worlds population could be assured two doses to complete the vaccination regimen.

COVID-19 vaccine doses per capita (Source: Our World in Data)

The WHO COVAX initiative was created in partnership with GAVI and the coalition for epidemic preparedness to ensure equitable vaccine access to every country in the world to deliver 2 billion doses. Yet, deliberate hoarding of vaccines by wealthy nations by preordering millions of doses has led many countries that have joined COVAX to make bilateral deals with vaccine makers pushing prices up and limiting access for developing countries to some undetermined distant future.

Across Africa, a second wave of the pandemic is threatening to inundate the frail health care system across the continent. Countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo report that hospital capacity and oxygen supplies are running short.

The Financial Times reported that the continent-wide death rate this month surpassed the global average for the first time. With almost 3.3 million infections, Africa has seen 80,000 deaths over the intervening months of the pandemic or a crude case fatality rate of over 2.42 percent, higher than Europe with 2.27 percent and the US with 1.66 percent, by comparison. Despite a much younger median age, without adequate resources, African nations will face a considerable challenge. The delivery of vaccines to frontline health care workers in these regions is a critical priority.

Map of countries by approval status: (Dark Green) Approved for general use, mass vaccination underway (Light Green) EUA granted, mass vaccination underway (Orange) EUA granted, limited vaccination Dark Blue) Approved for general use, mass vaccination planned (Light Blue) EUA granted, mass vaccination planned (Yellow) EUA pending

Despite the United States world predominance in terms of its wealth, it has shown its utter incompetence in organizing a massive national vaccination initiative. After promising Americans that 100 million would be inoculated in 100 days, one month after the first vaccine was given, less than 12 million were vaccinated.

The vaccine rollouts initial phase was intended to inoculate the 24 million health care workers and residents of nursing homes across the nation. Those in the medical field, by the nature of their occupation, have the highest risk of infection. Meanwhile, occupants of long-term care facilities possess the highest risk of disease severity and death associated with COVID-19 due to their age and medical state. Yet, as the federal government left it to each state with little resources to develop their rollout plan, it has been a calamitous embarrassment. As STAT News noted, Most of the missteps so far stem from the same problem: prioritization decisions that ignore the science of risk assessment and leave too much to chance.

Perhaps it is characterized best by Dr. Camara Jones, the American Public Health Associations past president, when he told Business Insider, You know, its the Wild West out there. Its sort of the opposite of an equitable distribution plan, if there were a plan. But theres no plan! No plan!

There are no quick fixes for this developing predicament, making moves to the next phases of the vaccination rollout with the intent to inoculate 180 million a recipe for disaster. States will have to quickly identify tens or hundreds of thousands of people with medical conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19. Compounding this will be attempting to stratify them by age in a complicated calculation to see who should get the shots first. Many elderly people face technological challenges, making communicating when and where they must go to get their vaccination difficult.

In a knee-jerk reaction to this catastrophe, states are turning to natural disaster tools to determine vaccine distribution. Their decisions will be based on assessing the number of people that live in a county and using the social vulnerability index (SVI), which utilizes data such as poverty, access to vehicles and overcrowded residents, to provide a vulnerability score for every US census tract. Pharmacies are being made the primary mechanism for administering vaccines.

These endeavors may exacerbate the situation. As STAT News noted, Using population as a factor means that dense communities, merely because they are populous, will get far more doses than they need.  Whats more, the SVI fails to account for individual clinical history or key social determinants of health at the county level, such as air quality and proximity to grocery stores based on ZIP code. And relying on pharmacies for distribution leaves out people who live in pharmacy deserts, which are more common in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and rural areas.

As states move to rely on pharmacies, CNN recently reported that CVS and Walgreens have come under fire by health officials for the slow rollout of their vaccination programs to nursing homes. Working under a partnership with the federal government, teams from these pharmacies have been tasked with vaccinating nursing home residents and their staff. As of last week, only one-quarter of the 4.7 million doses allocated had been administered.

Joseph Biden, speaking in Wilmington, Delaware, said last week, Were sparing no effort in getting Americans vaccinated. We remain in a very dark winter. The infection rate is up 34 percent. We see 3,000 or 4,000 deaths per day. Things will get worse before they get better.

Though Biden has called for federally supported vaccination centers using FEMA to oversee their construction as well as community immunization sites, like Trump he will rely on commercial pharmacies to distribute vaccines. The vaccine rollout in the United States has been a dismal failure thus far, he said. This will be one of the most challenging operational efforts weve ever undertaken as a nation. Well have to move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated. However, there was no mention of a lockdown to stem the tide of deaths.
Taking cognizance of the media trial and intense scrutiny, especially pertaining to the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, the Bombay High Court has asked news channels to show restraint while covering ongoing investigation cases. Taking a strong view on the vitriolic spewed in toxic debates and discussions in such cases, the Court also asked the news channels to regulate their coverage.

The Bombay High Court asked the news channels to keep their reports informative and in public interest instead of sensationalising the issue. The Court noted that speculative coverage could impact the investigation. The Court further stated that the guidelines of Press Council of India would also apply to electronic media till the time separate guidelines for the electronic media were framed.

The Court was hearing a slew of PILs filed by lawyers, NGOs, activists as well as retires police officers, who pleaded with the Court to put an end to the media trial in ongoing investigations.

The Bombay High Court has, however, refrained from taking any action in this regard and instead asked the Mumbai Police to appoint a nodal officer for media briefings in important cases.
Sneak peek! "Nancy Drew" Season 2 gave its viewers what Episode 2 would look like through a new set of photos.

The "Nancy Drew" TV series will unravel more supernatural mysteries through its new season, and its second episode seemed to be more hair-raising than ever.

Before the release of the series' second season on January 20, The CW shared photos of its second episode--all of which somewhat explained why it is called "The Reunion of Lost Souls."

What New Photos Revealed About "Nancy Drew" Season 2

The photoset shows how Kennedy McMann's crew goes to investigate again.

In one of the photos, Nick's mother finally meets George, which would be interesting since George has feelings for Nick.

Another photo also confirms Hannah Gruen's return to the "Nancy Drew" cast. Riley Smith and Maddison Jaizani reportedly star, as well.

Meanwhile, its official description also reveals the aforementioned scenes. In addition, Carson and Ace share a scene after their hilarious prison escape attempt.

[SEE PHOTOS HERE]

What "Nancy Drew" Season 2 Will Be All About

The new installment of the spinoff, developed by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, will offer more mysterious scenes.

For the new season, Nancy and the whole Drew Crew need to create a new plan to stop the Aglaeca after they witnessed the visions of their own deaths.

However, the journey is not easy for any of them, especially when a detective arrives in Horseshoe Bay.

Detective Tamura (guest actor Ryan-James Hatanaka) shows up to question Nancy as the prime suspect for assaulting a comatose girl.

Aside from McMann and Lewis, Maddison Jaizani (Bess Marvin), Tunji Kasim (Ned "Nick" Nickerson), Alex Saxon (Ace), Riley Smith (Ryan Hudson), and Scott Wolf (Carson Drew) also returned in the new season.

Fans Excited for New Season

After announcing the upcoming installment, fans and viewers of "Nancy Drew" expressed their excitement toward the next episodes.

One fan said, "Like everyone said, definitely binge it. You'll be done pretty quick. I had to force myself to slow down because I was going through the episodes three or four at a time, and I knew it was going to be a long wait till the new season came out."

Another one, who never watched it in the first place, finally felt intrigued with the synopsis.

"I'm intrigued...but I've never seen a single episode! Would I need to binge the first season before Season 2 starts? Or can I just jump right in?" the internet user asked.

The first episode of Larry Teng-directed flick will arrive on The CW on January 20, 2021.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian-Kanye West Divorce Update: 'Jesus Is King' Rapper Set To Meet Divorce Lawyers [REPORT]

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Two workers for Spirit Airlines were injured while two passengers were arrested and a third cited at Detroit Metro Airport on Sunday evening after a fight broke out in the boarding area.

The brawl happened when an argument occurred over the size of the passenger's carry-on luggage.

'Three passengers attacked our agents without provocation,' Spirit revealed in a statement.

Two Spirit Airlines gate agents were injured and two passengers were arrested on Sunday

A fight broke out following a dispute over a bag at Detroit Metro Airport

The incident happened on Sunday while the passengers were trying to board Flight 646 from Detroit to Atlanta

Agents asked the passengers to prove that their carry-on bags were the appropriate sizes before boarding

The incident happened just as passengers were boarding Flight 646 from Detroit to Atlanta.

The scuffle started after gate agents wanted passengers to confirm their carry-on bags were the correct sizes for the aircraft cabin.

Just as agents were trying to calm the situation down, staff members tried to diffuse the situation but were assaulted when they closed the doors to prevent boarding.

One of the airline workers was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Staff were then 'physically assaulted' as they closed a door to stop boarding

The gate agents ended up on the floor and at least one had to be taken to hospital

'All of us at Spirit wish the agents a speedy recovery and thank them for their courage and professionalism,' Spirit said in a statement.

'We also thank law enforcement for responding quickly and arresting those involved in the attack.

'This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business.

'We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind and these passengers will be banned from any future travel with Spirit.'

Tensions ran high after the passengers were asked to verify their bags would fit on board

Two were arrested while a third person was cited. One agent went to hospital

The shocking brawl was all caught on camera and then posted to Instagram
By Randal Pinkett

I know Donald Trump fairly well from my experience on The Apprentice and subsequently working for the Trump Organization. And I can genuinely say that from among the few things harder than my time on that program has been the last four years. It has been a very tough four years  almost too much to comprehend.

We have seen a president of the United States defend racists, dictators and traitors. Our economy is in tatters. We are a country divided. Four thousand Americans are dying every day because of our governments inability to address a global pandemic. Climate change is destroying so many aspects of our society. And for good reason, Black and brown families live in fear.

When all of this is over, and Donald Trump leaves office tomorrow, there will be no better word that describes most Americans feelings than relief. There will be a great deal to unpack, reflect on, and an immeasurable amount of work to do to address priorities long ignored.

But the challenge for each of us here in New Jersey is a straightforward one  What can our state learn from these last four years?

Along with Trump, I also know New Jersey. I was raised here. I went to college here at Rutgers, and I own and operate my business in Newark.

Like the state of our country, several issues need to be addressed in New Jersey, but these issues are often ignored. Why? Because rather than addressing the issue at hand, we have become known as the Soprano state. Our elected officials are often far more interested in keeping the powerful special interests happy. We fight rather than find common ground. And too often, rather than deal with issues head-on, we kick the can to the next generation.

Let me give you two examples.

Lets take the issue of education. I find it telling that communities like Montclair or Princeton, where families are proud to display Black Lives Matter signs in their yards, are sometimes unaware of what is happening in cities like Newark, Paterson and Trenton. Black and brown families are fighting every day for educational equity and opportunity for their kids. Because of corruption, poor management and a lack of vision, our schools are in dire shape.

In many of our school districts, such as my own in Somerset Countys Franklin Township, I have seen a lack of progress and pettiness from our school leaders, and I am growing impatient. Our district schools are poorly managed and like so many at-risk students in the state, we can do much better. And what I find most disturbing are the biased attacks we see from certain members of our own school board against those fighting the status quo.

In Franklin, we have a public school, Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (CJCP), actually creating real success. They are a national Blue Ribbon school, and they spend almost $10,000 less per child than our school district, according to the states 2019 Taxpayers Guide to Education Spending. The school not only reflects the values of our community, but parents have embraced the school. We have Black and brown parents waiting in line for years to get their kids enrolled there.

Rather than unite and celebrate the success of this Franklin Township public school, or find ways to work collaboratively, school district officials attack the school publicly with baseless claims and even frivolous lawsuits. CJCP faced allegations by Franklin Township Public Schools in the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division. In their ruling, on June 7, 2019, the Court ruled that CJCP did not discriminate in its admission policies and practices, and the District failed to present any evidence regarding any racial or economic segregative effects of CJCPs increased enrollment.

Just like Trump, these district school leaders are threatened by anothers success and popularity, and they look to divide us. These kinds of actions represent the worst of our state  and it must stop.

Here is another example. While our states business community is comprised of some of the best and brightest minds in the country, New Jersey has an abysmal track record in awarding contracts to minority-owned and women-owned businesses. There is no getting around the issue  these are facts  and the truth is often ignored.

Former governors Jim McGreevey, Richard Codey, Jon Corzine, Chris Christie and, now, Gov. Phil Murphy have all stood idle in determining whether minority-owned businesses were getting a fair share of the states contracts. Only recently did the New Jersey Treasury Department announce that it had awarded a contract for conducting the first disparity study since 2003. Like myself, when business people call these issues out, we are often dismissed and given lip service, again, also very Trumpian. If there is anything New Jersey can learn from Trumps actions, its that we must use the facts to guide our policy and make a far greater effort to act on voices long ignored.

Ignoring facts. Marginalizing the voices of Black and brown families. Attacking rather than working together. These tactics are Trumpian.

Thankfully, the Trump way of doing things is now over. It is a new day for our country and my hope is that this can also be a new day for our state.

I have grave concerns for our future and it reached a tipping point when traitors stormed the U.S. Capitol. Instead of being known as the Soprano state where we are siloed, divided, scared to find a compromise and quick to file lawsuits, hopefully, we can learn from the extremism we saw in Trumps daily actions  and do better.

Perhaps, these last four years can reshape our priorities and how we do business. Our generation has now learned the hard way the importance of our words, facts, and ultimately our discourse. It is now time, we as a state do better, and I believe we can. The choice is now ours.

Randal D. Pinkett is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark. In 1993, he became the first African American student to win the Rhodes Scholarship at Rutgers University. In 2005, he became the first African American contestant to win the reality television show, The Apprentice.

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.

--
In advance of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration on Wednesday, the No Border Wall Coalition, along with more than 50 partner organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border, unveiled a new campaign aimed to spur Biden to take immediate action and stop any further progress on the border wall.

Ahead of the election, Biden told NPR that not another foot of wall would be built it he became president. In an effort to hold him to his promise, border activists have adopted this message into the name of their new effort: the #NotAnotherFoot campaign.

After tomorrow, Wednesday, we will be watching events on the ground very closely. And if on Day 1, a single foot of wall is built, we will document that and make it available to you, members of the press. There must be accountability, said Tricia Cortez, executive director of the Rio Grande International Study Center and co-founder of the No Border Wall Coalition.

New sections of the wall continue to be constructed every day in the Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico, Arizona and other parts of the border. And construction could begin as soon as two months from now in Laredo.

The #NotAnotherFoot campaign asks the Biden administration to issue an executive order on Wednesday to halt construction, instruct the Department of Justice to terminate all land condemnation cases, cancel the contracts, repeal the waivers for dozens of federal laws that the government uses to expedite construction and review which sections of the wall can be torn down.

Our goal from Day 1 was to always delay and cancel the wall, as long as it takes. So much is at stake. Not just our land, but our history, our future, our rights, our source of drinking water. And were not going to stop, Cortez said.

This weekend, the campaign will hold events in 18 cities and counties along the border in response to Bidens action or inaction on this matter.

Beto Cardenas, an attorney representing the Sacred Heart Childrens Home on their right of entry case for the wall, noted that 13 years ago, when Biden was a senator, he supported provisions to the Secure Fence Act, which requires the secretary of Homeland Security to consult with the secretaries of interior, agriculture, state and local governments, native tribes and property owners to minimize the impact on the quality of life where the fence would be constructed.

What we seek is an adherence to the federal law that then-Senator Biden helped support, Cardenas said.

At the orphanage, the children who reside there have a view of nature and access to water rights on the Rio Grande, he noted.

Stan Rodriguez of the Kumeyaay Nation in California, spoke about how the border wall has cut their nation in half. The nations land spans from San Diego to Baha California, Mexico.

The impact the border wall has had on our people has been devastating, he said. Our peoples sacred sites, cremation sites, have been overrun so that they could put this border wall up.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
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. Air Force Senior Airman Kassidy Peters, 51st Medical Group emergency room technician, receives a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Osan Air Base in this photo provided by the U.S. Forces Korea, Dec. 29. / Courtesy of U.S. Forces Korea



Twenty-six American service members and five civilians affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) have tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrival here over the past few weeks, the U.S. military said Tuesday.



Of them, 13 service members and three family members arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on government-chartered flights, while 13 other service members, one civilian worker and one dependent came here on commercial flights via Incheon International Airport, west of the capital, according to USFK.



They arrived between Dec. 29 and Jan. 18, it added.



Eight of the newly confirmed people tested positive on their first mandatory COVID-19 test prior to entering quarantine, and the remainder on their mandatory test required to exit quarantine, according to USFK.



All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea are required to undergo a virus test and quarantine for 14 days. Medical personnel administer a second test prior to their release.



The new patients have since been transferred to isolation facilities designated for confirmed COVID-19 cases at military bases in South Korea, USFK said, adding, "None of the new arrivals have interacted with anyone residing within USFK installations or the local community."



The latest cases raised the total number of infections reported among the USFK-related population to 635, most of whom tested positive upon their arrival here from the U.S.



Earlier, a USFK official said that such a high number of virus cases among new arrivals is due to the normal individual relocation moves to USFK, as well as those returning here from off-peninsula over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.



From mid-January, all foreigners arriving at South Korean airports, including USFK-affiliated individuals, are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their departure to the nation.



As part of effort to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, USFK decided Tuesday to maintain its antivirus alert at the current level for all areas of South Korea.



In early December, USFK enforced the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie, or HPCON C, the third-highest warning level in its five-tier system, and extended the scheme three times to Jan. 19.



"While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea are moving in the right direction, based on South Korea remaining in social distancing 2.5, USFK will remain in HPCON Charlie and will make an official reassessment of our HPCON level on Feb. 2," USFK said in a Facebook post.



On Saturday, the Seoul government extended the current social distancing level for two weeks  at Level 2.5 in the capital area and at Level 2 for the rest of the nation  while easing business restrictions on cafes, gyms and other indoor facilities from Monday.



USFK also extended a "shelter in place" directive through Sunday that calls on service members at the Yongsan garrison, central Seoul, to stay at home except for necessary activities.



The order was first issued on Saturday after a series of COVID-19 infections were reported on the Yongsan base and at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek.



Though it was supposed to expire Tuesday, the command decided to only allow the resumption of operations, functions and services in a limited fashion on the Pyeongtaek base starting on Wednesday.



The directive cited routine or emergency health care treatment, mission critical operations, food purchases, walking in close proximity of home and several other activities as "authorized activities" under the shelter-in-place order.



(Yonhap)


A Harrisburg-area woman charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds during the Jan. 6 riot by a pro-Trump mob has been taken into custody, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The DOJ, which maintains a list of all persons who have been hit with federal charges for their alleged roles in the riots, updated its registry to show that Riley June Williams was arrested some time Monday in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. CNN reported Monday that, according to the Justice Department, Williams had surrendered to authorities.

Federal officials filed charges Sunday against Williams, who until recently was apparently living with her mother in the Harrisburg area. The case raised eyebrows almost immediately because of a still-under-investigation claim that Williams stole a laptop from the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis office and tried, without success, to sell it to Russias foreign intelligence service.

According to a tipster, Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Lund wrote in an affadavit explaining the rational for charging Williams. This matter remains under investigation.

The charges that Williams was taken into custody on Monday for included knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Those charges are based in part on a 32-minute video, Storming the Capitol: The Inside Story, that was created by ITV News, a British television network, and published on YouTube. Lund wrote that the video appears to show Williams participating in the riot inside the Capitol.

The FBI attached this photo to an arrest warrant for Riley Williams of Harrisburg in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

She has brown shoulder length hair and wears eyeglasses. She is wearing a black face mask below her chin, around her neck. She can be heard in the video repeatedly yelling, Upstairs, upstairs, upstairs, and can be seen physically directing other intruders to proceed up a staircase, the agent wrote. The video also shows a stream of intruders walking up a nearby staircase.

That staircase leads to Pelosis office, Lund said. He said surveillance video from cameras in the Capitol also show Williams inside the buildings Statutory Hall pointing and directing intruders during the melee. Other surveillance video shows her entering the Capitol with the mob, the agent said.

Williams is the sixth Pennsylvanian charged to date with actually participating in the riot inside the Capitol building.

Editors note: This story was updated to reflect reports that Riley Williams surrendered to authorities.
ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey on Tuesday slapped advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest over their non-compliance with a controversial new law that requires social media platforms to appoint legal representatives in the country.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the media after Friday prayers, in Istanbul, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. TurkeyAos president has criticized the United States for kicking his country out of the F-35 fighter jet program after Ankara purchased a Russian missile defense system. Speaking after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey paid Auvery serious moneyAu for the F-35 stealth jets and that America had committed Aua very serious mistakeAu with its NATO ally. (Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool)

ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey on Tuesday slapped advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest over their non-compliance with a controversial new law that requires social media platforms to appoint legal representatives in the country.

The law  which human rights and media freedom groups say amounts to censorship  forces social media companies with more than one million users to maintain representatives in Turkey to deal with complaints about content on their platforms.

Companies that refuse to designate an official representative are subjected to fines, followed by advertising bans, and could face bandwidth reductions that would make their platforms too slow to use. The ban is on selling online space for ads, which is what many social media companies make their money from.

Facebook avoided the advertising ban after it announced Monday that it had begun the process of assigning a legal entity in Turkey, joining LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Dailymotion and the Russian social media site VKontakte, which have agreed to set up legal entities in Turkey.

We hope that Twitter and Pinterest which have still not announced their representatives will rapidly take the necessary steps, said Omer Fatih Sayan, the deputy minister in charge of communications and infrastructure, after the advertising bans for Twitter, its live video-streaming app, Periscope, and on the image sharing network, Pinterest, were announced on Turkeys Official Gazette.

Sayan added: It is our last wish to impose bandwidth reductions for social networks that insist on not complying with their obligations.

Twitter said in an email to The Associated Press that it had no comment over Turkey's move. There was no immediate response from Pinterest.

Under the law that came into effect in October, the local representative of social media companies would be tasked with responding to individual requests to take down content violating privacy and personal rights within 48 hours or to provide grounds for rejection. The company would be held liable for damages if the content is not removed or blocked within 24 hours.

The law also requires social media data to be stored in Turkey, raising concerns in a country where the government has a track record of clamping down on free speech.

The government insists the legislation is needed to combat cybercrime and to protect the rights of Turkish social media users.

Rights groups have said the decision by international tech companies to bow to Turkish pressure and appoint representatives would lead to censorship and violations of the right to privacy and access to information in a country where independent media is severely curtailed. The Freedom of Expression Association says more than 450,000 domains and 42,000 tweets have been blocked in Turkey since October.

Facebook said Monday it remained committed to maintaining free expression and other human rights in Turkey.

__

Associated Press writer Kelvin Chan in London contributed.
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
For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe.

Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime.
She's been keeping busy recording songs with her band Pussycat Dolls in the hopes to release new music later this year.

And Ashley Roberts proved there's no rest for the wicked as she departed Heart FM following her breakfast show at Global Studios in central London on Tuesday morning.

The musician, 39, commanded attention as she strutted down Leicester Square in red leather trousers and a longline jacket with a fluffy white collar.

Busy bee: Ashley Roberts proved there's no rest for the wicked as she departed Heart FM following her breakfast show at Global Studios in central London on Tuesday morning

Looking effortlessly cool, the presenter teamed her outfit with a black T-shirt and white trainers by Puma.

The media personality brought some summer chic to the chilly city by styling her appearance with square-framed shades.

With her locks worn in a wavy fashion, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant complemented her complexion with neutral-toned make-up.

Commanding attention: The musician, 39, commanded attention as she strutted down Leicester Square in red leather trousers and a longline jacket with a fluffy white collar

'Sending love your way': Looking effortlessly cool, the presenter teamed her outfit with a black T-shirt and white trainers by Puma as she uploaded a playful Boomerang to her Instagram page

Her latest outing comes as it was reported that The Pussycat Dolls are reportedly close to signing a new management deal.

The girl group - consisting of Ashley, Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta - impressed music executives with the success of their comeback hit React and are speaking to several American firms, reports The Sun.

Although announcing their launch back onto the music scene in 2019, the band have had to reschedule their reunion tour twice amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It has now been claimed that the girlband have peaked the interest of Madonna and Britney Spears' management company, Maverick, as well as being in discussing with other big firms.

A source said: 'The pandemic has hampered plans for The Pussycat Dolls but as far as they are concerned, they're all raring to get going as soon as it's safe to do so.

'This new team is great news for them and they've got a handful of songs which they are plotting to release when they can all safely get together again.

'With half of the group in the UK and half in the US, it is tricky, but they are determined to release some singles in 2021.'
A Frenchwoman who has been officially declared dead has spent three years trying to prove that she is alive.

Jeanne Pouchain, 58, has not existed in France's administration records since a court declared her dead in 2017, following a long-standing legal dispute involving a former employee at her cleaning company.

Speaking to local reporters, Pouchain said she went to see a lawyer who told her the matter would be resolved quickly, 'but because there had been a [legal] ruling, this wasn't enough.'

Pouchain's status has prevented her and her husband, who is her legal beneficiary along with her son, from using their joint bank account.

Being declared deceased has deprived her of other critical amenities including invalidating her identity card, driving licence and health insurance.

Authorities seized her car over an unpaid debt she contests and which is at the center of her troubles.

She fears the family furniture will be next.

Jeanne Pouchain is officially dead and has been trying for nearly three years to prove that she is alive. Pouchain's deceased status has prevented her and her husband, her legal beneficiary now that she's dead, from using their joint bank account, and she is deprived of other critical amenities of the living

Jeanne Pouchain who, since November 2017, has been declared dead by the justice system after being convicted by the Prud'hommes, sits at her dining table on January 8, in Saint-Joseph

Pouchain's status as deceased is the result of a 2017 Lyon court decision that deemed her dead even though no death certificate was produced.

The decision came in November of that year, at the end of a legal dispute with an employee of Pouchain's former cleaning company, who was seeking compensation after losing her job 20 years ago.

In 2004, an industrial tribunal had ordered Pouchain to pay the former employee around 12,470 (14,000 euros) in damages after she was reportedly let go from her job after the firm lost a major contract.

An initial complaint in France's Prudhomme workers' court misfired, falling on Pouchain, whose lawyer claims her company had no responsibility for the dismissal.

Jeanne Pouchain who, since November 2017, has been declared dead by the justice system after being convicted by the Prud'hommes, shows some papers

A series of legal proceedings, decisions and appeals followed, all the way to the Court of Cassation, France's highest court, which dismissed the case as outside its domain, Pouchain and her lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, said.

According to Pouchain and her attorney, snowballing judicial errors ended with the 2017 ruling by the Appeals Court of Lyon that Pouchain was not among the living.

The legal imbroglio is all the stranger because, Pouchain contended, neither she nor her relatives received a summons for the hearing.

In 2016, an appeal court, believing Pouchain dead, ordered her husband and son to pay the 12,470 to the former employee.

The next year, the ex-employee reportedly informed the industrial tribunal that her letters to her former boss had gone unanswered and she had passed away, leading Pouchain to be declared officially deceased.

The 58-year-old claims her former employee invented her death in order to be able to claim the damages from her estate.

Cormier, her attorney, filed an unusual motion last Monday to invalidate the 2017 decision by the Lyon appeals court due to a 'grave error' by the judges. He said he has never before dealt with such a 'crazy' case.

'At first, I had a hard time believing my client,' he said.

Pouchain says she can't forgive her ex-employee for her plight but won't identify the woman. The former employee's lawyer did not respond to several requests for comment.

Cormier points the finger at the judges and their 'extreme reticence to repair their error.'

According to Pouchain and her attorney, snowballing judicial errors ended with the 2017 ruling by the Appeals Court of Lyon that Pouchain was not among the living

'When an error is so enormous, it's hard to admit,' he said.

Now, Pouchain says she lives in constant fear, not daring to leave her house in the village of Saint Joseph, in the Loire region.

'I no longer exist,' she said by telephone. 'I dont do anything....I sit on the veranda and write.' She called the situation 'macabre.'

She remains stubbornly hopeful that her attorney's bid to overturn the judgement will succeed.

'It's my last chance to recover my life,' she said.

Lucy Hale recently celebrated the holidays in epic fashion, ringing in the new year from Times Square.

And the Pretty Little Liars star has since gotten back into her daily routine, after returning home in Los Angeles.

She kept it casual Monday in a black and grey athleisure look, as she stepped out to take her dog Elvis for a hike through Fryman Canyon in Studio City, California.

Athleisure chic: Lucy Hale kept it casual Monday in a black and grey athleisure look, as she stepped out to take her dog Elvis for a hike through Fryman Canyon in Studio City, California

The 31-year-old sported a cropped charcoal t-shirt with a pair of skintight black leggings, accentuated her toned legs.

She finished the look with a pair of gold-framed Ray-Ban sunglasses, some boho chic necklaces and hot pink APL trainers, as she stayed safe in a black face mask.

Hale walked her Maltipoo on a retractable leash, as he put on an adorable display with a turquoise BFFS and Babes bandana wrapped around his neck.

She recently appeared in the trailer for her upcoming film Son Of The South, which premieres in February, executive produced by Spike Lee and based on Bob Zellner's 2008 autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek.

Serving body: The 31-year-old sported a cropped charcoal t-shirt with a pair of skintight black leggings, accentuated her toned legs

Pretty in pink: She finished the look with a pair of gold-framed Ray-Ban sunglasses, some boho chic necklaces and hot pink APL trainers, as she stayed safe in a black face mask

Puppy love: Hale walked her Maltipoo on a retractable leash, as he put on an adorable display with a turquoise bandana wrapped around his neck

Coming soon: She recently appeared in the trailer for her upcoming film Son of the South, which premieres in February, executive produced by Spike Lee and based on Bob Zellner's 2008 autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek

Leading lady: Hale stars as Carol Anne, girlfriend of Bob (Lucas Till), a Klansman's grandson who comes of age in the deep south and ultimately joins the Civil Rights Movement

The Memphis-born actress stars as Carol Anne, girlfriend of Bob (Lucas Till), a Klansman's grandson who comes of age in the deep south and ultimately joins the Civil Rights Movement.

It comes after she hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square, alongside Billy Porter and 16-time host Ryan Seacrest.

She took to Instagram after the televised festivities, writing: 'Got to close out 2020 surrounded by some great humans, in heels, sparkly masks , & in an empty Times Square. We celebrated frontline workers, nurses, doctors, teachers, police officers who were the real MVPs of the year.

'Stood in awe of JLo and chugged atleast 5 La Colombe Oat draft lattes. Started 2021 surrounded by McNuggets & fries. Thank you to all who made it safely possible for us to come back this year ! Happy freakin new year everyone.'

Counting down: It comes after she hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square, alongside Billy Porter and 16-time host Ryan Seacrest

Lady in red: She took to Instagram after the televised festivities, donning a white pantsuit trimmed in red, over a red sequined bra, with a fuzzy red overcoat and silver metallic stilettos

Black and white: Hale had a couple wardrobe changes throughout the evening, sporting a black jeweled minidress, as well as one in white

Hale shared some behind-the-scenes photos in her party look, a white pantsuit trimmed in red, over a red sequined bra, with a fuzzy red overcoat and silver metallic stilettos.

She took precautions against COVID-19 in a matching red face mask, as the usually packed crowd watching the ball drop was limited to VIP guests, 40 local frontline workers and their families.

The Katy Keene actress had a couple wardrobe changes throughout the evening, sporting a black jeweled minidress, as well as one in white.

It was Hale's second time co-hosting the event with Seacrest, after filling in for Jenny McCarthy last year.
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 U.S. Department of Educations preliminary allocations for the second round of COVID-19 relief money for Illinois schools through the second Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund arrives as President-elect Joe Biden is pledging to reopen a majority of schools across the U.S. during his first 100 days in office.
YES Bank has launched the YES MSME initiative aimed at providing speedy and easy access to funds to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector of India. The disbursal of funds will be facilitated to address both business and individual requirements of MSMEs, encourage new age entrepreneurs and maximising their potential.

The YES Bank launched this programme during the SME Carnival from January 18-22, 2021 across the private lender's MSME focused branches across India. YES Bank's MD and CEO Prashant Kumar expounded on the private lender's commitment to support the growth of India's MSME sector during the launch. Kumar added the feature will improve access to funding and finance for MSMEs and provide support for technological upgrades, among a gamut of other measures.

While flagging off the initiative, Union MSME and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "The MSME sector is the backbone of the Indian economy and accounts for 30 per cent of the economy creating 11 crore jobs so far. Investment in the sector is the need of the hour and we are hopeful that concerted efforts by the industry and the Government will help expand it. I congratulate YES Bank for this new addition under their MSME sector initiative and the long-term plan to strengthen the ecosystem. My best wishes to Prashant Kumar, MD and CEO of YES Bank and team on the efforts to contribute to the larger vision of making India a $5 trillion economy."

To materialise this programme, the private lender has partnered with over 700 industry associations. YES Bank has listed five elements -- borrow, save, simplify, partner and protect -- as part of the proposition

The borrow element is focused on providing MSMEs with easy borrowing channels such as government schemes, trade and finance SME IPOs, investment banking, dedicated MSME cell, carefully curated product solutions for ease. Besides this, the borrow element also takes care of quick GST and ITR filing.

The save element comprises current to savings accounts and fixed deposit-focussed programmes like the YES Premia, YES First Business and assets-focussed loyalty rewards programme.

The simplify element consists of lending up to Rs 5 crore to start-ups under YES Spark programme. It also comprises fintech partnerships and digital payroll solutions under the YES MSME and YES Transact programmes.

The partner element comprises YESBizConnect programme that is focussed at providing collaborative solutions aimed at building market linkages, providing tech-based solutions, knowledge sharing using advisories, newsletters and discussion forums involving approximately 700 industry associations for MSMEs and startups.

The protect element comprises business insurance services like life insurance, health insurance, general insurance, investment options and wealth solutions.

Also read: BharatPe reveals plan to bid for PMC Bank

Also read: Yes Bank board to meet on Jan 22 to consider fund-raising
The Govt of Canada has decided to allow the globally grounded Boeing 737-MAX aircraft fleet to fly again in the country's airspace starting from Wednesday, the Transport Ministry announced in a statement., Transport Canada says, concluding nearly two years of government review after the aircraft was involved in two deadly crashes that saw the planes grounded worldwide.

The planes will be permitted to fly as long as they meet conditions specified by Transport Canada in December, including permitting pilots to disable a faulty warning system that was found to be central to two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.

"Canadians and the airline industry can rest assured that Transport Canada has diligently addressed all safety issues prior to permitting this aircraft to return to service in Canadian airspace," Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said.

Countries across the world grounded the MAX in March 2019 after two crashes just months apart, in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 people, including 18 Canadian citizens.

Canada was one of the last countries to ground the MAX, banning it only after the European Union. The Canadian government said it spent 15, 000 hours independently reviewing the proposed changes to the Max and conducting its own test flights.

Canada corona cases surpass 600,000 mark

6.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Argentina's San Juan province

Iran, six other nations lose right to vote in UNGA


Sorry!

This content is not available in your 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.
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.
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was arrested on his return to Russia last weekend, released an investigation Tuesday into a lavish Black Sea property he claimed is owned by President Vladimir Putin.

The investigation, published on the opposition figure's blog with an accompanying two-hour YouTube video recorded before his return to Russia, claims the property cost $1.35 billion and was paid for "with the largest bribe in history".

The report alleges that the property, located along Russia's southern Black Sea coast, is 39 times the size of Monaco and features a casino inside a 17,691-metre mansion, along with an ice rink and vineyards.

The investigation claims that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) owns some 7,000 hectares of land surrounding the property and that the complex was financed by Putin's close allies, including Igor Sechin, chief of Russian oil giant Rosneft, and billionaire tycoon Gennady Timchenko.

"It is a separate state within Russia. And in this state there is a single and irreplaceable tsar. Putin," Navalny says.

The investigation was published a day after Navalny, who was detained after returning from Germany for the first time since he was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent in August, was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner says Putin ordered the poisoning, a claim the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.

On February 2 a court will begin deliberating over whether a suspended sentence of three years and six months that Navalny received in 2014 for fraud charges should be converted into prison time.

The Kremlin opponent on Monday called for his supporters to take to the streets in response to his arrest, with his allies planning rallies in Moscow and in cities across the country on Saturday.

The new investigation, which ends on a call for Russians to rise up against the authorities, echoes a 2017 YouTube video in which Navalny accused then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of controlling a luxury property empire.

That investigation sparked large-scale opposition protests.

The existence of the Black Sea property and its links to Putin first became known in 2010 when whistle-blower businessman Sergei Kolesnikov described them in a public letter to Medvedev.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday brushed aside the claims in comments to the state news agency RIA Novosti, calling them "untrue".

The video accompanying Navalny's investigation had garnered three million views within the first two hours after it was published Tuesday.
As more and more countries seek India's assistance in their vaccination drive against Coronavirus, Bharat Biotech on Tuesday received a fresh letter of comfort from the Centre for another 4.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin'. According to sources, 8 lakh doses out of 4.5 million doses of Indian vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's Covaxin will be supplied to Mauritius, Philippines and Myanmar as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

Bharat Biotech receives letter of comfort from Centre

Sources said, "The company was given a fresh letter of comfort recently for supplying another 4.5 million doses of Covaxin. The doses will be dispatched as when the Ministry places orders with the company."

READ | Bharat Biotech & SII Issue Joint Statement; Pledge Global Access To COVID-19 Vaccines

Earlier, after the government of India approved Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and (SII) Serum Institute of India's Covishielf, Bharat Biotech had received an order for 5.5 million doses. The India vaccine-manufacturer had shipped the first batch of its vaccine (each vial containing 20 doses) to Gannavaram (Vijaywada), Guwahati, Patna, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Bangalore, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur, Chennai and Lucknow. Besides this, Bharat Biotech has also donated 1.65 million doses to the government of India.

READ | Recipients Of Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN Vaccine To Fill THIS Screening & Consent Form

Bharat Biotech inks pact to send Covaxin to Brazil

Earlier on January 12, Bharat Biotech had signed an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos to supply its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin to Brazil. A team from Precisa Medicamentos visited the Bharat Biotech facility to discuss potential export possibilities of the vaccine, the indigenous antidote for the killer virus, the company said in a release.

READ | Mauritius Oil Spill Clean-up Likely To Be Completed By January: Japanese Ship Owner

The Brazilian Ambassador to India Andr Aranha Corra do Lago had expressed keen interest on behalf of his government towards procuring the vaccine and in principle, it was understood between both parties that supplies of Covaxin to be prioritized for the public market through a direct procurement by the Brazilian government, it said. Supplies to the private market would be based upon receipt of market authorization from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority.

READ | VCK & Thirumavalavan 'condemn' Use Of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, Ask If It's Favouritism

Covaxin is an innovation and a perfect example of novel product development from India. Our goal for all vaccines developed at Bharat Biotech is to provide global access to populations that need it the most. Covaxin has generated excellent safety data with robust immune responses to multiple viral proteins that persist. We are happy to note that vaccines innovated in India are able to address the public health needs of Brazil," Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, said.

READ | Congress Trashes Bharat Biotech's Covaxin Even As WHO & Bill Gates Laud India On Vaccines
Steven Dillingham, director of the Census Bureau, speaks while unveiling the advertising outreach campaign for the 2020 Census in Washington on Jan. 14, 2020. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

US Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham Retires as Administration Transitions

The director of the U.S. Census Bureau announced that he is retiring from a long career with the federal government, about a week after a whistleblower said he was pressuring bureau officials to collect and report data on non-citizens before the Jan. 20 transition.

Director Steven Dillingham, a President Donald Trump appointee, said in a statement Monday that he is retiring from the bureau on Wednesday, almost a year before his appointment expires, but added that his retirement was planned and not due to the whistleblowers complaint.

Whistleblower complaints must be taken seriously and appropriate steps taken as quickly as possible, he wrote. He said that there was no suggestion that the data collection was in violation of laws, rules, or regulations.

Dillingham continued, From what I understand, the reported whistleblower concerns appear to be misunderstandings regarding the planned process for the review and potential postings of data, and the agreed-upon need to apply data quality standards. A variety of factors may have contributed to misperceptions and heightened concerns associated with a limited request for a professional review of administrative data, for purposes of improving estimatesnot for delivering 2020 Census apportionment data which the Bureau had determined was weeks away.

The Census Bureau last month said it would miss a year-end deadline to produce the population count and data on the citizenship status of U.S. census respondents wont be finalized or released until after President Donald Trump leaves office, putting his push to exclude illegal immigrants from apportionment in jeopardy.

In his outgoing press statement, Dillingham also said he and his staff worked tirelessly to ensure the census count.

Still, I know many Census Bureau professionals have worked harder and longer hours than me on the 2020 Census, and they performed magnificently. I fully expect that President-Elect Biden will have complete confidence in the results that he will announce.

Census Bureau workers were ordered last week to stop complying with Trumps executive order to collect data on the immigration status of people living in the United States, the bureaus director said.

Dillingham said in a Jan. 13 memo that hes informed officials at the agency that those involved should stand-down and discontinue their data reviews.

Dillingham was writing to Peggy Gustafson, the inspector general for the Department of Commerce. She told Dillingham on Jan. 12 that several whistleblowers at the Census Bureau informed her of a directive that the production of a report that includes data on legal and illegal immigrants was the number one priority for the director. The whistleblowers said Dillingham set a Jan. 15 deadline for the report.

The report relates to Trumps 2019 executive order directing all executive agencies to share data concerning immigration with the Department of Commerce. Trump issued the order after the Supreme Court blocked him from adding a question about citizenship to the census.

Zachary Stieber and Reuters contributed to this report.
New Delhi:

OnePlus, the Chinese smartphone brand on Sunday has released the very first teaser of their upcoming model OnePlus 5, featuring the angry young man of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan in their television commercial.

Apart from Big B, a good many number of B-town celebs like Sushant Singh Rajput and Vir Das have been seen in the television advertisement of this much awaited phone of the year.

The commercial confirms the flagship featured and many details about the phone which were been leaked through unofficial sources till the date.

This latest addition of OnePlus is all set to be launched on June 22 all over the country and will be exclusively available on e-commerce site Amazon.

According to reports, OnePlus 5 will be available in two RAM variants: 6GB/64GB and 8GB/128GB at a price of Rs 32,999 and Rs 37,999 respectively.

The information that OnePlus 5 will be available in 8GB RAM variant was previously revealed by Evan Blass on Twitter.

"OnePlus 5 powered by 2.35GHz octa-core Snapdragon 835 processor and 8GB of RAM will release on 22 June 2017 as an exclusive at Amazon.in."  Evan Blass (@evleaks) June 7, 2017

A grand event has been organised in NSCI Dome, Mumbai for the official launch of the device.

Also Read: HTC U11 Squeezable phone launch in India today

Lets have a look to One Plus 5 price, specifications and features:

-OnePlus 5 will cost between Rs.32,999 to 37,999

-OnePlus 5 is also expected to feature 5.5-inch full HD display

-The smartphone will be powered by 3600mAh battery and will run on Android Nougat

-The OnePlus 5 will come with Dash charging feature and fingerprint scanner

-It will have 16-megapixel front camera of the OnePlus 3T

-It is also expected to come with the USB C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack
U.S. Capitol

Jan. 6

Silicon Valley

President Trump

U.S.

James Grimmelmann

Cornell University

TikTok

Capitol

Facebook

White House

U.S. Capitol

Inauguration Day

U.S.

Facebook

U.S.

Buzzfeed News

Capitol

Snapchat

Tarleton Gillespie

Microsoft Research

Capitol

Angelo Carusone

Facebook

Facebook

Sheryl Sandberg

Steven Renderos

Capitol

Menlo Park, Calif.

Facebook

(TNS)  Over the four years of the Trump presidency, social media platforms generally took a soft line in enforcing their policies against threats and misinformation, allowing most borderline speech, including the president's, to stand.In the wake of a deadly riot at theaimed at disrupting the transfer of power, and ahead of an inauguration feared to provoke new attacks around the country, those same social media are taking a notably more aggressive approach.Organized in Facebook groups and other online forums, theriot was a wake-up call  for, government officials and the public  that even euphemistic or ambiguous comments made online can fuel real-world violence.Now, tech companies are on high alert. In the days following the insurrection, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other major platforms have imposed stricter measures and deployed new rationales for taking action. Besides suspending or permanently banning, they've also removed content undermining the integrity of the election results or calling for more attacks at theand state capitols."The tech companies have realized this is not an abstract question: These are very real threats to American democracy," said, a professor atwho focuses on internet law. "They've drawn their line," he said. "I see it as a meaningful new position."Tech leaders are also emboldened by the results of the election, no longer having to worry about "vindictive reprisals from Trump and his allies.""They all had to go along, to some extent, or he'd drop something like theban on them," Grimmelmann said, referring to an executive order banning the Chinese-owned app. (The fate of that order is in limbo after repeated court-ordered postponements.) "Even if it was legally problematic, simply by having his power, he put serious threats on their businesses. They're more protected from that now, so they feel more comfortable doing what they think is morally and legally right."Two days after thesiege, Twitter banned Trump permanently "due to the risk of further incitement of violence." That same day, Google announced that Parler, a Twitter alternative seen as a refuge for the extreme content barred by other platforms and as a possible haven for Trump, would no longer be available for download on its app store; Apple and Amazon followed suit, removing Parler from their stores.On Friday, Facebook  which has suspended Trump's account through the inauguration  said it was implementing two new measures to "further prevent people from trying to use our services to incite violence": blocking the creation of newevents near theand state capitols through, and restricting features forusers who have repeatedly violated its policies.also said Saturday it would temporarily stop showing ads for military gear and gun accessories to users in theafterreported such ads were being served to people who had viewed content about theriots., Twitch and Instagram have also banned or suspended Trump's accounts, and sites including Reddit, Shopify and Pinterest have removed or limited groups, online stores and hashtags related to him.That the biggest social media platforms, which dragged their feet for years on enforcing existing rules and implementing additional safeguards, acted in concert "is not surprising," said, a senior principal researcher at"Herds respond similarly to real threats, and there is safety in numbers," he said. "Theriot is an undeniable signal of how dangerous things have become, and of how culpable these platforms may be.""Once a few make the move, there's political cover for others to make similar changes," Gillespie said. Besides, no company wants the "risk of looking like the site that failed to act."Some technology industry watchers say the recent measures still fall short and are more of an acceleration of the changes that were already underway."It's not a sea change," said, president of Media Matters for America, a nonprofit liberal media watchdog. "The efforts that they're taking are significant, but they are mostly in the realm of mitigation or reducing some of the potential harms. Most of them totally avoid some of the root concerns; they're not prevention-focused."in particular could be doing more, he said, pointing out that the world's largest social network only suspended Trump for possibly as little as two weeks instead of banning him permanently despite repeated rule violations.Chief Operating Officersaid last week the company had no plans to reinstate his account."It was the lowest possible bar and even then they hedged," Carusone said. "That to me really underscores what their posture is.", executive director of the nonprofit MediaJustice, said Sandberg's remarks that theriot was "largely organized" elsewhere showed that the company is "divorced from reality and still trying to deflect.""Internally, the company knows. They've known for a long time that toxicity exists on their platform," Renderos said. "Yet their algorithms are tailor-made to amplify the content that drives the most engagement  and that's the stuff that upsets people or outrages people."He was skeptical of the company's efforts over the last week, accusing the, company of "trying to play the optics game."makes a lot of decisions based on trying to win the headlines," he said, "and not necessarily because it's the right thing to do."But Grimmelmann, the Cornell law professor, said he felt the industrywide moves were well-intentioned and "likely to stick.""You rarely see the companies announcing new restrictions on speech and then backing off from them," he said. "It's hard to see them retreating."
Axita Cotton | Company received order for Indian organic raw cotton valuing $19,73,117 from Olam International, Singapore. ()

Cotton prices in the global market have increased by four percent since the beginning of 2021 on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) projecting lower opening stocks, production and ending stocks this season (October 2020-September 2021), raising hopes of the commodity exports from India.

Going by current trends, Indias cotton exports can touch 65 lakh bales (170 kg each) and it can help reduce the countrys huge carryover stocks from last season, said Rajkot-based raw cotton, yarn and spinning waste trader Anand Poppat.

However, Cotton Association of India (CAI) President Atul Ganatra said export demand is currently slow due to novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in Europe and few more countries. His association has pegged exports at 54 lakh bales this season.

On January 19, cotton in New York quoted at 81.29 US cents (Rs 47,075 a candy of 356) per pound for delivery in March against the previous close of 80.70 cents. Cotton for May delivery ruled at 82.60 cents (Rs 47,850/candy) and July delivery at 82.91 cents (Rs 48,025), all up over the previous close.

In comparison, Indias Shankar-6 variety, a benchmark for exports, was quoted at Rs 43,400-43,600 a candy.

On MCX, cotton for delivery next month was traded at Rs 21,420 a bale (170 kg), which converted to candy is Rs 44,856.

Prices in Indian markets are steady. We have seen a correction by Rs 500-800 last week, CAIs Ganatra said.

Raw cotton prices are tending to regain after a drop in prices. In Gujarat Rajkot districts Dhoraji agriculture produce marketing committee yard, raw cotton ruled at Rs 5,680 a quintal on January 19 against the previous close of Rs 5,655.

Prices had topped Rs 5,700 a quintal on January 5 against the minimum support price of Rs 5,515 this season.

In its recent outlook for the cotton market, the USDA projected lower production in the US, Pakistan, and Mali. It said it would more than offset the higher production in Greece, Turkey and Australia.

In fact, the higher production in Turkey has been revised lower from a 16 percent increase to four percent. It said consumption estimates for China, the worlds largest consumer, and Turkey have been increased.

China could import as much as 135 lakh bales, the USDA said.

India, the worlds largest producer whose production has been pegged at 377 lakh bales by the US agency, could export nearly 64 lakh bales, it said. Poppat concurs with this outlook.

We have to wait and watch if Indian cotton exports pick up, CAIs Ganatra said.

Poppat said that one reason for the current rise in global prices was speculation. Open interests in cotton have increased with many speculators going long (betting prices will rise further). This follows reports of Chinas textile exports being higher than last year, he said.

Chinese textile firms are importing yarn from Bangladesh and Pakistan since their pipeline is empty. In India, yarn prices have stabilised after a rise during December and early part of 2021, he said.

While Ganatra expects cotton prices to rule steady, Poppat said chances were bright for a rise in the rates as also exports soon.

Right now, exporters can avail of stocks from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which is saddled with huge inventory. This is keeping prices on a leash, particularly since the CCI has fixed a cap for daily sale. If the cap is removed, prices can increase, Poppat said.

Since October till the start of this week, 28-30 lakh bales of cotton have been exported. There are clear records of these exports. This makes exports of 65 lakh bales a possibility, the Rajkot-based trader said.

If the cotton futures in the global market rise another 3-4 cents, it could tend to push up Indian prices, he said, adding that prices in Gujarat were lower than in Maharashtra.

But the export demand would not affect the domestic spinning sector, which has two to 2.5 months inventory, Poppat said.

Ganatra said it would be good at some point if cotton and yarn rates rule stable for the Indian industry.

Poppat, however, sees premiums for quality cotton increase soon. The availability of quality cotton is a little lower, he said.

In view of export prospects being good, he expects cotton carryover stocks to drop to 85 lakh bales this season against 125 lakh bales last season. CAI has, however, projected the carryover stocks at 113.50 lakh bales.

The carryover stocks estimate is on the back of Indias cotton production being pegged at 358.50 lakh bales by CAI against 360 lakh bales last season.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in its first advance estimate of commercial crops for 2020-21 season (October-September), the has projected cotton production at 371.18 lakh bales.

Carryover stocks are higher as the textile industry had to shut during the COVID-19 lockdown.

(Subramani Ra Mancombu is a journalist based in Chennai, who writes on topics in commodities and agriculture)
O ne person has died and a dozen more were injured when at least 134 cars were involved in a series of crashes during a snow storm in northern Japan.

The mammoth pile up happened on the Tohoku Expressway in the nothern prefecture of Miyagi at around midday, the government said.

Officials said around 200 people were caught up in the crashes. They have been given drinking water, food and blankets to keep warm, reports public broadcaster NHK.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said a lorry rammed into a passenger car, triggering the pile-up.

He said one person was killed and according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 17 others were injured, including two seriously.

NHK News said authorities finished cleaning up the debris after about eight hours.

Cars are stuck on the snowy Tohoku Expressway in Osaki city / AP

Authorities had imposed a speed limit of 31 mph when heavy snow blanketed the stretch of road which is about half a mile long.

Pictures of the Tohoku Expressway show multiple snow-covered cars damaged by the crash.

The region is expected to record up to 15 inches of snow in the next 24 hours reports BBC News.

Damaged cars are covered with snow after a multiple accident on the snowy Tohoku Expressway / AP

Japan has experienced a number of snow storms in recent weeks. In December 2020, hundreds of drivers were left stranded when snow covered the Kanetsu expressway.

An emergency meeting was held and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga urged members of the public to take care in the severe weather.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Chief Justice S.A. Bobde on Tuesday orally observed that if a person on a panel has expressed views on the matter, it should not become ground for disqualification from a committee.

The observations assume significance after Bhupinder Singh Mann, the national president of Bharatiya Kisan Union, last week recused himself from the court-appointed four-member committee formed to hear grievances of farmers agitating against the farm laws.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice and comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Vineet Saran said "Just because a person has expressed a view on the matter, that is not a ground for disqualification to be a member of a committee." The observation was made during the hearing of a suo moto case on steps to expedite criminal trial. A senior advocate cited his opinion favouring virtual hearing instead of physical hearing. The lawyer proposed that he may be excluded from being an amicus curiae in the pleas supporting continuation of virtual hearing.

The Chief Justice said how can this be a disqualification.

"Generally, there is a peculiar lack of comprehension about constitution of a committee," observed the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice clarified that his remarks are a general observation and only in context of the matter at hand.

"We are talking of a general misunderstanding. Committee members are not judges. They can change their views," Chief Justice observed orally.

The farmers unions have objected to the composition of the court-appointed committee saying its members have expressed their opinion in favour of the farm laws. Thousands of farmers are protesting against the three farm laws since November 26 at various Delhi borders. The farmer unions have also declined to appear before this committee.

On January 12, the top court stayed the implementation of the three Farm Laws until further orders and constituted a committee comprising Bhupinder Singh Mann, Pramod Kumar Joshi, Ashok Gulati, Anil Ghanwant.

Justifying the stay on implementation of farm laws, the top court had said: "We deem it fit to pass the following interim order, with the hope and expectation that both parties will take this in the right spirit and attempt to arrive at a fair, equitable and just solution to the problems."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

A rising Liberal backbench MP has criticised his party's 2018 "law and order" campaign that ended in a catastrophic electoral defeat for the Coalition, warning about the dangers of populist tough-on-crime policies.

Eastern Metropolitan MP Matthew Bach, who replaced Mary Wooldridge in State Parliament's upper house last year, took a direct swipe at the law and order policies that placed punitive measures over reformative justice.

Liberal MP Matthew Bach. Credit:Wayne Taylor

An internal Liberal Party post-mortem released in November 2019 admitted the Coalition's focus on "African gangs" and crime contributed to its drubbing in the 2018 state election, when it lost 10 of its 37 seats, with massive swings against MPs in some of their traditional heartland seats including Hawthorn.

Dr Bach, one of the only Coalition MPs to publicly speak out against his party's disastrous election campaign, said he agreed with the findings of senior Liberal strategist Tony Nutt's review of the heavy loss, and urged his party to place greater emphasis on rehabilitation while being tough on serious crime.
By all accounts, Zachery Rose was a careful, diligent man. A bioengineer who played in a wind symphony in college and worked at a mid-sized firm in Hercules, he was never the type to wander off or do anything reckless.

In 2018, on Super Bowl weekend, he was reported missing after taking a solo late-night walk in Fairfield, disappearing seemingly without a trace.

He left probably not under means that he desired, Fairfield Police Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen told KTXL at the time.

After nearly three years, Fairfield police on Monday confirmed that Rose's remains and clothing were found on a hill by the Amtrak station on Cement Hill Road  just a mile south of where he was last seen.

Courtesy of Fairfield Police

"Our thoughts are with his family, and we hope while there are still many unanswered questions, the discovery of his body brings some closure," read a statement from police, who refused to provide further details on the "ongoing investigation."

Among those unanswered questions, certainly, involve the man who allegedly saw Rose last.

Phil Lasater and Rose, reported KNTV back in 2018, met online and grew close.

KNTV reported that Rose upended his life in Arkansas and moved into Lasater's Fairfield home in 2015. He eventually moved out to his own condo, ostensibly to be closer to his office in Hercules.

That report described their relationship as an "on-and-off" romantic one, but did not delve deeply into the intricacies of their private life. Other reports have only referred to Lasater and Rose as friends.

Lasater, then a supervisor at the San Francisco Sheriff's Department but now currently a lieutenant, declined to comment to SFGATE.

The two still kept in touch until Rose was last seen. Rose drove to Lasater's home straight from work the day before his disappearance. His white pick-up truck was found parked in front of his home, and all of his belongings were still at the apartment  a move that his mother told KNTV was out-of-character for him. (She did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.)

Lasater was the first to report Rose missing, nearly 18 hours after he last saw Rose leave the house. It is unclear what circumstances led Rose to walk out of Lasater's home in the first place.

While investigating Rose's disappearance, one detail that stuck out to detectives, KNTV found, was Lasater's prior marriage.

In 2012, William Volkl, Lasater's husband of more than 15 years, died at the age of 41 in his sleep at Lasater's home. (His obituary reads that he died beside Laseter.) To this day, it is still unclear what the cause of his death was.

The Solano County Coroner did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE, but KNTV reported that the county medical examiner confirmed a neck injury and a history of heart problems, and was unable to rule out foul play. Volkl may have also experienced migraines severe enough to warrant hospitalization, according to a Twitter account possibly belonging to him.

Jacobsen told KNTV that Lasater was questioned "repeatedly" as possible person of interest in both Volkl's death and Rose's disappearance.

"We have one individual who died of a suspicious method or manner inside the home, and fast forward in time, now someones vanished from it," Jacobsen told the outlet.

Lasater alleged homophobia at the hands of Fairfield police in their investigations of both cases.

And yet, despite the legions of true crime buffs who have speculated otherwise, it is still unconfirmed if Lasater played any role in either incident. Repeated requests for comment from Fairfield police did not confirm if he is still a part of their investigations.
Grandmother Gets Stunning New Look From the Makeoverguy After Finishing Chemo

Wishing to reclaim her sense of self after completing chemotherapy, Monica, of Germantown, Wisconsin, volunteered to go under the shears of a well-known stylist. The stunning result empowered her to enter 2021 with a brand-new outlook on life.

Monica, a mom of two with three grandchildren, has endured cancer twice. Your time on this earth isnt given and you might as well enjoy it, she told Christopher Hopkins, a.k.a. The Makeover Guy, at his studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

At the end of December, a few days before her styling, Monica had broken a tooth. She arrived at the studio feeling especially shy of her physical appearance.

In footage of Monicas amazing transformation, shared on YouTube, Hopkinss team explained that their client once had naturally dark-brown hair owing to her Native American and Hispanic heritage. Monicas hair gradually turned white, and during home isolation in June, she took the plunge: She dyed her hair a bright golden blonde.

I said, Lets do something else with it! Monica recalled, adding that she loved the result.

Hopkins decided to keep the blonde but got rid of the gold in favor of a more sophisticated, ashy tone, with a focus on those dark eyes, shes stunning, said the team.

Hopkins and his style team shaped Monicas eyebrows, added a peach blush, a nude lip, and a subtle smokey eye, and put their client in a soft floral blouse to complete the look.

Image is very important. You kind of forget that, especially during COVID, Monica reflected.

Looking into the mirror at a brand-new woman, Monica was overwhelmed. Confessing a private goal, she admitted to Hopkins that she had always wanted to be as pretty as her sisters. Hopkinss makeover achieved that, and so much more.

Monica decided not to waste another second worrying about her broken tooth.

I havent been happy for a while, Hopkinss client gushed. You guys are miracle workers  I have never felt so welcomed and so listened to.

Monica claimed that things are meant to be, and you cant get too serious with life. With two cancer battles behind her and a stunning new look ahead to enjoy, Monica left the studio ready to take on the world.

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
Engineers make it possible to simulate complete dance of colliding vortices at reduced computational time

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  In 2018, passengers onboard a flight to Australia experienced a terrifying 10-second nosedive when a vortex trailing their plane crossed into the wake of another flight. The collision of these vortices, the airline suspected, created violent turbulence that led to a free fall.

To help design aircraft that can better maneuver in extreme situations, Purdue University researchers have developed a modeling approach that simulates the entire process of a vortex collision at a reduced computational time. This physics knowledge could then be incorporated into engineering design codes so that the aircraft responds appropriately.

The simulations that aircraft designers currently use capture only a portion of vortex collision events and require extensive data processing on a supercomputer. Not being able to easily simulate everything that happens when vortices collide has limited aircraft designs.

With more realistic and complete simulations, engineers could design aircraft such as fighter jets capable of more abrupt maneuvers or helicopters that can land more safely on aircraft carriers, the researchers said.

Aircraft in extreme conditions cannot rely on simple modeling, said Carlo Scalo, a Purdue associate professor of mechanical engineering with a courtesy appointment in aeronautics and astronautics.

Just to troubleshoot some of these calculations can take running them on a thousand processors for a month. You need faster computation to do aircraft design.

Engineers would still need a supercomputer to run the model that Scalos team developed, but they would be able to simulate a vortex collision in about a tenth to a hundredth of the time using far less computational resources than those typically required for large-scale calculations.

The researchers call the model a Coherent-vorticity-Preserving (CvP) Large-Eddy Simulation (LES). The four-year development of this model is summarized in a paper published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics.

The CvP-LES model is capable of capturing super complex physics without having to wait a month on a supercomputer because it already incorporates knowledge of the physics that extreme-scale computations would have to meticulously reproduce, Scalo said.

Former Purdue postdoctoral researcher Jean-Baptiste Chapelier led the two-year process of building the model. Xinran Zhao, another Purdue postdoctoral researcher on the project, conducted complex, large-scale computations to prove that the model is accurate. These computations allowed the researchers to create a more detailed representation of the problem, using more than a billion points. For comparison, a 4K ultra high definition TV uses approximately 8 million points to display an image.

Building off of this groundwork, the researchers applied the CvP-LES model to the collision events of two vortex tubes called trefoil knotted vortices that are known to trail the wings of a plane and dance when they reconnect.

This dance is extremely difficult to capture.

When vortices collide, theres a clash that creates a lot of turbulence. Its very hard computationally to simulate because you have an intense localized event that happens between two structures that look pretty innocent and uneventful until they collide, Scalo said.

Using the Brown supercomputer at Purdue for mid-size computations and Department of Defense facilities for large-scale computations, the team processed data on the thousands of events that take place when these vortices dance and built that physics knowledge into the model. They then used their turbulence model to simulate the entire collision dance.

Engineers could simply run the ready-made model to simulate vortices over any length of time to best resemble what happens around an aircraft, Scalo said. Physicists could also shrink the model down for fluid dynamics experiments.

The thing thats really clever about Dr. Scalos approach is that it uses information about the flow physics to decide the best tactic for computing the flow physics, said Matthew Munson, program manager for Fluid Dynamics at the Army Research Office, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Commands Army Research Laboratory.

Its a smart strategy because it makes the solution method applicable to a wider variety of regimes than many other approaches. There is enormous potential for this to have a real impact on the design of vehicle platforms and weapons systems that will allow our soldiers to successfully accomplish their missions.

Scalos team will use Purdues newest community cluster supercomputer, Bell, to continue its investigation of complex vortical flows. The team also is working with the Department of Defense to apply the CvP-LES model to large-scale test cases pertaining to rotorcrafts such as helicopters.

If youre able to accurately simulate the thousands of events in flow like those coming from a helicopter blade, you could engineer much more complex systems, Scalo said.

This work was supported by the Army Research Offices Young Investigator Program under award W911NF-18-1-0045. The researchers also acknowledge the support of the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing at Purdue, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Department of Defense Supercomputing Resource Center, via allocation under the subproject ARONC00723015.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Writer, Media contact: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu

Source: Carlo Scalo, cscalo@purdue.edu

Journalists visiting campus : Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.

To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.

Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.

ABSTRACT

Direct-Numerical and Large-Eddy Simulation of Trefoil Knotted Vortices

Xinran Zhao, Zongxin Yu, Jean-Baptiste Chapelier, and Carlo Scalo

DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2020.943
TUSCOLA COUNTY  During an unannounced move, Tuscola County commissioners approved a resolution to be a Constitutional Second Amendment Sanctuary County.

The Second Amendment sanctuary issue, which is also known as a gun sanctuary, is when a state or a county adopts laws or resolutions that prohibit or impede the enforcement of certain gun control measures perceived as a violation of the Second Amendment.

That issue had not been on the agenda for the committee of the whole meeting for commissioners, who met two days before the decision was made. Some commissioners had previously said issues should go to the committee of the whole before coming before the regular board.

In addition, there was little discussion by commissioners who normally analyze and debate details thoroughly.

A Constitutional Sanctuary County is defined as a place of refuge for the law abiding citizen in regards to the citizens rights under the Constitution of the United States of America and Michigan Constitution, including but not limited to the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms,'' explained the countys resolution.

This board affirms its support for the Tuscola County sheriff and the Tuscola County prosecuting attorney, in the exercise of their sound discretion, to not enforce any statute or law that is contrary to the rights established by The Constitution of the United States of America and the state of Michigan Constitution against any law abiding citizen of Tuscola County.

The resolution went on to say the commissioners would not authorize or appropriate funds, resources, employees, agencies, contractors, buildings, detention centers or offices for the purposes of enforcing any law that restricts the rights of any law abiding citizen affirmed by the Second Amendment.

However, Tuscola Sheriff Glen Skrent had a different view when commissioners asked if he supported the Second Amendment.

I believe they have forgotten what we elected officials swore to in front of Judge Gierhart on the steps of the courthouse just a couple of weeks ago," Skrent said. "The line, I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Michigan has meaning. They are not just words to get through a ceremony. I support the Second Amendment and all the parts of the constitution."

All the amendments are equally important; and also, no one is coming to take your guns, Skrent added.

Skrent said there have been several horrific and tragic events that have happened through gun violence over the last few years. And after each event, people needlessly worried the United States president would take guns, but that didnt happen, he said.

Commissioner Kim Vaughn advocated for the action, and said counties need to be an example of supporting the Constitution.

Our oath is to support the Constitution and there seems to be a widely held belief that those rights are either being abridged or will be during the next four years, and this is merely a board of commissioners statement affirming their support constitutionally, explained commission Chairman Thom Bardwell.

Skrent said he believes in responsible gun ownership, but there are other issues he personally felt commissioners could have addressed.

I would rather the board of commissioners put out a resolution condemning the assault on the Capitol and asking for Americans to work together," he said. "As elected officials, we should be doing what we can to alleviate citizens' worry about all the issues we are facing now, not firing them up. Many citizens are feeling anxiety right now, It is palpable. We are a community and need to listen to each other's concerns, not spread rumors and threats. Belittling the opinion of others on social media is not what this country needs.

Skrent said he feels it is up to each person to step up and make a difference.

Dont wait for the other side to make the first move," he said. "I really think we can find common ground, but it starts with really listening to others concerns. I think we all want this country to move forward peacefully and to prosper, otherwise there will be nothing but destruction. Our enemies across the world are watching and waiting like vultures who smell a fresh kill. Let us not give them the idea that our country has become weaker.

It is an issue of respect, he said.

There is a lack of respect for others' opinions and beliefs in this country, and until we change that, the divisiveness will continue," Skrent said. "This divisiveness makes us weaker, not stronger as a nation. There is no place in this great country for anger and violence, no matter what side you stand on."

The United States was formed on individual freedoms and rights.

You cant do that by yelling and screaming at each other," Skrent said. "It should start with our elected leaders who can make the changes necessary and avoid partisan politics. An elected official represents all the citizens in their jurisdiction, not just the ones who voted for them. A well-respected sheriff once told me, when keeping the job is more important than doing the job, the mission is lost.

The countys resolution went on to note commissioners request the Michigan Legislature, the United States Congress and other agencies of State and Federal government to vigilantly preserve and protect those rights by rejecting any provision, law or regulation that may infringe, have tendency to infringe or place any additional burdens on the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.

Commissioners unanimously passed the resolution. They plan to send it on to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, to Sen. Kevin Daley, to Rep. Phil Green, and to the other 82 counties as well as U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain and Sen. Gary Peters and Dan Kildee.
Upvalley history buffs know all about settlers like the McCormicks, Krugs and Cranes. But what about folks like John Howell and Edwin and Elvira Angwin?

The history of Howell Mountain and Angwin has often been relegated to a footnote, but its about to get its moment in the spotlight thanks to Katharine Van Arsdales upcoming book Images of America: Angwin and Howell Mountain.

I was struck by the richness of life on this mountain and just how long people have lived here, even though its not a place with a large established community, said Van Arsdale, special collections librarian at Pacific Union Colleges Nelson Memorial Library.

Her book is part of Arcadia Publishings Images of America series, comprising more than 8,000 hyperlocal books featuring period photos and detailed captions by historians from across the country. The late Weekly Calistogan editor John Waters Jr. with the Sharpsteen Museum published a Calistoga entry in 2008, and the St. Helena Historical Society with Mariam Hansen published a St. Helena volume in 2010.

At the prodding of Angwinites and with access to PUCs formidable photo archive, Van Arsdale wrote a book proposal for an Angwin/Howell Mountain volume and got the green light from Arcadia Publishing.

The book tells of the days when resorts drove tourism, and the roads coming down the mountain were so steep and treacherous that vintners couldnt transport more than two wine barrels at a time.

Rather than limit the book strictly to Angwin, Van Arsdale included images from surrounding communities like Deer Park, Elmshaven and St. Helena Hospital, as well as many of the resorts that dotted Howell Mountain. She didnt include Pope Valley, adding theres still room for a history of Pope Valley, absolutely.

In deciding which photos to include, Van Arsdale said she first looked for images that would tell a rounded story about the whole community, not just PUC.

Second, I looked for images that told the story about both the human-made places and the land itself, she said. And third  which is going to make it fun for people  I tried to prioritize images that hadnt been published anywhere else.

Readers will learn about pioneers like John Howell, who operated a blacksmith shop in St. Helena and once traveled with the Donner Party. Eccentric and talented, Howell built several cabins on the mountain that was to bear his name, including one overlooking Glass Mountain and the future site of Elmshaven.

They will also read stories of the often-neglected indigenous people who called Howell Mountain home long before European settlers arrived. Dubbed the Wappo by settlers, those original Napa Valley residents established a permanent settlement north and west of Howell Mountain called Tsemanoma, according to Van Arsdales introduction.

From valley to summit, they left footpaths, grinding stones, arrowheads, and campsites on Howell Mountain and many other places now known by other names, she wrote.

While researching the book, Van Arsdale came across the story of an indigenous man who approached Elvira Angwin, who in 1874 had purchased whats now the center of Angwin. He told her hed grown up there and wanted to see his native land one last time. She welcomed him to look around.

He looked across the valley for a second, said All right, thank you, and he left. She never saw him again, Van Arsdale said. It was so poignant to me.

Since the late 1800s theres been a rich history of people getting away to Howell Mountain, drawn by its reputation as a rustic vacation spot to relax and recover their health, Van Arsdale said. Merritt Kellogg built the Rural Health Retreat (later St. Helena Hospital) near Crystal Springs in 1878, and a few years later Edwin and Elvira Angwin opened Angwins Summer Resort.

People from urban areas in the Bay Area would travel as far as they could go into the mountains and into the wild, Van Arsdale said.

Howell Mountain resorts like Woodworths (on the Pope Valley side of Old Howell Mountain Road), Toland House (at the corner of Old Howell Mountain Road and Deer Park Road) and White Cottages (on, you guessed it, White Cottage Road) were popular destinations.

Howell Mountains resorts declined in the 1900s, first when cars changed vacation habits and then when the Great Depression changed everything. The Angwins retired in 1909 and sold their resort to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which transformed it into Pacific Union College.

One of Van Arsdales favorite photos is of a few young people vacationing at Angwins Summer Resort in the early 1900s. The clothes and hairstyles may be dated, but the youthful smiles and carefree expressions are timeless.

I like candid photos like that, especially the old ones, Van Arsdale said. Were so used to seeing people of the past standing rigidly in a formal portrait, so its fun to see people looking so comfortable and relaxed. It makes the history very immediate.

Images of America: Angwin and Howell Mountain will be published March 1 and is available for pre-order at arcadiapublishing.com. All royalties will be passed on to PUC students.

WATCH NOW: MONICA FLORES, A REGISTERED NURSE AT ADVENTIST HEALTH ST. HELENA, GETS HER COVID-19 VACCINATION

PHOTOS: THE CITY OF NAPA AS IT LOOKED 100 YEARS AGO

You can reach Jesse Duarte at 967-6803 or jduarte@sthelenastar.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Rishi Sunak has warned keeping the 20 a week boost to universal credit will cost the same as a 5p hike in fuel duty as six Tories revolt over the policy.

The Chancellor has been resisting growing pressure to extend the higher payments brought in during the pandemic, suggesting other 'drastic measures' will be needed to foot the bill.

He is said to have told restive MPs that the 6billion costs of the benefit increase - worth more than 1,000 a year to families - is equivalent to a penny on the basic rate of income tax, or a 5p rise in fuel duty.

However, Mr Sunak appears increasingly isolated with Boris Johnson hinting yesterday that he supports an extension beyond the current end date of April.

Six Tories backed a Labour motion last night calling for the higher rate of UC to stay in place, despite Mr Johnson pleading with MPs to abstain.

The Opposition Day Debate was not binding on the Government, but underlined the divisions over the policy.

Rishi Sunak (right) appears increasingly isolated on universal credit with Boris Johnson (left) hinting yesterday that he supports an extension of the 20 a week increase beyond the current end date of April

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey is rumoured to support and extension

Tory MPs who rebelled over universal credit Peter Aldous, Waveney Robert Halfon, Harlow Stephen Crabb, Preseli Pembrokeshire Anne Marie Morris, Newton Abbot Matthew Offord, Hendon Jason McCartney, Colne Valley Advertisement

The PM, Chancellor and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey held a meeting last Friday to discuss what to do about the 20 weekly rise after it is scheduled to end.

The options included extending the benefit, introducing a one-off payment of 500 to families, or tapering off the support.

Mr Sunak brought in the increase throughout the pandemic at a cost of 6billion. He said it was a time-limited measure.

But as its expiry on March 31 approaches, he and the PM are under pressure from Tory MPs, including Ms Coffey and many who won 'red wall' seats from Labour.

Moving to stem a possible rebellion yesterday, Mr Johnson refused to say what will happen to the rise.

He told reporters: 'What we have said is we will put our arms around the whole of the country throughout the pandemic.

'We have already done 280billion worth of support and we will keep all measures under constant review.' It had been thought that he was in favour of a one-off payment to replace the regular weekly increase, but he appeared to be moving towards an extension yesterday.

Government sources said a decision would have to be made before the Budget in March, but was unlikely to come this week. The final decision will rest with the Prime Minister.

Signalling Mr Sunak's resistance to the move, a senior Tory told The Sun: 'We have spent nearly 300billion so far in this pandemic to help support families through this crisis. As a former Conservative PM once said, there is no magic money tree.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer yesterday called Mr Johnson 'pathetic' for telling Tory MPs to abstain in last night's vote.

Following tonight's vote, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took a swipe at the Conservatives, saying in a Tweet: 'They didn't even show up'

The motion - to keep the extra cash given last year to help families through the coronavirus pandemic - received 278 votes in favour with no votes against. Pictured: The vote count is read out in the Commons tonight

Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds (pictured left) said it would be a 'profound mistake' to scrap the 20-a-week increase but Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince argued the Government needed to wait before making a final decision

But the Prime Minister's press secretary, Allegra Stratton, accused Labour of pulling a 'political stunt', adding: 'We haven't made a decision. We know it [the hike] runs out at the end of March, we know that households want to know what is coming next and he [Mr Sunak] is going to come forward with more information shortly.'

Mr Johnson told Conservatives in a WhatsApp message to miss the vote as he accused Labour of 'playing politics' with 'legislatively vacuous opposition debates'.

However, former work and pensions minister Stephen Crabb told MPs he would rebel to back the Opposition for the first time ever, warning that ending the increase 'will cause hardship to families'.

The Prime Minister also faced pressure from the 65 Conservative MPs in the Northern Research Group (NRG), who said ending the increase would be 'devastating'.

Simon Fell, a member of the group, said: 'I'm glad to stand with my colleagues in the Northern Research Group when we say that now is not the time to consider any reduction in the uplift in Universal Credit.'

Robert Halfon, the Tory chairman of the education committee, said Universal Credit has been 'invaluable for millions of people during the lockdown'. In the event, Mr Halfon, Mr Crabb and fellow Tory MPs Peter Aldous, Jason McCartney, Anne Marie Morris and Matthew Offord voted with Labour.

The Government temporarily increased the benefit to help families through the Covid crisis, but the uplift is due to expire at the end of March, potentially hitting the incomes of six million families.
People

Mayorkas calls for review of Einstein, CDM

Alejandro Mayorkas, the Biden administration's candidate to lead the Department of Homeland Securit, shown at an agency event in 2016. (Photo credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Lora Ratliff / U.S. Coast Guard)

Alejandro Mayorkas, at his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security, said he will review the federal government's two major cybersecurity programs in the wake of the SolarWinds breach.

Mayorkas said he would conduct "a thorough review of Einstein and Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation [programs] to understand whether Einstein and CDM  are appropriately designed and appropriately and effectively executed" to stop a threat such as SolarWinds.

"And if not, what other defenses need we develop in the federal government to best protect our very valuable equities and resources?" he added in response to a question from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) during his confirmation hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Together, CDM and Einstein account for more than $1 billion in annual spending. Einstein, officially known as the National Cybersecurity Protection System, is an integrated system designed to protect civilian federal networks from cybersecurity threats. CDM is a program to deliver required cybersecurity capabilities directly to civilian agencies.

As DHS secretary, Mayorkas would oversee the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is tasked with helping federal agencies recover from the ongoing breach by suspected Russian intelligence operatives. CISA has made clear in its advisories that the hackers behind the campaign have likely gained access to federal networks through both SolarWinds Orion and other means.

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who is now the top Republican on the committee, said what is being discovered about the hack is not surprising because "the federal government is not well prepared to deal with these kinds of breaches."

"Congress has given them [CISA] a lot of responsibility. I don't think we've given them an adequate mission that's focused enough or adequate resources to carry out that mission," Portman added, asking Mayorkas to comment on changes that should be made to CISA.

Mayorkas said CISA must "improve the cyber hygiene of the federal government[and] it must strengthen the public-private partnership." He also praised changes made to CISA through the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act such as adding a Senate-confirmed White House cybersecurity czar.

"I think it's going to require an all of government approach and there's a great amount that will rest on the shoulders of CISA," Mayorkas said.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said the country is "woefully unprepared from a cybersecurity standpoint in this nation and in our government."

Mayorkas responded that DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson prioritized a "very evolving cybersecurity threat. The threat has only evolved and only grown since then, and I can assure you that the cybersecurity of our nation will be one of my highest priorities."

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) asked Mayorkas to commit to improving cybersecurity education in response to a noticeable uptick in ransomware attacks being made against the medical sector.

While a handful of senators raised questions about cybersecurity, the majority of the hearing was focused on immigration issues and Mayorkas's history at DHS.

Portman opened the hearing by asking about a on 2015 inspector general report that asserted that Mayorkas inappropriately intervened in the EB-5 investor visa program, which offered permanent resident status to individuals who invested significantly into businesses that created U.S. jobs. He honed in on several cases that were made at the request of high-profile Democrats such as former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Mayorkas defended his actions as appropriate and part of his job, taking issue with some lawmakers' characterization that he "intervened." He said he became involved in numerous cases at USCIS at the behest of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Republicans also repeatedly questioned Mayorkas about Biden's plans for the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border as well as how he would deal with an influx of immigrants attempting to enter the country legally or illegally.

Mayorkas largely dodged answering those questions directly, only committing to follow the law and re-iterating Biden's public positions.

Mayorkas formerly worked as a United States attorney in California. In 2009, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He served as deputy DHS secretary from December 2014 through October 2016.
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.
BERNE  The Town Board is considering a law Wednesday that would remove a ban on solar facilities in the town.

The town placed a moratorium on solar developments in 2019.

The law would limit any solar facilities on agricultural land to 30 acres. All of the sites would require a 30-foot setback from adjoining parcels.

Joel Willsey, the sole Democrat on the board, said he believes the changes are substantial and require another public hearing in March to allow residents time to examine the proposal. The law was first proposed last month.

In a conversation with the Times Union earlier this month and in his email, Willsey said he believes the law is meant to benefit a specific landowner but did not know who that was and wasnt comfortable with the current proposal.

It appears to be engineered to accommodate a specific project or land-owner situation, he wrote to board members. This appears to be an attempt to circumvent the planning process and I find it disturbing.

Supervisor Sean Lyons did not return a request for comment.

Lyons and the town board were criticized earlier this month after a report said the board routinely violated the states open meetings law.
Emory scholars will work with community partners in Atlanta to assess the toll that slavery, Jim Crow and its modern iteration have taken on the Black community, then work to craft policy recommendations for reparations to address those losses.

Emory University will be part of a $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded to the University of Michigans Center for Social Solutions and multiple higher education partners as part of the Foundations Just Futures initiative.

The project, which will span three years, creates and leverages a national network of college and university-based humanities scholars working in partnerships with community-based organizations to develop research-informed reparation plans for each location.

Emory will be among the network of nine geographically dispersed and organizationally different colleges and universities that will involve community fellows as well as local organizations in a collaborative public history reckoning designed to offer tangible suggestions for community-based racial reparations solutions.

Crafting Democratic Futures: Situating Colleges and Universities in Community-based Reparations Solutions emerges from the Center for Social Solutions focus on slavery and its aftermath, and is informed by three generations of humanistic scholarship and what that scholarship suggests for all seeking just futures. The Center is led by former Emory Provost Earl Lewis.

This important grant from the Mellon Foundation supports and acknowledges Emorys Department of African American Studies dual mission of academic excellence harnessed to the needs of the community, says historian Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies (AAS) and department chair, who will help lead the project.

Our scholars will be working with community partners in Atlanta to listen and assess the toll that slavery, Jim Crow and its modern iteration have taken on the Black community. They will then work toward crafting a series of policy recommendations for reparations to address those losses, Anderson says. Healing requires accountability. The point is to thrive, not just survive.

The team of scholars will include Emory College faculty members Vanessa Siddle Walker, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of African American Studies, and AAS assistant professors Janeria Easley and Jessica Stewart, with support from Department of History doctoral students Camille Goldmon and Aleo Pugh.

Reparations refers to compensation, which may include a national apology; educational, housing and health care programs; and financial redress from the U.S. government to Native Americans for genocide and African Americans for the detrimental effects of slavery and beyond. The question of reparations for the descendants of enslaved African peoples in the Americas, and especially the United States, had  until recently  been part of a smaller effort seeking a broader audience, lingering on the other side of what is possible until the late 20th century.

The effort and activities of this project will span the eastern half of the United States, north and south, and have representation in the Midwest and Central North regions. The success of this pilot will create scalable models for university-community partnerships which focus on social justice, specifically addressing local nuanced reparations solutions.

Other partners include Spelman College; Carnegie Mellon University; Rutgers University-Newark; Concordia College in Minnesota; Connecticut College; Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia; Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina; and the Council of Independent Colleges.

For more information, contact the Center for Social Solutions at socialsolutions@umich.edu. For media requests, please contact Victoria Fisher, communications lead, at fisherv@umich.edu.
Sprightly 94-year-old Lucy Jeal was more than entitled to cut up and bin the red-bordered notice sent to her by the NHS.

For weeks, the note  ordering medics not to save her if her heart failed  had seriously upset the lively pensioner.

But after The Daily Mail highlighted her plight and revealed that Do Not Resuscitate notices are being handed to thousands without their consent, Mrs Jeal's hospital has apologised and told her to 'dispose' of it.

She received the 'community DNR' by post just 24 hours after a surprise visit to her council flat from a 'frailty nursing practitioner' who said he was there to discuss her end-of-life plans.

After The Daily Mail highlighted her plight and revealed that Do Not Resuscitate notices are being handed to thousands without their consent, Lucy Jeal's hospital has apologised and told her to 'dispose' of it. Pictured: Lucy Jeal cuts up the DNR form

The formal letter accompanying the DNR  which was meant to be put upon her wall  was signed by the same frailty nurse as well as by a geriatric consultant at her local south London hospital.

It said reviving the widow if her heart stopped would 'not be in her best interest'.

'I cried when I got the DNR in late September,' she said this week as she sliced up the document with relief. 'I have had sleepless nights for weeks,' she added.

'I even thought of throwing myself over Lambeth Bridge into the Thames. It was only my two sons, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren which stopped me.

'The NHS is deliberately writing off people like me who they are meant to care for in old age. I think they want us to die.'

Mrs Jeal let the male 'nursing practitioner', who has also since apologised, into her three-bedroom flat because she thought it was the chiropodist 'coming to do my feet'.

She insists she never agreed to the DNR notice during the nurse's one-hour visit. She is in excellent health for her age, and walks every day to the corner store with her shopping trolley or takes the bus to the supermarket half a mile away.

After we published her distressing story, we received letters and emails from people across Britain who have also been given DNRs, many without their agreement.

Mrs Jeal received the 'community DNR' by post just 24 hours after a surprise visit to her council flat from a 'frailty nursing practitioner' who said he was there to discuss her end-of-life plans

Some have found one popped secretly in their bag by nurses before they are discharged from wards. Others have even been told by hospital doctors that a DNR is being issued as they are slipping into unconsciousness before a non-life-threatening operation.

Alarmingly, we discovered that some are even in their forties, fifties and early sixties  including 45-year-old primary school assistant Sally Reynolds, of Ramsgate, Kent.

She was was rushed to hospital with life-threatening kidney problems on Christmas Eve 2019  and later spotted a DNR in her hospital medical folder last spring.

She complained to a nurse and it has now been taken out of her medical folder, although she has no idea if it remains on her NHS computerised records. Many have given the Mail permission to pass on their letters to Government-appointed health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), for scrutiny.

They appear to have been caught up in a new NHS project designed to 'help' those who are over 65 remain at home and end bed-blocking in hospitals. As part of the project, people are encouraged to make early decisions about their 'advanced care'  an NHS euphemism for end-of-life treatment.

An urgent investigation by the CQC is already under way into their 'blanket use' in care homes during the first Covid-19 wave last year.

This probe has since been extended to include their distribution by community doctors and nurses.

The worrying letters we received included one from Jenny Stubbs, aged 77. She said: 'In 2019, I went into my local hospital for a planned gall bladder operation.

'I was just being taken into theatre after having an injection, when the consultant surgeon leant over me and said: 'You know if you go into cardiac arrest, we will not resuscitate you.' He then walked off as I drifted off to sleep. I do have angina, but other than that I don't see why I could possibly be considered for a DNR.'

As for Mrs Jeal, her NHS letter of apology 'cancelling' her DNR order has put a new spring in her step.

She and her family have been invited to meet her local medical team, which signed it off, to re-assess her future care after the latest lockdown.

In the apology letter to Mrs Jeal, seen by the Mail, the frailty nurse noted that the pensioner felt the 'principles' of the DNR order had not been 'explained sufficiently' and that she did not agree with the decision to put it in place, adding: 'I apologise for the distress this caused you and your family.
The 354th Fighter Wing and the Air National Guards 168th Wing aircraft line up in formation at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 18, 2020. The elephant walk was a demonstration of the wings ability to rapidly generate combat airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keith Holcomb)

X

0 20

Help Keep Us Soaring





We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month.

Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways:
LONDON - Lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex asked a British judge on Tuesday to settle her lawsuit against a newspaper before it goes to trial by ruling that its publication of a deeply personal letter to her estranged father was a plain and a serious breach of her rights of privacy.

LONDON - Lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex asked a British judge on Tuesday to settle her lawsuit against a newspaper before it goes to trial by ruling that its publication of a deeply personal letter to her estranged father was a plain and a serious breach of her rights of privacy.

Meghan's latest attempt to protect her privacy laid bare more details of her fraught relationship with her estranged father, who claims he has been vilified as a dishonest publicity-seeker.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook, depicting Ian Mill QC, top left, Justin Rushbrooke QC, top right, and judge Mr Justice Warby, bottom, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Tuesday Jan. 19, 2021, during Meghan Duchess of Sussex's High Court privacy action against Associated Newspapers (ANL) for their publication of a handwritten letter to her estranged father. Meghan Duchess of Sussex is suing publisher of the Mail on Sunday newspaper over articles which reproduced parts of a letter sent to her father Thomas Markle in August 2018. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)

The former Meghan Markle, 39, is suing Associated Newspapers for invasion of privacy and copyright infringement over five February 2019 articles in the Mail on Sunday and on the MailOnline website that published portions of a handwritten letter to her father, Thomas Markle, after her marriage to Britains Prince Harry in 2018.

Associated Newspapers is contesting the claim, and a full trial is due to be held in the autumn at the High Court, in what would be one of London's highest-profile civil court showdowns for years.

The duchess is seeking a summary judgment that would find in her favour and dismiss the newspapers defence case. Her lawyer, Justin Rushbrooke, argued that the publisher had no real prospect of winning the case.

At its heart, its a very straightforward case about the unlawful publication of a private letter, he said at the start of a two-day hearing, held remotely because of coronavirus restrictions.

Lawyers for the duchess say Thomas Markle, a retired television cinematographer, caused anguish for Meghan and Harry before their May 2018 wedding by giving media interviews and posing for wedding-preparation shots taken by a paparazzi agency. In the end, he didn't attend the wedding ceremony after suffering a heart attack.

Rushbrooke said Meghan's letter, sent in August 2018, was a message of peace whose aim was to stop him talking to the press."

He said the duchess took steps to ensure the five-page, 1,250-word letter wouldn't be intercepted, sending it by FedEx through her accountant to her fathers home in Mexico. The letter implored Thomas Markle to stop speaking to the media, saying: Your actions have broken my heart into a million pieces.

The last sentences, read out in court, were: I ask for nothing other than peace. And I wish the same for you.

Rushbrooke said the fact that the duchess is a public figure does not reduce her expectation of privacy in relation to information of this kind.

He said the sad intricacies of a family relationship  is not a matter of public interest.

Lawyers for Associated Newspapers argue that Meghan wrote the letter knowing it would eventually be published. They say it came into the public domain when friends of the duchess described it in anonymous interviews with People magazine.

Thomas Markle says he allowed the Mail to publish portions of the letter to set the record straight after reading the People article.

In a written witness statement submitted by the defence, he said the article had given an inaccurate picture of the contents of the letter and my reply and had vilified me by making out that I was dishonest, exploitative, publicity-seeking, uncaring and cold-hearted, leaving a loyal and dutiful daughter devastated.

I had to defend myself against that attack," he said.

The letter was not an attempt at a reconciliation. It was a criticism of me," Markle added. "The letter didnt say she loved me. It did not even ask how I was. It showed no concern about the fact I had suffered a heart attack and asked no questions about my health. It actually signalled the end of our relationship, not a reconciliation."

In October, judge Mark Warby agreed to Meghans request to postpone the trial, scheduled to begin this month, until October or November 2021. He said the reason for the delay should remain secret.

Meghan, an American actress and star of TV legal drama Suits, married Harry, one of the grandsons of Queen Elizabeth II, in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Their son, Archie, was born the following year.

A year ago, Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America, citing what they said was the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. They recently bought a house in Santa Barbara, California.

Follow all AP developments on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at https://apnews.com/hub/prince-harry and https://apnews.com/hub/meghan-markle
Amazing career of Southern Maintenance Solutions boss

One of the first things Kevin Tarbox said to me when we caught up over a Zoom call late last year was that he didnt think his life was interesting enough to do an article on.

By the end of our call, I begged to differ. Trying to condense the experiences Kevin shared with me  from partying on the James Bond Octopussy yacht, to sitting on the thrones of 17th-century French kings  has made this one of the most interesting, but most difficult, business interviews Ive had to write up.

The 64-year-old father-of-two now runs successful commercial heating and air-conditioning firm Southern Maintenance Solutions UK Ltd (SMS), with friend and business partner Dave Brown, and lives in Upper Bucklebury with his wife Marie and three dogs, but says it has been a lot of chance encounters  and not being scared to take a risk  that has got him there.

There have been a lot of risks that havent paid off for me too, he adds, but I didnt let it put me off and I would throw caution to the wind, particularly in my younger days.

And without my friends and family, half the things I have done would never have happened.

Kevin grew up in Lambourn, Winterbourne, Boxford and Thatcham and left school at 15, taking on a few different jobs, before his father became concerned he was becoming a job-hopper and persuaded him to work for him at his transport company.

In 1974 the company secured a contract to deliver goods, by road, from the UK to Iran.

Although describing it as a very exciting part of my life, Kevin was robbed at knifepoint and caught up in the troubles that erupted in Iran, which led to him spending a freezing night on a mountain in Eastern Turkey with a group of local monks.

By now the UK recession was biting and Kevin briefly set out on his own transport business adventure, delivering tractors to Dagenham, before setting up Redline Parcels with friends in the early 1980s.

Outside of work, at that same time, Kevin was volunteering at The Gateway Club, working with adults with learning difficulties, after his friend, Ray Childs, introduced him to the project.

It was a bit of an eye-opener, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, Kevin says. We developed the club profile to make it more interesting and exciting, even taking some of the young adults to Spain on holidays.

Ray, who worked in council-run residential care services, and Kevin decided to open a small private home for young adults on Stroud Green in Newbury; the first of its kind in the area. Soon they had several small care homes for two to three people around Newbury.

In 1986, Kevin headed back into education and completed a two-year full-time Education and Training diploma at King Alfred College, Winchester.

After finishing his diploma, Ray and Kevin decided to go their separate ways and Kevin bought a nine-bedroom country house in a tiny Welsh village and developed it into a care home.

He came up against a host of obstacles, but persevered and the care home became an integral part of the local community, as it still is today.

While living in Wales however Kevins then wife, who was German, became homesick and eventually they moved back to be near her family.

A chance conversation there saw him buy into a small holiday home business in the South of France, where he began living throughout the summer, with winters back in Germany.

Another lucky break came when he was delivering bread for his wifes family bakery to an American service base and stumbled on the idea of hiring out the summer lets to service families.

Life in France was crazy, and he found himself partying aboard the famous Octopussy yacht in San Tropez and

arriving home with 70 bottles of Cristal Champagne three days later.

I ended up with 22 mobile homes of my own, but that came to an abrupt end when, among other things, the US significantly reduced their presence Europe, Kevin adds.

In my infinite wisdom I then rented a bar on a campsite just outside San Tropez.

Then the campsite closed for a year for refurbishment and Kevin was now without an income and his marriage had ended. He returned to the UK, moving in with his sister in Enborne.

Fate intervened again through another friend and Kevin found himself working back in care for Ray Childs. Kevin eventually went into business with Ray again  buying the three-bedroom Hillview Farm, in Ashmore Green, in 1997, which sat on five acres of land.

When Ray had to pull out a few months later, for personal reasons, Kevin managed to find the money to buy him out. Once again he owned his own business.

I extended the property into an eight-bedroom care home, then went on to build another eight-bedroom residential care home on the site, he says. We were asked to develop another six-bedroom specialist residential care home there.

We ended up with three, first class care homes at Hillview Farm and eventually I retired from care service after 30 years of supporting adults with learning difficulties.

A further chance chat with his bookkeeper saw his involvement with SMS begin to evolve in 2007.

Her father owned the struggling business and, when curiosity got the better of me and ignoring a friends advice, he bought into the business.

Now, nearly 15 years later, he has turned the companys fortunes around.

My first job when I started was to move SMS from a large maintenance contract and it turned out to the best thing we ever did, he explains.

In the first five years we went through a lot of turmoil. It was challenging, but we have a great positive team and between us we made some very quick and very positive moves.

He moved the company away from general domestic work and into the commercial sector, securing contracts with a large number of schools, government buildings and public buildings, as well as a growing number of local blue-chip businesses and

employing 28 people locally.

Last year they increased turnover by 1m YOY and were ranked 17th on the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Top 100 SMEs as well as being finalists in the Tomorrows Facilities Management awards 2021.

We have just had our highest turnover in one month, he says, which bodes well for where we are as a business.

We have also just received our MSC certification too, which means we can now work on green energy applications like air source heat pump solutions.

I dont feel I really had a personal strategy for a working life apart from perhaps taking a calculated risk. However seeing

something that others perhaps dont, is sometimes luck so Im just lucky, I guess.
All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover

West Bengal govt makes key poll appointments ahead of EC visit

India

pti-Deepika S

Kolkata, Jan 19: IAS officers Smaraki Mahapatra and Sanghamitra Ghosh were appointed as the joint chief electoral officer and additional chief electoral officer, respectively, by the West Bengal government on Tuesday, a day before the full bench of the Election Commission visits the state to review the poll preparedness, an official said.

The two officials were directed to take over the responsibilities immediately, he said.

'Both the officials have been asked to be present during the visit of the full bench of the EC,' the official said.

Ghosh is presently posted as the secretary of state Women and Child Welfare Department, while Mahapatra is the secretary in the state Finance Department with the additional responsibility of the director of West Bengal Highway Development Corporation.

The full bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, will arrive in the state on Wednesday night on a two-day visit.

On Thursday, they will be holding meetings with Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab and Additional Director-General (Law and Order) Gyanwant Singh, who is also the nodal officer of the state police.

The EC officials are also scheduled to meet representatives of political parties before meeting officials of the central and state regulatory agencies.

There will also be a review meeting with divisional commissioners, district election officers and senior police officers over the assembly elections in the state, sources in the state poll panel said.

The EC will also be meeting Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Home Secretary HK Dwivedi, DGP Virendra and other senior officials, they said.

Meanwhile, the CEO on Tuesday held a meeting with Inspector-General of CRPF PK Singh and Inspector-General of BSF AK Singh over the availability of security forces during the assembly elections in the state, likely in April-May.
Mumbai: Salman Khan on Monday confirmed that his much-awaited film Radhe  Your Most Wanted Bhai will debut in theatres on Eid this year. Directed by Prabhudheva, the action drama was scheduled to hit screens during Eid on May 22 last year but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On his birthday last month, Khan had said Radhe will most likely have Eid release, provided the situation is safe for audience to view films in cinema halls. Taking to Twitter, the 55-year-old actor apologised for reverting late to the theatre owners who had written a letter, urging him to release the film in cinema halls.

Its a big decision to make during these times. I understand the financial problems that the theatre owners/exhibitors are going through and I would like to help them by releasing Radhe in theatres, Khan said in a statement. The actor said he want theatre owners to follow all the necessary COVID-19 safety precautions.

In return I would expect them to take utmost amount of care and precautions for the audience who would come to the theatre to watch Radhe. The commitment was of EID and it will be Eid 2021 inshallah.Enjoy Radhe this year in theatres on Eid.. God willing, he added.

Most of Khans films release on Eid including Wanted, Dabangg, Ek Tha Tiger, Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan among others, as the festival proves lucky for him. Radhe also stars Disha Patani, Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff. It is co-produced by Khan, his brother Sohail Khan and brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Patna, Jan 19 : After the recent Bihar Assembly election, the BJP - a major constituent of the ruling NDA in the state - has been constantly rebooting its political strategy in the state.

Now the latest move by the saffron party has sprung a surprise as it declared Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain as its candidate for the Bihar Legislative Council. There are now indications of far-reaching preparations over this move by the BJP.

Earlier, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi had been nominated to Rajya Sabha by the BJP while Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi were appointed Deputy Chief Ministers. In the BJP, Sushil Modi is seen as a supporter of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

BJP sources also believe that after the emergence of the NDA as the largest block in Bihar, the party is trying to come out of the shadow of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. On one hand, Sushil Modi has been sent to the Rajya Sabha and the BJP's Muslim face Shahnawaz Hussain is to be sent to Bihar.

Political experts believe the BJP has made a far-reaching political move by sending Hussain to Bihar. This move by the BJP is also being seen as a pressure tactic against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Analyst Manikant Thakur says the BJP has sent a clear message to Nitish Kumar to either toe its line in Bihar or accept a major post at the Centre.

But BJP leaders are not saying anything openly on the changes in the party's political strategy. A BJP leader said that the party has now made up its mind to do politics in Bihar on the 'front foot'.

Some people also believe that the BJP is working on a plan to strengthen its hold in the Seemanchal region by projecting Shahnawaz Hussain as the party's Muslim face while the opposition RJD is also trying to create a dent in the BJP by eyeing the Muslim votebank.

With the arrival of Shahnawaz Hussain, the BJP will get a boost in Bihar and send a positive message among the Muslim community as his political image is of a young, fiery and trustworthy leader.

BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said that whatever decision is taken by the party's top leadership, all the party leaders and grassroot workers accept it readily.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The Covid-19 death toll now stands at 440, with the deaths of 15 more people yesterday.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.

One of the new deaths occurred in Tobago. The Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development disclosed that the patient was a 38-year-old male with co-morbidities.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. / Joint press corps



By Kang Seung-woo



President Moon Jae-in's apparent shift in tone on Japan over the two countries' multiple disputes on historical issues is seen as part of his peace initiative of engaging North Korea, diplomatic experts said Tuesday.



However, his abrupt yet drastic about-face is still drawing skeptical responses from Tokyo, which suspects his sincerity, leaving a question mark over if his "politically-calculated" olive branch will pay off.



Relations between the neighboring countries have slumped to their worst level in years, sparked by Japan's imposition of export controls on three key materials critical for Korea's semiconductor and display industries in apparent retaliation for a ruling by the 2018 Korean Supreme Court ordering Japanese companies to compensate surviving Korean victims of forced wartime labor.



In addition, the Seoul Central District Court ordered Japan to make reparations of 100 million won ($90,000) each to 12 sexual slavery victims, further turning the fractious relations into hostile ones.






Convicted ex-police colonel Zakharchenko faces $19 mln bribery trial

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

14:17 19/01/2021

MOSCOW, January 19 (RAPSI)  A 1.4 billion-ruble ($19 million) bribery case against convicted ex-police colonel Dmitry Zakharchenko and his alleged accomplices with an approved indictment has been forwarded to court for consideration, the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office reports.

Investigation into the case was completed earlier this month.

Other defendants in the case are Valery Markelov, Vasily Kritinin and Victor Belevtsov. Depending on their alleged role in the crime they are charged with receiving a bribe, mediation in bribery and bribegiving.

Three other personal allegedly involved are on the international wanted list.

According to the investigation, between 2007 and 2016, Zakharchenko systematically received bribes from an organized group controlling several companies not involved in real business activities but managed funds deposited on their bank accounts by conducting illegal bank transactions for their purpose.

In total, Zakharchenko received over 1.4 billion rubles in bribes, investigators claim.

In June 2019, Zakharchenko was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison and a 117 million-ruble (about $1.7 million) fine after he had been found guilty of corruption charges and obstruction of justice. The former policeman still does not admit guilt.

However, the court acquitted him of an $800,000 bribery count. The court held that these charges against the defendant were not proven. Investigators claimed that in 2014 Zakharchenko and his accomplice initiated audit of restaurant business. The check was completed when Zakharchenko received $800,000 from a businessman, they insisted.

Ex-Russian anti-corruption official was arrested on September 8, 2016. During searches at his sisters apartment law enforcement officers found around 9 billion rubles ($123 million at the current exchange rate). He denied any relation to the seized funds.




Moreover, after four years of President Trumps antagonism toward Europe, Europeans are more convinced than before that alliance cannot mean subordination to Washington and that it requires more European capacity to act alone.

Analysis: This European concern about a more inward-looking United States is legitimate, said Charles Kupchan of the Council on Foreign Relations. You have in Biden someone who understands that the major national-security threat to the United States right now is us, meaning Americans themselves, Mr. Kupchan said.

President Trump: The chaos that reached a fever pitch in the final weeks of Mr. Trumps presidency will outlast his tenure as Washington braces for potential violence during inauguration week. It is unclear when Speaker Nancy Pelosi will formally send to the Senate the article of impeachment charging Mr. Trump with incitement of insurrection.

Mike Pompeo: As the secretary of state looks to his political future, his turbulent tenure is characterized by investigations into his leadership and ethics.
Nacional

Ivan Redondo asegura que se tiraria "por un barranco" por Sanchez y declara que seguira con el "hasta el final"
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the farmers' agitation, saying that the "image" of India built by the Congress is being "destroyed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Commenting on the farmers' protests at several borders of the national capital for the last 54 days over the three farm laws, he said that "a tragedy is unfolding" and the only solution to end the deadlock is to repeal the three farm laws.

Addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, Rahul Gandhi said, "India used to be a pre-eminent economy in the world. Now we are a laughing stock. We are unable to provide jobs to the youth. Farmers are protesting outside in the cold. I don't know why Modiji thinks that it is something to be proud of." "This is something to be ashamed of. The whole world is looking and asking why lakhs of farmers are sitting outside Delhi. So, Modi is destroying the image of India that Congress and Mahatma Gandhi built slowly and steadily," he said.

"That is the reality," he said, adding that the only solution to this is to repeal the three farm laws.

Slamming the government, the Congress leader said that the government believes it can tire out the farmers.

"But farmers cannot be tired or fooled. They are much smarter than the Prime Minister. Only solution to end the protests is to repeal the three farm laws," he said.

He also accused the government of "destroying" Indian agriculture by enacting the three farm laws.

Rahul Gandhi also launched a booklet on the three farm laws titled 'Kheti ka Khoon'.

He further said that there is a tragedy unfolding today in the country, and the government wants to ignore the issue and mislead the country. "I am not going to speak about farmers alone as it is only part of the tragedy. It's also important for youngsters. This is not about the present but about your future," he said.

"The rice and wheat that you (middle class) buy comes at the rate you purchase because of APMC and the agricultural system. This is not just an assault on farmers but on the middle class and on every single youngster in the country, who is not able to get a job," he said.

He said, "What we have seen in industry after industry, when it comes to the airports, telecom, power, retail, across the board, what we are watching is the development of massive monopolies." He alleged that "three-four-five people are owning this country, and they are owning it as a small group of people who are close to the Prime Minister and have media support." "And now we have seen that the last bastion of agriculture that was not touched by industries is also going away," he said.

He said that now three or four people will own the whole system and the farmers will not get their prices and the middle class will be hurt by the prices.

The Congress leader said that the farmers of Punjab and Haryana are fighting on behalf of 65 crore farmers of the country.

"They are the patriots of the country, who are protecting livelihood of 65 crore people. I support them, they are fighting for us," Rahul Gandhi said.

To a question about China's intrusion, Rahul Gandhi said, "China is noticing the weakness of India. China has a strategic vision as it wants to shape the entire world. China has tested India twice. If India won't create a strategy against China, it will take benefit of that and then no one would be able to stop the damage." He said that the job of safeguarding the country is not being done properly.

"China is testing India and it wants to dominate. I am raising red flags, you can't manage China with event management," he said.

He added that whoever speaks against the government is described as an anti-national or criminal.

"We are saying this because we are seeing the problems. If we speak about China we are enemies. When we are giving warning signals, we are enemies. Even if the farmers' protest is sorted out, then its result will come from somewhere else like from youth or someone else.

"Their approach is wrong, they don't want to learn and accept. They only want to speak, it is the training by the RSS, they are top grade in this," he added.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of (DRAP) has approved a Covid-19 vaccine by China's Sinopharm for emergency use amid an unabated resurgence in the country.

A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday said that Sinopharm, one of the two vaccines approved by the authority, has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality, Xinhua news agency reported.

The handout added that the authorization will be reviewed every quarter keeping in view further data regarding safety, efficacy and quality.

Meanwhile, another vaccine manufactured by British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca was been given the authorization earlier, the handout said.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, the country's Minister for Science and Technology, told Xinhua earlier that the Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for procurement by a cabinet committee for its safety and affordability.

reported 1,920 new infections and 46 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 521,211 with 10,997 fatalities.

--IANS

ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nirsevimab is an innovative monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in healthy late preterm, term and high-risk infants 1,2

RSV is a contagious virus, and the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants and young children, resulting in over 30,000 hospitalisations per year in the UK due to RSV-associated LRTIs for children under five years 3

Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM) Designation was granted based on non-clinical and clinical data of nirsevimab in healthy preterm infants

Nirsevimab does not have a Marketing Authorisation (MA) in the UK for any indication

FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL TRADE MEDIA ONLY

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted a Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM) Designation to nirsevimab, an extended half-life monoclonal antibody (mAb) being investigated as a passive immunisation for the prevention of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in all infants in their first RSV season, from birth and up to 12 months of age; and children with chronic lung disease or with haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease in their second RSV season, up to 24 months of age.

PIM Designations are given to medicinal products that are likely to offer a major advantage for patients. For the MHRA to grant a PIM Designation, the product must meet each of the following three criteria:4

Criterion 1 : The conditions should be life-threatening or seriously debilitating with high unmet need, meaning there is no method of treatment, diagnosis or prevention available, or existing methods have serious limitations

: The conditions should be life-threatening or seriously debilitating with high unmet need, meaning there is no method of treatment, diagnosis or prevention available, or existing methods have serious limitations Criterion 2 : The medicinal product is likely to offer major advantage over methods currently used in the UK. Preliminary evidence should be submitted based on both non-clinical and clinical data

: The medicinal product is likely to offer major advantage over methods currently used in the UK. Preliminary evidence should be submitted based on both non-clinical and clinical data Criterion 3: The potential adverse effects of the medicinal product are likely to be outweighed by the benefits, allowing for the reasonable expectation of a positive benefit risk balance

"RSV is a pervasive respiratory disease, yet no approved treatments or preventative options available to all infants currently exist. The MHRA's PIM Designation indicates nirsevimab is a promising option to help combat this still unmet need," said Ian Gray, Sanofi UK Medical Director. "This exciting milestone reflects our deep commitment to bringing a preventative option to all babies against this common and potentially severe respiratory virus."

The PIM Designation was based on Phase 2b results of nirsevimab, which found a significant (70.1%; [95% CI: 52.3%-81.2%]) reduction in medically attended LRTI due to RSV in healthy preterm infants, compared to placebo. The results also showed nirsevimab achieved a 78.4% (95% CI: 51.9%-90.3%) relative reduction in the incidence of hospitalisations due to RSV LRTI in healthy preterm infants, compared to placebo.5 Nirsevimab had a tolerable safety profile, with no significant hypersensitivity reactions observed.5

About RSV

RSV, a common, contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract, is the leading cause of LRTI (such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia) in infants and young children. By two years of age, nearly all children have been infected by RSV at least once.6 RSV results in millions of hospitalisations globally and nearly 60,000 deaths in children under five years of age every year.7,8,9 Globally, in 2015, there were approximately 33 million cases of acute lower respiratory infections, causing more than three million hospitalisations in children under five years of age.7

In the UK, from 2007 to 2012, there were an estimated 33,000 hospitalisations a year on average due to RSV-associated LRTI for children under five years of age.3 In the UK, annual healthcare costs associated with RSV infection in children under five years of age are estimated at 50-57 million, with hospitalisation costs accounting for 37 million and GP consultation costs accounting for 16-19 million.10 Globally, in 2017, RSV-related direct medical costs including hospital, outpatient and follow-up care were estimated at 4.82 billion.11

About Nirsevimab

Nirsevimab is an extended half-life RSV mAb being developed for the prevention of LRTI caused by RSV currently being investigated for use in all infants in their first RSV season, from birth to up to 12 months of age; and children with chronic lung disease or with haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease in their second RSV season, up to 24 months of age.

Nirsevimab is a passive immunisation, whereby an antibody is given intramuscularly (IM) to an infant to help prevent RSV, unlike active immunisation, in which a person's immune system is activated to produce antibodies to a pathogen to prevent or fight infection.12 Passive immunisation has the potential to offer immediate protection.

In March 2017, AstraZeneca and Sanofi Pasteur announced an agreement to develop and commercialise nirsevimab jointly. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca leads all development activity through initial approvals and retains manufacturing activities and Sanofi Pasteur will lead commercialisation activities. In February 2019, AstraZeneca and Sanofi Pasteur's nirsevimab received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration and was granted access to the PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) scheme by the European Medicines Agency.

Nirsevimab Clinical Trials

The Phase 2b study was conducted at 164 sites in 23 countries. Healthy preterm infants of 29-35 weeks' gestation were randomised (2:1) to receive a single intramuscular injection of nirsevimab or placebo. Between November 2016 and December 2017, 1,453 infants were randomised 2:1 to receive either nirsevimab or placebo at the RSV season start.5

In July 2019, Sanofi and AstraZeneca initiated pivotal Phase 3 and Phase 2/3 trials to measure the safety and efficacy of nirsevimab to prevent LRTI caused by RSV in full-term, healthy late preterm and high-risk babies.1,2 The trials are being conducted in more than 350 sites across Northern and Southern Hemispheres.2

About Sanofi

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.

With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

Sanofi, Empowering Life

Sanofi Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates regarding the marketing and other potential of the product, or regarding potential future revenues from the product. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans" and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, or government regulation generally, that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the product, the fact that product may not be commercially successful, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis of existing clinical data relating to the product, including post marketing, unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, competition in general, risks associated with intellectual property and any related future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such litigation, and volatile economic and market conditions, and the impact that COVID-19 will have on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and the financial condition of any one of them, as well as on our employees and on the global economy as a whole. Any material effect of COVID-19 on any of the foregoing could also adversely impact us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise of which we are not currently aware and may exacerbate other previously identified risks. The risks and uncertainties also include the uncertainties discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

1 Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of MEDI8897 for the Prevention of Medically Attended RSV LRTI in Healthy Late Preterm and Term Infants (MELODY). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03979313. Accessed January 2021.

2 Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate the Safety of MEDI8897 for the Prevention of Medically Attended Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Lower Respiratory Track Infection (LRTI) in High-risk Children. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03959488. Accessed January 2021.

3 Reeves, R, et al. Estimating the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on respiratory hospital admissions in children less than five years of age in England, 2007-2012. Influenza Other Respi Viruses (2017);11:122-129. DOI: 10.1111/irv.12443

4 MHRA. PIM Designation Guidance. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/375327/PIM_designation_guidance.pdf. Accessed January 2021.

5 Griffin MP, MD et al. Single Dose Nirsevimab for Prevention of RSV Disease in Preterm Infants. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:415-425. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1913556

6 Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Green Book Chapter 27A Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/458469/Green_Book_Chapter_27a_v2_0W.PDF Accessed January 2021

7 Glezen WP et al. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140(6):543-546

8 Shi T et al. Lancet. 2017;390(10098):946-958

9 Oxford Vaccines Group. What is RSV? Available at: https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/rsv. Accessed January 2021

10 Cromer D, van Hoek AJ, Newall AT, Pollard AJ, Jit M. Burden of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus disease and potential effect of different immunisation strategies: a modelling and cost-effectiveness analysis for England. Lancet Public Health. 2017;2:e367-e74

11 Zhang S et al. J Infect Dis. 2020. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiz683

12 Vaccines Immunizations." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 18, 2017. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm. Accessed January 2021

Date of preparation: January 2021

Document number: MAT-GB-2100200 (v1.0)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005460/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations Contact

Andrea Welch

Vaccines Communications Lead

+44 (0) 7725 765377

Andrea.welch@sanofi.com
A MAN has been jailed for two years for an assault which left the victim so traumatised that he dropped out of his college course and didn't get his degree.

Dean Fitzpatrick (28) punched David Curran as he was leaving a fast food restaurant at the end of a night out in Dublin city. The victim said that the last thing he remembered before waking up in hospital was walking out on to Grafton Street.

Fitzpatrick, of Pearse Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Grafton Street on February 15, 2017.

Mr Curran was treated for a broken nose, three fractures in his jaw and a fracture above his eye. He needed surgery to insert plates into his jaw and received many stitches to his face.

In a victim impact statement he stated that he had attended for counselling after the assault. He said he had previous mental health problems but his anxiety and depression significantly increased because of the attack.

Mr Curran said his social life has been hit hard and he had dropped out of college. I lost out on my degree, the statement continued.

He said he had a number of teeth removed and spent seven months recovering. He still has nerve damage at the back of his head which he hit when he fell after being punched by Fitzpatrick, he said.

Judge Melanie Greally suspended the final 12 months of a sentence of a three-and-a-half years imprisonment on condition that Fitzpatrick engage with the Probation Services for 12 months and particularly with addiction treatment.

Garda Paul Jordan told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that when he arrived on the scene Mr Curran had blood coming from his nose and mouth and found it difficult to speak.

Mr Curran's friend later told gardai that he was outside McDonalds on Grafton Street when he heard roaring and shouting before he saw someone hitting the victim. He said Mr Curran fell like a sack of potatoes and he called an ambulance.

Gda Jordan said Mr Curran had been on a college night out during which they went to a nightclub. He and some friends headed to McDonalds afterwards for food and he was chatting to a group of girls he had been speaking to earlier in the night.

Mr Curran decided to head home and left McDonalds. He said the last thing I remembered is walking out the door before waking up in James Street hospital.

Gda Jordan said Fitzpatrick's 70 previous convictions include assault, theft, public order and road traffic offences.
COVID-19 has brought many changes to working life. But as far as one of the two biggest changes is concerned, PwC's Kevin MacAllister says a return to office life is coming.

The firm has staked a lot on that as it prepares to move into new 70m 200,000 sq ft offices at the new-build Merchant Square in Belfast.

With space for 3,000 people, the building at Wellington Square is the biggest ever office letting here.

He's been Northern Ireland regional market lead for the accountancy and consulting practice since June, following the departure of former chairman, Paul Terrington.

As for the other big change we've seen since March, Kevin thinks business travel will never return to the same degree.

"I was in a virtual meeting with other partners in the first week of the first lockdown, and I said: 'We're running at full capacity across the UK today and not one of us was in a Hilton Hotel last night and not one of us has been on an aircraft today'.

"We would have had a significant number of our partners and staff travelling throughout the UK, primarily London, on a regular/weekly basis pre-pandemic. That's all stopped. These guys are working on many of the same projects - remotely."

He adds: "Business travel is one thing that will change for good. There won't be the same level of business travel in any circumstances."

And that will be a good thing, both for firms and their employees, he says. "There is a lot of down time and cost associated with business travel."

The firm plans to move at least some staff into Merchant Square in the summer, leaving its old Waterfront Plaza stomping ground. He says he's a natural optimist and that things are looking up. "There is a way out this time, and it's vaccines, and we just need to get on with it."

PwC has kept its offices open as a "sanctuary" for those with a critical need to be in. It has around 2,300 staff in NI.

In December, the firm reported "resilient" revenues UK-wide with a 3% increase to 4.380bn but with profits down 8% to 938m.

In the last financial year, it's taken on about 100 graduates in school leavers in NI. "There are quite a number of staff who've joined but have never been in the office. That's the thing I do worry about. How do those people develop, learn, train? With the best will in the world a Teams call is no substitute - you learn by working closely with others.

"The nuances and the subtleties, you don't pick up from Skype or Teams call."

He says there had been no danger of PwC reneging on its office move, first announced two years ago.

"It's a much longer-term play. Obviously the timing is not great, we've had to slow the project because of the physical ability to get it fitted out."

The nine-storey building has been developed by Oakland Holdings, a firm led by Gareth Graham, and is being fitted out by Gilbert-Ash.

The building has now won 'excellent' status from BREEAM UK, which assesses new and refurbished buildings according to environmental sustainability standards applied during planning and construction.

If Covid restrictions enable staff to take up residence in the summer, it will mark a new era. "Undoubtedly the world of working and how we deliver professional services will change, but it's not either/or, office or homeworking. We'll be into a much more blended, flexible working regime."

He's adamant an office is needed for an organisation of its kind though he stops short at saying attendance for at least part of the week will be obligatory for all.

"What we do is collaborative, you need an office, a facility and a focal point to come together."

However, he says the practice has consulted with staff on what they'd like in the office. "We've been developing it quite closely with our people, and quite a significant part of the floor space will be a wellbeing area. We'll be providing things like onsite healthcare with GP services, yoga classes - anything that has a wellbeing angle to it."

He explains: "We're trying to bridge the gap between home and office and sort of blur the lines a little bit, so you make an office an extension of home.

"It's about creating an environment that people want to come to as opposed to an office people have to show up to. It's an end to this idea of presenteeism and instead have a very flexible environment for people to move in and out of.

"In the 200,000 sq ft, there will be no dedicated partner or senior staff offices. It's envisaged everybody will be working fluidly throughout the building, including me, though there will be private rooms for meetings and dedicated work."

Workers won't have dedicated desks or cupboards and drawers, which he says is a move away from enabling people to hoard documents they don't need. Staff will have lockers, though.

"I think we're trying to let people work whatever way they want to, How do you get people to interact and socialise personally and professionally? Part of the thinking is you'll be meeting and spending time with different colleagues on an ongoing basis. Our people don't want to sit in same team and same silo all the time. Instead, you'll be occupying different parts of the facility at different times.

"It's a bit like working from home - sometimes the dining room table is the best place, or some times you might need a bit of private space."

He doesn't expect the building to be 100% full when it is launched as people will continue to work flexibly. Staff already use a remote 'bot' system which allows them to check in to the existing office building.

"Different people will adopt different working habits whenever we get back to whatever normality looks like. I don't think anybody has yet to define what this world of office/home is going to look like."

While software like Teams, Skype and Zoom has enabled the firm to conduct its normal business, "it's not ultimately a substitute for getting together". "It's working because we've having to do it."

In future, "more traditional people, like myself, will default to the office as they like a social element and to mix with people".

He adds: "There will be greater flexibility throughout the day. The ritual of going to work, after you get up, put on a certain work outfit, get a certain bus, into the office at a certain time - that's gone."

For example, someone might spend the first few hours and the last few hours of the working day at home - only coming into the office for a few hours in between.

"There is an element of trust and trusting people measuring on their outputs rather than inputs and behaviour.

"The person who's there from 7.30am to 7.30pm is not always the person who's delivering the best work and providing the best outputs."

He's also keen to accentuate any positives from Brexit and the NI Protocol.

"I think there's a lot of noise in the system at the minute. This is one of the bigest changes in the economic environment we'll have seen in our lifetime.

"There is a little bit of disruption around the flows of goods. "There's almost an inevitability that as you implement it, there will be some problems, but none insurmountable. I'm in the optimistic space

"I do think with the passage of time as people start to think a little bit more, that there's a Brexit dividend. There is value in NI having a little bit the best of both worlds - having a foot in the EU single market for goods and at same time unfettered access to the rest of the UK for goods and services."
Defund WPD, a group advocating for police reform in Worcester, is urging the City Council to exercise extreme caution when voting on an item Tuesday night that would implement artificial intelligence within the Worcester Police Department to create crime forecasts.

The item involves the city renewing its ShotSpotter gunfire detection system. The system uses acoustic sensors to alert officers of gunfire in the city. Currently, sensors in the city cover six square miles. On Tuesday, an item requesting $148,550 would increase the programs footprint by 2.6 square miles in the city but also expand its services to offer predictive policing through AI data in a program called ShotSpotter Connect.

The predictions of any machine learning system are only as good as the data, Defund WPD said in a statement. Essentially, if a neighborhood is overrepresented in crime data, officers will spend extra time in that neighborhood at the systems recommendation. While in that neighborhood, officers are more likely to observe crime occurring there as opposed to crime occurring elsewhere. The observed crimes are then fed back into the predictive system, further increasing the overrepresentation of police in that neighborhood.

The exact coverage of the technology wasnt provided, but city documents said the boundaries include eastern and central parts of the city as well as the Main South neighborhood.

By enrolling into the ShotSpotter Connect program, Worcester will receive 1 free square mile of coverage, which is part of the citys proposed 2.6 miles expansion.

ShotSpotter Connect uses computer-aided dispatch and artificial intelligence analysis to produce crime forecasts allowing police departments to better plan patrols.

The program uses crime events, temporal cycles and geographic variables to produce high probability crime forecasts.

Unfortunately, dirty data - data that is inaccurate, skewed, or systemically biased - leads to biased policing that targets already over-policed neighborhoods and studies from Chicago, New Orleans, Maricopa County, Arizona, and even Cambridge and Fall River demonstrate that dirty data is a problem for police departments everywhere, Defund WPD said. The Justice Department has found these programs to be racially biased and questioned whether they are an effective use of public safety resources.

In a letter to the City Council, Police Chief Steve Sargent recommended the new program and hoped to implement it within the next 60 to 90 days.

Related Content:
A day after celebrating her 50th birthday with friends and family, Leonie Jackson died saving her son from a rip while swimming at the beach on the NSW Far South Coast.

Ms Jackson had taken her two children for a walk along Congo Beach, south of Moruya, on Sunday when the boys decided to go for a swim.

Leonie Jackson had just celebrated her 50th birthday, with her children and co-parents Alex Jones and Paul Harrison, before she drowned on the Far South Coast on Sunday. Credit:Facebook

By the time the boys got into the water, the wind and swell had changed direction and was pulling them further out. Ms Jackson urged them to come back to shore but her youngest began to struggle and she swam out to him.

Both mother and son were caught in a dangerous rip and despite help from a surfer and other beachgoers, it was too late for Ms Jackson. Her son was brought to shore and was assessed by paramedics but was not injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 00:50:26|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on Jan. 18, 2021 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The entire U.S. Capitol complex was on lockdown Monday morning after a fire was reported several blocks away, Capitol Police said in a letter to lawmakers. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The entire U.S. Capitol complex was on lockdown Monday morning after a fire was reported several blocks away, Capitol Police said in a letter to lawmakers.

"Due to an external security threat under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets SE, staff and other personnel are directed to avoid coming to the Capitol Complex area until further notice," read the alert. "All personnel currently on the Capitol Complex are advised to stay indoors and away from windows and doors."

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services said on Twitter that the fire had been extinguished. It said the fire was caused by homeless person who used propane, adding the incident resulted in one individual sustaining "non life threatening injury."

On-site photos showed people inside the Capitol building were evacuated from the West Front of the Capitol. They were rehearsing the 59th Presidential Inauguration slated for Wednesday, when Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as president and vice president, respectively.

Police ramped up security measures on the Capitol Grounds in the lead-up to the inauguration, as they braced for possible violence after pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

Roughly 25,000 National Guard members have been deployed in the nation's capital, with 7-foot barriers being erected around the Capitol, its office buildings and the Supreme Court. Military vehicles were seen parking at intersections downtown to boost security.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) on Tuesday met with the St. Maarten Police Department and St. Maarten Fire Department in preparation for Carnival 2021.

President of the SCDF Alston Lourens briefed the Police and Fire Departments about SCDF's plans for Carnival and all parties discussed the usual protocols they operate under on an annual basis on how these would be managed.

The SCDF plans on increasing its own security force to alleviate some of the pressure off of the Police for Carnival. All parties will meet every other Tuesday until Carnival to update each other and ensure full readiness for Carnival 2021.

The meeting with the Police and Fire Department is just one of many stakeholder meetings the SCDF is having this week. Once these meetings are concluded the SCDF will launch its public awareness campaign and inform the general public accordingly.

The SCDF will also maintain an open line of communication with the government to update on its planning.
The Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH was admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital on 12 January after he met with an accident while on his way back to Goa from Karnataka

Panaji: A week after he met with a tragic accident, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik said he would be discharged from Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near Panaji in four to five days.

Naik (68), the Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH, was admitted to the GMCH on 12 January after he met with an accident while on his way back to Goa from neighbouring Karnataka.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Naik said with everyone's blessings and by God's grace, he has recovered from the tragic accident.

"I am seeing this day after a long time. I appeal to people not to crowd at the hospital to meet me. I will be discharged in four to five days and after that, I will meet everyone," he said.

Naik urged his well-wishers to pray for his recovery from wherever they are without visiting the hospital.

The Union Minister, who has been recovering well at the GMCH, greeted the hospital staff and doctors, as he was brought out of his ward on a wheelchair on Tuesday.

Naik's wife and his close aide had succumbed to the injuries in the accident, while he was admitted to the GMCH in a critical condition.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
HARRISBURG  Since the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, about 225 Republicans logged in to the election office in Lancaster County to change their party registration. Ethan Demme was one of them.

Ever since they started denying the election result, I kind of knew it was heading this way, said Demme, the countys former Republican Party chairman who has opposed President Donald Trump and is now an independent. If they kept going, I knew theres no way I can keep going. But if youve been a Republican all your life, its hard to jump out of a big boat and into a little boat.

Officials are seeing similar scenes unfold elsewhere. However, that has not reached Schuylkill County to any great extent, Election Bureau Chairman Albert L. Gricoski said Wednesday.

There have been a few, although most of those have changed to third parties instead of going to the Democrats, he said.

Gricoski did not have exact numbers of how many voters have switched parties since Jan. 6.

In Carbon County, where there are more than 45,000 registered voters, there were only a handful of party changes as of last week.

With 44 people reaching out to change affiliation since Jan. 6, 34 of those people had been registered Republicans.

Of those 34, only 10 moved to the Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, seven Democrats changed their registration, with six moving to the Republican Party in Carbon County.

Final numbers, including changes from parties such as Libertarian and other categories, saw 10 new Democrats and nine new Republicans in a county that remains at about 55% GOP registration.

Luzerne County figures were not available Monday, as calls to the election bureau were unanswered.

In Cumberland County, 192 people have changed their party registration since the Jan. 6 riot. Only 13 switched to the GOP  the other 179 changed to Democrat, independent or a third party, according to Bethany Salzarulo, the director of the bureau of elections.

In Linn County, Iowa, home to Cedar Rapids, more than four dozen voters dropped their Republican Party affiliations in the 48 hours after the Capitol attack. They mostly switched to no party, elections commissioner Joel Miller said, though a small number took the highly unusual step of cancelling their registrations altogether.

The party switching pales in comparison to the more than 74 million people who voted for Trump in November. And its unclear whether theyre united in their motivations. Some may be rejecting politics altogether while others may be leaving a Republican Party they fear will be less loyal to Trump.

But they offer an early sign of the volatility ahead for the GOP as the party braces for political fallout of the riots.

I do think theres a palpable shift, from knee-jerk defense of the president to wow, that was a bridge too far, said Kirk Adams, the former Republican speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives.

Adams said he knew several people, including once-solid Trump supporters, who are switching their registrations. He said it may be weeks or months before the full impact of the insurrection is clear.

Minds are being changed, he said. But you cant go overnight from I think the presidents right and the election is being stolen to I guess he was wrong about everything. 

Party registration doesnt always preview how voters will actually cast their ballots, especially when the next major national elections are nearly two years away. But party leaders across the country are expressing concern that the riots could have a lasting impact.

The GOP cannot afford any slippage in its ranks after an election that, even with record-breaking Republican turnout, saw them lose control of both the presidency and the U.S. Senate.

Increasingly Ive looked at my party in this state and our numbers are dwindling, said Gary Eichelberger, a commissioner in suburban Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. If we narrow the base of the party, we are going to lose this county.

Republicans in Washington are approaching the moment with caution, denouncing the insurrection and providing scant defense of Trump. But so far, few have joined Democratic calls for the presidents impeachment and immediate removal.

Just two Senate Republicans, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, have called on Trump to resign.

Multiple GOP officials said there was some unease about the partys direction at the RNC winter meeting on Amelia Island, Florida, which took place a few days after the attack. Serious conversations are underway at the committee to conduct a comprehensive look at the 2020 election results to determine what the party did wrong and how to better appeal to voters, according to Henry Barbour, a RNC member from Mississippi.

But Trump still has a pull on swaths of the GOP base.

A Quinnipiac Poll released last week found roughly three-quarters of Republicans believe Trumps false statements that there was widespread voter fraud in Novembers election, which is what triggered the attack on the Capitol after Trump urged a crowd of supporters to go to Congress as it was set to certify the victory of President-elect Joe Biden.

Overall 7 in 10 Republicans approved of Trumps performance as president, compared to 89% in Quinnipiacs December poll.

When you love President Trump, you love President Trump, said Michele Fiore, an RNC committeewoman from Nevada. With all of our hearts, we support him. We know he did not create the chaos that happened in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6.

Rae Chornenky, who stepped down as chair of the Maricopa County Republican Party in Arizona shortly after the election amid a power struggle with those in the state party claiming widespread election fraud, said she thinks the president still has a hammerlock on the partys grass roots.

They just believe it was a stolen election, and theyre not going to back off that position, Chornenky said. Hell be the driving force of the GOP for years to come, Chornenky predicted of Trump.

The 2022 midterm elections may provide a test of that. Former Rep. Ryan Costello is strongly considering a run for Pennsylvanias open Senate seat as a Republican. A longtime Trump critic, he sees the time as ripe for an explicitly anti-Trump GOP candidate.

We need people willing to lose races, lose political campaigns, over this, Costello said. We need campaigns about the cleansing of the party. Sometimes its not possible to dance around landmines. Sometimes, youve just got to jump in there.PETER BORTNER and KELLY MONITZ, staff writers, 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.
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.
More than 40 new cases have been identified in Laois according to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) which has reported a surge in deaths and more than 2,000 new infections around Ireland.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been notified of 93 additional deaths related to Covid-19.

Of the deaths reported today, three occurred in December and 89* occurred in January. (*1 death where the date of death is still under investigation).

NPHET said the median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 41-99 years. It said there are no newly reported deaths in healthcare workers. There are no newly reported deaths in a young person under the age of 30.

NPHET also reported that there are more than 200 people in ICU units at hospitals around Ireland where nearly 2,000 people are also being treated after infection.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said the deaths and hospitalisations are a reminder not to become ease off on measures that are reducing infections.

While we are starting to see the early results of our collective efforts to minimise the transmission of the virus, we are very sadly reporting an additional 93 deaths today. We cannot afford to drop our guard against the very high levels of infection that remain in the community at present.

"Covid-19 ICU and hospitalisation numbers are of critical concern to us, representing a very significant pressure on our healthcare workers and on the provision of acute medical and surgical non-COVID care," he said.

NPHET also announced that there has been a total of 2,708** COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. (**denotification of 1 death).

As of midnight, Monday, January, the HPSC has been notified of 2,001 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 176,839*** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. (***denotification of 5 confirmed cases).

Of the cases notified today NPHET highlighted 701 in Dublin, 204 in Cork, 102 in Waterford, 98 in Meath, 90 in Donegal with the remaining 806 cases are spread across all other counties. FULL TABLE BELOW.

The national 14-day incidence has fallen to 1334.6 per 100,000 population due to 63,551 new cases in the past two weeks. The five-day moving average has fallen to 2,758 new cases while the seven day 7-day incidence per 100 k population is 447.5

There were 46 new cases in Laois which has led to an increase in the incidence of the virus in the county to 933.9 per 100,000 due to 791 new cases in the two weeks to January 18. It means the incidence in Laois has worsened compared to other counties but it remains among the ten counties with the lowest rate of disease spread.

Laois, which now has had a total of 2,379 official cases, also has a better incidence than the neighbouring counties of Offaly, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Carlow.

COUNTY TABLE AT THE END OF STORY.

Other details from today's figures show that 892 are men and 1,098 are women with 55% are under 45 years of age. The median age of newly infected people is 42 years old.

Dr Holohan reminded the public what they must continue to do to drive the virus figures and deaths down.

"We need everyone to stay at home, other than for essential reasons. The more that each individual follows this advice in their everyday lives, the more we can drive down the spread of COVID-19 and minimise the impact on vital healthcare services, patients and frontline workers, he said.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.
The film made its Indian premiere at the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival this year, and is Japan's official nominee for the Oscars 2021.

It is a rather curious fortuity how I happened to watch two films that premiered in India last week, centered on mothers and ideas of motherhood  one being Renuka Shahane's Tribhanga starring Kajol, Tanvi Azmi and Mithila Palkar on Netflix, and the second being Japanese director Naomi Kawase's True Mothers (2020) at the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival. My primary grouse with stories on motherhood is their pathological need to virtue signal, which in this case the former managed to subvert, while the latter just about skirted at every bend.

True Mothers is Japan's official nominee for the Oscars this year, and is an adaptation of a 2015 novel by mystery writer Mizuki Tsujimura. It fits the director's repertoire like a glove. For those unfamiliar with Kawase's oeuvre, her preoccupation with motherhood, parenthood, birth, abandonment and family have come to define her larger mind space, which is heavily  and understandably  influenced by her personal experience of being abandoned by her divorced parents as a child. She was raised by her great-aunt, with whom she reportedly shared a rocky relationship as well.

The film follows the life of a five-year-old boy Asato, whose wealthy adoptive parents  Satoko Kurihara (Hiromi Nagasaku) and Kiyokazu Kurihara (Arata Iura)  battled aspermia, and later stumbled upon the idea of adoption while watching a documentary on the telly. It was an advertisement for a facility named 'Baby Baton', situated in a blissful and sublime island off the Hiroshima coast that matched despairing couples with mothers who could not afford to raise their children born into unsuitable circumstances. Run by the middle-aged and altruistic Shizue Asami (Miyoko Asada), the organisation mandates that a parent resign from their job to look after the child full-time. This is where the Kuriharas meet the 14-year-old Hikari Katakura (Aju Makita), mother to a child born of a passionate affair with high school heartthrob Takumi (Taketo Tanaka), who returns six years later to blackmail the couple for her son, or money. The episode, expectedly, upends their lives, and forms the hinge on which the story revolves.

True Mothers sets the stage for a mystery, only to emerge as a torrential teenage romance in one part, and family and social dramas in others, rendering the approach a tad disoriented. However, what it does accomplish rather surprisingly are cliffhangers placed at opportune moments that compel the audience to not leave their seats and exit the theatre midway into its languidly-paced 139-minute runtime. (A few did run out of patience by the 20-minute mark though.)

Kawase fans will not be disappointed with the generous number of times the camera dwells on blindingly sunlit skies and seas  the director's signature  that also attempts to underline the nature-versus-nurture trope in the film, of how we are all children of the same Mother Earth, tied to her umbilical cord by the vast oceans. It establishes an intimacy that is mirrored in her close-ups, capturing the characters' twitching facial and hand muscles, helping the audience enter their minds for brief seconds.

Kawase grants her characters enough and more room for vulnerability, which in turn carves moments for the film to really shine  perhaps even brighter than her seas and skies. It rescues the screenplay from sinking into boring priggishness the moment the lens wavers, distracted and succumbing to cliches on motherhood. The mothers deserve better, which they do get served but rather inconsistently  a hitch that might have been addressed with tauter editing, perhaps?

However, beyond all its obvious vices, True Mothers successfully foregrounds the crippling weight of motherhood borne by women. The term 'mother' is pregnant, quite literally, with connotations that have historically curtailed a woman's mobility. It underlines the female existence with an emphasis disproportionately more aggressive than with which 'fatherhood' influences the male existence. It comes as no surprise, then, that when Shizue orders a parent to abandon their professional aspirations to raise their child, the camera hovers over a woman's face.

The screenplay sharply juxtaposes this social disparity between the roles of a mother and a father through two scenes. In the first, a forlorn and inebriated Kiyokazu tells his friend at a sketchy bar about his inability to impregnate his wife, an issue that could only be solved by operating on his scrotum to extract his sperms  a graphic illustration that leaves his friend squirming. The scene lucidly explains the nature of the act of becoming a father  a fairly clinical process with a missing follow-through, which is conventionally marked by a lack of commitment and absenteeism. This plays out in sharp contrast against the third segment where Hikari, now a disillusioned 20-year-old in Yokohama working at a local press, meets Tomoka, a young woman fleeing from loan sharks. The scene in question finds a rattled Hikari consoling a bruised Tomoka after the former finds out that she has been fraudulently named as the latter's guarantor, and is now responsible for paying off the debt to save both their lives (an episode that crucially ties the different tracks together). Hikari's compassion moves Tomoka into calling her "as caring as a mother"  words whose irony only reminds us of the mother's burden of caring even when one does not want to or necessarily have to. It is a weight carried exclusively by women, whether or not they sign up for the role, in a cis and heteronormative society that ascribes motherhood to a uterus instead of a person. It demands undue emotional investment that is suitably matched to the unreasonable defection it assigns to fatherhood.

True Mothers tries hard to be didactic, but  fortunately for it  fails only too often to emerge as mostly warm. However, it turns overwhelmingly saccharine in other instances, thereby significantly decelerating its two hours and 20 minutes of runtime  a bit of a damp squib for what could have made for far more compelling and impactful storytelling.
The image shows Heliconius cydno (left) and Heliconius melpomene (right) mating in captivity. Credit: Luca Livraghi, CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Butterflies have evolved to produce a strongly scented chemical in their genitals that they leave behind after sex to deter other males from pursuing their womenscientists have found.

Researchers discovered that a chemical made in the sex glands of the males of one species of tropical butterfly is identical to a chemical produced by flowers to attract butterflies.

The study published in PLOS Biology today identified a gene for the first time that shows butterflies and flowers independently evolved to make the same chemical for different purposes.

Scientists led by Professor Chris Jiggins, St John's College, University of Cambridge, mapped production of the scented chemical compound to the genome of a species of butterfly, called Heliconius melponene, and discovered a new gene.

Dr. Kathy Darragh, lead author of the paper, said: "We identified the gene responsible for producing this powerful anti-aphrodisiac pheromone called ocimene in the genitals of male butterflies. This shows that the evolution of ocimene production in male butterflies is independent of the evolution of ocimene production in plants.

"For a long time it was thought insects took the chemical compounds from plants and then used them, but we have shown butterflies can make the chemicals themselvesbut with very different intentions. Male butterflies use it to repulse competitors and flowers use the same smell to entice butterflies for pollination."

Dr Kathy Darragh, first author of the paper, with a Heliconius butterfly in the Madingley insectary in Cambridge. Credit: Tom Almeroth-Williams

There are around 20,000 species of butterflies worldwide. Some only live for a month but the Heliconius melponene butterflies found in Panama that were studied live for around six months. The females typically have few sexual partners and they store the sperm and use it to fertilise their eggs over a number of months after a single mating.

Male butterflies have as many mates 'as they can' and each time they transfer the anti-aphrodisiac chemical because they want to be the one to fertilise the offspring. This chemical, however, is not produced by all Heliconius butterflies. Whilst Heliconius melpomene does produce ocimene, another closely related species that was analysedHeliconius cydnodoes not produce the strong smelling pheromone.

If the smell has such a powerful effect, how do the butterflies know when to be attracted or when to steer clear?

Dr. Darragh, now based at the University of California, Davis, explained: "The visual cues the butterflies get will be importantwhen the scent is detected in the presence of flowers it will be attractive but when it is found on another butterfly it is repulsive to the malescontext is key."

Heliconius melpomene butterflies mating in captivity in Panama. Credit: Kelsey Byers

This new analysis of the power of smellalso called chemical signallingsheds new light on the importance of scent as a form of communication.

Professor Jiggins said: "The butterflies presumably adapted to detect it and find flowers and they have then evolved to use it in this very different way. The males want to pass their genes onto the next generation and they don't want the females to have babies with other fathers so they use this scent to make them unsexy.

"Male butterflies pester the females a lot so it might benefit the females too if the smell left behind means they stop being bothered for sex after they have already mated."

Explore further A single genetic switch changes butterfly wing color

More information: Darragh K, Orteu A, Black D, Byers KJRP, Szczerbowski D, Warren IA, et al. (2021) A novel terpene synthase controls differences in anti-aphrodisiac pheromone production between closely related Heliconius butterflies. PLoS Biol 19(1): e3001022. Journal information: PLoS Biology Darragh K, Orteu A, Black D, Byers KJRP, Szczerbowski D, Warren IA, et al. (2021) A novel terpene synthase controls differences in anti-aphrodisiac pheromone production between closely related Heliconius butterflies.19(1): e3001022. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001022
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees tactical announcement to contest from Nandigram in East Midnapore in the upcoming assembly polls is certainly going to make former Trinamool Congress heavyweight Suvendu Adhikaris task to prove his mettle before the central Bharatiya Janata Party leadership more difficult.

Political experts say that Suvendu, who is already struggling with the baggage of his past responsibilities and their outcome during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as a TMC leader, is definitely going to face extremely rough political weather following Mamatas move.

Addressing a huge public rally at Tekhali in Nandigram on Monday, the CM said, Nandigram is close to my heart. I can forget my name but I cannot forget Nandigram. Considering the emotional attachment I have with the people of Nandigram, today I am announcing that I wish to contest the upcoming polls from Nandigram. I would like to request my state president Subrata Bakshi to consider my name as the candidate from Nandigram in the 2021 state polls. Nandigram is lucky for me. I will not neglect the Bhowanipore seat also. I will try to contest from Bhowanipore too.

While the BJP is upbeat at Suvendu Adhikari quitting the Mamata Banerjee government and her Trinamool Congress party, his performance as incharge of Purulia, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Malda, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Bankura and Bishnupur in the 2019 parliamentary polls was not so great.

The TMC lost nine Lok Sabha seats out of the 13 in these regions where Suvendu is known as a mass leader and is believed to have significant clout among the people.

The ground situation suggests that the BJP on its own managed to win a significant seven out of the 13 seats (two seats, Berhampur and Malda South, went to the Congress) and made deep inroads into these districts which are supposedly Suvendus bastion.

Purulia has one Lok Sabha and nine assembly seats, while in Murshidabad there are three Lok Sabha and 19 assembly seats. In Malda, there are two Lok Sabha and 12 assembly seats and in East Midnapore there are two Lok Sabha and 15 assembly seats.

In Bankura and Bishnupur combined there are two Lok Sabha and 12 assembly seats, while in West Midnapore there are two Lok Sabha and 15 assembly seats. In Jhargram, there is one Lok Sabha and four assembly seats.

In all, there are 13 Lok Sabha seats and 86 assembly seats in these parts where Suvendu Adhikari is believed to be an excellent taskmaster in booth management.

However, in the 2019 parliamentary polls, except four seats  Kanthi (won by Suvendus father Sishir Adhikari on a TMC ticket, but BJP gained a 33.54 per cent vote share while Sishir lost a 3.82 per cent vote share), Tamluk (won by Suvendus brother Dibyendu on a TMC ticket, but BJP gained a 30.54 per cent vote share while Dibyendu lost a 3.52 per cent vote share), Jangipur (won by TMCs Khalilur Rahman who defeated BJPs Mafuja Khatun), and Murshidabad (won by TMCs Abu Taher Khan)  the rest were lost by the ruling Trinamool.

Now with Mamatas announcement to contest from Nandigram, it wont be any easy task for Suvendu to ensure all the 35 assembly seats in West Midnapore and East Midnapore are bagged by the BJP.

Nandigram is the epicentre of the TMCs politics and Mamatas strategic move is certainly going to have an impact on all the 35 seats.

There are 16 assembly seats in East Midnapore, and 19 in West Midnapore.

In the 2016 assembly polls, the TMC won 13 seats in East Midnapore, including Nandigram which was bagged by Suvendu Adhikari, while three seats  Tamluk won by CPIs Ashok Kumar Dinda and Panskura Purba and Haldia seats won by CPI(M)s Sheikh Ibrahim Ali and Tapasi Mondal respectively went to the Left Front.

In West Midnapore, the TMC won 17 seats, while one seat went to the BJP as Dilip Ghosh netted Kharagpur Sadar, and the Sabang seat was bagged by the Congress's Manas Bhunia who later joined the Trinamool.

Considering the TMCs sweep in the 2016 assembly polls in West and East Midnapore and Mamata's decision now to contest from Nandigram, the Adhikari family faces a massive challenge on its home turf from Didi, as Mamata is popularly known.

Already, there is rancour between the old BJP leaders and the TMC defectors in Bengal, and under such circumstances it will be a near do-or-die battle for Suvendu to secure his political career.

Recently, the organisational restructuring of the BJPs central unit sparked discontent as leaders like Rahul Sinha, who was dropped as national secretary to make way for another Trinamool turncoat, Anupam Hazra, expressed displeasure over party national president JP Naddas decision.

Also, BJP national vice president and former Mamata aide Mukul Roys differences with some influential leaders of the saffron party in Bengal including Dilip Ghosh is an open secret.

There has also been bitterness between TMC turncoat Saumitra Khan and Dilip Ghosh over selecting youth leaders. Recently, BJP leaders Sayantan Basu and Agnimitra Paul were issued show-cause notices for speaking against rebel TMC leader Jitendra Tiwari who quit the party, along with Suvendu, in the hope that he too would be absorbed into the saffron party. However, his plans went awry and he had to go back to Trinamool.

Dilip Ghosh and central minister Babul Supriyo too engaged in an ugly social media spat in July 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Bengal to address a public rally in Midnapore.

Under such circumstances, despite the state BJPs claim that all is well within the party, it will be a daunting task for Suvendu Adhikari to fulfill the expectations of top party leaders who backed him a lot more than they did other longtime BJP leaders.

Another challenge which Suvendu is going to face, after joining the BJP, is winning the Muslim vote share which is nearly 10 to 11 per cent in both West and East Midnapore.

For several months last year, before leaving Trinamool, Suvendu had been seen addressing rallies without using the TMC symbol and flag. In all the rallies, a sea of people chanting "Aamra Dadar Anugami (we are elder brothers followers)" was seen marching behind him.

Twenty years of his association with Mamata came to an end on November 27, 2020, when he resigned from her cabinet.

Suvendu was a key man behind Mamata Banerjees land agitation in Nandigram in East Midnapore in 2007 which helped her end the 34-year Left Front rule in Bengal. Over the years, Mamata also gave due respect to him and his family members for their dedication towards the party.

His effort to strengthen TMC in the 'Rarh' region didnt go unnoticed. From Member of Parliament, to state minister, to chairperson of co-operative banks  Mamata rewarded him for his struggle in Nandigram.

But why, despite Suvendus poor performance as district in-charge in Purulia, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Malda, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Bankura and Bishnupur in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, was the BJP so keen to have Suvendu in its kitty?

The answer is Mamata came to power riding the wave of the anti-land acquisition movements in Nandigram and Singur, and the rival party wants to hit the TMC hard where it will hurt the most  with a strong anti-incumbency message.

But, for now, analysts say the BJP appears to be on the back foot with Mamatas decision to contest from Nandigram.


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.
HARRISBURG  The state Department of Corrections has doubled down on its policy not to always inform families of inmates who are sickened or killed by the coronavirus, saying its the responsibility of inmates to ensure their emergency contacts are complete and accurate.

Last month, a Spotlight PA report found that while the department has the power to decide when to release medical information, some family members of those who are incarcerated said they were kept in the dark as their loved ones fell ill and, in some cases, died.

Nonprofit organizations and attorneys point to a waiver issued by the federal government in March that gave hospitals the discretion to release such information to family and friends during a public health emergency. But the department said that waiver doesnt apply to prisons.

In a post to its website this month, the department said it will only release information to a single person listed as an emergency contact, regardless of whether that person is a family member or next of kin, which is the typical process for authorities to notify a family of a death.

So, when you see reports or accounts that an inmates family wasnt notified of an illness or death, this could be the rational explanation, the department wrote, adding that prisoners can fill out additional paperwork to authorize the release of their information to a second person.

For many inmates, however, their emergency contact information is as old as when they received it, which was the day they were imprisoned. And families and prison rights groups said the department is not doing enough to inform prisoners about the importance of updating their information.

If the DOC seeks to follow the procedures that they just posted on their website relating to who is notified in case of a medical emergency, then they should proactively make that information known broadly to every incarcerated person in their care, so that people can plan ahead accordingly, said Su Ming Yeh, executive director of the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project.

Briana Hafiz, whose father-in-law, Abdul Rashid Hafiz, is incarcerated at SCI-Dallas, said she and her family have been trying to get information on the status of Abdul since the beginning of the year, when they last heard from him.

They only learned he may have had a stroke through other inmates. When she approached the department, prison officials told her she was not listed as an emergency contact and they would not release any information to her.

We got no specifics on what his cognition level was, or if he was even walking, Briana Hafiz said. The only reason why we knew of the stroke was because a friend of the family also has a father whos an inmate at the prison.

Abdul Hafizs partner, who did not want to be named, said she was listed as his emergency contact when he was first incarcerated over 30 years ago. But the department said she was not the contact now, and it would not tell the family who is listed, if anyone.

When asked about the situation, a DOC spokesperson, Maria Bivens, said, It would appear in this case, the one person who is the emergency contact for the inmate has not passed on any information to others  we cant control that.

Bivens said inmates have the ability to update their medical forms whenever they want, and the department wont release medical information otherwise, claiming it would violate a federal medical privacy statute, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

The only person the DOC can release information to about an inmate is the person the inmate identified, the department posted on its website. This can cause problems when, for example, the inmates girlfriend is the emergency contact. Only she would be notified. The inmates mother, brother, or uncle would not. It depends on who the inmate provided to DOC officials.

In March, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a memo that allowed medical staff to release basic information  location, status of the patient, and treatment  as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same guidance was issued during Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina.

While some attorneys and nonprofit groups believe that guidance gives the department leeway to be more flexible, others say its a stretch to lump prisons in with hospitals, even if they have medical facilities.

Families of inmates and prisoner advocates said not enough is being done to inform inmates of the need to update forms in case they get the coronavirus. Since March, at least 8,000 inmates among the overall population of 40,000 have contracted COVID-19, with 85 deaths as of Friday.

Those groups also wonder why the department cannot help inmates update medical information, similar to the way it managed federal stimulus checks. In October, the department was praised for passing off paperwork to nearly 40,000 prisoners to register for their money.

If the DOC has shown that they can go cell-to-cell and get important [stimulus] documentation completed, they should be lauded for it, said Claire Shubik-Richards, executive director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the states unofficial ombudsman for prisoners and their families. That level of competency means they could go cell-to-cell and get people to think about who they want notified, and also afford the opportunity list more than one name.

Even if inmates end up needing hospital care, families still face a brick wall. Thats because hospitals, which usually notify next of kin or a power of attorney, will not release any information about inmates unless the Corrections Department gives them authorization.

Briana Hafiz said she called Wilkes-Barre General, owned by Commonwealth Health, which has at least four hospitals that treat inmates. The hospital is the closest location to SCI-Dallas, and she figured her father-in-law would be there.

They still dont release information anyway, she said. If you call and ask for information, they dont even tell you if hes there.

100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA relies on funding from foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Become a member today at spotlightpa.org/donate.
[January 19, 2021] Lauren Gregory Joins Alliant Insurance Services

Lauren Gregory has joined Alliant Insurance Services as Senior Vice President, Alliant Specialty Group, Public Entity. Gregory will serve as a leader in Alliant Public Entity focusing on public entity and infrastructure, and will be located in New York. Gregory expands Alliant's expertise in public entity to the East Coast and will structure a Public Entity & Infrastructure team to provide more responsive and proactive service to East Coast-based public agencies. Gregory will also develop new public entity and construction clients. "Lauren's extensive risk management experience, legal background, and underwriting knowledge adds significant fire power to our team in New York," said Michael Cusack, Co-COO, Alliant Specialty. "We are strong drivers in the West Coast public entity market, and with Lauren at Alliant, we have immediately advanced our public entity infrastructure capabilities in the East." Prior to joining Alliant, Gregory was Executive Vice President of a global insurance brokerage firm where she worked closely with the world's largest port authority and some of the largest public entities in the country, including the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authorit (MTA) as director of MTA Risk and Insurance Management. Gregory has also served as Senior Vice President of a risk management consulting firm where she specialized in captives. Of particular note, Gregory formed the first captive insurance company in the state of New York and was appointed as President of the company in 2003.



"Lauren is one of the preeminent public entity authorities in the industry," said Dan Howell, Managing Director, Alliant Public Entity. "We are delighted to add someone of Lauren's caliber to our team." Gregory earned a juris doctor degree from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and an MBA in risk management from the College of Insurance. She is admitted to the New York State Bar and is a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and an Associate in Risk Management ( ARM (News - Alert) ).

Gregory can be reached at (631) 235-1590 or at Lauren.Gregory@alliant.com. About Alliant Insurance Services Headquartered in Newport Beach, CA (News - Alert) , Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., provides property and casualty, workers' compensation, employee benefits, surety, underwriting, claims advocacy, and financial products and services to clients nationwide, including public entities, general contractors, tribal nations, healthcare providers, energy and marine corporations, law firms, real estate developers and owners, financial institutions, agribusinesses, and airlines and air ambulances. More information is available on the company's website at alliant.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005061/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Psyched Wellness Ltd. (CSE: PSYC) (OTCQB: PSYCF) (FSE: 5U9) (formerly Duncan Park Holdings Corporation) (the "Company" or "Psyched") a life sciences company focused on the production and distribution of artisanal functional and psychedelic mushrooms, is pleased to announce that FINRA accepted its proposed symbol change for the OTCQB market from the former DCNPF to PSYCF. The Company's shares have commenced trading in the US markets under the new ticker January 15, 2021.

"I am excited to share this news, the older ticker was one of the last overhanging pieces from the RTO with Duncan Park Holdings that needed to be addressed," says Jeff Stevens, CEO of the Company. "Aligning our US ticker to match our Canadian ticker is key to our continued branding efforts and should help remove confusion with another US listed company with a similar symbol."

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") with KCSA Strategic Communications (the "Consultant") to provide investor relations services to the Company. The Agreement is effective January 7, 2021 and has a term of six months (the "Initial Term"). The Agreement shall remain in effect after the Initial Term unless either party provides notice of termination 30 days prior to the end of the Initial Term. In consideration for its services, the Company will pay the Consultant $10,000 USD on a monthly basis increasing by 5% after every 12-month period. The Agreement may be terminated with 90 days written notice by either party following the conclusion of the Initial Term.

For further information, please contact:

Jeffrey Stevens

Chief Executive Officer

Psyched Wellness Ltd.

Tel: 647-400-8494

Email: jstevens@psyched-wellness.com

Website: http://www.psyched-wellness.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Psyched Wellness Ltd.:

Psyched Wellness Ltd. is a Canadian-based health supplements company dedicated to the distribution of mushroom-derived products and associated consumer packaged goods. The Company's objective is to create premium mushroom-derived products that have the potential to become a leading North American brand in the emerging functional food category. The Company is in the process of developing a line of Amanita muscaria-derived water-based extracts, teas and capsules designed to help with three health objectives: promote stress relief, relaxation and assist with restful sleeping.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Psyched Wellness Ltd. current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by Psyched at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, (i) the accuracy of the Toxicology Assessment, (ii) the safety of Amanita Muscaria consumption and the safety and purity of any extracts thereof, and (iii) the uses and potential benefits of Amanita Muscaria. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Psyched is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Psyched Wellness Ltd. management's discussion and analysis for the six months ended May 31, 2020 and covering the subsequent period up to July 27, 2020 ("MD&A"), dated July 27, 2020, which is available on Psyched Wellness Ltd. profile at www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.

This news release includes data that has been obtained from third party sources, including the findings from the Toxicology Assessment. The Company believes that the data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release or ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72150
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.
Glovo international delivery service has launched its third "dark kitchen" project called Cook Room in Kyiv and the first in Dnipro.

"On January 15, the fourth and first Dnipro Glovo's Cook Room has been launched. The 'dark kitchen' delivery zone on Yavornytsky Street covers the city center on the right and left banks. The exclusive partner of the 'dark kitchen' in Dnipro is the Kitaika Asian cuisine chain and its virtual American food brands Beyond Burger and Prosto Burger," the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Before the opening of the "dark kitchen" in Dnipro, the Kitaika chain was physically represented only in Kyiv.

At the end of December 2020, Glovo opened the third Cook Room in Kyiv, which is located on Makiyivska Street in the Vynohradar district. Kitchen room with an area of 390 square meters accommodates 20 restaurant brands. The coverage of delivery from the "dark kitchen" included residential areas Dorohozhychi, Obolon, Vynohradar, and the residential complexes Varshavsky and Obolonska Embankment.

According to the company, since 2020, two Cook Rooms have also been operating in Kyiv in Holosiyivsky and Shevchenkivsky districts, where more than 50 restaurants are presented in total, including the chains: Kitaika, Menya Musashi, Berliner Doner, Foodz Ukraine and others.

"Compared to the Cook Room in other countries where the Glovo service operates, Ukrainian 'dark kitchens' hold leading positions in the number of orders, and besides, they receive positive EBITDA in the shortest possible time," Glovo said.

Glovo is an international fast courier delivery service that allows purchasing any item or product within the city and has it delivered. In this case, the object should not exceed the parameters 40x40x30 cm and weigh no more than 9 kg.

Glovo is already represented in 298 cities in 22 countries on three continents: Europe, Africa, Central and South America. Glovo started operating in Ukraine in October 2018.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers, who is the first resident Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia.

The Prime Minister greeted the diplomat and stated that the opening of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Yerevan and the appointment of the resident Ambassador opens new opportunities for the development of cooperation between the two countries.

Touching upon the situation created after the war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Pashinyan emphasized that the return of prisoners of war is a priority issue for the Armenian side and that the latter continues to make intensive efforts in this direction.

In his turn, Nico Schermers considered his diplomatic mission in Armenia an honor and assured that he will put in maximum efforts to strengthen the relations between Armenia and the Netherlands. According to him, the aim of the opening of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia is to ensure a balanced diplomatic presence in the region. Attaching importance to the high-level reciprocal visits, the Ambassador voiced hope that it will be possible to organize Prime Minister Pashinyans visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands soon (the visit was postponed due to the coronavirus situation).

Schermers also expressed condolences to the Prime Minister on the death of servicemen and civilians during the war and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.

The interlocutors discussed the development of economic ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the governments vision is to have an economy based on knowledge and technologies and recommended that the Ambassador call the attention of Dutch companies to investments. Schermers expressed willingness to inform Dutch companies about the opportunities for investments in Armenia and work actively to boost cooperation.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh sends Rs 1.11 lakh cheque to PM Modi for construction of Ram Mandir

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 19: In a recent development, Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has donated Rs 1,11,111 for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It can be seen that Singh is one of the first in the Congress to donate funds for the temple.

But his donation was accompanied by a jibe directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh sent the cheque to the Prime Minister as the Congress veteran claimed that he was unaware about where to send donations for the construction of the temple.

Coronavirus cases: India records 10,064 new COVID-19 cases; 137 deaths in last 24 hours

Besides cheque, Singh also sent a letter to the Prime Minister wherein raised questions over the exclusion of "main Shankaracharyas of the Sanatan Dharma" in the temple trust.

"We have all welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on the issue of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, but I have objection to the non-inclusion of any main Shankracharya of Sanatan Dharma in the body," he said in the letter.

India on 'constant watch': MEA on reports of Chinese construction in Arunachal

"As I am not aware of where to donate money and in which bank account, therefore, I am enclosing a cheque of Rs 1,11,111 with a hope that you (PM Modi) will get it deposited in an appropriate account," he further wrote.

In the letter, Singh also said Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had launched a 44-day drive to seek funds for the temple construction but a lot of unknown people were also involved in the effort, including some with "sticks and swords".

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

He said the VHP had earlier carried out fund drives for the Ram temple construction, and asked the prime minister to "force" the outfit to make its accounts public.

He also questioned how raising inflammatory slogans against a particular community, allegedly witnessed in some fund collection rallies in Madhya Pradesh in recent past, can be termed as religious work.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 12:14 [IST]
[January 19, 2021] Neurogene and University of Edinburgh Announce Research Collaboration to Advance Next Generation Gene Therapies

Neurogene Inc., a company founded to bring life-changing genetic medicines to patients and families affected by rare neurological diseases, and University of Edinburgh, a world leader in biomedical and translational research for neurodevelopmental diseases, today announced a research collaboration to advance development of multiple platform approaches to enable next generation gene therapies. The collaboration provides comprehensive research capabilities to Neurogene, enabling the company and the University to expedite a multiple platform approach to improve upon existing gene therapy technologies. Under the terms of the collaboration, Neurogene will provide financial support for Dr. Stuart Cobb's laboratory at the University of Edinburgh, in exchange for the right to license any applicable intellectual property at agreed-upon economic terms. Neurogene will be responsible for late stage preclinical and all clinical development of any products generated under the collaboration. "This partnership provides Neurogene with preeminent neurological research expertise and capabilities. Dr. Cobb's lab has contributed significant scientificexpertise to improve the quality of our current rare disease pipeline and generated promising early data to allow us to tackle complex neurological diseases not addressable with conventional gene therapy," said Rachel McMinn, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Neurogene. "With this collaboration, I look forward to advancing our mission to provide safe and effective genetic therapies to patients and families as quickly as possible."



"Neurogene is a science-driven company committed to investing in innovation and is the right partner for us to build upon the early successes in gene therapy technology," Stuart Cobb, Ph.D., Simons Fellow and Reader in Neuroscience at the Patrick Wild Centre and Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, stated. "We are excited to collaborate with Neurogene on the critically-important endeavor of improving upon current gene therapy technologies. Gene therapy is a very promising yet complex development area, and we are privileged to help address the unmet needs that exist within rare neurological diseases." In addition to Dr. Cobb's position at the University of Edinburgh, he serves as Chief Scientific Officer of Neurogene.

This Collaboration has been supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh's commercialization service. About Neurogene Inc. Neurogene Inc. is focused on developing life-changing genetic medicines for patients and their families affected by rare, devastating neurological diseases. We partner with leading academic researchers, patient advocacy organizations and caregivers to bring therapies to patients that address the underlying genetic cause of a broad spectrum of neurological diseases where no effective treatment options currently exist. Our lead programs use adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy technology to deliver a normal gene to patients with a dysfunctional gene. Neurogene is also developing novel gene therapy technologies to advance treatments for complex neurological diseases that conventional gene therapy cannot successfully address. For more information, visit www.neurogene.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005351/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to.

After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS!

OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK

The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those.
a - A +

Por Pamela De Vicenzi

Martes 19 de Ene, 2021 - 01:54

Actualizada el Martes 19 de Ene, 2021 - 01:56
SHOREDITCH, U.K., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the Covid-19 pandemic many companies who are able, have moved in the direction of remote work rather than closing down completely. Do remote offices represent an impact on the future of work?

The benefits of remote workforce during the current pandemic are evident, but considering benefits like reduced commute times, lower pollution levels and less operational costs, a work from home business approach seems like something that could endure as a future businesses model.

The pandemic has shifted our priorities and now shopping has gone completely online. With a dramatic increase in online shopping (Worldwide, 49% shop online more now than they did before the pandemic) Consumers are now concerned with contactless purchasing and businesses are learning to adapt in this new digital world.

We sat down with someone who has understood the impact of digital marketing well before COVID-19. Carlos DaSilva Tech Entrepreneur and CEO of the Digital Marketing Agency "Finsbury Media" spoke about his recent decision in allowing employees to work from home.

"These are new times, and we need to be flexible and understandingThis is what lead us to make the decision of allowing all employees work from home for the foreseeing futureKeeping our employees safe and stopping the spread has become a main concern"

The Digital Marketing Agency is still operating at full capacity and welcomes all business who want to move their products or services online.Finsbury Media offers a number of services, many that keep business afloat during these uncertain times; services include, Website Design and Development, increasing Web Traffic and a number of different advertising solutions to drive more customers to your business.

Keeping social distancing in mind the Digital Marketing Agency is available on Zoom for all clients and meetings. Finsbury Media also encourages all business who are currently struggling, to improve their Digital Marketing efforts, especially with the new consumer trends and expectations.

Prior to the pandemic, many corporation employees were expected to show up at an office and Digital Marketing efforts may have been debated as essential depending on your industry. But as we have all witnessed the world has completely changed, employees, students, teacher and many others have had to adapt to a virtual setting. Business have also learned that Digital Marketing is now a necessity and without it, it may be impossible to last. Finsbury Media core mission is to help businesses grow through the their main service including SEO Services, Web Design, PPC Agency Management and Social Media Advertising. The Digital Marketing Agency encourages all to stay safe and healthy during this new year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82H1PCAtdW8

Contact:

Finsbury Media

[email protected]

020 3095 7271

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12854559

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Finsbury Media

CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Caravan Trailer Lodges of Alberta Ltd. (the "Corporation" or "Caravan") is pleased to provide updates on various corporate developments, including the re-constitution of its board, the sale of one of its properties, the appointment of a property management firm for its mobile home park and the status of certain outstanding regulatory and litigation matters.

Board of Directors

Caravan announces that the board of directors of the Corporation now consists of Herbert Styles, Mark Cowper-Smith and David Dart. Mr. Styles has also been appointed President of the Corporation. The board of directors was appointed in accordance with three Consent Orders, further described below.

Mr. Herbert Styles has had a lengthy business career, with 55 years of hands-on experience in the acquisition and marketing of real estate, both in Canada and the United States. This has consisted of a variety of transactions and activities, including commercial and residential real estate sales, acquisition and marketing of properties for syndicated investors and for his personal portfolio, property management for investor clients and for his personal portfolio, residential and commercial property rehab and renovation, land development (subdivision and servicing), converting multi-family residential properties to individual titled condominiums and being a licensed realtor with the Calgary Real Estate Board for the past 50 years (he is currently licensed with Remax Complete Realty). Mr. Styles was initially trained in the floorcovering industry, working extensively on residential and commercial construction. He has also served on the boards of two private schools, one private university and several other Christian organizations and charities and has served on three condominium boards.

Mark Cowper-Smith has served as a member of the board of directors of Caravan since 1992. He previously practiced law in the City of Calgary from 1976 to 1989. Mr. Cowper-Smith was the Senior Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship for 12 years before moving to San Diego, CA. Mr. Cowper-Smith and his wife Shelley have traveled and ministered at churches in England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Russia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A He has served as Associate Pastor at Gathering Place Church in San Diego since 2002 and has authored two books.

Dave Dart is one of the founding partners of Dart Bryant LLP, a public accounting practice providing audit and review assurance services, and accounting and income tax advice, planning and services for owner-managed businesses and the not-for-profit sector for the past 40 years. He has also been the treasurer on boards of several charitable organizations.

Operational Matters

Caravan has historically held two parcels of land located at 2787 - 86th Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta as its sole assets - (i) a 10.25 acre parcel of land upon which is situated a mobile home park; and (ii) an adjacent vacant parcel of land (3.5 acres) that was recently sold to the City of Calgary for a purchase price of approximately $3.2 million. After accounting for transaction costs and ongoing professional fees, $2.7 million of the proceeds of that sale have been placed in trust, with the balance being applied towards operations and professional fees. As the Corporation is not currently able to obtain D&O insurance due to the ongoing litigation described below, such funds will need to remain in trust in the short-term pending resolution of such litigation (as discussed further below).

With respect to Caravan's primary parcel of land (where its mobile home park is situated), Caravan's management has two primary objectives: 1. to manage the mobile home park with the goal of providing predictable monthly cash flow, and 2. to have the 10.25 acres re-zoned to allow for higher density, in anticipation of selling to a developer. Caravan is pleased to announce that it has engaged Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. to serve as property manager for the park. Emerald is a well-known, reputable, local management company and Caravan is pleased to have them on board. Since bringing Emerald on board the operations of the mobile home park have shown a substantial financial improvement, with positive net cash flow being produced. In addition, Caravan has made over $10,000 in further park improvements.

As the property is adjacent to lands projected by the City of Calgary to be used for the City's Green Line LRT, Caravan has also commenced a rezoning application with the City of Calgary, which is proceeding on schedule. If successful, it is expected to result in a rezoning that would allow for a future development of the property at a much higher density than is presently permitted. It is management's intention to examine such development opportunities with a view towards further maximizing shareholder value by marketing the property to a developer.

Regulatory / Corporate Matters

Caravan is a reporting issuer in the Province of Alberta and is therefore subject to Alberta securities laws. Under such laws, a Cease Trade Order ("CTO") was imposed by the Alberta Securities Commission in 2001 as a result of the Corporation's failure to file required financial statements. The CTO restricts "trades" in Caravan's shares for so long as the CTO remains in effect. Caravan has made pre-filing submissions to and been in discussions with the ASC regarding the requirements that it will need to remedy in order to have the CTO revoked. In particular, Caravan will need to file audited annual financial statements (IFRS compliant), in addition to unaudited quarterly financial statements. Caravan will also need to hold a meeting of its shareholders (at which such financials will be presented to the shareholders). Pre-filing submissions have been made to the ASC in order to determine the number of years of IFRS audited statements that will be required by the ASC in order to apply for the revocation of the CTO. Once determined, Caravan will proceed with the formal engagement of its auditors to complete such audited statements. Once those audited statements are completed, Caravan will then be in a position to call an annual meeting of its shareholders. A meeting cannot be called prior to that, as one of the principal matters of business at such a meeting will be the presentation of the financial statements to the shareholders. Caravan intends to hold this meeting as soon as the foregoing steps are completed, though exact timing will be contingent upon the review and requirements of the ASC. Further updates on the timing of the financials and proposed AGM will be provided in due course as they become available.

Management is aware that many of its previously registered shareholders have passed on their shares to friends or family by way of gift or bequest. Shares that have been conveyed in such a manner (i.e.: where no consideration was paid by the recipient to the former holder) may be re-registered in the name of the recipients/beneficiaries, as such transfers do not constitute "trades" that would contravene the CTO. Shareholders wishing to arrange for re-registrations of shares transferred in such circumstances are invited to contact our corporate solicitors, Tingle Merrett LLP, at (403)571-8000 (Attention: Tara Van Camp) for instructions on how to document such transfers. It should be noted that any other conveyance of ownership or rights attaching to your shares is likely to be seen as a "trade" and would be in contravention of the CTO. Purported transfers of such a nature therefore cannot be processed until such time as the CTO is revoked.

In 1999, the classes of shares of Caravan were amended by changing the Class A shares into Class A redeemable shares and the Class B shares into Class B redeemable shares. Under the Original Consent Order, the parties to the litigation agreed and the Court instructed that the share capital be returned to its pre-amendment terms (i.e.: to remove the redemption features and revert back to more standard share terms). Articles of Amendment to give effect to this amendment have been filed with the Corporate Registry of Alberta.

Litigation Matters

The Corporation is presently the subject of ongoing matters of litigation. The principal matter consists of an action that was commenced by Mr. Styles and two other minority shareholders against the Corporation and its previous management and directors. Pursuant to this action, various issues and allegations have been raised, including but not limited to: calling various historical transactions into question; alleging that the board engaged in conduct that failed to satisfy their fiduciary duties to all shareholders and was oppressive to the minority shareholders; and alleging that the Corporation failed to adhere to and satisfy its obligations as a reporting issuer, among other specific allegations. The action also seeks leave from the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta to pursue a derivative action. A series of three Consent Orders has been issued by the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta in connection with certain agreed upon matters, including the re-constitution of the board of directors, the appointment of independent legal counsel, the appointment of financial consultants to review past non-arm's length transactions and the appointment of auditors to prepare audited financial statements of the Corporation, among other things. Though the original Consent Order prescribed timeframes for the completion of various matters, in a number of those instances such timeframes did not account for required regulatory or corporate processes, or alternatively would not be financially efficient to complete in the manner contemplated. The Board of Caravan continues to progress towards completion of all matters set forth under the Consent Orders. As this matter is an ongoing litigation matter, the Corporation will provide updates as may be required under applicable securities laws, but will otherwise not be commenting on the specifics of the litigation. It should be noted that none of the allegations set forth in this claim have been finally proven in a court of law. The Corporation cautions shareholders that, other than the duly appointed directors of the Corporation and their Court-appointed legal counsel, Tingle Merrett LLP, no other representatives of the Corporation, nor the individual litigants have been authorized to contact shareholders in connection with this matter.

One of the tasks contemplated under the Consent Order is the completion of a report by independent financial advisors summarizing all transactions with non-arm's length parties from 1991 to present. That report has now been delivered to the Board by Meng LLP.

In addition to the principal litigation matter described above, the Corporation is aware of other legal matters that are ongoing. Additional processes have been instigated by Mr. Styles' former counsel, Mr. Greg Leia of the firm Wolff Leia. Management is aware that Mr. Leia has approached many shareholders and has purported to procure certain voting rights from a number of them in exchange for a promise to have some of his fees paid out of any dividends that are declared. Management is of the opinion that shareholders are not liable for fees accrued by Mr. Leia or his firm. With regard to the fees Mr. Leia claimed from Mr. Styles for services rendered as part of the above-described ongoing litigation prior to termination of his retainer, the invoices of Mr. Leia's firm were reviewed in a formal Assessment process initiated by Mr. Leia. The Assessment Officer of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, in declaring that only the "reasonable" fees of Mr. Leia are payable, determined that his invoiced fees should be reduced by more than $30,000. Mr. Leia has been paid the fees owing to him as awarded by the Court's Assessment Officer. Mr. Leia has appealed the Assessment Officer's reduction of his fees. In addition to the foregoing, management is also aware of an additional process commenced by Mr. Ken Pederson (who has claimed that he is the beneficiary of a minority shareholder), requesting that the Corporation be placed into receivership. Management emphasizes that such an action is not necessary as management remains committed to the proper operation of the Corporation (as described in this release) and continues to work towards maximization of shareholder value, with the goal of distributing funds via dividend once the matters described in this release are fully attended to. Management believes that the receivership application and the processes instigated by Mr. Leia are detrimental to shareholders, in that they are resulting in significant management and legal costs to Caravan, which costs reduce the pool of funds that will be available for a final distribution to all shareholders upon conclusion of the matters described in this release.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Corporation, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Herbert Styles

President and Director

(403)875-3491

Mark Cowper-Smith

Director

(858)449-5522

David Dart

Director

(403)230-3764

Legal Inquiries can also be directed to Caravan's independent counsel, Tingle Merrett LLP, attention: Brett Code Q.C. (ph: (403)571-8014) (re litigation matters); or Paul Bolger (ph: (403)571-8006) (re corporate matters).

SOURCE: Caravan Trailer Lodges of Alberta Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624955/Caravan-Announces-New-Board-Management-Operational-Update-Ongoing-Proceedings
Edwin Poots has been accused of "trying to wind people up" after he suggested processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable here after the end of the Protocol grace period.

The Agriculture Minister acknowledged we had plenty of homegrown beef and potatoes, but warned MLAs trimmings like Bisto or trifle could be missing from traditional Sunday dinners.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported here from Britain following the end of the transition period.

The DUP man said: "We do not need these barriers. We need common sense, particularly from the EU. We need a message going out from all of our companies that we do not need barriers which are going to put costs on."

He also stood by his claim that school and hospital supplies could be affected once the grace period ends.

Some supermarket shelves were depleted this month as suppliers grappled with new rules over sending goods from Britain to Northern Ireland.

The Protocol means we follow the EU's rules on matters like animal product standards, and it creates extra paperwork on goods travelling across the Irish Sea from Britain.

Expand Close Aah, Bisto: DUP minister said gravy could become unavailable. (Credit: bhofack2/Getty) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Aah, Bisto: DUP minister said gravy could become unavailable. (Credit: bhofack2/Getty)

Economy Minister Diane Dodds warned of the impact on products like steel, which could face tariffs of up to 25%.

It is deemed by the EU to be at risk of entering the single market after arrival.

Mrs Dodds said she held talks with Cabinet Minister Michael Gove on Friday and expected a Government statement in the coming days.

"We do not want Northern Ireland's manufacturers to be uncompetitive in their marketplace, nor do we want Northern Ireland's manufacturers to feel that they have to move to Great Britain in order to continue their manufacturing process," she said.

Mrs Dodds also called for the "chaos" at the Port of Dublin to be sorted out - many goods make their way across the border from there.

Ulster Unionist MLA John Stewart later said: "No matter what the DUP might say, they did support Boris Johnson's proposals in October 2019, which included a border in the Irish Sea and border inspection posts.

"Those actions created the problems we are now facing. The minister herself said in December 2017: 'There will be no internal trade borders within the UK'. She now needs to make good on her own words."

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said: "I suppose if you're the Economy Minister you do have to say the positive things like Diane Dodds did (that work was ongoing to address the problem), and if you're the Agriculture Minister and you're trying to wind people up, then you might make silly remarks about no jelly and Bisto on the table for Sunday dinner."

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's said: "A small number of our products are temporarily unavailable for our customers in Northern Ireland while border arrangements are confirmed.

"We were prepared for this and our customers will find a wide range of alternative products in-store in the meantime, and we are working hard to get back to our full, usual range soon."
The West Bengal chief minister's decision to contest the upcoming Assembly election from Nandigram has set off a political storm in the state

Mamata Banerjee's decision to contest the upcoming Assembly election from Nandigram has set off a political storm in the state. While the decision has been hailed by some as a smart tactical move, it can also be read as a tacit acknowledgment that the Trinamool Congress will face a tough contest from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In deciding to contest from Nandigram, Banerjee has set herself up for a bitter battle with Suvendu Adhikari, the TMC turncoat who has now joined the BJP.

Adhikari, on his part, accepted the challenge thrown by the West Bengal chief minister, asserting that he will defeat her in the election or quit politics.

He, however, said the final decision to field candidates will be taken by the BJP leadership after a thorough discussion and not in an 'arbitrary' way like in the ruling TMC.

Here is what Banerjee's decision to contest from Nandigram could mean for the electoral battle.

Strategy to confine Adhikari?

While the BJP has long displaced the CPM as the main opposition to the TMC in West Bengal, its ambitions for success in the West Bengal election are hobbled by the lack of a strong chief ministerial candidate. The saffron party has not yet made any specific announcement about its chief ministerial face for the polls. However, in Adhikari, the BJP has got an important mass leader who can pose a stiff challenge to the TMC.

Adhikari is particularly influential in the Jangalmahal and South Bengal regions. In South Bengal, the TMC had earlier prevented a BJP surge even in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Now, Adhikari's entry into the saffron party's ranks could help it turn the tables. He also wields significant influence in the three districts of Jangalmahal  Bankura, Purulia, and Paschim Medinipur, apart from his home ground of Purba Medinipur. These districts account for 63 Assembly seats, and Adhikari could be in a position to influence election outcomes in 20-30 of them, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Thus, curbing the ability of Adhikari to sway voters would be a crucial part of the TMC's strategy. Banerjee's decision to contest from Nandigram  which Adhikari represented till 21 December, 2020  seems to be aimed at confining him to his constituency as much as possible.

Nandigram also holds particular significance for both Banerjee and Adhikari. The agitation in Nandigram in the Purba Medinipur district over land acquisition in the late 2000s catapulted Banerjee to power in 2011, ending the 34 years of Left rule. However, Adhikari after switching over to the BJP has been alleging that the chief minister has forgotten the people of the area that helped her get to the top post. In 2007, he had played a key role in co-ordinating the agitation on the ground.

Acknowledgment of BJP's rising clout

If there was ever any doubt about whether or not TMC takes the BJP's electoral challenge seriously, Banerjee's decision to contest from Nandigram would dispel it. After all, the TMC supremo too would need to invest a lot of time and resources for what will certainly be a prestige battle for both parties. If Banerjee has decided to do so, it would be because she has calculated that the gains from making Adhikari face a tough challenge in his own backyard outweigh the costs for her campaign elsewhere.

The TMC has reason to be wary. The prospect of the BJP coming to power would have been considered unthinkable five years ago, but is now a distinct possibility. As per an opinion poll by ABP-CVoter, the TMC will win 158 seats, just ten seats more than the magic figure of 148. The BJP is tipped to win 102 seats if polls are held today. With three to four months to go for the election, this would be too close for comfort for the TMC.

For the BJP, this would represent an astounding rise from 2016, when it won just 3 Assembly seats in West Bengal. The saffron party would also take heart from its performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, when it won 18 seats, marginally behind the TMC's tally of 22. Its vote share increased from 16.8 percent in the 2014 Lok Sabha election to 40.25 percent in the 2019 polls.

The worry for the BJP, however, would be the fact that its performance in recent Assembly elections has consistently been significantly worse than its performance in the Lok Sabha election in the same places.

Nevertheless, the TMC, which is up against both the BJP and possible anti-incumbency from the past decade, will have its task cut out in the coming few months. Banerjee's decision to take Adhikari on in Nandigram indicates that she is aware of the enormity of the challenge she faces this time.

With inputs from PTI
A man wearing a protective mask and gloves walks on a nearly empty street in Beijing on Feb. 23, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images)

China, WHO Made Mistakes That Contributed to Global Spread of Pandemic: Panel

An independent panel has criticized Beijing and the World Health Organization (WHO) over their delayed response to the COVID-19 outbreak in China caused by the CCP virus.

What is clear to the Panel is that public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China in January [2020], the interim report said.

The panel, established by the WHO in response to a World Health Assembly resolution in May 2020, is called the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. It is co-chaired by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Sirleaf.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. It originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. The citys health authorities claimed the first patient appeared on Dec. 8, 2019, but media reports showed that the earliest documented patient, a man in his 70s, fell ill days earlier on Dec. 1. Researchers are still unclear who the patient zero is.

A series of leaked documents obtained by The Epoch Times showed that Wuhan hospitals received patients with COVID-like symptoms as early as September 2019.

The panel report also slammed China for lost opportunities to apply basic public health measures at the earliest opportunity, without elaborating.

Many have criticized China for initially silencing whistleblower doctors, among them ophthalmologist Li Wenliang, who tried to warn the public of an unknown pneumonia outbreak on Chinese social media on Dec. 30, 2019. Li was called to a police station and reprimanded for rumor-mongering.

Additionally, Beijing did not publicly acknowledge that the virus was contagious until Jan. 20, 2020, several weeks after Taiwan warned the WHO of the risk of human-to-human transmission in an email. The WHO has denied that the email contained such a warning.

U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar, in a speech at the Washington-based think tank Heritage Foundation on Jan. 14, said the U.S. government first learned about the virus in December 2019 from Taiwan, and disputed reports from China about the virus not being contagious.

WHO

The report also criticized the WHO for its slow response.

It is not clear why the [emergency] committee did not meet until the third week of January, nor is it clear why it was unable to agree on the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern [PHEIC] when it was first convened, according to the report.

The WHOs emergency committee convened on Jan. 22, 2020 and decided that declaring a PHEIC, the highest-level alert that WHO can declare, was still too early. The WHO finally declared a PHEIC on Jan. 30, 2020.

The report also questioned why it took the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus until March 2020 to declare the outbreak a pandemic.

Although the term pandemic is neither used nor defined in the International Health Regulations (2005), its use does serve to focus attention on the gravity of a health event. It was not until 11 March that WHO used the term, the report explained.

The report concluded that WHO has been underpowered to do the job expected of it.

The Panel is struck that the power of WHO to validate reports of disease outbreaks for their pandemic potential and to be able to deploy support and containment resources to local areas is gravely limited, it added.

In July last year, Trump called the WHO a puppet of China, adding that Beijing was fully responsible for concealing the virus and unleashing it upon the world. In the same month, the U.S. President formally withdrew the United States from the WHO. The withdrawal will take effect on July 6 this year.

The report concluded: In retrospect, it is clear that the volume of infections in the early period of the epidemic in all countries was higher than reported.

A largely hidden epidemic contributed to the global spread.

The panel is scheduled to present a final report to the 74th World Health Assembly in May.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an 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.
LATEST Jan. 19, 7:20 p.m. The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit reported a new wildfire Tuesday evening at Little Basin Road and Upper Bloom Grade Road, four miles northwest of Boulder Creek. The Bloom Fire was five acres and zero percent contained as of 7:20 p.m.

Here's what we know as of 7 p.m. Tuesday about other fires in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties.

The China Grade Fire, burning on China Grade Road and Foxglove Lane four miles northwest of Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County, was 20 acres and 100% contained with no evacuations. Cal Fire said they were "mopping up," a term used to describe extinguishing residual fire to make sure it doesn't continue to spread outside of an established containment area

The Freedom Fire, first reported at 8 a.m. Tuesday on Freedom Road north of Watsonville, was 37 acres and 20% contained with an estimated 100 homes evacuated. The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office said evacuations were ordered for Nunes Road and Gillette Road in Watsonville. The sheriff's office said at 11 a.m. that Willow Heights is also being evacuated. "White Road at Freedom and Larkin Valley is closed due to #nunesfire," the California Highway Patrol shared on Twitter.

The Panther Ridge Fire on Stapp Road east of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek was 15 acres and 55% contained. An estimated 20 homes were evacuated by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The Empire Fire on Alba Road at Empire Grade in Boulder Creek remained 6 acres and was zero percent contained. No structures were threatened and no evacuations ordered, Cal Fire said.

The North Butano Fire in San Mateo County remained 10 acres and was 95% contained. There is no threat to any structures. Cal Fire said engines are still trying to make access to this fire in the burn area of the CZU Lightning Complex. Trees and debris blocked access roads.

The Fanning Fire on Fanning Grade Road in Ben Lomond west of Highway 9 grew to 18.81 acres with 95% containment.

Jan. 19, 4:30 p.m. The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit battling multiple wildfires Tuesday said at 4 p.m. the number of blazes had grown from five to six and the fires were showing "moderate spread with slow, creeping fire behavior."

"When wind kicks up, fires kick up," Cal Fire said. "Currently, wind has died down. Fire crews are working quickly, as winds are expected to pick up tonight. Please remain vigilant. We will continue to update you."

Here's what we know as of 4 p.m. Tuesday as the fires crews continue to fight.

The China Grade Fire is a new blaze reported by Cal Fire. It's burning on China Grade Road and Foxglove Lane, 4 miles northwest of Boulder Creek. It was 20 acres and 100% contained with no evacuations.

The Freedom Fire, first reported at 8 a.m. Tuesday on Freedom Road north of Watsonville, spread to 40 acres and was 20% contained with an estimated 100 homes evacuated. The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office said evacuations were ordered for Nunes Road and Gillette Road in Watsonville. The sheriff's office said at 11 a.m. that Willow Heights is also being evacuated. "White Road at Freedom and Larkin Valley is closed due to #nunesfire," the California Highway Patrol shared on Twitter.

The Panther Ridge Fire on Stapp Road east of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek was 10 to 12 acres and 55% contained. An estimated 20 homes were evacuated by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The Empire Fire on Alba Road at Empire Grade in Boulder Creek remained 6 acres and was 0% contained. No structures were threatened and no evacuations ordered, Cal Fire said.

The North Butano Fire in San Mateo County remained 10 acres and 0% contained. There is no structure threat. Cal Fire said engines are still trying to make access to this fire in the burn area of the CZU Lightning Complex. Trees and debris blocked access roads.

The Fanning Fire on Fanning Grade Road in Ben Lomond west of Highway 9 grew to 18.81 acres with 95% containment.

Residents displaced by fires can find resources, refreshments and shelter information at a Red Cross evacuation center located at the Corralitos Community Church, 26 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos.

Jan. 19, 1 p.m. Multiple wildfires sparked in Santa Cruz County amid a high wind event Monday night into Tuesday, and some are triggering evacuations, officials said.

The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit said at least 10 fires broke out in the last 12 hours and five continued to burn Tuesday afternoon.

Here's what we know about each as of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Cal Fire.

The Freedom Fire was reported at 8 a.m. Tuesday and is on Freedom Road, north of Watsonville. It's five acres, burning in timber, and is 0% contained. The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office said evacuations were ordered for Nunes Road and Gillette Road in Watsonville. The sheriff's office said at 11 a.m. that Willow Heights is also being evacuated. "White Road at Freedom and Larkin Valley is closed due to #nunesfire," the California Highway Patrol shared on Twitter.

The Panther Ridge Fire on Stapp Road east of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek was five acres and 0% contained. Evacuations are underway.

The Empire Fire on Alba Road at Empire Grade in Boulder Creek was six acres and burning through timber with 0% contained. No structure threat and no evacuations.

The North Butano Fire in San Mateo County was 10 acres and 0% contained. There is no structure threat.

The Fanning Fire on Fanning Grade Road in Ben Lomond West of Highway 9 was 14 acres with 30% containment.

Comparing the five blazes with the record-breaking fires the state saw in summer, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Isaac Sanchez said, "I dont believe any are significant fires at this point though for the people being impacted, its not insignificant."

Sanchez wouldn't describe the flurry of wildfires breaking out in the middle of winter a rare event, as he said fire season is now year-round and there is no normal.

"These are the conditions we are faced with right now." Sanchez said. "Not only in Santa Cruz, but across the state The fuel out there is still receptive to burning and it doesnt get much to get a fire going and impact the community."

Cal Fire advised people to check Zone Haven for updates on evacuations. You can find updates from Cal Fire CZU on the Twitter page and Facebook page. This is a developing story and will update as more evacuation information is released.

PG&E Webcam

High winds kicked up across the greater Bay Area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, leading to critical fire weather in the middle of winter.

Cal Fire said crews responded to 10 vegetation fires across San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties overnight as fierce winds whipped through the mountains and valleys. Some of the blazes broke out in the burn scar of the CZU Lightning Fire, a massive blaze that consumed 86,509 acres in August.

"All engines are committed to these fires today, with more resources coming in from other units," Cal Fire said.

The National Weather Service had a high wind warning in effect for elevations above 1,000 feet in the San Francisco Bay Area through 10 a.m. Tuesday. A wind advisory was issued for the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The winds arrived at the tail end of a warm spell, with 10 Bay Area locations breaking same-day temperature records Monday afternoon, including 80 degrees in Santa Rosa, 79 in Oakland, 78 in San Jose, 77 in Napa, and 76 in downtown San Francisco, according to the weather service.

Offshore winds, aka Diablo Winds, blow hot air from inland areas toward the coast and are known for drying out the landscape and essentially sucking the moisture out of the vegetation, leaving it tinder-dry and vulnerable to burning.

Forecasters warned of the risk of wildfires sparking across the region and especially just south of the Bay Area in Monterey and San Benito counties.

"Relative humidity values are in the teens this evening and are not expected to recover overnight," the weather service said in its Monday report. "This unseasonably dry air mass and strong winds will combine to create critical fire weather conditions tonight and Tuesday in areas where fuels remain dry, specifically in the hills and mountains of Monterey and San Benito Counties where a Red Flag Warning is currently in effect."
ALBANY  A second wave of coronavirus infections that began last Halloween and peaked this month has finally begun to level off in the Capital Region, but hospitalizations and deaths remain at alarmingly high levels, officials say.

The region has been experiencing record daily caseloads at least once a week since Nov. 9. That changed last week, when Mondays daily caseload came in a few hundred cases shy of the 1,953-case record set one week earlier on Jan. 4.

Because some local counties include weekend cases in their Monday counts, Monday caseloads for the region are typically inflated. But the seven-day rolling average of new daily infections  a more reliable metric that takes sporadic jumps and outliers like these into account  has also begun to level off.

As of Sunday, the region was averaging 925 new cases of coronavirus a day, down from a high of 1,009 set Jan. 10. The rolling average had been climbing to record levels on an almost-daily basis since last November, with reprieves of no more than four days until this past weekend. As of Sunday, the region had gone seven days without hitting a new high.

The chart shows daily new cases of COVID-19 in the eight counties of the Capital Region. Graphics by Cathleen F. Crowley and Bethany Bump/Times Union (About the data)

"One of the things weve been looking at is did we hit the surge?... Are we starting to go back down?" Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said Monday. "Because our positive numbers are going down and the same number  roughly 3,000 people  are getting tested every day."

That figure represents Albany County testing levels, but the trend holds true for the rest of the region.

The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 in the region had been climbing steadily since Halloween and peaked at 10.2 (measured on a seven-day rolling average) on Jan. 7. Since then, it has started to come back down and was 7.6 as of Saturday.

The trend is similar statewide. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last week said the state was starting to see the post-holiday surge level off. On Monday, the statewide positivity rate was 6.5, down from 6.7 a week ago and 8.3 the week before that.

Alarming hospitalizations

Hospitalizations from COVID-19 are still a major concern  and a more contagious variant of coronavirus that has spread to the area has some worried the recent leveling off in infections may not hold.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Friday that the variant, which was first detected in the United Kingdom and has since been identified in the Capital Region, could become the dominant virus variant nationwide by March. Cuomo addressed this Monday, noting that there has also been evidence of new variants in South Africa and Brazil.

That should keep us all up at night," he said.

In the Capital Region, hospitals have been treating a record number of coronavirus patients since Dec. 2, when the patient load surpassed the regions spring peak of 205 patients. Hospitalizations have only risen since then. As of Sunday, area hospitals were treating 534 coronavirus patients  their highest total to date.

While were seeing the average number of new daily positives and our percent positive rates here in Albany County coming back down after the holiday surge, our hospitalizations are beginning to rise to new record levels, McCoy said Monday, adding that the trend is alarming.

The chart shows daily hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in the eight counties of the Capital Region. Graphics by Cathleen F. Crowley and Bethany Bump/Times Union (About the data)

Whether hospitalizations will start to level off now that infections have remains to be seen.

For the time being, hospitals report being overwhelmed. Staff are falling ill, and those who arent are being redeployed from their usual posts to care for patients at the bedside.

As of Monday morning, they had not yet needed to make use of a 160-bed overflow space located inside Albany Countys Shaker Place nursing home, McCoy said. But the space, which has its own entrance and is separated from the rest of the facility, was furnished with hospital equipment last week in preparation for use as capacity inside hospitals continues to shrink.

Deaths climbing fast

Unfortunately, deaths due to coronavirus continue to climb and are occurring at their fastest rate yet.

As of Monday afternoon, 730 residents from across the eight-county area were confirmed dead from COVID-19. After the spring wave of infections resulted in the deaths of some 300 residents, it took another five months for the region to hit 400 deaths. That was on Nov. 27. Since then, it has taken 26 days to hit 500 deaths (Dec. 23), 15 days to hit 600 (Jan. 7) and just eight days to hit 700 (Jan. 15).

The chart shows daily deaths related to COVID-19 in the eight counties of the Capital Region.

Source: Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracking project

Graphic by Cathleen F. Crowley/Times Union

Albany, Columbia and Warren counties reported new deaths from the virus on Monday.

Albany County lost three residents  a man in his 60s, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 90s. Warren County lost three as well, aged 72 to 89. One of them was a nursing home resident, said Rachel Seeber, chair of the county Board of Supervisors.

We continue to grieve the losses of our loved ones who have been claimed by this pandemic, Seeber said. We ask that you keep their families, and those who continue to fight COVID-19, in your thoughts and prayers.

Columbia County also reported a death Monday, but did not release any details about the victim.

Vaccine update

On Monday, McCoy said the state delivered new guidance to counties Friday night informing them they should focus vaccination efforts on essential workers and let pharmacies handle people age 65 and over. Individuals over 65 who already had a second dose scheduled with their local health department will still have that dose honored, he said.

McCoy encouraged anyone with questions about the vaccine to call the United Way of the Greater Capital Region's 2-1-1 hotline, which is also available to anyone who has questions about COVID-19, eviction rules, or help getting food. The hotline is intended to take pressure off of local health departments, which are struggling to keep up with contact tracing and quarantine checks because of a barrage of vaccine-related calls.

McCoy said the state's vaccination website has only added to the confusion.

"You go on there and Im sorry, you almost need a masters degree to figure out the website and how youre gonna get the vaccine and where youre gonna go," he said.

The website allows users to check their eligibility for the vaccine and make an appointment at a state-run vaccination site, but most appointments have already been filled. As of Monday afternoon, the only sites left with available appointments were in Potsdam, Plattsburgh, Johnson City and Utica.

McCoy noted that people are eager to get shots, and appear to be driving long distances for them. He said the state should make sign-ups available on a regional basis.

"It will make it simple, easy and less confusing and less of a wait time for people," he said.

Edward McKinley contributed to this story.
Britain's outdated business rates system must be ripped apart and rebuilt to ensure the High Street can survive and thrive after the pandemic, a major lobby group has claimed.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is urging Rishi Sunak to reveal a 'comprehensive reform' of business rates in his Budget at the beginning of March.

And to ensure that as many businesses as possible can get through the next few months, the Chancellor must act ahead of the Budget to extend coronavirus support measures beyond the end of March, the CBI added.

Tax reform: The Confederation of British Industry is urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to reveal a 'comprehensive reform' of business rates in his Budget at the beginning of March

If Sunak waits until the Budget to unveil extensions to the furlough scheme and emergency loan schemes, many businesses will already have had to make tough decisions to axe jobs and shutter premises.

CBI director-general Tony Danker told the Chancellor: 'Businesses recognise the vital importance of national lockdowns in combating the Covid-19 health emergency, but the economic reality facing firms now is extremely challenging. After almost a year battling the pandemic, business resilience is at an all-time low.'

But Sunak is hoping to start getting a grip on the UK's creaking public finances in his Budget on March 3, and the CBI estimates its proposals will cost 17.9billion.

Retailers and restaurants, however, were already struggling with sky-high business rates before the pandemic hit, and the Mail has been campaigning for a fairer system which would not unfairly penalise bricks-and-mortar stores over their online competitors through the Save Our High Streets campaign.

The Government introduced a business rates holiday last year but this will end in April.

Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI's chief economist, said: 'This Budget is an opportunity to focus on a balanced economic recovery, not driven solely by consumption and government spending, by stimulating much-needed business investment and tackling the systemic challenges that have held the UK back.

'Top of that list must be a fundamental review of our outdated business rates system.'

Danker urged the Chancellor not to think about raising taxes just yet. He said: 'It would be wrong to raise business taxes when we don't yet have a recovery. It's that simple.'

A Treasury spokesman said: 'As the Chancellor has set out, the Budget will be the moment to take decisions in the round and outline the next stages of our Plan for Jobs to support businesses and families.'
With Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines' approval for emergency use, Brazil has started its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Brazil's health regulator has greenlighted both Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines' urgent use on Sunday. Brazil currently has six million doses of Sinovac's vaccine, awaiting distribution in the next few days.

It is also waiting for the arrival of two million doses of vaccine made by AstraZeneca and partner Oxford University.

Ethel Maciel, an epidemiologist at the Federal University of Espirito Santo, said in an Associated Press report that the six million doses are still not enough.

"It will not allow the entire population at risk to be fully immunized, nor is it clear how quickly the country will obtain more vaccines," Maciel noted.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa rejected an application for the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine. The application was submitted by the Brazilian pharmaceutical company Uniao Quimica.

The health regulator said it did not evaluate the application as it did not meet the minimum requirements to start an analysis.

Related story: China's Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine Is Less Than 60% Effective in Brazil Trial: Report

Brazil Vaccination Program

On Monday, Brazil started its vaccination program with expectations that the rollout will be painfully slow due to delayed imports. According to a Channel News Asia report, Brazilians start the vaccination after weeks of delays and political disputes.

A 54-year-old nurse in Sao Paolo, Monica Calazans, was the first person to be vaccinated in the country. Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had faced criticisms due to the lack of immunization efforts.

The country has recorded more than 200,000 deaths to COVID-19, the pandemic's worst death toll outside the United States.

The Butantan Institute, run by Sao Paulo state, still needs another shipment of Sinovac's ingredients by the end of the month to hit its goal of 46 million doses by April.

Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello admonished Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria on Sunday for what he described as an illegal "marketing ploy" for allowing the vaccinations in Sao Paulo before the official vaccine distribution.

Bolsonaro added fuel to the fire on Monday when he told supporters outside the presidential palace that it is Brazil's vaccine and does not belong to any governor.

Doria earlier took aim at Bolsonaro's government as he observed Sao Paulo's health care workers receiving shots.

Doria said the vaccine is a lesson for authoritarians who disregard life and lack compassion. However, some scientists cautioned about the use of Sinovac's vaccine as it lacks published data about its effectiveness and safety, according to a New York Times report.

They added that it has yet to be tested in thousands of people needed to be considered before being allowed for wide use.

Brazil Vaccination Campaign's Goal

The Brazilian government's target is to end 2021 with at least 354 million doses acquired. If these numbers to be applied, it would be enough to fully immunized at least 80 percent of Brazilians.

Brazil has already created priority groups for the vaccine. However, officials have yet to release a detailed plan when certain groups will be vaccinated and how many doses of which vaccines the country plans to acquire.

Read also: How Long Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Gives Protection Against the Virus?
A 104-year-old who raised thousands of pounds during lockdown with a daily hill climb has received a coronavirus vaccine.

Joan Willett, a resident at Old Hastings House care home in Hastings, East Sussex, said she was grateful and privileged to be given the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on January 15.

I feel very grateful and privileged to have been the first person in my area to get the jab, she said.

Its wonderful to think that this now offers everyone fresh hope of getting through this pandemic.

The former teacher, who has survived two heart attacks, is the first care home resident in Hastings to receive a vaccine for Covid-19.

Ms Willett appeared on the Piccadilly Circus lights in London and was shortlisted for a Pride of Britain Award after walking more than 17 miles for the British Heart Foundation.

The centenarian, who initially wanted to raise 500 for the charity, has now raised more than 50,000 with her efforts.

It was only fitting that Joan  the inspirational leader of our residents  led by example by being the first care home resident here and locally to get the first jab against Covid-19, said Jason Denny, manager of Old Hastings House.

As Joan looks forward to her 105th birthday, she will be kicking dust in the face of Covid-19 as she continues conquering her hill.

Ms Willetts fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joansdailyhike
Sidney Powell Drops Election Lawsuit Ahead of Inauguration

Lawyer Sidney Powell, who filed third-party election lawsuits on behalf of President Donald Trump, dropped one of her suits in Georgia where she challenged the outcome of the vote tally in the Peach State.

On Tuesday, Powell requested that the Supreme Court dismiss a case that she appealed to the court in December. But about a week ago, the Supreme Court denied her request to expedite the case.

Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 46.1, Petitioners submit this Stipulation of Dismissal, showing the agreement of all parties hereto that this case be dismissed, each party to bear their own costs. Therefore, Petitioners respectfully request that this case be dismissed, the court filing (pdf) said. It was filed on behalf of several plaintiffs against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger, among others.

Powell previously wrote that the Kraken lawsuit was part of a larger effort to expose and reverse an unprecedented multistate conspiracy to steal the 2020 General Election in Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and others.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Powell for comment.

Powell said via the app Telegram: For those inquiring about us dropping our lawsuit in Georgia, the delay by the Supreme Court in addressing the issues we raised rendered the issues moot on behalf of the specific clients we represented. We are by no means finished with what needs to be done to get to the bottom of this fraudulent election.

The lawyer, who successfully defended retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, was introduced by the Trump legal team in November, although the team later distanced themselves from her and said she wasnt working on their behalf.

Let me say definitively: Sidney Powell is not part of our legal team, Trump lawyer Rudy Guiliani told Newsmax in December. She hasnt been for five weeks. She is not a special counsel for the president. She does not speak for the president, nor does she speak for the administration. She speaks for herself.

Powell was also banned from Twitter after the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Flynn, Trump, and others were also barred from using the social media platform.

The accounts have been suspended in line with our policy on Coordinated Harmful Activity, a Twitter spokesperson said in a statement to news outlets on Friday and claimed her suspension had to do with the QAnon movement. Weve 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.

Powell, in a statement to The Epoch Times, said last week was no warning at all about her account being deleted, adding that it is stunning.

Twitters actions and those of banks who shut down accounts of people who went to DC are fascism in its purest form  It is a communist coup that has been long and well-planned, she added.
Police have said they believe a private helicopter may have been shot at by dissident republicans as it passed over Fermanagh.

However, they said there was no damage and the pilot was unaware the aircraft was shot at.

Police have closed the Wattlebridge Road and Cavan Road, outside Newtownbutler due to an ongoing security alert after a report the CIRA left a device in the area on Wednesday, January 13.

The terror group has claimed it fired on a police helicopter. A claim dismissed by the police. Previously dissidents have tried to lure police into the area for an attack.

South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn said: I can confirm that the Police Service helicopter was not deployed in the Wattlebridge area at any time on Thursday, January 14. A fixed wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on this date. Following extensive enquiries we have established that a private helicopter was travelling through the area on Thursday.

If there is any truth to the claims from dissident republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the aircraft that they shot at. Fortunately the helicopter did not sustain any damage and its occupant was unaware of any shots being fired."

He continued: "Those involved have shown their absolute disregard for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was intended for police, makes it no less heinous. Police officers safeguard our communities every day in the face of this threat and continue to do their utmost to build a safer society.

We can all show our contempt for such senseless attacks by standing together and working in partnership to find those responsible.

*The Continuity IRA have sought to disrupt our communities a number of times over the last few years with a booby trap device in Craigavon in July 2019, an explosive device on the Cavan Road in August 2019 and an explosive device on a heavy goods vehicle in Lurgan in January 2020.

"They did not care about the danger they caused to our communities then, nor do they care now. All right thinking people will appreciate the catastrophic affects that a crashed aircraft would have had on the helicopter pilot and residents living in this area. Their recklessness knows no bounds.

The public will appreciate that we are taking this very seriously and today we have commenced searches, working with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, to make the area safe and to gather evidence to progress our investigation.

A number of roads will be closed with traffic diversions in place. We will do our utmost to facilitate local residents and minimise any disruption.

I am asking everyone to work with us to find those responsible for this attack on our community. If you have information that can assist our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us immediately on 101.
Weather Alert

...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Temperatures in the lower to mid 30s will result in frost formation. * WHERE...All of northern New York, and much of central and northern Vermont away from Lake Champlain. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. &&
People wear face masks at The Mall in Central Park in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

The more contagious strain of the coronavirus  first identified in the U.K. in September 2020  has been detected in at least 20 states in the U.S. so far, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 122 COVID-19 cases caused by the variant. The CDC predicts the new coronavirus strain will grow rapidly in 2021, and become the predominant variant in March.

So should you double up on face masks for added protection against the more contagious strain of the virus?

The short answer is ... no, Dr. Dean Winslow, infectious disease physician at Stanford Health Care, tells Yahoo Life. Its clearly here, Winslow says, referring to the strain. It does not produce more severe disease, but  it does appear to be more transmissible.

According to the CDC: Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. However, an increase in the number of cases will put more strain on health care resources, lead to more hospitalizations and potentially more deaths.

Dr. Richina Bicette, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, agrees with Winslow that doubling up on masks isnt necessary for most people. Nothing needs to be done differently, Bicette tells Yahoo Life. The same risk-reduction strategies that have been discussed since the beginning of the pandemic still apply. Any mask is better than no mask, but a medical-grade surgical mask is the best if it is available. Wash your hands, do not gather in groups and socially distance yourself from people who do not live in the same household as you.

Which masks are best

N95 masks offer greater protection against the coronavirus than surgical or cloth masks. But a fit test is required to ensure a proper seal, and these respirators are only meant to be used once, per the CDC. One of the big advantages of N95 is the weave of the material  its tighter than in a regular mask, explains Winslow. But because they do fit so tightly, those elastic bands really compress it back on the face.

Story continues

Surgical and cloth face masks, on the other hand, are often easier to wear and find. Cloth masks and surgical face masks do provide at least some degree of protection for the person wearing it, says Winslow, along with protecting others. And theyre a lot more comfortable than wearing an N95 mask.

Bicette says, If you are wearing a medical-grade surgical mask, you only need to wear one. If you are wearing a homemade mask, per CDC recommendations, it should be multilayer  at least 3 layers  and made of material with a high thread count.

Placing a filter inside of a cloth mask is another good option. But Bicette points out that all filters are not made equally and there is no centralized quality control verifying the size of the particles that each filter protects against.

A small 2020 study in which researchers tested different types of masks suggests adding a filter as the third layer or doubling up a cotton mask with a surgical face mask may offer better protection against the virus. In the study, the researchers recommended wearing a three-layer mask consisting of two outer layers of a very flexible, tightly woven fabric and an inner layer consisting of a material designed to filter out particles. According to the study, inner filter layer options include doubling up with a good surgical mask or using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter insert or a MERV 14 or higher mask filter insert.

The study authors stated that this approach produces a good-fitting mask with high performance in both directions, meaning for the wearer and for others, filtering out 74 to 90 percent of particles.

But the decision to double up on masks comes down to individual comfort, says Bicette. This will vary from person to person. I have no difficulty when wearing multiple masks in the hospital.

That said, any type of mask is better than nothing. Something is better than nothing, one of the studys authors, Linsey Marr, an aerosol scientist and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, told the New York Times. Even the simplest cloth mask of one layer of material blocks half or more of aerosols we think are important to transmission. If you go to a tighter weave and more layers, youll get even better performance.

How to ensure a proper fit and keep masks clean

How well your mask fits also determines how effective it is. If your mask is loose fitting and does not securely cover your nose and mouth, you are increasing your risk of spreading the virus and also catching the virus, says Bicette. Masks with nose bridge wires can help close gaps along the top of the mask, while tying a knot to shorten the elastic loops of a surgical face mask can help close gaps along the sides of the face (watch the hack here).

Bicette adds: Make sure your mask fits snugly over your nose and mouth and does not fall down when you talk or turn your head. If the mask is under your nose, it defeats the point of wearing one.

How you remove your mask after wearing it is also important. When removing or adjusting your mask, remove it by taking off the ear straps, says Bicette. Do not touch the front of your mask, if you can avoid it. Anytime you do touch your mask, immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

The CDC doesnt recommend reusing disposable surgical face masks. But some experts say you can reuse them by placing them in a clean paper bag or plastic baggie for up to 48 hours until any viral particles are no longer viable. Throw out disposable surgical masks once they become soiled or damaged in any way.

For cloth masks, be sure to keep them clean on a daily basis. The Mayo Clinic recommends regularly washing reusable cloth masks with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. Throw them in the washing machine with your clothes, and they perfectly decontaminated, says Winslow.

For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDCs and WHOs resource guides.

Read more from Yahoo Life:

Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
What if spies are not after secrets, but influence?[1] This single quote from the beginning of Gordon Coreras book sets the stage for a politically nuanced, superbly informative history of the Russian Illegals Program and other intelligence and covert action programs around it, embedded within a rich storyline of Russian relations with, and paranoia of, the West. Corera is a journalist by trade, and has been the BBCs security and intelligence correspondent since 2004. He is also a respected researcher and author (The Art of Betrayal: The Secret History of MI6, Coreras work on Kim Philby, is also excellent), and was a Frank Knox Fellow at Harvard. Corera expertly draws us in through the first 100 pages or so, with personal narratives of both the Illegalsa group of Russian deep-cover espionage agents operating in Western countriesand the intelligence agencies chasing them. He overlays engaging material, including spy tradecraft and eye-raising information that has become available sporadically over the past several years.

The aggregation of the material in Russians Among Us tells a story almost unbelievable in its scope and depth, but the narrative is constructed with an eye for the personal hook. Corera returns frequently to the challenges endured by the Illegalstheir frustrations and their determination. He even cites pop the Amazon series The Americans, which former Illegal Donald Heathfield/Andrey Bezrukov (his American name and true Russian name) said was close to reality, though without the killings and wigs. Bezrukov said the depiction of the personal difficulties experienced by the characters in the show was very realistic.[2]

Corera posits a thesis midway through the book, that Russian hybrid warfare, in all its forms, does not constitute military hard power, but it also does not conform to the traditional definitions of soft powerdeferring to Joseph Nyes description of soft power as attractive instead of coercive. Instead, Corera defines the Russian influence effort as dark power, playing on greed and ambition.[3] The combination of this dark power with the hybrid warfare model creates a stark picture Corera argues is virtually impossible to combat.

Ultimately, Corera uses an expertly researched specific example to weave together a perspective about Russias view of the world and the reason for its actions. Corera begins this story by challenging the paradigm from which we have historically viewed these cloaked conflicts of espionage and tradecraft. Early on, he touches on the concept of hybrid warfare and the idea that the remaining Cold Warriors in the West failed to understand Russias goals were not the same as those of the U.S. and the UK, and were not the same as they used to be. Western intelligence agencies played the spy game for so long, they fell into the trap of thinking secrets were really important. Corera exposes that flawed mindset as he draws from examples throughout Soviet and Russian history and up to the presentskillfully embedding the rise of Vladimir Putinthat detail the intent to influence, and not to simply observe and report. As Corera notes, when he was first elected President of Russia in 1999, Putin would double down on his intelligence services as a means to wield power and influence.[4] Coreras underlying criticism rings of Mark Galeottiwho created the term for the so-called Gerasimov Doctrine: The point is this: if the subversion is not the prelude to war, but the war itself, this changes our understanding of the threat.[5]

While he does not actually refer to hybrid warfare by name until much later in the book, Corera shows his intuition is correct. He explains the concept that power equals influence, and hybrid warfare uses any means necessary to achieve that influence over other countries. Through that explanation, his book becomes onebut certainly not the onlystory of Russian hybrid warfare, told through the eyes of the Illegals and the Western intelligence and counterintelligence agencies that hunted them.

Fear is a type of influence, and the idea that Russia has embedded agents who look just like the natives is exactly the type of outsized influence Putin has been phenomenally successful at achieving. The Illegals established the successful precedent for Russias Internet Research Agency to wield disguise in another domain: cyber. The U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence investigation into U.S. election meddling in 2016 revealed 2,752 Twitter accounts directly attributed to the Internet Research Agency impersonating U.S. political groups, and another 36,000 accounts linked to Russian bots proliferating misinformation.[6] From this standpoint, Corera in some ways does a bit of Putins work for him: no one knows (read in a purposely spooky voice) exactly how many Illegals are out there, which perpetuates the aura of pervasiveness. One single act can create a legend, much like the poisoning of Russian defector Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England, after which Putin awarded the honorary title of Hero of the Russian Federation to one of the perpetrators, Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga.[7]

Corera points out that Russia has long had a program to go after those seen as traitors, with Department 8 of Directorate S carrying out those acts.[8] Any potential Russian spy worth targeting knows this, but Putin could not have asked for better publicity when Ruslan Borishev and Chepiga were identified by the investigative website Bellingcat as having brought a military-developed nerve agent into England for the express purpose of killing the former spy.[9] Russia put out the appropriate denials, but the world was put on notice that Russia would never forget betrayal by one of its own. Apart from enacting a Vizzini-like strategy to slowly develop an immunity to iocane powder, polonium, or novichok, as the cliche goes, What doesnt kill you makes you stronger...except Russians. Russians will kill you.

Coreras attention to detail amplifies Putins sinister message in many ways, pointing out the breadth of the program as well as highlighting that determination. That said, Coreras attention to detail is the most important aspect of his book. There are a surprising number of booksmost of them written by Russian defectorsthat spell out the details of the long-running Illegals Program; two of Viktor Suvorovs books, Inside Soviet Military Intelligence and Inside the Aquarium, come to mind. On 28 July 2017, during a public celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Illegals Program attended by Putin himself, SVR Director Sergey Naryshkin discussed the founding of the program in 1922. On an even more covert note, many of the details about Department S of Directorate 8, the active measures department, have been discussed semi-openly for decades.[10] While it is possible to piece together many of the details of these programs, Corera makes explicit connections between various operational categories that paint a clear picture of the diverse, hybrid nature of this type of warfare.

Coreras story also uses another narrative woven throughout, the obverse Clausewitzian cliche: politics is war by other means. This refers specifically to the paradigm in which Russia has always been at war with the West. Consider stereotypical Russian paranoia, from the halcyon days of glasnost when officials of the disbanded USSR never trusted the openness of the West. Corera cites the head of the KGB First Chief Directorate, Leonid Shebarshin, who, in 1991, maintained that what had not changed was the ambition of the United States to weaken the Soviet Union. Corera then overlays a 2007 statement by FSB Head Nikolai Patrushev that giving themselves the credit for the disintegration of the USSR, [Western foreign intelligence services] are now nurturing plans aimed at dismembering Russia.[11] Coreras point is amplified through the nonchalance of captured Illegal Michael Zottoli/Mikhail Kutsik as he tells his FBI captors we lost this one and you guys won. Thats just how this one went. This echoes the 1994 arrest of Aldrich Ames and the SVRs response then as well: These things happenits the nature of the business.[12]

Corera utilizes that overarching narrative with a subtext that in fact the West may have contributed to or even prompted the Russian paranoia and animosity in the mid-1990s; Corera cites then-SVR Chief Vyacheslav Trubnikovs belief that the belief that the other side had not stopped meant you could not, either. Putin carried that spy fever forward in the early 2000s, and Corera ties it into the 2013 Gerasimov Doctrine as an explanation of what Russia thought it was being subjected to by the West.[13]

BUY ON AMAZON Following the detailed history of the Ghost Stories case and the Illegals who were eventually caught and sent back to Russia, Corera discusses what he calls the new Illegals, who do not operate under the same clandestine stricture as the previous generation, instead openlyin many cases brazenlyvying for attention, contacts, and influence. Referring back to the tie-ins to hybrid warfare, we can see immediate parallels with theories from Evgeny Messner as cited by Ofer Fridman, which does not consist of making the artillery the main weaponbut [rather] the [power of the] word.[14] Coreras book is urgent in its message, drawing examples from the 2016 U.S. election and observing the alarming actions being taken openly by Russia, including cyber influence campaigns that resulted in physical manifestations,[15] a phenomenon noted by Thomas Rid in Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare through a discussion of the disinformation value-creation chain and Russias ability to effectively exploit activist culture, breakneck news cycles, and a victim society to embed messages and conspiracies.[16] Corera incorporates and builds on these themes throughout the bookhybrid warfare, hard power and soft powerto great effect as he builds the story to its logical conclusion: that there is no conclusion, only a continued need for awareness of motivations, methods, and vulnerabilities. More to the point, Corera notes that if the West does not change its paradigm about what constitutes a threat, there is no way to combat it: If your opponent was not stealing secrets, were they really an intelligence threat?[17] Corera seems to be pointing out that the problem is actually that we look at this as an intelligence problem and not just a problem. Corera expertly uses both facets of his experience in creating a fast-moving storyline held together with deeply researched histories and first-person testimonials, in some cases from the Ghost Stories Illegals themselves. This book belongs on a professional intelligence scholars shelf next to the likes of Andrew, Suvorov, and Penkovskiy, as a solid and comprehensive compendium of the Ghost Stories chapter in American-Russian relations.

Devlin Kostal is a U.S. Air Force officer, currently serving as an Instructor of Military and Strategic Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The views expressed in this article are the authors alone and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

This article appeared originally at Strategy Bridge.

NOTES:

[1] Gordon Corera, Russians Among Us: Sleeper Cells, Ghost Stories, and the Hunt for Putins Spies (New York: HarperCollins, 2020), 7.

[2] Corera, Russians Among Us, 310.

[3] Corera, Russians Among Us, 165-66.

[4] Corera, Russians Among Us, 111.

[5] Mark Galeotti, Im Sorry For Creating the Gerasimov Doctrine, Foreign Policy, March 5, 2018, https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/03/05/im-sorry-for-creating-the-gerasimov-doctrine/.

[6] U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Exposing Russias Effort to Sow Discord Online: The Internet Research Agency and Advertisements, Social Media Content, https://intelligence.house.gov/social-media-content/.

[7] Hayley Dixon, Skripal hitman unmasked as GRU colonel awarded Russias highest military honour by Vladimir Putin, The Telegraph, 27 September 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/26/skripal-hitman-unmasked-gru-colonel-awarded-russias-highest/.

[8] Corera, Russians Among Us, 387.

[9] Corera, Russians Among Us, 387.

[10] See Aleksei Myagkov, The Soviet Unions Special Forces, Soviet Analyst, January 9, 1980, which informs myriad subsequent articles and papers.

[11] Corera, Russians Among Us, 13, 179.

[12] Corera, Russians Among Us, 296, 58.

[13] Corera, Russians Among Us, 13, 111, 343.

[14] Ofer Fridman, Russian Hybrid Warfare: Resurgence and Politicization (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018), 58.

[15] Corera, Russians Among Us, 363.

[16] Thomas Rid, Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare (New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2020), 434.

[17] Corera, Russians Among Us, 362.
[January 19, 2021] Canada Supports Innovative Solutions to Single-use Coffee Pods

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has committed to banning single-use plastics and is encouraging innovators to develop alternatives. We are dedicated to creating jobs and driving innovation by investing in climate solutions. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., today announced a $1-million investment to NEXE Innovations, formerly GCUP Technology Corporation, as part of the second phase of a Bioplastics Challenge aimed at helping small businesses reduce pollution by turning forest-based residue into sustainable domestic plastic material. With this funding, NEXE Innovations will be able to focus on Phase 2 of their project, which supports: scaling up the manufacturing process of their Nespresso - compatible pods; and

compatible pods; and improving the compatibility of bioplastics derived from wood-based biomass for early-stage commercialization. As part of Phase 1, NEXE developed a completely plant-based and compostable single-use coffee pod from bioplastic wood fibre. Natural Resources Canada collaborated with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to develop this challenge as part of the Domestic Plastics Challenge under the federal government's Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC). ISC is a $100-million program dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing innovative and sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. The Government of Canada may thn act as a first customer, helping these small businesses to commercialize their innovations, scale up their business and create good jobs for Canadians.



Clean innovation benefits our economy, our communities and our well-being. Investments in bioplastics present an array of new opportunities in the forest industry while fighting global pollution and embracing a sustainable way of life for the future. Quotes

"A morning coffee with zero plastic waste. It's just one of the ways our forest sector is building a cleaner, greener future." The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr.

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "Canada's agriculture and forestry sectors are leaders in sustainability and continue to find cutting-edge approaches to protecting the environment. Through this Challenge, our government is supporting innovation in sustainable, bio-based solutions to address the problem of plastic waste. Today's announcement demonstrates the role that these important sectors can play in advancing the Canadian bioeconomy and the transition to a clean, low-carbon economy." The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "Our government is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. It is becoming increasingly important to invest in sustainable solutions that will support not only our economy but also our environment. When our government invests in innovative and sustainable work from small businesses like NEXE, we are growing the economy, building Canadian technological leadership and contributing to Canada's fight against global warming." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this award, which reflects its commitment to nurturing innovative, Canadian-made solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems. At NEXE, we have developed and validated sustainable plant-based materials that are better for the environment without compromising on the needs of the consumer. We look forward to bringing them to market with the support of Innovative Solutions Canada." Dr. Zachary Hudson

Chief Scientific Officer, NEXE Innovations Associated Links Innovative Solutions Canada

Bioplastics Challenge

NEXE Innovations Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swig, the highly popular, and fast-growing specialty drink shop, has announced the appointment of Chase Wardrop as President. In this position, Wardrop will oversee all company operations and the management team of Swig. He will be responsible for expanding the brand's footprint into new geographies while maintaining the unmatched customer service, speed and innovative products the brand is known for.

Wardrop has been instrumental in Swig's rapid growth, and the expanding specialty soda culture as a whole. Today, under his leadership and teamwork with partners Dylan Roeder (VP Marketing and Innovation) and Nicole Tanner (Founder of Swig), they have grown sales to more than $30M annually with 18 stores planned in 2021 and expansion into two new states. This will bring the Swig brand to 47 units in more than 6 regional markets throughout the Western United States.

"We're thrilled to have Chase at the helm of our growing team and beloved Swig brand," said Savory CEO, Shauna Smith. "Drawing on his deep experience and passion, Chase will lead Swig into its next phase of growth as we bring the brand's infectious popularity to even more people and geographies in 2021 and beyond."

Wardrop is a graduate of Brigham Young University. After graduating in 2015, with longtime friend and co-founder Dylan Roeder, he co-founded The Soda Shop in his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona. The Soda Shop became a widely popular brand locally and grew to two stores in less than a year. Wardrop and Roeder then sold a majority stake of The Soda Shop to Savory in early 2017, after which it merged with the original soda brand, Swig. During this transaction, Wardrop became the vice-president of operations for Swig, under the direction of Savory, a Mercato Partners food and beverage focused fund.

"Swig is an incredible brand with the best team possible and I couldn't be happier to continue its hypergrowth into the future," said Wardrop. "Working with so many incredible people that I respect and enjoy makes it possible to accomplish the monumental goals we have for the brand. We're a team that never settles and will continue to evolve and improve."

"Despite the challenges 2020 presented, the brand flourished under Chase's leadership as we were able to open nine new units, bringing the magic of Swig to new communities in Utah and Arizona," said Nicole Tanner, founder of Swig. "I have every confidence that Chase will continue the legacy of Swig and grow it to new, unimaginable heights."

For more information about Swig and its locations, please visit: swignsweets.com , and to learn more about how Savory helps restaurant concepts sustainably grow and thrive, contact the team at [email protected] or visit savoryfund.com

ABOUT SWIG

Swig, home of the Dirty Soda, was founded in 2010 in Saint George, Utah. Owner and Founder Nicole Tanner was brainstorming with her husband one night about possible business ideas, and the two came up with the idea for a drive-by drink shop that had customized flavors added to its drinks. From that small beginning, Swig has expanded into multiple states becoming thousands of people's go-to destination for personalized drinks, customized energy drinks, boba teas, cookies and other sweets.

ABOUT SAVORY

Savory, a Mercato Partners Fund, is focused on delivering outsized returns through strategic investments in the food and beverage industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements, and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth.

SOURCE Swig

Related Links

https://www.swignsweets.com


People all over the world are paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day: a federal holiday in the United States that marks the birthday of the civil rights icon.

In honor of MLK Day, British model Iskra Lawrence posted photos of herself with partner Philip Payne and their nine-month-old biracial son.

Along with the adorable family snaps, she shared their belief that -- it's never too early to talk about race with your children.

MLK Day: Iskra Lawrence paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day by sharing inspiring messages and photos of herself with partner Philip Payne and their nine-month-old son

The couple flashed big glowing smiles as they stood in front of a colorful mural, snuggled up with their bundle of joy, just feet from a street.

'The other day I snuck into our nursery to listen to @philipapayne speak to our son about race, his heritage and how we want him to be proud of who his, it was so moving,' Lawrence, 30, began in the caption with obvious emotion.

'I'm so proud of the father you are @philipapayne and honoured to learn from you day by day,' she proudly confessed to her 4.6. million Instagram fans and followers.

'It is never too early to start having these conversations and I pray they never stop until just like MLK said that our children are judged for the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.

The British-born model, 30, shared about how it's never to early to talk about race with your children in her MLK Day tribute

Proud mama: Lawrence revealed that she's proud of Payne for the father he is to their baby boy

Lawrence, who's an ambassador for body positivity retail brand Aerie, reposted one of the photos on her Instagram Story with another tribute to MLK Day; only this time she thanked Dr. King and the countless others who put their lives on the line and paved the road towards equality for all.

'Thank you MLK for all you fought for and for the many Black people who lost their lives to fight for a better future,' she wrote before sharing how the sacrifice of their predecessors helped make their relationship possible.

'Me and P often talk about how we wouldn't have been able to be with each other and create our family if it hadn't been for those brave souls and we are forever grateful and will continue to do the work and honour your your legacy.'

She ended by announcing that they 'are already actively teaching our son this too.'

Respect: Lawrence also thanked Dr. King and the countless others who put their lives on the line and paved the road towards equality for all

Self pride: Lawrence is an ambassador for body positivity retail brand Aerie

The first-time mom kept it casual and comfy in the fashion department for the photos, dressed in grey sweatpants and a plaid shirt over a tee.

Payne, a tour manager and songwriter, looked equally sporty in black sweatpants and a matching hoodie.

The couple first met in January 2018 while attending a Grammy Awards party in New York City.

By November of the following year the model announced she was 17 weeks pregnant with their first child, who arrived on April 16, 2020.
The United States Ambassador to Romania, Adrian Zuckerman, made a farewell visit to the Victoria Palace on Tuesday, where he met with Prime Minister Florin Citu, the two high dignitaries stressing the continuation of cooperation in bilateral projects, including the one on the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, according to AGERPRES.

The US ambassador was accompanied by the deputy head of the Diplomatic Mission, David Muniz, who, upon Adrian Zuckerman's departure on 20 January, will become "Charge d'Affaires".

According to a release of the US Embassy in Bucharest, during the meeting, the three discussed the progress of the last year in the bilateral relationship and the continuation of cooperation in numerous projects, including the one on the Cernavoda nuclear power plant.

"The Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Zuckerman for his involvement in the bilateral relationship and added that he looked forward to working with Mr. Muniz. Mr. Muniz assured the Prime Minister that the Romanian-American relationship would remain close-knit under the leadership of the Biden Administration and expressed interest in further strengthening the Strategic Partnership," the release said.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:14 pm

To Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler:

It is not a secret that you do not care for our president, but your vote to impeach our president is beyond the pale.

Have you even bothered to look at the information that has been surfacing the last few days? I am sure you have not, or you would have known that the Capitol police and the Washington, D.C., police had a warning that something might come down before President Trump gave his speech.

The FBI had prior information. D.C. and Capitol police asked for backup prior to the attacks. They went to the sergeant of arms in Congress and were denied.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, who resigned after the attack, told The Washington Post that security officials at the House and Senate rebuffed his early request to call in the National Guard ahead of a protest. This new evidence raises many questions that remain unanswered. How could President Trump incite an attack that had already been pre-planned and was in motion before his speech ended?

Next, I have never heard you say a word about Black Lives Matter and Antifa destroying our cities throughout the last year. Federal buildings were destroyed, officers and citizens were maimed or killed, and businesses were destroyed. Then rioters broke into the Justice Kavanaugh hearings. Not a word from you. We have had many of these same events, many that our Democratic leadership encouraged. We even have a new vice president who put up money to bail the criminals out, but not a word from you.

On another topic, I have not heard a word from you either about all these small businesses and families being totally broken over COVID-19, but our president was out there every day while Congress stayed home.

He closed the borders and Congress and the media called him racist while impeaching him on phony charges. He made sure we got the personal protection equipment we needed. I work in a hospital and I cannot thank him enough. He saw to it that ventilators were made and field hospitals were set up.

Then he rolled back regulations to get the vaccine made in record time, and all Congress and the media did was complain from their homes that he was not doing enough. Not a word from you about the phony Russia collusion charges, or the phony impeachment.

I do not believe in bailouts, but it was pathetic that there was a so-called COVID-19 relief package, and you voted to send hundreds of millions to foreign countries and federal museums that are not even open.

And then offer your constituents a lousy $600. What a slap. That would not even pay a months rent, and there was nothing for small businesses, but you didnt miss a paycheck.

I will not be voting for you again; I will support whoever runs against you in the primary or not vote at all. If a Democrat wins, so be it. At least I know where they stand.

Finally, a list of some of the presidents accomplishments. He may not be perfect, but he is the first politician who has kept his word when he said he was going to do something.

He may not be perfect, but President Trump genuinely loves America and the American people.

Lauri Chown

Chehalis
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.
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.
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.
Photo: (Photo : Facebook/Lavonda Wright Myers)

A Georgia teen who walks miles every day receives a new car from a good samaritan. The woman started a fundraiser to raise money to help the teenager go to work each day.

According to WAGA, Jayden Sutton walks from his school to his restaurant job every day. After his shift, he also walks back home to save money. He is working so he could buy his car using the money he earned from his job.

Walks from school to work to home

Recently, the high school senior from Cobb County's mom got laid off from work. Apart from that, his mother's car was totaled many weeks ago. He told the outlet that he is walking to work each day to buy himself a car.

Sutton explained that he would walk miles after his school ends at 3:30 in the afternoon. After between six to eight hours every shift, the teen would go home by walking. He would reach home at almost midnight after work.

READ MORE: National Guard Soldier Works Two Jobs, Capitol Guard, and Elementary Teacher

A classmate's mom saw the teen

Lavonda Wright saw Sutton walking down Brownsville Road in Powder Springs one day. She told the outlet how she saw that the teenager was walking fast down the road. Wright's son stopped her and told her he knew who the walking teen was.

That day, Wright decided to drive the teen to work upon learning that he was her son's classmate. As time went on, Wright realized that she had to do something to help the teen.

Started a fundraiser for the teen

A month ago, Wright started a GoFundMe page for Sutton to raise enough money to help the teen buy a new car. Initially, her goal was to raise $4,000, but thankfully, the fundraiser has raised over $7,000.

READ NEXT: Working Mom Talks About Benefits of Choosing Family over Career

Eventually, Wright managed to convince Nalley Honda dealership in Union City's general manager to give her a sale price to meet her budget. The manager agreed, so the good samaritan was able to buy a new car for Sutton.

The teen was very grateful for Wright. Wright shared a photo of her with the teen on Facebook. She added a caption that said how happy Sutton was upon receiving the brand new car and keys.

GOD DID IT YALL Plz know GOD PROVIDESJayden no more walking 7 miles to work after school young man. GOD bless... Posted by Lavonda Wright Myers on Thursday, January 14, 2021

CHECK THIS OUT: 10-Year-Old Girl Sends Touching Letter to Officer After He Got Hurt

Wanted to make a difference in other's lives

After being overwhelmed by God's love, Wright wanted to make a difference in other's lives. She has been connecting with Sutton's mom ever since.

Sutton shared with WAGA a message so others working hard know that they could accomplish their dreams. His advice to the people who are doing something good or trying to reach a goal is to keep doing it because they could also get some help from somebody just like he did.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  The Quezon City government said it now has six areas under "special concern lockdown" after adding four more to the list, as it grapples with a spike in COVID-19 infections following the holiday season.

In a statement on Tuesday, city officials announced lockdowns on No. 62 Agno Extension in Brgy. Tatalon; No. 1 Salary Street in Brgy. Sangandaan; No. 54 Interior, Magsalin Street in Brgy. Apolonio Samson; and 9C, 9D, 97 La Felonila Street in Brgy. Damayang Lagi.

Around 275 families live in these sections  60 in Agno Extension, five in Salary Street, 60 in Magsalin Street (including 14 index cases), and 150 families in La Felonila Street.

"All families in these areas will undergo swab testing in order to identify other infected individuals," said Dr. Rolly Cruz, City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit Head.

The areas of MCP HOA and a portion of Pingkian 1 in Barangay Pasong Tamo have also been under tighter quarantine restrictions since Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, respectively, the officials said.

The statement did not say how many cases have been recorded in the newly locked down sections, but as of Jan. 17 the city's official Facebook page listed a total of 29,276 infections, with 1,097 active or currently ill patients.

On Jan. 16, a Quezon City resident who flew in from the United Arab Emirates became the country's first case of the new COVID-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom. The government has since isolated 143 close contacts of the individual but no new cases of the variant have been detected yet.

The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Some of Western Australias most expensive and top-rating secondary schools have frozen their annual tuition fees to ease financial difficulties experienced by families as a result of COVID-19.

The 2021 National School Fees Report, released on Wednesday, found 43 per cent of WA private schools chose not to increase their tuition fees in 2021, a significant increase from just 6 per cent the previous year.

Christ Church Grammar School. Credit:Facebook

The report, produced by Australian-wide education payment provider Edstart, also revealed a larger number of schools across the country had even cut their fees to provide relief for families.

WAs most expensive school in 2020, Presbyterian Ladies College slightly decreased its tuition fees by .01 per cent to $28,992, while Penrhos College took .02 per cent off, bringing the annual fee to $25,314.
OROVILLE, Calif. - Authorities are still searching for Tatiana Dugger who last seen in Oakland on Jan. 9.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office said their detectives determined Tatiana Dugger moved from Butte County to Los Angeles three months ago.

Investigators told Action News Now that they are working with Bay Area law enforcement to find Tatiana Dugger. The 18-year-old graduate from Las Plumas High School was last seen in East Oakland.

She was seen early Saturday morning on Jan. 9, according to her family.

They also say she did not return to her hotel where she was staying, leaving her car and belongings behind, and has not been active on social media since her disappearance. Her family said she was in Oakland with a man named "Marcos."

Tatiana's sister, Savannah Moreno, doesnt know where to turn.

We are trying to be strong and stay hopeful, Moreno said. We have done everything that we possibly can. Its very discouraging with every day that passes but, we are trying to stay strong and stay hopeful. Really there is nothing else we can do. We have to do that in order to keep going and keep trying to find her.

Oakland Police say they searched her hotel room and found no signs of kidnapping, struggle, or foul play.

Moreno continued, We obviously are all really upset and hurt and worried. Its terrifying.

Tatiana Dugger is 56, has dark brown hair with reddish color on the ends, and has brown eyes.

Detectives have been in contact with the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorneys Office. Oakland Police detectives and Alameda County District Attorney Inspectors have been provided with all of the information detectives obtained during their follow-up investigation. The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with additional information about Ms. Duggers location to contact detectives at 530-538-7671, or 530-538-7322.
Former Bachelor star Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins has debuted his new romance with jewellery designer Alexandra George.

The former rugby player, 33, went Instagram official with his girlfriend on Tuesday, sharing a photo of the pair cosying up on a boat as they watched the sunset.

The couple, who reportedly began dating in June last year, are currently on holiday at the idyllic Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, Queensland.

Insta official! Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins has debuted his new romance with jewellery designer Alexandra George. The former rugby player, 33, went Instagram official with his girlfriend on Tuesday, sharing this photo of the pair cosying up on a boat on Fraser Island

Nick didn't tag Alexandra in the post, but their body language - including her hand on his knee - made it clear they were more than just friends.

'This sunset at Kingfisher Bay Resort is a must see,' Nick wrote in the caption.

The post was liked more than 15,000 times and fans were quick to congratulate Nick on his new relationship.

New squeeze: The couple, who reportedly began dating in June last year, are currently on holiday at the idyllic Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, Queensland

'Looking happy there,' one fan wrote.

In June last year, The Daily Telegraph reported that Nick had found love with Alexandra and that they had spent lockdown together in Seal Rocks, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.

Despite Nick not confirming the romance at the time, the report went on to claim they had been sharing photos and videos from the location on social media.

Rumours: In June, The Daily Telegraph reported that Nick had found love with Alexandra and that they had spent lockdown together in Seal Rocks, on the mid-north coast of NSW

Their story: Friends of the couple told the newspaper the pair had met on a trip to the Kimberley region in Western Australia a year earlier

Friends of the couple told the newspaper the pair had met on a trip to the Kimberley region in Western Australia a year earlier.

Alexandra works as an accessories designer for the high-fashion brand Zimmerman. She also has a passion for the outdoors, just like Nick.

This is the former rugby union star's first serious relationship since he caused an uproar by not choosing a winner in the finale of The Bachelor in 2018.

Has he found his match? Alexandra works as an accessories designer for the high-fashion brand Zimmerman. She also has a passion for the outdoors, just like Nick

Nick left finalists Brittany Hockley and Sophie Tieman heartbroken after he dumped them both because he hadn't fallen in love.

'Right now, I can't give 100 per cent to you. My head is very clouded. Right now, I'm a little bit lost,' he told Brittany.

Moments earlier, he'd delivered a similar break-up speech to Sophie.

In the months that followed, his popularity plummeted as rumours swirled he only signed up for The Bachelor as a publicity stunt.
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)
SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplicity Group ("Simplicity") is pleased to announce that it has added Producer Resources, Inc. ("Producer Resources"), an independent producer group and specialty life insurance distribution business, to the Simplicity Group of companies. As part of this expansion, Simplicity welcomes Michael Kasula, as its newest Principal and shareholder, through a transaction that closed effective January 1. Producer Resources will begin its re-branding to Simplicity effective immediately.

"Michael and the team have created an extraordinary and specialized distribution business over the last seven years. They excel at serving the precise needs of independent financial professionals in the life insurance channel," stated Bruce Donaldson, Simplicity's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled to have Producer Resources join Simplicity and look forward to helping them advance their strategic growth plans in the coming years."

"Our partnership with Simplicity gives us the opportunity to collaborate with the leading financial product distribution business in the industry. We will increase our offerings with new technologies, advanced product training, and access to innovative marketing programs," shared Michael Kasula, Principal of Simplicity Chicago. "Additionally, our organizational visions align seamlessly. Being able to maintain our boutique service model, while accessing Simplicity's broader resources will allow us to scale at a much quicker pace. Choosing to join Simplicity was an obvious decision."

The Producer Resources transaction represents another growth milestone for Simplicity as the 18th organization to join the group of companies. Each of Simplicity's operating businesses is directed by its local management team but with the benefit of being able to access Simplicity's resources. Through partnership with top distribution organizations and technology companies, Simplicity seeks to provide compelling business solutions that will attract the industry's best in leadership, talent, advisors, and future partners. Simplicity will continue to add new businesses to its platform over the coming years.

About Producer Resources Inc.

Producer Resources was founded in 2014 with the vision of creating a, high-touch, boutique distribution business that specializes in life insurance product knowledge and operational support for independent insurance agents and financial advisors. Producer Resources provides financial professionals with access to top-tier carriers, innovative sales strategies, and professional support in the areas of case design, implementation and underwriting. For more information about Producer Resources, please visit www.producerres.com.

About Simplicity Group

Simplicity Group has acquired and owns 15 insurance distribution businesses and is one of the nation's largest and fastest growing financial product distribution companies. Simplicity provides annuity, life insurance, and investment solutions to independent insurance professionals, financial advisors and their clients through its operating subsidiaries. For more information about Simplicity, please visit: www.simplicitygroup.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Alex Timeus, Director of Communications

Simplicity Group

P: 201-987-7176

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Simplicity Group

Related Links

http://www.simplicitygroup.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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 10:43:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WELLINGTON, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- To further protect New Zealand from COVID-19, the New Zealand government is extending pre-departure testing to all passengers except Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Islands, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday.

As required, all travelers will need to present a negative testing result within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time.

The change will come into force for all flights arriving in New Zealand after 11:59 p.m. local time (1059 GMT) next Monday, to minimize disruption for those passengers with imminent departures.

Other countries will be considered for exclusion if their situations change, Hipkins said in a statement.

"As we signaled last week, given the high rates of infection in many countries, most global air routes are of critical concern for the foreseeable future," Hipkins said.

"New Zealand is currently in a good position with no community cases, but we continue to take action with very specific steps to further strengthen our borders in response to what we're seeing overseas," he said.

The expansion of Day 0/1 testing at Managed Isolation and Quarantine to all passengers to New Zealand - except for those coming from Australia, Antarctica or most Pacific Islands - is now in operation. All travelers are still required to complete 14 days of mandatory isolation, including routine Day 3 and Day 12 tests.

"New Zealand already has some of the most stringent border protection measures in the world," Hipkins said.

From Feb. 8, all passengers arriving in New Zealand except those from exempted countries without evidence of a negative approved test or medical certificate would incur an infringement offense fee or a fine not exceeding 1,000 New Zealand dollars (713 U.S. dollars). Enditem
Added Singapore Noodles have 'curry flavor' but don't expect it to be 'SO tasty'

Left brutally honest comment saying that the Orange Beef is 'not THAT good'

Feigang Fei, owner at Aunt Dai in Montreal, Canada, gives reviews of his dishes

A Chinese restaurant owner has won a legion of fans after giving brutally honest reviews of his own dishes.

Instead of letting customers make up their mind on the quality of his meals, Feigang Fei, owner of Aunt Dai in Montreal, Canada, has taken the unique approach of offering his own verdict first - no matter how negative it may be.

Taking to Twitter, Kim Belair shared a selection of her favorite reviews alongside the caption: 'Aunt Dai is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Montreal, but the REAL treat is the menu, featuring extremely honest commentary from the owner.'

Among some of his most critical include that the Orange Beef is not THAT good and its your call if you decide to order it.

Feigang Fei (pictured), owner at Aunt Dai, has won praise for giving brutally honest reviews for his own dishes on the menu

Speaking of the Orange Beef , the restaurant owner admitted that it is not THAT good and its your call if you order it

While it's known that a good chef tastes his own food, Feigang admitted there are some dishes on the menu he has not yet had the chance to try.

Speaking of the Satay sauce beef, which is one the menu for $13.99 (10.28), Feigang penned: 'This is new on our menu. I did NOT have a chance to try this one yet. According to a lot of customers, this one is very popular.

'I still don't have chance to taste it. Looks like I should spend more time eating in my own restaurant.'

Another dish the restaurant owner admitted to not being a fan of was his Singapore Noodles.

'It has curry flavor, don't expect it to be SO tasty but it's safe choice and make you happy,' he wrote.

Kim Belair shared a selection of her favorite reviews alongside the caption: 'Aunt Dai is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Montreal, but the REAL treat is the menu, featuring extremely honest commentary from the owner' (pictured)

Leaving a review on his Singapore Noodles, he admitted they have curry flavour but aren't SO tasty (pictured)

When it came to the satay sauce beef (pictured), Feigang admitted it's a popular choice, but he hasn't had time to try them yet

The brutally honest restaurant owner did go on to praise a dish made from potatoes, chili and vinegar (pictured)

The restaurant owner said he would always order this dish while he was in China, but admitted he wasn't a 'huge fan' of his version (pictured)

However, not all of the reviews were negative - as the restaurant owner went on to praise a dish made from potatoes, chili and vinegar.

'This plate will show you how Chinese cuisine can do with our beloved potato outside of French fries, mash potato, chips,' Feigang wrote. 'This potato Julian dish is very very popular in china. Let's salute potato.'

He also went on to say that another dish, comprised of pork, wood ear, bamboo shoots, and green and red peppers, is the 'number one choice dish ordered by Chinese customers across the whole of China' - but that he's not impressed with his own version.

'When I was in China and went to a restaurant, I always ordered this dish,' he admitted. 'I am not a huge fan of our version to be honest. But don't get me wrong, the plate at our restaurant is very tasty too. It's just different to those where I went to university.

And many social media users were quick to comment under the initial post - with many praising Feigang for his candid reviews.

'I now must eat here at some point in my life. Like I will get a passport, wait for Covid to be contained, exchange my US dollars for Canadian currency and make a trip to try this charming place,' wrote one.

A second added: 'Imagine how thrilled I am to learn not only of this restaurants existence, but to know its only a few blocks away. Yippee!'
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Gold Mountain Mining Corp. (TSXV:GMTN) ("Gold Mountain" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a signed definitive agreement with Nhwelmen-Lake LP ("Nhwelmen-Lake"), for contract mining services (the "Mining Contract") at the Elk Gold Project.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Gold Mountain will leverage the experience and expertise of Nhwelmen-Lake for mining and ore hauling services at the Elk Gold Property.

Nhwelmen-Lake will be paid a fixed price per tonne mined at a price that's in line with the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment (the " PEA ") metrics over the first three years, which is determined based on the planned production rate, mined volumes, haulage distances and equipment productivity.

") metrics over the first three years, which is determined based on the planned production rate, mined volumes, haulage distances and equipment productivity. The Mining Contract is for the life of mine while the price schedule carries a three-year term and gives Gold Mountain confidence in its forecast and cash flow to scale the business efficiently.

Kevin Smith, CEO of Gold Mountain further elaborates, "We started this company with an early commitment to transparent and inclusive conversations with the Indigenous communities in the surrounding regions of our project. This contract is a result of those commitments and shows management's ability to deliver key partnerships in order to not only put the Elk Gold Project back into production, but also provide local communities an opportunity to participate. The Nhwelmen-Lake partnership is a major milestone for Gold Mountain and its shareholders. Having an established mining contractor and solidifying a well-defined cost structure, is one of the key pieces necessary in order to confidently go into production. Creating thirty full time job opportunities to the various communities in our region allows us to root ourselves in the long-term development of the local economy".

MINING CONTRACT

The Mining Contract lays out a partnership that gives Gold Mountain certainty in its mining and ore haulage capital and operating costs. Nhwelmen-Lake will leverage its experience in mining operations to ensure that the Elk Gold Project is operated in a safe, efficient manner while protecting environmental and cultural resources.

Nhwelmen-Lake will be paid a fixed price per tonne mined at a price that's in line with the PEA metrics over the first three years which is determined based on the planned production rate, mined volumes, haulage distances and equipment productivity. The scope of the Mining Contract includes mining of ore at a rate of 70,000 tonnes per annum (200 tonnes per day), waste mining, drilling, blasting, hauling, site supervision, supply of operating personnel, road maintenance, dust suppression as well as all the site preparation activities required prior to commencing mine operations, including topsoil stockpiling and preparing surface water management structures. Nhewelmen-Lake will also provide the haulage of plant feed material from the mine to the toll milling location at a fixed unit cost which aligns with the PEA.

The Mining Contract is for the life of mine while the price schedule carries a three-year term and gives Gold Mountain confidence in its forecast and cash flow to scale the business efficiently. The obligations of Gold Mountain under the Mining Contract begin upon Gold Mountain delivering a notice of commencement to Nhwelmen-Lake which the Company anticipates being in a position to deliver following its receipt of the Permit (see update below) and additional financing.

Mining Permit Update

Gold Mountain is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Joint Permit Amendment Application that was submitted in May 2020 (the "Permit"). The Permit was accepted through the application screening phase of the application review and Gold Mountain has responded to the first round of technical review questions that were provided by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development. Gold Mountain is anticipating a second (final) round of technical review questions from the regulators in the coming months prior to completing the Permit review process. The commencement of production at the Elk Gold Project is subject to Gold Mountain's receipt of this Permit.

About Nhwelmen-Lake LP

Nhwelmen-Lake is a majority owned, Indigenous mining contractor with a proven track record of successful operations. Headquartered in Vancouver B.C., Nhwelmen-Lake has positioned itself as a key partner for mines located in the British Columbia.

About Gold Mountain

Gold Mountain is a BC-based gold and silver exploration and development company focusing on the expansion of the resource at the Elk Gold Project, a past producing mine located 57 km from Merritt in South Central British Columbia.

For further information, please contact:

Gold Mountain Mining Corp.

Kevin Smith, Director and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 604-309-6340

www.Gold-Mountain.ca

Email: KS@gold-mountain.ca

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: obtaining the Permit in the following months, the second round of Permit comments being the final round, or the financing required to begin production, Nhwelmen-Lake's ability to operate the mine in a safe manner, creating thirty new jobs in the community, providing employment for local communities Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; the price of gold; and the results of current exploration. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Gold Mountain disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For a comprehensive overview of all risks that may impact the Company, please see the Filing Statement dated December 14, 2020 a copy of which is available on Gold Mountain's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Gold Mountain Mining Corp

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624974/Gold-Mountain-Mining-Corp-Signs-Mining-Contract-With-Nhwelmen-Lake-LP
Thirteen years ago we witnessed a pivotal moment in Australian history and a seismic shift towards reconciliation: the Apology.

While long overdue, we can credit the timing of the 2008 Apology to an urgent act of bravery  to finally and formally acknowledge the suffering caused by decades of mistreatment of Indigenous Australians.

So many Australians had done the hard yards in the lead up to that day by learning about our shared history to better understand why an apology was necessary.

It's time for a new conversation about Australia Day. Credit:Dyson

Together, we stood in schools, workplaces, public places, lounge rooms and on bridges in solidarity and unity, sharing a moment of deep reflection, sorrow, and pride to be Australian. On that day, I remember saying that we looked in the mirror  and we liked what we saw.
A man will spend a total of six years in prison after a meeting between former friends turned deadly in 2019.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

A man will spend a total of six years in prison after a meeting between former friends turned deadly in 2019.

Bradley Tomms, 24, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a Jan. 15, 2019 incident in Virden. He was sentenced on Monday afternoon.

According to a copy of the police report contained in Tomms presentence report, police were first called to a house in the Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodsworth at approximately 12:30 a.m.

When officers arrived, they saw two men lying on the floor. Tomms was halfway into a bedroom and the 27-year-old victim in the bedroom. Blood was all over the floor, according to the report.

Tomms had been stabbed in the chest and the victim in the neck. A woman in the house told police they two men stabbed each other, the report reads, but Tomms was stabbed first.

Officers gave first aid to both men until paramedics arrived at approximately 1 a.m.

The victim was taken to the Virden Health Centre first as his injuries were more severe, but Tomms was also hospitalized.

Officers searched the scene and found a black pocketknife on the floor of the bedroom where the fight took place, along with a longer black blade on the window ledge.

The woman at the house told police she heard Tomms crying out that he had been stabbed, according to the report. She went to the room to see Tomms holding his side and the victim holding the side of his neck. She got towels and covered the wounds until police and paramedics arrived.

Police arrested Tomms at approximately 7 a.m., after he was discharged from the hospital.

According to the report, he became combative with police almost immediately, telling the police officer who arrested him he would burn his house down and kill him.

He continued to threaten police at the Virden RCMP detachment. According to the report, he made gestures as if he was going to punch the police officer trying to interview him and tried to "square off" with police who came into his holding cell.

Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup described the incident as "violent" and brutal, but the broader background of the fight was worth consideration.

"(The victim) had a deep grudge against Mr. Tomms because of a prior matter  where he blamed Brad Tomms for having to do a considerable stint in custody as result," he said.

"Apparently, when they sat down together that night to drink, this was supposed to be some kind of alcohol-fuelled quasi mediation session to work things out."

At some point things went "massively downhill," Lonstrup said, and the fight broke out.

While Tomms didnt attack first, his violent reaction wasnt warranted, Lonstrup said. The victim had stab wounds to his neck, forehead, cheek, chest and shoulder.

The Crown suggested a total of six years in prison for the charges. Lonstrup also argued Tomms shouldnt be eligible to receive enhanced credit for time already spent in jail due to a series of incidents while waiting to be sentenced.

Defence lawyer Bob Harrison said the night started friendly and Tomms didnt plan to hurt his former friend. He hoped to put things behind him, but they started consuming alcohol and doing methamphetamine.

"(The victim) did strike him with the knife the chest area  thats close to the heart  his lung doctors told him (his lung) was scratched, it was that close," Harrison said.

"He didnt cause it, no preplanning, he responded to it."

Harrison also argued Tomms should get enhanced credit for time spent in jail, noting he tested positive for COVID-19 and was still recovering from the after-effects, so the hardship balances out his bad behaviour in jail.

He asked the judge to sentence the accused to a total of three years time served in jail.

Speaking to the court from the prisoners box, Tomms apologized for the incident, including to the victims family.

"Its something Ive got to live with for the rest of my life  it was my best friend," the Tomms said.

Judge Donovan Dvorak said it was a brutal offence and anyone not under the influence of drugs would know stabbing someone so many times would put their life at risk. He said it was an issue of determining between self-defence and provocation.

Dvorak said Tomms was still eligible for enhanced credit for his time in jail, but went along with the Crowns recommendation and sentenced him to six years in jail, plus another three months for threatening the police officers.

He also banned him from owning firearms for life.

"Youve had a really rough go of it in terms of your behaviour in the community leading up to this point," Dvorak said to Tomms.

"I truly believe that people can turn around and can change their lives. Thats my hope for you. Im hoping you can learn from this and you can not be defined by the behaviour up to this point."

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
A lot of the time, mocktails arent worth the hassle.

My philosophy when drinking something nonalcoholic has always been to stick to drinks that arent trying to taste like alcohol. There are plenty of good options here. Tea. Coffee. Seltzer. Juice. Water!

This year, however, I decided to give boozeless booze another chance. It was partly inspired by you, my readers: Many of you told me you were planning to participate in dry January this month, or actively working to cut back on your alcohol consumption. I analyzed some of the reasons why  many of which have to do with the COVID-19 pandemic  in a larger story that we published last week.

Esther Mobley / The Chronicle

My skepticism toward mocktails comes from drinking faux spirits. In recent years theres been a boom in these alcohol-free alcohol products, from the plant-based distillate Seedlip to Lagunitas new zero-abv beer.

Sometimes these imitators taste OK, but at their worst, theyre the liquid equivalent of the mock meat that used to haunt vegetarians in school cafeterias. Theres just something  off about them. When you take alcohol out of a cocktail, youre not just removing an intoxicant  youre also removing texture, viscosity and weight. Thats why many fake spirits taste flat and thin.

But in the spirit of second chances, I got my hands on some mocktail ingredients, from vermouth imitations to canned tonics to shrubs, and did some experimenting in my kitchen. In the end, Im pleased to say that I was able to zero in on a few simple recipes that I can recommend in good faith. I promise they wont make you feel like you got demoted to the kids table.

Before we get to the recipes, though, a few general rules of thumb for your home mocktail endeavors:

Rule #1: Dont be afraid of sweetness. A little bit of sugar can go a long way in making up for the texture thats lost when theres no alcohol. Simple syrup  easy to make on your stovetop by dissolving one part sugar in one part water  is enormously helpful for this, as is muddled fruit, any type of syrup (including maple!), honey, fruit juice or tonic water. Adding a little bit of sweetening agent wont necessarily make the drink taste sweet; it will just make it taste complete.

Esther Mobley / The Chronicle

Rule #2: Seltzer is your friend. Bubbles are another great tool to help boost the texture of an alcohol-free drink. Any carbonated beverage can work here, but seltzer has the advantage of being relatively neutral, which gives you more flexibility. Play around with flavored seltzers  that pamplemousse La Croix is a fabulous mixer.

Rule #3: Basic bartending rules still apply. Any bartender will tell you that the key to creating a good drink is balance. Consider the exquisite math of the margarita: mouth-puckering lime juice is combined with piquant Tequila (or, if you like, smoky mezcal), mellowed by a little bit of sweetener (like agave syrup or Cointreau) and then the whole experience is heightened with a rim of salt. If you were making a mocktail, you would follow this same equation while omitting the Tequila  try muddling herbs in some sparkling water instead.

Rule #4: A nice glass goes a long way. Just break out the nice glassware, already. No plastic cups allowed. Believe me, this will help.

Esther Mobleys recommended mocktails

Esther Mobley / The Chronicle

Little Apple shrubs + seltzer: A shrub is a type of syrup made from fruit and vinegar. Good ones are hugely versatile in the kitchen; theyre great for making salad dressing, sauces, desserts and, of course, drinks. The Sebastopol company Little Apple Treats sells an amazing array of barrel-aged shrubs based on the cider vinegar they make from their own heirloom apple orchards, in flavors like blood orange with raspberry, plum with vanilla and ginger limeade. If you have an appetite for vinegar (like I do), you may be tempted to drink a thimble of them on their own.

Mixed with plain seltzer, these shrubs constitute one of the tastiest mocktails I know. Try one part shrub to 1.5 parts seltzer, and adjust from there based on your tolerance for sourness. You might add some muddled herb and fruit to the glass, too. I particularly enjoyed the drinks I made from their Meyer Lemon + Green Coriander and Strawberry + Pink Peppercorn shrubs.

Little Apple Treats cider vinegar shrubs. $24.95/bottle. Available from littleappletreats.com or at Epicurean Trader, Gemini Bottle Co., Oaktown Spice Shop, Miracle Plum, Griffo Distillery, Penngrove Market, Jupiter Foods and Hudson Ranch.

Ghia and tonic: Ghia is meant to be a nonalcoholic version of a bitter Italian aperitivo liqueur. The products base is Riesling juice, with additions of fig, ginger, rosemary, yuzu, elderflower and more. In the bottle, it has the murky, reddish tone of Bloody Mary mix. Drunk on its own, it would veer a little too bitter and resinous for most palates, but when mixed with an equal part tonic water (not seltzer; you need tonics sweetness), it transforms into a pleasantly bitter, spicy concoction thats very ginger-forward. Add a spring of mint and rub an orange peel around the rim of the glass.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Ghia. $33/bottle. Available from drinkghia.com or at Gemini Bottle Co., Alkali Rye and Nordstrom.

Esther Mobley / The Chronicle

Brighter tonic: These squat little 8-ounce cans of apple cider vinegar tonic require no mixology  theyre ready to drink. The idea is that they can deliver your daily dose of apple cider vinegar (20 grams per can) but taste a lot more palatable than simply shooting back a spoonful of Bragg. Brighter comes in three flavors: lemon-lime (the most vinegary-tasting), lemon ginger turmeric (the spiciest) and blood orange (the juiciest and mildest). Think of them as a less funky, less sweet answer to kombucha.

Brighter tonic. $34.99/12-pack. Available from brightertonic.com or via Good Eggs.

Lyres Americano: The Australian company Lyres makes a rather wide range of zero-proof spirits, including imitations of absinthe, amaretto, single-malt whiskey and triple sec. I tried several of their products, and not all of them wowed me. But I found a winning combination in Lyres Aperitif Rosso (a lookalike for sweet red vermouth) and Italian Orange (a Campari substitute). Mixed with tonic water, they become a surprisingly satisfying stand-in for an Americano cocktail (typically Campari, red vermouth and soda water). Pour one part Aperitif Rosso, one part Italian Orange and three parts tonic water over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Lyres Aperitif Rosso and Lyres Italian Orange. $35.99/bottle. Available from lyres.com or BevMo.

Proteau Ludlow Red: New York-based Proteau describes itself as a nonalcoholic botanical aperitif. The base of its two varieties  Ludlow Red and Rivington Spritz  is fruit juice concentrate, but neither tastes cloying, with three to six grams of sugar per 5-ounce serving. I prefer the Ludlow Red, whose dominant ingredient is blackberry juice concentrate and whose label advertises its other main notes as chrysanthemum, black pepper and dandelion. I found it hard to characterize; the vibe falls somewhere between a vermouth and a fruit juice. Its meant to be drunk on its own, though I think its improved by a little ice and a tiny splash of tonic water.

Proteau Ludlow Red. $19.50/bottle. Available from drinkproteau.com.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley
Fox News host Tucker Carlson says the Democrats are using the US military as a 'political weapon' to send the message that they are in charge now after armed troops were brought in to help fortify Washington DC for Joe Biden's inauguration.

In extraordinary scenes out of DC over the last week, the capital has been locked down and fortified with razor wire, anti-climb fences and army tanker road blocks amid fears of more violence in the wake of the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on January 6.

Thousands of armed military members have been patrolling the streets since the siege and about 25,000 National Guard members have been deployed for the inauguration.

The National Guard says troops from all 50 states and three territories, including Puerto Rico, are supporting law enforcement for the inauguration.

During a segment on Tucker Carlson Tonight, the Fox News host argued that the heavy military presence was the Democrats sending a message that they are in charge now.

'Unmistakably, the Democratic Party is using those troops to send the rest of us a message about power: 'We're in charge now. We run this nation, from Honolulu to our colony in the Caribbean and everywhere in between, very much including where you and your family live. Do not question us men with guns. We control the Pentagon',' he said.

Fox News host Tucker Carlson says the Democrats are using the US military as a 'political weapon' to send the message that they are in charge now after armed troops were brought in to help fortify Washington DC for Joe Biden's inauguration

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com

Fox News Privacy Policy

Carlson noted that the presence of 25,000 Guardsmen in the capital was unprecedented, saying that less troops protected DC in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr's assassination and the Civil War.

'According to our leaders, the so-called 'insurrection' of January 6 was much worse than any of that. So in response, they have assembled the largest military presence in Washington in all of American history during peacetime,' he said.

'For decades, Washington DC had the highest per-capita law enforcement presence in the country and one of the highest in the world. There was no need to fly in troops from Alaska to keep the city safe. But keeping the city safe is hardly the point of this exercise.'

Carlson claimed that Republicans in Congress couldn't be bothered to notice that the Democrats were using the military as a weapon.

'If you wanted to stoke an irreparable civil conflict, you would talk this way and you would keep talking that way. So where's the pushback from our defenders?' he said.

'The Democratic Party is using the military of the United States as a political weapon. But Republicans in Congress just can't be bothered to notice that.'

He said that Republicans had been ignoring the 'leftward drift' of the military for years. Carlson said sending troops to Washington was proof US military leadership support the Democrat party.

'Once they did that, they allowed Democratic politicians to degrade and politicize the military itself,' he claimed.

Carlson noted that the presence of 25,000 Guardsmen in the capital was unprecedented, saying that less troops protected DC in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr's assassination and the Civil War. He said leaders had decided that 'the so-called "insurrection" of January 6 was much worse than any of that'

Thousands of armed military members have been patrolling the streets since the siege and about 25,000 National Guard members have been deployed from across the country for the inauguration.

'Democrats in Congress demanded that the troops sent to Washington this week submit to a political purity test - 'ideological vetting, as they put it - to make certain that every soldier professed loyalty to the new regime. Not loyalty to our country, not loyalty to our Constitution, but loyalty to the aims of a specific political party.

'Nothing like that has ever happened in America and just a few months ago, it would have been unimaginable. Suddenly it's compulsory.'

Carlson went on to note how the FBI was in the process of vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington amid concerns of insider threats in the wake of the Capitol siege.

It emerged earlier on Tuesday that two National Guard members have already been removed from the mission to secure the inauguration after they were found to have ties to fringe right group militias.

'You've got to wonder what the Guardsmen themselves think of all of this. Serving in the National Guard is not easy work. Guardsmen aren't paid much. Some, you've got to imagine, are doing it for love of country,' Carlson said of their deployment.

'Now, they've been deployed to their country's own capital city and they've been given orders to shoot their fellow Americans if necessary. That's a lot to ask.

'Now, on top of all of that, they've been told that if they were born a certain way, if they're White and male and therefore evil and dangerous, they themselves are under suspicion of being the enemy. They're potential killers, assassins, betrayers of a nation.'

Carlson went on to note how the FBI was in the process of vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington amid concerns of insider threats in the wake of the Capitol siege

Carlson suggested that officers at the Pentagon should also be 'outraged'.

'As far as we know, not a single one has resigned in protest of conducting background checks on people because of their race or sex or their political views. We can't say we know entirely why, but some clearly agree with all of this, and they'd like to see it accelerate,' he said.

Carlson suggested that the cycle would continue and said it will 'inevitably lead to more awful things' if it goes unchecked.

'If you're hoping America will revert to normal on Wednesday afternoon after Joe Biden is sworn in as president, you are an optimist. You probably assumed the quarantines and mandatory face coverings were temporary, too. Something awful has been unleashed on our country,' he said.

Carlson went on to cite Abraham Lincoln saying that citizens would become disgruntled with a government that offers no protection.

'In other words, they become liable to show up at the Capitol building in Viking hats and face paint. You could have scripted what was going to happen on Jan. 6. What we can't know is what happens next, and let's pray that the people planning a war on American citizens find their reason and their decency and stop talking like that immediately, much less planning to act on it,' Carlson said.

'Most Americans are good people, even if you hate how they voted. We don't need a war within our borders. Only the worst people will win that war.'
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Embee Mobile, the company that builds and manages unique mobile-based insight communities, and the University of California Berkeley, announced a COVID-19 research brief titled "The Changing Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals and Households in the U.S." reveals insights into two key areas - pandemic behaviors and attitudes, and the economic impact of the pandemic. The research challenges existing, singularly focused research by instead examining the interrelatedness of human behaviors, institutional actions, personal beliefs, and health outcomes.

"The preliminary data from our COVID-19 research suggests there's an axis of pain and an axis of non-compliance," said Raja Sengupta, a professor at UC Berkeley and director of its Smart Pandemic Management Group "People suffering economically suffer in other ways, as with a group of people who are being so disproportionately hurt as we speak that they are in desperate need of immediate and substantive relief. This data should be used to better target stimulus need beyond just income, taking the other economic indicators into consideration such as instability in housing, dependence on transit, and the absence of wealth."

Sengupta continues, "The data also suggests an axis of non-compliance in pandemic behavior, in which those who are non-compliant in one way, are non-compliant in many ways. This explains why pandemic management is more effective when done with community organizations that know their community. Perhaps a small group of people spread the disease by being vulnerable behaviorally, or by virtue of their work and housing. To hunt the virus, you have to understand the people in your community and our research will help communities do this."

No Masks, Attending Events, and Refusal to Get Vaccinated Are Related Behaviors

Ten months into the pandemic and the issue of wearing masks is still a hot-button issue in various areas across the country. 52% of the panelists admitted to not always wearing masks as recommended by public health officials. The impact of simply not wearing a mask is compounded when we take the beliefs and behavior of this group into consideration. Not only are non-mask wearers traveling significantly more than mask-wearers, but this group of people is:

181% more likely to believe that COVID-19-related restrictions are too strict

73% more likely to have attended an event with more than 10 people in the last two weeks

64% more likely to say they will definitely not get a vaccine when one becomes available

39% more likely to identify as politically conservative

21% less likely to closely follow the news

Conservatives More Likely to Take Health Risks During the Pandemic

Overall, 21% of the panelists identify as conservative, while moderates make up 40% of the panel. Looking specifically at those who identify as conservative, we can see they are more likely to take risks with their health, and the health of others, during the pandemic due to their behavior and beliefs, as compared to other panelists. This group of people is:

206% more likely to believe that COVID-19-related restrictions are too strict

154% more likely to never wear a mask while socializing

123% more likely to believe that the government should not mandate masks

70% more likely to say they will definitely not get vaccinated

39% more likely to believe that social distancing does not stop the spread

20% more likely to believe that businesses can't survive social distancing

Insights Into the 34% Who Push Back on COVID-19 Vaccination

Prior to the pandemic one of our most divisive health issues was vaccination and its potential risks, and it has carried over into conversations about the various COVID-19 vaccines that are now being administered. The willingness to get vaccinated has decreased between the August and October surveys, as 30% initially reported they would definitely be getting vaccinated with this number later dropping to 20%. In total, more than one-third (34%) of panelists reported that they will not likely get a COVID-19 vaccine. This group of people is:

52% more likely to be women with at least one child under the age of six

66% more likely to identify as politically conservative

48% more likely to say they can't endure the economic impact of the pandemic anymore

57% more likely to say religion is very important in their life

It's a Grim Outlook for Those Who Can't Endure the Pandemic's Economic Impact

More than one out of every five panelists (22%) report that they could no longer endure the negative economic impact that the pandemic has had on their lives. Alarmingly, things will only get worse for this group with homelessness, depression, and the breakdown of household relationships coming into play. This group of people is:

447% more likely to report they have an unstable place of residence

173% more likely to be significantly impacted by transit cuts

111% more likely to report their relationship with their household has worsened

103% more likely to screen positive for depression

70% more likely to not have health insurance

More Households are Moving Residences and for Reasons of Economic Precarity

While the news may report that many are moving out of large metropolitan areas to areas where they can have more space, the reality is that more households are moving for reasons of economic precarity. The national average for moving is 10% annually according to the U.S. Census Bureau, yet 12% of panelists said they have moved since the pandemic began in March 2020. This group of people is:

151% more likely to suspect they have been infected by COVID-19

81% more likely to not have health insurance

26% more likely to be unable to pay bills if an emergency expense of $400 comes up

Transit Cuts Tied to Decreased Income, Decreased Elder Care for Vulnerable Households

With more people working from home due to the pandemic and no longer commuting, cuts to public transportation have followed. Unfortunately, those who are affected by transit cuts - many of whom are seeking employment - become more vulnerable in a number of ways. Fifteen percent of panelists report they are impacted by transit cuts and this group of people is:

143% more likely to have no household vehicle access

48% more likely to be people of color

36% more likely to have experienced decreased income since August

19% more likely to be caring for an elderly or disabled person

16% less likely to be female

UC Berkeley and Embee Mobile expect to continue collecting and processing data to provide additional insights on pandemic management, behavior, and impacts as the pandemic continues.

The full report can be accessed here and here.

Research Approach

UC Berkeley has found Embee Mobile's panel of individuals valuable. This is a panel that has been curated to cover multiple states and to represent diversity in demography, political belief, exposure to news sources, housing conditions, and employment status. UC Berkeley and Embee Mobile began piloting this method in August 2020 with a panel of 1,000 individuals. The data in this research was collected between August 2020 and October 2020. The most comprehensive forms of active and passive measurement were used. Passive data collection occurs via smartphone applications and includes browser searches, app use, and travel both before and during the pandemic. The passive data is complemented by an active survey platform with smartphone alerts to drive high engagement. A database of mandates by public agencies has also been created as it is necessary for the research.

About Embee Mobile

Embee Mobile is a privately-held, San Francisco-based technology company that builds and manages fully opt-in and privacy-compliant mobile-based insight communities, enabling its clients  some of the biggest consumer research companies and brands in the world  to gain rapid, accurate insights into the behaviors and experiences of mobile device users worldwide. Embee Mobile's combination of ground-breaking measurement technologies and transparent, ethical panel methodologies provide deep, longitudinal insights otherwise unavailable through traditional panel methods. For more about Embee Mobile visit www.embeemobile.com.

About UC Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, California. Established in 1868 as the state's first land-grant university it's the oldest campus of the University of California system and a founding member of the Association of American Universities. UC Berkeley is comprised of 14 colleges and schools and offers over 350 various degree programs and enrolls some 31,000 undergraduate and 12,000 graduate students. Berkeley is ranked among the world's top universities by major educational publications.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Embee Mobile
German Ambassador in Cairo Cyrill Nunn discussed with Egypts Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir ways of cooperation in establishing a control system for the diesel-powered railway network and the modern electric one, according to a statement released by the transport ministry on Tuesday.

In a meeting on Tuesday, Nunn and El-Wazir discussed joint cooperation in launching a training, overhaul, and maintenance centre for the railway system to train Egyptian engineers on the latest railway technology and high-speed trains at the hand of German experts.

Hailing the mega projects undertaken by Egypt recently in the transport sector, Nunn expressed German companies interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt in the maritime transport sector.

Nunn pointed out that Egypt's policies of developing the transport and railways sector, after carrying out an overhaul of the electric power network, is the same trend followed by developed countries globally.

The ambassador praised German companies working in the maritime transport field in Egypt based on the memorandum of understanding signed between Germany's Eurogate and Italy's Contship to manage, operate, and maintain the second container terminal in Damietta Port.

He also added that the German logistics companies DB Schenker and Deutsche Post DHL are interested in cooperation with Egypt in the field of transporting goods and establishing logistical areas.

Meanwhile, El-Wazir praised collaboration between Egypt and Germany's Siemens in the transport sector in establishing an integrated system for a high-speed electric railway in Egypt.

The German Siemens project includes the immediate establishment of a railway line linking Ain Sokhna with the New Alamein city, passing through the New Administrative Capital, as well as 15 stations.

The two officials also discussed the latest developments in training 160 Egyptian engineers and technicians in collaboration with German construction equipment manufacturer Herrenknecht on tunnel boring machines.

El-Wazir stressed that the Egyptian government follows a comprehensive plan to maximise the system of goods transportation via railways, inland ports, and logistical areas to serve the business community. These ports, according to El-Wazir, are being constructed on a scientific basis.

The minister added that Egypt is currently undertaking new mega transportation projects that will link Egypt with neighboring countries.

He cited as an example Egypt and South Africa's Cape Town axis, which passes through nine African countries with a length of 10,228 kilometres, 1,155 of which are inside Egyptian territories.

The minister also said that Cairo aspires to complete a land road project between Egypt and Chad.

Moreover, according to El-Wazir, Egypt plans to establish a road linking Egypts Aswan and Toshka with Sudans Wadi Halfa, as well as a road that links Egypt's Alexandria and Salloum with Libyas Benghazi.

Short link:


The offspring of older animals often have a lower chance of survival because the parents are unable to take care of their young as well as they should. The Seychelles warbler is a cooperatively breeding bird species, meaning that parents often receive help from other birds when raising their offspring. A study led by biologists from the University of Groningen shows that the offspring of older females have better prospects when they are surrounded by helpers. This impact of social behaviour on reproductive success is described in a paper that was published on 19 January in the journal Evolution Letters.

The Seychelles warbler lives on a tiny island called Cousin Island, which is part of the Republic of Seychelles, an island country in the Indian Ocean. On Cousin Island, there are just over 300 birds, nearly all of them ringed with colour rings so that each individual bird can be recognized. The population has been studied for several decades. Martijn Hammers, a biologist at the University of Groningen, has frequently visited the island and is studying the interaction between social behaviour and ageing among these birds.

Natural laboratory

Cousin Island resembles a natural laboratory, Hammers explains. 'It is isolated, so there is no influx of new birds and birds rarely migrate to other islands. Furthermore, from 1985 onwards, we have ringed almost all warblers on the island, which allows us to observe their behaviour, reproduction and survival.' The Seychelles warbler is a cooperative breeder: each territory is held by a dominant couple and they sometimes allow helpers to stay there. 'These helpers are usually their own young from earlier breeding attempts and they can assist in breeding and in feeding the chicks. In return, these helpers can use the resources that are available in the territory and female helpers are occasionally allowed to lay an egg in the dominant birds' nest.'

As the parent birds age, their ability to feed their young diminishes. In this new study, Hammers and his colleagues from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) and the University of East Anglia (UK) wanted to find out whether social behaviour, in particular the care for offspring provided by helpers, affects the breeding success of older birds. To this end, Hammers analysed over 20 years of data on these birds. He specifically looked at the frequency of chick feeding and the survival of young birds.

Humans

'Our prediction was that having helpers would be beneficial for the survival of chicks from older birds. And this turned out to be true, but only for older females,' says Hammers. The males of this species contribute less to feeding the chicks than females and their behaviour may therefore be less important for offspring survival than the behaviour of the females. 'That may be because the males are not always sure that they are feeding their own offspring since 40 per cent of the young are not their own,' explains Hammers.

The data show that while helpers compensate for age-related declines in female reproductive performance, individual helpers do not work harder when the dominant female is older. 'It appears to be a more passive process, in that older birds recruit more helpers who collectively help more.' The implications of his findings are that it is beneficial for older female birds to display social behaviour - allowing helpers to live in their territory - since it increases their reproductive success. 'It would be interesting to see if this is a general principle that also applies to other animal species, or even to humans.'

In a previous study, Hammers showed that getting help with the kids also slows down the ageing of the parents. 'This effect was also most pronounced in older females. This new study provides additional evidence for an interplay between age and cooperative breeding.'

###

Reference: Martijn Hammers, Sjouke A. Kingma, Lotte A. van Boheemen, Alexandra M. Sparks, Terry Burke, Hannah L. Dugdale, David S. Richardson and Jan Komdeur: Helpers compensate for age-related declines in parental care and offspring survival in a cooperatively breeding bird. Evolution Letters 19 January 2021
ROME, JAN 19 - Lombardia Governor Attilio Fontana said Tuesday that his administration has presented an appeal to the regional administrative court (TAR) against central government's decision to class it as a high COVID-19 risk 'red zone'. Red is the highest level in Italy's tiered system of coronavirus-related restrictions. All restaurants and bars are closed, except for takeaways and home deliveries, in red zones and all non-essential shops are closed too. Fontana said the COVID-19 parameters for the region around Milan have been misinterpreted and the region should be an orange zone. In medium-high risk orange zones, shops can do business but restaurants and bars must stay closed. In moderate risk yellow zones, on the other hand, shops are open and so are bars and restaurants until 6pm. Lombardy, the Italian region hit hardest by the first wave of COVID-19, Sicily and autonomous province of Bolzano have been red zones since Sunday. Fontana said the region, one of driving forces of the Italian economy, had been "unjustly penalised in the major way". Fontana's new welfare chief, former Milan mayor Letizia Moratti, has caused a stir by suggesting that a region GDP' should be a factor when its allocation of COVID-19 vaccines is decided. (ANSA).
Arrests, beatings, forced exile, and even death. Belarusians have paid a high price for raising their voices in opposition since authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed a landslide victory and a sixth presidential term in an August 2020 election that hundreds of thousands of citizens contend was stolen.

And now a leaked audio recording has emerged of what is said to be a senior Belarusian Interior Ministry official discussing plans to build an internment camp -- complete with barbed wire -- for political prisoners.

That's not all: The person speaking also urges officers to use a more lethal weapon against protesters, assuring them they will face no repercussions if they do, and apparently admitting that a unarmed civilian killed at a demonstration in Minsk in August was in fact shot at close range with a rubber bullet by riot police.

The recording was downloaded to social-media sites including YouTube on January 15 by the By_Pol Initiative, a grouping of former Belarusian security and justice officials and officers who have abandoned Lukashenka and switched over to the opposition.

Belarus has witnessed unprecedented and unflagging protests since the disputed August 9 election, which have been met by brutal government repression. Lukashenka, 66, finds himself facing growing international isolation, as Western governments, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, refuse to acknowledge him as the legitimate leader of Belarus, slapping him and senior officials with sanctions for their perceived roles in rigging the election and in the continuing crackdown.

The Interior Ministry has dismissed the latest audio recording as a "fake," but opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya is one of many who say they are convinced of its authenticity, and have expressed shock and anger at its contents.

"[The] Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Belarus said he plans to build a camp for people [who are pursuing] their constitutional right to protest peacefully against lawlessness. Can you imagine this in your country?" Tsikhanouskaya wrote on Twitter on January 15.

It's not an isolated case. Recently, the news outlet EU Observer published details of another leaked recording, this one of KGB officials talking in 2012 of plans to kill foes of Lukashenka in Germany.

Strong-Arm Tactics

In the latest recording, the voice heard is alleged by By_Pol and confirmed by sources it cites to be that of Mikalay Karpyankou, a deputy interior minister in charge of the ministry's troops. He is no stranger to calling for the use of force or employing it himself, being caught on camera using a truncheon to smash his way into a Minsk cafe where protesters were hiding.

Lukashenka promoted Karpyankou to the post of deputy interior minister in November in what analysts said was part of a series of moves to bolster the ranks of the so-called "siloviki," the country's security apparatus, now more than ever a key pillar of his government's support.

According to By_Pol, the recording is from an unspecified date in late October, when Karpyankou was head of the Interior Ministry department for combating corruption and organized crime. By_Pol said he was addressing a meeting of department ministers.

In the recording, the voice alleged to be that of Karpyankou is heard discussing what he says are plans to build a long-term internment facility in Ivatsevichy, in southwestern Belarus, that is already home to a penitentiary.

"We are also talking about the possibly of building a camp for protesters. And a database is being created," the voice says, adding that "hard-core" protesters would be "resettled" at the facility, which would be enclosed with "barbed-wire fencing." It is unclear how far such plans have advanced, if at all.

On the recording, the voice is also heard urging those in attendance not to shy away from using a Russian-made pistol at their disposal, the "Russian Yargin gun," known formally as the MP-443 Grach. "We've been equipped, I'll tell you, with a very powerful weapon," he says on the tape, adding that they have Lukashenka's backing.

"We are covered by the head of state from all angles in terms of the use of weapons," the man identified on the tape says, before adding that Lukashenka has ordered them to deal harshly with "all those moments on the streets."

"As the president said, if one [protester] rushes at you, use weapons, even nonlethal ones [should be fired] at point blank, aiming at the legs, stomach, balls, so that [the protester] realizes what he has done once he regains consciousness," the man says. "Well, you have the following options: injure, maim, or kill. Shoot at the forehead, right in the forehead, right in the face. After that, he will never recover."

Sanctioned Violence

Also raised in the recording is the case of Alyaksandr Taraykouski, who became the first fatality in the postelection crackdown in August, and a rallying cry for the protest movement: "Yes, Taraykouski, yes, he was a drunk and a moron. He was snuffed out by a rubber bullet that hit him in the chest."

Belarusian officials had said Taraykouski's death on August 10 occurred after an explosive device blew up in his hand as he was trying to throw it at police. However, the AP later published video showing Taraykouski wobbling with a blood-stained shirt, before collapsing to the ground, meters from a line of riot police. There is no sign of any explosion as described by the authorities.

Asked about the alleged recording of Karpyankou, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Volha Chamadanava said, "We have not and will not comment on fakes," and claimed that ministry personnel "are guided by the law" in carrying out their duties.

Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent.

The authorities have opened several preliminary inquiries into suspected abuses against protesters but not one criminal case, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in its World Report 2021, adding that there were "hundreds of politically motivated criminal cases" targeting "political opposition figures, protesters, and their supporters, civic activists, and human rights defenders."

By mid-November, HRW said in the report, Belarusian police had detained more than 25,000 people. The month also witnessed the death of Raman Bandarenka, who died from injuries sustained in a vicious beating in Minsk by a group of masked assailants whom the Belarusian rights group Vyasna alleged to have been affiliated with the Interior Ministry.

Tsikhanouskaya was not alone in reacting to the recorded revelations.

Andrey Sannikau, who was jailed after running for president in 2010, said on Twitter that the recording was further "proof that power in Belarus is held by extremely dangerous psychopaths headed by Lukashenko."

Government critics say Karpyankou is known for backing and taking violent action against anti-Lukashenka protesters. He was filmed in September wielding a truncheon to smash the window of a Minsk cafe where protesters were seeking refuge from security forces.

He also backed Deputy Interior Minister Henadz Kazakevich when he expressed his willingness to shoot civilians in a video on October 12. Karpyankou is reported to have said: "If they resist, we'll use weapons. We humanely use weapons against them, including firearms."

Katsiaryna Shmatsina, a research fellow at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, said that Karpyankou's background and the government's record seem to support the case for the recording's authenticity.

"Whether the tape is fake, the tech experts should decide. However, this is not the first leakage from the inside of the Lukashenka system. Take for example the publication on EU Observer about plotting to murder political dissidents abroad. Also, there are consistent leakages of videos/audio materials by the By_Pol Initiative, including evidence of inhumane treatment of the detained protesters," she told RFE/RL in e-mailed comments.

If it is authentic, the recording highlights how Lukashenka has unchained the country's security apparatus in his bid to cling to power, Shmatsina suggested.

"One thing is clear: the regime is ready to suppress the protest at any cost, and that siloviki/police have carte blanche from the top officials to treat political opponents of the regime as they wish, with impunity."

Written by Tony Wesolowsky with reporting by RFE/RL's Belarus Service
Mumbai, Jan 19 : The people of the ancient Maharashtra kingdom were "very warm, friendly and helpful, with high self-esteem", observed the great Chinese Buddhist monk and wanderer Xuanzang, according to a new book.

The scholar Xuanzang (602-664 AD) travelled in classical India during the 7th century AD, spending around 12 years traversing the length and breadth of the country, according to the new treatise, 'Mumbai Beyond Bombay' by historian, scholar and archaeologist Dr Suraj A. Pandit.

"Though he roamed all over the country then, little is known about his journeys in Maharashtra and even the present-day Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which I have researched to bring out several aspects concerning Xuanzang," Dr Pandit told IANS.

Primarily, he visited India to learn Buddhism and spoke and compared it with Chinese Buddhism during the Harshavardhana Empire of yore.

Among other things during his tour of this western Indian domain, Xuanzang met the King of Maharashtra, Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas Dynasty of Badami, in modern-day north Karnataka.

"He described the people from this kingdom as 'very humble, warm, helpful and having a high self-esteem' when he mingled with even the ordinary folk during his sojourn for an unspecified period here," Dr Pandit said.

Xuanzang had made Krishnagiri - the modern-day famous Kanheri Caves in Borivali, north-west Mumbai - as his abode during his stay here.

He also journeyed to nearby places like Sopara, the thriving port and capital of the kingdom of Maharashtra - which is today the humble middle-class Nalasopara town in Palghar district.

Dr Pandit said that after the Sopara trip, Xuanzang wrote of what he witnessed there, including a reference to one of the two huge 'stupas' built by Emperor Ashoka the Great (who reigned from 268-232 BC), besides the existence of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist sects in modern-day Mumbai.

"Later, another stupa also came to light and both the stupas still exist in Nalasopara till date. In the past 100 years, we have also discovered the edicts nos. 8-9 of the total 14 edicts proclaimed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty," Dr Pandit said.

During his travels to India, modern-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet, etc, Xuanzang collected many important manuscripts from India, including some in Sanskrit from the Kingdom of Maharashtra, which he translated into Chinese after returning to his motherland, as per available historical records.

At Krishnagiri (Kanheri), he described the Buddhist monastery atop the hills in great detail, the 'Viharas' which were excavated in three layers on the mountain slope with a stone elephant carved out at the main entrance.

Kanheri - which was situated on the huge Salsette Island, into which the 7 islands that comprised the original Bombay were merged by the British - had dense forests teeming with wildlife and tigers roaming in the present-day Malabar Hill area.

Of his stay here, Xuanzang paid glorious tributes to his Acharyas and the Buddhist monks from whom he acquired knowledge and wisdom, Dr Pandit said.

Before leaving Krishnagiri (Kanheri), Xuanzang was presented a wooden statuette of the 11-headed Bodhisattva, Lord Ekadashmukh Avalokiteshvara and a text called Dharini, which he also translated into Chinese.

The statuette later created a sensation in his home country and the later spread of the 11-headed Bodhisattva cult in China can be largely attributed to Xuanzang, Dr Pandit explained.

A Faculty at University of Mumbai, Dr Pandit, 43, is also Head of Department of Buddhist Studies & Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology at PTVA's Sathaye College, Vile Parle.

His recent book 'Mumbai Beyond Bombay' is translated from Marathi to English by young archaeologist Prashant Gharat and published jointly by Aprant and Centre for Archaeology, University of Mumbai.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
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.

For the first time since COVID-19 mitigation efforts began in mid-March, two Illinois regions have reached the final tier and will be able to loosen restrictions to allow such things as the reopening of bars and restaurants.

Guidelines on hours and occupancy will remain in place under the Restore Illinois plan. For example, bars also must serve food to allow indoor customers, and indoor service is limited to either 25% of capacity or 25 people. Establishments also must close by 11 p.m. and not open before 6 a.m.

Crowd sizes also will be limited to 25 people for social gatherings, such as weddings, funerals and sporting events.

This should serve as motivation for other regions. However, I do want to caution that moving back through tiers does not mean abandoning your mask or attending large events and gatherings, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said. We must continue to watch our distance and wear our masks and get vaccinated when we become eligible.

The changes were announced this weekend for Region 5 in far southern Illinois and Region 2 in the north-central part of the state. One of the states established mitigation regions is in Tier 2, but the other eight  including Region 3, which covers Morgan, Brown, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott and eight other west-central Illinois counties  remain at Tier 3, the most restrictive.

To move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 requires such factors as a rolling test positivity rate under 12% for three days in a row, intensive care unit and hospital bed availability above 20% and a drop in hospitalizations because of coronavirus for seven out of 10 days. Tier 1 requires a test positivity rate of under 8% for three days in a row and other factors.

There is some anticipation the Morgan County area could move to Tier 2 for the first time since Nov. 20 if infection rates and other criteria continue to improve. Most west-central Illinois county health departments have been closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so statistics have not been reported since Friday.

A change in mitigation tiers would have little impact on struggling restaurants, though, because indoor dining still would be prohibited under Tier 2.

Restaurants have been able to offer pickup, delivery and drive-through service, but many have chosen to close temporarily because of the financial strain of the restrictions. Limited outdoor dining is available, but is not an attractive option in winter weather.

Lonzerottis Italia Restaurant in Jacksonville announced its plans this weekend to close until warmer temperatures make outdoor dining viable or at least 50% capacity indoor dining is allowed.

After a meeting Friday with Morgan County Health Department Director Dale Bainter, one of Lonzerottis owners, Frank Whitney, said the county was doing a very good job in a very tough situation and it was apparent  the lack of leadership regarding restaurants and the COVID mitigation orders is not the countys failure, but rather the failure of our state government and its agencies.

Some restaurants have defied the restrictions, but it was not something Lonzerottis owners felt was the correct course of action for us to take, they said in posting on the restaurants Facebook page.

The restrictions burden on the hospitality industry, especially bars and dining establishments, has prompted a loud outcry across the state.

A frustrated state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville said it was past time for the state to move forward.

Davidsmeyer, the assistant Republican leader for the state House of Representatives, said keeping our businesses closed isnt working but said Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health have been unwilling to discuss alternatives.

There have been zero conversations between the governors administration and sitting legislators, only one-sided, my way or the highway answer sessions for far too long, he said. Its time for the governor to look outside of his administration for new ideas.

The state keeps doubling down on the same failed policies, using the wrong metrics. I believe in science and this is not science, Davidsmeyer said.
Online electricals group AO World has seen shares come under pressure as warnings over higher costs overshadowed a record performance over Black Friday and Christmas.

Shares in AO World dropped 6% after opening as much as 12% lower as the firm said it suffered significantly higher costs from the challenges of making its operations Covid-19 compliant, particularly for goods returned from customers.

It also noted that more customers were cancelling long-term mobile and warranty contracts as they change their spending behaviour amid the pandemic.

This took the shine off an otherwise impressive update showing that UK sales soared by more than two thirds over its festive quarter as it continued to capitalise on the shift online.

The Bolton-headquartered group posted a 67.2% hike in UK sales over the three months to December 31 to 457.3 million thanks to record trading over Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas.

It added that the groups German business was profitable throughout its third quarter after seeing revenues jump 77.4% higher  a milestone for the division which has been loss-making since launch in 2014.

AO founder and chief executive John Roberts said: I believe weve seen 10 years of change in 10 months, and experienced our strongest ever peak trading period.

We backed ourselves by investing early in warehouses, vehicles, stock and people.

This not only set us up to satisfy customer demand for electricals for the current crisis but also for the longer term, as the structural shift to online becomes a permanent feature of the market in the UK and Germany.

AO World hired another 1,500 people in 2020 as it ramped up operations to meet surging sales.

It revealed in November that it swung to a first-half profit after sales jumped by 53.2% to 717 million in the six months to September 30 as high street rivals temporarily closed stores during the period.

The jump in revenues helped it move into the black, reporting an 18.3 million pre-tax profit, compared to a 5.9 million loss for the period last year.

While shares fell on Tuesday, the stock had a stellar year in 2020 after the company saw its stock market value more than quadruple.

Mr Roberts has been quick to declare the market has changed forever as a result of coronavirus, saying he believes the switch to online shopping will remain even after the crisis.
South Carolina confirmed nearly 3,000 more COVID-19 cases Monday after surpassing 350,000 confirmed coronavirus cases late last week.

The state has recorded over 50,000 new cases in less than two weeks. Monday's report reflects data as of Saturday; reports have been on a two-day delay since the holidays.

Record numbers of new cases were recorded in the first two weeks of January. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control resolved a systems issue Saturday that had kept data incomplete over the past week, and officials belatedly reported that on Jan. 8 the state set a daily record of 6,924 new COVID-19 cases, a substantial increase from previous records.

A little more than half of South Carolina's vaccine stock has been used so far, according to DHEC. Out of 313,000 total doses received by the state, 158,232 had been administered as of Saturday morning.

Publix is working with DHEC to distribute COVID-19 vaccines at 42 of its pharmacies throughout the state. Vaccinations are provided by appointment only. Eligible individuals can schedule appointments starting Tuesday using the online reservation system at publix.com/covidvaccine, with administrations starting Wednesday.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the city of Charleston will participate in a nationwide memorial to honor the nearly 400,000 American lives lost to the ongoing pandemic. At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Charleston City Hall will be illuminated and churches throughout the city will ring their bells.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 2,946, which is 1,765 percent higher than the 158 tallied on March 31, the day Gov. Henry McMaster ordered nonessential businesses to close.

Total cases in S.C.: 354,895, plus 36,569 probable cases

New deaths reported: 8

Total deaths in S.C.: 5,662 confirmed, 586 probable

Total tests in S.C.: 4,370,454

Hospitalized patients: 2,342

Percent of positive tests, seven-day average: 23 percent. Five percent of tests or fewer returning positive results is a good sign the virus' spread is slowing, researchers say.

Hardest-hit areas

According to data from DHEC, the top counties for new coronavirus cases reported Monday were Greenville, 387; Richland, 211; and York, 199.

What about tri-county?

On Monday, Charleston County reported 184 new cases while Berkeley had 75 and Dorchester logged 70.

Deaths

Of the eight coronavirus deaths that DHEC confirmed Monday, two were middle-aged patients aged 35 to 64, and the rest were at least 65 years old.

They lived in Calhoun, Dorchester, Horry, Orangeburg, Richland and Williamsburg counties.

Hospitalizations

Of the 2,342 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, 478 were in intensive care and 317 were on ventilators.

Around 80 percent of the state's reported intensive care beds are occupied.

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.
Conor McGregor allegedly used his strength outside the ring and caused personal injury on two women in Ireland.

Ahead of McGregor's fight against Dustin Poirier this weekend in Abu Dhabi, McGregor bumped into a case over the alleged incidents back in 2018.

In a report published by Independent.ie, it has been revealed that two women is suring Conor in Dublin. One of the two women launched a "multi-million euro personal injury lawsuit."

Meanwhile, the other was filed by the woman's mother, who allegedly sustained personal injuries as well.

A male associate is also added in the High Court's proceedings as a co-defendant in the case.

The Coleman Legal Partners, a firm specializing in personal injury and medical negligence, represents the two women.

"Proceedings have been served. We can make no further comment as the matter is before the courts," Dave Coleman said.

Meanwhile, McGregor chose Michael J. Staines and Company to represent him. As of writing, the exact nature of the allegations against the UFC star has not been publicly announced.

Conor McGregor Defends Himself

Before it reached the court in Dublin, the matter was already presented and became the subject of Gardai's investigation.

McGregor hired New Jersey PR firm Evergreen Partners Inc.--specifically its boss, Karen J. Kessler--in 2019 to help him with the cases.

However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution refused to bring any charges against the 32-year-old Irish mixed martial artist.

"The plaintiff knows the facts contradict the assertions in this lawsuit. Mr. McGregor will dispute any claims and is confident that justice will prevail," Kessler said in a recent statement, as quoted by TMZ Sports.

After the rejection of the allegations, the two women now have one year to file another set of documents against the MMA fighter.

Over the years, Conor McGregor's UFC records were not the only ones that scored spotlights, as even his alleged wrongdoings made headlines.

In March 2019, he became the subject of an investigation for sexual assault. The New York Times also reported another one from a different accuser in October.

Conor was also arrested last year in France for another sexual assault case and indecent exposure.

None of these sexual assault cases have ever resulted in charges against him. However, if the recent multi-million dollar lawsuit is proven true, it would surely affect Conor McGregor's net worth instantly.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian-Kanye West Divorce Update: 'Jesus Is King' Rapper Set To Meet Divorce Lawyers [REPORT]

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
67,700 in funding has been announced for outdoor recreational amenities in Louth.

As part of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme funding announced on Monday, four projects in Louth have received grants, they include:

20,000 for the provision of water dispensers at three large beaches - Carlingford, Clogherhead, Gyles Quay, and Templetown.

17,100 for Stephenstown pond for upgrade of existing walkway.

10,800 for the provision of signage and picnic tables at the Long Womans Grave in Corrakitt, Omeath

19,800 for the installation of trail heads, informational and directional signage at Monasterboice Walking Trails in Monasterboice.

Senator Erin McGreehan welcomed the news: This funding will go some way towards ensuring our communities can continue to enjoy the outdoor amenities, right here on our doorstep.

Covid-19 has brought a notable increase in the number of people using our walking trails, cycleways, parks and other resources to exercise and keep fit, while respecting the guidelines on social distancing.

The scheme provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.

The funding announced today, under Measure 1 of the Scheme, will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to 20,000 each.

It is being announced in partnership with Failte Ireland, who are co-funding the projects in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Further announcements in respect of medium and large-scale projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with funding of up to 200,000 and 500,000 respectively for each project, will be made at a later stage.

Senator John McGahon also welcomed the funding:

Senator McGahon said The Outdoor Recreation Scheme provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.

The funding announced, under Measure 1 of the Scheme, will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to 20,000 each. 2020 has really demonstrated the need to invest in our outdoor local amenities as there has been a huge increase in people using walking trails and the great outdoors.

In total, the outdoor recreation scheme will allocate 3.2 million for 173 projects across the country, with a particular focus on rural areas. This is really important funding for our local communities in County Louth and it will greatly enhance the safety and enjoyment of our walking trails and beeches for everyone, concluded Senator McGahon.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently concluded Abraham accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel. Calling the signing of 'Abraham accords' a 'positive development', India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia."

The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognized Israel, which was -- Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979.

The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's 'traditional support' to the 'Palestinian cause', pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israels security concerns."

The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded the role of the latter. He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict."

Arab league is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt.

On India's ties with the grouping, he said, "New Delhiwill work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions."

Over 9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually. He said, India and the Arab world share a 'civilizational relationship' and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce."

During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that, "at the heart of the conflict are human beings and unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

The first Houston area case linked to the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has been transferred for prosecution in Washington, D.C.

Joshua R. Lollar, a 39-year-old disabled veteran from Spring, was released on unsecured bond Tuesday during a video hearing in Houston. He is accused of traveling to D.C. to participate in a riot of Trump supporters that breached the Capitol building on the day lawmakers were in the process of making Joe Bidens imminent presidency official.

He told the court will remain at home with his parents and show up for hearings in Washington remotely or in person as required.

Lollar, who appeared in orange jail garb and a mask from a detention facility in Conroe, waived a formal reading of the charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy ordered him to be released on electronic monitoring and instructed Lollars father to hide away any weapons, riot gear, firearms, ammunition, body armor and gas mask in a location the defendant wont be able to find them.

Also on the video call, his father Grover Lollar promised the judge, He will have no know of where they are.

Lollar handed over his cellphone and password to authorities. He told the FBI he did travel to D.C. and was present during the riot, the agent said.

Officials say Lollar was on the front lines with others confronting Metropolitan police as they tried to force their way into the historic building.

Given the close proximity of the MPD officers to the camera lens, and the fact that there is no person or property visible in between the camera and the bodies of the MPD officers, it appears that Lollar was at the front lines of a physical confrontation with MPD officers, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit supporting his arrest.

Officials learned of Lollars involvement through a tipline. A person contacted the FBI and identified him as one of the throngs of Trump supporters who surged inside the Capitol after the presidents speech at the Ellipse, according to court documents.

The tipster said he was friends with Lollar on Facebook and saw multiple photos and a livestream video of Lollar clashing with police officers. The person sent several screenshots, including a photo with the caption, Busting in, and another with the caption inside the Capitol.

Another screenshot stated, Sorry they are jamming the phones so I cant do much about a live stream or uploading. Ill do my best, its about to get spicey boi!

Documents state that when a Facebook friend asked how the riot was going, the profile associated with his name posted, They ran us out of the Capitol area. Antifa was randomly in our groups.

In the photos and videos on his phone, Lollar was allegedly seen at times wearing a Keep America Great cap, a tan body armor vest and a gas mask.

A video shows Lollar as part of a crowd unsuccessfully attempting to push through a line of law enforcement officers, documents show. According to the documents, he posted in response to an inquiry, Yeah, Im good. Just got gassed and fought with cops that I never thought would happen.

The post continued, I dont know what we can do, but Im trying my best to get it done peaceful. We cant loose (sic) our America.

A Facebook user appearing to be Lollars sister urged him multiple times to remove the posts because of the potential of federal prosecutions.

He is one of about 100 people arrested and about 50 charged criminally for participating in the actions.

Lollar is expected to have his initial appearance via zoom Friday 22 at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the riot. The vice president and lawmakers in both chambers of Congress sought shelter and were evacuated as mob participants raided the building and entered some members offices.

He is being charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions; obstructing or impeding law enforcement officer during civil disorder and obstruction federally protected functions; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Those charges could result in various fines and up to one year in prison, five years in custody and six months in custody for the respective charges.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick said previously that the Southern District of Texas offices will assist as needed in the first steps of riot-related prosecutions, including arrests, searches and initial appearances like Lollars, said.

Several other Texans have been charged in the riot, including real estate agent Jenna Ryan, who posted on social media about storming the Capitol. The licensed broker based in Fresno was charged Friday with disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and knowingly entering a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
Today, January 19, marks 14 years since the assassination of former editor-in-chief of Istanbuls Agos Armenian Weekly Hrant Dink, who was the most well-known Armenian in Turkey in the last decades.

Due to the pandemic, this year, massive events dedicated to the memory of Hrant Dink werent held, but there were speeches broadcast online.

Dink underscored the need for Turkeys democratization, spoke out about freedom of speech and protection of human rights and the rights of national minorities in Turkey. He was a major advocate for relations between Armenians and Turks and believed that the Armenian community will have the opportunity to live freely in Turkey and not be subjected to historical repressions.

On January 19, 2007, Dink was assassinated in front of the editorial office of his Agos Armenian Weekly in Istanbul. Before the assassination, he would report that there are more and more threats against him and would complain that the police have refused to protect him from a potential assassination attempt.

Several international organizations have called on the Turkish government to reveal the case of Dinks assassination and ensure an impartial investigation. In September 2010, the European Court of Human Rights declared Turkey guilty of not protecting Hrant Dink, even though it became clear that both the gendarmerie and the police were aware of the murder that was being planned. The court only sentenced Ogyun Samast, who was used as a tool for assassination and was sentenced to imprisonment for 22 years and 10 months, and the accused Yasin Hayal was sentenced to life in prison for guiding the assassination.

There have been many trials over the years. Top officials and police officers were interrogated and detained. In spite of the Turkish governments assurances, the assassination of Hrant Dink remains one of the unrevealed political assassinations that have become a tradition in Turkey.
HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MindUP, Israel's first dedicated digital health incubator, is pleased to welcome CogMe to its family of portfolio companies.

CogMe is developing a platform to reduce cognitive drops in populations at risk, initially focusing on delirium, an acute condition that most commonly arises in an inpatient setting. Using AI, CogMe will provide a comprehensive solution that will analyze cognitive and biological indicators of the individual patient to predict, detect and intervene to prevent cognitive drops.

"Delirium, a prevalent and dangerous sudden state of confusion common in elderly adults, is nearly universally under-recognized and under-treated," noted Liat Feinberg, CEO and co-founder of CogMe. "It often leads to a cascade of events that include patient falls, further complications, extended post-acute care and even death. Naturally, these adverse events also increase the cost of care. We believe that early detection is the key to preventing this deterioration."

Dan Shwarzman, CEO of MindUP, said "CogMe will provide a scalable and sustainable holistic solution, designed to help healthcare providers predict the patient's condition, and prompt intervention to prevent these cognitive drops. We are pleased to have a strong team like co-founders Liat Feinberg and Ilan Ben-Oren join us at MindUP."

About MindUP

MindUP, Israel's first dedicated digital health incubator, is a joint venture of Medtronic, IBM, Pitango Venture Capital, Impact First Investments, and Rambam Medical Center, in collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority. MindUP funds, supports and nurtures early stage digital health projects. MindUP offers its portfolio companies a platform that provides 360 degree support for all their needs, significantly increasing their chances for success.

To learn more:

CogMe

Liat Feinberg

CEO

[email protected]

MindUP:

Maura Rosenfeld

CBO

[email protected]

SOURCE MindUP

Related Links

https://www.mindup.co.il


Though COVID-19 decreased turnout for this school years Junior Achievement Company Program, organizers called students performances absolutely spectacular.

The Junior Achievement board kicked off its first virtual JA Company Program this school year in September 2020.

Eight student companies stepped up to the challenge to include a pair of companies from John F. Kennedy High School, a Tiyan High School team and the remaining six were a mixture of public and private high school students, according to a press release.

Navigating through the first virtual JA Guam Company Program, our students and their mentors proved that with proper guidance, we are all capable of completing the task at hand, whether virtually or in person, stated board chairman Joey Miranda III.

We believe that the program, through our mentors, provided our students with the understanding to help them grow, whether in the field of business, entrepreneurship or as a supplement toward their future aspirations. Congratulations to all our program members.

The competition kicked off in September 2020 and concluded with the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 16.

Kre8ability, sponsored by KUAM, won the 2020 JA Guam Company of the Year, edging out Ginefsaga, sponsored by Title Guaranty of Guam, by one point, while GTAs Scribe finished in third place.

The President of the Year was awarded to Padme Cassiopeia Madrigal of Kre8ability, as Kiran Toh of Ginefsaga settled for the runner-up post with Sherie Caulan of Tiyan High Schools Emporia in third.

Ginefsaga took home Product of the Year and Best in Annual Report, Emporia notched top honors for the Best Commercial, and Docomo Pacifics Masi was named Best in Show.

Vice President of Finance of the Year went to Mark Wang of Ginefsaga; VP Marketing of the Year was awarded to Matua Salas from Scribe; and VP Production went to Hannah Daleno of Origins: Fanohge, the press release states. Daleno is also an editor for The Guam Daily Posts teen journalism program, The Scoop.

The 2020 JA Guam Company of The Year and runner-up will represent Guam at the JA Asia Pacific annual celebration of the achievements of young entrepreneurs in the region.

The program helps young people understand the role of business in the global economy. It helps students organize and operate a business enterprise, and market and sell a product in the real world.

The mentorship companies were Title Guaranty of Guam, KUAM Pacific Telestations, LLC., DOCOMO Pacific, GTA, Bank of Guam, Bank of Hawaii and Community First Guam Federal Credit Union.

The organization noted its appreciation for the support from the community, including companies and organizations: Guam Community College DECA Marketing Program, Bank of Hawaii, the Guam Economic Development Authority and Bank of Guam, the Guam Small Business Development Center, Triple J Enterprises, United Airlines and GTA.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-17 22:24:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

by Pankaj Yadav

NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A few of the COVID-19 vaccine recipients from several parts in India, who took the vaccination doses on Saturday, have complained of adverse effects over the past 24 hours.

The adverse effects include headache, fever, and body-aches.

Nearly 200,000 people were administered COVID-19 vaccines in over 3,000 centers across India. A total of 300,000 people were enrolled for vaccination, but a large number of them chose not to show up to take the jab.

Speaking to Xinhua over phone, a doctor posted at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, who was among those who received the vaccination dose, said he was suffering from mild fever and body-ache ever since he took the vaccine jab on Saturday.

"But this is quite normal. Some human bodies do show adverse effects after receiving a vaccine. Once injected into the human body, a vaccine tends to develop immunity against a particular virus, thereby triggering some reactions. These reactions might be in the form of fever or body-aches," he explained.

The doctor, on the condition of anonymity, further said that such adverse effects should not deter the people from taking the vaccine.

"Vaccination is the only cure against this pandemic which has shaken the whole world. The adverse effects will surely go in a day or two, but vaccination will protect us against this deadly COVID-19 virus," added the doctor.

Cases of adverse effects are reported in Indian media. According to a report by the India Today, one health worker was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Delhi-based premier institute - the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), after her condition deteriorated following the vaccination jab.

A nurse posted at AIIMS told Xinhua over phone that one security guard who also suffered from some adverse effects like an increased heartbeat and skin rashes, but is stable now.

According to the media report, most hospitals in the national capital fell short of the target of vaccinating at least 100 healthcare and frontline workers on Saturday.

Quoting official figures released by the Delhi government, the Times of India newspaper reported that one severe and 51 minor cases of "adverse events following immunisation" were reported among health workers who were administered the coronavirus vaccine in Delhi on Saturday.

Delhi Chief Minister Satyendra Jain said a total of 4,319 healthcare workers, or 53.3 percent of those registered, received the vaccine shots on the first day of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

At the conclusion of the first day of vaccination drive on Saturday, the health ministry had stated that a total 191,181 recipients were vaccinated against COVID-19.

"No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation has been reported so far," it said.

Two types of COVID-19 vaccines were supplied for the vaccination drive. While the "Covishield" vaccine, made by the Serum Institute of India, was supplied to all states, the "Covaxin" vaccine, made by Bharat Biotech International Limited, was supplied to 12 states. Enditem
This illustration shows the planet KOI-5Ab transiting across the face of a Sun-like star, which is part of a triple-star system located 1,800 light-years away in the Cygnus constellation. Credits: Caltech/R. Hurt (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, or IPAC)

Shortly after NASA's Kepler mission began operations back in 2009, the space telescope spotted what was thought to be a planet about half the size of Saturn in a multiple-star system.

KOI-5Ab was only the second planet candidate to be found by the mission, and exciting as it was at the time, it was ultimately set aside as Kepler racked up more and more planet discoveries.

By the end of the spacecraft's operations in 2018, Kepler had discovered a whopping 2,394 exoplanets, or planets orbiting stars beyond our sun, and an additional 2,366 exoplanet candidates that would still need confirmation.

"KOI-5Ab got abandoned because it was complicated, and we had thousands of candidates," said David Ciardi, chief scientist of NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute. "There were easier pickings than KOI-5Ab, and we were learning something new from Kepler every day, so that KOI-5 was mostly forgotten."

Now, after a lengthy hunt that spanned many years and many telescopes, Ciardi said he has "resurrected KOI-5Ab from the dead." Thanks to new observations from NASA's second planet-hunting mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS, and a number of ground-based telescopes, Ciardi was finally able to untangle all the evidence surrounding KOI-5Ab and prove its existence. There are some intriguing details about it to mull over.

Most likely a gas giant planet like Jupiter or Saturn in our solar system given its size, KOI-5Ab is unusual in that it orbits a star in a system with two other companion stars, circling on a plane that's out of alignment with at least one of the stars. The arrangement calls into question how each member in this system formed out of the same swirling clouds of gas and dust. Ciardi, who is located at Caltech in Pasadena, California presented the findings at a virtual meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

"We don't know of many planets that exist in triple-star systems, and this one is extra special because its orbit is skewed," said Ciardi. "We still have a lot of questions about how and when planets can form in multiple-star systems and how their properties compare to planets in single-star systems. By studying this system in greater detail, perhaps we can gain insight into how the universe makes planets."











The KOI-5 star system consists of three stars, labeled A, B, and C, in this diagram. Stars A and B orbit each other every 30 years. Star C orbits stars A and B every 400 years. The system hosts one known planet, called KOI-5Ab, which was discovered and characterized using data from NASA's Kepler and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite missions, as well as ground-based telescopes. KOI-5Ab is about half the mass of Saturn and orbits Star A roughly every five days. Its orbit is titled 50 degrees relative to the plane of stars A and B. Astronomers suspect that this misaligned orbit was caused by Star B, which gravitationally kicked the planet during its development, skewing its orbit and causing it to migrate inward. Credits: Caltech/R. Hurt (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, or IPAC)

Picking up the trail

After its initial detection by Kepler, Ciardi and other researchers picked up the trail on KOI-5Ab as part of a cache of planet candidates they were following up on. Using data from the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, Caltech's Palomar Observatory near San Diego, and Gemini North in Hawaii, Ciardi and other astronomers determined that KOI-5b appeared to be circling one star in a triple-star system. However, they still couldn't tease out whether the planet signal was actually an erroneous glitch from one of the two other stars, or, if the planet was real, which of the stars it orbited.

Then, in 2018, TESS came along. Like Kepler, TESS looks for the blinking of starlight that comes when a planet crosses in front of, or transits, a star. TESS observed a portion of Kepler's field of view, including the KOI-5 system. Sure enough, TESS also identified KOI-5Ab as a candidate planet, though TESS calls it TOI-1241b. As Kepler had observed previously, TESS found that the planet orbited its star roughly every five days.

"I thought to myself, 'I remember this target,'" said Ciardi, after seeing the TESS data. "But we still couldn't determine definitively if the planet was real or if the blip in the data came from another star in the system - it could have been a fourth star."

Clues in the wobbles

He then went back and re-analyzed all the data, and then searched for new clues from ground-based telescopes. Deploying an alternate technique to Kepler and TESS, the Keck Observatory is often used for follow-up searches of exoplanets by measuring the slight wobble in a star as a planet circles around it and exerts a gravitational tug. Ciardi, teaming up with other scientists through an exoplanet collaboration group called the California Planet Search, looked for any wobbles in Keck's data on the KOI-5 system. They were able to tease out a wobble produced by the inner companion star orbiting the primary star from the wobble of the apparent planet as it orbits the primary star. Together, the different collections of data from the space- and ground-based telescopes helped confirm that KOI-5Ab is, indeed, a planet orbiting the primary star.

"Bingo - it was there! If it weren't for TESS looking at the planet again, I would never have gone back and done all this detective work," he said. "But it truly did take a lot of sleuthing within data collected from many different telescopes to finally nail down this planet."

KOI-5Ab orbits Star A, which has a relatively close companion, Star B. Star A and Star B orbit each other every 30 years. A third gravitationally bound star, Star C, orbits stars A and B every 400 years.

A skewed orbit

The combined data set also reveals that the orbital plane of the planet is not aligned with the orbital plane of Star B, the second inner star as might be expected if the stars and planet all formed from the same disk of swirling material. Astronomers are not sure what caused the misalignment of KOI-5Ab but believe that the second star gravitationally kicked the planet during its development, skewing its orbit and causing it to migrate inward. Triple-star systems make up about 10% of all star systems.

This is not the first evidence of planets in double- and triple-star systems. One striking case involves the triple-star system GW Orionis, in which a planet-forming disk has been torn into distinct, misaligned rings, where planets may be forming. Yet despite hundreds of discoveries of planets in multiple-star system, far fewer planets have been observed than in single-star systems. This could be due to an observational bias (single-star planets are easier to detect), or because planet formation is in fact less common in multiple-star systems.

"This research emphasizes the importance of NASA's full fleet of space telescopes and their synergy with ground-based systems," said Jessie Dotson, the project scientist for the Kepler space telescope at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. "Discoveries like this one can be a long haul."

New and future instruments, such as the Palomar Radial Velocity Instrument at the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar, the NASA and National Science Foundation's NEID instrument in southern Arizona, and the Keck Planet Finder will open up new avenues for learning about exoplanets.

Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
An 18-year-old Easton man faces charges for allegedly stabbing his stepfather in the leg with a kitchen knife Saturday.

Easton police were called at about 7:25 p.m. for the attack in the home suspect Jordan T. Collins shares with the victim in the 300 block of West Nesquehoning Street on the citys South Side, according to court records.

The victim required medical attention at a hospital, police said. Collins admitted to stabbing his stepfather, court records say.

Collins was arraigned before District Judge Robert Weber on a felony count of aggravated assault, in addition to misdemeanor simple assault and reckless endangerment. He was sent to Northampton County Prison before being released on $25,000 bond, court records say.

As part of conditions of his release, Weber required Collins to provide an alternate address verifiable by Northampton County Pretrial Services prior to being set free.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled Jan. 29 before District Judge Daniel Corpora to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in Northampton County Court.

Court records did not immediately list an attorney for Collins, and no phone number could be found for him.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- La Granja Restaurants just opened a new restaurant on 3120 South Kirkman Rd., Orlando, FL 32822.

Orlando residents are welcome to come for lunch or dinner. If they are in a rush, they can call ahead for curbside or delivery. (407) 420-7057.

Come visit the new La Granja in Orlando, off of South Kirkman Road, Metrowest Orlando.

La Granja offers authentic Latin cuisine in an affordable and accessible way. Customers love their grilled steak, grilled chicken, and fajitas. La Granja also offers family meals featuring a choice of meat, rice, beans and fries. Patrons rave about their fresh homestyle fresh meals.

Homestyle Fresh Cooking and Fast, La Granja Specials Satisfy Individuals and Families.

Here are a few of La Granja's Specials:

La Granja's popular 1/4 chicken with rice and beans is the complete meal of choice for lunch and dinner. Come eat a 1/4 chicken meal with rice and beans, starting at only $5.25. Order 1/4 chicken with black beans and rice or with fried plantains and soda, which starts at only $7.75.

Feel like steak for lunch or dinner? Get a 1/2 lb. grilled steak served with two side orders, starting at $10.75.

La Granja's menu includes chicken, pork, steak or seafood meals.

La Granja's Menu includes Lomo Saltado, Chicken, Ceviche, Jalea, and Whole Caribbean Snapper.

A favorite dish at La Granja is its traditional Rotisserie Peruvian Chicken called "pollo a la brasa," slow-roasted for two hours on a rotisserie machine.

MetroWest or "Metro West" is located southwest of downtown Orlando. La Granja Metrowest is south of the intersection of Metrowest Boulevard and S. Kirkman Road and is in the Metrowest Shoppes. Metrowest keeps growing and now consists of nine subdivisions, a townhome complex, and 10 apartment complexes. With its growing population, of course, people need to eat. They need a local restaurant which provides homestyle fresh food and fast.

If people are in the mood for real Peruvian food, they can find the nearest La Granja restaurant location. Type in a zip code here . La Granja Restaurants are located from Miami to Orlando. Please visit lagranjarestaurants.com, go to locations and pick the closest location. Delivery via DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub. Call (407) 420-7057.

La Granja Restaurants owes their expansion to their delicious cuisine, outstanding customer service and affordable prices. Over the last 20 years, they have opened their doors in several locations including Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Beach, Downtown Miami and now Metrowest Orlando. La Granja has won awards such as "The Best Family Style Peruvian Restaurant." Customers love their grilled steak, grilled chicken, and fajitas. La Granja also offers family meals featuring a choice of meat, rice, beans and fries.

For more info, go to www.lagranjarestaurants.com.

Related Images

la-granja-3120-s-kirkman-rd.jpg

La Granja, 3120 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811

Come visit the new La Granja in Orlando, off of South Kirkman Road, Metrowest Orlando.

SOURCE La Granja Restaurants
Advertisement

M&S stores in France have started running out of food as 'convoluted' Brexit rules were blamed for millions of pounds worth of meat exports from Britain being left to rot in Rotterdam and Calais.

Shelves in the upmarket supermarket's food halls in Paris and Lille are bare as it becomes the latest company affected by Brexit border delays - with lorries trying to cross the Channel being held up for days.

Images shared on Twitter showed the frustrating situation, with no clear indication of when supplies will be restocked and one shopper claiming the problems have already lasted three weeks.

An M&S spokesman confirmed the lack of groceries was a result of 'Brexit teething problems' disrupting supply chains. Sandwiches, biscuits and ready meals such as curries seem to have been among the products affected.

The grim scenes emerged as British butchers complained shipments were suffering from tight customs rules, echoing complaints from the fishing industry that seafood is being left to rot at UK docks.

One exporter told The Times that there are five containers of fresh pork held in the Dutch port of Rotterdam for a fortnight after a problem with a veterinary certificate being filled in incorrectly.

And in Calais another five containers, believed to contain 23 tonnes of chicken worth at least 500,000 have been stopped because of red tape. Most of the meat will have to be incinerated because of strict rules about white meat being processed within eight days of slaughter.

Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, said: 'The new post-Brexit customs system for meat products is convoluted, archaic and badly implemented.

'If continental supermarkets are unable to have products delivered the way they need them to be, this trade will simply be lost as EU customers abandon UK suppliers and source product from European processors'.

Shoppers have complained of empty shelves in UK supermarkets with alcohol and staples including broccoli, tomatoes and cheese all missing as new Brexit rules hampered lorry drivers bringing in food from the EU and left truckers stranded at Dover for three days or more.

Cauliflower packs, citrus fruit, aubergines, courgettes, mushrooms, strawberries, raspberries, melons and blueberries as well as products like French wine, Champagne, Cognac and brie and Italian olive oil and mozzarella have been unavailable at major supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and online giant Ocado. Frozen food is also low at some stores including cod and prawns from Iceland and Norway.

The photos, which were taken at a store in Paris and then circulated on Twitter, show the supermarket shelves at an M&S outlet which have run out of food

Images have emerged of M&S stores in France with the shelves half-empty. The sign says: 'Due to new rules on importing products between UK and EU we are sorry that some products are currently unavailable. We will do our best to get them back quickly'

M&S supermarket shelves in Lille stand empty amid an issue with post-Brexit supply chains

The post attracted over 200 likes and 116 retweets, with people speculating that post-Brexit chaos was to blame

Warning of jelly and Bisto gravy shortages as minister insists delays at ports are 'nothing to do with Brexit' Processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable in Northern Ireland at the end of the protocol grace period, the party's Stormont agriculture minister said. Edwin Poots acknowledged the country had plenty of homegrown beef and potatoes but warned Northern Ireland Assembly members trimmings like Bisto or trifle could be missing from traditional Sunday dinners. Economy Minister Diane Dodds has warned of the impact on products like steel, which could face tariffs of up to 25%. It is deemed by the EU to be at risk of entering the Single Market when arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has said the country's empty shelves have nothing to do with Brexit. He blamed the pre-Christmas shutdown at the Port of Dover over the highly infectious strain of Covid-19 for temporary interruptions in the flow of goods across the Irish Sea. The Secretary of State said supermarket supply lines were healthy. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'That's actually something we've seen across other parts of the UK as well, nothing to do with leaving the EU, nothing to do with the Northern Irish protocol but actually to do with some of the challenges we saw with Covid at the Port of Dover just before Christmas and the impact that had on supply lines coming through. 'I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle.' Advertisement

And now the issue is hitting exporters such as M&S who sell British products in Europe, which is popular among British expats living in France as well as well-heeled French residents.

The images were shared alongside the caption 'nearly three weeks now and still nothing to get your teeth into in M&S in Paris,' which attracted some 200 likes and 116 retweets.

'If a large company like M&S is having these problems, imagine the problems for the numerous small companies trying to do business with Europe. What a disaster,' one Twitter user commented.

'One would have to wonder if M&S franchises in France can survive if this goes on much longer,' another person wrote.

Another person posted pictures of empty M&S shelves, claiming they were taken at a branch in Lille.

A third post then purported to show an M&S in the Ledru-Rollin region of Paris with its shelves also standing half-empty.

France24 journalist Catherine Bennett, who posted the video, wrote alongside it: 'Popped by the Ledru Rollin branch of @marksandspencer today.

'More than two weeks since Brexit and hey're still having supply chain problems. Half the shop's shelves are empty. It's looking bleak.'

An M&S spokesman told MailOnline: 'As we are transitioning to the new processes, it is taking a little longer for some of our products to reach stores, but we are working with our partners, suppliers and relevant Government agencies and local authorities to quickly improve this.'

Despite Boris Johnson securing a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, goods entering and leaving the UK have been getting caught up up at the border as additional paperwork and extra checks slows the process to a crawl.

The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations has said Mr Johnson surrendered to a 'neo-colonial relationship' with the EU on fish under the Brexit agreement that came into force on January 1 with products like langoustine taking five days to arrive on the continent rather than the usual 24 hours.

The problem is particularly acute in the fresh food industry because products have a short shelf-life, meaning delays can lead to the food going off in transit.

British fishermen have been particularly hard-hit, saying that exporting to Europe is no longer viable because of the delays.

Police inspect the truck of a driver protesting against post-Brexit red tape in the fishing industry in London yesterday morning

Lorries belonging to Scottish seafood suppliers parked up opposite Downing Street and Whitehall in a protest yesterday

Lorries from Scottish seafood companies outside the Houses of Parliament during the protest action in London

This glotech graphic show the main imports from Europe into the UK, with beef from Ireland, wine from France and vegetables the biggest ticket items entering the country each year. There are concerns the flow of goods

The key issues causing delays at British ports Problems at ports are being caused by a series of problems occurring at once which are not all unique to the UK. COVID - shipping container shortage The system for shipping goods around the world stopped working properly when economies shut down and reopened at different times as they dealt with Covid. This led to shipping firms falling behind when it came to retrieving empty containers from European ports and taking them back to factories in Asia. The container shortage is being exacerbated by a lack of staff across the global supply chain - including sailors, hauliers and warehouse workers - due to people falling ill or having to quarantine. The problems caused by Covid have been compounded by a surge in demand caused by: BREXIT - customs and stockpiling France is demanding lorry drivers heading into the EU are required to provide a negative Covid-19 test within 72-hours of travelling. They also need to have paperwork filled out in advance. Companies have been stockpiling goods out of fear of having to pay tariffs, or because they are concerned that new customs procedures after Brexit will delay imports. Advertisement

Many Scottish fishermen have found the introduction of catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations adding lengthy delays to their delivery times - meaning the products arrive rotten.

Fifteen Scottish sea food truckers who drove to London to protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that has prevented them exporting to the European Union were fined today by police for making 'unnecessary journeys'.

Hauliers at the UK border have experienced delays since the transition period ended, with the discovery of a new mutant Covid-19 strain adding to the chaos.

Importers in France say agents have adopted a 'zero-tolerance' approach that has seen deliveries delayed because Latin names of fish species were incorrectly entered on papers and because sanitary certificates were missing stamps.

Both fishmongers and seafood factories are now suspending orders from Britain as deliveries of salmon and lobster that used to take just 24 hours to end up on French shelves are now being held up for two or three days.

'Nit-picking' Dutch border police were also filmed confiscating ham sandwiches off a British truck driver as he crossed the border in line with post-Brexit import rules.

'Welcome to Brexit,' the officers were filmed saying - referencing new border rules which mean no fresh produce can cross without appropriate certificates.

Dutch customs officers also paraded a pile of confiscated items including muesli and Waitrose chicken fillets seized from from Britons crossing the EU border as they warned 'you can't just bring in food from the UK'.

Britain's ports were already under huge pressure before January 1 after Covid-19 shattered the system for shipping goods around the world causing a shortage of containers and supply chain problems from covid-hit China, Vietnam and Japan hitting Christmas presents and electronics, including the PS5 and Apple headphones.

The container shortage was exacerbated by a lack of staff across the global supply chain - including sailors, hauliers and warehouse workers - due to people falling ill or having to quarantine because of coronavirus. This led to shipping firms falling behind when it came to retrieving empty containers from European ports and taking them back to factories in Asia.
U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell contended Tuesday that outgoing President Donald Trump provoked thousands of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in a futile effort to block Congress from certifying that Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump in the November election.

The mob was fed lies that Trump had been cheated out of reelection, McConnell told the Senate a day ahead of Biden being sworn in on the steps of the Capitol as the countrys 46th president.

They were provoked by the president and other powerful people, McConnell said in an unusual rebuke of Trump, a fellow Republican who leaves office Wednesday after a single four-year term.

McConnell said the rioters, who stormed past authorities and into the Capitol building after Trump urged them at a rally to confront lawmakers about the election outcome, tried to use fear and violence. But he said that lawmakers refused to give them veto power over our nation, not even for one night.

Some of the rioters vandalized the building, ransacked congressional offices and scuffled with police in the mayhem that left five people dead, including a police officer whose death is being investigated as a homicide. More than 100 rioters have been charged with various offenses and McConnell said 275 are under investigation.

Law enforcement authorities eventually restored order and Congress, after hours more of debate, certified Bidens defeat of Trump in the early hours of January 7.

McConnell said he expects that the peoples choice of their 46th president will be affirmed with the inauguration of Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in a peaceful ceremony at noon Wednesday, even as Trump skips the ceremony and heads instead to his Atlantic coastal mansion in Florida.

A week ago, the House of Representatives impeached Trump for the second time, accusing him of inciting insurrection in the storming of the Capitol. The Democrat-controlled House accused him in late 2019 of enlisting Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden ahead of the November election. Last February, however, the Senate acquitted him.

A two-thirds vote is needed in the Senate to convict Trump on the insurrection impeachment article, but with the chamber soon to be split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, 17 Republicans would have to turn on Trump and join all 50 Democrats in voting for a conviction. If convicted, a simple majority vote could bar Trump from ever again holding federal office.

McConnell, a staunch ally of Trump over the last four years, said last week he would consider convicting Trump but had not made up his mind, although his Tuesday statement appeared to signal he holds the president responsible for the January 6 rampage.

While the press has been full of speculation, McConnell said in a message last week to his Republican colleagues, I have not made a final decision on how I will vote, and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate.

No date has been set for the start of the impeachment trial, but it is expected to begin soon in the early days of the new Biden administration.
Dong Nai plans $294 mln to build more roads connecting to Long Thanh Airport

An intersection between HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway with National Highway 1 in Dong Nai Province. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan.

Dong Nai authorities are planning to build five new roads leading to the under-construction Long Thanh International Airport at a cost of VND6.8 trillion ($294 million).

They will connect it with the province's Dinh Quan, Thong Nhat, Vinh Cuu, and Trang Bom districts.

The airport, construction of whose first phase began earlier this month, is expected to become the countrys largest.

The 53-kilometer Road 770B will be built between Dinh Quan and Long Thanh districts at a cost of VND2.6 trillion.

Besides improving the airports connectivity, the highway will also enable transport of goods from industrial parks to Cai Mep  Thi Vai Port.

Dong Nai has many industrial parks and is becoming a major industrial hub as foreign companies continue to shift their production to Vietnam.

It ranked seventh nationwide in the value of foreign direct investment last year with over $928 million, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Road 773, to run more than 51 km and costing VND1.7 trillion, will connect Xuan Loc and Cam My districts with the airport.

It will run parallel to National Highway 1.

The 11-km Belt Road 4 from National Highway 1 in Trang Bom District to Road 769 through Long Thanh District will be built with four lanes at a cost of over VND500 billion. It will go past the western entrance of the airport and ease the heavy traffic burden on Highway 51.

Road 769E, two kilometers long, will cost VND72 billion and share the heavy traffic expected at the airports northern gate.

Province authorities are also considering construction of the 47-kilometer Road 772 from Trang Bom District to Long Khanh and Xuan Loc districts. The four-lane road will cost VND1.92 trillion.

The province Department of Transport said the cost of the construction of the roads would be borne by the national and provincial governments.

Work on the airport, 40 kilometers east of HCMC, began on January 5.

To be built in three phases, it is expected to be completed by 2040. By then, it will have four runways, four passenger terminals and other facilities to handle 100 million passengers and five million tons of cargo a year.

When it is complete, Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC will mostly handle domestic flights.
Spring arrives earlier and earlier in northeast Greenland and alters the interplay among plants and insects. Credit: Toke T. Hye

Climate change is more pronounced in the Arctic than anywhere else on the planet, raising concerns about the ability of wildlife to cope with the new conditions. A new study shows that rare insects are declining, suggesting that climatic changes may favor common species.

As part of a new volume of studies on the global insect decline, researchers are presenting the first Arctic insect population trends from a 24-year monitoring record of standardized insect abundance data from northeast Greenland.

The work took place during 1996-2018 as part of the ecosystem-based monitoring program Greenland Ecosystem Monitoring at the field station Zackenberg, located in the world's largest national park with high-arctic climate.

At this remote location, researchers can truly isolate the effects of climate change on insects, because there is no agriculture or industry in the area, nor are there any cities within the nearest thousand kilometers of the field station.

"Data from Europe, North America and the tropics show that many species of insects are in strong decline. Luckily, we are now able to show that there is no profound crash in high arctic insect populations," explains senior scientist Toke T. Hye, Department of Bioscience and Arctic Research Center at Aarhus University, who led the study.

No dramatic decline in Arctic

The results of the study reveal how insects differ markedly in their population trends and show multi-faceted responses to climate change. Climate outside the summer season and other factors than temperature can be very important.

The northern clouded yellow (Colias hecla) butterfly needs to reproduce during the short Arctic summer. Credit: Rikke R. Hansen

While the study provides strong evidence of insects responding to climate change, it is unlikely that widespread insect declines would be caused by the same single factor. The authors indicate that the range of long-term insect responses may in part be due to the diversity of life styles and adaptations to extreme conditions by this high-arctic insect community.

The study is just published in the top-tier journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"It is too early to say that we do not have an insect crisis in the Arctic. Our data shows that a range of rare taxa are in decline, while more common insects are doing OK," says Toke T. Hye.

Effects of climate changes

One key impact of climate change is that it extends the growing seasons in the Arctic. This often means that there is an even longer period in which the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws.

"This period is a big challenge for many insects and climate change is thus especially affecting insects during parts of the year where they are in a dormant stage. The insects are tricked into expecting spring to arrive, just to be hit by hard frost afterwards," explains Toke T. Hye.

During the past years, the research team at the field station at Zackenberg has also observed that permafrost thawing dries out the top soil layer. This affects insects in their larval stages and can have delayed effects on adult insect populations. Such effects may only become apparent after a number of years and can have important cascading effects through the food web.

To understand changes in insect population dynamics, long time series of standardized data, such as those from Zackenberg are critically important. These new results from the Arctic draw a more complex picture of insect responses to climate change than anticipated and highlight the importance of continued support for long-term monitoring.

Explore further Spider baby boom in a warmer Arctic

More information: Toke T. Hye et al. Nonlinear trends in abundance and diversity and complex responses to climate change in Arctic arthropods, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Toke T. Hye et al. Nonlinear trends in abundance and diversity and complex responses to climate change in Arctic arthropods,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002557117
Via a memo announced by his Chief of Staff Ron Klain, incoming president Joe Biden has outlined a plan for the first ten days in office to kick start key policies. The move is clearly intended to mark a clean break between the end of the Trump era and the beginning of the Biden one.

America is currently reeling from a health crisis, economic chaos, racial unrest and now insurrectionist violence, and so the news brings hope of momentum and constructive leadership from day one.

Bidens first day: executive orders ready and waiting to be signed

The quickest way for Biden to go about making some of his signature policy changes (importantly bypassing the process of approval in Congress) is by signing executive orders.

The very first items on the agenda are several executive orders that Biden will sign within the first hours of his presidency on Wednesday, including;

Paris Climate Accord

A US return to the Paris climate agreement - the global pact on cutting carbon emissions. Biden plans to immediately rejoin the Paris climate accords, and to seek to push other countries into lowering their emissions.

Biden has said he would build upon Barack Obamas efforts to fight climate change. As part of the plan, Biden proposed $2 trillion in clean energy and infrastructure spending and he is also aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

When Joe Biden won the election in November the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, tweeted, Welcome back America!

Trump's "Muslim" travel ban

Biden will rescind the controversial travel ban on mostly Muslim-majority countries. Donald Trump, through executive action, instituted a travel ban from Muslim countries such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. The ban, which Trump has said is in the best interest of national security, included some immigrants, refugees and visa holders from entering the US.

Mask mandate and pandemic evictions pause

Other executive actions for the first hours of Bidens term include, orders making the wearing of masks on federal property and when travelling interstate mandatory, and calling for an extension to nationwide restrictions on evictions and foreclosures due to the pandemic.

These executive actions will deliver relief to the millions of Americans that are struggling in the face of these crises, Ron Klain said in the memo. President-elect Biden will take action  not just to reverse the gravest damages of the Trump administration  but also to start moving our country forward.

Can the executive actions be denied?

Full achievement of Bidens goals will require Congress to act, Klain wrote, including the $1.9 trillion virus relief bill he outlined on Thursday. Klain said that Biden would also propose a comprehensive immigration reform bill to lawmakers on his first day in office.

The "DREAMers" program, which allowed children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the country, was rescinded by Trump in 2017, but Biden is said to be set on ensuring that DACA - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - would continue to allow these immigrants to live and work in the US without threat of being deported.

Incoming presidents traditionally move swiftly to sign an array of executive actions when they take office. Trump when he first took over in 2016 did the same, but he found many of his orders were challenged and even rejected by courts.

Klain maintained that Biden should not suffer similar issues, saying the legal theory behind them is well-founded and represents a restoration of an appropriate, constitutional role for the President, according to APs report.

What happens for the rest of Bidens first week?

On the new presidents second day in office, Thurdsay, Biden would sign orders related to the covid-19 pandemic, aimed at reopening schools and businesses and expanding virus testing, Klain said. The following day, Friday, will see action on providing economic relief to those suffering the economic costs of the pandemic, say the AP.

In the following week, Klain said, Biden would take additional actions relating to criminal justice reform, climate change and immigration  including a directive to speed the reuniting of families separated at the US-Mexico border under Trumps policies.


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.
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Law today announced that it is now offering 90 days' complimentary access to its legal research platform to pro bono lawyers through Paladin, a platform that helps lawyers connect with well-aligned pro bono opportunities more efficiently to help those who need it most.

With access to Bloomberg Law, Paladin's pro bono attorneys can leverage:

Pro bono lawyers now have 90 days' complimentary access to Bloomberg Law legal research platform through Paladin. Tweet this

Full coverage of key federal and state legislation, regulations, and agency guidance issued as a result of the pandemic and economic crisis.

Practical Guidance, trackers, and chart builders covering various state and federal employment laws and regulations.

Litigation and transactional resources  market-leading dockets and AI-powered brief and drafting tools.

"Together, Bloomberg Law's content and technology perfectly complements Paladin's ability to seamlessly connect lawyers with pro bono work and worthy clients," said Alex Butler, Vice President, Analysis & Content, Bloomberg Law. "With a vast array of resources across multiple practice areas, attorneys will be able to quickly access the information they need to support their clients."

"Especially during such a crucial time of need, providing attorneys real-time access to resources that can help their pro bono clients is crucial to achieving the best outcome. We're thrilled to be able to provide Bloomberg Law's content to attorneys in our network," says Kristen Sonday, Paladin's Co-Founder and COO.

Paladin users can learn more about Bloomberg Law and request access to the platform at http://onb-law.com/JF3g50CRjxq.

About Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Law helps legal professionals provide world-class counsel with access to actionable legal intelligence in a business context. Bloomberg Law delivers a unique combination of comprehensive primary and secondary source material, real-time news, expert analysis, time-saving practice tools including Practical Guidance, market data, and business intelligence. For more information, visit pro.bloomberglaw.com.

About Paladin

Paladin is a justice tech company whose mission is to increase access to justice by helping legal teams run more efficient pro bono programs. Paladin works with AmLaw250 law firms, Fortune 500s, and bar associations to increase pro bono engagement, decrease administrative costs, and capture the organization's impact. Read more at joinpaladin.com.

SOURCE Bloomberg Law; Paladin

Related Links

https://pro.bloomberglaw.com


Industry Update

Appointment

19 January 2021

Margaret Paul

Appointed General Manager

At Pan Pacific Singapore

Prior to joining Pan Pacific Singapore, Paul was the managing director of Emerald Palace Kempinski, Dubai and Kempinski Hotel Residences Palm Jumeirah. In total, the hotelier worked for 16 years with the Jumeirah Group both in London and Dubai, progressing to the role of general manager of the iconic Burj Al Arab and prior to that, was general manager of Madinat Jumeirah overseeing four hotels.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Pan Pacific Hotels Group Limited is a listed hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, one of Asias most established hotel and property companies with an outstanding portfolio of investment and development properties. more information

Recent Appointments at Pan Pacific Tom Dixon - Designer 14 April 2021  Pan Pacific London is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio for their destination bar in Devonshire House. Set to launch Autumn 2021 this appointment will further cement Pan Pacific London's commitment to combining world-class design with hospitality to encourage a new generation of guests to make the City of London their home away from home. read more

Jean-Philippe Jacopin - General Manager 10 February 2021  Pan Pacific Hotels Group has appointed industry veteran Jean-Philippe Jacopin as general manager of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering. Jacopin hails from a family of hoteliers, and his thirty-year career has seen him hold senior management positions for some of the world's leading hospitality brands in Europe and Asia-Pacific. read more
The couple continue to own a three-bedroom, raw-space condominium on the top floor of an eight-story Gold Coast luxury building. The condo is on the market for $3.25 million, after it was first listed three years ago for $4 million. Jim Bowen paid $2.5 million for the condo in 2013.
Indore, Jan 19 : In the ongoing campaign against mafias in Madhya Pradesh, the Indore administration has claimed to have busted the biggest ration racket in the state so far.

Bharat Dave, the kingpin of this racket, has been arrested by the Indore police. The administration has registered 12 FIRs and named 40 accused, with possible action against many others under the National Security Act.

Sources said complaints have been coming in Indore for a long time about the scam. Indore collector Manish Singh got 12 ration shops investigated, and the facts which came out were shocking. It was found that there were major irregularities in providing ration to the poor from ration shops as about 50,000 ration card holders were cheated.

Sources said the investigation also revealed that influential persons have taken one or more ration shops in their name or in the name of family members and are selling ration directly in the market. The racket has spread everywhere in the state.

Sources claim that several big businessmen are involved in this racket and the kingpin Bharat Dave was nabbed.

The racket has spread not only to Indore but in the entire state. Many more big faces could be exposed.
ALTON  Alton Police are investigating a deceased woman found early Tuesday morning near the site of a one-vehicle accident.

Alton Police Sgt. Emily Hejna said officers responded just after 6 a.m. Tuesday to the 1900 block of Fosterburg Road. A red Hyundai was found on its side in a soybean field at that location, near Emma Kaus Lane. Frost could be seen on the vehicle Tuesday morning, suggesting it had been in the field for some time.

The body of a 38-year-old woman was found about 40 feet from the vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene because of injuries from being thrown from the vehicle, according to Hejna.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the womans identity had not been released by authorities.

As part of their investigation, police closed a section of Fosterburg Road for about four hours Tuesday morning. Emma Kaus Lane on Tuesday morning. The polling place inside the Alton Public Works building at 2 Emma Kaus Lane remained open.
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Hybrid Train Market by Propulsion Type (Electro-Diesel, Battery Operated, Hydrogen Powered, Gas Powered, and Solar Powered), Application (Passenger and Freight), and Operating Speed (Less than 100 km/hr, 100-200 km/hr, and More than 200 km/hr): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027." According to the report, the global hybrid train industry generated $16.2 billion in 2019, and is expected to generate $23.9 billion by 2027, witnessing a CAGR of 6.6% from 2020 to 2027.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Advantages associated with hybrid trains over conventional trains along with increase in awareness and stringent government regulations regarding environmental pollution drive the growth of the global hybrid train market. However, surge in cost regarding development of hybrid trains and their infrastructure hinders the market growth. On the other hand, supportive government initiatives and investments towards alternative fuel-powered hybrid trains present new opportunities in the coming years.

Download Report Sample (250 Pages PDF with Insights) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/7515

Covid-19 Scenario

With lockdown imposed in many countries, the ban on the import & export and transportation activities disrupted the supply chain and consequently hampered manufacturing activities.

Many governments banned train travel for citizens to curb the spread of coronavirus. So, the implementation of hybrid trains lowered down during the lockdown.

Many organizations held the investments back due to economic uncertainty that occurred during the pandemic. The investments would be made post-pandemic as the industry recovers.

The electro-diesel segment to maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period

Based on propulsion type, the electro-diesel segment accounted for the largest market share, contributing to nearly half of the global hybrid train market in 2019, and will maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to increase in demand for electro-diesel trains from the joint electrified and non-electrified trains of the railway industry worldwide as they offer benefits such as reliability, sustainability, and reduced emissions. However, the battery operated segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 6.9% from 2020 to 2027, owing to increase in implementation in passenger and freight applications along with adoption of the electrified trains for sustainable, efficient, and reliable rail transportation.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Hybrid Train Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/7515?reqfor=covid

The passenger segment to maintain its dominant share during the forecast period

Based on application, the passenger segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019, holding nearly 90% of the global hybrid train market, and is expected to maintain its dominant share during the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is estimated to witness the largest CAGR of 6.6% from 2020 to 2027. This is attributed to need to reduce the traffic & pollution from road transport and increase in demand for traveling safely and reliably. The research also analyzes the freight segment.

Europe to lead in terms of revenue, North America to grow steadily

Based on region, Europe contributed to the highest market share in 2019, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global hybrid train market, and will maintain its leadership position in terms of revenue by 2027. This is attributed to increase in adoption of hybrid trains from countries such as Germany, Spain, France, and the UK along with rise in urbanization and rail infrastructure construction activities. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, owing to large number of major players and availability of the manufacturing facilities in the region. North America is expected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Interested in Procure Data? Visit Here: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/hybrid-trains-market/purchase-options

Leading market players

Alstom SA

Ballard Power Systems, Inc.

Bombardier, Inc.

China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC)

Hyundai Rotem Company

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Siemens AG

Stadler Rail AG

Toshiba Corporation

Wabtec Corporation

Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements.

Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter

Similar Reports We Have:

Tunnel Boring Machine Market - Global tunnel boring machine market is expected to reach $7,552.1 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2020 to 2027.

Barrier Systems Market - Global barrier systems market is projected to reach $25,411.8 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 3.7% from 2020 to 2027.

Hydraulic Tools Market - Global hydraulic tools market projected to reach $2,347.0 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2019 to 2026.

Friction Products and Materials Market - Global friction products and materials market is projected to reach $24,533 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2018 to 2025.

Bridge Construction Market - Global bridge construction market is projected to reach $1,212.6 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.6% from 2020 to 2027.

Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount:

Railway Maintenance Machinery Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027

Railway Couplers Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027

Railway Air Conditioning System Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact us:

David Correa

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Toll Free: 1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

Hong Kong: +852-301-84916

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1-855-550-5975

[email protected]

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

Follow us on: LinkedIn Twitter

SOURCE Allied Market Research
However, in recent years, this small root featuring a penetrating aroma and slightly spicy flavor has emerged as one of the products with the greatest potential in Peru's exports offer, even more so considering its medical benefits such as the strengthening of the immune system.

"Around the world, Peru is very well positioned in this sense. In fact, we share the first places in the production of organic ginger around the world , because we held the fourth position as a producer in 2020," she told the official gazette El Peruano.

(Image: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File)

The COVID-19 vaccine has so far been administered to over 6.31 lakh persons in the country so far, the Health Ministry said in the latest update issued on January 19.

The pace of vaccination is one of the highest in the world, as India has succeeded to inoculate 6,31,417 persons within four days of launching the immunisation programme.

Active cases around 2 lakh

The tally of active infections has slided below 2 percent of the overall number of cases recorded in the country, since the onset of pandemic.

A total of 2,00,528 persons are currently infected with the disease, accounting for 1.90 percent of the cumulative case count standing at 1,05,82,647.

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 fatality rate stood at 1.44 percent, whereas, the weekly positivity rate was recorded as 1.97 percent, the Health Ministry stated.

"Active cases are around 2 lakhs after seven months and the number is declining. Daily number of deaths less than 140 after eight months," the Health Secretary said.

Five states account for 72 percent of the total active cases, with Maharashtra and Kerala being the two major contributors. The active infection count in the two states stood at 51,887 and 68,617, respectively.

Vaccination numbers vis-a-vis other countries

While India has covered a population of 6.31 lakh within four days of the vaccination drive, the US was able to inoculate 5,56,208 people in the first week, the Health Ministry claimed.

In UK, the count of beneficiaries was over 1 lakh at the end of first week, whereas, France had provided the jabs to only 516 persons in the first seven days. The first-week vaccination count in Russia was around 52,000.

The number of people vaccinated in India so far is more than three times the number of active cases in the country.

Telangana, UP lauded for fast coverage

Around 81 percent of the beneficiaries eligible in the initial round were covered in Telangana in two days.

In Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, around 71 percent of the listed beneficiaries were provided with the vaccine shots. The coverage in Andhra Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli was around 80 percent.

AEFI 0.18%

Out of the total persons vaccinated so far, only 0.18 percent of the beneficiaries reported Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), the Health Ministry said in its press briefing earlier in the day.

The numbers account for those who reported symptoms such as anxiety, vomiting and nausea. Only 0.002 percent of the beneficiaries were hospitalised after reporting AEFI.

"0.18 percent adverse events happened following immunization and 0.002 percent of people were hospitalized following immunisation. These are fairly low and the lowest so far in the world in the first three days," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.
BATON ROUGE, La., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Baton Rouge students, Epiphany London and Kellan Duhon, from Inspire Charter Academy, have been named in a cohort of students from the East Baton Rouge Parish as nominees for the Louisiana Student of the Year (SOTY), which recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, citizenship, and academic and career and technical achievement.

"Epiphany and Kellan are true leaders within our school, and this accomplishment is a tribute to their hard work and dedication to education," said Kimberly Boudreaux, principal at Inspire. "I am tremendously proud to have two Inspire students recognized as finalists for the Louisiana Student of the Year."

For consideration in the SOTY, students must submit an application and a writing sample comprised of an autobiographical sketch, provide academic records, offer proof of leadership and citizenship engagement, and participate in an interview with regional or state panelists. All submissions are reviewed by a highly esteemed panel of judges.

"This is a fine example of the great students that we have at Inspire," said Ronnie Harrison, director of school quality for Inspire. "They are exceptional students and great role models for the other students who attend Inspire. I am extremely excited about their accomplishments and wish that they continue to achieve even more success."

Epiphany and Kellan will now move on to compete against other finalists across the state for the title of Louisiana Student of the Year. Both students have been enrolled at Inspire since kindergarten.

"I am excited to be nominated for the Student of the Year program because it shows that the hard work my teachers and I are doing is paying off," said Kellan Duhon, fifth-grade student at Inspire. "It also motivates me to continue working hard."

In her essay, Epiphany London, eighth-grader at Inspire, spoke about her future career aspirations, focusing on her ambition to enter a creative field. "The most important thing to me when I get a job is how creative it'll allow me to be," she wrote. "Whether it would be with words or a pen, I would like to get creative with any future endeavors I'm a part of."

The annual program is sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program is open to all Louisiana schools. In the weeks ahead, one student from each of the three grade levels from the local zone will move on for the Regional Student of the Year competition in February.

Inspire also is celebrating a recent three-year charter contract renewal term, which was voted on during the school's December Board meeting.

About Inspire Charter Academy:

Inspire Charter Academy, managed by National Heritage Academies, is a free charter public school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the Baton Rouge area. For more information, visit inspirecharteracademy.org.

SOURCE National Heritage Academies
Mambu and Ta3meed have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Islamic fintech in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has been transforming into an innovative fintech hub that is built on a strong ecosystem. In 2018, the Saudi Central Bank (Sama) launched a regulatory sandbox to support the development of fintech innovation in the kingdom. Since its launch, the regulatory sandbox received over 250 applications, accepted 40 and graduated 14 fintech solutions.

The fintech market in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach transaction values of over $33 billion by 2023.

To contribute to this ecosystem, Mambu, a pure SaaS banking platform, and Ta3meed, a leading Islamic Fintech in trade finance in Saudi Arabia, today announced that the two companies have entered into a strategic partnership agreement to deliver innovative digital Islamic Financing for SMEs and investors in the region.

Mambus agile core banking technology integrates into Ta3meeds automated Purchase Order (PO) Financing Platform. The combined solutions support the vision of accelerating the digital transformation of financial institutions combined with Sharia-compliant financing and investment solutions in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership will also focus on the financial inclusion and accessibility of working capital finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who are an important contributor to Saudi Arabias economic development and currently only account for 8.3% of banks and financing companies total credit facilities.

Through its Vision 2030 initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to boost its financial sector while developing a fintech ecosystem to ensure a diversified economy and financial inclusion. We are excited to be selected by Ta3meed to power their crowdfunding platform for SMEs, that will foster fintech growth, innovation and collaboration across the financial services industry and support the Kingdoms Vision 2030 program, said Miljan Stamenkovic, General Manager of Mambu in the Middle East and Northern Africa

Ta3meed is the first Islamic Fintech Platform to provide PO financing in Saudi Arabia, offering funding to SMEs based on government-issued and guaranteed POs. The solution provided by Ta3meed aligns with Saudis Vision 2030 efforts to support the development of SMEs by providing them with alternative and innovative funding options.

Ta3meed Platform is regulated and permitted in the sandbox by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) managing the entire funding process in accordance with Islamic regulations.

Commenting on the partnership, Mohamed Alomayyer, Co-Founder and CEO of Ta3meed, said: Mambu delivers market-leading core digital banking solutions to the worlds leading financial services and Fintech organizations, and with our partnership, we are combining the latest digitally-delivered funding solutions with innovative Islamic Financing allowing, millions of Muslim investors the opportunity to fund and support SMEs in the region. - TradeArabia News Service
Andaman BJP unit demands assessment of loss caused by cyclone YAAS 27 May 2021 | 9:33 PM Port Blair, May 27 (UNI) The state unit of Bharatiya Janta Party, A & N Islands has urged demanded assessment of loss caused by cyclone Yaas and sanction of compensation to the general public. see more..

Jharkhand Assembly pays tributes to recently passed away officials & staff 27 May 2021 | 9:33 PM Ranchi, May 27 (UNI) The Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday paid its tributes to four officials and staff of the Vidhansabha who had passed away in the last one month. see more..

Government working with political vendetta in state: Deepak Prakash 27 May 2021 | 9:32 PM Ranchi, May 27 (UNI) State BJP president Deepak Prakash has accused the state government of working with political vendetta. see more..

Manjhi rakes the issue of PM's photo on Corona vaccination certificate again 27 May 2021 | 9:32 PM Patna, May 27 (UNI) Former Bihar Chief Minister and president of Hindustani Awam

Morcha (HAM) Jeetan Ram Manjhi today again raked the issue of photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Corona vaccination certificate and demanded that photo of Chief Minister of state

concerned should also be on

such certificates being issued to people after both dosage of vaccination to them. see more..

Mazar-i-Sharif:

At least three US troops were wounded today when an Afghan soldier opened fire at them at a military base in northern Afghanistan, the defence ministry said, in the latest insider attack.



"We are investigating and have no reports yet of any foreign troops killed in the attack. Initial information shows three US soldiers visiting the base were wounded," ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, one of New Zealand's leading retail SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, Marsello, announced that it received a new investment from Trestle Partners ("Trestle"), a New York-based private investment firm with significant expertise partnering with SaaS and eCommerce companies.

Passionate about helping businesses get more sales and better results from their marketing, Marsello combines data-driven automation, email, SMS, and loyalty programs to generate highly targeted marketing for small to medium-sized retailers. Retailers using Marsello are currently generating more than 45 times return over their subscription fee. The infusion of capital from Trestle will be instrumental in helping Marsello scale its business and further support the growth of the company's platform.

"We're stoked that Trestle has demonstrated confidence in Marsello as we've continued to grow strongly through this challenging year and provided us with the capital and expertise to further accelerate growth," said Brent Spicer, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Marsello.

Thomas Babcock, Managing Partner of Trestle, said, "Marsello is laser-focused on providing SMB retailers with a comprehensive, full-service marketing platform to effectively reach their customers. Nobody else is serving this customer base with Marsello's combination of quality and breadth, which we love. We are thrilled to partner with Brent and his team."

Jack Fennebresque, Managing Partner of Trestle, added, "What became immediately evident to us is the meaningful and calculable return on investment the Marsello platform generates for its customers. It's amazing to see this level of 'hard ROI', in addition to the consistent and positive feedback offered by customers and partners. We are excited to partner with Marsello's leadership team as they continue to strategically scale their platform."

In conjunction with Trestle's investment, Mr. Babcock will join Marsello's Board of Directors.

Marsello has continued to grow through the global COVID-19 pandemic. While physical stores have been in varying stages of lockdown, retailers using Marsello have continued their marketing efforts online, allowing them to promote, communicate, and trade efficiently and seamlessly.

About Marsello

Founded in 2014, Marsello is a leading retail SaaS company that gives retailers the tools to generate targeted, data-driven marketing with email, SMS and customer loyalty, allowing SMB retailers to create an industry-leading marketing strategy while also focusing on their business. Marsello has 5,000 retailers as customers globally across 130 countries and is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand.

About Trestle Partners

Founded in 2020, Trestle Partners is a private fund that focuses on identifying SaaS businesses with strong product-market fit and responsible growth patterns. The firm partners with company founders who are biased towards responsible growth and the preservation of exit opportunities.

Prosek Partners

Mike Geller

646-818-9018

[email protected]

SOURCE Marsello
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year running, Blue Matter has earned a ranking as one of the 25 best consulting firms to work for in Europe. The firm was ranked 11th overall on the Vault Consulting 25 List (Europe) for 2021. In addition, Blue Matter earned the top spot in five of the survey categories.

Vault is a key resource for job seekers and others, providing "in-depth intelligence on what it's really like to work within an industry, company, or profession" since 1996. Each year, Vault surveys team members from a wide range of consulting firms, asking them about corporate culture, work/life balance, diversity, compensation, innovation, and a host of other factors. Firms are ranked based on the survey responses. Vault's ratings and rankings are very well known and are regularly featured in the news and business media.

A few highlights regarding Blue Matter's European rankings include:

11 th overall

overall 1 st for Work/Life Balance

for Work/Life Balance 1 st for Hours in Office

for Hours in Office 1 st for Compensation

for Compensation 1 st for Travel Requirements

for Travel Requirements 1 st for Health and Wellness

for Health and Wellness 2 nd place rankings for Overall Diversity, Satisfaction, Client Interaction, and Benefits

place rankings for Overall Diversity, Satisfaction, Client Interaction, and Benefits 3rd for Innovation

More information on Blue Matter's rankings can be found on its Vault profile and on the firm's blog. Blue Matter's rankings in Europe come about a week after the firm earned high rankings in Vault's survey of North American firms. In North America, Blue Matter improved is ranking to 19th overall and 5th among boutique firms.

About Blue Matter

Blue Matter (www.bluematterconsulting.com) is a strategic consulting firm serving the life sciences industry. From its offices in North America and Europe, Blue Matter serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies from around the globe. The firm helps clients maximize value at the product, portfolio and organization levels, with a focus on commercial strategy for complex therapies in the development and launch stages. It has broad therapeutic experience with a concentration in oncology and rare diseases.

SOURCE Blue Matter Consulting

Related Links

https://bluematterconsulting.com/


Awards for Top Grassland Farmers

The Overall Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 is Caroline Walsh, Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork. The Grassland Farmer of the Year awards is now in its fourth year and rewards the top grassland farmers in the country who are growing and utilising more grass on their farms. The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with an overall prize fund of 30,000. The winners were announced as part of an online awards ceremony this afternoon, Tuesday, 19 January.

The Overall Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 is Caroline Walsh, Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork.

Speaking at the online awards ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. congratulated the achievements in grassland management of all of the 15 finalists. He said: As finalists you are joining a group of top class grassland farmers, and I would particularly like to congratulate Caroline Walsh on winning the overall Grassland Farmer of the Year Award. Its an achievement you can be really proud of. It is clear that initiatives such as Grass10 and the Grassland Farmer of the Year are to the fore in helping farmers achieve the most they can from the natural resource they have on their farm, which is grass. Good grassland management is essential in meeting the targets set down in the AgClimatise Strategy.

The Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 campaign which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, AIB, FBD Insurance, Grassland Agro and the Irish Farmers Journal. The first 4 year phase of the programme has been completed and the second phase commences in 2021

Finalists

Shane Kinsella , Piltown, Co. Kilkenny

, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny Niall Callanan, Craughwell, Co. Galway

Craughwell, Co. Galway John O Connell , Rathduff, Co. Cork

, Rathduff, Co. Cork Graham Swanton , Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary James Hoey, Dunleer, Co. Louth

Category winners:

Young Farmer Category  David OLeary, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

Heavy Soils/Disadvantaged Land Category  Sean Barry, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick

Sustainable Farming Category  John Galvin, Dunmanway, Co. Cork

Enterprise Category Winners:

Sheep Category  Peter McGuinness, Trim, Co. Meath

Dairy Category  Caroline Walsh, Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork

Beef Production (non-suckling) Category Pat Collins, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork

Suckler Beef Production Category Thomas Hogan, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Grassland Merit Awards:

Most Improved Grassland  Noel Hurley, Kildorrery, Co. Cork

Most Improved Grassland  David Brady, Stradone, Co. Cavan

Sustainable Grassland  JP Hammersley, Lattin, Co. Tipperary

Overall Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 -

Caroline Walsh, Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork

Speaking on behalf of the competition judges, Aidan Brennan Irish farmers Journal said: One thing that stood out for the judges this year was a notable shift in attitude towards protecting the environment. This was seen as important as grass production itself and it probably reflects the changing attitude among farmers in general. There was a massive uptake of low emission slurry spreading and protected urea among the contestants. The fact that the average grass growth among the finalists was 14.5 tonnes of Dry Matter per hectare, just shows that you can be very efficient while also being very sustainable.

Padraig Walsh, dairy farmer, and chair of the Teagasc Grass10 stakeholder committee said: Grass10 is a very important project for the promotion of best practise in grassland management. There are challenges ahead for all grassland farmers, inside and outside the farm gate, however, the farmers who have participated in the Grass 10 grass groups have improved their grassland management decision making. Increasing grass utilisation is one of the most important improvements that can be made across all enterprises. We need to continue the focus on grass utilisation, which will increase our own feed resources inside the farm gate.

Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy said: Very well done to all the people who were finalists today. You are all exceptional farmers doing an excellent job and today is a day to acknowledge this. I congratulate Caroline Walsh on being the overall Grassland Farmer of the year. In relation to the Grass 10 programme, I am delighted to announce that we are now moving on to Phase II. The main focus in phase II, is to challenge four main areas for the next four years. These areas are specifically; Moving Grassland Knowledge out to the industry; Continuing to increase the usage of Pasture base Ireland; Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency on grassland farms and in 2021 and Increasing the emphasis and adoption of White Clover in grassland swards. 

The judging panel for the Grassland Farmer of the Year competition were John Maher, Teagasc Grass10; Liz Hyland DAFM, Bryan Doocey, AIB; P J OConnor, Grassland Agro; Aidan Brennan, Irish Farmers Journal; and Ciaran Roche FBD Insurance.

See further information on all finalists Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020

Grass10 Report 2017 - 2020
A report by President Trumps 1776 Commission, established to promote patriotic education, was written without the input of any professional historians of the United States, and does not include a bibliography or list of citations.

But that doesnt mean the 45-page report, which drew harsh criticism from scholars when it was released on Monday, doesnt have sources. Far from a free-floating product of the Trump era, it draws on longstanding conservative talking points and a growing shelf of ideologically inflected scholarship and popular history books that aim to counter what it maintains is anti-American left-wing historical revisionism.

The report seems to draw heavily from a rhetorical trick now quite popular on the right of reassigning slavery, racism, and fascism to the left, Nicole Hemmer, a historian and the author of Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics, said in an email. But the underlying argument, that multiculturalism and liberation movements are fundamentally dangerous and un-American, has been a hallmark of conservative politics since at least the 1990s.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Design Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the launch of TLD/4 | Thought Leaders In Design  a quarterly short-form media series featuring thought leaders from a new era of the interior design trade in conversation about their personal inspirations and passions, the past, present, and future of the industry, and the new technologies driving evolution in design.

Each episode documents the progress of the design trade through biographical profiles and interviews with leaders who are transforming the industry landscape. The inaugural TLD/4 features the inspired thoughts of Cecil Adams of Currey & Company, James Seuss of The Rug Company, and Eric Chang of Hellman-Chang. Episodes will be available on the DTA website on the 19th of January.

The international design trade is rapidly changing and TLD/4, through the medium of video, will focus on the ever-evolving conversations that are driving the trade forward, keenly recognizing industry trends and outside influences while evaluating current tastes as we head into the future  toward a newly-designed industry ecosystem.

TLD/4 aims to accomplish two key initiatives  first, to shine a light on the fascinating life stories of those whose contributions sustain the thriving trade environment of the interior design industry, and second to take a quarterly pulse, measuring shifts in the design trade ecosystem and tracking its evolution.

The launch of TLD/4 marks the opening of the DTA's nomination season for its annual awards program  recognizing and celebrating those in the interior design industry who are innovating in the following specialties: interior designers, showrooms, manufacturers, technology companies, trade media, and trade non-profits.

DTA membership is accessible and open to all interior design trade members. Awardees will receive The DTA Prize  a sculptural work of art handmade in Italy, which visually exemplifies passion and innovation in the industry.

Members are invited to submit their nominations through the DTA website at designtradealliance.org . Nominations will close on 30 May 2021, with submissions then reviewed by the DTA panel of industry professionals. Recipients will be notified in June and the winners announced at the DTA Prize Awards Ceremony in December 2021  currently planned to be held at Design Miami in Miami Beach, FL.

Industry professionals are invited to join the DTA and nominate colleagues to be recognized. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Nominations are to be submitted with discretion, although there is no limit to the number of nominees that can be honored with a submission and no fees associated with nomination. All trade members are eligible, from manufacturers to showrooms, reps, and trade publishers. All members of the trade make valid contributions each day and as such are eligible for consideration for awards in the following categories: Passion, Thought Leadership, Innovation, Community, Time-Honored, Healthy Manufacturer, Healthy Designer, and Futurist.

About The Design Trade Alliance

The Design Trade Alliance (DTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and advancing the international interior design trade through self-certifications, thought leadership, recognition, and celebration. The DTA works in service to the design trade, creating the opportunity for all trade members to stake a claim in the ecosystem through self-certification and drive the industry forward via thought leadership. The DTA gives industry members access to a salon environment, with an eye toward innovation and recognition of the exceptional  culminating with The DTA Prize Awards Ceremony, to be held at various locations around the globe, including the DTA Biennale (which is planned for 2022).

Designers and industry professionals can join the conversation through the DTA's trade community by becoming a member. All registered memberships include self-certifications for qualified members in the following areas: True Trade, Trade Retailer, Technology Innovator, Healthy Manufacturer, Healthy Designer, Trade Media, Trade Nonprofit and Trade Service Provider. Trade members not currently registered with the DTA are encouraged to become members by visiting www.designtradealliance.org .

SOURCE Design Trade Alliance

Related Links

http://www.designtradealliance.org


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
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Seven senators have officially opposed the Department of National Defense's move to unilaterally end its decades-long deal with the University of the Philippines, which bars the unauthorized entry of state forces in UP campuses.

They also urged the DND and UP to engage in a dialogue and "find a common ground that promotes peace and security, and protects academic freedom, and the pursuit of excellence."

Pangilinan, Binay, and Drilon are UP alumni, while Recto completed 36 academic units in the Masters in Public Administration program but did not finish the degree.

Sen. Richard Gordon has also signified his intention to co-author the document, and this will be manifested on the floor once the resolution is scheduled for sponsorship, according to the office of Pangilinan.

In his Jan. 15 letter to UP President Danilo Concepcion, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the abrogation was necessary for authorities to fulfill their mandate of protecting the youth against the recruitment activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New Peoples Amy, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by an executive body.

READ: Despite abrogation of UP-DND pact, this 1981 agreement still bars police and military from campuses, former student leaders say

Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, backed the Defense Department's move, alleging that communist groups have been taking advantage of the pact to encourage students to take up arms against the government.

"Nakikita ko rin na tama 'yung ginawa ni Secretary Lorenzana. 'Yung 31 years na agreement na 'yan na ginawang panangga ng mga maka-kaliwa para hindi makapasok [ang pulis at militar] at i-monopolize nila 'yung campus ng UP, ay tama na, sobra na," he told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: I can see that Secretary Lorenzana did the right thing. This 31-year-old agreement, which is being used by leftists to bar police and military from UP campuses so they could monopolize it, is too much.]

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who also previously served as PNP Chief and who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense, said both parties should reach an agreement on what boundaries should be observed. This is to ensure that the scrapping of the deal will not muzzle academic freedom in the state university, he said.

The UP community has protested the DND's action, and has received support from Vice President Leni Robredo and several other lawmakers. Concepcion urged the government to rethink its decision, stressing that the university will reject any semblance of militarization in its campuses to prevent any chilling effect on academic freedom.
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.
KENT, Ohio -- Two Kent police officers were released from the hospital Saturday after being shot while responding to a 14-year-old babysitters report of a home invasion.

Police say Dante Dixon of Cleveland Heights broke into a home on East Summit Street, just south of Kent State University, about 8 a.m. Saturday. They said Dixon, 40, knew the resident, but they did not know why Dixon tried to enter.

A 14-year-old girl was babysitting a 1-year-old in the home, and she called 9-1-1, whispering Hes trying to get in, as she hid in the house. When officers Lenny Kunka and Kyle Auckland responded, they struggled with Dixon, who had a handgun.

Kunka was shot in the hand, and Auckland was shot in the chest. Dixon was shot in the abdomen.

Auckland was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, which kept the bullet from penetrating his chest. Dixon continued to fight after being shot, and he was eventually controlled and handcuffed by multiple officers, including Kunka and Auckland.

Dixon underwent surgery for the gunshot wound, and he was released Saturday from the hospital. He has been charged with aggravated burglary and felonious assault on police officers.

These officers selflessly put themselves in harms way to protect two innocent children from a gunman, Kent police Lt. Michael Lewis said in a news release. We could not be more proud of these courageous and heroic officers, Officer Lenny Kunka and Officer Kyle Auckland.
First Lady Frances Wolf has announced One Lens: Sharing Our Common Views, a statewide virtual photo exhibit she is launching to document the story of Pennsylvania throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibit will celebrate the hard work and commitment of all Pennsylvanians as we continue our fight against COVID-19.

More information about the exhibit and how to participate can be found at http://www.pa.gov/one-lens/

We are living through an extraordinary moment right now, said First Lady Wolf. How we live, how we communicate, and how we educate our children have changed drastically since last March, but we all still yearn for a sense of community because thats what reminds us of our own strength and tenacity. The One Lens exhibit is an extended community for Pennsylvanians, one where we can share our stories with our neighbors from every corner of the state, inspire each other, and help each other heal while creating our history of this time.

One Lens, the brainchild of First Lady Wolf, highlights the importance of preserving history by encouraging Pennsylvanians to share their experiences during COVID-19 through photography. The submitted images will be displayed for public viewing and saved as visual documentation of the pandemic.

By using photography as the medium to tell these stories, One Lens also emphasizes using art as a tool for Pennsylvanians to cope and to heal. The exhibit covers three themes:

Our Heroes, paying homage to the pandemic heroes who cannot stay home;

Our Lives, looking at how we spend our time when no one is watching; and,

Our Communities, showcasing Pennsylvanians uniting in the face of a global health crisis.

The photo submission period will open on Monday, Feb. 8 and remain open until Monday, March 8. The full exhibit will be released on Friday, March 19.

In preparation of the exhibit, five ambassadors were selected to represent the central, northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest regions of the state. These regional ambassadors will use their connection to their regions to ensure that the One Lens exhibit will reflect the experiences of Pennsylvanias diverse, vibrant, and resilient communities.

One Lens is presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Photography experience is not required to contribute to the statewide exhibit.

For more information on the regional ambassadors, the overall project, and rules for participation, visit https://www.pa.gov/one-lens/.
BELGRADE, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Hundreds of members of Serbia's

military lined up on Tuesday in their camouflage uniforms at an

exhibition hall in Belgrade where nurses injected them with a

Chinese-made vaccine against COVID-19.

Last week Serbia received one million doses of Chinese

Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine, becoming the first

European country to start a mass inoculation programme with it.

Serbia is vaccinating essential workers such as police

officers, teachers and soldiers after last month starting to

treat the elderly in care homes and medical workers with its

supplies of vaccines developed by Pfizer and BioNTech

, and Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Belgrade maintains close ties with Beijing and Chinese

companies have invested billions of euros in Serbia, mainly in

infrastructure and energy projects.

Defence minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said over 700 members of

the military, including himself had been vaccinated with the

Chinese vaccine.

"I have been inocculated with the Chinese vaccine which we

completely trust ... I've said I will get the same vaccine as

our troops," Stefanovic told reporters.

More than 20,000 Serbians have been vaccinated so far since

the mass inoculation began in late December.

Over the weekend, President Aleksandar Vucic said Serbia

expects to get another 250,000 doses of the Sputnik vaccine and

20,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines in the coming days.

In the Western Balkan region, inoculation has started only

in Serbia and Albania, while Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro and

North Macedonia have not yet received supplies of any vaccine.

China approved the shot developed by Sinopharm's BIBP in

late December, its first COVID-19 vaccine for general public

use. No detailed efficacy data has been released, but BIBP has

said the vaccine is 79.34% effective based on interim data.

In Serbia, which has a population of about 7 million, 3,771

people have died from COVID-19 and 347,111 fell ill with it.

(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
(CNN) -- Doctors in Norway are investigating the deaths of 23 elderly patients who had received the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, looking into the possibility that adverse reactions to the shot "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients."

The vaccine's side-effects are rare and usually mild. But they could include fever and nausea, which could be dangerous in very ill and frail patients.

Following the deaths, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health updated its COVID-19 vaccination guide with more detailed advice on inoculating elderly people who are frail or terminally ill.

The new guidance says doctors should evaluate each individual patient to determine whether the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of any potential side effects.

As of last Thursday, 42,000 people in Norway had received their first dose of the vaccine. As is the case in many other countries, the elderly and those in nursing homes with underlying health conditions are first in line to be vaccinated, because they face much higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

"Therefore it is expected that deaths close to the time [of the] vaccination may occur. In Norway, an average of 400 people die each week in nursing homes and long-term care facilities," the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NOMA) said in a statement.

NOMA noted that all deaths that occur within the first few days of vaccination "are carefully assessed" and submitted to the Norwegian ADR health registry.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Monday that the deaths have to be put into context of the population that they occurred in -- a nursing home with extremely frail individuals.

Speaking at the Choose Healthy Lives Black Clergy Conclave, Fauci said that his understanding was that the deaths followed the booster dose of the vaccine when there are more non-specific symptoms, such as aches, fever and malaise.

"It is conceivable that when you have a very frail individual, such as many who are in nursing homes, that even that amount of stress to them could put them over the top," Fauci added.

Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said that so far there was "no evidence that any link between vaccination and death in these vulnerable patients is a causal one."

Evans told the UK's Science Media Centre that when people who are at high risk of death get vaccinated, "there will be a certain number of coincidental deaths that occur shortly after vaccination."

Regulatory bodies across the world are closely monitoring these fatalities, Evans said, and are able to calculate the "expected number" of deaths within various time periods.

"We do not yet know, but it would seem that the observed numbers of deaths is not notably above the numbers expected," he said, adding that there was "no need for anxiety, but complacency is equally mistaken."

Fauci agreed with that assessment, saying that the first question is what was the rate of death in the nursing homes in the individuals who never received the vaccine. "Once you get that, you'll get the true denominator," he said.

Of the 23 deaths, 13 have so far been assessed by the Norwegian Medicines Agency and the National Institute of Public Health, the Institute said in a statement on Friday.

Sigurd Hortemo, chief physician at the Norwegian Medicines Agency, said the assessments suggest that common adverse reactions to mRNA vaccines, such as fever and nausea, may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients.

"We cannot rule out that adverse reactions to the vaccine occurring within the first days following vaccination (such as fever and nausea) may contribute to more serious course and fatal outcome in patients with severe underlying disease," the statement added.

Pfizer said in a statement sent to CNN on Saturday that it was aware of the reported deaths and "our immediate thoughts are with the bereaved families."

Pfizer added it is working with NOMA to gather all the relevant information.

"Norwegian Authorities have prioritized the immunization of residents in nursing homes, most of whom are very elderly with underlying medical conditions and some which are terminally ill," Pfizer said in a statement, adding that NOMA has said "the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Norway reviewing deaths of frail and elderly patients vaccinated against COVID-19"
TUNIS - More clashes and rioting occurred over the night between Monday and Tuesday between young protestors and the security forces in some locations in Tunisia, to though a lesser extent as had been seen in previous days.



Security forces say that they now have the situation under control.



For the fourth night in a row, clashes and rioting occurred in Cite Ettadhamen, Mnihla, and La Manouba, all working class suburbs of the capital as well as Kram, Beja, Kasserine, Biserta, Sfax, Sousse, Monastir, and Kef.



Violence, looting, tyre burning, rock throwing, and attacks on the security forces were perpetrated by youths.



The Tunisian authorities had detained 632 youths for similar incidents as of Monday, many of whom under age 18, on vandalism charges.

The interior ministry ruled out political motivations, with its spokesman Khaled Hayouni repeatedly saying that "these are acts of vandalism, not demonstrations".
Mr Peck said Labor, while in opposition, strongly criticised the Barnett government for doing nothing about black cockatoo habitat decline, but had since done no better. Gnangara mound pine plantations across the cities of Wanneroo and Swan. Credit:WWF/Pixel Pilot There have been small revegetation projects: BirdLife Australia has planted 10,000 crowdfunded trees. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has planted 15,000-20,000 seedlings in ex-plantation areas annually for the past five years. But this represented 20-50 hectares a year, Mr Peck said. At the current rate it would take 750 years to revegetate, he said.

The cockatoos will be long gone by then. The government points to the need to recharge the aquifer beneath, which supplies half of Perths drinking water, as the reason for the lack of larger-scale revegetation plans. But Mr Peck says the DBCA models currently in use for smaller scale plantings could work on a larger scale and allow aquifer recharge, while still providing a realistic additional food source within eight years. As they mature they will provide more but there will be a lag and that is why we want it to happen quickly, he said. If we dont do this, the birds will starve and they wont breed. The plan in the desk drawer

The locations of the plantations over the Gnangara mound. Credit:WA government In 2011, the Barnett government launched the Green Growth Plan, or Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions, to assess the region as a whole, and allocate all land for protection and development long-term. Finally, in 2015, the draft SAPPR was released with numerous sub-plans  one, a strategy for the Gnangara mound after the final pine harvest. Part of this sub-plan was to replant 5000 hectares of pines as a permanent food source for black cockatoos at 500 hectares a year from 2012. As pines take 10 years to become a viable food source, if completed this would have been producing food for the cockatoos by 2022. It acknowledged that even with this, the impact of pine harvesting on the species would be considerable.

But it was not just a plan for cockatoos. It provided for industrial and residential development, mining, state forest and public open space across the vast area, while ensuring aquifer recharge. There was a sister project to the SAPPR, the 'Perth and Peel@3.5 million' planning frameworks that plotted where the city would accommodate its population to 2050, also launched by the Barnett government. Both projects were behemoths. But while the government pushed through and managed to complete Perth and Peel@3.5 million, the SAPPR floundered, copping forceful criticism from both sides of the development/environment fence during the public comment phase. A revised draft was never released. In April 2018, the McGowan government suspended the project pending a six-month review.

In April 2019, the government told WAtoday a supplementary report would be received mid-2019 and a decision from Deputy Premier Roger Cook would follow. But nothing was announced. In March 2020, the government published a notice on a web page saying the project was suspended indefinitely because of COVID-19. The government quietly published this update in March, nine months after it was due to make a decision. Credit:WA government WAtoday asked the government how COVID-19 could be a reason for suspending a decision due to be made nine months before the pandemic. The government was considering these issues when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the SAPPR work was deferred, a spokesman said.

"Our immediate priority is ensuring Western Australia can recover from the pandemic. Further updates will be provided in due course. Until then, existing state and Commonwealth approvals processes continue to apply and are well understood by industry and conservation groups." Mr Peck said he was told at a meeting last August the project was dead. But he said there was no reason not to revegetate the Gnangara mound. I am told the Department of Water and Environment Regulation has $6 million of offset money, he said. People are queuing up to revegetate Gnangara: Perth Airport, Greening Australia, Main Roads.

We are asking for an announcement of large scale revegetation, a long-term plan. Thousands of hectares over the next decade. Loading A spokesman said the government was looking at community and commercial partnerships to return native vegetation to the former plantation areas with the aim of creating habitat for the Carnabys and other native wildlife. DWER, which administers offset funds, recently announced $2 million from the Offset Fund for Recovery program would be spent on supporting Carnabys cockatoo habitat in Perth. The department is also working on a project to collect native seeds across an area including the Gnangara mound which will be used to revegetate the region. A competitive grant round for these future projects is expected in March or April.
Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull publicly apologized Monday for offensive and racist social media posts and thanked local Muslim leaders for reaching out to him when the comments attracted withering statewide attention.

I accept responsibility for every word, Shull said at a press conference staged at a Muslim school in Portland. The event was attended by a number of religious leaders from different faiths.

I ask for forgiveness for adding pain, he said. It is my hope that I leave here today with your forgiveness and maybe even your friendship.

But he didnt say he would resign from the $104,474.56-a-year job at the county. Instead he asked people to give him time to prove that his change of heart is for real.

Shull, who took office this month, has faced widespread demands that he step down  from his fellow Clackamas County commissioners, the county sheriff, the county district attorney and a group of state lawmakers -- since his remarks recently came to light.

Shull himself voted last Thursday in favor of a Board of Commissioners resolution censuring him and calling for his resignation for making derogatory, offensive, insensitive, and racist remarks that damaged the reputation of Clackamas County. But he refused to do so.

Among posts in 2019 and 2020, Shull has made comments about U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar being traitors, used derogatory terms to refer to Somali immigrants and Muslims in general, has taken aim at the transgender community and made statements trying to discredit the authenticity of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Shull came under the spotlight after a Democratic activist in the county put up a website cataloging his posts.

Shull, a combat veteran who spent years in the Middle East, recounted the political and media firestorm that erupted after his remarks surfaced.

He said he has received hate mail and death threats.

But he said he met with Wajdi Said, president and co-founder of the Muslim Educational Trust, and that their discussions led to his apology.

I came to see them as Americas who love this land, Shull said. These are Americans who respect the Constitution.

Said helped launch the Muslim Education Trust, which runs a Muslim school, in 1993.

But Said didnt sugarcoat the situation. After Shull issued his apology, Said listed some of the more recent grievances between Muslims and the West.

You invaded Iraq, Said told Shull. You invaded Afghanistan, you invaded Somalia, Said said. You killed Iraqis in Iraq We will forgive you because you need forgiveness as much as we all do. It is politics that divide us. Disgusting politics.

A host of political and law enforcement officials have called for Shull to resign. They include the other four members of the county commission, John Wentworth, Clackamas County district attorney, and Rep. Karin Power, D-Milwaukie, and eight other Clackamas County legislators.

As of last week, that list also included the the Oregon chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. At the time, Seemab Hussaini, a member of the local CAIR board, said the Muslim community was united in calling for his resignation.

Shulls initial apology addressed almost exclusively his relationship with Muslims.

He returned to the microphone twice afterward: first to add that he owed apologies to Black Americans in addition to Muslims.

The third time, he acknowledged that some might question the sincerity of his apology.

We are living at a time of great political polarization, Shull said. It is playing out on the streets of Portland and the entire nation. This is a time for understanding and communication.

Jeff Manning

jmanning@oregonian.com

971-263-5164

Editor's Note: This article is based on US law and cases.

Imagine buying a second home, one that you must repair. You spill your sweat, not to mention your money, to make it look good. Once you're done, you decide to rent rather than sell it. It will take longer to recover your investment, but you will have a stable source of income later. Maybe you can even stay in retirement.

But then the city council sends you a letter: "Times are tough for tenants now, so we forbid you to collect rent." After freaking out a bit, call the city hall and ask if the council members have prohibited the bank from charging you each month for the $ 100,000 loan you asked for to buy the house.

They say no. The city council just canceled the rent. I'm sorry.

Unfortunately, this is no longer a hypothetical situation. The city of Ithaca in central New York wants to cancel the rent to ease the burden on tenants. He has said nothing about the burden that decision would place on others.

You may be interested: Options to negotiate credit card debt during quarantine

This is just one recent example of a trend that resurfaces among good people who want to help, but don't want to learn from history: Let's solve our financial problems simply by declaring, "The debt is dead." There is also a movement underway in Congress to write off $ 1.6 trillion in student loan debt - as if that amount of money could be wiped out.

Canceling the debt only changes the burden

Can city leaders really order you to let people live on your property for free? Not fortunately. Not in this country (United States), anyway, and not without an eminent domain - paying you fair market value for the property the government is seizing.

Of course, the Ithaca leaders have not thought this through. As USA Today recently reported , "Ithaca does not yet have a plan for how it would execute the cancellation of the rental if the state approves its request." The mayor told reporters that the city would develop the rental cancellation structure more fully if it is given approval to go ahead.

Image: Depositphotos.com

If the mayor went ahead with canceling the debt, he would be sued immediately. Landlords would argue in court that the government is effectively repossessing their property by ordering them not to collect rent.

I'm a CPA and personal debt specialist, not a lawyer, so I don't want to discuss legal matters. I want to talk about the practical and personal implications of debt cancellation, a noble but dangerous concept.

In the long term, debt cancellation doesn't help much. In fact, it can end up hurting everyone.

Why Debt Cancellation Cancels Nothing

In April, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) proposed the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act , which would "institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic."

So that the financial burden does not fall solely on the owners, the proposal includes an unspecified "relief fund". But the text of the bill never mentions even an approximate amount of dollars in that relief fund, although I would expect it to rise to hundreds of billions of dollars. Who would pay for it? All of us. All taxpayers in the United States would pay for this relief.

So the legislation would not really cancel the debt. It would simply make every American pay rent for apartments and houses they don't live in and have never seen.

Fortunately, the bill has been stuck in the House Financial Services Committee since it was first introduced in mid-April. But the concept of debt cancellation lives on in the minds of many.

Debt cancellation ignores the real problem

Although the concept of canceling debt is not new, it broke into the media six years ago when a group created out of the Occupy Wall Street movement did something new: Organizers bought nearly $ 4 million in bad student loans - and then they announced that they would not be charged. They canceled it.

At that time, I approved of his move. It was compassionate capitalism in action: Individuals bought private debt and decided to cancel it. There was no coercion, no asset forfeiture, and no taxpayer money at stake.

But I also noticed that even if they paid off all of the $ 1.6 trillion in student loan debt, they hadn't solved the problem. In another decade, there would be another $ 1 trillion in student loan debt. Back then, the big news was that student loan debt was in excess of $ 1 billion nationally. Nowadays? It's $ 1.6 trillion .

Forgiving student loans is like emptying a bathtub when the faucet is still on top. You will have to keep doing this forever, unless you can turn off the water. Let's talk seriously about closing the debt instead of canceling it.

The way to follow

Let me be clear: there is no silver lining in a pandemic. But there are lessons we can learn that have more to do with financial health than physical health. Obviously, we have all learned to spend less on eating out. USA Today reported that prior to the pandemic, Americans spent $ 228 a month "on food eaten away from home, including fast food, takeout, delivery, vending machines and food trucks ." Although takeout and home delivery are popular right now, everyone has personal stories about learning to cook at home again. I can't tell you how many friends of mine on Facebook have posted photos of spices and cans of food that they didn't remember owning that were pushed to the back of their pantry.

People are pinching pennies today because they don't know if they will make a dollar tomorrow. Many have been laid off, and those receiving unemployment assistance do not know when it will end. So spending of all kinds is down. That's necessary now, but if we can maintain some of that frugal spirit when life inevitably returns to normal, we won't need to talk about canceling debt. We can start paying it. It won't be easy, and it certainly won't be fun. But it is not only the best way; it's probably the only way.

Related:

17 Leadership Lessons from Acorns CEO Noah Kerner

HR Technology Platform Darwinbox Raises $15 Mn From Salesforce Ventures

ClaimBuddy Raises Seed Funding From Titan Capital



Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said we should not go back to the pre-pandemic world, which was impacted by global warming and extreme wealth concentration. "We should not go back to the world that we are coming from - pre-pandemic days. Everybody is trying to go back to the economic situation of the pre-pandemic days," Yunus said while speaking at a virtual event organised by Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Management Studies (VESIM) and Research for Resurgence Foundation (RFRF).

"The old world was terrible and was heading towards disaster. We don't want to join the disaster. We want to get out of that world and go into a new world," he said referring to global warming. In this world, all the wealth is concentrated in a few hands, Yunus added.

"One per cent of the population of the world owns 99 per cent of the world's entire wealth. This is a disaster by itself. It will explode and this situation cannot continue," he noted. Yunus said COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that our financial institutions are designed in a wrong way as the people at the bottom of the pyramid are deprived of any financial services.

"Our financial institutions are designed in the wrong way. The financial system is constantly catering to the needs of the people who already have a lot of money." He said banks should not judge people on whether they are creditworthy or not. "People should be judging banks. They should be raising questions on whether banks are people worthy. Financial institutions need to make themselves people worthy," the social entrepreneur said.

Yunus said it was hard for him to see many people losing their livelihoods and not being able to find ways to survive during the pandemic. "We have created a wrong kind of economic framework which makes this happen. We abandoned these people from our economic thoughts and actions. So they remain left out," he added.
A South Jersey mom who is prominent in anti-vaccine and right-wing activist circles was among a crowd of people barreling into a line of police and attempting to breach the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, video from the day shows.

Stephanie Hazelton, of Medford, who also identifies herself as Ayla Wolf, can be seen among the mob trying to push through the buildings West Terrace entrance. Video shows Hazelton emerging from the entrance to direct more people to help break through the doors.

More people, we gotta keep going, Hazelton said as she waved the crowd toward the entrance.

Men, we need more men, she said repeatedly, coughing and wiping her eyes while holding up her pink phone to record herself. Lets go.

Hazelton, who has not been charged in connection with the riot, did not respond to calls, messages, or a letter left at her home Saturday seeking comment. Her Facebook page no longer exists.

The video, uploaded to YouTube by the self-described conservative channel Action 8 News, shows that after a man offered to clear the lingering pepper spray from her eyes with water, Hazelton declined and said, I gotta go back in.

We need more helmets, she said, before making her way back through the entrance.

Its not clear from the videos whether Hazelton actively participated in any of the violence moments later. In another video inside the tunnel, recorded by a New York freelance photographer, people beat police with batons and shields. The mob trapped and nearly crushed D.C. metro officer Daniel Hodges between two doors, while inundating him with bear spray and beating him with his own baton. Eventually, metro officer Michael Fanone was dragged on the steps into the crowd, and beaten with pipes and flagpoles.

Federal authorities have charged more than 100 accused insurrectionists in the nearly two weeks since the riot, including five Pennsylvania residents, most of whom were turned in by friends or family members or implicated by photos and videos they posted online.

Hazelton was a prominent face for Reopen New Jersey rallies in the spring, particularly outside Atilis Gym, the Bellmawr facility that made national headlines in May for defying Gov. Phil Murphys business closure orders. Hazelton stood outside the gym for days with supporters, and led speeches about fighting a war for freedom.

This war is just as important as our founding fathers, she said to a crowd at the time. We are the militia. We are the founding fathers. We are America.

 READ MORE: A Bucks County Trump supporter posted about a 1776-style revolution during Capitol riot. Then, he was arrested.

In late April, Hazelton organized a protest in Trenton demanding to open New Jersey now, saying into a bullhorn: We have the right not to be tested, not to be tracked, not to be vaxxed. She was then charged with committing an unauthorized act during a threat of emergency after organizing the demonstration, where few attendees wore masks or were socially distanced. She identified herself to the media and public as Ayla Wolf, though Trooper Alejandro Goez of the New Jersey State Police confirmed that is Hazeltons alias.

More than 600,000 New Jerseyans have contracted the virus, and more than 20,000 have died.

The attendees at rallies at Atilis and elsewhere have included a variety of right-wing activists. In addition to small business owners against closure orders, there were signs that far-right extremist groups were using the gatherings to recruit new members. During one rally outside the gym, a man flew a flag with the logo of the Three Percenters, a militia group the FBI is investigating for its role in the Capitol attack. The New Jersey European Heritage Association, a white supremacist group based in South Jersey, pasted stickers around the gym and handed out literature.

Gym co-owner Ian Smith was photographed in May speaking into a microphone with the groups logo on it. Smith said he was handed the megaphone, and his lawyer said the owners cant control who shows up in a public parking lot.

Hazeltons LinkedIn says shes also the founder of New Jersey for Medical Freedom, the state chapter of a national anti-vaccine network. The local groups Facebook page  which last week was rife with medical misinformation and members floating conspiracy theories about the coronavirus vaccine  has more than 5,000 members. The group was made private over the weekend.

Last year, Hazelton led members of the group to drape two signs on North Jersey highway overpasses that read: COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers are exempt from liability.

And last fall, she co-organized a demonstration that drew hundreds of parents and children to the Statehouse in Trenton. They expressed outrage over proposed legislation that would require schoolchildren to get a flu shot. The bill remains in committee in both the Senate and the Assembly.

Several vaccine-related pieces of legislation in New Jersey have in recent years been opposed by a vocal minority of parents as the rate of families claiming a religious exemption that allows them to send their children to school without being vaccinated increased.

Last year, legislators postponed a vote on a bill that limited those exemptions after a crowd of angry parents stormed the Statehouse.

Staff writer Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article.
The Indian stock market is expected to open in the green as trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the index in India with a 91 points gain.

The BSE Sensex declining 470.40 points or 0.96 percent to 48,564.27 on January 18 while the Nifty50 dipped 152.40 points or 1.06 percent to 14,281.30. According to pivot charts, the key support levels for the Nifty are placed at 14,183, followed by 14,084.7. If the index moves up, the key resistance levels to watch out for are 14,419.4 and 14,557.5.

Stay tuned to Moneycontrol to find out what happens in currency and equity markets today. We have collated a list of important headlines across news platforms which could impact Indian as well as international markets:

Asian Markets

Asian share markets edged ahead on Tuesday as investors wagered Chinas economic strength would help underpin growth in the region, even as pandemic lockdowns threatened to lengthen the road to recovery in the West.

MSCIs broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan firmed 0.2%, to be a whisker from record highs. Japans Nikkei bounced 1%, recovering all the losses suffered on Monday when caution had dominated markets.

SGX Nifty

Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the index in India with a 91 points gain. The Nifty futures were trading at 13,367 on the Singaporean Exchange around 07:30 hours IST.

Forex intervention by RBI to touch $93 billion by March: Report

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to spend at least $20 billion more to support the rupee and increase the forex kitty through the reminder of the financial year, taking its overall forex intervention to $93 billion, according to a report.

The report by the Wall Street brokerage Bank of America Securities also expects the central bank to raise banks HTM (held-to-maturity) limits of excess government securities by 2 per cent of their books to fund the fiscal deficit if high forex intervention limits its open market operations (OMOs).

Banks' low profitability, weak asset quality pose difficulty in boosting digitisation: S&P

S&P Global Ratings on January 18 said India's banking system's low profitability and weak asset quality present some difficulties in significantly boosting digitalisation for several state-owned and smaller private-sector banks. In its report titled 'Tech Disruption in retail banking: Top tier banks lead the change', S&P said India's digital disruption, however, poses a relatively low risk to its top-tier banks' longstanding market position.

"The banking system's low profitability and weak asset quality present some difficulties in significantly boosting digitalisation for several state-owned banks and smaller private-sector banks," S&P said. It said COVID-19 restrictions have been a boost for India's major digital payment system Unified Payment Interface (UPI).

Oil prices

Oil prices fell slightly on Monday as a stronger dollar, fears over soaring COVID-19 cases around the world and the slow pace of vaccination against the coronavirus outweighed a better-than-expected quarterly rebound for Chinas economy.

Brent crude was down 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $54.87 per barrel at 1720 GMT, and West Texas Intermediate U.S. crude fell 19 cents, or 0.4%, to $52.17.

FinMin releases weekly instalment of Rs 6,000 crore to states to meet GST compensation shortfall

The Finance Ministry on Monday released the 12th instalment of Rs 6,000 crore to states to meet the GST compensation shortfall, taking the total amount released so far under this window to Rs 72,000 crore. The Centre had set up a special borrowing window in October 2020 to meet the estimated shortfall of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in revenue arising on account of implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The ministry in a statement said it has released the 12th weekly instalment of Rs 6,000 crore to the states to meet the GST compensation shortfall. Out of this, an amount of Rs 5,516.60 crore has been released to 23 states and Rs 483.40 crore has been released to the 3 Union Territories (UT) with Legislative Assembly (Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Puducherry), who are members of the GST Council.

IMF chief sees 'high degree of uncertainty' in global outlook

The head of the International Monetary Fund said on Monday the global economic outlook remained highly uncertain given the coronavirus pandemic, and a growing divergence between rich and poor countries required the IMF to find more resources.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told reporters a new allocation of the IMFs own currency, Special Drawing Rights, would give countries more fiscal space to address the health crisis and accelerate moves to a digital and green economy.

Results on January 19

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Ceat, CSB Bank, DCM Shriram, L&T Infotech, Skipper, Tata Communications, Tata Metaliks, Tata Steel Bsl, Gateway Distriparks, Hatsun Agro Product, HT Media, JSW Ispat Special Products, Bank of Maharashtra, Mold-Tek Packaging, Network18 Media & Investments, Roselabs Finance, TV18 Broadcast, Vardhman Special Steels, Raghav Productivity Enhancers, Shree Ganesh Biotech, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, Add-Shop ERetail, AVI Polymers and Bigbloc Construction will announce their quarterly earnings on January 19.

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net bought shares worth Rs 650.6 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 42.51 crore in the Indian equity market on January 18, as per provisional data available on the NSE.

3 stocks under F&O ban on NSE

BHEL, Vodafone Idea and SAIL are under the F&O ban for January 19. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.

With inputs from Reuters & other agencies

Dhaka/Delhi: India will give Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD Indian vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India on 20th January. COVISHIELD is an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Dhaka.

This is in the final planning stages even certain preparations have started in Dhaka. Bangladesh's Director-General of the Department of Health, Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam confirmed the development to Zee News.

Bangladesh's Health Minister Zahid Maleque speaking at a press conference earlier today in Dhaka said, "Indian government will send some Covid vaccines to Bangladesh as a gift."

This will be followed by the start of commercial supplies. The first commercial shipment will reach the country by January 25th. In November of last year, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh's biggest pharma company, Bangladesh govt and Serum Institute of India signed a tripartite agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVISHIELD covid vaccine.

Under the agreement, the Bangladeshi govt will pay SII for the 30 million doses of the vaccine and Beximco Pharma will receive a separate fee for its distribution role. Beximco Pharma is the exclusive distributor of the vaccine in Bangladesh and will be responsible for maintaining the cold chain, import, storage, and delivery of the vaccine.

The development comes even as India on Saturday began its mega all India vaccination programme. Last year, during foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Bangladesh visit he had assured that when it comes to COVID vaccine, Bangladesh will be a priority under New Delhi's Neighborhood first policy.

Live TV
In his final full day in office, President Donald Trump will be granting pardons to roughly 100 people, ranging from criminal justice reform-related pardons to political allies, according to a new CNN report.

The president is able to issue pardons up until he leaves office at noon, and it has traditionally been among the final actions before a presidency ends.

Following a violent siege on the Capitol and dozens of corporations cutting ties with the president, Trump is reportedly planning to spend his post-presidency months at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.

During his time in office, Trump has granted clemency to more than 90 people, including Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner and the disgraced-developer who was prosecuted by then-U.S. attorney Chris Christie.

CNN reported that neither Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who is being held in a London prison, nor the president himself, are currently believed to be on the pardon list. Allies have also reportedly warned against pardoning supporters charged with breaking into the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Advertisement

Ryan Seacrest's on-off ex-girlfriend Shayna Taylor is certainly showing him what he is missing.

The 28-year-old model stunned in a leopard thong bikini as she hit the beaches of Tulum on Monday.

Seeming to cozy up to a new man on her tropical getaway the blonde bombshell proved that revenge is a dish best served hot.

Bringing the heat: Ryan Seacrest's ex-girlfriend Shayna Taylor, 28, flaunts her killer body in a leopard thong bikini while vacationing in Tulum

The New Mexico born beauty flashed her tone body in the skimpy string bikini while relaxing on the beach.

Her sun kissed figure on full display, she kept her beachy blonde waves tucked under a panama hat.

She carried a stylish straw beach bag in one hand as she frolicked on the sand, adorning her vacation look with a body chain and a series of delicate diamond necklaces.

No makeup needed with a face so stunning, she was seen sans face mask as she chilled out by the ocean until sunset.

Model figure: The New Mexico born beauty had all the right accessories for a stylish day at the beach

Layers: Hand on her head and phone in hand, she was seen carrying some light layers for warmth as the sun went down

Crowded beach: No masks seemed to be present as she and her friends lounged by the ocean

Single since she and the 46-year-old media personality split in late spring, after nearly eight years of on-and-off dating, Taylor looked at ease to be surrounded by pals.

She spent her day basking in the sun as she maximized her tanning time by dragging a bean bag.

Vacation mode in full effect, she was seen taking a brief cat nap in the sun before flashing her backside in the thong.

Buns out: She flashed her toned backside in the thong number as she got some sun

Baking: Maximizing her sun exposure she was seen pulling a bean bag into an ideal location for tanning

On the move: A bit sleepy eyed after getting her dose of Vitamin D she called it a day

After a proper dose of vitamin D and some alone time tanning, she was seen with a grin on her face as she chatted to a tall gentleman in a green hat.

The pair were seen spending some quality time as they sequestered themselves for some deep conversation, before she gave him a hug and they walked off the beach.

Packing up her things and carrying some light layers she had brought for warmth, she looked to be turning herself in prior to a dinner outing.

She shared to instagram that the beach was a 'beautiful place for reflection,' before saying, 'After a week in a place so rich with culture...I truly can't wait to get home and get to work.'

New man?: The model was seen with a grin on her face as she walked next to a tall gentleman

Deep conversation: The older looking gentleman and Shayna seemed to engage in some deep conversation

A bid farewell: She was seen giving the unidentified man a farewell hug

The A Sense of Well-Being podcast host first met Seacrest in 2013, and the pair had a long relationship that even seemed to head towards marriage.

It was confirmed in June that the pair had split, as a source told Us Weekly that they had 'decided to end their romantic relationship amicably some time ago.'

Despite splitting, it was said that they are still 'good friends,' and 'will always cherish their time together as a couple.'

The pair broke off the relationship three times during the course of the nearly decade long partnership, as Ryan admitted during a May 2020 episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan, 'It is our third time together. So, we've gotten together, broken up, gotten together, broken up. This is No. 3 of being together. So, we're celebrating as well,' as he wished Shayna a happy anniversary.

Wild thing: The model wowed in the skimpy string bikini while flashing her sun kissed body

Emotionally unavailable: Seacrest alluded to having a hard time talking about his emotions after it was revealed that they had split

By June Seacrest was photographed in Mexico holding hands with a mysterious blonde woman.

In July he admitted on his show On Air With Ryan Seacrest that sometimes men have a hard time talking about their emotions, perhaps cryptically shedding light on why the situation between the couple did not work out yet again.

Seeming to hammer the point home on Instagram, Taylor shared a cryptic passage that read:

'You will never need to convince the right person to love you. No matter what, you cannot change them, make them do the work or get them to commit to you if they're not ready to show up.'
Mitch McConnell denounced Donald Trump Tuesday, saying that the president was responsible for 'provoking' the MAGA mob who stormed the Capitol and murdered a police officer.

'The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,' the majority leader said on the Senate floor.

'They tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government, which they did not like,' McConnell continued.

'But we pressed on. We stood together and said an angry mob would not get veto power over the rule of law in our nation.'

The dramatic and unprompted intervention by the man who will be Republicans' most senior leader when Trump leaves office came with less than 24 hours of his presidency remaining.

Through sheer coincidence, Tuesday was Republican Ted Cruz's turn to preside over the Senate  so when McConnell addressed the 'president' he was talking directly to the Texas senator.

Cruz was one of the handful of Republican senators to go forward with voting to object to the Electoral College certification just hours after the deadly riot delayed the proceedings.

Adding to McConnell's resonance, the speech is one of the last acts of his time as Republican majority leader; he will become the minority leader once the two new Georgia Democratic senators are sworn in on Wednesday.

It takes McConnell much closer to publicly declaring he will convict Trump at his Senate impeachment trial and gives significant cover to members of the GOP caucus to vote to convict too.

But it also shows the deep divisions inside the Republican Senate, with the only members to make their positions known so far three who say they will not convict: Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul and Tom Cotton.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said during remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday that Donald Trump 'provoked' the crowd who stormed the Capitol two weeks ago is his most outright denunciation of the president to date

'The mob was fed lies,' McConnell said as the Senate reconvened on Tuesday. 'They were provoked by the president and other powerful people'

'The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,' McConnell said of Trump's speech to thousands of his supporters before they descended on Capitol Hill

During his remarks, McConnell honored the sacrifice Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick (pictured) gave in defending the Capitol. He died the day after the riot after being hit over the head with a fire extinguisher

He also paid tribute to fellow Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood (pictured), who committed suicide in an off-duty incident three days after the attack

McConnell and Schumer are waiting for Nancy Pelosi to send the single article of impeachment accusing Trump of 'incitement of insurrection' to them, which will begin the Senate trial.

His break with Trump comes as several Republicans, including former administration officials, turn against the president in the fallout of the Capitol riot by thousands of Trump supporters.

As Trump snubs Joe Bidens inauguration on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence and Congress top two Republicans  McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy  will scorn Trump on his way out the door.

None of the three Republican leaders will attend Trumps departure ceremony on Wednesday morning.

In yet another buck to transition tradition, Trump is set to depart from Joint Base Andrews Wednesday morning for his home in Florida at 8 a.m. He will leave the metro area without meeting with the president-elect or attending his inauguration.

McConnell and McCarthy plan to attend Mass with Biden, Axios reported Tuesday. The service is scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, which is right down the street from the White House.

Pence plans to attend Biden's inauguration at the Capitol at noon, meaning he also wont be at Trumps departure because it wouldnt work logistically, aides told The Washington Post.

On Monday, former Attorney General Bill Barr told ITV News that the attack on the Capitol was 'precipitated' by Trump's repeated claims of election fraud. He also compared those involved in the mob to Islamic terrorists.

'That was the thing that precipitated riots on the Hill,' Barr said when asked if the debate over election integrity contributed to the scene at the Capitol.

'I'll leave it to the people who are looking into the genesis of this to say whether incitement was involved,' Barr said, stopping short of calling Trump's words 'incitement of insurrection.'

Hundreds were injured in the riot two weeks ago and five died, including a Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, who was hit over the head by a protester with a fire hydrant and a female pro-Trump demonstrator, Ashli Babbit, who was shot in the chest in the chaos.

McConnell also praised law enforcement during his floor remarks Tuesday for already making more than 100 arrested related to the riot.

'A great deal has already been said about the disgraceful events of January 6,' the Kentucky Republican said. 'More will be said in the weeks ahead. I understand the FBI has already made at least 100 arrests and the Justice Department reports more than 275 persons are under investigation, a number that is climbing fast.'

He added: 'I want to commend the work of the department to swiftly investigate and bring offenders to justice.'

'I want to reaffirm the huge respect and gratitude that I have and I believe all senators have for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police, who put their own safety on the line every single day that they clock in and stand guard.'

He paid tribute to Sicknick, the only law enforcement to die as a result of the violent attack, as well as fellow Capitol Police officer Howard Liebengood, who died three days after the riot in an off-duty suicide.

'Neither the institution of Congress nor the American people will ever forget the bravery and the valor of Officer Brian Sicknick, who sacrificed himself to protect this place and those inside,' McConnell said. 'We'll not forget our friend, Officer Howard Liebengood, and we'll never forget our debt to all the brave USCP officers and their families.

He thanks the National Guard and other law enforcement entities for deploying to Washington to help patrol the nation's capital in the weeks between the unprecedented attack and Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.As of Tuesday, around 25,000 National Guard members are stationed in D.C. as they prepare for potential attacks surrounding the presidential transition from Trump to Biden.

The House voted last Wednesday on an impeachment article, but it is still unclear if enough Republicans in the Senate will cross the line to convict the president.

McConnell has already publicly given the OK for his caucus to convict Trump on 'incitement of insurrection' after the House voted last Wednesday to impeach the president on this charge.

Thousands of pro-Trump protesters descended on the Capitol Wednesday, January 6 in an attempt to stop Congress from voting to certify the election for Joe Biden

The leader also said previously that he is genuinely undecided on which way he will vote.

Roy Blunt said Monday evening that there was a lot of damage done to the GOP's 'reputation' in the Capitol breach earlier this month, but stopped short of saying if he would vote to convict.

'What happened here two weeks ago was one of the great stains on the history of the country, in my view. It was outrageous. It was totally unforgivable.' Blunt told Norah O'Donnell on 'CBS Evening News' on Monday.

When asked about the potential of Trump using his last two days to pardon those involved in the storming of the Capitol two weeks ago, Blunt said: 'I think that'd be disastrous. I think what they did is unpardonable.'

The Missouri senator is one of the two lawmakers put in charge of the inauguration  along with Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

McConnell, in the rest of his remarks Tuesday, suggested business will go forward as usual  even as impeachment plows forward and Senate Republicans will lose their majority as the party split comes to 50-50 this month.

'Tomorrow President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in,' McConnell said, echoing other lawmakers' sentiments of a smoother-than-expected transition. 'We'll have a safe and successful inaugural right here on the west front of the Capitol, the space that President Bush 41 called 'democracy's front porch.' Then we'll move forward.'

'Our work for the American people will continue, as it has for more than 230 years,' he continued. 'There are serious challenges that our nation needs to continue confronting, but there will also be great and hopeful opportunities for us to seize.'

He voiced his concern that the federal legislator will be so closely split going into the 117th Congress.

'Certainly November's elections did not hand any side a mandate for sweeping ideological change,' McConnell said. 'Americans elected a closely divided Senate, a closely divided House, and a presidential candidate who said he'd represent everyone.'

Blunt, although condemning the violent descent on the Capitol by around 1,000 Trump supporters, did not say if he would vote to convict Trump of 'incitement of insurrection' when the article of impeachment reaches the Senate.

'THE PRESIDENT PROVOKED THE MOB WITH LIES.' READ MITCH McCONNELL'S FULL SENATE DENUNCIATION OF TRUMP The last time the Senate convened, we had just reclaimed the Capitol from violent criminals who tried to stop Congress from doing our duty. The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. And they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like. But we pressed on. We stood together, and said an angry mob would not get veto power over the rule of law in our nation, not even for one night. We certified the people's choice for their 46th president. Tomorrow President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in. We'll have a safe and successful inaugural right here on the west front of the Capitol, the space that President Bush 41 called democracy's front porch. Then we'll move forward. Our work for the American people will continue, as it has for more than 230 years. There are serious challenges that our nation needs to continue confronting, but there will also be great and hopeful opportunities for us to seize. Certainly November's elections did not hand any side a mandate for sweeping ideological change. Americans elected a closely divided Senate, a closely divided House, and a presidential candidate who said he'd represent everyone. So our marching orders from the American people are clear -- we're to have a robust discussion and seek common ground. We are to pursue bipartisan agreement everywhere we can and check and balance one another respectfully where we must. And through all of this we must always keep in mind that we're all Americans. We all love this country, and we're all in this together. Now, on a related matter, a great deal has already been said about the disgraceful events of January 6. More will be said in the weeks ahead. I understand the FBI has already made at least 100 arrests and the Justice Department reports more than 275 persons are under investigation, a number that is climbing fast. I want to commend the work of the department to swiftly investigate and bring offenders to justice. As I've stated, January 6 saw failures of institutions, protocols, and planning. Those failures did not just leave Congress itself exposed. They also left the courageous men and women of the Capitol Police themselves in a totally untenable situation. So today I want to reaffirm the huge respect and gratitude that I have and I believe all senators have for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police, who put their own safety on the line every single day that they clock in and stand guard. Neither the institution of Congress nor the American people will ever forget the bravery and the valor of Officer Brian Sicknick, who sacrificed himself to protect this place and those inside. We'll not forget our friend, Officer Howard Liebengood, and we'll never forget our debt to all the brave USCP officers and their families. It is more than just comforting to come to work in a place protected by such fine men and women at risk to themselves. It is also very humbling. We're also grateful to the local officers from D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, the federal law enforcement officers, the National Guard, the Secret Service, and all the other professionals who helped subdue the criminals and secure the Capitol and are working for peace this week. Tomorrow a new president and vice president will swear their oaths of offices. They will also do so safely and securely because so many brave men and women have sworn their own oaths to support and defend our Constitution. We salute you all. Advertisement

Republican Senator Roy Blunt called the Capitol storming two weeks ago 'one of the great stains on the history of the country'  he did not specifically condemn Donald Trump for any involvement in the attack

Blunt (right), along with Democrat Amy Klobcuhar (left), are in charge of Joe Biden's inauguration. Blunt said Trump pardoning any of those involved in the storming would be 'disastrous': 'I think what they did is unpardonable'

Blunt said small fixes, like repainting, had to take place to get the building ready for inauguration after the riots. Federal K-9 units sweep the building Tuesday before the ceremonies at the Capitol Wednesday

Instead of a massive crowd, this year 200,000 miniature flags occupy the National Mall where an audience would usually observe the inauguration

WHERE THE GOP SENATORS STAND To get a two-thirds majority of every voting senator Democrats need at least 17 Republicans, assuming all Democrats vote to convict. None of the 50-member GOP caucus has said they will vote to convict. Here are some of those in play. COULD VOTE TO CONVICT Mitt Romney (Utah) Voted to convict before and slammed Trump's actions after riot Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) Said Trump should quit over the riot. Already survived a primary defeat Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) Publicly OKed his caucus voting guilty and says he is genuinely undecided Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania) Not running again and already condemned Trump's conduct Richard Burr (North Carolina) Not running and said Trump 'bears responsibility' Ben Sasse (Nebraska) Targeted before by Trump, slammed GOP leaders for violence already Susan Collins (Maine) Moderate who said when she acquitted first time Trump had 'learned a lesson' John Thune (South Dakota) Number two in the Senate caucus, already target of Trump demand for a primary Roy Blunt (Missouri) Called riot 'darkest stain' and 'unpardonable.' State GOP establishment is furious at Josh Hawley Richard Shelby (Alabama) At 86 considered unlikely to run again. Called riot 'dark day' Rob Portman (Ohio) Called attack 'assault on democracy.' Up in 2022, never a Trump loyalist UNCLEAR James Inhofe (Oklahoma) Apologized to black voters for planning to overturn election Chuck Grassley (Iowa) Oldest GOP senator at 87 and unclear if he plans to run again Kevin Cramer (North Dakota) Said Trump voters 'want my head off' for not overturning election Mike Lee (Utah) Legal conservative, represents state where Trump wasn't personally popular Thom Tillis (North Carolina) Not up for election until 2026 in purple state Marco Rubio (Florida) Up in 2022 and could face Ivanka; convicting her father might help Mike Braun (Indiana) Friend of Mike Pence, could be moved by calls for him to 'hang' LEANING TO NO John Cornyn (Texas) Not personally loyal to Trump but also called trial 'bad idea' Joni Ernst (Iowa) Says she doubts trial is constitutional but will listen to arguments FIRM NO Tom Cotton (Arkansas) Called trial unconstitutional Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) Says impeaching will destroy GOP Advertisement

House Democrats are preparing to deliver the impeachment article to the upper chamber this week as the Senate reconvenes Wednesday  and some are pushing for an immediate trial and vote on whether to convict Trump for his part in the January 6 chaos.

All Senate Democrats will need to vote in favor of convicting and at least 17 Republican will need to cross the line for a successful two-thirds vote. It is still not clear whether that many Republican senators will finally break ties with the president after he leaves Washington on Wednesday.

Democrats were pushing for Trump to resign or Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to get Trump out of office before his end date on Wednesday, January 20. When both of those options were exhausted, Speaker Nancy Pelosi moved forward with impeachment  and last Wednesday the House voted to impeach the president for a second time.

They claim Trump is the one to blame for the Capitol storming after he riled up thousands of his supporters at a rally near the White House January 6 before they marched over to Capitol Hill and wreaked havoc on the building for six hours.

Trump condemned the violence and vowed following the riot that there would be a peaceful transition of power. He did not, however, concede that he lost the election to Joe Biden.

'Is there any doubt in your mind that there will be a peaceful transfer of power?' O'Donnell asked Blunt.

'No. No doubt at all,' he said. 'And I think we're gonna project to the world exactly the message we want to at this very spot where so many bad things happened two weeks ago. I think the world's gonna see the Constitution and the democracy of our country work.'

O'Donnell pressed Blunt on if he's disappointed that Trump won't attend the inauguration of Biden  like is tradition to do when one president exits and another enters.

'I think the president should have been here, and I'm disappointed,' Blunt said.

Blunt said not enough damage was done to the Capitol and there wasn't too much of a threat to move the inauguration to another location.

'This is not only a moment of importance, but the fact that we do it and where we do it matters,' Blunt said. 'And it's really important to maintain that sense of the continuity of both our Constitution and our democracy.'

':A lot of damage was done to our reputation, not much done to the building,' the Republican continued.

This year's inauguration, however, is anything but typical.

Biden will still be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol, but Trump will not be in attendance.

The massive crowd that usually attends an inauguration will also not be there, instead taking their place are nearly 200,000 miniature flags placed all over the National Mall.

The president-elect's inauguration was made private in light of the coronavirus pandemic and persistent threats to lawmakers and the incoming administration following the Capitol storming two weeks ago.

There will be a small, invite-only crowd seated socially-distant from each other.

As Biden faces the potential of his inauguration being split-screened with Trump's impending impeachment trial, it's still unclear how successful the efforts in the Senate will be.

So far, it appears Democrats have at least 13 Republicans they are looking to convince to vote to convict  and there seems to be five other 'wild cards' they are looking to flip.

Among those who could cross the aisle to vote for Trump's conviction are Senators Mitt Romney. The Utah Republican was the only GOP senator to vote to convict Trump on one of the two impeachment articles levied against him in 2019. Romney also has been an frequent Trump critic and has already slammed the president for his actions following the Capitol riot.

Here state and territory flags are seen on the National Mall to represent all areas of the U.S. during Biden's inauguration

Around 25,000 National Guard troops descended on Washington D.C. over the last two weeks as they were deployed there from all over the country to patrol the nation's capital in the wake of the chaos

Wild cards include the likes of Mike Lee of Utah, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida.

If Trump is convicted, the Senate can vote next on a ban from running for office in the future  perhaps a more impactful punishment considering Trump is very likely to launch a 2024 bid for the White House.
New Delhi: In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all the three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

Speaking at a virtual event, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants."

Geographically, New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific Oceans from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60% of the worlds population and the global GDP.

Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order."

France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony.

Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and Open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on". He cited the first foreign of new Japanese PM Yoshihide Sugas visit to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet in 2020 as the testament to Tokyo's efforts.

It was in 2007 in Delhi the then Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific & Indian oceans. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japans Indo- Pacific Vision.
Nicholas A. Zoto, 83, of Newtown, an award-winning restaurateur who served on local business councils and presidential committees, died Friday, Jan. 1, of acute coronary syndrome at home.

Mr. Zoto liked to say he was just a kid from West Philly, and he was, growing up on Yewdall Street between 54th and 55th Streets. But he also won commendations for his restaurants, worked alongside three Philadelphia mayors to improve small business practices, and hobnobbed with three U.S. presidents.

He was just a leader, said his wife, Margaret. He always wanted to be involved.

You could count on him no matter what, said his daughter, Andrea Shannon. Everybody turned to him, and he always backed you up.

Born on May 29, 1937, Mr. Zoto was the oldest of four children born to Albanian immigrant parents. His family was active in the St. John Chrysostom Albanian Orthodox Church, and he later served as a parish council chairman and received the Knight of St. George award in 1993 for outstanding service to the church.

He graduated as class president at Bartram High School in 1955 and enlisted in the Army when he was 19. After his service, he met Margaret Burdumi, and they married 18 months later, in November 1959. Together for 61 years, they had three children  Michael, Andrea, and Christopher.

He was always concerned about his children, his wife said. I couldnt have asked for a better husband or father.

Mr. Zotos family got into the restaurant business after his father and uncle, newly arrived in Philadelphia from Albania, found jobs at a Horn & Hardart restaurant. That led Mr. Zoto and his father to purchase and operate Zotos Grove in Northeast Philadelphia. Mr. Zoto and another partner then owned and operated the Red Oak in Center City. Finally, he and his brother Steve owned and ran Zotos Diner in Hatfield and Cobblestones in Society Hill. Only Zotos Diner remains open.

The Philadelphia Delaware Valley Restaurant Association named him restaurateur of the year in 1992 and honored him again four years later. He also served on small business advisory councils from 1981-93 under Mayors William Green, Wilson Goode, and Ed Rendell.

Mr. Zoto was also active in Republican politics during the 1970s and 80s and met Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. He attended Reagans inauguration in 1981 and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1984. He was selected for the Presidents Commission on White House Fellowships in 1985 and served as a representative from Pennsylvania at a White House conference on small business in 1986.

He believed in the country and the government, his daughter said. He was a patriot.

Mr. Zoto loved to read, and his books are still piled up all over the house, his wife said. He followed the Eagles and Phillies, and wore their hats almost everywhere, even when traveling to Albania, Italy, France, Israel, England, and elsewhere.

He was sometimes mistaken for actor Omar Sharif, and his wife said some friends urged Mr. Zoto to run for mayor at one point. But he said he didnt want to relocate from the suburbs back to Philadelphia.

It is impossible to count the number of people that Nick greeted, fed and came to know as friends over his 83 years, his family wrote in a tribute. Nick touched the lives of many, and has been a catalyst for change for all the things he held dear.

In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Zoto is survived by brothers Stephen and James, six grandchildren, and other relatives.

Services and interment were private. Donations in his name may be made to St. John Chrysostom Albanian Orthodox Church, 237 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19103.
In a shocking development, China has built a new village in Arunachal Pradesh with around 101 houses. MEA has said it is continuously monitoring the developments that affect Indias security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in Ladakh, China has constructed a new village in Arunachal Pradesh, which happens to be around 4.5 km within the Indian territory. Situated at the banks of Tsari Chu River in the Upper Subansiri district, the village comprises of around 101 settlements and has been reportedly built in last one year.

In the satellite images dating November 1, 2020, one can clearly see the village. However, a similar image from August 26, 2019 does not show any such construction, indicating the fact that the village was built in one year.

Reacting to the latest reports, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that they have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along border areas with India. China has undertaken such infrastructure activity in past several areas. In response, the Indian government too has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads, bridges etc, which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population along the border. MEA added that it is continuously monitoring the developments that affect Indias security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier in November, BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh Tapir Gao had warned the Parliament of Chinese incursions in the state. On the latest Chinese construction in Arunachal Pradesh, Mr Gao has said that the constructions include a Double-Lane Road, and that they have entered over 60-70 kms inside the district. He added that the Chinese are also building a Road along Lensi River.
A Singapore-based company ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) India has proposed to develop a greenfield data centre campus in Noida, an official spokesman said here on Tuesday.

At a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary, Industrial Development, Alok Kumar, a STT GDC India representative informed that in the first phase the company proposes to develop the data centre campus with critical IT capacity of 18 MW with an estimated investment of Rs 600 crore, he said.

It is expected to create 30-40 direct and around 550 indirect and induced employment avenues.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said that in consonance with the Centre's programme to promote growth of digital economy, state government was taking various initiatives to attract investment in Data Centre development and operations sector, which has become a crucial necessity for big enterprises in different sectors.

Kumar said that the proposed campus was suitably located within easy access of the industrial hub and the national capital with seamless international connectivity.

He said that there was significant presence of industry and IT majors in and around Noida, which would aid in quickly evolving the region as a major Data Centre hub in north India.

In view of the web-based and digitally driven economy gaining prominence, the state government is preparing new data centre policy with the objective of creating state-of-the-art data and IT ecosystem to meet the requirements of industry, enterprises and citizens, Kumar said.

A land parcel of around three acres has been already identified by the investor in Noida to set up the data centre campus, which would be scalable to 36 MW IT load data centre capacity in second phase with an additional investment of Rs 500 crore excluding the land cost.

After the completion of second phase, total estimated investment would be around Rs 1,100 crore with approximately 80 direct job opportunities and around 1000 indirect and induced employment avenues.

A data center is a facility that centralizes the shared IT activities and equipment of an organization for the purpose of storing, processing and disseminating information and applications.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)


Half a million Japanese have lost their jobs in the past six months; 40% of workers have poorley paid "temproary" jobs and little access to welfare. Out of a sense of shame, many citizens in distress do not ask for help. With poverty, suicides increase.

Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of poor people in the country, especially among the Japanese middle class. More and more people are queuing up for food and clothing in public and private assistance centers.

The national media gives little space to this side of the pandemic, but several observers point out that many citizens are sleeping in train stations or on the street. Japan is not among the countries most affected by Covid-19 and has not adopted rigid lockdowns. There are 336 thousand cases of contagion; about 4,400 the dead.

The unemployment rate is below 3% and the country has a very organized social welfare system, useful for better overcoming the effects of the health crisis. According to official data, however, half a million Japanese have lost their jobs in the last six months. There is another problem: the increase in underemployment and underpaid temporary jobs.

According to the Moyai Support Center for Independent Living, 40% of workers have "irregular" jobs. They earn low wages, can be fired easily and have little access to welfare.

More than 10 million Japanese live on less than $ 19,000 a year, too little considering the high cost of living in the country. One in six is in a state of "relative poverty", earning less than half the national average income. The numbers could be even greater: out of a sense of shame, many citizens in difficulty do not ask for help from assistance agencies.

The increase in poverty is also likely to cause a rise in suicides. The NLI Research Institute has calculated that one percentage point more unemployment translates into 3,000 more suicides per year.
WASHINGTON - Hours from inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden paused on what might have been his triumphal entrance to Washington Tuesday evening to mark instead the national tragedy of the coronavirus pandemic with a moment of collective grief for Americans lost.

Preparations are made prior to a dress rehearsal for the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)

WASHINGTON - Hours from inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden paused on what might have been his triumphal entrance to Washington Tuesday evening to mark instead the national tragedy of the coronavirus pandemic with a moment of collective grief for Americans lost.

His arrival coincided with the awful news that the U.S. death toll had surpassed 400,000 in the worst public health crisis in more than a century  a crisis Biden will now be charged with controlling.

To heal we must remember," the incoming president told the nation at a sunset ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial. Four hundred lights representing the pandemic's victims were illuminated behind him around the monuments Reflecting Pool.

Between sundown and dusk, let us shine the lights into the darkness ... and remember all who we lost, Biden said.

The sober moment on the eve of Biden's inauguration  typically a celebratory time in Washington when the nation marks the democratic tradition of a peaceful transfer of power  was a measure of the enormity of loss for the nation.

Flags are placed on the National Mall, looking towards the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

During his brief remarks, Biden faced the larger-than life statue of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War president who served as more than 600,000 Americans died. As he turned to walk away at the conclusion of the vigil, he faced the black granite wall listing the 58,000-plus Americans who perished in Vietnam.

Biden was joined by Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, who spoke of the collective anguish of the nation, a not-so-subtle admonishment of outgoing President Donald Trump, who has spoken sparingly about the pandemic in recent months.

For many months we have grieved by ourselves, said Harris, who will make history as the first woman to serve as vice-president when she's sworn in. Tonight, we grieve and begin healing together.

Flags are placed on the National Mall ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Beyond the pandemic, Biden faces no shortage of problems when he takes the reins at the White House. The nation is also on its economic heels because of soaring unemployment, there is deep political division and immediate concern about more violence following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Biden, an avid fan of Amtrak who took the train thousands of times between his home in Delaware and Washington during his decades in the Senate, had planned to take a train into Washington ahead of Wednesday's Inauguration Day but scratched that plan in the aftermath of the Capitol riot.

He instead flew into Joint Base Andrews just outside the capital and then motorcaded into fortress D.C.  a city that's been flooded by some 25,000 National Guard troops guarding a Capitol, White House and National Mall that are wrapped in a maze of barricades and tall fencing.

A worker installs flags on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/David Phillip)

These are dark times," Biden told supporters in an emotional sendoff in Delaware. "But theres always light.

Biden, who ran for the presidency as a cool head who could get things done, plans to issue a series of executive orders on Day One  including reversing Trump's effort to leave the Paris climate accord, cancelling Trump's travel ban on visitors from several predominantly Muslim countries, and extending pandemic-era limits on evictions and student loan payments.

Trump wont be on hand as Biden is sworn in, the first outgoing president to entirely skip inaugural festivities since Andrew Johnson more than a century and a half ago.

President-elect Joe Biden stands with his wife Jill Biden after speaking at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in New Castle, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The White House released a farewell video from Trump just as Biden landed at Joint Base Andrews. Trump, who has repeatedly and falsely claimed widespread fraud led to his election loss, extended best wishes to the incoming administration in his nearly 20-minute address but did not utter Biden's name.

Trump also spent some of his last time in the White House huddled with advisers weighing final-hour pardons and grants of clemency. He planned to depart from Washington Wednesday morning in a grand airbase ceremony that he helped plan himself.

Biden at his Delaware farewell, held at the National Guard/Reserve Center named after his late son Beau Biden, paid tribute to his home state. After his remarks, he stopped and chatted with friends and well-wishers in the crowd, much as he had at Iowa rope lines at the start of his long campaign journey.

President-elect Joe Biden tears up as he speaks at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in New Castle, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Ill always be a proud son of the state of Delaware, said Biden, who struggled to hold back tears as he delivered brief remarks.

Inaugural organizers this week finished installing some 200,000 U.S., state and territorial flags on the National Mall, a display representing the American people who couldnt come to the inauguration, which is tightly limited under security and Covid restrictions.

The display was also a reminder of all the president-elect faces as he looks to steer the nation through the pandemic with infections and deaths soaring.

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden board a plane at New Castle Airport, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in New Castle, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Out of the starting gate, Biden and his team are intent on moving quickly to speed distribution of vaccinations to anxious Americans and pass his $1.9 trillion virus relief package, which includes quick payments to many people and an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Biden also plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on the first day of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status. That would be a major reversal from the Trump administrations tight immigration policies.

Some leading Republican have already balked at Biden's immigration plan. "There are many issues I think we can work co-operatively with President-elect Biden, but a blanket amnesty for people who are here unlawfully isnt going to be one of them, said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is often a central player in Senate immigration battles.

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden board a plane at New Castle Airport, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in New Castle, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Many of Biden's legislative ambitions could be tempered by the hard numbers he faces on Capitol Hill, where Democrats hold narrow majorities in both the Senate and House. His hopes to press forward with an avalanche of legislation in his first 100 days could also be slowed by an impeachment trial of Trump.

As Biden made his way to Washington, five of his Cabinet picks were appearing Tuesday before Senate committees to begin confirmation hearings. Treasury nominee Janet Yellen, Defence nominee Lloyd Austin, Homeland Security nominee Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken and Director of National Intelligence nominee Avril Haines were being questioned.

Yellen urged lawmakers to embrace Bidens virus relief package, arguing that the smartest thing we can do is act big.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speaks during a COVID-19 memorial Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Aides say Biden will use Wednesday's inaugural address  one that will be delivered in front of an unusually small in-person group because of virus protocols and security concerns and is expected to run 20 to 30 minutes  to call for American unity and offer an optimistic message that Americans can get past the dark moment by working together.

To that end, he extended invitations to Congress' top four Republican and Democratic leaders to attend Mass with him at St. Matthew's Cathedral ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

Madhani reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Alan Fram and Alexandra Jaffe contributed reporting.

This story has been corrected to show that flags on the National Mall represent people who couldn't come, not COVID deaths.
A view of the LBJ Student Center from outside the building's ballroom, which will serve as Texas State's mass vaccination site.
NCPCR seeks action against Cong MLA for 'girls can reproduce at 15' remark

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 19: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to Madhya Pradesh police seeking action against Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma for justifying girls' early marriage.

"According to doctors, a girl can reproduce at 15. On what basis should marriage age be increased to 21 from 18?" he had said. NCPCR earlier asked him to "provide explanation".

Congress MLA Sajjan Singh Verma sparked controversy after he claimed that girls attain the ability to reproduce at the age of 15, while he was targetting MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the latter's proposal to increase the minimum legal age of marriage for women from 18 years to 21 years in the state.

Taking cognizance of Sajjan Singh's failure to respond to the Commission despite being asked to do so in two days, the NCPCR forwarded the matter to MP DGP directing him to take the necessary action.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Earlier, NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo had said, "Sajjan Verma is an MLA. He has been a parliamentarian, a responsible person. People follow him. And such a statement from him is not only condemnable but it's a crime. We have sent him a notice demanding explanation and I will meet the Madhya Pradesh speaker and apprise him of the issue."

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 14:18 [IST]
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

A white worker in an Asian food factory who was told that he didn't understand recipes because of his colour and that he should go and work for an English firm has won his claim of race discrimination.

When Colin Sorby complained about the 'stereotypical' comments at one of the UK's leading food manufacturers, his shifts dried up and he was effectively fired.

The employment tribunal ruled the comments at Mumtaz Foods violated the production worker's dignity.

His supervisor Azheem Akhtar thought only British Asians like himself should be allowed to work at the company that supplies meals to Indian restaurants and supermarkets, the hearing was told.

Mr Akhtar claimed he apologised, but the tribunal did not accept this since no disciplinary action was taken against him.

Colin Sorby (pictured) was told that he didn't understand recipes in an Asian food factory because of his colour and that he should go and work for an English firm

When Colin Sorby complained about the 'stereotypical' comments at one of the UK's leading food manufacturers (Mumtaz factory, pictured), his shifts dried up and he was effectively fired

The tribunal said Mr Akhtar was an 'unreliable witness' who was vague and, at times, evasive.

Mr Akhtar said his offensive comment was a misunderstanding due to language difficulties but the employment judge said he was clearly able express himself in English on everyday matters.

Mr Sorby, described as white British, was recruited by Bradford Management Services, a subsidiary of Mumtaz, in July last year on a zero hours contract.

After Mr Akhtar made the comments, Mr Sorby was told he was being placed 'on call' - a euphemism for being dismissed. He was asked to clear his locker and hand in property.

His supervisor Azheem Akhtar thought only British Asians like himself should be allowed to work at the company that supplies meals to Indian restaurants and supermarkets, the hearing was told

He was also advised to look for another job because he was told he would not be offered any more work.

He was initially told by human resources manager Paulo Silva this action was being taken because of his poor attendance and performance.

When he pressed where these allegations came from, he was told by Mr Silva that they emanated from Mr Akhtar.

The judge said: 'The effect of the comment was that due to the fact the claimant was not English he could not cook Asian food properly.

Mr Akhtar claimed he apologised, but the tribunal did not accept this as no disciplinary action was taken against him

'This was a stereotypical assumption that was not predicated on any factual basis.

'Again, the context is everything. Mr Akhtar was seeking to justify why the claimant's employment should, effectively, be terminated.

'The tribunal is satisfied that the remark was made and it was used to justify what was effectively the Claimant's termination of employment - albeit he was told he was placed ''on call''.'

The judge said Mr Akhtar was a long serving employee who described himself as a friend of company director Bilal Akbar.

He believed a white person should not be working for an Asian company and a decision was taken to remove Mr Sorby, the employment judge concluded.

The tribunal upheld Mr Sorby's claims for racial discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Compensation will be awarded at a remedy hearing on a date yet to be fixed.

Train services in greater Tokyo are scheduled to end earlier at night starting from Wednesday, due to a state of emergency declared in the region over the spread of the coronavirus.

Twenty-five railway operators in and around Tokyo are moving up the departure times of their last trains by up to half an hour.

At East Japan Railway's Shinjuku Station, workers held up placards on Tuesday morning to remind commuters about the schedule change.

Revised timetables for nighttime trains are now posted at platforms, along with posters bearing the times of the last trains.

JR East says its final trains will leave about 10 to 30 minutes earlier on 11 lines, including the Yamanote loop line in Tokyo. Shinkansen bullet trains will not be affected.

Shinjuku stationmaster Moriyama Hidehiko said some people may not be able to transit to other railway lines because of the schedule changes. He said he wants people to check the timetables on websites and other means.

Shorter train operations are likely to continue while the state of - NHK
That release could not be found.
Martin Luther King Jr. III, the oldest son of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has said his father would be 'greatly disappointed' in the state of the nation were he alive today.

'My father always believed in the people of our nation. Certainly, he would be greatly disappointed in how we have chosen to conduct ourselves at this particular moment, but most particularly probably disappointed in the commander in chief, because the commander in chief is supposed to bring people together and not to bring people together to actually intercept your government.

'If he saw the issues of poverty and income inequality that exist today he would be greatly disappointed.

Martin Luther King III, 63, is speaking out about his late father's 'fight against poverty and income inequality' on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

King III said he recognizes that his father 'is revered' today but also noted that Dr. King 'was deeply unpopular,' with 'two-thirds of Americans disapproving of him'

Martin Luther King III: Martin Luther King Jr. "would be greatly disappointed in how we have chosen to conduct ourselves at this particular moment, but most particularly probably disappointed in the commander-in-chief." pic.twitter.com/aujfTV8uU9  The Hill (@thehill) January 18, 2021

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968

'He understood we are a United States of America, not a divided state of America, and he would be telling us we must turn to each other, not turn on each other,' said King as he spoke to CNN on the MLK Day, a federal holiday honoring his father.

The son of the civil rights movement leader said he believes President-elect Joe Biden and his administration should focus on leading the country and bring people together to address all of the issues affecting America including the Covid-19 pandemic, police brutality and misconduct as well as climate change.

'We're going to see a new air brought in,' he said.

'If you really want to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the principles that my father stood for, our whole government needs to step up, from creating a cabinet position focused on fighting poverty to passing a universal basic income,' King added.

'If you really want to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the principles that my father stood for, our whole government needs to step up, from creating a cabinet position focused on fighting poverty to passing a universal basic income,' King added

Christine King Farris, Dr. Bernice A. King and the family of Dr. Martin Luther King lay a wreath on his grave in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday

The King family are pictured by his grave during the 2021 King Holiday Observance Beloved Community Commemorative Service in Atlanta, Georgia

King noted it will take time for the country to move past what he called a 'very difficult moment.'

'We will do better. We are much better than the behavior that we've seen exhibited over the last few days,' he said.

King III said he recognizes that his father 'is revered' today, he also noted in a separate video by the New York Times that Dr. King 'was deeply unpopular,' with 'two-thirds of Americans having disapproved of him' at the time.

'The FBI said he was a communist. But he kept protesting anyway,' King III said.

'I traveled with him as a kid throughout Georgia in preparation for the Poor People's Campaign. The idea was to rally people to Washington to press the federal government to provide jobs and income for the poor. This was his other dream, but he did not live to see it come to fruition.'

Coretta Scott King and her husband Martin Luther King pictured in December 1964 in Oslo where the clergyman and civil rights leader received the Nobel Peace Prize

MLK's daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, 57, is seen laying a wreath on the grave of her father

Christine King Farris, 93, the sister of MLK is seen laying a wreath on the grave of Martin Luther King

King family members remember Martin Luther King. His 1968 killing sent shock waves through American society at the time, and is still regarded as a landmark event in recent US history

King said if his father saw the issues of poverty and income inequality that exist today, he would be 'greatly disappointed'

King is a leader in global human rights and chairman of the board for the Drum Major Institute.

The institute is a non-profit organization founded by his father to drive social progress.

Dr. King's youngest child, Bernice King - who is the CEO of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change - also shared a number messages in honor of her father on Monday.

'I encourage you to study my father more comprehensively and to attend @TheKingCenter's virtual sessions on his nonviolent philosophy and his work to eradicate racism, war and poverty,' wrote Bernice, 57. 'A powerful book to start with is his last one, Where Do We Go From Here ... '

Later King wrote: 'Please don't act like everyone loved my father. He was assassinated. A 1967 poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in America. Most hated. Many who quote him now and evoke him to deter justice today would likely hate, and may already hate, the authentic King. #MLK.'

Dr. King's youngest child, Bernice King - who is the CEO of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change - also shared a number messages in honor of her father on Monday

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holding his son Martin III as his daughter Yolanda and wife Coretta greet him at the airport upon his release from Georgia State prison after incarceration for leading boycotts
Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Gaensel Energy, Inc., (OTC Pink: GEGR) ("Gaensel" or the "Company"), a diversified holding company with assets in Software/Gaming and VR, Health and Wellness, CRM & Data, as well as General Contracting and Patented Building supplies, is pleased to announce that its newly acquired Officina della Cialda has signed agreements to effect the expedited launch and expansion of more than 100+ additional locations in Europe, beginning with its flagship locations in Italy.





Officina della Cialda

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/72324_e75b9a41845e2950_002full.jpg

The Italy Coffee Market is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period, 2020 - 2025. Italy is the second-largest importer of green coffee beans in Europe. The country consumed approximately 5.7 million 60kg bags of green coffee in 2015, accounting for 14% of total European Union consumption.





Colombian coffee producer serving the world market with over 15,000,000kg annually

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/72324_e75b9a41845e2950_003full.jpg

The expansion is made possible by contracts signed within hours of the GEGR acquisition announcement. Details include a strategic alliance with Coffee Production and Exports specialist ILDA CAFFE and its subsidiary, Colombia-based De Las Cordilleras, a major Colombian coffee producer serving the world market with over 15,000,000kg annually.





ILDA CAFFE

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/72324_e75b9a41845e2950_004full.jpg

ILDA CAFFE is one of the first coffee producers in Colombia. The company is certified SA 8000 Social Accountability, an international standard that guarantees the respect and technical preparation of workers to achieve high quality production. ILDA CAFFE produces and exports high quality coffee around the world.





$GEGR Ilda Caffe's De Las Cordilleras Production and Distribution list of Farms in Colombia

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/72324_e75b9a41845e2950_005full.jpg

Gaensel execs are confident that The Alliance of its Officina della Cialda with ILDA CAFFE will be highly effective in expanding the products based on new "tailor-made" blends, and designed specifically for new stores, reducing the time-to-market in the producer-consumer supply chain.

To facilitate expedited launch of brick-and-mortar stores around the world, GEGR's Officina della Cialda has signed a contract with Coffee Retail Italy, an Italian based firm which specializes in development & expansion of single-brand coffee shops.

Officina della Cialda shops will have an assortment of high-quality products to be presented to customers in functional spaces and well trafficked retail locations (inside shopping centers or in city centers). Shops will include a wide array of capsules and pods of coffee with higher quality blends and at prices extremely competitive to the public and large-scale distribution.

Officina della Cialda currently owns 35 points of sale with revenues of 6,000,000.00. The new development initiatives will increase the number of stores to 135 retail outlets in 2021 with a total turnover in the first year of about  13,300.00 and the second year of about  21,500,000.00.

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS

The global specialty coffee market was valued at a revenue of USD 35.9 billion in 2018. The market is further expected to grow and reach USD 83.6 billion in revenue by the year 2025. The quality of coffee beans depends on optimized protocols of culture, collection of ripe berries and removal by dry or wet processes of external fruit layers and reduction of humidity. There has been a gradual shift of customer preference for soft drinks to coffee drinks.

Europe is the world's largest coffee manufacturer. Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom are the leading European coffee clients. Market revenue is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% and market volume is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% over the foreseeable future.

The need to brew coffee increases, as are baristas, coffee chains and shops, to implement state-of - the-art products that can deliver high-grade finished products and save both money and time.

About Gaensel Energy

Gaensel Energy, Inc., (OTC Pink: GEGR) is a diversified holding company actively engaged in driving shareholder value through acquisitions and partnerships focused on opportunities in the Energy, Manufacturing, Software, and Technology markets.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed transaction or to complete the transactions contemplated by the non-binding term sheet, matters discovered by the parties as they complete their respective due diligence investigation of the other. Other factors include the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close, including due to the failure to receive required security holder approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

Contact Information: admin@gegrgroup.com

Gaensel Energy Group Website: http://www.gegrgroup.com

Gaensel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gegrgroup

PR Contact Telephone: +1 (518) 567-3649

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72324
The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.

Community Perspective

Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer.

Letters to the editor

Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer.
ROSH HA'AYIN, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquarius Engines (TASE: AQUA) have signed a partnership deal with Honda-affiliate Musashi Seimitsu to co-develop electricity generators for the automotive and telecommunications industry. The move comes a year after the Japanese auto-parts manufacturer invested capital into the company.

Aquarius Engines now plans to establish a subsidiary in Japan to further broaden its global reach, collaborate on R&D and seek new strategic partners. The Israeli firm is looking to Tokyo to boost existing relationships and foster new ones - with an eye to adapting their patented linear free-piston engine to operate on Hydrogen. In recent years the Japanese government has invested in an ambitious policy to encourage research and development into the use of hydrogen as an energy source.

"We are proud to be deepening our partnership with Musashi Seimitsu and establishing strong roots within the Japanese automotive industry. Japan's global reputation as a leader in the automotive industry makes it fertile ground for Aquarius Engines to evolve and grow. We continue to advance and optimize our technology and register additional patents. While seeking new opportunities across the telecommunications, transportation, aviation and automotive industries," said Gal Fridman, Chairman of Aquarius Engines.

The 10kg Aquarius Engine can be used as an onboard power generator in a vehicle or as a stand-alone electricity generator. Unlike most conventional engines that are made of hundreds of parts, the Aquarius Engine has just twenty components and one moving part. The lightweight streamlined design makes it inexpensive and highly efficient with hardly any need for maintenance. Due to its size and lightweight, the engine has high mechanical efficiency that allows for low emissions and low pollution.

Aquarius Engines is also partnered with Nokia in the field of remote communication and energy equipment management.

Aquarius Engines is the developer and manufacturer of micro engines that generate electricity through groundbreaking technology with around 20 patents registered worldwide. Aquarius Engines currently has R&D centers in Israel, Germany and Poland. The company's chairman is Gal Fridman and CEO is Ariel Gorfung. Aquarius Engines is a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: AQUA). www.aquariusengines.com

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE AQUARIUS ENGINES

Related Links

https://www.aquariusengines.com



Germany will likely extend lockdown measures until at least mid-February and may impose a nighttime curfew in coronavirus hot spots.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and state premiers are due to decide on the latest strategy to stem the spread of the disease during a video call on Tuesday. The talks, originally planned for Jan. 25, were brought forward after the German leader warned of the risks posed by variants that can spread more quickly.

With regional authorities responsible for health policy under Germanys federal system, the discussions are a critical -- and at times contentious -- part of the countrys fight against the pandemic. State leaders have regularly balked at Merkels tougher stance, and resistance could grow as numbers come off peak levels and with officials wary of voter dissatisfaction ahead of state elections in March.

Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said late Sunday current measures appear to be having an effect, but that more progress is needed, comments echoed Monday by Health Minister Jens Spahn. Scholz, who is also vice chancellor, warned that mutations could have a dramatic impact" and said he expects the shutdown in place now, which includes the closing of schools and non-essential stores, to be extended to Feb. 14.

We must take further measures," Scholz said in an online interview with Bild newspaper. He raised the prospect of making it obligatory for companies to allow staff to work from home where possible.

Officials are considering a nighttime curfew, though this may only apply in areas where contagion rates are particularly high, Business Insider reported Sunday, without identifying the source of the information. People may also be required to wear FFP-2 face masks in stores and on public transport, it added. A government spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

Merkel and state leaders will be briefed by virologists and other health experts later on Monday. The chancellery will then draft a list of suggested measures ahead of Tuesdays meeting.

Europe has emerged as a global hot spot for the virus, with more than 401,000 fatalities and nearly 17 million infections. The regions leaders are on high alert after more contagious variants of the disease were detected in Britain, Ireland and South Africa.

Germanys death toll on Friday rose by more than 1,500 for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Covid-19 fatalities have almost tripled since the end of November to almost 47,000, and cases have doubled to more than 2 million.

Despite the grim figures, there are signs the strain is easing. The number of Covid-19 patients in Germanys intensive-care facilities is down from peak levels by 10%-15%, Spahn said Monday.

The numbers seem to be falling, but were still far from where we want to be," he told ARD television, adding that Merkel and state premiers will discuss work-at-home strategies and other ways to further reduce mobility.

Germanys vaccination program is also picking up after a slow start, with a high of more than 98,000 people getting a shot on Thursday. Over 1 million people have now been inoculated, according to the latest data from the health ministry.

Spahn has pledged that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to do so by the summer, while cautioning that it will take months for it to have a tangible impact on Germanys outbreak.

It doesnt make much sense to close schools, shops, public life if at the same time many contacts are still happening in private life," Spahn said at a news conference. I know how difficult it is, especially after so many months. But its better to work together for the next two, three, maybe four weeks to bring the numbers down considerably."

(Updates with inoculation data, additional health minister comment)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2021 Bloomberg L.P.

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.
Ukraine welcomes the imposition of U.S. sanctions against the vessel Fortuna, which is building Nord Stream 2, and its owner, KVT-RUS company, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

"Ukraine welcomes the new step by the United States to oppose Nord Stream 2. Sanctions against KVT-RUS and the Fortuna vessel will further complicate its completion. We will continue working closely with our strategic partners, the United States, to protect the energy independence of Ukraine and Europe as a whole," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Twitter on Tuesday.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:24 pm

The family of state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, is raising money and awareness for Special Olympics of Washington and Lewis County Special Olympics with a Polar Plunge for the fourth consecutive year.

In partnership with the Centralia Police Department, the plunge will take place at 8 a.m., Jan. 23, at Mayfield Lake. The Abbarno family is accepting donations online at https://impact.sowa.org/fundraiser/3090555 with a goal of raising at least $1,000. About $445 had been raised as of Monday morning.

The plunge will be streamed on Abbarnos Facebook page.

This year, the event will look different but the needs are the same, the family wrote on its fundraising website.

Those interested in supporting the plunge can make a donation on the fundraising page or mail a donation directly to Special Olympics Washington at the address below. Donors are asked to include the Abbarno Family with their donation.

Special Olympics Washington

C/O Polar Plunge

2815 Second Ave., Suite 370

Seattle, WA, 98121

Both the vaccines approved in India, Covishield and Covaxin, are required to be stored at a temperature of 2-8 degree celsius. (Representative image: Reuters)

A total of 1,000 vaccine doses were found "frozen" in Cachar district of Assam, which compelled the State Health Department to launch a probe.

The case was reported at Silchar Medical College College Hospital (SMCH), one of the premier medical facilities based in the Barak Valley region.

The 100 vials which were found frozen cumulatively contained 1,000 doses of Covishield, the vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India.

Both the vaccines approved in India, Covishield and Covaxin, are required to be stored at a temperature of 2-8 degree celsius. The frozen vials at SMCH were allegedly stored at sub-zero temperature.

The Health Department officials have sent the frozen vaccine doses to a lab to ascertain their efficacy.

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 exact reason for that would be known only after a thorough probe, which has been ordered," Hindustan Times quoted Munindra Nath Ngatey, director, health services, as saying. Action could be taken against officials found negligent, he added.

Assam is set to receive a total of 380,000 doses, which would be used to inoculate 190,000 front-line workers of the state.

Till January 18, the health department had recorded the vaccination of 5,542 front-line workers. The turnout for vaccination has been hit due to a protest by a section of ASHA workers.

The Sadou Asom Asha Karmi Santha, which represents nearly 20,000 ASHA workers in the state, has demanded a hike in their wages, before receiving the vaccine shots.
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odyssey Trust Company (Odyssey or the Company), a leading transfer agent and trust company for Canadian public issuers, is pleased to announce the addition of Leslie MacFarlane to the leadership team of its Vancouver office, as Director, Client Service. Leslie was most recently a senior relationship manager at AST, where she assisted a portfolio of their largest Vancouver public issuers for over 30 years. Leslie has extensive experience in the transfer agent and trust industry, starting her career with CIBC Melon and becoming one of the most trusted and widely recognized industry experts in Canada.



Dianna Reimer, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Office of Odyssey, stated, We are thrilled that Leslie has joined our Client Services team in Vancouver to help us further accelerate the growth of our business. Our Vancouver office has had tremendous support from the business community, and we are excited to bring someone with Leslies experience, expertise, and reputation to our team. Leslies track record in providing exceptional service to some of the largest public issuers in Vancouver is second to none, making her a perfect fit for us.

Ive been watching the success of Odyssey and hearing great things from the business community for quite some time. Im looking forward to bringing my industry expertise and experience to their growing business and joining a strong, hardworking team, said MacFarlane.

For more information on Odysseys transfer agent services, please visit: www.odysseytrust.com.

About Odyssey

Odyssey is an independent trust and transfer agent with offices in Calgary, Vancouver and co-agents based in Toronto (Odyssey Transfer Inc.) and Denver, CO (Odyssey Transfer US Inc.).

For more information, please contact:

Odyssey Trust Company

Dianna Reimer, CSO | E: dreimer@odysseytrust.com | T: 1.778.819.1187

Leslie MacFarlane, Director, Client Services | E: lmacfarlane@odysseytrust.com | T: 1.236.521.8093
WASHINGTON  As images of white supremacists storming the Capitol sear into Americans minds, there is about to be another image that provides the case for optimism about the future: the moment when Kamala Harris, first Black woman and woman of color to be inaugurated as vice president, is sworn in.

Watch Live: Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Veterans of the civil rights movement and scholars of Black American history say there is no mistaking that the nation is in a moment of distress, as it grapples with a deadly insurrection that threatened the lives of the vice president and dozens of lawmakers as well as the constitutional process for the peaceful transfer of power.

But while its easy to see the actions of the mob as a dark cloud over the historic day, they say, the focus should be on the bright light shining through.

As a woman of faith, the Scriptures always remind us that the light outshines the darkness, and I truly believe that, said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland. And this is the moment where we really have to believe and focus on that in spite of the darkness. The light is the first woman of color, the first Black woman, the first Asian American woman to be inaugurated as our vice president. What a remarkable moment this is in our history.

Harris and President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated Wednesday against a heavily militarized backdrop, with tens of thousands of National Guard troops stationed around the city amid what federal prosecutors characterize as an ongoing insurrection. Its expected that an hour after Harris is inaugurated, the Senate will convene an impeachment trial to decide whether to convict President Trump of inciting that insurrection, even as Biden and Harris look to turn the page.

In an interview with The Chronicle, Harris agreed with Lee that the focus should be on the bright spots, not the dark.

Its like when you see a rainbow, Harris said. 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. Look at what happened when a Black Baptist preacher and a Jewish man were elected by the state of Georgia to go to the United States Senate.

She continued: 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.

The duality of a Black womans ascent to power amid the threat of an uprising consisting in part of white supremacists isnt an aberration, scholars say. Its part of the fabric of American history, starting with slavery and continuing through the Civil War and segregation era.

What comes next, they say, is up for grabs  but the inauguration of Harris and elections in Georgia of the Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff show that the rioters who stormed the Capitol with ties to white supremacy are poised to be the losers in the story, not the victors.

Its not preordained which way well go, said john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the UC Berkeley School of Law, who spells his name in lower case. What we do matters. We have choices to make, and we can in fact  when things are at an inflection point, things are more fluid. Once they ossify, theyre harder to change. ... Were in a deep space of unknowing.

Harris victory is a significant one, scholars say. So is the election in Georgia of Warnock, the first Black Democratic senator elected from a former Confederate state, and Ossoff, the first Jewish senator elected from the South. Those electoral firsts arent just historic, they said, but a sign of the power of the Black electorate.

After the election of Barack Obama as president, this is probably the second most important electoral moment in Black political history  the ability of Black Georgians to affect the political process to turn the party domination and rule in the state to their preferred party, said James Lance Taylor, a professor and director of the African American Studies program at the University of San Francisco. Kamala is a tipping point. Georgia is a tipping point.

The victory was particularly significant because Warnock and Ossoff marshaled not just Black voters, but Southern white suburbanites, powell said.

Georgia was the red wall, Georgia was the Old South, was one of the most important if not the most important state in terms of holding and institutionalizing white supremacy, he said. And so (for Trump and Republicans) to lose three times in the space of a few months ... its an amazing moment.

Taylor and powell both noted that Harris, like Obama, is multiracial: in her case, the daughter of an Indian immigrant mother and Jamaican immigrant father. Many demographers predict that in the next century, multiracial people will become the largest ethnic group in the country, and her background is a glimpse of that future. California, where Harris has won statewide elections three times, is also a majority-minority population, Taylor noted.

She represents what California is, and now Im saying, cut and paste her from California and take her to Washington, D.C., and now she represents that for the country, too, Taylor said.

Harris, for her part, says the pro-Trump insurrection is a sign of the work that still remains ahead in the fight for justice.

I dont know that Ive fully processed the duality, to be honest, she said. The things that keep me up at night are vaccinations for the 320 million people in the country. ... But theres no question that what we saw Jan. 6 was horrific. There are these moments that occur that force us to ... look in a mirror and ask who are we.

The incoming administration has made a point of holding a public inauguration outside the Capitol, in keeping with tradition, despite the coronavirus pandemic and active security threat. Harris pointed to Congress reconvening within hours of the insurrection to certify the Electoral College vote as a crucial act.

I felt very strongly about being present at whatever time we needed to ... to say that we will not be deterred, we will stand for our democracy, we will not be afraid, Harris said. So there is some duality, no question, but I think that we should also see that there is progress. But our democracy is only going to be as strong as our willingness to fight for it.

Taylor said Black Americans history is one of struggle, so in this moment of anxiety, they are a source of strength.

Black America has a lot to teach America about full human potential and about American potential. Black America still believes in American potential  they are not tearing it down, Taylor said.

He contrasted the attitude with that of the insurrectionists.

I look at all these people at the mall completely out of control, completely engaged in violence, fighting against themselves, Taylor said. Theyre willing to burn the Constitution down as long as they keep white on top.

He continued: Black America is going to celebrate anyway, no matter what white America does.

Rep. Lee said she felt pain and anger at the sight of rioters brandishing Nazi and Confederate paraphernalia in the Capitol building where she works. But she said giving up on the fight would be letting them win. She cited a long line of freedom fighters, from Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth to civil rights activists, who had to confront physical danger for the cause of justice.

Thats what this country needs right now, the brilliance, the strength and the clarity about Black grassroots leadership and Black elected leadership, Lee said. Because for the most part, we come to these places with a history of struggle and not backing down and not turning around.

She added, The country needs the African American community now in ways that people may now begin to realize.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
Chinese banks will be financing 320 cultural and tourism projects nationwide to promote high-quality development of the relevant industries, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Those projects were jointly selected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and six banks, including the China Development Bank.

East Chinas Anhui province saw 25 cultural and tourism projects among them, ranking 2nd in the country, Anhui Daily said, adding that the projects, involving a total investment of 21.13 billion yuan ($3.26 billion), are expected to receive 8.55 billion yuan worth of funds.

The projects include the Huangshan Mountain Calligraphy and Painting Township project and the one featuring the Russian village in Qianshan.

Some of the projects have already been implemented and gained credit support, the ministry said.




Dear Minister OGorman,

Ive written to you before, but this time, please, listen to the one piece of critical advice I have to give you. And believe me when I say I know what Im talking about.

That may sound arrogant, but its not. Ive made the same mistake I fear youre about to make. This time it matters.

First of all, I hope youll forgive me if I say what an appalling report the Mother and Baby Homes Commission produced. I dont know why they pulled so many punches. I dont know why they produced a report that was so unworthy of the calibre of people involved.

But from the very first page, it was clear that this report wasnt going to address fundamental injustices.

My heart sank when I read this: Women who gave birth outside marriage were subject to particularly harsh treatment. Responsibility rests mainly with the fathers of their children and their own immediate families. It was supported by, contributed to, and condoned by, the institutions of the State and the Churches. However, it must be acknowledged that the institutions under investigation provided a refuge  a harsh refuge in some cases  when the families provided no refuge at all.

That opening few sentences has already contributed to a narrative that is designed to rob survivors of neglect and abuse  and many, including hundreds of babies, who didnt survive  of the justice they deserve.

A coercive abusive prison, accompanied by indeterminate (and frequently lifelong) emotional and other punishments can never be described as a refuge. And that insult is compounded by the lack of clarity (to put it kindly) throughout the report.

There is enormous evidence of abuse and neglect. There is huge evidence of babies being taken from their mothers despite their mothers fighting and pleading.

There is huge evidence of false birth certs, to facilitate a trade in babies and the export of babies. There is huge evidence that nuns lied repeatedly about where hundreds of dead babies are buried.

But the commission somehow or other cant seem to pin any of that down, despite the overwhelming testimony they publish (something they were able to do, at least to some extent, in earlier reports).

There is vagueness where there ought to be certainty, obfuscation where there ought to be clarity. The whole thing seems to be informed by the central conclusion, baldly stated at the start, and which Ive quoted above.

And the mealy-mouthed apologies from some religious orders and from the Catholic hierarchy feed further into the narrative.

This narrative: It was societys fault; were all to blame; it was the times that were in it; sure werent the nuns doing their best when others turned their backs?

The report as published enables the narrative. And at its heart  if you can ascribe a heart to it  the narrative is an absolute and scandalous lie.

Im older than you minister, though Im a long way from dead yet. But I grew up, as many of us did, in an Ireland where the Catholic Church was supreme.

The Catholic Church ruled us  formed our attitudes, told us what we were allowed to think. And politics was supine in front of the Church  not on its knees but on its belly.

For the Church, control was everything.

I dont know whether misogyny and hatred of children was part of the core ethos of the Church or part of the way it exercised control, but it pervaded everything.

And that misogyny was the reason  the only reason  why shame and stigma was locked on to any woman or child who became pregnant without being married.

Sure, some families might have been callous. But in the main, families didnt turn their backs on their daughters because they wanted to. The valley of the squinting windows, created by a misogynistic Church, forced them to treat their children, and their childrens babies, as outcasts.

In failing to name this, and nail it for what it was, the commission missed the entire point. The injustice and cruelty with which women and babies were treated  and it was manifest  may not have been enshrined in statute, but it was the unwritten, and sacrosanct, law of the land. A land where politics did a misogynistic Churchs bidding.

Thats the background, minister. But heres the piece of advice I want to give you. Believe me, its only because I want you to get the next bit right. Its the only way justice is going to be done.

Ive read the government statement, and the Action Plan thats proposed. Behind the gobbledegook, its a miserable attempt. You can cut through that  but only if you take personal charge.

For example, youre going to advance Information and Tracing Legislation to pre-legislative scrutiny in 2021. All that means is getting the heads of a Bill  not the complete bill, nor even a thorough draft  to an Oireachtas committee this year.

On that basis there might, just might, be a possibility that proper legislation will see the light of day in 2023. Really? A determined minister could do a lot better than that.

Then youre going to ensure that a form of enhanced medical card will be provided to all former residents. Thats made a few headlines. But it only applies to mothers and children who were in the homes for more than six months.

A mother who had her baby taken from her immediately after birth, and was kicked out two or three days later  and who has coped ever since with a lifetime of emotional suffering  doesnt qualify. You cant allow that to happen.

Then there is the business of financial redress. The government seems to have committed itself to that on paper, but when you read it carefully, it is some class of one-off payment and it applies to specific groups identified by the commission. Who are they? That doesnt sound to me like the thousands of women whose lives were destroyed in these barbarous places.

In fact, its going to be whoever an interdepartmental group decides they should be, and they will get whatever that interdepartmental group decides they should get.

This is the core of the governments plan, minister. An inter-departmental group. You havent been a minister long, so Im going to tell you, from painful experience, what that means.

An interdepartmental group, by definition, is a group of civil servants, who will come together with one primary objective  to protect the interests of their own departments  and not to advance any objective you might have.

You can search for a year and you wont find a group of civil servants burning with a passion to right the wrongs of the past. Sadly, such civil servants, despite their undoubted merits, dont exist.

It will only do anything if you drive it yourself. If you chair it, if you set the parameters, if you organise the agenda, if you demand they meet, without excuses, every Monday morning.

If you make this your personal project, there is a slight chance of justice being delivered. If you dont, the litany of failure will haunt us all forever.
From the outside, the Meriden Public Schools system looks like a network of struggling city schools.

The state has designated it an Alliance District and one of the lowest-performing districts since more than one-quarter of the students are multiple grades behind in English, math and science. It is also an economically isolated district that spends 30 percent less per student than the state average despite three-quarters of its students coming from low-income families. And the school ratings often used in real estate listings dont look favorably on the district, either.

This is where Miguel Cardona  President-elect Joe Bidens pick to become the next U.S. education secretary  grew up and spent 21 years of his 23-year career as an educator. And his experiences there  his battles and the districts successes  will likely be front-of-mind as he coordinates policy for all the public schools in the country.

Cardona has never put much weight into titles, and he has grown used to defying low expectations set upon him and his students.

If you come across people in your life that doubt you or have low expectations, prove them wrong, Cardona told students in the district last week during a celebration of his nomination and his time in Meriden. Testimonies are better than titles.

Throughout his career, Cardona has focused on being the countervailing force to what he and some education scholars and politicians call the normalization of failure or the soft bigotry of low expectations.

For him, a child born in public housing in a poor community who entered school speaking only Spanish, it meant eluding the likelihood of depressing outcomes for most children who grew up in his ZIP code  and a rapid rise to become the states youngest principal, the states first Latino education commissioner, and likely the countrys next education secretary.

In Meriden, it meant broadening opportunity by opening access to advanced-level courses to drastically more students, embracing the Common Core standards and the accompanying tests that raised the bar for where students should be academically, providing emotional support and interventions for students acting out rather than suspending them, and setting up programs to help more high school graduates navigate to college.

Cardona also took the lead in Meriden to fine-tune controversial education reforms aimed at teacher accountability that were being pushed onto his district by state and federal officials into a model that the local union eventually supported.

Meridens results are ahead of most districts throughout the state on arguably the most important benchmark  the share of students who meet their growth targets and are on track to catch up or stay ahead.

Statewide, 33 percent of students from low-income families were on track to catch up in English Language Arts, compared to 39 percent of the poor students in Meriden by the end of the 2018-19 school year, the last year Cardona was the districts assistant superintendent before becoming state education commissioner. In math, 37 percent of poor students in Meriden were on track, compared to 34 percent statewide. The growth of Meriden students also jumps out compared to the states 32 other low-performing Alliance Districts.

The share of Meriden students from low-income households reaching their growth targets has outpaced state averages nearly every year since 2014-15, when the state first started measuring whether students were on track to catch up.

Education experts have long made the case that looking at such growth is a better measure of district performance than a lone year of standardized student test results that largely serve as a proxy for poverty.

Meriden is a model district, and the growth numbers in particular kind of provide evidence of that, said Casey Cobb, a professor whose research focuses on education reform and leadership at the University of Connecticuts Neag School of Education who got to know Cardona well as he worked to earn multiple education degrees and certificates from the college. Meriden has really been a model district, I think, for sensible student-centered reform. For a high-poverty urban district, theyve done quite well.

Cardonas approach to improving the education provided to the roughly 8,000 students attending Meriden schools each year offers some insight into how he may approach improving urban schools throughout the country if the U.S. Senate confirms him as the next secretary of education.

Its also an approach that drew the attention Linda Darling-Hammond, the person leading Bidens transition team for education, who first met Cardona several years ago during a panel discussion when he was the assistant superintendent of the district.

He has a very thoughtful understanding of teaching and learning and how you actually support people, and so I have been paying attention to him, Darling-Hammond, an expert on teaching practices and currently the president of the Learning Policy Institute, said during an interview shortly after Biden nominated Cardona last month. He shows a deep understanding of teaching and learning and a very strong commitment to equity and the process of improving teaching that is just unusually well developed and very thoughtful. I remember thinking, Wow. He really gets it.'

A delicate approach to controversial reforms

With a trial looming that would determine whether the state was spending enough to meet its constitutional obligations and pressure from the U.S. Department of Education to embrace certain controversial education reforms, former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in 2012 called the school inequities facing the state, the civil rights issue of our time and put education reform as his top issue for the legislature to resolve.

His prescription: redistribute state education aid to impoverished school districts, increase state involvement and authority in chronically failing schools, change how teachers earn and keep tenure, open more charter schools and limit who can be accepted into teacher preparation programs at the states colleges.

Largely left out of the controversial debate that followed were the more bland and expensive ideas of the states Achievement Gap Task force, a panel led by Cardona and Sen. Toni Harp, the leader of the legislatures budget-writing committee.

The year before Malloy would make his bold proposals, Cardona and the panel released its first report that they believed provided a roadmap to close the states yawning gaps in achievement between students from low-income families and their peers by 2020.

Those recommendations included expanding the school day and year, requiring districts to provide full-day kindergarten and offer more vulnerable children access to high-quality preschool, and creating a legislative panel and position that reports to the governor to evaluate the efficacy of district reform efforts.

Despite the task force continuing to meet to prepare its next report, Cardona did not testify either for or against the governors controversial proposals.

The task force chose not to ride the wave of educational reform that was sweeping the state and most of the country in 2012. Instead, it divided the work into two buckets: It analyzed factors inside schools that contributed to achievement gaps, and also the external causes, he would reflect years later in the trade publication District Administration.

But Cardona wasnt completely on the sidelines as the governors controversial reforms were pressing forward. He served as a member on the state panel Malloy tasked with linking teacher ratings with student test scores. And after 10 years of being the principal of a local elementary school, Cardona was made the point-person in Meriden to overhaul its evaluation system to meet the new state requirements.

A clear system of evaluation and accountability can improve teachers instruction, Cardona wrote in his dissertation about the need for political will to address yawning achievement disparities in 2011, the year before he was tasked with overhauling Meridens setup. The need exists to maintain high expectations for teachers performance while simultaneously setting agendas for professional growth of every teacher.

For Cardona, that meant the district using a mix of data and observations to better measure and more fairly track teacher and student outcomes.

That system would help Cardona get buy-in from the local and national teachers unions because an educators rating would only use student test scores for those who were with the teacher the entire school year and only factor in if students were meeting their individual growth targets.

We worked with the unions [and did] not try to shove something down their throat. It was much more of a collaborative style, said Meriden Superintendent Mark D. Benigni, whom Cardona worked under for 9 years. We value growth. Its much more of a growth model.

Erin Benham, who was president of the local teachers union at the time, said it was clear when Cardona teamed up with her that he wanted to get evaluations right and make them a tool to help staff in the district grow rather than be used as a tool to quickly get rid of teachers who need support. That thinking shows up in the annual improvement plans Cardona sent on behalf of Meriden each year to the state, which earmarked a substantial amount of state funding to couple the evaluations with a data system and professional development opportunities for teachers in areas where they needed to improve. Teachers with lower-ratings were also given time away from their classroom to observe and learn from model teachers.

We wanted to look at much more than just one test score that came in the spring. It was much more than that, said Benham, who is now a member of the state Board of Education, which played a key role in naming Cardona as state education commissioner.

A few year later, as the teachers union ramped up pressure for the state to abandon the Common Core standards and the tests associated with them, Cardona traveled to the state Capitol complex to plead with the state not to put a moratorium on implementing the standards, as the legislature was considering.

Over the last 10 years, under the No Child Left Behind era in education, we saw a tremendous narrowing of curriculum to those things that were assessed. Worse, we saw too many teaching and classroom activities mirror the format of the tests, Cardona testified before the education committee. The shift to the Common Core gives us an opportunity to hit the reset button on 10 years of practices that were partly ineffective. It allows us to rethink the skill-and-drill practice and over-emphasis on test prep that have stunted the growth of our students and narrowed the creativity and autonomy our teachers need to meet their needs of their learners.

While education fads werent his solution to closing Connecticuts embarrassing achievement gaps, he wrote in District Administration that an influx of spending on schools was worth a shot.

We spend roughly five times the amount on incarceration than we do on education, he wrote in 2016. Perhaps we have it all wrong. Maybe the task force should focus on closing the gaps between education expenditure and incarceration expenditure.  As Frederick Douglass said, It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.

As the states education commissioner, however, he had to come before several unhappy legislators and defend Gov. Ned Lamonts proposed spending cuts  including cuts to subjects he has long been passionate about, such as bilingual education and after-school programs.

With this budget, difficult decisions have to be made, he testified before the Appropriations Committee last February.

He may not face the same dilemma with his new boss, as Biden wants to triple federal aid to the schools that serve higher numbers of students from low-income families, provide universal preschool and double the number of social workers and psychologists working in the schools.

For far too long, weve spent money on interventions and Band-Aids to address disparities instead of laying a wide, strong foundation of quality, universal, early childhood education and quality, social and emotional supports for all of our learners, Cardona said during a speech after Biden announced him as his pick for education secretary.

This tightrope Cardona has walked over the years when controversy arises  including around reopening schools after the pandemic shut them down  has disappointed some, who would have liked to see him be more bold and pick a side.

Gwen Samuel, a longtime Meriden resident and founder of the Connecticut Parents Union, said while she supports him, she does have concerns that he hasnt been very political to challenge politicians to push forward with what is necessary to improve education.

I know people thought its like a super-pro that hes not into politics, if you will, but you also want someone that understands the landscapes  because hes no longer in Kansas anymore, Samuel said. He plays it [too] safe for me.

The Meriden model

While the overhaul of teacher evaluations and adoption of Common Core may have contributed to Meridens growth, a long list of other efforts to improve the schools were also rolled out during his tenure.

Cardona regularly says the way to improve students outcomes is by addressing the poverty dilemma that excludes so many students from low-income families from accessing the same opportunities as their peers.

In 2015, the year he was promoted to the districts assistant superintendent, Cardona and Benigni co-wrote in District Administration about how they were born into poverty and what they were doing to break that cycle of poverty for more Meriden students.

We were poor. We were the statistic. Yet, just as we were unleashed from the grip of poverty, so too can millions of other children break free, they wrote.

That approach included expanding the school day by 100 minutes at a handful of elementary schools so that students could participate in more extracurriculars such as drama, woodworking, arts and crafts, and hand-on science activities. The district also secured funding to build two new high schools and to purchase tablets for every high school student so they could catch up or move ahead through online learning.

Providing students with expanded learning opportunities allows for greater enrichment and academic growth, Cardona wrote in the districts 2018-19 reform plan to the state.

The district also hired a team of bilingual staff to work with families if their children were missing school and to connect them with things like tutors, dental and medical appointments and after-school programs. They also hired climate specialists to work with students who were acting out and help them understand how their behavior affects their teachers, classmates and their likely success in school.

Benigni said that the restorative practices that Cardona helped train teachers to use focused on getting students to own their behaviors rather than sending them home from school and shut them out from learning. Cardona would also collect and share data with school staff that showed students of color were disproportionately being shut out of class, hoping it would foster an honest discussion about what they must do differently.

The approach  and new state laws that restricted when students could be suspended and expelled  helped drastically reduce suspensions.

We embraced much more of a reflective room space rather than an in-school suspension space, we train teachers on how to work with students who may be exhibiting uncomfortable behaviors, Benigni said. It doesnt mean were not going to suspend, but were going to look at suspension as an exclusionary practice that really, in the end, doesnt benefit the student or our goals as a school system.

Cardona and the district used data to show teachers the positive or negative trends that were being noticed by central office staff. That approach has drawn praise from education experts, including Robert Villanova, the director of UConns Executive Leadership Program at the Neag School of Education and former longtime superintendent of schools in suburban Farmington.

Many school district leadership teams dont have as much success supporting schools out in the trenches as Meriden has, he said. Meridens track record is theyve been able to support their principals in a variety of ways because the central office leadership team is savvy and experienced in how to make sure that they have the resources and the time they need to make improvements.

Meridens approach is also about the culture  and Cardonas seemingly endless optimism that if given the challenge, students will step up.

That meant opening access to Advanced Placement classes for hundreds more students from poor homes  with their representation in these high-level courses increasing 17.6 percentage points during his first three years as assistant superintendent. That increase meant Meriden had one of the smallest gaps in the state between students from poor homes and their peers in these courses. As more students enrolled in these courses, so did the share of students taking the end-of-course exams and students getting a score high enough to potentially earn some college credit.

To get more high school students thinking about college, Cardona  the first in his entire family to go to college  got the high schools in Meriden into The Rise Network, an effort funded largely by billionaire philanthropist Barbara Dalio to help get at-risk students on track to graduate from high school and progress to college or into a career.

That approach started with Cardona serving pancakes and bacon to families during freshman orientation a few weeks before school started to having a team of staff focused on making sure each new ninth-grade class is on track, as research shows that is the most important year for a students trajectory. The program also set up field trips for all sophomore students to visit colleges so they could see for themselves what a college campus was like, and also help students apply for early college experience programs that colleges offer.

Every single student in Meriden has the opportunity to imagine themselves as a college student, said Emily Pallin, the leader of the Rise Network.

The results: Despite a sizable increase in the number of students from low-income families attending Meriden schools, the share of students heading off to college held steady with around 55 percent enrolling in college and about three-quarters of those students making it to their sophomore year of college.

Part of the strategy of raising expectations was also to bring families in often to the discussion and get them on board and excited about their child enrolling in higher-level courses or setting up the path to go to college after high school.

Samuel, of the Connecticut Parents Union, said Cardonas habit of making parents feel heard will serve him well. Because of his willingness to take the time to hear parents out, she believes he will go out of his way to make things happen with parents in mind.

He listened to me, he was attentive. Thats a strength, Samuel said. And I might not have agreed with all the decisions, but I can respect the fact that he listened. Some parents cant say that in their district, so that is an absolute strength.
The Swiss government today urged voters to reject a nationwide burqa ban when the issue is put to a referendum in March, saying it would damage tourism and be 'unhelpful for certain groups of women'.

The March 7 vote could lead to a ban on full face coverings such as the burqas and niqabs worn by some Muslim women.

Two Swiss cantons, St Gallen and Ticino, have already banned full face coverings in regional votes - but the government says a nationwide ban would be a bad idea.

'Very few people in Switzerland wear a full facial covering,' the government said, saying that most of those who do are tourists and spend little time in the country.

The Swiss government today urged voters to reject a nationwide burqa ban when the issue is put to a referendum in March, saying it would damage tourism (file photo)

Montreux and other destinations around Lake Geneva as well as Interlaken in central Switzerland traditionally attract Muslim tourists, mainly from wealthy Gulf states.

Muslims make up only about five per cent of Switzerland's 8.6million people, official statistics show.

'A nationwide ban would undermine the sovereignty of the cantons, damage tourism and be unhelpful for certain groups of women,' the government said.

Switzerland's proposal also forbids forcing somebody to wear a facial covering based on their gender.

France and Denmark have also banned facial coverings, citing efforts to uphold secular values and combat discrimination against women.

In 2009, Swiss voters approved a proposal to ban the construction of new minarets (pictured, an election poster from that year which supported the measure)

Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, any proposal to change the constitution goes to a vote if supporters raise more than 100,000 signatures.

In 2009, nearly 60 per cent of Swiss voters backed a proposal to ban the construction of new minarets.

The group behind the burqa ban proposal - the 'Egerkinger Komitee' that includes members of the right-wing Swiss People's Party - was also behind the minaret ban.

Supporters of the 2009 proposal saw the minarets as alien to Swiss traditions and values at a time of growing unease over the activities of Islamist militants in Europe and the Middle East.

The Swiss government has made a counter-proposal to the facial covering ban that would come into force if voters reject the initial proposal on March 7.

This would require women wearing a facial covering to reveal their face if necessary for identification at administrative offices or on public transport.

AMMAN: Syrian civil defence teams on Tuesday extinguished a huge fire that swept a number of oil tankers loading crude oil from an installation near the countrys main Homs refinery after a blast that hit the depot area, state media said.

An explosion had earlier hit a government-owned crude oil transportation company in the city and oil tankers loading crude oil from the installation then caught fire, state media reported.

Oil Minister Bassam Touma said an unknown explosion that hit a tanker that was offloading crude oil to Homs refinery ended up engulfing seven oil tankers.

The company and the refinery are fine," Touma told state media as state television relayed live footage of the fires.

The governor of Homs, Bassam Barsik, was earlier quoted on state media as saying civil defence teams were working on extinguishing the fire that erupted during the loading of crude oil".

There are no human casualties and we are working on containing the spread of the fire," Barsik said.

The government did not say whether the blast and the fires were a result of an attack as it normally has done in previous incidents where it has blamed foreign-backed terrorists."

Officials privately however said they did not rule out such an attack in a war-torn country where violence has subsided but insurgents and rebels still wage attacks in government-held areas, targeting oil and gas installations.

There have been hit-and-run attacks on government forces in the central province of Homs in recent months by remnants of Islamic State militants who take shelter in outlying, sparsely populated areas.

The Russian air force has also been active in recent weeks in helping the Syrian army bomb suspected hideouts of militants in the Homs area.

Both Homs refinery alongside Banias on the Mediterranean coast are currently facing supply shortages due to erratic supplies of Iranian crude oil to the sanctions-hit country that relies mainly on Tehran for its energy needs.

Syria has over the past year faced months of gasoline and fuel shortages, forcing it to ration supplies distributed across government-held areas and to apply several rounds of steep price hikes.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
A professional wakeskater who was electrocuted by a voltage that is equivalent to six electric chairs has defied doctors who said he likely wouldn't survive the accident by returning to his beloved watersports, despite 25 per cent of his skin melting off in the horrific incident.

Matt Manzari, 31, from Florida, has been wakeskating and wakeboarding since a young age, and was even endorsed by Nike at the age of 15 - becoming the first ever wakeskater to land a partnership with the brand.

However in 2014, his life changed completely when he was electrocuted by a powerline while trimming the trees at his local church - an accident that left him with horrific injuries, and which many felt would keep him away from the water forever.

Recovery: Former professional wakeskater Matt Manzari, 31, was left with horrific scars across his body after being electrocuted by 14,000 volts - the equivalent of six electric chairs

Shocking: The accident occurred in 2014 when Matt, from Florida, was trimming trees at his local church and the metal truck he was standing in conducted electricity from a powerline

Deadly: Matt suffered fifth and fourth degree burns across 25 per cent of his body. His skin was melted and the electricity actually charred his muscles and ligaments, leaving him in a coma

The incident occurred shortly after the former watersports pro graduated from the University of Tennessee and began working with his local church group in June 2014. Weeks later, he offered to trim the trees surrounding the church.

Unbeknownst to Matt, he went about the task with the wrong equipment, using a remote controlled bucket truck with a steel bucket instead of one made from fiberglass. As he reached the canopy level of the trees, a nearby powerline sent a surge of electricity through the metal bucket he was standing in, causing 14,000 volts to tear through Matt's body.

Electric chairs use between 2,000 and 2,200 volts - meaning that Matt's body was subjected to the equivalent of six or seven of them.

Members of the church - including Matt's pregnant wife Bobbye Jean, now 30, who had been working inside the building while her husband was outside - rushed to his aid, but found him in a terrible condition.

The electricity had melted Matt's skin - leaving his ribs and collar bone completely exposed. He has suffered fourth and fifth degree burns across 25 per cent of his body, meaning that the electricity had actually charred his flesh in places, and had even burnt through ligaments and muscles.

Bobbye Jean and Matt's parents were told that Matt was very unlikely to live to see the next day, but miraculously Matt managed to survive the night. Furthermore, doctors told Matt's parents that the amputation of his arms was very likely due to how severe the burns were.

Matt spent the next week in a coma but even after waking up, Matt stood a high percentage chance of contracting sepsis which could have been life threatening due to the amount of skin he had lost and his proneness to infection.

Shock: Doctors told Matt's wife Bobbye Jean, 30, and his family that he likely wouldn't survive - and warned that if he did wake up, he would have brain damage and need an arm amputation

Before: The idea of Matt being unable to use his arms was shocking to those who knew him best. He competed as in professional watersports from age 15 and was sponsored by Nike

Survivor: Despite doctors' warnings, Matt woke from his coma after just one week, and found he had not suffered brain damage. He's since stunned experts by returning to wakeskating

Once again, Matt beat the odds and spent the next three months in hospital undergoing more than 70 surgeries for his injuries including the removal of burnt muscle and tendons in his upper arms and chest, and later skin grafts over his neck, arms, and chest.

Matt's recovery has been a slow and painful process with the regeneration of his damaged nerves being excruciating - something that still causes him ongoing discomfort to this day.

But the father-of-two has made the unlikeliest of recoveries and has even been able to return to wakeskating, something that would have seemed impossible following his accident.

'I started wakeskating and before I knew it, I was sponsored by Nike and traveling the world doing what I loved at the age of 15,' said Matt.

'I was living my childhood dream and even became the world wakeskating champion.

'Although travelling and doing what I loved was amazing, it felt like there was a lot of smoke and mirrors when I reached the top of my sport.

'I felt that my calling from God was to go into ministry and so I enrolled in a theology course at the University of Tennessee.

Support: Matt's wife Bobbye (pictured during his proposal) was working in the church when the accident happened - and she rushed to his aid

Family first: Despite the gruesome prognosis, Matt was able to leave hospital after just three months, and was present for the birth of his first child (pictured wakeskating together)

Fight: Matt has had to undergo 70 surgeries, including a procedure to remove the burnt muscles and ligaments from his chest, as well as multiple skin grafts

'A door opened and I was asked to come into a ministry and teach inner city kids how to water ski, wakeboard, and wakeskate.

'One week after joining, I was trimming trees at a local church and a power line arched over to the metal bucket I was standing in.

'The electricity shocked through me and caused fourth and fifth degree burns which melted most of the skin off of my chest and arms, going deep enough to kill muscle and bone.

'They could see my rib cage and my sternum.

'My wife was working inside the church and after holding her back until the ambulance got there, they finally told her she should say goodbye because they didn't think I was going to make it.

'They rushed me into emergency surgery and I was in a coma but alive. My family was told that if I ever woke up, I would not be the Matt they knew.

'They said that amount of voltage definitely gave me brain damage, they just didn't know how severe. The trauma of that much voltage should have stopped my heart.

'It was the equivalent of being strapped to six electric chairs and them all being turned on. Miraculously, a few days later, I woke up from the coma and began to speak.

Agonizing: After the accident, Matt's skin was so badly charred that it left his rib cage and sternum exposed, leaving him at serious risk of sepsis

Pushing forward: Matt recovery has been a slow and painful process with the regeneration of his damaged nerves being excruciating, but he has slowly been reaching full fitness again

Powerful: 'When I look in the mirror, I see my scars and where my chest and arms muscles have been surgically removed but inside I'm a whole person,' he said

'Doctors were amazed as over the next month, my kidneys never failed, my heart was fine, I was able to keep my arms, and there was no brain damage.

'A doctor told me when I was sitting in hospital that going septic was a matter of when as opposed to if because of the amount of flesh I had exposed.

'I avoided sepsis and returned home in September - three months after my accident - just in time for my son Justice, six, to be born in January.'

Spreading the word: Matt now tours the country as a motivational speaker, using his experiences to help others

Matt's near death experience certainly shifted his outlook on life and he now tours the country as a motivational speaker - sharing his story with businesses, churches and conferences in the hope that his tale of overcoming adversity can inspire others in the challenges they face.

Matt has also set up his own website and clothing brand called Beyond the Burn in order to share his tale of overcoming extreme adversity.

'You definitely look at life differently when you've faced your own mortality,' Matt said.

'When you're in a position where someone tells you, "In eight hours, you will probably be dead," you think about all the things you didn't say and do. You can't help but view life differently.

'When I look in the mirror, I see my scars and where my chest and arms muscles have been surgically removed but inside I'm a whole person.

'I know who I am and I'm excited to do the most that I can with whatever time I have left on this earth.'
Mumbai:

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latters residence in suburban Bandra.

Shah, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, visited Thackerays residence Matoshree and held a close-door meeting, which started at around 10 am and lasted for nearly 75 minutes.

The meeting comes a day after the BJP chief, who is here on a three-day visit to strengthen the party organisation in the state, said his party would consult its allies before finalising the NDAs presidential candidate.

Shiv Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP and the Modi government, recently suggested the name of M S Swaminathan, the father of Indias Green Revolution, as its presidential choice.

The Shiv Sena had earlier said it may choose an independent path in the election to the highest constitutional office. It had backed Congress nominees

Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjeein the last two presidential elections.

Also read: BJP's victory in Himachal Pradesh civic polls historic: Amit Shah

Asked about Fadnavis remark that the BJP was prepared for snap Assembly election, in an apparent reference to continued strain in ties with the Shiv Sena, Shah earlier said, What he meant was that if mid-term polls are forced on us, we are ready to fight.

On the recent farm loan waiver announced by the Maharashtra government, Shah had said through it the state was offering relief to the farmers. The burden of loan waiver will be on the government and not banks, he had said.

Also read: Amit Shah rules out resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties, says both countries will continue playing at world level

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Country Financial Head Quarters Innovation is all about taking calculated risks and, as a newer member, COUNTRY Financial was able to quickly get up-to-speed with our products and move directly into testing."

The Institutes RiskStream Collaborative, the risk management and insurance industrys largest enterprise-level blockchain consortium, recently announced COUNTRY Financial won the consortiums 2020 Innovator Award. This was the first year awards were granted within the consortium. The goal was to publicly acknowledge organizations that have shown exemplary support of the consortiums mission throughout the year.

Innovation is all about taking calculated risks and, as a newer member, COUNTRY Financial was able to quickly get up-to-speed with our products and move directly into testing, said Christopher McDaniel, President of RiskStream Collaborative. Because COUNTRY Financial quickly covered so much ground, they are now moving into testing First Notice of Loss Data Sharing with other members. COUNTRY has been a model member and an innovative contributor to the Collaborative.

COUNTRY Financial joined RiskStream in early 2020 and has been very active over the last year, participating in member to member proof of insurance verification tests over the summer and FNOL data sharing tests in the fall. COUNTRY Financial team members have also been active within commercial lines working groups, assisting in application design and requirement setting.

Were extremely proud to earn such an award in our very first year with the consortium, and Id like to thank our Innovation and COUNTRY Technology teams for pushing us forward into new and exciting areas, said Jim Jacobs, COUNTRY Financial CEO.

As weve worked toward a more cohesive, collaborative team at COUNTRY to help carry out our strategy and objectives to better serve our clients, we are excited to share and build upon our experiences, added Brandy McNalis, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at COUNTRY Financial. We are excited about where collaborative innovation can take us, our clients and the industry as whole.

The RiskStream Collaborative offers insurance solutions for personal lines, commercial lines, reinsurance and life & annuities sectors. Members (carriers, brokers or reinsurers) lead all areas of RiskStreams governance and activity. For example, members work with RiskStream staff to design use cases on behalf of the industry and then work with RiskStream staff and service providers to monitor and test the build out of applications. The Collaborative aims to expand its network of members and connect insurance-oriented organizations in 2021 to create greater efficiencies and achieve growth opportunities through blockchain innovations.

About COUNTRY Financial

COUNTRY Financial is a marketing name for COUNTRY Life Insurance Company, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, Ill. COUNTRY Financial serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services.

About The Institutes RiskStream Collaborative

The Institutes RiskStream Collaborative is the risk management and insurance industrys first enterprise-level blockchain consortium that brings together experts and developers to advance insurance-specific use cases via Canopy, a custom blockchain architecture. The RiskStream Collaborative is committed to equipping organizations to work together to inspire product innovation, enable efficiencies, and open new technological frontiers.

About The Institutes | Risk and Insurance Knowledge Group

The Institutes, the leading provider of risk management and insurance knowledge education and solutions, offer professional designations, including the CPCU program. In addition, The Institutes provide introductory, foundational, and leadership courses and programs; online and continuing education courses; custom solutions; events and conferences; online and print news platforms; assessment tools; and research reports.

CPCU is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.
Gaborone (Botswana) Jan 19, 2021 (SPS) - The Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic in Botswana, Mr. Malainin Lakhal, affirmed that the renewed war in Western Sahara is open to all possibilities after the violation by Morocco of the truce that has prevailed for thirty years and its attempt to attack Sahrawi civilians in the illegal breach of El Guerguerat .

Speaking to the Algerian Press Agency (APS) on Monday, the Saharawi diplomat assured that, with this new aggression, the Moroccan occupier has buried the fragile peace agreement forever and has undermined the three decades of a truce characterized by its intransigence and delay in respecting their commitments.

Our people are determined to continue their resistance and our war against the Moroccan occupation is a war of generations that will not stop until we achieve the final victory ", he asserted and pointed out that" in these moments, there will be no voice louder than the sound of our armed resistance with all the legitimate means to liberate the fullness of the national territory of the Saharawi Republic. SPS

125/090/TRA
The eurozone continues to fight against economic collapse as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, but Brussels is already looking at the risks that will come later: more public and private debt, frozen wages, and a social impact that has not yet been fully felt.

And Spain stands to suffer more than most from these imbalances. On Monday, the European Commission urged Spanish officials to show a strong commitment to reforms.

We are on the right track, but we still need to work together in the coming weeks, said the EUs Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni following the presentation of Spains national recovery plan by Economy Minister Nadia Calvino, who is also one of Spains four deputy prime ministers.

Member states are due to submit their final plans from the second half of February, as the EU prepares to start raising part of the money for its ambitious coronavirus recovery fund, which will inject up to 800 billion into the European economy. Around 140 billion of this amount is earmarked for Spain, making it one of the biggest recipients of grants and loans.

The EU's Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni. AFP

Brussels is hoping that this aid will help relaunch activity, but also correct existing imbalances that are at risk of deepening. On Monday the Eurogroup  a meeting of European finance ministers  held a discussion on macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area ahead of the rollout of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the instrument at the heart of the recovery plan. At the meeting, Nadia Calvino gave a presentation noting that Brussels already has 28 of the 30 reform packages that Spain is planning to launch, and that the other two, covering the labor market and pensions, are on their way.

The minister said she was trying to convey the sense of urgency felt by the Spanish government. Calvinos presentation was described by Commissioner Gentiloni as brilliant and comprehensive, while Eurogroup president Paschal Donohoe called it excellent.

But Brussels is taking a very close look at Spain, where it has estimated that the economy shrank 12.4% in 2020. Gentiloni said that, just like other countries, Spain is being asked for a strong commitment to reforms through specific goals that will require regular progress reports. There are three areas of reform that are of particular interest to Brussels: the labor market, pensions and market unity.

This will still require weeks of negotiations, as recovery plans get adjusted, analyzed and ratified. The plans will need to be approved by European officials, who have given themselves three months to adopt decisions on each plan. Spain will not receive its first 10 billion in funding until the spring at the earliest.

Labor reform

A Deliveroo rider in downtown Barcelona. MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI

Labor reform has been a touchy subject for the Spanish government, which is made up of a center-left coalition of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos. After initially arguing over the need to repeal the 2012 legislation introduced by a previous conservative administration, the coalition partners have reached an internal agreement on the plan they will send to Brussels, according to executive sources familiar with the document.

The sources listed a few key elements, such as reorganizing job contract categories and supporting long-term hiring in a country with very high temporary job rates. But the document is still a statement of intention and a more detailed version will have to be debated with unions and employers before it is taken to parliament.

The document will include sensitive issues such as outsourcing, the status of delivery riders, and job retention schemes as an alternative to layoffs. The suggested reforms will be framed as necessary to end the duality of the Spanish labor market, where there are two distinct worlds: one with employees on long-term contracts with good conditions, and another with workers with temporary, precarious jobs, in addition to the self-employed who have their own set of demands.

Pension reform

The EU Commission is also very interested in Spains pensions system, but reaching a domestic deal on this subject will be harder. There is an internal battle over a pledge by the Socialist partner in Spains government to raise the number of years of Social Security contributions (from 25 to 35 years) to calculate pensions. The unions are threatening action against the move, and the government has called union leaders to a meeting on Tuesday to explain its plans ahead of delivery to Brussels.

Even after Brussels review, all the proposed reforms will have to go through Spains parliament to become law, and that is where the real battles will take place.

English version by Susana Urra.
Irvin Hernandez, an associate in the Atlanta office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, was named to Latino Leaders magazines list of Lawyers to Keep on the Watch.

According to the publication, inclusion on the list is based on nominations for Latino lawyers with impressive backgrounds, successful work, and deep involvement in their community.

Hernandez focuses his practice on products liability litigation. He defends high-profile product liability, pharmaceutical, and medical device cases throughout the country in state and federal courts. He has experience litigating lawsuits from pre-suit claims, to single-plaintiff claims to consolidated or coordinated proceedings, concurrent federal and state litigation, and multidistrict litigation (MDL). Hernandez also helps advise these companies on regulatory, compliance, and risk management strategies as well as compliance matters governed by the FDA and other federal and state regulatory bodies.

Hernandez has said that he strives to make a meaningful impact in his profession and personal life. In his free time, he serves on various bar and community organizations to help increase diversity and to establish a pipeline of diverse candidates for involvement in the legal and local community. He is a member of the American Bar Association and currently volunteers with the AVLF Saturday Lawyers Program and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Atlanta Intown Chapter. He is the Leadership Academy Co-Chair for the Georgia Latino Law Foundation, the Director of Communications for the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, and serves as a mentor for the Latin American Association, High School Mentoring Program. Hernandez also maintains a diverse pro bono practice and serves in various leadership roles both inside and outside of the firm.

About Greenberg Traurigs Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firms efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 3.0 certification, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
The apex court had on 11 January stayed the implementation of the three laws, against which farmers are protesting at Delhi borders for over 50 days now

New Delhi: The Supreme Court-appointed committee on the three new farm laws is scheduled to hold its first meeting with members on Tuesday at Pusa campus, its member Anil Ghanwat said.

"We are going to meet tomorrow. Only members will meet to discuss the terms of reference and decide the future course of action," Ghanwat, president of Shetkari Sanghatana (Maharashtra), told PTI before boarding a flight to Delhi.

The Supreme Court had on 11 January stayed the implementation of the three laws, against which farmers are protesting at Delhi borders for over 50 days now, till further orders and appointed a four-member panel to resolve the impasse.

Bhartiya Kisan Union President Bhupinder Singh Mann, however, recused himself from the committee last week.

Apart from Ghanwat, agri-economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi are the other members of the panel.

The panel will hear views of farmers across the country, both who support and oppose the new farm laws, and submit a report within two months to the apex court.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Joe Biden will take the oath of office Wednesday, becoming the 46th president of the United States in a ceremony that will combine centuries-old tradition with a socially-distanced twist necessitated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Though there will be A-list celebrities, former presidents, congressional leaders and armed troops, the ceremony will take place before a smaller crowd in Washington, D.C., which, like most major cities, has been locked down to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Attendees will be wearing masks and will be seated at a safe distance from each other, and the crowd will be reduced to about 1,000 people, down significantly from the traditional 200,000.

Security will be present in abundance all around Washington, as the threat of domestic terrorism looms large in the wake of recent violence at the Capitol, occurring when supporters of President Donald Trump breached the building during a violent protest, leaving five dead, including a Capitol police officer.

Heres what to expect on Inauguration Day 2021:

Though the event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., it is predicted that Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as president and vice president just after noon Wednesday, as is tradition.

Biden will then deliver his first presidential address to the nation. The event will take place outdoors, at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

After an invocation by the Rev. Leo J. ODonovan, a Jesuit priest and former president of Georgetown University, Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Ga., will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lady Gaga, who joined with Biden to take a stand against sexual assault, will sing the National Anthem.

Amanda Gorman, the countrys first Youth Poet Laureate, will read a poem she wrote for the occasion, called The Hill We Climb. Gorman, like Biden, overcame a speech impediment.

More of our nations most famous entertainers will participate, including Jennifer Lopez, who is considered to be one of the nations most influential Latin celebrities.

In keeping with tradition, John Roberts, chief justice of the Supreme Court, will administer the oath of office to Biden, who will place his hand on top of his family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Jill Biden.

Harris will be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court. Harris is the first woman, the first Black American and the first South Asian American woman to be sworn in as vice president.

It has been reported that Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles, one belonging to Thurgood Marshall, the countrys first African American Supreme Court justice.

In this Nov. 2, 2020 file photo, Lady Gaga performs during a drive-in rally for then-Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Lady Gaga will sing the National Anthem at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol when Biden is sworn in as the nation's 46th president on Wednesday. (Associated Press/Andrew Harnik)AP

Who will attend?

As is usually the case, most of Congress and the Supreme Court are expected to be in attendance, along with former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. First ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton will be there too. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosallyn, will not be in attendance.

Usually the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies distributes 200,000 tickets to congressional offices to hand out to constituents

This time around, theyll receive just two tickets each, one for the member and one for a guest.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee has urged Americans not to travel to Washington and to instead participate in the inaugural activities from home.

What security measures will be in place?

Biden has refused to hold the event indoors, so the threat of violence has forced several changes. Extra security measures will take place, including the presence of more than 25,000 National Guard troops. Security fencing has been erected near the Capitol and the White House, and several streets have been shut down, in addition to the National Mall.

Precautions have also caused Biden to cancel his ceremonial Amtrak trip to Washington from Wilmington, Del.

After the swearing-in

After being sworn in, Biden and Harris will participate in a Pass in Review with members of the military on the East Front of the Capitol in the presence of representatives of every branch of the military.

Biden, Harris and their spouses will then travel to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where they will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also present at the ceremony will be the Obamas, the Bushes and the Clintons.

There will not be a parade following the traditional route along Pennsylvania Avenue NW to the White House from the Capitol.

Instead, the Biden Inaugural Committee is planning a televised virtual event, featuring performances in communities across the United States.

The virtual Parade Across America will be hosted by the actor Tony Goldwyn, and will feature appearances by Earth, Wind and Fire, former Daily Show host Jon Stewart and heroes from across the nation.

Biden will walk the one block along Pennsylvania Avenue from 15th Street to the White House with a socially distanced presidential escort, featuring every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Will there be an Inaugural Ball?

The traditional inaugural balls have been canceled. Instead, a star-studded television event Celebrating America will be broadcast at 8:30 p.m. The event is being hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks.

Celebrities expected to perform include Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Foo Fighters and Jon Bon Jovi. They are expected to perform from various locations across the country.

How to watch the inauguration and related events

All of the major broadcast and cable networks will carry the inauguration ceremony live, with MSNBC beginning its coverage at 6 a.m. It will also be streamed live at BidenInaugural.org/watch

Celebrating America will be carried live by ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC and streamed live on the Presidential Inaugural Committees social media channels on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host Our White House,' a curated live-streamed event for children, which will continue through the Inaugural Ceremony. Broadcast by Nickelodeon, the program will feature a special message from the incoming first lady; commentary from historians, a segment on presidential pets and trivia questions. It can be viewed at BidenInaugural.org/youth and the Presidential Inaugural Committees YouTube channel.

Egypt's Minister of Information, Osama Heikal, told MPs on Tuesday that since he came to office in June 2018, he has done his best to develop the role of the ministry in defending the image of Egypt and explaining government policies.

"In this respect, I want to remind everyone that the Ministry of Information was created upon the request of many and upon an initiative from President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi to fill the void in the information and media sector," said Heikal

When he took office, Heikal said he would set up the ministry's headquarters and allocate it a budget to do its job.

"But this was not an easy job, not to mention that the constitution states that three institutions are also in charge of forging information policies, and these are the National Press Council, the National Media Council, and the Higher Council for Media Regulation.

According to Heikal, while the National Media Council is burdened with EGP 40 million in debts, the National Press Council also suffers from EGP 22 million in accumulated debts.

In response, MPs asked Heikal not to work as both the minister of information and the chairman of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC) at the same time.

Ashraf Rashad, the spokesman of the Mostaqbal Watan party, which holds a majority in parliament, said "it is illegal and in violation of the constitution that Heikal doubles as both minister of information and the EMPC's chairman at the same time."

"I hope that professors of law will tell us whether what Heikal is doing is legal and constitutional," said Rashad.

MP Mostafa Salem, deputy chairman of the budget committee, also insisted that it is by no means legal and constitutional that Heikal doubles as both a minister of information and chairman of the EMPC.

"If Heikal wants to retain his post as minister of information, he should resign as the EMPC's chairman and pay back all the money he received from this post," said Salem.

He also said that "Heikal failed to achieve the ministry of information's objectives and due to the ongoing conflict between him and journalists and media institutions, I ask that the ministry of information be cancelled."

Heikal faced a barrage of attacks in the last period, with many in the private sector media accusing him of failing to do his job.

Short link:


Healthcare and other frontline workers involved in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic must not doubt the vaccines, the government said on Tuesday. India is using two vaccines - Covishield and Covaxin - and concerns about "adverse events" following immunisation are unfounded, said two senior government officials.

Government think tank NITI Aayog's members along with top medical experts have requested the people eligible for vaccination not to fall for rumours on safety. They added that minor adverse effects are common and should not deter people from inoculation.

"A lot of efforts have gone into making the vaccines. If our healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses are declining it (vaccination), then it's very upsetting. We never know what form this pandemic could take, how big it could get, so please get vaccinated," said Dr said VK Paul, Member - Health, NITI Aayog, at a press conference in Delhi.

"The whole world is clamouring for a vaccine. If we still decline then it is a matter of sadness... We have to start non-COVID services. Those who are fortunate to receive the vaccine should not refuse it," Paul said.

Paul, who took a shot of the Bharat Biotech's Covaxin on Saturday, said India has a breather from COVID-19 and it is time to vaccinate as many as possible.

Union Health Ministry said that the adverse events following immunisation make up 0.18 per cent of the total vaccinations and only 0.002 per cent cases have ended in hospitalisation. India has since Saturday vaccinated more than 630,000 people, the fastest in the world in doing so, officials said.

Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, while referring to a medical term about expected reactions to a vaccine, said, "Concerns about adverse events following immunisation are unfounded and insignificant. We are in a situation of a lot of comfort. These two vaccines are safe. There is no undue reactogenicity."

Centre has asked states -- Punjab, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu -- with less than 40 per cent coverage vaccination to take steps to ramp up the number of sessions. Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Goa are already holding vaccination sessions twice a week.

The Health Ministry clarified that the decision to provide the two COVID-19 vaccines -- Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India; and Covaxin, manufactured by Bharat Biotech -- to states was taken based on supplies.

The final decision on which of the vaccines will go to which session was left entirely up to the states. "Micromanagement in such matters can be done better by the states," Bhushan added.

While India has cleared both Covishield and Covaxin, people can't decide which of the two they want to take.

Bhushan also said that the follow up on adverse events post-vaccination is a passive exercise in case a person is given Covishield and the onus of reporting such events is on the beneficiary.

However, in the case of Covaxin, a proactive follow up is done by the doctors since the approval has been given for restricted use in clinical trial mode. Bhushan added that in case of any adverse event that is caused by the Covaxin, the cost of hospitalisation will be borne by the authorities.

More than 6.31 lakh people have been vaccinated in India till today, as per the government data on Day 4. No cases of severe or serious adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) were reported from any state on Tuesday, said the government.

Till Monday, 580 cases of adverse reactions were observed with seven people hospitalised. Two have died also but neither deaths are related to vaccines.

The World Health Organisation defines AEFI as any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunisation and does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine. The AEFI percentage is 0.18 per cent, the government said.

In the last 24 hours, 10,064 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported, the lowest in seven months. So far, India has reported more than 1 crore cases and over 1.52 lakh deaths.

Also Read: Bharat Biotech gets Phase 1 trial nod for COVID-19 nasal vaccine

Also Read: India to supply COVID-19 vaccines to 6 partner nations from Wednesday

Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination: Only 28% inoculated in Punjab amid persistent safety concerns
ADVERTISEMENT

Following the successful activation of the Economic Sustainability Plans (ESP) Cash Transfer scheme aimed at delivering financial support to at least 1 million urban-based households using technology, the Buhari administrations vision of reducing extreme poverty by lifting at least 20 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next two years is now within reach, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Mr Osinbajo stated this Tuesday in Abuja while flagging-off, virtually, the cash transfer scheme to be facilitated through a wholly technology-based approach called the Rapid Response Register (RRR).

RRR is the means by which urban poor and vulnerable population can be speedily identified using geographic satellite technology and other related means for the purposes of delivering cash to households affected by the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

According to the Vice President the groundbreaking success of the RRR now emboldens us to achieve our aspiration of a social security programme for a minimum of twenty million Nigerians in the next two years. This will be the largest of its kind on the continent. This (aspiration) is, at least from the perspective of this tested approach, now well within our reach.

The only constraint, of course, is the funding which we must look for because, this country deserves a social security scheme that will not merely alleviate poverty but also create wealth for the millions of those who are waiting for this opportunity.

Our government launched the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) in 2017 to provide the framework for institutionalizing the work we started since 2016 on reducing extreme poverty in Nigeria, based on our administrations vision to create a comprehensive social security programme for the poor and vulnerable and thereafter the pledge to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years.

The Vice President maintained that the launch of the (RRR) social protection method of targeting, which is the first strategy to be developed and tested in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, would enable Nigeria tackle poverty in a more systematic manner, leveraging technology to expand the scope of the interventions.

His words: As of 31st December 2020, we have identified and registered about 24.3 million poor and vulnerable individuals into the National Social Register; equivalent to about 5.7 million households. Through this project, we are currently injecting about N10 billion directly into the hands of about 2 million poor and vulnerable people every month.

This is about the largest evidence-based effort by any administration on poverty reduction and its impact on the lives of the poor is huge; by way of improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries through enhanced household purchasing power; smoothening consumption; increasing savings and acquisition of household assets; and improving the local economy. There are many more ramifications.

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, said the initiative would provide a gateway to other important government programmes, adding that Nigeria now has a database for impact tracking and the expansion of social interventions and related programmes, in line with President Muhammadu Buharis vision of extending financial support to more Nigerians.

She said By design, this register links to other databases such as banking information of respondents and national identity numbers. It is also a process that is advanced in unifying national databank towards the delivery of social development in Nigeria. There is no doubt that in future, as has been demonstrated in the previous presentation, we would be reverting to the process used here and the register itself, to aid emergency assistance.

On his part, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Subham Chaudhuri commended the Federal Government for the initiative, noting it as a critical component in the countrys response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While pledging the support of the World Bank for the project, Mr Chaudhuri emphasized the need for stakeholders to remain transparent in the selection and disbursement of the funds to the beneficiaries.

About 3,115 households received alerts of payments instantly at the flag-off of the project by the Vice President. A total of 1 million households would be impacted directly under the scheme in the next 6 months. Each household already identified will receive N5000 cash transfer from January to June this year.

The Cash Transfer scheme which is part of the ESP is designed to build a shock responsive framework for capturing and registering the urban poor and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The RRR focuses mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

Also present at the event include the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; the representative of the European Union (EU) mission in Nigeria, Ketil Karlsen, among others.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President
Nigel Duane is accused of being out of control in Mater hospital

A YOUNG man assaulted a hospital nurse by grabbing her arm and pushing her, then spat in the eyes of the investigating gardai, it is alleged.

Nigel Duane (24) is accused of getting out of control and assaulting the nurse and two gardai at the emergency department of Dublins Mater Hospital.

He was granted bail despite garda objections and his case was adjourned for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Duane, with an address at Cameron Court apartments, Cork Street, is charged with assaulting a nurse, two counts of assaulting gardai, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and criminal damage to a patrol van.

The offences are alleged to have happened on December 16, 2020.

Dublin District Court heard it was alleged the accused was in the emergency department at the hospital when he grabbed a nurse by the arm and pushed her.

When gardai arrived to deal with the incident, it was alleged he spat into the eyes of officers at the scene.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Edward Bradbury said there were summary charges before the court.

Judge Bryan Smyth said the alleged assault on the gardai and the criminal damage charge were all indictable. The court heard the directions of the DPP were to be sought on the garda assault charges.

Mr Bradbury said the allegation seemed to be that there was alcohol involved and this individual seems to have been somewhat out of control.

Judge Smyth said he believed it was a case where the accused was entitled to bail under strict conditions.

He granted bail in Mr Duanes own bond of 200, with no lodgment required.

Under conditions, he is to stay away from the Mater Hospital, sign on three times per week at his local garda station, live at the address provided and notify gardai of any change. He is also to be contactable at all times by mobile phone and sober in public.
WASHINGTON - A dozen members of the National Guard have been removed from inauguration duty as the federal government screens troops involved for security concerns, senior U.S. defense officials said Tuesday, one day before President-elect Joe Biden is set to take over as commander in chief.

The troops include at least two with possible sympathies for anti-government groups, said two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Ten were removed for reasons that defense officials declined to detail but said did not involve extremism.

"These are vetting efforts that identify any questionable behavior in the past, or any potential link to questionable behavior not related to extremism," said Jonathan Rath Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesman. He said the Defense Department is proactively removing people "out of an abundance of caution."

"There is going to be a continued look at this," Hoffman said. "Whether that is an internal DOD look within their chain of command or an investigation by others is something that is being determined."

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, declined to provide specifics about the troops alleged to have expressed common cause with anti-government groups but said they had made "inappropriate comments." One of them was flagged because of concern within his unit, while the other was reported anonymously, defense officials said. The other 10 guardsmen were identified by the FBI, Hokanson said.

The 12 represent a tiny fraction of the 25,000 guardsmen deployed in Washington for the inauguration because of the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob that sought to stop the certification of Biden as the next president. The group, supporting President Donald Trump, launched an attack that led to the death of a Capitol Police officer, a woman who was shot by police, and three people who suffered medical emergencies.

An additional 2,000 active-duty service members are involved in the inauguration in ceremonial roles, said Army Maj. Gen. Omar Jones, the commander of the Military District of Washington. Those troops are credentialed by the Secret Service and have been reduced in number by about 3,500 over a typical inauguration because of the pandemic, he said.

Washington Post photo by Joshua Lott

Democratic lawmakers have sought vetting of National Guard members deployed for the inauguration since the riot, citing the arrest of numerous veterans in the mob, including a current member of the Virginia National Guard and an Army reservist. The names of guardsmen supporting the inauguration were sent to the FBI for screening as an additional precaution.

The scrutiny over extremist group activity within the ranks has helped generate leads from alert citizens, city officials said.

A passerby at the D.C. Armory parking lot noticed a truck bearing a sticker for the Three Percenters, a right-wing anti-government group, and alerted Charles Allen, a District of Columbia councilman.

Allen referred the matter to city security officials and a senior D.C. Guard official, and it appeared that law enforcement was involved, he said. The Three Percenters "has no home in the District of Columbia," Allen said.

It is unclear whether the driver, whose truck bears Virginia plates, was one of the troops removed from duty. Cotton Puryear, a spokesman for the Virginia National Guard, declined to comment, citing cooperation with law enforcement.

For years, defense officials have said they do not tolerate extremism in the ranks - a point that senior defense officials repeated Tuesday.

After racial justice protests last summer, the Pentagon established the Department of Defense Board on Diversity and Inclusion, which found in its initial report in December that more research is needed to address the infiltration of extremist ideologies in the U.S. military.

During the inauguration, the guardsmen will play a key role in forming a fenced outer security perimeter that stretches for miles and includes the Capitol and the White House.

Most of the guardsmen - triple the number deployed during Trump's inauguration four years ago - are armed with rifles, with magazines of ammunition on hand but not in the weapon. Inside the perimeter, the Secret Service and other authorities will serve as additional security.

Guardsmen closer to the inner workings of the inauguration, such as those overseeing access points, may receive higher levels of screening, said Michael Taheri, a retired Air Force major general and former director of staff for the National Guard Bureau.

Background checks for service members have broadened in recent years to include social media activity and more frequent monitoring, Taheri said, mirroring how private companies comb online behavior for prospective hires.

"My guess is there is a lot of open stuff out there," he said.

The removal of the guardsmen comes after some leaders have taken exception to the additional vetting.

Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, tweeted Monday that the screening of National Guard members for extremist ties is "the most offensive thing I've ever heard."

"I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC," he tweeted. "I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

Other officials have questioned whether having the National Guard involved is safe.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said in a Monday interview on CNN that guardsmen who did not vote for Biden are in "the large class of people who might want to do something" threatening at the inauguration. Facing a backlash, Cohen said Tuesday in a statement that he appreciated the assurance that the National Guard's presence "provides that we will have a successful inauguration."

Jim Golby, an Army veteran who studies civil-military affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, said he is confident that the National Guard will perform professionally and admirably on Inauguration Day. The military, he said, "understands what is at stake and remains committed to carrying out its duties in a nonpartisan manner."

Golby said service members are accustomed to carrying out orders they may not personally like.

"There are always risks, and there is always the potential for individuals to make terrible choices," he said. "But I'm confident members of the National Guard are taking their duties seriously and doing all they can to mitigate potential risks."
A transportation security administration worker monitors bags as they enter an explosive detection system at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., in a file photo. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Security Experts Not Typically Included in Canadas Procurement Process, Says Review of Nuctech Deal

Global Affairs Canada drew public concern last year over plans to purchase security equipment from a Chinese state-owned company. A recent review found that the department does not usually consult security experts prior to procurement.

In July 2020, the federal government awarded Nuctech, a Chinese state-owned firm, a $6.8 million contract to install X-ray machines for 170 Canadian embassies, consulates, and high commissions.

But the deal raised security-related concerns due to Nuctechs links to the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and to the Chinese military.

As criticism mounted, Global Affairs spent $250,000 to hire consultation firm Deloitte to review the departments procurement process.

The department has a procurement planning process for significant procurements and the plan is presented to the Departmental Contract Review Board. The security subject matter experts (SME), however, are not typically included in the procurement planning process, Deloitte concluded in its report.

Deloitte suggested that Global Affairs develop guidelines for considering specific security threats and vulnerabilities. It also recommended enlisting security experts in future procurement assessment processes in order for the department to keep abreast of evolving security threats around the globe.

Nuctech was founded by Hu Haifeng, son of former CCP leader Hu Jintao. The company has connections to the Party and to the Peoples Liberation Army.

Nuctech has a history of controversies related to unfair business dealings and bribery, including in Namibia and Taiwan.

The company is dubbed the Huawei of airport security for providing screening for cargos and baggage. However, U.S. officials have expressed concerns that its system can give the CCP easy access to personal data and sensitive commercial information.

In 2014, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration barred Nuctech equipment from the countrys airports due to security concerns. The United States has also been pushing its European allies to ban Nuctech for the same reason.

Conservative MP Kelly McCauley said in a Facebook post that the Liberal government ignored warnings in trying to buy security equipment from the Chinese regime instead of from an Alberta company. Calgary-based KPrime was one of at least three Canadian companies that had bid on the contract.

He also said the Deloitte review was a mind-boggling waste of $250k of taxpayers dollars for a consultant to basically tell them: dont buy sensitive security technology from authoritarian dictatorships like the Chinese Communists.'

Despite the Liberal attempts, we got the Communist Chinese firm blocked from this purchase, McCauley wrote.

With reporting by Isaac Teo and Emel Akan


THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

~ Funds to be Used to Purchase and Develop El Cubo ~

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / VanGold Mining Corp (the "Company" or "VanGold") (TSXV:VGLD) announces that due to increased demand and to allow for participation from existing security holders who may not otherwise qualify as accredited investors, the Company has expanded the size of its non-brokered private placement financing announced December 23, 2020 (the "Private Placement"). The Private Placement will now consist of a total of 42,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit for gross proceeds of $12,600,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one half (1/2) of a common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"); with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.45 within three years of closing, subject to acceleration in certain events. All other terms of the Private Placement as announced on December 23, 2020 remain the same.

The Private Placement remains subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and is expected to close immediately prior to or concurrent with the Company's acquisition of the El Cubo mine and mill complex ("El Cubo"). The Company may pay finder's fees in cash, shares and/or warrants to certain finders in connection with the sale of Units in accordance with the policies of the TSXV and all securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of closing.

Reinstatement of Trading:

The Company has submitted documentation pertaining to its acquisition of El Cubo (the "Acquisition"), as well as the Company's budget and financing plans in relation to the Acquisition, to the TSXV for review. Upon completion of that review process the Company expects its shares to be reinstated for trading on the TSXV.

El Cubo Mine and Mill:

On December 18, 2020 the Company announced it had signed a binding LOI with Endeavour Silver Corp. (the "Endeavour Agreement") to acquire El Cubo. Click here to see full news release. The El Cubo plant and tailings facilities are currently on short term care and maintenance and VanGold intends to re-start the mill at approximately 750 tonnes per day using mineralized material from its existing surface and underground stockpiles at El Pinguico as a significant portion of its estimated throughput for the first 36 months of operation.

As reported by Endeavour on January 29, 2020 [i], as at December 31, 2019, El Cubo contained the following silver-gold resources:

Resource Tonnes Ag g/t Au g/t Ag oz Au oz Ag Eq oz Measured 19,000 224 1.89 140,000 1,200 236,000 Indicated 32,000 209 2.03 214,000 2,100 382,000 Inferred 463,000 163 1.89 2,419,000 28,200 4,675,000

VanGold is not treating these estimates as current mineral resources as a qualified person on behalf of VanGold has not done sufficient work [ii] to classify these estimates as current resources. [iii] However, as such resources were derived from 19 different veins on the property, the Company believes El Cubo hosts excellent exploration possibilities for the future.

Under the Endeavour Agreement, VanGold will acquire the El Cubo mine, the El Cubo mill (known also as the El Tajo mill), and approximately 7,000 hectares of prospective mining concessions located adjacent to the El Cubo mill and within the greater Guanajuato mine region. The Acquisition remains subject to acceptance of the TSXV.

VanGold's El Pinguico Project:

El Pinguico is a high-grade gold and silver deposit that was mined from the early 1890s until 1913. Toward the end of that period it was mined exclusively by The Pinguico Mines Company of New York City, whose shares traded on the Boston and New York Stock Exchanges. The mining was done principally from the El Pinguico and El Carmen veins, which are thought to be splays off the Mother Vein, or 'Veta Madre'.

The Veta Madre is associated with a mega fault that outcrops for 25 kilometres and is the most important source of precious metal mineralization in the region. Current geologic interpretation, based on regional mapping and projections from the Veta Madre developed at adjacent historic mine operations, suggest that the Veta Madre vein system may cross VanGold's property at depth, underneath the high grade El Pinguico and El Carmen veins. Very limited drilling has been done on the property and no drilling has yet attempted to encounter the Veta Madre at depth. The intersection of these major vein structures are excellent exploration targets and may result in zones of significant size and grades.

Hernan Dorado Smith, a director of VanGold and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Existing Securityholder Exemption within the Private Placement.

The Private Placement is being made pursuant to certain exemptions from the prospectus requirements in Canada to "accredited investors", "family members, close friends and business associates" of directors and executive officers of the Company, and now to existing shareholders of the Company under the "existing securityholder exemption" (the "Existing Securityholder Exemption"). The Company has allocated up to a maximum of 1,500,000 Units for gross proceeds of up to $450,000 for sale to existing shareholders under the Existing Securityholder Exemption on a "first come first serve".

For existing shareholders, the Private Placement is available to all shareholders of the Company as at January 15, 2021, (the "Record Date") who satisfy the criteria for participating in the Private Placement under the Existing Securityholder Exemption including that the shareholder: (a) was a shareholder of the Company on the Record Date (and is still a shareholder), (b) is purchasing the Units as a principal (i.e. for their own account and not for any other party), (c) may not purchase more than C$15,000 of securities from the Company in any 12 month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding suitability of the investment from a registered investment dealer; and (d) must execute and deliver a subscription agreement in the required form which includes the requirements of the Existing Securityholder Exemption. Any persons who become shareholders of the Company after the Record Date are not permitted to participate in the Private Placement using the Existing Securityholder Exemption, but other exemptions may still be available to them. Shareholders interested in participating in the Private Placement under the Existing Securityholder Exemption should consult with their investor advisor or contact the Company as soon as possible as this portion of the Private Placement will be allocated on a first come first serve basis such that a subscription received from an existing shareholder may not be accepted by the Company if the allocation under the Existing Securityholder Exemption is over subscribed.

The Company plans to allocate the gross proceeds raised under the Existing Shareholder Exemption in the amount of $450,000 (assuming the Existing Shareholder Exemption is fully subscribed for) towards the refurbishment of the El Cubo mill for operation ($300,000) and the delineation and development of the historic resources identified by Endeavour Silver Corp. ($150,000).

About VanGold Mining Corp.

VanGold Mining is an exploration and development company engaged in reactivating high-grade past producing silver and gold mines near the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. The Company's El Pinguico project is a significant past producer of both silver and gold located just 7 kilometers south of the city. The Company remains focused on the near-term potential for development and monetization of its surface and underground stockpiles of mineralized material at El Pinguico, and in delineating silver and gold resources through underground and surface drilling on projects located in this historic mining camp.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"James Anderson"

Chairman and CEO

For further information regarding VanGold Mining Corp, please contact:

James Anderson, Director, +1 (778) 989-5346

Email: james@vangoldmining.com

Continue to watch our progress at: www.vangoldmining.com

This new release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to, the conditions and expected timing for reinstatement of the Company's shares for trading on the TSXV, the successful acquisition of El Cubo on the proposed terms and estimated timing for closing thereof, the ability of VanGold to raise the necessary funding to purchase El Cubo on the terms and conditions contemplated including the final amount, terms, allocation and use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the ability of VanGold to successfully re-start the El Cubo mill and supply sufficient mineralized material from El Cubo and the Company's El Pinguico project for processing through the El Cubo mill at projected rates, the ability to generate positive cash flow from the El Cubo mill as contemplated or at all, the exploration and development potential of El Cubo and the potential existence of mineral resources thereon, and the potential intersection at depth of the "Veta Madre" with the Company's El Pinguico and El Carmen veins. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, currency rate fluctuations, actual results of exploration and development activities, unanticipated geological formations and characteristics, environmental risks, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that VanGold will successfully finance and complete the acquisition of El Cubo on the terms contemplated or at all or, if acquired, that the Company will be able to re-start the El Cubo mill to process mineralize materials in the amounts and at the costs anticipated. In addition, there is uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access El Pinguico or El Cubo or procure equipment, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by law.

VANGOLD MINING CORP.

PH: +1(778) 989-5346 E: info@vangoldmining.com W: vangoldmining.com

CA: Suite 2820 - 200 Granville Street, Vancouver B.C. V6C 1S4

MX: Carretera - Guanajuato - Silao km 5.5, Int 4, Col. Marfil CP36250, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

[i] Extracted from Endeavour's news release dated January 29, 2020. [ii] These figures are historical in nature, have not been verified by VanGold and should not be relied upon. A thorough review by VanGold's "qualified person" of all historic data, along with additional exploration and validation work to confirm results and estimation parameters, would be required in order to produce a current mineral resource estimate for El Cubo. [iii] Endeavour reported that its El Cubo mineral resource estimates were (a) calculated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, (b) cut-off grades were based on a 196 g/t silver equivalent for Area II (that comprises Dolores Mine) of El Cubo and 238 g/t silver equivalent for Areas I and IV (that comprises Santa Cecilia and San Nicolas Mines) of El Cubo, (c) silver equivalent grades and ounces are based on 80:1 silver:gold ratio and calculated using only silver and gold, and (d) price assumptions were US$16.34/oz for silver and US$1,279/oz for gold. SOURCE: Vangold Mining Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624829/VanGold-Increases-Placement-to-12600000
Government bailouts of airlines might stall post-pandemic consolidation in the sector, the CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has insisted.

There's an expectation amongst some airline bosses such as Ryanair's Michael O'Leary that the Covid crisis that has bludgeoned the sector will lead to acquisition and other opportunities.

Alexandre de Juniac told the virtual Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin conference yesterday that about 50 airlines around the world have gone bust since the pandemic began last year.

"Government presence in many airline shareholdings may stall or slow down consolidation because governments, having injected public funds in airlines will be reluctant to sell it or sell part of it to new partners," he said.

"I'm not sure that consolidation will accelerate," he added. "The financial situation of many airlines is so weak that they have no means of buying anything. They have to survive."

Globally, governments have pumped about $160bn into the aviation sector since the pandemic began. But it's reckoned the Chinese government has also injected an additional $40bn, bringing the total to $200bn.

Mr de Juniac's tempered view on consolidation is at odds with that of other aviation executives.

At yesterday's conference, the chief executive of aircraft lessor Gecas, Greg Conlon, said he believes there will be consolidation amongst airlines. He said the fact carriers have also taken on more debt during the pandemic will benefit the aircraft leasing market.

"There's going to be, certainly, less operators than there were before," he said of a likely shake-out amongst global carriers.

"We're starting to see that," he added. "There's going to be some consolidation in terms of the number of airlines out there."

Gecas is one of the world's largest aircraft lessors.

Gus Kelly, the chief executive of Dublin-based AerCap, the world's biggest jet lessor, said it's not in the interest of governments to see airlines fail.

"Airlines are a vital part of global infrastructure," he said at yesterday's conference, which is typically held physically in Dublin at this time every year. It and another event held at the same time in the city, the Airfinance Journal conference, typically lure thousands of delegates from around the world.

"And airlines are a vital part of specific economies and their infrastructure," said Mr Kelly. "I do believe governments will continue to support airlines. They're not going to support every airline. That's not going to happen. We will no doubt see a few more casualties over the winter, but governments realise that airlines have to survive."

Mr de Juniac said he's broadly optimistic for the airline sector.

"There is still a very strong appetite everywhere in the world, particularly in developing countries, and also in more developed countries, to fly," he said.

"The long-term growth is still there for air traffic."

Mr De Juniac will be succeeded in the spring by Willie Walsh, former chief executive of Aer Lingus owner IAG.
Provincial and territorial governments should set clear rules for vaccinating health care workers against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in public and private settings, and should not leave this task to employers, according to an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

"An effective vaccine provided to health care workers will protect both the health workforce and patients, reducing the overall burden of COVID-19 on services and ensuring adequate personnel to administer to people's health needs through the pandemic," writes Dr. Colleen M. Flood, University of Ottawa Research Chair in Health Law & Policy and a professor at the university, with coauthors.

The analysis, authored by legal scholars and a physician-researcher, describes legal precedents from attempts to mandate influenza vaccines for health care workers and how those precedents might apply to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. It also describes the legal justification for mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for health care workers and other legal considerations.

When creating policy for mandatory vaccination of health care workers, it will be important to include exemptions for people who cannot receive a vaccine because of underlying health issues or other reasons. These exemptions will help protect government mandates if there is a challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Based on current evidence, these challenges would likely be unsuccessful if there are exemptions in place for employees. It is important to note that any vaccinate or stay at home order would not force a health care worker to be vaccinated.

"What is less clear is whether or not a health care worker could argue that they should be able, in lieu of vaccination, to wear personal protective equipment," says Dr. Flood. "Initially, even those vaccinated will continue to wear PPE, but we think courts should accept the application of the precautionary principle so as to require vaccination in most circumstances. It will, however, be essential to collect and weigh real-world evidence of the benefits of both vaccines and PPE."

The authors distinguish between overall mandated government actions that might qualify under the Charter and actions from nongovernmental organizations, such as a private long-term care home requiring its own health care workers to be vaccinated, in which case the Charter would not apply.

"This is an important issue to address with science and law working together," says Dr. Kumanan Wilson, senior scientist, The Ottawa Hospital, and Clinical Research Chair in Digital Health Innovation, University of Ottawa. "Given the rapid development of various COVID-19 vaccines and emerging evidence, new data will determine whether these policies will stay in effect or will be modified."

Support for people who may experience a rare adverse event from mandatory vaccination is important. "We applaud the recent announcement of a no-fault vaccine compensation scheme and await the implementation of the program. Although not a cure all, it does provide some security for health care workers obligated to vaccinate pursuant to carrying out their vital work," the authors write.

Listen to a podcast with Dr. Colleen M. Flood on the legal aspect of mandatory vaccination of health care workers https:/ / soundcloud. com/ cmajpodcasts/ 202755-ana

###
By Ephraim Kasozi

Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali has been banned from carrying out priestly duties following his alleged involvement in an extra-marital affair with a married woman.

It is alleged that the Archbishop emeritus sired a child with a married woman last year.

I have informed retired Archbishop Ntagali that he is not permitted to function sacramentally, preach or represent the Church of Uganda in any way until further notice, said Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, in a January 13 letter to Anglican Bishops under the Global Anglican Future Conference, while announcing the suspension of his predecessor.

Dr Kaziimba said: It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my predecessor, retired Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, has been involved in an extra-marital affair with a married woman, which he has acknowledged. This adultery is a grievous betrayal on many levels. Retired Archbishop Ntagali has betrayed his Lord and Saviour, his wife and their marriage vows, as well as the faith of many Ugandans and global Christians who looked to him to live the faith he proclaimed.

Dr Kaziimba said that his predecessor betrayed the office of Archbishop, his ordination vows, and the moral commitments he championed.

The Church of Uganda has approximately 13 million members, all of whom have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, as the Bible says in Romans 3.23. At the same time, the Church holds its leaders more accountable to the same standards we are all called to uphold, he said.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/retired-archbishop-ntagali-banned-from-priestly-duties-3261816
Jenny Roseman and Philip Smith first imagined running a small cannabis operation, just the two of them making THC-infused gummies.

The vision has evolved into something much larger, as the co-founders of Freshly Baked out of Taunton are poised to become among the first to deliver recreational cannabis in Massachusetts.

The couple both found that cannabis helped with their PTSD symptoms much more than other medications, a discovery they described as life-changing. While therapy at the VAs PTSD clinic was amazing, other medications made it hard to enjoy life, Roseman said.

When I met Phil, the universe came together and we were like this is helping us and I really think that we can help some other people, Roseman said. After cannabis, you were able to kind of live life again. If you were scared, you werent so scared ... It just kind of allows you to be your best self as a medication, which is unbelievable.

Through a cannabis microbusiness license and with Smiths status as part of the state Cannabis Control Commissions social equity program, the couple has been able to take advantage of what the cannabis industry in Massachusetts can offer, she said.

Along with helping other veterans and catering to those who enjoy marijuana just for its recreational purpose, Roseman and Smith are focused on making sure their business gives back to the community. They want to hire locally from Taunton and help nearby organizations, like the VFW.

Smith is originally from Brockton and then moved to Taunton, where he graduated high school. Hes a Marine combat veteran who served in the Iraq War in 2003.

Ive had my ups and downs throughout the years, Smith said. PTSD is something that Ive been struggling to manage with for a long time. Since Ive tried cannabis its really helped me get back to who I thought I was before the war, or at least balance myself out.

Roseman, originally of Rehoboth, joined the Air Force in 1999 and worked as a medic who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11. She also spent time with the National Guard.

At Thursdays Cannabis Control Commission meeting, Freshly Baked received its final license for a cannabis microbusiness with product manufacturing operations. The company already has its delivery endorsement.

Now with a final license in hand, Freshly Baked awaits an inspection before it can begin operations delivering and manufacturing. Once the CCC issues a commence operations notice, the company can get to work in three days. Smith and Roseman hope theyll be able to get going next month. If things go as planned, Freshly Baked will likely be the first company to deliver recreational cannabis in Massachusetts.

Its very special. Its something that we have set our sights on early on, Smith said.

Freshly Baked plans to deliver cannabis products, including THC-infused gummies in and around Taunton. Photo courtesy of Freshly Baked.

The two lobbied not just for microbusinesses to be able to deliver, but also for the creation of the new delivery operator license, which will allow for the wholesale purchase of cannabis items to be warehoused and then sold and delivered. For the first three years, delivery is limited to social equity and economic empowerment applicants.

Delivery is very special to us. We know that its very lucrative, but for Jenny and I, a lot of this is really based on access and delivery is the best way to bring access to folks, Smith said.

Not only is delivery needed even more during a pandemic, as people work to slow the spread of COVID-19, but its also helpful for veterans who suffer from PTSD, like Smith and Roseman.

We have our struggles and we know that we dont like to leave the house and we know that theres still a stigma on cannabis, too, Smith said. So its just a way to bring access to folks that cant leave the home or dont want to go to the dispensary.

Freshly Baked will offer THC-infused gummies, part of Smith and Rosemans first vision. Theyll also offer pre-rolls, cannabis flower purchased wholesale until they start cultivating, and ancillary products like pipes and papers.

Roseman and Smith think theyll start delivery in Taunton proper and plan for a 15-mile radius around their facility at the Reed and Barton Complex. Customers will be able to order online from the Freshly Baked website or on the I Heart Jane website. Cash wont be accepted during deliveries, Smith said, and customers will be able to pay through a cashless system or by using a card with the driver on-site.

The couple wants to make sure their business has an impact in their community.

Were excited to give that 3% [local option tax] to Taunton, Smith said. Were doing business with other businesses that are in Taunton to make sure all the money stays in Taunton.

Freshly Baked is making donations to the VFW, Smith said. The pair want to hire veterans as well as people who have previously been arrested for cannabis. They planned to hold job fairs at the VFW, something that has been put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. Smith said they want to hire about 10 people at first and then more when cultivation gets going.

The company also wants to find ways to help organizations that cant accept a monetary donation from a cannabis business. For example, Freshly Baked could purchase pads and tampons to donate to Girls Inc. to help local young girls, Roseman said.

Were just hopeful that we can do as much as we possibly can, Roseman said.

Related Content:
Advertisement

Britons have been pining for lots of things during lockdown 3.0, from a handshake and a hug to a beer in a pub.

Holidays, too. In particular, it seems, to the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar, which has taken the No1 spot in an Airbnb ranking of Britons' top 10 'wanderlust destinations', based on search spikes in January 2021 compared to 2020.

To help turn searches into bookings, Airbnb has handily released pictures of hot properties available to rent post-lockdown in each of the locations on the list.

The Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar has taken the No1 spot in an Airbnb ranking of Britons' top 10 'wanderlust destinations'. This four-bedroom beach villa there is available for 258pn

The island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand takes second place in the ranking. There you can book this 'magnificent' 1,364pn waterfront home

Third in Airbnb's wanderlust list is Bora-Bora in French Polynesia. There travellers can rent this water bungalow for four, which costs 294pn

For Zanzibar, a 258pn solar-powered four-bedroom beach villa by the ocean is highlighted.

According to the host, it's a 'relaxation oasis' and according to reviewer 'Megan', who stayed in July 2020, it's 'absolutely perfect'.

The island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand takes second place in the ranking.

The village of Sant Jordi de ses Salines in Ibiza is fourth in the ranking and Airbnb has pulled out a jaw-dropping 2,607pn villa that's available to rent on the island (pictured)

The ski village of Courchevel, France, is fifth on the list. This incredible five-bedroom chalet at the resort is available on Airbnb for 1,965 per night

Ski in Norway comes sixth in the ranking. Airbnb has picked out this stunning 171-a-night villa for seven, which is just north of the town

Seoul in South Korea is seventh on the list. This penthouse in the trendy Gangnam area of the city is available on Airbnb for 224 a night

There you can book a 'magnificent' 1,364pn waterfront home that sleeps eight and was named 'best honeymoon hideaway' by the World Boutique Hotel Awards in London in 2015.

Third on the list is Bora-Bora in French Polynesia.

There travellers can rent a water bungalow for four that costs 294pn.

Guests comment on its cleanliness, comfort and love the fact that you can go snorkelling in the waters around it.

Sydney is eighth on the list. For 7,215 a night you can book this stunning Airbnb villa for 10, which features a breathtaking infinity pool

Sussex in Wisconsin is ninth on the list. Airbnb has put forward this enticing 527-a-night cabin for 10 on the prestigious Lake Denoon estate as an option for a visit to the state

Maafushi in the Maldives is 10th on the list. The nearby South Male Atoll harbours this villa, which is rentable for 1,130 a night through Airbnb

The village of Sant Jordi de ses Salines in Ibiza is fourth in the ranking and Airbnb has pulled out a jaw-dropping 2,607pn villa that's available to rent on the island.

It's called Can Savi, sleeps 12 and comes with a beautiful outdoor pool and exquisite interiors.

The rest of the top 10 wanderlust list comprises Courchevel, France (fifth); the town of Ski in Norway (sixth); Seoul, South Korea (seventh); Sydney, Australia (eighth); Sussex, Wisconsin, US (ninth), and Maafushi in the Maldives (10th).

The top ten wanderlust destinations are based on year-on-year growth in searches on Airbnb by Britons - January 1-9, 2021 vs January 1-9, 2020.

Rentals for all the top 10 locations are pictured here. Visit the Airbnb wishlist page for them here where more details are available. Other portals for dreamy rentals are available.






The Observation Unit is an outpatient setting for patients who require additional monitoring and intervention after their visit to the Emergency Department. Within 24 hours of arrival, patients transition to home. If you are looking for a more challenging pace than an inpatient unit- the Observation Unit is for you. It is also a great entry point from the inpatient setting to an eventual transition into the Emergency Department as a professional nurse. Position Objective: Contributes to the provision of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare as a provider of direct and indirect patient care and by effective of the health care team. Functions as a competent member of the health care team. Essentional Job Duties: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Clinical Decision Making/Judgment Demonstrates clinical nursing knowledge and skill in the specialization of the unit.

Demonstrates the ability to apply the nursing process effectively in the care of culturally diverse patients and families. Demonstrates the ability to utilize all applicable laws, policies, standards, guidelines and evidence-based practice in the provision of patient/family care.

Organizes and reprioritizes patient care activities based on subtle and overt and/or environmental changes.

Consistently and thoroughly assesses patients to collect data and identify learning needs according to established standards and policies.

Utilizes a systematic, continuous and complete analysis of assessment data to develop individualized problem lists for assigned patients.

Develops and individualizes a plan of care for each patient in accordance with established standards, appropriate prioritization of problems/needs, and mutually agreed upon goals.

Efficiently implements the patient's plan of care in accordance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Demonstrates proficiency in medication administration, pain management and other unit or initiative specific skills.

Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of the plan(s) of care, making revisions and recommendations based on analysis of patient responses to interventions. 2. Nurse-Patient Family Relationships Demonstrates the ability to assess the patient's/family's learning needs, readiness to learn, learning style, and presence of barriers to learning.

Demonstrates the ability to develop, implement and evaluate teaching plans for patient populations in unit specialty in accordance with applicable standards.

Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of growth and development across the life span to the care of patients.

Provides direct patient care to patients and families in a culturally, developmentally and ethically appropriate manner.

Plans of care address the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and learning needs of the patient/family. 3. Clinical Scholarship Participates in QI, CPI and risk management activities at the unit, department or organizational level.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively perform and improve all processes in order to achieve excellence with regard to AAMC's quality standards and benchmarks.

Supports the use of evidence based guidelines and organizational policies and procedures to promote safe patient care and a safe practice environment. 4. Clinical Leadership Participates in unit shared governance according to departmental standards.

Participates in the education and orientation of new staff.

Delegates patient care activities as appropriate; evaluates delegated activities for expected patient care outcomes.

Employs real time computer documentation when completing patient record. Educational/Experience Requirements: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Adherence to the credentialing requirements of AAMC as stated in the nursing bylaws. Required License/Certifications: Current licensure as a registered nurse by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

CPR - American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification

ACLS required within one (1) year of hire. Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Physical Demands - Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.



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.
UPPER THUMB  Huron and Tuscola counties saw decreases in the COVID-19 positivity rate in the week after New Years, according to the health departments of both counties.

Both departments also have plans to vaccinate more residents when more vaccine is available.

Huron County reported 29 new cases last week and had a test positivity rate of 10.3%, while Tuscola County reported 73 new cases with a test positivity rate of 11.5%. Both are decreases from 16.5% and 25.5%, respectfully, from the week before, though are still higher than the state average of 8%.

Ann Hepfer, the health officer for Huron and Tuscola county health departments, attributed that decline to moving beyond the post-holiday season where there are not as many gatherings.

There are not as many people grouping together, Hepfer said.

Hepfer said there are plans to vaccinate more residents as soon as the health department receives additional vaccines. She is asking residents to be patient, as though the department will be receiving additional doses weekly, they will not be in large amounts.

We are working diligently to ensure the vaccination of our most vulnerable populations 65 and older, Hepfer said in a statement. Just over 1,000 people 65 and older were vaccinated in the mass vaccination clinics we held last week, in both counties.

Walgreens and CVS are providing vaccines to long-term care and adult foster care homes, with such places not assigned to those pharmacies getting vaccines from their health department.

The National Guard will be supporting the health departments mass clinics by sending two officers out, one to assist with vaccinations and one to assist with the observation of those waiting 15 minutes after receiving vaccines. They have been helping at other vaccination clinics across the state.

Hepfer said the National Guard members will be at an upcoming clinic on Feb. 4, where those who received their first vaccine doses on Jan. 14 will receive their second dose. Whereas the first clinic took place at the Bad Axe High School gymnasium, the second one will be at the neighboring First Baptist Church of Bad Axe.

Very soon we will move to the schools and their support staff and with other essential workers in (group) 1B, Hepfer said, adding that spouses of school staff members will not receive vaccines at the same time and have to wait their turn.

Hepfer does not know when any other mass vaccination clinics will take place, as they depend on the number of vaccines the health department receives at one time.

We usually dont know how much we get until the week of, Hepfer said.

Those looking to schedule a vaccination are encouraged to monitor the health departments Facebook page and local media outlets for when doses are available to give out. The Health department is also working on setting up call centers for scheduling appointments as well.
Facing criticism that he was acceding to President Donald Trumps demand to produce citizenship information at the expense of data quality, U.S. Census Bureau director Steven Dillingham said Monday that he planned to resign with the change in presidential administrations.

Dillingham said in a statement that he would resign on Wednesday, the day Trump leaves the White House and President-elect Joseph Biden takes office. Dillinghams term was supposed to be finished at the end of the year.

The Census Bureau directors departure comes as the statistical agency is crunching the numbers for the 2020 census, which will be used to determine how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets, as well as the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year.

In his statement, Dillingham said he had been considering retiring earlier, but he had been persuaded at the time to stick around.

But I must do now what I think is best, said Dillingham, 68. Let me make it clear that under other circumstances I would be honored to serve President-Elect Biden just as I served the past five presidents.

A Census Bureau spokesman said the agencys chief operating officer, Ron Jarmin, will assume the directors duties. Jarmin served in the same role before Dillingham became director two years ago.

Last week, Democratic lawmakers called on Dillingham to resign after a watchdog agency said he had set a deadline that pressured statisticians to produce a report on the number of people in the U.S. illegally.

A report by the Office of Inspector General said bureau workers were under significant pressure from two Trump political appointees to figure out who is in the U.S. illegally using federal and state administrative records, and Dillingham had set a Friday deadline for bureau statisticians to provide him a technical report on the effort.

One whistleblower told the Office of Inspector General that the work was statistically indefensible and others said they worried its release would tarnish the Census Bureaus reputation. After the release of the inspector generals report, Dillingham ordered a halt to the efforts to produce data showing the citizenship status of every U.S. resident through administrative records.

In Mondays statement, Dillingham said whistleblower concerns stemmed from what appeared to be misunderstandings about how the data would be reviewed and posted.

There has been no suggestion to me that the work described above posed any potential violation of laws, rules, or regulations, Dillingham said.

Leaders of several civil rights groups last week called for Dillinghams resignation, and several Democratic lawmakers followed suit.

Rather than ensure an accurate count, Dr. Dillingham appears to have acceded repeatedly to the Trump Administrations brazen efforts to politicize the Census, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said last Friday.

During Dillinghams tenure, the Trump administration unsuccessfully tried to put a citizenship question on the 2020 census questionnaire and named a handful of political appointees that statisticians and Democratic lawmakers worried would politicize the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident. The president also issued two directives that advocacy groups said were part of efforts to suppress the participation of minorities and immigrants in the 2020 census.

Trumps first directive, issued in 2019, instructed the Census Bureau to use administrative records to figure out who is in the country illegally after the Supreme Court blocked the citizenship question. In the second directive, Trump instructed the Census Bureau to provide data that would allow his administration to exclude people in the U.S. illegally from the numbers used for divvying up congressional seats among the states.

An influential GOP adviser had advocated excluding them from the apportionment process in order to favor Republicans and non-Hispanic whites, even though the Constitution spells out that every person in each state should be counted. Trumps unprecedented order on apportionment was challenged in more than a half-dozen lawsuits around the U.S., but the Supreme Court ruled last month that any challenge was premature.

Oftentimes, Dillingham appeared cut out of the loop on these census-related decisions made by the White House and Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau. At a congressional hearing in July, Dillingham said he wasnt informed ahead of time before Trump issued his directive on the apportionment numbers.

The 2020 census which Dillingham oversaw experienced unprecedented obstacles because of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as wildfires in the West and hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. The pandemic and errors found in the data have forced the Census Bureau to delay releasing the numbers used to apportion congressional seats until early March.

Last week, the Department of Justice and municipalities and advocacy groups that had sued the Trump administration over concerns about the quality of the 2020 census agreed to put their lawsuit on hold for 21 days so the Biden administration can take power and decide how to proceed.

Director Dillinghams departure will coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, providing the new administration the opportunity to appoint competent, ethical leadership committed to the scientific integrity of the Census Bureau, Arturo Vargas, CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, said Monday.
SPRINGFIELD  Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to soon announce a mass COVID-19 vaccination site in the Springfield area, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Tuesday.

Sarno, who delivered the news during the citys weekly update on the pandemic, did not disclose the specific location, saying Baker will offer details in his announcement. It was not immediately clear when the announcement would come.

Sarno had referred to the site as being in Springfield or the surrounding area during the weekly COVID update conducted at City Hall.

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough was selected as the first mass coronavirus site for first responders. In Western Massachusetts, the campus center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has been designated as a vaccination site for eligible individuals.

About a dozen mass vaccination sites have been announced across the state.

The news came as city officials said Springfield recorded 1,043 new COVID-19 cases for the week of Jan. 10-16. The number reflected a decline of 134 cases compared to the week before.

The story will be updated as reporting continues.

Related Content:
Connecticut State Police are searching a property that was owned by Fotis Dulos in the ongoing search for his missing ex-wife's remains, a year after he killed himself while awaiting trial for her murder.

Jennifer Dulos vanished in May 2019 in New Canaan, Connecticut. Her husband was later charged with her murder but denied it vehemently.

The pair were in the midst of a bitter custody battle at the time and Fotis was accused of plotting against Jennifer with the help of his then-girlfriend, Michelle Troconis.

In January 2020, Fotis was found unresponsive at his home after gassing himself in his car. He died in the hospital days later.

Police searching the grounds at 80 Mountain Spring Road in Farmington, CT, on Tuesday

Jennifer Dulos vanished in May 2019 while battling Dulos over their divorce and custody of their five children. He committed suicide in January 2020

The exterior of the home at 80 Mountain Spring Road, which was one of many properties owned by Dulos' construction firm

Fotis Dulos committed suicide in January 2020 by gassing himself in his car. He was due to go to court where he feared his bail was going to be revoked

Jennifer's body has never been found and now Troconis and Fotis' lawyer and friend, Kent Mawhinney, are the only people left to face accusations over what happened to her.

On Tuesday, police were seen digging holes in the expansive grounds of 80 Mountain Spring Road, another mansion that was owned by Dulos and his construction company.

It's unclear what prompted them to search the property again on Wednesday.

The house was searched in 2019 but now they say they are 'following up on old leads' again.

State troopers were seen at the home with sniffer dogs on Tuesday. They said they were following up on 'old leads'

There were multiple cars outside the property on Tuesday afternoon

Cell phone records show that Dulos visited the property twice on the day Jennifer vanished.

Once was at 1.37pm. He then went home, to his nearby property at 4 Jefferson Crossing, then returned to the house on Mountain Spring Road at 5.21pm.

He stayed for 13 minutes then drove away again. He never publicly explained what he was doing at the home on the day in question.

Fotis was also in the middle of a civil court battle with Jennifer's family when he died.

They say he owed them millions in unpaid loans.

The family had helped him with his construction business when they were first married under an agreement that he would pay back what he borrowed when they were successful.

He was fighting Jennifer's mother in court. Her father died in 2010.

Dulos girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, who he was living with at the time, and his attorney and friend, Kent Mawhinney, are still facing conspiracy to commit murder

Jennifer's rental home in New Canaan where police believe she was attacked in her garage
The Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday embraced tougher action to combat climate change through carbon taxes, emissions caps or other market-based policies -- the latest shift by the nations biggest business lobbying group as it pivots to a Washington dominated by Democrats.

In an updated position statement being released Tuesday, the Chamber of Commerce says it supports durable climate policy that is made by Congress, including a market-based approach to accelerate greenhouse gas emissions reductions across the U.S. economy.

The group is also preparing to announce its support for using federal regulations to directly limit oil and gas industry emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The new climate statement reflects where corporate America is headed on climate and sustainability issues and is the result of more than a year of member surveys and task group debate over the approach, said Marty Durbin, president of the chambers Global Energy Institute.

Were following where our membership is going, Durbin said. This is not a were-against policy; this is about working with.

Coming in to a Congress thats so evenly divided, and with an administration that clearly wants to move in this direction, heres an opportunity to find those areas of policy where we do have some areas of bipartisan agreement and drive those forward, Durbin said.

The statement does not dictate specific approaches -- Durbin acknowledged wide differences of opinion on those details -- but market-based climate policies previously advanced by lawmakers have included proposed taxes on carbon dioxide as well as cap-and-trade programs that would require companies to buy credits to emit the greenhouse gas.

CHANGE OF VENUE?: Justices weigh moving climate-change suits to U.S. courts

President-elect Joe Biden has outlined broad plans for combating climate change, including some $2 trillion in spending on clean energy, electric vehicles and other initiatives.

The revision comes as the chamber seeks to ensure it keeps playing an influential role in Washington with Democrats in charge of the House, Senate and the presidency. The group last year endorsed 23 vulnerable House Democrats seeking re-election and gave more to Democrats -- some $152,000 -- than it had over the previous 28 years. And last week, the chamber pushed for a major infrastructure package with a coalition of environmentalists, labor unions and other groups.

The group is set to announce its support for direct regulation of methane emissions from oil wells and related oilfield infrastructure as soon as Wednesday, Durbin said. Under President Donald Trump, and against the wishes of some major oil companies, the Environmental Protection Agency last year did away with existing methane curbs.

The policy statements reflect the chambers evolution on climate issues, amid mounting pressure from politicians, the public and its own members. In 2019, the group revised its position statement to stress that inaction is not an option and endorsed legislation championing innovation in green technology.

Just a dozen years ago, a former chamber vice president called for a public trial on the validity of climate science, prompting several major companies, including Apple Inc. and Exelon Corp., to resign from the group.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A soldier from Stow was charged Tuesday with seeking to aid an ISIS attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Federal prosecutors filed terrorism charges against Cole James Bridges in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Bridges, a private first class in the U.S. Army, was assigned as a cavalry scout in the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia.

He is accused of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and the attempted murder of U.S. military service members.

Robert Lally, an FBI agent in New York, wrote in an affidavit that Bridges attempted to provide tactical training and advice to facilitate the efforts of ISIS fighters to repel U.S. Special Forces and kill American soldiers.

A photo of Cole Bridges in an FBI affidavit.

Bridges, 20, joined the Army in September 2019. About a year later, when he was deployed in Germany, he began communicating online with an undercover FBI official, who claimed to be a sympathizer in contact with ISIS-led fighters in Syria.

The FBI document indicates that Bridges told the official of his anger at the U.S. military and his hope to help ISIS.

I used to have connections with people in Hamas and ISIS, and my family found out, and the government could have arrested me, Bridges wrote to the FBI official.

So, I needed to prove to them I wasnt what they thought I was, and I needed the government to get off my back. I dont tell people Im in the military, and I hate displaying the U.S. flag on my shoulder.

He continued to talk with the official and a confidential source when his unit returned to the United States from Germany.

When the official asked what would happen if he was with U.S. soldiers who met ISIS forces, Bridges expressed his allegiance to ISIS and indicated that he would betray his unit, saying, I would probably go with the brothers.

In encrypted messages to the FBI official, Bridges discussed plans of attack and possible targets in New York City, including the 9/11 Memorial. He called the memorial a key target, saying that would honestly be a sniper kill and then getting out quietly for a second attack.

In November, he gave the undercover official photos from an army manual that discussed troop movements and military tactics to help in fighting U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. It is unclear from Lallys affidavit whether Bridges ever served in the Middle East.

The Justice Department said Bridges diagrammed specific military maneuvers intended to help ISIS fighters maximize the lethality of attacks on U.S. troops.

The diagrams in the FBI affidavit, however, are quite simplistic and do not provide great detail.

At one point, he sent a message, asking, Did the brothers like the info I gave?

This month, he offered the undercover official a video of himself in body armor with an ISIS flag. He sent the official another video of himself using a voice manipulator that supported the ambush of U.S. soldiers.

Bridges is expected to have an initial appearance Thursday. His attorney, Brian Huffman, could not be reached late Tuesday afternoon. Attempts to reach Bridges family in Stow also were unsuccessful.
C oncerns grew today over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines to Britain as official figures showed the number of first doses administered rising by 167,150 a day.

The latest figures showed a total of 4,118,342 Covid-19 vaccinations took place in England between December 8 and January 18, according to provisional NHS England data, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 170,900 on Mondays figures.

Of this number, 3,687,206 were the first dose of the vaccine, a rise of 167,150 on Mondays figures, while 431,136 were the second dose, an increase of 3,750.

The NHS England data shows a total of 439,691 jabs were given to people in London between December 8 and January 18, including 388,437 first doses and 51,254 second doses.

This was the lowest of regions, through, the capital has a proportionately smaller elderly population than other parts of the country.

The highest number of vaccinations was in the Midlands with 713,602 first doses and 65,835 second doses, a total of 779,437.

The North East and Yorkshire has had 633,837 first doses and 71,332 second doses, making 705,169 in total, North West 504,941 first doses and 61,498 second doses, making 566,439 in total, the South East 602,440 first doses and 74,656 second doses, making 677,096 in total, the South West 425,672 first doses and 52,905 second doses, making 478,577 in total, and East of England 393,916 first doses and 53,219 second doses, making 447,135 in total.

The 167,150 figure is significantly below daily vaccinations levels being achieved at the end of last week.

Downing Street said earlier that the amount of supply of Covid-19 jabs was behind the number of first doses falling to 225,407 on Sunday.

No10 stressed the Government was not stockpiling vaccines and they were being rushed out to hospitals, GP hubs and mass vaccination centres as quickly as possible.

As ministers have said on a number of occasions it is supply that is the limiting factor at present but as you have seen throughout December and through January we have ramped up the vaccination programme and you will have seen yesterday that we hit four million dose mark.

Pressed whether there was any particular issue about vaccinations slowing down over the weekend, he added: Again, we have said that supply is the limiting factor, you will have seen the numbers of people vaccinated on Saturday (277,915).

Its not our intention to have stockpiles of vaccines. As soon as we receive them, we want to get them out to centres, to GPs, to hospitals to pharmacies to make sure we can get them in peoples arms and provide protection to those at greatest clinical risk.

We dont want vaccines sitting on shelves, we dont want them in warehouses, we want them in peoples arms.

He stressed more GPs, pharmacists and mass vaccination centres are joining the roll-out programme as it is being ramped up, with extra supplies also being sent to areas, including London, which were vaccinating their priority groups more slowly.

Asked about the disparities in the speed of the roll-out, the No10 spokesman added: We have ensured that all areas have had equal access to supply.

Health sources say the capital got off to a slower start than many other regions because it took more time to set up GP vaccination hubs, though it is not clear why given how long the NHS had to prepare before the vaccines were approved.

The Government has set the goal of offering the Covid-19 jab to all people aged 70 and over, care home staff and residents, frontline health and social care workers, and other particularly vulnerable individuals by mid-February.

However, there are concerns that supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines in coming weeks may make the target even more challenging.
But there are forces who try to stop us from seeing the humanity in others, in people who dont look or talk or think like we do. There are forces who gain politically from dehumanizing and there are those who make money from it. There are those who are delusional or brainwashed. Perhaps primarily, there is ignorance and fear. Often there is anger, justifiable and otherwise.

A California man who had traveled to Chicago but was allegedly to scared by the Covid-19 pandemic to fly home, lived inside OHare International airport for three months without anyone noticing.

Its unclear why Aditya Singh, a 36-year-old unemployed man traveled to Chicago in the first place, but authorities say he managed to hide in a secured area of OHare International Airport for three months, before he was arrested, this weekend. Singh had been living in the airport since mid October, and would have probably been there for a lot longer, had he not been approached by airport staff on Saturday and asked to produce some identification.

Singh reportedly lowered his face mask and showed the two United Airlines employees an ID badge that he was wearing around his neck. Only the badge belonged to an operations manager who had reported it missing on October 26, a week after Singhs airplane landed at OHare. The police were called, and the suspicious man was taken into custody.

Photo: Kirk Lai/Unsplash

During questioning, the 36-year-old California man said he landed at OHare on October 19, but was too afraid of Covid-19 to fly back home, so he decided to stay in the airport instead. The unemployed man added that he survived on food that passengers at the airport gave him, and never had any problems until the two United Airlines employees approached him. It it unclear what brought Singh to Chicago in the first place.

Aditya Singh, who has no criminal background, was charged with felony criminal trespass to a restricted area of an airport and misdemeanor theft. On Sunday, Singh was brought in front of a judge, who seemed shocked after hearing the allegations against him.

So if I understand you correctly, youre telling me that an unauthorized, nonemployee individual was allegedly living within a secure part of the OHare airport terminal from Oct. 19, 2020, to Jan. 16, 2021, and was not detected? I want to understand you correctly, Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz said.



The court finds these facts and circumstances quite shocking for the alleged period of time that this occurred, Ortiz added. Being in a secured part of the airport under a fake ID badge allegedly, based upon the need for airports to be absolutely secure so that people feel safe to travel, I do find those alleged actions do make him a danger to the community.

Bail was set at $1,000, but at the time of this writing Singh was still in police custody.
Chris Sommerfeldt New York Daily News (TNS)

With just hours left in office, President Donald Trump is expected to dish out pardons and sentence commutations to a varied group of more than 100 criminals, pardons that could include himself and his family members, according to several reports Monday.

Trump, whose term ends at noon Wednesday, spent his last weekend at the White House huddling with son-in-law Jared Kushner, daughter Ivanka Trump and a handful of other trusted advisers reviewing clemency requests from a wide array of individuals who included rapper Lil Wayne and disgraced former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, sources told the New York Times.

New York Republicans objected to Silver, a Democrat, in a statement on Twitter: Make no mistake, disgraced former NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver deserves no clemency or pardon. Silver deserves to actually serve the jail time that he was sentenced for selling the incredible power he yielded to enrich himself. He was a corrupt and dishonest politician.

Make no mistake, disgraced former NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver deserves no clemency or pardon. Silver deserves to actually serve the jail time that he was sentenced for selling the incredible power he yielded to enrich himself. He was a corrupt and dishonest politician.  New York GOP (@NewYorkGOP) January 19, 2021

Meanwhile, several of the criminally charged attackers who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 called on Trump to pardon them, arguing he should have their backs since he incited the bloody attack. It was not immediately known if Trump was considering their pleas.

The timing of Trumps anticipated pardon spree was not immediately known, either, but several reports said an announcement is expected Tuesday, his last full day as president before Joe Bidens inauguration Wednesday.

The most controversial issue at hand is whether the soon-to-be former president will pardon anyone named Trump.

Sources told the Washington Post that Trump remained particularly consumed with the question of whether to preemptively pardon himself and three of his adult children amid concerns that the Justice Department could prosecute them once he loses his presidential immunity.

Neither Trump nor his children are known to currently be under federal investigation, but a growing chorus of lawmakers and legal experts are calling for them to face charges for a variety of alleged wrongdoing, including his instigation of the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, which left a police officer and four other people dead.

Problematic for Trump is that Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance is known to be investigating him and his namesake company over potential state fraud crimes that cannot be pardoned.

Also not known is whether the president will pardon ex-adviser Stephen Bannon, whos under indictment for allegedly defrauding Trump supporters, or Rudy Giuliani, his personal attorney whos under investigation for questionable business dealings in Ukraine, some of which overlapped with the presidents first impeachment in 2019.

Giuliani declined to say if hes expecting a preemptive pardon when reached by the Daily News on Monday afternoon.

On a separate note, Giuliani said he likely wont be part of the legal team defending Trump at his forthcoming Senate impeachment trial because he also helped egg on the mob on Jan. 6, saying in a speech that the supporters should challenge members of Congress to trial by combat.

As a possible witness, its limited, Giuliani said of his potential role at Trumps Senate trial, which is not expected to start until hes out of office.

Another twist in the pardon drama emerged in reports Sunday that said lawyers connected to Trump, including Giuliani, are collecting cash from deep-pocketed felons to push the White House for clemency.

Giuliani vehemently denied participating in any such scheme. The claims that I asked for, or received, any compensation for a pardon for myself or anyone else is false, defamatory, and malicious, the former New York mayor tweeted.

If his past acts of clemency are any indication, Trumps likely to offer cover for criminals in his orbit.

Last year, Trump pardoned and offered clemency for crimes committed by Michael Flynn, his former national security adviser; George Papadopoulos, his former campaign adviser; Paul Manafort, his former campaign manager; Roger Stone, his longtime political confidante, and Charles Kushner, his son-in-laws father.

Flynn, Stone, Manafort and Papadopoulos were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Trumps 2016 campaign ties to Russia.
Seoul, Jan 19 : Twenty-six more American soldiers and five civilians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, it said that the 31 USFK-affiliated individuals were infected with the COVID-19 after arriving in South Korea between December 29, 2020 and January 18, reports Xinhua news agency.

The confirmed patients have been transferred to designated isolation facilities at the US Army Garrison Humphreys and the Osan Air Base, both of which are located in Pyeongtaek, and the Kusan Air Base.

The total number of infections among the USFK-affiliated personnel rose to 635, according to Yonhap news agency.

"Despite the recent confirmed cases, USFK remains at a high level of readiness with less than 1 percent of its active-duty service members currently confirmed positive with Covid-19," the USFK said.

The Covid-19 resurgence in South Korea as showed signs of moderating.

In the latest tally, the country reported 386 more cases on Tuesday, raising the total number of infections to 73,115.

The daily caseload stayed below 400 for two straight days, but it hovered above 100 since November 8, 2020.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  There are reports that there may be enough Republican votes in the Senate to join with Democrats and ban Donald Trump from ever holding public office again.

Some hard-core Trump followers might ask why any Republican would vote for that. But after walking around the perimeter of the section of the capital sealed off for the Inauguration, I found myself wondering why any Democrat would vote for it.

Banning Trump from participating in politics would be the biggest gift the Democrats could give the Republican Party. His actions leading up to that invasion of the Capitol on Jan. 6 amount to the stupidest, most self-centered maneuver in American political history.

Before that date, it was the Democrats who were on the defensive about political violence. When rioters in Portland declared a police-free zone and toppled statues of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, Republicans scored points against Democratic leaders who were slow to criticize the rioters. In the first debate Joe Biden himself was put on the defensive on that issue by moderator Chris Wallace  until Trump interrupted Biden and let him change the subject.

That all changed on Jan. 6. Now its the Democrats scoring points.

You can see that in those electronic signs mounted on the sides of bus stops that read, SEEKING INFORMATION: ASSAULT ON FEDERAL OFFICERS AT THE US. CAPITOL. Underneath are photos of people wearing MAGA hats or Trump T-shirts who were dumb enough to get their pictures taken while in the Capitol that day. At least the left-wing rioters had the common sense to wear face masks.

Then there are all those buildings boarded up in anticipation of another Trumpian mob. I happened to park in front of the Australian Embassy. A lonely-looking watchman stood against windows and covered with plywood in anticipation of the return of those pro-Trump mobs that everyone seems to fear.

I for one doubt any such mob will materialize. The more that Republicans and conservatives learn about the goings-on that day, the less likely they are to take Trumps side. Those stories of Capitol Police officers fighting for their lives do not tend to create sympathy for the rioters who killed one and injured many others.

Let us imagine that the backers of Bernie Sanders had engaged in such rioting in 2016. The Vermont senator had at least a passable argument for stating that the Democratic Party unfairly shut him out of the presidential nomination. And he had thousands of angry supporters outside the convention hall in Philadelphia that year.

But he took his loss gracefully, telling his supporters hed be back in four years. He was. And he disrupted the Democratic primary process again, this time to the point the leaders settled on Biden despite his many flaws.

Now imagine Sanders had been ruled ineligible to run for president for some reason. The party insiders would have been singing Happy Days Are Here Again.

Its the same with Trump and the Republican Party. In 2016, the GOP insiders fought his nomination right up to the convention. Some, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz, were making the same sort of convoluted arguments for dumping Trump that Cruz was making till the rioters interrupted things on Jan. 6.

One thing changed all that. Trump won. And once in office he won again on key issues like trade and immigration.

But his support rested on being a winner. And now hes a loser.

A lonely guard stands by the door to the Australian Embassy, which is boarded up to prevent damage by possible rioters on Inauguration Day.

I suspect hell look even more like a loser after the trial begins. Then hell have to explain to the members of the Senate his efforts to get the vice president to ignore the Constitution and throw the presidency to Trump.

Unlike Trump, Pence is a law school grad and a student of the Constitution. He was fully aware that the Constitution orders the vice president to count the electoral votes but gives him no authority to send them back to the states as Trump requested.

Trump himself seems to have been aware of that as well. Consider this passage concerning Pence and other weak Republicans from that Jan. 6 speech that fired up the mob:

They want to play so straight. They want to play so Sir, yes, the United States the Constitution doesnt allow me to send them back to the States. Well, I say yes, it does 

No, it doesnt. If Pence had acquiesced to Trumps request to reject electors certified by key states, that decision would have had to be affirmed by both houses of Congress under the Electoral Count Act of 1877. Since the House is controlled by Democrats, that was never going to happen.

Even as a slick maneuver, that one wasnt too slick. But as slick maneuvers go, the Democrats might be wise to find a way to get around banning Trump from running for office.

A look around Washington shows that hes doing the Republican Party a lot more harm than good.
STATELINE, Nev. (AP) _ The past year was such a wild ride that even the thought of a tsunami at Lake Tahoe probably doesnt sound out of reason.

Several thousand years ago, according to Richard Schweickert, a retired University of Nevada, Reno geology professor, the lake experienced just such an event.

While a specific date is the hard to pinpoint, it is estimated that a tsunami struck after an earthquake in the basin about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago.

Schweickert has spent most of his career working in the Sierra Nevada, and has been collecting evidence about tsunamis in Lake Tahoe.

In 1999, he and geologist Mary Lahren, a University of Nevada professor emeritus, mapped land near Eagle Rock close to Homewood.

A year earlier, Jim Gardner at the United States Geological Survey released a map of earthquake faults. Jim Moore of the USGS began a collaboration with Schweickert in 2005.

The map showed a landslide that occurred at McKinney Bay along with several other tsunami indicators.

While Schweickert and other researchers were collecting data on land, Christopher Kitts, an associated mechanical engineering professor at Santa Clara University and director its Robotics Systems Laboratory, brought students and equipment to Lake Tahoe about 13 years ago to take a closer look at what lies beneath the surface.

We began to realize there is underwater evidence that could also be attributed to the tsunami, Schweickert told the Tahoe Daily Tribune .

In 2005, a team including Winnie Kortemeier from Western Nevada College, Kitts, Moore, Lahren and Schweickert researched the Tahoe City Shelf where they discovered boulder ridges that had never been described in a lake before.

Similar to the small ripples you see on the beach when you walk along the shore, massive ridges formed due to the volume and force of gigantic waves.

Some found in four locations just off the west shore of the northwest side of the lake are perfectly aligned boulder ridges, as tall as 6.5 feet (2 meters) and as long as 6,562 feet (2000 meters).

A person on a boat on a relatively calm day can see these boulder ridges at a depth of about 15-30 feet (4.6-9.1 meters).

Schweickert said theory of mega ripples would imply mega waves.

Large sand waves can also be found at 15 areas around the lake. They were caused by the flow of large volumes of water into the lake from onshore, some reaching almost 10 feet (3 meters) high.

The research team spent more than 40 days on the lake using robotics to take a deeper look and interpret underwater features.

They found massive vertical canyons, some as deep as 200 feet (61 meters), carved into the sidewall such as in Rubicon Point.

A mass amount of water had to have been thrown out onto the shores that poured back in carving the sidewalls, said Schweickert. Extremely large volumes of water were pouring into the sides of the lake.

The largest number of deep sidewall canyons is near Tahoe Keys in South Lake Tahoe.

The landslide generated such large waves that they flooded low areas around the sides of the lake and produced these features, Schweickert said. Lake Tahoe is the only lake we are aware of that has features like this, out of anywhere else in the world that has been documented.

This earthquake not only shook the ground in Tahoe but caused approximately 3.5 cubic miles (5.6 cubic kilometers) of surrounding earth to slide 1,640 feet (500 meters) into the lake. The resulting splash caused waves about 300 feet (91.4 meters) high and lowered the lakes water level by 33 feet (10 meters) for a period of time.

Enormous waves may have reached the upper Truckee River Canyon before pouring back into the lake. Some countryside areas were flattened. Sediment and glacial deposits swept into the lake.

The most affected areas were the Glenbrook and Zephyr Cove areas and Stateline to Baldwin Beach in South Lake Tahoe.

To understand the impact, Schweickert has been researching active faults around the basin. He co-authored with Will Barber an ebook, Journeys Across Nevadas Wild Lands, that offers a geological history tour and includes portions of the south and east sides of Lake Tahoe.

While evidence of several faults have been around since the 1960s, Schweickert mapped one called the North Tahoe fault that runs northeast from the lake through Incline Village and over Mount Rose to Reno.

The West Tahoe Dollar Point fault runs north-south along the West Shore.

A third fault, called the Tahoe Sierra, runs through the mountains just west of the lake.

Major earthquakes on the West Shore can produce a series of potential hazards, Schweickert said.

With active faults and relatively weak sediment in some areas of the lake, he said there is a possibility of another tsunami occurring in Lake Tahoe again.

There is no way to predict if its 20,000 or 20 years from now, he said.

But he said that for people living in the basin, the hazard of forest fires is far greater.

The University of California, Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center highlights the historic tsunami in its Lake Tahoe in Depth video .6

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Young Money/Republic RecordsBy JOHN SANTUCCI and KATHERINE FAULDERS, ABC News

(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump's final clemency list, though not as long as originally expected, could include some names that will cause another wave of controversy as his time in office comes to an end.



His clemency list is expected to have a wide range of individuals, including the former speaker of the New York State Assembly Sheldon Silver and rap star Lil Wayne, according to sources familiar with the White House operation, but they would not specify who would be receiving a pardon, which would erase both a person's conviction and sentence, or commutation, which would lift an individual's sentence but not a conviction.



Trump's final list, which is not fully completed, is expected to include upwards of 100 individuals and could be announced as soon as Tuesday, the sources added.



Trump is unlikely to issue pre-emptive pardons to his children and other close associates, despite weeks of internal battles amongst White House aides, sources with knowledge of those conversations told ABC News Monday. The sources said they do not expect Trump to issue a pardon for himself, although the sources noted the conversations have been fluid and the president has been known to change his mind.



The president has been encouraged by allies to issue pardons to his children and himself over fears of possible criminal investigations, specifically after Trump's call with Georgia state officials regarding the 2020 election results and the rally held on the National Mall last week that incited a riot on Capitol Hill after Trump and members of his family spoke to the crowd.



Dwayne Michael Carter, known professionally as Lil Wayne, pleaded guilty in December 2020 to illegally possessing a loaded, gold-plated .45-caliber handgun while traveling to South Florida on a private plane in December 2019. Wayne met Trump in Florida in October 2020 and tweeted a photo of the meeting. An attorney for Carter declined to comment.



Silver, the once-powerful longtime speaker of the New York State Assembly who was convicted twice on corruption charges, was sentenced to jail last summer. An attorney for Silver did not respond to ABC News.



A White House spokesperson declined to comment.



Trump issued a flurry of pardons and commutations last month to a slew of controversial figures with ties to his administration. Among those were George Papadopoulos, a former campaign aide indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller; Duncan Hunter and Chris Collins, both former Republican congressmen convicted of financial crimes and four former Blackwater Worldwide military contractors responsible for the shooting deaths of 14 Iraqis in 2007.



In November, the president also pardoned his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI during Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
New Delhi: Late actress Jiah Khan's BBC documentary titled 'The Death in Bollywood' might not be available in India for viewing as yet but it has already managed to open a can of worms in the glamour industry. Hitting out at MeToo accused filmmaker Sajid Khan, late actress Jiah Khan's sister in one of the clippings from the documentary is seen accusing the former of sexual misconduct.

The video clipping has been widely shared and has gone viral on the internet.

Reminder that Sajid Khan is not in jail yet. pic.twitter.com/cZ5I8Rrys0  Sidd (@siddanthdaily) January 18, 2021

Jiah Khan's sister can be seen narrating the horrific incident when the actress worked with Sajid on 'Housefull' and how he tried to sexually harass her. "When she was asked by Sajid Khan to take her top off, she came home and cried. She said, I have a contract, so if I leave, they can sue me and slander my name. If I stay, then I am sexually harassed. It was a lose-lose situation."

Reacting to the shocking claims, actress Kangana Ranaut shared the tweet video and also wrote: They killed Jiah they killed Sushant and they tried to kill me, but they roam free have full support of the mafia, growing stronger and successful every year. Know the world is not ideal you are either the prey or the predator. No one will save you you have to save yourself.

They killed Jiah they killed Sushant and they tried to kill me, but they roam free have full support of the mafia, growing stronger and successful every year. Know the world is not ideal you are either the prey or the predator. No one will save you you have to save yourself. https://t.co/7QwHAr9BBv  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 18, 2021

Jiah Khan was found dead at her Mumbai residence on June 3, 2013. The mysterious case of her death remained in news for the longest time as her mother Rabiya Khan alleged that she was killed and it was not a suicide as perceived.

Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj Pancholi was named in a suicide note found by the police, reportedly. In 2018, Sooraj Pancholi was charged by the Mumbai court with abetting Khan's suicide.

The Jiah Khan documentary is a three-part investigative series released by the BBC. It released on January 11, 2021, and is currently available for viewing in the UK.
Creador , the South- and Southeast Asia-focused private equity firm founded by former ChrysCapital partner Brahmal Vasudevan, has set the ball rolling on its fifth fund after exhausting a large part of the corpus of its previous fund, two people aware of the development told VCCircle.

The Kuala Lumpur-based private equity firm is preparing to hit the market to raise a $600-700 million fund. The proposed fund follows a $565 million fourth fund, which has deployed more than three-fourths of its corpus.

It (Creador) is preparing the groundwork for a formal launch of its fifth fund in the next two-three months. It has upped the size from its previous fund and is aiming for a fund size of $600-700 million," one of the two people cited above said.

The second person said the fund will hit the market by mid-June quarter.

Email queries by VCCircle to a Creador spokesperson for did not elicit a response.

To set the stage for the launch of the fifth fund, the firm has been busy clocking exits from portfolio companies across geographies. It recently exited two companies in Malaysia and also monetized its holdings in Indian portfolio firms.

Exits, returns and capital churn are big factors for LPs (limited partners) when they commit capital for a fund. So, naturally, Creador has been busy exiting some of its key investments across its portfolio to show a solid track record on exits to its investors," the second person said.

Both said the firm will tap into its existing set of investors and may rope in some new institutions as LPs. Creadors LPs consist of pension and endowment funds and insurance companies, apart from high net worth individuals, from across the world. Over the years, it has expanded its LP base to include development banks and fund of funds.

For its fifth fund, the private equity firm will broadly replicate the strategy it has followed over the yearsto provide growth capital of $20-$120 million across financial services, healthcare and consumer industries, among others. Apart from India, the PE firm invests in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Creador has a long history of investing in India. Its local portfolio includes Ahmedabad-based drugmaker Corona Remedies Pvt. Ltd, plastic products maker Vectus Industries Ltd, financial services company Ujjivan, plastic packaging solution provider Shriji Polymers, non-bank lender Kogta Financial and IT solutions company iValue.

It has clocked profitable returns from a bunch of exits in the last few years, including City Union Bank and Somany Ceramics. In 2019, Creador closed its fourth fund at $565 million. It raised $420 million in 2016 for its third fund. The firm had raised $330 million for the second fund and topped it up with $30 million in late 2014, and it had mobilized $135 million for its first fund in 2011.

From the fourth fund, it has invested in a bunch of companies in India, including information technology company iValue InfoSolutions Pvt. Ltd. It has also backed non-bank lender Kogta Financial (India) Ltd with an investment of 300 crore (about $42.3 million) in a Series C round of funding. Recently, it backed plastic packaging solution provider Shriji Polymers.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

In the days just before and after the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, a series of incidents involving some Washington D.C. travelers has resulted in a crackdown on unruly or disruptive activity, both in flight and at airports.

Alaska Airlines told 14 passengers on a Washington D.C. to Seattle flight that they were being banned from future travel, and American Airlines captain flying from D.C. to Phoenix reportedly warned unruly passengers that if they didnt sit down and shut up, he was going to land in the middle of Kansas and throw them off the plane.
Over the next two decades, he would animate for a whos who of the animation industry, including Peanuts specials at Bill Melendez Productions, commercials at Richard Williams Animation and Quartet, The Smurfs at Hanna-Barbera, and The Lord of the Rings at Bakshi Productions. Throughout this time, Baer always freelanced for Disney, picking up work on projects like Mickeys Christmas Carol, The Black Cauldron, and The Great Mouse Detective.

Baer launched a studio in the mid-1980s with his wife at the time, Jane. Their breakout project was Who Framed Roger Rabbit, for which the Baers ran a studio of 75 people and worked as the films Los Angeles animation unit. A detailed history of Baers role on the film can be found in blog posts here and here. The Baer Animation Company would go on to provide animation for Disneys The Prince and the Pauper and Beauty and the Beast, as well as non-Disney films like Tom and Jerry: The Movie, Last Action Hero, and Rover Dangerfield.

Baer returned to work at Disney full-time in 1998, contributing to both the studios hand-drawn and cg animated films. He was the supervising animator of Yzma on The Emperors New Groove, a role that he took after the original supervising animator Andreas Deja left the project. He was also the supervising animator of the villain Alameda Slim in Home on the Range, Wilbur in Meet the Robinsons, and Owl in the studios last hand-drawn feature, Winnie the Pooh (2011).

Baer additionally worked on Disney shorts including Feast, Get a Horse!, The Ballad of Nessie, and How to Hook Up Your Home Theater.

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the following statement this evening about Baers passing:

The most recent project he contributed to as an animator was Bobs Burger: The Movie, which will be released later this year.

Baer was honored with the Winsor McCay Award in 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Teddy, as well as two daughters, Nicole and Clarisse.

Below are remembrances from colleagues. Well update these as well as add more biographical details as they become available.

Yesterday we lost a gentle giant of animation. Dale Baer has passed away. He was one of the kindest people Ive worked with. So talented and so humble. A true one-of-a-kind and Im grateful to have known him. pic.twitter.com/wG7U6AVozq  Clay Kaytis (@ClayKaytis) January 16, 2021

Dale was an incredible animator teacher and sweet gentle man. Im glad I got to know him during my early Disney days. He was the gentle giant for sure. Tall like a great oak but such a softie. R.I.P. Dale Baer.  https://t.co/3aB4Yx5OBj  David Pimentel (@Drawingsdp) January 16, 2021

Such a kind and gracious giant of a artist. https://t.co/nWVT46Xhyx  Marlon West (@marlonw) January 16, 2021

One of the last times I saw Dale. Weve lost a giant in the animation industry, and the world has lost a beautiful soul. He will be missed by so many. RIP Dale Baer. pic.twitter.com/WdwtelBQ17  Rachel Bibb (@bibbiddee) January 16, 2021

Rest in peace, Dale Baer. You are loved and missed.   Andrew Chesworth (@A_Chesworth) January 16, 2021

Today I heard the sad news that the legendary #disney animator Dale Baer passed.  RIP Dale. Privileged to have you mentor me.  pic.twitter.com/msCRRYWXR9  Mark Anthony Austin (@BobaFettANHSE) January 16, 2021
A new requirement for registered terrorist offenders in Northern Ireland to provide seven days notice before any cross-border travel is a proportionate step towards meeting the continued threat level, the High Court heard today.

Counsel for the PSNI and British Government argued that the obligation could act as a deterrence against crime.

Three people subjected to the regime as Registered Terrorist Offenders (RTOs) are taking legal action over its introduction.

They include Derry man Anthony Lancaster, 58, who received a suspended sentence for acting as master of ceremonies at a 32 County Sovereignty Movement.

In 2015 he was convicted of assisting in arranging or managing a meeting be addressed by a person who belonged or professed to belong to a proscribed organisation.

The offence related to his role in introducing and holding the microphone for speakers at an Easter Rising commemoration in April 2012.

As an RTO he had to inform the PSNI of any intention to leave the UK for a period of three days or more.

But Lancaster, from the Creggan area, and two others are now challenging amendments within the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.

Under the new requirements RTOs must give police seven days notice of all planned travel across the border, regardless of purpose or time to be spent in the Republic of Ireland.

Vehicle and financial information also have to be provided in person at a local PSNI station.

The increased obligations are irrational, unreasonable, unfair and breach human rights, it was contended.

However, Neasa Murnaghan QC, representing the PSNI and Home Department, argued that the monitoring process struck a balance between individual rights and the interests of the wider community.

"In terms of necessity, it is a relevant and proportionate demonstration of how the system works," she said.

"The situation has remained that the threat level in Northern Ireland is at the highest that it could be."

According to Mrs Murnaghan the requirement meets a pressing social need: combating the risk of terrorism.

She also contended that the government should be allowed a "degree of judicial deference" because the regime deals with matters of national security.

Disputing allegations that the process has been rendered unlawful by the absence of a guidance document, she insisted that police provided detailed correspondence to RTOs.

"That is sufficiently clear for them to follow, and the legislation itself is accompanied by explanatory notes," counsel added.

"All of those factors, taken together, do not raise a sufficient case for the court to conclude that the absence of guidance has been a sufficient flaw for the court to intervene in striking down this regime."

The case continues.
The trading ring at the London Metal Exchange (LME) could close after 144 years.

The site where traders shout at each other across the floor to set the world's metal prices has been shut since Covid struck in March.

Since then it has modernised trading in line with social distancing measures and has now proposed the end of 'open outcry'.

The trading ring at the London Metal Exchange (pictured) looks set to close after 144 years

But brokers are likely to resist any changes  they enjoy the rowdy trading and say it is the best way to set LME's complex system of futures contracts.

Many say it serves the industry as well today as it did in Victorian times, doing 38billion of trades a day.

In the trading pit  the Ring  brokers huddle together on circular red sofas to decide the final price.

But it has been criticised for being outdated and not female-friendly. Closing the floor pits them against sophisticated algorithmic traders and big banks.

LME chief executive Matthew Chamberlain said: 'It is the right time to consider the permanent closure of the Ring and a move to an electronic pricing structure.

'Its closure is not a decision we or our market will take lightly.'

City commentator David Buik said: 'Tragic but with the advent of technology, the LME has done well to hang in there for so long.'
on Tuesday reported 54.08 per cent fall in consolidated net profit at Rs 9.43 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, on account of lower total income.

The company had posted a net profit of Rs 20.54 crore during October-December period of the previous fiscal, said in a regulatory filing.

Total income declined 37.64 per cent to Rs 391.65 crore as against Rs 628.05 crore in the year-ago period.

said the company had received a whistleblower complaint in August 2020 from a named employee of the radio business on his last working day.

The complaint alleged anomalies resulting in deficiencies in certain financial reporting processes of the radio business of the group, the company said, adding that it appointed an independent law firm which worked closely with two independent accounting firms for an in-depth comprehensive review.

HT Media said the investigation brought out practices indicating deficiencies and lapses during financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 such as the practice of pre-billing (billing and booking revenue for services yet to be consumed/ delivered) resulting in reporting of higher revenue in financial results.

The probe also found potential manipulation of debtor ageing by issuance of inappropriate credit notes and additional invoices to avoid higher provisioning for bad debts and circulating improper balance confirmation requests (by including invoices without delivery/ requests for advertisement) to customers (with such balances either remaining unconfirmed or disputed) resulting in higher revenue, it said.

HT Media said based on the probe, the investigating team and the management concluded that the findings were confined to a stream of revenue of radio business of a subsidiary only and were not pervasive across other financial statement captions.

The investigation did not reveal the existence of any personal profiteering or siphoning off funds or embezzlement or misappropriation of funds.

The final findings of the investigation have been presented to the Audit Committees and Board of Directors of the company.

The management has also placed before Audit Committees an action plan for strengthening internal financial controls and systems, centralizing the revenue assurance function.

Besides, the management has placed before the committees a plan for integration of IT systems used in the radio business and recommendations from Chief HR Officer to bring about changes in HR policies and practices with emphasis on adoption of better ethical codes and practices, HT Media said.

The Audit Committees have also made their recommendations for action against the employees involved in the wrongdoings to the respective Board of Directors for their consideration, the company added.

HT Media said the Board of Directors has considered and accepted the said investigation report and is in the process of taking appropriate steps in the best interest of the Group and its various stakeholders.

Shares of HT Media were trading 2.56 per cent higher at Rs 18 apiece on BSE.

(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.)

Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has decided to reopen all the government, aided and non-aided colleges including all the government and private universities from January 21.

All the higher educational institutes have to follow the guidelines issued by the Punjab Government regarding Covid-19 from time to time. The Higher Education Department, Punjab has issued a detailed letter to all the universities and colleges in this regard.

Punjab government

The official spokesperson of the Punjab Government has said that as per the guidelines issued by the government, in the interest of the students, the educational institutions should conduct classes through both offline and online medium and conduct the semester/annual examinations through offline medium only. At the same time students would be allowed to take classes as per their choice and no institute should compel the students to attend the classes physically.

The spokesperson further said that hostels should be opened in the universities and colleges following the instructions of Covid-19. Hostel rooms should be allotted per student or according to the size of the room keeping in view the required distance/safety of the students and priority should be given to final year students at the time of allotment.

Photo

He further said that the mess/canteens etc. in the educational institutions should be opened as per the instructions of the health department taking all necessary safety measures.

The spokesperson further said that its mandatory for all the Universities and Colleges to ensure compliance of all the guidelines/instructions issued by the Punjab Government, Centre Government and the Higher Education Department regarding Covid-19 from time to time in view of the safety of the students.

Jensen Meat Unveils Solos Individually-Wrapped Hamburger Patty Brand With sixty years experience, Jensen Meat has perfected how to process and pack quality ground beef, said Abel Olivera, CEO of Jensen Meat. We now want to leverage our world-class knowledge to create a cost-effective process for producing plant-based products.

Jensen Meat, a Southern California-based processor of ground beef, is currently expanding both its facilities and its team to manage co-packing opportunities for plant-based beef alternatives. To accelerate production, Jensen has already broken ground on its new processing plant which will also create new jobs when complete.

Jensen Meats facility will allow the company to pursue new partnerships, providing opportunities to test new processes and increase national production of plant-based products. Jensens new plant, which will include multiple capabilities such as blending, cooking, dry mixing, emulsifying, and hydrating, in addition to bulk and patty forming for food service and retail finished products, will also help drive costs down for smaller companies.

With sixty years experience, Jensen Meat has perfected how to process and pack quality ground beef, said Abel Olivera, CEO of Jensen Meat. We now want to leverage our world-class knowledge to create a cost-effective process for producing plant-based products.

Jensen Meats new facility will be completed by April 2021 and will allow the company to increase production of affordable protein sources and work towards the goal of making the global food system sustainable. The companys plant-based addition also reflects consumer interest in sustainable meat alternatives.

We can create, process, and pack plant-based products in ways that are cost-effective and innovative, added Mr. Olivera. We want to help bright minds out there that have the same goal of creating healthy, low-cost foods from alternative sources of protein, which also play a part in reducing world hunger.

Jensen Meat Company, founded in 1958 by Reggie Jensen, has continued its expansion in recent years, growing production capabilities, developing new products, and creating new jobs. As part of its continued commitment to community, the company has expanded its robust sustainability policy that encompasses employee engagement, facility design, and operational efficiency.

Additional details about Jensen Meats expansion and its new plant-based initiative are available upon request. To schedule an interview or for more information on Jensen, visit http://www.jensenmeat.com and find Jensen Meat at https://www.linkedin.com/company/jensen-meat-co

###

About Jensen Meat, Company

Jensen Meat, Co. is a privately held, leading processor and marketer of high-quality ground beef products. Located in the Otay Mesa area of San Diego, CA, the company has strong branded products sold under Fat Burger, Great Value, Kroger, Sams Choice, and Sysco, as well as other licensed product extensions. Jensen Meat products are sold through retail, foodservice, and club store channels throughout the United States.
She appealed to Muslim community to come forward generously to cooperate in all possible manners, including offering donations, towards the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya in the same spirit.

VIJAYAWADA: Zahara Begum, organizer, Tahera Trust in on an unusual mission  she is exhorting fellow members of the Muslim community to contribute funds towards the construction of a grand temple for Hindu god Lord Ram at Ayodhya.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, she recalled that all communities, including Muslims, would pool efforts to support their Hindu brothers and sisters in organising Pooja for Vinayaka Chavithi, Dasara and Ram Navami by offering donations, in the true spirit and tradition of India, and its rich Unity in Diversity.

She appealed to Muslim community to come forward generously to cooperate in all possible manners, including offering donations, towards the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya in the same spirit.

Ms Zahara appealed to fellow Muslims to donate money through Nidhi Samarpana, during the Nidhi Sekarana program for building of Ram temple at Ayodhya, purely on a voluntary basis. She said that Muslims can start contributing donate from Rs 10 to any larger amount of their choice towards the fund.

She recalled that while working for years with villages, sometimes remote, though several of them have over the last decade advanced a lot, she had noticed that in almost all villages, Hindus have donated land for construction of mosques, idgahs and also for burial grounds for the Muslim community.

Non-Muslims have donated a great extent of cultivable land of their volition to Muslims, she said, adding not only giving land, Hindus have also helped construct masjids, Idgahs and kabarastans (graveyards).

Ms Zahara further said, we are blessed to be in a country where Lord Ram was born. We are fortunate that the temple is going to be built during our time. Lord Ram has taught Dharma as a way of life and stands as an exemplar for the entire world.

Let us come together and participate in this divine activity and help in construction of a great Ram temple at Ayodhya with an open heart, she added.

She further said India means spirituality, a rich heritage, multi-traditional, multi-cultural, multi-linguistic milieu, unlike any other country in the world. People of all communities, including Muslims, have freedoms in India unlike in many other countries and share pride in being Indian.
An Australian man who has been stranded in Thailand for 10 months claims he has been abandoned by the federal government after it cancelled his ticket on a flight home this week and cut him off from further financial support.

Justin Peck, 41, originally from Melbourne, left his business job in Hong Kong in early 2020 and travelled to Bangkok for what should have been a short holiday.

Justin Peck will have been in Thailand for one year on January 24.

When the pandemic struck and Thailand closed its borders in March, Mr Peck had no job and no way to get home.

He said the government had arranged more than a dozen flights home for him since March  at a cost of up to $60,000  all of which have fallen through. He feels his chances of returning home are now even slimmer, after the government this week removed him from its waiting list for government-assisted return flights.
Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/18/2021 -- According to the new research report, the "Level Transmitter Market with COVID-19 Impact by Technology (Capacitance, Radar, Ultrasonic, Differential Pressure, Magnetostrictive, Radiometric), Industry (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Water & Wastewater, Power), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market size is expected to grow from USD 3.1 billion in 2020 to USD 3.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 2.6%. The growth of the market is attributed to a high focus on industrial automation and optimum utilization of resources, increased regulatory emphasis on industrial safety, growing demand for level transmitters in pharmaceuticals and food & beverages, development of wireless level transmitters.



Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=23472700



Oil & Gas Industry to hold the largest share of the level transmitter market during the forecast period



Oil and gas are among the key end-user industries of level transmitters. With technological advancements, the demand for fossil fuels has increased all across the world. Level sensors experience demand from a variety of process industries. In the oil and gas industry, they are used for monitoring the presence of toxins, such as methanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol), ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol), hydrotreated light petroleum distillates, and sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda), in water.



Level transmitter market for non-contact type to grow at highest CAGR from 2020 to 2025



Non-contact transmitters facilitate level measurement without touching the media. These transmitters are the best choice for measuring the level of corrosive media, such as acids and oxidizers. The most widely used non-contact type level sensing technologies are ultrasonic, radar, and laser, among others. These level transmitters are suitable for moist, dusty, and vaporous environments and conditions where the temperature keeps on fluctuating. Moreover, non-contact level transmitters offer numerous monitoring, control, communications, setup, and diagnostic capabilities. Non-contact level transmitters have been widely adopted in process industries as they are easy-to-use, highly accurate, and require low maintenance.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Level Transmitter Market"



140  Tables

42  Figures

195  Pages



Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=23472700



The level transmitter market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2020 to 2025



The rapid urbanization and industrialization are increasing the demand for level transmitter in the region. However, COVID-19 is a global health emergency and an economic crisis, which has impacted the level transmitter market in 2020 adversely. These end-users are non-operational due to stringent measures, which include lockdown, restrictions on foreign trade, and a halt in the supply of non-essential products and services taken by several governments across the world as precautionary measures for the safety of people. There is also a huge supply-demand gap due to the decline in global demand.



Moreover, the need to meet the demand of the growing population in this region, along with increasing industrialization in emerging countries, is fueling the growth of the process industries in the region. Japan and china are major markets for level transmitter in APAC.



Endress+Hauser (Switzerland), VEGA (Germany), Emerson Electric (US), Siemens (Germany), and KROHNE (Germany) ABB (Switzerland), Honeywell (US), Yokogawa (Japan), AMETEK (US), Magnetrol (US), Schneider Electric (France) are among a few major players in the level transmitter market.



Related Reports:



Tank Level Monitoring System Market by Technology (Float & Tape Gauging, Pressure Level Monitoring, Ultrasonic Level Monitoring, Capacitance Level Monitoring, Radar-Based Level Monitoring), Application, & Geography - Global Forecast to 2025



About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.



Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.



MarketsandMarkets' flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.



Contact:



Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441
Toyota Motors and Honda Motors have restarted their plants in Malaysia as the government updated its list of essential businesses allowed to operate.

However, an analyst has criticised the Malaysian government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Bakar Sadik Agwan, Senior Automotive Consulting at GlobalData, said Malaysia's COVID-19 pandemic management has turned out to be weak.

"The country has been witnessing a spike in the number of daily cases. To contain the virus, the government re-implemented movement control order (MCO) on 12 January 2021, again bringing automotive production to a standstill," Agwan points out. "Top automakers including the national car maker Perodua and Japanese giants Honda and Toyota and others had to shut their plants to comply with the government guidelines.

"However, the government has now reinstated automotive manufacturing to the essential services list, following which Toyota and Honda have resumed their operations in the country. The move by government makes complete economic sense and Toyota and Honda's resumption of plants is a positive news for the country's automotive sector, but damage has been done over the past year."

Agwan highlights the problem of lost sales this year and supply chain disruption impacting southeast Asia's third largest auto market.

"The MCO implementations, supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages have led to dwindled automotive production output in 2020. According to reports, January-November 2020 production output in Malaysia declined by 19%.

"GlobalData expects Malaysia's auto production capacity utilization to improve to 493,000 units in 2021."

Agwan says the government needs to continue offering aid and support to curb the declining output of the country's auto manufacturing sector. "Automotive exports contributed RM13.1bn in 2019 and is of immense importance to the Malaysian economy," he points out. "Any lapse in efficient COVID-19 management may force auto giants such as Toyota and Honda to realign their production capacities to other strategic markets."
"Thousands of mothers like me around the world only have one wish, which is to see their children again," she said.

Iraq and Sudan were dropped from the list, but in 2018 the Supreme Court upheld a later version of the ban for Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen -- as well as North Korea and Venezuela.

But after Trump took over the White House in 2017, he banned access to the United States to all travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, igniting international outrage and leading to domestic court rulings against it.

The retired chemistry teacher in her sixties said she visited her 36-year-old son twice after he started studying in Washington DC the year Syria's war broke out in 2011, once in 2015 and the last time in late 2016.

"I'm counting the days until I get my next visa," Idriss told AFP, sitting in her comfortable Damascus living room, surrounded by pictures of her far-flung children and late husband.

Biden has pledged that, on his first day in office, he would reverse a ban ordered by Donald Trump on travel to the United States for citizens of mostly-Muslim countries.

Syrian mother Dahouk Idriss says she can't wait for US President-elect Joe Biden to be inaugurated Wednesday, so she can finally visit her son for the first time in four years.

'Scared I'll die alone'

To travel anywhere from Syria has become increasingly difficult since the war broke out as many countries severed ties with Damascus.

Obtaining a visa often requires a trip to an embassy in a neighbouring country, which has been made even more difficult by Covid-19 restrictions.

But Idriss, who has also struggled to visit her daughter in the United Arab Emirates, says she will jump through as many hoops as necessary to see her son again.

"I will travel to any country to submit my documents as soon as they start accepting applications," she said.

In another part of Damascus, 79-year-old Lamees Jadeed said she too hoped Biden would keep his promise.

"It's been more than four years since I last saw my daughter," she said. "I'm scared I'll die alone without seeing her.

"I'm probably more impatient for Biden to become president than he is himself."

Her daughter, 38-year-old Nawwar, travelled to the United States on a scholarship in late 2015. She has since applied for asylum and therefore cannot leave the country.

Jadeed says she travelled once to Lebanon in 2018 to request a visa at the US embassy there, but was rejected.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, other parents too are waiting with bated breath.

In the Libyan capital Tripoli, Mariam and Abdelhadi Reda, both in their late seventies, said they could not wait to see their three grandchildren again.

Since the ban in 2017, they have managed to reunite in Turkey, at great expense due to the extra flight tickets and hotel bills.

"This travel ban is so unfair and totally unjustified," said Mariam, a retired English teacher.

Their daughter Elham, a 49-year-old nurse, lives with her family in Detroit, Michigan.

She was born in the United States after her parents travelled there to study on a scholarship from the Libyan government when they were younger.

"I miss the States," Mariam said in Tripoli. "We have very good memories and old friends from our college years that we see every time we go back."

Birth of first grandchild

In Iran, retired midwife Mahnaz, 62, recounted how she was not allowed in 2018 to be by her daughter Neda's bedside when she gave birth to her first child in Los Angeles.

"It was my first grandchild. I had been waiting to live this moment with my daughter. How I had dreamt of it, and made plans," she said.

With no US embassy in Tehran after the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979, she travelled to neighbouring Armenia, hoping to be able to obtain an exemption from the ban.

"I even provided a letter written by an American psychologist saying my daughter needed emotional support," she said.

But despite the promises of an understanding embassy employee, her demand was rejected.

She did not meet her grandson Kian until nine months later when her daughter returned to Tehran to visit.

"This ban has ripped so many families apart," Mahnaz said.

"The person who ordered this is not a normal person and has had zero regards for the human consequences of his decisions."

"I cannot wait for Biden to arrive and annul this law."
European researchers have been building the Virtual Physiological Human (VPH), a full computer model of the body. Through this process, an EU-funded project focused on improving cardiovascular care, and several key results are now being implemented by industry.

The ultimate aim of all this is to turn basic science into real medical practices that will benefit patients and improve care standards.

A key phrase that goes with VPH is personalised medicine, explains John Fenner, part of the VPH-CaSE project coordination team, and senior lecturer of medical physics at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Take drugs for instance. A doctor might typically give slightly different doses according to patient weight. But more crudely, decisions on what drugs are given tend to be based on distinct population groups, and this is typically a one-size-fits-all solution.

The VPH approach seeks to resolve this issue with computational models, built on an improved understanding of how the human body works overall. This way, ineffective drugs can be weeded out before they go to trial, potentially saving billions in drug development.

This can help to deliver more effective treatments with fewer side effects, tailored to the individual, adds Fenner. The same goes for prosthetics and medical instruments.

Another important element of VPH is multiscale modelling, simulating and interconnecting processes from the macro to the micro. Understanding bones at a macroscopic scale (e.g. strength, weight, stiffness, etc.) is not enough to develop an effective prosthetic; you also need to think about impacts at the cellular level.

Think about going to the gym. If you pull weights, your muscles get bigger because of micro-changes in your muscle cells. What we need is modelling that spans all these scales, from skeletal structure to cellular processes. John Fenner, VPH-CaSE Project Coordination Team, Senior Lecturer of Medical Physics, University of Sheffield

Improving cardiac care

As part of the VPH Initiative, the EU-funded VPH-CaSE project was launched in 2015 with a focus on delivering potential new tools and methods to improve cardiac care. The project, funded through the EUs Marie SkAodowska-Curie programme, brought together 14 bright early-stage researchers to examine a range of topics, ranging from the behaviour of heart cells to an examination of populations.

All this research fed into the work of others, notes Fenner. Such cross-fertilisation, using other findings and models to augment your own research, is all part of the VPH ethos.

The 14 research projects were focused on three key clusters, covering cardiac tissue function and cardiac support, cardiovascular haemodynamics (the study of blood circulation) and image-based diagnosis. Industrial and clinical partners were involved, providing the team of researchers with valuable work experience, and ensuring that their projects focused on solving real-world challenges.

Some students were placed in small companies to help build and test better medical imaging equipment, adds Fenner. For an academic institution like ours, having the opportunity to work with an industry like this is like gold dust.

A bright future

Fenners colleague at the University of Sheffield Andrew Narracott describes the VPH-CaSE project as another brick in the path towards personalised medicine and improved medical diagnostic technology. This is a long path, and we have a long way to go, but you need to put the stones down to get to the destination, he explains.

Arguably, a good metric of success is the quality of training our students received. It is gratifying that they have ended up either in further research or in industry. One of our students now works at the National Physical Laboratory (the United Kingdoms national measurement standards laboratory). For us, this is a great success.

Furthermore, some of the technology developed during the project has been continued. An ultrasound testing system for example is now evolving into a new tool to test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.

We are continuing our collaboration with SMEs established during VPH-CaSE, with a view to eventually commercialising technologies where possible, notes Fenner. One of our students has continued their work with industry to help develop computational solutions to aid surgical interventions. These ongoing interactions demonstrate how ideas with the potential to improve cardiovascular care have been picked up by industry and researchers.

A broader benefit of the project, Fenner believes, has been the contribution to the publics mindset about the value of computational methods in medicine. A particular highlight was our involvement in an art exhibition in London, he says.

One of the modelling technologies developed within the project was displayed as a piece of dynamic sculpture. This was a very rewarding exercise and provided a completely different perspective on our research. Interaction with the public also forced our researchers to think differently about their work, to consider perhaps more the societal benefits of what they do. This broader perspective will be invaluable to their careers.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!

(Natural News) Despite Angela Merkels difficult relationship with President Trump, the German Chancellor made it clear that she is outraged over the decision by Twitter, Facebook, and Google to collectively banish the president from the Internet in the final week of his term.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

But Merkels statement, which attracted much attention in the U.S., was far from the only statement by a world leader recognizing the enormous power grab made by Big Tech, and the need to reverse that power grab with new regulations, new laws, or even entirely new online platforms. Leaders from all over the world joined in to express the same sentiments, and Revolver has compiled many of them into a list below. But keep in mind: No doubt even more leaders are thinking the same thing, and have only stayed quiet to avoid irritating the incoming Biden Harris Administration.

The chancellor sees the complete closing down of the account of an elected president as problematic, Steffen Seibert, her chief spokesman, said at a regular news conference in Berlin. Rights like the freedom of speech can be interfered with, but by law and within the framework defined by the legislature  not according to a corporate decision. The German leaders stance is echoed by the French government. Junior Minister for European Union Affairs Clement Beaune said he was shocked to see a private company make such an important decision. This should be decided by citizens, not by a CEO, he told Bloomberg TV on Monday. There needs to be public regulation of big online platforms. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire earlier said that the state should be responsible for regulations, rather than the digital oligarchy, and called big tech one of the threats to democracy. [Bloomberg]

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO, was one of the first global leaders to trash tech monopolies for de-platforming the president.

How can you censor someone: Lets see, I, as the judge of the Holy Inquisition, will punish you because I think what youre saying is harmful,' AMLO said during a long diatribe last week. Where is the law, where is the regulation, what are the norms? This is an issue of government, this is not an issue for private companies.

AMLO hasnt stopped at just criticizing the decision, though. On Wednesday, he proposed creating a Mexican national social media platform, to make sure Mexicans couldnt be stripped of free speech by a foreign corporation:

Speaking at his regular news conference, AMLO, as the president is best known, instructed the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) and other government departments to look at the possibility of creating a state-owned social media site that would guarantee freedom of speech in Mexico.  To guarantee freedom, for freedom, so theres no censorship in Mexico. [We want] a country without censorship. Mexico [must be] a country of freedom. This is a commitment we have, he said. [Mexico News Daily]

Alongside Mexico, Poland has also floated the idea of a major state response to the banning of Trump. Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki compared the treatment of the president to the suppression that occurred during Polands Communist era.

Censorship of free speech, which is the domain of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, is now returning in the form of a new, commercial mechanism to combat those who think differently, Morawiecki said.

To fix the problem, Polands government has a plan almost as bold as Mexicos. Instead of creating a Poland-only social media network, the government is drafting legislation that would ban tech companies from taking down material that does not violate Polish law. Facebook and Twitter would have to obey, or else be shut out of the country.

Sebastian Kaleta, secretary of state at Polands Ministry of Justice  said the draft law prepared by the justice ministry would make it illegal for social media companies to remove posts that did not break Polish law.  In recent years, Facebook has moved to block content from far-right Polish organisations and politicians on numerous occasions. The MP Janusz Korwin-Mikke, aligned with the Konfederacja party, was in November shut out of his account, which had 780,000 followers, for what Facebook called repeated violations of community standards. Korwin-Mikke accused Facebook of being run by fascists and Bolsheviks. Under the provisions of the Polish draft law, users would be able to file a court petition to force social media companies to restore removed content if they believed it did not violate Polish law. The court would rule within seven days and the process would be fully electronic. [The Guardian]

Brazil

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is routinely compared to Trump (including by Revolver), so its no surprise that hes blasted the power of tech to silence leaders like himself.

On Tuesday, Bolsonaro encouraged his supporters to follow him on Telegram, a competitor to Facebook-owned WhatsApp with very little moderation.

-* Inscreva-se em meu canal oficial no telegram*: https://t.co/O8KTejUGuL  Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) January 12, 2021

The Friday before, Bolsonaro promoted the Parler app just a few hours before it was taken offline by a concerted big tech attack. Bolsonaros son, meanwhile, changed his profile photo on Twitter to an image of Trump to show solidarity, while declaring that Parlers shutdown was an attack by the Big Tech cartel.

https://twitter.com/BolsonaroSP/status/1349058097722097664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1349058097722097664%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolver.news%2F2021%2F01%2Fus-condemned-for-brutal-domestic-crackdown%2F

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ally of President Trump, hasnt said much about the attack on the president, but statements by his allies have left little doubt what he likely believes.

Tejasvi Surya is a member of the Indian parliament and leader of the the youth wing of the BJP, Modis party. Less than two hours after Trumps permanent Twitter ban was announced, Surya stepped up to call for new regulations on the company to make sure the same could not happen in India.

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

Australia

Australias senior leaders have shows significant concern about the power play by tech behemoths. Josh Frydenberg, Australian treasurer and deputy leader of the governing Liberal Party, condemned the move.

I feel pretty uncomfortable with those measures which were announced. Freedom of speech is fundamental to our society, he said. Those decisions were taken by commercial companies, but personally I felt uncomfortable with what they did. [Financial Review]

Deputy prime minister Michael McCormack, meanwhile, accused Twitter of hypocrisy for censoring the American President but not removing a tweet spread by a Chinese official showing a doctored image of an Australian soldier committing a war crime in Afghanistan. The loudest condemnation of all, though, came from Liberal Party backbencher George Christensen, who has pledged to introduce legislation to restrict what social media can block in Australia:

Christensen and Kelly are both incensed that Twitter first applied warning labels and then suspended the account of US president Donald Trump over claims the election was fraudulent and the US capitol mob were very nice people. In a sign outspoken rightwing MPs will continue to challenge social media companies, Christensen has revealed on Facebook he will push for laws to stop social media platforms from censoring any and all lawful content created by their users. Twitter, Facebook and Google/YouTubes cultural purge is in full swing with the tech tyrants banning, silencing, fake fact checking and censoring conservatives and others they do not agree with, he posted on Saturday. [The Guardian]

France

French President Emanuel Macron has not made a public statement on Trumps de-platforming. But finance minister Bruno Le Maire has. Le Maire has clashed personally with Trump in the past, but said he was shocked by what Twitter had done and warned that a digital oligarchy was seizing powers reserved for citizens and elected governments.

New Zealand

New Zealand maintains an official government post of privacy commissioner, whose role is to protect the personal information of New Zealanders. Sitting privacy commissioner John Edwards had one of the sharpest critiques of all of the big tech attack on President Trump and his supporters, and called for new regulations of social media to prevent it from ever happening again:

The Twitter and Facebook bans are arbitrary, cynical, unprincipled and further evidence that regulation of social media platforms is urgently required. Much worse has been allowed, and is still present on both platforms than the precipitating posts.  John Edwards (@JCE_PC) January 9, 2021

China

China tends to avoid official comment on domestic political disputes in foreign countries, and the Trump banning was no exception. You wont see random off-the-cuff remarks from Xi Jinping.

Chinese state-run media, though, was another story. The Global Times was quick to ridicule House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for cheering on demonstrations in Hong Kong while summoning a massive military force to crack down on the Capitol riot.

.@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as "a beautiful sight to behold"  it remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/91iXDzYpcO  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 7, 2021

Facebook and Twitter are both banned in China, but the Global Times was still happy to use Trumps de-platforming to call out the hollowness of U.S. government rhetoric on political liberty:

Does the silencing of Trump breach the principle of freedom of speech? No matter what the first amendment says, that Trump cannot express his opinions on social networks and lost the right that every ordinary American enjoys definitely violates the principle of freedom of speech endorsed by US political elites. I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. This is how the US, as the beacon of freedom, has lectured the world. In fact, the political connotation of freedom of speech has been concealed by the discourse power of the US and the West. Freedom of speech does have political and ethical boundaries. The silencing of Trump unveiled this true essence of freedom of speech. [Global Times]

Other Chinese officials, meanwhile, pointed out the potential geopolitical ramifications of American tech companies having free reign to control global discourse. Unsurprisingly, more than any other country, China seemed aware of the political self-harm America had inflicted on itself, and the lessons that foreign countries should take from the incident:

Mei Xinyu, a researcher at the Chinas Ministry of Commerce, expressed concerns over the potential for freewheeling tech platforms to pose a political threat to the country.

The behaviour of these social media platforms has raised panic in other countries, Mei said. Tech companies in China have to make a positive impact. We wont restrain ourselves economically. But in terms of political risks, we cant allow this to happen in China. Wang Sixin, a professor from the Communication University of China, echoed those sentiments. This incident of a group of tech giants conspiring to choke off Trump is a cautionary lesson for our own regulations, Wang said. Put differently, we must not let these internet companies, especially the alliance of them, achieve an information monopoly. [South China Morning Post]

Russia

Russian opposition leader Andrei Navalnys criticism of the Trump purge got the most attention, with Navalny hiding nothing about how displeased he was:

10. This precedent will be exploited by the enemies of freedom of speech around the world. In Russia as well. Every time when they need to silence someone, they will say: 'this is just common practice, even Trump got blocked on Twitter'.  Alexey Navalny (@navalny) January 9, 2021

But Navalny wasnt the only Russian unhappy with the move. A whole raft of opposition figures said similar things. Vladimir Putins government arguably had even harsher words for Big Tech:

Russia on Thursday compared the decision of social media giants to suspend U.S. President Donald Trumps accounts to a nuclear blast in cyber space with the consequences hard to predict. The decision of U.S. internet platforms to block the head of state can be compared to a nuclear blast in cyber space, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook. Its not the destruction thats scary but the consequences, she added. A blow has been dealt against democratic values proclaimed by the West. [The Moscow Times]

The overwhelming international condemnation of the American social media industrial complex indicates that the United States cannot crackdown on the rights of its own citizens without further diminishing its prestige, credibility, and power on the global stage. With America already in steep relative decline as a superpower, it remains to be seen whether it can afford to abandon even the pretense of being a free society. This is a topic Revolver will explore in greater depth in a future article.

Read more at: Revolver.news
The number of Bexar County residents hospitalized with COVID-19 reached a staggering high Monday as a wave of new cases pushed hospital systems to the brink.

In a month filled with grim milestones, San Antonio hit another one Monday, with area hospitals caring for 1,520 patients with COVID-19  253 more than the record set this summer, when state leaders shut down bars and mandated masks to stave off the virus.

Health officials fear the worst is yet to come. A scientific model developed to forecast the coronavirus spread predicts that area hospitals could be inundated with as many as 1,900 patients within the next week if the most dire scenario unfolds.

When hospitals run out of beds and staff to care for patients, medical professionals will be forced to ration care. They will be pressed to prioritize those with the best chance of short-term survival so they can save as many people as possible with resources stretched thin.

Weve got plenty of rooms. Its a problem with having the staff, said County Judge Nelson Wolff.

On ExpressNews.com: A guide to getting vaccinated in San Antonio

More than 1,400 nurses have been hired on a temporary basis to help area hospitals handle the spike, Wolff said.

At the start of January, hospitals were caring for 1,100 patients, 328 of whom needed intensive care and 178 relied on ventilators to breathe. Those figures have soared since then: Hospitals on Monday were caring for 437 patients who needed intensive care and 260 relying on ventilators to breathe.

Patients with COVID-19 now make up nearly 38 percent of all those hospitalized  more than double the 15-percent threshold that triggers the business occupancy restrictions and bar closures.

Thats really taxing on our hospitals, Wolff said.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Monday that nearly every measure that health officials use to track the virus grip on the community is worsening.

Officials reported 1,281 new cases Monday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 149,836. The case rate per 100,000 residents soared to 103, up from 85 the week before. Two weeks ago, 65 cases were reported for every 100,000 residents.

On ExpressNews.com: The San Antonio Express-News Vaccine Tracker

The swell of new cases has brought with it a wave of new deaths. Nirenberg reported Monday that three more residents died, bringing the countys death toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,812.

Please do your part to protect your family and friends, Nirenberg said.

In recent weeks, the virus has appeared to spread faster than ever. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert said Monday that he is among thousands of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Calvert said he tested positive Friday, three days after county commissioners met in person for their weekly meeting. After receiving his test result, he notified the other members of Commissioners Court, who have since undergone testing that has come back with negative results. During the courts weekly meetings, all officials wear masks and sit more than 6 feet apart.

They were all very kind in offering their help, Calvert said of his colleagues.

Although Calvert cant be sure of the source of his infection because the virus rampant spread across San Antonio, the 40-year-old believes that he was exposed to the virus by a friend on Jan. 1. When he found out that hed been exposed, he got tested on Jan. 6, which was negative.

It wasnt until he was cooking butter basil shrimp for his dinner Thursday night that he realized hed lost his sense of taste.

I thought, Well, I haven't cooked this for a while, but I didnt think my food would be so bland, Calvert said.

So you know those popcorn things with three types of popcorn? I went over and tasted the caramel popcorn  I couldnt taste the caramel popcorn. Then tasted the cheddar  I couldnt taste the cheddar popcorn either, Calvert said. I couldnt taste the chocolate pecans and I thought, Oh, God. I might have COVID.

Calvert said his only symptoms so far are a runny nose, minor congestion and a feeling of pressure in his head. He said Monday he believes he is past the worst of it.

marina.riker@express-news.net
Advertisement

Joe Biden's new CDC director has said the incoming administration plans to bring in the military and medical students to ramp up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as just 4.5 percent of Americans have so far received a shot.

Dr. Rochelle Wallensky told Good Morning America's George Stephanopoulos Tuesday morning that the CDC will commission military medical personnel, retirees and nursing and medical students to make sure there are enough people 'on the ground' to get shots into the arms of Americans.

Wallensky said they will also make the vaccine more 'accessible' by launching mobile vans and giving more pharmacies doses as she vowed that the incoming administration will focus on 'the science'.

She didn't say in the brief interview whether the government would change any of the eligibility requirements for people to get the vaccine, or whether it would leave more of the decision making to states.

Biden announced an ambitious target Thursday to get 100 million Americans vaccinated in his first 100 days in office as part of his $1.9 trillion 'American Rescue Plan'.

So far, the US has administered just 14.7 million shots of the vaccine - out of 31.2 million sent to states - 37 days from the day the first American was given the first dose on December 14, according to data from Bloomberg.

CDC data shows just 1.6 million people have received both doses of the vaccine meaning they have maximum protection against the virus.

Worldwide, more than 44 million shots have been administered across 51 countries with Israel's efforts outpacing that of the US and other countries as 28.5 percent of the population have received a shot.

The US's woeful vaccination program comes as the nation heads toward the grim milestone of 400,000 COVID-19 deaths while infections have now topped 24 million.

A total of 44 states are recording a week-over-week drop in infections and 18 are witnessing a fall in deaths, John Hopkins University data shows, but an average of 200,407 are still testing positive each day.

The nation is also grappling with the new mutant strain of the virus first detected in the UK with 107 cases of the more highly contagious variant now detected on US soil, and new variants have also sprung up in South Africa and Brazil.

Joe Biden's new CDC director Dr. Rochelle Wallensky has said the incoming administration plans to bring in military and medical students to ramp up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as just 4.5 percent of Americans have so far received a shot

Biden's target would mark a huge uplift on the current rate of rollout in the US, but Wallensky said it's a target that can be achieved with the administration's 'really ambitious but doable plan'.

Part of this plan is increasing the number of people able to administer the shot to the public, she said.

'We need to make sure we have the people - the vaccinators - on the ground,' she said.

'We're going to commission medical personnel, we're going to use military medical personnel, we're going to look at retirees, we're going to look at upper level nursing students and medical students so that we can really get enough people to be doing the vaccination.'

Wallensky said there is also a focus on ensuring the right supply reaches the right states and on increasing vaccination sites where people can go to get the shot.

'We need to really understand what our supply looks like - how many doses are going to go to which states - so we can make sure the eligibility is on track, so we don't have long lines, long waits but that we're vaccinating people in the proper cue,' she said.

'And then we need to make sure we can bring the vaccine to the people to many, many places.

'These will be community vaccination centers, they will be mobile vans, they will be federally qualified health centers and pharmacies. So we need to make it really accessible.'

She added that the plan 'is underpinned with equity' so the administration will ensure 'we're equally and equitably getting this vaccine across the country.'

Wallensky took a thinly-veiled swipe at her predecessors saying it was time to 'reset the stage' and be transparent with the American public about the pandemic.

'We need to reset the stage here. We need to make sure the country, the people, understand that this pandemic is now going to be addressed with science, with trust, with transparency, with communication of exactly where we are to the American people,' she said.

'Yes I will be sworn in tomorrow but the work has been happening since I was named and we've worked really hard to make sure we can hit the ground running and make sure that we can get this country back to health.'

Wallensky admitted that the Trump administration's refusal to cooperate with a peaceful transition had made the situation more challenging for the incoming team.

'You know I've been working closely with the agency review team. That team has been really helpful for me with trig to get up to speed with where we are,' she said.

'Certainly communication in many of the other agencies might have been better but we have been hitting the ground running and that is how we intend to move forward.'

The infectious disease expert said she didn't 'want to judge where things were' and acknowledged that it has been 'historic' to be faced with a task of rolling out two vaccines within a year.

'We have the hard job of making sure those now get into arms,' she said.

Israel's efforts outpace those of the US and other countries with a staggering 28.5 percent of the population having received a shot

'This plan makes sense and I'm looking forward to implementing it.'

Wallensky doubled down on the Biden administration's announcement that it will overturn Donald Trump's eleventh-hour plan to lift the travel ban on visitors from the UK, Brazil and Europe saying she doesn't think it is 'the time.'

Officials had told Reuters the outgoing president had planned to remove the current restrictions starting on January 26 saying it 'is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely'.

But just 90 minutes later the president-elect's press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that Biden will quash the plan and likely put in place increased restrictions.

'With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel,' Psaki tweeted.

'On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.'

The current restrictions bar nearly all non-US citizens who have been in Brazil, the UK, Ireland and the 26 countries of the Schengen area in Europe that allow travel across open borders within the last 14 days.

Wallensky reinforced Psaki's stance saying: 'If you look at the fatalities of 400,00 that we'e likely to hit today. If you look at the cases across this country.

'I don't think now is the time to encourage people to get on international flights to encourage people to mobilize.'

She added: 'I think now is the time to really buckle down, double down our efforts and I don't expect that we will be lifting travel restrictions and if anything I think we can expect that they might tighten especially in the context of variants that we are hearing about.'

So far, the US has administered just 14.7 million shots of the vaccine 37 days on from the day the first American was given the first dose on December 14

Wallensky does not need senate confirmation for her role so will become CDC director as soon as Biden takes office Wednesday, kicking off the president-elect's promise to ramp up the nation's vaccination plan from the get-go.

To date, just 14.7 million doses have been administered across the US, with an average of 776,901 doses administered per day in the last week, according to data from Bloomberg.

The Trump administration had set a goal of inoculating 20 million Americans by the end of December, while Trump even claimed they would reach 100 million vaccinations in that time frame.

The federal government failed to deliver on this target, distributing shy of 31.2 million doses to the states as of Monday.

But state rollouts have also been plagued by issues in administering the doses once they reach officials on the ground.

So far, just 47.2 percent of all doses that have reached states have been administered to the American public with more than half sitting unused.

North Dakota has emerged as America's unlikely leader, racing ahead of most of the nation in the vaccine rollout.

The state has administered 77.1 percent of all doses delivered - the highest proportion of all states.

Of the 76,275 doses received from the federal government, 52,955 have gone into North Dakotan arms.

President-elect Joe Biden pledged to get 100 million Americans vaccinated in his first 100 days in office

Washington state asks Starbucks, Microsoft and Costco to help ramp up vaccinations Washington state will partner with Starbucks, Microsoft, Costco and other companies to help ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations in a bid to to reach the goal of inoculating 45,000 residents per day. Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center - a public-private partnership between the Seattle-based companies and the health department. Inslee turned to Starbucks, headquartered in Seattle, for help streamlining the logistics and operation efficiency of the rollout. Microsoft is among the large companies setting up mass vaccination sites to give out at least 5,000 shots per day. Costco, also headquartered in the state, will help deliver the vaccines. 'Now, we are not a health care company,' Starbucks President and CEO Kevin Johnson said. 'But Starbucks does operate 33,000 stores at scale, serving 100 million customers a week and we have a world class team of human-centered design engineers who are working under the direction of the state and health care providers... to help support the creation of vaccination centers that can scale and... amplify the comfort, care and safety of every person who gets vaccinated.' Microsoft President Brad Smith said the tech giant was providing technology expertise. He said the mass vaccine site at the Microsoft campus would be for all residents and not just employees. Given many employees are not currently working at the headquarters amid the pandemic, Smith said Microsoft would also partner with local hospitals to set up vaccine sites there to provide additional support to staff. The state is also bringing in the National Guard to help set up the mass vaccine sites, is setting up drive-by vaccine locations and is enabling more than 2,000 pharmacies to vaccinate residents. Costco will help by delivering the vaccines to the 2,000 pharmacies that administer the shots statewide. It is all part of an overall goal to vaccinate 45,000 people a day to boost the slower than expected rollout. Gov. Inslee said that while the goal is currently higher than the current allotment of vaccine the state is receiving from the federal government, the state is working to get the infrastructure in place now for when the supply increases. He said the state is vaccinating between 13,000 and 15,000 a day. The state has now handed out 242,000 of the 696,000 doses distributed by the federal government, according to data from the CDC, and just over 31,500 people in the state has received both doses of the vaccine. The state on Monday expanded its vaccine priority with those aged over 65 now eligible to get the shots. Advertisement

A total of 3,222 vaccines were administered on January 14 alone, according to its latest data.

Nearly six percent of its population has had their first shot, and nearly one percent have already received their second.

State officials acknowledge that North Dakota's small population size is an advantage.

But the state also started preparing ahead of the vaccine approval, by training healthcare workers before doses arrived.

It has also set up a flexible plan to let people 65 or older, people with two or more underlying conditions, and child care and school workers get priority access to vaccines while other states struggled with slow rollout due to very narrow eligible groups.

West Virginia has also fared well with the rollout having administered 74.8 percent of all doses delivered.

Governor Jim Justice said his state was the 'diamond in the rough' for vaccine rollout in a Face the Nation interview Sunday.

'We're saving all kinds of lives. We're putting our kids back in school. West Virginia has been the diamond in the rough that a lot of people have missed,' he said.

'We are practical thinking people with a lot of really smart people here getting it done.'

Much of its success has been put down to the state's decision to reject a federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens and instead enlist mom-and-pop pharmacies to vaccinate residents on a local level.

New Mexico is also faring well, having administered 67.2 percent of doses delivered.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state is already seeing hospitalizations declining.

'We absolutely can see light at the end of this very long, dark tunnel,' she said in the news conference Friday.

'The way to the other side of this pandemic is absolutely these treatments and vaccines.'

But officials have said they are disappointed with the amount they are being given by the federal government.

A New Mexico Health Department spokesman said Friday that residents deserve clarity and transparency from the government about the rollout.

Oregon is also racing ahead of the national average rollout with 64.7 percent doses administered while Kentucky is close behind with 63.3 percent.

By contrast, the Marshall Islands has administered just 4.8 percent, Micronesia 7.6 percent and the US Virgin Islands 13.8 percent of all doses received from the government.

States such as California and New York - which are both highly populated and have been hard hit by the pandemic - are also slow to get doses in arms.

California has administered just 36.7 percent of its doses while the death rate soars in the state with an average of 525 people now dying every day.

In New York, just 53 percent of doses have been administered while Governor Andrew Cuomo has pushed the blame onto the federal government and has asked for federal permission to order doses directly from Pfizer.

Cuomo wrote to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on Monday with his request after slamming the Trump administration for not increasing the supply of vaccine doses New York is receiving despite increasing the number of people now eligible.

So far, New York has used up around one million of the 1.8 million doses the state has been allocated.

There are currently 7 million New Yorkers eligible for the vaccine after the federal government expanded the criteria to include those aged over 65.

While the US has administered the highest number of doses overall of all nations, it is flailing behind countries including Israel, the UAE and the UK in terms of the proportion of people who have received a dose.

Less than 4.5 percent of Americans have been vaccinated, compared to 28.5 percent of people in Israel.

On Monday, Israel vaccinated a record 186,000 in 24 hours, including 114,000 people getting a second dose and 72,000 a first dose.

Officials announced a new target of 250,000 people vaccinated each day and expanded eligibility to Israelis over the age of 40.

In the UAE, 18.3 people per 100 have received a dose, and has vowed to vaccinate half the population by the end of March.

Meanwhile the UK has rolled out almost 6.8 doses per 100 people.

But the nation's capital has vaccinated the lowest number of priority residents - over-80s, vulnerable, care home residents and NHS workers - with just over 417,000 doses given out in London.

While the US at first held back second doses of the vaccine, the UK moved forward administering all available doses.

However, this has also faced issues with some people who received the first dose now not receiving the second at the optimal time for the vaccine to be most effective as it has ran out of availability.

Biden first unveiled his goal to ramp up the vaccine rollout Thursday as part of his $1.9 trillion 'American Rescue Plan' which includes about $400 billion to tackle COVID-19.

He doubled down on the target Friday insisting 'we can get it done' as he vowed to 'manage the hell out of this operation'.

Biden maintained that his administration can accomplish the goal through a five-step plan that includes: getting more people vaccinated, increasing vaccination sites, increasing supply, mobilizing the personnel to administer it, and ensure Americans have confidence in the vaccine.

By using the Defense Production Act, Biden said he can boost supplies of the vital vaccine

He said he will also work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up 100 vaccination centers across the country by the end of his first month in office.

And local pharmacies will also be mobilized to get more shots in arms and will 'increase vaccine supply and get it out the door as soon as possible.'

Biden urged states to start giving COVID-19 vaccines to all essential workers and Americans over 65 immediately, to stop doses from lingering on shelves or going to waste.

The CDC updated its guidance last Monday recommending states include people aged over 65 and the immunocompromised to those currently eligible.

This comes as the US inches closer to the grim total of 400,000 deaths.

Cases have now topped 24 million and 399,008 Americans have died, with another 1,381 deaths recorded Monday.

The seven-day rolling average death toll now stands at 3,094 while 123,848 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 Monday.

New cases of the more contagious 'super-COVID' strain are being recorded.

The strain, called B 1.1.7., has sent the UK back into a strict lockdown and the CDC has warned it could become dominant in the US by March.

The mutation makes the virus more able to latch onto the receptors inside the body that it targets, meaning it can get past the body's natural defenses more easily.

While there is no evidence that the strain is more deadly, it is said to be up to 70 percent more contagious.

Similar variants have also cropped up in South Africa and Brazil and the US now has two other variants.

The Brazil variant - B.1.1.248 or P.1 - was first discovered in Japan in four travellers arriving from Manaus, Brazil, on January 2.

Scientists think the current vaccines will work against the variants, but cannot be sure yet.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Dakota emerges as unlikely leader in vaccine rollout race

North Dakota has emerged as America's unlikely leader in the battle against the coronavirus, racing ahead of most of the nation in the vaccine rollout and battling back from being the worst COVID hotspot in the nation with an 80 percent decline in active cases since mid-November.

And while some states like California are floundering with vaccination rollout, using a meager 36.7 percent of doses distributed to it, North Dakota is flying through the doses sent to it by the federal government, using 78 percent of its allotted doses and vaccinating just shy of seven percent of its population.

North Dakota administered 3,222 vaccines on January 14 alone, according to its latest data.

Nearly six percent of its population has had their first shot, and nearly one percent have already received their second.

State officials acknowledge that North Dakota's small population size is an advantage.

But it also gave health care workers a head-start with training before vaccine doses arrived, and has set up a flexible plan to let people 65 or older, people with two or more underlying conditions, and child care and school workers get priority access to vaccines.

Meanwhile, the state has 1,377 active cases of COVID-19 as of Monday - just a little over 10 percent as many as it saw at its November peak of 10,195.

Deaths in North Dakota continue to climb, but have leveled off since November.

North Dakota has given nearly 53,000 of the 76,275 doses sent to it, and kept up a consistent flow of administering vaccines since its first doses arrived last month (pictured), according to the state's health department

Throughout much the nation, a game of federal and state he-said-she-said continues, and is doing little to speed the sluggish rollout.

Houston, Texas, officials say they are receiving sporadic shipments of small numbers of vaccine doses.

'Right now, having (doses) one day and then running out, it just creates a lot of chaos,' said Galveston County health director Dr Philip Keiser on Monday, according to Houston Public Media.

California and New York may be known for their top-notch hospitals and medical schools, but they are struggling to get people vaccinated amid the COVID-19 crisis.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has blamed the federal government for his state only getting 5.14 percent of its population vaccinated by Monday, and asked for federal permission to order doses directly from Pfizer.

But the Empire State has only used a little over half (53 percent) of what the Trump administration has shipped to it, and its stiff plan for prioritizing people saw precious doses of vaccine thrown out earlier this month.

Active coronavirus cases have fallen by 80% and the number of new daily infections in the state is a fraction of what it had been a month ago when North Dakota was among the nation's top hotspots

Cumulative deaths have increased in North Dakota, but the state has drastically bent the curve of fatalities since it climbed steeply last month, reaching a peak of 499 deaths in November, followed by 278 in December and 37 so far in January

California lags even further behind, vaccinating just 3.3 percent of its population with the massive allotment of 3.5 million doses sent to it by the federal government.

And in Florida, which was the third state to reach one million COVID-19 cases, more than 40,000 people are overdue for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine - a worrying sign that poor organization could leave at-risk residents unprotected.

About 31.1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been sent to US states by the federal government, according to tracking from Bloomberg.

While West Virginia races to the head of the pack, vaccinating nearly nine percent of its population in just a month, California and Alabama rank worst, getting shots in the arms of just 3.3 percent and 2.7 percent of their residents, respectively.

Mass vaccination sites opened in larger states like New York, California and Florida, but rates of shot administration remain low.

Some of the states that have most vocally blamed the federal government for the vaccine rollout are among the slowest to use the doses sent to them.

Meanwhile, Southern and Sun Belt states are struggling. Alabama and Arizona have each vaccinated just 2.7 percent of their populations.

That's particularly worrisome for Arizona, which has had more coronavirus infections per capita than any where else in the world.
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.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Outdoor trailblazer uses Centric Outdoor PLM and 3D technology to support agile, high-quality product development

CAMPBELL, California, January 19, 2021  Centric Software is delighted to announce the release of a success story about its customer, Helly Hansen.

During the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the renowned Norwegian outdoor performance brand was able to save weeks worth of time during its product development process with the ability to quickly create and review 3D samples created within Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury, consumer goods and home decor companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear, with its outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear sold in more than 40 countries. The company has developed numerous first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics more than 140 years ago, and today its ski uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals around the world, including Olympians, National Teams and more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations.

As well as struggling with data management, visibility and version control across multiple software platforms, when the Helly Hansen group acquired MUSTO in 2018, integrating a new brand brought additional challenges.

Before Centric PLM, one of our biggest challenges was a lack of accountability, with each department using different tools and platforms. Were growing fast and, in order to develop innovative, high-quality products efficiently, we needed a clear overview of who was doing what, where and when, says Ferdinand Diener, Process and Quality Manager at Helly Hansen.

Helly Hansen implemented Centric PLM in just six months while also merging with MUSTO. One of the biggest initial benefits for Helly Hansen was the ability to get both brands onto one platform very quickly.

Because Centric PLM is so fast and easy to use, people are able to do a more thorough job, create more products and improve quality oversight, says Diener. Were a quality-driven, innovation-focused brand, so this is critical.

Whats more, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing imposed and travel halted, it was difficult to review physical samples, with sample production severely delayed, or even cancelled altogether.

However, with innovative digital solutions provided by Centric PLM and 3D Connect technology giving expanded 3D functionality to PLM users, Helly Hansen has been able to adapt to recent market disruptions, improving the efficiency of its communications across different departments, particularly around sample production. There was the added benefit of becoming more sustainable in the process and reducing their carbon footprint due to a decreased need for physical samples, reduced shipping, material waste, etc.

Centrics 3D Connector now helps us with communication, and we can do things last minute that we couldnt have done previously. For example, if a physical sample isn't available, or we don't want to wait weeks for a prototype to arrive, we can create a 3D version in a matter of hours, says designer Mhairi Bannerman, who works within the ski and sailing team on Helly Hansens technical garments.

How did Helly Hansen embark on its Centric PLM adventure?

Read the full story

Request a Demo

Helly Hansen (www.hellyhansen.com)

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear. Through insights drawn from living and working in the worlds harshest environments, the company has developed a long list of first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics more than 140 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with Lifa Technology, and todays award winning and patented H2Flow temperature regulating system.

More recently, for AW20 the brand launched Lifa Infinity Pro, a fully waterproof and breathable membrane that naturally repels water. The water repellent protection is everlasting so it will never need to be reproofed with chemical treatment.

Sold in more than 40 countries, its ski uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, National Teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around the world.

To learn more about Helly Hansens latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.

Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods including cosmetics, beauty, food and beverage. Centrics flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, quality and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB provides innovative PLM technology and key industry learnings for emerging brands. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) offers a new fully visual and digital experience for collaboration and decision-making and includes the Centric Buying Board to transform internal buying sessions and maximize retail value and the Centric Concept Board for driving creativity and evolving product concepts. All Centric innovations shorten time to market, boost product innovation and reduce costs.

Centric Software is majority-owned by Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and PLM solutions.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Centric also received various excellence awards from Frost & Sullivan in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2021.

Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software Inc. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

Centric Software

Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe@centricsoftware.com

EMEA: Kristen Salaun-Batby, ksalaun-batby@centricsoftware.com

APAC: Lily Dong, lily.dong@centricsoftware.com

Fears of terror attacks could see the centre of the historic city of Bath closed off to vehicles.

The council plans to install bollards and remove parking spaces  even for residents.

But it has been accused of failing to take into account the needs of vulnerable locals.

A public consultation received about 200 comments, with some criticising the proposals to block access to residents' vehicles, taxis, and parcel and food delivery vans.

Fears of terror attacks could see the centre of the historic city of Bath closed off to vehicles (file photo)

Affected residents would be forced to get approval for home deliveries 20 days in advance and blue badge holders would not be able to park.

The council and police said the counter-terror measures were proportionate for the Georgian city. Pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles would still have access at all times.

Community group The Abbey Residents' Association said the public consultation, which has now been extended, had so far failed to properly capture the views of locals.

Bath council plans to install bollards and remove parking spaces  even for residents

It said: 'The justification for all these draconian restrictions is vague but appears to be that in the past terrorists have used vehicles as weapons in crowded areas. Why focus on this particular type of attack?'

Chairman Ian Perkins added: 'Much of the concern is still about businesses.'

Inspector Martin Rowland, of Avon and Somerset Police, said his security advisers had worked with Bath and North East Somerset Council to make sure the city  which is a major tourist attraction  was safe from attacks.

'This is Bath, not London, but the threat is still there and it is still real,' he said.

Councillor Joanna Wright said a specialist was working with local accessibility groups before plans were finalised.
According to the Bach Khoa Anti-Virus Centers statistics, cyber attacks are typically attempts by cybercriminals to access, alter, or damage the targets computer system or network, which can result in down-time for sites and apps, and theft of funds and data.

As a result, trillions of Vietnam dong was lost because cybercriminals infiltration into banks and risks of insecurity from social network. Many organizations and businesses have intentionally been hit by gangs of cybercriminals as per new approaches.



Also in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic occurred pushing many organization and enterprise employees to switch to working from home. During these unprecedented times, organizations and enterprises must use internet-connected systems but devices secure has not kept pace which created a favorable for bad guys to attack and steal information.

For years, there are several large-scale cyber attacks in the world. For instance, the worlds largest electronics manufacturer, Foxconn, has suffered a cyber attack and extortionists are reportedly demanding a $34 million ransom be paid for the recovery of its data or personal data consisting of user IDs, phone numbers and names of 267,140,436 Facebook users was left exposed on a database online.

Bkav has said many big e-commercial platforms in the Southeast Asian country with many users have been infiltrated and personal information of thousand users have been stolen.

The increasing threat of cyber attacks on financial service providers is driving a major focus on cybersecurity, particularly in banking. In 2020 alone, hundreds of billions of Vietnam dong have been appropriated relating to banking cyber security mostly hacking bank users one-time password (OTP) security.

Averagely, Bkav system monthly detects over 15,000 spywares installed in smartphones. Specifically, spyware VN84App that can penetrate a smartphone to monitor and steal sensitive information like OTP codes and private messages of owners is currently aiming at Vietnamese mobile users. After a successful installation, VN84App will silently collect confidential data like messages, phone numbers, IMEI information to send to the hackers server.

A supply chain attack is a cyber-attack that seeks to damage an organization by targeting less-secure elements in the supply chain. Cybercriminals typically tamper with the manufacturing process of a product by installing a rootkit or hardware-based spying components

In Vietnam, Bkavs monitoring system has recorded the supply chain attack in December, 2020 into important organizations.

Occurrence of W32.Fileless in 2020 is same as Bkav experts prediction. APT malware has also continued to cause problems in the country, with at least 800,000 computers infected with W32.Fileless in 2020 doubling against 2019.

W32.Fileless hides in the system configuration parameters such as Registry, WMI, or Task Schedule unlike other normal malwares. This fileless malware leaves no signs of its presence, according to Bkavs vice president of anti-malware Vu Ngoc Son. Therefore, Antivirus software producers were forced to change their products or else their products will be useless.

Fraudulent transactions on smartphones are predicted to continue. Plus, defrauds in facebook will increase because countries have been limiting traveling resulting in big cyber transactions; bad guys will take advantage of the situation to cheat people.

By Tran Binh - Translated by Anh Quan
[Heres how to watch the Biden inauguration.]

The inauguration of an American president typically takes place at a public ceremony marked by pomp, circumstance and the presence of a predecessor.

This has been the custom for about two centuries: a show of participation from the departing head of state that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power. When President Donald J. Trump promised to put an end to American carnage in his inauguration speech on Jan. 20, 2017, former President Barack Obama looked on from a seat just beyond Mr. Trumps left shoulder.

President Biden., who attended that inauguration as the former vice president four years ago, took his own oath of office on Wednesday. But Mr. Trump was absent. And while that decision is a break from the norm, it is not without precedent: A handful of American presidents have also missed the inaugurations of their successors.

Its usually a sign that American society is in the midst of major political feud, the presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said. The fact that the incoming and outgoing presidents cant shake hands and co-participate in an inauguration means that somethings off-kilter in the democracy.
In this Jan. 16, 2019, file photo, Cruise AV, General Motor's autonomous electric Bolt EV is displayed in Detroit. General Motors' self-driving car company is sending vehicles without anybody behind the wheel in San Francisco as it navigates its way toward launching a robotic taxi service that would compete against Uber and Lyft in the hometown of the leading ride-hailing services. The move announced Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, by GM-owned Cruise come two months after the company received California's permission to fully driverless cars in the state. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

General Motors is teaming up with Microsoft to accelerate its rollout of electric, self-driving cars.

In the partnership announced Tuesday, the companies said Microsoft's Azure cloud and edge computing platform would be used to "commercialize its unique autonomous vehicle solutions at scale."

Microsoft joins General Motors, Honda and other institutional investors in a combined new equity investment of more than $2 billion in Cruise, bringing its valuation to about $30 billion. Cruise, which GM bought in 2016, has been a leader in driverless technology and got the go-ahead from California late last year to test its automated vehicles in San Francisco without backup drivers.

Auto companies have been joining forces and bringing technology firms on board to try to spread out the enormous costsand by nature, risksof developing self-driving and electric vehicles.

Honda is in on the Cruise project with GM, Volkswagen and Ford have teamed up with Pittsburgh autonomous vehicle company Argo AI, and Hyundai joined with Fiat Chrysler last summer in a deal to use Waymo's driverless car technology.

Toyota and Uber are also working together, while Amazon skipped over the automaker part of the equation and last summer bought self-driving technology company Zoox, which is developing an autonomous vehicle for a ride-hailing service.

This image provided by General Motors shows the new company logo. General Motors is changing its corporate logo and starting an electric vehicle marketing campaign as it tries to refurbish its image from a maker of gas-powered pickups and SUVs to a clean vehicle company. The 112-year-old Detroit automaker says, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, the campaign will show GM's progressive company vision as it promises to roll out 30 new battery-powered vehicles globally by the end of 2025. (General Motors via AP)

Mass adoption of driverless vehiclesand profitsare still a ways off, said industry analyst Sam Abuelsamid of Guidehouse Insights.

"The reality is that the automated driving landscape is taking much longer to mature that had been anticipated a few years ago," Abuelsamid said. "It's probably going to be mid-decade before we start to see significant volumes of these vehicles."

Abuelsamid added that the importance of adding a company like Microsoft to the mix is its cloud computing power and the ability to analyze data from the vehicles to improve the technology.

"Microsoft is a great addition to the team as we drive toward a future world of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion," said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. "Microsoft will help us accelerate the commercialization of Cruise's all-electric, self-driving vehicles and help GM realize even more benefits from cloud computing as we launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025 and create new businesses and services to drive growth."

In this Nov. 8, 2020 file photo, the Chevrolet logo is displayed at a Chevrolet dealership in Englewood, Colo. General Motors and its subsidiary Cruise are teaming up with Microsoft to accelerate its rollout of electric, self-driving cars. In the announcement Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, the companies said Microsoft's Azure cloud and edge computing platform would be used to "commercialize its unique autonomous vehicle solutions at scale." (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

General Motors has been aggressively revamping its image, saying the industry has reached a history-changing inflection point for mass adoption of electric vehicles. The 112-year-old Detroit automaker this month unveiled a new corporate logo to signify its new direction as it openly pivots to electric vehicles. It wants to be seen as a clean vehicle company, rather than a builder of cloud-spewing gas-powered pickups and SUVs.

GM scrapped its old square blue logo for a lower case gm surrounded by rounded corners and an 'm' that looks like an electrical plug.

Shares in GM jumped more than 9% in afternoon trading, to $54.58.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

House GOP conference chair, Rep. Liz Cheney, is finding herself unpopular.

Her largely unfollowed-move to impeach President Trump has led to more than one move for her ouster.

On Jan. 12, she put this battle cry...

Much more will become clear in coming days and weeks, but what we know now is enough. The President of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing.

and attracted all of nine GOP followers.

Maybe that's because there was a rush to judgment and President Trump wasn't responsible for the riot at the capital. There's a heckuva lot of mounting evidence -- the timeline, the character of the people busted, the failures of security, the Trump speech transcripts -- to suggest that far from this being the doing of a culpable Trump, the whole thing was a leftist put up job. Most Republicans could recognize it -- a trial without evidence is pretty much a kangaroo court. Liz, not so much.

Memo to Liz: when you wave 'charge' banner and yell to the troops to follow you someplace, and they ... don't follow, maybe you aren't a leader.

Here's what she's got going instead in her home territory of the swamp:

The Wyoming congresswoman and No. 3 leader of the House GOP caucus faces an uprising from conservative lawmakers unhappy with her yes vote to impeach President Trump. Cheney was one of only 10 House Republicans to side with Democrats Wednesday. Some Republicans are looking to stage an internal coup using a playbook employed during an attempted ouster of then-Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997. Weve researched the rules thoroughly and there has been a lot of discussion on how to handle this, Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale told Newsmax. Cheney is out of step with the conference in such a monumental way.

It looks even worse back at her nominal home of Wyoming:

CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Republican Party issued a statement highlighting an outpouring of opposition from its members in response to U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., voting to impeach President Donald Trump on Wednesday for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot that occurred a week earlier. The party issued the statement late Wednesday night, a few hours after Cheney joined nine other Republican representatives in voting to impeach Trump for his role in inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, making him the first president to be impeached twice. The wind in Wyoming has been horrendous today  with gusts up to 65 miles per hour, the statement begins. That is nothing compared to the whirlwind created by Representative Cheneys announcement that she would be voting to impeach President Trump and her subsequent follow-through of doing just that. There has not been a time during our tenure when we have seen this type of an outcry from our fellow Republicans, with the anger and frustration being palpable in the comments we have received. Our telephone has not stopped ringing, our email is filling up, and our website has seen more traffic than at any previous time, the statement continues. The consensus is clear that those who are reaching out to the Party vehemently disagree with Representative Cheneys decision and actions.

It's positively damning.

It's also far from the reporting of the Los Angeles Times , which claimed the Cheney name was 'gold' in Wyoming, based on the legacy of her father, and " Liz Cheney will be fine ."

Outpouring? Clogged emails? Phones ringing off the hook? Doesn't represent us? This doesn't sound like 'fine.'

It seems to correspond with the takedown of Cheney's congressional website, which went offline soon after she made the vote - it's back up now, and you have to search to find any news of her bid to join the rabid Democrats, led by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to take down a sitting Republican president, something they've been interested in since before they got elected. That's who Liz chose to follow.

What we have here is ambition, and probably a seething amount of revenge. Liz Cheney is a carpet-bagging swamp creature with no interest in the views of her majority in Wyoming. What she cares about is the swamp. Here are all the other disgusting things she's done to help the Democrats undercut President Trump, according to the Los Angeles Times:

Cheney defended Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, two witnesses in Trumps first impeachment, after he attacked them. She criticized the presidents proposal to draw down troops in Germany and rebuked him for dismissing reports that Russia had offered Afghan militants a bounty to kill U.S. troops. She defended infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci when others on the right attacked his prescription for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and responded to Trumps cavalier attitude by tweeting out a photo of her father in a mask with the caption, Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK. More cutting still was the hashtag: #realmenwearmasks.

It all suggests she's kind of stupid, thinking she has the support of conservative Trump voters in a sort of Chavismo without Chavez, an idea in Venezuela which never took off. Every move she took to undercut President Trump, the leader of her own party, was a feather in the cap of Democrats. Apparently, she'll do anything to take down Trump, and if turning America over to socialists is the way, she seems to be O.K.

More likely, she thinks Americans are ready to return to the swampy Bush era, the one she cut her teeth on, with consultant contracts, nation-building, pocket-lining, surrender-happy 'bi-partisanship,' cronyism and nepotism, and always-expanding government. Where else are conservatives gonna go, so the thinking goes.

She doesn't seem to understand that President Trump and the Trumpism he built extended well beyond the GOP base, bringing in Black, Asian, Latino and white Democrat working class voters, plus independents, all of whom can take their votes someplace else, if not stay home. Trump brought huge gifts to the Republicans, and Liz Cheney wants Republicans to sit down quietly and eat thin gruel. Rest assured, the idea of Cheney as the new Republican leader is an absolute nonstarter. Even hardcore Republicans are unlikely to support her. For Cheney and her ilk, they think it's all in the bag for them.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Firefighters snuffed out a first-floor apartment fire Monday afternoon in the citys Milwood neighborhood.

Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the call in the 1700 block of East Cork Street at around 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18, according to a news release from the department.

Officers arrived to find smoke coming from the main floor of the multi-story residential building.

After locating the fire in a first-floor apartment, KDPS responders said they were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes.

The occupants were not home at the time of the incident and no other tenants were injured, the release states. The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshals office.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8120 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Also on MLive:

Michigan State Police trooper injured in head-on crash identified

Body of Kalamazoo-area man missing since October found in woods near Lawrence

Fire damages first floor of home on Kalamazoos north side

By Luis Echeverria

EL FLORIDO, Guatemala, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Guatemala said on Tuesday it was pressing on with transporting migrants back to the border with Honduras, after their U.S.-bound caravan was halted by security forces at the weekend.

Nearly 8,000 people entered Guatemala from Honduras last week, and a Reuters witness estimated around 2,000 of them ended up stuck in the village of Vado Hondo when Guatemalan forces barred passage.

Security forces removed them on Monday. Voluntary returns of migrants by bus were ongoing on Tuesday, the government said.

Late on Monday, Guatemala's government said 3,329 migrants had so far been sent back, the vast majority of them to Honduras. The list also included 96 Salvadorans and five Nicaraguans.

Some 1,446 migrants, many of them children, had been returned to Honduras via the El Florido border crossing and two others since Friday, the Honduran government said.

Some migrants said they were injured as security officials wielding batons and plastic shields forced them from the road in Vado Hondo. Many migrants then boarded buses for El Florido.

"It's not fair that they treat us like dogs, like animals," said Andy Osorio from Honduras.

A Guatemalan army spokesman said on Monday that some migrants attacked soldiers with stones, and that soldiers had used "minimal and proportionate force."

Some in the caravan fled into the mountains during the road clearance, saying they did not want to board the buses.

"We're running," said Rosa Alvarez, a Honduran mother traveling with children, who said they had been affected by teargas used by Guatemalan authorities. "We have no money or food." (Reporting by Luis Echeverria in El Florido, Sofia Menchu in Guatemala City, Laura Gottesdiener in Tapachula, Mexico and Gustavo Palencia in Tegucigalpa; Writing by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Howard Goller)
A battle for mothers between Roman Catholic and Protestant institutions involved a Kildare priest, according to one of the chapters in the report by the Commission on Mother and Baby Homes.

The incident concerned the Regina Coeli hostel, set up in Dublin by Frank Duff.

Duff was founder of the Roman Catholic Legion of Mary organisation, and a senior civil servant.

The report said that in 1939, a woman was brought to the Regina Coeli hostel that year by a Catholic priest from Kilcullen who rescued her from Bethany Home.

The Bethany Home was a Protestant institution in Dublin and the chapter includes accounts of conflict over which religious institution would get mothers and their children.

The report said that the records of mothers who were in Regina Coeli often express a fear that she would bring her child to the Bethany Home, or that she would give her child to a Protestant social worker or a Protestant foster mother. They describe attempts by members of the Legion of Mary to rescue mothers and/or their children from the Bethany Home.

If a mother had been resident in the Bethany Home before coming to Regina Coeli she would be instructed to attend confession immediately and apparently asked to give a full account of her time in Bethany, including whether she had allowed her child to be baptised while there, or had denied her own faith.

The chapter includes an account of a woman, admitted in 1937, who was rescued from the Bethany Home and baptised in Arran Quay Church ... the mother explained that priest would not allow her to tell her long-term boyfriend she was pregnant as he was a Protestant.

A report from a woman in 1933 stated that a TD is responsible for her trouble. She had been going to Leinster House and creating scenes there, trying to see him. She had been sent to Regina Coeli by the porter from Leinster House.

The Legion of Mary has told the Commission that at any time the hostel might have had 140 volunteers working on a weekly basis.

A file on a woman in 1941 stated that her sister had taken her home, but husband did not like her in the house so she had to leave.

Another resident present had discovered that her husband had four wives and had ill-treated her.
Beforehand, Trump supporters had gathered for a rally featuring speeches from MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and other activists who claimed the election won by Democrat Joe Biden was stolen through fraud and that Trump should get four more years in office. The rally was sponsored by Women for America First, the pro-Trump group that hosted the Jan. 6 rally in Washington, D.C., that preceded the attack on the Capitol.
An Indianapolis woman who federal prosecutors described as the getaway driver for an armed robbery nearly three years ago at a South Scranton pharmacy will plead guilty, according to an agreement filed Tuesday in court.

Nicola Dunlap could face as much as 25 years in prison for aiding and abetting the armed robbery of a pharmacy, the maximum penalty for the charge she will plead guilty to.

No date is yet set for Dunlap to plead guilty in court, said her attorney, Christopher Opiel, of Wilkes-Barre, and no sentencing date has been scheduled.

Dunlap was one of three people indicted for the May 21, 2018, robbery of the CVS on Moosic Street.

Early that morning, authorities allege Coreon House, of Indianapolis, pointed a gun at a pharmacist and demanded he give him drugs. House jumped over the counter and bound the pharmacists hands with zip ties before leaving with oxycodone, morphine and Xanax.

Another man, Rashad Coleman, also of Indianapolis, acted as a lookout, prosecutors have said.

Senior U.S. District Judge James M. Munley sentenced Coleman and House on July 30, 2019, to 10 years and five months in prison.

House, 22, is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Coleman, 27, is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan, according to federal Bureau of Prisons records.

Dunlap, 23, was scheduled for trial Feb. 10. She was initially held at the Lackawanna County Prison until she was granted pre-trial release in November 2018, her attorney said.
Over four years, federal workers were ignored, subjected to retaliation, and fired for articulating politically inconvenient truths or standing in the way of President Donald Trumps attacks against the public. By all accounts, that is set to change under President-elect Joe Biden. But while new attacks may not be forthcoming, the fissures from old ones will remain, threatening the federal governments structural integrity unless the next administration and Congress take action. For all that we know about Trumps assaults on the federal workforce, there is likely more that remains hidden. Up to this point, Democratic leadership has failed to make combating or uncovering these incursions a priority. For the sake of the Biden administrations success, that will need to change.

Advertisement

Trump has never made any secret of his contempt for the civil service, the body of approximately 2 million federal workers tasked with carrying out the governments policies and programs, independent of partisan influence. And indeed, a workforce protected from arbitrary dismissal (so as to protect their independence) was bound to be infuriating for a man who grew famous for bellowing youre fired! on a passing whim.

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.

Without removal on the table, however, Trump did not give up. He and his cronies got creative. Over four years, this administration has targeted specific civil servants who got in the way through personal retaliation, reassignment, and silencing. Inconvenient offices have been reorganized and sidelined to ensure that the independent voices in them cant contradict Trumps official line. Many agencies have lived under the threat of severe budget cuts throughout Trumps four years in office. Staffing levels have fallen precipitously in many agencies and offices, placing a greater strain on those who remain behind. Amid all of this, Trumps executive orders stripping government unions of key rights have made it harder than ever for them to fight back.

Advertisement

And yet federal workers continued to get in the way. Public health officials fought to ensure that guidelines were in line with the science so members of the public could stay safe. Scientists resisted regulatory rollbacks that they knew would put lives at risk. Intelligence officials blew the whistle when they felt national security was under threat. And people throughout the administration leaked to the press without end so that public outrage could rise to meet the violations they were witnessing.

Advertisement

Then, in October, the Trump administration set into motion a plan that would allow it to sweep aside these figures once and for all. In an executive order, Trump created a new civil service classification, Schedule F, and subjected the individuals who would be transferred into it to much easier dismissal. The criteria for reclassification are broad; an official need only be in a policymaking or supervisory role to qualify, leaving thousands of senior civil servants subject to removal and the country with fewer defenses against authoritarian rulers whims.

Advertisement

Thats not all. While the order makes it easier to remove civil servants, it could make it harder for Biden to get rid of Trumps appointees. Political officials reclassified into Schedule F would be protected from removal motivated by partisan affiliation (this is a weaker protection than that afforded to traditional civil servants but stronger than nonexistent protections for political appointees), making it difficult for Biden to sweep out all holdovers from the Trump administration at once.

If it wasnt already obvious, Trumps erratic governing style should make clear why a competent, independent, and trusted civil service is essential to good governance. Federal workers need to be confident that presenting politically inconvenient evidencefor example, about the severity of a pandemic and the painful steps that will be needed to counter itwill not result in the loss of their jobs. Similarly, the administration of countless federal programs would quickly fall apart if the president were able to remove those who didnt favor political allies or shut out political enemies. But its not just firings that are a risk to governing integrity. This fall, the sense that supposedly independent public health officials might actually be under the presidents thumb sparked widespread concern about the safety of an eventual coronavirus vaccine.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Many recognized the seriousness of the Schedule F executive order at the time. Government unions, employee associations, former political officials, academic experts, and good government groups all rallied to insist that Congress stop the chaos before it started via the government funding bill. While a few lawmakers championed the cause, congressional leadership decided to trust that the problem would go away when Biden took office.

According to the Washington Post, the White House Office of Administration is still reviewing around 425 names for reclassification into Schedule F, but is likely out of time to make the changes before Biden takes office. Biden has not publicly said he will undo the executive order, but an official told the Post he has enormous respect for the federal governments career staff.

Advertisement

Democrats may soon find that their disinterest comes at a heavy political cost.

Although it looks as though Schedule F will not be as disastrous as some predicted (thanks in no small part to the Trump administrations managerial incompetence), leaderships disinterest in this fight remains a strategic mistake. Even without Schedule F, a Biden administration will face a depleted and beleaguered civil service. The longer-term assault on civil servants jobs has created often intolerable conditions that prompted thousands of career officials to leave, taking their policy and institutional expertise with them. Meanwhile, as ProPublica has reported, some Trump appointees are burrowing into the civil service. Whats more, theres nothing to stop a future Republican administration from trying a similar move.

Advertisement

There is unquestionably more that has yet to be uncovered. Has this administration, for example, replicated or even expanded on the George W. Bush administrations politicization of career hiring processes at the Department of Justice? We do not have a definitive picture of how far Trump has already been able to take his anticivil service crusade because House Democrats have shown approximately zero interest in this question.

Advertisement

They may soon find that that disinterest comes at a heavy political cost. For better or worse, House Democrats ability to maintain, let alone grow, their majority in 2022 will rest on Bidens success. The new administration already faces many obstacles and high expectations; quiet sabotage and hollowed-out institutions will only push that success further out of reach. If the Biden administration appears inept due to poorly understood forces, House Democrats will be the first to be punished for it.

Democrats have already passed up countless opportunities to begin clearing these obstacles from the Biden administrations path. Theres no way to avoid the reality that Biden is in a worse position thanks to this surrender. Still, it is better that Democrats get started late than never.

Advertisement

No one really understands the full extent of the damage. Achieving that understanding through congressional investigations will be the first step to fixing the problem and managing any political fallout along the way. With a clear picture of the problem, Biden and his appointees can plan around vacancies or Trump holdovers for the short term while congressional leaders implement longer-term solutions. That includes blocking future administrations from creating another Schedule F. It also means using every moving legislative vehicle to infuse starved executive departments with the resources they need to serve the public interest. In the meantime, by surfacing the extent of the damage in congressional hearings and in the media, lawmakers can make clear who is to blame when Biden stumbles on Trump-laid roadblocks.

Already, many Democratic leaders are hinting at their desire to leave the Trump years behind them. As the outgoing presidents many attacks on the civil service make clear, however, you cannot ignore what Trump has wrought and expect it to go away.
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here
Having current wealth indicators helps us target our efforts and customize our communications. The integrated offerings will save us time on importing and exporting data. - Katie Norton, Ulman Foundation

Neon One, the leading platform in software and services for social good organizations, is partnering with Windfall, the leading provider of actionable wealth data, to help nonprofit fundraisers to connect with their most promising affluent existing and potential donors. Windfall has also been named Neon Ones 2020 Integration of the Year.

With this partnership, Neon One introduces a unique integration to deliver Windfalls precise net worth data for high net worth households in the US via an always on two-way integration. The data is pulled into Neon CRM and updated regularly for the most up-to-date information to power fundraising teams. In addition to household net worth, the integration allows Neon CRM to present multiple wealth indicators and insights within individual profiles. Windfall is now Neons exclusive wealth screening reseller partner.

Nonprofit organizations, foundations and educational institutions spend countless resources searching for the right constituents to give to their organizations. As organizations expand across multiple channels and grow their constituent databases, fundraisers find it increasingly difficult and costly to find, track and connect with their highest potential donors. Neon One and Windfall provide a unique platform with best-in-class, accurate data to empower nonprofits to identify and prioritize the right supporters to connect with, inside an easy-to-use UI.

The vast majority of nonprofits are trying to understand how three to five different databases connect together to even understand who their donors are, let alone who they should prioritize, says Neon One CEO, Michael Farb. With our partnership with Windfall, Neon CRM clients will now have the most up to date information at their fingertips to make critical decisions around donor acquisition and retention strategies.

Neon CRM helps nonprofit organizations to bring in unique Windfall data directly into CRM records, allowing fundraisers to easily understand who their constituents are. Combined with Windfalls unique wealth-related triggers, such as philanthropic giving, political affiliation, and boat and plane asset ownership, the integration powers data-driven decisions, fundraising efforts, and workflow automation.

Gaining actionable intelligence on constituents is always a challenge, and wealth data in particular is complex and changes rapidly as markets and donor profiles change, says Arup Banarjee, CEO of Windfall. Were excited to partner with Neon One so that more organizations have seamless access to the right data in near real time. Our integration with Neon empowers fundraisers to make data-driven decisions and more efficiently understand and engage their constituents.

This partnership has already empowered organizations like the Ulman Foundation, a longtime client of both Neon One and Windfall.

"We're really excited to take advantage of this new integration," commented Katie Norton, Senior Director of External Relations at the Ulman Foundation. "Having current wealth indicators helps us target our efforts and customize our communications. The integrated offerings will save us time on importing and exporting data, and we can't wait to use the new philanthropic focus indicators to further focus our efforts."

This integration will be available in the coming month. For customers who want to add net wealth data into their Neon CRM, the option will be available to easily access and view Windfall data within their dashboard. With weekly updates, and no limits on screening frequency, fundraising teams will have near-immediate, up-to-date access to critical fundraising data. Teams can also download the regularly refreshed raw Windfall data for additional use within their organizations and other business intelligence tools.

ABOUT NEON ONE

Neon One provides nonprofits and social good organizations with unified tools and services they need to help fulfill their mission. The team works hard to help social good organizations raise more money and build sustainable, long term growth with software, services, and resources. Their products support the range of nonprofit operational needs, from fundraising and donor management to program operations and financial reconciliation.

Neon One offers a complete suite of products all designed to help nonprofits grow and build sustainable revenue. Learn more about the products including Neon CRM and more, at https://neonone.com.

ABOUT WINDFALL

Founded in 2016, Windfall is on a mission to determine the net worth of everyone on the planet. The company serves organizations by providing actionable consumer financial data that is refreshed on a weekly basis. More than 500 organizations use Windfall to identify and engage their most promising constituents. Windfall is based in San Francisco and backed by Bullpen Capital, Bonfire Ventures, Industry Ventures, TenOneTen Ventures, ValueStream Ventures, and Auren Hoffman. Visit http://www.windfalldata.com for more information.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to provide details on the expansion potential of the high grade Empress Cu-Au-Ag deposit, and surrounding Greater Empress area. The Greater Empress area is a sizable subarea of Amarc's extensive 100% owned IKE Cu and Au district, and is located 6 km north of the Company's substantive IKE porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag discovery. A comprehensive review by Amarc's technical team of historical data throughout the Greater Empress area (Figure 1) has unlocked a high potential for the discovery of substantial intrusion-related replacement and porphyry Cu-AuMo-Ag deposits centered on the Empress deposit. The 2020 IKE Project Technical Report (the "Report") provides additional details on the Empress Deposit and the entire Greater Empress area. The Report is available on Amarc's website at www.amarcresources.com/ahr/Home.asp and under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Empress Cu-Au-Ag replacement deposit is a significant body of mineralization, characterized from historical drilling by its common high grade intersections and relatively good vertical and lateral grade continuity. These features support the strong potential for discovery of new high grade extensions to the deposit. Important potential exits for a well-planned core drilling program to expand the mineralization which remains open. Table 1 provides selected historical drill intercepts for the Empress deposit and Figures 3 and 4 show cross sections through the mineralization. In addition to the Empress deposit, the 35 km2 Greater Empress area includes seven identified compelling porphyry and replacement-style Cu-AuMoAg deposit and exploration targets. The deposit targets include, Empress East, Empress Gap, Granite and Buzzer, and the earlier-stage exploration targets include Empress West. Each are discussed below with selected historical drill results provided in Tables 2 and 3. These targets are either not fully drill delineated or have been tested only by shallow, widely-spaced historical reconnaissance percussion drilling: and can with focused exploration be brought to a drill ready status. Amarc has a permit for up to 300 drill holes for the IKE Project. Management is considering its options to advance this exciting high grade Cu-Au segment of its extensive overall IKE district mineral tenures.

Table 1: EMPRESS DEPOSIT

Selected Drill Intervals from Historical Drilling

Notes to Table 1

Widths reported are drill widths, such that the thicknesses are unknown. All assay intervals represent length-weighted averages. Some figures may not sum exactly due to rounding.

(-) means not assayed for. Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal prices of: Cu US$3.00/lb, Mo US$12.00/lb, Ag US$18.00/oz and Au US$1,400.00/oz and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 90%, Au 72%, 67% Ag and 82% Mo. Conversion of metals to an equivalent Cu grade based on these metal prices is relative to the Cu price per unit mass factored by predicted recoveries for those metals normalized to the copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the Cu grade. The general formula for this is: CuEQ % = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au recovery / Cu recovery) * (Au $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Mo % * (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) * (Mo $ per lb / Cu $ per lb)). The estimated metallurgical recoveries are conceptual in nature. There is no guarantee that the metallurgical testing required to determine metal recoveries will be done or, if done, the metallurgical recoveries could be at the level of the conceptual recoveries used to determine the CuEQ. Details of analysis, QA/QC (where available) and data verification for the Empress and Greater Empress historical drilling is provided in the 2020 Report which is posted on the Amarc website and the Company's profile on SEDAR.

Amarc's IKE Cu and Au district is located in a fertile region of south-central British Columbia ("BC") that hosts other large CuAuMo deposits with similar geological settings. Like many major porphyry districts, the IKE district formed in a very active environment characterised by long-lived, multi-phase magmatic-hydrothermal-structural activity, resulting in multiple centers of mineralization. The Au-bearing Empress deposit and other deposit targets within the Greater Empress area were formed at about 85-80 Ma and, as such are distinct from the hydrothermal activity that formed the approximately 46 Ma IKE porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag deposit that is hosted within the Coastal Plutonic Complex ("CPC") (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Location of the IKE and Empress deposits, the Greater Empress Cu-Au Project area ("Greater Empress" or "GECAP"), and other IKE district deposit targets and mineral occurrences.

The Greater Empress area straddles the CPC contact with volcanic rocks to the north, over a strike length of 15 km (Figure 1). Strong and widespread alteration with abundant sulphides is associated with a variety of deposit types including porphyry CuAuMoAg and high temperature Cu-Au-Ag replacement, as well as Au-Ag high sulphidation and possibly low sulphidation epithermal systems. The range of paleodepth indicated by these deposit types increases the possibility for the preservation of deposits in the IKE district, so increasing the discovery potential.

Amarc's technical team diligently compiled, verified and integrated Greater Empress area historical information. This compilation of data from geochemical and geophysical surveys and drilling (including 138 core holes totaling 19,298 m averaging approximately 140 m depth, and 96 short percussion holes totaling 4,382 m averaging approximately 46 m in depth for which only Cu and Mo assay data is available), combined with the geological and geophysical survey data from the Company's programs, has permitted a rapid advancement in the understanding of the high value development potential in the Greater Empress area.

Empress Cu-Au-Ag Replacement Deposit: Historical drilling at Empress has indicated a significant body of good grade Cu-Au mineralization, which remains open to expansion with a modern core drilling program (Table 1). Mineralization at the Empress deposit is considered to have formed by the replacement of previously altered volcanics by a quartz-magnetite-sulphide assemblage, with higher Cu-Au-Ag grades commonly occurring within 100 m in vertical distance above the CPC's contact, within the overlying volcanics (Figures 2 and 3). An initial examination of historical drill core by the Amarc team recognized the nearby Granite porphyry Cu-Au-Ag-Mo deposit target, which is shallowly concealed by overburden (see below). The Granite porphyry deposit target is considered a possible source of Empress replacement fluids. The Granite deposit target requires drill delineation.

Figure 2: Greater Empress historical shallow percussion and core drill holes in spatial reference to the northern boundary of the CPC at surface, and both Cu-Au replacement and porphyry targets. The figure shows concentrations of Cu in the first 3 samples of bedrock below base of overburden.

Figure 3: South to north cross section S-N (see Figure 2 for section location) through the Empress deposit drilling looking West, showing drill hole sample bar graphs for Cu-Au grades. The location of the CPC-volcanic contact is shown by the blue line.



Empress East Cu-Au-Ag Replacement Deposit Target: Located 1 km east of the Empress deposit, limited historical core holes drilled at the Empress East deposit target intercepted mineralization similar to that at the Empress deposit in both style and grade Table 2 and Figures 3 and 4). This drilling together with moderate to locally strong IP chargeability responses (Figure 5), magnetic geophysical features, and results from historical Cu and Au soil geochemistry (>250 ppm Cu and 50 ppb Au which closely reflect the first three historical drill samples results at the base of overburden, see Report), indicate there is significant potential with further core drilling to enlarge this body of mineralization. Notably there is a complete absence of drill holes in the southern part of this target, which is at a position that is analogous to shallower, high grade Cu-Au-Ag replacement-style mineralization at the Empress deposit to the west.

Table 2: EMPRESS EAST DEPOSIT TARGET

Selected Drill Intervals from Historical Drilling

For all notes to this table refer to Table 1.

Figure 4: West to east Long Section W-E (see Figure 2 for section location) through the Empress, Empress Gap and Empress East drilling, looking north, showing Cu-Au grades. Note the CPC-volcanic contact as shown by the blue line.

Figure 5: Greater Empress area shallow penetrating historical IP chargeability combined with Amarc Buzzer North IP chargeability survey data, showing shallow historical percussion and core drill holes. Integrated data shows strong IP chargeability anomalies extending over many square km and generally corresponding with known soil geochemical anomalies. The presence of mineralization is confirmed by the widely-spaced historical drill holes across the Greater Empress.

Empress Gap Cu-Au-Ag Replacement Deposit Target: Results from limited historical drilling, comprising eleven shallow percussion drill holes and three deeper core holes, in the >1 km long Empress Gap zone located between the Empress and Empress East suggest a clear opportunity to discover additional Cu-Au-Ag mineralization in proximity to the volcanic-CPC contact (Figure 2). Many of the short percussion holes returned anomalous Cu-Mo (Au and Ag were not analyzed for), potentially indicative of higher grade underlying mineralization as at the Empress deposit (Figure 4). Of the deeper core holes, Cu-Au mineralization associated with alteration similar to that at Empress is also reported, however only two of these holes reached the volcanic-CPC contact.

Empress Gap is a significantly underexplored target and drill testing of areas close to the CPC-volcanic contact is required.

Granite Porphyry CuAuMo-Ag Deposit Target: Two zones of porphyry-style mineralization, the Granite and the Buzzer targets, support the model for derivation of mineralizing replacement fluids at Greater Empress, from these and other possible hidden porphyry deposits. Granite porphyry CuAuMo-Ag mineralization intersected in limited and tightly collared historical drill holes is located outboard of the CPC and directly to the north of the Empress deposit (Figure 1). Initial relogging by Amarc of selected historical drill core suggests multiple intrusions hosting Mo-rich and Cu-Au porphyry style mineralization associated with biotite-magnetite-sulphide alteration. This mineralization is at shallow depths beneath glacial overburden. Historical core drill intercepts include hole 91-49 which returned 92 m of 0.38% CuEQ[1] @ 0.22% Cu, 0.23 g/t Au, 0.008% Mo and 0.4 g/t Ag. This target has not been adequately tested and mineralization remains open to expansion. Step-out drilling from the known mineralization is required (Figure 5).

Buzzer Cu-Au-AgMo Porphyry Deposit Target: The Buzzer deposit target is located in the eastern side of the Greater Empress area inboard of the CPC contact) (Figures 1 and 2). Historical drilling at Buzzer has intercepted high grade Cu-Au-Ag-Mo porphyry mineralization hosted in biotite altered intrusions (Table 3). Whether these mineralized intrusions, are part of a small high level cupola or a large mineralized intrusive body below, as indicated by magnetic surveys, cannot be determined from the limited drilling.

The Granite and Buzzer porphyry systems demonstrate that significant porphyry-style mineralization is present in the Greater Empress, and that further exploration surveys and drilling have the potential to make new porphyry discoveries, both inboard and outboard from the CPC contact.

Table 3: BUZZER DEPOSIT TARGET

Selected Drill Intervals from Historical Drilling

For all notes to this table refer to Table 1.

 Assay interval from historically reported composite. Individual assay results are unknown.

Empress West Cu-Au-Ag Exploration Target: This large target, which extends more than 2 km to the west of the Empress deposit along the favorable CPC-volcanic contact, has only been tested by widely-spaced and shallow percussion holes and a few core holes (Figures 1 and 2). It exhibits the same geological setting as the Empress deposit, and the potential to discover additional Cu-Au-Ag mineralization is indicated by the results of the historical drilling when combined with magnetic and IP survey data, and known Cu-Au-Mo anomalies in soils. Modern IP and drilling are required to test a series of defined targets (see Report).

About Amarc Resources Ltd.



Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high value BC porphyry copper-gold mines. By combining high demand projects with successful management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets.

Amarc is advancing the 100%-owned IKE, DUKE and JOY porphyry coppergold deposit projects located in different prolific porphyry districts in southern, central and northern BC, respectively. Importantly, each of the three projects is located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. These projects represent significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry coppergold deposits.

Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 30-year history of porphyry discovery and development success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, IKE and Pine. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects.

Amarc works closely with local governments, indigenous groups and other stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and to do so in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with indigenous groups within whose traditional territories its projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc's work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

Qualified Person as Defined Under National Instrument 43-101

Mark Rebagliati, P. Eng., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release.

For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at

1-800-667-2114.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Diane Nicolson

President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking and other Cautionary Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and other related events or developments are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, as well as risks relating to the uncertainties with respect to the effects of COVID-19. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

1see Notes to Table 1 for CuEq calculation

SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624775/Amarc-Provides-Details-of-Exceptional-Cu-Au-Deposit-Targets-at-Empress-and-Greater-Empress-British-Columbia
Ukraine welcomes new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2

On January 18, 2021, the United States warned allies in Europe about its intention to impose sanctions on the Russian ship Fortuna, which is participating in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine has welcomed new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2. "Ukraine welcomes new U.S. move against Nord Stream 2. Sanctions on Moscow-based KVT-RUS & Fortuna vessel will further complicate construction. We will continue working closely together with our strategic partner U.S. to protect the energy independence of Ukraine & entire Europe," the MFA of Ukraine wrote on Twitter on January 19, 2021. Read also Gazprom acknowledges Nord Stream 2 may be suspended  media Nord Stream 2: Background The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019.

The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies  ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.

According to media reports, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intends to do his best to prevent the construction of Nord Stream 2.

On November 4, 2020, the media reported that U.S. Congress wanted to expand sanctions against Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream.

On December 4, 2020, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he doubted that the U.S. position on Nord Stream 2 would change after Joe Biden's inauguration.

On December 6, 2020, United States Charge d'Affaires to Germany Robin Quinville called on the EU and Germany to declare a moratorium on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

On December 9, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with expanded restrictions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

On December 11, 2020, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline resumed.

On December 29, 2020, it became known that the House of Representatives overcame Trump's veto on the NDAA containing sanctions against Nord Stream 2.

The United States is calling on European allies and private companies to halt work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, and is preparing broader sanctions against the Russian project in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Senate approved the 2021 NDAA, which provides for new sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2.

On January 7, 2021, the Mecklenburg-West Pomerania government approved the creation of the Mecklenburg Climate Protection Fund whose main objective is to help complete the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline by bypassing U.S. sanctions.

On January 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of State told European companies which it suspects are helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that they face the risk of seeing new sanctions.

On January 18, 2021, the United States warned allies in Europe about its intention to impose sanctions on the Russian ship Fortuna, which is participating in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The curbs on the Fortuna are expected to become effective as of January 19, 2021. Reporting by UNIAN

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter
His Highness welcomed the leaders, officials and experts participating in the sessions of this year's summit to discuss how to enact a 'green recovery' to help economies rebound from the pandemic and build a more sustainable future for all.

His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the UAE is continuing its efforts under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to stimulate sustainable development, and said that ADSW is particularly relevant this year as it represents a global platform for dialogue and setting the sustainable development agenda based on the principles of the green recovery.

His Highness said: "In light of the exceptional circumstances that the world is experiencing, there is an urgent need to take practical steps and initiatives that contribute to accelerating the application of the principles and foundations of sustainable development, with the need to take proactive steps, plan for a more flexible future and strengthen capabilities in order to efficiently face the existing and emerging challenges.

"The Emirati initiatives, present to the world a practical model on the economic feasibility of renewable energy, stressing the importance of cooperation and joint work to achieve tangible progress in the field of reducing the repercussions of climate change".

His Highness said that Abu Dhabi continues, year after year, to consolidate its position and pivotal role as a platform that brings together the international community to discuss key issues in sustainability. He said that he hoped that this year's ADSW would be the starting point for constructive global dialogue on building a secure and stable future for current and future generations.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, delivered the Summit's keynote speech, thanked Abu Dhabi for hosting this event under these circumstances and said: "I believe the crisis we are experiencing is urging us to reinvent the ways we live, produce and travel in a more radical manner. It is urging us to rethink our relationship with nature and to reevaluate our priorities. In this respect, the coming year will be full of opportunities which we need to grasp."

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the guests and participants of the Summit, praising the wise leadership's support for sustainable development.

His Excellency said that the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call to humanity as a whole, and that it demonstrated the importance of sustainability in its broadest sense, and revealed the interdependence between health and food and resource security. His Excellency explained how efforts made by the UAE to face the pandemic, through proactive measures enacted by the wise leadership, focused on enhancing resource security and supporting vital supply chains.

His Excellency stressed the concept of cooperation and building bridges of dialogue and communication, noting that the country will host the Dubai Expo later this year, with sustainability and the future as the main themes of this event.

His Excellency touched on the Zayed Sustainability Prize and its role in promoting global sustainability efforts, as it has achieved a positive impact on more than 350 million people around the world. He said that the award has a special place among the UAE's leadership because it embodies the values and principles of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and especially his commitment to sustainable progress. His Excellency explained that the award will return in its usual form next year, with a focus on aspects of innovation and recovery for the post-COVID period.

(Note to editors: The full text of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber's speech will be sent separately)

The ADSW Summit comprises three sessions of two hours each, and focuses on three topics: restoring the circle of life (Live & Move), enhancing responsibility and interaction (Care & Engage), and doing business and investment (Work & Invest). Each topic addresses the main issues and topics that would open the way for the many social, economic and technological opportunities to achieve a post-pandemic green recovery.

As well as the Summit, ADSW, which runs from January 18-21, hosts a series of high-level virtual activities, including the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Abu Dhabi Forum for Sustainable Finance, and the Global Energy Forum of the Atlantic Council. the virtual forum for the "Youth for Sustainability" platform, and the World Future Energy Summit forums.

In addition to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; speakers at the summit include: His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "KBW" Investment; His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Group Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director of Mubadala Investment; Grace Fu, Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Government of Singapore; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and founder and CEO of Kalimat Group; His Excellency Engineer Aweidah Morshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Francisco Lacamera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Maymouna Mohamed Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat; Noel Quinn, CEO of HSBC Holding Group; Lawrence Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock; And Dr Lucas Juba, CEO of Environmental Practices at Microsoft,.

Through its various initiatives and events, ADSW advances the process of exchanging knowledge, implementing strategies, and developing realistic solutions to face the challenges of sustainability and climate change. As the first major global event in 2021, the year in which the UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary, the week contributes a pioneering role in enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Since the launch of its activities more than a decade ago, ADSW has grown to become one of the largest gatherings concerned with sustainability in the world. The 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracted more than 45,000 participants from more than 170 countries, and saw the participation of 10 heads of state, in addition to 160 ministers and ambassadors.

To view the full program of ADSW 2021, please visit www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422958/Abu_Dhabi_Sustainability_Week_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422959/Abu_Dhabi_Sustainability_Week_2.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1421704/Abu_Dhabi_Sustainability_Week_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Bengaluru, Jan 19 : Digital transformation solutions provider UST Global on Tuesday annouced the rebranding of its name to UST.

In a statement, the company said that its new global brand identity will consolidate its key sub-brands and subsidiaries under one unified brand, UST.

It said that the rebranding and transformation initiative reflects UST's ongoing commitment to enhance its innovative solutions and offerings to align with the evolving needs of the clients, helping them navigate the current environment and build resilience for the future.

"As a digital transformation company at the forefront of an evolving business landscape, we are delivering breakthrough services to our clients, helping them transform their businesses. This new brand accurately reflects UST at the frontline of innovation, partnership and nimbleness in the face of change," said Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 : The CPM took out a procession in Kannur district while issuing death threats to the Indian Union Muslim League cadres. This happenned on Monday evening when a group of CPM workers, who were arrested for violence during the local body elections, were released from jail.

The procession was taken out in Mayyil town in Taliparamba assembly constituency of Kannur district with the CPM cadres shouting that League workers will be killed.

The party leaders also shouted "CPM is an organization which has killed those the party wanted to kill and will again kill whoever it wants." The party cadres said that the League workers will be killed and green flags draped on their bodies.

Kannur district is a Red bastion and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former party state secretary and politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and health minister and industries minister hail from this district.

There have been several bloody killings in this district in which the CPM has always been on one side. The victims were either Muslim League, RSS or Congress workers. More than 300 people have lost their lives in this politically volatile district.

CPM Kannur district secretary MV Jayarajan while speaking to media persons said "The CPM is not involved in the matter. To my knowledge a group of youngsters were celebrating the release of their friends from prison in cases related to fights during the recent local body elections. The party area committee was also not in the know of this, anyway party will check on this." Muslim Youth League worker Ariyil Abdul Shukoor was killed at Taliparamba in Kannur district in 2012 and the then CPM district secretary P Jayarajan and Kalliyaseri MLA, TV Rajesh were arrested and jailed after the CBI took over the investigation.

Kerala police is on high alert following the threats by the CPM.

Muslim League national organizing secretary, ET Mohammed Basheer while speaking to IANS said "Police must take strict action over these death threats issued by the CPM in Kannur district. The CPM has always been one party in all the political murders in Kannur and these types of processions have ended in major confrontations and deaths and police must take immediate action."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. maintained the deals struck by the country with vaccine manufacturers are virtually without profit, adding that the national government's negotiation efforts even brought expenses down by $700 million.

"Maipapangako ko po sa ating mahal na kababayan na ang lahat ng negosasyon ay at cost, meaning almost no profit. And nung ni-compute ko po lahat ng mga brand, lumalabas po na naka-save tayo ng $700 million," Galvez said Monday in a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and other government officials.

[Translation: I can promise our beloved countrymen that all negotiations are at cost, meaning there is almost no profit. And when I computed expenses for all brands, it showed that we were able to save $700 million.]

Galvez said this meant they were able to slash by half the initial offer prices. He added that the savings were used to secure more vaccine doses from various drugmakers, with the government targeting to procure 148 million doses this year, up from the initial plan of 70 million.

Galvez made these pronouncements amid allegations of corruption in vaccine deals, which were sparked by reports of sharp differences in the prices of Sinovac vaccines in the Philippines and in other nations.

The country is set to receive next month its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, carrying 50,000 doses from the Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac. In total, the country has so far secured 25 million doses from the company.

Apart from this, Galvez also earlier said the national government already inked a deal with the Serum Institute of India for 30 million doses of Covovac, as well as 17 million doses from the UK-based AstraZeneca, which it procured through tripartite agreements involving the private sector and local government units.
More than 180,000 civil servants in Hong Kong are being forced to choose between their jobs and being able to speak and act freely outside the office, as the city's government insists they take an oath of allegiance that includes a pledge not to "undermine the government."



A directive sent to the entire civil service on Jan. 15 also states that any civil servant who advocates for or supports independence of Hong Kong, who seeks foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs, or who expresses views contrary to the government's position in their capacity as civil servants will be considered in breach of that oath.



Civil servants who refuse to sign the written declaration may be dismissed from their posts, the directive said.



A 3,000-strong independent civil servants' union set up during the 2019 protest movement immediately announced its dissolution.



The Union for New Civil Servants announced it would disband in a Facebook post over the weekend, following an email on Friday from the Civil Service Bureau calling on all civil servants to pledge their allegiance to China and to the Hong Kong government by mid-February.



Former chairman Michael Ngan described the oath-taking requirement as an "arrow on the string" for the union, adding: "I have no choice but to dissolve this trade union in order safeguard everybody."



The email sent to all civil servants last Friday warned that "any act that seeks to undermine the government in its governance of Hong Kong" could be deemed a breach of the oath.



On Jan. 5, more than 50 pro-democracy politicians and activists were arrested under a draconian national security law after they held a democratic primary to select the best candidates to ensure enough seats in the Legislative Council (LegCo) to block government legislation.



The aim of the primary was deemed subversive under the new law, which was imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party from July 1, 2020. The majority of arrestees have yet to be charged, however.

US imposes sanctions



The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on officials it deemed responsible for the arrests, including You Quan, vice chairman of Beijings Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, and Sun Qingye, deputy director of Hong Kongs national security office.



Three officers of the National Security Division of the Hong Kong police were named: Frederic Choi, Kelvin Kong, and Andrew Kan, along with Tam Yiu-Chung, a Hong Kong delegate to Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) standing committee, who was also designated.



All were associated with developing, adopting, or implementing the national security law," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.



China retaliated on Jan. 18 with sanctions on U.S. officials, members of Congress, personnel at non-governmental organizations, and their family members.



Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam told reporters on Tuesday that it was "only natural" that civil servants should pledge allegiance to the government, and warned that repercussions would follow for anyone breaching it.



"If somebody who has taken an oath to swear allegiance and pledge loyalty has subsequently done something which is in breach of the oath, then appropriate actions will have to be taken by the authorities," she told reporters.



"Nothing extra is being asked of them in signing this declaration," Lam said. "It is a matter of course ... that they support the [Hong Kong] government."

Passport-holders under threat



Meanwhile, there are concerns that civil servants eligible for British National Overseas (BNO) passports, holders of which have been offered a path to U.K. citizenship, may be forced to give them up.



China's NPC standing committee is expected to discuss the issue at a meeting from Jan. 20-22, after Beijing promised "countermeasures" in protest at the U.K.'s offer, which came after the imposition of the national security law.



Among the measures being considered are banning BNO passport holders from holding public office and even depriving them of the right to vote in elections.



Emily Lau, chairwoman of the Democratic Party's international affairs committee, said any ban on civil servants holding the BNO passport could trigger mass resignations.



"I don't believe they will do this; I don't want that to happen," Lau told RFA. "Things would get very bad if they stopped BNO passport-holders from being civil servants."



"I think there is a large number of civil servants who have BNOs, so would that mean they have to resign?"



The Civil Service Bureau declined to respond to questions from RFA about the number of civil servants holding BNO passports, and whether current permanent secretaries, heads of departments, and senior directorate civil servants hold BNO passports.



"According to Article 99 of the Basic Law, except for the exceptions specified in Article 101 of the Basic Law, public servants serving in all departments of the Hong Kong SAR Government must be permanent residents of the HKSAR," it said in a written reply to questions.



"There is no requirement under the Basic Law regarding the nationality of civil servants or the passports they hold."



However, NPC standing committee decisions have overridden provisions in the Basic Law in the past, on issues that Beijing is keen to see resolved to its satisfaction.



The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau declined to respond to similar questions sent on Tuesday.



The Hong Kong Police Force declined to comment when asked how many of its senior officers and national security bureau officers hold BNO passports, saying it wouldn't disclose personal information relating to its officers.

Many supported the protests



Ma Ngok, associate professor of the Department of Politics and Administration at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), said the government is clearly worried by the number of civil servants who actively and visibly supported the 2019 anti-extradition and pro-democracy movement.



"Back in 2019, civil servants gathered in support of the protest movement, including the New Civil Service Union," Ma said.



"The central government will also have concerns about whether civil servants will strike, or engage in other forms of collective resistance," he said. "This could paralyze the government, so they want to prevent that from happening."



Ma said the requirement that civil servants stay on message, without specifying the types of activity that could lead to disciplinary action, is bound to create a chilling effect.



"Regardless of whether a civil servant is speaking in an individual or [official] capacity, they will no longer be able to express public opposition to the government," Ma said. "There will be a chilling effect for many people, and the fear of being reported."



"The whole environment for civil servants will change because of this," he said.



Reported by Chung Yut Yiu and Gigi Lee for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
(Natural News) Clash between protesters and police at 13th and K St. Flash bangs, mace and cans flying in Washington DC. Does this sound like a recent report from January of 2021? It is actually a report from 2017 During President Trumps Inauguration.

(Article by Ulysses Tennyson republished from 100PercentFedUp.com)

For the last year, BLM and Antifa riots have continued, unabated. Day after day, we have been inundated with new news stories of violent leftist unrest so much that many have forgotten what life was like prior to 2020 and prior to the acceleration of their tyranny sparked by the lawful election of President Donald Trump in 2017. The ruling class are sore losers who hate America being free and constitutional.

That is clear.

But, we assure you, life prior to Antifa/BLM was nothing like it is today and we must remember that. We must never normalize the riotous anti-constitutional behavior we have seen by thousands (perhaps hundreds of thousands since 2016) of these pernicious and riotous anti-Trump anti-American organizations like BLM and Antifa. Normalization of this mindset and behavior is precisely designed to demoralize and collapse the American Constitutional system (as we have noted, the ruling classs Great Reset openly plans to take all your possessions and push The Western morals to their breaking point by 2030, conveniently planned with Chinas plan for global supremacy by 2028 and the UNs Agenda 2030).

And it has worked. Throughout 2020, legacy media organizations mislabeled violent fiery riots as mostly peaceful, and they did it universally. Our institutions have been rotted out, including by millions of Chinese Communist Party operatives in America and around the globe, and are now openly defying law abiding citizens and the Constitution in favor of Anti-American forces of Antifa and BLM.

Most recently, it has culminated in the mass censorship and brainwashing of Westerners around the world into hating their own heritage, ideas, skin color, and foundational principles, in favor of untenable globalist quasi-communist dogmatic identitarianism.

This brainwashing and demoralization has taken ahold of many police forces as well, with most of the good policemen fleeing in droves in progressive cities around the country, leaving mostly brainwashed and bad cops to remain under the rule of far-left Soros-funded leadership.

Police forces all around the country were largely told to stand down by progressive and Soros-backed mayors, police chiefs, prosecutors, politicians, and Attorneys General. They were told to let the rioters go by the hundreds in progressive cities across America. These riots, we were told in an incessantly bastardized out-of-context Martin Luther King Jr. quote, were the language of the unheard. This is despite MLKs legacy as a peaceful protester who abhorred and never promoted violence as a means of protest.

Videos of the billions of dollars in damages caused by Antifa and BLM abound online, despite Big Tech companies like Twitters, Facebook, and Youtube removing many of them over the past several months. Do these images look mostly peaceful to you?

This year of anti-Trump violence culminated in a brief afternoon violence at the US Capitol on January 6th 2020 that the media and politicians intentionally misattributed to President Donald Trump and his supporters. This is despite the fact that much of the violence was demonstrably instigated, fomented, and carried out by ANTIFA/BLM and non-Trump operatives like the Boogaloo Bois, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, so far. In fact, according to someone very close to the matter, it is very likely they were in charge of the whole thing.

Despite all of this, Joe Biden and many prominent progressives say Antifa is just an idea, proving the fact that progressives are defined by very very bad ideas and actions.

But you wouldnt know it by watching the legacy media.

In fact, there has been 24/7 positive coverage of Anti-American violence and riots in 2020 by the Anti-American legacy media in America and around the world. This bombardment on the American people by Anti-Trump legacy press rooms is controlled at its highest levels by unhinged lunatics who endorse censorship, violence, reeducation camps, and compare any one who disagrees with their brand of totalitarian leftism to Hitler.

Yet, President Trump is demonstrably the most peaceful and president in multiple generations. At any point in time in 2020 during the perpetual leftist riots, President Trump could have unilaterally declared some form of marshal law due to emergency situations that had arisen in progressive cities across the country. This would have effectively stripped state and local governments of their powers and given them to Trump and the military. But he did not. Instead, he offered to help them in a more constitutional way only if the states or localities requested the help. That way, he would not be mislabeled as a dictator. Because the progressive city leadership actually wants the violence and chaos, they rarely accepted President Trumps aide, and he never forced it.

But the media, being the enemy of the people, continued to mislabel him as a dictator anyway, brainwashing millions of people around the world into believing it.

It is undeniable that the fascist totalitarian characteristics attributed to Donald Trump should more accurately be attributed to the progressive movement that has wholly endorsed BLM and mostly ignores Antifa. As we will show below, they accelerated the chaos and violence in America openly before Trump even started his election at his inauguration in 2017.

Much like today and the time of Hitler and Mussolini, fascist 2017 violent rioters called themselves Antifascists. One group was dubbed the #disruptJ20 movement. Several days of organization went into their far-left protests of President Donald Trumps inauguration in 2017 which culminated in violence. It was well documented by a few brave journalists. Project Veritas best investigated this conspiracy in detail leading up to the events of January 20th. Multiple hidden-camera videos at that link show Antifa/BLM types plotting serious destruction during the 2017 presidential inauguration. Yet, as in 2020, the media in 2017 was mostly silent and reserved any serious condemnation of the crowds. They certainly didnt call it an insurrection even though much more damage was done to the city. And, despite knowing these protesters were coming, they didnt bring in 25,000 troops to protect Donald Trump as they appear to be doing for Biden.

In 2017, Project Veritas reported:

.Project Veritas investigators uncover a group known as the DC Anti-fascist Coalition plotting to disrupt President-Elect Donald Trumps inauguration by deploying butyric acid at the National Press Club during the Deploraball event scheduled for January 19th.

The meeting, captured on hidden camera, was held at Comet Ping Pong, a DC pizza restaurant that is better known as the location of the Pizzagate controversy. The coalition members discuss the steps they would need to take to halt the Deploraball event. Project Veritas notified the FBI, Secret Service and DC Metro Police of the content of this video prior to its release.

In fact, a few videos of the riot still exist online, despite Big Techs erasure of much of such content. In the videos, you can watch as millions of dollars of damages are caused to businesses, vehicles, and government property. You can also watch as physical violence breaks out with police and innocent bystanders.

That is more arrests than are even being sought in the 2021 unrest at the DC Capitol building. This is because the riots in 2017 were in many ways worse, though no fatalities occurred. They caused injuries to innocents and police, more financial damage and left a long-lasting impression by rioters and progressives that such behavior would not be met with severe consequences or seen as an insurrection. The media never called it an insurrection.

Clash between protesters and police at 13th and K St. Flash bangs, mace and cans flying pic.twitter.com/sczzcfM50D  justin jouvenal (@jjouvenal) January 20, 2017

They, instead, generally agreed with the protesters when they chanted black lives matter and shouted about the illegitimacy of the duly election President, Donald Trump. The media worked hard to intentionally tamp down any descriptions of the 2017 riot; these were just protests with bursts of chaos according to them Riots, violence, and intimidation occurred by BLM and Antifa in progressive cities throughout Trumps tenure as president from people chanting things like not my president all the while, yet they were never seen as seditious by the press.

Following the 2017 inauguration riots and then the George Floyd riots in 2020:

In one instance after the leftist BLM/Antifa riots in 2020, President Trump established fencing and a law enforcement presence in DC, temporarily to quash the ANTIFA/BLM violence. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer decried Trumps response to those 2020 riots, saying he had oppressively militarized the city. Now, in a fantastic display of sickening duplicity and irony, democrats have amassed a 25,000-man military force that is currently occupying Washington DC in January 2021 for the Biden inauguration, even though no right-wing groups we have spoken to intend on avoiding the event completelywhich we wholly support.

In any case, after the events with George Floyd in 2020, things accelerated massively:

The duplicitous mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, endorsed riotous BLM and accelerated the destruction of America, effectively letting rioters know that chaos and violencenot law and order and peace, will get you what you want:

The more we find out about the [January 6th 2021] unrest at the capitol, the more clear it is that the chaos may have been orchestrated by forces beyond those of Trump supporters.

They, instead, generally agreed with the protesters when they chanted black lives matter and shouted about the illegitimacy of the duly election President, Donald Trump. The media worked hard to intentionally tamp down any descriptions of the 2017 riot; these were just protests with bursts of chaos according to them Riots, violence, and intimidation occurred by BLM and Antifa in progressive cities throughout Trumps tenure as president from people chanting things like not my president all the while, yet they were never seen as seditious by the press.

Following the 2017 inauguration riots and then the George Floyd riots in 2020:

In one instance after the leftist BLM/Antifa riots in 2020, President Trump established fencing and a law enforcement presence in DC, temporarily to quash the ANTIFA/BLM violence. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer decried Trumps response to those 2020 riots, saying he had oppressively militarized the city. Now, in a fantastic display of sickening duplicity and irony, democrats have amassed a 25,000-man military force that is currently occupying Washington DC in January 2021 for the Biden inauguration, even though no right-wing groups we have spoken to intend on avoiding the event completelywhich we wholly support.

In any case, after the events with George Floyd in 2020, things accelerated massively:

The duplicitous mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, endorsed riotous BLM and accelerated the destruction of America, effectively letting rioters know that chaos and violencenot law and order and peace, will get you what you want:

The more we find out about the [January 6th 2021] unrest at the capitol, the more clear it is that the chaos may have been orchestrated by forces beyond those of Trump supporters.

Should Mayor Muriel Bowser be arrested for inciting violence in DC? She created a BLM mural on the DC streets and created an entire road devoted to BLM and released nearly all the leftist 2020 rioters! Now it is being found that more and more BLM and Antifa supporters were involved in the chaos at the nations Capitol on January 6th, 2021. In fact, as the evidence continues to come out, more and more of it suggests that anti-Trump activists may have played a pivotal (and perhaps majority) role in the chaos and violence as most Trump supporters simply looked on or followed.

Do not be fooled by the media, Big Tech, and politicians. What happened on January 6th began in 2016 with the weak response to and eventual endorsement of violent, anti-American hate groups like BLM and Antifa, to whom Kamala Harris and Joe Biden and their staffers donated in order to bail out violent rioters.

In 2020, Kamala Harris openly stated the following regarding the violent riots across the US:

They are not going to stop, and everyone bewarethey are not going to stop after election day. They are not going to let up, and they should not

Place the blame for our countrys destruction where it belongs and understand the context of what you are seeing today.

Update 1/18/2021: Dramatic New 13-minute Documentary Footage Obtained By The Gateway Pundit Shows Additional Violence and Context for the BLM/Antifa Riots in During the 2017 Trump Inauguration

Read more at: 100PercentFedUp.com
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Several industries around the world require chemicals specially formulated for their requirements. Thus, due to a widespread end-use base, the global specialty chemicals market, which generated $639,935.8 million in 2019, is predicted to witness a 5.5% CAGR between 2020 and 2030, to reach $980,423.7 million in 2030. One of the most-prominent applications of such chemicals is in the production of wood pulp and paper, the latter of which is used widely in the packaging sector, according to the market research report published by P&S Intelligence.

In the same way, the growing usage of fuel additives in automobiles is an important specialty chemicals market driver. Fuel additives are used to manipulate several properties of gasoline and diesel, such as their freezing point and fluidity. A common specialty chemical used as a fuel additive is diesel exhaust fluid, or AdBlue, which is intended to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides from diesel engines. Moreover, methyl oleate is a widely consumed specialty chemical in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly as an active ingredient in lotions and ointments.

Get the sample copy of this report at @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/specialty-chemicals-market/report-sample

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the specialty chemicals market has been quite negative owing to the shutting down of automotive, consumer goods, textile, electronics, aerospace, and packaging plants. Since all these sectors are major consumers of an array of specialty chemicals, their closing down has led to a massive slump in demand.

In the past, the agrochemicals category dominated the specialty chemicals market, on the basis of type. The availability of off-patent molecules, increasing demand for horticulture and food crops, budgetary and regulatory support from governments, and high export potential are driving the demand for agrochemicals. Such chemicals help in protecting the crops from pests, raising the farms' yield, and keeping the soil fertile.

Browse detailed report with COVID-19 impact analysis on Specialty Chemicals Market Research Report: By Type (Agrochemicals, Construction Chemicals, Specialty Coatings, Surfactants, Food Additives, Polymer Additives, Electronic Chemicals, Cleaning Chemicals, Plastic Additives, Paper & Textile Chemicals, Adhesives & Sealants, Lubricant & Oilfield Chemicals) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030 @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/specialty-chemicals-market

The lubricants & oilfield chemicals category will witness the fastest specialty chemicals market growth in the coming years. A constant increase in the production of shale gas and resumption of automotive production and construction activities after the pandemic are expected to propel the demand for specialty lubricants and oilfield chemicals.

Till now, Asia-Pacific (APAC) has generated the highest revenue in the specialty chemicals market, and it is also projected to display the highest CAGR in the near future. The demand for specialty chemicals is growing in the region on account of the rapid expansion of the agriculture, pharmaceutical, automotive, personal care & cosmetics, and electrical & electronics sectors in India and China. Other major drivers for the regional market are the increasing construction activities, growing packaging sector, and rising number of water treatment plants.

Make enquiry about this report at @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=specialty-chemicals-market

The major players in the global specialty chemicals market are Evonik Industries AG, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Akzo Nobel N.V., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., LOTTE Fine Chemical Co. Ltd., BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Dow Inc., Sadara Chemical Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, AECI Ltd., and Thebe Unico.

Key Findings of Global Specialty Chemicals Market Report

Agrochemicals remain widest-selling type of specialty chemicals

Rapid increase to be witnessed in lubricant & oilfield chemical demand

Chemical companies shifting production base to APAC

APAC largest consumer of specialty chemicals

Presence of many players makes market fragmented

Market players expanding their chemical output for higher revenue

Browse Other Related Reports

MEA Specialty Chemicals Market

The Middle-East and Africa specialty chemicals market is witnessing growth due to the increasing consumption of specialty chemicals in oilfields and advancements in agricultural practices in Africa.

https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/mea-specialty-chemicals-market

Automotive Adhesives and Sealants Market

Geographically, the automotive adhesives and sealants market is being dominated by Asia-Pacific at the present time, owing to the increasing purchasing power and enhancing infrastructure in the region.

https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/global-automotive-adhesive-and-sealant-market

About P&S Intelligence

P&S Intelligence is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness.

Contact:

Prajneesh Kumar

P&S Intelligence

Contact: +1-347-960-6455

Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg
David Carter, principal at St Pauls Youth Encounter Project in Finglas, Co Dublin, in his technology equipped van to deliver classes at pupils homes. Photo: Steve Humphreys

The head of a high support school has been driving around to his pupils homes in a remote learning van to support their needs.

Dave Carter, principal at St Pauls Youth Encounter Project in Finglas, Co Dublin, believes all schools should be able to open for vulnerable children from very disadvantaged backgrounds and that teachers at special schools should be prioritised for early vaccination.

A lot of marginalised families may not have the hardware, software or know how to manage remote learning and we are bringing devices already set up with wifi and connected to the teacher who will deliver a 30-minutes class, Mr Carter said.

Read More

Myself and our family therapist wait outside the home until the class is finished and then go to the next pupil.

"These homes have no broadband and students are getting one-hour tuition at most a week.

St Pauls caters for students aged 10 to 16 years old and is under the classification of a special school.

These schools are set to re-open later this week with a staggered programme to reduce numbers in the school at any one time, but Mr Carter believes other schools should also be open for vulnerable children.

For vulnerable children I feel all schools should be given the trust and autonomy to open, provided it is safe to do so for students and staff, according to their resources. For many, school is more than education of a set curriculum but one of learning to cope with life and it can be a safe refuge from difficulties elsewhere.

He said the school closures last year had been the catalyst for some children having to go into residential care.

While he said it was essential his pupils were in school and welcomed the re-opening, he said social distancing is very difficult to implement in special schools, so with the new more transmissible variant of Covid, these teachers face more risk.

The pupils at my school often have behavioural difficulties and social distancing and mask wearing is not possible.

This is similar for schools catering for those with special educational needs so the Government needs to be cognisant teachers in special schools are more at risk and early vaccination would be a solution.

My own family members have underlying health issues and are worried about me visiting my pupils homes now, but I have no choice as we need to check up on these kids. Otherwise they will get no learning or support.

St Pauls is among the 124 special schools that are set to re-open this Thursday.

High support schools, such as St Pauls, cater for a maximum of 200 students in Ireland.

There is one in Limerick, in Cork and two others in Dublin.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 04:13:03|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is following with concern the winter storms in Northwest Syria, which are reportedly the largest so far this winter season, said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday.

The heavy rainfall across western Aleppo and Idlib governorates in Northwest Syria has reportedly caused damage to sites for internally displaced people, damaging tents and cutting off roads leading up to the camps, said OCHA.

While the damage continues to be assessed, there are reports that more than 1,700 households in Northwest Syria have been affected by flooding, with more than 200 tents destroyed and over 1,400 tents damaged, it said.

Northwest Syria is a region that gets bitterly cold in the winter, where the situation for many living in inadequate shelters can quickly become intolerable and potentially life-threatening.

Some 6.7 million people are displaced across Syria, of whom one-third are estimated to be living in inadequate shelter conditions, including damaged and/or unfinished buildings. There are 2.7 million displaced people in Northwest Syria alone, including 1.5 million who live in camps or informal settlements. These locations are crowded, and too often there is inadequate shelter for the winter conditions, said OCHA.

While humanitarian workers have distributed winter assistance to 2.3 million people across Syria, including sleeping bags, winter clothing, heating fuel, and assistance to repair and replace tents, there remains a 32-million-U.S.-dollar funding gap for these basic items, said the office. Enditem
New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Ministry of Education on Tuesday announced that the syllabus of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET) would remain unchanged for 2021.

"The syllabus for JEE Main 2021 will remain the same as the previous year. But students will be given a choice to answer 75 questions (25 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) out of 90 questions (30 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)," said the Education Ministry.

In JEE Main 2020, the Education Ministry said there were 75 questions all of which have to be answered by the candidates.

The exact pattern for the NEET (Undergraduate) 2021 is yet to be announced.

However, in view of the reduction of syllabus by some education boards across the country, the NEET (UG) 2021 question paper would also have options on the lines of the JEE (Main).

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Michigans health department announced 1,738 new coronavirus cases and 41 new deaths during the afternoon COVID-19 update Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Over the last seven days, Michigan has reported an average of 2,078 new COVID-19 cases and 52 new deaths per day -- the lowest marks since Oct. 27 and Nov. 13, respectively.

The latest averages are a significant improvement from the 4,010 cases and 114 deaths per day a month earlier, though they remain higher than the daily averages from the early fall.

Over the last week, Michigan ranks in the top five states based on the fewest new coronavirus cases per day per 100,000 residents, according to data collected by The New York Times.

(The above chart shows Michigans 7-day rolling average of new confirmed coronavirus cases. You can put your cursor over a bar to see the number. You also can click on the option just below the headline to see the actual number of new cases reported by day.)

Of Michigans 83 counties, 73 reported new cases Tuesday, led by Wayne with 317, Oakland with 215 and Macomb with 128. Other top reporting counties included Kent (95), Ottawa (94), Washtenaw (72), Genesee (54) and Ingham (47).

There were 25 counties with at least one death. Wayne County had the most with nine, followed by Livingston with four, Muskegon with three, and Oakland, Kent, Isabella and Clare counties with two deaths each.

(The above chart shows Michigans 7-day rolling average of deaths involving confirmed coronavirus cases. You can put your cursor over a bar to see the number. You also can click on the option just below the headline to see the actual number of new deaths reported by day.)

Hospitalizations and positive test rates -- two additional data trends being watched closely by health systems and epidemiologists -- are also on the decline in Michigan.

As of Monday, hospitals across the state were treating 2,055 patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, including 413 in the ICU. Thats an improvement from 2,222 such patients Friday, including 493 in the ICU.

Michigan is averaging 39,100 diagnostic tests per day, with 7.1% coming back positive for COVID-19. While testing was likely down due to the holiday -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day -- the state reported 18,853 tests processed Monday with a positive rate of 7.48%.

Case reporting

First is a chart showing new cases reported to the state each day for the past 30 days. This is based on when a confirmed coronavirus test is reported to the state, which means the patient first became sick days before.

You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases.

(In a few instances, a county reported a negative number (decline) in daily new cases, following a retroactive reclassification by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In those instances, we subtracted cases from the prior date and put 0 in the reported date.)

The next chart below shows new cases for the past 30 days based on onset of symptoms. In this chart, numbers for the most recent days are incomplete because of the lag time between people getting sick and getting a confirmed coronavirus test result, which can take up to a week or more.

You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases.

For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here.

To find a testing site near you, check out the states online test finder, here, send an email to COVID19@michigan.gov, or call 888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Read more on MLive:

Tuesday, Jan. 19, coronavirus data by Michigan county: 49 counties now below 7% positivity rate

Limited COVID-19 vaccine supply postpones another Washtenaw County vaccination clinic

Michigan lists 128 new coronavirus outbreaks and 774 ongoing clusters in Jan. 18 outbreak report

Did Michigan dodge the winter holiday coronavirus surge?

Cyclone Yaas: Amit Shah to hold review meeting with Chief Ministers of states to be affected

Union home minister Amit Shah to launch Ayushman CAPF healthcare scheme on January 23

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to launch the Ayushman healthcare scheme for central paramilitary force personnel in Assam later this week, official sources said.

They said Shah will hand over the first Ayushman health cards to the chiefs, a sub-officer and a jawan of each of the central armed police forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB apart from the NSG and the Assam Rifles that function under the command of his ministry on January 23.

Climate change may alter rainfall patterns in south India, intensify floods: Study

The CAPFs, with an estimated manpower of about 10 lakh personnel, are deployed for rendering a variety of internal security duties across the country, border guarding and VIP protection. "The Ayushman CAPF health scheme is expected to be launched by the home minister on January 23 in Guwahati.

A presentation on the scheme will be made and the minister may address the beneficiaries too during the event," a senior official involved in the process told reporters.

Coronavirus cases: India records 10,064 new COVID-19 cases; 137 deaths in last 24 hours

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), termed as the biggest government-sponsored healthcare scheme across the globe, in September, 2018. The scheme provides a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (about 53 crore beneficiaries).

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

AB PM-JAY also provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiaries at the point of service.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 13:59 [IST]
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.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday hoped that the road accidents and resultant deaths in the country will be reduced by 50 per cent before 2025, and said there should be no compromise on saving the lives of the persons involved in road accidents.

Stating that 415 people die on roads in India every day, Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said there is a need to expedite the task of saving the lives of people.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The minister said that last year, the Centre had participated in a conference in Sweden where a vision was conceptualised to have zero road fatalities in India by 2030.

"We had promised that we will reduce deaths and accidents by 50 per cent. Today, we saw the success story of Tamil Nadu. It (Tamil Nadu) has reduced the accidents and deaths by 53 per cent," the minister said.

He added that if "we keep waiting till 2030, then at least 6-7 lakh people will die more due to road accidents". Before 2025, the country will be able to reduce the deaths and accidents by 50 per cent, the minister said.

Gadkari also said the government will spend 14,000 crore to identify black spots on roads which are vulnerable to accidents.

"The World Bank and ADB (Asian Development Bank) have given approval to two projects worth 7,000 crore each. We are hopeful of getting approval from the finance ministry soon. We will spend 14,000 crore to identify black spots," Gadkari said during the launch of the National Road Safety Month.

The minister also expressed hopes that by March-end, the road construction target of 40 km a day would be achieved.

"This time, till now, we have broken the record of road construction. Today, we have reached over 30 km... Probably, by this March-end, we will reach road construction of 40 km per day," Gadkari said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was also present on the occasion, said deaths due to road accidents not only lead to the loss of life but also hit the country's economy.

He also said programmes like the National Road Safety Month not only exude confidence in people but also help in increasing awareness.

Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V K Singh said around 1.5 lakh persons die on road every year due to various reasons.

The National Road Safety Month, he said, should be utilised to bring in a culture of safety.

To put a check on the rising accidents, he said the ministry has taken various initiatives.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said India is a country where 85 per cent passenger travel and 65 per cent freight travel take place by road.

He also said the government has taken various initatiatives to put a check to road accidents and the Centre is also working on reducing black spots.

During the Road Safety Month, awareness about causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them will be highlighted by organising various activities with school and college students, drivers and all other road users.

These activities include display of banners, walkathons, road signage and pamphlets related to road safety.

Various departments of state governments like transport, police, PWD, health, education, municipal bodies, vehicle manufacturers and dealers and doctors, among others, would also participate in events during the month.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

You seem to have discussed this episode, at least to the point where he quickly admitted to the impact of his choice. He obviously feels guilty. But frequently when trust is broken, couples issue their accusations, explanations, and apologies very quickly and then slam the book closed, hoping to just move on. It is painful for two people who love each other to dwell on their broken trust. Suddenly, it feels as if the image youve had of yourselves and your relationship (all those happy wedding photos) is completely flawed.


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.
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 year ago, RFE/RL published the story of Zaharia Cusnir, an unknown Moldovan photographer whose work depicting rural Soviet life lay literally rotting in a village house until its discovery by film student Victor Galusca.

Since the story was published, Galusca has kept a close eye on comments left on a Facebook page he is curating dedicated to the work of Cusnir. Several people in the photographs have been identified -- mostly by social-media users who recognize their older relatives in the pictures. As a result, Galusca has been able to meet with six now-elderly Moldovans from Cusnirs photographs. Here, in Galuscas words, are what each person told him:

Tamara Cusnir She is a distant relative of Zaharia Cusnir and lived in the same village. Although she remembers the photographer as an "intelligent, very interesting person," she mainly spent time with his daughters, so knew Zaharia only as an authority figure in the house of her friends.

She fell in love with an accountant from a collective farm who was coming and going from the village on Soviet military service. But eventually he chose another woman and Tamara lost touch with him. Its a romance that is not forgotten. She had a photograph of him in her private collection that she let me see. After I met with her, I found the accountant living in another village. His name is Vasile Tokarchuk.

Vasile Tokarchuk He was sure he would marry Tamara. He remembered how beautiful she was. They used to spend evenings down by the river talking into the night. Even Tamaras father wanted her to marry him. But one day they had an argument, and he decided she wasnt for him.

But he never forgot Tamara. I saw some photos that Tokarchuk had kept from his youth. One print I recognized and noticed that he had cut her out of the frame. Now his wife has died, and Tamaras husband has, as well, so they are free. I want to offer to reunite them, perhaps in the village where their romance began.

Axenia Bulhac She knew about the photo because her relatives had seen it online, but when I gave her a print as a kind of Christmas present, she was very happy. She was looking for a place in the house to hang it.

I know she worked in a kindergarten and looked after children. Unfortunately, we couldnt communicate much because her hearing is gone. We just smiled and shared a cup of tea after I gave her the print.

Sergiu Cebotari When I showed him the images, he started to cry. He worked all his life as a postman. Now hes very weak and can only lie in bed.

He first got to know the photographer after Cusnir loaned Cebotari his bicycle -- a rare and precious object in Soviet Moldova -- and the youngster returned it in perfect condition with a bottle of wine as a gift. That first interaction created the trust that became a close friendship, and he later became a part of Cusnirs family.

Cebotari was in the same class as one of Cusnirs three daughters and fell in love with her during their school days. The two were married with Cusnirs blessing and lived happily. But Ioana died in 2019 and, since then, Cebotaris health has deteriorated. He told me from his bed, This isnt life. Hes only waiting to die.

Vera Borsh Cusnir only photographed her twice, so she didnt remember him well, but she recalled exactly why the photo was taken.

She had made the dress herself. Once she had finished sewing it, she went looking for Cusnir so he could take her photo in her new clothes. He was the only photographer for many kilometers around, so she had to seek him out. She didnt say anything about having a hard life. I gathered she just lived the simple existence of rural Moldovan people.

Aurel Sarmaniuc He is one of around 300 people still living in the village of Rosietici, but he and his son are thinking of relocating to Germany or somewhere else to work. His son owns 200 sheep, but its getting too hard to manage them. He claims the shepherds they have hired are alcoholics and the work is getting too hard for Sarmaniuc to do himself.
The WSWS is publishing statements of support for data scientist and COVID-19 whistleblower Rebekah Jones, who faces persecution in response to her efforts to expose the spread of the pandemic in Florida and in K-12 schools across the United States. We urge our readers to send statements of support for Jones today. Let us know your occupation, what city and state you work in, and whether we can use your name or if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

Rebekah Jones, the COVID-19 whistleblower who was fired by the State of Florida last May, appeared virtually before a judge on Monday morning after spending the night in a Florida jail. She had turned herself in to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at 11:15 p.m. Sunday night, and the judge agreed to release her on a $2,500 bond.

Rebekah Jones

In a statement Monday morning, the FDLE outlined that the third-degree felony charge against Jones is that she illegally accessed Floridas emergency alert health system. The warrant alleges that she downloaded and saved health department data containing contact information for approximately 19,182 people across the state.

The state initially suggested a bond of $5,000 and argued that Jones should have no computer access and no internet access, while demanding that she wear an ankle monitor. The judge disagreed and lowered the bond to $2,500, stating that she is not allowed to contact anyone whose information she allegedly accessed. Upon her release from jail, Jones has relocated to Washington, D.C.

Jones has maintained her innocence and is suing the FDLE for terrorizing her family and violating her First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. She has been one of the most outspoken critics of the herd immunity policy adopted by the United States government and others internationally.

Sunday afternoon she took to Twitter before turning herself in to the FDLE, tweeting: Censored by the state of Florida until further notice. She also used the hashtag #LetHerSpeak, which along with #FreeRebekahJones, has been trending on social media amid an outpouring of opposition to the actions of Florida state officials, above all, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Several Twitter and Facebook usersmany of whom have taken to calling Floridas governor Ron DeathSantisas well as WSWS readers voiced their outrage and disturbance at the jailing and censoring of Jones.

A laborer who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, who wished to remain anonymous condemned DeSantis for jailing Jones for the crime of disputing his rosy view of COVID in Florida. He added, Its very 1940s Germany in tactic. She is not allowed, at this point in jail, to speak in her own defense.

The Jacksonville worker elaborated further, As an absurdly loyal Trump sycophant, DeSantis imitated every public policy speech Trump made, even going as far as to hold press conferences with people like Dr. Scott Atlas, who promoted the unscientific herd immunity theory. He noted, DeSantis is fueled by corporate money, and he takes his orders, or shapes his policy, because he ultimately serves Delta Airlines, Disney, and Florida Blue for-profit health care.

When asked whether the attack on Jones was also an attack on workers in the whole state, he said, Well, yes, an attack on workers, but also an attack on ALL Floridians. Workers, retirees, ALL of us, young and old, are susceptible. People who were screwed over by the unemployment system in Florida, who qualified for benefits but were never paid, HAD to go to work, with DeSantis sounding the call that all was and is safethat the spread is not as severewhen, in fact, there is a HUGE risk that a worker in a crowded restaurant will catch it.

Some Twitter users contrasted the arrest of the whistleblower with the treatment of the participants in the fascist coup attempt of January 6. One user wrote: If you storm the Capitol and try to murder our leaders, you get sent home on your own recognizance and can tweet 24/7. If you share science and data, you get punished like this. Got it.

Others directly encouraged Jones to continue her struggle to provide data to the masses, with one tweeting: Im sure you ARE being censored, but please continue to document (and safely store said information). At some point, DeSantis WILL have to answer for this. Having documentation will be key when that happens.

Many of the Florida Facebook groups that organize educators were swimming with comments in opposition to Jones arrest. One educator wrote, It is intimidation. Cops do this all the time to silence people. Another commented, So FDLE found nothing on her computers, she sues the state, so the state issues an arrest warrant?

Educators and school workers from other states have also come to the defense of Jones. Kathy, a school bus driver and member of the Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, wrote that Rebekah Jones was unfairly attacked by the government for refusing to downplay COVID cases and the health threat that it presents. She and her family were treated as criminals by the police for simply trying to tell the truth. This must stop.

Kathy also spoke about the response of ruling class to the pandemic more generally, stating, The government is using the fact that there is now a vaccine to suggest we can go back to normal. It is not. Not everyone will get the vaccine right away, and we dont even know how long it will protect us. They are normalizing death and blaming us for it. They say were not being responsible, but they are making us go to work and school! How hypocritical can you be?

She also drew a connection between the policies of President Donald Trump with President-elect Joseph Biden. Biden is continuing the process. Hes not doing anything different than Trump. Everything should be under lockdown now, and the government should be helping people financially. They report the deaths on the news, but theyre not taking it seriously. If they were, we wouldnt be in this situation.

Audrey, a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, wrote the following to the WSWS: The attempts by Florida Governor DeSantis to silence scientist Rebekah Jones show how the Trumpian right wing view free speech by the working class as communication that opposes the interests of the rich. Currently, their interest is to support a business-as-usual protocol as if the deadly pandemic doesnt exist. Governor DeSantis represents the ruling elites, not working people.

Herman, a regular reader of the WSWS, wrote, This egregious government attack is yet another attempt by the ruling class to keep workers across the country and around the world in the dark as to the ravages of COVID-19 and to terrorize anyone else who might be thinking about publishing information.

He continued: The seizure of her equipment and records is an unconstitutional attack on her democratic right to publish. The use of an accusation of hacking to justify the shutting down of her website demonstrates the deteriorating state of American democracy. I demand the immediate release of all of Rebekah Jones confiscated property, financial restitution, and the disciplining and/or arrest of those responsible for the fascistic raid on her home.

We call on all workers to take up the defense of Rebekah Jones and other whistleblowers who seek to expose the governments criminal response to the public health crisis. It is in the interests of the working class to fight against censorship and defend all democratic rights. The attack on Jones is ultimately an attack on the working class, who require scientific data and knowledge to save lives.

Educators across the US are organizing rank-and-file committees to oppose censorship and the growth of far-right and fascistic forces and to fight to close schools and fully fund remote learning until the pandemic is contained. We urge educators, parents and students in Florida and across the country to join the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee by signing up today at wsws.org/edsafety!
A tabloid's publication of a deeply personal letter written by Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, to her father was a "plain breach" of her privacy, her lawyers told a court on Tuesday and asked the judge to issue a summary judgement against the paper without need for a trial.

Meghan, 39, the wife of Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry, is suing publisher Associated Newspapers after its Mail on Sunday paper printed extracts of a handwritten letter she sent to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in August 2018.

At the start of two-days of remote hearings, Meghan's lawyer, Justin Rushbrooke, asked a London High Court judge to rule in her favour without a potentially embarrassing trial. The Mail, he argued, had no prospect of winning what he called a "plain and serious" breach of her privacy and there was no viable defence.

Meghan says publishing some of the five-page letter, which ran to 1,250 words, was a misuse of private information and breached her copyright.

The letter was penned after the duchess's relationship with Markle broke down in the run-up to her glittering wedding to Harry in May 2018, which her father missed due to ill health and after he admitted posing for paparazzi pictures.

The paper published extracts in February the following year, and has justified its action by saying it allowed Markle to respond to interviews Meghan's anonymous friends had given to the US magazine People.

Rushbrooke told the court Meghan's "intrinsically private, personal and sensitive letter" had been a plea to her father to stop talking to the press.

"I ask for nothing other than peace. And I wish the same for you," its concluding sentence, read out by Rushbrooke, said.

Her lawyers said publishing it was a "triple-barrelled" assault on "her private life, her family life and her correspondence".

Rushbrooke said the Mail on Sunday had broken the code of conduct British newspapers worked by, and the case raised "a disturbing question" about who controlled the contents of a private letter.

"Is it the writer of the letter or the editor of the Mail on Sunday?" Rushbrooke said. "There can only be one answer to that question and the answer would be the same irrespective of whether the writer was a duchess or any other citizen: and the answer is, it is not the editor of the Mail on Sunday."

"INCONSISTENT STATEMENTS"

In its written defence, the paper said the duchess was willing for private matters to become public if it suited her, saying she had cooperated with a biography of the couple, and there were "inconsistent statements" she needed to explain.

Its lawyers added Meghan had expected or intended the letter to become public, and any expectation of privacy would be outweighed by the paper's rights to freedom of expression.

"This case is wholly unsuitable for summary judgment. There is uncertainty as to a number of significant factual matters which can, and should, be investigated at trial when the court will have the full picture," the paper's legal team said.

The trial was due to start last week but was delayed until late 2021 at Meghan's request last year because of a confidential reason. Her team also announced at the time they would seek a summary judgement.

If it goes ahead, it raises the prospect of Markle giving evidence in court against his daughter, who he has not seen since they fell out, as well as appearances by the duchess herself and other senior royal aides.

She and Harry now live in Los Angeles, having stepped down from official royal duties last year.

Short link:


Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon. High 91F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A woman is accused of stealing thousands of dollars while she worked at a casino over the summer.

Sarah Elizabeth Daniel, 45 of Northwood, has been charged with 2nd degree theft. Authorities say that while working at the Diamond Jo Casino in Worth County between June 27 and July 18 of 2020, Daniel stole a minimum of $3,845.

Law enforcement says they were notified by casino staff on July 17, 2020, that Daniel was suspected of stealing money. An investigator says they then saw Daniel take about $790 from a cashier drawer the next day. Court documents state Daniel admitted during an interview to stealing the money.

A criminal complaint was filed against Daniel on January 12.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
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(0x7fbfec290028)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfec1ae128)', '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(0x7fbfec290028)') 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(0x7fbfec1ae128)') 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(0x7fbfec29f608)') 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(0x7fbfec1ae128)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfec1ae128)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfebdbcd60)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfebdbce50)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfebdbce50)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Food delivery giant Deliveroo has picked London for its hotly anticipated stock market float this year.

The tech firm's founder and chief executive, Will Shu, had been looking at listing its shares in New York.

But in a major boost for Brexit Britain, the Mail understands that the 5billion company will list in London in the coming months.

Tech float: In a major boost for Brexit Britain, the Mail understands Deliveroo will list in London in the coming months

Deliveroo yesterday hired Next boss Simon Wolfson as a non-executive director as it beefed up its board ahead of the float.

Shu felt that the company could command a higher valuation in the US, where there is a bigger tech scene. But financial advisers made the case that the customer base is in Europe, not the US.

Deliveroo's biggest rival, Just East Takeaway, is also listed in London, and Amsterdam.

The decision marks a big win for London as the Square Mile tries to reinvent itself after Brexit. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has vowed to make the UK the best place to list in the world and has looked at slashing regulations to make that happen.

It is hoped that Deliveroo's decision will spur other tech firms to follow, with chip designer Graphcore and cyber security firm Darktrace also working on plans to list.

Deliveroo is expected to float in 2021, although no firm date has been set.

It has hired bankers Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan to work on the project, as well as London broker Numis.

With Next chief executive Wolfson on the board, it now has a second high-profile member former Premier League director Claudia Arney became the company's first chairman in November.

Wolfson has been boss of Next since 2001 and is the FTSE 100's longest-serving chief executive. Next shares fell 1.4 per cent yesterday amid fears he could leave.

Shu said: 'Simon will bring great knowledge and insight and help us in our mission to become the definitive food company. We are excited about his appointment.

'We are looking forward to working with him as we continue to innovate, developing new tech tools to support restaurants, to provide riders with more work and to extend choice for customers, bringing them the food they love from more restaurants than ever before.'

Wolfson said: 'I am delighted to be taking up this role. Deliveroo is an exciting, innovative and fast-growing company that, like Next, relies on advanced technology to deliver a market-leading proposition.

'I look forward to working with the talented leadership team on the many opportunities ahead.'

Over the weekend Deliveroo's valuation touched 5billion after it secured 132million in fresh funding, which was led by investors Durable Capital Partners and Fidelity Management.

The valuation is almost double its 2019 price tag, when Deliveroo raised 420million from investors including Amazon, which has a 16 per cent stake.

Deliveroo had a stellar 2020 when consumers turned to the takeaway app as restaurants and pubs shut due to lockdown.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will attend the inauguration of incoming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, her office announced.

The country is ready for a leader who listens to medical experts to lead our countrys COVID-19 response and works on behalf of hardworking Americans, Whitmer said in a press release.

I am honored to attend the inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and ready to begin working closely with each of them to fight this virus, save lives, and put the country back on track.

The inauguration ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m., and will look different than in past years due to ongoing security concerns after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the capitol earlier this month. Outgoing President Donald Trump has said he will not attend the ceremony.

Whitmer has taken on increasingly national political roles as her profile has risen. She served as co-chair of Bidens campaign and was on his list of potential vice presidential candidates. She co-chaired the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Biden also announced she was his pick to serve as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Whitmers national profile has, at times, drawn barbs from her political opponents in Michigan. Rising Michigan, a PAC advocating for conservative principles, criticized her inauguration attendance in a statement.

If Governor Whitmer can fly to D.C. for a celebration, then she should immediately open all of Michigans small businesses that remained closed due to her orders, said Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action in a press release.

More on MLive:

Gretchen Whitmer is a national figure now. What you need to know about The woman in Michigan

Biden picks Whitmer to help plan inauguration ceremony with campaign advisers

Police maintain high state of awareness at Michigan Capitol through Bidens inauguration
[January 19, 2021] SIOS Technology Corp. and Its Employees Contribute More Than $5,000 to Feeding America

COLUMBIA, S.C. and SAN MATEO, Calif. , Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SIOS Technology Corp ., an industry pioneer in providing intelligent application availability, delivered on its employees commitment to giving back to the community and contributed more than $5,000 to Feeding America, the largest food support organization in the United States. Likewise, its parent company, SIOS Technology, Inc. in Japan, contributed $5 mill yen (approximately $49,000 US dollars) to medical care providers burdened by COVID-19 in Japan.

SIOS offered employees the option of a holiday bonus or the ability to donate that bonus to charity and have it matched by a company donation. Feeding America was chosen as the recipient of SIOS US employees generous financial contribution. Masahiro Arai, COO, SIOS Technology, believes that SIOS has a corporate responsibility to actively contribute to the betterment of its community. Due to the devastating impact of COVID-19, food insecurity has become a national crisis. Our employees have always been active in supporting their communities. We commend and support them in their efforts as giving back and being a god neighbor is something tangible we can do to support those who need help.



Makoto Sakamoto, Head of People and Culture, SIOS Technology, said, Throughout our companys history, SIOS employees have rallied to support people in need. Without hesitation, people wanted to participate and use their bonus to generate even more financial support for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity made worse by COVID-19. Tweet this: @SIOSTech employees contribute more than $5,000 to @FeedingAmerica https://bit.ly/2Ki9Z52 #foodsecurity #covid19 #supportcommunity

About SIOS Technology Corp.

SIOS Technology Corp. high availability and disaster recovery solutions ensure availability and eliminate data loss for critical Windows and Linux applications operating across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. SIOS clustering software is essential for any IT infrastructure with applications requiring a high degree of resiliency, ensuring uptime without sacrificing performance or data - protecting businesses from local failures and regional outages, planned and unplanned. Founded in 1999, SIOS Technology Corp. ( https://us.sios.com ) is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices worldwide. SIOS, SIOS Technology, SIOS DataKeeper, SIOS LifeKeeper, SIOS AppKeeper, Clusters Your Way, and associated logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of SIOS Technology Corp. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact:

Beth Winkowski

Winkowski Public Relations, LLC for SIOS

978-649-7189

bethwinkowski@US.SIOS.com





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

A court in Gujarat's Mundra in Kutch district on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant against senior journalist in a defamation suit filed by the

"...accused stands charged with complaint under section 500 of IPC. You are hereby directed to arrest the said accused and to produce him before me," Judicial Magistrate Pradeep Soni said in a direction to the Nizamuddin police station in New Delhi.

The had filed the defamation suit following his June 2017 article on a "Rs 500 crore bonanza" the group got from the government.

Reached for comments, Thakurta said he is not aware of the court order and directed queries to his lawyer.

"We haven't received any intimation (from the court). This information (on arrest warrant) has come to us from media," his lawyer Anand Yagnik said.

He further said the had withdrawn complaints against everybody, including the editor but not against the author.

"The magazine (which published the article) is not responsible (for criminal defamation), the case against co-author has been withdrawn but you don't withdraw the complaint against the author," he said. "We have moved a discharge application."



With pandemic affecting court hearings last year, the case filed by Adani had come up before the court on Monday and the court had said it will pass an appropriate order, he added.

"Today they passed an appropriate order," he said, adding the matter had not progressed since 2018-19 and the Adani Group had withdrawn thecomplaint against everybody else.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two married couples accused of conning pensioners out of 3million are fighting against extradition to Hungary in March.

Elderly victims were allegedly tricked over the phone into transferring cash after being told their relatives had been in car accidents and needed money to cover the damages.

Marina Horvath, 32, her husband Erno Horvarth, 41, along with Maria Lakatos, 41, and her partner Csaba Nemeth, 42, are all wanted in Hungary for their alleged involvement in the scam.

Erno Horvarth (left) and his wife Marina (right) are fighting against extradition to Hungary after being accused of conning pensioners of 3million

Lakatos also faces charges of sexual exploitation, kidnapping and hostage taking.

Cole Roberts, prosecuting, told Westminster Magistrates' Court the two couples are 'part of an international organised criminal group.

'It's called a grandparents scam, whereby they defrauded elderly victims by calling them on the phone and asking for money.

'This was in relation to a car accident involving a loved one of the victim and asking for money to cover damages.

'The network is committing fraud on what can be termed an industrial level.

Maria Lakatos (right), 41, and her partner Csaba Nemeth (left), 42, are all wanted in Hungary for their alleged involvement in the scam.

'It's said the loss to the victims is approximately 3million for the whole network.'

Marina Horvath, from Sheffield, is charged with swindling while Erno faces 32 counts of fraud.

Maria Lakatos, from Manchester, faces 17 counts of swindling as well as charges of sexual exploitation, kidnapping, illegal restraint, hostage taking and offences under organised crime.

Nemeth, from Bolton, faces four counts of fraud, one of abuse of a minor and 17 counts of swindling.

District Judge Richard Clews said the extradition hearings will begin on March 23.

According to a Hungarian media report members of the gang cheated 33 elderly victims - mainly selected at random from a phone book.

Cole Roberts, prosecuting, told Westminster Magistrates' Court (pictured) the two couples are 'part of an international organised criminal group

The Hungarian news report says: 'They were called from an English telephone number who pretended to be the grandchild, a relative of the elderly, during the conversation.

'The caller claimed he had caused an accident and needed money immediately to make good the damage.'

The fraudsters allegedly told different stories, claiming they had crashed an expensive car and could avoid criminal proceedings if they offered immediate payment for the damages.

They would then send couriers directly to the elderly victims' house and collect money or jewellery which was then sent back, investigators said.

Couriers were arrested on a number of occasions while committing the crime, according to Hungarian police.

Peter Bukovics, head of the Budapest police's property protection unit, said it took time to detect the crimes 'as elderly people who became victims were so ashamed that they were deceived that they often concealed what had happened to their loved ones and only reported it weeks later.'

The four defendants are remanded in custody.

The judge said there will be a further administrative hearing on February 15 and a case management hearing on March 15.
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Lacson: Boundaries Should be Observed after Ending of 1989 UP Pact More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/01/19/lacson-boundaries-should-be-observed-after-ending-of-1989-up-pact/ With the termination of a 1989 pact banning the entry of police and military forces without prior coordination, the security sector should come up with an agreement with the University of the Philippines on boundaries to be observed, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday. Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense, said this is to prevent the move from negatively affecting the culture of academic freedom in the state university. "Once the pact is terminated, what will the security sector do? We don't know that yet. Probably they could come to an agreement that there are boundaries to be observed," Lacson said in an interview on ANC. He also warned the security sector it might be overstepping its bounds if the move is designed to muzzle the academic and other freedoms enjoyed by the UP community. "If it is designed to muzzle the academic and other freedoms being enjoyed by UP in general, you can describe it as that - overstepping," he said. The Department of National Defense has unilaterally ended the 31-year-old agreement with UP, citing information that the New People's Army is recruiting students inside UP campuses. Lacson noted that during the Senate hearings on red-tagging, it was established that students are being recruited to the NPA not only inside UP but in other universities, to the point they are being killed in encounters. "To join the militant organizations, that's fine. You can protest all you want. But when you bear arms against government and you are very young, you are vulnerable, you are easily radicalized, and the hotbed of recruitment would be UP, PUP and other universities, then I think the security sector has studied all the factors involved before they acted on the matter," he said. But he added the termination of the pact will affect the culture of academic freedom in UP, whose community is known to be independent and involved in political issues. "Definitely it will affect the culture because UP is known to be independent and they are involved in so many political issues. They enjoy so much freedom. And then all of a sudden you take it away from them, that really hurts. Definitely there will be outcry, protests and disagreements. Let's see how it shapes up in the future," he said.
By Florence Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude futures edged up on Tuesday as optimism that government stimulus will buoy global economic growth and oil demand trumped concerns that renewed COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns globally could cool fuel consumption. Brent crude futures for March rose 17 cents, or 0.3%, to $54.92 a barrel by 0150 GMT after slipping 35 cents in the previous session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $52.25 a barrel, down 11 cents, or 0.2%. There was no settlement on Monday as U.S. markets were closed for a public holiday. Front-month February WTI ...
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

On a recent episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick spoke with Juliette Kayyem, who served as assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama, about the Capitol riot, how Donald Trump stoked this particular type of violence, and how counterterrorism techniques can inform the response to this extremist right-wing movement. A portion of their conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, is transcribed below.

Dahlia Lithwick: I want to start by asking you about this phrase stochastic terrorism because youve been saying it and saying it. And I feel like I wrote it this week, and then one of my dear friends was like, What the hell does that mean? Can you explain what it means?

Advertisement

Juliette Kayyem: It doesnt roll off the tongue, I know. I think the first time I used it publicly was in 2018. I had been looking at what Trump was doing, and inciting violence was not the right terminology, because it was a particular type of violence. It was a violence that was directed toward political gain. Now, that could be whether its against a mayor he doesnt like, or a governor he doesnt like, or people he doesnt like, or media personalities, as hes often wont to do. And the means that he did it is stochastic terrorism. Stochastic means random.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Its organized, its coordinated, it has its leader.  Juliette Kayyem

Its a way of thinking about violence. And its when a leader uses his platform to motivate and incite violence in a way in which the violence is much more likely to occur, but who does it and where its done is utterly random. So, after a Trump speech, is it more likely someone might do something? Yes. Or a Trump tweet. And hes able to do this or was able to do this by plausible deniability, that the incitement was sufficiently vague. It wasnt Go to Fifth Avenue and Central Park West and do this, you person. It was things like Liberate Michigan, and things like what he said about the Proud Boys that they viewed as a victory at the debate. And so, that language would incite. And you could see the cases over the four years, the white supremacy or the attempted terrorism casesalmost all of them were deep followers of Trump and his Twitter feeds and all the craziness online.

Advertisement

But I will say, after the election, something has changed and hes now directing it. And hes directing it for a particular political purpose, which is that the election was not fair and not legitimate. And it gets picked up by all of his supportive senators and Fox News. And then, around Christmastime is when I started doing red code: Hed picked a date, which is Jan. 6, and that was going to be it. That, to me, now is directed. And the idea that, for whatever reason, people much smarter than me and much deeper into the weeds of the intelligence werent picking up on this seems political in nature. That because the president for four years had said, You cannot look at this kind of terrorism, they werent ready, but its organized, its coordinated, it has its leader.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Im not calling all of Trump supporters terrorists. Theres a violent element that is a domestic terrorist element that is organized, and we saw it in the Capitol. I saw it that day. I was on air that day, and I saw military formation. You could see it going up the staircase. When men are able to walk up a staircase crowded, that is a military formation. They know how to do that, they walked up a staircase that was quite crowded in singular line. They knew exactly what they were doing.

I dont feel comfortable calling Trump a terrorist just because I think that then were going to get into that debate. But its important to say that hes the spiritual and operational leader of a domestic terrorism movement and thats where weve landed. And thats what Ive been writing and talking about. And I did it not for name-calling but because now, I think, can we think about the prisms of counterterrorism as a solution?

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.

For me, the value of what youre doing is saying, Look, Im just going to call this domestic terrorism. We can have a conversation about what Trumps responsibility is, but were not going to sit around and talk about free speech for the next three months.

Advertisement

Thats exactly right. Part of it is Im a half-glass-full person. And part of it was everything seems so overwhelming right nowthe lack of a framework to try to just understand it, whether its for me or even my kids. On a personal level, I had been using stochastic terrorism. And in terms of social media, stochastic terrorism also gets us out of the lone wolf framework. In other words, theres no more lone wolves. This is amplified. They all know each other. Theyre all communicating on these horrible websites, so then you can start to see it as something organized, not as, Oh, a bunch of random guys, funnily dressed, are showing up in Congress. And how did they get in? I know exactly how they got in. They planned on getting in, and then we had not a very effective defensive posture.

Advertisement

That is whats important so that you get to the counterterrorism framework: OK, what can we do, knowing now that this is an organized domestic threat? All of a sudden, the tools become more obvious: do all the things that you would otherwise do with any criminal organization. You prosecute, you investigate. All of these investigations now are not only punishment, theyre preventive, because we still have the inauguration coming up. They are to say to people who might be curious, or looky-loos, Dont do this. And I think thats going to be effective.

You cut off the money. What the private sector is doing is fantastic. You deplatform the leader. So, thank you, Twitter and Facebook, for this short moment in timewell get back to you later. You isolate, you shame, you use every political gesture you can. So, I dont view the impeachment through the lens of anything but that he has to leave here isolated, because, as a leader of a terrorist organization, he cant be seen to be a winner. So, the whole sort of unity, love, and lets move on message actually makes us less safe. We think, Oh, if we just lower the temperature, let him move on, go to Mar-a-Lago  No, because hes now launched something that is very, very dangerous. And we have to view it as an organized element that is feeding off the big lie that he and otherspeople who should know betterhave promulgated about the election.

Advertisement

Crushed is a little strong, but you just want to weaken him, because its now about recruitment. Its about whether we can contain this, prosecute those whove been violent, off-ramp those who may want to off-ramp. Theres something to shame, and to them realizing whats going on. And weve got a lot of people in that camp. Lets make sure he cant recruit. And so he needs to be loser. Thats sort of the framework.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Yesterday, it dawned on me this is probably the most spontaneous cross-disciplinary, throw-everything-at-the-wall counterterrorism effort in America since 9/11 because its not coordinated in the way that we would think about 9/11 working with states and the military. This is the Joint Chiefs putting out a release that makes it clear that hes isolated. And then, Twitter takes him off. And Deutsche Bank says, Were not doing business with him anymore. All of it. Every single thing has to be thrown at him.

To hear their entire discussion, listen below, or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day is celebrated on January 19 to mark its formation. This year, the NDRF observed its 16th NDRF Raising Day.

The NDRF came into existence on January 19, 2006. The specialised task force has been constituted for special response to a threatening disaster situation or a disaster. National Disaster Management Authority is the parent body of the NDRF. Located at 12 different locations in the country, there are 12 NDRF battalions. There are as many as 13,000 NDRF personnel who work to build a safer country.

During incidents of floods, drowning, cyclones and other disasters, the actions of the NDRF have been appreciated by the people. Their personnel are trained in rope rescue, flood rescue, collapsed structure search and rescue, and many other activities that help save lives during calamities.

NDRF battalions have 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams. The director general of NDRF is an IPS officer. Currently, IPS officer SN Pradhan is the DG of the NDRF.

Last year when the NDRF Raising Day was observed, it was reported that the response force had saved 4,000 lives from the disasters. In 2020, NDRF personnel were deployed to respond to floods in Odisha during the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

Earlier this month, 6 tons of relief materials were sent to cyclone-hit Fiji. These materials were put together by NDRF in a short span of time.

Recently, the NDRF has inducted the first batch of 100 women disaster combatants and rescuers. This team was deployed on the banks of the Ganga river in Garhmukteshwar town, Uttar Pradesh for contingency duties. As per senior officials, the plan is to induct 200 women personnel in the NDRF.

Many of the NDRF personnel were sent to the Dzukou Valley at the Manipur-Nagaland border to extinguish raging wildfires.
Human beings cant touch right now, but their shadows can. That realization was a literal light-bulb moment for dancer and choreographer Jera Wolfe, who was in town last fall working on an original piece for Winnipegs Contemporary Dancers.

Human beings cant touch right now, but their shadows can. That realization was a literal light-bulb moment for dancer and choreographer Jera Wolfe, who was in town last fall working on an original piece for Winnipegs Contemporary Dancers.

"Ive always enjoyed physical human touch... two people connecting and moving together, its really big and always present in my works," he says over the phone from his home in Toronto. "But when I came (to Winnipeg) and I found out that was no longer a possibility, I realized, OK, I gotta figure out a way to show connection through social-distance times."

Leif Norman photo Begin Again, choreographed by Jera Wolfe, uses light and shadow to connect Winnipeg dancers Carol-Ann Bohrn, Allison Brooks, Mark Dela Cruz and Kira Hofmann.

Wolfe arrived in Winnipeg just as code-red restrictions were coming into effect. He spent two weeks in quarantine, putting the final touches on the music and the concept for the performance, called Begin Again, before joining the dancers in studio, where physical touch eluded him.

The cast, made up of locals Carol-Ann Bohrn, Allison Brooks, Mark Dela Cruz and Kira Hofmann, had to stay two metres apart and props had to be disinfected between use.

"Then I was like, Oh, my goodness, if you use lighting, you could create shadows... and the shadows could touch," Wolfe says. "It was honestly a really beautiful moment of creativity."

He collaborated with lighting designer Hugh Conacher to create a simple set that would translate well to video. In the final product, the light stands and lens flares take on a personality of their own while the dancers move through and with the beams of light.

Begin Again is about changing habits, letting go of the past and starting over, recurring themes in Wolfes life that felt particularly relevant during the pandemic.

"Were all learning how to start over in this new and very unpredictable world right now," he says. "Weve all been given the opportunity to reflect and the time we need to kind of look inward instead of outward, and try to not end up in the same cycles of our lives that weve always been in."

The pre-recorded performance is 15 minutes long and debuts online on Friday. Working with local videographer Landon Lake, Wolfe wanted to make sure the video captured the experience of watching dance in person.

Leif Norman photo People cant touch, but shadows can in choreographer Jera Wolfes Begin Again.

"Its kind of nice to see something that looks like it was live or it could be live, even though, obviously, we did multiple takes and different camera angles," Wolfe says. "Also with a camera, you can get really close; you can see peoples skin and their sweat and their chest moving as they breathe  its a little bit more intimate."

This is Wolfes first commissioned piece for Winnipegs Contemporary Dancers, but its far from his first time in the city.

Born in Toronto, he bounced around the country with his family before settling in Kelowna, B.C. He started breakdancing in school and joined a local studio, where he was introduced to hip hop, jazz and ballet. The latter became Wolfes focus after a month-long summer dance program.

"There were a lot of other men I was seeing in ballet," he says. "And I liked the structure of the class."

Wolfe, 30, got into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and spent his late teens living in Winnipeg. He developed strong relationships within the local dance community and has created several original pieces for the ballet and the School of Contemporary Dancers.

Supplied Toronto-born dancer and choreographer Jera Wolfe spent his late teens training with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Five years ago, he shifted into choreography following an Indigenous dance residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Wolfe is Metis, but grew up outside the community, largely unaware of his heritage.

"I was in my early teens when my grandfather was actually reclaiming his heritage  his mother was Metis and she denied it," he says. "I could see how proud he was when he talked about it and it was something he wasnt allowed to talk about as a kid growing up."

He is an associate artist with Red Sky Performance and has presented work around the world with the Indigenous contemporary dance company, including at the Venice Biennale, one of the most highly regarded curated art events in the world. The experience has introduced him to other Indigenous artists and helped him better understand his own roots.

"Its become more and more important for me to connect to my heritage, especially because Im getting opportunities because of it," Wolfe says. "There are a lot of incredible Indigenous artists working in Canada, and all over the world right now, who really deserve a voice... as Indigenous, I feel like I want to make sure that people know who I am and where I came from."

eva.wasney@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @evawasney
2021-01-18

Maeci

Italy welcomes the signing by Palestinian President Abbas of the decree calling the legislative, Presidential and Palestinian National Council elections as of next 22 May.



It is a positive development to ensure the rights of the Palestinian people and strengthen local institutions. Italy continues to provide constant and convincing support, also through targeted bilateral cooperation programmes.



Italy strongly believes that this process will consolidate the legitimacy and international credibility of the Palestinian institutions, even in view of a desirable prompt restart of the peace negotiations with Israel.

In conjunction with the European Union, Italy is ready to support the Palestinian electoral process. It hopes that the Israeli authorities will cooperate to facilitate the elections in all Palestinian territories.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-18 23:22:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a welcoming ceremony of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines in Belgrade, Serbia, Jan. 16, 2021. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

"As an ordinary person and the president of Serbia, I am convinced of the quality of the Chinese vaccine, which will be decided by our competent agency," said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.



BELGRADE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A million doses of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines arrived at the Belgrade Airport in Serbia on Saturday, the government has confirmed in a press release.

The shipment was welcomed at the Belgrade Airport by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, China's Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo, Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar and the head of the Security Intelligence Agency Bratislav Gasic.

Vucic said that the arrival of the vaccine is "proof of the great friendship between Serbia and China," and it will help protect the lives of 500,000 people, adding he will get vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine.

"As an ordinary person and the president of Serbia, I am convinced of the quality of the Chinese vaccine, which will be decided by our competent agency," he said.

Workers unload a container of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines at the Belgrade Airport, Serbia, Jan. 16, 2021. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

Vucic stated that Serbia has procured all vaccines that have arrived so far bilaterally through "negotiating with the Americans for Pfizer, with the Russians for Sputnik V and with the Chinese for the Sinopharm vaccine."

The vaccination would start once the Chinese vaccine gets final approval from Serbia's Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices.

Serbia has reported nearly 370,000 COVID-19 infections since the beginning of the pandemic, while 3,708 people have died. A total of 5,409 patients are hospitalized across the country, of whom 196 are connected to respiratory ventilators.

After peaking every day in November and December last year, the number of new infections is decreasing in January.

The COVID-19 vaccination drive started in Serbia on Dec. 24, 2020, and so far the country has obtained around 1.4 million doses of different vaccines.

Sinopharm is the third vaccine to arrive in Serbia, after the Pfizer-BioNtech and the Sputnik V vaccines.

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic (C) touches fists with a lab technician at a new Fire Eye laboratory in Nis, southeastern Serbia, on July 30, 2020. (Government of Serbia/Handout via Xinhua)

China has provided help to Serbia over the course of the pandemic. Besides medical supplies, a Chinese medical expert team spent months helping Serbian authorities coordinate the country's anti-pandemic response, while the Chinese BGI group helped build two "Fire Eye" testing labs.

Ambassador Chen said that Serbia and China are fighting the coronavirus side by side, and "China is the first country in the world to promise that its vaccine will be a global public good."

"The Sinopharm vaccine was officially registered in China on Dec. 30, and it arrived in Serbia only after 16 days. The arrival of the Chinese vaccine is part of our joint fight against the virus, and I believe it will contribute to fighting the epidemic in Serbia," Chen said. 
As President Donald Trump is leaving office, just over 1 in 10 Americans say the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is mostly under control, despite the departing presidents assertions that record case levels are exaggerations, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The nationwide survey shows that large majorities of people of all political affiliations say they think the deadly virus, which arrived in the country nearly a year ago, is only somewhat under control or not at all controlled.

About 1 in 5 Republicans say they think the pandemic is at least mostly under control, with fewer than 1 in 20 regarding it as completely controlled, the survey finds. Democrats are more than twice as likely as those identifying with the GOP to say they perceive the virus as not at all under control.

Overall, the survey also shows interest among a majority of Americans in getting a coronavirus inoculation now that the government is allowing two manufacturers' vaccines for emergency use. Forty percent say they definitely will get a shot once it becomes available to them and another 23% say they probably will. Still, partisan differences exist on vaccine attitudes, too, with about half of Democrats saying they definitely will get vaccinated, compared with about one-quarter of Republicans.

Taken together, the findings from the poll, conducted from 10 days to a week before Trump leaves the White House on Wednesday after one term, suggests that most Americans are not giving much credence to his persistent attempts to play down the pandemic. Nearly 6 in 10 say they disapprove of the way Trump handled the outbreak  attitudes that have hardly changed since July.

The data also reflects the partisan and ideological cleavages that President-elect Joe Biden will be trying to conquer as he moves at midday Wednesday from a president-in-waiting, exhorting Americans to take safety measures to help slow the virus's spread, to actually governing the country.

Since he clinched the election in November, Biden has made clear the coronavirus and the profound economic damage it has wrought will be his central priorities until the pandemic eases its grip on life in the United States. He frequently urges people to wear masks and keep safe distances, has set a vaccination goal of 100 million shots during his first 100 days in office, and has asked Congress to approve an additional relief package of $1.9 trillion. About $20 billion of that amount would be devoted to a more assertive federal role in the mass vaccination campaign.

 READ MORE: Amid the pandemic, Delaware County officials have begun taking steps to form their own health department

Americans of different political affiliations, the survey finds, see the world differently in terms of their perception of the risk that they or a member of their immediate family might contract the coronavirus. Nearly 8 in 10 Democrats say they are very or somewhat worried about that, compared with nearly 4 in 10 Republicans and slightly more than 6 in 10 independents.

Repeatedly in the fall, including after he was hospitalized for three days in early October with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, Trump characterized the pandemic as "rounding the corner." As recently as this month, he lashed out at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying in a tweet that the federal public health agency had "far exaggerated" U.S. cases and deaths.

As of Monday, the virus had infected more than 24 million people in the United States and killed more than 398,000, according to The Washington Post's tracking. By the time Biden is sworn in, deaths are expected to have crossed a threshold of 400,000  less than five weeks after reaching 300,000. In a sign of the pandemic's increasing velocity, it took 12 weeks for the death toll to rise from 200,000 to 300,000.

Such a rampant spread and its costs in illness, hospitalizations and lost lives is being fueled in part by variants of the coronavirus, first detected in Britain and South Africa, that have arrived in the United States, are easier to transmit and are forecast by the CDC to become the dominant strains in the country within about two months.

Despite the pandemic's acceleration, Americans hold sharply different views on how much it remains a danger, the poll shows.

"It's out of control," said Carolyn James, 73, of San Antonio, who is a Realtor in normal times but is now the caregiver for her 98-year-old mother, Geraldine James Smedler. James, a Democrat who voted for Biden, is staying nearly full-time in her mother's independent-living unit at the Towers on Park Lane. Every time James goes out to get groceries or to check the mail at her own house 15 miles away, she said, her mother's "last word is be careful, be careful."

James misses being part of the Baseline Bums for the San Antonio Spurs, older cheerleaders for the team who also perform community service. "That was one of the few things that was an emotional outlet and a friendship outlet," James said. They were supposed to resume this month, she said, "but they haven't brought the fans back yet, and that hurts."

Two weeks ago, two members of the Towers's kitchen staff and a resident's caregiver tested positive, so all of the hundreds of people in the high-rise had to be tested. The results are not all in.

 READ MORE: How daily walks have kept this reporter sane amid the pandemic

Last week, her mother got a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine when CVS Pharmacy workers arrived to vaccinate all the residents. Smedleris well-known in San Antonio, where she was a civil rights activist and a community leader. Many think of her as a second mother and fear for her safety in the pandemic.

A friend of Smedler and James's, who is a faculty member at a local nursing school, called James on Friday and said to come over right away to get a shot of her own because there was a lull in vaccinating the students.

After a first vaccine dose, and waiting for a second, James is freighted by "the psychological pressure of handling all of this."

"If anything happens to me," James said of her mother, "who is going to take care of her?"

In Springfield, Mo., Dwin Davis has a starkly different view. At 75, he works for his son's small landscaping business, as well as working as a tractor operator. "Our work is all outdoors," said Davis, a Republican who voted for Trump. It "doesn't put us in contact with groups of people."

He also is a preacher at a small Church of Christ congregation  12 to 15 people most Sundays in a church built in the 1800s with room for 300. Davis and his 69-year-old wife are among the youngest. They eat in restaurants, wearing masks, and hosted 18 family members spread among rooms for Thanksgiving.

Spacing themselves out in the wooden church, he said, "we just haven't had any problem with it at all." A 92-year-old woman in the congregation and a woman who works at a local hospital "got it and got over it. They knew not to come to the worship."

Even when Missouri Republican Gov. MikeParson ordered churches not to meet in person, Davis and his congregation kept gathering for Sunday Bible study and worship service.

"Which is more important, saving the body or saving the soul?" James said, adding that government officials restricting churches "ought to be sued and kicked out of office and locked up for a while because they are there to serve the people."

 READ MORE: Pa. prisons dont always tell families when inmates are sick. Officials are defending that policy.

He said he hasn't decided whether he will get the coronavirus vaccine but that his wife is adamant she will not. They oppose abortion, he said, and she found somewhere on the internet that the vaccines are "made from parts of dead babies." The two vaccines in use so far were actually developed through a new technology that uses messenger RNA.

The Post-ABC poll's findings about individuals' willingness to be vaccinated are consistent with other surveys that found Americans' receptivity to getting a vaccine dipped in September but rebounded later in the fall. There is relatively little polling evidence since vaccines have been in use since December. But, in an Axios-Ipsos poll released this month, 60% said they were very or somewhat likely to get a shot of one of the available vaccines, 12 percentage points higher than a month earlier.

The Post-ABC poll finds that about 6 in 10 Americans think it is more important to try to control the virus, even at the expense of the economy  a similar proportion to attitudes last spring and summer. A stark partisan divide has persisted on this, with nearly 9 in 10 Democrats putting the priority on efforts to control the virus, while more than 6 in 10 Republicans say trying to restart the economy is more important.

The Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone Jan. 10 through Jan. 13 among a random national sample of 1,002 adults, with 75% reached on cellphones and 25% on landlines. Results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for the full sample.

The Posts Scott Clement contributed to this report.
Refugee arrivals to Sudan had reduced dramatically in 2020, but since conflict broke out in Ethiopias Tigray region in November, more than 56,000 people have crossed the border into eastern Sudan, looking for safety.

The Ethiopian refugees arrive with little more than the clothes on their back, hungry and exhausted, having walked for days to reach safety. They share stories of their homes being looted, sexual violence against women and girls, and armed groups forcing recruitment of men and boys.

As the refugees cross the border to Sudan, they are registered and documented by UNHCR. This allows the UN Refugee Agency to trace and reunite families that have been separated during the chaos of conflict, and identify and support people with specific needs, such as unaccompanied children, people who are disabled, and the elderly.

Sudan has long been a host country to over a million refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as almost two million internally displaced people. Eastern Sudan, however, had not seen such a sudden influx in decades, and so the need for essential services remains high. UNHCR is quickly distributing aid to meet the immediate needs of those arriving in Sudan, by providing temporary shelters in transit centers, food, clean water, and medicine.

With the speed of the arrivals, the refugees risk ending up in overcrowded conditions. The Um Rakuba refugee camp is quickly reaching full capacity and UNHCR, together with partners, is working to relocate refugees from reception areas to a new camp site. To date, 580 refugees have already been relocated.

Denmarks funding, an allocation of DKK 20 million from its Emergency Reserve Fund to the operation in Sudan, has reinforced UNHCRs ability to continue helping new arrivals from Ethiopia. This means addressing health service shortages to survivors of gender-based violence, providing COVID-19 screenings, mental health and psychosocial services for children associated with armed conflicts, and setting up mobile clinics. UNHCR can also ensure that refugees are continuously transferred to new settlements.

International support is essential to ensure that we can react quickly to the increased number of refugees arriving to Sudan from Ethiopia. This contribution from Denmarks emergency reserve means that we can rapidly register newly arrived refugees and provide them with the protection and emergency aid they so desperately need, says Henrik M. Nordentoft, UNHCRs Representative for the Nordic and Baltic Countries.

Denmark as a donor to UNHCR

Denmark ranks among UNHCRs top ten donors. In 2020, Denmark provided USD 101.4 million to the agency, out of which USD 34.6 million consisted of flexible, unearmarked funding. In addition, the Danish Emergency Management Agency has provided in-kind assistance to refugees affected by the crisis in the Tigray region.

Within its overall funding, Denmark annually contributes with an Emergency Reserve Fund, the flexibility of which allows UNHCR to quickly respond to emergencies in a manner that assists displaced people with critical protection needs and provides them with basic necessities to survive.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter




Haiti - News : Zapping...





The UN supports Jovenel Moise

During a virtual meeting between the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and the Haitian Chancellor Claude Joseph last week, Antonio Guterres renewed the support of the UN for the major projects that await Haiti in 2021, in particular the constitutional reform and the elections to make it possible to renew the political staff and that President Jovenel Moise be replaced by an elected official on February 7, 2022.



Quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

"On this day dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, I share with you my favorite quote from Dr. King: 'We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools," Chancellor Claude Joseph



Words by Joseph Lambert

"January 18 indicates the first initiatives of the Senate which in 1807 appointed Petion and Gerin before receiving, in 1859, the swearing-in of President Fabre Nicolas Geffrard. Today, history places the Haitian Senate in front of great responsibilities," declared the Senator Joseph Lambert, new President of the Senate.



Jacmel : 1st pre-Carnival day, 3 injured

Sunday through the streets of the city, especially on Avenue Baranquilla, took place in a musical atmosphere, dances and the joy of the population for this first pre-carnival day of the Carnival of Jacmel which will take place on the 7th February 2021 around the theme "Kanaval Jakmel se yon patrimwan, Ann pwoteje l". Assessment of this first pre-carnival day 3 people injured.



Russia / Haiti diplomatic meeting

The Russian Ambassador to Venezuela and Haiti Sergey Melik Bagdasarov paid a courtesy visit to the Haitian Ambassador to Venezuela to continue strengthening cooperation between the countries.



Canada : Strengthening of the PNH

Tuesday, January 18, Leon Charles The Director General a.i of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) received, in his offices the visit of Stuart Savage, the accredited Canadian Ambassador, as part of the strengthening of the PNH.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 04:32:36|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League in order to promote peace.

China stands for strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter in order to better maintain peace and security at regional and international levels, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Under the current circumstances, the international community -- the Security Council and the Arab League included -- needs cooperation more than ever to address challenges, he told a Security Council meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League.

Dai called for efforts to push forward the UN secretary-general's global cease-fire initiative and stabilize the security situation in the Middle East.

Protracted conflicts in the Middle East have brought untold suffering to the region. With the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading, many countries in the region are facing insufficient capacity and resources in testing, quarantine facilities and medical treatment, he said.

"All countries share a common destiny. Therefore, our top priority is to achieve cease-fire and stay united to combat the pandemic and save lives."

He called on UN agencies and relevant special envoys and special representatives of the UN secretary-general to enhance coordination with the Arab League to de-escalate conflicts, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and advance humanitarian relief efforts.

"At the same time, we must prevent terrorists from taking advantage of the current situation and moving within and outside the Middle East and North Africa," he said.

Dai called for efforts to seek political settlement to hot-spot issues through dialogue and consultations.

Many issues in the Middle East and North Africa are intertwined, the solution to which can never be found overnight, he said.

The countries and people in the regions are yearning for peace. The international community must therefore stay united, pursue the overarching goal of political settlement, remain committed to dialogue and consultations, and manage the situation constructively, he said.

The Arab League, with its strengths in many ways, can play a unique role in conflict prevention, good offices and mediation, among others. Parties to conflict must show mutual respect, seek common ground, and shelve differences so as to build mutual understanding and trust, said Dai.

He called for efforts to leverage multilateralism and build a dialogue platform for regional security.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has proposed a multilateral dialogue platform for the Gulf region under the precondition of upholding the Iran nuclear deal. China stands ready to discuss this proposal with like-minded countries in order to forge new consensus on regional peace and stability. Such work must be in conformity with the principle of respecting national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and the norms of rule of law, good neighborliness, justice and impartiality, said Dai.

China opposes the wanton use or threat of use of force in international relations and opposes external interference, power politics and bullying. No country shall create conflicts or turmoil for the sake of selfish geopolitical interests, he said.

China looks forward to a positive role by the UN Liaison Office to the Arab League in establishing a dialogue platform on regional security, he said.

Dai called for efforts to eradicate the root causes of conflict and promote peace through development.

A major root cause for instability lies in under-development, while the ultimate solution lies in sustainable development, he said.

As long as the pandemic is effectively controlled, economic reconstruction in the relevant countries should be encouraged and supported. The international community must help the Arab countries explore a development path that fits their national conditions, facilitate mutually beneficial and win-win partnerships, and promote socio-economic progress, said Dai.

China-Arab friendship is long, deep and solid. Both sides are committed to consolidating the China-Arab community of shared future. China and Arab countries will continue to join hands, focus on implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, support each other in national development and rejuvenation, firmly foster concrete cooperation and build a beautiful future of peace, security, and common prosperity, he said. Enditem
Photo: (Photo : Marko Blazevic from Pexels)

A father and son artists from Denver open an exhibit of their quarantine artworks.

Dan Ericson, who is also known as "The Signtologist," and his 6-year-old son Omen worked together to put up an art show in Denver.

The father and son artists' exhibit was held at Hazel at South Pearl.

Father and son artists create quarantine artworks

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Omen was forced to stay at home and attend classes online. This circumstance meant that his father was also able to spend more time with him.

The good thing about this is that it opened the opportunity for them to create quarantine artworks together. In an interview with 9News, Dan shared "It is special just being able to spend time together and create something at the same space at the same time."

ALSO READ: Viral Photo on Google Earth: Father Waiting for His Wife [He Died Seven Years Ago]





The dream to do a show together

As a father and an artist himself, Dan has long been dreaming to put up a show with his son. He said, "At some point, I always wanted to do a show with Omen."

What made Dan realize that this dream is not impossible was when he saw his first artwork of his son, "From the time he did his very first piece, I had thought 'Oh, this would be great if I could maybe do a show with him.'"

However, the Denver artist, "The Signtologist," never thought that it would be as early as this time when his son is only six years old.

ALSO READ: Son Raises Money to Buy a TV as Birthday Gift for Dad Who Has Cancer





The dad and son artists' exhibit

Aside from being able to create quarantine artworks during the pandemic, Dan also thought that this a perfect time to show their creations. He said, "The way that COVID is affecting businesses and galleries like this, it seemed like a good time to pitch this to the curator."

When he asked the curator of Hazel, he mentioned how their works could be a breath of fresh air for everyone. He told the curator, "This could be something different and something a little more uplifting than your typical just art on the wall type of show."

Aside from sharing what kept them busy during quarantine, the Denver dad also said, "Hopefully, bring some of the joy that we experienced during the creation process to the people viewing it. Because it's kind of hard to find that silver lining these days."

ALSO READ: Dad Gets a Tattoo That Matches His Son's Birthmark





Family comes first for the father and son artists from Denver

Despite sharing the same love for the arts, the father and son duo firmly believes in the importance of family. Omen says, "Family is more important than work."

For the Denver dad, he acknowledges that family is important. However, if there's one thing that the pandemic has taught him, it's that "Family is more important than work but it is also important to work together as a family in times like these."

ALSO READ: Ohio Dad Shares a Funny Photo of Makeup Done by His Daughters
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.
Rider

SWNS doesnt say when this strange incident took place, but, as per a Fox Auto report, it was recent. It played out in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, and was captured by passers-by by pure chance. Video available at the link shows the pickup with the fiery trailer speeding through town, as if the driver either had no idea that his rig was on fire or not really cared about it.As it's been shown many times in life, looks can be deceiving. Chaiyong Tangjai, the driver, tells the local media that, indeed, at first, he had no idea his trailer had caught fire He says it was particularly cold that day and, just before this strange incident, he had stopped to fix a flat on the trailer he was carrying hay on. It was cold that time and I stopped for a moment to fix my tire, but when I drove again people were shouting at me that the truck was on fire, he explains.The reason he didnt stop was, however, amazing - and you probably guessed it already. Because he was driving down a busy street, he did not want to endanger anyone or cause damage to buildings and businesses by stopping there. So he just kept on driving. I didnt want to stop the truck because I was driving past a school and a gas station, all of which might have been dangerous, he says.Tangjai eventually pulled over when he found a relatively empty space, and to his luck, firefighters caught up with him and were able to extinguish the blaze. The trailer burned down to the ground, as the same video shows.On the bright side, no one was injured so, yes, Tangjai really was the GhostDriver on that day, saving the world one good deed at a time.
The civil components of the Lost Cause were combined with Christian mythology. The South played the part of Christ in the Christian drama  crucified, yet unrisen. The saints in this Lost Cause theology were the heroes of the Confederacy  most notably Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. A scholar of Southern religion, Paul Harvey, put it this way: Key to this mythology was the exalting of southern war heroes as Christian evangelical gentlemen. Evangelists of the New South era immortalized the Christian heroism of the Confederate leaders and soldiers and dovetailed them into revivals of the era. No matter ones denominational affiliation, it offered a story and a set of high holy days every white Southerner could celebrate.

The Lost Cause is an example of how collective memory works. Collective memory is not concerned with historical accuracy; its preoccupation with the past is based on a desire to mobilize a vision for the present and create a prospect for the future. Heather Cox Richardson argues persuasively in her recent book How the South Won the Civil War that even though the Union defeated the Confederacy on the battlefield, the South won the war by creating a Southern identity that led to the emergence and re-emergence of the Ku Klux Klan and the institution of Jim Crow laws, and then spread west to provide fuel for the Chinese Exclusion Act and acts of violence against Native Americans  all on the basis of resentment, myth and symbol, rather than facts or truth.

Make America Great Again is a politics of grievance complete with its own myths and symbols. Mr. Trumps rallies have been the ritual locus of his brand of nationalism. They create a collective effervescence in attendees that leaves them seething at their political enemies and ready to follow the president down any authoritarian road he takes them. Moreover, Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry have shown that Mr. Trumps religious support comes from Christian nationalists who believe the United States was built for and by white Christians.

Like the Lost Cause, MAGAism is buttressed by religious narratives and imagery, and its gospel is spread through houses of worship every Sunday. For some evangelicals, Mr. Trump is a divinely ordained savior uniquely able to save the nation from ruin at the hands of godless socialists, Black Lives Matter activists and antifa. So its no surprise that as insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, they waved a mix of Confederate, Christian and Trump flags.

MAGAism also has an eschatology based on conspiracy. As Marc-Andre Argentino, who studies QAnon, told me by email, for many Trump supporters, including growing numbers of white evangelicals, Jan. 6 figures as the start of the long awaited period of tribulation that will announce the arrival of the promised golden age. In other words, Jan. 6 is both a beginning point and a sign of the end, a rebirth for the dangerous delusions of extremists who see violence as an appropriate means for finishing what they started in order to usher in a new world.

The lasting legacy of the Jan. 6 insurrection is the myth and symbol of Mr. Trumps lost cause. He has successfully nurtured a feeling in the 74 million Americans who voted for him that they can trust neither their government nor the electoral process. By encouraging them to question the validity of votes in some of the Blackest cities in the country, such as Detroit, and stoking anger that such constituencies would have the power to swing an election, he convinced them that the process is rigged, thus giving his supporters the moral high ground. This creates the foundation for a collective memory based on a separate national identity held together by the tragic stealing of his presidency and the evil of his opponents.

The Lost Cause provides a blueprint for winning the war, even though Mr. Trump has lost this election. After Mr. Bidens inauguration, if prominent Republican figures encourage their followers to accept the results, but not defeat; if they pick up Mr. Trumps leadership mantle by fostering resentment and the desire for revenge through their Twitter feeds; if they perpetually call into question the legitimacy of the U.S. government through an army of evangelical pastors less concerned with reality than with disseminating the myths and symbols of Make America Great Again as a vehicle for Christian nationalism, its not hard to see how they will become heirs of the Lost Cause. That should frighten us all.
As many as 9,066 of Mitsubishis Xpander and Outlander cars in Vietnam will be recalled due to faulty fuel pumps, according to an announcement released by Mitsubishi Vietnam on Tuesday.

The recall started on January 15 and will last until January 17, 2023.

Of the 9,066 recalled cars, 3,696 Xpander cars were manufactured from August 21, 2019 to September 20, 2019, while 5,370 Outlander vehicles were produced between January 15, 2018, and July 21, 2019.

The problem of the products subject to the recall is that the plastic impellers for fuel pumps can inflate and stop their operation, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.

Mitsubishi Vietnam will implement free checks and a replacement, which will take some 80 minutes for Xpander cars and 70 minutes for Outlander autos.

Mitsubishi authorized dealerships will send emails and messages or call up affected car owners to inform them about the recall campaign.

Currently, the Mitsubishi Xpander model sold in Vietnam includes two versions, 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT, with suggested prices of VND550 million (US$23,860) and VND620 million ($26,895), respectively.

The Outlander is assembled in Vietnam, including three versions with 2.0 and 2.4 engine options, and priced at VND825 million ($35,800) to VND1.1 billion (47,737) per unit.

Around 17,000 Xpander cars were sold in 2020, while around 4,000 Outlander autos found buyers, according to data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A 17-year-old boy was gunned down in a North Philadelphia street Monday night, the second of two people killed in the city in separate shootings in the city.

The teen was shot in the face just after 9 p.m. near 21st and Jefferson Streets, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was not released. No arrests were made, and police did not release any details.

A few minutes earlier in South Philadelphia, a 25-year-old man was shot multiple times at 8:56 p.m. while driving a vehicle on the 1300 block of Packer Street. Medics took him to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he died at 9:31.

His name was not released and no other details were available.
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.
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.
Social activists join Aam Aadmi Party 27 May 2021 | 9:42 PM Chandigarh, May 27 (UNI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) got a major boost on Thursday as social activists from Malerkotla and Samrala joined the party fold along with their associates. AAPs senior leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Assembly, Harpal Singh Cheema and partys state general secretary Harchand Singh Barsat inducted and welcomed the social workers at the party headquarters here. see more..

RGUT gets VC 27 May 2021 | 9:41 PM Bhopal, May 27 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Thursday appointed Prof Sunil Kumar as Vice Chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Technology, it was officially learnt.

Prof Kumars term will be for a period of four years from the date of his assuming charge. see more..

Septuagenarian farmer found murdered at his Haveli 27 May 2021 | 9:39 PM Hoshiarpur, May 27 (UNI) A septuagenarian farmer was found murdered at his Haveli at Danewal road, Mahilpur, about 30 Kms from here on Thursday. see more..

Parmar varsity to hold meetings for disease management in apple 27 May 2021 | 9:37 PM Solan, May 27 (UNI) Alarmed by the high humidity conditions in apple growing belts, the scientists of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni today advised the farmers in the apple growing areas to be vigilant as due to the rains in the first fortnight of May, high humidity conditions are prevailing in the state. These conditions could lead to the spread of apple scab and other foliar diseases in apple orchards. see more..
Darbhanga airport

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

IndiGo sprang a surprise earlier this month when it announced seven new stations, all in smaller cities, including Leh, Darbhanga, and Agra. Some of the destinations, including Kurnool and Bareilly, will be connected by air for the first time.

For an airline that has never followed the herd, the announcement and the timing led to many a discussion in the industry. "IndiGo is known to take its time to make doubly sure of a route. There have been instances where it has taken slots at airports but has waited to start services until it's 100 percent sure of the route," says Nripendra Singh, Industry Principal, Aerospace, Defense & Security Practice, Frost & Sullivan.

Interestingly, this time though, the country's largest airline is yet to get regulatory approval or slots for these destinations. As Singh points, IndiGo is looking at the future and ensuring that as traffic builds in these tier 2 and 3 cities, it doesn't have problems in getting slots in these small airports.

Competition is not very far. IndiGo will directly square off with SpiceJet in Darbhanga and will compete with all or some of the other peers such as Vistara, Air India, and GoAir, on routes like Leh and Rajkot.

Does it all mean that Indian aviation is gravitating away from the metros, which otherwise had been the norm till COVID-19 struck? Ever since domestic flights resumed in May last year, routes connecting metros to tier 2 and 3 destinations have got more traffic, than even a Delhi-Mumbai - traditionally the busiest in India, and among the top 5 in the world.

"Smaller destinations have picked up post-COVID-19 as people want to reduce travel time and want to travel mostly on a direct flight, they are ready to spend more money to reach their destination," says Nishant Pitti, CEO, EaseMyTrip.com, an online travel agency.

Data from the OTA has shown routes to destinations such as Patna, Varanasi, and Srinagar making up for most of the top 10 busiest routes in the country since May. Even in December, by when airlines could deploy 80 percent of their capacity, half of the top 10 routes were those to the tier-2 cities.

"This trend will sustain," adds Pitti, signaling that it's not just reverse migration post the pandemic that is at work. "We are seeing many first-time travelers nowadays. These travelers will then have the habit, or will prefer, flying instead of railways/buses," he says. That may especially hold if airfares, which was have been down, remain favorable.

There is another interesting trend that is emerging, and it's nearly eye-popping.

Smaller airports already at pre-COVID-19 levels

A cursory glance at the data from the Airports Authority of India shows that aircraft traffic in airports in as many as 15 tier 2 and 3 cities have already surpassed, their pre-COVID-19 levels. These are numbers for November 2020.

These include cities such as Gorakhpur, Belgaum, Dimapur, Pantnagar and Ludhiana. Two more, Bikaner and Tezpur, have reached pre-COVID-19 levels. Some of these airports, including Hindon, are served under the regional connectivity scheme, or UDAN.

The highest growth has been in Jagdalpur, in Chhattisgarh. The airport, served by Air India, saw a jump of 222 percent in aircraft movement. Air India's Alliance Air operates flights from Jagdalpur to Hyderabad.

Dimapur in Nagaland saw a 170 percent increase in aircraft movement. IndiGo, Air India, and its unit Alliance Air operate flights, connecting Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Delhi, to Dimapur.

On the other hand, the aircraft movement in the biggest airports has dropped. Overall aircraft movement in Delhi was down 38 percent, while in Mumbai, it had dropped by 44.6 percent.

New airlines and airports

The trend has seen two airlines taking off at the start of 2021. These are Flybig, which started off from Indore on January 3. Similarly, Air Taxi took off from Hisar on January 14.

Flybig's business plan is centred around the government's UDAN scheme, which encourages establishing air connectivity in tier- 2 and 3 stories and town. It also helps that new airports are being opened up. Hisar is one. Sindhudurg in Maharashtra may also open in January.

Does it all mean that regional connectivity has finally taken off? After all, in 2018, three out of the four regional airlines that had started off to make the most of the UDAN scheme were close to shutting down.

To be sure, traffic between metros is beginning to improve. The Delhi-Mumbai route is again back at the top of the chart. But with business travel impacted, and customers across segments looking to reduce travel time, the COVID-19 pandemic may have made all the difference.
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Tennessee's Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey confirmed the state's first case of the new coronavirus. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Some stories from the photo-assisted roundup reveal a narrative that sounds like a rough poetic justice. For example, theres the retired Air Force veteran, wearing a green helmet and carrying a bunch of plastic zip-tie handcuffs in the hallowed halls of Congress. He was identified, the FBI says, through a tip from his ex-wife. Possible lesson: It pays to be nice to your ex.

This illustration picture shows social media applications logos from Linkedin, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter displayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Va., on May 28, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Digital Duplicity: The Social Media Purge Exposes Net Neutralitys True Goal

Commentary

For nearly two decades, Silicon Valley made net neutrality its highest policy priority. Under the banner of a free and open internet, Google, Facebook, and Twitter sought regulations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of information by treating every bit equally.

Or so they said.

Beginning on Jan. 8, these firms and others executed an unprecedented digital purge of the social media and video accounts of their political rivals. After several years of accelerating suspensions and suppressions, this time YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter permanently banned a number of high-profile conservatives and de-platformed thousands of others, at least temporarily. Many of these accounts had nothing to do with the heinous events at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Yet, their histories are erased.

Shopify, Twitch, Reddit, and other online services and forums followed social medias lead. Then something bigger happened: when app stores and cloud service providers joined the cascade by disconnecting Parler, a fast-growing competitor of Twitter, they opened an explosive new front in the information wars.

Howd we get here? Paradoxically, the smart refusal to adopt Silicon Valleys strict net neutrality rules fueled their rise to astronomical power. With minimal regulation of U.S. networks, broadband and mobile firms invested nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure, far more per capita than any nation. The resulting bandwidth explosion fueled the unprecedented success of smartphones, video streams, cloud computing, software-as-a-service, and a million apps. Now were in the middle of a $300-billion upgrade to 5G wireless.

Launched as an academic exercise in the early 2000s, the supposed rationale for strict net neutrality was to prevent internet service providers (ISP) and mobile carriers from blocking and throttling content. Without a return to telephone-like common carriage regulation under Title II of the Communications Act, they said ISPs would discriminate and the magic of the internet would be lost.

With Silicon Valley and ISPs haggling over the price of carrying floods of new video traffic, the headline battle was economic. Ardent activists, however, consistently warned of a deeper, potentially apocalyptic, threat to democracy. ISPs, they said, might one day censor disfavored political speech.

The blocking and throttling never came to pass. Not political or otherwise. Without net neutrality rules, ISPs still committed to fair treatment. And today the U.S. generates and consumes more internet traffic than any nation, two to three times more, in fact, than many of our large peers.

Then a funny thing happened. Social media firms themselves began blocking and throttling at the content layer. In the name of rooting out hate and misinformation, they started suspending, demonetizing, deboosting, and shadowbanning. They cited terms of service and moderation principles. The rationales were usually vague, however, and their targets nearly always political enemies or free thinkers who complicated the official narrative. There were few standards, merely caprice.

In 2020, they accelerated moderation efforts, placing warning labels on supposedly false views on COVID-19 and climate, two of the most complex topics imaginable. Google suppressed three eminent epidemiologists over their Great Barrington Declaration, which called for focused protection of the elderly and vulnerable, while keeping businesses and schools open. Theres lots of evidence the trio, and the 53,000 physicians and public health scientists who signed the document, were right.

Does dangerous and illegal content exist? Yes. Is there a place for moderation? Of course. Has Section 230, the law that undergirds moderation, inspired internet innovation? Yep. But is Section 230 perfect? I dont think so. Can web and content platforms deliver differentiable, pro-consumer value by curating the user experience? Absolutely. Apple, for example, uses its app store to encourage security, privacy, family-friendliness, and high quality.

Big problems arise, however, when these firms claim universal standards and neutral terms of service, but then apply them opaquely or arbitrarily. Or even weaponize them against political opponents.

After both major app stores removed Parler on Jan. 8, Amazon dealt a potentially fatal blow by giving it one day to vacate its AWS cloud servers. Other hardware and software vendors, and even its lawyers, then fell in line with Big Tech and refused them service. Unsavory characters surely exist on Parler. But uniquely? No way. The internet is full of people with awful, or merely wrong, ideas.

Its top-down mistakes that are the most destructive. Bad decisions from politicians or, say, dominant content platforms scale unpredictably to millions of people. Censorship is itself a dangerous top-down mistake. Free speech and pluralism, on the other hand, help us learn and grow. Viewpoint diversity is the crucial error-correcting code of civilization, and a big reason the internet is historys greatest generator of wealth and knowledge.

Entrepreneurs are building (and millions of users fleeing to) alternative outlets, apps, and channels. Thats the genius of the internetunlimited space to innovate and choose. Bitcoin and crypto communities are just one important new path to decentralized independence.

As freedom-seekers launch their own websites, servers, and streams, the aggressive censors will hunt them, demanding cancellation everywhere along the communications stack, eventually reaching the core of the network. And then we will have come full circle. They will demand that ISPs block, throttle, and erase. And that government, under the guise of net neutrality, enforce their truth.

Facebooks head of Instagram on Jan. 11 finally admitted it: Were not neutral.

Net neutrality was never about internet freedom. Its about information dominance.

Bret Swanson is president of the technology research firm Entropy Economics and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. From RealClearWire.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
ADVERTISEMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic at the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Beninese leader, who arrived at the forecourt of the presidential villa at 11.09 a.m., was received by Mr Buhari.

The agenda of the meeting between the two leaders, who immediately went into a closed-door meeting, was unknown to journalists.

NAN, however, gathered that Mr Talon, who last met with the Nigerian leader in June 2019, was in the villa to thank Mr Buhari for ordering the re-opening of Nigerian borders in December 2020.

Mr Buhari had in August 2019 ordered closure of Nigerias land borders to check smuggling of rice and other foodstuff as well as small arms and light weapons.

The president and the visiting Beninese leader are also expected to discuss security and bilateral matters as well as other sub-regional issues.

(NAN)
New Delhi, Jan 19 : It has been 32 years since hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits were killed as part of ethnic cleansing in the Kashmir Valley, and their wounds remain raw as justice eludes many in the community who lost their loved ones. Seeking justice for the community, Roots in Kashmir, an organisation representing the displaced Pandits, will move the Supreme Court next week seeking a probe into the genocide.

A bench headed by then Chief Justice J.S. Khehar on July 24, 2017, had declined to entertain a review petition filed by the Pandits. The top court had noted that instances referred to in the petition pertained to 1989-90 and more than 27 years have passed since then. No fruitful purpose would be served as there will not be any evidence at this late juncture, it had said.

"We are filing a curative petition with a hope that the courts will appreciate that it erred in 2017. That it opened Sikh riot cases much older than the Kashmiri Pandit genocide," said Amit Raina of Roots of Kashmir.

The organisation has argued that the top court on August 21, 2017, reopened and ordered further investigation into 241 cases closed by the SIT in connection with anti-Sikh riot cases and "this amounts to discrimination".

Raina contends that the top court formed the Mukherjee Commission to probe Netaji's death, then why can't investigations be ordered into Kashmiri Pandits' genocide.

He insisted that it will be significant step in the fight for justice for the community members, who have been pursuing this matter relentlessly to send the perpetrators to the jail. On January 19, the community observes every year as "holocaust day".

"We will also be reminding the apex court that the case against JKLF chief Yasin Malik for kidnapping Rubaiya Sayeed in 1989 and killing of 4 IAF officials in 1990 should also be reopened," said Rahul Mahanoori, a senior member in the organisation.

Against the backdrop of revocation of Articles 35A and 370, the organisation feels the situation is conducive to reopen the investigations.

Neal Pandita, 15, who is the coordinator of Roots in Kashmir, said she is hopeful that the top court will deliver justice to our community.

"It is a large community with half a million people who are eager to get justice for their family members, comrades, who had been killed in the name of genocide, ethnic cleansing," she said.
An Academic Analytics Research Center (AARC) study has found greater rates of authorship of open access (OA) research articles among scholars at more prestigious institutions with greater access to resources and job security. "The open access publishing model is growing, and open access successfully democratizes the results of research projects, but it's clear now that some scholars are more likely to be represented in the open access literature" said AARC director and lead author of the study Anthony Olejniczak, Ph.D.

The researchers analyzed characteristics of 182,320 open access authors at American research universities from 2014 through 2018. The study found similar results for both OA authors who paid article processing charges (APCs; the author-paid publication cost for an open access article in some publishing models) and those whose research ultimately ends up in OA repositories but did not necessarily pay APCs. In both cases, results show that the likelihood for a scholar to author an OA article increases with male gender, employment at a prestigious institution, affiliation with STEM disciplines, federal research funding support, and more advanced career stages.

Caroline Whitacre, Ph.D. (former Senior Vice President for Research at the Ohio State University and currently an Academic Advisor to Academic Analytics) commented "There are currently more than 12,500 open access journals in circulation, allowing unprecedented access of up-to-date scholarly information to the public. The importance of this study is that it provides a comprehensive look at authors publishing in open access journals across the US, highlighting notable characteristics of the faculty and their institutions."

The researchers agree that the OA movement provides a much-needed change to the way research is disseminated, finding that 46.3% of the 1.6 million articles they examined are OA articles. Olejniczak commented that "...although the results of research projects are increasingly open, there's still work to do to level the playing field in terms of who's voice is being democratized."

###

The full article can be accessed at the OA journal Quantitative Science Studies'' website (https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1162/ qss_a_00091 ).

To learn more about AARC's thoughts on open access and the results of this project please visit https:/ / academicanalytics. com/ aarc-and-the-open-access-oa-publication-model/

Reference

Olejniczak AJ, & Wilson MJ. Who's writing Open Access (OA) articles? Characteristics of OA authors at Ph.D. granting institutions in the USA. Quantitative Science Studies. 2020. DOI: 10.1162/qss_a_00091.

About Academic Analytics Research Center (AARC)
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.


Some pupils at Chemhanza High School in Hwedza are nursing visible back injuries after allegedly being assaulted by the deputy head, with no details of the possible misconduct yet available.

But a report has been made to the police and pictures showing what are said to be the pupils wounded and bruised backs have been circulating on social media, drawing condemnation.

While corporal punishment of schoolboys is not explicitly banned in Zimbabwe, any disciplinary action that amounts to physical or psychological torture is barred under the latest amendments to the Education Act, and which have been argued to amount to a ban on beatings.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said while a report had been made, the police were yet to get full facts.

By the end of yesterday, it was not clear who had made the report to the police.

There are also different versions of the story. Some sources alleged that the pupils were caught in compromising behaviour and that parents, on being informed, advised the use of corporal punishment. But the sources stressed these were just allegations.

Another parent said the pupils, who are writing public examinations, were assaulted for making noise during examination time. I heard that they were punished for making noise, but one wonders why they would be severely beaten for that.

I saw the wounds and bruises on their backs and it is something unacceptable. The punishment is not commensurate with the offences allegedly committed.

School authorities could not be reached yesterday to comment on the issue. Herald
Roxy Jacenko is known for her chic style, but on Tuesday she opted for something a little more bold.

Posting to Instagram, the 40-year-old shared a series of images and videos of herself dressed up in drag.

The PR mogul explained that her new look was to celebrate Stan's announcement that RuPaul's Drag Race is coming to Australia.

Scroll down for video

Now that's a fashion statement: Roxy Jacenko is known for her chic style, but on Tuesday she opted for something a little more bold

'In celebration of RuPaul Down Under I thought it was only appropriate that I put something special on for today's day in the office,' she said.

Roxy swapped her blonde locks for a fiery red wig and a mini dress covered in multi-coloured feathers.

She stunned in a full face of make-up, featuring a sweeping of pink blush and feathers framing her eyes.

Bright and bold: Posting to Instagram, the 40-year-old shared a series of photos and videos of herself dressed up in drag

In another post, Roxy introduced her followers to her colourful 'alter ego', 'Coco Caine'.

She wrote: 'Coco Caine. My Alter ego. Brought out occasionally - and really can you blame me.'

Roxy also shared several photos of herself posing in front of the water at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney.

Celebrations: In one clip, the PR mogul explained that her new look was to celebrate Stan's announcement that that RuPaul's Drag Race is coming to Australia

'Coco Caine. My Alter ego. Brought out occasionally - and really can you blame me': Roxy introduced her followers to her colourful 'alter ego'

The post comes after it was confirmed that U.S series RuPaul's Drag Race is coming to Australia and New Zealand as an eight-part Stan Original series.

RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will begin production this week, with superstar RuPaul serving as host alongside Drag Race icon Michelle Visage.

'I cannot wait for everyone to see that Down Under queens have some of the biggest charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talents in the world,' said RuPaul.

Shantay, g'day! RuPaul's Drag Race is officially coming to Australia and New Zealand as an eight-part Stan Original series

'Thank you to Stan and TVNZ for providing a platform for these outrageous drag artists to share their heart, soul and humour,' he added.

In a format similar to the U.S. version, the Stan Original series will see Australian and New Zealand queens compete for the title of Australasia's next drag superstar.

Along the way they'll be judged by a glittering array of celebrity guests, who will throw shade and provide feedback to the queens.

Stan will announce the contestants, and the third celebrity judge, at a later date.

The British and American versions of RuPaul's Drag Race are available to stream on Stan in Australia.

RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will premiere on Stan later this year.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Veterans of President Donald Trumps failed reelection campaign had key roles in orchestrating the Washington rally that spawned a deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol, according to an Associated Press review of records, undercutting the grassroots image pushed by groups involved in the event.

A pro-Trump nonprofit organization called Women for America First hosted the Save America Rally on Jan. 6 at the Ellipse, a federally owned patch of land near the White House. But an attachment to the permit, granted by the National Park Service, lists more than half a dozen people in staff positions who just weeks earlier had been paid thousands of dollars by Trumps 2020 reelection campaign. Other staff scheduled to be on site during the protest have close ties to the White House.

Since the siege, several of them have scrambled to distance themselves from the rally.

The riot at the Capitol, incited by Trumps comments before and during his speech at the Ellipse, has led to a reckoning unprecedented in American history.

A week later, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives, becoming the first U.S. president to be impeached twice. But the political and legal fallout may stretch well beyond Trump, who will exit the White House before Democrat Joe Biden takes the oath of office on Wednesday. Trump had refused for nearly two months to accept his loss in the 2020 election.

Women for America First did not respond to messages seeking comment about how the event was financed and about the Trump campaigns involvement. The rally drew tens of thousands of people.

In a statement, the Trump reelection campaign said it did not organize, operate or finance the event. No campaign staff members were involved in the organization or operation of the rally, according to the statement. It said that if any former employees or independent contractors for the campaign took part, they did not do so at the direction of the Trump campaign.

At least one was working for the Trump campaign this month. Megan Powers was listed as one of two operations managers for the Jan. 6 event. Her LinkedIn profile says she was the Trump campaigns director of operations into January 2021. She did not respond to a message seeking comment.

APs review found at least three of the Trump campaign aides named on the permit rushed to obscure their connections to the demonstration. They deactivated or locked down their social media profiles, removed tweets that referenced the rally and blocked a reporter who asked questions.

Caroline Wren, a veteran GOP fundraiser, is named as a VIP Advisor on an attachment to the permit that Women for America First provided to the Park Service. Between mid-March and mid-November, Donald J. Trump for President Inc. paid Wren $20,000 a month, according to Federal Election Commission records. During the campaign, she was a national finance consultant for Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee.

Wren did not return messages seeking comment and locked her Twitter account after the AP reached out to her last Monday to ask her about her involvement in the rally and the tweets she had removed. Several days later, she blocked the AP reporter.

Maggie Mulvaney, a niece of former top Trump aide Mick Mulvaney, is listed on the permit attachment as the VIP Lead. She worked as director of finance operations for the Trump campaign, according to her LinkedIn profile. FEC records show Maggie Mulvaney was earning $5,000 every two weeks from Trumps reelection campaign, with the most recent payment reported on November 13.

Maggie Mulvaney had taken down her Twitter account as of last Monday, although it reappeared after an AP reporter asked her about the accounts removal. On Sunday, the same day the AP published this report, she blocked that AP reporter on Twitter. She did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In a statement issued the same day rioters attacked the Capitol, Amy Kremer, president of Women for America First, denounced the assault and said it was instigated after the rally by a handful of bad actors, while seeming to blame Democrats and news organizations for the riot.

The AP reviewed social media posts, voter registrations, court files and other public records for more than 120 people either facing criminal charges related to the Jan. 6 unrest or identified through photographs and videos taken during the melee.

The review found the crowd was overwhelmingly made up of longtime Trump supporters, including Republican Party officials, GOP political donors, far-right militants, white supremacists, off-duty police, members of the military and adherents of the QAnon myth that the government is secretly controlled by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophile cannibals.

Trumps incendiary remarks at the Jan. 6 rally culminated a two-day series of events in Washington, organized by a coalition of the presidents supporters who echoed his baseless accusations that the election had been stolen from him. A website, MarchtoSaveAmerica.com, sprung up to promote the pro-Trump events and alerted followers, At 1 PM, we protest at US Capitol. The website has been deactivated.

Kimberly Fletcher, the Moms for America president, said she wasnt aware the Trump campaign had a role in the rally at the Ellipse until around New Years Day. While she didnt work directly with the campaign, Fletcher did notice a shift in who was involved in the rally and who would be speaking.

When I got there and I saw the size of the stage and everything, Im like, `Wow, we couldnt possibly have afforded that, she said. It was a big stage. It was a very professional stage. I dont know who was in the background or who put it together or anything.

In addition to the large stage, the rally on the Ellipse featured a sophisticated sound system and at least three Jumbotron-style screens projecting the presidents image to the crowd. Videos posted online show Trump and his family in a nearby private tent watching the rally on monitors as music blared in the background.

Tim Unes, the founder and president of Event Strategies, was the stage manager for the Jan. 6 rally, according to the permit paperwork. Unes has longstanding ties to Trump, a connection he highlights on his companys website. Trumps presidential campaign paid Event Strategies $1.3 million in 2020 for audio visual services, according to the campaign finance records. The company declined to comment for this story.

About the photo: Members of the National Guard stand inside the security fencing at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Fox News has laid off one of its political editors Chris Stirewalt and less than 20 other staffers as part of a 'post-election restructuring'.

Stirewalt, 45, who had been with the network for more than a decade, was part of Fox's election night team that correctly called Arizona for Joe Biden long before other networks in a move that infuriated Donald Trump and his supporters.

In addition to Stirewalt, at least 16 editorial staffers from the Fox News Digital department have been laid off.

Some of those staffers include senior editors and reporters who have been with Fox for a decade, the Daily Beast reports.

Sources have described the Fox News lay-offs as a 'blood bath' initiated by editor in chief Porter Berry who is a former Sean Hannity producer, and appears intent on remolding the network to be more aligned with the pro-Trump views on Hannity.

Chris Stirewalt, who was a political editor who had been with Fox News for more than a decade, is among the staffers to be laid off

Trump had staffers, including senior advisor Jared Kushner, chief of staff Mark Meadows and advisor Hope Hicks - reach out to contacts at Fox to reverse the Arizona decision.

Kushner was told to call Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox News, and demand he rescind the Arizona decision. Murdoch refused.

Jason Miller, another adviser, was told by Trump to call Bill Sammon, a senior vice president and managing editor in Washington.

On Monday, Sammon told staffers he planned to retire.

Trump's supporters eventually started protesting outside polling booths in Arizona.

When the Trump campaign initially threatened lawsuits in Arizona over the election results, Stirewalt had declared on air: 'Lawsuits, schmawsuits. We haven't seen any evidence yet that there's anything wrong.'

Trump then told his followers to switch from Fox News to fringe right-wing rivals Newsmax and OAN.

The network says the layoffs are part of a post-election restructuring.

'As we conclude the 2020 election cycle, Fox News Digital has realigned its business and reporting structure to meet the demands of this new era,' a spokesperson said.

'We are confident these changes will ensure the platform continues to deliver breakthrough reporting and insightful analysis surrounding major issues, both stateside and abroad.'

He was part of Fox's election night team that correctly called Arizona for Joe Biden long before other networks in a move that infuriated Donald Trump and his supporters

Insiders, however, claim the layoffs is part of a move to align the digital operations with the right-wing opinions of its broadcasting shows.

'There is a concerted effort to get rid of real journalists,' a former staffer told the Daily Beast.

'They laid capable people off who were actual journalists and not blind followers.'

Another said: 'It's essentially the final nail in the coffin for digital journalism at Fox.'

Meanwhile, one former staffer blamed the 'purge' entirely on Berry, saying he is threatened by experienced digital editors given his background is in broadcast.

'This is all Porter. Both an ideological purge and a purge of people he was threatened by,' they said.

Fox News called Berry's digital strategy 'unrivaled' in a statement.

'Since taking over FOX News Digital in 2018, Porter Berry has not only innovated the platform, but ushered in extraordinary growth by cultivating one of the most engaged and loyal audiences in news. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to continued success thanks to his unrivaled digital strategy.'

Fox News Digital is reportedly set to announce a new leadership team in the coming weeks.

The news came the day after it was reported that Maria Bartiromo, who has promoted Trump's claims that the election was stolen, will be given a trial at the channel's 7pm primetime slot.

Bartiromo, a longtime business-news anchor, currently has two different jobs at Fox News: one as the morning anchor for Fox Business Network and another as the host of a Sunday-morning interview program, Sunday Morning Futures.

She is being considered alongside contributors Katie Pavlich, Rachel Campos-Duffy and former U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy, and frequent guest Mark Steyn, a Canadian author and commentator.

Ratings for Fox News Channel topped all news and basic cable channels for a fifth straight year in 2020, according to Nielsen data released at the end of December.

The network averaged 1.9 million viewers per day and 3.6 million in primetime - record levels for cable news channels - during a news-heavy year marked by the coronavirus pandemic, protests for racial justice and the contentious presidential election.

Newsmax's audience jumped after the election, though its overall audience remained much smaller than Fox's reach.

In November, Newsmax primetime ratings peaked at 495,000 on average, slipping to 391,000 in early December.

OAN pulled in its highest ratings ever in 2020, its president, Charles Herring, said via email, and viewership surged by more than 40 per cent in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter.
Rahul Gandhi releases booklet over Farm Laws at party headquarters in Delhi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference on Tuesday at the party headquarters in Delhi, and released a booklet over the three Farm Laws of Central Government.

Addressing a press conferene, Gandhi said,''There is tragedy unfolding today in country, govt wants to ignore issue & misinform the country. I'm not going to speak about farmers alone as it is only part of tragedy. It's important for youngsters. This is not about present but about your Future.''

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping out on the outskirts of Delhi for nearly two months, with at least nine rounds of talks between the government and farmers' groups failing to resolve the deadlock.

The government on Monday postponed the tenth round of talks on the new agriculture laws with farmer unions to January 20, PTI reported. The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place at 12 pm on Tuesday at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.

The previous nine rounds of talks between the government and farmers have failed to yield any concrete results, as the farmer unions have stuck to their main demand for repealing the new laws, while the government has refused to do so and insisted on a clause-wise discussion of the legislations.

Farmers' Protest: Supreme Court-appointed panel to hold first meeting today

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court-appointed panel formed with the mandate to resolve the deadlock will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, according to PTI.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Enacted in September 2020, the central government has presented these laws as major farm reforms aimed at increasing farmers' income, but the protesting farmers have raised concerns that these legislations would weaken the minimum support price (MSP) and "mandi" (wholesale market) systems and leave them at the mercy of big corporations. The government has maintained that these apprehensions are misplaced and ruled out a repeal of the laws.
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.

America Talks: Join us and #ListenFirst in a virtual conversation with another American
AGAWAM - One person is dead in an early morning fire that destroyed a trailer in a mobile home park on Springfield Street, a fire official said.

Deputy Fire Chief Frank Matuszczak said the name of the deceased is not being disclosed to the press pending notification of family.

Firefighters were called to the mobile home park at around 4:30 a.m. for a report of a structure fire. The first firefighters arriving found one of the trailers showing heavy flames.

Once the fire was knocked down and firefighters searched the property, they found the deceased inside.

The trailer is considered a total loss.

The fire remains under investigation by Agawam police and fire departments and the state Fire Marshals Office.
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.
The Glanbia Ireland (GI) and Kepak Group calf-to-beef programme is boosting farmer returns by 100/hd and it aims to enroll up to 50,000 animals in 2021,it is claimed.

According to Glanbia, the Club currently has over 20,000 animals contracted and the Twenty20 Beef Club gives members a guaranteed market for their heifers and steers with a predictable pricing formula at time of slaughter.

"Processing of animals from the Pilot phase started a few months ago and both Kepak and Glanbia are extremely happy with the output," it said.

The average age of slaughter has been circa 20 months but will rise to an expected 24 months as more cattle come through. This compares with a National average for these type of stock of circa 29 months.

Some 97pc of the animals slaughtered have R/O for conformation and 93pc within the fat score range of 2+ to 4=.

Glanbia said the Club pricing structure has been worth just over 100/animal to members that have slaughter cattle so far.

However, a Club spokesman pointed out that delivering better lifetime performance and using better genetics are equally important in terms of adding value for the rearer.

The Club is aiming to enrol up to 50,000 animals in 2021 with over 700 farmers signing expressions of interest in supplying to or rearing calves within the Club. The average number of animals that each member rears is 70.

The Club expect that there will be an App available for matching calf sellers and rearers this Spring, but only farmers with signed expressions of interest will have access.

"This will allow rearers to check if the calves they require are available locally and only eligible calves will appear.

"A critical element of the Club approach is to have high standards on the genetic potential of the calves and this will be used to screen the calves that appear available on the App also. Farmers can search by sire breed also," a club spokesperson said.

There are a number of significant requirements of club membership including a requirement that all Members follow the Club health, nutrition and welfare protocols and that all inputs (feed/micronutrients, fertilizer and nonprescription animal health products) must be sourced and supplied by Glanbia.

Additionally, calves purchased for the Twenty20 programme must be born on the farms of Glanbia Co-op Members and moved directly to Club Members farms.

Members can be either dairy farmers or beef finishers, with a minimum of 25 calves required per farm.
Employees of the International airport here raised slogans and protested in front of the office of the Director on Tuesday against the takeover of the airport by the

The protestwasheld hours after the signed concession agreements at Delhi on Tuesday with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the management, operations and development of the Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Jaipur airports.

The employees said their Special Leave Petition is pending in the Supreme court and wanted to know the reason for the hurry in signing the agreement by the AAI.

"Now the governmenthas decided to handover the airport to Adani. Now, what about the employees? Will they be sold to Adani as well? What if the employees, who were recruited by the Airports Authority of India are asked to work under Adani and they refuse? " they asked.

"There is no reason to sell this airport, but just to help the businessman..AAI has been giving crores of tax to the GoI," they said.

Delhi and Mumbai were the major source of income for the AAI.

"However, the private management there, with the backing of a court order, are not sharing their income with the GOI, citing COVID-19 pandemic.. What if other airports alsodo the same?" they asked.

Besides the three airports, the Centre had in February 2019 privatised the Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru airports.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Centre to reconsider its decision.

As the state government had rendered assistance to the airport wholeheartedly, including providing land on various stages, the Kerala government had the rightful claim on the management and operation of Trivandrum International Airport,Vijayan had stated in the letter.

The state government through its SPV, which participated in the bidding process, had expressed the willingness to match the highest bidder.
I pray that my story, chronicling the day-to-day events of what I went through to overcome and survive COVID-19, encourages you to see that there is life after the virus, and as with anything, you can fall down, make mistakes, yet still rise again and truly thrive, better than ever, Eason stated.

In his memoir, Marques shares his experience as a survivor of coronavirus. After suffering from symptoms including chest pain and difficulty breathing, he tested positive and was diagnosed in March of 2020. Marques was hospitalized for one month in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of Chicago Medical Center with severe health complications, including 15 days under sedation on a ventilator. He also underwent two blood transfusions, endured internal bleeding, pneumonia, and a stroke. Blood clots in his left leg and his right hand ultimately led to a condition that was found to have a poor prognosis for recovery and associated with fatalities in other COVID-19 patients. After treatment, the doctors determined that it was necessary to amputate the fingertips of his right thumb and index finger.

Marques credits his fighting spirit and faith in God that helped him beat the odds and recover from the deadly virus with a greater sense of purpose. He wanted to share his journey to provide encouragement for others facing adversity, and as a reminder that it is possible to make it through even the darkest times. He is also participating in a medical study related to his specific case in order for doctors to learn how to better treat similar patients.

I Aint Done Living Yet is Marques remarkable story of survival from COVID-19. Marques tells how his faith along with that of his close friends and family members was tested during this difficult and uncertain time. He believes God had a purpose for him, putting him through this and other challenges throughout his life, including financial stress, homelessness, and a seven-year struggle to (ultimately) pass the Illinois bar exam and become an accomplished attorney.

Available in hardback or paperback versions, I Aint Done Living Yet: A Coronavirus Survivor Memoir can be purchased through http://www.iaintdonelivingyet.com and wherever books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Customers purchasing directly from http://www.iaintdonelivingyet.com will receive autographed copies of the book, personally signed by author Marques A. Eason, Esq.

Never could I have imagined that I would experience so many life-threatening battles and still be alive today to tell my story. I pray that my story and my testimony, chronicling the day-to-day events of what I went through to overcome and survive COVID-19, encourages you to see that there is life after the virus, and as with anything, you can fall down, make missteps and mistakes, yet still rise again and truly thrive, better than ever. Your past has given you the strength and the wisdom you have today, so celebrate it. Dont let it haunt you, Eason commented.

About The Law Offices of Marques A. Eason

The Law Offices of Marques A. Eason, LLC, represents buyers and sellers in residential home closings in addition to commercial real estate closings. In addition, the firm provides foreclosure defense for homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments and legal representation for landlords. Attorney Eason provides long-term legal guidance based on clients needs and challenges, and he is committed to helping clients in the South Suburbs and the South Side of Chicago overcome obstacles and achieve their real estate property goals, as well as resolving probate and family law matters.

To learn more about The Law Offices of Marques A. Eason, visit https://www.marqueseasonlaw.com/ or call 312-973-3755.

To learn more about Elite Lawyer, visit https://www.elitelawyer.com/

To order I Aint Done Living Yet, visit https://www.iaintdonelivingyet.com/
Tory MP Derek Sloan Says Hell Oppose Attempts by Party Leadership to Oust Him

Tory MP Derek Sloan says he will fight attempts to expel him from the Conservative Party over a donation to his leadership campaign last year, which he says the party is also responsible for.

If I am guilty of something, they are guilty of something, Sloan said in a Facebook video late Monday night, Jan. 18. Im not going to go down without a fight.

Conservative Leader Erin OToole said on Jan. 18 that he is going to remove Sloan from the party over a $131 donation from Paul Fromm, saying acceptance of a donation from a well-known white supremacist is far worse than a gross error of judgment or failure of due diligence.

In accordance with the Reform Act, I have initiated the process to remove Mr. Sloan from the Conservative Party of Canada caucus. I expect this to be done as quickly as possible, OToole said. Moreover, as Leader of Canadas Conservatives, I will not allow Mr. Sloan to run as a candidate for our party.

Sloan said he was unaware of the donation by Fromm, and only learned about it from a report in Press Progress. He added that the Conservative Party also didnt flag the donation even though it took a cut, and it also allowed Fromm to become a member.

After further investigation, it was clear the donation was made using the name Frederick P. Fromm. Using this obscure form of his identity, he donated $131 dollars, and 10% went to the party. His donation was processed without either my campaign or the CPC [Conservative Party of Canada] realizing who had made the donation, and the party accepted its 10% cut of the donation. I presume the party kept its 10%, Sloan said in a statement released on Jan. 18.

Sloan added that the CPC accepted an application for membership by the same individual when he applied under the name of Frederick P. Fromm last summer, and noted that this individual submitted a ballot for the 2020 leadership race. He said none of the representatives of the different leadership candidates objected to the ballot.

Therefore the Party, and the OToole campaign, failed to uphold the same standards to which they are now applying to me, he said.

Sloan said that when he became aware of the problematic donation, he immediately asked the partys executive director to refund it.

He also said that during his leadership campaign last year, his team received over 13,000 donations and obviously did not scrutinize the donor names.

On any given day we had upwards of hundreds of different donations, and my team, which was run in many cases by volunteers, processed cheques and other things. At no time was I ever aware of this donation, Sloan wrote on Twitter.
Cybersecurity

SolarWinds hack blights the Trump administration's cybersecurity record

Trump pauses at a 2018 rally. (Photo credit: Evan El-Amin/ Shutterstock.com)

The SolarWinds hack, first detected in December 2020, colors any assessment of the cybersecurity legacy of the administration of President Donald Trump. During Trump's last days in office, as the president pressed to overturn the results of the November election, the federal government scrambled to contain the fallout from an ongoing intelligence operation believed to be the worst intrusion in the country's history.

Trump's critics have roundly pointed to the hack as a climax of an administration that has not taken cybersecurity seriously.

"This assault happened on Donald Trump's watch when he wasn't watching," President-elect Joe Biden said during a December press conference. "The Trump administration failed to prioritize cybersecurity."

Trump declined to support the intelligence community's attribution of the hack to Russia, and suggested via Twitter  the social network from which he's now permanently banned  that China might have had a hand in the breach.

Trump's dismissal of the attribution in the SolarWinds breach echoed his comments in a 2016 debate with rival Hillary Clinton, in which Trump downplayed the possibility that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic National Committee.

"I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people," Trump said. "It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, okay."

Analysts and lawmakers told FCW  in an article reported before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol -- that the Trump administration's legacy on cybersecurity is more complicated than a single hack. While leadership (and subject matter knowledge) at the top was lacking, people such as Chris Krebs, Gen. Paul Nakasone and others have improved the federal government's cybersecurity posture.

"It's a mixed report on the successes under the Trump administration," said Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), who is active on cybersecurity issues in the House of Representatives.

CISA launches

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is one of the newest agencies within the federal government, formally created by legislation signed by Trump in 2018. But its role in the 2020 elections brought it to national prominence in the months leading up to Nov 3.

Since the Democratic National Committee's systems were compromised in 2016, questions of election security have become synonymous with cybersecurity. This in turn made CISA the go-to agency for states requiring assistance. CISA's part in doing that has won it bipartisan praise.

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) characterized the agency as "an extraordinary success story" in part because of CISA's ability to gain the states' trust.

"I recall sitting in hearings with [state election officials] back in 2017 and they were very resistant to federal involvement in elections. They were almost hostile," he told FCW.

The agency's first director, Chris Krebs, a former Microsoft executive and senior DHS official who headed CISA's predecessor agency, became equally synonymous with the agency's success. "Chris Krebs and CISA overcame that" resistance, King said

Rep. Michael Gallagher (R-Wis.), when asked about the administration's cybersecurity legacy, said, "I think what's gone right has been CISA in general and Chris Krebs in particular."

Ari Schwartz, a cybersecurity official at the National Security Council during the Obama administration, said CISA brought new credibility to DHS.

"DHS had lacked credibility for years and years and one thing you can say about what Chris Krebs has done is he certainly has got a lot more credibility for CISA as a cybersecurity institution than what the pieces of it had," Schwartz said.

Trump's decision to fire the CISA chief after the Nov. 3 election prompted bipartisan rebukes.

But CISA's responsibility extends beyond election security. It has also become an authority for programs within the government designed to improve cybersecurity.

Easing out legacy policy

Margie Graves, the former deputy federal CIO, who left her post at the White House's Office of Management and Budget in December 2019, said the administration has also made significant progress on programs such as the Trusted Internet Connection.

TIC, originally created in 2007, is designed to monitor incoming and outgoing agency data. Earlier versions of TIC sought to reduce the number of entry and exit points for data.

"It became a different kind of problem to where you had a single point of ingress and egress that was causing operational issues with latency problems," said Graves.

This led to a change in how the government sought to use TIC: provide agencies with the tools to manage their security points rather than directing specific implementation measures.

"It opened up the aperture to allow other tools to be used," said Suzette Kent, the federal chief information officer from January 2018 to June 2020.

"The tools had to be proven to CISA. They had to go through use-case examination. They had to meet the same outcomes  it further helped us advance some of our cloud protocols because we could use more modern tools to achieve that same thing versus running everything through the same pipe," Kent continued.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
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 number of universities in the country will launch new majors for the 2021-2022 academic year to meet labour market demand.

High school students in HCM City learn about new majors offered at universities at an Enrollment Day event in 2019.  VNS Photo Gia Loc

The amended Education Law gives universities the right to make independent decisions on opening new academic majors.

Pham Thai Son, director of the Communications and Enrollment Centre at the HCM City University of Food Industry, told Viet Nam News: The university will have six new majors this year, including food business management, fashion and textile business, marketing, thermal engineering and technology, energy management, and analytical chemistry engineering.

Students in the food business management major will study business administration and food technology, Son said.

Open University in HCM City plans to have seven new majors, including public management, food technologies, Korean studies, economics, computer science, Chinese studies, and Japanese studies, increasing its total number of majors to 38, including 11 majors called "high-quality".

Hong Bang International University in HCM City plans to offer new majors in real estate, biomedical engineering, medical biotechnology, psychology, event management, public relations and education management, raising its total number of majors to 68 in the 2021-2022 year.

Moreover, the university will offer eight more majors jointly with the University of Arizona in the US and Bedfordshire University in the UK.

The HCM City University of Economics and Finance plans to enrol students in five new majors, including real estate, international finance, journalism, psychology, and graphic design this year.

The HCM City University of Technology's new majors this year will include robotics and AI, data science, human resource management, and international relations.

Da Lat University plans to enrol students in seven new majors, medicinal chemistry, food technology, environmental engineering technology, statistics and data science, population and development, tourism culture, and automation and control technology.

Health sector

A number of private universities this year plan to enrol students in new majors related to the health sector.

Hong Bang International University, for instance, will offer eight more majors, including traditional medicine, medical imaging engineering, oral health, midwives, nutrition, childrens diseases care, therapeutic activities, and hospital management.

HCM City University of Technology will offer majors in medical testing engineering and nursing.

Hoa Sen University will have four new majors in this sector, including dentistry, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and hospital management.

Van Lang University will enroll students in two new majors, medicine and traditional medicine, raising the total number of majors in the health sector to six.

However, Ngo Minh Xuan, rector of Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, told Tuoi Tre newspaper that the rising number of majors was concerning. If the training process is not up to standards, quality will not be ensured.

For the medical profession, teaching and studying in hospitals is very important because it improves students' skills in real-life settings, according to Xuan.

Besides having access to sufficient facilities for training, university lecturers also must have experience in coordinating with doctors at hospitals.

Nguyen Ngoc Khoi, head of the training affairs department at the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said that students would have more options if many universities provide majors in the health sector. However, the universities must maintain quality assurance conditions during training.

Many of them would not be able to ensure quality if their enrollment exceeds their quota and students do not have sufficient facilities for practice, Khoi said.

According to Xuan, the Ministry of Health will co-operate with the Ministry of Education and Training in inspecting these universities in the upcoming time.

Pham Van Tac, director of the Department of Science, Technology and Training under the Ministry of Health, said the department this month would identify the new number of healthcare majors at universities and their training capacities.

The review would be carried out under Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs requirement. At a Health Work Conference recently held in Hanoi, the Prime Minister said that admission into the medical and pharmaceutical industry must be strictly controlled.

Universities offering these majors must meet standards, Tac said.

Xuan said the Ministry of Health was collecting ideas for a draft on examinations for practitioner certificates for medical graduates. This would assess the quality of training and the practitioners eligible to meet standards in medical examination and treatment.

Xuan said a solution to supervise the quality of training should be carried out. The country should devise a plan for medical schools to ensure quality of resources and avoid a job redundancy crisis that once occurred in the education sector.

During a meeting with presidents of councils and rectors of medical and pharmaceutical universities in September 2020, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said the examination for the practitioner certificate would improve quality.

It would be conducted soon after the amended Law on Examination and Treatment takes effect.

In the first stage, the exam might be of a moderate difficulty, but the next stage would be more difficult and would be at the same level as similar exams in developed countries, Long said. VNS

Private schools in Vietnam rush to enroll students in healthcare majors The demand for doctors and medical workers is high, but the workforce for the healthcare sector is produced only by several public schools. This has prompted private schools to jump on the bandwagon.
Danone - under pressure from investor

Danone is facing calls to make further changes to the way the company is run from London-based investor Bluebell Capital Partners.

According to a report by French business publication Challenges, Bluebell, which bought an undisclosed stake in Danone at the end of 2020, has written to the company's management asking for governance changes.

Specifically, it wants to see the separation of the functions of chairman and chief executive officer and is calling for the replacement of CEO Emmanuel Faber, who was promoted to the top job in 2014.

In a statement sent to just-food in response to news stories about Bluebell's call, Danone said: "The leadership team of the company is highly focused on delivering long-term sustainable value for our shareholders. We value constructive dialogue with all our shareholders."

According to the Challenges article, Bluebell's letter to Actimel maker Danone is a reaction to what it sees as poor performance by the company.

Danone has already announced a number of structural changes as part of a cost-cutting exercise in order to reboot profit margins.

In November, CEO Faber revealed a new locally-focused corporate structure under six separate zones each with its own leadership team to promote, among other things, product development that fits with local trends and demands. The company also said it planned to cut up to 2,000 jobs and eliminate 20% of its SKUs.

In December, Danone announced it was creating a strategy transformation committee to sit beside three existing board committees that oversee audit functions, governance and engagement. It also revealed Cecile Cabanis, the former CFO who stepped down in October, had been appointed vice chair of the board in a non-executive capacity.

In its statement sent to just-food today, Danone said: "This new plan reinvents Danone as a company, as all of us are reinventing our own ways of living, working and consuming. The first stage of this plan includes an ambitious adaptation plan to return Danone to profitable growth in less than 12 months, as soon as H2 2021, and for our recurring operating margin to return to its pre-Covid levels at more than 15% by 2022.

"The Danone leadership team looks forward to sharing additional elements of the plan in subsequent investor updates, with the next event scheduled for March 25th where the company will focus on how Danone will accelerate profitable sales growth towards its mid-term objectives."

Analysts who follow Danone have responded to Bluebell's call for change.

Martin Deboo at Jefferies said he broadly agrees with Bluebell's analysis, quoted in the UK's Financial Times newspaper, that Danone's current management have "a poor operational record and [have made] questionable capital-allocation choices".

Bruno Monteyne at Bernstein warned about difficulties to come at Danone despite the changes announced at the end of last year.

"It may be years of pain before investors will know whether that new plan is any better than the old one," he said.

just-food has contacted Bluebell Capital Partners seeking further information.

In 2017, US-based fund Corvex Management reportedly emerged as a shareholder in Danone, with the activist investor said at the time to believe the Cow & Gate baby-food maker was undervalued.
Louisiana will have $228 million less to spend in the multi-billion dollar state budget that will be crafted in the coming months, after the state Revenue Estimating Conference on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 agreed to a revenue forecast that assumes recovery from the pandemic will be slower.
The brother of a woman judge assassinated alongside a colleague in the Afghan capital at the weekend told AFP on Monday how he heard the deadly shots as he was eating breakfast.

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead Zakia Herawi Sunday as she was being picked up to go to the Supreme Court, where she was one of 200 women judges working.

"We were having breakfast when we heard the gunshots. My children screamed," her brother Haji Mustafa Herawi told AFP at the family home in Kabul.

"First, the driver was shot in the shoulder, and then my sister was shot in the forehead."

A female colleague named Qadria, also a judge, was killed alongside her, officials said.

Fear is gripping the capital following a series of killings of prominent Afghans -- including religious scholars, politicians, doctors, journalists and activists.

But Haji Mustafa Herawi told AFP the family had never expected the violence to reach their own doorstep.

"We had no enmity with anyone... We had not received any threats," he said.

He had no doubt who was to blame for his sister's murder, although he also criticised the government for the lack of security.

"The Taliban have assassinated my sister," he said.

"The government has absolutely failed to protect the people. Where is the security?" he added, his voice choking with anger.

Judge Herawi, 47, joined the Supreme Court staff in 1992, but was exiled in Pakistan during the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001.

She returned to Kabul in 2002 soon after the hardline Islamist regime was ousted by a US-led invasion in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Like many Afghan families, their experience of violence goes back decades. The patriarch of the family was killed in a rocket attack by militiamen of former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in the 90s, the brother said.

No group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's killings, but Afghan and US officials have blamed the Taliban.

The current wave of assassinations started in September, around the time the government launched peace talks with the Taliban.

"We have no security in Kabul at all. It's just a coincidence that you are alive," said Kabul resident Farman Wesal, who like many Afghans said he was weighing up options to leave the country.

"We do not know where to go... If the situation continues like this we will be forced to flee."

Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh -- tasked with security for Kabul, said targeted killings had surged because militants believed they would be pardoned if caught following a mass prisoner exchange between the warring sides last year.

"The solution is that those who are arrested should be hanged," he said on Facebook Monday.

On Monday Kabul was rocked by three bombs, in which one person was killed and another wounded, officials said.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


(Natural News) The mainstream media accusation that Trump supporters were responsible for the siege that overtook the United States Capitol on Jan. 6 defies an overwhelming body of evidence showing that Trump haters led the insurrection.

Archived tweets from Mike Dunn, leader of the Boogaloo Bois, reveal that this allegedly far-right group, according to the establishment, is actually the opposite. Dunn and his comrades are both anti-government and anti-Trump, and they want a revolution into Marxism.

As rioters were let inside the Capitol, Dunn was boasting on Twitter about how his bois were part of fireteams, the job of which was to mock tyrants like Trump.

Dunn further wrote that various Boogaloo Bois teams had been activated in VA (Virginia) with four fireteams inside the capital and 7 more outside.

The purpose behind the swarm was to revel in the breach of security while mocking the defenses that protects [sic] tyrants  whether that be Trump or others, Dunn added, referring to the many members of Congress who are, in fact, known tyrants.

Almost immediately after the riot, Dunn took to Parler via the account of The Last Sons of Liberty to issue an official statement about the incident, which explained that any opportunity to scoff at Americas corrupt leaders should be capitalized on.

Yesterday, when presented with that moment, undercover bois went to work to hype up the people, Dunn wrote.

Working alongside of others (Last Sons not being solely responsible for the events that took place) a breach was made into the building which is rightfully ours to walk in as we please, because our taxes paid for it.

Almost every act of domestic terrorism is committed by a leftist

As for Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by law enforcement while inside the Capitol, Dunn argues that the feds drew first blood years ago, and are thus fair game now.

On Jan. 8 during an interview with Reuters, Dunn admitted that three or four groups of loyalists under his command helped storm the Capitol. He further stated that his mob embraced the moment to strike against the government.

And yet despite this admission, the mainstream media continues to blame Trump supporters for the incident, using it to try to abolish the First Amendment and impose a communist social credit score type of system in the United States.

On Jan. 17, another mob of armed protestors turned up at the Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., this time donning LGBTQP rainbow flags and other overt left-wing paraphernalia.

One guy was seen wearing a Black Lives Matter (BLM) sweatshirt, while others wore helmets, face masks and backpacks as Antifa usually does.

This group was likewise painted by the media as being Trump supporters, even though it was clear as day that they were all left-wing terrorists there to cause trouble.

If you continue to oppress the American people, they will remain rational no longer, the speaker of the group announced, refusing to give his own name or the name of the organization when asked.

We come in peace. We do not intend to commit violence.

The Boogaloo Bois appear to be on the same side as the group that appeared in Lansing, and neither of them support Trump or Republicans. This cannot be stressed enough as the fake news spin machine continues to churn out propaganda claiming otherwise.

Hey, this is another deep state, CIA, FBI false flag operation, the Boogaloos and QAnon are part of it, wrote one commenter at The Gateway Pundit. Hat tip to Steve Bannons warroom podcast for never buying into the Q psyop BS.

More of the latest news about left-wing terrorism can be found at Terrorism.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

100percentfedup.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.
As commuters from rural areas and villages do not have much knowledge on good helmets and how to use one, traffic police will educate and urge them to wear one.  DC Image

HYDERABAD: Those caught not wearing helmets on highways will not be challaned but counselled by Cyberabad traffic police. We want to educate the public about road safety, rather than imposing fines. For the purpose, seven road safety checkposts will be established on national highways, Cyberabad Traffic DCP S. Vijay Kumar told Deccan Chronicle.

The checkposts will be at national highways 44 and 65, Srisailam and Moinabad roads, Bijapur highway, apart from Medchal and Shamshabad routes.

As commuters from rural areas and villages do not have much knowledge on good helmets and how to use one, we will educate and urge them to wear one. This move is to make the public more responsible, the DCP underlined.

The Cyberabad police commissionerate has five national highways passing through it with a length of 172.5 kilometres, two state highways of 41 kilometres, Outer Ring Road of 96 kilometres and PVNR Expressway of seven kilometres.

"Many bikers opt not to wear a helmet. Among those who wear one, lot of them are of poor quality. This is because we do not take safety seriously. We often see that fatal accidents are either because of not wearing a helmet or wearing a very poor quality helmet. This move might educate public or give them a free pass to travel on highways without helmets, said a road safety expert.

According to a report by WHO, correct helmet use can lead to 42 per cent reduction in risk of fatal injuries and 69 per cent reduction in risk of head injuries.

Accidents on national highways reported by Cyberabad police

2019:

Fatal: 273

Non fatal: 770

Injuries: 978

2020 (Up to November)

Fatal: 211

Non-fatal: 713

Injuries: 920
HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Texas consumer attorney David A. Fernandez and the Houston law firm Law Office of David A. Fernandez successfully defends client in a consumer debt defense case.

The Court of Appeals of the State of Texas recently upheld a decision in favor of one of the firm's clients. On September 3, 2020, the Court of Appeals for the First District (one of the two appellate districts whose jurisdiction includes the Houston area) issued its opinion in Bank of America, N.A. v. Edward Chimere Ochuwa (Case No.01-19-00368-CV). Bank of America had sued Mr. Ochuwa claiming he owed more than $15,000.00 on a credit card. Bank of America's claim was for the full amount owed plus interest and attorney's fees.

The case went to trial before Judge Barnstone in Harris County Court at Law Number 1 (Case No.1106370). The court ruled completely in Mr. Ochuwa's favor and issued a take-nothing judgment, meaning that Bank of America lost its suit and could not claim any money from him. Bank of America appealed that judgment.

Our courts of appeal address cases using panels of three judges. Here, the three-judge panel unanimously agreed that the trial court acted properly. It affirmed Mr. Ochuwa's take-nothing judgment and pointed out several missteps Bank of America made during the trial.

"While we were successful in the trial court, the plaintiff appealed the decision to the court of appeals where we again successfully defended on the appeal. We believe in justice. Our law firm will fight for our clients all the way up to the Texas Supreme Court if necessary," said Fernandez.

About David A. Fernandez, Law Office of David A. Fernandez

David A. Fernandez focuses his practice on debt defense, bankruptcy, fraud, personal injury, business litigation and wrongful death. He is a member of the Texas Bar Association, Consumer Law Section of the Texas State Bar Association, and State Bar of Texas. For more information, please call 713-893-3244, or visit www.yourhoustonconsumerattorney.com. The law office is located at 2190 N. Loop West, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77018.

For media inquiries, please call the NALA at 805.650.6121, ext. 361.

SOURCE: David A. Fernandez

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624703/Texas-Appellate-Decision-Affirms-Attorney-David-A-Fernandez-Trial-Win-Against-Bank-of-America
Vaughan Gething: The first minister clarified yesterday the vaccines arent being held back, were going as quickly as we can

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2021

Wales health minister has been across the airwaves this morning in a bid to clear up confusion caused by comments made by First Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday in which he implied some vaccine delivery in Wales was being held back.

Last week Mr Drakeford we asked why Wales has been supplied with 174,000 vaccine doses that have not yet been used, and specifically asked if there was throttling taking place and where the issues were to get the vaccines out.

Mr Drakeford confirmed that whilst the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is being used as we get it, doses of the Pfizer vaccine have to last until February so we have to provide it week on week.

He doubled down on those comments yesterday by stating that Wales is not using all its available Pfizer vaccines because he does not want to leave those administering immunisations standing around with nothing to do for weeks.





Reiterating his comments, he told BBC Radio 4 on Monday, The Pfizer vaccine we have has to last us until the beginning of February.

We wont get another delivery of that until the very end of January or probably in the beginning of February.

Therefore, we have to use that over that six week stretch. There will be no point, and certainly it will be logistically very damaging, to try and use all of that in the first week and then to have all our vaccinators standing around with nothing to do for another month.

The system we would have would not be in a position to then go on doing the job we need to do over the weeks ahead.

The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine youve got over the period that youve got it for so that your system can absorb it, it can go on working and you dont have people standing around with nothing to do.

In a video posted on social media later on Monday afternoon Mark Drakeford said: Let me be clear, nobody is holding back vaccines.

All our health boards are receiving doses of the Pfizer vaccine as quickly as they can use it.

Our vaccination programme in Wales is going from strength to strength. Every day were vaccinating thousands more people as we step up the biggest vaccination effort in Wales history. Watch my update on the current situation in Wales below  pic.twitter.com/pZ9MG4zrji  Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) January 18, 2021

In a bid to further clear up confusion this morning, health minister Vaughan Gething told BBC Radio 5 Live: The first minister clarified yesterday the vaccines arent being held back, were going as quickly as we can.

Our infrastructure is now in a place where it can deal with lots more of the Pfizer vaccine and of course the increased supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccine which is much easier to move.

So the story in truth, here in Wales is an increasing urgency and an increasing pace of delivery and our vaccine roll outs.

Pushed on why Mark Drakeford made the initial comments about pacing delivery of the vaccine, Mr Gething said:

The first ministers clarified those comments and made clear that were not holding any vaccine back.

Our challenge has always been having enough infrastructure to deliver the Pfizer jab without wasting it.

On wastage rates in Wales, weve got a really good story to tell, less than 1% of that vaccine is not being delivered, thats a very very high level of efficiency in what were doing.

This week well deliver even more of our Pfizer vaccine than last week.

Every UK nation has stocks the Pfizer vaccine theyre keeping in freezer facilities because we all receive the last delivery of Pfizer about a month ago, so were all working through that as quickly as we can.

Were all working through that as quickly as we can, just as we are here in Wales, its the same in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You can see the varying rates of delivery, you can see weve caught up with Scotland and expect were going to do even more this week.

If you look to the international stage, Wales will be the fifth best performing country in the world.

Im very clear that if we achieve our milestones, we will be in the same place as other UK nations at pretty much the same time having all four of the first priority groups having their first vaccine jab by the middle of February.

Plaid Cymrus health spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth said we people in Wales need confidence in the system.

He told BBC Radio Wales this morning: We have had a series of knocks to peoples confidence, first in the statistics that came out showing that far more vaccines have been delivered to Wales than had been given to people.

Then we have this incredibly confusing couple of days where the first minister says categorically theyre holding the vaccine back, then within a few hours saying no were not holding the vaccine back.

That kind of lack of clarity breeds confusion, Im asking for the latest data on what exactly is happening so we can hold government to account for the people of Wales.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board issued an update on the roll out ond the vaccine in North Wales, Chris Stockport, Executive Director of Primary and Community Care said:

As of last week over a quarter of both Priority Groups 1 and 2 (including those aged over 80) in North Wales have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

All 98 GP practices in the region are now part of the vaccine roll-out.

71 of them have already started to administer the vaccine, with the remaining practices due to take delivery of the vaccine this week, and this is in addition to the mass vaccination centres which are also available.

We aim for all people aged over 80 to have had their first dose of the vaccine by the end of next week.
Ivanka Trump struck a very somber sartorial note when she stepped out of her D.C. home on the final day of her father's presidency wearing an all-black ensemble.

The 39-year-old seemed to make clear her feelings about her family's last few hours in the White House - and the end of her time as First Daughter - with the toned-down look, a marked move away from the flame-red dress she wore during her last public outing last week.

Ivanka was pictured leaving her home on Tuesday morning and making her way into a waiting Secret Service SUV, flashing a quick wave at the waiting photographers before she headed to the White House, just over 24 hours before Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated as President.

Bidding farewell? Ivanka Trump waved at the cameras she left her Washington, D.C. home on Tuesday - her father's final day as President

Sartorial statement: The 39-year-old mother-of-three wore an all-black ensemble, including a $4,600 Alexander McQueen coat

Taking care: She accessorized the look with some simple black heels, and covered her face with a floral mask

Ivanka put on a stylish show for her final day as First Daughter, modeling a $4,600 black asymmetrical Alexander McQueen coat, which she paired with simple black heels, and a floral face mask.

She completed the look with a gold necklace, while her blonde hair was left to hang in a straight style around her shoulders.

Tuesday morning's trip to the White House may well be Ivanka's last; it is understood that she will not attend Biden's inauguration on Wednesday, despite initially intending to make an appearance.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed earlier this month that the mother-of-three had hoped to save her aspiring political career by attending the event - however it is understood that she has since changed her mind after evoking fury from her father over the decision.

'Ivanka is worried that her promising political career is in jeopardy and she's doing whatever she can to save her reputation,' a White House source said, explaining that the First Daughter, who has served as a senior adviser to her father during his presidency, was convinced that by attending Biden's inauguration she would come across as 'being a good sport and will gain future supporters.

Going for glam: Ivanka put on a stylish show, wearing her blonde hair in a straight style around her shoulders, and showing off some smokey eye makeup above her face mask

One last time? It may be that Ivanka's trip to the White House on Tuesday will be her last. It is understood that the First Daughter will not attend Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday

Changes: DailyMail.com exclusively revealed earlier this month that the mother-of-three had hoped to save her aspiring political career by attending the event

'She said she has to protect her own political aspirations and isn't about to muck it all up by attending her dad's 2024 campaign kick-off which is set for the same day. She's leaving that for her dad and Don Jr.'

However, her father was left furious at the news his daughter and close confidante might be in attendance at Inauguration Day, despite him making clear he would not be there.

'He said it's an insult that she would even want to engage with the crooks that are trying to bring him down,' the insider said, adding that Trump said the family must stand together and put on a united front.

'The President told his daughter that her presence at the inauguration will cost her thousands of supporters and would be the worst decision she could ever make,' they said.

Another White House source denied that she ever planned to attend the inauguration.

Ivanka has yet to publicly reveal what she plans to do after her father leaves the White House - although it has been widely speculated that she and her husband Jared Kushner intend to move their family to Florida, after the couple reportedly purchased a $31 million plot of land on Miami's 'Billionaire Bunker'.

Feeling good: Ivanka was last seen out and about on January 14, when she was pictured flashing a thumbs up to staff at the White House, while wearing a bold red dress

Headed to the sunshine state? Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner are believed to be moving to Miami, Florida, with their three children, Joseph, Theodore, and Arabella (left to right)

Speculation: Ivanka and Jared reportedly purchased a $31 million plot of land on Miami's 'Billionaire Bunker'

Ivanka and Jared's purchase of the land has sparked rumors that she plans to run for the US Senate in Florida in 2022 in the hopes of forging her own political career.

The land is nestled in Indian Creek, a highly exclusive neighborhood that touts beautiful waterfront homes and tons of privacy.

Indian Creek, found off the coast of Miami, got the nickname 'Billionaire Bunker' because of the high-profile residents that have settled onto the island, including model Adriana Lima and billionaire businessman Carl Icahn of New York City.

Many believe that Ivanka and Jared will no longer be welcome in the same elite social circles they once ran in before her father became president  with her close friend Georgina Bloomberg admitting that it would be 'difficult' for the couple to return to Manhattan life.

'I think right now itll be a bit difficult for them coming back, because obviously this is something that is still very fresh and stoking everybodys fire,' she told the Daily Beast in November.

Ivanka's brother Don Jr, and her half-sister Tiffany are also said to be planning moves to the Sunshine State in the wake of their father's presidency coming to an end.

Jared's brother, Joshua Kushner, and his model wife Karlie Kloss - who is expecting their first child - have also bought a home in Florida.
The US Capitol complex is on lockdown, with no entry or exit allowed due to an external security threat and people inside being forced to shelter in place after a fire broke out near the complex, according to Reuters.

Capitol Police ordered lockdown during inauguration rehearsal in abundance of caution after nearby fire, no public threat.

In the meantime, US Secret Service tweeted that there is no threat to public.

"Public safety and law enforcement responded to a small fire in the area of 1st and F streets SE, Washington, D.C. that has been extinguished. Out of an abundance of caution the U.S. Capitol complex was temporarily shutdown. There is no threat to the public," it posted.

Public safety and law enforcement responded to a small fire in the area of 1st and F streets SE, Washington, D.C. that has been extinguished. Out of an abundance of caution the U.S. Capitol complex was temporarily shutdown. There is no threat to the public. pic.twitter.com/kQfAI4NxNK  U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) January 18, 2021

The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that members and staff were advised to shelter in place while the incident was being investigated.

Earlier, participants in a rehearsal for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration were evacuated from the West Front of the Capitol on Monday on orders of security officials after a fire in a homeless encampment, officials said.

Those who had gathered for a walk-through, including a military band, were directed to head indoors and moved in the directed of a secure location inside the Capitol complex.

People involved in the rehearsal said security officials yelled "this is not a drill."

The lockdown comes just days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration and follows the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington by extremists and Trump supporters, some of whom called for the death of Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the certification of Biden's election victory.





Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
James Denton (30), with an address in Liverpool but currently residing at a hotel in Kildare, facing two charges of breaching Covid-19 travel restrictions and failing to comply with garda directions, leaving Naas District Court. Photo: Tony Gavin 19/01/2021

A UK man who allegedly travels around Ireland using drones to film horse race meetings has been charged with breaching Covid-19 regulations.

James Denton (30), who has an address in Liverpool but currently resides at a hotel in Kildare, was brought before Naas district court this morning.

He was arrested near Punchestown racecourse yesterday afternoon along with another male after gardai responded to a complaint of drones flying nearby.

Gda Michael Gohrey, of Naas garda station, gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of the accused.

Mr Denton faces two charges of being in breach of travel restrictions and failing to comply with a garda's direction on January 18, 2021.

Both charges are under temporary Covid-19 restrictions of the Health Act.

The court heard that when the charges were put to the accused, he replied: "I understand what you are saying but I do not understand why."

Gda Gohrey said he was called to Punchestown Upper at 1.50pm after receiving reports of two males flying drones over a private race meeting nearby.

The two men were sitting in a Ford transit van which had a sticker reading 'drones in operation'.

Gda Gohrey said the accused informed him that he travels to different race meetings around the country to record the races online using drones.

"Upon further checks through Pulse I found that Mr Denton had been in contact with gardai numerous times since March 2020 in various different districts," Gda Gohrey told the court.

The garda said the other man left the area but that the accused allegedly failed to do so when requested to by gardai.

Presiding Judge Desmond Zaidan enquired if the location where Mr Denton was arrested is more than 5km from the hotel he was residing at.

Sgt Jim Kelly stated that, whether it was within the 5km or not, gardai maintain he was not providing an essential service or exercising while outside his place of residence and that this was in contravention of the health act.

At the beginning of the hearing the accused indicated that he wished to represent himself, telling the judge he "hadn't read up on the section" he was charged with.

Judge Zaidan told the accused he was only fooling himself by "pretending not to understand" the act.

A solicitor was then assigned to Mr Denton, who said his client would question the motivation for this prosecution and that there was a bigger picture objecting to the type of work he does.

The court heard James Denton, who has shares in a company, is tested regularly in the UK before travelling to Ireland with the tests showing that he is "Covid free".

Counsel said that he was going about his work and not engaging with large groups of people, and that the prosecution was "motivated by other interests".

There was no garda objection to bail on the grounds that Mr Denton was willing to abide by certain conditions.

These include that he abide by all conditions relating to temporary restrictions of the health act, reside at a hotel in Kildare, advise gardai if he changes his address, and provide gardai with a mobile number.

Gardai and Mr Denton's counsel requested that the hotel he is staying in is not published by the media, with his solicitor saying he may be subject to media attention.

Judge Zaidan said the media were entitled to report on the proceedings but requested that the location and name of the hotel not be published.

He added that a lot of people were losing their livelihoods in Ireland but that they were still abiding by the regulations.

James Denton was granted bail and will appear before the court again in two weeks.
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 22 as "National Sanctity of Human Life Day", acknowledging victims of abortion and calls for people for its eradication.

In his proclamation dated Jan. 17, Trump articulated his strong conviction for the protection of human life and encouraged the citizens to "celebrate the wonder of human existence and renew our resolve to build a culture of life where every person of every age is protected, valued, and cherished". He also called on people "to recognize the sanctity of life."

The president also grieved the loss of more than 50 million innocent lives as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision on legalized abortion under Roe v Wade. He mentioned his administration's move to protect the relevance of faith-based adoption and the United States' support of the Geneva Consensus Declaration "which bolsters global efforts to provide better healthcare to women, protect all human life and strengthen families."

Trump also took pride to be the first American president in history to attend the March for Life in 2020.

In addition, the president has also stated his appointment of more than 200 Federal judges and three Supreme Court Justices which include Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, people he said "who apply the Constitution as written".

According to LifeNews.com, the president reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, a policy that blocks U.S. federal funding to overseas groups that promote abortions. A reform that defunded the international arm of Planned Parenthood of about $100 million.

Trump has also called out the Democratic Party's position on abortion. During his 2019 state of the union address, he lambasted New York and Virginia governors for promotion of up to birth abortion and infanticide. The president also requested the Congress to pass a ban on late-term abortions on babies.

Trump's administration have made reforms for protection of those who are against abortions, boosting conscience protections for medical workers who believe that killing an unborn baby is wrong and increasing Obamacare's religious exemptions.

Further, in a resolution about sexual violence, his administration also moved to prevent the United Nations from supporting abortion. Under Trump's leadership, references to the so-called "right" to abort an unborn baby from a global human rights report was removed by the State Department in 2018.

Moreover, Trump's administration has also reformed the Title X rule requiring health care companies to separate abortion businesses from their services funded by taxpayers' money. This change in policy could result to Planned Parenthood losing of about $60 million yearly.

The Christian Post reported that Joe Biden plans to make the Roe v Wade into law. Also, the Democrats are promoting to abolish the Hyde Amendment, a legislative provision that prevents the use of federal funds for paying abortions with exceptions of saving a woman's life and if the pregnancy is a result of incest or rape.

The March for Life is scheduled to be celebrated next Friday but leaders have announced that instead of the usual activity, the event this year will be replaced with a virtual rally.

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

First Minister Arlene Foster has slammed those behind the alleged dissident republican shooting of a private helicopter as it flew over Fermanagh.

Police said there was no damage and the pilot was unaware the aircraft was shot at on Thursday, January 14.

Police have closed the Wattlebridge Road and Cavan Road, outside Newtownbutler due to an ongoing security alert after a report the CIRA left a device in the area on Wednesday, January 13.

The terror group has claimed it fired on a police helicopter. A claim dismissed by the police. Previously dissidents have tried to lure police into the area for an attack.

In a video on Twitter, the First Minister, who grew up close to the Wattlebridge area, said it was time to remove these crazed political ideologues and they should back off the community.

There has always been a small band of extreme republicans in that area who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting, stated Mrs Foster.

This latest incident where republicans claim they left a device in the area and then shot at a civilian helicopter is crazy.

Regardless of the debate about whether they did or did not target a helicopter - who in their right mind would even think about shooting down a helicopter over a populated area?

The devastation is unthinkable - families quietly going about their business and then a helicopter lands on their house, shot down, for what reason?

To round it all off, this helicopter was a civilian craft which just happened to be in the area.

There have been few incidents in recent time which have highlighted the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists.

I condemn their actions and urge the community in and around Newtownbutler on both sides of the border, to go to the police if they have information.

There still remain some in our society who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting.



The recent incident in Wattlebridge highlights the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists. pic.twitter.com/bgpbFx4IjH  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 19, 2021

South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn confirmed that the Police Service helicopter was not deployed in the Wattlebridge area at any time on Thursday.

A fixed wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on this date, he continued. Following extensive enquiries we have established that a private helicopter was travelling through the area on Thursday.

If there is any truth to the claims from dissident republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the aircraft that they shot at. Fortunately the helicopter did not sustain any damage and its occupant was unaware of any shots being fired.

He continued: "Those involved have shown their absolute disregard for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was intended for police, makes it no less heinous. Police officers safeguard our communities every day in the face of this threat and continue to do their utmost to build a safer society.

We can all show our contempt for such senseless attacks by standing together and working in partnership to find those responsible.

The Continuity IRA have sought to disrupt our communities a number of times over the last few years with a booby trap device in Craigavon in July 2019, an explosive device on the Cavan Road in August 2019 and an explosive device on a heavy goods vehicle in Lurgan in January 2020.

They did not care about the danger they caused to our communities then, nor do they care now.

All right thinking people will appreciate the catastrophic affects that a crashed aircraft would have had on the helicopter pilot and residents living in this area. Their recklessness knows no bounds.

The public will appreciate that we are taking this very seriously and today we have commenced searches, working with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, to make the area safe and to gather evidence to progress our investigation.

A number of roads will be closed with traffic diversions in place. We will do our utmost to facilitate local residents and minimise any disruption.

I am asking everyone to work with us to find those responsible for this attack on our community.

If anyone has any information that can assist the PSNIs investigation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Students from the University of the Philippines in Manila stage an on-campus protest against a decision by the defense department to drop an accord barring security forces from entering the campus without the consent of university officials, Jan. 19, 2021.

The defense secretary Tuesday defended a government move to terminate an agreement that barred security forces from entering the Manila campus of the state-run University of the Philippines, as he cited concerns about it being a haven for communist insurgents.

The move by the Department of National Defense, announced on Monday night, was widely criticized on Tuesday as potentially trampling on dissent and free speech, while students from the campus staged a protest in response to it.

Students outspokenness on issues, such as President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial war on drugs, had caused the campus to fall out of favor with his administration. Duterte had threatened to defund the university, and accused its students of spending more time away from their classrooms to protest in the streets.

The countrys premier state university has become a safe haven for enemies of the state, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in defending the move announced by the government on Monday night.

The Department of National Defense will neither renege nor shirk on its duty to protect the rights of the majority. It will not tolerate those who will violate the laws of the land in the guise of lawful public dissent, free assembly and free speech.

A 1989 agreement between the Manila campus and the government had been rendered obsolete, Lorenzana said. The pact was a gesture of courtesy but times had changed, he said.

The pact did not cover the universitys 16 other campuses. Under the agreement, government security forces could only enter the Manila campus with permission from university officials.

The agreement came about two weeks after university staffer Donato Continente was arrested on campus and charged with the killing of U.S. Army Col. James Rowe, who was assassinated by a communist hit-squad. Continente, who served a 14-year sentence before being freed in 2005, claimed he was not guilty but had been tortured into confessing.

In his letter to the university ending the pact, Lorenzana said many members of the campus community had been identified as sympathetic to the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New Peoples Army (NPA), which allegedly had found fertile ground to recruit new members.

The defense department intends to remedy this situation by terminating or abrogating the existing agreement in order for us to perform our legal mandate of protecting our youth against CPP/NPA recruitment, Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana said that the department would not station military or police forces inside the campus, nor would it stifle activist groups, academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Student protesters at the University of the Philippines hold signs expressing concerns about the possibility of security forces entering the Manila campus, Jan. 19, 2021. [Basilio Sepe/BenarNews]

Move criticized

Academics, opposition members and activists denounced the unilateral termination of the agreement. University President Danilo Concepcion said it was totally unnecessary and unwarranted.

He also called out the government for terminating the pact without consulting his administration first.

Instead of instilling confidence in our police and military, your decision can only sow more confusion and mistrust, given that you have not specified what it is that you exactly aim to do or put in place in lieu of the protections and courtesies afforded by the agreement, he said in reply to Lorenzanas letter.

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo said the agreement was signed more than three decades ago as a safeguard against warrantless arrests.

Robredo, who is a lawyer and opposition leader, said the aim of the accord was not to exempt students from the law but to send the clear message that in a democracy, even a fledgling one, law enforcement [is] conducted following clear rules [and] within defined limits.

That in a democracy, there [is] no place for relentless war waged across all borders, without oversight or accountability, against any person those in power had decided to brand as an enemy, she said.

She called the move an act of intimidation.

Clearly then, this is not a practical gesture, but a symbolic one, Robredo said. One designed to sow fear. One designed to discourage dissent. One designed to silence criticism.

Luis Liwanag in Manila contributed to this report.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
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.
Uttar Pradesh govt to soon take a call on budget session

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Lucknow, Jan 19: The Uttar Pradesh government will soon take a call on convening the budget session of the state legislature for the 2021-2022 fiscal. According to reports, the state budget session has to be convened by the third week of February to meet the constitutional requirement.

The Constitution of India provides "six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session".

India on 'constant watch': MEA on reports of Chinese construction in Arunachal

As the monsoon session of Uttar Pradesh legislature ended on August 22 last year, the state government has only about a month left to meet the constitutional requirement of holding the budget session in the second half of the next month.

State minister for parliamentary affairs Suresh Khanna was not available for comment. A senior officer, however, hinted that the state cabinet may soon take a call on convening the budget session in the second or third week of February.

Gujarat: 15 migrant workers killed after truck runs over them; PM Modi condoles tragedy

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

"We understand the state government is likely to convene the budget session any time after February 10, 2021," said the senior officer of state on condition of anonymity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath have categorically stated that the ministers and public representatives would have to wait for their turn for the administration of COVID-19 vaccine.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:03 [IST]
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Issues Executive Order Protecting Americans From Overcriminalization by Regulations

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday that aims to protect Americans from overcriminalization by regulations.

The order seeks to make the consequences of violating certain regulations more transparent as a safeguard against unwarranted criminal punishment for unintentional regulatory violations.

In the interest of fairness, federal criminal law should be clearly written so that all Americans can understand what is prohibited and act accordingly, Trump wrote.

The move dovetails with Trumps broader effort to reduce regulatory burden on individuals and companies, a hallmark of his administration.

Some statutes have authorized executive branch agencies to promulgate thousands of regulations, creating a thicket of requirements that can be difficult to navigate, and many of these regulations are enforceable through criminal processes and penalties, the president noted.

The order seeks to reduce regulatory burden on Americans by making sure they are adequately informed about potential criminal liability for violations of regulations. It also calls on prosecutors to concentrate on punishing only the most culpable individuals in pursuing cases of regulatory offenses.

Criminal prosecutions based on regulatory offenses should focus on matters where a putative defendant had actual or constructive knowledge that conduct was prohibited, Trump wrote.

One of the ways the executive order seeks to accomplish the objective of preventing overcriminalization is by discouraging so-called strict liability offenses, ones which do not require prosecutors to prove mens rea, or the state of mind that by law must be proven to convict a particular defendant of a particular crime. The executive order makes such offenses generally disfavored and instead calls on agencies to consider administrative or civil enforcement of strict liability regulatory offenses, rather than criminal enforcement.

The order came amid a flurry of proclamations and executive orders issued on the eve of Trump ceding power to President-elect Joe Biden, who is due to be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

One of these, entitled the Executive Order on Ensuring Democratic Accountability in Agency Rulemaking, would allow federal agencies to issue new regulations only at the instigation of political appointees, who are accountable to voters, rather than career officials.

Some agencies have chosen to blur these lines of democratic accountability by allowing career officials to authorize, approve, and serve as the final word on regulations, Trump wrote. This practice transfers the power to set rules governing Americans daily lives from the president, acting through his executive subordinates, to officials insulated from the accountability that national elections bring. This practice undermines the power of the American people to choose who governs them and I am directing steps to end it, Trump added.

Trump also issued an executive order that would try to increase protections for law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and their families.

My administration has no higher priorities than preserving the rule of law in our country and protecting the men and women who serve under its flag, Trump wrote. Accordingly, I am ordering enhanced protections for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers.

Another executive order issued Monday directed the federal government not to purchase drones that present unacceptable risks and are manufactured by, or contain software or critical electronic components from, foreign adversaries, which appeared to be aimed at China.

It is unclear how long Trumps executive orders will remain in force, as Biden plans his own blitz of executive orders, with many expected to reverse Trumps agenda.
Shabir Ahluwalia is one of the most avidly followed television stars in the country, thanks to his rockstar like image, and his dope sense of fashion.

And if you want any proof of it, just take a good hard look at his most recent outfit.

 Viral Bhayani

Shabir was spotted in a Mumbai, returning from a holiday in the Maldives apparently. It seems though that the actor is keen on keeping the beach aesthetic that he took up during his vacation a bit longer.



Only in Mumbai, is something like this feasible.

 Viral Bhayani

Shabirs outfit would be perfect for those of us who are missing a sunny beach. Thanks to the global pandemic, a lot of us had to cancel our vacation plans.



This is actually a decent way to live vicariously, being voyeurs to a celebritys destination holidays.

 Viral Bhayani

Shabir was seen wearing a rather dope looking Cuban-collared floral shirt. This was paired to a pair of white shorts, which, quite frankly, looked rather dope.



We also like the hairband he has on as an accessory. The overall outfit is perfectly balanced and is definitely something we would like to cop, the next time we go for a vacation.

 Viral Bhayani

The sneakers that Shabir is wearing though, are on a whole different level.



We have discussed that certain television celebrities are actually bigger hypebeasts and sneakerheads than most Bollywood celebrities. Seems like we should add Shabir to that list as well.

 Viral Bhayani

He was spotted wearing a rather dope and unique pair of sneakers. Shabir was seen wearing a pair of orange Kenzos Move sneakers.



 Kenzo

This is truly a unique pair of sneakers. First of all, not many celebrities actually wear sneakers from Kenzo, not in public at least.



Secondly, the sneakers have a rather bizarre but cool construction.

 Kenzo

The Orange upper is actually made of leather and has a generous amount of suede accents as well. The upper is complemented by a rather zany looking, vibrant blue sole, which pops up, over a certain section of the upper as well.



This gives the sneaker a rather chunky aesthetic while helping the sneakers keep a low profile.

 Kenzo

Considering the price tags that some of the most commonly worn sneakers, mainly from Balenciagas and Off-White Air Jordans, come with, we have to say, these Kenzo sneakers actually seem cheap, although, they still are expensive.



 Viral Bhayani

The Kenzo Move Sneakers in Orange retails for about $265, or roughly Rs 20,000, plus taxes and import tariffs, if applicable.



 Kenzo

All in all, thats a pretty dope outfit that Shabir has got on. Way to go, man.



Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was shocked and horrified this week to learn that Joe Biden is going to cancel the Keystone XL oil pipeline as soon as he becomes president of the United States on Wednesday. Mr. Bidens intention has been well known and has not wavered since his years as vice-president under Barack Obama. Canadas and Albertas chances of changing Mr. Bidens mind at this late date are slender at best.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was shocked and horrified this week to learn that Joe Biden is going to cancel the Keystone XL oil pipeline as soon as he becomes president of the United States on Wednesday. Mr. Bidens intention has been well known and has not wavered since his years as vice-president under Barack Obama. Canadas and Albertas chances of changing Mr. Bidens mind at this late date are slender at best.

Mr. Kenney believes he is dealing with a conspiracy of Hollywood celebrities and California tree-huggers bent on persecuting Alberta and shutting down its oil industry. He is not. He is dealing with an incoming U.S. administration that just won control of the White House and both houses of the U.S. Congress, and that campaigned on killing the Keystone XL pipeline for a long list of reasons with which a large portion of the U.S. public agrees.

Alberta and Canada will need a better grasp of the forces at play if they are to open the U.S. market more fully to Canadian oil and bitumen. Mr. Kenney has seemed for so long to be a tool of the oil industry that he may have trouble winning serious attention in Mr. Bidens Washington.

Mr. Bidens view has been consistent and well advertised. In November 2015, the Obama administration, including Mr. Biden, rejected Keystone XL, partly because the U.S. oil industry had increased domestic production and did not need increased supplies of Canadian oil. Nine months ago, after Mr. Biden had won a string of primaries and was clearly going to be the Democratic candidate for president, he announced he was going to cancel Keystone XL if elected.

TC Energy, the Calgary-based company that owns the Keystone network, has faced continuous criticism and opposition on account of spills from its lines, seizures of land for pipeline construction, potential damage to sand hills and to the Ogallala aquifer in Nebraska, and other issues contested before courts and regulatory agencies.

Canada exports huge volumes of oil to the United States and will continue to do so, with or without Keystone XL. Canada exported 3.7 million barrels per day to the U.S. in 2019, 98 per cent of all Canadian crude oil exports. Keystone XL would deliver bitumen from the Alberta oil sands more cheaply and efficiently to U.S. refiners. It would not, however, help Canadian oil producers serve buyers in Asia.

JASON FRANSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Alberta Premier Jason Kenney believes he is dealing with a conspiracy of Hollywood celebrities and California tree-huggers bent on persecuting Alberta and shutting down its oil industry.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government should make the best case they can for the Keystone XL line, recognizing that it was a pet project of the Donald Trump administration, which is now defeated and discredited. TC Energy and Jason Kenney formerly enjoyed a sympathetic hearing in Washington, but those days are gone now.

Canada would be foolish to ask Mr. Biden, on the day he takes office, to start his presidential term by tearing up the platform the voters accepted and betraying the supporters who brought him to power. After a decent delay, however, Canada might ask for joint study of the vast rail traffic that now brings Alberta bitumen to U.S. refineries, and whether another safer and more efficient way might be found to serve those U.S. oil importers. If the solution turns out to be Keystone XL, then the problem is easily solved.

Mr. Kenneys strategy has failed. Prime Minister Trudeau should take charge of the file and try a more promising approach.
State Senator John Stevens of Huntingdon and State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood of Signal Mountain said they are introducing a constitutional amendment this legislative session to strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessees state Constitution.

Rep. Hazlewood took the first step Thursday by introducing House Joint Resolution 44, known as Marsys Law. A similar bill generated support of co-sponsors, organizations, and advocates across the state during the last session.

It is critical that we continue to fight for Tennessees most vulnerable, especially at a time when crime is rising and so many are suffering, said Rep. Hazlewood. Under current law, the rights of victims are not always enforced. Marsys Law would guarantee victim protections in the states most powerful legal document.

Advocates for the measure said, "More than 20 years ago, 89 percent of Tennesseans voted to give crime victims the rights they deserve by adopting a Crime Victims Bill of Rights. But unfortunately, victims too often find these rights unenforceable under current law and the rights of victims are not always protected.

"The bill presented by Senator Stevens and Rep. Hazlewood would update the current language to spell out clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in our state constitution. If passed in two consecutive legislative sessions and signed by the governor, the constitutional amendment guaranteeing these protections would be placed on the 2026 ballot for voters to approve."

We plan to work to strengthen the constitutional rights of victims of crime, said Senator Stevens. Victims need our support and deserve greater protection. Thats why we are working together with victims, law enforcement, and our colleagues from all across the state to pass Marsys Law.

Tina Greggs daughter, Brooke Morris, was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend and boss in 2011. She was shot three times while running for her life on the side of a Roane County road. Her body was found by a passing driver. The mother was never notified when the man charged with her daughter's murder left the state. She instead had to find out on Facebook, it was stated.

Its been 10 years since Brooke was stolen from our family and the pain never goes away, Tina Gregg said. But we find comfort in honoring her legacy by fighting to make sure the legal system doesnt add any more pain to victims and their families. I strongly encourage our lawmakers to pass Marsys Law in Tennessee.

The group said adopting Marsys Law in Tennessee "will provide victims with the ability to assert the critical rights to which they are promised" including:
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania are eschewing the tradition of meeting the incoming first family  instead leaving Joe and Jill Biden to be greeted by White House chief usher Timothy Harleth.

Traditionally, the outgoing president and first lady invite their successors into the White House for coffee ahead of the inauguration and travel to the ceremony together.

Indeed, Mr and Mrs Trump were hosted by former president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama following a bitterly fought election campaign that saw Mr Trump lambast the Obama administration.

Nonetheless, the Obamas hosted the Trumps in what was no doubt an awkward encounter but continued a tradition for incoming presidents that the current occupant of the White House does not intend to uphold.

The president will also not be attending Mr Bidens inauguration, making him one of just four outgoing presidents who have declined to attend the ceremony of their successor.

Mr Trump has also declined to invite Mr Biden to the traditional Oval Office meeting ahead of Inauguration Day. And in a further snub to the Bidens, Melania Trump has not given Jill Biden a tour of the family wing White House and has reportedly not been in touch with her at all.

To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Mr Trump tweeted prior to his social media accounts being blocked.

Instead, it is believed that Mr Trump will hold an early morning ceremony for himself that is expected to feature a 21-gun salute. He is then expected to leave Washington DC along with Melania  the pair are to take up residency at Mar-a-Lago, the resort Mr Trump has previously referred to as the Winter White House.

Meanwhile the Bidens will be welcomed to the White House by Mr Harleth, who was employed in the role by the Trumps in 2017. Mr Harleth, who was the seventh person to serve in the role, took over from outgoing chief usher Angella Reid.

Mr Harleth had previously worked for Mr Trump in a different role  as the director of rooms at the Trump International Hotel in Washington.

Although White House chief ushers are the first to welcome new presidents to the White House on inauguration day and the last to bid them farewell at the end of their tenure, according to White House history, Mr Trumps refusal to be part of the welcome for Mr Biden has not been viewed favourably in some corners of the Capitol.

A former Clinton administration official told CNN: "I recall both interactions that then first lady Hillary Clinton had with Barbara Bush in 1992 when she first arrived at the White House, and in 2000 when she hosted Laura Bush.

"Both were after contentious campaigns and both visits could not have been more gracious and welcoming."

In contrast with Mr Trump, Vice President Mike Pence has announced that he will be attending the inauguration, and has spoken with his successor Kamala Harris to offer his congratulations. Ms Harris will be moving in to Number One Observatory Circle when she takes office, although it is unclear as yet whether Mr Pence will greet her as she arrives.
Bengaluru, Jan 19 : A senior Customs officer posted in Chennai was nabbed at the Bengaluru Airport on Tuesday after he was found carrying Rs 74.81 lakh cash in his hand baggage, officials said.

Both the officer and his wife were handed over by the Central Industrial Security Force to the Income Tax and the Enforcement Directorate for further investigations as they possessed not only cash but also a large quantity of gold ornaments. Both the cash and the gold were handed over to IT and ED sleuths.

According to a CISF source, Irfan Ahmed Mohammed, Superintendent of Customs at Chennai, was on his way to board a flight to Lucknow along with his wife when he was stopped during security screening.

"During regular baggage screening, cash amounting to Rs 74,81,500 was found in bundles of Rs 2,000 in his hand baggage. It was not concealed inside anything," the source said.
Deputy President William Ruto has accused Raila Odinga of derailing Jubilees development agenda through the March 2018 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking on Sunday after opening the newly-constructed Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Londiani town, Kericho County, Ruto said Raila should play his role as an opposition leader instead of having one leg in government and the other outside it.

We welcomed you (in government). Please have some manners or go back to the opposition. You cannot continue to lecture us on why certain things have not happened yet you are the one causing confusion, he said.

DP Ruto reiterated that the BBI seeks to create positions opposition leaders.

Instead of fixing the economy, their only interest is creating positions for the big boys through the Building Bridges Initiative to the detriment of the voters who are taxpayers. It is a perfect case of having priorities upside down, Ruto said.

We will not take instructions from anybody or entertain threats and blackmail by our opponents. We will continue to empower the wheelbarrow [and] handcart pushers, boda-boda operators and others in the informal sector to enable them to fend for their families and upscale their business engagements.

The DP also challenged the ODM party leader to tell Kenyans what he has achieved in his entire political career.

I have heard him (Odinga) asking me to state what I have done for this country. I want to ask him to tell Kenyans how he has helped them in his entire political life, other than being hungry for power, said Ruto.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association's Ho Chi Minh City chapter Duong Quan Ha emphasised that Vietnam and China are two neighbouring countries with a long-term friendship.

On the basis of their comprehensive strategic partnership, leaders from the two nations have paid many visits and had many exchanges in order to consolidate and develop the traditional friendship, he added.

Ha also noted that the friendship and cooperation between the HUFO, the Vietnam-China Friendship Association with the Consulate General of China and Chinese business community in Ho Chi Minh City have developed in all fields.

For his part, Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wu Jun affirmed that over the past 71 years, the relationship between China and Vietnam has become a model of relations amongst socialist countries, bringing practical benefits to people of both countries.

He also pledged to continue to cooperate with the HUFO inexternal relations activities, contributing to strengthening the comprehensive and strategic partnership towards a bright future for the two nations.
(CNN) -- Colombia's best-known drug trafficker, Pablo Escobar, may have been killed in 1993 but his influence continues to be felt in the country, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Hippopotamuses brought to Colombia as part of Escobar's private zoo at his ranch, Hacienda Napoles, have bred so successfully that there is serious concern over their environmental impact and human safety, according to a new study by researchers at Mexican and Colombian universities.

The hippos have spread out from their original home, some 100 miles east of the city of Medellin, in the Antioquia department, dispersing around the Magdalena river basin as their population continues to grow steadily.

The authors of the study, published in the January edition of the journal Biological Conservation, recommend that the hippos be culled to prevent long-term negative effects, but other scientists are calling for a castration program to control the hippo population, citing concerns over animal welfare and the attachment of some locals to their new neighbors.

Back in the 1980s, Escobar imported one male and three female hippos to join his menagerie. Upon his death, other species of exotic animals were relocated, but the hippos were left because they were difficult to capture and transport, according to the study.

The hippos soon began to spread in the surrounding area, but government efforts to cull them were halted after a public outcry.

A sterilization campaign was begun instead, but it has done little to slow the hippos' progress.

From 2011 to 2019 four males were castrated and two females were sterilized, but this "does not seem to have an important impact on reproduction," according to the study.

Researchers say there are probably more than 80 hippos in the area today, up from 35 in 2012, and they worry that the hippos will continue to spread throughout Colombia if no action is taken.

The study also cites research showing the negative effects of hippo waste on oxygen levels in bodies of water, which can affect fish and ultimately humans, and raises concerns about the possible transmission of diseases from hippos to humans.

Hippos also pose a threat to the livelihoods and security of people in affected areas, the study said, eating or damaging crops and engaging in aggressive interactions with humans.

The researchers cite incidences of hippos chasing people, as well as a hippo attack in May 2020 in which a 45-year-old man was seriously injured.

But while the study's authors recommend a cull, Enrique Zerda Ordonez, a biologist at Colombia's National University, believes castration programs are the way forward.

Culling the hippos would be an "easy option," said Zerda, but it could affect the survival of a species that is under threat in Africa.

Though sterilizing hippos is no easy task, he said, he believes it is both possible and necessary to do so now, before their numbers rise further, according to a press release from the university.

"Right now, the authorities don't consider the species to be a problem," Zerda said, "but in the future, when there are 400-500 hippos, it could represent a threat to the survival of other species that feed in the same areas."

David Echeverri Lopez, head of forests and biodiversity at the CORNARE regional environmental agency, told CNN that the situation is delicate.

"The option of killing them has always been on the table," he said. "However it's very difficult to imagine this could happen at the moment."

While the hippos are an invasive species capable of completely changing local ecosystems, people in the area have gotten used to them, Echeverri said. They've become a tourist attraction that people feel some affection toward, he added.

Some of the hippos will have to be killed, because it's "practically impossible" to find and relocate or sterilize them.

"But there are some other animals that are located in certain areas, in lakes and places that allow for a birth control plan to be put in place, assuming that adequate resources are available," said Echeverri, who is working with the NGO Animal Balance to try to find alternative solutions.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Colombia's 'cocaine hippos' must be culled, scientists say -- but not everyone agrees"
FBI Agent Quit Crossfire Hurricane After Request for Enhanced Validation of Steele Was Denied

A senior FBI agent asked to be removed from the Crossfire Hurricane team that probed the Trump campaigns alleged links to Russia after his request for a more stringent validation of ex-British spy Christopher Steeles subsources was rejected, the agent told a Senate panel last year, according to a newly released transcript.

The FBI supervisory special agent, identified in the transcript as Supervisory Special Agent 1, (SSA) told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Aug. 27 that his request for an enhanced validation review was denied over concerns of leaks.

Just to be clear exactly what Im talking about, the agent said, there was a constant validation review ongoing by the Counterintelligence Division and the intelligence analysts at the time. My request was to the FBI director of intelligence for them to do what is considered an enhanced validation review, something outside and independent of the Counterintelligence Division, he explained.

That request was denied by Bill Priestap, who headed up the FBIs counterintelligence division, although the enhanced validation review was initiated about a year later, the SSA noted. He added that he had a professional disagreement with Priestap over the matter, prompting him to request a transfer off the Crossfire Hurricane team and back to the FBIs Washington Field Office.

The agent said he was aware that Steele was not the originating source of any of the factual information contained in what was to become the infamous Steele dossier, which played a key role in the FBIs application for a wiretap of former Trump campaign associate Carter Page. The SSA said Steele instead had a subsource network that provided him the reporting for the dossier, and that the agent felt it was important to identify Steeles source network in validating the accuracy of the dossier.

The SSA said he sought a review of Steele because of the dossiers significance to the FBIs application to a FISA court for a surveillance warrant against Page.

I recognized the significance of his reporting, the use in a FISA application, he said. I had questions about our intel validation was ongoing in the Counterintelligence Division, and all of that contributed to my professional disagreement, he added.

Steeles primary subsource was later identified as a Washington-based Russian national who himself had been investigated by the FBI on suspicions of being a spy for the Kremlin, according to documents released by Attorney General William Barr.

The FBI would later cut Steele off as a confidential human source because of his contacts with journalists.

Priestap, who retired from the FBI in 2018, could not be reached for comment.

In a report released in December 2019 (pdf), Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz found that Steeles dossier played a central and essential role in the decision to seek a FISA application for Carter Page, although he also noted his investigative team found the dossier played no role in launching the Crossfire Hurricane probe.

At the same time, Horowitz found at least 17 significant errors and omissions in the FBIs case for surveilling Page. Although Horowitz said in the report that his team didnt find evidence of intentional misconduct on the part of case agents who applied for the surveillance warrants, we also did not receive satisfactory explanations for the errors or problems we identified.

The record of the testimony of the SSA was part of a trove of transcripts released last week by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, released hundreds of pages of transcripts from the committees inquiry into the origins of the Crossfire Hurricane probe, saying in a statement that he believes the effort was one of the most incompetent and corrupt investigations in the history of the FBI and DOJ.

The South Carolina Republican criticized the leadership of the FBI under former Director James Comey and former Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, arguing it was either grossly incompetent or said they knowingly allowed tremendous misdeeds.

There was a blind eye turned toward any explanation other than the Trump campaign was colluding with foreign powers, Graham said. At every turn the FBI and DOJ ran stop signs that were in abundance regarding exculpatory information.

Graham contended the Crossfire Hurricane investigation was pushed when it should have been stopped and the only logical explanation is that the investigators wanted an outcome because of their bias.

Comey and McCabe have repeatedly rejected the allegations that the Crossfire Hurricane probe was improperly predicated, although McCabe acknowledged unacceptable failures in surveillance warrant applications and Comey admitted to real sloppiness in the conduct of the probe.

Graham said he would continue to push for reforms of counterintelligence investigations and warrant applications, and said he hopes for bipartisan backing on these matters. He also urged FBI Director Christopher Wray to continue the reforms he has started.

It is hard to believe that something like Crossfire Hurricane could have happened in America, Graham said. The bottom line is that going forward we must have more checks and balances when it comes to political investigations. We must have more meaningful sign-offs on warrant applications, and we need to restore the trust to the American people in this system.

The Crossfire Hurricane probe, which morphed into former special counsel Robert Muellers investigation, found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the results of the 2016 election.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Cloudy with a few showers. High 78F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 61F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
New study identifies a bizarre new species suggesting that giant marine lizards thrived before the asteroid wiped them out 66 million years ago.

A new species of mosasaur - an ancient sea-going lizard from the age of dinosaurs - has been found with shark-like teeth that gave it a deadly slicing bite.

Xenodens calminechari, from the Cretaceous of Morocco, had knifelike teeth that were packed edge to edge to make a serrated blade and resemble those of certain sharks. The cutting teeth let the small, agile mosasaur, about the size of a small porpoise, punch above its weight, cutting fish in half and taking large bites from bigger animals.

Dr Nick Longrich, Senior Lecturer at the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath and lead author on the paper, said: "66 million years ago, the coasts of Africa were the most dangerous seas in the world.

"Predator diversity there was unlike anything seen anywhere else on the planet. The new mosasaur adds to a rapidly growing list of marine reptiles known from the latest Cretaceous of Morocco, which at the time was submerged beneath a tropical sea.

"A huge diversity of mosasaurs lived here. Some were giant, deep-diving predators like modern sperm whales, others with huge teeth and growing up to ten meters long, were top predators like orcas, still others ate shellfish like modern sea otters - and then there was the strange little Xenodens.

"They coexisted with long-necked plesiosaurs, giant sea turtles, and saber-toothed fish. The new mosasaur adds another dangerous predator to the mix."

The discovery also adds to the diversity of marine reptiles in the late Cretaceous. This suggests their diversity peaked just before an asteroid hit 66 million years ago, wiping out marine reptiles and the dinosaurs.

"We're still learning how diverse the mosasaurs were," said Longrich. "And whenever we think we have them figured out, another one turns up."

The fauna lived in the million years before an asteroid hit the earth at the end of the Cretaceous period, ending the reign of the dinosaurs and wiping out 90 per cent or more of all species on Earth. The high diversity found in the new study suggests that the ecosystem wasn't in decline before the asteroid hit; instead the ecosystem seems to suggest that marine reptiles were expanding in diversity before they abruptly went extinct.

The teeth seen in Xenodens are unlike those of any other reptile. But Dr Longrich, who worked on fishing boats growing up in Alaska, had seen something similar before.

He said: "It reminded me of the teeth in the jaws of the sleeper sharks we'd sometimes catch while fishing halibut on my brother's boat. I remember seeing what those sharks could do- they'd carve huge bolts of flesh out of the halibut, almost cutting them in half."

The authors suggest that, similar to sleeper sharks and related dogfish sharks, the unusual jaws allowed the animal to punch above its weight, cutting small fish in half, carving pieces out of larger prey, and perhaps even scavenging on the carcasses of large marine reptiles.

But rather than being an extreme specialist, the teeth probably let Xenodens eat a huge range of prey - "They're like the knives sold on those old late night TV commercial- they'll slice through anything," said Longrich.

Anne Schulp, researcher at Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden and Professor of Palaeontology at Utrecht University, and an author on the paper, said: "I'm blown away by the new discovery.

"I've been working on closely related mosasaurs for a decade or two now, and Xenodens shows this group managed to exploit yet another food source. They clearly were even more successful than we thought."

Dr Nathalie Bardet from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris said: "I have been working on mosasaurs for over 20 years and more specifically on those from the Maastrichtian Phosphates of Morocco which I am familiar with. I must admit that among the ten species that I know, this one has a so unusual and extraordinary dentition that at the beginning I thought it was a 'chimera' reconstructed with different fossils!"

Dr Nour-Eddine Jalil of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and Universite Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech, said: "A mosasaur with shark teeth is a novel adaptation of mosasaurs so surprising that it looked like a fantastic creature out of an artist's imagination.

"Xenodens calminechari is further evidence of the extraordinary paleobiodiversity of the Phosphate Sea.

"It is as if nature is struggling to find all the combinations for an ever finer exploitation of food sources."

###

Nicholas R. Longrich, Nathalie Bardet, Anne S. Schulp, Nour-Eddine Jalil (2021) "Xenodens calminechari, a bizarre mosasaurid (Mosasauridae, Squamata) with shark-like cutting teeth from the upper Maastrichtian of Morocco, North Africa" is published in Cretaceous Research (DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2021.104764).
Syracuse, N.Y.  Residents of Onondaga County will get two more chances to share their concerns and ideas about policing and reforms at the last of a series of online public forums this week.

The final two of six forums organized by an Onondaga County law enforcement coalition will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Heres more information on how to join:

Tuesday, Jan. 19  Focused on the south and east neighborhood of Syracuse . Forum will be hosted by Rev. H. Bernard Alex of Victory Temple Fellowship Church Click here for Zoom link

Wednesday, Jan. 20  Focused on the eastern parts of the county including the towns of DeWitt, Manlius and Pompey. Forum will be hosted by Rev. H. Bernard Alex of Victory Temple Fellowship Church Click here for Zoom link



Organizers have encouraged members of the public to fill out a public comment card online to submit questions and comments, too.

The forums are part of a statewide reform effort authorized by executive order last year by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Police departments across New York state are required to develop reform and reinvention plans by April 1.

Four were held in the last two weeks to focus on other parts of the city and county.

Onondaga County created a website, which outlines participating police agencies and committees set up to address the required reforms. Organizers said the website would also include Zoom links for meetings and updates going forward.

The website also includes recordings of previous forums for those who could not attend.

Reporter Julie McMahon can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992
Doubts have been cast over the partial reopening of schools this week after the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) called on the Department of Education to reconsider plans to resume in-school special education this Thursday.

Following an emergency meeting of the unions central executive committee, the union said teachers' grave safety concerns had not been adequately addressed by public health or by Government.

In a statement, the union said it will continue to engage with the department and public health authorities in an effort to work towards a phased reopening.

The INTO committee is due to meet again tomorrow. INTO president Mary Magner said: We have heard the concerns of teachers in recent days and, while teachers across the country are keen to get back to the classroom, they are scared.

Teachers are committed to supporting their vulnerable pupils, but the safety of staff is vital.

Separately, Forsa, the union that represents special needs assistants, is also due to hold an executive meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation and advise its members. According to the union, serious concerns remain over childcare and vulnerable staff members.

Today, a webinar for teachers, principals, and SNAs heard that no changes are needed to the current infection prevention and control measures for schools.

Thousands of school staff attended the virtual meeting this afternoon, hosted by the Department of Education and public health officials in the HSE.

Anger and anxiety

This included Dr Abigail Collins, a public health consultant and the HSE Covid-19 lead on schools, and Dr Kevin Kelleher, the HSE assistant national director for public health. The level of anxiety and anger amongst a number of those attending was clear from the hundreds of messages sent to the livestreams chat throughout the webinar.

Dr Kelleher said that public health teams are absolutely committed to getting children with special educational needs back to school. What we witnessed last spring was really problematic in terms of this group of children, he said.

When asked if changes are necessary to the current infection prevention measures in schools, given the new variants of Covid-19, he said the variants do appear to be more transmissible. But actually the measures that we have been saying, that should [already be in place], are as applicable before as they are now," he said.

The real issue is when people let the mitigation measures slip, such as during break times, he added.

The new variants are there, but the measures are the same.

"They will protect you if you adhere to them, he added.

Close contacts linked to schools will be tested if there are incidents of positive cases, similarly to hospitals and nursing homes, the meeting was also told.

There are high rates of community transmission, Dr Collins said, but data collected by the HSE show rates of the virus amongst school-age children have been lower than the general population.

We know that with mitigation measures in place and implemented, it does help prevent onward spread with school settings, she said.
A woman wearing a face mask rides an electric bicycle along a street in Beijing, China on Dec. 10, 2020. (WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)

TGA Removes Some China Made Face Masks From the Therapeutic Goods Register

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has said that not all face masks meet the necessary regulatory requirements for safe use and may remove some masks from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) following a post-market review.

The Australian sponsors of 5 out of 15 Chinese-made face mask products have been advised to issue either a product defect alert or product notification that describes the nature of the concern to their customers, so that customers can consider the setting the face mask is being used in, so as to minimise risks associated with its continued use.

Product defect alerts need to be issued for mask products sponsored by Aster Home Nursing Service Pty Ltd (manufactured by Henan Gore Medical Instruments Co Ltd), M House Pty Ltd (manufactured by Wuhan Topmed Trading Co), and Jet Express Group Pty Ltd (manufactured by Chengdu Xinjin Shifeng Medical Apparatus & Instruments Co Ltd).

The products identified by the TGA include masks, single-use masks, and surgical face masks.

A product notification has been issued for De La Fontaine Australia Pty Ltd for incorrect ARTG classification or its Korango Disposable Surgical Mask manufactured by Wuyishan Jiean Medical Device Manufacturing Co Ltd.

3M brand N95 particulate respirators are displayed on a table in San Anselmo, California on July 28, 2020. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Our review has identified some face masks are not meeting all the necessary regulatory requirements (e.g. non-conformance with the Essential Principles including labelling, failed TGA laboratory testing) and/or not performing as intended, i.e. as claimed by the manufacturer, the TGA said on its website on Jan. 18.

The TGA said some masks might pose a risk to public health and safety when used in healthcare, industrial, or commercial settings where protection from contaminated fluids and airborne particulates is required.

These masks are in the process of being cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and sponsors of the products will need to take action.

Face masks subject to a Product Defect Alert or Product Notification are not being physically recalled (or removed from the market), the TGA said.

However, customers should consider taking a precautionary approach, based on the advice within the defect alert or notification and the setting in which they are being used.

The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus (novel coronavirus) pandemic has increased the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks. Face masks are included in the ARTG but do not meet the legislative requirement to be defined as a medical device, usually the requirement to be included on the ARTG.

KN95 masks for sale at a face mask vending machine during the coronavirus pandemic in New York City on May 29, 2020. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

The TGA post-market review aimed to validate which face masks included in the ARTG through the Class I inclusion process met the regulatory requirements and performed as intended.

Masks must demonstrate that they can provide exhalation resistance, inhalation resistance, and particulate filtration efficiency to be included in the National Medical Stockpile.
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill attend an event at Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center at New Castle County Airport in New Castle, Delaware, U.S. January 19, 2021. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

President-elect Joe Biden paid tribute to his Irish heritage by quoting James Joyce in his farewell speech in his home state ahead of tomorrows inauguration.

Addressing the crowd in Delaware, he said: "James Joyce once said, when it comes his time to pass, when he dies, he said, 'Dublin will be written on my heart, well, excuse the emotion, but when I die, Delaware will be written on my heart."

The President-elect, who will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States tomorrow, has been vocal about his strong Irish Catholic roots, revealing his ancestors emigrated from Mayo in the 1880s before settling in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

His great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated from the Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth during the Famine.

Read More

Biden has visited both places during previous visits to Ireland.

Colleagues in the Senate used to always kid me for quoting Irish poets, they thought I did it because Im Irish.

I didnt do it for that reason, I did it because theyre the best poets in the world, he added.

Biden has expressed his love of Irish literature on several occasions and even quoted Heaney in his Presidential campaign video.

The video features Biden reading Seamus Heaneys verse adaptation of an ancient Greek play over a montage of images both of Biden on the campaign trail and scenes from across the US related to the divisive year characterized by protests and the pandemic.

Biden also paid tribute to his late son Beau Biden in his farewell speech, saying I only have one regret, that Beau isnt here because we should be introducing him as President.

Beau Biden, the eldest son of Joe and his first wife Neilia Hunter Biden, passed away in 2015, aged just 46, after suffering from a brain tumor.

Biden was visibly emotional in his farewell address and said it was important that his trip to Washington for the inauguration began in Delaware because it has been so important to his family.

Its deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts here, the place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans.

I know these are dark times, but there is always light.

Thats what makes this state so special, he added.

It is rumoured that Biden will pay a visit to Ireland at some point later in the year, with speculation that it could be his first official state visit.
On his first day in office, US President-elect Joe Biden plans to issue a number of executive orders, including one rescinding the controversial travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries.



According to a memo circulated on Saturday by Ron Klain, Bidens incoming White House chief of staff, the new US administration will launch a spate of reversals on policies implemented by US President Donald Trump over its first 10 days in office.



These also include new coronavirus prevention efforts, rejoining the Paris climate change accord, and immigration legislation allowing for millions to gain citizenship.



Shortly after taking office in 2017, Trump issued an executive order that banned travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.



That order was, however, reworked several times amid legal challenges and a version of it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.



Analysts say the ban could easily be undone as it was issued by executive order and presidential proclamation, though lawsuits from conservative opponents could delay the process.



As president, Ill work with you to rip the poison of hate from our society to honour your contributions and seek your ideas. My administration will look like America, with Muslim Americans serving at every level, Biden said in October.



Other reversals include the extension of pandemic-related limits on evictions and student loan payments, the imposition of mask mandates in federal property and interstate travel, as well as a solution to reunite immigrant children separated from their families, the memo said.



Biden also plans to submit new legislation to provide for the naturalisation of 11 million undocumented people currently living in the country, in addition to a pledge to vaccinate 100 million people in his first 100 days in office.



Biden had previously announced he will push Congress to approve a $1.9bn stimulus package to tackle an economic slump caused by the coronavirus.

Source: Al Jazeera









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
Domestic airlines are adding more late-night flights to their schedule to respond to the spike in travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday season.

Air carriers have mobilized their full capacity to keep up with the surge of customer demands during the holiday season, with more departures added during the late hours as well as early mornings from 1:00 am to 5:00 am, said the firms representatives.

Answering Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the carriers said they have liaised with airports and ground service providers to ensure optimal service quality on late-night flights.

Unlike previous years, night flights on peak travel days cost less than daytime fares, an airline representative revealed.

Competitive fares

Although the Lunar New Year holiday is less than a month away, flight tickets are still abundantly in stock.

In the meantime, airlines are adding more flight trips to their holiday schedule, which is accompanied by an array of promotional campaigns.

From the customers viewpoint, the ticket pricing for this years holiday season has been much more volatile than the past years, with tickets still largely available for the peak period between February 8-12 and February 15-19.

Domestic airlines list around 30-35 trips per day for the Ho Chi Minh City  Hanoi route, with Vietjet providing the cheapest fares from VND2.1-2.8 million (US$90-121) per passenger, while Vietnam Airlines offers the highest price range at VND3.5-4.6 million ($151-198) per ticket.

Price for Vietnam Airlines late-night tickets, however, is set at VND200,000-300,000 ($9-13) lower than flights during the days.

During the peak days from February 6 to 12, up to five flights during late hours are scheduled, while more flights departing as late as 11:30 pm and as early as 5:00 am are also listed.

Pham Thi Ty, a resident in Ho Chi Minh Citys Binh Thanh District, saved VND2 million ($86) by purchasing four flight tickets that depart at the odd hours of 4:30 am instead of the conventional daytime.

According to Ty, it would cost her VND9.2 million ($400) for four tickets to Da Nang City from Ho Chi Minh City had she chosen to depart in the regular hours.

Its the Lunar New Year after all, [I can] wake up earlier for the 4:30 am flight in order to land at Da Nang at 6:00 am. The crowd at the check-in counter would be less intense at that hour. Once I reach the arrival airport, I can board a bus and go straight back home, Ty said.

Passengers of Jetstar Pacific, currently Pacific Airlines, board an airplane at night. Photo: C.Trung / Tuoi Tre

New routes, new promotion

According to Nguyen Quang Trung, head of planning and development at Vietnam Airlines, the number of late-night flights for the 2021 Lunar New Year has increased 30 percent compared to last year, with the majority being scheduled during peak days.

As part of the plan to focus on the domestic market, the boost in late-night flights will also help to mitigate the burden for the air operator as well as airports during the holiday rush, while offering choices of reasonable price to customers.

According to Trung, ticket price for the 2021 Lunar New Year has dropped 10 percent compared to the previous holiday season, while Vietnam Airlines has not kept on offering new options to customers with new economy ticket class and promotion programs.

The airline is also eyeing more late-night departures with even lower fares in case flight demands remain unfulfilled.

The challenge, however, is the lack of time slots and the unwelcoming position of airports when it comes to late-night service.

The operational cost for the terminals, utilities and staff is extremely high during the late hours. For that reason, more late-night flights would not prove worthwhile for some airports with low traffic, the representative explained.

According to a leader of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, 21 domestic airports were required to assume the position for the peak holiday season, which involves ensuring service quality and safety measures.

He assured that province-level airports will still maintain service for late-night flights provided the airlines plan more trips during the Lunar New Year season.

So far, Vietnam Airlines Group, a consortium of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and VASCO, has announced over 2,100 added flights on the Lunar New Year schedule, which brings the total number of seats offered for the peak holiday season to more than 2.4 million.

Meanwhile, Vietjet also prepared 1.5 million seats for flights during the Lunar New Year.

The no-frills airline offered another 1.5 million tickets for low-peak seasons of the year 2021 that cost only VND555,000 ($24) each.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Qatar Airways and EgyptAir resumed on Monday flights to the two countries' capitals after Egypt ended a three-and-half year boycott of Doha and reopened its airspace to the Gulf Kingdom.

A Qatar Airways flight carrying 100 passengers arrived from Doha to Cairo International Airport, while an EgyptAir flight carrying 38 passengers traveled from Cairo to Doha.

The resumption of flights between Egypt and Qatar comes a week after the Arab Quartet - Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain- signed the Al-Ula agreement with Qatar, ending their three-and-half-year boycott of Doha and resuming travel and diplomatic relations.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain re-opened their airspaces to Qatar last week.

Short link:



New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of national security after reports that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Remember his promise - '??? ??? ????? ???? ?????' (Will not let the country bow)," Gandhi said on Twitter as he posted a link of a news report about the alleged "Chinese village".

In a cautious reaction to the reports, India had on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security, and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.
Dover Downs is offering a guaranteed $10,000 Pick-5 pool this Thursday (Jan. 21).

The wager consists of the final five races on the program and offers a lowered 15 per cent takeout.

(Dover Downs)
Alexei Navalny, Russias leading fighter for democracy, returned home this week after recuperating in Germany from a Kremlin attempt to murder him by poison as he campaigned in Siberia.

It is almost impossible to comprehend the bravery it took for Navalny to take that risk. He faced a phalanx of Russian police at the airport, and a swift mock trial in a police station, after which he was jailed, at the total mercy of would-be Kremlin killers.

Yet there is something painfully appropriate about Navalny taking that gamble the very same week Donald Trump leaves office. Trump will be recalled by historians mainly for his Big Lie about a stolen election that incited thousands of his fans to sack the U.S. Capitol.

But Navalnys bravery sends another message altogether, reminding Americans that peaceful elections can no longer be taken for granted in this country.

 READ MORE: How can Biden approach the Russia mess Trump left in his lap? | Trudy Rubin

What makes Navalny do what he did? an Iranian-born artist named Marjan Moghaddam tweeted this week. To teach all the cowards in our world you have choices (if you want to be) on the right side of history. Every GOP senator voting whether to convict Trump on inciting insurrection will face such a choice in the coming weeks.

The impact of the Capitol insurrection on foreign allies and adversaries cannot be overestimated  along with the sight of 25,000 National Guard troops on Washingtons streets. Chinese media are crowing about chaos at the Capitol, and bragging that Chinas free-market authoritarianism outdoes broken U.S. democracy.

Despite their relief at the end of the Trump presidency, European allies are uncertain about the stability of Americas democratic institutions after the insurrection at the Capitol. There is genuine shock at the 147 GOP legislators who voted against certifying the election.

Meanwhile, Trump will continue to promote the Big Lie from Mar-a Lago, having been the first president in 150 years to boycott his successors inauguration.

However, the Biden teams reaction to the Navalny affair demonstrates that the new president , unlike Trump, appreciates that democracy must be supported abroad  and cherished at home.

While Trump steadfastly refused to criticize the Kremlins poisoning of Navalny, in contrast to furious European leaders, President-elect Joe Biden directly called out the Russian state for using the Soviet-era chemical weapon, Novichok. As president, a Biden statement said, I will do what Donald trump refuses to do: work with our allies and partners to hold the Putin regime accountable for its crimes.

And Jake Sullivan, Bidens choice for National Security Adviser, tweeted this week: Mr. Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable.

These statements are important, and not only to put the new administration on record as willing to deal firmly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This is a time when democracy is on the back foot, as America has floundered badly in its COVID-19 response, along with Britain, and to a far lesser extent other European allies. All face economic crises. Navalnys courage  as a symbol of democracys continued allure and his willingness to fight for it against huge odds  challenge the claim by Putin and Xi Jinping that democratic systems no longer hold appeal.

Think for a moment of what Navalny is up against, and you see why this symbol is so powerful. Despite constant Kremlin threats, arrests, and physical attacks, he has amassed a broad, youthful following, using videos outing corruption by Kremlin cronies. Banned from running himself, he is focused on electing reformers at local levels.

 READ MORE: Can Russian opposition leader Navalny use social media to combat Putin? | Trudy Rubin

He was poisoned last summer by Russian intelligence agents, who applied a banned chemical agent to his clothing. A cartoon in London newspaper, The Times, this week, shows Putin in a face mask and an apron holding a huge needle, and about to plunge it into a defenseless Navalny, saying Back for your second dose, Mr. Navalny?

Yevgenia Albats, a leading Russian opposition journalist, told me that Navalny would be equally vulnerable to other kinds of assassination while in prison, ordered by the Kremlin. The probability is some criminal might kill him if he goes to jail.

Yet when I last interviewed Navalny in Moscow, in 2018, he was ready to risk everything. Im a democrat and want rule of law and for Russia to be part of Europe, he told me, in a modern office, filled with young volunteers, who raise money, and organize rallies. Did he fear assassination? He told me They [the Kremlin] missed a chance when I was less popular. But he added, Maybe they are still saving this tool.

So the Biden team should immediately join with European leaders to make clear to Putin that any harm to Navalny will result in sanctions against assets of Putin and his Kremlin cronies.

If Navalny is ready to die for democracy, surely 17 GOP senators can find the courage to vote for democracy by convicting Donald Trump of incitement, and ensuring he cannot run again for office. Or will their cowardice shame our country, and prove that our democracy is indeed in deep decline?
Gettyimagesbank



By Lee Hyo-jin



For language tutor Lee Yoon-ji, 30, working from home in Seoul  because classes have been moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic  has been a nightmare over the past several months. Lee's lessons frequently get disturbed by loud noises coming from her upstairs neighbors  a family of four with two young children and a dog.



The children, who are usually at home as schools are closed, seem to spend most of their time running, jumping and shouting and the dog barks non-stop.



"I've asked them politely to keep the noise down several times, at least during my working hours in the morning, but nothing has changed," she said.



Lee is seriously considering filing a complaint with the state-run mediation service under the Korea Environment Center (KEC)  she is among thousands of people sharing the same problem.



With the year-long coronavirus pandemic keeping people stuck at home, the number of complaints over noise in apartment buildings has risen sharply, according to recent data from the KEC.



A total of 42,250 noise-related complaints were reported in 2020, more than double the yearly average of 20,508. The monthly figure for December hit a record high of 6,145, the largest since the center began to collect relevant data in 2012.



The increase showed a big correlation with the COVID-19 quarantine measures, with the imposition of tighter social distancing rules leading to more complaints being filed.



However, due to the lack of any solutions, disputes between neighbors can go from bad to worse, with some cases leading to assault and even escalating to murder.



Internet users share different ways to get back at their noisy neighbors on social media, for instance, by installing a high-power woofer speaker on the ceiling to cause noise and vibration in the apartment above.



Cha Sang-gon, head of the House Culture Research Institute, said a more sensible solution would be to contact a mediator, rather than neighbors trying to solve the issue between themselves.



"Noise between floors is a tricky subject, as it's difficult to measure the exact damage caused by the disturbance. So when a problem occurs, it's better to ask the apartment management or government support centers to intervene," Cha told The Korea Times.



But as state-run mediation services cannot deal with every case due to their limited number of personnel, Cha advised communities in every apartment complex should actively organize their own residents' mediation committees.



He also pointed out that the poor soundproofing of floors in many apartment buildings may be aggravating the matter. "A national audit conducted in 2019 showed that the soundproof quality of walls and floors in about six out of 10 apartments was substandard," he said.



Regarding the issue, Rep. Yang Kyung-suk of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea proposed a revision bill to the Housing Act, Monday, which will hold builders liable for substandard soundproofing of homes.



"The construction companies that built the poor quality houses in the first place should take responsibility for noise between floors. Implementing strong measures such as a suspension of business, punitive damages and the strengthening of monitoring will force them to comply with standards," Yang said.


William Brown has yet to set foot in a classroom during his freshman year of high school -- kept at home, like many students, by the pandemic.

Days before Christmas, he took a step that could help him and other youngsters return to school sooner. With his parents' encouragement, the 15-year-old signed up for a trial of Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine in adolescents.

"I miss seeing all my friends, and being in person, talking to my teachers," Brown said by phone from Raleigh, N.C. "Hopefully, me doing this will allow people my age to get back to school."

In the U.S., more than 14 million covid-19 shots have been given since mid-December, mainly to health workers, the elderly and those at high risk. To defeat the pandemic and fully revive the economy, children will also have to be immunized, experts say.

To that end, trials to make sure vaccines are safe for the young are beginning in earnest. Pfizer and Moderna Inc. started recruiting participants at the end of last year, and could have data from studies by summer. The University of Oxford, which developed a vaccine with AstraZeneca Plc, is planning initial tests in 12- to 18-year-olds next month.

"If you want to get this under control, you need to vaccinate kids," said Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson. He estimates J&J will start trials for children four to six weeks after receiving results from its adult studies, which are expected by early February.

Governments around the world have repeatedly shut schools and nurseries to help curb the virus, burdening working parents and the economy. While the young don't generally suffer from severe covid, immunizing them could reduce the spread to people at higher risk.

"The main rationale for vaccinating children, given that they're relatively unaffected, would be to try and have an impact on transmission of the virus," said Andrew Pollard, lead investigator on the Oxford trials, in an interview.

The adolescent trial of the Pfizer vaccine, created with German partner BioNTech SE, has completed enrollment, with 2,000 volunteers ages 12 to 15 participating, according to John Vanchiere, principal investigator for the trial site at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport. A Pfizer spokesperson declined to confirm that enrollment was finished, and said the company will share data in time.

Moderna gave its first doses to young volunteers in December, and plans to have initial data from its 3,000-strong trial of 12- to 18-year-olds in time for possible approval before the 2021 school year. But the company has been struggling with enrollment, said Moncef Slaoui, chief scientific adviser to the U.S.'s Operation Warp Speed program, which aims to accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines.

"It's been a real challenge," Slaoui said at a briefing Wednesday. After four weeks, Moderna and its partners at the National Institutes of Health had "only recruited about 800 subjects in the trial," he said.

A spokesperson for Moderna, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said enrollment was lower over the holiday season but that the company expects a pickup and is on track to provide data by around midyear.

At Oxford, the university plans to recruit about 120 children in both the 12-to-18 and 6-to-11 age groups, Pollard said. AstraZeneca will then run a larger trial for children in the U.S. The company declined to provide information on the size or timing of that study.

Valneva SE, which has vaccine agreements with the U.K. and European Union, said it's planning to start trials for children in the second quarter.

How quickly governments roll out vaccines for kids may depend on how much data scientists can gather on the role children play in transmission, and how much vaccines can stop the spread. Little is known so far about either.

Most clinical trials for children start with teenagers and work their way down for safety reasons. A number of investigators said children under 5 may be included in future trials, but routine inoculations for young kids and babies can make those studies harder to organize. They're also more difficult for parents, who must monitor symptoms closely.

"We have a long history of ensuring clinical trials among children are quite safe," said Lee Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "That's why you enroll in phases. At the point that you get to pediatric trials, you've already gone through adult trials, where they've demonstrated safety."

Children over 12 will receive the same dose as adults in the Pfizer, Moderna and Oxford trials. In a pandemic, it's better to avoid multiple dose formulations unless there's a difference in tolerability, Oxford's Pollard said. That may change, however, as pharmaceutical companies work their way toward younger children.

The main driver for covid-19 child vaccinations is achieving herd immunity, according to Beate Kampmann, director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine's vaccine center. That's unlikely to be achieved if more than a quarter of the global population is unprotected.

"Children are part of the transmission chain, so eventually, if we want to get to the stage of herd immunity, they have to be included in vaccination schedules," said Kampmann.

Given that other coronaviruses don't induce lifelong protection, either naturally or through vaccines, it's unlikely that covid-19 shots will do so, Pollard cautioned. But they could prevent severe disease, and vaccinating children might be important for that effort.

For students, as well as parents overwhelmed by the pandemic, a vaccine for children could mean a return to normalcy.

"This year has been the strangest anyone has ever experienced," said Lisa Brown, William's mother. "It's important for this age group to get vaccinated so that they can go back to school, and things can go back to normal."

While face masks were once rare sightings, they're now compulsory in a range of settings across the UK.

The face coverings play a key role in stopping the spread of Covid-19, yet many iPhone users have been frustrated that their masks have prevented them from unlocking their iPhones using Apple's facial recognition technology, Face ID.

Now, a report indicates that Apple could be bringing back its Touch ID technology in its 2021 iPhone, in the form of an in-screen fingerprint reader, to help users unlock their smartphones without having to remove their masks.

Rather than being a replacement for Face ID, Touch ID would be an additional method of unlocking the iPhone, according to the report.

Many iPhone users have been frustrated that their masks have prevented them from unlocking their iPhone using Apple's facial recognition technology, Face ID (stock image)

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR IPHONE FACE ID TO RECOGNISE YOU WITH A MASK ON Use a brand-new mask Fold it in half and hook the one side around your ear Hold the mask in the lower middle position with your hand Make sure the upper corner covers half of the tip of your nose Open the Face ID section of the Settings app on your iPhone: Settings > Face ID & Passcode Move your head as instructed to scan your new masked appearance. Advertisement

The report, by Bloomberg, indicates that changes to this year's iPhone will be minor.

It said: 'Apple isn't planning major changes for this year's iPhone line given the enhancements made to the smartphone in 2020, including 5G and new designs, according to people familiar with the situation.

'Inside Apple, engineers consider the next iPhones another 'S' version of the device, the nomenclature typically given to new iPhones with minor upgrades.'

However, one of the biggest changes is expected to be the addition of an in-screen fingerprint reader, which would be offered alongside the current Face ID and passcode options.

'Apple is still testing a key upgrade for 2021: an in-screen fingerprint reader,' the report explains.

'This would add a new method for users to unlock their iPhone, going beyond a passcode and Face ID facial recognition.'

Apple first introduced Touch ID in 2013, in the form of a fingerprint reader integrated into the iPhone's home button.

However, Apple started to move away from this technology in 2017, with the introduction of Face ID in the iPhone X.

According to Bloomberg, instead of reintroducing a Home button, the Touch ID technology would be embedded within the new iPhone screen.

According to Bloomberg, instead of reintroducing a Home button, the Touch ID technology would be embedded within the new iPhone screen

This could be particularly useful for iPhone users during the Covid-19 pandemic.

'The feature would be convenient in an environment where users wear masks, which are often incompatible with facial recognition,' Bloomberg said.

'An in-screen fingerprint reader, which has also been featured on Android phones for several years, could also be quicker than Face ID for some users.

'Apple won't remove its facial recognition scanner though as it's still useful for augmented reality and camera features.'

Face coverings play a key role in stopping the spread of Covid-19, yet many iPhone users have been frustrated that their masks have prevented them from unlocking their iPhone using Apple's facial recognition technology, Face ID

Several frustrated iPhone users have taken to Twitter over the last few months, complaining of being unable to unlock their smartphone with their face mask on

One iPhone user joked: 'Think I just scared my phone with my face mask. Face ID was like who tf are you?!'

Apple has not commented on the rumours, and is yet to announce a launch data or any details for its 2021 iPhone.

If an in-screen fingerprint sensor was included in the next iPhone, it would put the smartphone in direct competition with several Android models with the same technology.

For example, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, OnePlus 8, 8T, and 8 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 10 series, Realme X50 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 3 all feature in-screen fingerprint sensors.

Several frustrated iPhone users have taken to Twitter over the last few months, complaining of being unable to unlock their smartphone with their face mask on.

One user wrote: 'It's annoying that I have to remove my face mask to use my Face ID.'

Apple first introduced Touch ID in 2013, in the form of a fingerprint reader within the iPhone's home button

Another added: 'Having to slide down the face mask for Face ID to work is quite inconvenient.'

And one joked: 'Think I just scared my phone with my face mask. Face ID was like who tf are you?!'

However, back in April, researchers at Tencent Security's Xianwu Lab cracked the code on training the iPhone to recognise users while wearing a mask.

They say to use a brand-new mask, fold it in half and hook the one side around your ear so it lays flat on your face.

Hold the mask in the lower middle position with your hand, pull it to the semi-masked state without any creases.

While half of your face is covered, pull up Face ID on your iPhone and follow the prompts.

However, the team found that not all masks will work with the trick  it seems that those made of soft material are recognisable.
HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (the "Company"), a global container liner shipping company with over 75 years of experience, announced today it has commenced an initial public offering of 17,500,000 ordinary shares of its share capital. The initial public offering is expected to be at a price of between $16.00 and $19.00 per share. ZIM expects to grant the underwriters of the initial public offering an option, exercisable over a 30 day period, to purchase up to 2,625,000 additional ordinary shares of its share capital at the initial public offering price. The ordinary shares are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ZIM".

Citigroup, Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC., and Barclays are acting as global coordinators and Jefferies and Clarksons Platou Securities are acting as joint bookrunners for the proposed initial public offering.

The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the proposed offering, when available, may be obtained from: Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, by telephone at 1-800-831-9146; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at 1-866-471-2526 or by email at [email protected]; and Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 1-888-603-5847 or by email at [email protected].

A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to these offered securities has been filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities to be registered may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time when the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About ZIM

ZIM is a global, asset-light container liner shipping company with leadership positions in the markets where it operates. Founded in Israel in 1945, ZIM is one of the oldest shipping liners, with over 75 years of experience, providing customers with innovative seaborne transportation and logistics services with a reputation for industry leading transit times, schedule reliability and service excellence.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements included herein may constitute forward-looking statements which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors.

Contact Detail:

Avner Shats

[email protected]

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.

SOURCE ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.


By Erica L. Ball, Tatiana Seijas and Terri L. Snyder

When Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president of the United States on Wednesday, it will mark several historic firsts. The daughter of immigrants, she will be the first woman of color, the first person of African descent, the first person of South Asian descent and the first graduate of a historically Black college or university to be elected to the vice presidency. She stands on her intellectual and political achievements and her personal history reflects how women of color have pushed for an expansion of rights and opportunities in the Americas.

Like Epsy Campbell Barr, the first woman of African descent elected vice president in the Americas (Costa Rica in 2018), Harris stands on the shoulders of countless other women across the Americas who strived for freedom, most of them unknown to history. As she acknowledged in her acceptance speech on Nov. 8, her victory is built on the efforts of Black women who fought for freedom and strove to create a better world for themselves, their families and their communities. Their fight did not begin with Rosa Parks in 1955, and it was not limited to the United States. It has been a 500-year struggle waged by women throughout the Americas.

Over the past 500-plus years, women and men have arrived in our hemisphere from across the world, many willingly but many others forcibly as the trans-Atlantic slave trade expanded and the global slave trade accelerated, bringing more than 12 million captive Africans to the Americas. All faced the challenge of building new lives  and building freedom  for themselves and their families.

Harriss parents exemplify these migrations. Her father, Donald Jasper Harris, emigrated to the United States from Jamaica and became a renowned economist. Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan, emigrated from India and became a pioneering breast cancer researcher and civil rights activist. They raised their daughters to navigate the shoals of being Black and first-generation Americans. Like her parents, Harriss life reflects the capacity of education to empower all Americans.

Throughout the history of the Americas, African-descended women have been leaders and seekers of freedom. These women did not conceptualize freedom in the narrowest of terms  simply the freedom to do what I want or freedom on the terms of elite white men. Women conceptualized a more capacious form of freedom that offered better conditions for people of African and Indigenous descent and more possibilities for their children.

Womens fight prior to abolition was about the collective goal of combatting oppression  both of sex and race  for the enslaved community as a whole and for their descendants. A hemispheric view brings to light women who participated in a long freedom struggle, campaigning alongside parents, siblings, husbands and friends to push back against laws and practices that sought to constrain them and to improve the societies in which they lived.

Women like Mary Ellen Pleasant, the mother of civil rights in California, used the wealth she generated as a boarding-house owner and real estate investor to support the abolitionist movement. She also filed a lawsuit that desegregated San Franciscos public transportation system. The novelist Marina Firmina dos Reis wrote novels that critiqued slavery in her native Brazil. In the United States, activist Carrie Williams Clifford campaigned for womens right to vote even as the promise of Reconstruction gave way to the violent white supremacist regime of Jim Crow.

And Maria Remedios del Valle became known as the mother of the nation of Argentina thanks to her participation in military campaigns during the Argentine wars for independence.

As historian Martha S. Jones argues, countless unknown women of African descent are the predecessors of Black women leaders like Stacey Abrams who are taking part in a long-standing fight against white supremacy, which is also a fight for the expansion of freedom and true democracy for all people.

As we celebrate Harriss historic firsts this January, let us also remember that her path to the White House was paved over centuries as Black women struggled for freedom  freedom from slavery, freedom to vote, freedom to protect their families and communities  across the American continent.

Erica L. Ball is a professor of history and Black studies at Occidental College.

Tatiana Seijas is an associate professor of history at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Terri L. Snyder is a professor of American studies at California State University, Fullerton.

All three women are the editors of As If She Were Free: A Collective Biography of Women and Emancipation in the Americas.

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.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) (UPDATED) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned Tuesday his state will sue if Congress doesnt send $15 billion in unrestricted emergency COVID-19 aid.

He presented two vastly different budget scenarios for if Congress provides New York with $6 billion or if New York receives $15 billion.

The state is facing a dramatic loss in sales and income tax revenue in the wake of sweeping COVID-19 restrictions that drastically reduced last Februarys budget projections.

The governor blamed President Donald Trumps administration for allowing COVID-19 to hit New York and the rest of the nation.

New York is nearing 42,000 deaths of people who had COVID-19, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.

To view the full FY 2022 Executive Budget Briefing Book PDF, click here.

Below are statements released by local leaders regarding Cuomo's budget address.

State Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-49

Governor Cuomos blame game budget presentation made us all mindful of the child who was before the judge for killing his parents and pleaded for mercy  for after all  he was an orphan!

From listening to the Governors presentation, one would think its everyone elses responsibility for balancing New York States budget but his. Other than selling drugs and trying to get more gambling dollars, which would provide minimal revenue and bring a whole new set of safety and financial costs, the Governor presented zero proposals or a realistic plan to make New York economically viable going forward.

Governor Cuomos blame game budget proposal was just more of the same tired rhetoric accusing the federal government and just about everyone and everything else for New York States woes and not taking any responsibility for his own failed leadership.

And once again, the Governor refused to talk about the elephant in the room, which is the fact that New York State is number one in taxes and coincidentally again leads the nation in outmigration of residents with 126,000 people leaving last year and over one million in the past decade of his watch, which will likely lead to the state losing two congressional seats in the next redistricting.

The millions who have fled our state and those who are now contemplating their exodus to a more taxpayer-friendly state have one thing in common: No one wants to be the last one left in New York to pay for our states overzealous taxes, regulations, mandates and laws. The last thing the state should be doing is raising taxes again. We need both a short term plan to address the budget deficit and a long term policy of moderation and common sense  not more social experimentation on the taxpayers dime!

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

Gov. Cuomo put forward a state budget proposal during one of the most difficult times faced by our state. The pandemic is far from over, and it continues to have damaging effects on our revenues and spending. While our state economy has improved, state tax receipts are still $2.5 billion below the same point last year.

As the Governor pointed out, without federal action communities around the state may face devastating cuts with serious consequences for New Yorkers. I am encouraged by the incoming Biden-Harris administrations plan to provide additional help for state and local governments, but we need this aid soon.

My office will release a more detailed analysis of the budget proposal in the coming days.

New York GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy

Cuomos so-called budget address was a joke. It was exactly like everything else he does--a political performance with no substance or details. Cuomo is due for a major reality check when his Partys total Democrat control in Washington and New York will leave him with no one to blame for his failures. New York is facing serious challenges that demand serious leaders. The emperor has no clothes.

Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-101

The governors budget address gave no clarity on our states financial outlook. There was no financial plan, no direction to move our state forward. We have two terrible scenarios ahead, which we anticipated.

"New York needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, and that means tough choices will need to be made. Now is not the time to be focusing on blame, however. As we move forward with a spending plan, we need to spend the states resources slowly, moving us closer to recovery from the pandemic.

"Our priorities need to ensure we can meet the challenges we face as best as possible in this terrible financial situation. As we continue negotiating a final budget, we cannot allow costs to be passed down to our local governments or, ultimately, to taxpayers.

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta

This tale of two budgets is stark and a clear message to Washington that New York needs its fair share in additional stimulus funding. We agree. But, as weve said since last year, a two-pronged approach to the states fiscal crisis that includes additional federal funding for public services and new state taxes on the ultrawealthy is a long-term imperative.

Its a positive signal to hear that the governors best case scenario budget would turn fair funding from Washington into significant resources for K-12 education, higher education and health care. However, under the worst case scenario, using federal money while reducing the states share of education funding  rather than supplementing state funding  is reminiscent of the Gap Elimination Adjustment we fought for years to close. As a state, we cant afford to view cuts of any kind to public schools and colleges, public health care, and other public services funded by state and local governments as a default option  especially when the billionaire class has seen its wealth grow as millions of New York families have struggled during this pandemic.

We look forward to reviewing the executive budget legislation in detail and amplifying the voices of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in education, higher education, human services and health care in Albany and Washington in the months ahead to fight for a budget that meets New Yorkers needs during this COVID crisis.

State Sen. Peter Oberacker, R-51

As a small business owner, I am used to reviewing budget spreadsheets. Unfortunately todays presentation from the governor failed to include many of the details needed to truly assess his spending proposal. Blaming Washington for our woes and threatening lawsuits is not the best path forward.

Help for small businesses, aid for our schools, and a real tax relief plan for our upstate homeowners are key to helping our state recover. I will be reviewing the governors plan with an eye toward these and other key items that will restart our local economies.

Tax credits for businesses and plans to improve broadband access are among the positives I did hear, but the specifics are what count. Infrastructure improvements are also sorely needed and upstate New York needs to receive a fair share of funding to improve our roads and bridges.

I look forward to taking part in the upcoming budget hearings to fully review the governors proposal and help develop a final plan that meets the needs of those I represent and establishes a strong foundation for our future.

Unshackle Upstate Executive Director Justin Wilcox

Governor Cuomos employer-centric recovery proposals reflect the importance of helping small businesses recover and rehiring workers. While these proposals are a solid first step, we need to go much further. Advancing broad-based tax relief, regulatory reforms and COVID-related protections will give struggling employers much-needed relief during this critical time.

However, large tax hikes, new fees and other regressive measures must be rejected moving forward. Chasing away taxpayers and employers will only worsen the state's economic crisis. Thats not what New York needs right now.

It's time to embrace pro-growth policies that will rebuild our economy and revive our communities.
18+

FOR.kg search news service (news aggregator, media aggregator)

Read first Agreement on the use of the FOR.kg search site

When using materials from the FOR.kg - reference to the source is required

For all questions please contact customer support

Tehran:

Iran launched a series of missiles into Syria on Sunday in revenge for deadly attacks on its capital that were claimed by the Islamic State group, said countrys Revolutionary Guard.

The missiles were fired from western Iran across the border into Deir Ezzor province, in northeastern Syria, targeting what the Guard called terror bases.

The Guard said, in a statement published on its Sepahnews website, that the missiles were in retaliation for the June 7 attacks on Tehran claimed by IS.

Medium-range missiles were fired from the (western) provinces of Kermanshah and Kurdestan, and a large number of terrorists were killed and weapons destroyed, the statement said.

It said the attack targeted a command base.... of the terrorists in Deir Ezzor, Syrias oil-rich eastern province.

On June 7, gunmen and suicide bombers attacked the parliament complex and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing 17 people.

Also read: Iran leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shrugs off IS attacks in Tehran

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which accused Saudi Arabia of involvement in the attacks, vowed to avenge the bloodshed.

Senior Iranian officials had also put the blame on Riyadh after the Tehran attacks, saying Saudi Arabia was promoting terrorist groups in Iran.

The Islamic republic of Iran is a key ally of the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, alongside Russia and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement of Lebanon.

Iran has sent to Syria military advisers as well as thousands of volunteer fighters recruited among its own nationals as well as the Shiite communities in neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan since Syrias conflict broke out in March 2011.

According to a report published in March, some 2,100 combatants sent by Iran have died in Syria and Iraq.

Also read: Iran Parliament and Khomeini tomb attacks: 4 terrorists, 12 others dead; ISIS claims responsibility

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday upped the ante against the BJP, calling the party a 'venomous snake' and asking the people of Purulia in West Bengal to reject the party.

Banerjee said, "BJP is more dangerous than the Maoists... It is like a venomous snake which will finish you off in a single bite and devour everything that comes its way."

During the public meeting held in Purulia, he said that the district was one of the earliest base of the Bengali language movement. "People of Purulia have never accepted outsiders," she said.

"Kick the BJP out when they come to you for votes," she said during the meeting.

Also read: Why Mamata Banerjee's Nandigram Move is a Strong Message for Her Detractors

Her remarks come a day after she announced that she will be contesting from Nandigram, a seat that was earlier held by rebel Suvendhu Adhikari who joined the BJP. As she posed a direct challenge to the BJP with her announcement, the BJP too hit back at Banerjee saying the move reeked of "political nervousness."

Retorting to the BJP, she said, "Everyone is welcome on this stage and take a look at this gathering and report if people come to Mamata Banerjee's meetings or not."

Banerjee also hit out at senior BJP leader Tathagata Roy without naming him. "BJP threatening a young Tollygunge actress Sayoni (Ghosh) for speaking her mind... They do this in Delhi and UP... But if they try to threaten our cultural personalities in Bengal then we will shut their mouth by putting leucoplasts on their lips."

Roy filed a case against Ghosh for a meme she shared on Twitter that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.

Banerjee also criticised those who had jumped ship to the BJP. She said,"Those who are jumping ship to the BJP are actually good riddance... Because they would have caused more trouble inside the party... They are the ones with greed unlike you who have not sold your souls... They will come to your house and offer you money for votes, take the money but don't give them votes."

Also read: 'She'll Lose by Half a Lakh Votes or I'll Quit': On Mamata's Nandigram Decision, Suvendu Predicts Bengal Poll Results

Referring to her defectors she said, "You can change your attire frequently, but you cannot change your character, your ideology.

She said, I have been noticing for a few days that BJP is sending their workers in my public meeting to create disturbance. Now I will send some people to disturb BJP, CPM meetings.

Accusing that the media is pressured to change the opinion poll in BJPs favour, Mamata said, BJP leaders are threatening the owner of the media houses to show an opinion poll in their favour. Recently an opinion of a regional channel poll found TMC is crossing the magic-figure of 148 seats in Bengal. But it was not shown and suppressed after being asked by the BJP leaders in Delhi. I believe that such cheap politics will not stop us from winning the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile clashes took place between BJP and TMC supporters in East Midnapore's Khejuri, ahead of Suvendu Adhikari's public meeting in the area. The clashes took place when rallies by TMC and BJP came face to face. The police and combat force found it difficult to contain the violence.

Adhikari too criticised Banerjee on Monday saying the Bengal chief minister "remembered Nandigram only during polls". "Mamata has remembered Nandigram only during elections. What has she done for Nandigram? This place will never forgive her. You, your corrupt nephew and your 'private limited' can make announcements. But you will lose Nandigram by over half a lakh votes, or else I will quit politics. Whether it be me or anyone whom the BJP chooses to contest from Nandigram, will beat Mamata by over half lakh votes," Adhikari said at his rally.

When President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural speech on Jan. 20, 2017, he promised an end to American carnage, a bleak and dysfunctional nation he had promised that he alone could fix. Closing out his presidency exactly four years later, Trump leaves behind an even more polarized America, where thousands are dying daily from the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy is badly damaged and political violence has surged. Trump didnt create the bitter differences that have come to define American life. Still, he seized upon many of them as tools to build his power ...
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. Hot. High 91F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few isolated thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 68F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
GREENWICH  A car crash involving a Mercedes SUV on East Elm Street disrupted traffic in central Greenwich on Tuesday morning, police said.

East Elm between Greenwich Avenue and Mason Street was blocked after the one-vehicle accident around 9:30 a.m., according to police. Police officers responded to the scene of the crash, witnesses said.

According to police Capt. Mark Zuccerella, The investigation revealed the operator suffered a medical emergency, which caused the vehicle to crash into the old Greenwich Time building. The operator was transported to the hospital.

There was no information released on the extent of injuries for the driver or anyone else.

The damaged vehicle came to rest off the roadway after the crash, according to witnesses.
Nothing President Trump has said would ever make me breach the walls or create a riot. Its stupid. I do not believe in impeaching President Trump, and I think were foolish if we do this. There are many good things he has done. He is basically a simple man, about more common than any other president we have ever had. He is incorrect in his speech sometimes. But I will not fault him for the deaths. Rioting is wrong, and the people who went there and who rioted should have that as their own responsibility, not the president. He did not say go out and riot. He said believe in what you do, and that is what I heard. You as a country are wrong to impeach him. I am ashamed of those Republicans who voted to impeach him, and just shame on you. Let it go.
Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31104

According to this study, over the next five years, the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

W+D Bicma

Fameccanica

Curt G Joa

Peixin

GDM

Guangzhou Xingshi

JWC Machinery

Cellulose Converting Solutions (CCS)

Anqing Hengchang (HCH)

Quanzhou Pine Heart

Andritz Diatec

Quanzhou Hanwei Machinery

M.D. Viola

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31104

This study considers the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Full-Automatic

Semi-Automatic

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Tape Type

Pants Type

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31104

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Automatic Baby Diaper Making Machine submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/automatic-baby-diaper-making-machine-market-size-share-growth-outlook-forecast-research-report-till-2025/
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.
Around the same time, crew also responded to an apartment fire in the 2200 block of north Butrick on the citys north side. The fire, which was apparently started in a cooking accident, was extinguished by the buildings sprinkler system, the department said.
Ferrari president John Elkann "doesn't like racing".

That is the claim of highly-respected Italian F1 insider Leo Turrini, who mused on his Quotidiano blog about Ferrari's performance crash of 2020.

"The current situation is a consequence of the mistakes that Ferrari has made over the past ten years," he insisted. "And Binotto certainly needs to do something about it.

"But making Binotto the scapegoat is clearly not right."

Turrini also said Elkann, who in December took over as CEO when Louis Camilleri suddenly retired, can still be "a good president" despite his lack of enthusiasm for F1.

"John Elkann doesn't like racing and he has a right to it," he said. "He can still be a good president if he chooses the right assistants to make up for his lack of passion for racing."

Turrini also poured cold water on suggestions Ferrari could reunite with its old boss, Jean Todt, after the 74-year-old soon relinquishes his role as FIA president.

"I would be very surprised," he said.

"On the other hand, never say never. It's just that he worked for Ferrari for 15 years, won everything that could be won, became a very rich man and a famous person. And he is not getting younger.

"Why would he return to Italy?" Turrini wondered.

(GMM)




Chinese officials urged people to avoid traveling home for the Lunar New Year observance to prevent spreading the coronavirus in rural areas.

China reported its biggest one-day jump in COVID cases in more than five months on Wednesday. Efforts to contain the new wave of infections include a lockdown of four cities. Most of the new cases were reported near the capital, Beijing; but an area in the far northeast also reported a rise in infections. More than 28 million people are under home quarantine.

Heilongjiang province on Wednesday declared a COVID-19 emergency. The city of Suihua, next to the provincial capital, Harbin, put its 5.2 million people under lockdown. Tieli, a city of about 300,000 that borders Suihua, said on Wednesday it would ban people and vehicles from leaving for three days as part of new COVID-19 prevention measures.

Officials said Wednesday that local health centers and hospitals in villages need to watch carefully for any new COVID-19 cases.

Stay in place for Lunar New Year

The government is preparing for the world's largest yearly movement of people. Hundreds of millions of Chinese usually travel home for Lunar New Year break in February. Many of those traveling are workers in cities who go back to their home villages. Officials in some places have asked those workers to stay where they are.

Wang Bin is an official with the National Health Commission. Wang told a news conference: "In the period leading up to Lunar New Year, we urge the public that those who do not need to travel, should not travel. Wang added that those who must travel should do it at times that are not very busy, wear face coverings, and avoid crowded places with lots of people."

In Hebei province, the city of Shijiazhuang has most of the recent virus cases. On Wednesday, the health commission in Hebei announced another 90 confirmed cases. Shijiazhuang ordered its roughly 10 million people to take a second round of tests for the virus. The officials want to isolate the sources of infection, some of which may be coming from wedding gatherings. Testing rates are at 12.55 million people each day, or 10 times the level last March.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China is about 87,706. The official death toll is at least 4,634.

The Hebei outbreak worries officials because the province is close to Beijing. Travel to and from three cities is not permitted. The cities are: Shijiazhuang, Xingtai and Langfang. People living in some communities have to stay home for the next week.

Feng Zijian is deputy director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He told reporters that a "massive" increase in infections is unlikely during the holiday if people obey control and prevention measures.

Vaccines for 10 million

On December 15, China started a vaccination campaign for some groups. Officials said Wednesday that health workers have given over 10 million doses of one of the COVID-19 vaccines produced in China. Currently, China has only approved one vaccine for people age 18 to 59. It is from state-owned Sinopharm.

China has also approved three vaccines for emergency use, including two from Sinopharm and one from Sinovac, a private company.

WHO investigation

World Health Organization, or WHO, experts arrived in China last week to begin studying the origins of the pandemic. Chinese officials said they would work "closely" with the WHO in their research. The WHO head criticized the Chinese government for slow approval of the necessary permissions for their investigation. The team will have to spend 14 days in quarantine.

China has strongly controlled all research into the origins of the coronavirus. State media has promoted theories that someone brought the virus to China from outside.

A health expert with the WHO said earlier that they did not expect that the team would reach a final opinion from its trip.

Im Jill Robbins.

Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

__________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

See The Language of the Health Crisis for details on the words in this and similar stories.

lockdown  n. a state of isolation or restricted access put in place as a security measure

province  n. any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into

isolation - n. the state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others

origin  n. the point or place where something begins or is created or the source or cause of something

pandemic - n. an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world

Are there new controls to limit spread of the virus where you live? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
ATLANTA, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) applauds President-Elect Joe Biden's nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Dr. Levine is a longtime public health leader and fearless advocate for health equity and the rights of transgendered individuals in the U.S.," says Janet Hamilton, Executive Director of CSTE. "Throughout her career, Dr. Levine has led with expertise, dedication, and urgency. Her leadership and knowledge will help us meet the extraordinary challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial and ethnic disparities, and pursuit of health for all."

CSTE congratulates Dr. Levine on her nomination and encourages a quick confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

About CSTE

Founded in 1951, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) represents the interests of State Epidemiologists from all 50 U.S. states and territories, comprising the Council. CSTE is also the professional home to nearly 2000 practicing applied epidemiologists working at the state, local, tribal and territorial levels. For more information, visit www.cste.org.

Media Contact: Jeremy Arieh, Director of Communications, 770-458-3811, email: [email protected]

SOURCE Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists

Related Links

http://www.cste.org


Khloe Kardashian enjoyed a cozy bedtime moment with daughter True Thompson on Monday evening.

The 36-year-old Good American founder bid her followers 'sweet dreams,' as she posted some adorable snaps with the two-year-old in matching pajamas.

A few last selfies before tucking themselves in early, the duo looked fresh faced and ready for a good night of sleep.

Sweet dreams: Khloe Kardashian, 36, and daughter True, two, enjoy a cozy bedtime moment in matching pajamas as they tuck themselves in early and wish everyone 'sweet dreams'

Reindeer pajamas not exclusive to the holidays, the ladies showed off some cheery spirit in the sets.

With her growing head of ringlets and some diamond studs, True clasped onto her mommy in the loved up series.

Khloe kept her short locks tied back in a bun as she pursed her pout while they cuddled on the bed.

Routine-driven in nature, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star was winding down before 8PM as she prepared for a busy week ahead.

Early to bed early to rise: The ladies looked cheery in Christmas pajamas as they wound down for the evening

Before hitting the hay, Khloe engaged with some friends on Instagram who gushed over the sweet photos.

She posted some freshly baked sugar cookies to social media as she seemed to send True off with a sweet treat.

Best friend Malika said, 'Love you cuties,' as she responded 'We love you!!!!'

She continued to call True her 'entire world,' and referred to her as 'my angel baby.'

Baby daddy Tristan Thompson - who is back in Boston as he gears up for a Celtics game on Wednesday - bid his ladies goodnight as he commented with three red hearts.

Bedtime antics: The mommy-daughter duo rang in New Year's in bed, as she shared a snap of the two cuddled up in sparkly dresses; pictured December 31

In recent days Khloe seems to be exhaling negativity in her life, as she posted a quote Monday evening that read:

'Remember, most of your stress comes from the way you respond, not the way life is. Adjust your attitude, and all that extra stress is gone.'

A sentiment echoed in an Instagram video she shared on Saturday - that had her fans thinking she was referring to sister Kim Kardashian's marital woes - Khloe seemed to be hammering the point home again.

Exhale: The Good American founder has reiterated a sentiment twice this weekend about responding to stress that had many thinking she was referring to sister Kim's marital woes; pictured January 11

As Khloe's relationship with Tristan has been on the come up in recent months despite his previous infidelity, Kim is now the sister with her love life at the center of drama after it was reported she was set to divorce Kanye West after seven years.

A source told People on Monday that the duo have 'completely' stopped going to marriage counseling after months of nasty fighting, forcing them to live separate lives.

'He is talking to divorce lawyers this week,' the insider added, as it was reported that Kim had already muscled up immediately with a high power divorce attorney.
Authorities are searching for a one-year-old girl they say was last seen in Philadelphia Tuesday morning.

Philadelphia police say Nova White was last seen with 32-year-old Ronald White around 8:10 a.m. on the 1200 block of North 10th Street.

Nova White is two feet tall, 25 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, police said. Ronald White is 5 feet, 7 inches tall; with brown eyes, brown hair and a teardrop tattoo on his face.

Police believe the pair could be traveling in a green 1998 Toyota Corolla.

Anyone with information should call 911 or Philadelphia police at 215-686-3174.

READ MORE: Amber Alert issued for 2 children taken from N.Y. foster home
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
MIAMI, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer, retail and distribution investments, in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions. Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021.

Royal Caribbean Group noted the transaction allows it to focus on expanding its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands.

"Our strategy has evolved into placing more of our resources behind three global brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and working to grow them as we emerge from this unprecedented period," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. "Even so, Azamara remains a strong brand with its own tremendous potential for growth, and Sycamore's track record demonstrates that they will be good stewards of what the Azamara team has built over the past 13 years."

"We are pleased that Royal Caribbean Group has entrusted Sycamore to support Azamara in its next phase of growth," said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. "We are excited to partner with the Azamara team and build on their many years of success serving the brand's loyal customers. We believe Azamara will remain a top choice for discerning travelers as the cruising industry recovers over time."

Azamara's value proposition and operations will remain consistent under the new arrangement, and Royal Caribbean Group will work in close collaboration on a seamless transition for Azamara employees, customers and other stakeholders. In conjunction with the transaction, Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas has been appointed President of the brand.

The transaction will result in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of approximately $170 million. The sale of Azamara is not expected to have a material impact on Royal Caribbean Group's future financial results.

Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor to Royal Caribbean Group and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP provided legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal advice to Sycamore Partners.

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., doing business as Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), is a cruise vacation company that owns four global brands: Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises , Azamara and Silversea . Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate 61 ships with an additional 15 on order as of December 21, 2021. Learn more at www.rclcorporate.com or www.rclinvestor.com .

About Sycamore Partners

Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York. The firm specializes in consumer, distribution and retail-related investments and partners with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their business. With approximately $10 billion in aggregate committed capital raised since its inception in 2011, Sycamore Partners' investors include leading endowments, financial institutions, family offices, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds. For more information on Sycamore Partners, visit www.sycamorepartners.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release relating to, among other things, our future performance estimates, forecasts and projections constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to: statements regarding revenues, costs and financial results for 2020 and beyond. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "driving," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look into," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "considering", and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to the following: the impact of the global incidence and spread of COVID-19, which has led to the temporary suspension of our operations and has had and will continue to have a material adverse impact on our business, liquidity and results of operations, or other contagious illnesses on economic conditions and the travel industry in general and the financial position and operating results of our Company in particular, such as: the current and potential additional governmental and self-imposed travel restrictions, the current and potential extension of the suspension of cruises and new additional suspensions, guest cancellations; our ability to obtain sufficient financing, capital or revenues to satisfy liquidity needs, capital expenditures, debt repayments and other financing needs; the effectiveness of the actions we have taken to improve and address our liquidity needs; the impact of the economic and geopolitical environment on key aspects of our business, such as the demand for cruises, passenger spending, and operating costs; incidents or adverse publicity concerning our ships, port facilities, land destinations and/or passengers or the cruise vacation industry in general; our ability to accurately estimate our monthly cash burn rate during the suspension of our operations; concerns over safety, health and security of guests and crew; any protocols we adopt across our fleet relating to COVID-19, such as those recommended by the Healthy Sail Panel, may be costly and less effective than we expect in reducing the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 on our cruise ships; further impairments of our goodwill, long-lived assets, equity investments and notes receivable; an inability to source our crew or our provisions and supplies from certain places; the incurrence of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases on our ships and an increase in concern about the risk of illness on our ships or when traveling to or from our ships, all of which reduces demand; unavailability of ports of call; growing anti-tourism sentiments and environmental concerns; changes in US foreign travel policy; the uncertainties of conducting business internationally and expanding into new markets and new ventures; our ability to recruit, develop and retain high quality personnel; changes in operating and financing costs; our indebtedness, any additional indebtedness we may incur and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness that limit our flexibility in operating our business, including the significant portion of assets that are collateral under these agreements; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, interest rate and fuel price fluctuations; the settlement of conversions of our convertible notes, if any, in shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, which may result in substantial dilution for our existing shareholders; our expectation that we will not declare or pay dividends on our common stock for the near future; vacation industry competition and changes in industry capacity and overcapacity; the risks and costs associated with protecting our systems and maintaining integrity and security of our business information, as well as personal data of our guests, employees and others; the impact of new or changing legislation and regulations or governmental orders on our business; pending or threatened litigation, investigations and enforcement actions; the effects of weather, natural disasters and seasonality on our business; emergency ship repairs, including the related lost revenue; the impact of issues at shipyards, including ship delivery delays, ship cancellations or ship construction cost increases; shipyard unavailability; the unavailability or cost of air service; and uncertainties of a foreign legal system as we are not incorporated in the United States.

In addition, many of these risks and uncertainties are currently heightened by and will continue to be heightened by, or in the future may be heightened by, the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks.

More information about factors that could affect our operating results is included under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as our other filings with the SEC, and the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as updated by our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 2020, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at www.rclinvestor.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1213007/RCG_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group

Related Links

http://www.rclcorporate.com


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.

Burma Myanmar Military Files Defamation Charge against NLD Lawmaker

NLD lawmaker U Khin Maung Myint. / The Irrawaddy

YangonThe Northern Command of Myanmars military has filed a defamation charge against National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker U Khin Maung Myint after he accused the military of corruption.

The Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) raided illegal gold mines in Kachin States Hpakant Township and Sagaing Regions Homalin Township in November 2017 and reportedly confiscated machinery including 53 backhoes, 10 dump trucks, and two oil tankers.

Upper House lawmaker U Khin Maung Myint, who was elected in the 2020 November election for a five-year term, submitted a report on the illegal mines to President U Win Myint in December 2019. The report alleged that Tatmadaw officials and the security border affairs minister of Kachin State took bribes from the operators of the illegal gold mines in exchange for allowing them to bring machinery into Hpakant.

Now, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htike of the Northern Command has filed a defamation charge against the lawmaker under Section 500 of colonial-era Penal Code.

The letter alleged that the machinery could be brought in because of the Tatmadaws corruption. We did confiscate the machinery and handed it over [to the government]. The report said we should not have confiscated the machinery. He alleged that the machinery was brought in with the permission of the Tatmadaw. Thats why we filed a lawsuit against him, said Myanmar military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun.

The Irrawaddy was unable to contact U Khin Maung Myint. However, Lower House lawmaker U Tint Soe said U Khin Maung Myint was charged because of his choice of words in his letter to the President.

Frankly speaking, he was right [about Tatmadaws involvement], but wrong about [the way he chose the words], said U Tint Soe.

Before the Tatmadaws raid, the Kachin State minister for resources and environmental conservation made field inspections in May 2017 and found that more than 4,000 of 10,000 pieces of machinery in Hpakant mines were not officially registered.

Hpakant is dotted with jade and gold mines, and the Tatmadaw and police run joint inspection gates at entrances and exits of Hpakant. The ethnic rebel army Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is also active in Hpakant.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Says Thai Firm at Dawei SEZ Breached Contract

Myanmar Military to Mark Armed Forces Day Despite COVID-19

Six Members of Rebel Group Along Myanmar-Indian Border Charged With Unlawful Association
Two Massachusetts residents left a trail of digital breadcrumbs for agents within the FBIs Boston division to track after the pair traveled to Washington D.C. and stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, according to federal records.

The clues led to the arrests of Suzanne Ianni, a Natick Town Meeting member, and Mark Sahady, of Malden, on Tuesday. Each are charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

The FBI determined Ianni, 59, and Sahady, 46, participated in the insurrection through posts and photos on social media along with photos and reports from news outlets in the area.

Much of the FBIs investigation centered around a tweet posted by the group Super Happy Fun America, which has a motto Straight is Great and also organized the Boston Straight Pride Parade in the summer of 2019.

The group posted a tweet on Jan. 5 just before 9 p.m. with a photo that included Sahady and Ianni. The caption said, 11 buses were headed to Washington D.C.

Sahady, according to court documents, is the vice president of the group, while Ianni organized transportation for the group to the nations capital.

A Facebook post from account New England for Trump from Jan. 4, promoted Super Happy Fun Americas trip to Washington D.C., according to court documents. Ianni is listed as the contact person to sign up for the bus transportation with her phone number.

Bus 1 of 11 coming to Washington DC. See you there! pic.twitter.com/66ktWpwZKL  SuperHappyFunAmerica (@SuperHappyFunA) January 6, 2021

According to court documents, Ianni is the woman to the far left wearing a blue shirt. Sahady is directly right of Ianni, wearing a grey shirt with a black collar.

The also FBI combed through Sahadys Twitter account, which began referencing a trip to D.C. as early as Dec. 20, 2020, when he posted it is important that millions of Americans show up in DC on Jan. 6 to support the legitimate President, Donald Trump, and show Democrats what they will be facing if they continue to try and steal the Presidency.

Eleven days later, Sahady posted, we have 7 buses coming, court documents say.

On Jan. 4, he wrote, January 6  Washington, DC  It begins.

The FBI also flagged a tweet in court documents from Nov. 16, 2020 where Sahady said he wanted to be in D.C. to oppose President-elect Jo Biden and send a message against tyranny.

In an interview on Jan. 6, according to court documents, Ianni told a media outlet that more than 300 people from Super Happy Fun America made the trip to Washington D.C.

After a group of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol, photos from the violence began appearing on social media and through media companies.

One photo, according to court documents, shows Ianni and Sahady inside the U.S. Capitol.

I know this photo was taken inside the Capitol building based on the background and, specifically the decorative elements on the walls, FBI Agent Brian Gutierrez said in the statement of facts against both Ianni and Sahady.

The photo and subsequent identification of Ianni and Sahady began through public forums, court documents said. On Jan. 11, the MetroWest Daily News identified both individuals, court documents said.

Gutierrez confirmed both identities, court documents said.

Ianni and Sahady were taken into custody without incident at their respective homes Tuesday morning, the FBI said.

They are expected for initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Boston on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, the FBI had arrested more than 75 people associated with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Many people who participated in the violence have lost their jobs as a result. The insurrection has also triggered increased security measures both at state capitols, the U.S Capitol and the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden.

Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker said there was no known threat to the state house in Boston or other buildings in Massachusetts.

According to the Associated Press, the FBI continues to vet all 25,000 National Guard troops coming to D.C. for the inauguration. U.S. defense officials have said they are concerned about a potential insider attack or another threat from those involved in securing the event.

Related Content:
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 05:06:39|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarian access to Ethiopia's conflict-stricken Tigray region still faces obstacles, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday.

Although movements of humanitarian cargo inside Tigray are improving substantially, critical staff deployment and surge requests submitted to the federal government of Ethiopia have been pending clearance for several weeks, said OCHA.

Overall, the humanitarian situation in Tigray is increasingly severe, with reports of fighting, human rights violations and abuse, and increasing hunger and malnutrition affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Most of them have not received any assistance to date, it said.

OCHA said a deputy humanitarian coordinator, Wafaa Saeed, along with four other staff from OCHA, has been deployed to Tigray's capital, Mekelle. They are now working closely with aid organizations and local authorities in Tigray to carry out assessments and coordinate the humanitarian response for people affected by the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, UN humanitarians have reached Shire, where they have delivered food assistance.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) regained access last week to two refugee camps in Tigray. This is the first time in two months since the fighting forced aid workers to withdraw from the region, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday.

UNHCR led the first humanitarian mission since November to the Mai Aini and the Adi Harush camps. Eritrean refugees were found in desperate need of supplies and services. The agency was granted one-time access by the Ethiopian authorities to assess the needs in the camps, said the spokesman. Enditem


SHERMAN OAKS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Dear Mrs. Williams,

I, Leo Robin's grandson, sent you an open letter on December 1, 2020 via FedEx, more than a month ago, but assume that you never received it since I haven't heard back from you. I am enclosing it once more so you will better understand the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the long-standing mistake made by the Hollywood Walk of Fame more than 30 years ago. The 1990 Walk of Fame Committee awarded a star to lyricist Leo Robin but the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce never installed it. The Hollywood Chamber as well as the Walk of Fame Committee continue to be morally adrift in regard to this unprecedented situation with the star awarded to Robin but not installed. And they must recognize that they bear responsibility for this on-going moral injustice and take the steps to address it.

Leo Robin Music was outraged by your announcement to once again deny the installation of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that was awarded to Leo Robin more than 30 years ago. In a live stream exclusively by Variety on www.walkoffame.com from the Hollywood Chamber on June 20, 2019, you, a member of the 2019-20 Walk of Fame's Selection Committee, announced the new honorees from the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2020. Leo Robin was not on this list. In your beautiful speaking voice, just like your singing, bided everyone "a good afternoon" and announced the honorees in your classy style. The Hollywood Chamber recently announced on June 18, 2020 the honorees of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2021. Again, Leo Robin was not on this list. Leaving Leo Robin, over and over again, off the list of honorees to have their stars installed and unveiled on the world's most famous walkway is unconscionable.

In an interview reported by TooFab Staff on 11/1/2019, you revealed your idols, "There's so many examples of those kind of influences that, you know, Diahann Carroll just passed, she played my mother in a TV movie that I produced for Lifetime. Lena Horne, who is one of my idols, I got a chance to win the Lena Horne Award and she acknowledged me and gave me special thanks." Sophie Dweck from Us Weekly also reported about 25 things you might not know about you including number 16: "My favorite fan moment was in 1984, when I met the legendary Lena Horne - she was everything I aspired to be."

Diahann Carroll with Ralph Burns and His Orchestra perform in 1957 the stirring ballad "What's Good about Goodbye?",

composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Leo Robin, originally introduced in the 1948 film Casbah

The outstanding contributions Leo Robin has made to The Great American Songbook are celebrated time and again by legendary and contemporary covers alike by artists who are Walk of Famers including your idols. Lena Horne, who was honored with her star in 1960 in the categories of recording and motion pictures, recorded many songs written by Leo Robin including "Havin' Myself a Time," "In Love in Vain" and "Prisoner of Love." Diahann Carroll, who was honored with her star in 1990 in the category of recording, recorded "In Love in Vain" and "What's Good about Goodbye?" Of course, you received your star in 2007 in recording. You and your idols are, indeed, three of the most talented, beautiful and classiest stars, and no doubt, tenacious too, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

While Leo Robin music congratulates the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2021 for the honors, we are woefully reminded of the fact that the star awarded to Leo Robin in 1990 was never installed. When I called the Hollywood Chamber and spoke to Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk Of Fame, more than three years ago on July 6, 2017, I told her about my discovery of Leo's long-lost star. She confirmed it was true and said, "Nothing like this has ever happened before." After I spoke with Ms. Martinez, I followed her instructions and wrote a letter addressed to the Walk of Fame Committee, of which you have been a member for, at least, the past two years. In the letter I sent to the Walk of Fame Committee on July 11, 2017, a fresh carbon copy is enclosed, I wrote, "In light of these bizarre circumstances, I...humbly request that the Walk of Fame Committee reinstate the award to Leo of the posthumous star."

Ashley Lee from the Los Angeles Times first broke on May 23, 2019 this intriguing story, Leo Robin never got his Walk of Fame star. Now his grandson is fighting for it, about my serendipitous discovery of Leo's long-lost star which I believe got lost because "[The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce]...made this 30-year-old mistake," Ms. Lee quoting me. Leo Robin's wife, Cherie Robin, and actor, Bob Hope, sponsored Leo for a star in 1988 but, sadly, Mrs. Robin passed away slightly more than one year before the letter was sent out from the Hollywood Chamber announcing that her husband had been awarded the star and so, unfortunately, it was never installed.

In the wake of the release of this story last year by The Times, Leo Robin Music was outraged to learn what happened 30 years ago. Ms. Lee reported, "The envelope was returned to its sender and has since remained in the Chamber of Commerce's records." She also tweeted, "at first I didn't believe that Leo Robin's star had really slipped through the cracks" with a photo of that acceptance letter and the envelope stamped "RETURN TO SENDER." Ms. Lee explained the Chamber's view, "A mistake it was not, noted (Ana) Martinez to The Times. Back in 1989, before the ease of email and cell phones, honorees were not as repeatedly and actively pursued to secure their star as they are today. That means no follow-up letters and no calls to co-signers, even if Robin's application was co-signed by (Bob) Hope, who has four stars on the Walk."

In the Sunday print edition of The Times issued on May 26, 2019, midway in the article "A Walk of Fame star still in limbo," Ms. Ashley Lee posed this question to the Chamber, "It's been decades since Robin was named to the Walk of Fame...what would it take to get the star installed? Martinez explained that Robin would need to be reinstated by the current committee at the next annual meeting. She didn't anticipate problems with that part of the process." This was all, apparently, an insincere PR stunt being that I never heard a word from the Hollywood Chamber since the meeting took place in June 2019.

In a review, more than 72 years ago, on May 3, 1948, in the New York Times, it said this about Tony Martin introducing the song "What's Good about Goodbye?" in the just released noir crime musical film Casbah: "Romance, in case it hasn't gotten around, is not dead, although Pepe Le Moko, as required by a time-honored tale, dies for it in "Casbah," the third cinema reincarnation of that unrequited love in the Algerian lower depths, which began as "Pepe Le Moko" in France and was transformed into "Algiers" here....Since something new has been added it should be noted that musically "Casbah" is not found wanting. Harold Arlen and Leo Robin have provided four lilting tunes -- "For Every Man There's a Woman," "Hooray for Love," "It Was Written in the Stars" and "What's Good About Goodbye?" -- and Mr. Martin does nobly by them." It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "For Every Man There's a Woman."

Leo Robin wrote the lyrics to the sentimental ballad "What's Good about Goodbye?", composed by Harold Arlen. This song whose heartfelt lyrics about love have been performed through the ages by a wide spectrum of entertainers from the most celebrated jazz and pop artists to orchestras and actors such as Tony Martin, Dinah Shore, Margaret Whiting, Dick Haymes, Ilene Woods, Diahann Carroll, Anthony Newley, Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gorme, Dionne Warwick and Harry James and His Orchestra.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood Chamber along with the Walk of Fame Committee have mislaid their moral compass. What happened after I spoke to the Hollywood Chamber over the past three years - where it obstructed installation by ignoring emails from me for a whole year and failing to honor its promise for the Walk of Fame Committee to consider my request for the star to be placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and toying with me - is just plain wrong. What happened more than 30 years ago - when the acceptance letter was returned to sender and there was no follow-up letters and no calls to notify co-sponsor Bob Hope - is wrong as wrong can be. The 1990 Walk of Fame Committee awarded a star to a deserved honoree and then the Hollywood Chamber and subsequent Walk of Fame Committees would take it back. These actions over the years that resulted in the failure to install the star awarded to Robin are manifest of a moral wrong.

Mrs. Williams, I urge you, as a member of the Walk of Fame Committee and the spokesperson for the year 2020, to find the moral compass that guides the Hollywood Chamber and the Walk of Fame Committee and set a new course. Right now, in contradiction to its mission, the Hollywood Chamber is not doing justice to the award to Leo Robin. Instead we are witness to the moral injustice of Leo's long-lost star and the Hollywood Chamber's refusal to honor their commitment to Robin's memory. I want to reaffirm my deepest level of commitment to achieving that all of you - the Hollywood Chamber and the Walk of Fame Committee - uphold the strictest moral authority in fulfilling your commitment. This is your moral imperative.

The Hollywood Chamber and the Walk of Fame Committee have exercised wanton disregard of its own rules for the star awarded to Leo Robin but never installed. Throughout the past sixty years, the Hollywood Chamber has successfully kept track of 2,691 honorees and has seen to it that each and every one of them received a star and had it successfully installed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with their name on it - except for Leo Robin. At this point, one can't help but conclude that Robin, his sponsors, his family and the 1990 Walk of Fame Committee, itself, have been treated unjustly by the Hollywood Chamber and the Walk Of Fame Committee.

The failure of the Hollywood Chamber to install the star awarded to Leo Robin is hard to fathom but remember that my grandmother who was the sponsor passed away before receiving notification and that the co-sponsor, actor Bob Hope, was never notified. It is high time for the Hollywood Chamber to preserve their integrity and honor the decision of the 1990 Walk of Fame Committee and its obligation to put Leo's long-lost star in its rightful place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mrs. Williams, you have lead a lifetime of stepping up and you have "The Right Stuff," borrowing this from the name of your 1988 platinum debut album, to make this happen. It is my hope that you, as a member of the Walk of Fame Committee and the spokesperson for the year 2020, will take the necessary steps to correct this moral wrong and install and unveil the star of my grandfather, the legendary songwriter, Leo Robin, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In Leo Robin's lyrics from Gulliver's Travels -1939,

"Faithful Forever," Leo Robin Music

Cc: copy sent FedEx overnight to Ms. Vanessa Williams

copy sent FedEx overnight to Mr. Brad Cafarelli (Publicist)

For more information, visit the official website of Leo Robin at http://leorobin.com/.

CONTACT:

Scott D. Ora

President - Leo Robin Music

thanks4thememory@icloud.com

(818) 618-2572

Leo Robin (@LeoRobinMusic) / Twitter

SOURCE: Leo Robin Media

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/622281/Leo-Robin-Musics-Second-Open-Letter-to-Vanessa-Williams-Re-Moral-Wrong-for-Failure-to-Install-the-Star-Leosloststar-Awarded-to-the-Thanks-For-The-Memory-Oscar-Winning-Lyricist-More-Than-30-Years-Ago
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

An Australian man who has been stranded in Thailand for 10 months claims he has been abandoned by the federal government after it cancelled his ticket on a flight home this week and cut him off from further financial support.

Justin Peck, 41, originally from Melbourne, left his business job in Hong Kong in early 2020 and travelled to Bangkok for what should have been a short holiday.

Justin Peck will have been in Thailand for one year on January 24.

When the pandemic struck and Thailand closed its borders in March, Mr Peck had no job and no way to get home.

He said the government had arranged more than a dozen flights home for him since March  at a cost of up to $60,000  all of which have fallen through. He feels his chances of returning home are now even slimmer, after the government this week removed him from its waiting list for government-assisted return flights.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Gui Xiaomei talks with an elderly resident in Qingheju Community.

Qingheju Community, with more than 8,000 residents in 5,235 households, is the largest public-rental community in Wuhan, in Central China's Hubei Province. After the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China, at the beginning of this year, Gui Xiaomei, secretary of the general Party (Communist Party of China) branch of the community, led workers, volunteers and residents in efforts to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic, and in making remarkable contributions to the prevention and control of the epidemic.

The Chinese Government held a meeting, on September 8, in Beijing, to commend role models in the country's fight against COVID-19. Gui Xiaomei, a representative of the nation's grassroots Party organizations, gave a speech during the meeting.

"Our general Party branch was honored as one of the national advanced grassroots Party organizations during the fight against the epidemic. It is my great honor to report the anti-epidemic work of our community at the Great Hall of the People," Gui says.

Gui Xiaomei delivers a speech during the meeting to commend role models in China's fight against COVID-19. The meeting was held September 8 in Beijing.

Guardian of Community

"Communities have played a key role in China's epidemic prevention and control work. In our community, many of the residents are seniors, low-income people and people with disabilities. We established 15 teams, each including a community worker, a Party member and three volunteers. We visited each household to check the temperatures of residents, we sent patients to hospitals, and we bought and delivered food, medicines, epidemic-prevention materials and daily necessities for residents," Gui said.

Gui and her colleagues initially received many phone calls from residents, as the residents were nervous about the epidemic. Gui and her colleagues always talked patiently with the residents, to help ease their concerns and anxiety. "To protect our common home, we almost worked more than 10 hours a day at that time. We did our best to meet the residents' needs, and we helped solve various problems for them," Gui adds.

Tong Qian, one of Gui's colleagues, shed tears as she watched Gui speak during the national meeting, which was broadcast live on television. "It was like we also stood on the rostrum with her. We felt very proud," Tong said. She and her team were responsible for serving 366 households.

"People often asked me, 'Aren't you afraid of being infected with the virus?' I replied, 'We are also human beings, how could we not be afraid?' But, when we heard residents say 'thanks' to us, we felt that nothing could stop us from protecting our community and our residents," Gui says.

"However, the residents are the ones to be thanked. We really appreciate them for their support, cooperation and understanding during the epidemic prevention and control period. They kept staying at home when the situation was most serious in Wuhan. They trusted our Party, government and community workers. When Wuhan lifted the 76-day lockdown, on April 8, the residents sang the song, My Motherland and Me, together. My colleagues and I shed tears," Gui adds.

Gui Xiaomei helps a woman volunteer deliver daily necessities to residents in Qingheju Community.

Responsible and Thoughtful

"You don't have to come to our office personally. Please call us, and we will go to your home to help you," Gui told an elderly woman, in her 80s, on September 9. The elderly woman was accompanied by her daughter, who was helping her apply for the old-age allowance, at the community service center that day.

Within a few minutes, the application procedure was finished. Gui asked about the elderly woman's health, and she also asked both the woman and her daughter if they were coping with any difficulties in their daily lives, and if the center could help them solve those difficulties. Gui is always thoughtful when performing her duties.

When Gui walks through the community, she likes to chat with the elderly residents, who enjoy themselves outdoors. Gui always asks about their health and their daily lives. "The community is like a big family. Our community workers and volunteers have developed the good habit of taking the initiative to offer assistance before people come to us for help. We should always care about the safety and well-being of our people, and we must serve every resident well," Gui says.

Residents have nothing but praise for Gui and her team. "Gui is a good person. She is responsible at work, and she is always kind and friendly to us," says one elderly resident.

Another resident says, "I am one of the volunteers in the community. Our team is responsible for regularly visiting elderly people, especially those who live alone, to care about them and to find out whether they need our help or not. Gui is thoughtful to all the residents in our community, and we are influenced by her dedication to her post. She is not just a community worker. She is like one of our family members."

Says Gui: "I feel that we have a closer and deeper bond with our residents as a result of fighting together against the epidemic. I have more confidence in leading our community workers, volunteers and residents in building a more harmonious community, and in participating in grassroots governance."

Photos Supplied by Gui Xiaomei and Xie Yajing

(Women of China English Monthly November 2020 issue)

MTN has lost an appeal against an order to pay one of its former dealers in excess of R11 million for damages suffered due to the breach of an agreement.

The dealer  Belet Cellular  had in 2003 entered into an agreement with MTN to market, promote, and facilitate distribution of the operators stock in South Africa.

Following a visit by an auditor to one of Belets stores in Mapobane Mall, MTN terminated the agreement in November 2011, claiming that the dealer was selling grey goods not supplied by itself and that Belet had attempted to hide these goods.

Belet then took MTN to the Johannesburg High Court in December 2011, claiming for R13,120,933 or no less than R3,629,615.50 based on the fact that the operators termination constituted a breach or repudiation of the agreement which lead to Belet suffering damages.

After hearing the evidence, Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane found in favour of Belet and ordered MTN to pay an amount of R5,849,789 in addition to interest of 10.25% per annum from 1 March 2016 to the date of payment.

Another payment of R5,581,937 with interest of 10.25% per annum from the date of judgement was also ordered.

MTN then appealed against the decision, following which its case was heard in the Johannesburg High Court on 9 November 2020.

No evidence of grey goods

In a judgement handed down by Judge Dumisani Hamilton Zondi on 15 January 2021, MTNs appeal was dismissed with costs.

The court found that there was no evidence that 15 devices that the store manager had instructed an employee to place in plastic bags in a trolley outside the store were in fact grey goods.

The Belet store manager Mrs Letsebele testified that the devices were in fact obsolete or defective and had been paid for, which meant there was no reason to hide them.

The court a quo accepted Mrs Letsebeles evidence that the goods in the trolley were all paid for, and that she could therefore keep them wherever she wished, the judgement stated.

This was confirmed by the auditor Mr Sulaiman, who testified that once stock had gone beyond the 60 days for returns and had been paid for, the dealer could do with it what it liked.

Changing basis for cancellation

MTN later argued that Belet was obliged to use MTNs Online Management System (OMS) and MTNs Point of Sales operating system for the purposes of recording all stocks supplied and received from MTN.

It alleged that Belet had been instructed to migrate to an upgraded version of OMS  which it had not done. According to the operator, the purpose of the audit was to determine whether this had been done.

It maintained that Belet had not recorded the 15 items on the system and used an unknown POS. It also said it failed to explain why it did so.

However, the court found that MTN was not consistent in the manner in which it pleaded its defence, with the basis for its cancellation of the agreement changing from Belet holding grey goods to not using the right system.

MTNs arguments that the damages were material and could not be remedied through payment, and that a new store which was opened by Belet in Jubilee Mall and formed part of the damages claim was not part of the agreement were also rejected.

The operator was also ordered to pay 30% of the costs incurred in the preparation, perusal and copying of the record on an attorney and client scale, due to this percentage of the record being unnecessary for the court to read.

MTN told MyBroadband it has noted the judgment and will comply accordingly.

Now read: Samsung heir sent back to prison for bribery


People who have survived COVID-19 may have some protection against getting reinfected after all, a new study suggests.

Scientists at Rockefeller University found that a type of immunity, from memory B cells, lasts at least six months.

B cells 'remember' how to make antibodies against viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19.

And these cells are likely less easily duped by mutations in the spike protein of 'super-covid' variants like the more infectious UK form, B117, compared to antibodies themselves.

The variant has now been found in at least 17 US states, according to DailyMail.com tracking.

At least four other variants have cropped up on American soil, and others from South Africa and Brazil could arrive and fuel a surge in cases any day - especially now that the Trump administration has lifted its travel ban.

Scientists are concerned that mutations to the spike protein that allows coronavirus to infect human cells might make variants less 'visible' to antibodies from previous bouts with COVID-19 or vaccines.

But the B cells may help solve this problem, the new research published Monday in Nature suggests.

Six months after they developed COVID-19, 78 patients still had 'memory' B cells for coronavirus in their intestines (red, blue and green in the slides). These B cells were also capable of producing neutralizing antibodies in other lab tests

This is because individual antibodies are quite specific to the virus they first learned to fight.

But B cells 'evolved' after patients' recoveries and 'express antibodies with increased neutralizing potency and breadth,' the researchers wrote.

When they tested specific antibodies against HIV viruses they'd engineered to have mutant coronavirus spikes on their surfaces, the antibodies' responses were hit and miss, not always neutralizing the infectious spikes in the lab.

But the B cells that had been hanging out in patients bodies, evolving for six months, not only recognized the disguised coronavirus, but produced antibodies that could fight it.

Specific 'memory B cells' remain in the body and rapidly proliferate and generate antibodies against the virus.

What's more, they are more potent than their original counterparts - and may be more resistant to mutations.

Past infection was linked to an 83 percent lower risk of getting the virus compared with those who had never had it.

'Neutralising antibody activity decreases with time. But the number of memory B cells remains unchanged,' said study corresponding author Dr Michel Nussenzweig, of The Rockefeller University in New York,

'Moreover, they may be more resistant to mutations in the spike protein of the virus that mediates cell entry.'

This has important implications for the vaccine program.

'Memory responses are responsible for protection from re-infection and are essential for effective vaccination,' said Dr Nussenzweig.

At least 105 ases of the UK B117 'super-covid' variant have been detected in 17 US states (red and pink) and at least three other variants have emerged

'The observation that memory B cell responses do not decay after 6.2 months - but instead continue to evolve - is strongly suggestive that individuals who are infected with could mount a rapid and effective response to the virus upon re-exposure.'

The findings are based on 87 Covid-19 patients aged 18 to 76 whose blood samples were analysed twice - a month and just over six months after diagnosis.

Professor Michel Nussenzweig said: 'These observations demonstrate memory B cells have the capacity to evolve in the presence of small amounts of persistent viral antigen - small proteins from that can be detected by the immune system.

'The continued presence and evolution of memory B cells suggests people may be able to rapidly produce potent virus-neutralising antibodies upon re-infection.'

It follows a study by Public Health England last week that found immunity lasted at least five months.

The human immune system responds to infection by producing antibodies that can specifically neutralise the infectious agent.

Prof Nussenzweig said: 'Immunity may last at least six months. Levels of specific memory B cells remained constant over the study period.

'Individuals who have previously been infected can potentially mount a fast and effective response upon re-exposure.'

Human antibodies against Covid-19 have been shown to protect against infection in animal models

Prof Nussenzweig added: 'Levels of these antibodies may decrease over time.

'But memory B cells - as their name suggests - 'remember' the infectious agent and can prompt the immune system to produce the same antibodies upon re-infection.'

Evidence is growing that immunity lasts longer than previously feared. But experts have warned people do catch Covid-19 again - and can infect others.

And officials stress people should follow the stay-at-home rules - whether or not they have had the virus.

Prof Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, says it's particularly concerning some of those reinfected had high levels of the virus - even without symptoms.

She said: 'This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections but there is still a risk that you could acquire an infection and transmit to others.

'Now more than ever, it is vital we all stay at home to protect our health service and save lives.'
The head of the Arab League expressed hope that the Biden administration will change President Donald Trumps policies and launch a political process supported by regional and international parties to achieve independence for the Palestinians.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the 22-member organisation, told the UN Security Council that a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been marginalised by the main mediator in the peace process, a reference to the United States.

This encouraged the Israeli government to intensify its settlement activities and to threaten to take dangerous and destructive steps such as annexing occupied land, he said.

The Arab League chief addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a wide-ranging briefing on the crises and conflicts in the Middle East.

He also referred without name to Iran, saying that some regional powers are interfering in the affairs of the Arab region by adversely affecting the security of international maritime navigation routes which are a lifeline for international trade, a reference to freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.

It has also become apparent that this interference perpetuates existing conflicts and further complicates them, he said, without directly citing Irans support for Syrian President Bashar Assad, for Yemens Houthi Shiite rebels and for Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Israeli police patrol the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Aboul Gheit said the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts and crises have created a dangerous mix that has taken a heavy toll on the peoples of the region, pointing to 10 years of civil war in Syria, Yemens war entering its seventh year and entrenched divisions in Libya.

He spoke a day after Israeli authorities advanced plans to build nearly 800 homes in West Bank settlements, in a last-minute surge of approvals before Mr Trump leaves office and Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States.

Palestinian leaders denounced the Israeli action.

The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as part of a future independent state.

They say the growing settler population, approaching some 500,000 people, makes it increasingly difficult to achieve their dream of independence.

Mr Aboul Gheit said that significant efforts need to be made by all parties in coming months to reaffirm the two-state solution.

We look forward to the new American administration rectifying policies and processes that are not useful and engage in a fruitful political process with the support of influential regional and international parties, he said.

This would give the Palestinian people renewed hope that the international community would stand by its side in its noble aspiration to achieve freedom and independence.

On Syria, Mr Aboul Gheit said five countries are interfering militarily and the security situation remains tumultuous and precarious, especially in the northwest, northeast and south.

This not only undermines prospects of a political settlement but also has equally serious humanitarian repercussions, with 90% of Syrians living in poverty, he said.

I am convinced that a genuine solution would start with a minimal level of international consensus, which is still lacking, and would require some regional parties to reduce their involvement in Syria, Aboul Gheit said.

Those regional parties continue to view Syria land as spoils of war or use it to settle scores.

The Givat Hamatos Israeli settlement in east Jerusalem (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

In Yemen, the Arab League chief said the situation is as dangerous, especially the humanitarian situation, with some Yemenis on the bring of starvation.

He strongly backed efforts by UN special envoy Martin Griffiths to get agreement between the Houthis and the internationally recognised government on a joint declaration calling for a cease-fire and confidence-building measures.

He said the Saudi-negotiated agreement on a new Cabinet is a positive sign that the fragmentation and division are coming to an end, which paves the way for negotiations on a comprehensive solution.

As for Libya, Mr Aboul Gheit said recent events could bring us closer to ending the division in this important Arab country.

After the 2011 overthrow and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, oil-rich Libya was split between rival administrations in its east and west, each backed by an array of militias and foreign powers.

The warring sides agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire in October, a deal that included the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries within three months and holding presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24.

Mr Aboul Gheit urged implementation of the ceasefire agreement as well as ending recruitment of foreign fighters and stopping shipments of weapons and military equipment to Libya.
The newly inducted Rafale fighter aircraft will be featured in this year's Republic Day parade on January 26 and culminate the fly-past by carrying out the ''Vertical Charlie'' formation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said on Monday.

Twitter

During the ''Vertical Charlie'' formation, the aircraft flies at low altitude, pulls up vertically and conducts rolls before stabilising at higher altitude.

"The flypast will culminate with a single Rafale aircraft carrying out a ''Vertical Charlie'' formation," said Wing Commander Indranil Nandi.

Also read: Second Batch Of 3 Rafale Fighter Jets Land On Indian Soil After Flying Non-Stop From France

Twitter

A total of 38 IAF aircrafts and four planes of the Indian Army will participate in the fly-past on January 26, he said.

The Rafale fighter jets are manufactured by French giant Dassault Aviation. India has signed an inter-governmental deal with France to buy 36 of these jets at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. All the birds are expected to reach India by the end of 2021.

Also read: Rafale Maker Dassault Aviation Failed In Its Obligations Including Tech Transfer, Finds CAG

Twitter

Currently, the IAF's fighter jet arsenal comprises of Rafale, Sukhois, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000s and MIGs. The Air Force is also equipped with Apaches and Chinooks helicopters and transport aircraft like the C-130Js and C-17 Globemasters.

The jets were the highlight of the 88th anniversary of the Air Force last year.

Springfield - The board of directors of Big Y Foods has announced the promotion of the following third-generation DAmour family members. Colin M. DAmour has been named senior director of Big Y Express Gas & Convenience Stores division, and Christian P. DAmour is director of e-commerce. Both appointments represent new and expanding divisions within the company.

Both DAmours report to Richard D. Bossie, senior vice president of operations and customer experience.

Colin DAmours responsibilities include oversight of store operations, site selection, site acquisition and day-to-day responsibility for product procurement including fuel for this division. Currently, there are 12 Big Y Express locations with four more planned for the coming year.

Previously, he served as senior manager of procurement within Big Ys Real Estate and Development Team as well as a member of the Real Estate Committee where he remains involved in evaluating viable expansion opportunities across all operating formats including Big Y World Class Markets, Big Y Express Gas and Convenience Stores, Fresh Acres Specialty Foods, and Table & Vine Fine Wines & Spirits. In addition, he oversees multiple programs and initiatives with Topco Associates, a Chicago based member owned cooperative that provides aggregation, innovation and knowledge management solutions for its food industry member owners.

He began working as a service clerk at Big Y Supermarkets in 1998 at the age of 14. From there, he held several positions including produce clerk, warehouse selector, construction-remodel store projects coordinator and completed Big Ys Supermarket 101 training program.

In 2007, he accepted a commission with the Marine Corps as second lieutenant where he served with distinction, ultimately earning the rank of captain. In 2010, he was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While serving in the Marine Corps, he was both a purchasing officer and a construction manager in support of the Afghan National Security Forces throughout his area of operations. He was actively involved with project prioritization, scope identification, project bidding and evaluation.

In 2014, he left active duty in the Marines and returned to Big Y by entering into their store director training program. One year later, he was appointed assistant store director in their Great Barrington market. By 2016, he was promoted to store director in Pittsfield and later Lee, before being selected as a corporate center store sales manager until 2019.

A graduate of Boston College, he holds personal decorations from his military service including both the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals. He and his wife, Sharee have four children.

Christian DAmour is responsible for Big Ys e-Commerce platform. This platform currently includes relationships with Instacart for grocery home deliveries and DoorDash for prepared meal home deliveries. In addition to these services, he will be launching Big Ys MyPicks Online ordering. With MyPicks, customers will be able to order their groceries online for easy curbside pickup at the store of their choice or for home delivery. MyPicks will utilize a fully automated grocery fulfillment center attached to the Chicopee Big Y World Class Market. Using state-of-the-art robotics, this 12,000 square foot center can quickly and safely select up to 7,000 online orders a day for delivery to customers.

Like his brother, he began his career at Big Y at the age of 14 as a service clerk. After college, he was a sales and marketing representative for an insurance company based in Providence. He re-joined Big Y as a store director trainee in 2014. One year later, he was appointed assistant store director in their Wilbraham World Class Market.

In 2016, he was promoted to store director in Southampton. He next went on to manage the Wilbraham market before being tapped as store manager at Table & Vines flagship location in West Springfield. In 2019, he was appointed a district sales and merchandising mentor for Big Ys supermarket 15-store district within Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties of Massachusetts. In this role, he was responsible for all sales, merchandising and store team development across all departments. He also continued to oversee the operations of the companys Table & Vine flagship.

Christian DAmour holds a bachelors degree from St. Michaels College in Vermont and spent a semester studying at the National University of Ireland at Galway. He and his wife, Olivia, have three children.

The brothers are among six third-generation DAmour family members, who are actively involved in the company. They are grandsons of Big Y co-founder, Gerald E. DAmour, and sons of president and CEO, Charles L. DAmour.
Almost 12,000 Moderna vaccine doses shipped to Michigan on Sunday, Jan. 17, were spoiled because the medication got too cold, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The 11,900 vaccine doses were headed to 21 sites around the state, including local health departments, federally qualified health centers and other vaccine providers.

McKesson Corp., which shipped the vaccine doses, is working quickly to repack additional vaccine to ship out as replacement doses for those that may be compromised and the majority of the 21 shipments were resent on Monday night with the rest being sent Tuesday, MDHHS said in a press release.

An additional six shipments were held back to check that there were no issues with the vaccine, which may delay scheduled vaccinations at those six vaccine provider sites, the press release said.

McKesson is investigating the cause of the temperature issues, Each vaccine shipment is equipped with a temperature monitoring device used to monitor the vaccine temperature while in transport, according to MDHHS.

This is the first report of vaccine potentially being compromised during shipment to Michigan, MDHHS said.

Vaccines are shipped to vaccine providers across the state by the manufacturers and distributors. No vaccine is shipped or distributed by MDHHS.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan school districts ranked by median family income: See states richest, poorest districts

Michigan is short hundreds of school bus drivers. The pandemic only made it worse

The government is trying to give you pandemic aid money  heres whats out there
TOKYO - Japan's foreign minister accused South Korea on Monday of worsening already strained ties by making illegal demands for compensation for the sexual abuse of Korean women and use of forced labourers during World War II.

FILE - In this Aug. 14, 2017, file photo, a comfort woman statue is placed on a chair of a bus to mark the 5th International Memorial Day for Comfort Women, in Seoul, South Korea. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in his diplomatic speech on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021 said a recent South Korean court ruling ordering Japan's government to pay compensation to 12 South Korean former comfort women over World War II-era sexual abuses by Japanese troops was "an abnormal development absolutely unthinkable under international law and bilateral relations. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-Joon, File)

TOKYO - Japan's foreign minister accused South Korea on Monday of worsening already strained ties by making illegal demands for compensation for the sexual abuse of Korean women and use of forced labourers during World War II.

Toshimitsu Motegi, in a diplomatic policy speech in parliament, said a recent South Korean court ruling ordering Japan to compensate 12 South Korean women who were sexually abused in Japanese military brothels during the war was "an abnormal development absolutely unthinkable under international law and bilateral relations.

We strongly urge South Korea to correct the violation of international law as soon as possible and restore healthy relations, Motegi said.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Jan. 8 that the Japanese government must give 100 million won ($91,360) to each of 12 elderly women who filed lawsuits in 2013 over their wartime suffering as comfort women.

They were among tens of thousands of women across Japanese-occupied Asia and the Pacific who were sent to front-line Japanese army brothels.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during an on-line New Year press conference with local and foreign journalists at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. (Jeon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP)

The ruling worsened tensions between the two countries, whose relations had already plunged to the lowest level in decades over earlier South Korean rulings on Japan's actions during its 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea's Supreme Court in 2018 ordered Japanese companies to provide reparations to some South Koreans who were forced to work in their factories during the war.

The dispute over forced labour escalated into a trade dispute and prompted South Korea to threaten to scrap a 2016 military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan, a key component of their regional defenceco-operation with the United States.

Japan has protested the court rulings, saying all wartime compensation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty normalizing relations in which Japan provided $500 million in economic assistance.

In Seoul, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday that it wouldnt be desirable for bilateral relations if Seoul and Tokyo fail to find a diplomatic solution before South Korean courts proceed with liquidating the local assets of the Japanese companies that were seized after they refused to compensate the Korean wartime labourers.

Moon also described the comfort women ruling as honestly a complicating development for government efforts to improve relations with Japan. Speaking at a news conference, he did not give details of any possible diplomatic efforts.

Motegi called South Korea an important neighbour and said its co-operation with Japan and the United States was indispensable for regional security," including the response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Japan, under a 1995 semi-governmental Asian Womens Fund, offered payments and apology letters to certified victims of its wartime sexual abuse from five countries, settling disputes with all but South Korea. Sixty-one South Korean victims received 5 million yen ($48,200) each from the 367 million yen ($3.5 million) fund, according to Japan's foreign ministry, but many others declined to accept the money.

In 2015, the then governments of South Korea and Japan reached what was supposed to be a final and irreversible deal to settle the issue with a new 1 billion yen ($9 million) fund set up by the Japanese government, but the current Moon administration dissolved it, saying the deal was reached without proper consultation with the victims.

In what appeared to be a shift in tone, Moon said Monday that South Korea recognizes the 2015 deal as a legitimate agreement that should provide a foundation for finding a better solution that would satisfy the victims. He did not elaborate.

Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai said his government took note of Moons comment. Japan is still calling for appropriate steps by South Korea, while considering all possible options, he said.

We will be watching what actions will be taken by the South Korean side, Sakai said.

Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.

Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mariyamaguchi
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
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

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
ADVERTISEMENT

Some gunmen have kidnapped a university professor and killed his son in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The kidnappers abducted Aliyu Mohammed of the Department of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, after killing his son, Abdulaziz.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the don, who is also the Wazirin Wusasa, was abducted Sunday night at Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Another son of the professor, Usman, told journalists in Zaria that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 10.30 p.m.

He said the kidnappers also shot another son of the don, Abubakar Kabir, who is a younger brother of the deceased.

Usman said shortly after he returned to the family house at 10.30 p.m on Sunday, he heard gunshots and took cover somewhere in the compound.

According to him, when the gunshots stopped, he called out to one of his younger brothers who informed him that the gunmen had killed their brother and kidnapped their father.

He said the deceased had already been buried according to Islamic rites while the one shot was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Meanwile, the Ward Head of Kuregu, Wusasa, Ahmad Amfani, said the community made efforts to reach some security agencies, but none responded to the distress call.

The police are yet to react to the development.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government confirmed the incident through its Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

Mr Aruwan said in a statement on Monday that intelligence information said the bandits kidnapped Mr Mohammed and killed his son.

(NAN)
A British scientist has controversially claimed that the rollout of 5G networks should be halted until the safety of the technology has been tested and its safety proven.

Professor John William Frank, a physician and epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh, says we should 'err on the side of caution' by delaying any further roll-out of 5G globally, 'pending more conclusive research' on its safety.

5G requires more transmitter masts in a given stretch of land than previous generations of broadband cellular networks, like 4G.

Because of this, he believes more people will be exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) at levels 'potentially harmful to health'.

Scientists and experts have challenged Professor Frank's suggestion, with one saying his 'opinion is not supported by health authorities worldwide'.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also says 'no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies' after much research.

Professor Frank does, however, stress the ridiculousness of linking 5G exposures to Covid-19, as suggested by some conspiracy theorists.

He also condemns the numerous violent attacks on 5G masts, which are providing essential communications technology during the pandemic, in the UK last year.

Pictured, Professor John William Frank, a physician and epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh. His university bio says he has 44 years of primary care and public health practice, research, teaching and consulting, in four countries

5G provides faster connectivity and more bandwidth, meaning higher download speeds for internet users, and more capacity and connectivity for billions of devices.

Nevertheless, Professor Frank  who has 44 years of primary care and public health practice, research, teaching and consulting in four countries, according to his university bio  is 'convinced' RF-EMFs 'may well have serious human health effects'.

'New fifth generation (5G) telecommunications systems, now being rolled out globally, have become the subject of a fierce controversy,' says Professor Frank in his peer-reviewed paper, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

'Some health protection agencies and their scientific advisory committees have concluded that there is no conclusive scientific evidence of harm.

5G transmitter masts. The density required for 5G means that more people will be exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), and, Professor Frank says, at levels that are potentially harmful to health

'Several recent reviews by independent scientists, however, suggest that there is significant uncertainty on this question, with rapidly emerging evidence of potentially harmful biological effects from radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures, at the levels 5G roll-out will entail.

'One cannot dismiss the growing health concerns about RF-EMFs, especially in an era when higher population levels of exposure are occurring widely, due to the spatially dense transmitters which 5G systems require.'

Professor Frank also hints at the safety concerns of 5G being neglected in the interest of financial gain  a viewpoint already put forward by some theorists.

'In the case of 5G transmission systems, there is no compelling public health or safety rationale for their rapid deployment,' he says.

'The main gains being promised are either economic (for some parties only, not necessarily with widely distributed financial benefits across the population) or related to increased consumer convenience.

'Until we know more about what we are getting into, from a health and ecological point of view, those putative gains need to wait.'

In his paper, Professor Frank outlines what he calls four areas of 'scientific uncertainty' relating the 5G safety.

PROFESSOR IDENTIFIES FOUR 'RELEVANT SOURCES OF SCIENTIFIC UNCERTAINTY AND CONCERN' RELATING TO 5G 5G has been hailed by governments as transformative, promising clear economic and lifestyle benefits, through massively boosting wireless and mobile connectivity at home, work, school and in the community. But it has become the subject of fierce controversy, fuelled by four key areas of scientific uncertainty and concern, put forward by Professor John William Frank, a physician and epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh. They are as follows: 1) The lack of clarity about precisely what technology is included in 5G; and a growing but far from comprehensive body of laboratory research indicating the biologically disruptive potential of RF-EMFs 2) A rapidly accumulating body of laboratory studies documenting disruptive in vitro and in vivo effects of RF-EMFs - but one with many gaps in it 3) An almost total lack (as yet) of high-quality epidemiological studies of adverse human health effects from 5G EMF exposure specifically, but rapidly emerging epidemiological evidence of such effects from past generations of RF-EMF exposure 4) Persistent allegations that some national telecomms regulatory authorities haven't based their RF-EMF safety policies on the latest science, amid potential conflicts of interest Advertisement

5G uses much higher frequency (3 to 300GHz) radio waves than in past generation generation technology standards.

Because of this, it makes use of very new supportive technology to enable this higher data transmission capacity  tech that is 'relatively unevaluated', Professor Frank says.

Unlike prior generations of wireless transmission systems, 5G ultrahigh-frequency waves are easily interrupted by vegetation foliage and building walls, which often requiring additional signal boosting within each building.

'This inherent fragility of 5G high-frequency waves means that transmission boosting "cell" antennae are generally required every 100300 m or less  far more spatially dense than the miles-apart transmission masts required for older 2G, 3G and 4G technology using lower frequency waves,' he says.

THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE The precautionary principle, proposed as a guideline in environmental decision making, has four central components. 1) Taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty 2) Shifting the burden of proof to the proponents of an activity 3) Exploring a wide range of alternatives to possibly harmful actions 4) Increasing public participation in decision making An important and influential statement of the PP is the principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in 1992. It states 'where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation'. Advertisement

A dense transmission network is also required to achieve the 'everywhere/anytime' connectivity promised by 5G developers.

While several major reviews of the existing evidence on the potential health harms of 5G have been published over the past decade, these have been of 'varying scientific quality', suggests Professor Frank.

Overall, Professor Frank argues in favour of the precautionary principle (PP), which does not seem to have been invoked in the case of the global 5G rollout.

PP is a precautionary approach suggesting regulatory intervention may still be legitimate, even if supporting evidence is incomplete or speculative and economic costs of regulation are high  in other words, to be better safe than sorry.

The author echoes the calls of others for a moratorium on the further rollout of 5G systems globally, pending more conclusive research on their safety.

Some conspiracy theorists claim the fifth-generation wireless standard, which began widespread deployment in 2019, emits radiation that lowers the immune system  but this claim is widely debunked by health bodies, experts and Professor Frank himself.

'Conspiracy theorists holding this view have already carried out violent attacks on mobile phone transmission facilities and other symbolic targets,' Professor Frank also says in his paper.

'This writer completely supports that view of the broader scientific community  the theory that 5G and related EMFs have contributed to the pandemic is baseless.

'There are knowledgeable commentators reports on the web debunking this theory, and no respectable scientist or publication has backed it.'

Experts who were not involved with Professor Frank's paper have generally challenged his suggestions.

Dr Ken Karipidis at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) says: 'The opinion paper discusses selected research results indicating the possibility of harmful effects from 5G and the recommendation of greater precaution.

'However, it is important to stress that this opinion is not supported by health authorities worldwide, mainstream science, and the total body of available research.'

Radiofrequency (RF) exposure levels from mobile telecommunications sources, including 5G, are much lower than the safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which are considered international best practice, Dr Karipidis points out.

'The ICNIRP limits take into account all of the research on RF exposure and health effects, including studies reporting effects at non-thermal exposure levels,' he said.

'The limits are precautionary as they are set well below the levels at which established health effects occur to provide additional protection and account for uncertainty.'

Pictured, a telecoms mast in Dagenham was damaged in a fire. There are no health concerns about 5G and COVID-19, despite what conspiracy theorists have suggested

Pictured, a burned down mast in London on April 15, 2020. Scientists and government experts have dismissed the theories as being completely false and having no basis in scientific fact

Professor Rodney Croft, from the Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research at the University of Wollongong, said: 'The essay by William Frank provides an unbalanced assessment of the radiation safety science related to mobile telecommunications, including 5G.

'Of particular note is that the views expressed in his essay do not correspond to the scientific consensus, and he does not provide support for these non-standard claims.

'An extensive body of science that has evaluated the safety of mobile telecommunications.

'Science has not been able to find any adverse health effects related to the electromagnetic fields emitted by telecommunications technologies such as 4G and 5G technologies.'

On its website, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technology to date after much research.

NHS GP Gero Baiarda explained that 5G does not weaken the immune system and that viruses cannot travel by radio wave and only enter the body at specific points

'Tissue heating is the main mechanism of interaction between radio-frequency fields and the human body,' WHO explains.

'Radio-frequency exposure levels from current technologies result in negligible temperature rise in the human body.

'As the frequency increases, there is less penetration into the body tissues and absorption of the energy becomes more confined to the surface of the body (skin and eye).

'Provided that the overall exposure remains below international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.'

Radiation watchdog International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has also already stated that 5G is safe and poses 'no health risks'.

The watchdog found no risks of cancer or other illnesses from exposure to the frequencies used in fifth generation networks, after studying seven years of data.

NHS GP Gero Baiarda said 5G does not weaken the immune system and that viruses cannot travel by radio wave and only enter the body at specific points.

Dr Baiarda dismissed claims that 5G signals act to weaken the human immune system, saying 5G radio waves 'carry too little energy to cause harm' and that 5G occupies the same wavelengths 'as those previously used by analogue TV'.

'The wavelengths emitted from your microwave oven are more powerful than 5G  both are perfectly safe,' he said.
On Sunday afternoon, I woke up to a message on Instagram from a stranger saying:

Condragulations* in your inclusion in Attitude 101! Pinoy Pride!

I didnt understand what he meant. Was this spam? Confused, I asked him: Are you sure its me? Last online: five hours ago. He was in another country so there was bound to be a time difference. It will be unlikely that he will reply so soon. What was this list?

I've had enough hits getting my NBI clearance to know that the name Jason Tan Liwag was more common than I thought. But I googled my name and there it was: "Jason Tan Liwag - Molecular biologist" in an article called Attitude 101: Meet the LGBTQ Trailblazers Changing the World Today by Attitude Magazine, one of the best-selling gay magazines on Earth.

How likely was it that there was another person who 1) had the same name as mine, 2) who was a molecular biologist, and 3) who was also openly gay? In my mind, pretty likely. I quickly went through all my emails and all my social media accounts to check if I received anything. Surely, they wouldve sent me interviews or some form of request to publish my name? I checked all my writeups from previous entries in 500 Queer Scientists and other sites and they all included contact details. If they didnt contact me, maybe this was someone else.

Related: 5 Filipino LGBTQ scientists and inventors you should know about

I began messaging friends to ask if they had access to the issue or if they knew anyone who did. It was weird, needing to pay for access to my own story. After a few hours of asking around, someone messaged me the write-up.

It was me.

Whatever joy I felt was quickly replaced by panic and anxiety.

Weve come to know through various stories that being out on social media does not necessarily translate to being out offline. I came out in my sophomore year in Ateneo de Manila University, but I was largely not out to my family or to the rest of the people in the province. In publicizing my details outside of my chosen social media platforms without asking for my permission, they inevitably put me on the accelerated path of being outed, a path I hadnt been ready for.

There was no way to ask it to be taken down. It would take days until I received a reply and there was no way my messages would be responded to by their social media accounts (I tried and failed). The issue had already been published and the list had been up for more than a week. If a stranger could message me through Instagram about it, then there was a chance that family members from other parts of the world had already seen it. The situation was a ticking time-bomb.

So I told my sisters (Congrats, bhie!, theyve known for forever) and told them it was time. I decided to share it on social media platforms after we got home from (a socially-distanced) mass. The church was quite empty and most of the ceremony was a blur. All I remember, really, is praying intently for the first time in a long time for things to be okay.

It felt like the only thing I could do, at least at the time, was accept it.

***

People told me I was gay before I even knew what being gay meant. "Bakla" was hurled at me throughout elementary and high school because of my voice or how my arms moved; the word was always more of a weapon than a word. To be gay in a Catholic school in the province was not only sin, but it meant that you were treated at times like a joke.

Growing up, I didnt really think it was possible to be a scientist. I grew up watching "Jurassic Park" and playing a lot of Pokemon and this is where I encountered the faces of scientists  white men with beards in fancy laboratories. If youre a kid from the province, you dont hear those stories; you dont see any of those things. To be a queer scientist seemed, to me at the time, a double impossibility.

Related: How hard is it to come out in the Philippines?

I was already in grad school when I came across visibility campaigns like Pinoy Scientists and 500 Queer Scientists. I remember seeing those who submitted their stories and thought to myself: Where was this all along? Why dont we have this? I submitted my own entry and have since gotten more opportunities to talk to other scientists in LGBTQIA+ communities around the world about what theyve faced and what theyre facing.

Visibility is an underappreciated value, especially in the sciences. People forget that, as scientists (heck, even as 'regular' people), we constantly fight for the space to be visible: citations, publications, poster presentations, talks all of those are an effort to let our research, our stories, be told. There are so many visible "scientists" with "authority" who are completely detached from social realities or even evidence-based research. On the other hand, there are so many individuals doing good work who have impostor syndrome; who dont feel like theyre good enough to be called a scientist; who feel like their experiences arent valid. People forget that scientists have struggles too and these scientists are encouraged to keep quiet about it for the sake of objectivity.

Queer scientists are in a space of triple marginalization: youre Filipino, youre a scientist, and you also belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. Globally, there isnt a lot of data on how members of the LGBTQIA+ community fare in the scientific landscape. But in some countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals had higher drop out rates, lower retention rates in STEM courses, more barriers to upward mobility in the academe, and higher risk of mental health problems. To be a queer scientist meant that you enter spaces that were always meant to keep you out.

I had forgotten exactly how hard this was. The process of "coming out" and all of the possible violence and self-loathing that came along with it. Was there ever going to be a way to unburden myself, all of us, from ever doing this? I hope there will be. But at this moment, I dont know.

The organization that we started called Queer Scientists PH was a visibility campaign-turned-advocacy organization that I started the week of my birthday during quarantine  coincidentally aligned with Metro Manila Pride. We wanted to let Filipino scientists from the LGBTQIA+ community speak up about their experiences  all the highs and lows that came with being triply marginalized. It was an attempt to create a community to combat the anti-science sentiments of the country, but also as a way for queer scientists to reclaim science after its been used and weaponized against the LGBTQIA+ community.

But more than that, we created the organization to empower younger generations to have people to look up to and for older generations to provide them with inclusive environments and to abolish whatever barriers to mobility there are. But what kind of leader would I be if I couldnt lead by example? How could I convince others to be brave if I was held back by my childhood fears? Who will queer kids from Pangasinan look up to if I remained safely hidden in the closet, guarded by my privilege?

It wasn't as if my family were rampantly homophobic. Weve always been incredibly close. Whenever I get anxiety attacks or need a laugh, I call my parents. The main reason (and maybe the only reason) I havent told them is because there just hasnt been a window of opportunity. And now there is.

Still, I had forgotten exactly how hard this was. The process of "coming out" and all of the possible violence and self-loathing that came along with it. Was there ever going to be a way to unburden myself, all of us, from ever doing this? I hope there will be. But at this moment, I dont know.

***

I waited all night and all day, and it seemed as though my parents either didnt see the news or hadnt minded. They werent on social media much, but the congratulations posts had been pouring in from all sides. Relatives were beginning to say their piece and part of me knew it was only a matter of time.

On Monday evening, we were having a midnight snack when my mom suddenly just said:

"Ano itong list?"

She was holding her phone, reading a text from one of our relatives. I had trained myself to read upside down as a child so I knew it was from one of our titas. She was congratulating me, saying she was extremely proud. My heart was thumping. I spoke up, remembering I had a voice:

"Trailblazers from around the world, mom. They picked me." She squints at the screen and pouts.

"Bakit? LGBTQ ka ba, Jase?"

I paused. Was this how I wanted all of this to happen? I dont know. But Im at peace with whatever happens. Maybe this unravels everything, but maybe it puts everything into place. I'll only know after.

"Yeah, mom. I am."

***

*"Condragulations" is the congratulatory message used by Ru Paul in the television series "RuPaul's Drag Race."
2021-01-18

Maeci

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, welcomed with great satisfaction the confirmation by the UN Security Council of the appointment of Jan Kubis to the post of Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Libya.

An important appointment that Italy supports with determination, reaffirming its full and convinced commitment to the action of the United Nations, the UNSMIL Mission in Libya and the processes for the stabilisation of the country.

Minister Di Maio also expressed strong appreciation and gratitude for the commitment of the Interim Special Representative, Stephanie Williams, whose professionalism and determination have enabled to make significant progress in all areas of intra-Libyan dialogue, which must now be strengthened and further developed.
[January 19, 2021] Xerox Holdings Corporation Plans Webcast to Discuss 2020 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results

Xerox Holdings Corporation (NYSE: XRX) will host a live audio webcast with online presentation slides at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 26, to discuss the company's 2020 fourth-quarter and full-year results. A news release containing this information will be issued earlier that day at 6:30 a.m. ET.







WHEN: 8 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 WHAT: Review of Xerox's 2020 fourth-quarter and full-year results WHO: John Visentin, vice chairman and chief executive officer, Xerox Xavier Heiss, chief financial officer, Xerox AUDIO

WEBCAST: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qcwksfdj or https://www.news.xerox.com/investors Replay available.

About Xerox Xerox Holdings Corporation makes every day work better. We are a workplace technology company building and integrating software and hardware for enterprises large and small. As customers seek to manage information across digital and physical platforms, Xerox delivers a seamless, secure and sustainable experience. Whether inventing the copier, Ethernet, the laser printer or more, Xerox has long defined the modern work experience. Learn how that innovation continues at xerox.com. Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit https://www.news.xerox.com. For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://www.linkedin.com/company/xerox, http://twitter.com/xerox, http://www.facebook.com/XeroxCorp, https://www.instagram.com/xerox/, http://www.youtube.com/XeroxCorp. Xerox is a trademark of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119006094/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]


Kathmandu, January 19

Sugarcane farmers from different districts of southern Nepal who were protesting in Kathmandu in December last year demanding outstanding payments from sugarcane mills have said they have been again betrayed by the government.

On December 28, they had ended the protests after signing an agreement with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. In the agreement, the government had ensured the payment from the mills in the next 21 days.

The deadline ended on Monday, but all payments have not been cleared yet, informs Rakesh Mishra, a leader of the farmers from Sarlahi.

The government, however, is spreading a message that all the payments have been done based on the details submitted by the industrialists, Hari Shyam Raya, another leader of the agitating farmers, complains.

When we ask the ministry, it says all the payments have been ensured, but three weeks passed and we have not received all the money in our accounts, Mishra says, The government lied to us once again.

Demanding that the government and sugar mills implement a January 2020 deal, which was quite similar to the agreement made in December 2020, signed with them, sugarcane farmers from various districts of southern Nepal had launched a protest in Kathmandu on December 13, 2020.

Progress is satisfactory: Government

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs says the progress of clearing the payments is satisfactory. As of Monday evening, 73 per cent of the remaining payments have been deposited into the farmers bank accounts, informs the ministrys Information Officer Prem Lal Lamichhane.

Four companies had to pay Rs 705.8 million to the farmers when the protest started, but by now, Rs 513.8 million has already been paid, according to him. Efforts are underway to release the remaining payments, he assures.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Senator Richard Gordon on Tuesday said he filed a bill seeking to expand the country's pool of vaccinators for the national immunization program to include other health professionals, students, as well as those without medical background, ahead of the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Senate Bill 1987 dated Jan. 18 pushes for the training and certification of "allied" health professionals, namely dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, psychologists and others; students of such professions, and non-medical workers, to be able to administer vaccines.

They may inoculate individuals provided they are under the supervision of a licensed physician and only during exceptional circumstances such as "in times of an epidemic, pandemic, national health emergencies or when the government is in danger of not meeting its target in its yearly immunization program due to acute shortage of vaccinators," the bill stated.

The move comes after senators expressed concern over the number of healthcare workers needed to reach the goal of 70 million individuals inoculated against COVID-19 within the year.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier told the Senate that 35,240 doctors, nurses, or rural health unit midwives are needed to be able to vaccinate around 24.6 million individuals. An additional 176,200 personnel are also needed to handle registration, education, and screening.

Over 617,000 of healthcare workers, contact tracers, and social workers will be deployed for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Duque said, but only doctors, nurses and midwives are allowed to inoculate. The agency assigned at least 4,504 vaccination sites in the country, each with three teams that would vaccinate 300 individuals per day. That would mean around 1.3 million people immunized daily, Gordon estimated.

However, the senator noted the low turnout in the country's immunization efforts in the past few years.

"In its Expanded Program on Immunization, the DOH targets 95% of child population and yet only manages to achieve the following: 2016 - 70%; 2017 - 67%; 2018 - 66%; 2019 - 69%," the bill said.

The measure proposes that the funds for training and accrediting the additional vaccinators will come from the appropriations earmarked for the COVID-19 vaccination program.
US President Donald Trump (Source: Reuters )

Outgoing US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to lift travel restrictions on European countries and Brazil which his administration had imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Travel restrictions on several other countries including China and Iran remain in place.

In an executive order, Trump said he is removing the restrictions applicable to the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Brazil, while leaving in place the restrictions applicable to China and Iran.

A decision in this regard, he said, is being taken after the January 12 directive of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States.

Trump said that European Union, Britain, Ireland and Brazil will cooperate with the US in the implementation of CDC's January 12, 2021, order and that tests administered there will yield accurate results.

However, the same cannot be said of China and Iran. Those jurisdictions' responses to the pandemic, their lack of transparency, and their lack of cooperation with the United States thus far in combatting the pandemic, cast doubt on their cooperation in implementing CDC's January 12, 2021, order, Trump said.

The previous travel restrictions were announced on March 14 and May 24 of last year.
German special police pose at their Federal Police Offices in Potsdam, Germany, May 15, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Hannibal Hanschke.

German federal police said they were stepping up European cross-border cooperation to fight Vietnamese human trafficking, after Berlin became a key hub in a network of exploitation in service industries.

Lured by jobs in Europe, Vietnamese migrants are smuggled illegally often through China or Russia, Carsten Moritz, head of the human trafficking unit of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), told public broadcaster RBB Monday.

Arrivals from Vietnam frequently work under "exploitative conditions" to pay off smuggling debts, which cost around 10,000 to 20,000 euros ($12,000 to $24,000) per person.

A "huge network" that is "active all over Europe" is behind trafficking from Vietnam, according to the BKA, generating "enormous sums" for criminals.

A Europe-wide operation will be launched this year to tackle the problem initiated by the BKA and bringing in police from countries including Poland, Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Belgium as well as EU law enforcement agency Europol.

Police have previously found migrants -- including minors -- illegally working in massage parlors, nail salons and restaurants, as well as the textile and cleaning industry.

The eastern Berlin district of Lichtenberg, home to the Dong Xuan Center, one of Germany's largest Asian markets, is of central importance, Moritz said.

In March last year, German police carried out a series of raids against suspected Vietnamese traffickers and arrested six in relation to charges of smuggling 155 Vietnamese people to Germany.

People who choose to make the perilous journey to Europe often endure appalling conditions.

In 2019, 39 Vietnamese migrants were found dead in a refrigerated truck in Britain shortly after it had crossed the Channel from mainland Europe.

The ringleader Gheorghe Nica was arrested in Frankfurt in January 2020 on a European Arrest Warrant and later convicted in London of 39 counts of manslaughter.

Another suspected leader in the smuggling, a 29-year-old nicknamed "the Bald Duke", was arrested in Germany in May, sources told AFP at the time.

There are around 188,000 people of Vietnamese descent in Germany, according to official statistics.

Many Vietnamese came as so-called guest workers to East Germany, staying after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Others are descended from the "boat people" who arrived in West Germany after fleeing their homeland at the end of the Vietnam War.
A prosecution witness on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos how N3 billion credited to the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) was diverted to personal use under the then Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosus watch.

Okechukwu Akubue, who is an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said N3 billion was credited by NIMASA in the NAFs Special Emergency Operations Account domiciled in Zenith Bank in three tranches.

Mr Akubue who started testifying as the first prosecution witness on Monday, had told the judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, that NIMASA paid the N3 billion to NAF in three tranches for the protection of Nigerias waterways.

The witness said NAF received the first tranche of N1 billion from NIMASA on August 28, 2014, the second tranche of N1 billion on September 15, 2014, and the third tranche of N1 billion credit again from the maritime agency on September 23, 2014.

The witness alleged that the funds paid to NAF between August and September 2014 were diverted by the defendants.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mr Amosu alongside Jacobs Adigun, and Gbadebo Owodunni, on amended 13 counts of fraud involving the diversion of N21 billion belonging to NAF.

The commission stated that Mr Adigun was an Air Vice Marshal and NAF Chief of Accounts and Budget, while Mr Owodunni was an Air Commodore and former NAF Director of Finance and Budget.

How first N1 billion was allegedly diverted

The witness said, further to the N1 billion credit inflow from NIMASA, we found debit of N4, 801,549 on behalf of Hebron Housing and Property, a company linked to the second defendant by way of ownership.

According to him, the Ecobank account in which the money was credited is also owned by the second defendant and the fund was not utilised for the NAF but for the benefits of the defendants.

He also said N228 million was debited from the NAF account in favour of Rite Options Oil and Gas, on September 2, 2014.

He said another N336 million was also debited in favour of the same company on the same day.

According to the witness, the sum of N165.7 million was also debited from the NAF account on September 4, 2014 in favour of Juda Oil Limited and another N170.210 million also debited from the same account on the same day.

He added, Investigating the transaction in favour of Rite Options Oil and Gas, we invited for questioning the owner of the company, Adedeji Adelakun.

In the course of interrogation, he admitted that he was not into oil and gas business, but that he was a bureau de change dealer.

Adelakun further confessed that the money in question was not utilised for the services of NAF, but that he converted same to United States dollars and gave to Olufunke Osisanmi, a member of staff of Zenith Bank on the instruction of the defendant.

With regards to Juda Oil Limited, Mr Akubue told the court the owner of the company, Mohammed Sani, was also invited for questioning.

He said, Mohammed admitted that he did not provide any service for the NAF, but that he rather changed the money to United States dollar and gave same to NAF officers nominated by the defendant.

How second N1 billion credit was allegedly diverted

According to Mr Akubue, the NAF also got another N1 billion from NIMASA on September 15, 2014.

ADVERTISEMENT

He noted that following the credit, several debits were made, including N258.6 million on September 16, 2014, in favour of Delfina Oil and Gas; N261,416,480.92 on September 16, 2014, in favour of McAllam Oil and Gas, which also got another N235,970,883.66, and N243,919,114.64 in favour of Delfina Oil and Gas on September 17, 2014.

The investigation, according to Mr Akubue, revealed that these two companies, were owned and controlled by the second defendant, and like Rite Options Oil and Gas, and Juda Oil Limited, they had no contractual agreements with the NAF.

How third N1 billion was allegedly diverted

Further testifying, Mr Akubue told the court that there was another lodgment of N1 billion from NIMASA on September 23, 2014.

He said, Following the lodgment, N146, 298,479.31 was debited in favour of Lebol Oil and Gas, which on the same day, also got N153, 701,520.69.

Mr Akubue noted that Lebol Oil and Gas also got N135, 219,625.27; N185, 880,374.73; N186, 410,750.12 and N168, 489,249.88 all on September 24, 2014.

The company, which he said was owned by Adamu Musa, a BDC operator, also got N162, 715,233.52 and N161, 284,766.48 all on September 25, 2014.

Under interrogation, Musa confessed that the company had no contractual agreements with the NAF and that the funds were changed to United States dollar and given to agents nominated by the defendant, he said.

Meanwhile, the judge adjourned the trial till April 12, 15 and 20, 2021.
Manila: The message in late December wasn't meant for Jesse, a newcomer working at an offshore gambling operator in the Philippines. But her eyes fell on a group chat on her colleague's unattended phone, detailing plans to administer coronavirus vaccines this month to her Chinese co-workers.

Her colleague had sent their peers a reminder "to make sure when they get vaccinated, they have to wear long sleeves [...] to cover the cotton after the injection," said Jesse, a Filipino who chose to go by her nickname for fear of reprisal. "And you're not supposed to say anything to other employees."

Passengers line up to fly to China from Manila's international airport. Under-the-counter vaccines are being sold to foreign workers in the gaming industry. Credit:AP

No coronavirus vaccine has been approved for general use in the Philippines, nor is one expected to arrive, officially, until at least February. It is illegal to import unauthorised pharmaceuticals.

But soaring demand among Chinese workers, many of them employed in the Philippines' lucrative online casinos catering to gamblers in China, is driving a black market where vaccine doses are sold for many times the standard 190 yuan ($38) in China.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 10:06:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia rose to 131,546 after 351 new cases were reported, the East African country's Ministry of Health said on Monday.

The ministry said that the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the country reached 2,033 as of Monday evening, including three new deaths reported during the last 24-hour period.

Some 116,335 COVID-19 patients have recovered so far, including 188 in the last 24-hour period, the ministry added.

It also said that 13,176 COVID-19 cases are active and 224 patients are in severe conditions.

Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation with about 107 million people, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the east African region.

Ethiopia is the fifth country most affected by COVID-19 in Africa, after South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

The government has been recently urging the public to implement COVID-19 precautionary measures so as to contain the spread of the virus.

The country has so far conducted 1,891,919 COVID-19 tests, including 4,980 during the past 24-hours period, according to the ministry. Enditem
The Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF) voiced on Tuesday its rejection to the decision of liquidating the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company (EISC), a week after the hotly debated resolution was passed officially by the company's board of directors.

In an official statement released following a meeting held earlier today, the ETUF called on all concerned bodies to overturn the decision and form an experienced national committee to look into the step's ramifications.

The federation said it will address President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to "intervene and salvage the company."

The industrial icon started operations in 1961 and currently employs 2,500 workers.

The ETUF said the company and other Egyptian business companies serve the process of development and the establishment of national mega projects in the country.

It also called for considering the studies of developing the 67-year-old company and increasing its production in a way that lives up with its history as a "leading" company in the Middle East.

The federation stressed the significance of preserving the technical and production assets of the company, including the oxygen plants that are being supplied to the health ministry to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, according to the statement.

The EISC has been one of the country's industrial icons since its establishment in 1954 and the start of its operations in the early 1960s.

The liquidation resolution stipulated that the EISC will be divided into two companies, one for iron and steel, and another for mines and quarries.

The EISC board said the decision was made as a result of the heavy losses that have been accumulating over the years, which hit EGP 9 billion, 982.8 million of which were lost between July 2019 and June 2020.

The Egyptian Ministry of Public Enterprises attributed the losses to the "outdated" technology used by the company as well as the increasing production cost due to the low concentration of the iron extracted from the company's mines, a matter that leads to a high consumption of coke and gas in the production process.

An analysis released by the ministry on Sunday played down concerns over the impact of the liquidation decision on the market, saying the EISC has an annual production of 112,000 tonnes, less than 1% of the overall production capacity in Egypt, which reaches 11.8 million tonnes. Another 2 million tonnes are imported at lower prices.

The consumption rate in Egypt ranges between 7 and 8 million tonnes per year, the ministry added in the analysis.

Short link:


Kodak on Tuesday launched two new smart TVs in India These newly launched smart TVs include a 42-inch model, which costs 19,999 and a 50-inch model, which costs 29,999. They will go on sale in India exclusively via Flipkart as a part of its Flipkart Republic Day Sale.

As far as the details are concerned, the 50-inch UHD model, which is a part of the companys 7XPRO series, comes with an IPS display with a resolution of 3841x2160 pixels, a viewing angle of 178 degrees and a peak brightness of 500 nits. It is powered by a 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core CPU and Mali-450MP3 GPU that is coupled with 2GB RAM and 8GB ROM. It runs on Android OS. It has three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and WiFi for connectivity. It also features support for Google Assistant. It features support for over 5,000 apps and games.

The 42-inch FHD model, on the other hand, comes with an IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is powered by the same CPU and GPU like the one powering the 50-inch model. The difference is that it has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of ROM. Other details such as the viewing angle, ports and connectivity options remain the same. Apart from that, this model comes with a remote that has dedicated keys for Amazon Prime, Youtube and SonyLiv.

ALSO READ: Kodak 55UHDXSMART review: A 4K UHD Smart TV under 45,000

Kodak says that the new 42-inch TV also comes with a powerful sound of 30W and pre-loaded apps such as YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, MX player, Zee5 among others that offer a theatre-like experience to the customers.

Content consumption patterns have changed due to COVID-19 and Kodak 7XPRO is a certified Google Android TV that optimises data usage across 5,00,000 movies, shows, games and music available on the Google Play Store, Avneet Singh Marwah, Director and CEO, Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd said on the occasion.
According to Colombo media reports, a Core Group on Sri Lanka is planning to present a new resolution to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on human rights issues. This group includes Britain, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

By all indications Washington is behind the move intended to press Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government to break from Chinas influence.

During the months of July and August 2014, UNHCR provided supermarket vouchers through a special one-time assistance programme to the most vulnerable asylum-seekers in Sri Lanka. (UNHCR)

Although political turmoil is engulfing Washington amid President Donald Trumps fascist coup attempt, the US military buildup against China is continuing. The US wants to integrate Sri Lanka into its war preparations.

The resolution will be submitted to the UNHRCs 46th session, to be held in Geneva in March. The Sunday Times reported in its weekend issue that the Colombo government turned down a request by the Core Group to co-sponsor the new resolution.

The resolutions content is yet unknown. But the US, backed by other imperialist powers, hypocritically exploited the war crimes committed during the final phase of the war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to press Colombo to line up behind it.

A nearly 30-year bloody communal war against the LTTE ended in May 2009 during former President Mahinda Rajapakses government. His younger brother, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, now president, supervised the brutal military operations as defence secretary.

UN expert committees estimated that the military was responsible for at least 40,000 civilian deaths in the final weeks of war, as well as the killing of several LTTE leaders and the disappearance of hundreds of others who surrendered at the end of war.

Washington supported the war and the anti-democratic Mahinda Rajapakse regime. However, hostile to his close ties with China, which supplied military hardware and financial assistance, the US sponsored several UNHRC resolutions to push him to distance his government from Beijing.

Finally, Washington orchestrated a regime-change operation to oust Mahinda Rajapakse and replace him with the pro-US Maithripala Sirisena as president via elections in January 2015.

Sirisena shifted the countrys foreign policy in favour of the US. In return, Washington helped Colombo to dilute the war crimes investigation demands and to pass a UNHRC resolution in October 2015 calling for the creation of domestic hybrid courts to investigate human rights. Such courts were never established.

Last March the current Rajapakse government withdrew its support for this resolution and other related UNHRC resolutions. Rajapakses government denies that any war crimes were committed and defends the military. The same position is taken by all political parties in Colombo that supported the prosecution of the war.

Amid a deep economic crisis, Rajapakse is appointing retired and serving generals to key administration posts, rapidly entrenching an autocratic regime based on the military.

Washington approached the Tamil parties to tap their support for a new UNHRC resolution, even as the Trump administration withdrew from the UNHRC objecting to its criticism of Israel human rights violations.

In mid-December the US ambassador in Colombo Alaina Teplitz met with Tamil National Alliance (TNA) spokesman and parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran, who assured Teplitz of his partys backing.

Sumanthiran later met with Tamil Peoples Alliance (TPA) leader and former Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran and Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF) leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. According to the media, they agreed to prepare a proposal for the UNHRC.

US and UK diplomats also held telephone conversations with Ponnambalam, while British High Commissioner Sarah Halton had a separate discussion with Sumanthiran in December.

These utterly corrupt bourgeois Tamil nationalist parties have long backed US geopolitical interests, particularly against China, and in turn sought the backing of the imperialist powers and India to secure their privileges.

They have no genuine interest in war crimes investigations or the democratic rights of Tamil workers and poor. The TNA played a key role in the US-sponsored regime-change operation in 2015. Sumanthiran then helped to formulate the October 2015 UNHRC resolution, which suppressed the war crimes investigation in collusion with the US State Department.

Last week, after the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres with the US and UK diplomats, the TNA, TNPF and TPA leaders and other Tamil figures wrote a letter to UNHRC member states requesting a new resolution. The letter urges the UNHRC to ask UN bodies, including the Security Council and General Assembly, to inquire into the crime of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, via the International Criminal Court and any other appropriate and effective international accountability mechanisms.

The letter also asks the UNHRC president to refer matters on accountability in Sri Lanka back to the UN Secretary General for action as stated above and mandate the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to continue to monitor Sri Lanka for ongoing violations.

The letter requests the setting up of an International Independent Investigation Mechanism like that invoked against Syria. This means that the Tamil parties are backing the US-led aggressive actions against Syria aimed at regime change.

As part of their perfidious role, these Tamil parties only pay lip service to the continued fight of Tamil people for human rights investigations, information about the disappeared and the release of Tamil political prisoners. They never demand the withdrawal of the military occupation of the islands north and east.

The Rajapakse government is facing an unprecedented economic downturn caused by the impact of the global pandemic. According to the Central Bank, economic output dropped by 3.9 percent last year. Facing massive foreign debt repayments over the next four years, including $US6 billion this year, the government has turned to Beijing to finance its cash deficits.

Beijing, confronted by the US military buildup and provocations, is keen to develop its influence by providing loans and grants to Colombo. This is part of its drive to develop its relations in other countries in the region.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Sri Lanka in October to demand that Colombo line up with the US. At a press conference, he declared: We see from bad deals, violations of sovereignty and lawlessness on land and sea, that the Chinese Communist Party is a predator.

A bill presented to the US Congress on December 21 on financial support to countries hit by the pandemic stated: US financial support will be contingent on Sri Lanka asserting its sovereignty against influence by the Peoples Republic of China.

In another warning, Washington last month discontinued a 49 billion rupee ($480 million) US Millennium Challenge Corporation grant due to lack of partner country engagement.

India, one of the United States main strategic partners against China, sent its foreign affairs minister S. Jaishankar to Colombo this month, primarily to express displeasure over the Rajapakse regimes growing relations with Beijing.

A genuine investigation into the war crimes and the ending of discrimination against the Tamil and Muslim minorities in Sri Lanka can be achieved only through the united struggle of the working class, across ethnic lines, on the basis of an international socialist program against the Rajapakse regime.

This struggle is bound up with the fight against the imperialist war preparations. The latest US actions to line up Sri Lanka show the advanced stage of its geostrategic aggression against China, posing the danger of catastrophic wars.
Images of two iconic planetary nebulae taken by the Hubble Space Telescope are revealing new information about how they develop their dramatic features. Researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and Green Bank Observatory presented new findings about the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302) and the Jewel Bug Nebula (NGC 7027) at the 237th meeting of the American Astronomical Society on Friday, Jan. 15.

Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 observed the nebulae in 2019 and early 2020 using its full, panchromatic capabilities, and the astronomers involved in the project have been using emission line images from near-ultraviolet to near-infrared light to learn more about their properties. The studies were first-of-their-kind panchromatic imaging surveys designed to understand the formation process and test models of binary-star-driven planetary nebula shaping.

"We're dissecting them," said Joel Kastner, a professor in RIT's Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and School of Physics and Astronomy. "We're able to see the effect of the dying central star in how it's shedding and shredding its ejected material. We're able to see that material that the central star has tossed away is being dominated by ionized gas, where it's dominated by cooler dust, and even how the hot gas is being ionized, whether by the star's UV or by collisions caused by its present, fast winds."

Kastner said analysis of the new HST images of the Butterfly Nebula is confirming that the nebula was ejected only about 2,000 years ago--an eyeblink by the standards of astronomy - and that the S-shaped iron emission that helps give it the "wings" of gas may be even younger. Surprisingly, they found that while astronomers previously believed they had located the nebula's central star, it was actually a star not associated with the nebula that is much closer to Earth than the nebula. Kastner said he hopes that future studies with the James Webb Space Telescope could help locate the actual central star.

The team's ongoing analysis of the Jewel Bug Nebula is built on a 25-year baseline of measurements dating back to early Hubble imaging. Paula Moraga Baez, an astrophysical sciences and technology Ph.D. student from DeKalb, Ill., called the nebula "remarkable for its unusual juxtaposition of circularly symmetric, axisymmetric, and point-symmetric (bipolar) structures." Moraga noted, "The nebula also retains large masses of molecular gas and dust despite harboring a hot central star and displaying high excitation states."

Jesse Bublitz '20 Ph.D. (astrophysical sciences and technology), now a postdoctoral researcher at Green Bank Observatory, has continued analysis of NGC 7027 with radio images from the Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) Telescope, where he identified molecular tracers of ultraviolet and X-ray light that continue to shape the nebula. The combined observations from telescopes at other wavelengths, like Hubble, and bright molecules CO+ and HCO+ from NOEMA indicate how different regions of NGC 7027 are affected by the irradiation of its central star.

"We're very excited about these findings," said Bublitz. "We had hoped to find structure that clearly showed CO+ and HCO+ spatially coincident or entirely in distinctive regions, which we did. This is the first map of NGC 7027, or any planetary nebula, in the molecule CO+, and only the second CO+ map of any astronomical source."

###

In addition to Kastner, Moraga, and Bublitz, the research team involved in the HST imaging work includes Rodolfo Montez Jr. '10 Ph.D. (astrophysical sciences and technology) from Harvard-Smithsonian CfA; Bruce Balick from University of Washington; as well as Adam Frank and Eric Blackman from University of Rochester. Bublitz's international team of collaborators on radio molecular line imaging of NGC 7027 includes Kastner, Montez Jr., and astrophysicists from Spain, France, and Brazil.

For more information, contact Luke Auburn at 585-490-3198, luke.auburn@rit.edu, or on Twitter: @lukeauburn.
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 newspaper still hopes to hold locals accountable for a recent American insurrection and has dedicated quite a few of their pages to this demand for justice.



Credit where it's due . . . Their most interesting recent report chronicles social media fallout after a local minister was identified near the crime scene.

Johnson County pastor attended DC Trump rally: A slap in the face for church members

Deets . . .

Photos have circulated on Facebook of Lenexa Pastor Luke Weese attending the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 before the rally turned into a violent attack, fueled by President Donald Trumps rhetoric. His church says he was there to pray and was not near the Capitol at the time of the raid. But church members say his attendance sends the wrong message.

It's unclear if church drama really has any impact outside the congregation but the outcry of suburban holy rollers deserves consideration.



In another leap of faith, here's a not-so-new attack against a Missouri Senator . . .

Could Sen. Josh Hawleys reckless disregard for truth cost him Missouri law license?

Quick answer: NO.

This link offers more detail, a fact check and reminds readers that newspaper editorials are no longer grounded in reality.

Law.com: 'Political Theater': Ethics Experts Expect Cruz, Hawley Disbarment Petitions to Fall Flat

Still, the progressive screeds persist as audience and advertisers fade for the so-called "paper-of-record" that now mostly serves to document partisan screeds.

You decide . . .



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 New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
The All Saints' administration is strongly refuting claims being circulated in a Whatsapp message that all patients and staff at the Gordon Home for Senior Citizens have contracted COVID-19 and that an elderly person died from the virus. However they confirm that unfortunately a number of persons, both staff and patients, have tested positive for the pathogen.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer outlined a new $5.6 billion proposal to fund COVID-19 vaccination efforts and other initiatives aimed at boosting the states economy and preparing school districts for transitioning back into in-person learning.

The legislature would need to sign off on the spending plan, the bulk of which is drawn from federal COVID-19 recovery funding directed to the state. In all, only $575 million of the $5.6 billion would come from state funds  $225 million for various economic development initiatives, and $300 million for schools to return to in-person classes by March 1.

State Budget Director Dave Massaron said the administration would send the request to the legislature Wednesday. The plan could be a tough sell in the Republican-majority legislature, where some key players in crafting the state budget are hesitant to allocate federal funds without movement on reopening in-person dining.

Whitmers wide-ranging plan, announced in a Tuesday virtual news briefing, would fund the states vaccine distribution program and expand ongoing testing and contact tracing efforts.

Whitmer also proposed using the nearly $1.7 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools to get students and staff back in classrooms by March 1 and to address learning loss caused by the pandemic. Whitmers administration proposed allocating the funding via a formula giving additional weight to students living in poverty or who have special education needs.

Other funds under the plan would provide additional food and rental assistance for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as waiving penalties and interest for property owners who didnt pay summer 2020 property taxes on time.

Whitmer also called on the legislature to enact a handful of policy changes, including renewing the Good Jobs for Michigan tax incentive program and enacting a permanent extension of unemployment benefits from the current 20 weeks to 26 weeks.

The Michigan COVID recovery plan is focused on one, protecting public health two, getting our students back on track and three, jumpstarting our economy, Whitmer said. The most important thing that we can do to grow our economy and to help businesses get back on their feet is to protect public health and end the pandemic.

The announcement comes on the heels of the states Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, which found federal funding and a big boost from online consumer spending meant the state has more money than initially expected.

The Michigan Department of Treasury and the state House and Senate fiscal agencies projected last Friday that the state will collect $24.3 billion in revenue for the general and school aid funds, up $1.2 billion from estimates made last August. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, officials predicted combined revenues would total $25.3 billion, $874.8 million more than the previous projection.

Revenues are still down 2 percent compared to last fiscal year, and officials were quick to acknowledge federal COVID-19 stimulus initiatives such as increased unemployment benefits were behind the boost  not any major economic improvements.

On Tuesday, Michigan Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said the state anticipates a two-track recovery over the next few years, with in-person industries hardest hit by the pandemic lagging behind industries that can operate remotely.

Getting the pandemic under control is the most surefire way to revitalize the economy, she said.

As we progress on the health front, our economic recovery will continue to follow, Eubanks said.

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, criticized the governor for previous vetoes of property tax relief and funds to extend unemployment benefits, but said its good to see Gov. Whitmer finally come around on policies supported by legislative Republicans.

Senate Republicans will take a look at what the governor has proposed and see where we can make improvements, he continued.

House Appropriations Chair Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, has said allocating federal COVID-19 relief funding should be contingent on the administration reopening restaurants and other sectors of the economy currently closed for in-person business.

Whitmer said she cant speak to the intentions of individual lawmakers, but defended the states ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and said she hopes no one will want to stand in the way of federal dollars being used for their intended purpose.

Related:

Federal stimulus, more online shopping means $1.2B more tax revenue for Michigan than expected

Michigan businesses should reopen before federal COVID-19 funds are distributed, Republican lawmaker says

Senate Republicans mull rejecting Whitmer appointees until coronavirus restrictions are lifted

Michigan governor calls for in-person learning to resume by March 1

Whitmer veto means some Michiganders could lose extra 6 weeks of unemployment benefits

Read the $465M coronavirus response plan Michigan lawmakers are sending to Whitmer
BERLIN  The Boeing 737 Max will be approved to resume flights in Europe next week, following nearly two years of reviews after the aircraft was involved in two deadly crashes that saw the planes grounded worldwide, the head of the European aviation safety agency said Tuesday.

Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, told reporters the planes will be permitted to fly so long as they meet conditions specified by the agency and that pilots are up to date on their training.

It will be cleared to fly again from next week, he said at an online event hosted by Germanys Aviation Press Club.

The planes were grounded in March 2019 following the crashes of a Lion Air flight near Jakarta on Oct. 29, 2018, and an Ethiopian Airlines flight on March 10, 2019, killing a total of 346 people. Investigators determined that the cause of the crashes was a faulty computer system that pushed the planes nose downward in flight and couldnt be overridden by pilots.

Changes mandated by EASA, based in Cologne, Germany, include a recertification of the planes flight-control system, called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, which was not a part of previous 737 models.

When EASA published its proposed air worthiness directive for the Max in November, Ky said the agencys review of the aircraft began with the MCAS but went far beyond.

He said the agency reviewed the entire flight control system and broadened its assessment to include all aspects of design that could influence how the flight controls operated, which resulted in other changes required.

It also investigated human factors, which led to new pilot training requirements to ensure they are familiar with all aspects of the aircrafts flight control system and will react appropriately to typical failure scenarios.

The proposed air worthiness directive was open for public comments for a month, which have now been analyzed and incorporated into the final air worthiness directive where needed, Ky said.

We expect to publish it next week, which means that the Max will be cleared to fly again in Europe from our perspective, he said.

Airlines will still need to ensure their pilots have received the training needed to fly the plane, and that the maintenance and changes necessary have been carried out after the long grounding. Some EU states will have to lift their own individual grounding notices as well.

The 737 Max returned to the skies in the United States last month, after the Federal Aviation Administration approved changes that Boeing made to the automated flight control system.

It has also been allowed by Brazil to resume flights, and Transport Canada said earlier this week that it had been cleared to start flying again Wednesday.

 The Associated Press
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (ASH) announced Tuesday that Ashland has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the personal care business from Schulke & Mayr GmbH, a portfolio company of the global investment organization EQT, for 262.5 million euros n an all-cash transaction. The transaction enhances Ashland's specialty additives position in personal care, expands biotechnology and microbiology technical competencies and advances environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda for personal care and household applications. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed before the end of the June quarter. The transaction will be funded with bank financing and available cash and become immediately accretive to Ashland's earnings per share. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The fashion magazine announced the release of a limited-edition Inauguration Day issue, which retails for $7.99, on Tuesday

Vogue is attempting to cash in on the furious backlash surrounding its Kamala Harris cover choice by releasing the Vice President-elect's preferred photo on the front of a 'limited special edition Inauguration Day issue' of the magazine.

The publication announced the release of a limited edition run of the magazine on Instagram on Tuesday - 24 hours before Joe Biden's inauguration - revealing that it will print a limited run of issues featuring an image of Harris, 56, wearing a powder-blue power suit - the same photo that was originally relegated to the digital issue, after being chosen by the VP-elect and her team as their favorite from her shoot.

Many social media users were quick to blast the second cover release, with several questioning why the image was not featured on the cover in the first place instead of a widely-slammed photo that showed Harris posing in a casual ensemble and Converse sneakers in front of a 'messy' cloth backdrop.

'Finally, you have published the picture that the VP-elect agreed on, not the previous one. But [the way] you handled this situation is simply disgusting,' one person wrote, adding the hashtag #vogueisracist.

Some also accused the publication of trying to make money off the back of the controversy, with one remarking: 'Gotta get your coin,' while adding an eye-roll emoji.

Fury: Vogue was slammed over its Kamala Harris covers again after releasing a 'special Inauguration Day issue' featuring her chosen image, after removing it from the original cover

Milking it? The publication was accused of cashing in on the controversy after it revealed that a second version of the latest issue would be sold online, with the digital cover on its front

Slammed: Social media users blasted Vogue when its original cover (pictured) was leaked - with critics branding it 'lazy' and 'disrespectful', and claiming Harris' skin looked 'lightened'

However a source at the publication told DailyMail.com that Vogue is in no way trying to capitalize on the scandal, insisting that the team behind Harris' shoot wanted to find a way to 'celebrate' the second cover choice - particularly as it received so much public attention.

Still, critics were quick to demand answers over why this image was no featured on the original cover, and some even called editor-in-chief Anna Wintour out personally, with one commenting: 'It should be the only edition Anna.'

The release of Vogue's 'special' inauguration issue, which retails for $7.99, the same price as a regular issue, and was described as a 'celebration of this historic moment', comes one week to the day after Wintour defended the original cover amid bitter backlash and claims the VP-elect's skin had been 'white washed'.

Speaking out: Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour defended the controversial cover after it was slammed by social media users as 'lazy' and 'disrespectful'

In a statement issued to New York Times' podcast Sway, Wintour, 71, insisted the magazine did not mean to 'diminish the importance' of Harris' 'incredible victory' - while shutting down reports that the magazine had 'formally agreed' to use a specific photo of the VP-elect on the cover.

'Obviously we have heard and understood the reaction to the print cover and I just want to reiterate that it was absolutely not our intention to, in any way, diminish the importance of the Vice President-Elects incredible victory,' she said, before adding: 'There was no formal agreement about what the choice of the cover would be.'

The furious backlash over Harris' cover came seven months after Wintour admitted to allowing 'hurtful and intolerant' behavior at the magazine, as well as failing to do enough to champion black staffers and designers.

In October, she faced multiple calls for her resignation from black employees who have worked with Vogue over the years. Following the Harris cover controversy, dozens of social media users echoed these cries, insisting that Wintour should step down.

Vogue's decision to release a second print version of its latest issue reignited criticism over claims Harris' skin was 'lightened' during the photo editing process, with many noting that while the latest cover is an improvement on the original, it still doesn't live up to the magazine's normally-high standards.

'Y'all still haven't fixed the white washed photos. Pass,' one person said in response to Vogue's Instagram post.

Another wrote: 'No styling of the magnificent subject... in front of a short curtain with a frumpled tablecloth/throw on a table...?? Forgive me but this is shocking and inappropriate. Disappointed AF.'

Eye roll: Social media users were quick to slam the release of a limited-edition version of the magazine, accusing Vogue of trying to make more money from the controversy

Outrage: Instagram users accuses Vogue of 'backpedaling', with one person suggesting the publication had 'planned' the second release 'from the start'

'Did you throw this cover together in like an hour?' a third questioned. 'So bad, I don't understand the background at all.'

When asked about the latest controversy, a spokesperson from Vogue told DailyMail.com that the new cover was released as a response to the 'enormous interest' in the digital image.

'In recognition of the enormous interest in the digital cover, and in celebration of this historic moment, we will be publishing a limited number of special edition inaugural issues,' the spokesperson said.

The outrage over the second cover image - which has to be ordered online and was not sent to subscribers - echoes much of the outrage over the first version, which featured Harris in an even more casual outfit and setting.

Fury over the shoot was first sparked when Vogue's cover pick was leaked online last weekend, revealing an image of Harris wearing a shiny black jacket, white T-shirt, and Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers - a style that she occasionally wore while on the campaign trail.

She was pictured posing in front of swathes of green and pink fabric, which are meant to represent the colors of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first historically African American Greek-lettered sorority.

According to multiple sources, the chosen photo was not Harris' preferred option. Instead, that image was used first for the digital issue, and now for the special Inauguration Day release.

At the time of its release, a source close to Harris said that she and her team were 'extremely disappointed' with the Vogue's cover choice, with the insider suggesting to DailyMail.com that the VP-elect privately agreed with much of the online criticism of the cover shot.

'She is... they are of course extremely disappointed with the photo,' the source said, however they declined to denounce specific aspects of the cover.

Repeat: Many insisted that the latest cover also appears to have been 'white washed', pointing out that the VP-elect's skin 'looks white' in the photos

Criticism: Many made the same comments about the latest cover that were voiced over the first, accusing Vogue of lazy editing and styling

Better: Some celebrated the fact that Harris' chosen cover would get the chance to feature on a print version of the magazine

They added that Harris had thought her preferred image - which shows the VP-elect in a powder blue suit - would be used on the cover, and said she was only made aware that the more 'casual' photo had been swapped in when the cover was leaked online.

The image was quickly condemned by social media users, who insisted that the low-quality photo fell short of Vogue's usual style standards, with some accusing the publication of 'white-washing' Harris' skin.

Many online critics of the shoot were in agreement that the second cover was far more suitable and flattering, raising questions about why it was shifted to the front of the digital issue.

However Wintour claimed in her statement that all of the Vogue staffers who worked on the Harris cover agreed that the image chosen was the best representation of 'the moment that we are living in'.

'When the two images arrived at Vogue, all of us felt very, very strongly that the less formal portrait of the Vice President-Elect really reflected the moment that we were living in which we are all in the midst  as we still are  of the most appalling pandemic that is taking lives by the minute,' she said.

Prior to the release of the cover, Wintour spoke to Sway host Kara Swisher about the cover in a taped interview, during which she described the image as being 'joyful and optimistic' - ironically stating that she 'could not imagine' anyone could see it in any other way.

'What's amazing about the February cover to me is that it is just so joyful and optimistic,' she said during the podcast interview - which was taped one day before the cover leaked online.

'And I cannot imagine that there's anyone that really is going to find this cover anything but that, and positive, and an image of a woman in control of her life who is going to bring us, with the President-elect, the leadership that we so need.'

Wintour went on to describe the cover image as being 'very, very accessible and approachable and real', saying that it 'really reflected the hallmark of the Biden-Harris campaign'.

When the print cover first emerged several Twitter users actually questioned whether it was real, saying the quality of the photo and the styling seemed way too low for America's leading fashion magazine.

'Wait that Kamala Vogue cover is real?!' one user questioned. 'I thought it was fake that's how bad it is. Did they just ask her to send them photos her husband took or..?'

'Vogue has Kamala Harris in some f**king Converse. Someone needs to throw a cinderblock at Anna Wintour,' another wrote.

Activist Charlotte Clymer tweeted: 'Folks who don't get why the Vogue cover of VP-elect Kamala Harris is bad are missing the point.

'The pic itself isn't terrible as a pic. It's just far, far below the standards of Vogue. They didn't put thought into it. Like homework finished the morning it's due. Disrespectful.'

Others suggested that Harris' skin had been 'lightened' in the image, with author Wajahat Ali writing: 'What a mess up. Anna Wintour must really not have Black friends and colleagues.'

'Kamala Harris is about as light skinned as women of color come and Vogue still f**ked up her lighting. WTF is this washed out mess of a cover?' another user, E. Vaughan, tweeted.

Panned: When the original cover was leaked online last weekend, Twitter users branded it 'lazy' and 'disrespectful', and some even questioned whether it was actually real

Some critics even called for Wintour to be fired.

'Anna Wintour needs to go,' a particularly frustrated critic wrote. 'If the only time her team can properly style a black women is when she's covered in couture then her tenure has ran it course.'

Wintour came into the cross-hairs of America's reckoning on race over the summer after she was accused of discriminating against employees because of the color of their skin.

The 71-year-old, who was born in London, who has been at the helm of Vogue for more than three decades, responded to the outrage by issuing an extraordinary mea culpa in June.

In a company-wide memo, Wintour admitted to allowing 'hurtful and intolerant' behavior at the magazine and conceded that she had not done enough to champion black staffers and designers.

'I want to start by acknowledging your feelings and expressing my empathy towards what so many of you are going through: sadness, hurt, and anger too,' Wintour began.

'I want to say this especially to the Black members of our team  I can only imagine what these days have been like. But I also know that the hurt, and violence, and injustice we're seeing and talking about have been around for a long time. Recognizing it and doing something about it is overdue.'

However Wintour's letter did little to quell the controversy surrounding her decision to remain in her role - and in October, a group of 18 black journalists who have worked with her over the years accused her of favoring employees who are thin, white, and from elite backgrounds in a piece published by the New York Times.

Eleven of them called for her resignation following offensive incidents involving her use of the word 'pickaninny', and other cultural appropriation controversies, including outrage over a 2017 Vogue shoot that featured Karlie Kloss posing in a geisha outfit, with her face in pale makeup and her hair dyed black.

The photo shoot in Japan drew immediate accusations of 'yellowface', however Wintour reportedly shut down concerns from her staff, insisting that the pictures could not be cut because it would incur an 'enormous expense'.

In December Wintour was promoted to become the first-ever chief executive of Conde Nast, in addition to her roles as Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Conde Nast artistic director. Her new title, global chief content officer of Conde Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, gave her control over all of the publications 25 editions across the globe.
The initiative raises questions around purchasing practices, such as payment and delivery terms

Nine industry associations representing the apparel and textile industry across six countries in Asia have joined forces to launch a new initiative aimed at securing better purchasing practices for the sector.

Representatives of the STAR Network  the first inter-Asia Network of Producer Associations  which formed in 2016, launched the new initiative on 12 January. The organisations comprise the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC), Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (TMA), and Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS).

"We want to come together as associations and manufacturers in Asia, to agree on common positions regarding payment and delivery terms so that we have a stronger voice in individual and in collective discussions with brands and buyers on improving purchasing practices," says spokesperson Miran Ali, representing the STAR Network. "This common position will be powerful."

The initiative raises questions around purchasing practices, such as payment and delivery terms, from the perspective of manufacturers and the associations representing them, making it a bottom-up initiative, that all nine member organisations support.

The Network, which is estimated to represent over 60% of all global apparel exports by manufacturers, says the textile and garment industry has been characterised by a power imbalance between the brands and buyers on the one end and the textile and garment producers on the other.

This imbalance has increased and become more visible during the Covid-19 pandemic, in which order cancellations, especially from European and US-brands and buyers, left many Asian producers with their backs against the wall, the organisations say.

"The situation has been difficult before, but Covid-19 changed everything" Ali explains. "However, it does not end with Covid-19."

Until March 2021, the associations will work together in five working groups to define their "red lines," requests and recommendations on topics such as payment and delivery practices, planning and information exchange, and third-party negotiations.

Based on the output of the working groups, the second phase of the initiative will drive the roll-out in the industry. Many industry organisations and networks have already pledged support to the initiative, and will be involved as experts, supporting the working groups, or as part of an industry advisory board. However, before brands, buyers and other stakeholders can join the discussions, manufacturers and associations will use the "safe space" of their new initiative to develop joint requirements and recommendations so that they can be communicated with one voice.

The STAR Network serves as a platform to exchange on good practices to make textile and garment production more sustainable. It was established with the support of the German Development Cooperation Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), which implements a project called FABRIC Asia, that aims to foster sustainability in the Asian textile and garment industry on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

In the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, the STAR Network issued a joint statement calling for responsible purchasing practices amid the Covid-19 crisis.

After all members confirmed their commitment, STAR and GIZ FABRIC joined forces with the International Apparel Federation (IAF) to build the initiative. IAF is said to be in contact with further IAF-member associations about joining the initiative.
Isla Fisher is visiting the property of pal Elsa Pataky in Byron Bay.

And on Tuesday, the 44-year-old stopped to get a picture with the horse the Fast and the Furious actress delivered last month.

Taking to Instagram, Isla cut a youthful figure as she posed next to the stunning beige-hued creature named 'Akoha'.

Horsing around? On Tuesday, Isla Fisher, 44, (pictured) cut a youthful figure as posed next to actress pal Elsa Pataky's horse which the star delivered on her property last month

Isla looked in her element as she posed next to the horse, makeup-free.

The flamed-haired beauty opted to go dressed down for the occasion by wearing a RUN DMC jumper along with a pair of faded blue skinny-leg jeans.

The Wedding Crashes star appeared to make a joke about covid and not wearing a mask while heavily distanced away from other people.

Graphic: In December, Elsa shared a clip of herself delivering the foal during the dead of night alongside her children

'Don't worry, we were both tested before we took this pic,' she wrote.

In December, Elsa shared a clip of herself delivering the foal during the dead of night alongside her children.

'What an amazing experience to share with my kids. Welcome to the family little Akoha,' she captioned the video.

Animal lover: 'What an amazing experience to share with my kids. Welcome to the family little Akoha,' she captioned the video

In the footage, Elsa is shown kneeling on the ground in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt as she and another woman pull on the foal as it makes its arrival into the world.

She later shared two sweet images of the horse after its birth, captioning them: 'Unique moments!'

Isla and her husband Sasha Baron Cohen have been holidaying in Byron Bay.

It is believed the Hollywood stars attended the now viral New Year's Eve party at Liam Hemsworth's mansion in the resort town.

Growing family: She later shared two sweet images of the horse after its birth, captioning them: 'Unique moments!' Pictured with husband Chris Hemsworth and child
January 19 : Arjun Rampal, who essays the antagonist in his upcoming film Dhaakad, shared his first look from the film, today. Arjun had joined Kangana Ranaut in her upcoming action film Dhaakad, and is currently shooting for the same.

The actor was recently seen at a brunch hosted by Kangana along with other team members on New Year. Arjun's girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades had also accompanied the actor to the brunch at Kanganas home.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Arjun shared his first look from the film. In the new poster, the actor, who plays the antagonist, can be seen in his stylist and tanned avatar. He sported a leather jacket, a cap and dark shades. The actor can be seen with his chest tattooed and salt and pepper beard. Arjun revealed that his character in Dhaakad is called Rudraveer, who is dangerous, deadly and cool at the same time! Boom Evil has a new name  Rudraveer! Super excited to essay an antagonist who is dangerous, deadly and cool at the same time! Here's my look for @sohamrockstrent's #Dhaakad Arriving in cinemas on 1st October

Dhaakad is directed by Razneesh Razy Ghai, who is a popular ad filmmaker, and is produced by Sohail Maklai Productions and Asylum Films and co-produced by Qyuki Digital Medi. The makers had unveiled the first teaser of the movie in 2019.

Kangana, who is currently shooting for the film in Bhopal, is playing the lead character in the film. She portrays the role of a fearless and fiery spy agent, Agent Agni. The film has been touted as India's first female led action thriller, which will release in theatres on October 1, 2021.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Arjun Rampal, was recently seen in web series The Final Call and Nail Polish, a courtroom mystery drama. Both the film and the web series are streaming on Zee5. Besides these, Arjun will be seen in Aparna Sen's The Rapist, and Ramesh Thete's directorial venture The Battle of Bhima Koregaon. While filming for The Rapist will begin in March, Arjun will resume shoot for The Battle of Bhima Koregaon in April. The actor also has an action film in the pipeline, for which he will shoot in London. Arjun will also make his Telugu debut this year.

LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent.

Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make.

Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.

As the bleak winter of 1862 dragged on into 1863, the isolated, ramshackle town of Los Angeles was visited by a terrifying scourge -- smallpox.

With its telltale fever and disfiguring skin rash, the highly infectious disease jumped from adobe to adobe, killing more than 100 people and sickening hundreds of others. If those numbers don't sound like much, remember L.A. had only 4,000 or so souls at the time and the outbreak wiped out half of its indigenous residents.

"The city's smallpox wagon, dubbed the 'black Maria,' was a frequent and disheartening sight as it rolled through the streets carrying victims to the city hospital, or 'pesthouse,'" writes John W. Robinson in Los Angeles in Civil War Days 1860-1865.

This smallpox outbreak would be the deadliest in American Los Angeles but it wasn't the only one. Historian Kristine Gunnell says L.A. would go on to weather several more smallpox epidemics during the 19th century -- including 1868 to 1869, 1877, 1884 and 1887. While that first outbreak was devastating, the last one was seen as more of an annoyance, a PR headache for the booming City of Angels, which was trying to brand itself as a land of sunshine and health.

How Los Angeles and its denizens coped with these epidemics may seem hauntingly familiar to Angelenos today -- a case study in fear, misinformation, denial, rumors and rivalry.

The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul established the first hospital in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Infirmary, in 1856. It was originally located in a Sonora Town adobe owned by then-Mayor of Los Angeles, Don Cristobal Aguilar. It is seen here in the 1890s. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The Pest Of Pestilence

Southern California was already reeling in the winter of 1862. A drought had decimated the cattle business, plunging the region into economic distress. When the first cases of smallpox cropped up in late 1862, they were concentrated in California's Native community. By mid-January of 1863, the disease had spread across racial and socio-economic barriers, killing 14 Angelenos in a single day. Undertakers were overwhelmed and local government, underfunded.

Fortunately, doctors had a powerful tool in their arsenal since English doctor Edward James had developed the first smallpox vaccine in 1796. The vaccine was available to all residents, regardless of race or socio-economic class, although it often had to be administered more than once to be effective.

"While technology has improved, the methods for containing infectious disease have changed remarkably little in the last 150 years," says Gunnell, author of Daughters of Charity: Women, Religious Mission, and Hospital Care in Los Angeles, 1856-1927.

"In 1863, the city hired health inspectors to identify cases and impose quarantine. In effect, they were 19th Century contact tracers. The city also offered a free vaccination program. Yet the availability of medical treatment, nursing care and even the enforcement of quarantine regulations depended on one's class status... Those who had family members to care for them and could afford to pay private physician's fees, were treated at home. Those who did not, went to the quarantine hospital, or 'pest house.'"

Dr. Russel T. Hays, the city surgeon, was tasked with vaccinating everyone in Los Angeles. Anyone who refused to be vaccinated could be arrested. Many Native Californians were wary of receiving any medical treatment from the American government. Instead, according to historian Leonard Pitt in The Decline of the Californios, many marginalized Angelenos, including those in the indigenous and Mexican communities, relied on folk remedies, often with disastrous results.

According to KCET's D.J. Waldie, the common advice was that those with smallpox should "refrain from eating peppers and spices, wash salted meats, bathe at least once every eight days, and burn sulfur on a hot iron to fumigate sickrooms." Native Californians used sweating ceremonies followed by icy plunges as a treatment. For many people who were infected with smallpox, historian Robinson notes, this hastened death.

Other Angelenos turned to quacks like William Money, who is also notable, according to the Cecilia Rasmussen of the Los Angeles Times, for being L.A.'s first documented cult leader. As Rasmussen explains, Money claimed to be an expert in "astrology, natural history, medicine, meteorology, theology, history and cartography" and he once attempted to raise himself from the dead (it didn't work out). Rasmussen writes;

"When Money boasted that he could imitate Christ and rise from the grave on the third day, Angelenos dared him to prove it. Money climbed into a pine box. Its top was nailed shut and the box was lowered into the ground. However, before the last shovel of dirt was tossed atop the coffin, he lost his nerve. 'For the love of God, let me out!' he screamed."





We don't know what his proposed treatments for smallpox were but the medical establishment didn't take them seriously.

"We doctors never bothered about trying to run old 'Doc' Money out of town. We knew that if we did try to do so, the chances were that the public would have loved Money more," wrote L.A. doctor John W. Shuman, according to Rasmussen.

For everyone else, there was little to do but quarantine and wait out the virus, which still has no cure.

"Infected premises were affixed with a yellow flag and quarantined. During the height of the epidemic, nearly every house in Sonora-town [L.A.'s poorest Mexican American neighborhood] flew the dreaded flag. By early February, there were 278 cases in town, and more than a hundred lay in their graves," Robinson writes in Los Angeles in Civil War Days 1860-1865.

The area of Los Angeles called "Sonora Town," seen here in 1869, was an old adobe village north of the Plaza and Church of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels. The area was named for the numerous miners and families who came from Sonora, Mexico. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Disadvantaged communities also feared being forcibly removed to the "pest house," four miles outside the city. They had good reason to be scared.

"When Catholic sisters known as the Daughters of Charity came to inspect the house, one remembered finding patients 'lying pell-mell on the floor, suffering in every way.' They had no beds, little food and dirty linens. The smell must have been horrible. With the temporary nature of the epidemic, the city council wanted to do things as cheaply as possible, and rank prejudice against people of color, especially those who were poor, didn't help matters," Gunnell says.

Mercifully, the city asked the Daughters of Charity, renowned nurses who already ran the county hospital, to step in. They transformed the small pest house, cleaning it and treating its patients with compassion and dignity. But it was too little too late. According to historian Leonard Pitt, "Almost the entire settlement of Mexicans and Indians from the plaza north to the mill died."

Robinson believes that the 1863 epidemic probably killed half of L.A.'s indigenous residents. The disregard for L.A.'s Native people is evident in the Los Angeles Star's reporting on the death of famed Cahuilla chief Juan Antonio. On February 29, 1863, the paper wrote:

"Old Juan Antonio and four other Indian chiefs have died of smallpox and I have been informed that the bodies have not been buried and that they are being mutilated by hogs and dogs. Of course, it is a matter of much annoyance to the whites in the neighborhood."





The Rancho Los Feliz adobe, circa 1900. The 6,647-acre Rancho Nuestra Senora de Refugio de Los Feliz was granted to Corporal Jose Vicente Feliz as early as 1795, one of the first land grants in California. In 1860, Antonio Feliz acquired the property, which included the adobe near the river, and which he kept until his death in 1863. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Another notable casualty of the 1863 epidemic was Don Antonio Feliz , the owner of the sprawling Rancho Los Feliz. His death supposedly led to his niece, Petranilla, being stripped of her rights to the rancho and that inspired her to place the famous curse on all the land, which now makes up Los Feliz and Griffith Park.

Quarrels Over Quarantine

By March of 1863, L.A.'s smallpox plague had subsided. Residents hoped the disease was a thing of the city's rough and tumble past but this was not to be. Smallpox would periodically rear its head over the next 20 years although none of those outbreaks would be as deadly as the one in the winter of 1863.

When smallpox reappeared in early 1887, it found a city that had transformed from backwater to boomtown. Los Angeles was now being sold in a sophisticated campaign as the health capital of the world. Business was strong and the population, exploding -- from 11,395 people in 1880 to 50,396 in 1890. Railways connected L.A. with the rest of the world and the harbor bustled with vessels carrying goods in and out.

An engine with two cars on a trestle crosses the Highland Park Bridge at Garvanza. Circa 1885. (Charles C. Pierce/Huntington Library Digital Collection)

There were rumblings of trouble in early January 1887, when the Los Angeles Times reported that smallpox had made its way by rail from Guaymas, Mexico to Nogales, Arizona. According to Los Angeles Harbor historian Dennis Piotrowski, the first smallpox case in Los Angeles County was reported on February 16, 1887.

Government leaders attempted to staunch the spread of smallpox through the city. They placed a yellow flag in front of every quarantined home and often had a police officer stand guard to make sure no one went in or out. They published the addresses of quarantined buildings in local papers so Angelenos could avoid them. They fumigated infected buildings. The city also began constructing a small, temporary tent hospital in Chavez Ravine, far from the city's busy center and near the old Jewish cemetery.

It seems the city had learned very little about how to manage a safe and comfortable smallpox hospital so they, once again, turned to the Sisters of Charity. Gunnell writes in Sisters and Smallpox: The Daughters of Charity as Advocates For the Sick Poor in Nineteenth-Century Los Angeles:

"Upon her arrival at the Los Angeles pest house in 1887, Sister Veronica Klimkiewicz, D.C., noted that the building was in such a state of disrepair that it was 'hardly fit for domestic animals.' The city had hired incompetent and unreliable caretakers, for whom 'the large pecuniary consideration offered was the principal, if not the only inducement to enter so repulsive a service.' Because of the filthy conditions and a reputation for indifferent care, Sister Veronica explained, 'As a consequence, none, or very few, who were in circumstances to resist the public pressure that sought to.'"





The Sisters of Charity were again asked to tend to the sick, partially to soothe the concerns of those who feared going to a hospital and als to improve conditions in the makeshift "pest house."

"This fear will now be entirely removed when it is known that, with their wonted heroism, the Sisters of Charity have come to the front and will have entire charge of the smallpox hospital. Everyone knows that that means the very best and tenderest of care," the Los Angeles Times reported.

A view of the property of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (also known as the Sisters of Charity) in Los Angeles, as seen from across Alameda Street, near Macy Street (now Cesar E. Chavez Avenue), showing the Los Angeles Orphan Asylum and School (initially called the Los Angeles Charitable Institute). Circa 1866-1872. (W.M. Godfrey/Huntington Library Digital Collection)

These efforts couldn't hold back the tide of gossip. On March 8, false rumors that Dr. H.S. Orme, an L.A. resident and director of the California Board of Health, had called for the entire city to be locked down caused Angelenos to panic. The next day, a furious Los Angeles Times (owned by one of L.A.'s main boosters, Harrison Gray Otis) opined:

"In pursuance of the brilliant policy of trying to scare one's self to death for nothing, the wire was full yesterday of crazy reports that at 6pm Los Angeles was to be shut out from the rest of the world by a burglar-proof quarantine. No more trains were to be run into the city, nor out of it, and it was even doubtful if telegrams could be sent, lest one should infect the operator in New York. Without even stopping to think that there is no law on earth by which such a thing could be done, unless, perhaps in Russia, several hundred remarkable idiots flew to the railroad offices to see when 'the last train' would go and to get tickets to San Francisco, where there is smallpox all the year round - as there is in every great city."





Despite these reassurances, panic spread throughout the city.

At Turnverein Hall, a small theater in downtown L.A. (where the L.A. Civic center is now), a group of young men met to form a protective association that would financially support sick members. When the Board of Health met on Spring Street, Dr. M. Hagan was made Health Officer for the city and charged with issuing a daily bulletin. Free vaccines were also offered in tents in downtown, and 125 railway workers were given emergency vaccines.

A photograph of the Los Angeles Infirmary as it looked in 1881. This was the second building to house the hospital, located on Naud Street, opposite the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The Daughters of Charity established the hospital in a rented Sonoratown adobe. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

On March 10, 1887, the L.A. Times claimed there were 14 smallpox cases at the hospital, while another 10 people were quarantined at home.

Fear of the pest house, no matter the sisters' loving care, meant a percentage of infected residents attempted to cure themselves. Others were suspicious of vaccines, which often didn't work and had to be administered more than once. Some Angelenos may have tried a home remedy published in the Los Angeles Star and said to be a favorite of British soldiers in China:

"When the preceding fever is at its height, and just before the eruption appears, the chest is rubbed with croton oil and tartaric ointment. This causes the whole of the eruption to appear on that part of the body to the relief of the rest. It also secures a full and complete eruption, and thus prevents the disease from attacking the internal organs."





Others tried to hide their illness. According to the, one Mexican American man with smallpox had "an armed posse of his countrymen around to prevent his being taken to the hospital."

An L.A. policeman with the last name of Harthorn who was living in a large mixed-use block at Fifth and Spring Streets also refused to go to the smallpox hospital, much to Dr. Hagan's fury. The doctor told the Times:

"I went up there at once and promised him that a tent should be erected near the hospital; that it would have a floor, a stove and beds for himself and his wife; that we would not try to force him to go out, but wanted him to go, that the moral effect would be bad if he refused to go; that he should have far more luxuries than I should have for myself in case I should be taken down."





"Mrs. E.C. Freeman, a poor widow, who opened a bakery and restaurant... last June... has been completely ruined. All her help left, and all her customers, and now it is hard to find anyone who even passes her door... A poor woman who roomed upstairs, and worked at a dressmakers, has lost her position... McInerney Brothers, who have a grocery and notion store at 411, were doing a living business, and now are absolutely deserted... Copes Shoe Store at 412 has been closed because business has left it entirely... Harthorn's windows open on another building full of lodgers and only a few feet away. These are a few of the troubles caused by a paid city officer's refusal to comply with the city's health rules."





The policeman's refusal to go to the smallpox hospital had terrible consequences. His landlord and family fled to San Bernardino County. Eight other tenants and their families also fled the block. Many others found their businesses devastated. Thereported:News of this supposed chaos soon reached San Francisco, where residents resented that many people considered Los Angeles its greatest economic and cultural rival.

On Saturday, March 12, the San Francisco Examiner printed a sensational article that blared:

"For some time past, there have been rumors going about that the booming city of Los Angeles was in a bad way in a sanitary point of view. It was stated that the dread scourge smallpox was playing sad havoc with her citizens and visitors, and that not one-half of the cases were reported to the authorities. Be this as it may, the people who dwell in the city of the angels were modestly silent on the matter, and their real-estate boom and the smallpox strode onward together."





The first automobile in Los Angeles, built by J. Philip Erie, the driver, a resident of Los Angeles at the time. Former Los Angeles Mayor William H. Workman sits in the rear seat. 1897. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The editorial charged Los Angeles officials and Southern California newspapers with suppressing news of the outbreak and caring more about the city's economy than the health of the state's citizens.

L.A. leaders were incensed. Mayor William Workman responded that the account was "grossly incorrect," and that there were only 41 cases and 4 deaths in the entire county. The Los Angeles Times was more explicit, threatening their rivals at the Examiner:

"The Examiner is guilty of a crime when it ignores the correct statements, so readily available, and gives currency to a sensational report gathered from a scared and irresponsible traveler and dressed up in gaudy colors by a cheap reporter. The Examiner has, for some time, enjoyed a considerable clientage in Southern California, but if this is the way it proposes to stab our section in the back, it will soon begin to pay dearly for its malevolence. The smallpox scare, we are glad to say, is about over... The streets are thronged with people every day and business goes on as though nothing unusual had transpired. The real estate transactions last week footed up nearly $1,200,00."





By mid-March, Dr. Hagan claimed that 20,000 vaccinations had been made in Los Angeles, and that the smallpox scare was ebbing. This didn't stop Dr. James Simpson and other members of the State Board of Health from visiting L.A. to determine if the rumors were true.

On March 17, Simpson reported to the Associated Press that the situation was not as desperate as had been reported. But he also said that the smallpox hospital at Chavez Ravine was too small and that the disease had spread across all socio-economic lines, from the stately homes on Hill Street to the poorest sections of "Spanish-town."

"We found that the people of Los Angeles are inclined to extreme secrecy concerning the smallpox, and the press there is as silent as possible. They seemed to consider that the visit of the State Board of Health was impertinent, and they say that they are able to take care of the disease themselves," Simpson told colleagues back in San Francisco.

On March 21, 1887, the Los Angeles Times reported that a "malevolent thrust at the business interests of Los Angeles" had been aimed at the city by the "mean and cowardly act of a rival." These hysterics came because of a resolution passed the day before by the San Francisco Board of Health. It read:

"Resolved, that the city of Los Angeles be declared infected with smallpox, and as the port of San Pedro is the port of departure from that city, it be declared infected, and that all vessels arriving from there shall be placed in quarantine until thoroughly inspected by the quarantine officer."





City leaders doubled down on proclaiming that L.A. was safe and open for commerce. On March 24, thereported that eight Mexican children in "one of the little shanties" on Alameda Street had been concealed by their father, who would be charged with a felony as soon as their quarantine was over. The next day, an infected "negro family" was quickly transported to the pest house, while another sick man convalesced in a padlocked back room with his mother. Its racism on display, thestated that there were "no new cases among whites in two weeks."

According to Piotrowski, 15 people died of the 1887 smallpox outbreak, although with L.A.'s secrecy and shoddy records, the true number may be higher. As was typical, the smallpox outbreak faded away in the spring. Although Los Angeles faced several small outbreaks in the early 20th century, by the mid-1900s, the scourge of smallpox never again haunted the city, according to Gunnell. Los Angeles continued its ascendancy as a bustling, modern metropolis where the sun never stopped shining and the land always increased in value.

WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
UK period drama Peaky Blinders has confirmed its upcoming sixth season will be the last.

But creator and writer Steven Knight has promised the story will continue in another form.

The series follows the story of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his notorious familys rise to power against the backdrop of working class, post-WWI Birmingham.

Knight said in a statement, Peaky is back and with a bang. After the enforced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form.

Executive producer Caryn Mandabach added: Along with our wonderful, supportive partners at BBC and Netflix, we have been working diligently to ensure we can get Peaky safely back into production; the safety of our cast and crew is always our priority. Thank you to all the Peaky fans who have been so unwaveringly supportive and patient. Steves scripts are incredible and mark the end of an epic story that has entranced audiences since it first started in 2013, but the world of Peaky Blinders will most definitely live on.

The news contradicts Knight previously revealing the show would continue season 7.

He also revealed Covid changed our plans. But I can say that my plan from the beginning was to end Peaky with a movie. That is what is going to happen.

Production is currently underway with COVID safe restrictions.

Peaky Blinders airs in Australia on BBC First and Netflix.

Source: Variety, Deadline

Related
She's on this year's season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, but Pettifleur Berenger was rubbing shoulders with A-listers even before entering the jungle.

In an interview with New Idea on Tuesday, the 56-year-old former Real Housewives of Melbourne star recounted meeting John Travolta.

Speaking to the gossip magazine, Pettifleur admitted she had a 'pinch-me' moment after coming face-to-face with the 66-year-old Grease star.

Well-connected: She's on this year's season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, but Pettifleur Berenger was rubbing shoulders with A-listers even before entering the jungle. Pictured right, John Travolta

'That smile, those beautiful blue eyes piercing through my soul as he looked in awe of me as he said, "Those are your sons? I don't believe it, you look so young!"' she said.

She added: 'I hadn't felt more flattered in my life until that moment.'

And John's words weren't the only thing that left a lasting impression on her.

Fan girl: Speaking to the gossip magazine, Pettifleur admitted she had a 'pinch-me' moment after coming face-to-face with the 66-year-old Grease star. Pictured with Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John

'I will never forget how silky smooth his hands felt to the touch and how warm and genuine his embrace was,' a smitten Pettifleur added.

Since their backstage meet-and-greet, the reality star has regularly documented her crush on the Hollywood superstar on her social media.

'When I was young, I had every magazine cover of JT pinned up all over my bedroom walls, and my school bag was covered with stickers of JT in Saturday Night Fever and Grease,' she revealed.

Former flame: Pettitfleur previously dated Melbourne developer Frank Palazzo, but the pair split after a decade together

'I think every lady from my era wanted to be Sandy. He is definitely a stud. I even got a pair of Sandy's black pants. I think you are getting the picture. But most of all, he is just a genuine and humble superstar.'

Pettitfleur previously dated Melbourne developer Frank Palazzo, but the pair split after a decade together.

In an episode of I'm A Celebrity earlier this week, an emotional Pettifleur confessed that while she desperately wants to find love, she doesn't 'feel anything for anyone'.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10
Turkey has often been described as the gateway between Asia and Europe and because of its location, millions of refugees have arrived in the country as a way station in their effort to migrate to Europe . How are Afghan refugees surviving in Istanbul?
From fiery House freshmen such as North Carolina Congressman Madison Cawthorn to longtime Senate demagogues like Ted Cruz of Texas, Republicans who voted against certifying Joe Bidens 2020 election victory are nonetheless attending his inauguration ceremony later this week.

Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smiths office confirmed her planned attendance in a statement to The Independent on Monday, making her the fifth of the eight GOP senators who voted against one or both of the Electoral College submissions from Arizona and Pennsylvania but will be in Washington to see Mr Biden sworn in as the 46th president.

Other outlets have previously reported that Mr Cruz as well as Senators Rick Scott of Florida, Roger Marshall of Kansas, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama will also attend.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise, who both voted against Mr Bidens certification, will nevertheless take part in the inauguration proceedings as well.

Many Republicans decision to acknowledge Mr Bidens victory and attend his inaugural ceremonies marks a swift reversal from the full-throated positions they staked against the legitimacy of his presidency just weeks ago.

Heres what Mr Cawthorn said at an event for young Republicans in West Palm Beach, Florida, less than a month ago: When you look at what's happened in a lot of these liberal swing states that have liberal governors and liberal secretaries of state, you can see that they have broken the law and gone against our Constitution with this election.

Later at that same rally, the 25-year-old congressman received rapturous applause as he announced his opposition to certifying the 2020 election results.

With Mr Biden now certified and ready to take office  and in the wake of the deadly insurrection at the Capitol on 6 January  Mr Cawthorns tone has shifted.

Regardless of which party holds the presidency, respect for the office is not optional, the congressman told The Independent in a statement on Monday, explaining his decision to attend Mr Bidens inauguration.

Seventeen other offices of high-profile GOP objectors to Mr Bidens victory did not respond to a request for comment, including those of Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, and Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks, the architect of the House election objections.

Peaceful transition?

Florida Senator Rick Scott, another objector to Mr Bidens electoral victory has said its important for him to be there to send a message of unity to the rest of the free world.

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, Mr Scott said last week.

Several Democratic and even Republican lawmakers have pointed out that the transition has not been peaceful. Donald Trump was impeached by a bipartisan vote last week for inciting the mob that stormed the Capitol on 6 January as Congress was voting to certify his election loss.

In 76 pages of documentary evidence to support their case, House Democrats have framed the presidents actions leading up to and on 6 January as a ham-handed attempt at a coup.

That evidentiary report from the Democratic House Judiciary Committee staff concludes that Mr Trump committed a high Crime and Misdemeanor against the Nation by inciting an insurrection at the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential Election.

Many members will not attend the Wednesdays inauguration, citing Covid and other safety protocols.

They include Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, whose presence in the House GOP conference has been an ongoing controversy ever since it was discovered she was an active follower of the QAnon conspiracy movement.

Ms Greene will not be in Washington on Wednesday primarily due to security concerns, her office told Newsweek.

A checkered history of congressional attendance

Attendance at presidential inaugurations, while customary for members of Congress, is by no means mandatory. Throughout the years, lawmakers have missed them for a variety of reasons.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, for instance, is missing Mr Bidens swearing-in because he is at home recovering from a recent foot surgery.

Nearly 70 Democratic lawmakers boycotted Mr Trumps inauguration in January 2017, many of whom hold prominent leadership positions in Congress.

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler of New York skipped Mr Trumps swearing-in on the grounds that his behaviour and rhetoric during the 2016 campaign had been beyond the pale.

Other high-profile Democrats who snubbed Mr Trump on Inauguration Day in 2017 were House Administration Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren of California; Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters of California; the late Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, a civil rights icon; Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington; and incoming Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, who at the time was a congresswoman from Ohios 11th District.

Congressmen Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California, who co-authored the recently ratified article of impeachment against Mr Trump for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol on 6 January, also stayed home for Mr Trumps inauguration.

I cannot risk my presence at his inauguration being interpreted as any kind of endorsement of the normality of our situation. I will not attend the inauguration, Mr Raskin, who will be the lead impeachment manager at Mr Trumps impending trial in the Senate, told the Washington Post at the time.

Ms Lofgren was more blunt about the reason for her absence that year: I acknowledge the fact that [Trump] is the incoming president, but Im not in the mood to celebrate that fact, she had told the LA Times.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.

History was made last week for the small community of La Presa in southern Webb County as the first water dispenser in the area was opened.

The first ever water dispenser was officially opened in the area in a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday led by Webb County Commissioner Precinct 1 Jesse Gonzalez who represents the area where the small community of a little more than 200 reside. The event was attended by several people from the area and individuals who have worked on completing the project 30 years in the making.

Water is life, and it is amazing that for many of us who just take water for granted as we have it in our homes, it is important to understand that some people like in the community of La Presa do not have this vital resource, Gonzalez said. It is the first time that we brought clean water to the area of Mangana-Hein.

Gonalez said he became aware of the need for the resource five years ago while he was campaigning for his first stint as Webb County Commissioner. Several people attending a meeting were eager to express their need for a water resource in the small town. While he became aware of the need then, he said the enthusiasm for the project has been there for decades.

According to Gonzalez, the water dispenser is a promise finally completed by the county for an area that for 30 years had been promised things with nothing in return and had been forgotten by the county government. Gonzalez said he told the crowd during the meeting five years ago that if he did not begin working on the water dispenser that they had the full right to not reelect him into office as well.

According to Gonzalez, he is glad he could finally bring this to the area after years when commissioners before him had talked about it in county court meetings but nothing was ever done.

During the ceremony, the director for the La Presa Community Center provided an overview of the rate charges for the water dispenser and how the people from the community can get the help needed.

Exactly one year ago, Commissioner Gonzalez broke ground on this amazing and much-needed project, Director of La Presa Community Center Daisy Campos said. First, a customer must fill out the application and submit it here to one of our staff members here in the community center. Once the application is completed, an account is created and then customer deposits an amount of $20 or the amount desired using a debit or credit card.

According to Campos, for the first 500 gallons of water, people would have to pay $1.25. Afterwards, it would be $3.50 for every 150 gallons of water.

While the accomplishment was lauded, Gonzalez said the efforts were tiresome and it took too long to get things rolling as they sought funding.

In 2017, we began once again to speak about this item issue to get it done, and I remember constantly putting pressure on the parties involved asking them why this could not get done sooner, Gonzalez said. It all started with us trying to get a grant from the state for this project, and it took a whole year for them to finally respond. However, thanks to the patience and the fact that all of the commissioners from the Webb County Commisoners Court never stopped me in these efforts or in getting this done, that we are finally here and the people have this important resource.

Gonzalez said the other county commissioners never went against the project even though it began with a perceived budget of $500,000 but ultimately cost $1.2 million.

It is great to see this get done as just one mile up the City of Laredo has portable water and the City of Rio Bravo to the other way has portable water, and this needed to change for the community of La Presa as here in between there is none, Gonzalez said. This is not the permanent solution, but this is one solution so the people in this community do not have to go out of their community and make long lines to get water in places where machines break down or the machine is not intaking the coin. Also, this facility will be open 24/7, and people from outside the colonia cannot come here and get the water. This is only yours and of La Presa.

Gonzalez thanked other individuals involved in the project directly and indirectly for getting this done for the community he represents.

Webb County Treasurer Raul L. Reyes was also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony as the master of ceremonies. A prayer was offered, and the presentation of colors was made by the colorguard of Webb County Precinct 2 Constables Office Miguel Mike Villarreal.

According to Gonzalez, Reyes was invited to be the master of ceremonies because he used to work in the La Presa community. He understood the need of the community to have the important water resource as Reyes previously served as mayor for the City of El Cenizo.

Other dignitaries at the event included Webb County Commissioner Precinct 4 Cindy Liendo, Justice of the Peace 2 Place 1 Bobby Quintana, City of Laredo District II Councilmember Vidal Rodriguez and others representing Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and officials from the City of Rio Bravo.

The La Presa water dispenser is located at 1983 Mangana-Hein Rd., which is next to the La Presa Community Center.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
The hard morning light glares off the water and algae bloom as a bicyclist enjoys the beautiful weather while negotiating the bike path next to City Park Lake and Dalrymple Drive Thursday May 7, 2020, in Baton Rouge, La. According to BREC, to prevent a worsening outbreak of algae blooms at City Park Lake this summer, we will apply a series of herbicide treatments to the lake between May and July 1. The mild winter and warm spring resulted in minimal dieback and warm water temperatures will lead to increased blooms. The herbicides being used are designed for aquatic treatments and are labeled as safe for humans and wildlife. As a safety precaution, the public will need to remain 100O away from the area being treated.
Annual Shangri-La Dialogue will take place this year, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen says at Sherpa Meeting

Defence Minister NG Eng Hen said that the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore will take place this year after a brief hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said this in a facebook post as the 9th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) Sherpa Meeting, kicked off ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue planned later this year.

"The Shangri-La Dialogue will resume this year, as more effective safety measures are in place and vaccinations ongoing," said Dr Ng in a Facebook post.

The Sherpa Meeting, during which ministers, senior defence officials, military officers and academics meet to discuss relevant security issues, typically takes place as a prelude to the main dialogue.

The defence summit that draws delegates from dozens of countries annually was cancelled last year amidst safety concerns due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Shangri-La Dialogue launched in 2002 is organised by Singapores International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and until the cancellation, last year, had been held annually on the island nation.

The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting kicked off in Singapore yesterday with more than 200 defence officials and non-governmental experts meeting both physically and through video conferencing.

Participants that attend the SLD Sherpa Meeting physically are required to abide by strict health and safety measures put in place for COVID-19, the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) said in its press release.

Participants of the SLD Sherpa Meeting undergoing pre-entry Antigen Rapid Test to ensure that they are free from infection. Photo Courtesy: MINDEF

These include daily pre-event Antigen Rapid Testing to ensure that all physical attendees are free from infection. Stringent precautionary measures such as safe distancing, mask-wearing, temperature-taking, cohorting and regular disinfection of common areas are enforced, MINDEF said.

Plexi-glass dividers were deployed at the conference venue as well as at the meal areas to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection as part of the SLD Sherpa Meeting Safe Management Measures.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad delivered a keynote address encouraging defence establishments to uphold multilateralism and enhance practical cooperation at the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad delivered a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting. Photo Courtesy: MINDEF

Zaqy spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on the multilateral system. He highlighted that experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that no country can tackle and overcome this global health crisis alone, and emphasised the importance of all countries working together to address public health crises and other transnational security threats.

Amidst these common challenges, Zaqy said that multilateral dialogue and cooperation have become even more salient today than before  defence establishments can play a role to strengthen existing multilateral frameworks, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, and work out protocols with national authorities for the gradual and safe resumption of defence and military interactions.

Plexi-glass dividers were deployed at the conference venue as well as at the meal areas to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection as part of the SLD Sherpa Meeting Safe Management Measures. Photo Courtesy: MINDEF

The SLD Sherpa Meeting strengthens the SLD by providing an inter-sessional platform for delegates to engage in frank discussions on current defence and security issues.

This year's SLD Sherpa Meeting is held from 18 to 19 January in a hybrid format, with 26 country delegations and the European Union.

Singapore-based delegates are attending the meeting at the Fullerton Hotel, and the international delegates are attending the dialogue virtually.

Widely recognised as Asia-Pacific's foremost defence and security summit, the SLD brings together defence ministers, senior officials and security experts to exchange views on key issues that shape the defence and security landscape of the region.
Federal prosecutors have charged a Harrisburg woman with stealing House Speaker Nancy Pelosis laptop during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, an allegation FBI agents began probing based on a tip from her former romantic partner.

Though authorities made those claims public over the weekend  that Riley Williams, 22, had taken the computer with the intent to sell it to the Russian security services  she was charged Sunday only with disorderly conduct and illegally entering the Capitol as they continued to investigate her purported role in the laptop theft.

But in Williams first court appearance Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haughsby announced new charges filed later that day, including new charges of theft of government property and obstruction, felonies carrying potential sentences of up to two decades in prison.

He did not say whether investigators had confirmed the claims that Williams wanted to send the stolen laptop to Russia, nor did he indicate whether the computer had been recovered.

Williams attorney, federal public defender Lori J. Ulrich, pushed back, saying she was prepared to present evidence that the account from Williams ex had been blown out of proportion.

A lot of these allegations are false, she said. She did not elaborate nor respond to requests for comment after Tuesdays hearing.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson scheduled another hearing for Thursday, giving prosecutors time to prepare their arguments for detaining Williams until trial in one of the most closely watched cases charged so far in connection with the Jan. 6 attack.

Williams said little during Tuesdays proceedings, offering only one-word answers to a series of questions from the judge on whether she understood the charges against her. Few details have emerged about her life or what led to her presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

A 2017 graduate of Mechanicsburg Area Senior High, she lived in an apartment with her mother and had worked for Keystone Human Services, a home health care agency focused on assisting the disabled, until her arrest Monday evening. The company confirmed it had fired her.

Williams mother described her daughter to British network ITV as an empathetic and loving person who had taken a sudden interest in President Donald Trumps politics and far-right message boards. It was her father, the FBI said, who drove Williams to Washington to attend the Stop the Steal rally, though he told agents they were separated during the day and only met up later that evening for the drive back home.

In a court filing Sunday, FBI agents unspooled the account from Williams former partner, whom they did not identify, of her activities during the storming of the Capitol. Her ex accused her of stealing the computer from a conference room in Pelosis office suite and then bragging about her plans to send it to a friend in Russia who would sell it to the SVR, the Russian equivalent of the CIA.

That transaction fell through, Williams ex told agents, and it was unclear whether the computer remained in her possession or if it had been destroyed.

Investigators were able to identify Williams based on footage shot by an ITV journalist during the Capitol attack. In the video, she can be seen in a green T-shirt and brown coat, with a zebra-print bag slung over her shoulder, shouting Up the Stairs! Go! and guiding others up a staircase toward Pelosis office.But when FBI agents showed up at her apartment Sunday, her mother informed them that Williams had fled.

She changed her phone number and shut down social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Parler, and Telegram.

FBI officials confirmed that Williams turned herself in late Monday, several hours after the news of the charges against her had spread widely online. They have declined to say anything more about the circumstances of that arrest or whether the laptop was recovered.

Since then, Williams has remained in custody at the Dauphin County Prison, pending a bail hearing scheduled for later this week.

Shes had a horrific night, Ulrich said during Tuesdays hearing. Houghsby said Tuesday the government will seek to keep her incarcerated until her trial.

Also Tuesday, a former Pennsylvania State Police cadet from Lehigh County was released from custody while he awaits further proceedings in another case tied to the Capitol attack.

Craig Bingert, 29, of Slatington, Lehigh County, is accused of helping to topple a metal barricade where police struggled to keep rioters out of the Capitol building. During Bingerts first court appearance in Philadelphia, the judge ordered him to stay out of Washington except for scheduled court hearings on his case.

While calling the Capitol riot extraordinarily problematic, Bingerts attorney, Richard J. Fuschino Jr., on Tuesday lauded his client for proactively contacting authorities and arranging for his surrender Sunday after he noticed the FBI circulating his photo in an attempt to identify him.

All over the county, jilted ex-lovers or former spouses have been calling and reporting people who allegedly participated in the attack, Fuschino said. Thats not what happened here.  Hes not hiding from anything. Hes addressing this head-on.

Bingert, Fuschino said, had enrolled in the state police academy in 2015 but dropped out in less than a week after realizing that a career in law enforcement wasnt for him.

FBI agents say footage from the riot shows Bingert aiding a group in shoving metal barricades against cornered police officers and later waving an American flag in a crowd chanting F  the police.

Federal authorities have charged more than 100 accused insurrectionists in the nearly two weeks since the riot, including five other Pennsylvania residents, most of whom were turned in by friends or family members or implicated by photos and videos they posted online.

Two Western Pennsylvania residents were arrested Tuesday. Matthew Perna, of Sharon, was turned in by multiple acquaintances who saw videos he posted from inside the Capitol on his Facebook account. He later confirmed to FBI agents hed been there but said he was pushed into the building by the crowd and had not intended to enter, according to court filings in his case.

Prosecutors accused Jorden Mink, of Oakdale, outside Pittsburgh, of bashing in Capitol windows with a baseball bat and removing chairs and other property, passing them to others in the crowd outside.

Those previously charged include Terry Brown, a retired code enforcement officer from Lebanon County, and Andrew Wrigley, a former Center City artist who recently moved to Jim Thorpe. Both men face charges including unlawfully entering the Capitol grounds.

Robert Sanford, a retired Chester firefighter, is accused of throwing a fire extinguisher that injured three Capitol Police officers during a melee on the building steps.
As COVID-19 cases reach record levels in South Carolina, teachers across the state are doubling down on their push for districts to temporarily halt in-person instruction until virus activity improves.

The movement, often referred to as virtual until safe, has garnered widespread support from parents, educators and lawmakers who believe that full-time face-to-face learning unnecessarily jeopardizes the health and safety of students and employees.

But hundreds of Charleston County public school teachers said they did not think instruction should be moved to an online-only format for all students, according to survey results by the Charleston Teacher Alliance.

When asked whether they believed it was best for all instruction to be online during the pandemic, just over 50 percent of teachers surveyed disagreed. Nearly 38 percent agreed, and 12 percent said they didnt know what option was best.

Executive Director Jody Stallings said the survey was emailed to the alliances 1,000 or so members. Teachers were also encouraged to forward the survey to other educators in the district. In total, 744 educators, or about 21 percent of the districts 3,500 teachers on staff, provided responses.

The survey was designed to go beyond the comments teachers share on social media, Stallings said. Instead, the survey was meant to collect data and feedback from educators across the district, not just from those who air their concerns publicly.

There are a lot of veteran teachers who arent on social media, he said. Theyre not going to make their comments available on Facebook or Twitter, but theyll tell us what they think and we can relay that to the district.

Charleston Teacher Alliance Assistant Director Michelle Nichols agreed.

I think that our survey gives the teachers who are not loud and extremely vocal a chance to have a voice in education, too, she said.

But the release of the CTA survey findings last week has triggered some criticism from a different local education advocacy group.

Leanna Rossi Potter, who serves as a Charleston SC for Ed representative, said her organization took issue with the wording associated with one of the surveys findings.

The CTA took the response to the question, It is best for all instruction to be online during the pandemic and manipulated the conclusion, Potter said. In the press release, the CTA stated 50 percent of teachers do not think instruction should move to all virtual during the pandemic. Those are two very different statements.

The report findings may only be a slight shift in rhetoric, but it has significant effects in how the public interprets these findings, Potter said.

It also begs the question why the CTA decided to manipulate the phrase instead of just restating it in the exact way in which it was asked, she added.

SC for Ed is a grassroots education advocacy group that organized the 10,000-strong march on the Statehouse steps in 2019. The group has been vocal in its calls for "virtual until safe" learning.

Stallings, who also serves as a teacher at Moultrie Middle School and is author of The Post and Couriers Teacher to Parent column, stood by the findings.

"We certainly weren't trying to confuse anyone," he said. "We're not trying to manipulate the results."

In order to avoid any potential confusion, Stallings said the survey also asked teachers whether they agreed that it is best for students to be in school during the pandemic. Nearly 50 percent said they agreed, he said, a figure consistent with the 50 percent who said they disagreed that it's best for all instruction to be online during COVID-19.

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!

Stallings said he has not heard any complaints from educators regarding the wording of the question or the survey's findings.

A copy of the survey findings was shared with Charleston County School District administrators and members of the school board a week before it was released to the public.

The goal was to alert district officials of the feedback with the hopes that changes could be made to improve students and teachers learning environment, Stallings said.

They have to come in every day and hit a bullseye in terms of safety. We cant let our guards down on that. And I think thats the bottom line for us, he said.

Only 38 percent of those surveyed said their classroom was regularly and properly cleaned.

There wasnt really a very precise protocol for who was going to do the cleaning, how often it was going to be done, what was involved in the cleaning, Stallings said.

Still, a majority of teachers reported that their schools were following other COVID-19 safety protocols, such as enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing between students.

But only around half said they felt their school was doing everything it should be doing to keep teachers and students safe.

School district spokesman Andy Pruitt said he appreciated the Charleston Teacher Alliances efforts to help gauge teachers opinions during the pandemic.

Feedback from teachers is critically important as we strive to offer safe and healthy learning environments, and we will review these survey data to help plan for our schools safe operations moving forward, Pruitt said.

Teachers also expressed concerns with so-called dual teaching, where theyre required to teach one group of students virtually via Zoom while also providing instruction to students in the classroom simultaneously.

Some 65 percent of survey respondents said it takes them much more time to properly plan and prepare for classes, and 74 percent said they were concerned that online students werent engaging with their studies.

But the survey also included some encouraging responses.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents said their principal is attentive and responsive to safety issues at their school.

"While safety tops the list of immediate concerns, there is much to celebrate about the many things that teachers, students and administrators have accomplished this year," Stallings said. "It remains critical for administrators to work constructively with teachers to ensure a safe, quality education for all students.

Raw results of the survey, including teacher comments, can be accessed at charlestonteacheralliance.com/surveys.html.
Buc-ees fans likely feel the excitement in the air.

The convenience store with the cult following it set to open its second Alabama location next week. The travel center will cut the ribbon for its Leeds location on Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.

The new Buc-ees is located at 6900 Bucees Blvd. off Interstate 20 and joins the chains first state location in Loxley. A third is set to be built in Athens.

Leeds is home to a vibrant community that we feel honored to join, said Stan Beard of Buc-ees. The new location is conveniently located for travelers--just east of Birmingham and on the way to Atlanta. We are thrilled to offer a friendly pit stop for passersby and provide residents of Leeds with new employment opportunities.

The Leeds store is expected to have about 200 employees.

Occupying more than 53,250 square feet with 120 fueling spots, Buc-ees is known for its unique offerings including Texas barbecue, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries.

Buc-ees was founded in Texas in 1982, where it now operates 38 locations, including the worlds largest convenience store. It opened its first locations outside the state in 2019 with its Loxley store. It opened its first Georgia location in 2020 and then broke ground in South Carolina and Florida.
A longstanding name in Houston home building is going away.

TRI Pointe Homes, which builds under the Trendmaker Homes name in Texas, says it's consolidating its six regional homebuilders under the TRI Pointe Homes brand.

The publicly traded company changed its name from TRI Pointe Group, effective Jan. 15. Joe Mandola continues to head the builder's operations in Houston as president of TRI Pointe Homes Houston.

RELATED: Houston home builders see rebound in the COVID pandemic

Founded in 1971, Trendmaker was a part of the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Co. before merging with TRI Pointe Group in 2014. Pardee Homes, Quadrant Homes, Maracay Homes and Winchester Homes, also gained as part of the Weyerhouser transaction, now operate under the TRI Pointe Homes brand.

Trendmaker consistently ranks as a top 25 builder in the Houston market by volume, typically selling 450 to 550 new homes each year, according to Zonda, a housing consulting firm.

"Trendmaker Homes (now TRI Pointe Homes) is a successful builder with a nearly fifty year history and great reputation in Houston," said Lawrence Dean, Houston Regional Director of Zonda. "The Trendmaker Homes name has a built up a tremendous amount of brand equity and goodwill over the decades of being in business. However, TRI Pointe Homes local and national leadership are smart operators and can be expected to quickly navigate that hard earned brand equity to the new company name."

Trendmaker's focus ranges from first move-up to luxury homes built within master planned communities, Dean said.

Trendmaker reported 531 net sales in 2020, up from 502 in 2019.

TRI Pointe builds in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington. In Texas, TRI Point builds in the Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin markets. Going forward, all houses will be built under the TRI Point Homes name.
Those under consideration include such disparate figures as Sheldon Silver, the disgraced former New York Assembly speaker, and the rapper Lil Wayne, who pleaded guilty last month to a gun charge. Rudolph W. Giuliani says he does not expect one, and Stephen K. Bannons chances seem to have dimmed. Mixed in among the big names, low-level drug offenders are under consideration.

As President Trump enters the final hours of his term, he has been intently focused on who should benefit from his clemency power. Along with the White House counsel, Pat A. Cipollone, and advisers including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. Trump has spent days sifting through names and recommendations, assembling a list that officials say he intends to disclose on Tuesday, his last full day in office.

The size and precise composition of the list is still being determined, but it is likely to cover at least 60 pardons or commutations and perhaps more than 100. Already, Mr. Trump has been making calls to some of the recipients, people briefed about them said, and he held another meeting about the topic on Monday afternoon.

There are no plans for Mr. Trump to include a pardon for himself on the list to be released on Tuesday or for him to pre-emptively pardon his two adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, neither of whom has been charged with any wrongdoing, officials said. But Mr. Trumps ultimate decision about pardoning himself and members of his family, they said, could remain an open question until noon on Wednesday, when his four-year tenure comes to an end.
Scientists discover that ALS patients in Malta do not have flaws in major ALS genes

Malta, a sovereign microstate in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, has no shortage of sunny beaches, honey-bricked villages and rugged countryside. Beyond its Mediterranean charm, Malta is home to a geographically and culturally isolated population whose unique genetic makeup, makes this island nation a goldmine for genetics research.

Four years ago, the University of Malta set up a national ALS Registry and Biobank to identify patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and collect data on their residence, occupation, lifestyle and environmental exposures. Blood samples donated by participants will remain stored in high-tech storage facilities at the University over many years.

ALS is a progressive neurological disease that destroys the nerves that interact with the body's muscles. The disease typically leads to complete paralysis of the body, robbing patients of their ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for ALS, and eventually, the disease is fatal.

Malta's ALS Biobank is providing scientists with an invaluable resource for understanding the causes of ALS. In the first landmark study, researchers have retrieved and scrutinised the DNA from blood samples to discover flaws in genes linked to ALS.

"The DNA results caught us by surprise. The most frequently mutated ALS genes were flawless in Maltese patients," said the study's lead researcher Dr Ruben J. Cauchi, PhD, a senior lecturer at the University's School of Medicine and lead investigator at the University's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking.

Collaborating with scientists at the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht in The Netherlands, University of Malta researchers found that ALS patients in Malta did not have flaws in the C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS genes, which are known to contribute to a major number of ALS cases worldwide.

The study nonetheless revealed that compared to other European populations, a higher percentage of Maltese patients with no prior family history of ALS have harmful flaws in their DNA. Intriguingly, these occur in genes that are rarely damaged in Europeans with ALS.

"Our results underscore the unique genetics of the Maltese population, shaped by centuries of relative isolation. We also established that genetic factors play a significant role in causing ALS in Malta," added Dr Cauchi.

Right now, the research team is on the hunt for what triggers ALS in more than half of the study subjects that had no flaws in known ALS genes. Thanks to the participation of patients and healthy volunteers, Malta's ALS Biobank is rapidly growing into a precious treasure trove of data that is expected to unveil more fascinating insights on the causes of ALS in the years to come.

###

Study co-authors are Rebecca Borg, Maia Farrugia Wismayer, Dr Karl Bonavia, Dr Andrew Farrugia Wismayer and Prof Neville Vassallo from the University of Malta; Dr Malcolm Vella from Mater Dei Hospital; and Dr Joke J.F.A. van Vugt, Dr Brendan J. Kenna, Dr Kevin P. Kenna, and Prof Jan H. Veldink from UMC Utrecht.

The study was funded by the University of Malta Research Excellence Fund, an Endeavour Scholarship (part-financed by the European Social Fund), an EMBO fellowship, a Malta Council for Science & Technology Internationalisation Partnership Award, ALS Malta Foundation and the University of Malta's Research Trust (RIDT).
A total of two Laois-based charities have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldis Community Grants programme, with each charity receiving a 500 grant from the Aldi store teams in County Laois.

The money was presented to Portarlington Mens Shed and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

Aldi says its Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. The company says each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate about.

A statement said the programme has contributed to 750 local projects to date, donating over 375,000 since 2016.

Commenting, John Curtin is Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland.

We are very proud to have been able to contribute to supporting local charities across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and were pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities for County Laois.

"The Community Grants programme is one example of how Aldi is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement into 2021, he said.

To date throughout Ireland, Aldi says it has donated a total of 2.6m worth of meals to FoodCloud, 320,000 (in vouchers and stock donations) to Barnardos and 375,000 to the Community Grants programme since 2016.
It wouldn't do any harm for some of our loyalists with memories of the early period of the Troubles to go and talk to the militias which are preparing for war in the US.

The two movements have a lot in common, not least the grandiose sense of themselves that seems common to all paramilitary organisations. Paramilitaries on both sides in Northern Ireland believed that the rightness of their cause was pre-established. It did not rest on the political mood of the times.

Only with such conviction could any movement believe that it could recruit from the streets and build an army that could take on a modern state.

Both Ulster loyalists and the US militias have responded to a trouble-stirring narcissist. Both, in doing so, landed many of their members in jail.

This is bad news for those people individually. It also marks out their movement as amateurish, but it hardly bothers those who urged them on.

Loyalists had a nickname for Ian Paisley snr. They called him the "Grand Old Duke of York". He was the one who marched his men to the top of the hill and marched them down again.

The same jibe could be levelled at Donald Trump, who said that he would be with his patriotic followers as they marched to the Capitol, but stayed behind to watch the siege on television.

Both movements took too seriously the word of a charismatic orator who ultimately preferred the show to showtime.

And if I was one of those who had listened to the Doc back then, who got all fired up with the urge to defend Ulster and landed myself in jail for 20 years, I would say to them, "Look, we know the type. He'll get your passions inflamed, but he won't be there to cover for you."

Paisley snr called in the Eighties for the restoration of capital punishment. Not only was he content to see loyalists go to jail, he'd have been happy to see them hanged.

Trump likes the death penalty, too. There are other similarities between traditional loyalism and the militias which are threatening insurrection in the US.

As the militias identify with the Republican party, the loyalists identified with unionism, thought they were on the same track as politicians in suits, were encouraged to believe as much and discovered they weren't.

The two movements are similarly religious. There is a video on the New Yorker website which shows some of the protesters praying when they occupied the chamber. The twerp with the horns in his hat led prayer to Almighty God and the rabble around him raised their hands to Heaven trusting that they were sanctifying their cause.

And it wasn't just for show. It was enthusiastic - spirited. In the Catholic tradition, a spontaneous prayer was called an ejaculation. Prayer for these guys was almost a little frenzied.

They were Protestants, but also with an almost Catholic sense of pilgrimage. They believed they were in a sacred space. Many of them used that word.

The militias regard the US constitution and the Capitol much as many loyalists regard the Crown. They are not cynics. They have a reverence for the holy places of historic America, a land which they seem to regard essentially as Christendom.

And Christendom is defiled. They sneer at black people, gays and the media, which they see as the vanguard of a corrupting liberal culture. So, they regard themselves as people of a refined and more mannered culture.

When some of the more loutish were posing for selfies, others rebuked them for defiling the chair that was reserved for Mike Pence's bottom.

They were planning to hang Pence, but they wanted to respect the chair that preceded him and will outlast him.

At another rally, when a supporter turned up in drag identifying as Lady Maga, the speaker from the platform scowled, "We don't want that sort of thing here."

The religious attitude of both early loyalists and the patriots extends to a conviction that God is on their side.

Ian Paisley snr believed that he was preserving Ulster for the Protestant faith. It wasn't just a matter of telling people that if they prayed God would help them. They saw themselves as doing God's work. And, as we have seen in the respect for Trump among the evangelicals and the Catholic Church, it is irrelevant that Trump is a sinner. We are all sinners.

But the Lord moves in mysterious ways and if he sends a preening lecher to do his work, why question that?

Paisley and his followers believed, as do the US militias, that they are challenged by a conspiracy of secret forces ranged against them.

For the older Paisley, that force was the Catholic Church. The Vatican and the IRA were on the same side, by his assessment. Indeed, the Vatican was pulling the strings.

This all sounds absurd now, but go back to the beginnings of militant loyalism in Belfast, to the time that parallels what is happening now in the US, the emergence of an armed protest against the erosion of the old order and that is exactly what Paisley and the Orange Order and even some unionist politicians were saying.

The loyalists and the militias in the US both believed that they were fighting to restore the proper order of things, for one a Protestant, British Ulster, for the other a white America in which a free man holds a gun.

Both movements regarded the assault rifle as an icon when, in reality, they have had little practical use for them. They are a badge, not a tool.

The movements share a paradoxical attitude to the forces of the state, believing that they were on the same side and yet fearful that the police and army would turn against them. Both dress up to masquerade as soldiers modelled on the state's army, as did the Provos.

Many of those arrested for the invasion of the Capitol, and the woman killed there, were members, or former members, of the armed forces, the police and the fire service.

The organic intermingling of security forces and loyalist paramilitaries here echoes what is apparent in the US, too. This is a dangerous mix and raises worries about how firmly the forces of the state will stand against the militias when required.

Paramilitaries here have been through what is only starting out in the US. I'd like to see some of them on American TV sharing their experience, telling the so-called "patriots" that they know how the story ends.
BENGALURU : When Thierry Delaporte took charge as the chief executive officer and managing director of Wipro Ltd last July, his mandate was to bring the IT firm, which lagged its peers for several years, back to growth.

His predecessor, Abidali Neemuchwala, had failed to deliver on his ambitious target of turning Wipro into a $15-billion firm with operating margin of 23% by 2020. In FY20, the companys revenue was a little over $8 billion, and operating margin stood at 18.1%. In fact, HCL Technologies Ltd beat Wipro to become Indias third-largest software exporter in FY19.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

In the past six months, Delaporte has kept a laser-sharp focus on execution. Effective 1 January, Wipro replaced its existing structure of 26 strategic business units, service lines and geographies, with just four strategic market units and two global business lines.

As part of the strategy, Delaporte is focusing on Europe, the second-largest market for Wipro, contributing 25.2% to its total revenue. As part of the new structure, Europe is structured into six regions the UK and Ireland, Germany, Benelux, Nordics, Switzerland, and Southern Europe.

In each of these regions, we invested in talentwe have appointed new heads for these countries, both internally and externally. And we have structured specific strategies for each of these countries," Delaporte said in a virtual interview. In Europe, its important to combine global expertise and local connects. So, while its a journey, we have already started to invest in local expertise."

Wipro is also looking to accelerate the pace of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Europe. We have defined our roadmap for the next few years in terms of acquisitions in Europe and I think we will be more and more visible in this market."

Wipro will focus on priority sectors. In each of our chosen market in Europe, we have identified two to three sectors of priority. BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) is a strategic sector for us in Europe as it is in Asia and America," Delaporte added. BFSI was the largest vertical for Wipro growing 1.2% sequentially in constant currency and contributed 30.5% to its revenue for the December quarter.

Delaportes entry has augured well for the company so far. The stock price has more than doubled from the 220 levels in early July 2020 to a 52-week high of 467.20 on 13 January.

The buzz around Wipro is not just due to its superior quarterly results, but also because of the larger transformation journey that Delaporte is architecting. His key priority is to drive growth agenda with much higher intensity. He has also created a large deals-team that will focus on winning transformational engagements and increasing Wipros market share in Europe," said Nitin Bhatt, technology sector leader, EY India.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
There she will discover stories, lost secrets of gods, and mythologies. She will face dangers and reveal a past that forces her to face a terrible future.

La Leyenda Perdida begins Soleil McCarthy's gripping series, a world where Greek and Norse gods, moon wolves, killer lights, underground tunnels, mythological creatures, and secrets from the past will come true just to show her that the legends she had learned about in the past are much more real than she could've ever imagined."

Published by Page Publishing, Aseret Franco's new book La Leyenda Perdida follows the supernatural adventures of a young girl as she deals with gods, monsters, and legends that transform her life.

Consumers who wish to witness the grand experience of Soleil as she meets deities and battles mighty foes in a distant land can purchase La Leyenda Perdida in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors' books, including distribution in the world's largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422217/Aseret_Franco.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Related Links

https://www.pagepublishing.com


The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to announce the hiring of Greg George as director of legislative affairs.

George has nearly a decade of government affairs and policy experience with various organizations in Michigan and across the country. He previously served as a policy advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives and as legislative director for the Michigan Speaker Pro Tempore. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Hillsdale College and an MBA from Western Michigan University.
Suzuki Motor Corp. is developing a mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) for India, aiming to mount a bigger challenge to South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group, which dominates this fast-growing segment, said three people directly aware of the matter.

The new vehicle, code-named YFG, is based on Suzukis popular global SUV brand, Grand Vitara, the people said, requesting anonymity.

Production of the vehicle is likely to begin from 2022 at the factory of Toyota Motor Corp.s Indian unit in Karnataka, becoming the first Suzuki product to be produced by Toyota in India as part of a wide-ranging partnership between the two Japanese automakers.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The new SUV would be sold under both Suzuki and Toyota brand names, the people said. It is likely to come equipped with a strong gasoline hybrid powertrain to help both companies qualify for the stricter second phase of corporate average fuel efficiency norms, they added.

Suzukis move to bring a Grand Vitara-based SUV to India is to fill the gap in the mid-size SUV segment where Hyundai and Kia have taken a commanding lead with products such as the Creta and Seltos, one of the three people cited above said.

Suzukis unit, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, sells the S-Cross crossover but it has still to gain strong customer acceptance.

Suzuki will need to dominate the SUV segment in India to maximize profits of its India subsidiary, and the SUV segment is key to that success. The new vehicles will be shared by both Suzuki and Toyota, and this will give them the scale as well. Though Suzuki has managed to hold its overall market share, the same in the SUV segment has declined substantially," the person said, requesting anonymity.

Spokespersons for Maruti Suzuki did not respond to queries emailed on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Toyotas unit, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, declined to comment.

Maruti Suzuki is the largest carmaker in India, thanks to its wide range of affordable, fuel-efficient small cars.

Hyundai, however, dominates the SUV segment with its compact and mid-size SUVs sold under the Hyundai and Kia brands.

Others such as Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd and MG Motor India have also lined up new products for launch in this segment this year.

Suzuki is lining up new SUVs to claw back lost market share. Mint reported on 17 December that Maruti Suzuki is developing a compact SUV based on its popular Baleno hatchback in a bid to grow its market share in the compact SUV segment that has emerged as the biggest volume driver in the domestic market over the last two years.

Suzuki announced in 2018 that its compact SUV, Vitara Brezza, will be the first product to be made at Toyotas plant. The company, however, said in December that another model would be made instead at Toyotas plant.

Hyundai and Kia have a leading share of 35.95% in Indias SUV market, while Suzuki has 22.4%. SUVs are considered more profitable than hatchbacks and smaller sedans.

View Full Image The SUV will be sold under Suzuki and Toyota brand names and will come equipped with a strong gasoline hybrid powertrain.istockphoto

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Video: Facts Matter (Jan. 18): New 9,000 Migrant Caravan Headed to US; Clashes With Police

The other day, 9,000 migrants left Honduras in a caravan headed for the United States. However, it looks like they are meeting resistance from police in Guatemala and Mexico.

Meanwhile, in recognition of the Trump administrations peace efforts, the king of Morocco has given President Trump the highest award that he canThe Order of Muhammad.

In Washington, streets are being closed. There are miles of fencing, barbed wire, and barricades, armed guards everywhere, and generallyit looks like a militarized zone.

Meanwhile, over at Twitter, a second undercover video (released just today) shows that their censorship plan goes beyond America, and is actually global.

Facts Matter is an Epoch Times show available on YouTube.

Follow Roman on Instagram: @epoch.times.roman
Softdocs Over the last twelve months, weve worked with institutions across higher education and K-12 to digitize records, processes and forms through our Etrieve platform, in the process completing dozens of client ECM migrations and adding 74 new institutions to the Softdocs Cloud Community.

Softdocs, an education-focused provider of document management, electronic forms and workflow automation solutions, today announced the addition of 74 new educational institutions to its cloud environment in 2020, including 38 migrations from legacy ECM systems. With disruption sweeping the education space, and fueling institutions efforts towards operational transformation, Softdocs continued in its mission to design, develop and deliver cloud ECM solutions for institutions to leverage in simplifying business processes and supporting the experience provided to students and staff.

As institutions have responded to recent disruption, weve seen thorough review of key processes and systemsincluding legacy enterprise content managementas well as a faster pace in shifting on premise deployments to the cloud, said Mike Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Softdocs. Over the last twelve months, weve worked with institutions across higher education and K-12 to digitize records, processes and forms through our Etrieve platform, in the process completing dozens of client ECM migrations and adding 74 new institutions to the Softdocs Cloud Community.

Architected for the cloud and use by the education space, Softdocs Etrieve platform combines content management, electronic forms and workflow functionality into an easily scalable, integrated ECM experience for every end userwhether on campus or online and working remotely. For institutions seeking to digitize time-intensive processes, paper forms and piles of records, Etrieve provides a cloud-based content repository to complement its dynamic, mobile-friendly e-forms and process automation tools. However, Etrieve does also allow institutions to integrate the platform with an already-deployed content repositorya beneficial feature for institutions seeking to quickly stand up electronic forms and workflow automation in key areas with urgent need.

Many of the institutions that opted to join the Softdocs client base and implement Etrieve in the cloud chose to migrate from legacy ECM solutions including Perceptive Content (formerly ImageNow) and NolijWeb, while for others Etrieve replaced hard-copy files and forms on campus. Looking beyond the features and functionality of Etrieve itself, Softdocs attributes a large portion of its 2020 client base expansion to the strengthening of key partnerships with leading ERP vendors, including Ellucian and Jenzabar. Such partnerships are integral to Softdocs continual efforts to advance Etrieve functionality and the platforms ability to seamlessly integrate with the ERPs, CRMs and other campus systems at the core of their clients technology stacks.

Recognizing that Softdocs clients, both existing and prospective, began facing many unique challenges throughout 2020, Softdocs expanded the role of its Client Development Partners and internal Customer Advocacy Team. The company also redesigned their monthly product roadmap to better inform clients of new and upcoming features. This response not only positioned Softdocs to be highly responsive in prioritizing education customer needs with increased visibility into discussions on product roadmap and new feature development, but sparked intensive collaboration between client institutions and Product Owners within the Softdocs Community portal. Softdocs has identified this collaboration as a key factor in much of the success experienced by the company and their clients in 2020.

As the education market has adapted to the many demands this pandemic has placed upon it, we have observed two important trends. First, the conspicuous need for electronic forms and process automation tools, either deployed in conjunction with Etrieve for content management or an already-deployed content repository, even potentially independent of both. Secondly, a seamless shift to the cloud as part of an aggressive security or deployment strategy, said Robert Satcher, Executive Vice President of Softdocs. Recognizing that educational institutions will continue to face many unique challenges in the years to come, Softdocs is 100% focused on helping our education clients clear every hurdle in their continuous evolution, solving new challenges that arise in the education space. Our leadership in taking ECM to the cloud for the education space brings great promise for our clients and our company in 2021.

About Softdocs:

Softdocs develops document management, electronic forms, workflow automation and print customization solutions for the higher education and K-12 markets. The companys Etrieve platform, and complementary solutions, empower educational institutions to work more efficiently, communicate more effectively and collaborate more freely. Education-focused and SOC 2 Type I and II compliant, Softdocs is a trusted partner of nearly 700 colleges, universities and districts. Softdocs is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.
Those who qualify the prelims will have to appear in the mains exam which is to be held on 29 January. The admit card for the same is expected to be released soon

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the results for the SBI PO preliminary exams on the official SBI careers website on Monday (18 January).

Candidates who appeared in the recruitment exam can visit sbi.co.in and download their SBI Probationary Officer (PO) Prelims result 2020-21 online.

The preliminary exam was conducted by the bank on 4, 5, and 6 January.

Those who qualify the prelims will have to appear in the mains exam which is to be held on 29 January. The admit card for the same is expected to be released soon.

SBI aims to fill as many as 2,000 vacancies with the recruitment drive of Probationary Officers. Of the total, 810 vacant posts are for general category candidates, 540 have been reserved for OBC candidates, 300 for SC, 200 for EWS, and 150 for ST category candidates.

Steps to download the SBI PO Prelims 2020-21 results:

Step 1: Visit the official website of SBI at either sbi.co.in or bank.sbi

Step 2: Go to the link on the homepage that says 'SBI Probationary Officer Preliminary Exam Results' and click on it

Step 3: You will be redirected to another page where you will need to login

Step 4: Enter your registration number/roll number and date of birth in the given spaces and click on 'Login'

Step 5: The PDF of the result will appear on the screen

Step 6: View, download the document and take a print out for future reference

Here is the direct link to download the SBI PO prelims result 2020: https://bank.sbi/web/careers/crpd/po-pre-2020

According to Times of India, SBI will be publishing the merit list shortly. The category-wise merit list will be prepared by keeping the aggregate scores of candidates in the preliminary exams in mind.

The portal cited an official notice to state that there will be no sectional cut-offs.
Local Leaders Speak at Paducah MLK Celebration

By Tim Brockwell

PADUCAH - This year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Monday in Paducah looked quite a bit different than in previous years, but the day's message of unity and continued hard work to keep the civil rights icon's dream of equality for all Americans alive was unchanged.The event, sponsored by Mercy Health-Lourdes and hosted by Paducah-McCracken County NAACP Vice President Corbin Snardon, was an all-virtual affair, with local leaders coming together electronically to honor King's message of non-violent civil disobedience that helped end segregation and create new opportunities for millions of disadvantaged Americans.Paducah Mayor George Bray spoke about the need for Paducahans to do their part in advancing Dr. King's cause."Paducah is a great community to live, work and raise a family. But we all want more, and as much as has been accomplished in Paducah, there is more work to be done. I challenge all of us to get more involved with our community," Bray said. "As we celebrate Dr. King's legacy, let's all keep in mind the manner in which we can best drive that change. Activism, advocacy, civil discussion, persistence, and of course voting for candidates that value a broad view of our community"McCracken County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer noted the irony of living in a nation founded so long ago on basic principles of equality that continues to struggle with applying those ideals in fair and equitable way."Sit up and take notice that a country which in 1776 declared that all men are created equal, but did not in reality include those who are created black. So today in large part due to Reverend King and other civil rights leaders the law prohibits racial discrimination. But we clearly recognize that illegality does not equal absence. Discrimination, although being illegal, certainly still exists." Clymer said.The event's keynote speaker was Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Phyllis Nichols. She acknowledged that progress has been made since Dr. King began his work to advance the cause of equality decades ago, but pointed out the hard work that remains before his vision of a truly just society can be fully realized."Today's unemployment rate between blacks and whites remains relatively unchanged since the 1960s," Nichols said. "Poverty rates for blacks in the United States of America in 2019 were three times higher than for whites, and five times higher for our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Can we arrive at a state of oneness when such inequities and disparities exist?"Nichols stressed that Americans should not only be paying attention to what's happening in their cities and neighborhoods, but need to actively resist all forms of injustice wherever and whenever they see it happening."Dr. King in his cell in Birmingham wrote 'I cannot sit idly in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Think a moment of Ferguson, Long Island, Minneapolis, Charleston, Louisville, and now Washington D.C. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." She said.Nichols urged all citizens to maintain an active role in public service by becoming involved in their community through volunteering, and especially by exercising their right to vote in each and every election."Dr. King and many early leaders of the civil rights movement would be dismayed to know that despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which led to opportunities in education, jobs and housing, that minorities are still in the struggle," Nichols said. "Vote in every election for every office. We see the results in Georgia when every vote is counted."Paducah-McCracken County NAACP President J.W. Cleary urged people to come together and continue working to honor King's legacy."The Paducah-McCracken County branch has worked hard with the city and county government for many years addressing racial equality, but there is still work to be done," Cleary said. "After many days of protesting around the world, we need each other more now than ever. The time has come to make the dream a reality, Dr. Martin Luther King's dream."You can watch the full Paducah MLK Celebration event here:
OSLO, Norway, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE and OSE: "BORR") is pleased to confirm that the liquidity improvement plan announced in December 2020 has received support from its creditors, including:

The $400m syndicated bank facilities maturity deferred to January 2023

syndicated bank facilities maturity deferred to The $195m Hayfin facility maturity deferred to January 2023

Hayfin facility maturity deferred to $760m PPL facilities maturity amended to May 2023 , with interest payments deferred until March 2023 , except $6m payment in 2021 and $12m in 2022 (estimated accumulated interest deferred is in excess of $110m , including the approximately $65m announced in May 2020 )

PPL facilities maturity amended to , with interest payments deferred until , except payment in 2021 and in 2022 (estimated accumulated interest deferred is in excess of , including the approximately announced in ) The $272m Keppel newbuild delivery facilities for three delivered rigs all extended by one year (from five to six year financing) and interest deferred to the fourth anniversary of the drawdown of each loan. The Company will make payments to Keppel of $6m in 2021 and $12m in 2022

Keppel newbuild delivery facilities for three delivered rigs all extended by one year (from five to six year financing) and interest deferred to the fourth anniversary of the drawdown of each loan. The Company will make payments to Keppel of in 2021 and in 2022 The $620m in Keppel newbuilding delivery commitments for five rigs deferred to 2023, with the first delivery in May 2023 and the final delivery in December 2023

in Keppel newbuilding delivery commitments for five rigs deferred to 2023, with the first delivery in and the final delivery in In addition, there will be amendments to certain of the current financial covenants, including the minimum value covenants

These terms have been approved by the credit committees of the syndicate banks and Hayfin. In addition, the Company has a signed term-sheet with PPL, and an agreement in principle with Keppel, subject to final board approval. The agreements above are subject to conditions, including completion of a $40m equity raise. The Company is working on definitive documentation to reflect these terms expected to be concluded shortly.

"Borr Drilling is very thankful for the support received from its creditors. The liquidity improvement plan, which started mid-2020, including this recent financing plan, has contributed over USD 1 billion in total liquidity improvements until 2023 and improved our runway. We remain optimistic about the opportunities for Borr Drilling in the current market environment" says CEO Patrick Schorn

19 January 2021

Hamilton, Bermuda

Forward looking statements

This announcement includes forward looking statements, which are statements that do not reflect historical facts and may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "intends", "may", "should", "will" and similar expressions and include statements with respect to the Company's liquidity improvement plan, that such plan has received support from creditors, the terms of such plan, and the expected benefits of such plan including expected liquidity improvement and improved runway, and the condition of an equity raise including the amount of the equity raise, the Company negotiating definitive documentation with a view to concluding such documentation shortly and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, which are, by their nature, uncertain and subject to significant known and unknown risks, contingencies and other factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and which are beyond our control. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein, including risks relating to the liquidity improvement plan including the risk that Keppel board approval for the agreements above is not obtained, that the Company is unable to reach final agreement and execute definitive documentation with the relevant creditors and risks relating to the final terms of such agreements, risks relating to meeting conditions to these agreements, including risks relating to the contemplated equity raise and the risk that such conditions are not met, risks relating to our liquidity including the risk that we may have insufficient liquidity to fund our operations; risks that the expected liquidity improvements do not materialize or are not sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements and other risks relating to our liquidity, the risk that our customers do not comply with their contractual obligations, including payment or approval of invoices for factoring, that factoring arrangements are not effective in improving cash flow, risks relating to industry conditions and tendering activity, risks relating to cash flows from operations, the risk that we may be unable to raise necessary funds through issuance of additional debt or equity or sale of assets; risks relating to our debt instruments including risks relating to our ability to comply with covenants and obtain any necessary waivers and the risk of cross defaults, risks relating to our ability to meet our debt obligations and obligations under rig purchase contracts and our other obligations as they fall due, risks relating to our liquidity requirements, risks relating to future financings including the risk that future financings may not be completed when required and future equity financings will dilute shareholders and the risk that the foregoing would result in insufficient liquidity to continue our operations or to operate as a going concern and other risks included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in prospectuses filed with the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA).

This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy, sell or subscribe for any securities described herein. The equity raise referenced herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Media contact:

Magnus Vaaler

[email protected]

Phone: +47 22 48 30 00

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---creditor-approval-for-financing-plan,c3270511

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
Kenneth Carter, left, and James Capistran are co-founders of a company that specializes in the use of nanocellulose. Their breakthrough product might be Fogkicker, a solution that prevents eyewear from fogging up.
Four politicians are being investigated for drinking wine at the Welsh parliament  just days after banning alcohol in pubs.

Conservatives Darren Millar, party leader in Wales Paul Davies and chief of staff Paul Smith met with Labour Senedd member Alun Davies on December 8  four days after pubs, bars, and restaurants were banned from serving alcohol in Wales.

The group were served drinks by caterers in the Ty Hywel building which adjoins the Senedd, Wales' parliament.

Officials at the Senedd say they are investigating an 'incident' which 'may have been contrary to public health regulations'.

All four have apologised but insisted they did not breach regulations.

Mr Davies has been suspended by Labour while the investigation is carried out but said Senedd officials have said he did not break the rules.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: 'A member has been suspended from the privileges of the Senedd Labour group membership while an investigation takes place into this alleged incident.'

Conservative Darren Millar (pictured) met with Tory party leader in Wales Paul Davies and chief of staff Paul Smith met with Labour Senedd member Alun Davies on December 8

The group were served drinks by caterers in the Ty Hywel building which adjoins the Senedd, Wales' parliament

A Welsh Conservatives source told the PA news agency that the group believed they had not broken Covid-19 rules because the alcohol was not bought from the Senedd site nor was it served by catering staff.

A statement on behalf of Paul Davies, Darren Millar, Paul Smith said: 'We are profoundly sorry for our actions. While we did not break the rules, we recognise that what was part of a day's work would not be seen to be following the spirit of them, especially given the tough time the country has been going through.'

A spokesman for the Senedd Commission, which is the corporate body for the Senedd, said: 'We are aware of an incident on the Senedd estate last month which may have been contrary to public health regulations in force at the time.

'The Senedd Commission takes the public health regulations in Wales very seriously and is currently investigating the matter in order to establish an accurate account of what took place and to determine whether action may be required.'

A spokesman for catering company CH&CO Group, which offers catering and hospitality services at the Senedd, said: 'We are aware of an alleged breach of public health regulations at the Senedd estate.

'As caterers, we take our responsibilities and obligations to restrictions and public health regulations across the UK very seriously.

Conservative Darren Millar met with Tory party leader in Wales Paul Davies (left) and chief of staff Paul Smith met with Labour Senedd member Alun Davies (right) on December 8

'We are currently undertaking a full investigation into this matter.'

The Welsh Government's minister for mental health Eluned Morgan said on Twitter: 'I have written to @WelshConserv this evening to call on them to take appropriate action and suspend those involved whilst investigations continue into this alleged incident.'

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd said on Twitter: 'If this is true it seems Tories and Labour politicians have been indulging in a lock-in while the public are locked down.

'This is incredibly serious and nothing but an immediate suspension of the whip pending a thorough investigation will suffice.'

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: 'South Wales Police is aware of an internal investigation being conducted by the Senedd Commission into an incident on the Senedd estate last month.

'If the matter is referred to police, an investigation will be undertaken if suspected breaches of the public health regulations are identified.'
Greece and Turkey will sit down for exploratory talks on Jan. 25 in Istanbul for the first time since March 2016. After the high tensions of last year and being nudged to discussions by the European Union and the United States, the two historic rivals both seem to believe they benefit from the optics of talks.

In the short term, both Greece and Turkey are content with the process unfolding in this format, Kostas Ifantis, former director for research at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and professor of international relations at Panteion University in Athens, told Al-Monitor.

The technical, pre-negotiation talks are a chance for both countries to consolidate what they believe to be their gains and showcase to outside powers their good faith, even if they cant agree on what to discuss.

The Greeks say the agenda is just the maritime zone; the Turks say its everything. But neither side says the other is wrong, said Sotiris Roussos, a former senior Middle East expert at the Greek Foreign Ministry and head of the Center for Middle East, Mediterranean and Islamic Studies.

Athens is keen to keep the discussions limited to the issue of maritime demarcation and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), while Ankara wants a broader format to discuss the demilitarization of Aegean islands, the Muslim minority in Greece and the status of islet formations.

What Turkey wants is to share the Aegean and the other issues  such as demilitarization and the Muslim minority  are bargaining chips, Roussos told Al-Monitor.

Ankara has long claimed Greeces small island chains box in the country of 82 million people with the largest coastline in the region. Talks between Greece and Turkey in the current format started in 2002, predating the election of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In those early years, Turkey was a serious candidate for the EU. Today, they occur in the context of growing estrangement between Turkey and the West.

If these are exploratory talks, why not highlight what the problems are, said Murat Aslan, a former Turkish military intelligence professional who has held various roles in the Defense Ministry and General Staff.

He told Al-Monitor that talks with Athens are just one part of Ankaras concerns regarding its lack of support in the wider region. From the Greek side, the No. 1 threat perception is Turkey; from the Turkish side, Greece is not No. 1.

He added, Turkey is alone in Syria, it is alone in Libya, it is alone in the eastern Mediterranean, it is alone everywhere. The Turkish people are more concerned about terrorism."

Greece has made common cause with other regional countries as it seeks to address the threat it believes Ankara poses to its interest. Athens signed a maritime demarcation agreement last August with Egypt, concluded a series of memoranda of understanding with the North African countrys ally  the United Arab Emirates  and deepened cooperation with Israel by signing a $1.7 billion defense agreement.

This has been an unprecedented 12 months of Greek diplomacy. Athens is behaving as a regional player, Ifantis noted.

Greece showed decisiveness and consistency in its foreign policy in the eastern Mediterranean over the last 12 months. It is definitely in a stronger position than it was in 2016, said Antonia Dimou of the Athens-based Institute for Security and Defense Analysis.

She pointed to Greeces actions to prevent migrants from Turkey crossing the Evros land border and maritime routes in early 2020. The attempts to violate Greek borders and EU borders have not been successful due to the Greek coast guard and police, she told Al-Monitor.

Greece is also expanding its defense budget. On Jan. 14, the Greek parliament approved a $3 billion purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets from France.

Exploratory talks are in no way undesirable for Greece. This format gives Greece time for a critical part of the new arms procurement program to materialize, Ifantis added.

Turkey also believes it is in a stronger position. The latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean indicate that Turkey is really a power in the region, and now the EU is trying to build bridges to compromise, not to confront, Aslan said.

Asked about the effect of Greeces diplomatic push in the region, Aslan said it has not affected the Turkish calculus. More important is Turkish-EU relations and what the EU prefers as its strategy toward Turkey.

Turkey is the EUs fifth-largest trading partner and hosts an estimated 4 million refugees. Leaders in Berlin, Rome and Madrid have been reluctant to back Greece and are keen for Athens and Ankara to engage in dialogue.

The threat of sanctions appears limited. Now the EU can say there is no reason to discuss sanctions because we don't want to disturb the talks. The United States is on the same track; they don't want troubles in the eastern Mediterranean, Roussos said.

Roussos believes that Greece has overreached in the eastern Mediterranean and that here Turkey has succeeded in blocking its claims.

Greece has tried to persuade people that we are owning  via EEZs  over half of the eastern Mediterranean. This is absurd, he noted. The area east of Rhodes is a disputed area. So it is a no-no situation. Any plan of Greece for the EastMed pipeline is out of the question without Turkey.

Greece said the countries should take the issue of Kastellorizo, the tiny island of 500 people laying at the center of eastern Mediterranean tensions, to international court. Turkey prefers to negotiate the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean issues as one.

We go to the international courts and Athens knows very well it would lose over Kastellorizo, but it would be a major precedent in the Aegean and here Greece has a stronger case, Ifantis said.

At the moment, there appears to be little impetus for either side to agree. Contrarily, the one benefit may be that the Greek-Turkish rivalry  once isolated  has become part of larger tensions in the Levant and Middle East. If Erdogan wanted to pivot the West, a breakthrough in talks with Greece would probably be more manageable than say Syria.

That would still require both Athens and Ankara to compromise on issues that they have staked as those of sovereignty and national interest. Until either side perceives sufficient benefits, they will likely keep posturing for the future.
Garrett, IN (46738)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High near 50F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Courtesy Houston Police Department

A man was shot and killed Monday night in the courtyard of a southwest Houston apartment complex, police said.

Officers were dispatched around 7 p.m. to the 12500 block of Dunlap Street where they found a shooting victim, said Lt. Larry Crowson of the Houston Police Department. The man, who was not identified, was pronounced dead.

The Covid-19 rate in County Derry has continued its downward trend over the last week, with the number of confirmed cases falling by over 38%.

A total of 5,551 tests were completed within the county's postal districts over the last seven days, with 722 people testing positive for the virus.

The rate per 100,000 of population over the same period was 291.0, significantly down from the previous week's figure of 474.4, and below the overall Northern Ireland figure of 351.0.

No Derry postcodes are included in the ten highest rates, while Portstewart's rate of 73.1 is the lowest in the north.

Maghera's BT46 postal area recorded the highest rate per 100,000 of population last week at 570.2, while the area also experienced the highest percentage of positive cases at 22.3%.

The county's overall percentage of positive cases was 13%, down from the previous week's figure of 15.8% and the lowest recorded since before Christmas.

Coleraine's BT51 was the only postcode in the county to record a rise in cases (18.2%), while the largest reduction in cases came in BT55 (57.1%) and BT48 (55.5%).

A total of 28 Covid-related deaths were recorded in County Derry's local government districts over the past seven days, over double the previous week's figure of 13.

The highest number came in Mid Ulster, where 13 deaths were recorded, while eight people died in Derry and Strabane and seven in Causeway Coast and Glens.

Meanwhile, pre-departure testing will be introduced for international travellers arriving in Northern Ireland from Thursday, January 21.

Passengers from all international destinations will be asked to produce a negative test result, taken in the 72-hour period before departure, to their travel provider.

Health Minister Robin Swann said the move would add an 'extra layer of protection'.

The move is in addition to other robust existing measures such as the removal of travel corridors and the self-isolation requirement regardless of pre-departure test result, he said.

This additional measure will provide another layer of protection to help reduce the risk of imported infections, while national lockdown and vaccination take effect.

Travel operators who permit travel without the necessary proof of a negative test can be fined up to 10,000, while fines for anyone travelling without a negative result start at 500.
South Bostons annual St. Patricks Day Parade was officially canceled Tuesday for a second year in a row due to risks surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council announced over social media the parade, scheduled for March 17, will not be held this year because of state restrictions limiting outdoor public events to a maximum 25 people.

We look forward to finally seeing you all again in 2022, the group wrote in a Facebook post.

Due to ongoing state restrictions limiting outdoor public events to 25 people, the 2021 South Boston St. Patrick's Day /... Posted by South Boston Allied War Veterans Council on Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The cancellation marks the second consecutive year the event has been called off due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

When the parade was canceled last year, the coronavirus outbreak was just beginning to ramp up across the United States, though Boston had yet to be hit hard by the pandemic.

In a statement announcing the cancellation of the event in early March, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh recognized the risk of the virus in the city was low but noted the situation was changing very quickly.

Walsh, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, Boston City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Ed Flynn, State Sen. Nick Collins, State Rep. David Biele and David Falvey, president of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, decided it was the wise decision to call off the parade.

This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing what is needed to keep the residents of Boston safe and healthy, Walsh said in his statement on March 9, 2020. Our top priority is preventing any new cases, to the best of our ability, and we are paying close attention to guidance from public health officials.

The event, organized to celebrate Irish heritage, is typically marked by colorful floats, music, marching bands and bag pipes from throughout North America.

The parade starts at the Broadway MBTA station and ends at Farragut Road, winding through South Boston.

Since 1901, this parade has become a prominent part of South Bostons history, South Boston Allied War Veterans Council said in a statement last year.

As of Jan. 15, Boston had reported 7,167 active COVID-19 cases as well as 47,607 cumulative infections since the outbreak began and 1,082 total virus-linked death.
Ten years after a revolutionary working class uprising toppled President Zine El Abedine Ben Ali, the Tunisian regime is deploying the army against demonstrations that have erupted in dozens of cities across the country. Yesterday, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichis government arrested 632 youth in an attempt to crush protests that are spreading across the country.

Explosive anger is building in working class districts across North Africa. At the beginning of the year, Mechichis government was facing a wave of local strikes by teachers opposing its murderous policy of enforcing in-person learning despite the spread of COVID-19. At that point, Mechichi suddenly decided to declare a four-day curfew starting on the anniversary of Ben Alis overthrow, January 14.

Police officers face demonstrators during clashes in Siliana, Tunisia, Saturday, Jan.16, 2021. (AP Photo/Hedi Sfar)

This cynical and transparent manipulation of the pandemic as a pretext for repression failed to strangle mounting opposition. Unauthorized demonstrations took place in several cities including the capital, Tunis. On the night of the 14th, protesters went out in Kasserine, a largely working-class city in the southern-central district of Tunisia that was a center of the 2011 uprising against Ben Ali. Protesting the lack of jobs and of social support for the unemployed, they burned tires and faced off against the security forces.

In Siliana, the population protested against police violence after videos appeared on social media showing a policeman beating a herdsman whose sheep allegedly got inside an official building. Police fired tear gas at demonstrators, who responded by throwing stones and blocking streets with flaming tires in order to delay deployments by the security forces. On January 15, the police trade unions tried to calm the growing anger by presenting a statement of apology to the herdsman.

In the following days, protests grew and spread in working-class districts of Tunis like Ettadhamen and Al-Karm, as well as Kasserine, Sbeitla, Bizerte, Beja, Kairouan, and Monastir. Clashes between security forces and youth were also reported in Manzel Bourguiba, Sousse, and Nabeul, as well as in other cities.

On January 17, as the Tunisian Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 242 people, Defense Ministry spokesman Mohamed Zikri confirmed that the army would be deployed against protesters in the regions of Siliana, Kasserine, Bizerte and Sousse. Army units were also sent to the center of Tunis. Zikri confirmed that the goal of the militarys intervention was to prevent the population from storming key government buildings.

In a sign of growing panic in ruling circles, the General Union of Tunisian Labor (UGTT), the national labor union historically tied to the Ben Ali regime, issued a statement to denounce and try to demoralize the movement.

While criticizing police repression as ineffective and declaring the social anger of the youth to be legitimate, the UGTT denounced the demonstrations as a criminal action. The UGTT stated that it warned young protesters against carrying out night-time demonstrations, when there is a risk that they may be infiltrated, and denounced acts of vandalism and acts of pillage of public and private property committed over the recent days.

Yesterday, Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni announced the arrest of 632 people, mainly aged between 15 and 25. Largely echoing the rhetoric of the UGTT, he denounced the protests: This has nothing to do with movements with demands, which are protected by the Constitution. Such movements normally take place during the day and do not include criminal actions.

Demonstrations continued yesterday in dozens of cities across Tunisia, defying the armys threats and waves of arrests by the regime. In Tunis, one protest march headed down Habib Bourguiba Avenue, which was the site of mass protests during the uprising against Ben Ali in 2011. The protesters shouted slogans such as No fear, no horror, power belongs to the people!

Press dispatches indicated large-scale clashes with police in several cities and working-class suburbs of Tunis. Police fired tear gas in large quantities against demonstrators, who retaliated by throwing stones and shooting fireworks at the security forces, often from the tops of tall apartment blocks.

These protests make clear that the political struggle launched by the overthrow of Ben Ali by the working class a decade ago continues to this day. None of the demands for greater social equality and for democratic rights that drove the uprising of the workers and youth in January 2011 have been granted.

The course of events fully vindicated the January 17, 2011, statement published by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), titled The mass uprising in Tunisia and the perspective of permanent revolution. The ICFI declared that the uprising marked a turning point in world affairs and opened a new era of revolutionary upheavals. It pointed to the international class tensions that had driven the uprising and the role of WikiLeaks revelations of Ben Alis corruption in spurring on the revolt.

The ICFI also stressed the urgency of creating an international Trotskyist revolutionary vanguard in the working class across the Middle East and North Africa, fighting for the perspective of the overthrow of capitalism and an international socialist revolution:

Weak and dependent, tied by innumerable threads to foreign imperialism and native feudalist forces, the bourgeoisie of countries such as Tunisia is a thousand times more fearful of and hostile to the revolutionary force of the working class than it is to imperialism.  Without the development of a revolutionary leadership, another authoritarian regime will inevitably be installed to replace that of Ben Ali.

The Tunisian uprising was followed by a powerful revolutionary upsurge of the Egyptian working class that toppled Hosni Mubarak, as well as various protests across the region. However, insofar as petty-bourgeois groups like the Revolutionary Socialist (RS) in Egypt and the Popular Front in Tunisia blocked a seizure of power by the working class, the regime stabilized itself. The imperialist powers launched a wave of wars in Libya, Syria, Ivory Coast and Mali. The Tunisian governments that followed Ben Ali were barely disguised tools of international banks and lending agencies.

The government of Mechichia former interior minister who still occupies that position, though ostensibly on an interim basisis based on an unstable coalition of Islamists, liberals and former Ben Ali supporters. Perpetually teetering on the verge of state bankruptcy, it is threatened with strangulation by the major banks and is incapable of offering jobs, decent social conditions and democratic rights to the working class.

The pandemic and official herd immunity policies, which in Tunisia have claimed 5,570 lives and vastly intensified the social and economic crisis in the country, have exposed the bankruptcy of the social order not only in North Africa, but in Europe, North America and worldwide. It is widely sensed that the protests now unfolding in Tunisia are part of a global crisis with revolutionary implications triggered by the pandemic.

The social, economic and health situation created by the COVID-19 crisis is favorable to such demonstrations, journalist Fateen Hafsia told the Arabic edition of the British Independent. He added: January in Tunisia generally has been the historic motor of protests, from the 1952 revolution [against French colonial rule] to the 1978 confrontation with the UGTT and the events of January 2011 and the toppling of Ben Ali.

The January 6, 2021, fascist coup attempted by Donald Trump on the Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a further warning to workers not only in America, but around the world. Capitalism, rotting on its feet, undermines democracy even in the wealthiest and most powerful countries with the longest democratic traditions. For the working class around the world, the struggle to establish and defend democratic rights is today directly tied to an international struggle of the working class for socialism.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
The 28-year-old was among the first women fighter pilots, along with Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, to be inducted into the IAF in 2016

Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth will become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade.

Kanth, currently posted at a Rajasthan airbase and commissioned on a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane, will be a part of the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) tableau that will showcase mock-ups of the light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter and the Sukhoi-30 fighter plane.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to congratulate her on marking the dawn of empowered women-led New India.

Marking the dawn of empowered women-led #NewIndia Flt Lt Bhawana Kanth is set to become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade. Indeed a proud moment for the entire country!@IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/NqY6bYDtWL  Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 18, 2021

The 28-year-old was among the first women fighter pilots, along with Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, to be inducted into the IAF in 2016. Hailing from Bihars Darbhanga, Kanth was born in Begusarai and completed her schooling from Barauni Refinery DAV Public School and college in Bengaluru, according to a report. She joined the fighter squadron in November 2017, and turned operational in March 2018.

The Republic Day parade this year will feature the newly-acquired Rafale fighter jets, with the IAFs flypast culminating with the Vertical Charlie formation. Rafale jets will also be part of the Eklavya formation, which include one Rafale jet, two Jaguars and two MiG 29s. "The flypast will culminate with a single Rafale aircraft carrying out a 'Vertical Charlie' formation," IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said at a press conference.

A total of 38 IAF aircraft and four planes of the Indian Army will participate in the flypast on 26 January. The flypast will be divided into two blocks  the first is planned along with the parade from 1004 hours to 1020 hours and the second after the parade from 1120 hours to 1145 hours, Nandi said.

In the first block, there will be three formations. The first will be the 'Nishan' formation comprising of four Mi17V5 aircraft that will carry the national flag and logos of all three services. It will be followed by the 'Dhruv' formation by four helicopters of Army Aviation Corps. The last would be the 'Rudra' formation which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country's victory in the 1971 war, he said, adding that it will consist of a single Dakota aircraft flanked by two Mi17V5 helicopters.
PaperSave and Paramount Workplace are becoming PairSoft Consistent growth across decades, loyal customers, cloud products and demand from Office of the CFO digitization make PairSoft the ideal opportunity for our capital and expertise to accelerate growth, said Joanne Yuan, Principal at Turn/River Capital. We look forward to expanding its go to market

PaperSave and Paramount WorkPlace, leaders in the Accounts Payable (AP) automation and procurement automation spaces respectively, today announced they have merged and secured a strategic investment from Turn/River Capital. PairSofts union brings together two industry leaders to form the strongest procure-to-pay platform for the mid-market and enterprise, with close integration to Microsoft Dynamics, Blackbaud, Oracle, SAP, Acumatica and Sage ERPs.

PairSofts deep ERP and workflow integrations enable mid-market and enterprise to save significant time and costs. PaperSave provides intuitive document management, contract management, workflow and AP automation functionality enhanced by OCR capabilities. Paramount WorkPlace brings robust web and mobile-based requisition, procurement, expense, and AP automation powered by artificial intelligence and OCR. This has attracted a diverse blue chip customer base across geographies and industries.

The combined company creates a strong end to end finance department offering, said Stuart Rosenberg, Founder and President at WhiteOwl, the business process consulting firm that developed and sold the PaperSave assets to PairSoft. Our customers can count on future product innovation and scale to further reduce costly manual processes.

In combining these two offerings, PairSoft enables users to gain real-time visibility and control over business spend; consolidate and automate purchasing, AP, and invoicing while eliminating data entry errors and paper-based processes and optimize supplier relationships. The two products complement and integrate with each other already, sharing a similar customer base, channel partners, and ERP integrations.

Turn/River and PaperSave are ideal partners for Paramount WorkPlace, said Salim Khalife, Founder and CEO of Paramount WorkPlace. We appreciate Turn/Rivers leadership style, operational expertise, and their track record of helping organizations like ours grow. With our combined solutions and talents, backed by Turn/Rivers growth operations team, the opportunity is unlimited. I have never been more excited in my 30 years as an entrepreneur.

Consistent growth across decades, loyal customers, cloud products and demand from Office of the CFO digitization make PairSoft the ideal opportunity for our capital and expertise to accelerate growth, said Joanne Yuan, Principal at Turn/River Capital. We look forward to expanding its go to market footprint and delivering more offerings on the PairSoft platform.

Paramount WorkPlace was advised by investment bank Canaccord Genuity. WhiteOwl was advised by legal counsel Foley & Lardner, LLP. Turn/River Capital was advised by legal counsel Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

About Turn/River

Turn/River specializes in growth capital investments, founder liquidity, buyouts, spin-outs, and recapitalizations of technology, web, and SaaS companies. Its strategy is to combine rigorous, iterative marketing, sales, and operational execution with flexible capital to help companies double and triple their growth and build value for everyone. Turn/River Capital is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, please visit http://www.turnriver.com.

About PaperSave

PaperSave is a complete document management, AP automation, electronic workflow and transaction automation solution. PaperSave's unique integration provides one click access to documents within Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP, SL, CRM, D365 Business Central, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, and Blackbaud CRM. Learn more at https://www.papersave.com

About Paramount WorkPlace

Paramount WorkPlace develops, sells, and supports advanced web-based and mobile requisition, Procurement, AP Automation, and Travel & Expense software solutions for mid-market and enterprise organizations. Trusted by global, national and local brands for its powerful capabilities, intuitive features and the option for a stand-alone andintegrated extension of Microsoft Dynamics GP, SL, AX, NAV and D365 Business Central; Sage ERP and Sage Intacct; Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT; Acumatica; and other major ERPs. Learn more at https://paramountworkplace.com
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.
Monopoly money was paid for cattle this week, one mart manager maintained, as increased supermarket demand for beef was reflected in a red hot trade.

Prices for heavy bullocks in the marts have increased by a whopping 180/hd since mid-December, with forward stores up by 65-120/hd.

Heifers have also benefitted from the improved trade, with prices 55-100/hd stronger than pre-Christmas levels.

Buoyant supermarket demand for beef is continuing to underpin the latest surge in prices in both the factories and the marts.

Record beef sales in Britain pre-Christmas, and an expected uplift during the current lockdown, has helped drive sales both at home and across the Irish Sea.

Factory quotes for bullocks have increased to 3.80/kg, with up to 3.85/kg being paid. This is up from 3.70/kg in early December.

Prices for heifers are also improved, with 3.85/kg being quoted and 3.90/kg being paid.

Competition between factories for stock has also seen up 3.90/kg being paid for top quality heavy bulls, although 3.70-3.75/kg is generally being quoted for R grades.

These factory returns are running 20-25c/kg up on January 2020 levels, or the equivalent of around 100/hd.

Demand for cattle in the marts is being driven by feedlot buyers, as many farmers opted out of finishing cattle this winter.

Mart managers report that Northern buyers have struggled to compete with Southern feedlots and factory agents since Christmas. Sean Leahy of Corrin Mart in Fermoy described the last fortnight as the best start to a year that Ive ever seen.

The trade for cows was on fire, he maintained. Nice quality feeder cows made up to 1.70/kg, with continentals making 1.85-2.26/kg, he said.

Angus cattle are continuing to command a premium in the marts, reflecting the 20c/kg bonus available in the factories. Forward store Angus cattle at Fermoy made up to 2.15/kg,
Rosie O'Donnell didn't mince words when asked about her hopes for what President Donald Trump will face once he's out of office Wednesday.

'I pray to God he does' time in prison, the television personality, 58, told TMZ Monday as she made her way through LAX airport.

The New York native has been one of Trump's fiercest longstanding critics, amid a public feud that began 15 years ago, and has remained vocal in her opposition to Trump politically amid his initial election run and presidency.

The latest: Rosie O'Donnell, 58, when asked Monday about her hopes for what President Donald Trump, 74, will face once he's out of office, replied, 'I pray to God he does' time in prison

O'Donnell said she was rooting for New York Attorney General Letitia James to drop charges on Trump once he loses presidential immunity from prosecutions.

'Letitia James, shes going to get them on the 21st I hope,' she said of James, who is in charge of a civil probe of the Trump organization and its actions in regards to loans and taxes, and has been speaking with Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen.

O'Donnell, asked about the estimated 100 pardons and commutations Trump is expected to issue, said 'hes been paid for every single one of them.

'Hes a criminal and he has been since he first started in public life many years ago,' O'Donnell told the outlet.

O'Donnell, asked about the estimated 100 pardons and commutations Trump is expected to issue, said 'hes been paid for every single one of them'

Trump was snapped posing alongside Mt. Rushmore on July 3 of 2020

O'Donnell also said she hopes those who rioted at the U.S. Capitol January 6 were brought to justice in connection with the incident that left five people dead.

'I think its a terrifying time ... I think its terrifying and what happened at the capitol was something I never thought Id see in this country,' she said. 'It was an insurrection, it was sedition and everyone involved should be punished to the full extent of the law.'

She said that 'theres no way to equate' the Capitol riots to the Black Lives Matter protests across America last summer in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

'No, its not not even close,' said O'Donnell, whose vicious war of words with Trump ignited amid a December 2006 segment on her former show, The View.

While speaking about Trump's decision to keep Tara Conner in his Miss USA pageant amid a scandal, she called Trump a 'snake-oil salesman' and brought up his failed first two marriages.

O'Donnell said she hopes those who rioted at the U.S. Capitol January 6 were brought to justice in connection with the incident that left five people dead

Trump shot back, telling People he felt O'Donnell was 'a real loser' and vowed legal action over her remarks: 'I look forward to taking lots of money from my nice fat little Rosie.'

In the years ahead of his political career, Trump regularly insulted O'Donnell on Twitter, ripping everything from her marriage to late ex-wife Michelle Rounds; her short-lived The Rosie Show on OWN; her weight-loss surgery; and her second stint on The View in 2014.

Trump, was asked by Megyn Kelly during an August 2015 Republican presidential primary debate about calling women 'dogs,' 'pigs' and 'slobs' - and he replied, 'Only Rosie O'Donnell!'

Rosie took some flak in November of 2016 after she openly speculated on if Trump's 10-year-old son Barron was autistic, tweeting 'Barron Trump Autistic? If so - what an amazing opportunity to bring attention to the AUTISM epidemic,' linking to a video.

O'Donnell later tweeted she was 'truly sorry' to Melania Trump for the remarks.

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.
'Tandav' stirs controversy for hurting Hindu sentiments, but its not the only one: Here's the list

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 19: A Muslim boy and a Hindu girl kissing in "The Suitable Boy", the name of a dog in "Pataal Lok", a Pakistani actor in a starring role in "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil"... Amazon Prime Video's "Tandav" is the latest in a long line of films and web shows to have landed in trouble for one reason or another.

"Tandav", a nine-episode political thriller starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, started streaming last week and is neck deep in trouble with loud calls for its ban and an FIR against its makers in Lucknow. At the centre of the row is a scene with Zeeshan, in the role of college student Shiva, playing the Hindu god Mahadev in a theatre production.

The cast and the crew of "Tandav" had to "unconditionally" apologise in a bid to quell the controversy surrounding the show.

Here are some other films and shows that faced boycott calls in recent years:

"AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL"

The Karan Johar-directed romantic drama faced threats from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) because if featured Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The party said Pakistani artistes would not be allowed to work in India post the Uri terror attack.

Johar had to issue an apology and promise he would not "engage with talent" from Pakistan for the film''s smooth release in October 2016. The filmmaker, one of Bollywood's most powerful, had earlier faced trouble for using "Bombay" instead of "Mumbai" in a scene in "Wakeup Sid".

"PADMAAVAT"

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film led to a massive political controversy before its release with fringe group Karni Sena demanding a ban on the movie, blaming it for distorting historical facts on Padmavati. Bhansali''s movie''s set in Kolhapur was set on fire and the director was manhandled while shooting the movie in Jaipur. At one point, actor Deepika Padukone faced threats to her life with a bounty being put on her head following a rumour that the film depicted a love scene between Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji. The director made strenuous efforts to deny the rumour. The movie also underwent a title change from "Padmavati" to "Padmaavat" and released in January 2018.

Bhansali also faced issues with his film "Ramleela" and had to change the name to "Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram-Leela".

"CHHAPAAK"

The Deepika Padukone starrer, a true story of an acid attack survivor, faced protests and calls for boycott on social media because the actor visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Campus to express solidarity with the students after a brutal attack on them by masked goons ahead of the film''s release on January 10, 2020. Padukone, who did not speak at the protest, was called "anti-national". There was further controversy with many accusing filmmaker Meghna Gulzar of changing the name of the perpetrator from a Muslim to Hindu, which was not the case.

"A SUITABLE BOY"

The Mira Nair-directed web series based on Vikram Seth's novel started streaming on Netflix from October 23, 2020, and earned the ire of several politicians for a scene showing a Muslim boy kissing a Hindu girl in the backdrop of a temple. The show also led to a police complaint against Netflix India officials by Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha national secretary Gaurav Tiwari in MP. State Home Minister Narottam Mishra had asked the state police to examine whether the scenes were filmed in a temple as it hurt the sentiments of a particular community.

"PATAAL LOK"

Like "Tandav", the show on Amazon Prime Video also looked at the nexus between media, politics and police. Set in Delhi, the Anushka Sharma-produced show, which started streaming from May 15, 2020, stirred controversy with BJP MLA Nandkishor Gurjar filing a complaint for allegedly using his photograph in the series without his permission. Moreover, the hashtag 'ban Pataal Lok'' trended on social media for its depiction of communal issues, ''beef lynching'' and other issues. There were also objections to a pet dog being named ''Savitri''.

"LEILA"

The 2019 Netflix show by Deepa Mehta was based on a novel by Prayaag Akbar. Featuring Huma Qureshi in the lead role, it was called "anti Hindu" for depicting the dystopian future of Aryavarta where purity of blood is enforced. The show''s protagonist searches for her daughter, who was taken away from her for being child of an inter-faith marriage.

"SACRED GAMES"

One of the first successful locally produced series on Netflix in 2018 and 2019, "Sacred Games" attracted many controversies during its two season run. A Congress party member filed an FIR against the show for allegedly insulting former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The second season was criticised for hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs. BJP leader Tajinder Pal Bagga filed an FIR against director Anurag Kashyap for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Sikhs, and Akali Dal''s Manjinder Singh Sirsa had also called out the show. Besides, "Sacred Games" was criticised for being anti-Hindu because of its portrayal of a character called "Guruji", a spiritual leader shown as being a man of questionable morals and ideology.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

"LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA"

The film, directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, was initially denied a release in India in 2017, after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused a certificate, objecting to its depiction of sex scenes and abusive language. The film released in July 2017.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 14:56 [IST]
John Breaux, Trent Lott

Former US Senators Trent Lott and John Breaux have signed on to represent TikTok, the social media platform that is owned by Chinas ByteDance.

Their firm, Crossroads Strategies, counsels TikTok on discussions surrounding Internet technology and learning-enabled content platforms.

President Trump wanted to shut down TikTok on national security grounds unless ByteDance sold it to an American company.

After a bid from Microsoft failed, Oracle and Walmart in September announced that Trump tentatively approved a deal in which they would take a 20 percent stake in the newly formed TikTok Global, which would provide services in the US and most of the rest of the world.

That agreement awaits final approval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US.

The Biden administration will now determine the fate of that TikTok deal.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of Dr V Shanta, one of the senior-most Indian oncologists who headed the Adyar Cancer Institute.

Shanta died early Tuesday morning in Chennai. She was 93.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "Dr V Shanta will be remembered for her outstanding efforts to ensure top quality cancer care in the country. The Cancer Institute at Adyar, Chennai, is at the forefront of serving the poor and downtrodden. I recall my visit to the institute in 2018. Saddened by Dr V Shanta's demise. Om Shanti," Shanta took her last breath at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai during treatment as doctors tried to remove a blockade in a blood vessel. She died around 3.55 am. She was admitted to the hospital after facing discomfort on Monday night.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that Dr Shanta would be cremated with police honours.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will visit New Delhi on Tuesday to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said sources. Although sources did not specify whether CM Jagan has been summoned to give an 'explanation', the sudden visit assumes significance as it comes after Andhra Pradesh's BJP leaders lodged complaints with the Centre against the Chief Minister alleging a spate of desecration of idols in temples in recent times.

READ | Kumaraswamy Sparks Language Row: 'No Kannada On Inscription Plaque Unveiled By Amit Shah'

Amit temple attack allegations, CM Jagan to visit Delhi

Attacking Jagan Mohan reddy-led Andhra Pradesh state government over recent temple attacks, the state's BJP leaders alleged that the state police under the leadership of Director General of Police Gautam Sawang has not only "utterly failed" in protecting the temples and the idols but was also "intentionally, deliberately and carelessly issuing statements defaming and damaging the reputation of the party".

READ | Tamil Nadu CM EPS To Meet PM Modi, Amit Shah In 2-day Visit To Delhi As Poll-date Nears

Amid this conflict between Andhra's state government and saffron party, state BJP president Somu Veerraju threatened to take "appropriate action" against DGP over letters' claim that BJP workers were involved in the recent attacks on temples. Earlier, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao had spoked to Amit Shah and complained about the temple attacks and the "failure" of the state government in preventing the acts of vandalism and also in bringing the culprits to book.

Andhra Pradesh's 'temple vandalism'

The state has seen a slew of attacks on temples - the latest being the desecration of Lord Ram idol in Sri Rama Swamy Devasthanam in Vizianagaram district. Hinting at an Opposition conspiracy behind the incidents, CM Jagan cited nine instances where the attack on the temples coincided with the launch of various welfare schemes by his government. The CM also described attacks on temples as "political guerrilla warfare" intended to defame Andhra Police and divert the attention of people from the work that his government is doing. Jagan has also constituted a 7-member State Level Communal Harmony Committee, along with district-level committees in a bid to tackle these incidents.

READ | Amid Farmers' Stir, HM Amit Shah Says Laws To Help Increase Farmers' Income Manifold

Jagan said, Who benefits from smashing idols of God? Who benefits from anarchy in temples and chapels? Who benefits from provoking emotions and committing violence? Who benefits from making false propaganda that hurts people's faith? Vested interests are stooping to the level of even desecrating temples to gain political mileage. They are trying to divert public attention from government programs by resorting to attacks on temples."

READ | Tamil Nadu CM EPS To Meet PM Modi, Amit Shah In 2-day Visit To Delhi As Poll-date Nears

On the other hand, Former Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu remarked, "In the last 19 months, over 120 attacks took place on temples. These attacks were going on according to a premeditated plan. Over 23 idols were demolished in six temples at Pithapuram. Durgamma temple was brought down in Guntur." BJP too has compared the current spate of attacks on temples to the destruction of Goa temples in the 16th century, alleging that the AP government was tacitly supporting a "particular religion".

READ | Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Summoned By ED Court In Land Allotment Irregularities Case

(With PTI inputs)
York County police are trying to determine if one of their own helped storm the U.S. Capitol two weeks ago and made comments supporting an insurrection, news reports say.

The New York Times interviewed a man in Washington, D.C. who said he was an off-duty police officer from York County. The news outlet said police officers from across the country are being questioned for their involvement in the Jan. 6 riots.

Theres a lot of people here willing to take orders, the man told the Times reporter. If the orders are given, the people will rise up.

Southern Regional Police Chief James Boddington later told The York Dispatch one of his officers was put on office duty while an investigation was conducted into whether he was the same man quoted in the article.

We are aware of the NY Times article and are investigating if he may be the officer described in their story, Boddington reportedly said in an email to the York Dispatch.

The alleged officer has not been identified and federal, state and local authorities have not announced the findings of an investigation.

However, The York County Association of Chiefs of Police issued a statement Tuesday in support of an investigation.

Law enforcement officials are public servants who vow to uphold the law. It is critical that our communitys police officers never conduct themselves in private or political action that erode the public confidence in law enforcement, the statement said.

The association condemned the violence at the Capitol, and emphasized that law enforcement officers should be able to rise above participating in such acts.

The rights of freedom of speech and assembly can never justify the evils of violence and anarchy, that included the death of a US Capitol police officer, that we witnessed on January 6, 2021 at our nations Capitol,.

Each individual York County police department maintains personnel policies that direct the private and political conduct of our officers and thoroughly investigates violations of these policies, the statement said. It is our commitment to hold our own law enforcement officers to the highest standards of accountability when they fail to abide by these standards. We hold these principles as the bedrock upon which procedural justice and police legitimacy stand.

READ MORE: Heavy metal band member charged in Capitol attack, accused of pepper-spraying police

Search still underway for Poconos shooter after 4 hurt in rapid and successive incidents

Car thief yells at mom for leaving toddler alone in vehicle, then drives away
According to the hospital superintendent Dr Raja Rao, the condition of the woman admitted to the anaphylactic ward was being monitored closely. She complained of vomiting, giddiness and general weakness on Saturday evening. (Representational DC Photo)

Hyderabad: A 29-year-old woman health worker who was given the Covid-19 vaccine jab at Uppal here on Saturday was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on Sunday evening after she developed severe reactions.

The womans was the first such case of severe reaction vis-a-vis the Covid-19 vaccine in the state that started on Saturday. The health authorities reported 11 cases of very mild reactions on Saturday while there were 25 such cases on the second day on Monday.

According to the hospital superintendent Dr Raja Rao, the condition of the woman admitted to the anaphylactic ward was being monitored closely. She complained of vomiting, giddiness and general weakness on Saturday evening.

Doctors examined her and found that her temperature, pulse and BP recordings were normal, and the oxygen saturation was 100 percent in room air(without oxygen). Dr Rao said she was stable and responding to treatment.
COAST SALISH TERRITORY and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vancitys board of directors has named Christine Bergeron as its next president and chief executive officer. Christine has served as Vancitys Interim President and CEO since July 1, 2020 and has held senior leadership roles within the organization since 2013.



The board of directors is proud to appoint Christine as Vancitys President and CEO after a thorough search that attracted highly qualified candidates from across the country, said Jan OBrien, Chair of Vancitys Board of Directors. Having led the credit union successfully through one of the most challenging times in global history while delivering a renewed business plan, Christine has already proven she is the right leader with the vision and strategy to lead Vancity into the future.

With Christines in-depth understanding of Vancitys business, our people and the communities we serve, the Board is very confident she will continue to deliver on Vancitys triple bottom line mandate of financial strength, community resilience and environmental leadership, said Jan.

Newly appointed CEO Christine Bergeron commented on the news: Since joining Vancity in 2011, I feel very fortunate to have been part of the Vancity journey to deliver exceptional service and advice to our members, and to help create a future that is clean and fair for everyone. Im incredibly excited to help drive our work to fulfill Vancitys unique mission to further the financial, social and environmental well-being of our members and their communities.

Before serving as interim president and CEO, Christine was Vancitys Chief Member Services Officer, leading the Member Experience & Community Engagement division. In this role, Christine oversaw services to Vancitys 543,000 members, including its branch network and retail, business, commercial and wealth management operations. She also led the credit unions community impact and investment strategies. Christine has worked at Vancity for over nine years during which time shes held several leadership roles including VP of Impact Investing, Wealth Management & Community Real Estate, and VP of Community Business Banking.

Prior to joining Vancity, much of Christines career involved working with entrepreneurs, financing innovative companies and building financial firms  all focused within the cleantech, sustainability and impact investing sectors. This included being a co-founder of Shoreline West Asset Management Inc. and being a founding team member at Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital. Christine was an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer at UBCs Sauder School of Business and is a board member of Aviso Wealth. She is also on the UN Environment Programmes Finance Initiative Banking Board as a representative for North America; she chairs the board of the Womens Enterprise Centre and is on the Board of Governors for the BC Business Council. Christine holds a B.A. in sociology from the University of Guelph and an MBA in Strategic Management from UBCs Sauder School of Business.

Christines achievements in fostering community impact, social justice and environmental sustainability have earned her accolades from Clean50 in 2017, Women in Finance, which gave her the Rising Star award in 2012, and from Business in Vancouver magazine, which included her in its 2007 Top 40 Under 40 list.

About Vancity

Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its more than 543,000 member-owners and their communities, with offices and 54 branches located in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwakawakw people. With $28.2 billion in assets plus assets under administration, Vancity is Canadas largest community credit union. Vancity uses its assets to help improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Tweet us @vancity and connect with us on facebook.com/vancity.

For more information:

Media Relations | Vancity

Nora Eastwood

mediarelations@vancity.com

T: 778-837-0394
A 39-year-old Covington woman accused of bilking victims out of $460,000 in a phony loan scheme was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on counts of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements, according to U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser's Office.

Ritchel Morehead used a Texas corporation she owned, called Chel Corporation, to offer large business loans to people in California, Oregon and Georgia between December of 2018 and February of 2019, according to the indictment.

Six victims sent money to Morehead, ranging from $20,000 to $300,00, believing that the payments covered fees, costs and down payments on loans that ranged from $4.2 million to $18.5 million.

The indictment mentions two unnamed individuals -- a business person who lives in Covington and a business person in Princeton, New Jersey -- whom she convinced that she had the means to finance large loans. The Covington business person introduced Morehead to the New Jersey individual whose business involved finding funding sources for large loans on behalf of clients.

Morehead allegedly forged a bank statement for Chel Corporation showing that it had fund balances in the billions of dollars. But the account had actually been closed the month before the forged statement, the indictment said. The actual beginning balance of the account was $5,884.82, and its average ledger balance was $902.

Morehead spent the money she obtained from the alleged victims on a Lexus vehicle, jewelry and other personal items, according to the indictment, and also allegedly transferred nearly $255,000 to banks in the Philippines.

She faces seven counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering and one count of lying to federal agents about whether she had sent or received funds by wire transfer.

If convicted, Morehead could get 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

(Natural News) Prominent corporate attorneys who formerly worked for Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook are in the running to lead the Department of Justice Antitrust Division under President-elect Joe Bidens administration, reported the Intercept on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Biden is considering Susan Davies or Renata Hesse, among other names, for the antitrust divisions chief role. The two are decorated Silicon Valley lawyers specializing in antitrust laws who held White House and Justice Department posts before helping tech giants escape litigations.

Biden is considering the two even though anti-monopolist groups are imploring the incoming administration to appoint aggressive leaders who will reinvigorate the countrys limp antitrust enforcement. Agencies like the Antitrust Division have let Big Tech companies off the hook in many instances, leading to a growing crisis of monopoly power in the last decade.

Big Tech roots of Bidens top picks go deep

Davies and Hesse both have an extensive history of helping corporations avoid litigations. Davies, a partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP, represented multiple Fortune 100 companies and tech giants facing federal investigations between years of serving the White House and the Justice Department.

Davies represented Facebook when it was sued for violating federal antitrust and California unfair competition laws in 2012. She was also a defense attorney for global hospitality company Wyndham when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) came after it for sloppy data security and multiple data breaches in the same year. She also worked alongside Merrick Garland, the incoming Justice Department Attorney General appointed by Biden, as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee general counsel under former President Bill Clinton.

Davies would later help secure Garlands Supreme Court nomination in 2016, which was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

During former President Barack Obamas administration, Davies served as a White House aide in charge of selecting and vetting federal judicial nominations. During her time, less than one in 20 judges nominated for federal court had a public interest background.

Hesse, a partner in the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLC, served both the government and Big Tech. A prominent Silicon Valley defender, she helped Amazon escape litigation during its acquisition of Whole Foods Market and acted as counsel for Google during the 2018 FTC hearings. Hesse also served the Antitrust Division for several years and had been its acting assistant attorney general during the Obama administration.

Monopoly watchdogs call for aggressive antitrust enforcement

Biden is considering Big Tech allies for critical positions despite the demands of several anti-monopolist groups for institutional reform. American Economic Liberties Project, a Washington-based anti-monopolist organization, is calling for aggressive Justice Department and FTC antitrust enforcers who are equipped to take Big Tech companies by the horns.

The organization released a report on Tuesday containing the pleas as well as recommendations to have antitrust cases against Google and Facebook expanded. The tech giants currently face a lawsuit for dominating search and advertising and for employing an anti-competitive buy or bury strategy, respectively.

Our position is that any enforcer must reject the consumer welfare ideology that was the root cause of decades of severe institutional failure, group founder Sarah Miller, who is also working with Bidens transition team, told the Intercept.

Agencies like the Antitrust Division and the FTC are intended to put a check on Americas most powerful corporations and hold them to account. But these agencies failed to pursue Big Tech in several instances.

In 2015, the Wall Street Journal found that FTC staff strongly recommended two years earlier that the government sue Google for unfair and monopolistic trade practices. But FTCs commissioners declined to take legal action and instead voted unanimously in early 2013 to end the investigation. (Related: Matt Gaetz: Congress not going to rein in Big Tech, Congress owned by Big Tech.)

Learn more about Bidens deep ties with Big Tech companies at TechGiants.news.

Sources include:

TheIntercept.com

BigLeaguePolitics.com

Reuters.com

WSJ.com
New Delhi, Jan 19 : The defence relationship has emerged as a major pillar in ties between India and the US over the last few years with intensification in defence trade, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and cooperation in maritime security and counter-piracy.

The strategic partnership between both countries is expected to strengthen further with a new government in the US led by President Joe Biden that is expected to carry out "steady investment and recalibration rather than redesigning" its Indo-Pacific agenda.

The defence and security relationship between both the countries will "continue to deepen, aided by robust political commitments in both countries and converging concerns about growing Chinese assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific." "The US defence and security relationship with India is a modest but important piece of the Biden administration's wider Indo-Pacific agenda, and one that will require steady investment and recalibration rather than major redesign," stated a report of Brookings Institution, a non-profit public policy organisation based in Washington, DC.

As part of strategic partnership, India conducts more bilateral exercises with the US than with any other country. Some important bilateral exercises are: Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, Tarkash, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India.

"Both the countries' armies are going for joint exercise in coming February along with counter terrorism exercises," said a senior Indian Army officer.

India's aggregate worth of defence-related acquisitions from the US is more than $15 billion. The India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) is aimed at promoting co-development and co-production efforts.

In June 2016, the US recognised India as a 'Major Defence Partner', which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

The announcement of India's elevation to tier I of the Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) licence exception will further contribute towards facilitating interaction in advanced and sensitive technologies.

A number of significant outcomes in the area of defence cooperation were achieved during the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues held in September 2018 and December 2019.

Apart from the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues, some other important dialogue mechanisms on defence cooperation are: Defence Policy Group, Military Cooperation Group, Defence Technology and Trade Initiative and its Joint Working Groups, Executive Steering Groups for Army, Navy and Air Force, Defence Procurement and Production Group, Senior Technology Security Group, and the Joint Technical Group.

The relationship has become a comprehensive, resilient, and multi-faceted Major Defence Partnership between both the countries.

The signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) is one significant step in strengthening both countries' defence ties. It will enhance maritime information sharing and maritime domain awareness between both the navies.

Both countries are now committed to build upon existing defence information-sharing at the joint-service and service-to-service levels and explore potential new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

India and US has increased cooperation between the Indian military and US Central Command and Africa Command, including broader participation in exercises and conferences, so as to promote shared security interests.

The positioning of a Liaison Officer from the US Navy at the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and the positioning of an Indian Liaison Officer at NAVCENT, Bahrain reiterates both the countries' intent towards military cooperation.

The implementation of Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), including the expansion of secure communications capabilities to include secure video teleconference capabilities between their respective navies, armies and air forces as well as between respective foreign and defence ministries has taken both the relationship to new heights.

The Military Cooperation Group (MCG) for bilateral military-to-military engagement including joint exercises, training and expert exchanges has taken shape and the interaction between the Special Forces of India and the US will further bring the defence cooperation level to operational level.

The ministers welcomed the inclusion of the Royal Australian Navy in the US-India-Japan MALABAR Naval Exercise held in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Further, there is deepening of maritime cooperation between US-India navies. The PASSEX carried out by the navies of both countries is witness to the growing defence relationship between both countries. Last year, Indian naval ships conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the US Navy's USS Nimitz carrier strike group near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Both the countries are looking forward to the convening of the next edition of the Tri-Services Amphibious Tiger Triumph HADR Exercise and Army Exercises Yudh Abhyas and Vajra Prahar in 2021.

India too is co-hosting the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leader Forum (SELF) in 2023.

Defence Industries Both countries are working together to realise the development of their respective defence industries. India contributes to the global supply chain of major defence platforms and also is committed to defence innovation. Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) is one of the steps towards achieving this goal. DTTI was formed in 2012 between the US and India to enhance bilateral relations in defence by venturing into the field of advanced defence research and development and manufacturing.

Further, signing of a Statement of Intent at the 10th DTTI meeting to strengthen dialogue on defence technology cooperation on several specific DTTI projects as well as a DTTI Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for identification and development of joint projects was a major step.

Also the participation by the US government and defence industry at the upcoming Aero India in February 2021 is a sign of increased defence cooperation.

(Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.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.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
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.
Regular viewers of Fox News's early evening hours might have been surprised to see one of the network's highly opinionated morning hosts, Brian Kilmeade, holding forth Monday night with a broadside against "the Big Tech crackdown on free speech."

Fox's 7 p.m. hour traditionally has been reserved for news coverage. But in a shake-up that has raised concerns within its news division, the network last week announced that it would bump veteran anchor Martha MacCallum from that slot - part of a larger shift toward the conservative-leaning punditry programming that made Fox the most-watched cable channel in 2020.

Kilmeade is among the six pundits who will get an informal week-long tryout to become permanent host of the 7 p.m. hour, which is being called "Fox News Primetime." Also getting a turn are business news anchor Maria Bartiromo and conservative Fox News contributors Katie Pavlich, Rachel Campos-Duffy and former congressman Trey Gowdy, as well as commentator Mark Steyn, a favorite guest of Fox ratings champ Tucker Carlson. (The names were first reported by the Los Angeles Times.)

By trading an hour of news for opinion, the network shifted the balance of programming, from one that gave a slight majority of its time to news - 11 hours compared with 9 for opinion - to an even split. Fox considers its afternoon panel show "Outnumbered" as part of its news division, though it often focuses on culture-war topics such as Monday's segment on "cancel culture" because lead panelist, Harris Faulkner, is considered a news anchor.

The prime time shift has rattled some staffers at the network - "a message that they care about opinion more than news," said one news-side employee who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.

There was particular concern voiced Monday when Bartiromo's name became public as a potential replacement; she has faced criticism for questioning the validity of the presidential election.

Bartiromo's name and show were mentioned times in a Dec. 10 letter legal letter from the voting technology company Smartmatic demanding that the network retract "dozens of false and misleading statements regarding Smartmatic." In response, Fox aired a short segment that corrected falsities about Smartmatic on several of its programs - though when it was Bartiromo's turn to introduce the segment, she added, "We will keep investigating."

"It is ludicrous and disheartening that we are rewarding [Bartiromo] with a prime time spot, knowing full well she is among the most responsible for propagating the big election lie," a second news division staffer said.

"Maybe they wanted that sizzling hot opinion anger," said another.

For current and former Fox News employees who spoke to The Washington Post, the switch to opinion at 7 p.m. was a sign that the network's news division has lost the larger battle to the opinion division, which generates far more viewers.

"They want to restore their conservative base. They're going to serve the people who brought them to the dance," said Carl Cameron, who spent 22 years as a reporter for Fox News before retiring as the network's chief political correspondent in 2017. "Conservatives are going to want to hear what's wrong with Joe Biden. It's easier for Fox to beat Newsmax and everybody else back into the woods than it is for them to try to compete with the real journalism networks."

As co-host of the network's top-rated morning show, Kilmeade is seen internally and externally as the most likely candidate to get the job at 7 p.m., providing a like-minded lead-in to fellow opinion shows hosted by Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. Weekend morning show co-host Pete Hegseth was viewed by many Fox observers as a potential fit as well, but he is not among the initial tryout group.

The network said in October that it "regularly considers programming changes," and it has suggested that the lineup adjustments are not tied to ratings concerns. Still Fox, has experienced an across-the-board ratings downturn since the election, according to Nielsen data provided to The Post - down 37% from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and down 35% from 4 to 8 p.m., compared with the month before the election. CNN and MSNBC have gained during those hours.

At 7 p.m., the hour formerly hosted by MacCallum, the network has been down an average of 1.35 million total viewers, or 42% compared with its pre-election audience, even as her show beat the competition in 2020. At 7 p.m., CNN anchor Erin Burnett has increased her audience by 25% while Joy Reid has increased her MSNBC audience by 9%. The biggest percentage increase has gone to Greg Kelly, who hosts a 7 p.m. show on the right-wing cable news network Newsmax - his show is up 452%, 621,000 viewers, since the election.

Fox has fallen to third place, behind CNN and MSNBC, respectively, for the opening weeks of 2021, in every key metric.

MacCallum said her new show, at 3 p.m., will be the same as her 7 p.m. show. Her news hour tilted rightward during its inaugural airing Monday: Guests included conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, Fox News conservative contributor Sara Carter, and former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson, who has become popular among the political right as a skeptic of coronavirus precautions. Berenson said on the show Monday that mask-wearing has made "absolutely zero difference" in alleviating the pandemic, despite a scientific consensus to the contrary.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Monday approved Chinese Sinopharm corona vaccine for emergency use.

DRAP on Monday approved Chinese state-owned firm Sinopharm's corona vaccine for emergency use, the second vaccine to be given approval for use in the country. Earlier, on Friday Drap had authorised the Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the regulatory body said, "In a meeting conducted by [the] Registration Board of Drap today January 18, 2021, another vaccine manufactured by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) has also been given EUA (emergency use authorisation). Both the Oxford and Sinopharm vaccines were evaluated for their safety and quality and granted EUA "with certain conditions."

Also Read:

Iran, six other nations lose right to vote in UNGA

Taiwan revokes major festival as domestic COVID-19 cases spurt

One rioter hoped to sell Nancy Pelosi's laptop to Russian spy agency: FBI
A new call is open for applicants for a free initiative to help returned emigrants to Leitrim start and develop businesses in Ireland.

This is the fourth year of the highly-successful Back for Business developmental programme, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Past participants on the first three years of the programme have recorded increased sales, created new jobs, and won export contracts. The combined turnover of the 2020 group tripled during the programme  despite the Covid pandemic.

The Back for Business initiative was established to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among returned emigrants or those returning to live in Ireland. It addresses the challenges that all early-stage entrepreneurs encounter  as well as the additional barriers faced by those who have been living outside the country for some time.

Back for Business is aimed at those who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned in the last three years or those planning to return to live in Ireland in the near future.

The call is open for applications for the 2021 programme, which will run from February to July 2021. There is no charge for those selected to participate. The closing date for applications is January 25, 2021.

There are places this year for up to 40 entrepreneurs to participate for the first time in Back for Business, with an additional ten places being made available on a further development phase for those who completed a cycle previously. Those interested in learning more can download a brochure and register their interest in receiving an application form by logging onto www.backforbusiness.com

Also read: The Rock Quarter Ballinamore does not breach planning permission
Qatars sovereign wealth fund is looking east for deals in an effort to diversify an investment portfolio heavily weighted toward North America and Europe.

Asia has been very much on our radar screen," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

Sheikh Mohammed is also chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority, which manages about $300 billion of assets and ranks as the worlds 11th-largest wealth fund, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

Its not only from a growth perspective, but also from a diversification perspective," he said, pointing to substantial investments in Europe over the past decade. Asia didnt take the fair portion of the investments," although North American deals will remain a priority.

QIAs chairman declined to identify specific targets, mentioning only a list of locations such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, and China.

Weve been doing a lot of investments in the last couple years in China, and theyve been doing very well," he said.

The wealth fund holds stakes in some of the worlds top companies including London Stock Exchange Group Plc, Volkswagen AG and Glencore Plc. It agreed to purchase a 30% stake in a high-end Istanbul shopping center toward the end of last year, while also agreeing to develop renewable energy in Africa with Italian utility Enel SpA.

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.
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SPINS, a leading wellness-focused data, analytics and technology provider in the U.S., today announced a significant investment from Warburg Pincus, General Atlantic and Georgian. The growth investment will support future strategic initiatives, including sales and marketing expansion, retail partner value expansion, new product development, and new vertical expansion. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For two decades, SPINS has been a passionate advocate for the Natural and Specialty Products Industry. SPINS is committed to laying the foundation for the next generation of growth, providing dynamic data, actionable insights, unmatched product attributions, and digital activation solutions. SPINS established the common language across the health and wellness ecosystem for all key stakeholders, including retailers, brands, distributors and consumers.

"Our mission has always been to increase the presence and accessibility of natural and better-for-you products that help people live their healthiest and best lives and drive sustainable production practices in North America. This mission, combined with our expertise in product intelligence and unrivaled insights, is leading to more vibrant living for consumers and bigger success of our clients," said Tony Olson, Founder & CEO, SPINS LLC. "We are beyond thrilled to take our vision to the next level with Warburg Pincus, General Atlantic and Georgian by leveraging their global resources and experience in data and information businesses to enable SPINS to meet the rapidly growing demand for our services."

"SPINS is the leading provider of omni-channel and retailer-specific product measurement, mission-critical performance data, and unique insights into consumer trends and digital activation. We are incredibly excited to partner with Tony and the rest of the SPINS team," said Stephanie Geveda, Managing Director, Head of Business Services, Warburg Pincus. "This investment underscores our long-term commitment to strategically invest in market-leading, vertical-specific B2B information services businesses that capture unique data," added Justin Sadrian, Managing Director, Technology, Warburg Pincus.

"SPINS has developed a highly-differentiated industry platform that serves as a pivotal source for business performance and market information to retail and consumer brands. Supported by Tony's strategic vision, SPINS continuously innovates on its platform to meet customers' evolving needs, which has allowed the company to build deep relationships in the wellness retail market," said Peter Munzig, Managing Director, General Atlantic. "We're looking forward to working alongside the SPINS team as they continue to expand the reach of their suite of digital solutions to address untapped growth opportunities in the market."

"SPINS has been on a mission to accelerate the rapidly growing Natural and Specialty Products Industry by providing unique insights to retailers and brands," said Margaret Wu, Lead Investor at Georgian. "The company's rich dataset has enabled the team to develop a high-value AI roadmap that will drastically enhance its product intelligence offerings. We are excited to partner with SPINS on this journey and support the team in helping customers realize greater value, faster."

Jefferies LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Reed Smith LLP served as legal advisor for SPINS.

About SPINS

SPINS LLC is a wellness-focused data company and advocate for the Natural Products Industry. Over the past two decades, SPINS' investments have led to a common language used across the industry as well as laid the foundation for the next generation of innovation, while providing dynamic data, actionable insights, and digital activation solutions that drive growth for our clients & partners and contribute to a healthier and more vibrant America. Learn more at www.spins.com.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $56 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 190 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus has been a long-time, active investor in vertical-specific data and information businesses, with investments including, Reorg Research, Intelligent Medical Objects, RS Energy, CAMP Systems, Gordian Group, Interactive Data Corporation, and TurnItIn. Warburg Pincus also has significant experience investing across the food and food retail technology value chain, with investments including, Certified Sciences, GA Foods, and Grubhub Seamless, Salsify, and Trax. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 19 private equity funds, which have invested more than $86 billion in over 910 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com.

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to build market-leading businesses worldwide. General Atlantic has more than 175 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Greenwich, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com.

About Georgian

Georgian is a fintech company investing in high growth software companies that harness the power of data in a trustworthy way. At Georgian, we're building a platform to provide a better experience of growth capital to software company CEOs and their teams. Georgian's platform is designed to identify and accelerate the best growth-stage software companies, taking an intelligent, data-first approach to solving the key challenges CEOs face as they grow their businesses. Based in Toronto, Georgian's team brings together software entrepreneurs, machine learning experts, experienced operators and investment professionals. For more information, visit https://georgian.io/.

SOURCE SPINS

Related Links

http://www.spins.com


Automakers in Japan, where almost 30% of the population is 65 or older, are taking the lead on adapting cars so the nations legions of elderly drivers can feel more confident -- and be safer -- behind the wheel.

A run of accidents involving elderly drivers has upped the pressure from regulators to standardize advanced features. Automatic brakes will be required for all new vehicles sold domestically from this year, for example, and car companies from Toyota Motor Corp. to Nissan Motor Co. are employing smart technology to make cars more user friendly for older people.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Its also becoming more of a priority after a spate of as public railways in rural areas disappear, worsening an isolation crisis made only more stark by the coronavirus pandemic. Without any means of getting around, elderly people in Japan are increasingly confined to their homes, their lives shrinking as transport options evaporate.

A recent high-profile fatal accident spotlighted the issue. In February last year, Japanese prosecutors indicted 89-year-old Kozo Iizuka on a charge of negligence resulting in death and injury after a crash in Tokyos Ikebukuro district. The former senior bureaucrat was on his way to a French restaurant with his wife in April 2019 when his Toyota Prius plowed through a crossing, killing a toddler and her mother and harming several others.

The accident made headlines, not least because of Iizukas high-ranking government position. Public sentiment swiftly turned against Iizuka, who is back in court this week after pleading not guilty in October. The incident also sparked a national debate about the swelling ranks of elderly drivers on Japans roads. After the event, the number of old people opting to park their wheels for good soared. According to the National Police Agency, 350,428 people 75 or over returned their drivers licenses in 2019, the highest on record.

Young people tell us seniors to return our drivers licenses, but they arent around," says Hideaki Fukushima, 90, whose wife returned her own license around the time of the accident. The couples children live in Nagoya, a two-hour drive away. In Takamori where they live, a small town in Japans central mountainous area, trains operated by Central Japan Railway Co. only come about once an hour. Theres nothing you can do without a car," Fukushima says.

Last year, Toyota upgraded its Safety Sense offering. The technology is designed to prevent or mitigate frontal collisions as well as keep drivers within their lane. By using high-resolution cameras on the windscreen and bumper-mounted radars, it can detect oncoming cars or pedestrians  or even bicycles in daylight hours  and give audible and visual alerts. If drivers fail to respond, automatic braking may be deployed. The new software also has intersection functionality to help detect oncoming obstacles if a car is making a turn from a stationary position.

Other Toyota Safety Sense features include the correction of unintentional lane departures, automatic toggling between high and low-beam at night depending on surrounding traffic, and the detection of slower-moving cars ahead on a highway and automatic maintenance of a pre-set distance. Road-sign assistance technology detects stop and speed signs as theyre passed and displays a dashboard alert in case drivers have missed them themselves.

A society in which the elderly can drive safely is crucial for their active social participation and healthier, fuller lives," Toyota said. Our ultimate goal is, of course, to have zero casualties from traffic accidents."

Subaru Corp.s aspirations are similar; it wants to eliminate all fatal accidents by 2030. Like several other automakers, its using stereo cameras, which have two or more lenses with a separate image sensor for each, providing the ability to capture three-dimensional images. Dubbed EyeSight, the technology looks ahead and alerts drivers to any danger. Subaru says Eyesight-equipped vehicles are involved in 61% fewer accidents and 85% fewer rear-end crashes. Pedestrian-related injuries are lowered by 35%.

It would be impossible to eradicate all fatal accidents without utilizing artificial intelligence," says Subarus Eiji Shibata, who oversees the development of EyeSight. To reach its ambitious target, Subaru plans to combine its stereo cameras with AI, assigning meaning to each object and trying to accurately infer risk.

Thats not without its challenges, according to Shibata. Its a technologically tough area," he says. Stereo cameras are harder to install in mass produced cars, partly because they convey more information than other sensors and require more complicated back-end support. Equipping the technology in cars that people ordinarily use is a huge task."

An upgraded EyeSight X that uses autonomous technology debuted in August in the second generation of the Subaru Levorg. The model, which went on sale in Japan in November, has 360-degree sensing and like Toyotas upgraded tech, has an intersection assist function that can autonomously steer cars away from an impending collision. Using EyeSight X, vehicles can even change lanes on their own and slow down for toll booths.

Nissan has a similar offering called ProPilot that it expects to have in at least 20 models in 20 markets globally by the end of 2023.

Takuya Matsunaga, who lost his wife and child in the 2019 accident, admits its a good start but adds that dealers, when selling cars, should stress these technologies arent failsafe. Anyone can cause an accident," he says.

Matsunaga has become a member of Aino Kai, a support group for bereaved families from traffic collisions. Aino Kai also plays a lobbying role, urging government officials to expand public transport networks in regional centers.

I dont want to see divisions like the young and the elderly hating each other," Matsunaga says. We need to think about the people who are suffering: the elderly in rural areas."

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
[January 19, 2021] Samsung Canada extends partnership with Centennial College as part of The Samsung Tech Institute initiative

Partnership will continue to break new ground in education, providing unique and rewarding opportunities for students while promoting comprehensive programming and a pathway to understand, diagnose and service Samsung digital appliances TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics Canada has extended its partnership with Centennial College's Electronics Engineering Technician program through 2023. Over the last five years, Samsung has supported more than 275 Centennial students to develop the skills needed to pursue a wide range of opportunities in electronics engineering for digital appliances, with a number of program graduates now working at Samsung Service Centres across the province. The Samsung Tech Institute and the Electronics Engineering Technician program integrate curriculum that was developed by Samsung and Centennial College in response to the strong demand for electronic technicians in the digital home appliance service sector. At the heart of the two-year program is a fully-functioning digital servicing and home appliance lab at the college's Progress Campus. The space allows students to interact with peers and demonstrate the skills they have learned in the classroom utilizing Samsung equipment. This experience provides a powerful and practical reference throughout the certification process. "When we launched The Samsung Tech Institute with Centennial College five years ago, our goal was to invest in the futures of students pursuing careers in the electronic industry," said Frank Martino, VP Corporate Service, Samsung Electronics Canada. "We are proud of our continued investment to extend the prgram through 2023, which will support even more students on their journey to being Electronic Engineering Technicians, specializing in Samsung Digital Appliances."



Dr. Patrick Kelly, Dean of the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science at Centennial College, added that the Samsung Tech Institute provides students with "a tangible future career path." "Samsung is an invaluable partner that has poured time and talent into our students for the last five years," said Kelly. "The Samsung Tech Institute Lab is much more than the beautiful mobile devices, home appliances and excellent resources; it is a testament to the impact of hands-on learning and having the skills to attain employment after post-secondary school. When students can see potential career paths, use the specialized tools of the trade, and learn from professionals in those roles, they can see themselves in that profession."

The ICET department of Centennial's School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science has pivoted all its programs, including Electronics Engineering Technician and Mobile Applications Development, to online learning and hybrid delivery. Other prominent programs include Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering Technology, and a four-year applied degree in Computer and Communication Networks. The Samsung Tech Institute offers programming in developing mobile apps, specialized home appliance training and the opportunity for select graduates to participate in co-op and career placement opportunities. Additionally, each year Samsung provides three students enrolled in the program with a $1,000 achievement scholarship. Post-graduation employment or higher earnings are not guaranteed. About Samsung Electronics Canada

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2020, Samsung was ranked in the Top 10 List of Canada's Most Influential Brands. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning corporate giving initiatives support public education and health-related issues in communities across the country. About Centennial College

Established in 1966, Centennial College is Ontario's first public college. It primarily serves the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area through five campuses and six satellite locations. Best known for its record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership-building, Centennial enrols more than 25,000 full-time students and 20,000 part-time learners annually. For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/setas. SOURCE Centennial College

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Credit: Shutterstock

Research during the first phase of remote teaching in Victoria reported some students found the workload "too high," missed interactions with peers, felt their thinking ability was impaired, and reported a difficulty coping with study and life more generally.

All these factors impact on students' sense of well-being. While learning remotely, some children experienced heightened anxiety, stress and other emotional reactions such as depression.

These reactions are not always a response to the teaching itself. Generally, schools and teachers took care to prepare relevant, appropriate learning and teaching materials. Issues like a lack of focus and heightened anxiety could also be the result of a difficulty learning in an alternative setting.

These issues are consistent with students lacking the autobiographical episodic memory needed to guide successful learning in the remote context. Their autobiographic memory, which contains the association that school is a place of learning, may not apply to the home. However, we can train it to.

What is autobiographical memory?

Our autobiographical episodic memory is the brain's record of our experiences. It includes what we've done, the contexts in which we did it and how we did it. It also contains the feelings we link with events and how motivated we were.

We use this memory continually in our lives. It tells us what to expect when we go into a new bar or coffee shop for the first time, how to cope when an appliance at home breaks down and how to organize ourselves in a social interaction.

Students who have attended school have an autobiographical episodic memory of what happens in a classroom. Their experiences include interacting with peers, responding to directions from their teachers about how to direct their learning activity, following routines and schedules such as doing particular activities at specific times, and behaving in particular ways.

The experiences also include a range of signals, supports and interactions such as the body language, eye contact, and speaking tones used by teachers and peersas well as the overall classroom atmosphere.

These experiences are stored in students' autobiographical episodic memory. They are recalled whenever the student is in the classroom context and direct and focus the learning activity. They operate in addition to, and in parallel with, the the actual teaching and the content.

Students also have stored, in their episodic memory, their experiences at home. This is their record of how they live with their family, what to do and how to behave acceptably at home, how to be organized in the home, how to get around obstacles and solve problems in the home situation and also what to expect.

During the period of remote learning, students, for the large part, had teaching materials prepared for them. But many still needed the systems and supports provided in the classroom context. These students knew what was missing but were likely unable to compensate for it by spontaneously adapting their episodic memory to match the changed context.

Other students found remote teaching a valuable experience. It's possible these students had more adaptable episodic memories at home. They likely valued being able to self-organize and manage their learning schedules. They may have enjoyed having the opportunity to plan their day and work at their own pace.

We don't know for sure the differences between the learning profiles of those who were and weren't able to adapt to the changed context; but we can assume episodic memory could play a part in the different experiences students had.

So, why does this matter?

Teachers and schools have put a lot of work into designing teaching and learning materials students could use in their homes. Students' reports suggest these materials weren't adequate for all students to adapt their classroom experiences to fit the home environment.

As a result, many students would not have formed positive or successful episodic memories of learning at home.

The current phase of remote teaching has come to an end for Australia. However, we may see more students studying from home periodically, as schools shut due to outbreaks in the future. Or it could be necessary in Australia in the event of a third wave.

Remote teaching could help students build the episodic memory they need for remote learning. Teachers can do this by helping students recognize the learning supports in the classroom and form matching ones in the home. It is also useful to put in place the conditions for successful learning experiences at home.

Here are some ways they could do this:

Teachers can guide students to recognize what helps them learn in the classroom. They can do this by

becoming aware of supports such as having regular designated times for doing particular activities

having a learning task broken into smaller steps

avoiding distractors or working on a task to completion.

They can then ask the students to suggest how they could have matching supports in their home context. For example, they can encourage students to

prepare a study schedule

break a task into small steps and work on each

identify possible distractors at home and suggest how they can manage them.

When starting a task remotely, teachers can ask students to recall how they did similar activities in the classroom. Students can learn to ask themselves: How did I do similar tasks in the past? What will the outcome look like? What will I do first and then second and last? This could help students transfer their classroom experiences to their home.

Students often have more successful home learning experiences when they have been taught to monitor their progress as they work through a task. These experiences add to their episodic memory. Teachers can encourage them to say what they know now that they didn't know earlier.

Experiences that record what happened in a certain place and time are stored in images. When given a learning task during remote teaching, students can also be encouraged to visualize how they will complete it.

For example, if they need to write a paragraph about a character in a novel, the teacher can ask students to visualize the character in particular contexts, recall words that describe the character's attributes, compose sentences about them and organize their understanding around main ideas. This gives students a "virtual experience" of the learning activity that includes a pathway to task completion.

Many students will, from now on, need to have the ability to learn remotely. This is even true independent of COVID, and applies to studying for exams at home or doing homework. Teachers and parents should be sensitive to the fact autobiographic episodic memory has a role to play in successful learning.

Explore further Mandatory remote teaching could reduce inequality during the pandemic  but delivering it will be difficult

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
WASHINGTON : US President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the country without legal status, a massive reversal from the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies.

The legislation puts Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Donald Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favoured by many Republicans, making passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

Expected to run hundreds of pages, the bill is set to be introduced after Biden takes the oath of office Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the legislation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

As a candidate, Biden called Trump's actions on immigration an unrelenting assault" on American values and said he would undo the damage" while continuing to maintain border enforcement.

Under the legislation, those living in the US as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfil other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the US illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

The bill is not as comprehensive as the last major immigration overhaul proposed when Biden was vice president during the Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather calls for coming up with strategies. Nor does it create any new guest worker or other visa programs.

It does address some of the root causes of migration from Central America to the United States, and provides grants for workforce development and English language learning.

Biden is expected to take swift executive actions to reverse other Trump immigration actions, including an end to the prohibition on arrivals from several predominantly Muslim countries.

During the Democratic primary, Biden consistently named immigration action as one of his day one" priorities, pointing to the range of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trump's policies.

Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and enough other GOP senators to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades.

That kind of major win  even if it involves compromise  could be critical as Biden looks for legislative victories in a closely divided Congress, where Republicans are certain to oppose other Biden priorities that involve rolling back some of the GOP's 2017 tax cuts and increasing federal spending.

As a candidate, Biden went so far as to say the Obama administration went too far in its aggressive deportations.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High around 50F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.


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.
RENO, Nev., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NevadaNano Inc., the world's leading innovator in gas detection technology, today announced an alliance with GasLab to distribute the company's Molecular Property Spectrometer (MPS) sensors to its diverse customer base including companies in the industrial, chemical, and refrigerant markets. GasLab cited NevadaNano's depth of expertise in chemical and MEMS sensor technologies and its sensors ability to detect gases across a broad range of concentrations as key factors in their decision to add the MPS sensors to their portfolio.

Gaslab and NevadaNano Partnership

"We are delighted to welcome GasLab to the NevadaNano family," said Bob Vigdor Director of Sales, NevadaNano Inc. "We are looking forward to leveraging the relationships they have across the United States with companies developing next-generation products that require highly accurate and reliable gas detection technology to ensure safe and healthy work environments."

NevadaNano's MPS flammable gas sensors deliver unprecedented reliability and accuracy. Unlike traditional sensors, the MPS sensors accurately report 0-100% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) across 15 different gases with a single factory calibration and no field maintenance over their lifetime. The MPS flammable gas sensor's accuracy is enhanced by integrated, real-time measurements and built-in compensation for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Gas concentration readings are accurate across the full environmental range, including rapid environmental transients, delivering best-in-class accuracy while eliminating false positives. The company's MPS sensors are inherently immune to long term drift and poisoning.

"GasLab decided to partner with NevadaNano because of their extensive experience in the manufacturing and design of MEMS and MPS based sensor technologies," said Irene Hicks, CEO of Gaslab. "We know there is a need in the market for precise measurement of hydrocarbons, refrigerants, and flammables. Working with NevadaNano's MPS sensor technology, we can provide advanced solutions for these expanding markets."

For more information contact NevadaNano at [email protected]. The complete family of MPS Gas Sensors is available immediately directly from NevadaNano or their newest partner Gaslab.

Shop the latest NevadaNano gas sensing technologies across GasLab.com for flammable, methane, and refrigerant markets.

About GasLab

GasLab has over 30 years of experience within the gas detection industry. The company's CEO, Irene Hicks, spent years managing a German-based gas detection company supplying all hazardous gas detection devices to the South African mining industry. Her success led the parent company to ask her to head up their US facility. When she left the mining industry, she took her knowledge of gas detection and manufacturing and built an e-commerce company alongside her husband, entrepreneur and engineer, Ray Hicks. Today, Gaslab.com is recognized as a leader in offering advanced gas sensing solutions and technologies. For more information, visit www.GasLab.com or email [email protected].

About NevadaNano

NevadaNano's detection technology is the first new approach to flammable gas detection in over 40 years. MPS technology was developed at the University of Nevada, Reno, and supported by DARPA, the DOD, and the Department of Homeland Security. NevadaNano holds an exclusive license for 43 inventions and 24 patents for on-chip chemical analysis technology. For information visit NevadaNano.com or connect on Linkedin.

Media Contact:

Joshua Pringle

(386) 8727668

[email protected]

SOURCE GasLab

Related Links

http://www.GasLab.com


By Daphne Psaledakis and Michelle Nichols

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Jan 19 (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday exempted aid groups, the United Nations, the Red Cross and the export of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices from its designation of Yemen's Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization.

The carve-outs are not enough to allay U.N. fears that Washington's move would push Yemen into a large-scale famine. The United Nations describes Yemen as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its people in need.

"Our concern from the beginning ... is the impact on the commercial sector and that the vast majority of food and other basic supplies that come into Yemen comes in through the commercial sector," said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

U.N. officials and aid groups said the designation will scare off commercial trade in Yemen, which relies almost solely on imports, creating a gap the humanitarian operation cannot fill regardless of U.S. humanitarian exemptions.

The United States has exempted the export to Yemen of agricultural commodities. Its description of that includes food for people, including raw, processed, and packaged foods, live animals, vitamins and minerals, and bottled drinking water.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the move against the Iran-aligned Houthis last week and it took effect on Tuesday, one day before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden succeeds Republican President Donald Trump.

Biden's nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a confirmation hearing on Tuesday: "We would propose to review that immediately to make sure that what we are doing is not impeding the provision of humanitarian assistance."

A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing government forces fighting the Houthis in a war widely seen as a proxy conflict between U.S. ally Saudi Arabia and Iran. U.N. officials are trying to revive peace talks to end the war as Yemen's suffering is also worsened by an economic collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The designation freezes any U.S.-related assets of the Houthis, bans Americans from doing business with them and makes it a crime to provide support or resources to the movement. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Daphne Psaledakis; writing by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool)
World Bank helps Bangladesh provide education and skill training to poor children and youth

Dhaka, Jan 18 (UNI) The government of Bangladesh on Monday signed a

6.5 million financing agreement with the World Bank to enable around 39,000 slum children complete primary education as well as provide pre-vocational training to 8,500 school-dropped out youths in Coxs Bazar.

This additional financing to the Second Reaching Out of School Children (ROSC II) Project will support poor children aged between 8- to 14-years in eight city corporations to complete primary education cycle. This will also help vulnerable out-of-school local youth and adolescents in Coxs Bazar to complete three-month courses in pre-vocational and enterprise development training.
ALBANY, N.Y.  According to New York State vaccination data, the Mohawk Valley region is behind the rest of the state in administering the vaccine, with 70% total doses given so far.

The Mohawk Valley has the lowest vaccination rate in the state, and the Southern Tier has the highest at 97%.

The state data shows that between all county, state and hospital vaccination clinics, the Mohawk Valley has delivered 20,969 out of the 29,850 total doses received.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says the county has stopped scheduling appointments past Thursday, because they will not have any more shots to give. Several local hospitals, including Mohawk Valley Health System and Rome Memorial Hospital ran out of shots last week.

According to the state website, appointments are also full at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute site in Marcy, and booked out through April 16.

Its not clear where the nearly 9,000 remaining doses are, but this does indicate there is some availability to make appointments around the region at sites in other counties or hospitals. There could also be a number of vaccines set aside for second doses that will be administered in the coming weeks.

The state as a whole has distributed 79% of first doses and 77% of first and second doses. According to Gov. Cuomo, it is not clear when the state will receive more doses from the federal government.

All of the vaccination data will now be updated daily on the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.

Below is the full breakdown of how many vaccines have been administered statewide to date:
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has this week reached out to two key members of Donald Trump's administration but has no plans to talk to the outgoing United States President.

Mr Morrison on Tuesday morning spoke by phone with US Vice-President Mike Pence from Longreach as he began his four-day tour of regional Queensland.

The Prime Minister will travel throughout western Queensland over the coming days before leaving Queensland on Friday. Credit:AAP

It followed a phone conversation on Monday night with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Both Mr Pence and Mr Pompeo could be candidates to be the next Republican nominee for US president in 2024.
A Ukrainian court has rejected a request by a jailed suspect in the high-profile 2016 killing of journalist Pavel Sheremet to be transferred to house arrest.

Kyivs Shevchenko district court on January 19 ordered Andriy Antonenko to be remanded in pretrial detention.

Sheremet, a Belarusian-born Russian citizen who had made Kyiv his permanent home, was leaving his apartment to head to the studio where he hosted a morning radio show when an improvised explosive device planted under his vehicle exploded on July 20, 2016, killing him.

Antonenko and two other suspects, Yulia Kuzmenko and Yana Duhar, were arrested in December 2019. Duhar and Kuzmenactuako were later transferred to house arrest.

The three suspects took part in military operations in different capacities in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists since April 2014.

The Interior Ministry and the National Police have said the group's goal was "to destabilize the political and social situation in Ukraine" by killing Sheremet.

In January last year, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office said that additional evidence was needed for the case to go to trial.

A leaked tape published by the Brussels-based newspaper EUObserver earlier this month suggested that Belarusian authorities may be behind the killing.

With reporting by UNIAN and Ukrinform
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - An app aims to bring in more information about unsolved cases, including the murders of two girls in Delphi, Indiana by allowing people to step into the scene.

CrimeDoor recently added the Abby Williams and Libby German case to its platform. The app features augmented reality technology to give users a new perspective on crimes.

The founders of CrimeDoor, Neil and Lauren Mandt say anyone can walk into the crime scene to examine the scene and evidence - something previously only given to law enforcement on-site for a limited time. The app also gives details about the featured cases, and allows people to send information directly to the police.

"With the reality door, oftentimes it literally has a physical effect on them, because of the experience, because you're in this other universe," said Neil Mandt. "By being in this scene, you now have a sense of presence with this moment in time. and, as they say, 'walk a mile in a man's shoe to understand who he is."

Abby and Libby were murdered in February of 2017 while walking on a trail near Delphi. Their bodies were found the next day in a wooded area. Since then, police have released pictures and phone recordings. There have been 26,000 tips to police. However, no arrests have been made.

STORY | ISP release video, additional audio and a new sketch of the Delphi Homicide suspect

Cold-Case Detective, Paul Holes has partnered with CrimeDoor. Holes is known for his involvement in the Zodiac, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard cases. He is working directly with Kelsi German, Libby's sister.

"No matter how small it is, definitely turn it into the tip line," said Kelsi German. "Whether you think it's small or not, it might be something big. So, if it does jog your memory, call the number, send an email, and somebody will go through what you're thinking."

According to Indiana State Police, anyone with information about this case is encouraged to send tips to this email address: abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com

Information sent by email is kept confidential and is only shared with investigators. The telephone Tip Line is (844) 459-5786. Tips are also accepted by the Indiana State Police at (800) 382-7537, or by the Carroll County Sheriffs Department at (765) 564-2413.

CrimeDoor is available on the App Store and Google Play. You can read information, see pictures, and browse through news articles on the cases for free. There is a charge to access the CrimeDoor augmented reality feature.

Shares in AO World fell over 12 per cent this morning after the online retailer warned it faced 'significantly' higher costs to ensure its operations were Covid compliant.

The company said it faces higher warehouse, vehicle and driver costs, adding that the cost to the business of customer returns was also on the up.

The retailer also warned there had been a slight increase in the cancellation of mobile contracts and warranties 'driven by Covid impacts on customers behaviour.'

Costs: Shares in AO World f ell over 12 per cent this morning after the online retailer warned it faced 'significantly' higher costs

But, the group enjoyed strong revenue growth in the third quarter amid strong demand for electrical goods in the run up to Christmas.

The Bolton-headquartered group posted a 67.2 per cent hike in UK sales over the three months to 31 December to 457.3million.

In November, AO World announced that its sales jumped by 53.2 per cent to 717million in the first half to 30 September, as high street rivals temporarily closed stores during the period.

The jump in revenues helped the business move back into the black with an 18.3million pre-tax profit, against a loss of 5.9million the year before.

AO World hired another 1,500 people last year as it ramped up operations to meet surging sales.

Summing up the pace of change in the retail sector triggered by the pandemic, AO World boss John Roberts, said: 'I believe we've seen 10 years of change in 10 months, and experienced our strongest ever peak trading period.'

He added: 'We backed ourselves by investing early in warehouses, vehicles, stock and people.

'This not only set us up to satisfy customer demand for electricals for the current crisis but also for the longer term, as the structural shift to online becomes a permanent feature of the market in the UK and Germany.'

He's in charge: AO World boss John Roberts

The group said its German arm remained profitable throughout its third quarter after seeing revenues jump 77.4 per cent higher, marking a milestone for the division which has been loss-making since launch in 2014.

Shares in AO World fell over 12 per cent this morning and are currently down 5.03 per cent or 19p to 358.50p.

A year ago the share price was 80.40p. While the company's share price took a hit today, the stock had a stellar year in 2020 after the firm saw its stock market value more than quadruple.

Russ Mould, investment director at AO World, said: 'Todays update from web-based white goods seller AO World is a reminder that while online retailers are better placed during the pandemic, there are still material costs to bear.

'Given electrical goods retailers with physical stores have been closed for long periods it is no surprise that AO World has enjoyed strong trading momentum.'

He added: 'Despite the unprecedented sales momentum it sounds like it will be a different story in terms of profitability as AO counts the cost of ramping up warehousing and delivery capacity as well as handling returns, all the while remaining Covid compliant.

'A key question for investors to weigh is the extent to which these costs and benefits are a one-off. Will the structural changes accelerated by the pandemic continue to support growing market share for the business? Or will shoppers decide theyll AO lets go somewhere else once we have returned to a measure of a normality?

'And with the investment in its infrastructure and processes made, will costs start to come down again?

'AO will certainly find the current financial year a hard act to follow in terms of sales growth and there will be plenty of attention on its trading through the course of 2021 to see if the position carved out through the coronavirus crisis can be sustained.'
Senate President Anca Dragu on Tuesday stated, after getting the anti-COVID-19 vaccine herself, that the vaccination rate has increased in the latest while and this means people will be able to resume their lives soon, which is a very good sign for the economy too, according to AGERPRES.

"I am glad that we've come to see this day when a vaccine against this virus is available. I am also glad that the vaccination rate has increased. We have reached 30,000 vaccinations daily. This means that we will be able to resume our lives soon, we will be able to visit our families, to hug the dear ones, we will be able to resume our activities, to go for a walk, to return to a normal life, in short. This is a very good sign for the Romanian economy too and a very good sign for the beginning of this year," said Dragu.

The President of the Senate, Anca Dragu, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus at the vaccination centre within the "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military University Emergency Hospital.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

San Francisco, 19 Jan 2021: The Report Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Services (MSLs, Medical Writing & Publishing), By Industry (Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global medical affairs outsourcing market size is expected to reach USD 3.47 billion by 2028 registering a CAGR of 12.2%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Transformation in medical education and the rising number of orphan therapies for the treatment of rare diseases are some of the key factors propelling the market growth. The pharmaceutical companies are looking for assistance to systematically position the therapeutic outcomes of these therapies in the market. According to a report published by IQVIA in 2020, the U.S. FDA has approved 80 orphan indications in 2017 and about 57 in early 2020.

Changes in the reimbursement scenario and pricing pressure are expected to increase the adoption of cost-saving measures by the pharmaceutical and medical device companies. This is anticipated to promote off-shoring of medical affairs outsourcing in countries like India and China. Pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing medical affairs services to get high-quality documents, control the R&D cost, and reduce investment costs required to train the medical affairs team. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and medical device companies are outsourcing their medical affairs services to diverge their business activities and manage product life cycles.

In addition, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offer cost-efficient solutions and compliance with the health authority requirements, thereby propelling market growth. The bio/pharmaceutical outsourcing industry has seen a rise in R&D demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in demand, as well as other impacts from the pandemic, such as rising demand for clinical trials and its outsourcing services, have caused some CROs to shift focus and adjust their operations. The pandemic has pushed more pharmaceutical companies and regulators to use new technologies for remote quality audits and inspections, thus driving positive changes in the pharma industry.

Access Research Report of Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-affairs-outsourcing-market

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Report Highlights

The medical writing & publishing segment led the market in 2020 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing need for marketable written content to convey medical information to healthcare professionals and patients

North America dominated the global market with a share of 35.3% in 2020 owing to the presence of a large number of pharmaceutical and medical devices companies in the region

Moreover, the high cost of medical affairs services is a major challenge, which has encouraged various medical device companies in North America to outsource functions to third-party vendors in off-shore locations with a high level of expertise in the domain

However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to account for the largest revenue share by 2028 while growing at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to cost-efficient service offering by the CROs in the region

In addition, improved regulatory framework and availability of a skilled workforce in APAC boosts the market growth

List of Key Players of Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market

ICON plc

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

The Medical Affairs Company

Syneos Health, Inc.

Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC

Ashfield Healthcare Communications

Zeincro Group

Wuxi Clinical Development, Inc.

SGS S.A.

Indegene, Inc.

Access Press Release of Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-medical-affairs-outsourcing-market
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Advertisement

Q&A: Do I need to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test when I arrive in Britain - and what standards must it meet? What are the new rules for UK arrivals? All of the travel corridors were scrapped yesterday, so arrivals from every destination will need to self-isolate for ten days, or receive a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken at least five days after they enter the UK. Do I need to get a negative test when I arrive in the UK? Yes, all arrivals into England - including British citizens - must test negative for Covid-19 up to 72 hours before leaving the country of departure. Your test will also be checked by the airline before you board a plane abroad. What will you have to present at the UK border? Border Force officials are carrying out spot checks on those arriving by air, land or sea - but they have so far been checking all arrivals, according to passengers. Your Covid-19 negative test results must be presented in either English, French or Spanish. Translations are not accepted, and you must provide the original certificate. The test result must be provided either as a physical printed document or via email or text message, which can be shown on a mobile phone. This must include: your name, matching it on your travel documents

your date of birth or age

the result of the test

the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider

the name of the test provider and their contact details

the name of the test device Anyone arriving without a test result that includes all of the above information will be committing a criminal offence which could see them receive a 500 fine. What test must you have? The test must meet standards of 97% specificity and 80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml. The Government says this could include tests such as: a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Lamp) tests

an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device. Will you have to prove your test meets requirements? Yes. The Government says it is your responsibility to ensure a test meets minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details - so you must check with your test provider that it meets those requirements. You may need proof in the form of a letter from a test provider detailing its specificity and sensitivity levels. What happens if I don't have the correct documents? New arrivals who flout the rules will face a minimum 500 fine while their flight operator will also be fined. The passenger will then be let on their way without further action, but will still have to quarantine for ten days like everyone else arriving in the UK. Separately, arrivals into England who do not self-isolate can face fines between 1,000 and 10,000. What is the difference between the tests? PCR tests, nasal and throat swab tests normally take between 12 and 48 hours to return results. Lamp tests can return results in two hours, and lateral flow tests can generate results in less than 30 minutes. Whichever test it is must meet the required performance standards listed by the Government. Border Force agents will check that the information required is present on the notification. Provided the test meets the set criteria, then it will be accepted. If it does not, you could be fined - even with a negative test result. What are the concerns over lateral flow tests? There are fears that lateral flow tests might not be as reliable as PCR tests. But Innova makes a lateral flow test which has a sensitivity of more than 95 per cent for high viral loads - meeting UK Government requirements. A trial of one lateral flow test used by the Government found that it detected 79 per cent of cases when administered by a trained professional but only 40 per cent if someone is self-swabbing. This is significantly lower than the more expensive but slower PCR tests which detect 70 to 99 per cent of positive cases. Passengers are responsible for ensuring their test meets requirements and may be asked to provide proof. Is there a specific list of accepted tests? No. The Government does not provide a list of approved providers or tests worldwide. The passenger has to check that the test that they use meets the standards. What are the exemptions? It applies to arrivals who began their journeys in every country of the world, with the following exceptions: Ireland

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Isle of Man

Jersey

Guernsey

Ascension

Falkland Islands

St Helena There will also be an exemption until 4am on January 21 for people who began their journey in: Antigua and Barbuda

St Lucia

Barbados There are also limited exemptions for the likes of hauliers, young children and train crew members. Which countries are subject to travel bans? Travel to and from all of South America, Portugal and Cape Verde was banned from 4am last Friday. British and Irish nationals as well as people with residency rights will be exempt, but will have to self-isolate for ten days with their household on returning from any countries on the banned list. A similar ban was put into place for South Africa on December 23 last year, after another new variant was identified by scientists. On January 9, the rules were also applied to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, Seychelles and Mauritius. What are the rules on travel from South Africa? Anyone arriving into the UK who has been in or transited through South Africa in the previous ten days will not be permitted entry to the UK. But British people will still be able to enter via indirect routes from South Africa. Are there any differences for the US? There are no specific differences for travellers arriving from the US, although it is understood some airlines are placing their own requirements on passengers. The US Embassy in the UK states: 'The test must be a viral test (NAAT or antigen test) to determine if you are currently infected with Covid-19. Travellers should avoid the antibody tests which look for prior infection.' Advertisement

Travellers flying into Britain are having their Covid paperwork checked by both airlines and Border Force officials, with more than 30 air passengers revealing they have been fined 500 each upon arrival for not having a valid negative coronavirus test.

The passengers at London Heathrow Airport are then being let into the country, which is currently in its third lockdown since the first wave swept the nation in March, and told to quarantine like all other UK arrivals after new rules were brought in yesterday.

The fines came as travellers continued to face delays after landing in the UK this morning as officials checked each passenger arriving had a negative test - even though they will have all already been checked by their airline when boarding a flight in a foreign country.

Passengers can be fined a minimum of 500 for not complying with the rules, but the Home Office confirmed today that they are then let on their way - meaning dozens of people with Covid-19 could have been let into the UK since the rules were brought in.

However they must still follow the rules on quarantining for ten days like all arrivals into the UK - and those who breach those regulations can be fined up to 10,000.

The fines for not having a proper test are issued as fixed penalty notices and do not stay on a criminal record.

The Home Office has not yet revealed whether those fined were penalised for having no test at all or for their test certificate not fulfilling the required criteria.

Many passengers were also surprised by long queues, after they had already been checked by their airlines when boarding flights abroad - with some saying the carriers were being the 'strictest' in enforcing the rules in terms of people maintaining social distancing.

While official figures for arrivals at Heathrow are not yet available, tens of thousands of people are estimated to be coming in to the airport every day at the moment - after about 35,000 a day arrived last month.

Queues again built up today in Heathrow's immigration hall with some travellers reporting having to wait up to an hour before their documentation was checked at Terminal Two, and up to 30 minutes at Terminal Five.

All the electronic passport gates were closed forcing overseas as well as British passport holders to undergo a face-to-face check. British and European Union passport holders were funnelled into one queue while other passport holders into another.

They had to present their passports, a negative test - in most cases a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - and locator form listing where their mandatory ten-day quarantine will take place in Britain.

Staff instructed arrivals to keep a 6ft (2m) distance from each other but passengers said people ended up facing each other and cramming together.

Initially, only four officials were checking paperwork but as queues lengthened an additional four Border Force staff were brought in to help.

Molly Jarvis, who arrived on an overnight flight from Atlanta, Georgia, told MailOnline at Heathrow: 'Lots of people ended up facing each other as they waited.

'I was a bit concerned about the social distancing and glad to get out. All the e-gates were closed and when I arrived there were only four people at the passport checks. Another four came out.'

Ms Jarvis, a US citizen who lives in London, said the official looked at the time and date of her negative PCR test, adding: 'They were very thorough and wanted to check what day I had taken the test.'

Since yesterday at 4am, all arrivals into the UK have to have had negative PCR or antigen lateral flow test no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight.

All airlines ask to see the test and those whose results are out of the 72-hour time frame are denied entry.

Student Nitzan Levenberg, 32, arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv, said she had no complaints about a 20-minute wait to present her documents at Heathrow today.

She said: 'They asked to see all my documents, including my right to stay in the UK. I was in the British and EU queue and it was moving quite quickly.'

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline today: 'It's been flagged up for ages that anybody coming into the country has got to have the right paperwork and has got to have the negative test. I understand the fines they are handing out are as a minimum because I heard earlier that it's anything between 500 and 1,000.

'They can come in but they're going to have to isolate for ten days. They have been told to isolate for ten days so there's no point (in having a test) then because the idea of the pre-flight test, which has to be done 72 hours in advance of the flight, is that it'll give the airline an idea of whether they've had the test or not.

'But it's surprising the airlines didn't pick up on the deficiencies. The ground crews, quite often they're a separate company, and they're hired in. They're not actually airline employees.

'If they're tasked with checking the paperwork, it sounds like there's a deficiency in the paperwork, so they might have had the test but they weren't given the right paperwork, which comes back to the fact that the Department for Transport directions are not that clear. The whole situation has been very shoddy, the way it's been rolled out.'

With far fewer flights arriving at Terminal Five, passengers faced a 30 minute wait to have their documents checked.

Marissa Leo, a student arriving from Chicago, said she spent 30 minutes queuing to show her documents to immigration officials.

She said: 'I had to show the PCR test and locator form but it was all very smooth. Fortunately there were not many flights so the queue was not to long.'

Joan Davenport, who flew in from Toronto, said her wait to show her documents was less than 30 minutes. She said: 'There were only about 45 people on the flight, so only a short wait which was fine. It was all good.'

The UK Government has said a PCR, lateral flow and antigen test were acceptable for entry into the UK.

On the five flights from the US passengers interviewed said they had taken a PCR test as this was widely available in America.

Meanwhile, Cristina Torrance said she took a 40 Antigen test before leaving Seville and arriving on a British Airways flight. But to make sure she could guarantee entry to the UK she also took a PCR test.

Ms Torrance, who works at the Natural History Museum in London, said: 'I decided to get the PCR as that is the most accepted and I wanted to make sure I would get into the country and go back to work.

Ms Torrance, a Spanish national who arrived with her friend Noelis Moreno, said they waited 30 minutes to present their paperwork to Border Force officials.

Sally Amoki, who flew into Heathrow's Terminal Two from Ghana today, said: 'I didn't mind showing all the paperwork. I had a PCR test and the airline check in asked to see that. At passport control they looked over the papers. It makes sense as you have to be careful. You have to follow the rules.'

Another traveller who gave her name as Debbie was reassured that documents were double checked.

She has had four PCR tests while on an extended holiday to see family in Mumbai, India, and said: 'It is reassuring that everything is being checked and checked again. The airline made sure everyone had a negative test before they could board. It made the flight much safer as you know no one is carrying the virus.'

But Debbie, who lives in London, was less happy with a two-hour wait to clear immigration this afternoon.

Her Air India flight landed at 12.30pm and she emerged with her bags at 2.40pm. She said: 'There were only two people manning the desks to check passports. It was ridiculous to queue up for over two hours .Most of the desks were empty yet there long queues.'

Anne Lammel, arriving at Heathrow on a flight from Bahrain, was happy to have her documentation for entry into the UK checked twice.

She said: 'You have to show passports when boarding and when you land. It does slow things up a bit, but the flight was pretty much empty so there are less people which means things move quicker.'

Student Nitzan Levenberg, 32, arriving at London Heathrow Airport on a flight from Tel Aviv this morning, said: 'They asked to see all my documents, including my right to stay in the UK. I was in the British and EU queue and it was moving quite quickly'

Noelia Moreno (left) and Cristina Torrance (right) both arrived at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five on a flight this morning. Ms Torrance said she took a 40 Antigen test before leaving Seville and arriving on a British Airways flight. But to make sure she could guarantee entry to the UK she also took a PCR test

Marissa Leo, a student arriving at London Heathrow's Terminal Five from Chicago this morning, said she spent 30 minutes queuing to show her documents to immigration officials. She said: 'I had to show the PCR test and locator form but it was all very smooth'

Passengers arrive at London Heathrow Airport this morning one day after the new rules on Covid-19 tests were brought in

All arrivals must show proof of a PCR test and a completed locator form which lists the address where travellers will quarantine for ten days. Few passengers said they would join the test to release scheme which cuts self isolation from ten days to five.

Yesterday, passengers told MailOnline on the first day of the new policy that they had faced queues of 90 minutes at the border, but Heathrow Airport denied this was the case.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'People should not be travelling unless absolutely necessary and it is an offence to arrive into England without proof of a negative Covid test or a completed Passenger Locator Form.

'We have also increased Border Force spot checks on arrival, with passengers subject to an immediate fine of 500 for failing to comply with the new rules. Despite these measures, the vast majority of passengers have been moving through the UK border in good time.'

New rules came into force at 4am yesterday meaning all arrivals had to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Passengers are required to show it to check-in staff before boarding their UK-bound flight, and to Border Force guards after landing.

A passenger leaves Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two this morning with all arrivals having to present negative Covid-19 test

Passengers wear face masks as they walk through the international arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two today

But some travellers found themselves being turned away by their airline and stranded while those allowed to board complained of long, non Covid-secure queues after landing.

NHS worker Ellie Walton, 19, from Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire, was supposed to fly from Madrid to London on Sunday afternoon.

But she missed the connection because her first flight from Cuba to the Spanish capital had been delayed by nearly two hours.

She was told the next flight to London wasn't until yesterday morning and was given a hotel voucher.

However, when she tried to leave the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport she was told she couldn't by Spanish border guards 'because of Brexit'. It meant having to bed down in the airport on Sunday night.

To make matters worse, when she tried to board her new flight yesterday morning she was barred.

This was because she didn't have a negative Covid test, having thought she'd be returning on Sunday before the UK's new pre-departure testing rules kicked-in yesterday at 4am.

Air passengers push their luggage trolleys through the arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two this morning

An air passenger walks out of Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two this morning as people continue to arrive in Britain

Air passengers wait for a lift in the international arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two this morning

Miss Walton, a healthcare worker, travelled to Cuba in December when the second lockdown had ended and the tier system was in place.

She went there to spend time with her Cuban boyfriend, Lovany Sanchez, a circus acrobat who had lived in Britain with a visa until the pandemic broke out.

Her mother, Tracey Walton, said: 'It's awful, she was crying down the phone. I even looked at flights to go out to Madrid and sort it out myself but you can't get there.

'She had a lateral flow test on her because she is a healthcare worker, but the airline said the UK wouldn't accept it. They were trying to wash their hands of it but they have a duty of care to their passengers.

'I'm very angry because the government has made it clear they can board and the British embassy were phoning the airline to say she could.'

Government guidance states that UK citizens are allowed to be boarded on planes if they cannot get a test at their transit airport and are being blocked from entering the country it is in.

A mostly empty London Heathrow Airport Terminal Five departures hall is pictured this morning

A woman walks out of London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five this morning as air passengers continue to arrive

A mostly empty international arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five this morning as people arrive in the UK

Hardly anyone is to be seen in the arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five this morning

London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five is quiet today with air travel having plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic

Mrs Walton said her daughter told her three other Britons were also barred from boarding.

Eurostar concerns grow as head of France's state rail firm sounds the alarm The head of France's state rail company has sounded the alarm over the future of Eurostar. The cross-Channel train service has been hurt badly by a lack of travel during the coronavirus pandemic as well as Brexit. Jean-Pierre Farandou, the CEO of SNCF, which owns 55 per cent of Eurostar, told France Inter radio that 'the situation is very critical for Eurostar'. Passenger numbers on the service that reaches the UK, France, Belgium and Holland have been down by 95 per cent since March and are currently believed to be less than 1 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The warning comes days after UK business leaders called for a Government rescue of the Channel Tunnel rail operator as border closures enforced to stop a highly contagious virus variant threatened to push the service towards the brink of collapse. Signage is seen at the departure area of the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International train station in London yesterday Mr Farandou said: 'Today, there is one round trip that runs between London and Paris, and one other that runs between London and Brussels-Amsterdam. And these trains are 10 per cent full.' Mr Farandou is counting on government aid, which was provided for airlines, but is aware of how difficult it will be because there are multiple governments involved. He said: 'We have to see how we manage to help this company in the way that airlines have been helped. It would not be unusual for Eurostar to receive aid to get through this bad patch.' He added that SNCF has 'already put money back into Eurostar's capital to help' and the company is in discussions with the French and UK governments. Eurostar has asked for access to the same secured loans as airlines and a temporary reduction on track access charges it pays to use the UK's only stretch of high-speed rail line. It said in a statement that its situation was 'very serious'. It said: 'Without additional funding from government there is a real risk to the survival of Eurostar, the green gateway to Europe.' Eurostar CEO Jacques Damas has also said the company hopes the four countries it serves will co-ordinate regarding virus-linked restrictions on travel. In November, Mr Damas wrote to Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking for assistance after the Treasury announced it would help struggling airports. British businesses have appealed to the Government to prop up Eurostar. London First, which represents scores of large property, retail and tourism businesses in the capital, wrote to the Government over the weekend urging it not to let Eurostar 'fall between the cracks of support' offered to airlines and domestic railways. The letter said: 'Maintaining this international high-speed rail connection into the heart of London has never been more important. Having left the European Union, we need to actively set out our stall as an attractive destination for people to live, work and play. 'Safeguarding the future of this connection to the continent should be a symbol of both our desire to build back better and our new co-operative relationship with our European neighbours.' The Department for Transport said it recognised 'the significant financial challenges' Eurostar faced because of the pandemic. It said: 'We will continue to work closely with them as we support the safe restart and recovery of international travel.' Advertisement

However, after several calls to the British embassy in Spain Mrs Walton said her daughter had finally been allowed on an Iberia plane back to Heathrow last night.

In another case, Hannah Holland, 23, from Sheffield, was due to land at Heathrow yesterday but was barred by check-in staff in the US.

She was booked to travel on an American Airlines flight from Philadelphia via Chicago's O'Hare airport, which was due to land in London at 8.20am.

But Chicago check-in staff said her rapid 'lateral flow' test and accompanying health certificate were not acceptable.

Miss Holland, a dual British-American citizen, had been helping her mother care for her grandfather in Philadelphia.

She said: 'I just couldn't believe it... it was a test I had to pay for at a local, well-respected health clinic in Philadelphia and was specifically for people who had flights that needed more urgent results.' She added: 'I was getting really weepy.'

Miss Holland, a volunteer in Africa with the Peace Corps until the pandemic began, managed to get a flight back to Philadelphia and is now considering whether to seek another test to return to the UK or stay there.

An American Airlines spokesman said: 'The certificate did not specify the name of the test device as required, and therefore travel to the UK could not be permitted as per government guidelines.'

A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'Passengers travelling to the UK must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test which meets the performance standards set out by the Government in the guidance published on gov.uk.

'The type of test could include a PCR test or antigen test, including a lateral flow test.

'Anyone who cannot provide the necessary documentation may not be allowed to board their flight.'

As part of the new measures, announced by Boris Johnson on Friday, Border Force have ramped up checks on arrivals at airports and ports.

Arrivals complained that checking all passengers' negative test health certificates was taking too long. The certificate now has to be checked along with a locator form stating where they will be self-isolating for ten days.

Gabrielle Rivers, 31, a research fellow at Oxford University, flew from Washington to London and was stuck in a queue at border control for two hours before showing proof of her negative result and passenger locator form.

She said: 'I was pretty surprised at the length of the queue. I don't know how they would expect old people to cope. They are crowding people together in tight spaces, if we didn't have Covid then, we will now.

'It was very rammed. It was pretty heavily regulated. The airlines are being the strictest.'

Eric Campbell, 23, who arrived in London yesterday from Kampala, Uganda, said hordes of people were cramped together at border control.

His 50 PCR coronavirus test was checked as well as his locator form after an hour's wait. 'It was chaotic, the line was far too long and there were kids running around everywhere,' he said.

'There were only a few people at each desk which is why the border was rammed as they spent a great deal going through each person's document. It defeats the purpose, but I am glad it's being done.'

Avis Agustin, 36, a nurse from Singapore, arrived at Heathrow yesterday and was shocked by the large queues, spending an hour in line before border checks.

She said: 'I was confused at people in the queue not social distancing. They are too easy on people here. In Singapore, if you come, you must stay in a hotel for two weeks which the government tells you to.'

Passengers complained that the closure of the self-scan ePassport gates contributed to delays as some said people were pulled out of the queue and fined over incorrect paperwork.

In Terminal Two, suitcases stacked up by carousels as travellers were stuck at border control but by yesterday afternoon the queues had gone.

New rules scrapping 63 'travel corridors' with countries with low infection rates also came into effect at 4am yesterday, meaning all arrivals from those countries now have to quarantine. The policy will be reviewed on February 15.

On Sunday it emerged the government is considering a further crackdown after ministers asked officials to draw up plans which would see travellers forced to quarantine in hotels upon arrival.
Talk about a sine from above. Photo: Lady Gaga/Instagram

Lady Gaga, student of the Baroque, sends her best wishes to America in this fraught moment in history in the way she knows best: an over-the-top photo of herself praying in the Capitol wearing all white, the rotunda framing her like a halo. I pray tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans, Gaga wrote, Catholically. A day for love, not hatred. A day for acceptance not fear. A day for dreaming of our future joy as a country. A dream that is non-violent, a dream that provides safety for our souls. Love, from the Capitol. She appended an American-flag emoji because, while she is a denizen of Chromatica, she is, crucially, an American and a big fan of Pennsylvania guy Joe Biden. Like Dr. Jill Biden (as Alyssa Milano knows), Gaga is also Italian American, and you better not forget it.

I pray tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans. A day for love, not hatred. A day for acceptance not fear. A day for dreaming of our future joy as a country. A dream that is non-violent, a dream that provides safety for our souls. Love, from the Capitol  pic.twitter.com/fATHiJHCq0  Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 19, 2021

Gaga will perform the national anthem at Bidens inauguration on Wednesday. She (of course) sounded great at the sound check, and in advance of the event, wearing her Pope-style sheath cape, she checked in with some of the National Guard members at the Capitol, gifting the world a nice, new memeable image. J.Lo will also perform at Wednesdays event, while a prime-time special hosted by Tom Hanks, Celebrating America, is set for that night. If all goes well, we look forward to edits of Chromatica II into 911 set over the peaceful transfer of power.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 10:50:19|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' Security Council strongly condemned Monday's attack against the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), which killed a peacekeeper from Gabon and another from Morocco.

In a statement, the members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased peacekeepers, as well as to Gabon, Morocco and the peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSCA.

The members condemned in the strongest terms all attacks, provocations and incitement to violence against MINUSCA by armed groups and other perpetrators, said the statement.

They reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. They called on the CAR government to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The members reiterated their full support for MINUSCA and expressed their deep appreciation to MINUSCA's troop- and police-contributing countries. They stressed the importance of MINUSCA having the necessary capacities to fulfill its mandate and promote the safety and security of the UN peacekeepers.

The members reiterated their strong support for the UN secretary-general's special representative for the CAR and for MINUSCA to assist the CAR authorities and the people of the country in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability, said the statement. Enditem
ROME, JAN 19 - Italy's political instability must not jeopardise its COVID Recovery Plan, Euro Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said after an ECOFIN meeting Tuesday. "The work on the Italian Recovery Plan is ongoing and I hope the political instability in Italy will not jeopardise this work because Italy is the biggest beneficiary and we must ensure that the funds arrive, they are very important for the recovery in Italy," he said. Dombrovskis said he was in continual contact with Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri over the plan. Ital is set to get the biggest single chunk of the EU's 750 billion euro Recovery Fund, or 209 billion euros. With other EU monies added in, the total is some 223 billion euros. A row over the implementation of the plan was the main cause of the defection of a small party in Italy's government coalition, which has led to a crisis that Premier Giuseppe Conte hopes to overcome in a crunch Senate confidence vote Tuesday night. (ANSA).
Swissport, a leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, said its contract with leading French-Dutch airline group Air France-KLM in Saudi Arabia has been extended for another four years.

The start of the expanded agreement, which is valid until 2025, is marked by a new KLM service from Amsterdam to Riyadh (RUH) four times per week, sad the statement from Swissport.

The new contract expands the existing cooperation to all flights of all airlines of the French-Dutch airline group, including freighter services, to and from the kingdom. It includes KLM, Air France, Air France Cargo, Martinair and Transavia.

Swissport pointed out that the new deal, which further boosts its presence on the Arabian peninsula, will see it provide air cargo handling services in addition to passenger services and ramp handling.

"We are excited and honored by the renewed confidence Air France-KLM puts in our business and our people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, says Gerold Tumulka, CEO of Swissport Middle East.

By including all airlines of the group into the contract, we are the preferred partner for Air France-KLM in the region. We look forward to standing by their side through the market recovery and support them post-Covid as prospects get brighter, he added.

The four-times-a-week flights are being operated with Airbus A330 widebody aircraft. Pre-Covid, Swissport had provided airport ground services to KLM on ten weekly flights in Dammam (DMM), a stop-over on route between Amsterdam and Muscat, Oman, where Swissport also provides ground services.

According to Tumulka, the contract expansion supports Swissports growth strategy in the Middle East.

Just recently, it had added Al Qassim as a fourth airport to its portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Overall, Swissport has been present in Saudi Arabia since 2016 when it started operations in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Swissport has since gradually developed its business from a greenfield start-up into an established organization with a broad customer base of established regional airlines and well-known international carriers, stated the top official.

Swissport Middle East is also operating in Oman together with its partner Al Jarwani Group, which holds 30% of the joint venture.

Since the start of Omani operations in 2017, Swissport Oman has rapidly grown its customer portfolio, too, positioning it as a reliable airport service provider for regional and international carriers alike, said Tumulka.

In 2019, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 265 million airline passengers and handled roughly 4.6 million tons of air freight in 115 cargo warehouses worldwide, he added.-TradeArabia News 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.
ADVERTISEMENT

The police have arrested a housewife in Kano State for allegedly killing her husbands fiancee, a week to their wedding.

The police on Tuesday said Suwaiba Shuaibu, 20, stabbed Aisha Kabir, 17, to death in an uncompleted building in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said Kabiru Jafaru had lodged a report with the police that Miss Kabir was missing.

Mr Kiyawa said the police after preliminary investigation arrested Mrs Shuaibu of the same address as the complainant.

The suspect is the wife of Shaibu Ali, who was to be wedded to Miss Kabir on January 9, after six years of courtship, the police said.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed that she had called the victim on phone, deceived and lured her to an uncompleted building in their neighbourhood where she used a sharp knife to stab her on her neck, chest and other parts of her body.

I killed the Aisha out of jealousy because my husband proposed to marry her, the police quoted the suspect saying.

Officers evacuated the corpse of Miss Kabir to Tudun Wada General Hospital, the police spokesperson said.

He said the states Commissioner of Police, Habu Sani, has directed the case to be transferred to the commands Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Homicide Section, to wrap up the investigation.

Mr Kiyawa said the suspect would be charged to court after the exercise.
In an interview with pv magazine, Frank Haugwitz - the director of the Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory (AECEA) - explained how the recent China-EU investment deal could offer more opportunities to European companies in China's renewable energy market. He said the agreement shall provide transparency over policies, regulations, financing, and subsidies. And competition shall grow, especially in the C&I solar segment, he added.China and the European Union recently signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), which will give EU companies more access to the Chinese market. Please ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The United Nations chief has said that nine countries and Iran are behind in paying their dues and might lose their voting rights as required under the UN Charter. Iran tops the list and needs to pay $16,251,298 followed by Somalia which has to pay $1,443,640, Comoros $871,632, Sao Tome and Principe $829,888, Libya $705,391, Congo $90,844, Zimbabwe $81,770, Central African Republic $29,395, South Sudan $22,804, and Niger $6,733, as per a letter by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Read: Iran Warns Of Expelling United Nations Nuclear Inspectors If US Doesn't Lift Sanctions

Uranium enrichment controversy

Meanwhile, Iran has been in the eye of controversies due to its uranium enrichment ambitions. An EU official supervising the agreement regarding Irans nuclear ambitions warned that Tehran's decision to ramp up uranium enrichment could undermine efforts to keep the deal alive and bring the United States back on board.

According to AP reports, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the countrys aim of enriching uranium up to 20 percent at the Fordo facility is a "very serious" development. He also said that it is a matter of concern as it has "very severe proliferation implications.

Read: Iran Urges France To Avoid 'absurd Nonsense' Over Its Nuclear Weapons' Capacity

Last week, Iran started enriching uranium in violation of the nuclear agreement, saying that it is no longer obliged to respect limits laid out in the pact. This is because Tehran believes that US President Donald Trump violated the deal first by pulling Washington out of the deal in the year 2018, followed by many sanctions on Iran. The deal offered economic incentives to Iran, however, when US sanctions were imposed, the other signatories including China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom struggled to provide Iran any sort of assistance.

In a separate development, France and Britain urged Iran to back off the latest violation of its 2015 nuclear deal saying that Tehran has no credible civilian use for uranium metal. As per reports by AP, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran had informed that it had begun installing equipment for the production of uranium metal. It also said that Tehran is still on its plans on conducting research and development on uranium metal production.

Read: India Condemns Attack Against UN Peacekeepers In Mali & C.A.R, Extends Solidarity

Also Read: North Korean Parliament Approves Kim Jong Un's New Development Plan: Reports
Roja complained to committee chairman Kakani Govardhan Reddy that officials in her constituency were not inviting her for meetings. (Representational Photo:PTI)

TIRUPATI: R.K. Roja, the YSR Congress Nagari MLA and AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation chairperson, got emotional before the Andhra Pradesh legislative privileges committee meeting in Tirupati on Monday, saying district officials were insulting her by not following the protocol guidelines vis-a-vis their dealings with her as a legislator.

Roja complained to committee chairman Kakani Govardhan Reddy that officials in her constituency were not inviting her for meetings. She wasn't invited to programmes and meetings of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, even on development works in her constituency. For instance, she was not invited to the TTD employees house-site allotment meetings.

The meeting was held at Padmavati guest house. Govardhan Reddy later told the media that the protocol violation matter was immediately taken up with Chittoor collector Dr Narayan Bharat Gupta and he promised to do the needful. He said Roja raised issues related to area development plans. These issues do not come under the purview of the privileges committee and were referred to the concerned departments.

Govardhan Reddy said the onus is on the privileges committee to safeguard the freedom and dignity of the house as also its committees and members.

The chairman and members of the privilege committee along with the collector held a review with district officials on implementation of the protocol vis-a-vis MLAs in the district. Speaking to the media, the committee chairman said they havent received any major complaint from legislators in Chittoor district on the protocols being followed by the district administration.

The district administration has to provide information to legislators when they take up welfare activities. The privilege committee will take up such complaints from MLAs, he said.

The chairman said the committee conducted its first meeting in Amaravati and followed up on the complaints referred to it by the Speaker. The committee would conduct a meeting with TTD officials on Tuesday.

He said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has released Rs 1 crore each for 175 MLAs in the state from the CMs Disaster Relief Fund.

Govardhan Reddy directed district officials to follow protocol and extend privileges to legislative members and resolve the issues raised by the MLAs. Committee members M. Vishnu, S. Venkata Chinna Appala Naidu, V. Vara Prasad, Shilpa Chakrapani Reddy were among those present.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Joe Exotic's camp is preparing for a possible pardon from President Donald Trump before he leaves office.

'This time tomorrow, were going to be celebrating,' Eric Love, a rep for the Oklahoma zookeeper, told Metro.co.uk Monday. 'We have good reason to believe it will come through. Were confident enough we already have a limousine parked about half a mile from the prison.'

Love said that Exotic's camp is 'really in action mode right now,' with a 'whole unit that will come up' with make-up and wardrobe people ready for Exotic, whose story was told in the hit Netflix doc Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness last year.

The latest: A rep for Joe Exotic said the Tiger King star's lawyers have been in contact with officials from Washington D.C. in connection with a pardon for the reality star from outgoing President Donald Trump

'The first thing Joe wants to do, he wants his hair done,' Love said. 'He hasnt had his hair done in two-and-a-half years. Thats the first order of business. Then well probably go and get some pizzas, steak, maybe a McRib.'

Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, who was sentenced in January 2020 in his native Oklahoma to 22 years in custody in connection with a 2017 murder-for-hire plot of his business archival Carole Baskin.

Authorities said Exotic in December 2017 attempted to bribe an FBI agent to murder Baskin, and was recorded saying, 'Just like follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off.'

Exotic was also convicted in connection with numerous wildlife law violations in the deaths of five tigers, and infractions of the Endangered Species Act.

Exotic's story was told in the hit Netflix doc Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness

He was sentenced in January 2020 in his native Oklahoma to 22 years in custody in connection with a 2017 murder-for-hire plot of his business archival Carole Baskin

Love told the outlet he thinks Trump 'has sided with' arguments as to why to pardon the felon, and use the pop culture figure as a vehicle to 'take most of the limelight away from President-elect Joe Biden.'

Love said he and Exotic have worked on a video to send to Trump and his team if he should be pardoned.

'Last night, I shot a congratulatory video thanking Donald Trump so we have it queued up and ready to go,' Love said. 'As soon as we get the word, were going to execute that video to the White House and thank them.'

Pardon me: Trump is expected to grant around 100 pardons in his final days in office

In September, Exotic submit to authorities a 257-page report request to the U.S. Department of Justice for his pardon from Trump, snapped last month at the White House

In September, Exotic submit to authorities a 257-page report request to the U.S. Department of Justice for his pardon from Trump.

'Joseph is scheduled to be released from (Bureau of Prisons) custody in 2037; however, with his comprised health, he will likely die in prison,' his lawyers said in court docs. 'He humbly requests a pardon to correct the injustices he has experienced and to have the opportunity to return to providing meaningful contributions to his community.'

Trump on Tuesday is expected to release a list of more than 100 pardons and commutations, sources told Reuters. Trump is expected to leave office January 20, the day Biden is slated to be sworn in as the 46th president.
More people could be protected from life-threatening rabies thanks to an agile approach to dog vaccination using smart phone technology to spot areas of low vaccination coverage in real time.

Vets used a smart phone app to help them halve the time it takes to complete dog vaccination programmes in the Malawian city of Blantyre.

The custom-made app lets them quickly spot areas with low inoculation rates in real time, allowing them to jab more dogs more quickly, and with fewer staff.

Rabies is a potentially fatal disease passed on to humans primarily through dog bites. It is responsible for some 60,000 deaths worldwide each year, 40 per cent of which are children. It places a huge financial burden on some of the world's poorest countries.

Researchers predict that more than one million people globally will die from rabies between 2020 and 2035 if dog vaccination rates - coupled with treatment immediately following a bite - do not increase.

Current mass vaccination programmes include door-to-door visits, which ensure high uptake, but are costly and time consuming. Drop-in centres are more efficient, but do not treat as many dogs, and can be difficult for owners to reach.

Research showed that distance from drop-in centres was the biggest reason why owners did not get their dog vaccinated,

To overcome this, vets led by the University of Edinburgh and the charity Mission Rabies applied their data-driven approach using the app developed with the World Veterinary Service. The app allows the team to record data on vaccinations and access GPS locations.

The team increased the numbers of drop-in centres within around 800 metres of owners' homes from 44 to 77 - a distance that their research indicated most owners were willing to walk.

In areas with low uptake, they used 'roaming'- vaccine stations quickly set up to serve localised areas with low vaccine coverage, such as at the end of a street. The vets also engaged with local communities and media to raise awareness of the scheme.

They targeted 70 per cent of the city's dog population - around 35,000 animals - and vaccinated them in 11 days, compared with 20 days using the previous approach. The scheme needed 904 staff-days, as opposed to 1719.

Researchers say the findings have the potential to not only benefit urban dog populations, but also farmers whose livestock is at risk of infection from dogs.

Lead researcher Dr Stella Mazeri, veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "Delivering vaccinations to at risk populations in a highly efficient manner is a major societal challenge. Attempts to eliminate rabies remain under funded despite knowing that dog vaccination is a highly effective way to reduce the disease burden in both humans and dogs. We are pleased to see that the real time interrogation of data has allowed us to improve the efficiency of vaccination clinics."
Back in 2016-17, two engineering students from Pune, Sahil Sharma and Aditya Shirole, were sharing flats with their classmates, many of whom were worried about not getting internships. The reason being, the companies were located at the opposite end of Pune, such as Hinjewadi, far from the college campus.

Travelling to that end of the city for work, even while ensuring the mandatory 75 per cent attendance in final-year classes was a challenge for them. This was also the time Uber, Ola, Swiggy and other service providers were growing rapidly, giving flexibility to people to work at ...
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.
Although Neil Armstrong was the first human to step foot on the moon in 1967, dinosaurs may have beat him to it 66 million years prior  or at least pieces of the prehistoric creatures did.

The claim stems from Peter Brannen's 2017 book, 'The End of the World,' which was recently shard on Twitter by blogger Matt Austin.

An excerpt describes the violent asteroid as it ripped a 'hole of outer space vacuum in the atmosphere.'

This sent debris flying into to orbit and 'bits of dinosaurs' may have been mixed up in the enormous volume of earth that expelled into space - all of which settled on the moon.

Scroll down for video

Peter Brannen's 2017 book 'The End of the World' suggests the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs flung debris into space that carried along dinosaurs bones - all of which settled on the moon

The catastrophic asteroid crashed into what experts say was at the 'deadliest possible angle' when it came barreling into what is now Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Brannen, who is an award-winning science journalist, writes that the asteroid was larger than Mount Everest and came crashing through the atmosphere 20 times faster than a speeding bullet.

'This is so fast that it would have traversed the distance from the cruising altitude of a 747 to the ground in 0.3 seconds,' the book reads.

The book includes comments from geophysicist Mario Rebolledo at the Centro de Investigacion who told Brannen: 'The pressure of the atmosphere front of the asteroid started excavating the crater before it even got there.'

An excerpt describes the violent asteroid as it ripping a 'hole of outer space vacuum in the atmosphere.' This sent debris flying into to orbit and 'bits of dinosaurs' may have been mixed up in the enormous volume of earth that expelled into space - all of which settled on the moon

'Then, when the meteorite touched ground zero, it was totally intact. It was so massive that the atmosphere didn't even make a scratch on it.'

The book says the scene witnessed 66 million years ago was nowhere near what we see in Hollywood films that usually show a brilliant ball of fire streaking across the sky.

'As the asteroid collided with the earth, in the sky above it where there should have been air, the rock had punched a hole of outer space vacuum in the atmosphere,' Brannen explains.

'As the heavens rushed in to close this hole, enormous volumes of earth were expelled into orbit and beyond  all within a second or two of impact.'

'So there's probably little bits of dinosaur bone on the moon,' Brannen asks.

And Rebolledo replies: 'Yea, probably.'

Although the book was published in 2017 blogger Matt Austin recently shard excerpts on Twitter

Although there is no evidence to support claims in 'The End of the World,' scientists have been able to piece together the events that unfolded.

The asteroid left a 120-mile-wide crater at the disaster zone, vaporizing rock and sending billions of tons of sulfur and carbon dioxide into the prehistoric skies.

All living things within hundreds of miles of the impact site would have been incinerated within minutes.

Meanwhile, the dust cloud generated by the impact would have blocked out the sun  likely triggering a 'nuclear winter' and seeing temperatures plunge, acid rain falling from the skies and 75 percent of living species wiped out.

'It would have felt like the ground beneath your feet had become a ship in the middle of the ocean,' said earth and space science professor Mark Richards at the University of Washington.

'Then rocks would have bombarded you from a boiling sky that was beginning to take on a hazy glow. It would have seemed like the end of the world.'
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Tuesday, Jan. 19. No need to double check your calendar: There is a red flag warning in parts of California in winter. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

Two weeks after images of a violent mob  including white supremacists  storming into the Capitol were seared into Americans minds, Capitol Hill will feature a very different image: the swearing-in of Kamala Harris, first Black woman and woman of color to become vice president.

Veterans of the civil rights movement and scholars of Black American history say there is no mistaking that the nation is in a moment of distress, but Harriss inauguration  and shifting political winds in Georgia driven by Black voters  shows the country is in a very fluid place historically.

Kamala is a tipping point, said James Lance Taylor, a professor and director of the African American Studies program at the University of San Francisco. Georgia is a tipping point.

Washington correspondent Tal Kopan interviews Harris about her place in this moment of extreme contrasts.

From Datebook: Bay Area virtual inauguration celebrations.

Extreme caution on cluster of vaccine reactions

A small cluster of allergic reactions that prompted California to pause the use of hundreds of thousands of doses of coronavirus vaccine has thrown another wrench into the states struggling vaccination rollout, forcing some health care providers to cancel clinics on Monday.

The development stems from one batch of Moderna vaccines apparently linked to severe allergic reactions in six health care workers who received shots at the Petco Park mass vaccination site in San Diego last week.

What we do know: Six allergic reactions were slightly higher than expected for the time period, said Dr. Eric McDonald, San Diego Countys director of epidemiology. No other clusters of allergic reactions have so far been reported from other sites that used vaccines from the same lot.

What we dont know yet: Whether the allergic reactions in San Diego were actually connected or how many doses from the same batch have already been administered.

Read more.

More coronavirus news:

Brittany Hosea-Small / Special to The Chronicle

 Explainer: Why researchers are concerned about the new variant making up a quarter of genetically tested cases in California.

 U.S. nears 400,000 coronavirus deaths: While there are signs that cases and hospitalizations are leveling off across California, the virus remains widespread in the state with more than 40,000 new cases reported daily.

 By region: California vaccine tracker.

 Eating disorders have increased dramatically since the pandemic started. Why?

West side housing fight

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

In early January, anonymous attack posters were slipped into mailboxes and left on doorsteps in San Franciscos Sunset District.

The poster read No Slums In The Sunset. It informed residents that a 7-story, 100-unit high-rise slum  in fact, targeted at families making up to $100,000 a year  was planned for the neighborhood. The incendiary fliers predicted that within two years the property in question would become the best place in San Francisco to buy heroin.

It was the opening salvo in a dispute thats likely to escalate as city housing officials push to build both market-rate and affordable housing in neighborhoods that have been almost completely left out of the construction boom of the last decade.

Read more from reporter J.K. Dineen.

Around the Bay

 Reinstating California rules: Truckers, union want Biden to reverse federal rules on truckers taking breaks.

 Powerful winds, lack of rain: Fire weather in January? Red flag warning coming to parts of Northern California.

 A legal strategy born in the Bay: Fight to make Big Oil pay for climate change heads to Supreme Court.

 Four existing companies: S.F. to add 500 more scooters while seeking changes to permit program.

 Budget hits: Oaklands neighbors, firefighters see red over plan to deactivate engines, shutter stations.

 Give it back: Giants owner Charles Johnson says hes asked for controversial donations to QAnon-backing congresswoman to be returned.

Pandemic Problems

Danielle Mollette-Parks

Pandemic Problems is an advice column from The Chronicles engagement reporters that aims to help Bay Area residents solve their pandemic-related conundrums  personal, practical or professional. Send your questions and issues to pandemicproblems@sfchronicle.com.

In a recent edition of Pandemic Problems, reporter Annie Vainshtein takes on a question from a person in their 70s who wonders if they can safely visit a grandson if he has tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com, and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.
Scott Morrison will not speak to Donald Trump before the president leaves office on Wednesday.

The prime minister took a call from Vice President Mike Pence before he visited a family cattle station near Quilpie in the heart of Queensland on Tuesday.

The pair discussed the US-Australia alliance and shared threats and interests - but did not mention President Trump's refusal to concede defeat to Joe Biden.

Mr Morrison took a call from New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday (pictured) to discuss the roll out of coronavirus vaccines

Mr Morrison spoke to Ms Ardern about vaccines - but won't speak to Donald Trump

Asked if he would speak to President Trump before Mr Biden takes over, Mr Morrison replied: 'No, I have no plans to do that.'

The prime minister also said he spoke on Monday to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who is tipped to run for president in 2024.

He said the relationship between the two countries will remain strong no matter who is in charge.

'One of the things that will be handed over from the current administration to the new one this week is the stewardship of that very important relationship between Australia and the United States,' he said.

'It's incredibly important for our region. It's incredibly important for Australia's interests. And I say it's very important for the United States' interest as well.'

Labor leader Anthony Albanese urged Mr Morrison to condemn President Trump for inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol last week as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have done.



'Those of us who are democrats need to be consistent about calling out democratic values,' Mr Albanese told 5AA radio on Tuesday.

The prime minister has condemned the violence but not explicitly criticised President Trump.

Mr Morrison said he welcomed the Trump administration's decision to commit to an orderly transition of power, despite the president's unfounded claims of electoral fraud.

Scott Morrison and Donald Trump are pictured together at the White House in September 2019

'I welcome the fact that despite all the terrible things we've seen there happen, there has been that positive engagement between them and those who are coming in after them,' he said.

Mr Morrison also took a call from New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday to discuss the roll out of coronavirus vaccines.

He posted a photo on his Twitter account of him wearing shades while on the phone in the back of a car.

New Zealand has purchase agreements for four vaccines and expects to roll out the first jabs in the second quarter of the year, prioritising border and quarantine workers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on January 17 released new photos of men they indicate were involved in the beating of a police officer on January 6 and a suspect that agents believe planted pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee headquarters the same day.

Alleged Suspects in Beating of Officer, Planting of Pipe Bombs

The agency published photos of seven males who are alleged of assaulting Metropolitan Police officer Mike Fanone amid the tumult in and near the US Capitol.

The seven males appear to be white, and most have facial hair. Their faces are clearly seen except for one man, whose face is partially concealed by a white mask.

According to the agency in a release, "The FBI is seeking the public's assistance in identifying these individuals involved in the assault of DC Metropolitan Police Officer Mike Fanone," reported DISRN.

Fanone reported he was assaulted by a crowd that took his badge, radio, and gun prior to threatening to kill him with the weapon.

According to Fanone, "The other option I thought of was to try to appeal to somebody's humanity. And I just remember yelling out that I have kids. And it seemed to work."

The FBI flier released on Sunday shows the men suspected of beating and tasing Fanone. People could be heard yelling during the attack, "Kill him with his own gun."

The 40-year-old victim survived the attack, but he experienced a mild heart attack, reported Daily News.

Another series of photos displays a single person wheeling a suitcase. This individual is alleged of planting pipe bombs at both committee headquarters in Washington, DC, according to the FBI.

Also Read: Tearful Pelosi: Congress Members Who Were Accomplices to Capitol Siege May Be Prosecuted

Fanone remarked many of those rioters were misunderstood when he yelled that he is a father and that they protected him from the attackers until help came to the rescue.

For the alleged planter of pipe bombs, a reward of $50,000 would be awarded.

The FBI is asking the public for assistance in identifying the aforementioned persons involved in the attack on the District of Columbia police officer. They have asked that if anyone who recognizes such people or has information should report it either via its tip site for riots or over the phone.

Numerous people have been taken into custody and charged associated with the Capitol siege.

Protesters inundated the US Capitol on January 6 to interrupt a joint session of Congress for the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Congress members were counting electoral votes as the concluding step in the 2020 election process. Many protesters illegally entered the Capitol building, and some wrought damage to its interior.

Fanone recalled how protesters yanked clothing from him and attempted to grab his gun.

According to Fanone, "I remember guys chanting, like, 'Kill him with his own gun.' I was tased about a half-dozen times on the back of my neck. That sucked. I thought about killing people," reported The Epoch Times.

People who have information regarding any of the suspects are advised to call (800) 225-5324 or submit information to fbi.gov/USCapitol.

Related Article: Twitter Shares Drop by 12 Percent After Permanently Suspending Trump

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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
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.
These unprecedented events continue to create daunting challenges for organizations to communicate with, train and support employees at a time they need it more than ever. This is exactly why we created the Totara Talent Experience Platform," said Richard Wyles, CEO of Totara.

Totara, a leading provider of enterprise learning, engagement and performance management technology, today announced strong customer growth momentum to close out 2020, especially among healthcare organizations. Totara added 44 new healthcare customers in 2020, reflecting high and continuing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic for more robust, adaptable and scalable learning, engagement and performance management solutions.

Despite an aggressive roll-out of life-saving vaccines currently underway across the globe, full vaccine distribution may not be achieved in many countries until late spring or early summer of 2021. As a result, there is growing demand among organizations from virtually every industry to adopt and expand remote learning and training capabilities.

With the onset of the pandemic, healthcare organizations faced added pressure to increase services, production and research as well as employee and staff productivity at a time when organizations in many other industries experienced a slowdown, said Richard Wyles, CEO of Totara. These unprecedented events continue to create daunting challenges for organizations to communicate with, train and support employees at a time they need it more than ever. This is exactly why we created the Totara Talent Experience Platform. Were thankful that so many organizations are able benefit from the highly adaptable learning, employee engagement and performance management capabilities Totara has to offer, especially during these challenging times.

As the pandemic spread rapidly and lockdowns ensued, healthcare organizations needed to rapidly expand and launch remote learning and training to support new PPE and infection control protocols to protect medical staff and patients while fighting the infection.

Monash Health is the largest public health service in Victoria, Australia providing safe, high-quality care to one-quarter of the population in Melbourne across the entire lifespan, from pre-birth to end-of-life. With the onset of COVID-19, Monash Health, in cooperation with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Department of Health, urgently needed to deploy Monash Health's PPE training for 70,000 residential care workers.

Kineo and Totara provided the anytime, anywhere learning solution aimed at care workers that Monash Health needed. They fast-tracked a six-week implementation into just five days to help combat rapidly rising COVID rates in Victoria. Thousands of residential and aged care workers were able to quickly access online training for COVID-19 PPE and infection control protocols. More than 500 residential care sites quickly accessed these life-saving training programs, with more than 7,500 individual completions of PPE learning content.

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Victoria was at its worst and residential facilities were under significant pressure, a 5-day turnaround to support that cause with a quickly deployed digital training solution was a great result, said Linda Neitz, Senior Manager of Organizational Development and Learning | People & Culture, Monash Health.

The Monash Health story reflects many of the near-term challenges health care organizations face as we continue to adapt to the impact and repercussions of COVID-19. The pandemic aside, an increasingly ageing population in the western world combined with a projected shortage of healthcare employees at all levels will continue to challenge healthcare organizations. By 2030 there will be a global shortage of 15 million doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals, according to the Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030, research study.

Learning technology that helps organizations rapidly and cost effectively train and upskill employees and staff will continue to play a crucial role in solving the learning, skills gap and talent shortage challenges faced by healthcare organizations, for the near term and for the future, said Wyles.

See Totaras customer stories page for more information about healthcare organizations benefiting from Totaras learning technology and the Totara Talent Experience Platform.

For more information about Totaras learning, engagement and performance management solutions, see the Totara Talent Experience Platform video.

About Totara

Totara builds employee engagement, learning, and performance management technologies that enable large multinational corporations, government entities, and mid-market companies to deliver enterprise-level talent and workforce experiences. Totaras Talent Experience Platform unifies a transformational learning management system (LMS), a user-centric learning experience platform (LXP), and a comprehensive performance management system under a single and highly adaptable architecture. Totaras flexible architecture gives organizations the freedom to innovate, the freedom to choose, and unlocks critical resources for reinvestment into where it really counts.


2021-01-18

Maeci

Italy reiterates its deep concern about the recent Israeli decision to go ahead with the decision to build nearly 800 new houses in several settlements in the West Bank. Once again, Italy urges the Israeli Authorities to reconsider this decision, as we already did on 17 November last year for the Givat Hamatos tender.

The expansion of settlements in the West Bank violates international law and could irreparably undermine the viability of a just, sustainable two-State solution in line with internationally recognised parameters and the relevant UN resolutions. We therefore urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral action that would have no other effect than to frustrate ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between the Parties and to jeopardize a resumption of direct negotiations.
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, three days after county commissioners met in person for their weekly meeting.

Calvert said Monday that he notified the other members of Commissioners Court, who have since undergone testing that has come back with negative results. During the courts weekly meetings, all officials wear masks and sit more than 6 feet apart.

They were all very kind in offering their help, Calvert said of his colleagues.

Although Calvert cant be sure of the source of his infection because the virus has spread so rampantly across San Antonio, he believes that he was exposed to the virus by a friend on Jan. 1. When he found out that hed been exposed, he got tested on Jan. 6, which was negative.

It wasnt until he was cooking butter basil shrimp for his dinner Thursday night that he realized hed lost his sense of taste.

I thought, Well, I haven't cooked this for a while, but I didnt think my food would be so bland, Calvert said.

So you know those popcorn things with three types of popcorn? I went over and tasted the caramel popcorn  I couldnt taste the caramel popcorn. Then tasted the cheddar  I couldnt taste the cheddar popcorn either, Calvert said. I couldnt taste the chocolate pecans and I thought, Oh, God. I might have COVID.

Calvert said his only symptoms so far are a runny nose, minor congestion and a feeling of pressure in his head. He said Monday he believes he is past the worst of it.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- King & Spalding today announced that Craig Carpenito, until earlier this month the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, has joined as a partner in the firm's Special Matters and Government Investigations practice group in the New York office.

As the U.S. Attorney, Carpenito oversaw all federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters in New Jersey. Under Carpenito's leadership, the U.S. Attorney's office handled some of the nation's most significant healthcare and life sciences prosecutions, accounting, commodities and financial fraud actions, and other investigations related to trading exchanges, spoofing, cyber crime, telemedicine, and genetic testing, as well as matters involving key federal enforcement statutes, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, False Claims Act, and Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. During his tenure, Carpenito also chaired the Department of Justice's national COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force and was a member of the Attorney General's advisory subcommittees on healthcare fraud and cyber security and cryptocurrencies.

"Craig has built an impeccable reputation in the industry through his leadership at the U.S. Attorney's Office, his work at the SEC, and his complementary private practice experience," said Zach Fardon, chair of King & Spalding's Government Matters practice group. "Craig's work spearheading trials and investigations in the healthcare and financial services industries will make him an invaluable asset to companies in those sectors facing government scrutiny."

"The financial services and healthcare sectors are an engine of the tristate area's economy, particularly New Jersey, where there are more than 11,000 financial services businesses and where the top 20 pharmaceutical companies are headquartered," added Edward Kehoe, managing partner of King & Spalding's New York office. "Craig's arrival supports our strategy in New York to continue to provide our clients with unparalleled expertise in these industries."

Prior to his government service, Carpenito was a partner at a national firm's New York office where he rose to co-chair of the firm's Litigation and Trial Practice Group and also led its White Collar, Government and Internal Investigations team. His practice focused on financial services, healthcare, government and internal investigations, and regulatory enforcement matters. Carpenito also handled complex civil and securities litigation.

Before that, Carpenito served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and began his career in public service as senior counsel in the New York office of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement.

"King & Spalding's government investigations and litigation practices are widely-regarded as world-class, with an extraordinary group of partners known for handling the hardest cases with skill and class," Carpenito said. "I am excited to expand this diversified practice in the New Jersey-New York markets, across the United States and globally."

Carpenito received his undergraduate degree from Rider University and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.

About King & Spalding

Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,200 lawyers in 22 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com .

SOURCE K&S

Related Links

www.kslaw.com


An estimated one in 13 people in Northern Ireland tested positive for Covid-19 by December last year. (Liam McBurney/PA)

There has been another 24 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health reported 17 people have died within the reporting period of between 10am on Monday and 10am on Tuesday with seven occurring previously. The death toll is now at 1,649.

Another 713 new cases were also diagnosed. In total over 96,714 people have tested positive for coronavirus.

There are 842 coronavirus patients in hospitals with 70 in intensive care.

Hospitals are operating at 97% occupancy and there are 137 active care home outbreaks.

Read More

It comes as new figures show that an estimated one in 13 people in Northern Ireland would have tested positive for Covid-19 by December last year.

Cases by council area:

Antrim and Newtownabbey: 6,666 cases (+423 in past 7 days) and 165 deaths

Ards and North Down: 4,507 cases (+279 in past 7 days) and 102 deaths

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon: 11,717 cases (+1,264 in past 7 days) and 185 deaths

Belfast: 18,380 cases (+888 in past 7 days) and 331 deaths

Causeway Coast and Glens: 6,083 cases (+315 in past 7 days) and 134 deaths

Derry City and Strabane: 10,393 cases (+273 in past 7 days) and 115 deaths

Fermanagh and Omagh: 4,950 cases (+337 in past 7 days) and 66 deaths

Lisburn and Castlereagh: 6,109 cases (+314 in past 7 days) and 120 deaths

Mid and East Antrim: 6,168 cases (+364 in past 7 days) and 155 deaths

Mid Ulster: 9,510 cases (+701 in past 7 days) and 141 deaths

Newry, Mourne and Down: 9,352 cases (+676 in past 7 days) and 111 deaths

Not known: 2,877 cases (+240 in past 7 days) and 24 deaths

Antibody data on infection in private households suggests that one in eight people in England had also been infected by December, alongside one in 10 in Wales and one in 11 in Scotland.

The figures come from the Office for National Statistic's Covid-19 Infection Survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.

They are based on the proportion of the population who are likely to have tested positive for antibodies to Covid-19, based on blood test results from a sample of people aged 16 and over, but do not reflect all the people who have had coronavirus and do not take account of antibodies waning over time.

The study came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he is self-isolating after receiving an alert through the NHS Covid-19 app.

In a video posted on Twitter, he said: "Last night I was pinged by the NHS coronavirus app, so that means I'll be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday."

Mr Hancock, who has previously had coronavirus, said self-isolating is important because it is "how we break the chains of transmission".,

Meanwhile, some family doctors continue to express their frustration about the rollout of vaccines across the UK.

With more than half of the over-80s and half of elderly care home residents having received the jab, ministers have now given the go-ahead to begin vaccinating the next priority groups - the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said "there will be an overlap" between those in the first group getting their jab and those in the second as the NHS keeps up the momentum of the vaccine rollout.

He told LBC radio: "We're very clear that areas should be getting through the majority of the first cohort before they move on to the second cohort, but there will be an overlap.

"The reality is, as you're moving through these, as you start to bring the second cohort in, there will be a bit of an overlap.

"So, while they're still finishing cohort one, some people from the second cohort will be having their vaccines and being contacted.

"That's understandable because the other alternative is you get through cohort one and you pause before you can start getting cohort two in and that would be wrong.

"In order to keep things flowing and moving we will see some overlap, but areas should be getting through the majority of cohort one before they start moving to cohort two."
All of Pennsylvanias 67 counties continue to show a substantial spread of the coronavirus, but the rate of positive tests continues to decline, Gov. Tom Wolfs office said Tuesday.

The states positive test rate for COVID-19 fell to 12.7% for the week of Jan. 8-14, down from 14.4% the previous week. The positive test rate has now dropped for five consecutive weeks after hitting a high of 16.2% in December.

While the rate is dropping, health officials have said a positive test rate of 5% is a troubling sign of community spread. In four counties, the positive test rate is 20% or more, but thats down from 14 counties the previous week.

The state has now seen substantial spread of the coronavirus in every Pennsylvania county for the past six weeks. The Wolf administration uses three categories to gauge the spread of COVID-19: low, moderate and substantial.

Wolf attributed the drop in the rate of positive tests to people taking appropriate steps to limit the spread of the virus.

We continue to see great progress on bringing our statewide percent positivity rate down and I think that is due to Pennsylvanians continued commitment to wear a mask, avoid gatherings, wash their hands and practice social distancing, Wolf said in a statement. I believe we can continue these best public health practices to continue to bring the transmission of COVID-19 down in our communities and keep each other safe as we continue the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Expanding vaccine outreach

The Wolf administration is expanding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines to more people.

Those over the age of 65 and anyone 16 and older with certain medical health issues will be able to get the coronavirus vaccine sooner, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Tuesday.

The health department said those over 65 and adults and teens with high-risk conditions are now included in Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout, the first phase of the distribution. So far, distribution has gone primarily to health care workers and residents and staff in nursing homes.

Those between the ages of 16 and 64 with certain high-risk conditions or medical issues are now eligible to get the vaccine, including those with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, and those who are pregnant, among others. The federal government has not approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccines in those under 16.

Changing of the guard

Earlier Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden announced he is selecting Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine to be his assistant health secretary. Levine is poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The governor said he planned to name Levines successor later this week.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Levine said she took pride in the health departments work during the coronavirus pandemic and on other issues, including addressing opioid addiction and the launch of the states medical marijuana program.

I am extremely proud of the work we have done during the last year to save lives in the face of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Levine said. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve Pennsylvanians, and all Americans, as part of the Biden Administration if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed to this position.

Guidance for schools

State officials have asked school officials to consider the extent of community spread of COVID-19 in determining whether students should be in school or educated remotely.

Earlier this month, the Wolf administration said it is recommending that school districts focus on returning elementary school students to classrooms, even in counties with a substantial spread of the virus. The state advises high schools and middle schools to continue with remote instruction in counties with substantial spread.

Still, the states guidelines for schools arent binding. Local school leaders continue to have the authority to decide if schools should hold classes in person, remotely or employ a mix of face-to-face and virtual instruction.

New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have been dropping in recent weeks. About 4,600 people with COVID-19 are being treated in hospitals, down from a peak of about 6,300 in December.

The state has seen a spike in deaths tied to COVID-19 since November. More than 19,400 deaths in Pennsylvania have been tied to COVID-19, according to the health department.

More than 777,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in Pennsylvania since the beginning of the pandemic.

Most of those who contract the virus recover after dealing with relatively mild symptoms, but health experts say COVID-19 poses risks to everybody, including seniors and those with health complications.

More from PennLive

Who is Dr. Rachel Levine? Get to know Bidens new assistant health secretary
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.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Minister of High technological industry Hakob Arshakyan has presented the list of Armenian companies who have been declared winners in 2020 on the sidelines of the Armenian Virtual Bridge program.

The companies are the followings: Expper Technologies, Embry Tech, CoinStats, RetentionForce, @Hub Tech, URAAA, payva, GeBe Cert, Easydmarc, eSwap, 3dzook , Earlyone, Chessify, ForgeFiction, Lucky Carrot.

In a statement the High-tech ministry said each of these companies has an opportunity to attract new investments and enter into new markets in Armenia and abroad.

On January 28 these companies will present their programs to international entrepreneurs, partners and investors.

The high technological development is one of the main priorities of Armenias economic development and the government.

The ministry will soon announce new grant programs on entrepreneurship, new training and development opportunities.

The Armenian Virtual Bridge aims at connecting Armenia with the international technology centers by using the power of the Armenian scientific mind, relying on the Diasporas opportunities and potential, Arshakyan said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
CANTON, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EquipNet, Inc. has recently signed a partnership agreement with Australian-based online Marketplace, Grays, to support their expansion into the US market.

Grays is the leading online Marketplace in Australia and Asia Pacific for automobiles, "yellow iron", as well as consumer goods. After working closely together on a number of projects both companies recognized the global opportunities available to them by way of a Strategic Partnership.

Roger Gallo, President & CEO at EquipNet, said "We're energized to be partnering with a company as well-known and respected as Grays. The strengths of the two companies are extremely compatible and we look forward to helping establish Grays as a major player in the US market."

EquipNet and Grays maintain extensive customer databases and have experience and online presence in their respective fields and regions. Utilizing that experience, the partnership intends to launch Grays' successful Australian marketplace model in the US with a focus on selling mobile plant and transport assets in the US market.

Combining Grays' marketplace and digital marketing capabilities with the significant operational presence and US market knowledge of the EquipNet team will give them an unrivalled offering in the US market.

Grays' CEO, Chris Corbin, said "Formalizing our partnership made sense from the first time we worked together. Having already partnered on several sales, the industrial logic and global opportunities were clear to both Grays and EquipNet. We have highly compatible business models and the partnership made immediate sense."

EquipNet and Grays are excited about the project and expect to have the necessary infrastructure completed and fully operational by the start of Q3 2021 in Australia.

Chris Corbin went on to say, "With the local knowledge and experience of the EquipNet team behind us we're excited to launch the Grays marketplace in the US."

About EquipNet

EquipNet is a leading provider of proactive asset management solutions and services to leading corporations in the pharmaceutical, chemical, electronics, industrial, and consumer packaged goods industries. EquipNet's vision is to revolutionize the way companies manage their surplus assets by maximizing financial returns and minimizing the risks associated with idle capital assets. If you have surplus you are looking to sell, or are looking for pre-owned equipment at an affordable price, visit us at www.EquipNet.com.

About Grays

Grays is a leading e-commerce marketplace in Australia revolutionizing how assets are being bought and sold throughout the world. Grays specializes in the buying and selling of industrial equipment, cars, wine, and consumer goods. The business has also recently extended into the boats, real estate, caravans, and classic cars categories. With over 3 million registered bidders, a best-in-class e-commerce platform and commitment to customer service makes buying and selling with Grays easy, efficient, fair and transparent. www.grays.com

Contact:

Lauren Kolodny

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

+1 (781) 821-3482 ext. 2176

SOURCE EquipNet, Inc.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 54F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Kim Kardashian and husband of six years Kanye West have 'completely' stopped going to marriage counseling, amid reports of their looming divorce.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star and her husband have been in therapy, attempting to mend their relationship.

She has reportedly been meeting with divorce lawyer Laura Wasser in recent weeks, as a source now tells People of Kanye: 'He is talking to divorce lawyers this week.'

Hitting the brakes: Kim Kardashian and husband of six years Kanye West have 'completely' stopped going to marriage counseling, amid reports of their looming divorce

Legal steps: She has reportedly been meeting with divorce lawyer Laura Wasser in recent weeks, as a source now tells People of Kanye: 'He is talking to divorce lawyers this week' (pictured in November, 2019)

The 40-year-old has been living separately from Kanye, 43, as their relationship has become 'downright toxic' after months of therapy.

A source recently told Us Weekly of their divorce: 'Kim and Kanye had no option but to live apart in the end because the communication between them had gotten so downright toxic.

'They went into the latter part of 2020 with the very best of intentions and wanted to find a way to get along when they spent time together.

'But it reached the point where the bickering turned to nasty blowups and confrontations, and since neither of them wanted the kids exposed to that type of hostility, they [stayed] apart.'

Downright toxic: The 40-year-old has been living separately from Kanye, 43, as their relationship has become 'downright toxic' after months of therapy (pictured in September, 2015)

Boiling point: A source recently told Us Weekly of their divorce: 'It reached the point where the bickering turned to nasty blowups and confrontations, and since neither of them wanted the kids exposed to that type of hostility, they [stayed] apart' (pictured in November, 2019)

New co-parents: Kim and Kanye married in Florence, Italy back in May of 2014, and they share daughters North, seven, Chicago, three, sons Saint, five, and Psalm, one

Kim and Kanye married in Florence, Italy back in May of 2014, and they share daughters North, seven, Chicago, three, sons Saint, five, and Psalm, one.

Another insider told Us Weekly: '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.'

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.'

'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.'

Jealous spouse: Another insider told Us Weekly: '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' (pictured in June, 2018)

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, 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)

For her sanity: A source said that the SKIMS mogul 'needed to end the marriage for the sake of her kids and her own sanity' (pictured in May, 2013)

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.

Multiple outlets have reported that Kim is working with Wasser, who handled her divorce with Kris Humphries, 35, in 2011, after 72 days of marriage.
Business Asia Consultants Will Distribute MedLite ID's Innovative Patient Safety Device in Multiple International Markets

ST GEORGE, UT / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / MedLite ID, a Utah-based manufacturer with the world's only patient safety solution that lights the emergency medication infusion line to prevent medication errors related to multiple infusions, has signed an exclusive multi-nation consulting contract with Business Asia Consultants (BAC, Inc.).

BAC, Inc. is an international sales, marketing, and business development consulting company with extensive experience in healthcare, medical devices, and disposables. Under the terms of the agreement, BAC will employ this expertise to develop marketing and sales for MedLite ID in Latin America, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Brazil, Europe, the Middle East and China.

"BAC is committed to providing innovative solutions that enable care providers and health systems to partner with us to meet their patient safety goals," said Larry Kronick, owner of BAC. "Preventing medication errors and keeping patients safe is a critical need for many hospitals. MedLite ID shares our commitment to innovation, high-quality products that help improve patient safety and clinician efficiency."

Rodney Schutt, CEO of MedLite ID added, "BAC is a great partner for the MedLite ID product. They have the scale, infrastructure, reputation, clinical experience, and complementary product portfolio to expedite adoption of our product in overseas markets. We are happy that BAC, Inc. recognized the quality, innovation and need for the MedLite ID solution."

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Business Asia Consultants

Business Asia Consultants, Inc. headquartered in Hallandale Beach, Florida is an international sales, marketing, and business development consulting company with extensive experience in Europe, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, and Latin America. BAC offers strategic market planning, sales distribution, channel development, and additional business support services to a variety of medical equipment, disposable, and software manufacturers around the globe.

About MedLite ID

MedLite ID is a medical device manufacturer partnered with University of Notre Dame and DSU to develop a unique solution designed to light the primary medication infusion line (sometimes referred to as the safe push line) in a visually distinct and easily identifiable way to help prevent "infusion confusion", reduce the risk of medical errors, improve patient safety, and dramatically enhance clinician productivity. For more information on MedLite ID, please visit www.medliteid.com.

CONTACT:

Media Contact: Terri Greulich

Director of Marketing

833.288.5489

SOURCE: MedLite ID

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624537/MedLite-ID-Signs-Exclusive-Consulting-Agreement-with-Business-Asia-Consultants-Inc
Israeli police watch worshippers leave at the Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

The head of the Arab League expressed hope that the Biden administration will change President Donald Trumps policies and launch a political process supported by regional and international parties to achieve independence for the Palestinians.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the 22-member organisation, told the UN Security Council that a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been marginalised by the main mediator in the peace process, a reference to the United States.

This encouraged the Israeli government to intensify its settlement activities and to threaten to take dangerous and destructive steps such as annexing occupied land, he said.

The Arab League chief addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a wide-ranging briefing on the crises and conflicts in the Middle East.

He also referred without name to Iran, saying that some regional powers are interfering in the affairs of the Arab region by adversely affecting the security of international maritime navigation routes which are a lifeline for international trade, a reference to freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.

It has also become apparent that this interference perpetuates existing conflicts and further complicates them, he said, without directly citing Irans support for Syrian President Bashar Assad, for Yemens Houthi Shiite rebels and for Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Expand Close Israeli police patrol the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Israeli police patrol the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Aboul Gheit said the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts and crises have created a dangerous mix that has taken a heavy toll on the peoples of the region, pointing to 10 years of civil war in Syria, Yemens war entering its seventh year and entrenched divisions in Libya.

He spoke a day after Israeli authorities advanced plans to build nearly 800 homes in West Bank settlements, in a last-minute surge of approvals before Mr Trump leaves office and Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States.

Palestinian leaders denounced the Israeli action.

The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as part of a future independent state.

They say the growing settler population, approaching some 500,000 people, makes it increasingly difficult to achieve their dream of independence.

Mr Aboul Gheit said that significant efforts need to be made by all parties in coming months to reaffirm the two-state solution.

We look forward to the new American administration rectifying policies and processes that are not useful and engage in a fruitful political process with the support of influential regional and international parties, he said.

This would give the Palestinian people renewed hope that the international community would stand by its side in its noble aspiration to achieve freedom and independence.

On Syria, Mr Aboul Gheit said five countries are interfering militarily and the security situation remains tumultuous and precarious, especially in the northwest, northeast and south.

This not only undermines prospects of a political settlement but also has equally serious humanitarian repercussions, with 90% of Syrians living in poverty, he said.

I am convinced that a genuine solution would start with a minimal level of international consensus, which is still lacking, and would require some regional parties to reduce their involvement in Syria, Aboul Gheit said.

Those regional parties continue to view Syria land as spoils of war or use it to settle scores.

Expand Close The Givat Hamatos Israeli settlement in east Jerusalem (Mahmoud Illean/AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Givat Hamatos Israeli settlement in east Jerusalem (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

In Yemen, the Arab League chief said the situation is as dangerous, especially the humanitarian situation, with some Yemenis on the bring of starvation.

He strongly backed efforts by UN special envoy Martin Griffiths to get agreement between the Houthis and the internationally recognised government on a joint declaration calling for a cease-fire and confidence-building measures.

He said the Saudi-negotiated agreement on a new Cabinet is a positive sign that the fragmentation and division are coming to an end, which paves the way for negotiations on a comprehensive solution.

As for Libya, Mr Aboul Gheit said recent events could bring us closer to ending the division in this important Arab country.

After the 2011 overthrow and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, oil-rich Libya was split between rival administrations in its east and west, each backed by an array of militias and foreign powers.

The warring sides agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire in October, a deal that included the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries within three months and holding presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24.

Mr Aboul Gheit urged implementation of the ceasefire agreement as well as ending recruitment of foreign fighters and stopping shipments of weapons and military equipment to Libya.
(Alliance News) - Glencore PLC on Tuesday said its subsidiary, Carlisa Investments Corp, has agreed to sell its 90% interest in Mopani Copper Mines PLC To ZCCM Investments Holding PLC for a nominal sum of USD1, as well as transaction debt of USD1.5 billion.

The Swiss commodities trader owns an 81% stake in Carlisa, which in turn holds a 90% interest in Mopani, which operates the Mopani copper mine in Zambia. ZCCM - a mining and energy investment holding company - holds the remaining 10% interest in Mopani.

This means that Glencore will be selling an underlying stake of 73% in Mopani.

As Mopani has been funded by borrowings from Carlisa and Glencore as a whole, once the deal is completed USD1.5 billion of debt will remain owed by Mopani to Glencore creditor.

The terms of the debt is that interest will be capitalised for the first three years after completion, after which will be payable quarterly at LIBOR +3.

The second term is that the principal outstanding under the transaction debt will be repayable under a dual mechanism, whereby 3% of gross revenue of Mopani from 2021 to 2023, 10% to 18% of revenue after the period, and 33% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation will be paid at the end of each quarter.

The completion of the sale is conditional on gaining regulatory approval in Zambia, and shareholder approval from ZCCM, and is expected to take place in the next three months.

Once the deal is completed, Glencore will retain its offtake rights for Mopani's copper output until the debt has been repaid in full.

Shares in Glencore were up 1.4% at 280.65 pence on Tuesday in London, while its Johannesburg shares were 0.9% higher at ZAR57.47.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Today is a day when we remember the famous "I have a dream" speech.

One question being asked is how far have we really come?

The Board President of the Rochester Diversity Council Mia Erickson says we have made progress, but we have a long way to go.

She says it's important to remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s words and live them each day.

Erickson says the City of Rochester has been intentional about focusing on diversity and inclusion.

She says the city has done a lot of work to give everyone a voice, create positions on the county and city level, and by encouraging non-profit organizations to step in and create conversations.

Rochester is the only city in the U.S., according to Erickson, to be part of the Intercultural Cities Program.

This program, based in Europe, reviewed policies making sure diversity is managed positively and that its impacts are visible.

"There's still systemic inequities that still carry on and have an influence in how we function as a society. Those systematic inequities happen in policies and laws and things like that, that are then reflected in how we are experienced in this society," says Erickson.

She says we, as a city, need to make sure there are diverse voices at the table and we continue having conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Here is the link to the Rochester Diversity Council's page where you can get involved.
Authorities have stepped up efforts, to catch up to the national goal of innoculating 300 million people by July 2021.

India on Monday stepped up efforts to bolster trust in coronavirus vaccines after it was revealed that nearly a third of those invited to get jabs at the launch of a nationwide drive failed to turn up. The government has begun one of the world's most ambitious vaccine programmes, aiming to innoculate 300 million of the 1.3 billion population by July. In the first three days of the drive, which started Saturday, the government said 3,81,305 vaccinations were carried out. In the capital New Delhi, only 53 percent of people came forward for jabs, according to a health official.

"These are initial days and we understand people are waiting to see how the procedure pans out and how other vaccines fare," said Suneela Garg, a member of the coronavirus task force for the capital. "These numbers will go up as confidence is strengthened. And for that, we have to tackle misinformation."

The Hindu reported that in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the turnout was only 16 percent.

At a community health centre in Rohtak district in the northern state of Haryana, only 29 out of 100 people expected showed up, a doctor there told AFP.

"People are very scared. We can't force anyone to take the vaccine, it is voluntary," said the doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity.

With public doubt about the drugs spreading on social media, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan changed his Twitter profile header to say "VACCINES WORK".

"From the very beginning, we have warned people not to be worried about this misinformation that is being spread," Vardhan told media.

India has the world's second-largest number of coronavirus cases, almost 10.5 million. It has so far approved two vaccines for use, one of which is yet to complete its clinical trials. The government confirmed late Monday that two post-vaccination deaths have been reported.

One was a 52-year-old man who the health ministry said died Saturday in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh from "cardiopulmonary disease" and not the jab.

A post-mortem was being conducted on a 43-year-old man in Karnataka state who suffered a heart attack.

The government said that over the first three days of vaccinations 580 people had reported adverse symptoms.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 1,806 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 49 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Tuesday.

The number of hospitalizations increased by 11, and the number of patients in need of ventilators increased by 10.

There are also 43,229 total "probable" coronavirus cases in Louisiana, according to the agency's dashboard.

+2 An entire Louisiana family got coronavirus -- except for this vaccine trial participant When Ricky Salvaggio signed up for the Moderna vaccine trial in July, he didnt think it was a big deal. A retired pharmacist, the 66-year-old

Since Dec. 14, the state has administered a total of 267,220 vaccine doses.

The latest vaccination data for Louisiana shows that 66,343 more doses of the coronavirus vaccines have been administered since the Department of Health's last update on Thursday.

The state releases data on vaccinations twice a week, as part of its regular updates on coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The initial doses are the first of two -- spaced three weeks apart -- required for immunity.

These are another few key statewide statistics as of Tuesday:

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

Total confirmed cases: 328,860

Total "probable" cases: 43,229

Total confirmed deaths: 7,833

Hospitalized: 1,905

Currently on ventilators: 249

Vaccine series initiated: 232,131 (updated twice weekly)

Vaccine series completed: 35,589

Presumed recovered: 298,614 as of Jan. 11 (updated weekly)

Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here.

Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Tuesday report:

Jefferson: 204

East Baton Rouge: 124

Orleans: 123

St. Tammany: 123

Ouachita: 98

Rapides: 87

Lafayette: 85

Caddo: 75

You can view more graphs and charts breaking down the data by clicking here.

Louisiana began reopening for Phase 1 on May 15-16 then moved to Phase 2 on June 5. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's Phase 2 restrictions twice in August before moving the state to Phase 3 on Sept. 11. The governor then moved the state back to a modified Phase 2 near the end of November.

This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come.


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.
More criminals are getting away with a slap on the wrist instead of being prosecuted since the pandemic started, an official report reveals today.

For the first time, watchdogs said police forces were making greater use of cautions or 'restorative justice' schemes in which offenders apologise to their victims.

The report warns this could make the public lose faith in the criminal justice system as wrongdoers evade punishment.

Wrongdoers are evading punishment and instead getting away with slaps on the wrist because of the pandemic

It also added that the justice system will suffer Covid-related delays for 'years to come' with a 'severe' impact on victims of crime unless ministers agree a major cash injection.

Recovery from pandemic-related backlogs will be 'impossible' unless ministers agree a significant funding boost, four criminal justice inspectors said.

Top barrister: Close the courts during lockdown A barrister wants courts to be shut during lockdown after a murder trial was postponed when the judge contracted coronavirus. Daniel Janner QC said it was 'madness' for courts to remain open. Unions and legal bodies have also demanded a court shutdown on safety grounds. It came as leaked figures show nearly 600 court users and staff, including 69 judges, have tested positive. Mr Janner is defending Mohammed Hoque, 22, who denies murder, manslaughter and attempted murder. His trial at Southwark Crown Court in south-east London was due to last six weeks. It began on January 5 but was postponed till June after the judge caught Covid-19. Mr Janner said he had told the judge of his safety concerns, adding: 'I pointed out the court had no windows, I was unable to visit the cells and that the defence wasn't satisfied the court was safe. I'm 63 and need to be careful. I was proved right. 'I'm not blaming the judge  their hands are tied.' A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'We have no plans to close courts.' Advertisement

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell added: 'More out-of-court disposals have been given in crimes reported during the pandemic.

'It will mean people will be getting cautions, probably with conditions attached, rather than going to court.

'They won't be brought before magistrates.'

He warned this could have a 'knock-on effect' on confidence in the justice system.

The report said the pandemic had 'clear and profound' consequences for justice, with courts, police, prisons and probation services all in a 'critical' condition.

Justice for victims will be delayed, potentially leading many to lose faith in the system, the watchdogs warned.

Mr Russell said: 'We have grave concerns that this impact will prove highly damaging to victims, witnesses and defendants.

'Justice delayed is justice denied, so the longer we leave cases the more likely it is that victims and witnesses will drop out  and it could mean serious offenders go unpunished. That is a really big concern.'

He compiled the report with the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Windsor, Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor and Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service Kevin McGinty.

The backlog of court cases has soared to more than half a million in England and Wales due to the pandemic, including more than 53,000 in crown courts.

This poses the 'greatest risk', they said.

The report added: 'Inspectors found numerous examples of serious cases cancelled at short notice, despite offences having taken place a long time before.'

A spokesman for the Government said it was investing 450million to help the courts recover, adding: 'This is already yielding results.

'The magistrates' backlog continues to fall and crown cases reached pre-pandemic levels last month.'
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.
Need some comforting Bible verses for moms? I know many of us do.

Its 5:30 and my husband is nowhere in sight. Instead, my tween and teen are having an all-out brawl in the living room because Elijah patted Tori just a smidge too hard on the head. Its only the 436th time hes touched her this afternoon and shes done with practicing the Fruit of The Spirit. As I come into the living room, no one hears a word I say. Instead, a book gets thrown at my head by accident and my son decides its the perfect time to display his manly strength and proceeds to carry me around the house like a rag doll. Never mind the fact the place settings for supper are now on the floor and the living room is trashed.

When we dreamed of motherhood, we assumed it would be just like our Barbie Doll House. Ken would be home early, the babies would stay where we put them, all perfectly clean and cute. We also would have a gorgeous, magazine-ready home complete with a chandelier in every room and a tiny waist.

Instead, were 20 pounds heavier and no longer sport a size pencil stick pant size. Our kids sass, have emotions, and minds of their own. They also tend to be smelly and fight you every step of the way about bathing. When we said yes to motherhood, we had no idea our kids would paint the dog pink or use blue sparkle toothpaste to paint pretty pictures on the carpet. We had no idea our hearts would literally run outside of our bodies and we wonder why it seems so much easier for other moms.

The truth is this, momming it is hard for every mom. It doesnt come naturally for all of usand thats okay. God didnt make you a mother based on the letters behind your name. He made you a mother because you were created with specific insights, intuition, wit, and character that your children need. No one can mother your children the way you can. And the best part, we have a Bible filled momswith stories we can relate to! Lets look at some inspiring Bible verses for moms.

Who Are Examples of Strong Mothers of the Bible?

If youve spent your life trying to replicate your Barbie Doll dream years or your adult life trying to live up to the Proverbs 31 woman, chances are you need some fresh encouragement from the Lord. Lets take a pause and look at some extraordinary mothers in the Bible.

Sarah

Sarah was a mother who waited years before she was given a child of her own. She was 90 when God fulfilled His promise she would be a mother. Being 90, Im sure she wasnt ready for the 2 a.m. feedings, or chasing a toddler. Sarah laughed at the idea that God could do what He promised, but thankfully Gods promise did not rely on the level of Sarahs faith. God fulfilled His promise according to His plan and Sarah responded in Genesis 21:

'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. And she added, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.

Jochebed

She was a mother with a plan. When a new king came to power in Egypt, he was paranoid the Hebrews would outnumber and overtake Egyptians so he not only made them slaves, he also commanded all Hebrew midwives to kill all of their baby boys upon their births. Jochebed was a Levite woman and she gave birth to her sonMoses. She then managed to hide her son for three months. During that time, she came up with a plan to save her sons life. She put him in a basket and placed her son in it. Then she had her daughter follow alongside the river until the basket entered into the reeds where Pharaohs daughter was bathing. Jochebeds daughter Miriam, then told her she knew just the right wet nurse for the child she found and offered to fetch the wetnurse for her. Pharaohs daughter paid Jochebed to nurse and raise the baby until he was old enough to come live at the palace.

Mary

Mary learned to go with the flow. Mary was merely a teenager when the angel of the Lord appeared to inform her she would have a baby. This baby would save the world and was the son of God. He said to her in Luke 1:31:

Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.

Mary humbled agreed and was honored God had chosen her even though she was still unmarried and a virgin. Imagine the difficulty she faced. She embraced this revelation with faith. When she visited her cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth proclaimed, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Mary believed God would fulfill His promise.

Later when Jesus was twelve, Mary literally lost her sonshe lost the Son of God. Can you imagine how she felt when she found him three whole days later in a different city at a synagogue? These are just a few moms of the Bible, there are other mothers of the Bible who faced difficult days too.

What Does the Bible Say about Mothers?

Now you may not relate to Sarah, Jochebed, or Mary but God knows you inside and out. He knows your heart and He blessed you with kids. God has a lot to say about how children are a blessing from the Lord but that doesnt mean you wont have difficult days. God values mothers because we partner with him to raise up the next generation of Kingdom Builders. He knows just how tough motherhood can be and he values our efforts, our tears, and our exhaustion. In an article about motherhood, it says,

Jesus saw women as having an intrinsic value equal to that of men. He saw them as human beings and not second class citizens, which was how they were treated at that time. He wasnt concerned about their sex, age, or marital status but was more concerned about their relationship with God. He addressed women in public, regardless of the situation they were in, and spoke to them with thoughtfulness and caring. He didnt approve of the sins of the women he met; instead, he confronted them, knowing that they had free will to repent and turn back to God. Jesus regarded women with the highest regard, showing them worth and dignity as human beings. He valued their friendship, prayers for him, financial support, and witness. He honored them, taught them, and thoughtfully ministered to them.

10 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms

God sees you, he knows your heart, and the awesome but sometimes tough job we have as moms. The beautiful part is thishe doesnt want perfection, just our best. Here are ten uplifting verses for when youre having a difficult day.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Exodus 14:14: The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Proverbs 31:25: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 46:5: God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Photo credit: Getty/MoMo-Productions

Heather Riggleman is an award-winning journalist and a regular contributor for Crosswalk. She calls Nebraska home with her three kids and a husband of 22 years. She believes Jazzercise, Jesus, and tacos can fix anything and not necessarily in that order! She is author of I Call Him By Name Bible Study, the Bold Truths Prayer Journal, Mama Needs a Time Out, and a contributor to several books. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com or on Facebook.
Dog bites are becoming a 'huge public health issue' with adult hospital admissions from the injury having tripled in England in the last 20 years, experts have warned.

Researchers from Liverpool found that annual dog-related hospital admission rates rose from 6 per 100,000 people in 1998 to 15 per 100,000 people in 2018.

This equates to an absolute increase of more than 8,000 admissions  and the team warned that there is an 'urgent need' to address the 'growing public health problem'.

Dog bites are becoming a 'huge public health issue' with adult hospital admissions from the injury having tripled in England in the last 20 years, experts have warned

'Despite sustained education and preventative campaigns across large parts of society, the issue of dog bites continues to grow and is a huge public health issue, said paper author and epidemiologist John Tulloch of the University of Liverpool.

'Dogs provide large benefits to society, especially in these difficult times where they can provide great companionship.'

'However, working and living with animals can pose an injury risk.'

'Our study presents just the tip of the iceberg, as it only includes injuries severe enough to require hospital admission.'

In their study, Dr Tulloch and colleagues looked at the incidence of patients admitted to NHS hospitals in England for dog bites between the years 1998 and 2018.

They found that children aged 14 years or under made up around 25 per cent of all the admissions  but that their incidence remained relatively stable, averaging around 14 admissions per 100,000 people each year.

In contrast, the researchers found that rates in adults tripled over the study period from 5 admissions per 100,000 people to 15.

Among these, the biggest increase in hospital admission rates were seen among women between the ages of 3564, which the team described as 'one of the most unexpected findings of [the] research.'

'We had very limited information about the context of the bite, and it is therefore very hard to know why there was an increase in this demographic,' Dr Tulloch said.

'Further research is needed to understand whether behaviours, interaction, or dog ownership patterns differ in this group compared to the general population.'

He said that out of all the male patients, young boys had the highest admission rates  while among the female patients, young girls and middle-aged women had the highest rates of hospital admission.

'It is important to remember that any dog can bite regardless of how well you know the dog, and most bites will occur in the owner's home,' said dog behaviour expert Carri Westgarth of the University of Liverpool. 'As we spend even more time with our dogs during lockdown we should ensure that we give dogs their own safe space to be alone, give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and when your dog wants to be left alone  leave them be'

'Children are more likely to be bitten on the head than adults, due to differences in height, and this could result in more severe injuries,' added Dr Tulloch.

'They also may not be able read the warning signs that a dog is uncomfortable in a situation and may be about to bite.'

'This is especially true with very young children, who may also not be able to defend themselves or move away as quickly as an adult would.'

Hospital admission rates were also found to vary between different local authorities  with the highest incidence of bites found in the most deprived neighbourhoods, and rural areas reporting higher admission rates than urban ones.

Knowsley in Merseyside had the highest incidence  with 24 admissions per 100,000 people, the experts said, while the City of London had the lowest incidence at just 1 admission per 100,000 people.

Healthcare costs to the NHS associated with dog bites also increased across the study period, the team noted, peaking at around 71 million in the financial year that spanned from 20172018.

This figure included 25.1 million in hospital admissions and 45.7 million in A&E attendance.

Researchers from Liverpool found that annual dog-related hospital admission rates rose from 6 per 100,000 people in 1998 to 15 per 100,000 people in 2018. This equates to an absolute increase of more than 8,000 admissions  and the team warned that there is an 'urgent need' to address the 'growing public health problem'

'It is important to remember that any dog can bite regardless of how well you know the dog, and most bites will occur in the owner's home,' said dog behaviour expert Carri Westgarth of the University of Liverpool.

'As we spend even more time with our dogs during lockdown we should ensure that we give dogs their own safe space to be alone, give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and when your dog wants to be left alone  leave them be.'

'Dog bites to children can be very severe so ensure that you observe children and dogs closely and intervene when necessary.'

'Dogs do not want to bite you, it is a last resort response for them, so watch out for any warning signs of them being uncomfortable in a situation and remove yourselves, or them, from it.'

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Retired Army First Sgt. Kenneth Paschal will run for the Republican nomination in the special election in Alabama House District 73, which represents part of Shelby County.

Paschal served 21 years in the Army and received 11 awards, including the Meritorious Service and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals, according to a press release.

After 21 years of service to my country and 11 years in service to my state, I wish to extend my tour of duty as an elected official where I can best serve my community, Paschal said in a press release.

Paschal has lived in Shelby County for 14 years. He is a father and member of the First Baptist Church of Pelham, the press release says.

Paschal has worked with the Alabama Family Rights Association for 11 years, including as president and government affairs director. Paschal has been a post commander for the American Legion Post 555 in Pelham. He is a member of the Shelby County Chamber, as well as the Exchange Club, Childrens Policy Council, and Drug-Free Coalition.

A special election is required in District 73 because Rep. Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo, was elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

George Henry of Montevallo and Leigh Hulsey are also running for the Republican nomination. The special primary will be March 30. The runoff, if needed, will be April 27. The general election will be July 13.
The Government has been forced to abandon plans for a partial re-opening of schools on Thursday in the face of union opposition.

Education Minister Norma Foley has conceded that the phased return for thousands of vulnerable pupils cannot go ahead because of lack of co-operation.

It follows a decision by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and Forsa, representing special needs assistants (SNAs) to reject proposals for reopening because of health and safety concerns.

Read More

Ms Foley tonight said it was the first time that unions had refused to accept the advice provided by public health specialists.

She said Ireland was an outlier in the EU in not having in-person provision available for students with special educational needs at this time.

The minister also noted that the INTO represented teachers both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland and many schools in the North were currently providing in-person teaching to children with special educational needs.

It is regrettable that similar cannot be achieved here," she said.

Junior minister for special education Josepha Madigan also picked up on that point.

If special educational setting can remain open as essential services in other jurisdictions, including in Northern Ireland, there is be no reason why it should not possible here, she said.

Ms Foley said it was hugely important to provide in-person learning to this vulnerable cohort of children, and I regret that that this has not been possible.

She said the department had been seeking to support in school provision for just over 23,000 children - 4pc of those who would attend during a full re-opening - the children who experience the greatest difficulty with remote learning.

The needs of this group of students are such that no-one should be in any doubt of the importance of this goal, and its urgency. We all understand how vulnerable these children are, and how much they need to be in school.

She said the concerns and fears of teachers and SNAs had been well articulated, and she and her officials had listened carefully at every stage of this process.

We have addressed the concerns raised in relation to safety, including making public health officials available to education partner representatives, and subsequently facilitating three of the most senior public health officials in the country to communicate directly with teachers and SNAs."

Ms Foley said the Government had sought to agree an approach balancing the need to support our most vulnerable children while addressing the concerns of staff.

We will now need to consider how best to proceed in the interests of children and their families. The needs of our most vulnerable young people are at stake here, and I will continue to pursue every avenue to ensure that they can be restored to the in-person learning that they need as immediately as possible.

Labour spokesperson on Education, Aodhan O Riordain, has called on the Taoiseach to intervene to "resolve the shambles that his minister and her department have created over the reopening of schools for children with special needs.

The Minister for Education and her department have handled the reopening of schools for SEN students in a shambolic way. For the second time in as many weeks a failure to work with the trade unions of education workers has resulted in a total lack of confidence in their safety if they return to classrooms, he said.

I reiterate my call from earlier today for the Taoiseach to intervene to resolve this shambles. A flexible approach with discretion for individual schools is now needed to allow local circumstances and the needs of individual students to be considered in any reopening plan.

In a joint statement, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and Forsa said efforts to reassure school staff that it was safe for schools to open limited services to students with special education needs (SEN) had failed.

They called for a postponement of the partial re-opening, which was due to start on Thursday.

They called for further discussions on how to achieve improved safety measures including Covid testing, leading to the resumption of all school services.

The INTOs Central Executive Committee (CEC), and the Forsa Education Executive both met again after further consultations with the Department of Education

The INTO executive heard concerns that many parents whose children have special educational needs and additional underlying health conditions dont have confidence in sending their children back to school at this time.

Forsas Education Division executive committee heard that workers were genuinely fearful that the school environment was unsafe for students and staff. The union said the discrepancy between national Covid-19 safety advice  which is to stay at home and avoid contact with others if at all possible  and inconsistent advice about safety in schools was at the root of staff anxiety.

INTO general secretary John Boyle said the fundamental problem was conflicting health messaging, which had left many school staff totally unconvinced that the school environment was safe under current conditions. He added that yesterdays education department webinar, which attracted over 16,000 participants, clearly demonstrated the level of fear and anxiety among school staff.

We are calling on the Government to avoid a confrontational approach that forces a reopening on tens of thousands of fearful staff who want to follow public health advice. Instead, they should continue to work with us to ensure that schools are safe for students and staff.

Forsas head of education, Andy Pike said, The Government hasnt won the support of special education stakeholders. Im sure this was not the intention, but we are in a desperately sad situation where rushed efforts to prematurely reopen schools have pitched the special needs community against itself.

SNAs themselves are disability advocates. They know that SEN students need support, not least because so many enter the profession because they themselves have a child or family member with special needs.

It would be for the best if all parties would focus on a general reopening of schools as soon as possible, once there is an established downward trajectory in the number of Covid-19 cases and fresh public health advice that it is safe to do so, he said.

INTO President Mary Magner said staff were genuinely anxious and fearful about a premature return to schools when Covid-19 confirmed cases and hospitalisations remained so high, and new strains of the virus were increasing the risk of transmission.

Nobody wants to delay services for children with special educational needs from reopening, but most teachers simply dont believe its safe for themselves, their pupils or their families, she said.

The unions said parents of children with special educational needs held differing views about the resumption of school services, and that there was also uncertainty about the attitude of individual school boards of management.

Both unions said they worked hard to achieve progress over the last week  including on protections for teachers or SNAs who were pregnant or at high risk from Covid-19, and the position of staff who lack childcare because of the closure of schools and lack of availability of creches.

But there had been no movement on health and safety assessments, higher-priority access to the vaccine, serial Covid testing, or assessing the level of demand for school-based SEN services, the statement said.

They called on the Government to step back from forcing the reopening of schools, which would create conflict at the height of the pandemic.
The coronavirus has exposed the catastrophic effects" of ignoring long-term risks such as pandemics, and the economic and political consequences could cause more crisis for years to come, according to the World Economic Forum.

The WEFs annual survey of global risks lists infectious disease and livelihood crises as the top clear and present dangers" over the next two years. Knock-on effects such as asset bubbles and price instability lead concerns over 3-5 years.

The WEF said most countries struggled with crisis management during the pandemic, despite some remarkable examples of determination and cooperation. That highlights how leaders need to prepare better for whatever the next major shock turns out to be.

View Full Image Graphic: Bloomberg

The immediate human and economic cost of Covid-19 is severe," the WEF said in the report. The ramifications -- in the form of social unrest, political fragmentation and geopolitical tensions -- will shape the effectiveness of our responses to the other key threats of the next decade."

While the impact of the pandemic is dominant at the moment, other events will likely come to the fore, according to the survey. As in previous years, extreme weather is seen as the most-likely risk, just ahead of a failure on climate action. Infectious diseases make the top five for the first time in at least a decade. Digital inequality and the concentration of digital power are also seen as major concerns.

The WEFs recommendations for boosting resilience include combating misinformation, especially as coronavirus vaccines are rolled out. It cited one example of false information -- that ingesting highly concentrated alcohol kills Covid-19 -- which caused more than 700 deaths and nearly 6,000 hospitalizations in Iran.

More broadly, it said post-truth politics are amplifying hate speech, heightening the risk of conflict, violence and human rights violations, and threatening long-term prospects for advancing democracy."

View Full Image Graphic: Bloomberg

The forum also recommended holistic" risk analysis, investing in risk champions" to encourage international cooperation, and exploring new forms of risk management such as public-private partnerships.

If lessons from this crisis only inform decision-makers how to better prepare for the next pandemic -- rather than enhancing risk processes capabilities and culture -- the world will be again planning for the last crisis rather than anticipating the next," the WEF said.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 02:32:05|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MOGADISHU, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Somali and U.S. forces on Tuesday killed three al-Shabab terrorists in the latest two airstrikes targeting fighters of the extremist group in the southern region.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the strikes targeted the militants in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele of the southern part of the country.

"These strikes targeted known al-Shabaab leaders involved in IED facilitation, fighter training, and attack planning," Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander, said in a statement.

Anderson said no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation which came as the allied forces intensified military operations against the al-Qaida allied terrorist group in the Horn of African nation.

"We are working closely with our Somali partners to support their operations against al-Shabab, protect their people, and provide governance," he added.

Somalia and partner forces have increased military raids into territory formerly controlled by al-Shabab after driving the insurgents out of Mogadishu in 2011.

The strikes have largely targeted al-Shabab figureheads based in southern Somalia where the group still maintains a strong grip in some regions. Enditem
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Showers early becoming a steady light rain later in the day. Thunder possible. High 61F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 44F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
As vaccination drive begins at Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines urged to be first in world to vaccinate all staff

A mass exercise to vaccinate 37,000 front-line workers in the aviation and maritime sectors in Singapore began yesterday, paving the way for a revival of the flagging airline industry.

Vaccinating Singapore's 37,000 frontline aviation and maritime staff is seen as key to reopening borders of the island-state. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@caasint

The Singapore government also urged workers at its national airline to help make it the world's first carrier with all staff vaccinated against COVID-19, with Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Phong Choon also encouraging employees to receive shots.

A vaccination centre set up at Changi Airport Terminal 4 can administer 4,000 shots a day, according to experts.

"We have 27 vaccination stations, so based on a conservative planning norm of 12 patients per hour and 14 hours of operations per day, I am fairly confident we can do 4,000 vaccinations, if not more. (We have) the ability to scale up further if the nation calls for it," Dr Tan Joo Peng, the Raffles Medical Group vaccination centre's lead physician, told reporters.

Vaccinating Singapore's 37,000 frontline aviation and maritime staff is seen as key to reopening borders of the island-state, which is preparing to host events such as the World Economic Forum's annual meeting and the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian security summit in a few months' time.

Singapore Airlines (SIA), in which state investor Temasek is the biggest shareholder, said last year it had cut 4,300 jobs, or around 20% of its staff.

"SIA (Singapore Airlines) can be the first vaccinated international airline of the world. Try to get that done," Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung told aviation workers at the vaccination drive.

About 13,000 workers have registered to get their first dose of the vaccine this week and the exercise is set to be completed within two months, he added.
Rahul Gandhi

The Centre's new farm laws are designed to "destroy" the agriculture sector, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Tuesday and asserted that the only solution to the farmers' issue is to repeal the legislations. At a press conference, Gandhi also released a booklet highlighting the "plight" of farmers in the wake of the Centre's three farm laws.

He alleged that the laws will put the entire agriculture sector in the hands of "three to four crony capitalists".

The Centre's new farm laws are "designed to destroy" the agriculture sector, the former Congress chief said.

"I support the protesting farmers 100 per cent and every single person in the country should support them as they are fighting for us," he said.

There is just one solution that these three laws will have to repealed, Gandhi said when asked about the impasse in talks between the government and the protesting farmers.

Hitting back at BJP president J P Nadda for his tweets earlier in the day criticising him, the Congress leader said it was an "attempted distraction". The farmers know that it was Rahul Gandhi who stood up in Bhatta Parsaul and over the land acquisition issue, not BJP leader Nadda, he said.

"I am not afraid of anyone, neither of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi nor of anyone else. I am a clean person, they can't touch me. They can shoot me, but can't touch me. I am a patriot and I protect my country, and I will keep doing it," he said.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Haryana and Punjab, have been protesting at several border points of Delhi since November 28 last year, demanding a repeal of the three laws and a legal guarantee to the minimum support price (MSP) system for their crops.

Enacted in September last year, the three laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

However, the protesting farmers have expressed their apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the "mandi" (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Bangladesh opposition accuses govt of corruption in COVID vaccine

Dhaka, Jan 19 (UNI) Bangladesh Nationalist Party, (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the government has failed to control Corona and now they are involved in corruption with the corona vaccine.

Mirza Fakhrul made the allegation to reporters after the party paid homage at the grave of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 11am on Tuesday.

Today is January 19, the 75th birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. On this occasion, BNP leaders and activists including Mirza Fakhrul paid homage to his grave with flowers.
Amaravati, Jan 19 : Police in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district on Tuesday busted another fake news racket regarding temple attack in Eluru town and clarified that the Anjaneya Swamy idol incident was an old one.

"It came to our notice that some persons are using this 2014 incident as propaganda material to spread fake news on the social media," said a district police official.

Police later registered a case under Sections 153-A and 295-A of the Indian Penal Code.

Police clarified that the Anjaneya Swamy idol incident occurred in 2014 and a case was registered then under Sections 295 and 427 of the IPC at Eluru town police station.

"Accused Peraka Venkateswara Rao, 35, was convicted in the case and sentenced to eight months in jail on June 23, 2015," the official said.

Meanwhile, Prakasam district police arrested one more person for allegedly dubbing the damage due to corrosion to the Singarayikonda temple arch idols as an 'attack'.

In this particular case, police identified 33 persons for spreading false information on the social media, of whom six were arrested from different places in the southern state.

Prakasam district Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal on Tuesday visited multiple places to strengthen surveillance system, 24x7 beat and patrol systems for the security of all temples and religious places.

He met with members of village and mandal defence committees and gave suggestions on their security.

On Tuesday evening, Director General of Police Goutam Sawang held a videoconference with all districts police officials over the temple incidents in the state.
Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop.

Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News

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.
To the Editor:

On Jan. 20, 1961, in subfreezing temperatures, my dad hoisted my little 7-year-old body onto his shoulders. We had a front row view of John F. Kennedys ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., to his inauguration. Dad was able to stand in that spot because he was a proud FBI agent assigned to Washington, D.C. I can vividly remember Jackie Kennedy in her round hat sitting next to her husband in the infamous black convertible limousine of the time.

Dad was a true patriot pursuing his FBI career after serving in World War II. He insisted we wait for hours that day in the frigid weather to witness this historic and patriotic event  a presidential inauguration. Interestingly, he probably didnt vote for JFK  he was a registered Republican. Dad snapped a closeup picture of Jackie and John Kennedy that remains in our family photo album. That day was also my birthday.

In years to come on Jan. 20, my older sister and I celebrated two more birthdays in Washington, D.C., to see Jimmy Carter and then Bill Clinton be inaugurated. The feeling of American patriotism among the crowd overwhelmed me each time  pride in freedom, democracy and our nations leaders. I dont actually remember whether I voted for Carter or Clinton. That wasnt what those days were about.

Two generations after my dad, my son joined the Army. He was just like my dad, full of patriotism. A true American! Eleven years later, he was killed while leading a Special Forces team on a mission in Afghanistan. He believed in and was part of our nations determination to establish a democracy for the Afghan people. I never heard my son complain about the Republican or Democratic president who led our country during his 11 years of service.

After this 2020 election, for a while, I was in fear that my vote for president wouldnt be counted. I had mailed my ballot in instead of going to the polls. On Jan. 6, I watched the scenes of the mob storming the Capitol. I was haunted by the memory of that proud day on my dads shoulders in 1961 in that same place.

John F. Kennedy said in his inauguration speech that democracy thrives only when citizens contribute their talents to the common good. What a patriotic place America would be if each of us took action from those words. In the meantime, we will get the opportunity to vote for president again in four years. Our leaders ensured last week that each vote will count.

On Jan. 20, 2021, I am celebrating my birthday. I am also celebrating that my vote counted thanks to patriots in our nations Capitol who are just like my dad and son.

Suzy Jones

Orwigsburg
Alejandro Mayorkas, nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, testifies during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images)

Homeland Security Nominee Refuses to Commit to Keeping Current Border Wall

WASHINGTONThe nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security under President Joe Biden intends to swiftly halt all border wall construction and wont commit to keeping the current fencing in place.

President-elect Biden has committed to stop construction of the border wallit would be my responsibility to act on that, Alejandro Mayorkas told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs during his confirmation hearing on Jan. 19.

And I have not looked at the question of what wed do with respect to the wall that already has been built. And I look forward to studying that question, understand the costs and benefits of doing so.

Congress recently appropriated $1.4 billion for border wall construction in the 2021 National Defense Authorization package, which Mayorkas said he would examine to see what the opportunities are to discontinue any such obligation, if in fact, the law permits, and act accordingly.

During the Trump administration, more than 450 miles of border fencing have been constructed along the U.S.Mexico border, much of which has replaced old or ineffective barriers.

Mayorkas served as head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during President Barack Obamas first term and then deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during his second term.

He said Border Patrol agents have told him that a diverse approach to border security is necessary, which means border wall might help in some areas, but in others, more agents or technology would be more effective.

I look forward to studying the challenges at the border and developing a sophisticated approach to meet those challenges, Mayorkas said.

The National Border Patrol Council, which endorsed Trump for president, has said border fencing is essential to slow illegal crossings and keep agents safe.

The councils president, Brandon Judd, has said border agents are grateful for the new fencing, which comes with access roads, lighting, and technology, and that a wall is the only way to end the humanitarian crisis on the border.

Mayorkass nomination hearing took place as a caravan of 9,000 Hondurans continued to march toward the United States after breaking through the Guatemalan border.

When asked what his message to the caravan was, Mayorkas said, We are a nation of immigrants and we are also a nation of laws.  When people present themselves at our border, we apply the laws of our nation to determine whether they qualify for relief under our humanitarian laws, or whether they dont.

More than 67,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended at the U.S.Mexico border in November 2020, compared to 33,500 apprehended in November 2019.

Mayorkas would be largely responsible for carrying out Bidens immigration agenda, which calls for a large amnesty of at least 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, as well as broadening the asylum system and dismantling many of the processes Trump put in place to curb illegal border crossings.

Under Biden, Mayorkas would end the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program, which was launched in January 2019 to help stem the flow of meritless asylum claims that were clogging up the system by the hundreds of thousands. The MPP program forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their asylum case is adjudicated. Prior to its implementation, thousands of illegal immigrants were released into the United States to await their cases, most failing to appear in court.

On his first day in office, Biden is expected to present an immigration reform package that Mayorkas said once and for all fixes, I think, what we all can agree is a broken immigration system.

Bidens platform on immigration during the election included increasing the refugee cap to 125,000 per year (from 18,000) and vastly expanding government resources for all immigrants; rescinding bans on travel from terror-prone countries; halting enforcement of laws around legal employment; and promoting union organization.

An effort to decrease detention and Immigration and Customs Enforcement interior enforcement efforts is also expected, although Mayorkas said he opposes defunding the agency completely.

If the Senate committee votes to advance Mayorkass nomination, it will head to a full vote on the Senate floor.
By Kim Joon-hyung





Controversy seems to be growing over the amendment to the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act aimed at imposing a ban on floating anti-North Korea leaflets across the border since its unilateral passage by the National Assembly last December.



Valid criticism and constructive debate for the resolution of issues are always welcome in the Republic of Korea, a democratic country. However, distortions disguised as such and entrapping them in a malicious frame should be firmly rejected.



The argument that the amended act limits freedom of expression, a basic principle of democracy, and is advantageous to North Korea is an example of malicious framing. Such groundless distortions abound in both South Korea and the United States.



In particular, I must refute the typically distorted view, criticizing the South Korean government and the ruling party for supporting the amendment and claiming that it is misleading to say the act is aimed at protecting people living near inter-Korean border areas.



This view states that although North Korea's Kim Yo-jong denounced the anti-North Korea leaflets in June, residents in the border area were safe because North Korea did not threaten them.



But this is not true  North Korea's military fired anti-aircraft guns to shoot down balloons carrying anti-North Korea leaflets in 2014, and the South Korean military fired back, shaking up the residents in the area.



Before the amendment was enacted, there were no means of protection for the residents in cities near the border such as Paju, Ganghwa Island and Cheorwon, and so they acted to stop the leaflet distribution themselves. This is an existential threat.



Moreover, the Seoul government's stance is that the leaflets should be prohibited because they constitute a violation of an inter-Korean agreement, and are also a psychological warfare campaign against the North Korean regime.



The act should be called psychological warfare, not a human rights activity. Above all, it is a clearly distorted view that the amended Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act undermines freedom of expression.



South Korea is a country that believes in democracy, and the current government was born through a manifestation of the popular will, namely the "Candlelight Revolution." The South Korean government, along with its people, is proud of the country's democracy and will enforce the amended law in a way that does not go against both the intention of the law and freedom of expression.



It is ultimately not wrong for those in South Korea to say that it constitutes intervention in the internal affairs of Korea, in response to criticism by some sectors of the U.S. Nevertheless, it is not the essence of the issue, and it could entrap itself in the frame. The argument has led to a wrongful deeper frame  a conflict between freedom of expression and interference in internal affairs.



Former U.S. Special Envoy to North Korea Robert Gallucci, who played a significant role in drawing up the Geneva Agreed Framework between the U.S. and North Korea, pointed this out accurately: "This (ban) is really not a matter of a free expression. Nobody's saying that South Koreans can't publish what they want to publish. It's a question of whether sending leaflets across the border is the right thing to do and that has to do with relations with North Korea, and war and peace."



It has been possible to criticize Kim Jong-un and set his portraits ablaze in South Korean territory, and this has indeed been done. South Korea does not stop anyone from criticizing President Moon Jae-in, be it in Gwanghwamun or Seocho-dong. This amended act has nothing to do with freedom of expression.



Now, the argument boils down to whether or not it is right to conduct psychological warfare against North Korea, and with it inevitably comes the matter of the safety of the residents in the border areas who have to live with the threat of possible retaliatory attacks.



If you seek a peaceful coexistence in a hostile relationship, explicitly criticizing the North Korean regime and obscenely editing photos of Ri Sol-ju would, of course, be a problem. There is even a rumor that people contaminate the leaflets with the coronavirus before sending them to North Korea and the North Korean authorities know that there is U.S. money behind anti-North Korea leaflet campaigns.



The two Koreas agreed to a ban on sending the leaflets in the July 4, 1972, South-North Joint Communique, the Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression, and Exchanges and Cooperation Between South and North Korea (Basic Agreement) of 1992, and the 2018 Panmunjeom Declaration on Peace, Prosperity, and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.



Also, in 2016, the Supreme Court ruled that this could pose an urgent and serious risk to the lives and safety of residents in border areas and thus could be restricted.



Several conservative hard liners' remarks in the U.S. that the anti-leaflet law is nothing but a specious excuse, without consideration of the threat to and safety of the residents in the border areas, remind me of Sen. Lindsey Graham's interview amid the threat of war in 2017.



He said that Trump had told him that "if there's going to be a war to stop them, it will be over there. If thousands die, they're going to die over there (Korea), they're not going to die here (U.S.)." You would say this is an extreme comparison, but there is no difference in the basic perception that disregards the safety of residents whose lives are at stake, based on an arbitrary judgment.



It's better to be honest. Just say that the South Korean government should not continue with inter-Korean talks and should instead heighten tension and use psychological warfare that would pressure and lead the North Korean regime to collapse.



It is either ignorance or hypocrisy to unreasonably substitute this issue with democratic values such as human rights or freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is applicable over our territory, but it cannot be further extended to North Korea, a country that is labeled as an enemy at this point.



Credibility between South and North Korea is necessary in the process toward peace, and for this end, prohibiting mutual slander and recognizing each country's regime are starting points. These can be used as psychological warfare for the collapse of North Korea, if we want to risk tension and military collision.



These are all actions that need to be banned from both South and North Korea to solve this problem in a peaceful manner. Legally speaking, the use of psychological warfare during an armistice or ceasefire situation could be construed as an act of war. However, it is believed to be better for Korea's national interest to build peace through negotiation, and Korea strives for such success.



Concern raised by Koreans in line with some U.S. views that this problem may be dangerous for the ROK-U.S. alliance is not constructive criticism. It is nothing but the resurrection of the old form of arrogance to force South Korea to bow to U.S. demands through threats.



I congratulate U.S. citizens for having a more reasonable and predictable administration. However, we should be on the look-out for the resurrection of irrationalism and fundamentalism based on American exceptionalism, a chronic problem of U.S. foreign policy.





Kim Joon-hyung (joon6895@gmail.com) is chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA).




Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan constitutional committee Tuesday began its second meeting in the Egyptian city of Hurghada to discuss issues related to the organisation of general elections next December, an official source said
Tokyo police arrested two Chinese exchange students Tuesday for their alleged involvement in fraudulent money withdrawals related to mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo Inc.s Docomo Koza e-money service.

The two have denied the charges, according to investigative sources.

A mastermind behind the students, both in their 20s, allegedly created Docomo Koza accounts using free email addresses and connected them with other peoples bank accounts.

The two students are suspected of conspiring with somebody to create Docomo Koza accounts in the names of a man and a woman in their 30s to 40s in Okayama Prefecture in August and September last year, and transferring a total of some 700,000 into the Docomo Koza accounts from the Okayama residents accounts in Chugoku Bank.

According to the Metropolitan Police Departments cybercrime section, the suspects are believed to have purchased heat-and-burn tobacco products and tablet devices, worth a total of some 4.5 million after the money transfers, using a settlement service of NTT Docomo.
Protesters march at the University of the Philippines

The Bishops of the Philippines voice calls for an independent investigation into the recent killing of nine indigenous leaders, whom the government accused of resisting arrest.

By Devin Watkins

Philippine authorities carried out a joint military and police operation on 30 December in the city of Tapaz, which lies on the island of Panay in Capiz province.

Authorities were seeking the arrest of what they deemed high-value personalities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army, over alleged possession of explosives and firearms.

They claim nine members of the group resisted arrest and opened fire on law enforcement officers before police shot and killed them. Another 18 people were taken into custody in the operation.

Those killed were leaders of the Tumandok indigenous communities.

Eyewitnesses, however, dispute the official version of the events, and say the men were unarmed and offered no resistance.

Independent investigation

In response, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Capiz, along with seven other Catholic Bishops from nearby dioceses, issued a pastoral letter calling for an independent investigation.

In the letter dated 15 January, the Bishops supported claims that the victims were unjustly killed.

The families counterclaimed that the victims did not resist arrest, they wrote. The firearms and explosives were planted. The victims were murdered.

Criticizing a local dam project

Rights groups in the Philippines say the government often alleges that indigenous leaders fighting for the rights of tribal people are members of the Communist Party.

The indigenous leaders had recently voiced opposition to the construction of a large dam, which would impact the communitys ancestral lands.

Instilling fear

Cardinal Advincula and the other Bishops said the killings were meant to whip up fear among indigenous communities.

At least 500 people fled their homes in the wake of the violence.

This atrocity has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among residents in Tumandok communities, the Bishops said. Fear has forced many to seek safety elsewhere.

Protect human rights

The recent violence is part of a long-running trend of extrajudicial killings, which has seen many social leaders killed by police on questionable grounds.

In this vein, the Bishops of the Western Visayas urged security forces to strictly observe ethical standards and rules-of-engagement when they serve warrants.

They also suggest police wear body cameras to protect civilians from any type of abuse.
POTTSVILLE  A Shenandoah woman will spend time in prison and on probation after recently admitting to a Schuylkill County judge that she committed a robbery in April 2020 in her hometown.

Kaitlyn M.J. Collins, 28, pleaded guilty to robbery. Prosecutors withdrew charges of simple assault, criminal mischief, defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted the plea and sentenced Collins to spend three to 23 months in prison and an additional two years on probation.

Collins also must pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $400 restitution and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities under the terms of Russells sentence.

Shenandoah police charged that at 1:25 a.m. April 25, 2020, Collins entered the Turkey Hill Minit Market, 120 S. Main St., and stole several packs of cigarettes.

When confronted, Collins hit another woman and damaged a cellphone and store equipment and merchandise, police said.

Collins already is an inmate at the county prison, and Russell conducted the hearing by videoconference.

Also in the county court, Keith D. Neff, 38, of Tamaqua, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Judge James P. Goodman promptly sentenced Neff to spend seven days in prison and an additional 45 days on probation, and pay costs and a $300 fine.

Tamaqua police charged Neff with violating a protection from abuse order on Nov. 11, 2020, in the borough.
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.
It may have taken a little bit longer to appear, but since the coronavirus began reaching rural areas, there has been no stopping it. Now, though, research shows that these communities are showing reluctance with their best defense against the disease  COVID-19 vaccines.

Rural residents are among the most vaccine-hesitant groups, wrote Ashley Kirzinger, Cailey Munana, and Mollyann Brodie of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a national health information organization, in summarizing the first results of their COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor.

The Vaccine Monitor surveys and focus groups found that just 31% of rural Americans said they will definitely get the vaccine, compared to over 40% of urban and suburban residents. Conversely, one in five rural citizens said they would definitely not get a vaccine even if one was safe, free, and available.

Further, 38% of rural Americans said that once a vaccine is available to them, they will probably wait to receive it to see how it works for others.

In addition to rural residents, demographics most likely to be skeptical of the vaccines were Republicans, people 30 to 49 years old, and African American adults. Yet the researchers found that even when those factors were controlled for, rural residents were still more likely be hesitant.

This doubt seems to be fueled by attitudes about the disease, the survey suggests.

Though rural residents are just as likely as urban and suburban Americans to know someone who has had COVID-19 or even died from it, 39% of rural citizens are not worried about themselves or someone in their family contracting the virus. Less than one quarter of urban residents were that unconcerned.

Rural residents were also by far the most likely (62%) to say that getting vaccinated is more of a personal choice. On the other side, the majority of urban residents and nearly half of suburban Americans view receiving the vaccine as a responsibility to protect the health of others.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021

January 18, 2021
Michael Owen has criticised Mohamed Salah for being 'too selfish' in recent weeks, which has coincided with Liverpool's disappointing run of form.

Owen took aim at the 28-year-old following his underwhelming display against rivals Manchester United, which ended in a goalless stalemate on Sunday.

While the man defending him, Luke Shaw, had one of his best performances in a United shirt to date, Salah struggled to make any real impact and is now without a goal in four games.

Mohamed Salah (left) has not scored in four Premier League games and struggled to make an impact against Manchester United; Michael Owen (right) has slammed Salah for his perceived 'selfishness' and believes the Egyptian is not passing the ball enough

Jurgen Klopp's men, who are usually lauded for their attacking prowess, have been stuttering as of late and Salah's perceived one-minded approach left Owen frustrated after the 0-0 draw at Anfield.

'There is a lot of selfishness creeping in, I've seen that again,' Owen told Premier League Productions.

'Mo Salah is not passing enough of the ball again. He's never passed it much, but there are extremes. The last sort of few games I'm thinking: "Come on."'

The Egyptian forward has not scored a Premier League goal since coming off the bench to net a brace in the 7-0 hammering of Crystal Palace just before Christmas.

Owen claims Salah is 'not passing the ball enough' and was 'selfish' against United at Anfield

Salah struggled to make any real impact against Luke Shaw (left), who starred on Sunday

The goalless draw with United also saw Liverpool go three games without a goal for the first time since 2005, which left a subdued Salah frustrated at the full-time whistle.

However, while Liverpool as a whole have been struggling, many will chalk it off as a blip with the Reds still three points behind leaders United in the race for the title.

Salah himself had maintained his terrific standards up until before Christmas, having scored an impressive 13 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.

His form since joining Liverpool has made him one of the world's most sought-after forwards and has seen him linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Last month, Salah raised eyebrows when he gave an interview to Spanish newspaper AS and refused to rule out the possibility of one day playing for Spain's biggest two clubs.

The result means the Egyptian is now without a goal in four Premier League games

While Klopp emphatically ruled out the possibility of him leaving Liverpool, Salah moved once again to place the responsibility at the club's door over a new contract.

'If you ask me, I say I want to stay as long as I can, but as I've said before, it's in the club's hands,' he told Norwegian TV channel TV2.

'I'm always going to give 100 per cent until the last minute I'm at this club and I want to win as many trophies as I can. I want to give 100 per cent to the people who show me love all the time.'

Liverpool broke their transfer record in 2017 to sign Salah from Roma for 36.9million.

Salah has 13 Premier League goals and has helped the Reds progress in the Champions League

They rewarded his outstanding first year with a new 200,000-a-week deal  making him one of the club's best-paid players  in July 2018.

That deal runs until June 2023 and, as things stand, Liverpool are being careful with their finances in light of the pandemic.

There are no immediate plans to offer contract renewals but when the time comes, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson will be considered, along with Salah.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 10:08:33|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) company announced on Monday the signing of three agreements with Turkey to expand bilateral rail cooperation to further develop the routes linking Turkey to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the signing of the three documents was to maximize freight and passenger transport between Iran and Turkey.

Saeed Rasouli, the managing director of RAI, was quoted as saying by a press release from the ministry that "it is necessary to expand rail cooperation between the two friendly and neighboring countries."

The signing of these agreements will improve the connection of Turkey's routes to Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the link between Iran's southern ports and Turkey, he said. Enditem
Bacteria that can help buildings heal themselves have been tested at Tintern Abbey in Wales and shown to improve the stone's microstructure without affecting colour or breathability. Credit: Nilfanion/Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Stone and concrete structures with the ability to heal themselves in a similar way to living organisms when damaged could help to make buildings safer and last longer.

Over time the weather, vibration, ground movements and general wear and tear can take their toll on the masonry and concrete used in buildings.

But keeping buildings in a good state of repair can be expensive and difficult. Hairline cracks and other damage below the wall surface can be hard to detect. With large numbers of historic buildings and ageing infrastructure, Europe faces an enormous task keeping its buildings in a good state.

To maintain and repair the EU's 1.1 million bridges alone requires an estimated budget of 4-6 billion every year while replacing them could cost more than 400 billion. And as around a fifth of the houses in the EU are more than 69 years old  according to data from 2015keeping these in a liveable state will become a growing burden for the construction industry.

It has led some scientists to ask whether it might be possible for buildings to take care of themselves.

"Although natural stone structures and objects may have survived over the centuries, weathering and everyday stresses cause damage and deterioration," said Dr. Magdalini Theodoridou, an engineer and Newcastle University academic track fellow at the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, UK. "This could compromise the structural integrity and safety of buildings, as well as reduce their aesthetic appeal.

"Providing masonry and stonework with an in-built immune system, ready to work before damage becomes critical, will significantly benefit their longevity and reduce their maintenance needs."

Bacteria

To enable buildings to repair themselves, Dr. Theodoridou has been using bacteria that can act much like the immune cells in the human body that are responsible for detecting injuries and aiding healing.

While working as a research fellow at Cardiff University she was part of the GEOHEAL project which developed ways of using bacteria to repair damage to natural stone and masonry.

Previous work by other groups has demonstrated that it is possible to create self-healing concrete by seeding it with bacterial spores. The spores are contained within tiny capsules along with a supply of nutrients.

When a crack appears in the concrete structure, the capsules rupture and the exposed bacteria multiply, producing calcium carbonatethe main constituent of limestone and found in the shells of sea creatures. This hardens into the stable mineral calcite, which cements the crack together.

But while specific hardy types of bacteriacapable of withstanding the range of conditions a structure might experiencecan be added to concrete as it is being mixed, getting them into natural stone is more of a challenge.

The GEOHEAL team have developed a technique that allows them to spray or brush existing stonework with a liquid containing naturally occurring soil bacteria. These then work their way into porous rock and eventually heal damage as it occurs. The treatment also contains calcium along with nutrients the bacteria need to grow and produce calcite.

The two types of soil bacteria usedSporosarcina pasteurii and Sporosarcina ureaecan readily make their homes inside the stone, says Dr. Michael Harbottle, coordinator of the GEOHEAL project and a senior lecturer in geoenvironmental engineering at Cardiff University, UK.

"Stone and geological materials are by nature bioreceptive, thanks to their mineralogical composition and porous microstructure," he said. "The bacteria we have used can happily live in such environments and lead to new mineral formation, as long as they have access to water, oxygen and nutrients including a source of calcium ions."

Self-healing

While the bacteria could feed off the calcium already contained in some natural rock types such as limestone, marbles and sandstones, this could degrade the surrounding stone. Instead, the researchers provide additional calcium for the bacteria to turn into hardened calcite.

"We provide the calcium ions with the nutrients in order to boost the efficiency of the self-healing system, as well as to prevent decomposition of the natural fabric of the host materials," said Dr. Harbottle.

The researchers have also developed a self-healing mortar to hold stones and brick together by adding dormant bacteria to the mortar paste along with a network of 'veins' containing nutrients. When the mortar is damaged, these veins break open, providing food for the bacteria that causes them to multiply and repair the cracks. As they do so, they re-encapsulate themselves, becoming dormant once more and ready to start the repair process again should further damage occur.

Provided the bacteria can access water or oxygen, the self-healing process can take place at any depth into the stone that a crack may appear. Most treatments for restoring and protecting old masonry tend to be restricted to coatings on the surface of the masonry, says Dr. Theodoridou.

During the two-year project, which ended in early 2020, the researchers also collaborated with the Welsh government to see if their bacterial system could help preserve the historic Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, Wales. Tests conducted on stone samples from the site showed that the bacteria could improve the microstructure of the masonry.

Crucially they also found that the appearance of the stone itself did not change.

"For example, no colour alterations were found than could be detectable by the human eye," said Dr. Harbottle. The bacterial treatment also did not affect the 'breathability' of the stonesomething that can be a problem with conventional stone protection treatments and sealants, which can lead to the surface layer flaking off as salts build up behind it. This can then accelerate the weathering of the stone that is exposed underneath.

Infrastructure

Dr. Theodoridou adds that using bacterial self-healing treatments could be particularly useful for critical infrastructure and those that are difficult to access, such as bridges and tunnels. It could also help to prolong the life of older buildings that have suffered damage.

This could contribute to meeting global sustainability goals, she says.

The construction industry is responsible for around 5-12% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and 11% worldwide, making it a major contributor to climate change. By helping buildings last longer with fewer repairs, self-healing materials could reduce those emissions.

For structures such as bridge, tunnels and earth retaining walls, the ability to self-heal could also greatly improve their safety. Damage to these critical infrastructures can lead to catastrophic failures if they are not regularly maintained. In 2018, the collapse of the Morandi Bridge, in Genoa, Italy claimed the lives of 43 people and investigators identified corroded cables and damage to the concrete as being partly responsible.

Large parts of these structures, however, tend to be buried underground, making maintenance and inspections an even harder task. Self-healing concrete in these situations could help to save up to 120 million every year in maintenance and repair costs of Europe's tunnels and earth retaining walls, according to researchers working on the GEOBACTICON project.

Soil

Most research on self-healing concrete has focused on structures exposed to the air or water rather than those immersed in the soil. Different soil types with varying moisture and acidity can affect the concrete in wide range of ways.

"It is not clear if the process of self-healing is efficient within concrete elements exposed to such complicated ground conditions," said Dr. Adam Souid, an engineer at the University of Derby, UK, and principal investigator on GEOBACTICON. The project, which concluded in December, was trying to unravel how bacterial-based self-healing might behave in concrete buried underground.

He and his colleagues mixed calcium-rich capsules of gel filled with the soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis into concrete and shaped them into blocks. These were then deliberately damaged and buried into various types of naturally occurring soil. They found that in some soils, other soil bacteria could penetrate into cracks and compete with the healing bacteria.

The size and composition of the soil particles could also cause problems as these can infiltrate the cracks, while the amount of water saturating the soil was also important as it could generate pressure inside pores and cracks that affected the resulting healing. More saturated soils tended to heal better, the researchers found.

The findings have provided the team with vital clues about how to improve the self-healing processes in underground structures, which they are now starting to investigate. If they are successful, however, it could be vital for not just maintaining the integrity of concrete itself, but also protecting the steel bars encased within the concrete to reinforce large structures.

If exposed to moisture, acidic compounds and other chemicals found in soils, the steel can corrode and weaken, says Dr. Souid. "The bacterial self-repairing concrete technology can protect reinforced concrete structures and infrastructures actively and durably without human investigations, controls or interventions."

Self-healing stonework and concrete could even lead to exciting new forms of architecture in the future, believes Dr. Theodoridou. "In new construction, the possibility of incorporating self-healing materials and structural elements would enable bolder and more sustainable designs."
The Poultry Association of Nigeria has warned that the acute scarcity and astronomical prices of soya beans and maize would threaten additional five million poultry jobs in the short term if the government does not intervene.

Olalekan Odunsi, the South-West general-secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), spoke on Tuesday during a press conference organised by the South-West wing of the association in Ibadan.

Today, maize is sold for N210, 000/MT in most states of South-West, Soya meal N240, 000/MT, Mr Odunsi said.

Due to the importance of these two items, the price of poultry feed has continuously been on the increase from N2,750 to N3,000 in April 2020 to N4,850 to N,5300 now.

In December, most farmers were unable to sell their broiler because the cost of production was higher than what an average Nigerian can afford.

Presently, egg is going out of the reach of an average family with ideal price at N1, 300.

So we really need governments intervention to save the current 10 million jobs in the poultry value chain of our economy, he said.

Mr Odunsi called on the government to facilitate the importation of animal grade maize and soya meals.

He said the importation would save the poultry industry from collapsing.

He said the urgent importation of animal feed grade of maize would sustain the over 50 million layers, 100 million broilers, 1 million breeders and other classes of poultry until the next harvest season.

Mr Odunsi also urged the government in the interim to enforce a ban on the export of soya, seed and processed soya bean meal.

He enjoined governors in the region to put in more efforts to the cultivation of maize as they had done with rice.

Mr Odunsi stressed the need for strong collaboration among maize farmers association of Nigeria, soya bean farmers and PAN.

He said such would determine the PANs actual yearly need and to assess the later yield in terms of its need for proper planning.

Also, PAN Representative in Ogun, Blessing Alawode, said the date given by the Central Bank of Nigeria for the release of maize in February would be late for farmers.

Mrs Alawode said the collapse of the poultry industry could also lead to the collapse of maize and soya industries.

Dignitaries at the occasion were representatives of PAN from Southwest zone and Kwara.

(NAN)

ADVERTISEMENT
OCEANSIDE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc., (OTC Markets: TSOI), reported positive animal data in the 4T1 breast cancer model using its clinically tested StemVacs cellular immunotherapy.

In a series of experiments, it was demonstrated that StemVacs administration resulted in a) regression of established breast cancer in mice; b) that regression was dependent on natural killer cells, and c) that immunity to breast cancer could be transferred by CD4 T cells to naive mice.

Previously the Company announced positive safety data in 10 patients treated with StemVacs1. Additionally, the Company has filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) which is currently pending based on the Company responding to questions posed by the FDA.

"The current data, which conclusively demonstrates the induction of immunological memory to cancer, as well as the natural killer cell as a mechanism of action, will position us to provide the FDA responses to their questions from our submitted IND," said Dr. James Veltmeyer, Chief Medical Officer of the Company and voted Top Doctor of San Diego. "Given the fact that we have human safety data from outside of the United States, combined with these new mechanistic findings, we are confident in a smooth interaction with the FDA as we get closer to clearing of our IND application."

"It is known that numerous immunotherapies such as Herceptin are dependent on the ability of natural killer cells to function properly," said Famela Ramos, Vice President of Business Development. "The current data provides a scientific basis for us to collaborate with other immuno-oncology companies to identify and leverage possible synergies with other drugs that work via the natural killer pathway of the innate immune system."

"Therapeutic Solutions International is a 'science-driven' organization," said Timothy Dixon, President and CEO. "Having key opinion leaders such as Drs. Santosh Kesari and Francesco Marincola as advisors allows us to design and execute experiments with the highest level of academic rigor. We believe that the FDA and our scientific and medical peers will appreciate our philosophy."

About Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc.

Therapeutic Solutions International is focused on immune modulation for the treatment of several specific diseases. The Company's corporate website is www.therapeuticsolutionsint.com, and our public forum is https://board.therapeuticsolutionsint.com/



1 StemVacs Cancer Vaccine Shows Safety and May Be Eligible for Right to Try, Therapeutic Solutions Says (immuno-oncologynews.com)

[email protected]

SOURCE Therapeutic Solutions International

Related Links

therapeuticsolutionsint.com


Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Knotch , the leader in Content Intelligence, today announced three key executive hires, acceptance of multiple awards, and plans for the industry's first Content Intelligence conference set for spring 2021.

Joining Knotch's leadership team is Ben Plummer, EVP of Marketing; David Brown, SVP & Head of Strategy; and Eli Grant, VP of Accounts. These hires come at a time of hyper-growth for the company, driven by the acceleration in the digital content category resulting from evolving marketing tactics brought forward by the COVID pandemic.

Ben Plummer joins the Knotch team as the company's EVP of Marketing. With over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing at the executive level, Plummer has a proven track record of category creation for SaaS companies at every scale. "Content is the new strategic marketing weapon in the digital landscape we now live in," says Plummer. "Knotch's Content Intelligence Platform provides companies the visibility they need to connect their content to real business outcomes."

Knotch's VP of Accounts, Eli Grant, brings his extensive knowledge of customer experience analytics to the role, and content industry expert, David Brown, rounds out the impressive list, serving as Knotch's first SVP & Head of Strategy. The tech company has also seen high-performing team members take on new roles, with Senior Director of Sales Operations, Jamie Block, recently promoted to VP of Business Operations.

"Since my first day at Knotch, I have been empowered to expand outside my original job responsibilities to build out the Business Operations team," says Block. "I am beyond excited to work cross functionally to drive efficiencies that will lead to continued growth for the company."

This growth has reinforced Knotch's commitment to workplace culture. The company was recently recognized by Built In NYC, with Knotch named Best Places to Work, Best Small Companies to Work For, and Companies with the Best Benefits in NYC in 2021.

With this momentum, the team is gearing up for the first-of-its-kind Content Intelligence virtual conference currently scheduled for late spring of 2021. "This event will bring the brightest minds in content creation, strategy and technology together to lead the conversation on why the future of data-driven content is now, and what it means for businesses striving to deliver meaningful experiences," says Matthew Wasley, Head of Product Marketing at Knotch.

Be the first to know everything about the conference - from dates, to speakers and partners, and more! Sign up here to get notified .

About Knotch

Knotch is the leading Content Intelligence Platform that allows brands to connect their content to desired business outcomes. Knotch's data-driven approach to content research, planning, analysis, and optimization is empowering the world's most notable brands to fully understand their content's performance. From content leaders and CMOs, to communication directors and brand managers, Knotch empowers brands to see and act on their content in real-time. That's why brands including Ford, JPMorgan Chase, and Salesforce trust the Knotch Content Intelligence Platform to inform their content strategy. Led by co-founders Anda Gansca and Aron Tzimas, Knotch is headquartered in New York City and committed to making brands across the globe smarter through data. For more information, visit knotch.com .

SOURCE Knotch

Related Links

https://knotch.com


"Zander is a seasoned professional who adds a unique perspective to our firm based on his extensive experience in government as a federal prosecutor, in-house corporate as a head of litigation, and law firm partner," stated Adam Ford, co-founder of the firm. "Zander will be a great addition to our team and a trusted, strategic advisor to our clients."

Zander's practice will continue to focus on representing domestic and international clients involved in civil lawsuits and arbitrations, defending companies and individuals in regulatory and criminal enforcement actions and investigations, and advising corporate clients in an external in-house capacity. Zander will also continue to write and speak regularly on a variety of highly topical legal subjects. His most recent articles include two pieces in the Outside Counsel column of the New York Law Journal, one on federal diversity jurisdiction, and the other on the statute permitting discovery in aid of foreign litigations, 28 U.S.C.  1782, an issue that touches on a practice area that Ford O'Brien has greatly expanded over the past year with several cross-border litigations.

"As our firm grows, we will continue to advance our offerings with smart, strategic additions that overall support our firm's commitment to our clients," said Kevin O'Brien, co-founder of the firm. "I am confident Zander will be an invaluable asset."

Prior to joining Ford O'Brien, Zander was a partner at the New York firm of Allegaert, Berger & Vogel, LLP. Before returning to law firm practice in 2019, he spent over a decade as in-house counsel at three Fortune 500 companies, holding the position of Senior Managing Counsel at The Bank of New York Mellon, Head of Litigation and Compliance Policy at Cablevision Systems Corp. (now Altice USA), and Global Head of Litigation and Investigations at DXC Technology, Inc. Earlier in his career, Zander served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York for six years. During his tenure at the U.S. Attorney's Office Zander was a recipient of one of the highest Department honors, the U.S. Attorney General's John Marshall Award.

"I am very excited to join such a team of skilled and accomplished professionals," said Zander Shapiro. "The firm's commitment to zealous advocacy and personal attention to clients is exceptional and yields extraordinary results. Ford O'Brien is quickly establishing itself as a critical player in the competitive New York legal landscape."

Zander attended Yale University where he graduated summa cum laude and phi beta kappa with a bachelor's degree in European history. At Yale, he won the prestigious Henry Fellowship to study at Cambridge University where he completed a master's degree in music history. He received his J.D. from Yale Law School.

Ford O'Brien LLP represents clients in commercial disputes, securities litigation, white collar criminal defense, and regulatory investigations, throughout all stages of litigation/arbitration and appeals. The firm is dedicated to vigorously advocating on behalf of clients with creative strategies and sophisticated counsel to achieve successful outcomes in and out of the courts.

For further information contact:

Ford O'Brien LLP

575 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10017

(212) 858-0040

[email protected]

Website: www.fordobrien.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ford-o-brien-llp-995a5b110

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ford-OBrien-LLP-1084508568239782/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fordobrienlaw

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Ford O'Brien LLP is a limited liability partnership formed in the State of New York.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katherine Jaskot, Esq.

Phone: (212) 858-0040

Email: [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160412/354634LOGO

SOURCE Ford O'Brien LLP

Related Links

http://fordobrien.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.
New South Wales has reported zero locally acquired coronavirus cases on Tuesday for the second day in a row.

The numbers follow both the NSW premier and treasurer repeating calls for other states to remove border restrictions for Sydney residents - as millions is lost weekly in tourism revenue.

The state also reported two new cases found in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to Tuesday.

New South Wales reported zero new local coronavirus cases discovered in the 24 hours leading into Tuesday (pictured, shoppers in masks in Sydney)

Shoppers in masks in the Sydney CBD (pictured) in January after the protective item was made mandatory in many public places

There were 10,621 tests conducted in the previous 24 hours and NSW Health is treating 101 active Covid-19 cases in the state.

Spokesperson Dr Jeremy McAnulty said while the test numbers were up by nearly 2,000 from Monday, they remain below where they should be.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said on Monday that opening up the country's border is crucial to economic recovery.

'The more borders are opened up, the better the chance people have of getting back to work and getting on with their lives.'

The federal government has removed all hotspot declarations for the Harbour City, however, all states and territories are still banning some New South Wales residents.

Borders had previously opened up in early December but quickly slammed shut again after two coronavirus outbreaks appeared in the city over the Christmas holidays.

This week the Victorian government changed its 'red' declaration for the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, and Wollongong areas to orange - allowing some Sydney residents to once again travel south.

However, certain council areas remain red zones: Blacktown City, Burwood, Canada Bay City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield City, Inner West, Liverpool City, Parramatta City and Strathfield Municipality.

Victoria has introduced a 'traffic light system' for residents and travellers who try to cross the Victorian border (Pictured: Police at a border checkpoint stop vehicles on January 1)

Anyone who has been to a 'red' zone in the last 14 days cannot travel to Victoria without an exception.

Those in orange zones can apply for a permit to travel online with the only requirement being that travellers get a test within 72 hours of arriving and isolate until a negative result is received.

Queensland is set to review their border closure rules for Greater Sydney residents at the end of January - giving NSW authorities just over a week to link each case to a known source.

Under the Sunshine State's rules, the border restrictions will only be removed once there has been 28 days of zero unlinked cases.

Digital signs encourage customers to wear face masks at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney

In the two weeks over Christmas and New Year, tourism revenue across the nation was down $3billion compared with last year, according to study for the Transport and Tourism Forum.

The body's chief executive Margy Osmond said states being too eager to close their borders could destroy hundreds of small businesses.

'We can't recover without international tourism but we can't survive unless we get these domestic borders sorted out,' she told Sky News last week.

Police stop traffic at a checkpoint on the NSW and Victoria border in 2020 (pixtured)
Listen to article

Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday, paid a thank you visit to the minister of education, malam Adamu Adamu, following President Muhammadu Buharis approval for the establishment of a federal polytechnic in Monguno, the most populated town in northern Borno, where education is backward.

Until Buharis approval, Borno had for 45 years, since its creation in 1976, remained one of the few states which neither had a federal polytechnic nor a federal college of education. The Ramat polytechnic in Maiduguri is owned and funded by the state government while severe efforts and appeals by successive administrations in Borno, for the federal government to takeover the Ramat polytechnic were not successful. Similarly, existing colleges of education in Maiduguri and Biu are owned by the state government even as appeals for establishment of a federal college of education in Borno, also did not materialize. University of Maiduguri was the only federal tertiary institution sited in Borno by federal administrations. Across Nigerias 36 states, majority, including have in each of them, at least a federal University, Polytechnic and College of Education. Whereas Borno is 45 years old without these sets of federal institutions, some states created years after Borno, have since combined the three.

Determined to claim Bornos entitlement, Governor Zulum, a University professor and former rector of Ramat Polytechnic, launched an aggressive lobbying of the federal government towards the establishment of both a federal polytechnic and a federal college of education in Borno state, arguing on basis as of fairness and making reference to the havoc inflicted by Boko Haram on education across the state. Northern Borno in which a federal polytechnic will now be sited, is rated the most educationally backward in Borno State.

Professor Zulum could not hide his joy when he met the minister of education at the federal secretariat in Abuja. The governor eulogized President Buhari for approving the new Polytechnic while he was full gratitude to the minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu for his recommending the approval and for his compassion towards Borno.

The minister informed Governor Zulum that in addition to the federal polytechnic, Borno was soon to have a federal college of education like it is across most of the 36 states.

Zulum was accompanied to the ministers office by the chief whip of the House of Representatives who is representing Monguno, Matte, and Nganzai Federal Constituency of Borno state, Barister Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the governors chief of staff, Professor Isa Hussaini Marte, and some commissioners.

Bucharest general mayor, Nicusor Dan, declared, after a meeting with specialized companies in the field of thermal network construction, that there is a need for all those capable of working on the modernization of the Bucharest heating system.

"We need all those capable on working on the modernization of this system. We want to rehabilitate several sections in parallel, for various areas in the Capital, and this thing supposes contracting several companies. We are putting the necessary money (89 million Euro from the City Hall's money and 300 million Euro from European funds) for the rehabilitation of the heating system, starting with the hole-riddled pipes and the areas where most failures occur," Nicusor Dan wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

He specified that he told the representatives of the companies that participated in Tuesday's meeting that he will be changing the way of working for Bucharest City Hall (the PMB).

"We will pay the works on time, and in exchange I expect that all the partners that we will have respect the established terms and quality of work standards," Nicusor Dan said.

According to mayor Nicusor Dan, the PMB will soon launch two large modernization projects of the heating networks - a project from own funds, worth 80 million Euro, and a project based on European funds, worth 300 million Euro - with the goal of modernizing a total of 270 kilometers of heating network, starting with the areas where most failures occur.
In 2020, FAIR Health and its consumer website (also available in Spanish at fairhealthconsumidor.org ) won seven eHealthcare Leadership Awards, the most such honors it had ever received in a single year. The awards included the Mark Gothberg eHealthcare Organizational Commitment Award, the highest honor of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, recognizing industry leadership, innovation and commitment.

FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd stated: "Each year, FAIR Health Consumer's year-end statistics show again how a healthcare cost transparency website can attract a broad range of users. We are pleased to see that consumers across the country are using the cost lookup tools and educational resources on the site to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system."

Top Medical and Dental Search Terms

FAIR Health Consumer includes medical and dental cost lookup tools that allow users to search for typical costs of healthcare procedures in their geographic areas. In 2020, procedure codes were added that allowed consumers to search for diagnostic tests for active COVID-19 infection and tests for past COVID-19 infection.

In 2020, the top five medical terms searched with the medical cost lookup tool were:

Physical therapy; Chiropractic; Anesthesia; Psychotherapy; and Ultrasound.

"Physical therapy" climbed up the list from 2019, when it was the fifth most common term searched. The rest of the top five terms were different in 2019.

In 2020, the top five dental terms searched were:

Root canal; Implant; Orthodontic; Crown; and Cleaning.

The top five dental terms in 2019 were the same, though in somewhat different order. "Root canal" topped the list both years.

Age and Gender

Although adults across the age spectrum used FAIR Health Consumer in 2020, the largest age group was that of individuals aged 65 and oldera change from 2019, when the largest age group was that of individuals aged 25-34. The age breakdown of FAIR Health Consumer users in 2020 was:

18-24: 8.84 percent;

25-34: 19.86 percent;

35-44: 14.05 percent;

45-54: 15.36 percent;

55-64: 19.56 percent; and

65+: 22.33 percent.

In 2020, 63 percent of FAIR Health Consumer users were female, 37 percent male. The percentage who were female grew since 2019, when 57 percent of users were female.

Insurance Status

As in 2019, all types of insurance status were represented among FAIR Health Consumer users in 2020, including out of network (31.5 percent), in network (28.4 percent) and uninsured (12.7 percent).

Top User Locations

The top 10 states from which visits to FAIR Health Consumer originated in 2020 were:

New York ; California ; Texas ; Florida ; New Jersey ; Illinois ; Georgia ; Pennsylvania ; Virginia ; and Ohio .

The list of top 10 states in 2019 was similar, except that it included Oregon (in fourth place) and did not include Ohio. In both years, all four US census regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West) were represented.

Most Popular Educational Topics

FAIR Health Consumer features a rich library of FH Insurance Basics, articles and videos on healthcare costs and health insurance. One article added for 2020 is "How to Deal with COVID-19 Medical Costs." The most popular educational topics from this library in 2020 were:

Types of out-of-network reimbursement;

Negotiating your costs;

How to review your medical bill;

Estimating costs for a hospital stay; and

Healthcare services not covered by health insurance.

Most Frequently Visited Total Treatment Cost Bundles

Using FAIR Health Consumer's medical cost lookup tool, consumers can view the overall cost of caring for certain chronic and acute conditions and event-based procedures with FH Total Treatment Cost bundles. In 2020, bundles were added for three COVID-19 scenarios: hospitalization, hospitalization with complexities and non-hospitalization. The most frequently visited bundles in 2020 were:

C-section;

Vaginal delivery;

Knee replacement;

Hip replacement; and

Type 1 diabetes.

For an infographic with these statistics, click here.

Follow us on Twitter @FAIRHealth

About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent nonprofit organization that qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. It is dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health possesses the nation's largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 32 billion claim records and is growing at a rate of over 2 billion claim records a year. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data productsincluding benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics and market indicesto commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, providers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a national Qualified Entity, FAIR Health also receives data representing the experience of all individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B and D; FAIR Health includes among the private claims data in its database, data on Medicare Advantage enrollees. FAIR Health can produce insightful analytic reports and data products based on combined Medicare and commercial claims data for government, providers, payors and other authorized users. FAIR Health's systems for processing and storing protected health information have earned HITRUST CSF certification and achieved AICPA SOC 2 compliance by meeting the rigorous data security requirements of these standards. As a testament to the reliability and objectivity of FAIR Health data, the data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish and an English/Spanish mobile app, which enable consumers to estimate and plan for their healthcare expenditures and offer a rich educational platform on health insurance. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Dr. Marty Makary's book The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Careand How to Fix It and Elisabeth Rosenthal's book An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org.

Contact:

Dean Sicoli

Chief Communications Officer

FAIR Health

646-664-1645

[email protected]

SOURCE FAIR Health

Related Links

www.fairhealth.org


Advertisement

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was arrested on his return to Russia last weekend, has claimed a strip club, casino and a theatre are among a series of luxurious rooms inside President Putin's 1billion 'palace'.

Navalny claims to be in possession of leaked floor plans of Putin's lavish property on Russia's southern Black Sea coast which have been used to draw up artists' impressions of the palace's interior.

Astonishing 3D images of the estate's interior allege 'Putin's palace' features an arcade room with slot machines and a dance mat, a spa and a theatre inside the mansion, along with an underground ice rink and even vineyards in the grounds.

Navalny claims the estate, which also includes a church and strip club fitted with a lap dancers' pole, is 39 times the size of Monaco.

The images are part of a mammoth investigation published on Navalny's blog with a two-hour Youtube video recorded before his arrest.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was arrested on his return to Russia last weekend, has claimed a strip club, casino and a theatre are among a series of luxurious rooms inside President Putin's 1billion 'palace'. Pictured: An interactive 3D image of a strip club fitted with a lap dancers' pole allegedly inside Putin's property

Navalny claims to be in possession of leaked floor plans of Putin's lavish property on Russia's southern Black Sea coast which have been used to draw up artists' impressions of the palace's interior. Pictured: Navalny claims 'Putin's palace' includes a casino fitted with a number of poker tables and chandeliers

Astonishing 3D images of the estate's interior allege 'Putin's palace' features an arcade room (pictured), a spa and a theatre inside the mansion, along with an underground ice rink and even vineyards in the grounds.

Alexei Navalny has claimed a theatre - fitted with red curtains and a golden ceiling - is among a series of luxurious rooms inside President Putin's 1billion 'palace'

'There are impregnable fences, its own port, its own security, a church, its own permit system, a no-fly zone and even its own border checkpoint. It is absolutely a separate state within Russia,' Navalny says.

The opposition figure accused Putin of owning the estate, which he claims cost 1billion and was allegedly funded through an elaborate corruption scheme involving Putin's inner circle.

The report includes detailed interactive floor plans that Navalny says were leaked to his team by a contractor.

They were able to create 3D images of the interiors based on the floor plans, which included a gym, swimming pool and an underground wine cellar.

Navalny claims the estate and grounds that Russian media had linked to Putin years ago was paid for 'with the largest bribe in history'.

The investigation alleged that the estate, located in a secluded area that is heavily guarded by Russia's security forces, also had a tunnel from the mansion to the shore.

Navalny's team were able to create 3D images of the interiors based on the floor plans, which this reading room, which features accents of gold throughout

Navalny claims the estate, which also includes a church and strip club fitted with a lap dancers' pole, is 39 times the size of Monaco

The images are part of a mammoth investigation published on Navalny's blog with a two-hour Youtube video recorded before his arrest. Pictured: A artists' impression of a luxurious bathroom in Putin's palace

The opposition figure accused Putin of owning the estate, which he claims cost 1billion and was allegedly funded through an elaborate corruption scheme involving Putin's inner circle. Pictured: A large swimming pool is claimed to be within the estate

Navalny claims the estate and grounds that Russian media had linked to Putin years ago was paid for 'with the largest bribe in history'. Pictured: The large estate is also said to include a gym which is fitted with the latest equipment

'It is the most secretive and guarded facility in Russia,' Navalny says in the video. 'It isn't a country house or a residence - it's an entire city, or rather a kingdom.'

The investigation was published a day after Navalny, who was detained after returning from Germany for the first time since he was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent in August, was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Navalny claims that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) owns some 7,000 hectares of land surrounding the property and that the complex was financed by Putin's close allies, including Igor Sechin, chief of Russian oil giant Rosneft, and billionaire tycoon Gennady Timchenko.

'It is a separate state within Russia. And in this state there is a single and irreplaceable tsar. Putin,' Navalny says.

Navalny claimed Putin had been able to grant his powerful old friends high-profile positions on lucrative government projects and hide his wealth through his allies.

'Putin's friends, who received from him the right to steal whatever they wanted in Russia, thanked him a lot. But they also chipped in, collected 100 billion rubles and built a palace for their boss with this money,' Navalny said.

Navalny claims that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) owns some 7,000 hectares of land surrounding the property and that the complex was financed by Putin's close allies. Pictured: A 3D image released by Navalny of one of Putin's many living rooms

An artists' impression of Putin's Palace also includes this sitting area with a large sofa for guests to relax

Navalny claimed Putin had been able to grant his powerful old friends high-profile positions on lucrative government projects and hide his wealth through his allies. Pictured: A 3D image which shows one of the many grand bedrooms in the property

Navalny claims Putin ordered the poisoning which left him fighting for his life in August, an allegation the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.

On February 2 a court will begin deliberating over whether a suspended sentence of three years and six months that Navalny received in 2014 for fraud charges should be converted into prison time.

The Kremlin opponent on Monday called for his supporters to take to the streets in response to his arrest, with his allies planning rallies in Moscow and in cities across the country on Saturday.

Alexei Navalny was led away in handcuffs after being remanded in custody for 30 days by a makeshift court in Moscow - as he waits to hear whether a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence will be converted into real jail time

The new investigation, which ends on a call for Russians to rise up against the authorities, echoes a 2017 YouTube video in which Navalny accused then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of controlling a luxury property empire.

That investigation sparked large-scale opposition protests.

The existence of the Black Sea property and its links to Putin first became known in 2010 when whistle-blower businessman Sergei Kolesnikov described them in a public letter to Medvedev.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday brushed aside the claims in comments to the state news agency RIA Novosti, calling them 'untrue'.

The video accompanying Navalny's investigation had garnered three million views within the first two hours after it was published Tuesday.
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.
(Newser)  An Arizona woman who disappeared last week has been found and airlifted to a hospital. Jessica Goodwin, 28, was suffering from severe dehydration when she was located Sunday afternoon, KPNX reports. Her condition is improving, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said. "This is the outcome we have all been hoping and praying for," officials tweeted. Goodwin's disappearance is under investigation, after officials said last week it had taken place "under abnormal circumstances," per Fox News. Goodwin had not arrived at her job and had left her dog at home, both of which her family said were unusual.

story continues below

Goodwin's car was later found, damaged, near a car wash in the town of Queen Creek. Sheriff's officials said they found the abandonment of the vehicle there suspicious. Using phone records, detectives, and search-and-rescue teams converged on an area on the Gila River Indian Community, where Goodwin was spotted. Earlier Sunday, friends and relatives of Goodwin had gathered. "We want you back home, and I will stop at nothing until I have you back in my arms," Tammy Goodwin told her daughter in abstentia. (Read more missing woman stories.)
Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.
NEW DELHI : India, one of the world's biggest drugmakers, will start exports of Covid-19 vaccines as early as Wednesday, government sources said, paving the way for many mid-and lower-income countries to secure supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

The first batch of exports will be shipped to the tiny nation of Bhutan, said the officials, who asked not to be named as the plans are not public.

Two million doses of the vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII), will also be despatched to Bangladesh on Thursday, said officials briefed on the plans.

SII, the world's largest maker of vaccines, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SII last week told Reuters it soon expected emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot, which it has been licensed to make for dozens of low- and middle-income countries.

That would pave the way for SII to begin supplies to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative aimed at fairly distributing COVID-19 shots across the world.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored at refrigerator temperature, is widely viewed as a more viable option for many poorer nations than shots from Pfizer and Moderna that have more onerous cold-storage requirements.

India has received requests from dozens of nations, including urgent appeals from Brazil, to begin exports of the vaccine from the SII centre in the western city of Pune.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, however, wanted to roll out the vaccination drive at home before launching exports, one of the sources said.

India began giving shots of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as another developed by Bharat Biotech, to health workers on Saturday.

India plans to start exporting Bharat Biotech's vaccine at a later stage.

Another source said landlocked Bhutan would get its Oxford/AstraZeneca shots free. "We will begin from tomorrow, other neighbouring countries will follow soon," the source said.

Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and the Maldives have all made requests for early delivery of vaccines.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
3 1 of 3 photos from the Westport Fire Department Facebook page Show More Show Less 2 of 3 photos from the Westport Fire Department Facebook page Show More Show Less 3 of 3





An Eversource crew is still working to fix a utility pole after a car crashed into it early Monday afternoon, officials said.

A person driving a white SUV on Maple Road  accompanied by another passenger and a dog  was distracted when the dog jumped into the drivers lap, causing the car to swerve and hit a fence followed by the utility pole, officials said. All of the occupants were evaluated on the scene but none were transported to the hospital, according to Assistant Fire Chief Brian Meadows.
With the alleged intention of selling the device to Russian intelligence forces, United States officials announced in recent court papers that authorities are currently seeking to arrest a Pennsylvania woman who was accused as the person responsible and holder of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi stolen laptop from her office during the Capitol siege on January 6.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation or the FBI is currently on the hunt for Riley June Williams, a woman from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who investigators have linked to the events on Capitol Hill almost two weeks ago.

Based on the arrest warrant filed on Sunday night, a tipster called into the hotline of the FBI and shared to the authorities that he spotted her in videos from the Capitol siege.

The court papers also state that the tipster, who was not identified, mentioned that the friends of a Pennsylvania woman showed the person a video of Williams as the person behind House Nancy Pelosi's stolen laptop or hard drive from her office.

The warrant also states that the tipster stated that Williams intended to send the computer device to a colleague in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, which is assigned for espionage and intelligence activities outside the border of the Russian Federation.

The tipster also mentioned that the transfer of the computer device to Russia fell through for unknown reasons, and Williams still has the computer device or even had destroyed it.

Read Also: Pablo Escobar's 'Cocaine Hippos' Uncontrollable Breeding Pose Ecological Threat

As of the moment, the investigation regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's stolen laptop is still ongoing.

According to Fox News, when they asked a spokesperson for Pelosi about the stolen technology on Monday, it did not respond to the request, but, Nancy Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, tweeted on January 8 and confirmed that a laptop was stolen in the speaker's office.

Moreover, the tipster identified Williams after being seen in video footage of a British news site, ITV News, wherein, the alleged the person responsible for Nancy Pelosi's stolen laptop was wearing a brown trench coat with a green top inside.

Also mentioned in the warrant, in the first two ITV News clips mentioned in the warrant, a woman who appears to be Williams can be heard in the footage repeated yelling 'upstairs, upstairs, upstairs, and she can also be seen physically directing other intruders to proceed up a staircase, NBC News reported.

After viewing the said video footage, investigators confirmed that the staircase leads to the office of Pelosi.

In the second clip of the news agency, the mother of Williams mentioned to a reporter that she recognized her daughter inside the United States Capitol Building and that her daughter had taken a sudden political interest involving President Donald Trump.

She shared with the reporter that Williams took off and she does not have any idea of the location of her daughter.

Investigators believed that Williams did not only changed her phone number but also deleted a number of social media accounts, Washington Post reported.

After allegedly traveling to D.C. with her father on January 6, Williams has separated from him during the day based on the warrant.

Related Article: South Korean President Moon Urges US President-Elect Biden to Pursue Relationship with North Korea

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Beijing-based ByteDance launched on Tuesday its third-party payment service for the Chinese version of its hit short video app TikTok , "Douyin Pay", as it presses to expand into the e-commerce business in China.

"The set-up of Douyin Pay is to supplement the existing major payment options, and to ultimately enhance user experience on Douyin," Douyin said in a statement.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Users of Douyin, which accumulated 600 million daily active users, previously could use Ant Group's Alipay and Tencent Holdings' WeChat Pay, the country's two ubiquitous third-party mobile payment channels, to buy virtual gifts for livestreamers or items from shops on the platform.

ByteDance founder and CEO Zhang Yiming built up the company's payment capability in China by acquiring Wuhan Hezhong Yibao Technology Co last year. Hezhong Yibao obtained a third-party payment license from the central bank in 2014.

ByteDance has been ordered by the outgoing Trump administration to divest TikTok's U.S. assets on national security concerns.

The company, which denies the allegation, has been in talks for months with Walmart Inc and Oracle Corp to shift such assets into a new entity.

Douyin is the main revenue generator for ByteDance. It provides a glimpse of what TikTok could eventually become, as Douyin started selling merchandise in 2017 and now operates a growing e-commerce operation where hundreds of millions of users shop on a daily basis.

ByteDance's expansion comes as China's financial regulators are tightening oversight over financial technology firms, particularly companies such as Ant Group.

China's third-party payment sector is dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay, with the former taking 55.39% of the total market in the second quarter of last year, according to market researcher Analysys. Other players include JD.com's JD Pay, Baidu Wallet and Meituan Pay.





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.
WASHINGTON - For the past four years, walking into a federal building in the nations capital likely meant being greeted by a large, framed photo of a Texan.

There was Rex Tillerson, from Wichita Falls, running the State Department after stepping down as CEO of Exxon Mobil. Former Gov. Rick Perry, now of Round Top, headed the Department of Energy.

Brett Giroir, the former CEO of Texas Medical Health Center, led the governments coronavirus testing regime as assistant secretary of health. Susan Combs, a West Texas rancher, one-time romance novelist and former Texas comptroller, served as the assistant secretary of the Interior. And so on.

But no more. President-elect Joe Biden has not named a single Texan to his Cabinet, leaving Texans in the nations capital lonelier than they were four years ago.

It was nice having friends just about everywhere, said Larry Myers, a Washington lobbyist who grew up in the Texas Panhandle, said of the past four years. When youre dealing with Texans, its easier to connect, chances are you have a mutual friend or mutual interest you can build a bridge around.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Trump has thing for rich and colorful Texans

More Information it be running shoe? I don't quite get this reference xxxx she wore pink sneakers while filibustering an abortion measure in the legislature about 5 years ago, it was a big deal at the time See More Collapse

Not that the new administration is completely devoid of Texans.

Emmy Ruiz, a 37-year-old political consultant from Austin, will serve as White House director of political strategy and outreach. And with many mid- and lower-level roles still being filled, lesser-known Texans have time to find their way into the administration.

Its a little early yet, and some Texans may end up in deputy roles, said a member of Bidens transition team, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about appointments. But its not going to be like it was with Trumps Cabinet.

The spectacle of Texas power was on full display four years ago when the State Society of Texas held its Black Tie and Boots Ball the night before President Donald Trumps inauguration, a see and be-seen event for any lobbyist or political donor from the Lone Star state - presuming they had the connections to score a ticket to the usually sold-out event.

The mood that year was even more jubilant than usual. Not only was a cavalry of Texas Republicans on their way to Washington, but Houstons own ZZ Top was playing, as cowboy-booted guests mingled around trays of barbecue beef and Tex-Mex.

It was a great, great party, recounted Thomas Graham, the owner of an Austin public relations firm. The thing with Trump, he did not come into office with lots of relationships in government. That benefited Texans because those Texans who were involved were influential.

More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com

Trump would go on to hire Brooke Rollins, Perrys former policy director in the governors office, eventually promoting her to acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council. And Stephen Munisteri, the former head of the Texas Republican Party, served as deputy assistant to the president.

In fact, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank Rollins led for 15 years, became a regular source of Trump appointees. Kathleen Harnett White was nominated to head the Council on Environmental Quality - though Trump withdrew the nomination after protests surrounding Hartnett Whites questioning of climate change. And Bernard McNamee, another fellow at the think tank, was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

It harkened back to the presidency of George W. Bush, whose proclivity for hiring Texans was so great that airlines added additional flights to Texas from Ronald Reagan National Airport, Graham said. Among the Texans in Bushs Cabinet were Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans.

Talk to any Texan Republican in their 40s or 50s, and they all seem to have been in D.C. during those eight Bush years, said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University. You can do a Kevin Bacon (six degrees of separation) game thing tying people together.

Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox

As to why prominent Texas Democrats such as Julian Castro, secretary of housing and urban development during the Obama administration, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, or former gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis  who gained fame by wearing pink running shoes while filibustering abortion restrictions in the Legislature  didnt find their way into Bidens administration, the reasons run the gamut, observers say.

After so many decades in Washington as a senator and vice president, Biden has his own circle from which to draw. And with a thin majority in the House, Democrats are reluctant to move members from Republican states where governors can drag out the scheduling of special elections, leaving the seats vacant.

But should Biden appoint more Texans into his administration, expect those Texans already here to welcome them with open arms, said Myers, the lobbyist from the Panhandle.

Texans in my experience seem to have more pride in their state and put it out front, he said. My father said dont ever ask a man where hes from. If hes from Texas, hell tell you. And if hes not, you dont want to embarrass him.

james.osborne@chron.com

twitter.com/@osborneja

Richard Wilkins and girlfriend Nicola Dale debuted their relationship last year.

And on Tuesday, the pair proved to be going from strength to strength as they attended the premiere of Penguin Bloom in Sydney.

The couple beamed as they struck a number of poses on the red carpet at the star-studded event at the city's Westpac Open Air cinema.

Couple: Channel Nine star Richard Wilkins, 66, cosied up with girlfriend Nicola Dale [both pictured] as they led the arrivals at the premiere of Penguin Bloom in Sydney on Tuesday night

Richard braved the chilly wind of the harbour city by wearing a stylish black coat, scarf and a pair of tight black jeans.

Meanwhile, Nicola opted to wear a stunning black fur coat along with leather pants and a pair of low-shine black boots

The stunning blonde wore her luscious locks loose and dazzled with a subtle makeup palette.

Glam couple: Richard braved the wind of the harbour city by wearing a stylish black coat, scarf and a pair of tight black jeans alongside stunning Nicola Dale

Elsewhere, Richard's flamboyant son Christian Wilkins also attended the screening of the film.

Christian kept to his usual bold style wearing a long-sleeve shirt with a peephole offering a glimpse of his chest.

He paired the shirt with tailored striped pants and a pair of boots.

Bold: Christian kept to his usual bold style wearing a long-sleeve shirt with a peephole offering a glimpse of his chest. (R) Gabriella Power

He posed with pal Gabriella Power on the red carpet before the film.

Gabriella wowed in a plunging, glittering gown that sensationally highlighted her curves.

She wore her blonded hair out and kept to a glossy makeup style.

Power duo: Gabriella Power wowed in a plunging, glittering gown that sensationally highlighted her curves. (L) Christian Wilkins

She finished her outfit with a pair of strappy black heels.

E! News star Francesca Hung kept her look ultra-glam wearing a tight fitting white gown which had a racy cut out.

The beauty wore her brunette tresses down and kept her makeup palette glossy but chose a matte lipstick and dark mascara.

Style: E! News star Francesca Hung kept her look ultra-glam wearing a tight fitting white gown which had a racy cut out which offered a glimpse of her midriff

Vision in white: E! News star Francesca Hung (pictured) flaunted her incredible figure in a tight-fitting longline white dress with nude-hued heels

Rounding out the stars on the red carpet was The Project's Lisa Wilkinson.

Lisa opted for a pink overcoat which she paired with a black turtleneck and a pair of black pants.

She finished her look with a pair of peep-toe wedges.

Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts and follows a family who takes in an injured magpie which dramatically changes their life.

The film is based on a best-selling book and will open in selected cinemas this week.
Amazon India on Tuesday launched an accelerator programme to help early-stage startups in the consumer products segment go global, supported by money and mentorship.

The first batch of the six-month Amazon Global Selling Propel (AGSP) programme will have close to 10 startups. The programme has partnered with the governments Startup India, Invest India initiative.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Amazon India will provide a grant of $50,000 to the top three winners of the programme. It has also tied up with venture capital firms Sequoia Capital India and Fireside Ventures, which will invest in some of these businesses.

Indian entrepreneurs are appreciating the value of their intellectual property, more than ever now and want to own their destiny, by creating indigenous products, rather than just being manufacturers. From an Amazons perspective, we thought of creating a programme to accelerate the phenomena in the country," said Abhijit Kamra, director, global trade, Amazon India.

The adoption of technology and digital transformation has paved the way for India to be at the forefront of innovation, giving rise to some of the best startups in the world. There are many promising, emerging brands that have the capability to become big and go global. This is a timely initiative by Amazon which can prove to be a big stepping stone for startups to build their business and get access to global markets," said Deepak Bagla, managing director and chief executive, Invest India.

Amazon will also be hosting virtual mentorship sessions focused on peer learning by inviting veteran entrepreneurs and members of its mentorship board to help startup network and learn from the existing ecosystem.

Amazon Global Selling, our flagship programme to grow exports from India is witnessing tremendous momentum with increasing interest from exporters across India. Our partnership with Startup India to launch this accelerator programme will provide emerging brands an opportunity to bring their business propositions to life and help create globally popular brands from India. With Amazon Global Selling we will continue to make exports simple and accessible to businesses of all sizes and fulfil our commitment of enabling $10 billion in e-commerce exports from India by 2025," said Amit Agarwal, global senior vice president and country head, Amazon India.

Amazon chief executive officer Jeff Bezos, during his visit to India in January 2020, had pledged that the company will help export goods worth $10 billion from India by 2025. Amazon India said that it has already hit the $2 billion mark in July 2020, with close to 70,000 Indian sellers and small businesses being a part of its global selling initiative.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has likened the secretary of state's denial Brexit is to blame for empty supermarket shelves to the fable of the Emperor's New Clothes.

Mr Lewis blamed the trading chaos across the Irish Sea on coronavirus in a television interview on Tuesday morning.

Mr Poots said it was not "good policy to go about to say something that is blatantly not the case".

He was asked about the "destructive" approach of the "unmitigated disaster that is the Northern Ireland protocol" by his party colleague Paul Givan during Tuesday's Assembly session.

Mr Givan asked about what evidence there was of the Irish Government taking a more "constructive approach rather than seeking to isolate Northern Ireland as a punishment and to pursue their own ideology of the reunification of this island".

"And if they will join with you in trying to convince people like the prime minister and the secretary of state who are downplaying the problems of the protocol not least even today at blaming empty shelves on Covid."

Mr Poots referenced the Emperor's New Clothes in responding.

"Only it is not the small boy pointing it out, it is the entire crowd. He really needs to reflect on that," he told MLAs.

"We know what the problems are and we know where the problems emanate from. We know the issues that need to be dealt with."

He said he had asked for meetings with officials in the Republic over "significant issues of concern," particularly around delays at the Port of Dublin admitting there had been better cooperation with ministers in London than Dublin.

He said hauliers had been waiting for days in poor sanitary conditions in Dublin and perishable goods lost.

Read More

Mr Poots has been accused of "trying to wind people up" after he suggested processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable after the end of the Protocol grace period.

Speaking in the Assembly he said that while items such as gravy and trifle may seem unimportant there were "hundreds of products which are going to be challenging to have on our shelves post April 1 should we not get some common sense beyond that point".

Responding on Twitter to the minister's remarks about the Emperor's New Clothes Brandon Lewis said: "Not sure anyone needs that image in their head."

He added: "I also outlined that we do need to ensure a long-term solution for post the grace period and that Edwin Poots is right on that."

Pressure has been mounting on the Government to sort out the trade chaos that has brought empty shelves to supermarkets across Northern Ireland following the end of the transition period which severed links between the EU and UK.

Hundreds of products have disappeared in shops, many online sellers have stopped supplying NI customers, and freight hauliers report bottlenecks caused by new EU paperwork needed before lorries can board ferries from Great Britain.

Last week First Minister Arlene Foster said she had raised the disruption with Brandon Lewis.

Mr Lewis said any empty supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland were due to coronavirus issues and not because of Brexit.

Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, Mr Lewis said: "The unfettered access was always about Northern Ireland businesses into Great Britain.

"The flow of food and goods linked to the EU and the Northern Ireland Protocol has been good actually."

He added: "Where we've seen some images of empty shelves in Northern Ireland - although let's be clear we've seen them across the UK recently - has been linked to Covid and some of the challenges we've had at Dover due to Covid just before Christmas and the flow through the supply line of that rather than through the protocol.

"Supermarkets we've been talking to regularly have good flows of supply and that's important to Northern Ireland, being an integral part of the United Kingdom."

A protocol agreed between the EU and UK means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards and creates extra paperwork on goods travelling from Great Britain.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported from the rest of the UK following the end of the transition period.
Texas Governor Decries Vetting of National Guard

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 18 criticized the vetting of National Guard troops who are guarding Washington, calling it offensive.

This is the most offensive thing Ive ever heard, Abbott, a Republican, wrote on Twitter. No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard.

Texas sent more than 1,000 guardsmen to Washington to help secure the nations capital before and during the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Ill never do it again if they are disrespected like this, Abbott said.

No other governors had appeared to react to the vetting, according to a review of their social media pages.

Acting Department of Defense Secretary Christopher Miller confirmed earlier Jan. 18 that all National Guard personnel in the District of Columbia would be vetted.

This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events. However, in this case the scope of military participation is unique, he said.

National Guard members get instructions as others stand guard near the White House ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Some 25,000 troops are in Washington, in an unprecedented show of force meant to stave off any follow-up plans to the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol.

I think everyone is rightfully sensitive and wants to make sure they leave no stone unturned. And given the time, given the situation, given the 6th of January, the FBI and others decided this would be a prudent move, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Peter Gaynor said during an appearance on Fox News.

Both Miller and Gaynor said theres no evidence thus far of plans to carry out a so-called insider attack, or a plot from inside the National Guard against the U.S. government.

Gaynor echoed FBI Director Christopher Wray in describing online chatter about planned disruptions of the inauguration, but a top Homeland Security official said last week there are no specific, credible threats.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) sparked pushback on Jan. 19 after claiming on CNN that the guard is is 90 some-odd percent, I believe, male; and only about 20 percent of white males voted for Biden.

Youve got to figure that in the guard, which is predominately more conservatives  There are probably not more than 25 percent of the people that are there protecting us who voted for Biden, he said. The other 75 percent are in the class that would be, the large class of folks who might want to do something.

To have voted for Trump does not make you an insider threat, CNN anchor Jim Sciutto responded, asking if Cohen had any evidence of an insider attack being planned. Cohen said he didnt.
(Natural News) Enemies of the United States may be using the various political crises at the Capitol to prepare and launch an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack, according to cybersecurity experts.

Since last year, the U.S. has been skating on thin ice with the tumultuous Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and recently the second impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Trumps ardent critics at the House of Representatives are also proposing to bar him from the nations nuclear codes during his last few days in office.

Peter Pry, executive director of the EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security, said that these domestic crises create a golden opportunity for Americas greatest enemies to launch a surprise offensive.

The U.S. political crisis is being closely watched by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as a potential golden opportunity for aggression, including the worst-case nuclear electromagnetic pulse attack, Pry said in a recent interview.

America in danger of an EMP attack

Pry warned that Americas domestic crises may wear down national security and expose the country to an EMP attack. An EMP is an invisible and silent burst of electromagnetic energy that fries electronic equipment and usually knocks out the power grid.

A successful EMP attack on the country will cause a nationwide blackout and the shutdown of critical infrastructures like communications, transportation, food and water supply and sanitation. These conditions can last as long as a year and cause the death of many Americans due to societal collapse.

In an article for the Hill published last year, Pry sounded the alarm about a potential surprise EMP strike by China. The latters plans, according to Pry, are all evident in Chinese military writings.

Even a super military power like the United States, which possesses nuclear missiles and powerful armed forces, cannot guarantee its immunity  In their own words, a highly computerized open society like the United States is extremely vulnerable to electronic attacks from all sides, said Pry.

Domestic crises further put the U.S. in danger. Totalitarian and authoritarian states view leadership crises and periods of deep domestic political division as invitations to aggression, Pry said in the interview.

He warned of the danger posed by the people who infiltrated last years BLM protests. According to Pry, these individuals display a swelling counter-culture anarchy and self-condemnation reminiscent of the 1968 riots and anti-war protests that are recognized as the turning point in the nations defeat in the Vietnam War. (Related: PROOF: BLM activist posed as Trump supporter before Capitol false flag.)

To make matters worse, House Speaker and Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi demanded the Department of Defense to remove Trumps access to the nuclear codes. This move is probably far more dangerous to U.S. national security than the mobbing of the Capitol, Pry said in reference to the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Civil crises can lead to WWIII Cybergeddon Pry warned that these civil crises can lead to a World War III Cybergeddon, where the internet and electric grid go down. When that happens, a total of 295 million people (or 90 percent of Americans) could die within the first year due to starvation, disease and societal collapse.

Pry believes that the United States is simply unprepared for a large-scale disaster, as proven by its inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As he noted in the Hill article, the U.S. spent decades and billions of dollars preparing for biological warfare and funding health and defense departments, which should have contingency plans to protect Americans from lethal biological weapons. Yet these departments failed to manage the pandemic and instead pushed the country to the worst economic crisis it has seen since the Great Depression, according to Pry.

In the midst of this, Americas foes are watching. Hostile foreign powers surely have noticed the panicked, incompetent U.S. response to the virus that shut down a prosperous U.S. economy, Pry said.

Americas domestic crises are a real threat to the safety of all Americans. Learn more about the many ways foreign enemies are destroying the U.S. at NationalSecurity.news.

Sources include:

WashingtonExaminer.com

Large.Stanford.edu

TheHill.com

NYTimes.com

TheSun.co.uk
S. Sriram informed the court that the AP government was duty-bound to follow the guidelines issued by the Centre on the Covid-19 vaccination programme.(Photo:ANI)

Vijayawada: Advocate general S. Sriram has informed the AP High Court that the state government is now fully committed to conducting the Covid-19 vaccination programme in a smooth manner. While this is the first priority, the state would also ensure better turnout of voters in the gram panchayat polls if the elections are held after completion of the vaccination programme.

This is why the state government is raising objections against the state election commission (SEC) move to hold the polls in February, he said.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice Ch. Praveen Kumar held the hearing on Monday as the SEC challenged the interim order issued by the single judge suspending the election schedule for gram panchayat polls in four phases in February.

Advocate general S. Sriram informed the court that the AP government was duty-bound to follow the guidelines issued by the Centre on the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Under the circumstances, the government was not expected to take any decision that would disrupt the vaccination programme.

He said the state government was not in a position to simultaneously take up the Covid-19 vaccination programme and the gram panchayat polls. If polls are held alongside the vaccination programme, the voter turnout would not cross 50 per cent. The people would be afraid of coming out for voting as it involved a risk to their health.

The AG said if the polls are held after completion of the ongoing vaccination programme, it would help enhance the voter turnout.

The AG explained to the court as to how the state had carried out a dry run based on the guidelines from the Centre before taking up the vaccination programme. The onerous task involved vaccination of 3.7 lakh healthcare workers, seven lakh frontline workers, 95 lakh ordinary individuals above age 50 and 45 lakh people aged below 50 with multiple health issues, in a phased manner.

Based on the availability of vaccine doses and the response from targeted persons, the government would go ahead with the vaccination programme. He also informed the court that as the two doses of vaccine are to be administered with a space of 28 days, it would take time to complete the exercise.

The AG referred to SEC Ramesh Kumars stand that as the election process was already started, there should be no interference with it. The Supreme Court had made it clear as to what the circumstances are under which courts could intervene in such matters, he said, and argued that the state government was according top priority to protecting the lives of the people.

Assistant solicitor general N. Harinath informed the court that lots of manpower and machinery are required for taking up the vaccination programme. Elections could be held any time but safeguarding the lives of the people is more important.

SEC senior counsel B. Adinarayana Rao said the SEC was conducting gram panchayat polls as part of its Constitutional responsibility and asked as to what personal benefit the SEC could derive by holding polls as per present schedule. After all, his kin were not contesting the polls.

SEC senior counsel D.V. Sitharama Murthy told the court that the state government made the SEC a respondent in its petition in his individual capacity and asked as to how motives could be attributed to him when he was only discharging his duty.

The court fixed the next hearing of the case for January 19 and asked SEC counsel to file his reply.

Riot police in New York City fought with protesters who marched across Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Monday.

A Black Lives Matter demonstration began peacefully in Brooklyn on Monday afternoon to mark the annual commemoration.

Several hundred people then crossed into Manhattan.

As night fell, they were told to clear the area but some refused. CBS reported that 30 people were arrested, and ten police officers were injured including a captain struck on the head with a bottle.

Officers with the New York Police Department clashed with protesters on Monday night

Images and videos posted on social media showed unrest on Monday night outside City Hall

Protesters marched across Brooklyn Bridge (pictured) after a rally that began in Brooklyn

Photos and video on social media showed the scuffles.

Freelance video journalist Leeroy Johnson filmed the police rushing the crowd, attempting to force them from the road.

In another picture a man could be seen being carried away by the police.

'They definitely charged multiple times,' said Egypt Staley, 22, of Washington Heights.

He told the New York Daily News: 'Some people were just being grabbed off the sidewalk. Some people were not even facing them.

'They surrounded us. People were trying to leave. Some people were like, 'How can I even leave?' '

Helen Guzman, 30, told the paper: 'They were really violent. Cops were pushing, shoving folks, pummeling people, tackling them.'

The area was all quiet by around 10pm, according to social media.

NYPD attacking protesters at City Hall Park pic.twitter.com/BHtH76kyde  Isabelle Leyva (@isabelle_leyva) January 19, 2021

Demonstrators were seen scuffling with the police during Monday night's melee

Monday's unrest came four days after New York's attorney general sued the New York Police Department for its handling of the George Floyd protests in the spring.

Letitia James, the attorney general, called the rough treatment of protesters against racial injustice part of a longstanding pattern of abuse that stemmed from inadequate training, supervision and discipline.

James' lawsuit includes dozens of examples of alleged misconduct during the spring demonstrations in the wake of Floyd's police killing, including the use of pepper spray and batons on protesters, trapping demonstrators with a technique called kettling and arresting medics and legal observers.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing the New York City Police Department and its leadership over the excessive, brutal and unlawful handling of Black Lives Matter protests last year

James said she found 'a pattern of deeply concerning and unlawful practices that the NYPD utilized in response to these largely peaceful protests' (Picture above captured in Times Square on May 30)

'We found a pattern of deeply concerning and unlawful practices that the NYPD utilized in response to these largely peaceful protests,' James said at a news conference announcing the lawsuit.

James, a Democrat, was tasked by Gov. Andrew Cuomo with investigating whether NYPD officers used excessive force to quell unrest and enforce Mayor Bill de Blasio's nightly curfew.

She issued a preliminary report in July that cited a 'clear breakdown of trust between police and the public.'

James is seeking reforms including the appointment of a federal monitor to oversee the NYPD's policing tactics at future protests and a court order declaring that the policies and practices the department used during the protests were unlawful.

The lawsuit in federal court named the city, de Blasio, police Commissioner Dermot Shea and Chief of Department Terence Monahan as defendants.

James criticized de Blasio for saying the use of kettling was justified and Shea for saying that the NYPD 'had a plan which was executed nearly flawlessly' when officers aggressively cracked down on protesters on June 4 in the Bronx.

The landmark suit, filed in the Southern District of New York on Thursday, names (left to right) Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, Chief of Department Terence Monahan and Mayor Bill de Blasio as defendants.

It comes as the culmination following a months-long investigation into the NYPD's actions during racial injustice protests in the Big Apple from May through December (Pictured: NYPD officers arrest protesters during a demonstration against the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day, on May 30)

In June, at the height of the protests, de Blasio was accused of misleading the city when he told reporters that he personally saw 'no use of force around peaceful protests,' even after officers had been caught on video moving on demonstrators without provocation and bashing them with batons.

De Blasio said he met with James on Wednesday and that they share the goal of pushing for major police reforms, such as implementing recommendations in previous reports on the NYPD's protest response.

De Blasio, also a Democrat, said however that he did not agree a lawsuit was the solution.

'A court process and the added bureaucracy of a federal monitor will not speed up this work,' de Blasio said. 'There is no time to waste and we will continue to press forward.'

John Miller, the NYPD's deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, said the department is committed to reform but that James' lawsuit 'doesn't seem to meet the standard for a federal monitor, and it doesn't seem to illustrate a pattern and practice' as required.

The head of the city's largest police union blamed a 'failure of New York City's leadership' for sending officers 'to police unprecedented protests and violent riots with no plan, no strategy and no support.'

'They should be forced to answer for the resulting chaos, instead of pointing fingers at cops on the streets and ignoring the criminals who attacked us with bricks and firebombs,' Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

James' lawsuit is the second major legal action to stem from the NYPD's handling of the protests.

In October, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Legal Aid Society sued the city on behalf of protesters who say they were assaulted and abused by police.

Andrew Smith, a black man who was seen on video getting pepper sprayed in the face by a white officer who'd tore down his facemask, said that officer 'showed the world the inadequate training, the violent racist culture of the NYPD when he attacked me when my hands were high up in the air.'

A civil rights organization and a city watchdog agency have also criticized the department's actions.

Human Rights Watch issued a report in November on the Bronx crackdown and the city's inspector general issued a report in December that found that the NYPD was caught off guard by the size of the protests and resorted to aggressive tactics that stoked tensions and stifled free speech.

Mark Winston Griffith, a spokesperson for the advocacy group Communities United for Police Reform applauded the lawsuit, saying: 'NYPD violence against protesters is a long-standing problem and it's a credit to Attorney General James that she's using the power of her office to challenge the systemic lack of accountability for this violence.'

In a joint statement, the NYCLU and Legal Aid Society said: 'We hope this will be the beginning of a serious reckoning over police violence and militarized use of force against protesters, especially people of color, and a check on the impunity many officers have come to see as their right.'
Photo: Contributed

Today is 'Blue Monday', a day known as the most depressing day of the year. But says who?



The idea was actually created by the now-defunct U.K. company Sky Travel who coined term back in 2005 in a press release.

They claimed to have calculated the date using an equation using data such as debt, motivation, weather, and other variables.

A complex formula was developed by U.K. psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall for the travel company.

According to CNN, "the formula was meant to analyze when people booked holidays, assuming that people were most likely to buy a ticket to paradise when they were feeling down."

"Arnall was asked to come up with the best day to book a holiday trip, so he thought of reasons why people might want to take a holiday -- and thus, the gloomiest day of the year was born."

The formula is: [W + (D-d)] x TQ/M x NA.



W stands for the weather. D is debt and d is monthly salary, while T means the time since Christmas and Q is the time since you gave up on your New Years' resolution.



There is no scientific merit to the formula as there is no way to measure the average number of days since stopped their New Year's resolution or average temperatures, as they vary across the world.



"I had no idea it would gain the popularity that it has," added Arnall told CNN. "I guess a lot of people recognize it in themselves."



Arnall was paid 1,200 to come up with Blue Monday for Sky Travel.



Although 'Blue Monday' may not be real, January is seen as the most depressing month of the year. Many people suffer from the winter blues, more clinically known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.



It's a form of depression that people experience usually during the fall and winter months when there's less sunlight.



The Canadian Mental Health Association says getting out, even for a short time, to get sunlight could help with your mood. If that isn't an option, there is light therapy, which can provide special light that helps to impact your mood.
At Least 4 Injured After Multiple Shootings in Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Shelter-in-place order issued

At least four people were injured on Monday afternoon after multiple shootings were reported in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The spate of violence prompted a shelter-in-place order for the county.

Due to several shooting incidents in the area, police are asking those on the 196 corridor between Pocono Country Place and Pocono Farms East to shelter in place. Report any suspicious activity, the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management announced on Twitter late Monday.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner told a news conference that police are actively investigating after four separate shootings in which four people north of Mount Pocono were shot in rapid succession.

Around 5 p.m. on Monday, officers found a a 47-year-old woman shot in the back and a 19-year-old male shot in the arm at 5330 Ledgewood Drive, or the Pocono Country Place. Authorities are withholding names of the victims.

Another report came through around the same time of another victim in a parking lot near the intersection of Kings Way and Route 196. The victim is believed to have had a gunshot wound to the head, Wagner told reporters late Monday.

That victim was in and out of consciousness, and obviously medical services were summoned, he said.

As police were dealing with that scene, we received another report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Campbell [Drive] and Kingsway, he continued. Upon police response there, again we found a fourth victim with what we believed to be a gunshot wound to the leg.

The victim with a gunshot wound to the head and the victim with a gunshot wound to the leg are both 20 years old, reported WFMZ.

Wagner said the investigation is very active. We do have multiple witnesses, multiple victims and we also do have persons of interest being interviewed at this time, he said, adding that authorities are applying for search warrants to residences, vehicles, and body warrants, to further the investigation.

Police believe the shootings were connected, according to WPVI.

Wagner also said that the woman with the gunshot wound to the back has been flown to a level-1 trauma center.

Mayor of Mount Pocono Michael Penn warned residents in a Facebook post late on Monday of rapid gunfire in multiple locations. Please consider this a developing community safety danger, he announced.

Anyone with information is requested to call Pocono Mountain Regional Police at 570-895-2400.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have announced that the UAE has become the first country in the world to produce aluminium using the power of the sun.



Under an agreement signed today, Dewa will supply EGAs smelter with solar power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, reported Emirates news agency WAM.



The milestone supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the most sustainable city in the world and become a global leader in the development and application of scientific and technological advances in the energy sector.



The agreement was signed remotely by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa and Vice Chairman of EGA; and Abdul Nasser bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, in the presence of Abdullah bin Kalban, Managing Director of EGA, Walid Salman, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Excellence at Dewa and a number of officials from both sides.



Dewa will supply EGAs smelter with 560,000 megawatt hours of solar power annually from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, sufficient to make 40,000 tonnes of aluminium in the first year with the potential for significant expansion. EGA will supply solar aluminium to global customers under the new product name CelestiAL.



Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa and Vice Chairman of EGA, said: "The new achievement contributes to supporting our efforts in reducing carbon emissions through the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy. Dubai reduced carbon emissions by 22% in 2019 compared to business as usual. Results achieved exceeded the targets set in the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by 2021.



Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: "Aluminium is a lightweight, strong and infinitely recyclable metal and these properties mean that as a material it plays a vital global role in the development of a sustainable future. However, it also matters how sustainably aluminium is made. CelestiAL aluminium made in the UAE with solar power, will support modern life for people around the world while also protecting our planet for future generations. This is a great milestone for the UAE and our industry."



Aluminium is used in products and infrastructure from smartphones to skyscrapers. Its uses include applications that contribute to a more sustainable environment from wind farms to electric vehicles, and mass transit to solar panels. The availability of solar power on the scale needed for aluminium smelting has been made possible by the UAEs significant investment in solar power, including in Dubai by Dewa and its Independent Power Producer (IPP) partners.



The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, located in Dubai, has a current installed capacity of 1,013 megawatts using photovoltaic solar panels. Dewa is implementing an additional 1,850 megawatts of projects using solar panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). Eventually, this capacity will reach 5,000MW by 2030.



EGAs sourcing of solar power from Dubais electricity grid will be tracked and traced through the use of the International Renewable Energy Certification System, ensuring that the energy used to produce EGAs CelestiAL solar aluminium has been sourced from the sun.
He and Kelley Flanagan announced their split on December 31, 2020, after dating for nine months.

And weeks after being single once again, former Bachelor Peter Weber is 'focused on adjusting to the city life,' after his move to New York City, Us Weekly's source revealed.

The reality star, 29, moved to the Big Apple after their breakup and 'isn't thinking about dating right now,' the insider added.

Present: He and Kelley Flanagan announced their split on December 31, 2020, after dating for nine months. And weeks after being single once again, former Bachelor Peter Weber is 'focused on adjusting to the city life,' after his move to New York City, Us Weekly 's source revealed

The bachelor is 'loving New York City' and 'settling in' to his new place and 'taking his time to meet up with friends he hasn't seen in a long time.'

Peter and Kelley, 28, began dating in March 2020 with plans for the couple to move together to New York City.

Kelley plans on moving there separately in March 2021 after spending time in the Florida Keys.

A source told the magazine that a big factor in their split was that 'their personalities just didn't mix.'

Former: The reality star, 29, moved to the Big Apple after their breakup and 'isn't thinking about dating right now,' the insider added

Currently on his mind: The bachelor is 'loving New York City' and 'settling in' to his new place and 'taking his time to meet up with friends he hasn't seen in a long time'

'They also fought and had many disagreements and didn't see eye to eye at time,' the insider noted.

Peter starred on The Bachelor in 2020 for season 24; Kelley, an attorney, met Peter just before his Bachelor journey and was featured on the show but was cut during week six.

he initially picked Hannah Ann Sluss and the duo were engaged for two months before they split because he revealed he still had feelings for runner up Madison Prewitt, who quit the show during the finale.

Their relationship was brief and the duo split ways soon after.
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, Jan 19 : A delegation of 20 religious leaders associated with the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) met Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday. During the meeting various issues related to Waqf, Haj and dargahs were discussed.

About this meeting Naqvi said, "Today I met a delegation of Sajjadanashin and prominent religious leaders of reputable dargahs across the country under the leadership of AlSSC and held positive talks on various issues related to the Waqf, Haj, dargahs." "Modi government is dedicated to the empowerment and respect for all sections of society. Socio-economic-educational development of all sections of society has been ensured without any discrimination. At the same time Waqf properties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari are 100 percent funded for construction of schools, colleges, hospitals, social harmony forums, ITI, Skill Development Centres etc so that they can be properly utilised in the social, economic and educational progress of the society," Naqvi added.

The Union Minister said, "The delegation of AlSSC has expressed confidence in the Modi government's resolve for inclusive development of all the deprived sections of society." "The AlSSC insisted on using Waqf properties for fair means and making Waqf laws more effective so that dargahs and Waqf properties can be kept out of non-significant disputes." AlSSC Chairman Saeed Nasruddin Chishti told IANS, "Today two Sajjadanashins from every state were present in the meeting. We discussed many important issues during the meeting and also handed over a letter to Naqvi ji about their demands." "This letter says that there is a need for some amendment in the Waqf Act and whenever a committee is formed to amend it, Sajjadanashins of the dargahs should be given due representation in it and what positions in the Sajjadanashins they hold shall be clearly specified." Apart from this, guidelines should be issued for all the State Waqf Boards that all the heads of the dargahs should be represented within each Waqf Board. We also discussed about Haj, Naqvi said.

Earlier on Monday, the delegation of Sufi religious leaders also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. 'Radical forces' were discussed by the Sufi leaders during this meeting.

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.
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.
Patricia Treacy at the Garden of Remembrance in 2016. Photo: David Conachy

Leading Irish concert violinist Patricia Treacy will be playing during a private mass for president-elect Joe Biden and his family before his inauguration.

There had been concerns there would not be any live music at the mass, because of the riots at the Capitol earlier this month.

The invitation for Patricia to play on inauguration day came directly to her from the Biden family last year.

She said: I am going to be playing in the church with the family present.

Read More

Over the weekend, she practised in Chicago for what she described as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The main piece she will be performing is The Proclamation composed by Patrick Cassidy.

Patricia will be playing a 315-year-old Stradivarius violin, from Joe Bein and Company in Chicago, which is estimated to be worth $4m (3.3m).

She will also join Soprano Renee Fleming for On Eagles Wings Schuberts Ave Maria and the Celtic Alleluia.

I have been told, this will be the only live music event on the day, she added.

Patricia from Blackrock, Co Louth, has played for the president-elect on a number of occasions, including when he visited his ancestral home in 2016.

She was also asked to perform at some of the Biden rallies in Chicago and other cities.

When she was asked to play at the inauguration, she said, I feel both honoured and privileged and obviously super excited.

Despite security concerns following the riots in Washington DC, Patricia said it has been confirmed she will be playing live.

It is understood the mass is small and private, with only immediate family expected to be present. Afterwards, Mr Biden and his family will make their way to the Capitol for the inauguration.

She said: This is a once in a life time opportunity to be able to perform for the inaugural mass for the president-elect and his amazing family which I have become very close to.

I am hugely honoured to be apart of this momentous historical occasion.

Patricia said her jewellery will be diamonds and sapphires from Martin Katz Jewels in Beverly Hills.

He known as the jeweller to the stars and his wife Kelly is the former chairman of the Kennedy Centre Board for the performing arts; Patricia performed for the board in September 2019.

Her couture dress, in the official blue colour for Ireland, is from Dimitras, Chicago and was designed by Alex Teih Couture, New York.

The colour compliments the jewellery, which is estimated to be worth around $3m (2.5m) and which was transported to Patricia in an armoured car.

Patricia has won many prestigious music awards, including the String final of the RTE Musician of the Future competition and has performed in premier venues including Carnegie Hall in New York where she made her debut as soloist in 2009, and again in 2014 as a soloist with Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.
ELDORADO HILLS, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Radon Ads announces the official launch of its services and website as an exclusive agency for helping Radon mitigation and testing professionals market and advertise their local business online.

Through the success of managing online advertising for one of the top radon mitigation and testing companies in the state of Colorado, the owner of Radon Ads decided to open an agency dedicated to helping radon contractors find new qualified customers. The company is already looking forward to their next radon client launch in the state of Pennsylvania.

Radon Ads uses proven SEO strategies, such as building conversion optimized websites and optimizing a company's Google My Business profile for local search. They also manage Google Ads, and clients enjoy a dedicated account manager for ad strategy, media buys, and monthly performance reports. All with the advantage of no ad spend commissions or long-term contracts.

Because Radon Ads is serious about providing the most up-to-date information for their clients' websites, Carter Kash is a proud member of AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists).

The owner of Radon Ads, Carter Kash has more than 15 years' experience in SEO, marketing, and advertising. He has successfully managed more than $1,000,000 in ad spend and media buys for clients over the years, and he looks forward to using his experience and knowledge in a specialized industry with a focus on the health of homeowners and business owners.

"Radon poses a serious health threat, but many people are unaware of the dangers and the necessity for radon testing and mitigation. Radon Ads wants all families to be able to easily find quality radon contractors in their area. Our goal is to help local radon contractors improve their online presence and help them connect with more local customers," said Carter Kash, Owner of Radon Ads.

To learn more about Radon Ads, please visit their new website: https://www.radonads.com

About Radon Ads:

Radon Ads is an exclusive agency that specializes in providing website development, SEO, marketing, and advertising to radon mitigation and testing professionals nationwide.

Media contact:

Carter Kash

Radon Ads

916-234-3929

http://www.radonads.com/contact-us

SOURCE Radon Ads

Related Links

https://www.radonads.com


Born in the city of Hebron in 1936, growing up in Jerusalem, Abu Maizar (Abu Hatim) pursued university studies in Cairo. He joined the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party in 1951, then the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) in 1962. Subsequently he moved between Libya, Algeria (where he met Khalil al-Wazir Abu Jihad and Ernesto Che Guevara), France, Damascus, Lebanon, and Jordan. In Paris he oversaw the proclamation of the Democratic State of Palestine, before continuing to Damascus and Amman in different leadership capacities in support of the Palestinian armed struggle.

PublishingPageContent

The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has published Sand and Roots: An Exchange on Jerusalem, Exile and the Difficult Return, the latest in a series of Palestinian dialogues commemorating milestones in contemporary Palestinian history. In conversation with ACRPS editor Saker Aboufakher, Abu Maizar recounts his early awakening to political consciousness and the story of his affiliation with the Arab Socialist Baath Party and subsequently the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah), in which he took up media and foreign relations portfolios. With his long personal experience in Fatah, this dialogue with Abu Hatim unearths interesting facts, incidents and biographical details of prominent contemporary individuals in the Palestinian national movement.

Political Awareness and Arab Renaissance

In the first of the books 14 chapters, Beginnings and Early Influences, Abu Maizar discusses his childhood in Hebron and the familys move to Jerusalem after the death of his father Suleiman, his return later to Hebron and then back to Jerusalem  noting the psychological impact of this back-and-forth shuttling, and its contribution to his political awareness in Jerusalem.

In the second chapter, on "Memories of Student Days and Growing National Consciousness Abu Maizar recollects Jerusalems Christian Quarter and his days in the al-Rashidiya Secondary School for Boys, after the Arab College the second most prestigious school in Palestine.

Chapter Three, A New Political Consciousness, recounts joining the Ba'ath party in a period of fervent national struggle replete with contending positions and ideas, when he felt there was no issue of Palestine, separate from that of the Arabs, as one people, in Palestine: we saw the occupation of Palestine and the creation of the Zionist entity there as being the establishment of a base for domination of the entire Arab region.



Culture and Choice of the Baath

In the fourth chapter, Jerusalems Illness, Abu Maizar recounts his return to Jerusalem in 1997, forty years after his departure, and the changes he witnessed there  with a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem awakening old memories: I could feel the police batons crashing down on my shoulders and on my head.

In Chapter Five, Culture and Place, Abu Maizar discusses his intellectual beginnings: We read neither the Torah nor the Gospels, nor anything related to our Zionist enemy, because reading about Israel or even listening to Israeli radio was forbidden. We read about the founder of the Zionist movement Theodor Herzl and his pamphlet The Jewish State , but until 1975 it was next to impossible to find anyone who had read it in Arabic. He also touches on Palestinian personages who were role models at the time, such as Bahjat Abu Gharbiyeh, Jamil Abu Maizar, Tawfiq Abu al-Saud, Bishop Jacobs, Abdullah Na'was and Abdullah Rimawi.

The sixth chapter, al-Baath, recalls the crystallization of political awareness that led to him to join the Baath party.

Fatah after the Baath

Chapter Seven, Cairo, describes a 1959 Cairo meeting with principal Baathist thinker Michel Aflaq, his relationship with the Baathists and the Arab nationalist movement, and his acquaintance in Paris with influential Syrian Baathist Akram al-Hourani.

In Chapter Eight, A New Phase, Abu Maizar recollects the Second Arab - Israeli war or tripartite aggression against Egypt and his role in the Palestinian Students Association as a Baathist student representative, expounding on the absence, in those days, of any importance being accorded to ethnic or sectarian affiliation.

In Chapter Nine, Fatah after the Baath, Abu Maizar indicates that he left the Baath because he was against Syrian secession from Egypt, as supported by Baathists Akram al-Hourani and Salah al-Din Bitar, and because he felt abandoned by the Baath leadership when Libyan authorities accused him of plotting a coup against the Kingdom. Recalling that he first heard of Fatah from Fatah veteran leader Farouk Kaddoumi in Kuwait in 1962, he describes subsequently meeting with Yasser Arafat and joining Fatah.

Accounting Sentences

In Chapter Ten, Accounting Sentences and Resurrection Notions, Abu Maizar focuses on Mahmoud Abu al-Fakhr, a devout and respected man who had an interest in analyzing events of history through numerology and Quranic verse, extrapolating from phrasing and calculations to determine the exact hour and day (in 1974) of Israels downfall. Abu Maizar also recollects details of his relationship with Fatah from the 1962 emergence of its revolutionary structure in 1962 to the launch of armed struggle.

Chapter Eleven on The Algerian Experience," Abu Maizar elaborates on Abu Maizars relationship with the Algerian revolution, the opening of Fatah offices in Algiers, and the positive Houari Boumedienes coup had on Fatahs relationship with Algerian authorities.

The move from Algeria to Damascus is recounted in Chapter Twelve, Immersed in Palestinian Revolution; in Damascus he assumed responsibility for the PLOs relationship with Algeria, Iraq, and Syria. Forming the first PLO Central Committee, he led the effort to incorporate the Authority Working in Support of the Palestinian Revolution  known also as Issam Sartawis faction  within Fatah.

The thirteenth chapter, Paris and a Secular Democratic State describes Abu Maizars days in 1968 Paris amid the student revolutionary fervor that contributed to the founding of a new European left and its revolutionary conceptualization. Abu Maizar was the PLOs first representative in Europe, and while in Paris he established an Arab Committee for Palestine". In this chapter he discusses his drafting of the declaration of "the Palestinian Democratic State" and presenting it to Agence France Press, noting the controversial reference to "secularism" in the wording.

In the fourteenth and final chapter, Abu Maizar recalls "Returning to the Mashreq" with his 1969 departure from Paris, and then he details the September 1970 combat in Amman, noting his stance rejecting the foreign operations carried out by Wadih Haddad and the Black September faction, which led to the rushed exodus of Palestinian fighters from Jordan to Lebanon and to splits and defections occurring within Fatah. Finally, he recounts his 1972 involvement in the formation of the "Arab Front Participating in the Palestinian revolution" led by Lebanese Druse leader Kamal Jumblatt.


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks were moving higher on Tuesday as investors looked to comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen on U.S. stimulus at the Senate confirmation hearing later today. According to a copy of her prepared remarks. Yellen will call on the federal government to 'act big' to ramp up the recovery. Investors also remain hopeful that economic growth in China will help support growth in the Asian region. The benchmark CAC 40 inched up 12 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,629 after rising 0.1 percent on Monday. Sanofi advanced 1.6 percent. The pharmaceutical company said that U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has granted a Promising Innovative Medicine to nirsevimab. Speed-train maker Alstom rallied 3.3 percent after confirming full-year outlook and mid-term 2022/23 guidance. Automakers were moving lower after industry data showed Europe's new car registrations continued to fall in December. Car registrations were down 3.3 percent on a yearly basis, but slower than the 12 percent fall logged in November. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Thirty-one persons have been booked in Indore in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly selling in the open market Rs 79 lakh worth of provisions meant for fair price shops, officials said on Tuesday. The district administration has invoked the stringent National Security Act against the main accused, they added.

"Between April and December, 2020, ration worth Rs 79 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, meant for distribution from 12 fair price shops during the COVID-19 outbreak, was sold in the open market," said Indore Collector Manish Singh. The ration mafia, in connivance with shop owners, siphoned off large quantities of wheat, rice, salt, sugar, gram, tur dal etc, he said.

"The main accused are ration shops organisation's president Bharat Dave, Shyam Dave and Pramod Dahigude. Action under NSA has been initiated against them. Ten FIRs against 31 persons, including these three and former food controller RC Meena, have been lodged in different police stations," Singh added. Meena prevented his junior officials from probing the irregularities in the right manner and was suspended on January 13 by Indore Divisional Commissioner Pavan Sharma, the official said.
SURAT: In a tragic incident, at least 15 people were killed and 6 others were seriously injured after a truck ran over them in Gujarats Surat in the wee hours of Tuesday.

According to the reports, the tragic incident took place in Kosamba in the Surat district. Confirming the development, the police said, At least 13 people died after they were run over by a truck in Kosamba, Surat.

Gujarat: 13 people died after they were run over by a truck in Kosamba, Surat. Police says, "All the deceased are labourers and they hail from Rajasthan." pic.twitter.com/E9uwZnrgeO  ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2021

All the deceased were labourers hailing from Banswada district in Rajasthan, the police said. During the time of the incident, the labourers were sleeping on a footpath.

"A truck collided with a tractor loaded with sugarcane after which the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and drove it over the pavement where the labourers were sleeping," CM Jadeja, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kamrej Division, Surat said.

Two more deaths were confirmed later. Six people, who suffered injuries in the accident, have been hospitalised, the police said. According to the police, the death toll is likely to go up. A large number of policemen and local officials have reached the accident spot and are carrying out the rescue work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the accident in which 15 people died in Gujarat`s Surat and also announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister`s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

"The loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest: PM," the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted.

"Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident in Surat. Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured," PMO said in another tweet.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakh each to the next of the kin of those who lost their lives in the accident in Surat.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled the deaths and wished speedy recovery of injured. "Deeply saddened to know many labourers from #Banswara, #Rajasthan have lost lives after a truck ran over them as they were sleeping near the road in #Surat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,` Gehlot tweeted.

Live TV
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
[January 19, 2021] Pax8 and Enlyft Announce New Partnership DENVER, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pax8, the best place for IT professionals to buy cloud products, today announced a new partnership with Enlyft, the only AI-powered B2B customer intelligence platform that accelerates new client acquisitions. Through this partnership, North American Pax8 partners now have access to resources providing quality lead generation, effective account-based marketing, and prescriptive data insights.

"We're excited to offer our partners Enlyft's innovative, revenue-driving products," said Nick Heddy, Chief Revenue Officer at Pax8. "Their targeted solutions provide partners with a deep understanding of prospects technology usage, firmographic information, and the key decision-makers, enabling them to focus on high-potential accounts. Utilizing AI, machine learning, and transactional data, Enlyft offers MSPs enhanced insights vital to growing their businesses. We are excited to help our partners expand their prospecting strategies with Enlyft." Powered by AI algorithms, Enlyft transforms client acquisitions, enabling partners to identify targeted accounts, increase account research effectiveness, and create more meaningful messaging. Enlyfts proprietary database, combined with its propensity models, empowers MSPs to acquire profitable clients in high-growth markets efficiently. "We're thrilled to work with Pax8 and offer our client prospecting and acquisition solutions to its expansive partner community," said Lokesh Dave, Founder and CEO. "By accessing our account insights, Pax8 partners will have the tools to enable substantial growth. Our AI-powered algorithms identify companies most likely to utilize an MSPs solutions in the near term, show them when to engage, and the types of conversations to have. This technoogy creates a more focused, successful client acquisition process, generating higher revenue and growth."

Enlyft offers MSPs the following benefits: Filtering of over 17 million companies to identify the ideal client

Usage insights on over 14 thousand technologies

Data indicating accounts with high inclination to buy

Comprehensive account profiles

Propensity models accelerating prospecting

To learn more about the partnership with Enlyft, please contact a cloud solutions advisor at (855) 884-PAX8, email info@pax8.com, or visit www.pax8.com. About Pax8

Pax8 is modernizing how partners buy, sell, and manage cloud. As a born-in-the-cloud company, Pax8 simplifies the buying journey, empowering its partners to achieve more with cloud technology. The companys technology displaces legacy distribution by connecting the channel ecosystem to its award-winning transactional cloud marketplace. Through billing, provisioning, automation, industry-leading PSA integrations, and pre and post-sales support, and education, Pax8 is a proven disruptor in the market. Pax8 has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for three consecutive years  #68 in 2018, #60 in 2019, and #111 in 2020  as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US. If you want to be successful with cloud, you want to work with Pax8. Get started today at www.pax8.com. Follow Pax8 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Enlyft

Enlyft helps B2B sales and marketing teams identify the companies most likely to become their customers. Built with AI at the core, Enlyft provides access to real-time company profilesincluding firmographic information, technology usage, buying intent, and more. The result? Insight that enables them to more effectively identify, prioritize, and engage prospective accounts. Media contact: John Trent

PR Manager at Pax8

jtrent@pax8.com





[ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ]
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High around 50F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Nasro Mohamed was desperate for a fresh beginning when she and her family were flown from Greece to start lives in Germany under a programme organized by the European Union.

The 18-year-old from Somalia landed in Germany on 10 December on a humanitarian flight along with her mother, Hindi Adan, 41, and her brother who suffers a severe form of epilepsy.

My brother  cannot walk. He cannot speak. He needs constant medical care. I want to study and become a doctor. Maybe I can help him, said Nasro. For now, though, her ambitions are more concrete.

All I want is a doctor for my brother and a school for me, she said.

The voluntary relocation scheme under which the family came to Germany first focused on unaccompanied children, but was later broadened to other vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees, including children with medical conditions and families such as Nasros.

The programme for relocation of vulnerable families is organised by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, and the Greek Asylum Service, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These organizations work in partnership with the European Commission and the European Asylum Support Office.

For unaccompanied children, the relocation programme is led by the Greek Special Secretary for Unaccompanied Minors and is supported by UNICEF, in addition to UNHCR and IOM.

A total of 2,235 people have been transferred between April 2020 and January 2021, according to IOM. Of these, 584 are unaccompanied children. The others include children with medical conditions with family members, vulnerable asylum seekers and recognized refugees.

Sixteen states are part of the relocation and admission initiative. They are Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The Greek government is working to reduce overcrowding in its Aegean island camps, but more than 14,700 refugees and asylum seekers remain in precarious living conditions.

UNHCR calls for appropriate shelter needs to be secured, increased reception capacity and accelerated transfers to the Greek mainland, alongside effective refugee integration programmes, continued European Commission support and relocation to other European states.

The 10-hour journey from Athens to the city of Speyer, in southwestern Germany, brings to an end a turbulent period for the Mohamed family that began when militants killed Nasros father in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, three years ago.

The militants threatened Hindis life too. Unable to look after her children and fearing for her life, she decided in 2018 to flee her home country and headed to Greece.

A week after the family arrived on the island of Leros, UNHCR helped them move from a government-run reception centre into a private apartment, due to their vulnerabilities. The apartment was part of a European Commission-funded ESTiA housing scheme, managed by UNHCR and its partner, the Association for the Social Support of Youth, ARSIS, and they called it home for the next 10 months until their relocation to Germany.

For the first two weeks, the family quarantined at a refugee centre in Speyer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where they had their own well-equipped room.

Nasro, who speaks English, said she was yet to start German classes due to the quarantine, but she and her mother had begun watching German television to familiarize themselves with the language.

She paid tribute to the kindness of the people who they had encountered in Germany and said her brother had been treated in hospital in Germany.

My brother sees me happy, so he is smiling, she said.

(Reporting by Apostolos Staikos in Athens)
The Chief Minister sought special status for AP. He said that it is very necessary for a financially challenged state. New industries will come and jobs will be created, the CM said. (DC File Photo)

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy met Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday night and discussed various issues related to the state.

According to reports received here, the CM explained the progress of the Polavaram project and reminded the Centre about the pending funds

for allocation to Andhra Pradesh.

He also raised issues related to the AP Reorganisation Act and brought up the issue of shifting of the High Court to Kurnool as part of the YSRC governments decentralisation plan.

The Chief Minister sought special status for AP. He said that it is very necessary for a financially challenged state. New industries will come and

jobs will be created, the CM said.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
WANAKA, NZ

The Freedom to do what you love. Get on your bike and explore, epic rides with epic views

Photography & Words: Jay French

Riders: Conor Macfarlane & Brooke Thompson

SOUTHERN LAKES HELI BIKE

Pre-dawn anticipation at the airport, waiting for the heli to be fueled.

Our transport for the morning is wheeled out into the light of the rising sun.

Dropped at the top just after sunrise. Our guide James unloads the bikes for us. Brooke chases Conor down a special section of single track, easiest to get to by helicopter.

The view back over a waking Wanaka from high above is immense.

With epic scenery and mountains like this, you could be forgiven for thinking you were on a different continent.

Another quick heli bump to our next riding destination, in Minaret Station.

Conor and Brooke descend through the sub-alpine scrub high up in Minaret Station. A shaft of light provided by a crack in the mountain illuminates the riders.

Dappled light inside the beech forest section of the track works as a spotlight for Conor.

Heli-installed bridges make crossing this meandering mountain river a whole lot easier. Found this inside a quintessential Kiwi hut. This would be an epic spot to spend a night.

Below the Beech forest section, the track runs alongside the river. Seriously scenic and very refreshing if you chose to get in.

Adding another transport type for the day. We were treated to a flat day on the lake, perfect for a boat ride from the Station back to base.

CARDRONA BIKE PARK

Beautiful layers looking towards Wanaka from the Cardrona resort.

Conor warms up in the Cardrona car park as the sun illuminates the sky behind him. Brooke leads Conor down a gnarly rock section as the sun crests the Pisa range in the distance.

Riding the bluffs with the resort in the background.

Brooke rides a rock slab, high up in the resort. Flow tracks on ridgelines and layers in the distance. What a spot.

Conor finds something to jump off riding one of the many flow trails.

Cardona has a pile of jump/flow tracks as well, here's Conor doing his thing on the trail 'Sweet As'.

Exploring the Arcadia trail Conor squeezes between two rock pillars.

High up in the alpine we're treated to those huge views towards the Southern Alps again.

Can't forget about one of the key offerings of Cardrona. The fact it's lift-assisted, so you can lap all day without having to pedal if that's your thing.

Tired from all that riding? Get a pick me up at the cafe and watch others send for a while. We decided to try the mountain carts while we were here, and ended up having so much fun. Would definitely recommend.

BIKE GLENDHU

The stunning view from the high point of Bike Glendhu, just before dawn.

One of the last corners before getting to the Falcons Nest, at the summit. Quite a view to help get you through the climb.

Pausing at the top to take it all in before dropping in for some serious flow.

Conor leads Brooke into the shadow of Roy's peak, around perhaps the park's most well-known corner.

Cruising down the ridgeline as the sun comes up over the park. Brooke leads Conor down the top section of Bike Glendhu.

Brooke and Conor getting barrelled while surfing the dirt.

Taking a minute to relax and soak it all in mid-ride.

Rock slabs galore over the back of Bike Glendhu, these sections are super different to what's on the front face of the park. Race is on down the dual slalom track. What a backdrop for a race!

On the backside of the mountain you feel like you're in a different world. Spot the riders.

Plenty of jumps scattered around these flow trails, a great build team means everything works as it should.

Conor tweaks out of the dust and into one of the tech black forest trails.

The hub and cafe at the park is the real heart of the operation, there's such a good vibe there as everyone fuels up before they head out or relaxes after their ride. Conor and Brooke check out the river, just in case there may be some gold down there.

In Wanaka, you're always pretty close to the lake where the town gets its name, and it's the perfect way to cool off after a big ride!

The wider MTB community may be familiar with Queenstown, but maybe not so much with Wanaka - a slightly quieter, more intimate experience to the resort town over the hill. Its a little quieter, definitely more relaxed, with a touch of familiarity and its these very reasons which make Wanaka an increasingly popular destination in its own right. Its not the little lakeside town that it was ten or fifteen years ago, the secret is well and truly out now. What was traditionally a winter destination has transitioned into a place to visit any time of year, with almost no shoulder season. The skiers knew what was going on, then the recreational boaties and water-skiers cottoned on, then the climbers and hikers, and now the bike scene is blowing up. The locals have always been passionate about their riding. The original crew built areas such as Sticky Forest, Deans Bank, and Lismore jumps, which have, in turn, fostered the next generation of the mountain bike community. The community has blossomed and with it the opportunities for riding.As a riding destination, Wanaka is rightfully claiming its place on the map. With a range of different types of riding on offer, theres something for everyone. From heli-assisted adventure rides to jumps and dual slalom, from lift-assisted bike parks to quiet lakeside rambles, the choices are growing all the time. Top off your riding with some great eateries, fantastic local breweries, and a decent helping of chilled lakeside vibes, and theres a reason why so many people come to Wanaka and never want to leave.On this trip, we were joined by a few Southern Lakes locals, Conor Macfarlane and Brooke Thompson, who were happy to put their talents to use over a few days checking out some of the best spots. We were lucky enough to choose arguably the best weather window in a while and were spoilt for beautiful scenery, good food, and great riding.If its adventure you seek, then its adventure you shall have. Southern Lakes Heli bike offers access to an exclusive trail you cant ride unless youre with them. Located high up in Minaret Station, is a trail built specifically for them. Its an experience. Alpine, rivers, bridges, boardwalks, huts, beech forest, rivers, lakes, and farmland, their trail has a bit of everything. You cruise past rock gateways, multiple waterfalls, the exclusive Minaret Lodge (where you can stay, if youre in the mood for something a bit special) ultimately ending up at the lakefront where you can get picked up by boat or heli back out.On our trip, we were treated to a stop off on the way, before continuing to get dropped at the top of the trail - the only way to get there. If youre around over the shoulder season, they also offer a hybrid product where you can heli-ski and heli-bike in one day. Thats a good day in anyone's books.Arguably the best Winter Resort in New Zealand, over the past couple of years Cardrona Alpine Resort has been working on its mountain-bike offering, and theyve landed on a winner. First off, we cant forget its lift-accessed, so you can lap to your heart's content. The trail crew know what theyre doing and they love jumps. Theres a cafe, a bar, even a mountain cart track, which well get back to. As for the riding, the Mile High jump track is a big pull. The terrain is predominately rocky, but the tracks are fun and easy to find. You can even bike down to the Cardrona Hotel if thats what youre into.If for some reason, youve decided youve had enough riding for the day, they offer mountain carts. Now, this is something Id always looked at as something you might do if you werent riding. After doing it, Ive changed my mind completely. You HAVE to do it. Its so much fun, we thought wed do one lap just to have a go, and ended up lapping until they kicked us off. Bike Glendhu started as a passion project, born from the ideas of a few inspired locals, and placed in a location which is so stunning you have to see it to believe it. The trails at Bike Glendhu are great. Created under the experienced eye of legendary trail builder Tom Hey, with builders like Remy Morton, its a recipe for success, and thats what it has been. When I first heard the idea of a pedal access bike park, I was skeptical, but after walking into the hub, and seeing all the people, feeling the stoke and the good vibes, I was immediately convinced that the idea was sound. The Hub and cafe is the heart of the place, the  Velo  Cafe is great, and they have b.effect beers on tap now. I have to give a shout-out to the smoothies, as they were next level - there are people refueling, relaxing and recharging, meeting friends, and riding.Bike Glendhu is one of those places that youre bound to bump into someone you know, and that feeling of community resonates from the place. I have to be honest, the most fun Ive had there was when I rented an e-bike and just blasted around. The climbs are chill and the flow tracks are awesome. If you want jumps, they have them too. Just remember to take in that amazing view at the top.I get why people love Wanaka and never want to leave. The whole time we were there, it was epic. The people are friendly, the weather is great, the scenery is mind-blowing and now the riding is there, its the full package. Its so close to other epic riding destinations as well, you can link up an amazing trip, only a short drive from Queenstown or Alexandra. After riding, you can sit by the lake or go for a swim, and when youre ready to eat or drink there are so many great choices. Personally, I cant go past a burrito from Burrito Craft or catching up with a group of mates at b.social , who are massively involved with the local bike community, they even have a beer especially for Bike Glendhu called Hero Dirt. So, when youre thinking about where you want to explore next, what about Wanaka? Come for the biking, stay for everything else.Follow the crew on Instagram here: Jay Conor and Brooke. Pinkbike would like to thank:
On the other side of Donald Trump's turbulent presidency, the lawyers are waiting.

Leaving aside his Senate impeachment trial, mounting government investigations include a civil probe by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a criminal probe by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., and a federal probe by acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. Michael Sherwin that may include Trump's role in the catastrophic storming of the U.S. Capitol this month.

But already pending for the soon-to-be South Florida retiree is a trio of lawsuits that allege defamation, fraud and more fraud - all of which are helmed by one attorney.

Roberta Kaplan's clients include writer E. Jean Carroll, who filed a defamation case after Trump claimed she was "totally lying" about her allegation that he raped her a quarter-century ago in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room, and niece Mary L. Trump, who claims that Trump and two of his siblings deprived her of an inheritance worth millions.

"I became the go-to person to sue the president," says Kaplan, 54, with considerable relish.

She is in many ways the ideal legal adversary to take on Trump. Kaplan is a brash and original strategist, with neither a gift for patience nor silence, a crusader for underdogs who has won almost every legal accolade imaginable. Kaplan, says New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an email, "has been indispensable in the fight against the cancer of hate and division that Trump spent four years exacerbating."

Before the presidency, Trump was often as engaged in legal tussles as he was in real estate, suing and threatening to sue his way out of financial trouble. With a return to private life, "his terror is that he will no longer be protected by the office and will have to deal with these lawsuits," says his niece. Trump faces the prospect of spending considerable time in the role of defendant. Kaplan says she will seek to depose him in all three cases. Trump's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment on the cases in this article.

For much of her career, there was little in Kaplan's professional bio to suggest she would become an attorney suing behemoths. Kaplan, known to all as Robbie, is a self-described "traditionalist," in pearls, pumps and, pre-coronavirus, superior blond highlights, who long worked as a top commercial litigator at Paul, Weiss, one of the nation's pre-eminent firms, where the fees tend to be if-you-have-to-ask-you-surely-can't-afford-us.

But she became increasingly identified as an advocate for liberal causes and outside-the-box legal strategies. She is a lesbian, an observant Jew and a die-hard Democrat for whom 12 hours constitutes a light workday.

3 1 of 3 Photo for The Washington Post by Jackie Molloy Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Photo for The Washington Post by Jackie Molloy Show More Show Less 3 of 3





"My maternal grandmother always hated a bully," Kaplan says during a series of phone interviews. "One really good job for going after bullies is to be a lawyer."

Since launching her own firm four years ago, Kaplan has initiated a constellation of cases against powerful, often intimidating forces: white supremacists, major Hollywood players, the president of the United States. Legal writer Dahlia Lithwick calls her "an attorney general for the resistance."

Stanford University law professor Pamela Karlan says of their frequent legal conversations: "Robbie's not calling about feelings. She wants to fix it first. She's the least diffident person I've ever met. Plenty of smart people worry about failing. They worry about every little thing. Robbie doesn't worry about that. In a really disarming way, she doesn't care if people view her as hyperaggressive."

In Kaplan's third Trump case, she represents participants in ACN, a multilevel marketing company promoted on "The Celebrity Apprentice." They're suing not ACN, but the former host and his three oldest children, accusing them of committing fraud in endorsing the company as a promising business opportunity.

While Trump billed himself as a populist, Kaplan perceived a consistent disconnect in how Trump University and other enterprises allegedly took advantage of the very people whose interests he claimed to champion.

"Because of his prominence, he marketed his ability to convince unsophisticated, very poor Americans to invest," says Kaplan, who was indignant that Trump "would exploit people like this to line your own pockets."

(In a Business Insider story, a Trump organization spokesperson responded to the suit by saying, "Before enrolling with ACN, every participant acknowledged in writing that they are 'not guaranteed any income.' " In that story, ACN co-founder Robert Stevanovski claimed the plaintiffs were told that Trump was getting paid to endorse the company. "I think it's politically motivated that they're going to sue him and the family and not us," he said.)

Kaplan remains most celebrated for the Edie Windsor case that, in 2013, successfully struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, paving the way with stunning alacrity for the legalization of same-sex marriage two years later to the day.

Among Kaplan's strategic moves - "I don't know where I found the chutzpah to do this" - was to help coax Bill Clinton to publish a Washington Post opinion piece renouncing his 1996 support of DOMA before she appeared before the nation's highest court. United States v. Windsor remains the only U.S. Supreme Court case that she has ever argued.

- - -

"A little girl with a big mouth." That's how Kaplan's grandmother described her, meant with affection. Growing up in Cleveland, she was a rigorous student who designed a plan. Head East to a top school (Harvard), train as a lawyer (Columbia), become a New Yorker.

Five years ago, that plan expanded to landing a top Justice Department position in Hillary Clinton's administration.

So, no.

Instead, in the summer of 2017, Kaplan launched her own boutique firm, still a rarity among female corporate lawyers, creating an unusual model that combines lucrative commercial litigation with a progressive public-interest practice. Free from the agendas of risk-averse institutional clients, Kaplan and her colleagues could take on any case they believed had merit.

One week after the firm moved into its 71st-floor offices in the Empire State Building, the furniture yet to arrive, Charlottesville, Va., erupted.

Believing that Trump's Justice Department seemed unlikely to seriously investigate and prosecute the people responsible for the violence during the "Unite the Right" rally and counterprotest - he infamously claimed there "were very fine people, on both sides" - Kaplan announced, and this was her precise language to friends and colleagues: "I want to sue Nazis."

Because, why not?

Within days, Kaplan and her team flew to Virginia. The firm adopted an outside-the-box approach and sued two dozen avowed neo-Nazis, white supremacists and associated groups, invoking the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act to argue that they conspired for months to commit racially motivated violence, thereby making it more of a challenge for the organizers to adopt free speech as a defense. The case is scheduled for trial in October.

In the wake of Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct revelations, Kaplan co-founded the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, which offers financial assistance for plaintiffs filing harassment cases, and she now serves as chair of the Time's Up organization. Many women who say they have been sexually harassed or assaulted have come to her. The actress Amber Heard sought Kaplan's representation in ex-husband Johnny Depp's $50 million case involving a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece by Heard; he alleges she defamed him by implying that he domestically abused her. (The op-ed does not explicitly name him.) In the complaint, the actor denies any abuse took place.

Heard says of Kaplan, "I'm instantly drawn to the type of individual who can look upon the Goliath and say, 'I think I can take you.' That kind of energy and temerity is rare in the world, especially in the legal world."

Suing the powerful has brought repeated threats. Kaplan has an apartment in Manhattan but requested that her country home's location, where she has spent the pandemic working, go unnamed.

Kaplan says the greatest abuse she's received on social media has come not from neo-Nazis, white supremacists or Trump's true believers, but from Depp's vehement online champions.

A hallmark of Kaplan Hecker & Fink is crafting complaints in layman's language that packs a wallop. The Mary Trump brief is a doozy. "For Donald J. Trump, his sister Maryanne, and their late brother Robert, fraud was not just the family business - it was a way of life," the complaint begins, before alleging three duplicitous schemes, "The Grift," "The Devaluing" and "The Squeeze-Out."

Says Mary Trump, "That brief is literature."

The president's lawyers, in an effort to have the case tossed, claimed that the complaint is "laden with conspiracy theories."

When Carroll first met with Kaplan, the lawyer quickly understood her client's objective. "I don't give two flying figs about an apology," Carroll says. "I am dying to get him in a deposition. I want him to say that I'm not a liar. I just want him to admit that he lied and that, yes, it happened."

The last few years of Kaplan's professional life, with her firm swelling from four to 43 elite lawyers, are inextricably intertwined with Trump. Without his election, Kaplan might not have launched her own firm as quickly or filed three lawsuits against him.

"I'm ready. I'm excited," says Kaplan. In the Carroll case, Kaplan believes that Trump's proclivity for false and misleading statements - with more than 30,000 of them during his White House term, according to The Post - will be tested when he is under oath. During a 2007 Trump deposition, lawyers caught him making exaggerated claims 30 times, according to a 2016 Post investigation.

"When we depose you, you're not going to get away with that," Kaplan says. "He had the mantle of the presidency, and that's now gone."

- - -

Kaplan is celebrated for her candor. She's active in LGBTQ causes, recently serving as the board chair of the Gay Men's Health Crisis. She rhapsodizes about her "big gay Jewish wedding" in 2005 to Rachel Lavine, a liberal activist who serves on New York's Democratic committee.

Yet Kaplan remained in the closet until law school graduation.

"Robbie is one of the most conventional radicals you'll ever meet," Lithwick says.

In 1991, Kaplan came out to her parents at age 25. It did not go well. Her mother walked up to a wall and began banging her head, repeatedly, in dismay. "Which she has apologized for over and over again," Kaplan says. The family remains close.

Kaplan experienced a rare episode of depression, which led her to consult a therapist named Thea Spyer, who referenced her lesbian relationship in an effort to comfort Kaplan - and whose death in 2009 left a punitive estate-tax bill to her partner, Edie Windsor, because their marriage wasn't legally recognized, sparking the Supreme Court case that helped define Kaplan's career.

Why did such an outspoken person hide her true identity for so long?

"I'd never been a burn-down-the-ramparts sort of person. I believed in working in institutions," says Kaplan. "Living a life very much on the margins didn't appeal to me. I really wanted to have kids. I really wanted to be part of the Jewish community. I really wanted to have a career. All of this would have been unavailable in the world I grew up in."

She has all of that - the marriage, a son (Jacob, now 14), a goldendoodle. On Sunday mornings, she participates in a Talmud discussion group with her rabbi and Lithwick.

"Also, I knew when I met Rachel there was no way I was going to be able to be in the closet and be with Rachel," Kaplan says. "Those two things were completely incompatible." Everyone in the New York gay rights movement knew Lavine. Politics, civic engagement and intellectual rigor were part of the attraction. On an early date in a romantic Chelsea bistro, the two argued at length over the comparative power of the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks during the Russian Revolution.

Although known for her fresh legal arguments, Kaplan was comfortable working in a large firm. She seemed unlikely to go out on her own. In many ways, it's the boldest professional move she's made.

"What makes a good litigator and lawyer is being a pessimist and risk-averse because you need to be looking at problems around the next corner," says Karlan, who helped prepare Kaplan for the Supreme Court argument. "Robbie has been as successful as she is because she doesn't appear to be that kind of thinker. She's an optimist."

The firm's high-profile cases have attracted top legal talent, like Joshua Matz, who briefly left the firm last year to help the House Judiciary Committee draft articles of impeachment.

"We've learned that, in presenting options to Robbie, she will presumptively favor the most aggressive option," Matz says. "She is jaw-droppingly strategic and savvy on the one hand, and extremely bold on the other."

It's also a menschy practice. "What's unusual is the sheer amount of contact she has with her clients," Karlan says. Kaplan celebrated Passover with Windsor, who died in 2017. She's available at all hours for phone consultations. Gifts of food are constant. She sent Heard a box of chicken soup, lox and bagels.

Citing logistical challenges that were better served by local counsel, Kaplan's firm no longer represents Heard in the defamation case, which is scheduled for trial in May.

Yet Kaplan continues to offer Heard legal advice on the case and other legal matters. They speak regularly, sometimes daily. "She is the bravest lawyer I have ever met. She doesn't get intimidated or scare easily," Heard says. "The well-behaved woman never interested me. There's a rebellious part of Robbie. I think of her as my Jewish mother."

Kaplan's close friend Sharon Nelles, head of litigation at Sullivan & Cromwell, says: "If you can come at the world the way she does, you are not reined in by whether there are social constructs or boundaries. You can create your own mold. Lawyers for the most part react. Robbie acts."

Nelles recalls a time when Kaplan called to consult on a case. "She's yapping at me on the phone and then lets out a little screech."

Nelles asked what was wrong. "Oh, I'm having a medical procedure," Kaplan said. "Let me call you back when I get off the doctor's table."

Mary Trump hired Kaplan to sue President Trump, his sister Maryanne Trump Barry and the estate of his late brother Robert Trump "because I want justice for my daughter, and for me, and for my dad. If Donald Trump is not going to be held accountable for other things, he needs to be held accountable for this," she says, adding: "Maybe that will start the dominoes to fall. Maybe other people will feel that they, too, have options and will come forward." Kaplan's firm regularly fields inquiries from potential clients who wish to sue Trump.

Carroll cannot wait for her day in court with Trump. She's already picked out her outfit. Black. Armani.

She also views her lawsuit as symbolic, saying, "It's for all the women in the country who have been harassed or assaulted by powerful men, and feel helpless to do anything about it."

So Carroll's doing something about it.

"I don't have to be brave," she says. "Because Robbie Kaplan is brave for me."
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 Sunday, the US- and European Union (EU)-backed opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Alexei Navalny, was arrested at a Moscow airport upon his return from Berlin. On Monday, it was announced that he would have to serve a 30-day jail sentence.

Navalny had spent the previous five months in Germany, where he was flown after he had fallen ill on a plane. The flight had been arranged with the direct involvement of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Western media, with the German press taking the lead, launched a massive propaganda campaign, claiming that Navalny had been poisoned with Novichok, a deadly nerve agent. The poisoning of Navalny with Novichok was, however, never proven, and the charge was based primarily on the claims of a laboratory affiliated with the German army (Bundeswehr).

Alexei Navalny

Indeed, the media narrative of Navalnys poisoning includes so many contradictions and bizarre episodesfrom Novichok traces that were found first on a water bottle and then turned out to have been planted on Navalnys underpants, to the discovery of an elite team of assassins from the Russian secret service FSB through creative googlingthat it stands out, above all, for its brazen disregard for basic common sense. In the latest installment of the story, Navalny was shown as he was presumably calling one of the FSB agents who was allegedly involved in this plot and immediately admitted everything over the phone.

Like most episodes in this absurd story, it has since largely disappeared from the media coverage, which just speaks of Navalnys Novichok poisoning as an established fact.

Navalnys return, which was sure to prompt his arrest, was no doubt a calculated move. After Navalny had announced last week that he would return, Russian authorities promptly declared that he would be arrested as soon as he landed, based on charges of embezzlement dating from 2014. He could now face up to three and a half years in prison. A large team of journalists accompanied Navalny on his flight to cover the story. Navalny has since called on his supporters to take to the streets and protest his arrest.

The New York Times editorial board issued a statement Sunday night praising the extraordinary courage of Alexey Navalny, declaring that he was now an international hero and celebrated political prisoner. The US has since also announced that it will impose further sanctions on the RussianGerman gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, a move that enjoys bipartisan support.

The timing of Navalnys return to Russia and his arrest must be seen within the context of growing geopolitical tensions and above all the staggering political crisis in the United States. It comes just days before the inauguration of Joseph Biden on January 20, which has been accompanied by an unprecedented military lockdown of the American capital in anticipation of armed protests. On January 6, a fascist crowd, instigated by the sitting president Donald Trump and backed by powerful sections within the American state and military, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to kill and kidnap members of Congress to bring about the nullification of the election.

The Democratic Party has responded to these developments by trying to cover up the extent of the coup, appealing to Republicans for unity, and by stepping up the anti-Russia campaign and preparations for military interventions abroad.

President-elect Joseph Biden has since nominated several figures to key positions in the American foreign policy and national security apparatus who are associated with an aggressive stance toward Russia. Last week, Biden nominated William Burns, a former ambassador to Russia, to head the Central Intelligence Agency. Burns was heavily involved in, among other things, the war on Libya and the US intervention in Syria, both of which were aimed, to a large extent, at undermining Russian influence in the Middle East and North Africa.

In an even more provocative move, Biden has nominated Victoria Nuland to become Under Secretary for Political Affairs, which would make her the third-ranking US diplomat. More than any other figure in the US foreign policy establishment, Nulands name is associated with the brazen gangsterism of the 2014 coup in Ukraine, in which the US and Germany funded and backed fascist forces to overthrow the pro-Russian government of Viktor Yanukovich and install a pro-Western regime.

Nuland admitted in 2013 that the US had invested over $5 billion in the Ukrainian opposition. In 2014, a recorded phone call with the US ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt, was leaked, in which she stated F** the EU and casually discussed the US strategy of working with neo-fascist forces like the Svoboda party. In 2019, Nuland was barred from entering Russia.

The promotion of Alexei Navalny is of a piece with this type of criminal intervention by US imperialism in the former Soviet Union over the past three decades. This policy has led to an ever-growing social and political disaster for the working class.

The media narrative about Navalny as a popular figure, democratic politician and even international hero (New York Times) is utterly false. Groomed by US imperialism for well over a decade now, Navalny has never managed to garner any significant support beyond the narrow layers of Russias upper middle class and has consistently performed poorly in popularity rankings.

A product of the Stalinist destruction of the Soviet Union and capitalist restoration, Navalny speaks for a faction of the Russian oligarchy that finds itself in a bitter conflict with the Putin regime over the control of material resources and the countrys foreign policy. Throughout his political career in the US-backed liberal opposition, he has stood out primarily for his insistence on the need to collaborate with the far-right in opposing the Putin regime. He has admitted to being a Russian nationalist, participated in several Russian Marches by the Russian neo-fascists and has denounced people from the Caucasus as cockroaches.

Navalnys protest against Trumps Twitter ban as an unacceptable act of censorship last week was not only in line with the position of the German government, but no doubt also expressed real political sympathies with the fascist rantings of the US president. The open support of the Democratic Party and the New York Times for such extreme right-wing forces in Russia is a clear warning to all workers, especially in the United States, as to where the Democrats political and class allegiance lies in the fight against fascism.

Driven by growing class tensions and torn by political crises, the US is now doubling down on its efforts to destabilize the Putin regime, well aware that the global crisis of capitalism has dramatically exacerbated the economic crisis in Russia and conflicts within its ruling class. The Putin regime, for its part, has no response to the growing pressure from imperialism except from austerity and the promotion of nationalism and militarism at home, and pathetic maneuvers between the very imperialist powers that are openly preparing for war.

The objective logic of this dynamic, absent an independent intervention of the working class, is pointing inexorably toward war between nuclear-armed powers. The response to the breakdown of world capitalism, the growing danger of war, and the growth of the far right must be a united movement by workers, including in Russia, Europe and the United States, to overthrow this outmoded social system.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
As President Donald Trump entered the final year of his term last January, the U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Not to worry, Trump insisted, his administration had the virus totally under control.

FILE - In this May 2, 2020, file photo, Erika Bermudez becomes emotional as she leans over the grave of her mother, Eudiana Smith, at Bayview Cemetery in Jersey City, N.J., Bermudez was not allowed to approach the gravesite until cemetery workers had buried her mother, who died of COVID-19. Other members of the family and friends stayed in their cars. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

As President Donald Trump entered the final year of his term last January, the U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Not to worry, Trump insisted, his administration had the virus totally under control.

Now, in his final hours in office, after a year of presidential denials of reality and responsibility, the pandemics U.S. death toll has eclipsed 400,000. And the loss of lives is accelerating.

This is just one step on an ominous path of fatalities, said Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University and one of many public health experts who contend the Trump administrations handling of the crisis led to thousands of avoidable deaths.

Everything about how its been managed has been infused with incompetence and dishonesty, and were paying a heavy price, he said.

The 400,000-death toll, reported Tuesday by Johns Hopkins University, is greater than the population of New Orleans, Cleveland or Tampa, Florida. It's nearly equal to the number of American lives lost annually to strokes, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, flu and pneumonia combined.

With more than 4,000 deaths recorded on some recent days  the most since the pandemic began  the toll by week's end will probably surpass the number of Americans killed in World War II.

We need to follow the science and the 400,000th death is shameful, said Cliff Daniels, chief strategy officer for Methodist Hospital of Southern California, near Los Angeles. With its morgue full, the hospital has parked a refrigerated truck outside to hold the bodies of COVID-19 victims until funeral homes can retrieve them.

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2020, file photo, a member of the cleaning staff sprays The James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington. The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has eclipsed 400,000 in the waning hours in office for President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Its so incredibly, unimaginably sad that so many people have died that could have been avoided, he said.

President-elect Joe Biden, who will be sworn in Wednesday, took part in an evening remembrance ceremony Tuesday near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The 400,000 dead were represented by 400 lights placed around the reflecting pool. The bell at the Washington National Cathedral tolled 400 times.

Other cities around the U.S. planned tributes as well. The Empire State Building was lit in heartbeat red  the same lighting used last year as a show of support for emergency workers at the height of the virus surge in New York City. The red lights pulsed as a visual heartbeat. In Salt Lake City, the bells at the Utah Capitol were to ring 15 times in honour of the more than 1,500 lives lost to COVID-19 in the state.

The U.S. accounts for nearly 1 of every 5 virus deaths reported worldwide, far more than any other country despite its great wealth and medical resources.

The coronavirus would almost certainly have posed a grave crisis for any president given its rapid spread and power to kill, experts on public health and government said.

But Trump seemed to invest as much in battling public perceptions as he did in fighting the virus itself, repeatedly downplaying the threat and rejecting scientific expertise while fanning conflicts ignited by the outbreak.

As president he was singularly positioned to counsel Americans. Instead, he used his pulpit to spout theories  refuted by doctors  that taking unproven medicines or even injecting household disinfectant might save people from the virus.

The White House defended the administration this week.

FILE - In this April 9, 2020, file photo, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, listens as President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

We grieve every single life lost to this pandemic, and thanks to the presidents leadership, Operation Warp Speed has led to the development of multiple safe and effective vaccines in record time, something many said would never happen, said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

With deaths spiraling in the New York City area last spring, Trump declared war on the virus. But he was slow to invoke the Defence Production Act to secure desperately needed medical equipment. Then he sought to avoid responsibility for shortfalls, saying that the federal government was merely a backup for governors and legislatures.

I think it is the first time in history that a president has declared a war and we have experienced a true national crisis and then dumped responsibility for it on the states, said Drew Altman, president of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health care policy think-tank .

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tried to issue guidelines for reopening in May, Trump administration officials held them up and watered them down. As the months passed, Trump claimed he was smarter than the scientists and belittled experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top authority on infectious diseases.

Why would you bench the CDC, the greatest fighting force of infectious disease in the world? Why would you call Tony Fauci a disaster? asked Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan. It just doesnt make sense.

As governors came under pressure to reopen state economies, Trump pushed them to move faster, asserting falsely that the virus was fading. LIBERATE MINNESOTA! he tweeted in April as angry protesters gathered at the state capitol to oppose the Democratic governors stay-at-home restrictions. LIBERATE MICHIGAN!

In Republican-led states like Arizona that allowed businesses to reopen, hospitals and morgues filled with virus victims.

It led to the tragically sharp partisan divide weve seen in the country on COVID, and that has fundamental implications for where we are now, because it means the Biden administration cant start over," Altman said. They cant put the genie back in the bottle.

In early October, when Trump himself contracted COVID-19, he ignored safety protocols, ordering up a motorcade so he could wave to supporters outside his hospital. Once released, he appeared on the White House balcony to take off his mask for the cameras, making light of health officials' pleas for people to cover their faces.

Were rounding the corner, Trump said of the battle with the virus during a debate with Biden in late October. Its going away.

It isnt. U.S. deaths from COVID-19 surpassed 100,000 in late May, then tripled by mid-December. Experts at the University of Washington project deaths will reach nearly 567,000 by May 1.

More than 120,000 patients with the virus are in the hospital in the U.S., according to the COVID Tracking Project, twice the number who filled wards during previous peaks. On a single day last week, the U.S. recorded more than 4,400 deaths.

While vaccine research funded by the administration as part of Warp Speed has proved successful, the campaign trumpeted by the White House to rapidly distribute and administer millions of shots has fallen well short of the early goals officials set.

Young people are dying, young people who have their whole lives ahead of them, said Mawata Kamara, a nurse at Californias San Leandro Hospital who is furious over the surging COVID-19 cases that have overwhelmed health care workers. We could have done so much more.

Many voters considered the federal governments response to the pandemic a key factor in their vote: 39% said it was the single most important factor, and they overwhelmingly backed Biden over Trump, according to AP VoteCast.

But millions of others stood with him.

Here you have a pandemic," said Eric Dezenhall, a Washington crisis management consultant, "yet you have a massive per cent of the population that doesnt believe it exists.
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.
She's set to make her debut as a guest judge on the popular BBC show on Thursday.

And in spoiler pictures for episode two of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Sheridan Smith looked sensational as she posed for snaps with show regulars Alan Carr, Michelle Visage and of course RuPaul herself.

TV and theatre star Sheridan, 39, who was pregnant at the time of filming, joked fans won't be able to miss her bump after squeezing into a pair of tight leather trousers for filming.

There she is: Sheridan Smith looked sensational as she posed with show regulars Alan Carr, Michelle Visage and RuPaul for her judging debut on RuPaul's Drag Race UK

The then-expectant mum dressed her baby bump in a black vest top and a chic longline white blazer with a black trim as she she pulled out all the stops for her appearance.

Sheridan, who is a Drag Race superfan, rounded off her stylish look with studded black boots and gold hooped earrings.

The stunner styled her blonde tresses in a high ponytail and added a pop of colour with red lips as she joined the panel for the music and dance week.

Speaking about her time on the show, Cilla actress Sheridan said: 'That was amazing! I am such a superfan! I'm shaking! Ru was sat next to me! And Michelle Visage! And Alan Carr! It's been amazing.

Yummy mummy: The star, who was pregnant at the time of filming, joked fans won't be able to miss her bump after squeezing into a pair of tight leather trousers for filming

'The queens are fabulous. I had the best day. I felt like I'd won a competition.'

The star, who welcomed son Billy in May, added that viewers should look out for her 'fangirling and my massive pregnant belly!'

Ahead of Sheridan's debut, Liz Hurley appeared as a guest judge on the first episode of the new series and left fans delighted over her cheeky puns.

Joining show regulars Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and RuPaul, Elizabeth joked 'gaffer tape' was her beauty secret, while she also made a number of amusing remarks as the queens took to the stage.

Fan girl: Speaking about her time on the show, Cilla actress Sheridan said: 'I'm shaking! Ru was sat next to me! And Michelle Visage! And Alan Carr! It's been amazing'

When Ginny Lemon dressed as Kate Bush in the Gay Icon category Elizabeth instead named her 'Kate Butch', while when Tayce wore a dress with the Welsh dragon on the front to pay homage to Newport she quipped: 'Do I make you h***y, baby?'

The model also admitted during the judges' feedback that she found queen Bimini Bon Boulash, 26, 'sexy' as she complimented the contestant on their 'great bum'.

Fans were delighted with Elizabeth's appearance on the opening episode, calling her 'iconic' and gushing about how stunning they thought she looked.

Meanwhile, it was reported this month that filming for the show was reportedly left in chaos when one of the contestants swore at the host - and judges - before 'storming off.'

'What a queen!' Ahead of Sheridan's debut, Liz Hurley appeared as a guest judge on the first episode of the new series and left fans delighted over her cheeky puns

It is thought that the hopeful reacted badly to being told they were at risk of going home and refused to take part in the lip sync battle, reports the Daily Star.

Although the dramatic scenes were caught on camera, producers of the BBC show are said to still be deciding whether to include the moment in series two.

An insider told the publication: 'During filming for one episode, RuPaul announced which of the contestants were at risk of going home.

'One of them did not take it well at all. They completely lost it. They swore at RuPaul and said they weren't going to do the lip sync.

Cheeky! Joining show regulars Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and RuPaul, Elizabeth joked 'gaffer tape' was her beauty secret, while she also made a number of other amusing remarks

Biggest drama yet: RuPaul's Drag Race UK filming was reportedly left in chaos after one of the contestants swore at the host - and judges - before 'storming off' (pictured RuPaul)

'Then they stormed off. No-one could believe what they were seeing. It was incredibly disrespectful.'

They added that the contestant, whose identity is not known, was also heard telling the experts to 'f*** off' and held onto the grudge by refusing to take part in a reunion when filming was over.

However a BBC source denied the claims and told MailOnline that there wasn't any dramatic incident on set.

This year's edition will see the queens compete in weekly challenges, where their lip syncing, fashion sense, sewing, humour, singing, make-up, acting and dancing will be put to the test for ten weeks.

Following the franchise's mantra, the group will be assessed on their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent, before the bottom two queens will be asked to lip sync to save their position in the competition.

RuPaul, 60, and Michelle, 52, will be joined by comedians Alan, 44, or Graham, 57, on a rotational basis, while an extra special celebrity guest judge will sit on the panel each week.
In a couple of hours, 78-year-old Joe Biden will become the new as well as the oldest president of the United States of Amercia on Wednesday. The team of Joe Biden includes 20 Indian-American people and this is by far the largest number of Indians in the team of any US President. It can also be called India's growing soft power in American politics.

READ | Biden to overturn Trump administration's major policy decision on Day 1 of his swearing

Let us give you a quick update on the Indo-American people in Biden's team. 50-year-old Neera Tandon is the most important member in the list of these Indians and she will play a big role in preparing the US budget. 45-year-old Vanita Gupta has been nominated for the third most important post of the US Department of Justice, Associate Attorney General.

READ | Melania Trump's farewell message for Donald Trump's supporters ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration; watch

Dr Vivek Murthy will recommend improving the health of the American people, 47-year-old Mala Adiga will advise the President's wife on matters of policy, and 32-year-old Sabrina Singh has been appointed Media Advisor of First Lady. Also, Ayesha Shah will convey the President's messages to the people of America through the internet, and Sameera Fazili will advise Joe Biden on economic matters. The Committee on Economic Affairs also includes Bharata Ramamurthy. Gautam Raghavan will appoint staffs for the President.

READ | Joe Biden will wait for recommendation on sharing secrets with Donald Trump

Those closest to the president will be Vinay Reddy who has been entrusted with the responsibility of writing the speeches of Joe Biden. Vedanta Patel will be the Assistant Press Secretary to the President. Three people of Indian origin have been included in the National Security Council to give decisions on matters related to the national security of the US.

READ | This unique Indian art to kickoff of Biden-Harris US Presidential inauguration ceremony

Sonia Aggarwal has been made Senior Advisor for Environmental Affairs, Vidur Sharma has been given the responsibility in the team that saved America from coronavirus and two women of Indian-origin have also been appointed in the team to provide legal advice to the US President.

READ | Two Kashmiri-origin women in US President-elect Joe Biden's team; know who they are

At this time, Joe Biden is trying to strengthen the US again and for this, he depends on these important people of his team. The US is one of the oldest democracies in the world. There have been 45 presidents in the last 233 years and the swearing-in has taken place 72 times. Despite being a democracy, there is a difference between India and America. In India, there is an oath-taking ceremony for the prime minister after winning the election, while in the US it is called Inauguration Day. Now the question arises that despite having a similar role, why is it called Inauguration Day in America?

READ | Tom Hanks to host televised special for Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20

The term inauguration was used in the ancient Roman Empire. At that time, the clergy used to decide with the help of a religious rite whether a person was worthy of taking a high position and this ritual itself was called inauguration. At present, the term Inauguration is used for swearing-in in many countries including America, Russia, Ireland and Brazil.

READ | Grow up: Joe Biden lashes out at Republican lawmakers for refusing to wear masks during US Capitol riots

Inauguration Day is a formal ceremony. As soon as it is complete, the term of the US President begins. The ceremony is held in the US capital Washington DC in front of the US Parliament and in this ceremony the new President of America takes his oath of office. According to the US Constitution, every president is required to take an oath by the afternoon of January 20 after the election is over.

In this program, first, the Vice-President takes the oath and then the President. For this, the President has to repeat the oath of just 35 words prescribed by the Constitution. When Joe Biden will be sworn in, there will have an emergency in Washington DC and thousands of army personnel will be stationed there for security. After the swearing-in, the new president will make an opening speech and in this, he will talk about his goals and objectives for America.

In this ceremony, the President who exits office is also present. When Donald Trump was sworn in in 2017, former president Barack Obama was also present. But Trump has already announced his absence. In US history, only three presidents have done this so far and in the last 100 years, no president has done this. This tradition will also be broken on January 20.

The place where Joe Biden will take an oath, 14 days ago it was the scene of the most horrific violence in the history of modern America in which six people died. Had the situation been normal in America, millions of people would have attended this ceremony. At the time of the swearing-in of Barack Obama in 2009, there were about 20 lakh people present in Washington DC. But this time due to the possibility of violence and the coronavirus pandemic, this event will not be so grand.

Joe Biden will visit the White House on Wednesday after the ceremony and this will be his official residence for the next four years. The US media often uses words such as Hindu Nationalist for the current Prime Minister of India. However, the Western media criticizing religion does not comment on the religious traditions of their presidents. Joe Biden may also follow the tradition of going to church before being sworn in on Wednesday. The tradition started in 1933 by the then US president Franklin Roosevelt.

Inauguration Day is not America's public holiday but most people watch the oath-taking ceremony and its related programs on television. A person will also be able to watch this program live on Zee News and it will be held at 10 pm (IST).

With the oath ceremony of Joe Biden, a new story of Indo-US friendship will begin. During the Obama era, Joe Biden supported India on many issues including the 2008 nuclear deal. Biden's tough stand against terror is considered to be good for India, Indian professionals and students can benefit from Biden's policy on immigration, he can support India against China and India can benefit from this.

However, there are some issues on which Biden's stance does not match with that of India. He doesn't fully agree with India's views on the issues of Jammu and Kashmir, Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Even on the issue of Pakistan, Biden has never made his stand clear. So this is also a case where some difficulties may come for India.

Live TV
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.
Jenna Ryan, 50, of Texas live-streamed a Facebook video walking with a group toward the Capitol and said, We are going to (expletive) go in here as they approached the door. Life or death, it doesnt matter. Here we go. She then turned the camera to expose her face and said, Yall know who to hire for your Realtor, Jenna Ryan. She told KTVT-TV in Fort Worth she didnt do anything violent, didnt realize there was violence and hoped Trump would pardon her. I just want people to know Im a normal person, that I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol, that I was displaying my patriotism. She faces a charge of knowingly entering or remaining in the restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
As Senior Vice President, Audrey manages the relationships with some of Sony/ATV's most iconic legacy songwriters and catalogues like Valerie Simpson, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Pete Moore, Marvin Gaye, Ron Miller, Sandy Linzer, and many others. Her responsibilities include fostering and maintaining relationships, extending existing agreements, and negotiating new contracts, all of which help strengthen the company's catalogue of evergreen songs.

Sony/ATV Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and General Counsel, Peter Brodsky said, "I am so happy to congratulate Audrey on this well-deserved promotion. With her decades of experience and deep relationships with some of our most important legacy songwriters and catalogues, Audrey is truly an irreplaceable member of our team. All of us at Sony/ATV are privileged to call her a colleague and look forward to many more years of success."

Audrey Ashby said, "The music business is an amazing field, and every day brings new opportunities. I want to thank Sony for this opportunity, and I look forward to earning continued success with Jon, Peter, and our incredible songwriters."

With a music business career spanning over thirty years, Audrey is an expert in numerous areas of publishing, including copyright law and administration. She began at CBS Songs, which later became SBK and then EMI. Ashby advanced at EMI over the years, becoming Vice President, Copyright Administration and Research in 2002, and later led its copyright department. She moved to business affairs while still at EMI and joined Sony/ATV's business affairs team when EMI was acquired by the company.

SOURCE Sony/ATV

Related Links

sonyatv.com



President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi congratulated Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on his re-election, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement on Tuesday.

In a letter, Sisi extended his best wishes to the re-elected president, noting that he looks forward to further cooperation to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries.

He also wished the Ugandan people further development, progress, and prosperity.

Short link:


President Uhuru Kenyatta has maintained that he will not extend his stay in power after his term officially ends in 2022.

Speaking in an interview with Kikuyu radio stations, Uhuru said he is ready to serve Kenyans in any other capacity after his tenure.

Lets remain patriotic. Am not interested in power after my retirement, but am ready to serve the country in any capacity, he said.

During the interview, Kenyatta told off critics of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), accusing them of engaging in petty politics instead of focusing on the long-term benefits of the initiative.

My greatest worry is that instead of leaders looking at the challenges facing our people and how to resolve them, they are busy politicking about 2022 and claiming that BBI is about helping Raila. Where and when did I ever tell you that I am in this process for Raila? My interest is to achieve the promises I made to the Kenyan people, bringing them development and ensuring that they will never fight again, he said.

When the presidential election time comes, people will decide who they want, and we are watching keenly, and we will know who it shall be. But we must first ask ourselves what is important. Let us not bring in petty politics to tarnish a process that will yield results that will help our people in the long run. Lets not bring in personal politics instead of focusing on justice and fairness, for the Kenyan people to ensure they get their rightful share of resources and development without worrying so much about who is in State Housethat is what BBI is about, that is where I stand, Uhuru added.

Kenyatta also mentioned that he is not bothered by insults from critics of the BBI.

I am not worried about their insults, let them continue, but they should not try to incite people to chaos or stop ongoing projects. If they do, just like I said the other day, they will know a lion that is rained on is not a cat, he cautioned.
New Delhi:

In order to enhance its operations, German luxury carmaker BMW is investing another Rs 130 crore in India which will make its total investment Rs 1,250 crore in India.



The company will launch new version of its locally manufactured 5 Series later in June and 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT) model in 2018 to strengthen its product portfolio in India.



"Since 2007, we have been consistently investing in India. This year, we are going to increase our investment further to up to Rs 1,250 crore on a cumulative basis," BMW India President Vikram Pawah told PTI.



BMW has invested Rs 1,120 crore in the Indian operations so far.



The new investment will go into BMW group operations, including Motarrad (two-wheeler business) as well as the financial services arm, he added.



With the fresh investments, the total investments on BMW group operations in India will go up to Rs 520 crore and on BMW Financial Services to Rs 730 crore.



The company is looking to expand its dealer network in the country. It currently has 18 partners and is present in 30 cities.



"Besides, we have 63 touch points. Out of these, we have 41 sales outlets. So we want to take these 41 outlets to 50 by 2018," Pawah said.



In other emerging towns, in addition to 30 major cities, the company utilises its 'Mobile Studios' to expand the market further.



In 2017, the weather proof BMW mobile studio will cover 50 towns, Pawah said.



On new product launches, he said: "As part of our power to lead strategy, product offensive starts. In next two weeks, we will be launching the new 5 Series."



The model has played a big role in the success of BMW in India. Since 2007, the company has sold around 66,000 vehicles in India with 5 Series having contributed close to 30 per cent of the total sales.



"Next year, we will be introducing another model in between 5 and 7 Series, called the 6 GT and that would again define a new segment and create new market for us," Pawah said.



On local manufacturing, Pawah said: "We are locally producing eight of our total 16 models that are available. So as we introduce new models, also the new 5 Series, will be produced in the Chennai plant."



The 6 GT would also be manufactured locally, he added.



"So all our main volume drivers as we call them will also be produced locally. Niche models will continue to come in CBU form. As the volumes increase we will continue to evaluate as what can manufactured locally," Pawah said.



The company's Chennai plant has an installed capacity of 14,000 units on a single shift basis. It started operations in March 2007 and currently produces BMW's 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 7 Series along with SUVs X1, X3 and X5.



When asked about competition with its German rivals Mercedes and Audi to be the number one player in the luxury car market in India, he said BMW's focus is to remain the fastest growing premium car brand in India.



In the January-May period in 2017, BMW has sold 3,533 units in India at a growth of 8 per cent.



Pawah further said the company would be focusing on its power to lead strategy to grow the entire premium car market.



"The idea is to grow the segment. Currently in India, premium car segment remains less than 2 per cent of the total passenger vehicle market (3 million last fiscal) as compared to 5-10 per cent in various countries," Pawah said.



The efforts should be to at least make it 5 per cent and and eventually 10 per cent of the PV market, he added.



The premium vehicle segment is estimated to be around 35,000 units per annum currently.

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.
Belfast City Council is to examine whether some its car parking spaces should be reserved for electric vehicles.

At the latest meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, SDLP councillor Brian Heading suggested officers examine the feasibility of a pilot scheme, with charging points to be provided later.

Mr Heading said: "We know from government announcements that by 2030 the sale of petrol and diesel cars will apparently be banned, and we should all be looking to purchase an electric car."

He said that as soon as it was feasible, the council should have a pilot scheme offering spaces for electric and hybrid cars in its car parks "as a way of providing an incentive," following the example of some local authorities in the Republic and Great Britain.

Green Councillor Mal O'Hara said the proposal should be part of a general review of the city car parking strategy this year.

Sinn Fein councillor Ronan McLaughlin supported the proposal, but "didn't understand" leaving charging points to a later stage as people with electric vehicles "wanted car parks with associated infrastructure."

A council representative said that the issue would be investigated "once resources became available" and agreed that a report on how this could be facilitated would be brought back "in due course".

Expand Close Brian Heading / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Brian Heading

The textile manufacturers of Tamil Nadu have called for conducive government policies to make India a major player in man-made fibre (MMF) textiles and clothing products globally. They sought certain tweaks in the soon to be implemented labour laws and permission for liberal import of MMF yarn by removing anti-dumping duty on MMF raw materials.

In an interaction with the Parliamentary Panel on Labour on January 19, industry body National Committee on Textiles & Clothing (NCTC) wanted a level playing field in the globalised environment and said there is tremendous scope for India to grab the opportunities thrown by the global trends to move away from China in the post COVID-19 days.

"India accounts for only 2.2 per cent of the global MMF textile trade, and the Ministry of Textiles has proposed a Focus Product Incentive Scheme for 40 HS (tariff) lines of MMF garments and 10 HS lines of Technical Textiles under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme recently announced by the government. The global trade of these 50 HS line products is around $222 billion and the existing share of India is very dismal," the committee pointed out.

NCTC said the anti-dumping duty and customs duty protection given for the domestic manufacturers and 18 per cent GST on man-made fibres and 12 per cent GST on MMF yarn have been curtailing the growth of the MMF sector in India.

"India could not import even speciality fibres that are not manufactured in the country under nil duty. These MMF raw materials are produced by a very few manufacturers. Cotton produced by over 6 million farmers does not attract any duty and made available cheaper than the international price. MMF is expensive upto 23 per cent", the committee informed the Parliamentary Panel.

The industry wanted the Standing Committee on Labour to recommend removing anti-dumping duty and also slotting the entire MMF value chain under 5 per cent GST rate on par with cotton value chain apart from addressing inverted duty structure issues at processing and capital goods. They said that based on their earlier representations the government has already removed the anti-dumping duty on PTA, acrylic fibre and rejected the proposed anti-dumping duty on PSF and MEG, thus enabling global competitiveness for the polyester segment.

The committee also sought certain amendments in the new Codes to ensure ease of doing business. "Fixing uniform minimum wages across the country for all trades and jobs is essential to create a level playing field. There is a huge variation in the rates of minimum wages between states and also between trades and job roles within the state. NCTC appealed to the Standing Committee on Labour to advise state governments to avoid applying Juvenile Justice Act that defines the child labour as 18 years below while Factories Act permits employment of adolescent workers aged between 16 and 18 years, subject to certain conditions," said S Sunanda, secretary general of Conferedation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).

In addition to CITI, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC), Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) and Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) are part of the National Committee on Textiles & Clothing (NCTC).

ALSO READ: Apparel prices are likely to remain soft during H2 FY21: Ind-Ra

ALSO READ: Scrap viscose staple fibre anti-dumping duty, textile bodies urge PM Modi
Advertisement

Donald Trump delivered Joe Biden one more snub Tuesday, forcing him to charter his own plane to fly from Delaware to Washington D.C. instead of authorizing an Air Force jet.

The president-elect flew the short hop from his home state, after a tear-stained speech eulogizing his dead son Beau, on a private Boeing 737  then as he landed at Joint Base Andrews taxied past an idle Air Force Boeing 757 on the tarmac.

The snub was the latest in Trump's defiant refusal to acknowledge his successor. In contrast the Obama administration sent an Air Force plane to New York for the Trumps in January 2017.

Just as the Biden family landed, the White House released a 20-minute farewell video from Trump, which did not mention his successor by name or congratulate him on his victory.

On Wednesday, the Trumps will fly out of Washington without greeting the Bidens, with the president holding his own farewell 'ceremony' at Andrews before getting on Air Force One to his Mar-a-Lago estate.

He timed the flight to ensure the executive 747 retains the call sign Air Force One for the duration of his time in the air. The Bidens instead will go to Mass with Congressional leaders including Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy - a sign of Trump's diminishing influence in the Republican party. Even Mike Pence is not going to Trump's farewell.

Trump fought to overthrow Biden's election victory, and even after he finally acknowledged on January 7 that he would not remain in office, has not invited his successor to the White House. The snub has been echoed by Melania Trump's refusal to invite Jill Biden to her new home.

In contrast, Biden set an emotional tone as he departed Delaware, crying as he spoke about his late son Beau, who died of cancer in 2015.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden arrives in Washington, D.C., ahead of his inauguration. The president-elect flew on a chartered plane, not a government jet - an apparent snub by the Trump administration

Biden flew from the New Castle Airport, just outside Wilmington, to Joint Base Andrews. He had originally hoped to take Amtrak - how he commuted back and forth between Washington and Wilmington for years as a U.S. senator - but the heightened security risk surrounding the inauguration killed off those plans

Biden set an emotional tone as he departed Delaware, crying as he spoke about his late son Beau, who died in 2015

As the Bidens landed at Joint Base Andrews, their plane taxied past an idle Air Force Boeing 757 on the tarmac

Just as the Biden family landed, the White House released a 20-minute farewell video from Trump, which did not mention his successor by name or congratulate him on his victory

Moment of emotion: Joe Biden wept openly as he spoke at the National Guard/Reserve Center named for his son, Beau, who died in 2015. He said it should be Beau who should be leaving Delaware to be president

President-elect Joe Biden cried as he said goodbye to his home state of Delaware and when talking about his late son Beau

Preparations continue one ahead of the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden at the US Capitol

Banners announcing the inauguration are displayed outside the White House in Lafayette Park on January 19

In 2009, President-elect Barack Obama took a train from Philadelphia and picked up Biden, the vice president-elect in Wilmington, traveling to Washington, D.C.'s Union Station.

Beau Biden was Delaware's attorney general and expected to pursue higher political office, but died of cancer in 2015

Biden recalled that day - and how important it was that a black man became president of the United States.

'And here we are today - my family and I - about to return to Washington to meet a black woman, of south Asian descent, to be sworn in as president and vice president of the United States,' Biden said, referring to his running mate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

'As I told Beau on that station waiting for Barack - and Hunter and Ashley - I said don't tell me things can't change,' Biden continued.

'They can and they do.'

He said this hopeful mentality was thanks to Delaware, a state he said had given his parents work when they needed it - his family left Scranton, PA, when he was 10 - and had helped him heal from the loss of his first wife Neila and baby daughter Naomi in a car crash in 1972.

'That's America. That's Delaware. A place of hope and light and limitless possibilities,' Biden said.

He asked the audience to excuse his emotion as he talked about his adopted home state, one that gave his parents 'a home and a livelihood when they needed it most.'

Incoming first lady Jill Biden (left) waves to the audience at a ceremony at the Major Joseph R. 'Beau' Biden III National Guard /Reserve Center at the New Castle Airport, before President-elect Joe Biden's (right) inauguration

Incoming first lady Jill Biden (left) watches her husband speak alongside Hunter Biden (center) and baby Beau, named for his late brother

Family: Joe Biden paid tribute to his son Hunter (second left) and daughter Ashley. Hunter was with his second wife Melissa Cohen, and held their 11-month-old son Beau

Wave: Hunter Biden, 51, waves to another family member while his father speaks

Tearful: Biden was emotional throughout his speech in Delaware, thanking the state for being 'a place of light and hope and limitless possibilities.'

National anthem: Jill Biden put her hand on her heart as her husband came on stage to the Star-Spangled Banner. She wore a purple coat and purple butterfly-patterned mask

Support: Joe Biden said 'I told Jill I wouldn't be emotional' but he cried as he spoke about his late son Beau, and about his live of Delaware saying: 'When I die Delaware will be written on my heart.'

The Bidens arrive onstage at the Major Joseph R. 'Beau' Biden III National Guard / Reserve Center on Tuesday for a Delaware farewell event before flying to Washington, D.C.

Master Gunnery Sargent Matthew Harding, a trumpet player with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, blows into his instrument during a rehearsal for the Inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden

A worker adjusts decorative flags on the National Mall on January 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. Tight security measures are in place for Inauguration Day due to greater security threats after the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6

A view of the National Mall ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris

And, he said, Delaware sent him as a 'kid' to the U.S. Senate.

Biden was elected at age 29 and sworn-in, as the Constitution permits, at age 30.

'When I die, Delaware will be written on my heart and the hearts of all of the Bidens,' he said.

'We love you all, you've been there for us in the good and the bad, you never walked away,' Biden continued.

'And I am proud - proud, proud, proud to be a son of Delaware and I am even more proud to be standing here doing this from the Major Beau Biden facility.'

That's when the president-elect wished his son would have been the Biden to make it to the White House.

Before his death, Beau Biden had encouraged his father to run for president in 2016, instead of letting Hillary Clinton become the heir to President Barack Obama's legacy.

After Beau Biden died, Joe Biden sat out the 2016 race, which saw Clinton lose to Republican President Donald Trump.

Biden decided to run for president in 2020 after watching Trump handle the racial violence in Charlottesville in 2017.

President-elect Joe Biden (right) and incoming first lady Jill Biden (second from right) greet supporters at an event in Delaware Tuesday before they fly to Joint Base Andrews ahead of Wednesday's inauguration ceremonies

We lve Joe: One guest broke social distancing briefly to huge the incoming commander-in-chief

Socially distanced: Guests - including Delaware Senator Chris Coons - were kept from crowding together with patriotic barriers

A street vendor sells Biden-Harris merchandise ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' inauguration ceremony

A staff member cleans the glass on a protective shield before President-elect Joe Biden speaks during a COVID-19 memorial, with lights placed around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Scene outside: Supporters waved at Joe Biden as his motorcade made its way from his home in Wilmington for his speech

Security: Joe Biden is now at the center of a massive security operation led by the Secret Service

Travel: Biden had hoped to travel to Washington on Amtrak, which he had commuted on daily as a senator, and on which he traveled with Barack Obama in 2009, but the aftermath of the MAGA riot canceled that plan

On the apron: The first couple in waiting speak to Delaware National Guard adjutant General, Major General Michael Berry and his wife also a General, Karen Berry.

Thanks: President-elect Joe Biden salutes Brigadier General Karen Berry

Escort: Jill and Joe Biden speak to Delaware Adjutant General, Major General Michael Berry and his wife, Brigadier General Karen Berry.

Slight limp: Joe Biden is still healing from fractured bones in his foot which he suffered last year playing with his younger dog, Major

Wheels up: The president-elect and first lady-in waiting board their flight to D.C.

Up in the air: The flight from New Castle Airport, just outside Wilmington, DE, to Washington D.C. is only a few minutes

What awaits: The intensifying security in Washington saw more fencing toppped with razor wire going up near the Capitol

Contrast: The Bidens were on a chartered jet - but the Trumps flew from New York to Washington D.C. on a government jet provided by the Obama administration

JOE BIDEN'S INAUGURATION TIMETABLE Tuesday 19 Leaves Wilmington, Delaware, with wife Jill for D.C. 5.30pm: Joins Kamala Harris at the Lincoln Memorial for COVID remembrance ceremony Spends night at Blair House, the official guest house across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House Wednesday 20 8.45amAttends mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral with leaders of the House and Senate 11am: Guests arrive on the steps of the Capitol for the inauguration Ceremony will begin with an invocation by the Rev. Leo J. O'Donovan, a Jesuit priest who is a close friend of the Biden family. Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia, will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem. Amanda Gorman, who became the country's first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, will read a poem she has written for the occasion called 'The Hill We Climb.' Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks also will perform. Shortly after 12 p.m., Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office. Biden will take the oath with his 127-year-old, 5-inch-thick family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Jill. Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first black and the first South Asian American vice president, will be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court. Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles  one that belonged to a close family friend Regina Shelton who was like mother to her and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, one of her heroes. Biden will then give his inaugural address. After the swearing-in ceremony, Biden and Harris will take part in a Pass in Review with members of the military on the East Front of the Capitol. Then, Biden, Harris and their spouses will then go to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Obamas, the Bushes and the Clintons will attend in a show of bipartisan unity. The next stop is the White House where Joe and Jill Biden and Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff will view the virtual 'Parade Across America,' featuring performances from all 56 states and territories. It will be hosted by the actor Tony Goldwyn with appearances by Earth, Wind and Fire and former 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart. It also includes 1,391 people (not counting the military escort), 90 horses and nine dogs. Afternoon: Harris swears in the three new Democratic senators: Georgia election winners Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, and her replacement as California senator, Alex Padilla New White House press secretary Jen Psaki holds first briefing 8pm: Primetime TV celebration hosted by Tom Hanks, Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, Tyler Hubbard, Tim McGraw, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Biden and Harris also will speak. Thursday 21 10am Biden joins virtual interfaith service at National Cathedral for 59th Inaugural National Prayer Service Advertisement

Biden was introduced by Delaware's Democratic Gov. John Carney, who said the president-elect was 'born for this moment.'

'I have one particular feeling that's hard to describe and it's one that so many Americans haven't felt for so long,' Carney said, explaining that that feeling was 'hope.'

Carney also spoke of Beau Biden's death, calling him Joe Biden's 'pride and joy.' 'And Delaware's as well,' Carney said.

'He has picked himself up and brought us along with him,' Carney said of the incoming president. 'Now he stands ready to pull the country out of this morass out of the chaos and onto higher ground.'

At Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, Biden's inaugural address will center on unifying the country in the post-Trump era.

Biden is expected to speak for between 20 and 30 minutes.

When Biden lands in Washington, he'll arrive at a city filled with National Guard troops and military checkpoints, as the main downtown arteries and Capitol Hill are all blocked off on the heels of the January 6 insurrection attempt.

The National Mall, which usually hosts major crowd for the swearing-in, has been blocked off to the public, with a flag display taking the place of humans.

Biden will be joined by Harris for a 5:30 p.m. event at the Lincoln Memorial's Reflection Pool to honor the lives lost in the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. hit the dismal mark of 400,000 deaths from COVID-19.

Biden and Harris' inauguration was always going to have a smaller human footprint because they've been strict about COVID-19 protocols.

But the MAGA mob's siege made security even tighter.

While President Obama sent President-elect Trump an Air Force One-type jet for his family's Washington arrival, Biden took a white and gray charter jet - a Boeing BBJ, based on the Boeing 737 - between Delaware and D.C.

As Biden's white and gray private plane landed at Andrews, it passed one of the government planes used as Air Force One on the tarmac.

Trump's refusal to send Biden a military jet was largely seen as a snub.

The president also refused to meet with Biden, a normal part of the transition.

First lady Melania Trump paid the same courtesy to Jill Biden, refusing to give her a tour of the residence, also a transition tradition.

The White House's chief usher Timothy Harleth will greet the Bidens at the White House instead of the outgoing first family.

Even this week, The New York Times reported Monday, Trump was telling allies that he was the true winner of the election.

Trump will fly to West Palm Beach, Florida Wednesday and arrive there before noon, so he can fly onboard 'Air Force One' one final time.

The Air Force One label applies to the president's plane, no matter what make or model.

But it is security that now defines the capital and the Capitol itself.

Twelve National Guardsmen have now 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, officials say.

The officials, a senior intelligence official and an Army official briefed on the matter, did not say which fringe group the Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in.

They did say, however, that here was no threat to Joe Biden.

Neither the National Guard or Secret Service would comment on the removal of the Guardsmen.

Their removal from the massive security presence at the nation's capital comes as the FBI worked to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops headed to the area for Biden's inauguration amid concerns of insider threats in the wake of the Capitol riots.

It comes after the National Guard chief, General Daniel Hokanson, said earlier on Tuesday that the 25,000 armed troops protecting DC were 'trained and ready for anything' and he wasn't concerned about the potential for insider threat.

The National Guard said troops from all 50 states are supporting law enforcement for the inauguration.

Gen. Hokanson said the vetting of his troops was standard practice but was heightened given the large number of Guardsman brought in to fortify DC in the wake of the insurrection at Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

In addition to the 25,000 National Guardsman, the Pentagon also authorized 750 active-duty troops with expertise in chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and explosive weapons to provide additional security in the capital.

'We've done a lot of work. We're making sure that our folks are trained and ready for anything they're going to be asked to do. Our folks are always trained in deescalation techniques,' Gen Hokanson told NBC's Today on Tuesday.

Preparations are made ahead of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's Presidential Inauguration in front of the White House

Members of the National Guard patrol near the Capitol building on Tuesday morning. Two National Guardsman are now being removed from the inauguration security mission after they were found to have ties to fringe right group militias after the Guard's chief said he wasn't concerned about the potential for insider threats

National Guard troops prepare riot shields before entering a security perimeter near the Washington Monument on Tuesday morning

National Guard troops stand guard in Downtown Washington, DC on Tuesday - just one day out from the inauguration

Security was at a high around DC on Tuesday - just one day before President Biden's Inauguration

He said the decision to arm his troops during the inauguration was made by the Secret Service amid the ongoing threats.

National Guard General Daniel Hokanson said the 25,000 armed troops that are now protecting Washington DC are 'trained and ready for anything'

Gen Hokanson said he wasn't concerned about the potential for an insider attack from service members involved in securing the inauguration after defense officials raised concerns.

'It's not a threat for me, I'm not concerned about that at all. If you look at our National Guardsman, we vet them throughout the process. We don't allow extremism of any type in our organization,' he said.

'As we look at this as a national special security event... this type of vetting is standard.'

Gen Hokanson has been meeting with Guard troops as they arrive in DC and as they gather downtown. He said he believes there are good processes in place to identify any potential threats.

It comes after Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that officials are conscious of the potential threat and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches.

So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn't flagged any issues that they were aware of.

'We're continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,' McCarthy said.

He said Guard members are also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.

Armed troops patrolled the streets of DC on Tuesday as security strengthened even more on Trump's last day in office

Hundreds of National Guardsmen were out patrolling the streets of DC on Tuesday morning

Members of the National Guard gather near the Capitol building a day out from Biden's inauguration

The FBI is vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event

National Guardsman manned a checkpoint near the White House on Monday night

Armed National Guard troops stand guard in Downtown Washington on Tuesday

Attempts to fortify Washington have been ongoing ever since the January 6 insurrection at Capitol with the city now an armed fortress fenced off with razor wire

The Secret Service has incorporated the term 'Green Zone' into its inauguration security maps with the area pictured above on lockdown until after the inaguration

About 25,000 members of the National Guard are streaming into Washington from across the country - at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals.

While the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.

As security continues to intensify in DC ahead of the inauguration, defense officials told Politico that 750 active-duty troops had been deployed this week to the capital.

Those personnel are experts in handling chemical and nuclear weapons, as well as experience disposing of explosives.

Among the active-duty personnel are medical teams trained in responding to trauma.

It comes as the Capitol complex temporarily locked down on Monday during an inauguration rehearsal after a fire in a homeless encampment roughly a mile away sent a plume of smoke into the air and caused security concerns in the already on-edge city.

Military personnel and staffers could be seen running from the temporary seating on the Capitol Building's West Front as an evacuation warning played in the background.

Law enforcement officials later confirmed there was no threat to the public and the fire was not believed to be a threat to the inauguration.

About 25,000 members of the National Guard are streaming into Washington from across the country - at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals

A street leading to the White House is blocked by police and security fencing ahead of the inauguration

In addition to the 25,000 National Guardsman, the Pentagon also authorized 750 active-duty troops to provide additional security

National Guard members get instructions as others stand guard near the White House on Monday

The evacuation of some participants and the lockdown were ordered by the acting chief of Capitol Police in an abundance of caution.

But the fast decision to lock down underscores the fear that has gripped Washington since the deadly January 6 insurrection at the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

Attempts to fortify Washington have been ongoing ever since with the city now an armed fortress fenced off with razor wire.

Armed protests planned for this past weekend around the country were mostly a bust, but anxiety is still skyrocketing.

The major security concern for the inauguration is an attack by armed groups of individuals, as well as planted explosives and other devices.

McCarthy said intelligence reports suggest that groups are organizing armed rallies leading up to Inauguration Day and possibly after that.


SAN DIEGO, CA, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) (the Company), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States that launched the worlds first-ever cannabis-derived nutraceutical products, brands and supply chain, announced today that its CEO Dr. Stuart Titus has been named the winner of the 2020 Best Business Leader in the United States by Global Brands Magazine.



The Global Brand Awards is an annual awards program held by Global Brands Magazine (GBM), headquartered in the UK. Each year, GBM conducts a series of awards for companies that have stood out among industry leaders, demonstrating exceptional service and unique vision. This is the eighth edition of the awards.

Dr. Titus is a pioneer of the cannabis industry with more than 10 years of experience within the hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) space. He oversees a robust portfolio of subsidiary and investment companies and through his leadership, Medical Marijuana, Inc. became the first company to develop hemp-based CBD products. Dr. Titus personally helped lead and win legal battles for the importation of CBD into several countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and many European nations. He has also offered testimony about the safety and wellness benefits of CBD to regulatory agencies in the US, including to the FDA.

While I am certainly honored to receive this award, I want to thank my team of extremely hard-working executives who have helped me take the company to where it is today, said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. When I became involved with the company, I could have never imagined the growth and prosperity that we have achieved over the past several years. It has been a pleasure to see Medical Marijuana, Inc. become a leader in cannabis and CBD and I look forward to witnessing the entire industry prosper in the years to come.

To view the list of 2020 Global Brands Magazine award winners, visit https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/award-winners-2020/ and search under Leadership Awards.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts. Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA) is a cannabis company with three distinct business units in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid space: a global portfolio of cannabinoid-based nutraceutical brands led by Kannaway and HempMeds; a pioneer in sourcing the highest-quality legal non-psychoactive cannabis products derived from industrial hemp; and a cannabinoid-based clinical research and botanical drug development sector led by its pharmaceutical investment companies and partners including AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. and Neuropathix, Inc. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was named a top CBD producer by CNBC. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was also the first company to receive historic import permits for CBD products from the governments of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay and is a leader in the development of international markets. The companys flagship product Real Scientific Hemp Oil has been used in several successful clinical studies throughout Mexico and Brazil to understand its safety and efficacy.

Medical Marijuana, Inc.s headquarters is in San Diego, California, and additional information is available at OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.s corporate video, click here.

Shareholders and consumers are also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.s shop.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE

Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act.

CONTACT:

Public Relations Contact:

Kathryn Brown

Account Supervisor

CMW Media

P. 858-264-6600

kathryn@cmwmedia.com

www.cmwmedia.com

Investor Relations Contact:

P. (858) 283-4016

Investors@medicalmarijuanainc.com

Attachment
WASHINGTON  More than 21,000 National Guard troops assumed positions across the heart of the nations capital on Monday as military and law enforcement officials took new steps to head off insider threats among the massive force of part-time soldiers during President-elect Joe Bidens swearing-in this week.

As part of an intense inauguration security effort after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, authorities have launched a process to subject troops from the District of Columbia National Guard and a host of states to additional security screening for links to extremist or other violent groups.

Concern about potential internal threats has intensified as investigators have identified a growing list of individuals with law enforcement and military ties, including at least two service members, among the rioters who stormed Congress in their effort to overturn President Donald Trump's electoral loss.

On Monday, an Army reservist from New Jersey became the latest service member known to be charged with participation in the riot, which left at least five people dead and disrupted lawmakers' attempt to certify Biden as the next U.S. president.

The Defense Department, assisted by the FBI, will conduct special vetting for National Guard personnel, who are expected to number up to 25,000 for the inauguration on Wednesday, said acting defense secretary Christopher Miller.

 READ MORE: Fact-checking a top Pa. Republican who said false election claims didnt play any role in the Capitol attack

"While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital," Miller said in a statement. While law enforcement vetting typically occurs before major security events, he added, "in this case the scope of military participation is unique."

An FBI official said the bureau was conducting "name checks" for the guardsmen in addition to vetting done by the Defense Department. It was not immediately clear whether the military or state national guards are doing any new or additional screening of the guardsmen, who were vetted as part of their recruitment and security clearance process.

The presence of camouflaged guardsmen flanking Washington's federal heart, largely closed off with steel fences and concrete crash barriers, has added to the sense of tension across the city in the days since the Capitol riot.

Even as expected follow-up protests have not materialized significantly, authorities have promised to keep a high alert throughout a scaled-back inauguration.

 READ MORE: Feds charge Harrisburg woman accused of stealing Pelosis laptop and an ex-Pa. State Police cadet in connection with Capitol attack

The heightened scrutiny of guardsmen highlights the Pentagons concerns about growing extremism, including support for white nationalism and antigovernment groups, among veterans and serving troops. Authorities acknowledge that rooting out the problem has proved challenging, which they say reflects larger trends across American society.

Before the riot, as part of the military's reckoning with its legacy of racism and discrimination, Miller ordered a review of how the military handles extremism in the ranks. Officials are hoping to determine whether existing steps to identify and address extremist affiliations and actions are adequate.

Also on Monday, the Army confirmed that Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, whom the Justice Department has charged with five counts including obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, serves as a sergeant in the Army Reserve. Task and Purpose first reported the man's Army affiliation.

According to a charging papers, a source identified Hale-Cusanelli, who works as a contractor for the Navy at Naval Weapons Station Earle, as an "avowed white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer" and said he admitted to entering the Capitol as part of the riot. Hale-Cusanelli told the source that he directed others to advance and admitted to stealing a flagpole that was used by another rioter to attack a member of the Capitol Police, the paper said.

According to the Army, Hale-Cusanelli, a human resources specialist, serves in the 174th Infantry Brigade out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

The Army does not tolerate racism, extremism or hatred in our ranks and is committed to working closely with the FBI as they identify people who participated in the violent attack on the Capitol to determine if the individuals have any connection to the Army, a spokesman for Army Reserve Strategic Communications said.
A New Jersey congressman has shut down his Twitter account over security concerns and to help the district and nation move toward unity during this difficult time.

Rep. Chris Smith, one of two Republicans in New Jerseys delegation, announced his decision on Monday.

Divisive and hate-filled tweets have become far too frequent and impede the healing so needed today, the announcement said.

Smith, R-4th Dist., is the longest-serving member of the states congressional delegation, and now the only one without a Twitter account.

In response to Smiths announcement, his Democratic opponent last fall, Stephanie Schmid, tweeted Monday that the congressman could have helped move toward unity by voting to impeach a traitor who incited a domestic terror attack.

Smith joined all but 10 House Republicans in voting against impeaching President Donald Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol in which five people died.

Nobody knows Jersey politics like NJ.com. Add your email now and dont miss a story.



Smith did not mention Trumps call for his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest what he insisted for months was a stolen election, the action that led to his unprecedented second impeachment, in his statement condemning the violence.

I unequivocally condemn the assault on the Capitol last week and those who committed murder, violence, vandalism and other crimes should be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law, Smith said at the time. We must be committed to zero-tolerance towards violence in any form.

But Smith, unlike a majority of his House Republican colleagues, including GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., did not sign onto a brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out the election results and give Trump a second term in office.

And unlike McCarthy, Van Drew and a majority of House Republicans, Smith did not vote to overturn the certified electoral votes in two battleground states won by Joe Biden.

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.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 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.
Save the Dates for Upcoming Events at the Sordoni Art Gallery

Brutal Beauty: The Transformation of Women through Mythology

Martha Posner

Curated by Heather Sincavage, MFA

Feb. 9 through April 11



Brutal Beauty: The Transformation of Women in Mythology at the Sordoni Art Gallery is a mid-career retrospective of the interdisciplinary artist Martha Posner. Posner is a mixed media artist living and working in Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. Examining themes of trauma and recovery through the lens of classic mythology, Posners large scale paintings and sculptures haunt the viewer with an unparalleled perspective on familiar folklore.



The Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University is free and open to the public and offers complimentary guided subject-adapted tours To maintain a safe environment, visitors must wear masks and groups are limited to a maximum of 25.



The Sordoni Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon to 5 p.m. Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to schedule a tour (24 hrs notice is appreciated).



Wednesday, Feb. 10 | 6 p.m. on Zoom

Feature Artist Lecture with Martha Posner



Brutal Beauty is a mid-career retrospective of the artist, Martha Posner. The artist will cover her studio practice, influences and the importance of mythology to the narratives she creates. Her work is in service to a better understanding of the trauma women experience, providing perspective to those unable to speak on their own.



Posner is a sculptor living on a farm in Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. She takes much of her inspiration from the 250 acres of surrounding forest, fairy tales and mythology, and her many barnyard creatures. She is a Mary H. Dana Fellow, and an Experimental Printmaking Workshop Fellow. Some of her collectors and exhibitions include: The Allentown Art Museum, The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Butler Museum of Art, Lehigh University, The George Gund Foundation, and The Spoletto Festival. Publications and reviews of her work can be found in The New York Times, Surface Design, Art Forum, ArtNews, and Sculpture Magazine. She is represented by Accola Griefen in New York City.



Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to RSVP or for more information.



Saturday, Feb. 13 | 2 p.m. on Zoom

Art in Your Hands Free Workshop: Valentine Papercrafting with Karley Stasko, SAG Outreach Coordinator



Valentines Day is approaching fast. What better way to say I love you than giving them your heart? Literally. Join us on Zoom to craft anatomical Valentines Day cards. Learn elements of collage and paper crafting while exploring the brutal beauty of love. Each kit includes materials to create a 5x8 multimedia greeting card/envelope.



Art in Your Hands is a free all-ages virtual event. Kits may be picked up at the Gallery front desk during all operating hours. RSVP is required. One kit per person. Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to RSVP or for more information.



Wednesday, March 10 | 6 p.m. on Zoom

Art in Context lecture: From Silence to a Scream: The Visual Representation of Womens Trauma throughout Art History

Heather Sincavage, curator of the exhibition



Curator of Brutal Beauty and director of the Sordoni Gallery Heather Sincavage will discuss how art history normalized violence against women. Tracing images through hundreds of years, society informed how we viewed and understood gender. Over time, women artists have challenged, at their own expense, the silence society conditioned for their behavior. Artistic practice provides a structure to process trauma but not a cure for disease caused by it. Now in the era of #MeToo, women artists lead, using their practice, toward accountability, hoping to eradicate violence.



Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to RSVP or for more information.



Wednesday, March 24 | 6 p.m. on Zoom

Art in Context discussion with artist Martha Posner and photographer Amy Arbus on their collaboration



Martha Posner and Amy Arbuss photo and mixed media collaboration keep the #MeToo dialogue going. The two artists will discuss an installation of Amy's photographs of women wearing Martha's handwritten garments. Inspired by women everywhere, the project pairs art and the female experience, bringing awareness to stories that need to be seen and heard.



Amy Arbus is a native New Yorker known for her style feature, On The Street, which ran in The Village Voice from 1980-90. Her photographs have been published in her five books and in hundreds of periodicals such as New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Aperture and The New York Times Magazine. Her photographs are in the collections of The National Theater in Norway, The Museum of Modern Art, The New York Public Library and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.



Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to RSVP or for more information.



Tuesday, April 6 | 11 a.m. on Zoom

Art in Your Hands Free Workshop: Bring Brutal Beauty into your Home with Karley Stasko, SAG Outreach Coordinator



Create your own macrame plant holder for a potted succulent.



In nature, succulents thrive in some of the harshest environments, guarding themselves with waxy, hairy or spiny leaves. Bring their brutal beauty home and learn the ancient art of macrame. Macrame has a long history in the textile arts with its foundations going back to the Babylonian empire. Each kit includes materials to create a 15 hanging planter as well as a baby succulent.



Art in Your Hands is a free all-ages virtual event. Kits may be picked up at the Gallery front desk during all operating hours. RSVP is required. One kit per person. Please contact karley.stasko@wilkes.edu to RSVP or for more information.






remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Samsung's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold is reportedly receiving the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update in some regions. According to reports, the One UI 3.0 update comes with firmware version F900FXXU4DUA1 for the LTE version in France and UAE, while the 5G variant in Switzerland and UK is receiving the update with firmware version F907BXXU4DUA1. The latest update brings all the Android 11 features to Samsung's first foldable smartphone including Chat Bubbles, a new user interface, and more.

According to a report in SamMobile, a website that tracks Samsung developments, Samsung has started rolling out Android 11-based One UI 3.0 for the Galaxy Fold in France and UAE with version F900FXXU4DUA1 for the LTE variant of the Galaxy Fold, while users of the 5G variant of the smartphone will receive the update version F907BXXU4DA1 in Switzerland and UK. This update comes as the South Korean giant is pushing the Android 11 update for its entire lineup. Most recently, Samsung updated its Galaxy S10 series to Android 11, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip received the One UI 3.0 update last month. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G received Android 11 based One UI 3.0 late last month as well and now, the company has released another update to improve touchscreen stability. Samsung started rolling out the One UI 3.0 update with last year's Galaxy S20 flagship series.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold was launched in India in February 2019 and was powered by Android 9.0 Pie out-of-the-box. The smartphone was updated to Android 10 in March last year and it is unclear when the Android 11-based update will reach Indian users. It is also being said that this will be the last system update for Samsung's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold.
President-Elect Joe Biden unveiled a sweeping economic assistance package to pull the U.S. out of the dual economic and health crisis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. If passed, the proposal would include a $440 billion in aid to rescue small businesses and essential services, as well as provisions for direct relief to Americans and emergency funding to state and local governments.

"We have to act and we have to act now. We cannot afford inaction," Biden said in a televised address last night.

The plan would include flexible grants to help small businesses survive the pandemic and low-cost capital to help entrepreneurs create and maintain jobs and to provide goods and services to their communities. "They're hurting and they're hurting badly," Biden said. The president elect promised to assure that the assistance would be provided swiftly and equitably, focusing on Main Street businesses and not leaving behind women and minority-owned businesses. Biden also pledged to establish a $15 per hour minimum wage nationally and provide affordable child care.

In a statement, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council welcomed the initiatives, but expressed reservations about a higher minimum wage and other mandates that may fall disproportionately on small businesses. "We encourage the incoming Biden Administration to listen to entrepreneurs as to how new costs and requirements will undermine economic recovery," the statement said.

More broadly, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan calls for distributing 100 million vaccines in Biden's first 100 days in office, assistance for reopening schools, $2,000 in payments to people who need it most, extending unemployment benefits beyond the end of March, and a $400 weekly supplement to help people make ends meet. A plan for emergency food assistance would help get restaurants and their workers back on the job, Biden said. There would also be a provision to help American families avoid foreclosure and evictions, as well as offer a bridge to economic recovery for mom-and-pop landlords.
A New York court worker, 37, who called for 'public executions' of Pelosi and Schumer and told Trump supporters to 'kill your senators' has been arrested by the FBI in Queens.

Brendan Hunt, using the alias X-Ray Ultra, posted on Facebook that he wanted 'actual revenge' on Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

'Trump, we want actual revenge on democrats. Meaning, we want you to hold a public execution of pelosi aoc schumer etc. And if you dont do it, the citizenry will,' Hunt allegedly wrote on Facebook, according to the complaint.

'We're not voting in another rigged election. Start up the firing squads, mow down these commies, and lets take america back!'

His posts appear to have since been deleted.

The wannabe filmmaker, who works as an assistant court analyst for New York's Office of Court Administration, was arrested by FBI agents at his home in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens on Tuesday and is expected to appear in court later today.

Hunt appears to have made a complete turn-around his beliefs, having previously boasted on his website about his attendance at the liberal Occupy Wall Street protests in Zuccotti Park nearly 10 years ago.

Brendan Hunt, 37, has been arrested by the FBI after he called for the 'public executions' of elected officials in a Facebook post

Hunt, who works for New York state courts, said that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi should be shot in 'revenge' in a Facebook post

Hunt accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of attempting a military coup against the president

Hunt ripped into Democrats including Chuck Schumer, calling them 'high value targets'

Hunt, who was not at the Capitol siege on January 6, has since posted numerous videos claiming that the election was stolen.

In another post responding to an article in the New York Daily News, Hunt appeared to support running over police with cars.

'F**k the lockdown po-lice! Yeah booiii run those pigs over!' Hunt wrote.

'Anyone enforcing this lockdown mas vaccine bulls**t deserves nothing less than a bullet in their f**king heads! Including cops!'

Hunt said it was 'time for firing squads' after calling the 2020 presidential election 'rigged'

Hunt also asked his followers if any of them would give him a gun so he could shoot them himself

He added that 'if you're going to shoot someone though' it should be a 'high value target like Pelosi schumer or aoc.'

'they really need to be put down. These commies will see death before they see us surrender,' he wrote, according to the FBI.

Just two days after MAGA rioters stormed the Capitol, Hunt posted an 88-second video to the website Bitchute  which is often used by white supremacists and the far-right.

The video, titled KILL YOUR SENATORS, appears to have since been taken down.

An arrest warrant was issued for Hunt on Monday, court records show

Court records show that Hunt is accused to threatening to 'murder a United States official'

In the video, Hunt calls for Trump supporters to return to the U.S. Capitol during President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration with guns to spray this mother**kers,' according to the FBI.

'We need to go back to the U.S. Capitol when all of the Senators and a lot of the Representatives are back there, and this time we have to show up with our guns. And we need to slaughter these motherf**ers,' Hunt said in the video.

'Put some bullets in their f**king heads. If anybody has a gun, give me it, I'll go there myself and shoot them and kill them,' Hunt said in the video, according to the FBI.

With the username @xrayultra, Hunt responded to a post made to Parler by an account named @GenFlynn several days later.

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn called on supporters of President Trump to protest on January 6, 2021.

In his response, Hunt wrote that supporters needed to 'bring your guns for the #millionmilitiamarch.'

Records obtained from Parler prove that the account was owned by Hunt, the FBI said.

Hunt has nearly 12,000 subscribers on YouTube under his xrayultra channel.

In one video still available, Hunt accused Pelosi of 'doing an actual military coup' and called the MAGA rioters at the capitol 'patriots.'

'They're coming for all of us, bro. It's 1776 time,' Hunt says, in reference to the American Revolution.

Hunt also appealed for Trump to pardon Julian Assange

Modern American revolutionaries have often used the patriotic date as rallying cry that violence is needed to transform the country into what they desire.

Hunt hauntingly reminds viewers that citizens have the second amendment  which provides protections for the right to bear arms.

'Start exercising your rights to take these corrupt politicians down. We have the First Amendment that's still around, remember. We have a second as well,' Hunt says.

'There are really only a hundred of these weakling senators. They are mass murdering psychopaths who are intent on our destruction and they form an illegitimate government. Every single one of them just needs to go, rise up.'

In another recent video, Hunt railed against those who criticize others for advocating violence before starting a rampage against Jews.

'People make a big deal about advocating violence and all that when it's literally how our country came into being  we had to fight back,' he said.

'Even though Trump is in deep with the Zionists, I hope he does do Insurrection Act stuff. I know he has it in him.'

The New York state court system, Hunt has been suspended without pay pending an investigation.
The head of the DC National Guard said Monday that the FBI is vetting troops involved in securing the US Capitol around President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration to prevent any insider threats.

The enhanced screening measures come as thousands of National Guard members are patrolling the streets of the nation's capital ahead of Inauguration Day.

"What happens is they're screened before they leave their state and what it is is a credentialing process so they're screened and they're repeatedly screened until they are actually put on the street," Major General William Walker told ABC's "Good Morning America."

Walker did not say that the screening included specific questions about the members' beliefs surrounding the legitimacy of the election, but they are carrying out enhanced background screening.

"No, it's all about the background. So, a regular background check is enhanced with more screening, more details and it's layered so the FBI is part of it, the Secret Service is part of it and once they are certain that there's no insider threat then that soldier, guardsman or airman is given a credential," he said.

Walker stressed that members of National Guard are screened upon their entry to the service and this is another layer.

CNN has previously reported that the US Army is working with the Secret Service to determine if there are soldiers who will be part of the National Guard contingent providing security at the inauguration who require additional background screening.

The DC National Guard is also providing additional training to service members as they arrive in the nation's capital that if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report it to their chain of command," an Army spokesperson said in a written statement to CNN last week.

"There is no place for extremism in the military and we will investigate each report individually and take appropriate action," the statement said.

"The Army is committed to working closely with the FBI as they identify people who participated in the violent attack on the Capitol to determine if the individuals have any connection to the Army," the statement said while adding that any type of activity that "involves violence, civil disobedience, or a breach of peace," may be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or under state and federal law.

Current Defense Department policy requires all service members be trained annually under a program that requires department personnel to report "any information regarding known or suspected extremist behavior that could be a threat to the department or the United States," the statement said.

New details emerge linking a rioter to military

The vetting comes as new details have emerged linking a rioter involved in the January 6 US Capitol insurrection to the US military.

Among those charged in connection with the riot so far is an Army reservist who federal investigators say has security-level security clearance and a long record of posting his extremist views online.

Federal investigators said the Army reservist  Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, of Colts Neck, New Jersey  was described by an informant as "an avowed White supremacist and Nazi sympathizer," according to court documents.

The court documents also say, in a phone call with the informant on Thursday that was recorded by law enforcement, Hale-Cusanelli can be heard saying that he encouraged members of the mob to "advance" through the Capitol and gave directions "via both voice and hand signals." It's not clear if he's been arrested.

Efforts to find and eliminate extremism within the military's ranks, particularly among those who espouse White supremacist beliefs, began long before this month's riot at the Capitol but have taken on increased urgency in the days since.

Extremist groups, including White supremacists, place a premium on recruiting current and former members of the military, a senior defense official said last week, while also trying to get their group's extremist members into the armed forces. The groups want the experience and expertise of the military.

"We know that some groups attempt to actively recruit our personnel into their cause, or actually encourage their members to join the military for purposes of acquiring skills and experience," the senior defense official said. "We recognize those skills are prized by some of these groups not only for the capability it offers them, but it also brings legitimacy to them in their mind for their cause."
An Irish concert violinist has said she feels "hugely honoured" to be playing during a private Mass for US President-elect Joe Biden and his family before his inauguration tomorrow.

There had been concerns that there would not be any live music at the Mass because of the riots at the Capitol earlier this month.

The invitation for Patricia Treacy to play on inauguration day came directly to her from the Biden family last year.

She said: "I am going to be playing in the church with the family present."

Over the weekend she practiced in Chicago for what she described as "a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The main piece she will be performing is The Proclamation composed by Patrick Cassidy.

Patricia said she will be playing a 315-year-old Stradivarius violin, from Joe Bein and Company in Chicago, which is estimated to be worth US$4m.

From Blackrock, Co Louth, Patricia has played for the President-elect on several occasions, including when he visited his ancestral home in Co Louth in 2016.

Patricia was also asked to perform at some of the Biden rallies in Chicago and other cities.

When she was asked to play at the inauguration, she said: "I feel both honoured and privileged and obviously super excited."

Despite security concerns following the riots in Washington, Patricia said yesterday it has been confirmed that she will be playing live.

It is understood the mass is small and private with only immediate family expected to be present.

Expand Close Invite: Violinist Patricia Treacy with President-elect Joe Biden. She will be playing live during a private Mass tomorrow / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Invite: Violinist Patricia Treacy with President-elect Joe Biden. She will be playing live during a private Mass tomorrow

Afterwards the President-elect and his family will make their way to the Capitol for the inauguration.

She said: "This is a once in a life time opportunity to be able to perform for the inaugural mass for the President-elect and his amazing family which I have become very close to.

"I am hugely honoured to be apart of this momentous historical occasion."

Patricia said her jewellery will be "diamonds and sapphires from Martin Katz Jewels in Beverly Hills".

He is known as the jeweller to the stars and his wife Kelly is the former chairman of the Kennedy Centre Board for the performing arts. Patricia performed for the board in September 2019.

During the Catholic mass Patricia said she will also join Soprano Renee Fleming for On Eagle's Wings, Schubert's Ave Maria and the Celtic Alleluia.

Expand Close US flags are placed as the Capitol building is prepared for ceremony Getty Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp US flags are placed as the Capitol building is prepared for ceremony

On Eagle's Wings was referenced by Mr Biden in his victory speech on November 7 last year.

"I have been told this will be the only live music event on the day," she added.

Her couture dress, in the official blue colour for Ireland, is from Dimitra's, Chicago, and was designed by Alex Teih Couture, New York. The colour compliments the jewellery which is estimated to be worth around US$3m and which was transported to Patricia in an armoured car.

Patricia has won many prestigious music awards including the string final of the RTE musician of the future competition and has performed in premier venues including Carnegie Hall, New York, where she made her debut as soloist in 2009, and again in 2014 as a soloist with Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.

She played at the Royal Albert Hall, London, The Oriental Arts Centre, Shanghai, and as a soloist at all major venues in Ireland.

She played a specially commissioned piece written by Patrick Cassidy for the 1916 Centenary which was broadcast on RTE news and she will play it again tomorrow as Mr Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States.

Pablo Iglesias 94-second response, in which he talked about Catalan president Carles Puigdemont's political status as an exile, comparing it to the Spanish republicans exile after the Spanish Civil War and pointing out the differences with the fugitive Juan Carlos, former king of Spain, is surely the most important gesture made by one of the main players in Spanish politics since the events of October 2017.

I do not know what led Iglesias to take a step forward Sunday night on live television, in a large audience format; nor how long he will be able to hold out without clarifying the meaning of his statements. As it was to be expected, all sorts of adjectives, insults and disqualifications are falling on him after his declarations. I am not very keen on Iglesias, and it is likely that there are interests in play hidden under his response, truthful as it may be. However, what politician does not try to make a profit from his statements? Iglesias showed bravery, knowing that his statement would awaken a patriotic closing of ranks, in response to any declaration that sounded even remotely like a defence of the exiled Catalan president.

Iglesias made this statement not only as the undisputed leader of Podemos, but as the fourth vice-president of the Spanish government. Hence the added value and importance. What follows is a transcript of the conversation between the journalist and Iglesias, which lasted just over a minute and a half.

Question: Why is the former king of Spain an escapee and former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont an exile, as described by your words?

Answer: If Carles Puigdemont is in Brussels, it is not because he stole money from anyone, nor because he tried to get rich, but because he took his political ideas to an extreme, through -in my opinion- wrongful ways which are not necessarily exempted from legal proceedings. But in a way he, excuse my French, screwed over his life forever due to his political ideals, which I do not share. I also do not believe his actions should not be exempted from legal proceedings. Regarding Juan Carlos however, if it is true, allegedly of course, far from me to accuse him of anything without proof... if he did steal money, used financially-opaque credit cards or otherwise, I believe the moral consideration is entirely different.

Q: Do you consider him [Puigdemont] a true exile, such as the republicans who went into exile during the Franco dictatorship, for example? Can there be such a comparison?

A: Ill say it clearly, I believe so. That does not mean I believe in their cause, the path they chose to follow, or that his actions should be exempted from legal proceedings. I do believe, however, that his actions were motivated by his beliefs. I think they were a mistake; I do not want Catalonia to be independent from Spain. But if you were to say: Puigdemonts actions are as reproachable as Juan Carlos, I would have to disagree. I am truly sorry if my words cause discomfort. But I do not agree with that statement.

Two questions, two specific answers, were enough to reopen Pandoras box. One can clearly see how damaging the one-sided narrative of the a por ellos, the trial against the independence movement and all the lies that were told there, the trivialisation of the coup detat concept, the rebellion charges and the depiction of the peaceful Catalan independence movement as a group of criminals have been. In Spain this narrative has been fed for years, again and again, over television, radio and newspapers. It has soaked through every crevice of the Spanish territory.

That is why Iglesias statement is so important, and why I care little about the -electoral?- interest it may have. It helps the process of deconstructing the imposed narrative, which will take a long time. One example of this: How long must it be before it is recognized that the Catalan exiles did not flee Spanish Justice, but instead preferred to put themselves in the hands of European justice when faced with Spains injustice?
SKOKIE, Ill., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UMF Corporation today announced that testing from award-winning contract research organization Integrated Pharma Services confirms that UMF's Micrillon sheath and core fiber demonstrates significant antiviral properties against Human Coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, and Human Influenza A H1N1 virus in just minutes. The Micrillon sheath and core fiber, spun into a yarn and knitted into a material, also demonstrates significant antibacterial efficacy (100% kill) against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli 0157:H7. These findings have significant implications for numerous applications, including various yarn types for woven and knitted textiles such as towels, privacy curtains and personal protective equipment (PPE).

"We are thrilled with the results of the Micrillon testing, which show definitively that it inactivates Human Coronavirus and Human Influenza, and destroys MRSA and E. coli," said UMF Corporation CEO George Clarke. "The results are a testament to our commitment to researching and developing high-performance products for infection prevention and commercial cleaning and disinfection. There are significant implications for industries including healthcare  where it can be included in PPE  as well as hospitality and education, which are more focused than ever before on infection prevention in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan to incorporate Micrillon splitable bicomponent microfiber in all our PerfectCLEAN products later this year."

UMF's Micrillon is a rechargeable, broad spectrum, polymer additive that can be incorporated into films, plastics and fibers, and charged with chlorine molecules. The Micrillon chemistry recharges for the life of the product, and will not leach into the environment. When bacteria and mold come into contact with a Micrillon surface, they are eliminated; viruses are inactivated. UMF introduced the first Micrillon product, the C-PULL for healthcare privacy curtains, in 2019. In this case, Micrillon was incorporated into a unique high-performance fiber made by Tennessee-based Universal Fiber Systems. Additional fibers, including a 50% polyester, 50% polyamide hollow-core segmented pie has been developed and is currently being tested. Antiviral efficacy testing was conducted based on ISO Standard 18184:2019: Determination of Antiviral Activity of Textile Products.

"We conducted antimicrobial efficacy testing of Micrillon in our laboratory and I am pleased to announce the results demonstrated that it was effective against Influenza and Coronavirus strains when challenged at 10, 30 and 120 minutes," said Dr. Mina Izadjoo, President and Chief Science Officer of Integrated Pharma Services. "We are preparing a manuscript on the results of the Micrillon antimicrobial studies for submission to peer reviewed journals."

Integrated Pharma Services is currently conducting additional tests of new Micrillon fibers, including Micrillon 50% PET / 50% PA bicomponent splitable hollow core filament that separates into 16 triangular fibers and a 4DG Micrillon fiber.

Dr. Izadjoo added, "Integrated Pharma Services is committed to providing solutions for hard-to-treat human diseases and we are thrilled to be part of the UMF Micrillon studies. We are very pleased to have entered into a collaborative effort with UMF and look forward to helping with advancement of novel solutions for current and emerging infectious diseases."

About Integrated Pharma Services LLC

Integrated Pharma Services (IPS) LLC is an Award-Winning Contract Research Organization (CRO) and reliable partner to potential customers. IPS engages Ph.D. level scientists and skilled technical staff to design, conduct experiments, and report scientific data. IPS, with support from the State of Maryland, recently established a mask manufacturing facility in Rockville, MD.

http://www.integratedpharmaservices.com

About UMF Corporation

UMF Corporation is the leader in the research and development of high-performance products, programs and training for the infection prevention and commercial cleaning markets. Through extensive testing, exhaustive analysis and the commitment of significant human and financial resources, new antimicrobial technologies have been merged with innovative product designs that are redefining the future of clean. http://www.perfectclean.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter

SOURCE UMF Corporation

Related Links

https://www.perfectclean.com


The director of the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday announced he is resigning nearly a year ahead of schedule and will retire on Wednesday - the day of Joe Biden's inauguration - after accusations that he tried to interfere with the census to please Donald Trump.

Steven Dillingham's resignation follows a January 12 memo asking whether he pushed employees to complete a report on the number of undocumented migrants before Biden took office.

The report, produced by the Commerce Department's Office of Inspector General, sparked calls for him to step down.

Dillingham, 68, was appointed by Trump and sworn in in January 2019. His term was due to end in December 2021.

Steven Dillingham, 68, announced on Monday he would resign the day Biden took over

Dillingham was appointed by Donald Trump and took up the role in January 2019

Dillingham presented himself as an experienced statistical expert who was committed to upholding the Census Bureau's nonpartisan work.

He had earlier run two other federal statistical agencies and held a range of other federal positions, from the Peace Corps to the Office of Personnel Management.

Yet after the inspector general memo was made public, the criticism of his behavior mounted.

Dillingham said in a letter he directed 'those involved should 'stand down' and discontinue their data reviews.'

Trump repeatedly sought to exclude undocumented immigrants from the population totals in the ten-year survey, which are used to allocate congressional districts to states.

That would decrease the amount of funding granted to areas where they live.

In June 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump's contentious citizenship question planned for the 2020 census because officials gave a rationale the court characterized as 'contrived.'

Trump then issued an executive order directing the Census Bureau to determine the number of undocumented immigrants through other means.

Dillingham announced his resignation on Monday in a blog post addressed to all staff

New York state and the American Civil Liberties Union argued Trumps plan would dilute the political clout of states with larger numbers of such immigrants, including heavily Democratic California, by undercounting state populations and depriving them of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to the benefit of his fellow Republicans.

The Constitution requires apportionment of House seats to be based upon the 'whole number of persons in each state.'

Until the Trump administration, the U.S. government's practice was to count all people regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.

On Friday Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Oversight Committee, called on Dillingham to resign, saying he 'appears to have acceded repeatedly to the Trump Administration's brazen efforts to politicize the census.'

Maloney reacted to his resignation with a tweet waving goodbye.

The census count's accuracy is critical, as the survey also guides the federal government in allocating $1.5 trillion a year in aid, in addition to determining U.S. House seats.

The U.S. Census Bureau last month said it would miss a year-end deadline to produce the population count.

Dillingham's resignation comes just days ahead of Biden's inauguration and follows an exodus of Trump administration aides after the deadly January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of the outgoing president.

'The world has never needed complete and accurate data more than it does now,' said Dillingham's farewell message, in which he thanked his staff.

'I have a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart for all you have done for our Nation.'

Dillingham on Monday called on Congress to begin data collection a year earlier for the 2030 census.

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Gurugram, Jan 19 : The Gurugram police have booked a veterinary doctor and a compounder for negligence that led to the death of two pet dogs belonging to a resident of Sector-56 here.

Doctor Rahul Dangi and compounder Anup Singh of 'ARD pet hospital' were booked following an order of a local court.

The complainant Anees Rahil of Sector-56 in Gurugram, who was also the owner of the dogs, said that on May 2020 she had visited the pet hospital located in the same area after her female dog's health deteriorated.

"At the hospital, Dangi told the woman that her dog is undernourished and would recover soon. Later the dog was referred to 'Animalia Veterinary Policy clinic' Sector-47 for ultrasound and X-rays. Thereafter the pet was admitted to the doctor's hospital for further treatment," the complainant alleged.

On 25 May 2020, the complainant brought her male dog after it seemed to be unwell.

"The dog was later taken to the same hospital where the compounder Anup Singh was taking care of the animal," the woman told the police.

As the woman reached home, the hospital authorities called her up to inform her that both her pets had died.

The complainant alleged that while claiming the dogs' bodies, she was shocked to notice that the animals were wrapped in a plastic bag, despite breathing. She called for help but her pets passed away in the meantime.

The complainant then alleged negligence by the doctor and the compounder of the hospital behind the deaths.

"Dangi was not registered with Haryana Veterinary Council as per the norms of Indian Veterinary Council and Haryana State Veterinary Council. The Animal Husbandry department, Gurugram in its letter to Deputy Director Animal Husbandry has also recommended revocation of license of the alleged doctor for period of six months" the complainant told the police.
LeoCare, a Frech startup company, now has its own mobile insurance app that allows its consumers to ensure their own home, car, motorbike, smartphone, and more!

The company's decision is currently unique in the industry since most insurance companies are not investing a lot of money on control panels, user-facing features, and mobile apps.

Why? Because people tend to forget the new insurance product they signed up for because they might already be paying for multiple insurance services. However, Tech EU reported that the LeoCare change this belief after it raises $18.1 million for its new mobile app.

To give you more idea, here's how LeoCare's new mobile application works.

How LeoCare's mobile app works

According to TechCrunch's latest report, LeoCare's new mobile app makes it easier for you to get your own home, car, motorcycle, smartphone, and other products. Right now, the company's consumers can sign up from its website or install the latest app.

Also Read: Amazon Buys 11 Boeing 767-300 Jets to Boost Delivery Network: The Plan is to Have 85 Planes by 2022

The French startup company made efforts to give its new app an indicator that tells the users if they are going to pay more if they choose one option or another.

LeoCare also tried to optimize the onboarding process with easy-to-understand questions to help the consumers understand how an insurance service works.

The new mobile app could really be helpful during the ongoing pandemic since many people can't visit the actual building of the company, and employees are currently limited because of the rules and regulations implemented by the government.

What makes LeoCare's mobile app great

The good thing about LeoCare's new app is that users will receive an insurance contract as soon as they sign up for the service. This method allows you to send the contract to your landlord as quickly as possible. Aside from this benefit, the French company will also help you further after you received the contract. This can be seen in those consumers who want to lower their car insurance premiums during the lockdown.

For more news updates about LeoCare's new mobile app and its upcoming services, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Novel Workstyle Game from Lensa Takes Machine Learning To New Heights

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Audrey Courregess mistrust of new coronavirus vaccines runs so deep that shes told the nursing home where she works, in the southern French town of Beziers, that she wont take the vaccinations or administer them.

I have a brain. Im capable of forming my own ideas," the 33-year-old nurse says. There is some mistrust of the authorities on my part, when you see how the crisis has been managed in France from the start."

Frances mass vaccination campaign is off to a glacial start, with only around 422,000 people receiving the vaccine in more than three weeks since European regulators authorized the drug, far behind most other developed nations. A big reason: French officials are running up against deeply ingrained opposition that has made France among the worlds top vaccine skeptics.

An Ipsos poll conducted in December found that France ranked at the bottom of 15 countries on willingness to take a Covid-19 vaccine, with only 40% of the public saying they wanted the shot. Polls show that more than three-quarters of nursing home workerswho are among the governments first target groups for the vaccinedont want to take it.

The resistance has historical roots in the 19th century, when antivaccination groups campaigned against modern inoculation techniques discovered by Frenchman Louis Pasteur. In recent years, it has been fueled by widespread distrust of the government of President Emmanuel Macron, who has faced years of protests from the antiestablishment yellow-vests movement.

Officials face the additional burden of easing public concerns about the new technology behind the vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc., BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc. These vaccines rely on so-called messenger RNA, named after the molecules that deliver instructions for cells to make proteins, a technology studied for years in clinical trials but never used before in mass vaccinations.

Skeptics have incorrectly claimed that the vaccines can alter the human genome. Regulators have approved the vaccines based on studies conducted by the companies that showed the vaccines prevent Covid-19 with 95% effectiveness. Side effects such as fatigue were common, but severe adverse effects" were rare, regulators have said.

The governments efforts to assuage the skepticism have so far backfired. Authorities established elaborate consent procedures for the first target population, nursing home residents and personnel, to head off criticism that they were pushing the vaccines on the public.

As authorities struggled to sign up nursing home personnel and residents, they opened vaccinations to other target groups, such as health care workers more broadly and all people 75 and older. They have also attempted to streamline the process by allowing oral rather than written consent from residents and shortening the medical consultation needed before getting the shot.

Nursing home workers like Ms. Courreges, however, are proving to be a significant obstacle in the campaign. She says she isnt against vaccines generally, but that the messenger RNA technology hasnt been adequately tested or proven to be effective, despite the fact that regulators around the world have said the opposite.

There is a real failure among nursing home personnel and caregivers related to the virus," said Sabrina Deliry, whose 80-year-old mother lives in a nursing home in western Paris. Ms. Deliry said the facility has informed her that a small percentage of the personnel have agreed to be vaccinated. Adding to her worries: Her mother is also refusing to be vaccinated, after she caught the flu several years ago despite receiving her annual flu shot.

Such intergenerational fights are breaking out across the country over the vaccine. Alain Cardeau, 80, a retired information technology worker, doesnt want to be vaccinated but his daughters are pressuring him to accept it. Mr. Cardeau said hes heard a lot of conflicting reports about the vaccine on television.

There arent two doctors who have said the same thing," Mr. Cardeau said. If I get vaccinated, its because Im being forced to by my children."

Polls show that French attitudes toward the vaccine have been colored by politics, with critics of Mr. Macrons government on the far-right and the far-left more likely to be skeptical of the vaccine. Mr. Cardeau is a member of Force Jaune, part of the yellow-vest movement, and has campaigned against Mr. Macron since 2016 when he was economy minister.

Sophie Tissier, the 41-year-old founder of Force Jaune, recently wrote on her Facebook page that the messenger RNA vaccines were a danger to humanity.

I am very, very, very skeptical," Ms. Tissier said in an interview. I have no confidence in what the government is telling people."

Opposition politicians have also piled on, shaking public confidence in the new vaccines. I cant be the guinea pig of those who say, go ahead and take it," said Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, on national television last week.

Some of the worlds first antivaccination groups arose in France toward the end of the 19th century as Louis Pasteur pioneered the technique of using attenuated viruses to stimulate immunity. The Universal League of Antivaccinators was founded in France in 1880 to oppose proposals to make the smallpox vaccine obligatory. The league wrote to the French government three years later to oppose a government pension for Mr. Pasteur, calling his discoveries disappointments and disasters."

Pockets of resistance have flourished in the 20th century. The National League for Liberty in Vaccination, a French nonprofit founded in 1953, is one of the oldest antivaccine groups. France has been slower to adopt vaccines against diseases such as measles and rubella than the U.S. and some other developed countries.

France has lower rates of vaccine coverage for measles than much of Europe90% of young children have at least one shot, compared with more than 95% in Germany, Spain and Swedenand has suffered periodic outbreaks over the years. Experts say at least 95% of the public needs to be inoculated to stop outbreaks of a highly contagious disease such as measles. The government made the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination mandatory in 2018 to boost coverage.

Jean-Pierre Joseph, a 74-year-old lawyer in Grenoble, said he has never been vaccinated, based on the recommendation of his grandfather, who was a doctor. My grandfather told my mother that its a lie," he said.

Mr. Joseph has represented clients who have sued the government over previous vaccination campaigns, such as a much-criticized effort to fight the swine flu epidemic in 2009. This time, Mr. Joseph has been lobbying those in his family and at work not to take the Pfizer vaccine. Many people are afraid because they know its not a normal vaccine."

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.

The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 38 Organizations, including the Code of Support Foundation, releases following statement about the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States:

Following the failed insurrection attempt of January 6, 2021, the undersigned organizations, who serve members of our military, veterans, caregivers, and their families, join in condemning this violent attack on our country, our democracy, and our Constitution. We affirm our commitment to the US Constitution, our free and fair elections, and the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.

We endorse the statement made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the joint force , which is made up of about 1.3 million active-duty service members and more than 811,000 National Guardsmen and reservists,

"The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process. We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection."

Our veterans and men and women in uniform each take an oath to uphold and defend the US Constitution, which provides for the peaceful transfer of power after an election - as confirmed by the States and courts, and certified by the US Congress. Members of the National Guard are now activated to protect the results of that election. We call on our fellow Americans to respect the electoral process, as well as the men and women of the National Guard who will be fulfilling their oaths to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. There must be no further violence. We, the undersigned, join in opposition to any effort to overthrow our democracy or disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

We also call for accountability for those responsible for the seditious acts leading up to and including January 6, 2021. We call upon veterans, members of the military, and each of us who have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution to stand firmly in support of democracy and to recommit to the peaceful transfer of power. We ask our political leaders, who have sworn that very same oath, to do the same.

Signed,

1. AMVETS

2. Brighton Marine, Inc

3. Code of Support Foundation

4. Easterseals DC MD VA

5. Elizabeth Dole Foundation

6. Esposas Militares Hispanas USA

7. Final Salute, Inc

8. Give an Hour

9. Higher Ground Veterans Advocacy

10. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

11. Military Child Education Coalition

12. Military Family Advisory Network

13. Military Order of the Purple Heart

14. Minority Veterans of America

15. Modern Military Association of America

16. Ms Veteran America

17. Mt. Carmel Veterans Services

18. MVAT Foundation

19. National Military Spouse Network

20. Partners in Promise

21. Project Sanctuary

22. Psych Armor

23. Psych Hub

24. Reveille Foundation

25. Secure Families Initiative

26. Student Veterans of America

27. Swords to Plowshares

28. Team Red, White & Blue

29. Team Rubicon

30. The Independence Fund

31. The Mission Continues

32. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

33. Travis Manion Foundation

34. Veterans Community Connection

35. Veterans Education Successes

36. Veterans for Common Sense

37. Volunteers of America

38. wear blue: run to remember

Media Contact:

David Hale

443.915.0963

[email protected]

SOURCE Code of Support Foundation
The quick-thinking Florida restaurant manager who saved a little boy from horrifying child abuse by flashing him a secret note has modestly told DailyMail.com: 'I did what I had to do - he is the hero.'

Flaviane Carvalho held up a handwritten sign asking the 11-year-old 'are you ok?' after spotting scratches and bruises on his face as he sat with his parents and little sister.

When the youngster silently signaled that he was in danger she calmly called cops who took one look at his injuries and busted cruel mom Kristen Swann and 'monster' stepdad Timothy Wilson II.

Wilson, 34, is charged with multiple counts of child abuse after the boy told detectives how the 360 pound bully handcuffed him to furniture, hung him upside down and battered him with fists, a broom and a back scratcher.

Swann, 31, was charged with neglect for failing to seek help for her son, who was emaciated and 20 pounds underweight. Both the boy and his four-year-old sister, Wilson's biological daughter, have been taken into care.

Mom-of-two Flaviane, 45, has been widely praised for stepping in but she told DailyMail.com that she was doing what any caring mother would do.

'The little boy was so brave. He not only saved himself, he saved his little sister by standing up to this man,' she said. 'I am so proud of him. He is the hero.'

Kristen Swann and 'monster' Timothy Wilson II were arrested in Orlando, Florida on New Year's Day over claims of child abuse and neglect. Wilson, 34, is charged with multiple counts of child abuse. Swann, 31, was charged with neglect for failing to seek help for her son, who was emaciated and 20 pounds underweight

The youngster silently signaled that he was in danger to a restaurant manager, who calmly called cops who took one look at his injuries and busted the parents. Both the boy and his four-year-old sister, Wilson's biological daughter, have been taken into care

Mom-of-two Flaviane, 45, told DailyMailTV that she was doing what any caring mother would do. 'The little boy was so brave. He not only saved himself, he saved his little sister by standing up to this man,' she said. 'I am so proud of him. He is the hero'

Flaviane sensed something was wrong when the vile couple brought their two kids into Mrs Potato Restaurant in Orlando, just before closing on New Year's Day.

Wilson began tucking into the eatery's signature Brazilian dishes, but neither he nor Swann ordered anything for the boy, who peeked out nervously from behind a face mask and hoodie.

'They looked like a regular family but there were four people and I noticed they were missing a meal,' said Flaviane, who has worked for the past year and a half at Mrs Potato, which has been featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

'The man said it was OK, the boy would have dinner at home. But I knew something was wrong, it's not normal for a family to do that.

'When I approached the table I could see wounds on the boy's face. He had a big scratch and bruises on the side of his eyes.

'He looked so sad. I knew I had to do something. Something bad was happening.'

Thinking on her feet, Flaviane grabbed a pen and wrote the boy a note saying 'Are you OK?, holding it just out of the parents' line of sight while hoping former serviceman Wilson wouldn't suddenly turn around.

The boy nodded but when he kept looking back at Flaviane, who has two daughters, Clara, 21 and Eduarda, 18, she decided to try again, flashing a second note, reading: 'Do you need help?'

This time the boy briefly crossed his arms, as if he was cradling himself - a gesture she instantly recognized as a plea for assistance.

Flaviane sensed something was wrong when the vile couple brought their two kids into Mrs Potato Restaurant in Orlando, just before closing on New Year's Day.

The boy's stepfather Timothy Wilson II (left), 34, was first arrested on one count of third-degree child abuse. The boy's mother Kristen Swann (right), 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect

Officers from the Orlando Police Department arrived within minutes to find the family-of-four still sitting at their table and the boy nursing visible wounds to the right side of his face and the bridge of his nose

Flaviane went to the back of the restaurant and dialed 911, begging the police to get there quickly.

'I'm super concerned and I don't know what to do,' she pleaded with the operator. 'They are about to leave in 10 to 15 minutes.'

Officers from the Orlando Police Department arrived within minutes to find the family-of-four still sitting at their table and the boy nursing visible wounds to the right side of his face and the bridge of his nose.

The child first told officers he had fallen from a bed at the nearby motel where the couple from Decatur, Alabama had been living for much of the past year.

When they spotted more bruising on his arms, he claimed he had been 'wrestling' his stepdad before finally plucking up enough courage to tell them about the alleged abuse.

'[The boy] stated Wilson has recently been beating him with a wooden broom, back scratcher and closed fists,' says a police report obtained by DailyMail.com

'[The boy] stated he beats him when he does something wrong  Timothy Wilson also makes him do 'exercises' such as planks for punishments as well.

'It should be noted [he] was in pain just by simply rolling up his jacket sleeves to show his injury  [he] complained of chest pain and was hunched over while on scene.'

In further interviews the young victim said his 'punishments' ranged from being hung upside down from a door frame by his ankles to being strapped to a dolly.

Detective Erin Lawler, who led the abuse inquiry, told DailyMail sh,come broke down when she saw the extent of the boy's injuries. He was denied food unless he could plank for 30 minutes at a time, it's been alleged

Thinking on her feet, Flaviane grabbed a pen and wrote the boy a note saying 'Are you OK?, holding it just out of the parents' line of sight while hoping former serviceman Wilson wouldn't suddenly turn around

The incident took place at the Mrs Potato Restaurant on Orlando, Florida, on January 1

As a result, the victim was so skinny and small for his age - weighing a mere 60 pounds - that Flaviane initially estimated he was eight years old.

'I would like to give the boy a big hug, hold him tight and tell him that I'm so proud of him. He was so brave,' she told DailyMail.com

'She is as bad as the man, they are both monsters,' said Flaviane, who came to the US from Brazil 13 years ago and lives in Orlando\

'It was an act of God that he was sitting in the only seat in the restaurant where I could show him the note without his parents seeing.'

There was no evidence of abuse on the younger sister, leading police to suspect that Wilson specifically picked on the boy because he wasn't his biological child.

Detective Erin Lawler, who led the abuse inquiry, told DailyMail,com she broke down when she saw the extent of the boy's injuries.

'Honestly when I first saw the pictures, before I even saw the injuries in person, they brought me to tears,' she said. 'He was tortured, abuse doesn't begin to scratch the surface.

'As a law enforcement officer I see a lot of heinous things that people do to one another. But it just shocks your soul to see this being done to a child. It's unfathomable how the mother could have let it happen.'

Swann got together with Wilson, a divorcee who previously served in the US Navy, around six years ago.

Her Twitter handle reads: 'Im a fun loving bama fan. i love my fiance tim & my son & daughter all my family. which includes my animals of course & i love reading watching & movies.'

'She is as bad as the man, they are both monsters,' said Flaviane, who came to the US from Brazil 13 years ago and lives in Orlando with her husband Rodrigo, 49, a construction company boss.

'I just feel like I did what I was supposed to do. I just did what my heart screamed at me to do.'

Wilson faces multiple charges of aggravated child abuse, child abuse and neglect, while Swann faces two counts of neglect.

The couple are both in the Orange County Jail and their kids are in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
A new and promising corneal implant has made the life of a 78-year-old legally blind man better after the success of the surgery.

Blind Man Sees Again

According to local news outlet, Israel Hayom, the KPro synthetic cornea is made by the Israeli startup company CorNeat and is the first-ever implant that can be directly integrated into the eye wall without donor tissue, quickly replacing damaged corneas that can cause severe vision issues.

Based on the report, the old man was the inaugural patient for the implant, with the procedure spearheaded by Professor Irit Bahar, the head of the Opthalmology Department at the Rabin Medical Center, which is formerly known as the Beilinson Hotel, located in the city of Petah Tikva in Israel.

After the surgery was done, the patient was quickly able to recognize family members and was even able to read numbers on an eye chart.

"The surgical procedure was straightforward and the result exceeded all of our expectations. The moment we took off the bandages was emotional and significant," Professor Bahar said. "Moments like these are the fulfillment of our calling as doctors. We are proud of being at the forefront of this exciting and meaningful project which will undoubtedly impact the lives of millions."

Read Also: Apple Watch HRV Feature Detects COVID-19 Symptoms in Advance, Revealing Changes Before Patients Test Positive

Simple Procedure, No Electronics

The KPro is not the first artificial corneal implant that exists since there are several different choices available, but due to the complexity of the procedures needed, they are often the last resort in case cornea rings or transplants from donors do not work.

Nevertheless, the CorNeat artificial cornea implant apparently only needed minimal cutting and stitches, making the procedure easier and more straightforward.

Furthermore, the company said the implant uses a biomimetic material that "stimulates cellular proliferation, leading to progressive tissue integration."

It's not a robotic implant as it does not include any electronics, but it is claimed to work better than most electronic implants used in such situations.

The company has published a short video that helps people understand the implant and the procedure more, which ends with the implant fully integrating inside the eye wall that only happens within weeks of the surgery.

"Fibroblasts and collagen gradually colonize the integrating skirt and full integration is achieved within weeks, permanently embedding the device within the patient's eye," the company said.

If you fear that the implant may look too artificial, don't worry since it's incredibly natural-looking.

More Procedures Happening Soon

CorNeat's implant is safely and securely kept in a protective holder, along with a set of customized tools required to properly install the artificial implant, including a snapper, marker, and a trephine that is used in some cases.

According to Engadget, ten more scheduled patients will receive the implant as part of CorNeat's trial test in Israel.

After Israel, the company is planning to extend its reach and add two more surgeries in Canada, while six others are awaiting approval in France, the United States, and the Netherlands.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that corneal blindness impacts 2 million new patients each year, but there is often a shortage of donors to help both old and new patients, making the CorNeat KPro incredibly promising.

Related Article: Novel Workstyle Game From Lensa Takes Machine Learning to New Heights

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Nhx Tingson

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Pennsylvania on Tuesday inaugurated its first person of color to a statewide row office with the swearing-in of Tim DeFoor as the auditor general.

DeFoor, 59, took the oath of office administered by Superior Court Judge Carolyn Nichols, the only Black judge currently serving on the states appellate courts, before a crowd of nearly 50 people outside King Mansion in downtown Harrisburg in the county where he grew up.

In his remarks, DeFoor credited those who paved the way for him to make this mark in state history, men like the late Congressman John Lewis and the late Rev. C.T. Vivian, who championed racial and social justice.

Men who paved the way for a shy kid from Susquehanna Township, who hated math, to not only be elected the first African American auditor general in Pennsylvania but to be elected the first African American row officer in Pennsylvania, DeFoor said to a round of applause.

He thanked his mother Thelma, who was in attendance, friends and family who supported him and offered three promises as he embarks on his role as auditor general: To look at every issue through a non-partisan lens; to always have an open door; and to work hard every single day to reward the faith you placed in me.

Accountability, integrity and transparency are what Pennsylvania taxpayers expect and deserve from their government in Harrisburg, DeFoor said. Thats exactly what Im going to deliver. I will work hard to ensure our citizens that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used and spent appropriately.

The official seal that includes Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor's name is now posted on the door leading to his office in the Finance Building. Submitted photo

Speaking before DeFoor took his oath becoming the first Republican since 1997 to hold this office, outgoing Auditor General Eugene DePasquale told his successor and fellow Star Wars enthusiast that being auditor general enables him to be a Jedi Knight.

It enables you to be the independent watchdog looking out for taxpayers, students, seniors and kids every single day, DePasquale said. You need wisdom, strength and independence. The soon-to-be Auditor General Tim DeFoor has every single one of those.

The short ceremony featured Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr serving as master of ceremonies who offered kind words about the outgoing and incoming auditors general. Barr commented on a message that DeFoor, a Republican, sent to his predecessor DePasquale, a Democrat, on Twitter that said, Ive always admired you and how you handled yourself in the Department of Auditor General. I promise to not let you, the Department of Auditor General or the citizens of this commonwealth down. You have my word.

DePasquale responded in a tweet that said, The feeling is mutual, my friend.

About that exchange and their cordial transition, Barr said, Thats how its supposed to work.

After beating three opponents to win the seat in November, DeFoor submitted his resignation from his elected position as Dauphin County controller on Dec. 21, with an effective date at 11:59 a.m. Tuesday.

Since his election, DeFoor has been preparing for his new role that carries similar watchdog duties to the ones he had been performing for the county but only on a statewide basis with a bigger staff of about 350-plus and much larger budget of $35.5 million.

DeFoor said the first audit he does is probably going to involve completing the review DePasquale started of Gov. Tom Wolfs COVID-19 business shutdown waiver program. He also expects to do several different COVID-19-related audits as well, including looking at how the states share of pandemic-related federal stimulus funds were spent.

Those are going to be some of the ones that are going to be at the top of the list in addition to some of the audits that are currently scheduled, he said.

DeFoor, who as he said hated math and didnt care for politics when he was growing up, credits a professor who taught a finite mathematics course he took college using dice and a deck of cards that sparked his passion for working with numbers. That, in turn, led to his entrance into politics.

Before his election to the county controllers post in 2015, DeFoor worked as a special investigator in the states Office of Inspector General where he investigated government and contractor waste, fraud and abuse.

He also worked as a special agent with the states Office of Attorney General where he investigated Medicaid fraud and illegal prescription drug diversion and at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Health Plan where he was a fraud investigator. All together, he has more than 25 years experience in law enforcement and auditing.

Knowing that someone like him  a poor student in school who went to the community college  could become auditor general, he said, in some sense, its surreal. And in another sense, its a feeling that I have never had before. So its just a fantastic feeling.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
Sergey Lavrov has said the Russia will not engage militarily with the US in Syria, but asks them to not to engage with the Syrian State writes Al-Masdar.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Russia will not engage in clashes with the United States in Syria, stressing that Moscow calls on the American side not to use force against sites belonging to the Syrian authorities.

We have contact with the United States through military channels, not because we recognize the legitimacy of their presence there [in Syria] but simply because it has to act in a certain framework, Lavrov said.

We cannot expel them from there, and we will not engage in armed clashes with them of course. We are conducting a dialogue with them about the so-called non-conflict  Among other things, we strongly demand that force not be used against the sites of the Syrian state, he added.

The Syrian state maintains the US presence inside the country is illegal and demands their immediate withdrawal from all occupied areas.

Additionally, Syria has called on Washington to end its sanctions against the state.

Under the presidency of Donald Trump, the US has increased its pressure on the Syrian government by imposing heavy sanctions against Damascus, along with threatening all those who do business with them.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead saying, "We're going into Wednesday knowing that we're ready to do the work" adding, "it is not going to be easy."

Incoming President Joe Biden will be formally entering the White House on January 20 at a time when Covid 19 pandemic has killed more than 398,000 Americans and thrown millions into economic distress.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

We're going into Wednesday knowing that we're ready to do the work, and we've got a lot of work to do. It's not going to be easy," Harris told reporters at Marthas Table in Anacostia here on Monday, observing the National Day of Service. Every year on the third Monday in January, Americans honour the slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who organised non-violent protests for Black equality and voting rights.

"As we have discussed, Joe has outlined our plan for vaccinations, our plan for recovery, and in particular relief for working people, for families. And there is a lot to do."

"Some of them say that ours are ambitious goals, but we do believe with hard work and with the cooperation and collaboration of the members of the United States Congress that we can get it done," Harris said in response to a question.

Later, in a tweet she mentioned, Our country is on a path to heal and rebuild, and it does not mean that the road gonna be easy.

#Inauguration2021 on Wednesday may look a little different from years past but its important we all take a moment to celebrate this historic moment. pic.twitter.com/WZGnkadiwo  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 19, 2021

Asked if she felt safe going to the inauguration, amidst intelligence reports of more violent protests by supporters of the outgoing President Donald Trump, she said, I am very much looking forward to be sworn in as the next vice president of the United States and I will walk there to that moment proudly with my head up and my shoulders back".

Harris, 56, will make history on Wednesday as the first female, first Black and first South Asian American vice president.

Harris formally resigned from her Senate seat

As per a CNN report, Harris has submitted her letter of resignation to California Governor Gavin Newsom. In a copy of her resignation letter obtained by CNN, she thanked the people of California for the 'honor of serving them'.

After her inauguration on January 20, Harris will don the role of Vice President of the US, under which she will also serve as the president of the Senate, which will allow her to preside over the chamber and break 50-50 ties.

Newsom had earlier announced that he will appoint Alex Padilla, California's Secretary of State, to fill Harris' seat for the remainder of her term that was scheduled to conclude in 2022, The Hill reported.

Harris was elected to the Senate in 2016 and quickly gained recognition for her sharp questioning style with top US officials. She has also teamed up with Republicans on issues like election security and criminal justice reform during her tenure.

"This is not a goodbye for Vice President-elect Harris... As she resigns from the Senate, she's preparing to take an oath that will allow her to preside over it," said a Harris aide.

(With inputs from agencies)





Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The chairperson of a Co Clare nursing home, which is in the midst of Covid-19 outbreak, has hit out at "completely inaccurate" social media claims that staff had walked out of the facility.

Cahercalla Community Hospital and Hospice in Ennis has 19 confirmed cases of Covid among residents, with a number of staff out on Covid-related leave.

It is one of three nursing homes in Munster receiving assistance from the Defence Forces for non-clinical duties, such as meal preparation, with the other two in Cork.

Dr Michael Harty, Chairperson of the Cahercalla Board, addressed concerns, following a video which was published on social media.

The video made claims that management had walked out and there were food shortages at the facility, which Dr Harty claims is untrue.

The chairperson did confirm the outbreak, with 19 residents currently infected, however, he added: What went up on social media  its tone and its content  was completely inaccurate. It was speaking about the management having walked out of the nursing home which was completely untrue."

He added that the centre is currently receiving assistance from the HSE and confirmed the presence of the army on-site, saying the alternative was to bring in volunteers, a move which was deemed unsafe.

Dr Harty confirmed the first vaccinations took place at Cahercalla yesterday after the schedule was moved forward from January 22.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces confirmed that following a request for the HSE, Oglaigh na hEireann deployed over 25 soldiers to nursing homes in Ballincollig and Douglas and Ennis.

These soldiers, based in Collins Barracks Cork and Sarsfield Barracks Limerick, will be deployed daily over the coming weeks to assist nursing home staff with non-clinical general duties, the spokesperson said.

"This is a positive move, Mr Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Home Ireland, who said he understands the Defence Forces are assisting with catering in Cahercalla.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard addressed rumours that there were food shortages, which she said was completely inaccurate, and confirmed the presence of the army outside the facility, while also moving to reassure worried locals. This is not Washington, this is not the Capitol, there are five lads outside, she said.
Turkeys trade minister urged exporters to make new breakthroughs in Asia, a gigantic market whose middle class is gradually expanding, consumption habits are swiftly diversifying, and technology and innovation infrastructure is rapidly developing, Daily Sabah writes in the article Time to make new breakthroughs in Asia, Turkey's trade minister says.

Therefore, it is time to say Asia Anew, Ruhsar Pekcan said at a virtual meeting organized by Turkeys Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) on new perspectives toward enhancing trade volume between Turkey and Asian countries.

Turkey launched the Asia Anew Initiative in 2019 to improve ties with Asian countries in different areas. The initiative aims to improve ties with the Asian countries in various areas, including education, the defense industry, investments, trade, technology, culture and political dialogue. Pekcan called on Turkish businesses to see Asia and the Pacific region as an export market rather than the main source of imports. These countries (with which we post foreign trade deficit) should not be far for us to export to if they are not far for us to import from, Pekcan said. She said it was highly critical that businesspeople put forth more efforts in 2021 to enable the trade composition between Turkey and the regions countries, where it experiences a trade deficit, to reach a balanced structure.

It is time to see the geography of Asia and the Pacific, especially China and India, as our export markets, Pekcan said. At a time when Europe is slowing down, we see no obstacle to making our exports sustainable by opening up new markets," she said. Under the coordination of the Trade Ministry and the organization of DEIK, some 131 business events were organized with around 30 countries in the region, the minister said.

Noting that Asia has increasingly become the center for global production and trade, Pekcan stressed that the share of the Asia Pacific region rose from 26.3% in 2000 to 34.9% in 2019. The Asia Pacific regions share of global exports also climbed from 28% to 37% in the same period while one-third of global direct investments in 2019 was poured into this region, she said. Turkeys exports to Asia-Pacific countries dropped by 1.5% and imports were down 8.6% year-on-year in 2020, according to the data. Highlighting that Turkeys foreign trade with Asian countries is unbalanced, Pekcan said: Their share in Turkeys exports stood at 14.3% and in imports was 33.7% last year. We must definitely change this unsustainable trade structure.

DEIK Chairperson Nail Olpak said: China accounts for about 40% of our foreign trade deficit. The rest of Asia reaches 88% of our total foreign trade deficit. Our deficit will almost disappear as soon as we balance the region." Olpak called this "a difficult but important goal."

Bridge between Europe, China

Seven out of 17 target countries Turkey determined for 2020-2021 and nine of the 28 countries determined as primary have been chosen as focus countries from the region, according to Pekcan. She expressed hopes that this would have a catalyst effect in terms of companies turning toward the region. Turkish businesspeoples investments in the region have reached $3.5 billion (TL 26.3 billion) as of 2019, while the inflow from the regions countries has totaled about $17.5 billion, the minister said.

She also stressed that in order to increase the trade dialogue with the countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and to revitalize the Middle Corridor, called the modern Silk Road, we continue our work with the aim of making our country a bridge between Europe and China.

She recalled the recent export train trips that were launched from Istanbul to China, dubbing them a significant step. The first train carrying goods from Turkey to China departed on Nov. 4 and reached its destination on Dec. 19. The train covered 8,693 kilometers (over 5,400 miles) as it passed through two continents, two seas and five countries. It traveled across Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea and Kazakhstan to reach Xian, the capital city of Shaanxi province in central China. Two days after its arrival, a second train also departed for China. Turkish officials have said new trips are being planned. In November 2019, Turkey and the world witnessed a historic moment after Ankara welcomed and sent off the first train that departed from China to Europe while passing under the Bosporus via Istanbuls Marmaray tunnel, marking the realization of the Silk Railway dream.

21st century to be Asias century

Also addressing the meeting, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the 21st century will be Asias century, underlining the continents strategic importance and potential. The 19th and 20th centuries were the centuries of Europe and America, respectively. Today, all the data suggests that the 21st century will be the century of Asia, Cavusoglu noted. Many countries act with the awareness of this fact, the minister stressed, citing various deals signed recently between European countries, such as the U.K., and their Asian counterparts. Noting that Turkey launched its Asia Anew initiative in 2019 to improve ties with Asian nations, he stressed that the initiative was especially significant in enhancing economic relations. We supported 33 Asian countries during the pandemic period and we brought medical supplies on vaccinations from countries like China and Japan, he said, referring to continuing ties between Turkey and Asia during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker will be supplying over eight lakh doses of Covaxin to some of the friendly countries free of cost

Hyderabad: Bharat Biotech has secured a fresh Letter of Comfort from the Centre for another 45 lakh doses of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, sources said on Tuesday.

Out of those 45 lakh doses, the city-based vaccine maker will be supplying over eight lakh doses of Covaxin to some of the friendly countries such as Mauritius, Philippines and Myanmar, free of cost as good will gesture.

They also said the company will be dispatching 20 lakh doses of the earlier order in a couple of days, from here.

"The company was given a fresh letter of comfort recently for supplying another 45 lakh doses of Covaxin. The doses will be dispatched as when the Ministry places orders with the company," sources told reporters.

After having received the government purchase order for 55lakh doses, Bharat Biotech shipped the first batch of vaccines (each vial containing 20 doses) to Gannavaram (Vijayawada), Guwahati, Patna, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Bangalore, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Chennai and Lucknow.

Bharat Biotech has also donated 16.5 Lakh doses to the union government.

Sources further said the supplies from the company depend on the orders being placed by the government.

"This is not like a regular tender where there are timelines to supply goods. The order will be dispatched in bits and pieces. It is not possible to dispatch all the doses in a single shot due to various reasons. The dispatches depend on the ministry's call," they said.

Every fortnight, the Centre convenes a meeting through video conferencing with vaccine manufacturers and other stakeholders to ensure the proper supply-chain management is in place.

"The doses (over eight lakh) which the company promised to supply to various countries will be monitored through the Ministry of External Affairs," they added.

The Central Licensing Authority has granted permission for the sale or distribution of Covaxin for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest as an abundant precaution, in clinical trial mode.

Covaxin is India's totally indigenous COVID-19 vaccine developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology.

The inactivated vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech's BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) biocontainment facility, one of its kind in the world.
President Donald Trump is expected to pardon dozens of Americans on Tuesday, his last full day in office.

The New York Times reported Monday evening the Trump is expected to pardon at least 60 people and maybe more than 100.

The most prominent name reported Monday was rapper Lil Wayne.

The Times also reported that Trump is considering pardoning Sheldon Silver, the digraced former New York Assembly speaker.

Fox News reported Monday that Lil Wayne, who is facing prison time for a 2019 gun charge, would be on the list, while former aide Steve Bannon is 'TBD.'

Wayne prominently backed Trump just before the November election.

His name became the most concrete among those expected to receive clemency amid a growing belief that Trump will not pardon himself or family members.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Carter, landed at the Miami airport on a private jet, where authorities found a gold-plated gun and drugs in his bag.

Bannon was charged with defrauding Trump supporters who were donating money to help build the president's proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is not expected to receive a pardon from Trump despite a hard push by Assange's supporters.

Assange faces 175 years in prison from charges including violating the Espionage Act.

President Donald Trump is expected to pardon around 100 people in his final days in office, including rapper Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is expected to be pardoned by President Donald Trump before he leaves office on Wednesday

A pardon for Steve Bannon (left) is 'TBD' Fox News Channel reported Monday morning, while Julian Assange (right) is not expected to be pardoned

President Donald Trump (left) poses for a picture with Lil Wayne (right) when they met in October 2020

Other expected to receive clemency are two men who are serving life in prison sentences for marijuana dealing charges - Michael Pelletier, 64, and Corvain Cooper, 41, according to The New York Post.

Their long sentences are due to the 1994 crime bill, which Trump tried to use as a political wedge between President-elect Joe Biden, who voted for the bill as a U.S. senator, and black American voters.

Another rumored recipient of one of the clemency actions is Dr. Salomon Melgen, an eye doctor from Palm Beach who was imprisoned in 2018 after being convicted on dozens of counts of health care fraud.

Still another possible name on his list is his former fundraiser Elliott Broidy, who pleaded guilty in October of illegally lobbying the Trump administration.

Broidy was accused of failing to report work that paid him at least $6million by Jho Low, who was accused of being behind a multibillion-dollar fraud at a Malaysian fund.

So far, Trump has reportedly made no plans to pardon himself or his children, CNN reported. The White House reportedly held a meeting Sunday to finalize the list of pardons, according to two sources.

Trump had previously issued a number of pardons in the lead up to Christmas, but allegedly put them on pause in the days before and after the riots at the US Capitol on January 6.

The outgoing president is due to hold a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, on Wednesday.

He will then depart the nation's capital on Air Force One and head to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida before his successor is sworn in.

White House aides have reportedly sent out invitations for the event, with guests instructed to arrive between 6am and 7:15am. Specific details regarding the ceremony are said to still be under consideration, but it may include a color guard and 21-gun salute.

Attendees are permitted to bring up to five guests but have been instructed to wear masks throughout, Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs reported.

Moving trucks are pictured on West Executive Avenue between the West Wing of the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Sunday

A rumored recipient of one of the clemency actions is Dr. Salomon Melgen (pictured in 2013), a prominent eye doctor from Palm Beach who was imprisoned in 2018 after being convicted on dozens of counts of health care fraud

White House aides told CNN Trump was entirely focused on the Electoral College count in the days preceding the riot, which prevented him from finalizing his decision on pardons. Officials then expected him to resume on January 6, but he reportedly withdrew after being blamed for inciting the insurrection.

Trump worked with the White House counsel, Pat Cipollone, as well as advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner on his list of potential pardons.

Trump's Tuesday batch of clemency actions is expected to include a mixture of criminal justice reform-minded pardons, in addition to more controversial ones issued to his political allies.

He could also decide at the last minute to grant pardons to members of his family or even himself, though that's not thought to be currently under consideration.

Trump's desire to pardon himself, his children, and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has said to have been complicated by the Capitol riots - an event which led to his second impeachment.

The 45th US president was reportedly advised to forgo a self-pardon in the riot's wake, because it would appear as if he was guilty of something, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Trump was further advised to refrain from granting clemency to anyone involved in the deadly attack on the Capitol, in contrast to his initial stance that those involved were 'patriots' who had done nothing wrong.

'There are a lot of people urging the President to pardon the folks [involved in the riots]' Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News. 'To seek a pardon of these people would be wrong.'

While Trump is expected to leave the White House early Wednesday morning, he could continue to issue pardons up until noon on Inauguration Day.

Other high profile names such as Wikileaks founder Julian Assange are also not currently believed to be among those set to receive a pardon, though the list is said to be fluid.

Trump's allies predict the president will issue pardons that he believes may be of benefit to him after he leaves office.

'Everything is a transaction. He likes pardons because it is unilateral,' a source told CNN. 'And he likes doing favors for people he thinks will owe him.'

While Trump (pictured January 12) is expected to leave the White House early Wednesday morning, he can continue to issue pardons up until noon on Inauguration Day

The outgoing president is due to hold a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, the usual jumping-off point for Air Force One (pictured)

One of those said to be in line to receive a pardon is Dr. Salomon Melgen.

Melgen, once a prominent Palm Beach eye doctor, received a 17-year sentence in 2018 for stealing $73 million from Medicare by persuading elderly patients to undergo tests and treatments they didn't need for diseases they didn't have.

In total, he was convicted of 67 crimes, including health care fraud, submitting false claims and falsifying records in patients' files.

In 2017, he was also ensnared in a public corruption scandal alongside New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez.

A federal jury remained hung after a two-and-a-half month trial, in which prosecutors tried to prove Melgen's gifts to Menendez were actually bribes.

In return, prosecutors claimed Menendez interceded with Medicare officials investigating his practice, obtained visas for Melgen's foreign mistresses, and pressured the State Department to intervene in a business dispute he had with the Dominican government.

Both men pleaded not guilty to 18 counts of fraud and bribery saying the European and Dominican vacations and other gifts were tokens of their longtime friendship.

After a judge threw out of the charges in the case, prosecutors decided in January 2018 not to retry the bribery case and it was subsequently dismissed by the Justice Department.

In 2017, Melgen (left) was also ensnared in a public corruption scandal alongside New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez (right)

The White House reportedly held a meeting Sunday to finalize the list of pardons, according to two sources

Inside the White House, there has been a reported frenzy among allies lobbyists and others hoping to cash in on their loyalty to Trump and secure a pardon.

The New York Times reported Sunday some of those people were getting paid tens of thousands of dollars to lobby on behalf of felons hoping for pardons.

In one document, a former top adviser to Trump's campaign agreed to receive a payout of $50,000 if he could sway the president to pardon John Kirakou, a former CIA officer convicted of disclosing classified information.

Separately, Rudy Giuliani's associate allegedly told Kiriakou over drinks at Trump Hotel in Washington D.C. last year that if he paid Trump's personal attorney $2 million, he would use his sway as one of the president's closest advisers to secure him the pardon.

Although Kiriakou did not accept the offer, an associate alerted the FBI to Giuliani potentially illegally selling pardons  but the former New York City mayor and Trump's personal attorney has challenged this characterization.

Giuliani has come under fire recently for firing up a crowd of thousands of Trump supporters, telling them to engage in 'trial by combat', before they marched over to the U.S. Capitol and stormed the building to delay Congress from certifying the election for Joe Biden.

Recently reports also reveal Giuliani has fallen out of favor with the president in his failed legal attempts to challenge the election results.

Rudy Giuliani's associate allegedly told Kiriakou over drinks at Trump Hotel in Washington D.C. last year that if he paid Trump's personal attorney $2 million, he would use his sway as one of the president's closest advisers to secure him the pardon

A press riser with banners for President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris ahead of the inauguration, is seen outside the north gate at the White House

Trump announced on January 8 that he would be skipping Biden's inauguration, becoming the first living US president in more than a century to choose not to attend the traditional exchange of power. He will instead be at his Mar-a-Lago resort as Biden is sworn in at noon.

Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, is slated to attend the inauguration.

Pence reportedly called Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Thursday to congratulate her and offer assistance less than a week before she is sworn is as his successor, USA Today reported.

Biden and Trump are understood not to have spoken since the election concluded. Last week, the President-elect dismissed Trump's decision to skip his inauguration, calling it 'one of the few things he and I ever agreed on.'

Of Pence, Biden said he was 'welcome to come' and said he'd 'be honored to have him there'.

Trump and Pence's relationship has reportedly soured dramatically in recent weeks after the vice president defied the president by fulfilling his constitutional role in counting the electoral votes that confirmed Biden's victory.

Trump had previously attempted to pressure Pence to overturn the results by rejecting electoral votes  something the vice president does not have the authority to do.

The president then instead spoke ahead of a rally in DC on January 6, urging the gathered crowd to descend on the US Capitol. The crowd obliged by storming the legislature, with some rioters chanting 'Hang Mike Pence', as they ransacked and vandalized the building.

Trump later became the first president in history to be impeached twice, after Democratic lawmakers accused him of inciting an insurrection for his remarks before the protest.

Trump announced on January 8 that he would be skipping Biden's inauguration, becoming the first living US president in more than a century to choose not to attend the traditional exchange of power. He will instead be at his Mar-a-Lago resort as Biden is sworn in at noon

Last week, President-elect Biden dismissed Trump's decision to skip his inauguration, calling it 'one of the few things he and I ever agreed on'

The 45th US President was also widely criticized for failing to denounce the chaos that unfolded in the heart of nation's democracy.

Earlier Sunday, his press secretary Hogan Gidley said Trump can't denounce the Capitol riots because he doesn't have access to social media, having been indefinitely banned from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a host of other platforms.

'The media are trying to have it both ways,' Gidley said. 'On the one hand, [media says] he should be censored by big tech and not be allowed to talk.

'He also shouldn't say anything because it's divisive. And then when he doesn't say anything and can't say anything because the platform have removed him, they say, "Where's the president? Why aren't we hearing from him?" The whole thing is disingenuous.'

Discussing voter fraud claims that have been central to Trump's fury since his election loss, Gidley said Trump is 'getting that information from advisers who are telling him they have evidence of certain things. So hes going to come out and say "heres what I know" or "heres what Ive been told." The President doesnt make these things up.

Following the chaos inside the Capitol last week, U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. The fears have prompted the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press on Sunday that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches.

So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn't flagged any issues.

'We're continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,' McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for Wednesday's inauguration.

'The question is, is that all of them? Are there others?' said McCarthy. 'We need to be conscious of it and we need to put all of the mechanisms in place to thoroughly vet these men and women who would support any operations like this.'
Baltimores Lawsuit Against Energy Companies Belongs in Federal Court, Supreme Court Hears

A novel climate-change lawsuit brought by Baltimore in state court against energy producers seeking damages for the supposed effects of global warming should be heard in federal court, the outgoing Trump administration urged the Supreme Court.

The hearing came as the incoming administration of President Joe Biden prepares to reverse President Donald Trumps pro-energy independence policies. Media reports indicate Biden will have the United States rejoin the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, in which nearly 200 countries pledged to reduce emissions claimed to contribute to global warming.

Biden also is expected to revoke the permit for the 1,200-mile Keystone XL Pipeline on his first day as president, a move that experts say will eliminate thousands of jobs.

Relying on the disputed theory of man-made global warming, Baltimore in 2018 sued an array of companies that produce so-called fossil fuelsoil, coal, and natural gasclaiming they knew that consumption of their products would lead to global warming.

Baltimore seeks compensation for various injuries, claiming that climate change has hurt the city by raising sea levels and by causing heat waves and extreme precipitation.

Telephonic oral argument in the case known as BP PLC v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore lasted 75 minutes, exceeding the scheduled 60 minutes. Only eight of the nine justices participated in the hearing. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself.

The hearing centered on a jurisdictional questionas opposed to the merits of the lawsuit itselfthat could reportedly affect 19 other similar cases state and local governments filed against energy providers that are pending in other courts. BP and the other energy companies that are defendants in the lawsuit want this case and others like it heard in federal court, not state court.

Under federal law, cases filed in state court can be removed to federal court. One of the energy companies, Chevron, had the case transferred to a U.S. district court in Maryland, citing eight separate legal grounds, including the so-called federal officer removal statute that applies when any officer (or any person acting under that officer) of the United States or of any agency thereof, in an official or individual capacity, for or relating to any act under color of such office.

The companies argued that Baltimore was trying to impose liability on them for exploring and producing fuels at the direction of federal officials when they produced fuels offshore under federal leases that gave government officials a say in their operations. At Baltimores request, the district court transferred the lawsuit back to state court. The companies appealed and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled in favor of the city, court watcher Amy Howe summarized at SCOTUSblog.

Oral arguments were heard in the case on Jan. 19, the Trump administrations last full day in office.

I think this is a close call in this case  but there are also problems, Justice Brett Kavanaugh told government attorney Brinton Lucas of the U.S. Department of Justice, who argued in favor of the companies, in what was the Trump administrations final scheduled appearance before the Supreme Court.

Lucas disagreed, saying, we dont think that [an] order remanding a case can really be susceptible to any ambiguity here.

Justices Elena Kagan and Clarence Thomas expressed skepticism of Lucass statements.

Kagan told Lucas, I guess I dont understand your argument.

Thomas told Lucas he may or may not be right on the statutory reading of this, but  I cant avoid the odd sense that it seems as though we are  smuggling into  appellate review  other issues that are not necessarily the issues that are front and center like federal officer.

The lawyer for Baltimore, Kannon Shanmugam, said his client favors efficiency in judicial proceedings.

Our rule would enable courts of appeals to resolve these appeals more efficiently where a court concludes that there is an easier ground for removal than the often fact-intensive federal-officer ground and there would be delay only in a case in which a federal court stays the state court proceedings on remand which would occur only when the court determines that a defendant is likely to succeed on its appeal.
A n arrest warrant has been issued for the ex-husband of Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone after he failed to attend court.

Gold dealer James Stunt did not appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning where he was due to face charges of abusive and threatening behaviour towards a police officer.

He did not give reasons for his absence or attempt to arrange to attend the hearing remotely.

The businessman, 38, faces one charge of racially-aggravated harassment of Pc Richard Harper close to his address in Knightsbridge, west London, on June 22 last year.

He is further charged with a lesser offence of harassment of Pc Harper on the same date.

Stunt was previously married to Petra Ecclestone / GC Images

The defendant married socialite Ms Ecclestone, daughter of F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, in Italy in 2011.

They had three children together  a daughter followed by twin boys  but divorced in 2017.

Prosecutor Simon Maughan confirmed that a court summons had been sent to Stunt in mid-December via recorded delivery.

Mr Maughan said Stunt had also been informed of the charges by the police.

A Facebook group created by residents of Province of Luxembourg, the southernmost province of Belgium neighbouring the Grand Duchy, has garnered 11,000 users who call for the reunification of their province with Luxembourg.

"Reunification du Luxembourg Belge au Grand Duche de Luxembourg" brings together more than 11,000 people, and a public page "Reunification Grand-Duche de Luxembourg" created on 17 December has gathered around 700 likes.

Thib Aquinas, spokesperson of the group, explained to rtbf that the tight relationship between the province and Luxembourg go way back. The now Belgian province belonged to the Third Partition of Luxembourg, before it was given to the Kingdom of Belgium after 1830. So it is understandable that both regions have much in common, Aquinas said.

But there is no rush for the group, nor is the aim to establish a political party. However, they would like to launch some sort of exchange or conversation among the two sides.

For a reunification to work, however, interest must also come from the Grand Duchy's part. According to a small survey by the group ( number of participants unknown) two thirds are in favour of reunification. "Is the Province of Luxembourg a beautiful bride for the Grand Duchy?" ponders Aquinas.

Another Facebook group opposing reunification has also just been created, according to the article.

Fierce offshore winds hissed and howled across the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, with the strongest gusts reported in the North Bay and a few topping 90 mph.

The blustery conditions sparked a handful of brush fires, toppled trees and power lines and sent patio furniture flying. Power outages were reported across the region.

"It's pretty unusual for us to get an offshore wind event like this, especially in the month of January," Roger Gass, a forecaster with the National Weather Service said. "We had critical fire weather conditions across the region in 2014, but to my recollection it wasn't as strong as this. People should watch out for debris in the roadways and trees down. Anyone commuting to work should be cautious."

The winds kicked up as a potent upper-level system dove south from the Great Basin and Pacific Northwest.

Oakland Firefighters

"It's currently sliding down out of Southern Nevada and then will slide off the California Coast," said Gass. "This system created a really tight pressure gradient. This is a typical pattern we'd see in the fall months, not in the winter."

Winds will likely start to ease after sunrise Tuesday and subside through the afternoon, with Tuesday evening being substantially less gusty than Monday night.

The weather service has a high wind warning in effect for elevations above 1,000 feet in the San Francisco Bay Area through 10 a.m. Tuesday. A wind advisory was issued for the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Teresa Partridge

Top wind speeds recorded as of 4 a.m. Tuesday included a gust hitting 97 mph at the Santa Fe Geothermal PG&E gauge in Sonoma, 95 mph in Lake County, 84 mph on Mount Diablo in the East Bay and 78 mph on Mount Umunhum in the South Bay.

In San Francisco, a 54 mph gust was recorded.

The winds arrived at the tail end of a warm spell with 10 Bay Area locations breaking same-day temperature records Monday afternoon, including 80 degrees in Santa Rosa, 79 in Oakland, 78 in San Jose, 77 in Napa, and 76 in Downtown San Francisco, according to the weather service.

Offshore winds, aka Diablo Winds, blow hot air from inland areas toward the coast and are known for drying out the landscape, and essentially sucking the moisture out of the vegetation and leaving it tinder-dry and vulnerable to burning.

Twitter / EJ Miller

Forecasters warned of the risk of wildfires sparking across the region and especially just south of the Bay Area in Monterey and San Benito counties.

"Relative humidity values are in the teens this evening and are not expected to recover overnight," the weather service said in its Monday report. "This unseasonably dry air mass and strong winds will combine to create critical fire weather conditions tonight and Tuesday in areas where fuels remain dry, specifically in the hills and mountains of Monterey and San Benito Counties where a Red Flag Warning is currently in effect."

Twitter / Caltrans Dist 4

A small vegetation fire broke out in the hills east of Geyserville near the Geysers geothermal fields Monday night after 9 p.m. The Old Fire was 5 to 10 acres as of 11 p.m. Monday with no evacuations or structures immediately threatened.

A fire also broke out in Milpitas on Country Club Drive, police said. Dozens of residents were temporarily evacuated, but police sent out an alert at 9:53 p.m. to tell residents of Cervantes Court, Camarillo Court, Calaveras Ridge Drive and Calera Creek Heights Drive that they could return home. Everyone else in the fire area is asked to shelter in place while firefighters finish their work, police said.

The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit said Tuesday morning that firefighters responded to at least 10 vegetation fires overnight. Cal Fire reported some of the blazes broke out in the burn scar of the CZU Lightning Fire, a massive blaze that consumed 86,509 acres in August.

"Even though it is January, we must remain vigilant and fire-safe," Cal Fire wrote on Twitter.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, remarked on Twitter that wildfires are unusual in the Bay Area in winter.

"Nothing short of incredible this is happening in Sonoma County in *mid January,*" Swain wrote. "Hopefully vegetation is still moist enough the meager rainfall so far this season to keep fire spread rates down tonight, but...wow. Other fires already in Bay Area tonight."

PG&E Screengrab

Thousands of PG&E customers were without power Tuesday morning with the utility company's online map showing outages throughout the region. (See a map showing all outages on the PG&E website.)

Downed power lines forced the shutdown of Interstate 680 in Fremont on Monday night. ABC News reported that a massive redwood tree fell onto a house in Santa Rosa.
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 World Health Organisation was too slow to react to the Covid-19 pandemic and is a powerless body unable to 'enforce anything', an independent panel has found.

An investigation into the WHO's pandemic response found the UN health body's failings could largely be attributed to the weak position of the agency, with the probe's report saying more funding and reforms were desperately needed.

The heads of the WHO-backed Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response presented the findings to the WHO's executive board on Tuesday.

While the panel's report suggested the WHO should have acted faster and more decisively at the start, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stressed that 'the bottom line is the WHO has no powers to enforce anything or investigate... within a country.'

The WHO has come under heavy criticism for its handling of the pandemic, including accusations from US President Trump that it parroted Chinese propaganda, hindering early global efforts to control the spread of the virus.

On Monday, the panel also criticised China for not acting fast enough after the virus was first discovered there, saying it was 'clear' that 'public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China' in January last year.

A investigation into the WHO's pandemic response found the UN health body's failings could largely be attributed to the weak position of the agency. Pictured: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation, speaking on Monday

Johnson Sirleaf, who co-chairs the panel with former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, said 'the world is more reliant on an effective WHO than ever before.'

But, she told reporters, the same countries that have turned to the WHO for leadership during the crisis 'have kept it underpowered and under-resourced to do the job expected of it.'

Covid-19 was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019 before seeping beyond China's borders to wreak global havoc, costing more than two million lives and eviscerating economies.

The WHO has faced claims it moved too slowly to declare an global crisis, to acknowledge the virus was spreading through the air, and to recommend face masks.

It has also faced criticism for not pressing China harder to provide accurate information on the initial cases and for allowing more than a year to pass before an international team of experts could enter China to help search for Covid-19's origins.

'When it comes to a potential new disease threat, all the WHO can do is ask and hope to be invited in,' Johnson Sirleaf said.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the co-chair of the WHO-backed Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, said 'the bottom line is the WHO has no powers to enforce anything or investigate... within a country'

Clark also pointed to the agency's low level of funding and the dangers of relying so heavily on volatile voluntary contributions.

Such contributions can suddenly disappear, as seen last year when the United States, traditionally the WHO's biggest donor, halted its backing.

'The funding of the WHO is woeful,' Clark said, pointing to comparisons showing the agency receives less than a single hospital in New York.

'This is our global health organisation. We want it to do well, we need it to do well,' she said, 'but it has been kept on pretty short rations.'

The panel also found that the international alert system for health emergencies needed an overhaul.

It complained that it took a full month for the WHO's emergency committee to declare the highest alert level, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern or PHEIC, and that many countries did not appear to appreciate the seriousness of the situation.

'Pathogens can travel in minutes and hours, not in days and weeks,' Clark said.

'The international system for alert and response has the trappings of an analog system in the digital age.'

U.S. president Donald Trump claimed last May that 'China has total control' of the WHO as he announced that the US was 'terminating' its relationship with the organisation. Pictured: The WHO's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

Covid-19 was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019 before seeping beyond China's borders to wreak global havoc. Pictured: people walk along a street near a market in Wuhan, China's central Hubei province on January 19

Yesterday, the pandemic response probe declared that China could have acted more quickly in dealing with Covid-19.

The panel said it was 'clear' that 'public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China' in January last year.

The panel, set up last July after countries including Australia angered China by calling for an investigation, said there was 'potential for early signs to have been acted on more rapidly' by both China and the WHO.

The criticism is at odds with the WHO's public statements at the time, when it praised China for the 'remarkable speed' with which it responded to the outbreak.

The criticism of both authorities comes as a team of WHO experts carries out a separate, politically sensitive mission in China to investigate the origins of the disease.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that 'no one should be in any doubt that this is a scientific exercise' to understand how the virus emerged.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, pictured last January with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, has come under criticism from Donald Trump for his alleged closeness to China

China's official timeline vs new evidence Official timeline Dec 8, 2019 - Earliest date that China has acknowledged an infection Dec 31 - China first reported 'pneumonia of unknown cause' to the World Health Organisation Jan 1, 2020 - Wuhan seafood market closed for disinfection Jan 11 - China reported its first death Jan 23 - Wuhan locked down Jan 31 - WHO declared 'outbreak of international concern' as China admitted having thousands of cases Feb 23 - Italy reports cluster of cases in first major outbreak in the West New evidence Sep 2019- Blood samples are taken in a lung cancer screening trial in Italy which later test positive for coronavirus Oct-Dec - Rise in 'flu and pneumonia' cases in northern Italy which could be linked to coronavirus Nov - Sewage samples taken in Florianopolis, Brazil, suggest virus was present Nov 10 - Milanese woman has a skin biopsy, producing a sample which later shows signs of the virus Nov 17 - Leaked documents suggest case detected in China on this date Dec 1 - Chinese researchers report an infection on this date in a peer-reviewed study, but it has not been acknowledged by Beijing Dec 18 - Sewage samples taken in Milan and Turin suggest virus was circulating in the cities Jan 2020 - Sewage samples from Barcelona suggest virus was in the city Advertisement

The expert panel was convened last July amid growing pressure on the WHO to hold an investigation, despite Beijing's efforts to postpone a probe until the pandemic was over.

The panel said last month that it was working on an 'authoritative chronology' of how the outbreak began, amid criticism of the WHO for being too credulous towards China in the early days.

In its latest report, the panel upbraided the WHO for failing to call an emergency committee or declare a 'public health emergency of international concern' until the end of January.

'It is not clear why the committee did not meet until the third week of January, nor is it clear why it was unable to agree on the declaration... when it was first convened,' the report said.

Trump claimed last May that 'China has total control' of the WHO as he announced that the US was 'terminating' its relationship with the organisation.

Joe Biden, who takes office on Wednesday, promised during the election campaign that he would restore US ties with the WHO.

Tedros met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last January, when the WHO praised Beijing for its 'seriousness' and 'transparency' in the early days of the outbreak.

The US accused the WHO of 'parroting' the Chinese government by claiming early on that there was little evidence of human-to-human transmission.

'Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the World Health Organization and pressured the World Health Organization to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered by Chinese authorities,' the White House claimed last year.

Even as the pandemic started to spiral out of control in February, the WHO praised China for the 'remarkable speed' at which it isolated the virus.

But in private, WHO officials were bemoaning the 'minimal information' they were getting from China, according to leaked documents.

'We're currently at the stage where yes, they're giving it to us 15 minutes before it appears on CCTV,' a state-owned Chinese broadcaster, one WHO official said.

A team of WHO experts arrived in Wuhan last week and were greeted by Chinese health officials wearing hazmat suits at the city's airport

Anger at China grew after a young doctor, Li Wenliang, was reprimanded for trying to raise the alarm about the disease - and subsequently died of it.

The virus was first confirmed to have spread outside China in January, when a 61-year-old woman was found to be infected with it in Thailand.

After scattered outbreaks in South Korea, Iran and Japan among others, the virus barrelled into Europe and North America with full force in March and April.

But Italy, France, and Brazil have all found traces of the virus from before the WHO's China office was officially alerted about the outbreak on December 31, 2019.

The WHO's team on the ground in China finally arrived in Wuhan last week after months of negotiations to investigate the origins of the disease.

Tedros said today that 'the objective is to understand how and when this new coronavirus emerged'.

The team was expected to investigate the animal market linked to an early cluster of cases, but it is no longer thought that this was necessarily where the virus jumped from animals to humans.

It is widely suspected that the virus originated in bats, but scientists say that it may have passed to humans via another species, possibly pangolins.

The Trump administration has touted alternative theories, rejected by China, that the virus could have leaked out from a virology lab in Wuhan.

Last Friday, the US state department claimed that some researchers at the institute had shown possible Covid-19 symptoms weeks before the outbreak came to light.

China, for its part, has promoted the idea that the virus might not have originated within its borders at all but arrived on contaminated seafood from elsewhere.
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.
T he number of Covid patients being treated in London hospitals today hit a record high as Boris Johnson described the situation as alarming and appealed to the public to protect the NHS by sticking to the rules.

One leading consultant called the crisis in the capitals hospitals almost apocalyptic and a senior health chief said some intensive care units were already overwhelmed.

Latest NHS England figures showed 7,917 patients with the virus in the capitals hospitals yesterday morning  almost 3,000 more than at the peak of the first wave.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the Prime Minister said: With Covid cases stubbornly high and an alarming number of people still in hospitals across London we need everyone to continue to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. He urged: I know how tough this is, but the stakes are too high this time.

More than 1,000 Londoners a week are dying with Covid, taking the total last night to 11,209.

Dr Alison Pittard, Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, told the Standard: Many hospitals and intensive care units around the country, including in London, are already overwhelmed, working beyond normal baseline numbers and diluting staffing ratios in order to care for the patients who would benefit from intensive care.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said NHS staff were under unimaginable pressure. On a day that the pressures reached new peaks:

Health Secretary Matt Hancock went into self-isolation after being alerted by the NHS Covid-19 app. In a tweet he said he will work from home until Sunday, adding: We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control.

Three London hospitals had half or more beds occupied by Covid patients, with three other major trusts close to 50 per cent.

The London Nightingale was told to take more patients after reportedly treating only 12.

The number of patients on mechanical ventilators in London hospitals reached a record of 1,200.

Doctors at the capitals biggest hospital said there were times they ran out of A&E beds due to receiving a Covid patient every hour.

More than 106,000 deaths involving Covid-19 have now occurred in the UK, new figures show.

One in eight people in England have had coronavirus, revealed official statistics made using antibody tests. A study last week estimated that the number was as high as one in three in London.

Britains most senior police officer has said people should shop their neighbours if they are repeatedly breaking Covid-19 rules. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said a small minority were still failing to follow the regulations. She told LBC: What I do think is, if you do have concerns that somebody is persistently not complying with the restrictions, with the regulations, then, yeah, you should talk to us.

The Prime Minister urged Londoners to accept the vaccine without delay when their turn comes up. He told the Standard: Because we now know that we have a route out of this pandemic, and while there will be challenges in the weeks and months ahead, were making great strides in our plan to vaccinate those most at risk from Covid by the middle of next month.

Just this week weve begun offering vaccinations to millions more people and Id urge everyone over 70, as well as those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, to book a vaccination as soon as you can: to protect yourself, to protect your friends and family, and to protect the NHS. Dr Pittard said some staff were almost on their knees, having been going through this non-stop for months, and months and months.

The latest NHS figures showed that hopes of a fall in daily admissions towards the end of last week came to an end on Saturday when the numbers increased by 88 to 758.

Because many patients are younger than in the first wave, and medical techniques have improved, inpatients are staying longer in hospital  leading to the record numbers.

The number of Covid inpatients in London increased by 210 in the last 24-hour period and has now been above 7,000 for 13 successive days.

At the Royal London, the capitals biggest hospital, in Whitechapel, 12 of its floors have Covid patients  10 of them with people so sick that they require a ventilator.

In harrowing footage broadcast by the BBC last night, Martin Freeborn, whose 64-year-old wife Helen died with Covid, said only 30 minutes after she passed away: I wouldnt wish this on anybody. This really is horrible. Please wake up and please be over-careful.

Staff nurse Carleen Kelly said she felt broken by the pandemic, saying the latest wave was scarier and bigger than the first. I never thought it would be possible to have this many intensive care patients.

Martin Griffiths, a trauma surgeon at the Royal London Hospital, said the force of the pandemic was almost apocalyptic. He said the heart-breaking testimony from Mr Freeborn and his three adult daughters spoke of a deeper truth than mere numbers cant capture.

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
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region

Representative image: Reuters

Pakistan approved the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, a government statement said, two days after AstraZeneca's vaccine developed with Oxford University received a similar authorization.

The Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (DRAP) said the vaccine, manufactured by China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm), had been given emergency use approval (EUA).

Pakistan's health ministry has said the country was in process of speaking to different vaccine makers.

"The two COVID-19 vaccines have been granted EUA with certain conditions," a DRAP's spokesman said, adding that both vaccines have been evaluated for their safety and quality.

The authorization will be reviewed on quarterly basis for further data regarding safety, efficacy and quality, the spokesman said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Pakistan has been engaging with a number of vaccine makers, health minister Faisal Sultan said over the weekend, adding that the country could get "in the range of tens of millions" of vaccine doses under an agreement with China's Cansino Biologics Inc.

The vaccine company's Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 candidate is nearing completion of Phase III clinical trials in Pakistan. The preliminary results of the Cansino vaccine may come in by mid-February, Sultan said.

However, Pakistan has yet to place an order to procure any vaccine.

The minister said Pakistan planned to cover vaccines for the majority of the population for free, adding that private companies could also be allowed to import and sell vaccines once supply was available to an authorized company.

Pakistan reported 1,920 new coronavirus infections and 46 deaths on Monday, taking the total number of cases to more than 521,212 with fatalities approaching 11,000.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese will claim Prime Minister Scott Morrison's close relationship with Donald Trump has damaged Australia's alliance with the United States and his positions on climate change will leave the nation more isolated than ever on the international stage.

In his strongest comments yet on the way in which Mr Morrison has handled the relationship with the outgoing president, Mr Albanese will lash the Prime Minister for not calling out Mr Trump over his incitement of the violent riots at the US Capitol.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese will deliver a major foreign policy speech on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Morrison this week criticised "things that were said" to incite the riots on the US Congress without directly naming Mr Trump.

The Prime Minister has also declined to criticise Coalition MPs such as George Christensen and Craig Kelly for spreading conspiracy theories about the US election.
Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk!

You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details.
Technavio has been monitoring the viral vectors market and it is poised to grow by 385.78 mn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 15% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005894/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Viral Vectors Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Click Get Free sample report in minutes

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, however, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. COVID-19 will have a high impact on the viral vectors market. The market growth in 2020 is likely to increase compared to the market growth in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the major trends in the market?

Emergence of novel technologies to manufacture viral vectors is a major trend driving the growth of the market.



Emergence of novel technologies to manufacture viral vectors is a major trend driving the growth of the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow?

The market will accelerate at a CAGR of almost 15% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 385.78 mn.



The market will accelerate at a CAGR of almost 15% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be 385.78 mn. Who are the top players in the market?

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc., Batavia Biosciences BV, Cobra Biologics Ltd., Creative Biogene, FinVector Oy, Lonza Group Ltd., Merck KGaA, Novasep Holding SAS, Oxford Biomedica Plc, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., are some of the major market participants.



Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc., Batavia Biosciences BV, Cobra Biologics Ltd., Creative Biogene, FinVector Oy, Lonza Group Ltd., Merck KGaA, Novasep Holding SAS, Oxford Biomedica Plc, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., are some of the major market participants. What is the key market driver?

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is one of the major factors driving the market.



The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the North America market?

The North America region will contribute to 60% of the market share.

Related Reports on Health Care Include:

Microarray Biochips Market by Application and Geography Forecast and Analysis 2020-2024 - The microarray biochips market size has the potential to grow by USD 10.22 billion during 2020-2024, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 19.84%. To get extensive research insights: Click and get FREE sample report in minutes



The microarray biochips market size has the potential to grow by USD 10.22 billion during 2020-2024, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 19.84%. To get extensive research insights: Proteomics Market by Product, Application, and Geography Forecast and Analysis 2020-2024 - The proteomics market size has the potential to grow by USD 15.82 billion during 2020-2024, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 13.73%. To get extensive research insights: Click and get FREE sample report in minutes

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free.

View market snapshot before purchasing

The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc., Batavia Biosciences BV, Cobra Biologics Ltd., Creative Biogene, FinVector Oy, Lonza Group Ltd., Merck KGaA, Novasep Holding SAS, Oxford Biomedica Plc, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the major market participants. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases will offer immense growth opportunities. In a bid to help players strengthen their market foothold, this viral vectors market forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the leading market vendors. The report also empowers industry honchos with information on the competitive landscape and insights into the different product offerings offered by various companies.

Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations.

Viral Vectors Market 2020-2024: Segmentation

Viral Vectors Market is segmented as below:

Application Gene Therapy Vaccines

Geography Asia Europe North America ROW



To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40121

Viral Vectors Market 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The viral vectors market report covers the following areas:

Viral Vectors Market Size

Viral Vectors Market Trends

Viral Vectors Market Industry Analysis

This study identifies the emergence of novel technologies to manufacture viral vectors as one of the prime reasons driving the viral vectors market growth during the next few years.

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Viral Vectors Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024

Detailed information on factors that will assist viral vectors market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the viral vectors market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the viral vectors market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of viral vectors market vendors

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Market characteristics

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2019

Market outlook: Forecast for 2019-2024

Five Forces Analysis

Five forces summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Application

Market segments

Comparison by Application

Gene therapy Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Vaccines Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Market opportunity by Application

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Asia Market size and forecast 2019-2024

ROW Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc.

Batavia Biosciences BV

Cobra Biologics Ltd.

Creative Biogene

FinVector

Lonza Group Ltd.

Merck KGaA

Novasep Holding SAS

Oxford Biomedica Plc

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005894/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/
The presenter admitted the reunion was 'heightened with emotion' as her daughter Darcey, 14, and son Billy, 11, saw how Derek was 'very changed' by his battle with the virus (pictured in December 2019)

MARCH

Kate revealed she and Prince Charles had got 'relatively close' at the Prince's Trust Awards on March 11 - Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March.

She said: 'Around the 29/30 March, I came home came in and said [to Derek] 'god you look ill.'

'He said he had a headache, numbness in his right hand, and was struggling to breathe,

'I rang Dr Hilary (Jones) and tried to get through, he talked to Derek. He said put me back on, I think you need to call an ambulance'

Derek, 52, was taken into hospital on March 30 and remained in an unresponsive condition.

APRIL

Kate and her children isolated at home after she displayed 'mild symptoms'.

Kate said: 'Derek remains in intensive care and is still very ill. I'm afraid it remains an excruciatingly worrying time.

'I'm afraid he is still in a deeply critical condition, but he is still here, which means there is hope.'

MAY

Kate said: 'The journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight.

'But he is still HERE & so there is still hope.'

That month, Kate and her family took part in the final clap for carers

She said: 'I'll never give up on that because Derek's the love of my life but at the same time I have absolute uncertainty'

JUNE

On June 5, Kate revealed Derek is now free from coronavirus but continues to fight against the damage inflicted on his body

JULY

On July 5, Kate revealed Derek has woken from his coma but he remains in a serious yet critical condition.

On July 8, she announced she would be returning to GMB, after being urged by doctors to 'get on with life' during Derek's recovery.

She added that Derek had 'opened his eyes' after waking from his coma, but has been told his recovery could take years.

On July 13, Kate returned to GMB for the first time since Derek was hospitalised.

On July 28, Kate revealed she'd paid an 'extra emotional' first visit to Derek, and admitted she's 'frustrated' by his slow progress.

AUGUST

On August 14, Kate reassured GMB viewers that Derek was 'still with us,' but it was 'a waiting game.'

On August 19, Kate revealed she celebrated Derek's birthday with their two children, and described the day as 'challenging' for her family.

SEPTEMBER

At the end of September, Derek reportedly becomes the longest surviving patient with coronavirus after spending 184 days in and out of intensive care.

Kate reveals Derek has lost eight stone during his battle.

The presenter announces she is returning to her Smooth Radio show so Derek can hear her voice.

OCTOBER

On October 30 Kate reveals that Derek has spoken for the first time in seven months, saying the word 'pain' to his wife, who watched on 'in tears' over FaceTime.

Kate says a day later that her husband no longer needs a ventilator to breathe.

NOVEMBER

Kate reveals her family car has been stolen in latest 'body blow' to her family life, as kind-hearted fans offer their cars to help.

She says she feels 'physically sick' at the prospect of facing her first Christmas without Derek.

DECEMBER

The GMB star tells viewers it is her dream to visit Derek on Christmas Day.

She also reveals she missed two weeks on GMB after her children were exposed to the virus, but thankfully she and the kids tested negative.

On December 17, Kate has an emotional conversation live on GMB with two nurses who treated Derek when he was first admitted to Whittington Hospital in North London.

On New Year's Eve she reflects on a 'calamitous' Christmas without Derek, as her house was flooded and she struggled to get a food delivery slot until her pal Emma Willis stepped in to help.

JANUARY

Kate reveals she and her children got to visit Derek in hospital over the Christmas period, and it was the first time her family had seen him since he was hospitalised.

She also says she's banned from seeing home due to new restrictions introduced during the government's third lockdown.
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.
LATEST Jan. 19 6:15 a.m. At least two other counties in the Bay Area, KGO-TV first reported, have received doses from the lot of Moderna vaccines California's leading epidemiologist advised against using for the time being.

Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Marin Counties all received the doses. Marin, however, is the only county to have distributed all of them. It has not reported any adverse affects. Contra Costa has dispensed 600 vaccines, while Santa Clara has used none.

Jan. 18, 2 p.m. San Francisco's COVID Command Center confirmed to SFGATE that the city received 8,000 doses from a lot of Moderna vaccines, which were distributed to the likes of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Laguna Honda and are suspected in several possible allergic reactions in San Diego.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health did not report any negative reactions to the vaccines distributed and stopped using the doses out of "an abundance of caution," a representative told SFGATE via email. The city, however, has "not received any replacement doses."

The official added, "This will have an impact on The Citys ability to complete scheduled appointments this week. This setback comes at a time when vaccine is scarce and when SFDPH allocation from the state arriving this week is only 1,775."

Jan. 18, 12:30 p.m. California's leading epidemiologist is warning health departments across the state to stop dispensing a single lot of the Moderna vaccine "out of an extreme abundance of caution" after fewer than 10 people at one vaccine distribution site experienced a possible allergic reaction.

"A higher-than-usual number of possible allergic reactions were reported with a specific lot of Moderna vaccine administered at one community vaccination clinic," said Dr. Erica Pan, the state epidemiologist, in a statement Sunday. "Fewer than 10 individuals required medical attention over the span of 24 hours."

The reactions were reported last week at Petco Park in San Diego, one of the "super" vaccination sites expected to immunize up to 5,000 people daily, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Diana Cannizzo, a medical worker affected by the shot, told KNSD-TV in San Diego that she experienced neck pain and tongue numbness shortly after getting the vaccine, but did not want her experience to negatively shape people's views on COVID-19 vaccination.

Anaphylaxis is extremely uncommon with the COVID-19 vaccines. Typically, only one in 100,000 people are expected to have "adverse reactions," the state Department of Public Health said in the statement. With this lot alone, with more than 330,000 doses distributed to health care providers, no other signs of allergic reactions or other negative side effects have been reported.

A representative from San Francisco's COVID Command Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.

Per KPIX-TV, Alameda County is already halting the use of this lot.

According to Northeastern University, reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are "unpleasant but harmless" in most cases. It is also likely, Northeastern pharmacist Todd Brown said in a report, that individuals who experience anaphylaxis with this vaccine have a history of allergic reactions with other common vaccines.

In the meantime, Pan said, providers should limit their use of Moderna vaccines from the 041L20A lot until a joint investigation by state and federal officials, along with Moderna, has concluded.
Advertisement

Ministers are drawing up plans to fine Europe-bound lorry drivers 150 if they enter Kent without a negative Covid-19 test in a bid to keep borders flowing smoothly post-Brexit.

Around 60 per cent of lorry drivers, or 2,400 a day, are understood to be arriving at the UK-EU border without having taken a test, despite the Government setting up 34 testing centres for them across Britain outside of Kent.

Officials believe there are too many drivers not getting tests and, combined with new post-Brexit trading rules, fear it could fuel snarl-ups in the coming weeks when traffic crossing the Channel is expected to significantly rise.

But the Road Haulage Association said the new measure under consideration would penalise foreign drivers 'for nothing more or less than not having English as a language and so not being aware'.

The volume of lorries passing through is currently lower than normal partly due to businesses stockpiling ahead of December 31, when the UK fully left the EU.

Lorries are pictured at the Port of Dover ferry terminal in Kent today, as ministers draw up plans for a new fines regime

Officials are mulling a 150 penalty for Europe-bound hauliers entering Kent (Dover, pictured today) without a negative test

Lorries on board a DFDS (Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab) ferry at the Port of Dover in Kent this afternoon

Department of Transport officials have set up 34 centres across the country where hauliers can get advice and a test before heading back towards Kent after dropping off their cargo

Predicted tailbacks as a result of the switch to new trading terms have so far failed to materialise.

The requirement to test negative before crossing the Channel came in after France banned all arrivals, including hauliers, after the Kent mutant strain of Covid-19 emerged last month.

It led to chaos and tailbacks of thousands of lorries, with some hauliers having to spend Christmas Day in their cabins. Under pressure from fellow European leaders French president Emmanuel Macron lifted the outright ban.

But lorry drivers must still show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours or be blocked from crossing. Last week France extended the condition indefinitely.

Under the rules hauliers can take a rapid 'lateral flow' test which produces results in under an hour.

Department of Transport officials have set up 34 centres across the country where hauliers can get advice and a test before heading back towards Kent after dropping off their cargo.

2,400 lorry drivers a day are thought to be arriving at the UK-EU border without having taken a test. Dover is pictured today

The volume of lorries passing through is lower than normal partly due to businesses stockpiling. Dover is pictured today

Lorry drivers must still show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours or be blocked from crossing at Dover, seen today

A sign at the Port of Dover ferry terminal warns lorry drivers to have their Covid-19 tests ready for inspection this afternoon

But the majority are arriving in Kent untested, and having to be re-directed to nearby testing sites before re-joining the queue to cross could significantly increase traffic and potentially cause blockages.

Rod McKenzie from the Road Haulage Association has warned that the new measure would penalise foreign drivers

Rod McKenzie, managing director of policy and public affairs at the Road Haulage Association, told the Daily Mail they were expecting thousands more lorries to be crossing in the coming weeks with traffic levels returning to normal.

However, he said the new measure being mulled by ministers would penalise foreign drivers. It is understood the vast majority who turn up untested are from eastern Europe.

Mr Mckenzie said: 'There is an issue about fairness and we are going to end up penalising drivers for nothing more or less than not having English as a language and so not being aware.

'We would urge the Government to increase the communication to drivers of different nationalities that they will need a Covid-19 test.

'A good job has been done with British drivers, but what we are hearing is that the guidance translated to different languages isn't so good. If people blatantly ignore the advice once they know, then of course that deserves a fine.'

Lorry drivers already require a Kent Access Permit to enter the county under post-Brexit rules. They are fined 300 without one.

Police scuffle with lorry drivers outside the Port of Dover on December 23 after the French announced that the Covid ban had been lifted and journeys from the UK could resume - but that those seeking to travel must have a negative test result

Police control the movements of vehicles at the entrance to the Port of Dover in Kent amid chaotic scenes on Christmas Eve

Traffic blocks the road at the entrance to the Port of Dover in Kent on December 23 amid chaotic scenes before Christmas

The permits are intended to help keep traffic flowing by confirming drivers have the right documents for EU import controls before reaching the UK-EU border.

Every permit lasts 24 hours and drivers need a new one each time their HGV leaves the UK. More than 400 fines for not having one have already been issued since January 1.

A DfT spokesman said: 'Hauliers looking to cross the Channel should take their Covid-19 test before they enter Kent to help traffic flow.

'While we're pleased many hauliers have heeded our calls to use 34 testing sites we've set up across the country, too many are still entering Kent without having taken a test and received a negative result.

'With traffic volumes expected to grow over the coming week, we are considering stronger measures to ensure flow.

'If hauliers continue to ignore the requirement to get a negative test before entering Kent, then fines may become necessary.'
Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia board the plane at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany (Mstyslav Chernov/AP)

The plane carrying Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has landed in Moscow, where he faces the threat of arrest.

But the flight landed at a different airport to the one scheduled, a possible attempt to outwit journalists and supporters who wanted to witness the return.

Mr Navalny, who is President Vladimir Putins most prominent and determined foe, was returning from Germany, where he has spent five months recovering from poisoning by a nerve agent, which he blames on the Kremlin.

Expand Close Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia onboard the plane (Mstyslav Chernov/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia onboard the plane (Mstyslav Chernov/AP)

Last week, Russias prison service issued a warrant for his arrest, saying he had violated the terms of suspended sentence he received on a 2014 conviction for embezzlement. The prison service has asked a Moscow court to turn Mr Navalnys three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence into a real one.

After boarding the Moscow flight in Berlin on Sunday, Mr Navalny said about the prospect of arrest: Its impossible; Im an innocent man.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied a role in the opposition leaders poisoning.

Mr Navalnys supporters and journalists had come to Moscows Vnukovo airport, where the plane was scheduled to land, but it actually ended up touching down at Sheremetyevo airport, about 40km (25 miles) away. There was no immediate explanation for the flight diversion.

Expand Close Police officers detain a man at Moscows Vnukovo airport (Dmitry Serebryakov/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Police officers detain a man at Moscows Vnukovo airport (Dmitry Serebryakov/AP)

The OVD-Info group, which monitors political arrests, said at least 37 people were arrested at Vnukovo airport, although their affiliations were not immediately clear.

Vnukovo had banned journalists from working inside the terminal, saying in a statement last week that the move was due to epidemiological concerns. The airport had also blocked off access to the international arrivals area.

Police prisoner-detention vehicles stood outside the terminal on Sunday.

The independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and opposition social media reported on Sunday that several of Mr Navalnys supporters in St Petersburg had been removed from Moscow-bound trains or been prevented from boarding flights late on Saturday and early Sunday, including the co-ordinator of his staff for the region of Russias second-largest city.

Expand Close Police officers stand guard at Vnukovo airport (Pavel Golovkin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Police officers stand guard at Vnukovo airport (Pavel Golovkin/AP)

Mr Navalny fell into a coma while aboard a domestic flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20. He was transferred from a hospital in Siberia to a Berlin hospital two days later.

Labs in Germany, France and Sweden, and tests by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established that he was exposed to a Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent.

Russian authorities insisted that the doctors who treated Mr Navalny in Siberia before he was airlifted to Germany found no traces of poison and have challenged German officials to provide proof of his poisoning.

They refused to open a fully-fledged criminal inquiry, citing a lack of evidence that Mr Navalny had been poisoned.

Last month, Mr Navalny released the recording of a phone call he said he made to a man he described as an alleged member of a group of officers of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, who purportedly poisoned him in August and then tried to cover it up.

The FSB dismissed the recording as fake.
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), the country's largest trade union, on Tuesday blamed the government's inability to address current problems in the country, the most significant of which concerns the coronavirus pandemic and its health, economic and social consequences against the backdrop of lack of a comprehensive strategic vision
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) - The local government of Malabon City is looking to purchase other COVID-19 vaccine brands aside from AstraZeneca to give its residents more options, said Mayor Antolin Oreta III.

"We partnered na with AstraZeneca...sa lumalabas no, titignan natin kung ano yung mga available na vaccines para we get a bit of each," Oreta told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon.

[Translation: We already partnered with AstraZeneca...so we will see what are the other vaccines available so we can get a bit of each.]

Malabon City is among the local government units that have already signed a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca for coronavirus vaccines.

Oreta also said the city will only have to prepare for the immunization of half of its population, thus, its P150 million vaccination budget might be reduced.

The mayor noted that the funding for the Malabon's vaccination program will be divided to purchase other brands.

"Nalaman ko, we had a meeting last Sunday, we just have to prepare for 50% of our population. So, ina-allot natin na P150 million, I think babawasan natin," said Oreta. "Not all sa isang brand, kailangan i-divide sa iba't-ibang brand."

[Translation: I found out, we had a meeting last Sunday, we just have to prepare for 50% of our population. So the P150 million that we allotted, I think it might be slashed. Not all will be used for one brand, we have to divide it to purchase different brands.]

"We'll get a bit of each para sa ganon 'yong mga tao...makuha nila yung gusto nila," he added.

[Translation: We'll get a bit of each so the people can get what they want.]

New farm laws enacted to destroy Indian agriculture: Rahul Gandhi

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said today that the new farm laws were enacted to destroy Indian agriculture.

He said that he supports the protesting farmers. Every single person should support them as they are fighting for us, he also said. He said that he will not comment on the Supreme Court of India. India can see the reality of the SC, he also said.

The Congress leader also released a booklet highlighting the plight of the farmers in the wake of the Centre's three farm laws. The rice, wheat you (middle class) buy comes at the rate you purchase because of APMC and the agricultural system. This is not an assault on farmers but on the middle class and on every single youngster in the country, who is not able to get a job, he also said.

Rahul further said the if India does not give a clear message to China and make clear military, economic geopolitical strategy, China will not stay quiet, but make the most of it. China has a clear strategic vision in shaping the world, which India does not have. India does this and that but does not work strategically. China has tested twice, once in Doklam and then in Ladakh, the Congress leader also said.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping out on the outskirts of Delhi for nearly two months, with at least nine rounds of talks between the government and farmers' groups failing to resolve the deadlock.

The government on Monday postponed the tenth round of talks on the new agriculture laws with farmer unions to January 20, PTI reported. The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place at 12 pm on

Tuesday at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.

The previous nine rounds of talks between the government and farmers have failed to yield any concrete results, as the farmer unions have stuck to their main demand for repealing the new laws, while the government has refused to do so and insisted on a clause-wise discussion of the legislations.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Enacted in September 2020, the central government has presented these laws as major farm reforms aimed at increasing farmers' income, but the protesting farmers have raised concerns that these legislations would weaken the minimum support price (MSP) and "mandi" (wholesale market) systems and leave them at the mercy of big corporations. The government has maintained that these apprehensions are misplaced and ruled out a repeal of the laws.
MUMBAI: India's gas output will rise 25% this year to 95-100 million metric standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd), led by production from fields jointly owned by Reliance Industries (RIL) and BP plc, and from that of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC).

The RIL-BP joint venture started production from the new R cluster in the Krishna-Godavari basin fields in December, which will be ramped up this year.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The R Cluster is expected to reach peak production of 13 million metric standard cubic metres (mmscmd) a day in 2021 and plateau thereafter. Two other fields, Satellite Cluster and MJ Field, are expected to begin producing in 2021-22. RIL and partner BP plc have together invested $6 billion in the project.

RILs announced start of gas production will support 48% rise in domestic gas supplies after years of flattish output. The new production should contribute ~3% of earnings and cash flows by 2023," said Morgan Stanley in a note to clients last month.

ONGC, on the other hand, started test production of 2,40,000 cubic meter per day in February from the KG basin. It plans to drill more wells and start commercial production this year.

The domestic energy major is spending more than $5 billion to produce as much as 35 billion cubic meters of gas by 2023-24 from new KG deep-water projects. The pandemic-induced lockdown had delayed the explorer's plans to ramp up production from the field.

"Despite the delay, ONGC is expected to grow its gas production in FY22, with efforts to arrest the decline in oil production from age-old fields (accounting for 6070% of total oil production)," said Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd in a 7 January report.

In FY20, ONGC made a total of 12 discoveries (seven onshore, five offshore), seven of which are prospects (three onshore, four offshore) and five are pools (four onshore, one offshore). The company has notified seven new discoveries (four pools and three prospects) in FY21 so far.

"We model in flattish oil production for the next two years, while we build a 14% gas production CAGR to 26.8 bcm/30.8bcm for FY22/FY23," added Motilal Oswal.

India's domestic demand for natural gas is expected to grow 10% year-on-year in FY22, according to Icra Ltd.

Consumption will rise as more and more city gas distribution areas come up, initial infrastructure building phase near completion, new fertiliser plants are commissioned, and new customers are connected to the gas grid due to expansion in the pipeline network.

Domestic gas prices, as governed by the modified Rangarajan formula, are currently at $1.79 per mmbtu (million metric British thermal unit), and have remained below the cost of production for many years now.

"At such low prices, gas production remains a loss-making proposition for even benign geologies. Accordingly, a fervent demand of the upstream industry is the provision of a floor for the gas prices," said Icra.

However, the rating agency expects average crude oil realisations for upstream producers to be significantly higher than FY21, due to higher demand and active management of supplies and production by OPEC+.

India may however, need to import more crude oil this year as production of crude oil is expected to remain stagnant or decline marginally in FY2022 owing to decline in oil production from ageing fields.

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!!
Donald Trump once claimed that Joe Biden would hurt the Bible if he became president, but the copy of the Scripture that Biden is bringing to the inauguration looks like it might hurt you if you tried to lift it.

The book is more than five inches thick, with a sturdy leather cover, and solid metal clasps holding it closed. When Jill Biden raises the book up for her husband to take his oath of office on Wednesday, she will have to use both hands.

Why is your Bible bigger than mine? Do you have more Jesus in there? said Stephen Colbert, the Catholic host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, in an interview with president-elect Biden in December.

I dont think so, said Biden, who is also Catholic. Its just been a family heirloom in the Biden side of the family, and every important date is there. Every time Ive been sworn in for anything, the date has been in that. Its inscribed in the Bible.

The Biden Bible carries 127 years of family history, but experts say its also a significant symbol for the new president. The choice to take the oath of office on this specific text says something about what Biden believes about the United States, the presidency, Catholics in this country, and the work ahead of him as he attempts to fulfill his promise to restore the soul of America.

Hes not only undergirding his oath of office with the Bible but saying it reflects the essence of who he is, and his family heritage, and his own faith, said Robert Briggs, president and CEO of the American Bible Society.

Presidents are not required to take the oath of office on a Bibleand some havent. Lyndon Johnson swore to faithfully execute the Office of the United States and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution on a Catholic prayer book. The missal was the most holy text his aides could find on the airplane back to Washington DC, after John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963.

But almost all the US presidents have taken their oath on a Bible, and frequently they have chosen historically significant copies. Kamala Harris will be sworn in as vice president on the Bible owned by Thurgood Marshall, the first black justice on the US Supreme Court. Trump was sworn in on Lincolns Bible and Obama used Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.s Bibles.

Biden likely had his choice of historical Bibles, ranging from the one used by Kennedy, the first Catholic elected president, to the one owned by Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist leader who risked re-enslavement more than a dozen times to lead scores of people to freedom. One popular choice among American presidents has been George Washingtons copy of the Scripture. Briggs said when presidents choose that, theyre creating a connection with the countrys founding and renewing a commitment to the principles of the Bible.

The oath of office links us all together as Americans. And it represents the reality that we are drawing together, by way of the president, as one nation under God, on principles of pursuing justice, proclaiming liberty, and loving your neighbor, he said.

The choice of a family Bible points to another kind of connection, according to Paul Gutjahr, professor of English at Indiana University and author of An American Bible.

Biden strikes me as a guy who is very interested in underlining the communities that were formational for him, he said. Family. Church. The towns hes lived in. The continuity seems really important to him. He wants to show the longevity of his rootedness.

When Bidens great-grandparents bought the Bible in 1893, they may well have been trying to show their longevity and rootedness too, according to Gutjahr. For Catholics in the 19th century, purchasing a big family Bible was a way of declaring their middle-class status and making an investment in the records of future births and deaths and the family tree. And owning the Bible was a statement of Catholic identity.

The DouayRheims translation was approved for English-speaking Catholics in the 1600s. Unlike Protestant versions, the Catholic Bible is translated from the Latin and includes the books of the Apocrypha, as well as study notes from church authorities.

There werent very many of these Catholic Bibles available in the United States until the 1850s, when the number printed increased dramatically and the size of the Bibles started to get a lot bigger. Many weighed around 14 pounds and a top-of-the-line Catholic Bible could weigh as much as 19 or 20. Gutjahr said publishers added illustrations; maps; explanations of theological terms; explanations of how the Catholic Bible was different than Protestant versions; an injunction not to read the text without the guidance and instruction of a Catholic priest; and pages for family records.

Its also just nice to have a big impressive Bible and they become a marker for religiosity, Gutjahr said. They know theyre going to keep it around and pass it down from generation to generation.

Some Catholics may have also seen their large Bibles as a rebuttal of Protestant prejudice. Many Anti-Catholic polemicists claimed Catholics didnt read the Bible for themselves, but just accepted the authority of the church, and so werent suitable citizens for a democracy.

Catholic leaders such as Cardinal James Gibbons and politicians such as Al Smith and Kennedy said this wasnt true. They paved the way for president-elect Biden to hold up his family Bible as a symbol of a country that can become better over time, as it learns to live up to the founding promises of universal liberty, justice, and equality.

According to Bidens 2007 autobiography, he first learned about the Bible from the nuns at his Catholic grammar school. They also taught him that public service was a sacred calling.

They took as a starting point the biblical exhortation that man has no greater love than to lay down his life for another man, Biden wrote. In school we were about 10 clicks back from that. You didnt give your life, but it was noble to help a lady across the street. It was noble to offer a hand up to somebody who had less. It was noble to step in when a bully was picking on someone. It was noble to intervene.

Biden is aware of the political dangers of overusing the symbolism of the sacred text, though. He writes that he once warned President Jimmy Carter about seeming too sanctimonious and holier-than-thou. He said that if Carter, a Baptist, thumped the Bible one more time, even loyal Democrats wouldnt vote for him.

The American Bible Society also encourages people watching the inauguration to see the Bible as more than a symbol.

We always hope it will lead to the president opening the Bible, looking at its contents, and being informed by what it says, Briggs said. We know Biden has a deep faith. We will look for opportunities to encourage him and pray for him and help promote the use of the Bible in his life and in the lives of the Americans he will be governing.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Since publishing Slaying Leviathan, I have received many requests to speak about civil disobedience, resistance to government, and the violence that rocked Washington last week.

In view of the issues facing us, it will be helpful to lay out some of the foundational biblical concepts here.

The Role of the Church

First, at the risk of stating the obvious, the Churchs job is not politics. Rather, it is Gods agent to advance the Kingdom of God by making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus commanded, and in the words of John Calvin, to make the invisible Kingdom visible. But what is the Kingdom?

While theologians differ on this, one thing is clear: Jesus has all authority in Heaven and Earth and thus is lord of all. The Churchs disciple-making mission must thus include teaching what the lordship of Christ means in every area of life. This includes politics. As citizens of a republic, we need to consider how to apply biblical teaching to our political activities.

The Primary Text

In discussing political responsibilities, American Christians typically point to Romans 13s exhortation to obey the governing powers, arguing that the only exception is when the government commands us to do something Scripture explicitly forbids or forbids us from doing something the Scripture explicitly commands.

The issue is more complex than that, however, and cannot be answered by simple proof-texting. A better place to start is with the words of Jesus on government. The key passage is Matt. 22:15-22.

When asked whether it was permissible to pay taxes to Caesar; Jesus responded, Give to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is Gods. While a full exegesis of the passage including the significance of the image on the coin is important to understand Jesus response, for our purposes, it is enough to note that Jesus is setting out a principle: some things are properly Caesars and under his authority, but others are not; they are Gods and under His authority. This is a principle that extends well beyond taxation.

The question is, what belongs to Caesar, what does not, and what are the implications for our politics? For example:

 Who gets to define when human life begins, Caesar or God? (97% of biologists surveyedthe same percentage quoted in connection with anthropogenic climate changeagree with Scripture and early Jewish and Christian tradition that it begins at conception.)

 Who gets to define which human beings have rights, Caesar or God?

 Who gets to define what rights we have, Caesar or God?

 Who gets to define what it means to be male or female, Caesar or God? (Biologists will tell you that the DNA in every cell in your body, all 30,000,000,000,000 of them, has the answer to that question, and that it is impossible to change from one sex to the other.)

 Who gets to define marriage, Caesar or God?

 Who has authority over our consciences, Caesar or God? There are others we could ask, but our approach to Romans 13 should be guided by Jesus words. Even without violating a direct scriptural command, government can and has claimed authority over things that it has no right to. Further, Romans 13 tells us that the role of government is to reward the good and punish evil; it does not discuss governments that do the opposite or that usurp Gods authority.

When Governments Overreach

What should we do when government oversteps its legitimate bounds and claims authority that only belongs to God? In the Early Church, Christians engaged in civil disobedience, including refusing to violate their consciences by burning incense to the emperors statue and meeting together for worship in violation of the law; when arrested, they accepted the consequences, including torture, maiming, and death.

The responsibility to remain faithful even in the face of such horrors is clear from Jesus own teaching. That example, though, can only take us so far. Christians have since developed a wide range of institutions as expressions of their faith, such as schools and colleges, hospitals, charitable agencies, and crisis pregnancy centers.

How should we respond if Caesar orders these to do something that violates their faith? If, for example, the Equality Act passes, Christian colleges might have a choice between adopting pro-LGBTQ+ positions in violation of their faith based on the precedent of Bob Jones University vs. United States (1983) or lose their tax-exempt status and likely their accreditation, putting them out of business. Should it come to that, how should these institutions respond?

More broadly, how should individuals and private businesses respond to government mandates to provide goods and services that violate their consciences, such as provisions requiring doctors or nurses to participate in abortions or euthanasia, pharmacists to provide abortifacients, bakers to make custom cakes to celebrate same-sex unions or photographers and florists to participate in such unions?

Even if you believe that Christians should do some or all of these, does the government have legitimate authority to impose those views on those who disagree? Who has authority over conscience, the government or God? The issues may be more complex in some ways today, but the martyrs of the Early Church still point the way for us: we must not yield to Caesar the things that are Gods.

Fortunately, we have more options than the early Christians did. We can take advantage of the legal protections afforded us under the Constitution and appeal to the courts for protection against infringements on our rights; we can write and lobby legislators; we can run for office; we can vote; we can assemble peacefully to protest policies and appeal for redress of grievances; if all else fails, we can fall back to civil disobedience.

What we cannot do is compromise the faith whether for comfort and convenience, popularity, or power. And that is the great temptation today. May we be found faithful as pressure to conform to the world grows.

Originally published at Break Point
The West Bengal chief minister on Monday said she will contest polls from both Bhawanipore and Nandigram, if possible. Adhikari held the Nandigram seat before he switched from TMC to BJP

Kolkata: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to contest the upcoming Assembly polls only from Nandigram, the seat held by him before he switched over to the BJP.

Adhikari, during a rally at Khejuri in Purba Midnapore, said it's not fair on the part of the Trinamool Congress supremo to contest from two seats.

Banerjee sprang a surprise on Monday when she declared that she will contest the Assembly elections from Nandigram.

"If possible, I will contest from both Bhawanipore and Nandigram. Nandigram is my elder sister and Bhawanipore is my younger sister. I will give a strong candidate from Bhawanipore also, in case I don't fight from that seat," she had said.

Adhikari said the TMC is like a private limited company run by two people, referring to Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek.

"Didi, you have to contest from only one seat, Nandigram. You cannot fight from two seats, that is not going to happen," he asserted.

Nandigram was the scene of massive public protest against "forcible" land acquisition by the erstwhile Left Front government for creation of a special economic zone.

During another public meeting on Monday, Adhikari had said he will defeat Banerjee by a margin of "at least 50,000 votes" if fielded from Nandigram. Adhikari also alleged that many BJP workers were attacked by the TMC earlier in the day.

"There have been attacks at five places. The police was busy ensuring a smooth passage for the chief minister's convoy for her rally at Purulia in the afternoon," he claimed.

The political heavyweight from Bengal also said while Banerjee specialises in telling lies, her nephew is an "extortionist". "Her (Mamata's) days are numbered as the chief minister. She should be ready with a letterhead that reads former CM," Adhikari said.


COVID metrics are going in a positive direction in Midland County.

The Midland Health and Department of State Health Services websites show numbers from hospital occupancy inside the county and region, confirmed cases and positivity counts trending to low points for this year and in some cases going back even further.

For instance, Midland Health reported 259 positive tests for COVID-19 at its testing centers this past week (Jan. 10-16). That is the lowest total going back to the week of Oct. 31 (214).

The positivity rate was 21.8 percent, which was a drop of nearly 5 percentage points compared to the previous week (Jan. 3-9) and the lowest percentage going back to the week of Dec. 19.

When looking at hospital census, Midland Health CEO Russell Meyers said this past week that Midland Memorial Hospitals active COVID census dropped below 60 for the first time in recent memory. On Monday morning, that number had dropped to 51 (or around 52 percent of the 97 rooms assigned to COVID patients.

The percentage of COVID patients occupying total inpatient rooms at Midland Memorial Hospital also fell to 21 percent. That number is below the seven-day average (25 percent). It also appears to be the lowest percentage at Midland Memorial Hospital going back to at least Dec. 2.

The percentage of rooms occupied at Midland Memorial for all patients on Monday morning was 74 percent, which was down from the seven-day average of 80 percent and down from 90 percent earlier this month.

Lastly, the Midland-Odessa region also reported a rate of 11.76 percent of all occupancy from COVID-19 patients. That percentage is below the 15 percent rate that could bring in restrictions from the state and  as of Saturday  was the third lowest in the state. In fact, 18 of the 22 had rates above 15 percent, according to the Department of State Health Services.

COVID-19 report

Hospital Census

CCU

(of 33 rooms assigned)

Active COVID: 25

Percent occupied: 76

Medical floor

(of 64 rooms assigned)

Active COVID: 26

Convalescing: 11

Percent occupied: 58

Combined

(of 97 rooms assigned)

Active COVID: 51

Percent occupied with active cases: 52

Occupancy in hospital

(of 295 in patient rooms)

Rooms occupied: 219

Percent occupied: 74

COVID percent of capacity: 21 percent

Last five days

Monday: 21 percent

Sunday: 23 percent

Saturday: 22 percent

Friday: 25 percent

Thursday: 28 percent

Positivity report

(week ending Jan. 16)

Number of tests: 1,290

Number of positive tests: 259

Percentage positive: 21.8

Positive tests last three weeks

Dec. 27-Jan. 2: 384

Jan. 3-9: 409

Jan. 10-16: 259

Positivity - last three weeks

Dec. 27-Jan. 2: 29.7 percent

Jan. 3-9: 26.6 percent

Jan. 10-16: 21.8 percent

Source: Midland Health

Region report

(percentage of rooms being filled by COVID patients)

Saturday: 11.76

Friday: 11.83

Thursday: 11.64

Wednesday: 12.19

Tuesday: 11.73

Regions across the state

(on Jan. 16)

Laredo 48.77

Waco 26.44

Bryan-College Station 25.54

Dallas-Fort Worth 23.71

Lufkin 23.70

San Antonio 22.49

Paris21.93

Abilene 21.76

Belton-Killeen 20.61

Victoria 20.47

Lower Rio Grande 20.43

Amarillo: 20.24

Lubbock 20.08

Longview 19.54

Houston 19.37

El Paso 18.36

Galveston 16.66

Austin 16.54

Corpus Christi 13.00

Midland 11.76

San Angelo 11.16

Wichita Falls 10.91

Source: Department of State Health Services
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

Showers early becoming a steady light rain later in the day. Thunder possible. High 61F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 44F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  A former regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was arrested for allegedly "supervising" the murder of a lawyer in Cebu City last November 2020.

National Bureau of Investigation-7 Regional Director Renan Oliva said on Monday's briefing that they have arrested retired Army Col. Edwin Layese on January 12 over the death of lawyer Joey Luis Wee who was gunned down near his office,

Oliva said Layese was not the mastermind, but did the planning and execution of the killing.

We have documentary, electronic and testimonial evidence to show that Edwin Layese was involved not just a participant but a supervisor in the killing of Wee, Oliva explained.

He added that Layese may also be involved in the ambush of another lawyer last October.

We have arrested him in connection of the murder of Joey Wee and in the frustrated murder of James Gupana, said Oliva.

According to Oliva. Layese is a member of the Philippine Military Academy batch 1994 Bantay Laya and served as PDEA regional director Western Visayas aside from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The retired army official is also a former security manager of the Cebu Holdings Inc. and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp.

Oliva said that they are still trying to identify the mastermind as Layese and his group are hired killers.

Murder charges and illegal possession of firearms were filed against Layese at Cebu City Prosecutor's Office last week.

The NBI-7 said that ex-military man Fausto Edgar Peralta, who was arrested last December 8 in Laguna province, identified Layese as the one who hired them to kill Wee.

The amount paid was in six digits but Oliva refused to divulge the exact amount.

NBI-7 operatives arrested Layese last week as he was about to board his pick-up truck near Fuente Osmena Circle in Cebu City.

Oliva said the pick-up truck was subject to a search warrant as it was a vehicle spotted in near the crime scene where Wee was killed.

The NBI-7 are still looking for four other suspects in the Wee murder following the arrest of Layese and Peralta.

Wee is just one of the lawyers that were killed in Cebu City.

Last November 23, Wee was killed by at least two gunmen as he was walking toward his office in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, lawyer Gupana survived an ambush after he was shot by motorcycle-riding men along Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City last October 10, 2020.

Lady lawyer Baby Maria Concepcion Landero-Ole was also killed by unidentified gunmen last December 17 in Danao City, Cebu. Her case is still unresolved.

Landero-Ole is the widow of Juanito Flores Ole, an alleged drug lord and ex-convict who was shot dead May 2020.
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.

Modi, one of the trustees of the Shree Somnath Trust, was named to the top post unanimously during a meeting which he attended via video conferencing

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday unanimously chosen as the new chairman of the trust which manages the world-famous Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan town in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district, becoming the second PM to hold the post.

Modi, one of the trustees of the Shree Somnath Trust, was named to the top post unanimously during a meeting which he attended by via video conferencing.

"The trustees unanimously chose Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as the next chairman of the Trust, to guide it in the times to come.

"The Prime Minister accepted the responsibility and also appreciated the efforts of Team Somnath," said a PIB release in Delhi.

"He expressed hope that together, the trust will be able to further improve infrastructure, accommodation arrangements, recreation facilities and help establish a stronger connection of the pilgrims with our great heritage.

"A review of the facilities, ongoing activities and projects was also carried out during the meeting," it said.

At the virtual meeting, the trustees paid tributes to former Gujarat Chief Minister late Keshubhai Patel, the ex-chairman of the Trust.

After former PM Morarji Desai, Modi is the second Prime Minister who has been appointed the chairman of the temple trust. As per trust records, Modi has become the eighth chairman of the trust.

The post of the Somnath Trust's chairman fell vacant after the death of Patel in October last year. Patel had served as the chairman for 16 years (2004-2020).

Current trustees include BJP leader LK Advani, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat-based scholar JD Parmar and businessman Harshvardhan Neotia.

Trustee-Secretary P K Laheri said Shah proposed the name of Modi as the next chairman.

"While Shah proposed the name of PM Modi as chairman, I seconded it and the other trustees then unanimously elected the PM as the new chairman.

"The trustees would hold another meeting to discuss future plans," Laheri told reporters after the meeting on Monday evening.

As per the records, Desai had served as the chairman between 1967 and 1995.

Besides Desai and Patel, some of the illustrious past chairpersons of the trust include Jamsaheb Digvijaya Singh Ji, Kanaiyalal Munshi, Jay Krishna Hari Vallabh, Dineshbhai Shah and Prasanvadan Mehta, the release said.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Residents undergo Covid-19 coronavirus tests at a makeshift testing centre inside a residential compound in Shijiazhuang, in northern Hebei province on Jan. 16, 2021, as part of a mass testing program after the province declared an "emergency state."(STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

China Blames Third-Party Lab Firm for Falsifying Data From CCP Virus Epicenter

Chinese authorities punished a COVID-19 testing agency employee who allegedly falsified virus data in the virus-embattled Hebei Province.

The employee, only identified by his surname Di, works for Jinan Huaxi Medical Laboratory Co., the laboratory outsourced to process virus tests in Longyao county of Hebei. The northern province has seen a worsening outbreak since the start of the year and has so far publicly reported hundreds of cases. To prevent virus spread, it shut down multiple cities and canceled a key annual political meeting originally scheduled for Jan. 25.

Di allegedly provided false virus figures from the second round of nucleic acid testing between Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 before the full lab results came out. On Jan. 14, Di told authorities that the company handled testing for around 314,000 people. They all tested negative, Di said, but he revised his claims two days later upon identifying a positive case, county officials said at a Jan. 17 news conference.

Authorities said they found two additional virus carriers after further investigation, including one asymptomatic patient. Local police have put Di under criminal compulsory measures as they probe the case, according to the news conference. So far, authorities havent discovered issues with other testing agencies, the officials said.

Jinan Huaxi has suspended its COVID testing operations indefinitely since the incident, according to state-affiliated media National Business Daily (NBD).

Nucleus Gene, the labs parent company based in southern Shenzhen city, has 46 branches and 31 laboratories across the country. The companys vice president Li Tao told NBD that virus testing contributed to around 70 to 80 percent of its income in 2020.

Li said that the company had agreed to finish analyzing the test samples over a five-day period, but local officials began asking for data on Jan. 13.

The authorities pressed hard, and Di thought he could get away with reporting the numbers first before they examine, Li told NBD, adding that Di did not go through the proper procedure of signing a medical laboratory report and only gave an oral report. Di is a department manager and has worked at Jinan Huaxi for two years, according to Li.

Li called it a ameteur mistake and blamed Di for not looking at the big picture. If Di had consulted the superiors, theres no way they would have allowed him to do that, he said.

NBD reporters visited the companys office in Jinan city in eastern Shandong Province and overheard a conversation that suggested the company might have been made the scapegoat for local authorities to evade culpability.

Hebei had some issues and wanted to shrug it off. How would this have anything to do with our company? a manager told employees, according to NBD reporters who were present. After the reporters identified themselves and asked for an interview, the manager responded that he was busy going to the police station, and this issue has nothing to do with our company. The company then immediately closed its glass door, and multiple people passing through the entrance denied being associated with the firm, the report said.

Some Chinese netizens also cast doubt on the recent official virus data from Hebei, noting the whole province recorded 90 daily new cases three times between Jan. 12 to Jan. 15.

Is that a coincidence? Or is it that they dont dare to report more than 90? A person commented on a related CCTV report.

Nangong city, a county-level region nearby, said they have enforced the strictest lockdown measures since Jan. 16, requiring all residents to self-quarantine at home. Essential workers were told to eat and sleep at the workplace without going back home.
SPRINGFIELD  Indoor dining can resume in four Riverbend counties after an adjustment to the Illinois Department of Public Healths COVID-19 mitigation metrics.

State officials have announced that Illinois is launching multiple healthcare staffing contracts to increase hospital staffing. As a result, state health department officials have adjusted the metrics to reflect the additional staff.

The adjustment also recognizes the substantial progress the state has made since Nov. 20, 2020 when Tier 3 mitigations were put in place, state officials said in a statement.

The change returns IDPHs Region 3  which includes Jersey, Greene, Calhoun and Macoupin counties  to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Region 4  which includes Madison County  has not yet been returned to Phase 4.

Phase 4 allows gatherings of 50 or fewer people and allows indoor dining and bar service, with capacity limits and IDPH-approved safety guidance. All outdoor recreation is also allowed and, with IDPH-approved safety guidance, preschool through 12 schools, child care facilities, higher education and summer programs can open.

Barber shops, salons, spas and movie theaters can open with capacity limits and IDPH-approved safety guidance. Health and fitness clubs can open with IDPH-approved safety guidance.

The IDPHs mitigation metric change has caused confusion for some. As of Monday afternoon, the states 11 regions were under four different classes of mitigations.

State Rep. Mike Murphy, R-Springfield, said the mitigations havent been fairly enforced from county-to-county.

There hasnt been a clear picture on this, Murphy told WMAY. I can understand why people are confused because its very confusing.

Murphy said its beyond time for the legislature to get engaged and impacted industries must be heard.

The Center Square contributed to this story.
Your browser does not support the video tag.


TROY  Like a movie that comes out a year or more after its cast last was together in front of the cameras, the latest show from the Contemporary Circus & Immersive Arts Center was filmed in June.

Titled "A.Lone," the 45-minute, one-man show, available to be streamed for a fee for a month starting Friday, is revision and video version of a production titled "This Is Not a Test" that was performed in fall 2017 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The earlier show was one of the first works created, presented and performed locally by Aaron Marquise, who trained for four years at the world-renowned National Circus School in Montreal.

In the time since, Marquise founded the Collar City-based CCIAC, a company dedicated to providing time and funding for small contemporary circus acts and related performing artists to develop and present new work. CCIAC's last public offering was at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs almost 11 months ago, in early March, just days before the state-mandated shutdown of the performing arts.

While unable to invite audiences for most of last year, CCIAC hosted a residency that allowed a Philadelphia company to rehearse and film a new piece, Marquise said, and he was able to work with a creative team to revise and otherwise turn "This Is Not a Test" into "A.Lone."

As in its progenitor, "A.Lone" brings its audience into the frightening, solitary world of a contemporary clown named A, who lives by himself in a rundown theater while war and wild weather rage outside. As he reminisces about his days in the limelight before adoring crowds, A uses his imagination to build a family life and to start to imagine a future when the world is again more normal.

Shot during two days in June with a multicamera setup over multiple run-throughs at CCIAC's home in the Troy Gasholder building, "A.Lone" is faithful to the themes of the original work, according to its its creator and performer.

"The sentiment of the piece and the world of the clown is the same, but it's been improved. We made it for a streaming audience, not just filming the stage show," Marquise says.

The video version includes new contributions from designers, a composer and a Montreal-based director, who worked with Marquise via Zoom. (He directed the original himself.)

"We made it tighter, clearer; things make a little more sense now," says Marquise. Further, he adds, "We trimmed it a bit and strengthened the jokes. It's just better."

Although "A.Lone" was ready for streaming over the summer, Marquise decided to wait to release it.

After the initial quarantine, "People were out and about, at least as much as they could" during the warmer months, Marquise says. "I had the feeling that things were going to get worse over the winter, so we held off until we thought people would be really looking for something new."

"A.Lone"

Created by and starring Aaron Marquise

A production of the Contemporary Circus & Immersive Arts Center

When: Streaming available from Friday through Feb. 21

Price: $20 per stream

Purchase and streaming link: cciac.us/alone

Note: Tickets purchased before Friday may be redeemed for three days starting Friday, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Thereafter, patrons will have 72 hours after purchase to stream the performance.
Nearly one year since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the United States, more than 400,000 people have lost their lives.

The daily death toll and new cases are at record levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 90,000 people could die in the next three weeks. Even this could be an underestimation. New, more contagious variants of COVID-19 have been detected in more than 20 states, raising the prospect of an even more rapid spread of the pandemic.

This catastrophe is the background of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is set to assume office on Wednesday riding a wave of popular revulsion and outrage over the Trump administrations disastrous mishandling of the pandemic.

Rectangles designed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by encouraging social distancing are drawn in a city-sanctioned homeless encampment at San Francisco's Civic Center on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Bidens apologists claim that, unlike Trump, Biden will listen to the scientists and take the measures necessary to save human lives. Commenting on Bidens COVID-19 policy, the New York Times published an editorial Sunday titled, The Next President Actually Has a Covid Plan.

It concludes, Its hopeful, then, that the country is just days away from leadership that takes these problems seriously. President-elect Joe Biden has announced plans to revamp the nations flagging coronavirus response.

The Times editorial, however, is a dishonest narrative aimed at obscuring the fact that Biden and the Democrats have opposed and continue to oppose the measures urgently required to bring the pandemic under control.

In explaining the origins of the present catastrophe, the Times writes of the obvious mistakes made by officials over the past year. In spring and summer, the problem was testing and personal protective equipment; this fall and winter, it has been vaccination and genomic surveillance.

No, these were not mistakes. The Trump administration deliberately undermined testing infrastructure in the United States with the aim of preventing a panic in the financial markets until it had secured a bailout for Wall Street. As the Financial Times noted, Jared Kushner, who organized the White Houses pandemic response behind the scenes had been arguing that testing too many people, or ordering too many ventilators, would spook the markets and so we just shouldnt do it.

This cover-up was entirely bipartisan. Despite receiving numerous classified briefings by US intelligence agencies about the massive danger of the pandemic, Democratic members of Congress did nothing to alert the public. The Times did its part to sweep the looming pandemic under the rug, refusing to write a single editorial on the subject between January 29 and February 29.

But while the deplorable state of testing and contact tracing helped ignite the pandemic nationwide, the principal cause of the continued uncontrolled spread of the virus is the rejection by the entire political establishment of any measures that undermine the interests of Wall Street and the profits of the ruling class. In particular, following the bailout of the banks in late March, the Trump administration spearheaded a back-to-work campaign, with the support of the Democratic Party governors throughout the country.

In fact, an extensively researched feature article published by the Times on the same day as its editorial notes, The severity of the current outbreak can be traced to the rush to reopen last spring.

And while the Times refers obliquely to officials who made obvious mistakes, it was on the pages of the Times itself that the demand, the cure cant be worse than the disease, was first raised, by Times columnist Thomas Friedman. This became the slogan for the bipartisan campaign to reopen schools and businesses.

As for the measures now necessary to halt the further spread of the virus, the Times refers to the need for face masks, physical distancing, closures and travel restrictions, writing that these measures will work when they are used consistently and correctly, and that the incoming administration will have to drive this point home as forcefully as possible.

But the most basic social distancing measures include the shutdown of schools and nonessential production. One recent study published in Science magazine found that limiting social gatherings to 10 people is the most effective method to contain the pandemic, followed closely by closing schools and universities, then followed by closing most nonessential businesses.

While Biden claims his administration will listen to the science, the Democrats are absolutely opposed to all of these measures. Im not going to shut down the economy, period, Biden said in November. No national shutdown there is no circumstance that I can see that would require a total national shutdown.

On the contrary, at the center of his COVID-19 program is the pledge to accelerate the premature reopening of schools and workplaces. Well also do everything to safely reopen the majority of our K-through-eight schools by the end of the first 100 days, Biden said Thursday.

The new administration has made clear that the central aim of the drive to reopen schools is to get workers back into workplaces to generate profits for major corporations. Last week, Brian Deese, Bidens incoming director of the National Economic Council, told a Reuters conference, We need to get the schools open so that parents can get back to work.

Beyond continuing the drive to reopen schools and businesses, the central plank of Bidens COVID-19 response is a mask mandate for federal workers and federal property, on interstate travel like trains and planes. This is an utterly token and meaningless measure, applicable to just a tiny fraction of the American workforce.

As for Bidens pledge to back the quick passage of $1,400 stimulus checks (reduced from $2,000), this is a diversion from what is actually necessary: full income for all workers in nonessential industries so that they can stay home until the pandemic is under control.

While the Times, with its characteristic dishonesty, simply ignores out of hand Bidens rejection of calls to close schools and businesses, a more direct explanation of the Democrats policy on the pandemic was given this month by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who said lockdowns are unacceptable because the cost is too high.

We simply cannot stay closed until the vaccine hits critical mass, Cuomo said. The cost is too high. We will have nothing left to open. We must reopen the economy.

This claim, coming from the governor whose state contains New York City, the billionaire capital of the world, is absurd. According to a report published last month by the Institute for Policy Studies, the wealth of Americas billionaires has grown to $4 trillion, up by $1 trillion since the pandemic.

Combined, Americas 10 wealthiest billionaires have a net worth of over $1 trillion, a figure larger than the annual economic output of more than 150 individual countries.

It is subordination of human life to the enrichment of the financial oligarchy that has led to the deaths of more than 400,000 people. If hundreds of thousands of lives are to be saved, exactly the opposite policy must be carried out: the selfish concerns of the financial oligarchy cannot get in the way preserving human life!

The Socialist Equality Party demands the immediate closure of all nonessential businesses and schools. This must be accompanied by full compensation for lost wages and small business income, paid for through the expropriation of the vast sums hoarded by the rich. Trillions of dollars must be invested in health care infrastructure to treat, contain and eradicate COVID-19 and ensure that society is protected from the threat of infectious diseases in the future.

The SEP calls on all workers to organize emergency action committees to enforce emergency measures, including the shutdown of nonessential production. This struggle raises the question of who controls society: the capitalist class on the basis of profit, or the working class on the basis of social need.

The pandemic is demonstrating the basic reality that capitalism is incompatible with the most basic needs of society. The working class must mobilize in a united struggle against this bankrupt and homicidal system.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- G. Zachary Terwilliger, who most recently served as the Senate-confirmed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), has joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in the firm's Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice.

Based in V&E's Washington, D.C. office, Terwilliger brings to the firm robust professional experience from several high-level government positions, culminating in his bi-partisan nomination, including not only consent, but the support of Virginia's two Democratic senators, and unanimous confirmation as U.S. Attorney in 2018.

As U.S. Attorney for the past 2.5 years, Terwilliger supervised the prosecution of federal crimes, as well as the litigation of civil matters, and led a staff of just over 300 criminal prosecutors, civil litigators and support personnel across four offices. He oversaw many important corporate resolutions, including an $850 million agreement with Petrobras, a $33 million agreement with Lumber Liquidators, a $46 million agreement with Hydro Extrusion Portland, Inc., a $137 million agreement with Walmart and a $75 million agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries, managing strategically to reach constructive conclusions.

The EDVA's civil litigation practice achieved numerous successes under Terwilliger's leadership, including the Justice Department's largest ever settlement against a property management company for Alleged Violations of Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and an Americans with Disabilities Act settlement agreement with a durable medical equipment company which operates approximately 800 centers in 48 states.

"Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense continue to be key areas of focus for the firm, and we are excited to add Zach's broad perspective and leadership experience to our roster," said V&E Managing Partner Scott Wulfe. "Zach's impressive credentials clearly stand out, but equally important, his business acumen is top-notch and we can already see that he will be a great cultural fit for the firm."

Terwilliger began his career at EDVA as an intern in 1999, returned in 2005 as a summer law clerk and was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2008. In 2010, he was hired as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) where he had a robust and substantive investigations and trial practice that included many trials and countless contested hearings, as well as independently drafting and filing several appellate briefs with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and presenting oral arguments on significant issues involving constitutional questions.

"Zach is an accomplished trial lawyer and leader, having led numerous complex, high-profile cases in federal court," said Michael Holmes, co-head of V&E's Complex Commercial Litigation practice. "His dynamic experience has afforded him tremendous insight which will add immediate value to our trial and litigation team."

While serving as an AUSA, Terwilliger was selected to serve a one-year detail to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, where he was responsible for matters pertaining to fraud, criminal prosecution, the Bill of Rights, human trafficking and other issues, as well as providing substantive contributions to various legislative efforts.

Before returning to EDVA to serve as U.S. Attorney, Terwilliger served as an Associate Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. His portfolio included overseeing Criminal Division equities and advising senior DOJ leadership in corporate compliance, federal, state and local law enforcement cooperation, violent crime reduction and other critical matters.

"We are pleased to welcome Zach to the firm's growing bench of esteemed white collar attorneys and to the D.C. office," said Craig Seebald, managing partner of V&E's Washington, D.C. office and co-head of the firm's Complex Commercial Litigation practice. "The Eastern District of Virginia is one of the most high-profile districts in the country. With Zach's addition, V&E has one of the strongest benches of lawyers with strong ties to this important district and main Justice headquarters, as well as one of the best government investigations practices in Washington and nationally."

Terwilliger joins several recent additions to V&E's Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice, including: Washington, D.C.-based partners Ephraim "Fry" Wernick, former federal prosecutor and Assistant Chief of the DOJ's Criminal Fraud Section, Ron Tenpas, who served as Assistant Attorney General for DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division and as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and Mike Dry, the former Deputy Chief of the Eastern District of Virginia's Criminal Division; San Francisco-based partner and former in-house counsel, chief compliance officer and federal prosecutor Mike Ward; New York-based partner and former co-chair of Paul Hastings LLP's Global Compliance and Disputes Department Palmina Fava; and Austin-based counsel Jennifer Freel, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

"I have been continually impressed by the caliber of V&E's work and I'm excited to join such a smart, skilled and creative group of lawyers, including my former colleagues from EDVA and DOJ," Terwilliger said. "V&E is known for providing the highest level of service to clients and I look forward to building upon the momentum the firm has created in expanding its white collar practice."

V&E's Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice is among the world's best, receiving recognition internationally in Chambers USA (2020), Legal 500 U.S. (2020) and Global Investigations Review 100 (2020). The firm represents corporations, audit committees, boards and executives in high-stakes investigations and litigation, including matters involving criminal and civil antitrust investigations, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, securities, and criminal and civil theft of trade secrets.

Vinson & Elkins LLP is an international law firm with approximately 700 lawyers across 11 offices worldwide. For more information, please contact Courtney Binick at +1.713.758.2333.

SOURCE Vinson & Elkins LLP

Related Links

http://www.velaw.com




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.
That release could not be found.
Just before a mob unleashed a deadly rampage on the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trump told tens of thousands of supporters that we got to get rid of Rep. Liz Cheney.

The Wyoming congresswoman and No. 3 House Republican had already broken with the president on everything from mask-wearing during the coronavirus pandemic to pulling back American troops in Afghanistan. Now shes emerged as the most prominent Republican to back Trumps impeachment  the only member of her partys leadership to do so.

This could be a defining moment in Cheneys political career. Her support provided some cover to the nine other House Republicans who followed her lead and voted to make Trump the only president in American history to be twice impeached. Defying Trump also carried the historical weight of coming from the daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney, a conservative force in Washington for decades.

That is not some irresponsible, new member of the Congress, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said on the floor, noting that hed endured opposition from the elder Cheney in the chamber and elsewhere. This is the daughter of the former Republican whip and former vice president. She knows of what she speaks.

The number of Republicans who voted in favor of impeachment was small but significant  when Trump was impeached last year, no House Republicans supported it.

Cheney represents one of the countrys reliably Republican states, but her vote could prompt a primary challenge from the right in next years election. That makes her backing impeachment all the more surprising since Cheney is seen as someone looking to build on an already strong national profile to possibly grow within the Republican Partys upper ranks.

Around 70% of Wyoming voters backed Trump in November, about the same percentage as in 2016.

On a conference call with home-state reporters after Trumps impeachment, Cheney defended her decision saying, I will continue to talk to and hear from my constituents all over Wyoming. But when it came down to it, the president of the United States inciting a mob ... is, in my mind, absolutely high crimes and misdemeanors.

I really dont consider the politics at all. There are just times when those of us who are elected officials are called on to act in a way that does not take politics into consideration, Cheney said. I think it would be wrong to think about this decision and this vote in the context of politics.

Still, as the only woman in House GOP leadership, Cheney has been seen as a possible candidate for House speaker should the GOP regain the majority in 2022 or beyond. That might even have portended a future presidential run.

There will be some blowback within her state and the Trumpites in it, but I think its a fairly calculated decision, said Mark Sanford, the former South Carolina governor and congressman who was unseated in 2018 by a conservative primary challenger endorsed by Trump. Theres some degree of risk-reward to it.

Any hope of Cheney rising in the House GOP leadership looks bleak, at least for now. The two Republicans who outrank her, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, have generally remained supportive of Trump.

Other top members of her own party have begun clamoring for Cheney to quit  or be voted out of  her post as chairwoman of the House Republican Conference. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, co-founder of the conservative Freedom Caucus, called her stance on impeachment totally wrong. Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale said Cheney ignored the preferences of Republican voters, proving shes unfit to lead.

But Cheney has bounced back from other tough moments, including when her short-lived 2014 primary challenge against Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi was derided by the Republican establishment and conservative activists alike.

She won her states lone House seat when it came open just two years later. Cheney later turned down invitations by top Republicans to run for Enzis seat when he retired last year and instead opted to remain in the partys House leadership  stoking speculation that she was intent on becoming the first female Republican to be House speaker.

And Cheney has bucked Trump before, speaking out against his opposition to mask-wearing, his veto of a defense spending bill and many foreign policy decisions. That was a key reason Trump singled her out before last weeks armed insurrection at the Capitol.

Not all Republicans denounced Cheney, evidence that the party remains deeply divided between those still siding with Trump and those now willing to oppose him mere days before he leaves office.

Im not judging anybody on this, said Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis. Rep. Nancy Mace, a newly elected Republican from Sanfords old South Carolina district, said shes been critical of both Democrats and Republicans for helping to create the political conditions that triggered the mob violence.

I think its very important that we hold everybody accountable, Mace said, and I hope that people are investigated to the fullest extent of the law, from the president on down.

Cheney also brushed aside any suggestion shed quit the GOP House leadership, vowing, Im not going anywhere.

This is a vote of conscience. Its one where there are different views in our conference, she said. But our nation is facing an unprecedented, since the Civil War, constitutional crisis.

In a statement formally supporting Trumps impeachment, Cheney similarly didnt mince words, noting that the Capitol was overrun and ransacked after Trump summoned the mob and lit the flame of this attack. There has never been a greater betrayal by a president, she added.

Questions of a presidents fitness for office isnt uncharted political territory for the Cheney family. Before he was vice president, Dick Cheney served as chief of staff to President Gerald Ford, who succeeded Richard Nixon and ultimately pardoned him, after Nixon resigned the presidency due to the Watergate scandal.

The elder Cheney also was a chief architect of many of President George W. Bushs policy initiatives that most delighted the Republican base  from lucrative tax cuts to the war in Iraq. Todays GOP has changed substantially, but still not enough, some suggest, for Cheneys impeachment vote to haunt her much back home.

You know who Daddy is, hes still the old-trenches Republican bunch, said Tim Dawson, a livestock veterinarian who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020. I wouldnt expect her to do any different, I really wouldnt. And I think as far as a career in Wyoming, shes good enough.

Off war-battered Yemens western coast lies a rapidly deteriorating storage vessel that could at any moment become an oil spill of catastrophic proportions. Experts say its not too late to avert disaster, but an eleventh-hour decision by the outgoing Donald Trump administration to blacklist the militants who control the tanker has raised the stakes.

Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he would designate the Houthi movement in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization in what was seen as a final push to isolate Iran, the rebels regional backer. The label, which makes it illegal to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, drew an immediate backlash from the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and former US national security officials.

The designation is likely to produce a chilling effect, with banks and commercial suppliers deciding its not worth the risk to do business in Yemen. Relief agencies that need the permission of Houthi-run government agencies to deliver aid fear the designation will put their staff at risk of US prosecution.

The move could also complicate negotiations over the FSO Safer, a 45-year-old, single-hull storage tanker on the verge of leaking 1.14 million barrels of light crude oil into the Red Sea  about four times the amount released in Alaskas Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.

The terror designation is "probably the most stupid decision one could ever make if you really are interested in the future of Yemen, said Sir Alan Duncan, who served as the United Kingdoms special envoy to Yemen from 2014 to 2016. It freezes out the Houthis from any kind of dialogue.

What we need to do at this crucial moment is to talk to the Houthis and solve this problem, even if you dont solve the entire conflict, he said.

The Houthis havent performed proper maintenance on the tanker since they seized it from the state-run oil company in 2015, leaving seawater and salty air to corrode the pipes and valves. Highly flammable gases have also accumulated in the cargo tanks, fueling fears of an explosion.

A leak in the cooling system sent seawater gushing into the vessel's engine room in May, an incident UN humanitarian affairs chief Mark Lowcock said brought us closer than ever to an environmental catastrophe before a team of divers contained it.

The United Nations has tried for years to send an inspection team to assess the damage, but the Houthis kept coming up with reasons to deny them access. Finally in November, the rebels gave UN experts the green light to board the ship and determine the risk of an explosion or leak. If all goes smoothly, the technical team should be on site by mid-February.

But the Trump administrations recent terror designation could unravel that delicate diplomacy, said Ian Ralby, CEO of I.R. Consilium, a global consultancy on maritime and resource security.

The Houthis, who have long accused the UN of favoring Yemens Saudi-backed government, have used the slightest pretext for reneging in the past. This is quite a significant one, Ralby said. It was something close to a pipe dream to expect the Houthis to follow through on the most recent round of agreements with the UN. There is now an infinitesimal chance that everything will go forward, he added.

Pompeo framed the designation as one that will further peace prospects in Yemen after nearly six years of bitter conflict. But Abdulghani al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, says the move will only embolden the extremists within the Houthi movement.

This is shooting the moderates in the back. They will be disarmed to argue their wisdom of cooperating with the international community on any file, including the FSO Safer, al-Iryani said.

Even if the Houthis do honor their agreement, their blacklisting will hamper the work of private sector experts who could risk legal repercussions for necessary interactions with the rebels. Simply boarding the FSO Safer, much less salvaging it, would require talking to the Houthis since there are armed militants on the vessel.

Pompeo, who previously referred to the tanker as a "ticking time bomb," said the US would provide licenses and waivers to lessen the designations impact on the work of the UN and certain international organizations in Yemen.

The licenses published by the Treasury Department on Tuesday made no mention of the FSO Safer, only broadly authorizing activities to support environmental protection in Yemen.

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to reverse the designation, which takes effect the day before his inauguration. But the process is time-consuming, requiring either an act of Congress or a determination from his secretary of state that US national security or changes on the ground in Yemen necessitate the revocation.

In the meantime, environmental experts are desperately sounding the alarm, warning that an oil spill in the Red Sea will worsen whats already considered to be the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. The UN projects the spillage would force a months-long closure of the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port, doubling of the cost of food and triggering a 200% jump in fuel prices.

Tens of thousands of fishermen would lose their livelihoods and a fire on the FSO Safer could expose millions of Yemenis to harmful toxins while also ravaging swaths of agricultural land. The spillage would impact the neighboring countries of Djibouti, Eritrea and Saudi Arabia and pose a major threat to commercial shipping through the Red Sea, which accounts for 10% of world trade.

The FSO Safer could unleash one of the greatest man-made environmental disasters in history, a calamity experts point out is entirely preventable.

If the world has paid any attention to major events over the last year, they should be really really concerned, said Ralby. Whether its the explosion in Beirut or even now the attack on the Capitol, many who pay attention saw these situations as foreseeable.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte took a jab at senators who favored the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech after the deaths of some elderly patients in Norway who took a shot against COVID-19.

Ang Pfizer ng mga senador (The Pfizer for the senators)...25 died after receiving their vaccines. There you are, mamili kayo (you choose), said Duterte during his weekly national address on Monday.

He added that China-made Sinovac vaccine is now being used in neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, as well as in Turkey, Egypt, and UAE, claiming that there were no reported deaths after being vaccinated with it.

Almost everybody na kilala ko are scrambling to buy itong Pfizer (Almost everybody that I know want to buy Pfizer). To me it is a good one. If you want to follow the experience of Norway, go ahead, nobody will stop you, said Duterte.

Duterte defended last week the national governments preference for China-made COVID-19 vaccines, saying that they are as good as those produced by American and European pharmaceuticals.

However, some studies showed that Sinovacs efficacy is only at around 50%.

Senators recently criticized Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's remark that Filipinos should not be "choosy" with the COVID-19 vaccine brand that they will receive from the government.

Several local government units in the country are set to procure vaccines from British drugmaker AstraZeneca. But the president said the national government is not preventing anyone from buying their own vaccines.

READ: LGUs announce signing deals for advance purchase of AstraZeneca vaccines

We never prohibited anybody from buying from government. We are not selling. We are buying for the people, said Duterte.

The government has granted an emergency use authorization for the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech. Its vaccine has shown 95% efficacy. Despite the reported deaths, the Food and Drug Administration said the manufacturer will keep its EUA but it needs to send a report to the agency.

Moreover, Pfizer-BioNTech said in a statement that it is now working with Norwegian health officials to gather more data regarding the incident.

Pfizer and BioNTech are aware of the reported deaths following administration of BNT162b2. We are working with the Norewegian Medicines Agency (NOMA) to gather all the relevant information, read the statement.

Norwegian authorities have prioritised the immunisation of resident in nursing homes, most of whom are very elderly with underlying medical conditions and some which are terminally ill, it added. NOMA confirmed the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations.

Pfizer-BioNTech also said that all reported deaths will be evaluated by the authorities to determine if they are related to its vaccine.

Norway has now changed its use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to consider excluding the terminally ill.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 54F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The View

2020 a milestone year for Black Lives Matter movement. Whats ahead for 2021?

In June, a contingent from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB took part in a "White Coats 4 Black Lives" march from the medical school to Niagara Square. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki



DAVID J. HILL

The wave of that change has been seen all across the country, bringing people from all races together to demand symbolic and, more importantly, structural changes supporting the value of Black lives.  Kelly Patterson, associate professor School of Social Work

Rayshard Brooks. George Floyd. Daniel Prude. Breonna Taylor. These are the now-familiar names of just a few of the many Black people killed by police in 2020. It was a year that magnified many flaws in America, perhaps none more so than the nations mistreatment of people of color. With each killing, protestors flooded the streets in a unifying demand for change. 2020 was a difficult year in the nations long and complex history of race relations. But it was also a milestone year for the Black Lives Matter movement. Why? Because Black Lives Matter has become solidified in the American psyche, says Kelly Patterson, associate professor in the School of Social Work who studies the intersection of poverty and inequality, as well as race and class. Blackness matters, and always has. But now there is a heightened awareness of differential outcomes and disparate impacts based solely on the color of ones skin. That was evident, too, last week when a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the hub of democracy in the U.S., Patterson says. Even as we watched in horror the insurrection on the American Capitol, almost in unison across news outlets people were asking: What if those mobs had been Black?

Floyd killing propelled a fervency to make change

The May killing of Floyd by police in Minneapolis was clearly the turning point in 2020, Patterson says. There was an awakening, mostly by white folks, to a reality that Blacks have been enduring for centuries: Our lives mean less, and are taken for nothing, she says. The Black Lives Matter movement itself is over 7 years old and has accomplished much in that time period, but George Floyds murder was a critical catalyst that shifted public opinion in favor of the movement. It propelled a fervency to make change, says Patterson. The wave of that change has been seen all across the country, bringing people from all races together to demand symbolic and, more importantly, structural changes supporting the value of Black lives. I feel that was a spiritual sacrifice that propelled us all to think deeper about ourselves and to think about the changes we need in the world, says Michael Mwenso, a UB visiting professor of the arts and leader of Mwenso & the Shakes, an internationally acclaimed troupe of musical artists. That moment really changed the whole world. To see that execution happen made whats going on in the world more real. While the movement has been based largely in the U.S., it has had global impact, says Mwenso, who was born in Sierra Leone and raised in London. You saw it in places all over the world, where people were reacting to a sort of trauma that I think weve been attuned to but never healed from, he says. 2020 was the year for it to be exposed and for Black people to be able to express themselves and have the space to say, We know theres been a lot of changes but we know theres still a lot of BS going on. Mwenso has been teaching a program through the UB Arts Collaboratory, in collaboration with Bronwyn Keenan, titled Protest, Hope and Resilience through Black Arts. Its a personally curated curriculum of history and music that explores how people of color have been agents of positive change and inclusion. These are the types of programs and conversations that will help push the Black Lives Matter movement forward, he says.

Moving forward in 2021
Despite a glitch in text messaging for the Brandon vaccination site, COVID -19 vaccinations took place as planned Monday morning.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Despite a glitch in text messaging for the Brandon vaccination site, COVID -19 vaccinations took place as planned Monday morning.

Joanna Robb, who works at Shared Healths Westman Regional Laboratory, was the first to be vaccinated yesterday morning. Kirsten Boyce, Robbs co-worker, was the second. They booked their appointments without issue early last week. Both say no one in their workplace had any issues with booking their appointments.

The two, along with others in their workplace, work with body-fluid samples, primarily screening for cancer and pre-cancerous changes.

"Weve already started to see body fluids coming through where it says COVID-positive," Robb said.

As to how they felt about being vaccinated, they both said they were happy to receive the vaccine.

Robb said shes the one in the lab following all the daily numbers. She has a co-worker with family in Saskatchewan who hasnt seen her parents since the summer. Robb has three children, including a daughter in Grade 12, who is experiencing a tumultuous final year in school.

"Everything is just upside-down and to just have this hope that the vaccine is actually happening here in Brandon, now, its hopeful. Its definitely moving the right way. If we could just give everyone a vaccine, like the Amazon dropoff, that would be great," Robb said.

"If there was just a way for everyone that wanted a vaccine, if they could get one  But, we have to be patient and wait."

TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN Jennifer Cochrane, a Public Health Nurse with Prairie Mountain Health in Virden, administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Robert Farquhar with Westman Regional Laboratory, during the first day of immunizations at the Brandon COVID-19 vaccination supersite at the Keystone Centre on Monday.

However, Robb acknowledges how amazing it is that one year after COVID-19 began its spread, vaccines are being deployed.

"Its happening," she said.

"Weve discussed it amongst ourselves, co-workers, and we talked to our clinical microbiologist  I always say hes my panic button. If he panics, I panic. So, as long as hes keeping his calm demeanour, Im always good. Everyone was working for the same goal. I have confidence in it."

Boyce said her experience was also "easy peasy."

"Seeing how we just heard that theyre paring things back for now, Im just so, so grateful to have the opportunity to be one of the people that actually gets it so soon. Im super excited to get this done. I was talking with my family last night  My brother is like, I have major vaccine envy," Boyce said.

The province is not taking new appointment bookings, due to Pfizer announcing a slowdown in vaccine production, but all appointments currently booked will be honoured. Dr. Joss Reimer said Monday afternoon at the provinces daily COVID-19 update they are recalibrating the coming weeks as a result of that announcement.

Robb said the flow through the various stations at the Keystone vaccination site went smoothly. Neither Robb nor Boyce felt the effects of the text issue, which sent the address of the Winnipeg vaccination site for their Brandon appointments. They both knew where they were booked.

PetalMD, the company being paid $436,400 to manage COVID-19 screening services for the province, made that text mistake, and were lambasted in emails between provincial employees.

"Per Adams note  we are now creating a process where we are checking PedalMDs work. This is the same organization used by over 37,000 doctors across Canada. They are the largest, most reputable player in the space. They have now done this to us  twice. We are going to put them on training heels," wrote Paul Beauregard to a list of several government employees.

TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN Jennifer Cochrane administers the vaccine to Kirsten Boyce, a cytotechnologist with Westman Regional Laboratory, at the Brandon COVID-19 vaccination supersite at the Keystone Centre on Monday.

In the email thread, contractual penalties are discussed.

NDP leadership has an issue with the government and PedalMD. They say this is one more glaring example of mistakes being made during the pandemic.

"I think that this is another mistake in the vaccine rollout from the government. I think the average Manitoban probably understands that everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but it does seem pretty odd that the government seems to be making so many mistakes so many times when it comes to the vaccine rollout, whether it was wasting doses or long waits on the phone, trouble booking appointments, and then, now, messing up the messaging of the addresses a few times," said NDP Leader Wab Kinew.

"In the emails, you see the government admitting themselves that theyve made some mistakes, more than once. Theyve done it again. It causes concern, because at the end of the day it was health-care workers and other people at the front of the vaccine line in Brandon, who are caused unnecessary stress and confusion."

The province, via a spokesperson, admitted appointment reminder texts were sent with an incorrect address to 558 people with vaccination Monday appointments at the Keystone Centre.

"The human error was quickly addressed by a followup text. Government is conducting a review to ensure the service provider is held accountable and that the mistake does not occur again. People with appointments are asked to keep them as scheduled," the spokesperson stated.

The Brandon site is set to deliver its vaccines as planned, two trays with 1,170 vaccines per tray. Both Robb and Boyce have appointments for their second mandated dose.

As for possible reopening plans after current critical code red public health orders expire Friday night, Dr. Brent Roussin said more information would be forthcoming later in the week.

 mletourneau@brandonsun.com

 Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.
Birkenstock has been exploring a sale for months with the help of Goldman Sachs, said the report and, after initially seeking interest from industry rivals it has turned to PE firms.

German footwear brand Birkenstock is reportedly mulling a sale of the business, which could fetch more than EUR4bn (US$4.8bn), according to people familiar with the matter.

The company is reportedly in talks with private equity group CVC, according to a report published by the Financial Times, citing people briefed on the matter. The report also claims Permira and another private equity firm have expressed interest in the brand.

Birkenstock has been exploring a sale for months with the help of Goldman Sachs, according to the report and, after initially seeking interest from industry rivals it has turned to private equity firms.

A final deal, however, is not said to be imminent nor is their certainty an agreement will be made.

Bloomberg first reported the talks with CVC.

Both CVC and Permira declined to comment, while Birkenstock said it did not comment on speculation.

A corporate filing shows Birkenstock made EUR721.5m in revenues and EUR129m in net income in the year to September 2019, up 40% on the previous year, according to the Financial Times report.
Richa Chadha On Working With Director Subhash Kapoor Despite Me Too Allegations Against Him: I Won't Judge Anybody

Actress Richa Chadhas upcoming film Madam Chief Minister is already on the receiving end of a lot of backlash on social media even before it released in theatres. While the makers are busy defending the movie against the criticism being levied by the Dalit community for their lopsided representation and the leading lady of the film, Richa addressed why she chose to work with filmmaker Subhash Kapoor who was facing Me Too charges a few years ago.

Addressing her stand working with the filmmaker despite the sexual misconduct allegations that Subhash Kapoor facing Richa tells Mid-Day, I stand by the #MeToo movement. But at the same time, I don't believe in social media trials. Unlike other [accusations] that were brought to light on Twitter, this case is subjudice. We must respect the law of the land and the court's verdict. Till the court passes a verdict, I won't judge anybody.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richa Chadha (@therichachadha)

An actress had accused the filmmaker of sexual misconduct back in 2014. In 2018, after the Me Too stories from Bollywood began circulating at large, actor/producer Aamir Khan backed out of Subhash Kapoors Mogal. The star, however, returned to the film and backed Subhash Kapoor saying that the case still under trail.
Mining billionaire Andrew Twiggy Forrest contracted COVID-19 while in central Asia in 2020.

Dr Forrest, 60, revealed his ordeal in an exclusive interview with the Australian Financial Review after spending much of 2020 travelling the globe in pursuit of renewable energy projects for his Fortescue Metals Group.

Andrew Forrest arrived back in Perth early in the new year after his global trek. Credit:Trevor Collens

Australias richest man said he caught the disease from a Russian interpreter after she joined the Fortescue travel crew for a four-month tour covering 47 countries.

The tour was immediately postponed and the Fortescue crew returned to its travel base in Croatia.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or "Company") (TSXV:TLT)(OTCQB:TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDC") and their associated drug formulations used to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, bacteria and viruses announced today that Virginia Urology ("VU") has received site Institutional Review Board ("IRB") approval to commence a pivotal phase II Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ("NMIBC") Clinical Study to enroll and treat patients with Bacillus Calmette Guerin("BCG")-Unresponsive Carcinoma In-Situ ("CIS") or are intolerant to BCG Therapy ("Study II").

Theralase has central IRB approval to launch a number of US clinical sites, subject to local site IRB approval. VU is the first site to receive both central and local site IRB approval. There are 5 additional US clinical study sites that have received central IRB approval and are expected to receive local IRB approval in 1Q2021.

VU has a long history of providing quality care to the Greater Richmond area since 1929. VU is comprised of 6 locations throughout the Greater Richmond area with over 55 board-certified physicians that span nearly every discipline within the field of urology. Because VU consists of diverse medical professionals, they are able to provide the latest technologies with a mission of providing the best possible care for each patient.

Dr. Eugene Kramolowsky II, M.D., a Urologic Oncologist at VU Research Department stated "We are excited to work with Theralase for the NMIBC clinical study. Tackling cancer is a crucial topic and a priority for this region, and I am pleased that Virginia Urology is able to contribute to the growth of innovative cancer research by taking part in this leading pivotal Photo Dynamic Therapy ("PDT") study".

To date 14 patients have been treated in Study II. With the addition of VU, the Company now has 5 clinical study sites open in Canada and 1 in the US for patient enrollment and treatment.

Shawn Shirazi PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Theralase, stated, "We are excited to have central IRB approval, which will help expedite the launch of other US clinical study sites subject to local IRB approval. VU is now able to commence patient enrollment and treatment in the US. We look forward to increasing the number of patients enrolled and treated in Study II, as a result of launching additional clinical study sites in the US."

About Study II

Study II utilizes the Therapeutic Dose (0.70 mg/cm2) of TLD-1433 and is focused on the enrollment and treatment of approximately 100 BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC CIS patients in up to 20 clinical study sites located in Canada and the US.

Study II has a:

Primary endpoint of efficacy (defined by Complete Response ("CR") at any point in time Secondary endpoint of duration of CR at 360 days post-initial CR (approximately 450 days post initial Study treatment, assuming CR is achieved at the 90 day assessment) Tertiary endpoint of safety measured by incidence and severity of Adverse Events ("AEs") grade 4 or higher that do not resolve within 450 days post-initial treatment

The FDA, in its 2018 guidance to industry has stated that, "For single-arm trials of patients with BCG-unresponsive disease, the FDA defines a CR as at least one of the following:

Negative cystoscopy and negative (including atypical) urine cytology Positive cystoscopy with biopsy-proven benign or low-grade NMIBC and negative cytology For intravesical therapies without systemic toxicity, the FDA includes, in the definition of a CR, negative cystoscopy with malignant urine cytology, if cancer is found in the upper tract or prostatic urethra and random bladder biopsies are negative.

Intravesical instillation does not deliver the investigational drug to the upper tract or prostatic urethra; therefore, the development of disease in these areas cannot be attributed to a lack of activity of the investigational drug. Thus, sponsors can consider patients with new malignant lesions of the upper tract or prostatic urethra, who have received intravesical therapy to have achieved a CR in the primary analysis; however, sponsors should record these lesions and conduct sensitivity analyses in which these patients are not considered to have achieved a CR."1

About Theralase Technologies Inc.

Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds and their associated drug formulations intended to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, bacteria and viruses.

Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com

Forward Looking Statement:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which reflect the current expectations of the Company's management for future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to Photo Dynamic Compounds and their drug formulations. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, with respect to the ability of the Company to: adequately fund, secure the requisite regulatory approvals to commence and successfully complete a Phase II NMIBC clinical study in a timely fashion and implement its commercialization plans. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; including, without limitation, those listed in the filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For More Information:

1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273)

416-699-LASE (5273)

www.theralase.com

Kristina Hachey

Chief Financial Officer

khachey@theralase.com

416-699-LASE (5273) x 224

1 "BCG-Unresponsive Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Developing Drugs and Biologics for Treatment - Guidance for Industry" Dated: February 2018

SOURCE: Theralase Technologies Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624764/Theralase-Launches-First-Clinical-Study-Site-in-the-US-for-Phase-II-Bladder-Cancer-Clinical-Study
Representative image

Indian scientists and health warriors have risen to the occasion and the vaccines being developed and manufactured in India will help our people as well as humanity at large in escaping from the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

PM Modi has conveyed this to Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih on Twitter while responding to the latter's congratulatory message over India's "landmark programme" to vaccinate the curreIndian population against COVID-19.

The prime minister launched the vaccination drive with healthcare workers at the frontline of India's COVID-19 battle getting their first jabs on January 16.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic

Indias drug regulator has approved two vaccines -- Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India -- for emergency use in the country.

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

According to the government, the shots will be offered first to an estimated one crore healthcare workers and around two crore frontline workers, and then to persons above 50 years of age, followed by persons younger than 50 years of age with associated comorbidities.

A total of 3,81,305 beneficiaries have so far been vaccinated for COVID-19 and 580 adverse events following immunisation were reported in the country till now, the Union health ministry has said.

States Total Beneficiaries Delhi 3,111 Bihar 8,656 Assam 1,822 Karnataka 36,888 Kerala 7,070 Madhya Pradesh 6,665 Tamil Nadu 7,628 Telangana 10,352 West Bengal 11,588

On January 18, 1,48,266 people received the vaccine. Here is the state-wise vaccination on the day:

Here are all developments related to the COVID-19 vaccine in India:

> More than 30,000 people have received shots of the COVID-19 vaccine in the first couple of days of inoculation in Bihar, where the coronavirus has claimed nearly 1,500 lives so far, the state health department has said.

> A 43-year-old health department employee in Karnataka died of a massive heart attack on January 18, two days after he was administered COVID-19 vaccine, the government said. The deceased, Nagaraju of Ballari district, was a permanent employee of Health department.

> Over 300 healthcare workers in Pune district of Maharashtra have reported minor side effects after they were administered COVID-19 vaccine on January 16, while a woman worker was hospitalised after she complained of loss of sensation in her arms, officials said.

> A total of 3,299 healthcare workers were vaccinated for COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh on January 18, Special Secretary (health) Nipun Jindal said. He said on 1,536 healthcare workers were vaccinated on January 16.

> Several Indian companies are considering buying COVID-19 vaccines for their employees, once they become available commercially, just days after the government began a huge vaccination drive.

> As many as 7,891 health workers have taken the Covishield vaccine on the second day of the inoculation drive in Kerala, Health Minister KK Shailaja said.

> A 46-year-old health worker died in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district a day after receiving the coronavirus vaccination, with the autopsy report attributing the death to "cardio-pulmonary disease", officials said. The family of Mahipal, who was working as ward boy in state-run Deen Dayal Upadhaya Hospital, said he was not suffering from any ailment other than fever and cough, and blamed his death on vaccination. But the state government said the man died due to septicemic shock and cardiac arrest and the death was not related to the COVID-19 vaccination.

(With inputs from agencies)

Follow our full coverage on COVID-19 here
[January 19, 2021] Sensel Supplies Force Touch Technology For Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensel , the company building the world's most advanced solutions for touch, force, and haptics, today announced that it collaborated with Lenovo , the Fortune Global 500 company innovating to lead in the PC+ Era, to co-design the touchpad for the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga. Available starting in January 2021, it will be the first commercially available product to license Sensel's technology. Sensel's patented touch technology offers two functions in a single, ultra-thin sensor: position reporting with high accuracy (x&y), and force sensing (z). This allows for a dramatic reduction in device thickness, making it a perfect fit for the thinnest ThinkPad ever. Sensel technology also detects force uniformly across the entire touchpad area, so there's not a millimeter of wasted space. Plus, because it detects force, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga touchpad can even be used while wearing gloves. "In order to build our thinnest ThinkPad eer, we have to overcome many engineering challenges. Thankfully, Sensel stepped up with their unique touch technology to produce a touchpad in keeping with our ThinkPad heritage," said Luis Hernandez, vice president, PC & Smart Solutions Development, Lenovo. "We are delighted to have worked with Sensel to co-develop the innovative touchpad solution that enhances the user experience."



"Working with Lenovo has been a great experience from the beginning," said Sensel CEO and Co-founder Ilya Rosenberg. "The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is an incredible device that will allow customers to work and create like never before. It's an honor to know that Sensel technology will contribute to that experience. We want to thank the Lenovo team for its creativity and collaborative spirit." The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga will be available to order in late January 2021, with prices starting at $1,899. Visit the Lenovo StoryHub CES press kit for images and full specs, and Lenovo's CES homepage and Lenovo ThinkPad for more details.

To schedule an interview with Sensel's executive team, contact matt@sensel.com For Sensel media assets, click here. About Sensel

Ilya Rosenberg and Aaron Zarraga founded Sensel to bring the next generation of touch to computing. Having grown to ~50 team members, thousands of customers, and several large-scale enterprise clients, Sensel is working to redefine computer interaction to combine touch, force, and haptics, and to meet the environmental challenges of ubiquitous computing. Sensel's first product, the Morph, won "Best in Show" at the SXSW 2017 Interactive Innovation Awards, was named the "Best MIDI Controller" at NAMM 2019 by MusicRadar, and is currently shipping to customers worldwide. The team is integrating their technology into trackpads, displays, mobile devices, automotive interfaces, and other products that involve human interaction. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sensel-supplies-force-touch-technology-for-lenovos-thinkpad-x1-titanium-yoga-301210465.html SOURCE Sensel

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
By Tom Plate





It's embarrassing. Like some televangelist preacher caught with his pants down at an out-of-town house-of-pleasure, America has been caught with its democracy down.



Point one: a scary but also confused and confusing coup d'etat  another to come? Point two: A Republican president who should never have been president  a reality-show coup-leader-in-chief.



Point three: a first lady (traditional American family symbol) whose main contribution was to the bottom lines of the money-mongers of haute couture. And point four (most embarrassing of all): Many in the American Republican Party seemed to be mostly enjoying the crazy ride.



The Chinese government in Beijing, as much as it could manage, tried to appear not to dance on the grave of what might be dubbed the strange death of American liberal democracy. It didn't need to party so hard anyway: The mess in Washington spoke volumes by itself.



Besides, the timing was a bit awkward: After all, the Beijing-controlled Hong Kong government was proceeding with its rollup of perceived enemies of the SAR half-state. Those swooped up by police are widely viewed  everyone knows  as valiant pro-democracy angels by the U.S. government and public.



And so the standard rhetorical scolding and threatening by members of the U.S. Congress, not to mention the media, may well have seemed odd, given that American police were seen making arrests for violations of law and order in the run-up to and through the penetrated Capitol building of the Congress of the United States.



At this writing, Donald J. Trump, who has set a perilous standard of governance that will be easy for his successor Joseph Biden to avoid replicating, is still technically president; but one way or the other, that won't be the case for long.



He not only lost the election for a second term, however narrowly, but he lost plausibility, overwhelmingly, save for those who either are easily fooled or are hell-bent on insurrection. Fortunately, the U.S. Constitution bars the nation's leader from morphing into a president for life  maybe not such a bad idea for any system.



It would not be an error to overestimate the current civic demoralization, or its duration. With the giant fog of COVID-19 pandemic beclouding everything, who knows when the sun will shine on America again? Yes, nihilism is the enemy of hope: But in the current circumstances, hope itself may be the enemy of reality.



The penetrating pandemic injects all confident predictions with uncertainty. Perhaps our great medical scientists do have enough rope to strangle the viral octopus, but the civic virus of disarray has caught our political scientists off-balance, historians grasping for analogies that truly enlighten, and quality news media struggling to articulate without cliche.



This is a huge opportunity for Beijing. Yes, on the downside it appeals greatly to those who hanker after the usual dreary global geopolitics  that miserable clawing world, nasty and brutish; yes, a chance to get an edge up on the U.S. But is there some way to inch away from the old and aim for something new? To give peace a chance?



The opportunity would require the Xi government to summon whatever hidden reserves of largesse that percolate through the corridors of power within the People's Republic of China and its Communist Party; and invest that largesse in a relationship more productive, level-headed and indeed calm.



It should continue to make it known that a fresh start with the incoming Biden presidency is the top priority of Chinese foreign policy. It should shelve every instinct to bugger Washington or allies and friends, including Taiwan, while proposing  by example, not just via global press releases  new ways of relating.



It might also tone down the unnecessary ferocity of the rhetoric of whoever is the rough PRC equivalent of U.S. political blowhards such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz. It is time to get serious about peace.



One obvious move  beyond the symbolism  would be for China to take the lead at the United Nations to reform the sputtering Security Council. It may not be too late. As fractured and flawed as it is, the U.N. is the one place where 193 states meet for the purpose of consciously avoiding war.



A brilliant reform campaign led by Beijing would be striking in its spirit of global citizenship. Obviously, this would require expanding the number of the council's permanent members  perhaps even doubling the number.



At the moment, the pandemic-cursed U.S. is in negative momentum. Politically, the incoming Biden government will soon find itself running as fast as it can simply to stay in place. Like China, America has scars and not enough cans of spray-paint with which to gloss them over.



If Xi Jinping and Joseph Biden were to switch jobs (a challenge for the imagination indeed), who would have gotten the better deal? A superpower ride is never easy-going: Obstacles and enemies arise from within as well as without.



The ideological dissonance between China and the U.S. (the apples to oranges thing) needs to be understood more for domestic effect than international intent. A "world view" can work to motivate people to believe and to act as if one, even though it's based on a kind of magical thinking, whether from political stage left or stage right.



The governance trick is to lower the volume on doctrinal conformity, because rigidity in political ideology will lead to decline rather than renewal. Political ideology taken too seriously by even the well-motivated can turn out to eat away at all that has been achieved. If you need to glue yourself to something that's impossible to achieve in order to remain plausible, at what point are you kidding yourself and others?





Loyola University Professor Tom Plate (platecolumn@gmail.com) is vice president of the Pacific Century Institute and the author of the "Giants of Asia" book series, including "Conversations with Ban Ki-Moon" and the "Tom Plate on Asia" book series. The original version of this column appeared in the South China Morning Post.




New Delhi, Jan 19 : Facing a staggering 10 per cent compounded annual growth in imports over last decade, the Indian aluminium industry has sought immediate government intervention, by way of higher import duty of 10 per cent on aluminium scrap and metal, to protect domestic production.

In a set of pre-budget recommendations, the industry, represented by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI), has said that the challenges coming from rising imports, declining domestic market share, and increasing production and logistics costs need to be mitigated soon and in this regard, it is essential that the aluminium sector gets duty protection on imports of finished products and relief in case of raw materials.

Accordingly, the association has urged that the budget should increase the basic custom duty on primary aluminium and aluminium scrap to 10 per cent while reducing custom duty on critical raw materials for aluminium industry value chain like calcined and raw petroleum coke, caustic soda and alumina.

The industry is also expecting that the budget may eliminate cess on coal (GST compensation cess of Rs 400 per tonne) to support highly power intensive industries like aluminium.

"The challenges (for the industry) have been further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic which has adversely impacted the domestic demand for aluminium. At the same time, the industry is not able to compete effectively in the global markets as the burden of Central & state taxes and levies amounting to 15 per cent of aluminium production cost puts the domestic industry in a significant disadvantage compared to its global peers," the AAI said in its pre-budget recommendations.

Indian has sufficient domestic capacity of 4.1 mtpa to cater to the country's aluminium demand of around 4 mtpa. Despite this, 60 per cent of India's demand is being met through imports, resulting in declining domestic market share from 60 per cent in FY11 to 40 per cent in FY20, the AAI had told the Finance Minister last year.
Nicholas Giovannelli, second from right, was recognized by the Niles Village Board in 2015 for his military service. Giovannelli in January 2021 filed a lawsuit against several companies, alleging that they sold images of him on combat tours without his permission. Also in the photo are Niles Trustee Dean Strzelecki, left, Trustee George Alpogianis, second from left, and Mayor Andrew Przybylo, right. (Lee V. Gaines / Pioneer Press)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said any malaria-like symptom should now be considered and treated as COVID-19 until p...

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said any malaria-like symptom should now be considered and treated as COVID-19 until proven otherwise.

The governor, who briefed newsmen at the State House, Ikeja on COVID-19 update in the state said such symptoms should be considered COVID-19 virus infections unless proven otherwise.

In this second wave of the current pandemic, any malaria-like symptoms should be considered as COVID-19 virus infection unless and until otherwise proven. Any affected individual with COVID-like symptoms should proceed to any of our public health facilities and/or laboratories to get tested for free, he said.

The governor also said it was important that people did not stigmatise or discriminate against anyone affected by the virus, as it is not a death sentence.





Seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival for severe to critical cases. Wear a mask everywhere and ensure that you wash your re-usable mask regularly and also properly dispose of used disposable masks, he said.

The governor disclosed that as at 17 January, 2021, Lagos has recorded 41,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of which 28,452 had recovered and were within community, while 9,213 were currently active in community.

Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-19-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres, with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 percent (277 cases).

So far, 263,358 tests have been conducted between our public and private laboratories, with 41,374 diagnosed as positive. This has allowed us the opportunity to target our interventions with precision and ensure the efficient use and mobilisation of resources, he said.





Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the increase in the positivity of cases has necessitated the provision of greater amounts of concentrated oxygen for the moderate to severe cases on admission in isolation centres.

The governor stated that over the last few weeks, the demand for oxygen has risen from 70 6-litre cylinder per day to 350 6-litre cylinders in Yaba Mainland Hospital.

This is projected to more than double to 750 6-litre cylinders, before the end of January 2021. In addition to providing oxygen at our isolation centres, the Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the state through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks.





Oxygen therapy and other related services will be provided to patients that required them. Five of these 10 centres have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks, he said.
WOLF & BADGER CONTINUES TO GROW REVENUE WITH ITS TECHNOLOGY-LED BUSINESS MODEL AND GLOBAL REACH, DESPITE A TURBULENT 2020 FOR RETAIL

LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JANUARY 2020: A consistent rise in overall global sales and strong performance from its award winning online platform secured Wolf & Badger another year of growing full-year revenues and record sales figures in 2020. Despite its Kings Cross flagship in London and New York City location temporarily closing for prolonged periods throughout the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic the retailer expects overall revenue growth of 79.1%.

With 253,902 items sold and14.7m visitors to the online retail platform last year, 109,779 of which were new customers, the innovative multi-channel retailer achieved an increase in online sales of 92%. The business generated19.1m / $26.1m in online sales in 2020.

Mirroring the climate, categories that performed well include lingerie and nightwear, up 625% compared to 2019 and blankets and throws which drove 556% more sales revenue than the previous year. 81 of the designers stocked on Wolf & Badger diversified their ranges to include face coverings; the majority of which were created using material offcuts to further eliminate waste in line with their sustainable credentials. A total of 9,786 face masks were sold during 2020.

Active brands utilising Wolf & Badger to reach a global customer base reached a record high in the year, increasing by 93.6% from 564 in December 2019 to 1,092 in December 2020. New brands joining the platform have come from 56 different countries across the globe, including Mexico, Norway, Ecuador, Ghana and Lebanon, many of which were experiencing disruption from other distribution channels.



To support an increased global focus, the business successfully launched further internationalisation capabilities to its ever-growing online platform in May. The e-commerce site now facilitates multi-currency support along with homogenised size variant management to seamlessly serve customers worldwide. Further, through its partnership with DHL and despite Brexit, the business now also provides duties and taxes inclusive shipping for all customers in the UK, EU, Australia, US & Canada regardless of where in the world each supplier is based. This has eased the purchase journey for consumers, and further enabled smaller brands to seamlessly sell cross-border hassle-free. In turn, this has enabled Wolf & Badger to grow significantly in new markets resulting in US sales up 144%, Australian sales up 1,048% and Canadian sales up 414%, vs 2019. Overall, international customers accounted for 46% of sales in 2020.

Fulfilling its mission to provide the leading platform for independent designers to thrive, Wolf & Badger offers a curated selection of the world's best independent brands, with a focus on individual and sustainable products from ethical designers. 2021 will see further growth from initiatives to add additional features and functionality to the wolfandbadger.com website as well as developing more international markets to reinforce and cement its positioning as the leading retail technology platform for independent brands worldwide.



About Wolf & Badger

Wolf & Badger is a global multi-channel retailer founded in 2010 by the Graham brothers - George Graham, CEO and Henry Graham, Creative Director. Through its technology-led multi-channel business model, it connects customers internationally with over 1000 brands across fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty verticals. The business has an exclusive focus on ethical, unique and independent brands. It operates stores in New York and London, as well as its award-winning online retail destination: www.wolfandbadger.com

UK: Coal Drops Yard, Stable St, London, N1C 4DQ

US: 95 Grand Street, New York, NY, 10013

IG: @wolfandbadger Facebook: facebook.com/wolfandbadger Twitter: @wolfandbadger
A critical care consultant has told how hospital staff fulfilled the dying wish of a coronavirus patient by arranging for him to have a pint of Guinness.

Dr Shondipon Laha, honorary secretary of the Intensive Care Society, described the lengths frontline workers were going to in order to fulfill the final wishes of their patients as they died in hospital wards without their families by their side.

In one example, health workers at a hospital in the North West of England managed to get a patient one final pint after he stopped responding to his treatment this weekend.

It comes as figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of coronavirus deaths in England almost doubled in the first week of January, with 6,057 dying from the disease in the week up to January 8.

Dr Shondipon Laha described the lengths frontline workers were going to in order to fulfill the final wishes of their patients

Health workers in PPE attend to a patient an an intensive care unit at Whiston Hospital in Merseyside

Speaking to The Manchester Evening News Dr Laha said: 'We are frequently seeing patients where you're holding their hands, playing the music they want to hear.

'One patient, over the weekend, we went to sort a pint of Guinness for him before he died.

'We think that's as important as all the other stuff we do. But it's emotionally draining.'

The critical care consultant went on to share how hospitals had seen reports of post-traumatic stress disorder among staff and ICUs were now having counselling systems set up for frontline workers.

His account comes as NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said in England a patient was being admitted to hospital 'every 30 seconds'.

The NHS boss, who was speaking on the Andrew Marr show on Sunday, said that hospitals had seen a huge increase in patients since Christmas and added that there were enough new cases to fill a whole hospital every morning.

He also revealed that a quarter of the admissions were people under the age of 55.

Sir Simon said: 'The facts are very clear and I'm not going to sugar-coat them, hospitals are under extreme pressure and staff are under extreme pressure.

'Since Christmas Day we've seen another 15,000 increase in the in-patients in hospitals across England, that's the equivalent of filling 30 hospitals full of coronavirus patients.

Emergency workers take a patient to the Royal London Hospital in London amid the coronavirus pandemic

Above are the number of Covid-19 patients that caught the virus on hospital wards by month. Their numbers have risen in line with rising infections reported in the community

Above are all the hospitals out of 138 trusts where more than 50 per cent of all patients are suffering from Covid-19

'Staggeringly, every thirty seconds across England another patient is being admitted to hospital with coronavirus.'

When asked if he would like to see jabs given 'all day, all night', Sir Simon said: 'Absolutely, we will do that at the point that we have enough supply that it makes sense.

'We will start testing 24/7 in some hospitals over the course of the next 10 days.'

This week the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 6,057 people died from the coronavirus in the week up to January 8, which was 93 per cent more than the 3,144 the previous seven days.

Of the 6,057 victims who died to Covid across England, 5,367 had the virus recorded as the underlying cause of death (89 per cent).

Every English region saw deaths from the virus rise in the first seven days of January, the ONS said, with the South East recording the highest number at 1,197 deaths, followed by 1,047 in London, and 816 in the East of England.

The North East (229) and the South West (285) suffered the fewest fatalities.
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.
When Dr. Ben Carson took the helm of the nation's top housing agency, the country was in the early throes of an affordable housing crisis. Four years, one pandemic, and a recession later, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's tenure is about to come to an end.

Now, as Carson's perceived accomplishments and failures are dissected, will history look kindly upon his legacy at HUD?

Many criticized the renowned neurosurgeon's lack of housing policy experience when he took the Cabinet position. Initially, Carson seemed to agree. In late 2016, his spokesman told reporters the last thing the former presidential candidate would want was to take a position that could hurt Donald Trump's presidency given his lack of government experience.

Clearly, he changed his mind. His supporters pointed to his childhood raised by a single mother in Detroit, living in public housing for a time, as providing him with real-world qualifications for the job.

Under Carson, opportunity zones were created to spur development in struggling communities and a President Barack Obamaera rule to racially diversify the suburbs was axed. Carson also crusaded against dangerous lead paint in housing.

On Thursday, the agency unveiled a new tool, called Find Shelter, to help folks in need locate shelter, clothing, food pantries, and health clinics.

Yet, the affordable housing shortage worsened under Carson's watch, becoming a dire problem as home prices surged to new heights even as the economy struggled under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. And HUD's budget was cut from $49.3 billion in 2016 to a proposed $47.9 billion this year.

Many of us will say we wish there had been more of a national housing strategy, because were undergoing a national affordable housing crisis," says Adrianne Todman, CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. The trade organization represents about 20,000 public housing and redevelopment officials. "[But] we were pleased that the department took some steps at what were some barriers to building affordable housing."

Some described Caron's years at HUD as maintaining the status quo.

However, it's not fair to blame Carson for not overseeing many sweeping changes at the agency, says Tony Campbell, an adjunct political science professor at Towson University.

"I don't think there was much accomplished because the president wasn't interested in policy one way or another at HUD," says Campbell. He ran Carson's failed presidential campaign in Maryland and ran for the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket in 2018. He lost to his Democratic opponent. "[The president and his team] weren't interested in getting into the weeds on domestic policy."

During his tenure, Carson snagged headlines for planning to spend $31,000 on dining room furniture for his office, which included $1,000 side chairs. But the purchases never went through and he was later cleared of wrongdoing by the agency's internal watchdog.

Beyond that incident, his time at HUD was relatively scandal-free. He also avoided the public ire of Trump.

After leaving HUD, Carson reportedly told confidants that he'd like to start a think tank after HUD, according to Axios.

America's affordable housing crisis has gotten worse

Over the past few years, home prices across the nation have risen to new heights. Meanwhile, the supply of affordably priced homes for sale along with rental properties has dropped sharply. The pandemic made everything worse.

The need for additional affordable housing is desperate, says Chad Williams, executive director and CEO at the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. The authority oversees Las Vegas and other Nevada cities.

Critics took aim at Carson not constructing more affordable housing or providing additional Section 8 vouchers for families in desperate need of rental housing. About a quarter of the poorest households eligible for the federal vouchers don't receive them because there aren't enough to go around.

Carson continued an Obama-era program to encourage the private sector to invest in bonds, which raised money to maintain and renovate the country's public housing stock.

Todman, of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, gave Carson an F for not providing enough funding to put up new affordable housing. But she didn't place all of the blame at his door.

"The pandemic really exacerbated the housing crisis," says Todman. "It's not HUD's fault that there's a rental crisis caused by the pandemic."

Mortgage forbearance gives struggling homeowners a lifeline

As the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of the nation in the spring, millions of people lost their jobs. Some of them were homeowners who abruptly were unable to continue paying their mortgages.

In response, HUD temporarily suspended foreclosures in March for all single-family-home owners affected by COVID-19 with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. Homeowners with the government-backed loans were eligible for up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance where they could pause their payments. At the end of that period, their loans can be adjusted and they may be able to have their missed payments tacked onto the ends of their loans.

About half of all residential mortgages, roughly 28 million, are Fannie and Freddie loans. Many other banks that issued nongovernment-backed loans followed HUD's example.

While the future of the program is still unknown, many believe the forbearance warded off another foreclosure crisis.

If you did not provide forbearance and some help, a lot of people were going to lose their homes through no fault of their own," says John Weicher. He is the director of the Center for Housing and Financial Markets at the Hudson Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank in Washington, DC. The forbearance has "been very helpful and very sensible.

The eviction moratorium that has kept numerous renters in their homes came out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and not HUD.

Opportunity Zones receive mixed reviews

In 2017, the administration created so-called Opportunity Zones to spur investment in struggling communities. It provides investors with tax breaks to pour money into these areas to revitalize them. In return, the investors get tax breaks that allow them to defer paying capital gains taxes or pay discounted rates on some of the money they've made.

Reviews of the zones have often fallen along partisan lines. Republicans have favored the tax breaks, while Democrats believe those living in these areas aren't benefiting enough from the program.

"There are always a lot of detractors when wealth is getting tax offsets," says Robert Moss, national director of government affairs at the accounting firm CohnReznick. The accounting firm consults on low-income tax credits used to build public housing. "[But] Opportunity Zones are getting things done, like bringing in businesses to struggling communities."

This also generates new jobs for locals to fill, he says.

But others have complained the boundaries of the zones were drawn to help the investors more than the communities they are supposed to serve.

In Las Vegas, some of the zones abut popular, more economically sound areas while bypassing other areas in need, charges Williams, whose housing authority oversees Las Vegas.

"Who really benefits from these Opportunity Zones? Usually it's a big-box or other mainstream business," says Michela Zonta. She's a senior housing policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. "Anytime theres some form of community development that leads to an increase in land values, low-income residents risk being displaced from eviction or not being able to afford their places.

Yet others praised the initiative as "worthwhile" and supported the locations of the zones.

"Theyve identified the right areas to be covered," says the Hudson Institute's Weicher.

Obama-era rule to diversify suburbs is axed

Trump and HUD took some flak for ending an Obama-era rule designed to racially diversify and create more affordable housing in the suburbs. The president was criticized for cutting the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation late last year as way to appeal to suburban women before the election.

The rule was designed to force cities receiving federal housing money to assess and then address local housing discrimination. The goal was to see zoning changes to allow more affordable housing, such as condo and apartment buildings and smaller, single-family homes, to go up in the suburbs.

Carson "didn't really push for reforms or addressing racial segregation and the need for affordable housing," says the Center for American Progress' Zonta. That rule addressed some of the problems of decades of housing discrimination against people of colorand the lack of access to decent and affordable housing and better neighborhoods."

EnVision Centers get off to a rocky start

Building on his goal of encouraging self-sufficiency to help people rise out of poverty, the secretary hoped to create more than 3,000 EnVision Centers across the nation.

The centers cater to struggling Americans, particularly young people. They consolidate many existing services by housing them under one roof. Carson wanted to have a one-stop shop where people could access educational and mentorship, job training, and health care services among others.

About two years ago, HUD approached the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority about setting them up in public housing, says the housing authority's Williams. HUD "pressured" the authority to provide space and staff for thembut didn't offer any funding to pay for the real estate or the employees needed to run them.

Since the services that would be housed in the EnVision Centers were already being offered and no money was being offered, the housing authority declined to create them.

That could explain why the centers haven't caught on. So far, the agency has just under 100 of them instead of the 3,000 Carson had wanted, according to HUD.

Jeopardizing housing for undocumented immigrants and homeless, transgender Americans

The HUD secretary has also pushed to allow government-funded homeless shelters to refuse to put transgender people in housing based on their gender identities. That means a shelter could refuse to place a female-identified individual in a women's shelter.

However, the rule isn't expected to be formalized until Aprilafter Joe Biden becomes the nation's 46th president. His administration isn't expected to turn this into law.

"They should have access to homeless shelters just like everyone else, says Zonta.

In addition, HUD proposed requiring all those living in public housing or receiving federal housing vouchers to be U.S. citizens. This would have imperiled families where some members were in this country legally and others were not.

However, the law was never implemented.

It goes against the purpose of the office, which is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and decent housing," says Zonta.

The post The Ben Carson Years at HUD: Did He Make a Difference? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Gerald Benjamin, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York at New Paltz, is the founding director of the university's Benjamin Center for Public Policy Initiatives. Benjamin, who joined the SUNY New Paltz faculty in 1968, served as chair of the Department of Political Science, as presiding officer of the faculty and from 1996 to 2008 as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also served for two years as director of the Center for New York State and Local Government Studies at SUNYs Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany and from 1981 to 1993 as an elected member of the Ulster County Legislature, which he chaired from 1991 to 1993.
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.
In this post on impeachment, I want to state some presumptions that I think should apply in impeachment proceedings, including the latest impeachment of President Trump.

First, in my view, there should be a strong presumption against impeaching a president. The decision of who should be president is for the American people to make. The Constitution permits Congress to override that decision, but Congress should be very hesitant to use that power  and Congress always has been until pretty recently.

Although the Constitution uses the language of criminal law  crimes and misdemeanors  the criminal law standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt should not apply, in my opinion. However, the evidence of the high crimes and misdemeanors should at least be clear and convincing. If the president is to be impeached because of things he said, as is the case in the second impeachment of Trump, ambiguities in his statements should be resolved in his favor, rather than in favor of impeaching him.

The second Trump impeachment could, at most, have removed Trump for only a few days of his term. However, the same standards, principles, and presumptions should apply to the impeachment of a president at any point during his term and, if such thing is permitted, to any impeachment proceeding that occurs thereafter.

A second presumption, which follows from the first, is that the impeachment and removal of a president should occur only after thorough deliberation and consideration of the evidence. Whatever else one thinks about the first Trump impeachment, it followed that model. So did the Clinton impeachment and the Nixon impeachment proceedings (which were aborted when Nixon stepped down).

The second Trump impeachment did not. It was rushed through. And I gather that the trial, if it occurs, will also be a rush job.

Supporters of the impeachment say the evidence against Trump is clear. They would say that, and did during the first impeachment, as well.

However, Trump made no statement of which Im aware telling anyone to riot, invade the Capitol building, or launch an insurrection. Thus, the case that he incited violence  the only plausible grounds for impeachment  isnt so clear, after all.

It depends on a close analysis of the words Trump used, how they were interpreted, and the reasonableness of the interpretations. It might also depend on Trumps intent.

The House should not have impeached Trump without more deliberation than occurred.

Finally, for Republicans and conservatives, there should be a presumption against taking any action relating to partisan politics or the treatment of political personages that the Democrats favor. Democrats are our adversaries. They are trying to gain power at our expense. Increasingly, they are using that power to punish us.

This doesnt mean that Republicans and conservatives should never support the impeachment of a Republican. The presumption against doing so can be overcome. But our starting point should be opposition to any Democratic effort to punish a Republican, just as the Democrats always start from a position of opposition when punishment one of theirs is under consideration.

In my next post about impeachment, I will turn to the specifics of the latest Trump impeachment.

UPDATE: A reader points to another possible basis for impeaching Trump besides what he said to protesters  his efforts to persuade Mike Pence to reject electoral votes in disregard of Pences duty as vice president. I will consider this ground in my next post about impeachment.

BRUSSELS - The EU is working on a mechanism to share vaccines with neighbouring and low-income countries in the western Balkans and Africa, EU commissioner Stella Kyriakides said Tuesday during a plenary session at the European Parliament.



"We are working with member states to propose a European mechanism to share vaccines beyond our borders," she said, stressing that the mechanism would get vaccines to poorer countries "before COVAX is fully operational", referring to the global scheme co-led by the World Health Organisation set up last summer to ensure a fair distribution of COVID-19 shots across the world.



Kyriakides said the EU vaccine-sharing scheme should prioritise health workers and most vulnerable people in the Western Balkans, North Africa and poorer Sub-Saharan African countries.



She added that the EU could play a geopolitical role in the fight against the virus.
Funds will be utilised for exploration at Ragged Range Gold-Nickel Project in the Pilbara Western Australia, Alford East in South Australia and uranium and vanadium projects in the US.

Artemis is exploring and developing projects in the Pilbara and Paterson regions of Western Australia

( ) (OTCMKTS:ARTTF) has invested 150,000 into s ( ) (ASX:THR) institutional placing to allow the acceleration of Thors gold, copper and uranium project interests.

So far, Thor has raised gross proceeds of 750,000 through the placing of 88,235,296, new ordinary shares of 0.01 each at a price of 0.85 pence per share.

Thor director Mark Potter is Artemis' non-executive chairman and participation in the placing follows the company's initial investment in Thor in 2020.

Along with Artemis' investment, a London-based specialist resources investor will contribute 600,000.

West Pilbara neighbours

Thors Ragged Range Gold-Nickel Project is near ARVs Carlow Castle Project in Western Australias West Pilbara region, which is around 45 kilometres east of Karratha.

Funds raised will be utilised for exploration activities at Ragged Range, copper evaluation at Alford East in South Australia, initial drilling of the uranium and vanadium projects in the USA and general working capital.

"Pleased with support"

Thor's executive chairman Mick Billing said: We are very pleased to have the support of a new London-based specialist resource investor who has expressed an interest in the Thor portfolio, and welcome the support from ASX-listed Artemis Resources, who are actively exploring and developing projects in the Pilbara region and recognise the potential of our Ragged Range Project.

We look towards a very active period during the first half of 2021, with drilling news flow expected from Ragged Range gold, Kapunda and Alford East copper projects, and also uranium and vanadium prospects in the United States.

The placing price represents a discount of 5.6% to Thor's closing price on Friday, January 15, 2021.
MARSHFIELD, Wis., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 150,000 genetic tests available, at least 6.9 codes per claim and thousands of medical policies1,2, it's virtually impossible for providers and payers to keep up with the complex and ever-changing world of genetic testing. Today, PreventionGenetics joins Concert Genetics' Preferred Laboratory Network, which brings health plans and preferred laboratories together to ensure that the quality, pricing and service information needed for decision-making is at the forefront and eases the administrative burden involved in insurance claims processing for genetic testing.

"PreventionGenetics has always offered transparent pricing in an effort to eliminate the misuse of healthcare dollars," said James Weber, PhD, President of PreventionGenetics. "Joining the preferred laboratory network furthers that mission and allows us to continue to build trusted relationships with health plans to ensure high quality testing is provided to patients at a fair cost."

Concert's Preferred Laboratory Network systematizes the collection and comparison of laboratory quality information and brings transparency to the genetic testing market. The network also streamlines the administrative coordination between plans and labs by helping to ensure the correct coding and coverage policy for tens of thousands of genetic tests are in place and followed. This is especially important given widespread coding variability, high denial rates, and growing use of costly interventions such as prior authorization.

"Today, administrative challenges and confusion stifle productive collaboration between health plans and leading laboratories. Patients pay the price, in both quality and cost. This network is designed to change that." said Rob Metcalf, CEO of Concert Genetics, in the press release announcing the program.

About PreventionGenetics

Founded in 2004 and located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, PreventionGenetics is a CLIA and ISO 15189:2012 accredited laboratory. PreventionGenetics delivers clinical genetic testing of the highest quality at fair prices with exemplary service to people around the world. PreventionGenetics provides tests for nearly all clinically relevant genes including a whole genome sequencing test and whole exome sequencing test.

About Concert Genetics

Concert Genetics is a software and managed services company that provides the digital infrastructure for reliable and efficient management of genetic testing and precision medicine. Concert's genetic testing management capabilities leverage a proprietary database of the U.S. clinical genetic testing market, market-leading expertise, and a technology platform that supports genetic test ordering, resulting, coding, coverage, and payment integrity.

1 Coding Variability in Genetic Testing. Concert Genetics. Sept. 5, 2019. www.concertgenetics.com/resources/coding-variability-in-genetic-testing/

2 Concert Genetics Benefit Program: www.concertgenetics.com/genetics-benefit-program/

Media Contact: Kristina Hamill, 715-3870484 x332, [email protected]

SOURCE PreventionGenetics

Related Links

http://preventiongenetics.com


Parler Claims Amazon Intentionally Left Security Hole for Hackers to Attack Data Centers

Parler, in a court filing, accused Amazon Web Services (AWS) of deliberately leaving open Amazon Route 53, a Domain Name System web service, that essentially provided a green light for hackers to attack its data centers.

Parlers filing in a Washington state court stated that after AWS took Parler offline, it did a very curious thing and left open Route 53.

The move, according to Parler, conveniently directed hackers to our backup datacenters and caused them to initiate a sizeable DNS attack.

In other words, the filing read, AWS essentially illuminated a large neon arrow directing hackers to Parlers backup datacenters. And the hackers got the message, launching an extremely large attack that was 250 times larger and 12  24 times longer than the average DDoS attack, referring to a distributed denial-of-service.

Parler noted that Amazon later terminated its Route 53 link, but the damage was done.

AWS took the social media websitewhich describes itself as a free speech social media platformdown last week after Parler was removed from Google Play and Apples App Store.

AWS didnt just put Parler up a creek without a paddleit banished it up the Columbia River without a boat and made sure no other boats would be willing to come to the rescue, Parler said in its filing, describing it as an AWS-facilitated attack.

The Epoch Times reached out to Amazon for comment.

Earlier this week, Parlers website resurfaced, although the social media site isnt up and running. It included a message from CEO John Matze, investor Dan Bongino, and executive Amy Peikoff.

Parlers lawsuit initially contended that Amazon engaged in monopolistic practices and asked a court to reinstate the website. In a later filing, Parler accused Amazon of only caring about whether President Donald Trump would join the website after his account was banned from Twitter, which also uses AWS.

For its part, Amazon said the social media website was taken off AWS due to extreme rhetoric expressed by its users, while it alleged that Parler took little action to curb it. Amazon filed examples of the comments that were posted on Parler and were ostensibly not moderated.

We are going to fight in a civil War on Jan.20th, Form MILITIAS now and acquire targets, according to one post included in Amazons court filing. Added another: On January 20th we need to start systematicly [sic] assassinating [sic] #liberal leaders, liberal activists, #blm leaders and supporters, members of the #nba #nfl #mlb #nhl #mainstreammedia anchors and correspondents and #antifa. I already have a news worthy event planned.
The Royal Ballet is experiencing a baby boom, sparked by months of cancelled performances because of the global pandemic.

Principal Dancer at the prestigious dance company, Lauren Cuthbertson, said there had been 'lots of babies' since lockdown began in March after dancers were able to take a break from the often demanding training and performance schedules at London's Royal Opera House.

Cuthbertson, 37, gave birth to daughter Peggy a few weeks ago by elective cesarean, and told the new host of Radio 4's Woman's Hour, Emma Barnett, that there had been so many babies there was even a Royal Ballet NCT Whatspp group.

Scroll down for video

Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Lauren Cuthbertson, 36, gave birth a few weeks ago to her daughter Peggy. Appearing on Woman's Hour on Tuesday, she said there had been 'lots of babies' in the company since March

Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani, First Artist of the Royal Ballet, was also on the programme; the dancer is expecting her second baby in April.

She told the presenter her new daughter was 'glorious' and she felt 'very fortunate to be spending my time hunkering down with her'.

Cuthberton said: 'There are lots of babies in the company actually and for those of us having babies, it's actually a really lovely network of new mothers who help each other out.

'We've got a wonderful Whatsapp group, an NCT Royal Ballet group, which we communicate on with a lot.'

Also on the programme was Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani, First Artist of the Royal Ballet, who is expecting a baby in April.

She told the show that she initially fell pregnant the day before the first lockdown but suffered a miscarriage a couple of months later.

Bhavani, who has a three-year-old daughter, told the programme: 'It was heartbreaking, it was devastating especially during lockdown when you're already isolated.'

Heartbreak: Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani, First Artist of the Royal Ballet, told the show that she initially fell pregnant the day before the first lockdown but suffered a miscarriage a couple of months later, She's now pregnant again expecting her second child in April

Speaking about the discipline required by professional ballet dancers, Cuthbertson said dancing already felt like a distant memory and that while she was 'itching to get back', she said: 'I know I'll have to sacrifice time with and energy for Peggy to do that and that fills me with a bit of anxiety.'

Bhavani said she took six months off before trying to get back into shape following the birth of her first child.

In October, dancers Francesca Hayward and Cesar Corrales were able to perform on stage at the Royal Opera House - because their real-life romance meant they could be in close contact.

The couple helped the Royal Ballet Company stage its first major production in seven months after it closed its doors in March. The pair, who started dating after playing Romeo and Juliet last year, were able to dance closely together without having to social distance as the full company reunited on stage.
A police officer accused of indecently touching a female colleague by grabbing her bottom during a training exercise says it was a 'workplace accident' and he immediately apologised.

Jason Scott Renwick, 49, pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault over the alleged incident at a Brisbane training facility on February 6, 2019.

The exercise on a staircase involved officers passing another officer in a cover position and tapping or squeezing them on the shoulder or thigh, crown prosecutor Brendan White earlier told the jury.

Police officer, Jason Scott Renwick, has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault following an alleged incident at a Brisbane training facility in 2019. Pictured: Queensland police members

The final officer was also required to say 'last man.'

Mr White alleged Renwick 'put his cupped hand on the underside of her right buttock and squeezed it' before saying 'last man.'

'He then continued to walk past her while laughing and said, 'Don't hit me',' Mr White said.

The woman allegedly responded, 'What the f*** was that?'.

But Renwick said he reached out to touch the woman while looking ahead.

'As soon as I made contact I realised I had made contact with the bottom half of her buttocks towards the top of her hamstring,' he told the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday.

'I've immediately said, 'Sorry, don't hate me'.'

The exercise involved passing another officer in a cover position on a staircase and tapping or squeezing them on the shoulder or thigh. Pictured: Queensland police marching

Renwick said he also gave a 'nervous laugh' because he was embarrassed.

'At no time did I intentionally touch (her) on the buttocks,' he told the jury.

'There was a workplace accident where I've accidentally touched her on the lower side of the buttock trying to do a workplace training exercise,' he said.

Renwick told the court he was sorry the woman was upset by the incident.

'I am sorry for the damage I caused, but it was an accident and nothing more,' he said.

He denied saying he later asked the woman if he overstepped a line.

He told the court she said two colleagues were 'making waves' about the incident.

'I was upset by this because it was an accident on the day and no
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.
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly released findings from a study by High Yield Insights of over 35,000 U.S. adults quantify the upheaval to Americans' personal and professional lives due to Covid-19. Socially, almost seven in ten women have felt isolated from family friends compared to just roughly half of men who have experienced the same. Almost four in ten women also report feeling more depressed than usual compared to fewer than three in ten men. Sleep issues have arisen at greater rates (32%) for women than for men (22%) as well.

Gen Z and Millennials appear hardest hit by the economic fallout during the survey period. On average, about one in four Gen Z and Millennial respondents reported having lost a job or taken a reduction to hours or pay. However, most of the spending cutbacks are driven by older consumers: respondents aged 40 years and over make up 65% of those who report reduced household spending due to Covid-19.

Market research company High Yield Insights ran the survey from September to October 2020, collecting data from over 35,000 U.S. adults age 21 and over. Respondents addressed how the pandemic has stirred mental health concerns, upended shopping habits, and sparked interest in new wellness products. The study also delved deep into the use and interest in cannabidiol (often referred to as CBD) as a source of relief for health issues associated with or exacerbated by the pandemic.

"Our findings capture an image of what some are rightly calling the mental health epidemic in America," said Mike Luce, President of High Yield Insights and a 20-year veteran in consumer insights and market research. "Consumers are thinking about wellness holistically today to encompass both mental and physical health. For product categories like CBD, which can address a range of conditions, the pandemic is having a historic knock-on effect. The growing popularity of CBD is evidenced by the number of people who started using one or more CBD products last year. For example, we discovered almost one in four U.S. CBD consumers started using CBD in the six months leading up to our survey."

The study went on to quantify changes to shopping habits due to Covid-19. Documenting the changes to shopping preferences shows markedly different responses to the pandemic across demographic groups. For example, 53% of respondents from households with annual earnings of $150,000 or more annually indicate doing more shopping online. By contrast, only 33% of those from lower income (under $35,00) households have shifted to more online shopping.

For more information, visit www.highyieldinsights.com.

About High Yield Insights

High Yield Insights is led by industry veterans of brand strategy, consumer insights, market intelligence, and analytics. Supported by a team of analytics and research professionals, High Yield combines a unique skill set and practice expertise. High Yield's team, across multiple practice areas, has had a single focus since its formation in 2018: insights that drive strategic decisions forward.

Media Contact:

Xipo Cohen

High Yield Insights

[email protected]

SOURCE High Yield Insights

Related Links

https://www.highyieldinsights.com/


- More than 60 international speakers will attend the conference in-person in Riyadh, another 80 will join virtually from around the world, including from FII hubs

- Leading investors, senior executives, include His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and FII Institute Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance, David Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs, Thomas Gottstein, CEO of Credit Suisse Group, James Gorman, Chairman & CEO of Morgan Stanley, Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of Softbank Group, and Jean Lemierre, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BNP Paribas.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Future Investment Initiative Institute will headline more than 140 prominent speakers next week at the Fourth Edition of FII, a multi-hub conference linking tech pioneers, investors and policy makers as they rethink the global economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Request an invitation to hear from the 60 prominent speakers who will attend in-person in Riyadh and 80 who will participate virtually during the two-day investment conference from January 27-28. Speakers will address the investment conference from hubs in New York, Paris, Beijing, Mumbai.

To address the theme "The Neo-Renaissance", H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Chairman of the FII Institute, will officially open the 4th edition of FII, under the leadership of the FII Institute. H.E. Al-Rumayyan will be joined by David Solomon, Chairman & CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group, Thomas Gottstein, CEO of Credit Suisse Group, Ray Dalio, Co-Chairman & CIO of Bridgewater Associates, and Marco Alvarez, CEO of Snam in considering how the global investment community can leverage the economic downturn to build a stronger, more sustainable future.

H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman & CEO of Total, H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil company will discuss strategies to guide investment into the energy sector. Lord Gerry Grimstone, U.K.'s Minister of State for Trade, Eric Cantor, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Moelis & Co, H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of KSA, and H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Ministry of International Cooperation of Egypt, will consider polices to strengthen investment and trade partnerships to reflect a new set of geopolitical realities.

Others scheduled to participate include H.R.H Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Kai Fu Lee, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Sinovation Ventures, Thomas Barrack, Executive Chairman of Colony Capital, Jean Bernard Levy, CEO of EDF, Jean Todt, President of Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, Josh Giegel, Co-Founder and CTO of Hyperloop one, Anthony Scaramucci, Founder & Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital, and David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of The Carlyle Group.

The FII Institute has identified sustainable investment, global economic growth and the future of healthcare, digitization, education and culture as priority topics. Speakers will address those pressing issues, as well as the rebirth of SMEs, how investing in culture can make it an engine of growth, and efforts to rectify long-standing gender inequalities.

The Institute was founded in Riyadh to bring together global leaders, tech pioneers, experts and policy makers to enable concrete ideas that can solve today's most pressing societal issues, while creating long-term platforms to reshape the future sustainably and create a positive impact on humanity.

About the 4th Edition of FII

The main program will be livestreamed from Riyadh. Speakers will be filmed and broadcast across all satellite FII cities and on live-streaming platforms.

There will be keynote addresses, plenary sessions and also breakout discussions at all of the venues.

Follow along on our social channels with Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram and join in the conversation with FIINeoRenaissance.

About the Future Investment Initiative Institute

The Future Investment Initiative Institute is a new generation of global not-for-profit foundation that ensures the world's brightest ideas find their way to materialize, scale and create positive sustainable Impact on Humanity.

With an ambitious vision to empower the brightest minds to shape a better future for ALL and with ALL, the FII Institute brings together global leaders and experts to collectively curate and enable concrete ideas that can solve today's most pressing societal issues while creating long-term platforms to reshape the future of humanity.

To learn more about the FII Institute, visit http://fii-institute.org . Keep up with latest news by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FIIKSA).

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422931/FII_Institute.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422932/FII_Institute.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422933/FII_Institute.jpg
(Other articles in the how to read a wine label series)

How To Read A French Wine Label

Two weeks ago, I explained what each line means on wine labels for four different French wine regions.

This week, I thought I would keep the ball rolling by focusing on Italian wines.

Like France, many winemakers in Italy sure dont make it easy to understand what type of wine is in the bottle.

Often, theres nothing on the label about what types of grapes were used to make Italian wines.

Instead, like many French winemakers, Italian labels have more to do with where the wine comes from rather than information about the grapes. Then again, sometimes not.

To be honest, I am still sometimes confused by certain wine labels from Italy. That might be because there seems to be so many tiny subregions within regions in Italy.

So without further ado, I decided to decode a wine label line by line from one of the best known winemakers in one of Italys most popular wine regions - Tuscany.

The wine I chose to help readers better understand Italian wine labels is a 2001 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata Brunello Di Montalcino. (Dont worry so much about the vintage. Im simply using this older, empty bottle as an example.)

And like the French wine labels I wrote about last week, Ill start from the top and work our way down to the bottom of the bottle, line by line. Hope you enjoy.

Annata 2001 - Its easy to miss this small, second label near the top of the bottle. However, it contains some of the most important information about this particular red wine. Like many Italian winemakers, Biondi-Santi makes more than one wine. This small label is especially important since it states which wine this is from Biondi-Santi, its Annata wine. Annata simply means vintage in Italian. But in the case of Biondi-Santi, its Annata wine cost significantly less (about $400 less) than its Reserva wine, which has the word Reserva instead of Annata on the same, small label near the top of the bottle. This small label also contains the precise number for the bottle since Biondi-Santi only makes a small number of Annata and Reserva wines.

Brunello Di Montalcino - Moving down to the first line on the main label, this line explains where the wine is from as well as which grape was used to make the wine. Thats because Brunello Di Montalcino is more than just one of the most famous wine regions in Italys larger, Tuscany wine region. The word Brunello refers to the grape used to make this wine. Brunello is the word many Italians use in this part of Tuscany to describe the Sangiovese grape used to make this wine. So if you like Sangiovese wines, youll love this show stopper.

Denominazione Di Origine Controllata E Garantita - Italian for designation of origin and guaranteed, this line refers to Italys classification system for its wine. In this case, this line refers to the DOCG system. However, you might sometimes see DOC on a bottle of Italian wine instead of DOCG. Whats the difference? DOCG means the wines quality has been guaranteed (garantita) by the Italian government as being of exceptional high quality. (Id like to have that government job.)

Biondi-Santi - This line in large, bold letters refers to the name of the winery. This is definitely a welcome change compared to some French wineries, where the name of the winery sometimes reads like a footnote near the bottom of the bottle. Here, theres no mistaking that youre getting a wine from the winery that was the first one in Italy to labeled its wine Brunello di Montalcino in 1888.

Marca Propria - This line simply means own brand in Italian.

Tenuta Greppo - This line refers to the exact location of the winery. In this case, Tenuta Greppo is the name of the estate (tenuta in Italian) where the winerys main vineyards and cellar are located.

Inbottigliato all origine dal viticultore - This line in Italian means originally bottled by the winemaker. And in this particular case, this wine was originally bottled by...

Franco Biondi Santi - I love the way many French and Italian wines pay homage to winemakers of the past on their labels. This wine is no exception. Franco Biondi Santi (1922-2013) ran the winery for decades founded by his grandfather in the late 1800s. Under his tenure, Franco Biondi Santi helped maintain the traditions while also improving the quality of these magnificent red wines from Brunello di Montalcino.

Nella Cantina Della Tenuta Greppo - This line means in the cellar of the Greppo estate in Italian. That simply means the wine was created in the cellar of the Greppo estate at Biondi-Santi.

Montalcino Italia - This line refers to the exact town (Montalcino) in Italys Tuscany region where this magical winery is located.

I hope youve enjoyed this weeks journey down the wine label. Reading each line, I was immediately transported back to the day when I first tried this delicious, outstanding wine. Its not the same as a trip to this legendary winemaking village in Italy. But Ill take memory lane for now and dream perhaps of one day going to Montalcino.

Cheers !

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republicans weekend section every Thursday.

Follow Ken Ross on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.

Tamil Nadu: Mannars Corals Stand Strong in the Face of Growing Threats  With a Little Help

by Aathira Perinchery

January 19,2021 | Source: The Wire

In spite of global warming and pollution, coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar have been resilient  a sign that management interventions are helping. It was a sight of devastation that met 22-year-old Gilbert Mathews when he dove into the clear waters near southern Vaan, a coral island off the Tamil Nadu coast in the Gulf of Mannar, in 2002. Broken coral skeletons lay everywhere. And barely any fish, he recalled. That was because coral mining for limestone, for use as a construction material, was common in the Gulf then  until the government banned it in 2005. Climate change was beginning to take a toll, too: researchers had already begun seeing traces of coral bleaching.



Mathews had joined the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi to study how corals were faring under such threats. But today, you will see corals thriving in this patch, said Mathews, currently an associate professor at SDMRI. The corals now support a diversity of reef fish as well. This recovery  not just around Vaan Island but also in other patches of the Gulf  has come about despite several setbacks. The most prominent of them were destructive fishing practices, marine debris and two debilitating bleaching events in 2010 and 2016. While climate change still remains the chief worry, reefs here are showing immense resilience, researchers said. And this didnt happen on its own.



Reviving biodiversity



The impact of a changing climate on corals worldwide first came to light in the 1980s and the 1990s, when scientists discovered some reefs bleaching  turning pale as they lost the algae that gave them their distinct colours and helped them photosynthesise. This happens when the ocean warms  and warming oceans is one of global warmings major consequences. This said, bleaching alone is not a danger; algae can regrow on coral given the right conditions. The real problem is prolonged exposure to warm water, which can kill off corals entirely. Picture a field of ghostly white skeletons unable to sustain reef fish or other marine life  thats what it looks like.



Scientists have observed both bleaching and coral death in the Gulf of Mannar, which comprises a group of 21 coral islands, since 1998. The most significant bleaching events here happened in 2010 and 2016. In the latter year, scientists reported that almost 50% of corals in a few islands off Thoothukudi had bleached. Some patches across the Gulf displayed similar effects. Ailing corals support fewer species and quantities of reef fish, or drastically affect fish communities. This in turn hits coastal communities. More than one lakh fishers in coastal villages near the Gulf depend on reef-associated fishery, according to J.K. Patterson Edward, the director of SDMRI. As part of a study to improve biodiversity and enhance fish catch, Edward and his team placed artificial reefs underwater near Vaan Island in 2002. These are tent-like contraptions devised out of three cement slabs fused shoulder-to-shoulder. By 2004, plankton, barnacles and a host of other marine life had latched on to these slabs, as did four types (or genera) of corals. In 2017, the team reported 14 types of corals growing on the slabs.



In India, artificial reefs are usually deployed to enhance fish production because fish aggregate at reefs. But they can also aid resilience in coral communities, Edward said. Currently, they have deployed around a thousand artificial reefs in the Gulf and the adjacent Palk Bay, including near Mandapam town and Thoothukudi port. Since 2002, his team has also been restoring some reefs by attaching live coral fragments to concrete frames. This process, called coral transplantation, has been fairly successful: 80% of the teams transplants have survived. Other teams have been monitoring coral health and conducting coral transplantation exercises of their own. In 2018, Chennais National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), affiliated to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, conducted a coral transplantation campaign in six islands in the Gulf. As they grew, the transplanted coral secreted calcium carbonate  or lime, which helps corals adhere to a substrate. The team is considering how they might replicate their success in other Indian reefs, T. Shunmugaraj, an NCCR scientist leading the project, said.



Monitoring environmental impacts



The coral resilience prevailing in the Gulf today reflects the resilience many reefs around the world have put on display, NCCR director M.V. Ramana Murthy said. Towards supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 14  conserving underwater life  his team will study the environmental factors that support this resilience and growth, he added. And there are many such factors. Resilience can be species-specific: for example, a few coral species seem to be less affected by bleaching. Some branching corals in the Gulf didnt bleach during a warming event in 2016 while as others did. Even the weather plays a role, per Edward. In the summer of 2020, when the Gulf experienced more coral bleaching, cyclones, low pressure events and depressions pulled these temperatures down. As a result, Edward said, all the bleached corals recovered faster than they usually would.



Similarly, a lack of sea currents, which could have displaced warmer sea water and decreased the sea surface temperature, near Hare Island in 2019 could have promoted the bleaching that year, said T. Shunmugaraj. Strong wave action can also erode coral islands. This is one important reason, together with the coral mining before to the 2005 ban, that Vaan Island was eroding at an accelerating pace, scientists noted. So in a state-backed project in 2015, SDMRI introduced a different set of artificial reefs near Vaan to stem this problem. It worked. By 2017, Vaan island had grown by 2.24 hectares in low tide, as The Wire has reported. Sources at SDMRI said this figure has since increased to 3 hectares.



Competition between corals and other marine life  and how climate change changes these interactions  could be yet another factor in coral resilience. Sponges and some species of algae, for instance, can easily grow over bleached or injured corals. Scientists at SDMRI have spotted the yellow spot sponge competing with bleached corals off Thoothukudi this way. But they have also found that a native species of mollusc  the tiger cowry  feeds on this sponge. While corals may have an ally in the tiger cowry, these molluscs are threatened by human activity: the locals harvest them in huge numbers to craft shell jewellery popular among tourists. Protecting or at least regulating these harvests could boost coral resilience to some degree, researchers have said.



Protection, enforcement and awareness



Edward has been observing the Gulf for more than 30 years. And while coral restoration is a great tool, according to him, the one thing that triggered enormous recovery in the Gulf was the coral-mining ban. Thats when coral recruits increased. From 2005 to 2009, there was so much resilience until the 2010 global mass-bleaching. We lost some corals then, he said. After that also there was some resilience. After the 2016 bleaching, too, there was resilience  though not as much as before. Climate change is still very much the primary concern  but sustained law enforcement by the forest department is an important reason many existing reefs still stand, Edward added. The department intensely monitors and patrols the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Anti-poaching sea and island patrols include around a hundred local fishermen as watchers. Separate teams engage in shore patrols to ensure no illegal marine catch is landed, and a mobile forest squad helps with daily enforcement activities.



Most importantly, community engagement  like the formation of eco-development and marine conservation committees in 252 villages  and awareness programmes have been paying off. Local fishers are cooperating with the department, even informing them of any violations, according to A. Marimuthu, the parks wildlife warden. The biggest stakeholders are the local people. Unless they feel that it is an important resource [that] should be conserved for their own well-being, no conservation is possible, Marimuthu said.
John Rubeo, 45, avoided jail time on Tuesday despite pleading guilty after admitting to destroying evidence while working as an informant

A mob informant who appeared on a podcast with two other Mafia members where he boasted about destroying evidence in the prosecution of Philadelphia mob boss 'Skinny Joey' Merlino, has avoided additional jail time.

John Rubeo, 45, was blasted during a sentencing hearing on Tuesday by Manhattan federal judge Richard Sullivan  who accused the former mob associate of 'making a monkey' out of the court and the FBI, the New York Daily News reported.

'You can make a monkey out of the FBI, you can make a monkey out of the government  fine,' Sullivan said.

'But you're not going to make a monkey out of this court ... You gave a black eye to this court.'

Sullivan added that the only reason Rubeo would not be returning to court was because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the New York Daily News.

Rubeo served as a star witness during the 2016 racketeering case against Merlino  who later took a plea deal after his case was ruled a mistrial.

Rubeo was the star witness in the 2016 racketeering case against Merlino

Merlino's case was declared a mistrial and he later took a sweatheart plea deal

Rubeo said that he continued to commit crime while working as an informant in a case against Merlino

The former informant later admitted he 'mangled' the case against Merlino and 'committed robberies while I was cooperating' with the feds, during a podcast hosted by two other former mob associates.

'I almost felt like I could be a better criminal because I worked for them, because I knew they weren't watching me.

'I was committing more crimes when I was working for them than when I was on the street, and they were paying me $15,000 a month,' Rubeo said.

Rubeo was charged with communication with convicted felons without permission after appearing in the podcast with former Gambino associate John Alite and former Bonanno associate Gene Borrello.

Sullivan also ripped the FBI after it was revealed that Rubeo had discussed appearing on The Johnny and Gene Show with his former handler, the Daily News reported.

'You covered your a** a little bit, went to the FBI. But the fact is this was premeditated, Sullivan said.

'I don't think you appreciate the harm that you caused. You made the FBI look foolish. I'm not going to have you making the court look foolish.'

Rubeo also received charges of lying to his probation officer and association with convicted felons for the purpose of participating in an audio-visual podcast, records show.

The former informant pled guilty to all three violations last month and faced up to five years behind bars on Tuesday.

The former informant previously spent about five years wearing a wire and two years in jail, he said on the podcast.

'I was pretty confident I wouldn't be seeing Mr. Rubeo again,' Sullivan said.

'This is a person who was given an opportunity and squandered it. I'm really troubled by it.'
The United States has urged Australia to abandon its plan to force Google and Facebook to pay media outlets for sharing their news content, warning that such a move could violate a free trade agreement between the two countries.

In a submission to an Australian parliamentary inquiry, the US called the plan 'burdensome' and said there could be 'long-lasting negative consequences' for consumers and companies should it be passed into law.

Australia wants to force the US tech giants to pay local media organisations for hosting news content or face millions of dollars in fines, in one of the most aggressive moves globally to check their power.

The proposed new media laws would create a mandatory code of conduct for digital platforms and allow Australian media companies to negotiate to determine payment for their news content appearing on Facebook's News Feed or in Google Searches, The Guardian reported.

The United States has urged Australia to abandon its plan to force Google and Facebook to pay media outlets for sharing their news content, warning that such a move could violate a free trade agreement between the two countries [Stock image]

The tech giants have already threatened to limit the services they offer to Australians if the new rules, which include the obligation to notify media companies 14 days in advance of any changes to the algorithm that could affect their business, are brought in.

The Office of the US Trade Representative wrote to the Australian Senate inquiry into the draft legislation on Friday that the proposed laws would 'exclusively target' two American companies 'without having first established a violation of existing Australian law or a market failure'.

'The US government is concerned that an attempt, through legislation, to regulate the competitive positions of specific players in a fast-evolving digital market, to the clear detriment of two US firms, may result in harmful outcomes,' the submission said.

Australia wants to force US tech giants Google and Facebook to pay local media organisations for hosting news content or face millions of dollars in fines, in one of the most aggressive moves globally to check their power. Pictured: A Google office near the company's California headquarters [File photo]

'There may also be long-lasting negative consequences for US and Australian firms, as well as Australian consumers.'

The submission also questioned whether allowing an arbitrator to mandate payment to media organisations would comply with the Australia-United States Free Trade agreement.

It went on to say that the plan's mandatory arbitration process to determine compensation for news businesses is 'fundamentally imbalanced' in their favour, as news production costs must be considered but not the costs incurred by digital platforms.

It added that the world-first rules 'could raise concerns with respect to Australia's international trade obligations' by excluding foreign media from the compensation scheme.

The US submission urged Australia to suspend its legislative push to implement the rules this year to allow for more research and, if necessary, embrace a voluntary code of conduct instead.

Facebook and Google have already threatened to limit the services they offer to Australians if the new rules, which include the obligation to notify media companies 14 days in advance of any changes to the algorithm that could affect their business, are brought in. Pictured: Attendees walk past a Facebook logo during Facebook Inc's F8 development conference in California in 2019 [File photo]

'Australia should again consider promoting a voluntary code of conduct supported by, as appropriate, targeted regulations developed in an open and transparent process,' it said.

Canberra's initiative has been closely watched around the globe, as news media worldwide suffer in an increasingly digital economy where advertising revenue is overwhelmingly captured by big tech firms.

It has received broad support from Australian media organisations, with many also being hit hard by a drop in revenue during the coronavirus pandemic.

The US federal and state governments meanwhile have launched a series of antitrust proceedings against Google and Facebook.

The Australian Senate inquiry is due to begin public hearings on Friday.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Queen's researcher Christopher Cotton is one of the authors of "Building the Canadian Shield," an approach that says a longer lockdown will save more lives and cost less economically.

As we settle into the first week of the declared State of Emergency, many Ontarians are wondering what impact the restrictions will have on COVID-19 cases and our local, regional, and national economies.

Queen's researcher Christopher Cotton (Economics) is the senior economist on the COVID Strategic Choices Group, an interdisciplinary taskforce that includes doctors, epidemiologists, public policy and industry experts, and economists. The group has modeled the epidemiological and economic consequences of various lockdown scenarios. In their recently released strategy paper, "Building the Canadian Shield," they say their alternativea pan-Canadian, longer lockdown, followed by a gradual results-based relaxing of restrictionswill save more lives and cost less economically than the COVID-mitigation strategies most of the country has adopted.

For the economic analysis, the group adapted the STUDIO (Short-Term Under-capacity Dynamic Input-Output) model, developed by Cotton with Queen's economics faculty in partnership with Limestone Analytics, a Kingston-based research and analytics firm, to map economic losses from COVID-19.

The Canadian Shield approach caught the attention of decision makers and media across Canada when it was released last week. The Gazette caught up with Dr. Cotton, the Jarislowsky-Deutsch Chair in Economic and Financial Policy, to understand more about the modeling and the recommendations.

You have been mapping COVID economic losses and economic recovery efforts since the spring. How did the combination of the economic modeling with epidemiological predictions cause you to look differently at the types of lockdowns?

Christopher Cotton: The STUDIO model was originally developed to help quantify the economic costs of alternative lockdown and reopening scenarios, in terms of jobs and GDP loss, at the national, provincial, and local levels. Lockdown policies are very costly for the economy and our analysis helped local policymakers understand how their communities were affected, and weigh the tradeoffs between health and economic projections. Since the beginning of the lockdowns last year, the tension between health and the economy has been front and center in the policy discussion and our model added some hard evidence to this discussion.

At the end of 2020, our team started working with epidemiologists who were providing longer-term projections of how the different lockdown strategies are likely to affect future waves of COVID-19 and lockdown policies that are likely to occur between now and when the vaccine is widely disseminated. We compared economic outcomes under several alternative mitigation and recovery scenarios, matching them to the long-term epidemiological and policy projections being considered by Global Canada's COVID Strategic Choices initiative.

Was there anything surprising from the results of your modeling for the COVID Strategic Choices Group?

Christopher Cotton: Since the beginning of COVID, our team has been providing local economic estimates of the job and GDP loss associated with stricter lockdown policies. In many ways, our model provides policymakers evidence about the benefits of relaxing lockdown restrictions more quickly, at least in locations or sectors where it can be done safely.

When we started looking beyond the short-term relaxations of lockdown restrictions to also consider how today's policies affected the probability of additional waves of lockdown later in the year, the results were remarkable. It showed us just how important it is to consider the tradeoffs between economics and health over the longer term, and not just during the current wave of the disease.

Our model allowed us to ask whether the economy is better off under an on-again, off-again cycle of less-strict lockdowns, or a stricter lockdown in the beginning of 2021, which allowed for a more-full recovery more quickly. The analysis is clear: The on-again, off-again lockdown cycle is worse for the economy than a stricter up-front lockdown that avoids future waves later in the spring.

The argument for the mitigation approach (on and off-again lockdowns) has generally been that, following a lockdown, restrictions must be quickly eased to kick-start economies. Can you tell us why this is not the case?

Christopher Cotton: A quicker reopening might be good for the economy in the short run, but it makes it more likely that we will need another wave of lockdowns later in the year, perhaps multiple waves, before vaccines are available widely enough to allow for full reopening. The epidemiological projections are showing that if we rush into reopening too soon, or we don't take the current lockdown measures seriously enough, then we will have to go through additional waves of lockdowns before the vaccine is distributed widely enough to prevent shutdown. If we prioritize reopening as quickly as possible or don't take the current measures seriously, we will enter a cycle of on-again, off-again restrictions for the next eight months.

Our economic model allows us to compare the overall costs to the Canadian economy of such an on-again, off-again cycle of lockdown restrictions, with the overall economic costs associated with a stricter, longer lockdown in the beginning, which lets us avoid additional waves of lockdowns later in the spring. We see that a stricter lockdown in the beginning is less costly in terms of lost jobs and GDP if it means no additional waves of lockdowns later.

This is because the economic downturn associated with a lockdown doesn't disappear as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted. Rather, it takes several months for the economy to recover after a lockdown, even a relatively short one. So, the on-again, off-again lockdown cycle is particularly costly for the economy because we start to recover, and then, even before we are fully recovered, we end up having to lockdown again and start the long recovery process over.

The "Building the Canadian Shield" strategy calls for a pan-Canadian approach to a longer, stricter lockdown. How is this defined?

Christopher Cotton: The paper outlines three major stepsthe Canadian Shield approachthat the epidemiological research indicates could be taken to get COVID-19 cases under control as quickly as possible and avoid additional waves of the lockdown:

Sustain an effective lockdown until COVID-19 cases are low enough that testing, tracing and isolation can work effectively; Relax restrictions only to the extent that new COVID-19 cases continue a steady decline of 17 percent to 25 percent per week; and Proactively assist the individuals, businesses and communities most affected by these policies.

It is important to note, however, that although the Canadian Shield approach involves strict lockdown measures today, it also recognizes that such restrictions are very costly and emphasizes the need to relax them in places where this can be done without seeing another uptick in transmission rates. The recommendations are mainly about avoiding a third wave later in the spring; which means a more cautious reopening strategy over the coming weeks and months.

What has the response been to the strategy? Has it caught the attention of decision-makers?

Christopher Cotton: Over the past several weeks, our research team's economic analysis and the Canadian Shield proposal more broadly have been central in discussions of COVID-19 strategy at both a federal and provincial level. Not only has our analysis received a lot of media attention, but we have also engaged in discussions with or provided additional projections and analysis for policymakers. Newly announced measures in Ontario and Quebec are broadly consistent with the Canadian Shield strategy.

Our analysis is showing how the economic and health recommendations are not really at odds. Elimination of the disease and returning to normal sooner than later is better for both public health and the economy, even if the short run economic costs are high.
Only a few hours remain before the swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, whose presidency, after the contested elections by Donald Trump and the dramatic assault on Capitol Hill, has the task of mending the rifts in the social fabric of America.

By Alessandro Gisotti



The United States is still shaken by what happened on 6 January during the assault on Capitol Hill, which resulted in the death of 5 people. It was an unprecedented event that dramatically manifested the divisions present in the American society, and which go beyond the political dimension. This polarisation has deepened in recent years, and many observers say it is not likely to disappear in the short term.

It is, therefore, no coincidence that the theme chosen by the new president, Joe Biden, for his swearing-in ceremony is "America United". This need for national unity is widely felt across the board by Americans, many of whom are aware that only united will it be possible to face the pandemic and the serious economic crises which have ensued.

Pope Francis has always stressed the value of American unity inscribed on the nation's coat of arms: E Pluribus Unum. On his Apostolic Journey to the US in 2015, he was the first Pope to address a joint session of Congress. On that occasion, he delivered a speech which - through figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Martin Luther King Jr - underscored what makes American democracy unique. From that speech five years ago to his words at the Angelus on 10 January about what happened on Capitol Hill four days earlier, Pope Francis has always encouraged people to reject disruptive tendencies, and to work with patience and courage for reconciliation and unity.

Significantly, in a message sent yesterday - Martin Luther King Day - he urged Americans to return to the African-American leader's dream. The United States needs to realize that unfulfilled dream of "harmony and equality." A dream that always remains relevant and indeed becomes even more urgent in a country where, despite the great economic opportunities, there remain injustices and social conflicts that have also now been exacerbated by the pandemic. This is, therefore, the time to let us prevail over me, to heal wounds and find a renewed unity based on those principles that have always sustained American democracy and made of it a protagonist on the international scene.

It is precisely the question of national reconciliation which will be the most arduous challenge, especially in the first phase of the Biden presidency. Some have observed that, starting with Vice-President Kamala Harris, never have the components of an administration been so multiracial. Besides the internal theme of healing the American society, there is also the external front, on which the international spotlight is focused. After years often marked by unilateral decisions or bilateral agreements, there are, in fact, great expectations for a return to multilateralism in foreign policy and a recovery of the relationship of trust with international organizations, starting with the UN. Some steps in this direction have already been announced in recent weeks, such as the return of the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement. This move converges with Pope Francis commitment in favor of the custody of our Common Home expressed in Laudato si'.

As Joe Biden prepares to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, what has happened on Capitol Hill in recent days reminds us that democracy and its institutions are precious and should not be taken for granted simply because they have existed for so long.

This awareness must not just remain an utterance but - quoting Fratelli tutti, - requires a concrete effort at all levels. It requires a commitment not only from political leaders, but from all the people, and their movements, to promote the common good and strengthen democracy. This is even more true today, in a historical period in which, despite centrifugal forces and nationalistic interests, the pandemic has dramatically shown that "no one is saved alone".
Group of hyenas during a border conflict Credit: Oliver Honer/Leibniz-IZW

Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) have found that interacting with other males is more "stressful" for low-ranking than for high-ranking male spotted hyenas. This restricts the time and energy low-ranking males can invest in courting the most desirable females and is therefore a key factor for their lower reproductive success than their high-ranking rivals. This mechanism seems to be more important in determining the number and quality of offspring than physical traits such as attractiveness and fighting ability. These insights were possible owing to a combination of extensive field and lab workover 20 years of searching and identifying thousands of hyenas in the Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, monitoring their behavior and life histories, and measuring the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites in more than 400 feces. The findings are published in the scientific journal Functional Ecology.

In most animal societies, resources are not shared equally among members of a group. Those at the top of the social hierarchy usually have preferential access to food, to resting locations and to the most desirable mating partners. Since evolutionary processes favor those who reproduce most, many animals invest considerable effort in reaching and maintaining a high rank, and intrasexual competition for access to mates is often intense. "We wanted to assess how males of different rank respond to competition, behaviourally and hormonally, and how exactly social rank influences reproductive success in group-living mammals," says Dr. Oliver Honer, head of the Leibniz-IZW Ngorongoro Hyena Project. "One prominent hypothesis states that high-ranking males are more successful because they are stronger and/or more attractive thanks to their preferred access to resources. But empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis is limited." Another hypothesis emphasizes the social dimension of dominance relationships and posits that the rank-related differences in the physiological costs ("stress") of male-male competition shape the behavior and, ultimately, the reproductive success of males. "This has not been tested in systems in which the two hypotheses can be disentangled," Honer explains the aim of his team's investigation.

The scientists studied the interplay between male social rank, physiological costs and male investment in social and sexual activities. They used measurements of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (fGMC) as biomarkers of "stress" and long-term behavioral data of 319 male hyenas. "When males courted females and interacted with male competitors, low-ranking males had higher fGMC than high-ranking males," lead author Eve Davidian says. "In contrast, fGMC did not vary with social rank when males were alone or when they courted females and rivals were absent." Low-ranking males tended to shy away from stressful competition; they spent more time alone and less time engaging in social and sexual activities than did high-ranking males. They also invested less than high-ranking males in courting the most desirable females. And males who invested little in courting females were rarely picked as sires.

But why are low-ranking males more stressed by interactions with rivals? Eve Davidian assumes that the reason is related to the fact that these males are newcomers in the group. "These males lack friends they can rely on and hang out with and they also have no scapegoats they can redirect aggression onto, a behavior that spotted hyenas often show and that is likely to help them release frustration and cope with stress."

This scientific investigation demonstrates that intrasexual competition can elicit rank-related differences in "stress," behavior and reproductive success even in a species such as the spotted hyena in which dominance relationships are established based on nonviolent social conventions. In species in which males fight for dominance, the costs of competition may be even more prohibitive for low-ranking males. This may explain why in many of these species, low-ranking males do not court females or adopt 'sneaky' tactics that minimize competition with rivals, such as approaching females when the high ranking males are busy elsewhere.

More information: Eve Davidian et al, The interplay between social rank, physiological constraints and investment in courtship in male spotted hyenas, Functional Ecology (2020). Journal information: Functional Ecology Eve Davidian et al, The interplay between social rank, physiological constraints and investment in courtship in male spotted hyenas,(2020). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13733

Provided by Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
Iranian Scholar Charged With Acting as Unregistered Agent of Tehran: DOJ

An Iranian political scientist has been charged for secretly influencing U.S. policy and public opinion on behalf of the Iranian regime, the Justice Department said.

The department said in a press release that Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi was arrested on Monday at his Massachusetts home for violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals working to advance the interest of a foreign entity to register with the Justice Department and regularly file detailed public reports about their activities.

According to a criminal complaint filed in a federal court in New York, Afrasiabi is an Iranian citizen and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. A former political science professor at Tehran University, Afrasiabi is the author of many books and essays on U.S.-Iran relations. His writings have been published in prominent newspapers and academic journals including The New York Times, the Harvard International Review, and the Journal of International Affairs.

The complaint alleged that Afrasiabi, since at least 2007, has also been secretly employed by the Iranian government and paid by Iranian delegations to the United Nations (UN) in New York City. Afrasiabi has allegedly received approximately $265,000 in checks from Iranian UN diplomatic bank accounts during the period.

Throughout his activity as an Iranian agent, Afrasiabi has allegedly lobbied a U.S. Congressman and the U.S. Department of State to advocate for policies favorable to Iran. It is not immediately clear which Congressman he has allegedly had contact with. He has also allegedly counseled Iranian diplomats concerning U.S. foreign policy, the statement said, noting that Afrasiabi has never registered as a foreign agent to fulfill the FARA requirements.

In January 2020, following the deadly drone strike of Irans top military leader Qasem Soleimani, Afrasiabi allegedly advised Iranian diplomats to the UN, proposing that Tehran end all inspections and end all information on Irans nuclear activities pending a [United Nations Security Council] condemnation of [the United States] illegal crime. He allegedly wrote in the email that such a move would strike fear in the heart of [the] enemy.

Anyone working to advance the agenda of a foreign government within the United States is required by law to register as an agent of that country, stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney. Mr. Afrasiabi never disclosed to a Congressman, journalists or others who hold roles of influence in our country that he was being paid by the Iranian government to paint an untruthfully positive picture of the nation.

Our laws are designed to create transparency in foreign relations, and they are not arbitrary or malleable, Sweeney said.
AM Best kept its stable market segment outlook on the U.S. personal lines insurance segment for 2021, citing the segments strong risk-adjusted capitalization and profitable underwriting performance in private passenger automobile, as well as underwriting actions benefiting the homeowners segment.

In its recent Bests Market Segment Report, Market Segment Outlook: U.S. Personal Lines, AM Best notes that despite rising reinsurance pricing, catastrophe losses and the economic impact from COVID-19, surplus levels continue to support the underlying risks for most personal lines carriers. Despite the significant volatility in the equity markets in recent years, with the widest negative swing occurring at the peak of the pandemic, most companies in this segment have maintained favorable risk-adjusted capitalization.

AM Best said it expects the private passenger automobile industry to sustain its profitable performance into 2021, owing to ongoing remote work and a reduced number of miles driven.

The rating agencys analysts also believe that the segments performance will be supported by the enhanced use of technology and data analytics to strengthen underwriting, claims handling and rate-making, as well as innovation in all operational phases and in risk management.

U.S. catastrophe activity reached a new record in 2020, with Hurricane Zeta representing the 11th named storm to make landfall; an uptick in wildfires, with latest insured loss estimates for the western U.S. nearing $10 billion; the Iowa Derecho, with an estimated $5 billion in insured property losses; and other sizable wind and hail events. The 2020 wildfires may be at least as costly as the 2017 wildfires in terms of insured losses, given the record number of fires and acreage burntincluding coastal areas that do not usually burn.

Although AM Best expects the impact of COVID-19 to be manageable on personal lines insurers, numerous carriers in the segment still will be affected and longer-term macroeconomic influences are still uncertain. AM Best said personal automobile writers will need to be mindful of regulatory actions resulting from the pandemic that could affect renewals and cancellations, or potentially force coverage.

But insurers focus on data analytics, pricing segmentation and exposure management, along with the ongoing leveraging of technology and innovation have positioned this segment to withstand these market challenges, in the rating agencys view.

Moodys Outlook

Moodys Investors Service also offered a personal lines market outlook for 2021 of stable, reflecting auto carriers robust underwriting results amid lower claim frequencies, and homeowner carriers prudent response to natural catastrophes.

Moodys Investors Service said in its recent annual outlook that the recovering economy also supports the sectors stable outlook, since property/casualty premiums grow at about the same pace as GDP over time.

The coronavirus pandemic has had differing effects on personal auto and homeowners business during 2020, Moodys Vice President Paulette Truman said. Pandemic-related business lock-downs and shelter-in-place mandates caused a sharp decline in vehicle miles traveled during the spring of 2020, leading to a decline in auto accident frequencies. Meanwhile, homeowners insurers have incurred above-average losses this year from natural catastrophes.

Auto insurers have responded to the decrease in driving by returning portions of their premiums to policyholders. Some carriers have recorded these actions as premium reductions, some as underwriting expenses, and others as policyholder dividends. The insurers favorable loss experience will likely continue into 2021, even as the economy recovers, leading to heightened price competition among auto carriers.

Homeowners premiums will grow by mid-single digits through 2020-21 based on growth in policies in force and rising rates, said Moodys. Homeowners insurers have incurred above-average losses this year from hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, a derecho storm and wildfires. Some carriers have reported an offsetting decline in non-catastrophe losses as the coronavirus has kept people home, able to detect and remedy routine problems.

Topics Trends Market AM Best
MadridWorkers and employers will be able to benefit from the furlough scheme until 31 May. Finally, employers' association CEOE has given the green light to the proposal of the Ministry of Labour to extend the furlough scheme (which expired on 31 January) until this date. As for the unions, they agree with the general lines of the agreement but maintain that there are some details that they "want to solve this Wednesday," said the general secretary of union CCOO, Unai Sordo, at a press conference.
In the aftermath of the horrifying Jan. 6 rampage, the Transportation Security Administration said it was processing hundreds of names with law enforcement agencies for a thorough risk assessment with an eye toward putting some of them on the federal no-fly list. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer thinks anyone who was inside the Capitol building should be kept off airliners. We cannot allow these same insurrectionists to get on a plane and cause more violence and more damage, he said.
[January 19, 2021] Sensory's VoiceHub Lets Anyone Add a Natural Language UI to Anything

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensory announces the official release of VoiceHub; the fast, free and flexible online portal for creating and designing voice user interfaces that deliver unrivaled accuracy. With the official release of VoiceHub and the companion apps for Android and iOS, the company has integrated support for TrulyNatural, its award-winning large vocabulary speech recognition solution that runs on device with customizable natural language understanding (NLU) capabilities. Voice user interface (VUI) designers can leverage this new capability to produce natural language-enabled products capable of supporting dozens of languages and dialects  ideal for creating products targeting a global market. "Providing free access to flexible tools like VoiceHub elps to accelerate the next wave of branded voice experiences and domain-specific, customized voice assistants," said Todd Mozer, CEO at Sensory. "Since releasing the VoiceHub beta in October, VUI designers around the world have used it to create hundreds of voice AI models for dozens of automotive, wearable, smart speaker and smart home products. Our new large vocabulary and NLU capabilities will unlock enhanced VUI functionality with intents and entities. This empowers designers to develop more complex and truly conversational voice interfaces with the capability of handling millions of unique phrases."



Sensory has been providing early access to select partners and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. "ST customers truly appreciate the working relationship we have with Sensory, whose technology always delivers on its accuracy and performance promises," said Daniel Colonna, Microcontrollers Marketing Director at STMicroelectronics. "By adding VoiceHub to the menu of Sensory technologies accessible to our STM32 Discovery Board customers, developers are able to design working prototypes of natural language-capable products in a manner of minutes, not days, dramatically reducing their time to market." On January 27th, Sensory is partnering with STMicroelectronics, to jointly host a VoiceHub webinar focused on creating large vocabulary, NLU models for the STM32 Discovery kit. Attendees will learn how to create custom wake words, domain-specific language models, and integrate with the ST development platforms. Sensory and ST are working together on rapid domain-specific voice UI prototyping and development, where designers can have a test file ready within an hour of building their model. Webinar registration is open at https://www.sensory.com.

For wake word phrase spotted commands VoiceHub supports dozens of platforms from companies such as ST, DSPG and Ambiq. However, ST is the first partner platform demonstrating VoiceHub download for NLU and large vocabulary applications. About Sensory Sensory Inc. creates a safer and superior UX through vision and voice technologies. Sensory's technologies are widely deployed in consumer electronics applications including mobile phones, automotive, wearables, toys, IoT and various home electronics. Sensory's product line includes TrulyHandsfree voice control, TrulySecure biometric authentication, and TrulyNatural large vocabulary natural language embedded speech recognition. Sensory's technologies have shipped in over a billion units of leading consumer products. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sensorys-voicehub-lets-anyone-add-a-natural-language-ui-to-anything-301210551.html SOURCE Sensory

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS.

We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.

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.

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

FARMINGTON  A former Farmington school resource officer who pleaded guilty in November to child abuse and battery charges in regard to a 2019 altercation with an 11-year-old female student will serve no jail time. That decision drew a sharp rebuke from the states top law enforcement official but was praised by the officers attorney.

Judge Curtis Gurley sentenced Zachary Christensen on Jan. 14 to three years of conditional discharge suspension, which the judge said carries the standard conditions of probation. An agreement was entered Nov. 4 in which Christensen pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of child abuse and a misdemeanor count of battery. Christensen had two petty misdemeanor counts of battery dismissed as part of the agreement.

New Mexico Attorney Genera Hector Balderas, whose office prosecuted the case, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence. Prosecutors had sought the maximum three-year sentence for Christensen.

We were able to secure a conviction in this case, yet the sentence is highly disappointing, he said in a statement issued through his office.

The Attorney Generals Office prosecuted the case after the San Juan County District Attorneys Office decided not to file charges against Christensen.

Julita Ann Leavell, the attorney representing Christensen, had a very different perspective on the judges decision, singling out Balderas office for criticism.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

First, great thank you to Judge Gurley for his fairness and justice, she said in a statement issued to The Daily Times. Second, I do feel this was a just result after a long, drawn out matter that was made infinitely worse by the overly zealous prosecution by the Attorney Generals Office after the case had been declined by the State Police and the District Attorneys Office. The media smear campaign created and embellishments offered by the AGs office to pursue this matter through the court system was ethically questionable and lacked all decency.

Christensen resigned from the Farmington Police Department on Oct. 1, 2019.

(Natural News) First it was social media and big tech censoring conservatives, while claiming they werent, until proven that they not only were, but they felt so empowered due to their monopolies that they could, and did, deplatform the President of the United States of America.

(Article by Susan Duclos republished from AllNewsPipeline.com)

Tens of thousands of conservatives were then terminated or suspended from their platforms, all for questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election after documented voting irregularities were established in multiple states.

These latest actions followed years of censoring and demonizing conservatives online, from Twitter to Facebook to YouTube and even Google searches.

As trust in the media continues to dwindle, we now see CNN journalists demanding that the largest of cable companies deny contracts to conservatives news outlets, like NewsMax TV and One American News (OAN).

We are going to have to figure out the OAN and Newsmax problem. These companies have freedom of speech, but Im not sure we need Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and such bringing them into tens of millions of homes, @alexstamos tells @brianstelter.

So, Oliver Darcy,was quoting a guest on Brian Stelters show, then Darcy continues to explain why CNN is pushing to have cable companies censor conservatives news, which would force all Americans to rely on leftist outlets like CNN.

Just a reminder that neither @Verizon, @ATT, nor @comcast have answered any questions about why they beam channels like OAN & Newsmax into millions of homes. Do they have any second thoughts about distributing these channels given their election denialism content? They wont say.

CNN, the same news outlet that pushed the Russia collusion hoax for four years, the same outlet that was forced to delete, edit, correct, completely change, and retract multiple different articles, one causing the resignation of three of their reporters.

Election denialism..hmmmmmm. Like questioning why GOP observers were disallowed from observing, despite judges ruling them must allow them. Like suitcases of ballots brought in under the cover of night. Like questioning the changing of votes, caught on camera no less.

So, basically questioning anything the MSM doesnt wants us to question, is a reason to prevent millions of people that make the choice to watch NewsMax and OAN, from doing so.

Sounds a little like they are scared of something, yes?

Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com and Censorship.news
Madrid (Spain) Jan 19, 2021 (SPS) - The Representative of the Frente POLISARIO in Spain, Mr. Abdulah Arabi, said that the Moroccan occupation government is putting enormous pressure on the Madrid government to act as the administration did of the outgoing president of the United States, Donald Trump, and to recognize the alleged sovereignty of Morocco over Western Sahara .

Speaking to APS, the Sahrawi diplomat said that Spain's relations with the Moroccan occupation regime are going through difficult times due to the expansionist pretensions of that regime at the expense of the Saharawi people and their attempts to pressure strongly to Madrid to change its power towards the Saharawi question.

Mr. Arabi stated that one cannot speak of bilateral relations between these two countries without mentioning the conflict in Western Sahara, since we cannot forget that Spain was the colonizing power and has a political and legal responsibility in relation to the decolonization of the Western Sahara and the right of its people to self-determination. SPS

125/090/TRA
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th January, 2021) Nicaragua has started discussing technical aspects of supplying the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to the country, Russian Trade Representative in Nicaragua Petr Pankratov told Sputnik.

"At the moment, the Nicaraguan authorities are holding talks with the Russian side on purchasing the Sputnik V vaccine. The necessary Primary bilateral documents have already been signed, this stage has been passed, and other issues are being discussed now," Pankratov said.

According to the trade representative, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is examining ways of possible cooperation with Nicaragua and the Russian embassy is actively promoting information exchanges on the matter.

Pankratov told Sputnik that the Nicaraguan government is mulling a large-scale vaccination campaign, but he did not specify the exact volume of planned Sputnik V vaccine supplies.

Nicaragua's Vice President Rosario Murillo said last week that the country had received funds necessary to purchase 7.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which would be enough to immunize 3,727,000 citizens, or 55% of Nicaragua's population.

According to the vice president, Nicaragua was planning to acquire 7.4 million doses of four different COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik V, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech) worth up to $90 million.
TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Mertens, automotive industry veteran and investor, has participated in a pre-seed investment of the Israeli start-up V-HOLA Labs (VHOLA) and joined its board. The start-up develops solutions for measuring, monitoring and reducing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in fully or hybrid electric vehicles. EMR is becoming a growing health concern as the automotive industry speeds towards electrification. VHOLA's technology brings two types of solutions. One is an aftermarket vehicles' radiation detector which will measure and record the cabin's electromagnetic field levels, helping Fleet managers to analyze their vehicles behavior over time, targeting B2B such as school buses fleet at first. The second is an integrated solution implemented at vehicle's design, helping OEMs in preventing harmful radiation peaks by regulating the energy flow and EMR throughout the vehicle's lifetime. The core technology is patent pending.

"Many smart high-tech solutions like VHOLA's are coming from Israel," explained Peter Mertens. "In the field of electromobility, VHOLA is an important and promising solution for controlling electromagnetic radiation. I am an absolute proponent of electromobility, and precisely for this reason we should take an unbiased look at risks from electromagnetic radiation and limit those risks as far as possible".

"We are very pleased with the commitment made by Peter Mertens, as he is the most relevant authority at OEMs' R&D departments, along with his industrial and educational background", said Asaf Tsin, Founder and CEO of VHOLA. "Our measurements already present alarming results in electric vehicles, meaning, there is an acute need for our solution. We have already extensively tested our aftermarket solution in field trials in Israel covering more than 30 vehicles, including E-Bus, Electric and Hybrid cars."

Note: In Europe, the protection standards for non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMF) follow the recommendations of the ICNIRP (https://www.icnirp.org/) based in Munich. More about "Passenger Exposure to Magnetic Fields in Electric Vehicles" see here.

About Peter Mertens

Following senior executive positions at Mercedes, GM and JLR/Tata, Dr. Ing. Peter Mertens was an executive board member at Volvo Cars (2011 to 2017) and most recently (2018) at Audi AG when he retired for health reasons. Since end of 2019 Mertens is back and he is involved in supervisory boards of high-tech companies, which all have one thing in common: it's about the car of the future.

Press contact:

Karl H. Mayer

Karl.mayer@essentialmedia.de

phone +49-172-84158419


WCG CenterWatch

Data Integrity for GCP Professionals:

Core Requirements, Expectations and Challenges

A Virtual Workshop Presented by CenterWatch and Cerulean Associates LLC

Tuesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 25, 2021, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT

https://www.centerwatch.com/dataintegrityforgcppros

Is the FDAs increasing scrutiny on clinical trials data integrity producing a data migraine? One must establish internal competency and assessment programs; otherwise, one can expect 483s and warning letters to come rolling in.

With FDA data integrity requirements among the most stringent within regulated industries, compliance is highly challenging. This interactive virtual workshop makes it infinitely easier.

Data Integrity for GCP Professionals: Core Requirements, Expectations and Challenges will give attendees the tools needed to ensure a clinical trials electronic records are trustworthy and reliable across their entire data lifecycle, from initial data creation through long-term archives.

It will be led by award-winning FDA compliance expert, author and Cerulean Associates founder, John Avellanet. He can explain complex FDA data integrity regulations in simple what to do, how to do it language using real-world examples and offering practical advice attendees can follow. A former FDA and Department of Justice prosecutor calls Mr. Avellanet, The best in the business. Period. Confirm this for yourself when he shares:



How to apply the elements of data integrity characteristics  attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original and accurate (ALCOA+)  to real-world clinical development, trial conduct and post-trial analysis

An exploration of overlooked guidance documents that can help define expectations (including what the FDA and the European Medicines Agency inspect for and why)

How to deal with suppliers, including data integrity chain-of-custody in the clinical space, typical clinical supplier red flags that FDA and other regulatory health agencies look for and dealing with critical suppliers that collect, handle and store clinical digital data but are not regulated

What, where, how and why to document data integrity controls and institute a risk-based approach, including monitoring data integrity controls with contract research organizations (CROs) and investigator sites

Considerations regarding emerging issues: long-term archival storage, cloud-based technologies, wearables data and patient-submitted digital data; plus, the impact of inspectional changes in the clinical arena

What one must know about GCP data integrity enforcement, using real-world examples and statistics from regulatory agencies and providing recent updates to FDAs pre-approval inspection (PAI) methods

Takeaways regarding both on-site and remote clinical digital data inspections, with questions and tactics one must be prepared to handle

The risks of true and certified copies with digital records, from the basics of true/certified copy and legal admissibility, to true-copy requirements from submission guidances and putting together a true-copy scanning process for clinical trial usage

How to prepare for and handle GCP data integrity: address challenges with remote inspection handling, perform sponsor-specific and CRO-specific activities, points to remember when responding to allegations of untrustworthy data and more

No more data migraines. Avoid the data integrity Form 483s or warning letters while compliantly managing a clinical trials essential data.

Multi-attendee discounts available!

Significant tuition discounts are available for teams of two or more from the same company.

Virtual Conference Details:

Data Integrity for GCP Professionals:

Core Requirements, Expectations and Challenges

A Virtual Workshop Presented by CenterWatch and Cerulean Associates LLC

Tuesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 25, 2021, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT

https://www.centerwatch.com/dataintegrityforgcppros

Tuition:

$597

Easy Ways to Register:

Online: https://www.centerwatch.com/dataintegrityforgcppros

By phone: 888.838.5578 or 703.538.7600

About CenterWatch:

Founded in 1994, CenterWatch is a trusted source and global destination for clinical trials information for both professionals and patients. CenterWatch provides proprietary data and information analysis on clinical trials through a variety of newsletters, books, databases, and information services used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, CROs, SMOs, and investigative sites involved in the management and conduct of clinical trials. As a pioneer in publishing clinical trials information, CenterWatch was the first Internet site to publish detailed information about active clinical trials that could be accessed by patients and their advocates.
Photo: Cindy Goodman, North Shore News

A former North Vancouver firefighter has been handed a six-month conditional sentence after pleading guilty to communicating to obtain sexual services following a Vancouver Police Department sting two years ago.

Brett Mitchell Maurer, 40, a former North Vancouver resident, was one of 47 men rounded up in a Vancouver Police Department sting in November 2018 targeting men who were seeking sex with underage girls.

Maurer was sentenced in Vancouver provincial court in December

In November 2018, the VPD's Counter Exploitation Unit and the RCMP's Counter Exploitation team placed online ads for escort services. When johns expressed interest via text, an undercover cop responded, specifically leading the men to believe they were talking to a girl between the ages of 15 and 17. While most men turned the offer down, others proceeded to arrange a meet up at an undisclosed Vancouver hotel, police said at the time.

Crown counsel Jason Krupa told the court the Vancouver Police Department set up the sting after becoming aware that there was a significant amount of sex trafficking in underage boys and girls.

Previously, this was done at street level before the age of the Internet, and it was much more easy to investigate and intercede, said Krupa. The age of the Internet got everything online and made investigation much more difficult.

Krupa said the RCMP estimates 40 per cent of human trafficking victims are under 18.

If someone is going to engage a sex service provider on the Internet, there's a significant risk that persons under the age of 18, no matter what the Internet says, he said.

In Maurers case, he texted a person he believed to be a sex worker and had an initial discussion of services and charges, said Krupa.

But Maurer was actually communicating with a police officer pretending to be a sex worker.

The officer says, You cool if Im younger? said Krupa. The answer is yes.

Mr. Maurer asked How old are you? The response: 17. Mr. Maurer responds to that, Thats okay.

When Maurer showed up at the appointed meeting place, he was met with six police officers in tactical uniform, said Krupa. He cooperated with police and was taken into custody.

Maurers defence lawyer Sarah Leamon said Maurer formerly worked as a firefighter in North Vancouver. He immensely enjoyed working as a firefighter. He tells me that he served his community and attended over 2,500 emergency calls during a 15 year career, which was abruptly halted as a result of this incident, she said.

The defence lawyer said media attention on his arrest in the sting resulted in him being fired and having his first responder medical license suspended immediately. So Maurer's career as a firefighter is over.

Leamon said since the arrest, Maurer has supported himself with a side business in concrete contracting.

Maurer has no criminal history, his lawyer noted, adding the arrest and loss of his career has had a very deep impact on him.

Maurer now attends AA meetings and combines that with Buddhist practices, said the lawyer.

He tells me that he deeply regrets this offence. He deeply regrets the fact he has been brought before the court today, and it has had a very significant impact on his life.

Maurer was sentenced to serve the first three months of his conditional sentence under house arrest except for work, and medical appointments, with time for physical exercise and errands.

For the last three months of the conditional sentence order, he will have a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., seven days a week, with exceptions for work or where authorized by his bail supervisor.
Stephanie Seymour, a former supermodel, was arrested by Greenwich police on Monday morning for leaving the scene of an accident  the second accident of the day for Seymour, who was previously charged Jan. 15 with driving while intoxicated.

Police said Monday that Seymour smashed into a utility pole on Stanwich Road on Jan. 15, breaking it in half, then drove off in a 2015 Range Rover. An hour or two later, according to authorities, she backed into another vehicle off exit 5 near I-95 at 9:15 p.m., which led to a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Seymour, of North Street, Greenwich, came to town police headquarters and turned herself in on a warrant for her arrest on a misdemeanor charge of evading responsibility  for driving off after hitting the utility pole. The investigating officer matched debris from the site on Stanwich Road to Seymours vehicle, police said Monday.

She was also issued a traffic ticket for failing to drive in lane.

When Seymour was arrested by State Police for the DWI incident off I-95, police said, it was apparent that the car had suffered extensive front-end damage.

But where and how? Greenwich police came up with the answer.

Police Lt. Kraig Gray said Greenwich police received a report of broken telephone pole from a local resident, leading to the arrest Monday.

The investigating officer put all the facts and circumstances together, including physical evidence at the scene, said Gray.

An examination of the damage to the Stanwich Road utility pole also matched up with the damage on the car, and an arrest warrant was issued.

Seymour was released on $500 bail.

State Police made the original arrest on Jan. 15 when she allegedly backed into a Mercedes-Benz driven by a New Haven woman, causing minor damage.

Seymour has been linked to illicit activities before, and the courthouse in Stamford has been visited by her regularly. In 2010, during a contentious divorce case with husband Peter Brant, a polo-playing art collector, reports came out that she was abusing drugs and alcohol. The two are still married.

The former model appeared in advertisements for Victorias Secret and a music video for Guns N Roses.

Robert.Marchant@scni.com
Acts of violence against a marriage partner have never saved a marriage. Violent acts toward family members have never made a family happier. Typically, they create emotional and sometimes physical wounds that are never forgotten. Too many families have suffered because someone in the family became violent.

Violence in our communities and towns always results in pain, division and sometimes even loss of life. Violence typically brings the wrong people together to do bad things. No community, city or state needs this.

In times of war or enemy aggression against our United States, violence has been necessary. Acts of war have never been pleasant. They result in the loss of life and horrific debilitation of so many people physically and mentally. Most Americans do not want to be at war with anyone.

In years past, we have had to protect our country against those who sought to harm us. The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms and protect themselves. We are grateful for our military, but we pray for peace. None of us wants our family members actively involved in combat if it can be avoided.

Violence like we saw at the Capitol was criminal. It helped no one. It solved nothing. Everyone who traveled to hear President Trump speak should have bought a nice dinner in D.C. and then traveled back to their families. Unlawfully entering the Capitol was wrong and was carried out in a violent criminal way. People were killed. Offices were torn apart and doors broken down. Staffers were terrified for their lives. This should never have happened. Many of these criminals will eventually be arrested and spend time in jail.

This act of criminal stupidity did nothing to advance or help President Trump. If they had stopped in front of the Capitol and given speeches, yelled, screamed, waved their signs throughout the day and then gone home, the results would have been better. Terrorism never produces positive results. Destruction of the property of others and the terrorism of people are savage and criminal.

This same kind of unnecessary violence was seen in many of our cities last summer. I traveled to Cleveland after a march had taken place and saw the results of acts of violence. I saw almost all of downtown Cleveland boarded up. Businesses were closed. Hotels were closed. Few restaurants were open. For weeks, my family was afraid to stop in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, because of the protests and disruption occurring in the city.

In the United States of America, individuals, groups and organizations have the absolute right to march, protest and exercise their free speech. However, the destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal. The people who shut down sections of cities throughout our country should be arrested for their behavior. An acquaintance, who lived outside Seattle for many years, was terrified to travel back to that city last year.

Violence against Democrats or Republicans will not bring this country back together. Invasion and violence against the Capitol solved nothing but ruined some lives. Violence will not change the results of the election. Joe Biden will be the president of the United States for the next four years.

March, protest, yell, scream and financially support organizations who promote your point of view.

But, please, put your guns, pipe bombs and hatred away.

Glenn Mollette is the author of 12 books, including Uncommon Sense. He can be reached at GMollette@aol.com.
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian Prime Minister, Moctar Ouane, launched here Monday nationwide talks on cotton under the theme "Together, Lets Valorize the Malian White Gold", official sources said




Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Lee Nak-yon proposes a highly controversial profit-sharing scheme during the party's Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Jan. 10. / Yonhap



By Kim Hyun-bin



Controversy has been rising since ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) chief Lee Nak-yon proposed a profit-sharing scheme on Jan. 10 encouraging profitable companies to distribute part of their profits to companies that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and vulnerable social groups.



The ruling party says the measures are "voluntary" and will offer various government incentives in exchange including tax breaks.



"In Europe, those who are prosperous in the pandemic are called economic winners from the COVID-19 crisis and are required to fulfill their social responsibility," Lee said during last week's party meeting.



Typically a profit-sharing concept calls for companies to distribute part of their earnings "voluntarily" to contractors based on certain benchmarks of performance. For manufacturers, gains from the sale of items assembled could be distributed to those who helped in the production cycle.



However, the government has been aiming to create funds derived from voluntary contributions given by large companies to aid struggling small businesses and the socially vulnerable.






Guest Column Myanmar Still Lacks a Meaningful Definition of Political Prisoner

Myanmar activists wait for the release of political prisoners at the gate of Insein Prison in Yangon on January 13, 2012. / Kyaw Phyo Tha / The Irrawaddy

Political prisoners have a long history in Burma, from resistance during the colonial era and continuing through military rule.

The legacy of political prisoners greatly shaped Myanmars political parties and the struggle for democracy. Reverence for politicians who sacrificed during the dictatorship is duly earned.

However, an appropriate definition of what constitutes a political prisoner in Burma has never been clear. Tens of thousands have criminal records as a result of unjust laws. They have faced discrimination, lost education and employment prospects, and found themselves in poverty. Currently, 239 political prisoners, including both those who have been convicted and those awaiting trial, are behind bars. In addition, 362 political prisoners who have been released on bail are facing trials.

The international focus on political prisoners after 1988 led to the issue becoming a cornerstone of the foreign policy of the US and the EU. The international community rightly expressed disgust over locking up individuals for expressing their inalienable rights.

The EU has an unambiguous definition of political prisoners. Many EU countries know first-hand the experiences of political prisoners. I have close relations with these counterparts in the Czech Republic and was until recently a Czech national before my Burmese citizenship was restored in December 2020.

The 166th Congress even prepared a bill to enshrine the protection of Burmas political prisoners in US foreign policy. A 2021 report by the CRS was a sharp rebuke of the civilian governments progress.

Former Special Rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana in 2011 said political prisoners continued detention, in his view, is an important barometer of the current condition of civil and political rights in the country.

Yet, the issue has not been a priority of this civilian government. On the contrary, since 2015 there has been a regression in these rights.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, in coordination with political parties, civil society, and using international legal precedent, regards a political prisoner as:

anyone who is arrested because of his or her perceived, active involvement, or supporting role in association with activities promoting freedom, justice, equality, human rights, and civil and political rights, including ethnic rights.

It is in the best interests of the National League for Democracy to immediately adopt this definition. Recognizing our political status and beginning a process for reparations can only make the transition to democracy smoother, promote national reconciliation, and uphold individual dignity, allowing the government to focus on the multitude of social, political and economic demands this country faces.

Definition so far

There are currently 601 political prisoners in Burma, including individuals who are having their livelihoods ruined for their political beliefs and individuals who are now imprisoned and will be treated as supposed criminals upon their release

There are many reasons for this, such as arbitrary detention of ethnic groups in conflict zones. Farmers and activists protesting land confiscations have been detained. And free speech and assembly has been suppressed, actions that are at odds with a democratic state.

Laws and the arbitrary language used by the authorities expose quite literally anyone to imprisonment.

One well-known example is Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law (as amended in 2013). An individual only has to be accused of defaming, disturbing, causing undue influence using a telecommunications network to face up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fine.

In spite of these laws, the charges would not be legitimized, if the government recognized the existence of political prisoners and committed to a comprehensive definition. The government acknowledges the existence of political prisoners every year when AAPPs political prisoners lists are informally requested in consideration for the April amnesty.

And yet the government still does not recognize a comprehensive definition.

The recent definition by the Presidents Office on Jan. 8, 2021, was too narrow. It does respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in fact is a mere reiteration of a 2016 statement.

Myanmars government is currently ignoring political prisoners. It should be adhering to international standards of human rights and democracy, the same standards which supported many of the same politicians when they were in opposition, not turning its back. Further international isolation will only have negative implications for economic and political development.

Parliament will convene on Feb. 1, 2021, and a new NLD-led Government will be soon.

By then, political prisoners must be defined. Our existence is unquestioned. This must be reflected in official status.

Bo Kyi is a former political prisoner and Joint Secretary at the Assistance Association For Political Prisoners.

You may also like these stories:

Rakhine Campaigners Demand Myanmar Releases Political Prisoners

Army Officers Daughter Jailed for Claiming Pressure to Vote for Military Proxy Party
150 migrants try to cross Melilla border fence 87 managed to enter Spain from Morocco

(ANSAmed) - MADRID, JANUARY 19 - About 150 migrants tried Tuesday to cross the high fence separating the Spanish enclave of Melilla from northern Morocco.



The incident occurred just before dawn, according to the Melilla prefect's office.



Some 87 managed to cross into Spain despite an intervention by the Moroccan and Spanish security forces, a spokesman for the prefect's office said.



Nine migrants were injured and taken to hospital, while the others were registered in a migrant reception center.



Tuesday's attempt was by the largest number of migrants since August 20, when there had been 300 but only 30 managed to cross and one migrant died.



Since January 1, 60 people have crossed the border illegally into Melilla and 70 others managed to enter Ceuta, another Spanish enclave in northern Morocco, according to Spanish interior ministry figures.



Melilla and Ceuta have the only land borders of the European Union with Africa. They are entrance points favoured by African migrants wanting to get to Europe. The migrants arrive either by climbing over the border fence or by swimming along the coast.



The border posts between Morocco and the two enclaves have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March.(ANSAmed). (ANSA).





A federal judge in Oklahoma has ordered the new owners of an Oklahoma zoo featured in Netflixs Tiger King documentary to turn over all the lion and tiger cubs in their possession, along with the animals mothers, to the federal government.

US District Judge John F Heil III issued the order last week in the case against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe and the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park based on claimed violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act.

The Lowes have showed a shocking disregard for both the health and welfare of their animals, as well as the law, said acting assistant attorney general Jonathan D Brightbill of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division.

The Lowes took over operations of the zoo, which was previously run by Joseph Maldonado-Passage  also known as Joe Exotic  and featured in Netflixs Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness.

Maldonado-Passage is serving a 22-year sentence in a Fort Worth, Texas, federal prison for his conviction on charges that he participated in a murder-for-hire plot and violated federal wildlife laws.

Maldonado-Passage has formally requested a pardon from outgoing US President Donald Trump.
Google Maps

One man is dead after a road rage incident led to a shooting Monday on the Far West Side, San Antonio police said.

Officers were called to the 3300 block of W Loop 1604 N just after 4:30 p.m. and arrived to find 39-year-old Ryan Wann suffering from two gunshot wounds to the chest. Police said Wann was involved in a minor traffic accident with a 59-year-old man, who has not been identified, on the southbound access road of Loop 1604.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that a coronavirus relief bill will be the top priority for his caucus but added that the recent violence at the Capitol shows the need to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens national security team on day one of the new administration.

In a letter to colleagues shared first with The Associated Press, Schumer said the deadly Capitol riot by a mob loyal to President Donald Trump was one of the darkest days in all of American history.

The January 6 insurrection showed us we need qualified Senate-confirmed people (not in an acting capacity) in key national security positions on day one, including secretary of defense, secretary of homeland security, secretary of state, attorney general and others, Schumer wrote.

The economic challenges our nation faces also require having key economic nominees confirmed and on the job ASAP, he said.

His comments were part of a broader push by Biden allies to encourage speedy confirmations of some of his top nominees.

The Senate typically confirms some nominees, particularly the secretaries of defense, state and treasury, on Inauguration Day, though raw feelings regarding Trump led to Democratic-caused delays four years ago.

But this year it will also likely be convening Trumps impeachment trial. The House is set to impeach Trump this week on a sole charge of inciting insurrection in the riot.

Before confirming them, the Senate will have to hold hearings for Biden's nominees. Four hearings have been slated so far: for homeland security nominee Alejandro Mayorkas, defense nominee Lloyd J. Austin, treasury designate Janet Yellen, and Antony Blinken as secretary of state.

To confirm any of them on Inauguration Day requires the unanimous cooperation of all senators.

Republicans will chair all hearings conducted before Jan. 20, when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris promises to deliver control to Democrats.

Cabinet nominees need 51 votes for confirmation. Republicans currently control the upper chamber, but control will flip after the Democratic victors in two Georgia special elections are seated.

The national security posts, including Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, were already a Biden transition team priority, but the matter has only grown more urgent because of the cyber attack believed to have been carried out by Russia, the threat from domestic extremists that turned into a violent insurrection on January 6 and the surprise resignation Monday of Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of DHS.

During this period, our country is vulnerable, and we cannot afford any delays getting a national security team in place, said Michael Daniel, who served as a special assistant and cybersecurity coordinator to President Barack Obama.

In his letter, Schumer also warned that, even as Democrats seek to mitigate and hopefully remove the immediate and ongoing danger President Trump poses to our country, there is a need to remain vigilant against potential threats and future violence" ahead of the inauguration.

Our caucus will make sure that the events are fully investigated and every necessary security measure is in place, he wrote.

Schumer told his caucus that delivering Americans $2,000 direct COVID relief payments would be the first priority.

He also laid out a laundry list of other goals, including bold legislation to defeat the climate crisis," efforts to fix the health care and child care systems, plans to address income inequality and the pursuit of immigration, democracy and criminal justice reform.

When and where we can, we will strive to make this important work bipartisan, Schumer said. But he warned that if Republican "decide not to partner with us in our efforts to address these issues, we will not let that stop progress.

(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.)
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulsters Talkback on Monday, Gavin Robinson said he had never mentioned a border poll during a recent newspaper interview, adding, I do not see it as an inevitability at all.

But he was supporting comments Peter Robinson had made a couple of years earlier and which he had expanded on in an article last October, when he made the case for a pro-Union working group to prepare an evidence-based case for the Union in the event of a border poll.

Both Robinsons are right. While a border poll is not inevitable, it is more likely than not within the next decade. Sinn Fein, which may be in an Irish government fairly soon, will continue to press for one. Micheal Martin has said he doesnt want one in the next five years, but in a recent speech he upped the ante with the announcement of a series of all-island dialogues. Most of nationalism in Northern Ireland, party-political and civic, has raised the issue to the top of their agendas.

So, it would be stupid  although reckless is a better term  for unionism to bury its head and pretend the issue will just go away. Even more stupid is the view of those unionists who insist that no Secretary of State will call one, so why prepare for one.

Read More

Hmmm. After Boris Johnsons confetti of broken pledges it strikes me as monumentally rash to assume he, or a successor, could be trusted not to call a poll.

And while I accept that opinion polls may have different figures on levels of support for Irish unity, Im not sure that building a strategy around the figures you like most is the best way to approach the issue.

But, for the sake of argument, lets remove a border poll from the conversation and look at what Gavin Robinson said: Peter is absolutely right, not only about how we should think about these things, but how we should engage in wider discussions within unionism; how we strategise for ourselves; how we position ourselves; and how fundamentally we advance the cause of the union through thought and argument.

What unionist could object to that? He is not calling for open, public discussions. Hes not advocating any sort of engagement with nationalism about how unionism and unionists would be accommodated within an inevitable united Ireland. He is not proposing setting a date for a border poll. He is not setting down the conditions he would find acceptable in a united Ireland. He is not preparing for a united Ireland.

What he is proposing is wider discussions within unionism about strategy and positioning. As I say, what unionist could object to that?

Well, judging by social media (although I always caution about judging anything by what appears on Twitter or Facebook accounts), some unionists do object.

They believe that talking about, or preparing for, a border poll is tantamount to clearing the path for a poll and assisting nationalism, particularly Sinn Fein. Its not. It really isnt. It is being prepared for any and every challenge, rather than  as has often been the case with unionism  caught on the hop, or wrong-footed by supposed allies.

What is interesting, though, is that Gavin Robinson has already attracted the support of his colleagues Gregory Campbell and Carla Lockhart. I have spoken to others in the DUP who believe he is right to encourage internal debate across unionism. One DUP MLA told me, Sure, (Ian Paisley) Jnr was on similar ground a few weeks ago.

Hes right. Taking part in an online debate in November, organised by the Fianna Fail Society at University College Cork, Ian Paisley said: Theres nothing to stop us from having a good dialogue and a good debate and to provoke each other to see do our arguments hold water, is there room for change, is there opportunity for change and for betterment, and I think that is all part of the art of politics.

Okay, thats not quite similar ground to what Gavin Robinson is talking about, but it is an indication that a growing number of people within the DUP  and within unionism more generally  are not averse to discussing the challenges raised by those supporting various unity projects on both sides of the border. Those discussions are essential, fitting in with the challenge-and-response theory of politics.

Another question being asked  and it was inevitable  is whether Gavin Robinson is on a solo run, or flying a kite for others?

Hes not a high-profile member of the party and hes not known for rattling cages, or issuing statements which make life difficult for Arlene Foster. He says the original interview was done in December and he had no control over the publication date.

Fair enough. But he must have known his comments would attract interest, particularly since others  including Foster  will be asked for a response. And lets not forget hes an MP very publicly supporting the views of Fosters predecessor: views which were not endorsed by any party representative at the time.

The other thing  which was also inevitable  is that Gavin Robinson would be asked about leadership ambitions and intentions. Was he firing over Fosters bows? Was he testing the water for himself and a potential support group? Or is he raising a voice and letting it be known that it isnt just Poots, Donaldson, or even Christopher Stalford who should be considered as Fosters eventual successor?

What he said sounded remarkably like a thought-through policy and strategy, something that has already been discussed with others. Indeed, in his interview on Talkback, he hinted that he had been having conversations with others.

In my experience, thats the sort of thing a politician does when he is thinking about his own role and future within the party.

Interestingly, when asked by William Crawley about a leadership bid, his answer was a simple Why would I?

Thats not a no. Its far from it, in fact.
An explosion on Tuesday in an area containing oil and gas facilities in Homs, central Syria, caused a "huge fire", the Syrian state TV channel reported, citing civil defense.

The explosion occurred at a crude tank, the channel said.

Short link:



Federal agents have apprehended an East Texas man suspected of assaulting a police officer during the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol this month, according to court records.

Daniel Page Adams  charged alongside Cody Connell, his cousin from Louisiana  was arrested Saturday near the Houston area and is now among 80 or more people who have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Authorities suspect Adams shoved a U.S. Capitol Police officer while trying to overcome a wall of police officers as lawmakers sought safety inside. The next day, a tipster led investigators to the cousins, court records show.

A statement of facts from FBI agent Michael Sahadi Jr., says he reviewed videos from the Capitol violence that Connell posted to social media and found that the cousins  who had the same mullet-style haircut  often appeared in the footage. It provides the following account:

The cousins at one point appeared to shield their faces from tear gas in the area.

In one video, Adams can be heard saying, Lets go  Are you ready to push? to encourage others attempting to push through a line of Capitol Police officers.

The special agent stated Adams could be seen in front of the line as police tried keeping the rioters at bay with protective shields. The same video shows Adams then sprinting up the Capitol steps and chasing the officers.

The officers tried holding Adams off again at the top of the stairs, the agent continued, describing what he watched.

The video ends with a loud thud and Adams holding his head and uttering an expletive, he wrote.

The incident followed a speech by President Donald Trump encouraging thousands of people to march on the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the electoral college results. The riots left five people dead, including a Capitol Police officer who was fatally beaten during a clash with rioters. The U.S. House of Representatives has impeached the outgoing president for incitement of insurrection.

Adams faces several federal charges, including assault of a federal police officer. It was not known when he would appear in court. A woman who answered a phone number listed for a local man named Daniel Adams declined to comment, citing trauma that her family has experienced.

Investigators alleged that Connell, of Vivian, La., posted about his role in the insurrection on social media, including a comment that 4 of us breached the cops blockage and us same 4 breached the Capitol. He identified a cousin as one of his accomplices and said the cousin was clubbed and shot with a rubber bullet.

But we pushed the cops against the wall, Connell allegedly wrote, according to court documents. They dropped all their gear and left. Thats when we went to doors of Capitol building and breached it.

The court documents primarily focus on Connell, whose social media comments were said to indicate that he believed the fallout from the attempted takeover would lead to a civil war.

Investigators believe Connell intended to return to Washington D.C. for the presidential inauguration and that he was planning with at least two other Texans  both unidentified  to buy body armor, ammunition and weapons. The agent, citing a witness interview, also believed Connell intended to cause violence that may result in the end of his life.

According to the witness, Connell explained that he was not returning to Louisiana unless he was in a body bag, the agent wrote.

Attorneys could not be immediately identified for the men.

Meanwhile, members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force on Friday arrested Anthime Joseph Gionet  a far-right media personality known as Baked Alaska  in Houston. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to a criminal complaint filed last week in federal court.

Charges were also expected against a former Houston police officer  Tam Pham  who resigned last week after being identified as having entered the Capitol building amid the violence. The officer told the Chronicle last week that he was among the crowd to take pictures.

The FBI on Sunday raided the home of a San Antonio man allegedly involved in the riots, arresting 37-year-old Matthew Carl Mazzoco. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, authorities said. Mazzocco was identified by social media, largely on TikTok, as being at the Capitol the day of the riots, authorities said.

In North Texas, police arrested a Wylie man  Guy Reffitt  at his home and charged him with obstruction of justice and unlawful entry. According to an affidavit, the 48-year-old was recorded on video outside the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot and later threatened his wife and children if they turned him in.

Taylor Pettaway and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story has been updated to correctly identify the Houston Police Officer who resigned.

nicole.hensley@chron.com

Willie Brown

Unifire Advisors, a bipartisan public affairs firm targeting corporate clients who need help navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape in Washington, is being launched by Ed Rollins, who managed Ronald Reagans 1984 presidential campaign, and former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown. Unifire partners include Brent Lowder and Eric Beach, both of whom worked with Rollins on the pro-Trump Great America PAC, and Michael McClelland, who was a principal, along with Brown, at Brown McClelland Acquisition Partners, a strategic advisory firm. I have seen the levers of power shift back and forth for decades, Rollins told The Hill. Lasting organizations are ones that navigate both sided of the aisle wellwhich is what we will do at Unifire Advisors.

Kam Global Strategies, an Israel-based strategic communications firm, and Moroccan marketing and PR agency Brand & Image have formed a strategic partnership, which they say is the first ever between PR companies from the two countries. The companies will work together to help businesses and organizations establish and build their images through such channels as traditional and social media, influencers, events, and specialized tours to each other's countries. Fluent in English, French, Hebrew and Arabic, the partners will be able to communicate to diverse audiences. "Israelis and Moroccans have much to communicate about now that relations between our two nations have risen to a new level," said Kam Global Strategies president Laura Kam. Our combined long-term experience and exposure to our respective markets will create real added value for both agencies and will greatly benefit all type of entities wanting to do business in either country," said Brand & Image director general Rajaa Charifi.

PRSA has opened up entries for the organizations 2021 Silver and Bronze Anvil Awards. The Silver Anvils recognize the best PR campaigns of the year. A new category that has been added this year is for Most Effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Campaign. The Bronze Anvil Awards have added several new categories for the 2021 awards, including Best Use of Social Platform, Digital Newsletters, Brand Video, Best Tactical Pivot and TikTok Engagement. Complete category descriptions, entry deadlines and other information for the Silver and Bronze Anvil Awards can be found here.

Gurugram, Jan 19 : A 20-year-old man was apprehended by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the MG Road metro station in Gurugram for allegedly carrying four bullets in his bag, said the police on Tuesday.

Rohan Yadav hails from Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh and was travelling by Delhi metro when he was intercepted by the CISF at the MG Road metro station, the police added.

"Four bullets were recovered from Rohan's bag during the security check at the MG Road metro station. He was handed over to the police by the CISF personnel for further investigation," said Subhash Boken, the Gurugram Police Spokesperson.

An FIR was registered at the Metro police station under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including the Arms Act.

Rohan would be produced before a local court later on Tuesday for further legal proceedings, Boken added.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After a day spent honoring the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, today, the National Coalition of Justice Practitioners (NCJP) calls on the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) to hold law enforcement agencies accountable for harboring officers who participated in the insurrection on January 6 at the United States Capitol or who engage in white supremacist activities.

Charles Billups, a founding member of the NCJP, Retired Law Enforcement Officer, and Chairperson of the New York State Grand Council of Guardians (GCGNY) Sgt. Anthony Miranda (Ret.) NYPD, Chief of Police ACS New York City Administration of Children's Services (Ret.), National Chairperson, National Latino Officers Association (NLOA)

When President Donald J. Trump urged a mob that included law enforcement officers to march to the U.S. Capitol, he stated, "you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong." The mob clashed with United States Capitol Police (USCP) and ultimately breached the building. It prompted the suspension of a joint session of Congress assembled to confirm a free and fair presidential election.

As the pro-Trump mob made their way through the Capitol hallways, they shouted racial epithets and anti-American slogans, destroyed, and stole government property, and assaulted law enforcement officers. This melee resulted in the deaths of five American citizens. "For decades, law enforcement agencies have been aware of systemic racism and were knowledgeable about the racial bigotry in their ranks," said Sgt. Anthony Miranda (Ret.) NYPD, Chief of Police ACS New York City Administration of Children's Services (Ret.), National Chairperson, National Latino Officers Association (NLOA). "However, law enforcement leaders have done nothing to address the longstanding issues of inequities and inequalities in law enforcement," continued Miranda.

Local law enforcement officers have been further fired up and emboldened by police labor unions that supported the Trump administration and have fanned the flames of racism and encouraged hostility toward officers of color. "These domestic terrorists who stormed our nation's capital willingly participated and encouraged an attempted coup," said Charles Billups, a founding member of the NCJP, Retired Law Enforcement Officer, and Chairperson of the New York State Grand Council of Guardians (GCGNY). "There must be consequences for all law enforcement officers who contributed to the chaos, violence, death, and destruction on January 6," continued Billups.

The NCJP invites all law enforcement and justice practitioners to join them to call for the USDOJ to hold law enforcement leaders accountable for shielding these criminals from prosecution. We stand together in the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy to fight against racism, hate, and bigotry, especially among those who have taken an oath to protect and serve. We are committed to the fair administration of justice for all Americans.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COALITION OF JUSTICE PRACTITIONERS (NCJP)

The NCJP is a national coalition of over 10,000 diverse law enforcement and justice practitioners dedicated to respecting the rule of law and order in the fair administration of justice. The NCJP is comprised of members of the National Latino Officers Association (NLOA) and 17 organizations under the umbrella of The Grand Council of Guardians (GCG), representing the NYPD Guardians, NYC Corrections Guardians, NYS Parole Guardians, NYS Court Guardians, NYC Probation Guardians, MTA Police Guardians, NYS Police Guardians, Port Authority Police/Bi-State Coalition, Nassau County Sheriff Guardians, Nassau County Police Guardians, Yonkers Guardians, and Guardians Association of New York State Troopers along with individual justice practitioners affiliated with Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO), Newark Bronze Shields, and National Organization of Retired State Troopers (NORST). For more information, visit www.ncjp.info.

Contact: Sheila Thorne

Mobile # 201-898-4407

SOURCE National Coalition of Justice Practitioners (NCJP)
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Benjamin Netanyahu has kept the syringe used to inject him with the Covid-19 vaccine as a souvenir.

Israels prime minister showed off the memento in a video posted to his Facebook page, which shows the syringe mounted in a glass box with a wooden plaque.

"Every time someone visits from abroad, I show them this arrowhead," Mr Netanyahu says while pointing to a display case in his office featuring a replica of a Roman arrowhead from Yodfat, which he says was the first Galilee fortress to fall to the Romans, according to a translation from Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "I tell them, that's the Romans, they're not here anymore."

The same display also features a model of the Israeli Arrow anti-ballistic missile.

The prime minister then moves on to another display case showing his syringe, adding: "And now I show them something else, another arrow.

"This is the syringe that gave me the first vaccine out of the millions of vaccines that we brought to Israel. We'll be the first country in the world to exit the coronavirus [crisis]. With faith, anything is possible."

Recommended Israel trades Pfizer doses for medical data in vaccine blitz

The wooden base of the display features a plaque with a quote Mr Netanyahu made on the day he was vaccinated: "One small shot for man, one giant step for the health of us all."

Israel began giving out shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on 19 December in one of the worlds first vaccination rollouts.

Around a quarter of Israelis have received the first shot of the vaccine and 3.5 per cent have been given the second dose.

The country is in a third lockdown, with infection rates remaining high. More than half a million cases have been reported and 4,005 people have died in Israel since the pandemic began.

Additional reporting by Reuters

The FBI is vetting all 25,000 National Guard troops who are tasked with securing the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20 across the nations capital, due to fears of a coordinated insider attack

The FBI is vetting all 25,000 National Guard troops who are tasked with securing the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20 across the nations capital, due to fears of a coordinated insider attack. As part of an intense inauguration security effort following the lethal Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, authorities have now launched a process to subject troops from the D.C. National Guard and some other states to additional security screening for links to extremist or other violent groups.

After the Capitol assault on January 6, the U.S. government has imposed unparalleled security surrounding the Capitol, including non-scalable fences rimmed with razor wire and a large security zone that the public is barred from. Concern arose over security as investigation into the Capitol attack showed that nearly 30 sworn officers were known to have at least participated in the rally that preceded the riot.

There is a growing list of other officers being arrested for their involvement in the insurgence itself, while a few National Guard members have been arrested in connection to the assault. It was reported that an FBI report warned law enforcement agencies that far-right extremists had discussed posing as National Guard members in Washington.

Also Read: China constructs village in Arunachal Pradesh: India closely monitoring developments

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said in a statement on Monday the vetting is normal for military support to large security events While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital. While law enforcement vetting typically occurs before major security events, he added, in this case the scope of military participation is unique.

The U.S. Army said that it is working with the FBI to see if any attackers were current service members and with the Secret Service to see if any of the National Guard troops securing Bidens inauguration would need additional screening.

Also read: Tandav row: Ali Abbas Zafar and team issue unconditional apology, UP police to question makers today

No Ukrainian Army casualties were recorded over the period under review.

Only one enemy attack on Ukrainian positions in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, was registered on January 18.

This was reported by the press center of the JFO Headquarters on Facebook in a morning update on January 19.

Read alsoOSCE SMM records 91 ceasefire violations in Donbas over weekend

The target was an area near the village of Bohdanivka, Donetsk region, in the Skhid (East) sector, where Russia-led forces used an 82mm mortar.

"OSCE [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe] representatives have been notified of the ceasefire breach incident through Ukrainian members of the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center," the update said.

In the Pivnich (North) sector, there were no truce violations.

Since Tuesday midnight, the sides have been observing the ceasefire in Donbas.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the situation was under control.

No Ukrainian Army casualties in the JFO zone were recorded over the period under review.

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.
It was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the Congress party who imposed a nationwide Emergency in 1975 and ushered in 19 months of press censorship before she lost a humbling election in 1977, paying the price for suspending democracy. The wound is still fresh in Indian hearts and minds. If there is a lesson to be learned from there, it is that it is difficult to shut up a billion-odd people separated by language, religion, habits, and attitudes and yet united under one flag and a common Constitution. In such a context, free speech and creative freedoms can be seen as a cement that helps vent emotions and improves communication at the same time.

This freedom is given by the Constitution, not any government.

Yet, time and again, we have seen the spectre of control of some sort or the other loom over the media and creative artistes. This month, we have whispers from the government about regulating content on Over The Top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. On current indications, this would involve a regulatory body and an accompanying law by "defining a framework for self-regulation."

Also read: Tandav Controversy LIVE Updates: Ali Abbas Zafar Tweets Unconditional Apology

Coming as it does in the backdrop of a controversial scene in the web series 'Tandav' on Amazon Prime featuring an interpretation of Lord Shiva, it would be natural to see the move as political and not administrative. This is because those in power are those who speak for a Hindu Rashtra (nation) and the BJP leaders are at the forefront of the protests against Tandav, whose creators have since apologised for the scene in question.

It seems OTT regulation can only be a hot potato for the BJP because it needs to find a balance between culture, credibility, and the Constitution of India. That is not an easy task.

But by no means is protest bordering on threats or worse against creative content unique to the BJP. In 2017, Congress workers hounded director Madhur Bhandarkar for his portrayal of Indira Gandhi in Indu Sarkar and came close to violence. Congress also tried an infamous Defamation Bill to muzzle the media in the late 1980s when it was in power.

Regulation is a fancy word and a lot of it already exists. Vulgarity and violence are still core concerns for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which was more honestly called the Central Board of Film Censors in its previous avatar. Cultural or moral policing was not part of its brief  but seems to be creeping in, now and then.

Constitutionally valid laws also exist to restrict unwarranted freedom of expression. The Indian Penal Codes Section 153A criminalises statements, speeches or acts that have the effect of disturbing peace or order by promoting enmity or creating fear or alarm between classes of people on the basis of difference in religion, caste, language or place of birth.

That is elaborate enough. Ironically, protesters against Tandav may be covered by it more than the artistes in the web series. The hard fact is that a cultural act need not be political and the political is not necessarily Constitutional. However, we now have a culture of mob justice and vigilantism that threatens the Constitutions provisions for freedom of expression.

Also read: Tandav Controversy: Makers Extend Apology for Unintentionally Hurting Religious Sentiments

So who will regulate performing artistes or the media? Certainly not the government because that would amount to a conflict of interest where the government itself is free to be criticised or opposed under the Constitution. We could safely say that matters may land up in court if the government tries an act of overreach in attempting to regulate OTT.

But the fact needs to be recognised that OTT has taken media to a new level of freedom and the country has also tasted the freedom of expression of a level that is difficult to reverse or control. Kissing and abusive words are now part of the web series culture  with cult stories like Mirzapur being part of our new-age folklore. The old censorship code is no longer on.

The thing, however, is that whataboutery of some kind or other becomes valid in a public discourse where criticism of the Prophet is seen as blasphemy by angry Muslim protesters while the Hindu pantheon is not spared either. However, this is best left to political murmurs and protests without it becoming ugly in the form of nasty regulation or street violence.

Perhaps, the government can nudge creators to self-regulate, as it has done with news broadcasters, without an explicitly binding law. Guidelines may be issued to uphold the principles under which Section 153A was framed. But a ruling party whose minions cry foul whenever Hinduism is discussed would lack credibility if it does so without elaborate consultations. The matter is then best left to the judicial process because regulation without credibility will only attract a political backlash.

There are no easy answers in a society where Hinduism, with its wonderful mix of history, mythology, and literature, has seen its gods, demi-gods and deities featured in works that question their limitations and virtues. For instance, the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana (whose authorship is doubted by critics) on Lord Ramas exiling of Sita to uphold his position as a righteous king is a matter of criticism for those who believe in the rights of women. The Dravidian movement questions Lord Rama as a figure representing Aryan supremacists.

Freedom of expression featuring Hindu gods existed long before Islam or the Constitution took shape. That itself is the beauty of the rich Hindu culture. Mindless regulation cannot be part of such a culture.

(The author is a senior journalist who has covered business, public policy, politics, technology and diplomacy. He tweets as @madversity)
Forensic audio experts have concluded that a 2012 audio recording revealing an alleged plot to kill critics of Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka is authentic.

The Crime Lab for Audio and Video Documents (KLAD), based in Russia's second-largest city, St. Peterburg, studied the tape at the request of Current Time, and concluded that the voices on the tape belong to three men, one of whom is the former chief of Belarusian KGB, Vadzim Zaytsau. The men discuss ways to poison and kill with explosives critics of Lukashenka and his government living abroad.

"The liquidation...must look very natural so that nobody could f....ing question it. It must be just a pinpoint strike," Zaytsau says on the tape, which runs for more than one hour.

The leaked audio was published by the Brussels-based EUObserver newspaper on January 4, saying the conversations were recorded in 2012, when Zaytsau was the KGB chief.

The newspaper received the audio from a former Belarusian Interior Ministry official, Ihar Makar, who currently resides in an unspecified EU country.

KLAD experts compared the voice on the tape with five other recordings of Zaytsau that were freely available on the Internet. From audio, linguistic, and instrumental forensic analyses of the voice, they said they could conclude that the voice on the tape in question was his.

On January 19, the Belarusian Interior Ministry issued a statement calling Makar "a swindler," adding that the ministry has evidence proving Makar's "fraudulent objectives."

Daily demonstrations have rocked Belarus since officials announced that their tally of the country's August 9, 2020 presidential vote showed Lukashenka winning a landslide victory, handing him a sixth consecutive term.

Those results are seen by many in Belarus and abroad as being rigged in favor of Lukashenka, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1994. The European Union and the United States both refuse to recognize his reelection.

The men on the tape also discuss the murder of Belarusian-born Russian journalist Pavel Sheremet, who was killed in a car-bomb attack in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in 2016.

"How to provoke a natural explosion...it is necessary to work on Sheremet, who [became a pain in the arse].... We will place some kind of input or something so that this rat's f...ng...hands and legs could not be collected," Zaytsau says on the leaked tape.

Sheremet died after a bomb exploded in his car.

Andriy Antonenko is currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as a suspect in the killing, along with two others who are under house arrest. All three took part in military operations in different capacities in Ukraine's east, where government forces are fighting Russian-backed separatists.

In addition to Sheremet's killing, the men on the tape also discuss the murders of three other opponents of Lukashenka who resided in Germany. Those attacks were not carried out.

In the recording, Zaytsau also says Lukashenka has allocated $1.5 million for the operation, which he stressed must leave no trace of any possible KGB involvement.

After the audio was leaked, Ukraine's Interior Ministry said that the new information would help in the investigation to find those who ordered the high-profile killing.

The 2020 Nissan Altima S is available for $16,950, plus $750 in Customer Cash, effectively bringing the sticker price down to $16,200 from the $24,300 starting MSRP ... [s]imilarly, the 2020 Nissan Rogue SV is available for $18,950, down from the $26,870 starting MSRP.

Palm Springs Nissana California-based dealership serving the greater Palm Springs areais offering discounts on two different 2020 Nissan models that can save potential buyers thousands of dollars. Eligible models include the 2020 Nissan Altima S and the 2020 Nissan Rogue SV. Palm Springs Nissan encourages quick action as these specials are available while supply lasts or until time runs out. The two specials listed herein are available through January 30, 2021.

Two popular 2020 Nissan vehicles are eligible for this sales event. The 2020 Nissan Altima S is available for $16,950, plus $750 in Customer Cash, effectively bringing the sticker price down to $16,200 from the $24,300 starting MSRP. The 2020 Altima S can also be financed at 1.9% APR for up to 60 months for well-qualified buyers. Similarly, the 2020 Nissan Rogue SV is available for $18,950, down from the $26,870 starting MSRP.

Interested parties can get more information by visiting the Palm Springs Nissan website at palmspringsnissan.com. The dealership can be reached via phone by calling 760-328-2800. Those who prefer an in-person experience can visit the dealership at 68177 Kyle Road, Cathedral City.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size

Article body

Auburn Universitys Overtoun Jenda, assistant provost for Special Projects and Initiatives and professor of mathematics in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, or COSAM, is featured in the upcoming February issue of the magazine Notices of the American Mathematical Society.

Jendaan Auburn professor since 1988 who received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring last yearis profiled in a four-page feature in an article titled, Overtoun Jenda: A STEM Mentor Extraordinaire. The article in the acclaimed mathematics magazine was written by his colleagues, Ash Abebe and Brittany McCullough from Auburn University, as well as Suzanne Lenhart from the University of Tennessee, and highlights Jendas teaching career, his various study abroad projects and decades of mentorship.

The piecewhich runs from pages 258-261also chronicles Jendas networking efforts, implementation of National Science Foundation grants and collaborations in Southern Africa.

In addition, Jendas Masamu Programa collaboration with Edward Lungu, an international leader in mathematical biology and dean of faculty of science at Botswana International University of Science and Technologyis profiled in a separate article in the February issue. The feature, on pages 262-265, profiles the programs successful efforts to promote mathematics education in Southern Africa and the United States since its creation in 2010.

The feature articles in this issue provide just a sample of the scholarship and breadth of mathematics research being produced today by Black mathematicians, said Robin Wilson, professor of mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, in the magazines welcome letter. Their research interests and accomplishments are substantial enough to be highlighted in any issue of the Notices, yet the authors were generous enough to share their work in this special issue. The Masamu Program only scratches the surface of Dr. Jendas work in mentorship and outreach; in this issue, we also highlight his 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring with an article written by his colleagues about the impact he has had.
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.
Town of Waterloo, N.Y.  A man was seriously injured last weekend after he got pinned under a tree in Seneca County.

Todd E. Washburn was on Dunham Road in the town of Waterloo just before 2 p.m. Saturday when a large tree fell onto him, pinning him to the ground, said the Seneca County Sheriffs Office. People at the scene of logging accident freed Washburn from under the tree and called for help, deputies said.

Responders with North Seneca Ambulance treated Washburn and rushed the 52-year-old Waterloo man to a helicopter landing zone. Washburn was then airlifted by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Washburn suffered severe injuries to his pelvis and legs, but is listed in stable condition, deputies said.

Deputies investigated the accident. In addition to deputies, Mercy Flight and North Seneca Ambulance, members of the New York State Police, the Junius Volunteer Fire Department, the Border City Fire Department and the Waterloo Fire Department responded to the scene.

Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.com.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Tiffany Trump used her father's final day as President to announce that she is engaged to her billionaire partner Michael Boulos, while sharing an image of them celebrating their happy news together at the White House.

The 27-year-old First Daughter shared the news in a gushing social media post on Tuesday, posting a smiling picture of herself and 23-year-old Michael posing outside the West Wing - having seized the opportunity to snag a final White House photo together before President Donald Trump leaves office on Wednesday.

In her post, the Georgetown Law graduate described the engagement as her most 'special' White House memory, while paying tribute to her 'amazing fiance', whom she has been dating for just over two years.

'It has been an honor to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiance Michael!' she wrote.

News: Tiffany Trump, 27, used her father's last day as President to announce her engagement to billionaire Michael Boulos, 23, while sharing an image of them posing outside the West Wing

Timing: The First Daughter chose to share the news on her father's final day in office, describing her engagement as her most 'special' White House memory

'Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter!'

A source told Page Six that Michael proposed to Tiffany in the Rose Garden at the White house over the weekend, after they flew in from Miami, where they've been staying.

'The family is delighted,' the insider said.

In the photo Tiffany shared, the newly-engaged couple is seen posing together in the West Wing Colonnade, with their arms around each other - while she proudly shows off the large diamond engagement ring that Michael presented her with.

Bling: The image of the couple taken at the White House features Tiffany's large diamond engagement ring

The ring was designed at Samer Halimeh New York the jeweler confirmed to DailyMail.com

The bride-to-be is dressed in a classic short-sleeved dress, which she accessorized with sparkly black heels. Her long blonde hair is styled straight and loose around her shoulders as she smiles for the camera.

Meanwhile, Michael is seen sporting a dark suit, gray tie, and an American flag pin showing support for his fiancee's home country.

The business development manager, who is the heir to the multi-billion dollar Nigerian conglomerate Boulos Enterprises, was born in Lebanon and grew up in Nigeria before moving stateside to be with Tiffany.

Michael responded to her engagement post in the comments, writing: 'Love you honey.'

He also proudly announced the joyous news on his Instagram page using the same photo from the White House - likely the last image that the couple posed for before Trump's presidency comes to an end.

'Got engaged to the love of my life! Looking forward to our next chapter together,' he captioned the photo.

Mystery: It's unclear if Michael, 23, asked President Donald Trump for his daughter's hand in marriage, but he has spent plenty of time with Tiffany's father in recent months

Support: Michael spent much time by Tiffany's side while she campaigned for her father across the country ahead of last year's presidential election

The timing of the couple's announcement sparked several questions on social media, with a few users asking why they chose to reveal the news of their engagement in the final hours of Trump's presidency, when Tiffany's family is facing such an uncertain future.

'Interesting timing, it must be true love,' one Twitter user commented.

Happy: Tiffany's mother Marla Maples, 57, celebrated the news on her Instagram Stories

Another hit out at the law school grad for taking advantage of her father's final day in office to share her own personal news, writing: 'Again [Tiffany] read the room, just read the room.'

Michael and Tiffany's engagement certainly comes amid a time of great upheaval for the Trump family - many of whom are expected to put down roots in Florida in the coming months, including the newly-engaged couple who are said to have been looking for properties together in Miami.

The couple has been staying at the swanky Setai Hotel in Miami's glamorous South Beach neighborhood, but a source close to Tiffany told DailyMail.com last week that she is on the hunt for a place that the couple can call their own.

'She has been in Miami looking at properties,' the insider revealed. 'She was staying at the Setai Hotel while she was viewing different options.'

President Trump and his wife Melania are planning to retire at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, after they leave White House life behind in January.

The glitzy town is only a little over an hour north of Miami, where Tiffany's sister Ivanka Trump has already purchased land to build a property.

One of the family: Michael has spent an increasing amount of time by Tiffany's side at official White House events, including a Christmas party hosted by President Trump last month

Official: Tiffany and Michael started dating in 2018, and she shared her first photo with him in January 2019, after attending the White House Christmas party together

Tiffany and Michael have been dating since they met in Mykonos, Greece, in the summer of 2018, and they have both spent plenty of quality time with each other's parents.

Just a few months ago, Tiffany's mother Marla Maples gushed on her Instagram Stories that Michael is 'like a son' to her, and she couldn't be happier about their engagement.

Shortly after her daughter went public with the news, the 57-year-old shared Tiffany's post on her Instagram Stories to congratulate the newly-engaged couple.

'Celebrating God's endless blessing of love,' Marla wrote. 'May God's blessings & love always light your path. Love you so much, mom.'

Michael has also spent plenty of time with Tiffany's father, President Trump, whom he has shown great support for.

He was often by her side on the campaign trail and attended a number of political events with her and her family, including appearances at the White House.

While Trump likely knows about his daughter's engagement, he is unable to congratulate her on Twitter, his main mode of public communication.

He was banned from the platform over concerns his statements could provoke more violence following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

It's unclear if Michael asked President Trump for his youngest daughter's hand in marriage, though a source told Page Six it's 'highly likely' considering the proposal took place at the White House.

Tiffany started dating Michael less than a year after she and her college boyfriend Ross Mechanic called it quits in late 2017.

Going public: Tiffany was first spotted with Michael at the Taoray Wang show during New York Fashion Week in September 2018

Not yet: The couple browsed engagement rings at the Samer Halimeh New York store in London in June 2019, but Tiffany only picked up a $663,000 diamond 'friendship' bracelet

She met Ross, now 26, when they were both undergraduate students at The University of Pennsylvania. They dated for two years and were together throughout her father's 2016 presidential campaign and subsequent inauguration.

It's unclear if politics played a part in her breakup from Ross, who was a registered Democrat at the time. They had taken a trip to Europe together in July 2017, but just two months later they appeared to be living separate lives.

Rumors of trouble in paradise began swirling in September 2017 when Ross set his once-public Instagram profile to private.

Five months later, he confirmed the split when he made things 'Instagram official' with his new girlfriend, sharing a photo of himself kissing her on his page.

Tiffany was first spotted with Michael at the Taoray Wang show during New York Fashion Week in September 2018. She reportedly took him to her father's Mar-Lago estate for Thanksgiving dinner that year.

She shared her first photo with Michael in January 2019, after attending the White House Christmas party together.

The majority of their relationship was a long-distance one, with Tiffany attending law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and Michael based in London.

After a year together, they were spotted browsing engagement rings at the Samer Halimeh New York store in London in June 2019, but Tiffany only picked up a $663,000 diamond 'friendship' bracelet while at the jeweler's Knightsbridge store.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the manager of the store, Maan Chakhchir, said the couple is 'very down-to-earth and clearly very happy together.'

'They seem very much in love. If they get engaged, I know that Mr. Halimeh would be perfect for designing the ring,' he said at the time.

Family affair: Tiffany, Michael, and his parents, Massad and Sarah Boulos, attended a holiday party hosted by President Trump and First Lady Melania at the White House in 2019

Nope: Last year, Michael shut down rumors they were engaged after ringing in 2020 at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida

Ex files: Tiffany started dating Michael less than a year after she and her college boyfriend Ross Mechanic (pictured at the Taoray Wang show in February 2017) called it quits in late 2017

The couple's engagement comes one year after Michael shut down rumors that they were getting married. In January 2020, he insisted that the engagement party invitation that was circulating online was fake.

'FYI though, the letter/invitation that has spread around in the past two days is not real,' he wrote on his Instagram Story at the tike. 'It's been completely made up...'

However, wedding bells were clearly on his mind as they announced their engagement exactly a year later, though some have considered it incredibly poor timing on her part.

Earlier this month, Tiffany came under fire for an ill-timed tweet after she sent a birthday message to her brother Eric Trump amid the siege on the U.S. Capitol.

'Happy Birthday @erictrump I love you and I'm so grateful to always have you by my side!' the president's daughter tweeted on January 6, just minutes before the 6 p.m. Washington, D.C. curfew went into effect.

She also posted photos of herself with her brother, who turned 37, including one of the pair posing in front of the Washington Monument, which was the scene of unrest.

Social media users were quick to hit out at the president's daughter, telling her to 'read the room'.

'Clearly haven't spoken to your family or seen the news,' one person tweeted.

Another simply told her to 'read the room' while someone else hit out saying: 'Kind of a tone deaf and ill timed message isn't it?'

Tiffany's timing was perhaps all the more bizarre as she fired off the birthday message in between two tweets calling for peace.
UNA's quality of content and ease of use for both candidates and internal staff surpasses anything else in the industry.

UNA Health Inc., a leading provider of mobile recruitment solutions for hospitals and healthcare staffing firms, is pleased to announce a new partnership with ADEX Medical Staffing, a Joint Commission Certified industry leader in staffing RN nursing jobs for international nurses. ADEX recruits and helps foreign trained nurses meet credential requirements so that they are eligible for employment in the United States.

We are excited to bring the entire ADEX Medical Staffing team on board to experience how UNA can improve business operations specifically for international nurses, said Ron Gonzalez, CEO of UNA Health, Inc. This will not only add value to their existing domestic and international recruitment, but it will also help to address crucial staffing shortages that have plagued the healthcare system in the United States over the last four decades.

Unfortunately, the recruitment of international nurses by US staffing companies has historically been complex due to the educational and certification requirements. This, coupled with the facts that healthcare professionals make up only 5% of employment-based green cards and these occupations are not in the top 10 of H-1B employment-based visas, makes selection and onboarding more difficult.

ADEX is one of only a small group of medical staffing companies with a division that focuses strictly on international recruiting, and has partnered with UNA Health to deliver competency assessments, skills inventories, and credentialing through the companys convenient mobile platform.

We selected UNA for a few reasons, including the quality of content and ease of use for both candidates and our internal staff, which surpasses anything else in the industry, added Jim Shoemaker, Chief Nursing Officer at ADEX. Our previous testing vendor had intermittent challenges with uptime, customer service, and access for our international candidates due to technology blocks and firewalls. The mobile experience with UNA has had a positive impact in the efficiency of onboarding new candidates.

These benefits position ADEX to experience unprecedented growth in this sector of healthcare staffing, Gonzalez concluded. UNA is proud to partner with an organization poised to significantly increase efficiency and satisfaction amongst their international workforce.

To learn more about UNA Health, visit their website or call (862) 200-7585. To learn more about ADEX Medical Staffing, visit their website or call (212) 921-2752.

About UNA Health Inc.

UNA Health Inc. is a leading provider of mobile recruitment solutions for hospitals and healthcare staffing firms. The UNA platform of fully customizable mobile solutions includes engaging onboarding tools, competency testing, skills checklists, annual competencies, credential management and position notifications  all in one client branded app. The platform seamlessly integrates with applicant tracking systems and hospital H.R. software, and provides end users with a truly mobile experience and the ability to effortlessly apply for positions with one-click, as well as upload credentials into our proprietary credential management portal.

UNA streamlines the hiring and credentialing process, and saves both recruiters and Q.A. teams worker hours, which translates into increased efficiencies, and ultimately, cost savings.

For more information, contact Ronald Gonzalez at ron@unahealth.co or 862-200-7585.
Bryan Betancur, of Silver Spring, Maryland, faces multiple charges in connection with the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th

A self-professed white supremacist from Maryland who was on parole for burglary has been arrested after his ankle monitor placed him at the US Capitol during the riots earlier this month.

Bryan Betancur, from Silver Spring just outside Washington D.C., has aired 'homicidal ideations, made comments about conducting a school shooting and has researched mass shootings,' according to a federal affidavit.

Betancur's parole officer is said to have told the FBI that he claimed to have been inside the Capitol along with the rioters on January 6th and that he was tear gassed and 'paranoid about the FBI watching him.'

Authorities were indeed watching him thanks to his GPS ankle monitor, however he had managed to have his request to travel to DC granted under a lawful premise and initially explained his wanting to be in the nation's capital to sell bibles with an organization known as Gideon International.

A 'self-professed white supremacist' Betancur was on GPS monitoring as a condition of his probation

The GPS monitor tracked him moving between the 'Stop the Steal' rally at the White House before heading down to the Capitol at the time of the riots

Bryan Betancur, of Silver Spring, Maryland was taken into custody Sunday on charges of entering a restricted building or grounds, unlawful activities on capitol grounds and disorderly conduct

Under the terms of his parole, probation agents use online software to monitor travel and make sure their parolees are following court-ordered curfews.

But rather than spread the word of Christ, it appears Betancur was in Washington for a far less-than-holy reason.

A screenshot from his monitoring software shows him to be close to the White House Ellipse at the 'Stop the Steal' rally  before moving towards the area directly in front of the U.S. Capitol building between 2 and 5pm on January 6th.

Betancur was also identified on social media after he posted pictures of himself on his Instagram account 'bryan_patriot_1776' holding the corner of the Confederate battle flag.

He had been approved by his probation officer to travel outside of his home state of Maryland to 'distribute Bibles' but instead was placed (and photographed) at the Capitol building

A picture posted to social media shows Betancur posting with a Confederate flag at the riot

Another picture showed him in a Proud Boys t-shirt flashing the 'OK' hand signal, often used among white supremacy groups.

'Based on the prosecutor's knowledge of the facts uncovered in this investigation' at no time on or before January 6, 2021, was Bryan Betancur granted permission or authorized by rule to enter restricted grounds around the Capitol, nor did he, at any time, have authorization to assemble, display flags, or parade on the Grounds or in the Capitol building.'

The affidavit stated how Betancur told his probation officer he was in the Capitol and then he tried to change his statement. But there are also witnesses who saw his posts on social media.

The Department of Correctional Services said in a statement: 'Parole and Probation has been working closely with federal authorities and is continuing its investigation in cooperation with them.'

Text messages between Betancur and his parole officer show him asking permission to head to Washington D.C. to distribute bibles

Betancur had been convicted for fourth-degree burglary and after he was released began to engage with 'racially motivated violent extremist groups on the internet, expressing his desire to be a 'lone wolf killer.''

The affidavit reveals how he made comments about conducting a school shooting, and has researched mass shootings.

Betancur voiced support for James Fields, the individual convicted for killing an individual with his car during protests in Charlottesville, Virginia and is alleged to have stated how he wanted to 'run people over with a vehicle and kill people in a church.'

Betancur voiced support for James Fields, the individual convicted for killing an individual with his car during protests in Charlottesville, Virginia and is alleged to have stated how he wanted to run people over with a vehicle and kill people in a church.'

Two days after the Capitol riot, the FBI received a call from Betancur's probation officer, who said Betancur had told him he'd been inside the U.S. Capitol Building with the rioters.

He has now been taken into custody once again on charges of entering a restricted building or grounds, unlawful activities on Capitol Grounds and disorderly conduct.

More than 70 people have now been charged in federal court with charges in connection to the Capitol riot, and U.S. attorneys have said even more cases are expected to be filed.

The agency is examining around 140,000 photos and videos from the scene of the attack which has been sent to them by members of the public.
The name itself may have been coined more recently, but modified Porsches have existed for almost as long as the company. Dozens of custom shops are currently making their living from transforming older Neunelfers or 356s into works of art on wheels.Not so many modern Outlaws are as driver-focused as the following 930 Turbo, though, a 1981 model that was modified by Protomotive Engineering with its comprehensive Stage 1 upgrade.Originally a stock black on black 911 Turbo (930), the car was the fastest production car available at the time in Germany, the land of Autobahns with no speed limits. The 1981 model apparently only needed 300 horsepower to achieve over 260 kph (162 mph), so you can imagine how much faster is the following Outlaw by Protomotive.The only exterior alterations comprise yellow-tinted fog lights, a set of 3-piece Speedline alloys, and a lowered ride height, while the all-black interior has been upgraded with a boost gauge from a 934 race car, a steering wheel borrowed from the 3.8 RS, and the deletion of the ashtray and glovebox.Under that giant ducktail is where the magic happens, as the original 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-six has been completely disassembled and resealed before work for the Protomotive Stage 1 even began.The heads have been refinished and ported, there is a new oversized intercooler and an upgraded Garrett GT35R turbocharger alongside a full stainless steel exhaust and headers. Cumulatively, the mods give the engine an output of no less than 425 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through an upgraded clutch and a 5-speed G50 transmission. The car has a little over 100,000 miles (161,000 km) and was up for auction in California with no reserve last year.
The curtain will come down on Peaky Blinders after its upcoming sixth series, it has been confirmed.

However, creator and writer Steven Knight said the story would continue in "another form".

He announced the news in a statement confirming the hit crime drama, which is set in 1920s Birmingham, had resumed production after delays due to Covid-19.

It said: "Peaky is back and with a bang. After the production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher.

"We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form ."

The sixth series, written by Knight, will conclude the saga of Cillian Murphy's troubled Tommy Shelby and his family's rise to power.

Series five, which introduced Sam Claflin as the leader of the British Union of Fascists Oswald Mosley, ended with a cliffhanger and the Shelby family betrayed by their allies. It starred Helen McCrory as Polly Gray and Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, as well as Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray.

The official Instagram account for the show shared a photo of Murphy on-set wearing a face mask.

Executive producer Caryn Mandabach said: "Along with our wonderful, supportive partners at BBC and Netflix, we have been working diligently to ensure we can get Peaky safely back into production; the safety of our cast and crew is always our priority.

Entranced

"Thank you to all the Peaky fans who have been so unwaveringly supportive and patient. Series six marks the end of an epic story that has entranced audiences since it first started in 2013, but the world of Peaky Blinders will most definitely live on."

Executive producer for the BBC, Tommy Bulfin, said: "We are very excited that filming for Peaky Blinders has begun and so grateful to everyone for all their hard work to make it happen. Steve's scripts for series six are truly remarkable."

Anthony Byrne returns as director having directed series five and Nick Goding will produce. Lucy Bedford is executive producer for production company Tiger Aspect.
Victoria's Secret supermodel Kelly Gale has consistently denied getting breast augmentation in the past.

And on Tuesday, the 25-year-old once again reiterated she's never gone under the knife.

Taking to Instagram, Kelly was asked by a fan during a question and answer challenge if her breasts were real.

Truth: Victoria's Secret star Kelly Gale addressed surgery rumours on Tuesday following her engagement announcement

Responding to an online fan on social media, who wrote: 'Boob job?' Kelly said: 'False. They're big, they're real.'

Kelly went on to reveal her bra size, with a second questioner asking: 'You're a 34D'.

'False. Not sure what my actual size is but I wear 32C cause that's what I think looks good and feels good.'

Kelly has consistently denied getting breast implants, despite being repeatedly asked about it by curious fans.

Real size: Responding to an online fan on social media, who wrote: 'Boob job?' Kelly said: 'False. They're big, they're real'

She was again asked by fans if she had breast implants during a Q&A on Instagram Stories in October last year.

'No [I haven't had breast implant surgery]. The answer right now is no. In the future, that answer's going to change I'm pretty sure,' she said at the time.

And she again denied it on Instagram back in December 2015, revealing she hadn't had any plastic surgery on her body.

All natural: Kelly has consistently denied having ever had breast implants, despite being repeatedly asked about it by curious fans

'Many people write as a fact that I have undergone surgery - most frequently mentioned - a boob job. This is not true. I have never undergone any plastic surgery on my body in any way. Like it or not, this is the way I look,' she wrote.

She added: 'I choose to write this as I don't want to inspire young girls to ever feel a need to change their beautiful bodies.'

Kelly recently announced her engagement to Swedish actor, Joel Kinnaman.

The Swedish-Australian model shared a photo of the pair embracing on a clifftop in California, and flashed her stunning new sparkling engagement ring.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Citing the supposed "clandestine recruitment" of students in communist organizations, the Department of National Defense has ended a three-decade-old agreement with the University of the Philippines that barred the police and military from entering any of its campuses without notifying school officials.

In a letter, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana informed UP President Danilo Concepcion that the UP-DND accord was "terminated or abrogated" as of January 15, 2021. He said this was done so they could perform their mandate to protect the youth from CPP-NPA recruitment activities.

A copy of the letter was posted online Monday by the Philippine Collegian, UP's official student publication.

The letter read in part: "This Department is aware that there is indeed an ongoing clandestine recruitment inside UP campuses nationwide for membership in the CPP/NPA and that the 'Agreement' is being used by the CPP/NPA recruiters and supporters as a shield or propaganda so that government law enforcers are barred from conducting operations against the CPP/NPA."

The letter said the agreement was being terminated for reasons of national security and safety of UP students.

The letter, however, added that no military nor police personnel would be stationed inside campuses. The DND said it does not wish "to suppress activist groups, academic freedom and freedom of expression."

"Our Armed Forces and Police are willing to reach out to the youth and provide them with another perspective on our nation and society. We want them to see their Armed Forces and Police as protectors worthy of trust, not fear," it added.

A separate statement from the DND said Lorenzana has confirmed that he had informed the UP administration about the abrogation of the agreement.

UP has not yet given a statement on the DND's unilateral termination of the agreement.

The UP-DND Accord was signed in 1989 and states that prior to entering any UP campus, the military and police must give notice to university officials.

This is a developing story.
PLAINVILLE  Touting almost 30 beers on tap and American fare sourced from local farms, the Plantsville-based Hop Haus is planning to open a second location in downtown Plainville this spring.

The new restaurant will be located at 24 Whiting St., formerly the home of Trenta Tavern, and will feature an outdoor patio, banquet hall and indoor seating for between 250 and 300 customers, according to owner Michael Miller.

Hiring between 14 and 18 new employees is the main hurdle he still has to clear, but Miller hopes to hold a grand opening for the second location in mid to late March.

Expanding at a time when many restaurants are still suffering the effects of the coronavirus

pandemic, Miller credits Hop Haus success to its slate of Connecticut-brewed beers and the careful attention paid to keeping its customers safe from exposure to the virus.

Hop Haus has grown pretty well over this year, being known for its great food and we take safety seriously as far as corona, he said, adding some customers have told him they feel safer there than any of restaurants they frequent.

The new location will keep the same menu, hours and specials for lunch and happy hour that the Southington location offers, and will also be opening around the same time that Miller enters a partnership with the Twelve Percent Brewing Project. The North Haven based brewery began as an import and distribution business over a decade ago before purchasing its own brewing equipment last year.

To celebrate the Plainville locations grand opening, Miller is planning a five course dinner in the banquet hall paired with beers from the Twelve Percent Brewing Project, which will be helping him expand his restaurants tap list.

Hop Haus opened in Southington around seven years ago as a craft beer bar specializing in beers from local breweries and has transitioned into a full restaurant over the past three years.

I just felt it was important to have good quality food while drinking beer, Miller said.

Preparing the new location for opening has been helped along by extensive renovations the building underwent before opening as Trenta Tavern in late 2019, according to Plainville Economic Development Director Cal Hauburger. The tavern closed its doors around the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hop Haus strong reputation paired with the central location in town will provide exposure for the surrounding businesses, Hauburger said.

It brings some more vibrancy, it gives another reason for people to come to the downtown area, he said.

Having already applied for a liquor license and more permits in the works with the town, Hauburger believes Miller is in shape to meet his goal of opening in March, barring any pandemic disruptions.

Miller said he was disappointed Trenta Tavern was unable to survive the economic shutdown at the start of the pandemic, especially so soon after opening, but is excited to be able to add to the downtown community.

The town of Plainville is great; they welcomed us with open arms. I'm really looking forward to being part of Plainville. It seems like a really good town, he said.

dleithyessian@record-journal.com203-317-2317Twitter: @leith_yessian
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has submitted a complaint to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN-WGAD) over the continued house arrest of Ugandan opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, disclosed this and made a copy of the complaint available in mails sent to PREMIUM TIMES and some journalists Tuesday.

Mr Falana urged the UN-WGAD, an affiliate body of the global organisation, the United Nations (UN), to initiate a procedure involving the investigation of the case of Mr. Wine together with his wife and his domestic staff.

Aside from demanding the immediate release of Mr Wine and other detained persons, Mr Falana asked the group to send an allegation letter to the Government of Uganda inquiring about the case generally and raise spexific questions about the legal basis for his arrest, detention, and/or degrading treatment, each of which is in violation of international law.

He asked the UN group to issue an opinion declaring that the deprivation of liberty and detention of Mr Wine, together with his wife and domestic staff is arbitrary and in violation of Ugandas Constitution and obligations under international human rights law.

Ugandan security forces had reportedly laid siege to Mr Wines house since Thursdays controversial election which returned 76-year-old President Yoweri Museveni to office for a sixth term.

Mr Wine, his wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, children and domestic staff, were said to have been detained in the house after he cast his vote on Thursday.

The pop-star-turned-politician, 38, has repeatedly experienced harrassmsent, arrest and detention by Ugandan security agencies in the period leading to the just-concluded election in which he polled 34.8 per cent of the votes.

Petition

Mr Falana stated in his petition to the UN-WGAD that the Ugandan government is arbitrarily depriving activist, musician, Journalist, and politician, Bobi Wine of his liberty and continue to arbitrarily put him and his wife, Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi under house arrest.

According to him, the detention is arbitrary under Category I as it is clearly impossible to invoke any legal basis justifying the deprivation of liberty.

He added that it violated Article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention.

He stated that Mr Wine, the presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Ugandan presidential election, had been detained incommunicado and without access to the outside world including his lawyers.

READ ALSO: Protests rock Uganda over opposition leader arrest

Mr Falana added, Mr. Wine and his wife are being illegally detained for days without any criminal charges preferred against him. He has also been denied adequate supply of food by hundreds of Uganda military forces and policemen who have laid siege to his house for the umpteenth time since the election day.

I am therefore seeking an opinion from the Working Group finding the house arrest and continuing detention of Mr. Wine and his wife to be arbitrary and in violation of Ugandas Constitution of 1995 (as amended) and obligations under international human rights law including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to which Uganda is a state party.

Among his prayers specifically directed at the Ugandan government, Mr Falana called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the house arrest enforced on Mr. Wine, his wife and domestic staff.

He also requested that the Ugandan government investigate and hold accountable all military and police officers and security agents suspected to be responsible for the unlawful arrest, continued detention, and degrading treatment of Mr. Wine, together with his wife and others.

The senior Nigerian lawyer also requested the Ugandan authorities to immediately withdraw the military and police forces currently laying siege in the premises of Mr Wine.

ADVERTISEMENT

He also asked the Ugandan government to allow Mr Wine and wife have access to lawyers and doctors.

The lawyer also requested that Ugandan government award Mr Wine, his wife and others adequate compensation for the violations they have suffered as a result of their unlawful arrest, arbitrary detention, and torture and other ill-treatment.
The causes for concern surrounding Italy are growing, even as the ECB keeps a tight lid on its bond yields, pushing its debt servicing costs lower as its debt explodes higher.

The Euro Areas weakest link, Italy, is once again in the familiar grip of a political crisis. The trigger this time was a decision by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to orchestrate the resignations of two ministers from his fledgling IItalia Viva party. Renzi accuses the current premier Giuseppe Conte of amassing too much power during the coronavirus crisis. He also challenges Contes reluctance to draw upon European Recovery and Resilience funds and the European Supervisory Mechanism, which Conte fears could come with all sorts of nasty strings attached.

What happens next will depend on whether Conte can shore up support in parliament among independent lawmakers. He still has the backing of the Democratic Party and the 5-Star Movement, which have criticised Renzis move as irresponsible. On Monday, Conte made his case in the lower house and will have to do the same in the Senate on Tuesday. Each appearance must be followed by a voice vote, which is tantamount to a vote of confidence. On Monday, Conte won the vote after Italia Vivas members chose to abstain but hes likely to face a stiffer challenge in the Senate.

In the best case scenario, this crisis  like so many political crises in Italy  will fizzle out. Conte may well survive to lead what would be his third government by amassing enough support in both houses. But his already flimsy government will be further weakened. If he fails to form a new government, he will probably submit his resignation to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who could call for the formation of a technical government.

An early election is the least likely outcome, given the logistic nightmare of holding a political campaign and election during the pandemic. The coalition partners are also fearful that a resurgent right could end up winning.

Much Ado About Nothing? Not Quite

For the moment the financial markets are pretty sanguine about this latest episode of Italian high drama. The yields on Italian bonds are still close to an all-time low, at 0.63%. The main reason for this is that the ECB is buying even more Italian bonds than ever before. Through its public sector purchase program (PSPP) and pandemic emergency purchase program (PEPP) it purchased 165 billion of Italian bonds in the first eleven months of 2020, bringing its total holdings to 529 billion.

Italian banks have also expanded their holdings of Italian sovereign debt, which now account for 11% of their total assets, a new record. This has stoked fears that the dreaded doom loop  the dangerous relationship of mutual independence between Euro Area sovereigns and their banks  is stronger than ever.

But even as the ECB and Italian lenders keep a tight lid on Italys bond yields, pushing the countrys debt servicing costs lower while its debt explodes higher, there are still major causes for concern.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected Southern eurozone countries that were already weighed down with huge debt loads. Italy has the third highest incidence of coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths in the European Economic Area, after Belgium and Slovenia. The pandemic has also laid waste to its economy. The ECB forecasts that Italys GDP will have declined by 9.0% in 2020. Plunging output and soaring spending are expected to push its debt as a percentage of GDP up to 158%, from 135% in 2019.

Credit risks are highest in Italy, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal given their high economic exposure to the crisis, together with their more limited fiscal space, Moodys warns in its 2021 outlook for the region. High debt levels, together with stop-start growth, intensify the risk and potential impact of another shock, particularly if investor confidence in sovereigns that need to refinance very large amounts of debt weakens.

Loss of Tourism

The virus crisis has devastated Europes tourism industry, a vital source of income for southern eurozone economies. In Italy it accounted for 13% of GDP and was one of the few areas of the economy that had been growing in recent years. In 2019, for instance, it grew by 2.8% while Italys industrial output shrank by 2.4%. But in 2020 it collapsed. In October, for instance, foreign visitors spent just 1.193 billion in the country, down 70.4% with respect to the same month in 2019, according to a new report by the Bank of Italy.

The sudden, drastic contraction in tourism flows in Italy will have a significant impact on national GDP and serious consequences for businesses in the sector and their suppliers, the report said.

Last Thursday, the Bank of Italy said that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the biggest contraction in non-financial private incomes in 20 years in the first half of 2020. Per-capita primary incomes dropped by 8.8% in the first half of 2020 with respect to the same period in 2019. That dwarfs the income drops registered during the credit crunch (-5.2%) and the sovereign debt crisis (-3.4%).

Back in July, the central bank published the findings of a survey of Italian households on the impact of the lockdown. Given the timing of the survey, shortly after a three-month nationwide lockdown, most of the findings were pretty bleak:

More than half of the respondents said they had suffered a contraction of household income following the measures adopted to contain the epidemic.

Fifteen percent of households had lost more than half their income.

Some 40% of families were struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments.

More than half of the surveys respondents said that even when the epidemic is over, they expect to spend less on travel, holidays, restaurants, cinema and theaters than they did before the crisis.

The Euro Zones Ultimate Loser

This is all happening in a country whose economy has not grown since it adopted the euro at the turn of this century. In that time its debt-to-GDP ratio has exploded from just over 100% to almost 160%. A study published in early 2019 by the Centre for European Policy think tank, titled 20 Years of the Euro: Winners and Losers: An Empirical Study, found that out of eight Euro Area economies examined (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Greece) only two  Germany and the Netherlands  actually benefited from the introduction of the euro. Italy lost out most:

Without the euro, Italian GDP would have been higher by 530 billion, which corresponds to  8,756 per capita. In France, too, the euro has led to significant losses of prosperity of  374 billion overall, which corresponds to  5,570 per capita.

As Bill Mitchell points out in a recent blog post, the situation will have almost certainly worsened over the three years after the cut-off point of the dataset used (2017).

One of the main reasons Italys economy is in such dire straits is its strict adherence to the EMUs macroeconomic rule book  in particular the rules on fiscal austerity and structural reforms  as Dutch economist Servaas Storm painstakingly details in his article Italy: How to Ruin a Country in Three Decades, which was featured on Naked Capitalism in April 2019:

Italy kept closer to the rules than France and Germany and paid heavily for this: The permanent fiscal consolidation, the persistent wage restraint and the overvalued exchange rate killed Italian aggregate demandand the demand shortage asphyxiated the growth of output, productivity, jobs and incomes. Italys stasis is an object lesson for all Eurozone economies, butparaphrasing G.B. Shawas a warning, not as an example.

There are, of course, many other homegrown reasons for the countrys economic stagnation. Corruption is rife, as is organized crime. Together with establishment inertia, a widespread predilection among the countrys business financial elite for property speculation and good old-fashioned nepotism, they ensure that much of the money that comes into the country is badly invested.

The Banks are Still a Problem

Then, of course, there are the banks. Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), Italys fourth largest lender and the worlds oldest, was bailed out in 2017. Now, the government is hastily looking for a buyer so that MPS can be reprivatised before a European Commission deadline expires. The problem is that the bank is still chockablock full of non-performing loans (NPL). Its NPL ratio is currently around 12%. It also has a 2.5 billion capital shortfall. Craziest of all, according to MPS own strategic plan it is still evaluating the impact of the single most important new piece of banking regulation out there, the calendar provisioning rules.

This new legislation, together with new rules on default, forces banks to class a borrower as in default after an even partial payment delay of more than 90 days. Banks must also write down impaired loans in full over a set number of years. Such rules are already in place for lenders that use an advanced internal model to assess client risks. Banks using standard models had to begin complying from 2021.

The idea behind the legislation is to force banks to begin moving impaired loans off their balance sheets before they become a major problem. But the timing of the legislation could not have been worse, coming in the midst of the deepest economic crisis in decades. Millions of businesses have had to take on huge amounts of new debt just to stay alive. As lockdowns continue to paralyse entire sectors of the economy, many will struggle to pay it back.

Most European countries have put debt moratoriums in place but once they end there is likely to be a sharp spike in defaults. The impact is likely to be particularly bad in countries such as Italy where debt recovery is notoriously slow and NPLs have been allowed to fester on banks balance sheets. Italian business lobbies have warned the EU that the new legislation could trigger a huge surge in borrowers being classified as in default. The fact that MPS is still evaluating the impact of the legislation two weeks after its implementation would certainly suggest that it is not remotely ready for it.

The only Italian lender that is big enough to absorb MPS and apparently crazy enough to actually want to is Unicredit. But in return it will try to extract as high a price as possible, including  according to Reuters  getting the government to take on 14 billion of its own impaired loans as well as some of MPS high-risk loans. To make the deal even more palatable, the government is considering shielding any future owner of MPS from around 10 billion in legal claims.

Time is of the utmost essence: after warning its capital reserves would breach minimum thresholds in the first quarter, MPS must tell the ECB by the end of January how it plans to address the shortfall. MPS apparent delayed reaction to the EUs most important new banking regulation does not exactly inspire confidence that its decades of mismanagement are behind it. Perhaps its no surprise that some very important Unicredit shareholders are mobilising forces to try to block the deal.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / International Montoro Resources Inc. (TSX-V:IMT), (Frankfurt:O4T1), (OTC PINK:IMTFF); ("Montoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Geoff Balderson as Chief Financial Officer for the Company. Mr. Balderson?has?over 20 years of capital markets experience having worked in both public and private practice. ?Mr. Balderson is currently a senior officer with Falcon Gold Corp., a director of several TSX Venture listed issuers, and is a principal of Harmony Corporate Ltd.; providing corporate advisory, accounting, filing and secretarial services to a multitude of?publicly traded companies.?Prior to his years in private business, Mr. Balderson was?an investment advisor at both Union Securities and Georgia Pacific Securities, and?is a University of British Columbia?graduate in Marketing and Sales Management.

Mr. Balderson replaces Fraser Rieche as Chief Financial Officer, who will remain as a Director for the ensuing year. Montoro has also accepted the resignation of one its Directors Brent Griffin, the company would like to thank him for his many years of service.

President & Chief Executive Officer, Karim Rayani Stated, "I welcome Geoff to the International Montoro team and thank Brent for his service to the company. The company is making great progress as we continue to develop our new holdings and rebrand the company as an emerging Gold & PGE focused issuer."

The Company, in compliance with the company's stock option plan, has granted 1.3 million incentive stock options exercisable for up to 2 years at a price of $ 0.10 cents a unit to directors, officers and consultants of the company.

About International Montoro Resources Inc.

Montoro, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Exploits Zone, Newfoundland (Slip and Victoria Lake - Au Prospects )

) Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au prospect )

) Red Lake, Ontario (Camping Lake - Au prospect)

Elliot Lake, Ontario (Serpent River/Pecors - Ni-Cu-PGE discovery) & (Uranium- REE's)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements prospect)

The Company's website is: https://montororesources.com/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

International Montoro Resources Inc.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President & Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: 604 716 0551

email: k@r7.capital

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: International Montoro Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624835/Montoro-Appoints-New-Chief-Financial-Officer

The decision by social media giants to police more content, along with banning U.S. President Donald Trump and some of his supporters from posting, is intensifying a debate in Europe over how to regulate platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

The hotly contested debate has mostly focused on whether governments should intervene to censor and curtail freedom of speech, or whether they should protect opinion from being blocked or scrubbed by the social media giants, however offensive the views.

But a growing number of European leaders sees a third way to reduce fake news, hate speech, disinformation and poisonous personal attacks  by treating social media providers not as owners of neutral platforms connecting consumers with digital content creators but as publishers in their own right.

This would help sidestep fears over state censorship of speech, they say.

Amending laws to make them legally responsible, just as traditional newspapers and broadcasters are for the content they carry, would render the social media companies liable for defamation and slander lawsuits. By blocking content and banning some users, social media companies have unwittingly boosted the argument that they are content providers, as they are now in practice taking on a greater role as editors of opinion.

I do think theres a real debate now to be had about the status of the big internet companies and whether they should be identified as mere platforms or as publishers, because when you start editorializing, then youre in a different world, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a parliamentary committee last week.

Many European Union leaders have criticized social media companies for banishing Trump and his supporters from their platforms. Facebook has blocked or deleted content that uses the phrase, Stop the Steal, which refers to false claims of election fraud. Twitter says it has suspended more than 70,000 accounts of QAnon conspiracy theorists who believe Trump is waging a secret war against elite Satan-worshipping pedophiles in government, business and the media.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her concerns about the blocking and deleting, calling it a step too far.

The right to freedom of opinion is of fundamental importance, her spokesperson, Steffen Seibert, told reporters.

Some countries led by populist governments, such as Poland, are considering drafting legislation that would prohibit Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies from censoring opinions, fearing the social media giants will censor them.

But political pressure is also mounting in other countries for the state to regulate speech and to police social media platforms.

The idea that social media companies should be subject to similar regulation as newspapers and television and radio broadcasters is not new. Newspaper owners have long bristled at the social media platforms being treated differently under the law from traditional media. They have complained that Facebook and others are piggy backing off the content they produce, while reaping massive profits selling ads.

Last year, Facebook pushed back on the idea of social media platforms being treated like traditional media, arguing in a report that they should be placed in a separate category halfway between newspapers and the telecommunications industry.

The company agreed that new regulatory rules are needed but argued they should focus on the monitoring and removal of mechanisms that firms might put in place to block harmful posts, rather than restrictions on companies carrying specific types of speech or being liable for content.

Johnsons advocacy of treating social media giants like traditional media is being echoed in the United States, where Congress passed the Communications Decency Act in 1996. The measure largely allowed the companies to regulate themselves and shielded them from liability for much of the content posted on their platforms.

Section 230 of the legislation stated: No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.

Ironically, Section 230 has drawn the disapproval of both Trump and President-elect Joe Biden. Both have called for the sections repeal, which would make social media legally responsible for what people post, rendering them vulnerable to lawsuits for defamation and slander.

Last week, Biden told The New York Times he favored the internets biggest liability shield being revoked, immediately.
Mike Pence is finally breaking with Donald Trump. Trumps farewell ceremony, for which Trump is trying to drum up a crowd, will take place at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Pence is not expected to attend the almost-ex-presidents send-off. Hes going to Joe Bidens inauguration ceremony instead. The reasoning, according to Washington Post reporter Josh Dawsey, is that aides say it would be logistically challenging for the vice president to do both.

Would it be logistically challenging? Presidents themselves typically pack both the inauguration of their predecessor, at the White House, and their own send-off, at Joint Air Force Base Andrews, into the same day. Bill Clinton, for example, attended the inauguration for George W. Bush, which started at 11:30 a.m. Hes seen parting ways with George W. Bush at roughly 12:38 p.m., before arriving at the base at 1:17 p.m. He made the journey in an armored limo, the New York Times reported, which actually stopped for traffic lights. According to Google Maps, the 15-mile drive from the White House to the base takes just 33 minutes. Thats not very far! Its also a pretty routine trip: Andrews has been the official home of Air Force One since John F. Kennedy started parking his plane there in 1962.

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.

Pence wouldnt even have to take a car back to the White House to make it in time. For one thing, maybe the helicopter that flies Trump to the base in the morning could give Pence a lift back to the inauguration. Or, to think a little outside of the box, he could expense an electric scootera state-of-the-art Bird can hold enough battery to make the entire round trip. Pence could almost walk and make it, honestly; according to Google Maps, the trip would take about 5 hours on foot. Say Pence leaves the farewell a little early, gets a little bit of a jog in his step, and then ducks into the inauguration slightly latedone. Maybe hes worried about making it through the heightened security measures? That makes no sensehes literally the vice president (for now).

Advertisement

Or maybe this is not actually related to logistics. Maybe Mike Pence is finally giving up his duties of authoritarian sidekick. Because 15 milesits just not that much.

Update, Jan. 19, 2021, at 5:35 p.m.: Typically the outgoing president and vice president meet their incoming replacements at the White House, and then they head to the Capitol for the ceremony. Biden will be met by an usher; its unclear whether Pence will meet the party at the White House or the Capitol, though the latter would be a slightly shorter and easier trip for him to make from the base.

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.
More than 300 scientists and scholars are believed to have been recruited by talent recruitment schemes controlled by the Chinese Communist Party over the past decade, further raising concern Australian academics are giving Beijing access to their technologies and inventions.

One professor who was working on drone research in Australia trained a People's Liberation Army scientist who went on to become the chief technician for a Chinese military drone program.

China's talent recruitment programs attract scientists and engineers from all over the world. Credit:AP

The extent of CCP talent-recruitment activity in Australian universities and other research institutions may have resulted in $280 million in grant fraud over the past two decades, according to evidence given to a parliamentary inquiry.

The new research has identified 325 participants in CCP talent-recruitment programs from Australian research institutions, with many having conflicting commitments such as maintaining jobs in China while also being employed full-time in Australia.
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.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
The PSNI has issued almost 300 Covid-related notices in the past seven days up to midnight on Sunday, new figures show.

Police have been given wide-ranging powers to enforce coronavirus regulations and prevent the virus spread.

The PSNI has been keen to stress its officers will approach, engage, explain and inform before carrying out enforcement. Senior officers, however, have vowed they would not "shy away" from taking action.

In the past seven days up to midnight on Sunday another 297 Covid notices have been issued.

Since the outbreak in March, a total of 2,101 Cov1 penalty notices were issued to individuals. These can be served for a number of reasons, such as indoor or outdoor gatherings found to be in breach of the permitted maximum number of people.

Originally a 60 penalty, Cov1 notices were replaced by Cov4 notices on November 12, with fines starting at 200. This amount can be reduced to 100 if paid within 14 days.

Read More

From November 12 to midnight on January 17, 2,159 Cov4 notices were handed out. This means a total of 4,260 Cov1/Cov4 notices have been issued since the start of the pandemic in Northern Ireland.

Cov2 notices, prohibition notices issued to commercial premises or private dwellings holding gatherings in breach of restrictions, have been issued to 196 businesses and 924 private residences.

Some 57 Cov5 fines have been issued to businesses found to in breach of the rules, starting at 1,000 to a maximum fine of 10,000.

A total of 55 people have also been fined 1,000 for failing to self-isolate.

Community Resolution Notices (CRNs), essentially warnings for anyone over the age of 10, have also been issued to 1,825 people for Covid-related reasons.

In terms of council area, Belfast has seen the most fines and notices handed out, with a total of 3624. The majority of this total is made up of Cov1 and Cov4 notices, along with 623 CRNs.

Lisburn and Castlereagh has seen the least, with a total of 177 notices have been issued.
The Indian Railway Finance Corporation on Friday raised a little over 1,398 crore from anchor investors ahead of its initial share sale that opens for public subscription on Monday. A total of 5,34,563,007 equity shares have been allocated to 31 anchor investors at an upper price band of 26 per equity shares, the company said in a statement. At this price, IRFC has garnered 1,398.63 crore from anchor investors.

The anchor investors include HDFC Trustee Company Ltd, Nippon Life India Trustee Ltd, Government of Singapore, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Kuwait Investment Authority Fund, Kotak Mahindra (International) Ltd, Goldman Sachs (Singapore) PTE, Tata AIG General Insurance Co Ltd and Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Co Ltd. The issue is of up to 178.20 crore shares, comprising a fresh issue of up to 118.80 crore shares and offer for sale of up to 59.40 crore shares by the government. The company's principal business is to borrow funds from the financial markets to finance acquisition/ creation of assets which are then leased out to the Indian Railways.

The initial public offer (IPO) would open on on January 18 and close on January 20. The price band of the issue has been fixed at 25 to 26 per equity share. At the upper end of the price band, the IPO is expected to fetch 4,633 crore. IRFC, set up in 1986, is a dedicated financing arm of the Indian Railways for mobilising funds from domestic as well as overseas markets. Its primary objective is to meet the predominant portion of 'extra budgetary resources' requirement of the Indian Railways through market borrowings at the most competitive rates and terms.

The Union Cabinet had in April 2017 approved listing of five railway companies. Four of them -- IRCON International Ltd, RITES Ltd, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp -- have been listed.

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.
...this committee has addressed drinking and wastewater contaminants including PFOS/PFAS, methane, cyanide, and more, setting appropriate standards for detection and reporting of these substances.

Pace Analytical Services, LLC, a national network of laboratories trusted for scientific expertise and reliable delivery of testing and analyses and managed laboratory services, and today announced that Thomas Patten has been recognized by ASTM International for over 10 years of outstanding service.

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Thomas Patten, Pace Analytical Environmental Manager, has served as Vice Chair and subcommittee Chair for ASTM committee D19.06 since 2009. This committee is focused on methods for analysis on organic substances in water and developing standards for detecting and identifying organics in water by chemical, physical, and instrumental means. During Pattens tenure, this committee has produced 29 different standards for water.

Its rewarding to be part of a group that evaluates and produces standards designed to protect us all from harmful substances, comments Patten. For example, this committee has addressed drinking and wastewater contaminants including PFOS/PFAS, methane, cyanide, and more, setting appropriate standards for detection and reporting of these substances. The D19.96 committee is also responsible for difficult and ground-breaking international standards for sampling microplastics.

Patten was presented with the ASTM Outstanding Service Award in December 2020 for his many years of service and accomplishments in standards development in the field of water.

Pace Analytical is a portfolio company of Los Angeles-based Aurora Capital Partners.

About Pace Analytical

Pace Analytical Services, LLC makes the world a safer, healthier place. For decades, we have been the trusted source for quality environmental and life sciences lab testing and analysis and the resource for scientific lab staffing, regulatory, and equipment services. Our work is done in partnership with our clients by providing the science and the data they need to make critical decisions that benefit us all. Pace delivers science better to businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and more through the largest, American-owned and nationally certified laboratory network. More at PACELABS.com
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

More than four million people in the UK have now received a first coronavirus vaccine dose, the latest figures show, as crucial progress continues to be made nationally in inoculating all over-80s and care-home residents.

The government remains optimistic that it will be able to provide jabs to around 15 million high-priority people across the UK by 15 February, including health and social care staff, the elderly and those in care homes.

On the day that vaccination invitations were sent out to hundreds of thousands of people in their 70s, the government announced that a total of 4,062,501 Britons had been administered with a first dose as of Sunday.

Heath secretary Matt Hancock said the UKs rollout was clearly on track but refused to be drawn on when restrictions would be eased, insisting that the government need to see proof of the vaccination programme working and pressure on the NHS reducing.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said the transition out of lockdown would be gradual, with no great open sesame moment when curbs on freedoms are suddenly lifted.

Despite the progress, there have been regional variations in the rollout of the vaccine.

As of Saturday, 5.9 per cent of the population in England had been vaccinated, compared with 4.1 per cent in Scotland, 4 per cent in Wales and 7.4 per cent in Northern Ireland.

NHS data showed London had delivered the lowest number of vaccinations across England, with a total of 417,225 first and second doses administered between 8 December and 17 January. In contrast, the Midlands had rolled out 746,487 doses.

The government also revealed on Monday that all care-home residents in Slough have now received a first vaccine dose, as is also the case in Newcastle and Darlington.

Throughout England, half of over-80s and half of care-home residents have been vaccinated.

When asked about the different speeds at which some local authorities were moving, Mr Hancock said the government was prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s.

The critical thing is to make sure that everybody can get it, that were putting more supply into the areas that have got more to do, he added.

The Welsh government faced accusations of a go-slow vaccination strategy after first minister Mark Drakeford said there was no point in rushing to administer all available doses this week if it meant vaccinators were standing around with nothing to do for another month.

"The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine youve got over the period that youve got it for so that your system can absorb it, they can go on working, that you dont have people standing around with nothing to do, he said.

Critics described his comments as astonishing, as Downing Street waded into the row. Allegra Stratton, the prime ministers press secretary, said she was sure all devolved leaders wanted to see jabs in everybodys arms as quickly as is sensibly possible.

Throughout Englands primary care networks, supplies of the vaccine are arriving in waves, making it difficult to deliver a smooth and rolling programme for local patients.

Therese Coffey, the work and pensions secretary, admitted that the rollout was "not quite working right and had issues to be resolved.

She said she had been told younger people were getting vaccinated before some over-80s, and even over-90s, in her Suffolk constituency.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi downplayed such concerns and suggested that over-70s would not be invited for their jabs until more than 90 per cent of the over-80s in a region had already been vaccinated.

Anyone who is over 80 watching us this morning should not worry because we are making sure that those areas have vaccinated the majority of their over-80s, he told the BBC.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Londons Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Womens Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London. The Blues won the game 4-1, (and the tie 5-3 on aggregate) sending them through to their first Champions League final AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 1 May 2020 Demonstrators during a march through London during a 'Kill the Bill' protest Angela Christofilou UK news in pictures 30 April 2021 Shoppers queue outside Primark in Belfast as shops reopen and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2021 Specialist operators at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, near Telford, Shropshire, clean the Hawker Hunter aircraft displayed within the museum's National Cold War Exhibition, during annual high-level aircraft cleaning and maintenance PA UK news in pictures 28 April 2021 Millions of tulips in flower near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, as Belmont Nurseries, the UK's largest commercial grower of outdoor tulips, offers socially-distanced visits to its tulip fields at Hillington to raise funds for local charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2021 Paula Laughton checks one of the newly installed Lego models in the new Lego Mythica land at Legoland Windsor Resort PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2021 A red panda rests on a tree at Manor Wildlife park, which reopened its doors as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, in Tenby, Wales Reuters UK news in pictures 25 April 2021 Sheep climb the hillside as flames from a moor fire are seen on Marsden moor, near Huddersfield AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 April 2021 Supporters protest against Manchester United's owners, outside English Premier League club Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in Manchester AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 23 April 2021 People enjoy the warm weather at City Hall near Tower Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 22 April 2021 Uyghurs during a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, which is being held ahead of a House of Commons debate, bought by backbench MP Nus Ghani, on whether Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2021 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Orchard in Alnwick REUTERS UK news in pictures 20 April 2021 People stand in front of anti Super League banners outside Anfield as twelve of Europe's top football clubs, including Liverpool, launch a breakaway league Reuters UK news in pictures 19 April 2021 Women enjoy sunny weather in Greenwich, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain, Reuters UK news in pictures 18 April 2021 Stephen Maguire (right) of Scotland interacts with Jamie Jones of Wales during day 2 of the Betfred World Snooker Championships 2021 at The Crucible, Sheffield PA UK news in pictures 17 April 2021 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburghs coffin, covered with His Royal Highnesss Personal Standard arrives by Landrover Defender at St Georges Chapel carried by a bearer party found by the Royal Marines during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Getty Images UK news in pictures 16 April 2021 Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, checks the teeth of "Dentosaurus" during a visit to the Thornliebank Dental Care centre in Glasgow, as she campaigns ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 April 2021 Myanmar's former ambassador to the UK, Kyaw Zwar Minn, outside his residence in north west London. The ambassador has been barred from entering the Myanmar embassy in Mayfair after he was removed from office PA UK news in pictures 14 April 2021 People take part in coronavirus surge testing on Clapham Common, south London. Thousands of residents have queued up to take coronavirus tests at additional facilities set up after new cases of the South African variant were found in two south London boroughs. 44 confirmed cases of the variant have been found in Lambeth and Wandsworth, with a further 30 probable cases identified PA UK news in pictures 13 April 2021 The core of the Milky Way becomes visible in the early hours of Tuesday morning as it moves over Bamburgh Lighthouse at stag Rock in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 12 April 2021 Rebecca Richardson (left) and Genevieve Florence, members of the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, during a practice session in the swimming pool at Clissold Leisure Centre in north London, which has reopened to the public. Many facilities have reopened in the latest easing of lockdown include pubs and restaurants who can serve outside, non-essential shops, indoor gyms and swimming pools, nail salons and hairdressers, outdoor amusements and zoos PA UK news in pictures 11 April 2021 A pub staff pins up a sign announcing the reopening of the Fox on the Hill pub on Denmark Hill in London EPA UK news in pictures 10 April 2021 The Death Gun Salute is fired by the Honourable Artillery Company to mark the passing of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the The Tower of London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 9 April 2021 A man arrives to lay a bunch of flowers outside Buckingham Palace in central London after the announcement of the death of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. - Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip, who recently spent more than a month in hospital and underwent a heart procedure, died on April 9, Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99. AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 8 April 2021 Cousin Pascal ridden by James King clears the chair on their way to winning the 4:05 Pool via REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 April 2021 Deliveroo riders from the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain outside Deliveroo headquarters in London, as they go on strike in a dispute for fair pay, safety protections and basic workers rights PA UK news in pictures 6 April 2021 Waves crash over the walls next to Seaham Lighthouse in Durham PA UK news in pictures 5 April 2021 Lusamba Katalay (third from left), the husband of Belly Mujinga joins activists at a vigil at Victoria station in London to mark the first anniversary of the death of railway worker Belly Mujinga who died with Covid-19 following reports she had been coughed on by a customer at London's Victoria station PA UK news in pictures 4 April 2021 People spend Easter Sunday at Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth Jake McPherson/SWNS UK news in pictures 3 April 2021 A woman looks into the camera as she attends a 'Kill the Bill' protest in London EPA UK news in pictures 2 April 2021 Members of the Bamburgh Croquet club play a game following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Northumberland, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 April 2021 A family walks in St Nicholas' Park in Warwick, the hot weather which baked much of the UK this week is set to give way to a chilly Easter weekend. PA UK news in pictures 31 March 2021 A woman adds a heart to the National Covid Memorial Wall in London EPA UK news in pictures 30 March 2021 Jamie Klingler from Reclaim These Streets speaks to the media in Clapham Common, south London, after a review by the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor concluded that Metropolitan Police officers did not act inappropriately or in a heavy-handed manner at the vigil PA UK news in pictures 29 March 2021 An aerial photo shows people playing tennis at the Mersey Bowman Lawn Tennis Club in Liverpool northwest England on March 29, 2021, as England's third Covid-19 lockdown restrictions ease, allowing groups of up to six people to meet outside. - People in England rushed outside Monday to enjoy sports, picnics and other previously prohibited activities, as the nation entered the second phase of its coronavirus lockdown easing thanks in large part to a successful vaccination drive AFP via Getty Images

However, he said that vaccine supply was the limiting factor in the rollout.

Mr Zahawi explained that Pfizer was temporarily reducing its vaccine deliveries to Europe while it upgraded its production capacity.

There's bound to be delays, he said. Any new manufacturing process has challenges at the outset, it is lumpy, it begins to stabilise and get better and better week in, week out.

"The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is a messenger RNA chemical, difficult chemical to manufacture, very very challenging but theyre doing really well, they want to do more, which is why theyre reconfiguring to add volume to the whole world.

He said Britain was on course to hit its rollout targets, with 140 people being vaccinated each minute on average.

He added the UK was hoping to receive 2 million vaccines a week from AstraZeneca but that those numbers would not be reached until the middle of next month.

The government also announced on Monday that 24-hour vaccination sites will be tried out in London by the end of the month.

Stephen Powis, the NHS national medical director for England, said the programme would start within the next week or two.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 05:10:03|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KHARTOUM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The casualty toll of clashes between armed militias in El Geneina, capital city of Sudan's West Darfur State, has climbed to 159 dead and 202 injured, said the Doctors Committee of the West Darfur State in a statement on Tuesday.

The ongoing clashes in Sudan's West and South Darfur States have pushed the central government to send military reinforcements to the two states.

Earlier in the day, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry reiterated in a statement the government's responsibility to protect the civilians and provide security in Darfur region.

The clashes started on Jan. 16 by a fight between two citizens in El Geneina, in which one of them was killed. Enditem

MANZINI  We are not essential workers but slaves!

This was a bold statement by nurses stationed at the Mavuso Quarantine Centre as they engaged in a picket yesterday. COVID-19 patients were left unattended from 9am as the nurses were picketing outside the pavilions. This posed a risk, especially to critically-ill patients, who desperately needed to be attended to by medical staff. The nurses raised a concern about the lack of proper ventilation at the quarantine centre as they claimed that inadequate fresh air was one of the main causes of the high number of health workers who contracted the virus.

The picketing nurses disclosed that the pavilions which were repurposed into healthcare centres did not have a single window to allow adequate air circulation. This, they said, was not ideal as each pavilion accommodated 22 COVID-19 patients, excluding nurses. At the centre, there are only five pavilions which are reserved for COVID-19 positive patients and another which is used strictly for administrative purposes.

The nurses, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that when they were informed of the decision to be stationed at the centre, it was stated that they would only attend to asymptomatic patients for isolation purposes. We were also promised that we would be provided with enough support staff to assist us while executing our duties in a diligent and effective manner, to be able to cater for all patients, disclosed one nurse.

Also, the nurses claimed that they were promised IPC infection prevention control, which includes adequate ventilation for the patients which they said was not a problem at the time. They stated that the centre only had 40 nurses attending to patients and that for their duties to be done in accordance with the demand during the second wave of the pandemic, there was supposed to be three working per shift, which includes staff nurses and an assistant. However, this is not the case as they disclosed that at times there was only one nurse per shift; something which added a lot of anxiety and stress to the frontline workers.

Another nurse *Njabulo, stated that there were three shifts in a day, which meant that nine nurses would work on a 24-hour basis per pavilion.
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 boss of Superdry has insisted he is optimistic about a post-pandemic recovery on Britain's high streets after his firm warned about its ability to continue trading.

In a bleak update that sent shares tumbling, the fashion retailer posted an 18.9million loss in the 26 weeks to October 24 and said sales in the following 11 weeks, which included Christmas, fell by 27 per cent.

Superdry group revenues fell from 369.1million to 282.7million. It also sounded the alarm about 'material uncertainty' in the coming months.

Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton (pictured with wife Jade Holland Cooper) has insisted he is optimistic about a post-pandemic recovery on Britain's high streets

But Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton said the retailer was in a strong position with 130million to draw on.

'Do you think the world is going to get better or worse in the next 12months, compared to the 12 we have just had?'

Dunkerton said. 'I think it is going to get better.

'But from an accounting point of view we have to say we don't know.'

He predicted there would be 'huge pent-up demand' in stores when the pandemic ends and shops can open once again.

'Shopping is leisure and as such I think it will come back very quickly.'

Shares fell 16.3 per cent, or 39p, to 201p.

OTTAWA - Ontario Conservative MP Derek Sloan could be expelled from his party's caucus as early as Tuesday for accepting a donation to his leadership campaign from a white supremacist.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole holds a press conference on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on Dec. 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Ontario Conservative MP Derek Sloan could be expelled from his party's caucus as early as Tuesday for accepting a donation to his leadership campaign from a white supremacist.

But Sloan accused the party of hypocrisy, saying that Paul Fromm, who has been associated with Neo Nazis for years, was a party member and voted in last year's leadership contest  a fact that would have been known to all candidates, including eventual winner Erin O'Toole, as well as the party itself.

"If I am guilty of something, they are guilty of something. This is ridiculous," Sloan told supporters in a Facebook video late Monday night.

"I'm not going to go down without a fight."

The party did not immediately return a request to confirm Fromm's membership, though he noted himself on Twitter that he had registered to attend the upcoming policy convention, which only party members are allowed to do.

Several hours earlier, O'Toole had issued a statement saying he will seek to have Sloan expelled from the Conservative caucus and will bar him from running for the party in the next election.

He said accepting Fromm's donation was "far worse than a gross error of judgment or failure of due diligence" by his former leadership rival.

Racism is a disease of the soul, repugnant to our core values. It has no place in our country. It has no place in the Conservative Party of Canada. I wont tolerate it," O'Toole said in the statement, issued less than three hours after word of Sloan's donation first emerged.

It is up to Conservative MPs to vote on whether Sloan ought to remain, and some MPs said Monday they expect that vote to happen as early as Tuesday.

Privately, several expressed concern with the way O'Toole had handled the issue, noting while many aren't fans of Sloan's hard-right social conservative views, booting him over a donation could set a dangerous precedent.

Some were also quick to point out that O'Toole opposed an effort to oust Sloan from caucus during the leadership race, when he was accused of racism for remarks he made about Canada's chief public health officer.

Sloan said he was completely unaware that Fromm had donated to his campaign until a report surfaced in Press Progress late Monday afternoon, and no one from the party or O'Toole's office reached out to him.

Fromm has been a fixture in right-wing politics for decades, including participating in events with the neo-Nazi Heritage Front.

He had tried to buy a membership for the 2017 Conservative leadership race via candidate Kellie Leitch's campaign, but his money was returned.

Sloan said it's absurd to believe that any leadership candidate, or any MP, should be familiar with the names of every single one of their donors.

Fromm's total donation of $131 was made Aug. 7, just weeks before the contest ended. Of that, Sloan's campaign received $117.90, with the party taking the rest.

Sloan said Fromm donated to his campaign using the name "Frederick P. Fromm," further obscuring the source of the funds.

He said the party would have checked the name at the time, and never raised a red flag then, nor did anyone do so when Fromm's mail-in ballot would have come in.

"They are now trying to kick me out of the party for not having some excessive standard of scrutiny that they don't even have themselves," Sloan said.

O'Toole ultimately won leadership of the party last year thanks to Sloan's supporters, and those of social conservative Leslyn Lewis, who backed him instead of his main rival, Peter MacKay, on the last ballot.

Ever since, questions have dogged O'Toole about how he'd seek to ensure the views of social conservatives are respected but also win support among more moderate Canadians wary that those points of view would dominate the party's agenda.

The issue became a live one again in recent weeks as O'Toole faced pressure to clearly draw a line between his party and the kind of extreme right wing politics that has flared up into violence in the U.S.

On Sunday, he issued a statement pledging that there would be no room in his party for the "far right," a missive that his office insisted was in response to attacks from rival parties all week long on that score.

But it had prompted questions about how he intends to honour that pledge given that his caucus includes those who don't share his support for LGBTQ rights and a woman's right to choose, among other issues.The issue was poised to also come to a head at the party's upcoming policy convention.

Delegate registration ended this past Friday and, while O'Toole had said Sunday that he leads a "moderate, pragmatic, mainstream party," factions of the party's right wing have been organizing to advance their causes at the virtual event in March.

"Sick of hearing Conservative politicians say they 'won't reopen the abortion debate?' Then change it," the anti-abortion group Right Now told its supporters.

"Register to become a delegate at the upcoming online policy convention and vote to remove that line from the policy handbook."

Sloan himself had also been aggressively recruiting delegates to go to the convention, using his membership lists to blast emails and robocalls to party members saying he was their voice and their issues must be represented.

"We need as many truly 'conservative' delegates to participate as possible. The more 'conservative' delegates who participate, the more success we will have in making the (Conservative Party of Canada) into a truly conservative party," Sloan wrote in an email to his supporters, obtained by The Canadian Press.

On Twitter, Fromm himself suggested he is registered to be a delegate at the convention thanks to Sloan's outreach.

"I inadvertently got Derek Sloan into trouble when I responded to an appeal from his office to register for the party's policy convention," he wrote.

"Wasn't O'Toole talking about building an inclusive party?"

Party leaders don't normally have transparent control over what policy resolutions are put to debate at conventions.

It's a complicated system that includes member votes, regional representation and the ultimate green-light by party officials.

But previous Conservative leaders have been accused of placing pressure on those officials to structure debates such that time runs out before certain ideas can be discussed.

Those allegations saw O'Toole promise during his leadership bid that all ideas that make it to the convention will have a chance to be heard and voted on.

"Lets embrace our grassroots, not run from it," he said in his platform.

Whether he stands by that pledge is unclear. His office directed questions on the subject to the party, which did not return a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2021.
CHICO, Calif. - Some people coming in and out of Chico's Trader Joes Monday were wearing masks and staying socially distanced but some are still very concerned about the virus spreading in their community.

Monday, California became the first state to hit three million Coronavirus cases. California only reached two million reported cases back on Dec. 24.

People in Chico shared how losing their loved ones to COVID-19 has them taking extra safety precautions.

"Use all the precautions of distancing and trying to stay at home," said Carmen Rodriguez, a Chico resident. "I just lost in San Diego a person from COVID. He was 39. Even though he had some complications like he was over-weight and stuff, we are so deeply sad."

"Yea, I think it is really sad that we have it that," said Ellie Rosebush, a shopper at Trader Joes. "It seems like if we would just corporate and do the right thing and put on masks, we might just get through this. So I know there is a lot of difference in opinions but I just think it is an easy thing to do to put on a mask."

Butte County is vaccinating people in phase 1A and has now moved onto phase 1B which includes teachers and school staff.

Click here to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in your area.
It has been one year since the outbreak of COVID-19, but there is still an increasing number of confirmed cases. The epidemic situation is still challenged all over the world. The effective drug remains to be the key factor for keeping the epidemic in check and reducing mortality.

At present, the most effective treatment for COVID-19 is the plasma from convalescent patients, and its active ingredient is the neutralizing antibodies. The much anticipated COVID-19 vaccines also depend on the neutralizing antibodies produced by vaccines to achieve the protective effect.

The antiviral mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody

The COVID-19 pathogen SARS-CoV-2 binds with the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) on human cells through the Spike protein (S protein) to undergo a cell membrane infusion process, allowing for the entry of the virus into the cells through endocytosis for replication, processing, and infecting the body.

The blocking neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 S protein RBD can prevent the binding of S protein RBD to ACE2, thereby preventing the virus from invading host cells and ultimately preventing virus infection. This is an important pathway for neutralizing antibodies to exert their antiviral effects (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2 RBD neutralizing antibody. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Overview of global SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody R&D

On April 28, 2020, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China mentioned in the Guidance for Emergency Project Application for R&D of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Products that, neutralizing antibodies have the potential to block the virus from infecting target cells, and monoclonal antibodies have the advantages of the definite mechanism of action and convenient access to mass production, making it the vital research area of anti-SARS-CoV-2 medicines. In May 2020, the team against COVID-19 involving 12 top scientists in the United States issued a proposal for fighting against COVID-19, which also believed that monoclonal antibody drugs are considered a novel and potential antiviral alternative option.

At present, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody drugs developed by many global enterprises and research institutions have entered the clinical trials around the world, and examples include the monoclonal neutralizing antibody produced by U.S. Regeneron and Vir Biotechnology; recombinant anti-nCoV Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Solution for Injection JS016 jointly developed by Junshi Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, etc.; SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody BI 767551 produced by UKK, UMR, DZIF, and Boehringer Ingelheim; and high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody BD-368-2 developed by the team of Peking University led by Academician Xiaoliang Xie. Most of these neutralizing antibodies are derived from the plasma of convalescent patients or the plasma of animals immunized with SARS-CoV-2 antigen.

There are numerous varieties of antibodies in the plasma, reaching as high as about 107-108. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to find SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in the plasma. However, high-throughput single-cell sequencing can significantly shorten the antibody screening process, from the previous several years to the current several months. The team led by Academician Xiaoliang Xie isolated a single B cell that can secrete SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from thousands of B cells in the blood of convalescent patients using the high-throughput single-cell sequencing and identified the memory B cells that generated neutralizing antibody by determining the transcriptome of each cell. Then, the enriched memory B cells were screened to obtain the antibody-related gene sequences, and the antibody is expressed in vitro using genetic engineering technology. Sino Biological Inc. provided services of rapid high-throughput antibody expression and screening for the SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody research and development project undertaken by the team of Peking University led by Academician Xiaoliang Xie.

The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody R&D of Sino Biological Inc

In addition, based on the experienced monoclonal antibody technology platforms: single B cell technology, phage library technology, mouse hybridoma technology (Figure 2 and Figure 3), and the recombinant protein expression platforms, the R&D group of Sino Biological Inc. chose the self-developed active recombinant Spike protein as the antigen to obtain many anti-RBD Mab Clones. First, an ELISA competitive neutralization screening platform was used to quickly screen the monoclonal antibody candidate strains that can block the binding of RBD and ACE2 protein, and then SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization screening platform (Figure 4) was used to screen neutralizing functional antibodies that effectively block the invasion process. Presently, many high-affinity, high-specificity rabbit monoclonal and mouse monoclonal neutralizing antibodies have been successfully obtained (Figure 5) and applied in the SARS-CoV-2 studies.

Figure 2. Single B cell technology. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Figure 3. Phage library technology & hybridoma technology. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Figure 4. SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization screening platform. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Figure 5. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, rabbit MAb (Sino Biological Inc. Cat# 40592-R001). Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

The challenges in the R&D of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody

SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA-enveloped virus. Studies have confirmed that the mutation frequency of RNA viruses is higher than that of the DNA viruses. The intervention of the SARS-CoV-2 in the human immune system and its rapid global spread provide favorable opportunities for the mutation of SARS-CoV-2. While the amino acid mutations may change the functions of the virus and its interactions with the neutralizing antibodies. Spike protein, as a key target for the SARS-CoV-2 to recognize receptors on the host cell surface and mediate cell fusion, has a higher mutation frequency, especially in the RBD region. So far, hundreds of mutants of S protein have been reported. An article titled "The impact of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike on viral infectivity and antigenicity" published in the journal of Cell found that different mutations have varied sensitivity to the neutralizing antibodies. Sino Biological used self-developed neutralizing antibodies and mutant proteins to perform studies and found that different neutralizing antibodies show different abilities in recognizing non-mutant proteins and RBD (V367F) mutant proteins. Moreover, the neutralizing antibodies have different abilities in neutralizing non- mutant proteins and S1 D614G mutant proteins (Figure 6). The result showed that frequent mutations are a major challenge to the protective ability to neutralizing antibodies.

Figure 6. The recognition of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody to non-mutant and mutant proteins and the competitive neutralization ability by ELISA. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Although antibody screening specific for RBD and ACE2 binding epitopes is considered as the core for the development of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, the mutations in the RBD region may allow newly generated strains to escape from the known neutralization effects of the RBD antibodies. Therefore, the development of neutralizing antibody combinations against different epitopes of RBD or the development of antibodies with high neutralizing activity against conserved epitopes will be effective strategies to prevent immune escape caused by viral mutations. Previously, many monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing activity against the S2 region, especially HR1 and HR2, have been successfully isolated in the SARS-CoV study. The NTD neutralizing antibody is also obtained successfully in the MERS-CoV study. In May 2020, Academician Chen Wei collaborated with the Zhou Qiang laboratory team of Westlake University, to isolate antibody 4A8 from the plasmocytes in the plasma of COVID-19 convalescent patients, which could recognize the fragile epitope of Spike NTD. Although it could not block the binding of S protein to ACE2, it could neutralize true viruses and pseudoviruses, indicating that it possesses a mechanism of virus neutralization independent of receptor binding inhibition.

In addition to studies on neutralizing antibodies targeting different targets, some researchers have investigated SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies made from different methods, for example, the 47D11 monoclonal antibodies found in humanized mouse experiments that can neutralize both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS, and nanobodies H11-D4 and H11-H4 derived from alpaca.

At present, clinical trials involving SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies are being actively carried out across the world. Neutralizing antibodies may become a specific medicine against SARS-CoV-2 and will forge double defensive lines of treatment and protection together with the use of vaccines, to safeguard the health of mankind.

About Sino Biological Inc.

Sino Biological, Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing affordable, high-quality reagents, including recombinant proteins, antibodies and cDNA clonesall in-house. We provide a one-stop shop for researchers and pharmaceutical companies around the world, helping our customers obtain the best reagents in the needed amounts to accelerate the pace of discovery and improve human health.

Sino Biological's core business

Sino Biological is committed to providing high-quality recombinant protein and antibody reagents and to being a one-stop technical services shop for life science researchers around the world. All of our products are independently developed and produced. In addition, we offer pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms pre-clinical production technology services for hundreds of monoclonal antibody drug candidates. Our product quality control indicators meet rigorous requirements for clinical use samples. It takes only a few weeks for us to produce 1 to 30 grams of purified monoclonal antibody from gene sequencing.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
The whole team at Latin Resources is very excited by our initial observation at Noombenberry, and the potential that this emerging project is showing at such an early stage, says exploration manager.

s ( ) first pass and infill aircore drilling has confirmed highly encouraging significant intersections of bright white kaolinite across the area tested at its 100%-owned Noombenberry Project, east-southeast of Merredin in Western Australia.

Drilling intersected the kaolin up to 50 metres thick across the 18-square-kilometre area drill tested, which remains open to the north, south, east and west.

The company is confident of the potential to expand the footprint of this kaolinite occurrence within its considerable tenement holdings in the future.

Detailed test-work from the sampling from the Phase I drilling is underway, with Phase II samples dispatched to the laboratory and initial results are expected in February 2021.

Initial observations very encouraging

Latin Resources exploration manager Tony Greenaway said: Our field team has worked incredibly hard to get both the first pass and infill drilling campaigns completed in a short period of time, and the samples off the laboratory for testing.

Our initial observations from drill cutting are very encouraging, with our logging showing the development of a thick, consistent, flat dipping blanket of bright white kaolinitic clay across the area of our drill testing, just meters below the surface.

The geometry and consistency of the kaolinite layer will bode well for any potential future development.

Significantly advance project

Greenaway said: We are now able to significantly advance the Noombenberry project to the next stage, which includes a resources estimation and other preliminary studies.

While we wait for the results from the test-work to be returned from the laboratory, we will build our preliminary wireframes and advance discussions with suitably qualified resource consultants, with the aim of generating a maiden mineral resource for the Noombenberry project as soon as possible.

The whole team at Latin Resources is very excited by our initial observation at Noombenberry, and the potential that this emerging project is showing at such an early stage.

Shares have been as much as 32% higher this morning to 4.2 cents.

Samples sent to laboratories

Latin completed 197 drill holes for a total of 4,430 metres of vertical shallow aircore drilling to test the extent of a known kaolinite-halloysite occurrence, where previous sampling has returned results of 38.9% kaolinite, 15% halloysite and 31.8% K-feldspar from the 45-180 micron fraction.

The initial phase of drilling on a regular 400 x 400 metres grid pattern was completed prior to the Christmas break, with a second phase of off-set infill drilling to a nominal 200 x 200 metres pattern focused on thicker zones of logged kaolinitic clays completed in the first weeks of January 2021.

This sequence of well-developed kaolinitic clay (saprolite) beneath a thin layer of soil cover is consistent across the area tested.

Composite samples from the aircore drilling will be sent to laboratories in Perth and Adelaide for detailed test-work including: size fraction analysis, brightness testing, definitive clay mineral species quantification via a combination of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and spectral scanning, along with other elemental analysis via X-Ray Florence (XRF).

Maiden resource estimate

Discussions have commenced with suitably qualified geological consultants in respect to the generation of a maiden resource estimate for the Noombenberry Project.

Once all results from test-work have been received, a detailed geological interpretation will be produced by Latin Resources geological team, including geological and mineralisation domain wireframes to be used in the estimation process.

Strong demand for halloysite/kaolin

Noombenberry, which hosts halloysite and kaolin, offers a particularly compelling opportunity for Latin Resources as halloysite is a globally scarce commodity, with strong demand drivers.

Kaolin is used in the manufacture of paper, ceramics, porcelain, cement, paint and polymers.

Primary main markets for halloysite are ceramics, batteries, supercapacitors, the construction industry and the petroleum industry as a catalyst for fluid catalytic cracking.

Further, emerging markets are also developing such as nanotube technologies and cancer therapeutics.
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. - Jonathan Jones named his restaurant Epilogue because it was supposed to be the end of a beginning.

Jones, 32, and his wife, Maura Ryan, 31, moved here from Wilmington, N.C., in 2014, to delve into Oregon's wine industry and to try to open their own restaurant. They started with a food truck called Prologue Pastry and in 2019 finally turned it into a brick-and-mortar establishment serving dinner and cocktails. Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails was the fulfillment of a dream and made Jones one of few Black business owners in Oregon's capital city.

Now, he and Ryan, who is White, wonder if this is the city to carry on their new beginning. The two have been targeted by far-right extremists and white-supremacist groups, and the attacks have intensified over the past few months as several of these groups, including those supporting President Donald Trump, have held marches and rallies at the Capitol and spilled into downtown.

Demonstrations also have been held to protest Democratic Gov. Kate Brown and her coronavirus restrictions and other policies. In December, a group of right-wing protesters entered the Oregon Capitol after a Republican state representative let them in. Republicans in the state have tried to recall Brown multiple times, and she and Trump have clashed on social media over her handling of last summer's protests.

Over the weekend, the Oregon Capitol was locked down with windows boarded and National Guard troops called up in the event of a violent attempted insurrection, like the one in Washington on Jan. 6, when a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol.

This year, especially the past few months, have "felt like a battle for the soul of Salem," Jones said.

But Jones now feels like he is a target in the battle.

After a Nov. 27 rally by the Proud Boys, a male-chauvinist group with ties to white nationalism, Jones said a member of the group followed him and threatened him with bear spray. A week later, a security camera captured someone - Jones believes it was the same man - using white spray paint to cover a message in the window of his restaurant that says "Hate has no place here." Salem police are investigating.

A few weeks later, street lamps and poles on the block around Epilogue were papered by Patriot Front, a white-nationalist group that sprang up after the violence in Charlottesville, Va. and has been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and others.

Jones and the restaurant also have been subjected to online harassment. Profiles with the same photo of Trump's face but different account handles have trolled Epilogue's Instagram page, leaving disparaging comments on videos of Jones and on pictures of the food. Jones said one comment called his wife a race traitor for marrying him.

Then, on Jan. 1, several rallies, including one organized by Oregon Women for Trump, drew members of the Proud Boys and the far-right Patriot Prayer group. Jones was headed to work at Epilogue after attending a rally sponsored by an anti-fascist group. He and a few friends were gathered outside his restaurant when about 20 participants from the far-right rallies confronted them and became aggressive. Police arrived, along with more Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer members, until, Jones says, there were about 50 of them surrounding the restaurant and about 20 police, including two armored cars.

Jones said he tried to explain to police that he owned the business they were trapped in front of, but it wasn't until a White friend stepped forward to corroborate the story that police believed Jones was not the aggressor. Police eventually threw pepper bombs into the crowd of marchers to disperse them.

Jones and Ryan closed the restaurant for the rest of that afternoon and took the next day off. They talked about leaving Salem for good.

"Not even necessarily from fearing directly for our lives, though there was definitely fear for that," Ryan said, "but just feeling like this was not the place for us anymore."

Today, they vary their route home to make sure they aren't being followed.

"Home is strange now," Ryan said. "We're basically just hoping that none of our neighbors are any of these people - and we're fairly confident they're not - but you can never really know."

When an online campaign to post disparaging comments and leave poor reviews about the restaurant on Instagram and Facebook was underway in early January, friends and community members stepped up to counter and post positive stories. Jones and Ryan say their friends and people in the community have been mostly supportive.

"I think that it was pretty clear that it was a more conservative town, but I think we had a lot of blinders on because we were hopeful for the future," Jones said of the couple's decision to move to Salem. "So we didn't really register the warning signs.

"We saw the potential," he said. "The restaurant scene was in its infancy in Salem in terms of like, true caring about craft and experience. So we saw an opportunity to really thrive here, and this town was actually way more small-business friendly."

Oregon, however, has a long dark history of racism. The authors of the state's constitution in 1857 barred Black people from living there, and two years later a law was passed dictating public lashings for those who violated the decree.

The state also has a disproportionate number of active hate groups, according to classifications by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Still, despite all they have been through, Jones and his wife decided to spend the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday serving up to 200 free lunches downtown.

"Feeding the community was a huge part of the civil rights movement," Jones said.

The restaurant partnered with a local radio station, 105.5 the Moon, to broadcast two of King's most famous speeches over the noon hour while they handed out free chicken sandwiches and salad. Jones also passed out their homemade anti-racism guide with each plate, too.

Jones insisted the station play King's "I Have a Dream" speech, as well as "Letter From Birmingham Jail." He was concerned that the former presents a unity narrative, he said, and he doesn't believe that healing or unity can exist when ideologies such as those of Patriot Front and Patriot Prayer still hold power in his town.

He and Ryan will watch the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on TV at home on Wednesday. Epilogue will be closed. Only a security camera will keep watch.

"No physical presence, and we'll be hoping that things stay quiet," he said. "But I do not expect that to happen."
Photo: Netflix

The poor people of post-WWI Birmingham, England, could probably use a break from Tommy Shelby and the brutal Peaky Blinders gang, but theyre definitely going to miss having something exciting to watch on the telly. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the BAFTA-winning drama starring Cillian Murphy will come to an end after the shows currently filming sixth season; the BBC series, available to stream on Netflix, has just entered production. According to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while the show itself might be coming to an end, the story of family, organized crime, and timeless mens haircuts will continue, though he stops short of announcing a film or other permutation of the show.

Peaky is back and with a bang, Knight told THR. After the enforced production delay due to the COVID pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form.

19 January 2021 LSE: PDL

Petra Diamonds Limited

("Petra" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Trading Update for the Six Months ended 31 December 2020

Petra Diamonds Limited announces the following Trading Update (unaudited) for the six months ended 31 December 2020 (the "Period", "H1 FY 2021" or "H1"), ahead of the publication of the Company's Interim Results for the Period on 16 February 2021.

SUMMARY

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.50 (H1 FY 2020: 0.22 and FY 2020: 0.29) improved from 0.65 during Q1 FY 2021 due to the behaviour-based intervention campaign in place to address this LTI trend and reinforce safe workplace practices. The total number of injuries during the Period, which includes LTIs, reduced to 19 (H1 FY 2020: 24).

H1 production down 16% to 1,740,862 carats (H1 FY 2020: 2,070,240 carats), mainly as a result of the Williamson mine in Tanzania remaining on care and maintenance. Increased production at Cullinan was offset by decreased production at Finsch due to waste ingress in a number of the upper levels of the Block 5 Sub Level Cave, negatively impacting the recovered grade, and corrective measures to address the waste ingress restricting the volume of ROM tonnes being mined.

remaining on care and maintenance. Increased production at Cullinan was offset by decreased production at Finsch due to waste ingress in a number of the upper levels of the Block 5 Sub Level Cave, negatively impacting the recovered grade, and corrective measures to address the waste ingress restricting the volume of ROM tonnes being mined. H1 revenue down 8% to US$178.1 million from 1,712,797 carats sold (H1 FY 2020: US$193.9 million from 1,743,807 carats sold) with the US$40.4 million proceeds from the Letlapa Tala Collection of blue diamonds offset by weaker prices following the COVID-19 outbreak and the deferral of sales to January 2021 of some 382 kcts yielding US$30.5 million at the Company's first tender of 2021, which closed on 15 January 2021 . Diamond pricing on a like-for-like basis increased by a further 8% at this tender, confirming that pricing has now returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.

from 1,712,797 carats sold (H1 FY 2020: from 1,743,807 carats sold) with the proceeds from the Letlapa Tala Collection of blue diamonds offset by weaker prices following the COVID-19 outbreak and the deferral of sales to of some 382 kcts yielding at the Company's first tender of 2021, which closed on . Diamond pricing on a like-for-like basis increased by a further 8% at this tender, confirming that pricing has now returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. The Cullinan mine produced a 299 carat Type IIa white gem-quality diamond in January 2021 ; this stone is expected to be sold during the Company's next tender in February 2021 . This is the third largest high quality white diamond recovered at the mine since Petra acquired its stake in 2008, after the 507 carat Cullinan Heritage and the 424 carat Legacy of the Cullinan Diamond Mine. A photo of the 299 carat diamond can be viewed at https://www.petradiamonds.com/media/image-library/diamonds/.

; this stone is expected to be sold during the Company's next tender in . This is the third largest high quality white diamond recovered at the mine since Petra acquired its stake in 2008, after the 507 carat and the 424 carat Legacy of the Cullinan Diamond Mine. A photo of the 299 carat diamond can be viewed at https://www.petradiamonds.com/media/image-library/diamonds/. Diamond inventory of 1,385,402 carats valued at US$103.6 million at Period end ( 30 September 2020 : US$90.2 million ).

at Period end ( : ). Consolidated net debt at 31 December 2020 of US$695.5 million ( 30 September 2020 : US$687.8 million ).

of ( : ). Unrestricted cash of US$92.3 million ( 30 September 2020 : US$49.3 million ), with the Company's banking facilities remaining fully drawn.

( : ), with the Company's banking facilities remaining fully drawn. ZAR/USD exchange rate volatility continued during the Period, averaging R16.27/ USD1 and closing the Period at ZAR14.69 / USD1 . The continued weakness in ZAR/USD levels partially offset some of the price weakness realised through diamond sales.

Capital Restructuring

A number of milestones have now been passed with regards to the successful implementation of the Company's proposed capital restructuring and associated debt for equity swap, including the approval of the Scheme by 100% of votes cast at the Scheme Meeting on 8 January 2021 and the approval of the associated allotment of new shares by 95% of votes cast by shareholders at the Company's Special General Meeting on 13 January 2021 , paving the way for the restructuring to complete during January / February 2021 , provided the requisite regulatory approval is obtained. In December 2020 the Company announced the prospective appointment of Mr. Matthew Glowasky to the Board as a Non-Executive Director nominee appointed by Monarch Master Funding 2 ( Luxembourg ) S.a r.l., a holder of the Company's US$650 million 7.25% senior secured second lien notes due in May 2022 that is participating in the debt for equity swap. Mr. Glowasky's prospective appointment to the Board is subject to the successful implementation of the consensual capital restructuring and a further announcement confirming the date on which he will formally assume office will be made in due course.

Outlook

The diamond market has continued to show improved demand for rough diamonds, as evidenced by the recent strong sales from the majors De Beers and ALROSA, further to continued robust demand from the midstream, following positive consumer sales during the holiday retail season. There are expectations that this improved demand will continue throughout Q1 CY 2021. However, the current resurgence of COVID-19 in many countries poses a significant risk to the logistics and timing of sales in H2 FY 2021.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19, production guidance for FY 2021 remains suspended. Furthermore, the Williamson mine remains on care and maintenance, as has been the case since April 2020 ; this situation remains under continual review.

Project 2022 throughput targets have been impacted by reduced grade at Finsch as a result of the increased waste ingress and reduced volumes to manage the dilution, as mentioned above, and Williamson remaining on care and maintenance for longer than initially planned. Although Cullinan remains on track to deliver on its throughput stretch target for FY 2021, the impact of reduced throughput at Finsch and Williamson is expected to lower the annualised contribution of the throughput initiatives from some US$101 million by the end of FY 2021, as previously disclosed, to around US$70 million . Any longer term impact of increased waste ingress at Finsch will be clarified as part of the current life of mine ("LOM") planning process. Petra continues to expect the Project 2022 cost saving initiatives to deliver an annualised contribution of ca. US$22 million from the end of Q3 FY 2021.

The Company is aware of media reports suggesting that the parcel of 71,654 carats of diamonds from the Williamson mine in Tanzania , which was blocked for export in September 2017 , has been nationalised. To date the Company has not received any communication from the Government of Tanzania about this matter and Williamson Diamonds Limited, the owner and operator of the Williamson mine, has written to the Minister of Minerals requesting an update on the status of the Parcel.

, which was blocked for export in , has been nationalised. To date the Company has not received any communication from the Government of about this matter and Williamson Diamonds Limited, the owner and operator of the Williamson mine, has written to the Minister of Minerals requesting an update on the status of the Parcel. The Company's Tunajali Committee, comprised entirely of independent Non-Executive Directors, will undertake a review of the output of the external investigation into the alleged breaches of human rights at the Williamson mine and will make recommendations to address any findings. The Company intends to make a further announcement on these issues by the end of March 2021 .

H1 FY 2021 Sales, Production and Capex - Summary

Unit H1 FY 2021 H1 FY 2020 Variance FY 2020 Sales Diamonds sold Carats 1,712,797 1,743,807 -2% 2,895,497 Gross revenue US$M 178.1 193.9 -8% 295.8 Production ROM tonnes Mt 4.2 7.0 -40% 11.5 Tailings & other1 tonnes Mt 0.2 0.5 -60% 0.8 Total tonnes treated Mt 4.4 7.5 -41% 12.3 ROM diamonds Carats 1,644,846 1,995,512 -18% 3,442,593 Tailings & other1 diamonds Carats 96,016 74,728 +28% 146,583 Total diamonds Carats 1,740,862 2,070,240 -16% 3,589,176 Capex Expansion US$m 6.3 15.9 -60% 21.8 Sustaining US$m 2.3 9.7 -76% 14.6 Borrowing costs capitalised US$m 0.0 0.0 - - Total US$m 8.6 25.6 -66% 36.4

'Other' includes alluvial diamond mining at Williamson.

Richard Duffy, Chief Executive of Petra Diamonds, commented:

"We are living through a time of great uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, which has put considerable pressure on the business and all of our employees. I am grateful for the continued fortitude and resilience of our entire Petra team in the face of this challenge and extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the four employees who have tragically lost their lives to COVID-19.

I am delighted that we have now secured the support of our noteholders, lenders and shareholders for the proposed restructuring of the Group's balance sheet, which will formally complete in the coming weeks following the receipt of the requisite regulatory approval. This marks a significant milestone in putting the Company on a sustainable footing going forward. The improvement in the market, with prices from our January sale now back at pre-COVID levels, is very encouraging and will provide some support as we look to optimise the value of our asset base.

Our operations in South Africa, and Cullinan in particular, continue to perform well despite emerging operational challenges at Finsch, resulting from waste ingress, that has negatively impacted on its carat production. Mitigation plans have been developed and are currently being implemented to address this. Williamson remains under care and maintenance and we are considering various options to resume mining operations."

COMMENTARY

Health and safety

Group LTIFR of 0.50 (H1 FY 2020: 0.22 and FY 2020: 0.29), improving from 0.65 for Q1 FY 2021. The majority of the accidents in H1 FY 2021 continued to be behavioural in nature. Considerable focus is being placed on reinforcing safe behaviour and continuous improvement in striving for a zero harm working environment. The total number of injuries during the Period, which includes LTIs, reduced to 19 (H1 FY 2020: 24).

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant risk to the health and safety of the Group's workforce. Whilst the majority of those who contract the virus may be asymptomatic or may only experience mild symptoms, a number of people (especially those with comorbidities) may become seriously ill or the virus may prove fatal. Whilst Petra has implemented systems and strategies aiming to prevent and/or contain the spread of the virus at its operations, the widespread prevalence and highly infectious nature of the virus has meant that 290 employees to date have been confirmed COVID-19 positive at the South African operations as at 15 January 2021 , and of these 240 have fully recovered. Although the majority of those affected are only experiencing mild symptoms, the Company has tragically lost four colleagues as a result of COVID-19.

, and of these 240 have fully recovered. Although the majority of those affected are only experiencing mild symptoms, the Company has tragically lost four colleagues as a result of COVID-19. More information about the Company's response to the pandemic can be accessed here: https://www.petradiamonds.com/sustainability/health-and-safety/our-response-to-covid-19/.

There have been no cases of COVID-19 confirmed at the Williamson mine in Tanzania to date.

Production

Overall carat production decreased 16% to 1,740,862 carats (H1 FY 2020: 2,070,240 carats), with Cullinan's outperformance offsetting lower production at Finsch, lower production from Koffiefontein and no contribution from Williamson (H1 FY 2020: 222,351 carats), which remains on care and maintenance.

Cullinan's overall carat production increased by 13% to 1,009,642 carats (H1 FY 2020: 889,787 carats) due to ROM production increasing by 7% to 913,626 carats (H1 FY 2020: 855,371 carats) in line with Project 2022 throughput targets. Tailings production increased by 179% to 96,016 carats in line with the mine plan (H1 FY 2020: 34,416 carats). The higher ROM carat production was largely driven by an increased volume treated of 2,339,473 tonnes (H1 FY 2020: 2,295,197 tonnes) at a ROM grade of 39.1 cpht (H1 FY 2020: 37.3 cpht).

Finsch's overall carat production decreased by 24% to 695,308 carats (H1 FY 2020: 913,557 carats) due to ROM carat production decreasing by 21% to 695,308 carats (H1 FY 2020: 880,707 carats) further to a 14% decrease in the volume treated of 1,323,000 tonnes (H1 FY 2020: 1,534,256 tonnes) and an 8% decrease in the ROM grade to 52.6 cpht (H1 FY 2020: 57.4 cpht). ROM volumes mined in H1 were impacted by the expiry of the temporary continuous operations arrangement, which was reinstated during October 2020 and will remain in place until June 2021 .

As announced on 22 December 2020, the Finsch mine has experienced higher than expected levels of waste ingress in a number of the upper levels of the Block 5 Sub Level Cave, which has served to negatively impact the recovered grade. The Company has been going through a detailed exercise to better understand this issue and has put a plan in place to mitigate the impact. In the short term, this will include a revision to the draw strategy to limit planned draw tonnage for the next four months, a build-up of inventory rings to allow for increased blasting from March 2021, and a change to the drill and blast designs to optimise ore extraction. In the longer term, the Company will also investigate ore mixing programmes to better assist with the prediction of waste ingress. A combination of the reduced ore tonnage extraction (further to the dilution caused by the waste material ingress) and a lower grade is expected to lead to Finsch's production for FY 2021 being ca. 15% lower in carat volumes than the Company's internal plan.

During H1 FY 2021, the areas surrounding the Finsch mine experienced above average rainfall. Due to the excessive amount of rainfall and an influx of water into the pit, pit wall failures were experienced on the northern side of the pit. These failures have not impacted production to date, but they may have a future impact on the stability of the decline from surface which also serves as the second escape route from the underground operations. Measures to mitigate the impact on the second escape route are being put in place and include the re-commissioning of a temporary hoisting facility from surface down to the 70 level.

Koffiefontein's production decreased 19% to 35,912 carats (H1 FY 2020: 44,545 carats), with treatment from underground ore mined during the Period supplemented by some 76,000 tonnes of ROM material stockpiled during Q4 FY 2020 further to the COVID-19 lockdowns; the ROM stockpile was largely depleted during H1 FY 2021.

The Williamson mine in Tanzania remained on care and maintenance during H1 FY 2021.

Project 2022 Update

Project 2022 throughput ideas continue to remain the largest contributor towards the operational cash flow benefits and Cullinan is on track to deliver on its throughput stretch target for FY 2021, having met the H1 recovered carats stretch target of 1 million carats. However, the higher than expected levels of waste ingress at Finsch is having a detrimental impact on throughput benefits due to both lower grade and volume. The extended state of care and maintenance at Williamson is also inhibiting throughput ideas, with operations being suspended. The expected impact of the reduced throughput at Finsch and Williamson indicates a reduction in the annualised contribution of the throughput initiatives from some US$101 million by the end of FY 2021, as previously disclosed, to around US$70 million .

by the end of FY 2021, as previously disclosed, to around . The targeted contribution from cost efficiencies remains at an annualised US$22 million from the end of Q3 FY 2021.

from the end of Q3 FY 2021. The Organisational Design ("OD") project progressed to implementation, with the adoption of a top-down phased approach starting with Group functions through to the roles at operations. Alignment of the organisational structures to support the operating model and a total review of role titles and role profiles are nearing completion. The grading committee is at an advanced stage with the grading of Group function roles and aims to have the subsequent layers completed by June 2021 . There is also progress to align incentive and production bonus schemes to support and reward delivery of our Project 2022 targets across the Group.

Diamond market and sales

The diamond market has continued to show improved demand for rough diamonds, as evidenced by the recent strong sales from the majors De Beers and ALROSA, further to continued robust demand from the midstream, following positive consumer sales during the holiday retail season. There are expectations that this improved demand will continue throughout Q1 CY 2021. However, the current resurgence of COVID-19 in many countries poses a significant risk to the logistics and timing of sales in H2 FY 2021.

In the retail market, whilst western markets were subdued, leading jewellers experienced strong sales in China over the holiday period, as the economic recovery on the mainland led to a resurgence of consumer demand for diamonds and other luxury goods.

over the holiday period, as the economic recovery on the mainland led to a resurgence of consumer demand for diamonds and other luxury goods. Supply discipline by the major diamond producers in 2020 has played an important role in moving towards more balance between supply and demand in the midstream and remains a key factor in terms of the health of the market in 2021.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020 (which accounted for ca. 13 Mcts in 2019), rough diamond production is forecast to have contracted significantly in 2020 and may struggle to recover to pre-crisis levels.

Diamond Sales and Prices

H1 revenue was down 2% to US$178.1 million from 1,712,797 carats sold (H1 FY 2020: US$193.9 million from 1,743,807 carats sold), with the US$40.4 million proceeds from the Letlapa Tala Collection of blue diamonds offset by weaker prices following the COVID-19 outbreak and the deferral of sales to January 2021 of some 382 kcts yielding around US$30.5 million through a tender which closed on 15 January 2021 .

from 1,712,797 carats sold (H1 FY 2020: from 1,743,807 carats sold), with the proceeds from the Letlapa Tala Collection of blue diamonds offset by weaker prices following the COVID-19 outbreak and the deferral of sales to of some 382 kcts yielding around through a tender which closed on . Like-for-like diamond prices at this tender increased by a further 8% and have therefore largely recovered to pricing levels before the COVID-19 outbreak, barring the finer (smaller) goods, which only account for a small portion of overall revenues.

Prices achieved during H1 FY 2021 are set out in the table below:



Mine Actual



H1 FY 2021

(US$/ct) Actual



H1 FY 2020

(US$/ct) Actual



FY 2020

(US$/ct) Cullinan 120 112 98 Finsch 71 79 75 Koffiefontein 590 431 387 Williamson 150 184 177

Pricing achieved in H1 was impacted by the carry-over of certain, mostly lower-value parcels from FY 2020, which were subsequently sold during July 2020 . The realised prices reflect the weaker market conditions offset by the sale of the Letlapa Tala collection during the Period, positively impacting Cullinan's unit price, while Koffiefontein's price also benefited from a higher proportion of coarse material (larger diamonds) in the product mix.

. The realised prices reflect the weaker market conditions offset by the sale of the Letlapa Tala collection during the Period, positively impacting Cullinan's unit price, while Koffiefontein's price also benefited from a higher proportion of coarse material (larger diamonds) in the product mix. Despite the Williamson mine being on care and maintenance, it was possible to include ca. 30,000 carats for sale in Q1 due to these diamonds being withheld for sale in Q4 FY 2020.

Corporate and Financial

A summary of the Group's current cash, diamond inventories, debtors, borrowings and net debt is set out below.

Unit 31 December 2020 30 September 2020 30 June

2020 31 December 2019 Closing exchange rate used for conversion R14.69:US$1 R16.73:US$1 R17.32:US$1 R13.99:US$1 Cash at bank US$m 106.3 63.4 67.6 53.6 Diamond inventories1 US$m

Carats 103.6

1,385,402 90.2

1,394,825 84.1

1,357,584 85.2

992,425 Diamond debtors US$m 3.7 19.1 4.8 12.8 US$650 million loan notes (including deferred coupon payments) US$m 697.1 673.6 673.6 650.0 Bank loans and borrowings US$m 61.2 53.8 52.0 0.0 Bank facilities undrawn and available US$m 0.0 0.0 0.0 107.2 Consolidated net debt2,3 US$m 695.5 687.8 693.2 632.9

Notes:

Recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Consolidated Net Debt is bank loans and borrowings plus loan notes, less cash, less diamond debtors and includes the Black Economic Empowerment guarantees of ca. US$47.2 million ( ZAR692.8 million ) as at 31 December 2020 (ca. US$42.9 million ( ZAR717.2 million ) as at 30 September 2020 and ca. US$40.0 million ( ZAR693.6 million ) as at 30 June 2020 ). In terms of the Amendment Agreement entered into on 29 May 2020 , Petra and the South African lender group have agreed that covenant measurements will not be undertaken for the period ending 31 December 2020 .

The information communicated in this announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information will be considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Jacques Breytenbach, Finance Director.

Notes:

The production and financial results in this announcement are adjusted to exclude the results of KEM JV, which has been reclassified as a discontinued operation following the proposed disposal, announced in July 2018 . The following definitions have been used in this announcement:

cpht: carats per hundred tonnes CY: calendar year Kcts: thousand carats Kt: thousand tonnes Mcts: million carats Mt: million tonnes FY: financial year Q: quarter of the financial year ROM: run-of-mine (i.e. production from the primary orebody) SLC: sub level cave

~ Ends ~

For further information, please contact:

Petra Diamonds, London Telephone: +44 20 7494 8203

Cathy Malins

Des Kilalea

Marianna Bowes investorrelations@petradiamonds.com

About Petra Diamonds Limited

Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a consistent supplier of gem quality rough diamonds to the international market. The Company has a diversified portfolio incorporating interests in three underground producing mines in South Africa (Finsch, Cullinan and Koffiefontein) and one open pit mine in Tanzania (Williamson).

Petra's strategy is to focus on value rather than volume production by optimising recoveries from its high-quality asset base in order to maximise their efficiency and profitability. The Group has a significant resource base of ca. 243 million carats, which supports the potential for long-life operations.

Petra conducts all operations according to the highest ethical standards and will only operate in countries which are members of the Kimberley Process. The Company aims to generate tangible value for each of its stakeholders, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of its host countries and supporting long-term sustainable operations to the benefit of its employees, partners and communities.

Petra is quoted with a premium listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker 'PDL' and is a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. The Company's US$650 million loan notes due in 2022, currently subject to restructuring, are listed on the Global Exchange market of the Irish Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.petradiamonds.com.

APPENDIX - MINE BY MINE PRODUCTION TABLES

Cullinan - South Africa

Unit H1 FY 2021 H1 FY 2020 Variance FY 2020 Sales Revenue US$M 107.3 81.7 +31% 116.5 Diamonds sold Carats 894,758 730,847 +22% 1,183,745 Average price per carat1 US$ 120 112 +7% 98 ROM Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 2,339,473 2,295,197 +2% 3,972,682 Diamonds produced Carats 913,626 855,371 +7% 1,482,482 Grade cpht 39.1 37.3 +5% 37.3 Tailings Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 221,385 117,112 +89% 257,549 Diamonds produced Carats 96,016 34,416 +179% 95,918 Grade Cpht 43.4 29.4 +48% 37.2 Total Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 2,560,858 2,412,309 +6% 4,230,231 Diamonds produced Carats 1,009,642 889,787 +13% 1,578,400 Capex Expansion Capex US$m 5.2 10.0 -48% 13.0 Sustaining Capex US$m 0.7 2.0 -65% 3.4 Borrowing Costs Capitalised US$m 0.0 0.0 - 0.0 Total Capex US$m 5.9 12.0 -51% 16.4

Notes:

The Company is not able to precisely measure the ROM / tailings grade split because ore from both sources is processed through the same plant; the Company therefore back-calculates the grade with reference to resource grades.

Finsch - South Africa

Unit H1 FY 2021 H1 FY 2020 Variance FY 2020 Sales Revenue US$M 54.8 61.7 -11% 101.1 Diamonds sold Carats 768,647 783,962 -2% 1,348,181 Average price per carat US$ 71 79 -9% 75 ROM Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 1,323,000 1,534,256 -14% 2,719,389 Diamonds produced Carats 695,308 880,707 -21% 1,603,678 Grade1 cpht 52.6 57.4 -8% 59.0 Tailings Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 0 174,167 -100% 211,541 Diamonds produced Carats 0 32,850 -100% 39,890 Grade1 cpht 0 18.9 -100% 18.9 Total Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 1,323,000 1,708,423 -23% 2,930,930 Diamonds produced Carats 695,308 913,557 -24% 1,643,568 Capex Expansion Capex US$m 0.8 4.2 -81% 6.1 Sustaining Capex US$m 0.5 1.4 -64% 2.3 Borrowing Costs Capitalised US$m 0.0 0.0 - 0.0 Total Capex US$m 1.3 5.6 -77% 8.4

Note:

The ROM / tailings grade split is theoretical and based on the resource grades as ore from both sources is processed through the same plant.

Koffiefontein - South Africa

Unit H1 FY 2021 H1 FY 2020 Variance FY 2020 Sales Revenue US$M 11.2 14.7 -24% 25.7 Diamonds sold Carats 18,944 34,163 -45% 66,326 Average price per carat US$ 590 431 +37% 387 ROM Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 493,661 561,296 -12% 891,705 Diamonds produced Carats 35,912 44,545 -19% 69,077 Grade cpht 7.3 7.9 -8% 7.7 Total Production Tonnes treated Tonnes 493,661 561,296 -12% 891,705 Diamonds produced Carats 35,912 44,545 -19% 69,077 Capex Expansion Capex US$m 0.3 1.7 -82% 2.7 Sustaining Capex US$m 0.3 0.6 -50% 1.1 Total Capex US$m 0.6 2.3 -74% 3.8

Williamson - Tanzania
Patricia Highsmith, born on 19 January 1921 in Fort Worth, Texas, was one of the most successful psychological thriller writers of the 20th century, whose work continues to be discovered and adapted for film, stage and television today.

Her first novel, Strangers on a Train, published in 1950 when Highsmith was 29, was promptly made into an electrifying film noir by none other than master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. Along with her best-known series of novels, about the amoral confidence trickster and criminal Tom Ripley, the book epitomises Highsmiths obsession with the darker, crueller side of human nature, as well as with sexual ambiguity and its suppression, alongside the power of personal seduction. Much of what she wrote reflected facets of Highsmiths own personality. She took both men and women as lovers, and was intensely private and a paradox to many who knew her.

The only child of two commercial artists whose parents divorced 10 days before her birth, Highsmith grew up in New York. After graduating from college in the early 1940s she worked as a sales assistant in a New York City department store (the inspiration for her long-suppressed novel Carol, about a lesbian love affair) and also as a writer of plot outlines for comic books.

She travelled in Mexico and Americas south west before setting permanently in Europe  as restless in nature as many of her fictional character  first Suffolk from 1963, and finally Switzerland from 1982, where she died aged 74 in February 1995.

From the outset she raised the bar of the popular crime novel from its pulp fiction origins to bleak, dazzling studies of human psychology worthy of anything by Dickens or Dostoevsky. Graham Greene famously called her the poet of apprehension.
A Rice University student, unhappy about paying full tuition for an online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, is demanding a refund.

Undergraduate student Anna Seballos and her lawyers filed a lawsuit against Rice Jan. 11, stating that the private college touted and promised an unconventional culture and college experience, complete with in-person courses and opportunities, but breached its contract by failing to provide those services. The university, however, still charged students full price, the lawsuit says.

Plaintiff and the members of the Class have all paid for tuition for a first-rate education and on-campus, in-person educational experiences, with all the appurtenant benefits offered by a first-rate university. Instead, students like plaintiff were provided a materially different and insufficient alternative, which constitutes a breach of the contracts entered into by plaintiff with the University, Seballos attorneys wrote.

The university does not comment on pending litigation, a Rice spokesman said in an email to the Houston Chronicle.

Seballos lawyerss did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Listed on the suit as representation are the Edwards Law Group, Leeds Brown Law, and the Sultzer Law Group.

The suit is filed on behalf of all students who also paid tuition and/or fees to attend Rice in-person during terms affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Spring 2020. The lawsuit alleges that more than 7,100 students attended Rice during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Rice shifted its courses fully online in March at the beginning of the pandemic in the Houston area and offered a mix of in-person, online and hybrid courses in the fall to curb the spread of the coronavirus. But, the lawsuit alleges, the offerings did not compare to in-person courses, experiences and opportunities the university promised or contractually agreed to through various documents and materials provided to students, including the website, marketing and registration materials, acceptance letters, course catalog and listings, bills and invoices, and the student handbook.

Many facilities, like libraries, labs and study rooms  which students pay fees to access  were closed, and there was a lack of classroom interaction among teachers and students, attorneys allege. Students were also deprived of the opportunity for collaborative learning and in-person dialogue, feedback and critique, according to the suit.

Attorneys also said the university has refused to offer refunds, discounts or to apply any credits to the accounts of Seballos or other students and has instead elected to place the financial burden entirely upon its students by charging them full tuition.

The university charges students more than $30,000 a semester for tuition, room and board, and various fees related to student activities, health and wellness support, and courses, the suit says. Seballos paid $24,503 for tuition and fees, and about $7,100 for room, board, a meal plan, and student recreation fee  of which 38 percent was refunded, court documents state.

Rices website notes that a full year at the university, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and personal expenses, amounts to around $70,000 before financial aid. Freshmen receive an average of $52,000 in aid, cutting annual costs down to around $17,700.

Seballos has requested Rice to return a pro-rated portion of her and other students tuition and fees, proportionate to the amount of time in the respective semesters when the university closed and switched to online-only learning, the lawsuit states.

Seballos attorneys have also requested a trial by jury.

brittany.britto@chron.com

Saying the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions for schools, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee told members of the General Assembly, "It's time to intervene for our kids."

The governor spoke at the opening of a joint convention on education that he called.

His remarks as prepared for delivery are:

Thank you Lt. Governor McNally and Speaker Sexton, Speaker Pro-Tem Haile and Speaker Pro-Tem Marsh for the opportunity to convene on behalf of our students.

I also thank Leader Johnson, Leader Lamberth, members of the education committee who have worked closely with us, and I want to thank all the members of the General Assembly.

We have a shared belief that the foundation of our state is the strength of her people.

As we approach the one year mark of managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee and facing the number of other challenges in this state and on the federal level, its a common refrain to hear this is a historic time, or an unprecedented time or never before have seen a challenge of this magnitude.

In many ways, thats certainly true, and Ive found there has been no greater place for COVID to cause sweeping disruption than in our K-12 school system.

This disruption has left students to navigate unprecedented challenges without the routine of learning in a classroom, with classmates and a trusted teacher.

Were meeting today because its time to intervene for our kids who are staring down record learning losses, that in the short-term, mean an inability to read at their grade level or understand basic math.

But in the long-term, those learning losses mean higher incarceration rates and poverty as adults.

Our work here this week bears great significance on the safety of our neighborhoods and the prosperity of our state for a generation.

Big challenges require decisive action, which is why we have agreed to meet this week in an extraordinary legislative session.

We cannot wait, because our students cannot wait.

It would be much simpler to hope or to assume that disruptions to school caused by COVID will just come out in the wash.

But unfortunately, the data - the science - tells us that isnt true.

Data suggests there are very real consequences to keeping students out of the classroom for this long.

Nationally, that looks like a 50% drop in reading proficiency and a 65% drop in math proficiency with third grade students.

That sort of forecast is forcing an unacceptable future on our kids and its why we are proposing a series of reforms around learning loss and literacy. We are also proposing a pause around some aspects of accountability.

These data points are important, and indeed we have used data to make all decisions impacting our schools.

Months ago, when critics were loud and the scare tactics were louder with all the reasons why we couldnt safely return students and teachers to the classroom, we traded that speculation for science.

We followed that science down a path that would make us one of the first states in the country to get students and teachers back in the classroom this fall across 145 of our 147 districts.

Tennessee has thus become a national leader in embracing the courage to get back in the classroom and show that it can be done.

I commend those districts, those local leaders and educators for not settling for the path of least resistance and hiding behind month after month of virtual learning with no end in sight.

Instead, we saw the vast majority of our schools, led by determined superintendents put in the work that was needed for one reason: their students were counting on them.

And kids have a lot to say about in-person learning or the lack thereof.

In a survey of more than 20,000 school kids across nine states, only 39% of students in grades 5 through 12 reported that they learned a lot almost every day during the shutdown.[1]

64% of students overall reported experiencing distractions at home that interfered with schoolwork.

And worse so, Black and Latino students reported facing more obstacles to learning at home than white and Asian students.

Heres the bottom line: you cant say follow the science and keep schools closed.

You cant say I believe in public education and keep schools closed.

And you cant say youre putting the needs of students first and keep schools closed.

Kids do better in school: we know that - parents know that.

Thats why Im so proud of our districts who have kids in school, and to those who remain closed, I would offer this simple encouragement: follow the science.

Getting kids back in the classroom is imperative. But the reality is that the impacts from COVID would require us to act urgently even if every student was back to in-person learning tomorrow.

First, lets talk about learning loss.

Paired with a full return to the classroom, we are proposing a targeted intervention to reach those kids who are falling behind in reading and math.

Existing laws have created an environment of too little, too late when it comes to helping kids before third grade.

We are proposing a third-grade reading gate which means that we make sure students are prepared before we pass them through to the fourth grade.

When we stop the cycle of passing without preparation, we give kids a better chance at succeeding in middle school and beyond.

Our proposal also includes a full-time tutoring corps, after school camps, learning loss bridge camps and summer learning camps.

Upon passage of our proposed legislation, we will be prepared to execute and administer these targeted interventions beginning this summer.

Now, lets talk about literacy.

So much of our success in K-12 hinges on building better readers.

When only 34% of Tennessee students are proficient or advanced readers by fourth grade, and thats pre-COVID, something isnt working and its time to get back to the basics.

We need to teach our kids to read with phonics.

Its the way we learned to read. Its the way we taught our kids.

With this proposal, kindergarteners through third grade will be taught phonics as the primary form of reading instruction.

And to make sure our progress is on track, weve developed a screening tool to help parents and teachers identify a struggling student more quickly.

Simple methods like phonics serve our kids better - Commissioner Schwinn knows it and I know it and thats what were going to use in Tennessee.

We believe that these tools will work for our students but we have to have a clear picture of their starting point to get a window into the progress that theyll make.

So we will keep TCAP testing in place for the 20/21 school year so that parents and teachers know where students stand.

However, there will be no negative consequences associated with student assessments so that the focus can remain on getting firm footing back in place after the uncertainty of time away from the classroom.

To be clear: no teacher will be penalized due to test results this school year. But well be relying on teachers and districts like never before to help us get these kids back on track.

This approach isnt going to be easy but as leaders we must do what it takes for our kids.

Were pursuing both bold interventions and a return to the basics and for any of these goals to come to fruition, we have to account for our teachers.

We are proposing additional funding through both an appropriations bill this week and our upcoming budget to give a pay raise to every single teacher in Tennessee.

We are proposing to increase the salary component of our funding formula by 4%. This is not just about compensation - its an investment in better outcomes for our kids and we should all place an expectation on school districts that these dollars get passed directly to our teachers.

In the last decade, our students have made great strides in both reading and math and yet the events of the last year stand to threaten that progress.

We arent where we want to be as a state but we have a tremendous opportunity here and now to not only stave off a monumental crisis but to forge a new path.

Our new approach isnt just about making up the losses.

These changes to our education system will actually educate our kids better in the future than we did before the pandemic.

And that is a redemption story for our education system that will have ripple effects on our students lives for decades and well beyond the classroom.



Thank you for your time today and careful consideration to each of these proposals. We should not miss this opportunity and together well change the future of Tennessee. Thank you.
Irish language signage will be rolled out on the west Belfasts Glider route from Millfield to McKinstry Road, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.

SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon explained that the sign boards will contain both the English and Irish language.

She added that the new signs are in line with the commitments to Irish language in the New Decade, New Approach agreement and will be introduced as quickly as possible.

This is a step in the right direction for language equality and while its just a first step, I want to make clear that I am ambitious and committed to realising the change promised in New Decade, New Approach and a year on since the signing of this agreement, I am pleased that I am making progress on the promises made to our Irish language community, stated Ms Mallon.

As I have outlined since coming to office, one of my priorities in government will be to ensure equality is at the heart of all that we do.

Equality cannot wait and while there is still much more work to be done, I want to send a clear signal that the change needed must come.

I look forward to working with all partners right across Northern Ireland to deliver on the promises our citizens deserve.

Sinn Feins West Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan welcomed the move.

This is a positive step in visibility and inclusion of the Irish language as part of the fabric of the city, he said.

More and more people are using Irish on a daily basis across Belfast and the language adds to the cultural vibrancy of our city.

These signs will help tell the story of our streets and our place names.
STATEWIDE, Miss (WTVA) -- Governor Reeves said in a Facebook press conference that more shots will be coming soon, and workers are working hard to streamline the process of getting the coronavirus vaccines.

People waiting to get their first or their second coronavirus vaccine should soon get their chance, and someone should now answer the coronavirus hotline much sooner. That's just some of the topics the governor and healthcare leaders covered.

We can give as many people as possible a chance to get in line, Reeves said.

The governor explained the demand is greater for vaccines now than there are vaccines available, but that should soon change. He said right, the state has seen a victory.

We celebrated a major milestone over the weekend with more than 100,000 Mississippians receiving vaccinations for COVID-19", Reeves said. We have administered 105,228 first doses. We have 9,719 Mississippians who are fully vaccinated. So, weve administered 114,947 total doses in our state.

Concerning a low number of vaccines, he said some of them will come from the long-term care facility allotment.

It appears that the Federal Pharmacy Program over-allocated to that particular program relative to the number of individuals that are actually going to take it, Reeves said.

Weve already convinced them to give us an additional 5,100 doses, and we hope to get about that many more this week. Were working through this process.

MEMA Director Gregory Michel added the online registering experience should be much quicker for people now.

He said people should expect a better experience with the phones as well.

He added people should not get a busy signal anymore, and your wait times should be much lower.
I live in Southern California, and people often ask me if I would ever consider relocating to New York City. The answer is: probably not! But I thought it would be fun to do a piece about some of the reasons that *could* entice a SoCal girl like me to live in the Big Apple.

#1: Snow on Christmas

Does a long, bitterly cold winter sound enticing to you? Think about that dirty, slushy mixture of motor oil, garbage, and something that used to be snow pushed up against the sidewalks, splashed on pedestrians by taxi drivers, and caked onto your best pair of Golden Goose sneakers. None of that sounds appealing to someone who can--and does--frequently go to the beach on Thanksgiving or sip wine in a sundress in December. But would a white Christmas be magical? Does Home Alone 2: Lost in New York bring on a certain nostalgia for something rarely experienced? Of course it does! Many people who live in cities where it doesn't snow during the winter feel a pang of "wouldn't it be nice" when they turn on the news and hear about another snowy holiday in NYC. It's just the months after December where it would get really old.

#2: All the World-Class Shopping

When many Southern California girls think of NYC, they think of shopping. We have plenty of great stores out west, but the thought of Fifth Avenue does make the heart beat a little faster. Our equivalent in the lower half of the Golden State would be Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills--you know, the street where Julia Roberts went shopping in Pretty Women. And who doesn't want to reenact the opening scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's where Audrey Hepburn gets out of the cab with a pastry and a cup of coffee in a paper bag? (Well, maybe it's not quite the same anymore, but it would still be nice to shop at the Tiffany & Co. flagship on Fifth Ave.)

#3: Top-Notch Medical Care

Southern California is blessed with amazingly advanced medical care facilities, so if a California girl had to move somewhere, it would need to be someplace with similar resources. Not to turn this piece into a name-dropping session, but look at this list: New York-Presbyterian Hospitals, the chain (is that what you would call it?) of Mount Sinai hospitals, NYU Langone Hospitals, and the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The nice thing about a huge metropolitan city is that you know there will always be good medical care as you age, up to and including senior home care in New York.

#4: Some of the Best Restaurants in the World

Los Angeles can hold its own when it comes to world-class dining, but imagine having access to all of the brilliant restaurants in New York, all the time! First, there's the list of old-school classics, like Mario's in the Bronx, Patsy's Pizza on 1st Ave., Delmonico's, the 21 Club in Greenwich Village, or the Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown. And who wouldn't want to eat a pastrami on rye in Katz's Delicatessen or a steak at Peter Luger? And that's not even counting any of the modern restaurants, like Gramercy Tavern, Mokyo, Frenchette, or Oxomoco. As a food-lover, it could be downright blissful living in New York.

#5: New York City is Beautiful

Finally, you have to face it: NYC is beautiful. It's not the same as wide-open skies, rolling hills, Spanish architecture, palm trees, and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean; it's a different kind of beauty. Each of New York's neighborhoods has its distinctive character, and there's something thrilling about waking up and realizing you're in the Big Apple. It's a different feeling than you get waking up in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, or San Diego. This might not be enough of a reason to pack up the family and move to New York, but it makes it nice to visit on vacation.
There has been a huge reaction from disgusted viewers after last nights RTE Investigates shed a painful light on the predicament facing members of Irelands homeless community.

The hard-hitting documentary, which aired on Monday night on RTE 1, followed the stories of a number of Dublin's rough sleepers during the harsh winter period.

In one segment, Joe Nolan seeks help in securing a bed for the night.

Joe, who told the show that he had been living on the streets since he left prison in 2011, reaches out to the Dublin Region Homelessness Executive but the operator on the phone hangs up on him.

As Joe does not originally come from Dublin he was told they could not help him.

"Wow, I cant book you anywhere tonight," the operator responds before adding: "I don't need to hear the story.

"You have registered in Carlow so you should interact.

Read More

"Now you're in Dublin, we can't do anything for you unfortunately."

The operator then hangs up on Joe while he is still speaking to them.

A DRHE representative tells the show that they are "not responsible for providing accommodation for everyone in the country.

Another young man, Dan (20) explains that he had moved from Latvia to Kildare with his mother when he was 10 but that at 15 the house he was living in was sold and he became homeless.

He became estranged from his mother and ended up living on the city centre streets.

He tells the documentary: "At the start - the first two to three weeks in Dublin - I wouldn't beg.

"Then, three weeks in, I said to myself: 'I'm sleeping in a doorway, I'm not washing myself, it's no harm.'

"Then I started begging."

But when he tries to access services, Dan is told by an operator they could not help him.

The person says: "To be helped out by us you need to have some local connection to Dublin.

"We are not allowed to help people from Kildare."

Read More

The programme created a massive reaction from viewers, with one person tweeting: We are failing homeless people in Ireland. How are people expected to turn their lives around if we don't offer them any support? You can't just give people a bed, they need mental health support, employment opportunities and guidance.

Activist Mick Finnegan said: "Watching #RTEInvestigates is bringing back a lot of memories.

"I slept rough on the streets for years. It's one of the worst things you can experience.

"My first night on the streets I slept at the bottom of Grafton Street directly opposite of Trinity College."

Another viewer said: This is disgusting and no way to treat humans.

My God, Im in disbelief that these people can literally pick up the phone and ask for help and be turned away. Disgraceful."

While one viewer adds: "You know when you can just tell that someone has a good soul. Feel terrible for Dan, he deserves a chance."

Social Democrats Housing spokesperson, Cian OCallaghan, said the programme put a spotlight on a homelessness crisis that has persisted for far too long.

Last nights RTE investigates programme exposed a homeless support system that is badly broken, he said. We need urgent and radical reform. We cannot tolerate a situation where people are sleeping rough because they have been denied access to emergency accommodation. We have to eliminate homelessness in Ireland.

Homelessness isnt inevitable. It is a direct result of the decisions made by the Government. The solution to the crisis is clear - build social and affordable homes for those that need them. Re-direct the resources that are put into private providers of emergency hostels into long-term secure accommodation for people who have become homeless. Provide supports where they are needed.

All that is required is the political will and ambition on the part of Government. Im calling on the Government to begin by making a clear commitment to eliminate homelessness in Ireland.
Brand: Aryzta is best known here for its Cuisine de France products. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Aryzta is cancelling its secondary listing on Euronext Dublin. The board of the Swiss-Irish food group said it made the decision after careful review.

The board said fewer than 4pc of the shares outstanding in Aryzta, which traces its roots back to IAWS, are currently listed on Euronext Dublin. It also cited low liquidity in the Irish listing compared to the main Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX) listing.

In addition, it examined the benefits of having a single compliance and regulatory body, as well as the overall board objective to simplify the group and reduce central costs.

Aryzta said it will communicate further details to CDI holders on maintaining their interest in the companys shares. It added that CDI holders do not need to take any immediate action until they receive further communication from the group.

Earlier this month, Aryzta said it had reached agreement with Lion Capital and Invest Group Zouari to sell its remaining 4.64pc interest in French frozen foods group Picard for around 24m.

Read More

It initially acquired Picard for 447m and nursed huge losses on the deal when it sold most of its holding in the French company.

In December, the board of Aryzta rejected an offer of CHF0.80 (0.74) per share from US hedge fund Elliott Advisors which valued the company at 734m "after careful review" and a unanimous decision by the board.

Aryzta was last year the subject of much drama that has seen almost all of the board members replaced in 2020, with the exception of Swiss national Luisa Delgado, who was appointed in 2019.

The Cuisine de France makers CEO, Kevin Toland, stepped down in November following the shake-up.

Shares in Aryzta were down 1.3pc yesterday evening in Dublin, trading at 72c.
COVID-19 surged worldwide in 2020 with confirmed cases reaching over 80 million. At the end of 2020, many parts of the world had called off or scaled back their New Year's Eve events. For example, Japan canceled its New Year's Eve countdown in Shibuya, Tokyo; South Korea canceled for the first time in 67 years its Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony in Gwanghwamun, Seoul; and the United States hosted its first virtual Times Square NYE countdown in 114 years. Of the eight famous attractions around the world hosting 2020-21 New Year Eve events, only the Sydney Opera House, Taipei 101 and Burj Khalifa Tower saw large-scale fireworks displays, while only people in Taiwan were fortunate enough to organize and gather for New Year's Eve activities as usual.

Medtecs Topped Taipei 101, Shining Anti-epidemic Slogans Becoming the Scenery on the Last Night of 2020

Medtecs understood the significance of celebrating the holidays during tough times, so for the first time, it sponsored the fireworks display at Taipei 101, which celebrated Taiwan as a COVID-19 success story while at the same time sending off year 2020. What's more, the company lit up Taipei 101 on the evenings of December 30 and 31 with animations and messages reminding the public to wear masks during New Year's Eve celebrations: "Masking up when celebrating New Year's to prevent COVID-19 everywhere." Medtecs promised to continuously provide high-quality personal protective equipment to those in need and to work towards a healthy 2021.

Medtecs x Bravo, Showcased to the World A Beautiful Taipei

In addition to sponsoring the New Year fireworks display and lightshow at Taipei 101, Medtecs also collaborated with the Taipei Government to launch a line of medical-grade Bravo the Bear-themed masks in blue, yellow and pink. Bravo the Bear is a symbol of optimism and unity, and Medtecs hopes images of Bravo on the masks will encourage everyone to stay positive and stay healthy in 2021.

Medtecs, an Umbrella for Public Health

Medtecs is a leading provider of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hospital logistics services, with more than 30 years' experience in manufacturing of medical supplies, covering surgical and medical-grade masks, isolation clothing, and protective clothing. Their products have been exported to more than 30 countries worldwide. As an emergency supplies inventory partner, Medtecs has always acted as the strongest logistics force to protect public health during SARS, H1N1 and other major infectious diseases in the past, and fully supplied medical consumables such as masks and protective clothing to the Taiwan Government.

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic has surged worldwide. During that severe period, Medtecs regarded public health protection as its own duty, increased the production line of masks to increase production capacity, fully supported epidemic prevention in Taiwan, and also contributed towards mitigating global healthcare personnel staffing shortages, working at the anti-COVID-19 front for people and for the world.

SOURCE Medtecs International Corporation Limited
New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to examine a plea by lawyers against the recent circular issued by the Delhi High Court to resume physical hearing in some courts and for trial courts on alternate days in the week.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Vineet Saran said: "We see the gravity of the problem but we would like you to go to the Delhi High Court first. If you still don't get relief there, then come here." The High Court had taken the decision against the backdrop of decline in Covid-19 cases in the capital. The top court observed that it primarily does not interfere with the administrative functions of the Chief Justice of the High Court.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi, representing petitioner Kartik Nayar and others, emphasised the need to balance the right to life and delivery of justice. "Lawyers will have to come to the court if there is no option," they argued.

The bench replied it agrees with the contention of petitioners' counsel.

Sibal submitted they will move the High Court, but until a decision is taken, physical hearings should be made optional. "It is clear and present danger, till High Court decides, it should be optional," he added.

The top court said it will keep the matter for further hearing on Wednesday, to examine what can be done in the matter.

The plea, filed by practicing lawyers Nayar, Nancy Roy, Sachit Jolly and Amit Bhagat, sought the virtual hearing procedure be continued, citing they have been appearing before the courts through virtual mode on a daily basis amid the pandemic.

The petitioners argued that advocates, litigants and non-legal personnel should not be compelled to appear before the court, as it may prove hazardous for their health and well-being.

The Delhi High Court on January 14, said it has decided to increase the number of judges for physical hearing from January 18 onwards and also issued directions to the district courts to begin physical courts on alternate days of the week.

The office order issued by Registrar General Manoj Jain cited the decision of the Full Court of the High Court wherein 11 benches -- two division benches and nine single-judge benches - will resume physical hearing January 18 onwards and the remaining benches will continue to take up matters virtually.
Displacement camps in Idleb have been battered by rains, which have destroyed shelters and forced families into the open air reports Alsouria Net.

The number of camps affected by the heavy rain in Idleb Governorate has increased to 145. Moreover, according to what the humanitarian teams announced, many roads leading to the camps in the northern countryside were cut off over the past day.

The Response Coordinators team in northern Syria said on Monday that the number of tents that have been totally damaged reached 278, while 513 were partially damaged, in addition to extensive damage to roads, exceeding eight kilometers within the camps and their surroundings.

The humanitarian team added that the documented damage is only a preliminary outcome, as the teams are currently trying to assess the situation in the affected camps, which have been difficult to reach due to blocked roads.

The Response Coordinators team said that thousands of civilians spent the night standing or outdoors because rainwater had entered their tents.

The team explained that hundreds of families were rendered homeless, while some were displaced. A small number moved into places of worship and shelters.

The damages hit the following camps in the past hours: the Khirbat al-Jawz camps in western Idleb, all the way up to the border camps towards the northern countryside of Aleppo, in addition to the vicinity of Idleb, Maarrat Misrin, Killi, Harbanoush, Kafr Yahmoul, Hazano, and Zardana.

The Coordinators team expected further damage in the event of more rain or a renewed incident in the region.

Shaam Network published a video recording of Syrian Salvation Government Prime Minister, Ali Keda, who appeared with bodyguards, including a person carrying an umbrella, during his visit to one of the flooded camps in the Idleb countryside, an incident local activists decried.

While addressing the residents of the flooded camps, Keda said that he has a place that can accommodate about 200 tents if the residents accept relocation, which he said would be rent-free. The video recorded the response of the residents, who rejected Kedas proposition; a solution they considered expendable, as it is simply moving them from one tent to another.

According to activists, the visits of Keda and a number of other figures affiliated with the Salvation Government, including Minister of Interior Ahmed Latouf, increased distrust, because of their attempts to exploit the suffering of the displaced in northwestern Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Were Voltaire to visit the US these days, he would be appalled at the total desecration of his noble ideas and the impertinent violation of his lofty principle.



He would not allow such abuse of power or the deprivation of human rights.



Was this not the country whose constitution was established on the basis of his ideas of the Enlightenment Age? Did he not advocate freedom of speech and tolerance, the basic pillars of social justice?



He certainly would admonish the Big Tech media outlets and remind them of what he wrote in his Treatise of Tolerance in which he expressed the view that Tolerance has never provoked civil war/ Intolerance has covered the earth with carnage.



They are treading on dangerous grounds, but who cares. Voltaire has been dead for decades (1694-1778) and so have all the major figures of the Great Age of Enlightenment, like John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Baruch Spinoza.



It matters little now that the main political leaders behind the exceptional American constitution, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and others, associated closely with the Enlightenment movement and incorporated their ideas.



With the advancement of technology, the human and philosophic ideals of this constitution, have been ignored, forgotten or re-interpreted. It sends shivers up and down our spine as we contemplate the dismantling of the greatest democracy of our time. The land of the free and the brave is fast becoming the land of the silent and the hypocrites.



The present threat to free speech is rapidly taking us to the Dark Ages: If you are not with me, you are not to be.



Francois-Marie Arouet, French philosopher, novelist, playwright and wit, born in 1694, could hardly tolerate the hypocrisy of his age. He authored more than 2,000 books, essays and pamphlets, in addition to over 20,000 letters. A versatile writer, he also wrote poems, plays, scientific papers and historical studies.



He was a great fan of coffee, reportedly drank 50 to 70 cups a day, which might explain his prolific output.



After an altercation with a French nobleman, he was arrested and imprisoned at the Bastille without any due process, a procedure now common in the US, 400 years later. He was suggested an alternative punishment, to be exiled to England, which he readily accepted.



Out of the Bastille, he adopted the pen name Voltaire and life in England proved to be the making of him. He admired Britains constitutional monarchy and the greater respect they had for liberty and free speech.



By the 1700s, new ideas began to emerge about peoples rights. Among the loudest voices was Voltaires. He fought for tolerance incessantly, refusing the notion that some individuals would have the privilege of free speech and worship, while others would not.



Fascinated by the new ideas, King Frederich II of Prussia invited Voltaire to his court, but Voltaire, always a trouble-maker, contradicted the king in a scientific dispute  left the court and went to live in Geneva. He bought an estate in Ferney, Switzerland, (now Ferney Voltaire), on the French/Swiss border. At the end of his life, however, he triumphantly returned to Paris.



An impressible advocate of free speech, he is responsible for these memorable lines: I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.



Has Big Tech ever heard of that? Silencing the president of the greatest democracy in the world is not only outrageous but downright dangerous. Who do you think is next? You.



Tolerance is acceptance of everyone, their ideas, beliefs, values and morals. Voltaire helped citizens stand up for their rights and express themselves freely without fear of retribution and a guarantee by the government.



How is the US government checking those fascist social platforms? Feeding them; encouraging them; using them. It is scary. We are back to the Age of Absolution. Whatever happened to the first amendment? Forgotten.



How would Voltaire feel about that? He who had a strong influence on the induction of the first amendment, which prohibits the government from censoring any individuals speech. Big wealthy businessman are defying the constitution, human rights, freedom of expression, and the great democracy is silent.



Freedom of speech has given man dignity and power. It allowed citizens to overthrow despots and dictators. It freed the British colony of the US from the rule of the king of England and before long it became a haven for all the oppressed silent masses of the world.



Now they are fleeing from state to state; soon they will be fleeing their beloved country because of censorship, intolerance and retribution.



Tears are the silent language of grief wrote Voltaire, and there are enough tears to form rivers in every state of the no-longer United States.



The ideas of Voltaire had a strong influence on the world of the 21st century, and the first amendment of the American constitution. It is going nowhere, even if some refuse to adhere to it.



We shall not be silenced, Big Tech.



Voltaire remains a model for independent thinkers. Freedom of speech, even on social media outlets, is a human right.



It allows you to speak your mind without worry that a king, a higher power, or a Zuckerberg will silence you.



Freedom of speech made the world a better place, thanks to our champion, Voltaire.







A people that elect corrupt politicians, impostors, thieves and traitors are not victims, but accomplices.



George Orwell (1903-1950)

*A version of this article appears in print in the 21 January, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Short link:


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the list of TMC candidates who would be fighting the upcoming Assembly elections on March 5

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee hinted that she would contest the upcoming assembly polls from two seats. Besides fighting from Bhawanipore, the Kolkata constituency from where she was elected in the last elections, Banerjee said she could also be settling for Nandigram in East Midnapore.

Contesting from two seats simultaneously is a political schtick but the announcement on January 18 is significant. Nandigram happens to be the constituency of her former aide turned bete noire Suvendu Adhikari, who crossed over to the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) last month. By taking on Adhikari on his turf, Mamata is throwing a direct challenge to the BJP and Adhikari whose exit from the party was followed by a procession of other TMC leaders to the BJP.

"Nandigram is my elder sister and Bhawanipore is my younger sister. I will give a strong candidate from Bhawanipore also. I may fight from both seats. I am requesting our party general secretary Subrata Bakshi that they should consider my candidature from Nandigram, Banerjee, said while addressing a public meeting in Nandigram.

In 2016, Banerjee won Bhawanipore, also known as Bhabanipur defeating Congress Deepa Dasmunshi by nearly 15,000 votes.

Mamatas 'masterstroke' or 'political expediency '?

Political analysts were divided about the potential gains for Banerjee from the decision. Some called it a masterstroke that has come out of proper planning by the TMC. Others said it is out of political expediency for the CM because her chances of retaining her Bhawanipore seat are slim.

It is a well thought out move. It seems the fight is more between TMC and ex-TMC leaders, now, Sabir Ahamed, national research coordinator at the Kolkatta-based Pratichi Institute told Moneycontrol.

Many non-Bengali speaking people from the business class might shift to the BJP this time in Bhawanipore. So Nandigram becomes a safe seat to send a strong message to the opposition, he said. Pratichi institute is chaired by economist and Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly is still at least a couple of months away  possibly in April-May  but the TMC and BJP have both hit the ground running, engaged in a fierce contest. The saffron party has set a target of 200 seats.

Mamata di understands that winning the Nandigram, primarily a rural seat would be easy for her than Bhawanipore. This is political expediency, Amal Mukhopadhyay, political analyst and former principal of Presidency College, now University, told Moneycontrol.

Sources said that political strategist Prashant Kishor is behind the move to take on aggressively against the opposition. Also, Nandigram, a rural seat, has a Muslim population of 34 percent.

In 2016, TMC won the West Bengal election by bagging 211 seats, while the BJP could win just three seats. The Congress and Left had won 76 seats together.

Adhikari, a BJP man now

Adhikari won the Nandigram seat in 2016 as a TMC candidate. The former minister in Banerjees cabinet, Adhikari is considered the mascot of Nandigram agitation against land acquisition in 2007 when he was an MLA.

The movement is often cited to have helped Banerjees TMC storm to power in the state in 2011, ending the 34-year-long rule of the Left Front government. Adhikari is credited with bringing Left's strongholds - West Midnapore, Bankura, and Purulia into Trinamools fold.

Last month, Adhikari quit TMC over his differences over the importance being given in the party to the CMs nephew Abhishek Banerjee and joined the BJP.

READ | Why Suvendu Adhikari, who quit TMC and joined BJP, matters in West Bengal politics

Adhikari is seen as a prized catch for the BJP. He hails from a powerful political family that holds sway in the East Midnapore district, including Nandigram. The family has dominated the politics in the region by consistently winning the Lok Sabha and assembly seats and thus strengthening the TMC in the region since the party was formed in 1998.

It is said that the Adhikaris hold sway in at least 63 assembly seats in East Midnapore and neighboring districtsnearly one-fifth of the 294 assembly seats in West Bengal.

Under such circumstances, Mamata contesting from Nandigram against Adhikari will make the election even more interesting.

After Banerjees announcement, Adhikari said in a rally that he will defeat the chief minister by more than 50,000 votes from Nandigram or quit politics. "She has done nothing for the people of Nandigram. They will teach her a lesson," he said.
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 Kremlin on Tuesday dismissed Western demands to release Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying his calls for mass protests over his arrest were "troubling".

Legal pressure is ramping up against President Vladimir Putin's best-known domestic critic, who is due in court on defamation charges on Wednesday, as his allies in Russia call for protests in Moscow this weekend.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Navalny, 44, was arrested on Sunday as he returned to Russia from Germany for the first time since he recovered from a near-fatal poisoning with the Soviet-designed Novichok nerve agent in August.

Russia's prison service said it had detained the opposition politician for violating the terms of a suspended sentence he was given in 2014 on fraud charges he says were politically motivated.

A hastily organised court on Monday ordered Navalny jailed for 30 days, prompting his associates to call on Russians to take to the streets in central Moscow and march towards the Kremlin on Saturday.

Demonstrations in Moscow have been banned due to coronavirus restrictions, but Navalny's right-hand man Leonid Volkov said Tuesday the organisers would not seek formal permission from authorities to stage the rally.

Volkov told AFP the prospect that the unauthorised rally could result in detentions for Navalny's supporters would not deter them, pointing to what he said were multiplying attacks on the opposition.

"Putin poisoned Navalny and Navalny is now behind bars," he said.

Navalny accuses Putin of ordering his poisoning, a claim the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.

'Domestic affair'

The Kremlin said the calls to protest were "troubling" and stressed it would not take into account Western demands to free Navalny.

"This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The anti-corruption campaigner's arrest has triggered a wave of condemnation from Western countries which have called for his immediate release.

After an impromptu hearing on Monday at a makeshift court set up in a police station on the outskirts of Moscow, officers moved Navalny to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina jail, one of the country's best-guarded detention centres.

"Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," Navalny said in a video released after the hearing.

The last time mass protests took place in Moscow was in the summer of 2019 when Navalny's allies and a host of other opposition politicians were barred from balloting in local elections.

The leading Kremlin critic has repeatedly led large-scale street protests against Putin, including in 2011-2012 when tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest widespread claims of electoral fraud in parliamentary elections.

'Monumental escalation'

But analysts were hard-pressed to predict a potential turnout at the Saturday demonstration, pointing to the pandemic and an increasing crackdown on Kremlin critics.

Nonetheless political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya said she expected protracted opposition protests.

"Perhaps not overly impressive in terms of scale, but they'll be conspicuous and won't peter out quickly," she wrote on her Telegram channel.

"We're on the cusp of a monumental escalation of tensions."

The prison service said it had detained Navalny for not checking in with officials twice per month during a probationary period resulting from the 2014 suspended sentence.

A court hearing is scheduled to take place on February 2 on whether he will see real prison time for the sentence of three years and six months.

Navalny was also due in court Wednesday on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran.

The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, opened a probe into Navalny for libel in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of the veteran.

The WWI veteran had spoken out in a promotional video in favour of constitutional amendments passed last summer that allow Putin to remain in office until 2036.

Navalny posted the video on Twitter, calling the veteran and others featured in it "the shame of the country," "people without a conscience" and "traitors".

The probe had been suspended while Navalny was hospitalised in Germany, after he was flown to Berlin in a coma in August.

Libel charges in Russia are punishable by up to five million rubles ($67,650) in fines and five years in prison.

Navalny and his supporters say the case is politically motivated.

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.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
A working group set up by regulator IRDAI has suggested introduction of 'Traffic Violation Premium' in addition to own damage and third party and other types of motor insurance premium. The group has recommended inserting a fifth section to motor insurance called Traffic Violation Premium in addition to motor own damage insurance, basic third party insurance, additional third party insurance and compulsory personal accident premium.

"This section will float over both Own Damage and Third Party sections of Motor insurance and can be attached to any section of motor insurance cover being purchased, chiefly, Own Damage or Third Party insurance," said the exposure draft issued by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). IRDAI has invited inputs of all stakeholders on the recommendations till February 1, 2021.

Poor driving can soon increase your insurance premium.Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India suggests Traffic Violation PremiumWill this make roads safer for all or will it encourage bribery?Do you agree with the suggestion by IRDAI? News18 (@CNNnews18) January 19, 2021

The report has recommended a system of calculating traffic violation points basis frequency and severity of different traffic offences. The amount of traffic violation premium will depend upon driving habits which will be determined by the number and types of challans, suggested the report of the working group on 'Linkage of Insurance Premium With Traffic Violation'. "Traffic violation premium shall be payable by the registered owner of the vehicle, whether an individual or an entity. Effectively this means that the owner will take full responsibility for the traffic violations caused by the authorized vehicle driver," it said.

As per the table of offences provided by the working group, drinking driving will attract the highest penalty of 100 points, while wrong parking will have 10 points penalty. The amount of premium will be linked to these penalty points. The data of traffic challans will be stored by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and shared with the Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) on a daily basis, the report said.

"Every motor insurance buyer, when he/she approaches any general insurer for any type of motor insurance, Own damage or Third party or package, will be assessed for his traffic violation points and traffic violation premium he/she needs to pay," the report said. The report said traffic violation premium will follow the fortune of vehicle, rather than the owner. This means when a new vehicle is bought, it will start with a clean traffic violation history and its owner, when buying motor insurance, will not need to pay any traffic violation premium, even if he has a past traffic violation history, either as a driver of a vehicle owned by another person or his own vehicle of similar or a different category, it said.

"This apparently may appear inequitable, however, it was deliberated and kept this way for the sake of simplicity and till the time motor insurance in India is based on vehicle parameters rather than who drives the vehicle and his/her driving record. On insurance renewal, though, he/she will be assessed for traffic violation premium as described above," it said.

In case of transfer of insurance of a vehicle after sale, the traffic violation premium would start from ground zero from the date of vehicle ownership transfer and build depending upon the traffic violations caused by vehicle after ownership transfer. The report said traffic violation premium will be charged only on the policy anniversary, once paid with any motor cover.

"If the policyholder, during the currency of a policy in which traffic violation premium has been paid, approaches an insurer to buy additional cover, he/she will need to pay violation premium only if not already paid with existing cover," it said. Traffic violation premium is a premium payable As On Date' and does not vary with the period of insurance cover, the report said.

Hence it is possible for the traffic violation premium to be the same for a long term insurance buyer and annual insurance buyer, if their vehicle types and violation history are similar. The report said the High Powered committee for Traffic Management in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has recommended this to be run on a pilot basis in NCT of Delhi.

"regardless of the fact that the Pilot shall be run only at NCT of Delhi, the vehicles from other states, that cause traffic violation in NCT of Delhi, will have to pay traffic violation premium at the time of insuring their vehicle in theirstate, any time after causing traffic violation in NCT of Delhi," it said. Traffic Police of NCT of Delhi and National Informatics Centre have already been collecting traffic violation data of vehicles for some time, it said.

"IIB may immediately make arrangements to take this data and integrate with insurance records of vehicles in its database. Whenever the Pilot is launched, IIB and insurers will already have a reasonable history of traffic violation data to charge traffic violation premium immediately on pilot launch," it said. According to Road Accidents Report, 2018 issued by Ministry of Road Transport, India witnessed 4.67 lakh road accidents that snuffed life out of 1.51 lakh citizens who were mostly in their productive age. India ranks first in the number of road accident deaths across the 199 countries reported in the World Road Statistics, 2018 followed by China and the US. The government has already introduced heavy penalties on different types of traffic violations in the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019. In addition, the Government of India is also focusing on Intelligent Traffic Management System in the Metropolitan and smart cities.

In September 2019, the IRDAI constituted the Working Group to examine the establishment of a system of Linking Motor Insurance Premium with Traffic Violations.

.
The DuPont company and a former employee pleaded not guilty Tuesday to allegations they ignored federal regulations and company policy, causing the deaths of four workers exposed to a massive release of a toxic chemical.

Kenneth Sandel, 49, and the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Inc. are accused of knowingly ignoring mandatory safety regulations that would have prevented the 2014 incident at the companys La Porte facility. Sandel, who headed the plants Insecticide Business Unit, appeared via video from his Friendswood garage before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy following a Jan. 7 indictment. A team of defense lawyers for the company also were in attendance.

The federal magistrate released Sandel on unsecured bond pending trial and ordered him to surrender his passport and remain in the U.S. He and the company are charged with negligently releasing extremely hazardous substances and failing to implement safe work practices and written procedures and prevent accidental releases.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Chemical breakdown

Sandel was assigned to ensure workers in that insecticide unit, which manufactured pesticides used on fruits and other crops, followed federal safety regulations, according to court documents.

A 2019 Chemical Safety Board report on the incident said the facilitys incinerator was poorly designed, leading to frequent fluid build-up. Both the CSB report and Tuesdays indictment tell of workers routinely being told to drain the liquid from the pipes inside the facility without specifically addressing the hazards involved. The problem had existed for years before the fatal incident, according to both documents.

Investigators say the day and night before the deadly incident, Sandel and DuPont engineers came up with a plan to divert a large volume of methyl mercaptan gas into a waste gas pipe system, after a blockage had formed due to cold weather. When workers Crystle Wise and Wade Baker attempted to drain the pipe as usual, they unknowingly released a massive amount of the toxic chemical into the air, killing Baker immediately and killing Wise after she managed to call for help. Robert Tisnado was killed while trying to save Baker and Wise. His brother Gilbert Tisnado was killed as he tried to save Robert.

The company and Sandel entered not guilty pleas to the charges, which is standard practice at arraignment hearings. Stacy set the trial for March 29 before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.

Prosecutors say Sandel knew what would happen if he didnt instruct the workers how to prevent the accidental release and he failed to warn them.

Sandels lawyers said in a statement their client was absolutely innocent and we are confident a jury will agree. Criminally charging their client will only compound the tragedy of what happened, said attorneys Amy Craig and Miles Ehrlich.

Six years ago Ken Sandel lost four dear coworkers and friends in a tragic, unforeseen accident, the statement said. Ken did not cause this accident and he did nothing wrong.

Gregg Schmidt, the spokesperson for Corteva, the parent company of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, said in a statement the company deeply regrets the events that occurred at the La Porte plant.

We will never forget the colleagues we lost and will continue to honor their memory, he said.

Schmidt said the company strongly disagrees with the basis of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas decision to bring criminal charges, adding that it will contest the charges vigorously.

Its rare to see federal criminal charges brought involving violations of the Clean Air Act. There were less than 20 such cases annually for the last five fiscal years. Its also unusual to see such a case more than six years after the incident.

The 2005 Texas City refinery explosion reached a settlement with BP just three years later, said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas. Its a much higher legal threshold to bring criminal charges but it does seem like a pretty long time.

The charges stem from the November 2014 incident at the La Porte plant when 24,000 pounds of methyl mercaptan, a highly toxic, flammable gas, were released.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Up in the tower

DuPont, a Delaware-based global chemical manufacturer, previously owned the La Porte facility that was the site of one of the deadliest accidents in years. The insecticide unit at the plant has since been demolished.

John Morawetz remembers the details of the case years later. Hes the health and safety representative with the International Chemical Workers Union Council.

This was very foreseeable, Morawetz said, whos retiring at the end of the month after 32 years with the union. It was a horrendous situation that never should have happened.

The unit manufactured Lannate and Vydate, which brought the company an annual net income of about $123 million in 2014, according to court documents. Following other such deadly incidents, Environmental Protection Agency set protections in place by way of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act which sought to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals.

Rock Owens was a special assistant county attorney for environmental affairs until he retired in October. He got DuPont to pay a $25,000 fine for its role in the incident.

DuPont was a case that really pissed me off, Owens said. Here you have a company like DuPont that sells its safety program around the world and then you have something like this happen here. These poor guys were being told to ignore gas detection warnings. Some of those didnt work. There was no safety plan for if something like this happened.

We were very lucky we didnt have people killed off-site due to this, Owens said. The temperature conditions that helped cause it probably helped us avoid those off-site deaths.

The fatal DuPont incident came a year after the West Fertilizer explosion killed 15 people. Three years after West, the Obama administration introduced new rules in response to prevent and lessen the impact of chemical incidents.

The new regulations required companies to conduct root-cause analysis after incidents, use third-party audits and improve public transparency. Companies were mandated to study whether they could use safer technology or less hazardous chemicals to reduce the potential for harm in an incident. There was no requirement to make changes based on those studies.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Disaster Rule rollback

Under the Trump Administration, an industry coalition asked the EPA to reconsider what was known as the Chemical Disaster Rule. The rules were suspended, and Trump officials argued in court that they needed more time to consider industry objections. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument, saying the EPA needed to propose new rules or change the existing ones, and could not suspend the rules indefinitely.

In November 2019, the EPA finalized its changes to the rules, which rolled back the changes made after West. The agency said removing the incident prevention regulations would save Americans roughly $88 million per year.

As a candidate, President-Elect Joe Biden opposed rolling back the Chemical Disaster rule but its unclear whether he will attempt to reintroduce the regulations or push for something new.

The Houston area is home to more than 2,500 chemical facilities.

A 2015 Houston Chronicle investigation found theres a major chemical incident in the greater Houston area every six weeks. There have been multiple incidents in the Houston area since the fatal DuPont incident.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a series of large chemical fires erupted at the Arkema plant in Crosby. Company officials were criminally indicted and later acquitted in relation to the fire. In 2019, an explosion at the KMCO chemical plant in Crosby killed one worker. Also in 2019, a series of large chemical leaks and fires at the Exxon Mobil facility in Baytown later resulted in Harris County suing the company for violating environmental regulations.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com

matt.dempsey@chron.com

hannah.dellinger@chron.com contributed.
Marmorstein: You might soon be living in a million dollar home  unfortunately
Members of a pro-gun group carry their weapons near the state Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Second Amendment Advocates Gather Peacefully for Virginias Lobby Day

Crowds of gun rights activists gathered peacefully in Richmond on Monday to support Second Amendment rights at Virginias annual Lobby Day.

Individuals identifying themselves as members of the Boogaloo Boys, the Proud Boys and the Black Panthers made an appearance to express their rights at the demonstration that took place in the states capital.

Virginians converge on the capitol each Lobby Day to petition state legislators on issues of public interest, but the day has been dominated by gun rights activists in recent years. It coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors the slain civil rights hero.

This years Lobby Day took place in a highly polarized climate, coming shortly after rioters and hundreds of protesters breached the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The Jan. 6 incident disrupted debates in both the House and Senate as lawmakers were forced to shelter in place or evacuate, and police and security attempted to seize back control.

Acts of violence and lawlessness transpired as a minority of protesters holding Trump flags decided to unlawfully enter the Capitol building while the majority of protesters rallied outside, most in a peaceful manner. It is unclear who instigated the breach of the building.

Some critics have said that President Donald Trump, during a lunchtime Jan. 6 rally near the Capitol, incited violencedespite the president saying that the protesters should protest peacefully and patriotically.

Richmond last year passed a red flag bill days after a gun rights rally opposing the legislation drew at least 22,000 Second Amendment advocates from across the country. The ordinance prohibited firearms at or near permitted events. The legislation didnt appear to be enforced as dozens of armed protesters walked through the streets of Richmond on Monday, reported Fox News.

Several protesters insisted that they simply wanted to stand up for Second Amendment rights.

Were showing up to remind them that were still here, a gun-rights activist, who identified himself as Trevor told Reuters a day before the event.

Second Amendment advocate Kristina Baker, from Richmond, spoke with NBC 12 Monday at the Virginia State Capitol.

Im a female who refuses to be a victim and the Second Amendment affords me the right to protect myself and take an active role in my own safety, she said.

Virginias Capitol Square complex is expected to remain closed through Thursday, until after the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Richmond police said on Twitter late Monday that they had issued a summons to one man for possessing a concealed firearm without a permit, and had confiscated the gun.

The department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times.

Reuters contributed to this report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The New York City kindergarten application deadline for the 2021-2022 school year is Tuesday.

To apply for kindergarten, your child must be a current New York City resident who was born in 2016.

In New York City, children enter kindergarten in the fall of the calendar year that they turn 5 years old, and they are guaranteed a seat at a public school. Once your child starts kindergarten, he or she can remain at the same school until its final elementary grade.

Admission is open to all students born in 2016, including current pre-kindergarten students at public schools, Pre-K Centers, NYC Early Education Centers, charter schools and private and parochial schools. It is also open to students with disabilities, students with accessibility needs, students learning English, students in temporary housing and LGBTQ and gender nonconforming students.

The deadline to apply for kindergarten is Tuesday.

There are two types of schools you can add to your kindergarten application: zoned and non-zoned schools.

If you live in an area zoned for a specific school, your children have priority to attend that school. Non-zoned schools are schools that do not have a zone; families who live anywhere in the district or borough can attend them.

You can add up to 12 schools on your childs kindergarten application. The number of choices you add to the application and the order in which you place them matter  so be sure to place 12 choices in your true order of preference before submitting the application.

Each kindergarten program has a certain number of available seats, as schools vary in size and demand. When a school has more applicants than seats, the city cant make an offer to everyone who wants to attend. In this case, offers are made first to students who have the highest admissions priority to attend the school, such as to students who live in a specific zone, who have siblings at the school, who live in the district, or who currently attend pre-K at the school.

Parents need to fill out the kindergarten application online with MySchools, or apply by calling 718-935-2009.

Kindergarten offers are made in the early spring. The offer letter will tell you where your child will go to kindergarten next fall, and will also tell you where your child is wait-listed.

You must accept your kindergarten offer to secure your childs seat. If you applied online, you can accept your offer online at MySchools. If you applied by phone, you can accept your offer by calling 718-935-2009 or by emailing ESenrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

Contact your school directly after you accept your offer to learn how and when to register.

Charter schools have a separate admissions process. Contact charter schools directly to learn how to apply. The Common Online Charter School Application for the 2021-2022 school year allows families across the five boroughs to apply, through a single application, to 228 different charter school sites in New York City. The application is open until April 1.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  The president of the University of the Philippines on Tuesday urged the Department of National Defense to rethink its abrupt unilateral decision to terminate their agreement barring state forces from barging into UP campuses without proper notification.

UP President Danilo Concepcion said the Duterte administration did not reach out to school officials to address any of its grievances before scrapping the three-decade long pact. He asked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to review his decision, warning it may worsen relations between the government and the UP community.

"Instead of instilling confidence in our police and military, your decision can only sow more confusion and mistrust, given that you have not specified what it is that you exactly aim to do or put in place in lieu of the protections and courtesies afforded by the agreement," he said in a statement.

Concepcion highlighted that the accord was signed in 1989 to protect the climate of academic freedom in UP. He said police personnel and soldiers do not have to fear the freedom granted to students and faculty to think, probe, question, and propose better solutions to national issues.

"Indeed, UP has bred rebels and nonconformists  as well as it has bred presidents, senators, congressmen, and business, civic, and even military leaders... We want to maintain UP as a safe haven for all beliefs and forms of democratic expression," he said.

Concepcion said that UP will continue to reject any semblance of militarization in its campuses, which may have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

UP has found an ally in Vice President Leni Robredo, several lawmakers, and progressive youth groups that condemened the government's decision.

Lorenzana on Tuesday justified the Duterte administration's decision, saying the courtesy accorded to UP in 1989 is now obsolete because there is a need to protect the majority of Filipinos against a university that has become a "breeding ground" of groups with extremist beliefs to recruit students to go against the government.

He also said UP cannot be given special treatment and be dealt with like the demilitarized zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, where the military cannot enter without coordination.

"What makes UP so special? We are not your enemies. We are here to protect our people, especially our youth," he said in a tweet.

The Duterte administration has repeatedly red-tagged students of UP. President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the state university of recruiting students to join the communist insurgency.e previously threatened to defund UP after confusion following calls for an academic strike.

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.
Nehha Pendse Feels She Hasn't Received Her Due As An Actor: 'For Some Reasons Things Didn't Happen My Way'

Actor Nehha Pendse says her decision to feature in and produce the upcoming Marathi film "June" was born out of her desire to push herself as an artiste in an industry which hasn't acknowledged the performer in her.

In her career of over two decades, Pendse has featured in films across Hindi, Marathi, Telugu and Tamil, with projects like "Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari", Nana Patekar-starrer drama "Natsamrat" and the 2015 biopic "Gour Hari Dastaan".

With "June", a coming-of-age drama set in Aurangabad, the 36-year-old actor said she has played a part which would surprise many.

"I realised despite of spending so many years in the industry, I've not received my due as an actor. I feel a lot of people couldn't imagine me doing what I've done in 'June'. I know I have the capacity, but for some reasons things didn't happen my way.

"It took courage for me to do the film, put my own money. I'm glad so far everything has turned out beautifully. I hope this gives me and the team confidence to make more good films," Pendse told PTI on the sidelines of the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where "June" was premiered.

Directed by Vaibhav Khisti and Suhrud Godbole, with a script by writer-producer Nikhil Mahajan, "June" is described as a film about "two troubled people who help each other heal." It also stars actor Siddharth Menon.

Pendse said one of the reasons she was drawn to the project was the film's message, which resonated with her idea of living: of picking oneself up after a fall and keep marching on.

"I have been through my own ups and downs and have dealt with it gracefully. I don't let my low phase depress me or the high to put me on a pedestal. The film talks about exactly that. Life will keep throwing challenges, it's ok to feel low, sleep the night and wake up to a fresh start," she said.

While there's no clarity on the film's theatrical release yet, the former "Bigg Boss" contestant said she was touched by the audiences reaction at IFFI.



"I was surprised, happy with the kind of reactions we were getting. The audience was laughing, crying and being silent when they had to. It reached out to a limited number of people but has been received so beautifully," she added.
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:51 am

U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutlers decision to vote for the impeachment of President Donald Trump has caught the ire of local Republicans, as the Congresswoman joined several other Republicans in the House of Representatives to bring the president to trial.

On Jan. 12 Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, announced her intent to vote for Trumps impeachment which was brought forth following the storming of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Jan. 6 by supporters of the president. Trump was impeached by a 232-197 vote, with 10 Republicans, including Herrera Beutler, voting for the measure.

The President of the United States incited a riot aiming to halt the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, Herrera Beutler wrote in a social media post explaining her decision, noting five had died during the Capitol unrest. People everywhere watched in disbelief as the center of American democracy was assaulted.

The day of the storming of the Capitol, Herrera Beutler wrote that (t)he reports you are hearing about the chaos, panic and dangerous actions by protestors are not exaggerations. I witnessed them.

Is this the America we want to give to our children? A country of lawlessness and mob rule? Herrera Beutler asked in the Jan. 6 post. Previous generations of Americans have laid down their lives to answer no to that question.

In her explanation of the decision to vote for Trumps impeachment, Herrera Beutler called the presidents response to the Capitol violence a pathetic denouncement which also served as a wink and a nod to those to perpetrated it, recounting Trumps remarks where he said to those taking part in the violence, I love you and you are special.

The President's offenses, in my reading of the Constitution, were impeachable based on the indisputable evidence we already have, Herrera Beutler wrote.

Following the impeachment vote, Republican representation in Clark County came out against Herrera Beutler for her decision against the president.

The Clark County Republican Party voted Jan. 14 to approve an official declaration that congratulated Trump on accomplishments made during his presidential term and denounced the violence at the Capitol Jan. 6. The declaration condemned all political violence, in all situations, no matter party affiliation or political identity, and stated the local partys belief in peaceable assembly was evidenced by the thousands and thousands of peaceful protestors who did not riot in D.C.

The declaration also denounced the frivolous impeachment of President Trump based on false pretenses and without due process, solely to further political agendas. It stated that Herrera Beutlers vote directly violates our values of standing for truth and justice, adding her vote pushed fear-based narratives that were not representative of the Clark County Republican Party.

This shameful behavior will only further divide our country, the declaration read. President Trumps actual words clearly did not incite violence.

Clark County Republican Womens statement was more pointed, as the organization stated (i)n the strongest of terms their condemnation of Herrera Beutlers vote.

If you cast this vote to impeach, you will never receive our support or votes again at any time in the future, the statement read. Additionally, we will do everything in our power as the largest Republican Women's organization in Washington State to recruit and elect a conservative candidate who will represent our values.

This vote will never be forgotten, as your action is a personal affront to the 70 million plus Americans who voted for our President, the statement read.
>>> Gifts presented to the poor ahead of Lunar New Year festival

On January 18, the National Assembly (NA) deputy delegation of Phu Yen Province coordinated with other units and sponsors to give gifts to poor families and victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in the central coastal locality.

With a total of VND 1.25 billion mobilised, the delegation has supported the construction of 10 gratitude homes for policy and poor households in Phu Yen. Each house is supported with the amount of VND50 million.

On the occasion, the NA delegation also awarded 1,500 gifts, each worth VND500,000, to local Agent Orange/dioxin victims.

Speaking at the event, Dinh Van Nha, Deputy Chairman of the 14th NAs Finance and Budget Committee, who is also a member of the NA deputy delegation of Phu Yen, sent greetings to policy beneficiaries in the province as Tet approaches, while praising Phu Yen for good implementation of social security policy, poverty reduction and Tet caring activities.

On the same day, the Thanh Hoa Province Red Cross Society coordinated with the Provincial Military Command, the Provincial Border Guard Command, the Hanoi Medical University - Thanh Hoa Branch, and donors to organise a "Charity Market" 2021 programme in Quang Chieu Commune, Muong Lat District.

Eight stalls were set up at the fair, providing essential items, household goods, clothes and medicine for local people. The organisers awarded 20 gifts, each with a cash value of VND500,000 and a gift receipt worth VND330,000, to 20 women from families in difficult circumstances, as well as offering free gift vouchers, each worth VND330,000, to 247 households in Pung Village, Quang Chieu Commune. The Provincial Women's Union and Military Command also awarded 30 gifts, each worth VND300,000, to local disadvantaged students.

Necessities and goods presented to a unit on duty on the border line in A Luoi District, Thua Thien Hue Province, January 18, 2021. (Photo: NDO/Quang Tien)



Also, on January 18, the People's Committee of A Luoi District, Thua Thien Hue Province, visited and gave gifts to forces on duty to prevent unauthorised entries and COVID-19 response along the border line in the locale.

Under the cold below 10C, the delegation visited all 18 border posts located along the border of the two provinces of Thua Thien Hue (Vietnam) and Salavan (Laos). At each point, they presented rice, instant noodles and warm blankets to the forces on duty.

While encouraging the officials, leaders of A Luoi District also urged the forces in charge of enhancing control of both illegal entries and goods along the border line as Tet draws closer.
Representative Image

With the government not extending indemnity to Covid-19 vaccine makers, there has been some disquiet among companies about the potential litigation that may arise due to unforeseen complications from Covid-19 vaccines.

It isnt just the potential litigation of vaccine-linked serious adverse events; executives of vaccine makers are also worried about the high cost of product liability covers they have to buy given the limited data on adverse effects at this stage.

Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech havent responded to questions sent by Moneycontrol on the government not extending indemnity.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, which is manufacturing and distributing the AstraZeneca-Oxford University Covid-19 vaccine in India, had earlier asked the government to indemnify vaccine manufacturers. We need to have the government indemnify manufacturers, especially vaccine manufacturers, against all lawsuits. In fact, COVAX and other countries have already started talking about that, Poonawalla said at the Carnegie Indias Global Technology Summit in December. (COVAX is a global collaboration for speedy development, production and equitable distribution of new vaccines worldwide.)

Whats happening is, if frivolous claims come up and we see in the media somethings blown out of proportion. The government needs to step in, Poonawalla said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Earlier, a clinical trial volunteer from Chennai had alleged that he developed a neurological illness after receiving SIIs Covishield vaccine and had sought Rs 5 crore compensation. SII has dismissed the allegations, and has threatened to sue him for Rs 100 crore in damages.

Given the fact that vaccine makers have taken enormous risk and responded to pandemic situations, the government should have extended indemnity, said a senior executive at a vaccine company, who did not want to be named.

To be sure, not just Indian vaccine manufacturers, even global ones have been demanding that governments extend protection from the potential lawsuits associated with vaccine-related adverse events if they are to participate in pandemic responses.

Some countries have agreed to indemnify the vaccine makers for claims as part of the purchase pacts. India has not agreed to this so far.

For instance, the US government has granted Pfizer and Moderna immunity from liability if something unintentionally goes wrong with their Covid-19 vaccines. Similarly, the UK government has extended indemnity to Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

The UK has a Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme, which authorises one-time tax-free payments of 120,000 for individuals who have been disabled in the rare event that a vaccine produces highly damaging side effects.

Vaccine makers have been taking product liability covers. So vaccine makers can take product liability covers with specific inclusions for Covid-19 adversities, including death, ahead of the rollout. But this wont be a one-size-fits-all cover and will have to be customised based on their trial data and efficacy, said a senior general insurance executive.

In the case of an adverse event (death/extreme side effects), the customer/kin will have to legally prove that it is caused by the vaccine. Then the insurance company will pay claims, the executive added.

From the vaccine manufacturers perspective, most would have insurance during the clinical trial phase. But as they step out of that post-approval phase, they will need to calibrate their existing liability insurance to obtain a new cover for claims that might arise in the future, said Mrinal Ojha, Partner, Phoenix Legal.

Liability insurance for manufacturers and distributors will be essential, especially when exporting to countries where the exposure to claims might be significantly higher, Ojha added.

Insurance and legal experts say that underwriting of product liability covers is a big challenge due to the limited data on adverse effects. Covid-19 vaccines have been developed in compressed timelines of 12-18 months given the pandemic, and there could be possible risks of side effects that may not have been factored in at the moment. Vaccines usually take anywhere between 5 and 10 years to develop.

There isnt enough data at the moment to price these risks properly and premiums might expectedly be higher at this stage, Ojha said.

Add to that the unusual complications concerning unique storage requirements and managing scheduling of vaccines, which are added to the chain, starting from the sourcing of raw material to delivery, including the adequacy of the content in the labelling. The public-private partnership with these vaccines is also somewhat complicated on the sharing of risks of loss, Ojha said.

Experts such as Zulfiquar Memon, Managing Partner, MZM Legal, say that the vaccine makers must be protected in some form by the government as they are working with the government to ensure smooth supply and effective dosage to reign in a raging pandemic.

The government must provide security and indemnity to these vaccine makers in such cases if we want them to continue production and supply to ensure every person is diligently vaccinated, Memon said.

There is some confusion over whether existing medical insurance will cover potential vaccine side effects. Moneycontrol had in December reported that existing health insurance policies are unlikely to cover the cost of vaccination and adverse reactions, if any. Only a policy designed purely for the Covid-19 vaccination process  there is none at the moment  will cover the costs.

Since customers cannot directly purchase any medical insurance for vaccine side-effects, they are at a high risk in the absence of liability covers, said the underwriting head at a state-run insurer.
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Zubiri: Senate Willing to Help Spearhead AFP Aircraft Modernization Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri took to the Senate floor on Tuesday to raise the issue around the recent series of accidents involving dated military aircraft, resulting in numerous deaths and casualties. This speech comes at the heels of a 16 January 2021 helicopter crash in Impasugong, Bukidnon. A Philippine Airforce Huey helicopter nosedived onto a field, killing all seven passengers and crew. Smoke was reportedly seen coming from its engine before the accident. Zubiri further enumerated similar incidents from the past year, identifying accidents involving another Huey last November, an Air Force Sikorski air ambulance last September, and yet another Huey last July. Collectively, these accidents resulted in nine deaths, plus more injured. "What happened in Bukidnon recently, and all the other military aircraft crashes which resulted in deaths of our military and civilian personnel, were senseless deaths," Zubiri said. "Avoidable accidents, if only we were serious about modernizing our military." He further pointed out that the Huey helicopter is old, and no longer fit to serve the military: "Huey helicopters are in the range of 40 to 50-year-old air assets . . . we need to modernize our military hardware and equipment, including our aircrafts." "The Senate is prepared to listen to our military for what they need--what comfortable level of budget they need for 2022 and in the succeeding years to sustain their efforts in modernizing our military." "Modernizing our military is giving our soldiers, who are among the best and bravest in the world, a fighting chance in the battlefield. It is the least we can do to our men and women in uniform who have sworn to protect the state and lay down their lives for it if necessary, and as proven in their many heroic feats."
At the first stage, 367,000 Ukrainians are to be vaccinated.

Vaccination against the COVID-19 coronavirus disease is to start in Ukraine in the middle of February 2021.

This was announced by Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov at a meeting with members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, according to MP Andriy Gerus.

Read alsoZelensky asks Merkel to assist in supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine

Stepanov said that Ukraine would have 910,000 doses of vaccines, including 210,000 doses of Pfizer's vaccine via the COVAX Facility, a global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines, Gerus said on Telegram on January 17.

At the first stage, 367,000 Ukrainians are to be vaccinated, among them are healthcare workers, elderly people in specialized institutions, military personnel in the Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas. The second stage is scheduled for the end of March and the vaccination will involve 2.5 million Ukrainians.

According to Stepanov, the government is currently negotiating vaccine supplies with four manufacturers.

COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine

In February-March 2021, Ukraine expects the delivery of a vaccine against COVID-19.

The first batch of a vaccine via the COVAX Facility will include 8 million doses, which will be enough to vaccinate 4 million people (two shots per person required). First to get vaccinated will be healthcare workers, the elderly, and seriously ill patients.

On December 24, 2020, Health Minister Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the COVAX vaccine quota from 8 million to 16 million doses.

On December 30, Ukraine signed a contract with China's Sinovac for the supply of 1.9 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 170 experimental vaccines are currently at the stage of preclinical trials, 65 are undergoing clinical trials, of which 15 are the third, last stage.

Reporting by UNIAN
On Tuesday morning, the President of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), Frank Engel, was a guest on RTL Radio.

Reacting to the suspension of Luxembourg MEP Monica Semedo by the European Parliament for "psychological harassment", Engel showed himself appalled and stated that if someone terrorises their staff, they do not deserve a public post. Frank Engel served as an MEP himself for ten years before he was elected as the President of the CSV.

Semedo is the first Luxembourg MEP to be suspended for acts that could have criminal consequences, Engel pointed out. He added that she did "the opposite of what she preaches" and had therefore not understood her task.

Regarding the government's vaccination campaign, the president of the CSV wonders why the Grand Duchy did not get what it has more quickly, even though what it has was already very little. Engel also criticised that people still did not know when they would be informed when it was their turn, and that the EU should have ordered earlier.

The CSV's General Assembly will be held in April in digital form. The position of president will be put to a vote. Engel has not yet submitted his candidacy. He recommends his party to avoid the nomination of an alternative candidate: this would not solve any problems, according to Engel.
Islamabad, Jan 19 : The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved a Covid-19 vaccine by China's Sinopharm for emergency use amid an unabated resurgence in the country.

A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday said that Sinopharm, one of the two vaccines approved by the authority, has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality, Xinhua news agency reported.

The handout added that the authorization will be reviewed every quarter keeping in view further data regarding safety, efficacy and quality.

Meanwhile, another vaccine manufactured by British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca was been given the authorization earlier, the handout said.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, the country's Minister for Science and Technology, told Xinhua earlier that the Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for procurement by a cabinet committee for its safety and affordability.

Pakistan reported 1,920 new coronavirus infections and 46 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 521,211 with 10,997 fatalities.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2021) - China Keli Electric Company Ltd. (TSXV: ZKL.H) (the "Company" or "China Keli") is pleased to announce that the cease trade order (the "CTO") issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") has been revoked.

The CTO was issued by the BCSC on October 30, 2018, as a result of the failure of the Company to file audited financial statements and related management discussion and analysis for the year ended April 30, 2018.The Company previously submitted an application for a full revocation of CTO in 2019. However, as the Company no longer carried on an active business, it subsequently ran out of resources, and the application was closed on December 31, 2019 with the CTO remaining outstanding.

The Company continued to investigate its options throughout 2020. The Company applied for and received a partial revocation of the CTO in order to permit a $200,000 bridge loan financing. In addition, the Company also announced that Madam Sou Wa Wong and Mr. Lou Meng Cheong have entered into agreements to sell 35,440,000 and 22,560,000 shares of the Company respectively. The shares to be sold by Madam Wong and Mr. Cheong represent 39.2% and 24.7% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company respectively. The share sales do not, by definition, constitute a "take-over bid" set forth in Multilateral Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Insider Bids on the basis that none of the sellers and purchasers are resident in Canada. Completion of the share sales are subject to, among other things, the full revocation of the CTO and the approval of the NEX.

With the completion of the bridge financing, the Company applied again for a full revocation of the CTO. In connection with the second application, the Company has addressed the outstanding filing deficiencies and brought its continuous disclosure records on SEDAR up to date. The Company also held its annual general meeting on December 30, 2020 and elected a new slate of directors. The BCSC revoked the CTO issued against the Company on January 18, 2021.

With the revocation of the CTO, it is expected the share sales by Madam Wong and Mr. Cheong will be completed, and the Company will complete a 20:1 share consolidation. Thereafter, the Company, under new controlling shareholders, will seek out and investigate new business opportunities.

For further information, please contact:

CHINA KELI ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD.

Philip Lo, Chief Executive Officer

Tel. No.: (86) 13632 173732

Email: philip@zkl.cc

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72323
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.
Delhi Police's cyber crime cell will investigate a complaint received from senior TV Nidhi Razdan who has said she was a victim of a phishing scam in which she was given a fraudulent offer of a position of Associate Professor at the Harvard University.

Razdan filed the complaint with the on Monday regarding commission of cognisable offences including forgery, cheating, identity fraud and impersonation by unknown accused against her. Earlier, she had filed a similar complaint with the Jammu and Kashmir Police on January 16 when she was in Srinagar.

A senior officer said that an investigation would be undertaken on the basis of the complaint which was filed at a police station in South East district. A series of emails exchanged with those behind the alleged scam as well as other documents connected with the matter have been enclosed with the complaint.

Her lawyer Shri Singh said Razdan had received an email in December 2019 containing a purported offer from Harvard University for teaching journalism. Thereafter, she resigned as Executive Editor of NDTV last June.

However, she had come to know last week that a series of emails and forged documents sent over a period of one year were an elaborate scam to dishonestly and fraudulently cause loss to her, Singh said.

Razdan has urged the cyber crime cell to undertake a detailed and thorough investigation to trace the accused and register an FIR in this regard.

She has also asked Harvard University to register a complaint with the FBI or other relevant authorities to investigate this crime, according to the lawyer.

(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.)
Photo: The Canadian Press Conservative MP Derek Sloan arrives at West Block Thursday December 3, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Conservatives were torn Tuesday over a decision by party leader Erin O'Toole to try to expel an MP from their ranks over a donation from a known white nationalist.

The party's 121 MPs are set to vote via secret ballot Wednesday morning on whether Derek Sloan ought to be removed, with a simple majority required to oust him.

While Sloan has courted his fair share of controversy for months, the idea he should be booted from caucus specifically because of a donation he said he had not realized he'd received wasn't sitting well with some MPs and party supporters.

And the move prompted immediate backlash from some anti-abortion groups, who had been firmly in Sloan's corner during the leadership race he lost to O'Toole almost six months ago.

The group Right Now urged backers to contact MPs to voice their displeasure. "We feel that this an attempt to discourage pro-lifers from engaging within the Conservative Party of Canada, specifically at the upcoming policy convention," Right Now's email said.

"If those officials in the Conservative Party of Canada who do not share our values were not threatened by us taking our rightful and democratic place within the party, then they would not attempt such a brazen and obviously desperate effort such as this."

The controversy over the $131 donated by Paul Fromm, a longtime political activist with links to neo-Nazi causes, erupted late Monday.

O'Toole declared the donation  made under the name "Frederick P. Fromm"  meant Sloan could no longer be a Conservative MP, citing an intolerance for racism within the party. O'Toole promptly kick-started the process of getting him removed from the Conservative caucus.

Some MPs publicly voiced their approval on social media, but privately concerns were immediately raised about the bar O'Toole was setting.

The party prides itself on collecting donations from hundreds of thousands of grassroots supporters. Vetting them all against an unclear standard would be challenging, if not outright impossible.

Sloan was first elected as the MP for the Ontario riding of Hastings-Lennox and Addington in 2019 and stunned many of his fellow MPs by running to lead the party not long after.

He has sparked several controversies during his relatively short political life. He's been accused of racism for questioning the loyalty of the country's chief public health officer, a charge he denied. He's also suggested being LGBTQ is not a matter of science and compared a ban on therapy designed to force a person to change their gender or sexual identity to child abuse.

During the leadership race, O'Toole told MPs Sloan ought not be kicked out of caucus over the remarks he made about Dr. Theresa Tam, even buying ads on social media trumpeting that position.

The fact a donation would be the thing that finally turned O'Toole against Sloan raised some eyebrows.

"That he plays silly-bugger word games that homosexuality is a choice should have disqualified him. But kicking him out over a donation from a racist who disguised his identity? So many good reasons to kick him out. Not sure this is one," wrote longtime Conservative operative and strategist Chisholm Pothier on Twitter.

"Glad hes gone. But ends justifying the means is easy, principled politics is hard."

The Liberals had been calling for months for O'Toole to eject Sloan, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that he was pleased O'Toole was showing leadership. "Political parties need to remain vigilant, particularly in the wake of what we see in the United States, from the infiltration or the active presence of fringe or extremist or violent or unacceptable or intolerant elements," Trudeau said at a news conference.

"And that's something that we constantly need to work towards as all politicians in Canada."

Trudeau, however, did not address whether Fromm's organizations would also see money they received in COVID-19 supports clawed back as well. Fromm has been connected to Holocaust-deniers and other white nationalist groups for years. Sloan cited Fromm's use of his first name in making the donation in saying he was unaware of the source of the funds.

Fromm also holds a membership in the Conservative party, voted in the leadership race, and had registered for a virtual convention the party is holding in March, none of which had raised red flags before Monday's revelation.

Late Tuesday, the party said Fromm's membership would be revoked and he would not be allowed to participate in the convention.

In an interview, Fromm said he's never met Sloan, and while Sloan's policies did appeal to him, he argued that to suggest his money, membership or desire to participate in the convention taints Sloan or the party is ridiculous.

"I think basically, somebody is out to get Sloan and are prepared to use just about anything," he said.

O'Toole won the leadership last year thanks in part to Sloan's supporters, whom he'd courted.

Ever since, he has faced questions about how he'll broaden the appeal of the party, given the strength of its social-conservative wing.

That faction was already gearing up to try to play an outsized role at the party's policy convention in March, organizing to advance several socially conservative positions through policy motions and ensuring they had enough delegates to make them pass.

Their efforts were spurred on by Sloan, who had been pushing people to sign up as delegates, a move viewed within caucus as challenging O'Toole.

Sloan has said he'll fight efforts to expel him. He noted he told the party to return Fromm's donation as soon as he was made aware of it, and wasn't sure what more he could have done.

He declined to say what he was hoping to achieve at the convention, saying he is now focused on what he called the fight of his life.

"O'Toole ran a leadership campaign on fighting cancel culture and promoting a big-tent version of the Conservative party," Sloan said.

"And I hope that he has not jettisoned that in favour of perceived short-term political gain."
Calisen confirmed it was pushing ahead with a takeover from a consortium of major international investors

Smart-meter business Calisen is about to be bought by overseas investors as Britain's pandemic plundering continues.

The FTSE 250 firm, which installs energy meters and manages them for the 'Big Six' suppliers, confirmed it was pushing ahead with a takeover from a consortium of major international investors.

The world's largest asset manger Blackrock, Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company, and a handful of Goldman Sachs' infrastructure funds are buying Calisen for 1.4billion.

Since Calisen is a leading employer in the north-west of England, the bidders said that they would not move its headquarters from Greater Manchester and did not plan any large-scale job cuts.

Calisen is the latest in a string of companies to be snapped up by a foreign buyer since the pandemic began, as William Hill, G4S and RSA insurance have all changed hands.

The company's largest shareholder, private equity giant KKR, has already agreed to the 261p-per-share deal.
The sister of an Arizona woman who was missing for a week before she was found in the desert in a critical condition Sunday has revealed the family remains mystified about the disappearance

Jessica Goodwin, 28, was reported missing on January 11 after calling out sick from her job as a chiropractor and leaving her home under suspicious circumstances.

She was found on Sunday on an American Indian reservation near Phoenix, Arizona, after cops tracked down her cell phone signal and was airlifted to hospital with severe dehydration.

Her sister Angelina Goodwin says Jessica is recovering in hospital and responding to treatment but that the family still has 'no details as to what happened yet'.

Jessica Goodwin, 28, was found on Sunday afternoon near Phoenix at 4.45pm in a critical condition after being missing for six days. Her family has yet to discover any details about her disappearance. She is pictured above with her grandmother

The 28-year-old, pictured, was reported missing on January 11 after calling out sick from her job as a chiropractor and leaving her home under suspicious circumstances

In a social media post, Angelina Goodwin thanked those who helped with the search

'Just asking for privacy for Jess as she recovers and heals from this terribly traumatic event,' Angelina told Fox News.

She added that the family is 'just asking everyone to be patient'.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday that Jessica has now been transferred out of the ICU as her condition continues to improve.

'At this time there is no evidence of foul play, and no indication a crime occurred. We ask everyone to respect her privacy while she recovers,' a spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

Jessica vanished from her home in Gilbert, which is on the outskirts of Phoenix, leaving behind her dog, and was last seen in surveillance footage driving her white 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, driving away from a car wash, which was the last place she used her credit card.

The car was found with minor damage near the car wash on Thursday night but there was no sign of her.

Police at the time said the 'location and manner' in which the vehicle was found was 'suspicious in nature' but still did not suspect foul play.

In a GoFundMe established by Angelina this week to help her sister pay for her medical bills, she appeared to reveal that Jessica's car had been in a crash when it was found.

She vanished from her home in Gilbert, leaving behind her dog, and was last seen in surveillance footage driving her white 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, pictured

On Sunday afternoon, police discovered Jessica after tracing her cell phone signal to the Gila River Indian Reservation, a desert area some 30 miles from her home

Jessica left her home in Gilbert, on the outskirts of Phoenix, on January 11. She left her dog

'My sister Jessica Goodwin was missing for 6 days. Her car was found crashed in a wash and she was later found in the desert fighting for her life. She is in the hospital recovering now,' Angelina wrote.

'I am trying to raise money for her when she is released. Anything helps! She is going to need so much support with medical bills, car repairs, and any further treatment she might need.

Goodwin's friends said she would never ordinarily leave her beloved dog alone in her home

'I appreciate each and every person who has radiated positivity and shown incredible love and support for my sweet baby sister.'

The page has raised $4,760 as of Tuesday evening.

In a post to her Facebook page, Angelina also thanked those who had searched for her sister.

'My sister is alive and in recovery. THANK YOU to the PCSO and all our friends and family for sharing, searching and praying,' she wrote.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office has said it is 'still investigating what led up to her disappearance' as they confirmed that Jessica had been found in a dehydrated state.

While they say they do not suspect foul play, much of the details around the disappearance are unclear.

They had previously said she vanished in 'abnormal' circumstances but have given no further details.

Angelina Goodwin, pictured with her sister center, has asked for privacy

Many of the details surrounding Jessica's disappearance remain unclear. Police said she vanished in 'abnormal circumstances' but have not shared other details

Her friends and family raised the alarm after she failed to show up at work on January 11.

When her car was found near the car wash with damage, they became even more worried.

'The location of where her car was, was not where she would have taken it.

'Even if she was going to go back here for a 30-minute drive, she would take her dog,' her friend Chandler Storck told Fox 10 last week.

Jessica, pictured above, was moved out of the ICU on Tuesday

He said her disappearance was completely out of character.

'These behaviours, which is why we are so worried because it's completely unlike her.

'If she does go somewhere to clear her mind, she'll take her dog for sure.

'If she's going to go for a drive, a 20 or 30-minute one, she's going to bring her dog.

'If she goes out of town, she brings her dog. She never leaves her dog for longer than a night,' he said.

She was found on the Gila River Indian Reservation, a desert-like area some 30 miles from her home.

In a statement on Facebook on Sunday night, Pinellas County Sheriff said: 'Phone records led PCSO Detectives and Search and Rescue to an area of land on the Gila River Indian Community.

'During their search, Goodwin was spotted around 4:45 Sunday evening.

'She is currently in critical condition and is being airlifted to an area hospital.'

Sheriff Mark Lamb added: 'This is the outcome we have all been hoping and praying for.

'I commend our Detectives and our Search and Rescue team for their commitment and attention to detail.'

It's unclear if Goodwin is married or single.
HOBOKEN, N.J., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GovPilot, a Hoboken, New Jersey based government management software provider today announced the launch of online real estate auction services, purpose-built for local governments. The company is offering the service at no cost to municipal and county governments nationwide as an effective tool for local governments to generate revenue and revitalize neighborhoods.

In December, GovPilot partnered with Trenton, New Jersey to host a fully online real estate auction which saw all 49 listed properties receive winning bids - generating $4.153 million in revenue for the city once sales are finalized. Trenton officials touted the initiative to auction city-owned residential, commercial, and municipal properties that had been under government management for years, as a way to revitalize the city, promote affordable housing options, and generate revenue for New Jersey's capital city.

"To be able to host a successful online, socially distanced real estate auction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was tremendous. The opportunities created for our residents, and the revenue generated for our budget will support constituent services and the continued revitalization of the city," said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. "And with the 5-year residency requirement for many of these properties, we know they will be cared for by Trentonians who are proud to finally own a stake in their hometown."

Michael Bonner, the founder and CEO of GovPilot added, "Across the country, municipalities and their leadership are looking for creative, effective ways to generate revenue, revitalize neighborhoods, and support their residents. Many have real estate properties under management that can become revenue drivers and serve to fulfill economic development goals. GovPilot has built a platform to meet those needs."

Through its Real Estate Auction Services GovPilot will provide end-to-end capabilities to local governments including a fully online, secure registration and auction experience for participants. Within the auction portal, images of individual properties are displayed and GovPilot's Automated Valuation Model, which is anchored to a GIS map, is designed to help bidders understand the value of the property they are interested in compared with similar properties nearby.

Additionally, GovPilot will provide free digital marketing services to help local governments drive participation in real estate auctions among residents. For Trenton's auction, a total of 372 participants pre-registered by placing a $1,000 reimbursable deposit through an online payment form. In advance of the auction, the city hosted two video conference information sessions, and the auction platform enabled practice bidding so that participants could become familiar with its use.

Speaking of Trenton's experience, Housing and Economic Director, Ben Delisle said, "This auction was tailor-made to benefit Trenton residents  including first-time homeowners  over outside investors. Even with a Trenton residency requirement for many of these properties, we received 1,554 bids from 284 different participants."

Michael Bonner added, "GovPilot's mission is to empower local governments to better serve their constituents and operate efficiently. These online real estate auction services are replicable across the country and represent a win for local governments and residents alike. We invite municipal officials nationwide to consider GovPilot hosted government real estate auctions as part of their economic development strategy."

About GovPilot:

GovPilot - named a GovTech 100 company for four consecutive years - is the leader in digital transformation for local governments. GovPilot's cloud-based platform was built with the sole purpose of enabling local governments to operate at their full potential by standardizing, digitizing, and unifying more than 100 operational and constituent service processes on one system.

To learn more visit www.govpilot.com . Follow @GovPilot.

GovPilot Contact:

Evan Achiron, Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected] | (929) 299-7969

SOURCE GovPilot
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
(Alliance News) - Tlou Energy Ltd on Tuesday announced a pilot power purchase agreement for the first two megawatts of power from the Lesedi Power project with Botswana Power Corp has been fully executed.

The Botswana and southern Africa focused exploration firm also said it has signed a grid connection agreement to enable a power injection into Botswana Power's grid. This will facilitate development of the power project and the sale of first power, it added.

Shares in Tlou were up 11% at 3.33 pence in London on Tuesday.

Tlou said negotiations on a larger power purchase agreement, of up to 100 megawatts coal bed methane fired power plants, with Botswana's Ministry of Mineral Resources Green Technology and Energy Security will begin in February, following the submission of Tlou's development plan.

It also said it has received confirmation from the ministry that it intends to fast-track the coal bed methane development, and that the ministry is "happy to provide the necessary support to ensure commercial development." Upon successful completion of the initial project, Tlou said it would look to expand.

"It is great to see that Botswana is open for business and the government is motivated to get the gas industry up and running. Tlou plans to start development of the Lesedi project as soon as possible and confirmation of the government's enthusiasm to provide the necessary support to ensure commercial development of coal bed methane is very well received. In addition, we have also recommenced negotiations with Botswana-based project financiers this month as we aim to close a deal for funding as soon as possible," said Managing Director Tony Gilby.

By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
 Flash

In response to the erroneous actions of the United States, China has decided to impose reciprocal sanctions on U.S. executive officials, members of Congress and non-governmental organizations, who have performed viciously and take the main responsibility for the U.S. negative actions toward Hong Kong-related issues, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday.

The immediate family members of related individuals will also be subject to the new sanctions, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press conference.

Hua made the remarks in response to a question about the U.S. State Department's imposition of the so-called sanctions on six officials of the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

The relevant U.S. actions blatantly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty, and gravely violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations. "China is firmly opposed to and strongly condemns this," Hua said.

Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law, and everyone is equal before the law, Hua said, adding that the basic requirement of the rule of law is that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers prosecuted.

"We firmly support relevant departments of the HKSAR in cracking down on illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law, safeguarding the authority of the law and safeguarding national security," she added.

Noting that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are entirely China's internal affairs, Hua said the U.S. side must immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs, interfering in China's internal affairs and endangering China's national security under various pretexts.

"The U.S. side should not proceed farther down this erroneous and dangerous path," Hua said.
Chennai, Jan 19 : Veteran oncologist V. Shanta who headed the Cancer Institute (WIA) here, popularly known as Adyar Cancer Institute died at a private hospital on Tuesday early morning.

A Padma Vibuhshan, Padma Bhushan, Padama Shri and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Shanta, 93 was admitted to a private hospital on Monday night as she was unwell.

Her end came on Tuesday early morning.

Expressing shock at Shanta's death, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said with her dedicated service she expanded and moderninsed the hospital that was started with 12 beds.

The hospital gave free cancer treatment for the poor, the Chief Minister said.

He said Shanta was instrumental in creating public awareness on the importance of periodic testing for detection of cancer.

Palaniswami said the Tamil Nadu government honoured Shanta with Avvaiyar Award in 2013.

Terming Shanta's death as an irreplacable loss for medical fraternity and Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami said she will be given police salute at time of her final rites.

Condoling Shanta's demise PMK Founder S. Ramadoss said when it comes to cancer the name that immediately comes to our mind is Shanta.

Born into a distinguished scientific family - her immediate grand uncle (C.V.Raman) and uncle (S. Chandrasekar)- Noble Laureates.

She graduated (M.B.B.S.) in 1949, D.G.O. in 1952 and M.D, in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1955.

In April 1955, she joined the fledgling Cancer Institute, established in 1954 by the Womens' Indian Association Cancer Relief Fund, as its Resident Medical Officer.

PMK's Ramadoss said Shanta joined the Cancer Institute preferring over the Assistant Surgeon's Post in the Women & Children's Hospital, Madras, to which she had been selected by the Madras Public Service Commission.

Since then, Shanta's entire professional life was dedicated to the mission of organising care of cancer patients, the study of the disease, its prevention and control, the generation of specialists and scientists in different aspects of Oncologic Sciences.

She has played an important role along with Dr. Krishnamurthi in the development of the Cancer Institute (WIA) from a cottage hospital of 12 beds to a major comprehensive Cancer Centre of national and international stature. She has played a pioneering role in all the achievements of the Institute.

Shanta was on WHO Advisory Committee on Cancer till March 2005.

She was also Convener of the State Advisory Board on Cancer.

She has been the Chairman of the INDO-US Collaborative Group on Lymphoid Neoplasias (Indian Chapter), member of many ICMR Committees, member of the ICMR Task Force on Registries and member of the Syndicate of the Anna University.

She was President of the Indian Society of Oncology (88-90), President of the Asian & Pacific Federation of Organisations for cancer control (97-99) and President of the 15th Asian & Pacific Cancer Conference (1999). She has participated in a number of Scientific International Collaborative Programmes.

According to the Cancer Institute, Shanta has published over 95 papers in national and international journals, contributed chapters in Oncology books, delivered many prestigious orations and participated in many international and national conferences.
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.
COPENHAGEN: Denmarks staunchest sausage fans marked the 100th anniversary this week of the arrival of hot dog stands in the country by ordering the snack from many of the popular trailers along central Copenhagens main shopping street.

The stands are still allowed to open as they offer a takeaway snack. All indoor hospitality has closed in the city due to the pandemic.

Known among Danes as Restaurant Cold Feet", because you have to stand outside to eat, the simple hotdog wagons were introduced in 1921 from Germany. They are still steered by hand around the cobbled streets of Danish towns and cities with just a simple engine to move them along.

As a 10-year-old Kresten Larsen, now 74, worked as an errand boy for a hot dog stand, making sure his employer never ran out of bread.

It is a very nice sausage," he told Reuters. He didnt order from multiple stands, but rather two sausages from just one by Copenhagens city hall. I think theyve become better over the years."

The most popular hotdog costs about 30 krones ($4.9).
BrusselsThe vaccination campaign in the European Union is not going fast enough. Until now European leaders like the Danish and Finnish Prime Ministers Mette Frederiksen and Sanna Marin had asked the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in writing to press the accelerator; today the EU executive has taken up the request and formally asked all EU governments to commit to vaccinating 70% of the adult population before the summer. This is a clear message in view of the meeting by video conference that the EU-27 have this Thursday with the covid as the only item on the agenda and in which they will also talk about the creation of a European vaccination certificate to which the Commission is favourable.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding or the Group), the parent of Geely Auto, said its full-year sales exceeded 2.1 million units in 2020.

Geely Auto sold 1,320,217 new vehicles (including the sales of Lynk & Co-branded vehicles) through 2020. Last year, the automaker hit the milestone of 10-million-unit cumulative sales.

Photo credit: Geely Auto

In spite of the coronavirus spread, Geely Auto's overseas business sales still leapt 25% year over year to nearly 73,000 units.

Geely Auto recently took the wraps off its all-new SUV based on the CMA Mudular Architecture. Code-named KX11, the model is set to make its debut at this year's Auto China in Shanghai and go into volume production in the third quarter.

Lynk & Co 06; photo credit: Lynk & Co



Lynk & Co's sales for the year of 2020 surged 37% from a year ago to 175,456 units. As of today, the Chinese-Swedish brand has had over 420,000 users.



Proton X70; photo credit: Geely Holding



Proton sold 109,716 new cars last year, an 8.8% growth compared to the same period a year ago. Its export volume soared 49.8% year over year.

Volvo XC60 Recharge; photo credit: Volvo Cars



Volvo Cars sold 661,713 vehicles worldwide in 2020, of which 166,617 units were contributed by Chinese market business, a 7.5% increase from a year earlier.

The 2020 sales of Volvo Recharge, the brand's product lineup of plug-in hybrid and pure electric cars, more than doubled over the year-ago period.

Polestar 2; photo credit: Polestar



According to the Group, Polestar has to-day opened 40 customer experience spaces (Polestar Space) around the world, of which 15 are launched in China. The Polestar 1 HEV and the Polestar 2 BEV are currently available for delivery.

Geely Holding also noted the sales of Lotus Cars recorded evident increase last year in Europe and the U.S. markets.
Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Delhi schools which have been closed for the past 10 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened on Monday and there is great enthusiasm among the students who say they prefer normal classes in school to online classes.

Students say opening of the schools is much better for preparing for board examinations. At the same time, private schools have also asked children to bring their Covid test reports to prove they are not carrying the virus.

Students say, "We are very happy with the opening of the schools. There were some problems in online studies at home, we were unable to ask our questions in a proper manner and not understand the answers." "In offline studies you can understand your problems in a better way, and if you don't understand then you can ask." Most parents have given their approval to send children to schools amid the pandemic. The schools' administration believes that soon most parents will also approve and the number of students in school will increase.

However, there have been some changes. Schools will not have prayer meetings or assembly, nor will the canteens be open. Schools have also not provided transport facilities to the children. Children have to reach school by themselves.

Principal of Vidya Bal Bhavan School, Dr Satveer Sharma told IANS, "It is a relief for all to open schools, children will now be able to study effectively, whereas teachers and children will be able to sit face to face and talk about problems related to education. We will be able to discuss it as well." "We have told the children to also bring their Covid reports and submit them to the schools, this will keep us and other children safe." Medical rooms in schools have been converted to Covid-19 isolation rooms.

A school teacher told IANS that "It was great meeting the children. There were lot of challenges during the online classes. We are expecting that the number of children in the school will increase in the coming days." At the Government Girls Secondary School in Delhi, when the 10th class students reached the school, they were very happy.

Children have been coming to school wearing masks and all the rules related to Covid-19 are being observed in schools.

Government Girls Secondary School Vice Principal Sandhya Singh told IANS, "I am very happy. We have 147 children of class 10 present today, while 107 children are yet to come." "There are lot of challenges for the teachers in the classes, as along with offline classes, now we also have to do online classes." Board exams are to be held in May and now many states have decided to open schools for students of 10th and 12th classes.

Right now, a lot of strictness has been followed in opening schools, such as written permission of the parents of the students is necessary. There will be no physical activity in the schools and guidelines have to be displayed everywhere.

The coronavirus pandemic in Delhi has now been largely controlled, although the threat remains, which is why people are being told to follow safety measures.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
GENEVA, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Global deaths from COVID-19 are

expected to top 100,000 per week "very soon", from more than

93,000 reported last week, the World Health Organization's top

emergency expert Mike Ryan said on Monday.

In an epidemiological update provided to the WHO's exective

board meeting, he added that the Americas region accounted for

about 47 percent of current deaths. In Europe, cases and deaths

are stabilising but at a high level, he said.

"Currently our epidemiological situation is dynamic and

uneven, it's futher complicated by variants," he told the board.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge)
ADVERTISEMENT

As Nigeria continues to record more coronavirus infections, the direct adverse impact has been more fatalities.

A total of 112,004 infections have now been reported across the nation with 1,617 new cases, the second highest daily tally, found in 18 states on Monday.

Also on Monday, 14 people died from the disease raising the total fatality toll to 1,449, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

In the previous 24 hours, Nigeria reported one of its deadliest day of the pandemic with 15 people dying from the disease on Sunday.

This is coming a few days after the global coronavirus death toll surpassed two million.

As countries begin to roll out the COVID-19, experts anticipate there will be a reduction in mortality but there have been more deaths especially in countries where the second wave of the virus is spreading unrestrained.

In the past four weeks, there have been over 200 fatalities as a result of COVID-19 complications in Nigeria.

The rise in mortality shows that the second wave of the pandemic is deadlier than the first as more patients are symptomatic and require breathing support.

The reason for rise in fatalities is not far-fetched. When there are is a sharp rise in new cases, there will definitely be more deaths, said Chikwe Ihekweazu, head of the NCDC.

Active cases in the country rose sharply from about 3,000 about two months ago to over 20,000 due to a rise in new infections.

Of the over 112,000 cases so far, 89,939 patients have been discharged from hospitals after treatment.

Specifics

The 1, 617 new cases were reported from the following 18 states: Lagos-776

Kaduna-147

Kwara-131

FCT-102

Plateau-78

Edo-59

Ogun-53

Osun-45

Rivers-37

Taraba-36

Nasarawa-34

Adamawa-33

Kano-26

Delta-20

Ebonyi-16

Bayelsa-11

Gombe-11

Borno-2

Lagos, again, led with 776 new cases on Monday, nearly half of the daily total. The commercial city is Nigerias coronavirus epicentre with a total of over 40,000 confirmed cases and over 270 deaths.

The Minister of State for Health, Mr 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.

The government said it is expecting to start receiving vaccines for the disease by the end of the month but many global experts and bodies told PREMIUM TIMES that that is almost likely impossible.

So far, Nigeria has conducted over 1.1 million COVID-19 tests.
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.
With Bangladesh in focus, a vintage Indian Air Force (IAF) Dakota will do a fly-past at India's Republic Day parade on January 26th. The Dakota will be part of the Rudra formation along with 2 MI 171V. Dakotas had played a key role in Bangladesh's war of liberation in 1971 and was used to airdrop troops. In fact, Bangladesh's air force began its journey with gifted Dakotas from IAF.

IAF's spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said, "The entire nation is celebrating swarnim vijay Jayanti. As part of the celebrations, Dakota being a vintage, which took part in the operations during the 1971 war, that aircraft, the formation, Dakota with MI 171V will be flying past the dais when Bangladesh contingent will be passing.

"This year, a 122-member strong contingent from Bangladesh's Armed forces will be part of the Republic Day. This is only the third time in Indias history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate. The Bangladesh Armed Forces contingent comprises Soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, Sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force.

The majority of the soldiers in the Bangladesh contingent comes from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army, comprising of 1,2,3,4,8,9,10 & 11 East Bengal Regiments and 1,2 and 3 Field Artillery Regiments, who had fought during the 1971 Liberation War. This is only the third time in Indias history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate in the grand parade.

In 2021, Bangladesh celebrates the 50th year of its Independence and as part of shared celebrations, the country will be a key center point at India's Republic day parade. India meanwhile is celebrating 'Swarnim Vijay Jayanti' which marks the 50th anniversary year of India's decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971.

CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Uptake announced today that it has signed a partnership agreement with Reliability Center, Inc. (RCI) to advance equipment and plant reliability for the process and asset-intensive industries, including chemical, oil & gas, pulp & paper, and power. The strategic partnership joins RCI's root cause analysis investigation methodology of equipment defects through its application EasyRCA with Uptake's Industrial AI and extensive Asset Strategy Library of 800 asset types and 58,000+ failure modes to generate cost-optimized maintenance strategies for process companies that mitigate risk, enhance safety, assure productivity, and increase plant profitability.

"Uptake's AI predicts what will go wrong before significant loss occurs. This helps our clients focus on the highest value pieces of equipment and systems to apply our best-of-breed root cause analysis methodology and software before chaos even strikes" shared Sebastian Traeger, Chairman and Managing Director of RCI. "Uptake realizes the transformative potential of Industrial AI by making it simpler and more reliable to operate and maintain process plants and to do so with more buy-in from across operations."

The combined offerings of RCI and Uptake enable process companies to pinpoint primary reasons for declines in a production line's quality or the decrease in the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of an asset. Specifically, RCI's EasyRCA tool allows maintenance and reliability practitioners in process industries to formally conduct root cause analysis and identify factors that cause failures, defects, or quality deviations in a manufactured product. As plants address complicated root causes and identify productivity losses in these process systems, Uptake and RCI help empower reliability teams to avoid downtime costs and increase profitability.

"The process and asset-intensive manufacturers have long used root cause analysis to build out their reliability programs. The renewed emphasis on Operational Excellence and Sustainability due to the COVID-19 crisis has only reinforced that need," shared Joe Perino, Research Analyst at LNS Research. "The new partnership between RCI and Uptake provides Uptake's customers in the fleet, rail, equipment, mining and wind energy new RCA capabilities, while at the same time introducing Uptake's Industrial AI to RCI's 500+ strong process and asset-intensive industries client base."

"In a digital plant environment with complex asset hierarchies, plant operators need shared visibility over plant productivity. With Industrial AI, enterprises gain the same foresight into machines where the unaided reliability engineer is unable," said Drew Soignier, Vice President of Product Development at Uptake. "Uptake's partnership with RCI will streamline the expertise of reliability teams through the Asset Strategy Library."

Uptake's Asset Strategy Library (ASL) is the world's most comprehensive knowledge base of failure information, generating maintenance strategies for specific equipment failure modes. The ASL, in turn, powers the maintenance strategy engine, Uptake Compass , which enables users to optimize maintenance spend and eliminate low-value tasks. Through the ingestion of work-order and sensor data, Uptake Compass delivers asset-specific, component-level reliability analysis including part survival curves, mean-time between failures, risk scenarios, and bad actors. All translated into financial impact, key performance metrics in Uptake Compass provide a single source of industrial information to track, manage, and improve plant performance.

Uptake's partnership with RCI comes as Crain's Chicago Business recently named Uptake as #2 on its Most Innovative Companies 2020 list . The company also recently announced the deployment of its software by United Road and BHE Renewables and MidAmerican Energy Company .

ABOUT UPTAKE

Uptake is the intelligence system for industrial assets. Providing an AI-driven asset management solution that bridges the gap between industrial assets and front-line workers, Uptake gives all departmentsincluding maintenance, operations, finance, and salesa single, shared view of every asset in an operation. With the power of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), Uptake helps customers monitor and increase the availability of assets, improve asset reliability, and streamline operations. Recognized for leadership in industrial IoT (IIoT) by the World Economic Forum, CNBC and Forbes, Uptake is headquartered in Chicago with presence in Canada, South America, India, Europe, and Australia. To stay up-to-date on what we're doing, visit us at www.uptake.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn .

ABOUT RELIABILITY CENTER, INC.

Reliability Center, Inc. was established in 1972 as a Research & Development arm of a major U.S. corporation. In 1985, RCI became an independent corporation under the direction of founder, Charles J. Latino, whose goal was to spread the reliability message to companies all over the world. The company provides training programs to clients using their PROACT methodology; consulting for organizations to develop a reliability culture; facilitation and mentoring for specific RCAs; as well as EasyRCA software. For more information, visit www.reliability.com or contact RCI at 800-457-0645 or [email protected].

CONTACT

Bob Francis, VP of Marketing & Analyst Relations

[email protected] ; (312) 242.2200

SOURCE Uptake

Related Links

http://www.uptake.com


People could volunteer to assist North Carolina with emergency response, including in the dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine. Some steps are to be taken.

Volunteer in North Carolina

Whether you would like to cooperate in responding to public health emergencies or natural disasters, there are steps everyone should take prior to volunteering to the North Carolina Emergency Management.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS)'s current purchasing efforts are allocated to medical supplies that include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Important supplies involve masks, respirators, safety glasses, goggles, gloves, face shields, gowns, coveralls, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray or wipes, and ventilators, reported NC DHHS COVID-19 Response.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is an all-hands-on-deck kind of response. The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) has also garnered numerous requests for help in order to search for places to volunteer, reported NCNA.

Interested people need to create a profile on North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM)'s "TERMS" (training, exercise, and response management system) website. You can follow a step-by-step guide that could be found online, reported WRAL.

To offer help to NCEM's COVID-19 response, you should complete the following:

Register for a personal profile in TERMS.

On the response profile page, select "join a team" and choose "ESF8 - Public Health and Medical Services."

Choose "COVID 19 Medical Response Volunteers."

Pick the team you would like to join and select "Request Membership."

State Surplus has offered guidance for state and local government agencies and schools on Executive Order 122, associated with donation and/or transmssion of medical/health supplies with PPEs included.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous health care facilities in North Carolina, especially long-term care facilities, are looking to urgently hire staff for full-time, part-time, or temporary roles. There is an immediate need for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants, among other jobs, to boost current workers and, at times, fill in for workers affected by COVID-19.

Also Read: WHO Chief: 'Not Right' to Vaccinate Younger Adults in Rich Countries Before Elderly in Poorer Countries

The East Carolina University School of Nursing is working hand-in-hand with NCDHHS to match health care workers who manage to have extra shifts to facilities in the nurse's local area.

NCDHHS is actively looking for volunteers for clinical and non-clinical roles through the State Medical Response System. Also, NCDHHS is soliciting assistance from vendors and producers that could have medical supplies or PPEs.

Volunteers would be vetted, involving a criminal background check and license/credential check.

Potential volunteers will be requested to provide personal information, involving their name, drivers license number, social security number, home address, occupation, emergency contact, and other information. NCEM is also interested in any languages spoken or special skills that may be useful.

Capital Medical Reserve Corps is for medical and non-medical volunteers who are interested in helping during public health emergencies, special events, and disasters that have had a chaotic impact on a community's healthcare infrastructure.

People willing to volunteer for such roles should first register through the NC Training, Exercise, and Response Management System (NC TERMS).

Related Article: Man Charged for Administering Fake COVID-19 Vaccine to 92-Year-Old Elderly Woman for 160

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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.

For a second straight year, NJ Transit trains broke down more than any other systems in the nation in 2019, according to Federal Transit Administration data. Buses ranked eighth worst in the nation in 2019 and seventh worst among similar sized agencies, such as NYC Transit.

The statistics, released this week in the Federal Transit Administration National Transits Database and based on numbers reported to the FTA annually by transit agencies, likely didnt come as a shock to commuters. Before the coronavirus pandemic crushed public transit ridership in 2020, commuters regularly complained about being stuck on a platform, waiting for the little engine that couldnt run. But NJ Transit officials say they are working to address issues that led to the poor rankings.

If there was a sliver of light in the tunnel, its that 2019s numbers showed a slight improvement over the number of trains that broke down in 2018. NJ Transit commuter rail saw 351 total mechanical failures over 52.5 million revenue miles that trains ran in 2019. In 2018, that number was 375. Total mechanical failure means a train or bus could not complete or start a trip, according to the FTA.

And, New Jerseys light rail system did well in the ranking, with the fourth best record in the nation.

In response to the rankings, Jim Smith, an NJ transit spokesman, said mechanical reliability will continue to improve as NJ Transit takes delivery of new buses and trains.

Since 2018, NJ Transit has made great strides to make up for the decade of disinvestment prior to that time, he said. Hundreds of new cruiser buses and longer articulated buses continue to arrive, which bring improved mechanical reliability, increased capacity and customer amenities  and we actually expanded our bus fleet for the first time in a decade in 2020.

NJ Transit ordered 25 new dual-powered locomotives, and the first engines will be arriving in the coming weeks, Smith said.

We have 113 new multilevel rail cars on order that will replace the aging 40-plus-year-old Arrow fleet beginning in 2023, he said. They have a Mean Distance Between Failure that is ten times that of the Arrow III cars.

Commuter advocates are skeptical that the new railcars are going to turn the tide and said better maintenance of the equipment theyve got doesnt seem to be happening.

When you have trains dirty on the outside, it begs the question, what else isnt being taken care of? As far as I know, there is no rehab of rail cars planned, said Len Resto, New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers president and Morris & Essex line rider. They are pinning their hopes on double-decker (rail cars) that are two or more years away and need to be tested to work out glitches.

The agency still has a sizable fleet of 40-plus-year-old Comet II single level cars, which were rebuilt in the early 2000s. Eventually, they are scheduled to be replaced with multi-levels under a 2014 fleet plan.

Ryan Felmet, an independent transit advocate, blamed the ranking on, poor management and a lack of internal controls, such as sidestepping internal audit recommendations, and a lack of action to address issues stemming from the enormous amount of specific customer complaints.

This all leads to issues down the line, including poor maintenance, service issues, everything that impacts service, he said. The public deserves reliable service and not just public relations from NJ Transit leadership.

The picture was better for NJ Transit bus riders. Buses had 8,514 total mechanical failures over a total of 73.4 million miles run in revenue service in 2019. That was an improvement over 2018s 9,850 total mechanical failures.

NJ Transit ranked eighth worst overall for bus breakdowns and had seventh highest breakdowns out of comparable sized agencies. It ranked better than NYC Transit buses, which were sixth with 9,610 total failures over 86.23 million revenue service miles. NJ Transit buses had fewer breakdowns than buses operated by agencies in Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles.

Chicago Transit Authority buses were ranked worst in the nation with 18,765 total failures while running 52.8 million revenue miles in 2019. SEPTA Buses had the tenth highest number of breakdowns in 2019 with 7,606 total failures in 41.1 million miles of revenue service.

One advocate said NJ Transits bus improvements are a result of the process to replace its 1,200 cruiser buses fleet and is replacing all articulated buses.

NJ Transit made a number of changes that could be credited to this progress, especially the addition of new buses and retiring old buses, said Kevin Garcia, Tri-State Transportation Campaign New Jersey bus coordinator. In addition to improving on-time performance, these changes also improve the experience of those commuting including reducing overcrowding.

The agency can make more gains if it is able to continue to introduce new buses, retire old buses, and hire even more new drivers, he said. That also depends on funding, Garcia said.

Light rail continued to be the best performer, ranking fourth and fifth best in 2019. Hudson-Bergen Light rail had 100 total breakdowns over 2.1 million revenue miles in 2019. River line and Newark light rail saw 178 total breakdowns combined over 507,528 revenue miles in 2019. The 278 total mechanical failure represented a slight increase from 263 in 2018.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.


Appointment of Prof. Jeff Dahn as Chief Scientific Advisor

Brisbane, Jan 19, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - NOVONIX Limited ( ASX:NVX ) ( FRA:GC3 ) ( OTCMKTS:NVNXF ) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Prof. Jeff Dahn as Chief Scientific Advisor, effective July 1, 2021. In this capacity, Prof. Dahn will provide advice with respect to Novonix initiatives across its battery materials and research businesses as well as key customer and business development projects.Prof. Dahn and the Dalhousie University research team in Halifax, Nova Scotia will continue to work alongside Tesla.Prof. Dahn is a leading researcher in the field of lithium-ion batteries and materials and currently holds the title of NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair with Dalhousie University. Having a long career across both industry and academia, he has spent the last 25 years as a professor at Dalhousie University, with support from 3M Company and most recently, from Tesla. Prof. Dahn has co-authored 730 papers and has 73 inventions with patents issued or filed, including some of the early patents related to Li[NiMnCo]O2 (NMC) cathode material in 2001."We are extremely excited to have Prof. Dahn join the Novonix team and become involved in our initiatives to develop and supply world-leading materials to the lithium-ion battery sector. I am personally pleased to have the opportunity to work together with Prof. Dahn again as his insights, industry contacts and experience will be a huge asset for our business," said Novonix Chief Executive Dr. Chris Burns.Novonix Battery Technology Solutions (BTS) was spun out of Prof. Dahn's research group in 2013 by Dr. Burns while completing his PhD under Prof. Dahn's supervision. The two scientists collaborated during 2016-2017 when Dr. Burns worked at Tesla and began the relationship with Prof. Dahn's research group. Prof. Dahn and his research group have had an exclusive research partnership with Tesla since 2016.Dalhousie University recently announced that two professors, Prof. Chongyin Yang and Prof. Michael Metzger, have joined the Dalhousie research group and the Tesla partnership starting January 4 this year. This additional leadership will enable Prof. Dahn to spend some of his time working with Novonix's team.Prof. Dahn said: "I have always wanted to be able to help local Nova Scotian businesses in the battery space and I'm happy to be taking on this advisory role. The Novonix team is comprised of creative scientists and engineers who are doing exciting and novel work. I am thrilled to have this opportunity."Novonix BTS currently employs five people who spent time under Prof. Dahn's supervision. The Chief Scientific Advisor role is a multi-year agreement for Prof. Dahn's involvement in key programs within Novonix's business units.Novonix BTS continues developing innovative materials and solutions for advancing the performance and lowering the cost of lithium-ion batteries including filing recent patent applications on dry particle microgranulation (DPMG) technology and electrolyte systems. DPMG can be used to lower the cost and increase the efficiency of manufacturing of both anode and cathode materials. This includes the ability to synthesize state of the art cathode materials through a new, low-cost process. Novonix BTS is scaling development of this material including the installation of its cathode pilot processing facility.In addition to its Canadian operations, Novonix operates the PUREgraphite anode material plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is ramping up capacity to 2,000 tons/year of synthetic graphite. Included in this increased output will be the supply of an initial 500 tons to Samsung SDI, one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery makers for EVs. As the only US supplier of synthetic graphite to tier-one EV battery producers, Novonix also has a non-binding agreement with Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of Japan) to assess production materials from this plant.ABOUT DR. DAHNJeff Dahn was born in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1957 and emigrated with his family to Nova Scotia, Canada in 1970. He obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from Dalhousie University (1978) and his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in 1982. Dahn then worked at the National Research Council of Canada (82-85) and at Moli Energy Limited (85-90) before taking up a faculty position in the Physics Department at Simon Fraser University in 1990. He returned to Dalhousie University in 1996.During his years at Simon Fraser University (90-96) he collaborated strongly with the R+D team at NEC/Moli Energy Canada (Now E-One/Moli Energy Canada). Dahn then became the NSERC/3M Canada Industrial Research Chair in Materials for Advanced Batteries at Dalhousie University in 1996. In 2016, Dahn began a 5-year partnership with Tesla which will be extended till 2026. Dahn is the co-author of over 730 refereed journal papers and 73 inventions with patents issued or filed.Dahn has received National and International awards including: Battery Division Research Award (The Electrochemical Society - 1996); Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2001); the "Technology Award" from the ECS Battery Division in 2011, the Governor General's Innovation Award (2016) and the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal in Science and Engineering (Canada's top science award) in 2017. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2020.About NOVONIX Ltd

NOVONIX Ltd (ASX:NVX) (FRA:GC3) (OTCMKTS:NVNXF) is an integrated developer and supplier of high-performance materials, equipment and services for the global lithium-ion battery industry with operations in the USA and Canada and sales in more than 14 countries. NOVONIX's mission is to support the global deployment of lithium-ion battery technologies for a cleaner energy future.


ADVERTISEMENT

An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced an assistant commissioner of police, Okubo Aboye, to life imprisonment for buying a stolen car from kidnappers.

Mr Aboye was sentenced on Monday alongside his mechanic, Niyi Afolabi.

According to the charge sheet, Mr Aboye was found with a Toyota Hilux van he claimed to have purchased from his mechanic who got it from kidnappers.

The charge sheet said the offence was committed on or about the 9th -19th day of May 2005 at GRA, Ado Ekiti. The kidnappers then armed themselves with guns and kidnapped one Moses Ajogri 40 and robbed him of his Toyota Hilux van with Reg. No. APP 509 BK.

The prosecuting counsel, Felix Awoniyi, told the court the offence contravened sections 346(2), 1(2)a, and section 5 of the Criminal Code Cap C16 Laws of Ekiti state, 2012 and Robbery and firearms special provisions Act, Cap R11, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Delivering judgement, John Adeyeye, the judge, said it would be a slap on the face of the court if the police boss is not properly dealt with according to the provisions of the law.

He said evidence before the court showed that Messrs Aboye and Afolabi were aware that the car was stolen before buying it.

I find you guilty of receiving a stolen vehicle. All evidence pointed to the fact that you were aware that the car was stolen. You are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for the offence.
For a long time, Nam Huong communal house has been a tourist attraction for many visitors locally and internationally.

Nam Huong communal house is located in Hang Trong ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. It features two entrances, one is facing faces Le Thai To street by Hoan Kiem lake, the other is facingopens onto Hang Trong street. For a long time, Nam Huong communal house has been a tourist attraction for many visitors locally and internationally.

Nam Huong communal house is one among oldest temples in town.

Being built at the end of the Le dynasty (10091225), the communal house is bearing strong imprints of Hanoi history, culture and its people, worshippingworshiping three Gods of Long Do, Cao Son, Linh Lang; A Duy princess (of Ly dynasty) and prince Duong Tu (of Nguyen Dynasty)

According to researcher Vu The Khoi, King Le temple used to exist near the present-day Nam Huong communal house position. In front of Dinh gate, on the side of Hoan Kiem lake, there is still a monument of King Le Thai To, with the face overlooking to the lake.

The newly restred Nam Huong communal house.

As Ms. Trinh Ngoc Tram, Secretary of the Party Committee of Hang Trong ward said, since 1995, Nam Huong communal house was listed as one among Ho Guom monuments cluster and recognized as a national historical monument by local authority.

In 2006, People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district was assigned as the investor of Nam Huong communal house restoration project. Some restoration n works were undertakening, including removing illegal households which livedwellers inside the communal house, paving the stone in the front yard, repairing the stair, roof and an ancient screen following ancient royal architect.

A favourite cultural rendezvous to locals and tourists.

Through many reconstructions, today, the communal house has the features of the Nguyen Dynasty architecture. It also preserves 19 ordinationedicts of the kings' dynasties to deify the mentioned Gods, prince and princess; the earliest ordination edict was dated from the reign of King Canh Hung King (1747), the latest dated from the reign of King Bao Dai King (1944); as well as many other worshiping antiques.

The main worshipping hall of Nam Huong communal house.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 80% of visitors to the communal house were foreigners. After being restored, a lot of local cultural activities were held at Nam Huong communal house, attracting the attention of locals and tourists, contributing to promoting the culture and history of the thousand-year-old capital to international friends. Hanoitimes

Thuy Duong/Bich Hoi
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 17:43:41|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- With Chinese-made vaccine shots reaching people in more countries, booming vaccine cooperation with China worldwide is injecting confidence into the global fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

VACCINATION DRIVE

Serbian health authorities approved the use of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccines on Monday evening, two days after a million doses were imported from China, enabling the country to start mass immunization of its population.

One million doses of Sinopharm's vaccine arrived in Serbia on Saturday and were welcomed at the Belgrade Airport by President Aleksandar Vucic, who confirmed that he will receive the vaccine himself.

Meanwhile, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday read that Sinopharm, one of the two vaccines approved by the authority, has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality.

Also on Monday, Brazil launched its mass vaccination campaign against the virus simultaneously in each state, after Brazil's health regulatory agency on Sunday authorized the emergency use of two vaccines, one by the Chinese company Sinovac as well as the other by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

In Azerbaijan, senior health officials on Monday took their first inoculation of the Sinovac vaccine, marking the beginning of mass immunization against COVID-19 in the country, according to state-run news agency AZERTAC.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

The Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Serbia and its employees "assessed the necessary documentation and scientific evidence in a highly professional and thorough manner according to all European Union and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, which confirmed the quality, efficiency, and above all the safety of the Chinese vaccine," Pavle Zelic, an official with the agency, told local media.

"As an ordinary person and the president of Serbia, I am convinced of the quality of the Chinese vaccine, which will be decided by our competent agency," Vucic said when welcoming the arrival of the Chinese vaccine on Saturday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday he did not see any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine that he received the previous day.

On Thursday, Turkey started its mass vaccination program with the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac.

Specialists decided that "the best vaccine for Azerbaijan is the vaccine of the Sinovac company," as it has passed clinical tests in many countries, said Azerbaijani Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev, when addressing local media after being inoculated on Monday.

Similarly, "Azerbaijan got the most safe and effective vaccine," said Shahmar Movsumov, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan, as he praised the Chinese-made jab two days earlier.

CHALLENGES AHEAD

As an increasing number of countries started mass vaccination, the world finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, even in some developed countries, the public is not satisfied with the vaccination campaigns.

In the United States, health experts and officials have blamed states for slow vaccine rollout. The country planned to immunize 20 million Americans by the end of 2020. However, only about 12.28 million total doses have been administered as of Jan. 15, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also, the slowdown in vaccine arrivals has sparked complaints in Europe.

More worryingly, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday warned of the moral consequences of the lack of COVID-19 vaccines for poorer countries, saying that the higher-income countries are privileged compared to the developing countries.

"More than 39 million doses of vaccine have now been administered in at least 49 higher-income countries. Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million, not 25 thousand, just 25," he said.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for solidarity with developing countries in the context of COVID-19 and pre-exisiting inequalities and injustices.

Vaccines must be a global public good, available to everyone, everywhere, he said.

The good news is that China has, on various occasions, pledged continuous efforts in global COVID-19 response.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has recently said that China will continue to advance global cooperation on epidemic response, strengthen joint prevention and control, and assist countries and regions in need.

"We were the first to pledge to make vaccines a global public good, bearing in mind the greater good of humanity," he said.

James Nyirenda, a biochemist in Zambia, said China is providing support to Africa at a critical time to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"China has really helped. We are yet to see test kits or even vaccines from the West and other big countries," said Nyirenda. Enditem
The Canadian province that invested $1.1 billion of taxpayers money in the controversial Keystone XL project is now considering the sale of pipe and materials to try to recoup some funds.

If the project ends, there would be assets that could be sold, such as enormous quantities of pipe, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said in a press conference Monday. That would offset construction costs.

With Joe Biden set to be sworn in this week, the U.S. president-elects campaign promise to cancel the crude pipelines license is haunting the Canadian oil sands industry. The decision may come via executive action on his first day in office, CBC News reported on Sunday, citing people it didnt identify.

Meanwhile, the government of Justin Trudeau vowed to defend the project.

Alberta, home to the worlds third-largest crude reserves, has struggled for years with a lack of pipeline capacity to ship its crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast and other markets. TC Energy Corp.s Keystone XL was one of the possible pipelines the industry was counting on to solve that.

The cancellation of Keystone XL would cost Alberta taxpayers just over C$1 billion ($785 million), Kenney said.

In March, Kenneys government agreed to fund the first year of construction with a $1.1 billion investment and to guarantee $4.2 billion of loans as a way to jump-start construction.

ENDANGERED? Biden may cancel Keystone pipeline permit on first day

The province and TC Energy have a solid legal basis to recoup damages through the courts, Kenney also said.

Canadian Energy Minister Seamus ORegan said the federal government continues to support Keystone XL and will make the case for the project to the Biden administration.

Canadian oil is produced under strong environmental and climate policy frameworks, and this project will not only strengthen the vital Canada-U.S. energy relationship, but create thousands of good jobs for workers on both sides of the border, said ORegan in an email.

Kenney stressed that the federal government had said the pipeline is the the top priority of Canadas relationship with the U.S.

Sit down and review the many facts that have changed since KXL was proposed a decade ago, Kenney said, citing reduced carbon emissions from the oil sands, labor agreements and an indigenous stake in the pipeline.

More than a decade old, the Keystone XL project was first rejected by former-President Barack Obama due to concern about climate change, but his successor Donald Trump issued a new permit when he took office.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said that canceling the project would kill thousands of jobs and offered to work with stakeholders to find a solution to complete the pipeline.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 03:36:19|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (C) speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 15, 2020. (Tom Brenner/Pool via Xinhua)

"The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people," U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, a sign that he tried to further distance himself from President Donald Trump.



WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the attack by President Donald Trump's supporters on Capitol Hill was "provoked by the president."

"The last time the Senate convened, we had just reclaimed the Capitol from violent criminals who tried to stop Congress from doing our duty. The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people," McConnell said of the mob that stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6, disrupting Congress's certification of President-elect Joe Biden's election victory and leaving five people dead.

"They tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government, which they did not like," added McConnell.

Tuesday is the first day the Senate was back in session from the recess, and it was expected to hold an impeachment trial over the House's charge of "incitement of insurrection" against Trump.

The remarks by McConnell, who previously said he was undecided as to whether Trump should be convicted in the trial, were a sign that he tried to further distance himself from the president.

McConnell said the Senate was notified by the House of Trump's impeachment, but that the lower chamber has yet to transmit the article of impeachment. The Senate can't start the trial until it receives the article.

A man holding an "impeach" banner walks near the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"While the press has been full of speculation, I have not made a final decision on how I will vote and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate," McConnell wrote in a note to colleagues last week.

McConnell will become the minority leader later this month when the Democratic Party effectively takes control of the Senate following the swearing in of two Democratic senators-elect from Georgia.

The CNN reported Tuesday that Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, the two incoming senators, are expected to be sworn in by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after Harris assumes the office of the vice president.

The timing is still fluid, though, since Georgia is yet to formally certify the senatorial election results, which should happen before the swearing in.

Harris is also expected to swear in Alex Padilla, a California Democrat who will fill the Senate seat vacated by Harris's departure. 
Alec Baldwin leaves Twitter

ET reports Emmy-winning actor Alec Baldwin has left Twitter amid the controversy over his wife Hilaria/Hillarys heritage. Twitter is like a party where everyone is screaming. Not much of a party, the former 30 Rock star tweeted Monday. Goodbye for now. Last month, Hilaria Baldwin admitted that she was a white woman born in Boston, Massachusetts, with the name Hillary Hayward-Thomas, but has defended her Spanish accent and connections to Spain, where her parents now live.

Twitter is like a party where everyone is screaming.

Not much of a party.

Goodbye for now.  AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) January 18, 2021

Master of None returning for season 3?

Aziz Ansari is bringing back Master of None for season 3, three years after he was accused of sexual misconduct. Collider reports UK-based comedy website Chortle says the Netflix show quietly began filming new episodes last year in London before the Covid-19 pandemic shut things down. The former Parks and Recreation star will reportedly be joined by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress Naomi Ackie, though its unclear when itll be released. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #MeToo movement, Ansari was accused of allegedly forcing himself on a woman at his apartment; he admitted to a sexual encounter with her, but said he thought it was completely consensual.

MORE BUZZ:

Joel Kinnaman engaged to Victorias Secret model Kelly Gale ( E!

Young Rock trailer: Dwayne Johnsons childhood becomes a sitcom ( SF

Lucie Arnaz defends Nicole Kidman casting in Lucille Ball biopic ( ET

Dr. Dre returns to studio after being hospitalized ( BB

Ben Affleck splits with Ana De Armas after year of dating ( E!

Thor Love and Thunder may add Matt Damon ( SF

Gilmore Girls actor denies being at Capitol riots ( ET

Saved by the Bell reboot renewed for season 2 ( E!

Peaky Blinders ending with season 6, movie ( SF

Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2021 - 15:02 | All, World, Japan

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has called for the participation of Japan and other non-signatory states in the first meeting of a "historic" U.N. treaty banning nuclear weapons, which will come into force on Friday.

"This is a historic milestone, and a step that many critics of nuclear weapons as well as the hibakusha -- the victims of the atomic bomb explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 -- have been fighting for, for more than 70 years," Kurz said in a written interview with Kyodo News.

Austria spearheaded the efforts that led to the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017 with the support of 122 countries and regions. It is the first international pact outlawing the development, testing, possession and use of nuclear weapons.

In October, 50 countries ratified the treaty, reaching the threshold required for it to enter into force.

However, nuclear weapon states, such as the United States, Russia and China, are not part of it, while Japan also has not signed the pact in consideration of its security alliance with the United States, which offers the shelter of a nuclear umbrella. The treaty only binds those states which have formally signed and ratified it.

"All states -- as well as relevant international organizations and civil society organizations -- are welcome to participate as observers in the first meeting of states parties" to the treaty expected to be held in Vienna within a year from the pact's entry into force, Kurz said.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga appears negative about the country participating in the meeting as an observer. While the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's junior coalition ally Komeito has called for Japan to attend, Suga told a press conference earlier this month that Japan "needs to carefully determine" whether to do so.

"The treaty is a testament to the fact that the majority of the people on Earth do not want to live in the shadow of these weapons, and the more countries join the treaty, the stronger this message will become," Kurz said.

The chancellor said that even nuclear weapons-possessing countries such as the United States and Russia will feel the treaty's impact.

As was the case with treaties banning chemical and biological weapons as well as landmines, in the medium to long term, "we expect the treaty to have a political and normative effect on the entire international community in which nuclear weapons become a taboo -- stigmatized, and outlawed," Kurz said.

He opposed the argument by nuclear weapons states to wait for a safe environment before promoting nuclear disarmament, calling it "an eternal excuse."

"You can't fight modern security challenges like hybrid warfare, terrorists, and cyberattacks with nuclear weapons," Kurz said. "For a secure world, we need fewer, not more, nuclear weapons."

"Unfortunately, we see a re-accelerating spiral of rearmament, which in our view is in clear contradiction to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Kurz said, referring to a U.N. framework aimed at curbing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

The Austrian leader visited Hiroshima in 2019 to commemorate the victims of atomic bombing. Opposition to nuclear weapons is strong in the country, which during the Cold War was a neutral state located between Western and Eastern bloc nations.

==Kyodo
A Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, has urged former Governor, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to sheathe his...





A Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, has urged former Governor, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to sheathe his sword against Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to strengthen the party in the Southwest.

Pearse made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Fayose and Makinde have been embroiled in controversy over the leadership of the Southwest chapter of the main opposition party in Nigeria.

The party at the southwest level is having problems mainly because of Fayose, Pearse said.

We arent saying Fayose has no right to aspire to have officers in the Southwest thatll support him, but it should be done fairly, respectfully, and we should work within the democratic process.

Setting people up against Makinde and calling him names isnt good for the party that wants to win an election.

We shouldnt act like children at this time. My advice is for him to sheathe his sword and let us sue for peace, be cordial in the way we deal with our leader who is Makinde now in the Southwest.

Pearse, a University of Lagos lecturer, said that the lingering crisis would send many away from the PDP and further dim its fortune in future elections.

He noted that an unnecessary crisis among leaders of the PDP would further send many away to the ruling party.

He said, Its obvious that by conventions and common sense and in fairness to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, being the only PDP governor in the zone, he is its leader in the zone.

This is what happened when Fayose himself was the only PDP governor in the zone before former Ondo Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko joined him.
A new, government-funded, not-for-profit organization opened its doors Tuesday in Winnipeg, with the express purpose of helping the Prairie region recognize the risks, and potential opportunities, presented due to climate change.

A new, government-funded, not-for-profit organization opened its doors Tuesday in Winnipeg, with the express purpose of helping the Prairie region recognize the risks, and potential opportunities, presented due to climate change.

ClimateWest will serve as a resource hub supported by some of the top climate-focused research organizations in the country: Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, based at the University of Regina; Prairie Climate Centre, based at the University of Winnipeg; and International Institute for Sustainable Development, with its headquarters in Winnipeg.

ClimateWest will focus on research and recommendations that address how communities will need to change and adapt in a warming world, instead of on the emissions-mitigation side of the equation.

"Our mandate is to support greater climate adaptation across the Prairies by empowering people, businesses, communities, governments to use climate information and data in their decision making," executive director Jane Hilderman said in an interview with the Free Press.

Hilderman said she knows, especially for smaller communities that cant afford to bring someone on to the municipal payroll to look at climate change impacts, the amount of information available is daunting and hard to sort through. The hope is ClimateWest can help bridge the gap.

David Sauchyn, Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative director, said the time has come: adaptation must be a bigger part of the conversations had about climate change.

"PARCs been in the adaptation business for more than 20 years now. Initially, when we were launched, people complained that wed given up on climate change, that if you focus on adaptation then youre assuming that the climate is changing. And people werent sure 20 years ago, now theyre absolutely certain the climate is changing," he said.

"So, even though mitigation is absolutely necessary to slow the rate of climate change, we know were living in a changed climate and therefore a certain amount of adaptation is required."

Economic analysis of adaptation costs proves time and time again investing in adaptation earlier rather than later is beneficial, he said.

The first order of business for ClimateWest will be to establish a help desk, which will provide a public service of answering climate adaptation questions.

"Whether its a small town trying to track down the most relevant climate data for its geography and region, whether its a city planner thats wondering if they have the right kind of design specs in terms of building for anticipated weather extremes," Hilderman said, the vast research knowledge of the founding three partners will be tapped.

Sauchyn was one of the lead authors on a recent report released by Natural Resources Canada that identified how significant the impacts of climate change in the Prairies already have been, as well as how it will progress.

"Probably, the most challenging impact of climate change is going to be how its amplifying the severity of our weather. So, the wet seems to be getting wetter, the dry seems to be getting dryer," Sauchyn said.

Funding for the research hub comes from the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta provincial governments, as well as the federal government.

sarah.lawrynuik@freepress.mb.ca
[January 19, 2021] Loomis Sayles Welcomes Marques Benton as Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Loomis, Sayles & Company, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, announced today that Marques Benton has joined Loomis Sayles as chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer. Marques reports jointly to Kevin Charleston, chief executive officer and president of Loomis Sayles and John Russell, head of human resources and senior counsel. In this new role, Marques is responsible for driving the firm's DEI strategic plan into action. In partnership with senior management, he will be focused on attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent and engaging with all staff to foster a firmwide culture of inclusion. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005734/en/ Marques Benton is the chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer at Loomis, Sayles & Company. (Photo: Business Wire) Marques joins Loomis Sayles from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where he was a vice president and chief diversity officer for over a decade. In this role, he was responsible for implementing a comprehensive strategy to effectively integrate diversity and inclusion into the bank's culture, management practices, talent acquisition and business activities. Previously, as an officer in the bank's public and community affairs department, Marques worked with public and private partnerships at federal, state and local levels to help thousands of low-to-moderate income families build, save and preserve assets and achieve greater financial stability. Marques is a member of the board of trustees for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and the board of directors for the Forte Foundation. Marques holds a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at BabsonCollege.



"We are thrilled to welcome Marques to Loomis Sayles. He brings considerable expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion to the firm and his leadership will be critical as we strive to continually make significant improvements in these areas," said Kevin Charleston. "Creating an environment where we can attract and integrate talented individuals with different lived experiences is a business imperative; we are deeply committed to build on our existing foundation and Marques will be integral to our work creating meaningful change." Marques' appointment as chief DEI officer is the latest step in the evolution of the Loomis Sayles DEI plan. The firm has been committed to prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion over the years through a DEI committee and governance model, customized firmwide diversity trainings, active employee resource groups and industry engagement including partnership with consultants and the CFA Institute. Loomis Sayles also has developed innovative internship and mentorship programs that prioritize career development for candidates underrepresented in the investment management industry.

Loomis Sayles believes in a workplace culture that acknowledges, supports, and invests in the diversity of all its members. This is critical in order to fulfill the investment needs of our clients worldwide, manage the complexity of our dynamic and global business and build a community where all employees have an equitable opportunity to expand on their potential. The firm is committed to fostering an environment where all employees are represented, respected, valued and empowered to apply all of the dimensions of their identities. ABOUT LOOMIS SAYLES Since 1926, Loomis, Sayles & Company has helped fulfill the investment needs of institutional and mutual fund clients worldwide. The firm's performance-driven investors integrate deep proprietary research and integrated risk analysis to make informed, judicious decisions. Teams of portfolio managers, strategists, research analysts and traders collaborate to assess market sectors and identify investment opportunities wherever they may lie, within traditional asset classes or among a range of alternative investments. Loomis Sayles has the resources, foresight and the flexibility to look far and wide for value in broad and narrow markets in its commitment to deliver attractive sustainable returns for clients. This rich tradition has earned Loomis Sayles the trust and respect of clients worldwide, for whom it manages $347.8 billion ** in assets (as of December 31, 2020). **Includes the assets of Loomis, Sayles & Co., LP, and Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC. Loomis Sayles Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Loomis, Sayles & Company, LP. ABOUT NATIXIS INVESTMENT MANAGERS Natixis Investment Managers serves financial professionals with more insightful ways to construct portfolios. Powered by the expertise of more than 20 specialized investment managers globally, we apply Active Thinking to deliver proactive solutions that help clients pursue better outcomes in all markets. Natixis Investment Managers ranks among the world's largest asset management firms1 with nearly $1.1 trillion assets under management2 (910.0 billion). Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Investment Managers is a subsidiary of Natixis. Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Natixis is a subsidiary of BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France. Natixis Investment Managers' affiliated investment management firms include AEW; Alliance Entreprendre; AlphaSimplex Group; DNCA Investments;3 Dorval Asset Management; Flexstone Partners; Gateway (News - Alert) Investment Advisers; H2O Asset Management; Harris Associates; Investors Mutual Limited; Loomis, Sayles & Company; Mirova; MV Credit; Naxicap Partners; Ossiam; Ostrum Asset Management; Seeyond; Seventure Partners; Thematics Asset Management; Vauban Infrastructure Partners; Vaughan Nelson Investment Management; Vega Investment Managers;4 and WCM Investment Management. Additionally, investment solutions are offered through Natixis Investment Managers Solutions, and Natixis Advisors offers other investment services through its AIA and MPA division. Not all offerings available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit Natixis Investment Managers' website at im.natixis.com| LinkedIn (News - Alert) : linkedin.com/company/natixis-investment-managers. Natixis Investment Managers' distribution and service groups include Natixis Distribution, L.P., a limited purpose broker-dealer and the distributor of various U.S. registered investment companies for which advisory services are provided by affiliated firms of Natixis Investment Managers, Natixis Investment Managers S.A. (Luxembourg), Natixis Investment Managers International (France), and their affiliated distribution and service entities in Europe and Asia. 1 Cerulli Quantitative Update: Global Markets 2020 ranked Natixis Investment Managers as the 17th largest asset manager in the world based on assets under management as of December 31, 2019.

2 Assets under management ("AUM") as of September 30, 2020 is $1,067.3 billion. AUM, as reported, may include notional assets, assets serviced, gross assets, assets of minority-owned affiliated entities and other types of non-regulatory AUM managed or serviced by firms affiliated with Natixis Investment Managers.

3 A brand of DNCA Finance.

4 A wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Wealth Management. MALR026598 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005734/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
William Evanina, then nominee to be director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, testifies during a hearing held by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington on May 15, 2018. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

US Counterintelligence Chief Warns China Poses Severe Threat to US

National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director Bill Evanina on Tuesday said that one of the incoming administrations bigger challenges will be dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

From a threat perspective, Russia is a significant adversary particularly with regard to cyber intrusions, malign influence, and sowing discord in our democracy, Evanina told Fox News. However, no country poses a broader, more severe intelligence collection threat to America than China.

Evanina, who has spent decades working in intelligence agencies, said that malign foreign influence has been intensifying in recent years.

Specifically, in the last year, with respect to the death of George Floyd, COVID, the vaccine, the election processwe saw foreign adversaries, including China, working diligently to expose and amplify discourse in the U.S., he said, noting that the CCP is using an increased social media presence to stoke the fire and create discord in the United States.

China continues to engage in a highly sophisticated malign foreign influence campaign against America because we are a democracy, and democracy is bad for China, Evanina remarked, adding that bribery, blackmail, covert dealings with businesses, and an effort to influence American policies and attitudes so that they align with Chinas interests globally.

While he did not mention any official, Axios last year reported that Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.)who sits on the House Intelligence Committeewas in a close relationship with a known Chinese spy. Swalwell has issued few public remarks on the reports, although he said that federal law enforcement briefed him and others on the matter years ago.

This is not only just a government problem, Evanina warned. This is a society problem.

Evanina said that Americans need to figure out what malign foreign influence tastes like, smells like, looks like, so when they see it, they can call it out.

This will take a whole of society approach, invoking the government, the intelligence community, law enforcement, social media, big tech companies, to be able to say what this is, he said.

Evanina said that the CCPs foreign influence has focused more and more on elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. They have targeted both anti-China and pro-China officials, he told Fox.

I think the challenge for the Biden administration will be to understand the scope and scale of some of the Chinese threats in the American landscape, domestically, and what is the best course to defeat that, Evanina said. I have confidence theyll be able to do that when they get in here, because there are scores of professional intelligence officers and law enforcement folks that are working around the world that will help them to find solutions.

In mid-2020, Evanina released a report saying that China, Iran, and Russia were working to undermine the Nov. 3 election, placing the CCP at the top of the list of threats.

And meanwhile, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, several days ago, said the CCP interfered in the 2020 federal elections, according to a letter that was sent to Congress. Ratcliffe on Dec. 3 echoed Evaninas remarks, saying the CCP poses the greatest threat to the United States.

Based on all available sources of intelligence, with definitions consistently applied, and reached independent of political considerations or undue pressurethat the Peoples Republic of China sought to influence the 2020 U.S. federal elections, Ratcliffe wrote.
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - A Beninese activist, Jean Kpoton, has been detained since Monday in a civil prison of Cotonou for "harassment by digital means", reported La Nouvelle Tribune on its website
Fallen fintech Xinja has become the first Australian bank to return all customer deposits, finalising the closure of its savings accounts more than a month after it made the shock announcement to exit banking.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority announced on Tuesday Xinja had returned $252 million in deposits to 37,884 customers and the remaining $65,908 would be transferred to the National Australia Bank for collection.

Xinja has become first Australian bank to return all customer deposits. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Xinja will relinquish its banking license formally within the next few weeks, APRA said.

"Xinja customers whose deposits have been transferred to NAB can elect to leave their funds there, or transfer them to another bank of their choice," the regulator said. "This was the first time an Australian ADI had undertaken a return of deposits to its customers."

Radio host Kyle Sandilands sparked fears for his welfare on Wednesday when he didn't show up for work at Sydney's top-rating Kyle and Jackie O breakfast program.

The KIIS FM star, 49, who has a history of health problems, offered no explanation for his absence and his colleagues couldn't contact him because his phone was turned off - something Sandilands rarely does.

His longtime co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross sounded genuinely worried about him when they opened the show at 6am.

Scroll down for video

Concerns: Kyle Sandilands sparked fears for his welfare on Wednesday when he didn't show up for his usual shift at Sydney's top-rating breakfast radio program, The Kyle and Jackie O Show

They explained he hadn't called ahead to say he wouldn't be at work and his phone was dead. Sandilands' friend and manager, Bruno Bouchet, also wasn't picking up.

Henderson and Ross sent a KIIS FM producer, John Nicholson, to Sandilands' house in Sydney's eastern suburbs to see if he was okay.

Nicholson, who was broadcasting the welfare check live on air, arrived at the home Sandilands shares with his girlfriend, Tegan Kynaston, at about 6:25am and entered using a spare key.

Sandilands' dogs weren't barking and no one responded when Nicholson called out.

Worrying: The KIIS FM star, 49, who has a history of health problems, offered no explanation for his absence and his colleagues couldn't contact him because his phone was turned off - something Sandilands rarely does. Pictured with his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson

For several agonising minutes, Henderson and the team feared the worst.

But at 6:29am, Sandilands' voice could be heard weakly calling out from his bedroom and he confirmed he was alive and well.

'Hello,' he said, seeming surprised to find Nicholson in his house.

'Slept in, didn't I? I don't know [if my phone died]. I just woke up. I don't know what happened.'

No joke: His longtime co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson (right) and newsreader Brooklyn Ross (centre) sounded genuinely worried about him when they opened the show at 6am

When asked if he was going to work, Sandilands said he 'might as well give it a miss, we're halfway through,' even though it was only half past six.

He then agreed to come to the KIIS FM studio in North Ryde to finish the day's broadcast.

Sandilands' manager, Mr Bouchet, later downplayed the seriousness of the incident.

'We might need to get him a new phone - that Blackberry doesn't seem to be very reliable!' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted KIIS FM for further comment.

Welfare check: Henderson and Ross sent a producer, John Nicholson, to check on Sandilands (right) at the eastern suburbs home he shares with his girlfriend, Tegan Kynaston (left)

When Sandilands eventually arrived at work in his Bentley shortly before 7am, he was met with cheers by a group of producers.

The staff looked visibly emotional and on the verge of tears in an Instagram Live video as Sandilands reassured them: 'You thought I was dead? I'm not dead!'

Despite laughing off the situation, it seems many at KIIS FM genuinely feared the radio presenter had died in his sleep.

Relief: When Sandilands eventually arrived at work in his Bentley shortly before 7am, he was met with cheers by a group of producers. The staff looked visibly emotional and on the verge of tears as Sandilands reassured them: 'You thought I was dead? I'm not dead!'

Sandilands, who lived rough on the streets as a teenager before becoming a multi-millionaire media titan, spent decades mistreating his body and makes no secret of his various health problems.

He revealed in an October 2019 interview that he was starting to take better care of himself on doctors' orders, and had stopped drinking excessively and taking drugs.

'Now, if I did one line, I'd be dead in five seconds,' he said at the time.

'I was like a teenage boy my entire life, and that caught up with me... so that had to get sorted out.'

Sandilands had used cocaine and marijuana 'on and off' over the years, before deciding to completely cut them out of his life.

'I've still got high blood pressure and I'm still on medication like a mess,' he added.

In May last year, Sandilands weighed himself on air and revealed he was 146kg - sixteen kilograms heavier than the last time he'd weighed himself.

Health woes: Sandilands, who lived rough on the streets as a teenager before becoming a multi-millionaire media titan, spent decades mistreating his body and makes no secret of his various health problems. Pictured with Henderson on July 23, 2009, in Sydney

'Yep, I've gone up a bit!' he said at the time. 'I've gone from 130kg to 146kg... I haven't done a s**t yet, mind you.'

Back in 2017, Sandilands was warned by a psychic that he was 'going to die of a heart attack' the following year.

While the psychic didn't specify that his death would be weight related, she did warn him to get a calcium score test done on his heart.

A calcium score test measures the calcium in your arteries to determine the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

In 2014, obesity specialist Dr Edward Jackowski warned that Sandilands would die young because of his weight and lifestyle.

The Kyle and Jackie O Show has dominated the airwaves in Sydney for two decades.

Sandilands is widely regarded as one of Australia's most prolific and talented broadcasters and is considered his country's answer to Howard Stern.
New Delhi:

Legendary Hollywood actor Robert De Niro invited Bollywood's most versatile actor Anupam Kher for lunch on Father's Day at his house.

De Niro and Kher were also co-stars in movie Silver Linings Playbook.

Anupam Kher was in New York for the premiere of his international movie "The Big Sick", shared his picture with the Hollywood veteran on Twitter and thanked him for the sweet gesture.

"When #GodOfActing #RobertDeNiro invites you for lunch on #FathersDay to his house, you can't eat, because your heart is in your mouth," Kher wrote alongside a picture in which he is sitting next to De Niro.

In another post, Kher said, "And when #GodOfActing #RobertDeNiro takes a pic where he is doing the same gesture that you are doing, it is time to faint. What an HONOUR."

And when #GodOfActing #RobertDeNiro takes a pic where he is doing the same gesture that you are doing, it is time to faint. What an HONOUR. pic.twitter.com/GZzFbhQMUp  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 19, 2017

Kher and De Niro also met last year during the Indian actor's visit to the Big Apple.

ALSO READ: 'The Accidental Prime Minister': Anupam happy with audience response

ALSO READ: I'd like to punch Trump in the face: Robert De Niro

ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan becomes brand ambassador for GST



(With PTI Inputs)

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release

SubCategory Select Sub-Category

Press Release

19 January 2021

Cultural experiences are one of the main reasons why we travel. Museums, heritage sites, landmarks and art districts are some of the most popular tourist destinations in any city, drawing crowds from all around the world. The hotel experience has also come to be considered one of the most memorable aspects of a trip, but travelers have begun expecting more from their hotel stays. The solution? Hotels featuring world-class art collections of their own.

Advertisements

Hilton offers several on-property cultural attractions for unforgettable stays. These creative features include local murals that spotlight nearby area attractions, museum-worthy collections housed in hotel suites, dining establishments that transport you to an artist's studio or literal art galleries within steps of the hotel lobby.

Whether you're planning future trips, expanding your travel bucket list or just looking for something to do this weekend in your own neighborhood, these hotels are worth visiting for their art alone.

Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel  Photo: Hilton

Known as the Eternal City for its longevity and enduring culture and splendor, Rome is an art lover's playground. It's no surprise that a city teeming with its own collections of priceless artwork from some of history's most famed artists should be the setting of the world's most prolific hotel art collection. Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is home to one of the greatest private art collections in the world with more than 1,000 treasures ranging from 16th-century masters to contemporary art. The collection includes Rudolf Nureyev's ballet costumes and Emile Galle's glass, in addition to famed paintings, tapestries, statues and period furniture and costumes that adorn the hotel's interior. The hotel's 25 luxurious suites are also furnished with incredible art pieces, including original Karl Lagerfeld sofas, rare 18th-century antiques and Andy Warhol paintings. If Rome is an art lover's playground, Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is their paradise.

Conrad Indianapolis

Conrad Indianapolis  Photo: Hilton

Part hotel, part art gallery, Conrad Indianapolis offers four uniquely-curated suites titled the Collections Suites; with each room inspired by the Pop, Modern, Surrealist and Contemporary art movements. At the heart of each of the four uniquely different suites is a work that captures the spirit of an artistic movement. Pieces by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, William John Kennedy and more adorn the suite walls; and even the books on the shelves relate to each room's style. For a more exquisite art experience, The Gallery Suite is an iconic celebrity hangout and art lover's heaven. Still haven't gotten your art fix? Conrad Indianapolis and Long-Sharp Gallery partner to present "Art Stays Here" - a fully integrated, exceptionally curated art education and exhibition program. The dual highlights of the program are the five rotating exhibits and the "Art Ambassadors," Team Members who are trained on the artwork and artists exhibiting in the hotel. On the hotel's second floor is "Regional Masters," a semi-permanent exhibit featuring artists with a unique tie to the city of Indianapolis.

HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton  Photo: Hilton

HALL Arts Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first hotel to open in the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the United States. Woven into the DNA of the property are the impactful, thought-provoking works of art from emerging talents, including specially commissioned pieces for the hotel's common areas, suites, and meeting and event spaces. Ellie's, the hotel's on-site restaurant, is a gallery in its own right, with seven pieces of commissioned artwork throughout the dining and lounge areas. The hotel offers 183 guest rooms, including 19 Arts District-inspired suites. The guest rooms and hallways feature local photographs that showcase vibrant scenes of the Dallas Arts District as part of HALL Group and Dallas Arts District's "Through the Lens" photography competition. Can't make the trip? Check out the hotel's YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes interviews with artists and virtual tours of the artwork.

Hilton Columbus Downtown

Hilton Columbus Downtown  Photo: Hilton

Boasting a collection worth more than $1 million, Hilton Columbus Downtown features original works from more than 100 Ohio-based artists, totaling just under 250 art pieces throughout the Short North hotel. In addition to the gallery, artistic touches accent the meeting rooms, common spaces and guest room ceilings - making art the first thing guests see when they open their eyes in the morning. The new hotel exterior art installation reflects the light and warmth of Hilton hospitality, with a collection of works meant to inspire and remind guests, Team Members and the local community that a brighter future lies ahead. The hotel's High Street-facing windows have been painted by six local artists to represent a diversity of styles, backgrounds and cultures mirroring Columbus as well as the hotel's Team Members and guests. The installation will be up through February 2021.

Conrad Centennial Singapore

Conrad Centennial Singapore  Photo: Hilton

Hosting an impressive and diverse collection of more than 3,400 pieces of artwork throughout, Conrad Centennial Singapore is a sanctuary where art is everywhere and everything. The many art pieces displayed across the hotel public spaces, restaurants and guest rooms are united through an underlying Asian theme. Even the works of international artists include symbols, icons or motifs that reflect Eastern culture. The hotel serves as a platform for both renowned artists and young and budding art students alike, certifying the hotel's appreciation toward fine arts, as well as its commitment to the development of the local visual art scene.

DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences

DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences  Photo: Hilton

Just in time for the UAE's 49th National Day, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences opened its doors. The stylish "industrial-chic" hotel features several contemporary design elements, including the hotel's artistic centerpiece - a unique portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The more than 15-meters-long work of art welcomes guests as they enter the hotel lobby. Made of more than 29,000 reflective discs, the portrait took a team of eight artists more than three weeks to assemble.

Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton

Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton  Photo: Hilton

Part of the ambitious program to restore historical buildings in Mexico, Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton is a restoration project from a heritage building that was constructed in 1924. Boasting a contemporary design by renowned local architect Javier Sanchez, Umbral features sleek, minimalistic furniture in neutral white, beige and brown tones, as well as natural materials such as light and dark wood features. As the city's only hotel with an on-site gallery, Umbral features more than 100 pieces of art by respected young local artists like Jorge Montiel, Andrea Bores and Tomas Diaz.

Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi - Canvas Bar & Restaurante

Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi  Canvas Bar & Restaurante  Photo: Hilton

Designed by Argentinian architect Daniel Piana, Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi's Canvas Bar is for art enthusiasts. The entire setting replicates an art studio with hints of concrete, exposed iron throughout and high ceilings. Diners can enjoy the permanent art exhibitions displayed on the restaurant walls and seasonal exhibitions displayed above on suspended panels. Works by renowned artists such as Romero Britto, Aldemir Martins and Antonio Peticov have been featured on the 28 panels spread across the restaurant.

Hilton Sydney - Marble Bar

Hilton Sydney  Marble Bar  Photo: Hilton

Hilton Sydney's 128-year-old underground bar and live music venue, Marble Bar, is adorned with 14 Edwardian paintings by Australian artist Julian Ashton - valued at an estimated $1.6 million. Complete with ornate marble arches, stained glass, a domed roof and a carved mahogany bar, the entire space can be considered a work of art. The bar was dismantled when the hotel was demolished in the late 1960s and later reassembled in Hilton Sydney that was built in its place.

Want to experience Hilton's one-of-a-kind cultural attractions in person? Book your stay through Hilton Honors, Hilton's free, award-winning guest loyalty program. Enroll online and get access to instant benefits and exclusive member discounts at www.hiltonhonors.com.
Nearly eight months after two mid-Michigan dams failed and 10 feet of floodwater filled her Sanford home, Shelly Sampier is finally moving back in. In the final stretch of the renovations, Sampier came up with a creative idea to honor those who helped her, and so many others, along the way.

Sampier was inspired by the Sanford tree lighting event in December, during which local families, organizations and volunteer groups each decorated a Christmas tree in downtown Sanford, resulting in a display of over 60 trees.

She decided to reach out to community leaders and ask them each to paint one wall in her home. I could have all the major players, you know, from Sanford Strong, come and do a wall. And that way, Ive always got them in my house, Sampier said.

One person who agreed to help paint was Midland attorney Angela Cole, who has been a part of Sampiers recovery journey from the beginning.

It means a lot to me to be on this level, helping with somebody, Cole said. And to know that somebody recognizes that were still here to help, and to reach out and ask.

Cole stopped by Thursday morning and got to work painting a wall in the bathroom a light shade of lavender, while two friends of Sampiers were simultaneously painting walls in other rooms.

This is far from the first hardship Sampier has endured. In 2008, her 30-year-old son, Steve Sampier II, was murdered in Jackson County. Through a serendipitous turn of events, several of the walls in the home were painted in her sons favorite colors.

The kitchen countertop had to be installed early on to meet a deadline, and there were only a few options in stock at the time. She chose a granite pattern comprised of black, white and grey.

This meant most of the walls needed to match those tones. So everything in here is like my sons colors, Sampier said. Sampier would have preferred for many of the walls to be painted in shades of purple, which she was able to do in a couple of rooms.

Others who helped with the painting include Sanford Village President Dolores Porte and Sanford Strong leader Teresa Quintana. The collaboration embodies the way Sanford has banded together in the wake of the destruction.

If someone asks, we always find a way to get it done, said Cole.
Cuba is 'no country for old men,' and Castroism has rendered them a burden While in other countries they continue to generate wealth, on the island retirees have no choice but to depend on others.

For six decades attempts have been made to administrate the Cuban economy and the countrys society by means of centralized, rational planning, this being a "more adequate" structure according to the allegedly enlightened - and always self-interested - analysis of the countrys planning authority, be it Fidel Castro, the Communist Party of Cuba, or the shadowy political-military elite.

The attempt to control everything has backfired, yielding a tremendous lack of control, leading to inconsistencies in the use of resources and opportunities, which has generated a bizarre society racked by imbalances. The most extreme of these is having turned Cuba into a Third World economy, on the verge of bankruptcy, but with demographic statistics like those of Canada.

If aging and population contraction are a cause for concern in that country, in todays Cuba it will be the trigger for a catastrophe of which the population seems to be oblivious, since the Government never transmits the need for the urgent changes that the demographic data warrants.

One of the most important cornerstones of the social contract - as an abstract idea - that allows a society to function is that, among those members that have ceased to be productive, those who need help are supported by the working members, thus creating a pyramid; the broader its working base, and the smaller its inactive apex, the more viable this scheme is.

As is too often the case with Cuban phenomena, its population pyramid is upside down. On the island the only population group that is growing is that of those over 60 years of age, which already exceeds 20% of the population; and the birth rate (births per 1,000 inhabitants) is the lowest in Latin America.

Cuba, thus, is the "oldest" and the least fecund country in the entire third world. The trend is so pressing that in total terms, and even without taking into account those who emigrate, the countrys population is, in addition to aging, decreasing, as 8,000 fewer people were born last year than died.

Other countries alleviate this situation by attracting immigrants, but who would want to work in Cuba? Cubans themselves are ceasing to do so, as today there are almost 200,000 fewer people working than five years ago. Hence, the mere three million Cubans in the productive sector are supporting the entire country.

In places like Canada, a significant portion of the elderly have managed to accumulate wealth thanks to Social Security, savings accounts, insurance investments, securities, participation in business ownership, or real estate. As a result, a significant percentage of the elderly, even retirees, does not depend - up to a certain point  upon the countrys younger people.

In fact, the elderly in these countries form a social stratum with its own personality, whose savings largely finance the ventures of young people, and that also has a significant consumption capacity, which fuels a specialized industry; that is, although they are retired, withdrawn from direct production, the capital of these citizens continues to generate wealth.

In Cuba all those heading into retirement have only worked under Castroisms stifling economic conditions, characterized by a state monopoly on production and property, so they never had the capacity to save, or the opportunity to invest, or to create or own companies. To top it all off, any properties they own are often dilapidated.

Hence, these people in Cuba who are no longer producing are a burden on todays productive generations, who only inherit scant and obsolete capital, often suffering from technological deterioration.

Once retired Cubans stop creating wealth, their economic contributions cease, and they become sources of net spending. As they do not have any accumulated capital, they cannot finance current ventures - which continue to be hampered by the Government - nor can they be a group exhibiting significant consumption or generating aggregate demand strong enough for a sector to arise to satisfy it. Elderly Cubans are reduced to going around poorly dressed, eating bad bread, and knowing that the only trip they will be taking is to their local market.

They do have medical care that would be the envy of many of their Third World counterparts, which allows them to live almost to age 80, on average, but, as we can see, when there is a lack of freedom, even good results end up constituting a misfortune.

Of course, this situation is not the fault of that old man who, with a hunched back, walks around in the sun selling peanuts, or the lady who suffers through her joint pain to mend other peoples clothes. The blame lies with those who, even today, force young people to choose between living close to their parents, and struggling to support them, or living far away so that they can send them what they need to stop at a Freely Convertible Currency store.
Nigerias minister of health has said that the country has requested 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses from the African Union (AU) which has secured millions of doses on behalf of African countries.



Its not clear which of the Covid-19 vaccines Nigeria will get, but the authorities suggested that the country was expecting its first 100,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by the end of January.



Health Minister Osagie Ehanire told a media briefing in the capital Abuja that the 10 million vaccine doses are expected to be delivered in March.



The AU secured a provisional 270 million Covid-19 vaccine doses from manufacturers around the world to distribute across the continent.



Mr Ehanire also said the Nigerian government had released about $26m (19m) to support domestic vaccine production and it was already in talks with manufacturers.



Nigeria has recorded more than 110,000 cases and daily infections are increasing.



Schools in most states of the country reopened on Monday but the government is warning that they could be closed again because of rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.



The authorities say they hope to vaccinate 40% of the population of about 200 million by the end of this year.

Source: BBC









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

Featured Video
DGAP-News: Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Antisense oligonucleotide candidate derived from Secarna Pharmaceuticals' LNAplusTM platform has entered pre-clinical safety trials for the treatment of elevated blood lipids



19.01.2021 / 15:00

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Antisense oligonucleotide candidate derived from Secarna Pharmaceuticals' LNAplusTM platform has entered pre-clinical safety trials for the treatment of elevated blood lipids

Secarna's partner Lipigon has selected an LNAplus TM ASO candidate targeting ANGPTL4, called Lipisense , which has shown unique efficacy in reducing lipid triglycerides in experimental disease models and is now entering pre-clinical safety development

High levels of plasma lipids triglycerides are associated with a plethora of lipid-related diseases with yet unmet clinical treatment needs

Munich/Martinsried, Germany, January 19, 2021 - Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG ("Secarna"), a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery and development of next generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies to address challenging or previously undruggable targets via its LNAplusTM platform, today announced that the company's partner Lipigon Pharmaceuticals AB has selected a candidate drug (Lipisense) to treat elevated levels of plasma lipid triglycerides. The candidate is being developed for patients suffering from severe hypertriglyceridemia as well as the rare disease Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS), diseases that may lead to painful and potentially life-threatening syndrome acute pancreatitis.

Lipisense, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) which has been developed with Secarna's proprietary LNAplusTM platform, is a first-in-class treatment with a novel mechanism of action central for the regulation of plasma triglycerides and other plasma lipids. The drug candidate hinders the cellular production of ANGPTL4, a protein that has a direct role in lipid metabolism by blocking the clearance of triglycerides. The protein has been associated with tumour progression and has shown a strong genetical validation and correlation with harmful plasma lipids and the associated diseases. By hindering the production of ANGPTL4 in the liver by specifically targeting its protein-coding RNA, Lipisense has great potential for the treatment of lipid-related diseases.

The LNAplusTM ASO-based drug candidate has shown strong efficacy in experimental disease models and a good safety profile in preliminary safety studies. Lipigon will now continue preclinical development with IND enabling studies; CMC activities have commenced.

Jonas Renz, Managing Director and Co-founder of Secarna Pharmaceuticals, said: "We are excited for our partners at Lipigon to have identified an ASO-based candidate drug derived from our proprietary LNAplusTM plattform as a first-in-class drug for the treatment of lipid-related diseases. We congratulate the team on entering into pre-clinical safety trials, as together we aim to provide a new line of treatment for patients with severe life-threatening diseases."

Stefan K. Nilsson, CEO and Co-founder of Lipigon, said: "Choosing a candidate drug in our front runner project Lipisense is a major step for Lipigon. The unique mechanism of action opens the possibility for an attractive clinical development path where we can address both smaller indications, which do not require extensive clinical studies, and larger indications, which are more suitable for big pharma development. We are looking forward to continuing the preclinical safety development of Lipisense."

About Secarna's proprietary drug discovery platform, LNAplusTM

For discovering, testing and selecting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for pre-clinical and clinical development, Secarna employs its proprietary, customized LNAplusTM drug discovery platform. LNAplusTM encompasses all aspects of drug discovery and pre-clinical development and has proven to be fast, reliable, scalable, efficient and to provide for a uniquely integrated workflow, enabling the discovery of novel antisense-based therapies for challenging or currently undruggable targets.The platform includes the powerful proprietary OligofyerTM bioinformatics and LNA Vit(r)oxTM screening system for best-in-class high volume screening, and target-specific functional assays. Secarna's platform and ASOs have been validated by numerous in-house projects as well as in several academic and industry collaborations.

About Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG

Secarna Pharmaceuticals is the next generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) company addressing high unmet medical needs in the areas of immuno-oncology, immunology, as well as viral, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic diseases. Secarna's mission is to maximize the performance and output of its proprietary LNAplusTMantisense oligonucleotide discovery platform, as well as to develop highly specific, safe, and efficacious best-in-class antisense therapies for challenging or currently undruggable targets. With 13 in-house development programs and 10 partnered programs focusing on targets in indications where antisense-based approaches have clear benefits over other therapeutic modalities, Secarna is the leading European antisense drug discovery and development company. www.secarna.com.

About Lipigon Pharmaceuticals

Lipigon are lipid biology experts focusing on developing novel therapeutics for patients with lipid- related disorders. The company is a spin-off from Umea University, Sweden, based on five decades of lipid research. Our primary focus is orphan lipid disorders and in addition to the ANGPTL antisense program, Lipigon's pipeline, including a project for gene therapy treatment of lipodystrophy. This program is partnered with Combigene AB (publ). www.lipigon.se.

Contact

Jonas Renz

Managing Director and Co-founder

Jonas.Renz@secarna.com

Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG

Am Klopferspitz 19

82152 Planegg/Martinsried

Tel.: +49 (0)89 215 46 375

For media enquiries:

Anne Hennecke/Vera Lang

MC Services AG

secarna@mc-services.eu

Tel.: +49 (0)211.52 92 52 22
1-year-old Nova White has been found safe, according to a post from Pennsylvania State Police.

An Amber Alert for White went out around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, saying she was last seen around 8:10 a.m. with a man in the 1200 block of North 10th Street.

Police reported that White was found at 2:26 p.m. Police thanked the public for sharing the Amber Alert.

PHILADELPHIA: AMBER Alert UPDATE. Nova White has been recovered and is safe. Thank you for the RTs!  PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) January 19, 2021

Police did not provide an update on if the man she was reported to be with was charged in connection with the case.

Read more on PennLive:
Investor wealth rose by Rs 3.43 lakh crore after Sensex and Nifty logged their best gains in four months today. Market wealth on BSE rose to Rs 196.20 lakh crore today against Rs 192.77 lakh crore in the previous session. Buoyed by strong global cues ahead of a new presidency in the US under Joe Biden, Sensex closed 834 points higher at 49,398 and Nifty gained 239 points to 14,521.

On Monday, Sensex ended 470 points lower at 48,564 and Nifty fell by 152 points to 14,281. Compared to its four-year low of 25,981 on March 23, 2020, Sensex has gained 90.13% till date. Similarly, Nifty has clocked a gain of 90.81% from its March 23 low of 7,610.

Stock Market Capitalisation exceeds GDP-1st in 10 years

Sensex has climbed 1,646 points or 3.45% since the beginning of this year. Similarly, Nifty has risen 3.86% or 539 points since January 1.

On Sensex, today's top gainers were Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, HDFC , L&T and ICICI Bank stocks rising up to 6.77%. Tech Mahindra, ITC and M&M were the only losers on the 30-stock index falling up to 0.54%.

Market heavyweight Reliance Industries share ended 1.65% higher at Rs 2,016 on BSE. Market breath turned positive with 2,124 stocks closing higher against 874 ending lower on BSE today. 148 stocks were unchanged. The bullishness in stock market was also reflected by the number of securities hitting upper and lower circuits on BSE.

While 367 shares hit their upper circuits on BSE, 206 stocks fell to their lower circuits today. Similarly, 241 stocks reached their 52 week highs and 40 shares slipped to their 52 week lows on BSE.

Share Market Highlights: Sensex ends 834 points higher, Nifty at 14,521; Bajaj twins, HDFC, L&T top gainers

All 19 BSE sectoral indices ended in the green. Banking stocks led the gains with BSE bankex rising 703 points, followed by consumer durables index gaining 440 points and capital goods index rising 545 points from previous close.

Gaurav Ratnaparkhi, Senior Technical Analyst, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas said, "Nifty witnessed smart recovery on January 19 after declining for the last couple of sessions. It had a sharp retracement of the recent fall & retraced more than 61.8% of the fall. The index is heading towards the 78.6% retracement mark, which is near 14560. The overall structure indicates that the Nifty can still consolidate further before commencing larger rally. However the range has shifted higher to 14200-14600 where the index can consolidate over the next few sessions."

Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities said, "Nifty has bounced back smartly on January 19, however, with lower volumes. This has raised hopes of continuation in the upmove. Sharply positive advance decline ratio also reinforces this feeling. However, it would be interesting to watch as to whether Nifty will cross 14653 and make a new high."

Global markets

Shares climbed in Asia on Tuesday as the coming changing of the guard in the US raised hopes for more support for the economy and more aggressive measures to fight the pandemic. Benchmarks rose in Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong but slipped in Shanghai.

World markets were subdued on Monday, with US exchanges closed for a holiday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng led the advance, gaining 3.2% to 29,784.44 and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained 1.5% to 28,673.84.

South Korea's Kospi jumped 2.7% to 3,095.96. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 500 rose 1.2% to 6,740.60. The Shanghai Composite index was flat at 3,596.10.
Published:

7 January 2021

Relations are very strong. There is no difference between us. We always visit each other. They never make us feel that we're Palestinians and they're Lebanese. Instead, we're one family. Of course, we're talking about the people, not the state.

- Palestinian refugee from Syria, unemployed, female, 22 years old

Our neighbour's daughter came to me, and I gave her a candy. Her older sister said, don't eat from the Syrians! Then, I found out that she threw the candy in the garbage when she left my house. This made me feel really bad and I cried. Why did that happen? I gave her the candy out of love and care. The kid is two years old and she came to my house by herself.

- Syrian refugee, unemployed, female, Mieh Mieh camp

There are many answers to this question. There's sectarian and racist discrimination, as well as many other kinds of discrimination. First, I live in Mieh Mieh camp, and if you visit this area, you can find that we, as Palestinian refugees, are separated from the area of Lebanese people, which is in Mieh Mieh as well. Borders made of sand and barbed wire separate our area from that of the Lebanese people. This is enough to show how racist people here are. Also, if we talk to anyone, they'd look down at us, just because we're Palestinians. Once I proposed to a Lebanese woman, and when her parents found out that I'm Palestinian, they rejected me. Hence, this question is useless, because it's obvious that discrimination and racism are very common in this country.

- Palestinian nurse, unemployed, male, 40 years old, Mieh Mieh camp

For more than 70 years, Palestinian refugees have been living in Lebanon. However, since 2011, the dire conditions in Palestinian camps and gatherings have been eclipsed by the Syrian refugee situation. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has faced severe funding cuts since 2018 whilst Palestinian refugees have struggled to find work amidst an economic downturn. Meanwhile, the prospect of a return to Palestine seems more remote than ever amidst geopolitical developments in the Middle East. How have these pressures influenced the social fabric on the ground in Lebanon? Have they stoked tensions between host communities and refugees? How do Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians make sense of their social relationships and how do they see the future?

In October 2019, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with UNRWA commissioned Leila Ullrich and Samaa Abu Sharar to conduct a qualitative WhatsApp survey to gain insight into the lives of Palestinians in Lebanon. The approach builds on two successful pilot WhatsApp surveys with Syrian refugees in Lebanon in 2017 and 2018 in which 1036 people participated. The results of these surveys were published in two UNDP research reports alongside a practical guide for conducting qualitative WhatsApp surveys (Ullrich, 2019a; Ullrich, 2019b; Ullrich 2018). This WhatsApp survey focused on two Palestinian communities (Wadi Zeineh gathering and Mieh Mieh camp). We also conducted 27 Key Informant Interviews and eight Focus Group Discussions. Based on this research, the report aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of community needs, social relationships, inter-community tensions, gender dynamics and security environments in Palestine refugee camps and gatherings in Lebanon.

The WhatsApp survey simply repurposed a technology that is already widely in use. In Lebanon, for instance, 78 per cent of Syrian refugee households use WhatsApp for daily communication; with the number likely to be similar for Palestine refugees. We sent survey questions a voice and text messages over the course of a month and 89 people replied to us sharing their perspectives on their safety, needs, social relationships, gender relationships and their visions of the future.

The WhatsApp method makes four important contributions to research in refugee and crisis contexts. First, it is a cost-effective tool for scaling up qualitative research in real time (it would take weeks, if not months, to conduct qualitative interviews with hundreds of people). Most of our respondents chose to reply with a voice message which also gave us different insights into their lives. We could hear background noises (crying children, shouting family members, and bustling streets) and the intonation of their voice (are they angry, frightened, tired or sarcastic?). Second, the survey taps into the casual intimacy of WhatsApp communication that already exists on the ground to produce more informal narratives. Board any minibus in Lebanon and you will see people talking to their phones sending WhatsApp voice messages to communicate with friends and family or to organize daily life. Third, qualitative WhatsApp surveying generates more bottom-up, people-centred knowledge that is separate from the jargon of humanitarian and development institutions. As researchers, we couldnt interrupt the speaker and steer them towards our research interests. Some respondents ignored the questions altogether and talked instead about their personal situation or recent events. Put simply, using WhatsApp enables people to talk about the issues that matter to them in their own words. Fourth, the method fosters inclusivity since it (1) can extend to hard-to-reach communities (e.g., people who live in conflict zones), (2) is more accessible to people who struggle with literacy and dyslexia (as they can send voice messages), and (3) is less dependent on local gatekeepers to select research participants. The Covid-19 pandemic further highlights the importance of remote surveying methodologies such as WhatsApp when face-to-face engagement is not possible.

The WhatsApp survey showed, amongst others, that tensions between different communities (Lebanese and Palestinian, Palestinian and Syrian, Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) and Palestinian refugees from Lebanon (PRL)) exist but do not seem to be a major concern. Many respondents distinguished between different types of relationships  those with neighbours, relatives and friends (whether Lebanese, Syrian or Palestinian) - were perceived very differently to relationships with political factions, the army, the government, landlords and employers. Indeed, many WhatsApp respondents were keen to establish Palestinian normality against the backdrop of a sensationalist media narrative of violence and extremism in the camps. They emphasized that ordinary people help each other, interact, become friends and marry  whether Palestinian, Lebanese or Syrian; while it is the political people  the Palestinian factions, the army, the government and employers  who create and exploit the difficult living situation and try to divide communities.

In places where people live close to each other without restrictions on movement, such as Wadi Zeineh gathering, there is more mutual understanding, cooperation and support between Palestinians and Lebanese. This is in stark contrast to those camps, where Palestinians live strictly segregated from Lebanese communities, such as Mieh Mieh camp, where stereotypes of the Other and memories of a violent past substitute for social relationships. Palestinian refugees living in camps often feel shunned and securitised by the State and their surroundings like monsters who need to be locked away.

More vulnerable social groups such as women, Syrian refugees, and Palestine refugees from Syria (PRS) face various forms of discrimination, especially based on class, gender and race. Women often described how they negotiated their lives between the unsafety of the street and the unsafety of the home, with single or widowed women feeling particularly vulnerable. Many felt constrained by what they could wear or how they could behave in public as a result of the harassment they experienced. Consequently, women often feel forced to retreat home; though home can be an equally, if not more, dangerous space for women at risk of domestic violence or other family conflicts.

Gendered safety was a sensitive topic. While our respondents were eager to communicate the multiple hardships they face, they were more hesitant to discuss gendered differences in safety. Some of our respondents insisted that fears of everyday survival and armed violence in the camps persisted across genders. It doesnt matter whether you are a man or a woman. Such hesitation might also have been informed by concerns that gender sensitive programming divides communities, encroaches personal boundaries, and stereotypes Palestinian men as patriarchal and traditional. The challenge for researchers and practitioners, then, is to address these issues (e.g., sexual harassment and domestic violence) without vilifying already marginalised and vulnerable communities.

We found that participants reactions to the WhatsApp survey were often as insightful as their answers, with many conveying a sense of outrage or indignation about our questions: Don't mess around and fool people! What safety are you talking about?; You're asking about safety, but where is it? [What] is safety? How do you want me to be safe and sound while I'm unable to undergo medical treatment or even see a doctor?; How can I feel safe when I'm afraid and worried that my kids and I are going to be forced to leave the house, or the country?. These were common exclamations in response to the question Do you feel safe in your area?. This shows that for many people safety is not just a question of fearing crime or physical violence. Indeed, they described feeling unsafe as a pervasive psychological experience: everyday fears of survival and an uncertain future can be as stressful as fears of armed clashes or crime for Palestinian refugees.

Palestinian refugees are pessimistic about the future and many see resettlement to another country as the only solution. While they are deeply dissatisfied with the status quo in Lebanon, they also fear an uncertain future that may be even worse than the present. This also makes them suspicious of supposedly neutral knowledge production. Both Palestinian and Lebanese respondents suspected a political agenda behind our research: Why are you really conducting this study? Are you testing the waters to see if we are OK with settling Palestinians in Lebanon?, one Sibline resident asked. The underlying message of the Palestinian reception of our survey was that everything is political, and no question is innocent.

Researchers who need to find new, remote methods to do empirical research during a global pandemic do not need to reinvent the wheel. Using technology that is already at our fingertips such WhatsApp surveying may not only be a second best but might furnish new ways of engaging with the people we learn from and think with. While many researchers have lamented the remoteness of digital research, there are also benefits to distance. The physical distance of the survey may have created a safer space for people to express their perspectives away from social desirability and the power dynamics of personal encounters between a researcher or a UN employee and a refugee. But peoples critical reception of the survey also re-opens questions of the ethics of research with vulnerable populations under conditions of profound global inequality.

Many IHSS colleagues are grappling with these questions. On 21 October 2020, Sydney Calkin (School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London), Agnieszka Lyons ( School of Languages, Linguistics and Film, Queen Mary University of London) and I (Law) had an interesting discussion on Changing Research Methodologies, Technological Possibilities and Agendas during a webinar organized by the QMUL Law School. Agnieszkas research shows how WhatsApp groups play an important role in supporting new mums navigate their knowledge and expertise. Sydney found new ways of doing her research on geographies of cross-border abortion access as she couldnt do the fieldwork she had planned. And I pondering, to what extentnew social media technologiessuch as WhatsApp can unsettle or reconfigure global knowledge production.
Supermarket Chain Aldi Joins Growing List of Firms Paying Workers to Get COVID Vaccine

German supermarket chain Aldi on Tuesday became the latest company in the grocery sector to offer incentives to U.S. employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, in a bid to remove obstacles for workers who may be reluctant to get the jab for fear of losing wages or other concerns.

The retailer, which has more than 2,000 stores in 37 states, will give up to four hours of pay to those hourly workers who choose to get inoculated against COVID-19, the company said in a statement (pdf). Salaried workers, meanwhile, will be offered flexible scheduling arrangements to make it less burdensome for them to get a shot.

Providing accommodations so employees can receive this critical vaccine is one more way we can support them and eliminate the need to choose between earning their wages and protecting their well-being, said Jason Hart, chief executive of Aldis U.S. operations.

Aldi said it will also cover the costs associated with vaccine administration and implement on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouse and office locations, all in a bid to get more workers inoculated, if they so choose.

Few companies or other entities have so far required vaccinations, but a growing number are offering incentives.

Dollar General last week offered frontline employees a similar incentive to Aldi to get the vaccine, while grocery delivery company Instacart said it would pay $25 to more than half-a-million gig workers if they chose to take time off to get vaccinated.

We understand the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is a personal choice, and although we are encouraging employees to take it, we are not requiring them to do so, Dollar General said in a statement.

Our goal with the introduction of our new Vaccine Support Stipend is to ensure that, when the time comes, Instacart shoppers dont have to choose between earning income as an essential service provider or getting vaccinated, Apoorva Mehta, Instacarts founder, said in a statement.

People walk by a Dollar General store in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Dec. 11, 2018. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Aldi also said it was working with officials across the United States to get their workers priority access to the vaccine, joining other companies including Amazon and Uber in lobbying to move their workers closer to the front of the line for vaccinations.

Conflicting state and local guidelines on how shots will be administered and to which workers have made the process of navigating the vaccine rollout confusing for corporations and industry bodies.

Health officials have lamented the slower-than-expected rollout of the vaccine, and have urged more federal aid to state and local authorities to smooth distribution and administration. They have also made reassuring remarks about vaccine safety in a bid to overcome vaccine hesitancy and get more shots into the arms of Americans faster.

Reluctance to get inoculated, known as vaccine hesitancy, has dropped, with a recent poll showing that the percentage of Americans saying theyre willing to get the COVID-19 shot now stands at 71 percent, up from 63 percent in September.

But about a quarter of the public remains vaccine hesitant, with 27 percent saying they probably or definitely would not get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The biggest worry people have about the COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed in record time, are side effects. Another big reason for vaccine hesitancy is the lack of trust in the government to ensure their safety and effectiveness, while many said the COVID-19 vaccine is simply too new for them to have confidence in it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling, or tiredness. The CDC says the effects are normal and a sign that the body is building protection.

A recent CDC study found that, of nearly 1.9 million first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine administered in the United States in the first 10 days after it was approved for emergency use, around 4,400 adverse event reports were submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), and less than two dozen of those were found to be anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said one poor country received a mere 25 vaccine doses while over 39 million doses have been administered in nearly 50 richer nations

Geneva: The World Health Organisation chief on Monday lambasted drugmakers' profits and vaccine inequalities, saying its not right that younger, healthier adults in wealthy countries get vaccinated against COVID-19 before older people or health care workers in poorer countries and charging that most vaccine makers have targeted locations where profits are highest".

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus kicked off the WHOs week-long executive board meeting  virtually from its headquarters in Geneva  by lamenting that one poor country received a mere 25 vaccine doses while over 39 million doses have been administered in nearly 50 richer nations.

Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest income country  not 25 million, not 25,000  just 25. I need to be blunt: The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure, Tedros said. He did not specify the country, but a WHO spokeswoman identified it as Guinea.

Its right that all governments want to prioritise vaccinating their own health workers and older people first," he said. But its not right that younger, healthier adults in rich countries are vaccinated before health workers and older people in poorer countries. There will be enough vaccine for everyone.

Tedros, an Ethiopian who goes by his first name, nonetheless hailed the scientific achievement behind rolling out coronavirus vaccines less than a year after the pandemic erupted in China, where a WHO-backed team has now been deployed to look into origins of the coronavirus .

Vaccines are the shot in the arm we all need, literally and figuratively, Tedros said. But we now face the real danger that even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the worlds of the worlds haves and have-nots.

He noted the WHO-backed COVAX program, which aims to get vaccines out to all countries, rich or poor, based on need, has so far secured 2 billion vaccine doses from five producers and options on a billion doses more.

We aim to start deliveries in February, he said. "COVAX is ready to deliver what it was created for.

That target date could be a tall order, because a key producer of vaccines for the developing world  the Serum Institute of India  has not confirmed a date and predicted that its rollout might not happen before March or April.

In his opening remarks, Tedros aired some of his toughest public words yet toward vaccine makers, criticising bilateral deals between them and countries that the WHO says can deplete the effectiveness of the COVAX facility  and went further to raise the issue of profits.

The situation is compounded by the fact that most manufacturers have prioritised regulatory approval in rich countries, where the profits are highest, rather than submitting full dossiers to WHO, he said.

That appeared to allude to a shortage of data the UN health agency says it has received from vaccine makers so that the WHO can approve their shots for wider emergency use.

Dr. Clement Martin Auer, a board member from Austria, had sharp words and questions for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, that also with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is leading the effort on COVAX.

While calling its principles of equal access to vaccines a fantastic idea, Auer faulted COVAX as being slow and unable to close crucial numbers" of contracts. He defended the European Union, which counts among its 27 members many of the world's richest countries, for getting vaccines for its 450 million citizens and being the single largest donor in supporting COVAX.

We were, in the European Union, skeptical that GAVI-COVAX had the means and the capabilities to fulfill its tasks and negotiate the necessary contracts and to secure the needs of our citizens, Auer said, adding that COVAX management had rejected proposals negotiated by GAVI and the EU.

He said GAVI-COVAX early last year had not included mRNA vaccines like those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in the COVAX portfolio.

This was a major mistake, taking into account that the mRNAs are the early ones on the market and the gold standards when it comes to COVID vaccines, Auer said.

The WHO has approved Pfzier-BioNTech for emergency use against coronavirus and could approve Moderna this week.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, a special adviser to Tedros, said that the WHO was in detailed discussions with Pfizer. We believe very soon we will have access to that product. He said the mRNA vaccines are important but are extremely difficult  alluding to cold-chain requirements, among other things, and are extremely expensive."

What we are gunning for is to get 20 percent of the world, at least, vaccinated this year, and more ideally, Aylward said. "We are in a strong position to move out with vaccines globally. We just need the assistance of our member states in particular to make sure that becomes the reality.

In related vaccine news, Israel has struck a deal with Pfizer, promising to share vast troves of medical data with the international drug giant in exchange for the continued flow of its hard-to-get vaccine.

Proponents say the deal could allow Israel to become the first country to vaccinate most of its population, while providing valuable research that could help the rest of the world. But critics say the deal raises major ethical concerns, including possible privacy violations and a deepening of the global divide in access to coronavirus vaccines.

Due to the ultra-cold storage needed for the Pfizer vaccine, it is more expensive and harder to use than some rivals, including the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, but studies show it is very effective. Israeli media have reported that Israel paid at least 50 percent more than other countries for the Pfizer vaccine.

New Delhi: The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The Indian Ocean Island country will receive Oxford Astrazeneca's Covishield vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India. The Maldives government has given all regulatory approvals and permissions.

READ | First India funded project of 2021 inaugurated in the Maldives; several more lined up

The Indian consignment will arrive at 2 pm (local time) by Air India flight at Velana International Airport Male. The development reaffirms India's reputation as the first responder in an emergency situation, especially in the neighbourhood.

Maldives has been the largest COVID-19 assistance recipient in Indias neighbourhood including medicine supply, food supply, medical team, training, and financial assistance of USD 250 million. Under the operation Sanjeevani, the Indian Air force airlifted 6.3 tonnes of essential medicines and consumables from various cities in India in April 2020.

Additionally, under Mission Sagar one of the Indian Navy to reach out to countries with COVID-19 aid, India sent food to five Indian ocean countries including the Maldives just before the onset of Ramzan.

In fact, India sent 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari. The package includes 200 tonnes of rice, 140 tonnes of wheat flour, 120 tonnes of yellow dal, 80 tonnes of sugar, 26 tonnes of onions and 14 tonnes of Potato. Another key focus has been capacity building with the training of Maldivian healthcare officials.

In 2020, India had formally extended the USD 250 million loan to the Maldives to help it mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian mission in the Maldives had said in a statement, "The budgetary support of USD 250 million is extended without conditions."

The grant, provided under the most favourable terms possible, was handed over at a ceremony in Maldivian capital Male in the presence of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Indian High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir and CEO of SBI in Male, Bharat Mishra.

It was in response to the request made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to overcome the difficult economic situation in the Maldives. "The Maldives government is at liberty to use the money in repairing the domestic economic situation in line with its own priorities".

The financial assistance was first announced during a virtual meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and provided through a Treasury Bond sale to the State Bank of India (SBI), Male which has a tenure of 10 years for repayment, the embassy had said.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Turret Capital Management, a global investment and venture building firm focused on the healthcare industry, announced today that it has signed a Definitive License Agreement with Genexine, inc.(KOSDAQ 095700), a South Korea-based Biotechnology company. Under the terms of the agreement, Turret Capital has obtained global rights for selective indications to GX-P1. GX-P1 is a Phase I ready novel immunosuppressant agent that reduces the immune response by binding to PD-1 on activated T cells and thus inhibiting T cell activation; a mechanism that is opposite to that of an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor typically used to treat cancer.

The compound will be housed and developed within Egret Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Turret Capital, and will target clinical areas of unmet need in the area of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Daniel Chai, M.D., Executive Chairman of Egret Therapeutics and Managing Partner of Turret Capital, stated, "Our firm strives to develop and market the most compelling and innovative technologies to address large market opportunities in healthcare. We are excited to partner with Genexine on this Phase I ready asset and leverage our scientific and clinical expertise in Neurological diseases to better help patients that suffer from the debilitative and life-threatening conditions of stroke."

Sung Yung-Chul, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Genexine stated, "We are excited about working with the team at Egret Therapeutics and leadership at Turret Capital. Through our partnership, we believe we can achieve maximal value for innovative products that have been developed within Genexine."

Under the terms of the agreement, Genexine will receive 5% of underlying Egret Therapeutics outstanding shares and be eligible to receive development and commercial milestones payments of up to $200 million USD.

About Egret Therapeutics

Egret Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotherapeutics company. Our vision is to become a leading global biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and commercializes novel therapies that transform treatment paradigms in the management of life-threatening neurological conditions. We intend to utilize our product development and commercial execution strategies to achieve this vision.

About Genexine

Genexine, Inc., listed on KOSDAQ (095700) since 2009, is a leading and innovative Korean biotech company with proprietary novel long-acting biologics and immunotherapeutic DNA vaccine technologies. Company's mission is to develop novel drugs to save lives of those who suffer from incurable diseases. Genexine has robust development pipeline portfolio which includes novel immunotherapeutic drug (GX-I7), cervical cancer vaccine (GX-188E), long-acting growth hormone (GX-H9), COVID-19 DNA vaccine, and therapeutics. GX-I7 is currently in several clinical trials internationally targeting several cancer types as mono or combination therapy with global pharma companies. GX-188E, a therapeutic DNA vaccine for HPV-associated diseases is under Phase 2 trial in combination with Keytruda. Genexine is developing both preventive DNA vaccine candidate and therapeutics medicine for COVID-19. Genexine has over 150 employees, located in Pangyo Techno Valley near Seoul metro area. Please visit www.genexine.com for more information.

SOURCE Turret Capital Management
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.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy on Tuesday by lauding China's "clear strategic vision" amid the faceoff at the Line of Actual Control. Addressing a press briefing at the Congress headquarters, he claimed that China was exploiting India's alleged lack of strategic goals. Citing the 2017 Doklam standoff and the current LAC situation, he warned that China would hurt India if the Centre doesn't formulate a clear military, economic and geopolitical strategy.

Reiterating his charge that China has occupied Indian territory, he accused the Union government of seeking to deal with the LAC faceoff via "event management". Maintaining that China believes in domination, the Wayanad MP predicted that the country will have to bear the consequences owing to the Centre's purported inaction. Moreover, Gandhi alleged that PM Modi had failed in his duty to safeguard India. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju rebutted the ex-Congress chief's charge of China constructing a village in Arunachal Pradesh by pointing out that the area in question has been under Chinese occupation for long.

Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi remarked, "China is understanding India's weakness. China has a clear strategic vision. It wants to shape the world. India has no strategic vision. India does not take strategic steps. China has tested India twice- in Doklam and now in Ladakh. If India does not give a clear message to China, if India doesn't form a clear strategy whether it is military strategy, economic strategy, or geopolitical strategy, China will not stay quiet. China will take advantage of this. When it takes advantage, India will suffer. Then, you will not be able to stop it."

"That's why I am repeatedly raising a red flag that they have entered our territory. You feel that you can manage this through event management. This is your misconception. China wants to dominate and works systematically. Speaking against me is not going to help. You are not doing your job of safeguarding the country. India will have to bear the consequences. You cannot run away from reality," he added.

Read: Taiwan's Armed Forces Conduct Military Drill Amid Rising Threats From China

If India doesn't give a clear message to them and make clear military, economic geopolitical strategy, China won't stay quiet but will make the most out of it. The day it will happen, we'll suffer damages: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi https://t.co/AJhNupCusb  ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2021

Read: China And WHO's Initial Response To COVID-19 Pandemic Was Slow, Says Independent Panel

LAC faceoff

The faceoff at the Line of Actual Control was exacerbated when 21 Indian Army soldiers including a Commanding Officer were martyred in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, when the de-escalation process was underway. This was followed by multiple attempts of provocation by the Chinese side at the end of August. Multiple rounds of military commander-level and WMCC meetings have taken place between the two sides to resolve the crisis. Besides this, EAM S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnah Singh have met their respective counterparts.

The 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) took place on December 18. The developments along the LAC were reviewed and both sides agreed to work towards ensuring complete disengagement as per the agreements reached between the respective Foreign Ministers and Special Representatives. Furthermore, they acknowledged that the 7th and 8th round of military commander-level talks had contributed to ensuring "stability on the ground". While a consensus was reached on holding another meeting of senior military commanders, it has not been formally scheduled yet.

Read: BJP Chief Nadda Questions Rahul Gandhi On His 'claims' On Farm Laws, Chinese Encroachment
Everyone loves an underdog, almost always. There is an extra charm in winning a battle against all odds. Thats what is happening in the otherwise simplistic world of instant messaging apps, that you probably wasted a lot of time on every day but didnt bother much about them beyond that. One PR debacle after another in quick succession for WhatsApp, no wonder its data guzzling habits are very much in focus of a large demographic of WhatsApp users around the world. Nothing that WhatsApp has done in the past few days has helped the user confidence, which has been shaken. It is no surprise then that WhatsApp users are downloading Telegram and Signal instant messaging apps, and in such large numbers that Signal has been the top downloaded app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for quite a few days now, and Telegram is close behind on both platforms too.

The numbers support the claims that Signal and Telegram are making that they are seeing more signups and new users in a flurry, than ever before. According to the numbers by analytics firm Sensor Tower, Signal gained more than 1.2 million downloads and Telegram clocked 1.7 million downloads in the days after WhatsApp's new Privacy Policy and Terms of Use rolled out for users. That being said, WhatsApp has still clocked 10.5 million downloads in the first 7 days of 2021, though that is 11% lesser than a week before. Telegram, according to CEO Pavel Durov, has now crossed 500 million active users globally of which around 25 million joined in the 72 hours or so after WhatsApp started rolling out the new Privacy Policy for users as an optionally mandatory accept.

While the meteoric rise of Signal and Telegram is perhaps the closest we will ever come to romanticism in the tech space, there is also the urgent need for a generous dollop of caution. Something driven by history. And to be honest, those trends arent exactly the most favorable for the underdog. The story of how it unfolded for two popular IM apps, in their time, doesnt make for very favorable reading.

Remember the ICQ messenger released in 1996 and made by Israeli company Mirabilis. It was one of the first instant messenger apps as we now know them, complete with the concept of having your own contacts list. ICQ clocked 100 million registered users by 2001, but by then, its path had already switched from the one it originally set out on. ICQ was acquired by AOL in 1998 (AOL was big at the time) and subsequently sold to Mail.Ru in 2010 because AOLs focus was on AIM, a very similar instant messaging product. That also shut down later. The owners have kept ICQ going and the app is still available as ICQ New for Android, iPhone, Windows PCs, Apple Mac computing devices and also for Huawei smartphones. It has everything that you'd expect from a large tech company based in Russia, including perceived privacy gaps.

Skype, contrary to what many who are proficient in just the recent history believe, wasnt made by Microsoft. Created in 2003 by Estonian developers Zahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn, Danish developer Janus Friis and Swedens Niklas Zennstrom, Skype was very much what Signal and Telegram are today  not owned by a large tech company that has business interests across a variety of domains. The app constantly grew in popularity across a variety of computing platforms, so much so that Skype became the de-facto name for video calling. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 and has since gone about removing the peer-to-peer functionality that was its unique point all this while and added monetization opportunities. After all, thats what a tech company would do.

The trend for IM apps in particular has been to start out simple with a unique proposition or feature. Then build a user base over time, often years. With the increasing number of users comes increased popularity. That with it brings the attention of larger tech companies, who are always eyeing a ready-made product to monetize using their might and get a treasure trove of data from. Eventually, when the right offer comes along, the original developer sells it to a much larger corporation. The very foundations and the very personality of the app is often ripped up and everything starts afresh, step by step, to align with the new owners pursuit of earning profits. Thats exactly how it happened with WhatsApp as well a few years ago, when a simple and unassuming messaging app made by Brian Acton and Jan Koum was acquired by Facebook.

That being said, there is hope this time around. For starters, the very world we live in is different from the ICQ and the original Skype era. There are many more users, for instance, and the sort of potential user base numbers that werent possible in that era. Secondly, and specifically for Telegram and Signal, they are making the correct pitchsecurity. In fact, Durov recently wrote on his Telegram channel, I hear Facebook has an entire department devoted to figuring out why Telegram is so popular. Imagine dozens of employees working on just that full-time. He went on to say that the secret is available for freerespect your users.

That also shows the power of social media, more than anything else. When the Facebook owned WhatsApp tried to get users to tap on agree to a new privacy policy, the users made their voices heard. At this time, WhatsApp has delayed the implementation of the policy, though it bullishly blames users for falling for misinformation and that its policy is crystal clear (it doesnt answer many big questions though).

Telegrams 500 million users and counting is significantly more than what ICQ had at its peakaround 100 million users in 2001. Additionally, at that time, choices were few. Now, choices for IM apps on your phone and desktop are aplenty, and that very much means there is a risk of users getting fragmented and everyone getting a share of the larger pie. Yet, Telegram has stood strong. So has Signal.

In fact, the sudden spurt in user base actually caused problem for Signal with the app suffering intermittent outage for a period of 24 hours. Like an underdog going through a training montage, weve learned a lot since yesterday  and we did it together. Thanks to the millions of new Signal users around the world for your patience. Your capacity for understanding inspired us while we expanded capacity, was Signals witty take on the troubles they put their users through. It is all about admitting where one may have fallen short and trying to correct that.

Apart from Teslas Elon Musk and Paytms Vijay Shekhar Sharma very vocally advising their Twitter followers to download Signal and start using that, there is also a much greater pushback from users to the new WhatsApp privacy policy, than we have perhaps seen against any app or web platform. Musk has publicly said that hes invested in the Signal app before and will do it again. This is the sort of monetization and investment that apps and developers didnt get in the yesteryears.

Then there is the whole business positioning, which should only grow with time. In particular for Telegram, which has a feature called Channels. MobiKwik, a leading digital payments company in India, has already cut short its journey on WhatsApp for Business and is switching to Signal and Googles communication apps. Im making myself unavailable on WhatsApp and Ive advised senior executives to do the same, MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh told Reuters.

Indias pushback against WhatsApp will hurt more than most other countries. India is WhatsApps largest user baseupwards of 400 million. Towards the end of 2020, the company got the permission to roll out WhatsApp Payments, based on UPI for making digital transactions, to 20 million users in the first phase. This will be competition for Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay and MobiKwik, to name a few, and Facebook must have been betting heavily on digital payments in India. Loss of user confidence isnt just about users using Signal or Telegram more often. It is about much more than that, particularly when the business interests are as far and wide as the Facebook Company Products.
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.
Pakistan's prime minister reacted angrily Monday to media reports of a text exchange between an Indian TV anchor and a former media industry executive that suggests a 2019 Indian airstrike inside was designed to boost Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's chances for re-election.

took to Twitter to respond to Indian media reports of an exchange on the WhatsApp messaging service between popular Indian TV anchor Arnab Goswami and Partho Dasgupta, the former head of a TV rating company.

The purported text exchange three days before the airstrike indicates Goswami had prior knowledge of the attack and that it was designed to drum up support for Modi in his re-election bid in pending parliamentary elections.

Goswami, a firebrand anchor who is Indian Republic TV's co-owner and editor in chief, is known for supporting Modi and his nationalist policies.

According to the WhatsApp chat transcript, Goswami texted Dasgupta three days before the Feb. 26, 2019 airstrike, saying something big will happen and On the government is confident of striking in a way that people will be elated."



Dasgupta tells Goswami the attack on would give Modi a sweeping majority" in the upcoming general election. Months later, Modi surged to a landslide victory in May 2019, propelling his Hindu nationalist party to back-to-back majorities in parliament.

Transcripts of the purported text exchange seen by The Associated Press were filed by Mumbai police as part of a supplementary charge sheet in a different case relating to manipulation of TV ratings.

Neither Dasgupta nor Goswami was available for comment Monday. But Goswami's Republic TV issued a statement alleging the Pakistani government was conspiring against his station.

The February 2019 airstrike on Pakistan followed a suicide bombing in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir that month that killed more than 40 Indian soldiers. India blamed Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which claimed responsibility.

Although Pakistan detained Jaish-e-Mohammed's leaders, Modi's government launched a nighttime airstrike on the Pakistani town of Balakot, saying it hit a militant camp.

Pakistan said Indian warplanes dropped bombs in a forested area, causing no casualties. Pakistan responded by shooting down an Indian warplane in Kashmir and capturing its pilot, who was later released to ease tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Khan alleged in a speech at the U.N. in 2019 that Modi used the airstrike for domestic electoral gains. On Monday, Khan in a series of tweets urged the world community to stop India from its reckless, militarist agenda before the Modi govt's brinkmanship pushes our region into a conflict it cannot control.

The latest revelations from (a) communication of an Indian journalist, known for his warmongering, reveal the unholy nexus between the Modi govt & Indian media that led to a dangerous military adventurism to win an election in utter disregard for the consequences of destabilizing the entire region," he said.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have routinely accused each other of unprovoked attacks along the tense Kashmir frontier in violation of a 2003 cease-fire agreement. Kashmir is split between the nuclear-armed rivals, and both claim it in its entirety. They have fought two wars over the region since their independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

The text exchange controversy also drew criticism from India's opposition, which demanded answers from Modi.

The opposition Congress Party said the text exchange between the two men raised serious questions about India's national security. (Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party) govt betrayed our nation by leaking national security information to a so-called journalist, the party tweeted Monday.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Party lawmaker, said Sunday the leaking of military secrets to a TV channel for its commercial purposes required a serious inquiry by the Modi government. We all expect it won't, given the evidence of its complicity in the betrayals revealed, Tharoor wrote on Twitter.

(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.)
Posted on Jan 18, 2021 in Armchair Reading, Front Page Features

Airpower Over Gallipoli: 1915-1916.

Ray Garbee

If you asked a random reader about the Gallipoli campaign, theyd likely think of the Australian and New Zealand troops engaged in bitter combat with the Turks, or perhaps the French and British warships that tried to force the Dardanelles, only to lose several ships to a Turkish minefield. Rarely would you have thought of how the war was being waged in the skies about those battlefields. Theres been a dearth of coverage of aerial operations in the Dardanelles, with much of what is accessible to be found in historical journals such as Over the Front, or Cross and Cockade International.

Dr. Sterling Michael Pavelec aims to change this lack of coverage through his recent book Airpower Over Gallipoli: 1915-1916. The result of decades of research, Dr. Pavelec has created an indispensable reference guide to air operations over Gallipoli. A professional historian working with the military, Dr. Pavelec approaches the subject through the lens of how well the aerial campaign was integrated into both naval and land operations during the campaign. In addition to the raw battlefield performance, Dr. Pavelec explores how well this early example of joint warfighting worked, how aviation performed as a reconnaissance tool, as well as the how the limits posed both by technology and tactical mindsets of the participants influenced operations.

Airpower Over Gallipoli begins with a short summary of the state of aviation in the lead up to the war. Its an excellent starting point as it reminds the reader of the fragility of this emerging technology. When the Great War erupted 1914, aviation was bleeding edge technology that married rapid improvements in mechanical engineering with increasing knowledge of sound aeronautical design.

{default}

Moving on to the Dardanelles campaign, Dr. Pavelec documents how the aviation components on both sides were operating at the end of a shoestring logistics channel. Compounding the supply difficulties, the physical environment of Gallipoli was profoundly more difficult than that on the Western Front.

The narrative of combat operations is illuminating. There were but a handful of planes on both sides. However the demands of the conflict meant these overworked aviators were tasked with the full gamut of aviation missions. Initially confined to naval gunfire observation, the Royal Navy and French missions rapidly expanded to include reconnaissance, ground support of the attacking troops as well as logistics interdiction and maritime strike. The Allied contingent even dabbled with engaging in what would later be considered strategic bombing!

The narrative gives the Central Powers solid coverage that includes both the state of the Ottoman air service as well as the German technical missions to the Ottomans that contributed both planes and pilots to the Ottoman war effort.

Heres a book that will appeal to a broad audience. At its core, this is a narrative of how a small group of intrepid aviators faced adversity with strength and ingenuity to innovate against a series of never-ending obstacles. The solutions these aviators fielded resonate over the years as you see similar challenges faced by future generations from the Second World War through the counter insurgency conflicts of our modern age.

In addition to the compelling narrative, the book is a wealth of historical details with robust appendices. One appendix provides biographical snapshots of the key participants on all sides of the campaign. In addition, the aircraft used on both sides are summarized and detailed providing a great jumping off point for the rivet counters looking for quantitative data on the machines used in the conflict.

The last appendix will appeal to scholars and historians. Dr. Pavelec has created an amazing literature review. This review is the result of the author literally scouring the world for material. The review encompasses both mainstream sources as well as material from the archives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Turkey and Australia.

Airpower over Gallipoli does a solid job presenting both the narrative of the campaign as well as the difficulties encountered by the participants. Dr. Pavelec stays focused on his topic with laser-like accuracy. That focus can lead you to believe that the Dardanelles was the only far-flung aviation campaign being waged in the Great War. It would be interesting to see a comparison between the challenges faced by the aviators over Gallipoli with the challenges faced on the other Ottoman front, south of Bagdad. As I read the challenges faced by 3 Squadron RNAS, I could not help but thing of the similar challenges faced by Imperial aviators in Mesopotamia. In addition to fighting the Turks (and Germans) both groups faced a harsh environment, while using second-hand equipment at the end of long supply lines. (See Wings over Mesopotamia: Air War in Iraq 1914-1918, Cross and Cockade International, 2017 for a solid reference)

A weakness in the work is in the maps. A work covering an area outside general familiarity should strive to include clear, detailed maps that convey and reinforce the themes presented in the text. Of the two maps included, only one provides any degree of detail, and that is focused on the naval action in the straits. Unfortunately, the page size of the book works against the maps as these are constrained by the 9 by 6 page size of the book. The result is a lack of coverage that details the topography of the Gallipoli peninsula. Its unfortunate as the narrative stresses how the topography of the peninsula is critical to understanding the nature of the campaign.

A partial solution was using the maps from a commercial board game Geoffrey Phipps, Gallipoli 1915: Churchills Greatest Gamble, published by GMT Games as a reference. Though a board game, the maps provide a detailed analysis of the terrain and clearly depict how the landforms influenced the land battles.

Airpower Over Gallipoli: 1915-1916 is a welcome addition to the literature on the campaign. The book provides solid coverage of the contributions of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and French aviators with reasonable coverage of efforts by the Ottoman Empire. Much of this imbalance reflects the availability  or unavailability  of source materials. A good summary of these challenges is included as part of the literature review.

Dr. Pavelec has clearly laid out the challenges, successes and failures experienced by the aviators on both sides of this campaign. With a clear narrative and generous appendices, this book will appeal to both students of the Great War as well as those with an interest in the evolution of joint operations. The literature review alone makes this book essential reading for students of Great War aviation history. Its a worthy selection to your book shelf.
Tokidoki Traveller - May 08

This hotel is called Hotel Sekitei and it is in Chiba! Just a heads up though, if you wish to visit it is pretty dang difficult. They do not speak english, and you cannot reserve the hotel so you just have to turn up and hope the slide room is available.
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

Online misinformation about the presidential election plummeted after President Donald Trump was suspended from Twitter and several other social media platforms.

Claims of election fraud dropped 73 percent after the ban, according to a new report from research firm Zignal Labs, from 2.5 million mentions to 688,000.

The fastest and biggest decline was on Twitter, which booted the president on January 8, two days after pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the Capitol building on January 6.

Other platforms followed Twitter's lead, including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitch, Snapchat and even Spotify.

Twitter also blocked several Trump supporters including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and 'Stop the Steal' organizer Ali Alexander as well as some 70,000 accounts affiliated with QAnon conspiracy theories.

Scroll down for video

A new report indicated misinformation about voter fraud, ballot tampering and related topics plunged nearly 75 percent after Twitter permanently suspended President Trump from the platform

'Together, those actions will likely significantly reduce the amount of online misinformation in the near term,' Kate Starbird, a professor at the University of Washington who studies crisis informatics and rumors, told The Washington Post.

'What happens in the long term is still up in the air.'

Looking at online chatter between January 9 to 15, Zignal also reported hashtags like #FightforTrump and #HoldTheLine fell more than 95 percent.

'Bottom line is that de-platforming, especially at the scale that occurred last week, rapidly curbs momentum and ability to reach new audiences,' Graham Brookie, director of the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, told the Post.

Zignal Labs also reported that hashtags like #FightforTrump and #HoldTheLine fell more than 95 percent in the seven days after Trump's expulsion from Twitter

'That said, it also has the tendency to harden the views of those already engaged in the spread of that type of false information.'

But on Twitter, Starbird clarified that assigning a precise percentage to something as nebulous as misinformation was 'problematic [and] misleading.'

'This claim ... is missing key context: Twitter suspended 70,000 accounts over this time period; many were active/influential Qanon accounts, not 'key allies,' so one can't make a causal claim from just the Trump suspension.'

She agreed that suspending Trump from Twitter likely made a dent in disinformation on the platform, but said the impact of those mass suspensions still isn't clear 'except that it slowed a certain kind of election fraud discourse.'

Disinformation experts have alleged a few accounts are responsible for the lion's share of lies regarding mail-in voting, ballot tampering and related topics.

A study from October by the Election Integrity Partnership determined that just 20 Twitter accounts  including the president's personal account, @realDonaldTrump  were responsible for 20 percent of retweets furthering voting misinformation.

In the week before and following Election Day, Twitter labeled 300,000 tweets related to the US presidential election 'potentially misleading.'

In the days following the November 3 election, Twitter flagged nearly half of Trump's tweets for containing misleading or inaccurate information.

Critics of the suspensions have claimed they stifle free speech, a key tenet of American democracy.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey defending banning Trump as the 'right decision' but added it sets a dangerous precedent.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said he did not 'celebrate or feel pride' in banning Trump from the platform. Dorsey called it necessary in light of 'an extraordinary and untenable circumstance' but worried it set a troubling precedent of curbing free speech

'I do not celebrate or feel pride' in the ban,' Dorsey wrote in a series of tweets last Wednesday. 'I believe this was the right decision for Twitter. We faced an extraordinary and untenable circumstance, forcing us to focus all of our actions on public safety.'

'Offline harm as a result of online speech is demonstrably real, and what drives our policy and enforcement above all,' he continued.

'Having to take these actions fragment the public conversation. They divide us. They limit the potential for clarification, redemption, and learning. And sets a precedent I feel is dangerous: the power an individual or corporation has over a part of the global public conversation.'

Twitter has been heavily moderating the official @POTUS account, which will be handed over to President-elect Joe Biden after the inauguration on January 20.

The official White House YouTube channel now remains one of the only social media platforms President Trump can access to directly reach the American public.

President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration is set to take place early on Thursday amid strict Covid-19 protocols. Unlike previous inaugurations that have drawn massive crowds to the White House, this is going to be a smaller affair, which will mostly be online.

Given the risks from the pandemic, and a potential threat in light of the recent US Capitol Hill attacks, Biden's inauguration team has urged supporters to stay home.

Bidens inaugural committee, however, has seen massive private donations flowing in from several tech giants and corporates.

Also read: No Trump, Masked Crowd & Lady Gaga on Stage: Why Bidens Inauguration Will Be Like No Other

Heres what you need to know:

 Bidens inauguration committee has been offering different perks for different bands of donation. According to a list put out by the organising committee, its offering VIP donor packages for as much as $1M for corporations and $500k for individuals.

 For individuals, each bracket  the highest being $500k and the lowest $25k  offers different perks. The highest bracket offers virtual signed photographs from the Biden and Kamala Harris, four VIP tickets to a future in-person event for which dates have not been decided, exclusive merchandise among other things. The lowest bracket, meanwhile, offers only a virtual invitation to concerts and the inauguration.

 A list issued by the organising committee has shown big names among the list of donors. Microsoft, Google, Alphabet. Inc, Verizon, Qualcomm and Boeing were among the many big corporations who have donated for the event.

Also read: US Capitol Under Temporary Shut Down Over Fire Days Ahead of Joe Biden's Inauguration Event

Why are donations raising eyebrows?

While the US Congress usually pays for the inauguration with taxpayers money, concerts and other receptions are funded by the inaugural committee of the president. But given that this is going to be a smaller event, it is raising eyebrows because it may create corporate influence in the government.

Bill Halldin, a spokesman for Bank of America, told The New York Times, We have supported inauguration events over many administrations on a nonpartisan basis because we view it as part of our civic commitment for an important national event The private sector has traditionally done so and we expect to provide support for ceremonies in January as appropriate, given the health crisis and other factors that may impact it.

Big money in the form of donations will also give way for lobbyists to influence the government, experts say.

Craig Holman writes in The Hill, Inaugural affairs are a haven for corporations and wealthy special interests to throw money at the feet of the incoming administration and to cozy up with the new president and lawmakers at VIP inaugural festivities offered to the biggest donors. Inauguration after inauguration makes it clear who are these big donors: businesses and wealthy individuals who almost always want something in return from the new administration.

What happens to the surplus money?

Bidens inauguration is likely to cost significantly less than that of Donald Trumps held in 2016. Any surplus funds are usually donated to charities a few months after the inauguration.

Trump's inaugural committee had donated $3 million to organisations involved in hurricane rescue efforts, and $26 million to an event planning firm started by an adviser to the first lady Melania Trump.

It is yet to be established where Bidens team will donate the money.
International Payments Leader Nuvei Partners with Edgar, Dunn & Company to Share Best Practices on Growth Strategies for Travel Operators



MONTREAL, Jan. 19, 2021," a white paper report and survey pinpointing growth strategies for travel operators in the aftermath of the pandemic, driven by payment technology. Produced in collaboration with Edgar, Dunn & Company ("EDC"), with participation from Visa, this comprehensive study contains data, insights and actionable intelligence for the travel sector as it plans its 2021 comeback, including the critical importance of a digital-first strategy, the most effective and innovative payment models to adopt, and what organizational changes could more swiftly catalyze growth opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its related quarantines and travel restrictions dramatically impacted travel industry revenue throughout 2020, leaving related businesses searching for solutions. The recent release of vaccines has signaled a light at the end of the tunnel, providing travel operators with the confidence to put their comeback plans into action. It was with this in mind that Nuvei joined with EDC, an independent, global strategy consulting firm specializing in payments and digital financial services, to produce "Redefining travel payments in the post-COVID-19 era."

The report comprises in-depth insights into current industry pain points and payment-related solutions for the future, interviews with top airlines and online travel agents and an industry-wide survey conducted between September and November 2020, as well as analysis of the results. It highlights changing customer expectations that necessitate new strategies for success, including leveraging payment technology to a greater extent than before and designed to support merchants in their recovery.

"After a difficult year of global travel restrictions, we are confident that travel businesses will be bouncing back to cater to pent-up public demand," said Philip Fayer, Nuvei's chairman and CEO, Nuvei. "Payment technology is an indispensable tool for optimizing revenue, and for travel-related businesses in 2021 it's a strategic growth and recovery driver, ensuring more customer journeys on their platforms end in bookings."

"The travel industry had to adapt quickly to the negative impacts of the pandemic, reviewing their internal payment tools and organization, processes, partners and solutions," said Pascal Burg, director at Edgar, Dunn & Company. "All players are now preparing for the rebound. Payment is a key lever to support OTAs' and airlines' priorities related to cash-flow preservation and revenue generation. Adapting to this new era will require merchants to leverage industry best practices and have a clear payment strategy, which we hope this white paper will help define."

To download the full whitepaper, visit: https://try.nuvei.com/twp02.

About Nuvei

We are Nuvei.

About Edgar, Dunn & Company

Edgar, Dunn & Company is an independent strategy consulting firm founded in 1978. Our two fundamental principles of client service are to provide deep expertise in payments and digital financial services that enhances our clients' perspectives, and to deliver actionable advice that enables our clients to create measurable, sustainable change in their organisations.

Contact:

Investor Relations

NuveiIR@icrinc.com

Public Relations

Nuvei-PR@icrinc.com
An initiative to form a supermarket coalition is being developed with the support of the EU and the German Government, aiming to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags and protect the environment.

According to Fanny Quertamp from Expertise France, the project is a chance for Vietnam to take specific action to cut plastic waste, and she expressed her hope that the project will receive the active engagement of supermarkets around the country.

As part of efforts to implement the initiative, Hanoi is working with relevant agencies towards the formation of the coalition. The city has received support from local supermarkets.

A representative from Lotte Mart Ba Dinh said that foreign customers strongly support the scheme and are willing to pay for environmentally-friendly shopping bags. Many Vietnamese customers, however, are not happy, so stronger communication campaigns are needed to raise public awareness.

A BigC representative said the scheme should be introduced at all supermarkets to ensure fairness and proposed legal regulations on reductions to plastic waste and single-use plastic bags.

In order to minimise the use of such bags, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade held a working session with the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

According to the department, 140 out of 170 supermarkets and trade centres in Hanoi have switched from plastic shopping bags to bio-degradable bags and multi-use shopping bags.

The majority of facilities use food packaging materials made of bagasse and natural materials.

Meanwhile, many retail and distribution businesses have offered promotions to customers who use their own shopping bags.

The VinCommerce General Commercial Service JSC, the owner of VinMart and VinMart , has been among the pioneers in encouraging green shopping habits by implementing the Three green programme - Green VinMart, Green Customers, and Green Suppliers - to protect the environment. It has 2,200 retail points around the country, including 850 in Hanoi.

Environmental experts, however, said the habit of using plastic bags continues among a large number of shoppers, especially at traditional markets./.VNA
Select group of institutional investors including Desjardins Group as strategic anchor investor

Operationally driven strategy with Potentia Renewables and Nautilus Solar Energy

One of the key platforms for Power Sustainable's investment strategy

MONTREAL, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Power Sustainable Capital Inc. ("Power Sustainable"), a global multi-platform alternative asset manager focused on long-term investments in sustainable strategies, announced the launch of the Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Partnership ("the Partnership"), an investment platform with an initial $1B dedicated to the renewable energy sector, including a significant sponsorship commitment from Power Sustainable.

Fact sheet about the Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Partnership (CNW Group/Power Sustainable)

Power Sustainable is joined by a group of select founding partners led by Desjardins Group, including Great-West Lifeco, National Bank of Canada and Apres-demain SA.

Power Sustainable and its partners are creating an investment platform with broad project development expertise and operating capabilities in renewable energy. Through Potentia Renewables and Nautilus Solar Energy, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Power Sustainable and leading integrated owner-operators of high-quality renewable energy assets, the Partnership will invest in the development, construction, financing and operation of renewable energy assets across North America.

Committed to decarbonization and driven by patient capital

The Partnership will benefit from Power Sustainable's disciplined yet agile approach as well as its patient capital philosophy.

"This is a landmark moment for Power Sustainable, and the first of several projects we intend to bring to the sustainable investment marketplace in the coming years. This new and unique partnership approach leverages decades of sound investment practices and is a true alignment of convictions from all parties involved. I look forward to this collaboration with our co-investors on this exciting journey," says Olivier Desmarais, Chairman and CEO of Power Sustainable. "We share one goal at Power Sustainable: becoming a leading force for sustainable change. This is the kind of impact we seek and this is why we are committing our own funds to this endeavour."

From climate change to diversity, inclusion and good corporate governance, Power Sustainable believes that today's investment strategies must embrace those principles which are fundamental to sustainable value creation and to future global economic prosperity. The Partnership's existing and future investments in large multistage renewable energy projects will adhere to these guiding principles and contribute to the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon global economy.

"Sustainable development is in Desjardins Group's DNA," says Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. "With this major investment in green infrastructure in Canada and the US we show our commitment to the fight against climate change. It is our largest participation in wind and solar farms to date. I am particularly proud of this Desjardins Group's investment to contribute to a lower-carbon environment. We can go further together."

The Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Partnership will be led by co-managing partners Pierre Larochelle and Pierre-Olivier Perras. Before joining Power Sustainable, Mr. Larochelle was President and CEO of Power Energy Corporation (a subsidiary of Power Sustainable) and previously, Vice-President, Investments of Power Corporation. Pierre-Olivier Perras first joined Power Energy in 2019 after over twenty years at BMO Capital Markets, where he held various leadership positions including, in his last role, Head of the Power, Utilities and Infrastructure Investment Banking group.

"Potentia Renewables and Nautilus Solar Energy are remarkable operating platforms and are becoming significant change agents in the renewable energy landscape in North America. Together with our founding partners' support, we have all the winning elements to establish a leading operational-driven investment platform that stays ahead of market trends and creates sustainable long-term value for our investors and the communities where we operate," say Pierre Larochelle and Pierre-Olivier Perras, Co-Managing Partners, Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Partnership.

About Power Sustainable

Power Sustainable is a global multi-platform alternative asset manager with a long-term investment approach focused on sustainable strategies. It has offices in Montreal, Toronto, Shanghai, Beijing and New Jersey. Power Sustainable is comprised of three platforms: the Pacific platform invests in the China equity markets, seeking high-quality, sustainable business models with a fundamentals-based, research-driven investment process; the Energy Infrastructure platform invests in the development, construction and operations of renewable energy infrastructure assets in North America; and private equity investments in Lion Electric and Lumenpulse. The company leverages its investment capabilities and those of its partners to build projects of significance that benefit the planet, assure steady growth and create long-term value. Power Sustainable is a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada. For more information, visit www.powersustainable.com

Investor contact

David Gagnon

Power Sustainable Capital

[email protected]



Media contact

Laurent Therrien

Power Sustainable Capital

[email protected]

514-605-4130

SOURCE Power Sustainable


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar power continued to grow in North Carolina in 2020 with more Duke Energy customers using solar power than ever before.

Driven by the company's five-year, $62 million solar rebate program, which helps pay for the significant upfront costs of solar systems, about 5,500 Duke Energy customers installed private solar systems at their homes and businesses in 2020. Today, more than 18,000 Duke Energy customers have a private solar system.

"Our customers want more renewable energy and Duke Energy is making that a reality for them," said Stephen De May, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "We're also connecting large-scale solar plants  owned and operated by Duke Energy and other developers."

During 2020, Duke Energy connected almost 350 megawatts of solar power capacity, which could power roughly 60,000 homes. Major projects in 2020 included Duke Energy's 69-megawatt (MW) Maiden Creek solar facility in Catawba County and the 25-MW Gaston County solar facility in Bessemer City.

Duke Energy owns and operates more than 40 solar facilities in North Carolina. The state is a national leader for solar power  trailing only California and Texas in the amount of solar power produced. Overall, Duke Energy has more than 3,700 MW of solar energy connected to its energy grid in the state.

The outlook for future solar power in North Carolina looks promising. In 2020, Duke Energy and most of the major solar industry developers in the Carolinas agreed to a defined process and timeline by which a substantial additional amount of new solar generation will be connected to the Duke Energy distribution system.

"Working with stakeholders will lead to more renewable energy in North Carolina at better prices for customers," added De May. "Renewable energy will be a cornerstone of Duke Energy as we seek to reduce carbon emissions and generate cleaner energy."

Almost 60% of Duke Energy's generation in the Carolinas is carbon-free, with nuclear, solar and hydroelectric power being the leading sources of carbon-free generation.

Duke Energy helped large customers go solar in 2020 with its Green Source Advantage program. The City of Charlotte, Bank of America and Duke University are all pursuing new solar projects under the company's program, which allows large energy users to negotiate directly with solar developers on independent solar projects.

Duke Energy is also getting innovative with new solar projects. At the U.S. Army's Fort Bragg, the company plans to build a 1.1-MW floating solar system as part of a $36 million energy services effort, which will also include infrastructure modernization, lighting and water upgrades, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and boiler system improvements. The floating solar project will be on Big Muddy Lake located at Camp Mackall.

It's not just the Carolinas where Duke Energy is expanding renewable energy. In 2019, Duke Energy met its companywide goal of owning and contracting for 8,000 MW of wind, solar and biomass generation around the nation.

In 2020, the company set a new goal of doubling that figure by 2025. Today, the company has a portfolio of roughly 57,000 MW of generation, which includes all fuel sources.

About Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit's regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states  North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states  North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2020 "World's Most Admired Companies" list, and Forbes' 2019 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Randy Wheeless

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DE_RandyW

SOURCE Duke Energy

Related Links

www.duke-energy.com


Nearly two years ago, when the Philly Shipyard bid farewell to a massive container ship it constructed, the workforce was dwindling and the pressure to find new orders was growing.

A yard that typically employed 1,200 workers had fewer than 100 in 2019 and 2020. Would it bounce back?

Then, last April, the winds shifted, bringing a welcomed announcement: The shipyard won a contract from Tote Services, which is overseeing the building of up to five vessels for the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Now that project is ramping up and hundreds of laborers will be back on the job in 2021, says the companys CEO, Steinar Nerbovik.

About 200 employees, largely in engineering, purchasing, finance and planning roles, are at the shipyard now, Nerbovik said. Hell gradually increase the production workforce. We expect to be at 800 by the end of the year and closer to 1,400 people working in 2022.

So far, the government has requested four ships, formally known as national security multi-mission vessels, which are destined as training ships at state maritime academies, but can also be used in disaster relief operations. On Tuesday, the shipyard announced finalized orders for the third and fourth vessels, in what is expected to be a $1.5 billion program. The average cost for each ship, which can hold 600 cadets, comes to about $300 million.

We saw the clouds in 18, 19 and 20, Nerbovik said, but now the sun is shining.

Over the last two decades, Philly Shipyard, located in the Navy Yard, built a series of container ships and tankers for the commercial market. By law, ships that transport goods between two points in the United States must also be constructed in the U.S.  but that market is only so big, and building demand has peaks and valleys.

So the shipyards fortunes have now intersected with a federal government project more than a decade in the making, and one that officials at the U.S. Department of Transportation see as a vital investment in the American maritime industry.

Some training ships at the countrys maritime academies are more than 50 years old. Graduates from those schools go onto careers not only at sea, but also in logistics and supply chain management, and at ports and shipyards.

We owe it to our youth to give them the most modern training platforms, said Kevin Tokarski, associate administrator for strategic sealift at the Maritime Administration.

The new vessels, he said, will ensure that weve got people that are going into, what I would say is, the critical lifeline of our nations economy, that support our trade and the ability to move goods and products in and around the country.

The Maritime Administration is hardly a high-profile federal agency. Housed within the Transportation Department, the agency supports industry and infrastructure for American shipping.

As part of that mission, the agency runs a fleet of 41 ready reserve ships that transport military cargo and help FEMA in delivering disaster relief. The agency also provides ships to six state maritime academies that train merchant marines.

The academies long had made do with hand-me-down ships. But in 2008, agency officials started making a case to build new, state-of-the-art vessels. So began an odyssey of navigating the proposal through Washington.

There were a lot of people who said, itll never happen, Tokarski said, because weve never invested in shipbuilding like this for this purpose.

The concept ultimately came together during the Trump administration, with backing from then-Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

Pennsylvania members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, along with labor leaders for the metal trades, championed the shipyard as its order book remained empty  and pushed for the funding of the Maritime Administration ships on Capitol Hill.

Everybody wanted to preserve the manufacturing footprint of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and the question was how to get it done, said labor leader Jimmy Hart, president of the metal trades department at the AFL-CIO. He invited workers down to Washington and walked them around the halls of Congress.

When people see a human side of this, the legislators, it gets their attention, Hart said. And thats the best you can do in Washington is get somebodys attention.

Many pieces had to fall into place, Hart said, to secure both congressional appropriations and jobs in Philly: a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Senate, support from the White House, and a competitive price offered by the shipyard. Steinar and his team, they never gave up hope, and they worked very hard on their end to make sure the numbers came in, Hart said.

Hourly wages for union workers at the yard range from $16 at entry level, to $31 or more, according to Lou Agre, president of the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council. A thousand blue-collar jobs is very important to the economy of the city, he said.

Nine trades with a union contract at the shipyard include boilermakers, sheet metal workers, iron workers, painters, plumbers, electrical workers, asbestos workers, laborers, and operating engineers. With each phase of building a ship, more people get called back.

The government contract itself is a new model that shifts day-to-day management of the project to private industry. The Maritime Administration contracted with Tote Services to oversee building as the vessel construction manager, and Tote hired Philly Shipyard through a competitive bidding process.

That model is meant to keep costs down, through a fixed-price contract that includes penalties for delays.

For Philly Shipyard, the project is helping to diversify its business. While Nerbovik is by no means ruling out a return to building commercial ships, he is looking to win more government business.

Between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, the government has huge needs for various types of ships, Nerbovik said. With construction for the Maritime Administration fleet, we are now taking the first step in that direction.

Seeing Philly Shipyard set up for future success would also be a win for the Maritime Administration.

My wish is that when we get done here with this fleet, theyve got work thats in the order books, Tokarski said, and thats going to keep going, and people have seen and learned that the shipyard can do good government shipbuilding.
[January 19, 2021] CFO Systems Continues to Grow Nationwide

OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CFO Systems has added Jim Harshman, John Lomoro, and Chris Whitlow to its nationwide team of 40-plus professionals focused on helping our clients grow. The CFO Systems team has extensive experience leading the accounting, finance, and human resources operations for organizations of all sizes. Each of the new team members will serve different sectors within the US middle market. Jim Harshman is an accounting and finance executive with over 30 years of experience leading the Accounting and Finance departments for privately held and publicly traded U.S. and international companies. Coupled with his extensive experience leading Information Technology and Human Resources departments, Jim has also developed, managed, and enhanced the financial performance of companies through financial analyses, strategic planning, process streamlining, expense reduction, and increased operational efficiencies. He holds CPA and CM certificates.



John Lomoro is a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of experience. He has held senior financial positions in such diverse industries as SaaS/software, manufacturing, pharma, and high tech. John's career has included roles within a Big Four accounting firm and stints working with rapidly- growing small- to medium-sized companies as well as large multi-billion-dollar companies. Additionally, he has international operations experience in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and he has collaborated with C-level personnel on strategic and operational goals. Christopher Whitlow is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience. He has held positions ranging from tax preparation to consulting to financial leadership. Chris's career has included roles at a CPA firm, an engineering company, and several SaaS companies.

Jim is based in Omaha, John is an addition to a recently established San Diego office, and Chris is located in Atlanta. "We are excited to welcome more talented members to our team," said Brett Frevert, CFO Systems Managing Director. "Adding to our presence in San Diego and launching operations in Atlanta keep us in line with our goals for expansion. We are excited to continue our growth while increasing value to our diverse clientele." CFO Systems is a nationwide company founded in 2005 to provide practical, experienced financial and human resources leadership to middle-market companies. The firm was named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, CFO Systems serves clients nationwide while working either on-site or remotely. Visit www.cfosystemsllc.com or call 402-884-0066. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cfo-systems-continues-to-grow-nationwide-301211126.html SOURCE CFO Systems

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IMB Partners, a leading private investment firm, has announced their recapitalization and growth equity investment in Richmond Wholesale Meat Company. Founded in Richmond, California in 1959 by the Doellstedt family, Richmond is a leading food manufacturer and global exporter to the US military. Richmond is led by the second generation of the founding Doellstedt family with 55 employees, and is supported by a deep, experienced management team that has had longevity at the company.

"As a family-owned business for more than 60 years, we take pride in putting our customers first  aiming to carry out the slogan 'To serve you is our pleasure'. We will continue this approach as Richmond embarks on this new partnership with IMB," said Rich Doellstedt, CEO of Richmond. "We are aligned culturally and have a common vision for the future of the military food space  which will magnify our comprehensive value!"

The Company's Richmond Peak Quality brand (the second-largest military food brand, behind Tyson Foods), has supported the Subsistence Prime Vendors ("SPV") Program of the US Defense Logistics Agency ("DLA") for more than 25 years. This DLA program provides food to US troops stationed both domestically and around the world. Richmond has a proven track record and assists SPVs with top quality products, on-time delivery, and high fill rates.

"IMB is excited about this investment and its partnership with the Doellstedt family and the management team and we look forward to facilitating Richmond's continued innovation and growth. It is also an honor and a privilege to be a leading food supplier to the US military and the troops," said Tarrus Richardson, CEO of IMB Partners.

DCA Partners and Flaherty Capital Markets served as financial advisors to Richmond. DCA Partners is a boutique investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services throughout the Western United States and Flaherty Capital Markets is a private investment bank specializing in M&A and capital raising services, nationally, to the agribusiness and food & beverage industries. PNC Bank and Prudential Private Capital collaborated with IMB Partners as the lending partners in this acquisition. PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the U.S.

About IMB Partners:

Founded in 2010, IMB Partners (IMB) is a private equity independent sponsor focused on making control acquisitions and partnering with management teams to grow lower middle market companies serving government agencies and electric and gas utilities. IMB's investment in Richmond continues to build momentum in the military food space following the 2016 acquisition of Alder Foods, which sells and distributes seafood and national grocery brands to the military around the world. IMB believes that diversity is an advantage and is focused on building large minority-business enterprises (MBEs) of scale. IMB seeks platform investment targets with $5-$25 million in EBITDA and will go as low as $1 million in EBITDA for add-on investments. Learn more at imbpartners.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Prudential Private Capital:

Founded in 1925, Prudential is a private investment firm that provides debt and equity capital to middle market businesses in a variety of sectors including distribution and logistics, manufacturing and industrials, businesses services, consumer products and services and financial services. Prudential seeks to invest between $10 million and $150+ million in companies with $8-50+ million in EBITDA. Prudential has 14 global offices and over $97 billion of private credit and equity AUM in more than 1,000 companies worldwide (primarily North America, Western Europe, and Australia). Prudential operates as a subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc., with over $1.3 trillion AUM. Prudential is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

Media Contact:

Karen Lewis

Going Public PR

(323) 424-9400

[email protected] .

SOURCE IMB Partners
Last week Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Partner Foxconn and Zhejang Geely have formed a Joint Venture Company to Revolutionize the Automotive Industry." The report noted that Apple Inc.s Taiwanese manufacturing partner Foxconn Technology Group is setting up a car venture with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, strengthening its automotive capabilities at a time when technology companies including Apple are looking to expand into vehicles. Geely is parent company of brands including Volvo Cars, Lynk and others.

Today, another potentially important announcement was made that could be good for Apple's Project Titan. It's being reported today that Hon Hai Group Chief Technology Officer Wei Guozhang stated that more than 400 manufacturers have joined the MIH electric vehicle platform alliance promoted by Hon Hai.

Through the three characteristics of software definition, separation of software and hardware, and open ecology, the current bottleneck of electric vehicle development has been solved.

Wei Guozhang has been in the United States for more than 20 years. His past is most interesting in that he was the only Chinese core software member in NeXT Computer founded by one of Apple's founders, Steve Jobs. After Apple acquired NeXT, Wei Guozhang entered Apple with the Jobs team and developed iOS and Mac OS X.

Currently, Wei Guozhang has joined the MIH Alliance as the chief technical officer of Hon Hai, leading the MIH software platform.

Wei Guozhang was invited to participate in the World Economic Forum today to share the progress of Hon Hai's MIH electric vehicle platform. He revealed that more than 400 manufacturers have joined the MIH electric vehicle open platform alliance promoted by Hon Hai.

Wei Guozhang pointed out that the most important concept of the MIH open platform is to ensure the real-time and safety of the system. Among them, the first "EV Kit" is opened to provide the alliance system developer Drive-by-wire's car platform.

The platform will open car-side communication information (CAN communication protocol), allowing developers to develop on autonomous driving, smart cockpits and power systems. In the future, MIH alliance members can participate in alliance discussions and specification formulation after they own the first EV Kit.

Hon Hai announced the MIH electric vehicle software and hardware open platform and key components in mid-October last year, with the goal of becoming the Android system in the electric vehicle industry.

Lastly, the report noted that "The market also highly anticipates that Hon Hai's MIH platform will have the opportunity to cut into the future Apple Car supply chain."

With Wei Guozhang background, the software foundation of the vehicle platform is likely to be macOS, iOS friendly and unofficially, in tune with Apple's Project Titan at this early stage. At this stage it's a little difficult to read too much into this development, though it certainly sounds promising for Project Titan.
After health care professionals, Turkey on Tuesday started vaccinating residents and workers in care and nursing homes against COVID-19.

People staying and working at official and private care homes, disabled care centers, and nursing homes under the ambit of the Family, Labor and Social Services Ministry received the first dose of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.

People 90 and above, who are staying at their homes, are also among the second group of people to be vaccinated, Anadolu Agency reported.

The program is planned to be completed in a week with inoculation of a total of 87,120 people including 18,450 personnel, 30,000 disabled people in care homes, 14,470 personnel and 24,200 elderly people in the nursing homes.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday that according to the schedule, the inoculation of Turkeys health care workers will be completed by Wednesday.

The first batch of 3 million doses of the vaccine developed by Chinas Sinovac arrived in Turkey on Dec. 30.

In addition to health care workers, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other top officials were also vaccinated to encourage the public.
Cops seize 260 kg Ganja meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka, 3 held

Ramanathapuram, Jan 18 (UNI) In a major seizure, the Ramanathapuram district police on Monday seized 260 kg Ganja meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka at Kenikarai and arrested three persons in this connection.

Police sources said acting on specific inputs, the police team raided the house of M.Navas Khan of Nehru Nagar and found the narcotic substance packed in several polythene bags. An electronic weighing machine and several polythene bags meant for stuffing Ganja were also seized from the house.

The police arrested Navas Khan and his two sons Washim Khan and Abdul Washid in this connection.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) says there are currently 18,000 farmers who are not achieving the 5% reduction requirement in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme and the discrepancy could see them having to hand back as much as 40m out of 77m in the scheme as a result.

The organisations president, Tim Cullinan said the requirement was flawed in the first instance and the matter has been worsened because marts have been curtailed under Covid-19 restrictions and farmers are unable to engage as normal with their advisers.

This must be recognised, Mr Cullinan added before pointing out that he had a constructive and frank discussion with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue on the 5% reduction in BEAM earlier this week.

77m paid to 33,000 beef and suckler farmers for the market disruption between September 2018 and May 2019 caused by the devaluation of sterling arising from the Brexit vote must be safeguarded.

The primary objective must be to get a speedy resolution to this issue that protects this vital support for farmers, and avoids any market disruption caused by farmers trying to play catch up to meet the 5% reduction.

Meanwhile, Declan Hanrahan, Vice Chairman of the IFA Livestock Committee highlighted how the period of time over which farmers were expected to reduce their stock numbers has been severely disrupted by Covid-19 controls and Brexit uncertainty.

Under this cloud, its unreasonable to expect farmers to make these changes to their farming practices, he continued.

Over this time, the mart service, which is the trusted and most used means for animal sales for farmers, operated in a very different and challenging environment for farmers and mart managers.

The ability of farmers to meet this measure was further impeded by the lack of clear, up to date and easy to follow guidance on herd performance in meeting the target from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the constraints through Covid-19 controls on engaging with their farm advisers.

Under the circumstances, its unreasonable to expect suckler and beef farmers to make fundamental changes to their farming systems to meet the 5% reduction requirement.

We have to avoid a situation where farmers who signed up to the scheme in good faith are penalised when they cannot meet the conditions due to the extreme circumstances.
The US Capitol complex was shut down for about an hour on Monday out of an abundance of caution after a small fire broke out nearby, underscoring security jitters days before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

The Capitol Police in a statement said the lockdown was lifted and the fire nearby was contained.

"Out of an abundance of caution the US Capitol complex was temporarily shutdown. There is no threat to the public," the US Secret Service said on Twitter.

The lockdown follows the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump, some calling for the death of Republican Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the certification of Democrat Biden's November election victory.

The Capitol Police earlier said that as a precautionary measure its acting chief shut down the complex, which consists of the Capitol, its grounds and several buildings.

The city's fire department posted on Twitter that firefighters put out a fire outside near the Capitol complex.

"There were no injuries," the department said. "This accounts for smoke that many have seen."

Participants in the rehearsal for Biden's inauguration were held in the Capitol rotunda and other indoor areas, according to a Reuters witness. Biden will be sworn in on Wednesday.

Also read: US Capitol complex shut down temporarily due to fire nearby
AMHERST  Amherst Pelham Education Association, the bargaining unit representing teachers, is not commenting on whether they will actually file unfair labor practice charges against the school committees that govern the district  who directed the superintendent last week to commence in-person learning starting in February.

The APEA told The Republican on Monday, Right now, the APEA doesnt have a comment.

The APEA union is an affiliate of Massachusetts Teachers Association, or MTA.

Last week the APEA said, We may need to file an unfair labor practice charge  following the school boards decision directing Superintendent Michael Morris to develop and implement a plan for the return of in-person learning, with the goal of having at least some students being taught on campus by next month.

This idea was unanimously approved during a joint meeting of Amherst School Committee, Amherst-Pelham School Committee, and Pelham School Committees on Jan. 12.

The next day, the APEA said: We will be reaching out to MTA for clarification, but as of now we are seeing this as a direct violation of our MOA, and an end run around any fruitful work with the district.

The MOA is a Memorandum of Agreement the parties signed in September.

It includes safety protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection while at work inside the school buildings.

The MOA requires all-remote teaching when the positivity rate exceed 2.8% in the region, which has been the case since October  when the seven days of in-person learning for first grade and kindergarten ended after only seven days of it.

Otherwise, the district has been all-remote for K-12 since school started on Sept. 15.

The metrics defining the 2.8% threshold are based on a weekly, rolling average of current COVID-19 cases in Hampshire County, which accounts for 80% of the weighted average towards this threshold, and 10% each from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

During a joint meeting Thursday of the school committees and the APEA, union president Lamicko Magee said, I think we have been moving forward pretty well . . . We are really looking forward to building a working relationship with school committee.

This meeting was organized to try and smooth over disputes between school board and union on in-person learning.

The district wants changes to an agreement the parties signed in September; the union has declined.

The parties began meeting last week  following protestations by hundreds of parents the past few months, who say their children are getting short-changed by all-remote learning, and have accused the district and union of ignoring the needs of students.

These labor and management meetings, which are not actual negotiations, are intended to build confidence between the parties, with a goal of finding some common ground  and to air their respective beefs with the other side.

A third such meeting is being scheduled.

On Thursday, Magee said the union felt side swiped by the school boards directive to Morris to implement in-person learning with teachers that voluntarily agree to teach in the classrooms.

She also spoke of the emotional, psychological, pedagogical and social toll, since March, on her and those in her community of Amherst and beyond.

We have so much trauma that were managing, Magee said.

Referring to bringing students back to campus, she said: we have to do this in a thoughtful way, adding: when our students are back in the building, what are we going to be providing? . . . we are all feeling a little bit broken.

During Thursdays meeting, in response to the criticisms from union officials, school committee members said they are disappointed the union has refused to renegotiate the MOA.

School committee members said parents are removing their children from the district  because there is no in-person learning  and that is of great concern.

Related:
(Natural News) Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to launch a global effort to push back against big tech censorship.

This move comes after major tech companies decided to deplatform President Donald Trump. Lopez Obrador said that his administration has already begun reaching out to other governments to form a united front on the issue.

In a speech on Thursday, Jan. 14, Lopez Obrador criticized the nearly unchecked power of big tech companies, arguing that they should not be able to suppress free speech.

I can tell you that at the first G20 meeting we have, I am going to make a proposal on this issue, said Lopez Obrador. Yes, social media should not be used to incite violence and all that, but this cannot be used as a pretext to suspend freedom of expression.

How can a company act as if it was all-powerful, omnipotent, as a sort of Spanish Inquisition on what is expressed? he added.

Twitter has permanently banned Trump from their platform while Facebook and Instagram have prevented him from posting at least until after the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (Related: Twitter insider records CEO Jack Dorsey laying out roadmap for future political censorship  we are focused on one account [President Trump] right now, but this is going to be much bigger than just one account.)

I do not celebrate or feel pride in our having to ban @realDonaldTrump from Twitter, or how we got here, wrote Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in a series of messages talking about the companys decision to censor the president. After a clear warning wed take this action, we made a decision with the best information we had based on threats to physical safety both on and off Twitter. Was this correct?

We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great, said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a post.

Some of the other companies that have banned Trump and his supporters are YouTube, Google, Twitch, Reddit, Snapchat, Tiktok, Pinterest and Shopify.

Its like a censorship court is being created, said Lopez Obrador on Jan. 8 during his daily online press briefing. Like the Holy Inquisition for the management of public opinion.

Listen to this special Situation Update breaking news episode of the Health Ranger Report, a podcast by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he talks about a variety of topics, including the fact that mainstream media network CNN was complicit in the unrest at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and how Dorsey has a long-term plan to censor conservatives from his platform.

Lopez Obrador creating an international alliance to fight big tech censorship

Lopez Obradors international alliance-building effort is being led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard.

Given that Mexico, through our president, has spoken out, we immediately made contact with others who think the same, said Ebrard, who noted that he has been in touch with high-ranking government officials from Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa and even several countries in the European Union like France and Germany.

The presidents orders are to make contact with all of them, share this concern and work on coming up with a joint proposal, added Ebrard. We will see what is proposed.

Lopez Obrador has not specified what the plan to fight against big tech is. But his plans likely include regulating social media platforms or switching to one that is more committed to free speech. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, he posted an invitation on his Facebook page for his followers to switch to Telegram.

Presidential spokesman Jesus Ramirez Cuevas said that Lopez Obradors Telegram account has been open for a while now, and he tried to suggest in front of the press that the switch to the encrypted messaging service was not related to the actions by big tech platforms against Trump.

Ramirez Cuevas spoke in length about how Lopez Obrador understood the power of social media, as it allowed the president to get information quickly and to express opinions freely.

The mass use of social media has allowed his message to get through, when before it was blocked by traditional news media.

Lopez Obrador believes traditional news media in Mexico is biased against him, and he has often lambasted them for broadcasting fake news against him.

Trump and Lopez Obrador have a close relationship. Both believe that private companies should not have the right to decide who can speak, and during one of Trumps first public appearances since the unrest on Jan. 6, he praised his Mexican counterpart extensively, calling him a great friend.

I want to thank him for his friendship and his professional working relationship, said Trump. He is a man who really knows whats happening, he loves his country and he also loves the United States.

Multiple world leaders speak up against censorship and deplatforming of Trump

Lopez Obrador is not the only foreign leader to speak out against big tech censorship. Other world leaders have come out against the deplatforming of the leaders of the free world.

This should be decided by citizens, not by a CEO, said Clement Beaune, the French Secretary of State for European Union Affairs. But yes, Im shocked by the fact that it is now entirely in private hands. It cannot be in private hands only.

Beaune argued that a public framework of regulation must be implemented in which social media platforms can argue in front of a government body made up of regular citizens and elected officials over what content violates the law. The minister argues that this panel should also be given the final say over what content stays up and what gets removed.

French Minister of Finance Bruno Le Maire said the responsibility to regulate content online should not fall on corporations with nearly unchecked power.

The regulation of digital giants cannot be done by the digital oligarchy itself, said Lemaire, adding that big tech corporations were one of the threats to democracy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the actions against Trump problematic.

Steffen Seibert, Merkels spokesman, said that the chancellor values freedom of speech and opinion very highly, considering it an essential right of elementary significance.

This fundamental right can be intervened in, but according to the law and within the framework defined by legislators, not according to a decision by the [senior management teams] of social media platforms, said Seibert.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called for the European Union to create new regulations that would curtail the power of big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. While he did not mention Trump directly, he argued that the owners of corporate giants should not decide which views are right and which are not.

Seen from this angle, the chancellor considers it problematic that the accounts of the U.S. president have now been permanently blocked, he said as he spoke with reporters in Berlin.

Other world leaders have pointed to the supposedly biased enforcement of terms and regulations on Twitter and other social media sites.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack asked Twitter why they were blocking Trump  which he said amounts to censorship  while refusing to take down a supposedly doctored photograph being spread by Australias enemies that show an Australian soldier beheading an Afghan child.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, said that the situation online cannot be normal because authoritarian leaders like Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro are still on social media, but democratically elected people like Trump are not.

Learn more about how people are coming together to fight against the power of big tech in light of the massive censorship and deplatforming campaign against Trump by reading the latest articles at TechGiants.news.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

APNews.com

Bloomberg.com

NYPost.com
[January 19, 2021] Vallon Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentation of ADAIR Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Data at the Virtual 2021 APSARD Annual Meeting

ADAIR demonstrated bioequivalence to immediate release (IR) d-AMPH when administered orally and appears to be less desirable to recreational drug abusers when snorted compared to currently available IR dextroamphetamine



ADAIR to enter pivotal intranasal abuse study to support future NDA filing as an alternative to commercially available IR amphetamines in the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy PHILADELPHIA, PA, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vallon Pharmaceuticals Inc., (Vallon or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel drugs for CNS disorders, today announced the presentation of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data from two studies evaluating its investigational new drug, A buse D eterrent A mphetamine I mmediate R elease (ADAIR), at the 2021 American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) Annual Meeting which was held virtually January 15-17, 2021. The presentation titled, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies of an Abuse Deterrent Formulation of Dextroamphetamine was delivered on Friday, January 15th in the Novel Pharmacology and Technology Approaches to the Non-Medical Use of Stimulants symposia by Timothy Wilens, M.D., chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is co-director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rapid absorption and higher peak concentrations of stimulants from both intranasal (IN) and intravenous (IV) use are especially concerning due to higher adverse events and abuse liability compared to oral routes. ADAIR is a novel oral formulation of IR (immediate release) dextroamphetamine that is specifically designed to limit abuse by snorting or injecting, currently under development for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and arcolepsy.



There remains a clear unmet need for products that can treat ADHD effectively while attending to the significant problem of stimulant misuse. The results from these two early studies are encouraging for continued evaluation of ADAIR and its potential to address stimulant misuse that is problematic with currently available immediate release amphetamines, commented Dr. Wilens. The results presented included data from two completed studies. The first study enrolled 24 subjects and was designed to compare the PK of d-AMPH from ADAIR 10 mg to IR d-AMPH 10 mg administered orally. The geometric LS means and the 90% confidence intervals of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-8 all met predefined acceptance criteria, thereby demonstrating bioequivalence between the ADAIR and d-AMPH.

The second study was designed to assess the safety, PK, and PD of manipulated ADAIR 30 mg compared to crushed IR d-AMPH 30 mg administered intranasally (snorted) in non-dependent recreational stimulant users. The primary PD endpoint was mean maximum drug liking (Emax) on a visual analog scale (VAS). Thirty-two subjects entered the qualification phase, and 16 qualified subjects (e.g., ability to discriminate stimulants) entered and completed the treatment phase. Safety was assessed via adverse events, vital signs, ECGs, safety labs and ratings of suicidality. The primary PD endpoint demonstrated manipulated intranasal ADAIR had significant reduction in drug liking (p<0.0001) compared with intranasal d-AMPH. Similarly, good drug effects were also lower for manipulated intranasal ADAIR (p=0.0016). Manipulated intranasal ADAIR demonstrated more negative effects particularly on the SRAII (Subject-Rated Assessment of Nasal Irritation) scale (e.g., nasal burning, discharge, and congestion) compared to intranasal d-AMPH (ps<0.05). All other PD endpoints reflected abuse-deterrent properties for intranasal ADAIR relative to intranasal d-AMPH (e.g., Take Drug Again, High, Subjective Drug Value). The safety profile of ADAIR in each of the two studies was consistent with known adverse effects of stimulants with no new safety or tolerability signals identified. The results presented from these two studies showed that ADAIR is bioequivalent to IR d-AMPH when administered orally, appears to be less desirable to recreational drug abusers when snorted compared to currently available IR dextroamphetamine, and support further investigation of ADAIR as a potential, abuse-deterrent IR alternative in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. About ADAIR ADAIR (Abuse Deterrent Amphetamine Immediate Release) is an investigational new drug; a novel, patented formulation of dextroamphetamine designed to deter attempts to crush and snort it or take it by other non-oral routes that can produce a greater high. Dextroamphetamine has been used clinically for more than fifty years. It is the same active ingredient used in FDA-approved products, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. ADAIR is not approved by the FDA. About Vallon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Vallon Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The Company is focused on the development of new medications to help patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The Companys lead investigational product candidate, ADAIR, is a novel formulation of amphetamine immediate release being developed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. For more information about the company, please visit www.vallon-pharma.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter . *Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Investor Contact:

JTC Team, LLC

Jenene Thomas

(833) 475-8247

vallon@jtcir.com



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb has today announced the launch of a new insurance partnership with Revolut, a financial technology company delivering digital banking services.

The partnership programme provides a wide range of coverage for Revolut's customers, including purchase protection, refund protection and ticket cancellation, where a Revolut account is used.

The policy also offers coverage where a customer has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and is therefore unable to use event tickets purchased using their Revolut account.

Chubb was selected as the carrier due to its multinational capabilities and global footprint, together with its leading accident and health propositions and strong partnerships expertise. The programme will be rolled out across 22 countries.

"We are delighted with our new digital partnership with Revolut. We strive to build long-term, successful relationships with our insurance partners that deliver value for the partner and their clients. For us Revolut is a good example of digital innovation that aligns with our own ambitions," said Florian Eisele, Director of Accident and Health, Continental Europe.

"Our new partnership with Revolut marks a significant step for Chubb as we continue to drive relationships in the digital space. We are looking forward to working with the Revolut team to deliver valuable insurance solutions to their customers," said Goulven Thepot, Regional Head of Underwriting, Accident and Health, Continental Europe.

"We're always looking to provide the best value possible to our customers and help them get more from their money. We're constantly improving our paid plans and are delighted to partner with Chubb to add purchase protection, refund protection and ticket cancellation for our customers," said Felix Jamestin, Head of Premium Product at Revolut.

About Chubb





Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb supports executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 33,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

About Revolut

Revolut is building the world's first truly global financial superapp. In 2015, Revolut launched in the UK offering money transfer and exchange. Today, over 13 million customers around the world use dozens of Revolut's innovative products to make more than 100 million transactions a month. Across our personal and business accounts, we help customers improve their financial health, give them more control, and connect people seamlessly across the world. www.revolut.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/324916/Chubb_Logo.jpg
The former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey has joined in an international law firm as a partner in their special matters and government investigations practice, the firm announced.

Less than two weeks after resigning as the states top federal prosecutor, Craig Carpenito has landed a role at King & Spalding, a law firm that works that has more than 1,200 attorneys across the world and works to advance complex business interests in more than 160 countries, according to its website.

Carpenito left his post as U.S. Attorney on the heels of the election results being certified to make Joe Biden the next president. It is customary for the U.S. Attorney to step down during the transition of power to a new president. Biden will appoint the next U.S. Attorney of New Jersey in the coming months.

King & Spalding said Carpenitos experience as U.S. Attorney, as well as a distinguished private practice career, will be used to litigate healthcare matters, financial regulations and other complex and sensitive problems.

Craig has built an impeccable reputation in the industry through his leadership at the U.S. Attorneys Office, his work at the SEC, and his complementary private practice experience, Zach Fardon, chair of King & Spaldings government matters practice group said in a statement. Craigs work spearheading trials and investigations in the healthcare and financial services industries will make him an invaluable asset to companies in those sectors facing government scrutiny.

Carpenito did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Carpenito stayed out of the public spotlight, but put in emphasis on prosecuting violent crimes and healthcare fraud.

Before joining the U.S. Attorneys Office, he spent a decade as a partner at Alston & Bird, leading the firms white collar, government and internal investigations team.

Carpenito was also an assistant U.S. Attorney under Chris Christie from 2005 to 2008. He later represented the former governor briefly in matters related to the Bridgegate scandal.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com.

Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips.
Tuesday, 19 January 2021 12:07:25 (GMT+3) | Kolkata

India is exploring the option for domestic steel companies to source coking coal from Mongolia, a government official said on Tuesday, January 19.

The official said that in a video conference between Indias steel minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Mongolias chief cabinet secretary L Oyun Erdene the latter declared the keenness of Mongolian companies to supply coking coal to India.

In response, the Indian minister, expressing interest in such supplies, said that government-to-government dialogue will be taken forward to enable Indian steel companies to start sourcing coking coal from Mongolia.

Previously, the Indian government initiated several rounds of talks with the Russian government to enable Indian steel companies to import coking coal from Russia.

Following successful dialogue and the establishment of a framework for greater cooperation in the coal sector, Indias Tata Steel last year commenced imports of coking coal from Russia on a trial basis, aiming to reduce the strong import dependency on Australian coking coal.
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 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.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Governing Council of the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has appointed Sunday Elom, a professor, as the third substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.

Registrar/Secretary of the University Council, Odisa Okeke, said in a statement on Tuesday that the appointment of Mr Elom, a medical biochemist, would take effect from February 11.

Mr Elom will take over from Chinedum Nwajiuba, a professor, whose five-year tenure will elapse on February 10.

The general public is hereby notified that at an extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday, January 19, the Governing Council of the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi, appointed Professor Sunday Oge Elom, a Professor of Medical Biochemistry, as third substantive vice-chancellor of the institution with effect from February 11.

Prof Elom takes over from Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, the statement said.

It said that the appointment was based on the report and recommendation from the joint Council Senate Selection Board constituted by the purpose in line with the university miscellaneous provision (Amendment) Act 2003.

(NAN)
Advertisement

A caravan of almost 8,000 migrants, who walked around 200 miles from Honduras into Guatemala last week have dissipated after they were met by security forces wielding batons and firing tear-gas.

Guatemalan forces put on dozens of buses to send the majority of the caravan back home to Honduras following a series of clashes over the last three days. But on Tuesday, small groups could be seen pushing on to Mexico, regardless of pressure from the security forces.

Many migrants are hopeful that the Biden administration will be more sympathetic than Donald Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy since 2018. President-elect Joe Biden has already announced he plans to reopen the asylum system and hopes to reunite families torn apart by Trump's tough immigration policies.

Many of the migrants were driven by an increasingly desperate situation in Honduras, where the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and two Category 4 hurricanes in November have piled atop chronic poverty and gang violence.

Buses carrying dozens of migrants and police patrol vehicles carrying handfuls arrived sporadically through the morning at the Guatemala-Honduras border crossing of El Florido on Tuesday.

Mexican deputy foreign minister, Maximiliano Reyes, told news network Milenio that about 4,500 to 5,000 migrants had been removed from Guatemala and returned to Honduras. He said that close to 1,000 migrants had spread out across Guatemala and weighed their options despite the Mexican government's determination to stop the caravan from filtering across its southern border.

Honduran migrant Andy Osorio accused Guatemalan security forces of purposely harming his countrymen.

'It's not fair that they treat us like dogs, like animals,' he said.

A Honduran family, among the nearly 8,000 migrants, who last week made their way into Guatemala in hopes of making it to Mexico and then to the United States southern border to seek asylum, returned to Honduras on Tuesday

Honduran migrants, who were trying to reach the U.S. to seek asylum, get out of a military vehicle Tuesday as they were sent back by Guatemalan authorities, at El Florido border crossing between Guatemala and Honduras in the Guatemalan town of Chiquimula

President-elect Joe Biden made an appearance Tuesday at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Delaware. Biden's administration said it will reopen asylum to the United States but a date not been set yet

Biden's Homeland Security Secretary nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, met the Senate committee and said that the new administration U.S. asylum laws to undocumented immigrants.

However, he did not say how he would deal with the remnants of the caravan that departed by foot while other hitched rides from a bus terminal in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, last Thursday.

'There is a commitment to follow our asylum laws, to enforce our asylum laws,' Mayorkas said. 'That means to provide humanitarian relief for those individuals who qualify for it. When people present themselves at our border we apply the laws of our nation to determine whether they qualify for relief under our humanitarian laws, or whether they don't. If they do not qualify to remain in the United States, then they won't.'

The returning migrants, including young children carried by their parents, were passed from Guatemalan border agents to their Honduran counterparts and then boarded buses that would take them back to their hometowns.

Cuban immigrant Alejandro Mayorkas, Joe Biden's pick for Homeland Security secretary, told a Senate committee vetting his nomination Tuesday that the incoming government would roll back Donald Trump's tough measures to seal the southern United States border

Families who joined the migrant caravan last week made their way back to the El Florido border crossing in Chiquimula, Guatemala, after they were sent back to Honduras

Honduran migrants stand outside the Migrant's House in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, across from the border with Mexico, on Tuesday. However, the Mexican government remains stern about not permitting the illegal entry of migrant caravans looking to travel to the Mexico-United States border to seek asylum

Honduran migrants gather at the El Florido border crossing in Chiquimula, Guatemala, on Tuesday after a massive caravan of 8,000 asylum seekers dissipated

Some 25 miles into Guatemala where hundreds of migrants had been stalled at a roadblock in Vado Hondo for several days, traffic flowed smoothly Tuesday and few migrants remained.

Guatemala's Institute of Migration reported that through Monday more than 2,300 migrants had been returned to Honduras.

If Guatemala's government had indeed dissolved the year's first caravan, it would be a relief to the incoming U.S. administration. Biden has promised immigration reform, but for now plans to leave Trump-era border policies in place fearing a surge of migrants when he takes office.

Guatemala's government had made clear it would stop the caravan for immigration and health reasons before it had even formed in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, last week after word was spread via Facebook and WhatsApp chat groups. President Alejandro Giammattei said 2,000 police and soldiers would be sent to the border.

At least 21 Hondurans tested positive for COVID-19, Guatemalan health officials said Monday. They would have to test negative for virus before they are deported.

The recent caravan was the first since October 2020 when at least 3,000 migrants from Honduras made their way into Guatemala before they forced to go back. Guatemalan immigration officials reported a Honduran man died after he fell off a trailer.

Honduran migrants hop out of a Guatemalan police vehicle in the city of Chiquimula on Tuesday before returning toback home to Honduras

Honduran Marco Sergio Hernandez, who was heading to the United States in a migrant caravan, is detained by Guatemalan soldiers for his deportation, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, near the border with Mexico on Tuesday

Hondurans make their way back to their native country and walk across the Guatemala-Honduras international borderline after a caravan of almost 8,000 migrants was almost completely broke up, save for a few 100 individuals who still remain in Guatemala with the intention of making it into Mexico and then the United States to seek asylum

Those forces did not stop the caravan at the border, but a series of strategically places roadblocks where forces deployed tear gas and batons broke up the mass of people.

On Tuesday, Michael Kozak, acting assistant secretary for the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, commended Guatemala via Twitter for 'carrying out its responsibilities by responding appropriately & lawfully to the recent migrant caravan.'

Central American migrants began turning increasingly to caravans as a low-cost alternative to hiring a smuggler in 2018. Migrants gain a degree of safety in numbers and initially pushed successfully through Guatemala and Mexico. However, the U.S. government has led an effort to coordinate a more aggressive response from countries along the way to try to keep them from advancing far.

Caravans still represent only a fraction of the overall immigration flow that moves largely undetected.

A cloud of teargas rises as Guatemalan soldiers and police clash with migrants at a roadblock on the highway on Monday. The roadblock was strategically placed at a chokepoint on the two-lane highway flanked by a tall mountainside and a wall leaving the migrants with few options

Guatemalan security forces detain a Honduran migrant Monday as they clear a road where the migrants have been camping after authorities stopped their journey to the United States where they planned to seek asylum

In the past year, Guatemala has become a critical bulwark against the caravans, egged on by the more aggressive immigration policies of the Trump administration. Guatemalan forces effectively stopped multiple migrant caravans last year.

In Tecun Uman, across the Suchiate River from Mexico, Reverend Fernando Cuevas said Tuesday there aren't more than 70 migrants in the border town. Those that arrive do so in small groups, mostly family units, and try to cross to Mexico almost immediately.

Some go to the bridge to request asylum, while others attempt to cross the river.

Where hundreds of migrants massed last January before crossing into Mexico, this time Guatemala's highway roadblocks appear to have stopped most. Most of those who have made it through carry the required proof of a negative COVID-19 test and passports, Cuevas said.

Cuevas said both sides of the river are militarized.

A member of the Guatemalan police in search of Honduran migrants checks the documents of bus passengers in Zacapa, Guatemala, on Tuesday

Honduran migrants who voluntarily return to Honduras walk near the El Florido border crossing in Chiquimula, Guatemala, on Tuesday after the caravan was broke up

A volunteer of the Red Cross in Guatemala gives food to Honduran migrants of a caravan who returned to Honduras

Honduran migrants who joined a caravan last week board a bus in Guatemala on Tuesday before returning home

In Tecun Uman, Guatemala deployed large numbers of National Police who made a local community center their barracks and patrol the streets for migrants. Two buses from the Mexican government sit in the central plaza in front of his church waiting to drive migrants back to the Honduras border, he said.

'We are seeing a situation a little different from other years when the migrants had access and free transit,' Cuevas said. His church had prepared for the arrival of migrants like a year earlier, but now he expects few will make it. 'We don't expect them in great numbers nor organized. We don't expect more than 100 at one time will be here.'

Mexico had sent thousands of National Guard members and immigration agents to that border last week in preparation. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to respect human rights, but also to enforce an orderly, legal migration.

One year ago, Mexican forces in riot gear rounded up hundreds of Central American migrants as they stopped to rest along a rural highway after crossing into the country.

Biden has been open to a six-month plan that would develop a system to process immigrants and secure funds for immigration judge due to fears of having 'two million people on our border' during a pandemic.

Biden, who will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, will send a bill to Congress on Day One that will pave the way to U.S. citizenship for about 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Under the legislation, those living in the U.S. as of January 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

Biden is also expected to introduce legislation to reunite families ripped apart by President Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy.

The proposals place Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations.
Trumps 1776 Commission Calls for National Unity Around Americas Founding Values

President Donald Trumps advisory 1776 Commission on Jan. 18 released a public report, fulfilling its task to revisit the nations founding history in an effort to reunite Americans around its founders principles.

Americans today are deeply divided about the meaning of their country, its history, and how it should be governed, according to the commission, which was established last year, amid an increasingly popular trend of portraying the American story as one that based on racism and oppression.

Neither America nor any other nation has perfectly lived up to the universal truths of equality, liberty, justice, and government by consent, the report reads, following a re-examination of the principles and ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. But no nation before America ever dared state those truths as the formal basis for its politics, and none has strived harder, or done more, to achieve them.

The authors dedicated a large portion of the report exploring challenges to Americas founding principles. Some of these are historical, such as slavery, which is fundamentally incompatible with the idea that all men are created equal. Others are more contemporary, such as progressivism, which holds that the Constitution should constantly evolve to secure evolving rights; fascist and communist movements seeking a totalitarian government with no respect for individual rights; and modern identity politics in favor of a system of explicit group privilege in the name of social justice.

The arguments, tactics, and names of these movements have changed, and the magnitude of the challenge has varied, yet they are all united by adherence to the same falsehoodthat people do not have equal worth and equal rights, the report states.

The report warns of the dangers of modern political movements departing from those founding principles, noting that many of the historical movements were successful because they help reinforce those principles, rather than breaking from them.

Great reformslike abolition, womens suffrage, anti-Communism, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Pro-Life Movementhave often come forward that improve our dedication to the principles of the Declaration of Independence under the Constitution, the authors wrote.

The report calls for a national renewal of education to teach the future American citizens the founding principles and the character necessary to live out those principles. A patriotic education, according to the authors, doesnt mean ignoring the faults in the nations past, but rather viewing the history in a clear and wholesome manner, with reverence and love.

U.S. colleges and universities are doing the exact opposite, the report warns, noting that theyve become hotbeds of anti-Americanism, libel, and censorship, with the intention to manipulate opinions more than educate minds.

The authors specifically called out historian Howard Zinn and the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1619 Project for preventing students from seeing the humanity, goodness, and benevolence in Americas historical figures. Instead, they present their young readers with a distorted version of U.S. history.

Historical revisionism that tramples honest scholarship and historical truth, shames Americans by highlighting only the sins of their ancestors, and teaches claims of systemic racism that can only be eliminated by more discrimination, is an ideology intended to manipulate opinions more than educate minds, the report reads.

The renewal of American unity will depend on every American willing to stand up against tyranny in their everyday life, the author said.

Above all, we must stand up to the petty tyrants in every sphere who demand that we speak only of Americas sins while denying her greatness, the report states. At home, in school, at the workplace, and in the world, it is the peopleand only the peoplewho have the power to stand up for America and defend our way of life.
Authorities on Monday said they were searching for the alleged killer in a beating and stabbing death of a man found at a South Jersey scout reservation last month.

Shawn Massey, 38, of Gibbsboro, was charged with murder in the slaying of Joseph Bottino and was at-large, Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Pine Hill Police Chief Christopher Winters said in a statement.

Authorities on Saturday charged Massey in the Dec. 23 homicide. Family members reported him missing after he reportedly left his parents home on the day of crime, according to police. He was previously described as suffering from diagnosed mental health issues and known to become aggressive if approached.

Police found Bottino dead at the Pine Hill Scout Reservation on the 100 block of Watsontown-New Freedom Road in Pine Hill, according to the prosecutors office. He told family he was going to hunt at the reservation and hunted there often.

An autopsy determined Bottino, 54, of Gloucester Township, died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force injuries, authorities said. Citing unspecified evidence at the scene, investigators identified Massey as the alleged killer.

We understand many people are concerned that an arrest has not been made. Since the crime, there has been an increased law enforcement presence in that area and we have conducted multiple, coordinated searches in an effort to locate Massey, Mayer, the county prosecutor, said.

We have also received dozens of tips on possible sightings and whereabouts of Massey and are following up and taking each and every one very seriously, she said. We have detectives working at all hours on this case and we will continue to do so until Massey is located.

Bottino was described as an incredibly lovely spirit, with an infectious kindness in his heart, in a message on a fundraiser for his family. He was a married father of two, who loved to hunt at the Pine Hill reservation.

Authorities have not commented on a possible motive for the attack. Anyone with information was asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Jeremy Jankowski at 856-397-3485 or Pine Hill Police Sgt. John Field at 856-783-1589. Tips can also be sent to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has promised better transparency after failing to disclose four Covid-19 cases of the highly-contagious British strain.

WA has one active case linked to the mutant variant which has wreaked havoc in the UK and put Australian authorities on high alert.

The returned overseas traveller, aged in their 30s, is in hotel quarantine.

Mr McGowan said WA Health does not immediately receive the results of twice-weekly genomic testing which reveals the source of infections.

Any infections linked to the UK strain or other highly infectious variants will now be made public once confirmed, despite the premier downplaying the threat to the public.

'There's currently not a public health reason for doing so because the people in question are kept in a hotel or taken to hospital and they are quarantined,' he told reporters on Tuesday.

'But in light of public interest in this, we'll make the information available.'

Mr McGowan added that the government would not release details that could potentially identify patients, including their flight information, unless there was a public health reason for doing so such as quarantine breaches.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has promised better transparency after failing to disclose four Covid-19 cases of the highly-contagious British strain

A woman aged in her 80s who was confirmed to be infected with the UK strain was hospitalised earlier this month after testing positive in hotel quarantine. She has since been cleared of the virus.

Three workers who came into close contact with her were ordered into quarantine after failing to wear adequate protective equipment.

On Tuesday, the premier urged the NSW Government to 'stop their constant criticism' of his state's border closures because 'it's getting tiresome'.

'I urge for NSW Liberal government to stop. their constant criticism and carping is getting tiresome,' he said.

'They need to just leave it alone, let us act in the best interest in the health of West Australians. And they also need to leave the GST alone.'

Mr McGowan claimed NSW 'continually diverted attention' away from itself and 'blames other states for its issues'.

'Their attempts to bring down the health measures that have worked, in states like Western Australia, we will fight,' he said.

'I understand it is unpleasant for people, i can't see my own parents.'

The premier also vowed to 'fight to the death' efforts by NSW to reduce WA's share of GST revenue in another long-running fight.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian called on other state premiers to open their borders, accusing them of 'inflicting pain and suffering' on millions of Australians

A worker tests a member of the public at a Covid-19 Clinic drive through in Perth

Mr McGowan's latest outburst followed NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian calling on other state premiers to open their borders, accusing them of 'inflicting pain and suffering' on millions of Australians.

'I just say to my colleagues please base your decision on the science and the facts,' she aaid.

'As I've said before there is currently no part of Australia that is classified as a hotspot, and I stand by those comments. I would like to see all of us work more constructively together.

'I don't see any reason why states close their borders. Closing a border is a really, really big deal.'

In a statement on Tuesday, WA Health said there had been six cases of the UK strain and two of the South African strain detected to date.

Which LGAs are banned from Victoria? Blacktown City, Burwood, Canada Bay City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield City, Inner West, Liverpool City, Parramatta City and Strathfield Municipality Advertisement

'It is important to note that all positive cases of Covid-19 detected in Western Australia since 11 April 2020 have been confined to hotel quarantine,' the department said.

WA has had no community transmission of the virus for nine months.

'Our quarantine system has worked properly, our borders have worked properly, people have embraced what they needed to do and that's a credit to all West Australians,' Mr McGowan said.

WA this week reopened its borders to travellers from Victoria but kept in place a requirement for them to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

NSW and Queensland remain classified as medium-risk states, meaning travellers cannot enter WA without an exemption.

WA is monitoring a total of 14 active cases.
Those under consideration include such disparate figures as Sheldon Silver, the disgraced former New York Assembly speaker, and rapper Lil Wayne, who pleaded guilty last month to a gun charge. Rudy Giuliani says he does not expect one, and Steve Bannons chances seem to have dimmed. Mixed in among the big names, low-level drug offenders are under consideration.

As President Donald Trump enters the final hours of his term, he has been intently focused on who should benefit from his clemency power. Along with the White House counsel, Pat A. Cipollone, and advisers including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, his daughter and son-in-law, Trump has spent days sifting through names and recommendations, assembling a list that officials say he intends to disclose on Tuesday, his last full day in office.

The size and precise composition of the list is still being determined, but it is likely to cover at least 60 pardons or commutations and perhaps more than 100. Already, Trump has been making calls to some of the recipients, people briefed about them said, and he held another meeting about the topic on Monday afternoon.

There are no plans for Trump to include a pardon for himself on the list to be released Tuesday or for him to preemptively pardon his two adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, neither of whom has been charged with any wrongdoing, officials said. But Donald Trumps ultimate decision about pardoning himself and members of his family, they said, could remain an open question until noon on Wednesday, when his four-year tenure comes to an end.

Some of the pardons and commutations are likely to go to people whose supporters say they were given disproportionately long sentences or subject to other miscarriages of justice, or who have proved themselves rehabilitated. Kushner has been working with Alice Johnson, who became a national symbol of the movement to reduce what many in both parties view as excessive sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. Trump commuted her sentence and later granted Johnson a full pardon after she spoke at last years Republican National Convention.

But Trump has already made clear his willingness to use his clemency power on behalf of allies, supporters, people he perceives as victims of prosecutorial overreach and people who forge connections to him and his team.

Among those under consideration for a pardon or a commutation is Silver, who was convicted twice on corruption charges and sentenced to prison last summer, two people briefed on the discussions said.

Silver was prosecuted by Preet Bharara when he was the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Bharara was fired by Trump in 2017, and has since become an outspoken critic of the presidents handling of the Justice Department. It was not immediately clear who helped put Silver on the list for consideration, but his former chief of staff, Judy Rapfogel, worked for a time for Kushners family company.

Others being considered for clemency include Lil Wayne, a Trump supporter who pleaded guilty last month to having illegally carried a gold-plated .45-caliber Glock handgun and ammunition as a felon while traveling on a private jet last year, according to people briefed on the discussions. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years.

Another person under consideration for clemency is Sholam Weiss, the recipient of what is believed to be the longest-ever white-collar prison sentence, according to one person who discussed the matter with a family member and another person briefed on conversations in the White House.

Weiss was sentenced to more than 800 years in prison in 2000 for racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering related to an immense fraud scheme that siphoned $450 million from an insurance company, leading to its collapse. He spent a year on the run before being arrested in Austria and extradited to the United States.

Weiss has attracted support from people with ties to Trump, including lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who represented Trump in his first impeachment before the Senate last year, and Brett Tolman, a former prosecutor who has worked with the White House on clemency requests and filed paperwork last month indicating he had been lobbying seeking support for clemency for Weiss.

Weiss supporters argue that his sentence is an example of the so-called trial penalty, where prosecutors offer less prison time in exchange for guilty pleas, then pursue much lengthier sentences at trial to punish those who turn down such deals.

A White House spokesman declined to comment on the prospective pardons.

Hanging over the process is the question of the presidents own potential legal troubles. Trumps company faces a criminal investigation from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, which is examining whether the president and his company committed any financial or tax crimes in recent years. That investigation involves state law and would not be affected by any pardon the president might grant himself, which would apply only to federal law.

Two people close to the Trump Organization had wanted to see Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump receive preemptive pardons, believing they could face scrutiny from federal prosecutors going forward. But White House officials have argued against it, and Donald Trump Jr. has told associates that he did not want a preemptive pardon because he does not believe he needs one.

The president has been cautioned against pardoning himself by Cipollone and the former attorney general, William Barr. White House officials also believe that any consideration he is giving to granting himself a pardon could also turn more Republicans against him in his coming Senate impeachment trial.

Beyond the dramatic new precedent such a move would set, some Trump advisers are concerned that he would forfeit his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination should he grant himself a pardon.

The Trump Organizations finances are under investigation by the district attorney in Manhattan, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., who interviewed the presidents former personal lawyer Michael Cohen for hours last week, according to people briefed on the interview. Officials with the Trump Organization have called it a politically motivated fishing expedition.

Another preemptive pardon that was under discussion was for Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization.

Weisselberg, an accountant who began his career working for Trumps father, was a central player in the federal investigation into Cohen. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan sought Weisselbergs testimony before a grand jury as they investigated Cohen for helping to arrange illegal hush money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign to two women who said they had affairs with Trump.

Weisselberg testified, but on the condition that prosecutors give him immunity for his statements before the grand jury so they could not be used against him.

But after charging Cohen, the prosecutors came to question whether Weisselberg was entirely truthful about the Trump Organizations role in the hush money payments, and they began scrutinizing whether he committed either perjury or obstruction of justice, according to people briefed on the matter. Nonetheless, prosecutors have never accused Weisselberg of wrongdoing.

However, Weisselberg, like Trump, is unlikely to receive a preemptive pardon, officials briefed on the discussions said, in part out of fear that Weisselberg may forfeit his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

A lawyer for Weisselberg declined to comment.

Then there are allies like Bannon, the presidents former chief strategist, who departed in a fiery burst of criticism about Trump and his family in 2017 but later came to defend the president again during his first impeachment trial. Bannon was indicted on fraud charges last year related to construction of a wall along the southern border in support of Trumps immigration policies. He has pleaded not guilty.

A person close to Trump described a pardon for Bannon as a coin toss, but a White House official said it was unlikely to happen.

Giuliani, on his radio show on Monday afternoon, said: I do not need a pardon. I dont commit crimes, though he asserted there was a risk that prosecutors will try to frame me, like they tried to frame Donald Trump. He added, Im willing to run that risk, and Im willing to fight em by the law.

Last month, Trump issued grants of clemency to more than four dozen people, among them Roger Stone, his adviser and longtime friend; his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort; and his son-in-laws father, Charles Kushner.

He also pardoned four former contractors for Blackwater who were convicted in connection with a massacre of Iraqi civilians in 2007.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Hunter Syndrome Treatment Market is set to gain traction from the increasing awareness of the disease, robust pipeline activity, and reimbursement of Elaprase that will provide an impetus to Hunter Syndrome Market Growth

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's "Hunter Syndrome Market Report" report provides a thorough comprehension of the Hunter Syndrome, historical and forecasted epidemiology and the Hunter Syndrome market trends in the 7MM [the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and United Kingdom) and Japan]. The Hunter Syndrome market report also proffers an analysis of recent Hunter Syndrome treatment practice/algorithm, market drivers, market barriers and unmet medical needs.

Some of the key features of the Hunter Syndrome Market Research Report:

The FDA has approved only one drug, Elaprase (idursulfase) , and is used for treating Hunter Syndrome patients. The drug was essentially developed by the Shire .

, and is used for treating Hunter Syndrome patients. The drug was essentially developed by the . Hunter Syndrome pipeline is robust and possesses several potential drugs in late and mid-stage developments to be launched soon. JR-141 is presently in the phase III stage of development followed by TAK-609 and Hunterase in phase II clinical development and DNL310, RGX-121, SB-913 and TAK-531 in phases I/II and I clinical development.

is presently in the phase III stage of development followed by and in phase II clinical development and and in phases I/II and I clinical development. The market is anticipated to witness a substantial positive shift in the Hunter Syndrome market size owing to the positive results of the various products during the developmental stages by the prominent players such as JCR Pharmaceuticals, GC Pharma, Takeda, Denali Therapeutics, Regenxbio and Sangamo Therapeutics, and many others.

and many others. The one-time use of gene replacement therapies, once approved, by Regenxbio and Sangamo Therapeutics will drive the Hunter Syndrome market revenue to reach great heights, resulting in a new class of therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) patients.

will drive the Hunter Syndrome market revenue to reach great heights, resulting in a new class of therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) patients. The current Hunter Syndrome therapeutic landscape in the United States is driven by current treatment practices and expected launch of emerging therapies.

For further information on Market Impact by Therapies, visit: Hunter Syndrome Market Analysis

Hunter Syndrome, aka Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), is a condition that affects many various parts of the body and mainly affects males. It is a progressive disorder, but the rate of progression varies among affected individuals. It is a rare, X-linked disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase that plays a chief role in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The total diagnosed Hunter Syndrome prevalent population in the 7MM (the US, EU5 [the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France] and Japan] was 1,166 in 2020.

The Hunter Syndrome Market Report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiological analysis segmented into:

Total Diagnosed Prevalent Population of Hunter Syndrome

Severity-based Diagnosed Prevalent Population of Hunter Syndrome

Request for a free sample report for more insights @ Hunter Syndrome Treatment Market Trends Analysis

Hunter Syndrome Treatment Market Analysis

Hunter Syndrome treatments are aimed at providing replacement of I2S in the disease that have been reported, including fibroblast transplantation, serum or plasma infusion, white blood cell infusions, and human amnion membrane implantation. These treatments have been tested in single patients or in small series of patients, and no evidence of clinical benefit has been reported. Other methods include hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human I2S. Only recombinant human I2S has been tested in randomized clinical trials.

There is only one FDA approved drug used for treating patients with Hunter Syndrome, namely, Elaprase (idursulfase), which was essentially developed by the Shire. However, In January 2019, Takeda acquired the Shire, thereby becoming a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan.

Hunter Syndrome market dynamics are anticipated to change in the future due to the enhancement in the research and development activities so that market will involve efficient treatment options. The launch of emerging therapies is awaited during the forecast period of 2021-2030.

Hunter Syndrome Emerging Therapies

JR-141

TAK-609/ SHP609 /HGT-2310

/HGT-2310 GC1111 (Hunterase)

DNL310

RGX-121

SB-913

And several others.

Leading Players operating in the Hunter Syndrome Treatment Market are:

JCR Pharmaceuticals

Takeda

Green Cross Corporation/GC Pharma

Denali Therapeutics

Regenxbio

Sangamo Therapeutics

And several others.

For more information about this report visit @ Hunter Syndrome Market Infographic

Final Thoughts on Hunter Syndrome Market Analysis

Hunter Syndrome Market Drivers are attributable to

Robust pipeline activity with the emergence of enzyme replacement therapies as well as gene therapies- Once approved, the one-time use of gene replacement therapies by Regenxbio and Sangamo Therapeutics will drive the Hunter Syndrome market revenue to reach great heights, resulting in a new class of therapy for MPS II patients.

with the emergence of enzyme replacement therapies as well as gene therapies- Once approved, the one-time use of gene replacement therapies by Regenxbio and Sangamo Therapeutics will drive the Hunter Syndrome market revenue to reach great heights, resulting in a new class of therapy for MPS II patients. Increasing awareness of Hunter Syndrome- Several organizations are actively working to provide information and awareness of such rare and devastating disorders. Thriving R&D to understand the diversity of the disease might improve the MPS II diagnosis, thereby resulting in a lucrative Hunter Syndrome market opportunity. The current treatment options are very few for treating patients with MPS II, which opens a platform of new therapies to boost the Hunter Syndrome market.

of Hunter Syndrome- Several organizations are actively working to provide information and awareness of such rare and devastating disorders. Thriving R&D to understand the diversity of the disease might improve the MPS II diagnosis, thereby resulting in a lucrative Hunter Syndrome market opportunity. The current treatment options are very few for treating patients with MPS II, which opens a platform of new therapies to boost the Hunter Syndrome market. Reimbursement of Elaprase.

Nevertheless, there are a few impediments to Hunter Syndrome market growth:-

Drawbacks of Elaprase - There is only one approved therapy till date to treat MPS II, i.e. Elaprase, which also has a significant downside that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Also, there is no definitive cure available to date to cure MPS II completely.

There is only one approved therapy till date to treat MPS II, i.e. Elaprase, which also has a significant downside that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Also, there is no definitive cure available to date to cure MPS II completely. High Cost of Therapy - Gene therapies are quite costly, far more expensive than the enzyme replacement therapies, which pose a major threat to the Hunter Syndrome market.

Gene therapies are quite costly, far more expensive than the enzyme replacement therapies, which pose a major threat to the Hunter Syndrome market. Adverse Events of Current Treatment Options - The current available approved therapy poses a cost-burden on the MPS II patients, resulting in decreased quality of life. Also, adverse events of current treatment options such as allergic reactions, skin rashes etc. due to use of Elaprase also pose a threat to the MPS II market. The majority of patients suffer due to severe phenotype of the disease for which efficient treatment options are lacking. Delayed or late diagnosis of MPS II depicts the non-availability of robust diagnostic methodologies.

Scope of the Hunter Syndrome Report

Geography Covered : 7MM - The United States , EU5 ( Germany , France , Italy , Spain , and the United Kingdom ), Japan .

: 7MM - , EU5 ( , , , , and the ), . Study Period : 3-year historical and 11-year forecasted analysis (2017-2030).

: 3-year historical and 11-year forecasted analysis (2017-2030). Hunter Syndrome Markets Segmentation : By Geographies and By Hunter Syndrome Therapies (Historical and Forecasted, Current and Upcoming)

: By and By (Historical and Forecasted, Current and Upcoming) Leading Companies Covered : JCR Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Green Cross Corporation/GC Pharma, Denali Therapeutics, Regenxbio, Sangamo Therapeutics, among others.

: JCR Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Green Cross Corporation/GC Pharma, Denali Therapeutics, Regenxbio, Sangamo Therapeutics, among others. Analysis : Comparative and conjoint analysis of emerging therapies, Attribute Analysis.

: Comparative and conjoint analysis of emerging therapies, Attribute Analysis. Case Studies

KOL's Views

Analyst's View

Request for a Webex demo of the report @ Hunter Syndrome Treatment Market Share Analysis

Table of Contents

1 Key Insights 2 Hunter Syndrome Market Overview at a Glance 3 Disease Background and Overview: Hunter Syndrome 4 Hunter Syndrome Diagnostic Algorithm 5 Hunter Syndrome Epidemiology and Patient Population 6 Country-Wise Hunter Syndrome Epidemiology 6.1 United States 6.2 EU5 Countries 6.2.1 Germany 6.2.2 France 6.2.3 Italy 6.2.4 Spain 6.2.5 United Kingdom 6.3 Japan 7 Hunter Syndrome Treatment 8 Recognized Establishments of Hunter Syndrome 9 Hunter Syndrome Unmet Needs 10 Hunter Syndrome Marketed Profile 10.1 Elaprase (idursulfase): Takeda 11 Hunter Syndrome Emerging Drugs 11.1 Key Cross Competition 11.2 JR-141: JCR Pharmaceuticals 11.3 TAK-609/SHP609/HGT-2310: Takeda 11.4 GC1111 (Hunterase): Green Cross Corporation/GC Pharma 11.5 DNL310: Denali Therapeutics 11.6 RGX-121: Regenxbio 11.7 SB-913: Sangamo Therapeutics 12 Hunter Syndrome: 7 Major Market Analysis 12.1 United States Market Size 12.2 EU-5 Countries: Market Outlook 12.2.1 Germany Market Size 12.2.2 France Market Size 12.2.3 Italy Market Size 12.2.4 Spain Market Size 12.2.5 United Kingdom Market Size 12.3 Japan Market Size 13 KOL Reviews 14 Case Reports of Hunter Syndrome 15 Hunter Syndrome Market Drivers 16 Hunter Syndrome Market Barriers 17 Hunter Syndrome SWOT Analysis 18 Appendix 19 DelveInsight Capabilities 20 Disclaimer 21 About DelveInsight

Related Reports

Hunter Syndrome Epidemiology Forecast Analysis

DelveInsight's Hunter Syndrome - Epidemiology Forecast 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical, and forecasted epidemiology of Hunter Syndrome.

Hunter Syndrome Pipeline Analysis

Hunter Syndrome Pipeline Insight, 2020 report by DelveInsight outlays comprehensive insights of present clinical development scenario and growth prospects across the Hunter Syndrome market.

Fragile X Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Fragile X Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology & Market Forecast 2030 report provides an overview of the disease & understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Cytokine Release Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight's Cytokine Release Syndrome - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Sjogren's Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight's 'Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2030' report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical & forecasted epidemiology.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Leigh Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Leigh Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Irritable Bowel Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report offers a detailed overview and understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Pleural Effusion Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Pleural Effusion - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

Polycystic Kidney Disease Market Analysis

DelveInsight' s Polycystic Kidney Disease - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology.

DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research Firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing end to end comprehensive solutions to improve their performance.

Contact us:

Shruti Thakur

info@delveinsight.com

+1(919)321-6187

DelveInsight

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg
FAIRFIELD  Service plaza workers, union representatives and other local officials attended a Monday morning rally demanding better pay, benefits and treatment at their jobs on state property.

The rally for justice, held in support of Black, brown and immigrant workers, was held at the Fairfield Service Plaza off Interstate 95 northbound.

Contrast the struggle of these men and women of color  some of whom have come down with COVID without a single paid sick day  against the wealth of the fast food owners and their corporate brands, said Rochelle Palache, vice president of 32BJ SEIU, the largest property service workers union in the country with 5,000 members in Connecticut.

The rally was also to support the Biden administrations call for a $15 nationwide minimum wage, according to those who organized it.

Palache said the state has to come together to address gross inequalities of wealth and the racial inequalities that come with it.

Workers on state-owned land deserve better treatment  including earning the standard wage and basic benefits  and the state needs all its residents to contribute fairly so that essential services remain adequately funded, Palache continued, referring to another demand mentioned at Mondays rally, the Peoples Recovery fund.

The Peoples Recovery fund is a pitch for a variety of changes, including taxation that raises revenue from billionaires and those described as the super wealthy, not working people, according to a website that explains the fund with a Connecticut angle.

The fund also looks to increase investments in health care, education and infrastructure; increase job training and support for those out of work; provide personal protective equipment and other safety support for front-line workers during the pandemic.

As a single mother, I know how difficult this terrible pandemic has been for working people, said a statement from Azucena Santiago, who works at McDonalds at the Milford northbound rest stop on I-95. Its time that the wealthy men who run these companies act like responsible business owners, and like responsible citizens, too.
Mr. Schwarzman, who told people that he felt obligated to help his country if asked, was not dissuaded. He viewed his advisory role as a chance to give back, say colleagues and friends. And after decades on Wall Street, he appeared to find it invigorating to have such a close engagement with public policy.

His sole objective was to help achieve positive policy outcomes for the American people, Christine Anderson, a Blackstone spokeswoman, said in a statement.

An Odd Alliance

A lifelong Republican who favors lower taxes and spending, alongside beliefs like the need to preserve womens reproductive freedom, Mr. Schwarzman had only occasionally gotten involved in the affairs of past administrations. He was not above taking lighthearted shots at what he regarded as wrongheaded Democratic policies during Blackstones Monday staff meetings, but his political activity didnt stretch far beyond reminding Blackstone employees  the firm has a large Democratic contingent  to vote on Election Day, and writing checks to favored candidates.

Mr. Trump was not among them. So when the president-elect called Mr. Schwarzman shortly after his victory in 2016 and asked him to convene a panel of business advisers to discuss jobs and the economy, the executive was surprised, but willing, two colleagues said.

Mr. Schwarzman assembled a team of 15 fellow business leaders and policy experts, including Laurence D. Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, and Robert A. Iger, then chief executive of the Walt Disney Company. The group tried to talk the president down from some ideas that werent backed by data, such as that China was a currency manipulator, The New York Times has reported. It also aired concerns to him about his proposed ban on travel and immigration from predominantly Muslim countries, which was widely disliked in the business community.

Later, when some members of the panel wanted to resign after Mr. Trumps inflammatory remarks about deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., Mr. Schwarzman drafted a statement announcing the groups disbandment and alerted the presidents team  it was basic courtesy to tell him, Mr. Schwarzman wrote in his memoir, published in September 2019  only for Mr. Trump to quickly announce that he was the one disbanding the panel.
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.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A reliable sense of space is essential for daily life and memory formation. Removing sugar coated proteins around neurons in the brains' internal gps makes the mental map of space unstable, shows a study published in the journal Nature communications.

Scientists from the University of Oslo, Norway have shown that the sugar coated extracellular matrix proteins, called perineuronal nets, that wrap densely around neurons in the brain, are responsible for long-term stability of the mental maps. This study is the first to link extracellular matrix to the stability of our sense of space.

Every time you revisit a place, neurons will be reactivated in the exact same place telling you where you are. "When we removed the perineuronal nets from neurons in the entorhinal cortex in rats, we observed that new grid maps formed more slowly in novel environments compared to grid cells from rats that had intact perineuronal nets. Even more surprising was that when the

rats returned to their familiar arenas, also the stored grid maps had become unstable," says main author Charlotte Christensen. "This suggests that the perineuronal nets contribute to maintain the integrity of stored mental maps and prevent them from being overwritten by new experiences."

They found that not only was the grid map unstable, also the precise timing between grid cell firing was impaired after removal of the perineuronal nets. This opens for future investigations to elucidate if the confusion with time or place in Alzheimer patients is associated with changes in the extracellular matrix of the brain.

Explore further Changes in brain cartilage may explain why sleep helps you learn

More information: Ane Charlotte Christensen et al. Perineuronal nets stabilize the grid cell network, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Ane Charlotte Christensen et al. Perineuronal nets stabilize the grid cell network,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20241-w
The death has occurred of Sonia MC LOUGHLIN (nee Keegan)

Celbridge, Kildare



MC LOUGHLIN, (nee Keegan) Sonia, January 15th 2021, Cellbridge, Co. Kildare. The death has taken place of Sonia Mc Loughlin while in the care of the ICU team in Tallaght Hospital. Sonia fought many battles against a myriad of medical obstacles for many years and will be remembered and admired for her compassion, tenacity, generosity and selflessness.

Adored wife of Gerard, loving mum to Aimee, precious daughter of Gerry and Dorothy Keegan, loyal and loving sister of Karl and devoted niece to James. Sadly missed and mourned by all her father in law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, friends, colleagues and, the other love of her life, her dog 'Teddy Boo to whom she was inseparable.

May Sonia rest in peace

In line with HSE and Government guidelines Sonia's funeral Mass will remain private for immediate family. When current circumstances have passed we look forward to celebrating Sonias life with friends and extended family. Those who would have liked to attend Sonias funeral may leave personal messages for the family by visiting https://www.masseybrosfuneralhomes.com/funeral-notices/All enquiries to Massey Bros, Clondalkin. ph 01.4574455.

The death has occurred of Margaret Lewis (nee Parry)

Willouise, Sallins, Kildare



Willouise, Sallins, Co. Kildare and late of Walderslade, Kent, UK.

Beloved wife of the late Michael, loving mother of Kieran and Ronan and much loved sister of Dug Parry. Sadly missed by her loving sons, brother, daughters-in-law Claire and Nicola, grandchildren Connor, Orla, Ava and Hayley, relatives and friends.

In keeping with recent government guidelines regarding public gatherings Margarets Funeral Service will take place privately.

You can join in the celebration of the Funeral Service on Thursday at 12 noon on the following link https://churchmedia.ie/st-st.marys-church-enniscorthy/

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Diabetes Ireland or The Irish Heart Foundation.



The death has occurred of Thomas McNally

132 Branswood, Athy, Kildare / Dublin 2, Dublin



Formerly of Mercer House, B Block, Dublin 2.

Peacefully, in the loving care of the nurses and staff of Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Joan, children Thomas, Barry, Amanda, Clyde, Gavin and Tanya, sister Angela, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brother-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rest in Peace

Due to government restrictions a private family Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Wednesday morning (20th January) in St. Abban's Church, Doonane (limited to 10 people). The mass will be livestreamed, link to follow.

Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Droimnin Nursing Home.

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but cannot due to current restrictions may leave a message in the 'Condolences' section below.



The death has occurred of Angela Cullen (nee Dooley)

Lakeside Park, Newbridge, Kildare



Beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Sadly missed by her loving husband PJ, son Killian, daughter Aoife. Much loved sisters Maura and Betty, brothers Ken and Paddy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughter-in-law Trish, grandchildren Dylan, Ella and Noah, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to The Friends of St. Brigid's Hospice. House strictly private.

"May Angela Rest In Peace"

Due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings and to protect our most vulnerable family members and friends, a private family funeral will take place. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the condolence page below.



The death has occurred of Maura Hyland

Esker Hill, Richardstown, Kildangan, Kildare



Deeply regretted by her loving son James, brother Matt, sisters Ann, Bridie and Christine, granddaughter, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rest in Peace

Due to government restrictions a private family Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Tuesday morning (19th January) in The Church of Our Lady of Victories, Kildangan.

Burial afterwards in Nurney Cemetery.

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but cannot due to current restrictions may leave a message in the 'Condolences' section below

.

The death has occurred of Thomas (Tom) Hynes

Leixlip, Kildare



Hynes, Thomas (Tom) (Leixlip, Co. Kildare) January 18th., 2021 peacefully at home. Beloved husband of the late Jean. Predeceased by his sister Alix and his brother Noel; Sadly missed by his loving family, sister Doreen, brother Cyril, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

May he rest in peace

A private funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. When the current circumstances have passed we look forward to celebrating Toms life with friends and extended family at a later date. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral; but due to current restrictions cannot, may join the private Family Funeral Mass on Thursday, January 21st, at 11:00am by following this link

www.confeyparish.ie

Please leave your personal message by selecting Condolences below or alternatively leaving a message at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
An infamous gangster facing charges of conspiracy to murder has complained about the effects on his mental health of Covid-19 isolation in prison.

Michael O'Loughlin said that he has to go into isolation in prison after interviews with police who are investigating a slew of criminal charges against him.

The Galway man told a court hearing in Newry this week: "My mental health suffers very badly in isolation. I've been in there twice already."

O'Loughlin is facing a litany of charges in the North after the UK's National Crime Agency used information from the hacked Encrochat network used by criminals to encrypt messages.

O'Loughlin (41), with an address at Upper Dromore Road, Warrenpoint, Co Down, has been on remand in prison since his arrest last year.

This week Newry Magistrates' Court agreed to a request for him to be released into police custody for questioning.

Expand Close Stock Image / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Stock Image

Read More

However, O'Loughlin's defence lawyer, who suggested a fresh bail application may be lodged, said the Galway criminal was concerned about having to go into isolation before returning to the prison's general population following police questioning.

Detective Constable Darren Flanagan said the defendant would be temperature checked before entering police custody. He added that representations would be made to the prison service regarding isolation.

Previously the court heard that the allegations against O'Loughlin were based upon an "encrypted phone" which police had "lawfully" accessed.

Read More

O'Loughlin appeared at Newry Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, via video link from Maghaberry.

He faces charges of conspiring to commit murder, to possess firearms, to rob, to handle criminal property and a total of 11 drug offences, including conspiracies to import cannabis and cocaine.

All offences are alleged to have been committed on dates between March 25 and June 14 last year and the court previously heard from a detective that "the main evidence is in the content of an encrypted mobile phone that was seized using an Encro operating system."

This week an officer applied to have O'Loughlin released into their custody in Banbridge for 24 hours to be questioned.

Defence barrister Aaron Thompson confirmed the application was being consented to before District Judge Eamon King granted the police request.

The case was adjourned until next month for an update.

O'Loughlin previously made headlines when he was sentenced to nine years for membership of a criminal organisation in 2012 - the first such sentence in the State under then new anti-gang legislation.

He and his brother Eddie, who had their sentences reduced to six-and-a-half years on appeal, were targets of Operation Foolscap which focused on the brothers and more than a dozen members of their gang.

They were released in 2016.

A number of other criminals from the Republic have been arrested around Europe as part of the Encrochat probe.

Notorious Dublin criminal Aymen Shebani is currently out on bail in Northern Ireland facing drugs and firearms conspiracy charges.

Former haulage firm boss Thomas Maher, from Offaly, was the first Irishman convicted over the Encrochat hack when he pleaded guilty to importing drugs into Britain and money laundering charges at Liverpool Crown Court last September.

It is natural that some over-70s will receive vaccines before over-80s, a Cabinet minister says, amid criticism of a growing postcode lottery in England.

Health chiefs must begin offering jabs to that younger cohort to avoid gaps where people are not getting vaccines at all, Brandon Lewis argued.

But he refused to say what proportion of over 80s should be inoculated in each area before the over 70s are targeted  other than saying it must be a majority.

Mr Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, faced questions after Therese Coffey, the Work and Pensions Secretary, protested that the oldest and most vulnerable in her Suffolk constituency were missing out.

I am hearing from people that 80-plus and 90-plus-year-olds have not been contacted while some 70-plus patients in the same GP practice were invited for vaccination, she said.

Mr Lewis said specific problems should be investigated, but defended the process by saying: We need to recognise that, at every stage of the vaccine process, there will be an overlap.

You will see some people in the second cohort having vaccines whilst the first cohort are still moving through that process.

Thats that overlap that I'm talking about  that's quite natural. But they do need to be working through the first cohorts as the priority.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons official spokesman later denied that there were regional variations in supplies of vaccines.

We have ensured that every areas has equal access, and that includes the devolved administrations, the spokesman said.

The overarching aim is to ensure that we get vaccines into peoples arms as quickly as possible.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick told LBC radio she was baffled" that frontline officers were not higher up the priority lists for jabs than over-50s like herself.

The PMs spokesman said that ministers had made clear there was a good case for those in public-facing roles who come into contact with other people to be prioritised as part of phase 2.

But he said ministers would be guided by the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which is currently drawing up lists of those who should be next in line for jabs once the first phase - covering over-70s, health and care workers and those with serious underlying health conditions - is complete.

More than four million people across Britain have received a first dose of the vaccine, allowing the government to bask in the fastest jabs programme in Europe.

However, ministers have sparked confusion by allowing letters to go out to 5 million over 70s, while also insisting over-80s are still the priority  implying vaccines will be diverted to go-slow areas.

And there is criticism of a refusal to release data to reveal how much vaccine has been delivered, where it is in the country and whether there is enough to sustain the pace through the winter.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Lewis also repeated that it is too early to outline how the national lockdown will be eased in England.

The Prime Minister said, when we put these restrictions in place, that we'd have a review point in mid-February, we're still some weeks away even from that review point.

I think we've got to wait until we get to that point and see where we're at, see how the vaccine programme is rolling out, see how the restrictions have worked and then we can look at what the next steps are.

But, whether that's in February or whether we move forward in March, it's just too early now in relatively early January to give an outline to that.

It was vital that people who have received the vaccine still follow restrictions, he said  adding there was still a long way to go.
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County Board members will consider appointing three new members at Wednesdays regular board meeting.

The appointments will fill the slots of three members who resigned since Nov. 30.

Tom McRae, who represented the 14th District, resigned Nov. 30 after being elected Circuit Clerk. Ray Wesley resigned his 6th District seat to serve as deputy circuit clerk.

Chrissy Dutton-Wiley resigned Dec. 18 because she married and moved out of the district.

Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler has recommended Valarie Doucleff for Wesleys seat; Larry Meisenheimer to replace McRae; and Dana Brockman to fill Dutton-Wileys post.

All three of the positions must be filled by Republicans.

The meeting is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday and will be held via teleconference. The public can listen by accessing https://www.twitch.tv/madisoncountyiL.

Doucleff is an Alton native and a fifth-grade teacher in the Alton School District, where she has worked for 32 years. A graduate of Marquette High School, she has a bachelors degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University; and a masters in early childhood education; and an S.ED in elementary education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

A member of the Illinois Education Association and Alton Education Association, she has three daughters and two granddaughters.

Meisenheimer is a 1967 graduate of Civic Memorial High School who served two tours in Vietnam with the Marines. He received an associates degree from Lewis and Clark Community College in 1977 and a bachelors degree in liberal studies from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1979.

He is a retired pipefitter, working 44 years at the Wood River Refinery. He currently serves on the Veterans Assistance Commission board, and has been active with local VFW and American Legion groups.

He and his wife, Marilyn, have two children.

Brockman is a 1978 graduate of East Alton Wood River High School who has received degrees from Rankin and Lewis and Clark Community College in operations, electronics, instrumentation, industrial electricity and computer hardware and software.

He worked at Airco in East Alton for 20 years and is currently employed at the Wood River Refinery. He has been a member of an operating engineers local, and currently a member of IBEW Local 649.

He and his wife have two children.
DUBLIN, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "IR Spectroscopy Market by Technology (Near-Infrared, Mid-Infrared, Far-Infrared), Product Type (Benchtop Spectroscope, Micro Spectroscope, Portable Spectroscope, Hyphenated Spectroscope), End-User Industry & Geography - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Market Dynamics

The IR Spectroscopy Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from USD 1.0 Billion in 2020 to USD 1.3 Billion

Increasing demand of spectroscopy products in the healthcare & pharmaceuticals industry and food & beverages industry will drive the market.



IR spectroscopy market for far-infrared technology is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



FIR radiation (A = 3-100 um) is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be used for different healthcare applications. Technological inventions have provided new methods for delivering FIR energy to the human body. Specialty saunas and lamps, delivering pure FIR radiation, have become safe, effective, and widely used sources to produce healing effects. Fibers saturated with FIR can be woven and are being used as garments.



The molecules that make up a substance are all exposed to complex molecular motion, and when that motion increases, the matter heats up. If electromagnetic waves that link to the frequency of molecular sensations are irradiated onto the resonance absorption of those electromagnetic waves, temperature and vibration increase.

FIR technology improves clinical cardiac function and symptoms and decreases cardiac size in heart failure patients. The technology is capable of new inventive treatments for heart failure. FIR is invisible and is present in sunrays. Recent researches show that light can arouse the body's metabolism rate. This technology can also be used for detoxification, reducing pain, boosting immunity, and healing wounds. Such applications in the healthcare & pharmaceuticals industry are driving the market for FIR technology.



IR spectroscopy market for benchtop spectroscopes accounted for the largest share in 2020



Benchtop spectrometers are systems that use nuclear magnetic resonance for the determination of the physical and chemical properties of atomic/molecular structures of samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance enables the determining of the entire structure of organic compounds with a single group of diagnostic tests. As soon as the basic structure of a sample is identified, its physical attributes and molecular conformation at the molecular level, including solubility, can also be determined. Many nuclei have a precise spin rate.



IR spectroscopy market for healthcare & pharmaceuticals end-user industry to hold the largest share during the forecast period



IR spectroscopy is used in the healthcare & pharmaceuticals industry to improve the lighting efficiency of endoscopic instruments, which are used for the removal of artery plaque, kidney stones, etc. The most significant and prevalent applications of IR spectroscopy in the healthcare & pharmaceuticals industry are imaging and illumination components of endoscopes. Flexible and rigid multifiber cables, composed of step-index fibers and graded-index imaging rods, are extensively used to visualize internal organs and tissues, which are accessible through natural openings. It is also used for remote spectrophotometry, pressure and position sensing, or scintillation counting applications.

IR spectroscopy is also used in a number of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It may contribute to certain therapeutic methods such as photodynamic therapy by providing them with the optical data related to the tissue response. Reliable IR spectroscopy is significant in diagnostics applications. It is an important tool in pharmaceutical analysis.



IR spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that requires little or no sample groundwork. In addition, the formation of chemometrics, which retrieves information through data-driven methods, has amplified the tendency of IR spectroscopy to detect slight variation in intricate datasets. Recent breakthroughs in IR spectroscopy hold the potential for label-free, non-invasive optical detection and evaluation of certain molecules in human tissues and cells, including hemoglobin protein.



North America is expected to hold the largest market for IR spectroscopy during the forecast period



North America held a share of 34% of the overall IR spectroscopy market in 2019. The growth of the market in this region can be attributed to the increased investments in research and development activities being carried out in the healthcare & pharmaceuticals industry. IR spectroscopy products and solutions are used in these research and development activities.



The food & beverages industry also uses IR spectroscopy products and solutions for detecting the presence of foreign particles in food items and beverages. The people in North America are highly concerned about the quality of food items and beverages. This is the prime reason contributing to the growth of the IR spectroscopy market in North America for food & beverages.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increase in R&D Investments in Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals Industry

Continuous Technological Advancements in IR Spectroscopy

Restraints

Technical Limitations of IR Spectroscopy

Availability of Used IR Spectroscopy Devices

Opportunities

Adoption of Nir Spectroscopy in Seed Quality Detection

Growing Product Development for Biological Research

Challenges

High Cost of IR Spectroscopy Products

COVID-19 Impacts



COVID-19-Related Drivers

Thermal Imaging Could be Used to Detect COVID-19

Companies Are Launching Software to Improve Temperature Screening for COVID-19

COVID-19-Related Challenges

Quality-Related Issues Due to High-Volume Production

Use Case

Use Case 1: Jeol Inc

Technological Trends in IR Spectroscopy

IR Spectroscopy as a Rapid Tool to Analyze Organic Composts

Vibrational Spectroscopic Techniques for Tea Quality and Safety Analyses

Companies Mentioned

Agilent Technologies

Bayspec Inc.

Bristol Instruments, Inc

Bruker Corporation

Cole-Parmer India Pvt. Ltd.

Foss

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

Horiba Ltd

Isben Photonics

Jasco Inc.

Lumex Instruments

Microptik Bv

Perkinelmer, Inc.

Sartorius Ag

Sciex

Shimadzu Corporation

Teledyne Princeton Instruments

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Wasatch Photonics

Zeiss

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q9t0go

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


Dr Tony Holohan at a Covid-19 update press conference at the Department of Health yesterday. Photo: Colin Keegan/ Collins

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) raised serious concerns with the HSE over the lack of mass testing in hospitals when Covid-19 outbreaks were identified among staff.

The issue was raised directly with the HSE at a meeting of the expert public health group before Christmas.

Chief medical officer Tony Holohan also personally voiced his concerns over the speed at which outbreaks were being detected in hospitals.

Minutes of a Nphet meeting on December 10 show the group expressed concern and sought clarity as to why mass testing was not being carried out in all hospitals where outbreaks had been detected.

Read More

Nphet noted the criteria for mass testing had previously been identified and agreed.

The HSE responded saying it seeks advice from local public health departments when there is an outbreak in a hospital and then decides whether or not to engage in mass testing.

It said outbreak management is carried out between local hospital management with involvement by the central executive where necessary.

On that date in December, there were 52 open clusters associated with 21 acute hospitals. About 1,000 cases were linked to these outbreaks, with 48pc related to healthcare workers. There had been 63 deaths linked to these outbreaks.

In the first week of January, there were 158 outbreaks in hospitals. This brought the total to 1,819 confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospitals, of those 37 were admitted to ICU and 147 died.

Nphet suggested the HSE establish a national outbreak control team to ensure consistency of approach nationally to addressing hospital outbreaks and engaging in mass testing.

At a meeting a week earlier, Mr Holohan is reported to have voiced his concern about the speed of outbreak detection and response in acute settings.

The chair also posed the question whether a national outbreak control team has been established and if not, the reasons why? the minutes of the meeting said.

The HSE responded saying one of the core challenges facing hospitals was how best to isolate the virus quickly when detected.

The HSE pointed to some areas in need of improvement in hospital infrastructure and isolation capacity.

"While some facilities are well-equipped to deal with isolation requirements along with occupational health needs, there are other hospitals that are not. These deficiencies have been exacerbated by the pandemic, the minutes said.

Separately, the HSE voiced its concern that many student nurses, who were on placement in acute hospitals, were working in nursing homes at weekends.

They said this movement of student nurses may be exacerbating transmission in these environments. It suggested that guidance should be developed to address the issue.

The Department of Health said it was difficult to ask student nurses not to work at the weekends as it is often their only source of income.

Yesterday, Mr Holohan said mass testing in hospitals is not possible at the moment because the level of community transmission is out of control. But said he hoped it could play a role in the future in hospitals.
Beckman Scholars Program, est. 1998 "We are excited to announce our 2021 Beckman Scholars Program award winners, a range of universities that includes both past awardees and new institutions we are confident will host excellent research programs for their undergraduates. Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation announced today the selection of its 2021 class of Beckman Scholars Program awardees, U.S. colleges and universities which underscore the Foundations mission of supporting basic research in the chemistry and life sciences. The institutions were selected after a rigorous application process which included a two-part review led by a panel of scientific experts.

This years award is comprised of more than $1.5 million in funding for 60 undergraduate scholars at 12 institutions:



California State University, San Marcos

Chapman University

College of William & Mary

Furman University

Georgia State University

Haverford College

Hope College

North Carolina State University

Texas A&M University

University of Southern California

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Wellesley College

The applicant pool for the Beckman Scholars Program was an extremely competitive one and the review process meticulous; we are excited to announce our 2021 Beckman Scholars Program award winners, a range of universities that includes both past awardees and new institutions we are confident will host excellent research programs for their undergraduates, shared Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. We look forward to meeting the next cohort of Beckman Scholars, learning more about the research projects theyll begin this summer, and welcoming them to our upcoming annual Beckman Symposium.

The Beckman Scholars Program is a 15-month mentored research experience for exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry, biological sciences, and interdisciplinary combinations thereof.

About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1978 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit beckman-foundation.org.
Theres something about the title of this article that really rubs Democrat socialists the wrong way. It incites a level of anger and irrational behavior not seen since the MAGA clothing line hit the shelves. For the Democrat party and their media acolytes, this catchphrase has been stretched thin to wrap around the recent violent and unlawful breach of the U.S. Capitol, now used as the black swan event to drive a stake through the heart of Trump conservatives (Omitting Republicans here is deliberate, as the backbone and fealty of the Grand Old Party has been compromised in ways that are difficult to understand and painful to watch).

"Stop the Steal" is not a call to violence, nor does it narrow upon a disputed election that will put the worst possible nominee of any presidential race in American history behind the Resolute Desk. It represents a civil but firm opposition to a Democrat policy platform that seeks to wrench the foundations of democracy out from under our feet.

In the past year, the crawl of socialism in this country has become a full-out sprint acted out in anarchistic nightly displays on our city streets. Political scientists and Marxist apologists assuage concerns with claims that socialism can coexist with capitalism. At what price and for how long? Our schools, language, media, and workplaces have already willfully or unwittingly permitted this Orwellian drift to greater government control over our lives. Standing athwart complete capitulation is our Bill of Rights, against which beltway Democrats and blue state governors, hiding behind the pandemic, have leveled a crippling broadside.

American Thinker readers are smarter than most who claim familiarity with the Bill of Rights and the Founding Fathers that brought them to life. Notwithstanding, heres a pared-down version of the top ten. The First Amendment is speech and religion, Second is right to bear arms, Third is civilian authority over the military, Fourth is search and seizure, Fifth is due process, Sixth is criminal prosecutions, Seventh is jury trial, Eighth is cruel and unusual punishment, Ninth is rights retained by the people, and Tenth is states rights, to include calling and holding elections.

With the help of the courts, the left has whittled away at these amendments for decades, although with less malevolence than weve seen in the last four years of the Trump administration. There is now more than a whiff of smoke to show that each of these fundamental rights has been diminished, tossed aside, or outright trampled in an effort to paper them over with a socialist model of government, advance one-party rule, and to wield authority in perpetuity.

Campus-coddled academics and the media writ large have taken pains to soften the realities of life under socialism and indoctrinated generations of students. How else could Bernie Sanders, the Senates longstanding Bolshevik who has functioned outside the two-party mainstream for thirty years and has seen the passage of only three of his more than 400 sponsored bills -- two of them naming post offices -- suddenly become the sweetheart of the countrys youngest voters? Sanders second-place finish in a field of twenty-seven primary candidates was a warning shot that academia had effectively ripped the bloom of democracy off the rose and that socialism was a new force to be reckoned with in American politics.

The problem for Democrats is that a huge swath of the population are content with the Constitution and wont gently yield the right to free elections. A plurality of voters, to include more than three-quarters of Republicans, thirty percent of Democrats and quarter of all Independents, now have little to no faith that the recent presidential election was legitimate. Prima facie voter fraud on an epic scale coupled with a cold shoulder from several high courts to eschew examination of the hard evidence suggests dirty tricks to deprive the fundamental right of the people to choose their own leader. Chicanery at this height of federal and state government, if allowed to stand, is an open invitation to even greater levels of political misconduct.

Would the American government have accepted the legitimacy of a foreign election so contaminated? When Nicolas Maduro won by a landslide against a massive populist movement, the United States and European Union said no. Venezuelas election irregularities bear semblance to our own, to include the omission of observers, and the manipulation of results.

T he Democrats' pyrrhic victory and seizure of power has now salted appetites for vengeance. A highly disputed presidential election, coupled with Republican reticence, has put every Trump conservative at risk of hostility and persecution. An ascendant Democrat party, strengthened by Republican hibernation, is now aligned in ideology and practice to cancel a conservative movement first articulated by Edmund Burke in 1790, brought to influence in American politics by William F. Buckley, Jr., in the early 1960s, and advanced by the presidency of Ronald Reagan.

Using the Capitol breach as a pretense to censure all Trump supporters as insurgents, social media outlets are suspending or canceling the accounts of conservatives. Deplatformed users are given anemic justifications that ironically overlook the existing accounts of the worlds most brutal regimes and thousands of their propaganda posts. Rebooting a plot line from Revenge of the Nerds, the CEOs and their algorithm wizards at Facebook and Twitter are hard at work giving online wedgies to anyone who dares to question a Biden presidential victory. Alternative blogging sites, such as Parler and Gab, are demonized as havens for right-wing miscreants and Amazon Web Services has shown a willingness to sever connections to sites that offer sanctuary to such views. Gone is all debate over partisan perceptions of hate speech.

After an election decided by hook and by crook, this is no longer just about power. Eliminating conservative opposition through dogmatism is on full display. While the president, all of his White House staff, Republican congressional representatives, and hundreds of thousands of Save America rally attendees have been harassed and blamed for the actions of an unlawful mob, there has been no atonement by Democrats and media pundits who have condoned, openly supported, or called for the year-long sacking of American cities and the murder of police officers.

Florida Congressman Brian Mast is a former Army explosives technician who lost both his legs in Afghanistan. Last week, he exercised the powers given to him by oath to vote against the second impeachment of President Trump. That got under the skin of CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who maligned Mast and his military service by suggesting that the Bronze Star vet had left his commitment to democracy on foreign soil.

Josh Hawley, U.S. senator from Missouri, is a well-spoken political voice whose strength of conviction makes him a Republican standout. His presence also puts him in the crosshairs of Democrats bent on denying conservatives any hope of an ideological leader in the wake of Donald Trump. The cancel culture has therefore mounted a full-throttled campaign against him in the media and corporate world. Simon & Schuster has refused to publish the book they, in fact, paid him to write. Loews hotel management canceled a fundraiser scheduled for Hawley. If Benny Thompson, Democrat chair of the House Homeland Security Committee had his way, Hawley and other Republicans would be on the no-fly list.

The Democrats and their social media axis are also squaring off against conservative firebrands Ted Cruz, Jim Jordan, and Matt Gaetz. Pages of results on popular internet search engines feature articles that put them in a bad light. The sycophants at Google are far more flattering to queries of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer.

The endgame for Democratic socialism will appear in the guise of political "reform" that will prey upon the careers and livelihoods of every conservative legislator, writer, commentator, and blogsite. Trump conservatives will increasingly become expats from their own government while a Republican apostasy goes the way of the Whigs.

Image: Chad Davis
New Delhi, Jan 19 : While watching Harvey Weinsteins story on television, who was convicted of multiple sex offenses, she began to imagine how the people of the subcontinent would react if such a news broke out centering around a person from this part of the world. Bill Clintons affair with Monica Lewinsky also came to her mind. And that is how Pakistani writer Moni Mohsins latest book 'The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R, recently published by Penguin Random House was conceived.

"Suddenly, I began to think about the the alpha male sense of entitlement and how a lot of our current leaders have the same ---there is this cult of celebrity, a kind of masculinity that exudes a lot of power. All these thoughts converged in my head, and I knew the central character of the book would not be a traditional politician. I began thinking about Trump, Pakistan's politics, Imran Khan's campaign against corruption, Indian cinema and the enraged young man who is a warrior for justice. The result was 'The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R".

Adding that for a long time she had been thinking about gender relations, particularly at workplaces, Mohsin says that she wanted to highlight the fact that younger women were more aware about their rights and willing to fight for them.

The author who has written novels including 'The End of Innocence' (2006) and Tender Hooks (2011), and two books her popular columns : 'The Diary of a Social Butterfly (2008) and 'The Return of the Butterfly' (2014) smiles that a lot of those social butterflies are inspired by herself. "I think a lot of hidden shallows come out in the form of the butterflies. Being an insider who belongs to that class, I see it around me all the time. And I'm cognizant of all the hypocrisy and aware of all the contradictions. I'm always listening for the language and... it is me -- unfiltered. With the 'Butterfly', I take the filter off and I put everything in there." Even as many critics dismiss the Butterfly series as 'chick lit', Mohsin says she believes Naipaul, who said that "all books are orphans, they make their way into the world and a writer has no control how people read a book". She adds, "My latest one is not like the Butterfly, but it is informed by the same impulse that I have for social observation and social commentary. It's social satire. However, if someone wants to read it as belonging to a particular category, who am I to stop them?Let's not forget, everybody relates to work in their own capacity and bring their own perspective to it, so whatever way you enjoy it -- but just keep buying them." Mohsin feels that her training as a journalist has always always come in handy while writing books. "Adherence to deadlines is something you cannot ignore as a journalist, and I am grateful for that discipline. Another thing it has given me is the idea of communication: One don't write just for herself, you are trying to talk to people." Talk to her about the risk of writing satire considering how touche people in this continent are, and the author says that she has been lucky so far and people have been extremely tolerant. "They have always taken things in a good-humored way. I have mostly received positive feedback. Even if there has been criticism, it has been in a decent manner." Mohsin attributes her popularity in India to the fact that a lot of people here understand what she is saying because they speak like her, especially Punjabis. "Bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta, they all have their butterflies right, those who live lives of immense privilege." While the author who spends her time between Lahore and London may be working on her next book centering around the Pakistani diaspora, she would not really mind a visit to India soon. "A whole lot of Indian and Pakistani journalists and writers used to cross the border for festivals, but all that dried up recently. I hope things will change for the better and there will be more conversations between us."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Parts of Queensland are bracing for flash flooding and abnormally high tides as Cyclone Kimi continues its 'erratic' movement.

The cyclone has weakened to a tropical low off far North Queensland but the Bureau of Meteorology says heavy rainfall is still expected to lash the region.

'Heavy rainfall with the potential to produce flash flooding and major river flooding may still affect coastal areas between Innisfail and Bowen on Tuesday and Wednesday if the remnant low moves closer to the coast,' the Bureau said.

Cyclone Kimi was about 135km from Townsville about 4am AEST on Tuesday, with winds of 65km/h and gusts up to 95km/h.

Residents from Innisfail to Bowen, including Townsville, have also been told to prepare for abnormally high tides.

Parts of North Queensland are expected to be hit by heavy rainfall and flash flooding as Cyclone Kimi moves along the coast

'Cyclone Kimi has weakened into a tropical low off the north Queensland coast. Significant impacts on the coast are no longer expected, although heavy rainfall remains a possibility,' the Bureau of Meteorology said

There are warnings of abnormally high tides from Innisfail to Bowen in North Queensland. Pictured, Cyclone Kimi affecting the Townsville region

Residents in parts of North Queensland have been warned heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding. Pictured, Cyclone Kimi makes its presence felt in the Townsville region

A flood watch has been issued for waterways including the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers, Johnstone River, Tully River, Murray River, Herbert River, Black River, Haughton River, and Ross and Bohle Rivers.

'The system is expected to remain slow-moving well off the coast through much of (Tuesday), then begin tracking back towards the north-northwest from late this afternoon as a weak tropical low,' the Bureau said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner John Bolger said the cyclone still poses a risk and residents should remain vigilant.

'While our coastal crossing is highly unlikely near, we're still well within a severe weather event - very strong winds, and a lot of heavy rain - so that flash flooding and general flooding warning remains in place,' he told Seven's Sunrise program.

'So we ask people to remain vigilant and can I just please stress to people that if it's flooded, forget it.

'We still have emergency response crews in place, south from Cairns and north from Townsville, so the emergency still exists, while we're not dealing with a tropical cyclone we're still in a very dangerous weather pattern.'

Mr Bolger said swift water rescue crews, helicopters and flood boats were standing by to deal with any flood rescues.

The Bureau on Monday evening described the cyclone's movement as 'erratic'.

Sydney was in for a shower or two on Tuesday but the weather will warm up later in the week, reaching 43C by Monday in the city's west. Pictured, storm clouds in Sydney on Tuesday

Sydney is in for warm weather this weekend with temperatures to be above 30C. Pictured, beachgoers at Mona Vale earlier this month

The beach will be a popular place for Sydneysiders to be on the weekend as temperatures soar. Pictured, Bondi Beach

Residents have been warned not to travel through flooded waters.

'I know we're Queenslanders, I know we go through cyclones every single year but please do not be complacent,' Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said Monday.

'So if you're in those areas you need to prepare... if it's flooded forget it, have a plan about where you'll be travelling, bear in mind where those river catchments are, be aware that during this event you could have flash flooding.'

Heavy rain was recorded further down the coast on Monday, with Redlands in Brisbane's south-east recording 191mm in 25 hours - 95mm in one hour alone.

Showers are expected to ease later in the week, with the sun making a comeback by Friday.

The weekend will be scorching around the country, with temperatures soaring past 30C in most capital cities and getting as high as 43C in parts of Sydney.

Sydney will experience four consecutive days of temperatures of 30C and above starting from Friday. Pictured, Manly Beach

Canberra will get to 37C on Saturday, while Adelaide will be 39C.

Sydney will experience four consecutive days of temperatures in the 30s.

Friday will be 33C in the harbour city, while Saturday will be 30C, on Sunday the temperature will get to 33C and on Monday it will soar to 34C.

Penrith, in the city's west, will be even hotter, with temperatures expected to hit 42C on Sunday and 43C on Monday.

'Thursday onwards we are seeing a gradual return of northerly to northwesterly winds transporting warm air to Sydney and (mostly) sunny forecasts, pushing up the maximum temperatures,' the Bureau's Meteorologist Melody Sturm told Daily Mail Australia.

'Friday there is a slight chance of a shower or a thunderstorm. The (long) weekend is expected to be very warm to hot and mostly sunny, although a chance of a shower could return for Monday.

'With the heat we will be seeing severe heatwave conditions for Sydney this weekend.'
There is a desire by the Syrian Democratic Council to create a census between parties and work towards a political solution reports North Press.

Officials of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) are seeking to communicate with all political parties in the country to achieve a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis by reaching consensus and understandings that were not previously achieved, amid the current worrying and critical political situation.

Sihanouk Dibo, an SDC representative in Egypt, said, The political process of the Syrian crisis is in a very worrying situation, and we can say that it has reached the point of complete obstruction.

Dibo attributed the reason for the stumbling of the political process to the absence of any clear provisions from the negotiating body to solve this crisis.

He added that the memorandum of understanding signed between the SDC and the Peoples Will Party in Moscow was the advanced case for resolving the Syrian crisis at the theoretical level.

In August 2020, the SDC signed a memorandum of understanding in Moscow with the Peoples Will Party led by Qadri Jamil, the partys secretary.

The memorandum contained articles related to the political roadmap to solve the Syrian crisis in accordance with UN Resolution 2254 and the drafting of the Syrian constitution.

In a previous interview, Dibo told North Press that they will announce a new memorandum of understanding with a Syrian opposition party within a few days.

However, Dibo believes that there is an international disagreement with Resolution 2254, saying, There is a disagreement by the exporting countries on this resolution, which we consider very important.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
(Natural News) A probe by the U.S. Senate found that the Obama administration was knowingly funding a group with terrorist ties back in 2014. The post-investigation report said the previous administration was funding the Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA) despite its being sanctioned by the U.S. since 2004. The report authored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) detailed the findings of his staff back in February 2019.

Grassley and his staff initially looked at the links between humanitarian non-profit World Vision and ISRA during their 2019 probe. They found that World Vision improperly transacted with the al-Qaida-linked group in 2014, with approval from the Obama administration. The two groups dealings meant that government funds were diverted to an organization flagged over its terrorist ties.

Grassleys investigation found that World Vision had been unaware of the sanctions imposed on ISRA. The U.S. sanctioned ISRA in 2004 after it funneled roughly $5 million to Maktab al-Khidamat, the predecessor to Osama bin Ladens al-Qaida terrorist group. However, the senators report chalked up World Visions ignorance to insufficient vetting practices.

The senator said in a statement: World Vision works to help people in need across the world, and that work is admirable. Though it may not have known that ISRA was on the sanctions list  because of its affiliation with terrorism, it should have. Ignorance cant suffice as an excuse. World Visions changes in vetting practices are a good first step, and I look forward to its continued progress.

Grassleys report accuses World Vision of complacency in vetting organizations it gives funds to

According to Grassleys report, World Vision submitted a grant application to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) back in January 2014. USAID subsequently awarded the non-profit $723,405 to carry out its Blue Nile Recovery Program in Sudan. The program aimed to provide food security, sanitation equipment and health services to areas in the African country affected by conflict.

ISRA agreed to provide World Vision with humanitarian services to parts of the Blue Nile Region the following month, having worked together on earlier projects in 2013 and 2014. However, World Vision only discovered ISRAs sanctions during a separate discussion with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on a separate project. IOM found out about ISRAs status during a routine vetting of World Vision and its partners: It subsequently reached out to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to verify.

IOM rejected World Visions offer to collaborate after OFAC confirmed that ISRA was indeed sanctioned. Meanwhile, World Vision immediately halted all payments to ISRA in September 2014 amid an internal investigation.

The non-profit wrote to OFAC on November 2014 clarifying ISRAs status and requesting the issuance of a temporary license to finish out the contract between the two groups. A January 2015 reply from the Department of the Treasury confirmed ISRAs sanctioned status and denied the request for a license as it was inconsistent with OFAC policy.

A month later, the non-profit submitted another request for a license to transact with ISRA. This new license involved a payment of $125,000 for services rendered. World Vision would face legal consequences and be expelled from Sudan if it did not pay the amount.

The Obama administrations State Department recommended that OFAC grant World Visions second request, which the office did a day after the recommendation. It later sent the non-profit a cautionary letter stating that its work with ISRA may have violated the Global Terrorism Sanction Regulations. (Related: More proof that Obama is a sleeper cell: FBI agent ordered to shut down investigation into Islamic terrorists.)

Nevertheless, the report said the Senate probe did not find any evidence that World Vision intentionally sought to circumvent U.S. sanctions by partnering with ISRA. It also remarked that the non-profit had no idea that ISRA was a sanctioned entity prior to receiving notice from [the Treasury Department.]

The Senate report suggests that World Vision employ stringent vetting procedures for its partners

The report dubbed World Visions vetting system for its partners as borderline negligent. It also accused the organization of ignoring elementary-level investigative procedures and attempting to eschew blame.

Comparing IOMs quick verification of ISRAs sanctioned status, the report commented: Had World Vision employed the same due diligence and similar methods employed by IOM, taxpayer dollars would not have exchanged hands with an organization that is known to fund terrorist organizations.

In a statement, World Vision said it takes our compliance obligations seriously and shares Sen. Grassley and the committee staffs objective for good stewardship. The non-profit added: Terrorism runs counter to everything World Vision stands for as an organization, and we strongly condemn any act of terrorism or support for such activities.

Terrorism.news has more about American grant money redirected to Islamic terrorist groups.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

NationalReview.com
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The European Union is aiming to inoculate 70 percent of its adult population against the coronavirus before the end of August, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas told a media conference on Tuesday.

That aim, agreed in a meeting of all EU commissioners, comes as most member states are struggling to achieve liftoff with their vaccination programmes.

The bloc started jabs three weeks ago and has so far approved two vaccinesfrom BioNTech/Pfizer and from Modernawith others soon expected to follow.

But its pace of vaccination trails behind countries such as the US, Britain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said that the EU's joint-buying strategy meant there were already enough doses to vaccinate 80 percent of the EU's population of 450 million.

She admitted, though, that "vaccinations need to speed up".

Schinas said: "We also propose that by summer, this year, member states should have vaccinated a minimum of 70 percent of the adult population."

Later, He explained that that meant "by the end of summer", which he said in Europe runs from June to the end of August.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement that meeting the goal of 70 percent could be "a turning point in our fight against this virus".

Vaccine 'bottleneck'

Questioned earlier in the European Parliament about the slowness of the rollout, Kyriakides said the current bottleneck was due to "the worldwide shortage of production capacity", rather than a shortage of vaccines already ordered by the EU.

She also noted that, if all the vaccines the EU has secured in advance are authorised, the bloc would have more than two billion doses on hand.

The excess doses would be provided to lower-income countries outside the EU through a joint WHO facility called COVAX, she said.

"Very soon, we will be able to announce our donations of vaccines to the rest of the world," she said at the media conference.

MEPs were scathing about confidentiality clauses demanded by vaccine-makers in their contracts with the EU that kept the prices, liability terms and contingencies for late deliveries secret, preventing parliamentary oversight.

Kyriakides said she heard that concern "loud and clear" but said the Commission was bound by the clauses.

She also responded to criticisms about Germany's health ministry, saying it had obtained options for extra vaccine doses bilaterally with some of the companies.

"It is not legally possible for them to negotiate bilateral contracts with the companies in the EU portfolio," she said. "And I have reminded member states of these rights and obligations."

Vaccine 'certificates'

Kyriakides also said the Commission was in "active discussion" with European governments about the possibility of "vaccination certificates" that would be recognised across the bloc.

That was one of several vaccine-related issues to be discussed at a summit of EU leaders by videoconference on Thursday, she said.

But she added that it was "premature" to think about such certificates being used for anything other than improving medical monitoring of the vaccine roll-out.

Greece, whose economy relies on tourism, has already called for such vaccine certificates to be used to allow travellers to more easily take trips without many of the coronavirus restrictions currently in place.

Brussels is urging governments to step up genome sequencing of variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus sweeping the planet, noting that "many member states are testing under one percent of samples which is far too low to identify the progression of the variants or detect new ones".

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
by Marian Demir

In the announcement published on the internet, the exact location and name of the place of worship are not specified to "protect trade secrets". From 1923 it was used as a tobacco warehouse, then as a textile factory. It could become a museum, cultural centre or hotel. The sentencing of Garo Pylan, an Armenian opposition parliamentarian.

Istanbul (AsiaNews) - Turkish authorities have put up for sale an ancient Armenian church in Bursa, a metropolis south of the Marmara Sea, on the slopes of the ancient Misia mountain, a famous tourist resort, at a price of 6.3 million lire (just over 800 thousand dollars).

At the moment the exact location and name of the place of worship is not specified. In the advertisement posted online (in the photo) you can see some parts of the structure, which remains secret for issues related "to the protection of trade secrets and for personal matters".

The announcement reads: " Historical church that can become a culture and art center/museum/hotel in Bursa. Built by the Armenian population living in this region, the church was sold and became private property following the demographic change and was then used after 1923 as a tobacco warehouse, then as a weaving factory. The church, located in Bursa, a city included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, can be used for tourism purposes due to its particular location ". The indication of "demographic change" vaguely alludes to the genocide of the Armenians and the flight of many Greek Christians in the last years of the Ottoman Empire and the first years of the new secular Republic.

In fact, the deed of sale states that the place of worship can become both a cultural center and a place for art, a museum or a more prosaic hotel with commercial purposes. The reactions of the Armenian Christian community and of the opposition movements were immediate and critical: Garo Pylan, an ethnic Armenian parliamentarian from the opposition HDP party attacks: An Armenian church for sale in Bursa. But is it ever possible to put a place of worship up for sale? How can the state and society allow all this? Shame on you!".

For the Turkish Christian community, the decision to sell a place of worship is only the latest in a series of controversial episodes that show the lack of respect, if not the contempt and trade in religious and cultural heritage: in recent days the story emerged of the barbecue in the historic Armenian church of Sourp Asdvadzadzi; after last years conversions to mosques of the ancient Christian basilicas - then museums in the early 1900s under Ataturk - of Hagia Sophia and Chora.

The controversial decisions were made in the context of the "nationalism and Islam" policy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an attempt to hide the economic crisis and maintain power. Following the presidential decree that decreed its transformation, the Islamic authorities covered the images of Jesus, frescoes and icons that testify to the Christian roots with a white curtain both in Chora and in Hagia Sophia.
WARWICKSHIRE, England and DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital asset tracking and monitoring provider Everyware Ltd, and enterprise-grade distributed ledger provider Hedera Hashgraph , are working with an initial group of National Health Service (NHS) facilities to monitor the cold storage equipment being used to store the COVID-19 and other vaccines. The initial facilities in the South Warwickshire region adopting the technology include the Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick hospitals, with a wider rollout planned as vaccine distribution progresses.

The various COVID-19 vaccines, including the one developed by Pfizer and now approved for use in the UK, require exact degrees of cold storage at all times in order to maintain their efficacy. While centralized distribution centers and transportation units can store the vaccine at the recommended -70C10C for up to 10 days unopened, they must also be stored at hospitals and other administering centers for five days at refrigerated 2-8C conditions.

Everyware provides asset tracking and monitoring software that can be configured to monitor a number of variables, including temperature, on a 24/7 basis, from anywhere. By leveraging Everyware's asset monitoring solution at the 'last mile', hospitals and healthcare facilities can ensure that vaccines are being maintained at the proper temperature throughout the entire time in their custody, before they are administered to patients. In addition, Everyware enables healthcare facilities to share information with other parts of the vaccine delivery chain  including pharmaceutical providers, centralized storage facilities, and transportation companies, to respond and adjust to any issues as they arise. Everyware's offering already provides this service for a number of other healthcare and pharmaceutical assets, including chemotherapy and other drugs, and blood and plasma, all of which have their own unique storage requirements.

Steve Clarke, Electro BioMedical Engineering Manager at South Warwickshire NHS explained, "Everyware has already demonstrated their capability as a trusted partner, helping us monitor the integrity of a wide variety of clinical applications. As we begin to prepare the roll out of these new COVID-19 vaccines, with the specific temperature requirements, we recognise the importance of utilising their same tracking and monitoring capabilities. This, in turn, will allow us to demonstrate our commitment to providing safe patient care."

Tom Screen, Technical Director for Everyware, said, "Monitoring the ongoing temperature of these refrigeration units is critically important, and ensuring the integrity of that data is an equally important part of maintaining trust in the results, and being able to easily share them across the entire vaccine supply chain. Hedera's distributed ledger technology provides that tamper-proof record-keeping system, making it perfect for recording and validating results efficiently and cost-effectively. Everyware welcomes collaboration with other partners in the vaccine supply chain to ensure end-to-end traceability."

Hedera is a decentralized public platform on which developers can build secure, fair, fast, trusted applications. The platform is governed by a council of the world's leading organizations including Avery Dennison, Boeing, Deutsche Telekom, Dentons, DLA Piper, FIS (WorldPay), Google, IBM, LG Electronics, Magalu, Nomura, Swirlds, Tata Communications, University College London (UCL), Wipro, and Zain Group.

Mance Harmon, Founder and CEO, explained how the Hedera network creates a secure, distributed base network layer for many kinds of supply chain, pharmaceutical, and healthcare services. "Hedera makes it practical and cost-effective for organizations to benefit from the transparency and accountability of distributed ledgers. Asset monitoring and management is a great example of this, and we're so pleased to help bring that data integrity and trust to the important work that Everyware is doing with NHS hospitals in support of their emerging COVID-19 vaccination efforts."

About Everyware

Everyware delivers comprehensive, no-nonsense asset monitoring to customers, to help them connect and monitor their products and assets in real-time. Everyware delivers real-time intelligence, anomaly detection, and decision making for critical assets globally, providing organizations with instant visibility and accountability, accessible from anywhere.

For more information, visit www.everyware.ltd/ , and follow us on Twitter at @EverywareUK, or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/everyware-uk .

About Hedera

Hedera is a decentralized public network on which developers can build secure, fair applications with near real-time finality. The platform is owned and governed by a council of the world's leading organizations including Avery Dennison, Boeing, Deutsche Telekom, Dentons, DLA Piper, FIS (WorldPay), Google, IBM, LG Electronics, Magalu, Nomura, Swirlds, Tata Communications, University College London (UCL), Wipro, and Zain Group.

For more information, visit https://hedera.com/, or follow us on Twitter at @hedera, Telegram at t.me/hederahashgraph, or Discord at www.hedera.com/discord. The Hedera whitepaper can be found at www.hedera.com/papers .

For Media Enquiries

Zenobia Godschalk

E: [email protected]

Emily Kielthy

Wachsman

E: [email protected]

T: +353 87 097 2754

SOURCE Hedera Hashgraph
12 National Guard Troops Pulled From Duty in Washington Ahead of Inauguration

A dozen National Guard troops in Washington were yanked from duty because of inappropriate comments and other issues, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Two of the 12 were pulled because of inappropriate comments or texts, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the National Guard chief, told reporters at the Pentagon.

One of those was flagged within the chain of command while the other was informed on by someone over a tipline.

The other 10 were flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which was vetting the entire 25,000-force that descended upon the nations capital from across the country ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration.

If you look at 25,000, weve had 12 identified and some of those theyre just looking into. It may be unrelated to this, Hokanson said.

We work very closely with law enforcement. And if theres any identification or anything whatsoever that needs to be looked into, out of an abundance of caution, we automatically pull those personnel off the line, and make sure that theyre not part of the mission set. And in certain cases, we make sure that we get them sent home, he added.

The names of the 12, or any other identifying information such as their home states, were not shared.

The FBI was vetting through a criminal history check and a review a civilian database.

Were not taking any chances. Anything flags, theres any reason that somebodys name is brought to the attention of the command? Theyre being removed from the line. Well ask questions later, Pentagon press secretary Jonathan Hoffman said.

Members of the National Guard patrol near the U.S. Capitol building ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Federal K-9 units prepare for a security sweep in preparation for the inauguration ceremonies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president on Wednesday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Officials confirmed Monday that all 25,000 National Guard members in Washington were being vetted by the Department of Defense and the FBI.

This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events, acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said in a statement. However, in this case, the scope of military participation is unique. The D.C. National Guard is also providing additional training to service members as they arrive in D.C. that if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report it to their chain of command.

Major General William Walker, the head of the D.C. National Guard, said on ABCs Good Morning America that members were screened before leaving their states and screened again before being placed on patrol in Washington.

Its all about the background. So, a regular background check is enhanced with more screening, more details and its layered so the FBI is part of it, the Secret Service is part of it and once they are certain that theres no insider threat then that soldier, guardsman, or airman is given a credential, he said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, decried the vetting on Monday, warning that he would never send Texas National Guard troops to Washington again if they are disrespected like this.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
London, Jan 19 : In a startling revelation, European Medicines Agency (EMA) has said that hackers have manipulated stolen Covid-19 vaccine data in an attempt to "undermine trust" in the vaccines.

The ongoing investigation of the cyberattack on EMA found that some of the unlawfully accessed documents related to Covid-19 medicines and vaccines have been leaked on the Internet.

"Some of the correspondence has been manipulated by the perpetrators prior to publication in a way which could undermine trust in vaccines," said the latest update from the EMA.

The EMA suffered a data breach and disclosed it last month.

The leaked Covid-19 data includes internal/confidential email correspondence dating from November, relating to evaluation processes for the vaccines.

The news comes at a time when mass vaccination has started in several countries, including in India.

"The agency continues to fully support the criminal investigation into the data breach. Necessary action is being taken by the law enforcement authorities," the EMA said in a statement.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, Microsoft and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have issued warnings over cybercriminals targeting healthcare and pharmaceuticals organisations involved in Covid-19 vaccine development and distribution.

Two EU marketing authorisations for Covid-19 vaccines were granted at the end of December/beginning of January following an independent scientific assessment.

In December, the EMA said it was hit by a cyber-attack and documents relating to a coronavirus vaccine have been accessed.

BioNTech, which makes one of the vaccines in partnership with Pfizer, said its regulatory submission was accessed during the attack.

Dr Reddy's which is conducting clinical trials for the Sputnik vaccine had also been the target of a cyber attack.

In November, Microsoft detected cyber-attacks from nation-state actors targeting seven prominent companies directly involved in researching vaccines and treatments for Covid-19, including in India.

The targets include leading pharmaceutical companies and vaccine researchers in Canada, France, India, South Korea and the US, and came from Strontium, an actor originating from Russia, and two bad actors originating from North Korea called Zinc and Cerium.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
GREENWICH  Harry Brant, son of Greenwich billionaire Peter Brant and former model Stephanie Seymour, has been charged with resisting arrest and drug possession after allegedly refusing to pay a taxi fare.

Brant, 20, was arrested July 28, and also charged with larceny in the sixth degree. He reportedly refused to pay a $27.85 fare to Stamford Taxi after being driven to Greenwich Avenue and ran off on foot.

Police were dispatched, and said they located Brant, who matched the called-in description of a tall white male in a black t-shirt and black pants, on Railroad Avenue. Police described Brant as sweating profusely and pale in color.

According to police, Brant, a North Street resident, initially claimed he had not been in a taxi, but eventually changed his story and admitted he had taken one to Greenwich but did not have the funds to pay for the ride.

When he was told he was being placed under arrest and that he should place his hands behind his back, Brant allegedly yelled out No! No! and attempted to run away from the officers, police said.

Officers were able to grab ahold of Brant and take him to the ground, the police report states. Brant continued to resist officers attempts to place him under arrest by tensing his muscles while swinging his arms and kicking his legs. Officers were finally able to place him in handcuffs.

While conducting a search, police said they found a small wallet on Brant which held a baggie containing a white substance that later tested positive for narcotics. Police said Brant refused to say who he was until he was recognized by an officer who was familiar with him. He was not carrying ID with him at the time of the arrest, police said.

Brant was released on a promise to appear in court on Aug. 4. His attorney, Philip Russell, declined to comment on the arrest.

This is not the first brush with the law for the Brant family. Peter Brant Jr., 22, was arrested in March after an incident at John F. Kennedy Airport in which he allegedly assaulted a police officer. According to a Port Authority statement, a severely intoxicated Brant Jr. became belligerent when JetBlue staff prevented him from boarding an afternoon flight to West Palm Beach, Fla.

Seymour recently was arrested as well. Greenwich Police charged her following two motor vehicle accidents on Jan. 15 that police said occurred while she was intoxicated. Police said Seymour smashed a 2015 Range Rover into a utility pole on Stanwich Road, breaking it in half, then drove off. Some time later she allegedly backed into another vehicle off Exit 5 of I-95.

Seymour was placed into the states alcohol education and accelerated rehabilitation program as part of an agreement with the court.

kborsuk@scni.com
The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said 6,31,417 people through 11,660 sessions have received COVID-19 vaccination shot so far since the vaccination drive in the country began on 16 January.

In a span of 24 hours, 1,77,368 beneficiaries people were vaccinated for COVID-19 taking the cumulative total of people vaccinated to 6,31,417 in the country, the ministry said.

Adding to that, the ministry also informed that 0.18% adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported so far, out of which 0.002% needed hospitalisation.

A total of only nine AEFI have required hospitalization. In Delhi, three cases have been discharged whereas one case is under observation at Rajiv Gandhi, Hospital Shahdara. One more AEFI case from Uttarakhand has been discharged. In Karnataka, one person is discharged and other person is stable and under observation at District Hospital, Chitradurga. In Chhattisgarh also, one person is discharged. In Rajasthan, one case is of suspected anaphylaxis is fine and under observation at District Hospital, Bangar.

To be sure, the health ministry had earlier said that 580 adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) were reported till Monday.

"These are fairly low and the lowest so far in the world in the first three days, said health secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a press briefing.

Speaking on Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine candidate Covaxin, Bhushan said that the emergency use approval (EUA) for the vaccine was under clinical mode.

'If there's causal relation between immunisation and adverse event, severe or serious, hospitalisation cost would be borne by authorities,' he added.

"One of 2 vaccines is given emergency use authorization under clinical trial mode. In a document for this vaccine, it's mentioned that if there's causal relation between immunization and adverse event, severe or serious, hospitalization cost would be borne by authorities," Bhushan said.

"The concerns about adverse effects and serious problems, as of now, seem to be insignificant. Data show that we are in a comfortable situation and we would like to reassure you that the two 2 COVID19 vaccines are safe," said Niti Aayog's VK Paul.

"We are not fulfilling our societal responsibility if a vaccine assigned to you is not being taken. The whole world is clamouring for the vaccine. I request the doctors and nurses to accept the vaccine," added Paul.

The government also added that in terms of novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak in the country, only the states of Kerala and Maharashtra with more than 50,000 active cases.

Meanwhile, India's total COVID-19 active caseload has dropped to 2 lakh (2,00,528) as on date which consists of just 1.90 per cent of the total cases, while the daily new cases have touched a new low on Tuesday with 10,064 daily new infections being added to the national tally after seven months. The daily new cases were 10,956 on June 12, 2020, the ministry said.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
German federal parliament Bundestags Committee on Foreign Affairs has hosted a webinar on East Sea issues, with representatives of Vietnamese associations and experts in Germany in attendance.

A webinar on East Sea issues is hosted by German federal parliament Bundestags Committee on Foreign Affairs, with representatives of Vietnamese associations and experts in Germany in attendance. (Photo: VNA)

The event, which took place on January 15 (local time), was chaired by Prof. Daniela De Ridder, Vice Chair of the Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs and its subcommittee on Civilian Crisis Prevention, Conflict Management and Integrated Action.

In her remarks, Ridder said the German Bundestag and Government have been very much attentive to the security situation in the East Sea. She said she herself had received a many comments from her parliamentarian colleagues in the Bundestag about the tensions in this area, and that she would like to get opinions from the Vietnamese community, associations and experts living in Germany about the issue.

She highly appreciated attendants for joining the webinar, saying she will discuss with her colleagues to bring the issues to the federal parliament.

She also expected that the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Vietnamese associations and experts in Germany can organise more of such event to exchange ideas on the matter.

During the event, Vietnamese scholars and association representatives, such as Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Thoai from Trier University, Prof. Nguyen Viet Anh, Vice Chairman of the Germany-Vietnam forum on innovation and economy and President of the Association of Vietnamese Students in Germany, and Lawyer Truong Loan from the German-Vietnamese Lawyers Association (DVJV), delivered speeches providing updates about the current situation in the East Sea./.VNA
The first case of a coronavirus variant from Brazil was detected in Korea, health authorities said Monday.

The carrier arrived at Incheon International Airport on Jan. 10 from Brazil via Germany. The person tested positive at the airport and was transferred to hospital and placed in quarantine.

Another case of a variant from South Africa was also detected, raising the total number of variant COVID-19 infections to 18.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, the chief of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, "There have been reports that the propagation rates of the U.K. and South African variants have increased around 1.5 times, while the possibility of greater contagiousness of the Brazilian variant has also been raised, but more studies are needed."
A small vegetation fire that broke out in a remote area of Sonoma County on Monday night was 60% contained Tuesday morning, Cal Fire said.

The Old Fire sparked in the hills east of Geyserville off Big Geysers Road near the Geysers geothermal fields amid unseasonably warm temperatures and high offshore winds after 9 p.m. Initial reports said the blaze was 5 to 10 acres.

Tyree Zander of the Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit said the latest mapping showed it was only 1.8 acres.

"Its in very steep terrain with limited access," Zander said. "It probably has the valley or mountains around it protecting it from wind."

There were no evacuations or structures threatened as of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

PG&E representatives and Healdsburg officials told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that power equipment in the area had been damaged by the winds and utility crews were on hand making repairs.

Six engines and three crews responded to the incident. There were no evacuations or structures immediately threatened as of 11 p.m.

This wasn't the only wildfire to spark in the Bay Area on Monday. A fire also broke out in Milpitas on Country Club Drive, police said.

Dozens of residents were temporarily evacuated, but police sent out an alert at 9:53 p.m. to tell residents of Cervantes Court, Camarillo Court, Calaveras Ridge Drive and Calera Creek Heights Drive that they could return home.

Everyone else in the fire area is asked to shelter in place while firefighters finish their work, police said.

The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit said on Twitter that its crews responded to at least 10 vegetation fires overnight. Cal Fire reported some of the blazes broke out in the burn scar of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, a massive blaze that consumed 86,509 acres in August.

Winds howled across the greater Bay Area region Monday night and the National Weather Service reported gusts over 70 mph atop Mount Diablo in the East Bay and over 75 mph on Mount St. Helena in the North Bay.

The weather service issued a high wind warning for Tuesday for elevations above 1,000 feet in the San Francisco Bay Area, 4 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. A wind advisory is in effect for the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The winds arrived at the tail end of a warm spell of record-breaking temperatures, with some locations reaching the high 70s to low 80s Monday afternoon. The weather service warned of the risk of wildfires sparking across the region and especially just south of the Bay Area in Monterey and San Benito counties.

"Relative humidity values are in the teens this evening and are not expected to recover overnight," the weather service said in its Monday report. "This unseasonably dry air mass and strong winds will combine to create critical fire weather conditions tonight and Tuesday in areas where fuels remain dry, specifically in the hills and mountains of Monterey and San Benito Counties where a Red Flag Warning is currently in effect."

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, remarked on Twitter that wildfires are unusual in the Bay Area in winter.

"Nothing short of incredible this is happening in Sonoma County in *mid January,*" Swain wrote. "Hopefully vegetation is still moist enough the meager rainfall so far this season to keep fire spread rates down tonight, but...wow. Other fires already in Bay Area tonight."

Bay City News contributed to this report.
One of the ironies of contemporary discussions about whether or not women should be ordained or not is the role Christ plays in the arguments against womens ordination. William Witt, in Icons of Christ, offers nothing less than very clever statement about this very issue (my emphasis):

The Catholic and Protestant positions thus provide contrary reasons for not ordaining women to church office. For the Catholic position, women cannot be ordained because they do not resemble a male Christ. For the Protestant position, women cannot be ordained because they do resemble Christ; in the same way, it is claimed, that the Son always submits to the Father, women must always be in submission to male authority.

The Catholic view, which is not the focus of this chp, combines a medieval theory of sacrament with a 1976 major document of the RCC.

Both views have something going for them: looking to Jesus.

At the heart of this chp by Witt is Christological subversion, and he anchors the very point in the importance of narrative, of symbol, and of irony and paradox. He works here with Richard Hays. Reading the Gospels ushers us into the world of Jesus where Jesus subverts an honor-shame culture in various ways, including how Jesus treated and related to women.

There is not any doubt that Jesus subverts: he is the Son of God on the cross, he adheres to Moses Torah only to radicalize it, he subverts the economic orders, and he is glorified by going to the cross: Mark, Matthew, Luke, John.

He turns to Karl Barth for a kind of both-and: a passive conservativism of culture that entails a radical subversion of that culture: temple, Sabbath, politics, economics, and family. Over and over Jesus upends the categories while walking astride those categories.

The notion of Christological subversion makes clear the radical nature of Jesus call to discipleship. On the one hand, Jesus simply accepted and did not challenge the existing social orders of religion, politics, economics, and family. On the other, the freedom of Gods kingdom so transcends all of these orders as radically to call them into question, and this radical challenge to existing order is what eventually led toJesus crucifixion as a religious and political subversive.

No one can read the Gospels and not see this tension.

He turns then to honor culture (and here relies on the fine work of David deSilva): it is group oriented, honor-shame oriented, family oriented, hierarchical, filled with slavery and male authority over the household members.

He suggests Jesus worked in this culture and subverted family, the state, and he crossed boundarieds with gentiles and a return to creation for marriage and divorce.

Then he turns to women and Jesus: Jesus and the Samaritan woman, the Syrophoenician woman, the sinful woman, touching unclean women and returning to creation.

I must register some cautions: Witt makes too much of the contrast between Jesus relations with women and Jewish culture. The fact is that Jesus is not once criticized for his relations with women. Some will point to the Samaritan woman. But, not only is she now a (mistaken) stereotype but the criticism here is not because she was a woman but a Samaritan. The reality is that one would have an impossible time carrying on in public in Galilee without bumping up against an unclean woman. Most Jews were unclean most of the time! (So, they didnt go to temple. OK. Wash and wait is the law.) The point is this: Jesus is never criticized for this because his relations with women were ordinary, if at times a bit unusual, but not unacceptable.

We dont need Judaism as a foil to see that Jesus related to women positively. The best studies on this are by Tal Ilan.

Yet, I agree with Witt on subversions.

He had women disciples (cf. too Acts 9:36 on Tabitha): Matt 12:48-50; Luke 8:1-3, Luke 10:38-42 (he pushes back against Grudems reading of Mary and Marthan; we dont need to overdo sitting at the feet but thats a very significant expression), and women were witnesses of Jesus resurrection!

There are two kinds of submission: hierarchical and authoritative, and mutual, and Jesus works with the second (pp. 92-94).

Image: Cover Photo

Jesus operated with a new kind of ethic: one marked by servanthood and service. Not authority. No power. Not hierarchy.

The principle of Christological subversion shows that, while Jesus did not set out to overthrow the first-century honor culture, his teachings and actions undermined it.

I agree. Theres sufficient evidence for how Jesus related to women to see something distinctive and paradigmatic.

Ordination at work here? No. Thats anachronistic. But a paradigm is being established.

At the same time, however, the manner in which Jesus teaching and mission subverted first-century assumptions about the proper cultural roles of men and women, as well as the way in which he related to women, both strangers and disciples, is relevant to the question of womens ordination, specifically to the question of whether there is anything about Jesus teaching and mission that might count against the practice.

Is there? Witt says no.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (January 19, 2021) announced that the newly inducted Rafale fighter jets are going to be part of the bilateral air exercise 'Desert Knight-21' between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force.

The Rafale fighters jets will be part of the IAF and French Air and Space Force (Armee de l'Air et de l'Espace) bilateral air exercise that will be conducted at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur between January 20 and January 24.

"French side will participate with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel. The Indian Air Force aircraft participating in the exercise will include Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft," said the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise marks an important milestone in the series of engagements between the two Air forces.

Notably, as part of Indo-French defence cooperation, Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force have held six editions of Air Exercises named 'Garuda', the latest being in 2019 at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan, France.

As measures to further the existing cooperation, the two forces have been gainfully utilising available opportunities to conduct 'hop-exercises'.

The French Air and Space Force deployment while ferrying to Australia for Ex Pitchblack in 2018 was hosted by IAF at Air Force Stations in Agra and Gwalior for exercise with fighters and MRTT aircraft.

Currently, the French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 is deployed in Asia as part of their 'Skyros Deployment' and will ferry in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The exercise includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premier Air Forces.

As the two detachments commence their air exchange from January 20 onwards, they will put into practice operational experience gained across terrains and spectrums and endeavour to exchange ideas and best practices to enhance interoperability.



Live TV
AN INDEPENDENT Senator has revealed that he was subject to drug trials while growing up in an institution.

Independent Senator Victor Boyhan was speaking as there was cross-party support between Senators in

criticism for the Mother and Baby Homes report, with some claiming that it lacks empathy.

Senator Boyhan, who grew up in an orphanage, said that there were many good and happy people in some institutions.

I really dont want to spend any more of my life talking about it. It does not define me, I am not a victim. I daresay I am not even a survivor. I lived my life and I had many happy times, he said.

I encountered many good and happy people.

It is important to say that were not all victims and we had experiences and I am the seventh of seven children and I am in touch with every one one of them.

We joke every day how many families of seven are in contact and speaking and are friendly and loving and supporting.

He said that it wasnt always the priest.

I am Church of Ireland by birth, by heritage and by choice, so it wasnt always the Catholic Church and it wasnt always the priest and it wasnt always the nun.

"I think thats really really important to say.

He also said that he was subject to drug trials which I lived through and was subject to in the institution I was in and called on pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, which carried out some of those trials, to contribute to a redress scheme.

It is about accountability and I would ask that the Wellcome SmithKline foundation, that they will be asked to make a substantial contribution to a redress scheme.

Senators hit out at many aspects of the report, including its executive summary.

Leader of the Seanad Regina Doherty said that the report lacks empathy and is cold and callous.

In places, the assertions that it makes are not just hurtful, but are so downright disrespectful and in lots of places just wrong or inaccurate, she said.

In many places, the report completely ignores the testimony of the womens lived experiences.

She said that the report questions memory and the experiences of the victims who gave testimony and tells them they dont matter, they dont count.

She invited victims to write their own executive summary in their own words and in their own languages.

Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman responded by telling the Seanad that copies of the report have been submitted to gardai and the DPP, that an archive will be created with records and that counselling is available for survivors.

I havent written to GSK but Ill go back and consider what engagement my department should have directly with that company.

He said it would be appropriate for local authorities, such as Galway County Council, to apologise.
[January 19, 2021] Verizon Cybertrust's Longtime Global Security Services Leader, Bryan Sartin, Joins eSentire as Chief Services Officer

eSentire, the world's largest global Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, today announced that Bryan Sartin, longtime Global Security Services Leader for Verizon (News - Alert) Cybertrust, has joined eSentire as Chief Services Officer. Sartin and his team will build upon eSentire's award-winning MDR services and their Rapid Assist incident response (IR) solutions. Sartin is expanding the company's cyber investigations, digital forensics, and incident response capabilities whereby eSentire can now provide partners and prospects with end-to-end IR services including breach remediation consulting. "As the extent and severity of the SolarWinds' (News - Alert) supply chain breach continues to unfold, it shows how comprehensive and damaging a cyber intrusion can be," said Kerry Bailey, eSentire CEO. "For some time, our partners and prospects have been asking us if, in addition to providing our remote response capabilities, can we also provide 'boots on the ground' cyber investigations, forensics, and remediation services. Today's organizations are smart, and they have a lot of security awareness. They know if a threat actor(s) wants to compromise their IT environment there are numerous ways bad actors can do it, all while circumventing the very best cybersecurity products and traditional services one might have in place," continued Bailey. "Our partners and prospects have asked us to expand our IR services, so we have brought in one of the world's top incidnt response experts to establish and lead what will be the security industry's most capable forensics and incident response team," said Bailey.



"Our Rapid Assist partners already have a significant edge over the competition because of their access to Atlas, our award-winning Extended Detection and Response (XDR) cloud platform and our unique network sensor technology," said Bryan Sartin, eSentire Chief Services Officer. "These assets will power a step-change in cutting-edge IR practices. For example, source identification, containment, and quantifying the magnitude of a compromise will now happen in tighter, more reliable timeframes than conventional approaches currently permit. The door is also open to improved customer experience and significantly shorter SLAs with respect to onsite intervention and threat suppression. Our unique technology and forward-leaning cyber investigation methods make an impactful combination, positioning eSentire to make a difference in the incident response market and most importantly --- enable enterprises to successfully counter today's more complex cyberattacks." Sartin is an established InfoSec leader and influencer, having worked in the industry for more than 25 years. He comes to eSentire, most recently having spent 17 years with Verizon, overseeing the company's security consulting, systems integration, breach response, and cyber intelligence functions worldwide. At Verizon, Sartin led a team of 600 cybersecurity experts, including consultants, cyber investigators, and researchers across 33 countries, driving service delivery in more than 110 countries.

Sartin established the Verizon RISK Team in 2007, which has become one of the largest cyber investigations companies in the world, measured in case velocity, global reach, and unit sales. He also played a key role in creation of the annual Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report publications. Sartin has personally led more than 500 breach investigations for commercial enterprises and government agencies. He has testified in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and served as a fact witness in some of the largest, most publicly visible data breaches on record. Sartin has patents filed in security monitoring, intrusion detection, and network risk scoring. He is also a licensed, private security investigator and a qualified investigations company manager. Sartin majored in Management Information Systems and Finance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). As organizations face a constant stream of cyberthreats from nation states and for-profit threat actors, they simultaneously find themselves challenged to find enough cybersecurity talent to fill crucial internal security roles. eSentire takes on that burden for organizations, stopping breaches, containing threats, and minimizing business risk. eSentire's MDR services are powered by eSentire's Atlas XDR platform. It is the foundation for all eSentire multi-signal MDR services. eSentire provides customers with around-the-clock, proactive threat hunting across their networks, endpoints, cloud workloads and hybrid environments, eliminating blind spots traditional technologies miss and safeguarding all aspects of their business. About eSentire eSentire, Inc., founded in 2001, is the category creator and world's largest Managed Detection and Response (MDR) company, safeguarding businesses of all sizes with the industry-defining, cloud-native Atlas platform that removes blind spots and enables 24x7 threat hunters to contain attacks and stop breaches within minutes. Its threat-driven, customer-focused culture makes the difference in eSentire's ability to attract the best talent across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud-native skill sets. Its highly skilled teams work together toward a common goal to deliver the best customer experience and security efficacy in the industry. For more information, visit www.esentire.com?and follow @eSentire. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005929/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
A police officer in the Russian city of Samara has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of leaking data that may have helped the Bellingcat investigative group identify the alleged poisoners of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, the RBC business daily reports, citing its sources.



Police officer Kirill Chuprov was detained in December and charged with abuse of power, according to an RBC report from January 19.



Chuprov, who may face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, is accused of leaking confidential information from a database containing information about the movement of people across Russia to a third party, according to the RBC source, who is said to be close to the investigation, said.



The leaked data was later used by investigative journalists who studied flights taken by agents of Russian's Federal Security Service (FSB) who allegedly secretly followed Navalny for several years before he was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent in Siberia in August last year.



Bellingcat, a British-based open-source investigative group, and Russian media outlet The Insider published the investigation in December in cooperation with Der Spiegel and CNN.

Citing "voluminous evidence in the form of telecoms and travel data," the investigation, showed the August 2020 poisoning of the Kremlin critic appeared to have been in the works since at least early 2017.



The European Union and Britain have imposed asset freezes and travel bans against six senior Russian officials believed to be responsible for the Navalny poisoning, as well as one entity involved in the program that has produced a group of military-grade nerve agents known as Novichok.



Navalny, who was transported from Siberia to Germany for treatment after the incident, returned to Moscow on January 17. He was immediately arrested and sent to a pretrial detention center.



On February 2, a court is expected to decide whether to convert into jail time a suspended 3 1/2 year sentence, which Navalny served in an embezzlement case that he says was trumped up.

With reporting by RBC and Reuters
The Cerrejon mine in northern Colombia has received complaints of environmental damage and human rights violations.

A formal complaint will be lodged today by human rights lawyers and aid agencies against the ESB for its involvement in a controversial coal mine in Colombia.

The complaint will be filed with the OECD claiming breaches of international protocols for business practices.

It is one of a series being filed simultaneously in several countries against the Cerrejon mines owners, BHP, Anglo American and Glencore.

Also included is the Dublin-based firm that controls global distribution of Cerrejons coal, CMC Coal Marketing, which, up to a decline in sales in 2019, recorded over 2bn in revenues annually.

If successful, the action could lead to directions to sever ties with the mine, apologies, and pressure on the owners to compensate for environmental damage and human rights violations .

The ESB and CMC have often addressed criticisms of the mine, defending its operations and the oversights in place to ensure fair practices.

Those assurances are rejected by Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), which is supported in filing the complaints by Christian Aid Ireland and local and international human rights and environmental groups.

Cerrejon, the biggest coal mine in Latin America, is an open-cast operation spreading over hundreds of kilometres in one of the poorest regions of northern Colombia.

Farming communities have complained for decades that they have been forcibly displaced by the mine and that their water sources dried up after being diverted to it.

They report severe pollution of the land, air and remaining water and being left with little choice but to work for the mine in poor conditions.

The ESB imported millions of tonnes of coal from Cerrejon to power the Moneypoint station in Co Clare. It suspended buying fresh stocks in 2018 as part of the winding down of Moneypoint but has not disassociated itself from the mine.

In statements, the ESB says it is part of the Bettercoal initiative developed by a group of major coal-buying companies which aims to improve standards in mines and carries out regular checks on conditions.

The companys position is that: ESB believes that its active membership of Bettercoal provides the best platform to achieve continuous improvement in the mining industry.

The OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises, which GLAN claim have been breached, are not legally binding but they are agreed by member states who undertake to ensure companies operating in or from their jurisdictions comply with them.

Gerry Liston, legal officer with GLAN, said the guidelines should carry all the more weight with the ESB because it was a State-owned enterprise.

It must recognise its human rights obligations and immediately end relations with Cerrejon for good, he said.

A United Nations human rights committee recommended last year that Ireland stop buying from Cerrejon, push for an independent inquiry into the operation of the mine and support restitution for those hurt by it.

Sorley McCaughey, head of policy at Christian Aid, said the lack of action showed the inadequacy of voluntary guidelines for industry.

The Government must move quickly to introduce mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation for State-owned and Irish-based companies to ensure they do not undermine the human rights of workers or the communities in which they work, whether in Ireland or abroad, he said.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

An opening date is finally known for Omega Mart.

Meow Wolf announced on Tuesday that Feb. 18 will mark opening day for its second installation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its first, House of Eternal Return, is located in Santa Fe.

More than 325 creatives have been involved with 250-plus unique projects inside the exhibition, which will have four themed areas and 60 additional unique environments, including installation-filled rooms, terrains, and portals to other worlds in true Meow Wolf fashion.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Were thrilled to launch our exhibition in Las Vegas next month, said Corvas Brinkerhoff, Meow Wolf co-founder and executive creative director of Meow Wolf Las Vegas. Weve been working tirelessly to complete the project and cant wait to introduce audiences to an entirely new mode of storytelling that is truly unlike anything theyve ever seen before.

Brinkerhoff said Omega Mart is Americas Most Exceptional Grocery Store and Meow Wolfs most ambitious project to date.

Visitors will soon be able to experience more than 100 custom items such as Impact Corn, Caltucky Freedom Glaze, and Americanized Beef.

Musical and visual artists such as Amon Tobin, Shrine, and Android Jones are among the 50-plus collaborators working to create the mind-bending experience.

In Santa Fe, Meow Wolf artists helped return life to the former Silva Lanes in spring 2016 with the help of media impresario George R.R. Martin, best known for his Song of Ice and Fire series, which was the basis for the HBOs Game of Thrones.

The result was the art installation, House of Eternal Return.

By July 2018, attendance at the edgy arts installation hit 1 million visitors, driven mostly by word of mouth and a solitary billboard on Interstate 25 heading north from Albuquerque.

The Las Vegas expansion is the latest. The arts collective is working on projects in Denver, Phoenix and Washington D.C.

Meow Wolfs Omega Mart will open with COVID-safe practices including:

Limited Capacity: Omega Mart will operate at 25% capacity and tickets are available exclusively online.

Face Masks: The State of Nevada requires all residents and visitors to wear a face covering.

Temperature Checks: AREA15 utilizes non-invasive thermal cameras at point of entry. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.4 degrees fahrenheit and their entire group will not be allowed entry to the property.

Social Distancing: All visitors will need to practice social distancing and keep a minimum of 6 feet away from other groups and employees during their visit. Creative Operators will be available to help maintain protocol.

Cleaning & HVAC: The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing has been increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces.

In addition to the above, Meow Wolf has implemented safety measures for staff and the exhibit.

Every day, in preparation for guests, Omega Mart will undergo rigorous sanitization. In addition, employees will undergo a health questionnaire, receive daily temperature checks and comprehensive COVID-19 safety and sanitization training to ensure they understand and are confident in managing the physical distancing and hygiene aspects of their roles. There will be hand sanitizer dispensers placed at guest and employee entrances and throughout the exhibit. Omega Mart will make available non-latex gloves for employee and guest use.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $45 for General Admission ($40 Children/Seniors / Military), and $35 for Nevada Residents ($30 Children / Seniors / Military). Attendees will be required to pre-book a time slot for entry.

Tickets are available at omegamart.com.
The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and Germany related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Friday phone talk with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel asked the German leader to assist in supplying the COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine.

At the beginning of the phone talk, the leaders congratulated each other on New Year's holidays. After that, they discussed the situation in Ukraine and Germany related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply of vaccines, as reported by the Ukrainian president's press service.

Read alsoPM Shmyhal names condition for greenlighting Chinese vaccine in UkraineZelensky asked Merkel to assist in supplying the COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine.

"The main task now is to protect the most vulnerable categories of citizens: elderly people, doctors, military personnel. The emergence of certified vaccines gives us all hope," Zelensky said.

Vaccines for Ukraine: Background

In March, the first batch with 8 million doses of the vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility. These doses are enough to vaccinate 4 million people as two jabs per person are required. Medics, senior citizens, and seriously ill patients will get vaccinated first.

On December 24, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the COVAX global initiative from 8 million to 16 million doses.

On December 22, Ukraine's Health Ministry approved a plan for vaccination of the population against COVID-19. The goal of this plan is to vaccinate at least 50% of the population of Ukraine (20 million people) in 2021-2022.

On December 30, the Ukrainian Health Ministry signed a contract for the supply of China's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine. The purchase provides for 1,913,316 doses at UAH 504 (US$18) per dose. China plans to obtain permission to use the vaccine inside the country and abroad in January next year, and the vaccine will also be submitted for retraining to the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2021.

The contract for supplies to the territory of Ukraine has been signed with Lekhim JSC, which, according to official confirmations from Sinovac Biotech, is the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine.

Under the terms of the contract, the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China, or by one of the competent authorities of the United States, Great Britain, the Swiss Confederation, Japan, Australia, Canada, Israel, India, Mexico, Brazil, or under a centralized procedure by the competent authority of the European Union.

On January 6, some 13 countries of the European Union called on the European Commission to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines for the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, including Ukraine.

Reporting by UNIAN
The India government plans to give Serum India Institute's Covishield to its neighbouring countries. To Nepal, for free and 2 million doses as a gift to Bangladesh

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on Monday confirmed that Indian government will provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country for free.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

"GoI has announced that they will provide vaccines for free and if we have to procure vaccines then His Majesty has said he would even provide from his personal resources," PM Tshering was quoted by The Bhutanese.

"If we have to buy the vaccines then we may to spend USD 6 million. His Majesty was informed by the GoI that they value the old ties with Bhutan and will help Bhutan. We have told GoI that we plan to vaccinate the whole eligible population in one go and they said they understand," Tshering said.

Tshering further said that Bhutan was likely to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India. "It looks like we will get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India," he was quoted by the Bhutanese daily.

This comes after the Nepal Government approved the emergency use of the 'Covishield' vaccine last week, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

The Indian side assured that the "requirements of Nepal would be in priority consideration after the roll-out of vaccines", said the Nepal Embassy following the approval of the vaccine.

India to gift 2 mln doses of 'Covishield' to Bangladesh

Bangladesh will receive 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' as a gift from India on January 20.

Citing the letter by the Indian High Commission written to the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka Tribune reported that a special flight from India carrying the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20.

The Health Services Division under the Ministry has issued a letter to the drug regulator the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to take appropriate steps to administer the vaccine.

The vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS' facilities, such as the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), Dhaka Tribune further said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that additional storage for the COVID-19 vaccines will be provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). On January 8, Bangladesh had approved the procurement of 30 million doses of Covishield COVID-19 vaccine from India

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Microgrid Technology to be Deployed at Medical Center, Bitcoin Mining Facility. Tweet this

An additional contract was signed this week for a medical facility in Orange County that will feature 100kw rooftop and carport solar with 30kw/70kw battery. CleanSpark's patented mPulse controller will optimize the solar plus storage resources to provide the customer with significant cost savings. Based on prior results and the recent mVSO evaluation the medical facility is expected to save around 90% on the monthly energy costs. The facility owner anticipates, that with CleanSpark's solution, they can secure a three-year payback on the fully installed system.

David Watt, President of Solar Watt Solutions said, "The addition of CleanSpark's software and engineering resources has allowed us to meet the increased demand in the market for solar plus storage solutions. Their controls software and energy storage relationships have helped save our customers money and make them less reliant on the utility companies, especially in these uncertain times."

Zachary Bradford, CleanSpark's President and Chief Executive commented, "This is another success for CleanSpark's strategy of engaging with large regional partners. Solar Watt is helping residential and small commercial businesses save on their energy costs via solar and storage solutions as well as providing resiliency solutions. Our products and services are a perfect complement to Solar Watt's existing offerings to bring their customers the benefits of intelligently controlled storage and other microgrid services. Our 'one to many' approach has continued to pay dividends for both CleanSpark as well as our energy partners."

Parties interested in learning more about CleanSpark products and services are encouraged to inquire by contacting the Company directly at [email protected] or visiting the Company's website at www.cleanspark.com.

Investors are encouraged to contact the Company at [email protected] or visiting the Company's website at https://ir.cleanspark.com/

CleanSpark periodically speaks at virtual conferences and events, if the event was recorded the recordings can be found on the events page at https://ir.cleanspark.com.

About CleanSpark:

CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is in the business of providing advanced software and controls technology solutions to solve modern energy challenges. We have a suite of software solutions that provide end-to-end microgrid energy modeling, energy market communications, and energy management solutions. Our offerings consist of intelligent energy monitoring and controls, intelligent microgrid design software, middleware communications protocols for the energy industry, energy system engineering, and software consulting services.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary ATL Data Centers LLC, CleanSpark owns and operates a data center that provides customers with traditional on-site and cloud-based data center services. The Company also owns and operates a fleet of over 3,400 ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) Bitcoin miners producing over 200 PH/s in mining capacity. Capacity is expected to increase to over 5,900 ASIC and 300 PH/s in mining capacity by early 2021. CleanSpark plans to apply its technologies with a goal of mining bitcoins at the lowest energy prices in the United States. For more information, visit https://ATL-DATA.com

About Solar Watt Solutions

Solar Watt Solutions, Inc., a California corporation, is a system integrator that assists customers in finding the energy products that best fit their needs while working with a range of equipment manufacturers to provide a cost-effective solution for a residential or commercial projects.

Solar Watt Solutions helps businesses and homeowners install solar and batteries to save money on energy bills and reduce dependence on increasing energy costs from public utilities. We help customers realize all the local, state, and Federal incentives including going green benefits, which make solar energy more affordable than ever before. Our customers can take pride in knowing that they are part of the solution, not the problem. For more information, visit https://www.solarwattsolutions.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

CleanSpark cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on CleanSpark's current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by CleanSpark that any of our plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including, without limitation: the successful deployment of energy solutions on the project, the fitness of our energy software and solutions for this particular application or market, the expectations of future revenue growth may not be realized, ongoing demand for our software products and related services, the impact of global pandemics (including COVID-19) on the demand for our products and services; and other risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact - Investor Relations:

CleanSpark Inc.

Investor Relations

(801)-244-4405

SOURCE CleanSpark, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cleanspark.com


Photo: pixabay

Pfizer Inc. will temporarily suspend all shipments of its COVID-19 vaccine to Canada next week before resuming shipments  albeit at a reduced number  the week after.

Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, the vice-president of logistics and operations at the Public Health Agency of Canada, said the pharmaceutical giant would only be shipping 82% of the previously expected doses for the week of January 18.

He said Pfizer informed him Tuesday morning (January 19) that no shipments would be arriving in Canada the week of January 25.

It will start back up in the first two weeks of February, he said during a media briefing in Ottawa.

Fortin said the country will receive about 50% of the previously expected shipments over that four-week period.

The country has not received definitive figures for how many doses will arrive during the first two weeks of February but Fortin said he hoped to have that number in by Thursday.

The federal government revealed last week that Pfizer is reducing COVID-19 vaccine deliveries to Canada temporarily in a bid to ramp up production capacity for European customers.

Pfizer has told the government that it will make up the shortfall in the weeks to come and meet its previous guarantee of 4 million doses delivered to the country by the end of March.

On Monday, B.C. provincial health officer Bonnie Henry said the provinces expected shortfall will amount to 60,000 doses.

However, that was before Fortin revealed Canada would only receive 82% of this weeks expected shipments (Henry said Monday she did not expect B.C.s allocated shipment would be disrupted this week).

Expectations of deliveries of the competing Moderna Inc. (NYSE:MRNA) have not changed since last week.

Henry said as a result of the Pfizer disruptions, the province will be administering more first doses than originally planned (both the Pfizer and Monderna vaccines require two doses) during the first three months of its vaccination strategy.

The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
A popular retail company has apologised after eagle-eyed customers noticed a 'shocking' addition to its BMX advertisement online.

New Zealand company The Warehouse described a BMX bike's braking features as 'easy enough for a girl to use'.

The original description of the $119.00 Milazo bike said the design has a 'very fast quick release brake, just pressing the button, so easy even for a girl.'

The website description of a BMX from The Warehouse (pictured) has been slammed as sexist by consumers after stating its 'easy enough for a girl to use'

After intense consumer backlash The Warehouse was forced to remove their inappropriate description describing the brakes as 'easy enough for a girl to use' (pictured)

The collection of BMX two-wheelers were also described as suitable for boys eight years and up.

The products with the offensive wording included the Milazo 20-inch Bike-in-Box 725 BMX Camo and the Milazo Boys' 20-inch Matt Black BMX Bike-in-box 408.

The company has now removed the original product description from its website, after customer backlash.

'Oh how rude,' one woman wrote.

'It's pretty disgusting to be honest. I'm quite p***ed about it!' Another said.

New Zealand retail company The Warehouse (pictured) sells a variety of products, ranging from sporting goods, home appliances and beauty

Another woman called out customers saying that people are being 'too sensitive' for complaining.

In an official statement on Facebook on Tuesday, The Warehouse said 'we missed this one and we truly apologise'.

'We know boys and girls are equals, and can do anything.'

The Warehouse issued an apology online, claiming they 'missed this one' as their descriptions are written by an 'overseas supplier' (pictured)

The company said the description was written by a third party and does not align with their values.

'This language, which came from an overseas supplier, is unacceptable and isn't what we believe at all. It's not in our values,' The Warehouse wrote.

The New Zealand company said they appreciate customers calling out the mistake and will do their best to ensure their product descriptions are up to standard.
Both women say even though they will not be traveling they will be donning their Howard gear and watching the inauguration on television. They are hopeful about the role she will play moving forward and expect to see her inserting herself into environments and platforms other vice presidents could not or did not think to. The women said Harris will have her experiences at an HBCU, as a prosecutor and as a senator to inform her decisions.
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 Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 way we play card games could be set to change forever after a forensic psychology graduate in the Netherlands created a brand new deck - without any kings, queens or jacks!

Card fan Indy Mellink, 23, initially came up with the idea while explaining the rules of a game to her cousins - at which point the 'subtle inequality' of having a king be more valuable than a queen dawned on her.

After some encouragement from her father, Indy decided to design her own deck with gold, silver and bronze in place of the king, queen and jack cards.

Forensic psychology graduate Indy Mellink, 23, (pictured) from the Netherlands, has created a gender-neutral pack of cards to try and combat gender inequality

Indy's unique take n the traditional pack of cards sees Kings, Queens and Jacks replaced by gold silver and bronze cards (pictured)

She said: 'If we have this hierarchy that the king is worth more than the queen then this subtle inequality influences people in their daily life because it's just another way of saying 'hey, you're less important'.

'Even subtle inequalities like this do play a big role.'

After tinkering with a traditional deck of cards, Indy eventually produced a system that replaced the traditional King, Queen and Jack with gold, silver and bronze.

The first 50 of her new decks were quickly snapped up by friends and family members.

After the success of her initial packs of cards, Indy then had more of her GSB (Gold, Silver, Bronze) decks created and has been selling them online.

The first 50 of her new decks were quickly snapped up by friends and family members and she has now sold around 1,500 packs to countries including Belgium, France, Germany and the United States

Within a month she had dispatched around 1,500 of the gender-neutral decks as far as Belgium, Germany, France and the United States.

Since seeing her decks take off in popularity, Indy has been testing them out on card players who had never been conscious of sexual inequality in cards before.

Berit van Dobbenburgh, head of the Dutch Bridge Association, said that it is important for people to reflect on gender inequality, but that it would be difficult to make a formal switch because the new crads would require official rule changes.

She said: 'I wonder if it's worth it. But gender neutrality, I am all for it! It's great that someone of this age has noticed this. It's the new generation.'
The College Board is discontinuing the optional essay section of the SAT exam and cutting supplementary SAT Subject Tests.

The company announced the new changes to its testing system on Tuesday, saying it will instead focus on a new digital version of the main SAT exam.

The SAT is a main college entrance test that takes three hours and features a section dedicated to math, reading and writing. College Board also conducts Advanced Placement exams for high school students.

The organization said the changes were prompted by the challenges of the pandemic as well as decreasing popularity.

'The pandemic accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to simplify our work and reduce demands on students,' the company said in a statement.

On Tuesday The College Board announced it will discontinue the SAT's optional essay section and its supplementary SAT Subject tests

Due to the pandemic college entrance exams were canceled across the country.

A digital version of the SAT was scrapped in June due to technical difficulties and hundreds of colleges removed the exam from admission requirements, in many cases permanently. Many schools are forgoing test scores altogether to judge applicants based off their high school transcripts and extracurriculars instead.

The New York-based company wants to revise the main SAT exam to be completely digital instead of taken with a pencil and paper.

However, Chief Executive David Coleman has offered little insight into what that could look like. He said more details could emerge in April.

The test will still likely be conducted at testing sites rather than at home individually.

In 2020 the College Board said 2.2million students registered to take the SAT on a weekend. But only 900,000 tests were taken because exam centers shuttered over health concerns, often with little prior notice, during the pandemic.

Even before the health crisis, the subject tests and the optional aspect of the SAT were losing influence and were less popular than before.

The optional essay added 50 minutes to the main test but it is scored separately and doesnt factor into the main score. In the high school Class of 2020 1.2million students took the SAT with the essay  more than half percent of all who took the test, as per the Washington Post.

Fewer school required them and experts started to question their value in applications.

The subject tests are multiple choice questions on a specific subject such as math, literature, history, biology, chemistry, physics and foreign languages, and they last an hour. The top score for that test is 800 each.

The College Board said the pandemic 'accelerated' the company's process to 'simplify' their tests and 'reduce demands on students'. The New York-based test company will focus now on making their main SAT test completely digital

For years Ivy League schools like Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania required subject tests for some applicants, depending on your major. Most schools have dropped the requirement.

In the high school class of 2017 roughly 220,000 students chose to take at least one subject test.

Nowadays much of the test's purpose has overlapped with AP exams, which are longer and include free response answers. For example, students taking an AP science class may not see the need to take a SAT subject test in science.

College Board says the SAT essay will be offered through June to anyone who wants to take it. After that it will only be available in certain states like Delaware and Oklahoma that use the SAT for school accountability measurement.



Chinese Edtech Platform Jiliguala Nets $100m Series C from Tencent, Others

By DealStreetAsia / Jan 19, 2021 01:51 PM / Finance

Shanghai-headquartered online English learning platform Jiliguala on Monday announced the completion of its nearly $100-million Series C round from investors including Chinese tech giant Tencent.

China-focused PE Trustbridge Partners also re-upped in the round, the investee said in a WeChat post. Lighthouse Capital facilitated the latest transaction.

The returning investor had initially teamed up with Bertelsmann Asia Investments (BAI) to invest nearly $10 million in Jiliguala s Series A round in 2017. Subsequently, in 2018, Trustbridge, BAI along with Sequoia Capital China and Holy Capital had together invested in Jiligualas Series B round.

With the fresh proceeds, Jiliguala will seek to launch more products.

Jiliguala, set up in 2014, offers English reading courses for children aged 3-12. It claims to have helped over 50,000 users across 500 cities to learn English through songs, animation, picture books, interactive video classes, others.

The brand has foraged partnership with global publishing company Penguin Random House to create AI-driven education products.

Jiliguala closed its pre-A round in 2016 from Yongjin Groups investment arm and edtech-focused Gene Capital, besides an angel round in 2014 from ZhenFund.

In other recent transactions in Chinas online learning space, Palfish raised $120 million in two Series C funding tranches from SIG China, FutureX Capital, others in August last year while VIPKid garnered $80 million in a Series A round led by Sequoia Capital China and Tencent.

Contact editor Marcus Ryder (marcusryder@caixin.com)

Related: More Funding Less Profits - The Chinese Online Education Paradox
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Fare wars induced deep discounting has reappeared in India's aviation sector, as airlines seek to augment cash reserves, consolidate market share and bring back more capacity.

The first shot in this war of extremely low prices was fired recently with most airlines commencing their sales offers.

The development comes around a year since Covid-19 lockdown devastated the sector.

Industry insiders, however, now believe that the roll-out of anti-Covid-19 vaccination programme will give a boost to air travel.

Besides, some of the travel period offered under these schemes are beyond the current expiry of the fare cap imposed by the Centre.

IndiGo's Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer Sanjay Kumar said: "Low fares always helps stimulate the demand for the travel period far out and works as a part of airline strategy." "These sales stimulate traffic among extremely price sensitive customers and helps airlines meet overall objectives." The latest passenger traffic data from the sector regulator DGCA indicate that the growth in passenger volumes is not yet adequate enough for a revival in the airline sector.

The aggregate passenger traffic in December 2020 at 73.27 lakh was still 43.7 per cent lower on a year-on-year basis.

"Lack of adequate demand in the post festive season along with higher available capacity has therefore, led a drop in passenger load factor for some of the airlines in December 2020 on a sequential basis vis-a-vis Nov 2020," said Suman Chowdhury, Chief Analytical Officer at Acuite Ratings & Research.

"Such a scenario is possibly leading to a deep discounting strategy from airline companies. This involves sale of seats over the next few months through an attractive discount or add ons to ensure higher PLF over the next 1-2 quarters." Nevertheless, deep discounts are expected to hurt the already fragile financial condition of the sector.

"It will have an impact on the profitability of airline operations which has already been under losses in the last few quarters. In our opinion, however, passenger demand will witness a significant improvement in the next few months with the tapering of the Covid infection rate as well as the progress on the vaccination," Chowdhury said.

Apart from ensuring a minimum PLF in the coming months, experts contend that deep discounts will trigger liquidity enhancement for airlines.

"Low airfares this month indicate the expected dip in travel post holiday season in December. Airfares in Jan across key routes have decreased 15-20 per cent MoM," said Rajnish Kumar, Co-founder & CTO, ixigo.

"Heavy discounts being rolled out by major domestic and international airlines will definitely woo travellers who are planning vacations this year. With government caps ending on March 31, the discounts will attract flyers to plan their trips in advance and accelerate recovery in bookings to pre-Covid levels this year." On the other hand, the government has till now permitted the industry players to operate at 80 per cent of their pre-Covid capacity.

The operational capacity deployment level is expected to reach pre-Covid mark by the end of calendar year's first quarter.

"In the current scenario of impact on demand due to the pandemic, while some aircraft continue to be grounded, the passenger load factors (PLFs) of airlines have also been impacted despite the lower capacity," said Kinjal Shah, Vice President, ICRA.

"Thus, airlines have to take a calculated call on fares and its impact on demand." (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in)
Did you know that Jill Biden will become the first First Lady in US history to keep her job while her husband is in office? Read on for more information about Dr. Biden. (Image: News18 Creative)
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.
Premium German footwear brand Birkenstock has entered the country through a partnership with Seva Group with its maiden retail store in the megapolis.

Seva Group, which is into automotive retail, entered consumer product retailing in 2012 with Element Retail.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The first physical store of Birkenstock will come up later this month in Bengaluru, Seva Group said in a statement.

Birkenstock is a globally renowned open footwear brand. Its shoes and heels for men, women and children are priced between 2,009 and 17,999.

The store is first of many that the Seva Group plans to open in the coming months, the group's MD Aditya Bafna said, adding as part of the expansion, the group has entered into tie-ups with many other brands such as Apple, swimwear and swim-related accessories brand Speedo, fitness brand Asics, and Giant bicycles, among others.

The group also has exclusive franchise license rights for Giant bicycles, which is the world's largest premium bicycle manufacturer.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
New Delhi: Russia will soon begin the training of Indian military specialists for the S-400 air defence systems. The first batch of the air defence systems will reach India by end of 2021.

READ | US, India friction grows over purchase of S-400 air defence system from Russia

Ahead of the departure, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudahsev hosted the Indian group and termed the agreement on S-400 supplies as one of the "flagship initiatives" of bilateral and military-technical cooperation. Both countries are jointly working on a number of projects on production of military equipment, components and spare parts.

READ | Explained: All about S-400, US warning to India and sanctions against Turkey

Lauding the India-Russia ties he said, "coming out of the bipolar world and successfully proceeding through the current establishment of the polycentric order, our partnership is becoming even stronger experiencing new areas and forms of mutually beneficial and forward-looking cooperation"

The Russian envoy said, "Along with S-400 systems project, we are successfully moving towards implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikov's contract, 200 Ka-226 helicopters supplies and production in India as well as an advanced cooperation in the areas of combat aviation (including Su-30MKI programme), main battle tanks (T-90), frigates, submarines and missiles, including joint production of unique Brahmos."

Under the AK203 Kalashnikovs contract, more than 700 thousand items are expected to be produced at the Indo-Russian Rifles joint venture in India's Amethi.

While India-Russia defence ties have been a much-celebrated one and S-400 is a much talked about topic, the US isn't very happy. The delivery of S-400 can trigger Washington's Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions (CAATSA) something which even NATO counties like Turkey could not get immunity from. Turkey had gone ahead to get same S-400 system from Russia.

Why does India need S-400 air defence missile system?

The S-400 Triumf is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system (SAM) and it is seen as the world's most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM (MLR SAM). Experts maintain that S-400 is much better than the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).

The system is capable of tracking 100 airborne targets and engage six of them simultaneously. This advanced air defence system is crucial for India because China is also buying the system. Though China sees the acquisition of the S-400 system as a game-changer, it is not very effective against India. The acquisition of the S-400 system is very important for India to counter attacks in a two-front war.

What is CAATSA?

Countering Americas Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed unanimously by the US Congress in 2017. The Act's main objective is to counter Iran, Russia and North Korea through punitive measures. Section 231 of the Act empowers the US President to impose at least five of the 12 listed sanctions  enumerated in Section 235 of the Act  on persons engaged in a significant transaction with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.

CAATSA, if implemented in its stringent form, would badly affect Indias arms procurement from Russia. Besides the S-400 air defence system, CAATSA can also affect Project 1135.6 frigates and Ka226T helicopters. It will impact joint ventures, like Indo Russian Aviation Ltd, Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Ltd and Brahmos Aerospace.

We hope that other countries around the world will also take note that the United States will fully implement CAATSA Section 231 sanctions and that they should avoid further acquisitions of Russian equipment, especially those that could trigger sections, Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Christopher Ford said after announcing the sanctions against Turkey.

It may be recalled that in 2018, India had inked a deal worth USD 5.43 billion for five units of the S-400 anti-missile system from Russia. The Indian government had decided to finalise the deal despite objections from the US. US has repeatedly warned India against buying arms from Russia while threatening to impose sanctions under CAATSA and the incentive of an alternative anti-missile system. It seems that the policy under Joe Biden on countries buying arms may not change much because several Democrat leaders support CAATSA.
Alberta Cancels Coal Leases, Pauses Future Sales, as Opposition Increases

EDMONTONAlberta has decided to cancel recently issued coal leases in the Rocky Mountains, as public opposition grows to the United Conservative governments plan to expand coal mining in the area.

Late Monday afternoon, Energy Minister Sonya Savage issued a press release saying the sale of 11 recently purchased coal leases would be cancelled. Savage added that no further leases would be sold on lands that were protected from open-pit mines under a policy the government revoked last May.

We have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion, she said in the release.

This pause will provide our government with the opportunity to ensure that the interests of Albertans, as owners of mineral resources, are protected.

She also said the move will have no impact on existing coal projects currently under regulatory review.

The cancelled leases are a small portion of the coal exploration leases the government has issued since revoking a policy that protected the eastern slopes of the Rockieshome to endangered species as well as the water source for millions downstreamsince 1976.

The decision came as more than 100,000 signatures had been collected on two petitions opposing increased mining on two related fronts.

One, sponsored by environmental groups on Change.org, was addressed to the provincial government and had 77,000 signatures Monday afternoonan increase of about 10,000 over the weekend.

Another, sponsored by a private citizen and addressed to federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, had nearly 28,000 names opposing the Benga coal project in southern Alberta, which is undergoing a federal-provincial environmental review.

As well, a Facebook site called Protect Albertas Rockies and Headwaters has more than doubled its membership over the last week to more than 10,000. The Benga review has received more than 4,000 statements of concern from members of the public, the vast majority opposing the project.

Members of the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta have sent more than 700 postcards to Wilkinson asking him to block coal development in the Rockies and another 2,000 have joined an online group to that end, said organizer Latasha Calf Robe.

Edmonton New Democrat MP Heather McPherson has received hundreds of calls on the issue, a spokeswoman said.

The Opposition New Democrats also started a petition that garnered nearly 2,900 names in a week. A spokesman said the number nearly doubles every day.

New Democrat environment critic Marlin Schmidt welcomed the suspension Monday, but said it raises more questions.

Theyre not committing to reinstating the coal policy, so theyre not ruling out future development in these areas like people are demanding. Its a partial victory, but its a clear signal that Albertans need to keep pushing to put permanent protections in.

Schmidt asked if the cancellations create any financial obligations for the province.

How much are taxpayers on the hook for?

Neither Savage nor Alberta Energy staff were available to take questions on the issue.

The government is obviously feeling the pressure, said Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

She pointed out Mondays announcement doesnt affect coal leases covering 420,000 hectares the government has sold since cancelling the coal policy.

What can still go forward is massive, she said.

Before the cancellations, at least eight provincial recreation areas would have been mostly or completely surrounded by coal exploration leases. It wasnt immediately clear how they are affected by the move.

Riversdale Resources, which owns Benga Mining Ltd. and is a proponent of the Grassy Mountain steel-making coal project near the town of Blairmore in the provinces southwest, has said the mine would create two decades of solid employment and improve a site scarred by previous development.

By Bob Weber

The Brunei minister congratulated Vietnam for excellently fulfilling its term as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, especially leading the bloc to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges.

He shared the directions and priorities during the year Brunei serves as Chair of ASEAN in 2021 under the theme We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper, including initiatives on COVID-19 response and post-pandemic recovery which were approved in 2020, the building of a vision for ASEAN after 2025, promoting multilateral cooperation and a rule-based regional order, and people-oriented cooperative ideas.

He affirmed that those priorities and initiatives are developed based on the achievements that ASEAN has reaped in previous years, particularly in 2020 under the Chair of Vietnam.

The two ministers reached consensus that Vietnam and Brunei should intensify coordination to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and unity, and enhance the blocs resilience and central role for peace, security and prosperity in the region, in the context of complicated developments in the world and tremendous challenges and consequences brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.



(Falcon)

Notification of Discovery - Kyalla 117 N2-1H ST2

19 January 2021 - Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce that Origin Energy B2 Pty Ltd., a subsidiary of Origin Energy Resources Limited (Origin), our Joint Venture partner, has submitted a notification of discovery and an initial report on discovery (Notification of Discovery) to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of the Northern Territory (DITT) on the Kyalla 117 N2-1H ST2 well (Kyalla 117) in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Australia. The Notification of Discovery is a requirement under s64(1) of the Petroleum Act 1984 (Northern Territory) and the NT Guidelines for reporting a petroleum discovery.

Details of the Notification of Discovery from Origin to the DITT are as follows:

The Notification of Discovery is supported by preliminary production test data and petrophysical modelling.

This follows the introduction of nitrogen to lift the fluids in Kyalla 117, which has enabled Kyalla 117 to flow unassisted for a period of seventeen hours.

Unassisted gas flow rates ranging between 0.4-0.6 MMscf/d over seventeen hours were recorded.

Flow back of hydraulic fracture stimulation water to surface over the same period, averaged between 400-600 bbl/d.

Initial analysis suggests a liquid-rich gas composition with less than 1% CO 2 .

. Condensate shows were also observed.

Further Information

These early-stage flow rates are preliminary indications of well performance, and an extended production test ( EPT ) will be required to determine the long-term performance of Kyalla 117.

) will be required to determine the long-term performance of Kyalla 117. Longer-term measures will be put in place to flow back sufficient hydraulic fracture stimulation water to allow Kyalla 117 to flow continually without assistance and enable an EPT to continue in the coming months during the dry season.

A further update will be provided when production testing has concluded, and detailed evaluation has been undertaken, expected to be in Q2 2021.

Australian Government

The Australian Government announced last week that it would invest A$217m in economic enabling infrastructure and upgrades to remote roads in the Northern Territory. These upgrades will provide quality infrastructure to support gas development and other industries in and around the Beetaloo Sub-basin. This is in addition to the A$50m being provided by the Australian Government to accelerate exploration activity in the Beetaloo announced last December.

This announcement contains inside information.

Philip OQuigley (CEO of Falcon) commented:

The Notification of Discovery and Initial Report issued by Origin mark an encouraging development and the results to date meet our objective to flow liquids rich gas from the Kyalla formation.

We look forward to our operator, Origin, putting in place longer term measures to flow back sufficient hydraulic fracture stimulation water to allow the well to flow continually without assistance and enable production testing to occur in the coming months during the dry season.

In addition to this we welcome the news from the Australian Government to invest a further A$217m in the Northern Territory in infrastructure to support gas development and other industries in and around the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

We will update the market when production testing has concluded, and a detailed evaluation has been undertaken.

Ends.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. +353 1 676 8702 Philip O'Quigley, CEO +353 87 814 7042 Anne Flynn, CFO +353 1 676 9162 Cenkos Securities plc (NOMAD & Broker) Neil McDonald / Derrick Lee +44 131 220 9771

This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gabor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltds Head of Technical Operations. Dr. Bada obtained his geology degree at the Eotvos L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG.

About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia, South Africa and Hungary. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with a technical team based in Budapest, Hungary.

Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited (ASX: ORG) (Origin Energy) are joint venture partners in respect of the Beetaloo project.

For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. please visit www.falconoilandgas.com

About Origin Energy

Origin Energy is a leading Australian integrated energy company. Origin is a leading energy retailer with approximately 4.2 million customer accounts, has approximately 7,500 MW of owner and contracted power generation capacity and is also a large natural gas supplier. Origin is the upstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG, which supplies natural gas to domestic markets and exports LNG under long term contracts.

www.originenergy.com.au

Glossary of terms

A$ Australian dollar

bbl/d Barrels per day

CO 2 Carbon dioxide

LNG Liquefied natural gas

MMscf/d Million standard cubic feet per day

MW Megawatt

NT Northern Territory

Advisory regarding forward looking statements

Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as may, will, should, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, projects, dependent, potential, scheduled, forecast, outlook, budget, hope, support or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, comments made with respect to the type, number, schedule, stimulating, testing and objectives of the wells to be drilled in the Beetaloo Sub-basin Australia, the prospectivity of the Middle Velkerri and Kyalla plays and the prospect of the exploration programme being brought to commerciality. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcons filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com , including under "Risk Factors" in the Annual Information Form.

Advisory regarding initial production rates

Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Government plans to reopen schools for pupils with special needs on Thursday are in chaos amidst a backlash from teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs).

In a serious setback, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) last night called for the move to be reconsidered. Now it will be a race against the clock to overcome what the INTO has described as "grave safety concerns".

The INTO's statement will be a devastating blow to families of thousands of children with special needs, who have suffered most by being out of school during the pandemic.

But an emergency meeting of the union's executive committee said their concerns had not been adequately addressed by a special public health webinar yesterday and by Government.

The INTO executive meets again today to assess the situation, as will the leadership of the Forsa union, which represents 12,000 special needs assistants and which is also seeking more assurances on health and safety measures.

The INTO said it would "continue to engage with the Department of Education and public health authorities in an effort to work towards a safe, phased re-opening".

However, up-to-date, reliable information and supports are essential if this effort is to succeed.

If the partial re-opening is abandoned, it will be the second time in a fortnight that Education Minister Norma Foley has been forced to retreat on this issue.

Staggered

After a false start the previous week, talks with the unions got under way and, last Thursday, Ms Foley and Junior Minister for Special Education, Josepha Madigan, announced a "shared ambition" for a staggered re-opening.

This would start with the phased return of pupils with special needs from this coming Thursday.

Detailed arrangements were sent to schools last Friday, following agreement with the unions, but it later emerged that there were issues to be resolved.

Friday's release sparked fury among the ranks of special education staff at being asked to go back to work while the community at large is told to stay at home because of high Covid infection rates.

Advocacy organisations representing families with children with special needs were subjected to some of the anger.

A webinar yesterday was aimed at reassuring special education teachers and SNAs that it was safe for them to return to schools, but it met much hostile reaction.

Around 16,000 participants logged on for the hour-long session presented by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn, HSE Assistant National Director Dr Kevin Kelleher and public health consultant Dr Abigail Collins.

But their efforts to allay fears were greeted with comments such as "waste of time", "insult to all", "patronising" and "old data". The latter remark related to the use of Covid figures from schools last term.

INTO General Secretary John Boyle said the webinar did not address teachers' concerns. He laid the blame for the current debacle at the feet of the Government.

Messages

Mr Boyle said they "must take responsibility for poor and untimely communication and mixed messages over the past two weeks".

He continued: "The failure of Minister Foley and Minister Madigan to engage in proper consultation in the last two weeks has been very damaging and it has hampered the planning for the safe re-opening of schools.

"Issues of concern include childcare facilities, special education staff in high-risk categories, those aged over 60 and pregnant staff, and an update on the prioritisation of special education staff for access to the Covid-19 vaccine."
The companys focus in the near-term is optimising the definitive feasibility study expected in quarter two, ahead of a final investment decision and construction of the project.

Approvals are in place to commence construction and operation of the Finniss Lithium Project.

s ( ) Finniss Lithium Project in the Northern Territory is almost construction ready, with government approvals and a funding offer already in place.

The company expects to complete the definitive feasibility study (DFS) next quarter and anticipates a final investment decision (FID) soon which will allow it to target construction to start in the second half of the year.

Finniss is set to become one Australias most capital-efficient and low-cost lithium projects, with capex of $85 million producing $160 million/per annum in revenue.

The project also has access to key infrastructure and sits just 25 kilometres from Australias closest port to Asia and the city of Darwin, where the company has an agreement with the Darwin Port to ship 250,000 tonnes per annum of spodumene concentrate or 1 million tonnes per annum of spodumene Direct Shipping Ore (DSO).

East Arm Wharf facilities at Darwin Port are also well suited to handle potential future production from Cores lithium projects.

Low-cost processing

Notably, the project processing involves no flotation  this means simple Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing avoids problems of other new lithium Australian flotation projects burdened by high capex, large debt and high finance cost and high operating cost.

Simple DMS (gravity) separation produces high quality lithium product with a 6.0% Li2O concentrate produced at a high 70% recovery rate and the project is projected to produce a minimum of 175,000 tonnes per annum.

DMS also produces high-quality lithium concentrate low in iron at < 0.7% and other contaminants.

This coarse product with low-moisture content has good handling properties, which is a key advantage for customers.

The project has excellent location and infrastructure advantages as well as potential for downstream manufacturing.

Offtakes in place

The company has a binding offtake agreement in place with Yahua to potentially supply Yahuas 5-year LiOH supply contract with Tesla

The agreement is for 75,000 tonnes per annum (around 40% of Cores current 175,000 tonnes per annum production).

Core also secured its first European offtake agreement last year, signing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Offtake with Geneva-based Transamine for 50,000 tonnes per annum of spodumene concentrate over five years.

This agreement also holds an additional option for a financing facility with Transamine.

Resource growth potential

Last year saw a 150% increase to the measured/indicated resource and ore reserves for the project to 7.62 million tonnes at 1.41% Li2O and a 52% increase to the mineral resource estimate to 15 million tonnes at 1.3% Li2O.

The focus for 2021 is to accelerate life of mine (LOM) growth and production capacity increases, with resource drilling recommencing in quarter two.

2021 growth strategy

Core has a pipeline of high-grade lithium targets that formed the basis of recent resource drilling.

Resource/reserve extension opportunities include the Grants, BP33, Carlton, and Hang Gong deposits while brownfields exploration pathways include Far West, Shirleys, BP31, Ahoy, Talmina, Talmina W and Saffums.

Greenfields exploration revolves around the hundreds of historic pegmatites untested by drilling which the company believes have potential for a large, step-change discovery.

The company has a pipeline of high-grade lithium targets that formed the basis of recent resource drilling.

Looking forward

The company is confident the Finnis Project is positioned for early production in an increasing price and demand environment and is focused on optimising the DFS for quarter two, ahead of a final investment decision in the latter half of the year.

Core is also exploring the potential for new adjacent acquisitions to contribute to future resource growth.
WYOMING, MI  Police have arrested a suspect accused of breaking into a repair shop, stealing a vehicle and setting the business on fire.

The fire was reported around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17.

Wyoming firefighters reported a major fire at Austin-Jordan Engines, at 4259 Clyde Park SW, and sought assistance from Kentwood, Byron Township and Cutlerville firefighters.

The fire caused extensive damage. Firefighters spent nearly nine hours putting out the fire and investigating.

Investigators determined that the business was burglarized and set on fire.

Around 1 p.m. Monday, Wyoming police spotted the stolen car and the suspect at a business on Burton Street SW. Police arrested the suspect who was taken to the Kent County Correctional Facility.

The investigation continues. Wyoming police asked anyone with information to call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer 616-774-2345.

Read more:

A valuable human has lost his life, says judge who sentenced father to prison for sons backyard pool drowning

State Police arrest fugitive said to have rammed patrol car, injured trooper and fled
With 2,780 lives lost to COVID-19 thus far, Harris County and the City of Houston will take part in a national display on Tuesday to honor the victims.

According to Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Hall and both George Bush and Hobby airports are among the locations that will light up amber at dusk as part of the country's first nationwide "COVID-19 memorial to lives lost" event.

"It is important that our City and country unite at this time and reflect on the devastating impact COVID-19 has inflicted on our communities. A lot of families are grieving the loss of a loved one," Mayor Turner said in a statement. "Hosting a memorial and remembering people who died due to complications from the virus will be a nonpartisan event. I encourage everyone to join us by illuminating your building, ringing a bell, and watching the virtual program."

RAPID RELEASE: With virus surging, Biden to speed release of COVID vaccines

In addition to City Hall and the airports, Houston's lighting ceremony is set to include: Partnership Tower, The Wortham, Jones Hall, 7 Wonders, The Lyric Center, Main Street square, Montrose Highway 59 bridges/Interstate 69, The Wharf art piece and Uptown Park/Post Oak.

Simultaneously, a memorial will take place in Washington D.C. and other cities, all as part of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' inauguration.

The memorial in D.C will feature the lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the illumination of buildings and ringing of church bells "in a national moment of unity and remembrance," according to a press release.

"The program in Washington D.C. will emphasize the importance of looking back and remembering the lives we have lost to COVID-19 as we look forward to the hope of a new path and a brighter future," the release read.

This is the second time Houston has joined cities across the nation in a light display honoring those affected by the pandemic. Back in April, Houston and other metropolises lit up blue in honor of healthcare workers fighting on the front lines against the disease.
After breaching the strict law on insulting or defaming the monarchy of Thailand, a court in the country sentenced a former civil servant on Tuesday to a record prison term of 43 years and six months according to lawyers.

Based on the group, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights shared that the Bangkok Criminal Court found the woman guilty of 29 counts of violating the lese majeste law of the country for posting audio clips to social media platform Facebook and video-sharing platform YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy.

The group also mentioned that the court announced at first that the sentence of the Thai woman was 87 years, but the court reduced it by half because she pleaded guilty to the offenses.

According to Yahoo! News, the sentence charged to the woman came amid an ongoing protest movement in the country that has seen unprecedented criticisms of the monarchy coming from the public, and were condemned by the rights groups.

Senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch, Sunai Phasuk, shared that the court verdict on the day is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that only criticisms of the monarchy will not be tolerated, however, they will be severely punished.

Popularly known as the Article 112, the violation of Thailand's lese majeste law, is punishable by three to 15 years of imprisonment per count.

Article 112 is controversial not only because it has been used to punish things as simple as liking a post on Facebook but also the fact that anyone, aside from the royals or authorities, can file a complaint that can tie up the person accused in legal proceedings for years.

During the last 15 years of political unrest in Thailand, the law has frequently been used not only as a political weapon but also in personal vendettas, ABC News reported.

Read also: Migrant Caravan: Thousands Flock to Guatemala with Hopes to Seek Refuge in the US

Recently, the actual public criticism of the monarchy had been extremely rare.

Moreover, it changed during the past year, at the time when young protesters calling for democratic reforms also issued calls for the reform of the monarchy, which has long been regarded as an almost sacred institution by a huge portion of Thai population.

The protesters have shared that the institution is accountable and holds over much power in what is supposed to be a democratic constitutional monarchy.

Based on the authorities, at first they let much of the commentary and criticism go without any charge, however, since November they have arrested around 50 individuals and charged them with the lese majeste.

The Senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch shared that the sentence on Tuesday was likely meant to send a message.

He also mentioned that it can be seen that authorities of Thailand are using lese majeste prosecution as their last resort measure in response to the youth-led democracy uprising which is seeking to curb the powers and keep the king within the bounds of constitutional rule, reported CBC.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights identified the woman sentenced Tuesday only by her first name Anchan and said she was in her mid-60s.

On the other hand, the Thai lawyers for Human Rights were only anle to identify the first name of the woman who was sentenced on Tuesday as Anchan and she have mentioned that she was in her mid-60s.

Related article: South Korean President Moon Urges US President-Elect Biden to Pursue Relationship with North Korea

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Industrial Nail Gun Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Industrial Nail Gun market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Industrial Nail Gun Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31070

According to this study, over the next five years, the Industrial Nail Gun market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Industrial Nail Gun business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Industrial Nail Gun market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Industrial Nail Gun market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

ITW

Senco

Stanley Black & Decker

Makita

TTI

Bosch

Nanshan

Rongpeng Air Tools

Meite

MAX

Hitachi Power Tools

Ridgid

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31070

This study considers the Industrial Nail Gun value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Pneumatic Nail Gun

Gas Nail Gun

Cordless Electric Nail Gun

Corded Electric Nail Gun

Others

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Framing

Roofing & Siding

Flooring

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Industrial Nail Gun Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31070

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Industrial Nail Gun consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Industrial Nail Gun market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Industrial Nail Gun manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Industrial Nail Gun with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Industrial Nail Gun submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/industrial-nail-gun-market-size-growth-emerging-trends-future-investors-and-virtual-analysis-by-2025/
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Ambassador of Belarus A.Metelitsa presents Credentials to the President of Pakistan

On January 19, 2021 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Andrei Metelitsa, presented his Credentials to the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi.

Photo: Press Service of the President of Pakistan

During the meeting, that took place after the ceremony, the Sides discussed the intensification of political dialogue and trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan.

The need to strengthen cooperation in such important areas for both countries as industry, agriculture and pharmaceuticals was emphasized. It was noted in a positive way that, despite the restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, joint events in science, technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals were held in 2020.

The interlocutors also discussed events planned in 2021 including the sixth Session of the Joint Belarusian-Pakistani Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the fifth round of political consultations at the level of the Deputy Heads of the Foreign Ministers of Belarus and Pakistan, sessions of expert working groups on industry and agriculture.

The Ambassador of Belarus confirmed the invitations for the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and to the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Pakistan, Asad Qaiser, to visit the Republic of Belarus.

print version


Studies currently underway to ascertain need for COVID-19 booster shot: Centre

COVAX Joint Statement: Covid surge resulted in shorfall of 190 million doses by June in India

Global supply of Covax hit due to pandemic in India: US agency

'Trusted partner' India to supply Covid vaccine to 6 countries, Bhutan to be first recipients

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 19: India on Tuesday announced that it will supply COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles from Wednesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India will supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner keeping in view the domestic requirements.

It said India is awaiting confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius for supply of the vaccines.

In a statement, the MEA said India has received several requests for the supply of Indian-manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries.

Vaccine side effects shown as more than what they were, causing anxiety: Guleria

"In response to these requests, and in keeping with India''s stated commitment to use India''s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight the COVID pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from January 20," it said.

"In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances," it added.

India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country.

While Oxford-AstraZeneca''s Covishield is being manufactured by the Serum Institute, and the Covaxin is being produced by Bharat Biotech.
Who will be the next CM of Assam? Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa Sarma?

Assam elections 2021: AASU announces protest programmes during PM, Shahs visit

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Guwahati, Jan 19: The All Assam Students'' Union (AASU) on Monday said that it will carry out protest programmes, including burning of copies of the CAA, during the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to the state on January 23 and 24 respectively.

AASU president Dipanko Kumar Nath accused the prime minister and the BJP of failing to keep their promise of safeguarding the Assamese community from illegal migrants.

"Every time there is an election, the prime minister will come and make false statements to woo the people of the state. The people of Assam have now understood the truth behind this politics and will never accept the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)," Nath said.

EC officials to visit poll bound Assam today

The assembly election in Assam is due in March-April this year.

On the day of Modi''s proposed visit on January 23, members of the student body have planned to protest in every district tying a black cloth around their mouth, AASU general secretary Sankarjyoti Barua said.

During the Union home minister''s visit to the state the next day, AASU workers will observe ''Black Day''. "They will fly black flags across Assam and burn copies of the CAA," Baruah said.

The CAA says that members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 facing religious persecution in those countries will not be treated as illegal immigrants but will be given Indian citizenship.

The AASU, which is also demanding implementation of Clause Six of the Assam Accord, said that it will take out torch rallies across the state on January 22.

Clause Six of the Assam Accord, 1985, says that constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.

The prime minister is proposed to visit Sivasagar district in on January 23, while Shah is slated to arrive in the state on January 24, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said earlier.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Five persons, including a school student, were killed during police firing in statewide protests in December 2019 against the Citizenship Amendment Bill which, the protestors claimed, is against the existence, heritage and culture of the indigenous people of Assam. The Bill later became an Act.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 9:08 [IST]
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a man was shot dead in west London.

Shakur Hassan, 23, was killed in Austin Road, Hayes, on October 13 last year, while a burnt-out car was found a few miles away.

Police were called to reports of a shooting and officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

Shakur Hassan, 23, was shot in Hayes, west London, in October last year and died at the scene

Shakur was found with gunshot injuries and, despite the best efforts of medics, the 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Scotland Yard said a 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice.

He is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Tuesday along with Guled Hassan, 21, from Southall, who is also charged with murder.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, and Jamie Ayres, 46, from Northolt, are due to appear at the Old Bailey this week charged with murder.
Bengaluru: A 43-year-old health department employee in Karnataka died of a massive heart attack on Monday, two days after he was administered COVID-19 vaccine, the government said. The deceased, Nagaraju of Ballari district, was a permanent employee of the Health department.

He was vaccinated on January 16 at around 1 PM and he was normal till this morning, the department said. When contacted, Dr C N Manjunath, Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, an autonomous government institute, said, "The death is only a coincidence and not related to the vaccine." Dr Manjunath is also a member of the technical advisory committee, Karnataka government, on COVID-19.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

"Today morning when he came to work, he complained of chest pain at around 9.30 am and collapsed. He was treated immediately and referred to Jindal Sanjeevani hospital... highest level of treatment was provided, but he couldn't be saved," the department said in a statement.

None of the other health care workers who received the vaccine from the same vial had any adverse events, it said. The district level AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation) Committee held detailed discussions and concluded that Nagaraju's death was due to "cardio respiratory arrest secondary to acute antereo septal wall Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)."

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.
As people across New Jersey scramble to find an open coronavirus appointment, the state said it will unveil a phone system next week to help those who dont have a computer.

Health commissioner Judy Pershchilli said at the governors Tuesday briefing that the department is in the final steps of setting up a vaccine call center.

It will have live agents to guide residents available early next week.

The phone number will be (855) 568-0545.

Persichilli said it will have an interactive voice response platform in both English ad Spanish that provides key information to New Jersey residents on how to register (for a vaccine) as well as how to schedule vaccination appointments as people become eligible.

She said an outside contractor was being hired to manage the call center, but on the other side of the phone will all be residents of New Jersey.

More details about the third-party call center were not immediately available.

We are getting people on phones as fast as we can. They have to be trained and to be professionals, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Many people have complained that they havent been able to sign up for a vaccine, either by calling or trying to register with individual sites or because they were waiting for notification from the states pre-registration site.

The portal, which launched earlier this month, allows people to register to get a vaccine. When the user is eligible, they should receive an email from the state with a link to choose a vaccination location and set an appointment.

People can also call vaccination locations directly to make appointments. The state has a list of vaccination facilities online, which gives the phone numbers and websites for sign-ups for each location.

People who have a smartphone can also use the portal to register, or they can go directly to a facilitys website.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

NJ Advance Media Statehouse reporter Matt Arco contributed to this report.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
A Cork man who assaulted an old friend three times in one night was told by the sentencing judge that he only had the victim to thank for the fact that he was not going to jail.

Judge Olann Kelleher said that not alone was the injured party assaulted three times but he ended up losing his job because of his injuries.

The judge said he would be very upset if that happened to him.

39-year-old Gary King of Lios Cara Grove, Killeens, Cork, faced sentencing today for three counts of assault causing harm to Jonathan Heffernan, an old friend with whom he had also worked in Australia.

Mr Heffernan said, I dont want to cause the man any more cost. I just want judgement. I dont want him to go to jail.

Judge Kelleher said, If he does not go to jail it is because of what this man (Mr Heffernan, the injured party) said.

I have considered a jail sentence. I reconsidered it in view of what this man said.

The judge then ordered that the accused hand over the 700 compensation he gathered for the injured party. He fined him 500 for one of the assaults and imposed a six-month suspended sentence on him for the other two assaults.

Defence solicitor John Powell said previously that the defendant and the injured party had worked together in Australia and Gary King was very badly injured in an accident on his return to Cork and was unable to work. He said they fell out and there was bad blood between the parties.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the parties encountered each other on April 7 2019 at the Commons Inn and the injured party was assaulted twice by Gary King.

The defendant threw punches and there was a struggle between them on the ground.

The injured party said he was assaulted for the third time that night as he was walking home later at Parklands Drive when the defendant struck him in the knee with his own knee.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it may exclude elderly people with critical illnesses from the list of people who could receive Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. This possibility was raised after 23 elderly patients in Norway reportedly died days after receiving the US pharmaceutical giants COVID-19 vaccine.

Possibly, magkakaroon po tayo ng (we could have) guidelines that will limit the use of the vaccine in very old, very sickly or very frail individuals, FDA Director General Rolando Domingo said in a briefing.

Domingo said they have reached out to Pfizer regarding the reported deaths in a nursing home in Norway. Doctors in the European country are looking into the possibility that the adverse reactions to the Pfizer's vaccine "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients, CNN reported Tuesday.

Pfizer's vaccine's side-effects are rare and usually mild similar to common vaccine reactions. But Domingo said it is possible that the weak bodies of very old, sick patients could not handle mild adverse reactions from the Pfizer vaccine.

Domingo said once they confirm that Pfizers jab contributed to the deaths of some individuals in Norway, they will revise the conditions for its use in the Philippines. Current guidance from the FDA states that Pfizers vaccine cannot be administered to those under 16 years old and individuals with a history of allergies.

Any time that we get new data  we can always incorporate it in the EUA and revise the conditions for use, he said.

EUA can be revoked any time

The FDA chief also said a manufacturer can lose its emergency use authorization once safety concerns are identified.

Kapag mayroon tayong safety concern na makikita sa ibang bansa or dito rin sa atin, the FDA can revoke the EUA at any time, he said.

[Translation: Once we see safety concern abroad or here, the FDA can revoke the EUA at any time.]

Pfizer is the only manufacturer that has so far received FDA's EUA for its anti-coronavirus shot. The company said use of its vaccine been authorized in over 40 countries, including the United States and the European Union. Its phase 3 clinical trial showed that it was 95% effective in preventing infection after a person received two anti-coronavirus shots.

The EUA application of British firm AstraZeneca, Russian company Gamaleya Research Institute and Chinese drug maker Sinovac Biotech are pending at the agency.

Domingo said US-based Moderna, India-based Bharat Biotech, and Serum Institute of India have also expressed interest to apply for emergency use of their COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippine
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway, but many questions remain.

As of Jan. 15, at least 31 million doses have been distributed across the U.S. with 12 million people having received their first dose, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost 470,000 Pennsylvanians have been partially or fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to state and local data. The state has received about 1 million doses.

But as more vaccines are produced, people want to know: When will I be able to get the vaccine, and where? Whats in it? Is it safe?

Here are some answers. Check for updates as more information becomes available. And follow our full coverage of the pandemic at lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus.

Dont miss the latest updates on COVID-19 in the Lehigh Valley. Sign up with your email here:



Pennsylvania is still officially in Phase 1A, which prioritizes the states roughly 1 million health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

The state on Tuesday realigned its vaccination criteria with new federal guidelines, so the first phase also now includes everyone over age 65 and those over 16 with chronic medical conditions. This opened the pool up to 3.5 million Pennsylvanians, but this does not mean the state is getting a larger allotment of doses from the federal vaccine effort, dubbed Operation Warp Speed.

The health department also has told providers not to waste available shots so some hospitals and health networks have progressed to elements of Phase 1B, which allows vaccinations for some essential occupations, like first responders. Later phases will open the vaccine to more age groups, occupations and health conditions.

If youre wondering if you are eligible, you can check here.

Today DOH released the latest revised #COVID19 vaccination plan that includes people who are 65 and older + those 16-64 with certain underlying medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the disease. This expands vaccination eligibility to ~3.5 million Pennsylvanians. pic.twitter.com/amS6vO41UW  PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) January 19, 2021

According to the CDC, the vaccine is safe for those 16 to 18 and older, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone with an underlying medical condition unless they are allergic to the ingredients (more on that below).

Health department officials have encouraged residents to check with their family physician or health care network about preregistering for the vaccine in your area. Lehigh Valley and St. Lukes University health networks allows people to create an account and declare their occupation so they can be notified when an appropriate slot opens up.

Sign up for an LVHN account here. Sign up for St. Lukes here.

Shots are free to get. Pennsylvania is not mandating that everyone get an injection but the goal is to eventually allow everyone who wants one to get one. The complete rollout is expected to take several months, possibly into the summer.

Hospitals, health networks and some pharmacies carry the vaccine for those who currently qualify (see above). The state health department has an online map showing all current providers.

(Cant see the map? Click here.)

Mass vaccination clinics are also planned. LVHN is setting one up at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in South Whitehall Township, which will operate similarly to its annual drive-through flu shot clinics. A start date for the Dorney Park clinic has not yet been announced.

If youre wondering why Philadelphia is not listed, the city is administering its own vaccine rollout.

The two vaccines out right now, one made by Pfizer and BioNTech and the other by Moderna, are both mRNA vaccines. That means they use genetic material from the virus  but not the virus itself  to prompt an immune response from the body and teach it how to fight off a future infection, according to the CDC.

Both vaccines require a second shot. Pfizers is given about three weeks after the first vaccination. Modernas is about a month between doses. One-shot vaccines are still undergoing testing.

The Pfizer vaccine is authorized in patients 16 and up and it is 95% effective. The Moderna vaccine is available for people 18 and up, although testing is underway in 12-to-17-year-olds. Trials showed its efficacy to be 94.1%

There are two other main types of vaccines in or near the large-scale test phase, the CDC says. One is a protein subunit vaccine, which works similarly to the mRNA one by using a piece of the virus to train the immune system. The other, like the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine under development, is a vector vaccine. This one puts some of the coronavirus genetic material in a different, weakened live virus, mimicking the coronavirus to trick the body into developing a response.

The vaccine cannot give patients COVID-19 because it does not contain the virus.

However, more data is still needed to determine how long immunity lasts after vaccination, the CDC says.

Full lists of ingredients can be found on published factsheets linked here for Pfizer and Moderna.

The CDC says neither one contains eggs, preservatives or latex. Obviously, anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients should not get the shot.

Will I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? | Lehigh Valley Health Network A lot of people are worried that getting the COVID-19 vaccine might cause them to get sick with the virus. Here's the thing  its impossible to get COVID-19 from the shot. Dr. Yozviak is the Principal Investigator for LVHNs participation in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial and can give you the details on how mRNA shots work. Watch more myth buster videos at LVHN.org/COVID19vaccines. Posted by Lehigh Valley Health Network on Sunday, December 13, 2020

The most common side effects, according to the manufacturers, federal and state governments, and experts at local hospitals, have been similar to the annual flu shot  pain or swelling on the arm that got the shot, along with possible fever, chills, tiredness or headache. Experts say these are signs the vaccine is working, prompting an immune response from the body.

Pennsylvania health officials have said no severe allergic reactions to the shots have been reported so far. After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, patients are required to wait 15 minutes before leaving a vaccination site, so they can be monitored for bad reactions.

If you get the shot and do have a severe reaction, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Side effects and reactions can be reported to the CDC using a smartphone program called v-safe or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Christy Taylor, a pharmacist at Wind Gap Community pharmacy, prepares syringes with the COVID-19 vaccine, to administer to first responders on Jan. 16, 2021, at Bangor Area High School. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com

Cancer

Chronic kidney disease

COPD

Down Syndrome

Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines

Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)

Severe Obesity (BMI  40 kg/m2)

Pregnancy

Sickle cell disease

Smoking

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

These are medical conditions that the CDC says put a person at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
(Natural News) America will lose the service of several patriots after President Trump leaves office, among them former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe.

When he left the U.S. Congress as a representative from Texas to become DNI under Trump, Ratcliffe pledged to de-politicize intelligence and give Americans the straight scoop no matter what it was or who was affected. And by all accounts, he did just that, though he  like the president he served  faced constant pushback from the legions of deep state intelligence community figures who have their own political agendas and are under the impression that they are in charge though theyve never been elected to anything.

One of Ratcliffes final official acts was to release a report on outside interference in the U.S. election, which he did earlier this month. And true to form, most underlings refused to call out China, our number one competitor (or enemy, some believe) even though the evidence is clear Beijing was heavily involved.

From my unique vantage point as the individual who consumes all of the U.S. governments most sensitive intelligence on the Peoples Republic of China, I do not believe the majority view expressed by Intelligence Community (IC) analysts fully and accurately reflects the scope of the Chinese governments efforts to influence the 2020 U.S. federal elections, Ratcliffe wrote in a summary, pushing back against the politicized careerists.

The ICs Analytic Ombudsman issued a reportthat includes concerning revelations about the politicization of China election influence reporting and of undue pressure being brought to bear on analysts who offered an alternative view based on the intelligence, he continued.

Im adding my voice in support of the stated minority view  based on all available sources of intelligence, with definitions consistently applied, and reached independent of political considerations or undue pressure  that the Peoples Republic of China sought to influence the 2020 U.S. federal elections, he noted further.

And influence them for whom? Well, Beijing certainly didnt want to see Donald Trump reelected; he was the first president ever to seriously challenge Chinas rise  in military strength, in the South China Sea, and throughout the world.

Also, Trumps tariff regiment aimed at making trade more fair between the two countries actually generated results: Before Beijing unleashed COVID-19 on the world, the U.S. and China had finally signed onto a Phase One trade agreement that required the Asian giant to purchase hundreds of billions more in American products, services, and agricultural products.

The Epoch Times notes further:

Citing a report by the Intelligence Community Analytic Ombudsman Barry Zulauf, the director of national intelligence said some analysts were reluctant to describe Chinas actions as election interference because they disagreed with the policies of President Donald Trump.

The report by Zulauf was sent to Congress on Jan. 7 alongside an intelligence community assessment of interference in the 2020 election. In the report (pdf), Zulauf states that the analysts working on Russia and China applied different standards to their reporting on election interference. While labeling Russias activity as clear election interference, the analysts were reluctant to do the same for China.

Given analytic differences in the way Russia and China analysts examined their targets, China analysts appeared hesitant to assess Chinese actions as undue influence or interference, Zulauf wrote.

These analysts appeared reluctant to have their analysis on China brought forward because they tended to disagree with the Administrations policies, saying in effect, I dont want our intelligence used to support those policies, he added.

Got that? Because the analysts didnt like Trump, they were more than willing to put their own country at greater risk by lying about Chinas election interference.

Its almost as if Beijing has its own agents working in our intelligence agencies.

In any event, Ratcliffe did the right thing by adding his own report and calling out China for what it is  Beijing poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II, he wrote in a Dec. 3 op-ed.

See more reporting like this at NationalSecurity.news.

Sources include:

TrendingPolitics.com

TheEpochTimes.com

CitzenFreePress.com
Justice Ministry drafts bill on probation system in Russia

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

11:43 19/01/2021

MOSCOW, January 19 (RAPSI)  The Justice Ministry is drafting a bill on the system of probation in Russia.

The draft law is to set up single principles of supervision over persons under suspended prison sentence and convicts serving various non-custodial sentences and those released on parole, the Ministrys press service reports.

According to the Ministry, it is also expected that in the first half of 2021, the Penal system development concept for the next 10 years will be approved in Russia. The main goals of the concept are humanization of criminal policy, ensurance of rights and freedoms of convicts, improvement of cooperation with civic institutions and social adaptation of convicts.




Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 16:53:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close





-- According to the country's National Institute of Health (NIH), some 17,500 people from different social circles and areas of the country have volunteered to take part in the trials underway at five different sites in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, the major cities of Pakistan.

-- Qaisar Sohail, area manager of AJM Pharma, a pharmaceutical company which is a partner of the trial and would sponsor the vaccine in Pakistan after its final launch in China, said that people are eagerly awaiting the vaccine in Pakistan to combat the hike in COVID-19 cases and fatalities during the second wave, which is also a motivating factor for the trial volunteers.

-- "China has always played a major role in helping Pakistan in different sectors ... Now China offered us phase III clinical trials, helping us to upgrade in the health sector," Ghazala Parveen, chief of Biological Production Division at the NIH, told Xinhua.

A medical worker takes blood sample from a volunteer before giving him a shot during the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

by Misbah Saba Malik, Liu Tian

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Having volunteered to take part in the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in a private hospital here, Majid Abbasi had mixed feelings.

Though some members of his family expressed concern, the 21-year-old student was eager to have the vaccine administered because it would give him a better chance to defeat the disease, and in a broader sense, a safe and effective vaccine could be a way out for humanity to beat the pandemic.

"The pandemic has hit Pakistan hard. Hundreds of thousands of people got infected and thousands died," Abbasi said.

"I believe that volunteering for the vaccine will not only help me to get myself protected from the disease, but I will proudly tell my friends and family that I made a small effort to help the world get (a) vaccine by being one of the volunteers to be a part of the trials," he told Xinhua after being vaccinated.

A medical worker checks a tube of blood sample of a volunteer during the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

TRIALS UNDERWAY

According to the country's National Institute of Health (NIH), some 17,500 people from different social circles and areas of the country have volunteered to take part in the trials underway at five different sites in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, the major cities of Pakistan.

The vaccine, referred to as Ad5-nCoV, is developed by China's CanSino Biologics and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology. Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad is collaborating with the NIH on the Pakistani side.

"The criteria for volunteers is very simple: anyone who is healthy and age is over 18 may come and take part in the trial," Omeira Naseer, supervisor of the vaccine trial at Shifa, told Xinhua.

A volunteer enters an administration room for the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

"Initially it was quite a challenge for us to motivate the volunteers because it is a new experience for Pakistanis," Naseer said. "But to our surprise, more and more people and even whole families of volunteers are contacting us to undergo the trial due to the positive word of mouth from other volunteers, which created a general awareness about the safety of the vaccine and its trials."

Naseer, who has been hired by the NIH to supervise the vaccine administration, said that she opted for the "challenging and risky job" as she knew the work requires interaction with a lot of volunteers and she would risk catching the virus and passing it on to her children.

But being a doctor, she said she knew how to protect herself "by following the protective measures."

A medical worker prepares a syringe during the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

It was also a new experience for Naseer in a phase III trial of a vaccine.

"I have studied phase III trials in books like all of the other doctors in Pakistan, because the country doesn't have enough resources and research to conduct the trials. So it is a great opportunity for Pakistan to conduct such trials here," she said, adding: "It helped us to be in the countries working on vaccine development and further strengthened Pak-China friendship."

Naseer said that Chinese experts provided them with all technical support and the knowhow about the trials, enabling the trials to be conducted efficiently. About 95 percent of the trials have already been completed, she added.

Trial sample will be sent to a third-party observer which will give its final evaluation of the vaccine, she said.

A medical worker (R) introduces a COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's CanSino Biologics and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology during its phase III trials in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

HIGH DEMAND EXPECTED

According to the NIH, half of the volunteers get a placebo dose, while the rest get the vaccine for research purposes through computerized entry. Neither the volunteer nor the supervisor knows if the dose is a placebo or not, but those who got the placebo will get vaccine after its formal launch.

In a conversation with Xinhua, Qaisar Sohail, area manager of AJM Pharma, a pharmaceutical company which is a partner of the trial and would sponsor the vaccine in Pakistan after its final launch in China, said that people are eagerly awaiting the vaccine in Pakistan to combat the hike in COVID-19 cases and fatalities during the second wave, which is also a motivating factor for the trial volunteers.

"The NIH targets to rope in 18,000 people in the trials, and the current results indicate that the vaccine is very suitable for Pakistanis, so it is expected to have high demand in the country after its formal launch in China," Sohail said.

A volunteer receives a shot during the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

"The trials have developed a confidence in people here about the safety of the Chinese vaccine, as a large number of people had it and stayed safe," Sohail added.

Ejaz Ahmad Khan, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist at Shifa, is the principal investigator of the vaccine trials in Pakistan and keeps close contact with the volunteers to monitor their condition after vaccination.

"The trial has been very smooth until now, we have had no major serious adverse events so far ... We think that this initial period has, to some extent, proved its safety and suitableness for Pakistanis," said the investigator.

Volunteers wait for their turns for the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

NEW VISTA OF COOPERATION

Medical experts here have also expressed their belief that the vaccine trials have opened up a new vista of Pakistan-China cooperation in the health sector, in addition to bilateral ties in energy, infrastructure and industrialization under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"China has always played a major role in helping Pakistan in different sectors ... Now China offered us phase III clinical trials, helping us to upgrade in the health sector," Ghazala Parveen, chief of Biological Production Division at the NIH, told Xinhua.

Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2021 shows the vaccines used in the phase III trials of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

She said that many developing countries, including Pakistan, have high hopes for China to develop and distribute a vaccine.

Pakistan's health departments say Chinese vaccines are ideal. "It can be stored at 8 degrees Celsius, the same temperature at which most of the other vaccines available in the country are stored. It has only one dose, an ideal choice for the society badly awaiting," Parveen said.

Earlier this month, in the latest telephone conversation between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, they agreed to finish the trial in Pakistan at an early date to get the vaccine out to the public.

China is willing to provide Pakistan with as much support as possible to help Pakistan defeat the coronavirus, said Wang.

(Video reporters: Jiang Chao, Ali Jaswal, Tariq Hameed; Video editors: Zhu Cong, Luo Hui)


Pompeo, DeVos warn about China's influence on Confucius Classrooms in US schools

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The U.S. State Department and the Department of Education have issued a joint letter to leaders of school districts and colleges across the United States warning about the threat posed by the seemingly innocent Confucius Classrooms and Confucius Institutes set up at many schools.

Over the last decade, the authoritarian government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has sent curriculum and PRC-trained teachers into hundreds of U.S. K-12 schools through a program called Confucius Classrooms, an Oct. 9 letter addressed to chief state school officers explained.

Styled as a language and culture program, Confucius Classrooms are in reality an important element of the PRCs global influence campaign, now reaching tens of thousands of U.S. schoolchildren every day.

The letter, authored by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, cited a review from the State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which found that approval from an institution affiliated with the PRCs Ministry of Education is generally required when filling teaching positions associated with the Confucius Classrooms.

Pompeo and DeVos warned that teachers in Confucius Classrooms routinely engage in censorship to avoid criticizing the Chinese government.

Classroom students have described their teachers repeated avoidance of topics perceived to be sensitive to or critical of the PRC, they wrote. Particularly at the high school level, this creates a troubling deficit of information in a setting supposedly focused on the study of Chinese language and culture. At any grade level, the presence in U.S. classrooms of instructors supported by an authoritarian regime poses risks to our democratic values.

The secretaries explained that on August 13, the State Department designated the Confucius Institute U.S. Center (CIUS) in Washington D.C. as a foreign mission of the PRC.

This designation will provide much-needed transparency by requiring CIUS to provide information about its operations to the State Department, including regarding its relationship with individual Confucius Classrooms across the United States, the letter added.

The State Departments designation of CIUS as a foreign mission of China does not compel any action on the school districts part. But the secretaries encourage school administrators to carefully examine any Confucius Classroom activities in your educational programming.

In so doing, please ensure that our academic freedoms are being modeled and respected, whether the terms under which Confucius Classroom teachers work are consistent with U.S. law and values, and that instruction in these classrooms is free of foreign influence and interference.

Keith Krach, the undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, made similar warnings in a separate letter to the governing boards of American institutions of higher education and their affiliates.

In the Aug. 18 letter, Krach described the growing threat of authoritarian influence posed by the Chinese Communist Party, including the CCPs concealment of the danger of the coronavirus pandemic, its co-option of Hong Kong, its persecution of the Uyghur minority and its theft of American intellectual property.

The U.S. government is now shining the light of transparency on the CCP in every way possible, including with regards to institutions of higher learning, Krach stressed.

Mentioning the declaration of the Confucius Institute U.S. Center as a PRC foreign mission, Krach cited a report from the American Association of University Professors finding that Confucius Institutes function as an arm of the Chinese state and are allowed to ignore academic freedom.

There is increasing evidence that Confucius Institutes spread PRC influence by providing institutions with financial incentives to abstain from criticizing PRC policies; putting pressure on faculty to self-censor; monitoring overseas students for loyalty to the party; and undermining freedom of expression by disrupting campus events deemed controversial to the CCP, he stressed.

Krach elaborated further on the benefits of designating the CIUS as a foreign mission. The designation requires CIUS to regularly provide information to the State Department about Confucius Institutes PRC citizen personnel, recruiting, funding, and operations in the United States.

He urged the boards of colleges and universities to examine carefully the Confucius Institutes activities on their campuses to ensure that academic freedom is upheld.

As the executive branch works to crack down on the Chinese Communist Party and limit its influence in Academia, members of Congress are seeking to take strong action against the authoritarian regime.

Last week, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Penn., introduced a bill called Designating the Chinese Communist Party a Transnational Organized Crime Group Act that would add the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the Top International Criminal Organizations Target (TICOT) List and provide U.S. law enforcement agencies a strategic directive to target the CCPs malign activity.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Advertisement

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' love is junk after she reportedly dumped him over the phone.

And the Oscar-winning actor, 48, didn't seem to be pining for his now-ex, barely waiting a moment before discarding mementos from his romance with the Cuban beauty, 32.

Right after the couple's split made news on Monday, someone was seen trashing a life-sized, cardboard cut-out of the Knives Out actress in the bins outside Affleck's Brentwood home.

And it was no regular refuse, but in fact the exact, same cut-out Ben's kids were seen playing around with while cheerfully bonding with Ana last summer.

Mr. Sentimental: Ben Affleck proved he was ready to put ex Ana de Armas in the past as he trashed a life-size cut-out of the star on the same day the breakup made news

Part of the family: It was no regular refuse, but in fact the exact, same cut-out Ben's kids were seen playing around with while cheerfully bonding with Ana last summer, above

BenAna split! The two stars are seen together out in Venice back in June

But the Argo actor/director didn't seem sentimental about the family moment now that the relationship had run its course.

Ben had someone from his landscaping crew whisk the smiling souvenir outside, obviously over any reminders of his former love.

It took a bit of effort to get rid of her, however.

Ben must have deemed the cut-out completely worthless, skipping the recycle bin and going straight into the garbage. But the life-size poster was a bit too big to fit inside the trash cans at first, making not one, but two grown men struggle to shove the photo inside.

Finding themselves at odds with fake-Ana, the pair eventually resorted to breaking the poster in two before it began its second act mingling with empty Dunkin' Donuts boxes and Diet Coke cans. Some users took to Twitter to speculate that it the helper looked like his brother Casey Affleck, though this was not the case.

Garbage: Ben had someone from his landscaping crew whisk the smiling souvenir outside, obviously over any reminders of his former love

It takes two: The life-size poster was a bit too big to fit inside the trash cans, making not one, but two grown men struggle to shove the photo inside

From the looks of it, Ben was ready to put the past behind him.

Affleck and de Armas' romance began when they met while working on the 'erotic thriller' Deep Water in 2019, but they weren't linked until early 2020.

But now, according to reports, the pair have 'mutually and amicably' decided to go their separate ways.

Several sources confirmed the split to People, with one insider revealing that Ana didn't want to be tied to Los Angeles, where Ben has to be based for his kids.

'Ben is no longer dating Ana,' the source told the publication. 'She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles.'

Break-up: Finding themselves at odds with fake-Ana, the pair eventually resorted to breaking the poster in two before it began its life mingling with Dunkin' Donuts boxes and Diet Coke cans

Off the hook: Ana reportedly pulled the plug on the relationship over the phone

News: 'Ben is no longer dating Ana,' the source told the publication. 'She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles'

Another insider told the publication: 'They are in different points in their lives; there is deep love and respect there. Ben continues to want to work on himself. He has three jobs lined up and hes a solid father at home. They are both happy with where they are in their lives.'

Additionally, UsWeekly quotes a source who revealed: 'Ben and Ana were moving in different directions in their lives and stopped seeing eye to eye. The two couldnt work through their differences and have decided to end their relationship.'

The couple appeared to be getting more serious in recent months. Over the summer it was rumored that Ana had moved in to the Gone Girl star's Pacific Palisades home after putting her Venice, California property on the market.

In different places: Several sources confirmed the split to People, with one insider revealing that Ana didn't want to be tied to Los Angeles, where Ben has to be based for his kids

In August, she was spotted moving her things into Ben's property from her Venice home.

The Cuban born actress was even seen flashing a diamond ring on her hand as she joined Ben for some reshoots of their movie Deep Water in New Orleans in November.

But it seems the ring was simply a prop for the movie, as the actors play a married couple in the Adrian Lyne-directed psychological thriller.

Furthering signaling things were serious, they were then spotted on a romantic getaway to Ana's native Cuba in March 2020 before heading to Costa Rica and getting back to Los Angeles just before the lockdowns started.

The beginning: The couple were pictured on a romantic getaway to Ana's native Cuba in March 2020 before heading to Costa Rica and getting back to Los Angeles just before the lockdowns started

They spent much of 2020 inseparable, enjoying walks in LA with their dogs and casual outings for coffee.

Ana made their relationship Instagram official in April when she shared snaps of the couple hanging out on her 32nd birthday.

During their relationship the actor introduced Ana to his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner; Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11 and Samuel, eight.

Sources at the time told People: 'Ana seems to love being around his kids. Everyone has been getting along great. Ana is making an effort to get to know his kid.'

All smiles: Ana shared this photo of the couple in August

Ben was previously married to Jennifer from 2005 to 2018 and they have a built a solid co-parenting relationship in recent years, with the actress also supporting Ben with his sobriety.

Before meeting Ana, Ben was in a relationship with SNL producer Lindsay Shookus from July 2017 to August 2018. They reunited in February the following year before ending things for good in April 2019.

The actor also dated model Shauna Sexton briefly in 2018.

In February 2020 the Good Will Hunting star talked about his desire to meet someone special.

'I would love to have a relationship that is deeply meaningful and one to which I could be deeply committed,' he said during a Good Morning America interview.

'Five years from now Ben Affleck is sober and happy and sees his kids three-and-a-half days a week and has made three or four movies that are interesting to him. I directed two [movies] that he is hopefully proud of and is in a healthy, stable, loving, committed relationship.'
CAIRO - Tunisian youths clashed with security forces in cities across this North African nation for a fourth night on Monday, burning tires and hurling gasoline bombs to protest worsening economic problems, police violence and poor government services.

Security forces have retaliated with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the hundreds of teenagers. While scenes of mayhem and chaos captured in videos zipped across social media, there were also peaceful demonstrations. Hundreds have been arrested, triggering calls for restraint from human rights activists and civil society groups.

By Tuesday morning, the military had been dispatched to protect public buildings and conduct joint patrols with police units in several cities to quell the protests.

The explosion of anger follows Tunisia's commemoration last Thursday of the 10th anniversary of the uprisings that toppled the nation's longtime autocrat, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The revolution touched off a series of revolts across the Arab world, now commonly referred to as the Arab Spring, that led to the ouster of dictators in Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

Since then, Tunisia has been lauded as the only nation to have emerged from the Arab Spring revolts as a democracy. But despite its unique standing, the country has remained fragile, struggling with economic woes, political infighting and the threat of Islamic extremism.

"Tunisia is free enough to allow such massive protests without much bloodshed, but its people are unhappy with the political leadership and state leadership and is still looking for change," said Youssef Cherif, a North Africa political analyst affiliated with Columbia University.

Tension and frustration have grown over high unemployment rates, falling living standards, poor state services and public spending cuts mandated by an International Monetary Fund-backed loan program. The coronavirus pandemic has added to the economic and social woes, further shattering an economy highly dependent on tourism. Last week, a new pandemic lockdown added to the grievances of the protesters.

In the first 10 months of last year, more than 6,500 protests were recorded, mostly against economic and social policies, according to the Tunisian Forum of Economic and Social Rights. The political class is viewed by many Tunisians as inefficient and corrupt and the police are despised in poorer, neglected areas, and often accused of violent tactics, said analysts.

In a November report, the Forum warned of a "systemic sabotage" due to the failure of successive governments since 2011 to fulfill the aspirations of Tunisians after the revolution, including achieving social justice, combating corruption and aiding long marginalized areas.

"Gradually, the experience of democratic transition in Tunisia is heading toward a social tragedy," the group wrote.

The most recent spate of protests ignited on Friday in Siliana, a farming town roughly 80 miles southwest of the capital, Tunis. It followed a video that showed a police officer assaulting a shepherd whose sheep had entered the courtyard of a local government building, according to Amnesty International, the watchdog group.

Adding to the frustration was the government's imposition of a four-day national lockdown that started last Thursday, the revolution's anniversary, in response to rise in coronavirus infections.

The protests swiftly spread to the capital and as many as 14 other cities, including regions in long marginalized regions in the center and south with extremely high levels of youth unemployment and poverty.

In some instances, the protests quickly turned to violence. Youths threw molotov cocktails at police in bulletproof vests, vandalized buildings and looted stores.

By Sunday, an Interior Ministry spokesman, Khaled Hayouni, announced that the police had arrested 632 demonstrators. Most were between the ages of 15 and 20, he said.

Amnesty International, on Monday, urged for calm and restraint. The watchdog cited videos that circulated on social media that showed police officers beating and dragging detainees, as well as eyewitness accounts of people ill-treated in police custody. On Monday, the group said police attacked a peaceful protest with batons and tear gas and arrested a human rights activist, Hamza Nassri Jeridi.

The mass arrests of teenagers and youth "are adding to the general discontent," said Cherif, but so far doesn't appear to be heading towards a 2011-like revolt against the political and security establishment.

"But another police blunder, an unexpected event, more political bickering and maneuvering, could trigger a bigger movement," said Cherif. "For sure, there is enough anger in the street for another revolution to emerge."
A series of emails exchanged with those behind the alleged scam as well as other documents connected with the matter have been enclosed with the complaint.

New Delhi: Delhi Police's cybercrime cell will investigate a complaint received from senior TV journalist Nidhi Razdan who has said she was a victim of a phishing scam in which she was given a fraudulent offer of a position of Associate Professor at the Harvard University.

Razdan filed the complaint with the Delhi Police on Monday regarding commission of cognisable offences including forgery, cheating, identity fraud and impersonation by unknown accused against her. Earlier, she had filed a similar complaint with the Jammu and Kashmir Police on 16 January when she was in Srinagar.

A senior Delhi Police officer said that an investigation would be undertaken on the basis of the complaint which was filed at a police station in South-East district. A series of emails exchanged with those behind the alleged scam as well as other documents connected with the matter have been enclosed with the complaint.

Her lawyer Shri Singh said Razdan had received an email in December 2019 containing a purported offer from Harvard University for teaching journalism. Thereafter, she resigned as Executive Editor of NDTV last June.

However, she had come to know last week that a series of emails and forged documents sent over a period of one year were an elaborate scam to dishonestly and fraudulently cause loss to her, Singh said.

Razdan has urged the cybercrime cell to undertake a detailed and thorough investigation to trace the accused and register an FIR in this regard.

She has also asked Harvard University to register a complaint with the FBI or other relevant authorities to investigate this crime, according to the lawyer.
Taylor Hill is enjoying Valentine's Day a month early.

The beauty, who dates Daniel Fryer, was seen in pink lingerie with little red hearts everywhere as she added light pink thigh high stockings in two new Instagram snaps by photographer Carin Backoff shared on Tuesday.

In one photo the 24-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel had a red rose in her mouth as she added pink hearts to her caption.

She allowed her short brunette hair to flow freely as she wore a pink bow.

Hill began her modeling career at an early age, and for a time was the youngest model to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the age of 18.

She became one of the lingerie company's Angels in 2015; that same year, she hosted an event for the PINK division of the brand.

In following years, she has walked the runway for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Ralph Lauren.

Before COVID: The tall model is seen here in 2017 in NYC at the NY Public Library

The model has also begun a career as an actress, appearing in films such as The Neon Demon and The Broken Hearts Gallery.

In 2019, Hill was tapped to be the spokesmodel for the 20th anniversary edition of the Ralph Lauren Romance fragrance.

She was featured heavily in its promotional materials.

And the star even filmed a video with her mother while under lockdown.

That same year, the model answered a set of questions from Allure regarding her feelings about certain fragrances and shared her preferred method of applying perfume.

She revealed: 'The one I use day to day is to spray it in the air and walk through it.

A true bikini model: She sure knows her best angles as she proved last summer in this orange two piece swimsuit

Starting young: Hill began modeling at a young age and at one time was the youngest Victoria's Secret model to walk in their annual Fashion Show; seen last summer

'And then for events, I'll add a little bit more just so it'll last longer. I do the wrist and behind the ears, the activation points, so movement activates the scent.'

Hill was also asked about where her favorite smells came from, and she stated that many of them hold a sentimental value, as they primarily originated from her childhood in Colorado.

'A lot of my scent and fragrance memories are food related. My mom bakes for holidays and she's a really great baker...A lot of my early scent memories just bring back positive food-related memories with my family,' the model said.
Advertisement

Lockdown measures could last 'beyond Easter' despite the rollout of the Covid vaccine after the deadliest day on record saw 1,610 new victims, care home fatalities doubled and vaccinations slumped again.

Ministers have been warned that, with the possible exception of schools, there is unlikely to be any relaxation of the lockdown at the first formal 'review point' in the middle of next month.

Reports yesterday claimed that Boris Johnson was targeting Good Friday on April 2 as the earliest date for a significant lifting of the lockdown.

The PM has started 'top secret' planning for millions to meet their families over Easter, according to The Sun.

But several sources told the Mail that even this date could look optimistic if the vaccine rollout ran into difficulties.

One attendee at a government summit with business leaders on Monday claimed ministers had warned that heavy restrictions could remain until May or even June.

Pfizer's supplies have been dented by a factory upgrade which will continue into next month and the Government is facing an uphill struggle to hit its target of 15 million Britons vaccinated by mid-February.

The number getting the jab fell for the third day in a row on Monday when 204,000 were vaccinated, compared to 324,000 on Friday.

A government source said Pfizer's supplies were already 'very constrained' and fears are spreading through Cabinet that they won't hit the target. 'It's going to be very very tight,' the source told The Times.

Meanwhile Britain maintains the worst covid death rate in the world. Tuesday's new daily record marked a sharp 30 per cent rise on the 1,243 announced on the same day last week and is almost double the number of victims from a fortnight ago, when there were 860 deaths.

Reports yesterday claimed that Boris Johnson was targeting Good Friday on April 2 as the earliest date for a significant lifting of the lockdown

But several sources told the Mail that even this date could look optimistic if the vaccine rollout ran into difficulties. Pictured: A volunteer helps an elderly man in a wheel chair as he attends a Covid-19 vaccination centre in Wembley, northwest London, on January 19

It's the third time in 2021 that Britain has recorded a record number of daily fatalities, as the nation battles with the super-infectious Kent strain and hospitals juggle winter pressures.

Pfizer jab supply worries mean hitting target of vaccinating 15 million vulnerable Britons by mid-February will be 'very, very tight' Pfizer jab supply worries will make Boris Johnson's target of 15 million people vaccinated by mid-February 'very, very, tight,' a government source said last night. The number of Britons getting vaccinated fell for the third day in a row on Monday, slumping to 204,076 - down from 324,000 on Friday. Pfizer has warned supplies will be dented this month and the next as they revamp their factory in Belgium so they can pump out more doses. A government source said the supply was already 'very constrained' and fears are spreading through Cabinet that they won't hit their target of 15 million in the four most vulnerable groups vaccinated by February 15. 'It's going to be very very tight,' the source told The Times. So far more than 4 million people have received their first dose through the NHS - which makes the UK one of the best covered countries in the world - but to reach 13.9 million by the middle of next month Britain must manage 360,000 jabs per day from Tuesday onward. Each day that they fall below this figure will compound their woes. But one government source said he was 'confident' the Government would hit its target, while admitting that the Pfizer supply chain issues would make it more difficult. It comes amid growing pressure on the NHS to run a 24/7 service after people noticed the number of jabs given out over the weekend was lower than in the week. No10 was told today it must 'throw as much money as possible' at the NHS to ensure coronavirus vaccine uptake stays high all week. Advertisement

The darkest day in the pandemic prior to today was January 13, when officials declared 1,564 deaths in a single 24-hour period.

Office for National Statistics data also revealed Covid-19 deaths in care homes doubled last week to 1,260 in England.

The virus was responsible for one in three deaths across the country during the first week of January  6,057 out of 17,751.

But, in another sign that the national shutdown is taking effect, there were 33,355 new infections announced in the past 24 hours, down 27 per cent on the 45,533 last Tuesday and 45 per cent lower than the 60,916 two weeks prior.

Mr Johnson has promised to have care homes vaccinated against the disease by the end of January but, so far, only half of residents, who were supposed to be front of the queue for jabs in December but missed out due to logistical issues with handling the Pfizer vaccine, have been immunised against the virus.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon declared that lockdown in Scotland will be extended to mid-February despite signs cases have flattened off.

Dashing hopes of a loosening from the end of this month, the nationalist said she was being 'cautious' and more evidence was needed that the outbreak was on a 'downward trajectory'.

Mr Johnson, however, remains optimistic he can give Britons an Easter holiday with their loved ones - even if that means meeting them outside.

A source told The Sun: 'It's way too soon to start talking about when, but the work is being done quietly on the how.'

But such hopes are dependant on the vaccine and another Whitehall source told the Mail that no firms dates had been laid down.

'The mood was very much about things happening later in the spring rather than early on,' the source said. 'Beyond Easter is certainly possible.

'We don't even know what the benchmark will be. It seems unlikely that vaccinating the over-70s will be enough.'

No10 declined to comment on a likely date for the easing of the lockdown. But the Prime Minister told the Cabinet that the scale of the pandemic remained 'very serious'.

Backbench Tories stepped up demands yesterday for the Government to start easing restrictions from the first week of March, when vaccinations should have helped the 15million most vulnerable people develop substantial immunity.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Once the most vulnerable have been vaccinated there is no justification for keeping these restrictions.'

In the first lockdown, senior ministers piled pressure on the PM to ease restrictions at the earliest opportunity. But a Cabinet source said Mr Johnson was under much less pressure now, adding: 'No one in the Cabinet is talking about easing restrictions at the moment. The situation is too grave.'

No10 denied reports yesterday that the PM was at odds over the criteria for lifting restrictions with Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who is said to want any lockdown easing to be conditional on a major fall in Covid cases and hospitalisations.

He is also said to want the lifting to be gradual so the impact of measures, such as reopening schools, can be studied before further steps are taken.

More than 4.26million people have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine through the NHS programme  one in every 16 people in the UK  which makes it one of the best covered countries in the world.

But to hit the Government's target of 13.9million people by February 15, which is the threshold at which officials will consider relaxing lockdown, Britain must manage 360,000 jabs per day from today onwards  2.5million per week.

Nicola Sturgeon EXTENDS Scottish lockdown until mid-February Nicola Sturgeon today declared that lockdown in Scotland will be extended to mid-February despite signs cases have flattened. Dashing hopes of a loosening from the end of this month, the First Minister said she was being 'cautious' and more evidence was needed that the outbreak was on a 'downward trajectory'. The whole Scottish mainland and several islands have been under tough restrictions since early January, with schools closed and a 'stay at home' message in force. It was initially due to run until February, but was reviewed by Ms Sturgeon and her ministers this morning. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said: 'We need to see these trends continue, to be more certain that this phase of the epidemic is now on a downward trajectory. 'And second, we need to be realistic that any improvement we are seeing is down, at this stage, to the fact that we are staying at home and reducing our interactions. 'Any relaxation of lockdown while case numbers, even though they might be declining, nevertheless remain very high, could quickly send the situation into reverse.' Advertisement

Last week it averaged 254,000 per day and hit a total 1.77million. The daily requirement will increase for every day that it isn't hit.

Dr Duncan Robertson, an analyst at Loughborough University, said on Tuesday: 'The number vaccinated has fallen for three successive days. It would be useful to know what the vaccine supply schedule is over the next weeks and months, and the reason for this decrease.'

The reasons behind the slowdown are not clear  it could be a consequence of the Government focusing efforts and supplies on slow rollout areas so they can get to all over-80s, or it may be a bottleneck in supply.

Ministers repeatedly warned last week that manufacturing speed was the 'limiting factor' and it has emerged that Pfizer, one of the two vaccine suppliers, has delayed its deliveries for the rest of January while it expands its Belgian factory.

It comes amid growing pressure on the NHS to run a 24/7 service after people noticed the number of jabs given out over the weekend was lower than in the week.

No10 was told today it must 'throw as much money as possible' at the NHS to ensure coronavirus vaccine uptake stays high all week.

At a Downing Street press conference last night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock brushed off questions about the lower uptake the weekend, urging people to look at the weekly averages rather than data from individual days.

But think-tanks told MailOnline that the drop was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic', and called on ministers to 'put money into it', if it turned out that staffing issues was to blame.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, told MailOnline: 'Throughout this pandemic the Government has consistently over-promised and under delivered. When it comes to the vaccination program, the Government must avoid repeating the failures of our test and trace system and PPE supply chains to the frontline.'

It comes as an NHS trust in London today reportedly sent out an email to staff urging them to just turn up to get Covid vaccinations because leftover doses were at risk of expiring if they weren't used by tomorrow morning.

Health and social care workers are in one of the top priority groups to get vaccinated, and people working in the vaccine supply chain will now also be prioritised to make sure deliveries are not interrupted.

The Adam Smith Institute think-tank told MailOnline today there seemed to be a 'lackadaisical approach to Saturdays and Sundays'.

Deputy director Matt Kilcoyne said the blip in figures was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic'.

'Knowing as we do that every hour counts, every day counts... there is no reason why the UK could not have the same vaccination rollout rate as Israel,' he added.

Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute for Economic Affairs, said NHS staff needed to be congratulated on the 'great job' they've done with the vaccine roll out so far.

But he added: 'The NHS is bit of a five day week service in many ways and if it comes down to staffing then we need to put more money into it. If you give people strong financial incentives it makes people want to work seven days a week.'

How can Covid be decimating care homes AGAIN? Deaths double in a fortnight with 1,260 victims in England last week, official data shows

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows 1,260 Covid deaths in homes, double 661 figure two weeks ago

Virus now accounts for a startling 40% of all deaths in care homes in England, up from a quarter in December

Ministers have been slammed by families and charities for failing to vaccinate care home residents

By Luke Andrews and Connor Boyd for MailOnline

Coronavirus deaths in care homes have doubled in a fortnight in England, figures revealed today amid a spike in cases across the sector.

An Office for National Statistics (ONS) report found 1,260 residents died of the virus in the week ending January 15, almost twice the 661 fatalities two weeks ago. The virus now accounts for a startling 40 per cent of all deaths in care homes in England, up from just over a quarter at the end of December.

Ministers have been slammed by furious families and charities for failing to vaccinate care home residents  who are first in the queue because they are most vulnerable to the disease. Even though only half of Britain's 400,000 residents have had their jab since the immunisation drive started six weeks ago, No10 has already expanded the scheme to over-70s.

It comes after two-thirds of the elderly residents at a Lincolnshire died following a sudden outbreak of coronavirus in November which killed 17 people over six weeks. There are now questions over whether the spike in cases and deaths is linked to the Government's controversial policy to send Covid patients discharged from hospitals back into care homes. Under the scheme, designed to free up hospital beds and protect the NHS, care homes which passed inspection and were deemed Covid-secure were once again asked to house infected patients.

The scheme was launched by the Department of Health in October in the hope that every local authority would have access to at least one approved site by the end of the month. But only a third of councils in England had an approved setting as of January 5.

It emerged today that No10 will provide indemnity to care homes approved to take Covid patients, amid concerns that not enough homes were signing up because insurance companies refused to cover them. Industry bosses feared they would come under increasing pressure to accept Covid patients, with too few approved settings and rising numbers in hospitals.

Public Health England has also recorded a spike in the number of suspected Covid-19 outbreaks reported in care homes. But it said many of these are be false alarms, although it couldn't say what number turned out not to involve the virus

Joan Willett (left), a resident in a care home in Hastings, East Sussex, receives her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine today. As does John Mason 82, from Blackburn

More than 20,000 care home residents died from Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic and experts say the decision to discharge thousands of untested hospital patients into care homes in spring was partly to blame. MPs accused ministers of throwing care homes 'to the wolves'.

With history threatening to repeat itself, Britain announced another 1,610 Covid deaths today  the highest daily figure since the pandemic began. Health bosses also posted 33,355 cases, with the outbreak continuing to shrink because of lockdown.

ONS statistics revealed the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes has risen for six consecutive weeks since the start of last month.

There were 444 fatalities registered with the Care and Quality Commission in the seven days to December 4.

But this had tripled to 1,260 by the week ending January 15, the latest date for which data is available.

A separate dataset from Public Health England last week also showed they were receiving more reports of suspected Covid-19 outbreaks than at the start of the second wave.

LINCOLNSHIRE CARE HOME SUFFERS 'WORST OUTBREAK' OF THE PANDEMIC A Lincolnshire care home boss has described the 'absolutely horrendous' ordeal of seeing 18 elderly residents die in a coronavirus outbreak. All residents and 20 staff members at The Old Hall at Halton Holegate, near Spilsby, became infected with the virus in November, with the first resident dying on the 16th. Over the next six weeks another 17 people died from Covid. Most were in their 90s, with the youngest aged 79 and the oldest 99 Some of the deaths were so sudden staff did not have the chance to administer end-of-life treatment or arrange for loved ones to say goodbye. Following an inspection by CQC, the care home regulator, the home was found to have been doing everything it could to prevent the spread of the virus. Diane Vale, the care home's manager, said the situation had been 'absolutely horrendous' and that some deaths were so sudden staff could not administer end-of-life treatment or arrange for loved ones to say goodbye. Advertisement

More than 800 suspected outbreaks with at least one confirmed Covid case were reported in the week to January 10, a hundred more than the previous week.

For comparison, when the second wave began in August fewer than 100 were reported in the space of a week.

A suspected outbreak  or acute respiratory infection incident  is when two or more cases of a virus are thought to have been identified in a home.

But PHE has insisted these don't necessarily represent actual outbreaks, as many turn out to be false alarms  although it doesn't say what proportion of all cases were not actual outbreaks.

There are fears the resurgence of Covid in care homes is the result of ministers' controversial policy to send Covid patients discharged from hospitals into the sector - a move which has worrying echoes of the first wave when hospitals were permitted to discharge patients into care homes without testing them for Covid.

These patients, bosses warned, seeded deadly coronavirus outbreaks in the homes which contributed to the sector's devastating death toll of 19,157 in 2020.

When the plans were announced last autumn, they were met with fury by human rights groups, who described the move as 'like throwing a lit match into a haystack'.

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International, said: 'The discharge of Covid-19 patients into care homes full of vulnerable residents is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most devastating mistakes of the Government's handling of the pandemic. Yet the same deadly policy from earlier in the pandemic is being pursued, despite the knowledge of how disastrous it was and how many lives were lost as a consequence.'

The scheme, which launched in mid-October, was for patients only to be sent into homes if they produced a negative test upon being discharged. But documents seen by the Guardian last week revealed the NHS - facing its biggest ever winter crisis - is now is asking care homes to start accepting Covid patients directly from hospitals and without a recent negative test, as long as they have been in isolation for 14 days and have shown no new symptoms.

There are no figures yet to show how many patients have actually been sent into homes, meaning it's impossible to know if the wave of infections in care homes is linked to the policy.

The Department of Health reassured that homes selected to house infected patients would be carefully inspected so the facilities would not turn into breeding grounds for the virus. But leaked documents sent by local councils to care homes  seen by Amnesty International  offered no concrete assurances that facilities will be properly Covid-secure, the human rights group said.

It comes as the Government announced it will provide indemnity for care homes in England approved to safely receive Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital, in recognition that insurance issues have led to too few numbers.

Vaccine Deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi has announced a 'time-limited state-backed indemnity' for care homes registered or intending to register as 'designated settings' who are unable to obtain sufficient insurance cover.

These are care homes or alternative sites that have been inspected and approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the rapid discharge of hospital patients with coronavirus.

In mid-October, when the scheme was launched, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it hoped every local authority would have access to at least one approved site by the end of the month.

Figures from the CQC last week show that more than a third of local authorities in England had no approved setting as of January 5.

There have been fears that, with too few approved settings and rising numbers in hospitals, care homes who have not been approved will come under increasing pressure to accept patients.

Mr Zahawi acknowledged that an inability to get sufficient insurance cover has been a barrier for some care homes wishing to join the scheme.

In a written ministerial statement on Monday, he said: 'This is limiting the ability of a small number of local authorities to operationalise designated settings capacity, and in other areas is limiting the expansion of such capacity in response to rising demand.

'Given the severity and immediacy of the pressures facing the NHS, we want to take all possible steps to remove obstacles to sufficient local designated settings provision.

'This includes ensuring that where the creation of designated settings has created barriers to insurance, the Government will introduce a targeted and time-limited indemnity offer to fill gaps in commercial cover.'

The indemnity will cover clinical negligence, employer's and public liability and remain in place until the end of March, with a review in mid February.

Care England said a lack of insurance has been a 'major stumbling block' in care homes agreeing to become designated sites.

Chief executive Professor Martin Green said: 'We are delighted that the Government has listened to Care England about the critical issue of insurance.

'We look forward to working with the Government to make the best of this important decision and will continue to campaign to have the difficulties associated with securing insurance cover extended to the rest of the care home sector who are crippled by sky-high premiums and lack of Covid cover.'

Care England said it expected further guidance from the Government in due course. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it welcomes the opportunity to work with the Government and supports the scheme's aims.

Director general Huw Evans said: 'The insurance industry remains supportive of the care home sector and will continue to work with the Government on the detail of this scheme and to assist with ongoing insurance provision wherever possible in these most challenging circumstances.'

The National Care Forum welcomed the scheme but said it does not go far enough, calling for it to be extended to the entire social care sector.

Executive director Vic Rayner said: 'Aside from those care homes operating designated settings who have now received indemnity, care providers continue to struggle to negotiate affordable insurance cover  with many seeing substantial increases to insurance premiums, restrictions and exclusions that prevent adequate cover for Covid-19-related claims.

'We have raised this consistently and it is hugely frustrating that it has taken until now for the Government to act.'

The DHSC will also provide clinical negligence indemnity to community pharmacies carrying out vaccinations, up until June 30.

Mr Zahawi said the need for this was 'extremely urgent' as pharmacy-led vaccination centres were not able to start vaccinating people until this was in place. Vaccination has begun at six centres as of Monday, he added.

He said: 'Delaying would have postponed the rollout of this vital aspect of the vaccination programme, restricting access to the vaccine in some areas of the county. We concluded that such a delay was not acceptable and I hope it is clear why this was indeed a case of special urgency. '

Schools are set to reopen at different times across country

By Josh White, Education Reporter for The Daily Mail

Parents and pupils faced fresh confusion last night after it emerged schools were likely to reopen at different times across the country and Covid tests in secondaries could be axed.

Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, told MPs a regional approach may be taken on school reopenings  but she left them 'pessimistic' about whether a decision would be made soon.

Appearing before the education select committee yesterday, Dr Harries responded to questions about opening school gates by saying: 'It's likely that we will have some sort of regional separation.'

Parents and pupils faced fresh confusion last night after it emerged schools were likely to reopen at different times across the country. Pictured: A year 7 pupil studies at home as his school in Ashford, Kent closed due to lockdown restrictions

She said there were 'glimmers of hope' in London, where cases fell nearly a third in a fortnight after it was one of the first areas to be affected by the new Covid variant.

Committee chairman Robert Halfon said her responses left him with the impression that schools 'will be closed for quite a few weeks yet' and he felt 'more pessimistic' about a February restart.

Meanwhile, it was reported that plans for mass testing in every secondary school in England could be abandoned amid concerns and confusion over the scheme's safety and effectiveness.

The rollout of the lateral-flow tests, which was interrupted by the closure of all schools, was designed to 'break the chains of transmission' by letting pupils who had been in contact with a confirmed Covid case remain in school rather than have to isolate if they tested negative for the virus.

But the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency watchdog (MHRA) said it 'continues to advise that close contacts... continue to self-isolate' rather than rely on testing, prompting accusations that approval for the scheme was not sought.

Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, told MPs a regional approach may be taken on school reopenings  but she left them 'pessimistic' about whether a decision would be made soon. Pictured: School children arriving at Manor Park School on January 4

The Government insists MHRA authorisation was not required, but teachers claim the true position is unclear.

The scheme may be suspended because the Kent variant of Covid-19 is so contagious, The Guardian reported last night.

Suggesting the scheme could be reviewed, Dougal Hargreaves, the Department for Education's deputy chief scientific advisor, told the committee there should be a more 'detailed evaluation' of the use of rapid lateral flow tests for daily checks in schools.

Children's Minister Vicky Ford also appeared to signal a change of position, telling MPs that Public Health England had been asked to provide 'rapid updated advice on daily contact testing in schools'.

The Department of Health said: 'The evidence from these and other evaluations will be used to inform our review of the effect of daily contact testing on breaking chains of transmission and any future plans.'

Scrum and dumber! Hancock has to isolate after park game

By Daniel Martin, Policy Editor for The Daily Mail

Matt Hancock has been told to self-isolate by the NHS Covid app  just days after he was spotted playing rugby in a park.

The Health Secretary said yesterday he had been alerted by Test and Trace on Monday night after coming into close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The alert also came just a few hours after he led a Downing Street press conference.

In a video, Mr Hancock said: 'Last night I was pinged by the NHS app, so that means I will be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday.' Because the self-isolation period is ten full days after a brush with the virus, this would suggest Mr Hancock met his contact last Wednesday.

But on Saturday and Sunday, Mr Hancock was seen in bustling Queen's Park, north-west London, playing rugby with his sons. A member of the public said to him: 'You're a bit dirty, mate,' and Mr Hancock replied: 'Bit of a muddy Saturday.' Though he was not breaching lockdown rules, Boris Johnson had urged people to stay home at the weekend and to 'think twice' about leaving the house.

Mr Hancock did not say at what time he received the alert, but a spokesman said it was after Monday's No10 press conference with NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis and Public Health England's Susan Hopkins.

Mr Hancock tested positive for Covid-19 last March.
Advertisement

Coronavirus cases are decreasing across the United States with 44 states showing a week-over-week drop in infections and deaths declining in 18 states, new data from Johns Hopkins University shows.

Nearly every state has seen a fall in the number of people testing positive in the last seven days aside from Maine, South Carolina and Virginia, which are all on the rise. Three states - Delaware, New Jersey and Texas - report no changes.

Daily new cases have also fallen from a peak of 283,204 on January 8 to 137,885 on Tuesday, January 19 - a 51 percent drop in 11 days. The seven-day rolling average of 200,407 is the lowest that figure has been since the new year.

However, Dr Anthony Fauci, says masks and social distancing aren't going anywhere any time soon and that the nation may have to prepare for the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay.

'We have to make that as a possibility. We've got to be prepared for that,' said Fauci told morning show The National Desk on Tuesday.

'Right now we're fortunate enough to have a vaccine that is extremely efficacious for the strain that now is circulating in our own country. We may need to make modifications, as new strains that are different come in.'

The nation's top infectious disease expert says normalcy may only occur when the majority of the country is vaccinated.

'When we get the country to be 70 percent to 85 percent vaccinated, and we get this blanket or umbrella of herd immunity so that the level of virus is so low in society that it's not really a threat to anybody, then we can start coming down on the stringency of the public health measures,' Fauci said.

'Bottom line is that if you get vaccinated, you can't throw away the masks, because you could be infected and conceivably infect others.'

Just 14.7 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, and only about 54 percent of vaccine doses distributed to states have been administered to people, according to data from Bloomberg.

It comes as the U.S. reached two grim milestones.

On Monday, California became the first state to record more than three million coronavirus infections.

And on Tuesday, the U.S. is expected to reach a COVID-19 death toll of 400,000 - more than the number of Americans who died in World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined.

Nearly every state has seen a decline in the number of people testing positive in the last seven days. John Hopkins say of this graph: 'The greener the background, the bigger the downward trend of new cases in this state. The redder the background, the bigger the upward trend of new cases in this state'

A total of 44 states are showing a week-over-week drop in infections with just three states - Maine, South Carolina and Virginia - increasing and three states - Delaware, New Jersey and Texas - reporting no changes (above)

Daily new cases have also fallen from a peak of 283,204 on January 8 to 137,885 on Tuesday, January 19 - a 51 percent drop in 11 days (above)

On Tuesday, the U.S. is expected to reach a COVID-19 death toll of 400,000 - more than the number of Americans who died in World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined.

Dr Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday (pictured) masks and social distancing aren't going anywhere any time soon and that the nation may have to prepare for the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay

The news of California's milestone was not entirely unexpected - but the speed at which the state reached this figure is stunning.

The first coronavirus case in The Golden State was confirmed on January 25, 2020. It took 292 days to reach one million infections on November 11 and 44 days to top two million on December 24

This means it took just 25 days to record three million cases.

California's caseload is also far ahead of other large states. Texas currently has more than two million infections and Florida is just above 1.5 million.

A caseload surge that began last fall has strained the state's hospitals and especially intensive care units as a percentage of the infected - around 12 percent - become sick enough weeks later to need medical care.

However, the overall trend in the country could mean the post-COVID Christmas surge is slowing.

Dr. Edison Liu of The Jackson Laboratory said the broader trends could mean the US is starting to flatten the curve.

'Flattening the curve means we've stopped the exponential rise of infection; that whatever intervention we have worked. But that's only the first step. What we're really looking for is a consistent downward trend,' he said.

North Dakota has emerged as America's unlikely leader in the battle against the coronavirus, racing ahead of most of the nation in the vaccine rollout and battling back from being the worst COVID hotspot in the nation with an 80 percent decline in active cases since mid-November.

CALIFORNIA: Despite overall trends declining, the state recorded more than three million total infections on Friday

cases topped two million on December 24, meaning it took just 25 days to record three million cases. Pictured: A registered nurse tends to a Covid-19 patient in the ICU at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California, January 11

Some states like California are floundering with vaccination rollout, using a meager 40 percent of doses distributed to it.

However, North Dakota is flying through the doses sent to it by the federal government, using 78 percent of its allotted doses and vaccinating just shy of seven percent of its population.

State officials acknowledge that North Dakota's small population size is an advantage. But it also gave health care workers a head-start with training before vaccine doses arrived, and has set up a flexible plan to let people 65 or older, people with two or more underlying conditions, and child care and school workers get priority access to vaccines.

California and New York may be known for their top-notch hospitals and medical schools, but they are struggling to get people vaccinated amid the COVID-19 crisis.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has blamed the federal government for his state only getting 5.14 percent of its population vaccinated by Monday, and asked for federal permission to order doses directly from Pfizer.

But the Empire State has only used a little over half (53 percent) of what the Trump administration has shipped to it, and its stiff plan for prioritizing people saw precious doses of vaccine thrown out earlier this month.

California lags even further behind, vaccinating just 3.3 percent of its population with the massive allotment of 3.5 million doses sent to it by the federal government.

And in Florida, which was the third state to reach one million COVID-19 cases, more than 40,000 people are overdue for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine - a worrying sign that poor organization could leave at-risk residents unprotected.

North Dakota has given nearly 53,000 of the 76,275 doses sent to it, and kept up a consistent flow of administering vaccines since its first doses arrived last month (pictured), according to the state's health department

Active coronavirus cases have fallen by 80% and the number of new daily infections in the state is a fraction of what it had been a month ago when North Dakota was among the nation's top hotspots

Cumulative deaths have increased in North Dakota, but the state has drastically bent the curve of fatalities since it climbed steeply last month, reaching a peak of 499 deaths in November, followed by 278 in December and 37 so far in January

North Dakota administered 3,222 vaccines on January 14 alone, according to its latest data. Nearly six percent of its population has had their first shot, and nearly one percent have already received their second.

Meanwhile, the state has 1,377 active cases of COVID-19 as of Monday - just a little over 10 percent as many as it saw at its November peak of 10,195.

Deaths in North Dakota continue to climb, but have leveled off since November.

Throughout much the nation, a game of federal and state he-said-she-said continues, and is doing little to speed the sluggish rollout.

Houston, Texas, officials say they are receiving sporadic shipments of small numbers of vaccine doses.

'Right now, having (doses) one day and then running out, it just creates a lot of chaos,' said Galveston County health director Dr Philip Keiser on Monday, according to Houston Public Media.

About 31.1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been sent to US states by the federal government, according to tracking from Bloomberg.

While West Virginia races to the head of the pack, vaccinating nearly nine percent of its population in just a month, California and Alabama rank worst, getting shots in the arms of just 3.3 percent and 2.7 percent of their residents, respectively.

Mass vaccination sites opened in larger states like New York, California and Florida, but rates of shot administration remain low.

Some of the states that have most vocally blamed the federal government for the vaccine rollout are among the slowest to use the doses sent to them.

California has vaccinated just 3.3 percent of its population and used a little over a third of its allotted doses, despite turning Disneyland and Dodger Stadium into mass vaccination sites.

Only about 3% of Americans have gotten their first doses of coronavirus vaccines, with the highest rates in West Virginia and the Dakotas, and the lowest rates of vaccination are in Alabama and Arizona

More than half of all doses of coronavirus vaccines distributed to US states are sitting on the shelves, with the highest rates of unused shots in California and Texas - despite the former being one of the worst hotspots for COVID-19 in the country

New York is faring a little better using up 53 percent of its doses and vaccinated about 5.4 percent of its population.

Southern and Sun Belt states are struggling. Alabama and Arizona have each vaccinated just 2.7 percent of their populations.

That's particularly worrisome for Arizona, which has had more coronavirus infections per capita than any where else in the world.

The surprise leaders in the race remain West Virginia and the Dakotas.

West Virginia was the only state in the union turned down the federal government's partnership with CVS and WalGreens to help vaccinate its nursing home residents.

And now it's vaccinated 8.6 percent of its population - more than than any other states.

North and South Dakota have vaccinated nearly seven and 6.45 percent of their respective populations.

A senior federal official told DailyMail.com that the US will meet its goal of distributing 50 million doses to states this week.

But at this rate, it could be weeks before all of those doses make it into Americans' arms.

States have given fewer than half of the doses the federal government has shipped - 46 percent - yet some say they are running out of doses.

Reports emerged last week that there was no federal stockpile of second doses to increase states' supplies - after HHS Secretary Alex Azar promised that the reserve would be released - triggering panic.

Federal officials say that the number of doses made available to states each week has increased, but that the notion that the government ever had a stockpile was incorrect.

In fact, a senior administration official told DailyMail.com that some states are not completing all their orders for new doses each week, leaving them shorthanded.

Yet states, including Texas, say they're on pace to run out of doses of vaccine by next week if they continue to administer as many as possible.

Los Angeles is among the worst hotspots for coronavirus in the US and health workers are racing to vaccinate at-risk people - including nursing home residents in Pasadena (pictured, file), but the state has used just 27.5% of its allotted doses

Since it began over a month ago, the US coronavirus vaccine rollout has been plagued by a game of federal and state 'he said, she said,' and little seems to have changed.

The emergence of more infectious coronavirus variants, including the UK's 'super-covid,' should be a 'clarion call' to Americans to get vaccinated, said Dr Anthony Fauci during a Sunday Meet the Press appearance.

But the uptake has been slow.

Experts say yet another factor is holding up the rollout: 'We're underselling the vaccine' Dr Aaron Richterman, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania told the New York Times.

He's not alone in thinking that attempts to temper expectations and keep Americans from ripping of their masks as soon as they get their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines may be misguided.

'It's driving me a little bit crazy,' Dr Ashish Jha of the Brown School of Public told the Times.

Vaccines made by both Moderna and Pfizer are more than 94 percent effective at preventing COVID-19, and that should be the focus of public messaging, the experts say.

That's not to say that questions still being researched - such as rather the shots prevent infection or transmission altogether - should be concealed, nor that warnings about potential side effects shouldn't be clear.

But, Dr Jha and Dr Richterman worry that the emphasis on what's unknown is fueling hesitancy and slowing the uptake of shots.

One California epidemiologist on Sunday called for Moderna to put a hold on 330,000 doses from one lot that have already been distributed after 'fewer than 10' people had possible severe allergic reactions to the shots within 24 hours.

Moderna, the FDA and the CDC are all investigating the incidences, but said in a statement to Fox News that vaccination is never without risks.

The reactions all happened within the observation period while the recipients were still at the vaccination site in San Diego.

Health care workers and nursing home residents were put first in line for coronavirus vaccines.

But during the first weeks of the rollout, staggering numbers of health care workers turned down the shots.

One Illinois veterans nursing home said that while about 90 percent of its elderly residents had said 'yes' to the shot, some 80 percent of staff had said 'no.'

Nurses in Texas and California - two of the nation's worst hotspots for COVID-19 - said they and about half of their colleagues planned to refuse or delay vaccination.

In New York, four doses of vaccine had to be thrown out because willing recipients working in health care could not be found in time to use the shots before they expired.

Amid suspicion that resistance among health care workers and rigid state plans for who could be vaccinated when were the problem, federal officials urged vaccination to be opened up to people 65 and older.
American audio equipment brand Skullcandy has launched its Jib truly wireless earbuds in India. The Skullcandy Jib comes with up to 22 hours of battery life and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. The TWS earphones are priced at Rs 2,999 in India and have been launched in two colour options - Blue and True Black. Interested buyers can purchase the Skullcandy Jib True through the Skullcandy website.

The Skullcandy Jib True come with 40mm drivers with an impedance of 32ohms and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz. The earbuds also come with controls to adjust volume, skip tracks, take voice calls, and activate Google Assistant or Siri. Skullcandy has also used a noise-isolating fit on the Jib True earphones as they use a silicone eartip. The earbuds come with Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. In terms of battery life, the Skullcandy Jib True offer six hours of battery life on a single charge, with the charging case adding another 16 hours of listening time. This brings the battery life to a total of 22 hours, which is two hours more than the OnePlus Buds Z.

The earbuds also come with dual microphones that are said to help provide an enhanced voice calling experience. The Skullcandy Jib True earbuds can also work solo, meaning users can also wear just one earbud to make calls or listen to music. Skullcandy has not defined whether it has provided any kind of fast charging support on the Jib True earphones. The Skullcandy Jib True weighs 228 grams.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Cloudy in the morning followed by isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low 68F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Philadelphians turned out to volunteer for the citys 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 400,000 people in the United States and more than 2 million worldwide.
Producer Jon Landau has given fans a taste of what to expect from the long awaited Avatar sequel by releasing concept art from the forthcoming film.

The movie - one of four planned additions to the science fiction franchise - is expected to go on general release in 2022, 13-years after the first film wowed cinema-goers upon its initial release in 2009.

With filming reportedly completed, Landau whetted the appetite on Monday evening by unveiling one of the many visual designs drawn up as producers expand the sprawling world of Pandora.

Interesting: Producer Jon Landau has given fans a taste of what to expect from the long awaited Avatar sequel by releasing concept art from the forthcoming film

Taking to Instagram, the franchise producer released an image of the lush, tropical planet's Metkayina village - a concept illustration created by Jonathan Bach.

The village, built across a large stretch of water, is thought to be located on Pandora's reef and is another extension of the world populated by the sentient, blue-skinned Na'vi clan.

However it's understood that Metkayina inhabitants live 'different lifestyles' and adopt different cultures to those featured in the original film.

Impressive: The producer previously shared an image of actress Kate Winslet shooting scenes for the new film, which will once again be helmed by director James Cameron, while submerged in water

Captioning the image, Landau wrote: 'Tomorrow, as part of our Behind Pandora stories, we will be featuring concept artist Jonathan Bach.

'In advance of that, I thought I would share a concept illustration he created of the Metkayina village. This is just one of the many incredible images that he and the rest of our art department have created for the Avatar sequels. Thank you to everyone on the production design team!'

The producer previously shared an image of actress Kate Winslet shooting scenes for the new film, which will once again be helmed by writer-director James Cameron, while submerged in water.

Hard at work: British star Kate posed at the bottom of a water tank while shooting the eagerly-anticipated sequel, in which she plays 'a water person' called Ronal

British star Kate posed at the bottom of a water tank with a billowing cape while shooting the eagerly-anticipated sequel, in which she plays 'a water person' called Ronal.

In the caption for the image posted to Instagram, Landau quoted Kate, writing: 'Wanted to share this photo of Kate Winslet after reading her interview in The Hollywood Reporter... '

Paraphrasing a line from the interview, he added: '[She said: "I had to learn how to free-dive to play that role in Avatar, and that was just incredible. My longest breath hold was seven minutes and 14 seconds, like crazy, crazy stuff"...

Blockbuster:Released in 2009, the James Cameron directed Avatar starred Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana

'She stops herself, afraid that shes given away too much on the top-secret project. "Oh no, actually, I cant. Yeah, I play a water person. I am a water person," is all she will offer, instead shifting to praise of Cameron".'

In September director Cameron revealed live-action filming is '100 % complete' on the new film, despite delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The filmmaker made the big reveal during an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which included more welcomed news about the third installment in the franchise that's being shot simultaneously in New Zealand.

Brains behind blockbusters: Cameron, who wrote and directed the original film, has been working on the Avatar sequels in New Zealand

Talking to Schwarzenegger ahead of the 2020 Austrian World Summit environmental conference, Cameron first addressed the impact that the coronavirus crisis has had on the filming process that started back in August 2017 in California.

He said: 'We lost about four-and-a-half months of production. As a result of that we rolled [the premiere date] around one more full year for a release in December of 2022.'

Despite the pandemic, Cameron acknowledged he and his crew were lucky to have chosen New Zealand as their main production site, with the country lauded for its rapid COVID-19 response.

'We are able to operate. we're able to shoot, and we're able to more or less have a normal life here right now,' he added.

Old friends and colleagues: Cameron previously gave the updates on the Avatar sequels during a video call that was posted on Arnold Schwarzenegger's YouTube channel

Avatar 2 is said to take place 12 years after the events of the first movie, following Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, as he continues to roam the planet of Pandora with the new family he has with Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldana.

It also stars Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Edie Falco, Cliff Curtis, Oona Chaplin, Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis.

Avatar 2 is currently slated to premiere on December 16, 2022 and Avatar 3 on December 20, 2024.

There are also plans for two more sequels that have release dates of December 18, 2026 and December 22, 2028, respectively, although Cameron has stated that they wouldn't be made if Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 don't make any money.

The original 2009 film became the highest-grossing movie of all time, raking-in $2.79 billion worldwide on a $237 million budget and winning nine Academy Award nominations.
A 12-year-old Christian girl who was allegedly abducted, raped and forced to marry a man who kept her chained up in a cattle pen in Pakistan has been rescued.

The underage girl spent five months bound in the 45-year-old Muslim man's yard where she would work all day clearing animal dung.

Police rescued the youngster in Faisalabad last month and found cuts from the shackles on her ankles.

A Christian girl who was allegedly abducted, raped and forced to marry a man who kept her chained up in a cattle pen in Pakistan has been rescued. Pakistani Christians protest against child marriage and forced conversion in Karachi

The case has been taken up by Christian charities who claim a number of girls are being abducted and forced into marriage in Pakistan, according to The Telegraph.

Human rights groups say an estimated 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls are kidnapped each year and forced to convert to Islam.

Aid to the Church in Need said the girl's family made repeated complaints to the police but they were ignored for months.

Her father said: '[She] has told me she was treated like a slave. She was forced to work all day, cleaning filth in a cattle yard. 24-7, she was attached to a chain.'

The family say the girl was abducted on June 12 last year and she was raped multiple times.

Boris Johnson previously said he would grant asylum to Asia Bibi (pictured), a Christian woman in Pakistan who was charged with blasphemy

Despite making multiple complaints to the police, the father was not able to file an official report until September.

He said police even made racial comments about him and threatened to charge him with blasphemy.

The father also criticised a court-commissioned medical report which found the girl was aged 16 or 17, even though her birth certificate states she is 12.

She has been placed in a women's refuge while investigations are ongoing.

Aid to the Church in Need says the case calls into question how Britain is spending its overseas aid, with 302million going to Pakistan.

The charity says the government should do more to tackle Christian persecution abroad rather than support regimes where child marriage takes place.

Boris Johnson previously said he would grant asylum to Asia Bibi, a Christian woman in Pakistan who was charged with blasphemy and spent 10 years on death row.

In November, Maira Shahbaz went into hiding after being accused of apostasy for breaking off a forced marriage, prompting an outcry

In November, campaigners urged the Prime Minister to offer asylum to a 14-year-old Christian girl being hunted by Islamist death squads after fleeing her forced marriage to a Muslim man 30 years her senior.

Catholic altar server Maira Shahbaz, who was abducted at gunpoint and gang-raped before her wedding, is in hiding after being accused of apostasy for breaking off the marriage  an offence punishable by death in Islam.

More than 9,000 people signed a petition asking Mr Johnson to grant the teenager and her family asylum in Britain to save her from 'certain death'.

Maira claims she was abducted on April 28 and held prisoner in a basement. She alleges that her captors drugged and raped her before forcing her to convert to Islam to marry. He denies her claims.
A Hells Angels bikie has been charged after he allegedly attempted to flee police on foot following a vehicle pursuit through the streets of Sydney.

The 31-year-old was allegedly speeding and driving while disqualified when officers tried to pull over his white Holden Commodore in the city's south-west.

Police started pursuing the car near the M7 and M5 interchange on Monday afternoon when the man allegedly failed to stop when directed by officers.

A Hells Angels bikie was arrested by police in Sydney's south-west on Monday afternoon following a police pursuit and charged with a range of offences (stock image)

The car was pursued through Bernera Road, Jedda Road and Hoxton Park Road before the vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Cartwright Avenue.

The man allegedly ran from police, jumping fences and running through several backyards.

He was later arrested at Cartwright Park.

A 16-year-old female passenger in the car was also arrested at the scene. She was released after being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

The 31-year-old man was arrested at Cartwright Park (pictured) in Sydney's south-west after allegedly attempting to flee police

The man was taken to Liverpool Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing before being released into police custody.

He was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and resist officer in execution of duty.

Officers allegedly seized 45g of cannabis from the car.

The man was refused bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned he would not allow any company to operate with a franchise if it did not settle its government obligations.

"I assure you, all franchises will not be implemented. I will not implement them until they settle their full accounts with the government," Duterte said during the weekly Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases meeting.

The President also stressed the government serves the interests of the poor and he will not allow large entities to escape with their duty by not paying taxes correctly.

"For all I care, you can have a 1,000 franchise, you will not see the light of day until you come to government with clean hands. Wala akong galit, bayaran mo lang ang gobyerno, sasaludo ako sa inyo limang beses (I'm not angry. Just pay your taxes to the government and I will even salute to you five times)," he said.

Duterte did not name a specific company during his weekly public address.

The alleged tax-avoidance schemes of ABS-CBN Corporation has been pointed out as one of the reasons for the broadcast giant's non-franchise renewal by the House of Representatives last July. The National Telecommunications Commission ordered ABS-CBN to cease their broadcast last May 5 with their franchise expiration.

However, the Bureau of Internal Revenue cleared ABS-CBN in February 2020 of any tax liability, saying the company paid 70.5 billion in taxes in the past 17 years.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Batangas 6th district Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, who were prominent actors in the country, filed separate bills to grant the Lopez-owned media company a fresh 25-year franchise.

Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block ABS-CBN's franchise renewal after accusing the network of not airing his campaign ads during the 2016 elections.

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 19 : As US President-elect Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated as the 46th President of the US on Wednesday, outgoing President Donald Trump will leave office with the lowest approval rating since he occupied the White House in 2017, a new poll has revealed.

The new Gallup poll published on Monday revealed that 34 per cent of Americans approved of the job Trump is doing as President, the lowest rating since he assumed office on January 20, 2017, The Hill news website reported.

The Gallup poll also showed that Trump's 41 per cent approval rating thoughout his four years as President was four points lower than for any of his predecessors.

Trump is the first American President to receive a 50 per cent approval rating at any point of his term and also since Gallup began measuring presidential job approval in 1938.

Trump's term will end come to an end on Wednesday afternoon following Biden's inauguration.

During his last few days in office, the US witnessed one of the country's worst-ever riots when thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6.

The attacktook place while Congress was in session considering the ratification of the electoral college votes electing Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Earlier that day outside the Capitol, Trump addressed his supporters during which called for "patriots" to take a stand against the 2020 election results Five people, including a police officer, were killed during the riots.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning about plans of armed protests at all the 50 state capitols, and also on the day of the inauguration at the Capitol in Washington D.C.

Up to 25,000 National Guard members have been deployed in Washington D.C., more than the amount of the troops currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Also on January 13, House of Representatives impeached Trump for a second time, charging him with inciting an insurrection and threatening democracy.

Under the impeachment process, the Senate is to hold a judicial-style trial of Trump with the senators acting as jurors.
Los Angeles: Californias South Coast Air Quality Management District has suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.

"The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years," the agency said on Sunday, local time.

Workers put bodies into a refrigerated trailer at the offices of the Los Angeles County Coroner this month. Credit:ABC7 Los Angeles via AP

It came as California on Monday became the first state to record more than 3 million known coronavirus infections.

The grim milestone, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, wasnt entirely unexpected in a state with 40 million residents but its speed stunning. The state only reached 2 million reported cases on Christmas Eve.
KABUL - The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar had a telephone conversation this afternoon with NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan, Mr. Stefano Pontecorvo, to discuss the resumption of the second round of negotiations in Doha and the future of NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Highlighting the importance of NATO's continued support to peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, Mr. Atmar expressed grave concern over the Taliban's access to sophisticated weapons, including drones. The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that for the peace process to succeed, the drawdown of NATO troops should be condition-based considering realities on the ground.

NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan said that the ongoing talks in Doha between the Afghan government and the Taliban was the only path to peace, and NATO strongly supported ongoing peace efforts. He added that NATO would closely work with Kabul to build a regional and international consensus around the peace process.

Mr. Atmar appreciated NATO's statement on Dec 9, 2020, regarding the peace process that urged the parties to build on the "momentum by agreeing to end the violence immediately and by negotiating toward a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and a political roadmap for a prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbors." The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that the NATO mission would continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces until terrorism and militancy were completely uprooted in Afghanistan.

Minister Atmar pointed out that with the peace negotiations underway, the Taliban have increased targeted killings of government officials, journalists, civil society activists, and political figures. He urged NATO to continue to support the government's position on preserving the last two decades' achievements, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and freedom of speech in the country.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 49F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Daisy Lowe has revealed that a 'successful' photographer exposed himself to her during a photoshoot at his house when she was a teenager.

Speaking on the Sex, Lies And DM Slides podcast, the 31-year-old model disclosed that the shocking incident took place as the unnamed man's wife was downstairs preparing dinner  a meal she would then eat with the couple.

She recalled: 'I once shot with a really successful photographer at his house and his wife was making us dinner downstairs.

Horrific experience: Daisy Lowe has revealed that a 'successful' photographer exposed himself to her during a photoshoot at his house when she was a teenager. Pictured in 2019

'We ended up shooting on his bed  which was compromising enough. And he was stood over me, I laid down and he was sort of straddling me and he had his flyers down and nothing on underneath.

'I was only 18 or 19 and my thought process was, "Oh f**k, what am I going to do?" Ive always been incredibly mouthy and thats probably really helped me get out of really sticky situations.

'So, I just went, "Youre flying low." To which he turned stone cold, got off me, zipped up his flies, walked out and that was the end of the shoot. And I have never worked with him again.'

Because she had seen him on several occasions before the shoot, Daisy admitted on the podcast that she felt obliged to later dine with the photographer and his wife.

Chat: Speaking on the Sex, Lies And DM Slides podcast, the 31-year-old model disclosed that the shocking incident took place as the unnamed man's wife was downstairs preparing dinner

She said: 'I then needed to have dinner with him and his wife and it was horrible, you could have just sucked the air out of the room. It was hideous.

'Im not saying nothing would have necessarily happened but it was just a power thing and thats the issue in any industry where toxic men are making themselves feel more powerful over vulnerable young women.'

Elsewhere in the interview, Daisy  who is in a relationship with estate agent Jordan Saul  went on to discuss her bisexuality.

She said: 'I have had bisexual experiences, the funny thing about being with a woman is, "I have one of those and I know how it works." But then Im tall and Im curvy and I like to feel little and I think I can only experience that with men, my man.'

A source previously told The Sun of the couple: 'Theyre enjoying spending time together while they have time off. Shes not in any rush to put a label on anything, theyre just taking things easy.'

Dinner: Because she had seen him on several occasions before the shoot, Daisy admitted on the podcast that she felt obliged to later dine with the photographer and his wife

It comes after Daisy shared a candid post about her well-being in October as she marked World Mental Health day.

The brunette beauty, daughter of designer Pearl Lowe and musician Gavin Rossdale, admitted that at the time she had felt 'overwhelmed' and both 'mentally and physically exhausted'.

Daisy said that she gave herself a 'mental health day' where she ditched her phone, spoke to her best friends, went for a walk and didn't 'get dressed properly'.

The model, who bravely shared last year that she had a secret breakdown in 2016, admitted that sometimes she just needs a 'good cry' and that managing her mental health is a 'constant battle'.

Daisy added that she is 'so thankful' she has a 'better grip' on her well-being and also celebrated that the 'stigma around illnesses we can't see with our eyes is dissolving'.
SELBYVILLE, Del., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Market Insights, Inc. has recently added a new report on the bakery processing equipment market which estimates the market valuation for bakery processing equipment will cross US$ 11 billion by 2026. Factors including rising disposable income, increasing demand for automation systems to reduce human interference, and growing consumption of bakery products including pizza, cakes & pastry, and bread are impacting the market positively.

Bakery Processing Equipment Market size is set to be over USD 11 billion by 2026, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.

Manufacturers across the globe have been negatively impacted due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Temporary lockdown & shutdown of production facilities and slow & negligible trade during peak months have hampered market growth. Rising government regulations associated with lockdowns have disrupted the supply chain of various bakery processing equipment manufacturers. The halt in production and lack of labor have affected the market negatively.

Request a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/4199

The North America pizza segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8% during the forecast timeline. Growth in the segment is attributed to rising consumption of pizza by teenagers, millennials, and adults in large amounts in the region. Additionally, the rising number of retail and commercial bakeries in the region is positively impacting industry demand.

The bakery processing equipment market in Asia Pacific is witnessing high growth owing to rising demand for bread, pizza base, and cakes & pastry. The growing tourism and increasing demand for bread products, such as buns, pita bread, and flatbread, are also propelling market growth. The rising adoption of western culture in Asia Pacific has also increased the demand for fast food. The high consumption of bakery products and fast food has led to the development of several local & international restaurants and bakeries across the region. For instance, until December 2019, Domino's had more than 1,300 stores across 282 cities in India and is expected to grow during the forecast timeline.

Leading market players are developing innovative models of bakery equipment and are proceeding with partnerships & acquisitions to enhance their market hold. For instance, in April 2018, Heat and Control collaborated with a Japanese company, Ishida Co., Ltd. to offer bakery processing and packaging solutions to customers who are setting-up factories.

Some major findings in the bakery processing equipment market report include:

Rising demand for automation and robotic processing equipment to enhance the overall quality, cost-efficiency, and consistency of the final products & machines.

Growing consumer disposable income levels have resulted in high spending on food products and bakery items. The rising demand for bread & bakery products, such as pastry, pizza, and cake, are contributing to market growth. A rising number of bakery and fast-food restaurants is also showing a positive impact on the market.

Growing demand for advanced machines and equipment from bakery production companies to reduce human intervention and enhance production consistency is contributing to market growth.

Market players are focusing on the expansion of their business operations in untapped markets to strengthen their market presence and increase their share. The rising development of advanced bakery equipment and added features is also increasing competition among players.

Key players operating in the bakery processing equipment market include GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, The Middleby Corporation, Ali Group S.r.l. a Socio Unico, Heat and Control, Inc., John Bean Technologies Corporation, Rheon Automatic Machinery Co. Ltd., and Markel Ventures, Inc.

Request for customization of this research report at https://www.gminsights.com/roc/4199

Partial chapters of report table of contents (TOC):

Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry segmentation

3.2 Impact of COVID-19 on bakery processing equipment industry landscape

3.2.1 Global outlook

3.2.2 Regional impact

3.2.2.1 North America

3.2.2.2 Europe

3.2.2.3 Asia Pacific

3.2.2.4 Latin America

3.2.2.5 MEA

3.2.3 Industry value chain

3.2.3.1 Research & development

3.2.3.2 Manufacturing

3.2.3.3 Marketing

3.2.3.4 Supply

3.2.4 Competitive landscape

3.2.4.1 Strategy

3.2.4.2 Distribution network

3.2.4.3 Business growth

3.3 Industry ecosystem analysis

3.3.1 Component suppliers

3.3.2 Technology providers

3.3.3 Manufacturers

3.3.4 End use landscape

3.3.5 Distribution channel analysis

3.3.6 Vendor matrix

3.4 Technology & innovation landscape

3.5 Regulatory landscape

3.5.1 North America

3.5.2 Europe

3.5.3 Asia Pacific

3.5.4 Latin America

3.5.5 MEA

3.6 Industry impact forces

3.6.1 Growth drivers

3.6.1.1 Growing demand for bakery products across the globe

3.6.1.2 Rising bakery industry in America

3.6.1.3 Increasing development of energy efficient machines initiatives in the European Union

3.6.1.4 Growing demand for new bakery products in Asia Pacific

3.6.1.5 Advancement in equipment by integrating automation & robotics technologies in the bakery processing equipment

3.6.1.6 Rising presence of global food providers in the UAE and South Africa

3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.6.2.1 High maintenance cost

3.6.2.2 Limited awareness about the automated machines

3.7 Growth potential analysis

3.8 Porter's analysis

3.8.1 Supplier power

3.8.2 Buyer power

3.8.3 Threat of new entrants

3.8.4 Threat of substitutes

3.8.5 Internal rivalry

3.9 PESTEL analysis

About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights, Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

bakery-processing-equipment-market.jpg

Bakery Processing Equipment Market to exceed $11 Bn by 2026

Bakery Processing Equipment Market size is set to be over USD 11 billion by 2026, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.

Related Links

Blast Chillers Market

Bakery Packaging Market

SOURCE Global Market Insights, Inc.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 13:46:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TRIPOLI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- German Ambassador to Libya Oliver Owcza on Monday announced providing 400,000 euros (about 483,000 U.S. dollars) for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to support the High National Elections Commission of Libya.

"Honored to sign a German 400,000 Euros contribution to UNDP Libya in support of LyHNEC (Libyan High National Elections Commission)," Owcza tweeted.

"Legal and organizational preparations should start now to support the electoral roadmap as agreed on by the LPDF (Libyan Political Dialogue Forum)," the ambassador said.

A total of 75 Libyans representing different social and political spectrum participated in the UN-sponsored LPDF, which was held on Nov. 7-15, 2020 in Tunisia's capital of Tunis, to discuss a political roadmap to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn Libya.

The participants agreed to hold general elections in Libya on Dec. 24, 2021. They also voted through a mechanism to select the unified executive authority of the country. Enditem
Is it just me, or does it seem as though something is about to happen? And I am not just talking about the inauguration of Joe Biden.

I cannot remember the transition after a presidential election seeming so surreal and so tense. For lack of a better term, it seems like the calm before the storm.

Patriotic Americans like you and me watch, enraged at the evidence that an election was stolen and not one institution wanted to be bothered with it. We are wounded but have come to terms that the slimiest saboteurs in this whole disgusting affair are affiliated with the Republican Party, who betrayed not only President Donald Trump, but also the 74 million people who voted for him. To add insult to injury, we read, listen, or watch news reports about Biden calling for unity for the cameras yet vilifying these millions of Trump-supporters as domestic terrorists, Nazis, and white supremacists.

We have witnessed what looks like a full blown fraud, complete with mass mail-in ballots with few safeguards, feckless politicians and bureaucrats, a social media blackout of President Trump and his supporters, the marginalization of conservatives, and a soulless news media that long ago surrendered its honor like a harlot.

The hypocrisy of the left when it comes to the right exercising free speech is manifest. The left can burn buildings, commit vandalism, beat up innocent people, attack and kill police, and it is called "peaceful protest." Patriotic Americans in their tens of thousands demonstrated truly peacefully for the most part their anger and frustration over injustice at the nation's capital, and all of them are branded rioters because of the violent Capitol incursion by a tiny minority, some of them apparently leftist provocateurs. Yet despite an unarmed female Air Force veteran shot and killed by a plainclothes Capitol Police officer, not a single building or police car was burned, and no citizens were attacked. And there is a continued effort to condemn these Americans as terrorists worthy of arrest, death or re-education. There wasn't this much outrage or a rush to judgment by our political leaders even after 9-11.

Here, one day before the inauguration of a demonstrably corrupt and senile figurehead, we sit, wondering how we will resist the ever growing radicalism that has already shown itself. We ask what will happen to our children and grandchildren if this is not stopped. And we silently ask what personal and professional risks we are willing to endure to save this country and our families.

These are questions we never asked ourselves in the aftermath of past presidential elections, and it is downright unsettling. The America we have grown up with and loved is actually at risk of becoming a thing of the past.

Nothing is certain right now. We look at the military buildup in Washington, D.C., and we ask: why do we have more soldiers in the nation's capital than in Afghanistan for an inauguration that will be largely virtual? We take note of Trump's declassification of Obamagate documents, and we ask: why now and not years ago? Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe's report has indicated that China interfered in the 2020 election, yet we see the slow-walking of this conclusion by CIA analysts, and we wonder: is it too little, too late, or is it something else?

Trump has said in past speeches that he will not allow this election fraud. Much of his economic and foreign policy has been dedicated to stymieing China's economic ascent and resetting America as the foremost world power. Yet he is being forced out and seeing an end to this policy, watching China move toward a controlling interest of the United States economy and government.

If you, as an American patriot, are still watching the news, you have become demoralized because it appears that Trump's role as commander-in-chief has been undermined by much insubordination, from the bureaucracy and even the generals. Trump appears beaten with every avenue of attack and redress blocked. The GOP elite have deserted him, throwing their support to Biden, and ten Republican turncoats in the House of Representatives voted for his impeachment.

Surely Trump must know that he and his family will be hounded after he leaves office. His business interests will be attacked, scrutinized, and undermined by politicians and attorneys general of red states he does business in. The left and the right are dedicated to making sure Trump and anything resembling his type of populism never rise again. Trump realizes this, I am sure. Trump has said in speeches that the swamp wants to eliminate not only him, but Trump-supporters as well.

There is no question that no matter what happens, it will be up to the American patriot to stand for God, country, and family from this week forward. It will be the people, praying and seeking the will of God, and standing against tyranny that will right the ship that is America.

The current slimy Republican leadership is a reflection of our past apathy and of us believing the false notion that the GOP were always all good guys. Trump was elected and then re-elected when the people were awakened. The signs of election theft happened while the people were paying attention, not while they were distracted, and because of that, they have been indelibly etched in the minds of over 74 million Trump voters.

These patriots are also not just going to stand for the tactics of censorship and dehumanization being carried out by Twitter, Facebook, Google, and the press. Serious and God-fearing Americans are not descended from passive and repressed people; our ancestors defeated the greatest armies in the world, liberated millions from tyranny, and even landed on the moon. We are not just going to lie down and accept communism, much less an illegitimate president.

Now, there are going to be those who read this and will be immediately dismissive, saying our vote is irrelevant due to multiple means of vote fraud, or that the left controls everything, so what's the use? This is defeatist thinking. We are where we are because of our lack of vigilance. This is our starting point, and it is going to be a long and arduous process. It may even take 20 to 50 years, but so what? To quote Lao Tzu, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Dex Bahr is a freelance writer and author of the book No Christian Man is an Island: Leading the Spiritual Quest in America's Culture Wars.

Image credit: CBC screen shot via shareable YouTube.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:35 pm

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking into acquiring nearly 10,000 acres of the TransAlta-owned property formerly used for the Centralia Mine with intentions to turn it into a wildlife and recreation area that will eventually be opened to the public in both Lewis and Thurston counties.

The proposed acquisition also includes approximately 200 acres owned by the Industrial Park at TransAlta (IPAT) that lies fully within the mine propertys footprint.

The acquisition of this property by WDFW aligns with TransAltas commitment to sustainability, Mickey Dreher, president of TransAlta USA, said in a statement. We believe a long-term wildlife area is the best use of this property and would greatly benefit the community now and into the future.

The Centralia Mine began commercial operation in 1971 and was purchased by TransAlta in May 2000, according to the TransAlta website. Active mining at the Centralia Mine concluded in November of 2006. Since then, reclamation efforts have been ongoing, and although some parts of the property are reaching full reclamation, other parts will take several more years.

TransAlta is committed to completing the reclamation to meet all standards prescribed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, including habitat improvements requested by WDFW, the department said.

One of the goals of the reclamation is to return the property to pre-mining conditions and improve the diverse array of habitats within the property including wetlands, forests, lakes, ponds and grasslands that support elk, deer, salmon and other wildlife.

Some portions of the property have the potential to provide habitat for threatened or endangered species, including the western pond turtle, Oregon spotted frog and streaked horned lark, WDFW posted on its blog. In fact, a specific site on the property is one of the best opportunities in Washington to create suitable conditions for the western pond turtle."

WDFW is the state agency primarily tasked by law with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable hunting, fishing and other recreation opportunities, according to the WDFW website.

Land acquisition is one of many ways the department has worked to meet this mandate, resulting in the creation of 33 wildlife areas and nearly 500 water access areas around the state, stated the department on its website.

According to WDFW, TransAlta is considering donating approximately 6,500 acres to the agency. The department would then pursue grant funding to acquire the remaining 3,100 acres in the future. The IPAT governing board also expressed a willingness to consider an offer from WDFW on one of their parcels, provided the department can secure grant funds, according to WDFW.

More information about the Centralia Mine property, the states plans for the land and a map of the area can be found on the WDFW website. The WDFW will accept written comments regarding the project through Feb. 5. Those who would like to submit comments can send them by email to lands@dfw.wa.gov or by mail to Real Estate Services, PO Box 43158, Olympia, WA, 98504.
Joe Biden has torpedoed Donald Trump's attempt to lift the Covid travel ban on non-US citizens flying from Britain, announcing instead that he will strengthen border controls as he enters office.

President Trump signed an order on Monday to rescind the curbs imposed in mid-March in one of his last acts before he is succeeded by President-elect Biden on Wednesday.

Covid-19 entry restrictions have barred nearly all non-US citizens who within the last 14 days have been in the UK, Ireland and the 26 countries of the EU Schengen area that allow travel across open borders.

But the President's bid to open up Anglo-US travel and boost the aviation industry was thwarted by President-elect Biden's spokeswoman on Monday just minutes after Reuters news agency broke the news.

Incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted: 'With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel.

'On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of Covid-19.'

It is not yet clear when this travel ban will end and when Britons will again be allowed to fly to the US without restrictions. Americans are allowed to enter Britain, but must have a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a plane in the US.

Joe Biden last night torpedoed Donald Trump's last-ditch attempt to lift the Covid travel ban on non-US citizens flying from Britain

Travellers in the international arrival area of Heathrow Airport, near London

Incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted: 'With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel'

Aircraft grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including planes operated by British Airways, are pictured on the apron at London Gatwick Airport

The current restrictions bar nearly all non-U.S. citizens who have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the 26 countries of the Schengen area in Europe that allow travel across open borders within the last 14 days.

Restrictions on travelers from Europe have been in place since mid-March; the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May. The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

What are the current rules on travelling from the UK to the US? All passengers travelling to the US from the UK since December 28, 2020 have had to test negative for coronavirus - via PCR or an antigen test - no more than 72 hours before departure. Since March 16, 2020, it has not been possible for many British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, or China within the previous 14 days. Those exempt are: US citizens and permanent residents of the US

Certain specified close family members

Certain other limited categories of visa holders such as United Nations staff and diplomats The visa holders exempt are: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (as a foreign government official or immediate family member of an official)

E-1 (as an employee of TECRO or TECO or the employees immediate family members)

G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 (or seeking to enter as a non-immigrant in one of those NATO categories) Those exempt can still enter the US, subject to normal entry requirements. Advertisement

Under Trump's plan the restrictions had been set to end the same day that new COVID-19 test requirements take effect requiring all international visitors to have a negative result.

Last week, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed an order requiring nearly all air travellers to present a negative test or proof of recovery from Covid-19 to enter the US starting on January 26.

Marty Cetron, director of CDC's global migration and quarantine division, told Reuters those entry bans were an 'opening act strategy' to address the virus spread and should now be 'actively reconsidered'.

Airlines had hoped the new testing requirements would clear the way for the administration to lift the restrictions that reduced travel from some European countries by 95 per cent or more.

They had pressed senior White House officials about the issue in recent days.

Many administration officials for months argued the restrictions no longer made sense given most countries were not subject to the entry bans.

Others have argued the United States should not drop entry bans since many European countries still block most US citizens.

Reuters previously reported the White House was not considering lifting entry bans on most non-US citizens who have recently been in China or Iran.



The UK's Covid strain, B117, has resulted in the country being forced back into strict lockdowns. The CDC has already warned it could become dominant in the US by March, triggering massive surges in cases.

It comes just days after Prime Ministers Boris Johnson effectively shut the UK's borders by abolishing all travel corridors amid fears of the spread of 'mutant' Covid first detected in southern England.

Passengers pictured at JFK Airport in New York last month. Restrictions on travelers from Europe have been in place since mid-March; the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May. The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic

Travellers in the international arrival area of Heathrow Airport, near London on Monday

All arrivals to the UK from abroad will have to test negative and isolate for 10 days when they get here, regardless of where they come from.

The new regime will be backed by tougher spot checks and stay in place until at least February 15 as ministers and scientists work out how to manage the threat posed by mutations.

Travellers from South America, Portugal, some of central America and South Africa are already barred from coming to the country.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the timing of the South America border ban amid complaints ministers have been 'behind the curve' responding to the threat of new Covid variants.

The ban, also covers the Central American state of Panama and Portugal - due to its strong travel links with Brazil - and the former Portuguese colony of Cape Verde.

It applies to everyone who has been in the area over the past 10 days - although UK and Irish nationals are exempt - and came into force at 4am.

Scientists analysing the Brazilian variant believe the mutations it shares with the new South African strain are associated with a rapid increase in cases in locations where there have already been large outbreaks of the disease.

British and Irish nationals and others with residence rights are exempted from the measures that were backed by the Scottish and Welsh governments, though they must self-isolate for 10 days along with their households on their return.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Two international studies confirm that for the majority of patients with respiratory infections who lose the sense of smell, this is due to COVID-19. The disease also often results in both loss of taste and the other senses in the mouth. A researcher from Aarhus University has contributed to the new results.

If you have had COVID-19, then forget about enjoying the smell of freshly made coffee. At any rate, two major international studies document that there is frequently a loss of smell and that this often lasts for a long time in cases of COVID-19

Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad, is associate professor in olfaction and gustation at Aarhus University, and is behind the Danish part of the study.

The study shows that the average loss of the sense of smell was 79.7 on a scale from 0-100which indicates a large to complete sensory loss, says the researcher. In addition, the studies show that the loss of smell is very probably the best predictor of COVID-19 among patients with symptoms of respiratory diseases.

"This emphasizes how important it is to be aware of this symptom, as it may be the only symptom of the disease," says Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad, who also stresses only around half of patients with a loss of smell have gotten their sense of smell back after forty days.

"This differs from the picture we see with other viral infections and causes long-term discomfort for patients, both in relation to food and social contact, while at the same time causing them worry."

In addition to the loss of the sense of smell, the sense of taste was also significantly reduced, to 69.0 on a scale from 0-100, just as the remaining sense of feeling in the mouth was also reduced, this time to 37.3 on a scale from 0-100.

"While the loss of smell in itself removes the ability to sense the aroma of food, the simultaneous loss of the other senses make it difficult to register what you're eating. Putting food in your mouth can therefore become a decidedly unpleasant experience," explains Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad.

A total of 23 nationalities and over 4,500 COVID-19 patients from all over the world have responded to the researchers' questionnaire.

"The study is of interest both to patients suffering sensory loss as well as clinicians and researchers who work with diagnostics and following-up on COVID-19. It shows that the loss of smell is specific to COVID-19, which is both relevant in relation to recognizing the infection, and because it indicates that the sense of smell is closely linked to how SARS-CoV-2 infects the body."

Previously, researchers have based the correlation between COVID-19 and the loss of the chemical senses on smaller studies, while these studies collect large amounts of data from countries all over the world.

"The collaboration on the projects also entails a dialogue between researchers from all over the world, which makes it possible to share knowledge and ideas in order to promote the research field," says Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad and continues: "The results are in line with our own national studies and pave the way for future studies on risk factors for permanent sensory loss, along with a better understanding of the consequences of these sensory losses for the patients. Among the aspects being studied are which factors are associated with a milder or briefer loss of the sense of smell and how this loss is associated with the rest of the course of the disease. The collection of data is continuing and will result in additional publications with even more participants."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Richard C Gerkin et al. Recent smell loss is the best predictor of COVID-19 among individuals with recent respiratory symptoms, Chemical Senses (2020). Richard C Gerkin et al. Recent smell loss is the best predictor of COVID-19 among individuals with recent respiratory symptoms,(2020). DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa081
Leading stock exchange on Tuesday said it has joined hands with the to create awareness about benefits of listing among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the state.

In this regard, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Maharashtra, the exchange said in a statement.

Through this pact, the exchange will provide intellectual and manpower support to create awareness about the benefits of listing among SMEs and will enable capacity building to such enterprises to fulfil listing requirements.

Besides, will provide training and capacity building support to District Industries Centre officials.

Under the MoU, the will help in mobilizing the SME representatives and state and regional associations to encourage their SME members to attend capacity building programmes.

In addition, the government will also reach out to industrial associations in the state for conducting joint seminars with BSE to create awareness among SMEs about benefits of listing.

This MoU will help the micro, small and medium industries in the state to get registered in the capital market and raise capital from the public capital market. BSE will also provide technical support to all the MSME industries in Maharashtra, Subhash Desai , Minister for Industries & Mining in Maharashtra government, said.

Ajay Thakur, Head-BSE SME and Startups said, "Through this collaborative effort, we will be able to reach out to various SME representatives and industry associations of the state and create greater awareness about the benefits of listings among SMEs of the state. It will further encourage more and more SMEs to list and raise equity capital on the exchange.

BSE had launched its SME platform in March, 2012. So far 331 companies got listed on the platform by raising Rs 3,381 crore and the market capitalization of these companies collectively stood at a little over Rs 21,566 crore.

Out of 331 companies, 95 have migrated to main board.

(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.)
Spain began the new year battling Storm Filomena, a once-in-a-generation weather event that blanketed Madrid in snow and paralyzed the economy. Health workers were stranded, supermarkets shut, and the army was called in. At least four people died.

Now, consider a government or company that knew two weeks ago there was a risk that this would happen, said Francisco Doblas-Reyes, a physicist at Barcelonas Supercomputing Center. Knowing the risk that a 1-in-20-year event was going to happen would have given more possibilities to prepare.

Related: Earth Draws Closer to Climate Change Tipping Points After Another Year of Record Heat Last Year Was Among Earths 3 Hottest Years on Record, Climate Report Shows

Doblas-Reyes and his team are working on complex models that they hope can better detect the next Filomena, a job thats become increasingly important as climate change makes weather more unpredictable  and extreme. The data collected by European satellites is at the heart of the continents multibillion-euro Destination Earth program seeking to develop the worlds best digital simulation of Earth.

We have the gold standard of satellite infrastructure in space, said Josef Aschbacher, the geophysicist wholl become Director General of the European Space Agency this year. Europes space agency has 16 Earth observation satellites in orbit with some three dozen under development and, according to Aschbacher, is in talks with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration to assume even greater responsibility for climate monitoring in the next decade.

As U.S. climate research took a backseat to human spaceflight, deep-space exploration and the creation of a military force for outer space during the Trump administration, European scientists have focused on finding new ways to understand the changing atmosphere. In November, the EU launched a satellite on board a NASA-backed Space X rocket that can track miniscule changes in sea levels, down to the millimeter. New projects are underway to monitor freshwater flows and greenhouse gas emissions, technical challenges akin to forecasting how a drop of ink will disperse inside a choppy pond.

By using artificial intelligence and supercomputers, the first digital-twin simulations of Earth could be ready by 2028, according to Aschbacher. The ESAs data is publicly available, allowing everyone from the scientists in Barcelona to farmers and insurers to improve their own models at the same time. If you really want to make it useful, you have to make sure the information is available in a way that people can visually use it, he said. What the people really want to know isnt just the status of today but a projection of the future.

U.S. researchers running their own Earth-system simulations  an idea first conceived by Vice President Al Gore in the 1990s  say the EU has taken the lead in boosting climate-model resolutions. The new tools will enable researchers to drill down and detect changing patterns within a kilometer area, compared with about 10 square kilometers at present. That should give scientists new insight into phenomena like cloud formation and how ocean eddies transport heat.

The new climate models also have the potential to help investors make better decisions. Storms, fires and floods killed at least 8,200 people and cost the world $210 billion in insured losses in 2020, according to a report published this month by Munich Re. Those damages could swell as the world inches closer to crossing the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold that scientists predict will lead to more frequent superstorms and higher sea levels.

Theres a lot of information there but too much information is also bad, European Central Bank Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said in a November interview. You cannot get the right signals from it. The information has to be brought down to a handful or two of criteria that are the most critical.

To solve that problem, European scientists are working on a series of easy-to-read climate indexes that could inform investment decisions in the future, according to EU documents. Theyve teamed up with traders and weather analysts from European utilities including Electricite de France, EDP Renovaveis SA and Vattenfall AB to develop such tools  with varying degrees of success.

Meteorologists at EnBW trust the science and statistical methods on which the tool is based, said Michael Christoph, a weather analyst at German utility Energie Baden-Wuerttemberg AG. However, building the same trust among energy traders will take some time.

At present, seasonal weather models published by the ESAs climate service arent always up to the task of supporting longer-term investment decisions because they arent calibrated to catch events like Storm Filomena and only generate broad probabilistic forecasts. But that could change in coming years as 8 billion euros pours into a new generation of supercomputers capable of calculating billions of equations every second, according to Doblas-Reyes.

There is a continuum of information that these companies need, information ranging from the next hour to the next day to the next weeks, he said. We need to help government prepare and companies to profit from these events.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe
The head of Egypt's National Committee concerned with Libyan affairs stressed to the Libyan parties the importance of putting aside differences and making use of the current "historic "opportunity to reach a consensus on a unified Libyan constitutional base that would allow holding the Libyan national elections and ending the Libyan crisis.

The remarks were made during the second meeting of the Libyan constitutional committee comprising delegations from the North African country's House of Representatives and High Council of State in Egypt on Tuesday.

The meeting is part of the United Nations (UN) led-talks to discuss the constitutional arrangements for the hoped-for national elections scheduled for next December.

It is also part of a roadmap delineated by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), run by the UN mission in the oil-rich country, with the aim of forming a new executive authority in the country to organise the elections next December.

Addressing Tuesdays meeting via video conference, Acting UN envoy for Libya Stephanie Williams reiterated the need to agree on the constitutional arrangements given its connection with the outcomes of other tracks to settle the crisis.

If you fail to reach an agreement, this will have very negative repercussions on other tracks, including security and the economic situation, she added.

The talks are part of a wider peace process which involves a military ceasefire signed in October in Geneva to end years of unrest, in addition to other economic tracks.

"You have a heavy responsibility to reach a consensus on the constitutional arrangements," she stressed, expressing her hope that the talk will produce positive results to help achieve stability and support the results of the LPDF.

Also, the UN envoy praised Egyptian efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis and the Egyptian leaderships keenness to stabilise Libya.

The Red Sea resort city of Hurghada is hosting the second meeting of the constitutional committee, almost three months after hosting its first meeting, in which the participants stated the need to end the transitional phase and move forward towards a permanent phase to make the Libyan people's aspirations come true.

During the LPDF talk held Tunisia in November, Stephanie Williams announced that rival Libyan groups agreed to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of this year as well as concurred on the need to form a transitional government to be responsible for the preparations for the elections.

Egypt's efforts come in light of the Egyptian political leaderships keenness to end the suffering of the Libyan people and lay the foundations for Libyas future constitution.

No single government has had full control over the oil-rich country since 2011 when former leader Muammar Gaddafi was killed.

The country has since been ruled by two administrations, one in the east, represented by the House of Representatives, and the second in the west, represented by the Government of National Accord.

Egypt has been pushing for a political settlement in Libya and calling for a ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of militias, and a halt to foreign intervention in the country, as well as a fair distribution of wealth.

Egypt proposed last summer a peace initiative dubbed the Cairo declaration, which was based on the conclusion of the Berlin conference. It proposed a ceasefire as well as the election of a leadership council.

Short link:


Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Gandhinagar/Jaipur/New Delhi, Jan 19 : At least 14 migrant labourers hailing from Rajasthan were mowed down and six others injured by a speeding dumper truck in Gujarat's Surat in the wee hours of Tuesday, police said.

The victims, including a toddler, were sleeping by a roadside when the truck driver lost control and ran over 20-odd farm labourers near the Kosamba village, 60 km from Surat. Twelve of them were killed on the spot while two others succumbed later.

Six injured persons were admitted in a Surat hospital. The truck driver and cleaner were among the injured.

All the victims hailed from Kushalgarh in Rajasthan, police said. The truck driver claimed the accident happened as the steering wheel jammed and he lost control.

"A dumper truck ran over the migrants who worked in sugarcane fields on the Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight, after first hitting a tractor loaded with sugarcane. Twelve persons died on the spot, while two succumbed on way to the hospital. Seven men, six women and one child died in the accident," Surat Range Inspector General of Police Rajkumar Pandyan said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan and Gujarat Chief Ministers condoled the deaths and announced compensation to the next of kin of the victims.

In Delhi, Modi announced Rs 2 lakh as ex gratia to the kin of each of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, which is primarily utilised to render immediate relief to those affected by natural calamities like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, major accidents and riots.

Those injured will be provided Rs 50,000 each from the fund.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "The loss of lives in a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest." "Ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 each to those injured." Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also expressed grief over the tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the bereaved families and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

Gehlot tweeted: "The tragedy in Surat, where labourers from Banswara have lost lives, is heart-wrenching. The Rajasthan government will provide Rs 2 lakh each to families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured from the CM Relief Fund." "Deeply saddened to know many labourers from Banswara have lost lives after a truck ran over them as they were sleeping near the road in Surat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured," he said in another tweet.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra also expressed deep condolences and wished speedy recovery to the injured. The Governor said that he was distressed by this heartbreaking incident and wished God to give peace to the departed souls and strength to their families to bear this grief.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
The two women whose allegations against Julian Assange sparked a decade-long sex crime investigation into the Wikileaks founder have spoken in public for the first time - revealing the death threats they have received as a result of the case.

Assange took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over the rape and sexual assault accusations, which he denies.

Swedish prosecutors dropped the case against Assange in 2019 because the passage of time meant there was no prospect of a conviction - but the women who made the claims in 2010 say they have been left embroiled in a bitter political row.

In an interview with Swedish broadcaster TV4, the women described being smeared as CIA 'honeytraps' meant to discredit Assange, while one of the alleged victims said an online troll had offered a $5,000 'reward' to kill her.

The women also described the 'abuse' they say the Wikileaks founder subjected them to during a visit to his home country.

Julian Assange, pictured in a prison van in London in 2019, was accused of rape and sexual assault by two women in Sweden in 2010. He denies the allegations

Swedish authorities opened their investigation in 2010 after one of the women accused Assange of rape and the other of sexual assault.

The alleged rape victim claimed that Assange had assaulted her while she slept, without using a condom, despite her refusal to have unprotected sex with him.

The new TV interview did not go into details about the alleged assaults, but one of the women accused Assange of 'ruthless actions against her will'.

The two women say they had discussed what allegedly happened to them and found that their stories were similar, before going to police to complain.

Assange says his sexual encounters with the women were consensual and denies the allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Seen as a hero by some after humiliating the US with the leaked cables he published more than a decade ago, Assange still has a legion of loyal supporters today.

The two women say that some of those supporters had targeted them with 'threats and hatred' and accused them of being CIA agents sent to undermine Assange.

Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London (where he is pictured on the balcony in 2017) to avoid extradition to Sweden

Assange is also embroiled in a separate legal sage involving the US government, which wants him extradited for publishing official secrets (he is pictured in a court sketch during a hearing at the Old Bailey earlier this month)

One of the women said she had received unwanted messages on Facebook, Twitter, by phone, mail and even had people confront her at her door.

While saying she had 'forgiven' Assange for what she alleges happened in 2010, the woman said that 'he continues to hurt me' because the fallout from the case continues to plague her life.

The other alleged victim said in the interview that 'this has taken so much of my life that I want it to be acknowledged that it has actually happened'.

One of the women said she had fled to Spain during the fallout from her allegations, while the other said that 'it was just hatred, all the time'.

'People around me were afraid of being associated with me,' she said.

Facing extradition from Britain to Sweden, Assange set up camp in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in 2012 and remained there for the next seven years.

The sexual assault case was closed after a five-year statue of limitations expired in 2015, but Swedish prosecutors continued to investigate the rape claim.

In 2016, they managed to have Assange questioned at the Ecuadorean embassy, and they reopened the files after he was hauled out by British police in April 2019.

A prison van arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court ahead of a hearing in the Assange case earlier this month

But later that year, the case was dropped again after prosecutors said the evidence was 'not strong enough to file an indictment'.

'I have... determined that it cannot be proven that a crime has been committed. But it would be totally wrong of me to say that it is the plaintiff's fault,' deputy director of prosecutions Eva-Marie Persson said at the time.

The alleged victim's lawyer in that case said that her client 'stands by her strong account' of what happened in 2010.

The statute of limitations in the rape case expired in August 2020, ruling out any prospect of reopening that investigation.

The Swedish case took place against the backdrop of a separate legal drama involving the US, which wants to extradite Assange for publishing official secrets.

Assange is wanted in the US on 18 charges relating to Wikileaks' release of vast troves of confidential military records and diplomatic cables.

But earlier this month, a UK judge rejected the extradition bid, saying his mental health problems and conditions at US prisons meant he was a high suicide risk.

The US government has vowed to appeal.

The State Capital Investment Corporation said it is in discussions with Vietnam Airlines to invest VND8 trillion ($345.49 million) in the carrier through a rights issue.

It follows a government resolution to resolve the difficulties faced by the airline due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nguyen Chi Thanh, general director of the sovereign fund, said at a press conference late last week.

The resolution requires the State Bank of Vietnam to reimburse loans of up to VND4 trillion to credit institutions that have lent to Vietnam Airlines and allows the carrier to make rights issues to existing shareholders to supplement its capital.

Thanh said: "Vietnam Airlines will issue shares worth VND8 trillion to existing shareholders, accounting for 25 percent of the carriers charter capital. SCIC, acting on behalf of the Government, plans to buy these shares."

The government owned 86.16 percent in Vietnam Airlines on December 31, 2019.

Thanh said the airline is making plans for a rights issue, and SCIC's task is to determine a reasonable issue price close to market price, and is working with Vietnam Airlines on this.

"In order to do that, Vietnam Airlines must be valued, and this requires at least a five-year business plan if we use the discounted cash flow method."

The SCIC would appoint a "globally reputed auditing company," and the latter would identify the most appropriate valuation method possibly within a month, he said.

Vietnam Airlines expects losses of VND12 trillion for 2020 compared to a VND3.37 trillion profit in 2019.

It presently flies an average of 300 flights a day on more than 60 domestic routes. It has resumed flights to Japan, though not from that country, and plans to resume flights soon to mainland China, Taiwan, Laos, and Cambodia.

In November, the National Assembly approved a bailout that could see the carrier get VND12 trillion and allows it to sell more shares to existing shareholders to boost cash reserves.
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.
- Milestone announcement proves the commercial viability of StoreDot's extreme fast charging battery technology utilizing nano-scale metalloids and proprietary compounds

- Sample availability provides major proof point of StoreDot's ability to scale its technology within existing lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturing lines for mass production

- Launch paves the way for the introduction of StoreDot's second-generation, silicon-dominant prototype battery for electric vehicles later this year

HERZELIYA, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology, today announces the availability of its first-generation 5-minute charge battery engineering samples. This represents a significant milestone for the company in its mission to eliminate the range and charging anxiety of electric vehicles (EVs), demonstrating the commercial viability of XFC batteries for the first time via a small form-factor battery cell.

StoreDot is releasing the first production batch of sample cells, which is targeted at showcasing the technology to potential EV and industry partners. This first-generation battery was used to demonstrate the full charge of a two-wheeled EV in just 5 minutes for the first time (see video) and can offer ultra-fast charging to a number of other industries, such as commercial drones and consumer electronics. The first-generation engineering samples demonstrate to EV OEMs and battery manufacturers the successful replacement of graphite in the cell's anode using metalloid nano-particles - a key breakthrough in overcoming major issues in safety, battery cycle life and swelling.

The sample cells were produced by StoreDot's strategic partner in China - EVE Energy Co., Ltd. Crucially, unlike competing technologies which require significant capital expenditure in bespoke manufacturing equipment, StoreDot XFC batteries are designed to be produced on existing Li-ion production lines at EVE Energy. The samples are compliant with UN 38.3, which ensures the safety of Li-ion batteries during shipping.

Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, comments: "StoreDot continues to go from strength to strength as we get one step closer to making our vision of 5-minute charging of EVs a commercial reality. Our team of top scientists has overcome inherent challenges of XFC such as safety, cycle life and swelling by harnessing innovative materials and cell design. Today's announcement marks an important milestone, moving XFC for the first time beyond innovation in the lab to a commercially-viable product that is scalable for mass production. This paves the way for the launch of our second-generation, silicon-dominant anode prototype battery for electric vehicles later this year."

In collaboration with its strategic partners, StoreDot is in the vanguard of driving mainstream adoption of electric vehicles by overcoming the critical barrier of range and charging anxiety.

Dr Myersdorf concludes: "We founded StoreDot to achieve what many said could never be done - develop batteries capable of delivering a full charge in just five minutes. We have shown that this level of XFC charging is possible - first in 2019 with an electric scooter and again six months ago with a commercial drone. We are proud to make these samples available, but today's milestone is just the beginning. We're on the cusp of achieving a revolution in the EV charging experience that will remove the critical barrier to mass adoption of EVs."

About StoreDot

StoreDot is a pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) batteries that overcome the critical barrier to mainstream EV adoption - range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by designing and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, making it possible to fully charge an EV in just five minutes - the same time it takes to refuel a conventional combustion engine vehicle. StoreDot's battery technology is optimized for best driver experience with XFC in Li-ion batteries, as well as future technologies for extreme energy-density (XED).

StoreDot's strategic investors include BP, Daimler, Samsung Ventures and TDK. In 2019, the company achieved a world first by demonstrating the live full charge of a two-wheeled EV in just five minutes. In 2020, the company demonstrated the scalability of its XFC batteries for other industries, by fully charging a commercial drone in five minutes in another world first. Moving XFC battery technology from the lab to a commercially-viable product for the first time, StoreDot has launched engineering samples of its first-generation batteries that are designed to be manufactured at scale on traditional Li-lion production lines.

For more information see: www.store-dot.com.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422203/StoreDot_First_ever_5_minute_charge_battery.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422204/Dr_Doron_Myersdorf_CEO_StoreDot.jpg
Based on Sense's analysis, over the course of the spring and summer, U.S. consumers paid $1.21 billion additional on their monthly electricity bills in 2020 due to the combined impacts of the pandemic and climate change impacts. But the costs were not spread evenly across the country. In an analysis of five states with widely disparate responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, residents in Massachusetts and New York saw increases that were three times the increases in Florida.

As the coronavirus pandemic spread, electricity demand rose by 22% from March 10 to April 10 as people stayed home (see analysis here ). In the following months, home electricity use remained higher than 2019.

Hit hard by Covid-19 in the spring, Massachusetts and New York residents paid the most

Two of the states that experienced the earliest Covid-19 surges and shutdowns, Massachusetts and New York, had the highest increases in electricity usage through the spring and summer. New York residents with the Sense home energy monitor used 12.7% more electricity compared to 2019, which translated into $27 more per month, and cost an additional $190.8 million statewide each month. By the end of the year, New Yorkers were trending to spend $243 extra in 2020, mostly related to Covid-19 impacts.

Massachusetts residents in the study saw 11.4% increases in their electricity usage and paid $27.20 more monthly, costing residents an additional $66.5 million statewide each month. With among the highest utility rates in the country, Massachusetts residents can expect to pay an additional $244.80 in 2020.

California's triple whammy: Covid-19, heat waves and wildfires

On March 19, California Governor Gavin Newson issued a statewide stay-at-home order, one of the first states to mandate the policy. During a late May heat wave, home electricity usage peaked at 21% higher than the previous year. In August, as hundreds of wildfires burned across the state and air quality fell to dangerously low levels, forcing residents indoors, electricity usage spiked yet again, by 16%. In fact, energy consumed during the end of the August heat wave was 31% higher than the highest week in 2019.

Over the course of spring and summer, California residents in the study paid $19.60 more monthly on average. By the end of the year, residents were trending to spend $176 more on their utility bills in 2020 compared to 2019.

Florida stays the course while Texas takes a middle road

In Florida, where the state didn't impose mask mandates in the spring, home energy usage spiked by 18.6% in March when the East Coast experienced the first wave of the pandemic but declined quickly. By summer, the electricity usage was close to 2019 levels. Overall, Florida residents used only 3.9% more electricity in the spring and summer for an additional monthly cost of just $8.40.

In July, Texas experienced record heat waves and a surge in coronavirus cases.1 Electricity bills increased by 12% compared to the previous July. Still, Texans averaged only 8.6% additional electricity use over the course of the spring and summer, which translated into $17.80 added to monthly bills. By the end of the year, Texans were trending to spend an additional $160 on their utility bills compared to 2019.

How People Can Get Help on Utility Bills

Early in the Covid-19 epidemic, many states issued moratoriums on utility shut-offs. Those moratoriums have ended in many states (see map ) but utility customers may be helped by winter moratoriums, low-income energy assistance programs, or extended payment plans.

About Sense's analysis

Sense analyzed anonymized data for 5200 homes that have the Sense Home Energy Monitor between March 1 and August 31, 2020, that are geographically representative of the country. The analysis identified percentage increases in home electricity demand compared to the same dates in 2019. For trends in Massachusetts, New York, California, Florida and Texas, Sense analyzed anonymized data in 1823 homes in those five states.

About Sense

Sense's mission is to make all homes intelligent by keeping people informed about what's happening in their homes, and helping to make homes safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Founded in 2013 by pioneers in speech recognition, Sense uses machine learning technology to provide real-time insights on device behavior, even for those devices that are not "smart." Customers rely on Sense for a wide range of uses including monitoring their home appliances, determining whether they left appliances running and identifying how to reduce their energy costs. Sense has received investments from two of the world's largest energy technology companies, Schneider Electric and Landis + Gyr. Sense is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. To make sense of your energy, visit: https://sense.com .

1. Source: texastribune.org/2020/10/20/texas-coronavirus-surge/

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Sense

Related Links

www.sense.com


Producer Jon Landau has given fans a taste of what to expect from the long awaited Avatar sequel by releasing concept art from the forthcoming film.

The movie - one of four planned additions to the science fiction franchise - is expected to go on general release in 2022, 13-years after the first film wowed cinema-goers upon its initial release in 2009.

With filming reportedly completed, Landau whetted the appetite on Monday evening by unveiling one of the many visual designs drawn up as producers expand the sprawling world of Pandora.

Interesting: Producer Jon Landau has given fans a taste of what to expect from the long awaited Avatar sequel by releasing concept art from the forthcoming film

Taking to Instagram, the franchise producer released an image of the lush, tropical planet's Metkayina village - a concept illustration created by Jonathan Bach.

The village, built across a large stretch of water, is thought to be located on Pandora's reef and is another extension of the world populated by the sentient, blue-skinned Na'vi clan.

However it's understood that Metkayina inhabitants live 'different lifestyles' and adopt different cultures to those featured in the original film.

Impressive: The producer previously shared an image of actress Kate Winslet shooting scenes for the new film, which will once again be helmed by director James Cameron, while submerged in water

Captioning the image, Landau wrote: 'Tomorrow, as part of our Behind Pandora stories, we will be featuring concept artist Jonathan Bach.

'In advance of that, I thought I would share a concept illustration he created of the Metkayina village. This is just one of the many incredible images that he and the rest of our art department have created for the Avatar sequels. Thank you to everyone on the production design team!'

The producer previously shared an image of actress Kate Winslet shooting scenes for the new film, which will once again be helmed by writer-director James Cameron, while submerged in water.

Hard at work: British star Kate posed at the bottom of a water tank while shooting the eagerly-anticipated sequel, in which she plays 'a water person' called Ronal

British star Kate posed at the bottom of a water tank with a billowing cape while shooting the eagerly-anticipated sequel, in which she plays 'a water person' called Ronal.

In the caption for the image posted to Instagram, Landau quoted Kate, writing: 'Wanted to share this photo of Kate Winslet after reading her interview in The Hollywood Reporter... '

Paraphrasing a line from the interview, he added: '[She said: "I had to learn how to free-dive to play that role in Avatar, and that was just incredible. My longest breath hold was seven minutes and 14 seconds, like crazy, crazy stuff"...

Blockbuster:Released in 2009, the James Cameron directed Avatar starred Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana

'She stops herself, afraid that shes given away too much on the top-secret project. "Oh no, actually, I cant. Yeah, I play a water person. I am a water person," is all she will offer, instead shifting to praise of Cameron".'

In September director Cameron revealed live-action filming is '100 % complete' on the new film, despite delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The filmmaker made the big reveal during an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which included more welcomed news about the third installment in the franchise that's being shot simultaneously in New Zealand.

Brains behind blockbusters: Cameron, who wrote and directed the original film, has been working on the Avatar sequels in New Zealand

Talking to Schwarzenegger ahead of the 2020 Austrian World Summit environmental conference, Cameron first addressed the impact that the coronavirus crisis has had on the filming process that started back in August 2017 in California.

He said: 'We lost about four-and-a-half months of production. As a result of that we rolled [the premiere date] around one more full year for a release in December of 2022.'

Despite the pandemic, Cameron acknowledged he and his crew were lucky to have chosen New Zealand as their main production site, with the country lauded for its rapid COVID-19 response.

'We are able to operate. we're able to shoot, and we're able to more or less have a normal life here right now,' he added.

Old friends and colleagues: Cameron previously gave the updates on the Avatar sequels during a video call that was posted on Arnold Schwarzenegger's YouTube channel

Avatar 2 is said to take place 12 years after the events of the first movie, following Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, as he continues to roam the planet of Pandora with the new family he has with Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldana.

It also stars Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Edie Falco, Cliff Curtis, Oona Chaplin, Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis.

Avatar 2 is currently slated to premiere on December 16, 2022 and Avatar 3 on December 20, 2024.

There are also plans for two more sequels that have release dates of December 18, 2026 and December 22, 2028, respectively, although Cameron has stated that they wouldn't be made if Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 don't make any money.

The original 2009 film became the highest-grossing movie of all time, raking-in $2.79 billion worldwide on a $237 million budget and winning nine Academy Award nominations.

US President-elect and his deputy have reaffirmed advancing racial equity and assembling a diverse White House and Cabinet that represents America as they met with a group of eminent civil right leaders, including Indian-American Vanita Gupta.

Biden, 78, and Harris, 56, are due to take over the reigns of the country on January 20.

They were joined by Congressman Cedric Richmond for the meeting on Tuesday during which Biden thanked the civil rights leaders for their support and counsel over the years and expressed the desire that this was the first of an ongoing relationship with his administration.

They discussed their joint priorities including advancing racial equity across the board, enforcing civil rights, and assembling a diverse White House and Cabinet that represents America, the Biden transition said in a readout of the meeting.

They expressed the need to make sure the public knows the historic nature of many of the president-elect's diverse nominees and the need to galvanise the community around making sure that the Senate confirms them, it said.

Biden on Saturday said that his administration would be the most diverse than it has ever been both in the Cabinet and inside the White House.

African-American groups have been urging Biden, a Democrat, to nominate one of them among the big four: Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary, Defence Secretary and Attorney General.

Biden on Tuesday announced the nomination of retired Army general Lloyd J Austin as his Defence Secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, 67-year-old Austin would be the first African-American to lead the Pentagon.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, who backs a strong US-India relationship, was last week elected as the next chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, becoming the first African-American to head the Congressional panel that plays an influential role in shaping the country's foreign policy.

Biden's economic team includes Janet Yellen as the Treasury Secretary, Indian-American Neera Tanden as the Director of Office of Management and Budget, Wally Adeyemo the as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Cecilia Rouse as the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey as members of the Council of Economic Advisers.

Biden has nominated Antony Blinken as the Secretary of State.

Indian-American Vanita Gupta, who attended the meeting, is the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights.

Other participants were Melanie Campbell, president & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation & Convener, Black Women's Roundtable; Kristen Clarke, president & executive director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Sherrilyn Ifill, president & director counsel, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) Legal Defense Fund; Derrick Johnson, president and CEO, NAACP; Marc Morial, CEO, National Urban League and Rev. Al Sharpton, president and founder, National Action Network.

(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.)
All three representatives in New Jerseys 24th District  Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Harold Wirths  failed to join a bipartisan resolution with their colleagues in the Legislature to condemn this president and the insurrectionists for carrying out a violent attack against the government and law enforcement.

Police officers were beaten, one was killed, a noose was erected on the Capitol lawn, and the mob paraded through the peoples house waving a Confederate flag. This attack was carried out by supporters of President Trump over a lie that has been promoted over and over by Trump himself, a few bad actors in the media, and by the silence of Republican elected officials such as yourselves.

We all know that Trump lost the election by a significant margin. And according to countless judges Trump appointed himself and former members of his own Cabinet, there was no election fraud  he lost fair and square. The results were certified by every single state in the country.

Its time these three legislators put the seditious rumors of election fraud to bed. Their silence is affirmation, and it is part of the big lie that is radicalizing everyday Americans, including those right here in our beloved Sussex and Warren Counties.

Its been a long and trying year. Were enduring a global pandemic. People are struggling. And no matter where they fall on the political spectrum, they look to their elected officials to help make things right.

We call on Oroho, Space and Wirths to unite with other legislators and tell the people of their district the truth. Do your duty to help them move on. Democracy won.

Gina Trish

Blairstown

Kate Matteson

Sparta
The Texas real estate broker who bragged about traveling to the US Capitol riots on a private jet says she only went because a 'very cute guy' invited her - before he 'hit it off with another woman.

Jennifer 'Jenna' Ryan, 50, of Frisco, turned herself into authorities last week for her role in the January 6 Capitol siege that left five people dead.

She was released from custody hours later and returned home, where she demanded that President Donald Trump pardon her from federal charges of knowingly entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct.

Ryan has now claimed that she decided to go to DC on a whim after receiving a Facebook message from a handsome stranger looking for people to join him at the rally Trump was holding at the White House.

'He was adorable,' the single realtor - who said she loves Trump, firmly believes his unfounded claims of voter fraud and has always wanted to attend one of his rallies - told NBC News on Monday. 'So I said: 'Heck yeah, let's go.' I mean, who wouldn't go and get on a private jet?'

But unfortunately for Ryan, the pairing wasn't meant to be.

'There was another adorable girl there, too, and they ended up getting together, darn it,' she said.

Ryan didn't identify her crush by name, but it's possible he is one of the three men she and another woman were photographed with next to the private jet before their flight to the capital.

Scroll down for video

Jennifer 'Jenna' Ryan, 50, of Frisco, turned herself into authorities last week for her role in the January 6 Capitol siege that left five people dead. In an interview with NBC News on Monday (pictured), Ryan said she only went to DC because a 'very cute guy' invited her on a private jet

Ryan revealed that she decided to go to DC on a whim after receiving a Facebook message from a handsome stranger looking for people to join him at the rally Trump was holding at the White House. Pictured: Ryan (left) with the new friends she joined on the jet. She did not identify her crush by name but he is presumed to be one of the three men above

Unfortunately for Ryan (pictured with the jet), the man who invited her ended up 'getting together' with another women during the trip

.@CynthiaMcFadden sat down with Texas real estate agent Jenna Ryan who says she took no part in the violence on January 6 though her social media posts raise significant questions. pic.twitter.com/vTKFHcpnVw  TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 18, 2021

Two days after the insurrection Ryan realized she had much bigger problems than the failed romance, as the FBI identified her as a person of interest and shared grabs of a livestream she filmed of herself storming the Capitol.

She turned herself in on Friday morning, but has maintained that she did nothing wrong and has no regrets.

'I have no guilt in my heart,' Ryan told NBC News.

'My intention was not to have a riot. I did not want to have a riot. I was documenting what was going on in the environment I was in.'

'I'm glad I was there, because I witnessed history,' she added later. 'I'll never get the chance to do that again. No one will probably ever be able to go near [the Capitol] again.'

Ryan grew increasingly combative over the course of the interview, especially when asked about the posts she shared on social media during the riots. In one video she was heard saying: 'We're going to go down and storm the Capitol.'

She insisted that her language did not indicate any intent for aggression.

'If you look up the term "storm", you can storm in the kitchen. You can storm in and say: 'No more,'' she said.

'I'm not storming in to kill people. What I meant, life or death, is if someone kills me, I will stand for my truth, even if someone kills me.'

She said she feels terrible that five people died as a result of the insurrection, but is adamant that she didn't break the law.

'I, personally, feel innocent in everything that I have done,' she said. 'I feel like I was perfectly within my rights.

'I feel like the police officers were ushering people into the Capitol. There were thousands of people there. I have no guilt.'

Two days after the insurrection Ryan realized she had much bigger problems than the failed romance, as the FBI identified her as a person of interest and shared grabs of a livestream she filmed of herself storming the Capitol. She is circled above in red inside the building

It's unclear whether anyone else in the group Ryan traveled with the Washington was arrested in connection with the riots.

She said accepted the man's invitation to go on his private jet two days beforehand, and asked her friend Brian to come with her as a 'bodyguard'.

She posted a photo inside the cabin of the plane on Facebook and said the group spent the flight getting to know each other while drinking and bonding over their mutual love for Trump.

'We were going in solidarity with President Trump,' Ryan said. 'President Trump requested that we be in DC on the 6th. So this was our way of going and stopping the steal.'

Ryan posted this photo inside the cabin of the plane on Facebook and said the group spent the flight getting to know each other while drinking and bonding over their mutual love for Trump

The group arrived on the 5th and spent the night at The Westin Washington before getting up at 6am, donning MAGA gear and joining 'like-minded patriots' gathered at the White House to hear Trump speak.

As the president and his allies riled up the crowd and encouraged them to march to the Capitol, where Congress was convened to certify Joe Biden's election victory, Ryan realized she had a problem: 'There were no port-a-potties.'

'We could not get to a port-a-potty,' she said. 'That was, like, my biggest concern, actually. Because I like to always know I have a bathroom nearby.'

The group then returned to their hotel for a bathroom break and a chance to warm up. They turned on the TV to find Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump had begged to overturn the election, accepting the results as he presided over the joint session of Congress.

'We were devastated,' Ryan said. 'It was like my dad - somebody I love, somebody I respect - just betrayed someone else I love and I respect, including the country. I couldn't believe it.'

When Ryan's friends decided to head back out to the Capitol, she tagged along because: 'I didn't want to be at the hotel by myself.'

Along the way she shared her since-deleted 21-minute livestream, telling the camera: 'We're gonna go down and storm the capitol. They're down there right now and that's why we came and so that's what we are going to do. So wish me luck.'

Ryan posted a 21-minute livestream on Facebook as she made her way to the Capitol, telling the camera: 'We're gonna go down and storm the Capitol. They're down there right now and that's why we came and so that's what we are going to do. So wish me luck.' The video has since been deleted but is described in an affidavit for her arrest

Ryan throws up a peace sign as she stands on the steps of the Capitol on January 6

She went on to post several other videos as she and her friends shoved their way onto the Capitol steps and into the Rotunda.

'We're going to f***ing go in here. Life or death,' she was heard saying, according to federal prosecutors. 'It doesn't matter. Here we go.'

In another clip she was heard calling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a 'turtleface' and complaining that she needed a restroom, followed by: 'We are armed and dangerous. This is just the beginning.'

Inside the Capitol she filmed herself saying: 'Y'all know who to hire for your realtor. Jenna Ryan for your realtor.'

She also allegedly posted a photo of a broken window on Twitter, writing: 'Window at The capital. And if the news doesn't stop lying about us we're going to come after their studios next.'

She later tweeted: 'We just stormed the Capital. It was one of the best days of my life.'

Ryan also posted a photo of a broken window on Twitter, writing: 'Window at The capital. And if the news doesn't stop lying about us we're going to come after their studios next.'

Ryan lashed out at the media again during her interview with NBC News, where she claimed that she left the Capitol after 'two minutes' because she felt uncomfortable.

'If you want to skewer me in the media and make me out to be a violent person because it fits your storyline, then, you know, that is something that you're going to have to live with in your life,' she said when asked about the rhetoric described in the affidavit for her arrest.

'I know my heart was to go there and let my voice be heard, no matter what. And I stood on the steps of the Capitol, and I did what I came to do. And I did pray.'

Ryan hit out at the FBI agents who raided her home shortly after she returned to Texas and took the MAGA hat she was seen wearing in the Capitol videos.

'The FBI's coming out and raiding my house for a misdemeanor,' she said. 'Taking my MAGA hat. Okay? They took my MAGA hat.'

She also condemned the lawmakers who went ahead to certify Biden's 'fraudulent' victory, saying that she won't vote ever again because she's 'given up on America'.

Ryan said she is hopeful that Trump will pardon her and other protesters charged over the insurrection before he leaves office on Wednesday, but added: 'I'm going to support him no matter what he does.'

She first made her plea for a pardon in an interview with CBS11 over the weekend.

'I would like a pardon from the President of the United States. I think that we all deserve a pardon. I'm facing a prison sentence. I think that I do not deserve that,' she said.

'From what I understand everyone is going to be arrested that was there, so I think everyone deserves a pardon. I would ask the President ask the United States to give me a pardon.'

She first made her plea for a pardon in an interview with CBS11 (pictured) over the weekend. 'I would like a pardon from the President of the United States. I think that we all deserve a pardon. I'm facing a prison sentence. I think that I do not deserve that,' she said.

Ryan argued that she should not be punished for 'following what we were called [by Trump] to do.

'He asked us to fly there, he asked us to be there,' she said of Trump. 'So I was doing what he asked us to do.

'So as far as in my heart of hearts, do I feel like a criminal? No. I am not the villain a lot of people make me out to be or think I am because I'm a Trump supporter.'

Ryan's remarks mirrored an argument from the lawyer for 'QAnon shaman' Jacob Chansley, 33, who stormed the Capitol wearing a fur headdress with horns.

Speaking to CNN last Thursday, Attorney Albert Watkins said Chansley deserves a pardon because his client genuinely felt he was obeying the president's demands in the raid.

'He listened to him. He felt like he was answering the call of our President,' Watkins said.

More than 125 people have been arrested so far on charges related to the violent insurrection led by Trump supporters at the Capitol. Charges range from curfew violations to serious federal felonies related to theft and weapons possession.

In total five people were killed during the siege, including one US Capitol Police officer who was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to search for the identities of several other individuals who were photographed rioting in the Capitol.

Ryan's remarks mirrored an argument from the lawyer for 'QAnon shaman' Jacob Chansley, 33, (pictured) who stormed the Capitol wearing a fur headdress with horns

Ryan has said she fears that her involvement in the riots could ruin her real estate career.

The Texas Real Estate Commission has faced numerous complaints demanding that her license be revoked. Ryan responded by issuing a statement saying she was 'truly heartbroken' over the lives lost during the assault.

'Unfortunately, what I believed to be a peaceful political march turned into a violent protest,' she wrote on Twitter.

She also tweeted that she lost a publishing deal for a book related to her work.

'This has taken my company. This has taken my business,' she tweeted.

Since the rally she said she has received thousands of death threats and people attacking her business. Despite this, she said she would do it all over again.
Rome, N.Y.  A man spotted cooking a canine on a grill last week in the city of Rome is being investigated for animal cruelty.

The resident said the animal was a coyote, not a dog, the Rome Police Department and Rome Animal Control officials said in a news release.

Officers couldnt tell if the animal was a coyote or a domestic dog. The carcass was seized by animal control officers and sent to Cornell University for testing to determine if it is a dog.

Animal cruelty charges will be filed if tests determine the dead animal was a dog, police said.

Officers responded to Third Street just after 4 p.m. Wednesday to investigate an animal cruelty call. When they arrived, officers spoke with a man who was cooking a dead canine on a makeshift grill in his backyard, said Lt. Sharon Rood.

The man  whose name was not released  was cooperative and said the animal on the grill was a coyote, police said. No dogs reported lost in the Rome area in the last year matched the size and weight of the dead canine, police said.

It is legal to hunt and trap coyotes in Upstate New York, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A license is required.

The investigation remains open.

Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.com.
A mother-of-five whose baby died after she left him alone in the bath to make phone calls for 13 minutes was sentenced for child cruelty today.

Naheed Akhtar, 41, left nine-month-old Rehan Khan in the family bathroom while she made a call to report a stolen phone.

Akhtar returned to the bathroom to find Rehan face-down and drowning at the home in Slough, Berkshire.

He suffered catastrophic brain damage after he was left alone in the bath.

Emergency services rushed to the semi-detached home and after 15 minutes, paramedics managed to resuscitate the child.

However, the boy suffered life-changing injuries which led to his tragic death almost two years later.

Prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC said: 'This case involves the death of a little boy, Rehan Khan, who passed away in the early hours of the May 2, 2018 - he was just two-and-a half years old.

'Rehan was nine-and-a-half months old when he suffered a severe brain injury following a tragic near-drowning event in the bath on July 4, 2016.

Mother-of-five Naheed Akhtar, 41, avoids jail at Reading Crown Court (pictured) after her baby nearly drowned in the bath and later died of brain injuries when she left him for 13 minutes

'The extent of the brain injury was so severe that he was immobile, unable to communicate, developed epilepsy and had cortical blindness. He needed up to 16 hours a day of care following discharge from hospital.'

The court heard that Akhtar had left her two small children in the bathroom while she telephoned police to report her stolen mobile phone before returning to the bathroom to find her baby 'motionless' in the water.

The prosecutor said: 'On the morning of July 4, 2016, there were two telephone calls made.

'Firstly, reporting her telephone had been stolen which was 11 minutes long and a short call to her husband.

'Looking at the timings of the calls, the children were unsupervised for approximately 13 minutes.

'In the call it is clear she is not in the bathroom, there are no sounds that she was near the bathroom.'

Following the horrific incident Akhtar gave a number of different accounts of what happened, even claiming her other child could have pulled him into the water.

Defending the mother today, barrister Nadeem Mian said: 'The Crown will point to various inconsistencies in accounts given after the incident, but place that in the context of shock, panic and guilt.

'After almost four years, that guilt was manifested with a plea of guilty to an offence of child cruelty.'

Defending counsel Ms Mian told the High Court Judge today that the mother had suffered inconceivable pain following the death of her child.

Sitting at Reading Crown Court, High Court Judge Mr Justice Kerr told the defendant that she 'neglected and abandoned' her child leading to his death.

In his sentencing remarks, he said: 'The level of harm is clearly the highest level because your son died as a result of your neglect and abandonment.

'You put your interest before his, deciding to make calls about the theft of your mobile phone and other daily matters rather than ensuring he was safe with his sister in the bathroom.

'I would not say this was a momentary lapse in judgement, although you are normally a caring and compassionate mother.

'There is one aggravating feature. Although you co-operated with the police investigation, you gave different and inconsistent reports minimising your responsibility for what happened. Not all of that can be put down to shock and panic.'

Despite the tragic death, the High Court judge explained that the woman had since had another child and was responsible for four children at home.

'The death of a young child is usually too serious for a prison sentence to be suspended.

'But this is your first offence and you remain a carer for four children. Your family life is intact.

'Most importantly, you have lost your son, you will have to live with the knowledge of your neglect.'

Akhtar was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years.
Barn destroyed by Wednesday morning fire

Fire destroyed a barn about five miles southeast of Watertown Wednesday, according to a report from Watertown Fire Rescue.
Pennsylvania has officially opened COVID-19 vaccination to everyone over 65 and people 16-64 with chronic illnesses and listed places where they can get a shot.

However, the map, which includes about three dozen locations in Harrisburg region counties, showed ten or more that lacked vaccine Tuesday afternoon.

State officials on Tuesday afternoon acknowledged a limited and uncertain supply.

We are well aware that we dont have enough vaccine to meet the demand at this point, said Cindy Findley, the head of the states vaccine task force. But officials said the vaccine supply and number of locations will grow, eventually including many Rite Aid stores and pharmacies within retailers such as Wegmans, Redners, Weis Markets and Giant Eagle.

Click here if you cannot see the map graphic above.

Opening vaccination to people over 65 and the chronically ill reflects last weeks federal recommendation to make them part of Phase 1A, which is the highest priority group and also includes front line health care workers and nursing home residents.

But it also expands the number of Pennsylvanians in that phase to about 3.5 million, according to Findley. It does so at a time when Pennsylvania has received only about 1.1 million vaccine doses since the federal government began shipping it shortly before Christmas, and as the state strains to finish vaccinating long term care residents and some health care workers.

However, Findley confirmed on Tuesday that non-long term care residents over 65 and over 16 with chronic illness wont have to wait behind anyone  provided vaccine is available.

Meanwhile, pharmacies and health care providers have been flooded with vaccine requests since the federal government recommended expanded eligibility last week. Moreover, a link to a state registration site for health care workers was widely shared among the general public, resulting in many non-care workers registering, according to Findley. She said the state is emailing those people to let them know they did not register for vaccination.

The newly-eligible non-health care workers are being directed to the state map. Findley on Tuesday urged people not to register unless they are certain they meet the requirements of being 65 or older or having a chronic medical condition such as COPD, kidney disease, Down Syndrome, heart problems, HIV or pregnancy. Full information and directions are available at the registration site, including an eligibility quiz to help people figure out if its their turn.

We want to ensure that vaccine is provided to Pennsylvanians in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient  We are asking all Pennsylvanians to know when it is your turn. That way we can get our most vulnerable residents vaccinated now, Findley said.

She said it will take several weeks for Pennsylvania to complete Phase 1 of vaccination, which also includes people such as emergency responders and teachers. State and national health officials said its possible vaccine might be available to anyone who wants it by late spring or early summer.

The vaccine is free although providers can charge an administration fee thats usually covered by private insurance or government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.
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 minister emphasised that every two-wheeler rider should wear a helmet and those riding four-wheelers seat belt.  DC Image

HYDERABAD: Transport minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar said road safety is quite important, as it saves lives and controls accidents.

He was speaking to media on Tuesday after launching the 32nd National Safety Month programme, apart from releasing the banner and brochure on the occasion. Puvvada underlined: "The state government is keen on increasing awareness among public on road safety for controlling accidents. Public travelling on road should adhere to these guidelines, apart from being alert while driving.

The minister emphasised that every two-wheeler rider should wear a helmet and those riding four-wheelers seat belt. Drinking alcohol must be strictly avoided. He felt public is being careful as compared to last year because the number of accidents have decreased.

IT minister K. Taraka Rama Rao arranging for 100 ambulances under Gift a Smile programme has also helped in reducing fatalities, Puvvada remarked. He assured that an international driving school will be available within a short period.

Emphasising on the slogan Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha, the minister lauded the transport department for getting the national level award on safe driving campaign.

Those who participated in the event included transport commissioner M. R. M. Rao, joint commissioners Mamatha Prasad and Panduranga Naik, and deputy commissioner (Vigilance) Papa Rao.
Pennsylvania on Tuesday announced a new partnership to vaccinate people in long term care against COVID-19. The partnership with central Pennsylvania-based Rite Aid will focus on facilities not covered by a federal partnership involving CVS and Walgreens.

It involves about 6,000 facilities including some personal care and assisted living facilities as well as various homes and facilities for people with disabilities.

The vaccinations will begin Jan. 27 with Rite Aid conducting clinics for residents and employees of facilities and taking vaccine directly to people who cant reach a clinic, according to the announcement from the state. The clinics have yet to be scheduled but facilities will soon be notified, according to a news release from the state.

It expands the states effort to reach people in the highest priority group for vaccination, know as Phase 1A.

Its separate from the effort involving CVS and Walgreens, whic are working under a federal partnership to vaccinate employees and residents of most Pennsylvania nursing homes and assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.

Its also separate from another partnership announced last week involving Rite Aid and another pharmacy services company that will allow health care workers, and eventually everyone over 65, to get vaccinated at retail locations.

While Pennsylvania officials last week said they will soon make COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone over 65 and people 16-64 with chronic medical conditions, they have yet to announce specifics. Rather, they said as of late last week that vaccine supply remained limited, and they wanted to finish reaching people in Phase 1A, which consists mostly of front line health care workers and nursing home residents.
Grocery retailer Aldi said today it will help its employees by removing obstacles for them to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Aldi said it also is working closely with state and local officials to make sure that front-line worker remain prioritized.

Aldi said the company will cover costs associated with vaccine administration and will give hourly employees two paid hours of time off for each dose they receive - up to four hours total. Salaried employees will be provided scheduling flexibility.

The grocer also said it will implement on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouse and office locations to ensure its employees have easy access to the vaccine.

Since the onset of the pandemic, our entire ALDI team has worked to keep stores safe and stocked, and serve communities without interruption, said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI U.S. Providing accommodations so employees can receive this critical vaccine is one more way we can support them and eliminate the need to choose between earning their wages and protecting their well-being.

READ MORE
Connecticut Water Co. customers could see their water bills rise later this year after officials with the Clinton-based utility announced Friday that they have filed for a rate increase with state utility regulators, the first time in more than 10 years.

If members of the states Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approve the rate increase, it wouldnt begin showing up in customers monthly bills until July or August, according to Dan Meaney, a spokesman for Connecticut Water. If the increase is approved as proposed, the typical residential customer of Connecticut Water would see an increase of approximately 35 cents per day, or $10.50 per month, above current water bills, Meany said.

The typical residential customer uses, on average, 3,780 gallons of water per month, he said.

Maureen Westbrook, president of Connecticut Water, said one of the primary drivers of this request is the more than $265 million of investments in our water system infrastructure that have been made since 2010 to ensure reliable service and safe drinking water for families and communities, which are not included in current water rates.

After careful consideration by the Connecticut Water leadership team, the application was filed to request recovery of the cost of those investments necessary to continue to effectively serve our customers now and into the future, Westbrook said in a statement.

The last time the company filed for a general rate increase was in 2010, she said.

We understand that there is never a good time to request a rate increase, Westbrook said. However, we believe the value of a reliable supply of safe drinking water is well worth the cost of a little more than a penny per gallon. The infrastructure investments made over the past decade have made a tangible difference in service to our customers and the vitality of the communities served.

She said those investments include installing backup power systems at all of its critical facilities across the state, so few, if any, customers lose water service during power outages caused by extreme weather.

To mitigate the impacts on municipal budgets in communities where Connecticut Water provides public fire protection through fire hydrants on its water systems, the proposed increase in public fire charges is 5 percent for most municipalities.

The rate request also includes implementing rates that promote water conservation by adding a second, higher cost rate tier when more than 15,000 gallons are used per quarter by residential customers. Customers who would be most affected are those who have irrigation systems and water their lawns extensively.

Connecticut Water provides water service to nearly 350,000 people in 60 Connecticut communities, including more than a dozen in the New Haven Register coverage area. The utility also provides wastewater treatment service to 10,000 people in Southbury.

Connecticut Water is owned by the California-based SJW Group. It became part of SJW Group in 2019 and under terms associated with the approval of that deal by state regulators, Connecticut Water could not have filed for a rate increase until Jan. 1 of this year.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.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.
Councillor Andrea McKevitt and her sister Ciara, are eagerly counting down the minutes until "Cousin Joe" takes the Oath of Office to become the 46th President of the United States of America.

The event takes place on Wednesday amid a huge security operation at the Capitol in Washington following insurrection at the seat of government earlier this month.

"It will indeed be a very proud day for the Finnegan clan here in the peninsula and further afield," Cllr McKevitt said.

Cllr McKevitt informed us that there will be low key celebrations on Wednesday for the inauguration ceremony, they intend to Zoom with the rest of the family to watch cousin Joe be sworn into office.

Ciara says shes making a Joe Biden cake to mark the event.

The sisters believe that Joe Biden will bring "a fresh ideal to a deeply divided United States and will be a President for all the citizens he represents, and of course, will be a good friend to Ireland and indeed the peninsula."
Warehouses help Chinese companies sell products to more places around the world

With their geographical advantage, overseas warehouses have aided Chinese companies to boost sales of their products.

Ningbo HOOYA Import & Export Group Co., Ltd. based in Ningbo city, east Chinas Zhejiang province, has built 20 overseas warehouses covering 400,000 square meters, using the facilities to not only store its own products, but also transport and sell products for other foreign trade companies.

10 years ago, the company registered low profits through selling daily necessities at low prices, now it sells more than 15,000 products under 20 categories in European and US markets. Last year, its turnover doubled that a year before.

A worker sorts parcels at a warehouse built by Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group in Spain, Nov. 11, 2020. (Photo/Xinhua)

At present, the number of overseas warehouses established by Chinese companies has exceeded 1,800, becoming a new foreign trade infrastructure to support the development of cross-border e-commerce and expand the international market.

Ruston Express, an international logistics company based in northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province, built the countrys first overseas warehouse in Russia in 2015. Covering 11,000 square meters, the warehouse could send parcels to customers within one day.

In the first three quarters of 2020, China's imports and exports through the customs cross-border e-commerce management platform reached 187.4 billion yuan ($28 billion), a year-on-year increase of 52.8 percent, official statistics show.

Warehouse has become an important link on the development of cross-border e-commerce. The process of building overseas warehouses, shipping commodities in bulk to the overseas warehouses and then delivering them to customers through local logistics has effectively improved logistics efficiency and reduced operational cost, said Zhang Jianping, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce.

Within only half a day after placing an order on AliExpress, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's online global retail platform, a consumer from Spain received the TV set delivered from a warehouse located in his own country during a shopping spree last November.

Warehouses also help cross-border e-commerce companies localize their businesses, an official with the Ministry of Commerce pointed out.

In Indonesia, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has established a logistics chain incorporating the functions of warehouse and express service, extending its delivering services to 483 cities and seven islands in the country and reducing the delivery time of 85 percent of the orders to one day from five to seven days.

Logistics workers transport a TV set made in China at a warehouse built by Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group in Spain. (Photo/Xinhua)

Xiong Wei with Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, told Peoples Daily that overseas warehouses give companies stronger independence to decide which products to export and when and where to export them, so that companies could better arrange their supply chains.

China has been offering firm support to the development of overseas warehouses in recent years.

In 2014, the country issued guidelines, proposing to build an international marketing network including overseas warehouses. In 2016, the government work report explicitly pointed out that the country would support enterprises to build their overseas warehouses. In November 2020, the State Council enacted guidelines on facilitating development of foreign trade, pledging to support the construction of overseas warehouses.

Under such policy support, overseas warehouses have achieved localized operation as they nowadays provide one-stop customs clearance, consulting services, high-quality after-sales services for cross-border e-commerce companies.

Construction of overseas warehouses is an important measure for ensuring stability of the supply chain and matching supply with demand in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impeded cross-border logistics, especially cold chain logistics, said Liu Xiangdong, a researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.
City Editor

Tom Roeder is the Gazette's City Editor. In Colorado Springs since 2003, Tom has covered the military at home and overseas and has cover statehouses in Denver and Olympia, Wash. His main job, though, is being dad to two great kids.
The violent yahoos of January 6 might have done even more damage had that been deployed to stop vote-counting on or after Election Night. Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

On December 1, I looked back at Donald Trumps elaborate efforts to discredit voting by mail and cast doubt on a Biden victory before, during, and after Election Day and asked questions about why his coup had failed. I thought faulty planning, hesitation when it looked like Trump might win without stealing it, a failure to bring Republican state legislators in on the coup, and legal incompetence were all factors. But while I acknowledged Bidens victory would not be complete until Congress confirmed it on January 6, I didnt expect Trump was saving his worst offenses against democracy for the very end.

Ultimately, Congress did confirm Bidens win, the mob Trump incited was repulsed, and he has been impeached for his outrageous conduct. But its time to ask again: How close did we come to a stolen election, or at least a constitutional crisis? Here are some moments of real peril to consider:

Election Night: Stop the Counting!

Late on Election Night, when the result was still in some doubt, Trump not only claimed victory based on his early lead (which everyone had feared and expected for months thanks to his success in convincing his supporters to cast the ballots most states counted first), but said: Well be going to the Supreme Court. We want all voting to stop.

Had Trump prepared any coherent and feasible legal strategy for halting the counting of mail ballots at that early stage, that might have thrown the results into doubt well before Bidens victory was called on November 7. In fact, had he called out a MAGA mob to key state capitols or even localities at that point  as he called his supporters to Washington in January  to interfere with vote counting, it might have muddied the waters at least temporarily. But all Trump really offered initially was bluster.

Validating Unofficial Trump Electors

I noted in the December piece that Trump failed to convince Republican legislators in key states (they controlled legislatures in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) to bypass the election results and name Trump electors, as at least some constitutional experts believed they had the right to do. That meant that Biden electors were going to be certified by those states without any real challenge before the December 8 Safe Harbor Deadline that made them binding on Congress. Team Trump did set up unofficial Trump slates of electors in six states that cast imaginary electoral votes for the incumbent on the December 14 date when the Electoral College put Biden officially over the top. But no effort was made to give them any sort of stamp of authority from state legislators or election officials, so their bogus nature was extremely clear.

A Pence Steal on January 6

Once Trump chose the congressional confirmation of the Biden victory on January 6 as the target of his maximum effort to swipe the election, attention naturally shifted to Vice-President Mike Pence, the Trump toady who would preside over the joint session of Congress in which the usually routine chore of tabulating electoral votes was to occur. The presidents advocates took a two-prong approach based on the assumption that Pence would do his masters bidding. First, Representative Louie Gohmert filed a lawsuit contending that the Electoral Count Act of 1887 that governed the joint session was in fact an unconstitutional abrogation of the veeps constitutional prerogative to recognize electors however he wanted. It was swiftly rejected by the federal courts.

So then Trump publicly and privately lobbied Pence to refuse to recognize Biden electors in enough states to deny him 270 electoral votes, throwing the contest into the U.S. House (where Republicans controlled a majority of delegations), or perhaps even to recognize the phony Trump electors and give him a second term outright (it was never entirely clear which approach Pence was expected to take).

Had Pence done as he was told, it would not have worked, since its virtually certain both houses of Congress would have approved objections to Pence announcements on electors that varied from the state-certified Biden slates. But it would have certainly made January 6 even more dramatic than it ultimately was. Presumably the Trump-incited mob would have still stormed the Capitol, but instead of trying to find Pence so that they could hang him as a traitor, its members would have been lionizing him as the ultimate patriot.

A Count Stopped by the Mob

With or without Pence joining the rebellion, the mobs instruction from Trump and his surrogates was to stop the steal, which taken literally meant disrupting the January 6 joint session and preventing it from confirming Bidens election. They nearly succeeded at least temporarily, until Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell decided a resumption of the electoral vote count as soon as possible was essential to send a message that Congress would not be intimidated by violent yahoos. But a real stop to the count wasnt feasible; the only real deadline was Inauguration Day on January 20, two weeks later. There was no way the patriots could have kept control of the Capitol for that long.

Overturning the Results in Congress

Well never know for sure how many states electoral votes pro-Trump members of Congress might have challenged had the assault on the Capitol not cast a pall on the whole enterprise (apparently five instead of the two, Arizona and Pennsylvania, that drew the requisite bicameral support to compel a vote). But they clearly didnt have the votes in either House to pull off any of them (a majority in both Houses is required to overturn a state-certified and state-announced electoral vote slate). The whole protest was designed not to deny Joe Biden the presidency, but to put Republican feet to the fire in a final litmus test of loyalty to Trump, presumably to create a foundation for a comeback in the future.

All Trump really accomplished was ensuring his own impeachment and making a comeback much less likely (whether or not the Senate convicts him and makes a comeback legally impossible).

So was Trumps effort to overturn the election results doomed all along? I dont think so. A combination of better timing and better lawyers might have gotten Trumps election coup off to a much better start, perhaps creating enough doubt about competing official-sounding electoral slates that on January 6 it became impossible to confirm all of Bidens, thus throwing the election into the House. Alternatively and even more dangerously, Trump could have brought down violent pressure on vote-counters on and after Election Night to make it difficult for anyone to know what actually happened. From everything we know about Trumps character, and the vast resources he devoted to laying the foundation for the coup (as opposed to governing well enough to make a legitimate reelection possible), he should get no credit for bungling the attempted larceny. A peaceful and orderly relinquishment of power by this president was never in the cards.
Advertisement

Transport officials have urged major employers in East London including Amazon, Sainsbury's and Wickes along with construction firms to stagger start times for workers in a bid to reduce overcrowding on the Underground.

Concern is mounting over a lack of social distancing on morning Jubilee line services, particularly around Canning Town and West Ham, as key workers continue to go into work during England's third national Covid-19 lockdown.

Transport for London has urged large employers in the area  also including Tate and Lyle, City Airport and Royal Docks  to stagger shifts to enable those who have to travel to work to do so in the quieter times.

TfL officials have also sent advice to business groups, construction companies and the supply chain through Build UK, and are meeting with trade unions amid growing concerns about the safety of staff and customers.

Many lower paid workers touch in their Oyster card on the Underground or Overground before 6.30am on weekdays to pay cheaper off-peak fares. TfL peak times run from 6.30am to 9.30am, and 4pm to 7pm.

And some builders have been left angry by construction sites changing shift times, meaning they now have to pay more to travel at peak times and won't get home until late in the evening - causing problems with childcare.

Commuters wait for a London Overground train at Canada Water station in East London this morning

Passengers sit and stand on a Jubilee line train in East London this morning as employees continue to travel in to work

Passengers wait for the doors to close on board on a Jubilee line train at Canada Water Underground Station this morning

Among them was Jefe Cortez, who tweeted: 'TfL, can you explain to me why my site has told me I can't start work until 9.30am to comply with your new guidelines that say construction workers aren't allowed on the trains during certain times in the morning?

'F***ing disgraceful. How am I supposed to help my wife look after my children in the evenings if I'm not getting home until 8.30pm every night?'

Which companies and groups has Transport for London contacted? Transport for London said it had 'urgently contacted large employers in the area' of East London to urge them to stagger shifts and operating hours to help ease overcrowding issues on the Underground. The companies it has contacted are as follows: Amazon

Sainsbury's

Wickes

Tate and Lyle

City Airport

Royal Docks TfL also contacted the following: Business groups

Construction companies and the supply chain through Build UK

Newham Council MailOnline contacted Amazon, Sainsbury's, Wickes, Tate and Lyle, City Airport and Royal Docks for comment. A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'A very small number of our colleagues work in the area and have staggered shift patterns due to the nature of their roles. We have further support in place for colleagues to help them work flexibly and to travel during quieter times.' A source at City Airport said most staff are operational and start their shift before 6am, with the majority currently travelling in by private car and the airport issuing TfL's advice to its employees on a regular basis. Tate and Lyle is thought to have about 200 staff in work across two factories, down from a normal figure of 850 - although most of those travelling to work are shift workers and do not travel during the morning rush hour. Advertisement

Another worker said: 'Today started well. Now I'm [angry] over my working hours being changed cos of Covid. All the construction industry are changing start times. So now instead of travelling into work off peak. I now have to travel at peak times. I give up.'

Since Monday of last week, construction employees are now among the workers able to get regular rapid lateral flow tests for coronavirus which return results within 30 minutes, even if they don't have any symptoms.

Meanwhile congestion levels in London fell slightly in rush hour this morning, but were still the fourth highest during the past fortnight as Britons continue to make journeys in cars, vans and lorries into the capital.

Traffic appeared to be heavy on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road in South East London this morning, with TomTom congestion data at 27 per cent at 7am, and 28 per cent at 8am.

The congestion level represents the extra travel time for drivers on average compared to baseline uncongested conditions - so a 28 per cent level means a 30-minute trip will take about eight minutes more than with no traffic.

Over the past fortnight, congestion in the capital was higher yesterday, and on Thursday and Tuesday of last week.

Jubilee line trains in East London were busy yet again today with photographs taken during rush hour this morning showing large numbers of commuters boarding at Stratford and Canada Water.

It comes after shocking video footage taken at West Ham station yesterday showed commuters piling onto the Jubilee line, with concerns mounting over passengers being unable to socially distance at pinch points.

West Ham and Canning Town are the busiest stations on the TfL network early in the mornings, but overall there was 18 per cent of normal demand on the Tube up until 10am yesterday - the same level seen last Monday.

Nick Dent, London Underground's director of line operations, told MailOnline: 'We are doing everything we can to help ensure those who need to travel for legally permitted reasons are able to do so safely and maintain social distancing, including targeted communications to encourage people to travel at quiet times.

'West Ham and Canning Town are the busiest stations on our network early in the mornings, and we are working with Newham Council to look at how working patterns in the borough could be changed to help ease any crowding during busy times.

Some builders have been left angry by construction sites changing shift times, meaning they now have to pay more to travel

'We have also urgently contacted large employers in the area including Amazon, Sainsbury's and Royal Docks to urge them to stagger shifts and operating hours to enable those who have to travel to work to do so in the quieter times.

'In addition, we have sent advice to business groups, and to construction companies and the supply chain through Build UK. We are regularly meeting with the trade unions to work together and respond to their concerns around this issue.'

British Transport Police officers are at stations to ensure passengers are wearing face masks, and commuters are being urged to travel at the quietest times  between 8.15am and 4pm and after 5.30pm on weekdays.

Travel volumes on the network are higher than they were last spring, during the first national lockdown, and TfL launched a campaign last Monday to encourage customers to use the network at quiet times.

Signage, announcements and one-way systems are being used in stations to help passengers maintain social distancing, and customers are urged to check before they travel for any delays or cancellations to services.

Commuters on board a Jubilee Line train in East London as they travel to work on the Underground this morning

Commuters sit on a Jubilee Line train in East London this morning as England's third national lockdown continues

TfL added that ridership has been falling week on week during the current lockdown regulations, and it has spoken with Newham Council about further changes to change working patterns and help cut down on crowding.

Union bosses have already called for construction sites in Central London to stagger start times for workers, amid fears they could be putting themselves at risk by commuting on overcrowded tube trains.

Aslef, Britain's main trade union for train drivers, also threatened to shut train stations 'unless these pinch points are dealt with' to ease congestion on the underground network as more people return to work.

Canning Town and West Ham have been a focal point for congestion, with both operating as interchanges for the Docklands Light Railway, and Canning Town being a terminus for many bus routes across the wider area.

Unions have raised concerns about overcrowding at the stations amid growing calls from Unite for construction sites in the capital to stagger start times or the congestion charge to be suspended for their workers.

Heavy traffic on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road in South East London during rush hour this morning

Vans, lorries and cars queue on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road in South East London this morning

Traffic moves slowly on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road in South East London this morning

But questions remain over how staggered start times for workers would work - especially when sites are bound by strict rules set by local authorities over the hours they are allowed to operate.

Councils normally impose limits on noisy works that would be audible to neighbours of Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, with none allowed on Sundays and bank holidays.

Forty chief executives of London's biggest contractors met with Government officials in an emergency summit last Friday to discuss the problem, with ministers saying they are doing their upmost to keep workers safe.

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain told MailOnline: 'While the construction industry remains open as sanctioned by the government, workers will have to travel to the sites they work on.

'In Central London, where many sites are located, public transport at present is the only viable way to get to work. Sites in Central London need to introduce staggered start times.

Commuters travel towards Canary Wharf, which is pictured in the background, in South East London this morning

Heavy traffic on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road in South East London this morning

Heavy traffic on the Blackwall Tunnel southern approach road towards Canary Wharf in South East London today

'Other options that could be introduced are the suspension of the congestion charge for workers on London construction sites and allocated free parking spaces for construction workers.

'Unite is willing to work with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Transport for London, construction industry employers and other stakeholders to explore these possible options in the continuing battle to reduce Covid-19 infection rates.'

And Finn Brennan, Aslef's district organiser for the London Underground, told BBC London: 'I don't think anyone gets on the Jubilee line at 7am in the morning for the laughs.

'The problem is there are people who have no other choice besides going to work, they don't have the option of working from home, they don't have the option of furlough, and there are some locations where people are coming onto the Underground all at the same time in the morning, when for the rest of the day the system's actually really quiet.

'The problem is, unless these pinch points are dealt with, then we are going to have to see services withdrawn and stations closed, because people are travelling in a way that is not safe for them, and is also not safe for the staff who have to deal with them and would have to deal with any incidents.'

TomTom congestion data for London was at 27 per cent at 7am this morning, and 28 per cent at 8am. The past week is shown

Apple mobility data for London shows driving is down 50 per cent, walking down 58 per cent and public transport usage 66 per cent, compared to baseline levels in January last year

The UK-wide mobility shows walking is down 42 per cent, driving down 47 per cent and public transport down 64 per cent

On construction sites, a Government spokesman said: 'The closure of construction sites is not being considered.

'As the Business Secretary has made clear, the construction sector and its supply chain are able to operate during this national lockdown by implementing our comprehensive COVID-secure guidance to keep site workers safe.'

MailOnline contacted Amazon, Sainsbury's, Wickes, Tate and Lyle, City Airport and Royal Docks for comment.

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'A very small number of our colleagues work in the area and have staggered shift patterns due to the nature of their roles. We have further support in place for colleagues to help them work flexibly and to travel during quieter times.'

A source at City Airport said most staff are operational and start their shift before 6am, with the majority currently travelling in by private car and the airport issuing TfL's advice to its employees on a regular basis.

Tate and Lyle is thought to have about 200 staff in across two separate factories, down from a normal figure of 850 - although most of those travelling to work are shift workers and do not travel during the morning rush hour.
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 Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday that the state had tapped Starbucks and other private companies to speed up the COVID-19 vaccines' distribution and achieve its new goal of distributing 45,000 doses a day.

Starbucks has picked 11 employees with expertise in operations, labor and deployment, and research and development for the said task.

The world-famous coffee chain said the workers would work full time on vaccine distribution in its home state. Starbucks added that the number of employees could change, according to an NBC News report.

Inslee said Washington's state is also preparing over 2,000 pharmacies to administer shots and set up drive-by vaccination sites.

Aside from Starbucks, Microsoft will also install a vaccine site to perform 5,000 vaccinations a day, the state governor said.

Inslee further noted that Kaiser Permanente would also help with the planning and delivery of vaccinations, and Costco will aid the delivery of vaccines by pharmacies.

Inslee said this is a unique challenge for the country and in every state "to stand up a total mobilization of our resources."

"We did that in World War II when we built the Liberty ships here in Washington state. We reached production levels that no one could imagine because we set ambitious goals," he noted.

In a press conference with Inslee, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said that Starbucks is not a healthcare company. However, he noted that they operate 33,000 stores at scale and serve 100 million customers per week, Forbes reported.

Johnson added that Starbucks has a world-class team of human-centered design engineers working under the direction of the state and healthcare providers, like Swedish, Kaiser Permanente, and others, with Microsoft and many other businesses to help support the creation of vaccination centers that can scale.

Starbucks has started discussing with the Washington state government about the partnership earlier this month. SeaMar Community Health Centers is also seen to participate. This week, Washington will begin giving vaccines to people over the age of 65.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data showed that Washington has only used 35 percent of the doses that it has received from the federal government.

Read also: Florida Vaccine Rollout Faces Supply Issues, Disorganized Distribution Plans





U.S. Vaccination Program

According to data provided by the CDC, 12.2 million people already received the first dose of the COVID-19. Only 1.6 million have received both doses among the total population of 330.8 million Americans.

The Trump administration had promised to vaccinate 20 million Americans before the end of 2020.

President-elect Joe Biden earlier said that he would deploy the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard to help establish vaccine clinics across the country to meet a goal of administering 100 million shots during the first 100 days of his term.

Under the plan, Biden would also start making vaccinations available in all pharmacies across the country.

NBC News reported that Biden also aims to launch mobile vaccination clinics to reach underserved urban and rural areas.

On Friday, Biden said he would ensure that there would be vaccination centers in communities hit hardest by the pandemic, such as the Black and Latino communities.

Biden's plan would also start new ways of getting doses to those high-risk populations, such as the homeless, incarcerated, and residents of institutions.

Related story: Fauci Says Vaccine Rollout Speeding Up, More Delivered Doses Expected in a Week




Investors are watching out for U.S. President-elect Biden's inauguration speech on Wednesday for details on the country's US$1.9 trillion aid package.

Brent crude futures edged up on Tuesday as optimism that government stimulus will buoy global economic growth and oil demand trumped concerns that renewed COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns globally could cool fuel consumption.

Brent crude futures for March rose 20 cents, or 0.4%, to US$54.95 a barrel by 0351 GMT after slipping 35 cents in the previous session, Reuters reported.

Read alsoGovernment slashes prices of natural gas for households in Ukraine

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at US$52.19 a barrel, down 17 cents, or 0.3%. There was no settlement on Monday as U.S. markets were closed for a public holiday. Front-month February WTI futures expire on Wednesday.

Investors are upbeat about demand in China, the world's top crude oil importer, after data released on Monday showed its refinery output rose 3% to a new record in 2020. China was also the only major economy in the world to avoid a contraction last year as many nations struggled to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investors are watching out for U.S. President-elect Biden's inauguration speech on Wednesday for details on the country's US$1.9 trillion aid package.

Reporting by UNIAN
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.
JEDDAH  Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar arrived in Jeddah on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, this evening. Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by high-ranking Saudi officials.

The purpose of Minister Atmar's visit to Saudi Arabia is to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly the expansion of trade and economic relations as well as to appreciate Riyadh's support for the Afghan peace process.

During this visit, the foreign minister is due to meet his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and a number of other high-ranking officials to discuss wide-ranging issues, including strengthening global and regional consensus and increasing the Islamic world's support for the Afghan Peace Process.
The Rajasthan government on Monday suggested to the Centre that the states be compensated the revenue deficit resulting from lower than expected GST collections due to coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown.

Local Self Government Department Minister Shanti Dhariwal gave the suggestion in a pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, who discussed the budget for the next financial year with the finance ministers of various states.

Dhariwal suggested that the Union government had promised to compensate the revenue deficit due to the GST collection falling below the expected level due to the coronavirus epidemic and the economic slowdown till June 2022, which should be extended till June 2027.

According to an official statement, Dhariwal said that despite limited financial resources, the Rajasthan government made every effort to combat the pandemic.

He said that in the next financial year (2021-22), the three per cent credit limit would not be sufficient for the state in view of the necessary financial resources.

Dhariwal said in the meeting that the 32 per cent of the states' share in central taxes was increased to 42 per cent but the grants and planning assistance received by the states have all been included in this 42 per cent category.

Also, the share of central government which was 75 per cent in centrally sponsored schemes was reduced to 50 per cent. This is putting additional financial burden on the states and hence it should be increased to 75 per cent again, he said.

Dhariwal demanded increase in royalty rates of minerals, which has not been increased for more than four years. He also suggested to reduced import duty from 7.50 per cent to 2.50 per cent on gold and silver jewelery, precious and semi-precious jewelery made in the country.

He said the Rajasthan government has passed three bills in the interest of farmers. On the same lines, three agricultural laws made by the central government should be revisited so that dissatisfaction spread among the farmers can be out to rest.

Also read: Budget 2021: Infra push can boost economy, improve competitiveness
PM to release financial assistance to over 6 lakh beneficiaries in UP

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release financial assistance of around Rs. 2691 crores to 6.1 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) on 20th January, 2021 at 12 noon via video conferencing. Union Rural Development Minister and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh will also be present on the occasion. The assistance would include release of first installment to 5.30 lakh beneficiaries and second installment to 80 thousand beneficiaries who have already availed first installment of assistance under PMAY-G.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin:

Prime Minister gave the clarion call of "Housing for All by 2022", for which a flagship programme of PMAY-G was launched on 20th November, 2016. So far 1.26 crore houses have already been built across the country under the scheme. Under PMAY-G, each beneficiary is given 100% grant of Rs.1.20 lakh (in plain areas) and Rs. 1.30 lakh (in Hilly States/North Eastern States/Difficult areas/UT of J&K and Ladakh/IAP/LWE districts).

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

The beneficiaries of PMAY-G, in addition to the unit assistance, are also provided support of unskilled labour wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and assistance of Rs. 12,000 for construction of toilets through Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGS or any other dedicated source of funding. The scheme has provisions for convergence with other schemes of Government of India and State/UTs for providing LPG connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme, electricity connection, access to safe drinking water under Jal Jeevan Mission , etc.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 16:21 [IST]
The husband of a woman who vanished without a trace five years ago has launched a fresh appeal for information and shared a CCTV image of a suspected sighting in the hope of finding answers.

Fatima Mohamed-Ali, then 52, was last seen walking down a street near her family home in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the morning of 12 February 2016.

Her husband Mohamed returned home from work to find the house empty - and immediately knew something was wrong.

'As I entered the home, there was no noise,' he recalled in a new interview with the Missing Podcast. 'Usually she would be in the kitchen cooking or there would be the TV playing or music playing. After being married for 38 years, you know.'

He called through the house and searched upstairs. When he came back down he realised Fatima had left her phone, car keys and purse behind and left no sign as to where she had gone.

Fatima, a grandmother and mother-of-three, has not been seen since.

Ahead of the fifth anniversary of his wife's disappearance, Mohamed is retelling his story in the hope of finally finding answers to the questions that have plagued him and his family.

Scroll down for video

Searching for answers: Fatima Mohamed-Ali, then 52, was last seen walking down a street near her family home in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the morning of 12 February 2016. Ahead of the fifth anniversary of his wife's disappearance, Mohamed is retelling his story. Pictured, Fatima and Mohamed. The couple had been married for 38 years when Fatima disappeared

Is this Fatima? Mohamed has also shared a possible sighting of Fatima - taken from CCTV near a Brighton bus stop in August 2017 - in the hope it might jog someone's memory. It was originally shared in 2018 after an ex-colleague came forward to say she had seen Fatima

He has also shared the last possible sighting of Fatima - taken from CCTV near a Brighton bus stop in August 2017 - in the hope it might help the search.

'It's not very clear but I looked time and time and time again and there are certain features that I think look like her,' Mr Mohamed-Ali said. 'It's probably me thinking it is her because I want it to be her... But there is no shot of the face so it could be anybody.'

Mohamed and Fatima, who was described as quiet and reserved, first met as children in Tanzania. They lost contact in 1975 when Mohamed moved to the UK to study.

Seven years later, on a trip back home to see his parents, Mohamed and Fatima were re-introduced and the pair married. They returned to the UK and settled initially in Hove, near Mohamed's brother in Brighton, and went on to welcome three children.

'We were the only Asian's in the village and everybody loved us,' he said. 'People used to admire her because she always used to walk out in traditional dress. She looked beautiful.'

A consummate hostess, Fatima enjoyed cooking for friends, family and guests.

Last sighting: Three days after Fatima was last seen, police turned up CCTV footage of her walking down a residential street 15 minutes away (pictured). She walked past the camera at around 8am on 12 February, just minutes after Mohamed had left for work

'Fatima was a very strong person,' Mohamed said. 'I wouldn't be where I am without her. She was a very tough, a very loving lady. Considering she was only 5ft 2in, she was a gutsy lady.'

The morning of 12 February 2016 was ordinary in every way. Fatima woke up first, did her morning prayers and woke her husband to tell him to come down for the breakfast she had prepared.

She worked as an electronics assembler at Brightwell Dispensers from Monday-Thursday but did not work on a Friday so it was her day off.

Can YOU help find Fatima Mohamed-Ali? Date of Disappearance: 12 February 2016 Age at time of disappearance: 52 Last known whereabouts: Newhaven, East Sussex Who can help: Did you see Fatima on the morning of February 12th? Or someone matching her description in or around Newhaven?

Do you have any information that might indicate why Fatima may have left her home that morning?

Do you recognise the image - believed to possibly be Fatima - captured in Brighton in 2018? More information on the Missing Podcast website here. Advertisement

Mohamed left for work early, making a detour to the local post office en route to pick up a Valentine's Day gift he had ordered for his wife.

At 1pm Mohamed returned home and expected to find his wife busy in the kitchen.

He phoned his daughter and she suggested he try the local hair salon, in case Fatima had booked in for a last-minute appointment. But they hadn't seen her.

'I went back to the house, called my daughter again and said: "Something is not right",' Mohamed recalled. 'I called Fatima for a second time and I could hear a ringing sound upstairs in the bedroom. I went up and saw her phone. I thought, "there is definitely something wrong here now".'

Mohamed went straight to the police.

Within 24 hours Sussex Police had launched an extensive search involving helicopters and taking in the nearby towns and coastline. Detectives also searched the property and looked into Mr Mohamed-Ali's movements to verify his story.

A fingerprint of an unknown man was found at the family home but it did not match anyone in the police database.

A breakthrough finally came three days later when police turned up CCTV footage of Fatima walking down a residential street 15 minutes away.

She walked past the camera at around 8am on 12 February, just minutes after Mohamed had left for work.

'She showed no signs of stress, no mental issues, no tears, nothing,' Mohamed said, recalling his wife's behaviour that morning. He also insisted there was nothing unusual in the days and weeks leading up to her disappearance.

The CCTV footage suggested Fatima had left the house alone and was not under any duress. However it did not help narrow down where she had gone.

The road she was on led to the sea but turning left and right would have taken Fatima to another coastal town.

Mohamed and the rest of his family have been forced to contemplate the prospect that Fatima might have continued down that road to the sea and had taken her own life.

Gone without a trace: Fatima Mohamed-Ali, pictured before her disappearance

'Did she go to the sea? Did she jump off a cliff?,' he asked, but added: 'Being the way she was, being so religious, she knew it was against all religion to take your own life.'

For the two years after Mrs Mohamed-Ali's disappearance, Mohamed didn't go to work and hardly left the house. He told how he stopped eating regularly and lost 4st.

But then in August 2017, some 18 months after Fatima was last seen, a former colleague contacted the police to say she thought she had seen Fatima running for a bus in Brighton, just nine miles away.

CCTV footage released by police shows a woman dressed in dark colours waving her arms as she rushes down the pavement at 5.58pm on 7 August.

Mr Mohamed-Ali has re-released the CCTV image in the hope it might help establish whether or not it was his wife.

Anyone who has any information about Fatima or the woman in the CCTV footage is asked to come forward. More information can be found on the Missing Podcast website.

Mr Mohamed-Ali added: 'On 12 February 2012, we lost a good wife, a mother and a grandmother,' he said. 'If anybody is out there, please help us.'
The head of Chinas securities watchdog, Yi Huiman, said last year that financial fraud by some overseas-listed Chinese companies is a tumor on the capital markets.

And while the new Securities Law (link in Chinese), which took effec in March 2020, has helped regulators do more to fight this fraud  for instance in the Luckin Coffee Inc. case  there hasnt been much progress in protecting Chinese mainland investors in these companies.

No one is more aware of this problem than the investors suffering from the fraud committed by a veterinary-drug maker with roots in China.

China Animal Healthcare Ltd. (CAH), a manufacturer of drugs for poultry and livestock that mainly operates on the Chinese mainland via several local subsidiaries, was registered in Bermuda and was for a time listed in Hong Kong. It entered liquidation in 2019, but two of its remaining valuable assets were transferred just around the time when the liquidators took over, and cross-border regulation hurdles have left investors with little recourse to protect their rights.

Hollowing out

In August 2019, CAH filed a liquidation application to a Bermudan court. On Sept. 6 that year, the court gave the go-ahead, the company said in an October 2019 filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The court-appointed joint provisional liquidators were Roy Bailey from EY Bermuda Ltd., and Osman Mohammed Arab and Lai Wing Lun from accounting firm RSM Corporate Advisory (Hong Kong) Ltd.

The three liquidators were authorized to take possession of the companys books and assets, investigate its affairs, and sell or dispose of any significant asset of CAH, according to the filing.

However, just as the court was granting the liquidation order, the company was moving its key mainland assets beyond the reach of the liquidators without their knowledge.

The day before the court gave the go-ahead, on Sept. 5, CAHs indirect holding of a 72.16% stake in a pharmaceutical firm based in North Chinas Shanxi province was transferred to a Beijing enterprise, according to the October filing.

A week later, on Sept. 12, CAHs indirect 87.8% shareholding of animal-vaccine maker Inner Mongolia Bigvet Bio-tech Co. Ltd. was transferred to Wuhan Xutaizhong Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership, the filing showed.

Public records show Wuhan Xutaizhong was established in March 2019, only a few months before the asset transfer. Its General Manager Zhang Leilei used to work in CAHs financial department.

The liquidators were left with a husk, and most of the money CAH received from the asset transfers, which one shareholder said were significantly undervalued, was moved away, knowledgeable sources told Caixin.

Read more

Cover Story: Cross-Border Cooperation Is Key to Fighting Securities Fraud, CSRC Chief Says

More lies

Incorporated in August 2007 in Bermuda, CAH went public in 2010 in Hong Kong. Its actual controller was Wang Yangang, who in 2017 resigned as chairman and CEO.

In March 2015, the company suspended the trading of its shares when it missed the filing deadline for its 2014 financial results. In September that year, its then auditor Deloitte resigned after it failed to verify the companys bank balances. In January 2020, the company was delisted.

In 2017 when CAHs shares were still suspended, it managed to secure investment from a Chinese food-maker, which would later claim it was duped.

Shenzhen-listed pork and aquatic food seller Tech-Bank Food Co. Ltd. in October 2017 announced (link in Chinese) that it would purchase 20.4% of CAH from Lilly Nederland Holding BV  a subsidiary of well-known American drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co.  which was the second-largest CAH shareholder.

Zhang Banghui, actual controller of Tech-Bank, told Caixin that Wang concealed the real reasons for CAHs trading suspension and falsely claimed that malicious reports were the cause.

At that time, the information he (Wang) gave us was all positive. He said that the company was so good that it could resume trading. But even if it could not resume trading, it could still generate good performance, said Zhang.

What triggered the investment was likely the potential returns that could be generated if CAH ever resumed trading as well as revenue that could be earned off the back of its subsidiary Inner Mongolia Bigvets license to produce vaccines for foot-and-mouth, a highly contagious livestock disease. Tech-Bank said in a 2019 statement (link in Chinese) to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) that its desire to expand its animal vaccine business was behind the investment.

Zhang even personally lent money to Wangs family in the hope of being paid back in CAH shares and ending up as its largest shareholder. For example, Zhang told Caixin that in November 2017, he lent 110 million yuan ($17 million) to Wang.

As these returns failed to materialize, Zhang paid 200 million yuan for Tech-Banks CAH stake to take it off the companys books in April 2019, in a bid to avoid the investments adverse impact on his own listed company.

Cross-border regulation hurdles

Zhang blamed the failed investment on the information asymmetry between domestic investors and companies incorporated and listed overseas, as it was difficult to understand their real financial circumstances. We didnt know CAH was a mess when we invested. There was no publicly available information, and all we got was what its executives said about its financial situation, said Zhang.

Indeed, shortly before the investment, CAH hired the accounting firm that would later contribute liquidators  RSM  to audit its books.

RSM was told by CAH that its subsidiaries financial documents were lost on Dec. 4, 2015, when they were being shipped from North Chinas Hebei province to neighboring Beijing.

RSMs audit, which was completed in June 2017, found CAH had faked its bank deposits, inflated its revenue and profits, and invented clients, according to a copy of the report seen by Caixin.

Caixin has reached out to Wang multiple times, but he declined to comment.

Since the liquidation of CAH, the liquidators have tried to claw back its assets using various approaches. They have made filings with the Beijing court thats dealing with an application for the bankruptcy liquidation of a key CAH subsidiary, and contacted police in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the CSRC. However, theres not much progress so far due to difficulties in cross-border regulation and law enforcement.

Lai, one of the liquidators, told Caixin that if a company that operates on the mainland and lists in Hong Kong or other overseas markets goes into bankruptcy, there is a risk of its mainland assets going missing. As a result of the complexity of cross-border regulation and law enforcement, investors in these companies often lack adequate protection, and there arent many resources to support overseas liquidators to recoup assets, he said.

Even though the new Securities Law authorizes the CSRC to exercise oversight on companies that operate on the mainland regardless of where they are listed or incorporated, theres still a long way to go before this oversight can actually be exercised, Lai said.

CSRC Chairman Yi said in a June interview with Caixin that many Chinese companies that choose to list overseas, such as in the U.S. and Hong Kong, do not need to go through any procedure required by the Chinese regulator. Investors should take this into account when trading these stocks and factor this into the pricing, he said.

Even so, we will strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation with the destinations regulators to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of investors from all countries, Yi said.

Wang Juanjuan contributed to this report.

The story has been updated to reflect that the liquidators have contacted the Beijing court that is dealing with an application for the bankruptcy liquidation of a CAH subsidiary.

Contact reporter Timmy Shen (hongmingshen@caixin.com) and editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.
"At the Dienger, we care deeply about our customer's experience," Lunsford said. "The HerdX Taste of Trust program allows us to enhance customer experience by actually introducing them, in a sense, to the face behind the food. Whether our customer orders our burger, roast, or steak they can trust that it is the best quality around."

HerdX is pioneering a solution for ranchers in the meat industry to strengthen trust with the end consumer by illustrating a transparent product journey. The HerdX Taste of Trust solution integrates tracing technology at the source and tracks it through the entire supply chain to the end retailer. Guests can scan the HerdX QR code on The Dienger menu to meet their rancher.

Co-owner and general manager from Dean and Peeler Meatworks, Dustin Dean, said they are dedicated to ensuring the best quality to all their customers.

"We are a state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to utilizing best practices to ensure quality cuts to our customers," Dean said. "The practices that we use on our ranch would typically get lost in the transition through the restaurant. There's not enough room on a menu to tell the customer all about our beef and what we do. The ability for the customer to scan the QR code and learn all about our program, helps them see they can trust us and that they are getting the highest quality possible. What we are launching here in Boerne, Texas, has never been done in the history of protein."

HerdX is proud to launch this continual program in their hometown in Boerne, Texas. They have plans to bring this solution worldwide to help high-quality ranchers, farmers and retailers bring transparency to their products and build a better overall sustainable product for their customers. The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate combining live data on a restaurant menu, a monumental event.

HerdX CEO, Ron Hicks, just returned from Dubai to meet with several retailers interested in bringing HerdX technology to the UAE to help support the ministry of food security goals and build a great restaurant solution in the resorts.

To learn more visit: Herdx.com

SOURCE HerdX Inc.

Related Links

https://herdx.com


Alleging that the new farm laws are designed to destroy the agriculture sector and hand it over to "three or four crony capitalists", Congress leader on Tuesday said repealing the legislation is the only solution to end the current deadlock and the government's attempt to "drag" the talks will not succeed.

Launching an all-out attack on the BJP-led government at a press conference, Gandhi said he was a patriot who did not fear anyone, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asserted that he had a clean record and nobody could touch him.

"They can shoot me, but can't touch me. I am a patriot and I protect my country, and I will keep doing it," he said.

The Congress leader raised the issue of purported WhatsApp chats of Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, saying providing official secret information to a journalist is a "criminal act" and both the giver and the receiver will have to go to jail.

Gandhi said only five people -- Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Air Force chief and Security Advisor -- were privy to the information, referring to allegations that the reported chats showed Goswami being privy to the Balakot air strikes beforehand.

"This is a criminal act. We will have to find out who did it, and both (the giver and the receiver) will have to go to jail.

"This process should start, but this process will not start because the prime minister may have given the information," he alleged.

He said the chats on the Pulwama attack in which the journalist said that "this is good for us" is distressing and an "anti- act".

He also raised the issue of setting up of a "Chinese village" in Arunachal Pradesh and said India needs to send out a clear message to China, which is testing waters and will not sit silent.

He termed the situation with China as "very dangerous" and said India under Prime Minister Modi is not having any clear cut strategy on China.

"If India does not give a clear message to China and does not make a strategy - be it military, economic or geo-political strategy- China will not sit silent. China will take advantage of this and India will suffer loss and one will not be able to stop it," Gandhi said, when asked about the issue.

On the farmers' issue, the former Congress chief said a tragedy is unfolding in the country that will lead to the creation of monopolies in every sector, including agriculture, with a few individuals owning everything and the brunt of this will be borne by the middle class which will have to pay high prices.

There is just one solution that these three laws will have to be repealed, Gandhi said when asked about the impasse in talks between the government and the protesting farmer unions.

"The government's arrogance makes it think that the farmers will tire out and can be fooled but neither will they stop and nor can they be fooled," he said, adding that they are wiser than the prime minister.

The government is trying to mislead the farmers and drag the talks, he alleged.

Gandhi again alleged that "crony capitalists having a close relationship with the prime minister" were benefiting from the government's decisions.

"There is a tragedy unfolding in our country today, the government wants to ignore this tragedy, it wants to misinform people," he said.

He claimed that industries across the board -- be it airports, infrastructure, telecom, retail -- are having "massive monopolies" by three or four people.

"The thing to understand is that this is not about farmers. This is about the creation of massive monopolies in this country that are going to take away the wealth from the people of India. This is the crux of it," he said.

"The last bastion that was protected by monopoly is being overrun and the three new laws are designed to destroy Indian agriculture, by destroying mandis, by destroying Essential Commodities Act and by making sure that no Indian farmer can go to court," Gandhi said.

Gandhi also released a booklet highlighting the "plight" of farmers in the wake of the Centre's three farm laws.

He claimed the people had understood the implications of these laws which would result in three or four people owning the entire agriculture sector, farmers not getting the value they deserve and the destruction of the mandi system.

"Three or four businessmen will be able to store millions and millions of tonnes of wheat, rice, other essential commodities and my friends in the middle class, you will be paying prices you have never imagined," he said.

"I support the protesting farmers 100 percent and every single person in the country should support them as they are fighting for us," he said, adding that the country should realise this before it loses independence once again.

Hitting back at BJP president J P Nadda for his tweets earlier in the day criticising him, the Congress leader said it was an "attempted distraction".

The farmers know that it was who stood up for them in Bhatta Parsaul and over the land acquisition issue, not BJP leader Nadda, he said.

"Is J P Nadda my professor that I am answerable to him. Who is he? Is he a professor or teacher of India, why should I answer him, I answer the country, I answer the farmers who can ask me anything," he said.

"I am not afraid of anyone, neither of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi nor of anyone else. I have a clean record and they can't touch me. They can shoot me, but can't touch me. I am a patriot and I protect my country, and I will keep doing it," 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.)

AMHERST  Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is scheduled to share with the Town Council and Planning Board their assessment of COVID-19 impacts on the region, during a virtual meeting Wednesday night.

Douglas Halla data manager and analyst with the PVPC, and part of the agencys policy center working group, will be making the presentation.

The agenda for the Jan. 20 meeting states: Initial Impacts of COVID-19 on the Pioneer Valley Economy following by a discussion between the Planning Board and Amherst Town Council.

Founded in 1962, the Springfield-based Pioneer Valley Planning Commission provides assistance in planning matters to 43 western Massachusetts cities and towns in Hampden and Hampshire counties

PVPC is the primary agency responsible for increasing communication, cooperation, and coordination among all levels of government as well as the private business and civic sectors in order to benefit the Pioneer Valley region and to improve its residents quality of life, the agency website says.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday will be broadcast live on Amherst Media and live-streamed.

It will also be available by Zoom, and via telephone access.
Six people were responsible for attempting to steal roughly $13,000 worth of laptops and tablets from a Mechanicsburg area Best Buy, then assaulting bystanders as they fled the scene, police said.

Silver Spring Township police said the failed theft took place around 2:09 p.m. Sunday at the Best Buy on the 6400 block of the Carlisle Pike.

Teron Powell and Malcolm Graham, both 18 and from Baltimore, Maryland; 18-year-old Takala Robinson, 18, of Pasadena, Maryland; and three juveniles are accused of trying to steal the merchandise, assaulting bystanders who tried to stop them and causing $6,000 in damages to the Best Buy, according to police.

Police said the group fled the scene in a white Toyota Rav4, but were later taken into custody on Interstate 83 in York.

The bystanders, Lower Allen Township police and Pennsylvania State Police assisted, Silver Spring Township police said.

Police said the suspects are not cooperating with the investigation. Anyone with information  particularly cell phone videos or eyewitness accounts  is asked to contact Silver Spring Township Police Det. Andrew Bassler at 717-512-8889, or abassler@sstwp.org.

READ MORE: Search still underway for Poconos shooter after 4 hurt in rapid and successive incidents

Bucks County man accused of making online threats against Biden, Harris arrested at Pa. campsite
Three more Michigan restaurants have had their liquor licenses suspended for violating state health orders  including two accused of serving guests indoors and one that allegedly ignored outdoor dining restrictions.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission announced the emergency suspensions Tuesday, Jan. 19 for the restaurants in Mount Pleasant, Plymouth and Bitely.

All three must attend a virtual hearing with an administrative law judge, who will decide whether to issue a fine and potentially extend the liquor license suspensions. Suspensions so far have ranged from seven to 90 days.

Michigans dine-in ban started Nov. 18 and was extended through Jan. 31. Restaurants are not allowed to serve food or alcohol to be consumed inside the establishment, cant host gatherings and must require masks.

Citizens can file a complaint with the MLCC for any alcohol-serving restaurants in violation of the health orders. Call 866-893-2121 or go to the MLCC website to file a complaint.

So far, 37 businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended since September for violating COVID-19 health orders.

Heres a look at the latest businesses to be hit with a liquor license suspension. Click the business name to read the full report.

Corkys Beal City Tavern

Location: Mount Pleasant

An anonymous complaint prompted an MLCC investigator to check out the business just after 3 p.m. on Jan. 8.

The investigator saw multiple vehicles in the parking lot but nobody in the outdoor service area  the only area eating and drinking is currently allowed at Michigan restaurants. Inside, about 12 people were sitting at the bar and tables, the investigator alleged.

Nobody was wearing a mask and some looked to be drinking alcohol, per the investigator.

A maskless representative from the business told the investigator they dont agree with the state health order and decided not to follow it anymore.

The Post Local Bistro

Location: Plymouth

An investigator went to the Plymouth restaurant for an inspection Jan. 8 and found a full parking lot.

While the business only had its outdoor service area open, multiple violations were found, including having tables closer than 6 feet from each other, allowing people to stand maskless without distancing and allowing tables to have more than six people at them, the investigator alleged.

Prior to the MLCC visit, the Plymouth Police Department and Wayne County investigators had visited the business and warned its leaders multiple times they were violating COVID-19 health orders.

Bitely Tavern

Location: Bitely

The MLCC received a complaint in December that Bitely Tavern was violating the health orders, so an investigator went to the business around 4 p.m. on Jan. 6.

Multiple vehicles were in the parking lot and nobody left the building in the 10 minutes the investigator observed. So the investigator went inside, sat at the bar and ordered food and an alcoholic beverage. There were 16 others inside eating and drinking  none of whom wore masks or distanced.

The lone employee working also didnt wear a mask, per the investigator.

RELATED STORIES

3 more Michigan liquor licenses suspended after complaints prompt investigations

Restaurants defying Michigan dine-in ban hit with fines from multiple state agencies

The government is trying to give you pandemic aid money  heres whats out there

More unemployed Michiganders getting extra $300, but some may wait 2 more weeks

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.

Johnson, 88, and his wife each donated $2,800, the maximum amount, to the Boebert campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The Giants said Johnson, the teams principal owner, contacted Boebert to request the refunds for the September contributions.

As I stated last week, Johnson said in the statement, I am appalled by the violence that erupted at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the destructive efforts to interrupt the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election. My wife Ann and I reject and denounce any individuals, candidates or elected officials who do not honor our constitution or who espouse or assist in violence of any kind. I have contacted the office of Representative Lauren Boebert to request a full refund of our contribution. I will continue to follow the ongoing investigation closely and will request refunds from any other individuals who are found to have engaged in similar behavior. And I pledge to do my part in helping to heal our nation and restore peace and respect in our democratic system.

On Friday, Johnson released his first statement and said he would never have imagined that any legitimate candidate would participate in undermining the core values of our great country. Nor was I aware that any candidate to whom I contributed was associated with QAnon.

In the initial statement, Johnson did not say he would ask for a refund.

On Thursday, the Giants released a statement condemning the attack and saying the teams policy prohibits company contributions to candidates for federal office and added, Individual contributions of employees and investors are considered personal in nature.

Christine Pelosi, Nancys daughter who is on the Giants Community Fund board, told columnist Marcos Breton of the Sacramento Bee that she was livid with the Giants response and called for Johnson to demand a refund. She said shed quit the board if Johnson and the Giants didnt address the issue by Monday, the day honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

After Johnsons Monday night statement, Pelosi told The Chronicle, Its been a very intense and scary time. I thank Mr. Johnson and the Giants for their commitment to justice and healing.

She also said she was grateful for support from Giants fans and credited Giants public address announcer Renel Brooks-Moon and Breton for speaking up despite risking access and comfort.

As you know, part of the magic of baseball is that it brings people together from all philosophies, Pelosi said, and while we try to keep politics out of the game and are all friends at the ballyard, we must draw the line at violence and sedition.

Johnson also asked in 2018 for a donation to be returned. He supported then-Senate candidate Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., who said shed be in the front row if invited to a public hanging. Civic rights leaders called for a boycott of the Giants, and Johnson said in a Chronicle interview that her comments were stupid and offensive. He said the donation was returned.

Johnson donated nearly $11 million to Republican candidates and political action committees in federal elections since 2015, according to a 2020 analysis by ESPN and FiveThirtyEight. He has given $5,200 to Democrats.

John Shea covers the Giants for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey
WASHINGTON, D.C. - When Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated as the nations 46th president on Wednesday amid the twin threats from the coronavirus pandemic and domestic terrorism, several Ohio members of Congress say theyll skip the socially distant festivities.

Unlike past inaugurations where thousands of the winners supporters line the National Mall to watch their candidate take office, Bidens backers from around the nation were encouraged to stay home this year to avoid spreading the virus thats already killed about 400,000 Americans. In person-events were replaced with online festivities, and the Presidential Inaugural Committee installed approximately 191,500 U.S. flags on the National Mall to represent Biden supporters who wont be there in the flesh.

The U.S. Capitol, where inaugurations take place, is in lockdown after rioting supporters of outgoing Republican President Donald Trump stormed the building to disrupt Congress Jan. 6 recording of the electoral votes that made Biden president. Thousands of National Guard members are sleeping on cots in the corridors of the U.S. Capitols visitors center to augment the buildings regular police security after the violent insurrection, which resulted in the deaths of five people.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democratic Biden ally, will attend the inauguration virtually, as Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have urged Americans to do to stop the spread of COVID-19, Browns office says, although the rest of Ohios Democratic U.S. Congress members will be there in person.

He looks forward to watching this historic event online and working with the Biden-Harris administration on Day 1 to put workers at the center of this economic recovery, said a statement from Browns office.

Holmes County Republican Rep. Bob Gibbs also plans to skip the inauguration. In an interview, Gibbs said he was unhappy about the protocols that members of Congress were required to follow, which he described as kind of ridiculous and designed to discourage attendance.

Gibbs said that in past years, members of Congress were able to sit on the same platform as the incoming president. This year, he said they will be seated on a lawn beneath the platform as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He said the Biden inaugural committee also requires all attendees to get a COVID-19 test 48 hours before the inauguration, and will only accept tests performed in the Washington, D.C. area by the inaugural committees vendors rather than tests performed in their districts. Gibbs says most members of Congress have been vaccinated for the virus.

It is another excuse for them to do whatever they want to do and say it is because of COVID, just like we had to have mail-in ballots because of COVID, says Gibbs, who voted against accepting electoral votes from Pennsylvania and Arizona during the congressional session that was interrupted by the riot.

The only Ohio Republican to vote for impeaching Trump over his role in inciting that riot, Rocky River GOP Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, will also skip Bidens inauguration, his office said. Gonzalez is facing anger from some in his party over the vote. His office said he plans to watch the event on television with his family.

Zanesville Republican Rep. Troy Balderson wont be there either because of COVID and security concerns, but looks forward to working with Biden and Harris to advance Ohios agenda, his office says. Because the National Guard wants fewer people to attend the event because of potential security threats, Balderson felt it was more important for Bidens Democratic supporters to be there.

Spokesmen for the rest of Ohio Republican members of Congress said their bosses will attend the inauguration, save for representatives of Dayton Rep. Mike Turner, who did not respond to inquiries about Turners plans.

Although Champaign Countys Jim Jordan helped lead a group of Republicans who challenged the acceptance of 2020 electoral votes on the House of Representatives floor on Jan. 6, his office says he recognized Biden as president-elect when those challenges were defeated. In recent Fox News interviews, Jordan has applauded troops for protecting the Capitol during this peaceful transition of power that weve always had in this nation.

In a Friday interview, Jordan said its rough to see all the security measures on Capitol Hill, and that he hopes things can get back to normal just as quickly as we possible can.

Youd hope nothing like this would ever have to be needed in our country, the greatest country ever, Jordan told Foxs Laura Ingraham. Last week, as we all know, was terrible, was tragic, was as wrong as could be. But I hope this is not permanent.

Read more:

Rep. Bob Gibbs and other Ohio Republican Congress members object to metal detectors to access House floor

Rocky River Republican Anthony Gonzalez votes to impeach President Donald Trump

House votes to impeach President Trump after last weeks U.S. Capitol riot, with all Ohio Democrats and one Ohio Republican in the majority

What Ohios Jim Jordan said as he led President Trumps impeachment defense on the House floor

Sen. Rob Portman urges President Trump to address the nation to explicitly urge that his supporters refrain from violence, or bear responsibility

Ohios Sherrod Brown plans to take on corporations as chair of Senate Banking Committee

U.S. Capitol Police officers are being disciplined for cooperating with rioters, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan says

What Ohios Jim Jordan said before, during and after the riot at the U.S. Capitol

Joe Biden names former KeyBank official Don Graves his Deputy Commerce Secretary

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
With SteelCentral, Fubon Life Insurance now has a complete and tightly integrated end-to-end performance management solution that enables monitoring across the cloud, internal and external end users, applications, and the network infrastructure. The company found SteelCentral easy to deploy, with the solution delivering business value immediately after installation.

Fubon Life Insurance started its use of Riverbed SteelCentral by monitoring10 key applications. One of earliest benefits was the ability to identify the cause of application performance problems quickly and resolve them before they affect the business. We have hundreds of applications and servers, and when the business volume reaches a peak point, our business is at risk of being shut down if the back-end system is not reliable, and this greatly impairs the monthly business performance, says Jonah Wang. With SteelCentral, we are now able to identify and solve problems in a timely manner and make relative improvements based on the existing problems, so as to increase the stability of the system.

Another outcome of the SteelCentral deployment has been a reduction in operating costs. With the continuous monitoring from Riverbed SteelCentral, we are able to see network bandwidth usage, and by doing this, we can save operating costs and increase resilience in a rapidly changing business environment. Another benefit is improved communication among people with different roles. By allowing visibility into system and network performance, SteelCentral enables better communication among IT staff itself, and between IT staff and users, says Jonah Wang. Better teamwork is an additional benefit we have gained.

Data security is vital for insurance companies, and Riverbed SteelCentral has been playing an irreplaceable role here. In the past, the companys information security appliance was used mainly to identify various security behaviors and generate reports, but it was unable to save the actual transmission data or transaction procedures. Riverbed SteelCentral NetShark enables real-time and back-in-time forensic analysis, and this value is enhanced when combined with SteelCentral AppResponse. With these tools, both packet data and application contents can be stored and analyzed, allowing forensic application analysis and end-user experience monitoring through a single platform.

Perhaps most importantly, SteelCentral supports Fubon Life Insurances on-going digital transformation. For example, SteelCentral supports application development by making it possible to analyze and test new services before they go live. We now use a combination of SteelCentral and pressure testing tools, says Jonah Wang. This allows us to address problems during testing so that once applications are rolled out into the real environment they are trouble-free.

We have a multitude of new ideas and newly developed technologies that can be evaluated by SteelCentral, especially performance evaluation and alignment before being introduced and going to the market, adds Jonah Wang. With SteelCentral we can choose the best solution that promotes revenue and increases productivity. Before we adopted Riverbed solutions, we strived to find IT problems through trial-and-error, which resulted in costs related to software, hardware, and labor. With SteelCentral, these problems have been solved, reducing largely unnecessary costs.

Andy Du, senior deputy general manager and director of information service at Fubon Life Insurance sums up the role of SteelCentral this way: We are already a very typical hybrid enterprise. With container technology becoming more and more mature, and machine learning sweeping around the world, we are looking forward to adopting some of these new technologies as a way of providing better services for the businesses and users. It will no longer be possible for people to monitor processes or data transmission paths. Digital business requires a digital way to monitor and analyze in order to adapt to the ever-changing real environment. We expect further close cooperation with Riverbed as we move into a more diversified technical environment.
The Social Security Administrations most current list of the countrys top 1,000 baby names dates from 2019, so we have yet to see how these searches translate into baby naming en masse. But the experts I spoke to agreed that new parents are searching for names that represent optimism and strength.

Jennifer Moss, founder and chief executive of BabyNames.com and co-host of The Baby Names Podcast, is seeing a huge influx of gods and goddess names  Persephone, Adonis, Achilles, Athena. These are just jumping on the charts, and theyve never been there before. The name Anahita, the ancient Iranian goddess of fertility, is similarly gaining, Redmond added.

With mythological names, Moss suggested, people want to instill strength in their children, because were all feeling scared and powerless right now over this virus we cant control. How better to arm your child for the uncertain future than to give them the name of a god or goddess who has power over the universe?

Biblical names, which had been dropping off Mosss charts in past years in favor of more creative monikers, have also surged. For comfort in hard times, people turn to faith, she said. Were seeing Gabriel, Elijah, Esther, Lilith and even Naomi, which hasnt trended in a long time.

Some parents-to-be have been so distracted by the pandemic that theyve skipped the deliberation and quickly picked a name. Amanda Austin of Erie, Pa., owner of an e-commerce store specializing in dollhouse miniatures, came up with her daughters name on a whim. It was in March, when the whole world was shutting down, she said. Covid terrified me. My husband and his dad own a construction company and Pennsylvania had banned construction work.

The name Annette popped suddenly into her mind. I shared it with my husband and he loved it, Austin said. His reaction is a far cry from my other daughters naming process, where we went back and forth for months. I think we had so much going on with the pandemic that we didnt have the mental bandwidth to dig deeper. The name also reminded the couple of the 1950s, a less complicated time.

Baby names are like a mirror; they reflect whats happening in culture, said Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and author of The Catalyst: How to Change Anyones Mind. Given the current mood, I wouldnt be surprised if traditional names get a bump.

Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
The world kept battling with a new SARS-like virus throughout the 2020, that began in Wuhan, China. The virus that was named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation has since disrupted the normal every day, claimed 1.9 million lives and devastated trade. Many countries are still desperately battling the virus as well as contending with its negative effect on business and trade.

Over the course of last year, China has been on the receiving end of a lot of backlash from the international community due to its initial mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak and its silencing of doctors like Li Wenliang. Dr Li at the start of 2020 tried to warn people about a new virus that had appeared, however, Chinese authorities rebuked him for his efforts and accused him of spreading rumors.

This action by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) delayed the spread of crucial information about the virus, causing countries across the world to be caught completely unaware and unprepared. Shocked by China's worsening image in the international order, the CCP has decided to employ a tactic termed as vaccine diplomacy.

Chinese factories are currently in overdrive and producing large amounts of untested and unreliable COVID-19 vaccines that it plans to ship to other countries to deflect some of the blame from its mishandling of the virus. China has intentionally also decided to prey on vulnerable developing countries by giving them priority access to the untested vaccine. China even conducted the initial trials for its vaccine in these developing countries and turned its citizens into human guinea pigs.

The CCP hopes that by distributing the vaccines to developing countries in large quantities, China will be able to be hailed as the country that potentially brought an end to the pandemic, rather than being blamed as. its cause. As per media reports, two Arab nations became the first countries to approve the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine.

The United Arab Emirates approved the vaccine on December 9 while the Kingdom of Bahrain approved the vaccine a few days later. Jin Dong-Yan, a virologist at the University of Hong Kong, has stated that there is a glaring lack of clinical-trial data. As soon as countries would start taking cognisance of this lack of data regarding and this lack of data regarding the vaccines safety and efficacy, China's attempts to export the vaccine to other countries would be hindered.

The Chinese COVID-19 vaccine has been developed by a state-run enterprise called Sinovac. Because the company is state-run, it does not have an open and transparent system - meaning that data about the Chinese vaccine is not yet readily available. As per a report by Nature, both UAE and Bahrain reported that the efficacy of the vaccine is 86% which in itself is strange. As the vaccine manufacturer has not confirmed the results of the vaccine trials held in UAE and Bahrain.

According to the scientific journal, The Lancet, the Chinese vaccine manufacturer has only provided the world with the results of the first and second phase trials. The data from phase 3 trials that claims an efficacy of around 80% is still hidden. Researchers in Brazil, where the vaccine was also undergoing testing, have withheld the results. This lack of transparency has once against cast doubts about the nefarious secrets China is trying to hide.

In a bid to win the vaccine diplomacy race, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to put aside $2 billion for the African continent alone. China has also offered Latin American and Caribbean countries a $1 billion loan to purchase the vaccine. According to Jacob Mardell, an analyst at MERICS, Beijing... will surely leverage the provision of the life-saving technology for commercial and diplomatic profit. Mardell added that China is trying to act as if providing the vaccine to these developing countries is an act of charity.

In truth, China is intending on trapping these vulnerable developing nations in a form of debt-trap to gain an advantage in the future. At the same time, China can appear to look magnanimous to the world for helping and use it to change the narrative in its favour.

At the start of December, Indonesia received close to 1.2 million doses of Sinovacs COVID-19 vaccine. Indonesia is wagering its all on a risky bet on China's yet untested vaccine. It hopes that Sinovacs vaccine will help it control one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in Asia. But experts have claimed that China's help is not unconditional.

A recent paper published in December by the Singapore-based Yusof Ishak Institute has stated that China intends to use its vaccine donations to advance its regional agenda, especially in sensitive topics like the disputed South China Sea. China has also signed deals to provide 46 million doses of the vaccine to Brazil and 50 million doses to Turkey. CanSino Biologics also claims to have developed another potential COVID-19 vaccine with the help of the Chinese military and plans to deliver 35 million doses of the vaccine to Mexico.

Even though China has been aggressively promoting vaccine diplomacy, not everyone has been fooled by their efforts to manipulate and take advantage of the global pandemic. ASEAN members - Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia have refused Chinese vaccines and instead sealed deals for procuring the COVID-19 vaccine from Britain and the US.

Reports in the local newspapers in Hong Kong and Singapore revealed that China was trying to persuade the ASEAN countries for their support in the WHO in turn of supply of the vaccine but in vain. China required support because it had been facing criticism from the world health body for hiding crucial information about the virus during the initial outbreak in China.

China and President Xi Jinpings increasingly aggressive military posturing in the South China Sea has made ASEAN countries vary from China and forced them to side with Britain & the US.

India is also currently in the process of rolling out its COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India in Pune. India has already conducted dry runes in a few states and plans on rolling out the vaccine in a few months. Even Indias neighbours have started realising that any help from China always comes with strings attached.

The Himalayan country of Nepal has expressed that it wishes to procure the Indian COVID-19 vaccine rather than the Chinese one. Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with Nepal's top leadership in late November and gave Nepal assurances that India plans to supply its neighbours with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Foreign secretary Jayanath Colambage is learnt to have stated that Sri Lanka was also in talks with India for COVID-19 vaccine. The Sri Lankan government is currently in the process of determining the cost involved in procuring the vaccine from different countries as well as the issue of its storage and distribution. The AstraZeneca vaccine that is being developed in India is Sri Lanka's likely choice as per Colambage, but a committee established to determine the best vaccine is supposed to submit its report by mid-January.

On 9 December 2020, Bhutans Ambassador to India stated that the COVID-19 vaccine that was being developed in India would benefit a lot of countries in the world. Ambassador Vetsop Namgyel added that the vaccine being developed in India was the easiest to store, administer and transport.

As per a report in the Mint, even F Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India was all praises for India's efforts to develop the vaccine stating that instead of working for commercial or national interest India was working for the interest of countries all over the world. The Managing Director of the Biological E Ltd, another company in India developing a COVID-19 vaccine, stated that the rapid development of the vaccine is a testament to Prime Minister Modis vision to ensure that Indian companies play a vital role in the development of the vaccine and also that its outreach is global.

PM Modi has also publicly stated that the COVID-19 vaccine being developed in India will be used to help all humanity.

Chinas desperate vaccine diplomacy gambit is not the only attempt China has made to change the narrative and deflect blame away from its initial failures. In mid-2020, China launched its mask diplomacy, in this scheme Beijing sent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like masks to countries that were suffering from the pandemic.

But Beijings attempts to win favours fell flat when European nations began refusing equipment sent by China after finding them to be sub-standard. Chinas attempts to hide the phase 3 trial results of its vaccine seems to point towards a repeat of its mask diplomacy blunder. But this time, the countries may have to face dire consequences for the countries that decide to risk China's untested vaccine.

While China's offer to provide developing nations with a vaccine may seem magnanimous, its goals are far from it. China intends to use the vaccine to gain political leverage and debt-trap the vulnerable developing and low-income nations. While some countries like Nepal have already realised that accepting help from China is a double-edged sword, others like Sri Lanka remain dubious. At this juncture, India must take up a leading role in ensuring COVID-19 distribution in the region.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
[January 19, 2021] Cushon launches the world's first Net Zero pension

Each UK pension pot finances an average of 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year through its investments 88% of employees want their employer to take action to address this in workplace pensions 62% of employees would engage more with their pension if it was making a positive impact on climate change In response, members of the Cushon Net Zero pension will actively contribute towards slowing climate change LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cushon, the fintech workplace savings disrupter, today announces the launch of the world's first net zero pension. The launch responds to growing demand from employees who are increasingly concerned about the impact of their pensions on climate change. Recent research from Cushon[1] showed that 68.6% of employees are concerned that their company pension could be investing in businesses that are contributing to the climate crisis. 87.9% of employees want their employer to take action to address this, for instance moving to a pension provider that's making a positive impact on climate change (39.8%). Choosing to use a climate-friendly pension provider is an easy way for businesses to significantly reduce their employees' contribution to global warming. Cushon's Net Zero pension will enable employers to help their people contribute to the deceleration of climate change quickly, easily and meaningfully via the choices they make for their company pension. In so doing, they will help to protect our environment and align towards the Paris Climate Agreement and a 1.5 degree world. Cushon's pension is the first of its kind in that it is Net Zero now  not later - unlike competitors in the market adopting long-reaching targets to achieve the same status by 2030 or even 2050. Each year, the average UK pension member unknowingly finances 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions[2] through the businesses their pension invests in. That's the equivalent of running either nine family cars each year, using 940 gas propane cylinders, or burning 1,100 coal fires annually, simply as a by-product of saving for retirement. Investors would need to recycle for 19 years, or plant 30 acres of new forest to counteract these effects.[3] While there are a number of pension investment funds claiming to be socially resonsible, these funds often come with higher charges and are still a long way away from being net zero  a target set by the UK Government to be met by 2050. Cushon's pension is Net Zero right from the get-go.



A big plus for employers is that a move to a Net Zero pension would also increase employee engagement rates. Cushon's research shows that 62.4%[4] would engage more with their pension if they knew it was making a positive impact on climate change. To further boost engagement, Cushon is also launching a new app which allows members to see all their pensions, other savings and investments in one place. It's fully transactional, and employees can change contributions and transfer in other pension and investment pots. Commenting on the launch, Ben Pollard, Founder & CEO, Cushon, said: "At Cushon, we know that people want their retirement savings to help tackle climate change without sacrificing returns. We wanted to find a very real way of making this work by delivering a pension that is Net Zero now. By choosing a Net Zero pension, employers are helping their employees have a direct and significant impact on climate change. The demand that we have already seen for our Net Zero pension is testament to this and we are now working towards being able to offer the same philosophy through our other product offerings. We're so excited to be able to bring all of these products together so that our customers can see and manage all their investments together in an intuitive and engaging user interface.

"The idea of Net Zero investing is shamefully poorly developed within the fund management industry. We work with three of the largest fund managers in the world, and only one of them was even able to tell us the CO2 emission levels of their funds. To ensure there is no impact on returns, having reduced the emissions financed by the funds as far as possible via solutions that are currently available 'off the shelf' from our fund managers, Cushon is paying to offset any residual emissions out of the company's own money. We have worked with Vertree to select a range of Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) projects, with 75% of projects being triple, double or single gold rated under the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standard." Supporting the launch, Richard Curtis, Co-Founder of Make My Money Matter, said: "The launch of a pension that is net zero now  not later  shows what is possible from the pensions industry when tackling the climate emergency is taken seriously. This new pension, with robust sustainability credentials, will be the first of its kind and so we are delighted to partner with Cushon as they continue to integrate environmental criteria across the board. "This is the kind of leadership that the pension industry  and world  needs in the years ahead as we look to transition to a green economy post Covid-19. With COP26 taking place in Glasgow next year, all eyes are set to be on the UK and its environmental credentials, so it is great to have firms like Cushon taking concrete steps to address the climate crisis, which should hopefully incentivise more providers across the industry to follow suit." About Cushon Cushon is a fintech workplace savings business, using its world-leading financial technology to bring innovation to workplace savings and pensions to help people get comfortable with saving and investing. Cushon was founded in 2017, focussed on helping larger UK employers who were looking to improve the financial wellbeing of their employees, by providing them with a simple and convenient way to save as little as 10 per month, direct from pay. Cushon currently has 87,000 customers with 300m of assets under management. Its corporate clients include 160 well known blue-chip companies including many of the FTSE 100, plus 3000 smaller employers across the UK. [1] Cushon's Climate Change pensions research - 2021 [2] (Average UK pension pot is 87,947) x (FTSE 100 CO2e emissions of 480m tonnes / 1.8 trillion market cap = 0.265 tonnes per 1,000 market cap) = equivalent of 23.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions per pension pot [3] Environmental Protection Agency  Greenhouse Equivalences Calculator, with car emission calculations adjusted by Cushon to allow for relative fuel efficiency of US vs UK cars [4] Cushon's Climate Change pensions research  2021 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422356/Cushon_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana health officials reported fewer new coronavirus cases and related hospitalizations Tuesday as the states downward trend that began late last year continued into 2021.

Indiana recorded 2,756 new cases of COVID-19, the second straight day health officials have reported fewer than 3,000 cases, the Indiana State Department of Health said Tuesday in its daily statistics update. That brings the number of Hoosiers known to have had the coronavirus to 595,436.

The state agency also reported that 2,332 Indiana residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday  the fewest since early November, after the state saw a steep increase beginning in September for coronavirus deaths, hospitalizations and new infections. Of those being treated, 525 were in intensive care, marking a nine-week low.

State health officials also added 126 more COVID-19 deaths, raising Indianas pandemic toll to 9,466, including both confirmed and presumed infections. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by the state and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 2,847,632 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana, up from 2,839,505 on Monday, the department said.

Adding a total of 25,474 new cases of the coronavirus cases in the week ending Sunday, Indiana reported 32% fewer cases of the virus that it did in the previous week, according to state health department data.

Across Indiana, cases fell in all 92 counties, with the greatest declines recorded in Marion, Allen and Tippecanoe counties.

SITEKI  Just hours after his death, a fight is said to have ensued over some property of the late former long-serving Siteki Town Board Councilor, Mvila Dlamini.

An impeccable source close to the matter divulged that the former councillors children were allegedly fighting over some of his property, resulting in a door in one of Dlaminis homesteads being vandalised. The homestead is situated at Mlindazwe, an area within the towns periphery, a few kilometres from the Siteki Town Central Business Disctrict (CBD). The incident happened last week Tuesday, hours after the death of Dlamini. The late councillor was buried on Saturday at Mlindazwe.

It was established that the cause of the feud was a birth certificate of the deceased, which was wanted by one of his daughters. The source claimed that the daughter stormed the homestead of her late father in the company of police officers. This is the home where her stepmother resides with her (daughters) siblings. The daughter wanted a birth certificate and other documentation from the stepmother, including bank cards. However, unpalatable words were uttered in the heat of the moment, which left everyone shocked, alleged the source. The matter was then reported to the police.

The late Ward 3 councillor had served as the towns councillor for 35 years. It was established that the Siteki Police Station also took guns belonging to Dlamini for safety purposes. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the matter. There is a case that was reported about family differences and the guns of the deceased were also taken by the police for safety reasons as a norm in such situations. We will await the familys decision but the firearms will continue to be kept at the police station. We have been informed that an employment car was used after an officer asked to be dropped home, however, not knowing that there were unresolved issues within the family that erupted thereafter, she said.

The wife to the former councillor, who was only identified as LaSimelane, claimed that one of the deceaseds children came and forcefully took her husbands birth certificate. LaSimelane accused her stepdaughter of also uttering unpalatable words which cannot not be repeated for ethical reasons.


The Supreme Court heard a case on climate change on Tuesday that could help shape the fate of dozens of similar lawsuits across the country.

The oral argument in BP P.L.C. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, No. 19-1189, was not about whether climate change is real or caused by greenhouse gases generated by humans. The hearing was not even about whether fossil fuel companies should pay Baltimore for the costs of climate change, which is the point of the underlying lawsuit.

Instead, the justices decided to hear the case on a single, highly technical legal question: What happens when a federal court sends a case to be heard in state courts? That is what has occurred in the Baltimore case, which began its life in state court, and which the fossil fuel companies are trying to move to federal court, where they expect a more favorable outcome. The question before the Supreme Court is whether, in hearing the appeal of a decision to send a case back to state court, a federal appeals court must limit its review to the two very specific and narrow reasons that the law allows, or whether it can look more broadly at the lower courts decision.

About 20 climate cases like Baltimores have been filed by cities, counties and states nationwide since 2017  first in California, then spreading across the country to include Colorado, Minnesota and Rhode Island, as well as Hoboken, N.J.
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 6K, the world's leading developer of microwave plasma technology for the production of advanced materials, today announced that Dr. Joe Felter, a former senior Department of Defense official under then Secretary of Defense James Mattis, has joined 6K's advisory board. Dr. Felter will guide 6K's strategy in working with the US Department of Defense and other Federal agencies for the innovation and deployment of advanced materials products to support the national interest of the US. He joins other industry luminaries including Magnus Rene, prior CEO ARCAM, and Robert Galyen, prior CTO CATL.

"We are honored to have Dr. Felter join the 6K team as part of our advisory board. 6K has a unique technology that not only addresses scarcity of strategic materials and reduces our dependence on foreign imports, but for the first time enables domestic production of advanced materials typically produced overseas due to our dramatic reduction in production costs and ability to produce in an environmentally sustainable way," explained Dr. Aaron Bent, CEO for 6K. "Dr. Felter's specialty with issues of national security strategy and deep relationships in Washington are invaluable not only to guide 6K, but to maximize deployment in a way that enhances the mission of the United States."

Dr. Joe Felter is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia. He is currently a William J. Perry Fellow at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation and research fellow at the Hoover Institution. Dr. Felter is co-creator of "Hacking for Defense", a defense innovation focused curriculum he helped develop and pilot at Stanford that is now sponsored by the Department of Defense and taught at over 50 universities across the country.

"Strategic materials are becoming increasingly pivotal to the national interests of the United States, and 6K continues to prove its unique capability to address these needs, with examples like its recent Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contract to recover and upcycle materials for defense applications from domestic sources of supply," commented Joe Felter. "The recent pandemic has shown the need to strengthen control of supply chains and create domestic sourcing. 6K can do this across numerous important areas including batteries for energy independence and critical alloys for aircraft and weapons platforms. I am extremely enthusiastic to join 6K's advisory board and help the company to advance its efforts both in Washington and with strategic suppliers."

A former US Army Special Forces and Foreign Area Officer, Dr. Felter served in a variety of special operations and diplomatic assignments including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Felter is Founder of BMNT a Silicon Valley based technology incubator and problem-solving platform which Forbes magazine named as one of the nation's top 25 Veteran-Founded Startups in America in 2016.

Dr. Felter received a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Graduate Certificate in Management from the University of West Australia, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University.

6K recently announced a $1 Million DLA phase II award to establish a domestic capability to recover and convert critical metals from defense scrap into premium additive manufacturing powder. The company has also announced a strategic partnership with Relativity Space to develop AM rocket parts for space made from 6K sustainable materials. 6K was previously awarded a $1 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant through the U.S.Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to continue its development of advanced cathode materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Notes for editors

The full press releases for the news items mentioned above are available here: https://www.6kinc.com/about/news/

About 6K

6K represents 6000 degrees, setting 6K technology apart from all others. It is the temperature of operation of UniMelt (5778K to be exact), the world's only microwave production scale plasma, and is also the temperature of the surface of the sun.

6K uses proprietary advanced plasma processing and industrial systems to create materials that are enabling the next-generation of commercial and consumer products. The company's continuous UniMelt process allows for complete and unprecedented control of the entire materials engineering process, to produce materials at exact specifications.

The 6K Additive division is a ISO9001 facility, reclaims and processes over a million pounds of Ti-64 per year, and has recently built and commissioned a state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot production facility for additive manufacturing powders.

To learn more about 6K, please visit www.6Kinc.com

SOURCE 6K
ONEILL  I have been a subscriber for at least 50 years to the Norfolk Daily News. In the past two years, and even lately, Im horrified of the smut articles of sex offenders. Really, do you think the readers want to know each act?
The National Parks Association says developers of power lines connecting the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project to the grid ignored alternatives despite the pylons cutting through a national park.

In an open letter to the Berejiklian government, the association says TransGrid should have detailed other options in its environmental impact statement to the building of two giant 330kV overhead transmission lines. The EIS is near completion.

A photo montage of the Tumut River/Talbingo Reservoir with the likely transmission lines added. Credit:National Parks Association

The letter, signed by present and former engineers and also two dozen environmental groups, said the lines would traverse nine kilometres of the Kosciuszko National Park and adjacent Bago State Forest and require clearing an easement of as much as 200 metres in width in the pristine region.

"Overhead transmission lines are incompatible with our obligations for the protection of Kosciuszko National Park, the Australian Alps National Heritage Place, the UNESCO Kosciuszko International Biosphere Reserve, Aboriginal cultural heritage, head-water catchments for south-east Australias major rivers, unrivalled natural landscapes, and unique biodiversity," the letter said.
Covid-19: Brazil Begins Vaccinations as It Battles Virus Variants The United States is hurtling toward 400,000 total deaths. A W.H.O. panel says the world failed in its initial pandemic response. This briefing has ended. Follow our live Covid-19 coverage.

Brazils halting vaccination effort is underway, as virus variants have already taken root. Video Health officials in Brazil recently began giving the first Covid-19 vaccinations after the countrys health regulator approved two vaccines for emergency use. Credit Credit... Victor Moriyama for The New York Times Brazil on Monday kicked off its nationwide coronavirus vaccination campaign, providing a glimmer of hope in a nation where political infighting, a strained health care system and lax precautions have given the virus free rein. But the rollout is expected to be painfully slow, even as Brazil battles two worrisome new variants of the virus, at least one of which is more contagious and could be contributing to the countrys recent surge of cases. The government is scrambling to buy more vaccine after months of taking a lackadaisical approach, as President Jair Bolsonaro argued that scientists and the media were hyping the seriousness of a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Brazilians. The country now has just six million doses of vaccine on hand for a nation of 213 million. The potential menace of the new variants became clear last week as patients in the northern state of Amazonas asphyxiated to death because hospitals ran out of oxygen amid a sharp rise in critically ill patients. Prosecutors investigating the calamity said at least 16 patients had died. The oxygen shortage is the saddest and most outrageous expression of the governments abject failure at all levels, Alex Machado Campos, a director of the countrys health regulatory agency, said in televised remarks Sunday. Is this a civilized nation or one living through a barbaric dystopia? The lack of vaccine doses is just one of myriad missteps that have hampered the countrys ability to protect its people against the pandemic. Mr. Bolsonaro has been criticized for repeatedly downplaying the threat of the virus, promoting a useless treatment, refusing to wear a mask, sabotaging other officials lockdown measures and, most recently, fueling unfounded fears about the safety of vaccines. Last month, the president, who had Covid-19 and recovered, said he had no intention of getting a vaccine and criticized vaccine providers for asking buyers to sign hold-harmless agreements. After peaking in July, when Brazil regularly had 1,200 coronavirus deaths per day, cases and fatalities dropped gradually for a few months but began to inch up in November. In recent weeks, the country has often reported more than 1,000 deaths a day, and Brazils death toll is second only to that in the United States. Brazilian scientists say the new variants discovered in Brazil could be contributing to the resurgence of the virus there. The one in Amazonas contains a mutation that has been linked with higher contagiousness, and both variants have another mutation that may weaken the efficacy of vaccines. The two mutated viruses have slipped the countrys borders and turned up in other parts of the world, with the latest discovery occurring in South Korea. While virus mutations are common, experts say hard-hit countries like Brazil provide fertile ground for new variants that could hamper the global response. Despite a rise in cases, bars and restaurants are doing brisk business and mask wearing is spotty. The appearance of these variants is directly proportional to peoples lack of care, said Luiz Vicente Rizzo, the head of research at Israeli Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. Ernesto Londono, Manuela Andreoni and

Officials worldwide failed in the early pandemic response, a W.H.O. panel says. Cemetery workers prepared graves in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, on Monday. Credit... Aaron Ufumeli/EPA, via Shutterstock Governments and public health organizations around the world responded slowly and ineffectually to the coronavirus outbreak, according to an interim report by a World Health Organization panel that laid bare a yearlong cascade of failures. The report, an early blueprint for accountability, questions the faulty assumptions, ineffective planning and sluggish responses that helped fuel a pandemic that has killed more than two million people and infected more than 95 million. We have failed in our collective capacity to come together in solidarity to create a protective web of human security, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response wrote. Many of the failings, such as the inability of governments to obtain protective equipment, have long been painfully clear. But the report is stark in its assessment that, time and again, those who were responsible for protecting and leading too often failed to do either. The panel, led by Helen Clark, the former prime minister of New Zealand, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia, is still conducting its investigation. But an interim report, laying out the scope of its inquiry, made clear that the world needs to rethink its approach to outbreaks. The panel called the pandemic alert system slow, cumbersome and indecisive. Investigators said they did not understand why a World Health Organizations committee waited until Jan. 30 to declare an international health emergency. But even when the world health body did send up clear warning signals, the report noted, In far too many countries, this signal was ignored. The report also faulted public health leaders for responding so slowly to early evidence that people without symptoms could spread the new coronavirus. Instead, leading health agencies, including the World Health Organization, provided contradictory and sometimes misleading advice, a New York Times investigation previously found. The report was scheduled to be released Tuesday. Agence France-Presse reported details of the report on Monday evening. A copy was obtained by The Times. Selam Gebrekidan and

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Trump lifted coronavirus travel restrictions from Europe and Brazil; Biden team says it wont last. The Trump administration ended a ban on travelers from Europe and Brazil on Monday. Credit... Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times President Trump on Monday ordered an end to the ban on travelers from Europe and Brazil that had been aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus to the United States, a move that was quickly rejected by aides to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., who said Mr. Biden will rescind the move when he takes office on Wednesday. In a proclamation issued late Monday, Mr. Trump said that the travel restrictions, which applied to noncitizens trying to come to the United States after spending time in those areas, would no longer be needed on Jan. 26, the date on which those passengers will be required to present proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding a flight. Mr. Trump wrote that Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human services, had recommended ending the restrictions on travel from most parts of Europe and Brazil, while maintaining restrictions on Iran and China, which Mr. Trump said had not been cooperative. I agree with the secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from Covid-19 while enabling travel to resume safely, the president said in the proclamation. But Jen Psaki, the incoming White House press secretary for Mr. Biden, said the new administration would not allow Mr. Trumps directives to take effect. With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel, Ms. Psaki tweeted shortly after the White House issued Mr. Trumps proclamation. On the advice of our medical team, the administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26, she said. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Mr. Trumps attempt to alter policy related to the pandemic just two days before he leaves office is in keeping with the unorthodox way he has conducted the transition to a new administration. Normally, departing presidents refrain from issuing new executive orders without consulting with the incoming president. But Mr. Trump has refused to abide by those norms. On Monday, he also issued several other executive orders that will most likely be rescinded or reversed by Mr. Biden, including one that would allow federal agencies to issue new regulations only at the instigation of political appointees. He also issued an executive order directing the federal government not to purchase drones that present unacceptable risks and are manufactured by, or contain software or critical electronic components from, foreign adversaries. The proclamation on the travel restrictions appeared to be an effort to help the airlines and the hospitality industries, which have been hard hit by the ban. In the proclamation, Mr. Trump said that the ban was no longer needed because unrestricted travel into the United States is no longer detrimental to the interests of the United States and added that it was in the interest of the United States to terminate the suspension of entry into the United States of persons who have been physically present in those jurisdictions.

Many nursing home workers in New York State have declined to be vaccinated. A CVS pharmacist preparing a Covid-19 vaccination for residents of a nursing home in Harlem on Friday. Nearly a third of nursing home workers in New York State have declined to be vaccinated. Credit... Yuki Iwamura/Associated Press The number of nursing home workers in New York State who have declined the coronavirus vaccine rivals the number who have been inoculated, raising concerns about vaccine hesitancy among those who are in contact with some of the individuals at highest risk of a severe infection. As of Monday, about 37 percent of the more than 130,000 people working in skilled nursing facilities in the state have been vaccinated, according to the governors office. But 32 percent of the workers have declined to be vaccinated. In some parts of the state, staff members who have declined outnumber those who have been vaccinated. On Long Island, 46 percent declined while 34 percent have been vaccinated. Officials cautioned that the vaccination process for long-term-care facilities was still in its early stages  the first of three inoculation phases concluded on Sunday, and many workers have not had the chance to get vaccinated. They said they hoped the proportion of staff members declining would decrease as they saw their colleagues getting vaccinated safely. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference on Monday that the state had earmarked 225,000 doses for residents and workers in long-term care facilities and that 105,000 had been used. Of the 120,000 unused doses, 15,000 will be reserved for residents and 40,000 for staff members; the remainder will be reallocated to the main vaccination program, Gareth Rhodes, a top aide to Mr. Cuomo, said Tuesday. The vaccination rate among residents was higher: 67 percent have been inoculated, while 16 percent have declined. Workers and residents who are medically able to get the vaccine but had previously declined will still be able to get a shot if they decide to. The state health department has done online events and other educational outreach with nursing homes, largely to address vaccine hesitancy. Many of the workers are lower-income and people of color, communities that tend to have higher rates of vaccine hesitancy. In a speech on Monday marking Martin Luther Kings Birthday, Mr. Cuomo said he understood their distrust, citing the decades-long Tuskegee experiment in which government researchers withheld treatment from Black men infected with syphilis. No one can ameliorate or justify the victimization and discrimination the Black community has endured, Mr. Cuomo said. But, he said, We have had New Yorks doctors, the best on the planet, review the vaccine, and they vouch for it. I will take it as soon as I am eligible. Bryan Pietsch and

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Black clergy and other leaders unite in a community-based fight against Covid-19. A doctor administered a coronavirus test last April at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Credit... Matt Rourke/Associated Press As the United States paused to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Black Americans remained in greater danger of dying from Covid-19 than white Americans. To help turn the tide, a group of clergy and community leaders is working to provide testing, inoculations and counseling in five cities, with plans to expand their community-based approach. The initiative, called Choose Healthy Life, is centered on Black churches in New York, Newark, Detroit, Atlanta and Washington, in partnership with United Way, Quest Diagnostics, local health departments and community-based organizations. It aims to give churches resources, training and support to connect people to services. Dozens of its leaders were joined in a video call on Monday by Anthony S. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, and other top figures in the effort to stop the pandemic. Speakers included the Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network and the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, who serve as chairs for the project; the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who will be Georgias first Black senator; and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the incoming chair of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s Covid-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force. The same disparities that are ingrained in our economy, our housing system, our food system, our justice system and so many other areas of our society, we know are conspiring in this moment to create this grief gap, Dr. Nunez-Smith said on the call. We cannot become numb in the face of such tragedy. Sheena Wright, the president and chief executive of United Way of New York City, said in an interview that the project would seek to harness the power of Black churches, which are credible, trusted messengers as well as caregivers in the community. Were focused on spreading awareness, education and access to testing, vaccines and other care, she said. That care could include helping someone make an appointment; figuring out food delivery or child care arrangements for someone who is sick or needs to quarantine; or addressing concerns and hesitation around vaccines. Unethical medical research, such as the U.S. governments 40-year-long Tuskegee study, has contributed to lingering mistrust in the medical establishment among many communities of color  particularly among Black men, who were the unwilling subjects of the Tuskegee experiment. Theres critical information that we as a community need to hear and digest and execute as it relates to our own health and safety, coming from trusted leaders who can say it in a culturally responsive way, Ms. Wright said.

A former virus data manager was arrested in Florida. Rebekah Jones, a former manager of the Florida Department of Healths coronavirus dashboard, in Tallahassee last month. Credit... Aileen Perilla for The New York Times Rebekah D. Jones, a data scientist who helped manage the Florida Department of Healths coronavirus dashboard before she became a cause celebre when she was fired in May, was arrested on Sunday after the authorities charged her with accessing a state computer system and downloading a file without authorization. Court records show that Ms. Jones surrendered to the police in Tallahassee, Fla., on Sunday. She spent the night in jail and was released after posting bond on Monday. Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found that Ms. Joness computer, which they seized last month, was used to log into the health departments internal emergency alert system on Nov. 10, the day that unauthorized messages were sent to 1,750 department employees, according to an arrest affidavit. Its time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead, the messages read. You know this is wrong. You dont have to be part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before its too late. (The Florida death toll is now more than 24,000.) Investigators also found that Ms. Jones had downloaded and saved to her devices a file containing the personal information for 19,182 people who had given their data to the health department to be contacted in an emergency, the affidavit said. Ms. Jones denied having anything to do with the messages when agents served a search warrant on her Tallahassee townhome on Dec. 7. Lawyers for Ms. Jones did not respond to requests for comment on Monday. Ms. Jones told reporters in Tallahassee that she had tested positive for the coronavirus while in custody. Her lawyers noted last month that the login information for the emergency alert system was easily available to many health department employees and, for months, was even posted online. Censored by the state of Florida until further notice, Ms. Jones wrote on Twitter on Sunday before turning herself in. She had written on Saturday that one of the likely conditions of her release would be having no access to computers, the internet or electronic devices. Ms. Jones had also insisted that agents had found no evidence that she had sent the unauthorized emergency alert messages, though the affidavit made public on Monday said they did. After she was fired for insubordination, Ms. Jones created her own dashboard to rival the states and filed a formal whistle-blower complaint. She also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars online to support her work.

Biden and Harris will honor those who died of the virus at the Lincoln Memorial. Members of the Park Police patrolling the Lincoln Memorial last week. Credit... Oliver Contreras for The New York Times President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., who ran on a platform of addressing the pandemic with competence and compassion, will preside over a national memorial honoring the nearly 400,000 people who have died of the coronavirus shortly after arriving in Washington on Tuesday, his inaugural committee said Monday. Mr. Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and their families plan to participate in the lighting of 400 lights to illuminate the perimeter of the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial in their first stop in the city ahead of Wednesdays inauguration, the committee said. Each light is meant to represent the approximately 1,000 Americans who will have perished related to the virus at the time of his swearing-in. Tuesdays ceremony will kick off a national moment of unity at 5:30 p.m. Eastern that will include similar memorials at the Empire State Building in New York, the Space Needle in Seattle and other landmarks across the country, with events also planned for Mr. Bidens hometowns of Scranton, Pa., and Wilmington, Del. The inauguration represents the beginning of a new national journey  one that renews its commitment to honor its fallen and rise toward greater heights in their honor, the committees chief executive, Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, said in a statement. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, will deliver the invocation at the Lincoln Memorial event. The gospel singers Yolanda Adams and Lori Marie Key will perform at the commemoration. In recent days, the committees staff has reached out to church and civic leaders around the country to participate in the memorial, with a particular focus on involving Black and Latino communities, which have been disproportionately hit by the pandemic. On Sunday, Ron Klain, the incoming White House chief of staff, had a dire forecast for the course of the coronavirus outbreak in the new administrations first weeks, predicting that half a million Americans will have died from the coronavirus by the end of February. The current death toll is nearing 400,000 and on Monday, the United States surpassed 24 million cases of the virus. The virus is going to get worse before it gets better, Mr. Klain said in an appearance on CNNs State of the Union. People who are contracting the virus today will start to get sick next month, will add to the death toll in late February, even March, so its going to take awhile to turn this around. On Friday, federal health officials warned of a fast-spreading, far more contagious variant of the virus that is projected to become the dominant source of infection in the country by March, potentially fueling another wrenching surge of cases and deaths. Glenn Thrush and

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Without a national strategy, U.S. states were left to battle the virus on their own. Community Hospital of Huntington Park in Los Angeles earlier this month. Credit... Philip Cheung for The New York Times For nearly the entire pandemic, political polarization and a rejection of science have stymied the United States ability to control the coronavirus. That has been clearest and most damaging at the federal level, where President Trump claimed that the virus would disappear, clashed with his top scientists and abdicated responsibility for a pandemic that required a national effort to defeat it, handing key decisions to states under the assumption that they would take on the fight and get the country back to business. But governors and local officials who were left in charge of the crisis squandered the little momentum the country had as they sidelined health experts, ignored warnings from their own advisers and, in some cases, stocked their advisory committees with more business representatives than doctors. Nearly one year since the first known coronavirus case in the United States was announced north of Seattle on Jan. 21, 2020, the country is hurtling toward 400,000 total deaths, and cases, hospitalizations and deaths have reached record highs. The situation has turned dire just as the Trump administration, in its final days, begins to see the fruits of perhaps its biggest coronavirus success, the Operation Warp Speed vaccine program. But already, a lack of federal coordination in distributing doses has emerged as a troubling roadblock. The incoming president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., has said he will reassert a federal strategy to bring the virus under control, including a call for everyone to wear masks over the next 100 days and a coordinated plan to widen the delivery of vaccines. We will manage the hell out of this operation, Mr. Biden said on Friday. Our administration will lead with science and scientists. The strategy signals a shift from the past year, during which the Trump administration largely delegated responsibility for controlling the virus and reopening the economy to 50 governors, fracturing the nations response. Interviews by The Times with more than 100 health, political and community leaders around the country and a review of emails and other state government records offer a fuller picture of all that went wrong. Sarah Mervosh, Mike Baker, Patricia Mazzei and

As the U.S. surpasses 24 million cases, Los Angeles confronts a more contagious variant. People waiting in line at a coronavirus testing site in Los Angeles this month. Credit... Alex Welsh for The New York Times As the total number of U.S. coronavirus cases surpassed 24 million on Monday, Los Angeles County, one of the hardest-hit areas, may face even more dire weeks ahead. Deaths in the county have continued to climb as the national death toll nears 400,000. Hospitals have run out of room in intensive care units, though new cases and hospitalizations appear to be leveling off in recent days. The county records a coronavirus-related death roughly every seven minutes, and last week was its highest recorded ever for Covid-19 fatalities. On Saturday alone, 253 people died of Covid-19, and with variants of the virus that could be more contagious now circulating in California, those numbers may rise. It took nearly 10 months for the county, Americas most populous, to hit 400,000 cases, but little more than a month to add another 400,000, from Nov. 30 to Jan. 2, according to a New York Times database. On Saturday, the county became the nations first to surpass one million recorded coronavirus infections, a number only four states other than California have exceeded: Illinois, New York, Florida and Texas. (California on Sunday became the first state to have recorded more than three million cases.) And the true scale of infections may be much higher than reported: One in three Los Angeles residents is believed to have been infected with the virus since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Los Angeles Department of Health. To help quell the spread, the countys public schools have asked health authorities for permission to begin providing Covid-19 vaccinations. The virus is surging across California, where daily deaths are averaging 528, an increase of over 15 percent from a week ago. Much of the state, including the southern region, remains under a stay-at-home order. The crisis has led to a backlog of bodies so severe that the air quality regulator for much of Southern California issued an emergency order on Friday temporarily suspending limits on cremations in Los Angeles County, at the request of the countys coroner and health department. The state is among many dealing with the arrival of a more contagious viral variant, first discovered in Britain; the first confirmed case in Los Angeles was reported on Saturday. It is believed to be potentially 50 percent more transmissible than the initial version of the virus. Officials said they thought the variant, which has caused infections to soar in London and southeast England, has been spreading through Los Angeles for some time. While more contagious, the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness. On Sunday night, the California Department of Public Health reported another variant that had grown more common across the state since December. Known as L452R, it was first detected in Denmark in March and appeared in California in May. In December, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, sequenced genomes of coronavirus gathered around the state and found that the variant was present in just 3.8 percent of their samples. By January, it had jumped to 25.2 percent. Charles Chiu, who led the sequencing, cautioned that he and his colleagues worked with a small sample size, so they have not yet proven that this variant is more contagious. But there are worrisome signs that this variant may be highly transmissible, he said. Dr. Chiu and his colleagues are now looking more carefully for this variant across the state and are trying to understand how its mutations have altered it. They want to see if the variant can escape from monoclonal antibodies and perhaps even make vaccines less effective. These are critical studies that need to be done, Dr. Chiu said. After weeks under a stay-at-home order, the countys positivity rate is starting to taper. Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, said the state and Los Angeles seemed to be in the process of sort of gradually turning a corner here. He cautioned against panicking about the more transmissible variant, noting the same cautious behavior will help keep it at bay: stay home, wear a mask, physically distance. Lucy Tompkins and

Thousands of troops arrive in Washington, without widespread testing. Members of the National Guard last week outside the U.S. Capitol, where up to 25,000 troops are expected for the inauguration on Wednesday. Credit... Jason Andrew for The New York Times In recent days, tens of thousands of National Guard troops have flooded into Washington from across the country to protect lawmakers and ensure a smooth transition to the next administration. The soldiers  several times more troops than are deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria  may also be dealing with another risk: the coronavirus. At least 43 troops deployed to Washington contracted the virus, The Military Times reported, though none while on duty in the city, according to Air Force Capt. Tinashe T. Machona. A spokesman for the National Guard Bureau, Maj. Matt Murphy, said that while Guard members with symptoms were directed to get tested and seek medical care, not all Guard members would be tested. Members underwent temperature checks and filled out questionnaires about their symptoms and exposure, he said. All 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia are involved in this operation, Major Murphy said. To track down all 54 surgeon generals to see if theyre able to release numbers regarding their troops at this time would overwhelm us. Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, said that while it was very important for them to be there, Guard members should be doing everything reasonably possible to prevent the spread, including wearing masks, getting tested and exercising extra caution in higher-risk settings like being in vehicles together, resting in the Capitol (as many have been pictured doing) and eating indoors. Its almost certain that some of them are carrying the virus with such a large crowd, Dr. Marr said. Image Delaware National Guard members, from right, Charles, Reynolds and Valley, who were permitted to give only their last names, on the floor of the Capitol last week. Credit... T.J. Kirkpatrick for The New York Times The troops are frequently photographed in masks, standing at a distance. But many had to sleep huddled in crowded spaces in the Capitol, making room for lawmakers to continue business. Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health, said that systematic testing should be a priority for a group of that size, including for asymptomatic cases. These folks are there to protect our political leaders, but we should not be putting them in harms way unnecessarily by not doing what we can to protect them from the virus, he said. The troops are mostly processed through the D.C. Armory, where they fill out a medical questionnaire, receive credentials and find out about their assignments and other logistics. Earlier this summer, when the National Guard deployed troops to Washington for Black Lives Matter protests, a few tested positive, McClatchy reported at the time. The infected Guard members stayed in the city and quarantined while others went back to their home states.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Egypt denied an oxygen failure killed Covid patients. We found otherwise. Video Ahmed Nafei via Facebook Credit Credit... Ahmed Nafei via Facebook A nurses cry pierced the night from the balcony of an Egyptian hospital. She was screaming that the patients in the Covid-19 intensive care unit were gasping for air. Ahmed Nafei, who was standing outside, brushed past a security guard, dashed in and saw that his 62-year-old aunt was dead. Furious, he whipped out his phone and began filming. It appeared that the hospital had run out of oxygen. Monitors were beeping. A nurse was distressed and cowering in a corner as her colleagues tried to resuscitate a man using a manual ventilator. At least four patients died. Mr. Nafeis 47-second video this month of the chaos at El Husseineya Central Hospital, about two and a half hours northeast of Cairo, spread rapidly on social media. As outrage grew, the government denied that the hospital had run out of oxygen. An official statement issued the following day concluded that the four who died had suffered from complications and denied that the deaths had any connection to an oxygen shortage. Security officers interrogated Mr. Nafei, and officials blamed him for violating rules barring visits and filming inside hospitals. A New York Times investigation, however, found witnesses, including medical staff and relatives of patients, who said in interviews that the oxygen had fallen to precipitously low levels. At least three patients, they said, and possibly a fourth, had died of oxygen deprivation. A close analysis of the video by doctors in Egypt and the United States confirmed that the chaotic scene indicated an interruption in the oxygen supply. The oxygen shortage was the result of a cascade of problems at the hospital, The Timess investigation found. By the time patients were suffocating, a relief delivery of oxygen was already hours late and a backup oxygen system had failed. Were not going to bury our heads in the sand and pretend everything is OK, a doctor at the hospital said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared arrest. The whole world can admit theres a problem, but not us. The governments rush to deny the episode is only the latest example of the lack of transparency in its response to the pandemic, which has led to cynicism and distrust of its public assurances. Mona El-Naggar and

Los Angeles public schools offer to serve as mass inoculation sites. The City of Los Angeles opened a mass vaccination site at Dodger Stadium last week. Credit... Pool photo by Irfan Khan Public schools in Los Angeles, which are already administering a huge coronavirus testing and tracing program for students, teachers and families in the nations second-largest district, have asked the state and county health authorities for permission to begin providing Covid-19 vaccinations, the superintendent said on Monday. Austin Beutner, the superintendent, said the Los Angeles Unified School District was uniquely situated  and uniquely qualified  to help in the vaccination effort, with a dozen licensed clinics, 42 testing locations, more than 450 registered school nurses and partnerships with insurers that would allow them to begin administering inoculations immediately. Though school districts in New York, Kansas City and the California cities of Riverside, Ventura and Long Beach have committed to vaccinate or have begun vaccinating school employees, schools have yet to be broadly deployed for general distribution of coronavirus vaccines. But Los Angeles Unified, which has more than 1,400 K-through-12 schools and serves nearly 700,000 mostly low-income students across 710 square miles of Southern California, has throughout the pandemic operated not only as a school system, but as a large-scale social service and relief organization, distributing nearly 100 million free meals, as well as pandemic supplies and virus tests, to students and employees and to their families. The district is also in a county with soaring rates of coronavirus infection: One-third of Los Angeles County residents are now estimated to have contracted the virus. Were raising our hand and saying, Put me in, coach  we can help, Mr. Beutner said. Last week, counties and cities throughout the state began opening mass inoculation sites by appointment to accommodate patients unable to obtain vaccines from their pharmacists or doctors. The City of Los Angeles opened a site at Dodger Stadium, and Los Angeles County has said it will open five more such sites on Tuesday. It is unclear whether the public health authorities will take the school district up on its offer. But Mr. Beutner called the notion of school-based community vaccination centers just common sense. Schools have been integral to vaccine distributions in the past, operating as sites in the 1950s for the inoculation of millions of schoolchildren against polio, for instance, and in 2009 for the distribution of millions of doses of vaccines for the H1N1 swine flu virus.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

Pop-up vaccine sites at churches aim to help hard-hit communities. A woman received a coronavirus vaccine during a pop-up event at the Grace Cathedral International in Uniondale, N.Y., on Monday. Credit... Laylah Amatullah Barrayn for The New York Times Shortly after Bishop Robert Harris sent out an email last week telling parishioners that his church in Uniondale, N.Y., would be a pop-up site for Covid-19 vaccinations on Martin Luther Kings Birthday, the phone in the office at Grace Cathedral International started ringing nonstop. Members of several other churches in Uniondale had received the emails, and word spread quickly beyond the immediate community, leading to even more calls to register for shots. One woman called me crying, saying, Thank you so much, that theyve just been waiting so long for this, said Shareese Harris, the bishops granddaughter, who was answering the phones at the church office on Friday. She said she hasnt been able to see her newborn grandson because she didnt want to be around him and risk his health, and she just broke down crying. She said it was a prayer answered. The vaccination drive is an element of a health equity outreach project sponsored by Northwell Health, as part of a statewide effort led by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo that aims to take critical Covid-19 health care services into Black and Hispanic communities that were hard-hit by the epidemic. The clinical sites at churches in diverse neighborhoods allow residents without transportation easy access to care at a trusted institution. Many Black and Hispanic churches participated in similar initiatives last spring, when they became temporary sites offering tests for Covid-19 and for antibodies. People of color, including Black, Hispanic, Native American and, to a lesser extent, Asian-Americans, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Another Long Island church, the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Amityville, also hosted a one-day pop-up vaccination clinic on Monday. The two sites hoped to dispense 250 vaccine doses each, and Northwell officials said they hoped to continue the program as long as supplies last. Public opinion surveys have found that Black Americans are more likely than others to be concerned about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines, with a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey reporting that while about one-quarter of Americans are hesitant about the new vaccines, 35 percent of Black Americans said they definitely or probably would not get the vaccine because of concerns about its safety and novelty. But Bishop Harris said the community has lost so many people to Covid-19 that the vaccine will be welcomed. We dont have a history about the long-term impact of the vaccine, but weve got 4,000 people dying a day, said Mr. Harris, 78, who has been vaccinated. Id rather take a gamble with the vaccine than not. You become fearful when it comes so close.

global roundup Portugals health system nears its limits, and other news from across the world. Attending to a patient at the Covid-19 emergency room of Santa Maria hospital in Lisbon last week. Portugal has one of Europes smallest intensive-care capacities. Credit... Patricia De Melo Moreira/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Portugals hospitals are on the brink of becoming overwhelmed with coronavirus cases, with fears the countrys hospital system could buckle in the face of steadily rising infections. The country has registered more than 10,000 new cases of Covid-19 daily for the last five days. Portugal has one of smallest intensive care unit capacities of any country in Europe, with just 672 beds available, and by Sunday, 647 intensive care patients were being treated for the coronavirus, according to the health ministry. After visiting a hospital on Sunday, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal told journalists that there was now greater pressure on health care structures than during the first peak of the outbreak in March. The rate of infections, he added, could rise significantly in the coming weeks and necessitate a much longer lockdown. Portugal began a month of nationwide restrictions on Friday, with measures similar to those the country enforced last spring, including the closure of nonessential stores and an order for citizens to stay at home. Marta Temido, Portugals health minister, said the country was very close to the limit after visiting a hospital in Almada on Sunday and called on citizens to follow the latest lockdown rules in order to help reduce the very high pressure on hospitals. Everybody needs to make sacrifices, she said. Heres what to know from elsewhere in the world: European leaders are set to debate a proposal this week for coronavirus passports that would let vaccinated people travel freely within the bloc. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, where travel restrictions have hit the tourism industry hard, said in a letter to the president of the blocs executive arm that it was urgent for member states to adopt a common understanding on vaccination certificates, according to Reuters. The issue is expected to be discussed on Friday during a video conference on E.U. coronavirus coordination.

Australia s health secretary said the country was unlikely to fully reopen its borders in 2021, despite vaccination efforts and pressures from the tourism industry. Speaking to ABC News on Monday morning, the minister, Brendan Murphy, said that restarting international travel remained a big question. I think that well go most of this year with still substantial border restrictions, he said.

Germany s health ministry has announced plans to systematically sequence coronavirus samples in order to detect and track variants of the virus that have the potential to spread more swiftly. We want to be able to understand even better where known mutations are spreading and whether new mutations are occurring, Jens Spahn, the health minister, said on Monday. The goal is to sequence at least 5 percent of new infections. Mr. Spahn said that while the variant that spread rapidly in England had been found in Germany, it was mostly linked to patients who had traveled from Britain.

In Japan, the health ministry reported three new cases on Monday of the variant that spread in Britain, the first to be discovered among residents with no travel history. Japan has reported a total of 45 cases of three different coronavirus variants, all but these latest three among people who had recently traveled or were close contacts of travelers from Britain, South Africa or Brazil. The three new cases were all confirmed in Shizuoka Prefecture, south of Tokyo and the home of Mount Fuji, Japans highest peak. Raphael Minder, Christopher F. Schuetze, Megan Specia, Motoko Rich and

Indias vaccination campaign is hampered by technical glitches. Vaccinations at a government hospital in Ahmedabad, India, on Saturday. Credit... Ajit Solanki/Associated Press Indias coronavirus vaccine rollout, one of the largest in the world, has been hobbled by technical glitches in a mobile phone application, leaving the country far short of its vaccination goals in the first few days of the campaign. State officials complained of problems with a digital platform called the Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network, or CoWIN, which is used by both vaccine providers and recipients to monitor the campaigns progress. It is mandatory for vaccine recipients to register on the app in order to be inoculated. Dr. Ajoy Kumar Chakraborty, director of health services in the state of West Bengal, said Monday that the software had become overwhelmed and didnt work at many vaccination sites, and that vaccinations were curtailed as a result. In the first phase of the campaign, which began on Saturday, government officials plan to vaccinate 30 million health and frontline workers. On the first day, about 300,000 health care workers were set to be inoculated; the actual number was about 207,000. On Sunday, the number dropped to 17,072. Dr. Manohar Agnani, a senior official in the federal Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said on Sunday that feedback was being collected from states to identify bottlenecks and plan corrective action. India has approved two vaccines for emergency use. One is the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, which is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and is known in the country as Covishield. The other is Covaxin, which was developed by Indias National Institute of Virology with Bharat Biotech, a local pharmaceutical company. The government of India, which has a population of 1.3 billion people, has so far purchased 11 million doses of Covishield and 5.5 million doses of Covaxin, both of which require two doses per person. Unlike the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, no Phase 3 clinical trial data has been released showing that Covaxin is safe and effective. Officials have said that vaccine recipients will not get to choose between the two. Doubts about transparency are only one of the obstacles officials face in trying to end one of the largest outbreaks in the world. India has the second-highest number of cases after the United States, and the third-highest number of deaths after the United States and Brazil, according to a New York Times database.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story

The W.H.O. leader says the world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure in getting vaccines to the poor. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:17 - 0:00 transcript Wall of Inequality, W.H.O. Warns of Vaccine Distribution The head of the World Health Organization says that the promise of equitable access to the vaccines is at serious risk. We now face the real danger that even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality. Its right that all governments want to prioritize vaccinating their own health workers and older people first. But its not right that younger, healthier adults in rich countries are vaccinated before health workers and older people in poorer countries. Thirty-nine million doses of vaccine have now been administered in at least 49 higher income countries. Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest income country. Not 25 million, not 25 thousand, just 25. I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure. And the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the worlds poorest countries. The head of the World Health Organization says that the promise of equitable access to the vaccines is at serious risk. Credit Credit... Tim Gruber for The New York Times The head of the World Health Organization has warned that the world is on the brink of a moral failure in ensuring coronavirus vaccines are distributed among the worlds poorest populations, and that the promise of equitable access to the vaccines is at serious risk. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, speaking at the opening session of a meeting of its executive board, said the world had the opportunity to write a different story than those of past pandemics in which rich countries benefited from widespread access to vaccines while the worlds poor were neglected. We now face the real danger that even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the worlds haves and have-nots, he said. While the stunning scientific achievement of developing a vaccine in under a year has become a much-needed source of hope, Dr. Tedros warned that the world must do more to ensure the equitable distribution of the finite supply of approved vaccines to poorer nations. In recent months, rich nations like the United States and Britain have cut deals with drug manufacturers and secured enough vaccine doses to ensure their citizens could be vaccinated, often multiple times over, and programs have already begun in most. Its right that all governments want to prioritize vaccinating health workers and older people first, he said, but not right for young, healthy people in rich countries to be vaccinated before the more vulnerable. LIVE: @DrTedros' opening remarks at the #EB148. https://t.co/9HyDVXgyUT  World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 18, 2021 Many countries have also committed to support a complex vaccine-sharing scheme called Covax, a collaboration between international health organizations and global partners that is designed to ensure access to vaccines among the worlds poorest nations. But Dr. Tedros said that in recent weeks, worrisome reports had made him fear wealthier nations would not follow through on their commitments. I need to be blunt: The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure, and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the worlds poorest countries, he said. Dr. Tedros noted that even the countries and companies that speak the language of equitable access have continued to prioritize bilateral vaccine deals that circumvent the Covax program, drive up prices and see nations attempting to jump to the front of the queue. This is wrong, he said.

A former British Supreme Court justice was criticized for a comment on less valuable lives. Jonathan Sumption in London in 2010, two years before he joined Britains Supreme Court. He retired from the court in 2018, and has become a prominent anti-lockdown voice. Credit... Ben Stansall/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images A former British Supreme Court justice is drawing condemnation after clashing with a woman with cancer during a televised debate over the countrys lockdown. Jonathan Sumption, 72, who was a Supreme Court justice for six years before retiring in 2018 and has become one of the countrys most prominent anti-lockdown voices, said during a discussion broadcast on the BBC on Sunday that he did not accept that all lives were of equal value. When he argued that the lives of his children and grandchildren were worth much more because of potential years ahead, another panelist pushed back. Im the person who you say their life is not valuable, said Deborah James, who hosts a podcast on the BBC and has stage four, metastatic bowel cancer. Lord Sumption responded: I didnt say it wasnt valuable, I said it was less valuable. Who are you to question and put a value to life? Ms. James then continued. I believe life is sacred and I dont think we should make those judgment calls. The exchange provoked outrage online, with critics calling the former judges position morally deficient, inhumane and reminiscent of arguments for eugenics. Lord Sumption said later that his comments had been misinterpreted, telling the British newspaper The Daily Mail: I object extremely strongly to any suggestion that I was inferring that Miss Jamess life was less valuable because she had cancer. I thought she was responding to my earlier comments about older people being protected by a total lockdown which is causing immense harm to the young who are unaffected. That harm can be to their mental health or through cooping undergraduates up at university or through the loss of jobs. I was saying this should not be inflicted on the young to protect old people like me. One of the problems is that we were talking across each other, he said on another television show, Good Morning Britain, on Monday, adding that he and Ms. James had had a friendly exchange afterward and he regarded the matter as closed. The point he was trying to make, he said, was that policymakers had to make difficult choices including putting a value on human life. This is a tool for policymakers, he said. Its not a way of valuing individuals.

Anti-vaccine groups received more than $1 million in small-business relief loans. A page from the Paycheck Protection Program loan application in May. Credit... Lucas Jackson/Reuters The Paycheck Protection Programs loose rules allowed virtually any small business or company in America to qualify for a government-backed relief loan. Citizens and activist groups have criticized thousands of recipients that they deemed unworthy, including wealthy lawyers, politicians and political lobbyists, publicly traded companies and businesses under government investigation. Now, an advocacy group that fights online misinformation is drawing attention to a group of loan recipients it finds troubling: anti-vaccine activists. Six organizations that have challenged the safety of vaccines and made claims that scientists have called false received loans that collectively added up to more than $1.1 million, according to data from the Small Business Administration, which manages the program. (The data was released last month under a court order, in response to a lawsuit filed by The New York Times and other news organizations.) The groups that received the loans are Childrens Health Defense, founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; the Informed Consent Action Network; the National Vaccine Information Center; Mercola.com Health Resources and Mercola Consulting Services, both affiliated with the prominent vaccine skeptic Joseph Mercola; and the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, a medical practice run by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, a physician and author who opposes vaccines. The loans, which were made by banks and backed by the government, ranged in size from $72,500 to Dr. Tenpennys medical center to $335,000 to Mercola.com. They do not appear to violate Small Business Administration rules: P.P.P. loans were widely available to any small company or nonprofit (generally those with 500 or fewer workers) willing to certify that current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support their continuing operations. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, a London-based advocacy group, uncovered the loans and alerted The Washington Post, which first reported on them. Imran Ahmed, the groups chief executive, called it bananas that such groups were eligible for taxpayer-funded relief money. Theres an anomaly here, Mr. Ahmed said. The P.P.P. was needed to deal with the economic shock of Covid, and the anti-vaxxers fundamentally inhibit our ability to defeat Covid and move past this. Barbara Loe Fisher, the president of the National Vaccine Information Center in Sterling, Va., said by email that her group applied for the loan when it became apparent that lockdowns and social distancing restrictions directly threatened the job security of a number of our employees and jeopardized continued rental of our Virginia headquarters office. The group used the loan to retain all of its 21 workers, she said. Ms. Fisher disputed the notion that her group is anti-vaccine. The organization does not make vaccine use recommendations and encourages everyone to become fully informed about the risks and complications of infectious diseases and vaccines, she said. The Paycheck Protection Program distributed $523 billion to more than five million small companies from April to August to help them endure the shutdowns and other economic shocks caused by the coronavirus pandemic. So long as recipients use most of the money to pay their workers and comply with other rules, the loans are eligible to be fully forgiven and paid off by the U.S. government.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story
But the court considered the 2014 interactions were "more complex" and could ultimately be used to argue to overturn Mr Madafferis convictions. In 2014, Mr Acquaro approached police following a story in The Age that linked the Calabrian mafia to a string of drive-by shootings targeting the Woodstock pizza outlets in Carlton North and Moonee Ponds. By this time, Mr Acquaro was no longer representing Madafferi, after an escalating dispute with the Madafferi family. "He described his falling out with Madafferi, expressed his anger about the manner in which Madafferi had drawn his sons into his sphere of influence, and reported that Madafferi was standing over traders at the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the company of a man with a gun. He also reported a threat to his own life," the court said. Some of the information he provided was used to further investigations such as that into the pizza outlet shootings.

"These documents primarily record police action taken on information provided by Acquaro about criminal activity that was then ongoing or had taken place in the relatively short period since Acquaro had ceased acting for Madafferi," the court said. Loading "We do not consider that Acquaro reporting what he knew about current or ongoing serious criminal activity, particularly threats against himself, involved any breach of duty to Madafferi." Mr Acquaro was assigned the number F710FDB during his period of contact with police from March to June 2014, which included recorded meetings. At the time, concerns that Mr Acquaro could have a conflict of interest were raised because he had previously represented both Frank Madafferi and his brother Tony.

"Acquaro said he was not conflicted in the sense Im divulging anything in relation to them and I think its pretty obvious what  my relationship is with them or has been with them, 'cos theres no longer a relationship any more ' " the court said. "[Mr Acquaro said:] 'I dont have a professional relationship with Tony. I have a professional relationship with Frank  Ive always said that Im not going to infringe on my professional capacity.' " But the court found the "flavour of the discussions" could be open to interpretation that Mr Acquaro and police shared a common desire for Frank Madafferi to be "locked up". "Towards the end of the conversation, Acquaro stated that he felt responsible for creating a monster (namely, Madafferi) to which [police] responded, 'All right. Now you can destroy it'," one recording said. Mr Acquaro also provided specific information about Madafferis legal position and other matters that could be considered a breach.

"(The recordings) reveal that Acquaro disclosed to the police not only purported problems that he knew of in the prosecution case against Madafferi, but other matters that could be used to put pressure on Madafferi, such as his involvement in a 'sham' charitable foundation and potential problems with his immigration status," the court said. Loading "These are matters that may reflect on the independence of the advice and representation that Madafferi received from Acquaro." "We consider that the 2014 transcripts (and the related materials) may be of substantial assistance to Madafferi in his appeal," the court found. In the case of Saverio Zirillis appeal, the court accepted that Mr Acquaros informing in 2014 could have a logical flow on for his case too.

It could be said that, although he pleaded guilty, his decision to do so had been heavily influenced by the pressure placed upon him by the barrage of legal advice that he received from both Mr Acquaro and Ms Gobbo," the court said. As regards Mr Acquaro, there might be legitimate questions as to whether he provided Mr Zirilli with independent and impartial advice. In denying Victoria Police's applications on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal said: "The judgment of the court is that, to the extent that the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police makes application for an order that the existence or non-existence of information pertaining to whether or not Joseph Acquaro was or was not a police informer is subject to public interest immunity, that application is refused." Public interest immunity claims are designed to prevent the release of information that could prejudice a police investigation, reveal law enforcement methodologies or expose the identity of informers and undercover operatives.


Ahead of Joe Bidens inauguration as the 46th president of the United States, a broad and fairly cohesive political coalition of Middle Eastern capitals are preparing to present the new administration in Washington with a clear and determined stand: There is no going back to the original 2015 nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran. Iran must not be rewarded for its actions. Conditions have changed as has the situation on the ground. The United States must leverage the achievements of the sanctions on Iran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely be the unofficial leader of this Middle Eastern front and the one to present its position in Washington. He is coordinating positions with Israels Gulf allies (although he has encountered recent difficulties with Saudi Arabia, angered by the leak of his late November meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman), as well as those in Amman and Cairo.

Some states in the Middle East are even more stressed out than Israel about the changes in the White House, a senior political official in Jerusalem told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. They are troubled by the people with which [President-elect Joe] Biden has surrounded himself, by the fact that [former President Barack] Obamas people, who were involved in negotiations with Iran on the nuclear agreement, have been appointed to senior positions in Bidens administration, and by what they regard as an exaggerated focus on human rights and democratization.

The official was referring to the appointments of Anthony Blinken as secretary of state, William Burns as CIA director and former Iran deal negotiator Wendy Sherman as deputy US secretary of state. Netanyahu has tasked Mossad chief Yossi Cohen with trying to mobilize this nervous group in order to make it clear to Washington that the region has undergone change. His prospects of success are uncertain.

There is also no certainty that Netanyahu can finagle a meeting with Biden prior to the March 23 elections in Israel. Before then, Biden is unlikely to invite him for fear of being perceived as interfering in domestic Israeli politics and handing Netanyahu the advantage he seeks for his fourth reelection bid in less than two years.

At their first meeting, whenever it takes place, Netanyahu will present the new president with fresh intelligence backed by older information Israel brought to Jerusalem in 2018 along with Irans nuclear archives: irrefutable proof that Iran lied when it consistently denied the existence of its nuclear military program. That information, too, should make the Americans realize their past mistakes and the importance of a steadfast stand now vis-a-vis the ayatollahs regime, a former senior Israeli security official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.

The coalition Netanyahu is piecing together has been buoyed by a recent Pentagon decision that has largely escaped media attention, moving Israel from the responsibility of the US European Command (EUCOM) to that of the Central Command (CENTCOM). Israel was under EUCOM purview for decades despite its territorial proximity to CENTCOM, whose area of responsibility covers the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and parts of Asia. Now, in light of Israels newly normalized relations with many Sunni states in the region, geographic order has been restored.

The move is not just symbolic. The regional architecture has changed, a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. CENTCOM is coordinating positions with the countries of the region, which now include Israel and its allies. This has implications for the level of cooperation, intelligence sharing and intimacy. As regards the fight against Iran, from now on the Americans will hear the entire chorus on one stage.

Meanwhile, Israel and the Gulf States are encouraged by talk from the incoming administration. There have been quite a few encouraging pronouncements, said the Israeli diplomatic source. The Americans are signaling their understanding that 2021 is not 2015, they are signaling that they will not be naive and that they understand the extent of the risks and the volatility of the situation in the region.

According to current assessments by Israeli analysts, unlike the Obama administration, the Biden administration will conduct an intimate strategic dialogue with Israel and Israels allies in the region before making a final decision on the Iran nuclear issue. We have good reason to believe that will be the case, another senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. We hear it in remarks by Biden associates and his close circle. We do not believe that we will wake up one morning to discover that secret negotiations are underway between the US and Iran, as we did in Obamas days.

The major problem, as outlined by the second senior diplomatic source, is the Biden administrations understandable desire to distance itself as far as possible from the policies and legacy of President Donald Trump. We hope they make an exception on the Iran issue, he said. We will do all we can to bring all the necessary information to their attention and prove to the Americans that they must leverage the achievements of the sanctions in order to get Iran to accept significant improvements to the nuclear agreement.

Israeli officials believe the Biden administration will weigh two options: A moderate one in which the Iranians commit to reverting to the original agreement and give up the assets they acquired since the United States pulled out of the deal in return for a significant lifting of sanctions. Jerusalem would regard such a scenario as a harsh strategic blow. Netanyahu is hoping Biden opts for a second, tougher approach  lifting sanctions slowly, gradually and cautiously in exchange for Iran's return to an amended agreement that includes an extended deadline of 25 years rather than 15 and plugging the loopholes on its ballistic missile project and regional conduct.

We are hearing encouraging remarks from Europe, too, the second diplomatic source added. The Europeans also understand that simply going back to the original agreement is not possible and that there is real need for improvements.
Super Happy Fun America leader Mark Sahady remains in federal custody Tuesday after he appeared in court on charges related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Sahady, 46, of Malden, faces a detention hearing Thursday afternoon in Boston federal court. U.S. Assistant Attorney William Bloomer said Sahady poses a a serious risk of obstructing justice if released.

Sahadys attorneys pushed back against the motion to detain Sahady, arguing he only went to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 to listen to a speech by President Donald Trump and to peacefully protest the certification of electoral votes.

Youre sort of punishing people for their First Amendment activity or their political associations, Rinaldo Del Gallo said during a virtual initial appearance Tuesday afternoon.

Absolutely not, absolutely not, Bloomer said in response to the idea that Sahadys arrest was politically motivated.

During the hearing, Del Gallo said Sahady was inside the U.S. Capitol in an area that wasnt corded off.

When he was asked to leave by police, they said if you leave, nothing will happen to you, Del Gallo said.

Sahady and Suzanne Ianni, who was also arrested Tuesday morning, are involved in the organization Super Happy Fun America, which sent scores of people to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 before the violence that killed five people on Capitol Hill. The organization, where Sahady is vice president, is known for organizing a straight pride parade in downtown Boston in August 2019.

Sahady and Ianni were charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal ordered the release of Ianni, 59, of Natick, on the condition that she remain in the state except to attend a court hearing in Washington, D.C. next week. She is barred from going to any organized protest, rally or demonstration without prior permission from court officials.

Ianni, a Natick Town Meeting member, is also barred from going the Massachusetts State House. The state building has seen heightened security in recent weeks since an FBI bulletin went out warning of possible armed protests in state capitols around the country following the violence at the capitol earlier this month.

Natick residents launched an online petition to have her removed from local office, but the town moderator said Natick does not have a provision in place to remove an elected official from office beyond not reelecting them.

Ianni organized the 11 buses in Massachusetts that sent supporters of Trump to the U.S. Capitol two weeks ago, court records say.

FBI agents identified Sahady and Ianni through social media. The Super Happy Fun America Twitter page posted pictures of them on a bus with the caption, Bus 1 of 11 coming to Washington, D.C. See you there!

The FBI, citing photos from the insurrection, said it found Ianni and Sahady standing outside and inside the Capitol building, confirming the two were there together.

Iannis initial appearance came first around 2:45 p.m. Sahadys initial appearance was delayed nearly an hour as he conferred with his primary attorney for Tuesdays hearing, Jane Peachy.

Bloomer said Sahady made concerning remarks as he was arrested Tuesday morning: he instructed his mother not to turn over his cellphone or to let anyone into his room or to go into his room herself. Bloomer also referenced witness intimidation and assault and battery charges against Sahady dating back to 2000, but those charges were dismissed.

I suggest that this information shows that the defendant is a serious risk to obstruct justice, Bloomer said. Therefore, I would ask the court allow the governments motion.

Del Gallo questioned the relevance of charges that were ultimately dropped. He said Sahadys comments during his arrest is what anyone charged with a crime should do.

Arguing authorities didnt have enough reasoning to detain Sahady, Del Gallo suggested federal authorities were comparing Super Happy Fun America members going to a Trump address as comparable to the Guy Fawkes rebellion, calling it extreme language.

Peachy, who also represented Sahady on Tuesday, said no evidence suggests Sahady participated in any of the violence at the Capitol two weeks ago.

Sahadys detention hearing is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday.

Related content:
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.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
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
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin said he wants Ireland to have a deeper relationship with the United States as Joe Bidens presidency begins tomorrow.

He said that could see Ireland and the US cooperate more on matters such as the provision of international humanitarian aid.

In terms of the Irish connection, there will be open doors. Obviously thereve been challenges around trade and investment and other issues, Mr Martin told Domhnal Slattery, chief executive of Dublin-based aircraft leasing company Avolon, in an interview at the virtual Airfinance Journal conference today.

We would like to see ourselves as the bridge builder between the United States and the European Union, added Mr Martin.

He said theres an opportunity across the EU, the US and the UK to have people with common values in terms of democracy.

There are opportunities there to re-cultivate that and re-nurture that type of thinking, he said. Im looking forward to the global impact of a Biden presidency, notwithstanding all of the undoubted challenges that will come his way and will come our way.

Im looking at deeper relationships between Ireland and the United States, he added. There will be opportunities for us to partner with the US in Africa in terms of food policy and so on.
NEW HAVEN  Jonnathan Jara-Aucapina, charged with murder in the death this summer of his former live-in girlfriend, East Haven mother Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca, made a brief video appearance in Superior Court Tuesday, telling a judge he did not even know he had a court date.

I didnt know I had a court date. I didnt know nothing, Jara-Aucapina said via a video hookup. Im in jail.

Jara-Aucapina, who was given a court-appointed attorney after previously appearing in court with a privately-hired lawyer, will return for a virtual pretrial hearing Feb. 25.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Jara-Aucapino, a native of Ecuador who is the father of an 8-year-old daughter with Aleman-Popoca, spoke from a room at the New Haven Correctional Center on Whalley Avenue, where he is being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

His new lawyer, Senior Assistant Public Defender Mary Miller Haselkamp, addressed Superior Court Judge Gerald L. Harmon from a hearing room around a corner from the courtroom in the Church Street courthouse, where more serious Part A matters are heard.

Aleman-Popocas family, including her father, Albino Aleman Sedeno, and younger sister, Yaneth Aleman, stood at the entryway to the hearing room after arriving just as the hearing began. They declined to comment on the case.

Afterward, they met briefly with the prosecutor, Assistant States Attorney Reid Durham.

Jara-Aucapina, who was arrested by East Haven police on a warrant Dec. 27, was represented by New Haven attorney Susan Red when he was arraigned Dec. 28, but told the judge Tuesday, Were not hiring her  were going with a public defender, and that Red did not want to take his case.

Jara-Aucapinas arrest came nearly six months after Aleman-Popoca, 27, was reported missing in early July and 51/2 months after her body was found in a shallow grave behind a dumpster at LoMonacos Ristorante Italiano in Branford, the restaurant where Jara-Aucapina worked.

The state chief medical examiners officer ruled in early September that Aleman-Popocas death was a homicide and the cause of her death was homicidal asphyxia, according to state Chief Medical Examiner Dr. James Gill.

Aleman-Popoca, a native of Mexicos Guerrero state, came to the U.S. at age 16 with her younger sister, Aleman, now 24. She was reported missing July 3 by family and Jara-Aucapina.

Aleman has been taking care of her late sisters daughter, Astrid, since Aleman-Popoca disappeared.

Aleman and her father, both of New Haven, repeatedly had called for justice for Aleman-Popoca during the weeks and months since her disappearance and the discovery of her body, pressing the issue in a rally on the steps of Town Hall and during a Day of the Dead procession in New Havens Fair Haven section, among other venues.

The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Aleman-Popocas daughters future upbringing. As of Tuesday, $11,850 had been raised toward a $50,000 goal.

mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com
ROME, JAN 19 - Former League party treasurer Francesco Belsito did not damage the image of the nationalist, anti-migrant and Euroskeptic group when he was convicted of embezzling party funds, a Genoa appeals court ruled Tuesday, turning down a request for half a million euros in damages. Former interior minister Matteo Salvini's League had filed charges against Belsito and three businessmen saying they hit the formerly secessionist party's popularity in 2011-2013, when it dropped in opinion polls. Salvini has since recast the once-regionalist party as a national force and turned it into Italy's top-polling party. League founder and former longtime leader Umnberto Bossi, Belsito and three ex auditors were found guilty of fraud against the State estimated at 49 million euros, between 2008 and 2010, for illicit electoral spending reimbursements. Lawyers representing the League agreed on an arrangement with prosecutors for the seizure of party funds related to the convictions for fraud. Under the arrangement, agreed in autumn 2019, 100,000 euros are being confiscated every two months for a total of 600,000 euros a year. (ANSA).
How To Find Market Momentum Trades for Explosive Gains

Every morning before the markets open I share my video chart analysis of the days price action in the indexes, metals, bonds, and more for members of the BAN Trader Pro service. Today we look at the futures of the major indexes, bonds, gold, silver, and miners. I review our open trades and I go through my BAN Hotlist in detail, showing members how to take advantage of the hottest sectors. Learn how we manage risk and implement our BAN (Best Asset Now) strategy to consistently beat the market.

Click on the video below to watch todays members-only analysis

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




As the total number of U.S. coronavirus cases surpassed 24 million on Monday, Los Angeles County, one of the hardest-hit areas, may face even more dire weeks ahead. Deaths in the county have continued to climb as the national death toll nears 400,000.

Hospitals have run out of room in intensive care units, though new cases and hospitalizations appear to be leveling off in recent days. The county records a coronavirus-related death roughly every seven minutes, and last week was its highest recorded ever for Covid-19 fatalities.

On Saturday alone, 253 people died of Covid-19, and with variants of the virus that could be more contagious now circulating in California, those numbers may rise.

It took nearly 10 months for the county, Americas most populous, to hit 400,000 cases, but little more than a month to add another 400,000, from Nov. 30 to Jan. 2, according to a New York Times database. On Saturday, the county became the nations first to surpass one million recorded coronavirus infections, a number only four states other than California have exceeded: Illinois, New York, Florida and Texas. (California on Sunday became the first state to have recorded more than three million cases.)
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.
General Hokanson and other Pentagon officials took pains to say that most National Guard members  volunteer citizen-soldiers  put their lives on the line at home and abroad to protect the United States and the Constitution.

Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island and the likely new chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said in a statement that the men and women of the National Guard put their lives on hold to answer the call to service.

They will defend the U.S. Capitol with their lives, he said, and I trust them implicitly with mine.

The acting defense secretary, Christopher C. Miller, said on Sunday that the F.B.I. was helping the military vet more than 25,000 National Guard members being deployed to help protect the Capitol and areas in central Washington because of potential security concerns.

All military personnel, including those in the National Guard, undergo extensive background investigations and physical examinations, including assessments of tattoos. They are continuously monitored for indications that they are involved in extremist activity and receive training to identify others around them who could be insider threats.

Pentagon and National Guard officials said on Tuesday that existing vetting procedures were sufficient to identify and weed out violators. I dont see any current change in policies, General Hokanson said.

Lloyd J. Austin III, Mr. Bidens pick for defense secretary, acknowledged during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that extremists in the military were a problem and said their removal would be a priority if the Senate confirmed him. The job of the Department of Defense is to keep America safe from our enemies, he said. But we cant do that if some of those enemies lie within our own ranks.
Ukrainian diplomats are preparing the visit of President of France Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine.

"Indeed, Macron's visit to Ukraine is planned. We work [to prepare it] every day: primarily, to prepare significant content of the agenda of this visit," Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to France Vadym Omelchenko said during the online conference "Seven years after Maidan" organized on January 18 by the Eastern Circles geopolitics club and the Ukraine Crisis Media Center, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He stressed that the last meeting of the Ukraine-France Joint Commission had 17 issues on the agenda and their number continues to grow.

"We hope that several important large-scale contracts will be signed during the French president's visit to Ukraine," the ambassador added.

In particular, he mentioned a large contract between the Government of Ukraine and Alstom for the supply of electric locomotives. The agreement will provide for the localization of production in Ukraine.

In addition, the ambassador hoped that a contract to expand cooperation with Alstom on the construction of high-speed railways between Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa could be signed.

The ambassador also informed that Ukraine and France plan to agree on the construction of drinking water stations.

Omelchenko expressed his conviction that Ukraine is a modern technological state.

"Despite the conflict in Donbas, the occupation, Ukraine has made a real leap in technological development and is moving forward very quickly," the diplomat added.

ol
ROME, JAN 19 - Regional Affairs Minister Francesco Boccia on Tuesday ruled out central government agreeing to a proposal by Lombardy's new welfare chief, former Milan mayor Letizia Moratti, for a region's GDP to be a factor in deciding its allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine. Lombardy, the regional around Milan, is one of the driving forces of the Italian economy. "The vaccination campaign is needed to protect the health of the Italian people, bring the number of victims down to zero, take away congestion in hospitals and take the country back to normality," said Boccia. "Using GDP as a parameter for the allocation of vaccines is a hypothesis that goes against civilization and universal rights, even if linked to the density of businesses (in a region). "I imagine it was just an unfortunately remark, not a formal proposal. "We have never received such a proposal". (ANSA).
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
2 1 of 2 Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Marie D. De Jesus, MBI / AP Show More Show Less



In November 2014, four people were killed at the DuPont chemical plant in La Porte after being exposed to toxic gas. Here are the top six things you should know about the disaster and its aftermath:

1. Around 3 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2014 close to 24,000 pounds of deadly methyl mercaptan, a flammable gas, was released through two valves in a poorly ventilated insecticide production unit at the facility, killing three operators and a shift supervisor. It was the deadliest accident at a chemical plant in the Houston area in more than a decade.
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 9:50 am

When Diane DeBacker worked as state education commissioner in Kansas, educators talked often and openly about their schools' standardized test scores.

Then, in 2018, she moved to Seattle, where everything was different.

"We didn't stand in front of a board and talk about how our schools did," said DeBacker, who worked as Seattle Public Schools' top academic officer until earlier this month. "I was like, huh, we don't lead with assessments in Seattle. That's kind of comforting."

Now, with the nation's education system rocked by a pandemic that led to the pause of a broad swath of standardized tests, some education leaders say it's time to rethink testing. They are questioning what the tests measure, and whether they should continue to be used as a primary way to determine success and failures in public schools.

Last year, for the first time since the No Child Left Behind Act passed, federal law didn't require states to administer standardized tests, which means there's no way to conclusively know how students are doing.

Because a major national test, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), was suspended, this year's state tests would provide the first quantitative answer  if they proceed. Some local and state leaders don't want the state tests to resume this year, in part because they will be challenging to administer remotely. It'll be up to the Biden administration to decide.

To some, like DeBacker, the pause provides an opportunity to rethink the way we turn the lessons students learn into numbers on spreadsheets. Tests have evolved since their introduction to federal policy: They're more nuanced, with providers hiring experts to examine their cultural competence.

But at the end of the day, they're still looking at performance on a specific set of subjects.

"Having so many states say we're just not going to do those tests ... is telling," said Bernadette Merikle, executive director of the Community Center for Education Results, a nonprofit that formed after seven South King County school districts created a partnership to boost learning and share expertise.

A common critique of standardized testing goes like this: Tests focus on one narrow aspect of learning and don't always match other signs of success. And, amid a year of racial reckoning, many are questioning how effectively tests reward the specific kinds of intelligence that many students of color often bring to the table, like survival skills and storytelling.

But reinventing testing is tricky. For a test to be effective, it needs to provide specific information about an individual student's performance. It must also be consistent enough to be rolled up and compared, from Tukwila to Walla Walla.

Chris Reykdal, state schools superintendent, said that instead of state tests, he wants to see an amped-up national NAEP test, with more meaningful exams for students in classrooms.

Testing during a pandemic

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has long been an outlier in its attitude toward standardized testing. In 2013, nearly all teachers at Garfield High declined to administer a district test, calling it a waste of time.

That sentiment animated various Facebook groups this year, when some parents pushed back after learning the district would try to measure student learning through districtwide midyear tests amid a pandemic.

In December, SPS Superintendent Denise Juneau made the tests optional, citing those concerns.

As DeBacker saw it, there were pros and cons: "There isn't the appetite for it," she said. She added it was the right thing to do, but it means that the district can't precisely say how well students are doing. "To say whether or not we have learning loss, I can't tell you," she said.

That's a common sentiment outside Seattle. The federal government suspended the only national test that allows for comparisons between states, because of this year's closures.

Reykdal wants the NAEP to be expanded to function as Washington's statewide test. He questioned why the federal government would pause the national test but still count on states to administer their own tests, especially with so many students still at home.

Testing backlash

When standardized testing became a big part of federal policy, the rhetoric around No Child Left Behind framed low performance as punitive  leading district leaders, union heads and teachers to oppose testing in general. The rhetoric highlighted the problems of reducing students to a single test score. And even though policies softened, that feeling has not.

Because of their perceived consequences, tests "have become a boogeyman for a whole host of issues," said Laura Jimenez, director of standards and accountability at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning nonprofit.

In Washington, there aren't many serious consequences attached to tests for students. "We scared states to the point of them not wanting to innovate," said Jimenez, who worked in the Obama administration.

Magda Chia, a former teacher, leads strategy for the Smarter Balanced Achievement Consortium, the group behind Washington's statewide standardized tests. She said it is reasonable that people would question testing during a year of racial reckoning. Standardized tests have racist roots  following the Civil War, some Southern state governments used literacy tests to keep Black people out of the voting booth.

"The test didn't change between last year and this year," she said. "The context in which the country finds itself has definitely changed."

One argument for standardized testing: Without tests, there wouldn't be quantitative evidence of structural racism in academics. Merikle questions that narrative. "You don't have to have a test to see that a teacher never calls on the Black kid," Merikle said. "Just walk the halls and look at discipline data and who gets referred for what. We don't need a test to see that."

Parents' opinions are mixed. "Standardized tests are important because it's the only way administrators can have a snapshot of how students are learning content," said Charmane Marshall, a parent in Issaquah. "As long as it's not used to track students."

On the other hand, said Siobhan Ake, another Issaquah parent, "standardized testing is skewed," because it doesn't measure how kids can think differently.

The future of testing

Even people who work on tests now say they need to improve.

Jack Buckley, who ran the federal government's education statistics arm and worked for the College Board before leading assessment and learning science at the gaming company Roblox, pointed to contrasts: "The assessments that persisted during the pandemic are the ones that deliver value," he said. Advanced Placement tests give students college credits. "People jumped through hoops (to continue them) because people value it," he said.

Chris Minnich leads NWEA, a research-based nonprofit that administers the MAP test. NWEA was in the news this fall for its report on pandemic-era learning, as measured by the scores on the MAP, a test districts use to follow student growth. Minnich is working on a Louisiana pilot that uses exams that ask questions explicitly based on curriculum. "There is not as wide of an achievement gap if you test on what they've been taught, passages they've read," he said.

In places like Maine, Nebraska, Alabama and Georgia, he's looking into replacing the intense end-of-year-tests with shorter exams given across the year.

One alternative: A "portfolio model," in which educators look at students' work over time. But that's hard at a systemic level, because the results depend on human judgment.

In Bellevue, administrators are seeking to paint a broader picture. The big tests aren't going away soon, said Eva Collins, deputy superintendent for student academic performance and instructional leadership. "We're looking at what else do kids know and are able to do, and how can we show that through performance tasks?"

Merikle has ideas for simplifying things. "When you're in right relationship with the parent, you understand what it is that the parent wants," Merikle said.

And Merikle is thinking about an alternative form of accountability: family power. Parents can say they're not showing up on the day when schools count their districtwide attendance until they diversify their teacher force or evaluate the system.

"If you go to Target and buy something and it doesn't work, it is on you to start that process to get reparations and make it right?" Merikle said. "For our students sitting in classes thinking this doesn't represent me, I'm bored, I don't want to be here, it is on them to say I'm not coming to this class anymore."

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Islamabad: Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said that the foreign funding case is "the biggest scandal in Pakistan's political history" and its central character is Prime Minister Imran Khan, reported Dawn.

He accused Khan of illegally collecting millions of rupees and using it "for political disruption and election rigging by bringing the money into the country through hundi and other means".

Rehman said the foreign funding case against the ruling PTI has been pending for six years while the Prime Minister took "the mother of NROs" to create political instability in Pakistan and "used funds collected in the name of charity for personal business and spreading chaos, illegally and through secret accounts".

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The foreign funding case against the PTI was filed in November 2014 by Akbar S Babar, a founding member of the party. The case relates to allegations of undisclosed foreign funding of the PTI, reported Dawn.

"We will demand the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to immediately give a decision on the crime which has been accepted," he said, adding that further delays were giving rise to doubts and suspicions.

Referring to former premier Nawaz Sharif, Rehman said, on one hand, a decision was issued against an elected prime minister within six months, while a case was pending against a "selected" prime minister for six years. "What kind of justice is this?" he asked.

Ahead of the scheduled march to ECP today (January 19) by PDM - an 11-party alliance against Imran Khan, the Maulana reiterated that PDM members were democratic people and followed the Constitution and law. "We want the freedom of democracy in the country because that is the demand of the Constitution and the law," he added.

"The PDM leadership will enthusiastically stage a protest demonstration in front of the Election Commission regarding the foreign funding case," said the Maulana after a meeting of the PDM steering committee in Islamabad.

The PDM chief appealed to Pakistanis to participate in the protest for the sake of "national security" and against "obtaining funds from anti-Pakistan lobbies".

The PDM had announced last week that it would stage a demonstration outside the ECP offices in Islamabad on January 19, when the commission is set to resume the hearing of the foreign funding case against the PTI on Tuesday, reported Dawn.

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.
(Newser)  Being on probation, Bryan Betancur knows his movements are tracked electronically by parole and probation officers. After his GPS monitor showed the Maryland man was in the US Capitol on the afternoon of Jan. 6during the mob attackhe was arrested. Federal court documents say Betancur has said he belongs to several white supremacist organizations, WJZ reports. The filing also says he's expressed "homicidal ideations, made comments about conducting a school shooting and has researched mass shootings." And it accuses him of saying he wants to be a "lone wolf killer." According to the FBI, his parole officer said Betancur has admitted to being in the Capitol, saying he was hit with tear gas during the attack. The agency also said he was worried about being under FBI surveillance.

story continues below

Betancur was arrested Sunday and charged with entering a restricted building or grounds, unlawful activities on Capitol Grounds, and disorderly conduct, per WUSA. Betancur, who is on probation for a fourth-degree burglary conviction, had asked permission to go to Washington to sell Bibles. The trip was approved but didn't include the OK to go to the Capitol or "to assemble, display flags, or parade on the Grounds or in the Capitol building," the affidavit said. The probation officers' software indicated Betancur went toward the White House Ellipse, where President Trump spoke that day, then to the area near the west front of the Capitol, agents said. Investigators reported finding photos on social media of Betancur in a Proud Boys shirt while displaying a Confederate flag in the Capitol on Jan. 6. (Read more Capitol attack stories.)
Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 75F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 44F. WNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 65F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
China's foreign trade with the EU totaled 4.05 trillion yuan ($620 billion) in the first 11 months of 2020, an uptick of 4.7 percent from a year ago, making China the largest trading partner of the EU.

As of November last year, China received actual investment of $117.98 billion from 27 countries in the trade bloc, and invested over $80 billion the other way around. These figures well explain the resilience and potential of China-EU economic and trade relations.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has placed huge impacts on international air transport market, the Air FranceKLM, the largest airline company in Europe, still expanded their cargo transport business thanks to the stable growth and market demand of the China-EU trade.

At present, there are two cargo flights of the group flying between China and Europe, carrying food, electronic equipment and garments from Europe, as well as medical supplies, smart phones, toys, and computer hardware from China.

Toon Balm, General Manager of Air France KLM, Greater China, said China is an important market of the group that enjoys huge cooperation potential. The country was the first to control the pandemic and resume work, and has basically recovered its domestic aviation market, which injected confidence for Europe to expect a recovery of its market.

China-Europe freight trains made 12,400 trips last year, carrying over 1.13 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), up 50 percent and 56 percent from a year ago, respectively. A total of 9.31 million pieces of anti-pandemic supplies weighing 76,000 tonnes were transported, which forcefully advanced anti-pandemic cooperation between China and countries and regions along the rail lines, and played an important role in stabilizing global industrial and supply chains.

Terespol, a border town in Poland, is the first stop of the China-Europe freight trains after they enter Europe. Its mayor Jacek Danieluk said the town has benefited a lot from the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Europe freight service. The cargo service is expected to bring more investment to the countries along its routes, and Terespol looks forward to further deepening cooperation with China, he added.

An investigation by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China found that the pandemic didn't discourage European enterprises from investing in China. Eighty-nine percent of the European respondents said they would stay in China, and 2/3 considered the country as one of their top 3 investment destinations. Many European enterprises were expanding their investment in China, the investigation said.

According to Fabrice Megarbane, president of the North Asia Zone of beauty giant L'Oreal, L'Oreal China secured a business growth of 20.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2020, and all its divisions saw their market share rise, especially the e-commerce and high-end cosmetics sectors. The robust performance in the Chinese market also helped the group secure positive year-on-year growth in the third quarter, he said.

Megarbane noted that China has a gigantic consumer group, which has created favorable conditions for the rapid development of digital economy. L'Oreal China is now a new innovation hub of the group, and its successful practices in the Chinese e-commerce market have been incorporated into the group's training sessions, offering references for the group to do business in other markets.

Some Chinese enterprises also enhanced their investment in Europe. Chinese battery manufacturer SVOLT Energy Technology is expected to invest 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) to build a battery plant and a research center in Germany. The plant, upon completion, will produce power batteries for 300,000 to 500,000 electric vehicles each year and create 2,000 jobs. Expert Stefan Di Bitonto with economic development agency Germany Trade and Invest said the investment from the Chinese firm will promote synergetic development of the industry, offer more job opportunities and enhance the international competitiveness of the German auto industry.

China's Lenovo also announced to establish a new manufacturing facility in Ullo, Pest county of Hungary. The manufacturing facility will be mainly used to produce desktops and make data research. Anita Lukacs, Lenovo country manager for Hungary said as the company's business grows in the global market, the new manufacturing facility will better meet the demands of European clients.

Chinese and European leaders on Dec. 30 last year jointly announced that the two sides had completed investment agreement negotiations. The "balanced, high-standard and mutually beneficial" investment agreement demonstrated China's resolution and confidence to promote high-level opening-up, and will provide greater market access, higher level of business environment, stronger institutional guarantees and brighter cooperation prospects for mutual investment. The treaty will also greatly boost world economic recovery in the post-pandemic era, and enhance the international community's confidence in economic globalization and free trade.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 15:58:51|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BRASILIA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Brazil launched its mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus disease simultaneously in each state starting 5:00 p.m. Monday local time, Minister of Health Eduardo Pazuello has said.

The initial plan was to begin nationwide vaccinations on Wednesday, but the date was moved up in response to the request of state governors, said Pazuello.

"The governors asked that as soon as (the vaccines) arrive in the states, they have the freedom to begin vaccination," Pazuello said.

As of Monday afternoon, all states were expected to have received their doses of the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Chinese laboratory Sinovac in collaboration with the Butantan Institute of Sao Paulo.

Brazil was distributing around 6 million doses, with over 4.6 million distributed by the federal government and 1.3 million by the local government of Sao Paulo.

Brazil's Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) on Sunday authorized the emergency use of the CoronaVac vaccine, as well as the AstraZeneca-University of Oxford vaccine against COVID-19.

Immediately following Anvisa's authorization, the government of Sao Paulo, the epicenter of Brazil's COVID-19 outbreak, applied the first CoronaVac vaccine. #GLOBALink
SANILAC COUNTY, MI  Four people were hospitalized after a collision on M-46 Monday morning.

Sanilac County Sheriffs deputies responded to the crash scene at around 7:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 18 near Germania Road in Lamotte Township, a news release from the department states.

The initial investigation by deputies revealed a 62-year-old Applegate man was westbound on M-46 when he lost control of his PT Cruiser on the icy roadway.

His vehicle then crossed the center lane and entered the path of an eastbound Ford-150 driven by a 50-year-old Marlette man.

The Marlette man was unable to avoid the crash, deputies said.

Lamotte Township firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free an 81-year-old woman from the front passenger seat of the PT Cruiser. The woman, the driver of the vehicle and a 59-year-old backseat passenger from Arizona were all transported to McKenzie Memorial Hospital.

The 59-year-old male passenger was later transferred to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, deputies said.

The driver of the F-150 was transported by Marlette EMS to Marlette Regional Hospital for treatment.

Also on MLive:

Judge Elizabeth Kelly to preside over the most serious Flint water cases

United Way hosts drive-thru food distribution for Flint area households on MLK Day

Michigan reports 2,843 new coronavirus cases, 20 deaths
The Trump administration on Thursday said big banks can't deny loans to entire industries including fossil fuel companies and private prisons, ignoring criticism from lenders, investors, consumer groups, Democrats and some conservatives.

The rule, issued by acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks on his last day in office, was finalized at lightning speed as the Trump administration winds down, and its critics widely expect the Biden administration or congressional Democrats to render it void.

The agency received nearly 37,000 comments on the rule, many dense with technical material, yet finalized it only 10 days after the comment period closed on Jan. 4.

The rule lacks both logic and legal basis, it ignores basic facts about how banking works, and it will undermine the safety and soundness of the banks to which it applies, Bank Policy Institute head Greg Baer said in a statement. Its substantive problems are outweighed only by the egregious procedural failings of the rulemaking process, and for these reasons it is unlikely to withstand scrutiny. BPI represents large banks.

Democrats have several routes to stop the rule. A Biden-appointed comptroller could simply refuse to enforce it or delay its effective date while it's repurposed or rescinded.

A more dramatic step is available to the Democratically controlled Congress, which could pass a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to overturn it. Some environmental groups are pushing Democrats to take that step, which would force a public debate and vote.

The CRA is obviously a very powerful tool that should not be used carelessly, said Lukas Ross, program manager at Friends of the Earth. But in reversing the corruption and pollution of the Trump years, no tool can be dismissed out of hand.

Republicans should be forced to justify their support of the measure, he said.

"We're not just talking about oil. We're talking about payday lenders. We're talking about gun manufacturers. We're talking about for-profit prisons, Ross said. These are the people that they're rising to the defense of during their last days of power."

Story continues

Senate Banking Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) applauded the rule on Thursday, saying business lending decisions should be based on creditworthiness, not politics.

The office of Sen. Sherrod Brown, who will take over chairmanship of the committee later this month, said the panel will use every legislative tool available to undo the rules.

The rule lands as banks retreat from oil and gas companies and other politically unpopular industries. Lenders increasingly are weighing the prudential and economic risks of climate change and are under pressure from activists, the public, and shareholders to adopt business practices that are environmentally and socially responsible.

This is an outlier, said Steven Rothstein, managing director of the Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets, a sustainability nonprofit. The substance is outdated and not reflecting todays reality.

Some of the country's largest banks, including Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase, have said they will end funding for new drilling and oil and gas exploration in the Arctic.

The shift by banks is one reason the Trump administration's auction of oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge failed to draw interest earlier this month. When the OCC initially proposed the rule in November, it cited a letter from Alaska's congressional delegation that said banks were refusing to lend to oil and gas projects in the Arctic. Lawmakers complained that banks were citing reputational risk to justify political decisions.

"It's no coincidence that this happened at the same time the Arctic drilling auction was a complete bust," said Yevgeny Shrago, policy counsel at consumer watchdog Public Citizen. "This is Brian Brooks last day. Thats not a coincidence. Hes looking for a new job. So if hes out there doing favors for certain companies, watch where he goes after this."

Brooks has said the rule allows banks to turn away clients that are a bad investment or have reputations that could cost the bank business. But those decisions must be made on an individual, rather than categorical, basis, he said.

The departing regulator took up a long-time crusade by GOP lawmakers, who were outraged by Obama administration efforts to discourage banks from serving businesses such as payday lenders. Brooks has said the rule similarly would protect industries that have Democratic support, such as abortion clinics.

Brooks said he is optimistic about the rules future.

I do think it is more likely than not that the rule will survive, he said in an interview with POLITICO on Thursday.

Under the Congressional Review Act, itd be a hard vote for a number of Democrats in a number of different kinds of districts to explain why it is that either the major employer in their district, or the major source of tax revenue in their district, or the major source of recreation in their district, ought to be de-banked, he said. Voting against the rule might pose political problems for a Democrat in an energy district in Pennsylvania or a senator in a hunting and fishing state like West Virginia.

He also defended the speed at which the rule was released, saying that many of the comments were identical form letters that didnt require individual consideration. He cited thousands of letters from actual regular Americans who supported the rule.

We went through every single category of comment, one by one, and we articulated the comment in a clear and objective way whether it was in support of us or against us, and then we explained the reasons why we agreed with the comment or disagreed, he said.

Banking groups have called the rule, which applies to banks with more than $100 billion in assets, unworkable. They and others said the office had no authority to even issue the regulation, which was put forward under a provision in the Dodd-Frank Act that charged the agency with ensuring fair access to financial services. Conservative groups blasted the regulator for getting too involved in lending decisions.

Former Comptroller of the Currency Tom Curry said the rule also isnt consistent with how bank examiners supervise banks risk management. Lenders, he said, are required to consider qualitative as well as quantitative risks.

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry trade association with 600 members, had endorsed the rule, saying the industry should not be discriminated against.

This entire rulemaking is a bit of performance art for Brooks, said Gregg Gelzinis, a senior policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank. "The short-term impact of the rule is very small. It will be rendered a moot point.
ADVERTISEMENT

At least 348 people were killed in violent attacks across Nigeria in December 2020, a report by a non-governmental organisation, Nigeria Mourns, has shown

The report, titled Violent Incidents Report: December 2020, published on Monday was the last for the year 2020, through the use of newspaper reports and family sources to track violent killings.

According to the report, the cases for December were recorded in 27 states of the country and of the 348 people killed, 315 were civilians while 33 others were security operatives.

A total of 411 people were reportedly kidnapped in December last year.

The North-east state, Borno, troubled by Boko Haram, recorded the most alarming figures during the month with 70 deaths.

The casualty figures for each of the 27 states according to the report are as follows:

Borno  70, Kaduna  64, Niger  26, Katsina  24, Ogun  23, Zamfara  19, Benue  17, Edo  17, Delta  14, Ebonyi  13, Adamawa  8, Oyo  6, Ondo  6, Bayelsa  5, FCT  5, Lagos  5, Rivers  4, Plateau  3, Imo  3, Cross River  3, Kogi  3, Jigawa  3, Taraba  2, Anambra  2, Kano  1, Osun  1 and Enugu  1.

On the aspect of the perpetrators of the violence, the report shows 136 people were killed by suspected bandits, 66 people killed by persons suspected to be members of Boko Haram or its breakaway faction, ISWAP, and 60 lives were claimed by in cult clashes.

In addition, communal crises led to the death of 41 people, 30 persons died in isolated attacks, eight killed by herdsmen and seven people through extrajudicial killings.

It is extremely worrying and affecting everybody, said Ier Jonathan, a member of the Nigeria Mourns coalition.

Those in leadership positions should not think they are immune. We should all be scared and keep working to find a lasting solution.

She further explained that the aim of the monthly report is not to criticise the government but to ensure that authorities act.

For years, Nigerians have been through a roller coaster of emotions as insecurity continues to worsen across the country. While citizens have repeatedly called for the replacement of service chiefs, President Muhammadu Buhari did not subscribe to their demands.

Although Mr Buharis senior media aide, Femi Adesina, among other aides have claimed that the current administration is winning the war against insecurity, but Mr Buhari himself in his new year message delivered on January 1, 2021, admitted that insecurity is affecting the growth of the country.

He promised to re-energise and reorganise the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police with a view to enhance their capacity to engage, push back and dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremist and criminal groups waging war against our communities in some parts of the country.

Insecurity as a challenge has direct repercussions on our national economic stability, growth, and development, setting us back at critical points through the destruction of public and private investments.

In parts of the country where chronic poverty, social exclusion, and disillusionment among sections of the youth were already a problem, the cycles of violence that have been unleashed by mindless groups like Boko Haram and others have thwarted the efforts of (the) government to undertake the social policy and associated investments that could make a huge difference in the quality of life of our citizens, he said at the time.
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.
Were still a few days, could be a week, away from this but if progress continues in the right way, I think it is likely that we may be able to move all the way to the Tier 1 mitigation, which is when we are able to reopen indoor dining, Arwady said during an online question-and-answer session. Were not there yet, but I want you to know that the way the numbers are heading, I am feeling very optimistic.
But the court considered the 2014 interactions were "more complex" and could ultimately be used to argue to overturn Mr Madafferis convictions. In 2014, Mr Acquaro approached police following a story in The Age that linked the Calabrian mafia to a string of drive-by shootings targeting the Woodstock pizza outlets in Carlton North and Moonee Ponds. By this time, Mr Acquaro was no longer representing Madafferi, after an escalating dispute with the Madafferi family. "He described his falling out with Madafferi, expressed his anger about the manner in which Madafferi had drawn his sons into his sphere of influence, and reported that Madafferi was standing over traders at the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the company of a man with a gun. He also reported a threat to his own life," the court said. Some of the information he provided was used to further investigations such as that into the pizza outlet shootings.

"These documents primarily record police action taken on information provided by Acquaro about criminal activity that was then ongoing or had taken place in the relatively short period since Acquaro had ceased acting for Madafferi," the court said. Loading "We do not consider that Acquaro reporting what he knew about current or ongoing serious criminal activity, particularly threats against himself, involved any breach of duty to Madafferi." Mr Acquaro was assigned the number F710FDB during his period of contact with police from March to June 2014, which included recorded meetings. At the time, concerns that Mr Acquaro could have a conflict of interest were raised because he had previously represented both Frank Madafferi and his brother Tony.

"Acquaro said he was not conflicted in the sense Im divulging anything in relation to them and I think its pretty obvious what  my relationship is with them or has been with them, 'cos theres no longer a relationship any more ' " the court said. "[Mr Acquaro said:] 'I dont have a professional relationship with Tony. I have a professional relationship with Frank  Ive always said that Im not going to infringe on my professional capacity.' " But the court found the "flavour of the discussions" could be open to interpretation that Mr Acquaro and police shared a common desire for Frank Madafferi to be "locked up". "Towards the end of the conversation, Acquaro stated that he felt responsible for creating a monster (namely, Madafferi) to which [police] responded, 'All right. Now you can destroy it'," one recording said. Mr Acquaro also provided specific information about Madafferis legal position and other matters that could be considered a breach.

"(The recordings) reveal that Acquaro disclosed to the police not only purported problems that he knew of in the prosecution case against Madafferi, but other matters that could be used to put pressure on Madafferi, such as his involvement in a 'sham' charitable foundation and potential problems with his immigration status," the court said. Loading "These are matters that may reflect on the independence of the advice and representation that Madafferi received from Acquaro." "We consider that the 2014 transcripts (and the related materials) may be of substantial assistance to Madafferi in his appeal," the court found. In the case of Saverio Zirillis appeal, the court accepted that Mr Acquaros informing in 2014 could have a logical flow on for his case too.

It could be said that, although he pleaded guilty, his decision to do so had been heavily influenced by the pressure placed upon him by the barrage of legal advice that he received from both Mr Acquaro and Ms Gobbo," the court said. As regards Mr Acquaro, there might be legitimate questions as to whether he provided Mr Zirilli with independent and impartial advice. In denying Victoria Police's applications on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal said: "The judgment of the court is that, to the extent that the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police makes application for an order that the existence or non-existence of information pertaining to whether or not Joseph Acquaro was or was not a police informer is subject to public interest immunity, that application is refused." Public interest immunity claims are designed to prevent the release of information that could prejudice a police investigation, reveal law enforcement methodologies or expose the identity of informers and undercover operatives.
NAIROBI, Kenya  Hundreds of people have been killed or injured in violence that enveloped Sudans Darfur region in recent days, dampening hopes for long-lasting peace in an area that has been plagued by fighting and instability for decades.

The violence came just weeks after peacekeepers with the United Nations and the African Union started a phased withdrawal after 13 years in the region.

The withdrawal plan was set after some rebel groups in Darfur signed a peace agreement with Sudans transitional government, which came to power in 2019 when a popular revolution brought down longtime President Omar al-Bashir. The International Criminal Court has charged Mr. Bashir over atrocities committed by his forces and allied militias in the long-running war in Darfur.

The recent violence began after an argument in which a man was stabbed to death, the prime ministers office said. Armed militias then attacked the western city of El Geneina and besieged a camp for internally displaced people. By Sunday, 83 people had been killed and 160 others wounded, including children and members of the security forces, the Sudanese doctors union said in a tweet.
A 17-year-old boy who went missing while snowmobiling in Canada has been hailed for his survival skills after he built a snow cave to survive.

The British Columbia teen, whose name has not been released, became lost around 6.15pm on Saturday when he was separated from his group near Spanish Lake.

The quick-thinking survivor parked his sled in a visible area near a wooded area  while his family and friends returned to the parking lot and called the South Cariboo Search and Rescue, who notified the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

'This young man did everything right after things went wrong,' the South Cariboo SAR said on Facebook.

The teen parked his snowmobile in a visible area close to some woods near Spanish Lake and dug the snow cove in the trees

A teen boy who went missing in Canada survived after building a snow cave

'This young man did everything right after things went wrong,' the South Cariboo SAR said

The volunteer organization found the teen around 10.34pm 'in good condition' with food and water and reunited him with his family around midnight.

'This young man made our task a little less difficult by staying in place and having some backcountry winter survival knowledge,' the organization posted.

Val Severin, a search manager with South Cariboo Search and Rescue, told CBC that the teen's choices 'were quite mature.'

'He didn't panic and lose track of the situation. He understood just the right thing to do,' Severin said.

Another 17-year-old boy, Nicolas Stacy-Alcantara, survived nearly 30 hours alone by building a snow cave in an incident in Utah

Earlier this month, a California teenager survived almost 30 hours after being trapped in the snow on a mountain in Utah and built himself a snow cave for shelter in another incident.

Nicolas Stacy-Alcantara, who is also 17, was visiting from Fresno to visit an ex-girlfriend and went on a day-long hike on January 2.

'I love hiking, it kind of clears my head,' he said at a press conference at University of Utah.

He took an Uber up a canyon east of Salt Lake City, bringing six peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and 40 ounces of water with him. He planned to be out all day and make it back in time for dinner after hiking 16 miles from Millcreek Canyon to Park City.

Stacy-Alcantara ended up trapped in snow and also dug a snow cave, which he slept in overnight.

He eventually found other hikers who had a satellite phone and he was flown out of the canyon by helicopter.
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sortis Holdings, Inc. (OTC: SOHI), a Portland, Oregon-based alternative investment fund manager, has been a key driving force behind the rescue of the 1909 historic downtown Portland Ace Hotel. The Sortis investment will allow the hotel to move through the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis taking the down time to freshen up the interiors and gear up for a return to travel and social life.

Sortis acquired the Ace with the original founders, joining them in ownership. Sortis worked closely with Ace Founder Wade Weigel through the process, who is also the founder of Rudy's Barbershop. The Sortis team has worked closely with Weigel through 2020-2021 through the rescue of Rudy's in May 2020 and now the Ace Portland. Weigel, accompanied by the Ace's other founder Doug Herrick, are core to the original ethos and soul of the hotel as a cultural space.

"When we opened the Ace Seattle in 1999 and the Ace Portland in 2006, it was always about more than a place to stay. It was a gathering place, a meeting place, and a resting place for creatives. The goal was to create an environment that felt like home shared by travelers and locals alike. The spirit of the Ace's culture, energy and community is all about sharing space together and exploring the city. Once we're able to gather again safely, this is what I am most excited about for the Ace in Portland," noted Ace founder Weigel.

Like most hotels, the Ace was not immune to COVID-19 and was forced to drastically shift gears through 2020. COVID-19 and the political action dominating downtown Portland have seriously impacted the city's hospitality scene. Yet, the Ace's long-standing popularity as a brand and the physical location and historical significance of the space made the Ace Portland a clear fit for the Sortis Rescue Fund.

The shutdown gave the Ace's leadership time to step back and consider a strategic plan for making it through the pandemic successfully. Weigel and Herrick contacted Sortis after the successful rescue of Rudy's Barbershop in May 2020.

Sortis Hospitality's David Vialli and Sortis' Executive Chairman Paul Brenneke developed a strategy that allowed the hotel to once again be under the control of Sortis and its original founders. Moving forward, the Ace will use capital provided by Sortis to renovate the guest rooms at the hotel in addition to subsidizing operations until the pandemic passes. Originally built in 1909, the historic building is an architectural staple in the heart of the downtown West End neighborhood bordering the normally bustling Pearl district.

"What excited us most beyond the investment was the opportunity to help preserve an iconic Portland hotel and the gathering space it provides. Partnering with Wade and Doug to bring the Ace back to being a centerpiece for social connection in Portland is more important than ever as we come out of COVID-19," stated Sortis Hospitality's Vialli.

"As we move forward, this is an opportunity for us to reimagine the next iteration of Portland's downtown. By providing capital to renovate guest rooms, we see the Ace coming out of this period stronger than ever. Coming out of COVID-19 shutdowns, people are going to look for social and human connection again, and I believe we will be able to provide the space for that at the Ace again as it once did," said Sortis' Brenneke.

About Sortis Rescue Fund, LLC

Sortis Rescue Fund, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company established by Sortis Fund Manager, LLC to capitalize on the dislocation and market stress in both the real estate and business markets caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.

About Sortis Holdings, Inc.

Sortis Holdings (OTC: SOHI) is a leader in diversified alternative investment strategies focused on real estate, lending, distress situations and rescue opportunities. Sortis Funds include the Sortis Rescue Fund, the Sortis Income Fund, and the Sortis Opportunity Zone Fund.

This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the issuer's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. More information about the potential factors that could affect the business and financial results is and will be included in Sortis' disclosure documents and filings. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell any securities. Any offer will be made only by means of an offering memorandum. This announcement is not for release in any jurisdiction other than the United States.

SOURCE Sortis Holdings

Related Links

https://sortis.com


I

n his farewell address, George Washington famously worried that politics would descend into the alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge  driving people to seek security and repose in a despotic leader, elevating himself on the ruins of public liberty.

Two centuries later, failed autocrat Donald Trump is leaving both the US and his party in an abject state.

The Republicans didnt just lose the presidential election and two crucial Senate seats in Georgia; they also saw a massive swathe of their base latch on to virulent, violent conspiracy theories that run directly counter to the norms of peaceful democratic politics. As a direct result, the Capitol was stormed and trashed by Trump supporters convinced their president won an election he plainly lost.

It was a Republican president who encouraged them. Worse still, that process was eased and accelerated by many elected Republicans themselves  and unlike Trump, many of those to blame will remain in office for years to come.

Unsurprisingly, there are bitter divisions over what needs to happen next. The GOP electoral base is still devoted to Trump, and whether or not he runs in 2024  the Senate may yet bar him from holding office again  most Republicans running for the Senate or House will not hold their seats if they stray from whats become the party line.

Zoom out though, and an even more obvious question presents itself: why are these people in the same party in the first place?

Mitt Romney, the only Republican who voted to convict Trump in his 2019-20 impeachment, shares the GOP Senate caucus with Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, who spoke against certifying the election results even after the Capitol was stormed and trashed by a mob of Trump supporters. Liz Cheney, who voted to impeach him after the Capitol riot, sits in the House with Marjorie Taylor Greene, a QAnon believer who wore a Trump won mask to her swearing-in.

These are not philosophical bedfellows. Whatever agreements they have here and there on policy, they follow different political creeds and hold themselves to different standards. And after the events of 6 January, neither side seems likely to back down.

The situation is nowhere near as critical on the Democratic side, but the divisions there also go beyond simple policy disagreement. The partys underperformance in Novembers Congressional elections kicked off a round of finger-pointing whose bitterness was obscured by the chaos coming from the White House.

Having won the presidency, (just) kept the House and (just) taken control of the Senate, the Democrats are under pressure to keep step, not to clear house. But the last two presidential primaries have been nothing short of enraging for many involved, on the left in particular. And when the partys star begins to fall again, those resentments will heat back up.

Trump or no Trump, this is an excruciating moment for both parties. Its also a particularly American situation. Other countries have their problems, of course, but very few run a two-party system this rigid.

Tied together

In Denmarks last general election, the two biggest parties combined captured less than 50 per cent of the electorate, with the rest of it split 12 ways. Spain now sees five parties reliably pulling in double-digit results. Irelands three largest parties effectively tied in the 2020 election, resulting in a coalition between old rivals Fianna Fail and Fine Gael as they manoeuvred to keep Sinn Fein out of power.

Even the UK, where upwards of 75 per cent of voters backed Labour and the Conservatives at the last election, is well-stocked with other parties who can and have held the balance of power in recent years.

The US does have other parties, of course, and they do make a national impact. (Just ask Al Gore, who might have won Florida in 2000 were it not for Ralph Nader.) Nonetheless, the system all but excludes them: at the 2020 election, 97 per cent of the vote went to Mr Trump and Joe Biden.

Coalitional multi-party politics can be infuriatingly procedural, and can make for weak and unstable governments. It can also dilute parties influence and identity to a point where their core voters are no longer invested.

But its advantage over the American system is that it can help avoid the polarisation of issues into two arbitrary columns. As things stand, Pew Research data shows that American voters are profoundly divided on issue after issue  and also on how important they consider any given issue to be.

The stage is set for a Biden-Trump debate (EPA-EFE)

The two-party system has plenty to answer for here. Because the parties need to take stark positions to differentiate themselves, highly complex debates that will never be truly resolved are warped into zero-sum battles, and the most emotive ones rise to the top of the agenda largely because thats where the parties can best compete for voters.

As things stand today, both party platforms are essentially bundles of issues that dont necessarily have much to do with each other. In a vacuum, there is no logical reason why a voter who badly wants to see Roe v Wade repealed should care either way about environmental deregulation. But since at least the 2000s, to vote Republican has been to support both.

Take abortion. According to historical Gallup polling, the proportion of Americans who believe abortion should be illegal under any circumstances has remained below 25 per cent since at least the 1970s  and yet overturning Roe v Wade remains a shibboleth for many Republicans, particularly in primaries where they are competing for a hardcore base.

So it goes with gun control: a clear majority of Americans support what many call common-sense gun safety laws, including universal background checks, but with only two political options and a small but vocal lobby controlling vast amounts of money, parties and candidates have no incentive to approach the issue elastically.

So what if things were different? What if, as in much of Europe, American elections were followed by a period of dealmaking and coalition-building that melded two, three or more platforms into a governing agenda more tailored to the electorates wishes?

Imagine what politics would look like if Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Ted Cruz and Marjorie Taylor Greene could go their separate ways  and if Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez werent competing for slots in a party hierarchy with the likes of Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Schumer.

There are lots of ways to slice this. So heres one  a five-party system, ranked from left to right,

Democratic Socialists

To the left: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders (REUTERS)

After years of being sidelined at the ballot box, the US left is now winning races up and down the ballot under a socialist brand. The Democratic Socialists are not in fact hardcore socialists by international standards; the three planks of their platform are a strong government-backed welfare state, immediate government-led action on climate change, and assertive measures to tackle wealth inequality and structural racism.

Many of their goals are endorsed by Progressives and Centrists, but they disagree profoundly on means and on fiscal policy. Aside from the usual left-right divisions over taxes and deficit spending, the Socialists are divided from other left-wingers by their view about what government is capable of doing more competently than private organisations and how the private sector as a whole should be treated.

At the extreme, the Socialists also have a justified reputation for backing the politics of protest over pragmatism, especially when it comes to economic justice and racism. Along with their rigidity about many of their ideas (tax reform, for instance), this has made it hard for them to forge alliances with Progressives at critical moments. They usually blame the Progressives for this, and are cynical about their motives.

Progressive Democrats

Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris (EPA-EFE)

A much broader church than the Socialists, the progressives precise orientation can be hard to pin down year-to-year. Like the Socialists, they focus on equality of opportunity and social freedoms, but are far more technocratic and less sceptical of free markets and corporate enterprise. However, unlike the centrists to their right, they are increasingly concerned about the social impact of wealth inequality and are fully open to radical action on climate change.

Because the Progressives are less doctrinaire than their left-wing counterparts, they find it easier to manoeuvre into coalitions or confidence-and-supply agreements with centrist moderates. However, this in turn relies on the centrists fighting off increasingly strong socalist challenges in previously safe seats.

And while the progressives can reliably partner with either the Socialists or centrists issue-to-issue, they struggle to pull both of them into three-way coalitions. More often, they have found themselves forming a relatively strong minority government with the centrists  sometimes even short-lived majorities.

Centre Bloc

Senators Susan Collins and Mitt Romney (EPA-EFE)

The Centre Bloc began life as a group of mainstream Conservatives too disgusted by their partys behaviour to stay, but too conservative to join either of the Democratic parties. Because they are a small group, their strategy is to shore themselves up in the (mostly safe) seats they hold and try to broker alliances and compromises where they can.

The centrists are celebrated by some progressives for their principled stand, but many on the left are less impressed, having not forgotten their long history in right-wing governments that they did not see fit to challenge. They remain conservative on many issues, particularly economics, and it is hard to envisage them signing up for a three-way governing coalition where the Socialists will have a serious influence.

The Conservatives

Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming (AFP via Getty Images)

This tendency used to be the Republican mainstream, particularly in the late 1990s and 2000s. At the basic level they are pro-business, prioritise national security, support military intervention, and balk at gun control. Their historic social conservatism has abated over the years as the country and the law have tended progressive.

When Trump came on the scene, the Conservatives first shunned him, but then failed to coalesce behind a candidate of their own. When Trump crossed the threshold to become the national right-wing candidate, it became clear that the Conservatives and America First stood a chance of forming a governing coalition, which they ultimately did.

But the Trump era has been hard on them. Many of their members were defeated by the right in 2016 and the left in 2018, and many have since begun gravitating left or right. Rising stars on the right that the Conservatives had hoped to coax into the fold are not yet ready to spurn the far right, while the partys association with Trump makes it too toxic to win over even a few centrists.

America First

Trump supporters storm the US Capitol in his name (EPA-EFE)

America First is irreverent of expertise and science, particularly environmental science, and disdains so-called identity politics and the discourse of social justice. It mounts attacks on core democratic institutions and the so-called deep state, but has a relaxed attitude to the exercise of executive and judicial power to the extent they can be turned against political enemies.

Specific priorities aside, a key philosophical division between America First and the Conservatives is that America Firsts priorities are defined negatively. Its leaders talk mainly about crushing their enemies, defeating other ideologies, and undermining or destroying state institutions that they see as obstructions to their goals.

At the darker end of the scale, some tendencies in the party openly embrace unvarnished racism and nativism, including white nationalist and antisemitic conspiracy theories. Some of its hardline elected members openly espouse conspiracy theories and endorse violent action against political adversaries, public figures and supporters of other parties.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Command, said it seized 11,798 kilogrammes (over 11 tons) of various illicit hard drugs and 722.31 litres of same illicit drugs (liquid) from dealers and joints in the state in 2020.

The states Commander of the agency, Ralph Igwenagu, (Narcotic Commander), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

These comprised of cannabis sativa (hemp) 11,598.549 kg, Cocaine 0.848 kg, Heroine 0.101 kg, Tramadol 167.869 kg, Diazepam 7.645 kg, Exol-5 2.05 kg, Methamphetamine 0.072 kg and Rohypnol 21.707 kg.

The liquid seizures are Codeine base Cough Syrup, Diazepam injections and Tramadol injections that makes 722.31 litres.

The agency said it arrested 471 drug offenders in 2020 despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. The arrest comprised 424 males and 47 females.

The NDLEA boss said the offenders were arrested at various locations in Lagos.

According to him, the ages of the offenders range from 14 to 58 years.

Out of these numbers, 257 associated with the offences directly or were accomplices to the crime were charged to court.

A total of 214 people, who are drug users, were counselled and released, Mr Igwenagu said.

On prosecutions, the commander said the agency had successfully secured the convictions of 72 defendants at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

This comprised 71 males and a female with various degrees of jail terms, he said.

Also in 2020, he said the counselling unit of the command counselled 214 drug users who had been reunited with their families.

In the same vein, the unit successfully rehabilitated six drug-dependent persons brought in by their parents, he said.

Mr Igwenagu told NAN that the command also embarked on advocacy visits to various stakeholders such as traditional institutions, relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), media houses and Religious organisations.

He said the purpose of the visit was to sensitise the stakeholders and the public on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

He pointed out that the command had noticed the alarming rate women are getting involved in drug activities in the state.

This portends a great danger to the healthy upbringing of our youths.

He expressed appreciation to the people and government of Lagos State as well as sister security agencies for continuous support to the command.

ADVERTISEMENT

The command, however, still seeks continuous assistance from all Lagosians by providing credible information on illicit drug activities in their neighbourhoods.

Together we will reduce the menace of illicit drug abuse and trafficking in Lagos to the barest minimum, he said.

Despite being an illegal substance , the sales and consumption of Indian hemp in Nigeria are a thriving business.

(NAN)
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
An unlikely but adorable friendship has formed between a baby koala and a kangaroo joey at the Australian Reptile Park.

Ash the koala was one of the first joeys born from a successful breeding program following the horror bushfires that killed tens of thousands of the species.

She has since found comfort in Frankie, a rescue baby kangaroo, who has been visiting the koala yard each day while she recovers from a foot condition.

Zookeepers were in awe when Ash first crawled down from her perch to introduce herself to the baby kangaroo - and now weeks later the pair are inseparable.

An adorable friendship has sparked between Frankie the joey and Ash the baby koala

Every day, Frankie the kangaroo visits the baby enclosure and Ash immediately crawls over to meet her

Keeper, Hewin Hochkins, said that each day when Frankie is brought over to the 'preschool yard', which holds all the koalas under the age of one, Ash immediately crawls over to meet her.

'I couldn't believe what I was seeing the first time, but now it's just part of the daily ritual to watch Ash and Frankie spend quality time together,' he said.

'Ash and Frankie are growing into such beautiful girls with amazing personalities and both love meeting people. Frankie's feet are improving each day and thanks to Ash, she is seen hopping more around the enclosure to get her exercise.'

He said that during their first encounter, a curious Ash crawled up to Frankie to sniff her while she was eating her lunch.

Remarkably, Frankie was unfazed and the pair sat together for a long time and soon enough became friends.

Zookeepers were in awe when Ash first crawled down from her perch to introduce herself to the baby kangaroo, and now weeks later the pair are inseparable

Frankie who is just ten-months-old visits Ash, who was named in honour of the koalas lost in the bushfires, every day

The adorable pair have become famous on social media for their unlikely friendship

Ash - who was born last January - was the first koala joey born at the park since the fires ripped through Australia's east coast.

Her birth along with eight other koala joeys was a sign of hope for the species after the disastrous bushfires of the 2019/2020 summer.

Frankie, who is ten-months-old, was rescued after her mother suffered a pouch infection and mastitis.

Frankie and her mother were both taken in by the Australian Reptile Park but the young joey started sucking her feet leaving her with sores.

Keepers gave the young kangaroo some socks to put over her feet in a bid to stop the joey from sucking them.

Mr Hochkins said Frankie was first put with the koala joeys so she could learn to hop and be around other animals safely before reuniting with her family.

'As cute as it is, it's also amazing to watch visitors and online fans fall in love with our two girls, they're fantastic ambassadors for their species and help us educate people about the important need for wildlife conservation,' he said.

Visitors can watch the adorable friendship between Ash and Frankie at the park in New South Wales' Central Coast.

The pair met several weeks ago and quickly became best friends and spend time together every day

Frankie wears socks on her feet to help her stop sucking her toes which have created sores
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.
[January 19, 2021] Lumeon Eases the Burden on Care Teams with the Rapid Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Scheduling

Lumeon, the leader in care journey orchestration, today announced the launch of its COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Management solution, allowing healthcare providers to rapidly deploy vaccination programs and alleviate the pressure on care teams with automated patient outreach, self-scheduling, and surveys. Administering the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public is expected to create an incredibly complex logistical challenge for health systems. Achieving herd immunity requires an estimated 50 to 80 percent of a population to be vaccinated - in the United States, this would mean vaccinating between 164 million and 226 million citizens. Care teams will be tasked with juggling an immense load of scheduling patients, preparing and counseling them, making sure they turn up to their appointments, and providing care to those experiencing adverse side-effects. Based on Lumeon's proven flu and population screening solutions, the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Management solution alleviates this burden by orchestrating the vaccine scheduling process. It enables healthcare workers to contact patients at scale via email or SMS, providing a link for patients to self-schedule their appointments at their preferred clinic. Once patients select their preferred appointment slots, Lumeon's solution then synchronizes these slots with the provider's own scheduling system and continues to educate and engage the patient to reduce no-shows, instruct the patient about arrival logistics, what to expect, and monitor them for adverse effects.



The solution is simple to use and fast to deploy, with phased deployment requiring zero integration at the outset with providers' existing scheduling tools or the EHR. "Healthcare systems across the world are coming upon an unprecedented logistical challenge that will overwhelm them if they don't have the correct processes in place," said Robbie Hughes (News - Alert) , Lumeon CEO. "Orchestrating as much of vaccine demand management and scheduling process as possible will be key to ensuring patients are vaccinated quickly and seamlessly, while reducing the burden on care teams so that they can continue to focus on their most critical patients and tasks. Our platform can be deployed with zero integration so providers can get up and running with the solution immediately, especially now that the vaccine's distribution is picking up speed."

Hughes continued, "The potential of orchestration in administering vaccines reaches far beyond COVID-19. From flu shots to tetanus boosters and other required screenings, having the ability to create more efficient care processes through care journey orchestration will be a boon for healthcare provider revenue for decades to come." Learn more about Lumeon's COVID-19 solutions here. About Lumeon Lumeon's care journey orchestration platform helps health systems scale efficient, effective care delivery both within and beyond their hospitals' four walls. Lumeon's industry-leading solutions address the needs of patient access, surgery, population health, amongst many others. They transform the EHR into an agile care delivery platform that navigates the patient along a personalized, adaptive care plan, coordinating the care team to deliver the right care, at the right time, every time. At every step along the journey, they harmonize care, communication, tasks, and decisions to increase compliance and productivity, free up capacity, and deliver superior outcomes at a reduced cost. More than 70 health systems across 12 countries have deployed Lumeon's multi-award-winning platform. www.lumeon.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005132/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
YPSILANTI, MI  As some colleges struggled with COVID-19 outbreaks during the fall semester, Eastern Michigan University was able to keep cases on campus relatively low thanks to telehealth, teamwork and different kinds of testing, university officials said.

Many Michigan college campuses drew heavy criticism for their reopening plans and others, including Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan, experienced COVID-19 outbreaks on campus, but EMU never had a major issue, President James Smith said.

Due to things like telehealth, wastewater testing, mask-wearing and COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 numbers remained low at EMU in the fall, university officials said. The most cases in the EMU population for a given week was 55 from Nov. 4-10  around the same time Washtenaw County experienced a surge in cases from about 500 new cases to more than 1,000.

Planning for a COVID-19 semester started last March for Smith and his team. Sherry Bumpus, EMU director of nursing operations, said planning for her team started even before then. She and a few other nurses kept an eye on the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China in January and asked themselves if they had a pandemic policy in place.

Nursing was really sort of on the forefront of thinking about whats going on and paying attention to this, Bumpus said.

EMUs campus eventually closed in mid-March and the university moved to remote learning, but things were picking up in the nursing program, as Bumpus contacted EMUs IHA Health Center about what it might need help with. The IHA call centers were being overloaded, Bumpus said, adding that more than 250 EMU nursing community volunteers signed up to help with them and with testing sites.

Eastern Michigan University graduate nursing students put in work at coronavirus drive-through test sites

Although there was only space or a few volunteers at the call center, the nursing team ran with the idea of opening more call centers for the EMU community. They asked to create a nurse-practitioner-run telehealth center, which has now morphed into two branches  one for COVID-19 cases and one not specifically for COVID-19, Bumpus said.

The nursing team also worked with members of EMUs IT department to create a COVID-19 screening tool, which was used across campus throughout the semester to confirm those on campus were COVID-free. After answering questions about their health, those wanting to go to campus would receive an email confirming or denying their entry, and people would have to show their confirmation to volunteers before entering any campus building.

EMU allowed the nursing team to have an aggressive stance with its telehealth that did not allow on campus for 72 hours those who have COVID-19-like symptoms, Bumpus said.

I think that simple step to allow nurse practitioners to step up, to evaluate, put people on hold has helped a lot, Bumpus said. I really believe thats helped with our numbers because were not letting potential stuff come on campus. But its also helping keep other infectious agents off campus as well.

Along with the COVID-19 screening tool, EMU made significant improvements to make classrooms and campus spaces safer, including socially-distanced desks that were six feet apart, plexiglass and hand sanitizing stations in classrooms, and even knocking down walls to create larger classrooms. Signage was posted on walls and floors indicating where people should stand in certain spaces, and seating was removed from residence hall common areas.

Plexiglass, hand sanitizer and social distancing: How fall semester at Eastern Michigan University will look

As other schools in the state and country saw COVID-19 outbreaks in mid-August, EMU decided to push student move-in back three weeks. Shortly after students returned, the university announced it had partnered with Michigan-based Aquasight to track the presence of COVID-19 in wastewater from residence halls and apartment complexes.

EMU also is sampling wastewater twice a week, except for academic buildings because they do not have a high enough occupancy or a stable population, Chris Gellasch, associate professor of geography and geology, said. The hard part with analyzing the sampling, Gellasch said, is that its hard to identify how many cases there might be from the sample.

Instead, it is important to look for trends like rapid spikes in concentrations, Gellasch said. As we collected more data, we learned what constituted a major increase, especially when we knew there were a certain number of positive cases in a building and could relate that to the wastewater concentrations.

The wastewater did identify some people that were COVID-positive, Smith said, and that allowed the university to be proactive and move them to their isolation area.

Throughout the semester, Smith said mask-wearing compliance was extremely high on campus, which added to people taking the pandemic seriously. EMU also has a testing plan in place that has been an efficient and effective process, Walter Kraft, EMU vice president of communications, said, adding that officials will notify students in residence hall buildings of test dates and times for their building throughout the semester.

All the pieces that made the fall semester work are intertwined with one another, Smith said. The winter 2021 semester will look very similar, Smith and Kraft both said.

I keep saying to people, its like a big jigsaw puzzle, and were trying to put each piece together as we get more information, and I think thats an apt description, Smith said.

READ MORE:

15,000 LEGO bricks become Martin Luther King Jr. mosaic from Eastern Michigan University professor

Virtual events planned by University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University for MLK celebration

Yamiche Alcindor to give keynote address at Eastern Michigan University Martin Luther King Jr. celebration
(CNN)  A giant blimp depicting Donald Trump as a diaper-clad baby, which followed the outgoing US President on his visits to London and symbolized international opposition to his administration, has secured its place in history after being acquired by a British museum.

The 20-foot-tall "Trump Baby" blimp was created ahead of the President's first visit to the UK, when hundreds of thousands of Britons poured onto the country's streets to protest his presence in the country.

It will now be displayed in the Museum of London alongside other remnants of public protests in the British capital, the institution announced on the eve of Trump's departure from the Oval Office.

"We hope the baby's place in the museum will stand as a reminder of when London stood against Trump -- but will prompt those who see it to examine how they can continue the fight against the politics of hate," the team behind the blimp said.

The balloon became famous around the world when London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, whom Trump has frequently denigrated, gave permission for it to fly above the city during his initial visit. Since then, it has followed the President on his trips around the world, appearing in Washington DC and at several of Trump's rallies and international tours.

"This large inflatable was just a tiny part of a global movement -- a movement that was led by the marginalised people whose Trump's politics most endangered," the blimp's creators added in a statement.

"London has always been an open, ever-evolving polyglot city. A haven for knowledge, tradition and controversy and over thousands of years we have played host to many a historic protest," said Museum of London Director Sharon Ament.

"By collecting the baby blimp we can mark the wave of feeling that washed over the city that day and capture a particular moment of resistance -- a feeling still relevant today as we live through these exceptionally challenging times -- that ultimately shows Londoners banding together in the face of extreme adversity," she added.

Trump is overwhelmingly unpopular in the UK and in several other major countries, and studies have shown that the global image of the US has tumbled under his leadership. Fewer than 1 in 5 people in Canada and Western Europe trusted Trump to do the right thing in international affairs, a Pew study found in September.

This story was first published on CNN.com The 'Trump Baby' blimp that dogged the President for years will live on in a museum
Rebekah Jones, a former Florida health department data scientist who says she was wrongly fired last year, has been charged with one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Driving the news: Jones turned herself in Sunday night after a warrant was issued for her arrest. Authorities raided her home last month, causing outcry online after she tweeted a video of the incident.

At the time, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) told local news outlets that it began an investigation on Nov. 10 "after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to a Department of Health messaging system which is part of an emergency alert system, to be used for emergencies only."

Catch up quick: Jones was fired last year over what she said was refusing to "manipulate data" for the state, per the Tallahassee Diplomat.

The Florida Health Department has called Jones' initial allegations of data manipulation "patently false."

A spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) told the Miami Herald in May 2020 that Jones was removed from her position for a repeated course of insubordination," which included modifying the department's COVID-19 dashboard.

Jones later created her own coronavirus case tracker as an alternative to the state's COVID-19 dashboard.

What they're saying: "The raid was based on a lie. Still, the state has issued a warrant for my arrest - even though the 'crime' is not related to the warrant, the scope of the warrant, and they didn't wait for a third party to review confidential information on my computers," Jones tweeted Saturday.

"The new allegation was issued the day after a Tallahassee judge told police that if they're not investigating a crime, they had to return my equipment. They didn't find proof of anything related to the warrant, so they invented something new to come after me for in retaliation," she added.

"To protect my family from continued police violence, and to show that I'm ready to fight whatever they throw at me, I'm turning myself into police in Florida Sunday night. The Governor will not win his war on science and free speech. He will not silence those who speak out."

Upon her release after posting bail Monday, she told reporters she had just tested positive for COVID-19, per CNN.

The FDLE did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment, but in a statement to the WSJ, officials said, "Evidence retrieved from a search warrant on December 7 shows that Jones illegally accessed the system sending a message to approximately 1,750 people and downloaded confidential FDOH data and saved it to her devices."

For the record: Jones has denied sending the message or illegally accessing any restricted site, the WSJ noted.

The big picture: DeSantis has faced criticism over his handling of the pandemic.

An investigation by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, published in early December, reported that DeSantis' "administration engaged in a pattern of spin and concealment that misled the public on the gravest health threat the state has ever faced."

Go deeper: Florida police raid home of scientist who challenged state on COVID-19 data
An estimated one in 13 people in Northern Ireland tested positive for Covid-19 by December last year. (Liam McBurney/PA)

There has been another 24 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health reported 17 people have died within the reporting period of between 10am on Monday and 10am on Tuesday with seven occurring previously. The death toll is now at 1,649.

Another 713 new cases were also diagnosed. In total over 96,714 people have tested positive for coronavirus.

There are 842 coronavirus patients in hospitals with 70 in intensive care.

Hospitals are operating at 97% occupancy and there are 137 active care home outbreaks.

Read More

It comes as new figures show that an estimated one in 13 people in Northern Ireland would have tested positive for Covid-19 by December last year.

Cases by council area:

Antrim and Newtownabbey: 6,666 cases (+423 in past 7 days) and 165 deaths

Ards and North Down: 4,507 cases (+279 in past 7 days) and 102 deaths

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon: 11,717 cases (+1,264 in past 7 days) and 185 deaths

Belfast: 18,380 cases (+888 in past 7 days) and 331 deaths

Causeway Coast and Glens: 6,083 cases (+315 in past 7 days) and 134 deaths

Derry City and Strabane: 10,393 cases (+273 in past 7 days) and 115 deaths

Fermanagh and Omagh: 4,950 cases (+337 in past 7 days) and 66 deaths

Lisburn and Castlereagh: 6,109 cases (+314 in past 7 days) and 120 deaths

Mid and East Antrim: 6,168 cases (+364 in past 7 days) and 155 deaths

Mid Ulster: 9,510 cases (+701 in past 7 days) and 141 deaths

Newry, Mourne and Down: 9,352 cases (+676 in past 7 days) and 111 deaths

Not known: 2,877 cases (+240 in past 7 days) and 24 deaths

Antibody data on infection in private households suggests that one in eight people in England had also been infected by December, alongside one in 10 in Wales and one in 11 in Scotland.

The figures come from the Office for National Statistic's Covid-19 Infection Survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.

They are based on the proportion of the population who are likely to have tested positive for antibodies to Covid-19, based on blood test results from a sample of people aged 16 and over, but do not reflect all the people who have had coronavirus and do not take account of antibodies waning over time.

The study came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he is self-isolating after receiving an alert through the NHS Covid-19 app.

In a video posted on Twitter, he said: "Last night I was pinged by the NHS coronavirus app, so that means I'll be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday."

Mr Hancock, who has previously had coronavirus, said self-isolating is important because it is "how we break the chains of transmission".,

Meanwhile, some family doctors continue to express their frustration about the rollout of vaccines across the UK.

With more than half of the over-80s and half of elderly care home residents having received the jab, ministers have now given the go-ahead to begin vaccinating the next priority groups - the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said "there will be an overlap" between those in the first group getting their jab and those in the second as the NHS keeps up the momentum of the vaccine rollout.

He told LBC radio: "We're very clear that areas should be getting through the majority of the first cohort before they move on to the second cohort, but there will be an overlap.

"The reality is, as you're moving through these, as you start to bring the second cohort in, there will be a bit of an overlap.

"So, while they're still finishing cohort one, some people from the second cohort will be having their vaccines and being contacted.

"That's understandable because the other alternative is you get through cohort one and you pause before you can start getting cohort two in and that would be wrong.

"In order to keep things flowing and moving we will see some overlap, but areas should be getting through the majority of cohort one before they start moving to cohort two."
Nguyen Bi Village in Quat Dong in Hanoi was once a well-known embroidery craft village which produced high-quality embroidery products for sale the export market

The village is 20 kilometers from the center of Hanoi. In the past, it was one of five villages where Le Cong Hanh, a mandarin of Later Le Dynasty, passed down embroidery skills.

Le Dai Nghiep from Nguyen Bi Village

In the early 20th century, the most prosperous period of the village, many businesspeople traded silk and embroidery for export.

My family has been making embroidery for many generations. In the 1920s of the last century, my grandfather traded embroidered paintings and silk fabric throughout Southeast Asia, said Le Dai Nghiep, a resident in Nguyen Bi Village.

Nguyen Bi Village had two groups of people. The first traded embroidery, while the second embroidered for traders, who had better lives. They had money to build houses and buy land.

In the 1920-1930s, many traders thrived. They bought houses in the central area of Hanoi, on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Khay streets.

Nghieps grandfather went to Singapore to sell embroidery. He built a business network there while his wife stayed in Vietnam and did field work.

He sent money and gold to Vietnam to his wife to raise the children and accumulate land. His family was among the well-off households in the village.

My grandmother said that he usually sent big parcels, including utensils, gold and money, Nghiep said.

Nguyen Bi Village in Quat Dong in Hanoi was once a well-known embroidery craft village which produced high-quality embroidery products for sale the export market

In 1936, because of certain events, his grandfather returned to Vietnam and only traded in Vietnam.

In that period, many spacious houses made of ironwood and solid houses arose in the village.

Though Nghieps grandfather was a trader, he still maintained the embroidery career and passed it down to children and grandchildren.

Nghieps father was head of the embroidery division of the Hanoi Fine Arts Import-Export Company headquartered on Hang Khay street in Hoan Kiem district.

In 1976-1980, he was sent to HCM City to develop embroidery there.

In 1980, Vietnam exported embroidered products (bedsheets, kimonos, or a kind of night dress) to the former Soviet Union in large quantities. Nghieps father cooperated with the owners of fabric shops who had relatives in Russia.

Nghieps father received large fabric rolls from the shop owners, cut the fabric into clothes, and embroidered the clothes.

My father told me to draw embroidery patterns. The patterns need to be beautiful, but must not be too difficult, so that small embroidery shops could do this, he recalled.

The embroidered products were exported. The demand was very high and our family members were always busy. I hired a lot of workers, he said.

Nghieps wife, 64, was also an embroiderer. When she was 19 years old, she taught embroidery in many other provinces.

Their children were prosperous in their business, and have lived in other countries. Because of health conditions, however, they have not continued the career. Nghiep said that he still loves the craft, especially because it brought prosperity to his family.

When the country's doi moi (renovation) period began, embroidery could no longer bring big money as exports to Russia stopped. Nghiep and his wife shifted to another business field.

After witnessing golden days, the traditional craft has been regressing. According to Thai Duc Duy, a craftsman, there are only three households in the village that still make hand embroidery. Other people have given up the career because of low income.

The emrboidery products created by Thai Duc Duy

It takes several days to one month to complete an embroidery product. Meanwhile, the product is sold at from VND50,000 to VND200,000 only.

The low income, plus the flooding of cross-stitched embroideries sourced from China, has discouraged local people to continue the career. Young people often leave the village for cities where they find jobs in companies. The number of embroiderers is now so modest that it can be counted on ones fingers.

People in the village said that when the old craftsmen pass away, there will be no one to continue the traditional career.

Duy said his family members have been embroiderers for many generations. When he went to preschool, he embroidered his first stitches. When he was in seventh grade, he embroidered products for export.

As an adult, he has been developing his work, and his products have unique characteristics, expressing his personality as well as the high skill of the profession.

His embroidery has won many prizes at competitions. He also teaches embroidery at vocational schools.

He said embroiderers need to be clever with their hands, have artistic talent, and good professional skills and experience. A beautiful hand-embroidered picture requires a variety of threads of different colors, sizes and materials.

Duy, with the wish to preserve the traditional career, teaches embroidery every summer. However, most students just learn for fun, and there are very few people who want to continue the career.

Duy, whose his health is getting worse, said that he feels sad that few people want to work in this traditional career.

Thai Minh

Hanois handicraft village promotes beauty of Vietnamese Ao Dai Trach Xa Village in Ung Hoa suburban district of Hanoi is famous for the craft of tailor-made Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dresses), an epitome of Vietnamese culture.
Almost a full year later, all has become clear.

Now that Sarah Trott has made somewhat of a name for herself on this season of The Bachelor, eagle-eyed fans have noticed that she previously appeared in pictures taken last February when she was spotted out with rapper G-Eazy.

Sarah, 24, was seen out on a date with the No Limit hitmaker, 31, on the day before Valentines Day last year.

We see you: Some have noticed that Sarah Trott of The Bachelor previously appeared in pictures taken last February when she was spotted out with rapper G-Eazy

The pair were seen outside of the Warwick night club in West Hollywood, California at the time, before heading to the garage where they took off together.

The sighting came shortly after Eazy, born Gerald Earl Gillum, had been seen cozying up to Megan Thee Stallion in an Instagram video.

And it was about three months before he began dating current girlfriend Ashley Benson.

On the day before Valentines Day last year: The pair were seen outside of the Warwick night club in West Hollywood at the time, before heading to the garage where they took off together

Sarah, meanwhile, has had a drama-filled run on the current season of The Bachelor, which came to an end this week on episode three.

Among the plethora of reasons for her departure, Sarah cited the failing health of her father as a sign she was needed elsewhere.

She revealed on the show that her father is battling ALS, a generative motor neuron disease also known as Lou Gehrigs disease.

In-between love affair? The sighting came shortly after Eazy had been seen cozying up to Megan Thee Stallion in an Instagram video, and about three months before he began dating current girlfriend Ashley Benson

Meanwhile: Sarah has had a drama-filled run on the current season of The Bachelor, which came to an end this week on episode three when she left the show to care for her ill father

And thanks to her newfound celebrity status through the reality dating show, Trott has shared various information and updates in connection with her father and ALS on her social media.

On Sunday, she shared a series of beautiful family photos from a terrace in San Diego, with her father surrounded by loved ones.

She captioned the gallery, 'Family first, always.'

'Family first': She revealed on the show that her father is battling ALS, a generative motor neuron disease also known as Lou Gehrigs disease
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
In January 2021, the Organic Farmers & Growers association in the UK approved the Lake Way SOP product for use in organic farming in the UK, the first organic certification received.

The process plant commissioning is expected to commence in February, with introduction of first feed salts to the plant in March

's ( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:W1D) Lake Way Project near Wiluna in Western Australia is nearing completion, with the process plant 88% complete and the overall project, including all on-lake infrastructure 81% complete.

Process plant commissioning is expected to begin in February, with introduction of first feed salts to the plant in March.

The projects capital budget remains unchanged at A$264 million.

In January 2021, the Organic Farmers & Growers Association in the UK (OF&G) approved the Lake Way SOP product for use in organic farming in the UK, the first organic certification received.

Premium SOP supplier in second quarter

SO4 chief executive officer Tony Swiericzuk said: I am extremely proud of the way the GRES and SO4 teams have worked to safely and efficiently deliver the Lake Way project.

Significant progress was made in a challenging environment in 2020 with minimal impact on the project and we now look forward to supplying the domestic and global agricultural industries with premium SOP in the second quarter of 2021.

Process plant reaches 88% completion

As at December 31, 2020, the process plant was 88% complete on a value-earned basis, with site concrete work, including additional non-process infrastructure and bagging infrastructure, 94% complete, structural steel 80% complete and tanks/vessels 81% complete.

Four primary conveyor structures that feed the plant and discharge waste have been fully erected and will be commissioned in the next few weeks.

The raw water pond has been lined and commissioned, and both the Southern and West Creek Raw Water Borefields supplying the plant and village have been commissioned.

Procurement for process plant

Total procurement for the process plant reached 96% on December 31, 2020.

The company is working closely with GRES and its suppliers to minimise the impact of any potential delays following some minor delays experienced due to the impact of COVID-19 on the global shipping markets.

At this stage, the delays in shipping will not impact commissioning.

Plant feed salt harvesting starts

Harvesting of potassium-rich kainite and schoenite salts from Train 1 was undertaken with about 27,000 tonnes of salts now stockpiled ahead of plant commissioning.

Assays from the harvest salt stockpiles have returned grades in-line with the system curve and planning models.

UK organic use certification

OF&G certifies more than half of organic land in the UK and ensures that the European Organic standards are carried out on organic farms and businesses across the UK.

The OF&G certification confirms its use for organic markets in the UK.

Other organic certification

In addition to the OF&G certification, SO4 is also seeking organic certification from several other domestic and international bodies, including EU Ecological Certification, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) the ACO (Australian Certified Organic) and UK Soil Association.

SO4 will update the market on progress with these certifications in the months ahead.

Grant Coyle appointed interim CFO

Grant Coyle has been appointed as an interim chief financial officer.

An experienced corporate finance executive, he was appointed the companys head of corporate development in July 2018, where he played a lead role in delivering the US$138 million Taurus/CEFC funding package.

Grant previously worked at Rio Tinto, across the business analysis and business development areas within the Iron Ore division.

A former investment banker at Macquarie Bank and corporate tax accountant for an international accounting firm. Coyle has extensive experience in finance, budgeting, project evaluation, commercial negotiations and strategic planning.

The company is undertaking an external search ahead of the appointment of a permanent CFO.

community contribution award

In December 2020, the company received the Community Contribution Award at the Association of Mining and Exploration Company (AMEC) annual awards.

The award was in recognition of SO4s efforts to deliver sustainable and long-lasting social and economic benefits to the Wiluna region through strategic partnerships, community investment and opportunities in employment and training.
Tiffany Trump, the youngest daughter of President Donald Trump, announced Tuesday - her father's last full day in the White House - that she is engaged to boyfriend Michael Boulos.

"It has been an honor to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiance Michael! Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter!" the first daughter posted on Instagram alongside an image of the couple standing in the White House colonnade.

Boulos shared the same photo to his own Instagram account, with the caption: "Got engaged to the love of my life! Looking forward to our next chapter together." He also commented on his fiancee's post, writing, "Love you honey."

Tiffany Trump, 27, who is the only child of the president and his second wife Marla Maples, graduated from Georgetown University's law school last spring while Boulos, 23, is heir to a multibillion dollar Nigerian conglomerate. After growing up in Lagos, he attended college in London, the city where the pair were first photographed together in January 2018.

Tiffany Trump and Boulos have flown under the radar in comparison to the president's older children whom he shares with ex-wife Ivana Trump: Don Jr., 43; Ivanka, 39; and Eric, 37. (Her youngest sibling, Barron, 14, is her father's only child with first lady Melania Trump.) But Boulos has been pictured at several Trump events over the last couple years, including the president's February State of the Union address last year. His own family has also spent Thanksgiving with hers at Mar-a-Largo.

Tiffany Trump reappeared in the political spotlight to campaign for her father's re-election over the summer, where she appealed to young voters in a speech at the Republican National Convention. She also headlined events in Michigan, Minnesota, Florida and North Carolina in the months leading up to the vote.

In October, Trump made headlines at a "Trump Pride" event in Tampa where she hit out at the media and the "fabricated lies" surrounding her father's presidency. Early in her speech, Trump said that "prior to politics, he supported gays, lesbians, the L-G-B-Q-I-I-A-plus community," fumbling the letters for groups covered under the widely accepted initi-alism. Her comments, which included a claim that President Trump will find a cure for AIDS in the next 10 years, sparked ridicule on social media. LGBTQ organization GLAAD also responded by tweeting a reminder about their Trump Accountability Project, which "catalogues the anti-LGBTQ statements and actions" - of which they documented more than 150 - by his 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.
Telegram has recently been accused of failing to crack down on violent, extremist conversation in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol building. In a recent report in The Washington Post, a non-profit has also sued Apple, demanding that the Cupertino-based giant removes Telegram from its App Store. In the lawsuit, the Coalition for a Safer Web, a nonpartisan group that advocates for technologies and policies to remove extremist content, alleged Telegram's role in hosting white supremacist, neo-Nazi, and other hateful content and argued that such content puts Telegram in violation of Apple's terms of service for its app store.

As the non-profit called for Telegram to be removed from both Apple and Google (a similar suit is planned against Google, the Washington Post report said), the messaging app's founder has put out a statement, shedding light on the company's efforts to moderate content, and reiterating Telegram's stand on peaceful debate and process. In his statement, Pavel Durov said that Telegram explicitly prohibits public calls for violence. "In the last 7 years, weve consistently enforced this rule globally, from Belarus and Iran to Thailand and Hong Kong. ivil movements all over the world rely on Telegram in order to stand up for human rights without resorting to inflicting harm," Durov said in the statement.

Further, he said that in early January, the Telegram moderation team started to receive an an increased number of reports about US-related public activity on our platform. Telegram acted decisively by clamping down on US channels that advocated violence. Durov said that last week, moderators blocked and shut down hundreds of public calls for violence that couldve potentially reached tens of thousands of subscribers.

Durov, in his statement, also said that while the US only accounts for two percent of Telegram's user base, it is still actively watching the situation closely.

Coronavirus vaccine passports could soon be 'recognised' across the EU as leaders give initial backing ahead of a summit this week.

Brussels said using the passports to allow greater travel and tourism in the bloc was currently 'premature' but hinted that plans could be picked up in the future.

EU commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas said it was 'perfectly imaginable that this can open avenues for other use, including facilitating travel'.

He added: 'We feel that now this is the time for these vaccine certificates to be recognised across the European Union, and even beyond the European Union.'

Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides also confirmed the Commission was in 'active discussion' with European governments about the scheme.

However, the Department of Health said there were 'no plans' to introduce vaccine passports in the UK amid fears the vaccines may not prevent people from carrying the disease and spreading it around the world.

The split in approach could mean British tourists missing out on holidays to EU countries because they will not have the vaccine certificates.

Greece, whose economy relies on tourism, has already called for such vaccine certificates to be used to allow travellers to more easily take trips without many of the coronavirus restrictions currently in place.

European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas speaks during a news conference at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels

Britain today announced a record 1,610 new coronavirus deaths in the country's deadliest day of the pandemic so far - but cases are down by a quarter as the third lockdown continues

On Thursday, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will urge other European leaders to agree on coronavirus passports 'facilitating the freedom of movement of persons who have been vaccinated against Covid-19'.

The governments of Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Spain, Denmark and Belgium have all said that they would support such a scheme - although the idea is already raising concerns about privacy, data-sharing and discrimination.

MailOnline previously reported that thousands of Britons who have already received their coronavirus jabs will be offered a vaccine passport in an upcoming trial, due to last this month until March.

The passport, created by biometrics firm iProov and cybersecurity firm Mvine, will be issued as a free app and will allow users to prove digitally if they have had their first or second jab - or no jab at all.

Though the Department of Health said there were 'no plans' to introduce vaccine passports, the Government's own science and research funding agency Innovate UK has already pumped 75,000 into the project.

Mvine director Frank Joshi said the company, which had started working on the passports to demonstrate test results, later acquired more funding to switch into vaccination passporting.

The Government-backed trial will be overseen by two directors of public health in local authorities and is expected to last until March - though the locations have yet to be agreed, according to the Telegraph.

The trial is expected to show how the passports can be used to help the NHS keep track of the number of people that have received their first or second jab.

EU Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides speaks during a news conference

A woman in a wheel chair waits outside an NHS vaccination centre in Wembley in London

iProov boss Andrew Bud said: 'We're talking about a piece of remarkable technology that can be brought to bear and can be readily integrated with the NHS.'

Both companies added that if the vaccine passports prove successful, the project could be rolled out to millions of people across the country.

Downing Street said it was not aware of trials of so-called vaccine passports in this country. The PM's official spokesman said: 'This is not something we're looking at introducing and that remains our policy.'

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: 'As large numbers of people from at risk groups are vaccinated, we will be able to gather the evidence to prove the impact on infection rates, hospitalisation and reduced deaths. If successful, this should in time lead to a reassessment of current restrictions.'

The Government has contradicted itself on the implementation of vaccine passports, with Michael Gove saying they were 'not the plan' while Boris Johnson's vaccine tsar Nadhim Zahawi said they were 'looking at the technology'.

Mr Zahawi later told a Westminster Hall debate on Covid-19 inoculation there were 'absolutely no plans for vaccine passporting' and said 'mandating vaccinations is discriminatory and completely wrong'.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock also denied plans to implement vaccine passports, telling the Spectator: 'It's not an area that we're looking at.'

The policy has sparked concern that the passports could discriminate against people who must not be vaccinated, such as pregnant women. Others fear it could keep non-vaccinated Britons under house arrest until they have a jab.

In other coronavirus developments:

Concerns have been raised that the vaccine drive might be slowing down after 201,330 more jabs were reported today - the third day in a row the number has fallen, although the NHS pointed to a reporting lag;

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries told MPs it is 'likely' there will a regional approach to restarting face-to-face lessons for millions of children when England comes out of the latest shutdown, and hinted closures will remain in place after February half-term;

New figures showed around one in eight people in private households in England had been infected with coronavirus by December;

Matt Hancock has announced he is self-isolating until Sunday after being 'pinged' by the NHS coronavirus app;

Ministers are desperately trying to quell anger over a 'postcode lottery' in vaccinations, with 70-year-olds getting jabs before over-80s in some areas;

Government scientists advising Boris Johnson fear that many people will 'probably abandon' social distancing and lockdown rules once they have had the jab;

The South African coronavirus variant may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past, scientists fear.

An NHS worker receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine at a Covid-19 vaccination centre set up inside the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth

The Government has contradicted itself on the implementation of vaccine passports, with Michael Gove saying they were 'not the plan' while Boris Johnson's vaccine tsar Nadhim Zahawi (pictured in Parliament) said they were 'looking at the technology'

Today, EU commission vice-president Mr Schinas told a press conference that the bloc is aiming to inoculate 70 per cent of its adult population before September.

That aim, agreed in a meeting of all EU commissioners, comes as most member states are struggling to achieve liftoff with their vaccination programmes.

The bloc started jabs three weeks ago and has so far approved two vaccines - from BioNTech/Pfizer and from Moderna - with others soon expected to follow. But its pace of vaccination trails behind countries such as the US, Britain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Ms Kyriakides said that the EU's joint-buying strategy meant there were already enough doses to vaccinate 80 per cent of the EU's population of 450 million. She admitted, though, that 'vaccinations need to speed up'.

Mr Schinas said: 'We also propose that by summer, this year, member states should have vaccinated a minimum of 70 per cent of the adult population.'

Later, he explained that that meant 'by the end of summer', which he said in Europe runs from June to the end of August.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement that meeting the goal of 70 percent could be 'a turning point in our fight against this virus'.

Questioned earlier in the European Parliament about the slowness of the rollout, Ms Kyriakides said the current bottleneck was due to 'the worldwide shortage of production capacity', rather than a shortage of vaccines already ordered by the EU.

She also noted that, if all the vaccines the EU has secured in advance are authorised, the bloc would have more than two billion doses on hand.

The excess doses would be provided to lower-income countries outside the EU through a joint WHO facility called COVAX, she said.

'Very soon, we will be able to announce our donations of vaccines to the rest of the world,' she said at the media conference.

MEPs were scathing about confidentiality clauses demanded by vaccine-makers in their contracts with the EU that kept the prices, liability terms and contingencies for late deliveries secret, preventing parliamentary oversight.

Ms Kyriakides said she heard that concern 'loud and clear' but said the Commission was bound by the clauses.

She also responded to criticisms about Germany's health ministry, saying it had obtained options for extra vaccine doses bilaterally with some of the companies.

'It is not legally possible for them to negotiate bilateral contracts with the companies in the EU portfolio,' she said. 'And I have reminded member states of these rights and obligations.'

Has Britain's great Covid vaccine rollout ALREADY stalled? Daily figures drop for third day in a row as critics tell No10 to 'throw as much money as possible' at NHS to ensure jab uptake stays high

The number of Brits getting vaccinated against Covid in the UK has fallen for the third day in a row, raising fears that the rollout has stalled over the weekend.

Some 204,076 people in Britain were vaccinated yesterday, January 18, with the total slumping from 225,000 on Sunday, 277,000 on Saturday and a high of 324,000 on Friday.

More than 4.26million people have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine through the NHS programme  one in every 16 people in the UK  which makes it one of the best covered countries in the world.

But to hit the Government's target of 13.9million people by February 15, which is the threshold at which officials will consider relaxing lockdown, Britain must manage 360,000 jabs per day from today onwards  2.5million per week. Last week it averaged 254,000 per day and hit a total 1.77million. The daily requirement will increase for every day that it isn't hit.

Dr Duncan Robertson, an analyst at Loughborough University, said today: 'The number vaccinated has fallen for three successive days. It would be useful to know what the vaccine supply schedule is over the next weeks and months, and the reason for this decrease.'

The reasons behind the slowdown are not clear  it could be a consequence of the Government focusing efforts and supplies on slow rollout areas so they can get to all over-80s, or it may be a bottleneck in supply. Ministers repeatedly warned last week that manufacturing speed was the 'limiting factor' and it has emerged that Pfizer, one of the two vaccine suppliers, has delayed its deliveries for the rest of January while it expands its Belgian factory.

It comes amid growing pressure on the NHS to run a 24/7 service after people noticed the number of jabs given out over the weekend was lower than in the week.

No10 was told today it must 'throw as much money as possible' at the NHS to ensure coronavirus vaccine uptake stays high all week.

At a Downing Street press conference last night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock brushed off questions about the lower uptake the weekend, urging people to look at the weekly averages rather than data from individual days. But think-tanks told MailOnline today that the drop was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic', and called on ministers to 'put money into it', if it turned out that staffing issues was to blame.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, told MailOnline: 'Throughout this pandemic the Government has consistently over-promised and under delivered. When it comes to the vaccination program, the Government must avoid repeating the failures of our test and trace system and PPE supply chains to the frontline.'

It comes as an NHS trust in London today reportedly sent out an email to staff urging them to just turn up to get Covid vaccinations because leftover doses were at risk of expiring if they weren't used by tomorrow morning.

Health and social care workers are in one of the top priority groups to get vaccinated, and people working in the vaccine supply chain will now also be prioritised to make sure deliveries are not interrupted.

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as officials in Scotland and Wales have been accused of stockpiling vaccine stores and not using them as soon as possible. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said yesterday he did not want staff 'standing round doing nothing' later in the month if all supplies of the jabs were used now. Scottish Conservatives said today there are 400,000 doses that have been delivered to Scotland but not used yet.

With 27 days left for the Government to hit its target of vaccinating 13.9million people by February 15:

Number 10 insisted all areas have had equal access to the coronavirus vaccine, with the Prime Minister's spokesperson s aying ministers had 'ensured' everywhere received the same supplies;

Doctors on the frontlines have complained limited supplies are hampering Britain's largest ever jab rollout, claiming they could do more with more regular deliveries;

A GP helping to organise jab appointments in Sheffield revealed over-80s have been texted to secure slots, saying he feared it may mean many elderly residents are missing their jabs;

A racecourse hosting a Covid vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue;

Up to 2,000 people working in roles in the Covid vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable, the Government has announced.

Why has Britain's Covid vaccination programme slowed down? The reasons behind the slowdown are not clear  it could be a consequence of the Government focusing efforts and supplies on slow rollout areas so they can get to all over-80s, or it may be a bottleneck in supply. Speaking at a Downing Street press conference last night Mr Hancock said vaccine supply was the 'rate-limiting factor'. 'If you listen to voices on the ground in the NHS, you hear people saying 'give us more supply and we will jab it into more arms',' he said. 'We are shoveling it out as fast as we can.' Pressure is mounting on the Government to dish out coronavirus vaccines 24/7, with Labour saying No10 'must deliver for the British people' because the public 'have sacrificed so much'. But ministers earlier claimed there was 'no clamour' for appointments beyond 8pm. It emerged last week that Pfizer is shrinking and delaying its deliveries to Europe while it expands its factory in Belgium. The company makes one of just two vaccines that are being given to the public in the UK and confirmed that Britain would be affected in late January and February. Countries in the EU have criticised Pfizer for shrinking its deliveries as it emerged Norway would get a batch 18 per cent smaller than expected next week. A spokesperson at the company told the Financial Times: 'Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March.' Advertisement

Department of Health figures published today show that the number of people vaccinated against Covid rose by 204,076 between Sunday and Monday.

The total number of coronavirus vaccine doses dished out  208,641  is higher because some patients were given their second jab.

Data also revealed the number of people vaccinated in England has fallen from 320,894 on Friday to 167,150 in the past 24 hours.

Across Britain as a whole, the total number of people getting jabs daily fell from 324,233 on Friday to 277,915 on Saturday to 225,407 on Sunday.

To hit its target of 13.9million people by February 15, which is the Prime Minister's target before he can start to think about loosening lockdown restrictions in March, the nation must manage 360,000 per day, and this number will increase for every day that the target isn't hit.

The Adam Smith Institute think-tank told MailOnline today there seemed to be a 'lackadaisical approach to Saturdays and Sundays'.

Deputy director Matt Kilcoyne said the blip in figures was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic'.

'Knowing as we do that every hour counts, every day counts... there is no reason why the UK could not have the same vaccination rollout rate as Israel,' he added.

Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute for Economic Affairs, said NHS staff needed to be congratulated on the 'great job' they've done with the vaccine roll out so far.

But he added: 'The NHS is bit of a five day week service in many ways and if it comes down to staffing then we need to put more money into it. If you give people strong financial incentives it makes people want to work seven days a week.'

Ministers are piloting 24/7 vaccinations after Boris Johnson came under immense scrutiny for claiming there was 'no clamour' for appointments beyond 8pm. But the inconsistencies at the weekend will raise concerns about whether No10 can deliver.

Mr Snowdon told MailOnline 'money should be no object' when it comes to the vaccine rollout because the benefits of immunising the entire country and ending the economically-crippling lockdowns would outweigh any cost.

He said: 'At the moment they're only paying GPs commission on jabs given to care home residents, but they [the Government] should pay commission for every patient.

'It seems that we need more staff, and the staff we've got need to work longer hours, so they have to throw as much money as possible at it.'

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as leaders in Scotland (Nicola Sturgeon, right) and Wales (Mark Drakeford, left) have been criticised for sitting on supplies of the jabs

Staff at a London hospital are invited for a 'walk-in' jab to use up spare doses Staff at a London hospital were sent an email today urging them and colleagues to get impromptu Covid jabs because it had doses that were at risk of being 'wasted' if they aren't used by tomorrow morning. 'We still have a large amount of walk-in vaccination appointments available today for FIRST DOSE vaccinations for staff', staff said in an email tweeted by EveryDoctor, a campaign group run by NHS doctors. The email continued: 'This batch of vaccinations need to be used by 8.15am tomorrow or they will be wasted.' Staff were 'actively encouraged' to book in for a walk-in vaccination. EveryDoctor tweeted: 'Covid-19 vaccine doses may be wasted because NHS hospitals are not allowed to give 2nd doses (a full vaccine course) to NHS staff. 'The Government needs to change this now to protect staff and patients.' It comes after local NHS leaders are said to have issued vaccine disposal instructions to doctors organising clinics, despite Professor Chris Whitty saying the UK's roll-out of vaccinations was being held back by delayed deliveries of the Pfizer jab. Some surgeries are taking a stand against the orders, described as 'bordering on criminal', but others fear their supplies will be cancelled if they don't comply. Supply chain uncertainty - particularly around the Pfizer jab which needs to be kept at -70C - means GPs are struggling to book the exact number of appointments for clinics and in some cases patients haven't turned up having been given little time to prepare. The NHS said there was 'no reason' why stocks should be wasted, insisting vaccination sites should make sure a back-up list of patients and staff who can get the jab at short-notice if there are such absences is drawn up. Advertisement

Public Health England last night blamed the lower weekend figures on reporting delays and the Health Secretary insisted the roll-out was a 'full seven-day service' with the Government 'prepared to go 24/7'.

When asked about the drop in figures at the press briefing, Mr Hancock said: 'The vaccine delivery is absolutely delivering a full seven-day service and we are prepared to go 24/7.

'I wouldn't read too much into an individual day's data, I think the best thing to do is look at weekly averages and, as you say, you can see that going up, and up fast.'

Mr Hancock said vaccine supply was the 'rate-limiting factor'. 'If you listen to voices on the ground in the NHS, you hear people saying 'give us more supply and we will jab it into more arms',' he added. 'We are shoveling it out as fast as we can.'

Mr Hancock revealed that 4million Britons have now had a coronavirus vaccine, amid mounting claims that a 'postcode lottery' has left vulnerable people in certain areas unprotected.

With the successful roll-out of a Covid vaccine the only hope ministers have of being able to ease the lockdown restrictions this spring, the Health Secretary told the nation: 'Don't blow it now, we're on the route out.'

The Health Secretary also admitted supplies of the only two approved jabs, made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca, are being prioritised to areas lagging behind in the roll-out.

It comes after another 7million Britons were sent invite letters to receive their coronavirus jabs from yesterday  but only in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have had it already.

Discussing Britain's growing Covid vaccine postcode lottery, Mr Hancock praised Slough for ensuring all of their care home residents have had their first dose. Newcastle-upon-Tyne has also achieved the feat.

But he said: 'What we're doing now is making sure that whilst they, of course, will be able to move onto the next group, we're prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s.

'But we don't want to stop the areas that have effectively done that job already, we want them to carry on, but the priority of the vaccine is according to the JCVI prioritisation list. The critical thing is to make sure that everybody can get it, that we're putting more supply into the areas that have got more to do.'

Whitehall insiders believe the UK's vaccine rollout is going so well that the wider adult population may be covered by June rather than September, with around 280,000 doses currently being administered each day. Ten new mass vaccination centres opened today, to speed up the programme even further.

No10 says all areas HAVE had 'equal access' to Covid vaccines amid 'postcode lottery' row Number 10 has insisted all areas have had equal access to the coronavirus vaccine amid mounting anger over a jabs 'postcode lottery'. The Prime Minister's spokesman dug his heels in on the claims today, saying ministers had 'ensured' everywhere received the same supplies. Matt Hancock yesterday revealed some regions were lagging behind schedule in the rollout to over-80s  despite No10 announcing the scheme was being expanded to all over-70s and adults with underlying conditions. But the Health Secretary hinted supplies have not been equally distributed, as he claimed they were being diverted to areas which were way off target. No10 has yet to confirm whether 'equal' means all regions got the same number of doses, or enough doses to vaccinate the same proportion of over-80s. London's mayor Sadiq Khan said last week he was 'hugely concerned' by the sluggish rollout in the capital, complaining about the city's vaccine supply. Advertisement

Staff at a London hospital were sent an email today urging them and colleagues to get impromptu Covid jabs because it had doses that were at risk of being 'wasted' if they aren't used by tomorrow morning.

'We still have a large amount of walk-in vaccination appointments available today for FIRST DOSE vaccinations for staff', staff said in an email tweeted by EveryDoctor, a campaign group run by NHS doctors.

The email continued: 'This batch of vaccinations need to be used by 8.15am tomorrow or they will be wasted.'

Staff were 'actively encouraged' to book in for a walk-in vaccination.

EveryDoctor tweeted: 'Covid-19 vaccine doses may be wasted because NHS hospitals are not allowed to give 2nd doses (a full vaccine course) to NHS staff.

'The Government needs to change this now to protect staff and patients.'

It comes after local NHS leaders are said to have issued vaccine disposal instructions to doctors organising clinics, despite Professor Chris Whitty saying the UK's roll-out of vaccinations was being held back by delayed deliveries of the Pfizer jab.

Some surgeries are taking a stand against the orders, described as 'bordering on criminal', but others fear their supplies will be cancelled if they don't comply.

Supply chain uncertainty - particularly around the Pfizer jab which needs to be kept at -70C - means GPs are struggling to book the exact number of appointments for clinics and in some cases patients haven't turned up having been given little time to prepare.

The NHS said there was 'no reason' why stocks should be wasted, insisting vaccination sites should make sure a back-up list of patients and staff who can get the jab at short-notice if there are such absences is drawn up.

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as Scotland and Wales have been criticised for sitting on supplies of the jabs.

Elderly Britons may be missing invites for Covid jabs because GPs are having to TEXT them due to 'short notice of supply' Elderly Britons may be missing appointments for their coronavirus vaccines because GPs are sending them invites by text, doctors fear. Some over-80s who are next in line for the jab are being contacted on their mobile phones because of the 'short notice of supply'. Dr Ollie Hart, a GP involved in the rollout in Sheffield, said he was concerned it was leading to many missing their jabs. He said: 'The difficulty for us has been the short notice of supply, which has meant we've had to contact most people by mobile phones and by telephone rather than sending letters and having a more staged and planned approach. 'So that has meant if people haven't been in or we haven't been able to get hold of them sometimes we might of missed people.' He urged over-80s still waiting to hear from their surgeries to give them a call to ensure they hadn't missed any calls or text messages.' The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine poses few problems for surgeries because it can be stored in standard fridges for months. But the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine  which was the first to be approved  must be used five days after it is defrosted. Dr Hart said once supplies of the jab are delivered there is usually only three-and-a-half days left, leading to frantic calls to the priority groups to ensure no supplies are wasted. The NHS says most invites are sent as letters  but GP practices can invite their own patients by text. Advertisement

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the Scottish Government has received 717,000 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines  but claimed that well over half of these had not yet been used.

She said: 'We know how many doses of vaccine have so far been delivered to Scotland, we know how many GP practices have agreed to take part in the process. The GPs know who their patients are and they know how to contact them.

'The only thing that's missing is for too many practices across Scotland they have not yet actually received any supplies.'

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, replied: 'Supplies are allocated to Scotland, they are then drawn down to Scotland, and we vaccinate as quickly as we possibly can. That will continue to be the case.

'In terms of the doses that are in Scotland, many of them have already been put into people's arms.'

Welsh leader Mark Drakeford yesterday came under fire for his strategy of rationing coronavirus vaccine doses to make them last until the next delivery in February, instead of using them as fast as possible.

Mr Drakeford yesterday admitted Wales isn't using up all of its doses of the Pfizer jab, claiming the 'sensible' thing to do is ration supplies so the programme could work steadily until next month and so staff aren't 'standing around with nothing to do' if supplies run out.

But MPs slammed his plan as 'dangerous' and said the point of the programme is to protect elderly people from dying not to keep NHS staff busy.

Welsh Tory leader Paul Davies said: 'You'd have thought from a government's perspective they would've wanted to distribute the vaccines as soon as possible. I was flabbergasted by his comments.

'This is a matter of life and death, and that's why it's so crucial now that they get these vaccines out to people as soon as possible.

'To suggest that vaccines should be rolled out over a period of time so that vaccinators are not standing around with nothing to do is absolutely preposterous.

'If we don't get the vaccines out as soon as possible, and into people's arms as soon as possible, then unfortunately more people are going to die.'



David Jones, MP for Clwyd West said the explanation was 'wholly incoherent'. Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean on the Welsh border, said it was 'dangerous' and that people needed vaccines as soon as was possible. And Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said it was 'deeply, deeply frustrating'.

Up to 2,000 people working in roles in Covid vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs Up to 2,000 people working in roles in the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable, the Government has announced. The move follows a plea from AstraZeneca to protect workers involved with the manufacture of the vaccine to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said staff working for Pfizer and AstraZeneca that are involved in crucial supply chain roles in the UK will be among those eligible for the jabs. The employees will be the first group of key workers outside of the NHS, social care and care home workers to be vaccinated. Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines. Last week Sir Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals research and development at AstraZeneca, called for people in the vaccine process to be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine. Advertisement

It was also revealed today that up to 2,000 people working in roles in the coronavirus vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable.

The move  announced by Number 10  follows a plea from AstraZeneca to protect workers involved with the manufacturing of the vaccine to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly.

The Department for Health said staff working for Pfizer and AstraZeneca that are involved in crucial supply chain roles in the UK will be among those eligible for the jabs. The employees will be the first group of key workers outside of the NHS, social care and care home workers to be vaccinated.

Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines.

Last week Sir Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals research and development at AstraZeneca, called for people in the vaccine process to be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine.

He told the Science and Technology Committee that an outbreak had already occurred in one group working on the vaccine.

'One of the things that I'm worried about is actually maintaining a continuous supply and work on this vaccine,' he said.

'Of course with the outbreak and the pandemic where it is  I feel it's critical to the people that are working on this vaccine are actually immunised.

'Because if you have an outbreak at one of the centres  which we've had actually  or in one of the groups in Oxford (that) is working on new variants, or the people that are working on the regulatory files, everything stops.

'This is a concern that I have and so again we're pushing to try and get our key workers that are working on the vaccine project immunised to try and prevent these outbreaks.'

A racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue. Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus

Racecourse hosting Covid vaccine hub is halting its service to allow horse racing to continue A racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue. Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus. But less than a week later, the centre will shut for a day on Wednesday for a scheduled race day. Horse racing is allowed to continue under lockdown rules because it is considered an elite sport. The racecourse posted on Twitter on Thursday: 'A heartwarming moment as the first patients arrive at the racecourse to receive the vaccine against Covid-19. Proud to play a small part in this positive moment and our thanks to all @BerksWestCCG & local GP's who are working tirelessly to distribute up to 1500 vaccines a day.' It also posted: 'A decision was taken not to operate on Wednesday to minimise the risk to all participants, but this is being reviewed moving forward.' A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: 'The race day has always been planned and we have made provision for it so it is not hampering the vaccination process. 'The vaccination centre opened last week and the NHS was made aware of the race day. We have an abundance of space but a decision was made we would not operate both the race day and the vaccination centre this week but that is being reviewed so both may be open in the future.' Advertisement

The DHSC said that workers identified as 'irreplaceable and crucial' to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines.

'Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines,' DHSC said.

Those eligible include staff making the vaccine substance, working on fill and finish and batch testing, as well as those involved in end-to-end coordination who are responsible for getting doses to the right place at the right time.

And in other vaccine developments today, a racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue.

Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus.

But less than a week later, the centre will shut for a day on Wednesday for a scheduled race day.

Horse racing is allowed to continue under lockdown rules because it is considered an elite sport.

The racecourse posted on Twitter on Thursday: 'A heartwarming moment as the first patients arrive at the racecourse to receive the vaccine against Covid-19. Proud to play a small part in this positive moment and our thanks to all @BerksWestCCG & local GP's who are working tirelessly to distribute up to 1500 vaccines a day.'

It also posted: 'A decision was taken not to operate on Wednesday to minimise the risk to all participants, but this is being reviewed moving forward.'

A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: 'The race day has always been planned and we have made provision for it so it is not hampering the vaccination process.

'The vaccination centre opened last week and the NHS was made aware of the race day. We have an abundance of space but a decision was made we would not operate both the race day and the vaccination centre this week but that is being reviewed so both may be open in the future.'

Newbury has 29 race days scheduled for the year including Wednesday, one in February and four in March. A spokeswoman for Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group said: 'Local NHS staff are working hard to continue to deliver vaccinations throughout the week and into the weekend, and we are working with Newbury Racecourse so vaccinations can continue to take place safely on race days in future.'
The State Department declared on Tuesday that the Chinese government is committing genocide and crimes against humanity through its wide-scale repression of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang, including in its use of internment camps and forced sterilization.

The move is expected to be the Trump administrations final action on China, made on its last full day, and is the culmination of a yearslong debate over how to punish what many consider Beijings worst human rights abuses in decades. Relations between the countries have deteriorated over the past four years, and the new finding adds to a long list of tension points.

I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

The determination of atrocities is a rare action on the part of the State Department, and could lead the United States to impose more sanctions against China under the new administration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., who said last year through a spokesman that the policies by Beijing amounted to genocide. Other nations or international institutions could follow suit in formally criticizing China over its treatment of its minority Muslims and taking punitive measures.
Regulatory News:

THERACLION (Paris:ALTHE) (ISIN: FR0010120402; Mnemo: ALTHE, PEA-PME eligible), an innovative company specializing in the development of medical equipment for echotherapy treatment, notably for varicose veins, today announces its sales revenues for the year 2020 and roll-out strategy for 2021.

Roll-out strategy 2021

SONOVEIN S, the last generation of SONOVEIN systems (CE marking obtained in Oct. 2020), makes SONOVEIN a strong alternative in treatment of varicose veins. It allows faster non-surgical treatment on an ambulatory basis without the need for anaestesia. Since October the company has made significant progress with their roll-out strategy. For 2021, it plans to further expand business development in new territories including Asia. Theraclion will also significantly increase SONOVEIN S installations at new key opinion leader sites. These international experts show strong interest in this distruptive technology. Once equipped, their centers of excellence are the relay of the technology to the rest of the market. SONOVEIN S will then gradually become the gold standard treatment for patients with chronic vein insufficiency.

Furthermore, Professor Dr. Mark Whiteley, renowned UK Venous Surgeon, presented excellent 6 months efficacy results at the American Vein Lymphatic Society (AVLS). SONOVEIN S has been installed at his clinics in addition to the already existing installation at Melk, Austria. The company raised 3.0 million from investors and secured 1.5 million in PGE loan from BPI France and CIC This allow the company to move forward on the commercial roll-out of SONOVEIN S.

2020 activity impacted by the global health crisis

Theraclion SA achieved a turnover of 744K in 2020, a decrease of 73% compared to 2019. Recurring revenue consisting of the sale of consumables and services reached 467 K growing 8%. One system was sold in 2020 against eleven in 2019.

Echotherapy treatments, not being qualified as an urgent procedure, were suspended most of the year in most countries due to COVID 19. Despite the lock down, the clinical trial for SONOVEIN S could be successfully completed and used post-CE marking in standard clinical practice in London.

Travel limitations, as well as restrictions on gatherings reduced severly commercial contacts and most hospitals were forced to halt focus on new equipment to concentrate on COVID 19 only. However online discussions and pipeline building has continued online. Whilst the impact on Theraclion's business, which is mostly international, was significant, preparations for 2021 business development continued.

However, the company regained its business development and accelerated its efforts with potential buyers of the technology in Q3 and Q4. A gradual resumption of treatments and an increase in orders for consumables and systems also took place in the second half of the 2020 year.

Annual revenue/K 2020 2019 Variation Sales of systems 277 2 352 -88% Sales of consumables 315 241 +31% Sales of services 152 191 -20% Total sales Theraclion SA 744 2 784 -73% Out of which Thyroid and Breast 592 2111 -72% Out of which varicose veins 152 673 -77% Out of which recurring sales (1) 467 432 +8%

(1) Recurring sales Sales of consumables sales of services

Despite COVID 19 lock-down, we have treated more varicose veins than last year (+142% veins consumables sale revenues) despite severe lock-downs and restrictions on none lifesaving surgical procedures in Western Europe. System sale was difficult due to hospital budget re-allocation to critical care. We are still in the process of executing the sales of 3 systems which were delayed by the pandemy.

About Theraclion

Theraclion has developed an innovative high-tech echotherapy solution using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the treatment of varicose veins, SONOVEIN. The treatment solution, which obtained CE marking in April 2019, is based on the leading-edge echotherapy treatment expertise developed over years by Theraclion for non-invasive ablation of breast fibroadenomas and thyroid nodules using its ECHOPULSE solution. Further improvements to the ECHOPULSE technology are the foundation for SONOVEIN to provide the only non-invasive ablation therapy for varicose veins. This procedure allows for a treatment without a catheter, chemical injection, or incision. An operating room is not necessary, and the treatment can be performed at a doctor's office, in a clinic, as well as in a hospital. Venous pathology is widespread worldwide and generates around 5 million treatment procedures per year, according to Millennium research Varicose Vein Device Market Study 2015. Theraclion's technological solutions are based on hightech ultrasound medical imaging devices that are precise and easy to use for practitioners.

Located in Malakoff, near Paris, Theraclion brings together a team of 25 people, more than half of whom are dedicated to R&D and clinical trials.

For more information, please visit the Theraclion website: www.theraclion.com and the patient site: https://echotherapie.com/echotherapy/

Theraclion is listed on Euronext Growth Paris

Eligible for the PEA-PME scheme

Mnemonic: ALTHE ISIN code: FR0010120402

LEI: 9695007X7HA7A1GCYD29

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005855/en/

Contacts:

Theraclion

David Auregan

Chief Finance Officer

david.auregan@theraclion.com

Anja Kleber

VP Marketing, Market Access Sales Francophonia

anja.kleber@theraclion.com
The Covid-19 death toll now stands at 440, with the deaths of 15 more people yesterday.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.

One of the new deaths occurred in Tobago. The Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development disclosed that the patient was a 38-year-old male with co-morbidities.
"This morning, 21 kids were absent. After KiNVOing (which took three minutes), 14 students showed up." Tweet this

Kinvolved has spent nearly a decade working to prevent absenteeism and solve the absenteeism crisis in the United States. This crisis is longstanding and deeply rooted; pre-pandemic, approximately eight million, or 15% of U.S. students were missing three weeks or more of school per year, but in 2020, 25% of students were missing nationally, jumping to 40% in some communities.

"The stakes and challenges caused by absenteeism in our country are now higher than any other time in recorded history. Historically, change is slow-moving in K12 education, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced dramatic transformation in a matter of weeks; what would have typically been a multi-month or multi-year process was condensed into a series of overnight deployments. As frustrating as the change has been, we believe the pandemic provided a much needed spotlight on the attendance crisis at hand. With that comes the opportunity to make strategic and holistic changes that wouldn't have been on the drawing board for consideration before," said Alex Meis, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Kinvolved.

Throughout the pandemic, Kinvolved helped schools and districts:

Leverage two-way, translated text messages via KiNVO to communicate with 100% of their families regardless of location, language, device, or internet access

Improve attendance regardless of learning scenario (in-person, remote, hybrid)

Use two-way, translated text messages to coordinate social services, such as meals for free and reduced lunch students, and health check-ins

Survey families for needs

Partner stories throughout the report showcase the positive impact this support made in schools and communities around the country. Kimberly Leimer, a principal in Rhode Island, spoke to the direct impact KiNVO had with her students and said, "This morning, 21 kids were absent. After KiNVOing (which took three minutes), 14 students showed up."

As a result of this mission-critical support, Kinvolved saw the following growth:

63% increase in the number of students served

124% increase in the number of messages exchanged between school and home

In the upcoming year, Kinvolved will continue growing to serve new communities across the U.S. in implementing practical, research-based attendance and family engagement practices that help prevent absenteeism in all learning scenarios. The company will also continue innovating to provide helpful tools such as digital attendance postcards, family surveying, and more to increase efficacy and impact.

To read the full 2020 Impact Report, click here .

CONTACT: Patrick McLaughlin, 720-432-8824

SOURCE Kinvolved

Related Links

https://kinvolved.com


President Donald Trump turns to reporters as he exits the White House to walk toward Marine One on the South Lawn in Washington, on Jan. 12, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Trump Signs Order Expanding Federal Prosecutors Ability to Carry a Concealed Firearm

President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order aimed at enhancing protections for federal judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers.

His order directs the federal government to make it easier for law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors to carry a concealed firearm, and urges Congress to pass legislation to extend the right to carry a concealed firearm to federal judges.

Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers should not have to choose between public service and subjecting themselves and their families to danger, Trump said in his order. My Administration has no higher priorities than preserving the rule of law in our country and protecting the men and women who serve under its flag.

This comes in response to the tragic shooting of 20-year-old Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, and her husband Mark Anderl. Daniel was shot several times in the chest and succumbed to his injuries, while Mark was critically injured. The FBI has identified Roy Den Hollander as the primary subject of the shooting but added that he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in upstate New York.

Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers resiliency in the face of the danger they regularly face is an inspiration for all of us in public service, the order reads.

Trumps order aims to remove any undue obstacle that prevents current and retired federal law enforcement officers from carrying a concealed gun under federal law.

It also directs acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to propose a regulation within 30 days of the order that gives federal prosecutors the power to possess and carry firearms, but not include law enforcement powers such as making arrests. The regulation must also require prosecutors obtain appropriate training in firearm safety and use as a condition.

Rosen is also ordered to direct the Director of the Marshals Service to prioritize the protection of federal judges and prosecutors; prioritize investigations and prosecution of federal crimes against judges, prosecutors, or law enforcement officers or their family members, if the family member was targeted because of the persons relation to a judge, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer.

The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security are also directed to review whether it is feasible to remove or minimize the availability of personally identifiable information appearing in public sources of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers.

Salas in August had called for greater privacy safeguards for federal judges following the deadly shooting attack on her family.

In a video statement, the judge said that the gunman had compiled a complete dossier of personal information of her and her family, including details on where they lived and the church they attended. She said such personal information is currently easily obtainable, and the lack of safeguards to protect it is unacceptable.

Currently, federal judges addresses and other information is readily available on the internet. In addition, there are companies that will sell your personal details that can be leveraged for nefarious purposes, Salas said.

My sons death cannot be in vain, which is why I am begging those in power to do something to help my brothers and sisters on the bench.

The order also requires Rosen develop and propose federal legislation aimed at providing additional protections for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, such as allowing the federal civil servants to use post office box addresses in lieu of home address information, and increased penalties for threatened and actual violence against federal judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers.

Trumps executive order was signed two days before he is scheduled to leave office. The incoming administration has vowed to implement a restrictive gun control agenda, which has prompted an increased sale of certain firearms ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration over concerns that some weapons may be banned.
The class includes an estimated 21,677 people, which would amount to a settlement of $461.32 per person, according to court records. However, the final sum will depend on how many people file claims and how much of the settlement goes to attorney fees and court costs. Attorneys for the employees can ask the court to award them up to a third of the $10 million.
Hurghada, Egypt (PANA)  Libyas Constitutional Committee started its second meeting on Tuesday with the participation of two delegations from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, each comprising 10 members
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Italian nun, former superior general of the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate died yesterday. In 1978, thanks to foreign and Indian aid, she managed to transform the Holy Family of Bandra from a modest nursing home into a missionary hospital. She did not remember the number of children helped to come into this world.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - talian missionary Mother Giovanna Saveria Alberoni, former superior general of the Ursulines of May Immaculate congregation, died on January 18. She was 94. She is a member of the Shalom Community, Holy Family Hospital of Bandra, a suburb of Mumbai.

In 1946 Mother Giovanna entered the novitiate, and arrived in India in 1948 , and earned a degree at the Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. She began working in Indian health facilities in the maternity wards of hospitals in Kanpur, Calicut, Vaiythiri and Mumbai.

Speaking previously to AsiaNews, Sister Giovanna had said: "The cry of a newborn baby is a hymn to life". "With no respect for life, abortion is killing. Regardless of the name that can be given to it, abortion is murder. I believe in life. The cry of the newborn is a cry, but at the same time it is a hymn to life".

The Sister could not remember the exact number of children whom she has helped to birth, but says: "I've always been in the neonatal field, and so the number would be many". In 1978, thanks to foreign and Indian funds, Sister Giovanna managed to transform the Holy Family of Bandra from modest nursing home to missionary hospital, which provides diagnostic tests, treatments, accident and emergency care and preventive medicine.

Sister Maria Giovanna Alberoni is called affectionately "Mother Giovanna". She was born in 1926 in San Giorgio Piacentino, in Italy, and attended a training course at the Ursuline School. After completing the course, the headmistress Bianca Franchini allowed her to continue her master studies and obtain a diploma as an elementary school teacher.

Mother Giovanna would have to continue her studies and go to university. But the experience of the Second World War, along with the strong faith of her family and her commitment to the life of the parish, nourished the seeds of her religious vocation. The missionary said that when her mother was pregnant with her, she prayed to the Lord for the child shewas carrying to be a boy and that he would be a priest.

In 1978 she managed to turn a small nursing home a hospital with 260 beds. In 2012 she was awarded by the Cuore Amico association in Brescia, Italy. Today the Holy Family Hospital is a 260-bed medical facility and is an excellence in the health field, offering first level medical care while adhering to the goal of origin: to meet the needs of the community serving without distinction of caste , creed or religion.

The nun is representative of the association Heron, which helps poor children to go to school. The program operates in India, Brazil and Africa, and many of its students have obtained a diploma in nursing and other fields. To date, more than 3500 children have benefited from the funds allocated to this project.

Sister Giovanna had shared with AsiaNews, "In the medical field we must always show mercy; without mercy, the medical profession is not possible. We also need to be witnesses of the merciful face of the Father. I always pray to do the will of God. And what I do, I do for the Lord".

Sr Dr Beena UMI ,who belongs to the same Shalom Community, as Mother Giovanna, told AsiaNews: "... Mother Giovanna was a missionary ... with a vision. Through her caring ways and winning smile she captured everyone's heart . She served the Congregation of The Ursulines of Mary Immaculate in various capacities- as superior of Indian Mission, Provincial Superior of Central Province and Superior General . Through her dedication and hard work she opened a mission branch in Africa. Above all she was a wonderful human being . She treated everyone with motherly affection."
Australia's dwindling number of foreign students are leaving the country in droves with Chinese students leading the pack, new data reveals.

The international education sector had been one of the country's biggest export markets - worth $37.6billion in flow-on benefits to the Australian economy in 2019 - but that was rapidly being eroded due to government restrictions on visas and inward travel.

In December 2020, almost a quarter of all overseas departures from Australia were students on temporary visas leaving the country, new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show.

Many students have not been able to come back to Australia since the nation severely restricted inward travel on March 20.

Chinese students were one of the largest groups to leave the country in December as university courses finish (pictured: Student Zheng Zizan from Xian in China poses for family photos after graduating with a Masters of Commerce from Sydney University)

Sunny Gu and his girlfriend Maggie Zhang in August 2020, international students from China, arrive at Sydney Airport to catch a flight back home

Almost a fifth of all departures, 18.7 per cent, were Chinese citizens with 9,300 travelling out of the country, while Indian citizens were next with 5,400 leaving our shores.

Associate professor Anna Boucher from the University of Sydney said the figures would be expected considering the two countries provide our largest cohort of international students.

'Over the space of last year a lot of people of migrant background in Australia are becoming increasingly alarmed at how long they've been away from family,' the global immigration expert told news.com.au.

'It's not such a long flight from Australia to China, and maybe some of them made the decision they'd prefer to be home to finish the degree there and then if they still have that connection to Australia to apply for visa status subsequently.'

The next highest on the list of foreigners leaving Australia in December was New Zealanders, followed by people from the UK and the United States.

Although Australian citizens were the largest group to fly out of the country last month - accounting for 12,100 of the total 49,900 departures.

Leading up to international borders being closed in March 2020 to halt the spread of coronavirus, the international education sector had experienced five years of double-digit growth in Australia.

University campuses have turned into ghost towns over 2020 as students study online and international students numbers drop (pictured: the University of Sydney)

A packed university library at UTS before international travel bans were brought in (pictured)

This has ground to a halt over 2020 with the sector shrinking courtesy of prolonged travel bans.

According to the government there were eight percent fewer international students enrolled in Australian university courses in October 2020 compared to October 2019.

Experts warn this number could drop further as students who finish their courses between October and January 2021 - about 120,000 according to the government, are not replaced by new students signing up to begin their degrees in Australia.

Peak body Universities Australia said in June 2020 universities were likely to experience up to $4.8billion in lost revenue by the end of the year.

They also estimated this number could balloon to $16billion by 2023.

'We can't pretend that won't have a big impact. Not only does that revenue support the staff and facilities to educate the next generation of skilled workers, it also pays for much of the research and innovation that keeps Australia internationally competitive,' CEO Catriona Jackson said.

The flow on effect to the Australia economy from a drop of international students such as for the retail sector is also expected to be significant (pictured: people shop in Sydney in August 2020)

Universities across the country introduced mass redundancies in 2020 to cope with the the decrease in students numbers.

More than 12,000 university workers, about half of which were casual and contract staff, had lost their jobs, according to the National Tertiary Education Union.

Compounding the problem is that many international student visa holders are completing their courses remotely outside of Australia and thus are not contributing to the wider economy.

Flow on effects from foreign students not spending cash in areas such as the retail and property markets are significant.

For example, popular areas for international students to rent such as Docklands in Melbourne has a 14.2 per cent higher rental vacancy rate than a year ago, while in Sydney, the CBD and Haymarket areas had an 8.5 per cent increase in rental vacancies.

An effort to bring back in some international students has stalled, with the government saying this would only happen once all state borders remain open.
US Declares Beijings Repression of Uyghurs a Genocide

The Trump administration has determined that the Chinese regime has committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other minorities in the region of Xinjiang, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Jan. 19.

The move, made on the eve of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, marks one of the administrations toughest measures to condemn the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) severe human rights abuses domestically.

After careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China], under the direction and control of the CCP, has committed genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang, Pompeo said in a statement.

I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uyghurs by the Chinese party-state, he added.

The secretary also determined that the CCP had committed crimes against humanity in the region, citing Beijings detention of more than 1 million Muslims, and authorities subjecting the population to forced labor, forced sterilization, and torture.

Their morally repugnant, wholesale policies, practices, and abuses are designed systematically to discriminate against and surveil ethnic Uyghurs as a unique demographic and ethnic group, Pompeo said.

The state secretary called on the regime to release all detained Uyghurs and end its persecution in the region. He also urged other multilateral and legal bodies to join the United States in its effort to promote accountability for those responsible for these atrocities.

Beijings repression in Xinjiang, perpetrated through its network of internment camps and mass surveillance system, has drawn international condemnation. The United States has slapped sanctions on a range of CCP entities, including a high-level government leader and state-affiliated organizations responsible for atrocities in the region. Last week, it imposed a ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over forced labor practices.

U.S. officials briefing reporters on the move said in a call that an exhaustive documentation of [Chinas] own policies, practices, and abuse in Xinjiang reviewed by Pompeo led him to make the determination. Such acts had been committed since at least March 2017, officials said.

The rare designation follows intensive internal debate after Congress passed legislation on Dec. 27 requiring the U.S. administration to determine within 90 days whether forced labor or other alleged crimes against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities constituted crimes against humanity or genocide.

This is a decision that we do not take lightly, one of the U.S. officials on the call said. It has gone through a lot of process and a lot of analysis. The Secretary made the determination in his role that this is the tool that we need to deploy at this time in order to advance this vitally important cause.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said the Trump administration did the right thing by making the declaration, describing it as a call to action for the incoming administration, Congress, and our allies.

We must ensure that the U.S. and free nations do all we can to end these atrocities and ensure that it remains a priority of our nations China policy, Rubio said in a statement.

Bidens campaign declared, before the Nov. 3 U.S. election, that genocide was occurring in Chinas western Xinjiang region.

The U.S. decision does not automatically unleash any penalties, but it means countries will have to think hard about allowing companies to do business with Xinjiang, a leading global supplier of cotton.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A new regulator will be set up to ensure the safety of building materials after 'deeply disturbing' evidence of malpractice was heard at the Grenfell Inquiry, the Government has said.

The investigation into the fatal fire which killed 72 people in 2017 has heard that some firms involved in the production of materials used on the tower's flammable cladding deliberately manipulated fire tests and marketing materials.

Now, a regulator for construction products will be able to remove any products from the market that pose a safety risk and prosecute any companies that are found to be flouting rules.

If there are concerns about a product, the new body will be able to conduct its own tests against existing safety standards.

The plans for a new regulator come after it emerged that UK flat sales have halved due to fears over dangerous cladding similar to that which was on Grenfell Tower.

It also emerged on Monday that big building firms face a multi-billion-pound levy to help families pay to repair homes which are fitted with such cladding.

A new regulator will be set up to ensure the safety of building materials after 'deeply disturbing' evidence of malpractice was heard at the Grenfell Inquiry, the Government has said. The Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people in 2017

Ministers have also commissioned an independent review into weaknesses in previous testing regimes and will look at how abuse of these systems can be prevented.

The Minister for London said the move comes as a result of the 'entirely justified anger' over the fire and the 'failings it exposed'.

Sales of flats HALVE as housing market is crippled by fire risk fears Sales of flats have halved as fears over dangerous cladding similar to that found on Grenfell Tower cripple the housing market. Families have been left in flats they cannot sell as transactions worth 1.6billion were lost in September amid concerns over unsafe constructions and fire risks, figures from the Land Registry show. In September the number of flats being sold also fell by around 5,600, or 48 per cent, compared to the same month the year before, according to the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership charity. Across the country, around 20,000 high-rise flats still have the same cladding as Grenfell Tower and an estimated 186,000 private high-rise flats are wrapped in other types of inflammable materials, The Sunday Times revealed. Advertisement

Paul Scully said: 'This must never happen again, which is why we are launching a new authority to test and regulate the safety of construction materials, informed by the expertise that already exists within the Office for Product Safety and Standards.'

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'The Grenfell Inquiry has heard deeply disturbing allegations of malpractice by some construction product manufacturers and their employees, and of the weaknesses of the present product testing regime.

'We are establishing a national regulator to address these concerns and a review into testing to ensure our national approach is fit for purpose.

'We will continue to listen to the evidence emerging in the Inquiry, and await the judge's ultimate recommendation - but it is already clear that action is required now and that is what we are doing.'

Hearings of the Grenfell Inquiry are currently suspended amid lockdown restrictions across England.

Organisers have previously said they hope to start hearing evidence again remotely in February.

It comes after news of a potential multi-million pound levy which big building firms could be slapped with.

It could mean that all high rise flats and other major developments have a charge slapped on them to force building firms to atone for fitting thousands of flats and homes with unsafe cladding and insulation in recent decades.

It is part of a range of measures which are being discussed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Mr Jenrick.

The potential levy could raise up to 200million a year - a total of 2billion over ten years.

This will go some way towards meeting Britain's estimated 15billion post-Grenfell repair bill.

The inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell fire in Kensington, west London, in which 72 people died exposed how hundreds of apartment blocks were built which do not comply with safety regulations.

The Government said developers and building owners should fix the safety crisis.

However, leasehold law means residents in the affected flats must foot the exorbitant bill.

A regulator for construction products will be able to remove any products from the market that pose a safety risk and prosecute any companies that are found to be flouting rules

Make the building giants pay! Ministers consider 2bn levy on developers as families face a 15bn bill for safe homes after Grenfell disaster

By Simon Walters and Miles Dilworth for the Daily Mail

Big building firms face a multi-billion-pound levy to help families pay to repair homes with dangerous cladding in the wake of the Grenfell fire.

It could a mean a levy on all high rise flats and possibly a separate charge on major developments to atone for building tens of thousands of flats and homes with unsafe cladding and insulation in recent decades.

It is part of a package of measures being discussed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick to meet Britain's estimated 15billion post-Grenfell repair bill. The levy could raise up to 200million a year  a total of 2billion over ten years.

Big building firms face a multi-billion-pound levy to help families pay to repair homes with dangerous cladding in the wake of the Grenfell fire (pictured)

The inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell fire in Kensington, west London, in which 72 people died, has exposed how hundreds of apartment blocks were built which do not comply with safety regulations.

The Government has said developers and building owners should fix the safety crisis, but leasehold law means residents in the flats must foot the bill.

Ministers are considering two annual levies to ease the financial burden on leaseholders:

Adapting the existing 'community infrastructure levy' whereby developers pay to improve the community in return for planning permission.

A special 'gateway levy' whereby developers would pay a levy on new high rise blocks of flats.

It would meet demands by campaigners, backed by the Daily Mail, to stop big developers shirking their responsibility.

Maxine Burton: This could cost me my job as a solicitor Maxine Burton is facing bankruptcy  and losing her job as a solicitor  after a flat she bought three years ago became worthless overnight. The 33-year-old bought the 178,000 home with her boyfriend in March 2017. The couple planned to add value to the property with renovations and sell it on after a year in order to buy a larger place. Maxine Burton is facing bankruptcy  and losing her job as a solicitor  after a flat she bought three years ago became worthless overnight But a safety survey carried out in November 2019 identified several risks in Cartier House, Leeds, a nine-storey building, including cladding issues, an absence of fire breaks within the walls and wooden balconies. Now Miss Burton's life is on hold. She also said she faces 'financial ruin' with remediation costs expected to reach 43,000. She said: 'It's so hard not being able to have plans for the future and the financial stress is crippling. 'I don't want to spend all of my thirties living in this situation. We wanted to move last year and start a family but that doesn't look like it will happen now. 'We were not aware when we bought the flat that there were issues. We, like everyone else, bought in good faith that the building was safe. But the corruption evident in the building system and the carelessness is shocking.' Miss Burton fears she will lose her job if she goes bankrupt, because her right to practise would be suspended. She added: 'The Government keep making statements but won't pursue anything for us. 'The constant fear of death is also really hard to live with. We're right at the top of the block at the end of a corridor, so if there was a fire it would be very difficult for us to get out safely.' Advertisement

Significantly, the proposal is advocated by fire and building safety minister Lord Greenhalgh, who is also responsible for the Grenfell inquiry.

Lord Greenhalgh, a close personal and political ally of Boris Johnson and who served as his deputy when he was London mayor, said: 'A generation of people have built buildings that are not fit for purpose. In recent years developers have made profits of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

'Of course they should step in and do the right thing. The solution will include a levy on the development community.'

He said paying a levy would help developers regain the public trust needed to carry on in business.

A Government source added: 'A levy is in keeping with 'the polluter pays' principle. We may not be able to hold the industry legally responsible, but we can hold it morally responsible and make it contribute to putting things right.'

Charlotte Woods: I was loyal to Tories. Now I feel betrayed. Charlotte Woods, a former campaign manager for the Conservative Party, always viewed owning a home as her 'number one goal'. She saved up her earnings while working for several candidates later elected to Red Wall former Labour seats in the North in 2019. But Miss Woods says the Government's stance on flammable cladding has left her feeling 'very betrayed'. Charlotte Woods says the Government's stance on flammable cladding has left her feeling 'very betrayed' Because her six-storey block is less than 18m high, its residents do not qualify for a share of government grants. Miss Woods, 27, who bought her two-bed flat in Salford, Greater Manchester, for 155,000 four years ago, is likely to face a bill of thousands of pounds to make the building safe. She and her partner lost the chance to sell and move to a family home in August and fear they may have to delay their wedding, planned for next year. Miss Woods, who now works in communications, said: 'We have a small section of rainscreen cladding on the top of our building. We've been told it's flammable, the insulation under it is flammable and the fire breaks need replacing.' Miss Wood said she felt 'so proud' to own a home at 23, but added: 'I now feel very betrayed that the party I was once so loyal to has let me down so badly. I joined because I had conservative values, like the importance of owning your own home.' Advertisement

Ministers have dismissed London mayor Sadiq Khan's call for a massive one-off 'windfall tax' on developers as impractical, mainly on the grounds that it would put some building firms out of business.

The say an annual levy would raise far more in the long run without damaging the industry.

It is expected to be part of a wider package including a Government loan, and additional taxpayer support, to end the fire risk in millions of homes.

Making building owners and developers pay to fix the safety crisis has been a mantra of ministers ever since Grenfell. But the Government has shown little willingness to force the companies to pay, until now. Some developers have put money towards repairs, but nothing close to the amount needed to save some leaseholders from potential bankruptcy.

As the Mail has revealed, the biggest housebuilders have made more than 15billion in profit since Grenfell, allowing them to pay shareholders dividends of 5billion.

Since 2008, they have also benefited from billions of pounds of public subsidy via Help to Buy and Shared Ownership schemes.

But hundreds of apartment blocks have been built that do not comply with new fire regulations.

Britain's most profitable housebuilder, Persimmon, commissioned an independent review which found in 2019 that it had a 'systemic nationwide problem' with fire stops in its timber-frame properties. Responding at the time, the developer said it would now 'prioritise the customer over the pure profit motive'.

A separate investigation by the BBC in 2019 found that new-build homes constructed by Persimmon and Bellway Homes were sold with missing or defective fire breaks, which are designed to stop the spread of a blaze. The companies said they were addressing the issue.
ROCHESTER, Minn.- Many of us know the struggle of not being able to see loved ones in person as the pandemic drags on but for military families the distance can be even harder.

It's been two years since Airman First Class Brenden Trahan said goodbye to his family knowing his deployment would keep him from seeing his loved ones for years.

After all that time, Trahan finally returned home from serving overseas in Germany to a cheering crowd of friends and family.

He said, "Just seeing the energy, and in light of these times with COVID and all the differences going on in the world, that moment where everyone was together was just amazing."

Trahan says the distance, time and weight of the pandemic has highlighted the value of moments spend with those you love whether they're near or far.

He added, "Always just remind your loved ones that you love them and you're thinking of them no matter if you're an hour away from home or 4,000 miles. It's always important to remember where you came from and just cherish your loved ones and it's truly amazing being back."

Trahan also received quite the escort home with The Olmsted County Sheriff's Department and Rochester Fire Department coming out in full force in recognition of his service.

He will now spend around 30 days at home before heading off to Maryland.
User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

Contribute:

Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it.

Flag as inappropriate.

Mark as helpful or interesting.

Send your own user report!

Klostar Ivanic (95.8 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Short but rather strong shaking followed by couple of seconds of doors and windows rattling. Somewhere between IV and V MMI.

Petrovina Turopoljska, Velika Gorica (71.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It woke me up. Like thunder in the distance and mild shaking 3-4 seconds.Bed and windows were shaking.

Zagreb, Center (80.2 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It wake me up from sleep, then it was about 5 sec, maybe more. When beeing aware of it was at strongest for few moments and then for few seconds was going easier. Not shure in which direction it shaked

Zagreb (76.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : woke me up | One user found this interesting.

DUBRAVA / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : U pocetku lagano podrhtavanje koje je treslo prozore, vrata i namjestaj, zatim dva jaka udarca i ponovno podrhtavanje do smirivanja.

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : It was strong enough to wake a person from sleep and make them wonder if they should leave their house/flat afterall

Plaski / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : First I heard some loud noise outside, Like avalanche, then about 1 second later felt the house vibrating. It seemed pretty concerning.

Grad Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 15-20 s : Light - moderate shaking, lasted for good 15 seconds or more. First 5-10 seconds of shaking, then for the remaining 5+ seconds the frequency of the shaking is 3-5 times smaller, but shakes the same.

zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Short but strong shaking | One user found this interesting.

35.7 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

198.2 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt

varazdin (141.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

84.2 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

74.7 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

77.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

SPLIT (199 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : I was sleeping

Graz (208.5 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 20-30 s

Zagreb (82.1 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

75.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : definitivno M4+

82 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shaking while in bed on 3rd floor apartment

50.3 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

139.5 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : The sound of furniture shaking woke me up

Zagreb (79.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Velika Gorica (75.1 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb, Donji grad (80 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

77.1 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb (72.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

72.3 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

436.3 km N of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt No felt (reported through (reported through our app / not felt

81 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb (79.9 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

26.2 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

35.6 km N of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

75.5 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

74.5 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s : I woke me up.

ZAGREB (79.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Karlovac (37.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

Zagreb (5.2 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Like on a boat i was avake so i felt it

Zagreb (79.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

77.1 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

140.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

82.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

70.1 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

84.1 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb (77.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Rugvica (1.1 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

71.8 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

76.9 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 5-10 s

93.2 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Long sound like thunder and slight shaking (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

37 km N of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

73.7 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

77.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

78.1 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

67 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

81.7 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

60 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Zagreb (62.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Rumbling sound followed by 3-4second shaking

43.5 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

76.4 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

87.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

77 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

93.2 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Kozinscak / A long sound like thunder and slight shakin (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

76.4 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Krizevci (125.8 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Osjetio se srednje jacine,niti malo,niti jako. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

75.8 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

78.3 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

71 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

79.2 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

74.4 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Velika Gorica (73.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

76.1 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

Petrinja (68.2 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

75.5 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

67.8 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

Zagreb (5.8 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

73 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Marija Bistrica (75.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

79.2 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

72.4 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short

74.5 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating

Zagreb (77.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short

Zagreb, Croatia (80.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging

Zagreb (75.9 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

112.7 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Zagreb (76.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

79.5 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

77 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

77.1 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s Sisak kratak trzaj (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s

80.8 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

43.9 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

75.5 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

139.4 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

75.2 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb downtown (76.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Woke me up. Vibrated in two different steps (short break in the middle)

91.2 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Sveta Klara (74.9 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

80.4 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

76.5 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

126.5 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

64.2 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

104.9 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

82.7 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Karlovac / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Sisak / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Samobor / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Again

Ivanic grad / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

Samobor / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Again

Sisak, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Bosanska Dubica / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s

Zagreb center / not felt

Zagreb / not felt

Novska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short

Villach / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / not felt

Petrinja / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / very short

Lekenik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Sisak / Light shaking (MMI IV)

ZAGREB / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Dugo Selo / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Karlovac / Light shaking (MMI IV)

kutina / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / very short

Veliko Polje / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Velika Gorica / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Dugo Selo / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Sisak / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

glina / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb, Savski Gaj / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

gornja gracenica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Zagreb, centar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Light shaking, 5. floor

Zagreb, Folnegovicevo naselje / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Sisak / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Majski Trtnik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Krizevci / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s

BJELOVAR / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Veliko Trgovisce / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Dugo Selo / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Zapresic / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Novo Cice / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light shaking, woke us uo.

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump

Sela Sisak / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s

Klobucak, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Light and short shaking. My dog alerts me.

Veliko Trgovisce / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Velika Kladusa / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Donja Zdencina / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : This e. wake me up. It has been shaked for aprox. 7 sec.

Srebrnjak / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Novi Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : woke me up

Kostajnica, Republika Srpska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Velika Gorica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : woke me up

Sisak / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s

Zapresic / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Belavici / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Bregana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

SISAK / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Velika Gorica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Bjelovar / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Velika Mlaka / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shook my easychair shared my wife from krevet

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Novo mesto, 8000, Slovenia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Krizevci / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : Woke me up

Kuce / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Sveta nedelja / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Krapinske Toplice / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Topusko / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Sisak / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Sveta Nedelja / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb, Center / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Sisak / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging

Zagreb / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Sesvetska Sela / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Maksimir / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Bjelovar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Ivanec / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Bjelovar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

City of Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Karlovac / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Slunj / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short

Prigorje Brdovecko / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Velika Gorica / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Topusko / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s

Zagreb / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zagreb, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zg / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Zagreb, Center / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Velika Mlaka / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short : one kick

Brezice / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zagreb / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Velika Gorica / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Podrute, Novi Marof / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Con Edison applauds today's federal court decision striking down the rollback of historic greenhouse gas emission regulations. Con Edison was proud to be one of the litigants in this historic case, and we are eager to get to work with Congress and the incoming administration to finally implement the bold actions necessary to address the real and growing threat of climate change.

Read the decision here:

https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/6356486C5963F49185258662005677F6/$file/19-1140-1880546.pdf

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $60 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam to 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.

CONNECT WITH US:

https://www.facebook.com/ConEdison

https://twitter.com/ConEdison

https://www.youtube.com/user/ConEdisonNY

SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York
Joe Biden plans to hit the ground running. And then to continue moving forward without delay.

When our nations incoming chief executive takes the oath of office on Wednesday at noon, hell assume the presidency with a to-do list to beat the band. Hell have plans for a spate of executive orders, will propose sweeping legislative actions hell want to help push through Congress, and will, in the broadest terms, be seeking to reset our national agenda after the past four chaotic years.

Good for him, for his administration-in-waiting, and for the nation, most especially.

Though a four-year presidential term would likely seem, at least when viewed from the outside, to offer opportunity for actions aplenty, Biden and the experienced staff hes been assembling know better. In fact, the 46th president will have a very limited time to make his mark, to set our nation on a new path.

A few well-timed executive orders at the top, even if some will be largely symbolic, could generate a bit of positive coverage in the news media, and some good will among much of the citizenry.

If Biden also lays out his legislative efforts and asks for broad bipartisan congressional support in so doing, hell demonstrate clearly that he wasnt just blowing smoke when he spoke of wishing to govern as an old-style dealmaker who could work with members of both parties.

When President Barack Obama was sworn in 12 years back, Biden, his vice president, assumed that office with a wealth of experience in our federal government. Hed been a U.S. senator, from Delaware, from January 1973. Add to that now his eight years as Obamas No. 2, and you are looking at a man who knows how Washington works.

When Obama and Biden were elected in 2008, their victory came soon after the collapse of the housing market that led to the deepest and most prolonged financial downturn since the Great Depression. Well, deepest until now, that is.

For Biden, itll be a case of deja vu all over again. With a raging global pandemic thrown in for good measure.

But the president-elect is thinking big. In addition to contending with the coronavirus and the economy, hes reportedly also looking for sweeping immigration reform.

Good for him. Start big, stay big, look to go bigger still.
Dr. Jan Pol of The Incredible Dr. Pol | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

It may seem as though viewers just recently met Dr. Jan Pol on his Nat Geo Wild program The Incredible Dr. Pol.

But the truth is, Dr. Pols been a reality show veteran now since 2011. Whats even more impressive is that he is marking 50 years of dedicated veterinary practice this year.

Here are five things weve learned about the truly incredible Dr. Jan Pol over the years.

Dr. Pol began his practice in a garage

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Happy Holidays  and a better and brighter 2021  #DrPol pic.twitter.com/8BbPWbaAln  Dr. Pol (@DrPol) December 24, 2020

All those years ago, Dr. Jan Pol began working alongside another veterinarian in the early 1970s before he and his wife Diane decided to open their own practice.

My first experience after graduating was working for a veterinarian in Harbor Beach, Michigan, Dr. Pol told Todays Veterinary Practice in 2012. However, my wife, Diane, and I were eager to start our own practice here in Weidman, Michigan.

When the practice opened in 1981, 80% of our practice was dairy, with the remaining 20% equine and small animals, he explained. We worked out of a room built in the corner of the garage until the practice outgrew that small space.

It takes a week to shoot one episode of the show

#Onthisday 9 years ago, 'The Incredible Dr. Pol' first premiered on @natgeowild. Happy "television" birthday to us and thank you all for watching! #DrPol pic.twitter.com/Zw4OVsfGPe  Dr. Pol (@DrPol) October 29, 2020

Charles told National Geographic in 2014 how a single episode is shot and produced. It takes us roughly one week to film one episode of the show. So a 20-episode season will take us 20 weeks to shoot. We film almost everything that happens, which includes two to six farm calls each day and ten to twelve clinic cases. Dad starts at 8 a.m. sharp, and we usually film until 8 p.m. We pool all the footage together and the best ones make the cut.

Dr. Pol is color blind

Still crazy after all these years pic.twitter.com/Xywjhr5cnJ  Dr. Pol (@DrPol) August 16, 2020

RELATED: The Incredible Dr. Pol: Dr. Brenda On How Her Upbringing Prepped Her to Work With Dr. Pol

In his memoir Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow, Dr. Pol explained how his color blindness has been a challenge in his work.

I have always had a hard time learning from books, he wrote. Show me how something is done and Ill remember it. What made it even more difficult for me was the fact that Im color blind. That made pathology especially hard. I couldnt make the diagnoses that were based on the color of the tissue.

He likes to collect animal skulls

Dr. Pol enjoys the unusual hobby of collecting animal skulls.

Dont get grossed out, he said. This is a collection. But its a very small part of my collection already. These are all skulls. The skulls are so amazingly put together. This is why I like skulls, because theyre beautiful.

Dr. Pol is celebrating an incredible milestone

Holy Moses! 2021 marks #DrPol's 50th year in veterinary medicine We are so excited to kick off this special year with all of you! Join the celebration to get all the updates and fun surprises along the way.

https://t.co/anZI5G6ANk  #DrPol50 pic.twitter.com/YwSzCjtvdQ  Dr. Pol (@DrPol) January 11, 2021

Dr. Pol, his family, and talented staff are starting off 2021 celebrating the popular veterinarians 50th anniversary in service to his communitys animals and their owners.

His Twitter account stated, Holy Moses! 2021 marks #DrPols 50th year in veterinary medicine. We are so excited to kick off this special year with all of you! Join the celebration to get all the updates and fun surprises along the way.
NEW IBERIA, La. (AP)  Louisiana authorities say two 16-year-olds have died after shooting each other simultaneously over the weekend. New Iberia Police say investigators were called to a neighborhood Sunday night, where they found both teenagers lying in a roadway with gunshot wounds. Police spokeswoman Sgt. Daesha Hughes says the teens were pronounced dead at the scene. Police determined that the two fired their weapons at the other simultaneously at close range. The victims haven't been identified and no additional information has been released.
During a QnA session with her Instagram fans on Tuesday, Deepika Padukone said that she loved baking and making cookies was her forte. Taking time out of her busy schedule, the actress hosted the Ask Me Anything session on Instagram. Needless to say, she was flooded with questions.

When a fan asked her whats the favourite food that she made, Deepika said she was more fond of baking than cooking, and so, it would be cookies.

Another fan asked her what was the first thing she did after waking up in the morning. To this, Deepika said she put her alarm off and flashed a gorgeous smile. The actress shared bits from the interactive session on her Instagram stories.

Another fan wanted her to say hi to Amita from Nagpur. While saying hi, the actress also added that though she hasnt been to Nagpur yet, she would love to visit the city sometime.

To another user, who asked her about the one thing she loved doing every day, Deepika said she loved working out whenever time permitted. Though she admitted there were instances when she couldnt workout daily, she made it a point to work out at least 3-4 times a week. In this video, Deepika was seen having a plate of rice. Her friend, Hiteshi, in the background, was seen making funny faces at the camera.

In another video, Deepika responded to a user named Tanya, who had mentioned it was her birthday. The actress, along with Hiteshi, wished Tanya.

On New Years Eve, the actress had deleted all her posts from Instagram and Twitter, leaving her fans surprised. The first post she shared after that was an audio file, where she wished her fans a Happy New Year. Since then, she has shared six posts on Instagram, with one of those being a teaser for her soon-to-be-released movie Fighter, in which she stars alongside Hrithik Roshan, directed by Siddharth Anand.

Listen to article

The United States (U.S.) has said it will take action against anti-democratic forces and human rights abusers in Uganda following Thursday's general elections in the country.

The U.S. position came in a statement by the Department of State through its spokesperson, Ms Morgan Ortagus, on Saturday.

Ortagus said the government was deeply troubled by credible reports of security force violence and election irregularities before and during the polls.

She called for independent investigations into the allegations, and urged the Ugandan government to hold accountable security agents responsible for violence and abuses.

The Ugandan people turned out to vote in multi-party national elections on Jan. 14 despite an environment of intimidation and fear.

We are deeply troubled by the many credible reports of security force violence during the pre-election period and election irregularities during the polls.

We strongly urge independent, credible, impartial, and thorough investigations into these reports and that those responsible be held accountable, she said.

Earlier on Saturday, Uganda's Electoral Commission declared long-time President Yoweri Museveni, winner of the disputed presidential election for a sixth term in office.

According to the results, Museveni, 76, secured 58.64 per cent of the total votes to beat his main challenger, Bobi Wine, who trailed with 35 per cent.

But the exercise has been marred by allegations of voter fraud and harassment of opposition politicians by security forces.

Reports say dozens of people were killed during violence in the run-up to the election.

Ahead of Election Day, the government shut down Internet connections in the country, drawing condemnation from civil society and election observers.

Wine, a former music star, has vowed to provide evidence of election fraud when internet services are restored, according to the BBC.

We condemn the continuing attacks on political candidates and urge the government to respect their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression.

We are gravely concerned by harassment of and continued threats to civil society.

Finally, we note the continued nationwide shutdown of the Internet and call for its immediate restoration along with that of social media services, Ortagus said.

She urged all political actors to shun violence and resolve all arising disputes through constitutional and legal means.

The spokesperson also called on the Ugandan government to respect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.

We reiterate our intention to pursue action against those responsible for the undermining of democracy and human rights in Uganda, Ortagus added. (NAN)

By Harrison Arubu
Bhopal: Just days after the Home Ministry in Madhya Pradesh issued notification regarding the MP Freedom of Religion ordinance, first case of love-jihad was lodged late evening on Sunday at Barwani district.

According to police, Soahil Mansoori, a resident of Palsud, had allegedly feigned love with an 18-year-old girl under a false identity four years ago. A truck driver who also works as DJ, Sohail had identified himself as Sunny and sexually exploited the girl on the pretext of marriage.

The girl later learnt the true identity of Suhail and lodged a complaint with the Barwani police and claimed that Sohail had also beaten her up.

On Sunday, the police arrested the man and booked him under Freedom of Religion Ordinance, 2020. Thana in-charge Rajesh Yadav of Barwani thana claimed that the man has been arrested on charges of rape as per the said ordinance.

The girl, now 22, told cops that she had attended a religious event at her maternal uncles place four years ago where Sohail alias Sunny had performed as DJ. He obtained the girls mobile phone number from someone and entrapped her into a love affair under false identity.

He physically exploited her on the pretext of marriage. Around two years ago, she learnt that Sohail was from a different religion but Suhail convinced her by apologising to her and claimed that he deeply loved her and would marry her.

However, a year ago, the girl came to know that he was married and also had a child. She immediately distanced herself from him but Sohail kept harassing her and also beat her up at times. Fed up, the girl recently approached the police and lodged a complaint against Sohail.

MP has recently become the second state after UP to make love-jihad a punishable offence by promulgating MP Freedom of Religion ordinance 2020, which has the provision of jail term of upto 10 years for inter-faith fraudulent marriages.

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet amid reservations from various quarters against the contentious provision had approved the MP Freedom of Religion Ordinance 2020 on Dec 29.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Supported by a new brand slogan, Movement that inspires, Kia unveiled a strategy which will see the company go beyond vehicle manufacturing to create sustainable mobility solutions for customers.

Signalling the brand breaking away from its traditional manufacturing-driven business model, Kia has announced a new corporate name. Removing the Motors from its name (previously Kia Motors Corporation), Kia will expand into new and emerging business areas by creating innovative mobility products and services to improve customers daily lives.

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, comments: At Kia, we believe that transportation, mobility, and movement represent a human right. Our vision is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies globally. Today we start putting this vision into action with the launch of our new brand purpose and strategy for the future.

MOVEMENT THAT INSPIRES

Kias new brand slogan, Movement that inspires, is introduced today at the heart of a brand manifesto which reflects Kias new purpose of inspiring consumers through products and services, and their experiences with the brand.

Kias new brand purpose emphasises that movement is at the genesis of human development. Movement enables people to see new places, to meet new people, and to have new experiences. This connection is the essence of Kias new brand  to enable human progress by providing innovative in-car spaces, exciting new products, and meaningful, convenient services that inspire customers and free up time for the activities that they enjoy the most.

Artur Martins, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Brand and Customer Experience at Kia, said Movement has always been at heart of our brand, and moving people at the core of our business. Movement helps humankind to constantly progress, improve, and evolve. That is why at Kia we believe that movement inspires ideas.

Kia has been in the movement industry for more than 75 years, and the company went on to create Koreas first domestic bicycles and to manufacture motorcycles and delivery trucks. Today, Kia is one of the biggest automakers globally, providing high-value passenger vehicles to millions of people around the world.

Under its new brand purpose, Kia will meet changing customer expectations about how they move, and how their movement impacts the world around them. Consumers are increasingly seeking out flexible, environmentally conscious, and integrated forms of transportation.

Kias new brand strategy is to respond to  and shape  these changing expectations by developing a range of products and services to meet customers needs in markets around the globe. These will offer greater access to a wider range of environmentally conscious mobility products and services to meet growing demand from customers worldwide for flexible, customisable, individualised mobility solutions, enabled by data and new technologies.

Reflecting the brands broader vision for mobility, Kia has announced today a new corporate name as it expands into new business areas to promote sustainable mobility. By removing the Motors from its name, Kias new corporate name shows a commitment to its long-term Plan S business strategy. This was announced in 2020, and will see the brand establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry, expanding its business to encompass EVs, mobility solutions and services, purpose-built vehicles, and more. Alongside these efforts, Kia will simultaneously promote more sustainable production through the usage of clean energy and recyclable materials.

Kia is focused on popularising battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plans to reinforce its global product line-up with the introduction of seven new dedicated BEVs by 2027. These new models will include a range of passenger vehicles, SUVs and MPVs across several segments, each incorporating industry-leading technology for long-range driving and high-speed charging from Hyundai Motor Groups new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Kia is also developing a range of new Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) for corporate customers. These specialised vehicles will be based on flexible skateboard platforms, with modular bodies designed to meet the specific mobility needs of a broad range of corporate and fleet customers. Partnerships with the likes of Canoo and Arrival will mean Kia PBVs can offer different bodies mounted on top of an integrated modular skateboard platform, tailored to users functional requirements.

Demand for PBVs is expected to grow five-fold by 2030 due to rapid and sustained growth in e-commerce and car-sharing services. Bespoke Kia PBVs will be tailored to meet the needs of corporate and fleet customers. For instance, these could include car-sharing vehicles, low-floor logistics vehicles, and delivery vehicles.

The change in the companys corporate name also means transforming the organisations working culture. President Song explains: Changing our corporate name and logo is not only a cosmetic improvement. It represents us expanding our horizons and establishing new and emerging businesses that meet and exceed the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. More importantly, it also means adapting our working culture, enabling the creativity of all our employees and establishing an inspiring work environment.

ECO-FRIENDLY MOBILITY SERVICES

Another strategic objective under Plan S is a commitment by Kia to diversify its business to offer eco-friendly mobility services, centreed on electric and autonomous driving across major global cities.

In addition, Kia is ramping up collaboration and partnerships with global mobility solutions businesses, diversifying mobility services in global strategic regions. In 2018, the company invested in Grab, Southeast Asias largest ride-hailing service, food delivery and payment solutions company; and in Ola in March 2019, an Indian company offering peer-to-peer ridesharing, ride-service hailing, taxi, food delivery and other mobility services.

Kia is also establishing other mobility services, including WiBLE, a car-sharing joint venture with Repsol, Spains major energy corporation, in Madrid. Launched in September 2018, WiBLE operates 500 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) through a free-floating method that allows users to freely rent and return vehicles within the service area. WiBLE remains one of Europes most successful shared mobility schemes, with over 130,000 members having registered since its inauguration. A new service, KiaMobility, was also launched in locations across Italy and Russia in September 2020, accelerating the companys transformation to becoming a mobility solutions provider. KiaMobility will be introduced to several new markets in the years ahead.

COMING SOON

The first of Kias next-generation BEVs will be revealed in the first quarter of 2021, embodying Kias shifting focus towards electrification. Based on new E-GMP technology, this dedicated BEV will boast a crossover-inspired design, while offering an electric driving range of over 500 kilometers and a high-speed charging time of under 20 minutes. This will also be the first global model to bear Kias new logo.

With its growing range of BEVs, Kia is targeting a 6.6% share of the global BEV market by 2025, and global annual sales of 500,000 BEVs by 2026.

Kia will also reveal more information about the new design direction of its future products and services in the weeks ahead, with a new design philosophy which reflects the brands transformation.

Karim Habib, Senior Vice President, Head of Kia Global Design Centre, explains: We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that can improve the daily lives of our customers. Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive, and exciting electric vehicles. The ideas of our designers and the purpose of the brand are more connected than ever, with our customers at the centre of what we do. -- Tradearabia News Service
Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has been placed in a cell in Moscow's notorious Matrosskaya Tishina detention center after a judge at a hastily arranged hearing ruled to keep the Kremlin critic in custody for 30 days following his dramatic airport arrest upon arrival from Germany.



The Kremlin said on January 19 that it was unfazed by mounting international pressure over the arrest of the 44-year-old, who was detained at the Sheremetyevo International Airports passport-control booth after he arrived from Berlin late on January 17, where he had been recovering from a poison attack in August that Navalny says was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Aleksei Melnikov, secretary of the Public Monitoring Commission human rights group, wrote on Telegram late on January 18 that he had visited Navalny in his cell in the detention center.



Melnikov said that Navalny is being kept isolated in a three-bed cell since he has to be quarantined for two weeks according to coronavirus regulations for people arriving from abroad.

Navalnys detention has sparked global outrage and a chorus of international calls pressuring Putin for the Kremlin critics immediate release.



Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, however, shrugged off the criticism telling journalists at a press briefing in Moscow on January 19 that Navalnys case was a "domestic issue" and that Russia has "no intention of listening to such statements.

Matrosskaya Tishina (Sailor's Silence) is the jail where several of Putin's outspoken critics have been sent, including former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his associate Platon Lebedev. In one of the most-infamous cases, prominent whistle-blower, lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, died from an untreated illness while in the jail after accusing Russian officials of tax fraud totaling $230 million.



Melnikov wrote that Navalny thanked his supporters and said that he was happy to be back in Russia. Navalny said that there was no moral or physical pressure on him from the detention centers personnel, according to Melnikov.



At the January 18 hearing held in an improvised court at a police station outside Moscow, which Navalny called a "mockery of justice," the judge ruled to keep him incarcerated until February 15.

On February 2, a different court is expected to decide whether to convert into jail time a suspended 3 1/2 year sentence, which Navalny served in an embezzlement case that he says was trumped up.



After the court's decision, Navalny and his associates urged Russians to take to the streets in protest.

Navalnys detention has sparked global outrage and a chorus of international calls pressuring the Kremlin for his immediate release.

In St. Petersburg, police detained at least 20 people among a crowd of hundreds of Navalny supporters who had gathered on January 18 at the Gostiny Dvor trade complex.



People were also detained during similar rallies in support of the politician in Moscow and Khimki, near the capital.

Navalny himself called on Russians to take to the streets and his team headquarters in St. Petersburg called for nationwide protests on January 23.


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.
SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced an agreement with PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia (Etana) to out-license BYVASDA (Bevacizumab Biosimilar)'s development and commercialization rights in Indonesia to Etana. Etana is committed to launch BYVASDA in the local market. In return, Innovent will receive milestones for development and commercialization as well as double-digit royalties on net sales. The specific financial terms were not disclosed.

BYVASDA(Bevacizumab Biosimilar) was firstly approved by China NMPA on June 17, 2020. In January 2020, Innovent entered into an out-license agreement with Coherus BioSciences, Inc. to commercialize BYVASDA (Bevacizumab Biosimilar) in the United States and Canada.

"We are excited to establish a strategic collaboration with Etana. Following BYVASDA (Bevacizumab Biosimilar)'s breaking into the North America market in 2020, this collaboration will enable BYVASDA to penetrate into a Southeast Asian market quickly and marked another solid step toward getting Innovent's innovative portfolio into the global market," said Blake Salisbury, Vice President of Business Development of Innovent, "We are confident that pairing Etana's commercial expertise in the local Indonesian market with BYVASDA's clinical profile will further accelerate our mission, benefitting patients globally."

Mr. Nathan Tirtana, Co-founder and CEO of Etana, stated: " We are excited to enter into the collaboration with Innovent, a premier biopharmaceutical company which has a fully-integrated multi-functional platform. We have been impressed with Innovent's achievements in its innovation and globalization strategies. Through this collaboration, we hope to make BYVASDA accessible to patients in Indonesia."

This transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

About BYVASDA (Bevacizumab Biosimilar)

BYVASDA is a bevacizumab biosimilar and a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody drug. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor in angiogenesis that is highly expressed by the endothelial cells in most human tumors. An anti-VEGF antibody binds VEGF selectively with high affinity and blocks its binding to VEGF receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt/PKB and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK. BYVASDA produces anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the growth, proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, blocking angiogenesis, reducing vascular permeability, blocking blood supply to tumor tissues, inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Since the launch of bevacizumab, it has been approved for the treatment of patients with multiple malignant tumors globally, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab have been well recognized worldwide.

BYVASDA was firstly approved by China NMPA on June 17, 2020. Previous approved indications of BYVASDA include advanced non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer. In December 2021, it was further approved by NMPA for the indication of adult recurrent glioblastoma.

About Innovent

Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK.

Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 23 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune diseases and other major therapeutic areas, with 4 products - TYVYT (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection) and HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) - officially approved for marketing in China, four assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and additional 15 molecules in clinical trials. TYVYT was included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in 2019 as the historically first PD-1 inhibitor entering in NRDL and the only PD-1 included in the list in that year.

Innovent has built an international team of advanced talents in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many overseas experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hanmi and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with all relevant parties to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability to ordinary people and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com.

About PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia

Founded in 2015, Etana Biotechnologies is an Indonesia-based biotechnology company with dedicated focus on the manufacturing and commercialization of biologics in the oncology space for the Southeast Asian market. The company is currently commercializing EPO in Indonesia for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. The company was co-founded by Nathan Tirtana, a veteran in the Indonesian healthcare industry, and a major Southeast Asian pharmaceutical partner.

SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Eco Depot, Inc. (OTC Pink: ECDP), a Nevada company, welcomes Mr. Jason Driver, Director and Executive VP of Electronics Business Development and Management. Mr. Driver will focus on business development and product management for Bronya Climate Shield Liquid Thermal Insulation nano, micro and macro applications for the Electronics and Electrical Supplies Industries.



Eco Depot Logo

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7603/72348_619c7b45c40769dc_001full.jpg

Eco Depot is honored to introduce our new Director and VP of Enterprise Product Management and Business Development within global electronic and electrical industry, including semiconductor supply and manufacturing services, industrial equipment, networking and communication equipment, computer and office products, medical devices, consumer electronics, home appliances and others.

Mr. Jason Driver contributes over 25 years of executive level electronics industry experience at the highest capacity of enterprise product planning and execution, achieving significant bottom-line results for his previous employers and organizations. His integrity and achievements have earned Mr. Driver penultimate peer respect within the electronics and electrical supplies industry, positioning him as an impactful contributor of social capital to the organization.

Since earning his Honours Bachelor of Commerce with specialization in Marketing from University of Ottawa in 1995, Mr. Driver has earned an excellent reputation in the electronics industry as a business developer, product manager and an enterprise level problem solver with keen insight into industry workings, needs and insiders. From 2010 to present, Mr. Driver has been President and CEO of J-Cube Technologies Inc, a manufacturer's representative that delivers printed circuits boards (PCB's) of all types of complexities to the North American markets. Mr. Driver earned his experience in the electronics industry at other renown electronics companies including Enigma-Interconnect where Mr. Driver was Director of business development and created $8 million in revenue, he also held a position at INNOVATOR, a division of LYRTECH, Montreal, QC where, as Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Driver co-founded Innovator to success with over $15 million in new annualized revenue over a few short years.

Under the charge of Jason, Bronya Climate Shield will provide industry leading innovative efficiency solutions for the Electronics Industry, initially focused on building materials, then distributed to additionally realized applications within the electronics manufacturing space for immediate improvements in printed circuit boards (PCB) manufacturing, electronic manufacturing service (EMS) companies and all equipment manufacturers in electronics. Additional industries in need of applied efficiencies are metal and plastics industries where electronic circuit boards are present but thermal management plays a key role and heat dissipation systems are in present demand of energy efficiencies offered by Bronya Climate Shield within single coat applications.

Eco Depot Director and Executive V.P., Jason Driver, stated, "I am truly excited with the versatility of standardized Bronya Climate Shield liquid thermal insulation. Our product is extremely attractive to multiple tiers of building materials industry providers due to easy application at the nano to macro level. By providing energy efficiencies and fire retardation up to 40% for wires and connectors at the micro-electronic level to full building coverage for macro insulation, we plan to set our mark at affordable rates that will benefit all stakeholders seeking energy efficiency. I see Bronya Climate Shield being a catalyst to leap forward with improved product safety and function without disruption to the existing infrastructure. Simply put, the list of applications for Bronya Climate Shield is endless and I could not be more excited to roll my sleeves up and get to work on behalf of the company and its shareholders."

As Eco Depot prepares Bronya Climate Shield for massive retail launch with building contractors and DIY homeowners, industrial enterprises are taking notice of the benefits of the product applied to their area of service, from manufacturing, storage, warehousing, construction materials, maintenance, and many more.

Under the leadership of Director and EVP of Electronics Business Development and Management, Jason Driver, Eco Depot can significantly impact the Electronics industry and harvest the benefit for its innovation of heat dissipating thermal insulation without disruption to the existing infrastructure of manufacturers and consumers in the Electronics industry.

ABOUT ECO DEPOT

Eco Depot, Inc. acquires, manages, and develops eco-friendly real estate assets and consumer brand products. Their focus is to provide investments, funding, and support for acquisitions, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and green companies dedicated to protecting the environment. Eco Depot is a development stage distributor of eco-friendly consumer brand products and is publicly traded Over the Counter at (OTC Pink: ECDP).

ABOUT BRONYA CANADA GROUP

Bronya Coatings Group, Inc. ("the Company") is based in Montreal and intends to commercialize a Multi-Purpose liquid thermal insulation paint Bronya Climate Shield product line in North America. The Company's mission is to establish third-party production facilities globally to reduce the costs associated with the business' supply chain. The Company also has established relationships with major home improvement stores on a worldwide basis.

ABOUT BRONYA CLIMATE SHIELD

Bronya Climate Shield increases energy efficiency, energy savings, and reduces carbon emissions through energy conservation. Product website: www.bronyaclimateshield.com

CONTACT:

Eco Depot, Inc.

2300 West Sahara Avenue

Suite 800

Las Vegas, NV 89102

WEBSITE:

ecdp.co

+1-(844)-427-6692

info@ecdp.co

PRODUCT INQUIRIES:

info@bronyaclimateshield.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it.

Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition, or alteration to the information catered in this Press Release, including such forward-looking statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the new team members expertise and how the Company will benefit from their ability to assist the Company implement its business plan. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company's business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company's common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company's proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company's operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72348
Prime Minister Florin Citu said that the authorities are ready to ensure in the coming months the COVID vaccination of 150,000 people per day, reiterating that the Government's firm goal is that 10.4 million Romanians will be inoculated by September.

"I said that the vaccination campaign is going well, but today we also have an international confirmation. Bloomberg presented some data showing that Romania is on the 18th place globally and on the 6th place in the European Union regarding this campaign. There are more statistics. As I said, I am very interested in how we receive the doses, to speed up the pace. We have gradually reached an average of 13,000, 34,000 vaccines have been administered today, we are drawing near 50,000. We said that we can reach 150,000 vaccines per day, as long as we have the doses," Florin Citu told private radio broadcaster Europa FM in an interview, on Tuesday.

He specified that, according to the latest data received from the Government, Romania would receive by the end of March "2.4 million doses from Pfizer, plus 430,000 doses from Moderna, so there would be about 2.8 millions".

"And that does not mean that there are 2.8 million people, because we have to take into account the booster dose, but there will be a significant number of people, almost 2 million and even more will get vaccinated. The target we announced and that I stick, and it is a firm target, in September - 10.4 million people vaccinated with the two doses, both the booster shot and the primer dose. And in order to have this target hit we have 8 more million doses," Citu said.

He added that, in addition, depending on the approval from the European Union, the vaccine produced by Astra Zeneca would be available in the second semester.

Yes, you read it right. Even though Ayushmann Khurrana and Amitabh Bachchan were the first two actors, whose film Gulabo Sitabo was released on an OTT platform owing to the ongoing novel Coronavirus pandemic, we hear that Ayushmann is adamant that his upcoming projects release in theatres.

According to latest reports, we hear that Ayushmann came on-board for Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui after signing a clause that the film will not have a digital release, irrespective of the situation.

"In today's uncertain environment, a lot of films are taking the direct to digital route and Ayushmann wants to be sure of what he is signing up for. Hence, he along with his team have devised a plan to clearly bifurcate between OTT and theatrical content before coming on board a film. His contract for Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui assures a theatrical release. The idea is to know what he is signing in for, and decide on the content based on the medium of showcasing," revealed a trade source to Pinkvilla.

The source further revealed that Ayushmann isn't against digital release, but he wants to bifurcate contents as per digital and theatrical releases.

ALSO READ: National Youth Day: Ayushmann Khurrana Explains How The Youth Of The Country Can Fight Back Against Violence

The source further added, "Although Gulabo Sitabo was the first film to arrive in the digital world, he is now clear on bifurcating between the two content. While he is open to be a digital star too, he wants to know the platform of showcasing before joining the gang. Only after being on the same page regarding the release plan of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui did he come on board the film. At this point of time, it's gearing up for a theatrical release in June."

For the unversed, reportedly, Ayushmann will portray the role of a cross functional athlete, whereas his co-star Vaani Kapoor will play the role of a transgender in the film. The film is helmed by Abhishek Kapoor, and is expected to release in 2021.

ALSO READ: Ayushmann Khurrana Returns To Mumbai To Sign A Big Project
COVID-19 vaccination drive at Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

The worlds biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India on January 16. Over 1 lakh healthcare workers and eligible persons under the prioritised group were vaccinated on Day 1. However, the COVID-19 India vaccination drive faced some hurdles after the CoWIN app experienced glitches.

The CoWIN app is being used as a platform to coordinate the massive inoculation process. It is also aimed at helping health authorities monitoring coronavirus vaccines in real-time. The app is used to register and acknowledge beneficiaries, allocating vaccination centres, live monitoring, etc. However, the vaccination drive was interrupted by a few CoWIN app glitches. The COVID-19 vaccination drive in Maharashtra was paused for two days due to technical issues with the CoWIN app. The Odisha government too halted the coronavirus vaccination drive for a day.

According to an Economic Times report, the issue was fixed in the early hours of January 18. However, some districts are reporting slow loading of data. In many districts, we are facing issues like slow loading speeds. It is not because of network issues. We have been told that this could be because of increased load on the portal, Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta said.

The government is now working on fixing the CoWIN app issues. The report cited sources who claim that the government had not factored in people who registered for vaccination in the first few days but did not turn up. No provision was created for registering alternate healthcare workers on the spot. The app will now include an absentee provision. It will allow another eligible person from the list to get authenticated in real time for the free slot.

It will also bring real-time authentication through Aadhaar for verification purposes. Under the updated CoWIN app, the eligible candidate can verify their identify through Aadhaar-based OTP or through mobile number and photograph to get the vaccination shot as a replacement to the absentee.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Also read: Where to register for COVID-19 vaccine in India

Self-registration is not allowed at the moment. It will be "available in the later phases of implementation. People eligible for getting vaccinated will get an SMS that will inform them when and where it will take place. The CoWIN app can be downloaded for free, which will help record vaccine date. The application will be available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and may also be available for devices running on KaiOS. It is to be noted that the application has not been deployed for use by citizens and the modalities of the process may change.
Islamabad, Jan 19 : The Pakistan Army has recovered the body of an American climber near K2, the second highest peak of the world, making the second death of a foreign mountaineer in the area in less than a week, the media reported on Tuesday.

A helicopter team spotted Alex Goldfarb-Rumyantzev's remains during a search and rescue operation that began on Sunday, Geo News quoted the Alpine Club of Pakistan as saying.

He appeared to have fallen off the mountain, Hungarian expedition company Magyar Expedicios, which was supporting the climbers, said in a statement.

Goldfarb and Hungarian Zoltan Szlanko were planning to climb the 8,047 metre high Broad Peak, which is yet to be ascended in winter, without the use of oxygen or any porters for help, according to Magyar Expedicios.

To acclimate for that climb, the pair set out to summit the nearby Pastore Peak, 6,209 metres high, but were met with harsh winter conditions and Szlanko decided to turn back, while Goldfarb continued alone.

On January 16, Spanish climber Sergio Mingote fell to his death in the Karakoram mountains while attempting to make his way down to Base Camp on K2.

The K2 is located on the China-Pakistan border between in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and Dafdar Township in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China.

It is the highest point of the Karakoram mountain range and the highest point in both Pakistan and Xinjiang.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) announced Tuesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to a private equity firm Sycamore Partners in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions. Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction, subject to customary conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. Royal Caribbean Group noted the transaction allows it to focus on expanding its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands. Royal Caribbean Group will work in close collaboration on a seamless transition for Azamara employees, customers and other stakeholders. In conjunction with the transaction, Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas has been appointed President of the brand. The transaction will result in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of approximately $170 million. The sale of Azamara is not expected to have a material impact on Royal Caribbean Group's future financial results. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Indian Army personnel stand guard at Bumla pass at the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh on Oct. 21, 2012. According to Indian media reports, the Chinese have built 101 houses, 2.5 miles inside the Indian territory in an area inside Arunachal Pradesh. (BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)

China Has Built 101 Houses Inside Indian Territory: US-Based Imaging Company

NEW DELHIThe Chinese have built a village consisting of 101 houses along the Tsari Chu river in the border Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, according to the US-based imaging company Planet Labs, reported Indian media.

The construction of the village was completed 2.5 miles into the Indian territory by November last year while India and China engaged in a tense military standoff in the far north, Himalayan region of Ladakh and is a matter of grave concern for India, reported the New Delhi Television (NDTV) on Jan. 18.

The area where the construction happened is heavily forested, is an Indian territory according to official maps but has been under effective Chinese occupation since 1959. However, until over a year ago, only a Chinese military picket existed there but now a constructed village with the capacity to house thousands stands there.

Abhishek Ranjan, Founder of New Delhi based international affairs observer group, Red Lantern Analytica told The Epoch Times over the phone that the Arunachal Pradesh border between India and China is very different from the India and China border in Ladakh where the bloody conflict happened in June last year.

India and China border in Arunachal Pradesh has a dense forest. There is no clear demarcation, its very densely forested. There are [also] so many small rivers between the two countries [in the region]. It is very sparsely populated, said Ranjan who has been working with the Indian Members of the Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh for six years.

Ranjan said its not clear from the media reports about how many people are staying in those houses but since infrastructure has been provided it indicates they will stay there. He said the Chinese objective behind setting up a village in such a remote, forested region can be understood from theories of Chinese expansionism.

So its to be clearly understood that China is maybe trying to set up PLA army in this border area. China can actually perhaps make a PLA settlement in the garb of a village, said Ranjan, adding that despite all the speculation theres still a lack of clarity on the situation.

Its obviously a big threat if some other nation constructs 101 houses inside [other nations territory] in a region where people are actually not staying, said Ranjan.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a media release on Monday that the Indian administration is aware of the Chinese ramping up infrastructure development in the border region and is taking necessary measures.

We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along with the border areas with India. China has undertaken such infrastructure construction activity in the past several years, said the Ministry of External Affairs.

The government said its taking all necessary measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.

In response, our government too has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads, bridges, etc which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population along the border.

The Tsari Chu river valley has a history of clashes between the Indian Army and the PLA since 1959 and Ranjan said the developments are ongoing and the government might come with a more specific response since the issue of Line of Actual Control between India and China is very sensitive.

Last year maybe in September or October few of the villagers who were porters went missing from Arunachal Pradesh. They were actually taken by the PLA but they were eventually returned after intervention and request by the government of India, he said adding that these things have happened but the construction of a village inside the Indian territory is a far more serious issue and the government of Indias future statements will suggest what repercussions will it have.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) talks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Pelosi Urges Pentagon Head to Halt Installing New NSA General Counsel

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Jan. 18 sent a letter to the acting Department of Defense secretary demanding that he halt the hiring of former Republican political operative Michael Ellis as the top lawyer at the NSA.

I ask that you immediately cease plans to improperly install Michael Ellis as the new NSA General Counsel, Pelosi wrote in the letter. Public reporting indicates that Mr. Ellis, a relatively recent law school graduate with a limited resume, was selected due to interference by the White House, and was chosen over much more qualified candidates.

Pelosi alleged that Ellis has been reportedly involved in highly questionable activities that are disqualifying. She demanded to review the details of Elliss civil service hiring process. She added that the circumstances and timing of the hiring decision highly suspect.

The National Security Agency (NSA) told several news outlets on Jan. 17 that it is moving forward with Elliss placement.

Mr. Ellis accepted his final job offer yesterday afternoon, an NSA spokesperson said. NSA is moving forward with his employment.

The general counsel of the Department of Defense has the authority to select candidates for the general counsel of the NSA.

Once a candidate is selected through the merit system, given an offer and meets the requirements to be entered into the position, if that entry does not happen, it exposes the Department, Agency, and senior leadership to claims for a violation of the merit system principles and processes that are designed to protect the participants in such selections, the Pentagon said in a statement.

To be clear, congressional or media interest in a particular hiring action are not justification under the merit system principles and process to delay placing a selected qualified individual in a position.

When Elliss selection was announced in November 2020, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) requested that the DODs inspector general conduct a review.

Ellis joined the White House in 2017 and later became an attorney for the National Security Council in 2019. Some news outlets described him as a loyalist to President Donald Trump.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said he opposes the NSAs hiring of Ellis as its top lawyer. He told CBS News on Jan. 17 that the move is part of the Trump administrations effort to embed people in the civil service who are political and partisan actors.

Pelosi echoed Schiffs allegation in her letter.

The efforts to install him or burrow him into a highly sensitive intelligence position 72 hours prior to the beginning of a new Administration manifest a disturbing disregard for our national security. Therefore, this placement should not move forward, Pelosi wrote.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
When it comes to Americas relationship with the UN, this poll shows there is no red or blue state, but a united state of individuals across the country who  despite their differences  voice support for the UN." Peter Yeo, President, Better World Campaign

On a momentous week for the future of American foreign policy, a new poll conducted in all fifty states finds that Americans are united in their strong support for the United Nations.

The poll comes on the eve of the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, upcoming Senate hearings on the nomination of Antony Blinken to be Secretary of State and Linda Thomas-Greenfield for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and the expected policy reversal of key global agreements such as rejoining the Paris Agreement and the repeal of the Global Gag Rule.

When it comes to Americas relationship with the UN, this poll shows there is no red or blue state, but a united state of individuals across the country who  despite their differences  voice support for the UN, said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign. From the Lonestar state of Texas, to the sunshine state of Florida and everywhere in between, majorities of Americans back the UN and the life-saving work its doing around the globe.

Specifically, three quarters of registered voters (74 percent) say it is important for the U.S. to be a member of the United Nations, including half (51 percent) who say it is very important. While liberal voters are more likely to say that it is important for the U.S. to be a member of the United Nations (91 percent), a majority of moderate (80 percent) and conservative (60 percent) voters say it is important as well.

The Biden-Harris transition team has stated that they will rejoin key multilateral agreements and restore U.S. support for UN agencies like the World Health Organization and the UN Population Fund on day one. This poll shows that the American people agree, added Yeo.

The Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress will need to address the pressing issue of the $1 billion in past-due payments to the United Nations  an essential step in restoring American leadership on the global stage.

On funding matters, the poll found that 3 in 5 American voters want their Member of Congress taking action to pay Americas dues to the UN on time and in full, which includes 62 percent of moderate voters and 82 percent of liberal voters.

The reality  true for every membership organization  is that there are dues owed to ensure the organization can operate and advance the interests of its members, said Yeo. This poll shows that regardless of where the Member of Congress comes from, whether they represent Illinois, Colorado, Alaska, Virginia, or Nevada, they have the backing of their constituents to pay our dues to the UN on time and in full.

As we kick off a historic week, this fifty-state poll emphasizes that standing up for the UN and the vital work it is doing around the world is a point of pride and unity among Americans.

This poll was conducted by Morning Consult, on behalf of Better World Campaign, between December 2-December 18, 2020 among a national sample of 9,960 Registered Voters. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of Registered Voters based on age, gender, educational attainment, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage points.

About the Better World Campaign

The Better World Campaign, an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UNs ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit http://www.betterworldcampaign.org.
As police seek a second suspect in the killing of a man walking his dog in Brewerytown last week, authorities said Tuesday they were investigating why the accused gunman  already facing charges of carjacking and an assault on a jail guard  was released from custody two weeks before the murder.

During a news conference about the Jan. 13 slaying of Milan Loncar, authorities faced questions about the series of events that allowed Josephus Davis to go free on Dec. 29. That sequence involved judges dramatically lowering bail for Davis in two separate cases; prosecutors saying they are not sure if they had appealed those rulings; and no record of probation officials, prosecutors, or judges taking steps to try to keep him detained for potentially violating his probation on previous robbery convictions.

Im sure that many balls were dropped in this case, and that will be looked at, Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore said at a news conference at Police Headquarters.

The case came as gun crimes in the city continued at a troubling rate, with authorities reporting 27 homicides in the first 18 days of 2021.

It also quickly became contentious and political. Many who have long criticized District Attorney Larry Krasner as too lenient  including the police union, some police officials, and Krasners opponent in Mays primary election, Carlos Vega  blasted the DA for his offices handling of the case.

And it caused police officials to address questions from reporters about why they were able to quickly solve a homicide in which the victim was white, when most of the investigations into slayings this year and last year  in which the majority of the victims were Black  remain unsolved.

Homicide Capt. Jason Smith denied that race played a factor in how zealously detectives investigate cases, saying they are always guided by physical evidence, video, and witness statements. In this case, he said, police had half a dozen credible tips from the public  in addition to video of the crime  when many others suffer from a lack of witness cooperation.

We work every single homicide the same exact way, Smith said. We dont work any harder on cases just involving white decedents.

Loncar, a Wayne native who graduated from Temple University in 2019, was shot just before 7 p.m. on Jefferson Street near 31st, according to police. He was approached by Davis and another man while walking his dog, according to Smith. When both men started reaching toward Loncars pants pockets, Loncar sought to push away the gun Davis had brandished, and Davis shot him once in the chest, Smith said.

The two men ran away, according to video that captured the crime. Police officers found Loncar still clutching his dogs leash when they arrived at the scene.

Davis was arrested later that night, when Highway Patrol Officers stopped a car at B Street and Indiana Avenue in Kensington in connection with a carjacking from the day before.

Four men fled, but officers captured Davis, who was driving, and connected him to the homicide through surveillance video. He lived on the 1400 block of North Hollywood Street, just two streets away from Loncar.

Davis  whose first and last names were initially reversed by mistake by police and in court records  was charged with Loncars murder and is being held without bail. Smith said a second man, described as a person of interest, has also been identified in the killing, but he declined to identify him and said he has not yet been charged.

Court records show that Davis had a history of recent arrests. In 2019, he was charged with two robberies: one that occurred on Jan. 8 of that year, the other for an incident on Oct. 1, 2019, in which Davis and several alleged coconspirators were accused of stealing $140 from someone on the 4200 block of North Broad Street.

Davis pleaded guilty to both crimes on Jan. 29, 2020, according to court records, and was sentenced to six to 12 months in jail plus two years probation.

A month after he was sentenced, court records show, he was charged with a carjacking from seven months earlier, in July 2019. In that case, according to court documents, Davis and another man approached an Uber driver with a gun and stole his car, initially driving the victim around while holding him at gunpoint in the backseat.

Davis bail in that case was set at $100,000, according to court records.

In September 2020, while still in custody, Davis was charged again, this time over accusations that he sprayed an unknown substance  possibly bodily fluids  at a guard in a city jail through a hole in his cell door.

His bail in that case was set at $200,000, court records show. The records do not show any indication that the probation department sought to lodge a detainer against Davis for the new charges. Doing so could have kept Davis in custody for violating the terms of his probation for his past robbery convictions. There is also no indication that prosecutors filed a motion asking the judge overseeing Davis probation to consider lodging a detainer.

Sources say court officials were investigating whether the fact that Davis was in jail  and not yet reporting to a probation officer  contributed to the lack of a detainer being lodged.

In October 2020, when court records say Davis preliminary hearing in the assault case was delayed because the courthouse was closed, Municipal Court Judge Charles Hayden agreed to lower Davis bail to $12,000 at his lawyers request. Court transcripts show prosecutors objected to the reduction. Hayden did not explain his decision except to say it was at the high end of the bail guidelines.

Two months later, Davis bail was reduced in the carjacking case at the request of another lawyer representing him. By that point, court records show, Davis preliminary hearing for the carjacking had been postponed eight times, often due to coronavirus-related restrictions.

Municipal Court Judge Teresa Carr Deni, according to a transcript, said Davis was practically serving the sentence as his case dragged on, and agreed to lower his bail to $20,000  slightly over the guidelines, and again over the prosecutors objection.

Prosecutors have the option to appeal such bail rulings in Common Pleas Court. Pescatore, of the DAs Office, said Tuesday that the office was unable to say whether it had done so. Court dockets show no record of any such appeals.

On Dec. 29, Davis was able to post bail and secure his release, paying 10% of $20,000 on charges of motor-vehicle theft and kidnapping, and 10% of $12,000 on charges including aggravated assault on a prison guard.

He is accused of fatally shooting Loncar on Jan. 13.

Staff writers Julie Shaw and Craig R. McCoy contributed to this article.
People becoming apprehensive after some cases of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) being reported on day one of the COVID-19 vaccination drive and technical problems encountered initially could be among the factors behind further slump in the turnout on the second day of the exercise, say experts.

Nearly 3,600 healthcare workers received the shots in Delhi on Monday, the second day of the drive in the national capital,with sources saying just eight medical staff got the jabs at AIIMS.

According to data shared by officials later, the target of the day in Delhi was 8,136, thus only 44 per cent of that could be reached.

Cases of AEFI was reported in 26 persons, including two severe ones, and one person was hospitalised, officials said on Monday.

On day one, 4,319 healthcare workers -- 53.3 per cent of those registered, had got the shots in Delhi, while one "severe" and 51 "minor" cases of AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) were reported.

Various reasons are being attributed to the low turnout, including some technical issues and fears related to adverse events.

However, the government has maintained that no case of serious or severe AEFI is attributable to vaccination till date.

Experts feel people becoming apprehensive after several cases of AEFI reported on day one could be a major factor.

Besides, many adopting a "wait and watch" approach, lack of communication and glitches in Co-Win app are among other reasons for low turnout on day one and even further low on day two.

"Yes, the AEFI cases reported must have played on minds of people and the apprehension may have resulted in lower turnout. But there are other factors too. And, after all it's a voluntary exercise, so people make their own choice. But, we at our hospital are trying to reach out to healthcare workers through heads of all departments to boost their confidence level," said B L Sherwal, medical director of Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital.

At the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital, only 12 healthcare workers got vaccination on Monday, compared to 32 on day one, as per data shared by officials. No one showed AEFI at this site, a senior official said.

At the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, the number of people who got vaccinated on Monday stood at 20 with no AEFI cases. It was nearly half of the figures on day one -- 45, officials said.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, interacting with reporters on Tuesday, reiterated that this is a voluntary exercise and people are making their own decisions, as it is the initial phase.

Asked if statements made by a few political leaders raising doubts over its efficacy and safety, could be a factor, he said, "No. Going for vaccination is a personal decision, and has nothing to do with what political statements have been made about it."



When asked if AEFI was a factor in low turnout on the second day, the city health minister said, turnout of nearly 50 per cent is "not very low" and situation is also under control in Delhi.

"It's initial days of the drive, and it will take time, but people's confidence will be increased and it will pick up. As a government, we are also taking all the steps to push up their confidence level," he said.

Asked if technical issues with CoWIN app, was also a factor, he said, the app is "creating hurdles" at times.

"Sometimes, it is not working, and it has not stabilised yet," Jain said, adding, no plan to do the job manually.

Co-Win is an online platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccine delivery.

"There were some glitches in the app at our hospital. We expect the number to increase during the course of the drive," said SureshKumar, medical director of LNJP Hospital.

N K Ganguly, former director-general of Indian Council of Medical Research, said the numbers will increase gradually as people become "well-informed" about the vaccines.

On Saturday, the Resident Doctors' Association of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital had requested the hospital to vaccinate them with Serum Institute's Covishield instead of Covaxin.

The association wrote a letter and said the doctors were a bit apprehensive about Covaxin due to the lack of a complete trial.

Those taking Covaxin are asked to sign a separate consent form, acknowledging that the jab is being administered without the phase-3 trial.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday hes still concerned with possible violent demonstrations at the Ohio Statehouse coinciding with Joe Bidens inauguration as president, even though similar fears for Sunday didnt come to pass.

DeWine credited the heavy police and military presence, which he ordered in response to what he called a credible threat directed at the state, with keeping things peaceful during an armed demonstration at the Statehouse on Sunday.

Were not through this yet. Weve had an inauguration coming up tomorrow, and we dont know whats going to happen. We hope nothing happens. We hope it was as peaceful as it was on Sunday at the Capitol. But this is always the question. What we do know is when you have enough forces there, the likelihood of violence goes down, he said.

DeWine mobilized the Ohio National Guard as part of his plan to protect the Statehouse and other state buildings in downtown Columbus, and has ordered downtown state office buildings closed through Wednesday. The Statehouse was encircled with metal barricades, military vehicles were parked on the Statehouse grounds blocking entrances to its underground parking garage, and dozens of state troopers and National Guard members have been assigned to stand guard around the building.

Governors across the country took similar steps after federal authorities said they received troubling intelligence reports in the aftermath of the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump on Jan. 6.

While around 10 heavily armed demonstrators showed up at the Ohio Statehouse on Sunday, the overall crowd was small, politically eclectic and peaceful.

DeWine said Tuesday he thinks the heightened security was necessary.

After what we saw in Washington, D.C., I think it would have been negligent for me not to react that way. I think youre seeing governors across the country doing the same thing, he said.

DeWine also said he hopes the situation in Washington, D.C. remains peaceful, and said he will be watching Bidens inauguration.

We need to not see violence, and I think the federal government is doing everything they can to ensure that, he said. Its something American people can look at and all be brought together at least for a short period of time as we make a peaceful transition of power, something weve done for over 200 years.

* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Highlights Realme may be close to launching the C21 smartphone in some markets.

The Realme C21 has been spotted on certification websites of India, Thailand, and now Indonesia.

The specifications of the Realme C21 are not clear at the moment.

Realme may already be working on the next C-series smartphone. The new C21 has been spotted on the website of a telecom company in Indonesia, which directly hints that the device may launch soon in the market. The Realme model number that is listed on the Indonesian website was interestingly spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website recently, which means the C21 is expectedly also headed to the Indian market.

Tipster Mukul Sharma has claimed to have spotted the RMX3021 on the website of an Indonesian telecom company. According to him, this model is going to be known as Realme C21 as and when it is launched in the market. The same model number has also appeared on Thailand's NBTC and India's BIS certification websites, which means this smartphone is almost ready for launch in all three markets. There is no sketch or render to glance at to know what the Realme C21 will be like, but it surely will bring upgrades over the C17.

Realme launched the C17 smartphone last year in Bangladesh. This smartphone never made it to India, confining the Realme portfolio of C-series smartphones at C15. The Realme C15 was launched in India last year along with the C11 and the C12 -- all powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 processor. With C17, things improved a bit as the Snapdragon 460 processor runs the show. Since the company launched the C17 as a standalone device -- and not as one of the trio like the C11, C12, and C15 -- this processor may not be used on subsequent versions.

The Realme C21 could be powered by a new processor, either from Qualcomm or from MediaTek. A 5G C-series seems far-fetched right now, which is why the processor may support only up to LTE networks. There is nothing available on this yet. But the listings on several certification websites have revealed there will be Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and Android 10-based Realme UI on this phone. Other specifications are not available, which is why we will have to wait for more details to pour in before Realme confirms the device.

Separately, Realme is also gearing up to launch the X7 series in India soon. It was last year when Realme India boss Madhav Sheth confirmed that but since then the launch date is awaited. Even the parent company Oppo beat Realme in launching the Reno 5 Pro 5G in India before the X7 Pro as both are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ processor. Realme is teasing the launch on Twitter but, again, without a launch date. But I think the secret will be out soon, given the company is bullish about its 5G offerings, X7 series being one of them, in India.
Officials accused in encroachment of protected Phuket forest

PHUKET: Officers from the Royal Forest Department yesterday (Jan 18) inspected 83 rai of hill land located near Bang Wad reservoir which was encroached for agriculture and made a road in the area.

landpropertycrimecorruptionnatural-resourcesenvironment

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 05:07PM

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The road through the protected forest leads over the hills, up to 300 metres above sea level with 360-degree views. Photo: PR Phuket

The inspection, led by Suphachai Suksai, chief of the Encroachment Prevention and Suppression Region 4 office under the Royal Forest Department, was conducted at about 4pm.

The land is located in the Khao Nakkerd protected forest, which has a designated area crossing into Wichit and Kathu.

The team found a road about 1.5km long starting from the foot of hills in Kathu and crossing the hills to Wichit. Some trees were cut to make way for the road, and the team also found plantations of durian and bitter bean (sator, in Thai) trees.

Mr Suphachai estimated the cost of the damage done over the whole 83 rai to be more than B10 million.

This inspection was conducted as we received a complaint from a local resident that they saw some administrative officers as well as those who were relevant to forest suppression at the site while bulldozers were making the road, Mr Suphachai said.

A local resident went to warn the workers who were making the road that the forest is protected. A worker told him that they knew that well, but they worked for a big man and they were not afraid if they were charged, he said.

This is a really big encroachment, and the people behind this must be big as well, he noted.

They have acted aggressively, without fear, Mr Suphachai said.

The top of the hills is about 300 metres above sea level. We can see a 360-degree view from there, which could be a reason for this encroachment, Mr Suphachai also noted.

Today we cannot give much detail about the encroachment, but we will report our findings to high-ranking officers of our department for sure. Tomorrow we will come to continue our inspection of the area, he said.
At 6:55 am, the SGX Nifty rose 0.6 percent to 14,367. This means that the Indian market will open on a higher note as SGX Nifty is considered to be an indicator of Nifty50 and Sensex.

On Monday, markets on Wall Street were shut due to a holiday while benchmark indices in markets of Japan, Australia rose today.

Here are the top stocks to watch on January 19:

Maruti Suzuki India: The company has increased the price of a few models of car from January 19. This has been done because the input cost has increased.

TVS Motor: It has been decided that on January 28, the companys board of directors will meet to declare the interim dividend. February 5 has been decided as the record date for the purpose of interim divide.

Tata Steel: Reportedly, the talks between Tata Steel and its Swedish rival SSAB about the purchase of Ijmuiden steel are not going in a positive direction as two of the SSAB investors are unsure about buying the arm of Tata Steel.

Raymond: For the issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) aggregating up to an amount of Rs 200 crore on a private placement basis, a meeting of the board of directors will take place on January 21.

RBL Bank: Vishwavir Ahuja has been reappointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. The reappointment is for three years, from June 30, 2021 to June 29, 2024.

Sundaram Clayton Limited: On January 29, its board of directors will meet to declare interim dividend, if any for FY 2020-21. If the interim dividend is declared,then the record date for the same is February 6.

Apollo Hospitals: Reportedly, through the sale of 40.7 lakh shares, the company plans to raise Rs 1,000 crores. The floor price has been fixed at Rs 2,508.58 per share for the QIP issue.
WASHINGTON - On Martin Luther King Jr. Day a year ago, there were few hints of the tumultuous and devastating 12 months that would follow. No one envisioned then that 400,000 Americans would be dead from a disease that has disproportionately affected Black and low-income Americans and ravaged the economy. No one envisioned that the death of a Black man at the hands of police would spur huge protests and a nationwide reckoning with the legacy of racism. No one envisioned that an American president would be impeached for encouraging his followers to storm the U.S. Capitol to overturn a legal election.

But the unthinkable became reality, and the events of the past year were on the minds of many in the region Monday who joined a national day of service to honor the civil rights giant who was assassinated in 1968.

Kenneth Jackson drove from Baltimore to join his fiancee, Tarah Mitchell of Alexandria, Va., to distribute food, water and toiletries to residents of the Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter in the District of Columbia.

"It's a good day for reflection and to embrace the community aspect of Dr. King's message," Jackson said as a DJ played "Lady Marmalade" and a cold wind blustered through the parking lot. "We need to focus on the commonality of the human experience rather than things that divide us."

Mitchell, an Air Force major, said that for those in a position to help, every day should be an opportunity to do so.

"Especially now, all of us are one paycheck away from being in the same situation as those who we're helping," she said. "This last year has been so divisive, and so much has happened to pull people apart. And that's the polar opposite of what Martin Luther King Jr. wanted."

The distribution project was one of multiple events organized over the long weekend by Neighborhood Commissioners Salim Adofo and Brittany Cummings. They also arranged block cleanups and voter registration efforts and encouraged constituents to seek help with needs not being met by the city.

Adofo said he hoped the events would be a springboard to involve more residents in their community and provide outlets for them to engage in the self-determination championed by King.

"We want to empower the residents here in this primarily Black community and give them an opportunity to engage with their elected officials and have more control over what's going on in their lives," Adofo said.

Cummings said the past year has been especially difficult for families in his D.C. area. Many feel especially separated from one another and from the community because of barriers created by the coronavirus pandemic and the wave of job losses and economic pain it has triggered.

"We're really trying to create a bigger sense of connection and make sure that people understand there are opportunities and services available for them to get to the place they want to be," she said.

As Cummings and Adofo were supervising their project, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined high school volunteers nearby at Martha's Table to help fill food packages for distribution

"I think it's so important to remember that Dr. King was killed in large part, I believe, because he was on the verge of bringing together the civil rights movement around racial justice with the fight for economic justice," Harris said in a statement.

"And when we look at where we are as a country today, when we look at recent events, we know that the fight Dr. King was engaged in is still a fight in America, which is to recognize the connection and to recognize our collective responsibility to address these injustices."

A few blocks away on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in D.C.'s Southeast quadrant, retired military veterans were painting the cafeteria and creating an outdoor vegetable garden at the Excel Academy, an all-girls K-8 school.

Mary Beth Bruggeman spent eight years in the Marines as a combat engineer and is president of The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit organization that connects military veterans to opportunities to continue their service in underresourced communities. She said she takes inspiration from King's declaration that "everybody can be great because everybody can serve."

This year, Bruggeman said, she was especially motivated because of the recent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a mob that included military veterans.

"What you see happening here is in such stark contrast to what you saw happening at the Capitol a week ago," she said. "It was very difficult to see veterans who had taken an oath to preserve and protect the Constitution involved in that attack."

For some volunteers, the opportunity to join others in a safe and socially distant day of service was reassuring following so many months of turmoil.

Tene Lewis, 43, returned on Sunday to the neighborhood she grew up in to pick up litter and help clean up the block. Lewis, who now lives in nearby Montgomery County, Maryland, brought her 14-year-old daughter, Samia Greene, with her to help.

"It's important I make sure my community is safe and clean for everyone. Martin Luther King was about community and uplifting and encouraging all of us to be our best self," Lewis said. "Despite all the turmoil and disruption in our nation's capital, it's important to be out here and doing this work."

Antonio Ferguson, 26, works in finance and on housing programs for low-income residents. He joined Lewis and two dozen volunteers Sunday as they picked up trash. Although he was born more than a quarter-century after King's death, Ferguson says the legacy of the civil rights leader is right for this time.

"He was able to rally a community of people who were scared and intimidated to fight for their rights. He gave them hope they could do something," Ferguson said. "That legacy is important here. Not just to keep fighting for rights, but also taking care of your community - whether that's picking up trash or teaching our youth or whatever way you can help."
has secured a fresh Letter of Comfort from the Centre for another 4.5 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, sources said.

Out of the 4.5 millioon doses, the city-based vaccine maker will be supplying over 800,000 to some of the friendly countries such as Mauritius, Philippines and Myanmar, free of cost as good will gesture sources added.

"The company was given a fresh letter of comfort recently for supplying another 4.5 million doses of Covaxin.

The doses will be dispatched as when the Ministry places orders with the company," sources told PTI.

After having received the government purchase order for 5.5 million doses, BharatBiotech shipped the first batch of vaccines (each vial containing 20 doses) to Gannavaram (Vijayawada), Guwahati, Patna, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Bangalore, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Chennai and Lucknow, it said.

said it has also donated 1.65 million doses to the Government of India.

Sources further said the supplies from the company depend on the orders being placed by the government.
A Manitoba man has been found not guilty of second-degree murder, after a judge ruled he was in the grip of drug-induced psychosis when he stabbed 19-year-old Brittany Bung to death in her car more than three years ago.

A Manitoba man has been found not guilty of second-degree murder, after a judge ruled he was in the grip of drug-induced psychosis when he stabbed 19-year-old Brittany Bung to death in her car more than three years ago.

Jordan Belyk, 23, was instead convicted of the reduced count of manslaughter.

INSTAGRAM Brittany Bung

Bung was attacked just minutes after Belyk met her at a Lac du Bonnet gas station and pressed her to give him a ride.

Justice Joan McKelvey said evidence of Belyks behaviour both before and after the attack supported medical testimony he was suffering from a "substance-induced psychotic disorder."

"In this case, and given the evidence that has been documented, I am satisfied that the accused acted without the necessary mens rea for murder," McKelvey ruled in a written-decision released Friday. "His mind was not functioning in a competent manner."

Court heard at trial Belyk and Bung were not known to each other before Belyk, wearing no shoes or shirt, walked into the gas station shortly before 6:30 a.m., Oct. 3, 2017.

An employee at the station testified, after a brief exchange, Belyk followed Bung to her car and jumped in the front seat, said: "Lets get the f--- out of here," and reclined the seat as if hiding as Bung drove away.

Seven minutes later, Bung called 911, telling an operator a man had jumped in her car and started stabbing her.

Bung was able to exit the car, and was found collapsed at the intersection of Provincial Road 502 and Edward Crescent.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES RCMP Investigators at the scene of a homicide investigation of a 19-year-old female victim on provincial Hwy. 502 in Lac du Bonnet in 2017.

She had suffered stab wounds to her throat, cheek and hands. Bung died less than an hour later, en route to hospital in Pinawa.

An area man testified at trial to seeing Belyk in his backyard minutes after the killing, looking "zombieish," with eyes "as big as pie plates." The man said he scared Belyk off, but saw him again minutes later at the crime scene while driving his son to school.

The man later discovered a window smashed on one of his vehicles at home, and found a knife stashed between the drivers seat and door.

RCMP officers testified they tracked Belyk to Heritage Park and when making contact, "seemed as if he was not there." Belyk was slow to respond to police instructions and scurried on all fours for 10 feet before stopping and becoming compliant, court was told.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES 2017 photo of Jordan Belyk.

A friend testified Belyk spent the previous night at her house, and she woke up around 4 a.m. to find Belyk in a paranoid, agitated state. Efforts to calm Belyk failed and he fled the house with a knife.

Another friend present at the house that night testified he and Belyk had been awake for days doing drugs, including methamphetamine.

The medical evidence, however was inconclusive. An RCMP toxicologist testified blood sample screen tests found methamphetamine and cocaine in Belyks system, but she was unable to confirm the presence of the drugs to the standard required by the police services forensic unit.

However, Belyks behaviour was consistent with a diagnosis of substance-induced psychotic disorder, testified Dr. Edward Cetaruk, a Colorado doctor called by the defence and qualified by the court as an expert in emergency room medicine and medical technology.

Cetaruk said consumption of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs can change a users behaviour for long periods of time, with sleep deprivation increasing the risk they will suffer a psychotic episode.

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Candlelight vigil for Brittany Bung in Lac du Bonnet in 2017.

Prosecutors argued there was little or no evidence before the court Belyk had been a longtime user of cocaine or methamphetamine, and pointed to signs he was clear-headed following the killing, including his attempt to hide the knife.

"The circumstances as outlined by the Crown, cannot necessarily be extrapolated to demonstrate that the accused understood what he was doing or possessed the necessary mental capacity to be found guilty of second-degree murder," McKelvey said.

Belyk will be sentenced later this year, following the completion of court-ordered reports. He remains in custody.

Less than one week before killing Bung, Belyk was spared jail and sentenced to one year probation, after pleading guilty to a drunken assault on a Winnipeg street.

An argument in June 2016 escalated and Belyk hit a man on the head with a 26-ounce liquor bottle, leaving him with a gash that needed eight stitches to close. The fight started after Belyk got involved in an argument between his then-girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend.

Belyks lawyer told a judge at the Sept. 26, 2017, hearing Belyk was still dealing with his addiction to alcohol and other substances in the wake of the unsolved killing of his biological mother in 2011.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Gas Canisters for Nailer Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Gas Canisters for Nailer market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Gas Canisters for Nailer Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31072

According to this study, over the next five years, the Gas Canisters for Nailer market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Gas Canisters for Nailer business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Gas Canisters for Nailer market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Gas Canisters for Nailer market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Paslode

Max

Toua

Hitachi

Handler

Bostitch

Makita

Diaoxiang

OrionPower

TJEP

Joh Friedrich Behrens AG

EZ Fasten

OK Befestigung

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31072

This study considers the Gas Canisters for Nailer value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

40g (80ml)

40g (70ml)

18 g (30 ml)

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Concrete Nailing

Steel Nailing

Wood Nailing

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Gas Canisters for Nailer Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31072

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Gas Canisters for Nailer consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Gas Canisters for Nailer market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Gas Canisters for Nailer manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Gas Canisters for Nailer with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Gas Canisters for Nailer submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/gas-canisters-for-nailer-market-2020-analysis-by-latest-trends-growth-opportunities-with-potential-impact-of-covid-19/
Saudi Arabia has become one of the most attractive markets for international companies seeking new mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and 2021 is set to witness an increase in the trend following several deals in 2020, a consultancy said.



During the third quarter of 2020, Saudi Arabia ranked among the top investment banking fee earners in the Mena region and is expected to maintain its position in 2021 as more companies take advantage of the investment climate in the region, according to The Unit: Business Consulting & Support, a regional consulting firm.



The Unit has recently successfully orchestrated a buyout of a local facilities management firm by a leading global conglomerate in the energy sector.

.

Jamil Fakhri, Corporate Finance and Strategy Advisory Director at The Unit, said: As Saudi Arabia leaps ahead in its economic transformation in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the doors are open for international market players to expand their presence in the largest economy in the Region. We have seen M&A activities leveraging the capabilities of leading local companies for at tenable go to market solutions.



The local M&A market is projected to further grow this year, with activity expected to centre mainly on the e-commerce, energy, education and healthcare sectors.



Alongside these developments, new laws and economic initiatives further serve to consolidate the Kingdoms growth prospects, thereby attracting international investors



Fakhri concluded: There is strong optimism in the local M&A market as Saudi Arabia remains committed to opening its economy and exploring new areas of investments. We are confident this factor will continue to drive greater interest from international investors



The Unit has been providing strategic and corporate finance advisory services such as M&A, private equity transactions and debt restructuring and refinancing in the region, leveraging its intrinsic knowledge of the local sector and operating factors within the Kingdom and the Mena region.



It has secured deals for local, regional and international companies and has provided advice on projects valued at more than $2.5 billion. The company has also been providing management consulting, financial capability advisory and franchise development services for diverse clients across varying sectors since its inception.  TradeArabia News Service


Washington state will partner with Starbucks, Microsoft, Costco and other companies to help ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations in a bid to to reach the goal of inoculating 45,000 residents per day.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center - a public-private partnership between the Seattle-based companies and the health department.

Inslee turned to Starbucks, which is headquartered in Seattle, for help streamlining the logistics and operation efficiency of the vaccine rollout.

Microsoft is among the large companies setting up mass vaccination sites to give out at least 5,000 shots per day.

Costco, which is also headquartered in the state, will help deliver the vaccines.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday announced the public-private partnership between the Seattle-based companies and the health department, which he is calling the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center.

The state is now vaccinating between 13,000 and 15,000 people a day. The state has now handed out 242,000 of the 696,000 doses distributed by the federal government, according to data from the CDC

'Now, we are not a health care company,' Starbucks President and CEO Kevin Johnson said.

'But Starbucks does operate 33,000 stores at scale, serving 100 million customers a week and we have a world class team of human-centered design engineers who are working under the direction of the state and health care providers... to help support the creation of vaccination centers that can scale and... amplify the comfort, care and safety of every person who gets vaccinated.'

Microsoft President Brad Smith said the tech giant was providing technology expertise.

He said the mass vaccine site at the Microsoft campus would be for all residents and not just employees.

Given many employees are not currently working at the headquarters amid the pandemic, Smith said Microsoft would also partner with local hospitals to set up vaccine sites there to provide additional support to staff.

Inslee turned to Starbucks, which is headquartered in Seattle, for help streamlining the logistics and operation efficiency of the vaccine rollout

Microsoft is among the large companies setting up mass vaccination sites to give out at least 5,000 shots per day

The state is also bringing in the National Guard to help set up the mass vaccine sites, is setting up drive-by vaccine locations and is enabling more than 2,000 pharmacies to vaccinate residents.

Costco will help by delivering the vaccines to the 2,000 pharmacies that administer the shots statewide.

It is all part of an overall goal to vaccinate 45,000 people a day to boost the slower than expected rollout.

Gov. Inslee said that while the goal is currently higher than the current allotment of vaccine the state is receiving from the federal government, the state is working to get the infrastructure in place now for when the supply increases.

He said the state is now vaccinating between 13,000 and 15,000 people a day.

The state has now handed out 242,000 of the 696,000 doses distributed by the federal government, according to data from the CDC.

Just over 31,500 people in the state has received both doses of the vaccine.

The state on Monday expanded its vaccine priority with those aged over 65 now eligible to get the shots.
Image: Reuters

President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing U.S agencies to assess any security risks from Chinese-made drones in American government fleets and to prioritize removing them.

Trump directed all U.S. agencies to outline the security risks posed to the existing government drone fleet from drones built by Chinese companies or by other countries deemed foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Trump's order also directs agencies to outline "potential steps that could be taken to mitigate these risks, including, if warranted, discontinuing all federal use of covered (drones) and the expeditious removal of (drones) from federal service."

Last month, the U.S. Commerce Department added China's SZ DJI Technology Co, the world's largest drone maker, to the U.S. governments economic blacklist, along with dozens of other Chinese companies. A DJI spokesman declined immediate comment on Monday.

In January 2020, the U.S. Interior Department grounded its fleet of about 800 Chinese-made drones but said it would allow their use for emergency situations.

U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt in October ordered a halt to additional purchases of Chinese-made drones by the department.

In May 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned U.S. firms of the risks to company data from Chinese-made drones. In a notice, DHS said U.S. officials have "strong concerns about any technology product that takes American data into the territory of an authoritarian state that permits its intelligence services to have unfettered access to that data or otherwise abuses that access."

DJI said last month it was disappointed by the Commerce Department decision but noted that "customers in America can continue to buy and use DJI products normally."
Chirag Paswan dodges queries about prospects at Centre; continues tirade against Nitish

India

oi-Deepika S

Patna, Jan 19: Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday dodged queries about the likelihood of his joining the Union council of ministers, in which his party has been left with no representation following the death of his father Ram Vilas Paswan.

Paswan, however, remarked tongue in cheek that the government at the Centre was doing fine and it was the Bihar cabinet headed by Nitish Kumar where ministers were saddled with too many portfolios and an expansion was much needed.

The LJP chief was talking to reporters upon his visit to the state after a long time. His father, who had founded the party two decades ago, died in October last year and in the ensuing by-election to his Rajya Sabha seat, the BJP chose to field its veteran leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Paswan had said that the seat, though held by his father, 'belonged to the BJP' to which he professes to remain loyal despite having pulled out of the NDA ahead of the assembly elections last year.

His party had claimed that the young leader was expecting a berth in the Union council of ministers since the party's rebellion had damaged Nitish Kumar's JD(U) but helped the BJP emerge as the 'big brother' in the NDA in Bihar.

On Monday, Kumar had hinted that expansion of the new cabinet, which was formed in November, was likely in near future. His remark came a day after he met top leaders of the state BJP at his official residence where differences arising out of contesting claims by alliance partners have supposedly been ironed out.

Shahnawaz Hussain is BJPs MLC candidate from Bihar

Nonetheless, Paswan squarely blamed Kumar for the delay in cabinet expansion and alleged that the chief minister has of late been too busy with the affairs of his party which has undergone a major overhaul.

Kumar himself relinquished the post of the national president, more than a year before the end of his tenure, and got his close aide RCP Singh appointed in his place.

A couple of weeks later, veteran socialist leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vashishtha Narayan Singh also expressed the desire to step down citing old age and unstable health. Former MLA Umesh Kushwaha was appointed to the post.

The developments have been seen as an attempt by Kumar to consolidate his support base among the Kurmi-Koeri-Kushwaha caste combine, known as 'Luv-Kush' in Bihari political lexicon, in a bid to retain sufficient bargaining power while negotiating with the BJP which appears to have gained an upper hand.

Paswan, who has in less than a year emerged as one of the most virulent detractors of Kumar, however, charged that all this showed that 'the party, and not the state, is the top priority for our chief minister'.

'This is happening at a time when law and order is in a mess and the chief minister holds the Home portfolio. Even well-heeled, well-connected people are being murdered,' Paswan said in an apparent reference to the recent killing of Rupesh Kumar Singh, a senior official of a private airline, which has triggered shock waves in Patna and outrage among political figures many of whom he was said to be friends with.

The LJP chief, however, said, 'We have made it clear that we will not be doing anything drastic till this new government completes six months. Thereafter, taking into account its achievements and failures, we will launch our programme.'

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 18:00 [IST]
People who believe Boris Johnson would have preferred Donald Trump to win a second term as US president are mistaken, the former head of the UKs civil service said.

Lord Sedwill, who served as Cabinet Secretary from 2018 to 2020, wrote in the Daily Mail that another term for Mr Trump would not have been to the benefit of British or European security (or) to transatlantic trade, let alone the environmental agenda to which the Prime Minister is so committed.

Lord Sedwill said Joe Bidens election win brought relief to Western leaders that normal diplomatic relationships will be restored following the President-elects inauguration on Wednesday.

Expand Close Lord Sedwill, right, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lord Sedwill, right, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He continued: Those of us who regard ourselves as close American allies have badly missed US leadership over the past four years.

Mr Bidens administration will reset priorities much more in line with those of his former boss, Barack Obama. He will re-engage with democracies and global institutions  such as the World Health Organisation and the World Trade Organisation  that Mr Trump despised and disrupted.

He will revive arms control negotiations with Iran and Russia, and rejoin the Paris treaty, which is crucial to the prospects for this years climate change conference in Glasgow. With Brexit accomplished and the Biden administration ready to re-engage, this is the moment for Global Britain to step up to that challenge.

Mr Johnson was among the first world leaders to secure a call with Mr Biden following his election victory, with the Prime Minister telling PMQs in November: It was refreshing, I may say, to have that conversation and I look forward to many more.

Since Mr Bidens election, there have been concerns the pair could face diplomatic difficulties.

Expand Close Joe Biden is to be inaugurated on Wednesday (Niall Carson/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Joe Biden is to be inaugurated on Wednesday (Niall Carson/PA)

They have never met before and Mr Biden has likened the Prime Minister to a physical and emotional clone of Mr Trump.

Allies of Mr Biden have also not forgiven Mr Johnson for previously highlighting Mr Obamas part-Kenyan heritage, claiming it had given him an ancestral dislike of the British empire.

The Prime Minister has gone to many efforts not to criticise Mr Trump during his leadership. However, he has been more vocal in recent weeks, rebuking Mr Trump for inciting supporters to storm the Capitol and for continuing to question the legitimacy of the US election.

Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on January 7: Insofar as he encouraged people to storm the Capitol and insofar as the president consistently has cast doubt on the outcome of a free and fair election I believe that that was completely wrong.
COVID-19 home testing kits will soon be available to purchase from vending machines in a number of major cities across the US  but the convenient service will come with a hefty price tag of up $149.

Health company Wellness 4 Humanity announced plans to roll out the machines on Sunday, and said they will first be available for use in the likes of New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas in the coming weeks.

The vending machines will dispense both Emergency Use Authorized rapid antigen tests and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) saliva tests. Test prices vary between $130 and $149.

The saliva tests, which Wellness 4 Humanity (W4H) says are 99 percent accurate, will be available first and come equipped with a prepaid FedEx shipping label, so they can be sent to the companys partner lab, with results returned within 48 hours.

The company said it will also stock the machines with TRUSTPASS Rapid Antigen At-Home Testing Kits at a later date. Those tests provide results in just 15 minutes, with no shipping or lab work required, and have a 97.4 percent accuracy rate.

Health company Wellness 4 Humanity announced plans to roll out the machines on Sunday, and said they will first be available for use in the likes of New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas (pictured above is a machine in operation at Oakland International Airport, CA)

The vending machines will dispense both Emergency Use Authorized rapid antigen tests and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) saliva tests (shown above). Test prices vary between $130 and $149

The machines all feature contactless purchase capabilities in addition to payment options on the buyers mobile device.

According to the NY Post, one of W4Hs machines will be placed at 225 W. 34th St., in Midtown Manhattan, by the end of the month.

Other W4H machines are already in operation at Oakland International Airport, in California, and at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Georgia.

These vending machines are a significant milestone in helping to provide Americans with easier access to fast, highly accurate COVID-19 testing,' Wellness 4 Humanity co-founder and CEO Lian Nguyen Pham said in a press release.

Weve seen similar vending machines placed in highly populated, highly trafficked areas of Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to help contain the spread of the virus and, given the surge in cases the U.S. is currently experiencing, we hope to roll out our vending machines as soon as possible.

W4H said it partnered with the San Francisco-based tech firm Swyft to bring the venture to fruition.

In 2020, Swyft placed placed personal protective equipment-dispensing vending machines in 10 subway stations throughout NYC, in partnership with the MTA.

The machines all feature contactless purchase capabilities in addition to payment on the buyers mobile device (pictured: a customer of a vending machine at an Airport in Atlanta poses with his rapid test results)

Similar machines are already in operation at the University of California (left) and in Honk Kong (right)

However, W4H is not the only company offering COVID-19 test vending machines.

The University of California in San Diego unveiled their own plans at the beginning of the month to install 11 test dispenser machines around its campus.

With their machines, users can conduct their own nasal swabs and return their samples to the machine within 72 hours. They can then use the UC San Diego app to scan the test kit and receive their results. The service is free for all students and faculty.

Outside of the US, residents of Hong Kong were able to gets tests from vending machines starting December 7, 2020. Those machines were placed in transit stations across the region.

Latvia also installed vending machines for testing on December 11, 2020, in the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital in the city of Riga, Reuters reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 01:06:02|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SANAA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. designation of the Houthi militia as a "foreign terrorist organization" came into force on Tuesday, one day before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office.

Almost inconspicuous among a slew of rushed diplomatic and domestic stunts pulled off by the Trump administration, the decision, however, will decide the life and death of millions in Yemen, a country that has been suffered too long in wars.

INTERRUPTED HUMANITARIAN AIDS

Humanitarian groups, who are scrambling to deal with the imminent famine across Yemen, now feel confused: after the designation took effect, the U.S. Department of State still has not revealed details on issuing licenses for international organizations to send humanitarian aids into Yemen.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Monday that the uncertainty will disrupt "the world's largest aid operation just as famine starts to take hold in the country."

A staggering 80 percent of the country's population, or over 24 million people, require some form of humanitarian assistance and protection, including more than 12 million children, according to data released by the United Nations.

UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock also expressed his concern over the famine prospect, saying the "the most urgent priority in Yemen right now is to prevent a massive famine."

Lowcock said humanitarian agencies provide food vouchers or cash to needy Yemenis so they can shop at markets, warning that if the aids were cut off by the designation, millions of Yemenis would starve to death.

Yemen's internationally-recognized government, which welcomed the U.S. designation, said on Monday it will seek to mitigate any impacts the designation has on humanitarian aids.

Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik said that his government had formed a committee to handle any effects on the delivery of humanitarian assistance inside Houthi-controlled areas and the remittances of Yemenis abroad.

But a source at the Yemeni government told Xinhua on Tuesday that they had no clue on how to deal with the humanitarian aids in the Houthi-held regions.

"If the United States doesn't know what to do, how can we know?" said the source, who asked to remain anonymous.

COMMERCIAL IMPORTS CRUCIAL

Even if licenses come through for aid agencies, these will not address the main problem, which lies in commercial imports.

Nearly all of Yemen's food, medicine, fuel, and everything else are brought in by commercial importers.

Dujarric pointed out that the long-standing UN Security Council position is that commercial imports to Yemen must be protected and must continue to flow through all ports in the country.

Echoing Dujarric's point of view, Lowcock, the UN's top official on humanitarian affairs, stressed that the commercial imports determine the life and death in Yemen.

Abdul-Salam Mohamad, chairman of Abaad Studies and Research Center, told Xinhua in a recent interview that following the designation, commercial companies will shun dealing with the Houthi authorities in northern Yemen for fear of being involved in supporting a "terrorist" group and this will result in serious economic repercussions.

However, the Houthi militia tried to shrug off the impacts of the designation while fervently condemning it.

Dhaif-Allah Shami, the official spokesman of the unrecognized Houthi government in Sanaa, said on Jan. 11 that "talking about the effects of the American decision on international aid is not to the extent that they depict. We mainly depend on our God and on what our land produces."

But Yemen has not achieved self-sufficiency in food for decades even before the civil war broke up in late 2014, according to the country's statistical authority. Food import has always been crucial for the livelihood of Yemenis as the country is predominately covered by arid deserts.

ORDINARY YEMENIS BEAR THE BLUNT

Thousands of Yemenis on Monday walked to the streets in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa to protest against the U.S. designation. One of the largest protests was held in front of the closed U.S. embassy, which has become a symbol of "U.S. imperialism" and victory of the "Houthi revolution."

During the protest, people chanted slogans, held posters and banners, and some burnt the national flags of the United States.

"This decision was issued without looking into its impacts. Today, we protest to condemn this decision that targeted all Yemeni people," Ali Hashem, a resident in Sanaa, told Xinhua.

Another protester said that he was angered by the U.S. decision because the blacklisting of the militia is actually an "indiscriminate bombing" on the fragile life of all people here.

"When they (the United States) intercept a food ship, it doesn't necessarily starve Houthi fighters but it surely means my five-year-old daughter will be hungry," said the protester, who preferred not to be named.

"The U.S. officials can't see our suffering here. All they see is a game of powers," he lamented.

For Ali bin Hadi, a retired military expert and observer based in the southern port city of Aden, the prominent Houthi leaders are already under UN sanctions and won't be largely affected by Washington's decision aimed at labeling their rebel group as a "foreign terrorist organization."

The Yemeni observer said that "the Houthi leaders have many alternative ways to insulate themselves from impacts caused by sanctions of the U.S. or the UN, but the ordinary Yemeni people will be largely devastated by such international decisions." Enditem
Lake Charles  To ensure college students continue to receive essential hands-on surgical training during the COVID-19 pandemic, SOWELAs Jennings campus is offering new groundbreaking technology and virtual reality components to its surgical technology students. Currently, the surgical technology program has 30 students enrolled.

The PeriopSim and PeriopSim Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training systems combine specialty instrumentation lessons with associated procedure lessons. All lessons are based on learning sharp instrument safety and lessons that are relevant to procedures students will perform in the operating room. SOWELA is the first college in the state to make available to surgical technology students the new PeriopSim and the PeriOp Sim Experiences using the innovative VR technology application as a viable option to provide training opportunities.

Both PeriopSim and PeriopSim VR were originally designed for healthcare professionals in the hospital setting to learn surgical instruments and procedures. The state-of-the art modules are also used to train current surgical staff professional as well as orient new staff faster, more consistently, and with no risk to patient safety. However, the programs were quickly adapted to train the students of the surgical technology at SOWELA and across the country due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The technology uses video of actual procedure playback on the operating room monitor coupled with voice prompts guiding learners and teaching the difficult skills of coordination and anticipation along with these vital guides for many surgical specialties. Students are scored in real-time on their performances with identifying, orientating, selecting and anticipating the correct instrument at every step of the procedure. Students overall scores are affected in real time as their performance time decreases and mistakes increase. With the addition of the technology last summer, SOWELA students were able to retain their skill sets and graduate on time due in part to the PeriopSim VR experiences providing in-person learning alternatives.

With the new PeriopSim simulation training, SOWELA students can use the 2D computer system from any location across multiple platforms and technology, including Apple, Android and Windows, they may already have at home, so students arent isolated to on campus learning. This allows them to take the OR environment to their homes and learn when their lives and schedules allow it, said SOWELA Surgical Technology Program Coordinator Amy Broussard. This system will continue to improve and help students retain their surgical specialty, didactic knowledge well after the course topic is over. With the new technology, SOWELA Surgical Technology faculty can identify any areas of learning and knowledge deficiency before students take any certification exams and, most importantly, before they enter a clinical site for the workforce.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technology jobs are expected to grow 7% between now and 2029 at a higher-than-average rate compared to other industries.

SOWELA constantly strives to implement the latest technology in order to ensure our students are well prepared when they enter the workforce. This new training system will provide the means for the Surgical Technology students to learn critical skills that help them become successful employees in the growing healthcare industry, said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.sowela.edu. Anyone needing additional assistance can contact info@sowela.edu.
SEATTLE  With the swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Wednesday, the transition away from the Trump era may bring a Mount Rainier-level elevation of clout for Washington state.

Democratic wins in the recent Georgia runoff elections flipped the U.S. Senate from Republican control to a 50-50 tie  with Harris serving as the tiebreaker.

That lifts Washington Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to powerful committee chair positions that will enable them to steer legislation and spending on everything from health care to schools to aviation and rail  even internet regulation and NASA.

The states research universities, scientific institutes and stalled infrastructure projects could benefit in the coming years, according to political observers and experts.

Murray, who was first elected in 1992 and ranks third in Democratic leadership as assistant majority leader, will chair the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions and is the No. 2 Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. Cantwell, first elected in 2000, will be the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Their ascension and combined seniority may start to rival the days of Sens. Warren Maggie Magnuson and Henry Scoop Jackson, Democrats who served together from 1952 to 1980, wielding their massive influence to direct a gush of federal money to Washington state.

We may be developing the female version of the strongest one-two punch weve ever had, said Ron Dotzauer, a longtime Democratic political strategist who worked for Jackson and ran his final campaign. I was around in the Scoop-Maggie era. They reaped enormous benefits for the state of Washington.

Only three other states in 2021 will have two U.S. senators who are women  Minnesota, Nevada and New Hampshire, noted Jean Sinzdak, associate director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. And none come close to the seniority enjoyed by Murray and Cantwell.

They are certainly a powerhouse duo, she said.

In interviews, Cantwell and Murray were keenly aware of the Democrats precarious grip on the Senate levers of power, echoing Bidens calls to seek common ground with Republicans.

It is close. This is not like a huge majority, this is an every-vote-counts majority, Murray said. The President-elect has made it very clear  and I know him well  (he) really wants to bring people together.

Cantwell pointed to bipartisan legislation, including a public lands bill that brought $75 million for water projects in the Yakima Basin, a key agricultural area that had struggled to find agreement among competing interests.

I know we live in a world of tweets, but I think actually people in Washington state have shown that we can use science and information to find collaboration, when we dont agree philosophically, she said.

But the chair positions give the senators enormous discretion to decide what bills receive hearings and which presidential appointees are speedily confirmed.

We now can set the agenda. We now can set the priorities that were fighting for. We now can help the constituents that I represent here in Washington state have a voice in some of the key issues facing our country, that have been left behind, Murray said.

With committees that have such broad purviews, Murray and Cantwell struggled to rattle off a list of priorities unique to Washington state. But both cited the defining crisis of our time  the COVID-19 pandemic  saying they want to speed vaccine rollout and economic recovery.

Murray said she wants to bolster paid family leave and child care options and work to help schools return to in-person classes while addressing inequities that have only grown during the pandemic.

Cantwell said she expects to join with the Biden administration in pushing for the sort of national infrastructure that didnt happen over the last four years. Her committee oversees transportation modes from commercial planes to rails, buses and roads.

I think more infrastructure investment is one thing that I think we all can work on together and be successful at, Cantwell said. I think our states desperately need that, she said, pointing to the West Seattle Bridge replacement as an example.

The role of Senate committee chair might seem arcane to many regular folks. But Mike Spahn, a former chief of staff for Murray, said the HELP and Commerce committees yield uniquely powerful chairs. The impact on the actual real lives of people is so great.

Spahn said Cantwell will be in the middle of regulating the internet for the next generation, with big stakes for local tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as politically charged monopoly and legal immunity debates for social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter.

Murray, meanwhile, will be in the middle of debates over sweeping changes to health care and education. And as the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, shell help direct billions of dollars in federal spending.

Thats a good thing for the University of Washington and Washington State University, predicted Spahn.

If Appropriations chairman Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., were to retire, Murray would be in line for the job once held by Magnuson, who sent so much money to Washington state that former Vice President Walter Mondale once joked that he divided federal dollars 50-50  half for Washington state and half for the rest of the country.

As chair of the Senate Commerce panel, Cantwell, too, holds a position once occupied by Magnuson.

Its not just the senators who may benefit from their increased power. Other members of Washingtons congressional delegation also have accumulated influence that could add to the states D.C. power ranking, especially Democrats now able to work with a friendly presidential administration.

Rep. Adam Smith chairs the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Pramila Jayapal chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus. And Rep. Suzan DelBene leads the centrist New Democrat Coalition.

And, although in the House minority, Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is a ranking member on the House Energy, and Commerce Committee. Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse, was recently elected chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.

Having Murray and Cantwell in prime Senate positions will pay off for the entire delegation, said John Murray, a Washington-based Republican consultant who worked on Capitol Hill for former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

We get so wrapped up in the partisan divide that we see on TV. But they are a delegation together that works for the betterment and benefit of the entire state. Having the senators in those positions is good for everyone, said Murray, who is not related to the senator.

But, he added, there could be political risks for Murray and Cantwell to get pulled way left by the Democratic base, which could undermine efforts to work across the aisle.

Ive been on the other side of the expectations game. Majorities get jammed to overpromise, he added.

Murray and Cantwell have served together since 2001, accumulating significant power even while serving at times in the minority. Murray is now the sixth in overall Senate seniority; Cantwell is 16th.

And theyre not done.

Murray plans to seek a sixth term in 2022; Cantwell, in her fourth term, wont face reelection until 2024. Neither has faced strong Republican challengers in recent years.

While midterm elections are often brutal for the party that holds the White House, Tina Podlodowski, chair of the Washington State Democrats, said shes relishing the thought of Murray helping lead Washington Democrats at the ballot box in 2022.

I do think that Senator Murray is somebody that is respected and in some cases beloved on both sides of the aisle. As a top of the ticket there is no better, she said.
SYDNEY, NSW / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Clean Group Sydney is a company that spares no expense when it comes to obtaining state-of-the-art office cleaning equipment. This greatly contributes to them being able to provide their office cleaning clients with an unprecedented level of sanitization in their buildings. They say that by using the latest technologies available in cleaning equipment, they can provide their client companies with the tidy and near germ-free working spaces that they desire. Healthy office working environments are also thought to help keep employee production at a high level and cut down on the number of lost workdays due to illness.

The company representative, Stephen Matthews, says, "Someone who knows cleaning equipment well would be hard-pressed to find a newer type of cleaning technology that we have not already made available to our cleaning crews. We are that on top of things when it comes to being aware of what advances in cleaning technology have entered into the marketplace. It's these advanced cleaning technologies when combined with our experienced cleaning personnel, that enable us to keep our business office cleaning clients extremely satisfied with our services. Not only does better equipment take the sanitization levels of office spaces that we clean to a much higher level, but it also allows us to clean more efficiently which helps keep the cost of our services lower."

Among some of the more unique pieces of modern office cleaning technology that the Clean Group Sydney uses are the I-mop and high-quality antibacterial microfiber cloths. Matthews says that what makes the I-mop special is that it has the power of an industrial scrubber scaled down to a smaller size. That enables it to super-clean tighter spaces such as those under desks and in corners where a conventional industrial scrubber could not go. He says their office cleaners like to use high-quality antibacterial microfiber cloths because they do a more thorough job when it comes to wiping down such surfaces as window sills, railings, workstations, furniture, keyboards, and more. The company representative stated that their HEPA backpack vacuums even filter the air that passes through them and they also use color-coded buckets for specific types of cleaning jobs to avoid cross-contamination.

Matthews also mentioned that not only do they use the latest cleaning technologies but they also use advanced environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. This includes a special solution that's used in one of their newer cleaning services which the company calls its 'COVID-19 Disinfection and Protection Shield'. He says that this service adds an extra layer of cleaning protection to any office by using a disinfectant called Zoono Z-71. It's an electrostatic spray solution that effectively kills 99.9% of germs for up to 30 days in just a single treatment. The Clean Group Sydney offers this option to clients that want to make their offices as germ-free as possible during the ongoing virus crisis. Companies that are already using these treatments throughout their office areas include Woolworths, CBRE, and Qantas.

According to Matthews, the quality of the office cleaning personnel that they employ should not be overlooked either. Their crews are all led by well-trained cleaning techs that have many years of experience cleaning all different types of commercial office spaces. He says that their crew's knowledge is extremely valuable when it comes to cleaning offices in a manner that leaves them shining and thoroughly sanitized. Matthews added, "Whatever it takes to get the best cleaning personnel, equipment, and solutions that can be found, we at the Clean Group Sydney are willing to spend the money to do that."

Matthews stated that they use these same state-of-the-art types of cleaning equipment and advanced environmentally-friendly solutions to clean other types of commercial spaces. This includes gyms, schools, medical buildings, childcare centers, and building strata areas. Those seeking more information on these office cleaners Sydney services can call them, send them an email, or click on the 'Get a Quote' link that's found at the top of their website's homepage.

For more information about Clean Group Sydney, contact the company here:

Clean Group Sydney

Stephen Matthews

+61288598938

sales@cleangroup.email

50 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000

SOURCE: Clean Group

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624938/Office-Cleaners-Sydney-Say-Their-Advanced-Equipment-Helps-Take-Their-Cleaning-to-an-Unprecedented-Level
Published on 2021/01/18 | Source

Scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook participated in the prevention of child abuse.

Hwa And Dam Pictures CEO Yoon Ha-rim and scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook donated 1 hundred million won total to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.

This donation will be used for needy families with children who are not in school yet, to prevent any more cases like the 'Jung-in case'.

Scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook is known to have made donations in 2014 for the Sewol Ferry incident, the Kangwondo Forest Fires in 2019 and in 2020 to support the COVID pandemic.

Kim Eun-sook is currently working on "The Glory" in which she reunites with Song Hye-kyo for the first time in 5 years.
Through 2016 and 2017, when Trump said "wall" or "fence," Democrats went crazy. Nothing could be eviler than a barrier between North and South America. Since January 6, though, Democrats are ready to begin a new love affair with barriers, starting at Congress.

Donald Trump's primary campaign promise in 2016 was that he would build a barrier along America's southern border to stanch the unending flow of illegal aliens coming up from Latin America. He pointed out that these illegal aliens were taking away American jobs, driving down wages, and facilitating the illegal drug trade. Others noted that sending poor people north gave corrupt governments a safety valve that precluded reform; the journey north was tailor-made for sexual exploitation of both women and children; and when the illegal aliens arrived in America, their life in the shadows made them targets for both sexual and economic exploitation.

For Trump voters, a wall or fence giving America's immigration laws a boost made eminent sense. For Democrats, though, any barrier was suddenly completely evil.

For example, in July 2016, in Cleveland, leftists engaged in the type of street theater they love so much to protest Trump's plan to build a wall, which the Republican Party adopted as part of its platform. Activists decided to build a wall around the RNC. Marisa Franco, a spokesman for a group called Mijente, explained the idea behind "Wall Off Trump":

So, you know, Donald Trump has campaigned all across the country pledging to build this wall. So, here at his coronation as the nominee for the Republican Party, Mijente, along with Iraq Veterans Against the War, Ruckus Society and The Other 98, many other organizations, decided to bring him his wall and build it here for him. But instead of building a wall that divides our communities, we wanted to build a wall that protects our communities from the hatred, racism and xenophobia of his campaign.

It turns out, though, that barriers are a good thing when they protect Democrat politicians from their fellow Americans. There's currently a giant fence around the Capitol for Biden's virtual inauguration. (It's virtual because nobody will be there. The Democrats have used COVID as an excuse to have Biden inaugurated in what's going to be a mostly private ceremony from which the American people who gave him more votes than any president in history, including Obama, will be excluded.)

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Da Bronx) has introduced a bill to make the unsightly fence wrapped around Congress a permanent fixture (and please note the "insurrection" narrative about a motley, disorganized outbreak of limited and pointless, although still deadly, violence):

Freshman Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) plans to revive the Capitol Gateway Plan, a previously rejected security proposal to encircle the entire Capitol grounds with a permanent secure fence, as a House bill on Wednesday afternoon. Torres had the idea for the proposal  which comes in response to the January 6 riot at the Capitol  after reading a Jewish Insider interview the following day with former Senate Sergeant-at Arms Terry Gainer, who spearheaded the Capitol Gateway Plan, the New York congressman told JI on Wednesday. "I never thought, as a newly sworn in member, that I would live through a violent insurrection against the Capitol," Torres told JI. "Compared to the White House, which has long been heavily guarded and enclosed, the security of the Capitol has long been an afterthought for federal law enforcement. Congress is a co-equal branch of government. And we should strive to make the Capitol every bit as secure as the White House itself."

Torres, 32, is so young that he may not remember that the only time in modern history when House members were at risk was when a Democrat, James Hodgkinson, tried to slaughter as many Republican members of the House as possible, back in 2017. What saved the representatives was that there were armed good guys (U.S. Capitol Police officers) present at the time.

And speaking of good guys being armed, one Democrat doesn't think any Republicans can be good guys. According to U.S. Army general Barry McCaffrey (ret.), Republican congresspeople cannot be armed because they might murder Joe Biden:

If I was worried about anybody, I'd be worried about gun-carrying Republican congressmen being near the president. They better get them started going through the screening at the door and tell them it's mandatory. I wouldn't trust them within an inch of my life.

The nicest thing I can think to say about that utterly slanderous statement is that McCaffrey, 78, may be showing signs of senile dementia, or perhaps he suffered brain damage during his honorable tours in Vietnam.

Biden had better make good on his campaign promise to unite Americans, because things in D.C. are disintegrating very quickly.

Image: The fence around the Capitol. YouTube screen grab.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 04:10:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PARIS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- France would withdraw some of its troops from the Sahel region in Africa citing successes against Islamist militants and the arrival there of more European forces, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.

Addressing military officers in his traditional New Year's message, Macron said "thanks to an increased effort in the Sahel-Saharan strip, the results are there."

"The results obtained by our forces in the Sahel, combined with the greater intervention of our European partners, will allow us to adjust our effort," he added without elaborating.

"The temporary reinforcements that I decided to deploy have enabled the Barkhane force to put in great difficulty terrorist groups, which find themselves cornered and reduced to cowardly acts," he said.

Last February, France sent 600 additional troops to the Sahel region, where they joined the Barkhane forces - an anti-insurgent operation led by the French military -- to prevent the region from becoming a safe haven for Islamist groups.

Some 4,500 French troops launched the Barkhane Operation in 2014 to help the Group of Five (G5) Sahel countries --- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger -- maintain control of their territory.

Macron said he would attend the next G5 Sahel summit scheduled for mid-February in Chad.

France is considering "more and more seriously to initiate an exit for its 5,100 soldiers engaged in the Sahel, in a war which in eight years has taken on the appearance of a bottomless pit," the French daily Le Monde reported in late December.

Eleven French soldiers were killed or wounded in Mali in past two weeks, bringing the French military mission's losses to 50, according to the daily. Enditem
(CNN) -- A small fire at an apparent homeless encampment less than a mile away from the US Capitol Building on Monday prompted Capitol Police to put the building on lockdown "out of an abundance of caution," a reflection of the heightened state of alarm at the complex.

The incident involved a tent near the Capitol Building, DC Fire and EMS spokesman Vito Maggiolo said. The fire was on the 100 block of H St SE, authorities said, and was reported extinguished around 10:30 a.m. ET. One person suffered a non-life threatening injury, city authorities said.

"In an abundance of caution following an external security threat under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets, SE, Acting Chief Pittman ordered a shutdown of the Capitol Complex. There are currently no fires on or within the Capitol campus. Members and staff were advised to shelter in place while the incident is being investigated. As more information becomes available, this message will be updated," Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki said.

The US Secret Service tweeted that there is "no threat to the public."

The response underlines the immense sense of alert in Washington, DC, this week. It comes less than two weeks after the deadly siege at the Capitol left five dead and two days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, which has turned the city's downtown into an armed police zone.

The Capitol building remained in lockdown shortly after 11 a.m. ET even though an alert sent to staff in the building said the "incident has been contained."

There are currently hundreds of National Guard troops on the east front of the Capitol. Another alert to staff urges people to stay inside, to not leave and to stay away from windows and doors.

Capitol authorities evacuated the west front of the building as well as the first-floor crypt.

"I just tried to leave (the Longworth House Office Building) after getting my Covid test, only to be told that the building is now on lockdown. Apparently some external threat. Propane tanks under some bridge. Stuck in my office," a Democratic congressman told CNN.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Capitol Building put on alert after a small fire several blocks away"
No impeached president has ever been tried by the Senate after leaving office. But the 145-year-old case of a Cabinet member accused of corruption could serve as a precedent for the trial of soon-to-be-former President Trump.

Secretary of War William Belknap rushed to President Ulysses S. Grants office and resigned in 1876 after learning that he was about to be impeached on charges of taking kickbacks at an American Indian trading post. But the House impeached Belknap anyway, and the Senate, by majority vote, decided that it had authority to bring him to trial. Later, senators fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict Belknap and bar him permanently from federal office, though he never held office again.

With Trump leaving office Wednesday, a week after being impeached by the House for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 riot in the Capitol building, his defenders argue that the Constitution does not allow the Senate to conduct a trial of someone who no longer holds office. 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 Belknap case.

Although there are legitimate arguments on both sides, Belknaps case is historical authority for the Senate trial of an ex-president, said Erwin Chemerinsky,dean at the UC Berkeley School of Law.

Impeachment and removal are about a message to the officeholder, to society and for the future, he said.

Harvard Law School Professor Laurence Tribe agreed, and also cited another case the nations founders were well aware of when they drafted the Constitution: the British case of Warren Hastings, former governor general of India. After retiring from that post in 1785, Hastings was impeached by the House of Commons for alleged corruption while in office and tried, from 1788 to 1795, by the House of Lords, which acquitted him.

There is no basis in the Constitution for saying its all over because (Trump) ran out the clock, Tribe told CNN on Friday.

While post-presidential proceedings can no longer remove a wrongdoer from office, they can deter presidents from committing misconduct at the end of their terms and ensure they will not have a future opportunity to imperil the public by holding office, Marjorie Cohn, a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and former president of the National Lawyers Guild, said in a column on the Truthout website.

Opposing analysts contend the Belknap case, never tested in court, did not set a precedent and that the chief constitutional purpose of impeachment was to remove a current officeholder for crimes or abuses of power.

Citing the constitutional language that civil officers of the United States can be impeached and removed from office, UC Berkeley law Professor John Yoo said the provision should not be interpreted to apply to one who no longer holds civil office.

The American people do not need a rushed, infirm House impeachment, nor an unprecedented Senate conviction, to remove Trump from their future, Yoo said in an article for National Review. They can do that all by themselves.

J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appeals court judge and influential conservative commentator, said impeachment was intended to remove a president from office before he could further harm the nation from the office he then occupies. In a Washington Post column, he said it was highly unlikely the Supreme Court would allow a Senate trial after Trump left office.

But in a 1993 ruling, the court said the rules for a federal judges impeachment trial, under the same constitutional provision, were a political question to be determined by the Senate, not the courts. The opinion by Chief Justice William Rehnquist was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas and another conservative stalwart, Justice Antonin Scalia.

Even if the current court follows that precedent, though, it could determine Trumps future by another route: the little-known Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Enacted after the Civil War, it denies the presidency, or any other federal or state office, to anyone who, as a public official, has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against (the U.S. Constitution), or given aid and comfort to the enemies of the same.

Unlike the two-thirds Senate majority required to convict Trump of the impeachment charge, the House and Senate could find 14th Amendment violations by majority votes, which would not require Republican support in the evenly split Senate. But legal analysts said those findings would not be the last word, and the courts would have to decide whether to disqualify Trump from holding office in the future.

A Senate trial, if it occurs, would raise the possibility of another distinction for Trump, as the first president to win two Senate acquittals of separate House impeachments. If all 50 Democrats voted for conviction, they would need support from at least 17 of the 50 Republicans, an unlikely prospect based on their public statements. Only one Senate Republican, Mitt Romney of Utah, voted to remove Trump from office last February after his impeachment for withholding military aid from Ukraine to pressure its leader to investigate Joe Biden and his son.

But the effect of a trial cannot be measured solely by its outcome. Unlike the earlier trial in a Republican-controlled Senate, these proceedings will include live witnesses and evidence that Democrats want the public to see and hear, regardless of the final vote.

Even though it is unlikely that 17 GOP senators will vote to convict Trump, it is still essential to have a public trial where testimonial and visual evidence of Trumps incitement of insurrection is systematically presented, said Cohn, the San Diego law professor.

Rather than dry witness testimony read into the record, the Democrats can show images that will sear the event in the memories of the senators and Americans, said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. And they will try to connect those images, she said, with exhortations by Trump and his followers.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Swedish chairpersonship in OSCE to be supportive of inclusion of women in conflict solving  Linde

Sweden intends to involve more women in conflict resolution during its chairmanship over the OSCE, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.

"Our chairpersonship will also emphasize that the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in peace and security is crucial to prevent and mitigate conflicts and consolidating peace," said Linde at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Tuesday.

She said that today she met with head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Yasar Halit Cevik and with her OSCE Special Representative to the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in the east of Ukraine Heidi Grau.

Linde promised to keep in close contact with them "to follow developments here very closely."

"I also stressed that SMM must have safe, secure, and unrestricted access through all Ukraine to implement its mandate," she noted.
Pennsylvanias top prosecutor, its elected fiscal watchdog and the official who handles billions in state money were sworn in on Tuesday to serve for the next four years.

In separate ceremonies at sites around Harrisburg, the attorney general, auditor general and treasurer took their oaths of office.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro was elected to a second term in November and took the oath in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. Shapiro issued a report on his own first term Tuesday.

Republican Timothy L. DeFoor was elected auditor general, succeeding Democrat Eugene DePasquale, who is term-limited. DeFoor was sworn in at the King Mansion, near the governors official residence along the Susquehanna River.

Timothy L. DeFoor is sworn-in Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, as Pennsylvania's auditor general, at King Mansion near the governor's official residence along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. DeFoor, a Republican, succeeds Democrat Eugene DePasquale, who was term-limited.Commonwealth Media Services

DeFoor, most recently the Dauphin County controller, called his elevation to the job one of Gods blessings and thanked DePasquale for attending the ceremony.

DeFoor promised accountability, integrity and transparency.

While you cant run government like its a business, you can watch how government spends its money like its a business, DeFoor said, promising to root out waste, fraud and abuse to ensure that state government lives within its means and that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely.

Republican Stacy Garrity, who retired as a colonel in 2016 after 30 years with the Army Reserves and has been a vice president of a tungsten smelting plant, unseated Democratic incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella.

Stacy Garrity, in an official portrait, was sworn-in Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, as Pennsylvania treasurer. The Republican unseated the Democratic incumbent, Joe Torsella. Commonwealth Media Services

It is now my job to be the steward of taxpayer money, and to make certain that government is open, honest, and accountable, Garrity said, in a ceremony in the Forum Building, behind the Capitol. There are many arcane and technical aspects to the new task before me. I am ready to confront them.

She said her goals include cutting waste and needless fees, helping families save for schooling and other needs, and increased transparency.

Her event included a presentation of her military colors by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, the Bloomsburg University choir, an address by Torsella and her own inaugural address.

By MARK SCOLFORO

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
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 more than 630,000 vaccinated within the first four days of the drive in India  the fastest in the world in doing so  the government strongly urged health care workers to shed hesitancy and come forward to take the jab in order to create a Covid-proof health care system and achieve vaccine-induced herd immunity. The whole world is clamouring for a vaccine. If we still decline, it would be a matter of sadness...

I will urge them (health care workers) to endorse the vaccine. We have to start non-Covid services; those who are fortunate to receive the vaccine ...
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
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Two Afghanistan nationals, including a juvenile, have been held on charge of snatching a mobile phone from a Delhi resident and later demanding money to return the gadget, police said on Tuesday.

Accused Muqadas Shaghasi was arrested along with the juvenile accomplice from south-east Delhi's Lajpat Nagar.

The complainant told police that the two accused snatched his mobile phone on Monday morning and fled the spot. The victim called on his mobile number from another phone, which one of the accused answered and demanded Rs 5,000 from him to return the phone. The victim agreed so as to trap the accused.

When the victim and his friend reached the meeting point at Vinobapuri Metro Station on the Pink Line, the accused tried to flee after suspecting something fishy.

"A Head Constable and a Constable of highway patrol staff heard the commotion, chased both the accused and overpowered them," said RP Meena, DCP, South-East Delhi.

The snatched mobile phone was recovered from Muqadas. On interrogation, both accused said that they had come to India three years ago as refugees. Since they were jobless, they took to snatching and robbery to survive. Police is inquiring their involvement in other crimes.
Michael Douglas has finally seen his grandson Ryder a month after his birth.

The actor, 76, grinned in a black and white snap holding the baby, after his son Cameron Douglas and his partner Viviane Thibes welcomed their second child Ryder T. Douglas in mid-December.

Michael had delayed meeting his grandson for the first time due to restrictions brought in by the COVID-19 pandemic, so no doubt was thrilled to finally get to hold little Ryder as he fed him his bottle.

Delighted! Michael Douglas, 76, has finally seen his grandson Ryder a month after his birth. The actor beamed in a black and white image holding the newborn

Michael held on to Ryder's bottle in the image with the newborn resting comfortably in his arm.

He captioned the photo: 'First time I've seen my month old grandson, Ryder!' with a smiling emoji and a heart emoji.

On December 23, 2020, Michael posted a family photo of Cameron, Viviane, newborn Ryder and their daughter -and his granddaughter - Lua, three.

Thrilled: His son Cameron Douglas and his partner Viviane Thibes welcomed their second child Ryder T. Douglas in December, with Michael sharing a family snap offering his congratulations

The actor wrote: 'Congratulations Cameron and Viviane! Welcome to the world Ryder T. Douglas,' adding a heart emoji and the hashtag #ProudGrandpa.

Michael had son Cameron, 42, with his first wife Diandra Morella Douglas (nee Luker); they were married from 1977 until 1995.

Michael is married to Catherine Zeta-Jones; they have been married since 2000, and are parents to daughter Carys, 17, and son Dylan, 20.

The Wall Street star's father - and Cameron's grandfather - Kirk Douglas died February 5, 2020 at the age of 103.

Less then three months after his passing, the Douglas family celebrated Anne Douglas' 101st birthday with a car parade - due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Birthday queen: Less then three months after his passing, the Douglas family celebrated Anne Douglas' 101st birthday with a car parade - due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Love: Michael's father - and Cameron's grandfather - Kirk Douglas died February 5, 2020 at the age of 103; pictured September 24, 2013 in Beverly Hills

Cameron documented the happy occasion in April 2020 as he stopped by his grandmother's home to wish her a happy birthday.

He said: 'Here we are. Coming to Anne's 101st birthday without Pappy [Kirk]. Now stay with us as we go into this amazing procession.'

Michael wished her a happy birthday on Instagram at the time as well, along with an image of himself posing with Anne and Kirk.

Happy occasion: Her grandson Cameron Douglas documented the happy occasion in April 2020 as he stopped by her home to wish her a happy birthday

What a great day: Cameron chronicled their visit on his Instagram stories

So happy: He said: 'Here we are. Coming to Anne's 101st birthday without Pappy [Kirk]. Now stay with us as we go into this amazing procession'

Cute: Daughter Lua was also in the car holding on to her stuffed animal

Sweet: Cameron pictured with partner Viviane Thibes and their daughter Lua last year

The actor, 76, wrote: 'Happy birthday Anne Douglas! The best stepmother a stepson could hope for!,' adding a heart emoji.

Catherine also shared a sweet tribute to Anne along with a picture of the two of them.

Catherine, 51, wrote: 'Happy Birthday to my extraordinary step mother in Law. Our Queen, our Oma. You personify everything that is good in a woman. I admire you and love you so very much.'

Adding: '101 years young today. Anne Douglas thank you for everything that you have done for people in our world,' with a heart emoji.

Oma means 'Grandma' in German.

Family: Michael wished her a happy birthday on Instagram in April along with an image of himself posing with Anne and Kirk in 2002

Thoughful: Michael's wife, actress Catherine Zeta Jones, also shared a sweet tribute to Anne along with a picture of the two of them

Carys, Michael and Catherine's 17-year-old daughter, shared a black and white photo of Anne with Kirk, writing 'Happy 101st birthday to my wonderful Oma!! Your beauty, intellect and grace is my inspiration. I love you so much.'

Anne Buydens, who was born on April 23, 1919 in Hanover, Germany, is a philanthropist, producer and an actress.

She was married to actor Kirk Douglas for almost 66 years, until his death on February 5 at age 103.

They wed on May 29, 1954 after meeting in Paris while he in the city for the film Lust for Life, and had two children together: Peter, 64, and Eric, who died at age 46 from an accidental overdose.

Kirk was previously married to Diana Dill; they wed November 2, 1943; they welcomed two kids together - Michael and Joel, 73, - before they divorced in 1951.

Tribute: Carys, Michael and Catherine's daughter, shared a photo of Anne with Kirk, writing 'Happy 101st birthday to my wonderful Oma!! Your beauty, intellect and grace is my inspiration. I love you so much'

Family is everything: Cameron pictured with dad Michael, grandfather Kirk and stepmom Catherine; seen November 6, 2018 at Michael's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
This aerial view of Woods Pond shows the terminus of the PCB clean up of the Housatonic River at the Woods Pond Dam. The entire section of the river is part of an ambitious plan by General Electric and the EPA to clean up PCBs from the sediment.
Nureca Ltd, which owns the Dr Trust brand, has received capital markets watchdog Sebi's go ahead to raise Rs 100 crore through an initial public offering.

The IPO comprises issuance of equity shares worth Rs 100 crore, a draft red herring prospectus filed with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed.

The company, which had filed its preliminary papers with Sebi in November, obtained its observations on January 11, an update with the capital markets regulator showed on Monday.

Sebi's observations are necessary for any company to launch public issues like initial public offer (IPO), follow-on public offer (FPO) and rights issue.

As per the draft papers, proceeds of the issue will be used for funding incremental working capital requirements of the company and general corporate purposes.

Further, through listing, the company expects to enhance its visibility and brand image among existing and potential customers and creation of a public market for equity shares in India.

ITI Capital is the sole book running lead manager to the issue. The equity shares will be listed on BSE and NSE.

Nureca is engaged in the business of home healthcare and wellness products and enables customers with tools to help them monitor chronic ailments and other diseases.

The company sells its products through online channel partners such as e-commerce players, distributors and retailers. It also sells products through its own website.

Also read: Three key issues Budget 2021 should focus on

Also watch: Budget 2021: Where can the govt raise resources from?
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Four internationally accomplished healthcare executives - Jamie Condie, Former President of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) USA and Canada, Cheryl MacDiarmid, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Strategy at ViiV Healthcare, Vafa Jamali, Chief Commercial Officer, Rockley Photonics and Simon Pedder, Chief Business & Strategy Officer, Athenex and have joined Bedford Group Transearch's Healthcare Advisory Board.

This Board will play a strategic role in helping Bedford Group Transearch support the rapidly evolving leadership needs of their diverse healthcare clients. "The world and the healthcare landscape has seen exponential change as a result of the economic and social impacts of the covid crisis" says Darren Raycroft, Bedford Group Transearch North American Healthcare Practice Leader, "The formation of this Advisory Board will help us to better understand and anticipate the needs of our North American healthcare clients during this transformational time."

Howard Pezim, Managing Director of Bedford Group Transearch's North American Healthcare Practice added, "We are both excited and honoured to have Jamie, Cheryl, Vafa and Simon join our Healthcare Advisory Board. Their combined exceptional industry knowledge, breadth and depth of insight will be invaluable in supporting our clients."

Jamie Condie

Most recently, the President of Becton Dickinson ("BD") for the U.S. and Canada regions, Jaime Condie oversaw an organization of 6,000+ employees during a period of tremendous organic and acquisition led growth for BD worldwide. Since joining BD in 2013, Jamie held the Country President role in Canada as well as global business unit leadership roles based in the USA.

A Concordia University graduate, Jamie spent the early part of his career within the Consumer Products and Nutraceutical space with Clairol, PepsiCo, Unilever and Jamieson Laboratories in a variety of marketing and sales leadership roles.

Cheryl MacDiarmid

Cheryl MacDiarmid is a member of the ViiV Healthcare executive team, a global pharmaceutical company. She is responsible for setting strategy with a wave of transformative medicines and digital services. In prior large business unit leadership roles with GSK in the US and Canada over 20 years, Cheryl is known as a dynamic and strategic general manager. Her expertise is in building and leading teams that deliver game-changing performance pivots in both pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

Cheryl is a pharmacist, graduating from the University of Toronto. She also has a MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Cheryl resides in London, UK.

Vafa Jamali

Vafa Jamali is the Chief Commercial Officer for Rockley Photonics, a leading integrated optics solutions provider, focused on bringing novel and disruptive sensing and patient monitoring capabilities from the lab to the home via consumer wearables. Prior to this role, he served as Senior Vice President and President of Respiratory, Gastrointestinal & Informatics (RGI) at Medtronic, where he was responsible for the strategic direction and global leadership of a $3B business. Vafa currently serves on the Board of Directors for Baylis Medical and Eptam Precision.

A graduate of The University of Alberta, Vafa's career has spanned Sales, Marketing and General Management roles in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Distribution and Healthtech space with organizations such as Searle, Baxter, Cardinal Health and Covidien.

Dr. Simon Pedder

Currently the Chief Business & Strategy Officer with Athenex, Dr. Pedder's career spans Big Pharma and the Biotech industry in drug development, including recent leadership roles as President and CEO of Cellectar Biosciences, President and CEO of Chelsea Therapeutics and Vice President of Oncology Pharma Business at Hoffman-LaRoche.

Formerly, he was a faculty in the Department of Pharmacology within the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained his PhD in Pharmacology. During his longstanding career in pharmaceutical development, Dr. Pedder has led the late stage development and commercial launch of multiple proprietary pharmaceutical products.

ABOUT BEDFORD GROUP TRANSEARCH:

Bedford Group Transearch is one of the Top 10 largest retained executive search firms in the world, with 60 offices in 40 countries. With North American Healthcare offices based in Toronto, Canada and Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bedford Group provides premium executive search and talent management solutions to a diverse group of healthcare clients, from start-ups to established multi-nationals, in the Life Sciences, Biotechnology and MedTech industries.

https://bedfordgroup.com/healthcare

SOURCE Bedford Group Transearch
Hubballi : , Jan 19 (IANS) Allaying fears over the side-effects of Covaxin, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Tuesday defended the vaccine of from Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and said that it is safe for use.

"Covishield and Covaxin are equally safe for use. No need for any apprehension against Covaxin. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved both the vaccines for administering them to the beneficiaries," Sudhakar told the media here.

Covishield is manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India.

Responding to concerns expressed by an association of government doctors on using Covaxin in six districts and Covishield in the remaining 24 districts across the state, Sudhakar said the Bharat Biotech vaccine was tested on over 30,000 volunteers during trials, the highest in the country.

"As analysing the data takes time, the regulator (DCGI) has given permission for its (Covaxin) emergency use only after satisfying itself of its efficacy," Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, asserted.

The six districts in which Covaxin is being administered to the Covid warriors are Ballari, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagalur, Davangere, Hassan and Shivamogga since January 16, when the vaccination drive was launched with much fanfare across the country.

Clarifying that no health worker would be forced to take the vaccine, as it is voluntary, the minister said Karnataka had the highest number of healthcare and frontline warriors (16 lakh) taking the vaccine in the country.

"We have 8,14,500 doses of vaccines for the first phase. The second dose will be given 28 days after the first shot. Senior citizens above 50 years and persons with comorbidities will be given the vaccine in the second phase," said Sudhakar.

In a letter to Sudhakar, the association of house surgeons, post-graduates and super specialty residents of state-run medical and dental colleges said that resident doctors in some districts are concerned that they are being given Covaxin, while their counterparts in other districts are getting Covishield, whose Phase 3 trials were completed and the reports were submitted to the regulator.

"Doctors receiving Covaxin are made to give an undertaking that its clinical efficacy is yet to be established," said the association's president Dayanand Sagar in the letter.

In an oblique reference to the association's letter and the concerns of the doctors, Sudhakar said that maximum number of Covid warriors took the vaccine on Sunday across the state and no side-effects were reported since then.

According to the state health department, 66,392 healthcare workers have been vaccinated till Monday across the state, accounting for 49 per cent of the targeted beneficiaries.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

HDFC Bank, Indias largest private lender, is preparing a two-pronged strategy to address the issue of digital outage reported in the recent past. The lender expects to implement a short-term plan to fix the digital outage over the next 10-12 weeks. The details of this plan will be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) soon.

The short-term plan is aimed at fixing the technical issues that led to recent multiple outage on HDFC Banks digital banking channels. Once the short-term plan is implemented, the bank hopes to get a reprieve from the regulator on new digital launches, said a person aware of the plan. But, the final decision on this should come from the RBI after an inspection.

We are looking at 10-12 weeks to work on the short term action plan and submit to the regulator. From thereon, it is upto the regulator and its prerogative to give us the go ahead, said the person requesting anonymity.

While the short-term action plan is the first stage, this will be followed up with a long-term plan on cloud computing, architectural efficiencies, disaster recovery processes, which could take 12 to 18 months, the person said. The bank has taken the recent instances of digital outage seriously and would want to avert similar incidents going ahead.

On December 3, HDFC Bank announced that the RBI asked the bank to temporarily stop all launches under its Digital 2.0 initiative and stop sourcing new credit card customers. The announcement came after the bank experienced multiple outage in its internet banking, mobile banking and payment utility services over the past two years.

Rating agencies have taken note. Multiple digital outage reported by the bank are credit negative, global rating agency Moodys said on December 7. In a letter to customers, HDFC Banks CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan said the bank will comply with the RBI regulations and will wait for the regulators clearance before launching new products.

Following the multiple reports of digital outage, the RBI had looked at the matter and sought details from the bank. Recently, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that banks must invest more in building robust IT platforms to fortify public confidence in digital banking.

More investment is required by all stakeholders for building robust IT platforms and technologies for operational purposes as well as for fortifying public confidence in digital banking, especially when the financial landscape is rapidly embracing new technologies, Das wrote in the foreword of RBI Financial Stability Report (FSR).

Acknowledging that information technology platforms and digital payment systems have provided considerable support for business continuity and smooth functioning during the pandemic, Das said digital technologies have been identified as a bright spot in Indias economic prospects.

HDFC Bank is not the only lender which has faced digital outage. Recently, State Bank of Indias YONO app, which is a platform for various digital transactions, too faced prolonged technical glitches. The bank has addressed the problem subsequently.

More banks are now turning aggressive on digital banking channels to reduce the dependency on traditional brick and mortar models and catch the younger generation who are more tech-savvy. As against the traditional banking, digital transactions are more convenient and most of these can be done round the clock.

Recently, the RBI had made the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) available round the clock on all days from 12.30 AM December 14. With this, India became one of the few countries in the world to operate its RTGS system round the clock throughout the year.

This came within a year of operationalising NEFT 24x7 by the RBI, the central bank said. Transactions worth a minimum of Rs 2 lakh or more can be done via RTGS with no maximum ceiling as per RBI.

Digital transactions have picked up in the recent past. Digital transactions exhibited a sustained recovery and momentum picked up in November 2020, supported by both wholesale and retail transactions, RBI data showed in December.

In the retail segment, national electronic funds transfer (NEFT) transactions volume grew 24.6 percent YoY in November 2020, much higher than the growth (13.9 percent) recorded a month ago. The growth in the value of NEFT transactions in November 2020 (27.9 percent) was higher than that recorded in October 2020 (20.1 percent), the RBI data showed.

In value terms, UPI transactions to the tune of Rs 3.9 lakh crore happened while IMPS transactions worth Rs 2.76 lakh crore happened. Also, RTGS transactions worth Rs 79.8 lakh crore and NEFT worth Rs 22.18 lakh crore were reported, data showed.
Philadelphia Orchestra music director Yannick Nezet-Seguin is urging the incoming presidential administration to take immediate action to help save a U.S. arts sector battered by the pandemic.

Artists need financial support to continue to create; the arts institutions of America need it to survive, writes the conductor in a letter to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. While the vaccine is now here, and we can finally start to see the end of the pandemic, the financial implications will last for years without meaningful government intervention.

He urges them to consider appointing a cabinet-level champion dedicated to arts and culture  an idea proposed by others that has gathered steam. In order to progress, to elevate the arts, we need a voice at the table that will be heard, he writes.

The letter was posted Tuesday on social media, and will be sent directly to Biden and Harris, an orchestra spokesperson said.

Nezet-Seguin congratulates Biden and Harris on their election, and says that although he is a Canadian citizen, as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera, two of the countrys greatest cultural institutions, I am a proud artistic citizen of the United States of America.

He writes their election could not come at a more opportune time, saying that like many industries, the arts and culture sector of the United States has suffered greatly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and vital government support for the arts has been late and insufficient to date. He notes the long shutdown of concert halls, opera houses, theaters, museums, and artistic spaces.

We have lost so many colleagues that make up the diverse fabric of the American artistic voice. We have lost the driving force in our lives: making music, theater, creating art for live audiences.

Now, as you take office, Nezet-Seguin writes, we finally feel a sense of HOPE. During the last four years, the arts were effectively dismissed, the NEA and NEH were deemed wasteful, and the Presidents Committee on Arts and Humanities (PCAH) was disbanded. Mr. President, its clear you understand the value of the arts. As you said, The future, who we are, lies in the arts. Its the expression of our soul. And Madam Vice President, your statement that the arts give people an outlet to view the world differently could not be more accurate. For these reasons, I urge your administration to prioritize the arts for the benefit of this country, for all Americans.
Investors are piling into ASX pot stocks as the local industry is buoyed by hopes a Biden presidency will help accelerate a new era of cannabis research.

Cannabis vaping startup Lifespot Health is the latest to attract global attention, with the firm securing backing from US cannabis investor Ela Capital on Tuesday. Founded by Vijay Sappani, Ela launched the billion-dollar Canadian-listed cannabis company TerrAscend.

Lifespot believes it is the first time a major US cannabis investor has taken a stake in a local startup.

"I think Australia is one of the leading areas in research medical cannabis," Lifespot chief executive Matthew Golden. "After law changes that we saw a few years ago, Australia has been able to capture much better clinical research capabilities."

The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:24 am

The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) is helping local Medicare recipients connect with their doctors virtually with its new telemedicine access hub. The access hub helps senior citizens on Medicare connect and participate in virtual doctor appointments in a safe and healthy way at its location in Vancouver.

AAADSW Community Services Supervisor Breanne Swanson said the agency has been working on the project since about April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced a lot of day-to-day life experiences, such as doctors appointments, into a digital format. The AAADSW started to realize that there was a large population of local Medicare recipients who need to connect with their doctors but dont know how to do so online. According to Swanson, the telemedicine access hub serves as a place for patients to come in and access a video appointment with their doctor.

Swanson said the new hub is a way for people who do not have access to a computer with high speed internet or dont have a video capable webcam on their computer to gain access to digital services provided by medical professionals.

We are going to have a webcam enabled computer and the support staff to help them connect and a private room to do it, Swanson said.

If a person already has a webcam enabled computer or a smartphone with internet access, Swanson said a client can bring in their device, and the staff at AAADSW will teach them how to connect with their doctor, view virtual medical records and more.

Many people do have these devices and are comfortable doing things like checking email but they may not know how to connect to their doctors and their virtual medical record and they dont have the support to know how, Swanson said. Were offering that support.

The program is only open to recipients of Medicare and is completely free of charge. Those interested in using the service should first talk with their doctor to see if virtual doctor appointments would be good for them and their medical condition. If online appointments would work for you, Swanson said to schedule the appointment with your doctor about three to four weeks out. After that, reach out to the telehealth access hub to schedule an appointment at their physical center at the same time as the doctor's appointment.

Swanson said those contacting the access hub should do so about two weeks in advance of their doctor appointment. When scheduling an appointment with the access hub, staff at the hub will ask questions to gauge the needs of the recipient. Some users of the access hub will need a full computer with a webcam while others just need help connecting. After screening the recipients needs, an appointment is booked at the telehealth access hub.

According to Swanson, on the day of the appointment, attendees check in with AAADSW staff and conduct a brief COVID-19 symptom test and temperature check. If passed, the attendee is escorted to a private conference room to conduct their virtual appointment with their doctor. Swanson said there is minimal staff at the access hub as AAADSW is currently working at 25 percent capacity and all employees are following social distancing guidelines, so attendees can be confident that attending the access hub is safe for their health.

They will have significantly less interactions at our office compared to the waiting room at the clinic, Swanson explained. There is a very small chance that they will encounter anyone other than staff.

Not interacting with other people is one of the biggest benefits of telehealth, Swanson mentioned. With fewer interactions, those using telehealth have less of a chance of contracting viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza.

According to Swanson, not only the use of telehealth services has seen an increase, but the demand too. In a presentation provided by Swanson, use of telehealth services has increased from 11 percent in 2019 to 46 percent in 2020. Along with the rise in use, Swanson said 76 percent of people are interested in using telehealth.

From what I understand, there are a lot of older adults that would like to participate in video visits with their doctor but dont know how, Swanson said.

Swanson explained that not every doctor utilizes telehealth and some appointments are better conducted in person. However, telehealth services can serve a benefit to the senior population as many appointments can be done online and save a person time, gas and more.

Telehealth is helpful for people who have a hard time getting to the clinic, Swanson said. Its going to be a lot easier for them to have a visit at their house.

For Swanson and AAADSW, the main goal of offering the telehealth access hub to Medicare recipients in the area is to teach them how to use their devices at home to access these appointments. However, she said they wouldnt want to limit anyone and will still continue to serve people again and again.

If you want to schedule an appointment at the telehealth access hub, contact the staff by calling (360) 694-8144 or email at iaclark@dshs.wa.gov
COLOMBO : An Indian fishing boat allegedly trespassing the International Maritime Boundary Line sank in Sri Lankan waters after colliding with a Navy vessel of the island nation and a search and rescue operation was underway for the missing fishermen, the Navy said in Colombo on Tuesday.

The Indian boat sank in Sri Lankan waters about 8 nautical miles within the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) northwest of Delft Island on Monday.

Sri Lanka Navy said it had launched a search and rescue operation for the sunken Indian fishing boat and its fishermen.

It said the Navy units on patrol carried out an operation to seize Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters trespassing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)," after observing more than 50 trawlers.

As the operation was going on, one of the Indian fishing trawlers tried to evade the scene, making it collide with a Sri Lankan Navy vessel.

"The collision also caused damages to the SLN Fast Attack Craft which was subsequently brought to Kankesanthurai harbour safely for repair work," the statement said.

The Navy then commenced a search and rescue operation for the fishermen on the sunken trawler. An unknown number of fishermen were missing.

The Navy said that it is quite evident that Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters were resisting their arrests.

Relevant Indian authorities have also been informed about the development and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into each other''s waters.

During his five-day visit to India in February last year, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agreed to resolve the long-festering fishermen issue with a "humane approach".

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Tuesday wound up his two-day visit to the national capital where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he raised issues of the state and no politics was discussed with the top BJP leaders. Maintaining that there was still time for the assembly elections in the state, likely in April-May, he said seat sharing formula with the BJP would be finalised once the poll notification was issued.

Talking to reporters here, he also ruled out '100 per cent' any scope for admitting V K Sasikala, aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, into the AIADMK. She was removed from the party by 'Amma' (Jayalalithaa) he added. The chief minister, who is also AIADMK co-coordinator, said his talks with Modi and Shah were aimed at seeking funds for key projects, relief assistance and the state's growth and he submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

"There was no talk related to politics. Also, this is not the right time to talk politics. There is (still) time for elections. I am here for the growth of Tamil Nadu," he said. To a question on the number of seats to be allotted to the BJP, Palaniswami, who met Shah on Monday and Modi on Tuesday, said it would be decided after the poll notification.

During an official function attended by Shah in Chennai recently, Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, who is the AIADMK co-ordinator, had said the alliance with BJP would continue for the assembly elections. There were expectations that he could take forward discussions on poll related aspects like seat-sharing with BJP during his visit here.

Though the AIADMK had already announced Palaniswami as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the polls, the BJP did not immediately come forward to endorse it, triggering speculations for sometime. While the BJP initially maintained that the CM nominee would be announced by the NDA leadership, the party later made a climb down and said the AIADMK as the major partner would decide on it.

To a question on Sasikala, he said: "There is 100 per cent no chance for admitting her into AIADMK." Sasikala, undergoing four year imprisonment in a corruption case, is expected to be released on January 27 from Parapana Agrahara Prison in Bengaluru. Palaniswami said he invited Modi to visit Tamil Nadu for launching completed projects, including the Washermanpet-Wimco Nagar Chennai Metrorail extension and lay the foundation stone for new initiatives.

In the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister requested an immediate release of Rs.1,200 crore over extensive damage to crops following the recent Nivar and Burevi cyclones and heavy rains. He said farmers in the state have been affected badly and adequate Central fund has been sought to provide relief.

The memorandum thanked Modi for the release of 40 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lanka. The chief minister sought efforts for the release of 12 more fishermen and all the mechanised boats in the custody of the island nation.

He requested Modi to instruct the Defence Ministry to expedite the setting up of the defence industrial corridor, which would enhance the overall industrial development of Tamil Nadu. Early finalisation of the Detailed Project Report for the GodavariCauvery Linkage project, sanction for Cauvery- Gundar linkage, a part of the former, was requested.

Financial support of Rs.713.39 crore for "Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery" plan to restore Cauvery and its main tributaries and early approval of the Phase-II Chennai Metro Rail Project under the 50:50 equity model were sought. Request to introduce evening flight services between Salem and Chennai under the regional connectivity scheme and direct flight services between Coimbatore and Dubai was also made in the memorandum.
SIX soldiers from 5:2 Infantry Battalion at Battelfields were arrested on Sunday after they besieged a village, assaulted villagers and shot at individuals who intervened in Guinea Fowl, Gweru.

A memo by Officer Commanding Gweru Police Rural District gleaned by NewsDay dated January 17, 2021, stated that the six soldiers were facing murder, attempted murder and assault charges.

Tatenda Munetsiwa, one of the individuals who had intervened to stop the attacks was shot and later died.

The arrested soldiers are Lance Corporal Fortune Mambure, Lieutenant Shaibu Ndara, Corporal Zinyama Prince, Corporal Matenda Willard, Lance Corporal Walter Chikwada and Lance Corporal Simbarashe Mashongahande.

The incident took place in Guinea Fowl near Flamingo tollgate along the Gweru-Shurugwi Road.

On 16 January 2021 at about 2045 hours, the six accused persons booked an AK rifle serial number 60253 armed with a magazine of 28 rounds as they went out on patrol, targeting copper cable thieves who usually steal in the surrounding areas. They were all in civilian attire. The accused persons went around

beating people they met along the way, accusing them of being copper thieves.

It is alleged that Munetsiwa and the complainants were at a birthday party in the village, and they teamed up with others to respond to a distress call made by some villagers who were under attack.

The now deceased and the complainants allegedly told the accused persons to stop attacking the villagers before the soldiers went berserk, attacking Munetsiwa and the complainants with iron bars while kicking and punching them.

Fearing for their lives, the complainants ran into darkness, but Tatenda Munetsiwa was shot on the hip and he fell down. He bled and died as a result of the gunshot. Complainant one, Munetsiwa Matambanadzo was shot on the left thigh and Farai Vakirai was shot on the left side of the chest, while Simoni Chitsinho was assaulted all over the body with iron bars, fists and booted feet, the memo read in part.

After the shootings, the soldiers allegedly returned to their base and booked in their rifles which were now left with 18 rounds, at about 2220 hours.

The complainants, the memo read, reported the matter at the Guinea Fowl army base to commander Major Hlabiso as they thought that they had been attacked by robbers. They later reported the matter to the police.

Police from ZRP Gweru Rural, CID Scenes of Crime and CID Gweru attended to the scene.

Investigations were done at Guinea fowl Army base. The base occurrence book indicated that the six accused persons booked out an AK rifle with 28 rounds on patrol at around 2045 hours in the same area where the body was found. The accused persons booked in at about 2220 hours. They never informed the base commander about the shooting incident, read the memo. Newsday
Hopefully you in Waukegan can follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King and realize when he said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth just leaves everybody blind and toothless, Young said. We must come together as brothers and sisters or we will perish together as fools.
The Middelheim hospital in Antwerp started vaccinating its medical staff with Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.

Belgium has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, seeing 20,435 confirmed deaths.

The new variant of COVID-19 first detected in Britain is now starting to gain a foothold in Belgium, officials said, with cases reported several northern schools on top of an outbreak in a nursing home.

In the Antwerp area, two schools reported cases over the weekend and closed Monday for a week due to the new variant.

Authorities said students, teachers and their families should all quarantine for ten days.

(IMAGE CREDITS:AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
3 1 of 3 Meriden Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Meriden Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





MERIDEN  Officers from the Crime Suppression Unit and Patrol Division arrested a man found with nearly 12 pounds of marijuana and more than 350 grams of cocaine during a recent vehicle stop, according to police.

Police pulled over Edward Mercado on Carter Avenue on Friday and found 11.73 pounds of marijuana, 109 jars of THC extracts, 353.8 grams of cocaine and $30,866 in cash, according to Lt. John Mennone.
Ana de Armas showed off a drastic new look this week amid reports her relationship with Ben Affleck is over.

The 32-year-old actress, who has reportedly been in her native Cuba for the past few weeks, appeared in a video message for her friend Claudia Muma on January 17, sporting a bob and feathery bangs framing her face.

The YouTube clip shows Ana in what appears to be a hotel room, wearing a white T-shirt and gold jewelry. It also appears Ana's locks have been dyed a darker shade of brown.

Dramatic change: Ana de Armas, who has reportedly split from Ben Affleck, showed off a new look during a video call with friends, which was posted to YouTube on Sunday

Photos of Ana's new look emerged on social media earlier this month, after she was tagged by friends.

And, as reported by Page Six, fans were quick to pick up on the new look, with some taking to Twitter to speculate that the transformation must be because she's newly single.

'Convinced that Ben Affleck & Ana de Armas have broken up because she went to stay with family in Cuba and got bangs.' one person wrote on Twitter on January 10.

Another Twitter user mused on January 2: 'Did Ana De Armas and Ben Affleck break upAna got that post-break up haircut too,'

On Monday a report by People seemingly confirmed that Ana and Ben have split after almost a year of dating.

New 'do: The 32-year-old actress, who has reportedly been in her native Cuba for the past few weeks, appeared in a video message for her friend Claudia Muma on January 17, sporting a bob and feathery bangs framing her face

The dark side: It also appears Ana's locks have been dyed a darker shade of brown

The actress appeared to be in a hotel room as she gave her message for friends in the YouTube clip on Sunday

And now it's being claimed that the couple ended their relationship over the phone.

'They have had numerous discussions about their future and they decided together to break up,' People reported via a source, hours after the initial breakup news.

An earlier report by People claims Ana, 32, split from Ben because she didn't want to be tied to Los Angeles, where Ben needs to be based for his kids.

'Ben is no longer dating Ana,' a source told the publication. 'She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles.'

It's over: People reported Monday that Ana and Ben have split after nearly a year of dating after meeting on the set of Deep Water in November 2019. They are pictured here in May 2020

'Ben is no longer dating Ana,' a source told People . 'She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles.' The couple are seen here in July 2020

Another source said that the split was mutual and 'completely amicable'.

They told the publication: 'They are in different points in their lives; there is deep love and respect there. Ben continues to want to work on himself. He has three jobs lined up and hes a solid father at home. They are both happy with where they are in their lives.'

Additionally, UsWeekly quotes a source who revealed: 'Ben and Ana were moving in different directions in their lives and stopped seeing eye to eye. The two couldnt work through their differences and have decided to end their relationship.'

The couple appeared to be getting more serious in recent months. Over the summer it was rumored that Ana, 32, had moved in to the Gone Girl star's Pacific Palisades home after putting her Venice, California property on the market.

Solo: Ben, 48, is pictured here on January 9, walking his dog. The actor hasn't been pictured with Ana since November 2020

In August, she was spotted moving her things into Ben's property from her Venice home.

The Cuban born actress was even seen flashing a diamond ring on her hand as she joined Ben for some reshoots of their movie Deep Water in New Orleans in November.

But it seems the ring was simply a prop for the movie, as the actors play a married couple in the Adrian Lyne-directed psychological thriller.

The actors met on the set of same movie when production kicked off in November 2019.

They were then spotted on a romantic getaway to Ana's native Cuba in March 2020 before heading to Costa Rica and getting back to Los Angeles just before the lockdowns started.

The beginning: The couple were pictured on a romantic getaway to Ana's native Cuba in March 2020 before heading to Costa Rica and getting back to Los Angeles just before the lockdowns started

Happy: Ana made their relationship Instagram official in April when she shared snaps of the couple hanging out on her 32nd birthday

Engagement buzz: The Cuban born actress was seen flashing a diamond ring on her hand as she joined Ben for some reshoots of their movie Deep Water in New Orleans in November 2020. It was later revealed to be just a prop for the movie

They spent much of 2020 inseparable, enjoying walks in LA with their dogs and casual outings for coffee.

Ana made their relationship Instagram official in April when she shared snaps of the couple hanging out on her 32nd birthday.

During their relationship the actor introduced Ana to his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner; Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11 and Samuel, eight.

Sources at the time told People: 'Ana seems to love being around his kids. Everyone has been getting along great. Ana is making an effort to get to know his kid.'

Supportive: The couple appeared to be getting more serious in recent months. Here Ben is seen visiting Ana on the set of a shoot in Malibu

Low key: They spent much of 2020 inseparable, enjoying walks in LA with their dogs and casual outings for coffee

Ben was previously married to Jennifer from 2005 to 2018 and they have a built a solid co-parenting relationship in recent years, with the actress also supporting Ben with his sobriety.

Before meeting Ana, Ben was in a relationship with SNL producer Lindsay Shookus from July 2017 to August 2018. They reunited in February the following year before ending things for good in April 2019.

The actor also dated model Shauna Sexton briefly in 2018.

In February 2020 the Good Will Hunting star talked about his desire to meet someone special.

'I would love to have a relationship that is deeply meaningful and one to which I could be deeply committed,' he said during a Good Morning America interview.

All smiles: Ana shared this photo of the couple in August

'Five years from now Ben Affleck is sober and happy and sees his kids three-and-a-half days a week and has made three or four movies that are interesting to him. I directed two [movies] that he is hopefully proud of and is in a healthy, stable, loving, committed relationship.'

The movie star has been open about his lifelong struggle with alcoholism and had been to rehab several times over the years. He completed his last stint at a treatment facility in October 2018 and wrote about it on social media.

'This week I completed a 40-day stay at a treatment center for alcohol addiction and remain in outpatient care,' the post read.

'Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family.'

A year later he admitted to suffering a relapse when he was spotted, clearly intoxicated, falling over while leaving the UNICEF masquerade ball in LA.

'It was just a slip, Im not going to let it derail me.' he said at the time.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico lawmakers opened a historic legislative session Tuesday below empty galleries and under the protection of State Police and the National Guard.

The mood was sober  in contrast with the typical opening day, when the hallways fill with noisy schoolchildren and family members posing for pictures.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Instead, lawmakers plunged into their work almost immediately.

The House and Senate passed legislation authorizing about $2.2 million to cover security expenses at the Capitol, including the presence of about 200 police officers and members of the National Guard.

The Roundhouse itself was almost empty, the public barred as a precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19.

For lawmakers, it was an odd return to the Capitol.

Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, D-Albuquerque, was among those who participated partly through a video link, one of the health measures put in place to limit group gatherings.

Its strange because were here, Hochman-Vigil said in an interview, but were participating remotely, mostly from our offices. Were all in this building, but were not together.

The unusual session ran into technical trouble almost immediately. The Senate started its work about 45 minutes late because of a problem with its video board.

The House, by contrast, began about noon with a video of students from the New Mexico School for the Deaf and School for the Arts performing the national anthem. Roll call was handled with a mix of in-person and online participation, as House members registered their presence by speaking up from their desk on the chamber floor or through a video link.

First approvals

The first-day schedule included the adoption of rule changes intended to allow lawmakers to participate remotely through webconferencing programs, appointments to leadership posts and the swearing-in of 23 new members, or about 21% of the 112-person Legislature.

Among the first action items was passage of House Bill 1, which appropriates about $32 million largely dedicated to the expenses of operating the session.

It includes about $1.5 million for the Department of Public Safety and $674,000 for the Department of Military Affairs to cover Capitol security costs.

It won House approval 68-1 about five hours into the session and cleared the Senate 41-0 late Tuesday.

House Speaker Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, said lawmakers were meeting amid a time of tremendous hardship for New Mexicans, and he urged lawmakers to treat one another with respect.

The state has had nearly 3,000 coronavirus deaths since March, in addition to terrible economic damage. The deadly mob attack on Congress, meanwhile, has led to anxiety at capitols throughout the country.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, Egolf said.

House Minority Leader James Townsend, R-Artesia, said he was sad to see the session start without in-person public access.

We wish very much that these hallways were full of our constituents, he said just before the session started. I think its going to be wrought with challenges, and it will not be nearly as successful as it would be if we were face to face.

The session may be slow-moving after Tuesday.

Legislative leaders in both chambers said much of the coming work will happen in committees  held online  for the rest of the month. Depending on the progress of bills, floor sessions to take up final passage of more legislation might happen around Feb. 1.

A House floor session is scheduled for Monday afternoon to accept introduction of bills and settle on more-detailed rules for the session. The Senates next floor session is expected Feb. 1.

Technical problem

The Senate started about 45 minutes after the House on Tuesday because of a technical issue with the chambers video board, which is used to display votes.

One senator sarcastically remarked on the chamber floor, This has started out to be a smooth session.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, acknowledged some hiccups on the sessions opening day and said there could be more challenges in the coming weeks.

Its inevitable we will have some of those, so we ask for everyones patience as we navigate this new path, Wirth said Tuesday.

But he said New Mexico residents ability to testify remotely on bills  through an online platform  could allow some members of the public who have not been able to travel to Santa Fe in past years the opportunity to weigh in on legislation.

Changes

Meanwhile, the Senate adopted rules to allow members to participate remotely in committee hearings. Senators generally would have to be present in the state Capitol  either on the Senate floor or in their offices  to debate and vote during floor sessions.

Senate Resolution 1 would also mandate the wearing of face masks by all senators while they are in committee or on the floor and bar the eating of food on the Senate floor.

The rule was adopted 26-15 late Tuesday, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Republicans pushed to require at least 12 hours notice before a committee takes up a bill, but Democrats preferred to require agendas as soon as practical to allow for flexibility in the hectic final days of the session.

Coronavirus testing would be required weekly for legislative staffers and media members present in the Capitol, and senators would be requested  but not required  to also undergo such testing.

The rules would remain in effect only for the duration of the current emergency public health order due to COVID-19.

The House started the session with temporary rules for remote participation. Legislation to set the rules for the session is expected to be considered by the House on Monday.

The unusual nature of the session was clear well beyond the Capitol itself. Police officers, sheriffs deputies and the National Guard established checkpoints around the building amid threats of protest and insurrection at capitols across the country.

Speaker Egolf called it the most unusual opening day probably in the history of the New Mexico Legislature.

LISBON (dpa-AFX) - Portugal's producer prices declined further in December, figures from Statistics Portugal showed on Tuesday. The producer price index decreased 4.0 percent year-on-year in December, following a 4.7 percent decline in November. Excluding the energy group, producer prices fell 0.7 percent in December, same as seen in the previous month. Prices for energy declined 17.1 percent annually in December and those of intermediate goods decreased 1.6 percent. Meanwhile, prices for investment goods gained 0.9 percent. On a month-on-month basis, producer prices increased 0.1 percent in December, after a 0.5 percent rise in the prior month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.

Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
The FBI is vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops charged with securing the nation's capitol for President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration.

On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the undertaking  spurred by concerns about an insider attack or threat from service members  "the most offensive thing" he had ever heard.

"No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard," Abbott tweeted. "I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

READ ALSO: Citations: Food truck employee cited for COVID-19 violations at Cowboys Dancehall

The FBI screening, launched after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, involves running names through the bureau's databases and watchlists in search of terrorism-related concerns, according to the Associated Press.

Two National Guard members were removed from the inauguration mission after they were found to have ties to fringe right group militias. No plot against Biden was found.

Christopher Miller, the Acting Secretary of Defense, vowed that officials are "leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital." Service members have been reminded to report any inappropriate statements or behavior up the chain of command.

"This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events," Miller said in a statement Monday. "However, in this case the scope of military participation is unique."

While the military routinely screens service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening comes in addition to any previous checks conducted during their recruitment or security clearance process.

About 25,000 National Guard troops are expected in Washington on Wednesday, more than double the 7,800 service members assigned to Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017.

The Texas Capitol in Austin was closed ahead of Biden's inauguration. The Texas Department of Public Safety was aware of planned armed protests and working with the FBI to monitor events, officials said.

Community News Editor / Librarian

Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. She can be reached at jmaschino@berkshireeagle.com.


Decode Your Future with an Online Computer Science Degree from Drexel

Drexel University's online computer science programs are designed to prepare you for work on the cutting edge of technology. The curriculum is designed for students with any level of experience or previous knowledge. Choose the program thats right for you. Learn More.

DuckDuckGo, the search engine that prioritizes privacy, reached a significant milestone last week, racking up more than 100 million searches in a single day.

According to the search engine's website, it recorded 102,251,307 searches on Jan. 11, an historical high for the 12-year-old company. For the month, it's averaging more than 90 million searches a day, a 73 percent increase over the same period in 2020, when the average was around 52 million searches per day.

While still a paltry number compared to the more than five billion daily searches performed by market leader Google, the milestone is a major one for the search engine that doesn't store any of its users' personal information, doesn't archive their search histories, and doesn't track their search activity.

"It's a significant milestone, especially since it surpassed Bing and Yahoo to get there," said Charles King, the principal analyst at Pund-IT, a technology advisory firm in Hayward, Calif.

"That's a solid sign of DuckDuckGo's vitality but also reflects the waning influence of what were once dominant industry platforms," he told TechNewsWorld.

"There really hasn't been a significant competitor to lower players like Bing and Yahoo in the search engine game for some time," added Liz Miller, vice president and a principal analyst at Constellation Research, a technology research and advisory firm in Cupertino, Calif.

"To cross the 100 million line is promising for DuckDuckGo," she told TechNewsWorld.

Leg Up in Mobile

While DuckDuckGo is in sixth place in the search engine market worldwide, with less than one percent of the search pie, it is number two in the important mobile search market, with a 2.25 percent share, followed by Yahoo with 1.94 percent and Bing with 1.13 percent, according to Statcounter.

The overwhelming leader in the market is Google, with a 94.48 percent share.

"Mobile website views surpassed traditional PC views in 2016," King said. "The coming wave of next gen 5G-enabled smart phones and other devices is likely to help mobile search grow significantly."

"People are living on their mobile devices a lot more than they used to. Having that kind of power in mobile is handy," observed Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at the Enderle Group, an advisory services firm in Bend, Ore.

"The desktop segment is locked up," he told TechNewsWorld. "Mobile isn't so much, so there's more opportunity in mobile."

Miller noted that 60 percent of searches are now conducted on mobile devices.

"I don't expect that to slow any time soon," she said. "Even in the pandemic when you could argue that more folks were in a desktop environment, mobile search still surged."

"DDG has tremendous opportunity here because of their multi-source search and user opt-in controls that give users the feeling of accuracy with control," she added.

Advertising and Privacy Coexistence

A number of factors are driving DuckDuckGo's growth, not the least of which is its emphasis on privacy.

"DuckDuckGo has been growing steadily over time," said Greg Sterling, vice president of market insights at Uberall, a maker of location marketing solutions based in Berlin.

"It's increasing adoption is by people concerned about privacy," he told TechNewsWorld. "It's the most well-known of the privacy friendly search engines and browsers."

"Consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly aware and tired of how their personal search data is being used for targeted online advertising," added King. "At the same time, DuckDuckGo has crafted a solid solution that makes private searching simple and effective."

DuckDuckGo emphasis on privacy doesn't mean it has forsaken the advertising business model, Miller noted. The difference between DuckDuckGo and others, though, is its use of opt-in advertising controls.

"In the end of the day, they are -- and are transparent about -- being an ad-powered business," she explained. "The key difference is that they put the controls of advertising-based results in the hands of users."

"DDG has embraced the notion that personalization and privacy can coexist in collecting less data that users define as relevant to what they want to receive," she continued. "So people are enjoying the experience of control and are being rewarded with results they feel are accurate for them."

Not Big Tech

DuckDuckGo's growth is also being fired by its image as a player not under the umbrella of Big Tech.

"DuckDuckGo has been lumped into this band of anti-big-tech, free-speech solutions with a little privacy tucked in there, albeit without an accurate definition or understanding of privacy in the modern world," Miller said.

"With headlines and breaking news pieces from politicized camps saying that Big Tech is out to get the average citizen in the U.S., alternatives are being offered up as the cure," she explained. "DDG is part of that offering."

The search engine's recent growth was also fueled by seasonal factors and current events.

DuckDuckGo Vice President for Communications GoKamyl Bazbaz explained that the company generally sees a larger than normal uptick in searches and downloads around the New Year as people try to clean up their digital tools and footprint around that time.

Building market share will continue to be a challenging task for DuckDuckGo. "Most people continue to use Google out of habit and because they're tied into many other Google services, such as Gmail, Maps, News, YouTube, Android phone and so forth," explained Sterling.

"There's also a perception, which is partly justified, that Google is the best search engine available," he continued.

"It's unlikely that DDG will ever be a serious challenger to Google but they may be able to build a sustainable business," he added.

To do that, DuckDuckGo will need to grow and keep their customers happy.

"In order to cut down on tracking, I switched from Chrome to Firefox and from Google to DuckDuckGo," explained Dan Kennedy, a professor of journalism at Northeastern University in Boston.

"I wasn't concerned about privacy especially, but I was tired of looking up, say, a product a student had written about in order to check the spelling and then seeing a constant stream of ads for that product for the next six months," he continued.

"Unfortunately, I didn't think the results from DuckDuckGo were very good, and I found myself using Google frequently when I couldn't find what I was looking for," he said. "So after maybe a couple of months I switched back to Google. I have stuck with Firefox, and that seems to have all but eliminated the tracking."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.


[January 19, 2021] Internet Society Announces $1M in Grant Funding to Expand Internet Access to Underserved Communities in the Southeastern United States

The Internet Society today announced a new grant program, Expanding Potential in Communities, or Truist EPIC Grant, to support broadband initiatives that help alleviate disparities in education, employment and social welfare in the southeastern United States. These grants will expand broadband access in communities with complementary Internet connectivity solutions such as community networks. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005133/en/ The grant is part of Truist Cares, a cooperative effort between Truist Financial Corporation, Truist Foundation, Inc., and Truist Charitable Fund to provide communities, organizations and individuals disaster relief and assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. The Internet Society will distribute $1 million in funding through grants between $125,000 to $180,000 to organizations and entities to bring high-speed Internet infrastructure with limited or no Internet access to low-income communities and indigenous populations or communities of color in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role the Internet plays in our daily lives and the vast number of communities unable to access the Internet. The need to connect all communities is urgent as work, school, health care and more continue to shift online. "The pandemic has shown that the Internet is an essential infrastructure for all communities and, without it, opportunities are lost and inequities are magnified," said Lynette Bell, president of the Truist Foundation. "We must all work to make high-speed broadband available to everyone who needs it. It's the engine for building strong and sustainable communities and a resource that requires immediate investment." According to Microsoft data, more than half of Americans - nearly 163 million people - don't have access to high-speed broadband, with rural and low-income urban areas disproportionately affected. In particular, the southeastern United States lags behind the rest of the country in access to the Internet, with 76.9% of households reporting access compared with the national average of 81.9%.



Community networks are communications infrastructures built, managed and used by local communities or municipalities and are a sustainable solution to address these connectivity gaps in underserved regions. The Internet Society has a long history of working with communities worldwide to fund, build and train people with the skills needed to run and maintain community networks. "Closing the digital divide and expanding Internet access is vital, creating healthier, safer and more resilient communities. We are excited to partner with Truist to help rebuild and revitalize communities with the essential infrastructure for Internet access," said Mark Buell, regional vice president, North America of the Internet Society, a global nonprofit promoting the development and use of an open, globally-connected and secure Internet.

The Truist EPIC Grant application will be available starting Jan. 25, 2021, with applications accepted through Feb. 19, 2021. For more information on the grants and to download the application, go to www.Internetsociety.org/grants/epic/. About the Internet Society Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet remains a force for good for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 120+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit: Internetsociety.org. About Truist Financial Corporation Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspire and build better lives and communities. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history, Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. with total assets of $499 billion as of September 30, 2020. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com. About Truist Foundation The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Learn more at Truist.com/Purpose/Truist-Foundation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005133/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

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 father-of-two accused of killing his girlfriend's ex has made a bid for release from jail by making the claim there may not have even been a murder.

Andrew Price, 47, is charged with murder and two firearm offences over the mysterious death of Victorian man Jared Lovison in 2020.

Mr Lovison, 28, went missing from the town of Newborough in the state's east in April, sparking a frantic search effort which ended with his body being found in Moondarra State Park more than five weeks later.

Victorian man Jared Lovison (pictured) was found dead in bushland in Victoria's east in 2020

Jarrad Lovison, 28, (left) was found dead after disappearing a month earlier. Three people were charged with his murder and his ex-girlfriend Ange O'Brien, 44, (right) was released without charge

Two others, 24-year-old barista Samantha Guillerme and Jake Brown, 28, have also been charged his murder, though police have not yet revealed exactly how or why the victim was allegedly killed.

Ange O'Brien, 44, Mr Lovison's ex who allegedly was in a new relationship with the accused Mr Price, was also arrested but later released without charge.

Julian McMahon SC, defence lawyer for Mr Price, on Tuesday applied for bail in the Supreme Court of Victoria for his client - saying the prosecution's case was weak and Mr Lovison could have died from other causes.

The seven-foot-tall cyclist was found with large quantities of the drugs GHB and ice in his system, which Mr McMahon claimed were enough to cause his death.

Samantha Guillerme (pictured), 24, and Jake Brown, 28, have also been charged his murder, though police have not yet revealed exactly how or why the victim was allegedly killed

Ms O'Brien had for the past year allegedly been dating Andrew Price, 47, (pictured together) who is accused of murdering Mr Lovison - her former partner

'There are no relevant injuries,' he also told the court, reports news.com.au.

However judge Paul Coghlan said he did not regard the case as weak - noting there were two witnesses and a potential motive.

He also mentioned police were keeping certain aspects about the case from the public.

The prosecution argued against bail saying Mr Price had previously tried to speak to witnesses in person and over the phone.

Mr McMahon suggested his client be bailed to a 90-day residential rehab facility after which he could live on his parents' farm with his two sons - with the property offered as surety.

He also added police had compiled 'thousands' of pages of transcripts from telephone taps and listening devices which might delay a trial.

A bail decision is to be made next Wednesday.

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.

PJSC United Mining and Chemical Company (UMCC), which manages Vilnohirsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant (Dnipropetrovsk region) and Irshansk Mining and Processing Plant (Zhytomyr region), in recent days was under pressure from financial and industrial groups acting through corrupt law enforcement.

According to a Wednesday press release from the company, UMCC's contracts with contractors of the U.S. Boeing Corporation and leaders of the Asian market are under threat.

"Representatives of the prosecutor's office and the SBU conducted a number of unprecedented procedural violations during investigative actions. The criminal proceedings, which became the reason for the organization of simultaneous searches at the company's headquarters and at the Vilnohirsk branch, were dated August 2020, which is two months ahead of the signing of an allegedly unfavorable contract with the Asian trading company  IMMCO Trade PTE. Ltd," the company said in the press release.

Cooperation with IMMCO Trade PTE Ltd. on FCA terms is carried out at the average market price of the Asian markets, openly and transparently.

The European pricing policy differs from the Asian one, also due to the need for large-scale supply chain management. The work of companies from the European continent, such as UMCC, with representatives of the Asian market involves attracting traders for logistic reasons. This is a requirement of end consumers in most of the Far East countries.

In addition, the loud statements in the media about the allegedly conducting foreign economic activities by UMCC at low prices and the financial ties of the current management of the company with foreign buyers are exclusively fake. The ship transporting UMCC products is deliberately blocked in the port in order to impede the activities and undermine the international reputation of the company.

"The criminal proceedings, according to which recent investigative actions took place in UMCC, were opened in August 2020, while UMCC entered the contract with IMMCO Trade PTE. Ltd. two months later, in October 2020. Such direct procedural violations during the searches indicate a rush on the part of opponents of the imminent privatization of UMCC. The pretrial investigation cannot assess the legality of supplies under a contract dated October 29 last year, that is, after the information was entered into the unified register of pretrial investigations, and this important nuance was deliberately 'forgotten' by those who are now trying to put pressure on UMCC," acting Board Chairman of UMCC Mykhailo Makarov said.

According to him, in attempts to tarnish the reputation of UMCC, in particular, by submitting information about the allegedly "effective" activities of law enforcement agencies, understating the prices and cooperation with oligarchic clans, one can see direct unprecedented pressure on the privatization process in Ukraine.

As reported, on January 13, UMCC announced a new attempt to disrupt the privatization due to raids at UMCC, the head office in Kyiv and in premises of some employees of the company. "This is not the first attempt to disrupt the privatization of JSC UMCC: in August 2020, attackers unsealed 10 hopper cars of the company with ilmenite concentrate, which was shipped under a contract with the U.S. holding Chemours, and earlier that they set the company's manager's car on fire."

"The process of putting JSC UMCC for a transparent auction is in the homestretch. It is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2021 and promises the wonders of the largest privatization in Ukraine since the sale of Kryvorizhstal. The privatization of this asset is also provided for in Ukraine's memorandum with the IMF. In particular, 16 leading foreign companies have expressed preliminary interest in the privatization auction. The starting price is expected to be several billion hryvnias," the company said in a statement.

UMCC management associates the attempt to disrupt privatization with the previous management. After the arrival of the new management, the company received a record profit of UAH 600 million in 2020 compared to UAH 100 million in 2019.
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.

KALAMAZOO, MI  The city of Kalamazoo is joining other locations around the country in lighting up buildings to honor victims of the COVID-19 virus.

The National League of Cities asked cities to participate in a COVID-19 memorial on Tuesday, Jan. 19 by lighting up their buildings in a light amber color, Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said in an email message to MLive.

Kalamazoo City Hall will be lit up on Tuesday, Jan. 19, in honor of those in the community and across America who have been lost to the tragic virus, Chamberlain said.

The city of Portage is also planning to participate in an nationwide memorial Tuesday.

Kalamazoo County recorded 12,133 COVID-19 cases as of Jan. 19, and 286 deaths. Michigan has recorded 540,115 total confirmed cases and 13,865 COVID-19 deaths, according to data from the state of Michigan.

The city of Kalamazoo commission meeting on Jan. 19 will be held virtually via Zoom.

Read more:

Portage to join President-elect Joe Bidens COVID-19 Memorial

7 COVID-19 cases tied to Washtenaw County woman who has UK variant

Whitmer unveils $5.6B plan to fund coronavirus response, economic recovery
Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen has expressed his concerns over National Guard securing President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

Cohen suggested that white male members within the National Guard could be a threat, claiming that most white men did not vote for Bide, according to a Breitbart News report.

Cohen claimed that 75 percent of the Guard protecting the Capitol are in the class that might want to do something.

The democrat representative said in an interview that he had been reminded that former India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own bodyguards.

Cohen further said that any Trump supporters within the National Guard units were suspicious.

Cohen said that the National Guard is around 90 percent male and about 20 percent of white males voted for Biden.

"You've got to figure that in the Guard, which is predominantly more conservative ... they're probably not more than 25 percent of the people there protecting us that voted for Biden. The other 75 percent are in the large class of folks that might want to do something," Biden was quoted on a Fox News report.

Related story: Up To 21,000 National Guard Troops To Go To Washington To Assist With Inaugural Security

Cohen's Statement Backlash

Cohen received criticisms for his comments on the matter.

Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler struck Cohen for suggesting that any Trump supporter was a possible "seditionist."

Glenn Kessler wrote in a tweet, saying what happened to the notion that military people are professionals and do their jobs despite their political leanings.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy earlier said that he and other officials have not yet seen any evidence of threats and the vetting process that has not led to any red flags.

McCarthy said that they are continually going through the process and taking a second, third look at every individual involved in the operation.

The comments were also met with quick criticisms on social media, with some saying that Cohen questioning the loyalty of the military is irresponsible, reckless, and stupid, according to a Washington Examiner report.

National Guardsman Evaluated

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Chris Miller said in a statement that they have no intelligence indicating an insider threat. However, they added that they are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital.

Miller added that this type of vetting usually takes place by law enforcement for important security events, according to an ABC News Go report.

Miller, however, said that in this case, the scope of military participation is unique.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's screening of National Guardsmen started as they arrive at the D.C. Armory.

National Guard spokesman Maj. Matthew Murphy said that guardsman involved in the operation gets their photo taken. Murphy added that they also need to hand over their military ID card.

Their military ID cards are then placed into a database used by the FBI for background checks.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said that if there is any sign that any of their soldiers or airmen are leaning into extremist views, it is either handed over to law enforcement or dealt with the chain of command right away.

Related story: Trump Concedes Election To Biden, Condemns Capitol Riot


AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Coras Research LLC and Infill Thinking LLC, independent energy market research firms led by energy finance veterans, announced today the closing of a business combination and the formation of a new entity, Lium LLC.

Coras Research and Infill Thinking continue to serve clients, blending their insights to strengthen legacy research products. The two teams have also partnered to expand and enhance their Energy & Industrial market coverage under a co-developed new platform: Lium.

Lium's hybrid equity research/data service publishing model leverages the intellectual property and methodologies of the two parent research firms in the creation of new data solutions. Lium Research products include predictive data, interactive models, and thematic reports spanning a comprehensive range of Energy & Industrial verticals. Coverage now includes solar, wind, power, tight oil, and shale gas, with critical minerals coming soon.

Starting today, Lium offers a combination of Open Research (free data-driven situation briefs) and Premium Content (interactive models, primary data, and thematic reports). Interested parties may register at www.lium.com, and information about premium memberships can be requested during free registration.

"We are excited to join forces with the data scientists at Coras and form Lium," remarked Joseph Triepke, Infill Thinking founder and partner at Lium. "As energy transition themes gain traction, market complexity is rising and so is the need for fresh data from unbiased sources. Lium's data synthesis approach will play an important role in creating energy market transparency, illuminating future outcomes for our clients."

"This is the perfect opportunity to take the Coras model (data science, human touch, investor focus) to another level as the U.S. energy landscape evolves," said Daniel Cruise, Coras Research founder and partner at Lium. "As an added benefit, members can tinker with Lium's data science in online dashboards, incorporating their own views to build forecasts. We look forward to thoughtfully covering both established and emerging energy sectors as one team with Infill Thinking."

Existing Infill Thinking and Coras Research members will benefit from insight synergies as the platforms combine to expand and enhance the research product.

Visit www.lium.com to learn more about the new platform, or www.infillthinking.com or www.corasresearch.com for more about the combining entities.

For Inquiries Contact:

David Cheng

Lium LLC

(512) 504-7407

[email protected]

Related Images

lium-llc.jpg

Lium LLC

SOURCE Lium LLC
Christina Forrest has been promoted to Account Director at Montclair, N.J.-based public relations agency, Violet PR. "Christina has helped Violet PR achieve enormous success on the national and New Jersey stage  leading to numerous awards for our PR campaigns, and very happy long-term clients," said Violet PR President April Mason.

Violet PR, a boutique, New Jersey-based public relations firm specializing in economic development, professional services and social good, announced the promotion of Christina Forrest to Account Director. In her nearly seven-year tenure with Violet PR, Forrest has successfully promoted clients ranging from large cities to mid-sized consulting firms and individual thought leaders.

The success of our boutique PR firm is due in large part to Christinas hard work and creativity over the last seven years, said Violet PR President April Mason. Christina has helped Violet PR achieve enormous success on the national and New Jersey stage  leading to numerous awards for our public relations campaigns, and very happy long-term clients.

Forrests award-winning PR experience includes managing New York City media events, media tours with top-tier press and social media programs. Forrest has garnered media coverage for clients in outlets including NBCs The TODAY Show, Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, ABC News, Fortune, Bloomberg, Business Insider and USA Today, to name a few. Her Twitter campaign for the IBM Foundations P-TECH Network was named a top national project by PR NEWS in 2019.

As account director at Violet PR, Forrest will manage media relations, content development and social media programs for clients including Pittsburgh International Airport, Biggins Lacy Shapiro, Kansas City Area Development Council, luis vidal + architects and the New Jersey Business Action Center, among others.

Violet PRs results are incredible for a firm of less than five professionals, and Im extremely excited to continue to grow the firm and our stellar team, said Forrest Throughout my career, Ive been delighted to help Violet PR create high-performance public relations campaigns that impact the bottom line, helping clients attract investors and supporters.

Forrest was named a Top 40 Under 40 PR Professional by the NJ Ad Club in 2020 and has led 15 award-winning campaigns recognized by Bulldog Awards, PRSA NJ and PRNews. Her industry knowledge has been published by notable PR news outlets, including Cision and PR Daily.

Forrest, a Bergen County, N.J., resident, holds a bachelors in communication from Monmouth University, where she graduated with honors. She also works to mentor young women and aims to develop future female leaders in the PR profession. She served on the social media committee for PRSA NJ in 2020.

Violet PR is a designated women-owned business by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

About Violet PR

Whether it's rebranding a city, drawing attention to a revitalized neighborhood, or promoting a new sustainable development, Violet PR helps clients make a difference. Through a combination of news stories, social media and compelling content, our New Jersey-based boutique public relations firm helps clients attract more dollars and supporters. http://www.VioletPR.com.
Norway said Monday no link had been established between Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine and post-vaccination deaths in the country, but recommended doctors consider the overall health of the most frail before giving them the jab.

Since the start of Norway's vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has registered 33 deaths among elderly people who have received their first dose, according to public health authorities.

Of the 13 cases analysed in detail so far, "they are people of advanced age, are frail and have serious illnesses, all of them," the director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg told reporters.

"When it comes to causes there hasn't been any analysis done yet," she added.

"It is important to remember that on average about 45 people die every day at nursing homes in Norway, so it's not given that this represents any excess mortality or that they are related to the vaccines," she said.

After the reports of deaths, Norway has nonetheless stressed that doctors should individually consider whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the vaccine, as is also recommended in some other countries.

"It's not impossible that some of those who have gotten the vaccine are so frail that maybe you should have reconsidered and not given them the vaccine, because they are so sick that they might have become worse from the normal side effects as the body reacts and builds up immunity," Stoltenberg said.

The Norwegian Medicines Agency said last week that normal side effects from messenger RNA vaccines, such as fever and nausea, "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients."

A number of countries, including Norway's neighbours Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, have reported post-vaccination deaths but no direct links to the vaccine have been established.

Pfizer and BioNTech told AFP on Monday they were "working with the Norwegian Medicines Agency to gather all the relevant information".

They recalled that Norway's vaccination campaign started with the elderly living in care homes, "most of whom are very elderly with underlying medical conditions and some of which are terminally ill."

More than 48,000 people have been vaccinated in Norway so far.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The FBI is vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops charged with securing the nation's capitol for President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration.

On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the undertaking  spurred by concerns about an insider attack or threat from service members  "the most offensive thing" he had ever heard.

"No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard," Abbott tweeted. "I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

READ ALSO: Citations: Food truck employee cited for COVID-19 violations at Cowboys Dancehall

The FBI screening, launched after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, involves running names through the bureau's databases and watchlists in search of terrorism-related concerns, according to the Associated Press.

Two National Guard members were removed from the inauguration mission after they were found to have ties to fringe right group militias. No plot against Biden was found.

Christopher Miller, the Acting Secretary of Defense, vowed that officials are "leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital." Service members have been reminded to report any inappropriate statements or behavior up the chain of command.

"This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events," Miller said in a statement Monday. "However, in this case the scope of military participation is unique."

While the military routinely screens service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening comes in addition to any previous checks conducted during their recruitment or security clearance process.

About 25,000 National Guard troops are expected in Washington on Wednesday, more than double the 7,800 service members assigned to Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017.

The Texas Capitol in Austin was closed ahead of Biden's inauguration. The Texas Department of Public Safety was aware of planned armed protests and working with the FBI to monitor events, officials said.
MUMBAI: A strong demand and improving realisations notwithstanding, investors have been turning cautious on steel stocks, largely because rising cost of key raw material such as iron ore and coal have led to concerns on profit margins of steel manufacturers. Tata Steel Ltd , JSW Steel Ltd, Steel Authority of India Ltd, and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd - all saw some corrections on Monday.

The Street remains watchful of steel demand and prices after the end of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The rise in international iron ore prices has been phenomenal. Global prices, ex-China, that hovered below $120 per tonne in November are now close to $170. Compared to this, prices during October 2019 to April 2020 had moved in the range of $80-$95 a tonne. As a result, domestic prices of the raw material have also trended higher. NMDC Ltd, India's largest iron-ore producer, raised prices by about 50% during October-January.

Fortunately, Tata Steel and SAIL have captive supplies, while JSPL is benefitting from inventories at its Sarda Mines. The concerns for JSW Steel, however, remain elevated. Also, the pressure on profit margins of non-integrated steel producers will be significant.

Global coking coal prices have also been impacted, with China imposing curbs on imports from Australia, the worlds largest exporter of the commodity used to make steel. Due to these import restrictions, Australian coking coal prices have been falling while the Chinese equivalent have continued to rise. The US and Canada are the only meaningful competitors of Australian coking coal.

Coal futures have risen 23% since November, when China, the largest consumer, imposed restrictions. Coal prices in India cannot remain unaffected.

Rising realisations, however, can accrue benefits but the trend needs to sustain. Steel prices in China have remained rangebound with the start of the festive season there. Moreover, a fall in consumption in China can lead to a spurt in exports, which can impact regional prices. But a rise in prices in India has the potential to invite government intervention.

Domestic prices of hot-rolled coil, a steel market benchmark, retreated after 19 weeks of a sustained uptick, primarily because the government had voiced concerns, said analysts at Edelweiss Securities Ltd in a 14 January Note. They added that Chinas HRC prices and spreads continued to come off predominantly due to seasonal slowdown in downstream sectors. This could spur exports, dampening regional prices.

With caution prevailing on prices and rising input costs, investor are bound to be wary of steel stocks even as analysts remain bullish.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Hillary Clinton has suggested President Trump was 'talking to Vladimir Putin on the day of the Capitol riot' and said she would 'love to see his phone records'.

In a conversation with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her podcast 'You and Me Both', Clinton said she would be interested in obtaining Trump's phone records to see whether he was on the phone to Putin while the Capitol was under siege.

Clinton, who lost to Trump in the 2016 election, said that it was clear that her former rival has a 'disdain for democracy', but that its true depths may never be known.

She claimed that the president had 'other agendas' while in the White House, and said she hopes that one day it will become clear who Trump was 'beholden to' and who 'pulls his strings'.

Hillary Clinton (pictured speaking last year) has said Russian President Vladimir Putin may have known about the Capitol riots and believes he could have been receiving updates about the January 6 chaos from US President Trump

Trump on January 6 had told his supporters during a 'Save America' rally outside the White House that they needed to 'fight' to overturn the election in the hours leading up to the Capitol riots. In the hours that followed, the Capitol building was stormed by rioters

'We learned a lot about our system of government over the last four years with a president who disdains democracy and, as you have said numerous times, has other agendas,' Clinton said.

'What they all are, I don't think we yet know. I hope historically we will find out who he's beholden to, who pulls his strings. I would love to see his phone records to see whether he was talking to Putin the day that the insurgents invaded our Capitol.

'But we now know that not just him, but his enablers, his accomplices, his cult members, have the same disregard for democracy.'

Clinton then asked Pelosi whether she believes a 9/11-style commission should be set up to investigate what led up to the deadly riots on January 6, that saw the deaths of five people - including a police officer.

'I don't know what Putin has on him politically, financially, or personally, but what happened last week was a gift to Putin, because Putin wants to undermine democracy in our country and throughout the world,' Pelosi explained.

'And these people, unbeknownst to them, maybe, are Putin puppets. They were doing Putin's business when they did that at the incitement of an insurrection by the president of the United States.

'So yes, we should have a 9/11 commission and there is strong support in the Congress to do that,' she said.

In a conversation with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her podcast 'You and Me Both', Clinton said she would be interested in obtaining Trump's phone records to see whether he was on the phone to Putin (pictured) while the Capitol was under siege

The House Speaker recalled that in the now-infamous photograph of her pointing at Trump was her alleging 'With you, Mr. President, all roads lead to Putin.'

After four years, Trump now has just one day left in the White House, with president-elect Joe Biden set to be inaugurated tomorrow (January 20).

But the suggestion from a former Secretary of State that a sitting president conspired with a foreign leader during a tumultuous time in the country's democracy perhaps demonstrates just how divided Republicans and Democrats are.

Conservative commentator Byron York retweeted the interview, writing: 'There was a House investigation. A Senate investigation. A special prosecutor investigation with the full powers of law enforcement. Obsessive media inquiries. None found what Hillary Clinton wanted to find. So she wants another...'

In 2019, The Mueller report - an official report documenting the findings of an investigation into Russian efforts to interfere with the 2016 presidential election, as well allegations of conspiracy or coordination between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia, and allegations of obstruction of justice - was released.

It concluded that there was not sufficient evidence that the Trump campaign 'coordinated or conspired with the Russian government in its election-interference activities,' and with regards to obstruction of justice, the report said the investigation 'does not conclude that the President committed a crime'; however, 'it also does not exonerate him'.

Clinton said the breach of the Capitol earlier this month was an 'invasion' while Congress was 'doing the work of Democracy' in certifying the 2020 election.

Pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol building as lawmakers worked to certify the Electoral College and to finally confirm Joe Biden as the next president of the United States, sparking an evacuation of both chambers.

Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address, alongside Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence,at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 5, 2019

Hillary Clinton Hillary Clinton has said Russian President Vladimir Putin may have been kept in the loop about the Capitol riots by President Trump. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands before a meeting in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018

Earlier this month, Clinton backed a second impeachment of the President. On January 14, Trump become the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice.

Writing in an op-ed in the Washington Post, Clinton said the Capitol riot was 'was the tragically predictable result of white-supremacist grievances' that she said were fed by Trump's rhetoric,' and that even after Trump has left office, the root of the problem that led to the riots - White Supremacy - would remain.

'Removing Trump from office is essential, and I believe he should be impeached,' Clinton wrote.

'Members of Congress who joined him in subverting our democracy should resign, and those who conspired with the domestic terrorists should be expelled immediately. But that alone won't remove white supremacy and extremism from America.'

January 6 saw a violent mob of MAGA supporters storm the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building.

The assault on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump left five people dead

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Richard Barnett, a supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6

Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob rioted 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 the following day from injuries sustained in the attack after the thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher.

Many people have already been arrested and prosecutors across the U.S. have vowed to bring to justice those who stormed the U.S. Capitol, sending lawmakers into hiding as they began their work to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

The group included white nationalists, neo-Nazis and QAnon conspiracy theorists, coming from states as far-flung as Arizona and Oregon, while photographs from the riot have shown people wearing clothes with a range of antisemitic messages.


Jan 18 update: The Federal Bureau of Investigations on Sunday raided the Stone Oak-area home of a San Antonio man allegedly involved in the deadly U.S. Capitol riots.

Agents arrested 37-year-old Matthew Carl Mazzocco of San Antonio. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations said Tuesday that it is aware of reports about a San Antonio man's alleged involvement in the deadly breach of the U.S. Capitol last week.

The FBI's San Antonio office confirmed in an email sent to MySA on Tuesday that the agency is "aware" of reports sent about Matthew Carl Mazzocco, but could not comment further since the investigation into the events at the Capitol are ongoing.

RELATED: TikTok calling out San Antonio loan officer for allegedly breaching U.S. Capitol

Mazzocco was identified by social media, largely on TikTok, as being at the Capitol the day of the riots. A selfie posted on Mazzocco's now deleted or deactivated Facebook page was used by social media sleuths to pin him outside the Capitol.

"The capitol (sic) is ours," Mazzocco captioned the photo.

Screenshots showing his job history, including employment at multiple local mortgage loan companies, were also included in the viral videos. Another showed a man fitting the image of Mazzocco's selfie. In that video, the man wearing a red jacket is seen inside the building and is instructing surrounding rioters not to break or vandalize anything.

The FBI is asking for the public's help in identifying individuals who made the unlawlful entry into the Capitol. Photos of the wanted persons can be found here. Mazzocco does not appear to be photographed in the collection of photos released by the FBI.

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
MyPillow products have been dropped by major retailers including Bed Bath & Beyond and Kohls after CEO Mike Lindell repeated false claims of voter fraud in the presidential election.

In an interview Monday night, Lindell said he spoke to Bed Bath & Beyond and Kohls representatives, who informed him they would discontinue selling the pillows. Wayfair and Todays Shopping Choice have also stopped selling products made by his Minnesota-based company, according to KARE-TV, Channel 11, in Minneapolis.

Lindell told NBC News that a group has attacked my vendors who were threatened with a boycott if they dont comply and drop My Pillow products.

An ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, Lindell has used social media to question the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, even though there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

Dominion Voting Systems, one of the biggest election equipment manufacturers in the U.S., has threatened legal action against Lindell if he did not retract his accusations and issue an apology after accusing Dominion of stealing millions of votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Your smear campaign against Dominion has been relentless, and you have leveraged your significant social media following to inflict the maximum amount of damage to Dominions good name and business operations, the Jan. 8 letter stated.

On Friday, Lindell was photographed entering the West Wing of the White House, carrying notes which seemed to advocate the imposition of martial law. Among the visible text were the phrases Insurrection Act now as a result of the assault on the and martial law if necessary.

Related content:
Religions for Peace call on the Norwegian Government to sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

By Lisa Zengarini

Religions for Peace Norway has urged the Norwegian Government to join the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which seeks for the first time to establish a comprehensive ban on the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, as well as obligations for victim assistance and environmental remediation. The Treaty was adopted on July 7 2017 and will come into force on 22 January. Until now, it has been ratified by 51 Countries. Norway, however, has consistently opposed signing the TPNW, arguing that it would come into conflict with its membership in NATO.



Regret that Norway has not joined the Treaty

According to the World Council of Churches website, the Norwegian leaders of Religions for Peace have expressed deep regret that the Country has not joined the Treaty , reminding that: The threat of a catastrophic mass eradication using nuclear weapons was one of the most important reasons for more than 400 religious leaders to be brought together in Kyoto in Japan in 1970 for the first World Conference of Religions for Peace.

As Norwegian representatives of Religions for Peace, we are deeply convinced that the existence and use of nuclear weapons is fundamentally in conflict with our religious values and ethical principles, the appeal stresses. In the name of humanity, we cannot accept the use of nuclear weapons.

Unacceptable support for the use of nuclear weapons

According to the Norwegian peace leaders, as long as nuclear weapons exist, there is a danger that they may be used. They therefore claim that Norwegian current support for the use of nuclear weapons that violate human dignity is unacceptable, stressing there is no decisive conflict between international law, moral principles, Norways membership in NATO, and the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Noting that the annual expenses used on nuclear weapons globally are estimated to at least 100 billion US dollars, the appeal also points out that: More of our resources should be used for human development and protection of the creation, and not for investing in weapons that can eradicate the worlds human population.
Amazon on Tuesday launched Amazon Global Selling Propel (AGSP) to support Indian startups. For this, Amazon has partnered with the Centre's Startup India initiative. Through the initiative, they will help early-stage startups working in consumer products space enter international markets via its Amazon's Global Selling programme.

Amazon has formed a mentorship board that comprises Amazon officials from India and across the world, VCs and senior leaders from Startup India and Invest India who will engage with emerging brands. Invest India is a non-profit venture under the commerce ministry's department for the promotion of industry and internal trade.

Amazon will also host open virtual mentorship sessions on peer learning by inviting veteran entrepreneurs and mentors for startups to network and learn from their existing ecosystem.

Also read: Amazon onboards 1 lakh local shops, kiranas to deliver orders this festive season

The accelerator programme will provide startups with an opportunity to showcase their business proposition to partner VC firms - Sequoia Capital India and Fireside Ventures - and also a chance to win a total equity-free grant of $50,000 from Amazon.

"There are many promising, emerging brands that can become big and go global. This is a timely initiative by Amazon which can prove to be a big stepping stone for startups to build their business and get access to global markets," said Deepak Bagla, MD & CEO, Invest India.

Amit Agarwal, Global Senior Vice President and Country Head Amazon India said its Amazon Global Selling has witnessed tremendous momentum with increasing interest from exporters across India. "Our partnership with Startup India to launch this accelerator programme will provide emerging brands an opportunity to bring their business propositions to life and help create globally popular brands from India," he said.

The entries for the startup accelerator open today until February 7, 2021, and the interested startups can do so via Amazon website. The programme will feature a six week 1:1 mentorship module for the shortlisted participants.

Launched in 2015, Amazon Global Selling currently enables more than 70,000 Indian exporters to sell millions of 'Made in India' products to customers worldwide. Startup India is a Centre's flagship initiative to catalyse startup culture and build a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

Also read: Amazon invested Rs 11,400 crore in India in 2019-20

It was a political storm in a birdcage.

On Boxing Day an exhausted pigeon landed in the birdbath of a Melbourne home. When its leg band showed it was a racing pigeon from America, it was duly dubbed Joe (as in Biden).

The pigeon that landed in Kevin Celli-Bird's yard was thought to have flown from the US, but was then found to be local. Credit:Justin McManus

Then acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack appeared on television grimly threatening Joe with consequences to protect our nations biosecurity. Social media, the Animal Justice Party and even Victorias Health Minister pleaded for Joes life. After all, millions of migratory birds visit every year. Then joy! Joe won a reprieve because his leg band turned out to be fake.

But there was something incongruous about the nations top official publicly waging war against ... a pigeon. And clearly it pays to check the facts before poking the bear on animal welfare.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde arrived in Ukraine on a two-day visit, the Swedish Embassy in Ukraine said.

"Welcome to Ukraine, Ann Linde! We are thrilled your first trip as Chairperson of OSCE is to Ukraine," the embassy said on Twitter on Monday evening.

In turn, Linde said the crisis in and around Ukraine is high on the agenda.

"Visiting Ukraine in my role as OSCE Chairman-in-Office. The crisis in and around Ukraine remains unresolved and is high on our agenda. We will work towards a peaceful resolution, not least to alleviate the situation of civilians living in conflict-affected areas," she wrote on her Twitter.

As reported, Linde will be in Ukraine on a working visit on January 19 to January 20, in particular, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, she will visit the area of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) in Donbas.
Tulsa, Oklahoma--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Renavotio, Inc. (OTCQB: RIII), ("Renavotio," or the "Company") today announced a shareholder update discussing its business operations and the Company's outlook for 2021.

Renavotio believes that President-Elect Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package will benefit state and local economies and their infrastructure development and maintenance programs, which proposes spending $350 billion on state, local and territorial governments and making a $35 billion investment in some state, local, tribal, and non-profit financing programs. Additionally, the package provides proposed assistance for small businesses of $15 billion to create a new grant program for small business owners, separate from the existing Paycheck Protection Program.

The stimulus package proposed funding of $350 billion into state and municipal coffers across the country presents Renavotio with increased bidding opportunities for Oklahoma infrastructure projects, which have been on hold due to the pandemic, resulting in closed municipalities and delayed funding. Utility Management Corp. has consolidated all of it operations at the Ochelata, Oklahoma location, which has reduced operating costs and eliminated duplicated facilities, insurance and management costs.

Cross-Bo Construction has identified and placed bids on 3 regional projects in excess of $2 million dollars and award notification is expected in the first quarter. Cross-Bo will continue to actively pursue the municipal bid market. Utility Management Corp. (UMC) has added two additional water districts to its Utility Management portfolio and plans to double its managed water districts over the next 24 months with an aggressive campaign. UMC continues its push as a smart water infrastructure provider by focusing on "smart" infrastructure data systems and process automation for satellite water system components. Renavotio Infratech has redirected its PPE business to purchase programs with the manufacturers of gloves, masks, gowns and PPE related products, to guarantee product origination, quality, delivery and direct sales to the end users while creating seamless transactions.

"We view this economic stimulus package as very positive for Renavotio as we enter 2021. The proposed financial measures for states and towns should spur further infrastructure, water, and utility development projects and upgrades, and Renavotio plans to capitalize on these new opportunities as they develop. We plan to continue strengthening our financial picture, growing operations by adding new customers and geographies, and expect to benefit from the government stimulus plan," said William "Billy" Robinson, CEO of Renavotio.

ABOUT RENAVOTIO, INC.

Renavotio's business focuses on three unique infrastructure opportunities, including medical protective equipment, 5G, utility construction, utility management, IoT, water, waste management technology, and related industries. www.renavotio.com

The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Renavotio Infratech, Inc. ("RII"), includes business and acquisition strategies concentrating on medical protective equipment and infrastructure with utility construction and consulting/operational agreements with small towns or county CO-OPS that operate their own water and sewer systems, providing long-term savings, utilizing smart-utility monitoring, and dedicated engineering and service personnel. These platforms capture utility data from hand-held GPS devices or in-place sensors, with planned use of drones to identify waste contamination, leak detection, and topographic underground utility installation planning. RII's wholly owned subsidiary, Utility Management Corp, is a holding company focused on infrastructure, 5G, utility construction, utility management, IoT, water and waste management technology, and related industries. Utility Management Corp's subsidiary, Utility Management and Construction (UMCCO) is an engineering and smart utility management company that provides a one-stop solution to rural communities to reduce the consumption of electricity, data, natural gas, and water utilities for commercial, industrial and municipal end users. UMCCO's unique approach creates immediate bottom-line savings for its clients, by providing engineering, planning, permitting and installation through their second wholly owned subsidiary, Cross-Bo Construction, which specializes in water, sewer, Telcom, and 5G design and installation, establishing a long-term value proposition while also achieving respective sustainability goals. www.umcco.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, capital markets, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. No information in this news release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future stock price, revenues, or results of operations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

IR Contact:

Renavotio, Inc.

601 South Boulder Ave.

Suite 600

Tulsa, OK 74119

Email Contact: brobinson@renavotio.com

Telephone: 1-888-928-1312

Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC

Lisa Gray, Senior Account Manager

One Rockefeller Plaza, 11th Floor

New York, NY 10020

Office: (646) 893-5835

Email: lisa@skylineccg.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72344
Jack Schneider and Jennifer Berkshire

In this months episode of NEPC Talks Education, NEPC Researcher Christopher Saldana interviews Jack Schneider and Jennifer Berkshire about their new book, A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School. Professor Schneider (University of Massachusetts Lowell College of Education) is a historian. His research examines how educators, policymakers, and the public develop particular views about what is true, what is effective, and what is important. Jennifer Berkshire is a freelance journalist. She has published articles on education and politics in the Nation, the New Republic, and the Baffler. She teaches aspiring podcasters in the journalism program at Boston College and the Labor Studies program at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Schneider and Berkshire are also co-hosts of the Have You Heard podcast.

In A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door, the authors discuss the political actors who have advocated for market-oriented policies in order to privatize public schools. They explain that the goal of the book is to examine powerful but less well-known state-level groups who have sought to influence and shape the governance of schools, educational policy, and educational practice. The authors argue that it is these state-level interest groups that have consistently and meticulously undermined the public-ness of public schools.

According to Schneider and Berkshire, the desire to make individual choices about education private, as opposed to collective, is at the heart of the privatization agenda. They argue that advocates of privatization seek to narrow the purpose of schooling to the accumulation of human capital for individual gain. Within this approach to schooling, parents decide where their child should learn, what they should learn, and how they should be taught. Like a market for cars or groceries, parents as consumers  not the larger public  determine what are successful schools. The authors explain this approach strips away the democratic purpose of schools. Where democratic schooling is designed to ensure all children receive equal educational opportunities and do so in an environment that integrates students of different backgrounds, a system that relies purely on parental choice  such as universal school vouchers  is designed to segregate students solely by parental preference.

Schneider and Berkshire see signs of hope in the collective movements organized by teachers unions and communities. In their view, if public schools are to survive and thrive, they require a well-organized collective to identify and push back against the contradictions inherent in market-oriented policies. They recommend that readers and listeners familiarize themselves with the groups advocating for privatization and consider how these groups work to influence policy in order to develop long-term strategies that successfully oppose privatization.

A new NEPC Talks Education podcast episode, hosted by Christopher Saldana, will be released each month from September through May.

Dont worry if you miss a month. All episodes are archived on the NEPC website and can be found here.

NEPC podcast episodes are also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher, under the title NEPC Talks Education. Subscribe and follow!

The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: https://nepc.colorado.edu
Understanding the influence of traditional healers in Africa

When he met Pastor Chikumba, Prince* was deeply troubled. Trapped in an extra-marital affair, Prince believed that his mistress had given him a love potion to make him her slave. Prince told the pastor that he was on his way to borrow money for his demanding mistress, and begged the pastor to refer him to a witchdoctor who could break the spell.

The traditional African worldview involves spirits and ancestors, and these are believed to influence all aspects of everyday life. African traditional healers are consulted for birth rituals, death rituals, and just about everything in between: illness, relationship problems and bad luck.

Traditional healers believe they are able to access guidance and exert power by calling upon ancestral spirits. And their influence on African people is profound.

Nearly 60% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa consult traditional healers, and our AE teams are all too familiar with the bondage of their spiritual practices. In Africa, many live in constant fear, and a lack of discipleship has often led to syncretism between Christianity and traditional beliefs. But the undiluted truth of the Gospel has the power to set captives free.

In many ways, African people are more aware of spiritual realities than we are. Perhaps that is why they are so open to faith. And for Prince, faith in Christ changed everything.

After being prayed for, Prince no longer felt compelled to give money to his mistress, and went home to his wife, Lynda*. Prince and Lynda have now joined Pastor Chikumbas church, and are seeing ongoing restoration in their marriage and family. To Prince and Lynda, and to so many believers who call Africa home, the Gospel of Christ means true freedom, from real curses.

Reaching people like Prince and Lynda is our mission, and our privilege, at AE. As our partner, your prayers and generosity are bringing lives from darkness to light. From fear to love. And from captivity to freedom.

*Names changed for privacy
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.
Abu Dhabis government-run oil company is teaming up with two of its sovereign wealth funds to turn the petroleum-rich emirate into an exporter of blue and green hydrogen.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. formed an alliance with Mubadala Investment Co. and ADQ to produce hydrogen from renewable energy, known as green hydrogen, ADQ said in a statement. Adnoc will independently develop blue hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas in a process that captures emissions of carbon dioxide.

In a related deal, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., also known as Masdar, agreed with Siemens Energy AG to develop a facility to make green hydrogen at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, Mubadala said in a statement. Munich-based Siemens Energy is already building a hydrogen demonstration plant at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the neighboring emirate of Dubai.

Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates, will market both versions of the fuel overseas and at home.

How Hydrogen Became the Hottest Thing in Green Energy: QuickTake

Some Middle Eastern states that built their fortunes on oil are seeking to develop hydrogen as fuel, given a shift among some of their buyers toward less-polluting alternatives to crude. Saudi Arabias energy minister has said he wants the kingdom -- the worlds biggest oil exporter -- to become the largest shipper of hydrogen.

Abu Dhabi, like Saudi Arabia, produces natural gas, which it could use to develop blue hydrogen. It also has ample sunshine, which can be harnessed to make green hydrogen. However, the technology is expensive, and both blue and green hydrogen have yet to become cost-competitive with fossil fuels.

Adnoc produces around 300,000 tons of hydrogen annually for its downstream operations, and it intends to expand output to more than 500,000 tons, according to a statement. Its well-placed to build on its advantaged position as a major natural-gas reserves holder and producer," according to ADQ.





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.
The virtual Jaipur International Film Festival ran from 15 to 19 January and screened over 266 films from around the world.

The digital edition of the 13th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) that ran for five days (15 to 19 January) concluded on Tuesday. The event saw 266 movies being screened from 44 countries. The festival saw 72 different categories of awards being given.

The films that were available were viewable on the Plexigo website and App on the days of the festival. Audience could watch the films with prior registration and by downloading the app, according to Times Now.

Of all the films that were screened at the festival, 14 films were not available for online viewing.

According to JIFF spokesperson Rajendra Bora, award-winning films from around the world that could not be released in theatres due to COVID-19 was available for viewing during the five days, writes Filmi Beat.

The Feature Fiction category the Golden Camel Award for Best Director, Red Rose, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Film from European continent went to Dorris Dorrie directorial Cherry Blossoms and Demons (Germany).

Assamese film Porichoy, directed by Rajiv Borthakur won the Yellow Rose Award for Upcoming Film, World Premier, Best Women Film and Special Jury Mention Feature Film.

The Best Actor Award (Child) and Best Music were bagged by the movie Atkan Chatkan directed by Shiv Hare, presented by A R Rahman in Hindi.

The Highland Reflections directed by Yang Fan, Golden Chen from China won the Award for Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Film from the Asian continent.

The Green Rose Award for the movie that gives Global Message, Best Political and Current Issue goes to Kaali Maati, directed by Hemant Kumar Mahale (India).

The Award for Best Jaipur Critics Film went to US director Gabiral Bolgna's Tango Shalom, while the Golden Camel Award for Best Director and Best Documentary Feature went to Taking Refuge, directed by Vanessa Hudson (Spain). The Welcome Regards Award for Best Debutante Director went to Juan directed by Louise Heem (France) and Pink Belt Mission directed by John McCrite (United States).

Abirami Bose won the best actress award for Ratricha Paus. the best actor award also went to Vagabonds directed by Philippe Dajoux (France).

The Best Children's Film Award went to Atkan Chatkan (India), while Best Actress in a Supporting Role was nabbed by Being Mortal (China).

Best Actor in a Supporting Role was won by Daria (Czech Republic), while Best Original Screenplay Award was given to both Oldage Villagers, directed by Vaigarai Balan (India) and The Highland Reflections (China).

Daria also won Best Sound and Editing Award, while Best Cinematography went to The Highland Reflections.

The JIFF 2021 website says this year's festival was dedicated to all the great filmmakers and artists who passed away in 2020.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy rain and flooding in parts of the north and east of England that could pose a danger to life.

Severe weather set to batter the UK this week through Storm Christoph could bring significant flooding across some areas, according to the Environment Agency, which described the situation as volatile.

The Met Office said torrential downpours were likely on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

People in the north, centre and east of England are being urged to look out for flood alerts and warnings as councils prepare for possible evacuations should a severe flood warning be issued.

Heavy rainfall is expected to hit the UK overnight on Tuesday, with some areas forecast to see up to 200mm of downpours over the first half of the week.

Melting snow across the hills is likely to add to flooding, causing damage to some buildings and disruption to travel, forecasters said.

There is also a chance that some communities may be cut off by flooded roads, and power cuts will occur.

"That rain is falling on very wet ground and so we are very concerned that it's a very volatile situation and we are expecting significant flooding to occur on the back of that weather," warned Catherine Wright, acting executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency.

Asked how many homes could be affected, she said: "We won't know exactly what happens until the water gets on the ground, but this is the time to take action and be ready and prepared for that flooding should it occur.

"We know the rain is coming, we know broadly the areas that we're worried about but it's too early to say exactly where the rain will fall and how much flooding it will cause."

She said the Environment Agency would be working with local authorities to help with evacuation efforts should a severe flood warning be issued.

"If you do need to evacuate then that is allowed within the Covid rules the hovernment has," she added.

"The local authorities and emergency services will operate any evacuations locally, they will provide instructions to anybody who's unfortunately in that position and it's important to follow and do exactly what they say."

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Tuesday and Wednesday for central northern England, affecting an area around Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield and stretching down to Peterborough.

It warned more than 100mm of rain is expected across the higher ground with potentially 150-200mm in the most exposed areas.

Large swathes of the Midlands, northern England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland are covered by a yellow rain warning, which will likely lead to disruption throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

A yellow rain alert is also in place for most of northern England and Wales from Tuesday to Wednesday, before most of the UK comes under the warning on Thursday.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is also in force, stretching from Dundee to Elgin and across to the east coast of Scotland from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday midday.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has issued nine flood warnings covering parts of Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, with a further 90 flood alerts.

Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said a "major incident" had been declared at a South Yorkshire level in preparation for potential flooding.

In a tweet, Ms Jones said emergency protocols were instigated on Sunday and would run alongside the region's Covid response - with the council and partner agencies monitoring the situation.

She said: "I do not want people to panic, but flooding is possible so please be prepared."

Ms Wright urged people to sign up to the flood warning service to receive updates, adding: "If you receive a flood alert, that's the time to prepare, put medical supplies and insurance documents in a bag that you can take with you.

"If you receive a flood warning that means you are at risk of flooding imminently, so please put your precious possessions upstairs in your house and be ready to turn off your water supply, electricity and gas."

On how severe the impact of Storm Christoph could be, she said: "We had seen a lot of wet weather, last winter was particularly wet, and we are expecting some big rainfall totals on this weather.

"But the particular issue is that the rain will be falling for some considerable time on very wet ground and that makes the situation very volatile and it's very important that people prepare for that weather."

She said the Environment Agency will deploy pumps, barriers and other equipment, while the opening of flood storage reservoirs is being prepared.

Highways England has advised drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads and to prepare before setting out on essential journeys.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road user safety at Highways England, said: "Most of us already slow down in snow, ice or fog but when it rains we consider it normal so don't adapt our driving.

"Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead - significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision."
India will start exporting Covid-19 vaccines from Wednesday, paving the way for many mid- and lower-income countries to get supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca drug, of which it said it plans to ship millions of doses within days. Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine producer, told Reuters last week it soon expected emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for that vaccine, which SII has been licensed to make. The foreign ministry said shipments would start on Wednesday following requests from ...
Being a decadeslong subscriber to the Chicago Tribune, I cant help but be alarmed at the increased reliance on The Associated Press and The New York Times for national and international stories. I fully understand that it is no longer practical to have reporters in every major U.S. city, which necessitates the reliance on outside sources. What I object to is the Tribunes reliance on coverage that many see as outwardly liberal and biased against conservatives.
Considering the importance of the development of emotional intelligence in children, Parle Products, Indias leading biscuits and confectionery manufacturer, has launched the next leg of #GManeGenius campaign with three advertisements. All the films are inspired by the heartfelt life-message: "Jo auron ki khushi mein, paye apni khushi", wherein Parle-G forms an integral part of the narrative. The objective of the campaign is to invoke conversations among the audience about genius beyond cognitive intelligence.

Parle-G as a brand has always been an advocate of believing in good deeds. Staying true to these emotions, Parle-G has stood up as a relief during any natural calamities to aid starving people and maintain low pricing of the product. This is also in line with the distributed 3 crores packs of Parle-G biscuit to the poor and needy earlier in 2020, that inspired the brand to contribute more towards a humble and caring narrative. This campaign brings out the persona of the brand and awareness to these timeless values about finding happiness by helping others.

The TVCs have been conceptualized to highlight emotional intelligence in children; who are selfless and believe in goodness, happiness and wellbeing of others. It is an initiative from Parle Products recognizing the importance of self-awareness to understand the surrounding with greater empathy. Each film is a depiction of courage and generosity, and how parents are looking to ensure their children learn these core values early in their life.

Commenting on the campaign, Mayank Shah, Sr. Category Head, Parle Products, said, We are excited to launch such a valuable campaign which is close to our beliefs for the Parle-G biscuits brand. The message - "In the joy of others, lies our own", is the overall theme of the ads that showcases qualities like empathy and kindness, which is much-needed in the world that we live in today.

Emotional intelligence is not talked about or recognized in our early years that strengthens our character with self and social awareness. There is a need to walk that extra mile to support and make people happy. I hope that these films inspire and connect with our loyal customers and their strong association with Parle-G.

Vinod Kunj, Managing Director at Thought Blurb Advt. Ltd. agency is the mind behind the newly launched TVCs. According to him, For close to a century, Parle-G has been a part of the fabric of India and is a symbol of goodness for its people. It has straddled the platform of smartness and intelligence of children while owning the space of the genius of childhood.

In the age of self, anxiety and self-preservation, little kids are naturally endowed with a deep sense of empathy but the environment of today kills that natural gift. We wanted to shine a light on this amazing ability kids have to make a difference, to touch our hearts and open our eyes to the people around us.

We knew we had an extraordinary opportunity to send a strong message to a generation of children trying to make sense of the world around them. The films bring out the sensitivity of children and how alive and alert they are to their surroundings. The protagonist in every film rises up to the occasion and comes up with intelligent solutions for their family, friends and community. This is true genius: To be able to make a difference to the world we live in.

Ad credits:

Client: Parle Products

Brand: Parle G

Senior Category Head: Mayank Shah

Product Manager: Megha Thakare

Dy. Brand Manager: Dhaval Gurnani

Agency: Thoughtblurb

Chief Creative Officer: Vinod Kunj

Executive Creative Director: Renu Somani

Senior Creative Director: Shahid Hussain

Executive Director: Nidha Luthra

Brand Solutions Director: Israa Khan

Production House: Thunder Films

Director: Tarannum Pasricha
The Government intends to give the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) sweeping new powers to carry out surveillance and intercept communications to fight cartels.

According to a consultation document published last week by the Department of Business, Employment and Innovation, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar is seeking changes to competition law to allow the CCPC to bypass An Garda Siochana and the Courts Service to gather evidence of white collar crimes.

The new law will include provisions to wiretap telephone conversations, access internet communications and obtain clandestine recordings of private meetings.

Currently the CCPC only has access to metadata, which shows when individuals have been communicating, but does not provide the content of those communications.

Read More

The change is part of a package of measures to strengthen the CCPC's capacity to clamp down on business conspiracies. They include new rules on bid-rigging and new authority to prosecute "gun jumping" on mergers, when parties complete a merger illicitly after failing to notify the commission.

"In order to ensure that the CCPC has sufficient power to gather all relevant evidence in investigations of cartels (and bid-rigging), and for that evidence to be admissible in both the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings, the Minister wishes to give the CCPC the power to undertake: (i) Interception and recording of electronic communications; and (ii) Video and audio surveillance of suspects," the document states.

The proposals would vastly increase the power of the CCPC to detect, investigate and prosecute illegal cartel activities, but would put Ireland out of step with much of Europe. Among EU states only Austria has similar provisions.

The forthcoming Competition (Amendment) Bill 2021 will transpose an EU directive into Irish law, but also includes amendments unrelated to the directive but increasing other powers of the CCPC.

Those other powers, which are the subject of the consultation, move Ireland closer to regimes in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Israel.

Legal sources said the changes represented a significant extension of powers for the CCPC and would make it the only other State agency authorised to spy on suspected criminals. However, the sources said that the new law would help the CCPC uncover covert activity and meet the high burden of criminal evidence.

Further provisions in the law would also allow the CCPC to retroactively undo mergers that it judges have substantially reduced competition in any market.

"Any powers such as these would need robust safeguards to protect us all from State over-reach into our lives," said Liam Herrick, executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. "These would include, for example, proof of necessity and a demonstration to show that any interception would be a proportional interference with our right to privacy. Systems of oversight of any proposed system of interception must be in place."
Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, said on Tuesday that the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 had been provoked by the president and other powerful people, stating publicly for the first time that he holds President Trump at least partly responsible for the assault.

The mob was fed lies, Mr. McConnell said, referring to attempts by Mr. Trump to overturn the election based on bogus claims of voter fraud. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. And they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like.

Mr. McConnell made the remarks on his last full day as majority leader, speaking on the eve of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s inauguration and as the Senate was bracing to receive a single article of impeachment from the House charging Mr. Trump with incitement of insurrection.

The Kentucky Republican has indicated privately that he believes that Mr. Trump committed impeachable offenses, but he has said he has yet to decide whether to vote to convict the president, and many senators in his party are awaiting a sign from Mr. McConnell before making their own judgments. It would take 17 Republicans joining all 50 Democrats to find the president guilty, which would allow the Senate to hold a second vote to disqualify Mr. Trump from public office in the future.
West Virginia Leads Nation in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Administration

As states around the country struggle to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers and the older population in long-term care facilities, West Virginia is leading the nation in both areas, with its immunization rate for these groups at almost 100 percent.

Right now, were at 98.1 percent, as far as vaccines in peoples arms or names tied to it, you know, that are going to be put into peoples arms immediately, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice told Face the Nation on Jan. 17.

Were saving all kinds of lives. Were putting our kids back in school. West Virginia has been the diamond in the rough that a lot of people have missed, he added.

The state has administered both doses of the vaccine to a total of 146,937 people as of Jan. 15, with an administration rate of 93.7 percent for the first dose and an 80 percent for the second, according to a press release. The state has a population of around 1.8 million.

Meanwhile, the more populous state of Texas, with a population of some 29 million, has distributed just over 2 million doses and administered just under 1.2 million, as of Jan. 18, the CDC stated. California, with 39.5 million people, has distributed more than 3.5 million doses and administered just under 1.1 million.

Justice, a Republican, credits West Virginias successful vaccine rollout to its regional community vaccination approach that has been working with local pharmacies and health departments, with help from the National Guard.

A lot of governors sat on their hands trying to come up with a system or a formula of what they were going to do. We didnt sit on our hands. I mean, we acted, he said. We brought our local pharmacies in. We brought our local, you know, health departments in. We brought our National Guard in, and we started putting shots in peoples arms because this thing is all about age, age, age.

West Virginia is the only state to not participate in the federal program that relies heavily on vaccines being administered by national chains like Walgreens and CVS. Justice says thats because there are so many people that depend on their local health departments [and] their local pharmacies.

The state also became the first to finish offering the vaccine to the staff and residents of all the 214 nursing homes and assisted living facilities before the end of December 2020.

In that same month, 42 people were mistakenly injected with an antibody cocktail instead of a vaccine at a clinic in Boone County. All of the people were immediately given the COVID-19 vaccine and no adverse reactions were reported due to the error.

More than 31 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been distributed nationwide, but only over 12 million Americans have received the injection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
President Trump was sitting in the Oval Office one day in late November when a call came in from lawyer Sidney Powell. "Ugh, Sidney," he told the staff in the room before he picked up. "She's getting a little crazy, isn't she? She's really gotta tone it down. No one believes this stuff. It's just too much."

President Trump was sitting in the Oval Office one day in late November when a call came in from lawyer Sidney Powell. "Ugh, Sidney," he told the staff in the room before he picked up. "She's getting a little crazy, isn't she? She's really gotta tone it down. No one believes this stuff. It's just too much."

He put the call on speakerphone for the benefit of his audience. Powell was raving about a national security crisis involving the Iranians flipping votes in battleground states. Trump pressed mute and laughed mockingly.

"So what are we gonna do about it, Sidney?" Trump would say every few seconds, whipping Powell more and more into a frenzy. He was having fun with it. "She really is crazy, huh?" he said, again with his finger on the mute button.

It was clear that Trump recognized how unhinged his outside legal advisers were. But he was becoming increasingly desperate about losing to Joe Biden, and Powell and her crew were willing to keep feeding the grand lie that the election could be overturned.

They were selling Trump a seductive but delusional vision: a clear and achievable path to victory. The only catch: He'd have to stop listening to his government and campaign staffs, to cross the Rubicon and view them as liars, quitters and traitors.

Trump's new gang of advisers shared some common traits. They were sycophants who craved an audience with the president. They were hardcore conspiracy theorists. The other striking commonality within this crew was that all of them had, at one point in their lives, done impressive, professional, mainstream work.

Rudy Giuliani once was "America's Mayor," hailed for his handling of 9/11. Powell was a successful attorney who defended Enron. Michael Flynn was a decorated three-star general whom Obama fired and then Trump brought back as his national security adviser, before firing him and ultimately pardoning him. Lin Wood was a nationally known defamation lawyer. Patrick Byrne made a small fortune launching the internet retailer Overstock.com.

One exception was Jenna Ellis. She had a thin legal resume, and had in the 2016 campaign season used adjectives like "idiot," "boorish," "arrogant," "bully," and "disgusting" to characterize Trump and his behavior. But during Trump's presidency, she pushed her way into his inner circle, powered by levels of televised obsequiousness remarkable even for Trumpworld.

Powell and Wood distinguished themselves with their extremism. Even Giuliani began distancing himself, telling anyone who'd listen that Powell didn't represent the president. But Trump promoted Powell as part of his team, and even though he had privately admitted to aides that he thought she was "crazy," he still wanted to hear what she had to say.

"Sometimes you need a little crazy," Trump told one official.

While Trump's campaign team  experienced attorneys such as Justin Clark and Matt Morgan  were scrutinizing issues such as signature verification and access to room monitoring for vote counting, Powell was appealing to Trump's personal mantra to "Think Big!"

She presented the president with a sweeping, multinational conspiracy of foreign interference at a scale never seen before in American history. The fact that she had no evidence that could hold up in court was a minor detail.

Powell and Flynn told Trump he couldn't trust his team. That appealed to a paranoid mentality that always lurked beneath his surface: The FBI was corrupt. His CIA was working against him, and his intelligence community was, too. Why else weren't they showing him the evidence that China, Venezuela, Iran and various other communists had stolen his election win?

To help him bypass these obstacles, they'd need Trump to give them top-level security clearances so they could get to the bottom of the "stolen" election. Trump liked this idea. Why not make Powell a special counsel in charge of election fraud? Why not give her and Flynn the clearances?

Trump's professional staff had learned over time that they had to pick their moments to fight back. On the question of Powell, chief of staff Mark Meadows and White House counsel Pat Cipollone were of one mind: No way was she getting a top secret clearance.

Powell and Flynn sent Trump advisers documents they said contained the evidence of this far-reaching conspiracy. To the White House staff, it was gibberish  the rantings of a QAnon devotee. But these documents  perhaps the most deranged materials to reach a modern U.S. president  found their way to the West Wing.

According to documents obtained by Axios, Powell and her crew advised Trump that a foreign conspiracy to steal the election involved a coordinated cyberwarfare attack from China, Russia, Iran, Iraq and North Korea.

In arguments in front of Trump in the Oval Office, White House officials pushed back aggressively.

What Powell was claiming to have uncovered would have been the greatest foreign attack in American history. Yet the U.S. intelligence community had seen no evidence of it.

But Powell had an answer for that too: The reason Trump hadn't heard about this from his intelligence officials was because they were actively subverting him and hiding crucial information from him.

His dog whistle to QAnon conspiracy theorists  a curiosity prompted once he learned they "love Trump"  dated back to at least the summer.

On July 1, 2020, Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and top political aides in the Oval Office for an update on Senate races. Trump was holding a printed slide deck showing the latest key data points, like polling and cash on hand, for the closely watched Colorado Senate race between Republican Cory Gardner and Democrat John Hickenlooper.

Trump looked at the deck and immediately said, "How about that primary last night?"

QAnon-enthusiast Lauren Boebert had won the Republican primary for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. Consensus in the room was that Boebert's victory was a stunner. The president then addressed McConnell. "You know shes a believer in that QAnon," he said. "Are you familiar with that, Mitch?" McConnell sat there stone-faced. He didn't move a muscle.

"You know, people say they're into all kinds of bad things and say all kinds of terrible things about them," Trump added. "But, you know, my understanding is they basically are just people who want good government."

The room fell silent. Nobody knew how to respond.

Then all of a sudden Meadows burst out laughing. "I have heard them described a lot of ways, but never quite like that," he said. The meeting participants broke down laughing. "In terror, quite candidly," said a source in the room.

Powell filled the Trumpian Venn diagram between conspiracy theorists and sycophants. She offered the comforting deceptions that Trump was craving in his desperate post-election days and that the people on his team who had actual experience in election law refused to serve him.

In the false and baseless theory she crafted, America's enemies had used two CIA programs  a foreign surveillance program called the "Hammer" and a cyberwarfare weapon called "Scorecard"  to steal U.S. elections.

Her evidence was based on claims from a California computer programmer with a long track record of hawking fantastic-sounding technology. Powell and Flynn claimed that the CIA had been using these programs nefariously since 2009.

Documents her team shared with Trump advisers falsely claimed that top Obama administration intelligence officials John Brennan and Jim Clapper  both enemies of Trump's  had illegally commandeered Hammer to advance Obama's supposed ambition of turning America into a communist client state. They further claimed that Brennan and Clapper had taken the program's source code with them when they left office. China had now mysteriously acquired Hammer, Powell argued.

They described this as an act of war in an Oval Office appearance on Dec. 18. No response should be considered too bold, they said. Trump needed to use the full force of the U.S. government to seize Dominion voting machines and catch the "traitors."

That an American president was even entertaining any of this, raised questions about the state of his mind and his capacity to fulfill his duties.

The evening before that meeting, Giuliani had phoned his old friend, Ken Cuccinelli, second in command at the Department of Homeland Security, asking him whether DHS could seize voting machines. "No," Cuccinelli told Giuliani, politely but firmly. His department did not have that legal authority.

By this point, Trump was mainlining conspiracies. Many of his longest-serving advisers had all but given up trying to reason with him.

His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, billed once by Newsweek as the most influential presidential relative since Bobby Kennedy, receded from the discussions when it came to countering the crazies. Once Giuliani took over, Kushner subsided from view, trying to cut last minute deals in the Middle East and burnish his foreign policy legacy. This frustrated some of his colleagues. Serious intervention was required on the domestic front.

Whether Trump himself was still in charge, or had ceded decision-making to the bottom feeders, was at least an open question.

 Listen to Jonathan Swan on Axios' new investigative podcast series, called "How it happened: Trump's last stand."

About this series: Our reporting is based on multiple interviews with current and former White House, campaign, government and congressional officials as well as direct eyewitnesses and people close to the president. Sources have been granted anonymity to share sensitive observations or details they would not be formally authorized to disclose. President Trump and other officials to whom quotes and actions have been attributed by others were provided the opportunity to confirm, deny or respond to reporting elements prior to publication.

"Off the rails" is reported by White House reporter Jonathan Swan, with writing, reporting and research assistance by Zach Basu. It was edited by Margaret Talev and Mike Allen and copy edited by Eileen O'Reilly. Illustrations by Sarah Grillo, Aida Amer and Eniola Odetunde.
Don't mess with Texas Scholarship Contest Opens to High School Seniors

Applications are now available for the 2021 Don't mess with Texas Scholarship Contest. This contest recognizes Texas high school seniors who are taking an active role in litter prevention in their school or community.

The contest is open to any Texas high school senior currently attending public, private or home school and planning to attend an accredited college or university in the Fall 2021 semester. The contest will award a total of $9,000 in scholarships to three winners in May 2021.

"We're looking for students who are developing exciting and creative solutions to keep Texas litter-free," said Becky Ozuna, program administrator for the Don't mess with Texas program. "We aim to shine a spotlight on their innovations in the hope of inspiring other Texans to do their part to keep our state beautiful."

To enter the Don't mess with Texas Scholarship Contest, visit dontmesswithtexas.org. Applications must be received via online submission by 5:00 p.m. ( CDT (News - Alert) ) March 31, 2021. Sponsors for the Don't mess with Texas Scholarship include Buc-ee's and iHeart Media.







Don't mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. The program includes a grassroots partnership with the Keep Texas Beautiful organization, annual "Trash-Off" community outreach events and the Adopt-a-Highway volunteer program.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.

Don't mess with Texas is a registered trademark of the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.

Connecting You with Texas

www.txdot.gov | TxDOT on Facebook | TxDOT on Twitter

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005941/en/
Kildare pharmacists have supported the high-profile #bestshot campaign by the Leinster Leader and KildareNow to fast-track Covid-19 vaccines to local pharmacies.



People are being urged to sign a petition on the issue which will be delivered to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly so the people of Kildare can let the government know that they believe that the vaccine should be delivered straight to our local communities  through our local pharmacies.



Kilian McGreal, managing director of the McGreals pharmacy group which has outlets in Newbridge, Monasterevin, Kill, Portarlington, Blessington and Baltinglass, said he believes there is a high degree of trust among communities for their local pharmacy.

He told the Leader: This will define us as a business in terms of how we support this vaccination programme.

He added: Our pharmacy staff have been meeting members of the public every day since the start of the public health pandemic so we are a reassuring presence on the streets of their towns.

Therefore pharmacies are very well placed to administer the vaccine when it is safe to do so.

McGreals pharmacy in Blessington is also planning a drive-thru vaccination centre which will allow patients to be triaged, administered with the vaccine and then monitored before they return home.

Mr McGreal said that his outlets were among the first retail outlets to begin taking precautions such as perspex screens and social distancing rules as well as air purification systems.

The company has also donated thousands of euro worth of hand sanitizer to local clubs and organisations.



Supporting the #bestshot campaign, pharmacist Claire Roche of the Vista Pharmacy in Naas said: The sooner we can get vaccines into pharmacies the safer we will all be in our communities.

Ms Roche, who is a member of he Roche family that owns Vista Pharmacy, said it is expected that the AstraZeneca vaccine will be rolled out to pharmacies because it is easier to store in fridges.

The pharmacist said that in order to protect customers and staff, her pharmacy introduced a drive-thru facility as well as a customer hatch on the front of the premises so close contacts dont have to enter the shop.

She added that her mother and sister carry out free deliveries of prescriptions and other products to vulnerable customers across Kildare.

Meanwhile pharmacist Jim Connolly of Connollys Pharmacy in Kildare town said:

I support this campaign in principle.

The sooner the wider community is vaccinated the better  and many pharmacies are very well placed to administer the 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.
Dozens of La Crosse, Wis.-area wells are contaminated with forever chemicals known as PFAS, tests revealed.

At least 40 wells that provide private drinking water on French Island are contaminated with PFAS levels above recommended standards, the La Crosse Tribune reported.

The findings come after La Crosse tested more than 100 private wells downstream from the La Crosse Regional Airport, which is situated on the northern half of the island along the Black River. The island is in the town of Campbells jurisdiction, but the city operates the airport. PFAS contamination was first found in wells near the airport in 2016. The chemicals are believed to have originated from firefighting foam used during training and crashes at the airport.

A study found that pressure from Lake Onalaska, on the north end of French Island, moves groundwater southeastward through the island and toward the Black River, helping scientists better track the possible spread of the pollution. The city plans to test another 50 wells near those already tested.

Officials told community members during a public information session Tuesday that 109 wells were tested between last October and Jan. 5. All but one showed some amount of PFAS contamination. Nine of the 40 wells with above-standard contamination had concentrations of at least 1,000 parts per trillion, with the highest level around 3,200 parts per trillion, which is 160 times higher than the states current safety threshold.

The chemicals dont break down easily in the environment and have been linked to cancer, liver disease and reproductive health problems.

The city has deployed $25,000 worth of five-gallon bottles of water to 36 homes on the island. Mayor Tim Kabat said the city will continue to offer water until a long-term solution is found. That could include replacing wells or connecting town residents to city water systems.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Wisconsin
A North Side church with a predominantly Hispanic congregation was targeted by vandals over the weekend, its spiritual leader said Monday.

The damage to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 610 Avalon St., was discovered after threats were posted online about attacks against places of worship nationwide. The Rev. Luis Ivan Echandia said Sunday's incident was no accident.

"This is a hate crime," Echandia said. "It is not a coincidence that we were advised of possible attacks and then had this."

Echandia said he has been with the church, of about 100 members, since 2018. He believes the vandalism occurred between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

San Antonio police were called to the church Sunday afternoon and took a report. Services for Gethsemane Lutheran, which are now virtual because of the pandemic, were not affected and continued.

The church sustained damage to its grounds and building, and Echandia noted a ladder had been torn apart. Tire tracks destroyed the landscaping and steps into the church were damaged.

On Saturday, leadership within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Southwestern Texas Synod informed Echandia and other congregations that threats of violence have been made leading to Wednesdays inauguration of Joe Biden. While no official warning from FBI has been issued, church leaders said there is chatter among white supremacy groups about plans to attack liberal activists and churches on Jan. 17 and 20, a letter from the Southwestern Texas Synod said.

Because Gethsemanes services are currently virtual, Echandia said he is not worried about his congregation, but he believes what happened to their church on Sunday is a sign of the times in America.

Im not sure how much the damages will cost, but the money isnt whats important. What is important is that this was a message of hate against our community, Echandia said.
Companies Dangle Incentives to Spur Employees to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Workers at several companies are being offered money if they get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid reluctance from some to be vaccinated.

Dollar General is giving hourly workers who get a COVID-19 vaccine the equivalent of four hours of pay. The company said its one way to remove barriers to getting vaccinated. Salaried workers are receiving additional store labor hours.

Instacart, the grocery delivery platform, is doling out a $25 payment to workers if they get vaccinated.

Our goal with the introduction of our new Vaccine Support Stipend is to ensure that, when the time comes, Instacart shoppers dont have to choose between earning income as an essential service provider or getting vaccinated, Instacart founder Apoorva Mehta said in a statement.

And Trader Joes will pay employees the equivalent of two hours of work for each dose of a vaccine they get. The only two authorized COVID-19 vaccines require two doses spaced apart by several weeks. The company is also promising to adjust schedules so workers can get vaccinated.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Few companies or other entities have so far required vaccinations.

We understand the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is a personal choice, and although we are encouraging employees to take it, we are not requiring them to do so, Dollar General said in a statement.

But hospitals and others are also nudging employees to get a shot, amid widespread skepticism of the vaccines in part because of how quickly they were developed.

People walk by a Dollar General store in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Dec. 11, 2018. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Staff members at Gracedale, a nursing home in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, were told last month theyd get $750 if they receive both doses.

The countys council said officials at Gracedale believe there may be some reticence on the part of some staff to be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccination due in part to the rapidity of its development.

Polls show a significant portion of Americans wont get a COVID-19 vaccine or are leaning against getting one. The vaccines received the fastest authorizations in history; most vaccines take 10 years or more to develop.

I am definitely concerned that health care workers are electing to wait to get vaccinated. And to me, it really makes it exceedingly important that we get correct information to health care workers and that we quickly dispense with myths and misinformation, Dr. Nancy Messonnier of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters in a call earlier this month, adding that data shows the vaccines are safe and effective despite a higher rate of adverse reactions in those injected when compared to flu vaccines.

In Texas, workers at Houston Methodist Hospital learned they would receive $500 if they get vaccinated.

Eligibility criteria will include getting a COVID-19 vaccination, fulfilling our obligation as health care workers to lead the community, Marc Boom, CEO of the hospital system, stated in an internal memo circulated online.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas was more creative. Firefighters who get vaccinated, he said in a memo, would be entered into a raffle that includes prizes such as Airbnb gift cards, Canary cameras, and Aventon fixed-gear bicycles.
Maharashtra: Fishermen can claim compensation only thrice a year for rescue of endangered marine life: Maharashtra fisheries department

by Priyanka Sahoo

January 19,2021 | Source: Hindustan Times

Fishermen claiming compensation for rescuing and releasing marine life into the sea can now do so only three times a year. The state government has introduced an upper limit to the number of claims one can file and the amount that can be claimed to the compensation scheme for the fishing community. In a notification issued last week, the state fisheries department has announced a new structure for the compensation scheme for conservation practices by the fishing community. Endangered marine animals, protected under various schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, get caught in large trawler fishing nets and are rescued by cutting these nets. However, while the animals survive once the nets are cut the fishing community endures a loss due to damaged nets. Changes to the compensation scheme, which was introduced in 2018 to encourage conservation practices by fishermen, were proposed by the state mangrove cell to ensure more fishermen take advantage of it instead of the rewards going to those making multiple claims through the year. The compensation is provided once the fisherman can submit proof of the release and damage to nets.



The compensation amount, which was earlier ?25,000 for rescuing all kinds of marine life and releasing them into the sea, has been lowered for smaller species to ?12,500. For instance, for rescuing and releasing sea turtles, such as the Olive Ridley, green sea, loggerhead and hawksbill, fishermen will receive ?12,500 for their first claim. One fisherman can make claims only three times a year. The compensation for the second claim will be ?10,000 and for the third will be ?8,000. The compensation will remain ?25,000 for the first claim for rescuing and releasing larger species such as the whale shark, Gangetic shark, Pondicherry shark, sawfish, giant guitarfish, leatherback turtle, dolphins and whales. Compensation for subsequent claims has been reduced to ?20,000 and ?15,000.



Since the start of the scheme, we have disbursed ?25 lakh to fishermen for their conservation efforts. However, we have noticed that some fishermen make multiple claims throughout the year. It cant be that all these rare species are getting trapped in the nets of only a handful of fishermen. Therefore, we had proposed an upper limit on the number of claims one can file, said Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forest (mangrove cell). The compensation scheme for conservation practices was launched by the mangrove cell and fisheries department on December 21, 2018, and was subsequently passed by the state cabinet. The mangrove cell had also found that the damage caused to nets by releasing smaller species was not very high, and therefore proposed to reduce the compensation, Tiwari added.
KNOXVILLE, TN -- Lessons for youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics don't have to use robotics, rockets or geographic information system mapping, although all are often employed. STEM learning can be as simple as observing the natural world around us. And learning to do so turns youth into citizen scientists.

Andrew Lantz, a 4-H youth development agent with University of Tennessee-Tennessee State University Extension Davidson County, uses wild birds to teach youth STEM concepts. The lesson plans he developed to engage youth in STEM studies involving birds have won him a first-place award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, as announced during the organization's virtual conference late last fall. The organization selected Lantz's curriculum as the top winner in the category of communications awards -- individual education piece.

The curriculum also assists youth to become citizen scientists. In this growing area of emphasis for scientific studies, ordinary citizens help to collect data that helps researchers test hypotheses and develop large data sets, many of which would not be possible were it not for the contributions of members of the public. In Lantz's lessons, for example, youth learn to take bird inventories that contribute to population estimates of different bird species.

"Many STEM skills are really just understanding the nature of how science works," Lantz says. "So we can go out and make a list of the birds we see, and there are so many different conversations we can have."

One example, he adds, is data presentation. "We can see five cedar waxwings fly by and then they disappear and two waxwings land on the feeder. And I ask 'how many waxwings is that?' Some youth will say seven, and others will say, those are just two from the original five. We then proceed to discuss gathering data and wanting to avoid assumptions, which is a foundation of scientific research."

While Lantz' curriculum begins with the basics--what citizen science is, how to use binoculars, and how to create an eBird checklist at eBird.org, which students use to document the species they see--his lessons quickly pivot to encouraging youth to ask questions and identify ways to find scientific answers.

"Learning to conduct citizen science in general is a really good entry point for kids to realize that you don't have to be a professional scientist to help inform scientists to do better conservation work," Lantz says. "So recognizing that they're a part of science is really great."

The learning-by-doing approach teaches youth about healthy living, including moving more and being aware of calories and nutrition. In "Bird Olympics," children time themselves as they sprint 100 yards, then learn how to convert their speed to that of the flights of birds. From there, they may learn, "I'm faster than a house sparrow, but I'm slower than a crow." The youth also see how fast they can flap their arms like wings, how far away they can detect smells, and then compare the energy they receive from a healthy snack to the nutrition birds derive from insects and seeds.

Lantz developed a total of four lesson plans and then rounded out the curriculum with resources for further learning drawn from teaching materials called Flying Wild, from which the Bird Olympics are drawn, and a myriad resources from the prestigious Cornell University Lab of Ornithology.

Lantz has been teaching Davidson County youth lessons about birds since 2017, when Nashville became one of six U.S. cities to receive national 4-H council grants to develop teaching on healthy living and STEM for use in 4-H clubs. Lantz, a former science teacher himself, soon began presenting the birding lessons in schools, in after-school programs at about 12 Metro area schools. From there, he began teaching birding in summer camps at the UT 4-H Center in Columbia and in a Tennessee State University camp in the university, which Lantz created with TSU's Tom Broyles called 4-H Grows Scientists and Leaders program. In all, Lantz estimates he has reached more than 2,000 area youth at 15 to 17 schools.

In 2018, at the suggestion of then-regional 4-H specialist Jamie Harris, Lantz set out to formalize the lessons into detailed, written curriculum that others could use and teach. He teamed with curriculum specialist Jennifer Richards, an assistant professor with the UT Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, on the effort. The outcome is UT Extension publication W 799, Citizen Science: Birding, Introduction to Birds and Their Behavior. The publication is available for free so other 4-H agents, schoolteachers and home schoolers, among others, can use it for their programs. The publication can be found at tiny.utk.edu/birding.

"STEM programming is an integral part of the 4-H youth development program," says Justin Crowe, UT's director and state 4-H program leader. "Being able to educate youth using non-traditional programs, especially in an urban setting, is a wonderful opportunity to get young people excited about learning STEM concepts. We are proud of Andrew for receiving this award."

###

In addition to teaching the curriculum, Lantz also serves as adviser for an area youth birding club, which meets on Saturdays at Shelby Bottoms. He also presents adult beginning and intermediate birding classes through Nashville Community Education. The portion of funds he receives from those fee-based courses is used to support 4-H club activities.

To learn more about the birding curricula and programs, contact Lantz at the UT-TSU Extension Office. The number is 615-862-5995.

Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.
News of Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck's plagued news sites on Monday.

In the past couple of months, the PDA-packed couple has been spotted in the streets of Los Angeles engulfed in each other's arms.

Many believed that they're the real deal after seeming so serious after meeting on the set of "Deep Water." They even moved in just last month at the "Batman" star's $20 million Pacific Palisades home.

But ten months later, Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck are officially over.

According to the New York Post, the "Knives Out" star is moving out of the home she shares with her boyfriend and that she's trying to find a place somewhere "across town" far away from her ex-boyfriend as it's going to be on the "opposite side of town."

A source from Los Angeles revealed to the outlet, "She's been looking at houses in the $25,000 to $35,000 range in West Hollywood herself."

Perhaps the 32-year-old now regrets putting her Venice, California home on the market when she decided to cohabitate with Jennifer Garner's former husband.

Ana de Armas is said to be determined to have a change in scenery, away from Los Angeles' west side amid her breakup from Ben Affleck, who starred in movies such as "Justice League," "Pearl Harbor" and "Armageddon."

Meanwhile, her relationship status and address aren't just the things going to change.

In a YouTube video appearance for her friend on January 17, Ana de Armas was seen sporting a shorter haircut with a full, feathery fringe that framed her face. It also seemed like she dyed her hair darker.

The entire video showed the "No Time to Die" actress in a hotel room wearing a plain white tee with gold jewelry.

News of Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' split came at the start of 2021, but a new report from People magazine confirmed the rumors after users on social media have been speculating for weeks.

One Twitter user said, "Convinced that Ben Affleck & Ana de Armas have broken up because she went to stay with family in Cuba and got bangs."

Additionally, their breakup was said to have happened over the phone because Ana stayed in Cuba for the past few weeks.

A source told People, "They have had numerous discussions about their future, and they decided together to break up."

They further claimed that the actress broke up with her A-lister boyfriend because she didn't want to be tied to Los Angeles, where Ben needs to be because of the kids he shares with Jennifer Garner.

READ MORE: Dr. Dre Spotted Working Days After Being Released from Hospital for Brain Aneurysm

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
(Photo : 5 Pitching Trends to Look Out for in 2021)

Despite this year being one of the hardest ever for many industries, PR included, it has also shown a tremendous boost in media consumption. Last spring, Nielsen found that total TV usage increased by nearly 60%.

Additional research showed that 51% of US adults were using social media more since the start of the outbreak. Editors have worked more than ever, and companies learned to communicate their changes in the new reality. I've personally sent hundreds of pitches this year (and the years before) and noticed trends that are going to be in play in 2021, too.

1. Content leadership and expertise

Editors are interested in opinion pieces more than ever before. In 2020, publications experienced extensive layoffs, so it turned out, suddenly, that they needed more content, and they had a lack of writers. This was when founders and CEOs stepped in to create strong thought leadership content. Editors started accepting more opinion pieces. For example, the two biggest outlets in the crypto industry, Cointelegraph and Coindesk, changed their editorial guidelines and started welcoming more opinion pieces on various topics from experts.

This year, Forbes pushed its paid program for entrepreneurs, Forbes Councils, which allows p opinion posts from experts in the fields. Along with them, Entrepreneur.com started its paid Entrepreneur Leadership Network program for founders who want to share their expertise on entrepreneur.com, and other magazines followed with similar programs.

This trend reflects the pandemic's impact on media space. There will be more outside content since people consume more articles, and staff is looking to fulfill the demand. It's harder to hire more journalists since ad and marketing budgets shrunk this year.

In 2021, we will see more content-driven strategies, especially opinion pieces. That's the only type of content that PR people have control over. When you share your pitch or an expert POV with a journalist - you rarely know if the reporters will end up using it or if the story will ever go live. Opinion pieces allow SMEs to say exactly what they want, in their POV.

2. Company data

This year, despite the crisis, Ditto PR increased its client base and saw an uptick in customers from various industries, from consumer to fintech. Companies need to show that they bring genuine value and that their products are useful based on their data. Journalists are always looking to back their stories with numbers.

When covering trends, they are eager to include relevant data points. Recently, I was asked for advice on pitching for an edtech company - they were providing internships abroad for exchange students, and despite the global pandemic, their business was growing. That sounded insane, considering that borders were already closing, yet they still managed to grow. As a curious person, I was excited to learn how they made it work, and I believe that was what would interest journalists, as well.

3. Tips and Listicles

This is an ongoing trend, but this year listicles started playing a role in a new way. Because we've all been at home for a while, many began to refurbish their cabinets, working spaces, and homes. People were picking products for their home by checking out listicles like "top 30 most adjustable chairs for working from home" plus reading about more activities such as "10 ways I can earn money from home".

This year journalists also turned to products that give back. For example, we've recently worked with a diamond company and were able to secure a mention of their jewelry in a gift guide by New York Magazine. The selling point was that they were donating 10% toward Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund. Social impact has become significant as many people struggle with the pandemic.

4. Reports and surveys

If you don't have enough insights related to your products, you can still arrange new data by surveying your clients or partners. SurveyMonkey and similar tools allow you to launch a quick poll and get insights not only useful for your team but also for journalists. Think about your customer's pain points and industry trends.

For example, one of our clients, Celsius, surveyed its 250,000 customer base and found that the digital assets market is booming in countries with political instability. We utilized this data to create a trend pitch.

Another company surveyed their clients and noticed an uptick in a country where they had never been popular before. After researching the situation, they figured out that the boost was related to new government initiatives in that country. This connection to a global trend is much easier to pitch to journalists than a simple story about the company.

5. Human interest stories

Reporters are looking for personal and moving stories. Some of them can relate to a product directly if you are offering an edtech solution - "How this teacher has adapted to online education," or one about your customer - "How this teacher organizes her day to teach class and stay in touch with peers."

Another angle is related to the founders' personal stories where they share their personal insights and pain points. Every entrepreneur has challenges to share, especially during a crisis. For example, the founder of MEW wallet was in Sri Lanka when the country went under complete lockdown without food delivery or postal services available. We started pitching a story about how the founder was managing his company from another part of the world with a 10 hour time zone difference, and we were able to land that story in multiple popular podcasts.

With the BLM movement and many businesses shutting down during the pandemic, journalists turned to personal interviews to learn how people, who suffered due to these issues, were struggling and overcoming pain. These moving stories have a huge impact on readers and shed light on how people are really feeling about these events.

By Anastasia Golovina, communication specialist, Ditto PR

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah has called on the government and health experts in the country to come up with a research model to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.



There is a sudden rise in Ghana's case count with the country currently recording confirmed cases of 58,065 with 55,789 Recoveries/Discharge and 352 deaths.



There are 351 new cases resulting in 1,924 active cases.



President Nana Akufo-Addo has admonished Ghanaians to strictly observe the COVID-19 safety protocols or may face another lockdown.



''We do not want to go back to the days of partial lockdowns, which had a negative impact on our economy and on our way of life. But should that become necessary, i.e., should the number of active cases continue to increase at the current rate, I will have no option but to re-impose these restrictions because it is better to be safe than to be sorry. So, together, let us all ensure that we respect the protocols'', the President said in his 22nd nation update on COVID-19.



Also touching on the issue, the Nhyiaeso MP says there should be a guiding principle to check new variants of the disease and also help the government to adopt a contingency plan to mitigate the disease in the offing.



Speaking to host Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Hon. Stephen Amoah further advised against politicizing the COVID-19 situation in Ghana but called for a collective consensus to curb the disease.



''This a national issue...We've gotten to the level where people are dying. So, this is not about NDC, NPP or CPP or any party. This is about collective approach. This is about all of us coming together as a nation...'', he said.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

Featured Video
WASHINGTON - Senators plan to plow through a battery of hearings Tuesday for President-elect Joe Biden's national security Cabinet nominees, but the last-minute rush means that most - if not all - will not be confirmed by the end of Inauguration Day.

The crammed schedule - for director of national intelligence nominee Avril Haines, secretary of homeland security nominee Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of state nominee Antony Blinken, treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen and defense secretary nominee Lloyd Austin - is the result of compound delays caused by everything from the Senate runoff in Georgia to paperwork disputes and partisan gridlock. Fallout from the Capitol riot this month further stymied the process, and President Donald Trump's impending impeachment trial could slow it even more.

Even if the Senate manages to squeeze in some confirmations on Biden's first full day in office, the road ahead is unclear for Austin and Mayorkas. Austin, a retired general whose military service ended in 2016, requires a waiver before he can take over as the Pentagon's top civilian. Mayorkas, meanwhile, faces Republican grievances that as deputy homeland security secretary during the Obama administration, he was accused of using an immigrant visa program to secure investments for political allies' pet projects - a charge Mayorkas has denied.

A spokesman for Biden's transition team implored the Senate GOP to hold votes for each of his nominees just as soon as their hearings conclude.

"With our national security at stake, the pandemic costing thousands of lives every day, and our economy in a historic recession, there is absolutely no justification for Republicans to jeopardize the ability of the United States government to keep the American people safe, distribute vaccines, and put Americans back to work," the spokesman, Andrew Bates, said in a statement. ". . . It is essential that key national security and economic leaders are confirmed and in place on day one."

Biden cannot officially ask the Senate to confirm his nominees until he is sworn in as president at noon Wednesday. Then it is up to the Senate and its relevant committees to agree to waive normal procedural requirements to expedite those nominations to final confirmation votes. Such agreements require bipartisan cooperation - and sometimes the blessing of every senator in the chamber.

How swiftly the Senate can get to the confirmations will be influenced by how ably leaders clear extra procedural hurdles. Because the Senate is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris must visit the Senate and cast her tie-breaking vote to make Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the Senate majority leader. Senate leaders also have to work out how many lawmakers from each party will sit on committees in the evenly divided chamber, and affirm those choices by passing an "organizing resolution."

Senate leaders are also discussing how to "bifurcate" their schedule over the next few weeks, so the chamber can juggle confirming Biden's Cabinet with Trump's impeachment trial.

Of the five nominees whose hearings are Tuesday, Mayorkas faces the highest hurdles. Republicans point to an inspector general's report from 2015, which said Mayorkas weighed in on the selection process for EB-5 immigrant visas to steer capital toward projects championed by influential Democrats. The EB-5 program gives green cards to immigrants willing to invest at least $1 million in a U.S. business employing American workers, or $500,000 if that business is located in a rural area.

GOP leaders expect that some rank-and-file senators may object to Mayorkas's nomination, denying him a swift confirmation, though ultimately he is expected to secure Senate support because it takes a simple majority to confirm Cabinet nominees.

Blinken, too, is expected to face delays as Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are prepared to object to expediting his confirmation before receiving on-the-record answers to all of their questions for him - including any written follow-ups they submit after his hearing.

Blinken has been the subject of widespread grumbling in the GOP over complaints that he has not been adequately forthcoming about the consulting business, WestExec, which he co-founded after leaving the Obama administration. Many Republicans also harbor reservations about how Blinken would perform as the top diplomat in resumed negotiations for a nuclear deal with Iran, which the Biden team has made one of its top foreign policy priorities.

If Blinken has a smooth hearing, leaders expect that he will have an easy confirmation - but one that happens next week at the earliest.

Yellen, meanwhile, is not expected to face serious hurdles to her confirmation, which could be one of the first to clear the Senate floor.

Haines, whom Biden has selected to serve as the nation's spy chief, is also not expected to draw objections from Republicans, and she could be ready for a full Senate vote as soon as Inauguration Day. Her hearing was delayed last week, to accommodate Sen. John Cornyn's, R-Texas, insistence that the Senate Intelligence Committee interview her behind closed doors after she gives public testimony. That is in keeping with the panel's tradition and would not have been possible while lawmakers and staffers were working remotely.

Austin is also expected to travel a smooth path to confirmation, provided that he assures senators that he respects the tradition of civilian leadership of the Defense Department. His confirmation is expected to proceed without objection later in the week, once both chambers of Congress approve the waiver needed for him to hold the office even though he has not been retired from active military service for the seven years required by law.

The House Armed Services Committee is expected to hold a separate hearing with Austin on Thursday in anticipation of putting that waiver on the House floor.
A French Quarter tourist from Oklahoma allegedly shot a homeless man during an argument near Bourbon Street on Monday night, then tried to flee with his mother from their hotel before police arrested him, authorities said.

Austin Harrison, 28, was booked with aggravated battery, illegal carrying of a weapon and illegal use of a weapon after he was accused of shooting the victim with his fathers .25-caliber pistol, New Orleans police wrote in Criminal District Court records. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his foot. Harrisons mother was not booked with a crime.

A 19-year-old man identifying himself as the victim in the case, Kenneth Bordelon, said he was smoking marijuana and drinking a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on the street with a group of hippies. Harrison walked by, challenged him to a fight then shot him, he said.

Bordelon, who said he lives out of his truck, described tapping his forehead and daring Harrison to shoot him in the forehead when Harrison pulled out a pistol. Bordelon said he had turned around before he was shot in the back of his right foot by Harrison.

Court records dont name Bordelon, but his account is consistent with the written narrative provided by police. Bordelon also provided photos of his bullet wound and paperwork from the hospital that later treated him.

Police, citing accounts from witnesses, said Harrison was part of a private tour group when he began arguing with a homeless man near the corner of Bourbon and Governor Nicholls streets about 7:40 p.m. Monday. Bordelon said Harrison passed by his group and glowered at them, before Bordelon exchanged words with Harrison and agreed to fight him.

Witnesses told police Harrison suddenly reached into the pocket of his leather jacket as his mother hit him with her purse and tried to yank him away from the confrontation with Bordelon. The mother later told officers that Harrison pulled out his fathers gun, and Bordelon began saying something to the effect of, You got a gun? Then shoot me.

Bordelon said he was kind of drunk at the time he told Harrison to shoot him in the forehead.

Harrison allegedly pulled the trigger twice. The first gunshot was muted, and police said that was most likely because the first round didnt properly fire. The second gunshot was much louder and hit the homeless man in the back of his right foot, prompting him to start hopping up and down while muttering, You shot me.

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

Police officers responding to a 911 call were told by witnesses that Harrison and his mother appeared to be leaving their Burgundy Street hotel about four blocks away.

Officers said they stopped the pair as they tried to leave the hotel with their packed bags. They found Harrisons pistol in his pocket  still loaded  and took him to jail.

Its caliber and ammunition matched that of two spent shell casings that officers recovered at the scene of the shooting, near some drops of blood leading away from the intersection, police said. A witness at the scene identified Harrison, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, as the shooter.

Bordelon said he later dropped his dog off with people he knows in Slidell and drove himself to a hospital there to be treated for his bullet wound. He also gave a statement to police about what happened.

Magistrate Court Commissioner Albert Thibodeaux set Harrisons bail at $9,500 during a hearing Tuesday afternoon. Thibodeaux ruled that Harrison, if he makes bond, must hire a private attorney to file a motion requesting that he be able to leave the area.

The most serious crime Harrison was booked with was aggravated battery, which calls for a maximum of 10 years in prison upon conviction.

Bordelons shooting was one of at least three reported across New Orleans on Monday. Two people were wounded and two were killed in the other shootings.
There was commotion at Chiredzi District Hospital yesterday after they received an unexpected visitor, a crocodile.

The reptile which was spotted crawling through a corridor before resting in a storm drain, did not attack anyone from the time it was seen around 4am to the time it was captured and translocated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

It is believed the reptile may have strayed from the nearby Chiredzi River. Acting Chiredzi District Hospital medical superintendent Dr David Tarumbwa confirmed the incident.

It was seen within the hospital area around 4am, but it did not attack anyone. The situation was managed very well and the crocodile was taken by ZimParks and deposited into Chiredzi River, said Dr Tarumbwa.

Chiredzi District Administrator and Civil Protection Unit chair Mr Lovemore Chisema said the rare visitor was taken away without incident.

The good thing is that authorities at the hospital managed to make sure the crocodile remained at the same place until it was removed by guys from Parks who took it to Chiredzi River about 16km from the hospital, he said.

Heavy rains have been falling here for days and these animals (crocodiles) can also get confused sometimes so maybe it just strayed from a canal because of rising water levels. I dont think there is more to it. He said besides the crocodile, there had also been numerous reports of hippos being spotted in farming areas.

Recently a huge crocodile caused a stir in Shurugwi after being spotted in a villagers hut. Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man from Mt Darwin was attacked and killed by a crocodile last Friday while trying to cross Ruya River.

Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Dhliwayo confirmed the incident and identified the deceased Nobert Doro of Bembere Village under Chief Kandeya.

The search for Doros body continues. Asst Insp Dhliwayo appealed to people to cross rivers at designated points and when if was safe to do so. Herald
After a gap of two days, the COVID-19 vaccination drive resumed in Mumbai and Pune on Tuesday morning, but unlike the first day, there was hardly any rush of beneficiaries for taking jabs in the metropolis. A doctor at a vaccination centre in Mumbai said the response was slow in the morning, but the process was gradually picking up.

The inoculation drive resumed at nine centres in Mumbai and 28 centres in the neighbouring Pune district, officials said. The Maharashtra government had suspended the inoculation process on Sunday and Monday due to some problems in the Co-WIN app, created by the Centre for managing registration for the vaccination.

On the first day of the vaccination on Saturday, only 1,923 out of 4,000 registered beneficiaries got the doses in Mumbai, as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). On Tuesday, the vaccination process started around 9 am at all the centres in Mumbai, as per BMC officials.

However, unlike Saturday, there was hardly any rush of registered beneficiaries at the vaccination centres. The waiting room at a vaccination centre in the civic-run KEM Hospital was almost empty at around 10.30 am. Only 15 to 20 people have come since the start of the process today," a staffer at the vaccination centre said. One or two registered beneficiaries are coming at a gap of 5 to 10 minutes, he said.

"The response was slow in the morning, but it is slowly picking up," a doctor at the facility said, adding that the centre will remain open till 5 pm. Some health care workers, who were asked to go to the KEM Hospital for inoculation, told .

.
Researchers investigated how cancer genes lead to the breakdown of the capsule that prevents cancerous cells from invading the surrounding healthy tissues and - find a hijacked "molecular crowbar". The new findings help understand the mechanisms of cancer spreading and reveal a cancer vulnerability.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have defined a cancer invasion machinery, which is orchestrated by a frequently mutated cancer gene called Ras. When signaling from Ras protein becomes abnormally high, like it does in many cancers, this switches on the cellular machinery that helps the cancer cells to depart from the tissue from which the cells have developed.

It has been unclear how the cancer invasion machinery works exactly, until now, as the study finds Ras in the role of Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare's famous play, "Get me an iron crow and bring it straight unto my cell (Romeo and Juliet, 5.2.21-23)." In other words, a"molecular crowbar" seems to execute the job. The new study has been published today at Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Cancer researcher and the last author of the study, Professor Juha Klefstrom, explains the findings:

"As long as tumors remain in the original body tissue from which they developed from, they are benign and harmless. The tumor cells only become life-threatening cancer cells, when they acquire the capability to spread into surrounding healthy tissues through a process called invasion. We found that a master cancer protein called Ras activates such invasion machinery in the cells. Central to the function of this machinery is a serine protease called hepsin."

Hepsin is a protease, a type of protein that cleaves other proteins into pieces. Typically, in the breast and other epithelial tissues, serine proteases like hepsin ensure that the epithelial cells are properly glued to the neighboring cells and to a surrounding capsule called the basement membrane. Accordingly, hepsin is found in limited, specific contact sites on the surface of the cell where it binds to other cells and the basement membrane. However, the new study shows, that if Ras becomes converted to its cancer-causing form by an unfortunate mutation, persistent signals from cancer-causing Ras eventually produce too much hepsin, which can then be found all over the cell as opposed to small areas.

When hepsin is produced in excess, it becomes a crowbar that breaks down the basement membrane. When this insulating capsule has been torn apart, cancerous epithelial cells can invade the surrounding tissues, causing damage and, in the worst case, spread to other organs causing metastases. In essence, we believe that normally hepsin is a good guy that nurtures the basement membrane but when superpowered under the influence of Ras, it becomes a bad guy that instigates the basement membrane breakdown." Professor Juha Klefstrom, Cancer Researcher

Thwarting a molecular crowbar

Nearly one-fifth of all cancers harbour cancer-causing mutant Ras. The mutant form is especially common in pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

"Ras is not that commonly mutated in breast cancer, which our laboratory studies, but our research shows that mutant Ras hijacks hepsin through a signaling mechanism that is common also in breast cancer. Therefore, our findings are relevant for understanding the mechanisms of how breast cancer spreads", says the first author of the study Dr Topi Tervonen.

Mutant Ras has been a holy grail for drug developers due to its common presence in human cancer. However, the task of developing specific Ras-blocking drugs has turned out to be extremely difficult. If Ras is a difficult drug target, would it be possible to prevent the cancer-causing effects of Ras by blocking the cancerous signals that Ras is sending in the cells?

"Interestingly, we managed to almost completely prevent the damage to basement membrane caused by the Ras cancer protein in a three-dimensional cell culture, when we prevented hepsin from functioning by using specific antibodies. In animal experiments, blocking hepsin also significantly reduced the spread of Ras-expressing tumors to surrounding tissues," Klefstrom and Tervonen state.

"Our findings help understand the mechanisms of cancer spreading, and they open new ideas and opportunities to develop next generation cancer treatments. Our research still has a ways to go before the clinics though," they continue.


Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
Outgoing first lady Melania Trump delivered her farewell speech on Monday in a video message posted to Twitter in which she praised members of the military and law enforcement, and urged every American to choose love" over hatred.

Ms Trump also thanked healthcare professionals for their work battling the coronavirus and said she had been "moved by children" she visited in hospitals.

"I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people," Ms Trump said.

Ms Trump, towards the end of her speech, said: I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself.

"When I came to the White House, I reflected on the responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, give strength and teach values of kindness," Ms Trump said, defending her legacy as the first lady.

The passion for helping children succeed has driven my policy initiatives as the first lady, she said.

The video came after Ms Trump was criticised for refusing to give Jill Biden a tour of the White House, a more than 100 year-old tradition for outgoing first ladies.

Rather than the traditional meeting of the first families, the Bidens will be greeted by the White House by an usher. The Trumps are expected to depart for Mar-a-Lago early Wednesday morning.

The past four years have been unforgettable," the first lady said in the video. As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination.

She did not mention the Capitol riots but signed off on a note of peace while acknowledging her own Be Best anti-bullying campaign.

Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified," she said.

Thanking the frontline workers who worked through the Covid-19 pandemic, she said: We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to the pandemic.

Every life is precious, and I ask all Americans to use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered, she added.

"The promise of this nation belongs to all of us who do not lose sight of our integrity and values, use every opportunity to show consideration for another person, and build good habits into our daily lives," she said, concluding her speech.

Her comments come as a new poll reveals she is at the most unpopular point of her tenure as the nations first lady.

The survey by CNN found that Ms Trump, with a 42 per cent favourability rating, is at the lowest she has received since the poll began in 2016, while her unfavourability rating has continued to climb to 47 per cent.
NEW HAVEN  Police have identified a man slain Monday afternoon on Dixwell Avenue as a Hamden resident.

Marquis Winfrey, 31, was shot Monday afternoon on Dixwell Avenue between the roads intersections with Elizabeth Street and Cherry Ann Street, Capt. Anthony Duff said in an email.

Duff said previously that officers responded to a ShotSpotter gunfire detection alert and 911 calls about shots fired in that area of Dixwell Avenue around 2:15 p.m. Monday.

A gunshot victim, now identified as Winfrey, showed up at Yale New Haven Hospital via a private vehicle a short time later, Duff said. He later died there.

New Haven and Hamden officers held a crime scene on Dixwell for several hours, Duff said.

He asked anyone with information about Winfreys death to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
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.
Russia has brushed off calls from US and European officials to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny after he was detained on his return to the country.

The Kremlin described the detention of Mr Navalny, who was arrested after returning from Germany following treatment for nerve agent poisoning, as an absolutely internal matter.

Statements have come from around the globe condemning the arrest and calling for the immediate release of Mr Navalny, who blames his poisoning on Russian President Vladimir Putins government. They add to the existing tensions between Russia and the West, with some EU countries suggesting the imposition of additional sanctions against Moscow.

Expand Close Police officers detain a supporter of opposition leader Alexei Navalny during a rally in St Petersburg (AP/Dmitri Lovetsky) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Police officers detain a supporter of opposition leader Alexei Navalny during a rally in St Petersburg (AP/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that we cant and are not going to take these statements into account.

Mr Peskov told reporters: We are talking about a fact of non-compliance with the Russian law by a citizen of Russia. This is an absolutely internal matter and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it and do not intend to listen to such statements.

Mr Navalny was detained at passport control at Moscows Sheremetyevo airport after flying in on Sunday evening from Berlin, where he was treated following the poisoning in August. He was ordered to pre-trial detention for 30 days during a hastily set-up court hearing.

Russias prison service maintains Mr Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition figure and anti-corruption campaigner, violated the probation terms of his suspended sentence on a 2014 money laundering conviction, which was deemed arbitrary by the European Court of Human Rights.

Officials are seeking to have Mr Navalny serve the three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence in prison.

Expand Close Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The politician has interpreted the crackdown against him as a sign of Mr Putins fear. But Mr Peskov insisted that Mr Navalny had violated the law, and said that questions law enforcement had for him have nothing whatsoever to do with the Russian president.

Mr Navalny fell into a coma while on a domestic flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20 and was airlifted to a Berlin hospital two days later. Labs in Germany, France and Sweden, and tests by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established that he was exposed to a Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent.

Russian authorities insisted that the doctors who treated Mr Navalny in Siberia found no traces of poison and refused to open a fully-fledged criminal probe.

Last month, Mr Navalny released the recording of a phone call he said he made to a man he alleged was a member of a group of officers of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) who purportedly poisoned him in August and then tried to cover it up. The FSB has dismissed the recording as fake.

After Mr Navalny was jailed, his allies announced preparations for nationwide mass protests on Saturday and released a video of Mr Navalny urging people to not be afraid and take to the streets.

Mr Peskov said that while the calls to take to the streets were alarming, the Kremlin did not fear mass protests.

With wooden batons, punches, kicks, stun grenades and tear gas canisters, the Guatemalan military Sunday attacked a caravan of thousands of migrants and refugees that departed Honduras over the weekend, many traveling as families.

Videos clearly show the bravery and desperation of the workers and youth lurching into the wall of soldiers as they are brutally beaten. Menacingly, soldiers stood in the background with firearms. Emergency workers reported that dozens were injured, including children, and some had to be transported to the hospital.

Migrants from the caravan at the El Florido border between Honduras and Guatemala. (Twitter/Jeff Ernst @jeffgernst)

Two months after hurricanes Eta and Iota devastated the region and as the pandemic crisis continues, caravan members explained to the media that they are escaping conditions of absolute destitution.

These conditions are accompanied by generalized gang violence, state repression and gross negligence toward the humanitarian catastrophe and COVID-19 pandemic on the part of the US puppet regime of Juan Orlando Hernandez in Honduras.

Oscar Garcia, a banana plantation worker, said to Reuters: Were suffering from hunger. Its impossible to live in Honduras, theres no work, theres nothing.

During the repression in Guatemala, another plantation worker, Dixon Vazquez, told AFP that the plantation where he worked in Lima was destroyed. They have no heart, he said. We are risking our lives. There are no jobs in Honduras, especially after the two cyclones and the pandemic Our goal is to reach the United States.

In its latest estimates, UNICEF reported that hurricanes Eta and Iota affected 9.3 million people in total, including 4.66 million in Honduras, and left 294 people dead or missing, 110 of them in Honduras. Thousands of hectares of crops and hundreds of roads and bridges were wiped out.

After surviving weeks of almost continuous flooding, landslides and hurricane windsamid a pandemic that has overwhelmed the already collapsed health care systemmillions found themselves stripped of their homes, workplaces, schools, roads, water, electricity and other elements of their basic livelihood.

In December, in an earlier attempt, some 500 Hondurans were harassed, threatened and sent back by the Honduran police before reaching the Guatemalan border.

The latest caravan departed the northern city of San Pedro Sula on January 14 and January 15 and entered Guatemala through the Florido border crossing in three large groups. A smaller group of about 150 people sought to cross on January 14 in the eastern crossing of Corinto but was detained and returned immediately.

On Saturday night, the bulk of the caravan re-grouped at Vado Hondo, Chiquimula, where the barrier of hundreds of troops and police violently stopped them.

The Guatemalan immigration authorities reported on Sunday that more than 9,000 people entered the country with the caravan, while 1,383 had already been deported to Honduras. The group at Vado Hondo is composed of about 6,000 migrants and refugees and, as of this writing, remains trapped there.

According to the Guatemalan National Police on Monday, it has rounded up several small groups of Hondurans that reached the northern department of Peten near the Mexican border.

Under orders from the Trump White House, which for months has been the nerve center of an operation to establish a fascistic dictatorship that included the January 6 storming of the US Capitol, the regional governments are using troops and anti-riot police to violate the right to asylum protected by international law of thousands of Hondurans escaping a humanitarian catastrophe.

Authorities in Washington, Mexico and Guatemala have claimed that they are seeking to enforce COVID-19 protocols by preventing the caravan from crossing. Meanwhile, the three governments have reopened nonessential economic activities and adopted a deliberate herd immunity policy of mass contagion in order to safeguard the profits of the major banks and corporations.

Guatemalas right-wing President Alejandro Giammattei declared a state of emergency in the departments along the migrant route from Chiquimula up to Peten on the border with Mexico. He has insisted that foreigners must have a passport and a negative COVID-19 test.

The administration of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has in turn deployed hundreds of National Guard soldiers with riot gear to the town of Tapachula on the border with Guatemala. Lopez Obrador had also threatened the refugees and migrants with prison sentences of up to ten years for violating COVID-19 regulations.

In his only public appearance since the January 6 coup attempt, Donald Trump spoke on January 12 at the US-Mexico border to agitate his fascist supporters planning further attacks, including by scapegoating migrants.

By faithfully obeying the orders to attack the caravans, the regional authorities are directly aiding Trumps coup attempt. In fact, Trump directly thanked his friend Lopez Obrador for having deployed 27,000 Mexican soldiers guarding our borders over the last two years.

Change the name from the caravans to the gravy train, Trump added, because thats what theyre looking for. This will be an unmitigated calamity for national security, public safety, and public health. It would destroy millions and millions of jobs and claim thousands of innocent lives.

To blame migrant workers for the calamity in the United States is absurd! The Trump administration, with the collaboration of both corporate-controlled parties, has showered the major banks and corporations with trillions of dollars of gravywhat the financial press itself has called free moneywhile rejecting every major effort to halt the spread of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, migrant workers in the United States have taken on an overwhelming share of the burden of providing essential services during the pandemic while suffering disproportionately from COVID-19 infections and deaths.

On the other hand, whatever hopes the Central American refugees had that the Joe Biden administration would help provide desperately needed asylum and relief were immediately opposed by the Biden team. On Sunday, a transition official stated to NBC News that theyre not going to be able to come into the United States immediately. Changes will take time, he said, and those in the region should not believe anyone peddling the lie that our border will be open to everyone next month.

President-elect Biden himself said in an interview on December 22 that the last thing we want is to stop immediately the access to asylum the way its being run now and end up with too many people on our border.

The response of Biden and the Democratic Party to the January 6 coup constitutes another and even more serious warning. They have worked to cover up the involvement in the coup of Trumps co-conspirators in the Republican Party and sought to legitimize the integration of the fascistic right and their policy demands into the framework of mainstream politics. A similar process has occurred with the neo-fascist Alternative for Germany, the Vox Party in Spain and similar forces across Europe.

The caravan of Honduran migrants and refugees must be supported by all workers. Across the world, the offensive against the rights of refugees and migrant workers by the ruling class is being used to spearhead a broader assault against the democratic and social rights of the entire working class.
To ensure that unlike the Monsoon Session that was cut short last year after over 40 MPs and several Secretariat staff tested positive for Covid-19, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that the Parliament Budget Session will be held with all protocols in place.

After chairing a virtual meeting with the Union home secretary, AIIMS director, officials of the central public works department, health secretary and a host of other government officials to finalise preparations ahead of the session that is slated to begin on January 29, Birla said, All precautions will be taken. Health of MPs and everyone else attending will be paramount.

In the first half of the session, the Parliament will meet 12 times, while there are 21 sittings scheduled in the second half. The Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am to 2 pm and Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm, he said.

"Everyone entering the Parliament complex, including Members of Parliament, their families and staff, Secretariat staff and members of the media would need to undergo RT-PCR tests," he said.

Upon being asked if MPs will be given priority for Covid vaccine, he clarified: "The vaccine distribution strategy has been worked upon by the Centre in coordination with states. We will all have to wait for our turn."

During his Covid-19 review meeting with chief ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clarified that public representatives including MPs and MLAs are not on the priority list.

Unlike the Monsoon Session where Question Hour and Zero Hour were cancelled drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition, the government has decided to bring them back for the Budget Session.

An elaborate seating arrangement has been put in place enabling the lawmakers to maintain social distancing. The Central Hall will be open only to MPs. Their family or any other person will not be allowed.

The ITDC will take over the Parliament canteen, as all subsidies have been curtailed.

As part of the Covid-19 protocol, physical documents will be discouraged - Budget 2021 will be paperless. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech, however, will be printed, Birla added.

In 2020, the Parliament was in session for a total of 33 days, of which 23 were during the Budget Session and 10 during the Monsoon Session. Last year too, the Budget Session had to be adjourned before its scheduled date because of the pandemic. Subsequently, a nationwide lockdown was announced by the Centre in March.

The Monsoon Session was curtailed at least a week ahead of its schedule in September last year after close to 40 MPs and nearly 400 secretariat staff tested positive. Delhi has also reported a huge spike in coronavirus cases since Diwali.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form

Stephanie Seymour's son Harry Brant has died at the age of 24.

The socialite suffered an accidental prescription drug overdose on Sunday, following a long battle with addiction, and his death came just days before he was set to re-enter rehab.

Seymour, 52, and her billionaire husband, publishing magnate Peter Brant, 73, released a statement to The New York Times Monday paying tribute to their late son.

'We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease.

'Harry achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more he could have done.'

Harry had reportedly struggled with drug addiction for many years. In 2016, he was charged with drug possession after officers arrested discovered he was carrying a 'baggie containing white substance'.

Stephanie Seymour's son Harry Brant has died of an accidental prescription overdose at the age of 24. The pair are pictured together in April 2015

Harry, who was raised in ritzy Greenwich, Connecticut, was a prominent socialite who was close friends with First Daughter Tiffany Trump.

Along with his older brother, Peter Brant II, 27, he became famous for experimenting with gender in fashion and beauty.

New York Magazine once referred to Harry and Peter II as 'NYC's Most Beautiful Teenage Brothers', while Vanity Fair called them 'Little Lord Flauntleroys'.

In 2015, the pair founded, Brant Brothers, a unisex makeup line together with MAC.

Harry's parents paid tribute to his creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit in their statement to The Times.

'Harry was a creative, loving and powerful soul that brought light into so many people's hearts. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out.'

They added that he was a 'trailblazer of beauty and cosmetic products for men, collaborating with a major brand on a unisex cosmetic line.'

Harry, who was raised in ritzy Greenwich, Connecticut, was a prominent socialite who was close friends with First Daughter Tiffany Trump

Along with his older brother, Peter Brant II, 27, he became famous for experimenting with gender in fashion and beauty, and the pair founded a unisex makeup line together

Despite professional success, Harry had reportedly battled drug addiction.

In 2016, Harry was arrested after refusing to pay a cab fare in Connecticut.

Officers were called to the scene where they found the 'baggie of white substance in his wallet'. He was charged with larceny, interfering with an officer and drug possession.

The same year, his brother Peter II was charged with assault after allegedly getting into a fight with a Port Authority officer at JFK Airport.

In addition to Peter II, Harry is also survived by his younger sibling, Lily Brant, 16.

He also had an older half-brother from his mother's previous marriage to guitarist Tommy Andrews.

Additionally, Harry had four half-siblings from his father's previous marriage to Sandra Brant.

His family said in a statement: 'We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease. He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done' (pictured with mother Stephanie and sister Lilly in July, 2008)

Harry is pictured with his mother, Stephanie Seymour, and his father, billionaire publishing magnate, Peter Brant II, in 2015

Harry had a regular column in Interview Magazine - the famous culture publication started by Andy Warhol and now owned by Peter Brant.

Brant reportedly planned to give Harry a larger role at the magazine in the near future.

For his final column for Interview Magazine published in May last year, Harry interviewed fashion designer Marc Jacob about dismantling the stigma attached to men wearing make-up.

'Have you ever wondered why society has reserved makeup for the fairer sex? 'For generations, men who dared to disrupt this silly taboo not only had their masculinity questioned, but were more often than not met with a barrage of shaming, harassment, and ridicule.'

He wrote in the piece: 'Have you ever wondered why society has reserved makeup for the fairer sex?

'For generations, men who dared to disrupt this silly taboo not only had their masculinity questioned, but were more often than not met with a barrage of shaming, harassment, and ridicule.'

In addition to writing his own column, Harry was the subject of countless interviews in other illustrious titles.

In 2015, he told W Magazine: 'I really think that once you leave high school, you realize that being normal is something that people want to shy away from, and the more true you are to yourself and the more individual you are, the more people are inherently attracted to you.'

Harry was also written about in Vanity Fair and New York Magazine and he featured in an photo shoot for Italian Vogue.

In his final Instagram post on January 7, Harry paid tribute to French stylist and art director Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele.

He posted a throwback picture of the stylist alongside himself and Miley Cyrus with the trio appearing in high spirits.

'Happy belated birthday to the queen CARLYNE!!! The Dauphine francophile with eternal style,' he captioned the image.

In his final Instagram post on January 7, Harry paid tribute to French stylist and art director Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele

Harry had a regular column in Interview Magazine - the famous culture publication started by Andy Warhol and now owned by Peter Brant

Stephanie Seymour married Harry's father Peter Brant in Paris in July 1995, after they met through photographer Sante DOrazio.

The ceremony was held at a chapel on an estate just outside the city.

Seymour filed for divorce in March 2009 after 15 years of marriage, but by September 2010 they had called off their divorce.

Seymour, whose career as a supermodel soared in the 90s, has appeared on the cover of Vogue and in numerous issues of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

She was also a a primary lingerie and hosiery model for Victoria's Secret.

In the 2006 book 'In Vogue, The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine', Seymour is cited among the 'original supermodels' alongside the likes of Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell.

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
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:18:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (2nd R) visits a COVID-19 treatment and quarantine center at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Serdang, Malaysia, Jan. 19, 2021. Malaysia will expand tighter movement restriction measures by including most of the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Tuesday. The Health Ministry reported 3,631 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national total to 165,371. (Malaysia's Department of Information/Handout via Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will expand tighter movement restriction measures by including most of the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Tuesday.

Ismail, who coordinated the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, told a press briefing the states of Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Terengganu will see tighter restrictions imposed from Jan. 22 to Feb. 4.

The Health Ministry reported 3,631 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national total to 165,371. Another 14 deaths have been reported, pushing the death toll to 619. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah told a separate press conference that seven of the new cases are imported and 3,624 are local transmissions.

Previously, the government imposed tightened measures on the capital Kuala Lumpur, the states of Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and the northern Borneo state of Sabah, among others from Jan. 13 to Jan. 26.

Under the stricter restrictions, all social events involving mass gatherings are banned. Residents are only allowed to travel within a radius of 10 km, and no dine-in service is provided in restaurants.

"Essential economic sectors" like manufacturing, construction, logistics are allowed to operate but employers must limit the number of staff who have to work in the office.

Some 2,944 patients have been released after recovery, bringing the total cured and discharged to 125,288, or 75.8 percent of all cases. Of the remaining 39,464 active cases, 238 are being held in intensive care units and 96 of those are in need of assisted breathing.
Members of an anti-LGBT+ group known for organising Bostons Straight Pride Parade have been arrested in connection with the Capitol riots that took place on 6 January.

Mark Sahady, 46, and Suzanne Ianni, 59, both from Massachusetts, were arrested without incident at their respective homes on Tuesday, according to the FBI.

They both face charges of disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and entering or remaining in the US Capitol building unlawfully, according to the Boston Herald.

The pair have been accused of breaching the US Capitol on 6 January alongside a mob of pro-Trump supporters, as Congress attempted to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens election victory.

Five people died and several more were injured in the riots, as House representatives barricaded themselves in offices to hide from the rioters.

Ms Ianni, who also serves as a Natick Town Meeting member, declined to comment to the FBI about whether she entered the US Capitol during the riots.

Both Mr Sahady and Ms Ianni were identified by photos posted to social media by the group Super Happy Fun America, who organised the Straight Pride Parade in Boston in 2019.

The FBI said that both of them are members of the group that claims to be an advocate for the straight community and whose motto is: It's Great to be Straight.

Recommended Iced Earth guitarist arrested by FBI after involvement in Capitol riot

Ms Ianni is believed to be just a member of the group, while Mr Sahady serves as the vice president of the organisation.

The FBI also believes that Ms Ianni organised 11 buses to transport around 300 people to the riots on 6 January.

A day earlier, on 5 January, an account linked to the group posted a photo onto Twitter of members smiling, which was captioned: Bus 1 of 11 coming to DC. See you there.

Ms Ianni was identified as being the woman in the left of the picture, while Mr Sahady is the man in the grey shirt standing next to her, according to CBS Boston.

Both Mr Sahady and Ms Ianni are scheduled to make their first appearance in US District Court in Boston on Tuesday.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Automobile Suspension Spring Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Automobile Suspension Spring market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Automobile Suspension Spring Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31105

According to this study, over the next five years, the Automobile Suspension Spring market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Automobile Suspension Spring business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Automobile Suspension Spring market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Automobile Suspension Spring market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

NHK Spring

Chuo Spring

Rassini

Mubea

Thyssenkrupp

Sogefi

Fangda Special Steel

Continental

Jamna Auto Industries

Mitsubishi Steel

KYB

Betts Spring

Firestone

Dongfeng Motor Suspension

Vibracoustic

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31105

This study considers the Automobile Suspension Spring value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Coil Spring

Air Spring

Leaf Spring

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Passenger Car

Commercial Vehicle

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Automobile Suspension Spring Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31105

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Automobile Suspension Spring consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Automobile Suspension Spring market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Automobile Suspension Spring manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Automobile Suspension Spring with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Automobile Suspension Spring submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-automobile-suspension-spring-market-report-industry-trends-growth-business-challenges-analysis-2020-2025/
American Innovation $1 Coin - South Carolina

The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for product options containing South Carolina American Innovation $1 Coins beginning on January 19 at noon EST. The coins are uncirculated quality from the Mints Philadelphia and Denver facilities. Available product options and pricing are below.



PRODUCT CODE: 20GRD, PRODUCT OPTION: 25-Coin RollP, PRICE: $34.50

PRODUCT CODE: 20GRH, PRODUCT OPTION: 25-Coin RollD, PRICE: $34.50

PRODUCT CODE: 20GBD, PRODUCT OPTION: 100-Coin BagP, PRICE: $117.50

PRODUCT CODE: 20GBH, PRODUCT OPTION: 100-Coin BagD, PRICE: $117.50

The American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series featuring distinctive reverse (tails) designs that pay homage to Americas ingenuity and celebrate the pioneering efforts of individuals or groups from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.

The American Innovation $1 Coin representing South Carolina honors educator and civil rights activist Septima Poinsette Clark. The coins reverse design depicts Ms. Clark marching with three young African American students carrying books and an American flag, representing that education and literacy among oppressed people is necessary for empowerment and enjoyment of civil rights. The inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SEPTIMA CLARK, and SOUTH CAROLINA. The obverse (heads) of American Innovation $1 Coins features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST and $1. The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

To sign up for a REMIND ME alert for the bags and rolls of South Carolina American Innovation $1 Coin product options, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-innovation-1-coin-2020-rolls-and-bags---south-carolina-MASTER_INNOVATIONSC.html.

To view the collection of products available in the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mints sales centers are closed until further notice. Additionally, due to operational adjustments in response to COVID-19, our customer service representatives are available to assist with any questions you may have, but are unable to accept credit card information or place your order over the phone. Please use our website for all order placements at this time.

About the United States Mint

Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nations sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of Jan. 19, 2021, at noon EST.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:



Visit https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins to learn more about the American Innovation $1 Coin Program.

Visit http://www.usmint.gov/about for information about the United States Mint.

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html for information about the Mints shipping options.

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup to subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, and public statements.

Sign up for RSS Feeds from the United States Mint and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

# # #

United States Mint  Connecting America through Coins
Congratulations, centraldeconcursos.com.br got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site:

Centraldeconcursos.com.br scored 100 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 5/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 27 Jan 2017, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

centraldeconcursos.com.br is very popular in Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. It has 6964 twitter followers and it has 3059 google+ shares. Furthermore its facebook page has 362664 likes.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the centraldeconcursos homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if centraldeconcursos has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the centraldeconcursos homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the centraldeconcursos homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the centraldeconcursos homepage on Twitter + the total number of centraldeconcursos followers (if centraldeconcursos has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the centraldeconcursos homepage on Delicious.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE Central de Concursos - O Maior Indice de Aprovacao do Brasil DESCRIPTION Concurso Publico - Somos especialistas na preparacao de candidatos que buscam ingressar na Carreira Publica KEYWORDS concurso, emprego, curriculo, apostila, inss, trf, trt, tribunal, analista, tecnico, policia, federal, civil, provas, curso, video OTHER KEYWORDS concurso, vagas, remunerao, federal, on line, nvel, cargo



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE HTML 5.0 CHARSET AND LANGUAGE Portuguese (Brazil) UTF-8Portuguese (Brazil) DETECTED LANGUAGE Portuguese Portuguese SERVER Microsoft-IIS/7.5 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of centraldeconcursos.com.br as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for centraldeconcursos.com.br by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/CConcursos DESCRIPTION A Central de Concursos e especialista na preparacao de candidatos que buscam ingressar na Carreira Publica. LIKES 362664 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 13506 PAGE TYPE Education TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE

A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/c_concursos DESCRIPTION A Central de Concursos e uma escola especializada em cursos direcionados a carreira pu blica ACCOUNT CREATED ON 01 Jun 2010 LOCATION Brasil - Su00e3 o Paulo TWEETS 6907 FOLLOWERS 6964 LISTED 98
The founder of Zico Coconut Water has queried The Coca-Cola Co's ability to build challenger brands as the group offloads a slate of beverages.

Mark Rampolla founded Zico Coconut Water in 2004

Mark Rampolla sold Zico to Coca-Cola in 2013 but last week announced his investment company had bought the brand back. The move comes after Coca-Cola deemed Zico surplus to requirements and discontinued the coconut water along with about 200 other brands.

Speaking to just-drinks yesterday, Rampolla praised Coca-Cola for focusing on its core portfolio as the coronavirus impacts the beverage industry. But, he added that the mass brand cull could be viewed as an admission by the world's biggest soft drinks company that it has trouble building emerging categories.

"All the conversations I ever had with them was they knew that this is a muscle capability that they haven't had, maybe for a century," Rampolla said in just-drinks' exclusive interview. "They seemed committed to do it - they've put some good people and good efforts behind it. But it's tough for a variety of reasons, and I think they understood that and wanted to go back to their core."

Asked if Coca-Cola had been the right company to sell Zico to, Rampolla replied: "In hindsight, probably not."

In October, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey outlined the reasons for cutting Zico and other discontinued brands including Tab cola. "The actions we're taking this year are very focused on what are the brands that can take us into the future," Quincey said.

Rampolla, whose Powerplant Ventures investment company is based in California, also said there is room in the drinks industry for CBD beverages but that he is not yet prepared to make a move into the category. "There were a lot of ridiculous valuations, and we don't think the market has proven itself yet," he explained. "Perhaps ironically, we tend to be a little sceptical about single-ingredient businesses."

Rampolla founded Zico Coconut Water in 2004.

"Was Coca-Cola the right company to buy Zico? In hindsight, probably not" - just-drinks speaks to Zico founder Mark Rampolla
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.

Regional "Orogenic Gold" hole RIS20003 between Skirasen and Risberget intersects 1.0 metre grading 4.10 g/t gold

Regional "VMS" hole SKL20001 intersects 0.50 metre grading 3.25% zinc, 0.15% lead and 10.96 g/t silver

Bastutrask regional hole BAS20002 intersects 1.65 metres grading 5.80 g/t gold

Avan expansion hole AVA20008 intersects 1.0 metre grading 7.80 g/t gold

Recent drilling at the Avan Zone has outlined some new potential lodes that lie parallel and sub-parallel to the current resource.

Base of till testing (156 holes) followed by extensive MEFFA surface till sampling (13,758 samples) combined with automated XRF scanning has led to the outlining of geochemically anomalous areas at Bastutrask and Sundtrasket.

Scout drilling at Bastutrask to date has outlined a ~300 metre X ~300 metre area, roughly 4.8 kilometres east-northeast from the Avan-Central-Skirasen zones requiring follow up drill testing.

Eighty-seven channel samples collected from the Central Zone trench, plus drill core from the Avan and Skirasen zones will be submitted for ongoing ore sorting studies.

A total of 741 Gravity stations had measurements taken in 2020.

A total of 765 kilometres of Magnetic surveying was completed during 2020 and additional surveying is ongoing.

Water sampling at 18 watercourses and three lakes, plus water flow measurements in 5 creeks is ongoing.

Stringent COVID-19 protocols continue to be enforced, in order to keep the workers and the people living in the surrounding community safe.

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Barsele Minerals Corp. (TSXV: BME) (the "Company" or "Barsele") is pleased to provide an operational update regarding 2020 exploration activities within the Barsele Gold-VMS Project area in Vasterbottens Lan, Northern Sweden (the "Barsele Project"). The exploration program is being operated by joint venture partner Agnico Eagle Mines Limited  (TSX,NYSE: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle"). Ownership in the Barsele Project is 55% Agnico Eagle and 45% Barsele. Agnico Eagle can earn an additional 15% in the Barsele Project through the completion of a pre-feasibility study. There is no cash outlay requirement by Barsele until a pre-feasibility study is completed.

Between January 1st and December 31st, 2020, Agnico Eagle personnel and contractors carried out office-related and field-specific exploration activities at a number of exploration sites throughout the property. Work included diamond drilling, gravity and magnetic surveys, base of till drilling, ore-sorting test sampling, and water sampling, along with an extensive surface till sampling campaign (MEFFA), utilizing multi-element fine fraction analysis.

Within the Avan and Central gold zones, new mineralized structural trends have emerged, and recent drilling has been encouraging. In addition, base of till drilling and MEFFA sampling outlined a new area known as Bastutrask, located 4.8 kilometres east-northeast of the Barsele gold deposit. Nine short drill holes have tested this area, with positive gold results and encouraging base metal results.

Diamond drilling from July 14th into early November, within the 46,991-hectare property totaled 7,894 metres in 37 completed core holes. Since late 2015, a total of 155,345 metres of overburden penetration and core collection has been tabulated from a total of 404 drill holes. Analytical results for the final 21 drill holes from the 2020 drilling program are presented in this news release. The 2020 drilling campaign has tested the northwest extension of the Avan-Central-Skirasen (CAS) "Orogenic Gold" system, with infill and expansion drilling focused within and between the Central and Avan zones. Volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") targets have also been tested, along with the most recent drill testing at newly discovered Bastutrask.

Following recent structural reinterpretations, drilling along the Avan Zone has presented the technical team with new insights regarding high-grade mineralized zones. Within a ~200 metre X ~200 metre X ~700 metre volume, there are new high-grade (Bonanza-style) expansion drill intercepts adjacent to and beneath the existing Avan mineral resource area. Here, possibly north-south to northwest-southeast oriented cross structures carry high gold grades, along a trend that lies outside 2019, NI 43-101 resource wireframes. Additionally, at the Avan Zone, expansion hole AVA20008 cut three gold zones, including 16.0 metres core length (estimated 7.6 metres true thickness) grading 0.80 g/t gold, at a midpoint depth of 75 metres below surface, plus 5.0 metres core length (estimated 2.4 metres true thickness) grading 1.36 g/t gold, at a midpoint depth of 235 metres below surface, plus 1.0 metre core length (estimated 0.5 metre true thickness) grading 7.80 g/t gold, at midpoint depth of 270 metres below surface.

At Bastutrask, Regional hole BAS20001 (previously released) cut one gold zone, with 6.0 metres core length (estimated 4.5 metres true thickness) grading 0.89 g/t gold, including 1.0 metre core length (estimated 0.75 metre true thickness) grading 2.78 g/t Au (not previously disclosed) at a midpoint depth of 15.0 metres below surface.

Regional hole BAS20002 cut one gold zone, with 1.65 metres core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 5.80 g/t gold, at a midpoint depth of 25 metres below surface.

Regional hole BAS20003 cut two mineralized zones, including a gold zone with 1.00 metre core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 1.43 g/t gold, at a midpoint depth of 10 metres below surface, plus a base metal zone of 12.0 metres core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 0.14% nickel, 0.11% copper, and 0.04% cobalt at a midpoint depth of 60 metres below surface.

Regional hole BAS20006B cut one gold zone, with 2.30 metres core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 0.77 g/t gold, at a midpoint depth of 20 metres below surface.

Regional hole BAS20007B cut one gold-base metal zone, with 0.70 metre core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 32.20 g/t gold, 0.12% nickel, 0.08% copper, and 0.05% cobalt at a midpoint depth of 85 metres below surface.

Regional "VMS" hole NOR20004 intersected 3.00 metres core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 0.48% zinc at a midpoint depth of 230 metres below surface.

Regional "VMS" hole SKL20001 intersected 0.50 metre core length (true thickness to be determined) grading 3.25% zinc, 0.15% lead and 10.96 g/t silver at a midpoint depth of 60 metres below surface.

Regional "Orogenic Gold" hole RIS20003, located 1.6 kilometres southeast of the southeastern-most extension of the Avan-Central-Skirasen (CAS) "Orogenic Gold" system intersected 1.0 metre core length of granodiorite host rock grading 4.10 g/t gold at a depth of 140 metres below surface. More sampling along 20 metres of this zone is planned. This intercept may reflect continuity along the southeastward extension of the (CAS) mineralization.

Barsele's President, Gary Cope states; "We continue to be very pleased with the ongoing drill results from the newly discovered Bastutrask area, which has drill demonstrated significant gold, as well as anomalous base metal mineralization over a ~300 meter by ~300-meter area. The narrow good-grade gold intercept in hole RIS20003 offers hope for continuity along the southeastern trend of the CAS system. Also encouraging is hole SKL20001, in relation to the ongoing hunt for a new volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit."

July through November Drilling Summary 2020 Hole ID Easting Northing Az Dip DDH

Length From (m) To (m) CL (m) TL (m) Au (g/t) Top Cut

(g/t) AVA20007 617753.81 7215836.74 221 -56 248.10











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































AVA20008 617638.71 7215675.83 239 -52 477.80 93.00 109.00 16.00 7.60 0.80

Expansion









317.00 322.00 5.00 2.40 1.36













367.00 368.00 1.00 0.50 7.80

























BAS20002 623234.85 7216436.72 272 -50 71.20 32.35 34.00 1.65 N/A 5.80

Regional













































BAS20003 623176.87 7216637.82 131 -47 125.00 15.00 16.00 1.00 N/A 1.43

Regional









78.00 90.00 12.00 N/A















0.14%Ni 0.11%Cu 0.04%Co





























BAS20004 623212.17 7216685.70 125 -47 70.50











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































BAS20005 623295.19 7216641.01 125 -47 72.90











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































BAS20006A 623335.61 7216601.07 79 -47 20.10











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































BAS20006B 623335.61 7216601.07 79 -47 99.80 24.40 26.70 2.30 N/A 0.77

Regional













































BAS20007A 623423.63 7216691.77 270 -50 14.00











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































BAS20007B 623423.63 7216691.77 270 -50 116.30 109.00 109.70 0.70 N/A 32.20

Regional









0.12%Ni 0.08%Cu 0.05%Co





























NOR20001 619183.45 7218479.87 49 -45 119.00











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































NOR20002 619234.29 7218306.85 191 -45 157.30











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































NOR20003 619600.35 7217793.38 50 -45 212.50











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































NOR20004 617611.79 7218046.05 60 -45 399.90 349.00 352.00 3.00 N/A



Regional









0.48%Zn









NOR20005 618581.00 7219491.38 209 -45 139.70











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































NOR20006 617244.67 7216798.03 40 -50 100.10











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































NOR19004-ext 616430.64 7218361.47 305 -60 506.30











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































SKL20001 620860.33 7216354.91 135 -52 104.40 79.60 80.10 0.50 N/A



Regional









10.96g/t Ag 0.15%Pb 3.25%Zn





























RIS20001 621465.73 7214433.59 128 -45 100.20











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































RIS20002 622010.37 7214436.66 164 -45 101.10











Regional no anomalous gold/base metals









































RIS20003 620656.13 7213584.78 86 -45 250.70 205.00 206.00 1.00 N/A 4.10

Regional assays pending











































Az = Compass Bearing Dip = Degrees Inclined CL = Core Length TL = Est. True Length Top Cut varies 40-18 g/t Au (A-C-S)

The technical information in this news release was verified by way of the last site visit in January of 2020 by the Qualified Person, wherein certain data and protocols were discussed with the site management and the technical staff and the database was reviewed and drill core and till sampling material and handling procedures were examined. Since January 2020, updates have been via detailed monthly reports and video conferencing between Barsele management and Agnico Eagle management. Agnico Eagle maintains comprehensive quality control/quality assurance protocols.

All samples referred to in this news release were tested at independent MS Analytical Service, wherein core sawing and sample preparation is carried out in Storuman, Sweden and the analyses of both Au and multi-element analysis is completed in Canada. The assay method is SWED-Edh-6, which comprises:-FAS-121, Au fire assay-AA on 50 gram-above 3 ppm Au fire assay-gravimetric; FAS-425, Au by fire assay and gravimetric finish 50-gram nominal sample weight; IMS-230, 48 element four-acid digestion ICP-MS; ICF-6Xx, default over limit methods for ICF-6Ag, ICF-6As, ICF-6Cu, ICF-6Pb, ICF-6Zn, SPM-210 (S); FAS-418, Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish for Ag above 1,000 ppm. For semi-massive to massive sulphide rock, ICP-130 aqua regia is used for multi element analysis, instead of the four-acid digestion.

As project operator, Agnico Eagle has developed a community relations program to engage the various stakeholders in the Barsele Project area. Basic environmental assessment and surface water characterization, species studies and hydrogeology studies are ongoing.

About the Barsele Gold Project

The Barsele Project is located on the western end of the Proterozoic "Skellefte Trend", a prolific volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits belt, that intersects with the "Gold Line" in Northern Sweden. Both polymetallic "VMS" deposits and intrusive hosted "Orogenic Gold" deposits are present in this region and on this property. Current and past producers in the region include Boliden, Kristineberg, Bjorkdal, Svartliden and Storliden.

On February 21, 2019 (the effective date), Barsele released an independently verified Mineral Resource Estimate that was completed by Quebec-based InnovExplo Inc., for the purposes of the Company. This NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate (Amended) for the Barsele Property was modified and resubmitted effective December 16th, 2020. The Amended Technical Report contains no material differences to the original technical report filed on April 2, 2019.

The study concluded that drilling to the end of 2018 along the AvanCentralSkirasen gold zones at a 0.50 g/t gold cut-off for a pit constrained extraction mining method, a 1.50 g/t gold cut-off for a bulk underground extraction mining method, a 1.80 g/t cut-off for a selective underground extraction mining method, has in combination, outlined an Inferred Resource of 25,495,000 tonnes grading 2.54 g/t gold (2,086,000 ounces of contained gold) and an Indicated Resource of 5,578,000 tonnes grading 1.81 g/t gold (324,000 ounces of contained gold).

The main gold-bearing system remains open in all directions. The structurally linked gold mineralized "lodes" occur mainly within a granodiorite host and to a lesser extent, volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Multiples of parallel to sub-parallel "lodes" that vary in width from 10 metres to 100 metres, combine for a maximum known thickness (including low grade-waste islands) of 425 metres. The AvanCentralSkirasen zones have a strike length approaching 3.6 kilometres and that same northwest trending structural corridor does contain localized bodies with gold mineralization over an additional 4.4 kilometres. The drill tested depth of the mineralized system approaches 1.0 kilometre and remains open. Gold is generally associated with arsenopyrite and low base metal content and occurs often as native metal.

Since drilling commenced on July 14, 2020, "Orogenic Gold" targets were initially prioritized, with "VMS" targets emphasized during the latter stages of the program.

Art Freeze, P.Geo. is the Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for the technical disclosure contained within this news release.

About Barsele Minerals Corp.

Barsele is a Canadian-based junior exploration company managed by the Belcarra Group, comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. Barsele's main property is the Barsele Gold Project in Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden, a joint venture with Agnico Eagle. An updated NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Barsele Project with an effective date of February 21, 2019, was filed on SEDAR on April 2, 2019.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Cope

President

This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements and Barsele undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Barsele Minerals Corp.

Related Links

www.barseleminerals.com


RBL Bank rose 2.82% to Rs 251.25 after the bank said its board approved the re-appointment of Vishwavir Ahuja as the managing director & chief executive officer for three years.

In a regulatory filing made post market hours on Monday, the private lender said that the nomination and remuneration committee of the board had approved the re-appointment of Vishwavir Ahuja as the managing director & chief executive officer of the bank for a period of three years, with effect from 30 June 2021 to 29 June 2024.

The bank has recommended the same to the Reserve Bank of India and the appointment shall be subject to their approval.

Vishwavir Ahuja has been the managing director & CEO of RBL Bank since 30 June 2010. Prior to joining RBL Bank, he was the managing director & CEO of Bank of America, India from 2001 to 2009.

RBL Bank is a private sector bank. Its net profit surged 165% to Rs 144 crore in Q2 September 2020 from Rs 54 crore in Q2 September 2019. Total income during the quarter declined by 1.3% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 2533.47 crore.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and 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.
Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

Cloudy skies with periods of rain this afternoon. High 57F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 43F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
As the nation approaches yet another grim milestone  400,000 lives lost to COVID-19 in less than a year  towns across New Jersey will pause to honor the victims with lit-up municipal buildings, the sound of church bells and candles on windowsills.

So far, Asbury Park, Westfield, Fair Haven, Cranford, Aberdeen and East Brunswick are all slated to host their own municipal memorials with others expected to participate as well.

The memorials are offshoots of the National COVID-19 Memorial, hosted by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, continuing a schedule of activities leading up to President-Elect Joe Bidens subdued inauguration Wednesday. Earlier this week, the committee hosted a virtual concert and a national day of service to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Committee encouraged towns and residents to get involved locally by lighting a candle in your window, changing city building lights to amber or ringing a bell.

In the midst of a pandemic, when so many Americans are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors  it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the more challenging periods in the nations history, and renew our commitment to coming together to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation, Committee Communications Director Phil Tobar wrote in a statement.

In Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be lit up for the first time ever to commemorate lives lost, and a national ceremony will take place at 5:30 EST p.m.

The ceremony can be live-streamed online on the Biden Inaugural Committee YouTube channel.

The Town of Westfield to Host a Remembrance Ceremony for Residents Lost to COVID-19 Today Residents are invited to... Posted by Westfield NJ - Downtown on Tuesday, January 19, 2021

In New Jersey, Warren County will hold a countywide event at Garret D. Wall Park in Belvidere.

Every corner of our country was impacted by this pandemic. Warren County will join with the rest of the nation in a moment of unity and remembrance for the lives lost to COVID-19, James Kern III, Board of County Commissioners Director, wrote in a Facebook post. Please consider lighting a candle during this time to remember our friends, family and neighbors who were taken by this virus.

Belvidere Mayor Joseph Kennedy has asked the towns churches to ring their bells at 5:30 p.m. to honor those lost to the virus as well as those currently battling it.

On the other side of the state, Fair Haven is asking residents to line its sidewalks with luminaires, while the town lights up Memorial Park.

And echoing the move of New Yorkers at the beginning of the pandemic, Asbury Park is inviting residents to bang pots or ring a bell for one minute.

Though the statewide memorials acknowledge the pain felt by millions, dealing with a virus that has shut down the country and entered the homes of every American in one way or another, the events are partially meant to signal a new age for the country.

In Westfield, Mayor Shelley Brindle wrote to residents that the memorial coincides with a moment of hope, pointing to the vaccine rollout as a light at the end of this tunnel.

Its not imminent, but the increased pace of vaccinations offer us all much-needed hope and a gradual path back to normalcy, Brindle wrote in the towns weekly update. That being said, lets not forget the utterly tragic number of lives lost over these past ten months -- not only globally and nationally, but also here at home.

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.
NAPLES, JAN 19 - Convicted mafia criminal, ex-aide to former premier Silvio Berlusconi and bibliophile Marcello Dell'Utri was acquitted Tuesday on charges of illegally appropriating 13 valuable books from the noted Girolamini Library in Naples. Dell'Utri, 79, who is serving the last of seven years in jail for mafia association, was fully acquitted with the formula "the crime was not committed". The former Senator in Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia (FI) party, who has been found guilty of acting as an intermediary between Cosa Nostra bosses and three-time former premier and media magnate Berlusconi - a crime for which the FI chief has never been accused - had been accused of complicity in embezzlement in relation to the missing volumes. Dell'Utri, credited with being he brains behind the creation of FI in the run-up to Berlusconi's first election win in 1994, was facing a prosecution request for seven more years in jail. (ANSA).
As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to rage across the globe, many countries have rolled out vaccines. Populations to be vaccinated first are healthcare workers, front-liners, and high-risk individuals. The majority of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in use or advanced clinical development are based on the viral spike protein (S) as their immunogen.

Since the start of the pandemic, there are now 235 vaccine candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 172 vaccines are in pre-clinical evaluation, while 63 are undergoing human trials. Sixteen vaccines are in the last phase of human trials, with a handful receiving emergency use authorization.

Now, researchers at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom, reveal that engineered closed S constructs may be valuable immunogens that can induce neutralizing antibodies against a different pattern of epitopes. This allows for the flexibility of vaccines at both the individual and population levels.

The S protein is present in viruses wherein the receptor-binding domain (RBD) is open or closed. However, it has been described that neutralizing antibodies act against both open and closed RBDs. The long-term efficacy and safety of vaccines rely on inducing these antibodies to protect the evolving and circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains.

Design of constructs. A. Overview of constructs used in the study indicating the positions where residues have been mutated. B. An overview of the trimeric spike structure indicating the positions of the mutated residues. The insertion of cysteine residues at positions 413 and 987 leads to the formation of a disulphide bond (dotted yellow line in inset) that arrest S in the closed prefusion form.

The study

In the study, posted on the pre-print server bioRxiv*, the team assessed the results of immunization in mouse models using an S protein trimer in the closed state to prevent exposure of the RBD site.

To arrive at the study findings, the researchers developed S protein constructs that are in the closed perfusion conformations, where the RBD should not be accessible to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor site, the cellular gateway of SARS-CoV-2.

The team theorized that closed spikes would provide a different antibody response compared to standard S protein constructs. The team immunized ice with various S protein constructs that differ in containing the double proline mutant, the mutation existing at the furin cleavage site.

The study findings suggest that S trimers arrested in the close state can be used to develop future and next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. These vaccines can help trigger broader and more robust neutralizing antibody responses.

Further, the team also found that when they obtained serum samples from the mice, most mice vaccinated with S variants had neutralizing sera two weeks after the immunization. At two weeks after the vaccination, the serum samples were potently neutralizing. The serum samples also remained potently neutralizing 21 weeks after vaccination.

Immunization of mice with trimeric S protein constructs induces very strongly neutralizing sera, and the sera remain neutralizing 5 months post-immunization with neutralizing antibody titers maintained at high levels. Immunization also induces a T-cell response. All of the sera contain antibodies that bind S and RBD, and which block the ACE2- RBD interaction, including sera induced by the stabilized, closed S-R/x2 construct., the team summarized in the paper.

Currently, the S proteins expressed by vaccines such as the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, the AstraZeneca ChAd vaccine, and others, are all based on early S proteins designs that can adapt to both and closed conformations.

The COVID-19 toll

To date, the global case toll of COVID-19 has reached 95.48 million, and the virus has now reached 191 countries and regions. The death toll has surpassed 2 million, while the United States remains the nation with the highest number of cases, topping 24 million. The country has recorded over 398,000 deaths since the pandemic arrived in the country in January.

The other countries that have reported skyrocketing COVID-19 cases include India, with over 10.57 million cases, Brazil, with more than 8.48 million cases, Russia, with over 3.55 million cases, and the United Kingdom, with more than 3.44 million cases, among others.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Napa Valley College has moved one step closer to leasing part of its Upper Valley Campus to the City of St. Helena.

After discussing the matter in closed session on Jan. 14, college board trustees unanimously passed a resolution authorizing staff to negotiate a lease of 7,979 square feet of the campus main Building A. The cost to the city would be $2 per square foot per month, with a term not to exceed five years.

This resolution starts the process, Bob Parker, assistant superintendent/vice president, administrative services, told the board. This is not authorization of the final lease agreement.

The resolution will be published in a local paper for three weeks. Following the public notification period, college trustees could pass a resolution authorizing staff to enter into a lease at their Feb. 11 meeting.

The St. Helena City Council has discussed the negotiations in closed session but hasnt taken any action.

The NVC action allows for NVC and the City to negotiate a lease, so we will work on that, said City Manager Mark Prestwich. The timing of any City action would depend on timing of agreement on terms.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 22:39:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tigist Asfaw, an Ethiopian Orthodox Church faithful, usually celebrated the unique Ethiopian epiphany by attending the distinctive religious and cultural processions both at church and at home with her extended family relatives and neighbors.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced Tigist and so many other Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers to limit their usual activities, including avoiding large gatherings.

Amid widespread calls by government officials and church elders to strengthen anti-COVID-19 precautionary measures, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians across the East African country on Tuesday welcomed the main event of the three-day Ethiopian epiphany, the baptism of Jesus Christ.

The Ethiopian epiphany (Timket in Amharic), which is largely considered as one of Ethiopia's highly rated public events, is a three-day affair involving distinctive religious and cultural activities.

Even though the core religious idea attached to the Ethiopian epiphany is similar to other Christians worldwide, the celebrations are quite unique in Ethiopia.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had in 2019 inscribed Timket on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which was attributed to unique Timket celebrations across Ethiopia - Africa's second populous nation with an estimated 107 million total population.

"I never missed church processions during Timket ever since I remembered," Tigist told Xinhua on Tuesday, adding that she wouldn't even miss this year's edition of the celebration if not for the pandemic warnings and the fact that she had a baby boy to take care of at home.

"The only reason I'm not participating in the processions this time around is the safety of my child. I fear that I might contract the virus and infect my innocent baby boy," she said.

In normal times before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Ethiopian epiphany is a colorful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ, in which the commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival, which falls on Jan. 18, or Jan. 19 during a leap year.

On the first day of the celebration, the Ark of the Covenant replicas (Tabots in Amharic) of each church is carried out in procession to a public space where the next main day's celebration will take place.

A special tent is set up at the public space where each replica of the Ark of the Covenant rests as members of the church choirs chant hymns all night long and are accompanied by priests with their prayer.

The beating of drums, ringing of bells, and other spiritual activities are integral parts of the Timket celebrations. Enditem
British experts have designed a new type of ventilator that may allow more patients with severe Covid-19 to be treated outside of intensive care, easing pressure on hospitals hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

The pandemic has put immense pressure on the NHS, with figures from earlier this month showing how the number of coronavirus patients in hospital was almost twice the level during the darkest days of the first wave last year.

The researchers said that their device, known as exovent, is more comfortable for the patient, cheaper than those currently being used in intensive care units (ICU), and requires fewer staff to manage it.

Exovent is a negative pressure ventilator - which means it works by lowering the pressure outside the body to allow lung tissue to expand and function in a way that resembles normal breathing.

The device, which is modelled on the 'iron lung' used to battle the polio crisis in the 20th century, works differently from the conventional positive pressure ventilators which, instead, push air into the lungs.

The device has already successfully been tested on six healthy adults, although it will need to be put through its paces in a full clinical trial before it can be put into general use.

Researchers found it was 'able to deliver both an increased lung expansion to people breathing spontaneously, and powerful ventilation to take over people's breathing entirely, using only moderate negative pressures'.

British experts have designed a new type of ventilator, known as exovent, that may allow more patients with severe Covid-19 to be treated outside of intensive care

As positive pressure devices became much smaller, cheaper and more convenient over the years, research into negative pressure devices was mostly abandoned since the 1950s.

However, the scientists behind exovent said that negative pressure devices are far less intrusive than either positive pressure ventilation, where a tube is inserted into the windpipe, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where oxygen is delivered through a tightly-fitting face mask.

Patients do not need to be sedated and can take food and medication by mouth, as well as talk to loved ones on the phone when using exovent, they added.

The new ventilator was previously endorsed by the family of the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

He died in 2018 after battling motor neurone disease since 1963 and relied on a ventilator to stay alive.

His family told the Sunday Telegraph: 'As the family of a ventilated man, we know the life and death difference that access to this kind of medical technology makes.'

Exovent is a negative pressure ventilator - which means it works by lowering the pressure outside the body to allow lung tissue to expand and function in a way that resembles normal breathing

The device, which is modelled on the 'iron lung' (pictured) used to battle the polio crisis in the 20th century, works differently from the conventional positive pressure ventilators which, instead, push air into the lungs

During the first wave of the coronavirus crisis last year, private firms rushed to offer to build new ventilators amid fears that hospitals would run out of the machines as coronavirus hospitalisations increased dramatically.

Ian Joesbury, the chief executive of exovent, said: 'We are really excited to be unveiling this life-saving system which is a cutting-edge reinvention of pre-existing technology.

What is a ventilator? A machine that helps people breathe. It puts oxygen directly into patients' lungs and removes carbon dioxide from them. A breathing tube connects the ventilator machine to your body. One end of the tube is placed into the lungs airways through down the throat or nose. In some serious cases, the tube is connected directly to the windpipe through a small cut in the throat. Surgery is needed to make the hole in the neck. This is called a tracheostomy. Patients are heavily sedated so they can't fight the sensation of being unable to breathe on their own. Ventilators are used to help a person breathe if they have lung disease or another condition that makes breathing difficult. They can also be used during and post-surgery. Advertisement

'As the patient does not need to be sedated it opens up alternative treatment options that may allow more patients with Covid-19 to be treated outside of intensive care.'

A team of anaesthetists, nurses and engineers were involved in the design of the exovent chamber, which consists of a base fitted on to a standard hospital bed.

A pump unit is connected to the base by hoses and pressure around the torso can be adjusted using a control unit.

The patient's torso can be monitored through a window and accessed through portholes.

The device was tested on six healthy adults in the presence of three senior anaesthetists.

According to the researchers, exovent 'was able to deliver both an increased lung expansion to people breathing spontaneously, and powerful ventilation to take over people's breathing entirely, using only moderate negative pressures'.

However, they said that a clinical trial is required to fully test the device.

They believe exovent can also help people with other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to the team, an exovent device costs approximately 8,000, making it cheaper than existing positive-pressure devices, which cost around 15,000 for CPAP machines and more than 30,000 for intensive care ventilators.

The researchers said they are planning to submit their exovent design to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates medical devices in the UK.

In the meantime, the details of the device have been published in the journal Anaesthesia.

The family of the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (pictured) said: 'As the family of a ventilated man, we know the life and death difference that access to this kind of medical technology makes'
HOUSTON - (Jan. 19, 2021) - Microscopic bubbles can tell stories about Earth's biggest volcanic eruptions and geoscientists from Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin have discovered some of those stories are written in nanoparticles.

In an open-access study published online in Nature Communications, Rice's Sahand Hajimirza and Helge Gonnermann and UT Austin's James Gardner answered a longstanding question about explosive volcanic eruptions like the ones at Mount St. Helens in 1980, the Philippines' Mount Pinatubo in 1991 or Chile's Mount Chaiten in 2008.

Geoscientists have long sought to use tiny bubbles in erupted lava and ash to reconstruct some of the conditions, like heat and pressure, that occur in these powerful eruptions. But there's been a historic disconnect between numerical models that predict how many bubbles will form and the actual amounts of bubbles measured in erupted rocks.

Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner worked for more than five years to reconcile those differences for Plinian eruptions. Named in honor of Pliny the Younger, the Roman author who described the eruption that destroyed Pompeii in A.D. 79, Plinian eruptions are some of the most intense and destructive volcanic events.

"Eruption intensity refers to the both the amount of magma that's erupted and how quickly it comes out," said Hajimirza, a postdoctoral researcher and former Ph.D. student in Gonnermann's lab at Rice's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. "The typical intensity of Plinian eruptions ranges from about 10 million kilograms per second to 10 billion kilograms per second. That is equivalent to 5,000 to 5 million pickup trucks per second."

One way scientists can gauge the speed of rising magma is by studying microscopic bubbles in erupted lava and ash. Like bubbles in uncorked champagne, magma bubbles are created by a rapid decrease in pressure. In magma, this causes dissolved water to escape in the form of gas bubbles.

"As magma rises, its pressure decreases," Hajimirza said. "At some point, it reaches a pressure at which water is saturated, and further decompression causes supersaturation and the formation of bubbles."

As water escapes in the form of bubbles, the molten rock becomes less saturated. But if the magma continues to rise, decreasing pressure increases saturation.

"This feedback determines how many bubbles form," Hajimirza said. "The faster the magma rises, the higher the decompression rate and supersaturation pressure, and the more abundant the nucleated bubbles."

In Plinian eruptions, so much magma rises so fast that the number of bubbles is staggering. When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, for example, it spewed more than one cubic kilometer of rock and ash in nine hours, and there were about one million billion bubbles in each cubic meter of that erupted material.

"The total bubbles would be around a septillion," Hajimirza said. "That's a one followed by 24 zeros, or about 1,000 times more than all the grains of sand on all Earth's beaches."

In his Ph.D. studies, Hajimirza developed a predictive model for bubble formation and worked with Gardner to test the model in experiments at UT Austin. The new study builds upon that work by examining how magnetite crystals no larger than a few billionths of a meter could change how bubbles form at various depths.

"When bubbles nucleate, they can form in liquid, which we call homogeneous nucleation, or they can nucleate on a solid surface, which we call heterogeneous," Hajimirza said. "A daily life example would be boiling a pot of water. When bubbles form on the bottom of the pot, rather than in the liquid water, that is heterogeneous nucleation."

Bubbles from the bottom of the pot are often the first to form, because heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation typically begin at different temperatures. In rising magma, heterogeneous bubble formation begins earlier, at lower supersaturation levels. And the surfaces where bubbles nucleate are often on tiny crystals.

"How much they facilitate nucleation depends on the type of crystals," Hajimirza said. "Magnetites, in particular, are the most effective."

In the study, Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner incorporated magnetite-mediated nucleation in numerical models of bubble formation and found the models produced results that agreed with observational data from Plinian eruptions.

Hajimirza said magnetites are likely present in all Plinian magma. And while previous research on hasn't revealed enough magnetites to account for all observed bubbles, previous studies may have missed small nanocrystals that would only be revealed with transmission electron microscopy, a rarely used technique that is only now becoming more broadly available.

To find out if that's the case, Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner called for a "systematic search for magnetite nanolites" in material from Plinian eruptions. That would provide observational data to better define the role of magnetites and heterogeneous nucleation in bubble formation, and could lead to better models and improved volcanic forecasts.

"Forecasting eruptions is a long-term goal for volcanologists, but it's challenging because we cannot directly observe subsurface processes," said Hajimirza. "One of the grand challenges of volcano science, as outlined by the National Academies in 2017, is improving eruption forecasting by better integration of the observational data we have with the quantitative models, like the one we developed for this study."

###

Gonnermann is a professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Rice. Gardner is a professor of geological sciences in UT's Jackson School of Geosciences.

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation (EAR-1348072, EAR-1348050).

Links and resources:

The DOI of the Nature Communications paper is: 10.1038/s41467-020-20541-1

A copy of the paper is available at: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41467-020-20541-1

High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:

https:/ / news-network. rice. edu/ news/ files/ 2021/ 01/ 0113_BUBBLES-smH-b. jpg CAPTION: Sahand Hajimirza is a postdoctoral research associate in Rice University's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. (Photo courtesy of S. Hajimirza/Rice University)

https:/ / www. usgs. gov/ media/ images/ plinian-eruption-column-may-18-1980-mount-st-helens CAPTION: An aerial view from the southwest of Mount St. Helens, Washington, May 18, 1980. The Plinian eruption was the deadliest and most costly volcanic disaster in U.S. history. (Photo by Krimmel, Robert. Public domain.)

https:/ / earthobservatory. nasa. gov/ images/ 19887/ chaiten-volcano-erupts CAPTION: A volcanic plume flows southeast from Chile's Mount Chaiten in this May 3, 2008 image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite. The Plinian plume rose over the Andes Mountains and drifted across Argentina before dissipating over the Atlantic Ocean. (Image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz/MODIS Rapid Response Team/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,978 undergraduates and 3,192 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 1 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Sweden during its OSCE chair to continue efforts to resolve situation in Donbas  Linde

During its chairmanship in the OSCE, Sweden will continue its efforts to resolve the situation in eastern Ukraine, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said.

"One of our priorities [...] will be to defend the European security order and support a political resolution of the conflict, which is in line with OSCE principles and commitments, with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," Linde said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Tuesday.

She welcomed the significant decrease in the number of ceasefire violations in Donbas.

"Due to to this, the daily life of the population living in these areas has become safer, and Ukraine deserves great gratitude for this," the minister said.

As the correspondent of Interfax-Ukraine said, she also expressed regret that one Ukrainian serviceman died in the area of the JFO last week, and expressed condolences to his family.


Huntsville Police have identified the man murdered in a shooting Monday at 4955 Century St.

Police identified the victim as 22-year-old Dallis Patrick Ryan Wolfe.

Wolfe was a student at Alabama A&M University, the department said Tuesday.

The university released this statement Tuesday afternoon: "The Alabama A&M University Family is deeply saddened by the recent loss of fellow Bulldog, Dallis Wolfe.

"Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are extended to his family, as well as to all persons who knew and loved him.

"Because such sudden deaths can be particularly difficult for students, faculty and staff, counseling services are being extended through AAMU's John & Ella Byrd McCain Health and Counseling Center during normal business hours at (256) 372-5601 and after hours at (256) 425-4554.

"Communication has been sent to students stressing the availability of these services and informing them that assistance is readily available to them."

Police said the homicide investigation is ongoing.

Stay with WAAY 31 for updates
18:00 | Lima, Jan. 19.

The release of this new wheat variety was made official by Administrative Resolution No. 009-2021-INIA , published on Tuesday in the official gazette El Peruano
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release financial aid of nearly Rs 2,691 crore to 6.1 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister will hand over the assistance at noon via videoconference, during which Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present.

The assistance would include first installment to 5.30 lakh beneficiaries and second installment to 80,000 others who have already availed of the first installment under the PMAY-G.

The Prime Minister had called for 'Housing for All by 2022', for which the Centre's flagship programme PMAY-G was launched on November 20, 2016.

So far, 1.26 crore houses have been built across the country under the scheme. Under PMAY-G, each beneficiary is given 100 per cent grant of Rs 1.20 lakh (in plain areas) and Rs 1.30 lakh (in hilly states/north-eastern states/difficult areas/UTs of J&K and Ladakh/IAP/LWE districts).

The PMAY-G beneficiaries are also provided support of unskilled labour wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Scheme and assistance of Rs 12,000 for the construction of toilets through Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGA or any other dedicated source of funding.

The scheme has provisions for convergence with other schemes of the Centre and states/UTs for providing LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme, electricity connections, and access to safe drinking water under Jal Jeevan Mission.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain has been granted the Legion of Merit (Degree of Chief Commander) by US President Donald J Trump, in recognition of his remarkable efforts to strengthen the Bahrain-US friendship and solid partnership.

It is also in tribute to HM the Kings major role in broadening cooperation with the US, which achieved the interests of the two countries and enhanced relations between the two friendly peoples, said a Bahrain News Agency report.

President Trump expressed pleasure at presenting the Legion of Merit to HM the King, noting that under King Hamads decades of steady leadership as Crown Prince, Amir and King, Bahrain has proved to be an indefatigable ally of the United States.

Bahrains support of the US Navys 5th Fleet in Bahrain has been essential to enabling multiple contingency operations, the President added.

President Trump praised HM the Kings courage and vision, reflected in his support for peace, and decision to establish full diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.

Most recently, King Hamad has shown extraordinary courage and leadership through his support of the Vision for Peace and his decision to establish full diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. His decision has ushered in a new era of economic and security cooperation between the US most important partners in the Middle East. King Hamad has challenged old assumptions about the possibility for peace in the region, and in doing so, positively reshaped the landscape of the Middle East for generations, President Trump said, adding that the already deep partnership between US and Bahrain will continue to expand.

The prestigious Legion of Merit, usually granted to distinguished leaders of US allied countries, proves HM the King's distinguished status and the US great recognition of his role and major contributions to strengthening the pillars of security, stability and prosperity, in accordance with a wise vision to promote peace across the region, the report said.
President-elect Joe Biden Tuesday selected Pennsylvanias top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, to be the nations next assistant secretary of health, a role that would make her the first openly transgender federal official.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Levine, 63, and the current face of Pennsylvanias coronavirus response, will become the highest-ranking openly transgender official ever to serve in the federal government. Heres what to know about Levine and the position shes been selected for.

A historic and deeply qualified choice

Levine would replace Admiral Brett P. Giroir  the former executive vice president and CEO of Texas A&Ms Health Science Center.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, the assistant secretary leads development of HHS-wide public health policy recommendations and oversees several of the departments core public health offices  including the Office of the Surgeon General.

On Tuesday, Biden called Levine a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris added that Levine is a remarkable public servant with the knowledge and experience to help us contain this pandemic, and protect and improve the health and well-being of the American people.

 READ MORE: Pa. Health Secretary Rachel Levine tapped to be Bidens assistant secretary for health

Before she was Pa.s top health official

Before Gov. Tom Wolf appointed Levine to serve as Pennsylvanias physician general in 2015, she spent two decades as a pediatrician at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she established a multidisciplinary program to treat eating disorders. She was named the commonwealths acting secretary of health in July 2017 and confirmed as secretary in March 2018. Prior to spearheading coronavirus-mitigation efforts in the commonwealth, Levine led the states response to the opioid epidemic. She also helped establish Pennsylvanias medical marijuana program.

Levine grew up in a family of lawyers in Wakefield, Mass., a Boston suburb. She graduated from Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine, and trained in pediatrics and adolescent medicine at New York Citys Mount Sinai Medical Center.

She is divorced and has two adult children. She also speaks nationally on LGBTQ health issues and visibility. At Penn States School of Medicine, she established a LGBTQ staff group and served as facilitator for the LGBTQ student group.

 READ MORE: Pennsylvanias Health Secretary Rachel Levine fights hate, fear, and the coronavirus

The face of Pennsylvanias pandemic response

Since the coronavirus pandemic gripped Pennsylvania in March 2020, Levine has been the face of the commonwealths COVID-19 response, standing alongside Wolf at regularly broadcast news conferences to provide updates on case counts, deaths, hospitalizations, as well as urging residents to wear masks and avoid crowds.

As the face of Pennsylvanias coronavirus response, Levine was criticized for the Health Departments handling of the disease inside nursing homes and for its approach to data transparency.

Throughout the pandemic, Levine has been the target of repeated transphobic attacks from elected officials, business owners, and on social media.

 READ MORE: Pa. health secretary denounces transphobic attacks: Our children are watching

Though she typically chose to avoid commenting on the hate in favor of addressing the worsening pandemic, in July, Levine publicly denounced the discrimination against her and provided encouragement for LGBTQ youth, urging Pennsylvanians to work toward a spirit of not just tolerance, but a spirit of acceptance and welcoming.

First openly transgender official for a Senate-confirmed post

With Bidens selection Tuesday, Levine made history as the first openly transgender official for a post that requires Senate confirmation.

If she is confirmed, she will become the highest-ranking openly transgender federal government official.

The countrys highest-ranking openly transgender elected official is Delaware Sen. Sarah McBride, who in November, became the first and only openly transgender state senator in the United States.

As an openly transgender woman and a proud member of our community, I hopefully educate people that LGBTQ people are here, Levine told TODAY in September. Were part of the community and we really try to work towards the common good.
Qatar has called for Gulf Arab countries to hold talks with Iran, the foreign minister said in an interview aired Tuesday, after Doha reconciled with its neighbours following a three-year rift.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who has previously called for dialogue with Iran, told Bloomberg TV he was "hopeful that this would happen and we still believe this should happen".

"This is also a desire that's shared by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries," he said.

It comes weeks after GCC members Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE - along with Egypt - re-established ties with Qatar after breaking them off in June 2017 partly over allegations that Qatar was too close to Iran. Doha denied the accusations.

Qatar and Iran share one of the world's largest gas fields and Doha maintains cordial relations with Tehran.

Doha is a close ally of Washington and has previously mediated between the US and Iran suggesting that Sheikh Mohammed's intervention could be timed as a signal to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Biden is due to take office on Wednesday.

The current occupant of the White House, President Donald Trump, has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran and pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with it in 2018.

Tehran's arch-rival Riyadh, the dominant Gulf Arab power, has not publicly indicated any willingness to engage with Iran.

Instead Saudi Arabia insisted that this month's rapprochement with Qatar meant the Gulf family would be better able to combat "the threats posed by the Iranian regime's nuclear and ballistic missile programme".

"Qatar will facilitate negotiations, if asked by stakeholders, and will support whoever is chosen to do so," added Sheikh Mohammed.

Short link:


Integrated with SkyGrid's airspace management system, AerialOS, the DeepArmor product can be deployed directly on drone hardware to function even when network connectivity is impaired or non-existent. The AI protection defends drones from zero-day attacks by leveraging models trained on the DNA of malicious files instead of relying on a signature database.

SparkCognition and SkyGrid showcased the DeepArmor product's drone protection in a recent demonstration: https://youtu.be/syX_NevNJX0

"We leveraged cutting-edge AI research and technology to build the DeepArmor product, which allows it to protect endpoints against 99.9% of never-before-seen threats," said Sridhar Sudarsan, Chief Technology Officer at SparkCognition. "In addition, the product's uniqueness lies in its ability to provide top-rate endpoint protection on the lowest footprint with minimal interference  all in varying degrees of connectivity. This is the true overarching security differentiator from which SkyGrid's customers will see value."

The DeepArmor product suite leverages SparkCognition's patented machine learning technology combined with a defense in depth mantra to provide multiple layers of protection on an endpoint  instead of using known signatures, heuristics, or rules-based approaches. The software protects a wide range of endpoints, with its most recent addition to the product suite, DeepArmor Industrial, launched in collaboration with Siemens Energy and designed to protect operational technology assets across the energy value chain.

SparkCognition's AI-first approach to cybersecurity and the DeepArmor product's advanced threat detection models have been validated by multiple awards, including 2020 Cyber Defense Magazine's award for best endpoint security and CRN's 2020 Security 100 List.

About SkyGrid

SkyGrid, a Boeing, SparkCognition company, is powering the next generation of aviation. As the only airspace management system built on AI and blockchain, SkyGrid is solving the industry's biggest challenges integrating unmanned aircraft in the global airspace and executing autonomous operations. SkyGrid's AerialOS monitors, predicts, and adapts to changes in airspace traffic, environmental conditions, and vehicle health to intelligently route, synchronize, and manage unmanned aircraft. Based in Austin, Texas, SkyGrid is enabling a wide variety of commercial drone operations from package delivery to emergency assistance. For more information, visit skygrid.com , LinkedIn , or Twitter .

About SparkCognition

SparkCognition catalyzes sustainable growth for their clients throughout the world with proven artificial intelligence (AI) systems, award-winning machine learning technology, and a multinational team of AI thought-leaders. Clients are trusted with advancing lives, infrastructure, sustainability, and financial systems across the globe. They partner with SparkCognition to understand their industry's most pressing challenges, analyze complex data, empower decision-making, and transform human and industrial productivity. With leading-edge artificial intelligence productsDarwin, DeepArmor , SparkPredict , and DeepNLPTMSparkCognition's clients can adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape and accelerate their business strategies. To learn more about how SparkCognition's AI applications can unlock the power in your data, visit www.sparkcognition.com .

SkyGrid Contact Info

Risa Kleen

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

SparkCognition Contact Info

Michelle Saab

VP, Marketing Communications

[email protected]

512-956-5491

SOURCE SparkCognition

Related Links

http://sparkcognition.com


Los Angeles, CA. (January 19, 2021)- Maria Cozette, an Armenian-American starlet, is set to release her fourth studio album, Pen to Paper, on January 21, 2021. The award- winning soulful pop artist is a dynamic multipotentialite as a university professor, recording artist, and television personality. The compilation was produced in collaboration with world-renowned composers, musicians, and songwriters. Cozette has always utilized her platform to convey a positive message for her younger fans. The songs on the 
Some tenants in Worcester may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 in rental assistance as part of a new program launched by the city amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Five city housing agencies - Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA), Friendly House, Inc., Open Sky Community Services, Worcester Community Action Council and Worcester Community Housing Resources - will provide about $1.9 million in assistance to those living in Worcester.

The funding is meant to help cover rent and utilities, including heat, hot water and electricity.

Applicants must qualify as low income at or below 80% of the annual median income, and be able to document loss of income due to COVID-19. The maximum funding allowed per tenant is $3,000.

We know that renters and landlords are suffering right now, and this program, along with other available assistance, can be a much-needed lifeline in this time of need, Mayor Joseph Petty said in a statement.

Applicants should directly contact the agencies listed above to see if they are eligible.

In announcing the program, the city said assistance is also available through state programs including Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program.

Through no fault of their own, many Worcester families have found themselves unable to afford the basic necessities, such as a place to live, City Manager Edward Augustus, Jr. said in a statement. I encourage folks to avail themselves of this opportunity to help ease the strain imposed upon them by the COVID-19 virus.

Related Content:
COPENHAGEN: Denmark may have to extend its current lockdown measures beyond early February despite a fall in COVID-19 infections because a more contagious variant first identified in Britain is still spreading, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday.

Last week, Denmark extended its lockdown for three more weeks in a bid to curtail the spread of the new, more contagious variant from Britain, which authorities expect to be the dominant one by mid-February.

The infection (rate) is decreasing, but the threat is clear. If we dont contain the pressure, we may risk an exponential increase in infections," Frederiksen told a debate in parliament.

Some restrictions may need to be extended, possibly as early as Tuesday, she added, without elaborating.

Under current lockdown measures, restaurants, bars and non-essential shops are closed and public gatherings are limited to five people. A two-metre distancing rule is in force in public areas, including shops.

Denmarks reproduction rate, which indicates how many people one person infected with COVID-19 on average transmits the virus to, has fallen to 0.6 from about 1.0 a month ago, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Despite a decline in new daily cases and fewer hospitalisations, the new British variant is spreading, the State Serum Institute (SSI), which deals with infectious diseases, said in a report published on Tuesday.

The reproduction number specific to the new variant is estimated to be around 1.16, meaning those infections are rising, SSI said.

Denmark registered 330 cases with the new variant between mid-November and Jan. 12. In the second week of January, the percentage share of positive tests with the variant was 7%, up from 3.9% the week before.

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
(CNN)  Contrary to popular belief, yoga isn't just for the super flexible. However, trying to complete moves that are out of your comfort zone can be frustrating. There are plenty of people who suffer from this same feeling of discouragement, so you're not alone. That's why it's important to explore the alternatives to difficult poses and remember that there are always ways to modify yoga poses to develop your flexibility.

Flexibility is essential in our everyday lives. Whether it's bending down to grab something we dropped or stretching out our arms to reach another object, we all need a certain level of flexibility. It doesn't always come naturally, though. Flexibility has to do with age, joints, body size and a range of other factors. Some of the main predictors of flexibility are out of our control. Still, there are ways to improve.

Yoga increases flexibility and balance over time, research has shown. I've compiled a list of five yoga poses that can be modified to reach your level of flexibility. Everyone's body is different, so don't feel bad about taking advantage of modifications that help you feel comfortable. These moves will help you start feeling looser and more relaxed. You might even discover a new love for yoga!

For each pose, breathe in and out slowly through your nose.

Downward-facing dog

This pose will stretch your hamstrings, calves, shoulders and the entire back of your body.

To begin, start with your hands and knees on the mat. Keep your hands on the mat at shoulder width apart. Walk your knees back a few inches behind your hips. Then tuck your toes under and lift your hips up into the downward-facing pose.

Reach through your heels toward the ground, and draw your naval in toward your spine.

Modifications:

If you've got a tight low back or hamstrings, step the feet out wider than your hips and bend your knees.

If you've got tight shoulders, you can turn your hands outward toward the top corners of the mat so that the wrists are no longer parallel to the top of the mat.

Upward-facing dog

This pose stretches your spine and chest.

Begin by lying down with your stomach on the mat. Press your hands to the mat at your chest. Keep your elbows bent close to your body. Press the tops of your feet into the ground.

As you breathe in, press your hands into the mat and press the tops of your feet into the ground to come up into the upward-facing pose. Keep your thighs and feet as wide as your hips. Then straighten your arms and lift your torso and thighs up off the mat. Roll the shoulders back and open the chest.

Hold for a few breaths, and then release.

Modifications:

If you don't have the shoulder flexibility for this, simply come into cobra pose by pressing the hands into the mat but keeping the thighs onto the mat. Lift your head, neck and chest off of the ground slightly while pressing firmly into the ground with your thighs and feet. Keep the thighs and feet open just as wide as your hips.

If your low back is too tight, open the legs as wide as the mat and perform cobra.

Halfway lift

If your spine and hamstrings are feeling stiff, this pose can help you loosen up.

Start with a standing forward bend (reaching toward your toes). As you inhale, press your fingertips into the ground and begin to move your chest away from your body and straighten your arms. Your back should be as straight as possible, forming as close to a 90-degree angle with your legs as possible.

Press the feet into the ground as wide as the hips, and keep the legs straight by engaging your quadriceps.

Modifications:

If your upper back doesn't have the flexibility to lift up very high, move your fingertips up to your shins and press them into your shins.

If your low back and hamstrings are lacking flexibility, open the feet a little bit wider than the hips, bend the knees and press the fingertips onto the shins as you look up.

Triangle pose

Triangle engages the hips, groins and hamstrings, offering a heavy stretch.

Begin by standing on your mat. Move your feet so that they are about 4 or 5 feet apart with your heels aligned. Point your right foot so that it is perpendicular to your left. With your arms in a T shape, shift your hips to the left as you reach your right arm toward the front.

Then lower the right fingertips to the ground and reach the left arm up toward the ceiling. Turn your head to look up at your left fingertips, or if it's more comfortable, turn your head in the opposite direction and look down.

Engage both quads and your core to hold yourself in this position for a few breaths.

Modifications:

If your inner thighs, groin, and hamstrings are too tight for the full expression of triangle, try placing your right hand onto your shin instead of on the ground. Keep your left hand on your hip. Bring your legs a little bit closer together (so about 3 feet apart).

Child's pose

This pose stretches the back of the body and the hips.

Begin by kneeling on the floor with your calves underneath your butt. Keep your inner thighs pressing toward each other. Then walk your hands forward and reach your glutes back over your heels.

Take a few deep breaths here.

Modifications:

If your hips are tight, open the knees as wide as the mat and keep the feet touching behind you. Then lean forward with your arms and reach your glutes back toward your heels. It's OK if your butt is up in the air.

If your shoulders are tight, reach your arms out toward the front corners of the mat so that they're a little bit wider than your shoulders.

If you want to work on your flexibility, start by performing these modified moves. Yoga is meant to help you improve, so don't worry if you struggle at first. Keep it low-key. You may find yourself becoming looser and wanting even more of a stretch as time goes on.

This story was first published on CNN.com How to modify popular yoga poses if you're super inflexible

A federal politician has accused Queensland's chief health officer of 'fruitcake stuff' for suggesting coronavirus could have been spread at a Brisbane quarantine hotel through the air conditioning.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor was shut down last week when six people linked to the quarantine facility tested positive for the more contagious UK Covid-19 strain.

A cleaner and her partner, who are among the six, were contagious while in the community and triggered a snap three-day lockdown in Brisbane.

A police investigation has found no evidence of any breach but noted there were no CCTV cameras on level seven where the outbreak occurred.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has said the virus may have been spread through air conditioning in the building.

Federal MP Andrew Laming (pictured) said suggestions coronavirus was spread through the air conditioning at Brisbane's Hotel Grand Chancellor was 'fruitcake stuff'

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young (pictured) said the air conditioning could be how coronavirus spread through the hotel which was housing returned travellers in mandatory quarantine

Andrew Laming, the Federal MP for Bowman in Brisbane's south-east, says her claim seems like a red herring to distract from a possible quarantine breach.

'A CHO talking about "it could be in the air conditioning", mate, that is fruitcake stuff,' he told AAP.

'These guys are just saying whatever it takes to get through.'

Mr Laming said the lack of CCTV footage was a 'disaster' for the public but convenient for the state government.

He said the fact police can't comment on the investigation also suited the government.

'These games are annoying because we're trying to protect the state today,' Mr Laming said.

Police are now investigating how Covid-19 was able to spread at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane (pictured)

Returned travellers staying at the hotel were moved out of the facility and placed in alternative accommodation as part of an operation overseen by police (pictured) and health authorities

'So what did we learn on January 2? The answer is nothing - there's no information, no CCTV, no sworn statements and no nothing.

'The whole thing is incredibly murky.'

Mr Laming also said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's proposal to move quarantine to outback camps seemed like another distraction.

He said it would be incredibly expensive and pointless if the cluster was caused by a simple protocol breach.

'The fact that no state followed her is evidence that it was just a really outlandish claim to blame hotel quarantine,' he added.

Restrictions in Greater Brisbane are on track to ease on Friday after the state recorded another day of no cases of community transmission.

The returned travellers in mandatory quarantine at the hotel (pictured) were evacuated last week after a Covid cluster emerged

Ms Palaszczuk confirmed three new cases were all acquired overseas and in hotel quarantine on Tuesday, including one woman who returned from South Africa and two flight crew who have already departed Australia.

'We are on track to have those restrictions lifted, we've only got two more days to go so fingers crossed that all will be very good for Friday morning,' she said.

The streak without community transmission means Greater Brisbane is on track to revert to pre-lockdown whereby masks won't be mandatory, venues can operate at increased capacity and dancing is allowed.
HOUSTON, Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The environmental litigation team at Hicks Thomas LLP announced today that it has reached a favorable settlement on behalf of a California company sued by a public interest group under the Clean Water Act.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2020 by the non-profit corporation San Francisco Baykeeper, claimed that the company's Bay Area industrial facility violated the Clean Water Act by discharging polluted stormwater that exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California standards for certain metals and suspended solids.

The company turned to Hicks Thomas' northern California office, which then collaborated with the firm's veteran team of environmental litigators in Houston.

"I am very proud of the solution developed for our client, and I think it speaks to the expertise and experience we have helping businesses navigate the challenges around stormwater runoff," said Hicks Thomas partner John Thomas. "California is the first in the nation to enact more-detailed and stringent water standards, so it is a brave new world for many. I am pleased that we were able to find a cost-effective business solution to the problem that enabled the client to continue operating its business without interruption."

In response to the lawsuit, Hicks Thomas teamed with environmental consultants to quickly assess the technical aspects of the claims and develop a cost-effective business solution to the lawsuit claims. The Hicks Thomas team negotiated a consent decree that enabled implementation of the business solution with minimal penalties or fees.

Hicks Thomas also worked with the company to navigate multiple challenges at the site, determining that the best and most cost-effective approach would be to consolidate the stormwater runoff and all the existing discharge points to one location for treatment.

After less than four months, the system installation was completed and deemed effective when zero exceedances were reported after the first significant rain event.

"The key to this solution was quick assessment of the claims and a focused approach to cut off any future claims," said Hicks Thomas Partner John Deis, who led the project to implement the remedy. "This meant developing a strategy using not just the law, but the technical expertise of our consultants to home-in on a remedy that would satisfy the needs of the client without breaking the bank."

Founded in 1997, Texas-based Hicks Thomas LLP is a premier litigation firm representing plaintiffs and defendants across the nation. With offices in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, Amarillo, and Sacramento, California, the firm provides in-depth experience in cases involving oil and gas, environmental, complex commercial, toxic tort, construction, products liability, corporate governance, securities, banking, insurance coverage, transportation, trade secrets and business litigation. Visit the firm at http://www.hicks-thomas.com .

SOURCE Hicks Thomas LLP

Related Links

http://www.hicks-thomas.com/


No local residents implicated in Capitol insurrection, sheriff says

Although some Republican activists from Henderson County attended the Trump rally that ended in an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, none is under investigation for any criminal activity, Sheriff Lowell Griffin said Monday.



Theres nobody from here, it my understanding, from here locally that attended the rally in Washington that are persons of interest in anything, Griffin said. Thats to my knowledge.

His officers instead are monitoring internet chatter directing threats toward U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who became part of the Capitol riot story when he appeared on the stage before Trump and praised the marchers. This crowd has some fight in it, Cawthorn told the presidents supporters. And I am so thankful for each and every one of you."

Cawthorns appearance at the rally, other comments he made since Nov. 3 and his vote against certifying Joe Bidens election as president have made the freshman Republican a potential target of threats.

Rep. Cawthorn, with his involvement, although limited, has spurred what weve picked up as some vague threats against his office, protests and so forth, Griffin said. Were spending all our time preparing for that and hoping it doesnt transpire.

The intelligence came from a joint state-federal task force that shares information and different internet chatter and so forth, the sheriff said. Theyve picked up on some stuff thats nothing that shows that weve got an impending crisis. But its enough to make us raise our eyebrows, and because of the location of Madisons office, because its located in the public courthouse, we want to make sure that everybody is safe there regardless.

We had a small protest of peaceful demonstrators exercising their right showed up at the end of last week," Griffin added, "and we are just committed to making sure that anything that takes place in Henderson County remains peaceful.

A sheriff Griffin once worked for, George Erwin, recanted his support for Cawthorn after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and said in a BPR News interview that he had changed his mind about serving as Cawthorns Hendersonville-based district director.

Once a word leaves your mouth you cant take it back in, Erwin, who served as executive director of the N.C. Association of Police Chiefs after he retired as sheriff, told the Asheville NPR affiliate. And you can either incite or you can calm with the words you use. And I have seen no calming words. Erwins public divorce of Cawthorn was picked up by The Hill newspaper and other Washington media outlets.

Griffin was not ready to get out on a political tree limb and condemn the newly elected Cawthorn, a Henderson County native who is 25.

Heres where Im at, Griffin said. Madison holds the office. Madison as we all know is really young, hes not only young but hes new in office. I know how that is. Our position that Im in is to try to build a relationship and maintain a relationship with all the other elected officials because my goal is just to provide the best service that I can to the people of Henderson County. I dont want right now to get on to any political tree limbs. I still think that even working with the folks in Madisons office Im hoping as we move forward that we can accomplish some things thats going to be really good for Henderson County and really good for Western North Carolina.



Polk GOP organized bus trip

Cawthorns role in the runup to the riot that temporarily halted Congresss certification of Bidens election is not the only local connection to gain coverage in the national political press.

Its cheerleading for Trumps efforts to overturn the election results earned the Polk County Republican Party 30 seconds of fame.

BUS TRIP to DC  #StoptheSteal. If your passions are running hot and youre intending to respond to the Presidents call for his supporters to descend on DC on Jan 6, LISTEN UP! the Polk County GOP wrote in a Facebook post thats now deleted. The Washington Post reported the message in a story Jan. 13 on how organizers had used Facebook to promote the Save America rally.

In a post that remains on its website, organizers called on members on Dec. 24 to sign up for the bus trip to the Trump rally.

Trump's Army is on the March to DC, the post said. If you want to involve yourself in something historic, something that will distinguish you from your peers, something that will bring you great personal pride, read on. Engage, engage, and engage again. Critically important to contact members of Congress. ACT NOW, because after Jan 6, 2021, your country, if under BIDEN, will be sold to the Communist Chinese regime, lock, stock and barrel. Two days later, the party reported that the bus to DC on Jan. 6 for the rally is almost full.

WLOS-TV reported after the rally that the charter bus carried 54 Republicans from Polk, Henderson and Transylvania counties to the Trump event.

We did not see any violence whatsoever," Gene Comiskey, one of the bus trip organizers, told the Asheville TV station. "We only saw people who were enthusiastic and well-behaved and looking after each other, actually.

Henderson County Republican Party Chair Merry Guy said bus trip was not a Henderson County-sponsored event.

We were not, not as a party, she said. There were people from Henderson County that did go, thats my understanding. But we didnt sponsor it.

Im not privy to the names of local party activists who went, she said. I dont think anybody in Henderson County was involved in anything that required law enforcement follow up.



Flat Rock resident attends rally

A Flat Rock resident who attended the rally, Victor Behoriam, posted a comment on a Hendersonville Lightning story in the days after the rally defending the protesters and describing what he observed as peaceful.

Im not saying I was there anymore. I wasnt there, Behoriam said before describing in detail what he did and did not see on Jan. 6. It was comments youre talking about. I deleted my Facebook account so I dont know if the comments deleted with it. Given the ridiculousness at how this is being looked at by people Im not saying nothing to nobody.

He scoffed at the idea that investigators would want to talk to him.

Where I was, there was nothing going on," he said. "I was on the wrong side of the building from all the action. I went to capital but I didnt go on the Capitol grounds. I was on the  whats it called out there? The mall, with the reflecting pool, which is off the grounds of the Capitol. I said, This looks like trouble, there were too many people here. I was worried about getting trampled.

He said he didnt breach the lightly guarded outer perimeter, nor engage in any activity that would cause investigators to be interested in interviewing him.

It was a lie when I wrote that comment. I made it all up, he said. I didnt take any pictures and I wasnt privy to anything. The whole thing was a scam. The whole thing was B.S. It was like the 1960s or 70s, it was like a college sit in protest, thats why the people were. They wanted to hang banners up. I didnt even know anything happened until the next day or late that night. I was on train at 4 oclock so I was way gone by the time anything was even being reported.

The loudspeakers where he was standing were echoing off the Washington Monument, he said, and he didn't recall hearing Cawthorn speak at all.

Until the president spoke, everything was kind of garbly unless you were really paying attention or up close, he said. And I was having fun just talking to people, you know. Whered you come from? Cool sign  that kind of stuff. It really wasnt all that exciting. The excitement was at the Capitol and I felt uncomfortable there so I didnt get too close to it and I definitely wasnt on their grounds. I stayed way off the grounds.

Does Behoriam still support President Trump?

I dont support anybody, he said. I support the country we used to have that we dont have anymore.
OWOSSO, MI  After spending more than two weeks battling COVID-19 and quarantining alone at the very beginning of the pandemic, a veteran paramedic is encouraging others to get the vaccine and embrace things we take for granted.

At the end of March, Jerrod LaRue, a 16-year intake paramedic with Memorial Healthcare Hospital in Owosso, wasnt feeling well. He had a fever, chills, fatigue and shortness of breath.

It felt like I had a snake wrapped around my chest, said LaRue, who previously also served more than three years as an emergency medical technician. I was off work for two and a half weeks -- that was pretty rough.

It would soon be confirmed that LaRue had contracted COVID-19.

It was at a time when he would intake many patients at the hospital with symptoms related to the virus, but mass testing and other tools werent established yet.

LaRue, 39, said the symptoms got so severe at one point that he thought he was going to die.

As hard as I could breath, as deep as I could breath, it just didnt seem like I was getting enough, LaRue explained. You start to panic a little bit when that happens.

LaRue said it was a dark time where he contemplated his own mortality.

Your mind wanders, he offered.

Now, its two months shy of a year from when LaRue got sick and hes in a different headspace.

He received his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Jan. 8. LaRue along with hundreds of other employees at Memorial got their first dose of the vaccine during the week of Christmas.

LaRue also credits his fellow co-workers and leadership at the hospital for being prepared and resilient before and during the pandemic.

Related: More than 500 Memorial Healthcare hospital employees volunteer to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

He respects peoples decision on whether to get the vaccine or not, but he believes if everyone got it, it could potentially move the world forward.

The vaccine is a personal choice and I would respect anybody that either wants it or doesnt want it, but I think the more people that get vaccinated, the better off the community is going to be, LaRue said. Hopefully open businesses back up, get life back to as we knew it, and if me getting a shot in the arm is one way to bring that about, then Im all for it.

Before getting the vaccine, LaRue was confident because he did his own research and studied material related to it, he said.

He had a sore arm and headache momentarily after the first dose, but LaRue said he didnt experience any other symptoms.

Since LaRue recovered from the virus, hes started a YouTube channel and Facebook page called the Zen Paramedic where he posts videos of peaceful sights.

I started nature walking, going for a drive and looking at beautiful things, LaRue said, noting it was a way to de-stress from all thats going on in the world.

Among the nearly 50 published videos, he documented the gentle waves of Lake Michigan, cascading water with a breathing exercise, and a Lake Michigan sunset at the Holland State Park.

LaRue has embraced nature, something that surrounds most at all times. He documents nature to ground himself and encourages others to do the same.

I try to maintain that, said LaRue of zen energy.

Read more on MLive:

Life has changed for these Flint families who have lost someone to COVID-19

More than 500 Memorial Healthcare hospital employees volunteer to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

First COVID-19 vaccinations provide sense of hope for Michigan hospitals
Rewind today announced the close of a USD $15 million Series A round of financing led by Inovia Capital. Based on a dramatic spike in businesses reliance on cloud applications over the last three years, Rewind has protected the data of more than 80,000 businesses worldwide (including Badgley Mischka, Charmin, Magnolia, Pampers and Paul Mitchel) and grown its revenue by 1,113 percent. Ridge Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners also participated in the round, which Rewind will use to fuel its continued expansion as it builds out backup-as-a-service (BaaS) support for business-critical SaaS applications.

Rewind provides solutions that are pivotal to the growth and proper utility of the cloud. Building reliable, secure backups is an opportunity that has the potential to scale across hundreds of applications and be part of the backbone of the way millions of businesses work and store their data, added Magaly Charbonneau, partner at Inovia Capital. The incredible Rewind leadership team has already built a tremendously successful company  demonstrating customer growth and capital efficiency, while effectively scaling the number of supported applications  and is well-positioned to redefine comprehensive cloud data protection in the years ahead.

SaaS providers back up their own cloud infrastructure but dont make account-level, business-critical information (such as sales, marketing and financial data) available to their users. According to a recent Oracle report, while half of businesses plan to have all their data in the cloud in the next two years, most cloud users have lost data. Rewind gives businesses of all sizes immediate access to usable, comprehensive backups so they can quickly recover from a tiny data-entry error or a massive data disaster.

Already protecting data in leading cloud apps like BigCommerce, QuickBooks Online, Shopify, and Shopify Plus, the company currently backs up over 33 billion data points globally. Rewind will use the funding to fulfil its mission of protecting businesses by protecting their cloud data. This raise will accelerate its product development pipeline, bringing new data protection solutions to market faster than any current BaaS provider. Actively hiring across all core business functions, Rewind will also use the new capital to strengthen its R&D, sales, marketing and customer service teams to support its global market expansion.

Cloud data has become a fundamental element of modern business  and therefore, also a primary business risk  as more critical business operations move to the cloud. However, most organizations need to do much more in protecting their data by having a robust safety net, noted Yousuf Khan, previously CIO at Pure Storage and now a partner at Ridge Ventures. Rewind closes the cloud data protection gap.

Overcoming the complexities of supporting multiple cloud apps, the Rewind team has successfully created a repeatable product development process to build and replicate solutions across cloud platforms. Rewind offers a comprehensive backup-as-a-service solution with advanced features (including unlimited storage space and a full support team) and has the unique ability to dynamically scale and handle increased loads as business needs change. Its sophisticated cloud data protection platform is built using over 20 different services, and the company runs multiple data centres globally for data privacy, security, and compliance.

It is no longer a matter of if a company will suffer a data loss, but when. Without comprehensive cloud data protection, businesses risk permanently losing critical data without much recourse, said Mike Potter, co-founder and CEO of Rewind. We are committed to giving all businesses a reliable way to protect and control the cloud data that fuels their business success. With the support of our investors, our goal is to develop advanced backup-as-a-service solutions for all top cloud apps.

Joining the Rewind Board of Directors, Charbonneau of Inovia Capital will work closely with the team to support Rewinds aggressive expansion efforts. In addition, Alexandra Sukin of Bessemer Venture Partners, Yousuf Khan of Ridge Ventures, and Alexander Rink of Rink Ventures will provide their insight as observers.

After leading its seed round, ScaleUP Ventures also joined the round, as did Fundfire, Mistral Venture Partners, and technology-focused angel investors.

About Inovia

Inovia Capital is a full-stack venture firm that partners with audacious founders to build enduring global technology companies. We seek to transform venture capital by perfecting the craft of investing in people first. We roll up our sleeves to serve founders with dedicated, long-term mentorship, a global talent network, and strategic support for global scale. Together, we rewrite the rules of complex legacy industries, push technology frontiers and pursue bold visions of a better future. Inovia Capital manages over USD $1B across five funds including early and growth stages and holds offices in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco and London. For more information, visit inovia.vc.

About Rewind

Since 2015, Rewind has been on a mission to help businesses protect their SaaS and cloud data. Today, over 80,000 customers in more than 100 countries use Rewind's top-reviewed apps and support to ensure their software-as-as-service applications run uninterrupted. The Rewind platform enables companies to back up, restore and copy the critical data that drives their business.

Media Contact:

Erica Camilo

Connexa Communications

C: 610.639.5644

Erica@connexacommunications.com
La Jolla, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Tryp Therapeutics (CSE: TRYP), a leading pharmaceutical company focused on identifying and developing clinical-stage compounds for diseases with high unmet medical needs, has been invited to present at the upcoming Investing in Psychedelics Conference hosted by The CSE (Canadian Securities Exchange).

Investing in Psychedelics Conference:

Date: Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

Registration: https://promo.cfnmedia.com/psychedelics

"We look forward to speaking on the Drug Developers Panel at this week's Psychedelic Conference", said Jim Kuo, CEO at TRYP Therapeutics. "As we move our development pipeline forward into the clinic, continuing to share our story with investors, expanding our shareholder base is critical to the growth of our company and we're excited to participate in this event with a number of our peers".

Investors or Shareholders interested in participating in this event can do so by registering at https://promo.cfnmedia.com/psychedelics .

Each live panel will last about 40 minutes with 15 minutes of Q&A. Panel #1 will begin just before 1:00pm EST, Panel #2 just before 2:00pm EST and Panel #3 just before 3:00pm EST.

Panel Segmentation:

Panel 1. Drug Developers - Unlocking the Value Through IP (Tom Zuber, moderator)





Panel 2. IP - Pitfalls and Potentials (Paul Rosen, moderator. David Wood is a panelist)





Panel 3. Bankers and Capital Markets (Josh Lawler, moderator)

About Tryp Therapeutics:

Tryp Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing compounds with known activity and/or safety profiles for the treatment of rare diseases and other diseases with high unmet medical needs. Tryp's psilocybin-for-neuropsychiatric disorders, or PFN, program is focused on the development of synthetic psilocybin as a new class of drug for the treatment of certain neuropsychiatric-based disorders.

Tryp's lead PFN drug candidate is TRP-8802 for the treatment of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome estimated to affect more than 5 million people in the United States.

In addition to its PFN Program, Tryp is developing TRP-1001, an oral formulation of razoxane for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of tumors that account for about 1% of all cancers in adults and 7% in children. Based on the prevalence of soft tissue sarcomas in the United States, Tryp believes it is a rare disease and that TRP-1001 should qualify for Orphan Drug status.

Contact:

For inquiries, please contact us at:

TRYP Investor Relations

T: 1-833-811-TRYP (8797)

E: investors@tryptherapeutics.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release, including statements relating to the anticipated date that the Common Shares will commence trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Prospectus available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Not for Dissemination in the United States or Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72329
The Covid-19 death toll now stands at 440, with the deaths of 15 more people yesterday.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.

One of the new deaths occurred in Tobago. The Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development disclosed that the patient was a 38-year-old male with co-morbidities.

Atlantic Records

Trey Songz and Fabolous were all set to make an appearance at a Houston nightclub Saturday before fire marshals shut down the party.

Houston's ABC 13 reports about 200 people were waiting in line to enter Club Spire, which was already packed beyond capacity inside, according to the city's Fire Marshal's office.

"If there was an emergency, a fire or something that would have occurred inside, we would have had a massive loss of life because the means of entry," said Fire Chief Samuel Pena. "The exits were blocked."

Some of the individuals waiting in line traveled as far as New Orleans for an event called "The Black Affair," hosted by both Songz and Fabolous. The club's management decided to close for the night, opting not to re-open within capacity guidelines, according to Pena.

Neither Trey Songz or Fabolous has yet to address the event. By Sunday, Fabolous was spotted in G5 Nightclub in Miami, according to Instagram.

While the backlash heated up on social media, fans began to criticize both rappers, as well as Bow Wow, who performed at another Houston party. A Twitter video shows Bow performing his song, "Like You," for a packed crowd of club-goers, with only two mask-wearing patrons in sight.

"Imagine getting COVID-19 and possible dying because you went to see Bow Wow!" wrote one fan, while another wrote,"Yall risking your lives for a Bow Wow and Trey Songz & Fabulous concerts pls."

Texas has 2,127,111 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 32,600 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

By Rachel George

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved

Zurich Insurance Group will drop out of Russias Nord Stream 2 project in the face of looming U.S. sanctions against European companies that support construction of the $11 billion gas pipeline, two sources familiar with the situation said.

The U.S. State Department this month told companies which it suspects are helping to build the pipeline that they face a risk of sanctions as the outgoing Trump administration prepares a final round of punitive measures against the project, Reuters reported this week.

Related: Zurich Insurance Emphasizes Compliance Standards as U.S. Eyes Nord Stream Sanctions U.S. Warns of Sanctions on European Firms and Insurers Over Russias Nord Stream

Zurich, which has a big U.S. business, is one of around 20 insurers in a consortium backing the project, one person familiar with the situation said.

The Swiss insurer declined to comment on Saturday on specific customers, but said: Zurich has a comprehensive compliance framework in place and is committed to fully comply with any applicable sanctions regulations.

The Nord Stream 2 consortium said on Friday that preparatory work to complete the subsea gas pipeline to Germany in Danish waters can go ahead, pointing to the latest notifications by the Danish Maritime Authority.

Denmarks Nautiskinformation notified shippers on Thursday that prohibited areas near Bornholm would be established beginning on Friday for the pipe laying vessel Fortuna, assisted by construction and supply vessels.

Construction of Nord Stream 2 was initially halted in December 2019 following a sanctions threat from the United States, which wants to cut Europes dependence on Russian energy and sell its own liquefied natural gas to the region.

Nord Stream 2, led by state energy company Gazprom , is designed to double capacity of the existing undersea Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Germany to 110 billion cubic meters per year, more than half of Russias overall pipeline gas exports to Europe.

(Reporting by Michael Shields and Timothy Gardner, editing by Louise Heavens)

Topics Russia
India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian 'skilled workers' to work in Japan. SSW is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled foreign nationals can obtain jobs and stay in the country.

The MOC was signed between India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Japan's envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. With the signing of the pact, the Japanese and Indian governments agreed to create a mechanism through which Indian nationals can be smoothly dispatched to Japan under the SSW framework.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japan's envoy said, "With the MOC we are going to sign, new opportunities will be open for Indian nationals to get employment in Japan.

The memorandum sets a framework between the Japanese and Indian government allowing information sharing in order to protect Indian nationals coming to Japan as SSW and facilitate a smooth implementation of the SSW system.

The Indian foreign secretary said, "With an early operationalization of this MoC, both our countries can synergize our strengths and have mutually beneficial outcomes. In the implementation of the SSW, the Indian side looks forward to working closely with the Japanese side to ensure that we can meet our objectives smoothly and quickly."

Under the system, a person must be proficient in the Japanese language in daily life and his maximum period of stay can be 5 years in total. The 14 specified industry fields include caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing, and food services industry.

The development comes even as Japan faces a declining population and an aging society. India has one of the youngest populations in the world, which is can help to increase the economic productivity of any society.

Indian PM Modi had placed a high priority on quickly operationalizing this MoC and the current PM of Japan Yoshihide Suga when he was the chief cabinet secretary was one of the prime movers of the program to address his country's need for a skilled labor market.

This is not the first such India Japan skilled related progamme. In 2016 both sides agreed on 'Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme' for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices.

In 2017, both sides signed, "Technical Intern Training Programme agreement that enables Indians to access internships in Japan. So far, 200 interns have been placed in Japan under the intern training programme.
Mumbai, Jan 19 : Actor Arjun Bijlani says he looks up to Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan when it comes to fashion choices and maintaining an attractive look.

"Saif Ali Khan is my style inspiration. There is an understated elegance about the way he styles himself. He makes any cool look coolest and a sharp look sharpest. Be it a funky t-shirt, a pair of white kurta and pajama or a tuxedo, he aces every look," Arjun told IANS.

The actor, who recently went for a clean shave, has been posting profile shots on his social media page with his new look, and when it comes to his choices, he chooses comfort over everything else.

"I like clothes that are both comfortable and stylish. Whatever I wear should make me feel more confident and good about myself. For me being fashionable is feeling your confident best. If you are feeling good about yourself, you will look great in anything that you wear," he says.

The actor, who rose to fame with the show "Miley Jab Hum Tum" and later worked in shows such as "Naagin 3" and "Udaan Sapnon Ki" among others, feels the only thing that defines someone is their confidence.

"I feel someone can look supremely fashionable in a basic tee and denims if they feel confident about who they are," he says.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus S.Aleinik meets the Ambassador of the European Union

On January 18, 2021 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik, met with the Ambassador of the European union in Belarus, Dirk Shuebel.

The interlocutors discussed the state and prospects for bilateral cooperation between Belarus and the EU. The Belarusian side noted the non-constructive nature of the restrictive measures introduced by the European Union against the Republic of Belarus, its individuals and legal entities, stressed the interest in developing interaction with the EU on the principles of mutual respect and good neighborliness.



print version
Kerala PSC was scheduled to conduct the common preliminary test back in December but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has announced the dates for the 10th level preliminary examination on its official website - keralapsc.gov.in. The recruitment exam is going to start on 20 February and continue till March.

The prelims are going to be held in four phases with the first phase being held on 20 February. The subsequent exam dates are 25 February, 6 and 13 March, 2021. Candidates appearing for the exam must have at least qualified Class 10 in order to be eligible for the exams.

Kerala PSC was scheduled to conduct the common preliminary test back in December but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Candidates are advised to go through the official notification released by the KPSC on its website on 18 January for gathering details about the written prelims exam.

According to the official website of Kerala PSC, the admission ticket for the Common Preliminary Test (Up to SSLC Level) will be given out from 10 February. This admission ticket will carry the Date of Test, Time of Exam, and Name of the Exam Centre.

Follow these steps to download the hall ticket for the Kerala PSC preliminary exam when it is available:

Step 1: Visit the official site at keralapsc.gov.in

Step 2: Find the link on the homepage that reads: Download admission ticket for Common Preliminary Test (Up to SSLC Level)

Step 3: Clicking on it will redirect you to another page

Step 4: Login using your User ID and password

Step 5: View, download and take a print out of the admit card.

The written preliminary exams are going to be conducted for one hour and 45 minutes. It will begin at 1.30 pm and the candidates will be asked to submit their papers at 3.15 pm.
Support for Welsh Labour has plummeted ahead of elections in May amid mounting fury at Mark Drakeford over his coronavirus vaccination strategy.

A new YouGov survey conducted between January 11-14 put Mr Drakeford's party on 34 per cent, down four points when compared to a poll conducted in October last year.

Parties on the left appear to have benefited from the drop, with Plaid Cymru up two points to 22 per cent, the Greens up three points to six per cent and the Lib Dems up one point on four per cent.

Nigel Farage's rebranded Reform UK party is up five points to five per cent while the Tories have dropped one point to 26 per cent.

The numbers represent a hammer blow to Mr Drakeford ahead of the Senedd elections on May 6, with the poll having been conducted before he became embroiled in a damaging row over the roll-out of Covid-19 jabs.

But Boris Johnson has received a polling boost as increasing numbers of people believe the UK Government is handling the roll-out well.

Welsh Labour has suffered a significant fall in support ahead of the Welsh Assembly elections in May

The polling fall comes amid growing pressure on Mark Drakeford over the rollout of coronavirus vaccines in Wales

Wales has faced fierce criticism in recent days for vaccinating fewer people in proportion to its population than the other home nations.

Mr Drakeford prompted fury after he said there was 'no point' in rushing to administer all the available vaccine this week if it meant vaccinators were 'standing around with nothing to do for another month'. He later sought to clarify his remarks.

In contrast, Mr Johnson has been handed a polling boost, with 61 per cent of people of the belief the Government is handling the roll-out very well or somewhat well, according to poll numbers from January 18.

That represents a 20 point jump on the 41 per cent recorded by YouGov on January 6.

The rollout of coronavirus vaccinations across the UK is increasingly becoming a political flashpoint.

Statistically Wales is behind the other three home nations in delivering the first dose of the vaccine.

As of Saturday, four per cent of the population in Wales had been vaccinated, compared with 4.1 per cent in Scotland, 5.9 per cent in England and 7.4 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Drakeford dismissed the statistics as 'very marginal differences' and said there was 'no point' in rushing to administer all the available vaccine this week if it meant vaccinators were 'standing around with nothing to do for another month'.

'The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine you've got over the period that you've got it for so that your system can absorb it, they can go on working, that you don't have people standing around with nothing to do,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'There will be no point and certainly it will be logistically very damaging to try to use all of that in the first week and then to have all our vaccinators standing around with nothing to do for another month.'

Critics described his comments as 'astonishing' as Welsh Conservative leader Paul Davies said he was 'flabbergasted' by Mr Drakeford's explanation.

'This is a matter of life and death and that's why it's so crucial now that they get these vaccines out to people as soon as possible,' he said.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has received a polling boost as an increasing number of Britons back the Government's handling of the vaccine rollout

'To suggest that vaccines should be rolled out over a period of time so that vaccinators are not standing around with nothing to do is absolutely preposterous.'

Mr Drakeford's Welsh Government colleague Kirsty Williams, the education minister, subsequently appeared to contradict the First Minister when she said there was no delay in distributing vaccines.

'We are not delaying the use of Pfizer vaccine to anybody in Wales and we are as keen as anybody to get those vaccinations out,' she told a Welsh Government briefing.

Later on Monday, Mr Drakeford denied that vaccines were being held back in a video posted to Twitter.

He said: 'Let me be clear. Nobody is holding back vaccines. All our health boards are receiving doses of Pfizer as quickly as they can use it.'
Four North Carolina men are facing murder, drug and weapons charges after a police officer who pulled their car over for speeding early Monday discovered a bullet-riddled body in the trunk.

The Halifax County Sheriffs Office said a Roanoke Rapids police officer stopped the car at around 1am near the intersection of U.S. Highway 158 and Georgia Avenue.

Authorities said the officer opened the trunk of the car and found the body of 23-year-old Trevon Fields, of Roanoke Rapids.

Police in North Carolina have arrested (top row, L to R) Ralik Robinson; Deluntae Squire; (bottom row, L to R) Trevathan Shearin, and Shantron Person on murder charges after discovered a body in the trunk of a car during a traffic stop

The bullet-riddled body has been identified as that of 23-year-old Trevon Fields (pictured)

'Hundreds of traffic stops and I have never in my career run across something like this,' Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Bobby Martin told CBS17. 'I had to collect myself for a moment because its not something that, as a 25-year veteran. I have heard about in this area.'

Ralik Robinson, 22, Trevathann Myquan Shearin, 20, and Shantron Avondre Person, 20, all of Roanoke Rapids, and Deluntae Jaequon Squire, 23, of Halifax, were all arrested and charged with murder.

Person was also charged with concealment of death, carrying a concealed weapon, and speeding.

Robinson was charged with concealment of death, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Shearin was charged of concealment of death and carrying a concealed weapon, and Squire was charged with concealment of death.

A Roanoke Rapids police officer stopped the suspects' car at around 1am on Monday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 158 and Georgia Avenue

Fields, who had a criminal record, is survived by his six siblings

They are being held without bond and scheduled for court appearances on Wednesday.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that Fields had likely been killed in Halifax County. No motive has been established so far.

Police recovered from the suspects' vehicle four handguns, 4 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Fields is survived by his six siblings. Past news reports reveal that he had a criminal record in North Carolina, which included charges of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods, according to rrspin.com.
Prophet Dr Eric Computer-man Nana Kwasi Amponsah, General Overseer of the Hope Generation Ministry International has appealed to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to consider having a lean government in his second term of Office.



He noted that having a reduced government in his second term would cut down cost and also bring about efficiency through hard work.



Prophet Dr Amponsah who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the Presidents first term witnessed about 110 Ministers just because of the type of agenda they put in place to execute, adding that they needed all those Ministers in order to fulfil that agenda.



He also suggested the merger of the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Roads and Highways as a way of reducing the Ministers and the Ministries.



The numbers must change, we have about 120 ministers now, the foundation had been laid, I agree the vision determines what you want to do and what you want to put in, but obviously the second term, if I had the chance to advise or make an input relative to the Presidents decision, I will tell him he should bring down below maybe 70. He said.



President Akufo-Addo in 2017 appointed 110 Ministers and Deputies which was the highest so far through the creation of new ministerial portfolios and the re-introduction of some from the former President Kufuors administration.



Prophet Dr Amponsah also urged the President to dismiss all the non-performing ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and appoint those who had the development of the nation at heart.



He expressed regret that even though the President won the election, many people did not vote for him in spite of the many interventions, he had put in place including the creation of the new districts.



Prophet Dr Amponsah called on political parties to bury their differences and rally their support for the President to ensure the rapid development of the nation.

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
CCSA frets about Malaysia virus spill

THAILAND: Still struggling to control illegal migration through the northern border, authorities have a new worry in the South, where a spike in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia threatens to spill over into Thailand.

CoronavirusCOVID-19healthimmigrationSafety

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 12:25PM

Police show eight Myanmar nationals arrested in a rubber plantation in Sa Dao district of Songkhla on Sunday (Jan 17). Fleeing COVID-19 in Malaysia, they illegally crossed the border, with the help of traffickers, on their way back to Myanmar. Photo: Assawin Pakkawan.

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) yesterday (Jan 18) once again highlighted the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia, where statistics show a recent sharp increase in infections.

Malaysia reported 3,339 new cases and 601 deaths, according to CCSA figures, yesterday. This compared with 4,209 confirmed infections and 594 deaths reported on Sunday. Overall, new infections there are on an upward trend.

Malaysia has the third highest number of confirmed cases in Asean  after Indonesia and the Philippines.

Although there have been few coronavirus-case imports from Malaysia, the CCSA yesterday again called for cooperation from people living near the border, asking they keep an eye out for illegal crossers.

The situation in Malaysia is worrying. The point is, it borders Thailand, said CCSA deputy spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangsan.

CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin has repeatedly stressed the role of communities in helping by keeping an eye out for illegal border crossers, she added.

Returnees and migrant workers crossing the border illegally have been identified by the CCSA as a source of the latest wave of the COVID-19 virus in Thailand. Another targeted group is gamblers.

Thailand and Malaysia share a land border about 650 kilometres long, about 100km of that along the Kolok River and the rest largely in mountainous terrain.

Border security authorities have said the virus spike in Malaysia could impel Thais and other foreign workers to flee Malaysia through the Thai border.

On Sunday eight Myanmar nationals were caught illegally sneaking into Sadao district of Songkhla from Kedah state of Malaysia. They were in a rubber plantation, waiting for an agent to drive them to Ranong, from where they planned to return to Myanmar.

Officials said they had fled the virus outbreak in Malaysia, crossing into Thailand on Friday, by paying traffickers 3,300 ringgit (B25,000) each.

Two of them were later sent for testing at Sadao Hospital after they reported having sore throats. The rest were detained at the district police station.

Pattani has a clean sheet to date with no local transmissions, but the province had one import from Malaysia  a Thai worker returning to the province, according to a message posted on the provincial health office on Saturday. He was sent to Yarang Hospital in Yarang district.

It was unclear when he returned to Thailand from Malaysia.

The official border remains closed, but the Malaysian government allows foreigners overstaying in Malaysia to leave the country on a case-by-case basis, according to a message posted on the Facebook page of the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 6.

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese authorities say security reinforcements sent to West Darfur following violence in which at least 83 people, including women and children, were killed have taken control of the situation
Ramallah, Jan 19 : Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said that the Israeli government was racing to build more settlements before US President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Wednesday.

"The Israeli decision to construct 760 new settlement units in the West Bank shows that Israel races time before the departure of the current administration," Ishtaye told the weekly meeting of the Palestinian cabinet held on Monday in Ramallah.

Ishtaye called on the international community "to take a serious stand against the Israeli settlements and shoulder its responsibility to protect the two-state solution, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ishtaye's remarks come after Israel's latest decision to advance plans for some 800 settlement units, most of which are located deep inside the occupied West Bank.

Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that the decision to construct the new units in the West Bank's settlement was a response to the recent killing of an Israeli woman near Jenin.

Besides Palestine, the move has been condemned by the UK, Egypt, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other countries and international organisations.

The Palestinians, who claim all of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, and a majority of the international community consider the settlements a violation of international law and a hurdle to peace.

More than 600,000 Jews live in about 140 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

UW Communications, Marketing Staff Members Honored for Excellence

Chad Baldwin, UW associate vice president for communications and marketing, won first place for his media release, titled UW Faculty, Students Persevere to Make Online Instruction Successful, in the Wyoming Press Association Associates contest for media relations professionals. The media release featured UW Department of Visual and Literary Arts Professor Doug Russell, above, recording an instructional video for one of his drawing courses at his home. (Doug Russell Photo)

University of Wyoming Institutional Communications and Marketing specialists, and a UW editor received 17 awards during the Jan. 14-16 Wyoming Press Association (WPA) Associates group annual contest.

Winners were announced at the WPAs annual winter meeting, which was held virtually this year because of the ongoing pandemic. The convention attracts Wyomings newspaper professionals and the WPAs Associate members for workshops, seminars and speakers.

The convention culminated with the awards program where the top newspapers in three divisions (daily, Casper Star-Tribune; large weekly, Powell Tribune; and small weekly, Platte County Record-Times) were named. Individual award winners also were announced in several categories.

In the Associates contest, Chad Baldwin, UW associate vice president for communications and marketing, won two first-place awards and a third-place award; and media specialists Milton Ontiveroz and Ron Podell each won a first-place award and a second-place award.

Ali Grossman, UW Institutional Marketing video producer, dominated the videography categories, winning six first-place awards and a second place. Marketing staff members Micaela Myers, Michelle Eberle, Baldwin and Ted Brummond combined to win a third-place award. And Mark Belcher, communications and marketing specialist assigned to the College of Health Sciences, received an honorable mention.

UW Extension Editor Steve Miller received a first-place award.

This years contest drew entries from communications professionals from around the state. UW personnel competed against media representatives such as those from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Department of Transportation and area public relations firms.

The universitys response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided some new opportunities to communicate UWs service, research and educational activities, and its nice to see those efforts and others recognized for excellence, Baldwin says. During difficult, unprecedented times, the universitys story is still being told across the state and beyond, due to the efforts of many members of the UW community.

WPA Associates members, including those from UW, attended five workshops during the virtual convention, including the keynote speaker address from outdoor adventurer Mark Jenkins, the resident scholar for Wyoming Humanities, and the annual Associates meeting. Ontiveroz moderated a panel discussion, titled Covering the COVID-19 Pandemic, which featured Associates members and newspaper editors and reporters.

Ontiveroz is the statewide Associates members chair, representing the Associates on the WPA board. He is only the second person to hold that position in the associations 28-year history.

Listed are the UW staff members with their individual awards, contest categories in which they won, and titles of their entries:

UW Institutional Communications

-- Baldwin, first place, Three Releases on One Topic, UW Economists Provide Scientific Perspective on Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic; first place, One Feature, UW Faculty, Students Persevere to Make Online Instruction Successful; and third place, Three Releases on One Topic, UW Research on Wyomings Flora and Fauna Provides Insights to Better Management.

-- Belcher, honorable mention, Three Releases on One Topic, UW College of Health Sciences Responds to Pandemic.

-- Ontiveroz, first place, One News Release, UWs Ben Markley and His Big Band Raise Money During Pandemic for Struggling Artists; and second place, Three Features on One Topic, UW Makerspace Team Donates 3D Produced Protective Gear Throughout the State During Pandemic.

-- Podell, first place, Three Features on One Topic, Michael Cheadle Ocean Exploration/Community Outreach; and second place, Three Releases on One Topic, UW Researchers Study Genetics of Key Wyoming Wildlife.

UW Institutional Marketing

-- Grossman, first place, Single Video -- Feature (Under 1 minute), Notes of Excellence: UW Collegiate Chorale at Northwest ACDA; first place, Three Video Features on Same Topic or Campaign (Under 1 minute), The World Needs More Cowboys and So Does Wyoming; first place, Three Video Features on Same Topic or Campaign (Full Feature), The World Needs More Cowboys and So Does Wyoming; first place, Single Video -- PSA, Instructional or Educational (Under 1 minute), Food Friends Flavor Fun: Downtown Laramie Farmers Market; first place, Single Video -- PSA, Instructional or Educational (Full Feature), UW Research Spotlight: Riding Reindeer and Digging the American West; first place, Three Videos on a Single Topic -- PSA, Instructional or Educational (Full Feature), UW Research Spotlights; and second place, Single Video -- Full Feature, Tim Painter: The World Needs More Cowboys and So Does Wyoming.

-- Myers, Eberle, Baldwin and Brummond, third place, Publications, UWyo Magazine.

UW Extension

-- Miller, first place, Feature Photo, On the Border.

By Barbara Starr, Oren Liebermann and Zachary Cohen, CNN

(CNN) -- Twelve Army National Guard members have been removed from inauguration duty in Washington, DC, as part of the security vetting process initiated, in part, to ensure troops tasked with securing Wednesday's ceremony in the nation's capital do not have ties to extremist groups, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau said Tuesday.

Two of the individuals were flagged due to "inappropriate" comments and texts, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson told reporters after a defense official told CNN earlier Tuesday that they were removed over possible links to extremists.

The other 10 Guard members were removed for questionable behavior found in the vetting process, Hokanson said, emphasizing that this does not necessarily mean they have ties to extremists, but simply that they were "identified" and removed from service "out of an abundance of caution."

"I'm not concerned as a large part of our organization, if you look at 25,000, we've had 12 identified and some of those they are just looking into, it may be unrelated to this, but we want to make sure out of an abundance of caution as I stated earlier that we do the right thing until that gets cleared up," he told reporters.

The news comes as there are now approximately 25,000 National Guard troops on the ground in Washington, DC, according to spokesman Major Aaron Thacker.

The nation's capital is on edge ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. While much of Washington has been shut down following the deadly riot at the US Capitol on January 6, defense officials have sought to reassure the public that the troops sent to protect the inauguration are being fully vetted.

Pentagon spokesman Jonathon Hoffman reiterated that the vetting process is in place. "What the partner organizations have found, but much of the information is, as the general mentioned, unrelated to the events taking place at the Capitol or to concerns that many people on extremism. These are vetting efforts that identify any questionable behavior in the past, or any potential link to questionable behavior, not just related to extremism," he said.

Earlier Tuesday, a defense official confirmed to CNN that two Army National Guard members were removed from inauguration duty as part of the security vetting process.

When asked to comment on the decision, the National Guard responded: "Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration," and referred future questions to the Secret Service.

The Associated Press was the first to report the two guards had been removed.

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said Monday that there is "no intelligence indicating an insider threat" to the inauguration.

Miller's statement came hours after the head of the DC National Guard said that the FBI is vetting troops involved in securing the US Capitol to prevent any insider threats.

"As is normal for military support to large security events, the Department will vet National Guardsmen who are in Washington, DC. While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital," Miller wrote. "This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events. However, in this case the scope of military participation is unique."

Miller also thanked the FBI for its assistance in vetting members of the National Guard.

Long-standing concerns about extremism within military

Efforts to find and eliminate extremism within the military's ranks, particularly among those who espouse White supremacist beliefs, began long before this month's riot at the Capitol but have taken on increased urgency in the days since.

The enhanced screening measures come as tens of thousands of National Guard members are patrolling the streets of the nation's capital ahead of Inauguration Day.

The 25,000 National Guard members currently in the nation's capital is the maximum number authorized by the Pentagon for security around the inauguration.

The numbers have been growing over the past several days as troops have arrived from other parts of the country.

"What happens is they're screened before they leave their state and what it is is a credentialing process so they're screened and they're repeatedly screened until they are actually put on the street," Major Gen. William Walker told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday.

Walker did not say that the screening included specific questions about the members' beliefs surrounding the legitimacy of the election, but they are carrying out enhanced background screening.

"No, it's all about the background. So, a regular background check is enhanced with more screening, more details and it's layered so the FBI is part of it, the Secret Service is part of it and once they are certain that there's no insider threat then that soldier, guardsman or airman is given a credential," he said.

Walker stressed that members of National Guard are screened upon their entry to the service and this is adding another layer.

The DC National Guard is also providing additional training to service members as they arrive in the nation's capital that if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report it to their chain of command, an Army spokesperson said in a written statement to CNN last week.

"There is no place for extremism in the military and we will investigate each report individually and take appropriate action," the statement said.

"The Army is committed to working closely with the FBI as they identify people who participated in the violent attack on the Capitol to determine if the individuals have any connection to the Army," the statement added, noting any type of activity that "involves violence, civil disobedience, or a breach of peace," may be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or under state and federal law.

Current Defense Department policy requires all service members be trained annually under a program that requires department personnel to report "any information regarding known or suspected extremist behavior that could be a threat to the department or the United States," the statement said.

"We don't know the size and scale of the problem," Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told CNN on Monday. "We are working with federal law enforcement to vet our people, obviously ones in particular supporting this operation. But you would do that in most cases."

"We're taking the extremist threats very seriously. And we're vetting all of our soldiers. We're going to continue to look at the entire army as a whole and how we can ensure that these threats are not in our formation. And if they are, we'll find them and we'll get rid of them," he added.

This story has been updated with additional comments from a Pentagon press conference and additional background.
Local Districts to Receive New School Buses

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WESTERN KENTUCKY - Nine western Kentucky school districts have been awarded a portion of state funds to replace aging school buses.The districts receiving new buses include Caldwell, Calloway, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Livingston, Marshall, Mayfield Independent, and McCracken schools.Gov. Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced Tuesday that 93 school districts in the commonwealth have been awarded $8.13 million to replace 169 older diesel school buses with cleaner diesel or propane buses.The Kentucky General Assembly authorized $8.5 million to reimburse local school districts for up to 50 percent of the cost to replace up to five school buses per district. Buses to be replaced were those in daily operation with a chassis year of 2001 or earlier.Under the program, districts will receive reimbursement once they show they have received the new bus and stopped using the old one.In 2016, the U.S. Justice Department settled claims against Volkswagen for using defeat devices in 2009-2016 Volkswagen diesel vehicles, which allowed the vehicles to emit up to 40 percent more nitrogen oxides than allowed under the Clean Air Act.As Attorney General, Beshear secured Kentucky's share of the settlement, $20.3 million awarded from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. In his first budget as Governor, he recommended that the settlement funds be used to replace more than 150 school buses across the state.A complete list of the school districts that are replacing buses can be found at the link below.On the Net:
Laois Offaly Kildare Divisional Gardai have arrested and charged a man who is alleged to have been in breach of Covid-19 travel restrictions.

A statement said Gardai in Naas who were responding to a complaint, have today, Monday, January 18 arrested one male in the vicinity of Punchestown Racecourse.

They say the male had been one of two persons who had been deemed to have breached the 5km travel restriction imposed as part of the measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19.



While the other person complied with the direction, Gardai say the arrest was made after this male refused to comply.

Following receipt of a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the arrested male has been charged and is due to appear before Naas District Court on Tuesday, January 19.

Vladimir Putin has defied rumours about the state of his health by taking a dip in icy waters near Moscow to mark the Orthodox Epiphany.

The 68-year-old Russian president looked fit and healthy in tight blue swimming trunks as he dunked in a pool, repeatedly crossing himself, in footage released today.

He was taking part in an annual ritual undertaken by millions of Russians at a time of year when the air temperature sits around -17C (1.4F).

Video showed Putin getting into a cross-shaped pool to carry out the rite opposite an imposing cross made from ice.

'This is a tradition. He doesn't betray traditions,' spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, referring to the centuries-old practice among Russian Orthodox Christians of cutting holes to immerse themselves in icy lakes and rivers on the day Jesus Christ was baptised in the River Jordan.

Vladimir Putin has defied rumours about the state of his health by taking a dip in icy waters near Moscow to mark the Orthodox Epiphany

The 68-year-old Russian president looked fit and healthy as he dunked in a pool, repeatedly crossing himself, in footage released today

The video released by the Kremlin comes amid rumours over the state of Putin's health, with some even claiming that the president could quit this year and name a successor.

In November last year, Professor Valery Solovei, a prominent critic who claims to have sources at the heart of the Kremlin, said claimed that Putin had Parkinson's, later asserting that the president had also undergone surgery for cancer in February 2019.

The Kremlin, which has strongly denied any rumours regarding alleged medical issues, was forced to do so again on November 19 after Putin suffered a coughing fit during a televised meeting.

One online commenter speculated that the Russian president might have been sending a subtle message through his choice of swimming attire.

'Pay attention to the colour of Putin's trunks,' a person wrote under the video, in a reference to the blue underpants belonging to Alexei Navalny which are believed to be the source of the Kremlin critic's Novichok poisoning, allegedly at the hands of a Russian intelligence hit squad.

Putin, in tight blue swimming trunks, appeared healthy as he braved a dip in the icy waters

The Russian president was taking part in an annual ritual undertaken by millions of Russians at a time of year when the air temperature sits around -17C (1.4F)

In the video, Putin can be seen in blue swimming trunks with black stripes.

Navalny was handed a 30-day jail sentence on Monday, one day after arriving back in Russia following life-saving medical treatment in Germany.

Russian officials claim he violated the terms of a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for fraud by failing to report to a probation office during his convalescence.

After the sentence was delivered, Navalny called on Russians to take to the streets to protest.

Putin braved the chilly waters the day after Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny (right) was jailed for a month following his return to Russia after recovering from Novichok poisoning in Germany

After the sentence was delivered, Navalny called on Russians to take to the streets to protest. Pictured: Navalny flashes the victory sign while being escorted from a Khimski police station to be transported elsewhere on Monday evening

The United States, United Kingdom, France and the European Union are among the Western powers to have called for Navalny's release after he was arrested at the airport after landing on Sunday.

The jailed opposition leader - who could face further legal action - called via his London-based ally Vladimir Ashurkov, for the West to impose sanctions on Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC, and a number of other Russian figures including ex-Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov.

Abramovich was 'one of the key enablers and beneficiaries of Russian kleptocracy, with significant ties and assets in the West', Ashurkov asserted.

'Shortly before Alexei flew back to Russia, we had a discussion about why sanctions aren't working. He said that sanctions aren't working because the West has refrained from sanctioning the people with the money.

'It is not enough to sanction the operatives who just follow orders in arresting and assassinating dissidents.

'The West must sanction the decision makers and the people who hold their money. Nothing less will make an impact on the behaviour of the Russian authorities.'

SHANGHAI, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jointly founded by China Musical Instrument Association, Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co., Ltd. and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. in 2002, Music China will be proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary from October 13 to 16, 2021 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

After two decades of continuous efforts, Music China has grown into one of the biggest and must-attend international trade show for music industry that integrates professional music education, comprehensive cultural programming, as well as interactive marketplace to connect all segments of the industry.

Last year, despite unprecedented challenges COVID-19 pandemic brought to the global music industry, Music China fortunately made to survive and saw gratifying results that indicates an actively recovering market. The 2020 show welcomed 1,106 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, covering a display area of over 10,000 . With diversified virtual exhibition methods, the four days of the annual gathering not only drew 97,593 visits off-site, but also totalled over 1,620,000 visits online.

In light of the normalization of the epidemic prevention and control, 2021 Music China will be held as scheduled in October and continue to ensure a high-quality, efficient and safe gathering of sellers, buyers, key influencers and media of the music industry. This year, Music China will cover an expanding exhibition space of over 115,000, expecting to attract attendees from all over the world.

Besides business platform, Music China will also focus on a wide range of concurrent professional, educational and cultural sessions including new product launch, industry forums, lectures, workshops, live shows and so on, which provides invaluable insights for attendees and exhibitors as well. This year additionally, a series of special events will be carried out to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Music China, reviewing the development and highlights of the show as well as the music industry in the past two glorious decades.

Music China will also keep building and upgrading its digital exhibition experience, aiming to supplement the physical show and provide opportunities for people unable to attend physically. The virtual show will run concurrently with Music China, offering online platforms to launch new products, make online trade docking, gain media exposure, etc. With the connection of online and off-site exhibition methods, Music China is making a revolutionary transform into a cross-regional, cross-time, and cross-industry trade show that empowers market revival and opens new prospects against the pandemic.

Hereby 2021 Music China sincerely invites all music industry to attend the show and celebrate this 20th anniversary. It is more important than ever that the global industry connect together to accelerate the recovery of the market, and to increase competitive advantage for success in future ahead.

For those interested in participating or to learn more about 2021 Music China, please visit www.musicchina-expo.com . We look forward to seeing you in Shanghai this fall.

Contact:

Miss Arlene Zhu

+86-21-6295-5609

[email protected]

SOURCE Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co., Ltd
(Natural News) The American Report has published an eye-opening piece, now archived on our own private servers in PDF form in case it gets the axe, outlining the grand theft election scenario that resulted in Joe Biden fraudulently winning the presidency on Nov. 3.

CIA contractor-turned-whistleblower Dennis Montgomery says an illegal surveillance program known as THE HAMMER was used as a cyberweapon by both foreign and domestic actors to manipulate the vote against President Donald Trump.

Montgomerys compelling case suggests that China and Russia were both involved, as was Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. Montgomery says he knows each of the specific locations where the heist was pulled, as well as the associated dates and times.

Montgomery knows all this because he helped develop it through contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Air Force, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and many other deep state agencies.

THE HAMMER had been a tool for foreign surveillance until February 2009, at which time Brennan and Clapper commandeered it and turned it against America by transforming THE HAMMER into an illegal domestic surveillance tool, write Mary Fanning and Alan Jones.

Fourth Amendment violations happened under Brennan and Clapper on a massive scale, under the Obama-Biden administration, they add. The Obama-Biden Administration, with Brennan and Clapper, took THE HAMMER with them when they left office. They stole the keys to the kingdom.

More related news about Obama and Biden treason can be found at Treason.news.

Last person to require SCORECARD source code was James Comey under Obama and Biden

Not only is there a HAMMER in the United States, but there is also a second one in the United Kingdom and a third one in China, Montgomery contends. Each of these HAMMERs was used to steal the 2020 election from Trump.

It is worth noting that foreign adversaries wanted to place their preferred candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House, negating the American peoples vote, Fanning and Jones further explain.

While Montgomery says he did not provide THE HAMMER to either the U.K. or China, and the same goes for the associated source code for SCORECARD, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DoJ), and the CIA all have it in their possession and likely shared it.

The last person to require the source code for SCORECARD was none other than shamed former FBI Director James Comey under the Obama-Biden administration. This source code was reportedly a requirement for Comey under Montgomerys two 2015 immunity agreements.

Dr. Navid Keshavarz-Nia, an IT expert, agrees with Montgomery that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump and handed to Biden and Harris. He revealed in a sworn affidavit that Dominion Voting Systems machines, which were tampered with using HAMMER and SCORECARD, are prone to hacking and were probably designed specifically for this purpose.

Dr. Navid Keshavarz-Nias credentials include a lengthy stint with the DoD and various other intelligence community agencies, including the CIA, the DIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and DHS.

Lt. General Michal Flynn (U.S. Army Ret.), the former director of the DIA and Trumps first National Security Advisor, also agrees that HAMMER and SCORECARD were used to steal the 2020 election for Biden.

This was not just the theft of an election, Fanning and Jones explain. [T]his was the very theft of America herself  If the theft of this landslide election for President Trump is successful, there will never be another fair election in America.

You can read the full report from Fanning and Jones at this link.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
As the thousands of individuals are heading north towards Mexico and the United States border, Guatemala security forces are attempting to block thousands of Honduran migrants who will cross to their country.

Police and soldiers in riot gear on Sunday confronted a caravan of migrants from Honduras on a highway in the southeastern part of Guatemala, in Chiquimula.

The surging crowd broke through a phalanx of soldiers, after a tense standoff, wherein the police fired tear gas and attempted to beat back the migrants with batons.

Top Immigration official of Guatemala, Guillermo Diaz, shared that since Friday 7,000-8,000 Hondurans have crossed into Guatemala which is an irregular thing.

On the Facebook page of the department of Diaz, he shared a video and emphasized that they are very concerned regarding the situation, NPR reported.

Diaz also added that these individuals who have formed this caravan or are forming into a caravan, which is a very difficult situation to manage.

Due to the current situation concerning the immigrants, Guatemala has set up checkpoints on main roads that are leading to and from the border of Honduras.

Este es el panorama en el Kilometro 177, Vado Hondo, Chiquimula. El segundo grupo de migrantes hondurenos se abre paso en territorio guatemalteco pic.twitter.com/J9Dr8y0Yi1  Lucero Sapalu (@Lsapalu_elP) January 16, 2021

Guatemala Police and National Civil Police use batons and tear gas on US-bound migrant caravan. pic.twitter.com/4HwzqVTui2  The Hill (@thehill) January 17, 2021

However, the Top Immigration Guatemalan official mentioned that many of the migrants have left the main roads as they are currently arriving in towns in the middle of the Guatemala.

In addition, officials of Guatemala are very worried, as another group of close to the same number of individuals is already on its way to their border.

Diaz emphasized that he is hoping that this situation and the flow of migrants end.

Authorities of Mexico have praised the forceful response of the Guatemalan government to the migrants, ABC reported via MSN.

The Mexican government also doubled up on their security on its southern border with Guatemala in anticipation of the migrant caravan.

Not only Guatemala has taken extra action on the said movement from Honduran migrants, as Mexico also sent six buses to the south in order to help transport Hondurans back to their home country.

Read also:South Korean President Moon Urges US President-Elect Biden to Pursue Relationship with North Korea

The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Mexico issued a statement which calls on for officials of Honduras to exert more effort in stopping the irregular flow of their citizens through the region.

However, migrants coming from the caravan shared that they have a little choice but to march north.

A migrant, Anna Murillo, shared that they do not want to live in Honduras anymore.

Spring the interview, while standing alongside a group of migrants beside a busy road in southern Guatemala, she says Hondurans have been badly affected by weather conditions hurricanes Eta and Iota, which wiped a huge portion of the country in November.

Not only destructive weather conditions have damaged the country as Honduras also is suffering from incredibly high rates of violent crime and the pandemic has crippled the economy, KPBs reported.

Murillo also emphasized that there is no work and no opportunities in their place in Honduras.

She also added that they are leaving because they do not want to suffer further.

Moreover, another migrant, Miguel Angel, shared that he is heading north because he believes the immigration policy of the United States will change once Joe Biden takes office as president.

Related article: Trump Prepares to Offer at Least 100 Pardons and Commutations Before He Leaves the Office

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SAGE has blamed 'structural and institutional racism and discrimination' for vaccine scepticism among BAME communities as a recent survey found 72 per cent of black people were unlikely to have the Covid jab.

A report from the Government's scientific advisory committee said historical issues of unethical healthcare research and systemic racism are key factors for lower levels of trust in Britain's mass vaccination programme.

The experts were responding to a shock new poll conducted by the UK Household Longitudinal Study which found that vaccine scepticism among black, Asian and ethnic minority groups in the UK is high.

Though the study, conducted in November with 12,000 respondents, found overall high levels of willingness to be vaccinated - at 82 per cent - 72 per cent of black people said they were unlikely or very unlikely to be vaccinated.

Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Eastern European groups also said they were unwilling to take the Covid jab, while women, younger people and those with lower levels of education were also more hesitant than others.

The SAGE report concluded: 'Trust is particularly important for black communities that have low trust in healthcare organisations and research findings due to historical issues of unethical healthcare research.

The paper presented by SAGE included the results of a survey which showed a shocking 71.8 per cent of Black people said they were unlikely to get a Covid-19 vaccine if offered one

Joanmes de-Gallerie receiving a vaccine at the Nightingale facility at the Excel Centre, London

A health worker administers an injection of a COVID-19 vaccine inside a former nightclub that has been turned into a NHS vaccine centre in Batchwood Hall, in St Albans

SAGE has blamed 'structural and institutional racism and discrimination' for vaccine scepticism among BAME communities as a recent survey found 72 per cent of black people were unlikely to have the Covid jab

'Trust is also undermined by structural and institutional racism and discrimination. Minority ethnic groups have historically been underrepresented within health research, including vaccines trials, which can influence trust in a particular vaccine being perceived as appropriate and safe, and concerns that immunisation research is not ethnically heterogenous.'

The findings have sparked concern among GPs who are now calling on No10 to begin a public health campaign that encourages black people in particular to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

Prof Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We are concerned that recent reports show that people within BAME communities are not only more likely to be adversely affected by the virus but also less likely to accept the Covid vaccine, when offered it.

'As such, where appropriate, we're calling for public health communications to be tailored to patients in BAME communities, to reassure them about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine and ultimately encourage them to come forward for their vaccination when they are invited for it.'

It comes after vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi admitted that he feared black and ethnic minorities may see a lower take-up of the jab.

In other coronavirus news:

The Covid-19 mass vaccine programme will not have an impact on hospital admissions or death rates until 'well into February', national medical director for NHS England Stephen Powis warned today;

Ministers are facing a major Tory revolt over whether to extend the 20 a week uplift to Universal Credit during pandemic;

First Minister Mark Drakeford has defended the slower rollout of the vaccination programme in Wales  saying the Pfizer vaccine could not be used all at once;

Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing there should be a 'national debate' on which groups should be prioritised for the vaccine once the over-50s have received the jab;

Coronavirus was the leading cause of death in England last year and accounted for one in eight fatalities, official data has revealed;

There has been chaos at airports as the new rules on negative tests came into force.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi fears Covid-19 will 'quickly infect' communities who avoid getting the jab, as false information plays on some cultures' religious concerns

There are concerns language and cultural barriers are feeding the spread of false information as the Government scientific advice panel revealed large differences in different communities taking the vaccine.

Mr Zahawi said: 'My big worry is if 85 per cent of the adult population get vaccinated, if the 15 per cent skews heavily to the BAME community, the virus will very quickly infect that community.'

Matt Hancock says vaccination drive is 'a full seven-day' service despite apparent drop in numbers at weekends - with health chiefs blaming 'data lag' for dip amid calls to increase to 24/7 delivery Matt Hancock has insisted the UK's ambitious vaccination drive is a 'full seven-day service' - despite an apparent drop in the number of people receiving jabs at the weekend. This week's figures showed a total of 321,951 people received a dose of the Oxford or Pfizer vaccine on Thursday - followed by a further 328,260 on Friday. The figures - which include both first and second doses - then drop to 280,390 on Saturday, followed by another dip to 227,972 on Sunday. Public Health England today blamed the lower weekend figures on reporting delays, as the Health Secretary insisted the roll-out was a 'full seven-day service' with the Government 'prepared to go 24/7'. When asked about the drop in figures at today's daily Downing Street press briefing, Mr Hancock urged Britons to look at weekly averages rather than data from an individual day. Advertisement

The minister, who himself was born in Baghdad, Iraq, said he was working with local mayors and councils to get the message across to 'hard-to-reach groups,' that the vaccine is safe.

Among the barriers to the vaccine uptake is the perception of risk, low confidence in the vaccine, and lack of endorsement from trusted providers and community leaders, the undated document said.

Mr Zahawi told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I am worried about BAME communities, which is why I'm spending a lot of time with the mayors, with Sadiq (Khan), and of course other parts of local government to make sure we reach those hard-to-reach groups.

Concerns have been raised that misinformation spread within some BAME communities plays on religious concerns - that the vaccine might contain gelatine, or other animal products and is not halal, or that it can result in modification of DNA.

Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, has said language and cultural barriers play a part in the false information being distributed.

He said: 'We need to be clear to our communities that there is no meat or meat products in the vaccine. There is no pork, there is no alcohol and it has been endorsed by religious leaders and religious councils.

'Organisations and officials are working with social Asian role models, community leaders, influencers, religious leaders, to help to debunk some of the myths that are out there.'

Dr Naqvi said is essential for the NHS to tailor its services to meet 'the diverse needs of our communities'.

Salman Waqar, from the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), who works as a GP in Berkshire and academic researcher at Oxford University, is helping set up one of the local vaccination hubs.

'Some of my colleagues have said that they struggled to book in minority community patients, particularly the elderly,' he said.

'If you look at data from influenza, that's also showed a lower uptake amongst minority communities, so it's not surprising in that sense.

'There is a lot of misinformation, a lot of fog. And people really need help seeing through that fog.

'When you do actually sit them down and explain to them, 'these are the myths', a lot people turn around and they do change their minds.'

It comes as a campaign in Bradford aimed at a debunking myths and fake news surrounding the vaccine was declared a success.

Well Bradford, a community health programme hosted by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, teamed up with local GP Dr Sohail Abbas to help get the message across.

Among priority groups for the vaccine are gravediggers employed in the Muslim section of Scholemoor cemetery, Bradford.
Amazon Prime have released the first cast images for the Packed to the Rafters reboot, which will hit screens later this year.

On Monday, returning stars including Hugh Sheridan, Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson posed up a storm for the brand new production shot for the 2021 show, which is aptly titled 'Back to the Rafters'.

The trio were joined by fellow cast members Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and George Houvardas for the beaming picture, which echoes a similar cast shot taken over ten years ago.

They're back! On Monday, returning stars including Hugh Sheridan, Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson posed up a storm for the brand new production shot for the 2021 show, which is titled 'Back to the Rafters'

Original cast member Jessica Marais pulled out due to 'personal reasons' back in February and has been replaced by Georgina Haig in the role of Rachel Rafter.



The new series will be set in the present time - six years later after the show's sixth season.

Erik called the reunion: 'fantastic but a little bit surreal.'

'When you make these shows and it finishes up you think well that'll be that, that was wonderful,' he said.

New face: After original cast member Jessica Marais pulled out, she was replaced by Georgina Haig (centre) in the role of Rachel Rafter. Picture with Hugh Sheridan (left) and Angus McLaren (right)

Out: Jessica Marais (pictured) quit the show back in February due to 'personal reasons'

'But to have the opportunity to come back and do it all again and with everyone - that hasn't been an easy task to get every one back together. But we're here, it's happening and we're so thrilled,' he added.

According to a synopsis on Mumbrella: 'Dave and Julie have created a new life in the country with youngest daughter Ruby, while the older Rafter children face new challenges and Grandpa Ted struggles to find his place.

'As Dave enjoys his new found freedom, Julie must reconcile her responsibilities to the family. They might not be under the same roof, but the same honesty, love and laughter bonds them more tightly now than ever before.'

All change! The new series will be set in the present time - six years later after the show's sixth season

Grand return: The show first aired in 2008, with season six wrapping up in 2013

The new series will be the first original scripted drama series for Australia commissioned by Amazon Prime.

Although the cast and crew took the necessary precautions which delayed the release of the much anticipated reboot, filming eventually wrapped up at the end of 2020.

Fans can expect to revisit the Rafters and their adventures at some stage this year.
SpaceX is undoubtedly amongst the most popular private space agencies in the world. Last time, the Elon Musk organisation launched 60 Starlink satellites into space making it more than a 1000 satellites into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As the American company keeps launching one rocket after another, there is one more on its way to fire up into space. Many people are thus wondering about today's SpaceX Cape Canaveral Launch. So, here is all you need to know.

Also Read | Russian Astronaut Kud-Sverchkov's Instagram video from ISS shows Orange Halo around Earth

SpaceX Starlink Cape Canaveral Launch details

SpaceX is all set for its first rocket launch of 2021 with the Falcon 9 rocket. The organisation was supposed to launch it yesterday, however, due to the bad weather the date had to be postponed. Now, the next SpaceX launch schedule is booked for Wednesday, that is January 20, 2021. The rocket will endure Starlink satellites that are going to add up in the already existing around 1000 SpaceX Starlink satellites. These new satellites launched by the American company are equipped with a new deployable sun visor system which is created to block reflections of sunlight off of their antenna surfaces. This is the reason why they are denoted as "Astronomy-friendly satellites".

Also Read | Android not sending pictures to iPhone? Know how to fix the issue

Tuesday's SpaceX launch time

The next SpaceX launch schedule is set for Wednesday i.e. January 20 which will begin at 8:02 AM EST (1:02 PM GMT or 6:32 PM IST) for the launch of Starlink. In a tweet late Monday, SpaceX said the move was made to allow more time for pre-launch inspections.

To allow additional time for pre-launch inspections, now targeting Wednesday, January 20 at 8:02 a.m. EST for launch of Starlink  SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 19, 2021

Also Read | Windows Update KB4598242 details: Know what's new in Windows 10 Version 20H2

All SpaceX Cape Canaveral Launches in January 2021

In its plan to create a 12,000-satellite mega constellation in the Low Earth Orbit, SpaceX has launched around 1000 Starlink satellites into the orbit. So, without resting a day, the organisation continues to launch one rocket after another. The next SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral ais scheduled for January 21 at 9:24 a.m. EST (1424 GMT) which will launch the Transporter 1 rideshare mission with dozens of tiny satellites for commercial and government customers. It will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The next January 2021 launch of SpaceX is going to be on January 28. The launch will feature a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with approximately 60 Starlink satellites for the SpaceX's broadband network. The launch will take off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Also Read | HP Solution Center Not working on Windows 10? Know how to fix the issue

Butterflies have evolved to produce a strongly scented chemical in their genitals that they leave behind after sex to deter other males from pursuing their women - scientists have found

Butterflies have evolved to produce a strongly scented chemical in their genitals that they leave behind after sex to deter other males from pursuing their women - scientists have found.

Researchers discovered that a chemical made in the sex glands of the males of one species of tropical butterfly is identical to a chemical produced by flowers to attract butterflies.

The study published in PLOS Biology today (19 January 2021) identified a gene for the first time that shows butterflies and flowers independently evolved to make the same chemical for different purposes.

Scientists led by Professor Chris Jiggins, St John's College, University of Cambridge, mapped production of the scented chemical compound to the genome of a species of butterfly, called Heliconius melponene, and discovered a new gene.

Dr Kathy Darragh, lead author of the paper, said: "We identified the gene responsible for producing this powerful anti-aphrodisiac pheromone called ocimene in the genitals of male butterflies. This shows that the evolution of ocimene production in male butterflies is independent of the evolution of ocimene production in plants.

"For a long time it was thought insects took the chemical compounds from plants and then used them, but we have shown butterflies can make the chemicals themselves - but with very different intentions. Male butterflies use it to repulse competitors and flowers use the same smell to entice butterflies for pollination."

There are around 20,000 species of butterflies worldwide. Some only live for a month but the Heliconius melponene butterflies found in Panama that were studied live for around six months. The females typically have few sexual partners and they store the sperm and use it to fertilise their eggs over a number of months after a single mating.

Male butterflies have as many mates 'as they can' and each time they transfer the anti-aphrodisiac chemical because they want to be the one to fertilise the offspring. This chemical, however, is not produced by all Heliconius butterflies. Whilst Heliconius melpomene does produce ocimene, another closely related species that was analysed - Heliconius cydno - does not produce the strong smelling pheromone.

If the smell has such a powerful effect, how do the butterflies know when to be attracted or when to steer clear?

Dr Darragh, now based at the University of California, Davis, explained: "The visual cues the butterflies get will be important - when the scent is detected in the presence of flowers it will be attractive but when it is found on another butterfly it is repulsive to the males - context is key."

This new analysis of the power of smell - also called chemical signalling - sheds new light on the importance of scent as a form of communication.

Professor Jiggins said: "The butterflies presumably adapted to detect it and find flowers and they have then evolved to use it in this very different way. The males want to pass their genes onto the next generation and they don't want the females to have babies with other fathers so they use this scent to make them unsexy.

"Male butterflies pester the females a lot so it might benefit the females too if the smell left behind means they stop being bothered for sex after they have already mated."

###
Concerns raised over the mental health of young people during the coronavirus crisis (PA)

More than a quarter of young people in Northern Ireland have said they feel unable to cope with life since the Covid crisis began, a major report reveals today.

Nearly half (45%) of 16 to 25-year-olds here say their mental health has got worse from the start of the pandemic.

A Prince's Trust report also found 55% say they "always" or "often" feel anxious, while 65% also report feeling like they are "missing out on being young."

Mark Dougan, Northern Ireland director at the charity, said: "The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on young people's mental health and wellbeing."

The Prince's Trust Tesco Youth Index, conducted by YouGov, gauges young people's happiness and confidence levels across a range of areas, from their working life to their physical and mental health.

The research suggests that young people who are not in education, employment or training are even more likely to feel "unable to cope with life" and more likely to be experiencing anxiety.

Today's report also reveals that 20% of young people in Northern Ireland do not feel confident about their future work.

Expand Close Difficulties: Cora Laffey has been helped by the Princes Trust / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Difficulties: Cora Laffey has been helped by the Princes Trust

More than half (55%) say it is harder to ask for employment help as "everyone needs it at the moment".

And 62% say that getting a new job feels impossible now because there is so much competition.

Mr Dougan added: "Young people face a disrupted education, a shrinking jobs market and isolation from their friends and loved ones, and as a result, too many are losing all hope for the future.

"As ever, it is unemployed young people - and those with few qualifications and little confidence - who have an even more negative experience."

Cora Laffey, aged 24, moved to Belfast from England two years ago.

At the start of 2020 she worked in gyms as a self-employed personal trainer, so when the Covid 19 pandemic began and gyms had to close it really hit her hard.

"I felt abandoned, anxious and horrible. When it became clear this wasn't going to pass quickly I thought I could sigh and give up or choose to rise to the challenge," she said.

"I felt anxious because I was looking at my ability to earn being completely taken away from me. I didn't qualify for government grants because my business was too young.

"It was really hard to stay positive at first as there was so much to get my head around.

"I wasn't in a position where I could move in with parents as that would mean moving back to England, so I thought I have to find a way to make this work."

Before the pandemic Cora had an idea for a business in the retail sector and took part in the Prince's Trust Enterprise programme for some advice and guidance on how to set it up.

Cora was able to use what she learnt through Enterprise to diversify her Personal Training business and take it online.

"The income from this way of working has completely saved me," she said.

The Prince's Trust provides support for young people's mental wellbeing and its youth support workers are online every day. Today's report was based on research involving 2,180 16-25 year olds - 150 of them from Northern Ireland.
(Newser)  Nashville Zoo says keepers will be giving giraffe Nasha "an abundance of comfort and care for the next few days" after the tragic death of her newborn. After a 15-month pregnancy and a birth watched by thousands Saturday on the "Baby Giraffe Cam," the infant giraffe died soon after birth when its mother accidentally stepped on its neck, ABC reports. The calf had been placed with its mother to bond following a difficult labor in which the zoo's veterinary team and Matthew DeLisle from Tennessee Equine Hospital had to intervene to deliver the calf, reports the Tennessean. The zoo says the team was unable to save the baby giraffe after keepers noticed it was in distress.

story continues below

The zoo says the veterinary team found the giraffe had suffered trauma to the neck, but will carry out further testing to see if any underlying issues could have contributed to the death. "We are devastated over the loss of Nasha's calf," zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz said in a statement. "Our staff has worked tirelessly to make sure this calf was given the best possible care. We moved from fear of a stillborn to joy of revival to anguish." This was Nasha's first birth, and the zoo says she is recovering well. "Thank you all for your support over the past few weeks and during this tough time," the zoo said in a Facebook post. (Read more giraffes stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 02:49:15|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NAIROBI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said on Tuesday that funding shortfalls could derail aerial fight against desert locusts in East Africa.

FAO said in a statement that a locust desert fighting aerial force that had been assembled by countries in the East African region risked being grounded amid dwindling funds.

"Without additional financing for fuel, airtime, and pilot hours, the 28 anti-locust aircraft which are now patrolling the skies to spot and spray locust swarms could cease operations in March," said FAO.

The east and horn of African region is staring at another wave of desert locust invasion amid threat to food security and rural livelihoods.

According to FAO, Kenya and southern Ethiopia are already experiencing a gradual invasion by the voracious pests amid intensive breeding that was fuelled by favorable weather conditions.

"Even the United Republic of Tanzania recently witnessed a swarm in the northeast," said FAO, adding that about 3.7 billion shillings (about 33.8 million U.S. dollars) was required to contain desert locusts in the region by June.

Laurent Thomas, FAO deputy director-general, said that assembling a robust aerial infrastructure to fight desert locusts in the east African region has contributed to averting a worst case scenario during the first wave of invasion last year.

"The locust fighting machine that has been assembled in East Africa is now fully equipped and able to contain, suppress and we believe, eventually end this record-breaking upsurge," said Thomas.

He said that governments in the region have improved their capacity to respond to the pests, adding that robust financing toward aerial surveillance and spraying is key to contain their spread. Enditem
Representatives from California Casualty, NEA Member Benefits, PFFU, local Firefighters and Redwood Elementary were all present. As 2020 was a most difficult fundraising year - California Casualty stepped up BIG to help us get more kids in coats just in time for the holidays

California Casualty along with its long time partners, the Professional Firefighters Association of Utah (PFFU) and the National Education Association (NEA), recently came together to deliver 85 winter coats to children at risk through the PFFU Coats for Kids program.

Students at Redwood Elementary School in Salt Lake Valleys Granite School District will be a lot warmer this winter thanks to California Casualty, PFFU Local 2970, Star Orullian of Granite Education Association, Redwood Elementary School Principal Jolynn Koehler and NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Specialist, Sean Mabey.

Coats for Kids was established in 2013 by the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah to combat one of the most fundamental hardships of childhood poverty- the absence of a warm winter coat.

For more than a decade, PFFU has watched the problem of childhood poverty creep mercilessly into the homes of the communities it serves. Poverty ravages families without discrimination  and by necessity those struggling to survive naturally prioritize food, heat, and rent above winter clothing.

In Utah, and many other communities across the country, the lack of a winter coat often results in frequent school absenteeism which translates to forgone learning, missed opportunities for socialization and play, and the loss of balanced nutrition provided through the schools meal program. Helping students stay warm as they walk to and from school leads to increased attendance, allowing children of families in need to experience the critical childhood benefits their school has to offer.

There is no denying the joy of a child being zipped into their brand new coat by their hometown heroes. Since 2013 the Professional Firefighters of Utah Coats for Kids drive has resulted in 2,198 coats purchased and provided to needy children in fourteen different elementary schools in Utah.

What happened today at Redwood Elementary mattered to many little First Graders, said Sean Mabey Seeing those little kids wearing coats, smiling and waving, will be a highlight for me personally this season.

Representing California Casualty, Assistant Vice President, Valerie Cregan commented, It is truly an honor for all of us at California Casualty to join in support of our valued business partners in their efforts to help the children of the Salt Lake Valley community.

"The Professional Fire Fighters of Utah, and all of our IAFF Affiliate Locals are very proud of our ongoing Coats for Kids project. Our ability to supply coats is only possible through our members' fundraising efforts and our great partners such as California Casualty. As 2020 was a most difficult fundraising year - California Casualty stepped up BIG to help us get more kids in coats just in time for the holidays." Jack Tidrow, President.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA CASUALTY:

Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, higher education employees, firefighters, law enforcement, nurses and United MileagePlus members across the country. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit http://www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.


SUSPECTED tiger kidnapper Stefan Saunders faces losing his plush home to the Criminal Assets Bureau after they issued a Proceeds of Crime case against him.

Saunders has applied for free legal aid to fight off the Bureaus claims to his house in Clonee, west Dublin, and another home in Finglas,on the capitals northside, which they will allege that he bought with money he earned through crime.

The house at Hazelbury Park in Clonee has been decorated at huge expense, with marble and high-end fittings, and is understood to be the pride and joy of Saunders and wife Tammy, who regularly shows it off on social media postings.

Saunders (43) is suspected of being the most-prolific tiger kidnapper in the country and gardai put huge efforts into nabbing him over the years, eventually catching him as he plotted a robbery.

Expand Close Suspected tiger kidnapper Stefan Saunders / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Suspected tiger kidnapper Stefan Saunders

However, after winning a conviction and a jail term against him, Saunders was released from prison earlier this year because of good behaviour and his willingness to carry out community work.

Saunders is regarded as a top tier and dangerous criminal who once attended a military training camp and did a course in counter surveillance run by former Soviet soldiers in Eastern Europe, yet he is now hoping that the taxpayer will fund his fight against the Bureau for his home.

Justice Alexander Owens has warned Saunders that he needs to get a solicitor or enter his own sworn statements if he is making defence claims on the properties and looking for the State to foot his legal bill.

Earlier this month he gave the criminal until January 18 to make his case to the court or vowed that the hearing would go ahead.

Saunders is the latest in a line of serious organised career criminals looking for free legal aid against the Bureau.

In December, CAB appealed a decision to grant David Waldron State funds in his fight against their claims against his stunning Wexford mansion and other assets.

Drug dealer Waldron was once part of Eamon the Don Dunnes crew and is understood to have amassed a fortune supplying drugs, but he was granted legal aid in court so he could challenge the Bureaus case against him.

Expand Close Stefan Saunders' home in Clonee / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Stefan Saunders' home in Clonee

Read More

The judgement from the Appeals Court is pending.

Saunders was once suspected of having amassed a 6million fortune from a career in organised crime, during which he lavished expensive gifts on loved ones and lived it up in the familys 400,000 luxury home at Hazelbury Park in Clonee, which is now part of the proceedings against him.

He was released from jail last September, along with two notorious associates, after pleading guilty to his role in a 2 million bank raid plot.

Despite receiving a seven-and-a-half year sentence for masterminding the raid on a cash delivery to an ATM in Co Meath, he was released on a jail scheme involving community service.

Saunders was a number-one target of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau when he was nabbed in 2016 during the botched robbery. Together with the Special Crime Task force they put together Operation Woven against him and his gang.

They planned the robbery at the ATM in a disused bank and were awaiting the arrival of the money when gardai swooped.

He pleaded guilty to firearms and conspiracy to rob charges when he appeared in court.

Saunders was also the chief suspect in a 2015 tiger kidnap involving the family of a security guard. He had walked free in 2010 on tiger kidnap charges when a search warrant used was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

He had pleaded not guilty to the kidnap of a family in that case.

Gardai have been on the trail of Saunders money for years and at one point during a search on his home in Hazelbury they even checked the cavity walls of the house believing that he may have stored cash there, but they found nothing.

His wife, Tammy Saunders, is also listed in the CAB case. She was once a director of a number of hair salons along with her husband, but in recent years has been making frilly childrens clothing.

Saunders had spent weeks monitoring the Co Meath ATM before he made his move but despite his forensic awareness and counter surveillance training, he had no idea that officers had bugged the disused bank where he planned to lie in wait for the money.

Officers heard him running his gang with military precision and planning with his co-conspirators, Damien Noonan and Fran Murphy, about their tactics to steal 200,000.

Unknown to the gang, investigators were secretly watching their every move and knew Saunders and Murphy had worn layers of clothing, latex gloves and had a sheet to place on the floor in case they would leave any DNA evidence behind as they waited on the cash.

Saunders was armed with a loaded Makarov pistol and was lifted as another ERU team nabbed Noonan.
Patna, Jan 19 : Probably for the first time, Chirag Paswan on Tuesday attacked CM Nitish Kumar over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar.

Paswan was in Patna after news emerged that 27 of his party leaders had resigned from the primary membership of the party on Monday. They were reportedly not pleased with the leadership of Chirag Paswan.

"We have witnessed back to back murders and kidnapping at every place. The criminals are so fearless that they are killing even not-so-prominent people. People are running scared because of the crime. As Nitish Kumar is the CM and he is also holding the home ministry portfolio, it is his responsibility to maintain law and order in the state," Paswan said.

While being critical of the CM, at the same time, Paswan gave some time to Nitish Kumar to sort things out.

"As per our party's ideology, we used to give six months time to the ruling alliance in Bihar. My father did that every time a new government was formed in state, including in 2015 when the Mahagathbandhan formed the government in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar," recalled Paswan.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rotunda Rumblings

D.C. deployment: Security concerns surrounding this weeks inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden prompted Gov. Mike DeWine to up the number of Ohio National Guard troops being sent to Washington, D.C. DeWine announced Friday he was sending 1,000 Guard members, five times the number he initially announced, at the request of the U.S. National Guard Bureau to provide security as well as help with communications and food service, Jeremy Pelzer reports.

Peaceful protest: Fears of violence at the Ohio Statehouse did not come to pass Sunday. As Pelzer and Andrew Tobias report, a small, eclectic group of people, some armed, milled around outside the building for a couple of hours on a cold, snowy afternoon.

At the helm: Seth Richardson has a Q & A with Liz Walters, the newly installed chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. Walters talked about the type of leaders she wants to be and shared her vision for bringing the party back into contention in Ohio.

Trumps Twitter: A new study sheds light on how President Donald Trump used social media to craft an alternate reality during the time leading up to his election. The study, titled The Art of the Spiel: Analyzing Donald Trumps Tweets As Gonzo Storytelling, was co-authored by Baldwin Wallace University sociology and criminal justice professor Brian Monahan and R.J. Maratea, visiting professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology at George Washington University. Richardson has more.

Ohio deaths in 2020 far exceed normal: The number of deaths from all causes last year in Ohio far exceeded previous years, with an increase that was well above the 9,500 that have been attributed to the coronavirus. Preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health through Friday shows that at least 139,072 Ohioans died in 2020, up 17,225 from the average of 121,847 over the last five years, Rich Exner reports. Going back 10 years, annual totals ranged from 108,425 deaths in 2010 to a previous high of 124,294 in 2018. In 2019, there were 123,705 deaths.

Search by ZIP: Exner has updated his searchable database where you find new Ohio coronavirus cases by ZIP code. You can find it here.

Take your shot: This week begins the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations in Ohio. The state has unveiled a searchable new webpage where eligible Ohioans can find hospitals, clinics and other providers that will offer the COVID-19 shot. On Friday, when it went live, Laura Hancock reports there were 757 providers across the state.

Weekend COVID numbers: With 67 newly reported coronavirus deaths Friday, Ohios total deaths exceeded 10,000, Hancock reports. There were 7,149 new cases reported. Saturday brought 7,065 more cases. Sundays total was 5,247, and Mondays tally was 4,312.

High anxiety: John Seewer of the Associated Press reports on the anxiety in two villages along Lake Erie, Perry and Oak Harbor, amid the uncertainty about the future of the nuclear power plants that provide tax dollars to the communities. Ohio lawmakers still havent decided what to do about a tainted law the provided a $1 billion-plus bailout for the Perry and Davis-Besse plants.

Full Disclosure

Five things we learned from the March 15, 2020 financial disclosure of state Rep. Mark Johnson. Johnson, of Chillicothe, was elected in November to represent Ohios 92nd House District.

1. He disclosed income sources and amounts from three sources: $157,977 from his job with a construction union, $68,914 in deferred pension benefits from the Ohio Carpenters Pension Fund, and $3,776.60 in income from rental property.

2. He reported owning two properties besides his home, one in Chillicothe and one in Portsmouth.

3. At some point in 2019, he owed at least $1,000 to Huntington Bank.

4. He reported no investments.

5. He reported owning no businesses, although his rental property is owned by Mark Johnson Properties, LLC.

On The Move

Senate President Matt Huffman appointed Sen. Matt Dolan, a Chagrin Falls Republican, as chair of the influential Senate Finance Committee. Dolan was first appointed chair in the last two-year legislative session. Huffman also announced other committee chairs:

-Agriculture and Natural Resources: Sen. Tim Schaffer

-Energy and Public Utilities: Sen. Bob Peterson

-Financial Institutions and Technology: Sen. Steve Wilson

-Government Oversight and Reform: Sen. Kristina Roegner

-Health: Sen. Stephen Huffman

-Insurance: Sen. Bob Hackett

-Judiciary: Sen. Nathan Manning

-Local Government and Elections: Sen. Theresa Gavarone

-Primary and Secondary Education: Sen. Andrew Brenner

-Ways and Means: Sen. Louis BIll Blessing

-Small Business and Economic Opportunity: Sen. Michael Rulli

-Transportation: Sen. Stephanie Kunze

-Veterans and Public Safety: Sen. Frank Hoagland

-Workforce and Higher Education: Sen. Terry Johnson

The Center for Community Solutions, a Cleveland-based health and social services think tank, announced David B. Miller was elected to a two-year term as chair of the board. Miller is a professor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.

Birthdays

State Auditor Keith Faber

Straight from the Source

Im disappointed. I think its been one of the many casualties of COVID.

-Gov. Mike DeWine, quoted by Laura A. Bischoff of the Dayton Daily News in a story about the slow start of an expedited pardon program, which has resulted in nine pardons since DeWine announced in the effort in December 2019, far fewer than the governor had hoped for.

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:53:53|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LUSAKA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Recent reports by a Zambian government official that the government is considering introducing a national dress code as one way to tackle moral decay has led to controversy and heated discussions among the public.

In a country with diverse cultural backgrounds and ethnicity, people are wondering whether introducing a dress code will reduce immoral acts such as rape, child defilement, and prostitution.

While the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs quickly moved in to dispel the reports, saying the minister was misquoted, the reports nevertheless ignited a debate.

In a statement issued to dispel the reports, Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Public Relations Officer Chibesa Musukwa said the ministry is not currently considering introducing a national dress code as it is aware of the diverse culture that the country is endowed with and the civil and human rights that people enjoy.

According to her, the minister's statement was misrepresented as her comment was on a national dress and not a national dress code.

She added that the issue of introducing a national dress code requires extensive consultations and that it is not something the ministry can just impose.

In December last year, the religious minister raised issues regarding dressing when one of the country's radio personalities posted semi-nude photos of herself promoting a brand.

The minister said the country has values and principles enshrined in the constitution which guide people in the manner they should conduct themselves whether in private or business.

While the ministry's views are that indecent dressing is the cause of immoral acts like rape cases or child defilements, people have different opinions.

Lulu Haangala-Wood, a socialite and television personality says that a fully-dressed woman may still fall victim to rape.

"As someone who has heard first-hand from girls and women that have suffered sexual abuse and as I have experienced attempted rape around the age of 11 whilst dressed decently, I really am baffled by the statement," she said in an article published in local media.

She wondered why women could be oppressed in their freedom to choose what to wear, adding that efforts should be concentrated on coming up with laws to ensure stiffer punishment for sexual offenders.

Theresa Sakala wondered whether all the young girls that have been defiled were due to indecent dressing, adding that the problem is due to immorality which the ministry should address through counseling.

But Christopher Chisha, a social commentator from central Zambia's Kapiri Mposhi town, says the issue of having a national dress code should be looked at from a point of view of promoting morality as enshrined in the country's constitution.

He said the issue of promoting moral value is well vested in addresses by President Edgar Lungu to the National Assembly where he espouses the importance of inculcating moral uprightness and ethical behavior in citizens each year.

"We need to act together. If we do not act to redress this trend, we risk losing our moral values and ethics completely," he said in an article published in local media.

According to him, it is imperative for all citizens to collectively resolve to strengthen the application of national values and principles in everything done in the country.

Analysts say the issue of having a national dress code is indeed contentious as other ethnic values and norms have to be taken into consideration, thus the debate on what constitutes decent dressing will continue to linger in the country due to diverse cultural backgrounds. Enditem
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of national security after reports that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh. "Remember his promise - (Will not let the country bow)," Gandhi said on Twitter as he posted a link of a news report about the alleged "Chinese village".

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also slammed the prime minister on the matter.

"Modiji where is that 56-inch chest," he asked on Twitter.

In a cautious reaction to the reports, India had on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security, and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Congress leader P Chidambaram had on Monday demanded answers from the government on the issue, alleging that BJP MP Tapir Gao has claimed that China has built a 100-house village in the "disputed area" deep into Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if the allegation made out by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to China or will blame the previous governments for it.

"Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a 'disputed area' within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year.

"If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts," he had said on Twitter.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over eight months.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in order to resolve the eastern Ladakh standoff, but no significant headway has been made for its resolution.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 12:53:32|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ANKARA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish doctors hailed the launch of the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine drive, saying that with this immunization process, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel to end the global pandemic.

Turkish health workers on Thursday got first jabs of vaccine as the nation of 83 million population started a mass vaccination program with the Sinovac vaccine developed by China.

Some 790,000 health professionals across the country have received the vaccine as of Monday, according to the Turkish Health Ministry.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca received the first shot of the vaccine live on television after the approval of the emergency use of the vaccine. He was followed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who received the vaccine at a hospital in Ankara on Thursday.

Erdogan praised the vaccine while trying to raise awareness and acceptance of the inoculation program. He told reporters on Friday that he had been feeling good and will take the second dose of the vaccine in 28 days.

"This is hope for everyone. We experienced difficult times in our struggle against this disease but now we have an effective tool to fight against COVID-19," Cinar Gule, a virologist at Ankara University hospital, told Xinhua.

The doctor said that after taking the vaccine, she did not feel any side effects at all and that she was completely fine, while her other colleagues had mild side effects such as fatigue or muscle pain.

"I hope that we will be able to reach higher numbers of vaccinations and that our people will be safely inoculated so that we can return to normal as soon as possible," she added.

More than 2.3 million people have been infected with the coronavirus in Turkey and around 24,000 have died. The country is currently seeing a significant decline in daily infections following stricter restrictions and curfews imposed in November.

After covering 1.1 million healthcare workers, the vaccination program will move on to essential workers and people above 65 years of age.

Serkan Gul, a dentist who is working in one of the COVID-19 contact tracing teams of the Health Ministry, got vaccinated Saturday.

"For the moment, there are very mild side effects, like other vaccines. The launch of the (vaccination) drive is very important for public health," he told Xinhua.

"I don't think there is reason to worry about the vaccine, it has been proven to be safe and everyone should get its jab when the time comes," he noted.

Contact tracing teams, which are responsible for early detection of potential patients, play a key role in home care services. Healthcare workers offer medicines to patients with less severe symptoms and isolate them at home while regularly checking their health condition.

Hamit Ekinci, an emergency doctor who works in a private clinic in Turkey's biggest province of Diyarbakir, also got his jab.

"Now our hope is the vaccine, we don't have any other chance to defeat the coronavirus and prevent people from dying," he told Xinhua.

He also didn't feel any side effects other than muscle pains in his arm where he got the shot.

The doctor contracted the virus in April and knew from personal experience how serious effects it could have on a patient.

Ekinci said that the vaccine uses the recognized traditional technology of inactivated virus and is easy to use compared to other anti-coronavirus vaccines produced in the world. Enditem
American venture capital firm Sequoia Capital-backed Indigo Paints, on January 19, garnered Rs 347.9 crore from 25 anchor investors ahead of its initial public offering (IPO), that opens for subscription on January 20.

The company informed exchanges that it has finalised the allocation of 23,35,020 equity shares to anchor investors, at a price of Rs 1,490 apiece, the higher end of price band.

Marquee names which participated in the anchor book included Government of Singapore, Smallcap World Fund, Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, Government Pension Fund Global, Nomura, HSBC, Pacific Horizon Investment Trust, Carmignac Portfolio, Theleme Master Fund, Matthews India Fund, Jupiter and Virtus Kar Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund.

Among domestic institutions, SBI MF, HDFC MF, ICICI Prudential MF, Nippon MF, Axis MF, Aditya Birla Sun Life and Motilal MF received shares of the company via anchor book.

Indigo Paints, one of the fastest growing amongst the top five paint companies in India, aims to raise Rs 1,170 crore through its IPO.

Indigo Paints IPO opens tomorrow: 10 key things you should know

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 300 crore by the company and an offer for sale of 58,40,000 equity shares by promoter Hemant Jalan and investors (Sequoia Capital India Investments IV and SCI Investments V).

The price band for the issue, which will close on January 25, has been fixed at Rs 1,488-1,490 per share.

The fifth largest company in the Indian decorative paint industry will utilise the fresh issue funds for expansion of the existing manufacturing facility at Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu by setting up an additional unit adjacent to the existing facility (Rs 150 crore); purchase of tinting machines and gyroshakers (Rs 50 crore); repayment certain of borrowings (Rs 25 crore); and general corporate purposes.

Equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, Edelweiss Financial Services and ICICI Securities are the book running lead managers to the offer.
Lucknow:

As Yogi Adityanath completes 100 days in office this week as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, formidable challenges including funds for the farm loan waiver, and law and order stare him at his face, with the opposition claiming the misses have outnumbered the hits.



The loan-waiver, a major pre-poll promise of the BJP, is making finance department burn the midnight oil in trying all permutations and combination to offload the sudden fiscal burden of nearly Rs 36,369 crore.



This coupled with Rs 34,000 crore for the implementation of the seventh pay commission recommendations, has put an additional burden of a whopping over Rs 70,000 crore on the states coffers.



The government faces other major challenges including of arranging funds for mega projects like the Purvanchal e-way.



The government itself has admitted it could manage to make just 63 per cent of the state roads pothole-free by the June-15 deadline set by the chief minister.



Distribution of free laptops among studentsmentioned in the BJPs sankalp patra (election manifesto) -- is another challenge confronting the Yogi government, which was inaugurated on March 19.



No date has been announced for the scheme to be launched.

Read | Two months of Yogi Adityanath Govt in UP | Of farmer loan waiver, power for all, anti-Romeo squads and communal violence

With certain law and order incidents, especially caste and communal clashes, threatening to eclipse the achievements of the 45-year-old saffron-clad chief minister, his officials are going the extra mile to ensure there is no dent in BJPs image in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.



The chief minister and his cabinet colleagues have already sought more time saying they inherited a jungle raj from the SP government and it would take them some time to set things in order.



Soon after being sworn-in, the CM had claimed he would prove his governments commitment to good governance first by ridding the roads of potholes completely by June 15.



However, his deputy Keshav Maurya, who also holds the PWD portfolio, admitted that out of 1.21 lakh-km of road length, repair works on only about 70,000km had been completed.



The condition of roads in Kanpur and PM Narendra Modis constituency of Varanasi is particularly bad.

Read | UP CM Yogi Adityanath: 'We inherited jungle raj, lawless incidents are bound to happen'



Another challenge for the government is holding the urban local body elections by July 15, when their term expires.



The State Election Commission was ready and had completed its preparations, but the government itself put off the polls saying the rapid survey of the backward seats was faulty- the survey was conducted under the present BJP regime.



Now the elections are likely to be held in October.



As the state government prepares to come out with a 100-day achievement document later this week, state Congress spokesperson Dwijendra Tripathi ridiculed the ruling party for making promises that it could not meet.



Two months of the Adityanath government have not sent out any strong message on any of the issues which were part of BJPs campaignimproved law-and-order situation and better administration, he said.



BSP chief Mayawati has alleged that the Dalits, the OBCs as well as forward castes including Brahmins have been facing atrocities in the statein an apparent attempt to associate Adityanath and his government with Kshatriyas only.

As head of the Gorakhnath Peeth, Adityanath has often associated himself with Kshatriya symbols.



He is often seen surrounded by Kshatriyas mostly and he has supported Thakur leaders of other parties too in 2013, he came out in support of Kunda MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya who was accused of conspiring to kill a deputy Superintendent of Police.



Not known to take frequent barbs at him lying down, ex-chief minister Akhilesh Yadav recently took on the Yogi government, saying, I never knew officers wielded brooms so well. Now the question is how much filth have they cleared so far?



He said the deadline to make state roads pothole-free by June 15 remained a pipe dream.



When asked about the Yogi governments decision to probe the Expressway and river front projects launched during the SP rule, Akhilesh said, Will this government do any work...or will it only conduct probes? This government should try to do better work than us.



Presently, the entire state machineryfrom ministry to departmental levelis working on their 100-day progress reports which will be presented to the public in the form of a white paper, an official said.



While the CM is personally reviewing the works, a web-based monitoring system has also been put in place for 73 departments in the state to submit their progress reports, the official said.

Read | International Yoga Day preparations: UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Baba Ramdev perform Yoga in Lucknow



The government has not announced any major scheme or big-ticket infrastructure projects other than the farm loan-waiver.



These are likely to be addressed when the government presents its maiden budget in the next few months. Adityanath has said that two months is a too short a period to showcase any achievements.



Law-and-order and governance, however, remain the primary challenges for Adityanath. It will be a herculean task to change the attitude of the bureaucracy down to the lowest level and make the government machinery responsive to the needs of the public, political observers feel.



Adityanath will need to begin the process of change and show tangible results soon in order to satisfy those who voted the BJP, and to stave off anti-incumbency sentiment before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for 2019, analysts say.



The recent clashes between the Dalits and the Kshatriyas in Saharanpur, several instances of vigilantism in the name of cow protection or moral policing and the run-ins of BJP leaders, including legislators, with police and officials have hindered the new governments attempts to send out right signals on good governance.



The change has started to show in UP since the Yogi government took charge. Well-meaning people are feeling relieved with the closure of illegal slaughterhouses. With the constitution of anti-Romeo squads, anti-social elements harassing women and girls are now in fear.



Rowdyism is dying and crime graph falling. Peoples confidence in the government has been restored, the state BJP had said in its political resolution at its recent working committee meeting here.



But, on the ground, certain recent incidents like caste clashes in Saharanpur and communal violence in Bulandshahr, Sambhal and Gonda gave the law-enforcing agencies sleepless nightsmore so as the BJP came to power on the plank of improving law and order, terming the erstwhile Samajwadi Party rule as a goondaraj.



In Bulandshahr, members of the Adityanath-founded Hindu Yuva Vahini were alleged to be behind the killing of an aged Muslim man after a love-jihad-style elopement. The Bulandshahr incident took place even as Adityanath met senior Yuva Vahini workers during a visit to Gorakhpur and warned them against taking law in their own hands.The attack on Saharanpur SSPs residence allegedly by BJP activists led by local MP Raghav Lakhanpal, hogged the headlines.



And even before the dust settled on the controversy, caste violence broke out in the region.



The Samajwadi Party latched onto these developments. We were termed the goonda party. Now, what is happening under Yogi ji? Will he act? Akhilesh asked.Perturbed over the sudden spurt in such incidents, the CM decided to set up a special monitoring cell in his office.



A special cell will be constituted in the CMs office for crime-monitoring, which will be done personally by the CM, cabinet minister Shrikant Sharma said.



Refuting SPs criticism over the law and order, he said, Those SP leaders, who have carried criminals and rapists with them in their cars, should introspect.



Ever since Adityanath took over the reins of the state, the bureaucracy is constantly on its toes.

Read | Saharanpur violence: Section 144 imposed, social media banned as Yogi Adityanath govt struggles to restore peace



It is an unusual sight to see that the parking lots at the secretariat here get full even before the clock strikes 9:25 in the morning.



Adityanath has proved himself to be a tough taskmaster, holding back-to-back meetings with ministers and bureaucrats well past midnight, only to return to office before 9.30 the next morning.



For almost a month, some 80-odd presentations were made by as many departments before the CM.



The state government has so far announced half a dozen significant measures, starting with the Rs 36,500-crore loan-waiver and power-for-all agreement, said Principal Secretary (Information) Avaneesh Awasthi.



At the BJP working committee meeting, Adityanath praised Cane Development Minister Suresh Rana for his efforts to clear Rs 5,558 crore of dues of sugarcane farmers within 40 days.



A panel of Group of Ministers constituted by the CM has submitted a report on a new mining policy and on clamping down on illegal mining, which is a major problem in UP.A portal being launched under the CMOs supervision to allow people to file complain on illegal land-grab could be a game-changer, too.



The Power-for-All agreement between the Yogi government and the Centre promises electricity around the clock to district headquarters and 18-hour a day to all villages.



Another key decision was making transfers and postings of bureaucrats merit-based and free from extraneous pressures as reflected in wide-scale transfers done by the government.



In the erstwhile government, transfers had become an industry. Now, honest and talented officers are getting respectable posts, a BJP leader said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
An active-duty US Army soldier was arrested Tuesday morning in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online with under an undercover FBI agent he thought was a member of ISIS about plots to blow up New York Citys 9/11 Memorial and attack service members in the Middle East, authorities said.

Cole James Bridges of Stow, Ohio, was in federal custody on charges of attempted material support of a terrorist organization  the Islamic State group  and attempted murder of a military member, said Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for Manhattan federal prosecutors.

The 20-year-old private first class in the US Army, also known as Cole Gonzales, was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, when he thought he was communicating with ISIS online about the terrorism plots, Biase said.

Federal agents on Tuesday arrest Pfc Cole James Bridges, 20, aka, Cole Gonzales, for allegedly trying to help ISIS attack targets in New York City. A criminal complaint shows screenshots of Bridges' social media page (pictured above)

According to the complaint, just months after joining the US Army in 2019, Bridges began researching online propaganda promoting jihadists

Bridges allegedly provided the bogus ISIS contact with detailed instructions on tactics and manuals and advice about attacking the 9/11 Memorial in New York City

Unbeknownst to Bridges, a federal agent was in on the chat as Bridges provided detailed instructions on tactics and manuals and advice about attacking the memorial and other targets in New York City, Biase said.

'As we allege today, Bridges, a private in the U.S. Army, betrayed our country and his unit when he plotted with someone he believed was an ISIS sympathizer to help ISIS attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East,' said William Sweeney Jr., head of New York Citys FBI office.

A message that was purportedly sent by Bridges to the undercover agent showed a flag often used by ISIS fighters

'Fortunately, the person with whom he communicated was an FBI employee, and we were able to prevent his evil desires from coming to fruition,' Sweeney said in a release.

According to the criminal complaint charging Bridges, which was unsealed on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, the Ohio resident joined the US Army in September 2019 and was assigned as a cavalry scout at Fort Stewart.

Around the same time, Bridges allegedly began researching online propaganda promoting jihadists, and expressed his support for ISIS and jihad on social media.

In October 2020, Bridges began communicating with the undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS supporter in contact with ISIS fighters in the Middle East.

During these exchanges, according to the US Justice Department, Bridges 'expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS.'

Then last month, Bridges allegedly began to supply the undercover agent with instructions for purported ISIS fighters on how to attack US forces serving in the Middle East, and went so far as to diagram specific military maneuvers to maximize the lethality of the attacks.

Bridges allegedly sent his contact videos showing himself in a tactical mask and body armor, and standing in front of the ISIS flag while making a gesture symbolic of support for the terrorist organization

Bridges 'further provided advice about the best way to fortify an ISIS encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces, including by wiring certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops,' according to the Justice Department.

In the weeks before his arrest, Bridges sent the bogus ISIS supporter video of himself in body armor standing before a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for the terrorist organization.

He later sent a second video in which he used a voice manipulator to narrate a propaganda speech in support of the anticipated ambush by ISIS on US troops, according to the federal prosecutors.

'Our troops risk their lives for our country, but they should never face such peril at the hands of one of their own,' US Attorney Audrey Strauss said.

Bridges was scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Georgia on Thursday.

If convicted of all the charges against him, Bridges could face up to 40 years in prison.
The Royal Navys only ice patrol ship is back at sea after a 14m ten-month revamp to enhance her ability to work in Antarctica.

The Royal Navys only ice patrol ship is back at sea after a 14m ten-month revamp to enhance her ability to work in Antarctica.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

As well as the usual refit work overhauling engines, generators, re-covering the distinctive red/white hull with specialised paint by hand and removing the propeller shaft for inspection in Denmark before reinstalling it  the revamp has created better cargo space, a new quarter deck structure with a naval stores complex, workshop to maintain the upgraded small boats and launches Protector carries, and theres a new gym packed with 50,000 of the latest fitness gear for the sailors and Royal Marines (Picture source: Royal Navy)

HMS Protector left Teesside after the biggest and longest overhaul during her ten-year career under the White Ensign.

The work carried out by UK Docks and the ships company since last March will mean the ship  unique in the Royal Navys Fleet  is better at breaking ice, can carry more equipment and supplies to support British and international scientists researching the frozen continent, and has improved facilities for the crew.

The ship spent five months out of the water and was originally due to emerge from refit in the autumn, before heading south to update maritime charts of Antarctic waters using her hi-tech suite of sensors, as well as conducting scientific research alongside civilian experts.

The revamp proved to be more comprehensive and demanding than originally anticipated  particularly as its been carried out entirely during the pandemic  which means the ship sailed three months later than planned.

But the Protector which finally departed Teesside at the end of last week is a ship far better suited to serving on the edge of the frozen wasteland of the Antarctic.

In 21 years in the Royal Navy, the Plymouth-based survey vessels 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander Robin Nash, said the work carried out on Protector had been the most complex, demanding, and hopefully transformative project I have been a part of.

The pandemic  and the rules and limitations it prompted  added layers of complication that could not possibly have been anticipated from working routines and habits, to enforced medical protection for everyone involved plus a level of ingenuity and pragmatism from the ships company that has been truly humbling.

Engineering Technician Craig Armstrong, aged 25, from Brixham added: Ive been impressed by the scale, technical nature and improvements to the engineering systems and Im looking forward to working with them and enhancing our skills.

As well as the usual refit work overhauling engines, generators, re-covering the distinctive red/white hull with specialised paint by hand and removing the propeller shaft for inspection in Denmark before reinstalling it  the revamp has created better cargo space, a new quarter deck structure with a naval stores complex, workshop to maintain the upgraded small boats and launches Protector carries, and theres a new gym packed with 50,000 of the latest fitness gear for the sailors and Royal Marines.

The extra weight improves the ships trim which makes her better able to break ice when she needs to.

The past ten months on Teesside have transformed HMS Protector into a Polar Class vessel, ready for operations in the ice, said Commanding Officer Captain Michael Wood.

The ship has undergone wholesale modernisation, exceptional amounts of structural rework, and significant capability enhancement as part of this mid-life update, and all in challenging circumstances for our industry partners.

And while we were unable to deploy to Antarctica this season, we will return stronger at the end of 2021.
[January 19, 2021] ACRE (Asia Capital Real Estate) Announces $320 Million Commitment From Almanac Realty Investors

Asia Capital Real Estate ("ACRE"), a global real estate private equity firm managing capital for institutional and family office investors, today announced that a fund managed by Almanac Realty Investors, the private real estate investment arm of Neuberger Berman, has made a $320 million capital commitment to various funds managed by ACRE. The investment will serve to provide strategic growth capital to ACRE's general partner and investment manager as well as anchor investments in their upcoming series of real estate private equity and debt funds, focused on multifamily investments. ACRE aims to invest over $2 billion through its upcoming private equity funds, and has already deployed over $300 million in loans, with the support of Almanac and other investors. "We're very pleased to have an asset management firm as prominent as Neuberger Berman invest in ACRE with a commitment of this magnitude and equally honored to partner with Almanac's experienced and highly respected team to help grow our platform and broaden our relationships with institutional investors and allocators," said ACRE Founding Partner Les Menkes. "This timely capital infusion serves as a testament to our proven investment, development and management strategies and the track record of success we've built over the last decade." Almanac's $320 million commitment comes in the midst of a volatile year in the commercial real estate industry, as investors wrestle with market disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm and direct multifamily lender that specializes in the acquisition, development and management of value-add workforce and affordable housing properties in strategic growth markets across the United States, ACRE is well-positioned to provide an alternative for investors seeking to avoid exposure to areas of the real estate market that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as retail and hospitality. "The uncertainty of the current economic climate has had acute effects for commercial real estate, which is causing many investors to seek out funds with a more secure risk-return profile," said ACRE Founding Partner Michael Van Der Poel. "Middle-market multifamily assets offer a more stable long-term outlook than many other areas of the market, and sponsors are growing increasingly aware of the asset class's merits and differentiating factors. ACRE's experience in this area and creative structuring approach offer a natural advantage in the sector, and we are grateful to have the backing of Neuberger Berman and Almanac as we successfully navigate a rapidly evolving market and accelerate our relationships wth global institutional investors."



"ACRE has a successful track record in the multifamily sector, spanning equity and credit investments and property management, which in combination with positive long-term fundamentals in the multifamily space should lend itself to both attractive real estate opportunities as well as the continued growth of a best-in-class, vertically-integrated multifamily platform," said Justin Hakimian, Managing Director at Almanac. Neuberger Berman acquired Almanac in January 2020 to deepen its offering of real estate solutions. Founded in 1981, Almanac Realty Investors partners with established owner-operators in all sectors of the real estate market to raise capital to fuel company growth and has committed more than $6.1 billion in capital to 46 real estate companies, both public and private, throughout North America. Various partners include Mack Real Estate Group, RXR Realty, CA (News - Alert) Ventures, Slate Asset Management, ReNew Senior Living and Westcore Properties, among others.

Independent and employee-owned financial services firm Baird served as exclusive financial advisor to ACRE on the transaction, led by Jim O'Brien of Baird's Real Estate Investment Banking team. About Asia Capital Real Estate Founded in 2011, ACRE is a global real estate private equity firm managing capital for institutional and family office investors through a series of private equity and debt funds which have invested over $2.7 billion, concentrated in multifamily related strategies. ACRE is a vertically integrated owner operator specializing in multifamily real estate through active investments in both direct equity and debt capital markets as well as special situation opportunities. ACRE manages a global portfolio with offices in Atlanta, New York and Singapore. Since its inception, ACRE has acquired, operated, developed and made loans on over 22,000 apartments across 75 properties and 31 cities. ACRE's strategies focus on direct real estate equity and credit investments and are concentrated in the United States, with additional properties currently in development in Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom. www.acremgt.com About Neuberger Berman Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategies-including equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity, real estate and hedge funds-on behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. With offices in 24 countries, Neuberger Berman's diverse team has over 2,300 professionals. For seven consecutive years, the company has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). In 2020, the PRI named Neuberger Berman a Leader, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The PRI also awarded Neuberger Berman an A+ in every eligible category for our approach to ESG integration across asset classes. The firm manages $374 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2020. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com. About Almanac Realty Investors Since 1996, Almanac's (together with its predecessor, Rothschild Realty, Inc.) primary activity has been making growth capital investments into private and public companies which own and operate real estate in North America. Almanac managed funds have committed over $6.1 billion to 46 companies. Almanac's portfolio companies are structured to combine proven management teams within a specific real estate sector together with ownership of focused portfolios of real estate assets and interests. These companies are governed by a board of directors consisting primarily of representatives from the management teams and Almanac, with a focus on protecting and growing shareholder value, generating dividends, setting strategy, allocating capital and working with management to optimize resources. www.almanacrealty.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005227/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
The recent episode of Bigg Boss 14 saw a heartfelt interaction between contestants Rakhi Sawant and Sonali Phogat. Rakhi was seen breaking down in front of actress-politician Sonali expressing her loneliness in life. She also made a revelation that she has frozen her eggs. Not only that, the Manmohini actress also revealed that she wants her co-contestant Abhinav Shukla to be a sperm donor for her future child.

Rakhi Sawant revealed that she will ask Abhinav's wife and co-contestant Rubina Dilaik if she will be okay with their arrangement. Rakhi went on to add that she wishes to bring her child into the world without doing anything wrong. Rakhi further could not stop her tears while revealing to Sonali that she did not have any man in her life since her ex-boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi. Rakhi Sawant also went on to say that her feelings towards Abhinav Shukla are genuine and she is ready to be the 'other woman' for him.

The 'Pardesiya' star also admitted her anguish regarding her married life. She shared how her husband, Riteish is not ready to accept her publicly and has vowed never to reveal his face to the public glare. Rakhi also hinted that there is a strong reason for which her husband does not want to reveal himself. Furthermore, she expressed how she will be content if Abhinav just goes on to accompany her on coffee dates and expresses some signs of affection towards her. Earlier, Rakhi Sawant had revealed several times on the show that she has not met her husband for over a year.

Bigg Boss 14: Rakhi Sawant Flirts With Abhinav Shukla; Her Comment About Rubina Dilaik Is Unmissable

Bigg Boss 14 Weekend Ka Vaar January 17 Highlights: Salman Khan Reveals No One Will Be Eliminated This Week
Navalny was arrested as he entered passport control in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday evening. Dozens of his supporters, who had gathered at a different airport before Navalny's plane was diverted, were also taken into custody. There were further arrests Monday in St. Petersburg as his supporters staged street protests.

President-elect Joe Biden's incoming national security adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted: "Mr. Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable. The Kremlin's attacks on Mr. Navalny are not just a violation of human rights, but an affront to the Russian people who want their voices heard."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used the same words on Twitter: "Deeply troubled by Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny. Confident political leaders do not fear competing voices, nor see the need to commit violence against or wrongfully detain, political opponents."

"The Russian authorities have arrested the victim of an attempted assassination with a chemical weapon, not the perpetrator," German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert told reporters Monday. "The German government strongly calls on the Russian government to first of all release Mr. Navalny immediately and secondly to fully investigate the circumstances of the chemical weapons attack on Russian soil," he added.

Western leaders have demanded the release of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested Sunday on arrival in Moscow after receiving medical treatment in Germany. The 44-year-old Putin critic and leader of the Russia of the Future party was poisoned by a nerve agent in Siberia last August. The Kremlin denies involvement in that attack.

In a rapidly convened, highly unusual judicial hearing Monday inside Khimki police station on the outskirts of the capital, a judge ruled that Navalny should be held in pretrial detention for 30 days for breaching the conditions of a suspended jail sentence. Prosecutors want the 3.5-year suspended sentence for embezzlement converted into a full jail term. Navalny says the charges are politically motivated. In a mobile phone video recorded from inside the police station Monday, he said the hearing was a "mockery of justice."

"I do not understand why the hearing of the Khimki court is taking place at a police station. Why no one was informed or notified? I have seen a lot of times the mockery of justice, but it looks like the old man in his bunker (Putin) is so scared of everything, that the criminal procedures' code has been blatantly torn up and thrown into the garbage. The thing which is happening here is simply impossible. This is the highest degree of lawlessness," Navalny said.

He called on his supporters to take to the streets. "Don't be silent, resist, take to the streets. Nobody would protect us but ourselves. But we are so many that if we want to achieve something, we will achieve it," he said. Navalny tried to run for president in 2018 but was barred following his conviction for embezzlement, which he says was fabricated. His return to Russia presents a challenge to President Vladimir Putin, says Russia analyst Ben Noble of University College London.

"With the State Duma elections coming up in 2021, not only is Navalny a visible demonstration of opposition to the Kremlin, his anti-corruption foundation and its production of very slick YouTube videos with evidence of corruption of state officials and other members of the economic elite in Russia are an embarrassment for the Kremlin. It's certainly a danger for the Kremlin that Navalny turns into a martyr or his status as a martyr is consolidated," Noble told VOA.

Western nations have so far stopped short of punitive action. The EU last month joined allies in adopting a so-called Magnitsky Act, which allows for sanctions on individuals accused of human rights abuses. Financier Bill Browder, who was instrumental in pushing the legislation following the death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in a Moscow jail, told VOA its time the laws were put into action.

"If you include all the countries of the EU, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., there are 31 countries. And so that will have a very significant effect on Russia, on the people who are sanctioned. And as I understand it, Navalny and his team, before they got on the plane, have constructed some type of list of who they think should be on this sanctions list."

Putin sees that outcome as the lesser risk, Noble said. "The logic I imagine in the Kremlin will be that they can deal with that short-term turbulence; but getting him -- this is an expectation -- getting him in prison would be a way of depriving him of that media exposure," Noble said.

In a press conference Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed criticism of Navalny's arrest. "Western politicians view this as an opportunity to draw attention away from the deepest crisis the liberal development model has found itself in," Lavrov said.

Analysts say Russia's actions will exacerbate tensions with the West, as both sides prepare for a new U.S. administration to take power this week under President-elect Joe Biden.
After a series of rumors, French tech site Cowcotland reports that Nvidia may choose to opt-out of RTX 3060 12 GB from its next lineup. The website states that Nvidia's next GPU launch, which will occur by the end of February, will be made up of third-party AIB graphics cards exclusively.

According to the report, the RTX 3060 12GB will not receive a Founders Edition card, contrary to what Nvidia has done in the past. With cooler shroud and PCB design, Founder Editions have been pretty popular among gamers who use any RTX 30-series graphics cards model.

Although there are no official words from Nvidia yet, it's best to take this kind of rumor with a grain of salt, and it would be a shame if the suggestion is spot on. Founders Edition cards are among the most popular and aesthetically pleasing cards, often sold out during the initial launch day. Check out the reports in French here.

Read also: iPhone 13 Rumor: Size, Specification, Release Date, Price- Are Future Apple Phones Portless?.

Nvidia at CES 2021

Previously at the annual tech show CES 2021, Nvidia announced the RTX 3060 during the live stream. The company also revealed its key design during the event, although the card present appears a generic stand-in.

To put things into perspective, RTX 3060's predecessor, RTX 2060, did come with Turing Founders Edition shroud. It's as lovely as the RTX 3060 Ti, which comes in a light silver variant of the cooler.

As Forbes reported, Nvidia released the brand-new GPUs series for both AMD and Intel, as the two processor giants are aggressively competing to top the market chart with their laptops and PCs.

Recommended Motherboards

On the other news, if you're looking for gaming motherboards to support your setup, we have rounded up five boards from every price range we would recommend. Considering that the boards are the base where you build your PC around, some people invest a good chunk of money in them.

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme is the most expensive on the list, ranging from $800 to $1,000 from various retailers. This is the best Z490 board that the gaming industry could offer, which allows you to get the highest clock speed and godlike performance.

Or if you're an on-budget player who wants to distress the money on other specs, MSI MAG B460 Mortar WiFi is one of the best go-to that does not exploit the price tag too much. Although it does not come with so many M.2 slots or 10GB LAN, the B460 is a good option considering the price tag it has.

Of course, these motherboards will support Nvidia's RTX 3060 12 GB, 2060, or any of its variants. Although the RTX 16-series also did not come with FE garb, it'll be interesting to see what Nvidia's next move will be.

Related post: PS4/Xbox One FPS 2021: Top 5 Shooting Games We're Dying to Wait for This Year.
(TNS)  Fears of major protests by armed, far-right Trump supporters outside the Capitol and at state capitols Sunday proved unfounded, with only small groups, some carrying weapons, gathering in a handful of cities including Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Salem, Ore., and Lansing, Mich.With large-scale contingents of local police, state troopers and National Guardsmen on patrol, the extremists remained peaceful or absent from Capitol Hill and beyond as Sunday evening approached. The FBI had warned of protests Sunday, based in part on notices circulating online urging people to gather at noon, "armed at your personal discretion."Authorities remain concerned that right-wing violence could still erupt before or after Wednesday's inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, as it did Jan. 6 when President Trump, at an outdoor rally, incited supporters to descend on the Capitol as Congress was in the midst of certifying Biden's victory. Nearly a hundred people have been charged in connection with the rioting in which five people died; more than 300 others are under investigation.In Washington, where the Capitol was encircled with a high metal fence patrolled by police and thousands of armed National Guard troops, officers spotted one man with a gun in a holster about a mile from the iconic building. Guy Berry, 22, of Gordonsville, Va., whose Facebook page features a photo from the Jan. 6 riot, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity magazine and unregistered ammunition.A New Mexico county commissioner wanted by the FBI in connection with the riot was also arrested near the Capitol, according to an FBI statement. Couy Griffin, founder of the group Cowboys for Trump, had pledged during a county commission meeting last week to return to the Capitol on Jan. 20 with two guns to "embrace my Second Amendment."On Saturday, Washington police arrested a 63-year-old Connecticut woman on charges of impersonating a police officer. Linda Magovern was stopped after she drove up to a checkpoint near Union Station, refused to put her car in park, told police she was a law enforcement officer and a member of the president's Cabinet and then tried to drive away, according to a police report.Anti-Trump protesters in the city's Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House said they were yelled at by Trump supporters holding "Stop the Steal" signs on Saturday, but that they had not reappeared Sunday.Nadine Seiler, 55, wearing a "Maga Klux Klan" T-shirt and waving a Black Lives Matter flag, said she was afraid of being targeted but still planned to protest daily until the inauguration. Police patrolled nearby, but that didn't make her feel any safer, she said, since she's long been critical of local police.When Seiler spotted two men she suspected of being Trump supporters ("no masks, hands in their pockets"), she confronted them and they left the plaza."I'm not letting them intimidate me. I'm fed up," said Seiler, who is Black. "I'm going to be on the offensive with them. It's time for them to understand how it feels to be under attack."Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, interviewed on NBC's "Meet the Press," said that the overwhelming security presence in the capital reflected a somber reality that is "domestic terrorist-focused.""We don't want to see fences, we definitely don't want to see armed troops on our streets, but we do have to take a different posture," Bowser said. "Having our fellow Americans storm the Capitol in an attempt to overthrow the government certainly warrants heightened security."A major ongoing question, the mayor said, concerns the failure of authorities to grapple with the threat posed by far-right extremists."I think what we saw here last week is that we didn't take it seriously enough," said Bowser. "We never believed that so-called patriots would attempt to overthrow their government and kill police officers, but that's exactly what happened."Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, said Sunday that based on intelligence from the FBI and other sources, he and other governors were "taking the necessary precautions to make sure that we protect our capitol and our citizens.""Every state has to look at their own intelligence matrix and make those kinds of judgments," Hutchinson, vice chair of the National Governors Assn., said in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." "But I think the deterrent value of what we've seen over the last couple of days has had an impact, and hopefully has diminished that threat level."The governor cited the "historic threat" in the United States from armed militias whose adherents include neo-Nazis and white supremacists."This moment is just so insane," said Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul, Minn., where far-right extremists have been active and highly visible. "We have seen since election day repeated demonstrations at our state capitol, as well as at our governor's residence, that have included several individuals who have chosen that time to show up with rifles and other firearms," Carter said on CBS' "Face the Nation.""We have a president who has continued to egg on these extreme radicals to try to take action," he added.Members of the extremist Boogaloo Bois were spotted outside the capitol in Lansing, Mich., where the governor had deployed the National Guard at the mayor's request after recent threats to legislators.A small crowd, several carrying long guns, protested outside the statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, as dozens of state troopers guarded the building. Handfuls of protesters also gathered outside the capitols in Austin, Phoenix, Columbia, S.C., and Salem.In Austin, more than two dozen people rallied for gun rights outside the Texas capitol's fenced grounds, many with AR 15-style rifles slung from their shoulders. One young man carried zip ties and a knife in a belt sheath.Benjamin Hawk said he had traveled to Austin armed with his AR 15-style rifle from the Fort Worth area with a group dedicated to gun ownership, the Hibiscus Society. Hawk, 38, said he accepted that Trump lost the election, but that, "We have the right to free speech without fear of being censored or persecuted."About a dozen protesters stood in front of the statehouse in Phoenix, where roadblocks, chain-link fence and barbed wire had been erected to protect the building. The crowd included Boogaloo Bois, COVID-19 lockdown opponents, pandemic skeptics and Trump supporters still angry over what they baselessly claim was election fraud."We're out here to support our Republic. The current government has become a group of autocrats," said Aaron Botzbauer of Sunrise.Botzbauer, 50, an unemployed cybersecurity worker, said he had come armed with a handgun to downtown Phoenix nearly every day since the presidential election to protest Trump's loss and state COVID-19 restrictions. He didn't support the Capitol riots, he said, but wondered if they "had been staged" to make the president's supporters look bad.Brandon Jackson, 27, of Scottsdale, Ariz., came to the state capitol wearing a Hawaiian shirt and carrying a modified American flag, both signaling his membership in the right-wing Boogaloo Bois.A libertarian, Jackson said he joined the rally to support gun rights after protesting at the Arizona State Capitol on Jan. 6. When he saw reports later that day of rioters in Washington, he cheered."These were patriots reclaiming the Capitol. When your voting system doesn't work, when there is fraud, your voice doesn't matter," he said. "I was excited to see it."In Salem, eight protesters in tactical gear and carrying long guns gathered in front of the boarded-up Oregon statehouse. Two wore a Hawaiian shirts. Others wore ski masks. One carried a sign that said, "All elections are illegitimate."One was an unemployed construction worker who lived nearby. Armed with a handgun and AR 15-style rifle, he also sported a helmet and armored vest. He was upset , he said, about expanded gun control, COVID-19 lockdowns and Amazon's removal of the social media app Parler. He saw the storming of the U.S. Capitol as unfortunate, but compared it to the Boston Tea Party as an example of the lengths people felt they needed to go to protect their rights."We don't want a Civil War, we want liberty for everybody," he said, adding that the government was increasingly infringing on people's rights. "We're humans, not sheep. We're at the top of the food chain and our government is trying to make us the bottom."In Washington, Sgt. Eric Scuderi of the Maryland National Guard was on the lookout for protesters outside the Capitol, where he is to be stationed through the inauguration Wednesday.Scuderi, 40, of Mount Airy, Md., a father of two and school bus driver, said he has seen people from across the political spectrum bring coffee and donuts to the troops, and figures, "It's our job to stay in the middle."Sunday was quiet, without any major protests. Standing on a corner with his rifle strapped to his chest, Scuderi spotted two men in reindeer costumes."We're looking for a PETA rally," they said.Scuderi chuckled."Well, there are protesters here," he said, "Certainly not the type we were expecting, but I'll take it."
On Tuesday, President Klaus Iohannis is set to visit the anti-COVID-19 vaccination centres at the Romexpo exhibition centre.

According to the agenda of the head of state, the visit will take place at 12.00 pm.

The Bucharest Municipality Committee for Emergency Situations (CMBSU) approved, at its Monday's extraordinary meeting, the change of the destination of the 12 spaces in the vaccination centres against COVID-19, according to a press release of the Capital Prefecture sent to AGERPRES.

The Romexpo Exhibition Complex is one of the 12 spaces - with 12 centres and 64 vaccination points.
Amid growing calls to get inoculated in order to beat the COVID-19 disease, an ultra-orthodox Israeli rabbi is urging followers not to get vaccinated, claiming it might "turn them" homosexuals. According to Israel Hayom, rabbi Daniel Asor, during an online sermon, has asked his followers to deny the COVID-19 vaccination, claiming it might make them gay. This comes amid the ongoing vaccination drive in Israel and other parts of the world. Israel Hayom reported Asor as saying, "any vaccine made using an embryonic substrate, and we have evidence of this, causes opposite tendencies. Vaccines are taken from an embryonic substrate, and they did that here, too, so ... it can cause opposite tendencies."

Read: Billboard Video In Israel Expresses Support For US President-elect Biden

Asor's assertion goes against three senior-most rabbis in the ultra-orthodox society, who have all asked their supporters to get vaccinated as soon as they can. As per the report, rabbis Chaim Kanievsky, Gershon Edelstein, and Shalom Cohen have all asked their followers to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them. However, Asor claims that they have been manipulated by pharmaceutical companies and the World Health Organisation (WHO) into believing that the vaccines are safe.

Read: Israel OKs Hundreds Of Settlement Homes In Last-minute Push

Asor went on to make another bizarre claim that the vaccines are meant to change the existing world order, which is a joint conspiracy of members of the secret society Illuminati and billionaire Bill Gates, who is proactively involved in vaccine manufacturing and distribution through his charitable organisation Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Asor furthered another theory that the virus was unleashed by the above-mentioned forces in order to bring down the world's population.

Read: Israel Moves To Rein In Rights Group Over 'apartheid' Use

Israel vaccinates over 2 million

Meanwhile, Israel has already administered COVID-19 vaccines to more than 2 million of its 9 million people, which is the highest in the world in terms of per capita. The COVID-19 vaccination in the country started earlier last month after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein became the first to be inoculated. The country has recorded more than 5,55,000 cases and a little over 4,000 deaths to date.

Read: Israel Trades Pfizer Doses For Medical Data In Vaccine Blitz


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.

DinDin did not forget what he promised to Kim Seon Ho's father and fulfilled it.

On the latest episode in "2 Days & 1 Night Season 4," Kim Seon Ho's father personally chose a member to substitute for him to fulfill the wish of Kim Seon Ho. In the January 17 broadcast of the variety show, the cast members made their wishes come true. Cast member Kim Seon Ho's wish was to go on a fishing trip with his dad.

Unfortunately, his father couldn't make it, and in turn, another member had to replace his father to be Kim Seon Ho's fishing buddy. The actor's dad had to choose which member to accompany his son on the fishing trip. They made a phone call to Kim Seon Ho's dad to choose the member on the spot.

When Kim Seon Ho's father answered the call, they exchanged greetings over the phone and then, Kim Jong Min asked how he feels with regards to the current skyrocketing fame of his son Kim Seon Ho?

To which Kim Seon Ho's dad responded that he is happy and worried at the same time. When questioned why he feels that way, he explained that Kim Seon So is now carrying a heavier burden and he must be very careful not to drop it.

Then, Kim Seon Ho asked his dad to pick the member who he wants to substitute him on that fishing trip. To help him with the decision, each member took the chance to talk to him over the phone.

Finally, Kim Seon Ho's dad picked Yeon Jung Hoon! This made the excited DinDin scream, "Father, I'll be sending you some Korean-raised tenderloin right away!" In an attempt to not be picked to do the task in the cold weather, DinDin made a promise to send his father 1++ grade Hanwoo (the highest quality of Korean-raised beef).

The show's producer explained that it would probably take an hour and 30 minutes boat ride to arrive at the fishing location, and it will take a total of five hours to fulfill Kim Seon Ho's wish. Upon discovering this, Kim Seon Ho expressed his regret for wanting to go fishing as his wish.

Dindin did not forget what he promises and as proof that he fulfilled his promise to Kim Seon Ho's dad, the actor took to his Instagram Stories to share a screenshot of messages exchanged with DinDin. DinDin sent a Hanwoo with the message which stated, "Enjoy this meal with your father~~~ It's 1++ grade!! Thank you, father~~~."

South Korean reality-variety show "2 Days & 1 Night" airs on the KBS2 channel. The show's episodes are uploaded weekly on YouTube with English subtitles via KBS World's official channel. Currently, the show's cast members are Kim Jong Min, Yeon Jung Hoon, Moon Se Yoon, Kim Seon Ho, DinDin, and Ravi (VIXX). The show's motto is "Real Wild Road Variety" and the show's concept is to feature various places of interest that viewers can visit in South Korea.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Liza Parker
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.
Apple made the controversial call to remove Parler from their App Store by citing the site didn't follow their rules that Apple never made public for the public to fairly review. Now they're being sued by former US Ambassador to Morocco Marc Ginsberg, now an activist Democrat, who is seeking damages and injunctive relief against Defendant Apple, Inc. for allowing the "Telegram" app to be made available through Apples App Store despite Apples knowledge that Telegram is being used to intimidate, threaten, and coerce members of the public.

The introduction of the lawsuit further states that "Apple has clearly defined policies and guidelines prohibiting applications such as Telegram from being used in such a manner yet chooses not to enforce those policies and guidelines. As a result, consumers such as Plaintiff Ambassador Marc Ginsberg has suffered economic losses as well as emotional distress as a member of one of the groups targeted by Telegrams users."

As noted by Wiki, Ginsberg is Jewish. You could review his website called "Coalition for a Safer Web" here that's part of the lawsuit against Apple. His lawsuit presents images of Nazis against Jews as noted in a copy of the full lawsuit presented in the SCRIBD document below.

Ambassodor Marc GInsberg v ... by Jack Purcher

The question for me is: Why is a Nazis app allowed to stay on the App Store while Parler was removed?
Algiers, 18 January 2020 (SPS)  Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sabri Boukadoum made last week a tour to Africa in which a great convergence of views and positions was noted with the African leaders concerning the different regional and international issues of common interest, notably on the role of the African Union (AU) in the political settlement of the conflict of Western Sahara.



After South Africa, Lesotho and Angola, Boukadoum visited Kenya as a prelude to the 34th AU Summit that will be held in February.



The Covid-19 pandemic, the situation in the Sahel, Libya, Central Africa, Congo and Central African Republic, as well as the growing terrorism threat in the continent were at the heart of the discussions. The latest developments in Western Sahara were also the main focus of the discussions between the Algerian Foreign minister and his African interlocutors.



The minister, who started his tour in Pretoria, was received by South African Cyril Ramaphosa to whom he expressed the firm commitment of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries and his commitment to giving a fresh impetus to the bilateral cooperation.



For his part, Ramaphosa expressed his willingness to work with his brother Abdelamdjid Tebboune to develop the bilateral cooperation in its political, security, economic and cultural dimensions for an optimal exploitation of the opportunities offered on both sides.



Boukadoum and his South-African counterpart Naledi Pandor stressed the strategic importance of the bi-national commission as a structured bilateral mechanism to coordinate and form a bilateral cooperation and a partnership between the two countries.



Concerning the Sahrawi issue, the two sides underlined that they are seriously concerned by the escalation of the military tensions in the occupied territories and reaffirmed their position which consists in reaching a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution which ensures the self-determination of Western Saharas people.



In this respect, Boukadoum and Pandor expressed their full support to the immediate appointment by UN Secretary General of his personal envoy for Western Sahara.



In Lesotho, Boukadoum was received by Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Matsepo Ramakoae where they stressed the need to finalize the legal framework and give a new boost to the contacts at all levels in view of the holding of the inaugural session of the Joint Committee.



Concerning the conflict in Western Sahara, the two sides underlined the necessity for AU and UN to work together to launch a real political process enabling the completion of the decolonization process.



In Angola, Boukadaoum held a working meeting with his counterpart Antonio Tete where theur assess the bilateral cooperation and prospects of its development. They also discussed poltical, peace and security issues in Africa, notably the situations in Libya, Malia and Western Sahara.



With his Kenyan counterpart Raychelle Omamo, the minister broached the bilateral relations as well as the main tense areas in the African continent.



Concerning regional and international issues, the two ministers underlined with satisfaction the convergence of their positions favoring the respect of the principles of the international law and the peaceful settlement of crises and conflicts. (SPS)



062/090/700
Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill.
Changes to K-12 learning at schools in Massachusetts are set to go into effect Tuesday, with officials hoping the adjustments will increase live instruction and the face time students have with their teachers.

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted several amendments to student learning time regulations at its Dec. 15 meeting. The new requirements set minimum levels of live and synchronous instruction for school districts using hybrid and remote learning.

At the boards meeting in mid-December, a panel of doctors and child advocates spoke about students worsening mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. They warned officials of a growing health crisis in children.

Physicians have noticed concerning declines in students mental health over the course of the public health crisis, reportedly seeing students with worsened depression and suicidal thoughts.

We have to recognize this one truth: Were going to lose more kids to suicide than COVID, Dr. Mathieu Bermingham, the medical director of children services of Roxbury and a consultant to the Department of the Mental Health in early childhood mental health, told members of the board at the time.

The educational changes that go into effect Tuesday include a requirement that students must have the opportunity to interact with educators at least once every school day. The amendments create a mandated daily live check-in as well, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Schools that are operating under a hybrid learning model must provide students with access to at least 35 hours of live instruction over a two-week period, the department said. Live instruction, DESE noted, means a combination of in-person and remote synchronous instruction.

Districts that are fully remote must provide 40 hours of synchronous instruction over a two-week period and allow students access to synchronous learning each school day, according to the department.

Synchronous learning is defined as learning that is directed by a teacher and that happens in real time with other students, such as during live, whole-class instruction, and small group work.

Live online classes that a teacher leads for the whole class, which may include breakout rooms for students to complete activities with access to the instructor, counts as synchronous instruction, DESE noted.

However, office hours or other optional check-in opportunities for children or teenagers to connect with their teachers, where not all students are required to be present, do not count as synchronous learning, according to officials.

It appears most Massachusetts schools that are using a remote learning model already meet the new hourly requirements for live instruction.

Late last month, DESE released released data that breaks down learning time by school district. The information was based on surveys conducted among the states districts during the first two school weeks in November.

DESEs surveying found roughly 73% of Massachusetts school districts already meet the structured learning time requirements that went into effect Tuesday.

Any district that does not comply with the new regulations or has not received a waiver will be required to make up any structured learning time missed by the end of the school year.

Related Content:
The situation was vastly different some years ago, when water was scarce, farming was not an option and the community was forced to venture into the forest to earn a living. They encountered elephants, leopards and other wild animals in the reserve.

By Gurvinder Singh

Life has transformed for Tapan Chikbaraik, a resident of Uttar Chakoakheti village in the district of Alipurduar of the Indian state of West Bengal.

He had not imagined that he and members of the indigenous community he belongs to could farm on their small farmland throughout the year. Now the 48-year-old is thrilled at the prospect of growing paddy, cauliflower, cabbage, okra and seasonal vegetables on 18 acres of land. Between farming and working as a guide in the nearby Chilapata forest reserve, he is earning enough to keep his kitchen fire burning.

The situation was vastly different some years ago, when water was scarce, farming was not an option and the community was forced to venture into the forest to earn a living. They encountered elephants, leopards and other wild animals in the reserve.

We had no alternative but to venture inside the forest to cut trees and sell them in the market for our livelihood. At the time, the farmers were dependent on rain-fed paddy.

Now, improved irrigation facilities and farm inputs have reduced the dependency of villagers on the forest. We are now protecting it to attract tourism for our livelihood, he said with a smile on his face. The ample supply of water helps us farm the whole year.

Jharna Karjee Burman, a 32-year-old from Dholaguri, a village 35 kilometres from Uttar Chakoakheti, was also happy about the mustard, maize and other crops she has sown for the first time in her life.

We have been dependent on rain-fed paddy for generations, as the scarcity of water made it difficult to grow other crops. But now we grow vegetables that were not possible earlier. It feels like a dream but its true. I earn around Rs 12,000-15,000 (USD 160-200) which is enough to sustain my family, said Burman, a widow.

There are now 5,000 people from indigenous communities and scheduled castes in these villages who heavily depend on farmland, a reality that has reduced their trips to the forest and beyond.

The turning point

It all began in 2014, when both the villages became part of a project titled Improving water use for dry season agriculture by marginal and tenant farmers in the Eastern Gangetic Plains which focussed on the Nepal Terai region, the Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal as well as northwest Bangladesh.

The project was funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to improve the livelihood of women, marginal and tenant farmers in the Eastern Gangetic plains, by offering ample water and enhancing dry season agricultural production. The University of Southern Queensland was the nodal agency of the project.

We did a survey in both the villages and found that the farmers not only suffered from the dearth of infrastructure facilities but also lacked the technical expertise on farming as they had done single cropping for ages, said Rupak Sarkar, Associate Professor, Regional Research Station (Terai zone) at North Bengal Agricultural University (NBAU) that offered technical support to the project.

We realised that farmers can get ground water if solar and diesel pumps are used for drawing it to the surface, Sarkar added.

We invited international scientists to give [farmers] valuable input regarding farming, including the technical knowledge on the sowing of crops and method of irrigation. [Changing] from Long Furrow Ridge System to Short Furrow irrigation system [helped] as the former not only led to the wastage of water but it also failed to reach to all the crops. Four poly houses were also built in the two villages for growing vegetables.

A boost to farming

Under the project, three sites each were chosen in both the villages for farming.

We formed small teams of around seven to nine farmers for each site. The team included land owners, farmers and landless women in Dholaguri. The landowners were promised a portion of the income from the farm produce while the rest was to be divided among other members of the group. The owners readily agreed as the land was lying vacant for most part of the year, said Dhananjoy Ray the Secretary of the Centre for the Development of Human Initiatives (CDHI), a non-profit working for rural development and research entrusted with executing the project.

In Uttar Chakoakheti, a different model was adopted as almost all the farmers were land owners.

It was difficult to convince them to stop destroying the forest, as for generations the indigenous communities have remained dependent on it for livelihood. We managed to convince a small group of around 27 farmers and provided them technical input. We suggested that collective farming would not only save costs by purchasing fertilisers in bulk but would also help them in minimising transportation cost of the produce to the market. The aim was also to attract other farmers for multiple cropping based on the initial success.

The project was supported by the installation of shallow pumps, tube wells, diesel pumps, solar irrigation pumps and drip irrigation. Around 10 water pumps were installed by CDHI in both the villages to bring the groundwater to the surface.

The situation began to change in both the villages by the end of 2015, when the farm yield translated into more income for the farmers and reduced their dependency on the forest as well as migration for livelihood.

My father used to regularly visit the forest for timber and firewood, putting his life at risk. He now works in the field and grows vegetables and also areca nuts. His safety is my priority more than the income. The irrigation pumps provide water across the year helping him to sow variety of crops, said Pradeep Oran, 24, a graduate from a polytechnic at Uttar Chakoakheti village.

Realising the benefit of the project to the farmers, the state government also intervened in 2017 and constructed six pump houses in Uttar Chakoakheti by March 2020.

We completed the construction of six pump houses before the lockdown stopped work. The tenders would soon be floated for the installation of pumps which are very much required as some of the villages suffer from severe water crisis in dry season making it difficult for the farmers to do farming. The government is planning to build more pump houses and install water pumps in the villages across the district, said Kalyan Kumar Das, an engineer with the Agri-Irrigation department in Alipurduar district.

Gurvinder Singh is a freelance journalist based out of Kolkata.

The Third Pole is a multilingual platform dedicated to promoting information and discussion about the Himalayan watershed and the rivers that originate there. This report was originally published on thethirdpole.net and has been reproduced here with permission.
New Delhi: India on Tuesday confirmed that it will begin the export of COVID-19 vaccines from January 20 (Wednesday) with the first tranche being gifted to six neighbours. These countries are Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Maldives, and Seychelles. The COVID-19 vaccines will reach Bhutan at around 11 am local time on Wednesday with 150,000 doses and the Maldives at around 2 pm with 100,000 doses.

READ | This country will receive India's COVID-19 vaccine first; know details

The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "Keeping with Indias stated commitment to using Indias vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of the humanity fight the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies under grant assistance... from 20 January 2021." When it comes to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, India is still awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances.

READ | Bharat Biotech makes big announcement, reveals who should avoid COVID-19 vaccine

The MEA said, "India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines" and "this will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVIs Covax facility to developing countries".

Explained: How China is using COVID-19 vaccine as a political tool

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted the announcement as well. In a tweet, he said, "India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead."

World is on brink of catastrophic moral failure: WHO chief warns against uneven COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Ahead of the delivery of vaccines, India is conducting training programmes--covering administrative and operational aspects on Tuesday and Wednesday for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries. This is being done both at national and provincial levels.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "India fulfils a commitment to give vaccines to humanity. Supplies for our neighbours will start on 20th January. The Pharmacy of the World will deliver to overcome the COVID challenge."

India has got requests from a dozen countries for the COVID-19 vaccines. In 2020, amid the pandemic, India sent hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 150 countries. India has also been organising several training courses for healthcare workers and administrators of partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

Meanwhile, Cambodia has become the latest country to request India for COVID-19 vaccine even as New Delhi has been reached out by other countries for it. Cambodian PM Hun Sen had met the Indian envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade and requested for the vaccine.

The Cambodians have not quantified their requests for the Indian vaccines, but it comes, two days after China promised a donation of one million doses. The development shows Cambodians are open to getting more vaccines from India and not totally reliant on China. Cambodia is seen close to Bejing, that is why it makes it significant.

The Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a Facebook post said, "Bangladesh will receive 20 lakh doses of Oxford-Astrazenca Covid-19 vaccines (Covishield) from India as a gift on 21 January." A special flight of India carrying the consignment will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday. The ruling Awami League party of the country also tweeted the same and highlighted that the govt will also procure additional 30 million Covishield COVID-19 vaccines from Serum Institute of India (SII).

This comes even as South African government in a fact sheet released today said that the country will be getting one million doses of covid vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine from SII.

It's just not the Indian subcontinent that is the focus. As far as Latin America, India is sought after for the COVID-19 vaccine. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday met Indian envoy to Brazil Suresh Reddy. In a tweet he said, "It was a great pleasure meeting you Excellency! Our relations are growing stronger by the day under your and Narendra Modi 's leadership!" While the elements of the discussions are not known, the meet happens in the backdrop of the Brazilian President writing to PM Modi for two million doses of the immunizer produced by the SII.
The day comes alive with the occasional dog walker and the shop owners opening their windows and doors. Then they wait for the people to come and buy. Few shops can have more than four people in the shop at a time and eventually a queue starts to form in the street. People walk by, take one look at the queue and just walk on. This is the shopping experience of Soller and most other small towns on the island.

The new businesses, whose work is going on behind closed doors, are up with the lark. They have much to do in the new restaurants coming our way in Soller and the Port. A clean for some and a full refurbishment for others. The largest of them all will eventually employ 10 staff, he is being very circumspect about a potential opening day. Others are starting as soon as next week with take away coffee and snacks. The new businesses are just busy; they are saying nothing about when they think the visitors will be allowed back to Mallorca.

A gentle air of optimism that vaccines will make a difference and that life will be good by September 2021.

The moral curfew of 8 pm means that most are off the streets and back home. This gives the road workman clear streets and, under strong lights, they paint the roads. New pedestrian crossings have emerged and signs telling to to watch out for the Tram. The Tram meanwhile has been replaced by a small bus as the tracks get their annual overhaul. Nothing much is working here at the moment, no tram, no train but we do have plenty of new buses. This weekend should have seen us celebrate St Anthony with devils, fire and barbecues. An old tradition which starts the January celebrations and leads into St Sebastian in Palma. All cancelled and the music has died for this year. All fiestas have been cancelled down our way till June 2021 and then will be reviewed. Soller is a very different place without its monthly celebrations of life.

At the weekend, life returns to our mountains, as families can still head for the hills and walk. Quiet, sleepy Soller becomes a thriving exercise hub at the weekends. No business can benefit as all the restaurants and cafes are closed. Bring your own picnic and flask is the order of the day.

The stats are pouring in on many subjects in the first month of the year. This week we learnt that 2020 was the warmest year since records began. The AEMET has confirmed that the year 2020 was the warmest in Spain, Europe and the World since reliable testing started in 1961. Then that was followed by a most peculiar cold January 2021 with snow on the mountain tops for 10 consecutive days.

2020 will be remembered for so much, a landmark year to compare other years with. Where were you when Kennedy was shot? Where were you when John Lennon met his end? Where were you on 9\11 or when America went rogue? 2020 will be one of those years when we remember exactly where we were when the world twisted a different way on its axis and introduced us to coronavirus.

Back in Soller the builders are building houses and having supply issues. The storm that lingered over the sea stopped the ships coming in causing some empty shelves. Just one more irritation for the workers who just want to get their work done.

Last Friday the Covid Vaccine reached the PAC in Soller, for its staff. They were the first health professionals to receive the vaccine in Mallorca. Our team are now ready to inject the rest of us when the vaccines arrive. We are all being divided up into priority groups and, after the people in the care home, the roll out will begin. The flu vaccines we received at the end of last year havent been tested. The mask wearing and precautions we are all taking for Covid mean that Flu this winter has not been allowed to take hold. We learn so much from this experience and I wonder if mask wearing in future winters will be choice rather than rules.
Pantheon Resources PLC - oil & gas exploration company - Reaches agreement with Otto Energy Alaska LLC, a subsidiary of Otto Energy Ltd, to acquire its 100% ownership of Borealis Alaska LLC, which owns an 11% working interest in each of the 16 leases in the 44,463 acre Talitha unit. Upon completion of the acquisition, Pantheon will own a 100% working interest in the Talitha unit. By way of an ealier transaction, Otto will retain a 0.5% overriding royalty interest in any future production from the Talitha unit. As purchase consideration, Pantheon says it will issue to Otto 14.3 million shares, subject to a lock-up until the end of June. The transfer of ownership is conditional upon approval by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, which is fully expected but estimated to take a number of weeks.

Current stock price: 40.10 pence, down 3.1% on Tuesday

Year-to-date change: down 3.8%

By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Protesters mass in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Mark Simon)

Yorba Linda Trustee Responds to Criticism for Attending Trump Rally

A trustee for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) who was once part of an anti-terrorism effort by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department following the 9/11 attacks says her attendance at the pro-President Donald Trump rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 doesnt make her a terrorist or an insurrectionist, as her detractors have claimed.

Leandra Blades went on a girls trip to Washington to hear Trump speak because shes always wanted to go to one of his rallies, she told The Epoch Times on Jan. 18. A social media post by one of her girlfriends included a photo of them at the rally; that image was later used by people within the school district to demand her resignation, she said.

Im not resigning. Im not backing down. Im not going to hide just because I have a conservative viewpoint, Blades said.

The photo was taken before the breach of the Capitol building, where rioting ultimately resulted in five deaths.

A group on Change.org named PYLUSD Against Terrorism claims that Blades, in a social media post about the Capitol breach, supported the domestic terrorists while spreading false information, referring to those who attended the rally (and eventually rioted) as patriots and blamed the fictional organization ANTIFA for the actions committed by the patriots she so openly supports.

A Change.org petition demanding her resignation had garnered thousands of signatures as of Jan. 18.

There is a group of students in our school district who have started an Instagram page called PYLUSD Against Terrorism, Blades said. Im a retired police officer, and after 9/11, I was a terrorism liaison officer for the department I worked for.

Its awful to be called a terrorist when all Ive ever done as a law enforcement officer is wanting to uphold the law. I believe in law and order. Im a strong supporter of our Constitution, and Im a strong supporter for the Constitution for both sides.

She added, Im not a terrorist, and Im not an insurrectionistnot any one of these things that Ive been called.

Blades, who became a trustee for the PYLUSD near the end of 2020, said she believes people are reacting to her conservative views.

We left the rally because we heard that there was violence inside and thats not what I was there for, thats not what my friends were there for, thats not what the people around us were there for, Blades said.

Prior to the storming of the building, there was a lot of singing of God Bless America, she said.

There was a lot of waving of flags. It wasnt until my husband texted me and asked if I was OK. I said yes, and then, he said: Someones been shot inside the Capitol. My response was that I dont believe anyone was inside the Capitol. That was when he told me No, theres people inside the Capitol and theres people taking selfies inside Nancy Pelosis office.

Blades says that from her groups perspective, everything appeared calm.

We were at the Capitol standing around watching everything go on. Thats why we were so shocked to hear that anyone is inside the Capitol Building. It was kind of bizarre because we werent seeing anything. We just saw people waving flags.

Bladess efforts to respond to her accusers have been emboldened conservative parents and students in the district, she said. A group called Freedom of Speech has started its own Change.org petition, called Stand with Leandra Blades, in a show of support for her.

Parents in the district have come out and told me they feel like they have no voice whatsoever because they feel like if they come out and just tell their beliefs that they will be bullied so bad. They are bullied into silence.

She said schools should start looking to keep the politics and the social justice issues out of the classroom and going back to teaching the subjects that we are there to teach.

We can do so much better not just as a community, but as a nation.
P atients in Surrey are being sent to the Midlands and Yorkshire as hospitals in the South East have been overwhelmed by the surge in Covid-19 admissions, former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said today.

Mr Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, told of the scale of the crisis facing the NHS, including at the Royal Surrey in Guildford.

In an update to constituents, he said: Just spoken to Louise Stead, chief executive of the Royal Surrey, about the situation there. Even though Covid admissions are declining nationally, the situation is still critical.

Intensive care capacity has been surged by an additional 32 beds of which 31 are occupied. Nearly all patients on ventilators.

Other Surrey hospitals have been sending people to the Midlands and Yorkshire but the Royal Surrey has not had to do this - indeed it is taking patients from other Surrey hospitals (and had some from Kent before). However if demand continues increasing there is a risk of urgent cancer surgery having to be delayed.

The hospital boss told Mr Hunt, who chairs the Commons health and social care committee, that the majority of patients in intensive care were in their 50s and 60s, who might not be able to work from home, so getting this age group vaccinated was crucial.

As a vaccine hub, nearly all staff at the Royal Surrey had had the first dose of one of the Covid jabs and staff absence at the hospital is currently just 3.8 per cent.

However, Mr Hunt added: Staff are completely exhausted with the triple challenge of looking after Covid patients, other urgent care and the vaccination programme.
This article is part of the Future Agenda, a series from Future Tense in which experts suggest specific, forward-looking actions the new Biden administration should implement. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, at noon Eastern, Future Tense will host an online event to discuss what science, technology, health, and energy priorities the Biden administration should pursue. For more information and to RSVP, visit the New America website.

It is perhaps fortunate that the recently disclosed SolarWinds hack was an espionage operation affecting only 18,000 customers, including Fortune 500 companies and U.S. government agencies. If the hackers, who are believed to be Russian, had focused on destruction instead of stealing secrets, the United States might be facing an economic and security crisis of unprecedented scale. Ifor perhaps whenwe witness a widespread cyberattack or a massive, cascading, economic collapse, U.S. leadership will have to prioritize which industries receive scarce government assistance to ensure that the U.S. economy continues to function. Industries must also have a plan ready to execute in the absence of timely government assistance.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The COVID-19 pandemic changed our understanding of lifeline critical infrastructure, placing grocery stores and logistics higher on the list. But in the days and weeks after a cyberattack, how will Americans buy food if they cannot access their banks accounts? How will banks operate if there is no electricity? How will power plants operate if trains cant move coal? And what sectorsor even what regions of the countryshould be the first to get their cell phone service back up and running? The questions only spiral from there, but the U.S. must be ready with answers before such a doomsday event occurs. The United States needs a Continuity of the Economy plan to ensure we can reconstitute the economy in the wake of a devastating cyberattack.

Advertisement

For decades the U.S. government has had Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government plans to ensure our nation could function after a nuclear attack. But todays risks are different. Our networked systems are vulnerable to catastrophic collapse and cyberspace presents an entirely new front, not simply for traditional warfare, but for economic warfare. It is a space where belligerent actors can degrade our military and strategic capabilities by attacking our economy. Private industry stands on the front lines of todays cyber battlefield, facing down persistent attacks from hackers backed by Americas adversaries. Private companies control most utilities, financial tools, supply chains, and other critical infrastructure that support national security and our way of life.

Advertisement

Highlighting these new risks, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act contains nearly 70 provisions meant to increase resilience of U.S. cyberspace. This includes a novel requirement that the federal government plan for Continuity of the Economy. This provision stems from a recommendation of the congressionally mandated Cyberspace Solarium Commission, which noted in its March 2020 report that such a plan will contribute to cyber deterrence by demonstrating that the United States has the wherewithal to respond and remain resilient to a significant cyberattack.

Advertisement

In other words, adversaries must understand and believe the United States will not be hobbled because of a cyberattack. They must believebecause they know we have planned for such an occurrencethat we will quickly recover and will impose consequences. That is the hallmark of real deterrence.

The NDAAs requirement is an important first step, but now the planning and exercising must begin. There are many miles between deciding to do it and actually implementing a robust recovery plan for a variety of contingencies.

While the goal of any such plan would certainly be a return to pre-attack economic activity, that will take time. The U.S. operates a $21 trillion economy with more than 31 million businesses. It relies on more than 4 million miles of road for distribution of essential food, medicine, and material. Following a large-scale cyberattack, the government will have limited recovery resources. How do we craft a resilient system able to empower 31 million independent agents to creatively work and recover together? What are the most critical companies and industries enabling a rapid recovery? Are we sure we know the most significant priorities in this complex networked system? Like Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government, we must determine the critical economic functions on which the rest depend, and recover those first. To prioritize recovery order, Continuity of the Economy plans must identify the critical nodes and interdependencies within national infrastructure that guarantee U.S. economic resilience.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Decision makers today are grappling with strategies to prioritize distribution of COVID-19 vaccinesa single commodity. Imagine having to prioritize resources to restart the entire economy. The task is monumental, but the goal is straightforward: Decision makers need information now to give them insights to the vast complexity of the U.S. economy and an understanding of the forecasted outcomes of alternative scenarios before decisions are made.

Crafting a national strategy to limit consequences of failure or to prioritize recovery operations begins with good information. Fortunately, Congress showed great wisdom crafting the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. They required an analysis of U.S. distribution and supply chains to identify the critical economic actors and functions that must be operational if the U.S. is to maintain its defense readiness, public health, and national security. The incoming Biden administration will be the first to face these new Continuity of the Economy planning requirements.

Advertisement

But data alone is insufficient. Our combined decades of experience in data science, military logistics, and policy making have taught us that decision makers will need a way to visualize the complex interconnectivity across economic sectors so that they can understand it. Only then will they be able to develop the plans to actively prevent cascading system collapse and prioritize recovery order following a significant eventdefending U.S. interests on the cyber battlefield depends on it.

ASUs Decision Theater and the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies are partnering on a data driven visualization of interconnectivity and dependencies across economic sectors to demonstrate how the U.S. government can begin to understand prioritization of recovery. ASU is a partner with Slate and New America in Future Tense.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
NEW YORK (AP)  A U.S. Army soldier was arrested Tuesday in Georgia on charges that he plotted to blow up New York Citys 9/11 Memorial and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East, authorities said Tuesday.

Cole James Bridges of Stow, Ohio, was in custody on charges of attempted material support of a terrorist organization  the Islamic State group  and attempted murder of a military member, said Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for Manhattan federal prosecutors.

The 20-year-old soldier, also known as Cole Gonzales, was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, Biase said.

He was scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Georgia on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear who would represent him.
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Four of the leading modular building companies in the Nordic region  Malthus Uniteam, Wexus, Algeco and Temporary Space Nordics  are today delighted to announce that they are coming together to operate under one brand, Algeco.

With a fleet of over 20,000 rental modules across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, Algeco will combine the strengths and expertise of these four companies, providing customers with even more choice and better value.

Algeco will be led across the Nordics by Steinar Aasland, formerly CEO of Malthus Uniteam. He will be supported by MDs in each of the individual Nordic markets, and an MD at Algeco's manufacturing facility in Estonia.

Steinar Aasland, MD, Algeco, commented: Trading as Algeco in each of our Nordic markets it will be easier for our customers, who can now turn to us as one supplier for a huge range of products and support whilst continuing to receive the highest levels of service. Local knowledge, expertise and strong relationships will remain central to Algeco's success and we will continue to empower local management and their teams to deliver for our customers in each country. This is an exciting time for Algeco and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build this great business."

Algeco, Malthus Uniteam, Wexus, and Temporary Space Nordics are all owned by Modulaire Group, Europe and Asia Pacific's leading modular space company.

Mark Higson, Chief Executive Officer, Modulaire Group, commented: Malthus Uniteam, Wexus, Algeco and Temporary Space Nordics are all well-positioned within their own markets, each driven by their high quality products and solutions, their strong customer relationships, and their expert local management teams. Together as Algeco they will be even stronger for their customers and colleagues. This will further enhance their position across the Nordics and ultimately support the goal of being the number one player in this important and growing market."

About Modulaire Group

Modulaire Group is a leading business services company specialising in modular space. We offer sales and rentals of high quality temporary modular buildings, barracks and containers across a number of sectors, including public administration (schools, preschools, care facilities), construction, infrastructure and energy. Our business is designed to help customers find the right space solution, no matter what their requirements. Modulaire Group has operations in 25 countries with approximately 250,000 modular space and portable storage units and 3,400 remote accommodations rooms. The company operates as Algeco in Europe and Scandinavia, Elliott in the United Kingdom, BUKO Huisvesting, BUKO Bouw & Winkels and BUKO Bouwsystemen in The Netherlands, Ausco in Australia, Portacom in New Zealand, and Algeco Chengdong in China.

For further information

Investor relations: Phil Vellacott

[email protected]

+44(0)7841 563541

Media enquiries:

Tulchan Communications

[email protected]

+44(0)207 353 4200

SOURCE Modulaire Group
SILVER SPRING, Md. - General Motors is teaming up with Microsoft to accelerate its rollout of electric, self-driving cars.

SILVER SPRING, Md. - General Motors is teaming up with Microsoft to accelerate its rollout of electric, self-driving cars.

In the partnership announced Tuesday, the companies said Microsofts Azure cloud and edge computing platform would be used to commercialize its unique autonomous vehicle solutions at scale.

This image provided by General Motors shows the new company logo. General Motors is changing its corporate logo and starting an electric vehicle marketing campaign as it tries to refurbish its image from a maker of gas-powered pickups and SUVs to a clean vehicle company. The 112-year-old Detroit automaker says, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, the campaign will show GMAos progressive company vision as it promises to roll out 30 new battery-powered vehicles globally by the end of 2025. (General Motors via AP)

Microsoft joins General Motors, Honda and other institutional investors in a combined new equity investment of more than $2 billion in Cruise, bringing its valuation to about $30 billion. Cruise, which GM bought in 2016, has been a leader in driverless technology and got the go-ahead from California late last year to test its automated vehicles in San Francisco without backup drivers.

Auto companies have been joining forces and bringing technology firms on board to try to spread out the enormous costs -- and by nature, risks -- of developing self-driving and electric vehicles.

Honda is in on the Cruise project with GM, Volkswagen and Ford have teamed up with Pittsburgh autonomous vehicle company Argo AI, and Hyundai joined with Fiat Chrysler last summer in a deal to use Waymos driverless car technology.

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2020 file photo, the Chevrolet logo is displayed at a Chevrolet dealership in Englewood, Colo. General Motors and its subsidiary Cruise are teaming up with Microsoft to accelerate its rollout of electric, self-driving cars. In the announcement Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, the companies said Microsofts Azure cloud and edge computing platform would be used to commercialize its unique autonomous vehicle solutions at scale. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Toyota and Uber are also working together, while Amazon skipped over the automaker part of the equation and last summer bought self-driving technology company Zoox, which is developing an autonomous vehicle for a ride-hailing service.

Mass adoption of driverless vehicles  and profits  are still a ways off, said industry analyst Sam Abuelsamid of Guidehouse Insights.

The reality is that the automated driving landscape is taking much longer to mature that had been anticipated a few years ago, Abuelsamid said. It's probably going to be mid-decade before we start to see significant volumes of these vehicles.

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2019, file photo, Cruise AV, General Motor's autonomous electric Bolt EV is displayed in Detroit. General Motors' self-driving car company is sending vehicles without anybody behind the wheel in San Francisco as it navigates its way toward launching a robotic taxi service that would compete against Uber and Lyft in the hometown of the leading ride-hailing services. The move announced Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, by GM-owned Cruise come two months after the company received CaliforniaAos permission to fully driverless cars in the state. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Abuelsamid added that the importance of adding a company like Microsoft to the mix is its cloud computing power and the ability to analyze data from the vehicles to improve the technology.

Microsoft is a great addition to the team as we drive toward a future world of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. Microsoft will help us accelerate the commercialization of Cruises all-electric, self-driving vehicles and help GM realize even more benefits from cloud computing as we launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025 and create new businesses and services to drive growth.

General Motors has been aggressively revamping its image, saying the industry has reached a history-changing inflection point for mass adoption of electric vehicles. The 112-year-old Detroit automaker this month unveiled a new corporate logo to signify its new direction as it openly pivots to electric vehicles. It wants to be seen as a clean vehicle company, rather than a builder of cloud-spewing gas-powered pickups and SUVs.

GM scrapped its old square blue logo for a lower case gm surrounded by rounded corners and an m that looks like an electrical plug.

Shares in GM jumped more than 9% in afternoon trading, to $54.58.
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 it confirmed there are now 201 people in ICU with Covid-19, Nphet said it will give further guidance this week around ventilation as case numbers remain stubbornly high.

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan also said there should be certainty around who is getting the vaccine, and the rollout should follow priority listings.

This follows reports from around the country of people not in that priority category receiving the first shot of vaccine.

A further eight people have died from Covid-19 and there were 2,121 more cases announced today.

That brings the death toll to 2,616 and the total number of cases to 174,843 to date. There were 753 new cases notified in Dublin, 236 in Cork, 109 in Limerick, and 32 in Waterford.

On the return of children with special needs to classes, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there is no zero-risk environment.

If someone has significant personal concerns, they need to talk to their GP and occupational health and be satisfied they can return to school.

Dr Glynn said Nphet will discuss new guidelines around ventilation later this week. These will apply to the general public as well as in the education sector.

This follows evidence that the new UK variant is more transmissible.

The hospital system was described as pressurised, but functioning by the HSE national clinical advisor and group lead for Hospital Groups Dr Vida Hamilton.

This is the first time the hospitals have run critical surge capacity during the pandemic, a system which includes less experienced nurses partnering with more experienced staff to share patient care.

She said critically ill patients are being moved between hospitals if required to enable them to access care safely. The Beacon hospital group has still not signed an overall agreement with the HSE, Dr Hamilton said.

Priority system

Asked about access to the vaccine, she said vaccine centres now have a list of 120 stand-by people who can be contacted if there is excess vaccine once staff are finished.

These people are chosen from priority groups, and the protocol was put in place on January 12 following reports from some hospitals of non-frontliners being given the jab.

Dr Holohan said he expects the priority system to be followed.

He said: All of us here will recognise there are particular responsibilities in not only following, but being seen to uphold, the highest standards.

There have been reports of 81 adverse incidents following vaccination, all fitting a predicted pattern of mild incidents including temporary dizziness or rashes, the briefing heard.

Health Products Regulatory Authority chief executive Dr Louise Nolan said there is ongoing safety monitoring of the Covid-19 vaccines.

This is done at local level by the people doing vaccinations and then reported up to the European Medicines Agency to feed into their analysis. Companies, including Pfizer, must also submit monthly reports.

The EMA has confirmed that no deaths have been attributed to the Covid-19 vaccine so far, she said.
President Donald Trump continues to face sharp public disapproval for his handling of the presidential transition.

As Trump prepares to leave the White House Wednesday without participating in inaugural ceremonies for his successor, 70 per cent of Americans disapprove of his handling of the transition.

The period includes a tumultuous two months where Trump lost the election, contested the results, called the election rigged, and spoked to supporters who went on to storm the Capitol. He also got impeached in the House, with 10 House Republicans joining the 232 lawmakers who passed an article charging him with 'incitement of insurrection.'

As President Donald Trump prepares to leave office Wednesday, 70 per cent of Americans disapprove of his handling of the transition

Trump's favorability rating is just 33 per cent, with only 34 per cent approving of his job as president, according to a CNN / SSRS poll.

President-elect Joe Biden has seen his own numbers climb, with a 59 per cent favorability rating.

The poll has a 65 per cent majority saying Biden legitimately won enough votes for the presidency, with 32 per cent saying he did not legitimately win enough votes  amid repeated attacks on the election by Trump and his team.

Joe Biden won about 7 million votes more than Trump in the popular vote, and beat him in the electoral college 306 to 232.

The poll was conducted January 4 -15, a period that included two Georgia Senate runoffs that Republicans lost, the Trump rally, the MAGA riot, and the House impeachment.

Another poll question revealed Republican Party popularity of just 32 per cent, with 62 per cent disapproval.

Americans want to move on from Trump rather than see the Republican Party treat him as its leader by 77 to 19 per cent  at a time when Republican senators must soon decide whether to back him or vote to convict him.

Smoke from pepper-spray ball exploded and used against pro-Trump protesters during storm of Capital building

Americans want to move on from Trump rather than see the Republican Party treat him as its leader by 77 to 19 per cent

Joe Biden's favorability rating is 59 per cent in the new CNN / SSRS poll

Trump's 34 per cent approval in a Gallup poll released Monday is the lowest approval rating of his term  which featured previous dips during the clash in Charlottesville in 2017, arrests of associates in the Russia probe, and Trump's threats to rain 'fire and fury' upon North Korea.

The president, who soaked up polling information even as he regularly blasted public polls that partnered with major media organizations, never cracked 50 per cent. He is the only president not to do so since Gallup started measuring presidential job approval in 1938 under F.D.R.

That poll was conducted January 4 through January 15, a period that includes the Capitol riots.

It all coincided with a 12-point post-election drop. Most presidents enjoy a bump after being defeated at the polls.

Trump and Richard Nixon are the only ones to score their worst rating in their final Gallup poll.

His average approval during his presidency was 41 per cent, a record low that is worse than Truman's by 4 points.
WASHINGTON - After nearly a decade of working for the House of Representatives, the chamber's top security official thought he knew how its political leadership would react if asked to station troops at the Capitol during a major rally supporting President Donald Trump.

That's why House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving balked when the chief of Capitol Police suggested activating the National Guard two days before the Jan. 6 event, he later told a friend.

"There's a reality there - the leaders of the House and the Senate don't want the military up there. They don't want to show they can't control their own turf," said Bill Pickle, who served as the Senate sergeant-at-arms from 2003 to 2007 and spoke to The Washington Post at Irving's request.

Pickle confirmed the account of former Capitol Police chief Steven Sund, who had told The Post that when he suggested bringing in the Guard, Irving responded that he was concerned about the "optics" of such a move. Irving did not consult first with his boss, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., but thought he was reflecting her likely response, Pickle said.

"The term 'optics' is not an unusual term up there on the Hill," Pickle added. "He understands how the members think. He understands optics is everything to a politician."

The subsequent attack on the Capitol that resulted in the deaths of five people has now put sharp focus on the two sergeants-at-arms - the top congressional security officials, whose positions date to the 18th century - and how the dynamic with their political bosses might have contributed to the massive security breach that day.

While Irving and his Senate counterpart Michael Stenger oversaw the Capitol Police, they also answered to the House speaker and the Senate majority leader, leaving them squeezed between law enforcement and politics.

In a statement, Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said, "Our expectation is to always be fully briefed on the options. The failure of the nation's law enforcement apparatus to fully understand the gravity of the situation coupled with the President's dramatic and deliberate incitement to violence led to the failure of any and all plans previously briefed to the Congress."

Stenger and Irving had long careers in the Secret Service before taking positions on Capitol Hill in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and congressional aides said lawmakers largely delegated questions about security issues to them.

But the two men also had to negotiate a long-standing tension on Capitol Hill between securing the building and the desire of lawmakers to keep it open to the public. Past attempts by congressional security chiefs to bolster the Capitol's defenses were denied by members of Congress who did not want to restrict access to the seat of American democracy.

Irving and Stenger, who have both resigned, have declined to comment publicly about what happened Jan. 6, when a violent mob of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol as Congress gathered to the count the electoral college votes and certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

But according to Pickle, Irving said he, Stenger and Sund were comfortable with the security arrangements in place before Jan. 6 - and thought the National Guard would be on alert if needed.

Pickle also said that Irving reviewed an internal Capitol Police intelligence report submitted three days before the report that warned of a violent scenario in which "Congress itself" could be targeted, but that the House sergeant-at-arms thought the report was similar to others compiled before previous demonstrations. Irving was comfortable with the roughly 1,400 police officers on duty guarding the building and 125 Guard members who Sund said he had been told could be available quickly if necessary, he said.

Irving and Stenger were surprised, Pickle said, when they issued an urgent request for the National Guard as rioters lay siege to the building and the Defense Department did not immediately approve the request.

"The thing that bothers him is that because he used the word 'optics,' everyone is focused on that," Pickle said. But as the riot was unfolding, he said, "It was like everyone was watching the house burn down, but no one was throwing any water on it."

Pentagon officials have said that congressional officials did not formally request military assistance in advance and that they moved as quickly as possible that day, noting that the National Guard is not designed to be a rapid-response unit.

As numerous federal agencies and congressional committees launch inquiries into the ransacking of the Capitol, experts say the slow response to the crisis may have been exacerbated by the unusual chain of command in Capitol security.

Rep. Rodney Davis of Iowa, the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, said lawmakers need to reevaluate the Capitol Police's oversight by its three-person board, which includes the two sergeants-at-arms and the architect of the Capitol, who is appointed by the president.

"If two of those three are worried about optics rather than security, that's a problem for the policymakers that put them in those position," Davis said.

While the leaders of each chamber appoint the top security officials, the sergeants-at-arms answer to myriad bosses: the House and Senate appropriations committees, the House Administration and Senate Rules committees, and virtually any member of Congress.

"It's not a structure that makes decision-making easy," said Drew Willison, who served as sergeant-at-arms from 2014 to 2015 after working for then-Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. "It's a fraught environment, not a place where any one person gets to make all the decisions."

And there is deep institutional resistance to increasing security in and around the building.

"Most members will tell you they take they openness of the Capitol complex very seriously because of the First Amendment and the right to free speech and the right to protest," Willison said. "The general pressure was for a less blatantly hardened campus."

Irving encountered that about eight years ago, when he laid out a plan: To better secure the Capitol, he suggested to House leadership that police could permanently bar auto traffic from a stretch of Independence Avenue bordering the southern base of Capitol Hill, according to two people familiar with the proposal.

Around the same time, Irving's counterpart in the Senate, Terry Gainer, put forward an even more sweeping plan, suggesting a wrought-iron fence encircling the Capitol grounds that would force pedestrians to go through security checkpoints before approaching the building.

Both proposals, discussed about 2013, went nowhere - nixed by congressional leaders wary of erecting barriers between their constituents and the Capitol.

"It was expensive, bold, long-term and didn't send the message that leadership was trying to send - that it was a Capitol open for business," said Gainer, who served in the Senate post from 2007 to 2014. "The response was something like, 'Are you kidding me?' "

Pickle said he suggested fencing the Capitol in 2003. At the time, he said, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., told him it was "never ever going to happen."

Pickle remembered that Dodd went on to say that if there was a security failure at the building and something terrible happened, Pickle probably would remind him that he had rejected the fence.

"He said, 'You know what? It's still going to be your fault,' " Pickle recalled.

In an interview, Dodd said that he did not remember the conversation, but that he had concern about closing off the Capitol from the public. "We can't have tanks at every door," he said.

Despite overseeing combined budgets of more than $250 million, there are no formal requirements to hold the positions of sergeant-at-arms, which date to 1789. The House sergeant-at-arms steps into the spotlight a few seconds every year to announce the president's arrival to deliver the State of the Union address. The Senate post is officially called the sergeant-at-arms and doorkeeper, harking back to its 18th-century duties of keeping members inside the Capitol to conduct the business of government.

The jobs were traditionally steeped in patronage. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, both posts have almost exclusively been held by former law enforcement or military officers.

While the full House and Senate vote to approve their sergeants-at-arms, they typically do not hold hearings or debate the selection proposed by the House speaker and Senate majority leader.

A former Marine, Stenger joined the sergeant-at-arms office after working 35 years in the Secret Service, including as head of the agency's government affairs office, a role that put him in charge of congressional relations. He was hired as an assistant sergeant-at-arms in 2011 and promoted several times before Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., installed him in the top job in 2018.

A spokesman for McConnell declined to comment on Stenger.

Some who worked with Stenger said he could be imperious, clashing at times with other staffers in part because he focused intensely on security rather than the office's other priorities. The result, one former employee said, was that he did not build a close relationship with McConnell - the kind of mutual trust that might have made requesting additional assistance during the riot easier.

"It was all about security - nothing else was interesting to him," the former employee said. "And it was that Secret Service background. Like, thanks. I've got this."

Still, there were embarrassing lapses before Jan. 6. While Stenger was chief of staff to the sergeant-at-arms, a protester hid behind reporters and threw Russian flags at Trump during one of his visits to the Capitol.

A few months after Stenger's appointment to the top job, protesters opposed to the Supreme Court confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh confronted Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., as he stepped into an elevator just off the Senate floor, a moment that thrilled Kavanaugh's detractors but concerned some senators.

Stenger imposed strict crowd-control measures during the Kavanaugh hearings in 2018 and during Trump's impeachment trial in early 2020. The moves drew criticism from the news media and some senators, who complained that the barricades limited reporters' ability question lawmakers but did little to improve security.

"These restrictions are antithetical to a free press, good governance, and the ability of the public to be fully informed about what we as elected leaders do in their name," Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., wrote in a letter to Stenger at the time.

The response by Capitol Police to the pro-Trump demonstration puzzled some staffers familiar with Stenger's hard-line approach to security. Some have questioned whether he assumed that the crowd would be deferential to police or wondered whether he was too focused on his impending retirement.

Two people who were sent to the Senate's secure room on Jan. 6 overheard Stenger lamenting that he had not departed his office before Wednesday. "I wish I had just retired last week," he said.

Irving came to Congress after 25 years in the Secret Service and working for his family's private real estate and manufacturing companies and consulted for a security firm.

In 2012, he was hired to be the House sergeant-at-arms, replacing the long-serving Wilson "Bill" Livingood, who had held the post for 17 years, surviving several changes in party leadership.

Among his former Secret Service colleagues, Irving was seen as a logical choice for the post. After a stint on the White House protective detail, he had served as a liaison between the agency and Capitol Hill.

Two former House staffers said he was chosen by Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, after a national search. The sergeant-at-arms withstood turnover when Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., took the gavel in 2015, then handed it to Pelosi in early 2019.

"He was totally unquestioned in terms of his professionalism," said a former House aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive questions about Irving's leadership leading up to and during the riot. "He was recognized by three speakers as a professional and someone you could trust."

Democrats praised his evenhandedness after their 2016 sit-in on the House floor to demand that Republican leaders put gun-control legislation to a vote. Ryan decided not to directly discipline Democrats for breaking House rules after consulting with Irving, according to congressional aides, but six months later, the GOP-led House approved new rules making it possible to fine members up to $2,500 for taking photos or recording videos from the House floor.

Some lawmakers are taken aback by how Irving managed the siege.

As the mob swarmed outside the Capitol that afternoon, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, recounted that she reached Irving, who was in the House chamber, and assured her that the mob would be kept out. "Nobody can get in," Irving said.

Lofgren said she had always had a "fairly good working relationship" with Irving. "But," she added, "this is a massive security failure - and he has responsibility."

Former sergeants-at-arms said there must be thorough investigations into the security preparations and events that day, adding that they were wary of judging Irving and Stenger's actions until more is known.

"They gave a lot during their careers in public service, and I do not think they should be judged on the worst day of their lives," Gainer said. "The 6th of January, I am sure, was the worst day of their lives."

- - -

The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Tuesday that the Centre has agreed to supply domestically manufactured COVID-19 vaccines to neighbouring and key partner countries from January 20, 2021, onwards.

Countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will be the first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine shipments out of India. India is currently waiting for drug regulatory clearances from Mauritius, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka before it starts sending vaccines to these countries as well.

"The Government of India has received several requests for the supply of Indian manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

MEA has stated that the country will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad, it added.

"This will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI's COVAX facility to developing countries," MEA said.

The government is planning to conduct a training programme prior to the delivery of the vaccines. The training will cover administrative and operational aspects. The training would be provided to immunisation managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries, both at national and provincial levels.

India has also provided training to several neighbouring countries for enhancing and strengthening their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme.

Also Read: Travel, tourism jobs are back, 20.7 million employed in Dec quarter: CMIE

Also Read: Investor wealth rises by Rs 3.43 lakh crore as Sensex, Nifty log best gain in four months

Also Read: Railways seeks Rs 75,000 crore from Centre in Budget 2021
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vera Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for immunological and inflammatory diseases, today announced its launch backed by $80 million Series C financing led by Abingworth LLP. Other investors included Sofinnova Investments, Longitude Capital, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), Octagon Capital, Kleiner Perkins, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Alexandria Venture Investments.

Proceeds from the financing will support the advancement of Vera's lead clinical candidate, atacicept, a novel inhibitor of B cells and plasma cells, in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The proceeds will also be used to scale the company's manufacturing capabilities and expand Vera's therapeutic pipeline in immunologic and inflammatory disease.

In-licensed from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, atacicept has been studied previously in autoimmune diseases and shown to reduce autoantibodies in a dose-dependent fashion with once-weekly subcutaneous dosing and has a well-established and acceptable clinical safety profile. New clinical trial results in patients with IgAN presented in 2020 showed that atacicept significantly reduces galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A (Gd-IgA1)  the source of immune complexes that cause disease  and proteinuria. Vera is on track to start a Phase 2b study in IgAN patients in mid-2021 and is investing in commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities.

"The strong support of our syndicate reflects strong conviction in Vera's clinical development experience and the potential of our lead asset to target the source of immune complexes in patients with IgAN and change the standard of care," said founder and CEO Marshall Fordyce, MD. "Unlike other drugs in development to treat IgAN, a rare disease with no approved treatments, atacicept significantly reduces galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A (Gd-IgA1)  the source of immune complexes that cause disease  at doses with a well-established and acceptable safety profile. Therefore, atacicept may be uniquely positioned to be disease-modifying for these patients with no current treatment options."

Vera has executive and clinical development teams with deep experience in drug development and commercialization from Gilead Sciences. Joanne Curley, previously Vice President of Project and Portfolio Management, joined as Chief Development Officer; Lauren Frenz, who previously led US marketing of GENVOYA, joined as Chief Business Officer; and Tom Doan, previously Executive Director, Clinical Operations and Therapeutic Area Head, Inflammatory/Respiratory, was appointed Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations.

The Company's Board of Directors includes Kurt von Emster (Managing Partner, Abingworth), Patrick Enright (Managing Director, Longitude Capital), Maha Katabi (General Partner, Sofinnova Investments), Beth Seidenberg (General Partner, Kleiner Perkins), Scott Morrison (former Partner and U.S. Life Sciences Leader, Ernst & Young), Andrew Cheng (President and CEO, Akero Therapeutics), and Marshall Fordyce (President and CEO, Vera Therapeutics).

"Vera has an outstanding team with track records in successful clinical and commercial development," said Abingworth's Managing Partner Kurt von Emster. "Dr. Fordyce brings significant leadership and entrepreneurial experience to this unique opportunity, where we have a clear line-of-sight from a well-validated biologic target to a substantially de-risked drug product, in a disease area that is commercially underserved, presenting a near-term opportunity to demonstrate disease modification for patients with limited options."

About Vera Therapeutics

Vera Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for immunological and inflammatory diseases. Vera's mission is to develop and commercialize transformative new therapies that improve patients' lives. Vera's lead program is atacicept, a fusion protein that is a dual inhibitor of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which is in development for IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger's disease. Longer-term, the Company is building a pipeline of clinical-stage molecules with the potential to substantially improve lives. For more information please visit: www.veratx.com.

About Abingworth

Abingworth is a leading transatlantic life sciences investment firm. Abingworth helps transform cutting-edge science into novel medicines by providing capital and expertise to top calibre management teams building world-class companies. Since 1973, Abingworth has invested in 168 life science companies, leading to 44 M&As and 69 IPOs. Our therapeutic focused investments fall into three categories: seed and early-stage, development stage, and clinical co-development. Abingworth supports its portfolio companies with a team of experienced professionals at offices in London, Menlo Park (California), and Boston. For more info, please visit abingworth.com.

About Atacicept

Atacicept is a recombinant fusion protein that contains the soluble TACI receptor that binds to the cytokines B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases, including IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Unlike other drugs currently in development for IgAN, atacicept is a novel, disease-modifying agent that is a dual inhibitor of BLyS and APRIL, positioned for best-in-class targeting of B-cells and plasma cells, to reduce autoantibodies, and a well-established and acceptable clinical safety profile. Atacicept also has a proven dose-dependent effect on key biomarkers and clinical markers and a well-established safety profile compared to other drugs in development for IgAN.

SOURCE Vera Therapeutics

Related Links

http://veratx.com


Leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli Giorgi Vashadze refuses to participate in personal meetings with Girchi and Citizens Opposition

By Veronika Malinboym

In his interview with the PalitraNews channel, the leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli opposition party Giorgi Vashadze claimed that his party refuses to participate in individual meetings with Girchi and Citizens Opposition parties. Vashadze explained the partys decision, saying that he believes every arisen issue should be discussed collectively.Vashadze told Newsroom that he had a phone call with one of the leaders of Girchi, Vakhtang Megreishvili, stating that he has no reason to suspect Girchi of following someone elses orders, however, he believes that the proposal that was presented to him will not result in any meaningful changes.Vashadze has also responded to the statement made by the head of Citizens Opposition party Aleko Elisashvili, and claimed that a change in the Election Codex and the reformation of the Central Election Commission will not be enough for Strategy Agmashenebeli:This would be more than enough for some and would not be sufficient for the others. For Strategy Agmashenebeli, for us, it is not enough. And this is my general response to all the questions they have for me.On January 14th, members of the Girchi and Citizens Opposition parties met to discuss the current political crisis and came up with a joint proposal for the other opposition parties. This proposal is more focused on the self-government elections that are expected to be carried out this year, and it calls the other opposition parties to concentrate on winning those. Only once the meaningful victory of the self-government elections is secured, can the opposition parties demand the repeat parliamentary elections in 2022. According to the new joint proposal, should the opposition parties fail to win the upcoming self-government elections, any demands for the repeat elections will lose their legitimacy anyway. Leader of the Citizens Opposition Aleko Elisashvili emphasized the necessity for election reforms.Prior to Vashadzes interview with PalitraNews, Girchis Vakhtang Megreishvili announced that he is planning to meet with the leaders of Strategy Agmashenebeli, and that he is 90 % certain that they will agree to the new proposal Megrelishvili will present to them. He added that the upcoming self-government elections should be treated as a test run to determine the balance of political powers within the country.
Image depicts the difference in thickness between two specimens of the pteropod Limacina helicina, one collected in more acidified coastal waters, the other collected off shore, that were analyzed as part of a new study published in Science Reports. Credit: Lisette Mekkes, Naturalis Biodiversity Center; used with permission.

Shelled pteropods, microscopic free-swimming sea snails, are widely regarded as indicators for ocean acidification because research has shown that their fragile shells are vulnerable to increasing ocean acidity.

A new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shows that pteropods sampled off the coasts of Washington and Oregon made thinner shells than those in offshore waters. Along the coast, upwelling from deeper water layers brings cold, carbon dioxide-rich waters of relatively low pH to the surface. The research, by a team of Dutch and American scientists, found that the shells of pteropods collected in this upwelling region were 37 percent thinner than ones collected offshore.

Sometimes called sea butterflies because of how they appear to flap their "wings" as they swim through the water column, fat-rich pteropods are an important food source for organisms ranging from other plankton to juvenile salmon to whales. They make shells by fixing calcium carbonate in ocean water to form an exoskeleton.

"It appears that pteropods make thinner shells where upwelling brings water that is colder and lower in pH to the surface, " said lead author Lisette Mekkes of Naturalis Biodiversity Centers and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Mekkes added that while some shells also showed signs of dissolution, the change in shell thickness was particularly pronounced, demonstrating that acidified water interfered with pteropods' ability to build their shells.

The scientists examined shells of pteropods collected during the 2016 NOAA Ocean Acidification Program research cruise in the northern California Current Ecosystem onboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown. Shell thicknesses of 80 of the tiny creaturesno larger than the head of a pinwere analyzed using 3-D scans provided by micron-scale computer tomography, a high-resolution X-ray technique. The scientists also examined the shells with a scanning electron microscope to assess if thinner shells were a result of dissolution. They also used DNA analysis to make sure the examined specimens belonged to a single population.

"Pteropod shells protect against predation and infection, but making thinner shells could also be an adaptive or acclimation strategy," said Katja Peijnenburg, group leader at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. "However, an important question is how long can pteropods continue making thinner shells in rapidly acidifying waters?"

The California Current Ecosystem along the West Coast is especially vulnerable to ocean acidification because it not only absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but is also bathed by seasonal upwelling of carbon-dioxide rich waters from the deep ocean. In recent years these waters have grown increasingly corrosive as a result of the increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean.

This close-up image of two pteropods of the species Limacina helicina provides a sense of how fragile the carbonate shells of the tiny sea snails are. Credit: NOAA Ocean Acidification Program

"Our research shows that within two to three months, pteropods transported by currents from the open-ocean to more corrosive nearshore waters have difficulty building their shells," said Nina Bednarsek, a research scientist from the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project in Costa Mesa, California, a coauthor of the study.

Over the last two-and-a-half centuries, scientists say, the global ocean has absorbed approximately 620 billion tons of carbon dioxide from emissions released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, changes in land-use, and cement production, resulting in a process called ocean acidification.

"The new research provides the foundation for understanding how pteropods and other microscopic organisms are actively affected by progressing ocean acidification and how these changes can impact the global carbon cycle and ecological communities," said Richard Feely, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and chief scientist for the cruise.

Explore further Sentinels of ocean acidification impacts survived Earth's last mass extinction

More information: Lisette Mekkes et al, Pteropods make thinner shells in the upwelling region of the California Current Ecosystem, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Lisette Mekkes et al, Pteropods make thinner shells in the upwelling region of the California Current Ecosystem,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81131-9

A week after 22 Chinese gold miners went missing, a note has made it to the surface pleading that rescue efforts continue.

The mining company did not report the disaster for more than 30 hours after an explosion rocked the Hushan mine near Qixia in China's Shandong province on January 10.

But at least 12 were apparently alive, 600 metres from the mine's entrance, stuck under tonnes of rubble.

Rescuers work to clear rubble at the mine explosion in Shandong Province last week. Credit:Xinhua via AP

"Don't stop trying to reach us," the note said. "We hope the rescue continues. We remain hopeful."
They made the demand even as Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is yet to allocate portfolios to seven ministers who were inducted on 13 January

Bengaluru: The resentment over the expansion of the BS Yediyurappa Ministry in Karnataka refused to die down with a couple of ruling BJP MLAs on Tuesday demanding that the cabinet be reconstituted to make way for new faces.

Six-time MLA from Chitradurga GH Thippareddy and Shivanagouda Naik, representing Devadurga constituency, pitched for a new look to the cabinet.

They made the demand even as Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is yet to allocate portfolios to seven ministers who were inducted on 13 January. The much-awaited expansion had led to resentment with several BJP MLAs expressing reservations over MLCs not elected by people being made ministers, lack of representation to many regions, and seniority not being considered.

Yediyurappa had earlier asked sulking BJP leaders to take up the matter with the national leadership and urged them to refrain from making any remarks affecting the party.

"Three times when our party came to power, the same people have become ministers. Looking at the performance of some people (ministers) and the way they have handled the portfolios, let cabinet be reconstituted and new people are given a chance," Thippareddy told reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Giving a chance to new people, who through their work will bring a good name to the party and the government, the BJP leadership's target of winning 150 seats in the next Assembly elections could be achieved, he said.

Naik claimed several MLAs from across the state were of the view that all current ministers should be dropped and they be used for party work so that it comes back to power in 2023 elections.

Representation should be given to all the districts and considering the MLAs' loyalty to the party and seniority, he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister's political secretary MP Renukacharya, MLA, who is upset about missing a ministerial berth, is in Delhi for the second time to meet the party central leadership.

He had last week met BJP General Secretary in-charge of the state, Arun Singh, in the national capital. Speaking to reporters, Renukacharya said he had come to Delhi on a call from a central leader, but did not reveal whom he met and what was discussed.

"I don't want to reveal anything, it's my duty to maintain secrecy. I have held discussions, but have not come here to complain about someone...." he added. Ending a long wait, Yediyurappa had expanded his 17-month old cabinet on 13 January, inducting seven ministers, and dropped excise minister H Nagesh from the ministry.

Amid talks of reallocation of departments, how Yeddyurappa manages the exercise would be keenly watched as several ministers, including the new inductees, are looking for plum portfolios. While a few ministers have two portfolios, as many as 11 departments, including Bengaluru Development and Energy, are with the chief minister in addition to finance.
More than 3,000 incidents of water pollution happened here in the last four years, according to new figures.

And cases involving the illegal large-scale burning of waste increased 40% in just a year.

The figures were described as "appalling" by the Green Party leader Clare Bailey.

The statistics were released by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in response to an Assembly question from Independent MLA Claire Sugden.

They show that, last year, 1,576 cases of water pollution were reported to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, 772 of which were confirmed by the organisation.

This is compared to 777 confirmed cases in 2019, 770 in 2018 and 824 in 2017.

Ms Bailey said her party has called for the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency to deal with water pollution and other green issues, which was a commitment of the New Decade, New Approach deal.

"Every single water pollution incident can have a serious impact on biodiversity and the use of water and land for agricultural purposes. Pollution incidents routinely lead to fish kills and the destruction of other aquatic life," she said.

In relation to illegal rubbish or waste disposal, DAERA mainly focuses on large-scale waste dumping as opposed to smaller fly-tipping incidents, which are primarily dealt with by local councils.

The department said that from January 1, 2020 to date it had received 1,007 reports of alleged illegal waste dumping compared with 823 over the same period the previous year.

Of the cases, 165 involved waste disposal by burning compared with 118 the previous year - an increase of 40%.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said that while he had no plans to strengthen or change laws around illegal waste, officials were working with councils on how to best use their powers.

Ms Bailey said illegal waste disposal and illegal dumps blighted the local environment and threatened our ecology, natural world and public health.

"Clearly, these figures show that the upturn in illegal dumping incidents hasn't been dealt with at all by the bodies tasked with protecting our environment," she said.

"Explanation is needed from DAERA and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency as to what actions and mitigation measures they are taking in response to water pollution and illegal dumping.

"We are suffering from too many environmental harms and our track record is a disgrace."

Ms Sugden said the figures showed things "aren't improving".

"Lockdown and Covid has shown that people want to be outdoors more and more, whether it be swimming in the sea or out walking in nature. Water pollution and the illegal dumping of waste and burning raises some serious health concerns," she added.
Biden inauguration: Who's attending and who's skipping

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

President-elect Joe Bidens forthcoming inauguration ceremony on Wednesday will mark the first time in over 150 years that an outgoing president will not attend his successors swearing-in ceremony.

President Donald Trump is the most prominent political figure who has announced that he will not attend Bidens inauguration, which is scheduled to take place at noon on Wednesday at the West Lawn of the United States Capitol as his term in office expires. Trumps decision not to attend his successors inauguration, which he announced on Jan. 8, will make him the first president in more than a century-and-a-half to boycott his successors swearing-in ceremony.

According to Fox News, the other presidents who declined to attend their successors inaugurations were John Adams in 1801, John Quincy Adams in 1829, Martin Van Buren in 1841 and Andrew Johnson in 1869. In the cases of John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams and Van Buren, the presidents had lost reelection to the incoming president whose inauguration they chose not to attend.

Johnson, a Democrat who succeeded Republican Abraham Lincoln upon his assassination in 1865, had failed to win his partys nomination in 1868 but nonetheless did not attend the inauguration of his Republican successor, Ulysses S. Grant. One hundred fifty years later, the 2020 presidential election between Trump, the incumbent Republican president, and his Democratic rival, former Vice President Biden, was highly contested. Allegations of fraud caused some to doubt the authenticity of the results.

Biden responded to Trumps plans not to attend his inauguration, describing the decision as one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on, adding, Its a good thing him not showing up. Mike Pence, Bidens successor as vice president, will be the top official from the Trump administration in attendance at the inauguration.

Although Bidens immediate predecessor has declined to attend the inauguration, three of the four living former presidents will attend the ceremony, including Barack Obama, whom he served as vice president under for eight years. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will also attend the inauguration as will former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. At age 96, former President Jimmy Carter has declined to attend.

While it has been more than 150 years since a president has boycotted the inauguration of his successor, politicians have boycotted inaugurations of presidents of the opposite party following hard-fought campaigns as recently as four years ago. In 2017, many congressional Democrats elected not to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump, including the late Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who described the president as illegitimate during an interview with NBCs Chuck Todd.

With the 2020 presidential election featuring an equally intense campaign as the 2016 election, if not a more intense campaign, a handful of Republican lawmakers have formally announced that they will not attend Bidens inauguration. Unlike in the previous inauguration, when dislike of Trump and disapproval of the election results was the primary reason for not attending the inauguration among congressional Democrats, Republicans declining to attend Bidens inauguration cite security concerns as the motivation behind their decisions.

A Fox News report lists four congressional Republicans who have decided to skip Bidens inauguration: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. Greene, Harshbarger, Mace and Van Duyne are newly elected members of Congress and three of the four voted to object to the certification of the electoral votes in Pennsylvania in light of allegations of fraud.

While Greene has emerged as one of the outgoing presidents strongest defenders and has already announced her intention to file articles of impeachment against Biden later this week, she alleged that extreme security concerns contributed to her decision not to attend the inauguration. A spokeswoman for Mace told Fox News that she is not attending for security purposes, adding shes received several threats so were keeping her in Charleston for safety.

Van Duynes spokeswoman said that the congresswoman regrets being unable to attend inauguration due to commitments in the district. She argued that the commitments in the district were necessary because the impeachment proceedings against Trump forced Van Duyne to reschedule them.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, also a Republican, has announced that he will not attend Bidens inauguration after attending Trumps inauguration four years prior.

Some of the most visible voices in the Republican Party have elected to attend the inauguration despite raising questions about the outcome in key swing states. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the House minority leader, will attend the inauguration, as will Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., another member of the freshmen class of Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Both Republican senators from Texas, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have announced their intention to attend Bidens swearing-in ceremony, according to The Texas Tribune. Cruz was one of the senators who objected to the certification of Bidens narrow victories in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Others who objected to the certification of Bidens victory in select states, Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., have also announced their intentions to attend the inauguration.

Additionally, Arizonas Doug Ducey announced on Twitter that he would be attending the inauguration.
Who Will NEXT Be Removed from the Internet?

On Wednesday, the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump for a second time  this time with just a few days left in his term.

It was a mostly symbolic rebuke. Financial and precious metals markets barely budged on the news.

The Senate, which alone has the power to convict and remove an impeached President, isnt even expected to hold a trial until after Trump leaves office and Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th.

Of much wider significance for the future of American politics  and for the free, open exchange of ideas on an array of controversial subjects  is the unprecedented mass, coordinated de-platforming of President Trump and some of his supporters by social media companies.

Trumps iconic @realDonaldTrump Twitter handle has been permanently suspended. The reason, according to Twitter, is incitement of violence.

Inexplicably, Twitter singled out as the last straw for Trump this tweet in particular: To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.

This, in the minds of Silicon Valleys content police, is tantamount to encouraging violence.

In addition to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest, and other major online platforms axed the sitting President of the United States. And large banks vowed to cut him off financially.

Offensive Speech to Result in Bank Blacklisting, Firings

The precedent has been set. If not even the office of the presidency is above the arbitrary speech policing of internet overlords, then cancel culture can be deployed on anyone, at any time, over any alleged political transgression or micro-aggression.

Any offensive post dug up on someone who holds the wrong opinions can mean that person no longer has access to social media, no longer has a job, and possibly even no longer has a bank account.

The internet, once a decentralized, unregulated bastion of free expression, has been weaponized into a highly centralized system in which over 95% of content must pass through the filters of a few giant corporations acting in tandem.

This highly effective censorship machine operates with the active encouragement of deep state bureaucrats and most members of Congress, who are prohibited by the Constitution from abridging free speech directly themselves.

The explicit promise of free speech by the likes of Twitter, in its early days, was the Bait to acquire enough users to attain effective monopoly status. Then the Switch came.

Cryptocurrencies Could Face Internet Blocks

Could a similar Bait and Switch befall holders of internet-based digital currencies such as Bitcoin?

Proponents of cryptocurrency view it as a decentralized tool for avoiding censorship, government regulation, taxation, the banking system, and the depreciation of the U.S. dollar.

But as Bitcoin prices rise and the cryptocurrency gains more widespread acceptance on Wall Street, the banking system, and with payment processors such as PayPal, it risks becoming just another tool for the powerful to wield influence and control.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, for one, is a huge proponent of Bitcoin. The same tech overlord who banned the President of the United States  and whose payment processing company Stripe also cut off Trumps campaign from fundraising abilities  probably doesnt like Bitcoin for the same reasons most adopters of it do.

Jacks own Twitter profile contains no personal information, no statements or links, only a single hashtag: #bitcoin. Perhaps Jack wants to lure people into Bitcoin because he knows that the leading cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, is also adept at banning users who engage in unacceptable political activities.

Hes certainly not promoting physical precious metals. Unlike digital coins, gold and silver coins are completely untraceable and censorship-proof.

Holding Non-Electronic Money Helps Protect Your Freedom

Will Big Tech one day decide to crack down on sound money proponents? All it takes is one instance of violence that can be linked to a disfavored political cause to give social media companies, search engines, and web hosts the impetus to ban proponents of that cause.

Big Tech gave moral and financial support to last years Black Lives Matter riots, which resulted in dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. The ideology that drives that form of political violence is deemed to be progressive.

Supporters of sound money and critics of the Federal Reserve System are apparently treading on thin ice. This week, Facebook temporarily blocked the account of gold advocate and former Congressman Ron Paul for supposed violations of community standards.

The powers that be both in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. definitely arent gold bugs. They are instead enthusiastic digital bugs who dream of overseeing a totally cashless economy.

While the utility and convenience of digital payments in the internet age cant be denied, neither can the risks of digital deplatforming, tracking, theft, lost passwords, etc. Holding at least some significant tangible wealth (hard money) offline, outside of the banking system, is the ultimate form on insurance against such risks.

Stefan Gleason is President of Money Metals Exchange, the national precious metals company named 2015 "Dealer of the Year" in the United States by an independent global ratings group. A graduate of the University of Florida, Gleason is a seasoned business leader, investor, political strategist, and grassroots activist. Gleason has frequently appeared on national television networks such as CNN, FoxNews, and CNBC, and his writings have appeared in hundreds of publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Detroit News, Washington Times, and National Review.

 2021 Stefan Gleason - All Rights Reserved



Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




BRUSSELS - European Commissioner Ylva Johansson said Tuesday that the situation as concerns migrants on the Canary Islands was very serious.



She was speaking before the European Parliament during a debate on the humanitarian situation of migrants and refugees on the external borders of the EU.



The commissioner added that last year there was a 1,000% increase in undocumented entrances and that this was the reason why the European Commission had provided further financing through its agencies and also through Frontex, which is present on the Canary Islands to support the Spanish authorities.



She added that it is important to look closely at the issue of migrant routes and that through the Canary Islands is one of the most dangerous ones to Europe. She noted that the number of victims along the route is unknown and that ''we must work with our external partners to protect human lives'' and work against traffickers.



Johansson stressed that not all those that want to go to the EU have the right to remain there and that only those with the right to international protection and asylum would be allowed to.



However, she stressed, ''we are speaking about human beings, we are speaking about people'' and thus there is a duty to treat them as such.
She was recently announced as the new host of BBC Threes Glow Up: Britains Next Make Up Star.

And Maya Jama looked sensational as she posed up a storm in a denim ensemble in striking new Instagram snaps shared on Sunday.

The presenter, 26, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming blue mini dress and matching denim boots as she larked about on set of her new show.

Poser: Maya Jama looked sensational as she posed up a storm in a denim ensemble in striking new Instagram snaps shared on Sunday

Maya caught the eye in the denim T-shirt dress which featured contrasting shades of blue and a fayed hem and neckline.

She wore her raven locks in chunky twists, while as expected on a make-up show, her face was made-up to perfection.

The beauty looked full of confidence as she perched on a stool in a white booth amid the impromptu photoshoot on the set of her new show.

Captioning the snaps, she penned: 'Perks of working on a make up show.. good lighting everywhere.'

Glam: The presenter, 26, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming blue mini dress and matching denim boots as she larked about on set of her new show

Glow Up returns for a third season later this year and Maya will replace Stacey Dooley, who fronted the series for two previous runs.

Maya said of the recent appointment: 'I absolutely LOVE Glow Up and cant wait to join the family! Im obsessed with makeup and creating different looks - its going to be so much fun and I cant wait to see what the [Make Up Artists] get up to!'

Industry icons Val Garland and Dominic Skinner will also return as series judges, on hand to whittle ten budding Make Up Artists [MUAs] one by one, before discovering Britains Next Make Up Star.

Fashionista: Maya caught the eye in the denim T-shirt dress which featured contrasting shades of blue and a fayed hem and neckline

Work it: The beauty looked full of confidence as she perched on a stool in a white booth amid the impromptu photoshoot on the set of her new show

Stacey, 33, announced in October that she would be leaving as host.

She tweeted: 'I won't be able to be a part of Glow Up, series 3. It was such an utter delight to work alongside Dom and Val. Total stars.

'And of course, a real treat to meet the artists, and appreciate their creativity! It's a show v close to my heart, and I wish everyone involved in the next gig, all the love in the world.' [sic]

New job: Maya was recently announced as the new host of BBC Threes Glow Up: Britains Next Make Up Star

Out: The show returns for a third season later this year and Maya will replace Stacey Dooley, who fronted the series for two previous runs

Wow! Maya gave a peek behind the scenes on Instagram with the caption: 'THE SECRET IS OUT. I am over the moon to be hosting the New series of @glowupbbc !!'

It's understood signing on to host new show This Is MY House led to Stacey being unable to front season three of Glow Up.

Her new show - set to air this year - sees four people declare a property is theirs, but only one of them is telling the truth.

A team of celebrity judges will work together to figure out who is the honest homeowner and who are the imposters.

Stars! The stars of the show posed happily for the snaps

Maya said of the appointment: 'I absolutely LOVE Glow Up and cant wait to join the family! Im obsessed with makeup and creating different looks - its going to be so much fun and I cant wait to see what the [Make Up Artists] get up to!'

When she announced the new show, and her subsequent departure from Glow Up, trolls hit out at Stacey on Twitter for ditching one to front the other.

She replied to some of the comments, saying: 'Reading some of the unnecessarily cruel comments re my new gig. I got the same criticism doing Strictly and Glow Up.

'I did well on Strictly and Glow Up went on to be a global series, that was recommissioned and Netflix took. I don't know why this platform is so unkind.' [sic]

Industry icons: Val Garland and Dominic Skinner will also return as series judges, on hand to whittle ten budding Make Up Artists [MUAs] one by one, before discovering Britains Next Make Up Star [pictured with Stacey last year]

Meanwhile, Maya will be adding Glow Up to her CV of hosting gigs, which already includes a show on BBC Radio 1, the MOBO Awards, Stand Up To Cancer, and Save Our Summer with Peter Crouch.

Some of the most revered names in the beauty and fashion industry have also appeared on the show, from Rankin, Henry Holland and Andrew Gallimore through to NikkieTutorials, Anastasia Soare and Lisa Armstrong.

Glow Up series three will be available to stream in the UK exclusively on BBC iPlayer later this year.
Despite the open posturing of Palaniswami that no politics, meaning alliance issues, were discussed, BJP sources in the State said that they were happy with the outcome of the talks the Chief Minister had with their national leaders in Delhi. (Photo:PTI)

Chennai: Putting an end to all speculations of V K Sasikala walking out of jail and turning the political scene upside down in the State, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami categorically ruled out any possibility of taking her back in the party fold.

Taking questions from the media after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Tuesday, Palaniswami without any ambiguity stated that Sasikala was not part of the AIADMK and there was absolutely no chance of her joining the party.

Vehemently denying the rumours that the BJP was putting pressure on the AIADMK to let Sasikala and the AMMK, led by T T V Dhinakaran, into the party, he said the AIADMK was now functioning properly without any hitch and there was no need to accommodate anybody.

Insisting that he discussed nothing but issues relating to the development of the State with both the Prime Minister and also Home Minister Amit Shah, whom he called on Monday, the Chief Minister gave a long list of the projects to be inaugurated and to be launched. He had invited Modi for the events related to those projects, he said.

That the Prime Minister had not agreed to inaugurate the Jayalalithaa memorial inside the MGR Samadhi became evident when the government announced that the memorial would be declared open by the Chief Minister with Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam presiding over the ceremony on January 27.

Earlier, it was said that Palaniswami was going to Delhi to invite the Prime Minister to inaugurate the memorial, besides seeking funds for the various projects. On Tuesday, he claimed that he 40 fishermen had been released from Sri Lankan jails after he took up the issue with Modi and assured that more fishermen would be released in the coming days.

Despite the open posturing of Palaniswami that no politics, meaning alliance issues, were discussed, BJP sources in the State said that they were happy with the outcome of the talks the Chief Minister had with their national leaders in Delhi.

It is said that the AIADMK had told the BJP that it would like to contest in 164 seats in the Assembly elections and not concerned as to whom the rest of the 70 seats goes. It means the BJP can distribute the 70 seats among the rest of the allies.

So if the BJP was keen on accommodating AMMK, it can give some seats from the 70 in their bag. Such an arrangement would give relief to the AIADMK from being intimidated by the PMK, which has laid down a pre-condition for continuing in the alliance, or the DMDK.

Those smaller parties would be negotiating with the BJP for seat-sharing and not the AIADMK. As Palaniswami himself told the media at New Delhi that different parties would have different ideologies and would like to develop their own outfits and that an alliance did not mean compromise on ideology, the AIADMK would like to go to the people on the strength of its own popularity.

Perhaps reflecting that stand was a tweet by School Education Minister K A Sengottiyan on Tuesday, saying that no one can shake the Dravidian movement in Dravidian land. Saying that it was the land of Periyar and the will of C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran had reigned, he said J Jayalalithaa had eliminated the evil from the land.

The tweet sounded more like a message to the BJP and other parties like the PMK that had been speaking against Dravidian ideology and traditionally speaking about eliminating Dravidian parties, which include the AIADMK.

The AIADMK now hopes to romp home in the elections by enlightening the people about the various achievements of the government in the last four years and not by depending on other parties for votes.
Polyester fibres and products producer Teijin Limited has shown its support for the Japan Climate Initiative (JCI)'s call on the country's government to upwardly revise its target renewable-energy ratio for fiscal 2030.

The JCI statement issued on 18 January asks the government to raise the renewable-energy target rate in the nation's next Strategic Energy Plan, which is scheduled to be finalized this year. It is currently set at 22-24%, but the JCI is calling for a more ambitious ratio of 40-50%, closer to levels declared by the United States and European Union countries.

The Initiative also encourages Japanese companies to play a larger role in the effort to decarbonise global industry as well as to raise their in-house goals to more ambitious levels to help to limit climate change.

The JCI is a network of Japanese corporations committed to strengthening communication and the exchange of best strategies and solutions among all entities in Japan that are working to combat climate change.

Teijin, a JCI member company, says it has a long-term vision of "supporting the society of the future and contributing to the realization of a sustainable world".

The Teijin Group's goals for lowering the groupwide environmental impact include achieving net zero emissions by fiscal 2050 and gradually replaces its current source of electricity with renewable energy.
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.
(Natural News) Iran is counting on the United States under Joe Biden to unconditionally return and honor its obligations in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.

The deal was originally negotiated by former president, Barack Obama.

Majid Takht Ravanchi, Irans ambassador and permanent representative to the U.N., said the country had already received positive signs from the Biden camp. He told the Islamic Republic News Agency: We have heard from the Biden team a number of positive remarks regarding the JCPOA and the return of the U.S. to its obligations based on it.

However, Takht Ravanchi said it is too early to judge Bidens next moves and that Iran is not in a rush. He remarked: We have to wait until Biden announces his position with regard to the JCPOA and the implementation of the deal. We have to give him time.

The envoy said that the actual implementation of what the U.S. has agreed to do based on the nuclear agreement is more important for Iran.

Takht Ravanchi noted that the U.S. has been in violation of its obligations since the first day of the JCPOA, which covered both the Obama and Trump administrations. The violations which the ambassador dubbed as a flouting of international law [and] international regulations culminated with the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018.

According to the ambassador, the whole international community expects the U.S. to live up to its commitments and its promises.

The U.S. is planning to fulfill its end of the bargain after President Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018

President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA deal with Iran in 2018. It was among his promises during his 2016 presidential campaign. This was a horrible, one-sided deal that should have not even been made. It didnt bring calm, it didnt bring peace and it never will, the president said at that time.

Trumps withdrawal from the agreement dealt a blow to his predecessors deal with the Middle Eastern country. The 2015 agreement aims to ease sanctions imposed on Iran with one caveat: The country should downsize its nuclear program.

Trump also slammed Obama for sending vast sums of cash to a regime of great terror, noting that the money enabled further terrorism and violence in the Middle East. (Related: Health Ranger warned in 2017 that Obama was a sleeper cell committing treason with Iran.)

According to Takht Ravanchi, the U.S.-imposed sanctions have undoubtedly created problems for Iran and its people. However, he noted that the country had been working to reduce the economic pressure and cope with the current situation.

Tehrans Jan. 15 announcement is not the first time it has tried to reopen the JCPOA deal. In September 2019, it announced that it would honor the agreement if it could sell its oil stocks in the open market or get $15 billion over four months. Trump firmly rejected Irans proposal. (Related: Trump confirms that Obamas schemes PAID for the missiles fired by Iran against U.S. targets.)

Takht Ravanchi commented: It is very difficult to predict what will happen to the JCPOA in the future. We hope that we keep in place  [and] that the JCPOA can survive.

Iran is not exactly holding its end of the bargain. Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei told Iranian state media earlier this month that the country has started the process of producing 20 percent enriched uranium at the Fordow underground facility.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the activities in Fordow. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Irans moves in Fordow were aimed at developing nuclear weapons. He added that Israel would not allow Iran to create such armaments.

Visit Terrorism.news to read more about the Obama administrations dealings with Iran.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

En.IRNA.ir

Reuters.com
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Free speech should only be free if it speaks the truth. If lies and falsehoods are spoken or written to the public, there has to be legal consequences and reversed with the truth from the liar. Lies and falsehoods repeated over and over again start to be believed and brainwash what would have been otherwise good citizens. It creates domestic terrorists, chaos and more liars. Especially when it harbors hate and misinformation. The liar does this with an effort to bring evil, gain power, control, cast doubt and violence towards our country, and our Constitution. For President Trump, and others who have lied to this country, you will have to answer to a higher being for all the atrocities, lives lost and the stain you placed on our democracy. For you have succeeded in doing Satans work.
Women who claim to be victims of disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard share their harrowing stories in a shocking new documentary.

The discovery+ four-part series - Unseamly: The investigation of Peter Nygard - centres around the fall from grace of the 79-year-old Finnish-Canadian billionaire.

Nygard is facing a class action lawsuit in the US alleging an historic string of sex offences dating back to the 1970s, ranging from sex trafficking and racketeering to rape and sexual assault.

In a teaser clip from the documentary, an anonymous accuser says he ordered her to take drugs when she was 14 before handing her a wedge of cash, while another describes the sexual abuse she claims to have suffered, recalling: 'There was no conversation, it was quick, it was violent.'

More than 80 women in the Bahamas, Canada and the United States have joined the class action lawsuit against Nygard and his companies, after 10 unnamed alleged victims filed it in February last year. He is being held by Canadian authorities, awaiting extradition to the US.

Scroll down for video

Women who claim to be victims of disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard (pictured in 2016) have come forward to share their stories for a shocking new documentary

At the weekend it emerged Nygard's own son, Kai Bickle, 38, is helping US and Canadian police investigate his alleged sex crimes and has been doing so for the past 18 months, keeping his role hidden from his father and his associates.

He told the Daily Mail's Guy Adams: 'He has become my arch-nemesis. I no longer regard him as my father... He is a monster. I am now here to serve in any way I can, to support survivors and the justice process and also to help expose the people who covered up his crimes.'

The new documentary, out next month, delves into flamboyant Nygard's humble beginnings as a Finnish immigrant in the 1950s, before he built one of the worlds largest fashion empires, Nygard International.

He modelled himself on Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and kept a revolving harem of girlfriends. Those caught up - often unwittingly - in this web had included actresses Susan Anton and Jennifer O'Neill, stripper-turned-reality star Anna Nicole Smith, and a former Wheel Of Fortune card turner by the name of Vanna White.

One woman describes the abuse she claims to have suffered from Nygard, recalling: 'There was no conversation, it was quick, it was violent'

Nygard's lavish parties in the Caribbean were attended by a string of A-list stars including Jane Seymour, Michael Jackson, Joan Collins, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro.

He was arrested in December 2020, and the documentary series features exclusive interviews with more than a dozen women who are suing Nygard and his companies, and detail an alleged history of sexual abuse stretching back 50 years.

Several of Nygard's accusers were children when the alleged crimes took place, and many claim they were drugged.

They range from a young employee whom he reportedly asked out on a date, to aspiring models brought in for fashion shoots and teenagers lured to 'pamper parties' at his estate in the Bahamas in the late Nineties.

A young model recalls feeling 'really excited' to meet Nygard, explaining: 'I thought that my friend was introducing me to this amazing fashion guy.'

An aspiring model says Nygard told her he would love to use her for his clothing line campaign. She adds: 'In his world, no means yes, go harder, do whatever you want with me'

Speaking about the alleged abuse she suffered, she says: 'It was quick, I couldn't stop him, I couldn't run away... I thought, Oh God, this man has so much power and money, he has the police in his pocket.'

Another claims he told her he'd like to use her for his clothing line campaign. She says she later discovered 'in his world, no means yes, go harder, do whatever you want with me'.

Some in the teaser go on to allege that Nygard held them against their will, with one woman making the astonishing claim: 'I was 19 when I met him. He had my passport, I felt like his own little prisoner.'

One woman, who was 20 when she 'got a call from Nygard', tells how she's tried to forget what happened to her for almost three decades.

One woman who was 20 when she 'got a call from Nygard' tells how she's tried to forget what happened to her for almost three decades

'You have to understand I have worked for 27 years to block this and to push it away from my every day, day in, day out memory,' she says.

Breaking down in tears, another admits she 'did not know we had these kind of monsters in the world'.

The series also features interviews with journalists, attorneys, family members and former Nygard International employees, who back up much of what the women say as well as telling their own harrowing stories.

Nygard and his legal team have vigorously denied all these allegations.

Unseamly: The Investigation of Peter Nygard will be available to stream exclusively on discovery+ from Friday 5 February.
PLANO, Texas, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- European Wax Center (EWC) , a leading personal care franchise brand that offers expert wax services from certified specialists, recently ranked #1 in category in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry making it one of the company's most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks European Wax Center as no. 49 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

"2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but it was also a year of unusual opportunity," says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur editor-in-chief. "Franchises were able to be nimble and innovative, serving the needs of franchisees and customers in ways that will resonate for many years to come. We believe that, when we eventually look back on this time, we'll see it as a moment when many brands defined themselves for the future."

Despite global pandemic circumstances, European Wax Center continued to grow and open new doors. With a total of 42 new center openings in 2020, including the celebration of their 800th center this past October, EWC is showing no signs of slowing down.

In 2020, European Wax Center committed to franchisees and guests to not only be the leader in waxing, but also the leader in clean. EWC's rigorous sanitation and cleaning measures have always served to create a safe experience for guests. In light of COVID-19, European Wax Center amplified these measures by creating "Team Scrub," a task force charged with ensuring the top safety and sanitation in all centers, every day.

"It's an honor to receive the acknowledgment of being ranked as the lead wax franchise in this highly competitive category and no. 49 overall, especially after a year where a global pandemic has greatly impacted everyone. This recognition is a testament to the measures we take every day to grow as a franchise brand and ensure we continue to provide a safe experience our guests can trust," said David Berg, Chief Executive Officer of EWC.

In Entrepreneur's continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company's 42-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

Over its 42 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. European Wax Center's position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view European Wax Center in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 . Results can also be seen in the January/February 2021 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 26th.

About European Wax Center

European Wax Center (EWC) is a leading personal care franchise brand founded in 2004. They offer expert wax services from certified Wax Specialists, ensuring that every guest who walks through the door leaves feeling confidentin EWC and themselves. EWC provides guests with a first class, professional waxing experience by the most highly trained estheticians in the industry, within the privacy of clean, individual waxing suites. They're so certain everyone will love the EWC experience, European Wax Center offers a free complimentary wax to each new guest. EWC continues to revolutionize the waxing category with their innovative, signature Comfort Wax. This proprietary blend is formulated with the highest quality ingredients to leave skin feeling smooth and make waxing a more pleasant, virtually painless experience. To help enhance and extend waxing services after leaving the center, EWC offers a full collection of proprietary products in the skincare, body, and brow categories. European Wax Center is the #1 wax specialty personal care brand in the United States, and its network now includes 800 centers nationwide. For more information including how to receive your first wax free, please visit: https://waxcenter.com.

SOURCE European Wax Center

Related Links

https://waxcenter.com


A 21-year-old IT expert who created a personal communications network for Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin Guzman Loera, otherwise known as El Chapo, was central in the wiretap investigation which eventually led to his arrest.

The young ambitious tech expert from Colombia developed one of the first encrypted and secretive telecoms system used by a criminal gang back in 2009, when he was paid 100,000 by El Chapo to get him up and running on phones which he believed couldnt be wiretapped.

At the time, El Chapo was on the run and hiding out in the Sierra Madre mountains in his native Mexico, where he was running the worlds richest and most dangerous drug cartels and directing bloody wars against his rivals.

In an interview for this weeks Crime World podcast, New York Times journalist Alan Feuer goes behind the scenes of the massive wiretap investigations run by the FBI, DEA and Homeland Security that brought the drug lord down and details how the Patron was unwittingly stalked as he moved around the country.

Read More

Feur said it all started from a tip-off that could have easily been ignored as a piece of fantastical gossip about a telecoms system which had never been heard of before, one similar to encrypted networks that are now used by nearly all criminal gangs in the course of their illegal activities.

The FBI field office in Manhattan got a walk-in tip one day in 2009 when a guy literally strolled in the front door and went up to one of the officers in the lobby, saying he had info on El Chapo who was then the worlds biggest drug dealer.

People walk into the FBI office all the time saying all kinds of crazy things, but for whatever reason this tipster was credible enough that the cop in the lobby called up to the international drug squad there and they heard the guy out.

"He told the officers that he had first-hand knowledge that Guzman had hired a savvy young IT guy from Colombia who had built the Cartel chief incredibly sophisticated, custom-made, encrypted cell phone system.

Obviously that is extremely tantalising information and at that time nobody could quite believe it, says Feur.

Expand Close Mugshot of Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka "el Chapo Guzman" / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mugshot of Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka "el Chapo Guzman"

Read More

While it seemed like a great story, they couldnt believe that it could be true  as the idea of a personal encrypted cell phone network was so far-fetched back then.

"Today we hear of it and we say of course they use it but in 2009 that was something very different and high-tech and outside the norm, says Feuer.

There was a young rookie agent there, Bob Potach, with a background in tech who had worked in the private sector for a long time, he decided to run it down because nobody else wanted it.

His partner was a more seasoned cartel drug investigator and together they started to get hints that his mystical young IT guy and his secret cell phone system were, in fact, real. And that was the beginning of the incredible surveillance of Guzman.

Expand Close U.S authorities escort Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman from a plane at Long Island MacArthur Airport, in Ronkonkoma, N.Y / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp U.S authorities escort Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman from a plane at Long Island MacArthur Airport, in Ronkonkoma, N.Y

During his interview on Crime World, Feuer will detail how the IT whizz, Christian Rodriguez, was identified and eventually lured into the clutches of the FBI, who managed use him against Guzman.

He describes how Rodriguez helped move Guzmans servers out of Canada and into The Netherlands, where wiretap warrants could be acquired and where secret codes were buried into them to allow law enforcement get access to El Chapos world.

One of the special things he had done for Guzman was install a kind of direct dial or speed dial system on the phones so they were all connected.

" His wife, mistresses and his drug dealers and killers were all on the system, which was firewalled at various points to prevent any unwelcome guests.

Guzman was always, over the course of his career, obsessed with secret communications and he had always had the best of what was available in the world.

"He was paranoid too, and at one point he decided he wanted to spy on everyone around him. He ultimately ended up wiretapping himself.

Feuer, who has authored a book titled El Jefe  The Stalking of Chapo Guzman, says that the drugs boss was in the mountains of Sinaloa at the time in an area that was impenetrable. He had been living as a fugitive since 2001, when he had escaped jail in a laundry cart while serving time for the 1983 murder of Catholic Cardinal Juan Ocampo.

Operation Sewer Jack was launched by the FBI who had begun to get reams of information off their wiretap from Dutch authorities, including email intercepts.

In February 2012, Guzman came out of the mountains for a holiday in the Mexican resort of Cabo San Lucas. The FBI launched the first major sting operation connected to the wiretaps on him when Mexican marines stormed a villa the phones had pinned him to.

However, the troops had started their search in the wrong villa, giving Guzman just enough time to escape past the swimming pool at the back of his luxury home and into the sea where he was picked up and brought to safety.

As he went to war with rival Mexican drug Cartel Los Zetas for the Neuvo Laredo corridor, the wiretap investigation continued with the help of Rodriguez, who hadnt initially been regarded as a rat in the camp.

A number of call centres where Guzmans communications were being scrambled were raided until eventually Rodriguez had to be pulled from the field to safety in the US when he was identified as a tout.

At the same time, the hunt for El Chapo was intensifying as he was listed by Forbes as a billionaire and allegations emerged that he was bribing people at the highest levels of Mexican public office.

Following the failed arrest, DEA officer Ray Donovan took over and decided to merge all the different wiretaps on El Chapos systems, including one underway in LA called Operation Crackberry.

He combined human intelligence and the wiretaps to paint the first full picture of the Sinaloa cartel and how it was operating.

At the heart of it was the Blackberry communications system that was keeping everyone in touch at that time.

In November 2013, a plan to arrest Guzman faltered when he was tipped off that he was to be targeted while holidaying in a duck-hunting club, and later he escaped again when his bodyguard was traced to a safe house in Culiacan, in Mexicos north-west.

He was eventually arrested when the phones led officers to the Hotel Miramar in Matazlan, a city in Sinaloa, but within 18 months he had escaped prison again, this time disappearing down a hole in the shower from his cell at Altiplano Prison.

Expand Close Authorities inspect the exit of the tunnel they claim was used by drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to break out of the Altiplano maximum security prison in Almoloya, west of Mexico City / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Authorities inspect the exit of the tunnel they claim was used by drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to break out of the Altiplano maximum security prison in Almoloya, west of Mexico City

The phones again led officers to El Chapo when he began to hide out in his birthplace of La Tuna but he managed to escape again and go to ground when the troops moved in.

The wiretaps gave forces another chance when he holidayed in Los Michos, northern Mexico, with a lover and was woken as officers were storming the building only to escape through a tunnel built under a bath.

Finally, his luck ran out when he was traced to another safehouse and fled, but was caught by cops as he emerged from a manhole cover near a Walmart.

Taking no chances, the US authorities extradited him to New York where he was eventually put on trial in a Brooklyn courtoom.

He is now held in the most secure prison in the US in Colorado where he is hoping to appeal his life sentence.

During the interview Feuer describes his experience of covering the Chapo Guzman trial and the day when his glamorous beauty queen wife showed the courtroom just what she was made of.

Crime Word Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. expects to take the extraordinary step of turning off power for thousands of customers early Tuesday because of high wildfire danger in the middle of winter.

PG&E said it would cut off electricity Tuesday morning for about 5,465 homes and businesses in parts of the Sierra Nevadas and Central Coast. The company is concerned that incoming winds could damage its power lines and spark wildfires.

The outages were planned in the driest portions of PG&Es service area, the company said. Its an unprecedented response from PG&E to low levels of rain and snow across much of the state during what would normally be a much wetter time of year. The company has never before intentionally cut electricity because of fire risk in January.

Shut-offs were planned for parts of seven counties: Fresno, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Tulare, the company said.

A PG&E map indicated that the affected areas would include communities near Mariposa, Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Reservoir and Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevadas, as well as targeted pockets east of Bakersfield and near Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria.

While January fire-prevention power cuts are new for PG&E, major fires have occurred during the traditional wet season in California. The Thomas Fire in Southern California started in December 2017.

Recent rainfall and high humidity will avert the need for shut-offs in the Bay Area and further north, PG&E said. Still, Northern California is running far behind its normal precipitation amounts and temperatures broke records across the Bay Area on Monday, according to the the National Weather Service.

San Franciscos temperature rose to a high of 76 degrees, surpassing 1920s previous record of 70 degrees. Downtown Oakland hit 79 degrees, 6 degrees higher than 2014s record, and Santa Rosa reached 80 degrees.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

On the Central Coast, the National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning of high fire danger for the Santa Lucia range, Los Padres National Forest and the interior mountains of Monterey and San Benito counties until 3 p.m. Tuesday.

A wind advisory is in place until 6 p.m. Tuesday from the Bay Area south through much of Monterey County, excluding the southern Salinas Valley.

While PG&E isnt planning any fire-prevention power cuts in the Bay Area, the winds could still knock down power equipment and cause localized outages.

J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris
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.
W

hen Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, the celebrations will be muted.

A small crowd of lawmakers and guests will look on, socially distanced and bitterly divided. By then, the number of Americans who have died from Covid will have reached 400,000, 18 million will be living on jobless benefits and the climate crisis will be looming in the background  an existential threat that 2020 somehow managed to relegate to second tier news.

To be sure, President Trump has not made all of Americas problems, but Biden promises that without his chaotic and divisive predecessor at the helm, the nation can fix them.

To push through his agenda Biden will have to work fast to reverse many of the actions Trump has championed. Heres what he should do to undo Trumps four years in his first 100 days.

Immigration

Donald Trump imposed a ban on travel to the US from seven majority-Muslim countries within his first month in office in 2017, beginning a legacy of the administrations hardline anti-immigrant policy steeped in dog-whistle racism and allegations of human rights abuses.

Over four years, the administrations draconian America First agenda  family separation and child detention at the US-Mexico border, construction of a symbolic border wall, efforts to remove pathways to citizenship put in place during the Obama administration  has eroded what was left of an already-broken immigration system, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus wrote in a letter to the incoming Biden administration.

Immigration reform has been central to the Biden campaign, and he has pledged to effectively undo Trumps signature immigration policies. He made a clear promise for day one of his administration: toss out the Muslim ban.

Immigration attorney Greg Siskind told The Independent that one of the easiest things he can do is lift the ban, which effectively reverts back to normal immigration law.

Donald Trump inspecting part of the border wall during his final days in office (AFP/Getty)

Within his first 100 days, the Biden administration also intends to stop border wall construction, raise the annual cap for refugees entering the US, end Trumps remain in Mexico policy for asylum seekers, and rely on temporary protected status policies more broadly in the event that other programmes remain tied up in court. The president-elect has pledged to protect TPS and deferred enforced departure holders from deportation to counties that are unsafe or who have been in the country for an extended period of time and built lives in the US.

He has also pledged to restore the deferred action for childhood arrivals (Daca) programme  created during the Obama administration  and could seek a permanent policy for granting legal status to people who entered the US without legal permission as children. The Trump administration has brought its fight to end the programme, which grants legal status to roughly 700,000 people, to the US Supreme Court.

But whether Biden creates a pathway to citizenship for 11 million people will be largely up to Congress.

Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services has urged the new Congress to waste no time implementing immigration reform.

Between 25 January and 1 February, the Biden administration has pledged to fulfill his promises to restore dignity to our immigration system and our border policies and start the difficult but critical work of reuniting families separated at the border".

Trumps remain in Mexico policy, or migrant protection protocols, requires asylum seekers from Latin American countries other than Mexico to wait in Mexico while their immigration court cases proceed in the US. Advocacy groups have also urged Biden to allow people who have been deported to reopen their cases and remain in the US as they secure legal counsel.

More than 500 children have not been reunited with their families. Al Otro Lado, a non-profit organisation representing parents who were separated from their children before and during the Trump administrations zero tolerance border policy, has feared the fierce politicization of federal immigration agencies under the Trump administration could make reforms difficult to implement on the ground.

There remain some other roadblocks  the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention currently prohibits asylum seekers and refugees from entering the US; more than 250,000 people who were processed at the US-Mexico border between March and October of last year were expelled, according to Customs and Border Protection data.

Lawyers for Civil Rights has also urged the new administration to reject the Trump administrations attempts to undermine the 2020 census data by including counting all people regardless of immigration status as part of the congressional apportionment base.

Steven Dillingham resigned from his post as director of the US Census Bureau on 18 January following allegations that he supported partisan efforts to send data to the White House before Trump left office.

Lawyers for Civil Rights has filed brief in a lawsuit challenging ensure undocumented people remain in the count and to end the political gamemanship and discrimination that excludes undocumented people from data used to determine congressional representation.

The memorandum explicitly seeks to punish undocumented immigrants and the states in which they live," said staff attorney Lauren Sampson. "Our brief emphasizes that no one is illegal and that many immigrants who might be described as undocumented are in fact in the process of obtaining legal status, or, because of global events or delays on the part of the federal government, lack proof of their status. The Framers [of the constitution] were clear: ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Alex Woodward

Right-wing extremism

When Biden is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol, he will look out across a city under lockdown. There will be no big crowd to celebrate his inauguration, just a labyrinth of security barriers and National Guardsmen. He will take the oath of office on the very steps that were overrun by a mob just two weeks prior.

He comes to power at a time when the threat of extremist violence is at a level that is unprecedented in recent history. In the aftermath of the Capitol attack, federal law agencies issued a stark warning that it would serve as a rallying cry for extremist groups across the country.

A leaked bulletin released by the National Counterterrorism Centre and the Justice and Homeland Security departments warned that anti-government and racist extremists very likely pose the greatest domestic terrorism threats in 2021.

So how should he tackle it? Dr Heidi Beirich, an expert on American and European extremist movements and leader of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, argued that the Biden administrations first task should be bolstering measures to remove extremists from the security services and law enforcement.

The first thing that needs to happen is that we have to root extremists out of the military in the United States. Its a serious problem, she told The Independent. The current regulations arent up to snuff and even worse the application of what they do have in terms of barring white supremacists and extremists is not happening correctly.

We also have a big problem with law enforcement. Its time to call for some kind of mechanism to screen out racists and organised extremists from police forces. There are far too many connections between law enforcement and white supremacists.

 Trump supporters clash with police on Capitol steps

Racism and white supremacism have always been a driving force for extremist activity, but a new threat has emerged over the last four years. The QAnon conspiracy theory movement, which believes that Donald Trump is doing battle with a cabal of Satanist paedophiles that is secretly running the country, has emerged as a new and destabilising force.

The Biden administration will have to come up with a policy to tackle this and other extremist groups online, where they thrive.

Its time to take a hard look at the social media companies. They have allowed online hate to metacicise. We know that the storming of the Capitol was organised partly on Facebook, Dr Beirich said.

Congress needs to start looking at a regulatory framework. Either the companies have to start being accountable to their own policies or the government has to step in, she added.

One of the things I think about is that there was no QAnon four years ago. There are millions of these kooks now in the United States and that is very much an online phenomenon. The connection to domestic terrorism is very direct between the online space and a lot of major attacks, she said.

Senior US correspondent Richard Hall

Diplomacy

The clock is ticking. Less than five months after Biden becomes president, Iran will hold an election that could see the ascent of a new hardline administration. That could seriously complicate efforts to return to the Tehran deal abandoned by Donald Trump and slow Irans pursuit of nuclear technology.

The world is burning. The planet is in crisis, with temperatures rising faster than expected and fires engulfing huge swaths of the earth  from Australia to California to Siberia.

Democracy is dying. Authoritarian leaders across the planet continue to surge. Human rights and civil liberties are on the retreat. Nationalistic ideologies are undercutting multilateral cooperation. Faith in representative government and the liberal world order cherished by Biden is declining.

In the coming four years, the Biden administration will have to grapple with geopolitical challenges of Russia and China, But in his first 100 days, his foreign policy team will have limited bandwidth to focus on only a few issues and set a tone that could colour his entire term.

Returning the US to the Paris climate accord, from which the Trump administration withdrew is likely going to be priority one, and a simple matter of announcing that the US agrees to it.

Climate change poses the greatest long-term threat to humanitys future, wrote Stephen Walt, a professor of International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School. The United States cannot be on the wrong side of this issue.

A return to the Iran deal is crucial not just to get Tehran to roll back aspects of its nuclear programme and prevent the proliferation of atomic technology in the Middle East, but to reassure Washingtons closest allies as well as its rivals that Americas words are worth more than the paper theyre written on. Returning to the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) should be relatively easy, it was crafted by many of the same Democratic Party foreign policy stars now returning to the White House and State Department. Biden has called the agreement historic and vowed that  if Tehran returns to compliance, he would re-enter the agreement while using hard-nosed diplomacy and support from our allies to strengthen and extend it.

A return to the deal will also signal that the new administration would strive to uphold norms on international cooperation and liberal values that have been badly damaged during the rise of Trump and other would-be authoritarians. In a presentation this week, Human Rights Watch called on the Biden administration to place human rights as a priority.

The Biden administration will have to grapple with the geopolitical challenges of Russia and China (Getty)

The Biden team will have many competing demands for its attention. But within days, it can easily rejoin the UN Human Rights Council which Trumps first UN envoy Nikki Haley quit.

Trumps flouting of human rights at home and his embrace of friendly autocrats severely eroded US credibility abroad. US condemnations of Venezuela, Cuba, or Iran rang hollow when parallel praise was bestowed on Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Israel, said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, in a report released this week.

Perhaps dismayingly, signing the US back up to the Paris Agreement, reviving the nuclear deal and rejoining the Human Rights Council, will only bring the US roughly back to where it was on 20 January 2017.

International correspondent Borzou Daragahi

Climate crisis

Biden will kick off his term with a flurry of executive orders to scrub parts of the Trump legacy. Among them is expected to be an order to rejoin the Paris climate accord  the international treaty aimed at keeping global temperature rise to 1.5C, a target which is moving increasingly out of reach.

As soon as the Biden administration notifies the United Nations by letter that the US wants back in, it should officially take effect in 30 days. It's then likely the US will be expected to submit updated carbon emission-reduction targets, along with details of how it plans to achieve them.

Biden is also reportedly planning to rescind Trump's permit for the $9bn Keystone XL oil pipeline as one of his first acts in office.

These are just two items on a long list of priorities for the new president. His administration will spend much of its early days unwinding the Trump eras sweeping agenda that amounted to more than 100 rollbacks on rules and policies that protect the air, water, lands and wildlife, in favor of relaxing standards for those using toxic chemicals and spewing carbon emissions.

Dr Michael Mann, climate scientist and member of the National Academy of Sciences, said the Biden administration would open a new era of global cooperation, allowing America to repair much of the damage that was done to our reputation on the world stage by Trump over the past four years.

However Dr Mann, whose latest book The New Climate War was published earlier this month, told The Independent that there was a sobering reality to contend with in the climate crisis.

Even if every country meets their commitments under Paris (and many, including the US and EU are currently falling at least a bit short), that gets us less than half-way to where we need to be, ie on a path to limiting warming below 2C (let alone the more stringent 1.5C many are now calling for), Dr Mann said.

Paris is a good starting point, but we need to go well beyond Paris now to achieve the reductions that are necessary."

He said that the 50-50 Senate split  following the Democrat victories in the Georgia run-off elections this month  provided a "real opportunity for meaningful climate legislation" but added that it would require a degree of compromise.

Biden has put forward a bold climate plan with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and support for both regulatory and market-driven policy measures," he said.

Given an even modestly favorable shift in political winds, one could envision [a bold climate bill] passing the House and moving on to the Senate with a half-dozen or more moderate conservatives crossing the aisle, joining with Senate Democrats to pass the bill within the next year or two.

He added: Im cautiously optimistic that well see meaningful action here in the US and a reassertion of global leadership on climate.

Jamie Henn, co-founder of grassroots climate movement, 350.org and director of Fossil Free Media, told The Independent that he would like to see the new Biden administration act swiftly to stop the fossil fuel industry damaging both democracy and the climate.

"Fossil fuel corporations have been some of the largest funders of the radical right for decades: the Koch brothers created the infrastructure, while companies like Chevron and Exxon have donated millions to sedition caucus members like Ted Cruz, he said.Passing democracy reform legislation like the For the People Act  that helps combat this industry influence needs to be a top priority."

He added: At the same time, Biden needs to act aggressively to roll back Trump's handouts to fossil fuels and move us towards a clean energy future.

Hundreds of groups have signed onto what we're calling the "Build Back Fossil Free" agenda, a set of executive actions that help advance climate justice, end the era of fossil fuel production, and create clean energy jobs and opportunity.

The order I want to see coming out of the White House is, Go as far as you can, as fast as you can. There isn't a moment to waste.

Senior climate correspondent Louise Boyle

Democracy

Donald Trumps presidency has been one long stress test of American democracy. And although the country will emerge from the last four years with its institutions largely intact, theres no doubt they have been severely weakened.

Trumps relentless attacks on the democratic process, his steady erosion of long held norms and his use of the bully pulpit to spread conspiracy theories about the November election have had a dramatic impact on peoples faith in the system.

One third of Americans believe Joe Bidens victory is illegitimate, according to a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, despite the Trump administrations own department of justice declaring there was no widespread fraud and nearly every single piece of post-election litigation falling flat in court.

One of Mr Bidens most urgent tasks over the next four years will be to restore trust in the electoral process and strengthen the weak points that his predecessors tenure exposed.

Then there are the long term, structural issues with the political system that have festered in the Trump years, or else worsened: voter suppression, the inequity of Senate representation and the lack of statehood for Washington DC and Puerto Rico.

The good news for Biden is that the legislation to fix some of these problems already exists. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act, named after the recently departed civil rights leader and already passed in the House, would restore federal oversight of voting changes in states with a history of racial discrimination and improve access to voting.

Standing in the way of any ambitious reform, however, is the Senate filibuster, which requires a 60-vote supermajority to overturn. Now with a majority in the Senate, Democrats could introduce changes to the filibuster which would allow them to pass that legislation.

With that done, statehood for Washington DC and Puerto Rico should be first on the agenda, according to Richard L Hasen, a professor of law and political science at the University of CaliforniaIrvine School of Law and the author of Election Meltdown: Dirty Tricks, Distrust, and the Threat to American Democracy.

There is no reason that residents in these two US areas should be denied full representation in the Senate. Adding additional states would help tilt the balance in the Senate, giving a better chance for the body not to reflect minoritarian Republican preferences, he wrote in Slate.

Professor Hasen also argued for addressing some of the issues that were weaknesses in the system that were seized upon by the Trump administration such as raising the threshold for debating objections to electoral college votes to prevent attempts to subvert the will of the electorate.

He also advocated for the both new laws and private actions to rebuild and bolster social institutions to prevent the asymmetric spread of electoral disinformation on cable television and in social media.

Other democracy advocates are focused on efforts to take money out of the electoral process. Beth Rotman, director of money in politics and ethics at Common Cause, has argued for publicly funded political campaigns to level the playing field between ordinary citizens and wealthy interests.

Citizen-funded election programs step in to create space for policies that favour large swaths of everyday Americans. Particularly when combined with restrictions on lobbyist and government contractor contributions, these reforms represent the best way to prevent government capture by the wealthy, she told The Independent.

In states and cities with these programs, ordinary citizens are more empowered to participate in democracy and better represented by those elected to office. Races are much more competitive, and the legislature is more representative of the state; local small donors matter.

Citizen-funded elections are the best instrument we have to combat the problem of money in politics. The future of our democracy may depend on it, she added.

Richard Hall

The economy

The unexpected Democrat victories in the Georgia Senate run-off elections have transformed the economic policymaking potential of the incoming Biden administration.

With those two results, which tipped control of the Senate from the Republicans to the Democrats, Biden went from being a president with firmly tied legislative hands to one with scope for deliver genuine fiscal support to the American economy  and soon.

First on the agenda, will be more fiscal support and stimulus for the still badly pandemic-wracked American public.

The Democrats $2.2 trillion Covid-relief Bill introduced in the House in September was gutted by Republicans, with only a relatively thin $900bn support package eventually passed by Congress in December.

Biden has confirmed he will now seek, in his first 100 days, to restore something close to the original plan, which will entail larger direct payments to households, an extension of emergency unemployment payments, additional help for small firms and more aid for state and local governments to tackle the health crisis and avoid layoffs of police, firefighters and teachers.

 Food banks grow across US

All this fiscal support and stimulus would not only boost 2021 US GDP growth but would also reduce the long-term economic scarring of the pandemic  and the sooner the money starts flowing the smaller the damage, especially with the American economy shedding jobs again in December for the first time since April 2020.

Its not impossible that some Republicans in Congress would support more stimulus, given many argued publicly for larger household stimulus checks before the leadership rejected the Democrat plan in the run-up to the November elections, fearing it would help Democrat-controlled cities.

Donald Trump himself complained that the household checks were too small, and should have been $2,000 per person, rather than $600. Bipartisan support would, as ever, be preferable.

Yet even if it doesnt materialise, the Democrat Senate majority means they can use the reconciliation process  which requires only a simple Senate majority to create law - to break the logjam, although this will take longer.

In terms of medium-term economic policy making, the Georgia results also opens up new possibilities. Biden proposed a multi-trillion dollar boost to federal infrastructure and clean energy spending in his election manifesto.

Since those spending areas are not covered by the reconciliation process there would need to be some Republican support to deliver that agenda. Yet Bidens team will be calculating new ways to deliver all of that with a sense of potential that simply would simply not have existed before Georgia.

On climate change, rather than having to rely on regulatory fiat to reduce carbon emissions, the Biden team will now also, in theory, be able to reach for more powerful and direct legislative levers.

But, in terms of the first 100 days, perhaps one of the most significant benefits for Bidens economic programme from the Georgia result, is that he can get his chosen policy team in place rapidly, without hold-ups from the Senate confirmation process.

That should help achieve rapid reversals of the destructive Trump-era regulatory policies on immigration and the environment.

Biden should also be able to undo some of the damage of Trumps trade wars on day one, by simply ditching the tone of mindless aggression that has emanated from the White House for the past four years.

When it comes to shoring up the American economy, the Biden team can, mercifully, hit the ground running.

Economics editor Ben Chu

Education

Incoming first lady Jill Biden will continue teaching while her husband is in the White House, and education secretary nominee Miguel Cardona  a former public school teacher with two children in public school  marks an immediate departure from the more than three-year tenure of Betsy DeVos, a billionaire who sought to slash the federal education budget and divert billions of dollars in tax credits to pay for subsidised tuition to for-profit private schools.

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten had two words for Secretary DeVos when she announced her resignation on 7 January: Good riddance.

The union has hailed the incoming administrations $1.9trn American rescue plan coronavirus relief legislation, which includes $170bn for schools. Most of that money will help K-12 schools reopen, with funds targeting ventilation improvement, cleaning staff, personal protective equipment, and expanding transportation so children aren't clustered on buses. Congressional Democrats are eager to push it through, and fast.

On 21 January, his first full day in office, Biden intends to sign a number of executive actions to move aggressively to change the course of the Covid-19 crisis and safely reopen schools and businesses'' within his first 100 days in office. But congressional support will be central to any plans to rapidly expand resources to states to safely re-open schools.

Schools are the linchpin, Dr Georges C Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told The Independent. If we can get the schools safely opened up, then parents can get back to work. Thats one piece of it but its a major piece.

Betsy DeVos sought to divert billions to for-profit private schools (Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty)

Another $35bn from proposed legislation targets higher education, including financial assistance for students. Biden already has pledged to extend the existing pause on student loan payments and interest for federally backed student loans within his first day in office.

Senator Bernie Sanders dubbed DeVos "the worst education secretary in the history of America following her comments at a financial aid conference in which she attacked student debt relief as shrill calls to cancel, to forgive, to make it all free.

Biden  who has adopted Senator Sanders proposal for tuition-free public colleges and universities for students from families who earn below $125,000  plans to eliminate $10,000 in federally held student debt, through legislative action, not with an executive order. A Democratically controlled Congress is poised to wipe out that debt for millions of borrowers.

A growing number of progressive lawmakers in Congress have urged him to aim higher, by cancelling $50,000 in debt, along with any tax penalties, and pause future federal loan payments and interest through the duration of the pandemic. Other organisations like The Debt Collective have argued he could cancel all student debt immediately. He said he wont do that.

More than 45 million Americans hold more than $1.6tn in student loan debt, a figure that has surged within the last decade, with growing private enrolment and steep cuts to higher education at the federal and state level. Graduates from the class of 2019 owe an average of nearly $30,000. Those debts soar among postgraduate degree holders, of which nearly a quarter owe $100,000 or more.

Alex Woodward

Coronavirus

Within 10 months, more than 400,000 Americans have died from Covid-19. The arrival and potential promise and success of a widely available vaccine marked a turning point in the public health crisis  led by a president that has ignored the overwhelming scale of deaths within his final year in office  but its distribution and administration of two fast-tracked drugs fell significantly short of the goals his administration set.

Biden inherits his failed effort to combat the disease, along with its impacts to millions of American workers in a struggling economy hailed by his predecessor as the best in history.

The incoming administration plans to roll out an immediate show of force within his first days in office: deploy Federal Emergency Management Agency resources and the US National Guard to set up vaccination clinics across the country, invoke the Defence Production Act to boost production of vaccine-related materials, and put millions of doses of vaccines into 100 million Americans within his first 100 days.

 Joe Biden receives the Covid vaccine in effort to inoculate America

On day one, he will impose a mask mandate on federal properties and halt evictions and student loan payments and interest for millions of borrowers who have been stiffed with growing bills while out of work.

Theres an urgency to doing this, American Public Health Association executive director Dr Georges C Benjamin told The Independent. A year after, we will be treating it with the urgency thats been required.

The Trump administration told state and local governments that a reserve of second-round vaccine doses was coming this month  but no such reserve exists, while health officials had expected to deliver second doses of vaccines that require two shots, 20 days apart, to be effective.

A reliable vaccine and the assurance that there is enough for distribution is the centerpiece of a working public health plan, Dr Benjamin said.

Once you know what youre getting, which has been very confusing from this administration, you can reliably plan vaccination programmes, including ensuring the availability of second doses with the 21-day inoculation period, he said.

Central to the administrations efforts to battle the disease and inject cash into the economy is his $1.9trn American rescue plan legislation, setting up a partisan battle in Congress following the grueling passage of a $900bn relief package in December after weeks of GOP deadlock.

But more fundamentally, the Biden administration has pledged a unified federal approach to combatting the disease and in its messaging in stark contrast to the Trump administrations falsehoods and misinformation.

Alex Woodward
This global cultural battle will continue because the conditions of its eruption  insecurity, disappearing jobs, resentment in societies made still more unequal by the impact of Covid-19  persist from France to Latin America. The Trump phenomenon also persists. His tens of millions of supporters are not about to vanish.

Were the events at the Capitol the apotheosis and tragic endpoint of Trumps four years, or was it the founding act of a new American political violence spurred by a dangerous energy? Francois Delattre, the secretary-general of the French Foreign Ministry, asked. We do not know, and in countries with similar crises of their democratic models we must worry.

France is one such country of increasingly tribal confrontation. If the U.S. Justice Department could be politicized, if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could be eviscerated, and if 147 elected Members of Congress could vote to overturn the election results even after the Capitol was stormed, there is reason to believe that in other fractured post-truth societies anything could happen.

How did we get here? Gradually and then suddenly, as Hemingway had it, said Peter Mulrean, a former United States ambassador to Haiti now living in France. Weve seen the steady degradation of truth, values and institutions. The world has watched.

As Simon Schama, the British historian, has observed, When truth perishes so does freedom. Mr. Trump, for whom truth did not exist, leaves a political stage where liberty is weakened. An emboldened Russia and an assertive China are more strongly placed than ever to mock democracy and push agendas hostile to liberalism.

Toward China, Mr. Trumps policy was so incoherent that Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, was left appealing to Starbucks, which has thousands of stores in China, to improve strained U.S.-China relations. Mr. Xi wrote last week to the companys former chief executive, Howard Schultz, to encourage him to help with the development of bilateral relations, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
New Zealand wine up 23% in off-trade for 2020

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced a strong performance of New Zealand wine in the UK market, with sales up by more than 23% in value in the off-trade.

The data, from a report commissioned by New Zealand Winegrowers in conjunction with Nielsen, shows that an additional 14.4 million bottles of New Zealand wine have been sold in the year to December 26, 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.

The total wine category has grown by 1.02 billion in the UK, with New Zealand wine contributing over 12% of this growth.

The average sale price of New Zealand wine has seen growth too, with an increase of 2.5%, from 7.24 to 7.42 per bottle which is significantly above the total market average price per bottle of 6.09.

Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrowers UK Market Manager said: The past year has been tremendously difficult for all but despite this it is very pleasing to see the continuing popularity of New Zealand wine.

It is particularly interesting to see growth across the whole New Zealand category with double digit growth in both reds and whites and significant growth for Rose, which shows the UK are exploring the diversity New Zealand offers.

We appreciate that much of this growth in take home is due to the UK on-trade having been virtually shuttered for much of the year, but we hope when we return to normal that this brings opportunities for the on-trade to take advantage of the popularity of New Zealand wine in this sector.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has been a large contributor to the strong wine category gains in the sector. The New Zealand wine category has grown by 125 million, of which New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has contributed 86%, at 108 million. This comes as no surprise as Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealands most exported variety.

Sauvignon Blanc is not the only variety experiencing exponential growth. The past 12 weeks have shown a 69% volume growth rise in Rose in the UK, and the incredible surge in the popularity of Rose shows this is a wine style that is now enjoyed by consumers all year round.

The New Zealand Winegrowers 2020 Annual Report shows Rose is now the fourth largest New Zealand wine export, exporting 5.6 million litres globally last year. That is more than double the 2.4 million litres in 2017, and 10 times that of 2010, when New Zealand exported just 0.56 million litres of Rose.

New Zealand Winegrowers will be running the inaugural virtual New Zealand Wine Week from February 8 to 12, with a wide-ranging program including tastings, discussions, and online activities. There is a lot for everyone to discover in the programme of activities.

Related articles:
The governments focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, accompanied by its introduction of production-linked incentives (PLIs) for manufacturing, has attracted criticism as well as praise. Critics have characterized it as an inward-looking import substitution policy that is likely to produce negative outcomes, while supporters have touted it as a game-changer which will finally allow Indian manufacturing to acquire its rightful place. A brief dive into the history of developing nations that have emerged from poverty would suggest that it is likely to be neither. In all probability, it will end up as just another middling policy of the sort that has defined Indias economic decision-making process for decades.

Historically, most developed countries have followed a mercantilist model to enrich themselves at the expense of others. Britain ruthlessly exported finished goods to its colonies while keeping its domestic industry protected behind high tariffs throughout the 1700s and mid 1800s, till it achieved significant industrialization. The US had also imposed high tariffs on imports, reaching a peak of over 40% in 1870. In fact, US import barriers did not come down till the end of World War I, which generated huge surpluses for the US economy as it became the primary supplier of war material to the Franco-British alliance. Tariffs were again raised in the 1930s, as the US economy slipped into depression. Both the UK and US followed a policy of protecting domestic industry, building industrial capacity and absorbing technology, before opening their markets to the rest of the world.

In Asia, most countries that have achieved industrialization have used a version of the same policy. Japan pioneered such a strategy and was followed by South Korea and China. Given these lessons from history, it seems naive and optimistic to think that India will be able to bootstrap itself out of poverty by deploying an Atmanirbhar strategy centred around PLIs for a handful of products. While India has a large domestic market, well developed financial institutions and a competitive private sector, as Arvind Panagariya has pointed out, most Indians are engaged in low-wage activities, which limits growth driven by domestic consumption. The only way for the Indian economy to break out of this middling rate of growth is to look outward for export-based growth drivers.

To be sure, many have claimed that India has already missed that bus, with New Delhi being an early signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which severely constrains the spectrum of export-promotion measures that can be deployed. This argument has its merits. Although Japan joined the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1955, it dragged its foot on liberalizing access to its economy for several decades. Similarly, China unabashedly promoted exports after its economic liberalization, and then joined the WTO only in 2001 after its domestic producers had gained considerable industrial capability. Even so, according to many commentators, China continues to flout WTO rules to give its exporters an unfair advantage. In comparison, India joined the GATT in 1948 and WTO in 1995. So, the country finds itself constrained on export incentives and cannot quite follow the economic examples of Japan or China.

However, India still has several levers to push up exports. One reason the country has been punching below its weight globally is the fact that the approach of its policymakers to export promotion has been tactical and not strategic. Export promotion in India revolves around fiddling with duties and exemptions that have a marginal impact on the creation of industrial capacity, which is what drives export competitiveness.

The government should create a strategic plan. It should start by identifying sectors where India has a comparative advantage or can acquire one. Once this is done, both labour-intensive and high value-addition sectors that have significant scope of growth should be prioritized. Non-financial measures, such as reduced regulatory burdens for export-oriented units, research and development centres, skill development institutes for the workforce, logistical support, access to technology and marketing support should be employed liberally. Financial measures such as accelerated depreciation benefits and credit support should also be instituted.

Secondly, the government needs to create a unified body to market Indias goods across the world. Currently, this is done by myriad export promotion councils, industry bodies and chambers of commerce without a unified vision or synergy. This body should report directly to the Prime Ministers Office and be assigned explicit and sector-specific export targets.

Third, as a paper by Marianna Belloc and Michele Di Maio, Survey of the Literature on Successful Strategies and Practices for Export Promotion by Developing Countries, shows, the most important driver of export success is close collaboration between government departments and private exporters. The government should assign liaison officers in all departments the task of addressing problems faced by exporters. Also, administrative departments and ministries that deal with exports should be assigned quantitative export targets, which should be reviewed annually.

In sum, while self-sufficiency may be a commendable target, Indias development goals cant be met without facing the world armed with a robust export strategy.

Diva Jain is director at Arrjavv and a probabilist who researches and writes on behavioural finance and economics. Her Twitter handle is @DivaJain2

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
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.

Kamala Harris to use Bible owned by first black Supreme Court justice at swearing-in ceremony

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

When she takes the oath of office at her swearing-in ceremony Wednesday, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will use a Bible previously owned by the first black member of the Supreme Court, the late Justice Thurgood Marshall, whom she has described as one of her greatest heroes.

Harris will use two Bibles in the ceremony, one belonging to Regina Shelton, a family friend whom Harris viewed as a surrogate mother, and the other that Justice Marshall once owned, NPR reported, citing a transition official.

Last July, Harris tweeted, My childhood hero and inspiration, Thurgood Marshall, was born on this day in 1908. Our nation is stronger because of his powerful voice for civil rights and social justice.

In her memoir, The Truths We Hold, Harris wrote, Some of my greatest heroes were lawyers: Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, Constance Baker Motleygiants of the civil rights movement. I cared a lot about fairness, and I saw the law as a tool that can help make things fair.

She also wrote about going to the same school for her matriculation as Marshall did, which was Howard University: "I wanted to get off on the right foot. And what better place to do that, I thought, than at Thurgood Marshalls alma mater?

While taking the oath of office as both California attorney general and a U.S. senator, Harris had used Shelton's Bible.

She'll be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third female justice in U.S. Supreme Court history. Both Harris and Justice Sotomayor have served as prosecutors in California and New York, respectively.

In 2013, Sotomayor swore in President-elect Joe Biden as vice president.

Harris, who identifies as Baptist, will be the first black, South Asian and female vice president of the United States.

Abortion rights activists have praised Harris as a reproductive freedom champion, but she has faced criticism from social conservatives over her ties to abortion giant Planned Parenthood and her prosecution of pro-life activist and citizen journalist David Daleiden of the Center of Medical Progress.

Daleiden and his associate, Sandra Merritt, were prosecuted in 2016 over a series of undercover videos a year earlier that showed Planned Parenthood employees discussing the illegal sale of aborted baby body parts.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
[January 19, 2021] Forbion invests USD 2.3M in seed financing of CoviCept Therapeutics, Inc.

Forbion, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, today announces a $2.3m seed investment in newly formed CoviCept Therapeutics, Inc. ("CoviCept"), a California-based company that is developing a small molecule that inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and other RNA viruses. CoviCept's lead molecule has a unique mechanism of action that is based on interference of a host cell protein and is therefore expected to have a low risk of viral resistance. It has been demonstrated to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in a relevant mammalian model at a clinically relevant dose. A manufacturing process for the lead compound has been established and it has demonstrated good bioavailability and safety in humans in phase 1 studies. CoviCept was founded by Sam Tsimikas, Philip Gordts and Jeffrey Esko, all from the University of California San Diego. The Company's aim is to initiate a first clinical study in the second half of 2021. Professor Tsimikas, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CoviCept, commented: "We are pleased that Forbion has invested in us to support our continued development of a much-needed direct therapeutic option to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other RNA viruses. Forbion will provide the necessary financial and management support to allow the Company to achieve Phase 2 proof of concept data. Forbion's track record and expertise in supporting the development of early-stage companies make them the ideal partner for CoviCept." Sander van Deventer, Operating Partner of Forbion, added: "Our investment in CoviCept is an example of Forbion's commitment to responsible drug development. RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, Ebola, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are the most likely cause of futue pandemics. A small molecule like CoviCept's, that can be stockpiled to be immediately available and that could be used in multiple viruses, is of enormous benefit to global health."



The board of directors of CoviCept will comprise Sam Tsimikas, Philip Gordts, Jeffrey Esko and Sander van Deventer (Forbion). -Ends-

Notes to Editors About Forbion Forbion is a dedicated life sciences venture capital firm with offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Singapore. Forbion invests in life sciences companies that are active in the (bio-) pharmaceutical space. Forbion manages well over EUR 1.7 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. Forbion's current team consists of 20 life sciences investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with successful investments in over 69 companies. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Besides financial objectives, Forbion selects investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of patients. Its investors include the EIF, through its European Recovery Programme (ERP), LfA, Dutch Venture Initiative (DVI), AMUF and EFSI facilities and KfW Capital through the Programme, "ERP - Venture Capital Fonds investments". Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany. For more information, please visit: www.forbion.com. About CoviCept Therapeutics, Inc. CoviCept Therapeutics, Inc. is a newly founded company based in San Diego, USA, focused on the development of a small molecule that inhibits the replication and spread of RNA viruses, including SARS-Cov-2. CoviCept's lead program CoviCept is developing a small molecule that targets a host protein that is critical for RNA viral replication and that has shown efficacy in a preclinical model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in cell cultures infected with various RNA viruses including Zika and Dengue. The lead molecule has shown good tolerability, availability and biodistribution in humans. RNA viruses and pandemics RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-1 ("COVID"), SARS-CoV-2 ("SARS"), MERS-CoV ("MERS"), Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and Ebola, are considered to be the most likely causes of devastating global pandemics. Vaccination strategies can prevent the spread of these viruses and protect individuals but require a significant lead time before implementation and showing efficacy. Hence, a small molecule that can be stockpiled and used to inhibit viral replication of these viruses would be an integral component of the response to pandemics caused by RNA viruses. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005162/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
(CNN)  A new sheriff is coming to Wall Street  and, for a change, he's not a friendly face.

In a win for Elizabeth Warren and progressives, US President-elect Joe Biden announced Monday he is tapping Gary Gensler to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Gensler made few friends, and plenty of enemies, during his time as an Obama regulator. As chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Gensler helped craft the Dodd-Frank financial reform law that the industry loudly opposed. Gensler then moved to swiftly implement Dodd-Frank much faster than other regulators.

Even though Gensler is a former Goldman Sachs banker, his nomination sends a clear signal that Biden plans to take a tougher stance on Wall Street than not only President Trump but perhaps Obama, too.

"Gensler was the toughest regulator under Obama. That will now be the norm in the Biden administration," former Democratic Congressman Barney Frank told CNN Business.

Frank, who co-authored the 2010 financial reform law, called Gensler's nomination a "very good sign."

"That will relax people who might have been worried that enforcement of our bill wouldn't be strong enough," said Frank, who is now a director at Signature Bank.

A former Goldman banker with the backing of Warren

Warren, a fierce critic of big banks, also sounds very pleased with the Gensler pick.

"He is a tenacious regulator who stood up to the industry titans to rein in their risky behavior," the Massachusetts Democrat said in a tweet Monday. "He will be an excellent SEC Chair during this economic crisis."

Not only did Biden tap Gensler to lead the SEC, he also announced Monday the nomination of Warren ally Rohit Chopra to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Biden fired an early warning at Wall Street in November when he tapped Gensler to lead an agency review team working to shape the Federal Reserve, SEC and FDIC.

Dennis Kelleher, a vocal advocate for Wall Street reform who also worked on the Biden agency review team, praised the Gensler pick.

"Gary is a deeply experienced expert in securities markets," Kelleher, the CEO of Better Markets, said in an interview. "He will be a smart, strategic and bold leader who will return the SEC to the gold standard of investor protection."

Before joining the government, Gensler worked for nearly two decades at Goldman Sachs, where he was an M&A partner, led the bank's media group and co-headed its finance team.

"He is the unique exception to the rule of former Wall Streeters who deliver for Wall Street, not Main Street," Kelleher said.

Frank, the former Congressman, said that is no coincidence.

"Gary Gensler was effective in part because he knew the business so well from his time at Goldman," Frank said. "This should be a rebuttal to friends on the left who think you shouldn't have anyone who worked in industry."

Will Trump judges block Biden's 'market cop'?

Neither the American Bankers Association nor the Bank Policy Institute responded to requests for comment on Gensler's nomination.

Stephen Cohen, a white-collar defense attorney at Sidley Austin, said Wall Street is bracing for much tougher enforcement ahead.

"The industry recognizes his reputation. He will want to demonstrate that the SEC is tough on Wall Street -- not just a market regulator, but a market cop," he said.

Cohen, a former SEC official who worked with Gensler during the Obama administration, called Gensler "extremely smart and confident," but warned he may face legal obstacles ahead.

"The courts are far more conservative than they were four years ago," said Cohen, alluding to Trump's appointment of many pro-business judges. "There will be more successful challenges to aggressive enforcement and rulemaking."

Gensler was also known as a demanding boss -- so demanding that the staff eventually formed a union.

When he took over the CFTC, there were calls to merge the agency with the SEC. Not only did Gensler fight off those efforts, he successfully pushed to expand the agency's jurisdiction.

If confirmed, Gensler is expected to bring a strong focus on investor protection. But he will also be asked to address the rise of cryptocurrency and the worsening climate crisis.

Climate activists want Gensler to establish mandatory, industry-wide rules on climate change disclosure. That is a step that would likely be opposed by parts of corporate America, especially the fossil fuels industry.

"Mr. Gensler will enter his new position with a clear mandate, and clear expectation, to act on the climate crisis," Mindy Lubber, CEO of sustainability nonprofit Ceres, said in a statement.

Tougher than Trump -- and Obama?

Clearly, Gensler represents a sharp shift from the Trump era.

In 2017, Trump tapped Jay Clayton, an elite lawyer with a long history of defending big banks, to lead the SEC. Under Clayton, who stepped down last month, the SEC obtained orders for more than $14 billion in fines and returned a record $3.5 billion to harmed investors, according to the agency.

However, Clayton also presided over a "modernization" effort that critics say often tilted against investor protection.

For instance, the Clayton-led SEC enacted rules that made it harder for shareholders to submit proposals at annual meetings and to get independent advice from proxy advisers.

Last month, the SEC's own Investor Advocate criticized the "troubling recent actions" of the commission and called the agency out for "selectively abandoning its deregulatory posture by erecting higher barriers for shareholders' exercise of independent oversight over the management of public companies."

"While these typically were characterized as efforts to 'modernize' or 'streamline' regulations, they often had the effect of diminishing investor protections," Rick Fleming, the SEC Investor Advocate, wrote in a report.

Under Obama, the SEC was criticized for not being tough enough after the 2008 financial crisis.

"The record of the SEC was pretty disappointing," said Kelleher, the Better Markets CEO.

Mary Schapiro, Obama's first SEC chair, picked Robert Khuzami, a former federal prosecutor who later became Deutsche Bank's general counsel for the Americas, to lead the agency's enforcement division. Obama's second SEC chair was Mary Jo White, a former federal prosecutor who later became a Wall Street defense lawyer.

Kelleher expressed hope that Gensler won't repeat the "fatal flaws" of the Obama-era SEC by hiring Wall Street's lawyers for key agency posts.

"That's going to be the big tell," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Wall Street has a new top cop. And Elizabeth Warren is a big fan of him."

A man living alone on an remote island has revealed how he lived without electricity for five years and relies on neighbours and foraging for food.

Rory Morgan, 41, used to be a successful human resources executive in Dublin before he decided to quit his job when he was 32, and move to Rathlin Island, a 9km-long 2km-wide island located between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Rory, who admitted he doesn't like water, fishing or the cold, welcomed Ben Fogle on to the island where he's refurbished his grandmother's 500-year-old cottage, for tonight's New Lives in the Wild, airing at 9pm on Channel 5.

'Quirky' Rory, who survives on little money, works shifts at the local pub and is a volunteer firefighter, tells Ben his house is haunted by ghosts and that he relies on 'foraging' through baskets left by friendly neighbours and the only local shop to feed himself.

But in spite of his cheerful and eccentric facade, 'intrigued' Ben soon discovers his host is a 'selfless' individual who puts his friends before himself, and has travelled six times to Lesbos to help refugees, witnessing 'horrific' situations.

Scroll down for video

On tonight's New Lives in the Wild, Ben Fogle visits Rory Morgan, 41, left, who's left everything behind to go live on Rathlin Island, an island located between Scotland and Northern Ireland

Rory makes the revelation while he and Ben are exploring the island and later opens up about it further when the two men sit on the beach at dusk.

When Ben asks him what he feels when he is looking over at the sea, Rory says:

'Today's a nice day but something you look back and think of how dangerous the sea can be.

He goes on to reveal there is the same distance between the island of Ballycastle and Rathlin as there is between the Turkish coast and Lesbos, with refugees making the crossing in the hope of a better life.

'Eccentric' Rory amuses Ben with his quirky ways, but also reveals a more serious side to himself, explaining he's bee to Lesbos six times to help refugees trying to cross from Turkey into Greece in hopes to find a better life

Rathlin Island, which is 9km-long and 2km-wide, is like no other island Ben's ever seen, he tells the camera

'At times it was pretty horrific but I don't like over-talking it, because I was one of thousands of people who went out and helped in a completely horrendous situation,' he says of his time helping in Lesbos.

'I went the first time not having a clue what I was going out to see,' he says, adding he's been six times in total.

'People were sea sick, they were scared, they urinated on themselves... You have the most vulnerable people sitting and swirling around in that kind of mess for maybe 2-3 hours, it was pretty horrific,' he adds.

'I was pretty lucky in some regards: I only witnessed one fatality on the beach. It was an 80-year-old grandmother who was surrounded by her family,' he tells Ben, explaining seeing the elderly was the 'kind of thing that got to him.'

'The world is a horrible place and horrible things happen, I was one of thousands of people who were there,' he adds, saying he feels lucky that it's not had a lasting negative impact.

'I know people who have been out there and have a lot of mental health issues after seeing the horrific thing they've seen,' he adds.

'I do plan to go back out again, not sure just when yet,' he tells his guest.

At the beginning of the episode, Rory amuses Ben with his 'eccentric' ways.

Ben is left surprised and intrigued by his host, who lives in his grandmother's cottage, which he has spent eight years refurbishing.

'When I first moved it, I literally had a flushing toilet and an outside tap,' Rory tells him.

Rory, right, used to work in HR but left his job after 'losing it' eight years go, finding the company he worked for at the time had shown 'no humanity' for the people they had employed

While he's refurbished the cottage to a more comfortable standard, Rory reveals he only 'treated' himself to a generator three years ago, meaning he lived without electricity for five years.

He also tells Ben that he can hear 'people' having a party in the living-room, suggesting the cottage might be haunted.

At first, Ben does not know what to make of his host.

'I'm intrigued, I don't think I've ever been quite as surprised to meet someone that was as unexpected as he is,' he tells the camera.

'I can't tell if he's an extrovert or a very shy person,' he adds, adding Rory is 'keeping [him] on [his] toes.

'I don't even know if he believes in ghosts. I'm completely confused,' Ben adds.

Rory lives on little money, though he tells Ben he is 'by no means uncomfortable.'

The island dweller earns money by working at the local pubs and being a volunteer firefighter - paid for the training time.

The island dweller spent the last eight years renovating his grandmother's cottage, which is 500 years ago. During the episode, he paints it bubblegum pink

When food cannot be delivered to the island, Rory 'forages' around the island, relying on baskets of produce left by generous neighbours to feed himself and his dog.

Even though he doesn't like fish, which Ben remarks is unusual for an islander, Rory relies on seafood deliveries from cargo ships such as lobsters and crabs, which he 'pays in pints' and seaweed he forages from the beach.

He also has a key to the island's only shop and can help himself to some products after hours.

'He's quite eccentric, but it ties in with the whole island itself,' Ben remarks in an aside to the camera.

'It's quite an unusual place, it has a unusual feel, it's kind like no other island I've been to, it's all a bit quirky and eccentric and I love that,' he adds.

Ben says Rory 'keeps him on his toes' after their first meeting, as he struggles to paint a portrait of his host

Rory explains that he was driven to the island after quitting his job as an human resources executive.

After graduating from university in Belfast, Rory launched a successful career which saw him work for several multinational companies, all over the world.

While he tells Ben his mother used to tell him he had a 'horrible job,' Rory used to feel comforted by the knowledge he never treated people 'unfairly' because he knew they had to go home and break the news that they had lost their job to their family.

However, an incident during his last job in Dublin pushed him to leave everything behind.

After months trying to recruit talent from all over the world and convincing people to move to Ireland, the company he was working for at the time decided to close their Dublin office the following month.

Rory and his dog with Ben in front of the cottage after they painted it pink. Rory said the island will always be home to him, but it doesn't mean he won't temporarily leave it

'I just thought "how am I going to tell these people?",' Rory tells Ben.

'And I just lost it. There's no compassion here for people or the upheaval we have put them through to move themselves, their family and all of a sudden, it's "by the way, we've changed our mid, so bye bye now",' he goes on.

He admits to feeling guilty about how he handled the situation and having to tell the people that there were no longer jobs waiting for them in Dublin.

In an aside to the camera, Ben suggests that Rory's volunteering and humanitarian work might be driven by the guilt he still carries from his years working in HR.

During the episode, Ben helps Rory around the house, and even helps him paint the white cottage bubblegum pink.

Rory, who admits he can be 'difficult to live with,' tells Ben he has little patience and that he is single because dating is not a priority for him at this time.

His friends on the island, including him best friend Teresa, admit Rory is an unusual man, but praise his selfless ways, talking of nice things he's done to help them in times of need.

Teresa tells Ben: 'He's told me some of his experiences in Greece and it has touched him quite a lot.

'It's a side he doesn't show anybody but his good friends do know. He's very, very caring,' she adds.

Ben also reveals in the voiceover that Rory is well-liked by many of the islanders, and that eight more people have travelled to Lesbos to help with refugees after he took his first trip.

The island has also been moved to raise thousands in aid of the refugee crisis thanks to him.

'He's not typically islander, but I don't really know if there is such a thing,' Ben tells the camera.

'He's really loved and he brings energy and compassion and kindness here,' he adds.

Ben's trip ends with a night spent on the harbour with Rory's friends, with music and singing.

Ben Fogle: new Lives in the Wild airs tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews post- cyclone situation in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi.
Pakistan authorities have approved the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the country as the nation continues to witness a surge in the number of coronavirus infections.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) approved the vaccine on Monday, two days after it had approved the emergency use of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr Asim Rauf, the DRAP chief executive officer, while talking said the National Institute of Health (NIH) got the Sinopharm's vaccine registered on its name.

"The approval has been given for emergency use and it will pave the way for bringing the vaccine to Pakistan," he was quoted as saying to the Dawn newspaper.

Pakistan has already pre-booked 1.1 million doses of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine and the process of its import will start soon.

Till Tuesday, Pakistan has reported 11,055 deaths due to coronavirus, reported the ministry of National Health Services.

It showed that the number of positive cases has surged to 523,011 after 1,800 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association, a representative body of doctors in the nation, has asked the government to share details of the vaccines which are under consideration for import as well as their efficacy rates.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination: What's going on in healthcare workers' minds?
People's fear of 5G technology is rational. Such technology does emit radiation, even if it's at low levels. But 5G isn't all that different from 4G, and it certainly doesn't cause COVID-19 despite such rumors having spread rapidly across the globe.

Researchers need to better understand how misinformation like this spreads in order to hone their intervention efforts and prevent misinformed perspectives from taking root. In society's virtual world, preventing technological misinformation, in particular, is important now more than ever.

A research team led by Elaine Nsoesie, a Hariri Institute Faculty Fellow, investigated how COVID-19 misinformation proliferated using the same epidemiological techniques for modeling disease transmission. Nsoesie, along with Nina Cesare, a postdoctoral associate at the BU School of Public Health, and other scientists from Harvard Medical School and Ecole Polytechnique Federale recently published their findings in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The team examined the spread of COVID-19 misinformation across eight English-speaking countries, including the United States, using Google Trends. The researchers focused on myths that the World Health Organization (WHO) "busted" on its website including the relationships between COVID-19 and alcohol, ginger root, the sun, 5G, and hydroxychloroquine.

What Nsoesie and colleagues found was that some COVID-19 misinformation spread exponentially across the countries, much like the coronavirus itself.

This rapid proliferation isn't surprising. Most people were scrambling for any sort of information on the mysterious virus in the early months of 2020. "There was such a rapid proliferation of any information at the onset of the pandemic that misinformation had a golden opportunity to enter the public conscience," said Cesare.

Thankfully, debunking myths online seems effective in stopping their spread. As soon as public health officials at WHO responded to COVID-19 misinformation on the WHO website, the number of Google searches for that misinformation dropped significantly.

But, the team was surprised that there seems to be a consistent, global misunderstanding of 5G technology. The myth of "COVID-19 and 5G" spread faster than any of the other rumors they investigated. "I didn't expect 5G to stand out among the misinformation as much as it did," said Nsoesie.

What makes this even more surprising is that 5G technology isn't brand new. Rather, it's a continued development, based on international standards, of the communication technologies preceding it, like 4G.

"5G is the new standard for communication technology. It allows for faster communication by using different frequencies and multiple antennas," said David Starobinski, a professor in Boston University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "It is an evolution of communication technology rather than a revolution," he said.

Even though 5G technology isn't entirely new, there are a few reasons why people might have believed it causes COVID-19.

For one, there is very little transparency from researchers in communication technologies that leads to institutional distrust. "I think the belief has something to do with a certain distrust in government and the ability to tie this narrative about 5G technology into conversations around government surveillance," said Cesare. This distrust is a concern even now, as myths around microchips being put into vaccines explode on Facebook.

Another explanation for why folks might associate 5G with COVID-19 is that such technology emits invisible electromagnetic waves that people fear could impact their health. "People are much more worried about things [like radiation] that they cannot see," said Starobinski.

While exposure to high-power radiation can be harmful to health, Starobinski assures that there have been safety guidelines on the radiation from communication technologies and 5G should be safe to use. "People have been using smartphones for years and we don't see evidence that this radiation has caused noticeable increase in diseases or hospitalizations due to usage," he said. He also noted that "regulators have set limits on the radiation power of 5G devices, though additional safety studies may still be warranted."

And, such radiation can't cause COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral disease that comes from the coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2.

To stop the spread of similar myths in the future, experts need to consistently and clearly correct common misconceptions. And better transparency from both government bodies and researchers could prevent misinformation from ever taking root.

"We [researchers] need to humanize the conversations around misinformation and continue to share true information so that misinformation becomes less prevalent in the media," said Nsoesie.

###
Even as uncertainty looms over their planned tractor rally on the Republic Day, farmer unions agitating against the new agri laws on Tuesday said their preparations are in full gear and authorities should facilitate the "peaceful march", instead of stopping it. After the Delhi Police sought an injunction on the tractor rally, the Supreme Court on Monday said the decision on it has to be taken by the Centre and the police, and the official permission is yet to be worked out.

Protesting unions, which plan to hold the rally on the Outer Ring Road in Delhi on January 26, have begun holding tractor rallies at villages in Punjab to mobilise people for the parade and and said more farmers will be heading to the national capital in batches later this week. There is a great enthusiasm among people in Punjab to become part of the tractor parade. Our batches will start moving towards Delhi from January 23 and 24, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Sidhupur) president Jagjit Singh Dallewal said 20,000-25,000 tractors would come to Delhi from Punjab alone for the planned parade. We want the government to give us permission for our rally. This is our country and it is our constitutional right to voice our needs and demands," said Amarjeet Singh Rarra, general secretary, Deaba Kisan Committee, said on Delhi's Singhu border.

We will march with our farmer unions' flags and the national flag. So if they fight us, they will be fighting the tiranga', he said. He added that instead of preventing the farmers from taking out the march, the Centre and the police should provide a safe corridor for the rally.

While the final plan for the rally is yet to be formulated, volunteers from among the protestors have been roped in to ensure discipline during the march, farmers said. "We met the police today to tell them that our rally will be completely non-violent, and they said they will scrutinise the route details and get back to us tomorrow.

"We also want to see what the government has to say tomorrow at the talks. We will then finalise the plan in 1-2 days, said Lakhbir Singh, All India Kisan Sabha, State Vice President (Punjab). The tractor rally, protestors said, was happening because the government had failed to meet their demands in the last two months, and would be a way to display the farmers' unity.

Our farmer union leaders have provided the government the road map of the parade in advance, so there shouldn't be any reason to not allow us. We have been protesting peacefully till now, and our rally will also be non-violent. It is our constitutional right to be able to enter Delhi, said Kurlal Singh from Punjab's Tarn Taran district.

"Rehearsals for the rally are going on back home in our villages. The volunteers here are being told how to maintain decorum during the march," said Sukhjit Singh Sidhu, a protesting farmer from Patiala who has been camping at the Delhi-Haryana border since November 26. Lakhs of people will turn up here from Thursday, after gurupurab (Guru Gobind Singh's birth anniversary) tomorrow, he said.

Meanwhile, the next round of talks with the government is scheduled for Wednesday. The talks have failed to yield any concrete result as the agitating unions have stuck to their main demand for repealing the agri laws and the government has ruled out any such step. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday hoped that protesting farmer unions will discuss alternatives other than the repeal of the laws in the tenth round of talks and appealed to them not to go ahead with their tractor rally.

"I want to appeal to farmers that January 26 is our Republic Day and the country has got independence after much sacrifice. "Ensuring that the dignity of the Republic day is not affected is the responsibility of farmers also. I hope they will reconsider their decision," he had said.

For nearly two months now, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other states have been protesting against the new farm laws as they apprehend that the Acts will erode the safety net of the Minimum Support Price system and leave them at the mercy of big corporations. The government, however, has discounted these fears and projected the three laws as major agricultural reforms.
Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.
Residents of Baihu Community busy steaming rice cakes for the upcoming holiday

On January 17, residents of Baihu Community in Hefei's Lujiang County are steaming rice cakes to celebrate this time of the year. Every year in the twelfth lunar month, as the Chinese New Year approaches, households in Baihe Community will participate in the tradition of steaming rice cakes, which is an auspicious symbol of people's lives improving year by year.

Residents of Baihu Community busy steaming rice cakes for the upcoming holiday

Residents of Baihu Community busy steaming rice cakes for the upcoming holiday
" " This Neanderthal cranium and mandible were found at La Ferrassie in the Dordogne region of France, in the same area as the skeleton of a buried child. Xavier ROSSI/Getty Images

No matter how much evidence we have to the contrary, Homo sapiens think ourselves very civilized. In fact, we often talk about the other human species that used to share this planet as if they were as far removed from us as armadillos or penguins. But Neanderthals, for instance, did a lot of the same things as their modern human contemporaries: They made jewelry, string, art and more.

Nevertheless, researchers are still hemming and hawing over whether some of the innovations we assume were trademarked by modern humans were shared by our last closest cousin. A study published in the December 2020 issue of the journal Scientific Reports finds that Neanderthals almost certainly buried their dead.

Advertisement

For more than a century, archaeologists have been unearthing buried skeletons of Neanderthals in Europe and parts of Asia, but many of them were excavated using techniques that would make a modern archaeologist wince. Given the way they were exhumed, it has been exceptionally difficult to tell whether the burials were intentional, but it's been assumed by some researchers that Neanderthals were not smart enough to engage in "symbolic behavior" like honoring their dead with a burial.

But a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from France, Germany and Spain reopened the case of a 41,000-year-old skeleton of a 2-year-old child unearthed between 1970 and 1973 in the La Ferrassie rock shelter, a cave in southwestern France. The team re-excavated the site where the child was found, and reviewed the notes from the original dig.

The researchers found the bones to be relatively unscattered (meaning animals likely hadn't messed with the body) and they didn't seem to have been weathered by the elements (which suggests rapid burial after death). In addition, the bones seemed to have been placed intentionally, with the head pointing east and uphill of the other bones, even though the incline of the hill sloped west.

This study indicates that the child was intentionally deposited in the ground, not long after death. Because the dating of the bones indicates the toddler died not long before Neaderthals winked out of existence, this discovery brings up questions about when Neanderthals adopted funerary practice and how widely it spread before their extinction.

Now That's Interesting Funeral practices have been observed in elephants, dolphins and chimpanzees, among other animals.
South Korean authorities have sentenced Lee Jae-Yong, Samsung's de facto leader, to two years and six months following the infamous bribery scandal in 2017. Yong is the only son of Samsung's early-day patron, Lee Kun-hee, leading the South Korean tech-manufacturing giant. His father stepped down from the position due to health issues in 2014.

Jae-Yong, also known professionally in the West as Jay Y. Lee, has been involved in the bribery case alongside South Korea's former president and first lady, Park Geun-Hye, who was sent to jail because of the same issue in2017. After a series of investigations and arrests, Jae-Yong managed to dodge the jail time in 2018, only to be sentenced again this year and transferred to Seoul Detention Center.

"It is very unfortunate that Samsung, the country's top company and proud global innovator, is repeatedly involved in crimes whenever there is a change in political power," the court's verdict says, as noted by the BBC.

In 2017, the tech giant was accused of paying $37,7 million to two non-profits in exchange for political support. These two organizations are operated by Choi Soon-Sil, a close friend of the then-president, Geun-Hye.

Read also: Parler Banned: Amazon Drops Support Following Google and Apple, What Can Users Do?.

Death of the Heir

Lee Kun-Hee took over Lee Byung-Chul's presidency at Samsung after joining Samsung Group in 1966. Byung-Chul is Kun-Hee's father, making Samsung a generational company for over decades.

During his lifetime, Lee was known as a radical leader who never backed down when it came to challenging rival companies, like Japan's Sony Corporation. The controversial boss is known to take the credits for Samsung's transformation from a small-time manufacturer to the world's largest tech company.

In May 2014, Kun-Hee received treatment for his heart attack. Lee also successfully led South Korea to host the Winter Olympics in 2018, and he remained Samsung's de jure leader until his death in October 2020 from cardiac arrest.

Soon after his death, Jae-Yon resumed the leadership. He's been considered one of the country's wealthiest people, amassing over $6.7 billion.

Dirty Dynasty

In fact, this is not the first time a Samsung boss faces such scrutiny from the law.

Besides the controversial bribery account, Lee has blatantly provided the dirty money and asked the president to smoothen his succession. The court charged Lee for bribery, embezzlement, hiding assets overseas, and perjury, although he and his law team have been vehemently denying them.

"The nature of this case is the former president's abuse of power violating corporate freedom and property rights. Given that nature, the court's decision is regrettable," Lee's lawyer, Lee In-Jae, told the BBC.

Kun-Hee, Lee's father, was also involved in bribing president Roh Tae-Woo in 1966 before being pardoned by President Kim Young-Sam in the latter years.

Related post: Huawei Patent Reveals the Use of Tech to Spot Uighur Minorities.
The family of Ian Ogle, who was brutally murdered by the East Belfast UVF, has been targeted with sickening new graffiti that has appeared over night.

It comes as the Ogle family prepares to mark the second anniversary of his death next week.

Mr Ogle was beaten and stabbed 11 times by up to five men near his home at Cluan Place on January 27, 2019.

The East Belfast UVF later admitted its members were involved, but insisted the killing was not sanctioned at a leadership level.

Mr Ogle was targeted after getting involved in a brawl with a UVF man earlier that evening.

For the 18 months prior to his death he had been under threat from the terror gang having refused to show up for a pre-arranged punishment beating.

A number of men have been charged in connection with his murder.

Those targeted in the new graffiti sprayed across walls in east Belfast include his daughter Toni and a teenage relative.

Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland, who was a friend of the victim, has expressed her disgust.

She said: "To those who think they will deter the family from pushing for justice for the brutal murder of Ian Ogle. You will not succeed!

"Ive spoken with family members this evening and they are stronger now in their determination to see justice served on those who took his life," she added.

Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for Belfast East branded those behind the graffiti as "utterly pathetic".

He tweeted: "This case will run its course. Thats justice. Continually mocking, intimidating and terrorising a grieving family is beyond the pale."

Alliance Councillor Michelle Kelly added: "Once again, sickening graffiti directed at a grieving family who have put up with so much over the last few years. Anyone with information needs to pass it to the police."

Speaking for the first time about her son' death last year, Margaret Elliott told the Belfast Telegraph that she was more determined than ever to stand up to the intimidation and threats from loyalist thugs.

Read More

The family have also had to endure cruel taunts on social media and on the streets of Belfast about Ian's murder.

"I am upset, because if they have anything to say, come straight to us," Margaret said. "Don't write bad things on the wall, they are just graffiti cowards.

"If they think they are going to lower us to their level, they won't. We will be strong and we will all stand together because we want our day in court.

"We will put our head high and they won't intimidate us."
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.
Listen to article

Gunmen have kidnapped Prof. Aliyu Mohammed of Department of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and killed his son, Abdulaziz.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the don, who is also the Wazirin Wusasa, was abducted Sunday night at Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Mr Usman Aliyu, another son of the kidnapped professor, told newsmen in Zaria that the incident took place on Sunday at about 10.30 p.m.

He said besides kidnapping his father and killing one of his brothers, they also shot Malam Abubakar Kabir, who is a younger brother to the deceased (Abdulaziz Aliyu).

Aliyu said no sooner than he returned to the family house at 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, he heard sudden gunshots and took cover by hiding somewhere in the compound.

According to him, when the gunshots stopped, he called out to one of his younger brothers who informed him that they (gunmen) had killed their brother and kidnapped their father.

He said the deceased had already been buried according to Islamic rites while the one shot was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Alhaji Ahmad Amfani, the Ward Head of Kuregu, Wusasa, said the community made effort to reach some security agencies, but their effort was not successful as none responded to the distress call.

The state police command is yet to react to the development.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government had also confirmed the report through its Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.

Aruwan said in a statement on Monday that intelligence information said the bandits kidnapped Mohammed and killed his son. (NAN)

By Mustapha Yauri
A global inquiry has identified crucial failures in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic when Chinese authorities could have acted "more forcefully" to protect public health.

The inquiry, which reports to the World Health Organisation, has also found that most countries did not act on warnings about early cases and did not share information fast enough when cases emerged.

Former New Zealand prime minister and former head of UNDP Helen Clark has criticised China and other countries for being too slow to act on the spread of COVID-19. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The report also criticises the WHO for taking three weeks to form an emergency group to counter the virus and being too slow to declare the crisis to be a pandemic.

The findings are part of a second report from an ongoing inquiry chaired by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who said they would look further into the "coherence" of the health response.
CSB Bank rose 2.10% to Rs 236.05 after the bank reported 88.5% jump in net profit to Rs 53.05 crore on a 36.4% rise in total income to Rs 599.24 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20.

Net interest income improved 61.8% to Rs 251.2 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 155.2 crore in Q3 December 2019. Operating profit in the third quarter stood at Rs 182.4 crore, up by 160.5% from Rs 70 crore in the same period last year.

Provisions and contingencies surged 303.7% to Rs 111.47 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 27.61 crore in Q3 December 2019. Of this, the provisions for non-performing assets increased by 59.3% to Rs 56.21 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20.

During the current quarter, as a prudent measure, the bank has made additional provision of Rs 85.10 crore (Rs 15.55 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2020), against the further likely impact of COVID-19 pandemic in respect of exposure of the bank based on the assessment of presently available information. The aggregate provision against the likely impact of COVID-19, including the RBI mandated provision, as on 31 December 31, 2020 stands at Rs 144.87 crore.

Profit before tax in the third quarter was at Rs 70.9 crore, up by 67.2% from Rs 42.4 crore reported in the corresponding quarter last fiscal. Tax expense rose by 24.5% to Rs 17.8 crore in Q3 FY21 from Rs 14.3 crore in Q3 FY20.

On the asset quality side, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 234.89 crore as on 31 December 2020 as against Rs 387.42 crore as on 30 September 2020 and Rs 352.63 crore as on 31 December 2019.

The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 1.77% as on 31 December 2020 as against 3.04% as on 30 September 2020 and 3.22% as on 31 December 2019. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 0.68% as on 31 December 2020 as against 1.30% as on 30 September 2020 and 1.98% as on 31 December 2019.

The Supreme Court of India, in a public interest litigation vide an interim order dated 03 September 2020, has directed banks that accounts which were not declared NPA till 31 August 2020 shall not be declared as NPA till further orders. If the bank had classified borrower accounts as NPA after 31 August 2020, the bank's proforma Gross NPA ratio and proforma Net NPA ratio would have been 3.42% and 1.93%, respectively.

Total advances as of 31 December 2020 were Rs 13,137.3 crore, an increase of 21.6% over 31 December 2019. Total deposits as of 31 December 2020 were Rs 17,753 crore, an increase of 16.5% over 31 December 2019. CASA deposits grew by 23.9% to Rs 5,393 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 4,353 crore in Q3 December 2019. CASA ratio was at 30.4% as on 31 December 2020 as against 28.6% as on 31 December 2019.

The bank's total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as per Basel lll guidelines was at 21.02% as on 31 December 2020 as against 19.69% as on 30 September 2020. Liquidity Coverage Ratio was at 200%, well above the RBI requirement.

Speaking about the performance C VR Rajendran, managing director & CEO, said, The recent revival of the economic activity is having a positive impact on the banking industry as a whole and I am happy that we are no exception to this. In the context of the withdrawal of the moratorium benefits by the regulator, we decided to be prudent by holding provisions in excess of the regulatory provisions on the stressed assets. Apart from the core NII growth, improved trading income/provision reversals at treasury backed by the favourable yield movements, net income by way of PSLC sale etc supported us on the income side.

The key ratios viz NIM, Cost Income Ratio, RoA, RoE, Gross NPA, Net NPA, PCR & CRAR continued to be strong. On the topline front, our deposits and advances could register a YOY growth of 16% and 22% respectively. The new retail vertical with complete product suite and revamped policies will be established shortly. The new SME leadership is also working on volume growth by way of improved sourcing strategy, leveraging of' the branch network and customized product delivery. We look forward to building a sustainable business model by focusing more on these two segments apart from the gold loan portfolio. We will also have a focus on building retail deposit base during the current quarter.

CSB Bank has a a strong base in Kerala along with significant presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. It offers a wide range of products and services to our overall customer base of 1.6 million, with particular focus on SME, retail, and NRI customers.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Northern Irelands approach to road resurfacing has been branded senseless after figures revealed that more than 8m has been paid out in injury claims over a five-year period.

Injuries resulting from potholes, uneven pavements and other road-related defects led to settlements totalling 8.44m since April 2015.

This accounts for 1,215 separate claims, with payouts on the rise.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the Stormont department responsible for Northern Irelands road network, said road maintenance has been underfunded due to pressures facing the public purse in recent years. It said a small number of severe injury claims concluding in a financial year can increase the overall amount of compensation paid out in that year.

In the 2015/16 financial year a total of 1,713,708 was paid out over 262 claims. By the 2019/2020 financial year this had jumped to 2,253,980 over 269 claims. This represents an increase of 24% over the past five years.

These figures were obtained by the Belfast Telegraph via a Freedom of Information Act request. Claims filed in one year may not be paid out in the same 12 months, so direct links cannot be made to the amount paid out and the corresponding number of claims in a given year.

Alliance MLA and Stormont Infrastructure Committee chair Andrew Muir said: These figures are further evidence of our senseless approach to road resurfacing in Northern Ireland. Multiple reports have shown the need for increased funding, and crucially, multi-year budgets to address the state of our roads.

The current short-term, paving over the cracks approach, is a bad deal for the public both as road users and taxpayers, with a list the length of my arm of roads needing resurfaced in North Down.

Ulster Unionist transport spokesperson John Stewart said the DfI needs to consciously tackle the issue by putting greater focus on dealing with road defects.

It is penny wise and pound foolish to pay out compensation when putting the money into roads and pavements is the better way to go in the long term.

Particularly when one of these incidents could lead to a serious injury, he added. I have written to the minister to ask for clarity on these figures and what her long-term strategy is for dealing with the issue.

A DfI spokesperson said that personal injury compensation is linked to the type and severity of injury sustained, so a small number of these large claims being processed and paid out in a financial year can increase the overall compensation total for that year disproportionately.

In addition, the Guidelines for assessment of general damages in personal injury cases in Northern Ireland was revised in February 2019, which resulted in the value of most claims increasing by between 20 to 25%, they said.

There are, therefore, factors relating to personal injury compensation which are outside the Departments control, and there is also a direct relationship between the extent of our roads maintenance activities and public liability claims. Due to the pressures on public sector funding in recent years, road maintenance has been underfunded and this has resulted in some deterioration of the network, however, the department is working hard to ensure that the available budget is targeted at areas of greatest need.

More road maintenance is carried out as funding becomes available and the extent of future programmes is dependent on the overall budget made available to the department by the Executive.

They added that years of underinvestment, in addition to the impact of severe winter weather, has led to deterioration in the road network and in recent years this has impacted on the level of compensation payments.

DfI said they maintained the opening level of investment in Capital Structural Maintenance of the road network at 75m for 2020/21, to help generate regionally balanced growth and to improve connectivity. Some 12m of this allocation will go towards a road recovery fund, with 10m directly targeting rural roads.

In 2019, an Audit Office report estimated that it will take around 1.2bn to clear the backlog of structural road maintenance across Northern Ireland.
Less than two hours after Aleksei Navalny was detained at passport control at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, the man who will hold one of the most important positions in the new White House made a statement on Twitter:

"Mr. Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable," Jake Sullivan, who will become President Joe Biden's national security adviser after the January 20 inauguration, wrote. "The Kremlin's attacks on Mr. Navalny are not just a violation of human rights, but an affront to the Russian people who want their voices heard."

Sullivan's expression of support for the Russian anti-corruption activist was followed a few hours later by a statement from the departing U.S. secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, who has frequently bashed Moscow on its human rights record, arms-control violations, and other issues.

But the speed with which a top official of the incoming Biden administration offered a public statement on Navalny, who was detained and jailed after returning to Russia for the first time since being hospitalized for exposure to a powerful nerve agent from the Novichok group, was itself unusual.

Moreover, Sullivan hadn't even formally started his job yet.

Add to that the fact that the Biden administration has already pledged to take a different course from the departing administration, where President Donald Trump's conciliatory remarks often clashed with otherwise tough talk and punitive sanctions from other U.S. government agencies and officials, including Pompeo.

"The incoming Biden administration has long made it clear that it would pay more attention to human rights than Trump has. So the Biden team was ready for" Navalny's arrest, Thomas Graham, the top Russia official in the White House under President George W. Bush, said.

"We can expect more criticism of Russia's human rights record, but that will come with an offer for serious dialogue on strategic stability, as part of a policy that will likely be billed as 'principled pragmatism' with Moscow," he told RFE/RL by e-mail.

At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 18, Antony Blinken, Bidens nominee to be secretary of state, appeared to mock the Kremlin for its heavy-handed treatment of Navalny, and appeared to suggest his case would be a priority.

It is extraordinary how frightened Vladimir Putin seems to be of one man. I think that speaks volumes. And Mr. Navalny is a voice, I think, for millions and millions and millions of Russians, and their voice needs to be heard in Russia, he said.

I would say more broadlythe challenge posed by Russia across a whole series of fronts is also one that is more urgent, Blinken said. This is very high on the agenda for an incoming administration.

During a hastily organized hearing at a suburban Moscow police station the morning after his detention, Navalny was ordered held for 30 days pending a court ruling on whether he violated terms of his parole while he was recuperating in Germany. The parole condition related to an earlier conviction on financial fraud charges he contends were fabricated.

Ever defiant, Navalny has called on his supporters to take to the streets in protest.

Photo Gallery: Lone Voices: Russians Hold Single-Person Protests After Navalny's Arrest Single-person protests -- the largest allowed by law in Russia -- decried the arrest of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny. Navalny has been placed in a cell in Moscow's notorious Matrosskaya Tishina detention center after a judge at a hastily arranged hearing ruled to keep the Kremlin critic in custody for 30 days following his dramatic airport arrest upon his arrival from Germany. He arrived late on January 17 from Berlin, where he had been recovering from a poison attack in August that Navalny says was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on  

Email to a Friend

Share on LinkedIn





Even before Navalny's detention, Biden's advisers had suggested the case might be a priority. In September, in the heat of the U.S. presidential election campaign, after Germany confirmed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-like substance while traveling in Siberia, Biden himself bashed Moscow, calling the poisoning "outrageous" and "brazen." Trump, meanwhile, dismissed the German conclusions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials have long displayed open disdain for U.S. statements on Russian policies, domestic or foreign; the case of Navalny, whose name Putin refuses to utter, is no exception.

That stance will likely harden further, something that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested in remarks on January 18 as Navalny was facing the makeshift hearing.

"Putin's playing a game of chicken right now with the new Biden administration. In many ways, they are walking into their first major foreign-policy crisis," Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said in a radio interview. "And he's waiting to see, do they just put in a few sanctions and then move on to other things, or do they do something radically different?"

Past Is Future?

Among the administration officials whose portfolios will include Russia policy are several veterans of President Barack Obama's administration, when the White House took a more openly confrontational approach toward Moscow.

That includes the nominee for the director of the CIA, William Burns, who served as ambassador to Russia in 2005-08 and as the No. 2 official at the State Department in 2011-14, under Obama.

And the person nominated to be undersecretary of state for political affairs, a post Burns has also held, was Victoria Nuland, whose Russia and Ukraine work during the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests in Kyiv irked the Kremlin.

"The United States can seize the moment of renewal at home and stagnation in Russia to stretch out a hand again. Putin may not want or be able to take it. But the Russian people should know that Washington and its allies are giving him and Russia a choice," Nuland wrote in an article in Foreign Affairs in June.

A spokesman for the Biden administration's transition team told RFE/RL that Sullivan's tweet was the only statement the incoming team would be making for now.

Pavel Koshkin, a senior research fellow with the Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, predicted the Biden administration would be tougher and more intransigent toward Moscow, but also try to find ways to improve relations. "However, it will be extremely difficult, because today Russia is seen as a hostile nation and a troublemaker rather than as a friend or a problem-solver," he said in an analysis published last month by the Washington-based Wilson Center.

"Specifically, Washington will still view Russia as one of the key, though irresponsible, stakeholders in the international arena, including in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. This means that the United States will try to hold Russia accountable for its foreign and domestic policy," he wrote.

Trust But Verify

As U.S.-Russian relations have continued to spiral downwards, and the Trump administration added yet more layers of sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, there's been building pressure among Russia and foreign-policy experts in Washington to try and find some way to engage with Moscow.

The easiest and most immediate way is likely to be extending New START, the last major arms-control agreement capping the two countries' nuclear arsenals, multiple experts have said. The treaty expires 16 days after Biden is inaugurated unless it is extended by mutual agreement.

While the Trump administration, which pulled the United States out of two arms treaties involving Moscow, has given mixed signals about how it wanted to deal with New START's expiration, the Biden administration has signaled it was open to an immediate short-term extension. The Kremlin has said similar things.

"We will have to look at extending that treaty in the interest of the United States," Sullivan told CNN on January 3.

Another urgent issue the Biden administration will grapple with is the massive recent hacking of U.S. federal agencies. Initial U.S. intelligence reports have pointed to Russian intelligence as the culprit. And the war in Ukraine, pitting Russian-backed militants against Ukrainian government forces, is nearing its eighth year.

Observers say a key question is whether the Kremlin, and the Biden White House, will compartmentalize subjects -- Navalny's arrest, for example -- from another.

"The Biden administration can do both things at the same time, as long as it approaches both issues with care and direction. The Russians are not going to reject renewal of New START or the launching of serious, sustained talks on strategic stability simply because of human rights criticism," Graham told RFE/RL.

However, the Navalny case has greater importance also because of the use of Novichok, a Soviet-designed nerve agent that is now prohibited under the international Chemical Weapons Convention, which Russia is a signatory to. Reporting by RFE/RL and other news organizations have pointed to the possibility that Russia has a secret, undeclared chemical-weapons program.

"Navalny's poisoning will be, at least for the Americans, a matter relevant to strategic stability, because it gets at the issue of Moscow's commitment to honor the treaties that it signs," Graham said. "That said, excessive, gratuitous criticism of Russia's human rights record will poison the atmosphere for any other conversations."

Still another signal that the Biden administration is moving to embrace a more pragmatic approach appeared in a paper published by the Washington-based Center for a New American Security on January 14.

The paper argued that Washington should focus on how Russia and China are increasingly aligned, particularly in their disdain for U.S. foreign policy, and that U.S. policy makers should, among other things, try to drive a wedge between them.

Six days earlier, its lead co-author, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, was announced by Biden's team as the incoming Russia officer for the White House National Security Council, which is to be headed by Sullivan. Previously, she was a top Russia officer in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence during the Obama administration.

"The United States should seek to change Russia's calculus such that Moscow views some cooperation with the United States and Europe as possible and preferable to its growing subservience to China," she wrote. "The United States should monitor and plan for, create headwinds to, and -- where possible -- pull at the seams in Russia-China relations."

Kendall-Taylor did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
Northern Irish farmers are being urged to support and supply Ulster Wool's only depot to help sustain the beleaguered sector post Covid-19.

The collapse of the wool market has affected the income of primary sheep producers, with the majority having received little to nothing for the 2019 clip.

The government has not delivered funding to help sustain the region's wool sector despite lobbying attempts.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) says it is now 'vital' for farmers to use Ulster Wools services to ensure it remains open after the crisis ends.

Ulster Wool, which has one wool grading depot in Muckamore, Co Antrim, works on behalf of 4,000 farmers to maximise the returns received for their wool.

But UFU hill farming chair Nigel McLaughlin said 'difficult times lay ahead' for the sector, and producers must still supply the depot.

"To ensure that it survives and remains open in future, its vital that farmers continue to supply wool to the depot," he added.

"In similarity with other businesses, operational costs for Ulster Wool are rising as a result of the pandemic and the only way to prevent this is if the volume of wool Muckamore receives increases.

Recently lamb prices have been stable and increasing but a large percent of hill and upland farmers have not been able to benefit from this as their lambs were sold as stores by autumn.

With approximately 35-40 percent of the 2020 clip already sold, this season does not look any brighter with lockdown measures remaining in place.

Mr McLaughlin added: I understand many of our farmers will be disappointed by the returns we are getting for our wool this year, but Ulster Wool are working hard on our behalf, representing our best interests.

"Id advise farmers to continue to support Ulster Wool in these difficult times to help sustain the sector and ensure we come out the other side of these unprecedented times in a secure position."

Farmers can contact the depot on 028 9446 2131, and staff will be able to provide information on collection sites in their local area or help arrange delivery of wool.
'Godfather' of pro-life movement Joe Scheidler dies at 93

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Joe Scheidler, the man known as the "godfather" of the pro-life movement, has died at the age of 93.

Scheidler died of pneumonia at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, surrounded by his family at his home in northwestern Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Ann, seven children, 26 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

In 1980  seven years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that abortion was constitutionally protected nationwide under the right to privacy in the due process clause in the 14th Amendment  Scheidler founded the Pro-life Action League to equip pro-life citizens to be a voice for the unborn in their communities.

My fathers proudest accomplishment was the pro-life work of those he inspired to take an active role in the fight against abortion, the greatest injustice of our time, said Eric Scheidler, the eldest son of the deceased advocate, who now serves as the Leagues executive director, in a statement to The Christian Post on Monday.

For years, people have been telling me about the talk or protest where they met my father, and how his words and example prompted them to do more than just talk, but to take responsibility for addressing the injustice.

He added that it was "fitting" that his father died on Martin Luther King Day.

Seeing the impact that regular Americans could have by taking action against racial injustice inspired my father to mobilize Americans in the same way in the fight against the injustice of abortion, he said.

Scheidler's decades of activism are told in the 2016 book, Racketeer for Life: Fighting the Culture of Death from the Sidewalk to the Supreme Court.

The longtime advocate earned the title "godfather of the pro-life movement" due to his ultimate victory in the Supreme Court case NOW v. Scheidler, a legal dispute that was protracted over the course of many years.

The high court ruled in its original decision in 1994 that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) could apply to enterprises without economic motives and pro-life advocates protesting outside of abortion clinics could be prosecuted under the statute. Organizations without economic motives could still affect interstate or foreign commerce and satisfy the law's definition of a racketeering entity, the decision held.

But the lawsuit was contested many times and stretched across many years, resulting in a victory in 2003 for Scheidler at the Supreme Court in an 8-0 ruling. The Supreme Court chastised the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for disregarding a previous ruling in Scheidler's favor.

Pro-life leaders are mourning the loss of a tireless friend and advocate.

"Joe was our raison d'etre  the only reason and sole cause for the Thomas More Society's coming into existence. His unduly long, litigious persecution on the part of the National Organization for Women and the nation's abortion industry  which lasted over nearly three-decades in a landmark court battle, NOW v. Scheidler  was the crucible in which our Thomas More Society was forged," said Tom Brejcha, the president, chief counsel, and founder of the Thomas More Society in a statement emailed to The Christian Post.

"With the death of Joe Scheidler, the pro-life movement has lost a warrior champion, and we have lost a dear friend. Joe believed in defending the innocent lives of babies in the womb, and this was a lifelong calling that he lived so faithfully to his last breath. We rejoice in the truth that Joe so fully deserved to hear these words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'"

Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life advocate whose story was told in the 2019 film "Unplanned," described Scheidler as "a true hero, someone whose opinion mattered."

"He was a giant in my own life and I'm so grateful to have spent time with him and to have listened to his wisdom. There aren't many people who I hope to earn their respect in this life but Joe was one of them," she said.

"I don't know if I ever did earn his respect but I know he always had mine. Not only was he influential in the pro-life movement but he was also a giant in the pro-choice movement, framing many of the decisions they made. My prayers are with his family."

Johnson is also the director of And Then There Were None, a nonprofit organization that helps abortion clinic workers leave the abortion industry and find other employment.
Telegram and the calls of violence on it became a sticking point for former U.S. ambassador Marc Ginsburg who filed a lawsuit against Apple for hosting the messaging app on its App Store.

Ginsburg claimed that he experiences emotional distress over Apple continuing to have Telegram under its wing, as stated in the lawsuit, reported Mashable.

Ginsburg referred to the increasing rate of calls for violence seen on Telegram's chat service, as Endgadget reported. Ginsburg filed the lawsuit alongside his anti-extremism advocacy group, The Coalition for a Safer Web.

Under the suit, he wants Apple to boot off Telegram from the App Store and pay at least $75,000 in damages for the calls for violence.

Telegram Clampdown on U.S. Channels Advocating Violence

Telegram has seen promising download numbers over the past couple of weeks. It had more than 25 million new users in the app.

People started looking for alternatives to Facebook-owned WhatsApp that recently had policy changes and right-wing site Parler that clashed with Google and Apple.

Related story: Google, Apple Suspend 'Free Speech' Parler App in Wake of Capitol Riot

Mashable noted that after Parler getting booted from the App Store, Telegram remained firmly on service despite seeing posts from several far-right groups like the Boogaloo Bois and Proud Boys.

These groups started showing up more on the chat service after the Capitol riot on January 6, sharing hate messages and using it to recruit new members.

Even though these kinds of groups aren't new to Telegram, the increase was still noticeable recently.

In a post to his public channel, Telegram founder Pavel Durov clarified that it supports peaceful debates and protests but strictly prohibited distributing calls for violence, reported The Verge.

In light of this, the app's team "acted decisively" by clamping down on U.S. channels that pushed people to commit violent acts.

Durov said that outside of the "hundreds" of channels with this mission, Telegram managed to stop its spread or filter out "tens of thousands" of other subscribers.

Public Telegram Channels Only Part of Problem on Calls for Violence

Even though the chat service has made efforts to stop calls for violence on its site, moderation on public channels is just one part of the app's problem.

Telegram users can be a part of both private and public channels, although they would need to be invited to be part of a private group.

They can also send one-on-one messages to each other. This is where Telegram's end-to-end encryption becomes a tricky part of their efforts, an aspect that even Durov failed to discuss in his message.

Telegram talked about its efforts to stop public communities that call for violence, but it refused to discuss any complaints about private one-on-one group chats, as per its FAQ.

Read also: Rep. Nunes Calls for Racketeering Investigation on Apple, Amazon, Google for Parler Ban

This caused many concerns not just because of calls for violence on the app but also because it became an avenue for other illegal activities like sharing child sexual abuse material.

Ginsburg also referenced messages on racism and anti-Semitism that was happening in the app. It can be recalled that in 2018, Telegram faced similar issues with Apple after it was kicked out of the App Store for proliferating child sexual abuse material.

The app had since promised to improve its moderation and was returned to the App Store shortly after.
Residents of a small northwestern Manitoba town have been under curfew since Friday as the community battles to curb a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Residents of a small northwestern Manitoba town have been under curfew since Friday as the community battles to curb a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Virus cases began to rise steeply last week in Lynn Lake, about 815 km northwest of Winnipeg  with a few dozen last Wednesday spreading to 132 active cases Saturday, according to a community bulletin.

In a town with just 209 households, there are 38 homes under self-isolation orders, Lynn Lake chief administrative officer Tom Matus said Monday.

There has been 90 to 95 per cent compliance with the new curfew, which asks residents to remain in their homes between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., and is in effect until Jan. 31, he said.

The curfew is enforced by the RCMP and a municipal team funded by the provincial government.

"Council made a decision last week when the spikes were occurring to instate a curfew. We thought that might help if we could get people to voluntarily stay off the streets, it would help stem the spread," Matus said. "Theres only a handful of people that might be flouting the curfew."

The spread  which initially blossomed over the course of around 10 days  seems to have slowed, with only a handful of cases reported over the weekend, Matus said, though official updates on active cases have yet to be released.

There is currently a 16-person task force, initiated by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, working with the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre to distribute groceries and mail to those under isolation orders.

The community hospital  site of 11 acute care beds and eight long-term beds  announced an outbreak Saturday, and was moved to critical/red on the province's pandemic response system.

For now, morale among residents is high, Matus said.

"People understand what must be done and for the most part are complying," he said.

"Continue to maintain safety measures from the province and comply with the curfew  that will help us bring the numbers down and get back to normal."

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 54F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Senate Republicans have the opportunity to not only convict Donald Trump of incitement of insurrection, but also punish him with a ban on ever running for political office again, so he could never again be president or the standard-bearer of the Republican Party. If you are a Republican who believes Trump is a figurative cancer on the GOP, then this is your best chance to remove the tumor.

The problem, as with any operation, is that the procedure comes with risk. For one thing, the surgeon might not remove all of the cancerous growth. What if Trump and Trumpism have already spread too widely inside the party? Even if he cant run again, he can still function as a de facto party boss, installing loyalists in the party hierarchy, endorsing candidates, encouraging primary challenges, and running family members for office up to and including the presidency.

Or the cancer may re-appear in another part of the body politic: a new third-party. A nationwide Trump Party, if it can master the byzantine state-by-state ballot access process, would ensure that Trumps name remains on the ballot even if he were no longer allowed to run himself. A party of his own could be a lucrative grift, a fundraising vehicle that sucks up money from his loyalists and skims a significant portion of it into The Trump Organizations network of businesses. Creating such a schism would also be a potent weapon of revenge against a Republican Party leadership whom Trump has portrayed as backstabbers.

Donald Trump wouldnt be the first ex-president to divide his former party in two. Teddy Roosevelt stormed out of the 1912 Republican convention, accused his successor, William Howard Taft, and party regulars of robbing him of the presidential nomination, and grabbed the banner of the Progressive Party. The current and former presidents split the Republican vote, helping elect Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

Millard Fillmore, by running as the 1856 presidential nominee of the American Party (or Know Nothing Party), accelerated the death of his Whig Party by attracting its conservative supporters, while opponents of slavery flocked to the new Republican Party. Like Wilson, Democrat James Buchanan defeated his splintered opposition with less than 50% of the vote.

The 1848 presidential election saw Martin Van Buren running as the first nominee of the Free Soil Party and peeling off opponents of expanded slavery from the Democratic Party. Van Burens gambit helped Whig candidate Zachary Taylor snatch four Northern states with plurality support, enough to win the Electoral College.

All of these examples involve third-party presidential bids by former presidents, something Trump could not directly do himself if convicted in the Senate and barred from running again. But he certainly could give life to a third party, throw his support to its presidential nominee -- one who might share his last name -- and unsubtly suggest he would be the power behind the throne.

Should these examples scare Republican straight, and avoid provoking Trump with an electoral death penalty? No. Granted, the Whigs didnt survive their 1856 schism. But it was already deeply divided over slavery, and Fillmore wouldnt have been able to save it even if he wanted to. But the Republican and Democratic parties did survive their temporary schisms, by adapting to new political realities.

While its far from the most noble chapter in its history, the Democratic Party was able to let the Free Soilers go after 1848 and successfully regroup in 1852 with New Hampshires Franklin Pierce. A supporter of the Compromise of 1850 and its Fugitive Slave Act, Pierce was able to almost completely unify North and South while the Whigs struggled with the slavery issue. (Though Democrats would soon suffer an even deeper schism when Southerners seceded from the Union, the partys Unionists and Confederates would reunite after the Civil War.) The re-nomination of Taft in 1912 set the Republican Party on a century-long conservative course, one Teddy Roosevelt helped solidify when he abandoned the Progressive Party and endorsed the 1916 GOP nominee.

Republicans cant know today how much revenge Trump would be able exact on their party if they effectively excommunicated him. Maybe Trumps base of supporters is big enough to maintain control of the party, or fatally rip it in two. But for a Republican who wants to be part of a party that cares about enacting conservative policies more than blindly worshiping a nihilistic autocrat, the prospect of Trump running for president again under your partys banner cannot be tenable. The fight for control of the party must be waged; excising the cancer must at least be attempted.

If banning Trump from office means the loss of millions of QAnon supporters and other delusional cultists, so be it. Republicans should have faith that they can adapt to a new political landscape, and compete with Democrats for the votes of rational Americans. If rational Republicans are not in big enough supply today to retain control of the GOP, then they can draw inspiration from their own origin story.

After all, it was the anti-slavery Whigs who recognized their party had become a useless shell, then left it to launch the Republican Party and change the course of history.

Bill Scher is a contributing editor to Politico Magazine, co-host of the Bloggingheads.tv show The DMZ, and host of the podcast New Books in Politics. He can be reached at contact@liberaloasis.com or follow him on Twitter @BillScher.

Photo: The Canadian Press The first Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine dose in Canada sits ready for use at The Michener Institute in Toronto on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

British Columbia's health minister says the province will adjust its vaccination plans in light of the news that Pfizer-BioNTech will not send any doses to Canada next week.

Adrian Dix says the province had expected to receive about 5,800 Pfizer-BioNTech doses, a relatively small amount compared with the roughly 25,000 it's supposed to receive the week after.

But he says the 5,800 doses are still "very significant" to B.C. and any time the province gets news it will receive less vaccine, it is "obviously disappointing."

Dix says the province will have to devote more of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine it has in stock to completing immunizations of long-term care homes and to beginning to administer second doses.

He says second vaccinations are crucial to the success of the program and the province remains committed to giving that shot 35 days after the first.

The federal government announced today that Canada's shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be cut by nearly one-fifth this week and then go down to zero next week.

Pfizer told Canada the shipments would be affected because the production facility in Belgium is being upgraded to produce more doses overall.

Dix says he's "very confident" in the federal government's efforts to get more vaccines to the provinces.


Married At First Sight's season two lovebirds Erin Bateman and Bryce Mohr celebrated their five-year anniversary in 2020.

But the fan favourites will not be appearing on the highly-anticipated MAFS reunion later this month.

Speaking to The Wash, the notoriously private reality TV couple revealed why a comeback on the controversial Nine series will never happen.

Scroll down for video

'I would rather crawl over glass!' Married At First Sight's season two lovebirds Erin Bateman and Bryce Mohr (pictured) have revealed why they won't appear on the upcoming reunion

'We were not invited, we knew nothing about it,' Erin said.

However, the food blogger was quick to add: 'And to be honest I would rather crawl over glass than go to that!'

When Channel Nine confirmed the cast for the 'Grand Reunion' mini-series on Sunday, the only lasting couple from the franchise present were Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli.

'We were not invited, we knew nothing about it': Erin, who has shunned the spotlight since her 2016 season, claimed the couple were never approached - but would have declined an invite

Over: Former couple Elizabeth Sobinoff and Seb Guilhaus were together at the time of filming the reunion series, but have since announced their separation

Former couple Elizabeth Sobinoff and Seb Guilhaus were together at the time of filming the reunion series, but have since announced their separation.

The show's biggest success story - new parents Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant will also not be appearing on the series.

Jules told Daily Mail Australia in December that she has more pressing things to attend to - the couple's newborn son, Oliver.

'Filming is very long and I need to be with him,' Jules said at the time.

'Filming is very long and I need to be with him': Jules Robinson told Daily Mail Australia in December that she and husband Cameron Merchant declined an invite to the reunion because they need to put their son Oliver first

According to Nine, the special will see 'old flames reunite, friendships formed, and broken ones mended' as past conflicts resurface.

However, the trailer also suggests others 'will be held accountable for their actions'.

Married At First Sight Grand Reunion will air over two big nights on Sunday, January 31, at 7.00pm and Sunday, February 7, at 7.00pm on Nine and 9Now
Deborah James is a deputy head teacher, a mother of two children and, since her devastating diagnosis with bowel cancer, she has become an inspiration to many for her frank discussions on the subject.

Shes written a best-selling book, raised significant sums for charity and become a regular voice in the media despite 17 tumours and a series of major operations.

This impressive woman is only 39. Yet her life has been deemed less valuable than millions of her fellow citizens by former British Supreme Court justice Jonathan Sumption  simply on the basis that she has cancer.

After loftily proclaiming that all lives are not of equal value, Sumption delivered his damning judgment during a BBC discussion on the ethics of lockdown with all the clarity that might be expected from one of our finest legal minds.

Deborah James responded with great dignity when British Supreme Court justice Jonathan Sumption suggested her life had less value

When Deborah responded, with great dignity, that she was the sort of person whose life he viewed as lacking value, Sumption responded: I didnt say it was not valuable. I said it was less valuable.

After a horrified backlash over such a heartless comment, the prominent anti-lockdown campaigner yesterday insisted his comments were made in the context of his earlier remarks on the harm done to the young through lockdowns designed to protect the elderly. And that he was talking about a standard concept in health economics rather than specifically about Deborah or the fact that she had bowel cancer.

I suspect few viewers who saw the exchange on BBC1s The Big Questions will be convinced, not least since he repeatedly made his argument that the lives of young and healthy people are more valuable than those who are old.

Yet for all the justified outrage, the former judges comments sadly reflect wider views that have corroded our society and perpetuate the notion that people with disabilities and those in the twilight of their lives are a burden, to be hidden away and forced to the fringes of society.

British Supreme Court justice Jonathan Sumption faced backlash for his comments on a BBC discussion on the ethics of lockdown

Ive faced this nonsense all my life  that a person is less worthy if they are physically deficient, tweeted the comic Francesca Martinez, who has cerebral palsy.

The callous consequences of treating some lives as less valuable than others can be seen all around us. Why, after all, have we let our social care system become so corroded other than because of societys lack of concern for those who rely on it?

Why did the authorities see care homes as a secondary consideration when the pandemic struck, even sending elderly patients back into them at its start with such deadly consequences?

Why is there still so little fuss over figures suggesting three-fifths of deaths from this new coronavirus involve people with disabilities, and no furore over fatality rates almost four times higher for people, such as my daughter, with learning disabilities?

Lord Sumption  a brilliant former Reith lecturer  has provided crucial intellectual cover since the start of the pandemic for those who insist that lockdown is a denial of historic liberties.

It has been hard to escape seeing that mop of white hair and hearing his plummy tones pontificating in the media on what this 72-year-old perceives to be mistaken policies. At one point last year, he claimed that lockdown mocks our humanity.

Yet who is really mocking humanity? The former law lord making haughty judgment on the value of other citizens lives  or the doctors, the politicians and the scientists desperately trying to save people amid the devastation of a deadly new disease?

His apparent display of contempt towards a mother with cancer, his use of extreme logic that seemed to drive out any sense of compassion, exposed a disturbing shadow of eugenics that has been in evidence during this pandemic.

Remember all that initial talk of simply letting the virus rip through society regardless of the consequences? The logic of that proposition was that people who are old, sick or disabled must either die or stay shielding in their homes to benefit wider society.

Remember, too, the callous words of one food chain boss when he urged the sacrifice of a few thousand lives of very old or vulnerable people so younger people could be freed from purgatory?

Such arguments are not only shocking: they present a false dichotomy between health and the economy. The reality is that countries handling Covid the best and protecting most lives emerge with stronger economies and return fastest to normality.

Of course, many will argue that Sumption is simply placing different values on human lives in the same way that medics do with the use of triage in an emergency, sometimes choosing between patients on the basis of the likelihood of their survival.

But the medics instant decision-making is very different from the former judges considered and sweeping remarks.

Yet do not just blame Sumption, nor his supporters, for their unsympathetic attitudes reflect dark, age-old bigotries that still lie deep in society.

We glimpsed such views when, early in the pandemic, doctors hastily imposed blanket do not resuscitate orders on residents in care homes, without consent, which would have permitted patients in life-threatening emergency being left to die.

We saw it also when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence had to clarify its critical care guidelines after an outcry over fears that its frailty scoring system would deny treatment for many patients with cerebral palsy or learning disabilities.

Behind such issues lie fundamental questions that should be confronted; questions over the value our modern society, with its quest for perfection, places on people with serious illness, profound disabilities or suffering the inevitable frailties of old age.

When the NHS is worshipped and clapped, but the fragmented social care system has been allowed to run down, it underscores the woeful lack of value given to those who rely on social care as well as those working in the system.

One reason for Britains high number of deaths is that we corral people needing support into care homes, which are frequently run by fat-cat profiteers at the expense of sensitive care.

We see this also in the way too many people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health problems are locked up in psychiatric hellholes that rely on physical and pharmaceutical restraint.

Meanwhile, we live in a world that is slowly eliminating Downs syndrome and aborting children even up to birth on grounds of disability, sometimes on the basis of apparent abnormalities that are comparatively slight. Yet people with Downs, like many others with learning disabilities, can have long, happy and fulfilling lives that enrich the human condition.

And now we are entering a new age of genetics that is making wonderful strides forward for healthcare, but also unleashing a sinister new age of eugenics through scans and tests in which scientists talk freely of eliminating disabilities before any such people are born. What message does that send to society and those living with such conditions?

Lord Sumptions comment was arrogant, demeaning and offensive to a remarkable woman. Yet the sad truth is that he is far from alone in deeming the lives of some people to be worth more than many others due to their age, disabilities or health.
No need for COVID-19 test to extend visa, says Phuket Immigration

PHUKET: Phuket Immigration has confirmed that evidence of a COVID-19 test proving that a foreigner is not infected with the virus is not required in order to extend a permit-to-stay, a process often referred to as extending visas.

COVID-19Coronavirusimmigration

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 09:30AM

COVID-19 tests are not required for extending visas, Phuket Immigration has confirmed. Photo: The Phuket News

Phuket Immigration Deputy Chief Col Nareuwat Putthawiro told The Phuket News that his office has not received any such order from the Immigration Bureau main office in Bangkok or from higher-ranking officers at the regional headquarters in Songkhla.

We do not require any medical documents for an application to renew a visa, because there are few foreigners movements outside Phuket. Most of them live and work in Phuket, and have done so before the new wave of COVID-19, Col Nareuwat said.

So they [foreigners] do not have to worry about it. Everything is still the same, he added.

Col Nareuwat also noted that his understanding was that a COVID-19 test was still not required for foreigners to renew their work permits  a formal permit issued by the Employment Office that overlaps with many immigration applications.

At this stage, they just need a medical certificate only, not a medical document confirming they have tested negative for COVID-19, he said.

We have not received any notices about COVID-19 requirements for processing applications to renew visas. If we do receive any such orders, we will let the public know, Col Nareuwat assured.
Air Force SSgt. Kirielle Sjoblom, in foreground, awaits takeoff in a KC-135 of the 168th Wing of the Alaska Air National National Guard on Sunday for a deployment to Washington, D.C.
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.
Listen to article

Face of Nigeria 2020/2021 Winner, Queen Vivian Okpala brought back significance and undoubted memories of the October 20th Lekki Massacre in this artistic expressive photo shoot.

The sad event which occurred during a massive protest against police brutality inflicted by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad known as Sars still lingers in people's mind especially the youths who were also clamoring for a change that will give birth to a new Nigeria .

Queen Vivian, in remembrance of the event, described the day as Black Tuesday that will go down in Nigerias history as the day innocent Nigerian lives were lost to police brutality.

"As we kick start a new year, let us not forget the names of our brothers, sisters who gave their lives towards the cause of a NEW NIGERIA", says the Anambra-state born beauty queen.

"We cannot give up on NIGERIA, not now, not ever. Nigeria will be great again and the effort of these heroes will never be in vain", she added.

In the same vein, Queen Vivian announced her new campaign themed 'NEW NIGERIA', an intiative open to forge and blend ideas, actions towards a greater forte in the country.
ARISS contact is scheduled for students at Hisagi Junior High School, Zushi, Japan

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact with astronauts. ARISS is the group that puts together special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on the International Space Station (ISS).

This will be a direct contact via amateur radio between students at the Hisagi Junior High School and astronaut Shannon Walker radio call sign KD5DXB. Both onsite and remote access will be provided to the student body at the time of the contact per Covid-19 guidelines. Amateur radio operators, using the callsign 8N1ZH will operate the ham radio ground station for this contact. Students will take turns asking their questions. English is the language to be used during the contact. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz.

The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 5:17 pm JST (Zushi), (08:17 UTC, 3:17 am EST, 2:17 am CST, 1:17 am MST and 12:17 am PST).

The public is invited to watch the live stream at: https://youtu.be/94C9pVIvO6I .

Hisagi Junior High School is a public school (about 480 students, grades 7  9) in the central part of Japan, about 50 km southwest of Tokyo. This ARISS contact will be a hands-on activity that will allow the students to learn more about the ISS and its purpose, and other space-travel related topics such as orbital mechanics. Students asking questions during this contact will be licensed amateur radio operators.

As time allows, students will ask these questions:

1. What kind of infection countermeasures are you taking against the COVID-19?

2. What was your driving force for the challenges?

3. I think it takes a lot of effort to become an astronaut, but is there any way to continue the effort?

4. What is the most beautiful view you have ever seen in space?

5. What can we do only in space?

6. What was scary in space?

7. What is the inconvenience of the Space Station?

8. What kind of space food do you like the best?

9. What do you want to do when you return to Earth?

10. What was the hardest part of training to become an astronaut?

11. What can only be seen from space?

12. What is the hardest work in space?

ARISS  Celebrating 20 Years of Continuous Amateur Radio Operations on the ISS

About ARISS:

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab-Space Station Explorers, and NASAs Space Communications and Navigation program. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org.

Media Contact:

Dave Jordan, AA4KN

ARISS PR

Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Search on Amateur Radio on the ISS and @ARISS_status.
WASHINGTON - More than 21,000 National Guard troops assumed positions across the heart of the nation's capital on Monday as military and law enforcement officials took new steps to head off insider threats among the massive force of part-time soldiers during President-elect Joe Biden's swearing-in this week.

As part of an intense inauguration security effort after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, authorities have launched a process to subject troops from the District of Columbia National Guard and a host of states to additional security screening for links to extremist or other violent groups.

Concern about potential internal threats has intensified as investigators have identified a growing list of individuals with law enforcement and military ties, including at least two service members, among the rioters who stormed Congress in their effort to overturn President Donald Trump's electoral loss.

On Monday, an Army reservist from New Jersey became the latest service member known to be charged with participation in the riot, which left at least five people dead and disrupted lawmakers' attempt to certify Biden as the next U.S. president.

The Defense Department, assisted by the FBI, will conduct special vetting for National Guard personnel, who are expected to number up to 25,000 for the inauguration on Wednesday, said acting defense secretary Christopher Miller.

"While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital," Miller said in a statement. While law enforcement vetting typically occurs before major security events, he added, "in this case the scope of military participation is unique."

An FBI official said the bureau was conducting "name checks" for the guardsmen in addition to vetting done by the Defense Department. It was not immediately clear whether the military or state national guards are doing any new or additional screening of the guardsmen, who were vetted as part of their recruitment and security clearance process.

The presence of camouflaged guardsmen flanking Washington's federal heart, largely closed off with steel fences and concrete crash barriers, has added to the sense of tension across the city in the days since the Capitol riot.

Even as expected follow-up protests have not materialized significantly, authorities have promised to keep a high alert throughout a scaled-back inauguration.

The heightened scrutiny of guardsmen highlights the Pentagon's concerns about growing extremism, including support for white nationalism and anti-government groups, among veterans and serving troops. Authorities acknowledge that rooting out the problem has proved challenging, which they say reflects larger trends across American society.

Before the riot, as part of the military's reckoning with its legacy of racism and discrimination, Miller ordered a review of how the military handles extremism in the ranks. Officials are hoping to determine whether existing steps to identify and address extremist affiliations and actions are adequate.

Also on Monday, the Army confirmed that Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, whom the Justice Department has charged with five counts including obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, serves as a sergeant in the Army Reserve. Task and Purpose first reported the man's Army affiliation.

According to a charging papers, a source identified Hale-Cusanelli, who works as a contractor for the Navy at Naval Weapons Station Earle, as an "avowed white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer" and said he admitted to entering the Capitol as part of the riot. Hale-Cusanelli told the source that he directed others to advance and admitted to stealing a flagpole that was used by another rioter to attack a member of the Capitol Police, the paper said.

According to the Army, Hale-Cusanelli, a human resources specialist, serves in the 174th Infantry Brigade out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

"The Army does not tolerate racism, extremism or hatred in our ranks and is committed to working closely with the FBI as they identify people who participated in the violent attack on the Capitol to determine if the individuals have any connection to the Army," a spokesman for Army Reserve Strategic Communications said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Spencer Hsu, Matt Zapotosky, Carol D. Leonnig and Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
An armed robber who held a celebrity designer known as the 'pearl queen' at knifepoint before stealing 630,000 worth of gems is facing years behind bars.

Ricky Gray robbed Christianne Douglas's store Coleman Douglas Pearls, in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge.

Mrs Douglas - whose clients include Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Halle Berry - was forced into her basement where she kept her stones and valuables.

Gray ordered Mrs Douglas to fill up three large bags with pearls worth 630,000 before fleeing the scene on July 9, 2019.

In November 2012, Gray was jailed for eight years after he stole some 250,000 of diamonds from the founder of Petplan, Patsy Bloom, in a robbery at her 3.5million London home.

Ricky Gray robbed Christianne Douglas's store Coleman Douglas Pearls, in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge

Princess Anne visited Mrs Douglas's London showroom in her capacity as Patron of UK Fashion Exports

Mrs Douglas sells pearls and bespoke jewellery, and her designs have featured in Hollywood movies including the 2005 film Match Point, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson.

Her pearls, hand-sourced from across the world, including in Japan and French Polynesia, have also featured in Vogue, Tatler and Vanity Fair.

Princess Anne visited her London showroom in her capacity as Patron of UK Fashion Exports, and her jewellery has also graced the pages of Vogue, Tatler and Vanity Fair.

Prosecutor Misba Majid told the court how Gray dropped a bag of jewellery as he fled the scene.

'On July 9 at around 7pm Mr Gray entered the store. It was seen on CCTV that he had gone over to a cabinet. He asked to look at an item.

'It is at that point he used a knife and threatened the victim and asked her to give him money from the safe. She explained there was no money only card transactions took place.

'He asked her to fill three large bags up with jewellery. He was assisted by a staff member. He left the jewellery store. In his attempt to flee he dropped one bag of jewellery.'

The court was told how Gray had robbed businesswoman Patsy Bloom in 2012.

Gray robbed Christianne Douglas's store Coleman Douglas Pearls, in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge

Gray was jailed for eight years after he stole some 250,000 of diamonds from the founder of Petplan, Patsy Bloom (pictured)

He screamed, 'Give me everything you've got,' before frogmarching Ms Bloom to the safe in her 3.5million home overlooking London's Regent's Park.

Gray escaped with a 250,000 haul, including a 68,000 pair of 18-carat white gold earrings and a 19,000 diamond pendant after the raid in May that year.

Ms Bloom, who netted 16million with the sale of animal insurer Petplan, was left 'extremely shaken' after the raid.

Gray, who is currently being held at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, admitted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon and will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 1 February.

He also faces sentence for an unrelated robbery.

He has previous convictions for robbery, theft, aggravated burglary and four counts of burglary.

Eighteen members of the same family contracted coronavirus after one of them hosted a holiday party despite showing symptoms beforehand.

The family's nightmare began on the morning of December 26 in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania, when Darlene Reynolds, 55, woke up with a scratchy throat.

The slight irritation couldn't have come at a worse time, as Reynolds was preparing to welcome relatives traveling in from as far as Canada the next day, she told WPVI this week.

Reynolds apparently knew that it could be a symptom of COVID-19, so she continued monitoring herself her other signs.

'I had no fever because I kept checking it - no fever, no fever, no fever. I said: "I'll keep a distance since I have a tiny little cough,"' she said.

The party proceeded as planned, and soon after more family members began to fall ill from what would turn out to be a superspreader event.

Scroll down for video

Darlene Reynolds (left), her son Luke (right), and 16 of their relatives contracted COVID-19 after a holiday party in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania, on December 27

Reynolds said she and her relatives didn't initially know that they had COVID-19, suspecting that it could be the flu instead.

But when they went to get tested, coronavirus was confirmed to be the culprit.

'My husband tested positive the next day. And then [my daughter] was getting sick and she tested positive, and my son tested positive,' Reynolds said.

A total of 18 relatives - ranging in age from one year old to 62 - ended up testing positive for the virus, she said.

Both her son Luke and husband Stephen developed cases so severe that they ended up in the hospital.

Luke was discharged on Monday, Reynolds announced in a cheery Facebook post, but Stephen is still sick to come home.

'He's headed in the right direction. He'll need oxygen when he comes home,' Reynolds' daughter, Joy Purdie, told WPVI.

Reynolds explained her family's plight in an interview with WPVI this week (pictured)

Darlene's son Luke is seen in the hospital before he was discharged on Monday

Making matters worse, Stephen's business, Mini Movers, has been unable to take on jobs after its truck broke down - leaving the family without income to cover hospital bills.

But the family received a helping hand when a woman named Lisa Riggin caught wind of their story on Facebook and started asking other members of the small community to join her in providing financial support.

Lisa Riggin (pictured) set up Venmo and PayPal accounts which have so far raised $4,000 for the Reynolds family

Riggin set up Venmo and PayPal accounts which have so far raised $4,000 for the cause.

'The truck's been down for a month and they haven't had income and I just don't want to see them lose their home or their business,' Riggin told WPVI.

'People are donating, not as much as I would like, but people are responding. We had a guy last night who donated $500. He doesn't even know me or her.'

The Reynolds' family story came to light as America's recent devastating surge in coronavirus cases - which experts say was fueled by holiday travel and gatherings - appears to be tapering off slightly.

As of midday Tuesday, more than 24 million cases and 399,008 deaths have been confirmed around the US. Of those, 777,186 cases and 19,467 deaths came from Pennsylvania, according to the state health department.

As of midday Tuesday, more than 24 million cases and 399,008 deaths have been confirmed around the US. Of those, 777,186 cases and 19,467 deaths came from Pennsylvania, according to the state health department

Nearly every state has seen a fall in the number of people testing positive in the last seven days aside from Maine, South Carolina and Virginia, which are all on the rise. Three states - Delaware, New Jersey and Texas - report no changes.

Daily new cases have also fallen from a peak of 283,204 on January 8 to 137,885 on Tuesday, January 19 - a 51 percent drop in 11 days. The seven-day rolling average of 200,407 is the lowest that figure has been since the new year.

However, Dr Anthony Fauci has warned that masks and social distancing aren't going anywhere any time soon and that the nation may have to prepare for the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay.

'We have to make that as a possibility. We've got to be prepared for that,' said Fauci told The National Desk on Tuesday.

'Right now we're fortunate enough to have a vaccine that is extremely efficacious for the strain that now is circulating in our own country. We may need to make modifications, as new strains that are different come in.'

The nation's top infectious disease expert says normalcy may only occur when the majority of the country is vaccinated.

'When we get the country to be 70 percent to 85 percent vaccinated, and we get this blanket or umbrella of herd immunity so that the level of virus is so low in society that it's not really a threat to anybody, then we can start coming down on the stringency of the public health measures,' Fauci said.

'Bottom line is that if you get vaccinated, you can't throw away the masks, because you could be infected and conceivably infect others.'

Just 14.7 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, and only about 54 percent of vaccine doses distributed to states have been administered to people, according to data from Bloomberg.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Bayelsa House of Assembly has denied rumour of an impeachment plan against Governor Douye Diri.

The Chairperson, House Committee on Information, Tari Porri, while briefing reporters in Yenagoa on Tuesday, said the rumour was a distraction.

There have been reports of a dispute between the legislature and the executive in the state over the disbursement of N38 billion refunds from the federal government.

Mr Porri, who represents Ekeremor Constituency 1, said this was the second time such rumour was being circulated in the state.

The sixth Assembly under Speaker Abraham Ingobere has shown that they dont know what those behind the alleged plot are talking about.

The Assembly has no reason to impeach the governor, we have never contemplated that before, Mr Porri said.

We strongly believe those peddling such rumour never mean well for our dear state.

Under the leadership of Hon. Abraham Ingobere, we have never thought of such for a man who has started most of his promises to his people, he added.

The lawmaker said the 19 members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the five members of the All Progressives Congress in the Assembly were working in harmony with the governor and the leadership of the Assembly.

Mr Diri of the PDP became governor of Bayelsa State after the court sacked David Lyon, governor-elect,of the All Progressives Congress, following irregularities in the credentials of his deputy, just a day before his swearing in ceremony.

(NAN)
Valentino to join Paris Fashion Week virtually with live stream from Palazzo Colonna in Rome.

Valentino, the luxury Italian fashion house, is to participate in Paris Fashion Week virtually by live streaming its latest collection from one of Rome's most prestigious palaces.

The Valentino collection will be presented in the Sala Grande at Galleria Colonna, a masterpiece of the Roman Baroque, at 15.00 on Tuesday 26 January, as part of the influential Parisian fashion event.

The Italian maison will show its Code Temporal Haute Couture collection as part of a special streaming conceived by the creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli in collaboration with the British artist Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack.

"Valentino will continue to participate in the appointment with the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode by unveiling the presentation on its official website, as planned in the Parisian calendar" - reads a statement from the fashion house - "The performance will be presented on digital channels in compliance with the current situation."

Valentino also stressed that the majestic location of the Sala Grande in Galleria Colonna was chosen "to highlight the mastery behind Valentino Couture."

The venue will also play a pivotal role in a film made by Del Naja that explores the haute couture process. The film, based on a script inspired by the theme of collage, was integrated with machine learning algorithms and modified spontaneously by German neural artist Mario Klingemman.

"These unprecedented times that the world is facing and the continuous updating on covid-19 regulations, have led the maison to reconsider how to present its collections in a completely safe scenario," explained a statement released by Valentino.

Palazzo Colonna has been the home of the noble Colonna family for eight centuries, and its Galleria Colonna contains a stellar private art collection including works by Caracci, Pietro di Cortona and Veronese.

A highlight is its stately Great Hall, or Sala Grande, whose steps contain a cannon ball fired by the French Army from the Janiculum Hill in 1849 during the period of the Roman Republic.

The palace is currently closed to the general public under Italy's covid-19 restrictions. Photo Galleria Colonna.
Madam Dinah Ohene-Adu, Disease Control Officer at the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly (NJSMA), has called on the Municipal Assembly to put up effective measures to ensure residents adhered to the safety protocols to manage the spread in the area.



She disclosed that 2,031 coronavirus test samples had so far been taken in the municipality, out of which 346 were confirmed positive and 1,679 negative with 17 deaths since the pandemic.



She made this known during a drama organised by the Eastern Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) on the theme "Stop the Spread, Hye Wo Mask, Covid-19 is Real" to raise awareness and educate the public on the measures against Covid-19.



The drama formed part of a nationwide Awareness Campaign organised under the auspices of the National Commission on Culture in collaboration with the National Covid-19 Trust Fund.



She observed that people were not observing the safety protocols especially putting on the mask because they believed the disease did not exist and appealed to the assembly to put in place strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the area.



Mr Peter Marfo, Acting Director of the CNC, Eastern Region, indicated that available statistics from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) showed that most people had given up on the protocols, hence the drama, to convey to the community, the dangers associated with not adhering to the safety protocols.



He explained that the drama served as a reminder for all to constantly wear the nose masks as it was seen as one of the surest ways to halt the spread and urged Ghanaians to keep wearing the mask to protect lives since the second wave of the disease was more dangerous.



He said the drama had coincided with the reopening of schools, as an additional education platform to dramatise the need to observe the safety protocols especially the use of nose mask to help instill the habit of hand washing and frequent use of the alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the schoolchildren especially.



Mr Isaac Apaw Gyasi, Municipal Chief Executive of New Juaben South Municipal Assembly (NJSMA), noted that drama as a means of communication was important as it offered the platform to address social ills.



He said to curb the disease, the Assembly was going to join hands with appropriate stakeholders to continue educating the masses and pleaded with the citizenry to adhere to all protocols, particularly social distancing, to ensure the safety of all.



Nana Twumasi Dankwa, Gyasehene of New Juaben Traditional area, also called on parents to ensure that their children wore the nose masks anytime they left the house especially now that schools had resumed to prevent the spread.

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
Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Periods of rain. Thunder possible. High 58F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 43F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Following this months siege on the U.S. by a pro-Trump mob and ahead of Wednesdays inauguration of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, a Massachusetts congressman and veteran says Congresss meeting place is looking like Baghdad, Iraq.

Rep. Seth Moulton, a Salem Democrat and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, told WCVB in an interview Tuesday morning at Boston Logan International Airport that the Capitol looks like Baghdad right now, calling the scene sad for our country.

There are a lot of reasons this is historic, the United States congressman said. Its also historic because of the unprecedented level of security at the U.S. Capitol.

Moulton is one of several Massachusetts lawmakers who was at the Capitol when it was stormed on Jan. 6, leading to dozens of arrests, the discovery of multiple explosive devices and five fatalities, including the death of a police officer.

In the wake of the violence, Moulton and several other members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation called for Republican President Donald Trump to be held accountable for inciting the deadly riot.

For weeks, Trump had urged his supporters to go to Washington, D.C. to take action after losing numerous court cases challenging the outcome of the November 2020 election, which the incumbent commander-in-chief has repeatedly claimed without evidence that he won by a landslide. The false assertion has been widely discredited.

Prior to the insurrection, Trump told a crowd of his backers at a rally held at the Ellipse south of the White House: If you dont fight like hell youre not going to have a country anymore.

Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately, Moulton tweeted in the hours after the siege. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment.

Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment.  Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 6, 2021

The president has since been impeached. As his trial looms, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has reportedly called the decision of whether to convict Trump over the Capitol riot a vote of conscience.

The trial is expected to start following Bidens inauguration, which authorities have stepped up security for in anticipation of any violence.

According to the Associated Press, the Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to vet all 25,000 National Guard troops coming to D.C. for the inauguration. U.S. defense officials have said they are concerned about a potential insider attack or another threat from those involved in securing the event.

So far, the United States Department of Defense has stated it has no intelligence indicating an insider threat, though the agency noted it is leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital.

This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events. However, in this case the scope of military participation is unique, Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said in a statement.

An Associated Press investigation revealed at least 21 current or former members of the U.S. military or law enforcement were at or near the Capitol riot when the violence broke out.

Moulton told WCVB on Tuesday that lawmakers have been briefed on very specific threats to members of Congress, different militia groups that are organizing and trying to upset the festivities.

They come from domestic terrorist groups, all on the right, all supporters of Donald Trump, he said.

Related Content:
The contract is expected to increase Leveljump's revenues by 7-11%

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Leveljump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) ("Leveljump" or the "Company"), a Canadian leader in B2B telehealth solutions, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc. ("CTS") has secured contracts with a network of four hospitals, located in Southern Ontario.

CTS anticipates that the new client hospitals billings will increase the Company's revenues by approximately 7-11%.

CTS services will be predominately provided for emergency overnight services and focused on patients requiring CAT scans as well as other medical imaging scans.

The Company has employed more radiologists in order to accommodate each hospital's needs.

The onboarding of the new clients has already begun with IT integration and radiologist credentialing. CTS services are expected to commence during the first quarter of 2021.

"We are honoured to be selected as the provider of emergency teleradiology reporting for these hospitals," said Mitchell Geisler, CEO of Leveljump Healthcare Corp. "This contract will increase our client base, which will significantly increase our revenues and cash flow. Moving forward, we intend to continue growing our brand in order to establish ourselves as a leader in the teleradiology space in Canada."

About Leveljump Healthcare

Leveljump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) is building a national medical diagnostic imaging company and brand, primarily by providing teleradiology (remote radiology) services to its client hospitals and imaging centers. Additionally, JUMP plans to expand through the acquisition of independent healthcare facilities focused on diagnostic imaging as well as acquiring new disruptive imaging technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

LEVELJUMP HEALTHCARE CORP.

Mitchell Geisler, Chief Executive Officer

info@leveljumphealthcare.com

(877) 722-6965

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72305

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 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.
[January 18, 2021] Growatt expands its service team in Brazil, building foundation for further growth

MARINGA, Brazil, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Growatt, the global leading inverter supplier continues to increase its investments in Brazil and has established a call center in Maringa in addition to its technical support center in Sao Paulo. Increasing Investments Growatt has been increasing its investments significantly in Brazil over the years and has achieved exponential growth in the distributed generation sector. In 2019, the company set up its technical support center in Sao Paulo and partnered up with Aldo Solar, the largest PV distributor to promote its advanced PV solutions among the Brazilians. "We have built local marketing team to promote our advanced and reliable solutions and local service engineers to provide efficient customer service. In addition, our team has been working along with our partners to develop products and solutions that meet the demand n Brazil," said Lisa Zhang, Growatt Marketing Director.



Going digital In 2020, the COVID-19 disrupted the solar industry, but the team at Growatt Brazil continued to provide training for customers via online meetings and webinars. Its service team went on to leverage its advanced remote monitoring platform, the OSS(Online Smart Service) system to provide efficient support and service and help reduce on-site visits and O&M costs for installers.

Ambitious for 2021 Growatt has added MAC 15-36KTL3-XL inverter for three-phase application at 220V to its product offerings in Brazil. This year, the company is planning to launch MIN 7-10KTL-X with 3 MPPTs for single-phase solar PV applications according to Zhang. Looking ahead at 2021, Growatt is ambitious for its business expansion and looking to achieve the position among the top 3 suppliers in the Brazilian solar market. So far, the company has shipped over 200,000 inverters in the country. "We are committed to the development of solar energy in Brazil. We are continuing to build a bigger and stronger local team for customer service and marketing, and with that foundation, we'll bring our business in Brazil to next level," Zhang added. About Growatt Growatt is a global leader of smart energy solutions and provides residential, commercial and large scale PV inverters, energy storage, microgrid systems and smart energy management solutions. Founded in 2010, Growatt has established an extensive network with 14 branches worldwide. Growatt ranks among global top 10 PV inverter suppliers according to IHS Markit and Wood Mackenzie. SOURCE Growatt

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Brasilia, Jan 19 : Brazil, currently one of the hardest-hit countries in the world by the pandemic, has launched its mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus, Minister of Health Eduardo Pazuello said.

The initial plan was to begin nationwide vaccination on Wednesday, but the date was moved up on Monday in response to the request of state governors, Xinhua news agency quoted Pazuello as saying on Monday.

"The governors asked that as soon as (the vaccines) arrive in the states, they have the freedom to begin vaccination," the Minister of Health added.

By Monday afternoon, all states were expected to have received their doses of the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Chinese laboratory Sinovac in collaboration with the Butantan Institute of Sao Paulo.

Brazil has distributed around 6 million doses, with over 4.6 million by the federal government and 1.3 million by the local government of Sao Paulo.

The country's Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) on Sunday authorized the emergency use of the CoronaVac vaccine, as well as the AstraZeneca-University of Oxford vaccine against Covid-19.

Immediately following Anvisa's authorization, the government of Sao Paulo, the epicentre of Brazil's Covid-19 outbreak, administered the first CoronaVac vaccine to nurse Monica Calazans.

As of Tuesday morning, Brazil's overall coronavirus caseload and death toll stood at 8,511,770 and 210,299, respectively.

The country's caseload is the third highest in the world after the US and India, while its death toll is the second largest just after the US.
Qatar has urged Gulf Arab nations to enter a dialog with Iran , saying the time was right for Doha to broker negotiations now the neighbors have begun to patch up their own differences.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whos long called for a summit between leaders of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council and the Islamic Republic, said his government was hopeful that this would happen and we still believe this should happen."

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

This is also a desire thats shared by other GCC countries," he told Bloomberg TV in an interview.

The comments come days before Joe Biden moves into the White House with a promise to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and roll back the maximum pressure" campaign that won the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Hes already named a series of diplomats who helped forge the original agreement to top policy posts.

Qatar recently mended a rift with Gulf Arab neighbors that had festered for more than three years and centered on accusations that it was bankrolling militant groups and undermining attempts to isolate Iran, whose regional influence and nuclear ambitions they fear.

A key U.S. ally in the worlds largest oil-exporting region, Qatar denies it supports terrorism and has maintained cordial ties with the Islamic Republic, with which it shares a major gas field in the Persian Gulf.

That puts one of the worlds largest gas-exporters in position to play broker as the change in the White House prompts broader regional realignments and a shift away from confrontation.

Sheikh Mohammed said his government had offered to do just that and was already supporting ongoing discussions between Iran and South Korea to secure the release of an oil tanker seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard early this month.

Qatar will facilitate negotiations if asked by stake holders and will support whoever is chosen to do so," he said. We want the accomplishment, we want to see the deal happening," he said of potential talks between the U.S. and Iran. Wherever it is, whoever it is conducting this negotiation, we will support them."

Even as Qatar offers itself up as a regional mediator, Sheikh Mohammed said there was still some way to go in resolving differences with the U.A.E.

Asked about Dohas position on Islamist political movements, which Abu Dhabi considers a threat to stability, he said it was important to try to bridge differences but we are going to support whatever the people will and whatever the people are going to seek for their countries. If they are going to seek for justice using peaceful ways to express what they think is right, Qatar will continue supporting the people."

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
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 - President Donald Trump is preparing to pardon or commute the sentences of more than 100 people in his final hours in office, decisions that are expected to be announced Tuesday, according to two people familiar with the discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the plans.

Trump met Sunday with his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, daughter Ivanka Trump and other aides for a significant portion of the day to review a long list of pardon requests and discuss lingering questions about their appeals, according to people briefed on the meeting. The president was personally engaged with the details of specific cases, one person said.

In the past week, Trump has been particularly consumed with the question of whether to issue preemptive pardons to his adult children, top aides and himself, said the people familiar with the discussions.

Aides say they no longer expect a preemptive self-pardon or pardons for any family members, but the situation could change with a volatile and mercurial president.

Neither Trump nor his children have been charged with crimes, and they are not known to be under federal investigation.

But the question of a presidential self-pardon has become more urgent and controversial since the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol by Trump's supporters. Some aides say Trump could face criminal liability for inciting the crowd.

Others say a self-pardon, never before attempted by a president, would be of dubious constitutionality, could anger Senate Republicans preparing to serve as key jurors at Trump's impeachment trial and would amount to an admission of guilt that could be used against him in potential civil litigation related to the Capitol attack.

White House spokesman Judd Deere declined to comment, saying his office does not discuss pardons.

The people familiar with the discussions said many of the pardons and commutations Trump is expected to issue in his final days will be uncontroversial.

Aides say he probably will not grant clemency to Steve Bannon, his former campaign adviser, who was charged last year with defrauding donors to a private fundraising effort for construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, or to his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, whose consulting business has come under scrutiny as part of an investigation that led to charges against two of his associates.

One person under consideration for a pardon is Lil Wayne, administration officials said. The rapper and music executive, whose real name is Dwayne Carter Jr., pleaded guilty in December to carrying a loaded handgun from California to Florida on his private jet. He was barred from owning the gun because of past felony convictions, including a weapons charge. He has not yet been sentenced. Lil Wayne, 38, met with Trump and posed for photos five days before the November election. He drew criticism from other musicians and activists for posting the photo to social media and crediting Trump with helping Black people.

The news of Trump's intention to make a slew of final pardons and commutations in the coming days was first reported by CNN.

The president has been besieged by lobbyists and lawyers for well-heeled clients who are seeking to have their criminal convictions pardoned, as well as by advocates for criminal justice policy change who say their clients were wrongly convicted or were given unfair sentences and deserve to be freed from prison.

Trump has told advisers for weeks that he wants to be liberal with pardons before leaving office. Aides have said the ability to grant clemency is one perk of the job Trump has particularly relished because the Constitution hands the power to the president alone.

But the president's review of pardon candidates was delayed by the intensifying dysfunction inside the White House since the election and by Trump's focus on trying to challenge and undermine the results, according to the people familiar with the discussions.

Some candidates were told last week by the White House Counsel's Office that no pardons could be granted that were not finalized by Friday. Then word of the president's last-minute weekend review and preliminary decisions to grant numerous pardons and commutations began to trickle out.

Trump has granted clemency to 94 people - mostly friends and political allies - including 49 in the week before Christmas 2020.

They have included people convicted in the special counsel investigation that dominated his first two years in office, such as his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and longtime confidant Roger Stone. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Trump pardoned Michael Flynn, who had briefly served as his first national security adviser and later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during its investigation of Russian interference in Trump's 2016 election win.

Other pardons issued in the closing weeks of Trump's time in office have gone to Charles Kushner - the father of the president's son-in-law - as well as three Republican former members of Congress and four military contractors involved in the killing of unarmed civilians during the Iraq War.

About 14,000 people have filed petitions for pardons and commutations. For years, criminal justice advocates have criticized Republican and Democratic administrations for backlogs that have left thousands of rehabilitated people seeking mercy to instead languish in prison.

Trump has moved especially slowly in acting on pending petitions. Rather than consulting with the Justice Department's pardon attorney for recommendations, he has routinely gone around the formal process and sought advice about pardons from a circle of friends, lobbyists and lawmakers.

Many of those to whom he has shown presidential mercy have not even filed applications with the Justice Department, and their cases violate rules the department normally imposes as preconditions for clemency, which include that people generally acknowledge their crimes and show remorse.

Even when Trump has granted clemency to people who are not themselves politically connected, they have often come to his attention through his favored voices in the field of criminal justice advocacy.

For instance, a number of ordinary people granted clemency have been recommended to the president by Alice Johnson, whose prison sentence after a drug conviction was commuted by Trump in 2018 after lobbying by the celebrity Kim Kardashian. Johnson received a full pardon after speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

- - -

The Washington Post's Tom Hamburger contributed to this report.
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.
Trump's average approval rating during his one-term presidency was 41 percent, four points lower than any of his predecessors

Washington: President Donald Trump will leave the White House this week with the lowest approval rating of his presidency, with just 34 percent of Americans supporting the job he has done, a Gallup poll showed Monday.

Gallup noted that Trump's average approval rating during his one-term presidency was 41 percent, four points lower than any of his predecessors since the polling group has been gathering data.

Trump's job approval had dipped to 35 percent in previous polls, most notably after he failing to condemn a violent gathering of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.

The last poll of the Trump presidency was taken on the week of 4-11 January, which covered the storming of the US Capitol building by Trump supporters trying to overturn the certification of the election won by Joe Biden, whose victory Trump has consistently denied.

His all-time high rating was in early 2020, when he was facing an impeachment in the Senate on charges of trying to push Ukraine into helping him smear Biden and during the early stages of the pandemic, when Americans believed he was responding well to the virus that has now killed 398,000 people in the country.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) on Monday approved Chinese state-owned firm Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the second vaccine to be given approval for use in the country, reported Dawn.

Earlier, on Friday Drap had authorised the Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Pakistan.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

"In a meeting conducted by [the] Registration Board of Drap today January 18, 2021, another vaccine manufactured by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) has also been given EUA (emergency use authorisation)," a spokesperson for the regulatory body said in a statement.

Both the Oxford and Sinopharm vaccines were evaluated for their safety and quality and granted EUA "with certain conditions", the statement added.

"This authorisation will be reviewed on a quarterly basis keeping in view further data regarding safety, efficacy and quality," it said.

Sinopharm is developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products, a state-owned subsidiary conglomerate. The company had claimed the efficacy rate to be 79.3 per cent from last-stage trials, reported Dawn.

Meanwhile, China had approved the Sinopharm vaccine for general use in the last month itself. Also, it can be stored at two to eight degrees Celsius, or a normal refrigeration temperature.

It is also been approved in the UAE and Bahrain and is slated for use in Morocco too, reported Dawn.

It is an inactive vaccine, which means the virus was grown in a lab and then killed. The germ is then injected into the body to generate an immune response.

The final proof of the two-dose vaccine's effectiveness will depend on the publication of more data, reported Dawn.

Earlier, on December 30, a special cabinet committee for procurement of COVID-19 vaccine, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, had decided to procure 1.1 million doses of vaccine from Sinopharm. It was also announced that the vaccine would be provided to 500,000 frontline healthcare workers as two doses would be given to each worker and the margin of spoilage was 10 per cent.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Tiny amounts of gender bias in employee hiring decisions contribute to concerning rates of discrimination and productivity losses that together represent significant costs, financial and otherwise, for employers, a new study from Oregon State University has found.

Gender bias is a subtle, unintentional preference for one gender over the other. Despite significant efforts to reduce bias in hiring over the last several decades, it continues to persist and pose potential problems for companies, said Jay Hardy, an assistant professor of management in OSU's College of Business and lead author of the study.

"The research has long shown bias exists. This study shows that it matters," Hardy said. "When carried through the hiring decision-making process, tiny amounts of bias will balloon into a high probability of discriminatory hiring outcomes in the eyes of the law, which also has important financial consequences for companies that end up hiring less-qualified candidates.

"The message of this study is that you can't ignore gender bias, even if you think its influence is so small as to not be concerning. Society generally recognizes bias as a moral issue, but we are now learning the extent to which it is a financial and strategic issue, as well."

The findings were published today in the Journal of Management. Co-authors on the paper are Richard Martell and Andy Olstad of Oregon State and Kian Siong Tey, Wilson Cyrus-Lai and Eric Luis Uhlmann of INSEAD, one of the world's largest graduate business schools, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Hardy's research focuses on areas of human resources, including employee recruitment and selection and systematic bias in hiring. His goal for the study was to better understand the effects gender bias in hiring might have for employers.

"Bias is a problem ingrained in us. It is systematic," Hardy said. "It's not typically about bad intent. It is a natural response of human beings to make sense of our complex world by taking mental shortcuts. However, these cognitive shortcuts can have big consequences for us when high stakes rewards like a sought-after job are on the line. Our goal is to better understand it so we can find solutions."

Hardy and his colleagues first reviewed about 30 years of studies on gender bias and hiring in the workplace. The good news is that there appears to be less gender bias effect than there used to be. A couple of decades ago, gender bias influenced about 4% of hires. Today bias influences 1% or possibly fewer hires, Hardy said.

"The science shows that the effects of gender bias on hiring are very small," Hardy said. "In broad strokes, it seems like hiring decisions are actually pretty faircertainly more fair than they used to be."

To better understand the impact this bias has and what it means for companies, Hardy and his colleagues ran a series of computer simulations. The researchers found that even a small amount of bias in hiring decisions can lead to discriminatory action against job candidates, putting companies at risk of costly legal action. They also found that biased hiring decisions can be costly for companies because a less-qualified candidate may not be successful in the position.

For example, a typical Fortune 500 company that hires 8,000 new employees a year with a 1% gender bias effect can expect 32 additional failed hires and many more sub-optimal hiring decisions, resulting in productivity losses of about $2.8 million per year. A 4% bias effect would lead to an additional 192 failed hires and an additional $17 million in lost productivity.

The study focused specifically on gender, but Hardy said it is likely that other types of bias would have similar or even bigger impacts. Past research has demonstrated that racial bias effects in hiring are much larger than they are for gender, so it is reasonable to think there would be more discrimination and more costs for employers as a result, he said.

"My estimates for gender bias were conservative and my simulations modeled near-optimal hiring conditions, so the impact of gender bias is likely to be higher in many real-world hiring contexts than my study indicates," Hardy said.

Hardy and his colleagues also simulated the impacts of some common methods for reducing gender bias in hiring, such as targeted recruiting efforts to build a bigger pool of female candidates, and found those methods still pose challenges.

"The targeted recruitment of highly qualified candidates can increase representation, but if you're not fixing the underlying bias problem, these methods do not address discrimination and can lead to other issues, including employee dissatisfaction," Hardy said.

Companies looking to reduce gender bias in their hiring processes should look for ways to remove human judgments from the process as much as possible, Hardy said. Interviews are one of the most common but least objective hiring tools, he noted. Future work by Hardy will further explore how to address bias in hiring and other employment decisions.

"Hiring is always going to be an imperfect process because human beings are complicated," Hardy said. "But the gold standard for any hiring manager should be to be as objective as possible in the hiring process."

Explore further Entry barriers for women are amplified by AI in recruitment algorithms, study finds

More information: Jay H. Hardy et al, Bias in Context: Small Biases in Hiring Evaluations Have Big Consequences, Journal of Management (2021). Journal information: Journal of Management Jay H. Hardy et al, Bias in Context: Small Biases in Hiring Evaluations Have Big Consequences,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/0149206320982654
A migrant who is among an eight thousand strong caravan heading through Central America to the US has said that he is coming to the United States because President-elect Joe Biden is 'going to help all of us.'

Biden, who will be inaugurated tomorrow (January 20), is expected to introduce a sweeping immigration bill from day one of his presidency that will roll back a number of the Trump administration's tough, signature anti-immigration policies.

They include a path to citizenship for 11m people estimated to be living in the country illegally. People who first gained protected status under the Obama administration's DACA program would be on the shortest path to citizenship.

But an earlier pledge by Biden to suspend deportations for 100 days after he takes office appears to be spurring the caravan on.

Speaking in an interview that was shared by The Hill, the migrant from Honduras did not provide his name, but said that he had traveled from Honduras' tourist island of Roatan.

While standing in front of a large crowd of people from the caravan, he told the reporter that the soon-to-be president is 'giving us 100 days to get to the U.S.'

He appeared to be citing Biden's pledge to place a 100-day moratorium on deportations, one of many pledges the incoming president has made.

The asylum seeker said that he and his fellow travellers are fleeing a 'bad situation' that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, hurricanes and a president who is not helping the people of Honduras.

Pictured: A migrant in the Honduran caravan making its way towards the United States has said that he making the journey because President-elect Joe Biden is 'going to help all of us'

Pictured: Security forces block migrants who arrived in caravan from Honduras on their way to the United States, in Vado Hondo, Guatemala, on January 18. The incoming Biden administration plans to put a 100-day moratorium on deportations from the U.S.

Honduran migrant: President-elect Biden is "going to help all of us." pic.twitter.com/LkrVCsXcSb  The Hill (@thehill) January 18, 2021

When he was asked by the reporter what he wanted for 'his people', he said it was for them to 'get to the U.S. because they're having a new president.'

'He's gonna help all of us,' the migrant said, speaking of Joe Biden. 'He's giving us 100 days to get to the U.S.' to get legal status and 'get a better life for our kids and family.'

Speaking on the pandemic, he said it has 'messed us up a lot,' telling the reporter that he 'used to work as a tour guide on the island. We're receiving no tourism.'

'We've got a president, who's not helping the population and we're in a bad, bad situation,' he said, referring to Juan Orlando Hernandez.

U.S. prosecutors have filed motions against Hernandez, saying he took bribes from drug traffickers and used federal armed forces to protect a cocaine laboratory and shipments to the U.S.

Guatemalan troops attempted to stop the caravan of an estimated eight thousand Honduran migrants from reaching the US.

The clash erupted into violence and police were seen beating back the crowd with batons and tear-gas on Monday.

Biden has earlier pleaded with the crowd to return home to their native lands.

One of Biden's new immigration policies would be to offer a pathway for those in the country illegally to attain legal permanent residency. He also intends to suspend deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Pictured: Migrants who arrived in caravan from Honduras on their way to the United States being dispersed by security forces in Vado Hondo, Guatemala, on January 18.

From day one, Biden is set to announce a sweeping immigration bill that is expected to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for 11 million people currently living in the U.S. without legal status.

The legislative proposal, which is scheduled to be sent to Congress on Wednesday, also includes a key focus on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America.

However, any migrants who arrive in at the U.S. within the first 100 days of Biden's presidency will likely be disappointed.

Speaking on Friday, an unnamed official from the Biden transition team said the those seeking asylum during the first few weeks of the administration 'need to understand they're not going to be able to come into the U.S. immediately,' according to NBC News.

President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, seeking to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for 11 million people currently living in the U.S. without legal status

Bidens immigration legislation puts him on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Donald Trumps restrictive policies and mass deportations

Speaking to Fox News, Thomas Homan, the former acting director of ICE, said that he had previously warned 'if Biden became president, this would happen.

'The things he said, the promises that he made  like ending the remain in Mexico program, and getting rid of private detention, putting a moratorium on deportations, stopping ICE from doing worksite enforcement operations, offering free healthcare.

'When you throw those kinds of enticements out, who's not going to come to the greatest country on Earth?,' he said.

'I briefed the White House numerous times on what's causing the surges. So, he knew by throwing all those promises out, to cater to the left to win an election, he put his own political ambitions ahead of the country.'

Trump's current remain in Mexico policy compels migrants seeing asylum in the U.S. to wait in the Mexico while their case is being reviewed.

Pueblo Sin Fronteras, a migrant rights group, said during a press conference on Tuesday said it would petition the Biden administration to open the U.S. border to people seeking asylum, and to end to stay in Mexico policy.

It also called for the end to the separation of migrant families, and the 'guarantee' of legal representation for asylum seekers.

Under Biden's bill - scheduled to be sent to Congress on Wednesday - immigrants who have been living in the US since January 1 will be placed on the eight-year pathway and issued a temporary legal status for five years.

They will then be given a green card once they meet certain requirements  such as completing background checks  before being permitted to apply for citizenship three years later.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

Thousands of Honduran migrants, who since Thursday night have marched towards Guatemala in hopes of reaching the United States, were forcefully dispersed by Guatemalan security forces on Monday

Migrants who arrived in caravan from Honduras on their way to the United States are blocked by security forces in Vado Hondo, Guatemala, on Monday

Guatemalan security forces in the village of Vado Hondo fire tear gas while dispersing migrants from Honduras who were blocking a road Monday as part of their efforts to reach the United States and seek asylum from President-elect Joe Biden's administration

Biden's immigration legislation puts him on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Donald Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations.

It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favored by many Republicans, making passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

Expected to run hundreds of pages, the bill is set to be introduced after Biden takes the oath of office Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the legislation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

As a candidate, Biden called Trump's actions on immigration an 'unrelenting assault' on American values and said he would 'undo the damage' while continuing to maintain border enforcement.

The bill is not as comprehensive as the last major immigration overhaul proposed when Biden was vice president during the Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather calls for coming up with strategies. Nor does it create any new guest worker or other visa programs.

For the most part, the bill consists of three overarching pillars: provisions to address the causes of migration, border management and a path to citizenship.

News of the proposed bill comes as a thousands-strong caravan of Honduran migrants continues to march towards the US border in anticipation of the end of Trump's presidency - ignoring Bidens pleas to return home

A migrant cries along with her child after the police dispersed the caravan of thousands of people that blocked the road in Vado Hondo, Guatemala

Guatemalan security forces on Monday broke up a caravan of about 4,000 Honduran migrants trying to reach the United States on a journey of thousands of kilometers through Central America on foot, AFP reporters witnessed.

Police advanced on the group in a coordinated move, striking batons against their shields to make an intimidating noise, prompting the migrants to scatter.

The group was still on Guatemalan soil, and some regrouped to resume their quest for a better life further north.

Thousands of others began returning to Honduras after clashing with the police.

Angie, a 21-year-old Honduran migrant, told AFP she was returning to Honduras to try and officially document her entry into Guatemala, as well as presenting a negative Covid-19 test, one of Guatemala's requirements for crossing its borders.

'I want to continue to the United States, I don't want to stay in Guatemala,' she said.

The caravan, which departed Honduras on Friday, has been held up since Saturday at the town of Vado Hondo in southeast Guatemala, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) inside the border.

As a candidate, Biden called Trumps actions on immigration an unrelenting assault on American values and said he would undo the damage while continuing to maintain border enforcement

Migrants, who arrived in caravan from Honduras and make their way to the United States, kneel to pray in front of the Guatemalan police officers in Vado Hondo

Under Bidens bill, immigrants who have been living in the US since January 1 will be placed on the eight-year pathway and issued a temporary legal status for five years. They will then be given a green card once they meet certain requirements

Biden's focus on Central America Bidens focus on Central America reflects a pledge the President-elects made to senior officials in the region that he will advocate for policy changes aimed at what causes swaths of migrants to come to the US to seek refuge. Ultimately, you cannot solve problems of migration unless you attack the root causes of what causes that migration, one official told the Washington Post pointing to the various reasons  from economic to safety  that drive migrants to flee their home countries. He knows that in particular is the case in Central America. The official also acknowledged that theyre aware of recent reports of caravans of migrants heading towards the border in anticipation of Trumps final day in office. Like Biden, they too urged the asylum seekers to return home, pointing out that they will not qualify for the legalization program outlined in Bidens bill  because it only applies to those living in the US prior to January 1. The anonymous official told the Post that Biden wants to move refugee and asylum seeks back to a more humane and orderly process. [But] its also been made clear that that isnt a switch you flip overnight from the 19th to the 20th, especially when youre working with agencies and processes that have been so gutted by the previous administration, they said. Biden is reportedly seeking to reinstate a program granting minors from Central America temporary legal residence in the United States  a scheme terminated by the Trump administration in August 2017. He also is hoping to set up a reunification program for Central American relatives of US citizens that would allow those who have been already approved for residency to be admitted into the country  rather waiting at home in lieu of an opening. The Biden proposal also would put in place a refugee admissions program at multiple processing centers abroad that would better help identify and screen those seeking refuge, the Post reported. Additionally, the 46th US president will also seek to reform border enforcement by calling on the Department of Homeland Security to develop a proposal to implement new security measures and technologies along the border. This is not a wall; this is not taking money from [the Department of Defense], an official told the Post. Its a very different approach. Biden is expected to take swift executive actions to reverse other Trump immigration actions, including an end to the prohibition on arrivals from several predominantly Muslim countries. During the Democratic primary, Biden consistently named immigration action as one of his day one priorities, pointing to the range of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trumps policies. Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and enough other GOP senators to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades. That kind of major win  even if it involves compromise  could be critical as Biden looks for legislative victories in a closely divided Congress, where Republicans are certain to oppose other Biden priorities that involve rolling back some of the GOPs 2017 tax cuts and increasing federal spending. As a candidate, Biden went so far as to say the Obama administration went too far in its aggressive deportations. Advertisement

They have been waiting to pass, sleeping outdoors and blocking a key road where a massive logjam of cargo trucks has built up as a result.

As the migrants retreated before the advancing security forces Monday, several threw stones at police.

The officers responded with tear gas as they attempted to drive the group back towards the Honduran border, thus clearing the road for trucks.

Women carrying small children were among those to flee before the police.

'I am going with my son, in Honduras I have nowhere to live,' a woman told the Guatevision channel, catching her breath after a brisk run.

'If we had money we would not be here heading north. They treat us like dogs, it should not be like this,' said another woman, holding a small girl.

On Sunday, the group was confronted by police and soldiers with tear gas and batons under strict orders to stop anyone without travel documents or a negative coronavirus test from going any further.

Several migrants were injured in Sunday's clashes, a health worker said.

Saying they are desperate to escape poverty, unemployment, gang and drug violence and the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes, the migrants aim to cross Guatemala and Mexico, walking all the way to the United States.

They are hoping for a warmer welcome, and a better life, in the America of President-elect Joe Biden after years of anti-immigrant rhetoric by Donald Trump.

Some 9,000 have set out from Honduras since Friday.

On Monday, Guatemalan migration authorities said more than 1,500, including 208 children, had since returned to Honduras. Some 800 people were stuck in a town neighboring Vado Hondo.

Those determined to stay the course, including families with young children, spent a second chilly night outdoors on Sunday.

They slept on the asphalt road or on patches of grass, the lucky ones wrapping up in blankets, the rest donning sweaters or long-sleeved T-shirts packed among their sparse belongings.

Among the group, 40-year-old Marta del Cid told AFP she had no intention of turning back.

'We are sad, heartbroken, hungry, tired from the journey, but I will endure it all to get to the United States,' she told AFP.

The quest is likely to end in heartbreak for many, with Guatemala having deployed 5,000 soldiers along the arduous route, and Washington warning the would-be asylum seekers in an official communication not to 'waste your time and money'.

Guatemala migration head Guillermo Diaz insisted Saturday the group 'will not be able to pass', citing coronavirus contagion risk.

According to the country's health ministry, 21 migrants tested along the route so far were positive for the virus.

Several dozen people who avoided controls have reached Ciudad Tecun Uman, the border post between Guatemala and southwestern Mexico. But they have little hope of getting past the Mexican National Guard deployed at the border.

The Mexican government has said it will not allow 'illegal entry' and has deployed 500 immigration officers to border states, as well as buses to take migrants back to Honduras.

On Monday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for dialogue to avoid further clashes.

'We are making proposals to seek dialogue with the migrants... They should be taken care of so that they do not enter any country by force,' he told reporters.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has expressed 'concern' over the forceful containment of the caravan at Vado Hondo, and urged Guatemala's security forces to handle the situation with minimum force.

But Guatemala has denounced what it said was a violation of its national sovereignty, and urged Honduras to 'contain the massive departure of its inhabitants.'

Honduras has, in turn, complained about the way its citizens have been treated by its neighbor.

More than a dozen caravans, some with thousands of migrants, have set off from Honduras since October 2018, but all have run up against thousands of US border guards and soldiers under Trump.

Security remains high as migrants who arrived in caravan from Honduras try to make their way to the United States in Vado Hondo, Guatemala, on Monday
Amid Reports of Side Effects, Bharat Biotech Issues Fact Sheet for Who Should Avoid Getting Covaxin Shot

Bharat Biotech on Tuesday issued a set of cautionary guidelines for people with certain conditions who, it said, should consult with their vaccine provider and preferably avoid getting the Covaxin shot. A fact sheet shared on the company's website said those suffering from allergies, fever, or a bleeding disorder, among other conditions, should take advice from their doctor/vaccine provider, and possibly steer clear of taking the Covaxin shot.

Car Crash, Drug Addiction, Sons Death: How Bidens, America's New First Family, Survived Dark Times

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill will become the new White House residents when he takes office on Wednesday. Biden has made his family a major focus throughout his career, and his 2020 presidential campaign thrust them fully into the spotlight -- with some members causing controversy but others breaking barriers. Here is a look at the members of America's new "first family."

India vs Australia, LIVE Cricket Score, 4th Test at Brisbane, Day 5: Cracking Final Session Underway

India vs Australia 4th Test Day 5 at Brisbane live score and latest update: India vs Australia live score, IND 193-3: Nearly a dismissal! Lyon got long on in and tempted Pant. Pant took the invitation and skipped down the track to slog, but Paine cannot stump him. Some extra bounce but that goes down as a chance. Paine missing it again.

Dalit Couple Fined Rs 2.5 Lakh, Denied Temple Entry by Khap Panchayat for Inter-sect Marriage in TN

A Dalit couple was fined and denied entry into the temple by a Khap panchayat for their inter-sect marriage in Tamil Nadus Thirupathur. Kanagaraj (26) and Jayapriya (23) belong to the Muracha Parayar and Thamana Paraya sects respectively. Both sects fall under the Scheduled Caste community. The duo had eloped Pullur village after Jayapriya's parents opposed their relationship and tied the knots in January 2018 in Chennai.

Wuhan Scientists Say They Were Bitten By Coronavirus Infected Bats While Collecting Samples

Scientists of a laboratory in Wuhan in China, where the cases were first Covid-19 cases and the Covid-19 pandemic has been theorized to have originated, in a new video, revealed that they had been bitten by bats who may have been infected. While the SARS-Cov-2 virus or Covid-19 emerged in Wuhan in end 2019, around late Autumn, the video is dated much earlier - from 2017. The video, which is almost two years before the coronavirus pandemic struck Wuhan, and then later the world, shows Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists working on 'live viruses' without a PPE kit.

Surat Accident: 15 Migrant Workers Sleeping on Footpath Crushed to Death by Truck, Ex-gratia Announced

Fifteen migrant workers sleeping on the sidewalk were killed after a truck ran over in Surat, Gujarat on Tuesday. After a collision between a truck and a sugarcane tractor, the truck driver lost balance and his vehicle climbed over the sleeping people on the sidewalk on the Kim Mandvi Highway. All the deceased are from Banswara in Rajasthan. News agency ANI reported 13 of the victims were labourers.
MILAN - The CEO of Stellantis, the carmaker created from the merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler, said Tuesday that the tie-up will help preserve jobs, factories and the 14 storied brands as billions in annual savings are achieved.

In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, the logo for Stellantis appears above a post on the trading floor, Tuesday, Jan. 19. 2021. Shares start trading in New York in the new auto giant created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot. (Colin Ziemer/New York Stock Exchange via AP)

MILAN - The CEO of Stellantis, the carmaker created from the merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler, said Tuesday that the tie-up will help preserve jobs, factories and the 14 storied brands as billions in annual savings are achieved.

Carlos Tavares told a virtual press conference just days after Stellantis' official birth as a new company that jobs only accounted for 10% of manufacturing costs - and that he had tons of other things he can do to improve profitability.

The company plans to create synergies that save 5 billion euros ($6 billion) per year, largely through reduced manufacturing, engineering and parts purchasing costs. But Tavares was confident that brands would be boosted, factories would be filled and no jobs would be lost, at least initially.

Our commitment on this merger is that we will not shut down plants as a consequence of the merger, Tavares said. He pointed out that PSA Peugeot was able to turn around the money-losing Opel and Vauxhall brands within 18 months of buying them from General Motors.

In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Vice Chairman John Tuttle, left, Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveras, center, and Chariman John Elkann, right, virtually ring the NYSE opening bell, Tuesday, Jan. 19. 2021. Stellantis shares start trading in New York in the new auto giant created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot. (Colin Ziemer/New York Stock Exchange via AP)

I think that theres many more things to do in our car company than just cutting costs, he said.

He said the current brands - which range from Jeep SUVs to Alfa Romeo sports cars and luxury Maserati sedans - represent a strong asset to the company.

He said there was work to do on clarifying the brand identity, in some cases. And that the manufacturing synergies would be achieved through a system of sister cars, unique models that share some combination of platforms and components.

He claimed that fears for job losses, including in Italy, where factories were under-utilized even before the pandemic, were unfounded.

This merger is acting as a shield to protect the activity on the plants, rather than representing a risk for the people who may be anxious about the creation of this new entity, he said. The merger would produce greater sales, higher efficiencies and allow the launch of new models because of lower costs due to shared technology, he said.

But he also said that vehicles have to be competitive on price and quality, and if expenses get too high, profit margins will fall and other steps may have to be taken to reduce costs. There are moments where you cant avoid it, he said.

Even though vehicles sold by Fiat are struggling in some markets, Tavares said he is confident he can make the companys brands work with technology, better quality and synergies from the larger company.

He said Stellantis needs to bring newer models to Fiat. I believe we can make those business plans fly, he said.

Tavares announced that Stellantis would launch 10 new models with electrified powertrains  including full battery-powered vehicles as well as gas-electric hybrids  in 2021, adding to the 29 already available. And that all new models introduced through 2025 would have an electrified powertrain. A strategy plan is upcoming, he said.

The PSA Group merger with Fiat Chrysler was completed on Saturday, creating the world's fourth largest car manufacturer. It is based financially in the Netherlands, with a global workforce of 400,000. The new company launched on the Paris, Milan and New York stock exchanges this week.

Krisher reported from Detroit.
Listen to article

The leadership of Intl Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law is gladly announcing the release on Court bail of 30 more victims of Obigbo Army massacre and abductions. Their bail was granted by Magistrate Aminu Mohammed Abdullahi of the Grade 11 Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The Court bail, granted on Thursday, 14th Jan 2021 saw the victims freed or regained their freedom before dawn on Friday, 15th Jan 2021. The 30 victims, mainly residents of Obigbo and environs in Rivers State and interstate travelers-with different types of lawful occupation; were released from three secret dungeons; namely: Nigerian Armys Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja, Nigerian Army Training Center in Suleja, Niger State and SSS (DSS) dungeon located at Mararaba in Abuja.

Pope Francis Or Angel Gabriel Cannot Save Wike Over Obigbo Massacre

Intersociety also makes bold to say that not even Pope Francis or Angel Gabriel can save Gov Nyesom Wike from his involvement in Obigbo Army massacre, abductions and other atrocity crimes. The Gov will soon be slapped with more damning statistics on the referenced industrial scale rights abuses and violations perpetrated under his nose and seal at Obigbo and environs and is already being blacklisted internationally. We have observed efforts in futility by the Gov since the aftermath of the massacre, abductions, property crimes and others. They include what looks like gubernatorial show of force, recalcitrance and image laundering; to the extent that the good, the bad and the ugly are now being invited to commission projects.

Since the aftermath of the massacre, too, Port Harcourt Government House had become a pilgrimage arena where individuals and groups ancestrally linked to the victims are invited to sing victory songs for the Gov for a job well done in aiding the massacre and abduction of his own people; same defenseless citizens he got elected and sworn to protect at all times and beyond the confines of personal interest and primordialism. These explain why we hold that not even Pope Francis or Angel Gabriel can save him. In the Oracular Igbo Society, this is a clear act of taboo and abomination with commensurable sanctions

Names Of The 30 Freed Abductees

Names of the 30 freed abductees are Citizens Okoli Kanayo, Boniface Okafor, Mbadiwe Godwin, Sima Man, Joseph Nwaaba, Eze Imo, Gozie Oliver, Nwamadi Monday, Izunne Gilbert, Nwabueze Chinyeze, Favour Uchenna, Ego Samuel, Ibenwolu Faith, Abel Daniel, Young Winner, Pepper White, Freedom (Kekeboy), Obinna Ekechukwu, Adonai Uwakwe, Celestine Uwakwe, Arinze (Water), One Man MOPOL, Onyema Amaechi, Chukwunonso Andrew, Chikwado Hosanna, Ndubuisi (Officer), Uzoma Ojiako, Kosisochukwu Ojiako, Miracle Ojiako and Goodness Nwagbaraukwu. Also Citizen Linus Uroko, a Jewish religionist, who missed being granted bail on 24th Dec 2020 and got his release secured during the release of his 29 colleagues on 30th Dec 2020, on account of his religious belief; was granted unconditional Court bail and freed on 13th Jan 2021.

112 Abductees Now Freed, 96 Remained In Abuja & 200 Others Unaccounted For

With this cheering news, it now brings the total number of abducted Obigbo residents, located and freed since 30th of Dec 2020 to 112, out of which 52 were located in four different dungeons manned by the Army in Jebba, Kontangora, Zungeru and Bida, all in Niger State and freed through Court bails on 3rd and 10th Dec 2020; 29 were freed on 30th Dec 2020 after a Court bail granted on 24th Dec 2020; one was freed on 13th Jan 2021; and 30 others on 15th Jan 2021, a day after they were granted bail on 14th Jan 2021. As it stands, not less than 96 more defenseless Obigbo residents are still being held incommunicado since late Oct 2020 in different Army dungeons in Abuja and the whereabouts of not less than 200 others including Citizens Chigbo Elvis Ngozi, Obioma Okoroafor, Ozoemena Nwokorie, Mbeta Uchenna and Chiadikobi Ndubuisi are only known to the Nigerian Army and Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. It is also feared that scores of them have been tortured to death or executed in Army captivity. At least, three of the abducted citizens (Okey Anyanwu, Kingsley Iwuagwu and Chijioke) were killed in Army custody in Niger State.

Barr Okoroafor & Ors Deserve Commendation

In all, commendation must go to Barr Richie Okoroafor, an International Human Rights Lawyer and Igbo-British Citizen. Without his efforts, the clandestine plans of the heavily Northern Muslim controlled Nigerian Army would have been actualized. Deserving commendation too is the leadership of Indigenous People of Biafra. Barr Okoroafor had led us in the know of the fact that without the leadership of IPOB, which responded swiftly to distress calls at the beginning and even till date, he could not have achieved much. This is more so when the matter is cloaked in the layers of Prosecutorial Vindictiveness by the Government of Nigeria.

The Army Intended To Execute All The 400 Abductees Or More In Captivity

It therefore requires no rocket science to establish that the Nigerian Army intended or planned secret abduction and execution in captivity of the abducted 400 Obigbo residents or more-which was why it has not uttered a word since then including releasing a statement taking responsibility for their abduction, disclosing their whereabouts, stating why they were abducted and offenses warranting their abduction; informing their families or relatives of their whereabouts and conditions in detention; and handing them over to Civil Authorities within periods prescribed by the Constitution and others laws of Nigeria for their trial or release on administrative bail pending trial or having them investigatively discharged and acquitted for want of investigative and prosecutorial evidence.

Attached are the photos of the 30 freed Obigbo Army abductees taken this morning, 16th Jan 2021 after they were freed late evening of yesterday, 15th Jan 2021 from Army dungeons in Abuja and Niger State.

Signed:

For: Intl Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law

Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chair, Barr Chinwe Umeche, Head of Democracy & Good Governance, Barr Obianuju Igboeli, Head of Civil Liberties & Rule of Law and Comrade Samuel Kamanyoku, Head of Field Data Collection & Documentation

Contacts:

Mobile/WhatsApp: +2348174090052

Email: [email protected]

Website: intersociety-ng.org
Lucknow, Jan 19 : Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has now said that he is open to further discussions with estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL) for adjustments on seats for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Talking to reporters, Akhilesh said that the SP would not field a candidate against Shivpal and also will talk to the PSPL in case the two can form a winning combination on other seats.

"Agar koi jeetne wali rajnitik paristithiyan hongi to vichar karenge (We can consider adjustment on other seats in case there is a winning combination)," he said.

Akhilesh said the SP would offer Shivpal a respectable position in the cabinet if it forms the next government.

This was the first time that the SP president has spoken of seat adjustments with the PSPL.

Earlier, he had stated that the SP would not field a candidate against Shivpal on the Jaswantnagar seat.

Akhilesh's statement had irked Shivpal Yadav and he had described the SP's proposal as a 'joke'. "Is this how a political alliance is forged?" he had asked.

Three days ago, Shivpal went ahead and announced the names of his party candidates on three Assembly seats -- Jasrana, Shikohabad and Sirsaganj.

He has named Prof. Anil Yadav as his candidate from Jasrana, Meena Rajput from Shikohabad and Hari Om Yadav from Sirsaganj.

Hari Om Yadav is the sitting SP MLA from Sirsaganj and has openly expressed his loyalty with Shivpal Yadav.

Shivpal has also been in talks with Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar who heads a broader alliance called the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha.

Earlier, signs of rapprochement between Akhilesh and Shivpal had emerged last year when the SP had withdrawn its petition filed before the Assembly Speaker, seeking disqualification of Shivpal as the SP MLA.

Shivpal returned the gesture and called up Akhilesh to thank him for withdrawing the disqualification petition.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Six part series Field Trip with Curtis Stone will screen from early February 7.

The series follows chef & restaurateur Curtis Stone, and his team from Maude, as they travel the world seeking inspiration for the regional tasting menus at the Michelin-starred, 24-seat restaurant in Los Angeles.

The process of filming Field Trip was deeply personal for me. Maude was my first solo restaurant  my little dream restaurant  and our new quarterly regional menus have allowed us to tell the story of these incredible places around the world. Its been humbling to showcase the passion of these farmers and producers through the food and wine were serving at Maude. With Field Trip, were fortunate to now also be able to share these stories with a larger audience, says Curtis of the series.

Each episode showcases the journey to one specific region, highlighting the artisans, farmers, wine producers and topography of the area, while offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the acclaimed chef conducts research for Maudes menu and award-winning wine program. Shot by Curtis friend and cinematographer Dave Gorn, Curtis and his team travel to Australia, Italy, Spain and California.

The premiere episode follows their trip to the Margaret River in Australias southwest corner, known for its surfing, vineyards, farmlands and burgeoning culinary scene. Curtis searches for inspiration in the vineyards, countryside and shore of this region and meets with a rancher raising grass-fed Shorthorn cattle; fishes for marron, a large freshwater crayfish; visits winemaker Vanya Cullens biodynamic vineyard; and forages for coastal herbs with local chef Paul Yoda Iskov.

In subsequent episodes, Curtis traverses Lombardy & Umbria in Italy, Californias Central Coast, The Kimberley in Australia where he is educated by an Aboriginal elder on ancient fishing methods, and herds cattle with a fifth generation female rancher and travels to Rioja in Spain, with each journey communing with purveyors, ranchers, chefs and local experts to experience and taste the soul of each destination.

Curtis reveals how those experiences inform the direction and dishes within Maudes quarterly menus.

Curtis began cooking at the Savoy Hotels five-star restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia at the age of 18. He moved to Europe when he was 21 to further his education and classical training under renowned chef Marco Pierre White for eight years, a foundation that would inform his subsequent career in Los Angeles. In 2014, Curtis opened his first solo restaurant, Maude (Beverly Hills, CA), to immediate acclaim. Following the success of Maude, Curtis opened Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant (Hollywood, CA) in July 2016 with his brother Luke Stone. The brothers open their second restaurant together, Georgie, modelled after Gwen, with restauranteur Stephan Courseau in Dallas, Texas in fall 2019.

Sundays at 8pm from February 7 on Lifestyle FOOD.

Related
Another big misunderstanding seems to concern a proposal to phase out the use of cash bail. Some seem to think this means that jails and courtrooms will be equipped with revolving doors to put suspected murderers, carjackers and other violent offenders back on the streets as quickly as possible. In fact, judges will continue to have discretion and may refuse bail in some instances.
Michigan police are keeping a heavy presence at the state Capitol in Lansing through mid-February in response to possible civil unrest surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said law enforcement agencies are monitoring for possible protests on Wednesday and are prepared to adjust security measures as needed. Police were prepared for thousands of people to visit the Capitol Sunday, but demonstrators said the increased security and an FBI memo warning of possible violence from anti-government extremists caused many to stay home.

MSP estimated 20-25 protesters attended the demonstration in Lansing Sunday. Several armed demonstrators identified themselves as members of the anti-government boogaloo movement. Police reported no incidents and no arrests were made.

Weve made it very clear from the beginning that this will not ever look like the Capitol did, Shaw said. I think sometimes that presence does deter people from doing anything else, just like driving patrol cars up and down in your neighborhood hopefully prevents people from breaking into your house.

Law enforcement officials said the deadly Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C. raised safety concerns at state capitals across the country. The FBI found evidence that extremist groups were planning additional demonstrations surrounding Bidens inauguration Wednesday.

The Michigan National Guard was activated to support law enforcement efforts at the Capitol in Lansing and in Washington, D.C. Michigan State Police increased the number of uniformed officers around the state Capitol and employed other unseen security measures.

The Legislature will not meet this week in response to concerns about threats facing Capitol this week.

Police did not disclose how many members of law enforcement are stationed around the Capitol. Shaw said MSP is coordinating with the FBI to track possible demonstrations but did not say whether protesters are expected to return to Lansing Wednesday.

Unfortunately, these groups dont give us an RSVP of when theyre going to come out and conduct these type of protests, so we have to kind of play it by ear, Shaw said.

Conservative activist groups that spent weeks pushing unproven election fraud claims are urging their supporters not to gather at the Capitol on Wednesday.

Michigan State Capitol Commission Vice Chair John Truscott said a six-foot-tall fence erected around the Capitol last week will remain in place throughout the week.

The Capitol is closed to the public on days when the Legislature does not meet.

I think everybody hopes that we can get back to the way things were, Truscott said. Threats like this have no place in the seat of government in any state or in the U.S. Capitol. We went through the protests over the summer and some of the violence weve gone through at the end of the year; I think were all just hoping the new year brings peace and increased safety.

The Captiol Commission banned the open carry of firearms inside the building after the Jan. 6 riots raised concerns about the potential for armed demonstrators to harm lawmakers. Proponents of the move pointed to an April 2020 protest where people crowded into the Capitol and demanded entry to the House chamber.

Theres no reason to bring a long gun into the Capitol building, Truscott said. The building is very secure. Its very safe. State police do a wonderful job protecting everyone in the building and (protesters) can still have all their First and Second Amendment rights outside of the building.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Gov. Whitmer replaces GOP canvasser who certified election with conservative activist

Michigan Republicans seek strong gubernatorial challenger to Whitmer as big names bow out

Armed boogaloo boys gather at Michigan Capitol, join small group of protesters
Bill Barr has said that Donald Trump's allegations of election fraud and his claims that the Presidency was 'stolen' from him 'precipitated' the DC riots, in his first TV interview since resigning as Attorney General.

Barr was asked about Trump and his campaign's claims about the legitimacy of the election, and appeared to take a swipe at his former boss.

ITV News Global Security Editor Rohit Kachroo asked Barr: 'Perhaps the debate about the integrity of the election was the final straw?'

Barr replied: 'I think that was the thing that precipitated the riots on the Hill'

The jab follows reports that Barr resigned as Attorney General on December 23 after telling President Donald Trump that his widespread voter fraud claims were 'bulls**t' and the legal team he was assembling was 'clownish.'

Before he left office, Barr said publicly that there was no widespread election fraud and in the ITV interview he sought to distance himself from the Capitol rioters - claiming that he had been worried about violence from Trump supporters.

He added; 'I'm sad to see, but not surprised in a way to see, the kind of violence we saw on Capitol Hill. I consider it despicable, and - I was not attorney general, I had already left office when that occurred - but I felt that they should move very quickly to disperse that crowd, regardless of which side of the political spectrum is involved.'

"That was the thing that precipitated the riots on the Hill"



Former attorney general Bill Barr tells @RohitKachrooITV that questioning the legitimacy of the US presidential election 'precipitated' the Jan 6 US Capitol riots https://t.co/h3UKcRol1g pic.twitter.com/lrFRpP25yE  ITV News (@itvnews) January 18, 2021

The assault on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump left five people dead

Pictured: Supporters of President Donald Trump attend 'Save America' rally where Trump spoke as election results are to be certified in Washington DC on January 6, 2021

Barr's first TV interview since resigning as U.S. attorney general On Tuesday, Barr gave his first TV interview since resigning as U.S. attorney general on December 23, after falling out with President Trump over claims that the presidential election was 'stolen'. In the interview with the UK's ITV News, Barr gave his thoughts on the January 6 Capitol riots. Barr on whether questions over the election's integrity led to the riots: I think that that was the thing that precipitated the riots on The Hill. Now, I think it's always important to remember that most people are exercising their first amendment rights. But there's a substantial group, obviously, that went far beyond that and broke into the capital and tried to interfere with the proceedings, and that's unacceptable. Barr on how the rioters should have been dealt with: I'm sad to see, but not surprised in a way to see, the kind of violence we saw on Capitol Hill. I consider it despicable, and - I was not attorney general, I had already left office when that occurred - but I felt that they should move very quickly to disperse that crowd, regardless of which side of the political spectrum is involved. We just cannot tolerate violence, interfering with the processes of government. Barr on whether Trump incited the riots on January 6: I'll leave it to the people who are looking into the genesis of this to say whether incitement was involved. I don't know if I'd use the word inevitable, but I think that when you start suppressing free speech, when people lose confidence in the media, and also when they lose faith in the integrity of elections, you're going to have some people resort to violence. Barr on the similarity between the MAGA rioters and Islamist extremists: There is obviously some commonality because many of the people that get involved in this are people who have problems, psychological problems, or problems with their socialisation, shall we say, alienation. So to that extent, the raw material of extremism may be similar. Advertisement

He added : 'I think it's always important to remember most people are exercising their First Amendment rights but there is a substantial group obviously that went far beyond that and broke into the Capitol and tried to interfere with the proceedings and that's unacceptable.'

But when asked whether Trump incited the rioters, Barr stopped short, choosing not to name the president explicitly.

Instead, he said, he would leave it to investigators to determine whether Trump and his allies incited the riot.

Barr said: 'Regardless of which side of the political spectrum is involved, we just cannot tolerate violence interfering with the processes of government'.

'I'll leave it to the people who are looking into the genesis of this to say whether incitement was involved.'

Barr - previously a fiercely loyal supporter of the president - left office in December after serving as attorney general under the Trump administration for more than year.

Speaking during the interview, Barr said he would not describe the violence seen by supporters of the president as 'inevitable'.

He added: 'I think that when you start suppressing free speech, when people lose confidence in the media, and also when they lose faith in the integrity of elections - you are going to have some people resort to violence.'

Barr, who also served as attorney general under President George W Bush, said that the 'emergence of violence in the political process' was one of his concerns during his second spell in the office.

'It was just starting - people attacking, people wearing Trump hats, and things like that. You had the Proud Boys who were on the right, fighting the Antifa who were on the left,' Barr told ITV News.

'I said that I was very worried about the emergence of violence and he had to have zero tolerance for it.'

He went on to agree that there were 'similarities' between the rioters and Islamist terrorists, 'because many of the people that get involved in this are people who have problems - psychological problems or problems with their socialisation.

'So to that extent, the raw material of extremism may be similar.'

However, some groups were just 'anarchists against any kind of order,' he said. 'The Islamist threat is far more programmatic. There's probably more structure to it than what we have to deal with here,' he noted.

His interview with the British TV network comes a day after a report claimed that Barr had repeatedly clashed with Trump about his fraud claims following the election.

Axious reported that Barr told President Donald Trump in December that his widespread voter fraud claims were 'bulls**t' and the legal team he was assembling was 'clownish.'

There was not widespread fraud in the election, as has been confirmed by a range of election officials, as well as Barr himself. Nearly all of the legal challenges put forth by Trump and his allies have been dismissed by judges.

Axios reported on the fallout between Trump and Barr, who resigned from his perch at the Justice Department on December 23.

The relationship began to fray over the summer when Trump wanted to use military force against Black Lives Matter demonstrators in cities like Portland, an inclination Barr pushed back on.

Attorney General Bill Barr told President Donald Trump that his widespread election fraud claims were 'bulls**t' and said Trump's team of lawyers were 'clownish'

Barr, according to Axios, thought Trump's ideas were too aggressive and likened their conversations to the movie 'Groundhog Day,' as the same arguments happened over and over again.

Trump would throw tantrums when Barr questioned what he would do with troops in major U.S. cities.

Barr pointed out that the troops could be stranded in Portland and other cities indefinitely.

'No one supports me,' Trump yelled at one point. 'No one gives me any f***ing support.'

Axios said that Barr acted like a 'heat shield' between the president and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

Milley and Esper, like Barr, believed deploying troops to Portland was a bad idea.

After a summer of fighting, Barr tried to avoid Trump through the fall.

And the attorney general was largely successful because the president was on the campaign trail so much.

But after the November 3 election, Trump needed Barr to push his election fraud narrative.

Barr had asked the DOJ to speed up federal investigations of election fraud allegations, but that wasn't enough for Trump - as the evidence investigators sought didn't exist.

On November 29, Trump called Barr's DOJ 'missing in action' on Fox News Channel.

The messaging infuriated Barr, Axios reported.

In turn, Barr gave an interview to an Associated Press reporter, Michael Balsamo, where he said publicly there was no widespread election fraud.

Barr knew the story could go live as he was going into a White House meeting on December 1.

And Trump did confront him over the AP headline: 'Disputing Trump, Barrs says no widespread election fraud.'

'Why would you say such a thing? You must hate Trump. There's no other reason for it. You must hate Trump,' the president responded, speaking in the third person, Axios reported.

Barr responded that, 'these things aren't panning out. The stuff that these people are filling your ear with just isn't true,' he said, according to Axios.

Barr explained that the DOJ had looked into these fraud allegations that Trump's lawyers like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell were peddling.

'It's just bulls**t,' Barr said.

'I'm a pretty informed legal observer and I can't fucking figure out what the theory is here,' Barr continued. 'It's just scattershot. It's all over the hill and gone.'

Trump responded with a, 'maybe.'

Barr quit before Christmas because he didn't want his private disagreements coming into public view, Axios said.

On December 14, Barr met with Trump and argued that it was best for him to step aside. He did so the following week, on December 23.

January 6 saw a violent mob of MAGA supporters storm the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building.

Send in the troops: Donald Trump repeatedly demanded that Bill Barr allow the military to deploy to Portland as the two men's relationship went into a tailspin

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Richard Barnett, a supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6

Trump is 'livid' at Biden's star-studded inauguration line-up of Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lopez Donald Trump is furious that Joe Biden has managed to attract a star-studded lineup to his inauguration, it has been claimed - in sharp contrast to the president's own ceremony four years ago. Trump, who will leave the White House before noon on Wednesday, was reported by The Washington Post to be angry that a roll call of stars are signing up to Biden's event. While Trump famously struggled to attract big names, Biden has confirmed Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks and country star Garth Brooks for his event, which he is urging people to watch from home owing to the COVID pandemic. Four years ago, Trump secured country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood, rock groups 3 Doors Down and The Piano Guys, DJ RaviDrum and The Frontmen of Country. Elton John, British singers Rebecca Ferguson and Charlotte Church plus Moby publicly rejected invitations to perform. A member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir resigned from the group rather than perform and MSG Entertainment, the organization that owns the Rockettes, said it was each dancer's choice to perform after a dancer expressed concern on social media. Barack Obama had no trouble drawing the stars, with Beyonce, U2, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen all performing. One source told the paper that, despite the chaos of the last few weeks, Trump found time to be particularly upset by Biden's lineup. The president made it clear he will not attend Biden's inauguration, becoming the first president since 1869 to snub his successor. Mike Pence, the vice president, will be there. Trump plans to leave the White House and Washington DC on Inauguration Day with a departure ceremony at Joint Base Andrews. Normally, the outgoing president attends the ceremony at the Capitol and is seen off by his successor, taking a helicopter from the Capitol to the military base just outside Washington which is home to Air Force One and other official government and military aircraft. Recent past presidents have made brief remarks to staff and supporters before flying out of town. Trump has not confirmed his post-presidency intentions, but it is believed he will live at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Advertisement

Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob rioted 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 the following day from injuries sustained in the attack after the thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher.

Many people have already been arrested and prosecutors across the U.S. have vowed to bring to justice those who stormed the U.S. Capitol, sending lawmakers into hiding as they began their work to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

The group included white nationalists, neo-Nazis and QAnon conspiracy theorists, coming from states as far-flung as Arizona and Oregon, while photographs from the riot have shown people wearing clothes with a range of antisemitic messages.

Trump has become the only president to be twice impeached, and the first to be prosecuted as he leaves the White House, an ever-more-extraordinary end to his tenure.

A precedent set by the Senate in the 1800s established that a trial can proceed even after a federal official leaves office. Trump was first impeached by the House in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine, but the Senate voted last year to acquit.

Ten Republicans joined all Democrats in the 232-197 impeachment vote on Wednesday, the most bipartisan modern presidential impeachment.

When his second trial does begin, House impeachment managers say they will be making the case that Trump's incendiary rhetoric hours before the attack on the Capitol was not isolated, but directly intended to interrupt the electoral count as part of his escalating campaign to overturn the November election.

Meanwhile, it was revealed on Tuesday that QAnon fanatics are said to have discussed posing as National Guard soldiers in an attempt to infiltrate President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

An intelligence briefing seen by The Washington Post states: 'QAnon members have discussed posing as National Guard soldiers, believing that it would be easy for them to infiltrate secure areas.'

The National Guard have been told to be alert to anyone who looks 'out of place' as a result. 'Concerns of lone wolf actors are increasing,' the report adds.

Videos and pictures taken of the security measures by unknown individuals in DC have already been shared online and while there are said to be no specific threats maps of the city have also been studied by extremists, according to the paper.

The threats against Bidens inauguration have been fueled by supporters of President Donald Trump, far-right militants, white supremacists and other radical groups.

Many believe Trumps baseless accusations that the election was stolen from him, a claim that has been refuted by many courts, the Justice Department and Republican officials in key battleground states.

Security concerns have gripped Washington following the deadly January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

The FBI has not commented on the latest report.

More than 125 people have been arrested so far on charges related to the violent insurrection led by Trump supporters at the Capitol, where a Capitol police officer and four others were killed.

Charges from the January 6 riot range from curfew violations to serious federal felonies related to theft and weapons possession.

Joe Biden will arrive in Washington today and try to take the focus off Donald Trump with ceremony of remembrance for the 400,000 victims of COVID at the Lincoln Memorial

President-elect Joe Biden will arrive in Washington D.C. on Tuesday after speaking at a send-off in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware

Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris will host a ceremony at the Lincoln Tuesday night honoring the nearly 400,000 American lives lost to coroanvirus

The incoming president will also attend church Wednesday morning before inauguration in the absence of the traditional White House reception

The events are meant to distract from President Donald Trump's exit from Washington as Congress steams ahead with impeachment proceedings

Trump will fly to Mar-a-Lago Wednesday as he exits the White House

And after being sworn in he and former presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama will lay a wreath at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A prayer service at National Cathedral on Thursday is expected to center on the victims of COVID

Joe Biden will try to divert attention from President Donald Trumps White House exit as the president-elect arrives in Washington D.C. Tuesday for a memorial honoring the American lives lost to coronavirus the night before his inauguration.

The former vice president will participate in a send-off event in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware before he and his wife Jill Biden depart for the nations capital.

Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris will host a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Tuesday evening to honor the nearly 400,000 American lives lost to the pandemic.

Tuesdays events are an attempt to deflect from a potentially messy exit from the White House, as Trump will not participate in the usual pomp and circumstance of exchange of power  such as holding a private conversation with the incoming president, leaving a letter of advice or attending his replacement's inauguration.

He also could face a split-screen moment Wednesday as the House prepares to deliver the article of impeachment against Trump to the Senate  and several Democratic senators are eager to move forward with the proceedings.

Bidens team is already trying to set a more serious and sympathetic tone in its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The attempt to turn the focus from Trump to COVID will begin on Tuesday night.

Biden and Harris will lead a 'moment of unity and remembrance' for the dead at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial. The reflecting pool in front of the memorial will be lit up for the first time, to honor the deceased.

President-elect Joe Biden will arrive in Washington D.C. on Tuesday after speaking at a send-off in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware

Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Washington will host a memorial to the American lives lost to COVID-19

The two will make remarks from the Lincoln Memorial honoring the nearly 400,000 dead as the reflecting pool in front of the memorial will be illuminated

Inauguration will take place as thousands of National Guard troops patrol D.C. after the storming of the Capitol building earlier this month led to a slew of threats against lawmakers and the incoming administration

Unprecedented: Biden's inauguration takes place with D.C. in lockdown and 25,000 National Guard troops deployed in the wake of the MAGA riot

The president-elect is asking Americans to light a candle in their window in honor of those who lost their lives to the deadly pandemic.

It is unclear if members of the Trump administration will attend the memorial.

On Wednesday, Biden will be sworn into office  and with the lack of any traditional greetings by the outgoing president, Biden will use his time before the inauguration ceremony to go to church.

Then on Thursday, he will attend a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, which is expected to be dedicated to those who have died of COVID.

As of Tuesday morning, 399,003 Americans have lost their lives to the virus and more than 24 million have been infected since early last year.

With the traditions of inauguration upended by a combination of Trump's refusal to meet Biden at the White House, massive security in the wake of the MAGA riots, and Biden's insistence that the event be COVID safe, his team have carved out a new version which they hope will help take the focus off the outgoing president.

That will be a difficult task: Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate could begin as early as 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, minutes after Biden is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol and exactly two weeks after the MAGA mob stormed it.

Preparations: Biden will be sworn-in Wednesday afternoon on the steps of the Capitol in an unusual private ceremony in light of the pandemic and emerging threats. The inauguration will be void of any of the traditional symbols of the transfer of power from one president to the next

Nearly 200,000 miniature American flags, dubbed the 'filed of flags', were placed on the National Mall in lieu of a live audience for the inauguration

President Donald Trump will not participate in any of the usual traditions of transfer of power, like meeting with Biden the morning of inauguration on Wednesday or attending his swearing in

JOE BIDEN'S INAUGURATION TIMETABLE Tuesday 19 Leaves Wilmington, Delaware, with wife Jill for D.C. 5.30pm: Joins Kamala Harris at the Lincoln Memorial for COVID remembrance ceremony Spends night at Blair House, the official guest house across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House Wednesday 20 8.45amAttends mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral with leaders of the House and Senate 11am: Guests arrive on the steps of the Capitol for the inauguration Ceremony will begin with an invocation by the Rev. Leo J. O'Donovan, a Jesuit priest who is a close friend of the Biden family. Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia, will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem. Amanda Gorman, who became the country's first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, will read a poem she has written for the occasion called 'The Hill We Climb.' Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks also will perform. Shortly after 12 p.m., Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office. Biden will take the oath with his 127-year-old, 5-inch-thick family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Jill. Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first black and the first South Asian American vice president, will be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court. Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles  one that belonged to a close family friend Regina Shelton who was like mother to her and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, one of her heroes. Biden will then give his inaugural address. After the swearing-in ceremony, Biden and Harris will take part in a Pass in Review with members of the military on the East Front of the Capitol. Then, Biden, Harris and their spouses will then go to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Obamas, the Bushes and the Clintons will attend in a show of bipartisan unity. The next stop is the White House where Joe and Jill Biden and Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff will view the virtual 'Parade Across America,' featuring performances from all 56 states and territories. It will be hosted by the actor Tony Goldwyn with appearances by Earth, Wind and Fire and former 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart. It also includes 1,391 people (not counting the military escort), 90 horses and nine dogs. Afternoon: Harris swears in the three new Democratic senators: Georgia election winners Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, and her replacement as California senator, Alex Padilla New White House press secretary Jen Psaki holds first briefing 8pm: Primetime TV celebration hosted by Tom Hanks, Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, Tyler Hubbard, Tim McGraw, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Biden and Harris also will speak. Thursday 21 10am Biden joins virtual interfaith service at National Cathedral for 59th Inaugural National Prayer Service Advertisement

Nearly 200,000 mini American flags were placed on the National Mall this week to take the place of a live audience for the inauguration.

With the mix of coronavirus and threats facing the incoming president and his administration, the ceremony was closed to the public and will instead consist of a small, invite-only socially-distanced audience.

Wednesday morning, Trump is set to leave the White House for Mar-a-Lago on board Air Force One. His demands for a military sendoff at Joint Base Andrews were nixed by the Pentagon.

Until now it had been traditional for the outgoing president and first lady to welcome the president-elect and his wife to the White House on the morning of inauguration, with the two leaders then going down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol in the presidential limousine.

That was what happened in 2017, with the Trumps first going to a prayer service at St John's Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square opposite the White House - later to become notorious as the site of his Bible photo-op in June 2020 - before being welcomed to the White House by the Obamas.

But the Bidens will not be welcomed at the White House and instead, the president-elect will go to Mass.

It is unclear which church he will attend on Tuesday. Only one Catholic church, St Patrick's close to Metro Center in downtown D.C. will be inside the massive security zone being thrown around the White House, National Mall and Capitol.

After being sworn in, Biden will once again turn to remembering the dead, this time fallen troops, by driving to Arlington National Cemetery with former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Jimmy Carter, 96 and his wife Rosalynn, who have spent the pandemic largely at their home in Plains, GA, will not attend.

The ceremony at Arlington may provide a jarring split screen moment if the Senate trial of Trump begins at 1pm.

It will also serve to underline the support for the peaceful transfer of power from the former presidents who include Bush the sole living Republican former president.

And with the round of balls and concerts abandoned, Wednesday night will instead see a TV show hosted by Tom Hanks at 8.30pm on NBC, ABC, CBS and PBS as well as CNN and MSNBC.

The day after inauguration has traditionally featured a prayer service at National Cathedral but this time is likely to focus on praying for a nation traumatized by COVID and the Capitol riot.

Biden's non-traditional inauguration will be the start of a first day in office in which he will take an axe to many of Trump's signature policies.

Among the promises Biden has made include mask mandates, striking down the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries, and having the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Accord.

While it's an ambitious plan, Biden plans on signing a handful of executive orders on his first day in office, per a memo from incoming chief of staff Ron Klain.

One of the executive orders Biden will sign is a reversal of the travel ban, which first affected people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen when it was implemented in January 2017.

The order has been altered slightly since then, but has largely withstood legal challenges.

Another executive order Biden is planning on signing on his first day is an order that will have the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Accord.

The agreement signed in 2016 is a global pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emission and enact other environmentally-conscious policies.

Trump had the United States withdraw from the agreement in November 2019, becoming the most significant nation to no longer be party to the pact, drawing the ire of the rest of the globe.

'During the campaign, President-elect Biden pledged to take immediate action to start addressing these crises and build back better,' Klain wrote in a memo obtained by CNN.

'As president, he will keep those promises and sign dozens of executive orders, presidential memoranda, and directives to Cabinet agencies in fulfillment of the promises he made.'

Tradition: This was the scene in 2017 when the Obamas welcomed the Trumps to the White House before the inauguration of the 45th president. Instead the Bidens will first go to the White House after he is sworn in

Traditional solemnity: Presidents usually go to Arlington National Cemetery on the day of their inaugurations with the vice president - as Obama did with Biden in 2013 - but this time Biden will be joined by the former presidents coming to the inauguration, Bush, Clinton and Obama

Show business: Lady Gaga will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration and Tom Hanks will host a primetime TV special taking the place of balls and parties

Other executive orders Biden wants to sign right away include a halt of evictions during the pandemic, a pause on student loan payments during the pandemic, and a mandate requiring the wearing of face masks on federal properties and in federally-controlled jurisdictions, which includes interstate planes, trains and buses.

Biden also has listed a thorough immigration policy and a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill among his top priorities.

Biden previously said he would roll back the Migrant Protection Protocols on his first day, which turn away many Central American refugees at the Mexican border.

Whether or not he does so could become critical in the coming days, with reports of Honduran migrants working their way through Guatemala and slowly towards the US border emerging.

In addition to his many executive orders and policy priorities, Biden also has his eye on his first overseas trip as president.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that Biden is planning on making the United Kingdom the site of his first trip outside of North America, which would be considered a boost to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

'Joe's view will be that they'll have the destiny of the world on their shoulders so he'll want to overcome any political differences,' a friend of Biden's said to the Telegraph, in regards to Biden's previous opposition to Brexit.

According to his chief of staff, Biden has plans to sign up to about a dozen executive orders

A United Nations climate change conference is scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland in the fall of 2021, meaning Biden could end up visiting the United Kingdom more than once this year.

Trump and Johnson tapped into similar sentiments within their countries, but the relationship between the two nations during their tenures has not been rock solid.

Because of Brexit, the two nations are working on a new trade deal, which isn't expected to be in place before 2022.

Trump's first foreign visit as the president took him to several countries in May 2017 starting in Saudi Arabia, where he signed a $110 billion arms deal.
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain marks the 75th anniversary of its foundation.

On 19-20 January 1946, in post-war Edinburgh  on the Feast of Jordan  the inaugural General Meeting took place of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), the Associations Board of Directors posted on Facebook.

As noted, AUGBs founding members were Ukrainians serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, some of whom had arrived in Great Britain in 1940; the first Ukrainian settlers from Ukraine, in Manchester, whose emigration to Canada had been prevented by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914; Ukrainians who had been deported to Siberia during the Soviet occupation and annexation of Western Ukraine (1939), Northern Bukovina (1940) and Transcarpathian Ukraine (1945), who together with Poles, as Polish citizens, reached the Middle East where the Polish Armys II Corps was created under the command of Lieutenant General Wadysaw Anders; participants of the liberation struggle of the OUN-UPA, who in the summer of 1944 were captured during German raids and transported to France, where heavy fighting was already taking place on the Western Front.

Most of them sided with the Western Allies and arrived in Britain in early 1945. These were followed by Ukrainian ostarbeiters and refugees in Europe (1947 onwards) and by members of the Ukrainian Division (1947) which had been interned in Rimini, Italy, at the end of the war  all of whom were assisted by the Central Ukrainian Relief Bureau in London and then by the AUGB, reads the statement.

This generation of Ukrainians witnessed numerous tragic events on Ukrainian soil and beyond both before and during the Second World War, and then found itself relocated to a foreign land. A deep faith, patriotism and generosity united them in a common cause of maintaining their Ukrainian identity, supporting community members in need, and helping their homeland, Ukraine, to become a free, independent and sovereign state.

As emphasized, these values and aspirations were brought together and furthered with the birth of the Association of Ukrainians, whose guiding principles were adopted during the organisations inaugural meeting in Edinburgh on 19-20 January 1946.

Since then, the AUGB has worked tirelessly to represent, develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK. It has gained respect and created close working and cultural ties with various bodies, groups and individuals throughout the UK and worldwide, in Ukraine, Europe, the North American continent and Australia, says the statement.

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent. It exists to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK.

ol
From a young boy growing up in Derry's Bogside to working with one of the biggest names in music and working on one of television's longest- running television pro- grammes, award-winning Vinny Cunningham has seen it all  from behind the lens of a camera.

Vinny is the man who has brought us top TV series such as Joe Mahon's highly successful Lesser Spotted Ulster as well as the much-lauded Battle of the Bogside, No Go: The Free Derry Story and Insight: Operation Motorman documentaries.

The son of Phonsie and the late Mary, Vinny is the fourth oldest in a family of eight, having two brothers and five sisters.

Born in Meenan Drive in the Bogside in 1966, Vinny, along with his family, moved to Creggan in 1972.

After attending Holy Child Primary School he went to St Columb's College, leaving there after four years to go to St Joseph's Secondary School.

His interest in photography began at an early age.

He said: I remember taking pictures of the 1981 hunger strike marches, riots and funerals here in Derry. I was 15 at the time.

His interest in photography continued after leaving school.

I joined the Derry Youth and Community Workshop (DYCW) in Society Street in 1983 under a YTP (Youth Training Programme) scheme, having been encouraged to do so by Kevin Mahon, who was then a recruitment officer of sorts for DYCW.

I stayed in the vdeo and photography section until the tutor, Paul McClintock, and I left to establish Online Video. We made corporate films, wedding videos and we even landed the first video contract for Derry City FC to cover all their games at home and away.

It was a steep learning curve, as back then we had to have 25-30 VHS copies of a game ready for the very many supporters clubs on a Monday night.

During two periods spent in London (1984-1985) and (1987-1989), Vinny attended various part-time video courses as well as working at Jessops Photocentre in New Oxford Street.

He returned to Derry permanently in February 1989 to join Northland Films Ltd as a cameraman.

Vinny recalled: We worked on the likes of the hugely popular McGilloway's Way with Olly for UTV until his untimely death in 1994 and then Lesser Spotted Ulster started in 1995.

In December 1996, the Northland Films team split up amicably. Each formed their own companies. Vinny and Billy Gallagher (sound recordist) set up Northland Broadcast, providing crew hire to the likes of Joe Mahon of Westway Films (who was also previously with Northland Films) on Lesser Spotted Ulster,.

Vinny said: It's been the very same core crew with Joe since those days.

We have also crewed literally hundreds of programmes since 1996, from Blue Peter, Newsround to news coverage at Drumcree, Holy Cross, the Good Friday Agreement and many, many others. Never boring anyway.

Vinny made his first 'big film' in 2001.

He recalled: Along with Tom Collins, we produced and directed Teenage Kicks - The Undertones with the late great John Peel on his first ever visit to Derry. It was for the BBC but also had a selected cinemas and festivals run all over the world.

Four years later, Open Reel Productions Ltd was formed to be the documentary production side of things as opposed to a crew hire facility, resulting in a number highly-successful productions.

These included:

- Inisght: Operation Motorman (2012, UTV) examined the role and impact of the largest British Army operation since the Suez Crisis which resulted in the end of Derry's 'No Go' areas.

- Exodus (2008, BBC) told the inside story of why thousands of Protestants left their homes on the west bank of Derry, over a 30 year period.

- No Go: The Free Derry Story (2006, BBC NIFTC, Irish Film Board) was a feature documentary which followed on from Battle of the Bogside,' taking up the story from when the British Army arrived on the streets of Derry. It remiered at the Seagate Foyle Film Festival and was nshown at a number of festivals worldwide. It was shortlisted for a number 'best documentary,' including the Wurzburg International Film Festival in German, Grierson Documentary Awards, London and the FOCAL Awards, London where it was nominated for 'Best Use of Footage in a Factual Production'.

- Battle of the Bogside (2004, BBC, NIFTC, Irish Film Board) was a feature documentary on the three of riots in Derry that led to the deployment of British troops into Derry in August 1969. Also screened at many film festivals worldwide. It won Best Documentary at the Irish Film and Television Awards and was shortlisted in the Best Documentary Feature category at the Galway Film Festival and Best Historical Documentary at the Grierson Documentary Awards.

- Teenage Kicks: The Undertones (2001, BBC, Arts Council of NI, Irish Film Board)  a documentary film about one of the most successful bands to come out of Derry was presented by the legendary TV presenter John Peel. Two versions of the film were made; one for BBC transmission, the other for Cinema Screenings. It ws screened at every major film festival and was released on DVD by Sanctuary Records and then Union Square Music. It was shortlisted for Best Arts Documentary at the Celtic Film Festival and Best Documentary Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh.

- Insight: The Bad Apple (1999) was a 30-minute documentary filmed in Derry, Belfast and New York and told the story centred on one elderly Derry womans fight with the New York Police Department to prove that an off-duty policeman murdered her son in the 'Big Apple.' It was the first time ever that an independent production company was commissioned by UTV to produce an episode of their flagship current affairs series and achieved a record for viewing figures - 38% of Northern Ireland watched the programme when transmitted on January 21, 1999.

Looking back, Vinny regards 'the team' as his 'second family.'

From a crew point of view, well, it's been nearly 25 years now since we became self-employed and it's always been 'one year at a time.' We'll keep saying that as that's all that you can do, whilst keep planning ahead with ideas and so on.

It's tough most of the time financially as you're constantly having to buy the latest kit every two years.

Apart from the work we've been doing with Joe, Patrick, Orlagh, Emma and Sarah at Westway Films every year, it would have to be archive films with John Peto (Nerve Centre) as my co-producer/director.

They are my 'second family' now - we've been filming together since 1995.

It is still great fun and we all know how each other ticks. We'd need to at this stage.

Among the shows they have worked on are Lesser Spotted Ulster, Lesser Spotted Journeys, Ulster Giants and more recently, Lough Foyle.

I have enjoyed all of it, to be honest, getting to travel the country and see all these previously unseen places or find out things about places that we'd seen many times.

Like many, Vinny, did not escape the fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic.

it was tough at the start but at least most of our work was postponed rather than cancelled. There are, and will be, very many businesses and self-employed worse off. Joe interviewing people from two metres away is an experience.

At present, Vinny is involved in making 18 programmes for a new series of 'Mahon's Way' for UTV as well as working on a few ideas himself for submission to broadcasters.

He is doing all that on top of enjoying being in the company of one special person.

I became a grandfather for the first time in January 2019, so I am enjoying as much time as possible with the now two-year-old Casey.
Treasury Nominee Yellen: Job Losses From $15 Minimum Wage Would Be Very Minimal

Congressional budget office estimates 1.3 million jobs would be lost

The job losses from boosting the federal minimum wage to $15 would be very minimal, Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen told lawmakers on Jan. 19.

In terms of potential job loss, theres now a large economic literature on this, and much of it suggests that raising minimum wages  researchers often look at what happens if one state raises its minimum wage and a neighboring state leaves it alone to see how businesses fare in the two different places with different treatments, and the findings are that job loss is very minimal, if anything, Yellen told members of the Senate Finance Committee in Washington during a partially virtual confirmation hearing.

So I think that the likely impact on jobs is minimal. Thats my reading of the research.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated last year that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour would wipe out a minimum of 1.3 million jobs.

By increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, it could shutter somewhere around 3.7 million jobs, on the high end. The last thing this economy needs, as we attempt to recover, is a loss of 1.3 to 3.7 million jobs, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) told Yellen, before prompting her answer by asking what she thought.

Raising the minimum wage would increase the cost of doing business significantly, devastate the opportunity to develop new jobs in rural America, and affect people trying to enter the workforce, Scott said, calling it an existential threat to both restaurants and employees.

Harsh restrictions imposed to try to curb the COVID-19 pandemic have led to millions of job losses over the past year, some of which havent returned yet.

Right now, we have millions of American workers who are putting their lives on the line to keep their communities functioning, and sometimes even working multiple jobs and arent earning enough to put food on the table, said Yellen, who chaired the Federal Reserve during the Obama and Trump administrations. And theyre suffering in countless ways, especially during this pandemic and really struggling to get by, and raising the minimum wage would really help many of those workers.

Scott disagreed with the nominee, telling her: I would say that there is no doubt that when you artificially increase the minimum wage, you are going to permanently decrease the number of jobs in the economy.

Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus plan last week that includes an increase in the federal minimum wage.

People tell me thats going to be hard to pass, Florida just passed it. As divided as that state is, they just passed it. The rest of the country is ready to move as well should be a national minimum wage of $15 an hour. No one working 40 hours a week should live below the poverty line, President Joe Biden told a press conference in Delaware, at the time.

The plans fate in the Senate is uncertain, as other Republicans besides Scott have expressed reservations.

If the federal government mandates a universal $15 minimum wage, many low-income Americans will lose their current jobs and find fewer job opportunities in the future, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) said in a statement. The best thing that the federal government and states can do for economic growth right now is to quickly vaccinate as many Americans as possible and fully reopen this economy.

If confirmed, Yellen would be the first woman to lead the Treasury Department.

Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:01 am

While Republicans in the state Legislature would respond to such a statement with an affirmative nod, their colleagues across the aisle will face pressure to create new revenue sources as the Legislature looks to counter the impacts of the coronavirus recession.

Look no further than Gov. Jay Inslees budget plan for confirmation of that.

The Democratic executive entering his third term in office has proposed $1.3 billion in new taxes for Washingtonians.

The state does need new, additional revenue to continue to strengthen our states economy, he said last month. This we know.

Inslee dismissed a reduction in the states budget through cuts to staff and services as impractical, a suggestion that rightly angers businesses that have been forced to cut their own staffs and budgets amid government-ordered restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The largest new revenue proposal is Inslees tax on capital gains, a plan that has been called out as an income tax by critics of the governor. The new tax on profits from selling stocks and bonds would collect $1.1 billion annually beginning next year. While supporters of the plan note that it will only impact the wealthiest 2 percent of residents, it also in the process  if it makes it through the courts  opens the door for an expansion of an income tax in the future.

Additionally, Inslee is also pursuing a tax on health care policies to pay for public health needs, a carbon cap-and-trade policy and a low-carbon fuel standard, which analysts have said will lead to an increase in fuel costs across the board.

In short, state lawmakers, many of whom have their own tax proposals, should instead focus on the essentials in 2021, and the overarching message should be to do no harm.

Business owners have been through hell this past year, many being ordered to close for months at a time. Many citizens of Washington have endured heart-wrenching hardships, whether it was the loss of employment or the loss of a loved one. Landlords are in many cases having a difficult time paying mortgages as renters likewise feel the financial pinch.

The last thing any of them need is another hit to their bank account.

While there are many reasons to avoid any new taxation this session, among the most convincing is the relative financial health of the state.

Last spring, as the effects of the pandemic on the states coffers were just beginning to come into focus, there were dire predictions of the economic pain ahead. In May, preliminary numbers produced by the Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast Council predicted a $7 billion loss in revenue through 2023. That broke down to a loss of $3.8 billion in revenue in the 2019-2020 budget cycle and an additional $3.27 billion in the 2021-23 budget cycle.

Such a gap would have likely led to even louder calls from the left for additional tax revenue met by equally loud calls from the right for deep cuts to state government.

Fortunately for everyone, that prediction has not come true. The economy of Washington, though rattled and damaged from the changes in spending and restrictions on businesses, proved to be more resilient than predicted.

The November update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council  on which local lawmakers Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, both serve  showed a drastically improved picture more than $900 million above what had been originally forecasted.

In an interview with The Chronicle last week, Braun, the Senate minority leader, said information that has poured in since November continues to show an ever-improving outlook, though financial challenges brought on by the pandemic remain.

Inslees proposals arent all bad. His plan to reduce what businesses have to pay in unemployment taxes by $790 million this year and $1.1 billion from 2022 to 2023 represents an admirable attempt at providing much-needed aid. Likewise, his calls for providing assistance to renters so they can pay their landlords amid an ongoing moratorium on evictions could yield positive results if done correctly.

But save the tax increases for another session.

A pandemic is no time to expand the size of the governments share of the peoples money.



Chad Taylor is owner of Nisqually Valley News, The Chronicle, The Reflector and CT Publishing.
The ongoing, pandemic-induced shift in consumer spending has the State Ports Authority adjusting its outlook for the next six months  from the belt tightening and potential double-digit cargo declines predicted in April to the latest projection for a record-breaking number of containers.

The SPA said it expects 1.385 million cargo boxes of all sizes to move through the Port of Charleston during its current fiscal year, which ends June 30. That's 12 percent better than the agency's pre-year projections as the coronavirus pandemic was spreading through the United State and businesses were shutting down.

The new target represents a fiscal year record for the SPA, potentially driving annual earnings past the $100 million mark for the first time in its history. Through the first half of this fiscal year, the SPA is earning nearly double the amount of money it projected in April.

"All in all, it's a picture I don't think any of us expected over the first six months," said Phil Padgett, the SPA's chief financial officer.

The reversal of fortunes is largely due to the pandemic's impact on how U.S. consumers allocate their money. The majority of spending has historically been on services, such as restaurant meals and vacations. With those sectors still largely shut down because to the coronavirus, consumers have been spending most of their money on hard goods, ranging from groceries and cleaning supplies to refrigerators and automobiles. That has led to strong growth in imports of goods coming through the port.

Spending on goods has also been driven by a pair of federal stimulus packages that have put more money into consumers' pockets  $2,000 for most Americans in April followed by another $600 in December.

The Biden Administration has promised another $1,400 direct payment to most Americans in the near future.

Joey Von Nessen, a University of South Carolina research economist who helped the SPA develop its latest projections, said spending on goods will likely outpace services into the second quarter of this year, when a coronavirus vaccine is expected to be more readily available.

"That's when we can expect to see the service industry, leisure and hospitality, in South Carolina begin to open up," Von Nessen said, adding that will likely trigger a return to historic consumer spending patterns and a potential year-over-year drop in cargo during fiscal 2022.

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!

"At some point, the consumption patterns will switch back to services from goods, particularly as we reach herd immunity in this country," said Jim Newsome, the SPA's president and chief executive officer. "That certainly is not going to be in the first half of this calendar year, so that's why we feel pretty good about the fiscal 2021 forecast."

The SPA also increased its projections for the number of vehicle exports and imports to 243,595 and a combined cargo total for its two inland ports along the interstates in Greer and Dillon to 176,073 container moves.

The outlook for the rest of this fiscal year is in stark contrast to the SPA's forecast before the fiscal year began. At that time, the agency was expecting a 5 percent to 10 percent drop in cargo from the prior year while enacting a hiring freeze and eliminating most travel and discretionary spending.

On Tuesday, the SPA's board announced it will boost the salaries of two key executives  Barbara Melvin, chief operating officer, will get a $20,000 raise to $360,000 per year and Padgett will get a $20,000 raise to $260,000.

In addition, bonuses for employees were approved that will pay out if cargo levels match or exceed the new 1.385 million projection and the agency makes at least $97.9 million.

The board also approved a pair of management changes. Paul McClintock will become senior vice president of export projects, and Micah Mallace will become senior vice president of marketing and sales.

In Mallace's first appearance before the board in his new role on Tuesday, he asked for $250,000 to help pay for public infrastructure at a new distribution center in Spartanburg County that will be bringing imports through Charleston's port. The development, known as Project Spartan, also will receive property tax breaks from Spartanburg County.

The name of the consumer goods business building the warehouse has not been disclosed. The board gave unanimous approval to the funding request.


The ice cream company Ben & Jerrys is entering the pet food business for the first time with frozen treats for dogs. The treats, called Doggie Desserts, will be available for sale at U.S. food and pet stores later this month.

The treats will be sold in small containers and come in two tastes, or flavors: pumpkin with cookies and peanut butter with pretzels. The treats are made from the same products Ben & Jerrys uses in milk-free desserts.

Ben & Jerrys is the latest food company to start making products for pets. The number of American households with pets rose 6.5 percent between 2015 and 2020. That information comes from the trade group American Pet Products Association.

General Mills, maker of Cheerios and Haagen-Dazs ice cream, bought the Blue Buffalo pet food company in 2018. In 2015, Jelly maker J.M. Smucker Co. bought Big Heart Pet Brands, which makes Meow Mix cat food and Milk Bone dog products. Smucker later bought Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, which makes Nutrish brand pet food. And in 2020, Nestle bought British natural pet food brand Lilys Kitchen. Nestle has owned the Purina pet brand since 2001.

Spending on dog treats has increased 44 percent to $5.5 billion between 2015 and 2020, the data company Euromonitor reports.

Ben & Jerrys says people 40 years of age and younger spend more money on their pets and look for pet products made with materials that even humans can eat.

Lindsay Bumps is a marketing specialist with Ben & Jerrys. She said the company had seen the growth in pet spending and started developing its dog treats early last year. Bumps added that the company checked with experts in animal nutrition and other advisors to make sure the treats are safe and easy to eat.

Bumps noted that as with any treat, owners should introduce the treats to their dogs in small amounts.

The move to pet products does not mean Ben & Jerrys is seeing any sales decrease on the human side. Unilever, which owns Ben & Jerrys, said in October that its ice cream sales for home use grew more than 10 percent in the most recent quarter. Bumps noted that buyers wanted tasty treats during the pandemic and bought several containers at a time so they could make fewer food store trips.

She said, This is an opportunity for people to treat their dogs as theyre treating themselves when they grab a pint off the shelf.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Dee-Ann Durbin wrote this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

flavors  n. particular types of taste

household - n. the people in a family or other group that are living together in one house

opportunity  n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

pets  n. tame animals kept as companions rather than for work

pint  n. a unit for measuring liquids that is equal to 0.473 liters

shelf  n. a flat board which is attached to a wall, frame, etc., and on which objects can be placed
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2021) - Apolo III Acquisition Corp. (TSXV: AIII.P) ("Apolo" or the "Company"), a "capital pool company" pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is pleased to provide the following updates on its previously announced proposed qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") with Ruckify Inc. ("Ruckify").

As previously announced, Apolo has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement with Ruckify, which outlines the terms and conditions pursuant to which the parties will complete its proposed Qualifying Transaction. The Qualifying Transaction will result in a reverse take-over of Apolo by Ruckify and will constitute Apolo's "Qualifying Transaction" under Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual.

The completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including obtaining all required approvals, including the final approval of the TSXV.

Apolo Special Meeting of Shareholders Results

Apolo today announced the voting results from its Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Apolo Meeting") held on Friday, January 15, 2021 in connection with its proposed Qualifying Transaction.

All matters put forth at the Apolo Meeting, including: (i) the election of directors of the Company both prior to, and upon completion of, the proposed Qualifying Transaction; (ii) the approval of the amendment of the articles of Apolo to change the name of the Company to "Ruckify Corporation" or such other name as Apolo and Ruckify may reasonably determine and consolidate its common shares on a 36.3636:1 basis; and (iii) the adoption of the new stock option plan of the Company, each as further detailed in the management information circular of Apolo dated December 15, 2020, were approved by 99.68% of the voting shareholders of Apolo.

Ruckify Special Meeting of Shareholders

Ruckify has set the date of January 28, 2021 for its upcoming special meeting of shareholders in connection with the proposed Qualifying Transaction (the "Ruckify Meeting"). The management information circular of Ruckify and related meeting materials have been mailed to its shareholders in connection with the Ruckify Meeting.

About Ruckify:

Founded in Ottawa, Canada, in 2017, Ruckify is a rent anything marketplace allowing individuals and businesses to rent out their everyday items, earn money and experience more while reducing their environmental impact through sustainable consumerism. With its industry-changing technology Ruckify is poised to lead the way for peer-to-peer sharing in communities around the world. Ruckify provides its users the opportunity to monetize the assets they own along with the freedom to do what they want when they want without the restrictions of time, storage, price or availability. Through its subsidiary company, Better Software, Ruckify also offers a fully integrated software-as-service solution that helps small businesses improve and simplify their operations.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about Ruckify and the Company's future plans and intentions and completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to consummate the Qualifying Transaction; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and Ruckify shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Qualifying Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Qualifying Transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; the re-rating potential following the consummation of the Qualifying Transaction; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the diversion of management time on the Qualifying Transaction.These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Ruckify Inc.

Dean Cosman

Chief Financial Officer

E-mail: dcosman@ruckify.com

Apolo III Acquisition Corp.

Jeff Hergott

Corporate Secretary

E-mail: jhergott@wildlaw.ca

Completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and approval. There can be no assurance that the proposed Qualifying Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement or management information circular of Apolo or management information circular of Ruckify prepared in connection with the proposed Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the proposed Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Apolo should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72320
AMLO says Cienfuegos case fabricated after former U.S. DEA criticizes Mexicos decision

Mexico City, Mexico  AMLO says he wants to eliminate corruption in Mexico, but protects Cienfuegos, says a former United States DEA member. Mike Vigil, who participated in the agencys investigations, said he was not surprised by the decision made by the Attorney Generals Office.

I knew they were not going to process him, he said. Vigil criticized the FGRs (Fiscalia General de la Republica) exoneration of Mexicos former Secretary of Defense, Salvador Cienfuegos.

Vigil was critical of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the crusade that, he claims, he leads against corruption. They talk about wanting to eliminate corruption in Mexico and now they are protecting a corrupt official, he said in an interview with Aristegui Noticias.

The former DEA employee, who participated in the investigations against Cienfuegos, also referred to the presidents statements, who described the agencys work as unprofessional.

Vigil says he was not surprised by the announcement

We tracked communications between two members of the Beltran Leyva group, H2. They said that The Godfather was on television. We looked for the channel and General Cienfuegos was speaking and then, with the communications that were intercepted, we found out that it was Enrique Pena Nietos Secretary of Defense. Everything Im saying is proven, he remarked.

During his Friday press conference, Lopez Obrador affirmed that the evidence presented by the agency was fabricated.

Vigil did not say he was surprised by the decision of the Prosecutors Office as he said he knew very well that they would not prosecute Cienfuegos if the former federal official was sent to Mexico.

It makes me very curious. What kind of investigation did the FGR do in a few weeks to conclude that there is no evidence against General Cienfuegos? I guarantee that if he had been prosecuted here in the United States, he would have been convicted, he said.

On Thursday, the Prosecutors Office reported that it decided not to take criminal action against the former head of the Ministry of Defense.

Cienfuegos was arrested on October 15, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The Donald Trump administration insisted that he was a dangerous criminal, in the service of organized crime, and with a protection network at the highest level.

However, on November 18, the United States government itself decided to drop the charges against Cienfuegos.

The FGR explained that the DEA began in 2013, without the knowledge and without the collaboration of the Mexican administration, an investigation of drug-related crimes that involved General Cienfuegos. The investigation continued during this administration without having informed Mexican authorities.
Since 2017, thousands of storm- and flood-resilient homes have been built for poor families in some coastal provinces through a joint project by the Green Climate Fund, the Vietnamese government, and the United Nations Development Programme

Directly facing the sea with a coastline of 12km, Binh Thuan commune in Binh Son district, in the south-central province of Quang Ngai, has more than 2,000 households and is home to over 10,000 people. Nearly one-tenth are classified as poor, with an average monthly income of VND500,000-600,000 ($22-26).

Ferocious storms last October caused serious damage both in the commune and beyond. Here in Binh Thuan, a total of 1,155 households were seriously damaged, with many having their roofs blown away or their walls cracked. One was even completely destroyed.

The locals are trying to stay afloat. Many of them have no money to repair their houses and are waiting for state support, Ngo Van Vuong, chairman of Binh Thuan commune, told VIR. If they were offered insurance packages, their lives would be less difficult. We used to work with some insurance firms on this, but none of them were ready to cooperate because they were afraid of the risks that may come from this type of insurance.

In the communes Song Cau hamlet, 45-year-old rice farmer Huynh Anh Tho also told VIR he wishes that he could engage in an insurance package from a bank. His home was the only one in the commune to be fully destroyed by the storm, and he remains homeless.

If the house had had an insurance package, I might have been able to repair it. Now we dont know what to do, and many others are also suffering from such a plight. They cant offer me much help, Tho said.

In fact, throughout Quang Ngai, Tho is not alone in his plight. According to Quang Ngai Peoples Committee, the storm has caused losses of about VND4.48 trillion (nearly $195 million), or 8.1 per cent of the provinces regional GDP in 2019. The storm injured 13 people, razed 325 houses to the ground, and unroofed another 140,000. What is more, it also sabotaged 450 educational establishments, 70 healthcare facilities, and over 100 communal homes, in addition to seriously damaging many roads and irrigation systems.

Along with Quang Ngai province, the whole central region has yet to overcome the consequences of the lethal storms. Quang Binh province, for example, saw 12 coastal communes seriously hit, with thousands of poor households becoming homeless, like Nguyen Thi Linhs in Hien Ninh commune.

Linh, a 65-year-old disabled farmer, lives in Bac Co Hien hamlet and depends on support from relatives and neighbours. Her husband passed away many years ago. Her houses walls were cracked, and she now feels very cold during the winter weather, as she has no money to repair them.

I have never thought about an insurance package for my house. If it were a reality, I would have a better home, Linh said.

Le Hoai Vu, Deputy Chairman of Hien Ninh Peoples Committee, explained that many households like Linhs have been facing the same plight. We looked into insurance packages for poor households, but there has been no specific programme or policy from the state in this regard, so no insurance firm can cooperate with such poor people.

The commune has a population of over 8,000 people living on 270 hectares of agricultural land, with an average per-capita income of VND20 million ($870) per year.

No programme available

In Vietnam, almost all 30 non-life insurance companies  including top ones such as PetroVietnam Insurance, Bao Viet, Petrolimex Joint Stock Insurance Company (PJICO), Post and Telecommunication Joint Stock Insurance Corporation (PTI), Bao Minh, and BIDV Insurance Corporation (BIC)  said that in the domestic market, only common insurance products protecting private homes in general are available, and so there is no such product specifically for houses in flood-prone areas.

Nguyen Viet Son, vice head of PJICOs Technical Asset Division, told VIR that there are almost no insurance firms in Vietnam providing insurance packages for houses in flooding areas, and the few available services are deemed unpopular.

PJICO has no such service. It offers insurance services for private houses, with a focus on certain types of houses, including apartments, townhouses, and villas, under specific conditions, Son said.

Similarly, BIC is not an exception. Nguyen Manh Hai, vice director of BICs customer care and marketing division, said, The most common packages are for houses in general. Normally, customers can purchase packages for flooding after they engage in packages protecting from fire and explosions.

With its strong investment into the insurance segment for private homes in recent years, PTI also said there are insurance packages only for private houses in general.

Because the areas are prone to natural disasters and floods, especially those which are about 1km from the sea, there are very high levels of risk, and so insurance products for private houses in these areas are limited. We currently have no such product, confirmed a representative from PTIs marketing division.

In need of insurance

With increasingly complicated developments and risks, insurance experts said that, without policies from the government on supporting flood-hit houses, many poor people will continue to be bogged down in difficulties.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), insurance plays an important role in disaster risk financing by providing the government and other stakeholders with the financial means to cope with disaster response and recovery. Insurance products are often referred to as market-based risk transfer solutions by providing more cost-efficient financing measures for medium- to high-level risks that generate higher levels of loss at lower levels of frequency. Although insurance is one of the critical components of risk financing, in Vietnam it remains under-represented in the financial toolbox currently being used by the government.

In fact, over the past few years, a number of organisations have been implementing programmes and projects to grant anti-flood houses for poor people in coastal areas up and down the country.

In an attempt to help many in the face of increasing disasters, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Construction have been implementing an initiative to build more than 4,000 storm- and flood-resilient houses since 2017 in the five central coastal provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Ngai, and Quang Nam.

The initiative is part of a nearly $42 million project to improve the resilience of coastal communities to climate change in Vietnam, funded jointly by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Vietnamese government, and the UNDP. The capital includes over $29.5 million in grants from the GCF and $1.6 million from the UNDP, while the remainder comes from the Vietnamese government. So far, over 3,300 houses of this type have been built in the five provinces. Under this project, the 4,000 new houses will benefit 20,000 poor and highly disaster-exposed people across 100 communes in these coastal provinces.

These new homes are based on simple designs to create a stronger structure. Features include a mezzanine level for flooding protection, reinforced roofing, and the use of strong cement. The mezzanine level allows residents to comfortably stay in their houses during a disaster, safe from high flood levels. This level can also be used as an area to store valuables during disasters and prevent it from being washed away or spoiled by flooding waters.

We have just completed some research on disaster and climate risk financing and insurance options in Vietnams coastal areas. Based on that, we will work with the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority to explore further opportunities for supporting local poor and near-poor households to have better resilience to the impacts of disaster and climate risks, Vu Thai Truong, UNDP programme management specialist, told VIR.

As long as there are no policies on insurance for flood-hit houses, hundreds of thousands of poor farmers like Huynh Anh Tho in Quang Ngai or Nguyen Thi Linh in Quang Binh will continue living in misery.

We expect that one day their homes will enjoy preferential insurance from the state, Binh Thuan communes chairman Vuong said. Insurance can help them to be less anxious about having money to repair their houses.
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 ramifications of Covid-19 will continue well into 2021 and beyond

The clothing industry and its supply chains were riddled with problems long before Covid-19  but it took a global pandemic to push them to the fore. Country lockdowns, factory shutdowns, travel bans, labour and raw material shortages, soaring logistics costs, retailer and supplier bankruptcies and a surge in online demand all exposed the fragility of long, complex and inflexible sourcing networks. Many companies are already changing the way they operate, and it's clear the ramifications will continue well into 2021 and beyond. Here are eight key issues that are rewriting the rules on apparel sourcing.

#1: Building greater resilience in sourcing networks

A key priority for buyers must be to build greater resilience in their sourcing networks by avoiding dependence on any one country, identifying vulnerable parts of their supply systems (like component availability), developing alternative sources, and reviewing and upgrading their contingency planning. Resilience has rarely featured in supply chain reviews. Now's the time to start insisting it does.

#2: Rebalancing apparel supply chains

If there was ever a time to rebalance supply chains for greater responsiveness and flexibility, then it's now. Moving some production closer to market and shifting orders out of China is already underway, prompted by a worsening relationship between the US and China  with Asian competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia picking up the slack. Regional sourcing closer to the consumer will continue to expand: Asia for Asia, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) for EMEA, Americas for Americas.

Even so, building new supplier relationships is easier said than done, as is finding locations with adequate infrastructure, including ports, logistics, fibre, yarn, textiles, trims, quality services, and production availability. It's also clear that China's apparel and textile capacity and capability mean it will continue to dominate global garment production for some time to come, with 'Made-in-China' becoming 'Managed-by-China' and its fibres and fabrics continuing to be the key input in factories around the world.

#3: Embracing strategic supply partnerships

The loss of trust between buyers and suppliers  through order cancellations, broken contracts and withheld payments  was one of the first casualties of the pandemic and is now rewriting the rules on buyer-supplier relationships. A move to working more closely with a smaller number of retailers and vendors who are financially sound can play a key role in supporting efforts to achieve faster, more responsive and more sustainable supply chains. Deeper partnerships that bring greater agility and accountability will help avoid a repeat of the pain and financial loss many suffered in 2020.

#4: Fast-tracking digital investments

Another area being transformed by the coronavirus crisis is digitalisation. Long talked about as the next frontier in apparel and footwear supply chains, it took the shattering of global supply chains to fast-track this into action. Pushed to keep production on stream amid global travel restrictions, factory shut-downs, social distancing and office closures, investments in technologies for 3D modelling and digital sampling, virtual showrooms, product lifecycle management and quality assurance and auditing are contributing to faster and more effective decisions, less fabric waste, a smaller carbon footprint  and new insights into consumer purchases and next season's fashion trends. The wider adoption of digital tools is the big opportunity for the apparel industry, not only in 2021 but also in the years to come.

#5: Getting smarter, not just faster

Digitalised apparel supply chains also have the potential to be more nimble, agile and smarter  as opposed to just being faster  putting them in the best position possible to react to unprecedented events, changes in trade rules and regulations, and unpredictable consumer demand. More agility means better responses to market changes, avoids the need to place huge orders six months in advance, improves inventory accuracy, and helps avoid waste and excess stock. Data analytics, predictive tools, and make on demand solutions could mark the end of the era of producing things in the hope that consumers will buy somewhere down the line, and instead move towards a new world order where products are only made when there is clarity of demand.

#6: End-to-end visibility

There's also increasing pressure on fashion brands and retailers to document their supply chains from raw material source to importer. Not only are consumers more interested in the origins of the products they purchase, but regulators and investors are increasingly concerned about being exposed to unethical practices, legal risks and reputational damage. A case in point is the US crackdown on imports of cotton goods linked to forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.

With many companies lacking visibility beyond their immediate Tier 1 suppliers, tools are being developed to trace and verify complete end-to-end supply chains  including blockchain, forensic science and DNA tagging.

#7: Doubling-down on sustainability

A heightened focus on the industry's environmental footprint gathered pace in 2020  and will continue into 2021. But the gap between rhetoric and reality was exposed when brands and retailers abandoned orders early in the pandemic, impacting vulnerable factory workers and creating mountains of wasted and unsold inventory.

Misleading environmental and sustainability claims and stricter measures to combat human rights abuses in the textile supply chain should be top of mind. Actions and efforts must be impactful to a company, its customers and to society. Be wary of buzzwords, hollow pledges and greenwashing: consumers  and investors  are demanding actions they understand and pledges that hold companies to account. Heightened concerns over health, well-being and environmental issues must translate across every step of the supply chain, including product design, materials, sourcing practices, logistics, consumption, and the reuse and repurposing of post-consumer materials across a garment's lifecycle.

#8: Crackdown on carbon emissions

Carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, in particular, will come under the spotlight with the UK hosting the COP26 summit later in the year, and the US set to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement under the Biden administration. By far the fashion industry's biggest carbon or greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint occurs in the supply chain, with raw materials transported thousands of miles, and then converted into finished products in turn sent to stores many more thousands of miles worldwide.

Access to renewable resources and energy will determine more and more where factories are built, what materials will be used, and how products are handled. But to drive real change  and meet country-wide goals and deadlines  the industry must come up with its own carbon neutral roadmap and action plan. Failure to do so could see climate disclosures move from voluntary to mandatory, with such moves already mooted in the US and EU.

To see more about key issues to watch in 2021, click on the following links:
New Delhi: Megastar Kamal Haasan underwent a follow-up leg surgery recently and is recovering well. The thespian was admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Chennai and is stable after he underwent the surgery to remove the infective focus in the Tibial bone.

The hospital has released Kamal Haasan's health update and noted film critic and trade expert from the south, Ramesh Bala shared it on Twitter. Take a look:

Earlier, Kamal Haasan shared the news of him undergoing the surgery on Twitter.

In his letter, he wrote: Due to an accident a few years back, I had undergone a surgery on my leg. In continuation to that surgery, I was required to undergo a follow-up surgery. The doctors had advised me to take rest till then. I undertook my professional and political responsibilities superseding the advice given, to enable me to reach out to my brothers and sisters.

The love and affection showered by the people of Tamizh Nadu, was an affective antidote to the severe pain that I used to suffer during my campaign. Now I have an opportunity to take some rest. Therefore I would be undergoing the follow-up surgery on my leg, as advised. I will come back fully rejuvenated within a few days to resume my campaign with renewed vigor.
Gov. Greg Abbott has made his thoughts clear about the Pentagon's increased vetting of National Guard members ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post's Missy Ryan, the federal government is screening the more than 21,000 National Guard troops stationed in Washington D.C. as part of increased security during the presidential inauguration. This news after reports of an Army reservist with security-level clearance being among the attacks that stormed the Capitol on January 6.

The decision to screen members of the National Guard incensed Abbott, who took to Twitter Monday night to condemn the heightened protocols.

AFTER JAN. 6: Most American voters blame Trump for U.S. Capitol attacks

"This is the most offensive thing I've ever heard," Abbott wrote on Twitter. "No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard. I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

According to Ryan, the Defense Department assisted by the FBI is conducting "special vetting" of the National Guard. The FBI said it is also conducting "name checks" in addition to the Defense Department's vetting. Members of the National Guard were previously vetted during recruitment and enrollment.

The Associated Press' James LaPorta reports that two Army National Guard members have been removed from inauguration duty Tuesday after they were found to have ties to "fringe right group militias" during the increased vetting process. No plot against Biden was found.

"Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration," the National Guard Bureau told AP, referring further questions to the Secret Service.

LaPorta reports that the Secret Service previously said on Monday that it would not comment on the removal of any Guardsmen from the inauguration due to operational security reasons.

ADVERTISEMENT

There is tension in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, after a soldier was lynched for allegedly shooting four unarmed civilians.

Those familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES that Mohammed Abdullahi, a private, with service number 16NA/75/4272, shot the civilians last Saturday, following an argument at the Baga Road Market area of the city.

One of the victims died on the spot while the other three suffered serious injuries. They are currently receiving medical treatment.

Mr Abdullahi was reportedly drunk at the time of the incident.

Mob action

Following the incident, angry civilians in the vicinity swooped on the soldier, lynching him instantly, sources told this newspaper.

The soldier was serving in the 130 Battalion, but attached to the 212 Battalion for the ongoing anti-insurgency Operation Lafiya Dole.

The development sparked tension in the Barka Da Zuwa general area of the city, with civilians apprehensive that soldiers might descend on the vicinity to avenge the lynching of their colleague.

Several civilians, fearing reprisal attacks, have fled the area, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

As concerns thickened that the incident might lead to further breakdown of law and order, the 7 Division of the Army has sealed the area.

The area will remain restricted till further notice, authorities say. Troops and civilians have been banned from loitering around the area.

Army spokesman, Sagir Musa, a brigadier general, did not respond to enquiries early Tuesday morning.

The Borno State police spokesperson, Edet Okon, declined comment on the matter when contacted.

I cant confirm anything to you. Unfortunately, I dont know you. I cant confirm that you are a journalist, he said.

Armed uniform personnel have been fingered in reckless extrajudicial killings of civilians over the years in Nigeria.

Just like the case of the lynched army personnel, some of the killings were found to be alcohol-propelled.

In 2015, a mob in Gombe State beat up a mobile police officer to death after he reportedly shot and killed a commercial tricycle rider following a minor accident.
NASA Ignites Moon Rocket For Crucial Tests; Lookout For Heavy-Lift Rockets Alternatives News oi-Sharmishte Datti

NASA has been working on sending humans to the Moon once again, in an ambitious mission that further extends to launch astronauts to Mars. The NASA deep space exploration rocket, constructed by Boeing, began its first test. All four engines of the large rocket were ignited briefly and marked a milestone in the Green Run testing phase for NASA.

NASA Tests SLS

Going into the details, the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) was ignited for just over a minute. The time was good enough for engineers to stay on track for the first launch, which could happen sometime later this year. The 212-foot tall core's run for the engines marked significant progress for the mission.

"Today was a good day. We got lots of data that we're going to be able to sort through to determine if a do-over is needed and whether a November 2021 debut launch date is still possible," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine at a press conference.

Going into the details, the rocket's four Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines ignited for roughly one minute and 15 seconds to simulate the internal conditions of a real liftoff. The ignition generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust and also consumed 100,000 gallons of propellants.

Green Run @NASA_SLS hot fire, T-0 time at 5:27 pm ET, lasting 67.2 sec. Engine ignition at 6 sec. prior to T-0, in sequence about 120 milliseconds apart. Core stage & engines in good shape. More to come this week on Artemis blog.  Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) January 18, 2021

Lookout For Alternatives

Presently, NASA is running the mission to test the first unmanned flight with Boeing, which could determine the future launches to the Moon. To note, the massive rocket SLS has been delayed significantly, for three years to be precise. Plus, it's over USD 3 billion in the budget. The recent test-firing shows as an example.

That said, alternatives like Elon Musk's SpaceX has helped cut down budgets. The Falcon Heavy from SpaceX costs only USD 90 million. However, the rocket is less powerful than the SLS. On the other hand, NASA has another alternative like the Delta IV Heavy from the United Launch Alliance, which costs around USD 350 million.

(via)

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 firm based at a remote working hub in Laois that helps IT companies around the world win business will represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards.

IntegriLeads was announced today as a finalist by the County Local Enterprise Office for the National Enterprise Awards Final will take place virtually on February 11.

IntegriLeads schedules qualified appointments for the sales teams of companies within the IT sector. It works with clients all over the world and can take over their whole business development function or work on specific campaigns. Its appointment-setting enables sales teams to have conversations with decision-makers in their target audience.

A model for the future, the firm is based at the BloomHQ, remote working hub on Patrick Street, Mountrath. The core IntegriLeads team is made up of Jayne Delaney, Operations Director, Aisling Kirwan, Sales Director and Eimear O'Connor, Delivery Director.

"We have 40 years combined experience scheduling highly qualified appointments for companies in the technology sector," says the team.

IntegriLeads was selected by the Laois Local Enterprise Office. IntegriLeads and other finalists will compete for a 50,000 prize fund.

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan congratulated the company on being chosen to represent Laois and praised the Laois Local Enterprise Office.

I applaud County Local Enterprise Office for the invaluable work it continues to do for in encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in Laois. Other great initiatives include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme and National Womens Enterprise Day.

Established by the Fine Gael government in 2014, LEOs are a huge support to anyone looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them expand or adapt their business to meet todays challenges. They provide hugely important mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses, and anyone who would like to avail of their services should check out www.LocalEnterprise.ie.

Breda Fox, Chair of the National Enterprise Awards Committee with the Local Enterprise Offices, said; It has been a challenging year for small businesses so this is a chance to highlight positive stories and businesses who have excelled in the face of unprecedented challenges. These businesses have been through a rigorous process of judging, auditing every aspect of their business and this in itself can be a huge benefit to them as they plan for the future. Whether they win or not these finalists are well positioned to follow in the footsteps of the great companies that have gone before them such as Pestle & Mortar, Simtech Aviation and Terra NutriTech and as a network, the Local Enterprise Offices look forward to continuing to support them to help them grow.

Previous winners of the National Enterprise Awards have included Irish Yoghurts (1998), Obelisk (2000), Simtech Aviation (2008), Digiweb (2004) and Design Pro (2013), Terra NutriTech (2018) and the last winners in 2019, Pestle & Mortar, backed by Local Enterprise Office Kildare.

Founded by Sonia Deasy and her husband Padraig, Pestle & Mortar has become one of Irelands best-known skincare companies and is now a client of Enterprise Ireland. Having sold out on QVC in the US in just 7 minutes, Pestle & Mortar products now sit on the shelves in some of the worlds most high-end retail outlets.
Fianna Fail TD for Clare, Cathal Crowe, wants to see political support to link Limerick all the way to Sligo by rail.

At present, the western rail corridor runs between Colbert station and Galways Ceannt terminal.

However, Mr Crowe, who is his partys transport spokesperson, believes if the political will is there, it can go further north up to Sligo.

A recent report published by EY-DKM consultants which looks at the extension is riddled with inaccuracies, and should not spell the death knell for the project, he said.

A lot of progressive infrastructure throughout history was given a thumbs down before people had foresight to see the long-term benefits. The reality is, as a country we are in race to reduce our carbon outputs and look at smarter ways of travelling and mass transport is one of the key ways of achieving that, the local TD explained.

At present, Mr Crowe argued, there is a grossly unbalanced system of public transport infrastructure in the east, as opposed to the west.

And he also urged Irish Rail to consider setting its prices lower to make travelling by train more financially attractive.

In continental Europe people can make rail journeys from one side of a country to another for as little as 10, whereas here on our shores, a rail journey for an individual, let alone a family, is extortionate.

CIE must look at their pricing model and government must look at subvention for CIE, to help them achieve lower ticket prices and boost the entire rail network, he added.

Improvements to pricing along the existing Limerick to Galway rail-line, which serves Sixmilebridge and Ennis, would stimulate higher use of the network and make it more attractive for city commuters.

Other stops currently served include Gort, Ardrahan, Athenry and Oranmore.
Egypt condemned on Tuesday "in the strongest terms" the recent brutal attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul, which claimed the lives of two women judges working for the Supreme Court, a foreign ministry statement said on Tuesday.

Egypt extended its sincere condolences to the Republic of Afghanistan and the families of the victims.

Cairo expressed solidarity with Afghanistan, stressing its full support to Kabul in confronting the recent series of brutal attacks in the country and in confronting all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism.

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead Zakia Herawi and a colleague named Qadria on Sunday, while they were on their way to the Supreme Court, where 200 women judges are working.

According to AFP, the current wave of assassinations started in September around the time the government launched peace talks with the Taliban.

Short link:


The Army's chief of staff announced Tuesday that the service's top civilian leader will leave his post at noon Wednesday as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office.

"Secretary Ryan McCarthy is the best of the best; he's been a great boss, a great leader, a great partner," Gen. James McConville said Tuesday at an Association of the United States Army event.

John Whitley, the assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, will serve as the acting secretary of the service until the Senate confirms a candidate to take over.

Read Next: Army Reserve Sergeant Charged in Capitol Riots Alleged to Be White Supremacist

The secretary's office did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Military.com.

McCarthy, a former Army Ranger, took over as secretary in late September 2019 and steered the service through one of the most challenging years in its history as it responded to tensions with Iran, the COVID-19 pandemic and racial civil unrest that threatened Washington, D.C., after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in the custody of Minneapolis police.

McCarthy also guided the Army through the tragic murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, Texas, and an independent review that revealed deep leadership failures relating to sexual assault and sexual harassment at the base.

In the early days of 2021, McCarthy's leadership was tested again as hundreds of rioters protesting the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election stormed the U.S. Capitol; that resulted in thousands of National Guard members being rushed to D.C. to help reinforce security in the city.

"When I look at leaders, we often look at -- are they competent, are they committed? And he absolutely is both of those. But what distinguishes [him] as a leader is his character and the fact that he cares more than anyone else that I have ever seen," McConville said. "He has always done the right thing the right way and, during these last 18 months, at times that can be very, very challenging."

McConville added that McCarthy has "always cared about our soldiers, our families, our civilians and our soldiers for life, and he's been totally committed to taking care of them and that is, quite frankly, why people [are] our No. 1 priority."

McConville welcomed Whitley, whom he described as a "very capable leader."

Whitley, who served in the Army's 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, has been in his current post since September 2018. Previously, he served as a senior fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses, according to his Army bio. The Florida native earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Ph.D. in economics at the University of Chicago.

He previously served as a health care analyst at the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission and as an adjunct professor at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University.

Whitley also served as director of program analysis and evaluation at the Department of Homeland Security and as an operations research analyst within the Defense Department's Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation. He has also worked as an assistant professor of economics at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Former Ranger Ryan McCarthy Hopes to Lead Army Through Human Connection
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.
CLARE COUNTY, MI -- A suspect wanted for allegedly ramming a Michigan State Police patrol car and fleeing from a traffic stop last week was arrested Friday, Jan. 15 at a home in the Marion area.

Jonah Vaughn, 36, of Wisconsin, was identified by police Thursday, Jan. 14 as the man believed to have injured a trooper after twice ramming the patrol car while driving off in a vehicle he had been riding in prior to a traffic stop.

Related: Police ID suspect wanted for injuring state trooper by ramming him off the road

Vaughn had been a passenger in a green Dodge truck that was pulled over by the Michigan State Police Seventh District Fugitive Team late Wednesday morning, Jan. 13 in Missaukee County.

A trooper from the Cadillac Post was assisting the fugitive team in attempting to locate a wanted suspect.

While the driver was outside the vehicle speaking with the fugitive team, the trooper is said to have begun questioning a man believed to have been Vaughn, who was in the passenger seat.

Police said Vaughn refused to provide the officer with identification and when asked to take the keys out of the ignition, Vaughn slid into the drivers seat and sped off.

Related: MSP trooper injured after suspect rams patrol vehicle into ditch in McBain

The trooper pursued Vaughn, who rammed into the patrol vehicle twice, the second time sending the patrol car into a ditch where the vehicle became disabled and the trooper suffered minor injuries, police said.

The trooper was treated at a local hospital and released according to police.

The Dodge truck driven away by the suspect was later found abandoned on Fourth Street in Marion.

Vaughn was captured around 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 in Clare County by the MSP Seventh District Fugitive Team and troopers from the MSP Cadillac Post.

Also on MLive:

Michigan State Police trooper injured in head-on crash identified

Free online reading help programs available to Saginaw County students

Unique mine effect snow spotted over Michigans Upper Peninsula
The Tiger Rattlesnake possesses the simplest, yet most toxic venom of any rattlesnake species, and now new research from a team lead by a University of South Florida biologist can explain the genetics behind the predator's fearsome bite.

Published in the new edition of "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," USF Department of Integrative Biology Assistant Professor Mark Margres and colleagues across the southeastern United States have sequenced the genome of the Tiger Rattlesnake to understand the genotype of the venom trait. Despite the simplicity of the Tiger Rattlesnake's venom, Margres says it is roughly 40 times more toxic than the venom of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes here in Florida.

Their work is the most complete characterization of the venom gene-regulatory network to date and its identification of key mechanisms in producing the particularly toxic venom will help scientists explain a wide array of genetic questions.

"Simple genotypes can produce complex traits," Margres said. "Here, we have shown the opposite is also true - a complex genotype can produce simple traits."

Margres collaborated with colleagues at Clemson University, Florida State University and the University of South Alabama, in the project, which sought to explain whether trait differences are derived from differences in the number of genes, their sequence or how they are regulated. Their work is only the second time a rattlesnake genome has been decoded.

An organism's genotype is the set of genes it carries, and its phenotype is all of its observable characteristics, which can be influenced by its genes, the environment in which it lives, and other factors. Evolutionary biologists work to understand how genes influence the variation in phenotype among otherwise similar organisms. In this case, they looked at why different species of rattlesnakes differ in venom composition and toxicity.

Tiger Rattlesnakes are native to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and northern Mexico where the relatively small pit viper preys on lizards and rodents. While some species of rattlesnakes have complex venoms that are the result of scores of genes, Margres said the Tiger Rattlesnake's venom is quite simple - as few as 15 of its 51 toxic-producing genes actively drive the production of proteins and peptides that attacks its prey's nervous system, forces blood pressure to drop and causes blood clotting to cease.

The team found that the number of venom genes greatly exceeds the number of proteins produced in the simple phenotype, indicating a complex process was at the heart of the toxic venom and the Tiger Rattlesnakes even has toxic genes to spare.

"Only about half of the venom genes in the genotype were expressed," Margres said. "To me, the interesting part is why are the non-expressed genes still present? These genes can make functional toxins, they just don't. That needs to be explored further."

Beyond understanding this one species of venomous snake, Margres said the research will help advance genetic science by showing the techniques more commonly used on genetic research on mice and fruit flies, organisms that are often used in genetic studies, can also work when applied to less-studied organisms like snakes. The team used genetic sequencing techniques that are common in human genetics research and in doing so, opened the door for scientists to understand the genotype-phenotype relationship in many other organisms.

Another potential side benefit of the research, Margres said, is that snake venom is used in medicine for humans to combat stroke and high blood pressure. The more scientists understand about venom, the better medical engineering can apply that knowledge in drug discovery and development.

###

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation and Clemson University.
Magnetic nanoparticles raise hopes of treatments for Parkinsons.

One reason why nerve damage in the brain cannot regenerate easily is that the neurites do not know in which direction they should grow. A team of researchers from Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB), Sorbonne University Paris, and the Technische Universitat Braunschweig is now working on showing them the direction using magnetic nanoparticles.

The team led by Professor Rolf Heumann, Senior Researcher for Molecular Neurobiochemistry at RUB, is hoping that this will allow the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's to be alleviated over the long term. The results of the work were published on 31 December 2020 in the journal Scientific Reports.

Neurites do not know the way

Restoring brain function following an injury or due to neurodegenerative diseases remains an unresolved problem in neuroscience and medicine. Regeneration in the central nervous system is only possible to a very limited degree as the regenerating neurite, the axon, comes into contact with proteins that have growth-inhibiting properties.

The regenerating axon also does not initially know in which direction it needs to grow to reach and functionally connect the denervated target tissue." Professor Rolf Heumann, Senior Researcher for Molecular Neurobiochemistry at RUB

Signaling pathway allows nerve fibers to grow

The team in Bochum was previously able to show that the activation of a central signaling pathway within neurons, which is triggered by the Ras protein attached to the cell membrane, protects the cells from degeneration and also brings about fiber growth. The researchers wanted to control the direction of fiber growth in the current project. To do this, they used magnetic nanoparticles, which they implanted inside model neurons. The activation of the Ras signaling pathway is triggered by permanently active Ras protein or by a Ras-regulating switch protein.

Controlling nanoparticles with magnetic tips

"We initially showed that we were able to move the ferrous nanoparticles within neurons in a controlled manner using magnetic tips," explains Fabian Raudzus.

The group then also succeeded in binding the Ras-regulating switch protein inside the cell to the nanoparticles and magnetically transporting them to the cell membrane. The researchers were then able to implant these functionalized nanoparticles into the neurite and allow them to accumulate at its tip, where the direction of growth is determined. The binding of the nanoparticles and Ras switch protein was demonstrated using light scattering measurements and by microscopic procedures such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

The research team sees therapeutic potential in the ability to magnetically control the functionalized nanoparticles in nerve fibers: "The Japanese researcher Professor Jun Takahashi recently started a clinical trial based on the transplantation of customized neurons, to replace certain dopaminergic neurons that are lost due to Parkinson's " explains Heumann. "The long-term goal of our study is to promote the regeneration of transplanted dopaminergic neurons using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in the brain."

Supplying several million neurons

To achieve this, the nanoparticles must be introduced into several million neurons. The team was able to show using model cells that large cell populations were simultaneously loaded with these magnetic nanoparticles using a simple method based on mechanical pressure. This did not disrupt the induction of the growth of nerve fibers.

"Although we are still far from a clinical application, we hope that our experiments represent a first step towards supporting the regeneration of transplanted dopaminergic neurons in the treatment of Parkinson's," says Rolf Heumann.
Shoppers are rushing to snap up a $69.99 pair of bike shorts from the Australian activewear brand Lorna Jane, and claiming they have become their 'ultimate everyday staple'.

The Lotus Bike Shorts, come in black from a size extra extra small to extra large, and they promise to 'combine functionality with comfort', whether you're working out or just going about your daily life.

Thousands who have bought the budget shorts have given them a five-star rating online, and described them as both 'perfect' and the 'best thing I've ever bought'.

Shoppers are rushing to snap up a $69.99 pair of bike shorts from the Australian activewear brand Lorna Jane, and claiming they have become their 'ultimate everyday staple' (pictured)

The Lotus Bike Shorts , come in black from a size extra extra small to extra large, and they promise to 'combine functionality with comfort' (pictured in action)

'Buying these was one of the best decisions I've made!' one recent reviewer wrote.

'They are absolutely perfect, do not ride up, stay in place no matter what kind of exercise I'm doing (strength, HIIT, running), waist band stays in place and they are 100 per cent squat proof.'

She added: '[They are] true to size. I want to buy another pair and definitely will when there is a sale!'

Another said: 'First pair of these I've owned and I'll absolutely be buying more! The fabric is so comfortable, perfect for everyday wear and whatever kind of exercise I'm doing.'

The shorts feature a 'buttery soft, zero transparency fabric' that promises to keep you covered, whether you're squatting, doing sit ups or walking to the gym (pictured in action)

The shorts also include a high-rise waistband that is both flattering and supportive, as well as a longer length to hide any unsightly lumps or bumps (pictured)

The shorts feature a 'buttery soft, zero transparency fabric' that promises to keep you covered, whether you're squatting, doing sit ups or walking to the gym.

The shorts also include a high-rise waistband that is both flattering and supportive, as well as a longer length to hide any unsightly lumps or bumps.

Lorna Jane recommend that you wear the shorts for high intensity workouts thanks to their moisture-wicking properties that actively draw sweat away from your flesh.

But they are just as well-suited to Pilates or yoga, thanks to the fabric being breathable and stretchy.

Lorna Jane recommend that you wear the shorts for high intensity workouts thanks to their moisture-wicking properties that actively draw sweat away from your flesh (pictured)

In November, thousands went wild for a pair of grey $64.95 printed bike shorts designed by the Australian fitness blogger Sarah Stevenson, best known as Sarah's Day (pictured)

What are the top features of the bike shorts? * Long length * Four-way stretch * Moisture-wicking, breathable fabric * High waistband * Buttery soft, zero transparency fabric Advertisement

To look after your bike shorts, the experts at Lorna Jane recommend that you cold wash them with the same or very similar colours.

You should air or line dry them in the shade and avoid the tumble dryer with any activewear.

This isn't the first pair of bike shorts that have sent shoppers running in recent months.

In November, thousands went wild for a pair of grey $64.95 printed bike shorts designed by the Australian fitness blogger Sarah Stevenson, best known as Sarah's Day.

The limited edition Soldier Bike Shorts in Camo have proven so popular that the brand has sold out of the activewear item twice already, and they are such a hit that they are currently out of stock in all sizes on the website.

Since the shorts launched, Instagram has been littered with gym photos of women wearing them, alongside the matching camo-print crop top and sweatshirt.

'This is my new favourite set,' one woman posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of her in the bike shorts and a matching crop top.

Another shopper posted: 'To say that I'm just a little obsessed with this set from Sarah's Day activewear is a bit of an understatement.

'I am absolutely in love with it! The quality is fantastic and it is so comfortable.

'I ordered a medium in both and the sizing is spot on. I couldn't be happier with this set and I can't wait to test it out in the gym.'
The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency, Mr Davis Opoku has advised local assemblies to use new media to promote participatory democracy to ensure transparent and accountable governance.



In his maiden meeting with the Municipal Chief Executive and staff of Kwahu South Municipal Assembly, the young and affable legislature urged assemblies in Ghana to adopt technology in the discharge of their duties. He said, assemblies must open up to participatory democracy by using new media. We need to start streaming assembly meetings on our Facebook pages so our people can contribute to the democratic practice at the local level.



In ensuring accountability, we owe it a duty to get our constituents informed in everything we do. This will ensure that they can hold us to our plans and programs in the municipal, he added.



He assured the assembly of his readiness to contribute to the development of the municipal. I want to work closely with you to contribute to developing programs and projects for our people. One main reason why people voted for me is that they believe I will always be in touch at the local level, and its an attitude I intend to adopt.



Present at the introductory meeting was the MCE, Hon. Emmanuel Atta Ofori Snr, the Municipal Coordinating Director and the staff of the assembly. Also in attendance were the New Patriotic Party constituency executives of Mpraeso.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

Featured Video
Gessimbergue (Gessie) S. Monteiro Jr., Esq., LL.M., New Associate Attorney at Morris Law Group, Boca Raton, Fla. "I look forward to playing an integral role in Morris Law Groups tax and estate practice and being recognized as a 'go-to' lawyer for Brazilian and Latin American clients in Florida.

Morris Law Group, a premier estate planning and wealth preservation law firm headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. with three other offices located in South Florida, is pleased to announce that Gessimbergue (Gessie) S. Monteiro Jr., Esq., LL.M. has joined the firm as an associate attorney.

Mr. Monteiro concentrates his practice in U.S. and international estate planning and taxation, wills and trusts, pre-immigration tax planning, business succession planning, wealth management and investment tax planning, and U.S. and international tax and reporting compliance. He advises high-net-worth families on estate and gift tax and trust planning for family succession purposes, including business succession planning and pre-immigration tax planning. He also advises family offices on the design of cutting-edge strategies and implementation of tax-efficient structures for wealth preservation and investment management.

Born and raised in Brazil, Mr. Monteiro received his B.S. in Law from Universidade Paulista, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. He is admitted to the Brazilian Bar, Subchapter Sao Paulo, and to The Florida Bar.

Prior to joining Morris Law Group, Mr. Monteiro worked as an Associate Attorney at two law firms in Brazil designing various tax-efficient strategies and implementing estate planning for high-net-worth families and family-run companies. In the United States, Mr. Monteiro clerked for several Miami law firms assisting attorneys in designing estate tax planning structures for domestic and international clients, drafting trust agreements and estate planning documents, performing legal research and analysis on complex U.S. grantor trust issues, gift tax consequences and reporting requirements for U.S. beneficiaries of foreign trusts. He also served as a senior manager for a leading global trust company working on the design and implementation of estate and asset protection planning and wealth management strategies for high-net-worth families and family offices in the United States and Latin America.

Mr. Monteiro is affiliated with the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and the Dade-County Bar Association, and is a member of the Tax Law, the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, and the International Law sections of The Florida Bar, and is a member of the American Bar Association Tax Section. Also, he is active in the community with the Young Leaders Committee of United Way of Miami-Dade and the Young Professionals Committee of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.

We welcome Gessie and know he will be a great addition to the Morris Law Group team, said Stuart R. Morris, Esq., CPA, B.C.S. He brings a wealth of experience in designing and implementing estate and asset protection planning and wealth management strategies for individuals, families and business owners in both the U.S. and Latin America. Hell also be a multilingual contributor to our newsletter, blog and videos.

I am delighted to have joined Morris Law Group, said Mr. Monteiro. I have long admired Stuart Morris and the stellar group of professionals at Morris Law Group for their commitment to excellence, out-of-the-box approach to generate creative solutions to problems, and office culture. I look forward to playing an integral role in Morris Law Groups tax and estate practice and being recognized as a 'go-to' lawyer for Brazilian and Latin American clients in Florida.

Mr. Monteiro is fluent in English and Spanish and is a native Portuguese speaker. He is available for consultations in all three languages at the clients convenience, either in person or via phone or video conference. For more information about Morris Law Groups attorneys, practice areas or to schedule a consultation, please visit http://www.Law-Morris.com, email Info@Law-Morris or call (561) 750-3850.

About Morris Law Group, Wealth Preservation Attorneys

Morris Law Group, a premier estate planning and wealth preservation law firm with four conveniently located offices in South Florida, provides personalized, discreet services to help protect their clients wealth now and in the future. The Morris Law Group team of knowledgeable and qualified attorneys and legal professionals has more than 150 years of combined experience in managing complex estate planning, tax planning, trust and estate administration, and business structuring and succession planning for clients. An AV Preeminent-rated law firm by Martindale-Hubbell, Morris Law Group is adept at translating these strategies into easy-to-understand, jargon-free language, so clients can make informed decisions about their Wealth Preservation Solutions. Consultations with Morris Law Group attorneys are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, either in person, over the phone or by video conference. Se habla Espanol. Falamos Portugues. Contact Morris Law Group, visit https://www.law-morris.com/, email Info@Law-Morris.com or call (561) 750-3850 for more information.
There have been calls for Irish citizenship applications to be fast-tracked for immigrant healthcare workers who fought on the front lines of Covid, many of whom contracted the virus while at work.

In France, an expedited citizenship programme for immigrant healthcare workers, cleaners, and shop workers was reported to have benefited over 700 people so far.

Some German and Canadian states have also offered a streamlined residency process to immigrant doctors.

Now, a petition has been started by Dr Mohsin Kamal, calling for a similar speeding up of the Irish naturalisation process for healthcare workers.

The #FastTrackCitizenship petition has received over 2,400 signatures and has been trending on Twitter.

Dr Mohsin Kamal is in his third year as a registrar in Crumlin Children's Hospital and he wants to become a consultant in paediatrics.

Dr Kamal, who works as a registrar in Crumlin Children's Hospital, came to Ireland in 2016 from Pakistan.

"All of the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers did amazing work here during the pandemic, we risked our lives.

"I think the Department of Health needs to advocate for us now. So many Irish doctors support us in this, this is the time to act, he said.

Dr Kamals young children are Irish, including a boy born during the pandemic.

He said healthcare workers are not looking for automatic citizenship, only that the long process be shortened.

Dr Abid Farooq, who works as a urology registrar in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, says many immigrant healthcare workers leave the Irish healthcare system because they don't get the same career progression opportunities as Irish citizens.

Dr Abid Farooq, who works as a urology registrar in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

They are picked last for any training posts due to EU community preference. While they can apply for Irish citizenship after residing in Ireland for five years, the application process can take three to four years for some people.

Dr Farooq worked in urology for five years back home in Pakistan. He has been working in Ireland for almost two years, but can't get into a higher specialist training scheme to become a consultant.

Dr Farooq also caught Covid back in November.

"I tested positive on November 8. During that month it was level five, so everything was closed.

"I was not going anywhere except the hospital. My wife also tested positive. I was very concerned about my three-year-old daughter, but she tested negative twice. That was a blessing."

He says he will be working in different hospitals on temporary contracts forever unless he gets citizenship.

"After roughly one year and a half years, they won't extend my contract. If someone is working in the same post for the last three years, they have to be offered a permanent contract. They don't want to do this.

"I have a daughter who is three years old. She has started [pre]school. She has friends. How can I move her every year to a totally different place?"

He also has to pay 600 in total for GNIB cards for him and his wife to entitle them to re-entry.

You have to give your fingerprints, I feel like a criminal. I am a law-abiding citizen.

When his temporary contract runs out, and if he can't find another job, he will be deported from Ireland.

Dr Farooq says he can't understand why more permanent jobs are not offered to immigrants like him, considering the health service is already understaffed.

If he could apply for citizenship, he would be able to get a permanent contract and apply for training.

However, his neighbours, who have already been living in Ireland for over five years and have applied for citizenship, have been waiting three years for their application to be processed. Dr Farooq says he cannot wait this long.

"It can take almost nine years for some people... I really love Ireland, I really love Irish people and patients, they are so talkative, smiley and friendly.

But I can't stay here, moving every year. I want to settle down with my family.

When asked about the campaign, the Department of Justice said: "All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with legislation. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of employment of the applicant.

"Currently there are no plans to amend the qualifying reckonable residency conditions as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship 1956 Act as amended."
"The combined capabilities will offer an exceptional experience for users and their clients." Anthony Uliano, Founder and CTO of AMC Technology

AMC Technology, a leading contact center integration provider, is pleased to welcome Nextrove into the DaVinci Partner Program as a Build Partner.

We're so excited to have powered Nextrove, LLC Progressive MICC with AMC Technologys DaVinci platform. The combined capabilities will offer an exceptional experience for users and their clients, said Anthony Uliano, Founder and CTO of AMC Technology.

DaVinci Build Partners incorporate and extend the DaVinci iPaaS to add contact center channels and integrations to their solutions. The Progressive MICC product team at Nextrove took advantage of DaVincis open architecture to build their solution and power agent call controls within Salesforce.

Nextrove's Progressive MICC is the only Medical Information Contact Center solution designed especially for Clinical Research Organizations. The system is fully GDPR and PII compliant, as the source of truth for every data item resides on the Salesforce cloud. Data items can include call records, voice recordings, outgoing & incoming emails, source documents, literature references, and other essential items.

Nextroves Progressive Medical Information Contact Center (MICC) powered by DaVinci voice channel integration brings critical direct assistance to patients with questions about their drugs and medical equipment and devices. It enables pharmaceutical and clinical research to capture and report on drug adverse reactions.

Integration with DaVinci was a breeze and flawless. Based upon our customer feedback our team is confident in our partnership with AMC, said Ravinder Verma, Product Lead at Nextrove.

As a pharmacist with call center experience, the value of the Davinci integration with our Progressive MICC platform is quite significant Traditional anonymous ACD has been replaced with intelligent and identifiable caller data that is automatically cross-referenced to known customer data on the first ring.This allows CRO organizations serving multiple clients to efficiently identify company, product, and customer details in multi-tenant environments, said Paul A. Reed, Pharm.D., Senior Client Partner at Nextrove.

About AMC Technology:

AMC Technology is a leader in the Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) world, bringing people together through great interactions since 1995. We improve interactions between agents, customers, businesses and communities through our flagship product, DaVinci, the industrys first and only iPaaS made specifically for contact centers that offers unlimited omni-channel integrations for cloud, premise or hybrid environments. DaVinci integrates best of breed CRMs and CSMs with communication channels enabling contact centers to deliver superior levels of customer service and boost productivity, now and in the future.

About Nextrove:

Nextrove (http://www.nextrove.com) is a premier global lifesciences system integrator providing consulting and software solutions around Pharmacovigilance, Clinical, Hosting, QMS, Regulatory and Commercialization. Nextrove's preeminent and innovative solutions include the Progressive Platform (MICC, Compliance and Convey) powered by Progressive Fusion AI. With Corporate Headquarters located in Princeton, New Jersey and offices in the US, Japan, Europe, Canada, and India, Nextrove's multi-lingual team serves a global clientele 24/7/365. Our resume of over 30 top leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical research organizations clients speak to our commitment to quality, consistency, timelines, and cost-effectiveness.
Viewers of Netflix's new reality show Bling Empire are labeling one of the show's romantic relationships as 'abusive,' accusing a star of being a 'gas lighter' and a 'living and breathing red flag.'

The show, which is billed as the real-life version of the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians, premiered on January 15  and already, fans have binged the whole thing and weighed in on the plot and stars on social media.

Many Twitter critics have expressed particular concern about the relationship between Kelly Mi Li, 35, and actor Andrew Gray, 33, with some saying Netflix should have included a warning about abusive relationships with the show.

Yikes: Viewers of Netflix's new reality show Bling Empire are labeling one of the show's romantic relationships as 'abusive'

Troubled: Fans are describing actor Andrew Gray as 'toxic' toward Kelly Mi Li

Evidence: They point to his behavior on the show, like how he screamed at Kelly for going shopping without him while he napped

Nice guy: Kelly got the phone call while out at a store and put it on speaker phone as Andrew screeched and berated her

If you say so: He insisted that she should not have left the hotel room without him

So he's the victim now: Later, when the pair talked about the incident, he cried

The show includes several scenes documenting Kelly's relationship with Andrew, who played the red Power Ranger in Power Rangers Megaforce from 2013 to 2014.

In the premiere episode, the couple is flown to Paris by a wealthy friend for Kelly's birthday - where Andrew proceeded to yell at her for going shopping without him while he took a nap.

Claim to fame: Andrew starred as the red Power Ranger in Power Rangers Megaforce from 2013 to 2014

'What the f**k is going on?' he shouts down the phone. 'Your lack of effort drives me f***ing crazy.'

He even told her that she could not leave the hotel without him.

To make matters worse, Kelly admits that Andrew 'gets in these bad moods or episodes' regularly, telling the camera: 'Unfortunately this is not the first time Drew's yelled at me or spoken to me this way.'

In another scene, when her friend Kevin asks what she gets out of the relationship, her reply is: 'He doesn't sleep around.'

On one occasion, Kelly walks out of a recording studio where Andrew is working with a friend, after he began yelling at her about her decision to discuss their relationship with her friends.

Andrew's volatile behavior sends the couple to therapy, where Kelly eventually decides that she no longer wants to continue with the relationship - although at the end of the series she is seen returning to his house, leaving the status of their romance a mystery.

But while the reality star may have been able to forgive and forget her partner's outbursts, viewers of the Netflix show have been left horrified by his 'abusive' actions.

Not OK! Viewers of the show are horrified by Andrew's behavior, calling him 'psycho' and saying Kelly needs to get away from him

'Does anyone else feel like Red Power Ranger might be psycho? He makes my skin crawl,' wrote one.

'Kelly is so sweet and lovely I just need her to get away from Andrew ASAP. That man is scary. The look in his eye?' said another.

'Ummm is Kelly okay? That Andrew guy is literally a living and breathing red flag!!!' said one more.

Yet another said described Andrew as 'the definition of a GAS LIGHTER!!'

Many have gone so far as to say that he demonstrates many behaviors of abusive men.

'Im no psychiatrist, but this red Power Ranger, Andrew Gray, on #blingempire seems like a super shady toxic con artist f***boy. When he speaks, it sounds like a lie. It seems like Kelly is an emotionally abusive relationship with him and she needs to run away from him, not walk!' wrote one.

'Andrew wants privacy so he can abuse Kelly in private without consequences,' said another.

Warning! Several say that his abusive behavior is triggering and Netflix should include a warning

Uh-oh: Kelly said 'it was just the dynamic of me and Andrews relationship'

'Watching Kelly and Andrew is horrifying and I imagine triggering for a lot of ppl who have been in abusive relationships,' added yet another.

Several have even urged Netflix to add a warning to the show for sensitive viewers.

One explained: 'Bling Empire needs a trigger warning about abusive relationships when it comes to scenes with Kelly and Andrew. I dont like watching reality tv and being on edge worrying about someones safety the whole time.'

Speaking about her relationship with Distractify after the show's debut, Kelly said, 'In the Asian culture, you dont air out your dirty laundry ... whatever happens at home its supposed to stay inside.

'So, for us, it was just the dynamic of me and Andrews relationship. Most people didnt know how difficult it was at times. People kind of see the happy moments of us when were out, but theres a lot of difficult times.'

She would not, however, share whether they are still a couple.

Their Instagram accounts, though, hint that they may have officially called it quits. While they both shared plenty of photos with one another from 2015 through 2019, their last photo together does appear to be posted in 2019.

Dad Studies Secretly at Same College as Daughter, Springs Surprise on Family at Graduation

When Illinois father of two Mike Loven decided to go back to college for a degree, he enrolled at the same university his daughter had. But he kept his studies secret from his entire family for four years before surprising them on graduation day.

Mike, 47, achieved his bachelors degree in finance and economics at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, leaving with an impressive 3.99 GPA. His daughter, 23-year-old Taleigh Loven unknowingly studied alongside him for her bachelors in psychology.

For the big reveal, Mike donned a giveaway GCU alumni shirt to Taleighs graduation celebration at the family home in Machesney Park in October 2020. Mikes wife, Carrie, thought GCU had sent their daughters degree certificate with the wrong nameuntil the truth came out.

The confusion was a lot of fun, Mike told Good Morning America. I dont keep secrets.

In 2016, Mike, who owns a staffing company, felt a calling from the divine to return to college. I woke up in the middle of the night just with a feeling from God that I was going to go back to school and get my degree, he told WTVO, and I was going to do it as a surprise to my family.

Mike surprises his daughter, Taleigh (L), and wife, Carrie (R), with his college degree (Courtesy of Mike Loven)

Carrie, Taleigh, and the couples 25-year-old son, Austin, were all enrolled at different universities at the time. Joining the academic ranks without any fanfare, Mike kept his studies a secret for the entire duration of his studies, even when his son got married.

They thought I was working on a spreadsheet for work, when in reality I was working on a spreadsheet in an accounting class, Mike admitted to GMA.

On graduation day, he was able to showcase his immense pride both in his own and his familys achievements. Taleigh burst into tears at the news of her fathers accomplishment; having studied at the same college, she said, made the surprise even more meaningful.

During the time that he was working on his degree, he carried the load for us as he has for my entire life, she praised. His selfless act shows a glimpse to his character. Words truly cannot express how proud I am of him.

Mike and Taleigh both donned customary caps and sashes to take photos together after the surprise was out.

(Courtesy of Mike Loven)

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/newsletter
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was not scared of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he was a "clean person" and he would continue to fight alone even if no one sided with him.

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, after releasing a booklet on the three farm laws titled "Kheti Ka Khoon.

Rahul Gandhi said, "I have character. I am not scared of Modi or anyone. I am a clean person, and they cannot touch me. They can shoot me. I am a patriot and I protect my country. I will stand alone even if everyone is standing on the other side but will fight as it is my religion." "I am more fanatic than them. India is once again fighting for independence," he said.

He was responding to a question about BJP chief J.P. Nadda's remarks that he was distracting the farmers.

He said that even during the UPA government, the Congress stood with the farmers in Bhatta Parsaul. "Nadda was not standing there nor was the BJP standing with the farmers then," he said.

Lashing out at the Centre, Rahul Gandhi said the three farm laws were meant to destroy the Indian agricultural system.

He said, "A huge tragedy has unfolded and I am not talking about just farmers because that is not the only thing happening. Youngsters, who believe in this country, they need to listen carefully." He said, "What we have seen in industry after industry, when it comes to the airports, telecom, power, retail, across the board, what we are watching is the development of massive monopolies." He alleged that 'three-four-five people are owning this country', they are owning it as a small group of people who are close to the Prime Minister and have media support.

"And now we have seen that the last bastion of agriculture that was not touched by industries is also going away," he said.

Rahul said that now three-four people will own the whole system and the farmers will not get their price and the middle class will be hurt by the prices.

"This is an assault on the middle class," he said.

The Congress leader said that the farmers of Punjab and Haryana are fighting on behalf of 65 crore farmers of the country.

"They are the patriots of the country, who are protecting livelihoods of 65 crore people. I support them, they are fighting for us," Rahul Gandhi said.

To a question about China's intrusion, Rahul Gandhi said, "China is noticing the weakness of India. China has a strategic vision as it wants to shape the entire world. China has tested India twice. If India won't create a strategy against China, it will take benefit of that and at that time no one would be able to stop the damage." He said that the job of safeguarding the country is not being done properly.

"China is testing India and it wants to dominate. I am raising red flags, you can't manage China with event management," he said.

He added that whoever speaks against the government is described as an anti national or a criminal.

"We are saying because we are seeing the problems. When we speak about China we are enemies. When we are giving warning signals, we are enemies. Even if the farmers protest is sorted out, then its result will come from somewhere else like from youths or someone else.

"Their approach is wrong, they don't want to learn and accept. They only want to speak, it is the training by the RSS, they are top grade in this," he added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon, sources said on Monday.

Trump is expected to issue more than 100 pardons and commutations on his last full day in office. Two sources familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump appeared to have been dissuaded from pardoning himself or members of his family.

Lil Wayne pleaded guilty last month to possessing a loaded, gold-plated handgun when his chartered jet landed in Miami in December 2019. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison at a Jan. 28 hearing in Miami.

Lil Wayne appeared to support Trump during last years presidential campaign when he tweeted a photo of himself with the president and said he backed Trumps criminal justice reform program and economic plan for African Americans.

The sources confirmed a New York Times report that the list of pardons and commutations is expected to include former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, 76, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2015.

Trumps list is not expected to include Giuliani, the Trump private lawyer who has been a vocal proponent of the presidents claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

The sources also said not expected to get a pardon is Steve Bannon, who helped Trump win election in 2016 and was a senior White House adviser. Bannon, 66, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors to We Build the Wall," an online fundraising campaign that raised $25 million.

Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, was also not expected to get a pardon, the sources said.

The U.S. Justice Department in 2019 asked Britain to extradite Assange to the United States to face charges that he conspired to hack U.S. government computers and violated an espionage law.

A British judge ruled two weeks ago Assange should not be extradited to the United States, saying his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide.
CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Amergent Hospitality Group (OTCQB:AMHG) (the "Company" or "Amergent"), owner, operator, and franchisor of multiple nationally-recognized restaurant brands, today announced that Steve Hoelscher has been named Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Hoelscher is a Certified Public Accountant and has 40 years of accounting and auditing experience. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hoelscher was and continues to be the CFO for Mastodon Ventures, Inc., a strategic restaurant advisory firm in Austin, Texas since June 2000. Mr. Hoelscher has considerable restaurant experience having overseen investments in a number of companies owning a variety of restaurant assets including over 100 KFC restaurants, and various other fast casual, casual, fine dining, franchisee and franchisor concepts.

He previously occupied the roles CFO and Chief Accounting Officer at two public companies, serving as CFO and a member of the Board of Directors of Anpath Group Inc., from 2006 to 2015, and as CFO on part-time basis for Enxnet Inc., from 2004 to 2019. Mr. Hoelscher also served as controller and Chief Accounting Officer for Aperian from 1996 to 2000. Prior to 1996 Mr. Hoelscher served as office manager for a regional accounting firm in Texas.

Mr. Hoelscher serves on several board of directors for non-profit organizations as well. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University.

Amergent Hospitality Group's Chairman and CEO, Mike Pruitt, stated, "I'm pleased to welcome Steve to our team. He comes directly from Mastodon Ventures, one of the preeminent strategic restaurant advisory firms in the country. His knowledge, experience and resources are expected to play an important role in our strategy of leveraging our public platform to gain greater scale through the acquisition of highly attractive assets at opportunistic valuations."

About Amergent Hospitality Group

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Amergent Hospitality Group owns, operates, and franchises fast, casual, and full-service restaurant brands, including American Burger Company, BGR - Burgers Grilled Right, Little Big Burger, and Hooters. For more information, please visit: www.amergenthg.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the closing of the merger and Sonnets operations following the closing of the merger. All statements pertaining to Amergent Hospitality Group's expectations regarding future financial and/or operating results, potential for our tests and services and future revenues or growth in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties discussed in the Amergent Hospitality Group's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, along with other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Amergent Hospitality Group disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Amergent Hospitality Group Investor Contact:

Jason Assad

678-570-6791

IR@amergenthg.com

SOURCE: Amergent Hospitality Group

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624667/Amergent-Hospitality-Group-Names-Steve-Hoelscher-Chief-Financial-Officer
This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

On Thursday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was outraged that his fellow populist to the north was silenced by Twitter, Facebook, and plenty of other online platforms. In his opinion, it is an affront to freedom of expression, a blatant act of censorship. During one of his trademark daily press conferences , he said of Trumps de-platforming: How can a company act as if it were all-powerful, omnipotent, as a kind of Spanish Inquisition about what is expressed?  Since those decisions were made, the Statue of Liberty in New York is turning green with rage, because it does not want to become an empty symbol.

Advertisement

Yes, AMLO conceded, social media should not be used to incite violence and all that, but this cannot be used as an excuse to suspend freedom of expression. He even ordered his government to start building a social network that will ensure full exercise of freedom of expression and also indicated that he would raise the issue of internet platform censorship at the next meeting of G-20 leaders. It is striking, however, that these strong assertions by the president have not been accompanied, at least so far, by any talk of new regulations for platforms behavior in Mexico.

Advertisement

Advertisement

An easy reading, typical of the Mexican public debate, is to interpret these statements as substantive expressions of support for President Trump. Despite the U.S. presidents frequent rhetorical and policy attacks aimed at Mexico, the two men share a nationalistic, populist disdain of elites, including media elites. But it might be more accurate to see in Lopez Obradors solidarity with the canceled Trump a pre-emptive warning against these private and foreign moderators of online expression. Its a thinly veiled message of Dont you dare. Not in my country.

Advertisement

It is easy to overstate the global significance and precedent-setting importance of the online platforms moves against Trump. The president was days away from leaving office, after all, and did incite his supporters to take over the Capitol while Congress was validating the presidential election. Trumps messaging on social media, moreover, has been offensive and provocative throughout his four years as president. It is also worth noting that the social media accounts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are still active despite the fact that his government has taken severe measures against dissent in his country. Likewise, the Facebook account of Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, has not even been temporarily suspended, although he has frequently used it to attack journalists and drug users. In the Western Hemisphere, we could probably count anywhere from a handful to close to a dozen leaders whose presence on social media might be jeopardized if these platforms applied the same standards globally they applied in the U.S.

Advertisement

Advertisement

That is AMLOs fear. The idea that anyonelet alone foreign and private companiescould come between him and his people is completely anathema to his worldview. And he and his allies know how important these platforms are to their success: Lopez Obradors own electoral victory in July 2018, an unprecedented landslide in the years since Mexican democracy opened up to true competition between independent parties, was fueled in part by a very clever social media campaign and organization. Through quirky, low-budget, and folksy videos and memes, AMLO and his Morena movement showed a genuine touch of improvisation that highlighted his empathy with the most disadvantaged social classes. Lopez Obrador took advantage of social networks like no other candidate in the countrys history. In the speech he gave on the night of his triumph, he made explicit the social networks importance in his victory, calling them blessed. As president, platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have continued to be extremely useful for his governments message and the mobilization of its ardent base of supporters. His press office adeptly deploys social networks to amplify his daily press conferences, post topics of interest to him, respond to objections, revile critics, and even orchestrate coordinated attacks against those who disagree with the government.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms now face a real conundrum as they consider what the Trump precedent might mean for their global businesses. Pulling the plug on an elected president was a highly controversial move even within the United States. We know, for instance, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had favored exempting Trumps tweets from a strict application of company standards on the grounds that tweets from a head of state are owed deference and inherently newsworthy. Any decision to pull the plug on leaders in more authoritarian countries that lack any tradition of private entities regulating speech will prove far more controversial. Mere speculation that U.S.-based platforms might throw off foreign leaders could imperil these platforms business prospects in those same jurisdictions. (Moving against a U.S. president, remember, didnt involve the same fraught issue of sovereignty that a similar move in Mexico or India might carry.)

Advertisement

This all suggests companies might have to surrender perfect consistency in making decisions regarding which expressions can circulate online (at least when it comes to leading political figures) and an embrace of some case-by-case arbitrariness. Companies will have to balance their online communities needs with their need to maintain healthy relationships with a large number of foreign governments, many of whom use these platforms to enforce their authoritarianism.

AMLOs comparison of online platforms move against Trump with the Spanish Inquisition is, it goes without saying, an exaggeration. Rulers will always retain enormous power of communication to support their public policies and defend them against criticism. But the Mexican presidents analogy is telling, suggesting the forceful imposition of an outside orthodoxy. In fact, the limits to Trumps power of expression on these private online platforms reside in respecting the minimum conditions of a democratic conversation, such as not inciting violence.

Advertisement

In the following months, federal elections to renew the Chamber of Deputies in the Mexican Congress represent a challenge for Lopez Obrador and Morena. Although he continues to enjoy high personal support among voters, his governments job approval on basic issues such as security, the economy, and health is negative. This will surely push Lopez Obrador and his political allies to intensify the use of their communication resources, such as social networks, to offer an alternative reality to counter the negative balance of his administration.

The challenge for internet platforms will be to determine where to draw the lines on the part of the presidents messaging, especially in light of his pre-emptive attack on their censorship. Lopez Obrador framed the discussion as a matter of censorship, abuse of power, and an affront to national sovereignty by foreign private companies. In times of fake news and alternate realities, it would not be surprising if this argument is taken up by other rulers elsewhere.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Dublin-based Financial software company Glantus has set up a sales and marketing hub in Newry creating up to 15 jobs paying an average of 30,000.

The company, which provides enterprise software solutions to finance departments and shared services organisations, was supported by economic development agency Invest NI. It has offered 75,000 towards the new posts, three of which are already in place.

Glantus will initially be based at a co-working space in Newry, with employees also working from home during current Covid-19 restrictions.

The city is a well-established centre for financial software and consulting as the home of global firm First Derivatives plc.

Glantus founder and chief executive Maurice Healy said: "Many businesses are looking for solutions to help them become more data-driven. The coronavirus pandemic is now forcing even more businesses to digitise and automate processes and we see real potential to grow our business as a result."

Derek Andrews, head of international investment at Invest NI, said: "Glantus has recognised the potential to grow its business as more and more businesses accelerate digital transformation.

"The new team in Newry will provide the resources needed to allow Glantus to capitalise on this opportunity and respond to the increasing needs of businesses to work remotely in a more agile and efficient manner... the roles to be created range in experience from graduate level to more senior. There are roles in sales, customer care, marketing, and technology."

When filled, the roles would contribute 450,000 in salaries, he added - an average of 30,000.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. against criticisms about the government's procurement and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

Duterte responded to allegations that there may be corruption in the government's deals with Chinese vaccine maker Sinovac after it was initially revealed that it will cost the Philippines 3,629 for two doses of CoronaVac. Officials later clarified that it will cost under 700 for one dose due to government negotiations, but they refused to reveal the exact amount pending the purchase of the shots.

He said corruption is near impossible with the number of officials a procurement contract has to go through.

"Walang magic diyan. Kaya sabi ko nga eh kayong mga doubting Thomases, kung gusto ninyo, kayo na lang. I-surrender namin lahat yung ano ang so far what we have accomplished," he said in a taped speech during the weekly Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases meeting.

[Translation: There is no magic. Those who are questioning, you can do it yourselves. We will surrender everything we have accomplished.]

He said it's a practice in the pharmaceutical industry not to reveal prices of medicines due to varying prices offered to different countries.

Galvez explained the country needs to follow its non-disclosure agreements to vaccine manufacturers to avoid losing its ongoing deals. He cited a report that Malaysia broke its agreements.

"We respect the agreement because mawawalan tayo ng credibility and integrity sa mga (we will lose credibility and integrity to these) companies. Baka mawalan tayo ng vaccine supply (We might lose vaccine supply)," Galvez said.

The vaccine czar also said the Asian Development Bank and World Bank are implementing stringent transparency and anti-corruption clauses in any country's vaccine deal.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, called on the public to trust national government officials in managing the country's COVID-19 vaccination program.

"Pagkatiwalaan naman po natin ang mga opisyal ng ating gobyerno dahil talaga naman pong ipinaglalaban ang interes ng mamamayan at interes po ng gobyerno," he said.

[Translation: Trust your government officials. We are working in the interest of the public and the government.]

Snub Congress probes, officials told

With the Senate and House of Representative's ongoing probes into the government's vaccination program, the President told Galvez to ignore any investigation and proceed with the roadmap he has crafted.

"I'm telling you now, General Galvez: 'Yung game plan niya, sundin niya. (He should follow his game plan.) With or without the investigation, proceed and implement what we plan to do. Never mind about the investigation kasi mas lalong matagalan tayo kung nandiyan na yung bakuna magdating na [It will only lead to delays]," he said.

Some lawmakers questioned the cost and efficacy of the vaccines procured by the national government. Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday demanded transparency on the price negotiations with Sinovac. The government is in talks with the Chinese company to procure 25 million doses of CoronaVac. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said officials will reveal the exact amount per dose after the Philippines inks the procurement agreement.

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 have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

A judge agreed to release Rebekah Jones, the states former COVID-19 data manager, on $2,500 bond on Monday after she was arrested by Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents on a charge of illegally accessing a computer system.

She had turned herself in to the Leon County detention facility on Sunday night. As conditions for her release, she is not allowed to access state computer systems or use any of the information she allegedly downloaded.

Jones was the principal force behind the states coronavirus dashboard in the early days of the pandemic. In May, she was fired from her post at the Florida Department of Health, where she was manager of Geographic Information Systems.

She said she was fired because she refused to fudge figures about the virus. The state says she was fired for insubordination. Jones has a pending whistleblower lawsuit against the state over her firing.

After leaving the Florida Department of Health, Jones set up her own coronavirus dashboard to present the states data to the public.

The FDLE says its investigation began Nov. 10, after the agency received a complaint from the Florida Department of Health that someone illegally accessed a state emergency-alert messaging system. Agents said they found messages sent from Joness home in Tallahassee. They said Jones illegally accessed the state system, sending emails to approximately 1,750 people. They also said she downloaded confidential data and saved it to her devices.

FDLE said Joness messages to state employees included: Its time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You dont have to be part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before its too late.

At that time,17,460 coronavirus deaths had been recorded in Florida. The death toll now stands at more than 24,000.

FDLE said Jones tried to access the system again on Nov. 12, but was blocked after the state added extra levels of security.

2021 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Bunnings have come under fire after a store reportedly told workers to avoid displaying the Australian flag on Australia Day - before sensationally back-flipping.

A flyer reportedly put up for staff at the Bunnings Central store in Townsville showed workers were encouraged to mark January 26 with a series of activities - but without displaying the national flag.

The notice said the Australia Day activities included 'Make Their Day, Community Displays, PA Games, Find the Australian Animals and Tropical Dress'.

Staff were encouraged to take pictures and post them on social media with an 'Australia Day' hashtag, but were specifically banned from wearing 'a representation of the Aussie flag'.

A Bunnings store in Queensland reportedly told workers to avoid displaying the Australian flag on Australia Day

A flyer for staff at the Bunnings Central store in Townsville showed workers were encouraged to mark January 26 with a series of activities - but without the Australian flag

'Please ensure you're not wearing a representation of the Aussie Flag,' the flyer read.

It's understood the flyer has since been removed and updated, without the Australian flag directive.

A source said it was an 'absolute disgrace' the warehouse giant seemingly attempted to ban the flag, the Townsville Bulletin reported.

'Even though the directive is not on the new flyer it is still implied as there is no encouragement to celebrate Australia Day or wear anything representing the Australian flag,' the source said.

Bunnings Warehouse area manager Michael Rodwell said they would speak to staff about the matter and workers are welcome to wear the flag on January 26 - as they are every year.

'We understand that Australia Day means different things to different people, and we always want to ensure we respect the views of all people within our communities,' he said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

A source said it was an 'absolute disgrace' the warehouse giant seemingly attempted to ban the flag. 'Even though the directive is not on the new flyer it is still implied as there is no encouragement to celebrate Australia Day or wear anything representing the Australian flag,' the source said

'Our team at the Townsville Central store is welcome to wear the Australian flag this Australia Day, as they have in previous years.

'We will also be displaying the Australian flag as well as the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flags on the day as well as running team and customer activities.

'We've checked in with our Townsville Central store team to clear up the matter and answer any questions they have.'

There have been growing calls to abolish annual Australia Day celebrations on January 26, with activists declaring the date to be 'invasion day'.

The date marks the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in Port Jackson, New South Wales.

Many protesters want the date to be changed to be more inclusive for Indigenous Australians.
A 36-year-old Indian-origin man who was too scared to fly due to the coronavirus pandemic and lived undetected for nearly three months in a secure area of Chicago's international airport has been arrested, US authorities said.

Aditya Singh lives in a suburb of Los Angeles, California, was arrested on Saturday for living in a secure area at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport since October 19, the Chicago Tribune reported on Sunday.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Singh has been charged with felony criminal trespass to a restricted area of an airport and misdemeanour theft, the report said.

Prosecutors told a court that Singh arrived at OHare on a flight from Los Angeles on October 19 and allegedly has lived in the airport's security zone ever since, without detection.

Singh was arrested after two United Airlines staff asked him to produce his identification. He showed them a badge, but it reportedly belonged to an operations manager who reported it missing in October.

He reportedly found the staff badge in the airport and was "scared to go home due to COVID", Assistant State Attorney Kathleen Hagerty said.

The airline employees called 911. Police took Singh into custody on Saturday morning in Terminal 2 near Gate F12.

Singh managed to live on handouts from other passengers, Hagerty told Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz.

The judge expressed surprise at the circumstances of the case, the report said.

So if I understand you correctly, youre telling me that an unauthorised, non-employee individual was allegedly living within a secure part of the OHare airport terminal from Oct. 19, 2020, to Jan. 16, 2021, and was not detected? I want to understand you correctly," Ortiz said.

Singh lives in the Los Angeles suburb of Orange with roommates and does not have a criminal background, according to Assistant Public Defender Courtney Smallwood. She said Singh has a master's degree in hospitality and is unemployed.

Smallwood acknowledged the circumstances were unusual but noted the allegations were non-violent.

It was unclear what brought Singh to Chicago, the report said.

Singh has been barred from entering the airport if he is able to post the USD 1,000 for bail. He is due back in court on January 27.

The court finds these facts and circumstances quite shocking for the alleged period of time that this occurred," the judge said.

Being in a secured part of the airport under a fake ID badge allegedly, based upon the need for airports to be absolutely secure so that people feel safe to travel, I do find those alleged actions do make him a danger to the community," Ortiz said.

The Chicago Department of Aviation, which oversees the city's airports, said in a statement: "While this incident remains under investigation, we have been able to determine that this gentleman did not pose a security risk to the airport or to the travelling public."

The US is the worst-affected country in the world with more than 23,937,000 COVID-19 infections and 397,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus tracker. The US state of California is currently witnessing a surge in infections. PTI AKJ AKJ

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has formally submitted a letter of resignation for her US Senate seat to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, ending her four-year career in the chamber.

As Harris says goodbye to her seat, she assured Americans in an op-ed for the San Francisco Chronicle that her work is not done since she will preside over the chamber once she is sworn as the first female, first Black and first South Asian woman vice president of the United States on Wednesday.

"And this is not goodbye. As I resign from the Senate, I am preparing to take an oath that would have me preside over it," Harris wrote. "As senator-turned-Vice-President Walter Mondale once pointed out, the vice presidency is the only office in our government that 'belongs to both the executive branch and the legislative branch.' A responsibility made greater with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate."

Harris continued that while she will use her power as tie breaker in the Senate, she hopes she does not have to.

"Since our nation's founding, only 268 tie-breaking votes have been cast by a Vice President. I intend to work tirelessly as your Vice President, including, if necessary, fulfilling this Constitutional duty," she wrote.

"At the same time, it is my hope that rather than come to the point of a tie, the Senate will instead find common ground and do the work of the American people."

Harris, who was also the first Black woman to serve as a senator for the Golden State, won her seat in November 2016 and was sworn in January 2017. At the time, Harris was California's attorney general.

Newsom has named Alex Padilla, California's secretary of state, to fill Harris' seat. The incoming vice president has spoken to Padilla before he is sworn into the Senate, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion.

She also addressed the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, saying that America has "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."

Noting the elections of Senators-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, Democrats from Georgia to the Senate, Harris wrote "Change is possible. For that, I am grateful and ready to get to work."

This story has been updated with additional information.
NEW DELHI : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Tuesday wound up his two-day visit to the national capital where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he raised issues of the state and no politics was discussed with the top BJP leaders. Maintaining that there was still time for the assembly elections in the state, likely in April-May, he said seat sharing formula with the BJP would be finalised once the poll notification was issued. Talking to reporters here, he also ruled out '100 per cent' any scope for admitting V K Sasikala, aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, into the AIADMK. She was removed from the party by 'Amma' (Jayalalithaa) he added. The chief minister, who is also AIADMK co-coordinator, said his talks with Modi and Shah were aimed at seeking funds for key projects, relief assistance and the state's growth and he submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister. "There was no talk related to politics. Also, this is not the right time to talk politics. There is (still) time for elections. I am here for the growth of Tamil Nadu," he said. To a question on the number of seats to be allotted to the BJP, Palaniswami, who met Shah on Monday and Modi on Tuesday, said it would be decided after the poll notification. During an official function attended by Shah in Chennai recently, Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, who is the AIADMK co-ordinator, had said the alliance with BJP would continue for the assembly elections. There were expectations that he could take forward discussions on poll related aspects like seat-sharing with BJP during his visit here. Though the AIADMK had already announced Palaniswami as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the polls, the BJP did not immediately come forward to endorse it, triggering speculations for sometime.

While the BJP initially maintained that the CM nominee would be announced by the NDA leadership, the party later made a climb down and said the AIADMK as the major partner would decide on it. To a question on Sasikala, he said: "There is 100 per cent no chance for admitting her into AIADMK." Sasikala, undergoing four year imprisonment in a corruption case, is expected to be released on January 27 from Parapana Agrahara Prison in Bengaluru. Palaniswami said he invited Modi to visit Tamil Nadu for launching completed projects, including the Washermanpet-Wimco Nagar Chennai Metrorail extension and lay the foundation stone for new initiatives.

In the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister requested an immediate release of Rs.1,200 crore over extensive damage to crops following the recent Nivar and Burevi cyclones and heavy rains. He said farmers in the state have been affected badly and adequate Central fund has been sought to provide relief.

The memorandum thanked Modi for the release of 40 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lanka. The chief minister sought efforts for the release of 12 more fishermen and all the mechanised boats in the custody of the island nation. He requested Modi to instruct the Defence Ministry to expedite the setting up of the defence industrial corridor, which would enhance the overall industrial development of Tamil Nadu.

Early finalisation of the Detailed Project Report for the GodavariCauvery Linkage project, sanction for Cauvery- Gundar linkage, a part of the former, was requested. Financial support of Rs.713.39 crore for "Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery" plan to restore Cauvery and its main tributaries and early approval of the Phase-II Chennai Metro Rail Project under the 50:50 equity model were sought. Request to introduce evening flight services between Salem and Chennai under the regional connectivity scheme and direct flight services between Coimbatore and Dubai was also made in the memorandum.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Google Maps

One man is dead after a motorcycle race ended in a crash Sunday on the Southeast Side, San Antonio police said.

A 30-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were racing on Loop 410 before crashing into each other, according to police. After both riders lost control, the 30-year-old slid underneath the cables that divided the northbound lanes from the southbound lanes, hit a metal pole and then slid into a light pole, police said.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
Pittsfield Business Hiring for More Than 10 Positions

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Home Instead plans to hire more than ten positions due to rising need for senior care.

With more area seniors and families seeking support, Home Instead in Pittsfield is looking to fill more than ten permanent CAREGiver positions immediately in the area.

"The demand for home care has grown exponentially over the last several yearsand it continues to grow as more seniors isolate because of the pandemic," said Donna Smith, owner of the Pittsfield Home Instead office. "Hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed. Professional caregivers can serve as an extension of the healthcare system and play a critical role in keeping vulnerable Berkshire County seniors safe and healthy at home."

The local franchise is offering a $1200 sign-on bonus to qualified applicants in Berkshire County through January. Interested applicants can learn more about caregiving, as well as benefits including health insurance, 401K, and paid time off, by visiting HomeInstead.com/Careers.

From assisting with personal care and preparing meals, to running errands and providing companionship, CAREGivers help seniors with simple tasks that enable them to remain in their homes. The role is ideal for individuals seeking long-term job stability with a flexible schedule and supportive environment as well as continued opportunities for career growth.

"Caregiving is simply doing things to enhance the quality of life for older adults and help keep them independent for as long as possible," said Smith. "We like to say that it takes a special person to become a Home Instead CAREGivernot a special degree. It can be a rewarding career for individuals from every walk of life and age group."

Additional growth in the industry is expected for years to come. According to the United Nations, the global population over the age of 65 is expected to triple to 426 million by the year 2050. As a result of this rapid population shift, there will be an increased need for passionate and dedicated individuals in the industries that support the needs of older adults.
AstraZeneca jabs tipped to get nod for emergency use

THAILAND: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine this week for emergency use in the country.

CoronavirusCOVID-19drugshealth

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 08:58AM

Dr Opas confirmed that the ministry was likely to begin its COVID-19 inoculations using the AstraZeneca vaccine next month. Photo: AFP.

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Ministry of Public Healths Disease Control Department (DCD), said yesterday (Jan 18) the FDA was examining documents submitted to it to prove the efficacy and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr Surachoke Tangwiwat, deputy secretary-general of the FDA, later confirmed it was the vaccine produced by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company.

He said the submitted documents contained details of both the quality and the production process of the vaccine and this would help shorten its registration process.

Dr Opas confirmed that the ministry was likely to begin its COVID-19 inoculations using the AstraZeneca vaccine next month.

The ministry routine is to follow up on people injected with COVID-19 vaccines for at least four weeks afterwards, during which time all possible allergic reactions or complications are strictly recorded and investigated, he said.

Dr Opas was responding to concerns raised over a number of elderly peoples deaths believed to be associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Norway.

Should anyone die after being injected with a COVID-19 vaccine, the death will be investigated promptly to determine if it is related to the vaccine, said Dr Opas, and only if it is clearly proved to not be associated with the vaccine will its continued use be allowed.

If it remains unclear whether such a death is connected with the vaccine, the use of that particular vaccine will be suspended, he insisted.

Deaths among elderly Norwegians with serious underlying health conditions following the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have sparked global concerns over its safety.

A senator and medical doctor, Jet Siratharanont, on Monday raised a question in parliament over the safety of the governments plan to administer the first 200,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine next month.

Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha insisted that only vaccines proven to be safe would be administered to Thai people... and they would be Chinas Sinovac vaccine or the Oxford-AstraZeneca one, not Pfizers.

The first vaccines will be given to at-risk groups in the five provinces designated as maximum and strict COVID-19 control zones.

Priority will also be given to people aged 60 or older and those with chronic diseases certified by medical professionals to be particularly prone to contracting the virus that causes COVID-19, he said.

The injection of a further 800,000 dozes would follow in March in provinces other than these first five provinces before inoculation of the general population will be allowed to begin in June and July, said Mr Sathit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, pointed out that overseas deaths thought to be linked with COVID-19 vaccinations were at this point only media reports and not yet verified by any government organisations.

As for the safety of the vaccines that would be administered to Thai people, the minister said a sub-committee had been tasked with managing the governments COVID-19 vaccination programme to ensure all vaccines were safe before being cleared for use.

Both the FDA and the Department of Medical Sciences are responsible for inspecting any COVID-19 vaccines to ensure their safety before the sub-committee allows them to be used, he said.

Therefore the administration of the vaccine was still being totally controlled by the government, he said.

New Delhi, Jan 19 : A meeting of the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is currently underway to discuss the permission sought by vaccine developer Bharat Biotech to conduct clinical trials of its intranasal vaccine for the coronavirus.

Days after getting the Drugs Controller General of India's nod for restricted emergency use of India's first indigenously-made coronavirus vaccine, Bharat Biotech had applied to the drug regulator for permission to start Phase 1 and 2 trials of their nasal coronavirus vaccine.

The nasal vaccine is different from the intramuscular vaccine which recently got approval, as it is non-invasive, needle-free, doesn't require trained healthcare workers, eliminates needle-associated risks, suits children and adults and has scalable manufacturing.

Clinical trials of Bharat Biotech's 'BBV154' - a novel adenovirus vectored intranasal vaccine for coronavirus -- will be conducted at various locations, a top source privy to the development told IANS. The vaccine will be single-dosed.

According to the firm, an intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response at the site of infection, in the nasal mucosa, which is essential for blocking both infection and transmission of Covid-19.

The vaccine has demonstrated protective efficacy in mice and hamsters. Mice and hamsters immunised with its single-dose were conferred superior protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, "more so than one or two intramuscular immunisations of the same vaccine and dose".

"Thus, intranasal immunisation of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S can create an immune response in the nose, which is the point of entry for the virus, thereby protecting against disease, infection and transmission," Bharat Biotech said in a statement.

On January 3, two intramuscular vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved for restricted emergency use and have been administered to over three lakh people till now. Both are two-dose vaccines.

While the full efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be determined, it was given go-ahead by the DCGI citing 'public interest'. Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccine by Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Public health experts believe that intranasal vaccines for coronavirus, administered through the nose rather than muscles, can be a potential gamechanger in India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, Pune-based Serum Insititute of India and Codagenix Inc had announced that they have received regulatory approval in the UK to begin an early-stage trial of their single-dose, intranasal coronavirus vaccine.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
United Nations, Jan 19 : The UN has continued to express concerns over the consequences of the US designation of the Houthi militia in Yemen as a terrorist organisation, a spokesman said here.

"In Yemen, the UN continues to be deeply concerned that the Us Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of the Houthis will push Yemen into a large-scale famine. Given the dangerous situation right now with the risk of famine, the policy should be reversed," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Monday.

Details on planned licenses for aid agencies have not been published yet, although the designation is to take force on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Given this uncertainty, the UN is expecting major disruptions to the world's largest aid operation just as famine starts to take hold in the country, Dujarric said.

Even if licenses come through for aid agencies, these will not address the main problem, which relates to commercial imports, noted the spokesman.

Nearly all of Yemen's food, medicine, fuel and everything else is brought in by commercial importers.

The long-standing UN Security Council position is that commercial imports to Yemen must be protected and must continue to flow through all ports in the country, he noted.

The UN will also have to review the potential consequences of the US designation for the Safer tanker mission, he said, referring to the planned UN mission to inspect and repair the derelict oil tanker moored at a seaport controlled by the Houthi.

The world organisation has been saying for months that the floating oil storage vessel was in imminent danger of leaking some or all of the more than 1 million barrels of oil on board.

Dujarric expressed hope that the US decision will be reversed as soon as possible, given that President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in on Wednesday.

On January 11, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US will designate Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organisation.

According to figures released by the UN in December 2020, more than 230,000 Yemenis have died in the six-year-old war, mostly because of a lack of food, health services and infrastructure.

The Houthi militia has intensified attacks on the Yemeni government-held cities in the past year that killed and injured hundreds of people, according to the government of the war-torn country.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi rebels seized control of northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in 2015 to support Hadi's government.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  President Donald Trumps exit from the White House has been a train wreck.

He waited too long to concede the election to Democrat Joe Biden. He revved up supporters at a rally who then overran the U.S. Capitol building with deadly results.

But heres something that will only make the mess in Washington, D.C., worse: Having an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate after Trump leaves office. It just doesnt make any sense.

Impeachment is the remedy to remove a president from office. Trumps term in office ends at noon on Wednesday.

Problem solved, right?

Not according to Democrats and even some Republicans. The Dem-led House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against Trump last week.

Try, try again, I guess.

Their first sorry attempt at removing Trump, over ridiculous accusations concerning a phone call with the leader of Ukraine, ran aground in the U.S. Senate, which failed to convict the president.

So now a second impeachment trial looms in the Senate, and GOP leader Mitch McConnell is keeping an open mind about voting to convict Trump. McConnell lit into Trump on Monday, saying that the president provoked the Capitol mob.

But in a show of how legally unruly this whole thing already is, lawmakers and constitutional scholars differed over who should preside over the trial of an ex-president.

The Constitution says that the chief justice of the United States presides over impeachment trials of sitting presidents. That would put Chief Justice John Roberts in the big chair.

But once the president is out of office? Theres no explicit provision for that, because the Founding Fathers didnt envision impeaching a president after the president has left office.

Some are saying that incoming Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who would hold the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, could preside.

Harris is a former California attorney general and San Francisco district attorney. So she has the legal bona fides.

But others think the gavel could go to Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is to become the Senates president pro tempore.

So one of two top Dems could preside over the impeachment trial of a former GOP president that none in their party have hidden their disdain for. That sounds fair.

And all this assumes that an impeachment trial of an ex-president is constitutional in the first place, which is a very big question indeed.

The endgame here isnt impeachment only. Its also taking a second vote to bar Trump from running for office again.

That solves everybodys political problems. But is any of it constitutional?

The Supreme Court will likely have to sort this all out, because you can bet that Trump will appeal everything. And he will be absolutely right to do so.

Of course, the Dems could then look to amend the Constitution in order to formally codify the punishments they want to mete out to Trump here. Good luck getting a constitutional amendment through the divided states of America these days.

If nothing else, the whole farce will be a feast for those who geek out on this kind of stuff. And could come back to bite the Dems when the GOP regains control of the House.

But is this how Biden wants to start his administration? Hes an old Senate hand. He respects the institution. Does he really think this is the best use of their time?

We still have a COVID-19 pandemic to deal with.

There are problems with getting people vaccinated all over the country, including here in New York. There are concerns about new virus strains and how we reopen the economy. We have to fix the fiscal, social and educational displacement that the pandemic has wrought.

Thats what Biden should focus on. He should tell his fellow Democrats in the House and the Senate to stop wasting time.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents have been faced with challenging circumstances to balance work, household, care of children and support of distance learning for school-age children without help from their regular support systems such as schools, childcare, and often other family members as well. A new longitudinal study in Germany examined day-to-day parenting behavior during the restrictions and closures caused by the pandemic from the end of March until the end of April 2020. Research showed that autonomy-supportive parenting (offering meaningful choices when possible) contributed to positive well-being for both children and parents.

The findings were published in a Child Development article written by researchers at DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education and the Center for Research on Individual and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

"We explored whether or not autonomy-supportive parental behavior would facilitate adaptation and better child well-being. We also explored whether such parenting behavior helps to create a positive emotional climate that benefits parents as well as children," said Andreas B. Neubauer, postdoctoral research scientist at DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education. "Findings suggest autonomy-supportive parenting behavior is positively associated both with better child well-being and higher parental need fulfillment." According to the authors, such parenting behavior requires parental energy and vitality but also reciprocally contributes to it.

Participants for the online study were recruited via social media, a press release, and contacts to school and parent-teacher associations. The study assessed parents of school children using online questionnaires over three weeks through the following methods:

970 parents filled in an online questionnaire after which they could opt to enroll in a second part of the study (562 parents participated).

Through the second part of the study, for three consecutive weeks, parents (predominantly female and well-educated) received 21 daily online questionnaires with questions such as "As far as possible, I let my child decide today what he or she wanted to do" or "As far as possible, my child was able to do what he or she liked today." They also received a final questionnaire after the three weeks.

Parents were asked about their parenting behavior, the extent to which their psychological needs were fulfilled and their child's well-being.

Additionally, parents were asked about their own well-being, their perceptions of the family climate and their child's behavior once before the 21-day period and once again after the 21 days.

"Our findings from the daily questionnaires suggest that autonomy supportive parenting is beneficial for the well-being of both children and parents," said Florian Schmiedek, professor, and head of the cognitive development unit at DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education. "Helping parents in their daily parental behavior choices might be an effective way to improve the family climate and child wellbeing in a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic."

The authors recognize several limitations within the present study: only one aspect of autonomy-supported parentings was assessed ("choice within limits"), the questionnaire had previously only been used in adolescents, the reports were only obtained from the perspective of predominantly female parents, and a daily low compliance rate (however this was considered adequate given the demanding time period).

Explore further Parents get 'incomplete' grade on pandemic homeschooling

More information: A Little Autonomy Support Goes a Long Way: Daily Autonomy-Supportive Parenting, Child Well-Being, Parental Need Fulfillment, and Change in Child, Family, and Parent Adjustment Across the Adaptation to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Child Development (2021). Journal information: Child Development A Little Autonomy Support Goes a Long Way: Daily Autonomy-Supportive Parenting, Child Well-Being, Parental Need Fulfillment, and Change in Child, Family, and Parent Adjustment Across the Adaptation to the COVID-19 Pandemic,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13515
Mayor Bill de Blasio has claimed New York City will run out of COVID-19 vaccines in just two days, even though only 52 percent of the city's supply has actually made it into the arms of New Yorkers.

'At the rate we are going we will begin to run out on Thursday,' de Blasio said in a press briefing Tuesday morning.

'We will have literally nothing left to give as of Friday.'

The city needs more doses delivered, de Blasio said. But the city also is hamstrung by federal and state rules that require it to hold back a certain number of doses for residents of nursing homes and for second doses.

The mayor hit out at the 'crazy' lack of supply coming from the federal government and the state.

He said the city received just 53,000 doses Tuesday and will not receive another supply until next Tuesday.

New York City has administered 455,737 doses as of 12 a.m. Tuesday, according to city data. This includes 403,157 first doses and 52,580 second doses.

But the city has received a total supply of 876,550 doses from the federal government.

This means 48 percent of doses delivered - or 420,813 doses - are sitting unused instead of in the arms of at-risk New Yorkers.

De Blasio announced a target for 300,000 doses to be administered this week.

Based on the data released by his own health department, there should be enough doses to achieve this target with 120,813 left over.

However, the city's remaining allocation includes 104,525 for the federal government's long-term care facility program and 200,170 that the state requires it to hold back as second doses, according to a source familiar with the matter.

This leaves just 116,118 first doses, which, with around 30,000 doses administered per day in the last week and climbing, will last around three days.

A representative from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com

Mayor Bill de Blasio has claimed New York City will run out of COVID-19 vaccines in just two days, despite just 52 percent of doses delivered to the Big Apple having gone into the arms of New Yorkers

De Blasio said one New Yorker was getting vaccinated for COVID-19 every three seconds Sunday as he described the city's progress in ramping up the rollout as 'extraordinary.'

'And we're going to keep going. The pace of vaccinations is going faster and faster - those numbers keep growing,' he said.

The city had a target to administer 175,000 doses last week.

De Blasio said the city surpassed the goal, reaching 220,000 vaccinations by the end of Sunday - 45,000 more than the target.

He said the target for this week was 300,000 - so long as supply keeps up - with half a million doses likely to have been administered in total sometime tomorrow.

But, as the city accelerates the pace of rollout, the supply of shots is not keeping up, he said.

'Right now we had a small supply come in today of 53,000 doses, leaving us with only 116,000 for the week ahead,' he said.

'At the rate we are going, we will begin to run out on Thursday - this Thursday - two days from now and we will have literally have nothing left as of Friday,' he said.

A woman receives a vaccine at a vaccination site at South Bronx Educational Campus. One New Yorker was vaccinated every three seconds on Sunday, the mayor said

'What does that mean? It means if we don't get more vaccines quickly we will have to cancel appointments and no longer give shots after Thursday at a lot of our sites.'

He added: 'We will hit zero Friday.'

De Blasio said, on the current schedule, the city will not receive another supply until next Tuesday.

He said this means many sites will not be able to administer vaccines again until the day after - marking a six-day pause in getting shots in arms.

'This is crazy. This is not the way it should be,' he said.

'We have the ability to vaccinate a huge number of people. We need the vaccine to go with it.'

The mayor pushed the blame on the federal government - which sends the supply of doses to the state; the state government - which then allocates this supply across parts of the state; and the manufacturers.

So far, the US has administered just 14.7 million shots of the vaccine - out of 31.2 million sent to states - 37 days from the day the first American was given the first dose on December 14, according to data from Bloomberg

'Right now, it's up to the federal government, it's up to the state, it's up to the manufacturers to do everything they can do to get us the maximum supply as we are proving literally every passing day that we can reach more and more people,' he said.

However, just one day earlier, Cuomo raised questions about the ability of some of the city's vaccine providers to get shots in arms.

In a press conference Monday, Cuomo pointed out 10 NYC Health + Hospitals vaccination sites that had administered less than 80 percent of the doses they had been supplied with so far.

Just four sites had administered more than 80 percent of the doses, he said.

Cuomo pledged to reduce the supply to poor-performing sites across the state and give more to sites that are rolling out doses quicker.

'For the lower performing facilities, we are going to give them less, if any, of the new allocation. They'll all have enough to do their staff, but we want to make sure that the faster facilities - the higher-performing facilities -get more of the new allocation because we want it out the door,' he said.

'We don't want it sitting on the shelf. So those that can vaccinate faster will get more of the new allocation.'

Cuomo also announced he had contacted Pfizer to ask if New York can buy vaccines directly from the drug manufacturer as a way to speed up the vaccination process by sidestepping the US government.

Who can get vaccinated under the current Phase 1B? Individuals 65 and older

Immunocompromised people

First responders

Public safety officers

Teachers and other school staff

In-person college instructors

Childcare workers

Grocery store workers

Transit workers

Individuals living and working in homeless shelters

Corrections officers Advertisement

In his letter to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, Cuomo asked if he could bypass the federal government and buy direct from the manufacturer because they weren't part of Operation Warp Speed.

'The company's decision to opt out of Operation Warp Speed, which the Biden administration plans to overhaul, puts it in a unique situation that could help us save lives right here in New York,' Cuomo wrote.

No other state buys the vaccine directly from the manufacturer.

Cuomo said that the federal government has decreased its supply from 300,000 doses a week to 250,000 doses.

This comes after the state last week expanded who is eligible to get the vaccine in the current rollout - phase 1B - adding people aged 65 and over and the immunocompromised.

This means 7 million people are currently eligible.

Statewide, around one million of the 1.8 million doses the state has been allocated - 53 percent - have been administered, Bloomberg data shows.

De Blasio said Tuesday he is 'very hopeful' that the incoming Biden administration will 'fix' a lot of the issues with supply.

Biden announced an ambitious target Thursday to get 100 million Americans vaccinated in his first 100 days in office as part of his $1.9 trillion 'American Rescue Plan'.

So far, the US has administered just 14.7 million shots of the vaccine - out of 31.2 million sent to states - 37 days from the day the first American was given the first dose on December 14, according to data from Bloomberg.

The Trump administration had set a goal of inoculating 20 million Americans by the end of December, while Trump even claimed they would reach 100 million vaccinations in that time frame.

But the federal government has fallen drastically short of this goal.

De Blasio praised President-elect Joe Biden's pledge to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 100 days.

'That's the kind of commitment that's going to help us here in New York City to get the vaccine that we need,' he said.

'Because the central message is that we are vaccinating people faster and faster and it's getting better and better.'

New York City now has four 24/7 vaccination sites, 15 health department hubs and at least three new 24/7 sites opening soon. These are: Empire Outlets in Staten Island, CitiField in Queens, and the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

De Blasio once again called for the list of people currently able to get the vaccine to be expanded.

Last week, he issued a plea to Cuomo to add food delivery, deli and bodega workers to the priority list.

On Tuesday, he said he also wants sanitation workers and people in the court system such as district attorneys and grand juries to also be prioritized.

This comes as the city recorded 255 new hospitalizations and 5,009 new cases Monday.

The seven-day average positivity rate reached 8.23 percent.
A woman identified only by her first name Anchan, right, shakes hand with a friend as she arrives at the Bangkok Criminal Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday. A court in Thailand on Tuesday sentenced a retired civil servant to a record 43.5 years in prison for insulting the monarchy by posting audio clips online of comments critical of the royal institution. / AP-Yonhap



A court in Thailand on Tuesday sentenced a former civil servant to a record prison term of 43 years and six months for breaching the country's strict law on insulting or defaming the monarchy, lawyers said.



The Bangkok Criminal Court found the woman guilty on 29 counts of violating the country's lese majeste law for posting audio clips to Facebook and YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy, the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said.



The court initially announced her sentence as 87 years, but reduced it by half because she pleaded guilty to the offenses, the group said.



The sentence, which comes amid an ongoing protest movement that has seen unprecedented public criticism of the monarchy, was swiftly condemned by rights groups.



"Today's court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy won't be tolerated, but they will also be severely punished,'' said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher for the group Human Rights Watch.



Violating Thailand's lese majeste law -- known widely as Article 112 -- is punishable by three to 15 years' imprisonment per count. The law is controversial not only because it has been used to punish things as simple as liking a post on Facebook but also because anyone -- not just royals or authorities -- can lodge a complaint that can tie up the person accused in legal proceedings for years.



During Thailand's last 15 years of political unrest, the law has frequently been used as a political weapon as well as in personal vendettas. Actual public criticism of the monarchy, however, had until recently been extremely rare.



That changed during the past year, when young protesters calling for democratic reforms also issued calls for the reform of the monarchy, which has long been regarded as an almost sacred institution by many Thais. The protesters have said the institution is unaccountable and holds too much power in what is supposed to be a democratic constitutional monarchy.



Authorities at first let much of the commentary and criticism go without charge, but since November have arrested about 50 people and charged them with lese majeste.



Sunai said Tuesday's sentence was likely meant to send a message.



"It can be seen that Thai authorities are using lese majeste prosecution as their last resort measure in response to the youth-led democracy uprising that seeks to curb the king's powers and keep him within the bound of constitutional rule. Thailand's political tensions will now go from bad to worse,'' he said.



After King Maha Vajralongkorn took the throne in 2016 following his father's death, he informed the government that he did not wish to see the lese majeste law used. But as the protests grew last year, and the criticism of the monarchy got harsher, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned a line had been crossed and the law would be used.



The protest movement has lost steam since the arrests and since new restrictions on public gatherings were implemented following a surge in coronavirus cases.



Thai Lawyers for Human Rights identified the woman sentenced Tuesday only by her first name Anchan and said she was in her mid-60s.



Her case dates back six years, when anti-establishment sentiment was growing after a 2014 military coup led by Prayuth. She was held in jail from January 2015 to November 2018.



She denied the charges when her case was first heard in military court, where lese majeste offenses were prosecuted for a period after the coup. When her case was transferred to criminal court, she pleaded guilty with the hope that the court would have sympathy for her actions, because she had only shared the audio, not posted or commented on it, she told local media Tuesday on her arrival at court.



"I thought it was nothing. There were so many people who shared this content and listened to it. The guy (who made the content) had done it for so many years," Anchan said. "So I didn't really think this through and was too confident and not being careful enough to realize at the time that it wasn't appropriate.''



She said she had worked as a civil servant for 40 years and was arrested one year before retirement, and with a conviction would lose her pension.



What is believed to have previously been the longest lese majeste sentence was issued in 2017, when a military court sentenced a man to 35 years in prison for social media posts deemed defamatory to the monarchy. The man, a salesman, had initially been sentenced to 70 years, but had his sentence halved after pleading guilty.



(AP)


India is considering donating around 10 million doses of covid-19 vaccines to countries with which it has friendly relations, three people aware of the governments plans said, even as it tries to balance the diplomatic move with the requirements for its own healthcare and frontline workers.

According to one of the people cited above, all of whom spoke under condition of anonymity, India may donate around 10 million doses of Serum Institute of Indias Covishield and Bharat Biotech International Ltds Covaxin to countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Of these, about 2 million doses of Covishield are likely to be donated to Bangladesh as early as Wednesday, the second person added.

This may be apart from the 30 million Covishield doses that Serum Institute itself plans to sell in Bangladesh through a tripartite pact signed between the company, Bangladeshi drugmaker Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd and the government of Bangladesh in November.

The health ministry is giving an overview of how many doses can be manufactured and how many are needed in India. While exports are permitted even now, we have not yet taken a decision on it. The external affairs ministry will take a final call on how many doses it will procure and send to which friendly country and when," a third official said.

However, according to the officials, such decisions will be taken only after enough doses are secured for India.

Spokespersons for Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech, health ministry and the external affairs ministry did not comment on the matter.

So far, India has procured 16.5 million doses of covid-19 vaccines, with 11 million Covishield shots and the rest Covaxin, and plans to secure more jabs later this month.

For now, these are reserved for 30 million healthcare and frontline workers.

It also plans to vaccinate 270 million people  elderly above 50 years of age and those below 50 but with severe comorbidities  by August.

India started vaccinating its healthcare and frontline workers on Saturday and had, as of 5pm on Monday, given shots to 381,305 people in 7,704 sessions across the country.

While the government plans to donate vaccines to friendly nations, the two Indian vaccine manufacturers have themselves been pushing the government for commercial export of their products.

Both Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech have signed pacts for the supply of Covishield and Covaxin, respectively, to other countries.

Serum Institute also has a pact to sell 1.5 million doses in South Africa and, more prominently, 200 million doses of its vaccines to Covaxa World Health Organization-backed facility aimed at equitable access to covid-19 vaccines.

The pact for the supply to Covax includes Covishield as well as Covavax, Serums version of the vaccine originally developed by US-based Novavax that is expected to be launched in a few months.

On the other hand, Bharat Biotech last week signed a pact with Precisa Medicamentos for the supply of Covaxin to Brazil. The company, however, did not disclose how many doses it will supply.

Both Covishield and Covaxin had received emergency licensure from Drugs Controller General of India V.G. Somani on 3 January, but for Bharat Biotechs Covaxin, the authorization was in clinical trial mode as the company is yet to get interim results from its phase 3 trial.

Serum Institute is supplying 11 million Covishield shots to the Indian government at a special price" of 200 per dose, excluding taxes, marginally lower than the $3 it is charging for Covax supplies, while Bharat Biotechs supplies include a free donation of 1.65 million doses and another 3.85 million at 295 per shot. The average price of Bharat Biotechs vaccine for the 5.5 million shots is 206 per dose.

View Full Image About 2 mn Covishield doses are likely to be donated to Bangladesh by Wednesday.pti

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
She shared a few days ago on Instagram that her 'belly is getting real'.

And on Monday, pregnant model Elsa Hosk once again showed off her growing baby bump on the social media platform.

The 32-year-old snapped a selfie as she posed in front of her $10,000 Ultrafragola mirror.

Say cheese: Pregnant Elsa Hosk showcased her growing baby bump on Instagram Monday as she posed in a full-length black dress for a selfie in front of her $10,000 Ultrafragola mirror

Hosk stood sideways on with her head turned towards the mirror with its distinctive frame.

She wore a full-length long-sleeve black dress that clung to her bump that was silhouetted against the backdrop of her marble-floored room.

Skylights and a wall of glass doors provided plenty of natural light.

The Swedish-born former Victoria's Secret Angel is expecting her first child, a girl, with longtime beau Tom Daly and the couple recently relocated from New York to a lavish home in South Pasadena, outside of LA.

'Getting real': The model, 32, is giving her fans regular updates on her pregnancy as she prepares to give birth to her first child, a girl, this spring

West Coast living: The former Victoria's Secret Angel and longtime beau Tom Daly recently relocated from NYC after buying a $6 million home in Southern California

Room to roam: The property in South Pasadena boasts three bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a detached guest house, a swimming pool and lush landscaping

Hosk and partner Tom Daly, a sunglasses entrepreneur, splashed out $6 million for the residence in South Pasadena that features walls of glass and is situated on an acre of lush green landscaping.

The home boasts three bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a detached guest house and a swimming pool.

The couple decided to move to the Los Angeles area to raise their child and so that Hosk can explore opportunities in Hollywood.

Model mom-to-be: The couple decided to move to the Los Angeles area to raise their child and so that Hosk can explore opportunities in Hollywood

Hosk recently told People that she can't wait to welcome her daughter.

'Exploring life with a baby will be new and scary and exciting,' she told the publication.

And on Instagram, as she bid farewell to 2020 and looked forward to a new chapter in her life, Hosk shared: 'Here I am a few weeks from giving birth and feeling grateful for the pain, stress, change, and fear because out of it came something so positive and made me stronger.'
The communications work for the upcoming 13th National Party Congress has been prepared thoroughly and specifically, Le Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information and Education, has said.

Le Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information and Education, and director of the press centre for the 13th National Party Congress (Photo: VNA)

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on January 18, Hung, who is also director of the press centre for the 13th National Party Congress, said the communication work has been carried out through the media and at all-level agencies and localities, covering events after, during and before the congress.

The official highlighted the role played by press agencies in disseminating information about the congress, scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 2, as well as major achievements the country has recorded over the past time.

Regarding preparations for the press centre, Hung said they have been basically completed, adding the centre has outlined specific programmes and scenarios for journalists.

The centre has been equipped well in terms of technology, internet and equipment to serve domestic and foreign reporters.

Hanoi streets decorated to welcome 13th National Party Congress. (Photo: VNA)

Nearly 500 domestic reporters and technicians, and more than 60 resident correspondents, editors and technicians of foreign news agencies have registered to work at the press centre. More than 60 others will cover the congress online.

All reporters present at the centre will undergo COVID-19 testing, at the request of organisers.

According to Hung, the organisers invited foreign journalists to attend press conferences virtually due to the impact of the COVID-19.

The press centre is to be opened at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on January 22./.VNA
Travel restrictions have been enforced across the world to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

However, Danielle Lloyd appeared unperturbed by the global pandemic on Monday as she announced she has become a travel agent while encouraging others to do the same.

The mother-of-four, 37, launched a new Instagram page, Jetsetwithdaniellelloyd, and said 'the time is now' to get involved before the 'travel boom', despite international health concerns.

Wow: Danielle Lloyd announced on Monday she has become a travel agent while motivating others to do the same, despite global travel restrictions to prevent an increase in Covid cases

In a social media snap which featured a champagne flute next to an aeroplane window, Danielle penned: 'Whos ready to start earning while travelling...

'Travel restrictions are set to lift in the next couple of months. Get ready to start earning as soon as they do. DM me for more info'. (sic)

Danielle also shared an exotic ocean picture to her Instagram Story and wrote: 'With travel restrictions set to lift and another travel boom set to explode...

'Now is the time to get ready to start earning 8/16% commission on every booking you make. Book everything from car hire, to spa, breaks, weekend in the cities, weeks in the Bahamas, cruises... and anything else you can think of'.

Shock: The star, 37, launched a new Instagram page, Jetsetwithdaniellelloyd, and said 'the time is now' to get involved before the 'travel boom', despite international health concerns

In a separate upload, the former WAG added: 'Do not leave it too late to learn what you need to do & how you can succeed in this industry...

'My only regret is I didn't get involved sooner. The time is now. DM me for info'. (sic)

Danielle also shared a screenshot which quoted $87,375,331 as the alleged commission paid to travel agents through her company.

'Statistics released this Saturday from our company,' the mother-of-four wrote. '$87 million in comissions paid to date & on target to hit $1 billion in travel sales in 2021.

Jet-setting lifestyle: Danielle also shared an exotic ocean picture to her Instagram Story as she promoted a travel commission scheme to her followers

New career venture: In a separate upload, the former WAG said her only regret is that she 'didn't get involved sooner' and she added that 'the time is now'

'Travel is trillion million dollar industry... travel is never going to stop.

'If you're dreaming of a holiday after this... what do you think everyone else is dreaming of doing?'

However, she didn't verify the legitimacy of the quote or provide additional information regarding the company she is working for or with.

The government currently asks UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel to prevent a rise in coronavirus cases.

Interesting: Danielle also shared a snap which quoted $87,375,331 as the alleged commission paid to travel agents through her company, but she didn't clarify the legitimacy of the quote

New rules that have come into force require international travellers to come back negative after a PCR test before arriving in England.

Any arrivals who flout the rules will face a minimum 500 fine, while the operator who transported them will also be fined.

Passengers will still have to quarantine for 10 days regardless of their test results, transport minister Robert Courts said in a recent statement.

Dozens of reality TV personalities have swapped the UK's third lockdown for some sun in the Dubai, sharing regular updates from their lavish 'work trips' to social media, as business travel is still currently allowed.

Hitting back: Love Island stars who have jetted to Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic have reportedly lost thousands of Instagram fans (Laura Anderson pictured)

It is now thought that fed-up Brits have hit back by unfollowing the stars accounts. Love Island's Anton Danyluk, 26, and Laura Anderson, 31, dropping a combined 26,000, reported The Sun on Monday.

Anton, who is thought to have lost 14,000 followers, shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10 and has since posted glimpses of his impressive hotel views and dips in the pool with his 1m fans.

While Laura Anderson, who has reportedly dropped a sizeable 12,000 followers, sparked a backlash when she said it was 'really hard' to be an influencer following unimpressed comments on her Dubai snaps.

The beauty, who used to live in Dubai, has been in the reality star-flooded city since before New Year's and asked her 1.4m fans not to comment on posts 'if they don't have anything nice to say'.

Oh dear: Anton, who is thought to have lost 14,000 followers, shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10 for a 'work' trip (pictured in the reality star hotspot)

Former WAG Danielle also faced backlash in December as she was branded 'disgusting' and 'irresponsible' for breaking Tier Three coronavirus rules to celebrate her 37th birthday with pals.

The reality star took to Instagram to share snaps from the festivities, as she posed with three friends for a selfie before filming a number of videos showing the mask-less group dancing inside a limousine with no social distancing in place.

While Danielle claimed in her comments she went 'nowhere', her slew of videos were very much to the contrary as the four women drank and danced on top of one another, after she shared a selfie with 'Out, Out' emblazoned on top.

Birmingham, where Danielle lives, was in Tier Three, which meant residents were banned from meeting anyone outside of their household or bubble indoors.
A woman shot in Aurora was among the victims of several carjackings reported in the Chicago suburbs over the weekend. The string of crimes comes as Chicago saw carjackings more than double in 2020, with the trend continuing into the new year. Search our map to see where carjackings have taken place.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. A stable operational situation with no incidents has been maintained along the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact of the Armenian state border overnight January 18-19, the Defense Ministry of Armenia told Armenpress.

According to the information provided by the Armenian National Security Service, no border incidents were registered in Vorotan-Davit Bek section of the Goris-Kapan inter-state road which is under the responsibility of the NSS border troops.

The Armed Forces of Armenia and the NSS border troops confidently control the border situation along the entire length of the border zone and fulfill their tasks.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 54F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
If it were up to him, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh would have city health workers vaccinate people against the coronavirus non-stop, around-the-clock and every day of the week.

Were in a global crisis, Sayegh said in an interview on Monday. Give us the doses and well get them administered. We need to get this done and we hope were setting an example for the state.

Paterson is perhaps the only COVID-19 vaccination site in New Jersey offering the COVID vaccine to walk-ins. No appointments are taken and you dont need to live in Paterson to get vaccinated, the mayor said.

We dont turn anyone away because of residency, Sayegh said. How are you going to turn someone away, especially when they are older and theyve been standing in line?

No appointment is necessary as the COVID-19 vaccine is given inside International High School in Paterson last week.Andre Sayegh

Paterson has vaccinated more than 3,600 people since Dec. 28, when Dr. Paul Persaud, director of the Division of Health, took the first dose.

Currently, the city is offering the vaccine from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at International High School, 200 Grand Street. Its all walk-in. Appointments are not taken, Sayegh said.

The only limitation in vaccinating people so far, Sayegh said, is a shortage of doses, which come in every Tuesday. He said hes implored the state to give his city as much of the vaccine as possible.

But state officials have said theyre limited in what they can dispense by what they are given by the federal government.

Sayegh said he hopes he can one day offer the vaccine every day of the week. If supply could meet the demand we could do more of the dosing, he said.

A woman receives the COVID-19 vaccine last week in Paterson.Andre Sayegh

We will take as much (vaccine) as the state can give us. Weve expanded our operations and were prepared, Sayegh said.

Sayegh said the city moved its inoculation operation from the offices of the local health department, where they only had four stations, to the gymnasium of the high school, where they have 20 stations.

In New Jersey as of Friday, more than 1.5 million people had pre-registered on the states COVID-19 vaccination website. As of Friday, 66,000 had received notification they were eligible to sign up for an appointment, and of those, 10,371 had booked an appointment through the state site, officials said.

However, the state has encouraged residents to book appointments directly with the vaccination sites, which are currently at more than 100 and increasing.

Those who are eligible for the vaccine are health care workers, fire and police personnel, anyone older than 65 and people ages 16 to 64 with specific underlying medical conditions, as well as smokers.

As word spread last week that you didnt need an appointment in Paterson, the lines began growing. Sayegh said theyve inoculated people from around the state  as far away as Princeton and Ocean City.

On Friday, more than 900 people lined up for shots as early as 6 a.m. even though the vaccines didnt start until 9:30 a.m., Sayegh said.

We had to turn people away, which is something we never want to do, Sayegh said. We tell them to come back tomorrow, or come back the next time they are offered.

Anyone who wants more information on the COVID-19 vaccine program in Paterson should call the citys health department at 973-321-1277.

Tell us your COVID-19 vaccination stories, send us a news tip or questions about the vaccination process on our tip form.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, second from left, says you don't need an appointment and don't need to be a resident to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Courtesy of Andre Sayegh

People line up last week for the COVID-19 vaccine in the gym at International High School in Paterson.Andre Sayegh

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

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Though the Biden team did not publicly provide the names of some officials, the identities appear to be known within the agencies. A person briefed on the process said the Biden team picked Lora Shiao to perform the duties of the director of national intelligence until Mr. Bidens nominee, Avril D. Haines, is confirmed by the Senate. Since September, she has served as the chief operating officer of that agency. Similarly, a person briefed on the decision said Monty Wilkinson, a low-profile human resources chief at the Justice Department, would step in as acting attorney general.

In some cases, finding an interim official was not simple. At the Defense Department, the Biden team struggled with putting a Trump appointee, David L. Norquist, in charge of the department, if only for a few days, until Mr. Bidens nominee, Lloyd J. Austin III, is confirmed. By law, a Senate-confirmed deputy at the department, in this case, Mr. Norquist, automatically assumes the secretarys duties when the secretary is absent. Mr. Biden ultimately chose to stick with tradition, and Mr. Norquist will fill in until Mr. Austin is sworn in.

The Biden transition team has cause, in at least one case, for not trusting Trump loyalists. In recent months, transition officials clashed with top Pentagon officials. First the Pentagon blocked the transition teams access to some intelligence agencies. Then in mid-December, the Pentagon announced a mutually agreed-upon holiday pause in briefings, only to have Biden transition figures say there was no such agreement. The Pentagon put a Trump loyalist, Kashyap Patel, in charge of overseeing the transition, frustrating some members of the president-elects transition team.

In a sign of continuing tensions, the Biden transition team refused to give Christopher C. Miller, the acting defense secretary, office space in the Pentagon after the inauguration. A Biden transition team official cited Mr. Millers acting status and the coronavirus pandemic for the decision, which was reported earlier by Bloomberg.

At the Justice Department, the Biden team sought to find an interim attorney general who had not, at some point during the Trump administration, been involved in the myriad political scandals that have defined the agency.

In choosing Mr. Wilkinson  who has been overseeing human resources, security planning and the library at the Justice Department and is unknown even to most Washington insiders  the Biden transition team hoped for a steady and drama-free hand to run the department until Judge Merrick B. Garland, Mr. Bidens nominee to be attorney general, could be confirmed in the coming weeks, according to a person briefed on the decision.

For the most part, the interim agency heads across the government who have been publicly named are career, nonpartisan officials.
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Dispatch from Crame No. 1022:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima on the termination of the UP-DND Accord 1/19/21 UP is our finest academic institution. It is the national university. Year after year, they proudly represent us in the world's top university rankings. Not only is UP a consistent participant in national conversations, they take part also in addressing our country's problems. UP experts are a constant fixture in policy discussions from legislative deliberations to national disaster coordination. Most recently, we have seen how they are aiding our policymakers in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our leaders received UP education. UP was able to do all that and more because we allowed them academic freedom, free from political harassment by, and interference from, government forces. Now comes Duterte and his DND unilaterally abrogating that decades-long accord based on unsubstantiated statements that UP is a recruitment ground for the CPP/NPA. Nothing prevented them from pursuing any legitimate case supported by evidence against any UP personality. That they fail to make their case after years of trying and billions of intelligence funds speaks more about their incompetence than any perceived disadvantage under the UP-DND accord. This abrogation is a message to the UP Community that the Duterte administration is now taking its brand of fascism inside the campuses whenever they please. It is a warning to students, professors and staff not to speak ill of the wannabe dictator in Malacanang, lest they be branded enemies of the State. We have seen how this regime has employed lawfare against the critics and truthseekers, how it has twisted the law to oppress its perceived enemies while ignoring and tolerating the real ones. Anti-Terror Law. Persecution of human rights defenders. Red-tagging. Summary execution of red-tagged personalities. And now this, an assault on academic freedom. All aimed at enhancing this regime's authoritarian project. I support the UP Community and join them in defending the freedoms that no administration has the right to curtail. #DefendUP #UPFight (Access the handwritten version, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_1022)
She had a successful radio show with Dave Hughes a few years ago on the HIT network.

But instead of reviving their magic from days past, Kate Langbroek chose not to reunite with her comedian pal, who is now in Sydney heading up a brand new breakfast radio show.

The 55-year-old told the Herald Sun on Tuesday that she didn't want to uproot her four children again following their recent return from Italy.

Doing it for the kids: Radio star Kate Langbroek [pictured] turned down a reunion with former co-host Dave Hughes because she didn't want to uproot her children again after recently returning from Italy after two years

'Oh yeah we had conversations about that but I couldn't say to the kids, yeah we're coming back to Australia, guess what we're moving to Sydney,' she said.

She said of Dave: 'He's a workaholic and he has to work and he loves a challenge. He's wired differently to me.'

She added that he and fellow comedian Ed Kavalee will do brilliantly alongside new co-host Erin Molan as hosts of the Hit Network's breakfast show The Morning Crew.

Radio pals: Kate said, 'I couldn't say to the kids, yeah we're coming back to Australia, guess what we're moving to Sydney'

Kate's return to Melbourne comes after her family spent the last two years living in Bologna, Italy.

She said of their experience of living in Italy: 'We did it all ourselves, it was very challenging, magnificent, difficult, joyous, exhausting and uplifting.'

Kate is set to return to radio, this time on as a co-host on KIIS FM's 3pm Pick-Up, stepping in for Rebecca Judd who quit the show last year.

Close quarters: Last month, she and her family were in a mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne after returning from Italy

In December, she and her family were in a mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne after returning from Italy.

During quarantine Kate talked to The Project about being in close quarters with family, calling it 'very intense.'

'The only consolation is you can yell at the kids as loud as you want. No one will come! 'You can do whatever you want. No one is breaching the security of that front door,' she joked.
[January 19, 2021] AACR and MPM Oncology Charitable Foundation Announce Three Grants to Support Transformative Cancer Research

Three grants for research that could transform cancer therapies have been awarded by the AACR-MPM Oncology Charitable Foundation Transformative Cancer Research Grants Program, an innovative partnership between the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the UBS Oncology Impact Fund ( OIF (News - Alert) ) managed by MPM Capital. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005681/en/ The Transformative Cancer Research Grants Program provides generous funds to investigators so they can pursue innovative research which has the potential to help guide and advance cancer treatment and make a significant impact for cancer patients. These grants are part of OIF's impact program, which provides support for next-generation basic science research as well as patient access to oncology drugs through the UBS Optimus Foundation. OIF donates a percentage of the fund manager's profits to the impact program, as well as royalties on approved drugs from OIF startup portfolio companies. To date, OIF's impact program has provided $6.8 million in philanthropic donations. "In these challenging times, the need for high-impact, transformative research that will markedly reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality is more important than ever," said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), chief executive officer of the AACR. "The AACR is honored to continue its partnership with MPM Capital and the OIF to support early-career and mid-career scientists whose creative research approaches hold promise for catalyzing paradigm-shifting advances that will result in breakthroughs against cancer." "Through these grants, we continue to fund extremely innovative approaches to basic science and beyond," said Christiana Bardon, MD, MBA, managing director of OIF and trustee of the AACR Foundation. "This year's grant recipients are each working on bold and exciting science that could transform how we understand and treat cancer." These grants were selected through a highly competitive review process including an expert review panel chaired by Nobel (News - Alert) Laureate H. Robert Horvitz, PhD, an advisor to MPM Capital and OIF. "Last year saw the emergence of an international health crisis that has refocused our attention firmly on the importance of scientific progress," said Tom Naratil, president of UBS Americas and co-president of UBS Global Wealth Management. "While COVID-19 continues to demand our attention and medical resources, we should not forget that cancer remains one of the leading threats to our health. We are thankful that by working with MPM Capital and the AACR, our UBS Oncology Impact Fund can now for the second time fund groundbreaking research projects that could lead to new therapies against cancer." The three grants are: "Bivalent DUB recruiters for targeted protein stabilization" Sara Buhrlage, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, proposes to develop a novel class of agents, bivalent deubiquitinase (DUB) proximity inducing molecules, that can selectively stabilize targeted proteins. This new drug development paradigm is enabled by her recent success in development of selective DUB ligands for several members of the enzyme family. The successful completion of this proposal has the potential to transform cancer clinical care by delivering a completely new strategy for one of the most prolific undruggable oncology classes, tumor suppressors. "I'd like to sincerely thank the AACR and MPM for the opportunity to pursue this research project," said Buhrlage. "As an early-career investigator, the chance to pursue this type of project could propel my career. We wil pursue the research aggressively and are optimistic we'll credential a new cancer treatment paradigm."



"Targeting the ionic checkpoint on T-cell antitumor function" Robert Eil, MD, of Oregon Health & Science University, will test the hypothesis that cancer cell death suppresses T-cell function through potassium (K+)-sensitive signal transduction. The study will help to determine the functional significance of cancer cell death byproducts for inflammasome and T-cell activation in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, define the mechanism underlying K+ control of T-cell function, and assess the impact of interventions to reprogram T-cell K+ transport as cancer immunotherapeutics.

"Receipt of this AACR-MPM Oncology Charitable Foundation Transformative Cancer Research Grant represents a critical milestone in my development as an independent scientist," said Eil. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue this exciting line of investigation with the potential to apply groundbreaking immune-based treatments to patients with treatment-resistant cancers." "Discovering and targeting cancer-engineered pathways of metastasis" Hani Goodarzi, PhD, of University of California, San Francisco, will study a class of previously unknown regulatory RNA molecules that appear specifically in cancer cells and can serve as building blocks for cancer-engineered regulatory pathways. The discovery of orphan non-coding RNAs as a cancer-specific class of small RNAs with regulatory potential provides an opportunity for a systematic search for functional neo-regulators of gene expression in cancer cells. In addition to providing insight into tumor evolution, this research will also attempt to discover novel targets that are solely active in cancer cells and develop potential therapies using a new generation of antisense molecules. "This grant provides a unique opportunity for my team to tackle a high-risk, high-reward project," said Goodarzi. "In addition to providing support and resources, this represents a vote of confidence in our approach from the leaders in the field." Each project will receive $400,000 over a two-year period. In this program, proposed research must represent a highly innovative approach to a major problem or challenge in cancer research that may not be funded through conventional channels. The funded projects are expected to catalyze important advances in cancer research and should have a potentially transformative impact on future clinical practice. The projects can be focused on any area of basic, translational, or clinical research. Follow us: Cancer Research Catalyst; Twitter; and Facebook For AACR information, visit Fast Facts. About the American Association for Cancer Research Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes 47,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 127 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops-the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting, with more than 100,000 attendees for the 2020 virtual meetings and more than 22,500 attendees for past in-person meetings. In addition, the AACR publishes nine prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org. About MPM Capital MPM Capital is a healthcare investment firm with over two decades of experience founding and investing in life-sciences companies that seek to translate scientific innovations into cures for major diseases. With its experienced and dedicated team of investment professionals, entrepreneurs, and advisors, MPM strives to power novel medical breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. For more information visit www.mpmcapital.com. About UBS UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS's strategy is centered on our leading global wealth management business and our premier universal bank in Switzerland, enhanced by Asset Management and the Investment Bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005681/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Driver - Enfield, Co. Meath

A leading supplier of key materials and services to the Quarrying, Mining and Civil Engineering industries in Ireland is looking to hire a Driver.

All applicants must possess a full C class HGV driving licence.

The ideal candidate would have a full ADR certificate and some mechanical skills.

Training will be provided.

The person needs to be flexible to work 20-30 hours per week with a view to full-time hours.

Please forward your CV to gerard@connectrecruit.ie before Friday, 29th January 2021.
The members of a panel set up by the Supreme Court to resolve the crisis of farmer protests said on Tuesday they would keep aside their ideology and views while consulting stakeholders, even as they indicated a complete repeal won't augur well for much-needed agriculture reforms. The panel met for the first time on Tuesday.

The biggest challenge, the members said, is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with them. We will try our best. We also want to request those farmers who dont want to come before us that we are neither from any party nor from the ...
Donald Trump, pictured on December 7, 2020, has been pardoning allies before leaving office next month (AFP via Getty Images)

Donald Trump used his final hours as president to issue a slew of 143 pardons and commutations of sentence to friends and allies as he prepared to reluctantly hand over power to his Democratic successor Joe Biden.

A meeting with his inner circle at the White House on Sunday saw Mr Trump finalise the clemency list, a source told CNN.

Despite much speculation, he ultimately decided against issuing pre-emptive pardons to himself or members of his family or to the likes of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange or Tiger King star Joe Exotic.

He did excuse his estranged ex-chief strategist Steve Bannon, however, as well as the rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.

Others on the list included Republican fundraiser Elliot Broidy, ex-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Death Row Records co-founder Michael Harris, New York art dealer Hillel Nahmad and ex-Republican congressmen Rick Renzi and Duke Cunningham.

Follow live: Inauguration Day 2021 latest updates

The latest list follows Mr Trump issuing almost 50 presidential pardons and commutations last month to former criminals, Republican politicians, aides who lied to the FBI during the Russia investigation and state department contractors convicted over a massacre in Iraq.

Below is a comprehensive list of the allies he absolved of wrongdoing during his tenure.

Steve Bannon

The former Breitbart editor turned podcaster, a nationalist and outsider conservative, was dismissed as the presidents chief strategist in the wake of Charlottesville in August 2017 since which time relations between the two men have been acrimonious, not least because Mr Bannon was quoting attacking the presidents children in Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury.

He was charged last year with swindling the president's own supporters over an effort to raise private funds to build the Trumps wall on the US-Mexico border. He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr Bannons pardon was especially notable given that the prosecution was still in its early stages and any trial was months away. Whereas pardon recipients are conventionally thought of as defendants who have faced justice, often by having served at least some prison time, the pardon nullifies the prosecution and effectively eliminates any prospect for punishment.

Story continues

Steve Bannon is getting a pardon from Trump after defrauding Trump's own supporters into paying for a wall that Trump promised Mexico would pay for, Democratic congressman Adam Schiff commented on Twitter. And if that all sounds crazy, that's because it is. Thank God we have only 12 more hours of this den of thieves.

Elliot Broidy

The Republican fundraiser pleaded guilty last autumn in a scheme to lobby the Trump administration to drop an investigation into the looting of a Malaysian wealth fund.

Ken Kurson

A friend of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, Mr Kurson was charged last October with cyberstalking during a heated divorce.

Kwame Kilpatrick

The former mayor of Detroit has served about seven years behind bars for a racketeering and bribery scheme.

Lil Wayne

Five-time Grammy Award winner Lil Wayne, whose legal name is Dwayne Carter Jr, appeared to support Trump on the campaign trail ahead of his re-election bid when Carter said he backed the presidents criminal justice reform programme and economic plan for African Americans.

But Mr Carter, whose 2016 single No Problem won the Best Rap Performance Grammy, pleaded guilty last month to illegally possessing a loaded, gold-plated handgun when his chartered jet landed in Miami in December 2019. He faced a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Kodak Black

Mr Black, 23, who was born Bill Kahan Kapri, is in federal prison for making a false statement to buy a firearm and released the album Bill Israel from behind bars.

He pleaded guilty in August 2019 and three months later was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison. He was seeking compassionate release and his commutation was supported by religious leaders, other rappers and athletes.

Michael Harris

Mr Trump commuted the prison sentence of hip hop mogul Michael Harry-O Harris on drug-trafficking and murder charges.

Hillel Nahmad

Nahmad founded the Helly Nahmad Gallery in Manhattan, New York, in 2000, which holds several fine art exhibitions every year featuring work by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon.

In 2014, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, serving four, after pleading guilty to a federal charge of operating an illegal gambling business.

Rick Renzi

The ex-Arizona Republican congressman has served three years for corruption, money laundering and other charges.

Duke Cunningham

The ex-California representative was convicted of accepting $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors. Cunningham, who was released from prison in 2013, received a conditional pardon.

Roger Stone

Former Trump campaign adviser and confidant Roger Stone was convicted in November 2019 on seven charges related to the Russia investigation.

The Republican lobbyist was pardoned by Mr Trump last week after the president commuted his sentence in July, a week before he was due to report to federal prison. Stone had been sentenced to 40 months which he will no longer serve.

Michael Flynn

The former national security adviser pleaded guilty after lying about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the US.

Flynn was the only White House official to be convicted by special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, links between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, and the presidents alleged obstruction of justice.

Paul Manafort

Paul Manafort, the presidents one-time campaign chairman, was pardoned after having his sentence commuted earlier this year.

Manafort was found guilty of eight financial crimes including filing false tax returns on tens of millions of dollars in Ukrainian political consulting income.

Alex van der Zwaan

Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer, was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during the Mueller investigation.

The president has repeatedly taken aim at Muellers investigation, which considered Trump campaign ties to Russia, and convicted aides including van der Zwaan in the process.

George Papadopoulos

George Papadopoulos was the second person convicted in the Russia investigation, which handed the former Trump campaign advisor a 14-day prison sentence.

He pleaded guilty to lying about a conversation he had with Russians, who had told him they had dirt on Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump's 2016 Democratic opponent.

Duncan Hunter

Duncan Hunter, a former Republican congressman from California, was sentenced to 11 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing $150,000 from campaign funds to spend on vacations and personal luxuries.

He was to begin his sentence in May 2020 but had it pushed back to January 2021 due to the pandemic.

Chris Collins

Chris Collins, another Republican included in Mr Trumps pardons, was sentenced to two months imprisonment after he admitted to helping his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he passed on information about a pharmaceutical company to them.

The former New York congressman was among the first to endorse Mr Trump for president.

Steve Stockman

Steve Stockman, the former Republican congressman from Texas, was convicted of misusing charitable funds of $775,000.

The White House said that Stockman had contracted coronavirus while in prison. He served more than two years of his 10-year sentence, and will still be required to serve time on supervised release along with paying about $1m in restitution.

Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard

The four men were contractors working for the US state department in 2007 when they opened fire on unarmed civilians in a crowded square in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital.

They killed 14 civilians, including two children, one who was just nine years old. The massacre led to lengthy prison sentences.

Alfonso Costa

Alfonso Costa, a former Pittsburgh dentist and close friend of Housing Secretary Ben Carson, was convicted of healthcare fraud.

He pleaded guilty and served two years on probation, along with being ordered to pay $300,000 (224,000) in fines and restitution.

Alfred Lee Crum

The 89-year-old pleaded guilty to helping his wife's uncle illegally distill moonshine in 1952, when he was 19 years old. He served three years of probation and paid a $250 fine.

The White House said Crum, of Oklahoma, had maintained a clean record, had four children and been married for nearly 70 years. He has also attended the same church for 60 years and regularly participated in charity fundraising events.

Philip Esformes

Philip Esformes, a wealthy Miami businessman and former health care executive, was responsible for one of the biggest healthcare fraud schemes in US history, worth $1 billion.

His prison sentence was commuted by the president on Tuesday, but other aspects of his sentence, including supervised release and millions in restitution, remained intact.

Otis Gordon

The pastor, convicted of drug possession charges, was issued a full pardon, supported by Trump ally and South Carolina senator Tim Scott.

Weldon Angelos

Weldon Angelos was 24 years old when he was given a 55-year prison sentence in 2004 for marijuana dealing while in possession of weapons. It was his first conviction.

Utah senator Mike Lee had petitioned former president Barack Obama to grant clemency to Angelos, a music producer. He was instead released from prison after receiving a sentence reduction in court.

Igancio Ramos and Jose Compean

The two former US Border Patrol agents were convicted of shooting and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler near El Paso, Texas, in 2005.

They were released in 2009 after then-president George W Bush commuted their sentences - 11 and 12 years respectively.

Phil Lyman

A Republican from Utah who currently serves as a state representative, served 10 days in prison after he led a motorbike protest through a Native American canyon, which was banned at the time. The rules were later undone by the Trump administration.

Crustal Munoz, Judith Negron and Tynice Nichole Hall

Munoz, Negron and Hall had their cases championed by criminal justice reform activists. All were commuted last week.

Crystal Munoz was serving a 20-year prison sentence on a drug conspiracy charge. Negron had been serving 35 years for health care fraud. And Hall was serving 18 years for drug charges.

Joe Arpaio

An anti-immigration hardliner who was elected five times as sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona, he was the first pardon issued by Mr Trump.

Arpaio was charged with criminal contempt for defying a court order to stop detaining people.

Conrad Black

A former businessman and Trump associate was pardoned more than a decade after he was sentenced for fraud and obstruction of justice. He was released in 2012.

The former Chicago Sun-Times, Jerusalem Post and Daily Telegraph owner went on to write pro-Trump op-eds.

Kristien Saucier

Saucier was discharged from the US Navy and sentenced to one year imprisonment for photographing a submarine.

Mr Trump often cited Sauciers claims that he was punished more harshly than Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server as US secretary of state.

Lewis Scooter Libby

Libby served as senior adviser to vice president Dick Cheney in the George W Bush administration. He was convicted on four charges including the obstruction of justice and perjury in 2007.

His case later found favour with Mr Trump, who issued a pardon.

Jack Johnson, Susan B Anthony, Zay Jeffries

Three people have received posthumous pardons from Mr Trump, including the former professional boxer Jack Johnson, who was sentenced in 1913 for transporting a white woman across state lines.

Susan B Anthony, the womens suffragist, was arrested and fined for voting illegally in 1872. She was pardoned by Mr Trump on the 100th anniversary of voting rights being extended to women.

Zay Jeffries, a General Electric vice president who was convicted in 1948 for antitrust violations related to his work on artillery shells used in the Second World War. Pardoned by Mr Trump seven decades later.

Dinesh DSouza

Dinesh DSouza, a conservative commentator, was pardoned by Mr Trump after pleading guilty to making illegal campaign contributions. He had blamed his conviction on his political opposition to president Obama.

Rod Blagojevich

The former Democratic governor of Illinois - and contestant on Mr Trumps Celebrity Apprentice show - was pardoned after being sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2011 for trying to sell or trade the senate seat vacated by Mr Obama.

Dwight L Hammond and Steven D Hammond

A father and son who were convicted of committing arson on federal land in 2012. Their sentences sparked protests against federal land management in Oregon and other states - and sympathy from Mr Trump.

Michael Behenna

A former US Army lieutenant who was sentenced to twenty years in prison for the murder of an Iraqi man in US custody in 2008.

When Mr Trump pardoned him in 2019, the White House said that Behennas case had attracted broad support from the military, Oklahoma elected officials, and the public.

Patrick Nolan

A former Republican lawmaker who served 26 months after pleading guilty in 1994 to soliciting for illegal campaign donations. He went on to become an advocate for criminal justice reform.

Paul Pogue

A former Texas construction company businessman who was pardoned after being sentenced for tax charges. He donated to Mr Trumps re-election bid.

Ariel Friedler

A former tech company executive who was pardoned after pleading guilty to conspiring to hack a competitor, and had his case championed by former New Jersey governor and Trump ally Chris Christie.

Michael Anthony Tedesco

Convicted of drug trafficking and fraud three decades ago, Mr Tedesco was pardoned by Mr Obama and then Mr Trump, whose 2019 pardon corrected an administrative error with the previous pardon.

Roy Wayne McKeever

Pleaded guilty to charges of transporting marijuana from Mexico to Oklahoma in 1989 and was sentenced to one year in prison. MrTrump pardoned him last year.

A White House statement at the time, called him an active member of the Sheriffs Association of Texas.

John Richard Bubala

Pardoned after being sentenced for improper use of federal property in 1990 when he transferred automotive equipment for maintenance, for which the White House said was to help the town of Milltown, Indiana.

Chalmer Lee Williams

An airport baggage handler who was convicted on several charges in 1995 that were related to the theft and sale of weapons. Williams was said to have behaved impeccably in prison and accepted responsibility.

Rodney M Takumi

Mr Takumi was convicted of working at an illegal gambling parlor in 1987 and went on to run a tax preparation franchise within the Navajo Nation, before being pardoned.

Jon Donyae Ponder

Ponder pleaded guilty to bank robbery in 2005 and went on to start a nonprofit organisation helping former prisoners, after serving four years in prison.

Mr Trump pardoned him on the second night of the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Bernard Kerik

Kerik, the former police commissioner for New York City and ally of Mr Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, was pardoned after pleading guilty to tax fraud and seven other charges in 2010. He served four years in prison.

David Safavian

Arrested for his involvement in political lobbying fraud, Safavian was former president George W Bushs top federal procurement official.

When Mr Trump pardoned him, the White House said Safavian had been active in criminal justice reform after his release from prison.

Michael R Milken

Milken was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1990, having pleaded guilty to securities fraud and conspiracy charges. The former Wall Street financier went on to do charity work, and was pardoned by Mr Trump.

Angela Stanton-King

The Republican author and television personality served six months of home confinement in 2007 for her role in a stolen-vehicle ring.

After her pardon by Mr Trump, she went on to run for a seat in Congress in 2020, citing the extreme Q-Anon conspiracy theory.

Clint Lorance, Mathew L Golsteyn, Edward Gallagher

Three former members of the US military who were accused or convicted of war crimes, but praised by some Republicans, and then pardoned by Trump.

Clint Lorance, a former Army lieutenant, had been serving a twenty year sentence for murdering two civilians in Afghanistan.

Edward DeBartolo Jr

The former owner of the San Francisco 49ers was charged in 1998 after he pleaded guilty to concealing an extortion plot involving the then governor of Louisiana.

He avoided prison at the time, and was suspended for a year by the NFL, before Mr Trump pardoned him.

Alice Marie Johnson

When Mr Trump issued the pardon, Johnsons case was brought to the publics attention by reality television personality Kim Kardashian West.

He previously commuted her sentence for conspiracy to possess cocaine and money laundering.

Charles Kushner

The real estate executive and father of Mr Tumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, was sentenced to two years in prison for tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign donations.

His pardon was among the latest issued by Mr Trump, despite ally Chris Christie calling the case "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he investigated when attorney general for New Jersey.

Margaret Hunter

The wife of former Republican congressman Duncan Hunter, who was also pardoned by Trump last week.

She was convicted alongsider her husband of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds and was sentenced to three years of probation.

John Tate and Jesse Benton

Two top staffers on the 2012 Republican presidential campaign for Ron Paul, who were afterwards convicted of reporting false campaign financial reports.

They tried to hide payments to former Iowa Senator Kent Sorenson for his endorsement of Paul, whose son, Senator Rand Paul, supported the pardon.

Stephanie Mohr

The former Maryland police officer was sentenced for releasing her police dog on a homeless man in 2001 and went on to serve 10 years in prison before being pardoned.

Gary Brugman

During an encounter with a group of people who illegally crossed into the US from Mexico, the former Border Patrol agent struck one of the men, who later filed a complaint.

Mr Brugman, whose case received support from Republican lawmakers and commentators, served 27 months in prison before being pardoned.

Mary McCarty

Ms McCarty, a former Florida county commissioner who was found to have personally enrich[ed] herself through a series of municipal transactions.

Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi and Christopher Ruddy, the CEO of pro-Trump news outlet Newsmax, supported the pardon.

Mark Siljander

A former Michigan congressman who was convicted on charges of money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice in 2008.

He allegedly lobbied for the removal of an Islamic charity from a list of organisations suspected of funding international terrorism, after taking funds from the group.

Republican lawmakers advocated for the pardon, after Siljander went on to do charitable work in the Middle East and Africa, the White House said.

Christopher II X, previously Christopher Anthony Bryant

An activist from Kentucky who was previously convicted on federal drug charges, before becoming a local community leader in Louisville.

The White House said he was a powerful example of the possibility of redemption.

Robert Coughlin

Another official who was convicted for his involvement in the lobbying fraud scandal surrounding former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Joseph Occhipinti

Occhipinti was an agent with the US Immigration and Naturalization Service when he was convicted in 1991 of conspiracy to violate civil rights.

His sentence was commuted after seven months in prison by president George HW Bush, before being fully pardoned by Mr Trump.

Rickey Kanter

A former businessman who was convicted for selling shoes that did not meet Medicare requirements and mail fraud.

Daniela Gozes-Wagner

Convicted for conspiring with others to bill Medicare and Medicaid for millions of dollars worth of medical tests that were either unnecessary or never carried-out.

The president commuted her sentence with the support of several former US attorneys general, having served less than a year of her 20 year prison sentence.

Mark Shapiro and Irving Stitsky

The pair were convicted and sentenced to serve 85 years in prison after they defrauded more than 250 people with a $23 million real estate scam.

The White House praised the men as model prisoners, who had earned support and praise from other inmates.

Topeka Sam

Ms Sam was convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and served three years of a more than 10-year prison sentence.

She went on to become a criminal justice advocate, and work with the Trump administration on reforms.

James Batmasian

A real-estate investor in Florida who pleaded guilty to cheating the federal government out of more than $250,000 by failing to pay federal taxes for employees at his company.

He served an eight-month prison sentence before being pardoned.

Cesar Lozada

Lozada, originally from Cuba, was granted a full pardon after starting a pool cleaning business near Miami, Florida.

He was previously convicted of drug charges and served a 14-month sentence.

Joseph Martin Stephens

Stephens served 18 months in prison and was issued a full pardon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2008, a federal offense.

Andrew Barron Worden

Wordon, who runs an investment firm and a solar energy company, was convicted of fraud in 1998.

The White House said he made mistakes in running an investment firm he founded.

John Boultbee and Peter Atkinson

As executives at Hollinger International and associates of media tycoon Conrad Black, the two men were found guilty of three counts of mail fraud and each served a year in prison.

Rebekah Charleston

She was arrested for tax evasion in 2006 and the White House said she is a victim of sex trafficking who was forced into prostitution, before volunteering to help other victims.

Her pardon was also supported by a law enforcement agent who arrested her.

William Plemons Jr

The White House said Plemons was convicted of various financial crimes in the late 1990s and early 2000s and served 27 months in federal prison.

Officials said he served in the Air Force and supported several charitable organisations.

James Kassouf

Mr Kassouf pleaded guilty in 1989 to a federal tax offence. The White House said that since his conviction, he has been devoted to his church, fire department and works with charitable organisations.

Christopher Wade

The White House said Wade was convicted of multiple cyber-related offences and has shown remorse and sought to make his community a safer place before his pardon.

Russell Plaisance

A posthumous pardon issued after Plaisance was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine in 1987.

Prosecutors involved in the case did not object to pardon, the White House said.

Sholom Rubashkin

Mr Rubashkin, an American businessman and the former CEO of Agriprocessors, was the first person to have their sentence commuted by Mr Trump.

He was sentenced to 27-years in prison for fraud, but following the pardon, was released with supervision.

Ronen Nahmani

An Israel-born Florida resident who was convicted in 2015 of conspiracy to distribute synthetic drugs acquired from China and was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.

Mr Trump pardoned Mr Nahamani four years after.

Ted Suhl

Mr Suhl was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2007 on four counts of bribery, having been in charge of a behavioural health company that had increased fees for Medicare.

His sentence was commuted by Mr Trump.

Lenora Logan, Rashella Reed, Charles Tanner, John Bolen and Curtis McDonald

Five individuals whose sentences for drug and federal crimes were commuted by Mr Trump, having been advocated by Alice Marie Johnson.

Ms Johnson was fully pardoned for her own charges related to drug trafficking and went on to become an advocate for criminal justice reform.

Additional reporting by AP

Read More

Donald Trump pardons controversial former adviser Steve Bannon

Trump pardons Blackwater guards jailed for massacring Iraqi civilians

Judge says Michael Flynn may not avoid prison in scathing remarks

Judge dismisses Michael Flynn case following Trump pardon

Trump biographer says humiliation of Pence is reaching a crescendo

Trump tweets campaign-style video almost two months after election

Biden warns of Trump officials' 'roadblocks' to transition

Report: Convincing Trump to sign relief bill like defusing a bomb

Who was first president to put a Christmas tree in the White House?

Snowdens wife shares pics of their first child amid calls for pardon

Would Trump dare to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell?

Could Trump pardon himself?

Roger Stone personally thanks Trump for pardoning him

Indicted Giuliani associate seeks White House communications
Dubai Leading Technologies (DLT) has announced an exclusive partnership with B3 International, a leading Italian manufacturer of copper and optical fibre cables, to meet the cabling solutions needs of the UAE market.

Founded in 2005, UAE home-grown company DLT is a security and proximity solutions specialist, headquartered in Dubai with a showroom in Abu Dhabi.

The company has grown exponentially in the last three years due to its commitment in bringing world class solutions to the UAE market. It is the largest distributor in the UAE for leading security solutions specialist, Dahua Technology, with whom it partners to provide surveillance cameras and ancillaries across a range of public and private sector projects, via channel partners and system integrators.

The Middle East homeland and commercial security market is expected to reach $25.3 billion by 2022, a rise from $12.2 billion in 2018, with the commercial security market projected to be $5.6 billion by 2022, more than double its value in 2017. DLT is well positioned to respond to the growing market needs, the company says.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company saw its turnover grow significantly as it was able to provide sophisticated smart thermal cameras and contactless access solutions to public buildings, retail and hospitality outlets, in line with the UAE governments goal of protecting its citizens, it said.

B3 International has built a reputation as a manufacturer of a wide range of high quality cables, including paired cables, multi conductor cables, fire alarm cables, fire-resistant cables, coaxial cables, data cables, instrumentation cables, and optical fibre cables, the latter due to be launched in 2021.

B3 is headquartered in Milan, Italy, from where it operates its manufacturing, and has a satellite operation in Dubai Airport Free Zone. B3s products have been used across a wide variety of mega projects in the Middle East, including in the UAE, such as: Bluewaters Wharf Island, Al Habtoor City, Museum of the Future, Mobility and Opportunity Pavillions at Expo 2020, Foundation FIFA Stadium, Qatar and the Kingdom Tower, Saudi Arabia, amongst others.

DLTs Director Rangarajan Narayanan commented: We are very pleased to tie up with B3 International as a national distributor within the UAE - a great testament to the strength of our customer relationships, which have developed over many years. B3 was extremely innovative and flexible in manufacturing cables exclusive to our customers requirement, so we are confident that we are joining hands with the right partner. B3 provides high quality products at an extremely competitive price, combined with their innovative manufacturing and sensitivity to customer needs, all of which will majorly benefit our current and future customers. We are looking forward to a successful and long lasting relationship.

Mohammad Moghrabi of B3 International added: We appointed DLT because they have an excellent track record in providing advanced and innovative systems to a range of leading private and public sector organisations. They are a highly motivated team with a vision to bring the best products to the UAE market and who showed real enthusiasm for our product range. We know that they can offer a holistic and thorough approach for us, right from the marketing of our products through appropriate channels to the project fulfilment. We are looking forward to working closely with them to increase our footprint across the Middle East region. - TradeArabia News Service
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Marie D. De Jesus/MBI

The DuPont chemical company and one of its former employee have been charged for a deadly gas release at its La Porte facility in 2014.

Kenneth Sandel, 49, and the chemical company were indicted earlier this month for allegedly violating workplace safety requirements and releasing a deadly chemical into the air.
For the Intelligencer

Scheffel Boyle Certified Public Accountants and Scheffel Financial Services aimed to support those who needed it most with $10,000 in donations to area food pantries.

As part of the firms Scheffel Boyle Shares program, teams from each office delivered checks to area food pantries in Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville, Highland, Jerseyville, Carrollton, and Columbia.
Dr Shanta, chairperson of Cancer Institute passes away at 93

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Chennai, Jan 19: Renowned oncologist and chairperson of the Cancer Institute here, Dr V Shanta, who is noted for her outstanding contribution to cancer care died early on Tuesday. She was 93.

Sources at the Cancer Institute said Dr Shanta was rushed to hospital after she complained of chest pain last night at about 9 p.m. She had a massive block which could not be removed. Her end came at about 3.55 a.m., said a senior oncologist at the institute.

Her body was moved to the old Cancer Institute premises, which she helped to build. Her work won several awards, including the Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Dr Shanta was active till her hospitalisation. During the pandemic, she expressed concern about the new challenges to healthcare that was brought by the lockdown, the institute said. Lauding Dr Shanta as a doyen of cancer care, Dr Ananda Raja, of the institute said, "She may have passed away but her work lives on forever," he said.

Hailing from a family of Nobel laureates - Sir CV Raman and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Shanta graduated (M.B.B.S.) in 1949, D.G.O. in 1952 and M.D, in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1955.

Norway vaccine tragedy: Death toll reaches 29

In April 1955, she joined the fledgling Cancer Institute, established in 1954 by the Womens'' Indian Association Cancer Relief Fund, as its Resident Medical Officer in preference to the Assistant Surgeon''s Post in the Women & Children''s Hospital, Chennai, to which she had been selected by the Madras Public Service Commission.

She played an important role along with Dr Krishnamurthi in developing the Cancer Institute from a cottage hospital of 12 beds to a major comprehensive Cancer Centre of national and international stature. Dr Venkatraman Radhakrishnan, Medical and pediatric oncologist said duty exemption for cancer drugs, free travel for cancer patients in trains and buses, and making cancer a notifiable disease in Tamil Nadu were among her numerous achievements.

She was the force behind the first cancer registry in India, and pioneered in several aspects including initiating the first screening program in India for cancer besides establishing the frst pediatric oncology unit at the institute, he said.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

"She also started pediatric oncology as a speciality in India and helped significantly in progress of the specialty. The first pediatric oncology unit in India was established in Cancer Institute in 1960. She was the first pediatric oncologist in India," he added.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A former Decatur farm owner involved in a multimillion-dollar fraud case was sentenced in U.S. District Court Tuesday to 8 years in prison and ordered to pay $23M in restitution.

Michael David Stamp pleaded guilty in September to one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. He was sentenced Tuesday, Jan. 19, to 8 years in prison on the first charge, and 5 years on the second. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

He was also ordered to pay $17M to Wells Fargo and $6M to the United States Department of Agricultures Risk Management Agency, Breanne Warner of the U.S. Attorneys Office confirmed with MLive.

Related: Former owner of Stamp Farms pleads guilty to bank fraud

Todays sentence should serve as a reminder that defrauding public programs and providing false or misleading documents to financial institutions are serious crimes that undermine our financial system and will not be tolerated, Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, said in a statement.

As a result of Michael Stamps plea deal, all other charges filed against him, as well as those filed against his wife, Melissa Stamp, were dismissed by the U.S. government, according to court documents.

Melissa Stamp had previously pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, admitting she was aware of her husbands fraud, did not report it to authorities and helped hide money from creditors.

Both she and her husband had been scheduled to be sentenced in January 2020 following respective plea agreements with the U.S. Attorneys Office, but U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney rejected a plea deal that would have sent Michael Stamp to prison for a maximum of five years, stating sentencing guidelines called for a more severe punishment.

According to Melissa Stamps attorney, Helen Nieuwenhuis, the cases were tied together on a contingency that both had to plea and resolve their cases at the same time. As a result, both were allowed to withdraw their pleas and choose to either strike a new plea agreement or go to trial.

Related: Former owners of large Michigan farm heading to trial after plea agreements withdrawn

Melissa Stamp  who had already been sentenced to 20 months in prison for a separate 2015 bankruptcy fraud case  had been scheduled to go to trial Oct. 13. Her case was adjourned in September due to provisions in her husbands plea agreement.

Mike Stamp desperately wanted to own the largest farming operation in Michigan and be Top Producer of the Year, so he lied, cheated, and stole to get there, the government stated in Stamps sentencing memorandum. He defrauded a succession of banks to get larger and larger lines of credit to pay for farmland, ultimately engaging in a massive fraud to obtain a $68 million line of credit from Wells Fargo Bank.

He also lied to get more than $5 million in taxpayer-funded farm benefits. He stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from Stamp Farms and used it for his own personal gain. And when it all came crashing down, he lied in bankruptcy to hide his crimes and conceal assets from his creditors, many of whom were his business associates and neighbors.

In his plea agreement, Stamp admitted to executing a scheme to defraud Wells Fargo Bank between the years of 2011 and 2018 as well as conspiring to provide false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

He admitted to providing Wells Fargo with false financial statements, false borrowing base certificates and other false information concerning the amount of farmland he was farming, the assets of his businesses and the profitability of his business operations  all so the bank would continue to loan him money and not foreclose.

As part of his scheme, Stamp also admitted to directing others to lie about his business operations and their financial condition, the agreement states.

Stamp admitted to conspiring with Doug Diekman, James Becraft, Robert Trowbridge and others between the years 2006-2013 to provide false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the companies it reinsures to obtain money from it, according to the agreement.

Stamp claims he is a farmer to the core, his sentencing memorandum reads. But the people he hurt most were farmers.

Also on MLive:

Former owners of large Southwest Michigan farm plead in multi-million dollar fraud

Stamp Farms co-owner Melissa Stamp sentenced to 20 months in prison for bankruptcy fraud

Stamp Farms owner, 2 others indicted in bankruptcy fraud scheme
The one Filipino-written book I read last year was Dwellers by Eliza Victoria. The book is about two cousins who are dwellers, which means that they can reside over another body that they choose. I remember thinking two things while reading: First, what a concept. Second, I would never want to do that.

I was raised speaking English, and growing up, I consumed art and pop culture that was predominantly Western and white. I was secretly proud of my niche interests in American culture, like listening to Fiona Apple or The National back when most of my peers werent, and of the breadth of my knowledge when it came to Western philosophy and art movements. A painting enthusiast, I like that I could tell famous romanticists apart based on the subject matter and their use of color. I liked that I had my own favorite style of still life paintings, vanitas with a nautilus cup. I can still quote the first line of Platos Republic: I went down yesterday to the Piraeus with Glaucon the son of Ariston, that I might offer up my prayers to the goddess. These are parts of me that I cultivated without meaning to be a certain way..

In all these things, it was always the movement that was striking to me; the unhappiness with remaining still. Fiona Apples frenetic energy and anger, The Nationals middle-age ennui, the way the light reflected off Aivazovkys waves, or the almost violent shades of red in Goyas paintings.

In 2020, a year that brought about a conscious turn towards listening to and supporting the voices of minorities, I confronted my unhappiness with stillness and felt the urge to expand my cultural consumption by reading more. Especially books written by people of color  particularly Asians.

I, found by a CliftonStrengths test to be an Achiever, started researching Asian fiction that I could consume. I found a 70-page Google document that had book recommendations from basically every country in Asia. I cant tell you how many days I spent reading summaries, cataloguing and pruning my own to-read list. I dove headlong into Japanese literature: samurais and shipwrecks, then later, modern critiques on their culture and government. I read fantasy novels inspired by Chinese folklore.

Id made it a hobby, after a while, to try and understand the East Asian alphabets that I was inundating myself with. Understanding a bit of Japanese and Korean came to a head when I discovered, not a book, but a performance of BTS singing the Korean version of the Japanese single Like Pt. 2. I felt wild as I picked up on the translations, moreso on the wordplay and rhymes that spanned the two languages. I found myself wanting to dive deep even more. Each finished piece of fiction I consumed felt like a badge of triumph.

The Valley of Despair

From exclusively reading American or European fiction, I ended up reading 10 books by Asians, 11 months into my year-long personal challenge.

And then I read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

It was a book my friends and I decided to read together. In our book club discussion, I described reading Pachinko as a warm bowl of sinigang after a trip abroad. Warm, comforting in its familiarity. When I recommended Pachinko to another friend, I used the same metaphor, and it was then that I realized how inaccurate it was. I wanted to feel that way about the book, but I was just projecting that yearning onto it. This was a novel written by a Korean-American woman about a Korean familys life in the early 20th century. How the hell was that sinigang to me?

It brought me back to my final semester in college, when I signed up for a literature elective taught by Laurel Fantauzzo: Contemporary Fiction of Filipinos Abroad.

At that time, the novels and short story collections we read and discussed struck me as removed from myself; I felt that they werent written for me, but instead explained Filipino culture to an audience that didnt know or understand it.

For example, The Mango Bride by Maria Victoria Vega Soliven-Blanco overexplained the class divide in Manila. Beverly Obejas, one of the main protagonists, works as a waitress who attends a fancy party in what I assumed was Forbes Park. The descriptions of the village, of the patrons wealth, of the culture disparity, struck me as heavy handed. The Tagalog phrases felt forced and unnatural. Its been years since Ive read it, but I remember clearly asking myself, is this kind of narrative all there is?

Id made it a hobby, after a while, to try and understand the East Asian alphabets that I was inundating myself with. Understanding a bit of Japanese and Korean came to a head when I discovered, not a book, but a performance of BTS singing the Korean version of the Japanese single Like Pt. 2.

Karina Bolasco, director of the Ateneo de Manila University Press, notes that Filipino reading culture is heavily influenced by our colonial past: The literary canon in schools is still American, so we should not be surprised if the literary taste of most readers is American. For over a hundred years, reading (in the Philippines referred to) only reading in English.

National Book Store, which continues to hold the lionshare of the Philippine book market, only started operations around 80 years ago. And even then, they sold textbooks and GI novels (novels whose primary audience were American soldiers stationed in the Philippines) up until the company opened its own publishing arm, Anvil, in 1990.

Perhaps my greatest hubris, then, as now, was thinking that I had nothing else to learn about the Philippines. Half of me abhors the admission in itself; a nation is, after all, an imagined community. Theres no real reason to twist myself into knots over our shared perception of the Philippines, fractal and scattered as it is. Despite this, the inherent politics of consumption should come as no surprise.

Still I felt bad about this all: Im only one person, and Im no literary critic. I just like reading books, learning new things about the world.

My own friends, who hadnt read much Filipino-written literature either, cited different things: a lack of recommendations, a lack of interest, not knowing where to begin if not from dreary classics.

But elsewhere, the interest and appetite for Filipino books is strong, and continues to grow. Id assumed that, like most of my social circles, people had just stopped reading. It was a relief to find out that the opposite is true, outside my echo chamber. The National Book Development Board of the Philippines (NBDB) conducts a survey every five years on readership in the Philippines. During the last one, the majority of survey respondents reported they were interested in reading Filipino-written books, and lamented the lack of Filipino writers for certain genres. According to NBDB: For willingness to spend for books, the majority of the respondents (75.70%) are willing to spend at most 199 per book... almost the same for the amount respondents are willing to spend for a book published by a foreign publisher.

Ani Rosa Almario, Vice President for Product Development of Adarna House, said their sales in 2020 indicate an increase in readership. More and more teachers are using literature-based instruction, and more parents are buying books for their children.

Sailing Home

Bolasco, who started and headed Anvil until 2016, pointed to the many Filipinos who self-publish and read original content on the platform for user-generated stories, Wattpad. The publishing landscape is vibrant and diverse, with books being written not just in Filipino, but also in other Philippine languages. Publishing is no longer Manila-centric.

RELATED: Our best Filipino books of 2020

I maintain that there is comfort in familiar themes: community, family, duty, and a smidge of repression mixed with the consequences of colonialism or World War II echoing through. Or maybe thats just my taste in fiction and art in general.

I recently purchased a hand-printed linocut entitled The Desire for a Distant Shore by Danielle Isabela, a Filipina artist. Made after a monument in Italy by Leonardo Bistolfi, the art is of a woman looking out beyond the frame. I bought it because it spoke to me, spoke to a lifetime of looking out windows and daydreaming of lands beyond my own.

***

Books noted:

The Mango Bride by Maria Victoria Vega Soliven-Blanco

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Dwellers by Eliza Victoria

Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura

Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
WASHINGTON  Just after being sworn in on Wednesday, President-elect Joe Biden plans to propose a major immigration overhaul that would offer a pathway to citizenship to up to 1.7 million Texans who are in the country without legal authorization.

The proposal, which Biden is expected to send to Congress on his inauguration day, would create an eight-year path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., more than 500,000 of whom live in Harris and Bexar counties, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Those who qualify would be granted a green card after five years and could apply for citizenship three years later.

The plan would create a faster track for those protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  more than 106,000 Texans as of June  and with temporary protected status, who could apply immediately for a green card. A Biden transition official on Tuesday confirmed the outline of the plan, which was first reported by the Washington Post.

FIGHTING THE FEDS: A new crop of Texas-led lawsuits awaits Joe Bidens White House

The move positions immigration reform as a top priority for the new president, beyond tackling the coronavirus, for which Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion relief package. Democrats slim control of Congress, meanwhile, puts a spotlight on Texas Republicans, especially U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who campaigned last year on his support for the DACA program.

Democrats control the House, where a majority could pass Bidens proposal, but they will need to build support from at least 10 Republican senators for it to get to Bidens desk.

Immigration advocates have cheered the proposal and some experts say theyre more optimistic than theyve been in years about the prospects of such a comprehensive overhaul.

Still, a deal on immigration has eluded Congress for decades and Bidens proposal was already drawing resistance from the Senates most conservative members on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri stopped an effort to fast-track Bidens nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, citing the president-elects amnesty plan for 11 million immigrants.

Cornyn, meanwhile, said as recently as this summer that he had given up on comprehensive reform, calling at the time for incremental action on issues such as DACA.

In the entire time Ive been in the Senate, when we try to do comprehensive immigration reform, we fail, Cornyn said in June. We have a perfect record of failure when it comes to comprehensive immigration reform.

DACA especially may be a motivating factor for those, including Cornyn, who have called for Congress to codify the program, which he says he supports, even though he was critical of President Barack Obamas executive action to establish it.

The U.S. Supreme Court this summer blocked President Donald Trumps effort to end the program, but did not rule on whether it is constitutional. A separate Texas-led lawsuit challenging DACA is now before Andrew Hanen, a conservative federal district court judge in Houston who has said he believes the program, as enacted by Obama, is unconstitutional.

Charles Foster, an immigration attorney in Houston who advised Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama on the issue, said Bidens proposal looks a lot like those offered by both of those predecessors. But the politics around the issue have changed significantly in recent years as Trump campaigned on his administrations crackdown on immigration.

The Biden proposal is expected to also allow more refugees to come to the United States, while calling for an increased reliance on technology to protect the southern border, a shift away from Trumps signature effort to build a wall.

ALSO ON TAP: Heres what Joe Biden plans to do in his first 100 days

Foster said the path to legal status for unauthorized immigrants is the most important piece of the proposal and would have the biggest effect on Texas, home to 16 percent of the nations unauthorized immigrant population. Though it would offer a path to citizenship for many, Foster said historically only about a third of immigrants eligible to apply for citizenship have done so.

The proposal would be a net plus for the states economy, Foster said. A Rice University study last year estimated that for every $1 the Texas government spends on people living in the state illegally, the state brings in $1.21 in tax revenue.

Foster said there is reason for some optimism about the proposals chances. Biden spent decades in the Senate and may have better luck than most convincing some of his former colleagues to support the legislation.

Foster said he was also optimistic Cornyn would be among the Republicans who might support the effort.

Still, he said, Ive been burned many times telling people it would pass.

Critics have questioned Cornyns commitment to passing legislation to protect so-called Dreamers, pointing out that he said Trump was right to end the program in 2017, saying at the time that Congress should act on the matter.

Cornyn voted against standalone DACA bills in 2007 and 2010. In 2018  as Republican whip, responsible for rounding up votes for legislation  Cornyn said any citizenship concessions would have to include cuts to family migration and the diversity visa lottery in order to pass the Senate.

Other immigration advocates are less optimistic about Republican support. They say even if the full package doesnt pass, its still a significant marker of where Biden wants to go on immigration during his term.

Its a big deal that hes saying this is where Democrats stand, this is our goal and were not going to stop until we achieve it, said Frank Sharry, executive director of the immigrant rights group Americas Voice.

Sharry said the legislative package isnt all or nothing, however, and immigration advocates will accept piecemeal progress through whatever means Biden can achieve  whether its slipping a path to citizenship for so-called Dreamers into other legislative agreements, such as coronavirus relief packages, or taking executive action to undo Trumps restrictions.

He pointed to polling showing a big majority of Americans support a path to citizenship. A 2019 Gallup poll found 81 percent support.

We used to negotiate with Republicans on a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform approach, but the Republicans  personified perhaps best by John Cornyn  always asked for way too much in concessions and delivered way too few in Republican votes, Sharry said. Negotiate with Republicans. So we go down that rabbit hole again? I dont think so. Weve been subjected to the Cornyn con way too many times. Were not falling for that trick again.

Among those likely to oppose the effort is U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who Foster said is a case study in how the politics around immigration have changed. Foster worked with Cruz on Bushs immigration policies during the former presidents 2000 campaign.

But Cruz has since emerged as one of the Senates biggest immigration hawks. In July, the Texas Republican blocked an effort by Senate Democrats to pass legislation creating a pathway to citizenship for so-called Dreamers, which he called an attempt at offering amnesty to those who entered the country illegally.

Todays Democratic Party  their priority is on people here illegally and not on American workers, Cruz said at the time.

ben.wermund@chron.com
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.
Samsung heir bribery scandal, vice president Lee Jae-Yong, is going back to jail, putting doubt on the future of leadership at the big tech firm.

Lee Jae Yong, the Samsung heir, was sentenced by a high court in South Korea to two years and six months in jail.

The bribery case is a retrial of an earlier one involving the former president of the nation, Park Geun-Hye, who was also jailed for corruption and bribery scandal.

Since 2014, Lee has been the de facto head of Samsung Electronics. The decision will likely have consequences for the future of his job at the tech giant.

The Seoul High Court found Lee guilty of bribery scandal with then-President Park Geun-Hye and her close confidante in a much-anticipated retrial to gain government support for a 2015 merger between two Samsung affiliates that helped reinforce his control of the largest business group in the world.

In a controversy that has followed Samsung for years, this is the new twist with bribery. Lee, also known as Jay Y. Lee, was caught up in a vast bribery scandal and influence-peddling that brought down former South Korean President Park Geun-administration. Hye's In connection with the case, Park herself has spent some two decades in jail.

The return of Lee to jail comes at a critical time for Samsung's heir. Last year, his father, Lee Kun-hee, the company's chairman, died. Since suffering a heart attack in 2014, the elder Lee has been comatose but remained its incumbent chairman. His son served as the de facto head of Samsung.

Samsung refused to comment on the conviction, referring instead to a statement from Lee's lawyers.

Experts claim the phrase could build a void of leadership and delay Samsung's decision-making on large-scale future investments.

"It's really a huge blow and a big crisis for Samsung," Kim Dae-jong, a business professor at Sejong University, told news agency AFP.

When his father, Lee Kun-hee, was hospitalized following a heart attack in 2014, Lee, as Samsung heir, took over management of the company.

Last year, the elder Lee died, leading to rumors that Samsung would shake up as his heirs could be pushed into asset sales or dividend payments to cover a large inheritance tax bill.

If he so wishes, Lee can appeal, but it was not immediately clear if he plans to do so.

Lee's legal troubles, especially with the bribery scandal, are not over yet either. He faces a separate trial over a contentious merger in 2015 that helped him tighten its influence. Last year, eleven Samsung heir and executives, including Lee, were arrested on charges, including fraudulent transactions, stock manipulation, and perjury.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at a news conference on Monday that he has no immediate plans to offer presidential pardons to Park and another jailed former president, Lee Myung-bak, serving a 17-year corruption sentence.

"The idea of pardoning former presidents for the sake of "national reconciliation" has been supported by Conservative leaders and some Moon's liberal party members as the highly divided population of the country approaches the presidential elections in March 2022.

READ MORE: Man With Unauthorized Inauguration Credentials and Loaded Handgun Arrested by US Capitol Police

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Supporting Nissans goal of achieving 50% electrified sales in Europe by 2024, the new Nissan Qashqai will not only be available with a 1.3 DiG-T gasoline engine equipped with mild hybrid technology, but also e-POWER, Nissans non-plug-in series-hybrid electric powertrain in its European debut.

The e-POWER system for New Qashqai has been specially developed for the model to meet the rigorous demands of European drivers. Qashqai with e-POWER not only realizes a high level of fuel efficiency and low CO 2 emissions, but also responsive and powerful acceleration.





With both 2WD and 4WD variants, 6-speed manual or new Xtronic CVT transmissions, and pure-electric motor driving courtesy of e-POWER, the all-new Qashqais powertrain options cater for every customer requirement with driving pleasure at the heart of all the powertrain configurations.

Customers rightly demand more efficient vehicles, but they also want an enjoyable driving experience. Electric vehicles have the highest satisfaction for driving sensations and customers love the instant torque and continuous acceleration they deliver. By adopting 100% electric motor drive with e-POWER on the new electrified Qashqai, customers can enjoy the benefits of EV driving, without the consideration of range or access to charging infrastructure. Marco Fioravanti, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Automotive Europe

1.3 DiG-T 140PS/160PS 12V ALiS Mild Hybrid. The 12V ALiS (Advanced Lithium-ion battery System) mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [CVT only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO 2 output (-4g/km).

The positive impact of the mild hybrids energy management on CO 2 is competitive and the 1.3-liter engine delivers more power and torque than key competitors. The ALiS mild hybrid system adds just 22kg to the overall vehicle mass.

When decelerating, energy is recovered through regeneration and stored in the Lithium-ion battery. This charged energy is then supplied during Idling Stop, Coasting Stop (CVT versions only) and Torque Assist.

When coasting to a stop, at speeds of less than 18 km/h, and brake on, the engine will switch off and the stored energy is used to power the vehicles electrical equipment. This allows engine stop to be extended and fuel consumption lowered as a result.

When accelerating (between 20 km/h and 110 km/h), the energy in the Lithium-ion battery allows the motor to assist with an additional +6 Nm torque for up to 20 seconds. This helps reduce the torque effort on the engine and improves fuel economy.

The ALiS is mated to the refined and reputable 1.3 DiG-T gasoline engine that was introduced to Qashqai in 2018. This engine has been improved further for new Qashqai with 50 newly designed components and Euro6-d Full compliance.

The turbocharger now features an electrically controlled waste gate for quicker response; new nozzles improve the central injector; reduced friction across a number of components lower CO 2 emissions; and the gas particulate filter features a new substrate and under-floor catalyst.

The 1.3-gasoline 12V ALiS will be offered with two power outputs140PS and 160PSwith either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic CVT gearbox (160PS only). Max engine power arrives at 5500 rpm, with maximum available torque of 270 Nm at a convenient 1750 rpm on 160PS CVT and high power MT variants.

On manual versions the gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. The new generation Xtronic CVT transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration feel due to improvements including a twin oil pump system with new electrical oil pump. The CVT on new Qashqai delivers the best of both worlds, offering seamless driving in the city and during light acceleration, combined with direct connected DCT-like d-step behavior during hard acceleration.

2WD is available on both 140PS and 160PS versions, while 4WD will only be available on 160PS CVT models. A new 4WD control system and driving selection mode is more intuitive and intelligent, adapting itself to external conditions with five driving modesStandard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. In case of any wheel slip, the time which the 4WD system acts has been reduced by a factor of five to around 0.2 seconds.

e-POWER. The new Qashqai brings the first deployment of Nissans innovative ePOWER drive system to Europe. Exclusive to Nissan and a key component in the companys Intelligent Mobility strategy, the e-POWER system is a different approach to electrification.

The new Qashqais e-POWER system consists of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 157PS gasoline engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissans electric vehicles. It combines the enjoyable, seamless linear acceleration which is characteristic of an EV, but without the need for charging.

To meet the typical demands of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER installation has been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai. Where the application in the NoteJapans best-selling car in recent yearsis a 1.2 gasoline engine charging the battery unit, and a final power output of 108PS. For Europe it has been upgraded to a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, with a final power output of 140kW (190PS).

The unique element of the e-Power is that the engine is used solely to generate electricity; the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO 2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Due to the pure electric motor drive, theres no delay as with an internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant EV-like response delivers exhilarating high torque feel and best level acceleration at different speeds to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier and more confidence-inspiring.

There are three driving modes on e-POWER versions: Standard, Sport and Eco. In Standard, the car produces excellent acceleration and lift-off regeneration is tuned to simulate the engine-braking of a conventional petrol vehicle. In Sport mode, the car further improves acceleration response with reduced engine off time, especially in sporty driving scenarios. In Eco, the car goes into fuel-saving mode by optimizing battery management and allowing the driver to select a coasting model for economical highway driving. In all modes an additional B mode can be selected which increases the energy recuperation at lift-off, slowing the car more efficiently without the use of the brake pedal.

The new Qashqai with e-POWER not only accelerates quicker than hybrid rivals, but does so with a lower engine RPM. The system operates very quietly, much like a full EV, and is tuned for the best level of quietness and connected feeling when accelerating, due to a focus on keeping relationship between engine RPM and road speed connected.

Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from an entirely new one pedal driving experience called e-Pedal mode. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal, supporting up to 90% of driving scenarios.

In stop-and-go urban driving conditions, e-Pedal mode significantly reduces the need to move your foot from one pedal to the other by providing up to 0.2G of deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. This makes driving simpler and more relaxing. In order to optimise e-Pedal for parking maneuvers, creep has been added and the brake pedal must be used to stop the vehicle. On open, winding roads, e-Pedal provides a more engaging drive while reducing the need to depress the brake during cornering.

Drivers can monitor the energy flow of e-POWER on the 12" TFT meter to check the system state.

Nissans e-POWER system was introduced to the Note and Serena models in Japan. An immediate success in terms of customer popularity, more than 70% of Note sales and almost half of Serena sales in the country are e-POWER versions. Indeed, the recently launched Nissan Kicks compact SUV equipped with e-POWER has just been awarded the 2021 Technology of the Year award by the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan.

Sales of the new Nissan Qashqai equipped with e-POWER will begin in 2022.
JACKSON, MI  The fire at Reed Manor was started by someone who broke into the building, officials said.

The fire started before 10:10 p.m., Jan. 18, in an apartment in D Building of Reed Manor, 301 Steward Ave., Jackson Fire Chief Dave Wooden said. One person was injured in the fire, he said.

One person injured in fire at Jacksons Reed Manor

A non-tenant broke into D Building and started the fire, Jackson Housing Commission Executive Director Laurie Ingram said. She said no tenants were injured in the fire.

Hello everyone! Just a quick update about the fire that took place at Reed Manor Monday evening. A non-tenant... Posted by Laurie Ingram on Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The unit where the fire was started is destroyed, Wooden said. Around four to six units will be vacant for months as the insurance and repair process happens, Ingram said.

All 26 D Building units were evacuated and people are currently staying in hotels. The second-floor units should hopefully be inhabitable soon, once inspections are completed, Ingram said.

New apartments will be found for people whose apartments need more repairs, she said.

A non-tenant was injured and taken to the burn unit at the University of Michigan Health System, Wooden said.

Jackson police are investigating the fire and did not return requests for comment at the time of publication.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:37 a.m., Jan. 19, Wooden said. Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, Summit, Spring Arbor and Napoleon township fire departments and Jackson Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Read more from MLive:

Phone scammers telling Jackson County residents they missed jury duty, police say

Jackson YMCA eyes summer 2021 groundbreaking for new facility

Free meals from Jackson restaurants being passed out through new Consumers Energy program
Office expansion allows Appsian to bring innovative data security and analytics applications to the emerging Turkish and Middle Eastern markets

DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Appsian, the global leader in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) data security and compliance solutions, today announced that it has increased its international presence by opening a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. The opening of the new location will bring Appsian's innovative data security and analytics solutions for ERP applications such as SAP, PeopleSoft, and Oracle EBS to the emerging Turkish and Middle Eastern markets. Cenk BICAKCI has been appointed as the Managing Partner at the Turkish office, where he will focus on accelerating the company's international expansion and growing customer relationships.

"The decision to expand our international presence in Turkey and the Middle East was a logical step in our business growth strategy," said Piyush Pandey, CEO of Appsian. "We are seeing incredible demand for our ERP data security and compliance solutions in the market and we are now positioned to meet the increasing challenges faced by security executives."

With more than 250 customers worldwide, Appsian is the recognized data security leader for organizations across all verticals, including healthcare, higher education, public sector, manufacturing, and retail. Appsian also delivers compliance solutions that give organizations complete control and visibility over their data access and usage.

The GDPA and KVKK (Turkey's Personal Data Protection Law) require organizations to implement appropriate security measures around personal data. Appsian's Turkish team can fast track GDPA and KVKK compliance efforts by enhancing visibility into data access and usage. A feature currently unavailable in legacy ERP systems.

"I'm excited to be a part of Appsian," said Cenk BICAKCI, Managing Partner at Appsian Turkey. "Our team brings more than 50 years of combined experience implementing ERP systems for Turkish customers. I look forward to delivering Appsian's world-class data security and analytics products to our customers to help them achieve their strategic security and compliance initiatives."

Appsian Turkey will host an introductory webinar with Deloitte on Tuesday, February 9, at 15:00 Turkish time zone, and discuss the legal implications of KVKK privacy laws. You can register here: https://www.appsian.com/landing_page/legal-implications-kvkk-compliance/.

About Appsian:

Appsian's ERP Data Security Platform delivers fine-grained, risk-aware software solutions for critical business systems like PeopleSoft, SAP, and Oracle EBS. After installing directly into the application web server, Appsian can enhance access control capabilities while implementing detailed logging and analytics  all designed to enable customers to maintain complete control and visibility over their sensitive ERP data. To learn more, visit www.appsian.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742715/Appsian_Logo.jpg

Related Links

https://www.appsian.com



SOURCE Appsian
Children from New York, USA have reportedly been signing up for vaccine trials from Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca since December last year. As reported by Strait Times, children are now joining the millions of people in the US who got vaccinated since mid-December.

One participant of the trial is 15-year old William Brown. With his parent's approval, the freshman student signed up for a trial of Pfizer's vaccines last December.

In an interview with Strait Times, he said "I miss seeing all my friends, and being in person, talking to my teachers. Hopefully, me doing this will allow people my age to get back to school."

With the hope to bring things back to how they used to be, such as having face-to-face education and socialization among children, many kids have agreed to sign up for the vaccination. Experts also note that it is necessary for children to be vaccinated to fully defeat the pandemic and bring back the economy.

Vaccinating Children Can Prevent Spread of Virus People at Higher Risk

According to Business Times, Pfizer and Moderna has taken various measures to ensure that vaccines are safe for children. Since December last year, these two companies have been recruiting numerous participants. Moreover, AstraZeneca is also planning its testing for 12-18 year olds beginning next month.

The closing of schools and nurseries to help prevent the spread of virus has increased the burden among working parents. Moreover, preventing children from socializing with each other may be detrimental to their development. However, experts note that the main reason children should be vaccinated is to decrease the risk of spread to people who are at a higher risk.

Professor Andrew Pollard, lead investigator on the Oxford trials said "The main rationale for vaccinating children, given that they're relatively unaffected, would be to try and have an impact on transmission of the virus."

Read Also: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine on Phase 3 and is Said to have a Generated Immune Response, has Minimal Side-Effects

Conducting Children's Vaccine Trials are Safe

Prof. Pollard reports that 120 children will be recruited from in both 12-18 and 6-11 age groups for the vaccine trial in Oxford. Later on, AstraZeneca will lead a greater testing for children in the US. however, information about the size and time has not yet been disclosed as of the time being.

Data scientists and experts look at different factors before allowing vaccination of children. They assess transmission rate of virus from children, safety, and other factors. Prof Lee Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics said through Strait Times that there's nothing much to worry about vaccinating your kids. "We have a long history of ensuring clinical trials among children are quite safe," he said.

"That's why you enrol in phases. At the point that you get to paediatric trials, you've already gone through adult trials where they've demonstrated safety." he added.

Experts note that vaccine shots are tested in older kids first before giving it to kids of younger ages. Moreover, they go through numerous safety testings before being given to testers. As of now, the most we can do is to wait for actual results from the testings. Although we cannot guarantee 100% success for these trials as of the moment, allowing children testings will be a great leap in bringing back "normalcy."

Related Article: 80% of Americans Now Wearing Masks Compared to Last Year Survey Shows, COVID-19 Cases in the US is Still on the Rise

This article is owned by Techtimes

Written by Nikki D

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Danish-language version of Pixars Soul has been dubbed primarily by white actors, fueling a debate about structural racism in European-language voice-overs, even when films have key characters of colour.

Like most of their counterparts around the world, Danish film critics initially greeted Soul, Pixars first animated feature to focus on Black characters and African American culture, with rapture, hailing its sensitive, joyful portrayal of a jazz musician on a quest to live a meaningful life.

The film was described as a miracle, by one reviewer in Denmark, beautiful and life-giving by another.

What the Danish press did not initially focus on, by and large, was the characters race. But that changed after the movies release on 25 December, when realization spread that the Danish-language version had been dubbed primarily by white actors. This is also the case in many other European-language versions of Soul.

While in most countries, the films voice-over casting has barely registered with the public, in Portugal, more than 17,000 have signed a petition calling on Pixar to remake the local edition with actors of colour. This movie is not just another movie, and representation matters, the petition states.

Joe Gardner, the main character in Soul, is Pixars first Black protagonist. And the studio took steps to accurately represent African American culture, hiring Kemp Powers as a co-director and installing a cultural trust to safeguard the storys authenticity. The actor Jamie Foxx, who voices Joe in the English-language original, told The New York Times, To be the first Black lead in a Pixar film feels like a blessing.

In the Danish version, Joe is voiced by Nikolaj Lie Kaas, who is white. When the national newspaper Berlingske interviewed scholars and activists who expressed their disappointment about this and suggested that the casting was an example of structural racism, a fiery controversy erupted, prompting Lie Kaas to issue a statement about why he had accepted the role.

My position with regards to any job is very simple, he wrote on Facebook. Let the man or woman who can perform the work in the best possible way to get the job.

Asta Selloane Sekamane, one of the activists who criticized the casting in the Berlingske article, said in an interview that no one can claim there wasnt enough Black talent to fill the main roles, because actors of colour were hired to voice some of the minor parts. It cant be the constant excuse, this idea that we cant find people who live up to our standards, she added. Thats an invisible bar that ties qualification to whiteness.

Mira Skadegard, a professor at Aalborg University in Denmark who researches discrimination and inequality, said the resistance to accusations of structural racism was unsurprising. In Denmark, we have a long history of denial when it comes to racism, and a deep investment in the ideal of equality, she said.

We dont really understand this as a critique of institutions and structures; we see it as a critique of who we are, she added.

In Denmark and Portugal, dubbing is generally reserved for animation and for childrens programs. But in other European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain, most mainstream films from abroad are dubbed, and the practice is seen as an art in its own right  one that rests on the practitioners ability to make themselves unobtrusive.

The best dubbing should pass by completely undetected, said Juan Logar, a leading Spanish dubbing director and voice actor.

My job is to find the voice that best matches the original, said Logar. Black, white, Asian, it doesnt matter.

Charles Rettinghaus, a German dubbing artist, expressed a similar sentiment. In his 40-year career, he has been the voice of actors including Jean-Claude Van Damme and Javier Bardem, but he said he felt a special connection with Jamie Foxx, whom he has covered in more than 20 films, including the German version of Soul.

Although he is white, Rettinghaus said he had not felt pressured to step away from any Black roles, adding that the same opportunities should apply to actors of all races. It doesnt matter if you are Black, you should be and are allowed to dub anything, he said. Why shouldnt you play a white actor or an Indian or an Asian?

Kaze Uzumaki, a Black colleague of Rettinghaus, said it was more complicated than that. Uzumaki dubs the character of Paul in Soul and has lent his voice to the German versions of dozens of other American films and television series. Almost without exception, his roles were originally played by actors of colour.

At first, I really didnt like it, he said. But I figured I was more comfortable with me speaking the role than a lot of other white colleagues who dont have a good knowledge of the English language and cant really tell what a Black person sounds like.

Uzumaki said that he had dubbed doctors of colour in hospital shows, only to be told by the director that he sounded too educated.

They dont even realize that theyre being racist, Uzumaki said. But every time a director says something like, No, you sound too polished; you know how they talk, right? I feel like Ive been hit with a stick in the face.

The discrimination is often double-edged. Ivo Chundro, a Dutch actor of colour who dubbed the part of Paul in Soul for distribution in the Netherlands, said, Directors will only cast white actors for white parts, and tell actors of colour, No, your voice isnt white enough.

Some directors say that demographics limit who they select. In Spain, we dont have a second generation of immigrants yet, said Logar. Except for a few very young kids, there arent a lot of Black actors who were born here and speak Spanish without an accent.

Actors of colour like Chundro and Uzumaki contend that those directors simply arent looking hard enough. But there are signs that things are starting to change. In 2007, a dubbing director in France told actress Yasmine Modestine that, because she was mixed race, her voice wasnt right for a part. Based on her complaint, the French equal opportunities commission investigated the dubbing industry as a whole and found a culture of prejudice and stereotyping.

Since then, the opportunities for voice actors of colour have expanded there. Fily Keita, who voiced Lupita Nyongo in the French-language version of Black Panther, said that she didnt feel held back as a Black actor working in the industry. She has also lent her voice to roles played originally by white actresses, such as Amanda Seyfried and Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

I love dubbing precisely because its a space of freedom, she said. Where youre not limited by your physical appearance.

Chundro said that the Black Lives Matter movement was starting to shift the conversation around race and representation in the Netherlands. He cited a demonstration in Amsterdam in June as helping open eyes to enduring racism.

I used to have a lot of discussions about racism where people just didnt get it, Chundro said. But the protest was like a bandage being ripped off a wound, and since then, its been much easier to talk about, he added.

With that greater awareness has come more opportunities, he said. Theres more work out there, and Im getting cast a lot more.

Sekamane, the Danish activist, also credited the movement with changing attitudes. Im 30 years old, and my whole life Ive been told racism is in my head, she said. Its only in the last year, thanks to Black Lives Matter, that the conversation has started to change.

Lisa Abend c.2021 The New York Times Company

Presiding judge Felix Alonso Guevara has rejected the request of defence lawyers in the 2017 Catalonia terror attacks trial to call an additional witness: former Spanish police commissioner Jose Manuel Villarejo, alleged "dirty ops" director, who is currently in pretrial detention, and who told another trial last week that he has material information about this one.

Villarejo took to the stand last Friday to defend himself from an accusation of slandering the former chief of the Spanish intelligence service (CNI), Felix Sanz Roldan, and in the course of his testimony said a source had warned him of the risk of a terrorist attack in Barcelona. Judge Guevara responded that "what this gentleman or any other gentleman says does not affect the trial."

The tone at Monday's resumption of a trial which began two months ago was marked, precisely, by the surprising statement which Villarejo made last week, fueling one of the hypotheses that has been hanging over the case since day one: that the CNI failed to provide the information it knew to the Catalan Mossos police and that the secret service itself had connections with the imam, the mastermind behind the terror attacks who supposedly perished in a bomb-making accident.

The defence lawyers made their request to call Jose Manuel Villarejo on Monday morning, "based on his testimony in the [slander case], in which he commented that he was investigating the imam Es Satty and he considered it proven that he was working for the Spanish CNI and that afterwards he was a double agent for the Moroccan intelligence service."

The judge's response was to deny the request. "There would have to be an extraordinary revelation for this trial to make a supplementary investigation. And there hasn't been one. And that's it."

Expert witness testimonies

After the break in the Madrid trial caused by the Christmas holidays and the Storm Filomena, it resumed on Monday with testimonies from technical experts.

Investigators from the Mossos d'Esquadra and the National Police believe that the two main defendants in the trial for the August 17th attacks, Driss Oukabir and Mohamed Houli, were part of the jihadist cell and knew of the terrorist group's plans. According to two Mossos and a chief inspector of the National Police, the analysis of conversations, internet searches and other documentary evidence allow them to conclude that both Houli and Oukabir took part in the preparations for the attacks. Specifically, they say that Oukabir played an important role in the groups logistics in terms of vehicle rental, searches for targets and the acquisition of weapons, money and phones, and that he also became self-indoctrinated.

The first to testify today was an expert from Spain's National Police who coordinated a report on the suspects' electronic devices and use of social media. They also testified that two police officers made intelligence reports on the cell.

A Mossos d'Esquadra expert stated that Houli and Oukabir were "full members of the cell". Mohamed Houli is said to have joined from May 26th, 2017 - after Ramadan - when the older members of the group explained to the younger ones their intentions to attack. "Houli was actively involved in the organization of the attacks," the Mossos say. According to investigators, Houlis first logistical action was on July 11th with the purchase of a conspiratorial SIM card that was found in a mobile device in Alcanar. He also participated in the purchase of explosive material and in the sale of stolen jewellery to finance the attacks.

"Said goodbye to relatives"

As for Driss Oukabir, the Catalan police believe that he joined in mid-2017, but by February 2017 "he was already self-indoctrinating himself to integrate" into the jihadist cell. They also say he participated actively through the acquisition, repair and preparation of three phones during his trip to Morocco in early August and the rental of the van used by Younes Abouyaaqoub to attack the Rambla.

Thus, for example, several messaging conversations between Driss and his brother Moussa Oukabir were intercepted, when the former was in Morocco in early August 2017. They seemed to speak in coded language, apparently avoiding the use of certain words. In the conversations Driss made quite a few references to daily Muslim prayers and they also talked about three cell phones he had bought or fixed. The accused also mentioned to his brother that he did not want to return to Catalonia, to the country of the 'kafirs' or "shithead" infidels. According to the police, Driss Oukabir went to Morocco to say goodbye to his relatives before the attacks and for a ritual of spiritual healing.

At various points in these conversations he said, "I'll tell you when I get back." This, according to the police, means that he did not want to comment on some details over the phone and that he was speaking not only to his brother, but also possibly to the rest of the cell. They also talked about a significant amount of money, about 1,000 euros, which was from several people, which he spent all of.

Although Driss missed the plane back on the 13th, he had his family buy a ticket for the next day. On the 16th, his brother Moussa had also just returned from France on a trip, and told his brother Driss to "charge his batteries."

Once the Alcanar house was blown up in the bomb-making explosion on the night of August 16th, Driss expressed doubts about his involvement, but investigators understand that he knew what could have happened in Alcanar and what was being prepared imminently. In fact, he even threatened to confess everything to the Mossos d'Esquadra: "I haven't done anything and I don't plan to go to prison."
[January 19, 2021] Indigenous-Led Solar Energy Project Wins Prize Funding to Implement a Community Clean Energy Project in NWT

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Indigenous communities, governments, organizations and business, particularly in northern and isolated regions that are at the forefront of climate change impacts, are best placed to take action toward a clean energy future. This is why the Government of Canada is investing in community-led clean energy projects with remote Indigenous communities that are prioritizing a transition away from diesel while supporting the advancement of reconciliation and self-determination. The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced that Grant Sullivan, one of 14 Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) Energy Champions and current President of Nihtat Energy Ltd., will receive $800,000 in prize funding to begin implementing a community clean energy project. Nihtat Energy Ltd. (NEL) is an Indigenous-owned and -operated business and the first to be awarded a prize under the IODI. NEL will use the prize to pursue a series of staged developments in the Beaufort Delta region in 2021 and 2022. These include implementation and training for a solar project at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) site near Inuvik in 2021 and planning for a one-MW grid-connected solar farm in Inuvik to commence in 2021 and be completed in 2022. Inuvik currently consumes the most diesel for heat and power in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Renewable energy projects in the NWT help communities realize many positive benefits  including creating a new revenue stream, enhancing local training and employment, and supporting energy security  which are aligned with the current priorities of both the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. With support from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, this project is a great example of collaboration between Indigenous communities, utilities and governments. The IODI is a $20-million Impact Canada Initiative aimed at generating new opportunities by reducing diesel reliance in remote Indigenous communities. The initiative was designed based on 18 months of engagement with rights holders, Indigenous organizations and stakeholders. The IODI is delivered in collaboration with the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise and the Pembina Institute. By working together with these partners, the IODI not only supports the development of clean energy projects but also bolsters Indigenous leadership in Canada's cleaner future.



An external all-Indigenous jury selected the communities to receive funding and join the IODI. Each community receives hands-on support and up to $1.3 million in funding to develop an ambitious clean energy plan and break ground on their first clean energy projects. The projects may include renewable energy technologies, encourage energy efficiency, build community skills and develop economic opportunities in the community. Additional project funding of up to $9 million in total is available for communities participating in IODI through Natural Resources Canada's Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, and Energy Champions may also seek partnerships with additional funders in the coming years. The government continues to support community-led projects that will build a clean energy future for all. Together, we are building healthier, greener and more energy-resilient communities for future generations.

Quotes "Indigenous people and communities are leaders in Canada's clean growth future. By working together with them, we're getting good projects off the ground  and great results." Seamus O'Regan Jr.

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "The Gwich'in Tribal Council supports innovative energy projects developed by our own Gwich'in participants, like Grant Sullivan, for the benefit of our communities. These projects demonstrate how Indigenous communities and businesses, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and federal and territorial governments can work collaboratively and creatively as partners and lead the way toward a more sustainable energy future for the North." Ken Smith

Grand Chief, Gwich'in Tribal Council "Building strong partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities and organizations is critical to advancing the objectives of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2030 Energy Strategy including to develop a more affordable, secure and sustainable energy system in the NWT. The GNWT and NTPC look forward to working with Nihtat Energy to create a model for independent renewable energy generation that supports Indigenous business while helping to stabilize energy costs and reduce GHG emissions." Diane Archie

Minister of Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories

Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation "This prize funding awarded to Nihtat Energy Ltd. under the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) marks a monumental occasion for Indigenous community-led clean energy initiatives in remote communities while advancing our right to self-determination as Indigenous people. This is the first time in history that Natural Resources Canada has awarded prize funding to any organization, business or government alike. The IODI is a truly unique program that has given communities complete autonomy to design and build their own climate-friendly future to transition away from diesel. We are inspired by Grant Sullivan's work, and we are honoured to work alongside Nihtat Energy Ltd. and all of the IODI energy champions and their communities." Darrell Brown

Chair of the Board for Indigenous Clean Energy "The Pembina Institute congratulates Nihtat Energy Ltd. and Grant Sullivan for their efforts and achievements toward workable diesel reduction solutions for Inuvik and the Beaufort Delta. As northern and remote communities work to eliminate the use of diesel power, initiatives like these will benefit local economies and provide leadership for others across Canada." Linda Coady

Executive Director, Pembina Institute Associated Links Impact Canada

Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Stephen Bear reportedly owed thousands of pounds over a former clothing company with his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Crosby.

It comes after the former Celebrity Big Brother star, 31, was arrested at Heathrow Airport for allegedly filming himself having sex with his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison, 26, without her knowledge and sharing the explicit content online.

Bear is said to have set up the clothing company called His and Hers Enterprise Ltd in 2017 with his ex Charlotte, 30.

Reports: Stephen Bear reportedly owed thousands of pounds over a former clothing company with his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Crosby (pictured together in 2017)

Although it has been claimed that the business venture ended in acrimony with the former couple, who split in 2017 after a turbulent one year relationship, involved in a court case last summer.

According to The Sun, Charlotte 'petitioned the High Court of Justice Business and Property Courts to wind the company up claiming her solo firm CLC Enterprises was a creditor'.

It is believed that creditors were owed 30,366 with an outstanding 1,268 director's advance to Bear in the final set of accounts listed on Companies House.

Bear is said not to have been present at the court proceedings with Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Mullen awarding Charlotte in favour.

Allegations: It comes after the former Celebrity Big Brother star, 31, was arrested at Heathrow Airport for allegedly filming himself having sex with his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison, 26, without her knowledge and sharing the explicit content online (pictured in 2017)

It is believed that assets of their fotmrt clothing company paid for the court costs while His and Hers Enterprise Ltd was liquidated in September.

Charlotte's spokesperson told MailOnline: It was simply not tenable for Charlotte to continue in business with Stephen Bear after their relationship ended. Mr Bear is not owed anything.

Secondly, Mr Bear owed the company 1268 which was never repaid and the only creditor in the insolvency proceedings was Charlottes own parent company.

Charlotte ensured that all other creditors were paid in full. Charlotte also instigated and solely funded the court application, when Mr Bear [and his various representatives] failed to deal with outstanding matters and engage with the required corporate procedures.

Charlotte does not owe anyone anything.

MailOnline has contacted Bear's representatives for comment.

Exes: Bear is said to have set up the clothing company called His and Hers Enterprise Ltd in 2017 with his ex Charlotte, 30 (pictured in 2017)

In 2018, Bear shared a collection of bizarre videos in which he held a puppet, named Philpe, stating the doll was his 'lawyer', after he accused Charlotte of owing him money from His and Hers. Charlotte's reps said the claims were false.

He said at the time: 'So Philpe my lawyer has advised me to cease all trading on His And Hers Limited as director no more items are being sold. Make sure to tune in tomorrow for where's Bear's money.'

Another caption read: 'For now @hisandhersstore will officially stop trading . Philpe, Stephen Bears Lawer has told him to stop until he receives half his money...

'So far Stephen Bear hasn't received 1p from the company. Kind regards, Philipe (Lawyer for Stephen Bear)'.

At war: Although it has been claimed that the business venture ended in acrimony with the former couple, who split in 2017 after a turbulent one year relationship, involved in a court case last summer (pictured in 2017)

At the time, a representative for Charlotte vehemently denied Stephen's claims to MailOnline and explained that the issue was now being dealt with by her legal team.

Her rep told MailOnline: 'Stephen Bear's libellous comments on Instagram today are totally false: there is no truth whatsoever in the allegation that Stephen is owed any money by Charlotte, her father or His and Hers Ltd.

'We cannot comment about the other companies that he says owe him money. This matter is now in the hands of our solicitors.'

The Sun claims that Bear also dissolved his company Celebrity Clash Ltd business in 2020, his Mark Griggs Avenue Events Ltd in 2019 and Stephen Bear Enterprises Ltd.

It comes after Bear was arrested at Heathrow Airport for allegedly filming himself having sex with his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison, 26, without her knowledge and sharing the explicit content online.

While Bear was spotted visiting a Marks & Spencer on Saturday with his on-off lover Tia McAlister, 18, despite the fact he should have been following isolation laws given he had flown from Dubai after the UAE was removed from the UK's quarantine list.

Love Islander Georgia accused Stephen of revenge porn in December when she said on social media he had secretly recorded them being intimate on CCTV cameras at his home, with Bear issuing a denial at the time insisting the claim was not true.

On Sunday, Georgia thanked 'everyone that has reached out over the last few days' and said 'you have no idea how much it means to me.'

In a statement, she said: 'I am passionate about supporting victims of revenge porn and hopefully by coming forward it will give others the courage to do the same.'

Love Island star: Georgia accused Stephen of revenge porn in December when she said on social media he had secretly recorded them being intimate on CCTV cameras at his home

Georgia, who's currently living in Dubai, was pictured looking distressed on the beach as she looked at her phone following the news of Stephen's arrest.

The Love Island star believes Stephen showed an intimate recording of her to at least 'two friends' and claims the footage was widely shared on WhatsApp.

She also alleges Stephen shared screenshots of the video to followers on his OnlyFans account, but he denied it was her.

Essex Police confirmed to MailOnline on Friday: 'A man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the disclosure of sexual photographs without consent.

'The 31-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on Friday 15 January on suspicious of disclosing private sexual photographs or films without consent with intent to cause distress harassment, and obstructing a police officer.'
National Statement at UNSC Briefing on Cooperation Between the UNSC & the League of Arab States

Statement

Thank you very much indeed Mr. President and I wanted to begin by thanking you Minister for organizing todays meeting.

I want to give a warm welcome to Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Ireland has worked closely with the Arab League and its member states over time and we very much appreciate the important role that the League plays regionally. Ireland believes that in drafting the Charter, the UN founders recognised the reality, frankly, that regional organisations, regional arrangements, such as the League of Arab States, have a central and often critical role to play in maintaining peace and security.

While progress has been made, and we have heard much of that this morning, in bringing Chapter VIII to life, it is clear that much needs to be done to fully exploit the potential of regional organisations to deliver on our collective goals. So, it is in that spirit Mr. President that we welcome this opportunity today. Before looking to some of the specific regional challenges, I would like to make a few general remarks.

Mr. President, coming from Europe, a region transformed - through regional cooperation - from a post-war wasteland to a thriving and peaceful Union of states, Ireland strongly supports, indeed we advocate for regional cooperation. We firmly believe that cooperation on addressing common challenges faced by states, from water management, to threat of climate change, from the role of women in sustaining peace, to of course the current common challenge we have of COVID-19  can build confidence and trust, promote solidarity and lay importantly the foundations for peace.

Mr. President, in framing todays debate, Tunisia rightly welcomes the progress achieved on cooperation between the League of Arab States and the UN, and its contribution to regional stability. The thoughtful briefings this morning by USG DiCarlo and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit underline the shared ambition and indeed the need to build on this further.

Ireland encourages both organisations to actually invest in strengthening the relationship. We welcome the establishment in 2019 of the UN Liaison Office to the League of Arab States, and urge the Secretariat to ensure that the office is staffed at a senior level to facilitate enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the organisations. Ireland strongly supports Tunisias suggestion for intensified coordination between the League of Arab States and UN Special Envoys in addressing current crises in the region, very mindful of the interconnected nature of the challenges and the nature of the conflicts in the region. We echo Tunisias call for support for efforts undertaken by both organisations on conflict resolution, on conflict prevention, on mediation, on peacekeeping and on peacebuilding.

Mr. President, Ireland firmly underlines also the urgent need for lasting political solutions to disputes and conflicts in the region, we have heard every speaker say that this morning. We are ready to play our part as a Security Council member in supporting that work here at the Security Council but also in working to support the efforts by the League of Arab States and by its member states.

We welcome the Al-Ula Declaration of 5 January by the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Egypt. The Declaration we see represents a key milestone in the development of closer regional integration, cooperation, stability and prosperity. We just hope that the progress made in Al-Ula will be built on in the months to come.

We underline our welcome for the ceasefire agreement in Libya in October and the Secretary General's December report on ceasefire monitoring options. The European Union and its Member States remain ready to support the monitoring of that ceasefire. Ireland is concerned, that key elements of the agreement remain unimplemented, especially around the withdrawal of foreign fighters. Ireland looks forward to fulfilment of the political road map to December elections, thanks to the ongoing work of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF). Women participants in that dialogue forum have played a critical role. Ireland welcomes their recommendations for improving womens participation in the political process and in governance. We hope this can be usefully drawn on elsewhere in the region, but we also hope that the League of Arab States will continue to assist in that process.

We all know that we must redouble our efforts to bring to an end the terrible conflicts in Yemen and Syria. We recognize that there are no military solutions to those conflicts and we share the ambition to agree political pathways forward. We also know that sustained peace will require respect for human rights and that those responsible for violations of international law and international human rights law need to be held accountable. Collectively we must also continue to do everything to support humanitarian workers reaching those in need. Today, on behalf of Ireland, I renew our call for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all in need particularly in conflict areas.

Mr. President, as a leading troop contributor to UNIFIL since 1978, Ireland remains resolutely committed to the stability of Lebanon, as its people grapple with complex political and economic challenges. We welcome the strong support and solidarity of the Arab League for Lebanon. We also recognise that there are 9 peacekeeping operations under the League of Arab States regional watch. Peacekeeping is an important and I would say a noble function, and Ireland supports the work of the League to reinforce regional capacity in that regard.

Finally, Mr. President, as Secretary General Aboul Gheit is all too aware, a key element for regional and global security is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting two-State solution is not just critical for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples we know, but to unlock a better, more peaceful future for the region as a whole.

Ireland welcomes the Presidential decree issued by President Abbas on 15 January on the holding of elections. This is an important step in renewing legitimacy. The European Union stands ready to support the electoral process.

We welcome the normalization agreements between Israel and a number of countries in the region. We sincerely hope that this will be followed by inclusive engagement to support tangible confidence building measures with and by the parties, and a reinvigorated role for the Middle East Quartet to achieve progress towards a just and lasting peace.

In conclusion, I wish to thank you Minister and the Tunisian Presidency for organising todays important discussion. Thank you very much Secretary General Aboul Gheit. Ireland will continue our committed partnership with you, the League of Arab States and its member states in tackling peace and security issues as a Member of this Council over the next two years. Secretary General, you have an important and onerous responsibility. You can count on Ireland.

Thank you Mr. President

 Previous Item | Next Item 
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.
HVN HVN The State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) plans to invest 8 trillion VND (approximately 345.6 million USD) in Vietnam Airlines JSC (). The amount is equal to 25 percent ofs charter capital.

Vietnam Airlines will issue 8 trillion VND in shares to existing shareholders to raise its charter capital. And SCIC represents the Government to buy the shares, Nguyen Chi Thanh, General Director of SCIC, said during a recent press conference.

HVN The two sides had a meeting to work out theshare price, Thanh added.

HVN Vietnam Airlines is creating a share offering plan to raise its charter capital and needs to get opinions from the State Securities Commission of Vietnam. Meanwhile, SCICs mission is to price's share value.

In order to define the share offering price, Vietnam Airlines has to evaluate its own value based on its five-year business plan. But COVID-19 is a biggest challenge for the carriers business plan since there is no indication of when the pandemic will be over and international flights can resume.

Amid the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is very difficult to create a business plan for Vietnam Airlines. If there is no business plan, we cannot judge the enterprises value. Only when Vietnam Airlines opens international flights, can its business improve, Thanh said.

So to price Vietnam Airlines, SCIC will select a well-known accounting firm with a good reputation to assess the carriers value. That accounting firm can use one of a number of business valuation methods, Thanh added.

HVN On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange,'s share price declined 0.65 percent to finish January 18 at 30,650 VND. The shares increased nearly 7.4 percent since the beginning of 2021.

In its third-quarter result, Vietnam Airlines posted a decline of more than 70 percent to 7.6 trillion VND in consolidated revenue. It reported a loss of nearly 4 trillion VND in profit after tax.

As for the carrier's performance in 2020, its consolidated revenue reached 42.5 trillion VND, including 33 trillion VND from its parent company. The results exceeded their respective targets by 1.9 trillion VND and 448 billion VND.

It was projected to suffer a loss of 14.4 trillion VND. Of the total, its parent companys loss in 2020 was estimated at more than 12 trillion VND, which was 2.42 trillion VND lower than the previous forecast./.

Read more at here
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  There are now seven cases associated with a Washtenaw County woman who contracted a COVID-19 variant, Washtenaw County health officials confirmed Tuesday.

Officials are awaiting the results of lab work performed by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services to determine if these positive cases are the B.1.1.1.7 variant, Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson, Susan Ringler-Cerniglia said on Jan. 19.

The first Michigan case of this COVID-19 variant was identified in the Washtenaw County woman on Saturday, Jan. 16. The person recently traveled to the United Kingdom where the variant, B.1.1.7., originated, officials said.

Contagious coronavirus variant identified in Michigan

While presence of this variant is detected with current testing methods, additional sequencing is needed to distinguish it from other more common COVID-19 variants circulating in the community, officials said.

The woman tested negative on Jan. 1 in the United Kingdom, prior to returning to Washtenaw County on Jan. 3, according to Ringler-Cerniglia. She tested negative for COVID-19 twice before testing positive on Jan. 8, officials said.

The B.1.1.7 variant appears to be more contagious but not necessarily more serious than the primary strain of COVID-19, health officials said. Based on current evidence, health officials also said the current COVID-19 vaccine is effective against this variant.

READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Monday, Jan. 18, coronavirus data by Michigan county: 69 counties now below 10% positivity rate

For Michiganders newly eligible for vaccine, excitement is high but details are few
[January 19, 2021] Wright's Media Announces New Collaboration with Wirecutter, A New York Times Company

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wright's Media, an industry-leading global content licensing agency, will collaborate with Wirecutter, a product recommendation service acquired by The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), as its official content licensing partner, delivering unparalleled accolade and editorial licensing to consumers. Wirecutter's passion lies with obsessively testing and researching thousands of products every year to recommend the best of everything, saving readers time and stress in figuring out what to buy. Licensing will help amplify brands that have been recommended by Wirecutter and showcase their excellence in a way that consumers trust and appreciate. "We are truly honored and proud to be working with such an iconic brand that serves as an innovative leader in the consumer services space," says Michelle Myers Chief Revenue Officer of Wright's Media.



Wirecutter is changing the way consumers shop by rigorously testing and recommending products that are an indispensable part of our lives. Wright's Media will create and implement a licensing strategy that helps power that initiative by allowing brands to leverage their editorial recognition. "We are very excited to work with an industry leader such as Wright's Media to expand our licensing efforts in exciting new ways," says Leilani Han, Business Development & Partnership Director, at Wirecutter. "We believe Wright's Media's expertise and creativity will build on and accelerate our licensing program in all categories."

About Wright's Media Wright's Media provides content licensing solutions to businesses that drive revenues and steer brands to the forefront of this technology. Whether seeking to outsource reprints, content licensing or searching for ways to profit in-house, Wright's Media offers the right solutions. By consistently providing top-quality products such as hard-copy article reprints, content and brand licensing, E-prints, digital prints, plaques, rights and permissions, and high-tech virtual interactive prints; Wright's Media has become one of the magazine industry's most respected providers of multimedia and content management solutions. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wrights-media-announces-new-collaboration-with-wirecutter-a-new-york-times-company-301211057.html SOURCE Wright's Media

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Selecting the value will change the page content

Select year: Loading...
Spector once said he had devils that fight inside me.

The BBC has apologised after describing music producer Phil Spector, who died in prison while serving a murder sentence, as talented but flawed.

The corporation said the headline on the breaking news article did not meet our editorial standards.

The BBC confirmed it had received complaints about the headline in the wake of the death of Spector, who was sentenced to a minimum 19 years in prison for murdering the actress Lana Clarkson.

The 40-year-old, known for starring in films including Barbarian Queen, died of a gunshot fired into her mouth while she was in Spectors mansion on the outskirts of Los Angeles in 2003.

Read More

In a magazine interview, Spector had claimed she had kissed the gun before pulling the trigger herself, however the jury unanimously agreed he had murdered the actress.

A statement from the BBC said: The breaking news story on Phil Spectors death was published with a headline that did not meet our editorial standards.

This was changed within minutes and we also deleted a tweet that had gone out automatically with the original headline. We apologise for this error.

Our coverage of the story across BBC News has been clear that Phil Spector was convicted of the murder of Lana Clarkson and had a long history of violence and abuse.

His former wife Ronnie Spector, whose music he produced when she was in The Ronettes, claimed in a memoir that he would keep her prisoner in his mansion and threatened to kill her.

Writing on Instagram after his death, she said he was a brilliant producer, but a lousy husband.

She added: Unfortunately Phil was not able to live and function outside of the recording studio. Darkness set in, many lives were damaged.

Spector, who was born in The Bronx, New York, made his name as a record producer for what became known as the wall of sound recording technique, with its dense, layered effect.

When he was just 17 years old and performing with the Teddy Bears, Spector had a top 10 hit in the US with To Know Him Is To Love Him.

However he was best known for his role as a producer, working with some of the biggest stars in music, including John Lennon, whose 1971 hit Imagine he produced.

Ike and Tina Turner, The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers, Cher, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles all also worked with the producer.

Spector produced Let It Be, The Beatles final album, which was released in 1970.
To deflect criticism from U.S. officials, Chinese officials have also taken to underlining some of the Trump administrations vast governance failures, including a death toll of more than 400,000 from the coronavirus pandemic and the deadly assault on the Capitol by a mob incited by Mr. Trump.

Some Uighurs expressed gratitude for the decision. Todays determination of genocide is a signal of recognition to the long suffering of victims and survivors of the Chinese governments internment camps, like my brother Ekpar, and millions of Uighurs, said Rayhan Asat, a lawyer in Washington whose younger brother is imprisoned in Xinjiang. It is the starting point on the road to justice, freedom and accountability for these atrocities.

Ziba Murat, a Virginia resident whose mother, Gulshan Abbas, is imprisoned, said, This gives us hope that those who have attempted to water down what is happening with the destruction of our people can no longer hide their complicity.

Before the new condemnation from Washington, the strongest statement by a government entity declaring that Chinas actions in Xinjiang amounted to genocide came from a Canadian parliamentary subcommittee. Last October, the subcommittee concluded that the Chinese Communist Party was culpable of the crime.

Mr. Pompeo and senior State Department officials made the decision just days before Mr. Biden takes office. The finding could complicate his administrations dealings with Beijing, but it also offers a source of leverage. Mr. Bidens nominee for secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, said Tuesday at a Senate confirmation hearing that he agreed with the genocide determination and denounced the Xinjiang concentration camps. He also asserted that China poses the most significant challenge of any nation-state to the United States.

In the days before the decision, State Department officials had argued over whether Chinas actions in Xinjiang met the standard for genocide or whether they fell under crimes against humanity, which has a lower standard, said American officials familiar with the debate. Mr. Pompeo decided to use both.

One American official said the best rationale for the genocide label was the use of forced sterilizations, birth control and family separations to destroy Uighur identity.
It was something of a familiar scene: One by one, the candidates running for mayor of New York City took a turn at the lectern at the Rev. Al Sharptons headquarters in Harlem to commemorate Martin Luther Kings Birthday.

Eric Adams talked about being a Black police officer and invoked another officers memory: the one who saved the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s life after a stabbing in 1958.

Raymond J. McGuire talked about how his goal was to get the Black community more than just crumbs when it comes to economic empowerment.

And Andrew Yang recalled how he campaigned in Georgia in the U.S. Senate races with Martin Luther King III, who is now Mr. Yangs campaign co-chairman.
Rafferty Law has said that growing up with famous parents and dealing with all the public interest surrounding them didn't put him off also going into acting.

The star, 24, who is also known as Raff, said he was simply focused on school in his younger years and was 'waiting for the right moment' to showcase his talents.

He even revealed that his parents Jude Law and Sadie Frost, who divorced in 2003 and also share children Iris and Rudy, encouraged his 'love of performing' by helping him make short films in an interview with the Radio Times.

Not bothered: Rafferty Law has said growing up with famous parents and dealing with all the public interest surrounding them didn't put him off also going into acting (pictured in 2020)

Raff said: 'I've never really been someone who lets things weigh me down. My mind was on school and making friends, and just growing up like everyone else.

'I think from a very young age I've loved performing. In half-term I'd be making short films with my best mate and my parents would help out with those.'

Raff then turned his thoughts to his breakout role, Twist, saying it was the perfect project for him to work on.

He said: 'I think I was always waiting for the right moment to be able to show people what I can do. And when Twist came about it just all made sense.'

Supportive: The actor, 24, is the son of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, who divorced in 2003 . They also share children Iris and Rudy (pictured together at an event in 2008)

Reflecting on Twist, Raff said he did get a little nervous ahead of filming kicking off and especially when he watched co-star Michael Caine in Batman.

He admitted that he really started to 'feel the pressure' but everybody - including co-star Sophie Simnett, 23, who joined him for the interview - was so kind and helpful on set that the nerves soon faded away.

Raff also revealed that he was supposed to be working on two other projects during 2020 but they had to be paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although not getting to further show his acting talents, the unexpected time did mean he got to write music for band Outer Stella Overdrive.

Throwback: Rafferty revealed that his mum and dad helped encourage his love of performing by helping him make short films (pictured in a snap Sadie shared to mark his 24th birthday)

The talented star explained that they got to record an album which he had written in lockdown.

Rafferty's Sky film Twist also stars Lena Headey, Rita Ora and David Walliams.

Putting a modern spin on the classic tale of Oliver Twist, the star-studded production boasts Raff in the title role as well as Michael Caine, 87, as gang mastermind Fagin.

A first look at the film shows Rafferty as a graffiti artist in London before he catches the eye of a leather-clad Rita in her cool portray of Dodger.
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.
Medical drama allegations hit a local head shrinker who ALLEGEDLY helped his patients earn access to the plague vaxx despite the rules.

Check continued frustration with more evidence of American scarcity amid COVID . . .



Read more . . .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews post- cyclone situation in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 13:24:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Students pose for a photo at a primary school in Suva, Fiji, Jan. 19, 2021. Despite the impacts of COVID-19 and the tropical cyclone Yasa, the new school year in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji kicked off on Tuesday with nearly 200,000 students returning to schools. According to the Fijian Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, 13,099 Fijian teachers set foot on school campus on Monday to make preparations for Tuesday's arrival of the 195,883 students, of which, 5,794 students begin their formal learning journey for the first time. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)



by Zhang Yongxing

SUVA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite the impacts of COVID-19 and the tropical cyclone Yasa, the new school year in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji kicked off on Tuesday with nearly 200,000 students returning to schools.

According to the Fijian Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, 13,099 Fijian teachers set foot on school campus on Monday to make preparations for Tuesday's arrival of the 195,883 students, of which, 5,794 students begin their formal learning journey for the first time.

Welcoming Fijian students back to school, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said on Monday that Fiji has been facing the twin crises of COVID-19 and cyclone Yasa, and that every school that re-opens is a victory for the island nation.

Cyclone Yasa severely hit Fiji last month especially the northern island of Vanua Levu.

Students begin their school term at no cost to their families with free textbooks and subsidized transportation to school, and they can rest assured that no matter how difficult the situation may be today, things will get better and the future will be brighter, he said, adding that "Every student who is able to attend classes is a blessing. Every hour they study, learn, and expand their minds is an investment in Fiji's success as a country."

While promising that he will not let natural disasters like cyclone Yasa steal the Fijian children's education, the prime minister also reminded Fijian students not to take their education for granted, adding that their hard work today will reap lifelong benefits.

For her part, Fiji's Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar has said that no matter where students live or what their economic status is, every child in Fiji deserves equal access to quality teaching.

In collaboration with their partners, the authorities have assisted more than 6,000 students in the cyclone Yasa affected areas with school supplies, she said, adding that they will continue to provide school supplies and psycho-social support to students affected by COVID-19 and cyclone Yasa.

The tropical cyclone has completely destroyed or partially damaged more than 100 schools across the nation, especially in Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island.

With the new school year kicking off, many parents in Fiji are still feeling the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact through 2020.

While some have lost jobs, others are working reduced hours and on reduced days and struggling to make ends meet, making it difficult to cover children's education expenses such as school uniforms, shoes, bags and stationery.

The prime minister has urged Fijian parents not to worry too much about their children's school uniforms as affected students can attend school in non-uniform attire.

Mili Bradburgh, a graphic designer and a mother of three children all under the age of 12, told Xinhua that unlike previous years, she only purchased the things they are lacking.

"My children will use the same school bag from last year. We just got it washed and patched and it looks good to reuse. We only bought one pair of uniforms for their first day."

She said that this year they were more conscious of the prices of stationery and were careful with their budget. She spent 250 Fijian dollars (about 122 U.S. dollars) on all her children's school stuff.

Like Bradburgh, Mere Tavo, a secretary in capital Suva and mother of two children, told Xinhua that her budget for school this year is 250 Fijian dollars (about 122 U.S. dollars) for stationery and uniforms.

"I have to keep in mind that I am on a strict budget hence no unnecessary spending. I strictly follow the stationery list and don't go beyond buying extras," she said.

A middle-aged Fijian man who asked not to be named, a father of six children, told Xinhua in a Suva-based primary school that Fiji has so far successfully contained COVID-19, adding that 2020 is not easy for most Fijian families, but he takes a positive attitude towards the new year.

"The past year was full of difficulties and challenges for all of us. My son is a Year 7 student in primary school. I am very happy to accompany him to back to school today. I hope he will study hard and enjoy an excellent educational school year," he said.

Tevita Raicola, a Year 12 student of a prominent Suva boys' school, told Xinhua that he was looking forward to the new school year.

"I hope there will be no disruptions this year like what COVID-19 caused last year. The Year 12 and 13 curricula were related and both important to preparing students for university," said Raicola, who is using all his school uniforms and stationery from last year.

So far, Fiji has confirmed 55 COVID-19 cases and two deaths since the island nation recorded its first case on March 19 last year.

Fijian students are now ready to adopt the COVID-19 "new normal" such as temperature checks, hand washing and keeping social distance.

A manager of a prominent school in Suva, who did not like to be identified, told Xinhua that their school, which has 1,000 students, has set up new washbasins and provide hand sanitizers as well as soaps for students. Social distancing demarcations should be followed in areas like the canteen. Enditem
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Editor's Note: Due to a clerical error by the Department of Justice, this story was updated to reflect that 32 Texans are facing charges in connection with the Capitol Riots on Jan. 6.

Forty-one Texans have been arrested in connection with the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C., and are facing a variety of charges.

EXPRESS-NEWS APP: Breaking news, Spurs scores, COVID updates and more  at your fingertips

Ryan Scott Zink

FBI

The 32-year-old was arrested on Feb. 4 after a tipster provided the FBI with screenshots of his Facebook page that had photos from the riot, according to a statement of facts.

Zink is a musician and the owner of Pressure Clean Oil, Gas, and Wind in Lubbock, court documents said.

His Facebook page also included numerous videos of Zink inside the Capitol, including one in which he can be heard saying We knocked down the gates! Were storming the Capitol! You cant stop us!, according to the court documents. In a private Facebook message, Zink also told someone he had "taken two flash bangs" and had been hurt, the court docs continued.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds.

Sean David Watson

FBI

The Alpine man was arrested on April 28 after showing his coworkers videos of himself at the riot, according to a statement of facts.

Witnesses told FBI agents that Watson was showing the videos on his cell phone, saying "I fd st up," court documents said. When questioned by agents, Watson initially denied being in the Capitol despite photo, video and cell phone evidence showing he was there, the FBI said.

The FBI also said Watson sent texts on Jan. 6 admitting that he was at the Capitol, including one that said "We made history today. Proudest day of my life!"

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Samuel Christopher Montoya

FBI

The San Antonio man was arrested on April 13 after a family member sent a tip to the FBI about a 44-minute video he shot while inside the Capitol, according to the FBI.

Montoya, who allegedly works for Infowars, took video of himself inside the Capitol as well as recorded the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was shot and killed by Capitol police, a statement of facts said. In one of the videos, Montoya allegedly turns the camera on himself and says "It feels good to be in the Capitol baby!," according to the court documents.

He also described his experience inside the Capitol in multiple interviews on an Infowars show.

Charges: Entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building

Daniel Ray Caldwell

The Colony man was arrested on March 22 after video captured him allegedly assaulting federal agents inside the Capitol.

Video footage uploaded to Twitter showed Caldwell spraying a mist, believed to be pepper spray, at officers who were trying to stop protesters from getting into the Capitol, a statement of facts said. A video uploaded to ProPublica shows Caldwell describing the events and saying he sprayed 15 officers after he was sprayed first, according to court documents.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct

ANDREW JACKSON MORGAN JR.

The Maxwell man surrendered to the FBI on April 6 after officials found YouTube videos of him at the Capitol, according to court documents.

Morgan was recording other protestors and can be heard in the video, that was later uploaded to YouTube and other sites, encouraging protesters to enter the Capitol and fight with police, a statement of facts said.

He told the FBI that he wanted to go to the Capitol "as a chameleon" because he is an "independent journalist and civil rights auditor," court documents said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstruction of an official proceeding; and aiding and abetted

Grady Douglas Owens and Jason Douglas Owens

FBI

The father and son from Blanco were arrested for allegedly attacking police officers during the riots.

Grady was arrested in Florida on April 1. Body camera footage showed Owens hit a Metropolitan police officer with a skateboard as the officer was trying to push through the crowd, a statement of facts said. The officer sustained a concussion and hand injury.

Footage also showed Jason shoving another officer during the altercation, the FBI said.

The FBI said it pulled fight information that shows the two traveled from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. GPS tracking from their phones also put them at the Capitol, according to court documents.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct

Christian Cortez

FBI

The Seabrook man was arrested on March 26 after video footage showed him squaring off with police before going inside the Capitol atrium with his former classmate Benjamin Larocca, the FBI said.

Cortez was in the group of rioters who were trying to break through the metal barricades into the Capitol as police attempted to push them back, a statement of facts said. As police tried to close the doors, Cortez started advancing on the officers and yelling before he was sprayed with pepper spray and fire retardant, court documents said.

When interviewed by the FBI, he initially said he was trying to help the officers and disagreed with the other protestors ramming open the doors, but retracted his statement when he was shown the video of him yelling at the officers, according to court docs.

Charges: Assaulting a federal officer; civil disorder; obstructing an official proceeding; unlawfully entering a restricted building to disrupt government; and disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds

Benjamin Larocca

FBI

The Pearland man was arrested on March 26 after video footage showed him inside the Capitol atrium with his old classmate Christian Cortez, the FBI said.

Video footage posted to LaRocca's Instagram page showed him and Cortez inside the Capitol, chanting "Our house," according to the FBI. When interviewed by the FBI, LaRocca, who now lives in Pearland, said there were no police at the Capitol entrance stopping them from going inside and that they had just joined a tour group going through the Capitol, a statement of facts said.

Charges: Obstructing an official proceeding; unlawfully entering a restricted building to disrupt government; and disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds

Jalise and Mark Middleton

FBI

The Forestburg husband and wife were arrested on April 21 after allegedly assaulting Capitol police officers while trying to breach the Capitol.

The Middletons were allegedly part of a group that was trying to overpower the police blockades to get into the Capitol, a statement of facts said. As the rioters pushed against police, body camera footage caught Mark grabbing an officer's wrist and trying to pull him into the crowd before Jalise started "grappling with and striking" two of the officers, the FBI said.

Officials identified the couple after multiple tipsters provided videos from the Middletons' Facebook pages talking about how they were "on the front lines" and helped pushed down the barrier before getting pepper sprayed, the court docs said. When a follower asked why they fought with police, Jalise responded To get in the Capital to send them bs a clear message that this wont be tolerated, the court documents said.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; obstruction of Justice/Congress; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; violent entry and disorderly conduct

Elizabeth Rose Williams

FBI

The life coach from Kerrville was arrested on March 23 after tipsters identified her and a man from photos on social media that show them inside the Capitol Crypt and in the gallery of the Senate Chamber during the riot, the FBI said.

On social media, Williams describes herself as a life coach, natural health enthusiast and musician. Her blog, "Life with Rose," has since been deleted.

The FBI said the man she was with frequently posted on social media about QAnon conspiracy theories on his Facebook and Parler accounts.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

David Judd

FBI

The FBI is accusing the Dallas man of pushing officers and throwing lit objects at them during the riots. He was arrested March 26.

Judd was allegedly a part of the group of rioters who were involved in an "intense and prolonged clash between protesters and law enforcement" at the Lower West Terrace, a statement of facts said. As the group of rioters was pushing the officers, cell phone footage captured Judd yelling "ready, heave" and later yelling at the crowd to pass back riot shields that had been stolen from the officers in order to make a "shield wall," the FBI said.

Soon after, footage shows Judd lighting something on fire and throwing it toward the line of officers before turning and walking out of the tunnel, officials said.

According to the FBI, Judd spent over an hour near the tunnel, encouraging people to enter the Lower West Terrace tunnel.

Officials said they identified Judd after a witness showed FBI agents an ad Judd posted on social media asking for a ride to the rally.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees; and civil disorder

Kevin Blakely

FBI

FBI officials said the McKinney man's phone pinged him inside the Capitol building during the time of the riot. He was arrested March 23.

In a photo on his Facebook page, Blakely was wearing the same Figueroa Mountain Brewery sweatshirt that he was seen wearing in Capitol surveillance footage, a statement of facts said. He was also seen in Instagram and video footage taken by others at the Capitol, the FBI said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; knowingly engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in any restricted building or grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Richard Franklin Barnard and Jeffrey Shane Witcher

FBI

The two Marine veterans from Austin were arrested on Feb. 25 after Witcher admitted to FBI agents that he and Barnard went into the Capitol to "take part in civil disobedience which he felt was necessary," the FBI said.

A tipster told the FBI that Witcher sent them videos from inside the Capitol. Witcher, however, deleted the footage before he was interviewed by authorities, a statement of facts said. He told authorities he "saw what was happening on the news and felt the videos would be self-incriminating" but insisted he wasn't destroying evidence.

According to the FBI, agents were able to retrieve the videos from Witcher's iCloud account that show him and Barnard inside the Capitol, chanting "our house" and telling officers "Don't forget your oath! You are us!"

While inside, Barnard and two others attempted to shield police with their bodies as others shoved the officers, the FBI said.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building

Joseph Barnes

FBI

The Austin man was arrested on Feb. 10 after multiple witnesses told authorities they saw Barnes in the TV coverage of the riot.

In the footage, Barnes could be heard saying "This is our house! This is our country!" a statement of facts said. While attempting to identify Barnes, authorities said they found a Facebook page titled "Joseph Barnes Art" that showed him standing in front of artwork, pointing an assault-style rifle at the camera with a caption that said A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither.

Barnes is the vice president of an Austin-based real estate company.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; obstruction of Justice/Congress; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Luke Coffee

FBI

The Dallas man was arrested Feb. 25 after he was seen on video and in photos hitting Capitol police officers with a crutch during the riot, the FBI said.

Officials said Coffee was captured in videos in the Lower Terrace steps around the time several Metropolitan police offers were injured in violent confrontations with rioters, a statement of facts said. Coffee grabbed a crutch nearby, held it in the air while approaching the police line and then used it to push into the officers, according to the FBI.

Officers were able to push Coffee off of them before he charged at them again with the crutch, the FBI said.

Coffee was identified after a former college classmate, who happens to be a Special Agent with the FBI, recognized him, a statement of facts said. Authorities said they also have screenshots of Coffee's social media posts wearing the same brown cowboy hat and camouflage jacket he was seen wearing inside the Capitol.

Charges: Assault of federal law enforcement officer with dangerous weapon; interference with law enforcement officer during civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding; unlawful entry on restricted grounds; disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Wilmar Jeovanny Montano Alvarado

FBI

The Houston man was arrested Jan. 26 after he admitted to a Houston news station that he participated in the riots, according to the FBI.

He told the reporter that he was at the edge of the Capitol building barricade when people started pushing past it so he "joined in." However, a video later posted on YouTube showed Alvarado battling with police at the entrance of the building, a statement of facts said.

He was hit multiple times by a police baton and pepper sprayed as well as being hit by a speaker thrown by someone in the crowd, the FBI said.

Charges: Restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct; civil disorders; assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers of employees; and obstruction of official proceedings

Treniss Jewell Evans III

The Canyon Lake man was arrested after a tipster told the FBI that Evans was allegedly taking shots of Fireball inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the Capitol riot, the FBI said.

A friend of the Evans family told the FBI that Evans had taken videos on his cell phone at the Capitol. Surveillance footage later showed Evans entering the Capitol through a broken window and staying inside for about 20 minutes, the Express-News reported.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct.

Katherine Staveley Schwab

FBI

The Colleyville real estate agent was arrested on Feb. 2 after surveillance footage showed Schwab in the crowd inside the Capitol, according to the FBI.

According to a statement of facts, Schwab flew on a private plane from Denton to Washington, D.C., with Jason Hyland and Jenna Ryan, both of whom have also been arrested in connection with the riot. On Facebook, Schwab described what it was like inside the Capitol and said rioters only "raised hell" once Capitol police shot and killed a woman, according to the FBI.

When the FBI interviewed her, she said that, because of her "small stature," she was pushed into the Capitol by the crowds.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Jason Lee Hyland

FBI

The 37-year-old Colleyville man was arrested on Feb. 2 after surveillance footage showed Hyland inside the Capitol, the FBI said.

According to a statement of facts, Hyland flew a private plane from Denton to Washington, D.C., with Katherine Staveley Schwab and Jenna Ryan, both of whom have also been arrested in connection with the riot. Hyland told investigators, he asked a Capitol police officer if he could go inside the building and the officer replied "everyone else is," the FBI said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Daniel Goodwyn

FBI

A self-proclaimed member of the Proud Boys from Cornith was arrested on Jan. 29 after appearing on another suspect's livestream video, according to a criminal complaint

Officials said Goodwyn can be seen and is called by name in a video taken by Anthime Joseph Gionet, also known as "Baked Alaska." Gionet has also been arrested on charges stemming from the Capitol riots. Goodwyn was escorted out of the Capitol, calling the officer who escorted him out an oathbreaker and yelled for rioters to take the officers badge number as he left, the criminal complaint said.

On Instagram, Goodwyn said he was inside the Capitol but only stayed for a few minutes and didn't break anything.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Nolan Cooke

FBI

The 22-year-old man from Savoy was arrested on Jan. 21 after three people informed the FBI about Snapchat photos that showed Cooke "helped lead the charge of rioters breaking through the police gates," officials said.

Cooke recorded the incident on a GoPro around his neck before posting video to Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, an arrest affidavit said. He also posted photos of himself and an unnamed girlfriend with the caption I wouldnt want anyone other than you with me to take on the revolution," the affidavit said.

He told officials that he went to the Capitol because he wanted to be heard, according to the affidavit.

Charges: Acts during civil disorder; entering/remaining on restricted buildings or grounds and disorderly/ disruptive conduct in or near restricted buildings or grounds; unlawful activities on Capitol grounds

Tam Dinh Pham

FBI

Pham, a Houston police officer, was arrested on Jan. 20 after telling FBI agents that he only went into the Capitol to "see history," not to vandalize or be violent, according to a statement of facts.

The 18-year veteran initially told officials that he went to Washington D.C. for business reasons. When officials asked to look through his phone, they found deleted photos and videos of him inside the Capitol, the court documents said.

He told officials he only looked at the art in the Capitol, took some photographs and left after 15 minutes, according to the court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Joshua Loller

FBI

The Spring man was arrested on Jan. 15 after a tipster showed police photos and video from Loller's Facebook account of him inside the Capitol confronting Metropolitan police officers, a statement of facts said.

An officer's body camera footage also shows Loller on the front lines fighting with police to enter the Capitol, according to the court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds; obstructing or impeding law enforcement officer during civil disorder and obstructing federally protected functions

Christopher Ray Grider

FBI

The Bruceville-Eddy man and owner of Kissing Tree Vineyards was arrested Jan. 21 in Austin after telling a Waco TV station that he was in the Capitol during the riots. He told reporters that he was within feet of Ashli Babbitt, the woman was who killed by Capitol police outside the House chambers, an arrest affidavit said. During his TV interview, Grider said "The president asked people to come and show their support. I feel like it's the least we can do, it's kind of why I came from central Texas all the way to D.C."

Officials also believe Grider handed a man a black helmet that was then used to break the glass doors of the Capitol in which Babbitt eventually attempted to jump through. Video footage shows Grider trying to push and kick the doors open, the affidavit said.

He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and taken to Washington D.C. for arraignment.

Charges: Government property or contracts; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Chance Anthony Uptmore and James "Sonny" Uptmore

FBI

The San Antonio father and son were arrested Jan. 26 after a tipster told the FBI about comments and photos on Chance's Facebook page detailing his time inside the Capitol. Chance had posted that the violence was "minimal" and that he was trying to help the police stop other rioters, a criminal complaint said. Images of him inside the Capitol were captured by news coverage of the event.

Chance later admitted to authorities that he and his father James entered the Capitol because they were "caught up in the crowd and it was a once in a lifetime event," according to court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Daniel D. Phipps

FBI

The Dallas-area man was arrested Jan. 26 after a witness told Fort Worth police about a photo Phipps posted on Facebook inside the Capitol with an American flag draped over his shoulder, a criminal complaint said. Under the photo, Phipps wrote a comment that he was in Washington, D.C., and "helped take the Hill."

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Nicholas DeCarlo

FBI

The 30-year-old Burleson man was arrested on Jan. 26 after he gave an interview to the Los Angeles Times on Jan. 13 in which he admitted to being in the Capitol with another man named Nicholas Ochs, who has also been arrested by the FBI, a statement of facts said. DeCarlo said the two men were working as journalists but neither are listed as a credentialed reporter with the House or Senate Periodical Press Gallery. In a photo from Jan. 6, DeCarlo is wearing a shirt that says "Murder the Media," standing next to the same message etched into a Capitol wall, court documents said.

According to court documents, photos were posted to Twitter that showed him smoking in the Capitol with Ochs. Additional videos were posted on Twitter of Ochs and Decarlo speaking about how they were able to "stop the steal" by storming the Capitol, the FBI said.

Charges: Obstructing or impeding any official proceeding; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; parading or demonstrating on Capitol grounds

Garret Miller

FBI

Miller was arrested Jan. 20 after surveillance footage purportedly shows the Dallas-area man was part of the group that first stormed the U.S. Capitol, a statement of facts said. Miller also detailed his activities inside the building on social media, including a video posted to his public Twitter account and photos on Facebook with "just wanted to incriminate myself a little lol" as a caption, according to officials.

Miller also made threats on Twitter, saying it was "hunting season" and called for the assassination of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, officials said. He also threatened the officer who fatally shot a rioter inside the Capitol, saying supporters should "hug his neck with a nice rope," according to officials.

CHARGES: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstructing or impeding any official proceeding; certain acts during lawful civil disorder

Matthew Carl Mazzocco

FBI

The 37-year-old San Antonio man was arrested Jan. 17 after purported videos of him at the Capitol appeared on TikTok.

Multiple tipsters led officials to Mazzocco after he posted photos from the Capitol on Facebook, including in a group for a youth sports league. Twitter users also tagged the San Antonio FBI account with videos of Mazzocco inside the Capitol, where he was "telling others not to take or destroy anything, and that they were probably going to get in trouble for what they were doing," a statement of facts said.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Larry Rendall Brock

FBI

The Grapevine man was arrested Jan. 10 after his ex-wife called the FBI to say she recognized him in a photo inside the Capitol building wearing a patch and pilot wings from his military service.

A YouTube video showed a man resembling Brock's driver's license photo walking out of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office wearing a military-style helmet, body armor and holding flex-cuffs, according to the criminal complaint.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Jenny Louise Cudd and Eliel Rosa

FBI

Cudd and Rosa were arrested Jan. 12.

Officials said the two were seen on surveillance footage entering the Capitol and taking photos of the rotunda before walking around outside the upper House doors. Cudd streamed a live video and Rosa posted pictures on Facebook from inside the Capitol, the FBI said. Cudd also participated in an interview with a Texas TV station in which she described what happened, saying we the Patriots did storm the U.S. Capitol," documents said. Later, when questioned, the FBI said Rosa admitted to entering the Capitol.

CHARGES: Entering a restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct

Anthime Joseph Gionet

Gionet, known as "Baked Alaska" on social media, was arrested in Houston on Jan. 15 after livestreaming his time inside the Capitol.

Gionet livestreamed for 27 minutes and posted on social media sites DLive, YouTube and Twitter, documents show.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Daniel Page Adams

FBI

Adams was arrested Jan. 16 in East Texas after posting about the riot on Facebook, the FBI said.

Adams and his cousin Cody Page Carter Connell posted video on social media showing them pushing toward a line of Capital police officers and Adams "physically engaging with officers," documents show. Adams was clubbed and shot with rubber bullets, the FBI said.

CHARGES: Assaulting a federal officer; obstructing law enforcement engaged in official duties; incident to civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Alex Kirk Harkrider and Ryan Nichols

FBI

Harkrider, 30, of Converse and Nichols, 32, of Longview were identified by friends on Facebook.

Witnesses shared photos and videos from Nichols' Facebook page and Snapchat account that showed the two inside the Capitol. One photo depicts them standing in front of smashed windows at Pelosi's office, a criminal complaint said.

Nichols was carrying a can of pepper spray and a crowbar while Harkrider carried a baton, the FBI said. Nichols also pepper-sprayed law enforcement, according to the FBI.

They were arrested Jan. 18 in East Texas.

CHARGES: Conspiracy and unlawful entry with a dangerous weapon; violent entry or disorderly conduct; assaulting a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon; aiding and abetting

Guy Wesley Reffitt

FBI

Video from Reuters and Fox News show the Wylie resident being pepper sprayed by police.

According to an arrest affidavit, Reffitt's son told officials he took his gun to the Capitol to "protect the country." His son also told officials that Reffitt said he "would have no option but to do what he had to do" and threatened to shoot his family if they turned him into the authorities, the FBI said.

He was arrested Jan. 18.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstruction of justice

Troy Anthony Smocks

Smocks posted on the social media platform Parler that he would be at the Capitol and planned on returning Jan. 19 with far-right groups that would "come in numbers that no standing army or police agency can match," FBI documents show.

According to the FBI, Smocks also told his social media followers they needed to "hunt theses cowards down like the traitors that each of them are." He also said to target certain groups, including democrats.

He was arrested Jan. 15.

CHARGES: Threats in interstate commerce

Jenna Ryan

FBI

The Frisco real estate agent, who took a private plane to Washington, D.C., was arrested Jan. 15 after livestreaming herself at the Capitol calling it the "best day of her life," the FBI said.

One video posted before the riots, Ryan is talking to a bathroom mirror saying "We're going to go down and storm the Capitol. They're down there right now and that's why we came and so that's what we are going to do. So wish me luck," a statement of facts said. Later, as she was inside the Capitol, she said "Y'all know who to hire for your realtor, Jenna Ryan for your realtor," the court documents said.

After her arrest, she asked Trump to pardon her, CBS11 reported. She told the news station "I dont feel a sense of shame or guilty from my heart. I feel like I was basically following my president."

CHARGES: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for ExpressNews.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
Mumbai-based affordable housing finance company Home First Finance Company (HFFC) has decided to open its maiden public offer for subscription on January 21 with a price band at Rs 517-518 per share.

The Rs 1,153.72-crore public issue comprises a fresh issue of Rs 265 crore and an offer for sale of Rs 888.72 crore by promoters and existing shareholders.

The offer for sale consists of Rs 435.61 crore worth of shares by promoter True North Fund V LLP, Rs 291.28 crore shares by promoter Aether (Mauritius), and Rs 120.46 crore by investor Bessemer India Capital Holdings II, Rs 28.43 crore by PS Jayakumar, and Rs 12.92 crore by Manoj Viswanathan, as per the information available in newspapers.

This will be the third IPO in 2021 after IRFC, which is at present open for subscription, and Indigo Paints, which will open on January 20.

HFFC has reduced its fresh issue size to Rs 265 crore from Rs 344.08 crore due to its pre-IPO placement. The company has undertaken a preferential allotment of over 22.40 lakh equity shares to Orange Clove Investments B.V., an affiliate of the global private equity funds managed by Warburg Pincus at a price of Rs 334.72 per share, for a consideration of Rs 75 crore, in October last year.

The company has also undertaken a preferential allotment of 1.22 lakh equity shares to its employees at a same price, for a consideration of Rs 4.08 crore in November last year.

In March last year, Home First Finance Company had received the approval from Sebi to launch its initial public offering.

The public issue will close on January 25. The bids can be made for a minimum of 28 equity shares an in multiples of 28 shares thereafter.

Founded in 2010, HFFC is a technology-driven, affordable housing finance company, providing home loans to customers from low and middle-income groups. Over the last 10 years, Home First has sanctioned home loans to more than 50,000 customers in 60 districts, across 11 states and 1 union territory.

As of September 2020, the company had an AUM of Rs 3,730 crore with a net worth of Rs 988 crore and gross non-performing assets of 0.74 percent.

HFFC reported a 44.1 percent year-on-year growth in profit at Rs 52.95 crore for the six-month period ended September 2020, on a revenue of Rs 88.2 crore which increased by 36.9 percent YoY. In the financial year 2019-20, profit rose by 75.3 percent to Rs 79.25 crore and revenue jumped 45.4 percent to Rs 151.27 crore compared to the previous year.

Gujarat state contributed the maximum at 39 percent to gross loan assets of the company, followed by Maharashtra (21 percent), Tamil Nadu (10.5 percent), Karnataka (9.3 percent), Rajasthan (5.1 percent) and Telangana (5.0 percent).

Earlier this month, global private equity firm Warburg Pincus raised its stake in Home First Finance Company by 5.03 percent to 30.62 percent.

Axis Capital, Credit Suisse Securities (India), ICICI Securities and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company are the book running lead managers to 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.


Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken speaks after being introduced by President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Del., on Nov. 24, 2020. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Senate Panels to Consider First Batch of Bidens Cabinet Picks

Five Senate panels will hear from President-elect Joe Biden nominees, one day before Biden is slated to be sworn into office.

Biden and his team have urged the Senate to quickly confirm his nominees, especially picks for key Cabinet posts, as the administration looks to accomplish much in its first 100 days.

The Senate was out of session until Tuesday and is controlled by Republicans until Georgia Senate nominees Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, and the replacement for Kamala Harris are sworn in later this month.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will hear from Avril Haines, Bidens choice for director of national intelligence. The Senate Finance Committee will question Janet Yellen, the Treasury secretary nominee. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will consider Tony Blinken, chosen to be secretary of state. Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security nominee, will appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. And retired Gen. Lloyd Austin will answer queries during a Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing.

Im hopeful by later this week we will see a core team of his secretary of defense, secretary of homeland security, secretary of the treasury, secretary of state confirmed, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Conn.), a top Biden ally in Congress, said on CNNs New Day.

Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen speaks during an event to name President-elect Joe Bidens economic team at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Del., on Dec. 1, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said last week he spoke with Yellen ahead of the confirmation hearing and expressed concern that overregulation and tax hikes would slow job growth and economic recovery.

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) praised Yellen as the right person to help get our economy back on track and said a meeting with her earlier this month was fruitful.

Blinkens prepared remarks were published by news outlets before the hearing. He plans to tell senators that the State Department needs to be reinvigorated and will revitalize American diplomacy to take on the most pressing challenges of our time.

Well engage the world not as it was, but as it is. A world of rising nationalism, receding democracy, growing rivalry with China, Russia, and other authoritarian states, mounting threats to a stable and open international system, and a technological revolution that is reshaping every aspect of our lives, especially in cyberspace. For all that has changed, some things remain constant. American leadership still matters. The reality is that the world doesnt organize itself, he plans to say.

Bidens nominees have been well-received by Democrats and some Republicans, likely leading to a smooth confirmation process for many. A simple majority vote in the upper chamber is required to confirm nominees. Republicans and Democrats will soon have 50 senators each, following the swearing-ins of Warnock, Ossoff, and Alex Padilla, who was tapped to replace Harris as she assumes the vice presidency.
With a net worth of about 136 billion, Elon Musk was this month crowned the richest man on the planet.

It has been a dramatic rise to the top for Musk, with his wealth increasing fivefold in 2020, finally pushing Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, who had held the title since 2017, into second place.

The Tesla founder is one of a new breed of technology billionaires who dominate the rich list.

And as they have grown richer, so have the investors who backed them. So should you follow the world's richest people to grow your own wealth?

Thumbs up: With a net worth of about 136bn, Elon Musk (pictured) is the richest man on the planet

NEW MONEY

America's rich list has changed dramatically over the past century, as oil and cars gave way to the internet boom.

Companies such as Facebook, Uber and Microsoft joined the stock market, turning their founders into multi-billionaires.

The term 'unicorn' is now used to describe a start-up company valued at more than $1 billion. But the phenomenon hasn't been confined to the U.S.

In China, former English teacher Jack Ma has become one of the country's richest citizens after founding Alibaba  China's answer to Amazon.

Closer to home, Matt Moulding, 48, became Britain's newest billionaire when his online retail business, The Hut Group, joined the stock market last year.

The Hut Group chief executive Matthew Moulding (pictured with wife Jodie) took his company public in September in one of the biggest listings on the London Stock Exchange in years

The Hut Group's IPO (initial public offering) was the biggest stock market debut in London for seven years, valuing it at 4.5 billion.

The launch reportedly made millionaires of dozens of employees who had been given shares as a reward for their loyalty.

SHARED WEALTH

Compared with their predecessors, today's technology moguls are far more likely to take their companies 'public' on the stock market.

In theory, that's good for all of us, not least because it means their profits can be shared with everyday investors (including pension funds) rather than only a lucky few.

These unicorns often generate much excitement among investors, many of whom like the idea of backing a company run by a visionary founder.

'The upside of a company run by a large shareholder is that their interests are in theory aligned with those of the private investor,' says Russ Mould, of investment platform AJ Bell.

'Everyone wants the company to do well and the shares to gain in value or even pay dividends.'

But having the firm's fortunes riding on one person comes with risks, too. Elon Musk, in particular, has made headlines with his occasionally erratic behaviour - including his infamous remark that Tesla was 'overvalued'.

When Musk made the comment on social media in May last year, Tesla's share price tumbled by 10 per cent as investors pulled billions from the company.

Tech legends: The term 'unicorn' is used to describe a start-up company valued at more than $1 billion

Some investors also worry about the corporate structures of unicorns, which often place enormous amounts of executive power in the hands of their founders.

Facebook, for example, uses a 'dual-class' share structure, which means that public investors have less voting power than company insiders.

'These structures raise the risk of entrepreneurs treating firms as private piggy banks, or taking decisions which suit themselves in the short term but not everyone in the long term,' says Mr Mould.

Rock and roll fan and former English teacher Jack Ma has become one of China's richest citizens after founding Alibaba - the nation's answer to Amazon

TREAD WARILY

Ultimately, though, those concerns haven't prevented unicorn shares from soaring in value  making them a tempting prospect for investors.

The likes of Amazon and Tesla have rocketed in value over the past year. And shares in Manchester-based The Hut Group have risen by 30 per cent in four months.

But Graham Campbell, from Saracen Fund Managers, says investors shouldn't assume these trends will continue for ever.

He says: 'It is understandable that fast-growing companies achieve high valuations - but it is much harder for big companies to grow at the same rate.'

Mr Mould adds that investors looking to 'back the billionaires' should first ask themselves four questions: 'Do I understand the business? Does it have a strong competitive position? Does management have integrity? And do the shares come at a sensible valuation?

'If the answer is 'yes', then the shares may be right for you, providing they fit with your time horizon and risk appetite.'

Buying shares in any company is considered a higher-risk investment and should always be part of a balanced portfolio.

This is particularly true for Tesla, whose staggering 700 per cent rise has baffled many market-watchers.

Most experienced investors would be extremely nervous about holding more than 5 per cent of their money in any one company.

If you do decide to invest in the technology billionaires, it's worth checking that you don't already hold their shares  particularly if you own equity funds.

More than 20 per cent of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust is invested in Tesla, Amazon and Alibaba.

The fund would have turned a 10,000 investment into 49,000 (before fees) over the past five years.

And it's a similar story with Baillie Gifford's American Fund  the most popular fund for UK investors last year  which would have turned the same investment into 59,000.

For more cautious investors, these funds might provide a better way to back the likes of Elon Musk without risking too much.
By Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton LONDON (Reuters) - More than 20 shellfish trucks parked on roads near the British parliament and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street residence on Monday to protest against post-Brexit bureaucracy that has throttled exports to the European Union. Many fishermen have been unable to export to the EU since catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations were introduced at the start of this year, delaying their deliveries and prompting European buyers to reject them. Trucks with slogans such as "Brexit carnage" ...
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - African countries should quickly address the infrastructure deficit in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), said Stephen Karingi, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as part of the sixth week of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA)
A collection of see-saws that briefly allowed children on both sides of the US-Mexico border wall to play together has won a prize from Londons Design Museum.

The three pink see-saws were installed through the slats of the wall, with one seat in El Paso, Texas, and the other in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The artwork was put up on July 28, 2019, and removed from the politically charged border barrier after less than an hour.

The Design Museum named the project as the overall winner of the Beazley Designs of the Year competition for 2020, which considered 74 projects by designers from around the world.

Teeter-Totter Wall was designed by California architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello with help from Colectivo Chopeke, an artists collective in Juarez.

It encouraged new ways of human connection and struck a chord that continues to resonate far beyond El Paso in the USA and Juarez in Mexico, museum director Tim Marlow said in announcing the prize.

It remains an inventive and poignant reminder of how human beings can transcend the forces that seek to divide us.

The see-saws were installed amid the heated debate over US President Donald Trumps plan to build a wall along the almost 2,000-mile US-Mexico border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

We thought this would be a moment to show to the world a very important reality of the border, which is that the border isnt a desolate place where no one lives, Mr Rael, a professor of architecture at the University of California told a university publication in 2019.

This is a world where women live and children live and that we can use play as a kind of vehicle for activism.
Riley June Williams, a Capitol rioter from Pennsylvania, was accused of stealing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's computer and allegedly planned to sell it to Russian intelligence, court documents revealed on Monday.

The 22-year-old woman allegedly told a former "romantic partner" about her plans with Pelosi's stolen computer, the document stated.

Riley June Williams was charged with disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds with the intent to disturb a session of Congress and other charges after her ex tipped the authorities about her activity.

The affidavit also details Williams' apparent plan with Pelosi's stolen laptop and how it would be conveyed to a Russian contact, who would then contact U.S. officials, reported The Verge.

After she surrendered to authorities in her home in Pennsylvania, Williams was arrested, a law enforcement official confirmed on late Monday.

Related story: 'Traitors Get Shot': Texas Man in Capitol Riot Threatens to Shoot Children If They Turn Him In

Riley June Williams was first identified by U.K. media ITV News over the weekend, and authorities had her identification matched with her driver's license photo through the state's Department of Transportation. Her parents were also interviewed in person.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also looking into laptop theft claims, but there appears to be no indication of any case happening in the speaker's office. In light of that, she was not charged for that allegation, reported New York Post.

Witness Claims Transfer of Pelosi's 'Stolen Computer' Fell Through

The ex, who was described by the FBI as W1 (witness one), called the authorities and said Williams "intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia's foreign intelligence service."

However, the computer transfer to Russia "fell through for unknown reasons," and Riley June Williams either still has the laptop with her or destroyed it, the document stated.

Special Agent Jonathan Lund reiterated that the device and the circumstances related to Williams' activity at the time of the riot are still under investigation.

Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, confirmed on Twitter that the laptop was stolen from a conference room during the January 6 siege, and it was "only used for presentations."

Riley June Williams Seen Directing Rioters to Pelosi's Office

Riley June Williams was notably seen on public videos of the attack as she directed rioters to the general direction on Pelosi's office.

She was heard yelling "upstairs, upstairs, upstairs" to other rioters and was also seen pushing them in towards the speaker's office. This falls consistent with claims that she had intentions to ransack the office.

An ITV News report described Riley June Williams as "disciplined, focused, with a sense of urgency, directing people up a staircase."

Device theft in government is a significant concern for federal I.T. workers, especially in the wake of the Capitol riot that broke many security procedures in Congress, said a report from NBC News.

Getting any device stolen or tampered with after the attack would be a "nightmare scenario" for these workers.

Read also: First Lady Melania Trump Talks About Legacy in Farewell Message

"I don't think I'd sleep well until the networks were rebuilt from scratch and every computer wiped and the internals visually inspected before being put back into service," a former House I.T. official said in a tweet.

Another one arrested in connection to the Capitol attack was New Mexico county official Couy Griffin, reported NBC Washington.

He was identified as a founder of the group Cowboys for Trump, who vowed to go back to the Capitol to place a flag on Pelosi's desk.

The Otero County Commissioner was arrested on charges of illegally entering the U.S. Capitol. A video on his personal Facebook page showed him in the Capitol's restricted areas, an affidavit said.
The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost.
The new configure price and quote (CPQ) software market research from Technavio indicates positive growth in the short term as the business impact of COVID-19 spreads.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005606/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Configure Price And Quote (CPQ) Software Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Get detailed insights on the COVID-19 pandemic Crisis and Recovery analysis of the configure price and quote (CPQ) software market.

Get FREE report sample within MINUTES

"One of the primary growth drivers for this market is the Increasing Need for Higher Productivity," says a senior analyst for the Information Technology industry at Technavio.

CPQ software assists the sales management staff in enhancing their productivity by lowering the reliance on paperwork and documentation. It increases the speed of pricing and configuration processes and helps organizations decrease their overall costs. Additionally, the cloud-based CPQ software also helps organizations save time as well. Moreover, the software can also be used to manage legacy system integration, overcome management challenges, and remove pricing data variations.

As the markets recover, Technavio expects the configure price and quote (CPQ) software market size to grow by USD 1.14 billion during the period 2020-2024.

Configure Price and Quote (CPQ) Software Market Segment Highlights for 2020

The configure price and quote (CPQ) software market is expected to post a year-over-year growth rate of 13.45%.

The on-premise deployment of CPQ software offers features such as workflow streamlining and reporting. This software is suitable for large complex marketing functions because the software is robust and expensive.

On-premises CPQ software provides data execution across many business units, functions, or product lines. The biggest advantage of the on-premises software is that the organizations have complete control over their critical data.

Moreover, concerns among enterprises over data privacy and data and network security compel them to opt for on-premises CPQ software.

Market growth in this segment will be slower than the growth of the market in the cloud-based segment.

Regional Analysis

35% of the growth will originate from the North America region.

The growth of software companies, increasing use of third-party logistics, and the rising volume of trade and shipments carried by air, sea, railways, and roadways will significantly influence CPQ software market growth in this region.

The US is the key market for configure price and quote software in North America. Market growth in this region will be slower than the growth of the market in APAC.

Click here to learn about report detailed analysis and insights on how you can leverage them to grow your business.

Related Reports on Information Technology Include:

Global Retail E-Commerce Software Market: The retail e-commerce software market size has the potential to grow by USD 3.38 billion during 2020-2024, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period. To get extensive research insights: Click and Get FREE Sample Report in Minutes!

Workspace Management Software Market by Deployment and Geography Forecast and Analysis 2020-2024: The workspace management software market size has the potential to grow by USD 1.11 billion during 2020-2024, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period because of the steady increase in the year-over-year growth. To get extensive research insights: Click and Get FREE Sample Report in Minutes!

Notes:

The configure price and quote (CPQ) software market size is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of over 13% during the forecast period.

The configure price and quote (CPQ) software market is segmented by Deployment (on-premise and cloud-based) and Geographic Landscape (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America).

The market is fragmented due to the presence of many established vendors holding significant market share.

The research report offers information on several market vendors, including Accenture Plc, Apttus Corp., Aspire Technologies Inc., Cincom Systems Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Infor Inc., Oracle Corp., Salesforce.com Inc., SAP SE, and Sigma Systems Canada LP

Register for a free trial today to access 17,000+ market research reports using Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005606/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/
Sale: Anne Heraty, second from right, with The Edge, Elaine Coughlan, Atlantic Bridge and Mark Roden of Ding, launching Endeavor. Photo: Julien Behal

CPL Resources boss Anne Heraty and her husband Paul Carroll are understood to have lined up a sale of their majority-owned Trinity Care nursing home business for about 100m.

It comes just weeks after the deal to sell their CPL recruitment firm that will bag the couple a massive 110m.

Listed Belgian property investor Cofinimmo said yesterday that it has agreed to pay 93m for six nursing homes and a rehabilitation centre in Ireland.

The properties are still listed as being operated by Trinity Care. The company behind Trinity Care, Costern, also owned the seven properties which are located in Dublin, Cavan, Meath, Kildare and Louth. They have a total of 491 beds.

The total investment for the seven healthcare sites amounts to approximately 93m, noted Cofinimmo in a statement on its website last night.

All the sites are let to DomusVi, a leading operator in Europe. DomusVi Group, is among the leading providers of accommodation, assistance and care to people impaired due to age or illness in Europe, it added.

Read More

Paris-based DomusVi operates hundreds of nursing homes across, France, Spain, Portugal and Latin America. It established an Irish unit last November.

With more than 400 nursing homes and senior residential homes and 60 home-care agencies, DomusVi provides a comprehensive range of quality services to its 72,000 customers in Europe and Latin America. DomusVi has over 37,000 employees worldwide, noted Cofinimmo.

DomusVi is already a leading operator in several countries in Europe and we are pleased to be able to support them in their growth ambitions in Ireland, it added.

Ms Heraty and Mr Carroll originally bought into Trinity Care in 2012, backing the acquisition of the former Guardian Healthcare business by its ex-CEO, Keith Robinson. Mr Robinson is still listed as CEO of Trinity Care and is thought to have owned about 30pc of the business.

Cofinimmo said that it has also negotiated lease terms for the seven properties with DomusVi.

For each of the seven sites a triple net lease has been concluded for a fixed term of 15 years, it noted.

Ms Heraty and Mr Carroll agreed in November to sell CPL Resources to Japanese HR firm Outsourcing Inc for 318m. Neither Ms Heraty nor Mr Robinson were contactable yesterday evening.

The divorce filing between Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West is said to be coming sooner than later. Kim is said to be done with the marriage and Kanye is also reportedly distancing himself from the Kardashian family. Actor LisaRaye McCoy is praising Kim for supporting Kanye publicly through their difficult times.

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West | Angela Weiss / ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West are reportedly no longer in counseling and are moving forward with their divorce

Page Six reported on Jan. 5 that a divorce between the Wests was imminent. At the time, a source told the publication that Kim tried desperately to save their marriage throughout Kanyes public meltdowns in 2020.

However, a source alleged to multiple publications that an argument in Dec. 2020 proved to be Kims final straw. Kanye reportedly blew up on his wife and put the nail in the coffin.

Per Page Six, the soon to be divorced couple were in counseling to come to terms on a co-parenting agreement for their four children. Both Kim and Kanye allegedly agreed that the marriage was over and theyd been living separately for months  with Kim in LA and Kanye at his Wyoming ranch.

Source: YouTube

Related: Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West Are Reportedly in Counseling as a Final Attempt To Save Their Marriage

Now, The Jasmine Brand reports that the couple are no longer in counseling.

They are just not on the same page when it comes to their future as a family and Kim is OK with it, the source said. Kim knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to keep living in L.A., create the best life for the kids and focus on her work passions. Kim has become more independent and has lost patience with his antics, rants, the presidential campaign, and tweets.

The source added: The love story between Kim and Kanye has been over for a long time. They adored each other but have too many differences.

LisaRaye McCoy says Kim Kardashian West stood by Kanye West during difficult times

During a chat about Kim and Kanyes impending divorce filing on Out Loud with Claudia Jordan, McCoy, who is a co-host of the Cocktails with Queens segment, praised Kim for the way shes handled the drama surrounding her marriage throughout the past year.

You go through it wih your husband, they have a lot at stake here, they have four kids and I will say this  Kim has classily stayed with him because she could have really been spewing out some real ugliness because hes been doing so, McCoy said. But she has not, shes taken the high road. We know that they know how to control PR and shes definitely done that. She looks like the princess.

Source: YouTube

Related: How Many Times Has Kim Kardashian West Been Divorced?

McCoy further explains that its apparent through Kims actions that she does truly love and care for Kanye. She also notes that it must be difficult for Kim to watch Kanye deal with his bipolar disorder on such a public level.

Its unclear when the divorce between the two will come, or if it will, but McCoy says she believes Kim gave the marriage her all.

The 19th and final season of Keeping up with the Kardashians is set to begin airing on E! sometime this year.


I was personally attacked by Kevin's abs multiple times.



Edited at 2021-01-18 11:58 pm (UTC) I was personally attacked by Kevin's abs multiple times.

Reply

Thread

Link

hes so good looking!!!!???!!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

He is hot AF but dumb.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

He is so hot, and I thought he was gonna be our normal guy in, but hes a weirdo as well. At this point, the billionaire Kane is more relatable

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I texted this show to a friend, turns out her coworker knows him from his NYC days and he's a total try hard dumbass

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

he looks like it

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

A himbo! Ideal!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm on episode 3 and I don't understand the unmarried couple with kids. She wants to get married and he doesn't because of... reasons? You've already had children with this woman - when will be the 'right time'?!

Reply

Thread

Link

she has a promise ring, why does she need validation from her family?!!

jk I think I remember her from her pop star days.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Its sad because you can tell it means a lot to her and he is all 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I literally started watching this about fifteen minutes ago and came here to see if there was a post about it. I can't take it. Eat the rich.

Reply

Thread

Link

I would have thrown that DJ out the minute he went in my bedroom, grabbed my sex toy and threw it in the party room on the floor to embarrass me. Embarrass someone for what--for having sexual desire? What an asshole.



Edited at 2021-01-19 12:05 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

was that the famous hair stylist with her? I got confused?

fuck them for doing that. the level of disrespect!!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I was surprised that Anna didn't kick them both out for that.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Especially doing all that to the daughter of an arms dealer!!! They should be lucky she didnt order them to ~~disappear lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

That was so foul. Anna kept it cute but I'd be mad as hell.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I can't take the rich right now. If you wanna watch a show with Asian representation then watch Kim's Convenience. And yes I just finished binging it and it's so cute and nice and heartwarming.

Reply

Thread

Link



I agree, Kim's Convenience is comedy gold! I agree, Kim's Convenience is comedy gold!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I want to be Mrs. Kim. She's so bubbly and cold at the same time lol

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Yes!! I can't wait for season 5

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

kim's convenience is so underrated. i want to know what i have to do to get an appa and kimchee pop!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

itll be back next week and I cannot waaaait



my husband and I have made sneak attack part of our vocabulary

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Kim's Convenience is top. I want another season. T___T





sneak attack!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i just started it the other day and have spent like 90% of all free time bingeing tf out of it. i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve them so much

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think the time for programming like this has passed.

Reply

Thread

Link

I should clarify 'this; meaning: mindless wealth on display



Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This absolutely looks like something I'd love.

Reply

Thread

Link

Welp, the cheese stands alone in this post.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

nah, i'm enjoying it too. I mean, I was rewatching gossip girl, so it's not like flaunting wealth is offensive to me.

at least most of these people seem like nice people, unlike GG.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

It's a fun watch!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Watch it bb! It's normally something I'd love but... not right now lol.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

it's a fun, mindless watch



i enjoyed it

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Did I really wake up in a multiverse? I was just kidding but now Im not so sure.  Was this not a post already? 



Edited at 2021-01-19 12:09 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

Oops! In my pathetic defense this is a meet the cast lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Oh its ok. Idgaf. I was just trying to remember if I saw a post here or on another site I go on. Youre good. 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

the entire cast seems awful.

Reply

Thread

Link

Ugh this makes me so mad, how are they gonna say we're rich and FOBs in the same breath

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

idk if it's my place to speak, but it's obvious here that it isn't true. there are a couple of asian families that are well off or at least doing the most for their children so they will have opportunities they didn't, but I don't see snotty asians who act like white folks (who probably are far less well off). the asian families I've known have all run small businesses and worked their asses off 24/7. that deserves respect, not criticism. they fucking hustled their way to where they are. a few are wealthy and a few run small groceries and don't have money but have sent their kids to good schools. their kids don't return to the community though. most of those kids have amazing manners and aren't little shits. I can really only think of one, and he's the youngest in his family (and he still has a good job).

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yeah there's a reason why it's important to breakdown the data because the umbrella is so diverse. We have House of Ho which is about rich Vietnamese people but on average we make less than $60K a household. A lot of Southeast Asian women specifically make under 63 cents to a white man's dollar and even as low as 50cents.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

What a gross fucking thing for those people to say. Like bitch tf my apo didnt even have SHOES till she was 12 years old and she had to make them out of old tires and rope. When she immigrated to new zealand she had to hustle the fuuuuck out of it just to be able to feed the family. Deeply insulting to her deep and abiding resilience and strength for dumb ass ~woke white people to disregard that because theyre trying to be SO woke. like congrats on just replacing a stereotype with a new one??? Its just a way to continue reducing asian people to a monolith but still look like youre progressive because its a more positive stereotype

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This perception definitely exists in Australia. We have big issues with unaffordable housing and there is a belief among some people that Chinese people are to blame for it.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same thing in Canada, we've had an insane housing boom over the last 15 years and apparently it's fueled by rich Chinese people wanting to park their money somewhere the CCP can't touch it.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i have to wonder if this perception comes from people who don't live in/weren't raised in areas with prominent asian populations? because as someone who grew up in a city with large and distinct asian populations from various socioeconomic backgrounds, this perception that like all asians are monied doesn't exist where i come from.



Edited at 2021-01-19 02:35 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Lmao Ive never heard of this. Arent Vietnamese Americans like the poorest minority?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Lol might watch I love Guy Tang!

Reply

Thread

Link

He's mostly a background character but plays a role in one of the big moments.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I only realised it was Guy Tang after this comment. He's.. changed.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i haven't seen this show but i did see a screenshot from it of some girl being lifted and her pad on display



so there's that

Reply

Thread

Link

omg I saw that and thought "that looks like blood on her underwear", but was sure I was mistaken and it was fancy undergarments.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The editing is weird. Like idk why they would keep that in.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

this reminded me of when I was in high school and my older cousin was two grades ahead and on the yearbook committee



he had to go to some sports thing for our high school and this girl who rode my bus was there doing a dance routine so he was taking photos for the yearbook



she goes to do some back flips, so my cousin starts taking photos and the wings of her always pad are fluttering about with each flip



needless to say those photos did not make it into the yearbook

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I binged this show so hard a few days ago, omg, WHY ONLY 8 EPISODES. I need seasons and seasons on demand immediately.



Burn the rich etc, straight to the guillotine, no human should ever be a billionaire and even multi-millionaire is pushing it, but also i'm obsessed. Anna is an instant icon. I just want Kane to be my best friend. Kevin is hot af and super genuine (even though he was too pushy with Kelly like wtf chill out, and also according to twitter his net worth is about $19 million?!?! I guess he's the 'poor down to earth average guy' when all his friends are billionaires but come on)



Andrew is a classic toxic abusive manipulative gaslighting psycho asshole and 100% he's got physical with Kelly before, you can just tell. She is so trapped in this horrific abusive relationship. ESCAPE, KELLY, FOR FUCK'S SAKE ESCAPE.



Being friends with Anna would be like living in a dreamscape, she's so fun and generous and spontaneous. And 100% does not live in the real world by any wild stretch of the imagination. Not even in this universe, let alone planet.



But also how how how do people like this exist in this world. Nothing is fair. Nothing is right.



Edited at 2021-01-19 12:27 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

currently on episode 6 and these are all my feelings. so glad this post was basically reposted so I can talk about it. andrew is frightening. and anna is amazing, I would love to be her friend. she doesn't even have to buy me dior.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I neither like nor want dior, and find designer labels tacky afffff, so Anna needn't splash her dad's war mongering cash on me. I just want to hang out and chill at her nice house and be around her relaxing lowkey energy and listen to her sage words of wisdom unburdened from life's many real actual troubles.



Honestly want a restraining order against Andrew and I only know him through my laptop screen in this contrived ridiculous netflix show. He's that triggering.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Anna being completely bored and unimpressed by all of Christine's aggressive name dropping is *chefskiss*. It's like they say, if you grew up with money, all those brand names are nothing to brag about. It's just what you typically wear, and those designers are all your friends who just so happen to be very renown for their work.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

No way Kevin is worth even $1 million.



Andrew is terrifying!

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I think the Kevins net worth circulating online is def fake

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Andrew is such a weird bird-like creature. On top of being trash, his head is tiny

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

andrew gave me anxiety - i wish kelly could escape him

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm only on episode 1 but I immediately had to find this post because of Andrew lol



The way he is yelling at her on the phone omfg!!

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Love everyone acting brand new like reality celebs aren't usually attractive, horrible and wealthy people.



Edited at 2021-01-19 12:31 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

but these are asian celebs, so they feel put out NOW

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This show is great. It's about wealth obviously but there's a lot more to the story.

Reply

Thread

Link

thank you for saying this

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

IA the adoption storylines are super interesting for instance! and the cultural differences are also compelling. having strict af parents, I can relate to some of it regarding the shame and bs surrounding relationships/marriage.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
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.
Women sorting fish from Lake Malawi. Credit: Abigail Bennett

Scientists are urging global policymakers and funders to think of fish as a solution to food insecurity and malnutrition, and not just as a natural resource that provides income and livelihoods, in a newly-published paper in the peer-reviewed journal Ambio. Titled "Recognize fish as food in policy discourse and development funding," the paper argues for viewing fish from a food systems perspective to broaden the conversation on food and nutrition security and equity, especially as global food systems will face increasing threats from climate change.

The "Fish as Food" paper, authored by scientists and policy experts from Michigan State University, Duke University, Harvard University, World Bank and Environmental Defense Fund, among others, notes the global development community is not on track to meet goals for alleviating malnutrition. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the number of malnourished people in the world will increase from 678 million in 2018 to 841 million in 2030 if current trends continuean estimate not accounting for effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fish provide 17% of the animal protein consumed globally and are rich in micronutrients, essential fatty acids and protein essential for cognitive development and maternal and childhood health, especially for communities in developing countries where fish may be the only source of key nutrients. Yet fish is largely missing from key global food policy discussions and decision-making.

"Fish has always been food. But in this paper, we lay out an agenda for enhancing the role of fish in addressing hunger and malnutrition," says Abigail Bennett, assistant professor in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. "We are urging the international development community not only to see fish as food but to recognize fish as a nutrient-rich food that can make a difference for the well-being of the world's poor and vulnerable. What kinds of new knowledge, policies and interventions will be required to support that role for fish?" she adds.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, does not mention fisheries or aquaculture by name, nor does it offer specific guidance on fish production systems. Fish also appear underrepresented in international development funding priorities, such as by the World Bank, the paper finds.

"Fishand aquatic foods in generalare largely ignored in the food policy dialogue," says Kristin Kleisner, lead senior scientist for Environmental Defense Fund Oceans program and a co-author of the paper. "This is a huge oversight, as fish offer a critical source of nutrition unparalleled by any other type of food, and it is often the only source of key nutrients for vulnerable populations around the world.

"By refocusing on nutrition, in addition to the many other benefits fisheries provide, we're amplifying a call to action for governments, international development organizations and society more broadly to invest in the sustainability of capture fisheries and aquaculture," adds Kleisner.

"Fisheries will be ever more important as the world faces mounting challenges to feed itself," says Kelly Brownell, director of the World Food Policy Center at Duke University.

Global policymakers and funders framing fish as food, the authors state, can encourage innovative policies and actions to support the role of fish in global food and nutrition security.

The paper identifies four pillars of suggested action to begin framing fish as food, not just a natural resource. These pillars are:

Improve metrics. There is currently a paucity of metrics to assess and communicate the contributions of fish to food and nutrition security. Governments and researchers can collaborate to develop better tools to raise the profile of fish in broader food and nutrition security policies and investment priorities. Promote nutrition-sensitive fish food systems. Current management regimes emphasize the "maximum sustainable yield" for a given fishery. Managing for "optimal nutritional yield" would focus on not just rebuilding and conserving fish populationsan important goal in and of itselfbut also on sustainably managing nutrient-rich fisheries. Govern distribution. Availability, access and stability are key features of food and nutrition security. Even though fish is one of the most traded food commodities in the world, there is limited information about its distribution and links to nutrition security. There is also a need to promote equitable distribution of capital and property rights to access fisheries, particularly that recognize the importance of small-scale fisheries and roles women play in fishing and aquaculture sectors. Situate fish in a food systems framework. Policymakers need the tools to conceptualize fishing and aquaculture as components of the food systems framework. A "fish as food" framing requires a better understanding of the connections among fish production and distribution, terrestrial agriculture and planetary health.

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture are key to feeding the world and alleviating malnutrition and already provide valuable nutrition and livelihood contributions. Including a nutrition lens when illustrating the multiple benefits of sustainable fisheries production can help to elevate the importance and impact of fish as a key component of the global food system and to ensure that we do not fall behind in global food security targets.

More information: Abigail Bennett et al. Recognize fish as food in policy discourse and development funding, Ambio (2021). Journal information: AMBIO Abigail Bennett et al. Recognize fish as food in policy discourse and development funding,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01451-4
Representative Image

The Centre is looking to create special windows for strategically important investors so that big-ticket foreign direct investments (FDI) can be processed quicker.

The planned special window will serve strategically important investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds investing Rs 3,000 crore in a single transaction, sources told the Business Standard.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

The special window will provide investors with the government response within three days to fast-track the process. It will also act as a point of contact for investors and the concerned ministry or department, sources added. They said this is likely to be announced in the Union Budget 2021.

The window will also be available for investors to take up pending approvals, which will be tracked and resolved by the Department of Economic Affairs every 14 days, sources added.

FDI approvals take one to three months for approval depending on the sector of investment  the special window will reduce the timeframe significantly, a senior government official told the paper. Adding: The strategy was devised for a more proactive approach to handhold investors and help them get approvals from abroad.

Apart from this, liberalising the FDI policy is being considered and an announcement will be made in due course, he added.

The development comes while the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trades (DPIIT) single window for domestic and foreign investors in manufacturing (not covering strategic investments), is also in the works.

The move should boost sovereign and pension fund investments in India, according to Rajesh Gandhi, partner, Deloitte India.
Public school enrollment in Louisiana has dropped by 2.3%  nearly 17,000 students  during the coronavirus pandemic, state officials said Tuesday.

Nearly half of the decrease is among students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. However, drops also appeared in the number of students in grades 1-7.

"Families just aren't sending their kids to school in these lowest grades," state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said.

The issue surfaced during a committee meeting of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which sets policy for the public schools that educate about 700,000 children.

The latest snapshot is based on the Oct. 1 headcount of students, one of two done annually. The next one takes place in February.

Brumley and others noted that the drop here mirrors national trends.

A survey done by The Associated Press and Chalkbeat showed public school enrollment is down about 2% among 33 states that responded.

Louisiana is 15th among the 33 states with a decline of 2.3%.

"We are right in line with the national number," Brumley noted.

Mississippi showed the largest decline at 4.8%. Enrollment dropped 2.89% in Texas and 1.34% in Arkansas.

The average decline is 2%, according to the survey.

Enrollment in Louisiana totals 699,625 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2020-21 school year, a decline of 16,791 students.

"Not only are we navigating school operations during a pandemic but Louisiana was also impacted by a historically active hurricane season," Brumley said in a statement that accompanied the state report.

"Public school enrollment is down across the nation, and ours would have dropped much more if not for the efforts of educators to offer meaningful instruction," he said.

Louisiana teachers deserve priority for coronavirus vaccine, state education chief says State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said Tuesday he has asked top state health officials to prioritize Louisiana's roughly 166,000 

"We are working with systems as they engage families and collect updated enrollment information for our second student count of the school year, which will take place in February," Brumley said. "I'm confident more families will return to our public schools when all systems safely resume face-to-face instruction."

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

The Calcasieu Parish School District, which includes public schools in Lake Charles, suffered $300 million of damages when Hurricane Laura struck last year.

Lake Charles schools suffer $300 million in damages from Hurricane Laura, superintendent says The Lake Charles public school system sustained about $300 million in damages when Hurricane Laura struck southwest Louisiana on Aug. 27, educ

About 60% of public school students are attending in-person classes. The rest are relying on virtual learning or a combination of virtual and in-person instruction.

Officials said that, based on state and national reports, concern over the merits of virtual instruction is one reason for the drop in enrollment among younger students.

Worries about student safety is another factor.

Parents have reported that they were moving out of state, opting for homeschooling or moving their children to a private school.

The ranks of pre-kindergarten students is down 4,361, or 15.9%. Kindergarten enrollment is down 3,649, or 6.7%. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten decreases account for 48% of the overall slide.

Fifth graders showed the biggest decline among the other levels, 6.1%.

Enrollment rose for students in grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

The number of 11th graders is up 5.5%, the biggest increase in the state.

Public school operations have been in flux since March, 2020. Classrooms statewide were closed then during the early stages of the pandemic. That forced educators to rely on virtual learning amid major gaps in the number of students with access to computers or tablets and internet at home.

The 2020-21 school year has been marked by improved access to computers and internet but schools have halted traditional instruction periodically amid upticks in the coronavirus.

Holly Boffy, a BESE member who lives in Lafayette, said Louisiana's overall drop is manageable.

"This is really encouraging compared to what it could be," Boffy said.
Who will be the next CM of Assam? Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa Sarma?

Congress to contest 2021 Assam assembly polls in alliance with 5 parties

India

oi-Deepika S

Guwahati, Jan 19: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday said it will contest the forthcoming Assam assembly polls in alliance with five parties to oust the ruling BJP from power.

APCC president Ripun Bora said following discussions with various parties, it has been decided that the Congress will join hands with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the Anchalik Gana Morcha.

"Our doors are open for all anti-BJP parties and we invite the regional parties to join hands with us against our fight to remove the ruling party from power," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

The Congress has taken the lead to oust all communal forces in the best interest of the nation, he said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 19:33 [IST]


Federal prosecutors are preparing to charge a 22-year-old woman with felony theft for allegedly taking a laptop from Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office, and they're urging a Harrisburg-area judge to deny her bail.

Riley June Williams  who was already facing misdemeanor charges for her presence in the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attacks, while insurrectionists and rioters swarmed the building  was arrested Monday after first fleeing police. The initial evidence against her included witness testimony suggesting Riley had told friends she planned to sell Pelosi's laptop to Russian intelligence.

But the first batch of charges did not include the theft, which the FBI indicated remains under investigation.

By elevating the case against Williams, prosecutors are indicating they believe she is the culprit behind the theft of a laptop from Pelosi's office, despite conflicting indications from other rioters and social media posts. Aides to Pelosi say the laptop was only used for presentations.

The impending new charges are an indication of the fast-moving efforts by prosecutors to build on some of the quick initial charges they lodged against Capitol rioters. FBI and Justice Department officials indicated they mounted quick cases to round up some of the insurrectionists and participants in the riots and intended to add more serious charges over time.

A hearing on whether Williams should be detained while awaiting trial is scheduled for Thursday. Williams' attorney Lori Ulrich protested the delay, noting that her client has remained in jail since Monday.

According to the initial case against Williams, a former romantic partner who spoke to authorities claimed to have seen a video of Williams "taking a laptop computer or hard drive from Speaker Pelosis office."

"[Witness 1] stated that WILLIAMS intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russias foreign intelligence service," the agent noted. "According to [Witness 1], the transfer of the computer device to Russia fell through for unknown reasons and WILLIAMS still has the computer device or destroyed it."

Story continues

"This matter remains under investigation," the agent concluded.

For now, Williams is facing charges of entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct for her actions inside the Capitol.

The agent handling Williams' case also spoke to law enforcement officials in Harrisburg who had recently interacted with Williams' parents. Williams' mother on Jan. 11 filed a suspicious persons report against the person the FBI has identified as "Witness 1." That witness is described as a former romantic partner of the suspect.

While local officers were present, Williams' mother called her via video, and officers saw her wearing a brown jacket that matched the one she was seen wearing in images from the Jan. 6 riots. Harrisburg officers also spoke with Williams' father, who said he drove with her to Washington for the protests but that they split up for the day while she joined other friends.

The pair drove home from Washington after meeting outside the Capitol.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors also unveiled some of the first conspiracy charges related to the riot, alleging that three members of a right-wing militia group called the Oath Keepers conspired to obstruct the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens electoral college win at the Capitol on Jan. 6. The group is a loose-knit paramilitary organization that recruits current and former military, law enforcement and public safety personnel, according to prosecutors.

A criminal complaint charged Thomas Caldwell of Virginia, as well as Donovan Crowl and Jessica Watkins of Ohio, with four felony charges including conspiracy to obstruct Congress, conspiracy to injure or impede law enforcement and destruction of government property.

Citing social media posts, news stories, communications over a walkie-talkie-like app called Zello, FBI Special Agent Michael Palian alleged that the three crafted a plan for the Capitol takeover. He also reports that during a court-ordered search of Watkins home on Sunday authorities recovered a flyer entitled, Making Plastic Explosives from Bleach.

Caldwell, 66, allegedly used Facebook to propose the group stay at a particular hotel in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Va. from Jan. 5 to 7. This is a good location and would allow us to hunt at night if we wanted to, Caldwell wrote, according to the complaint.

During a court hearing in Harrisonburg, Va. Tuesday afternoon, a magistrate judge ordered Caldwell detained pending trial after a federal prosecutor argued that Caldwell might pose a danger and obstruct justice if released.

The nature of these offenses is obviously one that is very much directed at the fabric of our democracy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh said.

Kavanaugh noted that video taken before the charge on the Capitol shows Caldwell declaring, Every single [legislator] in there is a traitor. Every single one!

Kavanaugh also read the court several chilling Facebook messages from the day of the riot. He said Caldwell received a message saying, All members are in the tunnels under capital seal them in. Turn on gas During the same exchange, with someone not publicly named, Caldwell also received this message Tom all legislators are down in the Tunnels 3floors down.

The prosecutor said Caldwell and the other defendants will probably face even more serious charges.

It is very much likely that additional charges are going to be on the table in these cases, such as the federal Anti-Riot Act, sedition and other charges, Kavanaugh added.

A public defender representing Caldwell, Lisa Lorish, noted that Caldwell is an honorably discharged Navy veteran, that he incurred a spinal cord injury while in the military and that he has medical conditions that would put him at high risk if he caught Covid-19 while in jail.

Lorish also said most of the evidence in the case could be considered blustering.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Hoppe sided with the government and used stark language to tell Caldwell that the charges against him are extraordinarily grave.

The conduct and statements of Mr. Caldwell and the others are really just pure lawlessness and contempt for the laws of this country, Hoppe said. It is a crime of the utmost seriousness. It threatens the very foundations of our country.

Hoppe said it would be hard for him to imagine that Caldwell would abide by pretrial release conditions, given his alleged disregard for the law. I think I do have to detain Mr. Caldwell, the judge said.

Crowl, 50, and Watkins, 38, who are affiliated with an Oath Keepers chapter known as the Ohio State Regular Militia, were booked into the Montgomery County Jail in Ohio early Monday, according to jail records. Court officials and Justice Department spokespeople did not immediately respond to inquiries about their status.

In another of the flurry of court appearances across the country Tuesday stemming from the Capitol riot, University of Kentucky senior Gracyn Courtright went before a magistrate judge in federal court in Charleston, W.Va.

Courtright, 20, of Hurricane, W. Va., faces four misdemeanor charges related to the Jan. 6 unrest, including a charge that she stole a Members Only pedestal sign while in the Capitol. Surveillance video shows her carrying the sign on a stairway near the Senate chamber before the sign was taken away from her by a police officer.

Courtright was released on an unsecured, $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Magistrate Judge Dwayne Tinsley ordered Courtright to stay in the Southern District of West Virginia, but she will be permitted to travel into Kentucky to attend college classes, court records show.
[January 19, 2021] Comprehensive Sun Nuclear Solutions for Radiation Therapy QA Adopted by Japan's Ogaki Municipal Hospital

MELBOURNE, FLa., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Nuclear Corporation announced today that Ogaki Municipal Hospital has selected a collection of Sun Nuclear solutions for its end-to-end Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance (QA) program. Working with Toyo Medic, Sun Nuclear's distributor in Japan, Ogaki Municipal Hospital selected Sun Nuclear solutions to support a new linear accelerator installation in late 2020. Ogaki Municipal Hospital will implement the SunCHECK Platform for automated, integrated Patient and Machine QA. SunCHECK enables hospitals like Ogaki Municipal to streamline and automate Patient and Machine QA clinical workflows among staff and machines  in a single database, with built-in automation and device integration for simplified workflows. A dedicated Sun Nuclear implementation success team will work with Ogaki Municipal Hospital to ensure Ogaki achieves clinical technology adoption and true workflow enhancements with SunCHECK, joining a global user base of more than 1,000 SunCHECK users. For stereotactic treatments, Ogaki Municipal Hospital has chosen SRS MapCHECK, StereoPHAN and MultiMet-WL Cube. StereoPHN enables testing on all aspects of stereotactic planning and delivery. SRS MapCHECK inserts into the StereoPHAN for film-less, patient-specific QA, and the MultiMet-WL Cube inserts into StereoPHAN for multi-met single isocenter off-axis verification. These solutions have been adopted by Radiation Therapy teams worldwide for robust, efficient stereotactic programs.



Ogaki Municipal Hospital will also implement Sun Nuclear's benchmark solutions  ArcCHECK, Daily QA 3 and MapCHECK 3  for Pre-Treatment Patient QA and Daily, Monthly, and Annual Machine QA. Daily QA 3 and ArcCHECK both integrate directly into the SunCHECK Platform for automated Machine QA, and expanded, flexible Pre-treatment Patient QA, respectively. "Sun Nuclear is uniquely positioned to offer trusted, accurate, end-to-end Quality Management solutions to Radiation Therapy programs like Ogaki Municipal Hospital. We are pleased Ogaki Municipal Hospital chose our solutions for their QA program in support of their new linear accelerator. They needed to move quickly to meet the installation date, and we worked collaboratively with our Japanese distributor to meet Ogaki's timing needs," noted Mark Siviter, Senior Director of International Sales for Sun Nuclear.

Toyo Medic, a medical device distributor for Sun Nuclear in Japan, was integral in working with Ogaki Municipal Hospital and Sun Nuclear to ensure Ogaki Municipal Hospital had the information it needed to select the right vendor and solutions. About Sun Nuclear Corporation

Sun Nuclear provides innovative solutions for Radiation Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging centers. Our mission is to enable healthier lives by improving the avoidance, detection and treatment of cancer. More than 5,000 cancer centers worldwide rely on us for independent, integrated Quality Management. With a focus on ongoing support, we aim to ease technology adoption, enhance workflows and improve outcomes  so that healthcare providers can achieve real results for Patient Safety. Visit us: sunnuclear.com. Follow us: @sunnuclear. Contact:

Kevin O'Malley

Sun Nuclear Corporation

+1 (321) 259 6862 x1238

kevinomalley@sunnuclear.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comprehensive-sun-nuclear-solutions-for-radiation-therapy-qa-adopted-by-japans-ogaki-municipal-hospital-301204875.html SOURCE Sun Nuclear Corporation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Srinagar, Jan 20 : The Jammu and Kashmir police in Anantnag have arrested an active terrorist and a terrorist associate, both linked with proscribed terror outfit JeM, and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession, officials said on Tuesday.

Police said acting on a specific information regarding planning of killing a policeman and weapon snatching in Anantnag, police along with 1st RR established special checking points at multiple locations and conducted intensified checking.

"During checking, one recently recruited terrorist identified as Ayaaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat resident Shirpora Bala affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM has been arrested. Arms, ammunition including one Chinese Pistol, one magazine and seven live rounds were recovered from his possession," a police officer said.

Police said an FIR has been registered and investigation has been initiated.

Police said similarly, acting on another specific information regarding grenade lobbing in Anantnag, multiple checking points were established and during checking at Mehandi Kadal one terrorist associate identified as Rayees Ahmad Mir, resident of Chandhara Pampore linked with proscribed terror outfit JeM was arrested.

"Incriminating material including one hand grenade has been recovered from his possession," police said.

Police said accordingly, FIR under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated.
Panaji, Jan 19 : Lamenting the lack of innovation and interest in agriculture in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday urged the local farmers to seek inspiration from Kerala's jackfruit farmers.

While addressing a Water Resources department event here, Sawant said that Goa should emulate the jackfruit-based farm business model adopted in the Southern state, where powdered seeds of the pulpy fruit were now generating crores of rupees worth of business for their ability to control diabetes.

"A person in Kerala has discovered how jackfruit seed powder can be used for diabetes. The powder can control diabetes. He makes crores of rupees worth of business with that powder. He has started exporting it now," Sawant said.

Contrasting the attitudes towards farming and labour in Karnataka and Goa, Sawant said that on the contrary, 95 per cent of the jackfruits grown in Goa are left to rot.

"And what do we do? 90... no we can accurately say 95 per cent of our jackfruits rot away. Not just rot, there are instances when ripe jackfruits fall on people, injuring them. This is our situation," Sawant said.

"It (jackfruits) are 100 per cent organic. No one has fertilised it. We haven't planted it either. Our forefathers have planted it. We never cared to plant these trees. Because our forefathers have planted them, we can still see these trees. I worry about the future generation, will they ever see a jackfruit?" Sawant lamented.

The Chief Minister also underlined the need for producing more vegetables, grain, dairy and poultry in Goa, adding that the state consumes much more than it produces.

"We have lost the culture of hard work. Goa needs 4.5 litre of milk everyday. On the contrary, we produce only 80,000 litres of milk daily. The rest is imported from other states," Sawant said, while rooting for sustainable farming and innovative food processing techniques.
Its over between Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. Multiple media outlets reported on Jan. 18 that the celebrity couple has split after almost a year of dating. But why? Read on belong to find out more about their relationship and the reason Affleck and de Armas called it quits.

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas | Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas started dating in early 2020

Affleck and de Armas first met on the set of their film Deep Water in 2019. Though they were spotted hanging out together off-set regularly, romance rumors didnt pick up until March 2020, when Affleck was seen spending time with de Armas in her native Cuba.

Later that same month, insiders confirmed their romance, telling E! News, They are without a doubt a couple. They have been kissing, cuddling up together and putting their arms around each other a lot. They look at each other adoringly and like taking pictures of each other. Ben seems blissfully happy and giddy. He cant stop smiling and laughing. He is clearly is very into Ana.

After it was confirmed they were dating, Affleck and de Armas were frequently seen packing on the PDA amid the coronavirus quarantine period in Los Angeles. However, they didnt confirm their relationship until de Armas posted a photo of them celebrating her 32nd birthday in April.

For the next several months, the couple was basically inseparable, as they were photographed taking walks together a number of times.

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas | Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

RELATED: Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck: 6 Photos of Happier Times Together

They would also spend quality time together with the Jersey Girl actors three kids daughters Violet, 14, and Seraphina, 11, and son Samuel, 8,  who he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Gardner.

The Knives Out star even moved into Afflecks L.A. home in August after placing her Venice residence on the market.

From an outside perspective, it seemed Affleck and de Armas were very happy and were going to be together long-term.

But despite the chemistry they displayed in the public eye, the spark between the pair eventually fizzled out.

Why did Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas break up?

Amid news of Affleck and de Armas split, a source explained to People why the couple ultimately decided to call it quits.

According to the insider, de Armas was the one who initiated the breakup, noting that she and the Oscar-winners relationship was complicated.

Ben is no longer dating Ana, the source shared. She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesnt want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles.

However, another source says the split had more to do with their different lifestyles. This is something that was mutual and something that is completely amicable. They are in different points in their lives; there is deep love and respect there, the source said. Ben continues to want to work on himself. He has three jobs lined up and hes a solid father at home. They are both happy with where they are in their lives.

But thats reportedly not the only reason the couple parted ways.

According to Page Six, the pair couldnt agree on having kids in the future, which factored into de Armas decision to end their relationship.

He would not commit to having more kids, an insider tells the outlet. She is in her 30s. It was a deal-breaker.

The source continued, Ben is not in a place to start a new family. Both he and Ana have three jobs lined up. His family has, and will continue, to be his focus.

Despite their split, friends think Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas will reconcile

Though Affleck and de Armas split was mutual, close friends are convinced the pairs breakup isnt permanent.

They could get back together, a source told Page Six. They are in love. People who know them believe its temporary.

So far, neither Affleck nor de Armas has directly commented on the news of their breakup. But in the meantime, we wish these two nothing but the best moving forward.
Two demonstrations protesting police brutality were organized in Boston on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday honoring the civil rights icons life and accomplishments.

One of the protests, organized by Mass Action Against Police Brutality, was expected to start at 1 p.m. Monday near the Grove Hall branch of the Boston Public Library on Geneva Avenue in Dorchester, according to the events Facebook page.

It is the mass movement sparked in response to police brutality and racism that is the moral compass of the country and the true defender of democracy, said Brock Satter, one of the organizers of the Boston protest.

The rally, called the MLK Day March for Justice, aims to not only stand in opposition to police brutality but also condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where rioters in support of Republican President Donald Trump stormed the congressional meeting place to overturn the results of the November 2020 presidential election, which was widely called in Democrat Joe Bidens favor.

Explosive devices and other weaponry were found at the scene of the riots, and dozens of insurrectionists were arrested. The siege in D.C. left five people dead, including U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick.

Many people, including public officials in Massachusetts, took to social media in the wake of the violence to question the treatment of pro-Trump mob compared to those who demonstrated largely peacefully over the summer in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Mass Action Against Police Brutality denounces the fascist attack on Congress which took place on January 6, the organization said in its Facebook post. In sharp difference to the treatment of protestors of police murder over the summer months, this riotous mob met little to no resistance storming the Capitol.

In its post, Mass Action Against Police Brutality claimed multiple police officers participated in the insurrection or were complicit during the storming of the Capitol.

Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio told reporters last week two U.S. Capitol Police officers were suspended after one took a selfie with a rioter and the second put on a Make America Great Again hat.

The Boston Police Department is also looking into whether one of its officers took part in the insurrection earlier this month, The Boston Globe reported.

The Associated Press reported at least 21 current or former members of the U.S. military or law enforcement were at or near the Capitol riot when the violence broke out.

The other protest that is scheduled to be held in Boston on Monday was organized by the Boston chapter of Black Lives Matter, Violence in Boston and the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice, according to a social media post for the event.

Titled We Can No Longer Look Away, the demonstration is expected to begin at Madison Park High School on Malcolm X Boulevard in Roxbury around 3 p.m. as part of the rally, which seeks to commemorate the holiday as a day in service of Black lives. Masks and social distancing will be required, the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute noted in another post.

We can and must show up for each other and for Black freedom and economic justice without endangering Black lives in a pandemic that disproportionately causes premature Black deaths, the institute said in its post.
By Ritah Kemigisa

Uganda has been challenged to conduct and behave in a manner that falls within the global democracy citizenship if it claims to be a true democracy.

The challenge comes from Dr Tolit Atiya, the executive director Nile institute of policy and security studies following the just concluded polls.

Dr Atiya tells KFM that the government claiming that the polls were peaceful, free and fair remain questionable given the pre-election period that was marred by a lot of violence and arrest and detention of opposition politicians.

He however says as the opposition takes to court to challenge the presidential poll results, it remains to be seen if they will be ably accorded their day in court.

Atiyo asks Ugandans to give the court a benefit of the doubt on its final ruling.

The NUP former presidential candidate Robert kyagulanyi has since vowed to challenge the 2021 presidential poll results in court.
Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be able to return to commercial flights in Canada this week, the press service of Transport Canada has said.

"Transport Canada issued an Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX, which outlines the required modifications to be made to the aircraft prior to a return to service in Canadian airspace. It addresses Transport Canada's outstanding safety concerns and concludes the department's review of the aircraft," the department said in a press release.

As a final step in the process, Transport Canada is lifting the existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which prohibits the commercial operation of the aircraft in Canadian airspace on January 20, 2021.

"This will allow for the return to service of the aircraft in Canada," the ministry said.

It also said in general they spent more than 15,000 hours studying the problems of the Boeing 737 MAX and finding solutions.
We want to make sure its accurate. ... The importance is we have an option for everybody, she said. I think that we keep getting into these percentages around whether its opt-in or attendance, there is no right answer and because more people choose one thing over the other doesnt make it right. And so I think the goal which weve tried to articulate is a path toward in-person instruction for every student in CPS.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The College Board announced Tuesday it would drop the optional essay section from the SAT college entrance exam and would stop administering SAT subject tests in the United States, according to a recent report.

The New York Times reported that the changes come as a part of a streamlining process that was accelerated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The pandemic accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to simplify our work and reduce demands on students, the organization said in a statement, as reported by The New York Times.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

The College Board said it would continue to develop a version of the SAT exam that could be administered virtually, the media outlet reported  something the board delayed last year as some students may not have access to technology for three uninterrupted hours to take the SAT at home. It isnt clear when a digital version would be available, according to The Times.

The board said that there are also more ways for high school students to display writing skills, which makes the optional essay section of the SAT less necessary, the media outlet reported.

The College Board made the essay portion of the SAT optional in 2016, but some colleges still required it, according to its website. Students also took the essay section as a way to demonstrate writing skills.

The College Board added that Advanced Placement (AP) exams are now available to more low-income students and students of color, making the SAT subject tests unnecessary, according to The Times.

SAT subject tests are college admissions exams on specific subjects, including English, history, languages, mathematics and science. The tests have been the only national admission tests where students choose the tests that best showcase their strengths and interests, according to College Board.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
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.
Bridges also diagrammed specific military maneuvers to help the terrorist groups fighters kill U.S. troops, including the best way to fortify an encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces and how to wire certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops, the complaint said.
AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, announced Nanoramic Laboratories as one of the 179 participating teams selected from across the globe competing to Reimagining Energy for the DoD.

The AFWERX Challenge is centered around six topics - Fixed and Mobile Energy Generation, Energy Transmission and Distribution, Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage, New Warfighting and Operational Equipment, Data Availability for Improved Planning and Decision Making, and Energy Culture, Policy, and Education. The proposals selected to advance represent innovative solutions to allow for more effective warfighting and humanitarian missions less reliant on fossil fuels.

Located in Boston, MA, Nanoramic Laboratories is competing in the Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage Challenge alongside a diverse group of teams - originating from the vast regions of North America, Europe, Australia and other allied countries  that represent entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academic institutions and research labs all vying to Reimagine Energy for the Department of Defense.

The AFWERX Reimagining Energy for the DoD Challenge is critical to our mission of increasing collaboration between large businesses and entrepreneurs to accelerate solutions for the Air Force, stated Mark Rowland of AFWERX. On behalf of AFWERX and the Department of Defense, we congratulate the teams advancing to the next phase. Their contributions are invaluable and have the potential to create game-changing results across the Air Force enterprise.

The Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage Challenge strives to develop leap-ahead operational and warfighting equipment, envision new ways of getting energy to where it is needed, and develop better storage devices. The Department of Defense (DoD) consumes large amounts of operational and facility energy to provide a combat-credible force. The DoD is one of the largest single consumers of energy globally, and the Air Force is the largest user of fuel energy in the US Government. The way we generate, transmit, store, and use this enormous amount of energy today is both a paramount combat enabler and a potentially crippling vulnerability.

The solution that AFWERX selected for the Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage Challenge is Nanoramics high power and wide temperature range FastCap lithium-ion capacitor. Nanoramics FastCap Lithium-ion capacitor is an energy storage device with high energy density and wide temperature range, operating in temperatures as low as -55 C. A lithium-ion capacitor combines the best features of EDLCs and Li-ion batteries. The result is a device with better energy density than an EDLC, but without the self-discharge characteristic, and higher durability (more charge-discharge cycles) than a Li-ion battery, without the potential for dangerous thermal runaway.

The Nanoramic team is excited to have the opportunity to present our technology and show how it can help the U.S. Air Force solve its energy storage challenges, said Mitch Koffel, VP of Business Development at Nanoramic Laboratories. It is an honor to present our technology alongside all of the innovative companies selected for the AFWERX Energy Showcase.

ABOUT NANORAMIC LABORATORIES

Nanoramic Laboratories is an industry-leading energy storage technology company and materials solutions innovator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Spun out of MIT in 2009, Nanoramic is the exclusive designer, manufacturer, and licensor of Neocarbonix electrodes for rechargeable li-ion batteries, li-ion capacitors, and supercapacitors. The Nanoramic product family also includes Thermexit and FastCap Ultracapacitors. Thermexit, a line of high-end thermal interface gap filler pads, are a non-reactive, non-silicon, no cure system featuring high thermal conductivity and high thermal stability. FastCap produces the only ultracapacitors capable of operating in temperatures up to 150C and under high shock and vibration. FastCap products also include wide temperature range lithium-ion capacitors, structural ultracapacitors, and the only reflowable, low ESR, slim profile ultracapacitor on the market.

For more information, visit nanoramic.com or fastcapultracapacitors.com

ABOUT AFWERX

Established in 2017, AFWERX is a product of the U.S. Air Force, directly envisioned by former Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. Her vision of AFWERX  to solve some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through innovation and collaboration amongst our nations top subject matter experts. AFWERX serves as a catalyst to unleash new approaches for the warfighter through a growing ecosystem of innovators. AFWERX and the U.S. Air Force are committed to exploring viable solutions and partnerships to further strengthen the Air Force, which could lead to additional prototyping, R&D, and follow-on production contracts.
JERUSALEM and CASABLANCA, Morocco, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kam Global Strategies, a leading Israel-based strategic communications firm and Brand & Image, Morocco's most prominent marketing and PR agency are pleased to announce a strategic partnership, the first ever between PR companies from the two countries.



The companies will work together to help businesses and organizations establish and build their image through various channels including traditional and, social media, influencers, events, and specialized tours to each other's countries. Fluent in English, French, Hebrew and Arabic, the partners will quickly advance communication to diverse audiences.



"We are thrilled to partner with B&I at this exciting time. Israelis and Moroccans have much to communicate about now that relations between our two nations have risen to a new level. We look forward to help advance public understanding of our countries in fields as diverse from agri-tech to tourism," said Laura Kam, President of Kam Global Strategies.



"We are immensely proud to announce this collaboration with Kam Global Strategies at this exciting time. Our combined long-term experience and exposure to our respective markets will create real added value for both agencies and will greatly benefit all type of entities wanting to do business in either country," said Rajaa Charifi, Director General of Brand & Image. Brand and Image has great experience working with international corporation and public entities both in Morocco and Africa and has a successful portfolio to showcase.



About Brand & Image

Brand & Image is an agency specializing in consulting, strategic communication, and public relations. The agency was born by Mrs. Charifi's desire to use her experience of more than 25 years in the support of companies serving multiple entities.

Brand & Image covers all audiences (internal, external, shareholders, institutional, media) and merges into total partnerships and interaction with its clients to create a set of communications tools intended to reinforce the image, protect the reputation, create a capital of trust and sympathy and contribute to their development.



About Kam Global Strategies

Kam Global Strategies is a one-stop international strategic communications and public relations company for policy and business leaders who want to do business in Israel and for Israeli companies and organizational leaders who want to see results globally.



For further information:

Israel: Laura Kam [email protected] +92-54-806-8613

Morocco: Rajaa Charifi, [email protected] +21-252-227-6276

SOURCE Kam Global Strategies; Brand & Image

Related Links

http://www.kamglobalstrategies.com/


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 04:37:02|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CAIRO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Tuesday approved the emergency use of China's Sinopharm and British AstraZeneca vaccines to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Israel decided to extend nationwide lockdown for 10 days.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health said in a brief statement that the Iraqi National Board for Selection of Drugs (NBSD) approved the emergency use of the two vaccines.

Iraqi Ministry of Health spokesman Sayf al-Badr told Xinhua that the Chinese vaccine, developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), "conforms to the NBSD standards, and therefore the Iraqi state approved it for use inside Iraq."

Iraq reported 823 new COVID-19 cases and nine more fatalities, taking its total infections to 609,852 and its death toll to 12,962. The total recoveries in Iraq increased by 1,813 to 573,011.

Israel's cabinet decided on Tuesday to extend the weeks-long nationwide lockdown by 10 days until Jan. 31 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cabinet also decided that travellers entering the country will be required to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours before their flight.

Israel's Ministry of Health reported 8,066 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number in the country to 565,629. The COVID-19 death toll in Israel reached 4,080 after 40 new fatalities were added, while the total recoveries rose by 6,906 to 478,897.

Turkey on Tuesday started vaccinating the people residing or working in nursing homes against COVID-19. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday the vaccination campaign, which kicked off on Jan. 14, would also cover people in disabled care centers and care homes, as well as citizens aged 90 and above.

So far, 851,745 of a total of 1.1 million healthcare workers in Turkey, defined as the first group, have been vaccinated. Turkey received the first shipment of 3 million doses of vaccines from China at the end of December, 2020.

Turkey on Tuesday reported 6,818 new COVID-19 cases, including 761 with symptoms, and 167 more deaths, pushing up its tally of infections to 2,399,781 and its death toll to 24,328. Turkey's total recoveries soared to 2,277,987 with the addition of 7,218 new recoveries.

Iran's Health Ministry reported 5,917 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, raising the total nationwide infections to 1,342,134.

The pandemic has so far claimed 56,973 lives in Iran, up by 87 in the past 24 hours, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education. A total of 1,131,883 people have recovered from the disease in Iran, while 4,272 remained in intensive care units.

Morocco announced suspension of all flights with and bans passengers from Ireland, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, a day after the detection of its first case of new coronavirus variant. The ban has been already imposed on South Africa, Denmark and Britain.

Morocco reported on Tuesday 1,246 new COVID-19 cases and 34 more deaths, taking the tally in the North African country to 461,390 and its total deaths to 8,011. Morocco's recoveries climbed by 940 to 436,626.

Saudi Arabia reported 226 new coronavirus cases and six more fatalities, taking its tally of COVID-19 infections to 365,325 and its death toll to 6,335. The total recoveries in the kingdom rose by 156 to 357,004.

Jordan recorded 883 new COVID-19 cases and 17 more fatalities, pushing up its tally of infections to 316,427 and its death toll to 4,170. The total recoveries in the kingdom climbed by 1,553 to 301,893.

Lebanon reported 4,359 new COVID-19 cases and 61 more fatalities, raising its tally of infections to 260,315 and its total deaths to 2,020. Lebanon's total recoveries surged by 1,476 to 156,084.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported 3,491 COVID-19 cases and five more deaths on Tuesday, bringing its tally of infections to 260,223 and its death toll to 756. The total recoveries in the UAE increased to 231,675 with the addition of 3,311 new ones.

Tunisian Health Ministry on Tuesday reported 2,598 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections to 184,483.

The death toll from the virus rose by 94 to 5,844 in the North African country, while the total recoveries reached 132,983 in the country, the ministry said.

Kuwait announced 578 new coronavirus infections, leading its tally of COVID-19 cases to 158,822, while its death toll rose by two to 950. The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced the recovery of 440 more patients, taking the total recoveries to 151,936.

The Qatari health ministry on Tuesday announced 225 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 147,729. Qatar's overall recoveries increased by 203 to 144,218, while the fatalities remained at 248.

Oman reported 135 new coronavirus infections and two more fatalities from the disease, bringing its tally of COVID-19 cases to 132,146 and its death toll to 1,516. Its total recoveries rose by 185 to 124,398. Enditem
(Newser)  It may sound like the punchline to a Monty Python skit, but the problem is all too real for a woman in France. Jeanne Pouchain has been struggling to convince the government that she's not dead for three years now, reports the Guardian. The mistake arose during a convoluted legal fight the 58-year-old was having with a former employee. In 2017, that employee informed a court that Pouchain was deadwhether that was an honest mistake remains unclearand the court accepted it at face value, per the Local. Pouchain says she didn't even know that particular hearing was taking place and thus wasn't there to speak up. As a result, Pouchain's identity was essentially scrubbed from state records. Her ID card and driver's license were invalidated, she's lost health insurance, and she can't even access a joint bank account she holds with her husband.

story continues below

"I went to see a lawyer who told me it would be quickly resolved, as I had been to my doctor who certified that I was very much still alive," Pouchain tell the Guardian. "But because there had been a [legal] ruling, this wasn't enough." Three years later, her attorney calls it a "crazy story" and says he can't fathom how a judge would declare her dead without seeing a death certificate or otherwise checking up on it. This month, Pouchain began yet another legal push to prove she's alive. Her attorney filed a motion to have the 2017 declaration of death invalidated, and the case is pending. In the meantime, "I no longer exist," says Pouchain, per the AP. "I don't do anything. ... I sit on the veranda and write." (Read more strange stuff stories.)
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.
Panel suggests provision for NCD issuance by LLPs

The Company Law Committee on Decriminalisation of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, has recommended the inclusion of a provision in the Act for issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCD) by LLPs.

Among other recommendations, the committee has suggested decriminalisation of 12 offences under the LLP Act and the introduction of a new concept of "Small LLP".

As per the committee's report, it has suggested that the 12 offences should be shifted to the 'In-house Adjudication Mechanism'. One offence has been recommended for omission.

Under Section 7 of the LLP Act, every limited liability partnership shall have at least two designated partners and at least one of them has to be a resident of India. For the purposes of this section, the term "resident in India" means a person who has stayed in India for a period of not less than 120 days during the immediately preceding one year, as per the current norm.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
FORT COLLINS., Colo., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketing 360 recently announced their 2020 platform metrics, which showed a total of 51,273,308 emails sent by SMBs through the nurture tool within the platform.

The Nurture tool within the Marketing 360 platform incorporates both email marketing and SMS text message marketing, and gives SMBs an effortless way to nurture leads and customers. With a huge library of already designed, fully customizable email templates specific to industry and easy-to-use design tools, creating email campaigns is a breeze. Furthermore, the tool allows for seamless automation so that SMBs are sending the right message to the right lead, customer, or contact at the right time.

"The Nurture tool within the Marketing 360 platform has clearly been a game changer for our SMB clients," said Marketing 360 CMO, Jerry Kelly. "With over 51 million emails sent in 2020, it's clear that business owners are taking advantage of this part of the platform."

The Nurture tool also gives business owners a deep dive into campaign performance so that they can do more of what's working and less of what's not. The tool is fully integrated with the rest of the Marketing 360 platform, including CRM, forms, payments, scheduling, social media management, and more.

Marketing 360 offers interested business owners the ability to create a free account to try out the software. Free accounts can be created at https://www.marketing360.com/signup .

About Marketing 360

Marketing 360 is a technology company that provides business management and marketing software and services for SMBs and franchises. The Marketing 360 platform gives SMBs everything they need to manage and grow their business from a singular platform, including the ability to  build a professional website, accept and manage payments, manage leads and customers, book appointments, monitor reviews, manage social media, syndicate business listings, manage content marketing, run multi-channel digital advertising campaigns, and more. Marketing 360 was founded in 2009 with the mission of enriching communities by helping small businesses grow, and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with offices in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Marketing 360 at https://www.marketing360.com/ .

Contact:

Farra Lanzer

[email protected]

970-541-3284

SOURCE Marketing 360

Related Links

https://www.marketing360.com


Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, has discouraged the use of COVID-19 vaccine, falsely stating that the jabs are meant to kill people....

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, has discouraged the use of COVID-19 vaccine, falsely stating that the jabs are meant to kill people.





Like several other countries, Nigeria has recorded a second wave of the virus with an average of 1,000 cases daily in the last two weeks.

The increase in cases has led to demand for vaccines to curb the spread of the virus.

The federal government had announced that Nigerians will receive the coronavirus vaccine by January 2021, adding that a technical working group in the ministry of health is working on which vaccine will best suit Nigeria, considering that the country has no -80 degrees freezers.





Faisal Shuaib, executive director and chief executive officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), had disclosed that provisions would be made for President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to receive the vaccine on live television.

US President-elect Joe Biden, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, are among world leaders who have received the vaccine on live TV to encourage their citizens to embrace its use.

But in a viral video, the Kogi governor condemned the use of the vaccine, saying it is meant to kill people.





Speaking while addressing a crowd, Bello doubted the authenticity of the vaccine, saying there is no cure for HIV and many other diseases troubling mankind.

Vaccines are being produced in less than one year of COVID-19. There is no vaccine yet for HIV, malaria, cancer, headache and for several other diseases that are killing us. They want to use the (COVID-19) vaccines to introduce the disease that will kill you and us. God forbid, he said.

We should draw our minds back to what happened in Kano during the Pfizer polio vaccines that crippled and killed our children. We have learned our lessons.

If they say they are taking the vaccines in the public allow them take their vaccines. Dont say I said you should not take it but if you want to take it open your eyes before you take the vaccines.

BELLO AND HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST COVID-19 PROTOCOL

This is not the first time the Kogi governor would cast doubt on the existence of the viral disease or the potency of the vaccine.

Bello has repeatedly violated social distancing rules, among other protocol to curb the spread of the virus.

Kogi is one the states where COVID-19 tests are next-to-nil as the governor insists that there is no coronavirus in the state.

In his New Year broadcast, Bello said it would be irresponsible of his government to see COVID-19 as a definer of 2020.

He said Kogi will not respond to the second wave of the virus with mass hysteria.

The governor had also asked the federal government to focus more on reviving the economy than on how to procure COVID-19 vaccines.

In May, it was reported how Kogi turned blind eyes to patients with COVID-19 symptoms.





According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria has recorded over 110,000 COVID-19  although more than 89,000 infected persons have been discharged.

Over 1,400 persons have died of the disease in Nigeria.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global HVAC filters market is expected to reach a market size of USD 7.89 Billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of 5.2%, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. High growth of the market can be attributed to increasing prevalence of allergies, headaches, asthma, and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases caused by polluted air. Rising need to improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems and reduce energy bills is another key factor driving high demand for HVAC filters.

Availability of smart connected devices and rise in number of residential construction projects with smart home technology has been resulting in rapidly inclining demand for HVAC systems. Ease of use, reliability, and security is also supporting use of the smart technology in homes. Availability of artificial intelligence assistants such as Alexa and Siri has also led to increased adoption of smart home technologies such as HVAC systems, which is contributing growth of the overall HVAC filters market.

Claim Your FREE Sample Copy with Table of content@ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-sample-form/470

Companies Profiled in this Report are:

Camfil, 3M Company, Mann+Hummel, Parker-Hannifin Corporation, American Air Filter Company, Inc., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Donaldson Company, Filtration Group Corporation, Sogefi Group, and Freudenberg Group

Key Highlights of Report

In April 2020, 3M Company entered into a partnership with Cummins. The partnership was aimed to increase the production of high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters for use in powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) of 3M Company.

The HEPA segment held the largest market share of 49.9% in 2019. Increasing utilization of HEPA filters by pharmaceutical companies to improve air quality and protect patients from airborne contaminants is driving revenue growth of this segment.

The synthetic polymer segment is expected to register a rapid CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Higher filtration efficiency of synthetic polymers compared to fiberglass is a factor boosting product demand and deployment, thus driving revenue of this segment.

Pharmaceutical is expected to be the most rapidly expanding segment in revenue terms among the end-use segments during the forecast period. Hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly adopting HVAC air filters with MERV ratings 1316 for efficient air purification and removal of airborne contaminants.

Asia Pacific market revenue is expected to expand at a rapid rate during the forecast period. Rising purchasing power and improving standards of living among consumers in countries in the region is augmenting demand for more energy-efficient HVAC systems with high-quality air filters.

Check Our Prices@ https://www.emergenresearch.com/select-license/470

Emergen Research has segmented the global HVAC filters market in terms of technology, material, end-use, and region:

Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20172027) Electrostatic Precipitators HEPA Activated Carbon Others (Ionic Filtration and UV Filtration)

Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20172027) Carbon Fiberglass Metal Synthetic Polymer



End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20172027) Pharmaceutical Automotive Building & Construction Food & Beverage Others



Click to access the Report Study, Read key highlights of the Report and Look at Projected Trends: https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/hvac-filters-market

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20172027) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France BENELUX Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA



Take a Look at our Related Reports:

Multi-Rotor Drone Market By Payload (Camera, Control Systems, Tracking Systems, Others), By End-Users (Military, Commercial), By Price Range (Budget, Medium, Premium), and Regions Forecasts to 2027

Smart Irrigation Controllers Market By Type (Weather-based controllers and soil-based controllers), By End Users (Agriculture Industry and Non-Agriculture Industry), Forecasts to 2027

LED Emergency Lighting Market By Technology (Surface Mount, Chips on Board), By Power Source (Rechargeable, Solar, Battery), By End-Use (Cinema, Commercial, School, Residential, Others), By Region Forecasts to 2027

About Emergen Research

Emergen Research is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Types, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware of the latest trends existent in the market. Emergen Research has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Our industry experience and ability to develop a concrete solution to any research problems provides our clients with the ability to secure an edge over their respective competitors.

Contact Us:

Eric Lee

Corporate Sales Specialist

Emergen Research | Web: www.emergenresearch.com

Direct Line: +1 (604) 757-9756

E-mail: sales@emergenresearch.com

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs
Dairy plant faces high fine after pouring waste into a local river

It will have to pay 135,000.

People used to cool down in a river during hot summer days (archive photo). (Source: TASR)

The Slovak Inspection of the Environment (SIZP) fined a dairy in Hrinova 135,000.

This is the highest fine SIZP has ever issued for the extraordinary deterioration of water quality in the Slatina River. The decision is not valid yet.

Almost half the water formations in Slovakia are in a poor condition Read more

SIZP has dealt with the pollution of Slatina several times in recent years and has imposed several fines, but the condition of the water has never changed significantly, said managing director of SIZP Jan Jenco, as quoted by the TASR newswire. I believe this decision will contribute to the gradual improvement of the situation and protection of the water stream Slatina.

The dairy polluted Slatina in August by leaking wastewater from its industrial production into the river. It dumped the wastewater into the river using a sewerage system, which was supposed to be used to pump rainwater into the Slatina River, the inspector said.

Exceeded limits of pollution

Instead of rainfall, there was white, milk-smelling liquid leaking from the outfall object during the control, SIZP stated, as quoted by TASR. SIZP took several samples of the water and sent them to an accredited lab for tests, which confirmed multiple, excess limits of pollution.

Environmental disaster in the east: Toxic waste still pollutes local sludge bed Read more

The company does not have permission to release industrial wastewater throughout the sewerage system. Inspectors ordered the company to stop immediately and will submit the monitoring of the sewerage system of the diary compound for investigation. SIZP also found out that the diary does not have an emergency plan.

The dairy can appeal the fine within 15 days.

19. Jan 2021 at 11:41 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Steven D. Tucker, 30, homeless, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Friday on a retail theft charge after being accused of taking two packages of crackers, together valued at $1.58, from Caseys at 525 E. Morton Ave. He also was charged with burglary because of a report an hour earlier about a man going into a garage in the 800 block of Routt Street and trying to get into a car that was inside before being chased away by a resident. He also was arrested on an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant.

ACCIDENTS

 Corey W. Karr, 21, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident after the truck he was driving went out of control in the 300 block of West College Avenue at 4:57 p.m. Monday, jumped the curb, struck a tree and then hit the side of a building, which caused a window to break. Damage was estimated at $4,300.

 Adriannah L. Sims, 18, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of failing to yield after the car she was driving and one being driven by Joyce A. Bock, 71, of Jacksonville collided at 12:05 p.m. Sunday at Hoagland Boulevard and South Diamond Street. Sims told police she tried to stop before turning onto South Diamond Street but was unable to do so.

 Clint R. Waid, 19, of Winchester was cited on a charge of improper lane use after the car he was driving and one being driven by Kevin V. Heitz, 58, of Jacksonville collided at 9:21 a.m. Sunday at Morton Avenue and Illinois Route 104. Police said Waid was trying to pass a vehicle in the inside lane and went into Heitzs lane. A passenger in Heitzs vehicle, Clara J. Heitz, 60, of Jacksonville, was taken to Passavant Area Hospital for treatment.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Items were taken between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday from a residence in the 100 block of Hardin Avenue.

 A vehicle was broken into while it was parked in the 800 block of Hardin Avenue, according to a report filed at 4:35 p.m. Saturday.

 Someone broke into a business in the 1000 block of East Morton Avenue between midnight and 11:20 a.m. Saturday and removed items.



Pike County

State police

ACCIDENTS

 Icy conditions caused a Pittsfield mans pickup truck to go off the road and overturn Friday, according to Illinois State Police. William Fitzmaurice, 36, of Pittsfield was going west on Illinois Route 106 at 5:58 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. The truck went off the road at 430th Lane, became airborne and overturned, according to state police. Fitzmaurice declined medical treatment.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer
(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 19 - The head of Italian drugs agency AIFA on Tuesday voiced "grace concern" over delays in the delivery of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Italy.

"Pfizer delay very concerning. It was all communicated at the last minute, and if it's just a week's delay the consequences may not be so serious," said AIFA Director-General Nicola Magrini.

"We can define it as a small slowdown.

"The objective is to vaccinate all the over-80s and health workers in March.

"I'm sure we'll succeed." Asked about the possibility of the AstraZeneca vaccine being approved at the end of January, Magrini said "I am prudent, I don't base my views on promises".

Italy is moving ahead with second vaccinations but many regions have said they will put new first vaccinations on hold following Pfizer's announcement of a delay in delivery of the doses.

Pfizer said last week that upgrades at its Belgian production plant would hinder distribution.

But it said it expects to get things moving at their former pace from January 25. (ANSA).


New Delhi: Bringing cheers to nearly 5 lakh state government employees, the Bhupesh Baghel-led Chhattisgarh government has cleared a proposal to approve hike in salary along with arrears of 6 months.

The increased salary will be effective from January 2021, a press release issued by the Chhattisgarh Finance department clarified. Furthermore, these employees will also get arrears from July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, for which the state exchequer will bear the cost of Rs 300 crore.

Meanwhile, in related news, it has been reported in the media that the central government employees are expected to get four percent increase in dearness allowance which is expected in January 2021. This increase is expected to be in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

It may be recalled that in March 2020, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi had approved to release an additional instalment of DA to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2020. There will be an increase of 4 percent over the existing rate of 17 percent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise, the Ministry of Finance had informed.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief was fixed at Rs 12,510.04 crore per annum and Rs 14,595.04 crore in Financial Year 2020-21 (for a period of 14 months from January, 2020 to February, 2021). The decision benefits about 48.34 lakh Central Government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners.

In the end week of December 2020, the Modi government decided to extend "Disability Compensation" for all serving employees, if they get disabled in the line of duty while performing their service and are retained in service in spite of such disablement.

Live TV

#mute

The order will particularly provide a huge relief to young Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel like CRPF, BSF, CISF, etc since disability in performance of duties is generally reported in their case due to constraints of job requirement as well as hostile or difficult work - environment.
Hannah Ford, who worked as communications coordinator on Birmingham Evangelist Scott Dawsons 2018 campaign for governor, is being remembered as a woman of faith who brought her convictions to government activism and was an important player in Alabama politics.

Ford died Sunday in a three-car crash in Montgomery. She was 26 and recently engaged. She was one mile away from her home after looking at a wedding venue, Dawson said.

Ford had worked on several political campaigns and was known around Montgomery for lobbying on conservative issues, most recently opposing increases in the fuel tax.

She may have been small in stature, but she was a giant when she walked in a room, Dawson said. She knew how to deal with senators, members of the House, judicial candidates.

Ford had announced her engagement last month to Winchester Hagans, the son of Evangelist Rick Hagans, and they had been looking at wedding venues just before she died.

Hannahs birthday was last week, and she just got engaged on Dec. 21, Dawson said.

Fords death echoed through Alabama conservative political circles.

Hannah was one of the most Christ-like, loving and caring persons one could know, said Bill Armistead, former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. And she was a brilliant political strategist at such a young age who helped so many conservatives win election and then advise them on policy issues. Hannah leaves a huge void in the hearts of many, many people. Please remember the Ford family in your prayers.

Armistead said Ford had just texted him about how excited she was about her engagement.

I just received a text message from Hannah less than 24 hours before this accident letting me know of her engagement, Armistead said in a social media post. Here is part of her text to me. God sent a man who loves Jesus deeply, loved me tenderly, and is just the best ever!!! I cant believe I get to marry him!!!

Dawson said Ford was 22 when he hired her for his campaign.

Shed been involved in a couple campaigns and handled herself brilliantly, Dawson said.

When he offered her a job on the campaign, she did not immediately accept after having served as Roy Moores deputy campaign manager on the senate campaign in 2017. She said, I have to pray through it. She had just come out of the Roy Moore campaign, Dawson said. She was worn out.

But when she took the job on Dawsons campaign, her intensity was always turned up.

She could operate so effectively with so little sleep, meet deadlines, get work done, Dawson said. She was brilliant, yet humble. She was quoting scripture, but she was so well read she knew all the latest headlines we had to discuss. She gave me hope that leaders are still out there.

Before Dawson engaged in debates in the Republican gubernatorial primary, he got challenged on the issues by Ford.

She was our debate prep person for the two debates we went through, Dawson said.

After Dawson lost to Gov. Kay Ivey in the Republican primary, Ford went on to help Andrew Sorrell on his successful campaign for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

She was someone who could win the room, Dawson said. She could be fiery, never unladylike. She would not miss an opportunity to make sure her point was made. She was fast on her feet.

Ford was the daughter of the Rev. Tom Ford III, a physical therapist and pastor of Grace Church in Montgomery, and Leigh Hubbard Ford, and had seven siblings.

Because of her upbringing, she was discipled as a follower of Christ, and she understood politics isnt the answer, but youve got to make sure youve got good legislation coming down, Dawson said. She had stepped away from being so involved with lobbying last year.

But her influence remains widely felt.

Dawson said his daughter, Hope, will graduate from Samford University and join the congressional staff of U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer this spring, and she learned about politics from Ford.

Hannah taught Hope, If you have to be hard on someone, the next day, bring them cookies.

Thats such a Hannah thing to do, Hope Dawson said. She was one of the hardest working people I ever met. She was brilliant. She did everything through a biblical worldview. She was so graceful and so kind. She was like a sister. She really taught me so much. She taught me life is bigger than politics.
A woman whose massive 'kidney-shaped keloid behind her ear has plagued her for more than two years has it removed in The Bad Skin Clinic.

Tonight's episode of Quest Red's The Bad Skin Clinic features British journalist Jenny, who travels a whopping 6,000 miles from the Caribbean island of St. Martin where she now lives, to London to seek help with a problem with the lumpy keloid which dangles from her left ear.

'I've had it now for about two years and it's been growing, and growing, and growing' she admits.

'It's really itchy and uncomfortable, gunky and gooey. I actually feel blood pulsating through it. It's just gross!'

British journalist Jenny, who lives on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, travels to London to seek help with a problem that has plagued her for over two years - the 'kidney-shaped keloid on her ear (pictured)

The journalist says the keloid is ;really itchy and uncomfortable, gunky and gooey' and she actually feels 'blood pulsating through it.' Pictured, during her procedure

Despite the impact the keloid has had on her life, Jenny remains upbeat, and even reveals that her boyfriend has a special name for her keloid.

'My boyfriend calls it Jenny 2.0. It's actually got to the stage now where it's more like Jenny 9.0 because it's so massive!'

Jenny's keloid is so enormous and awkwardly positioned on her ear, that it has even started impacting her hearing.

'I have some concerns about my hearing, I'm not getting the same amount of sound in that I used to because I do think the position of my ear canal has changed because of this distorting it,' she says. 'I'm working as a journalist, when I am out with my cameraman making stories, I do have to think about my keloid.'

Jenny's keloid (pictured) is so enormous and awkwardly positioned on her ear, that it has even started impacting her hearing

Despite the impact the keloid has had on her life, Jenny (pictured) remains upbeat, and even reveals that her boyfriend has a special name for her keloid

'Oh my God! It's massive,' a wide-eyed Jenny says, seeing the dismembered lump held in front of her (pictured)

WHAT ARE KELOIDS? Keloids are types of scars that occur when they become larger than the original wound. This can be due to minor skin damage, such as acne, and can spread out of the original area and persist for many years. Keloids affect around 11 million people around the world every year. A tendency to develop keloids can run in families. They look like exaggerated scars and are raised above the skin. Keloids are shiny and hairless, and can feel hard and rubbery, as well as domed. New ones are often red or purple before turning browner as people age. Most sufferers have just one or two keloids, however, some have many, particularly if they are the result of acne or chickenpox. Keloids can often not be cured as cutting one out may cause it to be replaced by a larger scar in the same place. Source: British Skin Foundation Advertisement

Enough is enough for Jenny, who wants to get her confidence back on track by visiting Dermatological Surgeon Dr Emma Craythorne at her Harley Street Clinic to see if she can have her keloid removed.

Getting full view of the keloid for the first time, Dr Emma can scarcely believe the size of it.

'Whoa! It looks like a love heart!' she gasps. 'Whoa on two different levels here. Whoa for the 6,000 miles and whoa for the keloid.'

Talking things over, Jenny gives Dr Emma a sense of how much the lump has grown in a short space of time.

'She started like a pea size about two years ago, and now she's got to this size,' she explains.

Devising a strategy to rid Jenny of her keloid, Dr Emma explains how she will remove the keloid via a short procedure before referring Jenny to a Radiotherapist for a follow up appointment, to ensure the keloid doesn't return.

Before going under the knife, Jenny asks Dr Emma if she takes the gold medal for the biggest keloid she's ever seen.

'Well I've seen a few in my time, Jenny,' Emma laughs. 'It is big, but it's not the biggest. It's probably the biggest one I've seen off the ear lobe. But I've seen bigger ones on other bits!'

With full PPE on, Jenny is safely and comfortably installed onto the operating table, where Dr Emma numb her ear with local anaesthetic.

'Have you got a purple marker pen, are you drawing your lines?' Jenny asks. 'I do have a purple marker pen but it's fairly easy to see this,' Dr Emma chuckles before making her first incision.

Slowly carving away, Dr Emma works her way around the massive bulge of scar tissue, carefully cutting it away from Jenny's skin.

Jenny says she delighted that she can feel more air flowing by her ear following the procedure (pictured)

Dr Emma explains how she will remove the keloid via a short procedure (pictured) before referring Jenny to a Radiotherapist for a follow up appointment, to ensure the keloid doesn't return

'Some people don't make this much collagen in a lifetime,' Dr Emma comments, reiterating the sheer size of the keloid.

After cutting around the lump, the expert makes the final incision before carefully lifting it off, before showing it to an elated Jenny.

'Are you ready to feel about a kilo lighter?' Dr Emma asks. 'Oh my God! It's massive,' a wide-eyed Jenny says, seeing the dismembered lump held in front of her.

With a bit more work to do, Dr Emma removes the remaining keloid fibres from the wound left on Emma's ear, before closing it up.

Handing Jenny a mirror, it's time for her to see her ear looking the way it should: clean and keloid free.

With just a few sessions of radiotherapy for her to complete, Jenny leaves the clinic feeling happy and ready to take on the world.

'I'm feeling really happy, I must admit it feels a little breezy, I can feel more air flowing by my ear, it's nice to not feel it on the side of my neck,' she says. 'Dr Emma and the team have been absolutely amazing, I'm grateful to them all!'

The Bad Skin Clinic resumes tonight at 10pm on Quest Red, available to stream on discovery+
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:16 am

When TEAM High School, an alternative high school at Woodland Public Schools, received a donation of $22,000 from the John Moffitt Charitable Foundation, two teachers at the school drafted a proposal to use the funds from the donation to install a second school building on the campus. According to a news release from the district, Jillian Domingo and Elizabeth Liz Vallaire advocated for using the funds to build a building to offer specialized education, increase course and project offerings and provide free meals for TEAMs students.

With students taking part in distance learning due to COVID-19, enrollment has more than doubled at TEAM high school in Woodland. With vaccines on the horizon and a return to in-person instruction to follow, the staff at TEAM realized the existing portable building might not offer all the opportunities teachers want to give their students.

We applied to use the John Moffitt Charitable Foundations generous donation so we could create a multi-purpose area where TEAM students could participate in hands-on learning assignments and receive direct instruction from certificated staff, Domingo said in the news release. With the new space, we can provide multi-sensory, multi-faceted approaches to learning for students with special needs who process information differently neurologically; these students can now be served using specialized instruction.

The John Moffit Charitable Foundation recognized TEAMs need and provided a donation of $22,240 last year to install an additional portable facility on the schools existing property. In addition to classroom space, the building also includes a kitchen area for students and staff to use for classes, science experiments and meal preparation.

With this kitchen area, we will be able to offer home economics classes, the opportunity for students to conduct heat- and chemical-based science projects, and also the ability for students to prepare their own meals, said Domingo. Access to meals at school has been linked to higher attendance rates, improved student performance, and increased graduation rates.

According to the release, the expansion will allow students to take part in new classes and activities, such as an art and music studio, exercise space and student work areas. Outside of the building, students will have access to a new concrete patio with a picnic table and overhang so students can take breaks outside, rain or shine.

The vast majority of our students have disabilities and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) permitting them to take breaks when needed, Domingo said. Having an eating area protected from the elements offers our students the option to enjoy a rest or eat a meal outside without having to worry about the weather.

Between 2014 and 2018, the graduation rate at TEAM High School more than tripled, and the schools goal continued to have a four-year graduation rate at or about 70 percent by the end of the 2021 school year, according to the release.

Success of the impact of the donation will be measured by improvement to our graduation rate as well as having students meet school and district goals for state testing proficiency, Domingo said.

TEAM High School differs from traditional high school by offering local students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma while accommodating individual life circumstances such as full-time work, challenges with traditional school schedules or family responsibilities.

The staff of TEAM try to help people think of alternative high schools differently.

Many people hear alternative school and think its a place for troubled kids, Vallaire said. We want to change that perception: we dont have typical students  we have high-achieving students; students with life responsibilities; and students whose life circumstances make TEAMs approach to learning a better fit.

TEAM can be great for students because we meet them where they are academically and offer a myriad of support and flexibility with classes to help them succeed, Domingo said. Since we have time to work with our students one-on-one, they share information about their work, hobbies, and home lives; I feel having that knowledge helps me be a better teacher by allowing me to adjust my instruction to fit their specific needs and learning styles.

While in remote learning, Domingo sees her students still diligently working on their studies.

My students have been absolute rockstars at home learning with at least three having caught up on more than an entire year of school, she said. Its been really cool to see these kids discovering how they can get ahead in their studies by using remote learning to their advantage and jumping on that opportunity.

The new TEAM high school facility, a previously-used portable building, was installed by the WPS facility team in December.
As rioters stormed the US Capitol last January 6, many of the police officers had to decide on their own how to fight them off. There was no direction. No plan. And no top leadership.

One officer ran from one side of the building to another, fighting hand-to-hand against rioters.

Three officers were able to handcuff one rioter. But a crowd swarmed the group and took the arrested man away with the handcuffs still on.

Interviews with four members of the US Capitol Police who were overrun by rioters that day show just how quickly the command structure collapsed as crowds, egged on by President Donald Trump, set upon the Capitol.

The officers spoke on condition of anonymity because the department has threatened to suspend anyone who speaks to the media.

We were on our own, one of the officers told Associated Press. Totally on our own.

The officers said they were given next to no warning by leadership that morning about what would become a growing force of thousands of rioters, many better armed than the officers themselves.

And once the riot began, they were given no instructions by the departments leaders on how to stop the mob or rescue lawmakers. There were only enough staff for a routine day.

Read More

Three officers told reporters they did not hear Chief Steven Sund on the radio the entire afternoon. It turned out he was sheltering with Vice President Mike Pence in a secure location for some of the siege. Sund resigned the next day.

His assistant chief, Yogananda Pittman, who is now interim chief, was heard over the radio telling the force to lock the building down, with no further instructions, two officers said.



One officer Lt Tarik Johnson was heard by an officer on the radio repeatedly asking, Does anybody have a plan?

Despite plenty of online warnings of a possible insurrection and ample resources and time to prepare, the Capitol Police planned only for a free speech demonstration on January 6.

They rejected offers of support from the Pentagon three days before the siege, according to senior defence officials. .

And during the riot, they turned down an offer by the Justice Department to have FBI agents come in as reinforcements. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

The riot left five people dead. Another officer died in an apparent suicide after the attack.

The attack has forced a reckoning among law enforcement agencies. Federal watchdogs launched a sweeping review of how the FBI, the Pentagon and other agencies responded to the riot.

Sund told The Washington Post that he was worried about the possibility for violence and wanted to bring in the National Guard, but the House and Senate sergeants at arms refused. To bring in the Guard, the sergeants at arms would have had to ask congressional leaders.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosis deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, said the leaders had not been informed of any such request . The office of Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, declined to comment.

Tens of thousands of National Guard members have been called to secure the Capitol ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden tomorrow.
A special financing rate is available for 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans

Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter is promoting a special financing offer on 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to drivers in the Phoenix area. The dealership, located in Peoria, serves the Phoenix area with its selection of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris commercial vans. These vans include passenger, crew, and cargo vans for individuals or small businesses.

Through Feb 1, 2021, special financing rates are available at Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter. These rates include 0% APR financing for some 60-month, 48-month and 36-month financing plans. This offer is currently available for 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and other special incentives can be found at the dealership for newer models.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, excluding the Sprinter Cab Chassis, can be purchased at Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter this month with that special financing rate available for eligible customers. Per every $1,000 financed, a customer can expect their monthly payment to increase by $16,67. This rate excludes leases and some other offers. The new vehicle delivery must be taken by Feb 1, 2021 to be eligible for this rate.

Drivers who are interested in purchasing a commercial van for themselves or their small businesses are encouraged to visit the dealerships website, arrowheadmbsprinter.com, to learn more. Special incentives can be viewed online on the National Offers page that is linked under the Specials drop-down menu on the site. The dealership is known to usually offer a variety of finance or lease incentives every month.

Other special offers available at the dealership include special finance rates for 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris van and 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans. The dealership also has several special leasing offers located lower on the page.
BATAVIA, Ill., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading grocery retailer ALDI is furthering its commitment to protect the health, safety and well-being of its employees, customers and communities it serves by removing obstacles for its workers to access the COVID-19 vaccine, if they so choose.

The company is working closely with state and local officials across the U.S. to ensure front-line workers remain prioritized, and today ALDI unveiled its plan to support employees. ALDI is ensuring that all hourly workers who wish to receive the vaccine are able to do so without concern about losing pay or taking time away from work. The company will cover costs associated with vaccine administration and will provide employees with two hours of pay for each dose they receive, up to four hours total, as well as scheduling flexibility for salaried employees.

The company continues to work with government and health care officials to do its part to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and will continue exploring further ways to enhance vaccine accessibility. For example, the company will implement on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouse and office locations to ensure its employees have easy access to the vaccine.

"Since the onset of the pandemic, our entire ALDI team has worked to keep stores safe and stocked, and serve communities without interruption," said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI U.S. "Providing accommodations so employees can receive this critical vaccine is one more way we can support them and eliminate the need to choose between earning their wages and protecting their well-being."

ALDI has implemented a number of safety measures as a result of the pandemic, from intensified in-store cleaning to requiring masks to scheduling special hours for vulnerable shoppers. For more information about ALDI COVID-19 safety measures, visit the ALDI website here.

About ALDI U.S.

ALDI is one of America's fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. With more than 2,000 stores across 37 states, ALDI is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022. When it comes to value, ALDI won't be beat on price. For 10 years running, ALDI has held the esteemed title of Value Leader among U.S. grocery stores according to the latest Market Force Information U.S. Grocery Competitive Study,* and ALDI has been No. 1 for price according to the Dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index Report for four years running. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience where customers Shop differentli and never have to compromise on quality, selection or value. In fact, 1 in 3 ALDI-brand products is award-winning.*** Customers can save time and money by conveniently shopping in-store or online at shop.aldi.us. ALDI also proudly serves as a Feeding America Leadership Partner, donating 30 million pounds of food each year in an effort to end hunger in America. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

*According to annual surveys of U.S. consumers conducted 2011-18 and 2020 by Market Force Information.

***As of 1/29/20, based on an audit of everyday, nationally distributed ALDI-exclusive branded products

SOURCE ALDI

Related Links

http://aldi.us


Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication.

From The Plague Cycle: The Unending War Between Humanity and Infectious Disease by Charles Kenny. Copyright  2021 by Charles Kenny. Reprinted by permission of Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc.

Flu may kill far more people every year than Ebola ever has, but unless we give a new variant a new name (swine flu, as it might be), it doesnt raise as much concern. This may help explain why a November 2014 survey in the U.S. ranked Ebola as the third most urgent health problem facing the countryjust below the cost of health care and ahead of cancer and heart disease. That fear was accompanied by widespread calls for travel bans, even though thered been only two cases of Ebola transmission inside the United States, neither of which were fatal, and all experts were saying there was little risk of spread.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This exclusion instinct is based on evolutionary reality. Staying away from strangers is a rational reaction in the face of an unknown infectious threat. If it isnt clear who is sick, the only strategy that works is to reduce contact with everyone.

Today, though, when most of the world lives in cities and only a small minority of the planets population is in any way self-sufficient when it comes to producing food (or anything else), total isolation simply isnt an option. Testing and isolating the sick, along with tracing their contacts, was a successful strategy against Ebola in 2014 and against COVID-19 in 2020. Social distancing was a necessary but expensive fallback in 2020 when we didnt know who was infected.

Advertisement

Distancing and stay-at-home orders often worked to reduce the average number of people infected by each person with COVID-19 to below one, meaning that infection rates decreased. But an early estimate of the effects of the coronavirus lockdowns on the U.S. economy from just the one month of April 2020 suggests an average cost of $5,000 per household. (The effects were far larger for some families: More than 20 million people were thrown out of work in the U.S. during April alone.)

Advertisement

And the associated health impacts of the early coronavirus response were considerable worldwide. Those with conditions other than COVID-19 were kept away from hospitals, routine immunization programs were paralyzed, and millions were sunk into poverty where they suffered from malnourishment and the illnesses that are its by-product. Early estimates suggested that in some developing countries the response to COVID-19 might kill more than the infection itself.

Advertisement

Lockdowns were never designed to be a stand-alone solution. Rather, they were a short-term strategy to buy time for better strategies and to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients. And its worth repeating that people sensibly and instinctually want to stay away from others when theres a new disease spreading with no cure. At the start of COVID-19s spread, it didnt take regulations from above for people to stop going to restaurants and cut back on shopping. But for whatever highly contagious, often asymptomatic novel infection that comes next, every country needs to be efficient at using the time provided by lockdowns to come up with less restrictive methods to slow spread and build confidence. Those methods should include mass testing and tracing that allows for selective isolation.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Notably, exclusion at the border is far more expensive and far less effective in a world based on global exchange. Quarantines and border controls probably helped reduce the spread of plague, but they proved considerably less useful against cholera and yellow fever in the 19th century. Today, even while isolation of the individual sick tourist can be a practical emergency strategy, and short-term travel bans may sometimes have a role to buy extra time to respond to a new pandemic, the world is simply too connected for even the greatest build-a-wall fantasist to think diseases can long be kept out by closing borders.

In 1986, for example, AIDS was added to the list of infections that would prohibit permanent entry under the U.S. Immigration Act. Even tourists with HIV had to apply for a waiver that, if granted, involved an indelible stamp in their passport announcing to all their HIV status. This despite the fact that in 1987 the World Health Organization had concluded that screening or banning international travelers wasnt an effective tool to reduce the HIV burden. You can tell that travel limits didnt work to stop the spread of AIDS because it was first identified in the U.S. (rather than in the Congo Basin) and quickly reached the countries most cut off from international travel and commerce, including Burma under the junta.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Similarly, travel controls put in place over the H1N1 virus in 2009 led to a 40 percent drop in air traffic to and from Mexico following the international alert, but had no effect on the spread of the disease. Epidemiologist Paolo Bajardi and colleagues argue that the evidence from the H1N1 outbreak suggests that even a comprehensive travel ban would, at best, have delayed the spread of the condition by 20 days.

The limited efficacy of travel bans in the face of a frequently asymptomatic and rapidly spreading disease was on full display with COVID-19. While its good to avoid people congregating in airports or in airplanes as much as it is in trains or factories during efforts to reduce the spread of a disease, theres no cross-country evidence that countries that introduced travel bans saw lower rates of coronavirus infection in the first few months of 2020. Early estimates of the overall impact of travel bans suggest they slowed the spread of the virus from between two to three weeks at maximum and zero days at minimum.

Advertisement

The U.S. government issued its first partial travel restrictions on Jan. 31. In the time between the coronavirus emerging in China and the United States travel ban, 390,000 people flew from China to the U.S. Theres some evidence that COVID-19 may have spread during the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show between Jan. 7 and Jan. 10, attended by 170,000 people. There was a coronavirus case in the U.S. on Jan. 20. And there was at least one COVID-19 death in California on Feb. 6, suggesting an infection two weeks prior.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Even in the two-month period after the U.S. travel ban was introduced, a further 40,000 people (including U.S. citizens and green card holders) made the journey from China to the U.S. Worldwide, between January and early April, nearly 11 million people flew into the U.S. from countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19. And the threat of wider travel bans meant that millions of people rushed home before they were enforced. That led to packed immigration and customs halls, crushing thousands of people together in a small space for many hours. Crowded terminals at JFK and Newark were likely a factor in the severity of the outbreak that hit New York City.

Advertisement

It wasnt just the U.S., of course: A French hospital treated someone for pneumonia at the end of December 2019. Blood taken at the time was later tested for COVID-19 and came back positive. France imposed a travel ban in mid-March. Something similar has played out with the new, more contagious B-117 coronavirus variant. It was first reported in the U.K., where it is believed to have originated, in mid-December, and soon after, countries began restricting travel for visitors from the U.K. But the variant may have been in the U.S. since October.

Advertisement

For a globally connected country, there may have been some benefit from imposing travel restrictions in early January or before, but no government acted that early. The first government worldwide to put in place an international travel ban related to COVID-19 was the Marshall Islands. It was introduced on Jan. 24. (That said, small island nations are where short-term travel bans may make the most sense: New Zealand banned foreigners entering the country in mid-March 2020 when it had 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and put the whole country in lockdown soon thereafter. When that was combined with a vigorous test-trace-isolate strategy for suspected cases, the initial outbreak was rapidly controlled.)

Advertisement

Worse, travel bans remained in place long beyond any hope of efficacy. U.S. bans were in place through the first half of 2020 despite the fact that the country had more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than any other for most of that time.

Banning travel usually simply complicates authorities response to new disease threatsslowing the arrival of staff, supplies, and equipment to the countries battling an outbreak. Trade and collaboration, the transfer of goods, people, and ideas, are central to supporting health systems as well as developing and rolling out tests, treatments, and cures. We cannot respond effectively alone. We have to respond collectively.

Advertisement

And in the longer term, there are reasons to think travel bans may further increase risk: A 2006 study of HIV-positive travelers from the U.K. to the U.S. who were taking antiretroviral drugs at the time found that the majority traveled illegally rather than report their condition and risk either exclusion or exposure. Nearly one-fifth of those surveyed stopped or delayed taking their antiretroviral medicines for fear of being searched on arrival in the U.S. and their status being discovered. Not only did they increase their own health risks by doing so, given that antiretrovirals help reduce transmission of HIV; the suspension of self-treatment increased the risks to anyone they had sex with in the United States.

Advertisement

Because of the importance of global connections to the quality of life, by far the largest economic cost of many recent global infectious threats, including COVID-19, has been the reaction of people and governments to the threat, rather than the disease itself. Weve seen that the Black Death could kill off one-third of the European continent and the immediate social and economic effect was surprisingly limited. And in an age where travel and trade were a very minor component of the global economy, regulations governing the movement of goods and people were comparatively minor disruptions to local economies. When Dubrovnik, in what is now Croatia, was introducing the concept of quarantine to the world during the Black Death, global trade was a few percentage points of output at most.

Advertisement

But the extent of global integration today explains why even fairly insignificant disease threats can have such outsize economic impact. SARS killed fewer than 800 people, for example, but the economic cost of the global response was $140 billion. A World Bank estimate from a few years ago of the global costs of a severe global pandemic on the scale of the 1918 flu was that it might equal 5 percent of global gross domestic product, or $3 trillion. COVID-19 quickly showed that estimate to be wildly optimistic.

And because were no longer in a Malthusian age, pandemics dont even have the small silver lining of fostering equality. Research on epidemics over the past 20 years by economists at the International Monetary Fund suggests that poor people arent only more likely to die during an outbreak; theyre more likely to lose jobs and fall further behind the incomes of the rich.

Advertisement

Long-term exclusion and border controls were always a partially effective response to disease threats, at best. Today, theyre simply unaffordablesignificantly counterproductive for health, ruinous for quality of life. The only solution is to use the immense innovative power and production capabilities that a globally connected and urbanized world has bequeathed to develop and roll out more effective responses.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore.  A Cottage Grove man is in jail, accused of driving drunk in a fatal crash last year.

Oregon State Police said Christopher Paschall, 51, was arrested on Sunday.

The crash happened on June 26, 2020, on Highway 101 near milepost 152. Troopers say Paschall was headed north when the vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree.

Passenger James Paschall, 20, died due to the crash.

OSP was notified by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife that Christopher Paschall had felony warrants out of Lincoln County, and troopers contacted the man and arrested him.

Paschall is in the Lane County Jail on charges of manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving.
In a statement on Thursday, Gov Ron DeSantis urged Floridians being vaccinated to not forego their second shot

Nearly 50,000 people in Florida who received their first coronavirus vaccine dose are overdue for their second one.

The two immunizations approved for emergency use authorization in the U.S. - Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna - each require a booster shot three or four weeks apart.

According to Florida's Department of Health, about 1.03 million people have been given at least one shot and more than 93,000 have returned for their second jab.

However, a total of 45,056 have missed their shot - a figure that has risen 10 percent over the last three days, health department data shows.

Some health experts say seniors are delaying going to their second appointment because they fear serious side effects such as fever, headache and chills.

There is currently no national database tracking people who are overdue for their second shot and Florida is the first state to announce this issue.

Of the 1.03 million people in Florida who have received at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine, 45,056 are overdue for their second dose. Pictured: A medical worker administers a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Kathy Veltman at a COVID-19 vaccination site at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City, Florida, January 13

Florida's Department of Health has refused to answer questions about whether officials are concerned and reasons for why people have missed their second jab

Dr Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that it is unclear what the significance is of people missing their shots without knowing why they are overdue.

He said it could be a number of factors including people not knowing when they are due to get their second shot or even a lag in reporting.

'Without knowing the 'why' here, it is challenging to know whether it should be concerning,' Salemi said.

'Right now, I'm not concerned, but if that number continues to grow...or the reasons for missing the second dose are concerning (e.g., no doses available, people unable to make it to their appointments in a timely manner), then I'd be brainstorming effective solutions.'

However, some experts say they were expecting such a situation to occur.

'I heard there are some seniors balking at getting the second shot because they've heard that the side effects are worse with the second shot,' Seminole County EMS Medical Director Todd Husty told WESH 2.

Clinical trial data showed many volunteers who receive the second dose experienced worse side effects such as fever, headache, fatigue, chills and shortness of breath.

But officials say this is a sign that the vaccine is working and that the immune system is mounting a response.

Husty told WESH 2 that the best solution is to educate the general public that the virus itself is far worse than the side effects and that symptoms such as a headache or fever can be alleviated with Tylenol.

Jason Mahon, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Health, told the Sun Sentinel that 80 percent of people due for their second dose have received it.

Health experts say some seniors might be worried about the side effects of getting the second dose, which is known to be stronger than the first. Pictured: Residents of The Palace assisted living facility in Coral Gables, Florida, wait in line to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, January 12

In a statement on Thursday, Gov Ron DeSantis urged Floridians being vaccinated to not forego their second shot

However, he did not answer questions about why people are overdue or if state officials are concerned.

The state's Department of Health did not immediately reply to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Dr Joshia Lenchus, chief medical officer of Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, told the Sun Sentinel the two doses are space out to give the body time to mount an immune response while reducing side effects.

Pfizer's booster shot is given 21 days after the initial shot while the Moderna vaccine is given after 28 days.

Lenchus said there is a four-day window in which it is ideal to distribute the second shot, but he recommends still getting it outside of that window.

'I would suggest still getting it,' he told the Sun Sentinel.

'I would not walk around with one shot feeling protected.'

In a statement released to Twitter on Thursday, Gov Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to get their second dose

'While there is talk at the federal level regarding how to distribute vaccine doses and whether booster shots should be 'held back,' Florida is committed to the two-dose regimen for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines,' he wrote.

'One dose seems to provide some protection, but the 95 percent efficiency has only been shown to be attained by taking the booster shot.

'This means that while the manner of distribution may change, the necessity of the booster shot will not. Florida wants all seniors to receive booster shots at the appropriate time.'
A simple and cheap test could save thousands of lives from bowel cancer.

Costing just 4, it is already sent out to over-60s every two years. But scientists say it also works for over-50s who have early signs of the disease.

The University of Exeter researchers examined data from 3,890 patients with low-risk symptoms  those that could be put down to stomach ache or other conditions such as anaemia.

A simple and cheap test could save thousands of lives from bowel cancer by spotting early signs of the disease

The test, which detects hidden traces of blood in faeces, picked up 618 potential cases, 43 of which led to a diagnosis of bowel cancer within a year.

Only eight cases were missed by the faecal immunochemical test  FIT for short.

The scientists are calling for it to be rolled out across the NHS.

'Our findings are very exciting,' said Sarah Bailey, who led the school of medicine study.

'We show that this simple and inexpensive test performs exceptionally well in this group of patients with low-risk symptoms, to quickly and accurately tell us who is likely to not have colorectal cancer, and who should be referred for investigation.

'At a time when hospital services face a backlog as a result of Covid-19 measures, making this decision quickly can ensure the right people are investigated and treated as quickly as possible, which can help save lives.

'We are now calling for FIT to be evaluated for use across the entire healthcare spectrum, not just in primary care, and in combination with other clinical markers of cancer such as blood test results.

The test, which detects hidden traces of blood in faeces, picked up 618 potential cases, 43 of which led to a diagnosis of bowel cancer within a year

'A logical step would be to evaluate how FIT can be used in hospital settings, to help the NHS recover from the backlog that has built up following the Covid crisis.'

Dr Bailey said there was a strong argument for more research to evaluate the test in the under-50s because bowel cancer rates were on the rise in this age group.

The disease kills around 45 people every day in the UK. It is more likely to be curable if it is detected at an early stage.

Commenting on the study, Dr Jodie Moffat of Cancer Research UK said: 'FIT is already being used for people who don't have symptoms in the bowel screening programme.

'So it's fascinating to see how this test may also be used in patients with low-risk symptoms to identify who needs further investigation.

'As with all tests, FIT isn't perfect and some cases can be missed so it's important that anyone whose symptoms persist, change or worsen contact their GP, even if they've recently had a negative FIT result.'

The Exeter findings are in the British Journal of Cancer. They were based on a six-month survey of all healthcare providers in south-west England during 2018.

Another study published recently suggested that bowel cancer diagnoses fell last year following the introduction of the first Covid lockdown.

Between April and October, more than 3,500 fewer patients than expected were diagnosed with the condition, according to researchers from the University of Oxford.
Mr Samuel Monney, Commissioner of Police (COP) the Director General, Technical Unit of the Ghana Police Service, has cautioned the youth against vandalizing Police Stations and other public property.



He said Police Stations were public property, communities ought to protect such premises and officers posted to serve primarily in their own interest.



COP Monney gave the caution, when he inaugurated the Kranka Community Police Station in the Nkoranza North District of the Bono East Region and tasked Police personnel to forge stronger police-civilian relationships to get support from the public towards crime combat.



He expressed concern about acts of lawlessness among the current generation of youth, and warned especially the youth in that community against unruly behaviours or be prepared to face the full rigours of the law.



COP Monney commended the people of Kranka for initiating and constructing the Police Station and therefore called on other deprived communities to emulate that self-help spirit.



Madam Gifty Akosah-Arthur, the Nkoranza North District Chief Executive, commended Major (retired) Derek Oduro, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkoranza North for supporting the community to build the Police Station.



She urged the youth in the area to shun away from deviant behaviours, protect the Police Station and assist the Police in crime fighting by providing the personnel with information on people with questionable characters.



Nana Owusu Agyemang, a Fetish Priest in-charge of the Kranka Brakune shrine, who presided praised the District Assembly for the development of the community.

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
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.
SCITON UNVEILS QUARTER OF GRATITUDE - Trailblazing Laser Company Spotlights Individuals Who Made 2020 Brighter Tweet this

"Sciton does not take our success for granted," shared Sciton Board of Directors member and Vice President of Sales, Robb Brindley. "With the help from our people and our industry partners, we are ushering forward a new annual tradition at Sciton - the Quarter of Gratitude - an event where we honor, show love and share appreciation for the people who have partnered with our enterprise and made us the company that we are today."

Sciton shares its sincere appreciation for the customers, staff and partners who have made 2020 a successful year despite the difficult circumstances. The company experienced record setting growth in 2020, indicating a joint investment and belief in their future success, all which would not have been possible without the hard work and partner support the company felt throughout the pandemic.

"2020 was a defining year in which the Sciton culture served as a guiding light, uniting our people and ultimately driving breakthrough success. We are beyond grateful that we had a growth year for our enterprise with Q3 and Q4 rendering the best second half performance in the 20+ year history of our enterprise," said Brindley.

The Quarter of Gratitude campaign aims to send over 1200 personal, hand-written notes to Sciton partners across the country. With all the noise in the world today, Sciton hopes to bring a quiet moment of thankfulness and acknowledgement to those within their extended business family for driving record results in 2020 and continued success into 2021.

ABOUT SCITON

Sciton, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California, is a totally employee-owned medical device company established in 1997 by co-founders Jim Hobart, Ph.D., and Dan Negus, Ph.D. Sciton is committed to providing best-in-class laser and light solutions for medical professionals who want superior durability, performance and value. Sciton offers aesthetic and medical devices for women's health, fractional and full-coverage skin resurfacing and skin revitalization, phototherapy, vascular and pigmentation lesions, scar reduction, acne, body contouring, and hair reduction. Sciton operates worldwide with direct sales forces in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and distributor partners in more than 45 countries. For more information and a complete listing of Sciton systems, visit www.sciton.com.

Instagram: @Sciton_Inc

SOURCE Sciton, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sciton.com



[January 19, 2021] Dwelo Launches Self Touring to Transform Multifamily Leasing from End to End

DRAPER, Utah, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dwelo, the leading provider of smart technology solutions purpose-built for apartments, in partnership with Pynwheel, the leader in multifamily tour technology, is excited to launch Dwelo Self Touring. Dwelo Self Touring becomes the latest smart apartment product offered by Dwelo to help owners and developers of multifamily communities utilize technology to lease and control access to their communities more efficiently. We are thrilled to partner with Pynwheel on the most complete and secure self touring solution on the market today. For more information about self touring, visit info.dwelo.com/self-touring . With Dwelo Self Touring, owners, property managers, and leasing agents can seamlessly capture more prospects, allow them to tour in their preferred way at their preferred time, and ultimately close more leases with less effort. Dwelo Self Touring enables higher conversions at lower costs, driving faster lease-ups for new developments and overall higher occupancy rates for existing assets. Dwelo Self Touring communities receive end-to-end capabilities including: Sidewalk to Sofa Access - Prospects can navigate your full community, including common areas and amenities

Secure Touring - Built-in ID Verification ensures managers know who is on the property and that they are safe to be there

Leasing Plugin- Enable prospects to schedule a tour right from your website

Leasing Agent Insights - A portal for leasing agents gives them key data on how the prospects spent their time and attention, giving them a leg up on closing the deal

Property Management Integrations - Integrations with most property management platforms eliminate extra effort

Dwelo's World-Class Support - Setup, managed and supported by DweloCare



Mike Rovito , CEO at Dwelo "This partnership creates a very exciting opportunity to offer the multifamily industry the best possible self-tour experience, and it couldn't come at a better time. We've been very successful at creating the best app complete with way-finding, content, user tools, and a portal for leasing agents. Combining that functionality with Dwelo's secure controlled access solutions and white glove support will make things much easier for properties and prospects alike." - Jennifer Cyphers, CEO at Pynwheel

About Dwelo Dwelo is a Smart Device Management (SDM) platform built to increase multifamily owners' Net Operating Income. With Dwelo's SDM platform, smart devices decrease operating costs and increase operating income in multifamily communities. Dwelo has earned the trust of over 80 ownership groups nationwide by solving their problems and delivering on our commitments. Visit dwelo.com for more information. About Pynwheel Pynwheel (pynwheel.com) is a privately-held marketing technology company in Denver, Colorado founded in April 2012 by Jennifer Cyphers, formerly Founder/President of Engrain (fka Multifamily Edge) and Director of ApartmentGuide.com. Pynwheel's suite of SaaS products for the Multifamily industry includes a touchscreen application and complementary iOS application to facilitate on-site sales; interactive property maps that can be added to property marketing websites; and a mobile application that allows prospective residents to take self-guided property tours. Pynwheel innovation makes buying and leasing homes easier for thousands of prospective residents across the United States. Contact:

Bradley Davis

bdavis@dwelo.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dwelo-launches-self-touring-to-transform-multifamily-leasing-from-end-to-end-301210243.html SOURCE Dwelo

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
On Thursday, January 21, at 15.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host an on-line press conference entitled "Higher Education Admission Process for Youth from Temporarily Occupied Territories: Outcomes of 2020, Start in 2021." Participants include USAID representative, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Andriy Vitrenko; Executive Director of the Open Policy Foundation, founder of the Klim Churyumov Scientific Lyceum, PhD in history Iryna Zhdanova; representative of the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, Head of the Main Directorate of Higher Education and Adult Education of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine Svitlana Kretovych; Director of the Government Contact Center Olha Kholomeyeva; Rector of the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University Olha Porkuyan (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Media accreditation requires registration on the spot. Additional info by phone: (096) 655 6763 (Valeria Semkova), or at: dostupnaosvita.com.ua@gmail.com.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday opened the door to withdrawing some troops from the Sahel region saying that Paris was able to adjust its operations after successes over against Islamist militants and the arrival of more European forces.

"The temporary reinforcements that I decided to deploy have enabled the Barkhane force to put in great difficulty terrorist groups, which find themselves cornered and reduced to cowardly acts," Macron said in his annual New Year's wishes to the military. "The results obtained by our forces in the Sahel, combined with the greater intervention of our European partners, will allow us to adjust our effort."

Paris boosted its troop numbers for its Barkhane counter-terrorism operations by 600 in 2020 to 5,100 soldiers. Diplomatic and military sources have said France was expected to announce a withdrawal of a similar number by mid-February.

Short link:


Satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has signed a framework agreement with its distribution partner InterSat to provide connectivity services to the Post Office in Cote dIvoire.

The multi-year agreement will enable the connection of about 170 post offices throughout the country. All the post offices will be equipped with konnect Wifi hotspots in white zones (where coverage is poor), enabling the Post Office to offer broadband solutions to its local customers.

Eutelsat says that, in the future, the scope of this operation could be expanded to 3,000 parcel points (known as Point Relais) throughout the country.

Leveraging the recently operational Eutelsat Konnect high-throughput satellite, the roll-out of the service starts this month and continues over a six-month period.

With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat says it enables clients across video, data, government, and fixed and mobile broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location.

Isaac Gnamba Yao, CEO of La Poste, Cote dIvoire, said: In addition to its statutory mission of providing a universal postal service for the transport of mail and other related services, the Post Office in Cote d'Ivoire has now added the task of facilitating access to the internet for rural populations.

This is not the first time the role of satellite communications in advancing both rural communications and supporting postal services has been highlighted in an African context. In November last year we reported that Senegals postal authority had signed an agreement with satellite communication service provider Spacecom.

The deal will help the public company in charge of postal services in Senegal to provide internet services to the countrys rural population.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
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.
Containers seen at the Kim Thanh Border Gate No.2 with China in the northern province of Lao Cai in February 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

Vietnam's trade with China rose by 14 percent last year to $133.09 billion, making it the latter's sixth largest trading partner.

Its exports to China grew by 18 percent to $48.9 billion, and imports by 12 percent to $84.1 billion, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

But some of Vietnam's traditional export items like agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries faced difficulty with their exports falling by over 3 percent to $6.8 billion.

China is its largest trading partner and second biggest export market behind only the U.S.

Vietnam was China's eighth largest trading partner in 2019 before its rise to sixth in 2020. It is China's eighth largest supplier of goods and fifth largest export market.
Tributes were paid last night to a Special Constable with Essex Police after he died from Covid-19.

Marine officer Toby Speller volunteered for more than 16 years with the force before he died over the weekend.

The news was confirmed by Essex Police on Twitter, as they described him as a 'dedicated, professional officer'.

The Essex Police marine unit tweeted a picture of SC Speller with a message urging people to follow coronavirus regulations.

The comments come as Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi says police officers and teachers could jump the queue for a Covid jab in phase two of the rollout.

Marine officer Toby Speller (pictured above) volunteered for more than 16 years with Essex Police before he died from Covid-19 over the weekend. Tributes were paid to him last night

Essex Police Fed said: 'We are devastated to say we lost one of our Marine Officers to Covid-19 on Saturday.

'Rest well Toby, we will take it from here. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family.

'Please everyone adhere to government regulations to help save lives. This virus has no respect for age & health.'

The tweet was shared by Home Secretary Priti Patel and the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), John Apter, while many others posted messages of condolence.

Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said he spent time with SC Speller last month.

He tweeted: 'He was passionate about being part of @EssexSpecials averaging 700hrs a year & an inspiration to many.

'My thoughts & prayers with his wife, children, friends & colleagues. Rest in peace Toby & thx you for your service #StayHomeSaveLives.'

The Metropolitan Police special constabulary said: 'Such terrible news. The whole Special Constabulary family send our thoughts and prayers.'

More than half a million police officers and teachers could jump the vaccine queue if they are given priority in the second rollout phase.

Hundreds of thousands of shop workers could also be added to the list, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said yesterday.

NHS staff administer the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine at Totally Wicked Stadium, home of St Helen's rugby club, one of the new mass vaccination centres that opened on Monday

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi (pictured above, in December last year) says police officers and teachers could jump the queue for a Covid jab in phase two of the rollout

He added those who come into close contact with the public as a result of their jobs should be considered for priority access.

THE UK'S VACCINE PRIORITY GROUP LIST 1. Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults 2. All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers 3. All those 75 years of age and over 4. All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those under 16 years of age) 5. All those 65 years of age and over 6. Adults aged 16 to 65 years in an at-risk group 7. All those 60 years of age and over 8. All those 55 years of age and over 9. All those 50 years of age and over 10. Rest of the population (to be determined) Advertisement

But any decision to give such a large number of people priority could be controversial as it would leave others waiting much longer.

Last night Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for a national debate on prioritisation.

The decision on who will get the jab and when will be taken by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

It has so far outlined only phase one of the rollout, covering everyone over 50, those with clinical vulnerabilities, care home residents and NHS and social care staff.

That should be completed by early spring and the committee is now deciding who should be top of the list in phase two.

Mr Zahawi told Times Radio yesterday: 'Teachers, police officers, shop workers, those who through no fault of their own, other than the work that they do, may come into contact with the virus at much greater volume [should be] the top of the list.'

There are 408,615 teachers in state-funded English schools who are under 50, meaning they would not have been offered the jab in phase one. The statistics do not include teachers in the private sector.

In England and Wales, there are around 129,000 police officers under 55, with no breakdown for those under 50.

That makes around half a million, although the total will be higher when teachers and police officers from the rest of the UK are included.

It is not known whether Mr Zahawi was referring to all shop workers or just those working at the height of lockdown in supermarkets and corner shops.

Police officers and teachers are among those being considered for priority in the next phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout (file photo)

NHS staff administer the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at Totally Wicked Stadium home of St Helen's rugby club

As well as police and teachers, there are also suggestions of giving thousands of shop workers priority in the next vaccine phase (file photo)

Across the whole UK retail sector, there are 2.5million workers aged 55 or under. It is not known how many of these work in essential shops.

Speaking at the Downing Street press conference yesterday, Mr Hancock outlined how a decision on vaccine priorities would be made.

He said: 'The clinical advice is to go through the top groups... and then after that it is essentially about protecting people as well as possible according to a judgment about who should come next.

'That is why we should have a debate about that.

'Ninety-nine per cent of deaths occur in the top nine groups and after that it is about protecting against transmission and getting life back to normal as soon as possible.'

Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, said: 'We are learning about how well this vaccine protects against transmission and that knowledge will help inform the next decision-making process.

The move to vaccinate so many people, such as shop workers and teachers, could be controversial as it would leave others waiting much longer

'You may target groups that are transmitting more than others or are out there working.'

But she added that if it turns out that the vaccine does not protect much against transmission, another decision may be made.

Cabinet ministers such as Mr Hancock and Priti Patel have previously said police officers and teachers have a good case for being placed at the top of phase two of the rollout.

Mr Hancock said last night the UK has so far vaccinated just over 4million people.

Matt Hancock revealed last night that more than 4million Britons have now had a coronavirus vaccine, amid mounting claims that a 'postcode lottery' has left vulnerable people in certain areas unprotected.

With the successful rollout of a Covid vaccine the only hope ministers have of being able to ease the lockdown restrictions this spring, the Health Secretary told the nation: 'Don't blow it now, we're on the route out.'

Matt Hancock revealed last night that more than 4million Britons have now had a coronavirus vaccine, amid mounting claims that a 'postcode lottery' has left vulnerable people in certain areas unprotected

With the successful rollout of a Covid vaccine the only hope ministers have of being able to ease the lockdown restrictions this spring, the Health Secretary (pictured above) told the nation: 'Don't blow it now, we're on the route out'

He also admitted supplies of the only two approved jabs, made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca, are being prioritised to areas lagging behind in the rollout.

Another 7million Britons were sent invite letters to receive their coronavirus jabs from yesterday - but only in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have had it already.

Discussing Britain's growing Covid vaccine postcode lottery, Mr Hancock praised Slough for ensuring all of their care home residents have had their first dose. Newcastle-upon-Tyne has also achieved the feat.

But he said: 'What we're doing now is making sure that whilst they, of course, will be able to move onto the next group, we're prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s.

'But we don't want to stop the areas that have effectively done that job already, we want them to carry on, but the priority of the vaccine is according to the JCVI prioritisation list.

'The critical thing is to make sure that everybody can get it, that we're putting more supply into the areas that have got more to do.'
America Talks: Join us and #ListenFirst in a virtual conversation with another American

China says it will impose sanctions on U.S. officials who have engaged in what it described as "nasty behavior" over dealings with Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying issued the vow Monday during a daily briefing with reporters in Beijing, without mentioning any specific individuals or what actions would be taken against them.

China has vowed to counter a decision made by outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued on Jan. 9 lifting self-imposed restrictions on contacts between U.S. diplomats and their Taiwanese counterparts, referring to the self-ruled island as "a vibrant democracy and reliable partner of the United States."
A Dublin Starbucks outlet has been ordered to pay 12,000 compensation to an Irish customer with Thai heritage after an employee drew slanty eyes on the womans matcha tea latte cup.

In the case, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Adjudication Officer, Kevin Baneham has ordered Atercin Liffey Unlimited trading as Starbucks Tallaght pay Suchavadee Foley 12,000 after finding that Ms Foley was racially harassed under the Equal Status Act when attending the outlet on January 12th 2020.

In his findings, Mr Baneham stated that it is not disputed that a Starbucks employee drew an image of a smile and slanty eyes on the cup as a way of marking it as Ms Foleys cup.

Mr Baneham stated that Ms Foley has Thai-Irish heritage and it is clear that the visual depiction relates to her race. It is as offensive and as unimaginative as a 19th century Punch cartoon.

Mr Baneham stated that the drawing depicts slanty eyes which he said is clearly a reference to race.

He stated: Instead of her name, a physical descriptor was used, in this case her eyes. This was not a drawing of the complainant, but a sketch of one part of her and one clearly associated with race.

Ms Baneham stated that Ms Foley, while making her order, began to spell out her name and was interrupted by the employee, who improvised a physical representation of Ms Foley who did not ask for this.

Mr Baneham found that the employee did not intend to harass Ms Foley but it is clear that the drawing had a degrading and humiliating effect on Ms Foley.

Mr Baneham stated that the Starbucks firm did not take reasonably practicable steps to prevent the act of harassment and is vicariously liable.

The Starbucks outlet at hearing had denied that what occurred was a racist incident.

Mr Baneham described Ms Foleys account of, what he called, the racist incidents impact on her as compelling .

In her evidence, Ms Foley told the WRC hearing that she was "shocked and nervous" after the Starbucks employee showed her the latte cup with the slanty eyes as a way of identifying her for the collection of her latte.

Ms Foley told the hearing that she was too uncomfortable to collect the cup and her boyfriend returned to the counter to collect it for her.

Ms Foley told the hearing that she felt offended as this incident demeaned her. She stated that she had been racially abused and this was not a friendly event.

Ms Foley told the hearing that she is Irish and and that she and her parents moved to Ireland from Thailand when she was five or six.

Ms Foley told the hearing that she does not like confrontation and that after receiving the latte cup, her boyfriend approached the counter and spoke with the supervisor, who came to apologise.

The supervisor offered vouchers, but Ms Foley did not want them.

A legal representatives for the Starbucks outlet put it to Ms Foley that an American band called Slants had sought to re-appropriate the depiction of eyes in the same way that queer had been re-appropriated by the LGBT community.

In response, Ms Foley that she wanted her name to be marked on the cup and not a depiction of eyes as this would be called out by the employee.

The Brazilian Starbucks employee explained at hearing that she drew a smiley face as she thought Ms Foley was glamorous.

The employee stated that does not now draw on cups, unless it is for a child looking for happy birthday or a birthday-related drawing on the cup.

The employee was only a month in the job at the time and said that she initially did not understand what had caused offence.

The native of Sao Paulo told the hearing that she was very sorry and that she had not thought that Ms Foley would not like it.

The worker said she had sought to make the cup easy for Ms Foley to identify. She stated that her training had trained her to be 'nice'.

In his findings, Mr Baneham stated that he accepted the bona fides of the employees evidence.

Mr Baneham stated: She apologised to the complainant and did not intend to humiliate her or make her feel uncomfortableI fully accept that this was a mistake on her part and one that she regrets. I accept, therefore, that it was not the employees intention to harass the complainant.

A legal representative for the Starbucks outlet requested that the decision be anonymised because of the disproportionate impact this might have on the business but Mr Baneham turned down this request stating that there is no basis to anonymise the decision.

A spokeswoman for Starbucks said today: We are deeply sorry that this incident took place and we have no tolerance for discrimination of any kind at Starbucks.

We accept the adjudicators conclusion that our partner did not intend to harass this customer and we have retrained the team at this store to ensure this does not take place again.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host Eddie McGuire has revealed he once falsely believed a show champion had cheated his way to winning the $1million prize.

On Tuesday's The Kyle and Jackie O Show, the 56-year-old claimed it was his belief that 'absolutely something was wrong' when Martin Flood became the second person to win the grand prize in 2005.

His suspicions were so extreme that producers even searched poor Martin for a wire to check he hadn't been fed the answers while in the hot seat.

Suspicious minds: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host Eddie McGuire has revealed he once falsely believed a show champion had cheated his way to winning the $1million prize

'He just had this peculiar way of answering a question,' Eddie said. 'He was going all over the place.

'We thought maybe he had somebody outside and he had a phone attached to his calf. It was just so odd what was going on.'

But producers soon realised it was just Martin's knowledge and skill that helped him win the money - as he had literally trained for years to bag the million-dollar prize.

Concerns: On Tuesday's The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Eddie claimed it was his belief that 'absolutely something was wrong' when Martin Flood (pictured) became the second person to win the grand prize in 2005

'What we found out is that he took a year off work to study every question he could get his hands on from around the world,' Eddie added.

'He also studied me for any ticks or any gives that I was giving!'

In 2019, Martin spoke about his win in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.

Wrong: Eddie's suspicions were so extreme that producers even searched poor Martin for a wire to check he hadn't been fed the answers while in the hot seat

He revealed he was driven by the idea of dumping his dead-end job in IT in 1999, and decided to train himself in the art of trivia to prepare for the show.

'I could hardly chat with anyone without trying to turn the conversation to last weeks episode,' he said.

'For the next five years that show became my life. I watched every episode of every quiz show I could, I read many trivia books and I went to many trivia nights.'

WILTON  When Anastasia Rogozinski was about to enter Wilton High School in 2017, she researched club offerings to see what might be of interest.

She happened upon a Read to Me club, which connected high shoolers with their elementary counterparts in a way that was dear to her heart  reading.

When she got to Wilton High, however, she realized the club wasnt active, so Rogozinski decide to ramp it up again. Now the senior says the club is still going strong and growing.

Wilton High child and human development teacher Kristina Sluzewski is the club advisor.

The group is an amazing unifying activity between the students at Wilton High and Miller Driscoll, Sluzewski said.

Students visit classrooms and read books to the individual classrooms, accompanied sometimes by a connected craft.

The club initially was small, with four or five members, but continued to grow. Then COVID-19 hit.

Rogozinski and Sluzewski said they werent sure what was going to happen to the club given the level of interpersonal activity. Surprisingly, one of the few silver linings was the move to virtual for most programs has proved to be an effective one for Read to Me.

Weve been incredibly successful, Sluzewski said. ... We have more than 20 members and have read books to almost ever class at Miller Driscoll.

Live readings are done by Zoom, but the program also uses a YouTube channel for recorded readings. The flexibility of doing the readings virtually or at their own convenience has opened the program up to many more participants. Some are regular members and some do just one reading or participate part time.

Anastasia is a huge reader. This program allows high schoolers to inspire younger students by helping them to enjoy reading, Sluzewski said. ... Right now, we need as much connection as possible. This is such a special thing and so exciting for teacher and students, she said.

Rogozinski said she has always loved to read.

Its such a special thing to be able to read to little kids. It is such a unique activity. My parents always read to me, she said.

She said the online aspect really has helped the club grow.

Its allowed us to be more flexible, she said, ,adding the readings are broadcast on the classrooms Smartboards. ... It has kind of picked up from there. Its something pretty easy so we have a lot of new members this year.

As far as how she chooses books, Rogozinski said she has a collection of books from her early childhood she shares with the students.

One of them, The Library Mouse, by Daniel Kirk is her favorite.

The kids really love it when I read that one, and then they find out there are three or four of them and they get really excited.

Because the high school has a preschool on site, students sometimes borrow from that library or, with virtual readings, online books are also an option.

Rogozinski, who graduates this year, said she hasnt narrowed down her choice for college yet, but hopes to study English or education. Shes also a member of the French honor society, the National Honor Society, and works on the newspaper staff.

Natasha Ring, a junior, first joined the club at the start of her freshman year after one of her friends told her about it.

I thought it sounded interesting so I joined and loved it. My favorite part of the club is getting to interact with the kids. They are always so happy to see me and get so into the stories, Ring said.

This year has been a bit different due to the pandemic, but I still love being a part of the club and reading to the kids even if it is over Zoom, she said.

Jamie Leventhal, also a junior, said she joined the Read To Me Club because, I love working with kids and want to get them excited and engaged to read.

Reading to the children at Miller-Driscoll is enjoyable, fun and enables me to make special bonds with the kids, Leventhal said.

Rogozisnki said she feels the club is in good hands for the future after she graduates, as does Sluzewski.

This group of kids is an incredible group of leaders. We have 9th- through 12th-graders, evenly mixed, with a junior and senior leading group, she said. ... Its been such an incredible thing to see the connection of the teenagers at Wilton High to the elementary students at Miller-Driscoll.
Two DUP MPs have backed their Westminster colleague Gavin Robinson's warning that unionists should prepare for a future border poll.

Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph that the East Belfast MP was right to suggest that unionists must begin a conversation about how to advance the Union in preparation for a unity referendum.

Upper Bann MP Ms Lockhart, said: "Gavin is taking a very sensible, pragmatic approach. It's vital that we prepare ourselves for the future and any scenario including a border poll.

"Gavin is an integral member of the parliamentary team and is an important voice in the DUP."

Expand Close Carla Lockhart / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Carla Lockhart

In an interview with the Irish News, Mr Robinson said that it was "incumbent on unionists not to take the status quo for granted" but to find ways to "augment, enhance and solidify the Union".

The East Belfast MP said that his former party leader, Peter Robinson, was correct to urge unionists to get ready to contest a unity referendum.

"Peter is absolutely right, not only about how we should think about these things; how we should engage in wider discussions within unionism about how we strategise for ourselves; how we position ourselves; and how fundamentally we advance the cause of the Union through thought and argument."

Expand Close Gavin Robinson / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gavin Robinson

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said he fully supported Mr Robinson's position.

"For those who live and work in Northern Ireland their future is best placed within the United Kingdom.

"The DUP, just as Gavin outlined, has been to the fore in pressing the Government and wider unionism to promote the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom especially in this centenary year.

Expand Close Gregory Campbell / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gregory Campbell

"2020 was a terrible year for almost every element of our lives, but centre stage was the United Kingdom's unique National Health Service which people in every community in Northern Ireland rightly applauded each week.

"Then when it came to that chink of light at the end of the Covid tunnel in the form of a vaccine, it has been the United Kingdom leading the world in rolling out the vaccine.

"Being part of the United Kingdom was very beneficial in 2020. The Treasury's contribution for many, was the difference between business survival and bankruptcy."

The East Londonderry MP added: "Sadly for many historic reasons being a unionist in Northern Ireland was seen as a religious terminology rather than a political ideology.

"As party leader, Arlene each week holds online meetings with young people, Northern Ireland's leaders of tomorrow.

"The series of meetings is called 'Beyond 21' and looks at the kind of Northern Ireland they want to grow up and live in.

"Those young people are from all faiths and none but they believe in the Union. That's where our focus is. It is on looking to the next generation and ensuring that our grandchildren grow up in a Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom, where they can get the job they want and the future they deserve."

Asked if Sinn Fein welcomed Gavin Robinson's comments, South Down MP Chris Hazzard said: "A referendum on Irish unity is a key part of the Good Friday Agreement.

"There is a growing discussion already underway on Irish Unity and what a new Ireland would look like.

"No one has anything to fear from Irish unity.

"It has huge potential for improving our economy, transforming our healthcare services and enhancing the prosperity of the whole island.

"There is room for everyone in that discussion and I would encourage people to take part in helping to shape a new and better Ireland."

In 2018, Peter Robinson said that those who refused to prepare for a referendum on Irish unity were burying their heads in the sand.

The former DUP leader warned that too many unionists were taking the longevity of the Union for granted.

Mr Robinson said that unionists "pulling a paper bag over our heads and thinking we can close out the impending danger is crazy".
Advertisement

The Kremlin said today it was not afraid of Alexei Navalny or the mass protests he demanded on Monday after the opposition leader was jailed for 30 days on his return to Russia.

Vladimir Putin's spokesman also shrugged off the threat of renewed Western sanctions after a wave of condemnation from Europe and the US following Navalny's arrest.

Navalny, who accuses Putin of plotting to poison him last August, was locked up until mid-February as he waits to hear whether a suspended prison term will be converted into three-and-a-half years of jail time.

After a hastily-arranged court hearing in Moscow, Navalny urged Russians to 'take to the streets', with a few hardy supporters already gathered outside the police station in -20C temperatures.

But Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said today that Russia's leaders did not fear mass protests - adding that they had heard the Western outrage but 'cannot and are not going to take these statements into account'.

He also rejected the suggestion that Putin was afraid of Navalny, following claims by the Kremlin critic's supporters that putting him in prison could turn him into a Nelson Mandela-like symbol of resistance.

Alexei Navalny was led away in handcuffs after being remanded in custody for 30 days by a makeshift court in Moscow - as he waits to hear whether a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence will be converted into real jail time

Navalny was taken to a police van and driven to prison a day after his dramatic return to Russia, which came five months after he was airlifted to Berlin in a coma following the poison plot against him

A few hardy Navalny supporters gathered outside the police station in -20C temperatures - with more protests planned

It comes as Navalny released a statement from prison on Tuesday, saying he had no regrets about returning to Russia despite his arrest.

In a post on Instagram which he published from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina prison, Navalny said: 'I couldn't have done otherwise, and there's no pathos in this, nor sacrifice, nor fatalism.

'It's a completely rational choice. I refuse to put up with the lawlessness of the authorities [in] my country. I refuse to stay silent, listening to the shameless lies of Putin and his friends, mired in corruption.'

Navalny, who says the charges against him are politically motivated, faces a further legal headache on Wednesday when he is due in court on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran.

Russia's investigative committee accuses Navalny of 'discrediting the honour and dignity' of the war veteran, who had appeared in a pro-Putin video supporting constitutional amendments allowing him to rule until 2036.

Libel charges in Russia are punishable by up to five years in prison and five million roubles (50,000) - although it is not clear whether Navalny can attend the hearing while he sees out a 14-day virus quarantine.

On February 2, a court will begin hearing whether Navalny should see real prison time for the 2014 embezzlement conviction that led to his arrest on Sunday.

Russian authorities had accused him of violating the terms of his sentence by lingering in Germany after recovering from his poisoning last August.

Navalny was airlifted to Berlin in a coma after collapsing on a plane in Siberia, and a German military lab found that he had been poisoned with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

The 44-year-old accuses Putin and the FSB security service of trying to kill him, and last month published a recording which purported to show him duping a secret agent into confessing details of the plot.

The Kremlin, which regularly belittles Navalny as a 'blogger' and does not use his name, denies involvement and has refused to order a full investigation.

Navalny condemned a 'mockery of justice' today as he appeared in this makeshift Moscow courtroom a day after he was arrested on his return to Russia

Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny has called on Monday for his supporters to take to the streets after a hastily organised court ordered him jailed for 30 days

The opposition leader appeared to shout to hit supporters gathered outside the station as he was being escorted from the building

Navalny, 44, flashed a peace sign to photographers and supporters as he was escorted from the police station where he has been detained into a van

Despite the threat of detention, Navalny voluntarily flew back from Berlin on Sunday and was led away by police at a border post at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.

After Monday's court hearing, he was led away in handcuffs and moved to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina prison.

In a video released by his team shortly after the ruling, he urged his supporters to protest. 'Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets - not for me, but for you,' Navalny said.

The head of Navalny's regional network Leonid Volkov said preparations were underway for protests to be organised across the country on Saturday.

With temperatures hovering around -20C (-4F), several dozen Navalny supporters gathered outside the police station shouting 'Freedom!' and 'Let him go!' as police looked on.

One waved a pair of underwear attached to a pole, a reference to claims that the Novichok nerve agent had been placed in a pair of his underpants.

Protesters also gathered in Saint Petersburg, where OVD Info, which monitors detentions at political protests in Russia, said at least 46 people were detained.

'It's a disgrace. You can't say what you think,' 50-year-old protester Natalya Semyonova told AFP at the scene.

Flashing a peace sign as he was being escorted from the police station, Navalny appeared defiant following his jailing on Monday

Former-oil tycoon jailed for massive tax evasion and fraud says 'ageing autocrat' Putin is trying to show he is Russia's top dog with Navalny arrest Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a former oil tycoon who fell foul of the Kremlin Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oil tycoon who fell foul of the Kremlin, said on Monday that the arrest of Alexei Navalny was an attempt by President Vladimir Putin, whom he called an 'ageing autocrat', to show that he is still Russia's top dog. Khodorkovsky said the West should act rather than talk if it wanted to have any influence on the Kremlin after Navalny's arrest. The Kremlin has said that Navalny - who was remanded in pre-trial detention for 30 days on Monday for violating the terms of a suspended jail sentence - must face justice like any other citizen if he has done anything wrong, and said the West should keep out of the case. Khodorkovsky said the West should impose sanctions on individuals involved in expanding Russia's network of corrupt money across the world, rather than targeting Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. 'Putin feels he has to show he is the main animal in the herd or that people will believe that he is no longer the top dog,' Khodorkovsky, 57, told Reuters in London when asked why Navalny had been targetted. 'For an ageing autocrat, who rules through bandit groups and bandit methods, the law will never defend him. The only thing that defends Putin is the perception... that he is the top dog - that has been placed yet again in doubt.' Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man, was arrested on a plane in Siberia in 2003 and jailed for massive tax evasion and fraud and his once mighty oil company, Yukos, was split apart. The Kremlin cast him as a common criminal. Khodorkovsky denied the charges and was released in 2013 after spending 10 years in custody. 'The arrest of Navalny means that the Putin regime, his bandit regime, is moving to totalitarian methods of pressure on society,' Khodorkovsky claims. Khodorkovsky said he wanted to believe that Navalny would be released but that the reality was Navalny would face escalating pressure from the Russian authorities, including the possibility of a 10-year prison term Advertisement

Navalny has repeatedly led large-scale street protests against Putin, most recently in the summer of 2019, and was gearing up for another challenge to authorities at parliamentary elections in September.

His arrest on Sunday drew widespread Western condemnation, with the United States, European Union, France and Canada all calling for his release.

Others joined that call on Monday, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen saying Russian authorities should 'immediately release him' and Angela Merkel's spokesman saying she condemned the 'arbitrary arrest'.

The United Nations human rights office said it was 'deeply troubled' by the arrest, while Britain's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said it was 'appalling'.

Jake Sullivan, the incoming national security advisor for US president-elect Joe Biden, said that Navalny 'should be immediately released'.

Russia has hit back at the condemnation, with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying it was an attempt to distract attention from domestic problems in Western countries.

'It looks like Western politicians see this as an opportunity to divert attention from the deepest crisis the liberal development model has found itself in,' he said.

Russia frequently accuses the West of unfair criticism of its domestic policies, pointing to divisions in Western countries such as those that led to the storming of the US Capitol or the Yellow Vests protests in France.

Moscow has also cast doubt on the Novichok finding - claiming that Russian medics who initially treated him in Omsk had found no evidence of a nerve agent.

He was handed over to a German air ambulance crew two days after the poisoning and airlifted to Berlin, where doctors at the Charite hospital described how he was ventilated and given drugs.

Medics described how he had become confused and sweaty before vomiting and collapsing on the domestic flight in Siberia, leaving him unconscious and drooling when the plane made an emergency landing.

By the time he arrived at the Berlin hospital, more than two days after falling ill, his heart had slowed well below an adult's usual range of 60 to 100 beats per minute and his brain was starting to show signs of reduced responsiveness.

When he arrived in intensive care, he was showing 'decreased brainstem reflexes' and suffering from hypothermia with a body temperature of just 33.5C (92.5F).

Navalny was treated with atropine for 10 days and given other antibiotics by the hospital doctors, who said he started to breathe spontaneously within two weeks.

As his condition improved, he was brought out of a coma, and doctors determined that difficulties understanding speech and speaking he had initially showed after waking up disappeared after three weeks.

On the 24th day after falling ill, he was taken off mechanical ventilation, and two days later he was moved from intensive care into a normal hospital ward.

As well as the embezzlement and libel cases, Navalny is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4million worth of donations.

Navalny has been repeatedly detained for organising public meetings, sued over corruption investigations and was barred from running against Putin in the 2018 presidential election.

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that at least two of Navalny's previous arrests, in 2012 and 2014, were politically motivated.

Police grapple with participants of a protest in support of Navalny in St Petersburg on Monday. Nalanvy's team have said more rallies are planned for Saturday

A Navalny supporter at a rally in St Petersburg holds a sign bearing the message: 'Freedom for Navalny, Putin on trial' on Monday

Police officers detain supporters of Alexei Navalny at a demonstration in St Petersburg following on Monday following his arrest a day earlier

The day after his arrest at a Moscow airport, Alexei Navalny resurfaced today at a Moscow police station where a hearing to extend his detention was underway

Supporters of Navalny, including one holding a poster that reads 'For Navalny' stand outside the police station during a court hearing in Khimki on Monday

Alexei Navalny with his wife Yulia at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday where he was arrested after returning to Russia from Germany

Navalny and his wife sit on the tarmac in Berlin before flying back to Russia on Sunday, five months after he was airlifted to Germany in a coma following his Novichok poisoning

Alexei Navalny kissed his wife goodbye in an emotional scene as he was arrested by Russian authorities just minutes after landing in Moscow

China is taking an unusual interest in the situation and may well engender political impulses to prevent return to status quo ante on the border issue with India. (Photo:PTI)

The inability of Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali  who was on a three-day visit to New Delhi last week to attend the sixth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission  to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in spite of his request for a meeting is in an indicator that India does not regard bilateral relations as being normal until Kathmandu restores status quo ante on the sensitive border issue.

In May last year, Nepal  without warning  incorporated Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyudhara, into its maps. Prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli  raising a nationalist chorus to attract the support of other parties for the move  even had the Constitution changed to show these areas as part of Nepal. More, it placed its military police to demarcate these areas, although these had long been acknowledged as Indian lands by Kathmandu.

The Joint Commission has a development agenda. India stuck to that in talks with the Nepal foreign minister. New Delhi has also promised the Covid vaccine once domestic requirements are met. These steps suggest Indias position of maintaining solidarity with the people of Nepal but not necessarily with its government until Kathmandu reverses its unilateral actions on the border issue. Only when that happens is India likely to discuss the boundary question with Kathmandu.

The domestic politics in Nepal is unsettled, and also evidently unstable. PM Oli has dissolved Parliament. National elections are scheduled for April. However, it is to be seen if these can indeed take place in the present atmosphere when the ruling Communist Party of Nepal has, in reality, split.

China is taking an unusual interest in the situation and may well engender political impulses to prevent return to status quo ante on the border issue with India. In these circumstances the actions of the various domestic constituencies, including the armed forces and the royalists, besides the Madhesis  the terai people  bear watching. A wobbly Nepal invites undue foreign attention, and the Modi government has not been sensitive enough to this aspect.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Qatars Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has agreed to offer a new grant to the Gaza Strip, in response to the calls and efforts of Hamas politburo chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who met with the emir Jan. 10 in Doha to congratulate him on the Gulf reconciliation.

In a Zoom meeting Jan. 12 with the local newspaper, Felesteen, head of Hamas International Relations Office Mousa Abu Marzouk said, The emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, informed us of the renewal of the Qatari grant for a year, instead of six months. He said the monthly amount provided for the Gaza Strip as part of the grant will go up to $30 million from a previous $25 million grant.

The Qatari grant, which has been renewed every six months since October 2018, was Dohas contribution to the de-escalation efforts between Hamas and Israel, which at the time included Israels approval to implement humanitarian and economic projects in the Gaza Strip and the easing of the blockade in exchange for halting the weekly Great Return marches.

Qatars decision to renew its grant to the Gaza Strip came days after reconciliation between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Since the Gulf diplomatic crisis and the boycott of Doha erupted back in 2017, Qatar was asked to meet 18 demands, including the expulsion of Hamas leaders and the halting of financial support to the movement, in return for restoring diplomatic relations with the four Arab countries  something Doha refused from the start.

Abdel Latif al-Qanou, Hamas media spokesman in the Gaza Strip, told Al-Monitor that Hamas presence in Qatar and Dohas financial support to the coastal enclave was not affected during the Gulf crisis or after the reconciliation, stressing that Hamas is keen on maintaining good and balanced relations with all Arab countries.

Qanou expressed his hope that Gulf reconciliation would be a support lever for the Palestinian issue, and he welcomed the new grant by the emir of Qatar.

A Hamas official who asked not to be named told Al-Monitor that part of the discussions the Hamas leadership is conducting with officials in Doha are based on Qatars contribution to Gaza Strip public employees' salaries, notably health and education employees, in a bid to alleviate the crisis of the government staffers who have been receiving 40% to 50% of their incomes for years.

He pointed out that the discussions have been going well and advancing toward this direction, but they need further deliberations with Qatari officials.

Mohammed al-Emadi, Qatars ambassador to the Palestinian Authority (PA), has been working on transferring the grant funds on a monthly basis in moneybags. Emadi and his assistants supervise the distribution of these funds to 100,000 poor families in the coastal enclave at a rate of $100 per month for each household. This is in addition to implementing some infrastructure and service projects and purchasing fuel to run the only power plant in the Gaza Strip.

Prior to Hamas announcement of the renewal of the grant, activists in Gaza Jan. 9 launched incendiary and explosive balloons toward the Israeli Kibbutz settlement near Gaza in a message to Israel and the mediators in the truce efforts to allow the renewal of the Qatari grant.

An official with Qatar's National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza who asked not to be named told Al-Monitor that Emadi is expected to arrive in Gaza in late January to inaugurate the committees headquarters in east Gaza City, at which time he will announce the details of the new grant and disbursement procedures.

Despite Qatars contributions and help in alleviating the poor economic conditions of Gazans, Doha continues to face criticism from the PA and the PLO.

Nabil Amr, a member of the Palestinian Central Council, said in an article published in Maan News Jan. 14 that the Qatari funds hide behind a humanitarian aspect but are in fact politically motivated, as they are passed to Hamas after the Israeli approval of Emadis entrance to Gaza.

A Dec. 29, 2020, article in The Jerusalem Post considered that close coordination between Israel and Qatar to facilitate sufficient funding for Hamas to keep Gazas economy from collapsing will likely be the key to moving Doha to a normalization deal.

The article added that normalization between Qatar and Israel is more likely with US President-elect Joe Biden taking office.

Tayseer Muheisen, a professor of International Relations at the Islamic University of Gaza, told Al-Monitor that Qatars approval to renew the grant to Gaza was a message of its continued support for the Palestinians and that Dohas relations with Hamas will not be affected by the Gulf reconciliation. This is especially true in light of Hamas tense relations with the countries that boycotted Qatar  notably Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.

Muheisen explained that Qatars support for the Gaza Strip has never stopped, even with the outbreak of the Qatar diplomatic crisis. He expected Doha to go a step further in supporting Gaza and start contributing to the salaries of public employees who were hired by Hamas during its rule since 2006 when it won the legislative elections. The employees number over 40,000.

For his part, Mustafa al-Sawaf, a political analyst and former editor-in-chief of Felesteen, said the renewal of the Qatari grant is part of the truce understandings between Israel and Hamas to try and alleviate the humanitarian and economic crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Sawaf told Al-Monitor that the grant contributes  even to a minimum degree  in helping poor households buy basic necessities in light of the rampant poverty and unemployment resulting from the Israeli blockade and the coronavirus pandemic.
US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. (File image: AP)

Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, and Kamala Harris will take the oath of office for vice president, at an inauguration ceremony on January 20.

The inauguration of US President-elect Biden will be held on the same risers in the same spot at the US Capitol where a violent, pro-Donald Trump mob descended earlier in January.

In the aftermath of the riots, Washington DC is preparing for the scaled-down inauguration of the 46th US President with extreme security measures - closing roads, erecting barbed-wire fences, and deploying more than 25,000 National Guards along with thousands of local police personnel and those from other security agencies.

Here is all you need to know about the inauguration ceremony

When is the inauguration date and time?

The inaugural ceremonies will begin with the national anthem and invocation on January 20 around 11.30 am ET (10 pm IST).

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shortly before noon ET.

President-elect Biden is expected to be sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts at noon ET on the West Front of the US Capitol.

Where to watch the inauguration?

The 59th Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be aired at all the major US networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and PBS.

It can also be streamed live on bideninaugural.org/watch/ and any of its social media channels of Biden Inaugural Committee - YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.



Amazon Prime Video



Microsoft Bing



NewsNOW from Fox



AT&T U-verse (Channel 212/1212 in SD/HD)



AT&T DIRECTV (Channel 201)



You can also watch the livestream of the event via:

Will the ceremony be different from past inauguration ceremonies?

Yes. The outgoing president traditionally attends the inauguration to symbolise the peaceful transfer of power. But Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that the election was riddled with fraud, has refused to be there. Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend.

Also, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies would normally offer 200,000 tickets for the ceremonies at the Capitol. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, no tickets are being offered to the public this time.

What are the events on the inauguration day?

Jennifer Lopez will perform and Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem. Biden, according to the inauguration website, will give a speech to the nation, laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation.

What will happen after the swearing-in ceremony?

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Biden will participate in a socially distanced Pass in Review with members of the military on the Capitols East Front - , a ritual that symbolises the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander in Chief.

Biden, Harris and their spouses, along with former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton and their wives, will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Biden will then receive a traditional presidential escort from 15th Street in Washington to the White House. Instead of the inaugural parade past a reviewing stand in front of the White House, organisers plan to hold a televised virtual parade across America.

(With inputs from agencies)
Nigeria: search for new markets

Published 19 January 2021

While Nigerian cement volumes rose sharply in the 3Q20 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited room for strong volume and price growth. For the oligopolistic domestic cement industry, competitive pressures are a central theme and cost efficiencies remain key. Given challenges locally, new export opportunities could potentially be opening up. By Afrinvest, Nigeria.

Following the entry of BUA Cement, the major theme in the Nigerian cement industry before 2020 was competition. The company was closing in on Lafarge Africa and expected to overtake it to become the second-largest producer in the country by capacity and sales volume in 2021. BUA also listed its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2019, making it the second-most capitalised cement company behind Dangote Cement, the domestic industry leader. Meanwhile, Lafarge Africa had also started to recover after the divestment of its South African operations helped pay off expensive debt that had crippled operations and profitability after the acquisition of Unicem amid Nigerias 2015-16 economic crisis.

The strongest factor underlying expectations of competitive pressures are the struggles of the Nigerian economy, where a period of rapid growth pre-2015 has given way to a prolonged slump since.

To continue reading this story and get access to all News, Articles and Video sections of the CemNet.com website, please Register for a subscription to International Cement Review or Login

It is important to remember that Suvendu Adhikari barely got two MLAs to quit alongside him from his stronghold and another three from other districts

In West Bengal, its beginning to get to a bare-knuckles electoral contest in a few months. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has a big edge, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is pushing. More in a while on what is expected when push comes to shove.

On Monday, TMC boss and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in Nandigram for a rally attended by over 200,000 people according to media estimates. From the dais, Mamata made an announcement that shook Bengal. What if I contest from Nandigram? she asked, to something approaching delirium.

Lets step back to 2007. That year, the Left Front government headed by Buddhadeb Bhattacharya decided to acquire land for a special economic zone (SEZ) for a chemicals-based project. Widespread violence broke out in its aftermath, with police forces and CPM party cadre launching an attack against peasants not willing to give up their land.

This followed the acquisition of land in Singur, in Hooghly district across the river from Kolkata, in 2006. This project was met by a massive agitation as well. Ultimately, both projects had to be shelved. Singur and Nandigram launched Mamata and the TMC into the big league. Lets be clear. Mamata has a busload of political weaknesses, including a streak of paranoid authoritarianism, not unlike her chief antagonist.

But let us be clear again. Mamatas political instincts are extraordinarily sharp and, even more important, she has the courage of a streetfighter who took on the then-powerful Left Front, when everyone else (with the possible exception of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Choudhury) was running for cover.

Mamatas 26-day hunger strike in December 2006 against the Tatas' Nano project in Singur was a defining moment in Bengal politics. The Tatas withdrew and relocated to Gujarat. In the 2006 Bengal Assembly elections, the CPM-led Left Front had got 230 seats out of 294 and the TMC got 35. The then chief minister Buddhabeb Bhattacharya reminded the press of this fact in a message outside Writers Buildings. Translated into English, he said, We are 235, they are 30.

Five years later, a TMC-Congress alliance got 228 seats; the Left 62. In 2016, the TMC got 211 seats, contesting solo. Since then, it has won by-elections in Kharagpur (vacated by BJP state president Dilip Ghosh after winning the Midnapur Lok Sabha seat) and Kaliaganj (where the sitting Congress MLA Pramathanath Roy died.) Kaliaganj is part of the Raiganj constituency (Uttar Dinajpur district) won in 2019 by BJP candidate and Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri. The TMC had never won either seat previously, but the Kharagpur loss is still being seen as a big blow for the BJP.

So, lets get back to present times. Mamata has announced she will contest both from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, her constituency since 2011. Newly minted BJP strongman Suvendu Adhikari has committed himself to defeating Mamata by at least 50,000 votes on his turf, specifically Nandigram, more generally Purba Medinipur district.

A bit of history would be in order. Firoja Bibi won a by-election for this constituency in 2009. She won it again in 2011, with a vote share of 61.21 percent. In 2016, Suvendu contested and won with a vote share of 67.20 percent. Firoja is now the MLA from Panskura Pashchim, which is part of the Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency in Purba Medinipur. Nandigram is part of the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency in the same district, currently represented by Suvendus brother Dibyendu Adhikari, who is at the moment still a TMC parliamentarian, though an exit from the party could be on the cards.

Firoja is one of the unforgettable figures of the Nandigram agitation  she lost her son to CPM violence and is known locally as the Mother of [a] Martyr. She has heft and she has chosen not to go with Suvendu. The big question here is what will happen if Mamata truly contests from Nandigram. Will her charismatic and populist appeal trump Suvendus local boss status?

Factor in something else. The Adhikari family is powerful in the two Medinipur districts  Purba and Pashchim. Suvendus younger brother  Soumyendu  was removed as administrator/chairperson of the Contai municipality and promptly left the TMC to join the BJP. Dibyendu, as noted, is still on the fence. But the patriarch of the family, Sisir Adhikari, is still the TMC Contai MP. He has been removed from two important positions  Purba Medinipur TMC district chief and Digha Sankarpur Development Authority earlier this month. It is said that he is unwell. And it is unclear which way he will jump  but he, not Suvendu, is the key figure.

We now enter into the province of conjecture and opinion. Given that Suvendu barely mustered two MLAs to quit alongside him from his stronghold and another three from other districts, his strongman status is questionable. On the other hand, when brother Soumyendu quit he took 14 councillors with him, handing the board to the BJP. That cannot be regarded as a definitive development. In the aftermath of TMC hustler Arjun Singh quitting, joining the BJP and winning the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency, six municipalities shifted to the BJP. In a couple of months, all of them were back with the TMC, including BJP national vice-president Mukul Roys turf  Kanchrapara.

So to get back to push coming to shove, Suvendu beating Mamata anywhere, including Nandigram, is a risible proposition. Especially, when you consider the unabated rivalries between BJP old-timers, pre-eminently represented by state party president Dilip Ghosh, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh import, and the opportunists, like Bankura MP Saumitra Khan, who defected to the BJP while representing the constituency for the TMC just before the 2019 elections. As state chief of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Manch he was slapped down by Ghosh. He was reportedly rebuked by three senior BJP leaders  including Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya  for saying Ghosh would be chief minister if the BJP won Bengal. Talk of mending fences.

Which inescapably brings us to an ABP Ananda-C Voter poll published today about upcoming polls in Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Bengal predictions are the ones we want to focus on. The opinion poll says that the TMC will win 158 seats in the 294-strong House; the BJP 102; the Left-Congress alliance 30; and, others four.

But thereby hangs a tale. It has been widely rumoured that the poll originally found the TMC would get 211 seats and the BJP 51. The poll was published after a few days delay, when the new numbers came in. The Ananda Bazaar Patrika (the ABP flagship), published a report today quoting Mamata as having flagged this exact discrepancy at her 18 January rally.

Make what you will of this. But the real issue is that opinion polls dont determine election results. The jury hasnt even assembled yet.
MASSA, JAN 19 - A former insurance broker from Alessandria was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of defrauding a group of women who believed his claim to have divine powers and the right to set up new 'holy families' with them, police said in the coastal Tuscan city of Massa. Police said the 42-year-old fake guru convinced the women he was renewing the Catholic Church and was in contact with top exorcists he named as Don Paolo, Don Carlos from Krakow, and Don Jose from Portugal, police said. He claimed the alleged exorcists ere suffering health problems including heart attacks and needed money for care. The women became devotees of his new cult, police said. The cult followers gave him money to help him overcome the 'demons' he was battling, they said. He also persuaded at least one victim to part with her cash by saying that it needed to be 'purified', police said. The man used the millions to buy luxury personal items and several powerful cars, police said. He has been charged with defrauding the mentally vulnerable. (ANSA).
Russias permanent representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzya called for an end to what he described as "the arms race and weapon display."

"The Russian concept of security in the Persian Gulf is an invitation to dialogue," he said.

In a clear jab at the U.S., he added: "This is an invitation to peace, in counterbalance to an invitation to war," Arab News reported.

Nebenzya evoked the memory of Martin Luther King, highlighting "a quote which apparently (the Americans) do not like: "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom."

Speaking on the day of the annual U.S. commemoration of the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, political coordinator for the U.S. mission to the UN Rodney Hunter quoted the renowned civil rights leader, saying: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."
A Canadian investor has poured 580million into urban apartments in the UK in a deal bosses say shows that cities will be 'far from dead' after the pandemic.

QuadReal Property Group has acquired a majority interest in eight UK properties owned by Realstar Group, including seven in London and one in Manchester.

It is also taking over Realstar's UK management business, which includes the Uncle brand of rented flats.

High rise: Realstar Group's 45-storey tower in Elephant and Castle in south London (pictured) is the UK's tallest rental block, with a one-bedroom flat costing 1,700 per month

Uncle promises 'renting as it should be' to tenants.

Its 45-storey tower in Elephant and Castle in south London is the UK's tallest rental block, with a one-bedroom flat costing 1,700 per month.

Ryan Prince, Uncle chief executive, said: 'Far from being dead when the pandemic passes, cities will continue to be the lifeblood of global communities.

'With vaccines in circulation, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel.'
Maldives will receive a consignment of Oxford Astrazenecas Covishield vaccine from India on Wednesday (January 20). It will be the first country to receive the vaccine from India.

The consignment will be sent in an Air India flight, which is scheduled to land around 2 pm at Velana International Airport, Male.

India is providing the vaccine to the Maldives as a grant-in-aid. The vaccine, produced by Serum Institute of India, is being sent in numbers large enough to cover frontline health workers and senior citizens. With this, Maldives will become the recipient of the largest COVID-19 assistance among the countries in Indias neighbourhood. The assistance so far has included medicines, food items, training and financial assistance of about $250 million.

Maldives, an Indian Ocean atoll, has a population of about 4.5 lakhs. All regulatory approvals and permissions have been sought from the government of Maldives.

Past assistance to Maldives

In April 2020, under Operation Sanjeevani, Indian Air Force launched an 18-hour operation and airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables from cities across the country, and delivered it to the Maldives.

Then under Mission Sagar, which was launched on May 10, 2020, Maldives was one of the countries to provide COVID-19 related assistance from India. The other countries that received the aid were Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. As part of this mission, India sent 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives in INS Kesari.

According to a report in The Economic Times, India also plans to export 8.1 lakh doses of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin to Oman, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bahrain, Mauritius, Philippines and Maldives. Serum Institute of India, too, will supply a few lakh doses of Covishield to Seychelles, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
Michelle OKeeffe has been appointed Managing Editor of the Dundalk Democrat.

From the town, Michelle brings a wealth of experience to the role which begins with immediate effect.

A former student of Trinity College Dublin, she achieved an MA in Journalism in DCU and has worked for many national titles.

Most of her career was with the Irish Daily Mail, where she worked as a Senior Journalist and Assistant News Editor on the publication.

I am delighted to welcome Michelle to the Dundalk Democrat and the Iconic News local newspaper group, said Editorial Operations Director of Iconic News, Brian Keyes.

An extremely competent journalist with many years of experience, I am sure Michelle will make a great success of her new role, and I wish her well, he added.

Speaking about her appointment, Michelle said: "It is a huge honour for me to be taking over from David Lynch as editor.

I am excited to continue the great work both David and the team have been doing reporting on the important issues within our community.

I am privileged to be part of providing a voice to our community and sharing the stories of local people."

Founded in 1849, The Dundalk Democrat has for over 170 years served the people of Louth faithfully and has been an integral part of the week for its loyal readers for many years.

As all publishers look at new ways to maintain and indeed increase their readership, the success of the newspaper's website, dundalkdemocrat.ie has ensured that the news from the newsroom in Dundalk is being read by more people than ever before and all over the world.
More than 4,000 fines have been issued by police enforcing the coronavirus regulations across Northern Ireland.

There have also been more than 1,000 prohibition notices issued over gatherings which are restricted under rules aimed at stemming the spread of Covid-19.

The latest figures released by the PSNI show that 2,159 penalty notices, which carry a fine starting at 200, have been issued.

This replaced a previous penalty notice which carried a 60 fine, of which, 2,101 were issued.

Read More

Heftier penalties for breaching the regulations were agreed by the Stormont Executive on October 8 and came into force on November 12.

Most of the newer penalty notice were issued in Belfast (888), followed by 262 in the Derry and Strabane council area and 257 in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area.

A total of 1,156 prohibition notices have been issued to private premises (924) and commercial premises (196) over gatherings.

There have also been 55 1,000 fines issued for failing to self-isolate and 57 penalty notices issued to businesses for breach of the regulations, which carry fines starting at 1,000 up to 10,000.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. will take the oath of office on Wednesday at a perilous moment in American history.

The country is still being ravaged by a deadly pandemic, economic turmoil and racial divisions. President Trump tried to overturn the democratic election and egged on a mob that then stormed the Capitol to keep Congress from ratifying his defeat. And the House quickly impeached Mr. Trump for inciting an insurrection.

With the threat of more violence, some 25,000 National Guard troops have been deployed around Washington, making the city an armed camp resembling a foreign war zone. The pandemic had already forced Mr. Biden to curtail the usual inaugural festivities, forcing many tens of thousands who would have come to stay away. And the Senate may put Mr. Trump on trial within days of the inauguration.

It will not, however, be the first tense inauguration in American history. The quadrennial tradition of renewing or transferring the presidency in Washington has at times heralded great change in the country, not just from one leader to the next but from one era to another. For many Americans, it can be a time of celebration, a new start when all things seem possible. But it has also been a jarring juncture that put the countrys divisions of the moment on display.
The visit of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to Ukraine is a matter of the near future, Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva has said in an interview with the TSN.ua online news site.

According to him, world leaders, including Biden, will be invited to events marking the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

"Of course, we will invite [Biden], like other world leaders. We also have other big events this year to which we will invite world leaders. This is the Crimean Platform summit [scheduled for August 23] and, for example, the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy. Therefore, we have events to which we can invite foreign leaders, including the U.S. President. Of course, I am convinced that President Biden's visit is also a matter of the near future," Zhovkva said when asked if Biden would be invited to Ukraine, including to the 30th anniversary of independence.

In addition, Zhovkva said the issue of President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the United States remained on the agenda.

"We are preparing for such a visit. We did not have a break. When the new U.S. administration takes up its duties, including senior officials, the Secretary of State, relevant aides and deputies, and other ministers, they will pick up this topic and we will prepare for this visit," he said.

According to him, however, now it is very difficult to talk about dates for the visit to the United States for several reasons.

"The coronavirus pandemic has not disappeared, unfortunately. The possibility of physical visits, to put it mildly, is very limited. In addition, you have already mentioned the domestic political situation in the United States. This is also a separate story. Again, I do not like to focus on dates. Let's focus on the content of the preparations. I am sure that as soon as this visit is meaningfully prepared by both parties - Ukraine and the United States - a date will be set immediately," Zhovkva said.

The inauguration of the 46th U.S. President Joe Biden will take place in Washington on January 20.

op
Gogglebox duo Mary and Marina have received their coronavirus vaccines - and had the jabs at the same time.

The ladies - who are in their 90s - had to skip the recent series of the Channel 4 show so they could shield.

But they have now had the vaccine, sitting side-by-side while having it administered.

Vaccinated: Gogglebox duo Mary and Marina have received their coronavirus vaccines - and had the jabs at the same time

The ladies - who live next door to each other in Bristol, but gather to watch TV for Gogglebox - received their jabs at their GP surgery.

In a snap of the duo, Mary is seen being vaccinated, with Marina next in line.

This suggests they could soon be back on screens.

Gogglebox creator Tania Alexander said last year that including them on the latest series would be 'too risky' but that they were 'safe and well looked after' in the meantime.

Back soon: The ladies - who are in their 90s - had to skip the recent series of the Channel 4 show so they could shield

They joined the show in 2016, and were missed during the latest run of episodes.

Fans were thrilled to see them receive their jabs, with many taking to social media to express this.

'Great news! Hopefully they will be back on Gogglebox soon. I miss their banter!' one posted.

'These ladies are a tonic. They have me giggling every time. Looking forward to seeing you on Gogglebox,' another penned.

This comes after their co-star Stephen Webb shocked his social media followers last week with his dramatic transformation as he revealed his new buzz cut on Instagram.

The Gogglebox star, 48, looked shocked and excited as shaved his luscious tresses while sporting a Gymshark hoodie.

New Look: This comes after their co-star Stephen Webb shocked his social media followers last week with his dramatic transformation as he revealed his new buzz cut on Instagram

Stephen made a name for himself on the Channel 4 show, first alongside his boyfriend Chris Ashby-Steed, and later alongside his husband, Daniel Lusting, who was on hand to film the haircut video.

In a subsequent photo, the TV star shared a snap of his short ash-blonde hairdo as he beamed for the camera.

Stephen and his husband are both hairdressers, so they have plenty of experience completing a short back and sides look. They are also business partners at their salon, Lustig and Webb.

The couple live in Brighton where they film the hit Channel 4 show together.

Brave the shave: The star looked animated as he bravely shaved off his luscious locks

They first met in a queue for parking permits at Hove Town Hall in the city centre.

Stephen and Daniel went on to marry in July 2018. in front of family and friends in a ceremony held at the Chateau de Lisse in Lot-et-Garonne in France.

The couple were engaged for two-and-a-half years after Stephen popped the question to his long-term love during a trip to India.

Stephen shared the happy news of their engagement back in 2016 with a number of scenic pics of the couple alongside the caption: 'I asked the lovely @lustig75 to marry me in the beautiful surroundings of the Oberio hotel in Agra, and he said yes.'

Admitting he fell in love at first sight, Stephen previously told The Sun that he had planned out the proposal.

Other half: Stephen made a name for himself on Gogglebox, first alongside his boyfriend Chris Ashby-Steed, and later with his husband, Daniel Lusting, who was there to film the haircut clip

Smitten: The couple first met in a queue for parking permits at Hove Town Hall and they tied the knot at Chateau de Lisse in Lot-et-Garonne in France in July 2018

He even told his ex-boyfriend Chris and his fiance Tony about his plans before jetting off on holiday, explaining: 'They were very happy for us!'

Daniel confessed he was completely surprised by the proposal after Stephen asked him to take a photo of him by the iconic Taj Mahal.

He said: 'As I was taking the picture Stephen extended his hands out and asked me to zoom in. I was in complete shock as I saw the ring and heard the words, "I love you will you marry me?".
Pierre Bou-Mansour is former COO of LifeLabs, one of Canada's largest medical service companies

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Novamind Inc., (CSE:NM) ("Novamind" or the "Company") a mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, announces the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Pierre Bou-Mansour, P.Eng., to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Effective immediately, Mr. Bou-Mansour will assume responsibility for ensuring operational excellence as Novamind develops its network of clinics, retreats, and research sites in 2021 and beyond.

An accomplished senior executive and leader, Pierre brings a wealth of experience managing large and complex healthcare organizations. Most recently, he served as the Chief Laboratory Operations Officer of Public Health Ontario, serving Canada's largest province with over 14 million residents. In this role, Bou-Mansour successfully led the expansion of Public Health Ontario's testing capacity for the COVID-19 response.

Pierre Bou-Mansour said, "Novamind's Cedar Psychiatry clinics and Cedar Clinical Research sites are both well-positioned to scale as regulated access to psychedelic medicine continues to expand rapidly in jurisdictions around the world. I look forward to working with the leadership team to ensure strategic expansion of our operating model for clinical care and clinical research in psychedelic medicine."

Pierre has a proven track record for growing and transforming healthcare companies. He spent eight years at LifeLabs, serving as the COO from 2017 to 2019, and successfully led the integration of two acquired competitors. During this period, LifeLabs grew into one of the largest medical service companies in Canada, with over 5,700 employees, 370 patient access sites, and over US $977 million in annualized revenue (dnb.com).

Yaon Conforti, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Novamind added, "Pierre brings a distinguished operational track record in healthcare to drive the expansion of Novamind's network of mental health clinics and clinical research sites. His role is critical as we execute against our pipeline of growth opportunities."

Pierre joins Novamind amid several milestones. The Company commenced trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange on January 5th, and on January 13th, Novamind announced that its Cedar Psychiatry network of clinics saw a record 20,000 client visits during 2020, twice the number in 2019.

Novamind also announces that it has granted incentive stock options to certain employees of the Company to purchase up to 400,000 common shares in the capital of the Company pursuant to the share option plan of the Company. The options are exercisable on or before January 19, 2026 at an exercise price of $1.40 per share.

About Novamind

Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics, retreats, and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of Cedar Psychiatry clinics and operates Cedar Clinical Research, a contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. Both Cedar Psychiatry and Cedar Clinical Research are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Novamind. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit www.novamind.ca.

Contact Information

Novamind

Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director

Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Bill Mitoulas, Investor Relations

Email: bill@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Novamind Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624788/Former-LifeLabs-COO-Joins-Novamind-Leadership-Team
NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, with a proprietary line of CBD & CBG infused Supplement chewing gums (Flavors: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, Black Currant) as well as an ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative, today announced that it is constructing a Product Showroom (Showroom) inside its new corporate headquarters. The Company has made this decision in anticipation of and in preparation for important future Agreement(s) & Partnership(s). The Company expects to host a broad array of prospective new customers, once this Showroom is functional. These potential new customers include, but are not limited to: Individual Customers, Mom & Pop Stores, Gas Station Convenience Stores, Large Regional & National Retailers, Major Distributors, and College Campus Stores.



The Company believes that its Product Showroom will be up and running, on or before February 1, 2021. The Company continues to realize important levels of progress with respect to a number of different corporate initiatives and expects to disclose to shareholders one or more material Agreement(s) or Partnership(s) within the very near term.

ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC.

Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant) & (Vitamin C + Zinc Immune Booster Flavor: Pear Bellini). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com

Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it had filed a provisional U.S. patent application covering its pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts.

On October 6, 2020, the Company announced that it has been approved to operate as a U.S. Government Vendor (CAGE CODE # 8QXV4)

The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates a full time E-Commerce fulfillment center located in LaGrangeville, New York.

DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Tauriga Sciences, Inc.

4 Nancy Court, Suite 4

Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Seth M. Shaw

Email: sshaw@tauriga.com

cell # (917) 796 9926

Company Instagram: @taurigum

Personal Instagram: @sethsms47

Twitter: @SethMShaw

Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com

E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com
The Vallejo location of restaurant chain Chevy's Fresh Mex is defying COVID-19 orders to keep outdoor dining open, according to the Vallejo Times-Herald. The restaurant is now under investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

At noon on Friday, the Times-Herald found 10 sit-down diners seated outdoors under a tent at Chevy's and photographed it.

Chevy's management has issued the following statement in response to their violation of health orders: We are aware of the current order issued by the state. There is some conflicting direction between the state, county and city levels as far as what restrictions to follow. Along with some restrictions being lifted in several California counties by overseeing judges. We take the safety of our guests and team very seriously. We are following the safety and sanitation guidelines. We believe our decision to remain open is what is best for our team so they may be able to work and continue to provide for their families. All work that provides support to your family is essential to that family.

Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan told the Times-Herald that she started hearing reports of the Vallejo location being open for indoor dining as well as outdoor dining as early as Dec. 27. Chevy's locations in Santa Rosa and Fairfield also remain open for outdoor dining, according to the Times-Herald. However, Emeryville and South San Francisco locations are not, Chevy's team members told SFGATE.

Chevy's is not the only Bay Area restaurant to serve guests in-person despite the stay-at-home order. Fume Bistro and Bar in Napa as well as Danville restaurants Incontro Ristorante and Crumbs Restaurant have also refused to follow the mandate. And while most restaurant owners are complying, many have voiced their frustrations about the shutdown.

To just say do takeout is literally laughable, Mourad Lahlou, chef-owner of Mourad and Aziza in San Francisco, told SFGATE in an interview last month. For me, the government has to do what it needs to do to protect people and make sure they stay healthy, but at the same time, think about the businesses, and think about the deeper impact this shutdown is going to have on people long term.

Some argued that the government had not provided sufficient evidence that the recent COVID-19 spike had any connection to outdoor dining. On Tuesday, more than 50 restaurants in Napa and Sonoma counties filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom, arguing that California's outdoor dining ban violates the state constitutions equal protection clause and due process.

Meanwhile, it looks like the Vallejo Chevy's will be hearing from Solano County Public Health soon. A letter is now being sent to Chevys stating our position and referring to the state guidelines and county health department," interim Deputy City Manager Gillian Hayes told the Times-Herald.

Read the full Times-Herald story with reactions from local restaurant owners on Chevy's defiance of the health order here.
DJI drones are seen in a DJI store in Shanghai on May 22, 2019. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Signs Executive Order to Protect US Against Security Threats From Drones

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 18 to prevent the U.S. federal government from using drones manufactured by foreign adversaries, including China.

Drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), have been used increasingly across all levels of the U.S. governments for tasks including assisting law enforcement and supporting natural disaster relief efforts, the executive order explained.

Reliance on UAS and components manufactured by our adversaries, however, threatens our national and economic security, the president said in the order, warning that information collected by drones could be accessed by or transferred to foreign adversaries.

These components include sensors, cameras, software, and artificial intelligence technologies.

Therefore, Trump said U.S. taxpayers money should not be used to fund federal procurement of drones that present unacceptable risks and are manufactured by, or contain software or critical electronic components from, foreign adversaries.

Under the executive order, all heads of U.S. government agencies need to submit a reportincluding information such as the manufacturer of the drones they own or operateto the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) within 60 days.

DNI, after reviewing these reports, will have 180 days to submit a report to the U.S. President. The report will include steps that need to be taken to address the security risks posed by these foreign drones, including their removal from federal use.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall then work with different agencies to identify possible funding to replace the existing drones.

Aside from China, the executive order also named Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

DJI

A drone flies during a product launch event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City, on Aug, 23, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Under close scrutiny are drones made by DJI, a private company headquartered in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and the worlds biggest maker of commercial drones.

According to data by market researcher Drone Industry Insights, DJI had a U.S. market share of close to 77 percent as of October 2019, followed by U.S. tech giant Intel with 3.7 percent.

In August last year, U.S. think tank the Heritage Foundation highlighted security flaws within DJI drones in a report, explaining how data collected by the drones could fall into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

DJI was one of the Chinese entities hit with U.S. sanctions in December last year, when the U.S. State Department said the company provided high-technology surveillance equipment to the Chinese regime in violation of human rights.

One area that DJI drones have been used in the United States is the fight against the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Last April, DJI wrote on its website that it distributed 100 drones to 45 police, fire, and public safety organizations in 22 states as part of its disaster relief program against COVID-19. One of the police departments identified was the Daytona Beach Police Department in Florida.

In a tweet on April 7 last year, the Daytona Beach Police Department stated that DJI loaned two drones to the police force as part of the program. The police said that it had flown the drone to local public parks, using the drones speaker to tell people to leave because parks were closed due to COVID-19.

Days later, on April 18, 2020, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) took to his Twitter account to voice his disproval of how DJI drones were being used to fight the pandemic in the United States.

The senator wrote: This virus originated in Communist China and the Chinese Communist Partys lies helped it spread around the world.

Now were using drones made by a Chinese company and backed by the CCP to enforce social distancing. This is crazy!

After DJI was hit with U.S. sanctions, Scott issued a statement welcoming the Trump administrations decision on Dec. 18 last year.

We can no longer turn a blind eye to Communist China and allow their technology into some of the most critical operations of the U.S. Government, Scott stated.

The U.S. Army, Pentagon, and Department of Interior have banned and grounded Chinese-made drones over spy risks.
QAnon conspiracy theorists had allegedly discussed posing as National Guard troops in Washington and were on the lookout for vulnerable spots in the city in an attempt to disrupt Joe Bidens inauguration ceremony, according to FBI intelligence sent to law enforcement on Monday.

The National Guard members have been warned of a threat from both lone wolves and adherents of QAnon, after intelligence indicated that they are planning to disrupt the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Biden, according to the intelligence briefing by FBI obtained by The Washing Post.

FBI reportedly observed far-right extremists downloading and studying maps of vulnerable locations, though it did not identify any specific plots to breach the inauguration ceremony.

Strict security measures have been put in place in the entire Washington city for president-elect Bidens swearing-in ceremony on 20 January. More than 25,000 National Guard troops and hundreds of policemen would remain alert to avoid a rerun of the 6 January violent siege of the Capitol building that left five people dead.

Security concerns intensified as law enforcement received multiple threats and intelligence of armed protests, as well as inputs of internal threat from members of security.

FBI said during the briefing that it picked up suspicious traffic while monitoring that suggested the possibility of people discussing posing as National Guard troops but have nothing that points to any specific action.

Were monitoring all incoming leads, whether theyre calls for armed protest, potential threats that grow out of the January 6 breach of the Capitol, or other kinds of potential threats leading up to inaugural events and in various other targets. So were latched up with all of our partners in that regard, FBI Director Christopher A Wray said last week.

He said there is extensive amount of concerning online chatter for interfering in the inauguration.

The Washington Post said it is withholding some of the information from the intelligence report at the request of FBI in order to avoid revealing intelligence-gathering methods.

Acting defence secretary, Christopher C Miller, said in a statement on Monday that they are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump stands as a singular figure in American history for his willingness to entertain conspiracy theories from the Oval Office, and none has been more damaging or far reaching than his unsubstantiated claim that the 2020 election was rigged against him. One out of every three Americans believes that there was widespread fraud in the last presidential election, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, despite no evidence to support that view. Two in three Republicans believe so.

The social conditions that brought so many people to believe the falsehoods Trump has told about the election and a litany of other issues took root decades before he became a political figure and will extend far beyond the four years of his administration, according to scholars of disinformation and conspiratorial thinking.

"What's unique about Donald Trump is that he took advantage of this widespread distrust of government and media to say 'everyone is lying to you except for me.' We have never had a president so devoted to spreading disinformation and trying to overturn an election," said Kathryn Olmsted, a historian at the University of California at Davis. "The people who stormed the Capitol are absolutely convinced that the election was stolen. They're not being opportunistic; they really believe this. And all of the social science shows that if someone really believes a conspiracy theory, it is just about impossible to change their minds."

Among the most extreme in their views about the election outcome are believers of the QAnon conspiracy, who imagine Trump as a messianic savior battling the forces of a government "deep state" that worships Satan and traffics children. Their large numbers on Jan. 6, when rioters stormed the Capitol, was a stark example of how communities that form in fringe spaces on the internet can tangibly affect the nation's political discourse.

The rise of QAnon and similar groups can be traced to the decades-long erosion in trust of social institutions like the news media and government, said Ethan Zuckerman, a scholar of the internet at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He described it as the culmination of decades of anti-government rhetoric dating to the Reagan era and beyond, exacerbated by flash points like the Iraq War and the financial crisis.

"Every time we minimize QAnon as stupid and obviously wrong, we're doing ourselves a disservice because we're making it harder to understand. It's much more akin to a cult, and not only weak people fall for cults," he said.

Zuckerman said that banning Trump from Twitter and other social media platforms was a "reasonable and necessary" step toward preventing more anti-government violence in the coming weeks and months. But he warned that it could have unintended consequences in the long run. In the past, people who are "deplatformed" often move to darker corners of the internet. The communities there are smaller, but also more radical.

Experts said that addressing the supply of disinformation alone does not temper susceptibility to it.

The unfounded belief in widespread election fraud is a symptom of a broader openness to conspiratorial thinking that is born of human psychology, said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. People want to believe information that already aligns with their world view, and when presented with it, they often do not give it rigorous scrutiny. She and other experts in human communication and information sharing, including neuroscientists, say that people can be primed to believe false information simply by hearing it repeated several times.

In this time of heavily partisan news consumption, people are subjected to few reality tests.

"What Trump did was take tactics of deception and played to confirmation biases that were already circulating in our culture, and embodied them in somebody who is president of the United States. He didn't change what was available, but he changed its accessibility," said Jamieson, who co-founded FactCheck.org. "That crazed content has always been there. But it becomes dangerous when it is legitimized and when it has the power of the state behind it."

Once people fall into "an alternative universe" of conspiratorial thinking, it is very difficult to break out of that logic, she said. That is because part of the premise of their world view is that the official "custodians of knowledge" themselves cannot be trusted. People who believe deeply in conspiracy theories are in many cases already inoculated from evidence and fact checks.

"Our goal needs to be to prevent any more people from falling into conspiracy world views. If people are in that world, they are largely unpersuadable," she said.

Conspiracy theories have been a fact of life in the United States since the colonial era, said Olmsted, the historian at UC Davis. Before the 20th century, such beliefs were most often focused on marginalized minority groups, including Catholics and Jews. As the United States became bigger and more powerful, particularly during World War I and in the years following it, conspiratorial thinking became more centered on the government itself. That was at times reinforced by real schemes and coverups by people in government, like attempts to control wartime speech with the Sedition Act of 1918, Watergate, the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, the Church Committee report on U.S. intelligence abuses, not to mention a drumbeat of falsehoods about the Vietnam and Iraq wars.

But the internet, she said, has changed how easily false beliefs can spread, and social media has also created a profit system by which bad faith actors can even make money by spreading conspiracy theories. Often, it is people who feel victimized in some way or another who most ardently believe in conspiracy theories, said Olmsted. Recent political history has shown just how relative those perceptions of victimhood can be; many of Trump's most aggrieved supporters and deep-state truthers are affluent and White. They have felt like victims even while wielding immense political power.

Nonetheless, it is very difficult to quantify conspiratorial thinking, and not all scholars agree about whether more people believe in disinformation today than in previous historical eras.

Joseph Uscinski, a political scientist at the University of Miami, rejects the notion that belief in conspiracy theories and misinformation has become more common or widespread in recent years. He has polled the tendency for people in the United States to believe in conspiracy theories since 2012, he said, and has found the overall trend lines to be very stable. Post-election accusations of cheating themselves are not new, he said, and polling he conducted about election fraud over the previous three presidential elections has also been consistent. What is different, Uscinski said, is that now conversations about conspiracy theories are on social media where they can be shared and studied.

"Conspiracy theories are for losers. Who complains after a game or an election? Well, the losers, usually," he said. "These feelings are going to be out there after every election. Tens of millions of Americans will feel cheated and normally nothing comes of it.

"The Trump part is not normal. Trump has mobilized this form of thinking" for political gain, Uscinski added. And Trump's amplification of falsehoods has shown how extreme susceptibility to conspiracies can become a big social problem.

"We have to turn the focus away from the specific theories themselves and toward the people who believe them. Because it's the psychological antecedent - it's being predisposed to accept that really matters," he added. "We're really only dealing with a small number of people who believe in the craziest conspiracies. And we have to make these distinctions because policymakers are talking about censoring the internet and regulating social media."

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about what makes some people more susceptible to conspiracy theories than others, Uscinski said.

For now, there is little reason to believe that Trump's removal from popular social media sites and his leaving office will tamp down the political fury among those most convinced the election featured widespread fraud, said Joan Donovan, the research director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. For many who stormed the Capitol, or considered doing so, the outcome of the events of Jan. 6 were "a win because they demonstrated strength," she said.

In the long run, she said she would like to see social media accounts with large followings become subject to public interest regulations. She warned about technology companies clamoring for influence in the Biden administration, which could undercut regulatory efforts by inculcating their corporate interests into the proposed solutions.

One way to try to reach common understanding with people who resist fact checks on their false beliefs is to appeal to common understanding about how proof works, said Jamieson. That involves presenting "converging evidence" - facts from various sources with disparate interests that could not all be in on the conspiracy.

But when challenged with evidence, the boundaries of conspiracy theories often shift and can become even more grandiose, said Jamieson, citing a feature of QAnon's evolution. Already, people on message boards and on social media who sympathize with Trump have claimed that the mob that stormed the Capitol did not consist of Trump supporters but rather people pretending to be Trump supporters.

"The cleverness of the conspirators will always trump the available evidence," she said.

Zuckerman and Olmsted both noted that conspiratorial thinking and susceptibility to disinformation is not historically unique to conservatives. But today, part of what has made claims of widespread election fraud so potent is the amplification by right-wing media like Fox News and high-profile conservative politicians who are acting disingenuously, experts said.

They have a crucial role to play in helping to create a consensus around the election results.

"There have been countless fact-checking and other efforts designed to rid social media of misinformation. They're not going to work until the [Republican] Party and the major ideological amplifiers start explicitly renouncing these points of view," said Zuckerman. But "a majority of Republican representatives voted to overturn a democratic election. Until there are consequences for perpetuating those falsehoods, don't count on changes to the media to solve this problem."
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
WASHINGTON  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 California Democrat was asked Tuesday about Republicans who objected to the Electoral College results that Congress certified early Jan. 7, after a pro-Trump insurrection that resulted in five deaths had been cleared from the Capitol. Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri led the objections to President-elect Joe Bidens victory even after members of Congress were forced to hide from the rioters, and have faced calls for censure or punishment as a result.

Feinstein, however, defended their right to object, calling Senate debate the highest-level dialogue in democracy.

I think the Senate is a place of freedom, Feinstein told reporters at the Capitol. And people come here to speak their piece, and they do, and they provide a kind of leadership. In some cases, its positive, in some cases, maybe not. A lot of that depends on whos looking and what party they are. But its an important place to have this kind of dialogue. Its probably the highest-level dialogue that you get in an electoral body.

After the Jan. 6 insurrection, Feinstein put out a statement blaming Trump for inciting the riot and asking Republicans objecting to the results to stand down.

Other Senate Democrats have called for Cruz and Hawley to be punished. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a moderate and ally of Biden, urged them to resign. Others have said that at a minimum they should leave the powerful Judiciary Committee, of which Feinstein is also a member. She surrendered her ranking Democratic position on the panel in November.

Vermont Sen. Pat Leahy, also a senior Democrat who has chaired the Judiciary Committee, told reporters, The fact that both of them, both of them, wanted to subvert the will of the people, wanted to tell the whole world and the United States that we did not have an honest election  I cant imagine any senator doing that, and then serving on Judiciary.

Feinstein was also asked how quickly the Senate should move to a trial on the impeachment article that the House passed last week, charging Trump with inciting the insurrection.

I think its a moot question  this president is leaving office, Feinstein said. So it wont have any practical application. But whatever happens is fine with me.

There is debate about whether the Constitution allows for Congress to impeach and convict someone who has left office. Most scholars believe its possible and that the courts would be unlikely to overrule Congress if it did so. Democrats say convicting Trump is important both to hold him accountable for the insurrection and to make it possible to bar him from holding future office.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, has yet to transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate, amid concerns that a trial will interfere with the Senate acting on Bidens early agenda or confirming Cabinet nominees. Some Democrats, however, say an early trial wont sidetrack other Senate business.

We can do them at the same time. And you know, we have an obligation under the Constitution to hold the president accountable, Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal told reporters. Whether somebody resigns or runs out the clock, it makes no difference. They can still be held accountable.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
BIG RAPIDS, MI -- A woman suffered from smoke inhalation and burns stemming from a fire in her apartment on the Ferris State University campus.

The Big Rapids City Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 5:10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, in the 100 block of Cardinal Court, an apartment on FSU property.

Firefighters arrive on the scene two minutes later with reported smoke in the building.

During their primary search of the apartment, firefighters located a 22-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, who had suffered smoke inhalation and burns from the fire.

She was removed from the apartment and transported to Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital and later to Butterworth Hospital for treatment. The fire was called under control at 5:32 p.m. Sunday.

The fire appears to have started in the kitchen area of the apartment, officials said in a statement. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Big Rapids City Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Big Rapids Township Fire Department, Ferris State University Department of Public Safety, MECEOLA Central Dispatch, Mecosta County EMS, Mecosta County Sheriffs Department and the Big Rapids Police Department.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan reports 2,843 new coronavirus cases, 20 deaths

New policy geared toward combating racial profiling introduced by Washtenaw County prosecutor

Body of Kalamazoo-area man missing since October found in woods near Lawrence

Michigan State Police trooper, 2 others injured in head-on crash in Battle Creek

Fire damages first floor of home on Kalamazoos north side
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican, of provoking the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

"The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people," McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor.

The U.S. House of Representatives last Wednesday impeached Trump for a second time. The Senate has yet to schedule a trial to determine Trump's guilt or innocence.

McConnell last week said he would listen to the arguments presented during the Senate trial before deciding how to vote on the impeachment charge of inciting an insurrection that resulted in the siege of the Capitol.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who is poised to become Senate majority leader in coming days, said in a Senate speech that Trump "is a threat to our constitutional order whether he is in or out of office."

Trump's term as president ends on Wednesday when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.

Schumer added that if Trump is convicted, the Senate would then vote on barring him from running again for president.

Trump supporters attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, delaying certification of Bidens November election victory by several hours, forcing lawmakers to seek safety, and resulting in the death of five people, including a Capitol Police officer.

Short link:


"We are thrilled with Amazon's decision to make the Friendly Hills Marketplace home to one of the first Amazon Fresh stores in the country," said Darren Barkev, Reeco real estate broker. "After Orchard Supply Hardware closed, we targeted the location for grocery store use to reposition the Friendly Hills Marketplace as a daily needs shopping center. With Amazon Fresh, the Whittier community will benefit from a new, exciting model of grocery store that offers seamless in-store and online shoppinga great option during the pandemicas well as Amazon's investment in the city.

Amazon's position as the anchor-tenant is expected to bring additional traffic to the other stores in the shopping center, many of which are small businesses. Having a powerful company like that involved in Whittier is a great sign for the local economy."

Amazon opened the first Amazon Fresh Store in Woodland Hills, California in August 2020. The store features Amazon Dash Carts that allow customers to skip checkout lines, integration with Alexa shopping lists to navigate aisles more quickly, and Amazon Echo Show devices where customers can ask Alexa for help. Amazon Fresh also offers same-day delivery and pickup from the store.

The new Amazon Fresh store in the Friendly Hills Marketplace opened on January 14, 2021. To inquire about leasing opportunities at the Friendly Hills Marketplace in Whittier, contact Reeco at 877-967-3326.

About Reeco

Reeco is a full-service real estate brokerage that provides complimentary solar power systems and free electricity to its real estate clients. Reeco's vision is to offer the most value and savings of any real estate brokerage, creating a more affordable and sustainable real estate experience for each client. Reeco services real estate across California. Reach an experienced agent at 877-967-3326 or at [email protected], and learn more about Reeco at www.goreeco.com.

SOURCE Reeco

Related Links

http://www.goreeco.com


.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico and the rest of the United States are in the early stages of a mass vaccination effort to crush the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vaccines now on the market are proving to be incredibly effective at preventing severe cases of the virus, but the national vaccine rollout has been complicated by logistical challenges as states wrestle with how to get the vaccines out quickly, while also targeting residents most at risk.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Many New Mexicans are contacting the Journal with questions ranging from the very general to the very specific.

Heres a look at some questions intended to help readers better understand how New Mexico is pursuing vaccination.

Q. Is New Mexico using a phased approach to vaccine distribution?

A. Yes. There are four main phases (1A, 1B, 1C and 2), but with some sub-phases that outline the priorities even more specifically. (For more information on the main phases, see accompanying graphic.)

Exceptions are permitted to ensure no vaccine goes to waste.

New Mexico is now at the beginning of Phase 1B  a massive group expected to cover at least one-quarter of the states population.

Q. How can I make sure I get a vaccine as soon as Im eligible?

A. New Mexico is using a website to manage the distribution. Sign up at cvvaccine.nmhealth.org to get in line.

People who lack internet service or need help can call 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support. (The call center has been overwhelmed at times and the state is boosting the number of calls it can field. More details are below.)

Q. I signed up early last week but have not been contacted. Do those who signed up early get vaccinated earlier?

A. Your place in the line for a vaccine isnt determined by when or how you sign up. It is randomized. That means that once youre registered, you have the same chance as anyone else in your subgroup to be notified of an appointment when its the groups turn.

It doesnt hurt to sign up even before the state has moved to your subgroup  because providers may pull from the next group if they have extra appointments available to ensure no vaccines are wasted.

Q. Now that New Mexico has moved into vaccinating people in Phase 1B, how are people prioritized within that group? Is it first come, first served?

A. Most vaccination phases have subgroups. For instance, Phase 1B covers adults 75 and older; people 16 and older with medical conditions that increase their COVID-19 risk; certain front-line employees who cannot work remotely; and some vulnerable populations in group settings, such as inmates  all in that order.

The state is just at the beginning of Phase 1B, meaning adults 75 and older are now the priority.

But within the subgroup, the order in which youre called for vaccination is random. In other words, everyone whos 75 or older and preregistered for the vaccine has the same chance of being notified of an appointment. A person who is, say, 95 isnt ahead of someone who is 85.

Q. How do vaccine providers verify or vet the responses?

A. People who qualify as front-line essential workers will be required to verify their employment and must sign a statement affirming that theyve provided correct information.

People who qualify because of a medical condition should be prepared to verify the condition through a providers note, hospital documents, prescription bottle, prescription or other means.

Verification should be brought with you to the vaccine appointment.

Q. Why do some people who register receive an acknowledgment and code immediately, while others  in the same household and with the same conditions  receive no acknowledgment or code? Yet when they try to register again, they are told they are already registered. Should they worry?

A. The website has had some hiccups as New Mexico built it out and added capabilities.

Anyone who believes theyve registered but didnt receive a profile code or ID may call 1-855-600-3453 and press option 0 for vaccine questions, then option 4 for tech support. Also, some have received the code through text or email several days after they registered.

Q. Why is it so hard to get through to the call center? When will it be improved?

A. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week acknowledged that the call center was overwhelmed and said her administration takes responsibility. The state, she said, had underestimated the number of people who would call.

The center started with six call-takers and was up to 20 by Friday. The goal is to have 41 this week.

The call line offers the option of leaving a message and it is returning calls. One person who left a message Monday received a call back within three hours.

Q. Does the state Department of Health have daily numbers on how many vaccines it has, and how many first and second doses have been administered in New Mexico?

A. New Mexico has launched a public vaccine dashboard  cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html  with plans to update it daily Monday through Friday.

The dashboard offered this breakdown Monday:

 137,531 doses have been administered.

 44,927 were administered in the past seven days.

 The state has received 175,750 doses.

The vast majority of doses administered are first doses. Both vaccines on the market now require two doses, spaced three or four weeks apart.

The state intends to disclose how many people have received one dose vs. two as the booster shots become more common.

Q. Does the state have any estimate of how many people are eligible in each vaccine group? How quickly will New Mexico move through each group?

A. About 120,000 New Mexicans are 75 and older, the subgroup now prioritized for vaccination. The state vaccination plan released Jan. 8 said it may take several weeks for eligible seniors to receive a vaccine.

Almost one-quarter of the state population  about 500,000 people  may qualify under the next priority subgroup, which is anyone 16 or older with certain chronic conditions that increase their risk of COVID-19 complications.

Determining how quickly the state will vaccinate each group is difficult. For one thing, some people in a certain phase may initially opt against signing up for vaccination, but they will move to the front of the line if they register later.

Medical first responders, for example, were covered under Phase 1A. But if they havent already been vaccinated, they can still sign up while the state is in Phase 1B.

The subgroups themselves also overlap. Some of the front-line workers who cannot work remotely  a teacher, say  will be eligible to be vaccinated before the state gets to their occupation if they have a chronic medical condition.

The supply of vaccine delivered by the federal government and the approval of other vaccine manufacturers will also influence the pace of vaccinations.

Broadly speaking, Lujan Grisham said she hopes to move through all the Phase 1 groups and begin offering vaccines to the general public  Phase 2  by early summer.

The state has averaged about 6,400 doses a day over the past week, but state officials have expressed optimism that the pace will grow as new vaccination sites come online and doses arrive from the federal government.

To expand the vaccine rollout, New Mexico will begin using the Pit at the University of New Mexico this week as a shot clinic.

Q. Why are people who arent a priority receiving the vaccine already?

A. The vaccines are stored at low temperatures, and vaccine providers are directed not to waste any as they thaw the supplies.

Vaccine providers can then pull from the next priority group if they have more appointments available than people who sign up for the shots. Some adults over 75, for example, were offered appointments even when the state was in Phase 1A, which focused on hospital personnel and first responders.

The state also acknowledged that some New Mexicans jumped the line when people shared the access codes necessary to book an appointment. State officials say theyve made technical adjustments to keep that from happening again.

Q. How does New Mexico compare with other states?

A. States are developing their own strategies for vaccine distribution. New Mexicos phased approach generally matches recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Mexico ranked No. 8 among states Monday for doses administered per capita, according to the CDC vaccine data tracker. The ranking fluctuates daily, but New Mexico has generally been among the top 15 states.

Q. Why does the national CDC vaccine data tracker have different numbers for New Mexico than reported by the state?

A. Health officials say theres a lag in reporting to the federal government.

Some vaccine distribution in New Mexico is also being handled outside the states control. Most Native American communities, for example, are receiving doses from the federal government.

Q. Why isnt New Mexico making adults 65 and older a priority?

A. Federal recommendations initially suggested targeting people 75 and older, but a more recent recommendation suggested opening up vaccinations to those 65 and over.

The state Department of Health is reviewing the new recommendation to determine whether to alter its priorities to include adults 65 and older.

Q. Where can New Mexicans view state information themselves?

A. Visit cv.nmhealth.org/covid-vaccine for general information on the phases. To see the states most detailed plan, scroll down and click on learn more next to the box that says Current Phase: 1B.

Source: New Mexico Department of Health documents, interviews and public briefings.
It could be the perfect pandemic bolthole  a cute historic cottage in a picturesque French village, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains  and it is being offered rent-free to Australians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic.

John and Jayne Stewart, a Victorian couple who own the 120-year-old maison in Montreal, in south-west France, are offering their house to an Australian family stuck overseas.

John and Jayne Stewart, who are offering their French house rent-free.

There are views of the Pyrenees mountains from two of the house's three bedrooms and wineries within walking distance.

Before the pandemic, Mr and Mrs Stewart, who live north-west of Melbourne, charged tourists $700 a week to rent the fully furnished house they call Chez Stewart.
The Nobel laureate economist made the demands after the university asked the West Bengal government to measure his plot to resolve the dispute

Kolkata: Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has written to Visva-Bharati demanding that the university authorities withdraw the allegation that his family is in "illegal" possession of land in its Santiniketan campus and alleged that the accusations are a crude attempt at harassment.

Sen had on Monday written the letter to Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor Professor Bidyut Chakraborty two days after the authorities of the central university asked the West Bengal government to measure the plot owned by him at Santiniketan as soon as possible to permanently resolve the dispute.

The noted economist said in the letter that his father had purchased free-hold land from the market and not from Visva-Bharati - to add to their homestead and he has been paying taxes for them.

Sen had also sent a legal notice earlier this year to the VC asking him to withdraw "false" allegation made to the news agencies that a plot of land owned by Visva-Bharati is unlawfully occupied by the economist.

While the university was not able to provide any justification for the allegation, it has requested the West Bengal government "to measure the area of our homestead, Pratichi, to compare with the long term lease of land taken by my father in 1940 from Visva-Bharati", Sen said in the letter.

"This sudden abuse of an 80-year-old document is clearly a crude attempt at harassment or worse," he said.

"Among other errors it ignores the big fact, which I have stated many times (even in the context of this dispute), that a substantial amount of free-hold land was purchased by my father (in the market -- not from Visva-Bharati) to add to our homestead on which khajna and Panchayat taxes are paid by me yearly," the letter said.

Hence the officiating registrar's threat of legal action if the official discovers any additional land beyond the leased land seems hugely mischievous, Sen said.

Stating that he is tired of the VC's repeated claims despite emphatic denials on his part about his phone call to Chakraborty in 2019, Sen said that the VC insisted that the call was made either on June 2 or June 14.

"On being informed that I was abroad for the entire month of June 2019 and came back to India only in July, the story was promptly altered by the V.C.'s office to assert that I had called in June or July but said the same things," the letter said.

"Rather than inventing new falsities and adding to their culpability, Visva-Bharati should withdraw the false allegations made by them, as my lawyer has asked," Sen said.

A controversy had erupted on December 24 last year, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati, when media reported that the university has written to the West Bengal government alleging dozens of land parcels owned by it were wrongfully recorded in the names of private parties including Sen.

Sen, who now lives in the US, has said that the land, on which his house stands is on a long-term lease, which is nowhere near its expiry.

Stating that the Visva-Bharati authorities had never complained to him or his family about any irregularity in holding the land, Sen has accused the VC of acting at the behest of the Centre "with its growing control over Bengal".

Visva-Bharati officials were not available for comment on the letter.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several prominent intellectuals of the state have expressed their supports to the economist on the row.
India has developed two corona vaccines against coronavirus. The nation has started the vaccination drive and now helping other countries. The India government plans to give Serum India Institute's Covishield to its neighbouring countries. India will give vaccines to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal free of costs as a goodwill gesture.

India to gift 2 million doses of 'Covishield' to Bangladesh. The neighbouring country will receive 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' as a gift from India on January 20.

According to the report of Dhaka Tribune report, a special flight from India carrying the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20. The vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS' facilities. The additional storage for the COVID-19 vaccines will be provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Also Read:

First time after 7 months India records less than 2 lakh active cases

Corona vaccination: BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal targets Congress

Ranchi RIMS director Kameshwar Prasad gives this statement over corona vaccine
Treasury minister Jesse Norman has said it is not absolutely obvious that taxes will need to be raised in the UK, providing the economy recovers following coronavirus.

Speaking before Westminsters Treasury Select Committee on Monday, Mr Norman said he had been struck by remarks made by experts about potential tax hikes.

Paul Johnson [of the Institute for Fiscal Studies] said he wasnt absolutely sure that taxes needed to rise and I think thats quite an interesting external view, he told MPs.

His comments come after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projected borrowing could reach 393.5bn by the end of the financial year in March which, if correct, would be the highest since the Second World War.

These estimates were made before the latest national lockdown, though, and are now expected to rise as the budget deficit built up by the pandemic worsens.

Recommended Report finds council tax and fuel levies hit poorer regions harder

Explaining that the OBR would do another forecast before the next Budget, he told the committee we will have to see where they get to before any decisions are made.

Even after that, it will be quite difficult because we may end up with a somewhat delayed but nevertheless very pronounced bounce. There are features of the economy that would suggest that could be quite significant, he said.

The Treasury is also reportedly looking at abolishing stamp duty and council tax to level up Britain, at some point later this year, implementing a national property tax in its place.

A senior Whitehall source told The Times that chancellor Rishi Sunak saw corporation tax as the most reasonable way to raise revenues because only UK businesses who have made profits would be hit.

Things would have to go pretty badly wrong for us not to begin some consolidation in the budget, the source said.

However, Mr Norman hinted to the committee that the chancellor was looking for other ways to grow the economy that do not involve more taxation.

He is looking to build strong, sustainable public finances over the longer term when circumstances permit that, he said of Mr Sunak.

And that seems to me to be a judicious recognition that some taxation could impede growth, could damage our recovery, could obstruct the transition from the extreme Covid circumstances were in at the moment back to something approaching normality and I think thats a fair and proper recognition.

Mr Norman was asked several times to signal whether tax rises would be included in Marchs Budget but declined to comment. Although, he did suggest it could be a logistical nightmare to revalue residential properties under council tax reforms, saying such a process would be an enormous job.

Council tax is just one form of property tax ... but it is certainly a matter we keep under review and is a topic of increasingly live political interest, he added.

Mr Sunak, who was not present, has been criticised for failing to appear before the committee on many occasions, with critics suggesting he would rather dodge scrutiny than explain his decisions.
Love Island stars Amber Gill and Amy Hart have defended their friend Yewande Biala amid shock 'bullying' claims from Lucie Donlan.

The duo, who appeared alongside Yewande and Lucie in 2019's fifth season, reacted with fury after it was revealed that the surfer, 22, had accused the pharmacist, 25, of bullying her - claims Yewande staunchly denied on Monday evening.

Following her denials, Amber and Amy backed her when it was revealed that Lucie 'refused to pronounce Yewande's name correctly', as Amber branded the Cornwall-born star a 'b***h' and a 'liar' for her allegations.

The girls: Love Island stars Amber Gill and Amy Hart have defended their friend Yewande Biala amid shock 'bullying' claims from Lucie Donlan

On Monday, Yewande hit back at Lucie's claims that she 'bullied' her, after Lucie made the accusations against her reality show co-star in a series of old Instagram comments, which were unearthed on Reddit earlier in the day.

The blonde beauty, 22, declared she's 'not bothered' about the opinion of the Irish star after she allegedly branded her 'boring'. A fan quizzed Lucie in the throwback and said: 'How do you feel about Yewande saying you're a horrible person?'

'She's always bullied me,' she responded. 'I'm not bothered about her opinion... makes her look bad. Not sure where she said that though!'

As the fan added: 'Living in their head rent free, keep winning' alongside a winking face, Lucie responded with heart emojis.

Then: The duo, who appeared alongside Yewande and Lucie in 2019's fifth season, reacted with fury after it was revealed that the surfer, 22, had accused the pharmacist, 25, of bullying her - claims Yewande staunchly denied on Monday evening

Fuming! Amber wrote: 'You know that b***h lying, Yewande is one of the quietist [motherf**kers] I ever met AND it's almost two years later and we are not over it it man it's boring'

False: She then shared a GIF on Twitter about her reaction and defensively wrote to the user: 'Call me problematic. But if I see something false or that I dont like Im speaking regardless and if its about my friend Im yelling idc'

Rage: She 'liked' a tweet reading: 'Very interesting to see how Lucie still positioned Yewande as the bully even when Amber was the one directly challenging her, she clearly saw the former as the easier target to villainess. This is misogynoir at work'

Yewande responded with accusations of her own, saying that Lucie wouldn't even use her name in the villa as it was 'too hard to pronounce'.

Taking to Twitter, Yewande wrote: 'You refused to call me by my name because it was too hard to pronounce now you wanna say I bullied you !! Bullied'.

Amber, who won the series of the show, jumped to her pal's defense.

She replied: 'Na when she said can I call you Y I said lol no you cant can I just call you her you were peaceful in that exchange It was me with the vim.'

Not having it: Yewande responded with accusations of her own, saying that Lucie wouldn't even use her name in the villa as it was 'too hard to pronounce'

She then shared a GIF on Twitter about her reaction and defensively wrote to the user: 'Call me problematic. But if I see something false or that I dont like Im speaking regardless and if its about my friend Im yelling idc.'

She 'liked' a tweet reading: 'Very interesting to see how Lucie still positioned Yewande as the bully even when Amber was the one directly challenging her, she clearly saw the former as the easier target to villainess. This is misogynoir at work.'

Underneath a post of UKGossipTV's Instagram, which detailed the back and forth between the parties, Amber wrote: 'Cut me a f**king break man...

'You know that b***h lying, Yewande is one of the quietist [motherf**kers] I ever met AND it's almost two years later and we are not over it it man it's boring'.

Honest: A fan quizzed Lucie in the throwback screengrab: 'How do you feel about Yewande saying you're a horrible person?' to which she gave a revealing response

Exposed: Lucie accused her former co-star Yewande of 'bullying her,' in a series of old Instagram comments unearthed on Reddit on Monday

Amy then joined in her defense of their friend, as she too took to Twitter to write: 'I bit my tongue today, tomorrow may be different. My final thought of the evening, this beautiful,respectful QUEEN has sat on this for almost two years...

'We havent spoken about it publicly because it was Yewandes story to tell. I remember dates, times, locations of every conversation in that villa.Theres so much you dont see x

A critic then shared a snap of a straight-faced Amy and wrote: 'Okay but this was your face every time Lucy was slightly happy. Obvs you jealous and mad about some stupid food fight challenge. Grow up its 2021, move on with your life. X'

Hitting back with reference to the lengthy filming and cutting process of the show, she responded: 'Or is that just my face at all times when Im sitting around a fire pit on a 2 hour shoot but it makes a good reaction shot'
After a whole of releasing a barrage of realme phones in 2020 (every month), realme Malaysia is back once again and they plan to release the realme X7 Pro 5G on 26 January 2021. It will be on livestream via realme Facebook page which the local price is to be announced.

The realme X7 Pro was actually released back in September 2020 back in China. To recap the tech specs, it features a MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset with 5G connectivity, up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB UFS 2.1 storage. There is also a 6GB + 128GB memory variant so we shall see which model are they planning to import.

Perhaps the highlight of the specs is none other than the 4500mAh battery which supports 65W SuperDart charging technology. The 6.55-inch Super AMOLED display can support up to 120Hz refresh rate as well as up to 240Hz touch sampling rate. In terms of camera, it features 64MP (main)+ 8MP (ultrawide)+ 2MP (portrait) + 2MP (macro lens).

realme phones are popular in Malaysia because of their budget price range, but this one seems to be a flagship-level with the given specs. It might be close to RM2K max but we shall see soon next week. Stay tuned for the official news launch at TechNave.com.
What time is Joe Bidens Inauguration? What TV channels are broadcasting Inauguration Day 2021?

Joe Biden will become President of the United States at noon (12:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, January 20, (1/20/2021), which, according to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is when the outgoing presidents term ends.

The event will not be attended by President Donald Trump or First Lady Melania Trump after a divisive election which Trump refused to concede for months until after it was called, and later certified, for Biden. Trump finally admitted he lost the election a day after a violent riot besieged the U.S. Capitol Building and disrupted the official electoral count.

Biden is expected to take the oath of office at noon, with the theme of his inauguration being America United  a message Biden has been focused on since his victory speech in November. The Presidential Inaugural Committee said that the theme reflects the beginning of a new national journey that restores the soul of America, brings the country together, and creates a path to a brighter future.

The 2021 Inauguration will look different than any in history. There will be no parades and huge crowds of supporters turning out to witness the historic event, in part due to concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic, but also due to security concerns following the Capitol riot.

Instead, expect heightened law enforcement and military presence, including 25,000 National Guard troops who have come to Washington, D.C. for security purposes.

A special primetime TV event, Celebrating America, hosted by Tom Hanks, will honor Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with performances by Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons. Biden and Harris are also expected to make remarks, and the program will honor Americas pandemic heroes, like doctors, teachers and other frontline workers.

How to watch Joe Bidens Inauguration Day on TV

TV coverage of Joe Bidens Inauguration Day will be available on every major cable TV news networks, including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, BET and WGN America as well as local ABC, CBS, PBS, Telemundo and Univision channels. Some special coverage will start as early as 6:00 a.m., but the actual oath of office is not expected until noon.

Heres a full TV schedule for Wednesday, January 20:

All times ET.

6:00 a.m.

CNN: Inauguration of Joe Biden (to 8:30 p.m.)

7:00 a.m.

Telemundo: Un Nuevo Dia - Edicion Especial: Biden en La Casa Blanca (to 9:00 a.m.)

9:00 a.m.

Local CBS channels: The Presidential Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden (to 4:00 p.m.)

Local ABC channels: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden & Kamala D. Harris 2021 (to 4:00 p.m.)

Telemundo: Noticias Telemundo Especial: Biden en la casa blanca (to 4:00 p.m.)

MSNBC: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (to 8:30 p.m.)

10:30 a.m.

Local PBS channels: A PBS NewsHour Special (to 5:30 p.m.)

11:00 a.m.

Univision: Noticias Univision Presenta: Cambio de Mando (to 5:00 p.m.)

BET: 2021 Inauguration (to 2:00 p.m.)

CNBC: The Inauguration Of Joseph Biden (to 1:00 p.m.)

FOX News: Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr.: 46th President (to 5:00 p.m.)

WGN America: NewsNation: The Inauguration (to 1:00 p.m.)

7:00 p.m.

Telemundo: Especial Noticias Telemundo: Biden, Una Nueva Era (to 10:00 p.m.)

Univision: Noticias Univision Presenta: Una Nueva Era (to 8:00 p.m.)

8:00 p.m.

Local CBS channels: One Nation: Indivisible (to 8:30 p.m.)

Local ABC channels: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. - An ABC News Special (to 9:00 p.m.)

Local NBC channels: NBC News Special: The Inauguration Of Joseph R. Biden (to 8:30 p.m.)

8:30 p.m.

CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, local CBS and NBC channels: Celebrating America (to 10:00 p.m.)

9:00 p.m.

Local ABC channels: Celebrating America (to 10:00 p.m.)

10:00 p.m.

MSNBC: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (to 11:00 p.m.)

How to live stream Inauguration Day 2021 for FREE online

To watch the cable channel coverage above, you can sign up for a free trial of fuboTV, Sling, CBS All Access, Hulu + Live TV or other cord-cutting live TV service and use it to tune into any of the Inauguration Day coverage offerings.

If you already have a cable provider, you can login with your credentials on CNN.com, FOXNews.com, MSNBC.com and the websites of other cable news networks to access free live streams of their current TV broadcast. You can also use associated news apps on mobile devices the same way.

Special free live streams of Joe Bidens inauguration will be available on a variety of websites, including some of TV channels above. Other free sources include:

What is the Inauguration Day schedule of events?

Theres a lot of pageantry expected on Inauguration Day, even without the traditional parades and crowds. Heres what you can expect over the course of the day. Times are currently TBD, but the oath of office is traditionally taken at noon:

Inaugural Ceremonies (10:30 a.m.): President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the U.S. Capitol building at approximately noon. Biden will deliver an inaugural address.

Pass in Review: Next, Biden, Harris, First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will perform the traditional Pass in Review of members of the military.

Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery (2:00 p.m.): Then, the first and second families will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by Barack and Michelle Obama, George and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Presidential Escort (3:00 p.m.): Finally, Biden will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House with every branch of the military represented in the escort.

Celebrating America TV special (8:30 p.m.): The festivities will return with the Celebrating America TV special later in the evening.

Who is performing at Joe Bidens Inauguration?

The National Anthem will be performed by Lady Gaga. Jennifer Lopez is also expected to give a musical performance. Other ceremonial participants include:

Rev. Leo ODonovan reading the invocation

Andrea Hall, a firefighter from Georgia, leading the Pledge of Allegiance

Amanda Gorman, the first national youth poet laureate, will do a poetry reading

Rev. Silvester Beaman of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Delaware, will give the benediction

Later, during Celebrating America, the list of performers and celebrities includes:

Justin Timberlake

Foo Fighters

John Legend

Bruce Springsteen

Jon Bon Jovi

Demi Lovato

Ant Clemons

Lin Manuel Miranda

Eva Longoria

Kerry Washington

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Chef Jose Andres

Labor leader Dolores Huerta

First woman MLB general manager Kim Ng

MORE POLITICS COVERAGE

MyPillow CEO says Kohls, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond boycotting his products

Trump pardons list includes Lil Wayne, ex-NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, more

Norms and traditions can be broken; the Constitution endures (Editorial)

Joe Biden to propose 8-year citizenship path for immigrants

Trump garden of heroes to include statues of critics like Woody Guthrie, Kobe Bryant
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association welcomes Brian Hartlove as its Director of Communications and Marketing, filling the position vacated by Lynn Watson when she was promoted to the role of Senior Advisor on January 1. Hartlove was most recently the Senior Director of Marketing for the Water Environment Federation.

"We are very excited to welcome Brian to the DIPRA team and look forward to his creative and innovative guidance to build on the communications and marketing strategies implemented by Lynn and her team over the past several years," said DIPRA President Patrick J. Hogan. "Brian's depth of experience will be critical as DIPRA continues looking at the resilience, strength and durability of the pipes used in drinking water systems. Access to clean drinking water has become all the more critical, and DIPRA's member-companies are proud to partner with municipalities and private utilities to ensure the pipes in water systems will last for generations."

"I'm looking forward to furthering DIPRA's contributions to the debate over access to clean drinking water," Hartlove said. "Ductile iron pipes are strong and resilient, and our marketing and communications campaigns will continue to reflect the valuable difference these pipes make for communities looking for long-term solutions to improve water access. I'm eager to engage in this debate by promoting the good work of our member-companies and research based in science that shows the importance of resilient pipes in water systems throughout the United States and Canada."

While at the Water Environment Federation, Hartlove reinvented its marketing and communications strategy, significantly improving the organization's digital marketing capabilities. Under his leadership, an integrated marketing and communications strategy was implemented, which led to significant growth in brand awareness and social media presence.

Prior to joining the Water Environment Federation, Hartlove was the marketing director for University of Maryland Global Campus where he developed and executed brand and marketing strategies for the university's Center for Professional Development. He also worked for Weber Shandwick.

Hartlove holds both Bachelors and Masters Degrees from West Virginia University.

About DIPRA

Founded in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has served as a resource and technical advisor to the water industry. DIPRA also provides representation on standards-making committees as well as technical research on a variety of applications-based topics. While DIPRA member companies have different names and locations, they share a common commitment to produce and deliver the finest quality water and wastewater pipe material in the world, Ductile Iron Pipe, and at the greatest possible value to its purchasers.

SOURCE Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)
ANN ARBOR, MI  Mike Steinberg became aware of racially restrictive covenants  deed clauses that historically prevented people of color from owning properties in cities throughout America  when he bought his first house in Ann Arbors Old West Side neighborhood in 1985.

After reading through the closing documents, he talked to his real estate agent about the racist restrictions.

I said, What is this? I cant believe this is part of my house that Im buying. And she said, Oh, its not enforceable, dont worry about it. Theyre on lots and lots of houses in Ann Arbor, Steinberg recalled.

The same thing happened when he moved to another Ann Arbor neighborhood.

The one that I have on my house here in the Wildwood/Maryfield subdivision says, No part of this land shall be occupied by persons not of the Caucasian race except as guests or servants, Steinberg said.

Having gone to law school, he wondered at the time he bought his house if there was a way to legally challenge the covenant and get it removed.

I spoke with a lawyer and he said, You know, it runs with the land in all the houses in your neighborhood. You cant do anything about it without a very expensive, long, drawn-out process. And I bought the place, but I thought someday Ill do something about it, Steinberg said.

That day has come.

Mike Steinberg, a University of Michigan law professor, discusses racially restrictive covenants at an Ann Arbor Planning Commission meeting Jan. 12, 2021.CTN

Steinberg, a University of Michigan law professor and former legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, has teamed up with Rob Goodspeed, a UM urban planning assistant professor, to launch a massive undertaking to map all the racist covenants in Ann Arbor.

Even though theyre no longer enforceable, they still exist and follow properties as theyre sold, and Steinberg points to them as historical proof of housing discrimination in Ann Arbor.

Its an issue city officials say theyre interested in better understanding as they plan to make future policy decisions around housing and zoning with equity in mind.

Many local residents think of Ann Arbor as an enlightened place, which is true in many respects, Steinberg said.

You know, you look around, you see the Black Lives Matter signs, you see Hate has no Home Here, and its a comforting narrative to many, he said.

But the truth is that white supremacy exists here in Ann Arbor, as it exists in virtually every city in the country, and theres a long history of housing discrimination in Ann Arbor.

Steinberg and Goodspeed are in the early stages of their research project, working with student volunteers and a diverse advisory board of community leaders, including the Black community.

After combing through records provided by Liberty Title and the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds, theyve created an initial map of racist covenants theyve found so far.

They presented their preliminary findings to the Planning Commission last week, explaining theyve found 66 plats or subdivisions created between 1912 and 1952 that contain racially restrictive covenants, and one from 1970.

They also have documented 329 plats created during that time without racist covenants.

So, I dont think the use here seems as widespread as in other regions, Goodspeed said.

They acknowledge they still have a lot more work to do, and drilling down into individual home deeds could show there are even more areas with racist covenants.

City Planning Manager Brett Lenart said he invited the professors to speak since the Planning Commissions work plan includes initiating a conversation about single-family zoning and some of the challenges with it, specifically racial inequality and sustainability issues.

Ive heard anecdotes from people with covenants before, so actually mapping it out and seeing the extent I think is really powerful, said Commission Chair Sarah Mills.

Mills wants to look at ways the citys zoning has historically segregated people and may continue to segregate people, and ways to alleviate or not perpetuate that.

Racist covenants became popular throughout the United States about a century ago, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down racially exclusive zoning, Steinberg said.

They were private agreements, mostly in new subdivisions, he said. In order to get financing from banks or the government, developers would create exclusively white neighborhoods by inserting language in deed restrictions, right along with things like no fences or no fraternity houses, Steinberg said.

You can see theyre very offensive, he said, citing examples of the whites-only deed clauses.

Mike Steinberg shows examples of racially restrictive covenants in Ann Arbor, including one stating: "No person of any race other than the Caucasian race shall use or occupy any building or any lot except that this covenant shall not prevent occupancy by domestic servants of a different race domiciled with an owner or tenant."CTN

So far, the team has found covenants that restrict ownership strictly to Caucasians and others that explicitly exclude Blacks, people of African descent or all people of color.

Theyve heard of others that discriminate based on religion, effectively proclaiming white Christians only, but theyve yet to track those down, Steinberg said.

The definition of white has changed over the years and at times Jewish people werent considered white, he noted.

Similar efforts to map and document such historical discrimination are happening in Minneapolis and Seattle.

One of the reasons were doing it is to inform policymakers about the history of discrimination in our city and hopefully to influence them, Steinberg said.

Other goals include educating the community and eventually eliminating the racist covenants.

In addition to Ann Arbor, the team is reviewing records for portions of Pittsfield, Scio and Ann Arbor townships just outside the city. The county clerk has expressed interest in making it a countywide project, Goodspeed said.

Theyre also talking about creating a website and sharing their findings through schools, libraries and museum exhibits, and doing an oral history component.

Joyce Hunter, president of the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, is one of the advisory board members. Another board member, Matthew Countryman, chair of the UM Department of Afro-American and African Studies, is expected to help with exploring the longterm consequences of the covenants.

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1948 struck down racially restrictive housing covenants, but they didnt entirely go away, Steinberg said.

In 1948, with Shelley vs. Kraemer, the court held that they werent enforceable, that the courts as state actors cannot enforce these when, say, a neighbor sued another neighbor for selling to a Black homeowner, he said.

But there was nothing that prevented racist covenants from being placed in developments after 1948 and they were, he said. It wasnt until 1968 with the Fair Housing Act that it really became illegal, he said.

Goodspeed said he has found relatively few racist covenants put in place here after 1948. There was a handful in the early 50s, then it petered out, he said.

Although they havent been enforceable since 1948 in Shelley vs. Kramer, they still exist on the houses and they cause real harm to people, Steinberg said. You can imagine a person of color reading their closing packet and seeing that theyre not welcome in their neighborhood.

Its like having a whites only sign at a neighborhood entrance, Steinberg said.

Rob Goodspeed, a University of Michigan urban planning assistant professor, explains his in-progress map of racially restrictive covenants at the Ann Arbor Planning Commission meeting Jan. 12, 2021. The map shows restrictions by subdivision, and Goodspeed believes there are many house-specific covenants not yet shown on the map.CTN

Steinberg noted the racist covenants were only one form of housing discrimination in America, in addition to historical redlining practices where maps drawn by the federal government were used to systematically starve non-white neighborhoods of investment and access to credit.

Hes not aware of any historical redlining maps for Ann Arbor, though, he said.

Theres not like a map in the same way that you can see the map for Detroit or the larger metros, he said.

But obviously people of color were deprived of buying homes in desirable neighborhoods, and thus deprived of the opportunity to accumulate wealth or have their children attend integrated schools, Steinberg said.

The ability to get mortgages was very limited for people of color in certain areas, he said, noting the formation of single-family zones with large lots that were expensive was another way of institutionalizing segregation.

Lenart said he wants to further explore the history of zoning changes in the city compared to the timeline of when racist covenants were used.

Planning Commissioner Alex Milshteyn said the racist covenants are something he deals with every day as a real estate agent and it makes him cringe.

His clients will call him after reviewing the documents and ask, Is this for real? he said.

Commissioner Shannan Gibb-Randall said she was shocked to see a racist covenant when she bought her home.

In addition to racist covenants, Milshteyn said hes seen others that restrict who can live in a home based on profession and religion, and there are some that say unmarried women are restricted.

It is real, he said. And Ive often had the question of how do we get rid of this, like how do we black this out, and theres no way around it. Its just a sad, sad situation.

We are going to get rid of this, Steinberg promised. Theres three different ways to do it and were going to do one of them, so ... weve got a plan.

The National Association of Realtors president recently issued a formal apology for the industrys past policies that contributed to segregation and racial inequality in America, Milshteyn noted.

As part of that apology, theres a lot of grant money from the National Association of Realtors thats been put forth to the states and the local associations to try to combat the tactics that were used and could potentially still be used today, Milshteyn said, adding the real estate community realizes it was a part of the problem and is trying to fix it.

I work for a developer membership organization and developers are starting to acknowledge their role in this as well, added Commissioner Sara Hammerschmidt.

In terms of really recognizing that theres so much inequity in this country, were finally starting to do something about it.

Planning commissioners noted the Water Hill and Kerrytown neighborhoods were Ann Arbors historically Black neighborhoods. Kerrytown also was a Black-owned business district, Commissioner Lisa Sauve noted.

City officials should study Kerrytowns history as they consider zoning changes in the city, looking at its hybrid residential-commercial zoning, she suggested.

MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Ann Arbor wants to have 20-minute neighborhoods. So what are they?

Limited COVID-19 vaccine supply postpones another Washtenaw County vaccination clinic

New policy geared toward combating racial profiling introduced by Washtenaw County prosecutor

Q&A: Missy Stults discusses next steps in Ann Arbors plan to achieve carbon-neutrality

Q&A: University of Michigan has big role to play in Ann Arbor carbon-neutrality plan

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu on Monday stressed giving full play to the role of legislative bodies of China and Cambodia to help boost the development of bilateral relations.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks when delivering a video speech at the opening ceremony for exchange activities between the NPC and the Cambodian National Assembly.

As iron-clad friends and a community with a shared future, China and Cambodia have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, said Li, adding that China will, as always, firmly support the Cambodian people's just cause and Cambodia's choice of development path, and provide assistance to Cambodia's national construction within China's capacity.

Li said China is willing to actively work with Cambodia to carry out vaccine cooperation.

Noting that both the bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement were inked last year, Li expressed the hope that the two sides would take this opportunity to tap the potential of economic and trade cooperation, to bring more tangible benefits for the two peoples.

China will embark on a new journey of fully building a modern socialist country this year, and that China will build a new development paradigm which is not only the needs of China's development but will also benefit the people of other countries, including the Cambodian people, Li said.

China welcomes Cambodia to seize the new opportunities of China's development and deepen cooperation with China, Li said.

Stressing that exchanges between legislative bodies are important part of bilateral relations, Li spoke highly of their role in promoting the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and in providing legal and policy support for cooperation in Belt and Road construction.

Li called for giving full play to the advantages of legislative bodies to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and help boost the development of China-Cambodia relations.

Samdech Heng Samrin, president of Cambodia's National Assembly, said that the two countries worked together in the fight against the pandemic and made continuous advances in the construction of a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

Samrin said the Cambodian National Assembly is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the NPC and contribute to promoting practical cooperation in various fields and advancing relations between the two countries.
Discovery Announces 2021 Work Program&Budget at Cordero

Posted by Publisher Internet

Discovery Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DSV, OTCQX: DSVMF) (?Discovery? or the ?Company?  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/discovery-metals-corp/) is pleased to outline its 2021 work program and budget for its flagship Cordero project (?Cordero? or ?the Project?) located in Chihuahua State, Mexico. All amounts are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Taj Singh, President and CEO, states: ?We anticipate 2021 will be a transformative year where we firmly establish Cordero as one of the few silver projects globally that offers margin, size and scaleability. Our focus is to both de-risk the Project by delivering a technically robust PEA, and to deliver resource growth, by expanding known zones and making new discoveries. We plan to complete 66,000 m of drilling outlined as follows

?Other key project development milestones for 2021 include completion of social baseline assessment and progress on environmental baseline studies. Our planned work for metallurgy, processing, geotech and hydrology will go above and beyond what is typically included in a PEA study and will identify areas where we can accelerate pre-feasibility work.

?Our current cash balance of approximately $82 million places us in a very strong position to fund our planned expenditures at Cordero this year of approximately $26 million. Recent investment in on-site infrastructure will allow us to maintain strict COVID-19 protocols and should ensure we can complete our proposed work program in a safe and efficient manner. ?We will continue to closely monitor the health and safety situation at site and if practicable, we will look to expand our drill program if it is deemed safe to do so.? ??

2021 DRILL PLANS ??

We plan on completing 66,000 m of drilling in 2021 based on four drill rigs operating throughout the year. This program and the number of drill rigs may be expanded when the Company is confident that the health and safety risks related to COVID-19 can be managed effectively.

Further details on the allocation of 2021 drill metres are provided in the table below. Based on the excellent results from drilling in the South Corridor, our Phase 1 drill program has been expanded by 10,000 m to 65,000 m. Our Phase 1 drill program will be completed in 2Q 2021 and will be immediately followed by our Phase 2 drill program. The total amount and allocation of drill metres in our Phase 2 drill program is still to be determined and will be based on a detailed review this quarter of all drill results to date. ?

BALANCE SHEET

We ended 2020 with a cash balance of approximately $82 million and no debt. Our planned work program at Cordero in 2021 is budgeted at $26 million. Expenditures for the year reflect an accelerated approach to de-risking the Project while still allocating growth capital to resource expansion and property-wide exploration. We have a significant cash balance beyond our proposed 2021 budget spend that will allow us to expand our work program, if feasible within COVID-19 constraints, as well as to rapidly advance the Project to a construction decision beyond 2021.

RESOURCE ESTIMATE & PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

Our objective is to deliver a technically robust PEA that demonstrates Cordero is a high-margin silver project with size and scaleability. The PEA will be focused on the bulk-tonnage domain and will be supported by more than 350 drill holes and 180,000 m of drilling and two programs of detailed metallurgical testwork. Key milestones include:

Phase 1 drill program ? based on our results to date we have expanded our Phase 1 program to 65,000 m (an increase of 10,000 m). We expect to complete the remaining 20,000 m of this expanded Phase 1 program in 2Q 2021.

Metallurgical testwork ? sampling for the metallurgical testwork is based on both mining phase and lithology. The program will consist of comminution testwork, flotation optimisation, preconcentration testwork and high-level environmental testwork. Results are expected to be received in 2Q 2021.

Resource estimate ? the resource estimate will be focused on the bulk-tonnage domain only and will incorporate all historical data and data from Phase 1 drilling. The resource update is expected to be completed in 3Q 2021.

PEA ? the ?base case? mine plan in the PEA will be based on a conservative silver price and will incorporate staged expansions of the throughput rate at the planned processing facility. Scheduling will prioritise higher grades early in the mine life to expedite payback. The study will be based on the updated resource model and all metallurgical testwork and is expected to be completed in 4Q 2021. To demonstrate the scaleability of Cordero we also anticipate including a ?blue sky? alternative as an addendum that looks at the impact of higher silver prices on Project throughput and optimization.

HIGH-GRADE VEINS

Phase 1 drilling of the high-grade vein trends that transect the deposit has focused on testing the limits and continuity of the vein trends and has yielded highly encouraging results. In Phase 2, the focus of vein drilling will transition to resource definition with the objective of publishing an initial resource estimate of the high-grade veins in 2022.

PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY

Phase 2 drill program ? a key focus of our Phase 2 drill program will be on upgrading any inferred mineral resources within the PEA mine plan to allow the inclusion of these ounces in the PFS mine plan. This infill drilling is expected to commence in 3Q 2021 following a review of all Phase 1 data.

Gap analysis ? as part of our PEA we will be completing a gap analysis for metallurgy, processing, geotech and hydrology to identify the data gaps required to advance the project to a PFS level. This analysis will allow us, where appropriate, to commence PFS level work for these items in 2H 2021 in order to accelerate the delivery of a PFS for Cordero.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Health & safety ? managing health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic will remain a key priority during the year. Risk mitigation measures include recent investment in on-site infrastructure to accommodate social-distancing requirements, enhanced testing and travel restrictions.

Environment ? CIMA Consultores Ambientales, a consulting firm based in Chihuahua, Mexico, was engaged in 3Q 2020 to complete an environmental baseline study at Cordero. Field work associated with the study has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We anticipate commencing field work in 1H 2021 and completing the study in 1H 2022.

Community relations ? we engaged Vinfidem Consultoria, a consulting firm based in Sonora, Mexico, in 3Q 2020 to complete a social baseline study of the local municipalities associated with Cordero. The objective of the study is to identify and evaluate the potential social impact of the project. The study is expected to be completed in 3Q 2021. ??

PROPERTY-WIDE EXPLORATION?

Target generation ? we have strengthened our exploration team in Mexico in order to rapidly advance a detailed field mapping and sampling program on our property-wide targets in 2021.

Reconnaissance drilling ? initial drill testing of property-wide targets is expected to commence in the 4Q 2021 following the completion of field work on our high priority targets.

For further information contact:

Forbes Gemmell, CFA

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Phone: 416-613-9410

Email: forbes.gemmell@dsvmetals.com

Website: www.dsvmetals.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

About Discovery

Discovery?s flagship project is its 100%-owned Cordero silver project in Chihuahua State, Mexico. Our drill results to date show that Cordero is developing all the attributes of a tier 1 project ? grade, scale, significant organic growth opportunities and well located in one of Mexico?s premier mining belts. The project is supported by an industry leading balance sheet with over $80 million of cash allocated for aggressive exploration, resource expansion and future development.?

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, CPA,

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Qualified Person

Gernot Wober, P.Geo, VP Exploration, Discovery Metals Corp., is the Company\-\-s designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (?NI 43-101?) and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release is accurate.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release is not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ?1933 Act?) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Discovery believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. Discovery does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws.
In this Jan. 9, 2021, file photo, vials of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are placed next to a loaded syringe in Throop, Pa. On Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, California's state epidemiologist Dr. Erica S. Pan recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration, because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions. (Christopher Dolan/The Times-Tribune via AP, File)

California on Monday became the first state to record more than 3 million known coronavirus infections.

The grim milestone, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, wasn't entirely unexpected in a state with 40 million residents but its speed stunning. The state only reached 2 million reported cases on Dec. 24.

The first coronavirus case in California was confirmed last Jan. 25. It took 292 days to get to 1 million infections on Nov. 11 and 44 days to top 2 million.

California's caseload is also far ahead of other large states. Texas had more than 2 million and Florida topped 1.5 million.

The state has recorded more than 33,600 deaths related to COVID-19.

A caseload surge that began last fall has strained hospitals and especially intensive care units as a percentage of the infectedtypically estimated to be around 12% by public health officialsbecome sick enough weeks later to need medical care.

On average, California has seen about 500 deaths and 40,000 new cases daily for the past two weeks.

Officials warn that a recent slight downward trend in hospitalizations could reverse when the full impact of New Year's Eve gathering transmissions is felt.

The state is placing its hopes on mass vaccinations to reduce the number of infections but there have been snags in the immunization drive. On Sunday, Dr. Erica S. Pan, the state epidemiologist, urged that providers stop using one lot of a Moderna vaccine because some people needed medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.

More than 330,000 doses from lot 41L20A arrived in California between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers, she said.

In Northern California, Stanislaus County health officials responded by announcing they wouldn't be holding vaccination clinics until further notice.

"Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory" pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration, Pan said in a statement.

Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.

Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.

Six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination center on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.

Moderna in a statement said the company "is unaware of comparable adverse events from other vaccination centers which may have administered vaccines from the same lot."

The CDC has said COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, "which are normal signs that your body is building protection."

In this Jan. 12, 2021 photo provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, National Guard members assisting with processing COVID-19 deaths, placing them into temporary storage at the medical examiner-coroner's office in Los Angeles. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths is rising in 30 states and the District of Columbia, and on Monday, Jan 18, 2021, the U.S. was approaching 398,000, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest of any country in the world. (Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner via AP, File)

However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna's, the rate of anaphylaxisin which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to dropwas about 1 in 100,000.

The announcement came as California counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to tamp down its rate of infection, which has resulted in record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.

California has shipped about about 3.2 million doses of the vaccinewhich requires two doses for full immunizationto local health departments and health care systems, the state's Department of Public Health reported Monday.

Only about 1.4 million of those doses, or around 40%, have been administered.

So far, the state has vaccinated fewer than 2,500 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to federal data.

Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate that many people and are first concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes.

The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles Countythe nation's most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemicworks out to about one person every six minutes.

On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.

"The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years," the agency said.

Adding to concerns, California is experiencing new, possibly more transmissible forms of COVID-19.

The state health department announced Sunday that an L452R variant of the virus is increasingly showing up in genetic sequencing of COVID-19 test samples from several counties.

The variant was first identified last year in California and in other states and countries but has been identified more frequently since November and in several large outbreaks in Northern California's Santa Clara County, the department said.

Overall, the variant has been found in at least a dozen counties. In some places, testing has found the variant in a quarter of the samples sequenced, said Dr. Charles Chiu, a virologist and professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

However, not all test samples receive genetic sequencing to identify variants so its frequency wasn't immediately clear.

Health officials said it was linked to a Christmas-time outbreak at Kaiser Permanente San Jose that infected at least 89 staff members and patients, killing a receptionist. The outbreak has been blamed on an employee who visited the hospital emergency room wearing an air-powered inflatable Christmas tree costume.

The variant is different from another mutation, B117, that was first reported in the United Kingdom and appears to spread much more easily, although it doesn't appear to make people sicker.

That variant has already shown up in San Diego County and Los Angeles County announced over the weekend that it had detected its first case.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
(Natural News) Left-wing rioters, who participated in violent insurrection throughout the summer of 2020, were exposed online and on camera, bragging about infiltrating the Save America March on January 6th and turning it violent. A left-wing activist named John Earle Sullivan was exposed on video inside the Capitol, bragging we gotta get this shit burned, its our house motherf*uckers, we are getting this shit, and we got to rip Trump out of office. After the event, Sullivan appeared on major news networks claiming to be an undercover journalist; however, an FBI investigation has exposed Sullivan to be an agent provocateur, a professional left-wing rioter with a rap-sheet of violent insurrection toward law enforcement.

Left-wing rioter and his supporters fueled insurrection at the Capitol

Sullivan is the founder of an anti-police group called Insurgency USA. On the Discord chat channel, Sullivan describes his group as forming a rainbow coalition to unite all people under one banner to fight for liberation and freedom for all people. On July 13, 2020, Sullivan was charged with Rioting and Criminal Mischief by the local law enforcement authorities in Provo, Utah, based on his activities around a June 30, 2020 protest in which a civilian was shot and injured.

He has now been arrested for inciting insurrection at the Capitol. A sworn affidavit, with ample evidence, establishes probable cause to believe that Sullivan committed, or attempted to commit, any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects the performance of any federally protected function. Specifically, on or about January 6, 2021, Sullivan knowingly and willfully joined a crowd of individuals who forcibly entered the U.S. Capitol and impeded, disrupted, and disturbed the orderly conduct of business by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

Left wing insurrectionist, John Sullivan, was an agent provocateur, not a journalist

According to online chat logs, Sullivan didnt attend the riot as a journalist, as CNN promoted him to be. The chat logs reveal his true intent. He goes by the name of Jayden X. He attended the rally as an agent provocateur. An image of Sullivan posing in a Trump 2020 hat inside the Capitol was posted to his Discord account. The picture was captioned with the message: counter intel. He even posted instruction on how to make wipes that contain chemical weapons.

According to video evidence obtained by federal officers, Sullivan can be heard on two encounters arguing with officers, telling them to stand down so that they do not get hurt. Sullivan warned the officers, you are putting yourself in harms way, the people have spoken, and there are too many people, you gotta stand down.

Once in the Capitol, one of Sullivans followers got on his live feed and said, We did it! More Discord users foolishly revealed online, that they too, disguised themselves as Trump supporters, in a desperate bid to turn the Trump rally into a violent riot. Professional left-wing agitators ousted themselves online, revealing that they wore Trump hats and Trump shirts to blend in. Some of the left-wing rioters photographed themselves from inside the Capitol as they flipped off the Trump supporters outside the Capitol.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
I ran for politics once, just once in my life. You must go forth into the world, with passion, courage in your conviction, and most importantly be true to yourself. I did it. And I became President of the United States. Im the President of the United States. Im not the President of other countries. I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created. Theyre all saying, Hes done so well. Hes saved so many lives. Hes created happiness in so many families. We built the greatest single economy in the world. And then we say not only the world, but actually in the history of the world, and they never even challenged me, so I guess Im right. Id give us an A. Not since Harry Truman has anybody done so much. Thats a long time ago. In life you have to rely on the past, and thats called history. Throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart: Bad things happen in Philadelphia. COVID has got about 24 names. Thanksgiving is a special day for turkeys. When you see a little kid running around, say Boy, oh, Boy, do you have a great immune system? How about a piece of your immune system? They say, Is Donald Trump an intellectual? Trust me, Im, like, a smart person.

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a briefing on inauguration security. On Sunday, he flew to Fort Drum, N.Y., where he thanked the troops for "the privilege of serving with you as vice president."

And on Wednesday, he will attend the official swearing-in of Joe Biden - taking the place of President Donald Trump, who is refusing to participate in the peaceful transition of power and will instead be en route to his private Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla.

Pence, in many ways, has long been the historic picture of a Republican president in the Trump era - conservative, seemingly imperturbable and, perhaps most importantly, distinctly not Trump.

And now, in the waning days of the Trump administration, Pence is occupying the role of pretend president, executing the tasks and responsibilities of the presidency - some ceremonial and historic, others urgent and practical - that Trump appears unwilling to do.

"The fact that we're seeing this - and it's because Trump has no interest in participating in the traditional activities of the presidency - is just another way in which Trump is showing his utter dereliction of duty," said presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky, the author of "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution."

Serving as understudy is the inherent lot of any vice president, and Pence is hardly the first second-in-command to take on additional duties traditionally associated with his boss. When Woodrow Wilson had a severe stroke toward the end of his presidency, his vice president and Cabinet secretaries took over many of his responsibilities. When Franklin D. Roosevelt was ill and could not travel as much during the end of his time in the White House, his vice president at the time, Harry S. Truman, helped shoulder the burden.

But, Chervinsky said, with Trump not actually incapacitated and with a nation facing crises - including the coronavirus pandemic, the struggling economy and the "enormous threat of white-supremacist violence" surrounding Biden's inauguration - Pence's recent prominence only underscores Trump's absence.

In the weeks after Trump's electoral defeat, the White House press office began blasting out almost farcical language each day: "President Trump will work from early in the morning until late in the evening. He will make many calls and have many meetings."

Trump has not held a public event since Jan. 12, when he visited the border wall in the Rio Grande Valley and refused to accept culpability for the violent insurrection by his angry supporters at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

But while Trump has remained largely out of sight, Pence has actually been present and visible. On Thursday, in addition to receiving an inauguration security briefing at FEMA, the vice president made an unplanned stop to greet National Guard troops stationed on the eastern side of the Capitol.

As governor, Pence commanded the Indiana National Guard, and he praised the men and women for their service, thanking them for "stepping forward for your country."

He ended his impromptu remarks with a final thanks and wishes for "a safe inauguration and a swearing-in of a new president and vice president."

On Friday, Pence traveled to Charleston, W.Va., to speak at the memorial for retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the World War II fighter pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier. And over the weekend, he and his wife, Karen, traveled first to Lemoore, Calif., then Fort Drum to address and thank the troops stationed there.

"The American people are grateful," Pence said. "And I want to assure you that you have our deepest respects for the selflessness and courage that you personify every day."

He added: "I'm proud to say, with just a few days left in this administration, this is the first administration in decades not to get America into a new war."

And on Tuesday, Pence chaired his final coronavirus task force meeting.

Pence has often taken on roles that, in other administrations, might have gone to the man on top. He took several foreign trips at the president's request or in his stead, and more recently, he accepted the fraught role on the pandemic task force, despite warnings from many friends and allies.

Over four years, the vice president has soothed congressional lawmakers, the nation's governors and world leaders, his mere presence and calming countenance seeming to reassure them that his boss was not, in fact, the tempestuous leader they feared him to be.

But perhaps the starkest contrast between the diminished president and the elevated vice president came Jan. 6, when Trump egged on an angry mob to violently turn against he very government he still led as Pence was attempting to fulfill his constitutional duties by formally announcing the victory of Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The vice president's break with Trump marked his first and only complete public rupture from the president whom he had served loyally - sometimes to the point of servility - for the past four years.

During Wednesday's inaugural festivities, Pence will serve as the Trump administration's most senior attendee.

He will not fulfill all of the ceremonial duties typically associated with the outgoing president, however, such as greeting the incoming president and first lady or riding in a shared limousine to the Capitol with Biden.

The vice president has tremendous respect for the president and the office of the presidency, and he is going to follow all protocol and not overstep his role, said a White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. As the vice president, he will take his usual motorcade to the inauguration, this person added.

Despite the recent public and private tensions between Trump and Pence, the two men visited in person on Thursday and spoke on the phone Friday, the official said. White House officials said Pence is not going to attend Trump's planned farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday morning, citing the inauguration festivities a few hours later.

Pence is frequently mentioned in Republican circles as a 2024 presidential hopeful, and his actions in recent days could have affect his prospects.

Immediately after the attack on the Capitol, Republican pollster Frank Luntz hosted a focus group of 12 Trump voters from 11 states. When asked to name their preferred candidate for president in 2024, not one said Pence.

In a survey of more than 800 Trump voters nationwide a few days later - before Trump was impeached for the second time - Luntz asked the respondents whom they would most likely support for president, with Trump omitted as an option.

Pence was the front-runner by far, with 34% saying they preferred him. The next closest was Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, with 14%, followed by Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, both with 7%.

Asked to explain Pence's sudden surge in popularity, Luntz said the vice president had, for the first time in several months, "been allowed to be presidential, and he's lived up to that role."

"Trump voters have been paying such close attention to what's going on, so they're watching what everyone says and what everyone does," Luntz said. "The fact that Mike Pence has been so presidential will help him significantly in the future."
Russia's leading opposition figure and chief Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny has called on his supporters to 'take to the streets' to protest against the authorities following a court ordering him to be remanded in pre-trial detention for 30 days.

Citing a video clip posted on YouTube, Al Jazeera quoted Navalny as saying, "Do not be afraid, take to the streets. Do not go out for me, go out for yourself and your future."

Navalny was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday following his return to from Germany after five years.

With the court's order on Monday, Navalny will have to remain in prison till February 15 and a different court has been set to decide whether to convert his suspended three and a half year sentence into real jail time, AL Jazeera reported.

He had arrived in Germany five months ago in a coma after being poisoned by Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by during the Soviet years. Several Western officials along with Navalny himself have openly blamed for the poisoning, while the Kremlin has denied the allegations.

Navalny was placed on the country's federal wanted list during his time in Germany at the request of the Federal Penitentiary Service FSIN's, which had accused him in December 2020 of violating probation terms in a fraud case that was dismissed by Navalny as "politically motivated".

Now the FSIN alleges that Navalny has been in violation of the terms of his suspended sentence by failing to show up for scheduled inspections.

Meanwhile, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and the European Union have called for Navalny's release.

(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.)
Armie Hammer issued an apology to Miss Cayman Islands after posting a video to his private Instagram account that showed a lingerie-clad woman in bed, whom he referred to as Ms. Cayman.

Read article

I would like to clarify that the person in my video, which was stolen from my private Instagram, is not Miss Cayman, the actor, 34, said in a statement to the Cayman Compass on Sunday, January 17. I am genuinely sorry for any confusion my foolish attempt at humor may have caused.

He added, My deep sympathies to Miss Cayman, who I dont know, and to the entire organization as I had no intentions of implying she was actually Miss Cayman.

Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock

Hammers mea culpa came two days after the Daily Mail published photos and videos from his private Instagram page, including one of an unidentified woman on all fours with her backside to the camera.

Well my ex (for very good reason) wife [Elizabeth Chambers] is refusing to come back to america with my children. So I have to go back to Cayman which sucks, he captioned the post, according to the newspaper. Except there are a few silver linings. Like fking Ms. Cayman again while Im down there.

Read article

The Call Me by Your Name star and Chambers, 38, split in July 2020 after 10 years of marriage. They announced the news while quarantining together in the Cayman Islands, where he grew up, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The bakery owner and their children, Harper, 6, and Ford, 4, have since stayed in the Caribbean, while Hammer has traveled back and forth from Los Angeles.

After the Gossip Girl alums Ms. Cayman video leaked, the Miss Cayman Islands Universe Committee released a statement via Instagram saying it was very disturbed by his caption.

[We] would like to confirm that the woman is not the reigning Miss Cayman Islands [Mariah Tibbetts] and has no affiliation to the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant, chairperson Derri Ann said. The Committee and the reigning Miss Cayman regard this issue with the utmost seriousness and the matter has been reported to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).

The statement continued, The role of Miss Cayman is in part, to serve as a role model to young Caymanian women. The depiction of the woman in the video goes against all that our organisation stands for and the Committee is consequently requesting that Mr. Hammer immediately remove all references to Miss Cayman from his social media channels.

Read article

Hammer has been under fire for weeks after multiple women took to social media to share unverified screenshots of messages that he allegedly sent them about his graphic and disturbing sexual fantasies. Us Weekly confirmed that he subsequently exited the upcoming movie Shotgun Wedding, in which he had been set to star alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Im not responding to these bullst claims, but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic, the Social Network star said in a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, January 13. Lionsgate is supporting me in this, and Im grateful to them for that.
A security video captured the terrifying moment a soldier is held at gunpoint by armed men before he and another military officer were kidnapped from the parking lot of a National Guard station and found two days later alive on a highway, the Mexican military announced.

Footage of the shocking incident, which unfolded Saturday afternoon in the north-central Mexico state of Zacatecas, shows one of the National Guard soldiers standing near a car as a black SUV pulls up next to him while a second vehicle stops in front of the entrance.

The startled soldier immediately raises his hands as at least six men carrying military rifles ran out of their vehicles at the base located in the municipality of Jerez.

Security camera from a National Guard station in Zacatecas, Mexico, shows the moment an SUV with armed men pulls up next to a soldier before he and another guardsmen were kidnapped Saturday. They were found alive Monday on a highway, 41 miles from where they were abducted. El Heraldo de Mexico identified the soldiers Orion Reyes and Fernando Quiroz

Fernando Quiroz (left) and Orion Reyes (right), both active members of the National Guard in Mexico, were kidnapped from a base in the north-central state of Zacatecas by armed men on Saturday and were safely located Monday

Subsequently, the guardsmen is ordered to lie on the dirt pavement while the armed men hold other individuals at gunpoint.

At least two other men appear to search the perimeter for the another member of the National Guard.

The soldier in the video is pushed into the white SUV and the footage cuts off before the second soldier is abducted.

The soldiers, identified by Mexican newspaper El Heraldo de Mexico as Orion Reyes, 42, and Fernando Quiroz, 37, were found by state and local police Monday before dawn on a highway in the Zacatecas city of Fresnillo.

The Mexican National Guard soldier is forced to lie on the dirt pavement while one of the armed men stands over him with a military rifle

Armed men carrying military rifles escort one of the two kidnapped soldiers into a white SUV (pictured) on Saturday outside a National Guard station in Jerez, a municipality in the north-central Mexican state of Zacatecas

Mexican authorities have not made any arrests or provided a motive for the kidnapping of two soldiers from a National Guard station in the north-central state of Zacatecas on Saturday. The guardsmen were found unharmed Monday

The National Guard said Reyes and Quiroz were both unharmed and in good health.

Zacatecas Governor Alejandro Tello called on the government and law enforcement to confront criminal organizations with tougher action to prevent them from destabilizing his state's security.

The kidnappers remain at large. It is unknown if they are linked to a cartel or local gang, and what the motive was for the abduction of two soldiers.
Nearly a year after outbreak in India, COVID-19 cases shoot up in Lakshadweep islands

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Kochi, Jan 19: The number of COVID-19 cases soared to 14 in Lakshadweep islands, which remained insulated from the attack of deadly virus till Monday, since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country nearly a year ago.

A day after the first coronavirus case was reported in the islands, official sources said 13 people, who were his primary contacts, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, taking the test positivity rate to 42.4 per cent.

The man belonging to the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), had left for Kavaratti by ship from Kochi on 3 January and tested positive on Monday, official sources said.

He had reached the islands on January 4.

Sources said his 31 primary contacts were traced and tested of which 13 were infected. All of the positive people belonged to IRB, they said.

While four of them are having symptoms, the remaining are asymptomatic. The authorities have started tracing and isolating their primary and secondary contacts.

JP Nadda poses questions for Rahul on China, farmers and COVID-19

The IRB cook, who is the first COVID-19 case in islands, was admitted to a COVID hospital in Kavaratti.

The case was reported two weeks after the Lakshadweep administration revised Standard Operating Procedures by doing away with mandatory quarantine guidelines for those arriving from Kochi.

Till Monday, the islands had not reported a single positive COVID-19 case. Taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus, the administration had directed all those who had come in contact with him to go on quarantine, they said.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

According to sources, risk communication activities started and disinfection process are on. The administration also suspended all the inter island movements, including ships from Tuesday.

In a communication, the administration had said anyone can now visit the islands from the mainland with a negative test report of RT-PCR obtained 48 hours before travel.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 14:10 [IST]
Udupi, Jan 19 : Karnataka chief minister, B. S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday said that he has achieved a sense of contentment after the enactment of anti-Cow slaughter Act which was achieved by the BJP nearly after 70 years of independence of this country.

After visiting Uchila Shree Mahalakshmi temple in Udupi district which is the chief deity of Mogaveera (fishermen) community in Coastal region here, Yediyurappa said that the country is in transition from being seen as weak or poor country to a self-reliant one.

"The main reason for this is that the BJP accomplished two of its major commitments: One, building a grand and biggest Ram Temple at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh as a symbol of peaceful co-existence at the national level and in Karnataka I've achieved a rare accomplishment of enacting stringent, Anti-Cow slaughter Act," he said.

According to him, the BJP is fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's concept of the Rama Rajya by enacting such a stringent law.

Yediyurappa who is on a two-day temple tour in parts of Udupi district where popular temples exist, said that he wanted a 'peace' and 'contentment' in order to give himself a break from political hectic activities.

"If we can be in peace and contentment then only we can properly think about people's welfare. Sometime I feel, we should cut off from worldly affairs in order to reboot ourselves," he said.

The CM visited Udupi Krishna Matha, Sri Venkatramana temple in Karamballi on Monday, and is scheduled to visit Uchila Mahalakshmi temple, Shree Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi temple besides going for foundation stone laying programme of Kaup-Hejamadi port works in Udupi as well.

"I visited Uchila Mahalakshmi temple, which is the chief deity of Mogaveera (Fishermen) community. I will also discuss with Mogaveera community leaders, to know their problems as well," he said.

Yediyurappa is also visiting Aanegudde Kumbahshi Maha Ganapati temple in Udupi, where he has organised - 1008 Gana Yajna - to win over his enemies and for overall good for the state.

According to a close aide of Yediyurappa, the importance of organising major Yagna here is because of the importance of Kumbhasi as it is said to be derived from Kumbhasura, who was slain here. Kumbhasi is located about 400 km from the tech hub Bengaluru.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


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

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.

As Gov. Phil Murphy and state lawmakers remain in a stalemate over penalties for underage marijuana use, two legislators have introduced a bill that would require schools to teach students in elementary through high school about the risks of marijuana use.

Sen. Michaela Testa, R-Cape May, on Thursday introduced the bill (S3360), which would make age-appropriate education on the risks of marijuana use mandatory for students in third through 12th grades. Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, R-Cape May, has introduced the bill into the state Assembly.

As soon as the Legislature gets its act together, marijuana will be legal for adult use, Testa said in a statement. That will send a dangerous message to school kids of all ages  that cannabis is safe and accepted.

The course content, delivered in health and physical education classes, would touch on the impact of marijuana on the adolescent brain and body, the risk of addiction to marijuana and the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

It would also focus on the dangers of driving while high.

Current law already requires schools educate kids on drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. The states 2020 education standards mention marijuana and cannabis, and involve educating students about the social, emotional and physical harm use can cause, as well as ways to say no to using.

Simonsen said the bill would prompt schools to begin educating kids about marijuana at a younger age and go more in-depth about the scientific effects if THC, and the difference between medical cannabis and unregulated marijuana.

Its going to be around and be more prominent in our communities, he told NJ Advance Media. Its more accessible, and the stigma has kind of been lifted on it. I think its important to start in the younger grades.

New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum in November to legalize marijuana for people 21 and older. The state Legislature has since passed two bills, one to set up a legal framework (S21) and another to decriminalize possession (S2535).

But Murphy has not signed those bills due to discrepancies surrounding underage penalties: one makes possession by those under 21 a disorderly persons offense, and another gets rid of all penalties for possessing up to six ounces of marijuana.

He had asked the Legislature to make changes, but a deal on civil penalties fell through last week.

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.
Creek seniors Bertrand, Buda have Lancers playing great soccer As the spring season neared, Bullock Creek senior soccer players Lydia Bertrand and Addi Buda...

Out to Lunch with Tori: Crepes Et Amis Bonjour, mes amis! On suggestion from a reader that I highlight some French cuisine, I headed to...

Sanford Youth League working hard to keep playing Ball is back in Sanford. The Sanford Youth League (SYL) is back on the field after a summer...
Advertisement

Nicola Sturgeon today declared that lockdown in Scotland will be extended to mid-February despite signs cases have flattened off.

Dashing hopes of a loosening from the end of this month, the First Minister said she was being 'cautious' and more evidence was needed that the outbreak was on a 'downward trajectory'.

The announcement came amid fears the brutal curbs in England will need to stay in place past March, with Boris Johnson saying the situation remains 'serious' despite infections dropping off and progress on vaccinations.

There are claims that ministers are braced for the national lockdown to stay until the beginning of April even if the innoculation drive goes without a hitch, while school chiefs have suggested that is the most realistic timetable for getting children back in classrooms.

The whole Scottish mainland and several islands have been under tough restrictions since early January, with schools closed and a 'stay at home' message in force.

It was initially due to run until February, but was reviewed by Ms Sturgeon and her ministers this morning.

In other major developments today:

The UK has recorded another 1,610 deaths, up more than a quarter on last Tuesday, but the case rate continued to fall with 33,355 new infections;

Concerns have been raised that the vaccine drive might be slowing down after 201,330 more jabs were reported today - the third day in a row the number has fallen, although the NHS pointed to a reporting lag;

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries has told MPs it is 'likely' that there will a regional approach to restarting face-to-face lessons for millions of children when England comes out of the latest shutdown, and hinted closures will remain in place after February half-term;

New figures showed around one in eight people in private households in England had been infected with coronavirus by December;

Matt Hancock has announced he is self-isolating until Sunday after being 'pinged' by the NHS coronavirus app;

Ministers are desperately trying to quell anger over a 'postcode lottery' in vaccinations, with 70-year-olds getting jabs before over-80s in some areas;

Government scientists advising Boris Johnson fear that many people will 'probably abandon' social distancing and lockdown rules once they have had the jab;

The South African coronavirus variant may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past, scientists fear.

Dashing hopes of a loosening from the end of this month, Nicola Sturgeon said she was being 'cautious' and more evidence was needed that the outbreak was on a 'downward trajectory'

Scotland recorded another 1,165 cases of coronavirus on Tuesday - continuing a downward trajectory after peaking at 2,649 last week

Scotland recorded another 71 covid deaths on Wednesday

Matt Hancock isolating after contact with infected person Matt Hancock today announced he is self-isolating after being 'pinged' by the NHS app - days after he was spotted out twice in busy London parks. The Health Secretary said he will be staying at home until Sunday after receiving the notification. Mr Hancock had Covid last year, but even those who have been infected before must isolate. He tweeted today: 'Last night I was alerted by the @NHSCovid19app to self isolate so I'll be staying at home & not leaving at all until Sunday. We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control.' Mr Hancock was spotted out in busy London parks twice over the weekend playing rugby with his sons, despite Boris Johnson entreating the public to stay at home as much as possible. Taking daily exercise is permitted. However, as his isolation is scheduled to end on Sunday and the standard quarantine period is 10 days it appears his contact must have happened before then - most likely Wednesday or Thursday. Mr Hancock attended meetings in Downing Street on January 13. He led a press conference last night with medical chiefs Susan Hopkins and Stephen Powis. Under the rules, they are not expected to have to self-isolate unless Mr Hancock is confirmed as positive with the virus. Advertisement

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, Ms Sturgeon said: 'We need to see these trends continue, to be more certain that this phase of the epidemic is now on a downward trajectory.

'And second, we need to be realistic that any improvement we are seeing is down, at this stage, to the fact that we are staying at home and reducing our interactions.

'Any relaxation of lockdown while case numbers, even though they might be declining, nevertheless remain very high, could quickly send the situation into reverse.'

She said: 'It is for all these reasons that the Cabinet decided this morning to maintain the restrictions which are currently in place.

'That means that the lockdown restrictions  including the strict stay-at-home requirement  will remain in place across mainland Scotland and some island communities until at least the middle of February.'

Ms Sturgeon did give some grounds for optimism, saying the curbs did seem to be working.

She said: 'We believe that the lockdown restrictions  and the sacrifices everyone continues to make  are beginning to have an impact.

'Case numbers  which had been rising rapidly  appear to have stabilised and even declined.

'In the week to January 14, there was an average of around 1,900 confirmed new cases per day. This is an 18 per cent reduction on the previous week.

'Test positivity has also declined slightly, as has the number of cases per 100,000 of the population.'

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson gathered his Cabinet this morning to take stock of the crisis in England.

He told ministers that 'although we are beginning to see a decline in infection rates, the situation remains very serious and it remains as important as ever for people to follow the guidance to continue to suppress the spread of the virus'.

The PM has promised that the lockdown will be reviewed on February 15, after vowing that the 14million most vulnerable Britons will have had their first dose of vaccine by then.

But ministers have made clear that it will be weeks after that before the jabs are fully effective, and health experts have cautioned that pressure on the NHS will still be huge.

The government has set criteria including deaths falling, the NHS being able to cope, the vaccine rollout making progress, and no dangerous new variants for easing lockdown.

Schools have warned they do not expect to return to normal until April.

Mr Johnson has also dismissed Tory calls for a 'route map' for lifting the curbs before mid-February, warning that is the earliest any plan will become clear.

Former chief whip Mark Harper, who heads the CRG group of lockdown-sceptics, has said a blueprint should be published for a loosening from March 8, when vaccines for the four most vulnerable groups should have given protection.

Pfizer vaccine 'could stop virus spreading' Pfizer's Covid vaccine could produce a strong enough immune response to stop people who get the jab from spreading the coronavirus, a doctor in Israel has claimed. Researchers found in a small study that recipients of the jab developed up to 20 times more antibodies within a week of having the second dose of the jab. Higher levels of antibodies likely lead to a stronger immune response which could clear the virus before someone has a chance to spread it, but this is still not proven. Until now, scientists didn't know whether vaccines would stop transmission and were banking only on it preventing severe illness and death. Pfizer itself has not published any data showing how the jab affects the spread of the disease. Developers of other vaccines have also not offered any proof that their vaccines will be able to reduce transmission of the virus. The survey done on 102 hospital staff in Israel is the first indication that a Covid-19 vaccine may stop transmission. It saw all but two of them develop antibody levels that were even higher than patients who had recovered from Covid-19. Advertisement

The deputy chairman of the group, Steve Baker, told MailOnline last night: 'We locked down the country and shut down our schools on the basis of a forecast, so why can't we open it up on the basis of one too? It is not sustainable to leave the public and British businesses languishing any longer.

'Businesses and individuals desperately need hope and the opportunity to plan our recovery, that's why we need to know our road to recovery as soon as possible.'

Another Tory backbencher told MailOnline the government should lay out its plans even if it is like 'snakes and ladders' and the arrangements later have to change.

However, Mr Johnson poured cold water on the idea as he toured the Oxford Biomedica vaccine plant yesterday, and warned when the easing does come it will not be an 'open sesame' moment.

'I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can. It does depend on things going well,' he said.

'It depends on the vaccination programme going well, it depends on there being no new variants that throw our plans out and we have to mitigate against, and it depends on everybody, all of us, remembering that we're not out of the woods yet.'

He said: 'We're going as fast as we can but I stress we can do everything we can to open up but when we come to February 15, and the moment when we have to take stock of what we've achieved, that's the time to look at where the virus is, the extent of the infection and the success that we've had.

'It's only really then that we can talk about the way ahead and what steps we can take to relax.

'I'm afraid I've got to warn people it will be gradual, you can't just open up in a great open sesame, in a great bang, because I'm afraid the situation is still pretty precarious.'

The announcement came amid fears the brutal curbs in England will need to stay in place past March, with Boris Johnson saying the situation remains 'serious' despite good progress on vaccinations

Ms Sturgeon said the Island of Barra will be placed into lockdown from midnight tonight, after 10 per cent of the island's population was forced to self-isolate.

She said: 'For these reasons, the national incident management team has recommended and the Cabinet  in consultation with the local authority and local health board  has decided that Barra and Vatersay, which is connected to Barra by causeway, should move from Level 3 to Level 4 at midnight tonight.

'This means that the same lockdown restrictions  including the stay at home except for essential purposes requirement already in place on mainland Scotland  will apply there too.'

One in EIGHT people in England had already had Covid-19 by December, ONS antibody surveillance study reveals

One in eight people in England had already had Covid-19 by December last year  some 5.4million people, the Office for National Statistics estimates.

Blood tests on a random sample of the population, to check for signs of immunity to Covid-19, suggested that 12 per cent of people had been infected in the past.

This was up from one in 14 people in October, showing a staggering five per cent of the population was infected even during the early parts of the second wave.

And almost a million people have been officially diagnosed with the virus since January 1 so the proportion is now likely to be even higher.

The ONS's survey, which collects regular blood samples from a group of people intended to represent the population, suggested that signs of immunity are strongest in Yorkshire and the Humber, where antibodies were found in 17 per cent of people.

London  which has been worst affected in both the first and second wave  saw the second highest past infection rate at 16.4 per cent.

Six out of nine regions had levels higher than the England average, with only the South East, South West and East of England showing lower signs of immunity than the country as a whole.

The Office for National Statistics estimates how many people have had coronavirus already by checking blood samples of adults over the age of 16 for antibodies.

Antibodies are substances made by the immune system that are key to destroying viruses or marking them for destruction by white blood cells. The presence of them in the blood generally means someone has either partial or total immunity against catching a disease again.

They can only be made by someone coming into contact with the exact virus they are related to, or by someone getting vaccinated against the virus.

This means this could be the ONS's last clean antibody study where data isn't muddied by the fact that millions of people have had a vaccine and will now show the same sign of immunity.

Antibody data on infection in private households suggests that one in 10 in Wales had also been infected by December, alongside one in 13 in Northern Ireland and one in 11 in Scotland.

The figures come from the Office for National Statistic's Covid-19 Infection Survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.

Last week, the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biostatistics Unit Covid-19 Working Group at Cambridge University said it believed the proportion of the population who have ever been infected was 30 per cent in London, 26 per cent in the North West and 21 per cent in the North East.

This dropped to 13 per cent in the South East and 8 per cent in the South West.

It came as some family doctors continue to express their frustration about the rollout of vaccines across the UK.

With more than half of the over-80s and half of elderly care home residents having received the jab, ministers have now given the go-ahead to begin vaccinating the next priority groups  the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said 'there will be an overlap' between those in the first group getting their jab and those in the second as the NHS keeps up the momentum of the vaccine rollout.

He told LBC radio: 'We're very clear that areas should be getting through the majority of the first cohort before they move on to the second cohort, but there will be an overlap.

'The reality is, as you're moving through these, as you start to bring the second cohort in, there will be a bit of an overlap.

'So, while they're still finishing cohort one, some people from the second cohort will be having their vaccines and being contacted.

'That's understandable because the other alternative is you get through cohort one and you pause before you can start getting cohort two in and that would be wrong.

'In order to keep things flowing and moving we will see some overlap, but areas should be getting through the majority of cohort one before they start moving to cohort two.'

On Monday night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that some parts of the country had made better progress than others in vaccinating those in the top priority group, but said more supplies of the vaccine are being pumped to areas that have fallen behind.

He said: 'We're prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s', adding: 'But we don't want to stop the areas that have effectively done that job already.'

Some GPs have taken to social media saying they are 'crying out for more vaccines' and that their elderly patients want to be vaccinated in local surgeries rather than having to travel further afield to mass centres.

The number of people in the UK receiving their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine has now passed four million and the Government is on track to vaccinate around 15 million high-priority people across the UK by February 15.

Once those vaccines have taken effect, around two to three weeks later ministers will consider whether lockdown measures can be eased in England.

Despite pressure from Tory MPs to move as quickly as possible, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there will be no 'open sesame' moment when restrictions will all be lifted together.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Lewis said it is 'too early' to outline how the national lockdown will be eased in England.

'I'm afraid it's still a bit early to outline that at the moment. The Prime Minister said when we put these restrictions in place that we'd have a review point in mid-February; we're still some weeks away even from that review point.

'I think we've got to wait until we get to that point and see where we're at, see how the vaccine programme is rolling out, see how the restrictions have worked and then we can look at what the next steps are.

'But whether that's in February or whether we move forward in March, it's just too early now in relatively early January to give an outline to that.'

Elsewhere, Professor Janet Lord, director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, urged caution among those who have been vaccinated.

Asked whether people who have received the jab can hug their children, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would certainly advise not to do that at the moment because, as you probably know, with the vaccines they take several weeks before they are maximally effective.

'It's really important that people stay on their guard even if they've had that first vaccination.'

She also warned against the idea of a coronavirus immunity passport until more is known about transmission of the virus among those who have been vaccinated.

'People might think (it is a) passport to freedom and even those who haven't been vaccinated will see those changing their behaviours and think 'Well, why should I bother if no-one else is either?',' she said.

'That's the real worry we've got at the moment.'

However, Professor Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, said those who have proven immunity should not be restrained.

'There's a serious ethical issue that you're only entitled to restrict people's liberty in a liberal society if they represent a threat to other people,' he told the Today programme.

'Carrying a virus is like carrying a loaded gun that can go off accidentally.

'We're entitled to restrain people and check whether they have a gun, but, if they don't have a gun, to restrain them, that's false imprisonment.'

He added that efforts should be made to allow those with 'certain immunity' to return to work and normal life.
Even though we constantly preach for safe racing at the drag strip or the local track, we have seen way too many instances of street racing . Sometimes they end well, but  unfortunately  other times they dont. In the latter case, the best-case scenarios involve a tarnished reputation or a lightly damaged vehicle.This time around, were sadly confronted with an example of the worst-case scenario. According to information shared by the California Highway Patrol - Solano Police Station on January 16th, the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette lost control of the vehicle at around 120 mph (over 193 kph) and then crashed into a barrier.The 34-year-old driving the Vette was accompanied by another person, and they both sustained injuries; the former was taken to the hospital with major injuries, while the latter escaped with minor wounds after the car hit the concrete barrier and subsequently burst into flames.Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the authorities, according to the report, the eyewitness accounts described the C5 Corvette as being involved in a classic case of street racing (allegedly with a purple Dodge Charger), when the driver lost control at over 120 mph.The incident took place during the day at around four o'clock in the afternoon, so visibility probably wasnt an issue. The CHP  Solano stated on social media the two cars were driving westbound on State Route 37, and the crash took place as the alleged racers were approaching State Route 29.Hopefully, both the driver and his passenger will fully recuperate from the sustained injuries and understand the consequences of their actions. As for the rest of wannabe street racers, we have just one piece of advice - take a look at the scene of the fiery crash and wise up!
Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images for M.A.C.

The son of billionaire Peter Brant and supermodel Stephanie Seymour was arrested Wednesday in a disturbance at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Daily News reported.

Peter Brant Jr., 22, got belligerent when JetBlue staff prevented him from boarding an afternoon flight to West Palm Beach, Fla., because he was severely intoxicated, Port Authority spokesman Joseph Pentangelo told the Daily News.
First deal signed in Spain with the Catalan Institute of Health

Regulatory News:

Last week, health professionals from the Catalan Health Institute began using a fleet of 180 Europcar cars and vans to transport vaccines and medical equipment to health centres, homes for the elderly and homes in Catalonia, so that these vaccines can be administered to the population, while medical care can be provided to those affected by the virus.

The collaboration between the public organism, attached to the Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Spanish subsidiary of Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR) has been ongoing since March, when the company gave free vehicles to its professionals during the first state of alarm. All of these rentals are flexible Long-Term Solutions that give the Institute the chance to pick-up vehicles when it needs, for how long it wants and in a fully flexible manner.

The Group is now offering this type of agreement to health institutions throughout Europe to facilitate the mobility of health professionals and vaccines to health centres and homes, given the difficulties that vaccination plans are presenting throughout the continent.

Jose Blanco, Group Sales Director, comments:

"We are happy to continue supporting the Catalan Institute of Health. During the first lock-down period, we made cars available for free in the framework of our "Together" solidarity programme. Now, it's a matter of supporting the fast delivery of vaccines and in this context, logistics are key, such as having a cars or vans at the right time and the right place.

As a mobility services company, our Group has a 70-year history of service to the public as well as local and international companies. In all the countries where we do business, we are an integral part of the supply chain and operating models of many companies, especially in the distribution and logistics sector, but also for healthcare services, the police, social workers, and central and local governments, by renting them the vehicles they need when they need them.

Throughout this period, we will do everything in our power to pursue this mission, with safety and flexibility: now, more than ever, we see our "shared mobility" services as essential services."

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. The mission of Europcar Mobility Group is to be the preferred "Mobility Service Company" by offering attractive alternatives to vehicle ownership, with a wide range of mobility-related services and solutions: car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, chauffeur services, car-sharing and private hire vehicle (PHV rental to "Uber like" chauffeurs). Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's mission and all of its employees and this commitment fuels the continuous development of new services.

Europcar Mobility Group operates through a diversified portfolio of brands meeting every customer specific needs and use cases, be it for 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week or longer; its 4 major brands being: Europcar the European leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar the low-cost car-rental Leader in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' car rental and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders of round-trip car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide solutions through an extensive network in over 140 countries (including wholly owned subsidiaries 18 in Europe, 1 in the USA, 2 in Australia and New Zealand completed by franchises and partners).

Further details on our website: www.europcar-mobility-group.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005574/en/

Contacts:

Group Sales

Jose Blanco Group Chief Sales Officer jose.blanco@europcar.com

Michel Kisfaludi Spain Commercial Director michel.kisfaludi@europcar.com

Group Press Relations

Valerie Sauteret valerie.sauteret@europcar.com

Vincent Vevaud vincent.vevaud@europcar.com

Marcos Diaz marcos.diaz@europcar.com (For Spain)
To be eligible for BEVs money, a start-up needs to showcase a scientifically sound technology that has the potential to reduce annual global greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 500 million tonnes a year. Global emissions currently measure about 34 billion tonnes a year, partly thanks to curtailment of global economic activity and mobility in 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Investors new favourite

Investment in green technologies has soared in the past two years. According to the latest PwC report on the matter, venture capital money flowing into start-ups that can help cut emissions hit $16 billion in 2019 from $400 million in 2013  a 40-times increase.

BEVs first billion was directed to companies developing complex technologies to support clean cobalt and lithium mining, electric aviation, hydropower turbines and, most recently, emissions-free steel.

We have built a great technical team and our ability to close a second fund is a testament to their good work, Eric Toone, BEVs technical lead, told Bloomberg News.

The fund has had some newsworthy wins. QuantumScape (NYSE: QS), which makes next-generation lithium-ion batteries, listed on the New York Stock Exchange in September. Its market capitalization is currently close to $20 billion, up from $3 billion, even though its batteries wont be available before 2025.

By Mining.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
New research published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that aged African green monkeys may be suitable models for the study of severe forms of COVID-19

Philadelphia, January 19, 2021 - Aged, wild-caught African green monkeys exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with clinical symptoms similar to those observed in the most serious human cases of COVID-19, report researchers in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier. This is the first study to show that African green monkeys can develop severe clinical disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that they may be useful models for the study of COVID-19 in humans.

"Animal models greatly enhance our understanding of diseases. The lack of an animal model for severe manifestations of COVID-19 has hampered our understanding of this form of the disease," explained lead investigator Robert V. Blair, DVM, PhD, Dip ACVP, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA. "If aged green monkeys prove to be a consistent model of severe COVID-19, studying the disease pathobiology in them would improve our understanding of the disease and allow testing treatment options."

The researchers exposed four aged rhesus macaques and four aged African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2. Older animals (13-16 years of age) were specifically chosen to see if they would develop the severe form of the disease that is observed more frequently in elderly individuals. All of the monkeys developed a spectrum of disease from mild to severe COVID-19. A day after routine screening found no remarkable symptoms, two of the African green monkeys developed rapid breathing that quickly progressed to severe respiratory distress. Radiographic studies found the two African green monkeys had widespread opacities in the lungs, in stark contrast to images taken the day before, highlighting the rapid development of the disease. Such opacities are a hallmark of ARDS in humans.

The African green monkeys that progressed to severe disease had notable increases in plasma cytokines that are compatible with cytokine storm, which is thought to underlie the development of ARDS in some patients. All four African green monkeys had elevated levels of interferon gamma; the two that had progressed to ARDS had the highest plasma concentration. Plasma cytokines were not increased in the rhesus macaques. Dr. Blair suggested that elevated interferon gamma could be explored as a potential predictive biomarker for advanced disease in patients and a possible therapeutic target.

Dr. Blair said, "Our data suggest that both rhesus monkeys and African green monkeys are capable of modeling mild manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and aged African green monkeys may additionally be capable of modeling severe disease manifestations, including ARDS."

###
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.
Thailands tourism industry and coronavirus 2021

BANGKOK: Thailands Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine this week for emergency use in the country.

CoronavirusCOVID-19economicstourism

By Andrew J Wood

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 12:30PM

Thailands iconic tuk-tuk in a deserted street.

Two private hospitals are also ordering millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines ahead of this regulatory approval. This is in addition to the governments order of 63 million doses from two main sources as Thailand rushes to implement vaccinations for the majority of its population.

With regard to its non-Thai residents, it is still unclear if this includes the substantial expat community or whether they will be excluded, as the country tackles a second wave of the virus.

The future of travel in Thailand is to open borders while mitigating the risk. This can be achieved by ensuring illegal border crossings are tightly controlled and all travellers tested. Tourists arriving should not only be tested showing they are free from COVID, but to avoid quarantine must also have been vaccinated. The numbers will be small to start with but the industry is at a complete standstill. I have never before experienced anything close to the devastating effects of the coronavirus.

The tourism industry has ground to a halt and is currently battling a spate of infections brought about by poor Myanmar workers searching for work and sneaking across the border and spreading infections before restrictions were put in place. As a countermeasure to reduce the spread, the government has restricted everyone from high-risk areas from travelling freely around the country. Putting a firm brake on domestic tourism in addition to international arrivals. The introduction of colour-coded zones has been put in place since a major outbreak occurred in Samut Sakhon at a seafood market with illegal migrant workers fro Myanmar. In addition to restricted domestic travel an amnesty for the illegal entrants has been offered by the Thai government in a serious effort to reduce infections and have all illegal migrants registered and tested.

Qantas is also toying with requiring vaccinations and was the first airline to announce it will require international passengers to be vaccinated. Singapore is also considering relaxing its quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers if clinical trials show vaccines lower transmission risks. (However short-term visitors will need to show evidence of insurance to cover medical treatment and returning Singapore citizens from Britain and South Africa will be subject to additional restrictions).

Until theres an abundance of approved and delivered vaccines, its all but impossible for anyone outside government to get a shot. However there will be a market driven by those with money to jump queues as we saw recently. Once the U.K. approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, travel agents in India started seeing an increase for quick vaccination trips to the U.K. Attention is now on the U.S. and Russia as possible vaccine destinations.

But its not all about money. In Thailand according to a Reuters report, a million doses of the Sinovac vaccine has been ordered by the Thonburi Healthcare Group, with an option to buy nine million more. The hospital group plans to use half to inoculate staff in its network of 40 hospitals.

The Thai government has separately ordered two million doses from Chinas Sinovac Biotech and expects delivery of 200,000 doses with plans to inoculate frontline workers and medical professionals in high-risk areas next month.

The government has also ordered 61 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will be produced by local firm Siam Bioscience for domestic use and export.

For patients, Thonburis medical centres plan to offer two vaccine injections for B3,200 ($106) and say they cannot take a profit because it is a humanitarian issue for the country.

However, it is claimed that rich nations are stockpiling the most promising coronavirus vaccines, and people in poorer nations could miss out as a result. Campaigners are urging pharma companies to share technology so more doses can be made.

Just one in 10 people in dozens of poor countries will be able to get vaccinated against the coronavirus because wealthy countries have hoarded more doses than they need, said the Peoples Vaccine Alliance, a coalition including Oxfam, Amnesty International and Global Justice Now.

They claim that rich nations have bought 54% of the total stock of the worlds most promising vaccines, despite being home to just 14% of the global population, said the Alliance.

Those wealthy nations have purchased enough doses to vaccinate their entire populations three times over by the end of 2021 if the vaccine candidates currently in clinical trials are approved for use.

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warns that the world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure over COVID-19 vaccine distribution, he urges countries and manufacturers to share doses more fairly across countries. Mr Ghebreyesus said this week that prospects for equitable distribution are at serious risk. Ultimately these actions will only prolong the pandemic.

Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines mean that life, including travel, are likely to get back to normal one day. Assuming that vaccines also protect against most virus mutations as well as against spreading the virus, COVID restrictions should end once herd immunity is achieved. The whole world needs immunity, and achieving that in 2021 is unlikely.

Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity.

Not all businesses have been forced to close down but widespread financial uncertainty means the tourism industry has struggled over the last year. It is grim, however I think even if we get a small fraction of the 39 million tourists of 2019 we can survive and prosper.

The short-term goal is survival and then to start to thrive in the new world of tourism. Getting back all that was lost is not realistic or achievable nor should it be a goal.

Our focus on combating the virus and providing relief to our tourism industry should be the goal of all travel and tourism associations here in Thailand. Unity and leadership is so desperately needed if we are to look forward to recovery including the introduction of stimulus measures.

Accelerating the distribution of vaccines is the key to getting travel back to normal, and to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

For many travel business owners and hoteliers the challenges are to ensure a positive cash flow and GOP. Any asset value increases would be welcome but unlikely just now as property prices are currently turning south. Property maintenance and equipment replacement will be a real challenge in the future as ROI falls short.

Government assistance on tax and payroll would be really helpful at this juncture but our industry is so fragmented and unorganised in a collective sense. Governments consider hospitality and service industries in general as good employees of the grey areas of the workforce, that have a way of sorting themselves out with little need for government help. Any cries for help are often ignored as the political will is simply not there. Our voice is drowned out by louder more organised industries that offer opportunities of jobs and local investment.

The tourism industry is called an invisible export

Government grants and loans to small businesses are essential. The economic hardships of the pandemic will persist, so it is important that struggling businesses receive assistance to maintain operations and keep workers on payrolls.

Travel will play a vital role in Thailands economic recovery in the months ahead, but businesses will need lifelines by the government to survive until regular travel can fully resume.

Also a key lesson I see from other industries is that they be able to adapt quickly. Look at noodle sellers here in Bangkok. Lines of Grab Bikes delivering takeaway food  changes are happening overnight and theres no time for long deliberations and discussions. Those that can react quickly to these big shifts in consumer demands and priorities are going to come out on top.

As to jumping on a plane anytime soon, well that appears most unlikely. My birth country the UK, according to its current rules, once the lockdown is over, Brits could legally go on holiday abroad if they live in tiers one or two. However, holidays are effectively off the cards for the UK until at least April 2021.

As for Thailand, our seven steps to navigate before anyone may be granted permission to enter, greatly impact the process of entering the country.

The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) warned last week that 70% of travel agents in Thailand would cease to operate this year if the Thai government did not step in with assistance.

It is clear the second round of the COVID-19 epidemic has severely affected faith in the future inbound tourism industry, many agents have to decide to either suspend or close operations. The Thai government has not offered the private sector any substantial assistance, short or long term. There is considerable confusion about whether to invest in keeping a business going or whether to close. The government must be clear in its policy to help or not help the travel industry.

About the author: Andrew J Wood was born in Yorkshire England, he is a professional hotelier, Skalleague and travel writer. Andrew has over 40 years of hospitality and travel experience. He is a hotel graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh. Andrew is a past Director of Skal International (SI), National President SI Thailand and is currently President of SI Bangkok and a VP of both SI Thailand and SI Asia. He is a regular guest lecturer at various Universities in Thailand including Assumption Universitys Hospitality School and the Japan Hotel School in Tokyo.
President-elect Joe Biden is carrying his experiences in Syracuse with him to the White House.

Biden will be the first Syracuse University alumnus to be president of the United States when he takes office on Wednesday. During an emotional final speech in Delaware before his inauguration, he gave a shout-out to his alma mater.

Its deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts here. A place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans, Biden said Tuesday at the Major Joseph R. Beau Biden III National Guard Center in Wilmington, named after his late son.

I know these are dark times. But theres always light, he continued. When I came home after graduating from Delaware and then going on to law school in Syracuse, I came home after law school to Wilmington, to our county. And it had gone dark. Dr. (Martin Luther) King was assassinated. Wilmington had been in flames. The National Guard patrolled the streets. That turmoil inspired me to become a public defender: A step I never anticipated would lead me towards this improbable journey.

When 12 years ago, I was waiting at the train station in Wilmington for a Black man to pick me up on our way to Washington where we were sworn in as president and vice president of the United States of America. And here we are today. My family and I are about to return to Washington to meet a Black woman of South Asian descent to be sworn in as president and vice president of the United States.

Biden, a 1968 graduate of SUs College of Law, has a long history of ties to Syracuse and Central New York. Biden married his first wife Neilia Hunter, an Auburn, N.Y., native and a Syracuse University homecoming queen, in 1966; the couple lived on Stinard Avenue in Syracuse while Biden attended SUs law school and she taught at the old Bellevue Heights School in the city.

Neilia and the couples infant daughter, Naomi, died in an automobile accident in Delaware as she took the kids to pick out a Christmas tree in 1972. Biden had just been elected to the U.S. Senate and was in Washington, D.C., setting up his new office at the time of the crash, which seriously injured sons Hunter and Beau, then 3 and 4.

President-elect Joe Biden tears up as he speaks at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in New Castle, Del.AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Biden maintained his ties to Syracuse throughout his political career as he served 36 years as a U.S. senator from Delaware and two terms as VP under President Barack Obama. He returned to visit his late wifes family or Syracuse University dozens of times; gave commencement addresses and other speeches five times at SU; and his son Beau, who died in 2015, also graduated from Syracuses law school.

Biden shed a tear as he told the crowd that Delaware is written on my heart.

Youve been there for us in the good and the bad. Youve never walked away and I am proud, proud, proud to be a son of Delaware and I am even more proud to be doing this from the Major Beau Biden facility, Biden said Tuesday. My only regret is that he cant be here today.

Im in Delaware for one final event before I head to Washington for tomorrows inauguration. Tune in. https://t.co/YnEMiqhhDE  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 19, 2021

Biden Inauguration Day 2021: Time, TV schedule, channel, livestream

Syracuse University grad named chief of staff for Bidens press office

In Joe Bidens former Syracuse neighborhood, a celebration has begun

If you can see it, you can be it: Syracuse reacts to Biden and Harris win
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 development and launch of the BBDN app showcases T2Ds ability to leverage emerging technologies to develop high-quality mobile applications with rich data at a fraction of the cost.

Triple2 Digital, a full-service digital agency specializing in building and deploying software, hardware, and managed services, today announced the launch of the Black Belt Digital Network, a mobile application developed in partnership with Tuskegee University that serves as a network of notifications, research, and blogs. Available on iOS and Android, the app is designed to promote health, well-being, and economic growth across the Black Belt region of the South.

The concept for the app is the brainchild of Lonnie Hannon, Associate Professor in the Tuskegee Department of Psychology/Sociology and Community Engagement Director, and was developed with funding from a university grant.

The development and launch of the BBDN app showcases T2Ds ability to leverage emerging technologies to develop high-quality mobile applications with rich data at a fraction of the cost - ideal for academic institutions like Tuskegee and small businesses operating with limited budgets, said Anthony DiPrizio, CEO of Triple2 Digital. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Tuskegee and Professor Hannon to create a one-stop, digital knowledge resource for the Black Belt region.

In addition to providing a wealth of high-quality news and information, BBDN also supports economic development. Users can access BBDN to find local parks for physical activity, farmer's markets to purchase fresh food and produce, or healthcare facilities for care and testing.

The app is highly scalable and optimized for users who tend to access online content via mobile devices. While T2D is maintaining the platform and will continue to develop and introduce new features, Tuskegee has full back end control and the ability to dynamically or manually initiate content updates.

The Black Belt Digital Network is a community engagement tool designed to deliver trusted, evidence-based information to citizens across the Black Belt, said Professor Hannon. "In a short period of time, T2D succeeded in building BBDN within our budget parameters but without sacrificing the integrity, functionality, scalability, and aesthetic look-and-feel one would expect from a modern mobile app. With T2D's continued support, I see BBDN becoming a valuable resource, empowering residents with the knowledge needed to achieve optimal health and economic wellbeing

About Triple2 Digital:

Triple2 Digital is a full-service digital development agency specializing in creating game-changing software, hardware, and managed services solutions to solve real-world business problems and needs. The company works with Fortune 500 companies to pre-revenue startups and has been chosen by companies like Air France, Intel, Netflix, and Toyota for critical engineering projects. For more information, please visit http://www.triple2digital.com.

Security researchers have found several serious vulnerabilities in dnsmasq, a utility used in many Linux-based systems, especially routers and other IoT devices, to provide DNS services. Attackers can exploit the flaws to redirect users to rogue websites when trying to access legitimate ones or to execute malicious code on vulnerable devices.

Dnsmasq is a lightweight tool that provides DNS caching, DNS forwarding and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) services. The utility has been around for around 20 years and is part of the standard set of tools in many Linux distributions, including Android. As a utility that provides network services, dnsmasq is widely used in networking devices such as home business routers but is also present in many other types of embedded and IoT systems including firewalls, VoIP phones and car WiFi systems.

The primary use of dnsmasq is to resolve DNS queries either for the device it's running on or for other devices on the network, in the case of routers. The software forwards the queries to other DNS servers on the internet or serves the responses from a local cache to speed up the process. It is this caching feature that researchers from Israeli IoT security company JSOF found ways to exploit.

DNS cache poisoning

JSOF found a total of seven vulnerabilities in dnsmasq that they collectively dubbed DNSpooq. Some of these flaws enable so-called DNS cache poisoning attacks, where attackers who can send queries to a vulnerable dnsmasq-based forwarder can force the server to cache rogue or "poisoned" DNS entries for targeted domain names. In practice, this means that when a device or computer that uses the forwarder tries to access a certain domain name, it will receive a malicious response from cache that will direct it to a server under attackers' control instead of the real one.

DNS cache poisoning came into focus in 2008 when security researcher Dan Kaminsky revealed a vulnerability that impacted the most popular DNS server software. His disclosure triggered what was then described as the world's largest coordinated vulnerability patching effort and sped up the adoption of DNSSEC, a set of security extensions to the DNS protocol that added cryptographic signing and verification of DNS records. The attack technique did not die off. Just last year, researchers from University of California, Riverside and Tsinghua University revealed a new attack method dubbed SAD DNS that can lead to DNS cache poisoning.

DNS hijacking, the larger group of attacks that DNS cache poisoning is part of, has been used over the years by a variety of malware programs and attacker groups to direct users to fake banking websites. Technically, websites that use HTTPS with HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) should be protected because while attackers can direct users to a different web server by using DNS hijacking, they shouldn't be able to also spoof the website's digital certificate, so this should result in a certificate error inside the browser.

However, this mitigation is reliant on how well certificate validation is performed inside the client. Modern browsers have good certificate validation practices, but mobile apps have been known to have broken validation. Also, DNS is not just important for websites and content served over HTTP and displayed in a browser or an app. It's also used for email and virtually all other protocols that involve contacting a remote server by using a domain name and which might or might not support or implement server identity verification via digital certificates.

Even in a web context, things are not fully mitigated. Instead of spoofing a full website, attackers might use DNS hijacking to replace just one of the external resources loaded by a website, such as a JavaScript file or an advertisement. This can still result in malicious code loaded inside the victim's browser or app in the context of the targeted website.

Dnsmasq is usually intended for internal networks, but the JSOF researchers found over 1 million devices, including many home routers, that have dnsmasq misconfigured and listening to the internet. Attackers can target these devices directly.

Devices that are configured properly but run a vulnerable instance of dnsmasq can also be targeted if attackers gain access to a different device on the network or even remotely through a local user's browser. For example, if users visit a compromised website or even a legitimate website that loads a malicious advertisement, attackers can force the users' browsers to make a series of malicious DNS queries that could result in their local DNS resolver's cache being poisoned. This was successfully tested with the Safari web browser but fails in Google Chrome.

A successful attack requires making at least 150 DNS queries in rapid succession to poison the cache, which can take between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, JSOF CEO and researcher Shlomi Oberman tells CSO. Chrome happens to limit the number of simultaneous DNS requests to six or eight for performance reasons, so they got lucky in a way because this also blocks the attack, he says.

Devices that run dnsmasq can also be targeted directly if they're connected to an open network, like those in airports or other public spaces. Many access points, including enterprise ones that are used to set up guest networks, use dnsmasq and are exposed in this way since anyone can connect to those networks and send malicious queries to the DNS resolver.

Remote code execution

Some of the vulnerabilities found by JSOF are buffer overflows and their exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution. These flaws are in the parsing routines for DNSSEC responses, but before the signature validation. This means the dnsmasq instance will be vulnerable if it's configured with DNSSEC support, which is recommended for security reasons, but the attacker doesn't need to send DNS responses that are actually digitally signed with a legitimate signature because the flaws are located before the signature validation step.

In fact, the easiest way to exploit the buffer overflows is to combine them with the cache poisoning vulnerabilities. The attacker can first send queries to poison the cache and the records added in the cache can be used to exploit the buffer overflow to get code execution.

On many embedded devices all processes run with root privileges, so such an attack can result in a full device compromise and can provide attackers with a foothold into the local network that is very hard to detect and remove because IoT devices don't generally receive the same level of security scanning and monitoring as other systems.

Mitigating the dnsmasq vulnerabilities

JSOF has worked with the CERT Coordination Center (CERT/CC), ICS-CERT, the dnsmasq developer, Google and other affected parties to coordinate the patching effort and disclosure of these vulnerabilities. The flaws are patched in dnsmasq version 2.83, which will be released Tuesday, January 19, and will be available in the repositories of most Linux distributions.

That said, it's likely that many devices will remain unpatched for the foreseeable future or indefinitely. Embedded devices tend to run stripped-down versions of Linux with older kernels and userspace tools. Some devices are very slow to receive firmware updates or might already be out of support and will never get patches for these issues. Most home and small business routers still require manual firmware updates and their users rarely update them.

JSOF has identified over 40 affected vendors, some of which make industrial control and enterprise networking gear. The list is likely not complete and includes names like Google, Cisco Systems, Siemens, Huawei, General Electric, Ubiquiti Networks, Aruba Networks, Dell, Netgear, Synology, OpenStack and Linksys.

Some vendors have been more responsive and involved than others and while the ICS and enterprise hardware vendors are likely to issue patches in a timely manner, for many IoT and smaller devices it usually takes much longer, unfortunately, Oberman says. "I think these flaws will linger for months or years for some devices."

Oberman thinks the attacks we're likely to see will be those against home routers and other devices that are directly exposed to the internet, because 1 million hijacked devices is quite appealing for any botnet operator even to use just for DDoS attacks. However, these are also the more visible attacks and we're unlikely to hear if these vulnerabilities are used against organizations in targeted and stealthy attacks.

Oberman recommends that organizations run their local DNS servers where they can do DNS sanitization and prevent not only these attacks, but many others as well. Adding more visibility and monitoring for IoT devices using various solutions available on the market, as well as network segmentation, can also help mitigate the impact of security issues with such devices in general.
Furious Cornish locals have said tourists from Germany are travelling to the area to stay in holiday lets during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Jon Rowe, 52, who lives in Hayle, said he encountered a German family asking for directions on where to see seals at the picturesque Mutton Cove after the lockdown started two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, one Cornish woman wrote on Twitter that she told a family asking for directions to St Ives to 'f*** off'.

Local politicians have further expressed concern over Britons using loopholes in the rules to stay in second homes or holiday lets in the county.

Falmouth Police's Chief Inspector Ian Thompson recently tweeted that officers had dished out 1,400 in fines to seven people who had rented a holiday let for a party.

Luxury cars registered up to 400 miles away were also spotted in the coastal region earlier this month, suggesting they could be owned by motorists not from the area.

The comments come amid a crackdown on people travelling during lockdown, after all travel corridors were suspended from 4am yesterday with anyone coming to the UK required to show proof of a negative test in the previous 72 hours.

Jon Rowe, 52, from Hayle, said he encountered a German family asking for directions on where to see seals at the picturesque Mutton Cove (pictured) after lockdown started two weeks ago

Mr Rowe said: 'There are definitely tourists here, locally you know which properties are used as holiday homes and you see people using them.

'The German family were two parents and three children under 12.

'They spoke in German and were unsure where to go to see the seal colony, locals know where to find them.

'The problem though is not the tourists, it's the landlords that should not be taking the bookings in the first place.'

Until at least January 31, local travel restrictions are in place in some parts of Germany, with residents unable to leave a 15km radius of their village, town or city.

Currently, alongside providing evidence of a negative Covid test, people travelling to the UK from abroad must self-isolate for 10 days - or five if they have another negative result during that period - unless exempt or visiting from Ireland.

The ban will be backed by tougher spot checks and will stay in place until at least February 15 as ministers and scientists work out how to manage the threat posed by mutations of the virus.

Meanwhile, there are still dozens of cottages available for rent on Airbnb in Cornwall, with many having reviews listed from January 2021.

Under the national lockdown, Brits are only allowed to stay in holiday accommodation if it is necessary for work.

Airbnb includes a link explaining most travel is banned, however still lists bookable rentals on its site.

Residents in Cornwall have expressed concern over tourists visiting the region during the lockdown, with one social media user earlier tweeting that a holiday home nearby had holidaymakers inside, while the area was under Tier 3 restrictions

Mousehole resident Norma Moore said: 'We have been swamped with tourists.

'We had to go to Morrab surgery yesterday and couldn't believe our eyes - so many people about and traffic everywhere.

'Lots on the beaches too. Nobody wearing masks either. Madness.'

Cornish resident Mr Rowe wants stronger action taken against people who are still letting accommodation.

He added: 'The pandemic is worsening, especially here in Cornwall, services are stretched, the more people here means busier supermarkets, chemists.

'We have an elderly population that fall within the vulnerable categories.

'This surge in cases must have something to do with easing at Christmas and people selfishly believing that they are entitled to a break and making that break down here.

'They seem to forget that people's lives are at stake and we all need to rethink what we would like to do at the moment.'

Similarly to much of the country, coronavirus cases in Cornwall are spiking.

Falmouth Police's Chief Inspector Ian Thompson (pictured above) recently tweeted that officers had dished out 1,400 in fines to seven people who had rented a holiday let for a party

In December, it was the only mainland local to be placed into Tier 1, with the Covid-19 rate just 18 per 100,000.

Now the county is getting close to 300 per 100,000 - a 16-fold increase.

Cornwall Councillor Andrew Mitchell said: 'There most certainly are some holidaymakers here without a doubt, and second home owners.

'I think it is completely and utterly wrong that people aren't adhering to the rules and regulations. It would help if the rules were clearer and stricter.

'The police and the council are taking it extremely seriously. Many residents are concerned and worried, they have been following the lockdown rules for nearly a year now.

'They are understandably miffed and peeved when they see holidaymakers in the middle of this pandemic, at its worst point so far.'

Cllr Mitchell said it wasn't just oversea tourists visiting Cornwall, with Britons also bending rules around second homes and holiday cottages.

'I've heard of people taking advantage of loopholes in the law,' he said.

'It is still acceptable to travel to view a property, so people are coming to Cornwall to look at a house and cancelling the viewing.

'They had no intention of purchasing that property, they are just using it to get around the rules and guidance.

'I've heard of second home owners who have said they have to be there, as they are having it decorated or getting work done.

'Locals are angry at people abusing the system.'

Devon and Cornwall Police's Federation Chair, Insp Andrew Berry, said the force had Covid Cars patrolling for rule breakers.

'The lockdown has meant other crime areas have got less busy,' he explained.

There are still dozens of cottages available for rent on Airbnb in Cornwall, with many having reviews listed from January 2021. The site includes a link explaining most travel is banned, however still lists bookable rentals on its site

'This has enabled officers to focus more on people moving into Cornwall. The force has dedicated Covid Cars to respond to concerns about possible rule breakers.

'Police have been turning people away from beaches if they didn't live within a few miles. Officers have also been on the major routes into Devon and Cornwall, stopping people who shouldn't be driving here.'

In the first week of the lockdown, the force received 433 call-outs in Cornwall over Covid regulations breaches and 49 fixed penalty notices were dished out.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall recently said high-profile figures have the chance to positively influence the nation by not travelling to the South West after the third national lockdown began.

Alison Hernandez said: 'We know Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are absolutely beautiful and it's totally understandable that people would want to spend time here.

'However, at a time when stopping the spread of this terrible virus is more important than ever, I must urge people not to make unnecessary journeys to the region. I would particularly like to appeal to celebrities and high-profile social media stars.

'By not conducting unnecessary trips to the region, you will be setting a fantastic example to the wider public and, in doing so, encouraging more people to stick to the rules.'

Prince William and Prince Harry, actor Hugh Grant and producer Jemima Khan have been previously known to visit the exclusive resort of Rock which has been dubbed 'Britain's St Tropez' and the 'Kensington of Cornwall'.

Gordon Ramsay was criticised during spring last year for moving to a 4.4million second home at Trebetherick in Cornwall in mid-March, shortly before the coronavirus crisis prompted the first nationwide lockdown.

It follows the announcement that Carbis Bay, a tiny Cornish seaside village, will host world leaders in the first in-person meeting of the G7 in almost two years in June.

Local people pictured surfing at Carbis Bay in Cornwall, the host town for the 2021 G7 summit, on January 17 this year

The resort village has a population of just over 3,000, and is served by a Tesco supermarket and a 'popular' fish and chip shop.

Bu the choice could prove a logistical nightmare, with Cornwall seeing its population increase by up to 100,000 people in June, with the A30 main road grinding to a halt in places.

The Government has said people must not stay away overnight during the latest lockdown without a reasonable excuse, adding that visits to second homes are banned.

Holidays in the UK and abroad are also not allowed, including staying in a second home or caravan. People must also not stay overnight with anyone they do not live with unless they are in a support bubble.

However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock mentioned during a coronavirus news briefing yesterday that he plans to visit Cornwall during the summer holidays, once the current restrictions are lifted.

He said: 'In the summer holidays, I'm going to Cornwall. I've said before, I think we're going to have a great British summer, and that we've got a lot of work to do between now and then.

'What we can do is see the line of sight to vaccinating everybody by September and anything before that would be a bonus.

'As the Foreign Secretary said yesterday, we're driving this as fast as we possibly can.'
Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Enterprises on Tuesday said it has signed a concession agreement with Airports Authority of India (AAI) for operating and maintaining Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram airports. The concession period is 50 years from the commercial operation date for the operations, management and development of these airports.

"Adani Jaipur International Airport Limited, Adani Guwahati International Airport Limited and Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company have signed the Concession Agreement on 19th January, 2021 with Airports Authority of India for the operations, management and development of Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram Airports, respectively," Adani Enterprises said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

In August last year, the Cabinet had approved the proposal for leasing out Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram airports to Adani Enterprises after it won these in an auction. The Adani Group had emerged as the successful bidder in a global competitive bidding conducted by the AAI. It has won rights to operate, maintain and develop these airports in a public private partnership mode for 50 years.

Also Read: Adani Enterprises to spend Rs 50,000 crore on capex in 5 years; airport biz to get big chunk

The leasing out of these airports was part of the original six that were awarded to the Adani Group. The Ahmadabad, Lucknow and Mangalur airports were awarded earlier to the conglomerate.

In a separate development, three other Adani airports - Ahmedabad, Mangaluru and Lucknow - have been accredited in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation programme for following health measures to ensure safe travel experience for all travelers. The global recognition demonstrates extraordinary proactive measures put in place by these airports to ensure passenger safety.

Also Read: Cabinet approves leasing out of Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram airports to Adani Group

The ACI assessment covered the health and safety measures undertaken by the airports for passengers and staff in all the terminal areas including departures, arrivals and transfers, transportation services, food and beverage services, escalators and elevators, lounges, facilities and baggage claim area among others.

The accreditation is valid for the next 12 months. The programme is designed to help reassure the travelling public that airport facilities remain safe and that precautions are being taken to reduce health risks.

Boosted by the development, shares of Adani Enterprises ended 4.34 per cent higher at Rs 529.25, against previous closing price of Rs 507.25 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

By Chitranjan Kumar
Nearly one in four Britons have resorted to DIY dentistry during the coronavirus lockdown, new figures reveal.

A study of 2,000 adults by the Oral Health Foundation in partnership with Colgate found that 24 per cent of adults had tried to fix their teeth problems at home while 55 per cent of had admitted to neglecting their oral health during the pandemic.

Figures also showed that 19 per cent, nearly one on five, had admitted they were not brushing their teeth twice a day - the bare minimum recommended by professionals.

The study, which provides an insight into how the nation treats its oral health, comes after a report by Healthwatch England revealed the watchdog had received an 'unprecedented' rise in calls and complaints about dentistry during the lockdown.

In October last year, father-of-three Chris Savage, 42, from Southsea in Portsmouth, consumed eight pints of Stella Artois before yanking two of his teeth out in his bedroom, after he was unable to register with a dentist.

Chris Savage, 42, from Southsea in Portsmouth, pulled two of his teeth out in his bedroom, after he was unable to register with a dentist last year

The father-of-three consumed eight pints of Stella Artois before yanking the teeth out with pliers

Mr Savage, a labourer, had been experiencing a 'constant pain' in his two upper front teeth when he decided to remove them himself.

He told The News: 'I ended up having to get very drunk the first time because I knew I didn't want to do it  obviously.

'Nobody wants to take part of their own face away with a set of pliers with no real painkiller.

'I put the pliers on my tooth and the second I did that it hurt, so I took them away, waited five minutes, built up again and then thought I've just got to do it.'

Elsewhere Billy Taylor, from Axminster, Devon, resorted to pulling his tooth with a pair of pliers, after suffering 'excruciating' pain.

Mr Taylor had tried to call 11 but said he was told that medics would be unable to attend to him unless he was experiencing difficulties in breathing.

He told The Sun: 'The pain was excruciating. My face was swelling and I had a migraine on that side. I think it was an abscess.'

Mr Taylor took a couple of shots of whisky before using the pliers to remove his tooth.

He added: 'The process was bloody painful. It was hideous. But I'm into motocross - I can put up with a lot.'

Fay Edwards told ITV's This Morning last year that she had unsuccessfully tried to remove a tooth after being left in excruciating pain.

She explained: 'It was desperate measures. I was crying and didn't know what to do.

'I started with tweezers tying to loosen the tooth. I got my husband's pliers and tried to remove it myself. I just wanted it out.'

Billy Taylor, from Axminster, Devon, decided to pulling his tooth out with a pair of pliers last year

Mr Taylor described how he took the drastic measure after the pain in his mouth became 'excruciating'

Meanwhile Fay Edwards told ITV's This Morning that she had unsuccessfully tried to remove a tooth after she was unable to get an urgent appointment

In April Paul Cutting, from Canvey Island, Essex, decided to pull out his wife Karen's aching molar after she was denied an emergency dental appointment.

Stomach-churning footage showed Mr Cutting place the pliers on his wife's tooth and yank it out.

Mr Cutting, whose wife is profoundly deaf, said at the time: 'It was a desperation move - we couldn't get an emergency dentist appointment and I didn't want to take Karen to hospital.

'It would be like putting your head in the lion's mouth.'

The latest study also found that problems around oral health were made worse by a rise in the consumption of unhealthy eating and drinking habits, with 20 per cent eating more junk food than before lockdown and 11 per cent drinking more alcohol.

The foundation's chief executive, Nigel Carter, warned that home treatments in untrained hands was a 'terrible idea'.

He said: 'DIY home dentistry is a terrible idea and should be avoided at all costs.

'Home treatments in untrained hands often comprise of shortcuts that come with added dangers and can lead to permanent damage to your health.

'If you are experiencing any problems with your mouth, like toothache, the best thing you can do is book an appointment with your dentist.

'Your dental team can spot diseases like tooth decay in the early stages and treat it before it gets worse, when you might need a filling or have the tooth taken out.'

Paul Cutting, from Canvey Island, Essex, pulled out his wife Karen's aching molar last year

Mr Cutting said his wife had been denied an emergency dental appointment and the move was an act of 'desperation'

The reluctance to see a dentist may be partly caused by social distancing fears or because some think dentists are not operating during the pandemic.

But Dr Carter added: 'Having been closed at the beginning of the pandemic and dealing with a backlog of patients in the months that followed, most dental practices are now back to relative normality.

'You should be able to get an appointment. If you think you have been neglecting your oral health lately, or haven't been to the dentist in a while, my advice is to go and book yourself in for a check-up.'

Data has shown that 30 million UK adults have one or more fillings and 18 per cent have not seen a dentist in two years.

However, since the pandemic, a third of Britons (36 per cent) have had toothache with nine per cent experiencing pain for two weeks or longer.

Dr Carter added: 'Since coronavirus, it has been easy to get into the mindset that your health is not completely within your control.

'There are, however, elements of your health that you do have full authority over. One of these is the health of the mouth. Good oral health is completely in your own hands.'

Last year a report by Healthwatch England found the watchdog had received an 'unprecedented' rise in calls and complaints about dentistry.

Authors of Healthwatch England's report wrote: 'People who struggled to access dental treatments during the pandemic often experienced inconvenience, anxiety, worsening problems requiring further treatment, or worse.

'Some people were left in debilitating pain, while others feared that they would lose their teeth when they couldn't access care.'

The authors added: 'We have heard a few extreme cases when lack of access to dentistry pushed people to take steps which put their health and wellbeing at risk.

'In another case, Healthwatch Portsmouth heard about a person who used pliers at home to remove their own teeth.'
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:09:41|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HANGZHOU, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Alibaba Group's online marketplace Tmall Global on Tuesday announced a string of service solutions to facilitate overseas small- and medium-sized companies to open stores on its platform.

The company will provide tailored registration, consultation, logistics, operation and language services to global brands, allowing them to open online stores in as quick as 30 days.

According to Tmall Global, experts on cross-border business will offer one-on-one online guidance in nine languages to merchants from over 20 countries within three working days.

Complete international supply chain services will also be provided to guarantee smooth delivery of goods, and quality agent operators are available for beginners.

The streamlined procedures and comprehensive services provided by Tmall Global will help global brands, particularly small- and medium-sized business players, boost cross-border business and offset difficulties brought up by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Maggie Liu, general manager of Tmall Global, at the 2021 Tmall Global New Seller Virtual Summit on Tuesday.

So far, more than 29,000 overseas brands from 87 countries and regions have opened stores on the e-commerce platform of Tmall Global, covering over 5,800 categories. Enditem
Stephen Bear's teenager girlfriend Tia McAlister has reportedly been warned against dating him by her pals due to their 13-year age gap.

The beauty therapist, 18, is allegedly hoping her romance with the reality star, 31, could further her career as an influencer, despite being left 'angry and bitter' when they briefly split in November.

Stephen's on-off romance with Tia first came to light when the pair were pictured together at his Essex home over the weekend, just days after he was arrested for revenge porn on his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison.

Steer clear! Stephen Bear's teenager girlfriend Tia McAlister has reportedly been warned against dating him by her pals due to their 13-year age gap

A source told The Sun: 'Several friends have tried to warn Tia against Bear due to the huge age gap, but because he's famous she sees this as an opportunity.

'She is an aspiring influencer, so she'd use this as a way of getting in the limelight.'

The source added that Tia was furious when she and Stephen briefly split after he cheated on her, with the Ex On The Beach star even getting his matching tattoo removed.

'It came as a huge blow when they broke up, she was angry and bitter about the split because he was posting his new girl on his Instagram page and getting their tattoo removed,' they said.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Stephen Bear for comment.

Bid for fame: She is allegedly hoping her romance with Stephen (pictured), could further her career as an influencer, despite being left 'angry and bitter' by their brief split

Since then Stephen and Tia have rekindled their romance and were pictured leaving his home on Saturday.

A source told MailOnline Tia, who's a beauty therapist from Slough and turned 18 earlier this month, has been seeing Stephen for over a year and the pair has matching star sign tattoos, as they're both Capricorns.

'Bear and Tia have been seeing each other on and off for over a year now,' a source explained.

'They got matching star sign tattoos to signify their love while Bear also got an inking of Tia's face on his back.

'The couple went on holiday together in October but had spent some time apart after Bear went to Dubai towards the end of 2020.

'Tia met up with Bear the first opportunity she had after he was released from custody on Saturday and is standing by him amid the allegations.'

Rumours: Stephen's on-off romance with Tia first came to light on Monday when the pair were pictured together at his Essex home following his arrest at Heathrow Airport

Tia celebrated turning 18 on January 5 while Stephen's 31st birthday was on Friday, the day he travelled from Dubai to the UK and was arrested.

It is believed Stephen met Tia, who recently completed a hairdressing course at Langley College, when she was 16.

Stephen and Tia saw each other on Saturday and visited a Marks & Spencer despite the fact Bear should have been following isolation laws given he had flown from Dubai after the UAE was removed from the UK's quarantine list.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star was taken into custody at Heathrow for allegedly filming himself having sex with his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison, 26, without her knowledge and sharing the explicit content online.

Matching tats: Tia and Bear are said to have matching star sign tattoos as they're both Capricorns, with the beauty therapist showing off her inking in a recent Instagram post

Love Islander Georgia accused Stephen of revenge porn in December when she said on social media he had secretly recorded them being intimate on CCTV cameras at his home, with Bear issuing a denial at the time insisting the claim was not true.

On Sunday, Georgia thanked 'everyone that has reached out over the last few days' and said 'you have no idea how much it means to me.'

In a statement, she said: 'I am passionate about supporting victims of revenge porn and hopefully by coming forward it will give others the courage to do the same.'

Shock: Stephen was taken into custody at Heathrow on Friday for allegedly filming himself having sex with his ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison (pictured in a recent Instagram post)

Georgia, who's currently living in Dubai, was pictured looking distressed on the beach as she looked at her phone following the news of Stephen's arrest.

The Love Island star believes Stephen showed an intimate recording of her to at least 'two friends' and claims the footage was widely shared on WhatsApp.

She also alleges Stephen shared screenshots of the video to followers on his OnlyFans account, but he denied it was her.

Essex Police confirmed to MailOnline on Friday: 'A man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the disclosure of sexual photographs without consent.

'The 31-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on Friday 15 January on suspicion of disclosing private sexual photographs or films without consent with intent to cause distress harassment, and obstructing a police officer.'
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
Researchers in Greece have demonstrated the antiviral effects of Cretan aromatic plant oils on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)  the agent responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The team showed that a combination of essential oils from Mediterranean thyme (Thymbra capitata L. Cav.), Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.), and Cretan dittany (Origanum dictamnus L.), exhibited remarkable antiviral activity against SARC-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells.

Furthermore, in a proof-of-concept study involving patients with mild COVID-19, administration of the essential oil mixture significantly improved both general and local symptoms.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Crete in Heraklion, the Democritus University of Thrace in Alexandroupolis, and University General Hospital in Alexandroupolis.

Prof. Christos Lionis and colleagues propose that if the findings are validated in clinical trials, the essential oil mix (called CAPeo) could provide a novel, inexpensive option for the treatment of mild COVID-19.

A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

Cretan dittany leaves, Origanum dictamnus. Image Credit: Michalis Koulieris / Shutterstock

An unmet need for effective therapies

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, unprecedented efforts have been made to develop effective vaccines and therapies to protect against and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Safe and effective vaccines have now started to emerge and various therapeutics are at different stages of preclinical and clinical development.

However, Lionis and colleagues say that although there are some effective therapies for hospitalized patients in intensive care units, the need for inexpensive, safe, and effective treatments for non-critically-ill patients outside of the hospital setting remains unmet.

Accordingly, drug repurposing for candidates acting against known or predicted SARS-CoV-2 protein actions has been advanced, while natural products have also been tested, writes the team.

Previous studies of CAPeo

Lionis and colleagues recently proved that CAPeo was effective at reducing the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract viral infections in humans. In vitro studies of influenza and human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) also demonstrated that treatment with CAPeo inhibited the nuclear translocation of viral nucleoproteins and disrupted the transcription of viral proteins.

Furthermore, the researchers have already reported the safety of administering CAPeo (1 ml/day of 1.5% CAPeo in extra virgin olive oil) in both humans and animals.

Here, we suggest CAPeo as a potential novel agent, for the safe and effective therapeutic management of mild ambulatory cases of COVID-19, they say. It presents remarkable antiviral properties against Influenza A and B strains and HRV14, while it is safe in both experimental animals and humans.

What did the researchers do?

Now, the team has extended the previous studies to SARS-CoV-2 and assayed the effects of CAPeo on Vero E6 cells infected with the virus.

The researchers also performed a proof-of-concept study involving 17 patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and mild COVID-19.

What did they find?

The study found that CAPeo exerted significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells at concentrations similar to those the researchers previously reported.

CAPeo reduced viral release into the culture medium by more than 80%. This effect (albeit around 35% smaller) persisted when CAPeo concentrations were reduced to 1% of the suggested dose for humans.

Interestingly, a prophylactic effect was also observed when Vero E6 cells were incubated with different concentrations of CAPeo 2 hours prior to infection.

CAPeo, in addition to a possible therapeutic action, might be dotted with a prophylactic effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus, writes the team.

The proof-of-concept study

Encouraged by the results, Lionis and colleagues next performed a proof-of-concept intervention involving 17 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19.

The severity and duration of general and local symptoms among the participants were assessed for 14 days.

We have chosen this interval as previous studies report a self-resolution of mild COVID-19 cases in 14 or 14-21 days and the persistence of the virus in upper respiratory tract samples for about ten days, explain the researchers.

Since the study did not include a control group, the team compared the evolution of disease symptoms among the participants against those reported in previous studies of non-hospitalized patients.

What were the results?

The administration of 1 mL per day of 1.5% CAPeo in olive oil significantly improved general and local symptoms among the participants by the end of the study.

At the beginning of the study, the main general symptoms included headache, myalgia, weakness, and fever, in accordance with previous reports, says the team.

However, compared with other study findings, fever was low (less than 37.5C) in all but one patient.

The frequency of other symptoms (including gastrointestinal, respiratory and ear nose and throat [ENT]) was also low, and the severity mild.

The study also found that significant general symptoms of COVID-19  namely headache, fatigue, fever entirely resolved. In contrast, previous studies found that headache and fatigue (but not fever) persisted at 14 days and beyond, says the team.

Furthermore, the majority of both general and local symptoms had almost completely resolved by the end of the first week.

The authors recommend that CAPeo is tested in clinical trials

The researchers say the findings suggest that CAPeo possesses potent antiviral and prophylactic activity against SARS-CoV-2.

We suggest that CAPeo, pending additional confirmation of results through a prospective randomized controlled trial, may represent a valuable addition for the prevention and therapeutic management of mild COVID-19 ambulatory patients, concludes the team.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
A reconstruction of Psittacosaurus illustrating how the cloacal vent may have been used for signalling during courtship. Credit: Bob Nicholls/Paleocreations.com 2020, used with permission

For the first time ever, a team of scientists, led by the University of Bristol, have described in detail a dinosaur's cloacal or ventthe all-purpose opening used for defecation, urination and breeding.

Although most mammals may have different openings for these functions, most vertebrate animals possess a cloaca.

Although we know now much about dinosaurs and their appearance as feathered, scaly and horned creatures and even which colours they sported, we have not known anything about how the vent appears.

Dr. Jakob Vinther from the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences, along with colleagues Robert Nicholls, a palaeoartist, and Dr. Diane Kelly, an expert on vertebrate penises and copulatory systems from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, have now described the first cloacal vent region from a small Labrador-sized dinosaur called Psittacosaurus, comparing it to vents across modern vertebrate animals living on land.

Dr. Vinther said: "I noticed the cloaca several years ago after we had reconstructed the colour patterns of this dinosaur using a remarkable fossil on display at the Senckenberg Museum in Germany which clearly preserves its skin and colour patterns.

"It took a long while before we got around to finish it off because no one has ever cared about comparing the exterior of cloacal openings of living animals, so it was largely unchartered territory."

Close up of the preserved cloacal vent in Psittacosaurus and the authors' reconstruction of it. Credit: study authors

Dr. Kelly added: "Indeed, they are pretty non-descript. We found the vent does look different in many different groups of tetrapods, but in most cases it doesn't tell you much about an animal's sex.

"Those distinguishing features are tucked inside the cloaca, and unfortunately, they're not preserved in this fossil."

The cloaca is unique in its appearance but exhibits features reminiscent to living crocodylians such as alligators and crocodiles, which are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs and other birds.

The researchers note that the outer margins of the cloaca are highly pigmented with melanin. They argue that this pigmentation provided the vent with a function in display and signalling, similar to living baboons and some breeding salamanders.

The authors also speculate that the large, pigmented lobes on either side of the opening could have harboured musky scent glands, as seen in living crocodylians.

Psittacosaurus specimen from Senckenberg museum of Natural History, preserving skin and pigmentation patterns and the first, and only known, cloacal vent. Credit: Jakob Vinther, University of Bristol and Bob Nicholls/Paleocreations.com 2020, used with permission

Birds are one the few vertebrate groups that occasionally exhibit visual signalling with the cloaca, which the scientists now can extend back to the Mesozoic dinosaur ancestors.

Robert Nicholls said: "As a palaeoartist, it has been absolutely amazing to have an opportunity to reconstruct one of the last remaining features we didn't know anything about in dinosaurs.

"Knowing that at least some dinosaurs were signalling to each other gives palaeoartists exciting freedom to speculate on a whole variety of now plausible interactions during dinosaur courtship. It is a game changer!"

Explore further What dinosaurs' colour patterns say about their habitat

More information: "A cloacal opening in a non-avian dinosaur," J. Vinther, R. Nicholls and D. Kelly, Current Biology, 2021. Journal information: Current Biology "A cloacal opening in a non-avian dinosaur," J. Vinther, R. Nicholls and D. Kelly,, 2021.
Photo: The Canadian Press A Subway fast food restaurant's sign is shown in New York on Oct. 24, 2016. A defamation lawsuit by the worlds largest fast-food operator against Canada's public broadcaster over a report on the chain's chicken sandwiches can proceed, Ontario's top court has ruled. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Mark Lennihan

A defamation lawsuit by the worlds largest fast-food operator against Canada's public broadcaster over a report on the chain's chicken sandwiches can proceed, Ontario's top court has ruled.

In setting aside a ruling that dismissed Subway's $210-million suit without a hearing on its merits, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled the untested claim was far from frivolous and deserved a thorough airing.

"Allowing this action to proceed to a determination on the merits gives appropriate weight to the public interest in seeing harm arising from defamatory statements remedied and the public interest in protecting the type of expression in which CBC engaged," the Appeal Court said.

The CBC television show "Marketplace" in 2017 asserted about half the DNA in Subway chicken was in fact chicken and the other half soy. The report was based on testing done at Trent University.

A Subway expert on DNA methods and food testing said the tests were seriously flawed and their results inaccurate. It maintained its own tests found no more than one per cent soy.

Subway sued CBC, "Marketplace" host Charlsie Agro and others who worked on the show. It also sued Trent for defamation and negligence, arguing the testing was careless.

The company argued the program was false, had unfairly damaged its reputation, hurt sales and caused huge financial losses.

CBC argued in Superior Court that the defamation suit ran afoul of a so-called anti-SLAPP legislation, which bars legal action when the purpose is to shut down discussion of issues in the public interest. In November 2019, Justice Edward Morgan sided with the broadcaster.

Morgan also ordered Subway to pay CBC $500,000 in legal costs and another $178,000 in fees and disbursements.

On appeal, Subway argued Morgan had made several errors. Among them, the company argued the judge was wrong to find CBC had a valid defence and that the public interest in protecting free expression outweighed the harm caused.

The higher court agreed with Subway, faulting Morgan among other things for finding CBC had done enough due diligence before going to air.

"There was no urgency to the dissemination of the information," the Appeal Court ruled. "Had more due diligence been conducted before its dissemination, the information could have been verified."

The Appeal Court also found Morgan was wrong to decide the public interest outweighed the potential damage to Subways reputation and financial interests.

"At the heart of the action is CBCs ability to rely on the defence of responsible communication," the Appeal Court ruled.

"The continuation of the action should not deter others from expression, but should deter others from making remarks without first taking reasonable steps to substantiate the veracity of those remarks."

A lawyer for Subway did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson expressed disappointed with the decision.

"(We) stand by our journalism and are now considering next steps," Thompson said.

The Appeal Court, in a parallel ruling, rejected Morgan's decision that Subway's negligence claim against Trent could proceed. The appellate court set aside the $220,000 Trent had to pay Subway and instead ordered the company to pay the school $45,000 for the costs of the appeal.
As a result of this project, we hope to expand the traditional definition of diversity. This project will catalyze future efforts on diversity for larger RARE-X initiatives, as well as for others who share an interest in rare disease, said Teneasha Washington.

RARE-X, a collaborative platform for patient-controlled and structured data collection, global data sharing, and analysis that will accelerate treatments for rare diseases, announces the launch of its Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Program (DEIP). The program is made possible through grant support from Genentech and Travere Therapeutics.

As U.S. demographics shift, there is a critical need to create more diverse research cohorts. For example, although Blacks and Latinos account for more than 30% of the U.S. population today, they currently account for only 6% of all federally-funded clinical trials. Factors driving lower research participation for communities of color include insufficient training on minority research, cultural and linguistic differences, financial constraints, and inconvenient site locations.

The RARE-X DEIP will ensure the long-term development of an inclusive RARE-X data collection platform. This inclusion will be achieved by supporting underrepresented populations in rare disease research (e.g., clinical trials, data platforms, patient registries, etc.) using grassroots efforts in community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods. Data collection will focus on potential cultural impacts on language, understanding of rare disease, technology limitations, and trust issues within minority communities related to research. This will include additional considerations in literacy, socioeconomic factors, access to technology, adaptive technologies, and most importantly, building trust.

RARE-X believes that if we remove barriers to access for underrepresented populations to best-in-class technology, with proper awareness, support, and governance, we will enable patients to securely and responsibly share their critical data and become active participants in drug development. And if we get this right, we will help change the landscape for rare disease patients, said Nicole Boice, co-founder and executive director of RARE-X.

Teneasha Washington, DEIP lead for RARE-X, and CEO of The Washington Group, and assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, will kick-off the DEIP with a scoping project exploring the state of rare disease data collection. The DEIP will provide a series of recommendations for RARE-X as it moves forward, ensuring the platform is demographically representative, including insights into barriers that exist in making datasets inclusive. These recommendations will also be informed by valuable insights from the RARE-X DEI Advisory Council. The Council was strategically developed to include a diverse group of membersrare disease patients, caregivers, community engagement and disability experts, researchers, and biopharmaceutical companiesto serve as the key stakeholders in the development of each aspect of the project - with the understanding that a diverse council leads to more diverse, robust perspectives.

The Advisory Council includes: Mariah Chrans, IBCLC, Ph.D., Project Director, Cradle Kansas City; Broderick Crawford, President, NBC Community Development Corporation; Eve Dryer, Executive Director of Patient Advocacy, Travere Therapeutics; Veronica Moore, MA, Manager of Patient Advocacy, Horizon Therapeutics; Nancy ODonnell, Director of Outreach, Usher Syndrome Coalition; J. Stephen Mikita, J.D., Patient Advocate.

As a result of this project, we hope to expand the traditional definition of diversity. This project will catalyze future efforts on diversity for larger RARE-X initiatives, as well as for others who share an interest in rare disease, said Teneasha Washington. In addition, via a literature review, survey, focus groups, and individual interviews, we hope to guide RARE-Xs approach to developing a data portal that inherently incorporates evidence-based strategies informed by a variety of stakeholders on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

During the 24-month pilot period, RARE-X will ensure its platform is built and structured so ALL rare disease patients can participate easily and work with a trusted partner rooted in patient advocacy that has their best interest at stake.

For partnership inquiries and to support this growing effort, please contact the RARE-X team at collaborators@rare-x.org.

ABOUT RARE-XTM

RARE-X is a 501(c)(3) patient advocacy organization focused on supporting the acceleration and development of life-altering treatments and future cures for patients impacted by rare disease. Enabled by best-in-class technology, patients, researchers, and other technology vendors, RARE-X will gather structured, fit-for-purpose data to share broadly, benefitting from 21st-century governance, consent, and federated data sharing technology. RARE-X is building the largest collaborative patient-driven, open-data access project for rare diseases globally. For more information, visit http://www.rare-x.org.

Media Contact:

Tom Hume, Marketing Communications  RARE-X

tomh@rare-x.org
The head of Frances state rail company has sounded the alarm over the future of Eurostar.

The cross-Channel train service has been hurt badly by a lack of travel during the coronavirus pandemic as well as Brexit.

Jean-Pierre Farandou, the CEO of SNCF, which owns 55% of Eurostar, told France Inter radio that the situation is very critical for Eurostar.

Passenger numbers on the service that reaches the UK, France, Belgium and Holland have been down by 95% since March and are currently believed to be less than 1% of pre-pandemic levels.

The warning comes days after UK business leaders called for a Government rescue of the Channel Tunnel rail operator as border closures enforced to stop a highly contagious virus variant threatened to push the service towards the brink of collapse.

Expand Close Eurostar has been hit hard by the pandemic and Brexit (Aaron Chown/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Eurostar has been hit hard by the pandemic and Brexit (Aaron Chown/PA)

Mr Farandou said: Today, there is one round trip that runs between London and Paris, and one other that runs between London and Brussels-Amsterdam. And these trains are 10% full.

Mr Farandou is counting on government aid, which was provided for airlines, but is aware of how difficult it will be because there are multiple governments involved.

He said: We have to see how we manage to help this company in the way that airlines have been helped. It would not be unusual for Eurostar to receive aid to get through this bad patch.

He added that SNCF has already put money back into Eurostars capital to help and the company is in discussions with the French and UK governments.

1,500 jobs in the supply chain are directly supported by @Eurostar.



Rail suppliers are keen to ensure this key line for the UK's international connectivity continues to operate.



Read our statement:https://t.co/kzWoAO5XRE#VoiceofRail @EurostarUK @London_First pic.twitter.com/ncZbar7pXF  RIA (@railindustry) January 18, 2021

Eurostar has asked for access to the same secured loans as airlines and a temporary reduction on track access charges it pays to use the UKs only stretch of high-speed rail line.

It said in a statement that its situation was very serious. It said: Without additional funding from government there is a real risk to the survival of Eurostar, the green gateway to Europe.

Eurostar CEO Jacques Damas has also said the company hopes the four countries it serves will co-ordinate regarding virus-linked restrictions on travel.

In November, Mr Damas wrote to Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking for assistance after the Treasury announced it would help struggling airports.

Expand Close Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been asked to help (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been asked to help (Yui Mok/PA)

British businesses have appealed to the Government to prop up Eurostar.

London First, which represents scores of large property, retail and tourism businesses in the capital, wrote to the Government over the weekend urging it not to let Eurostar fall between the cracks of support offered to airlines and domestic railways.

The letter said: Maintaining this international high-speed rail connection into the heart of London has never been more important. Having left the European Union, we need to actively set out our stall as an attractive destination for people to live, work and play.

Safeguarding the future of this connection to the continent should be a symbol of both our desire to build back better and our new co-operative relationship with our European neighbours.

The Department for Transport said it recognised the significant financial challenges Eurostar faced because of the pandemic.

It said: We will continue to work closely with them as we support the safe restart and recovery of international travel.
The Texas Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) has extended until June 2021 its mandatory data call for information related to COVID-19 injuries reported to selected insurance carriers on or after Dec. 1, 2019.

The data call was originally issued on June 2, 2020.

To ensure that DWC has sufficient information to determine the impact of COVID-19 injuries on the Texas workers compensation system, DWC has extended the data call through June 2021.

As a reminder:

Only selected insurance carriers/groups are required to comply with the data call. Selected insurance carriers must provide summary data using the COVID-19 data call reporting forms and instructions. Each selected insurance carrier or group is required to provide one data submission per insurance carrier or group.

data submission per insurance carrier or group. Insurance carriers/groups must submit the requested data to DWC through the insurance carrier Austin representatives secure file transfer protocol box no later than 5 p.m., Central time to be considered timely. See the schedule attached to this bulletin for a complete list of data call submission deadlines.

Data call submissions are cumulative.

COVID-19 Data Call Submission Deadlines

What to Submit Submission Deadline to DWC COVID-19 exposures and injuries reported to the insurance carrier from December 1, 2019, through December 31, 2020, and payments made on those injuries as of December 31, 2020. January 29, 2021 COVID-19 exposures and injuries reported to the insurance carrier from December 1, 2019, through March 31, 2021, and payments made on those injuries as of March 31, 2021. April 30, 2021 COVID-19 exposures and injuries reported to the insurance carrier from December 1, 2019, through June 30, 2021, and payments made on those injuries as of June 30, 2021. July 30, 2021

Source: Texas DWC

Topics COVID-19 Carriers Texas Workers' Compensation Data Driven
Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
Two men have been banned from Townsville's party precinct after a fight that led to Queensland MP Les Walker being knocked unconscious.

Police have banned two men, aged 19 and 21, from Townsville's Safe Night Precinct after the alleged assault at the Mad Cow Tavern in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited Townsville's port during the October election campaign with now Mundingburra MP Les Walker, Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Treasurer Cameron Dick. Credit:Matt Dennien

Mr Walker, 56, was not issued with a ban notice.

Charges have not been laid over the incident.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Dong Nai People's Committee conferred certificates of merit to the largest tax contributions in 2019

Earlier, the company was recognised by the Ministry of Finance among Vietnams top performers in tax contribution, marking nearly a decade that Nestle Vietnam was awarded a Certificate of Merit by tax management agencies at both the central and local level for the effective implementation of their tax payment obligations, playing a role in implementing the countrys socioeconomic development targets.

Also in 2020 in Dong Nai where the company is based, Nestle Vietnam was awarded a Certificate of Merit by Vietnamese prime minister to recognise its achievements in socioeconomic development as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Johana Wiriadinata, Finance and Control director at Nestle Vietnam receiving the Certificate of Merit on behalf of the company

A global brand with good knowledge about local culture, Nestle Vietnam always puts transparency and obedience of Vietnamese legal documents, particularly tax payment obligations, at our top priority, said Johana Wiriadinata, Finance and Control director at Nestle Vietnam.

We are committed to further supporting the efforts to improve tax management efficiency through applying a tax-related risk management system and redesigning IT application and business process the tax sector is currently deploying, she added.

Johana noted that despite a very challenging 2020, the company had scaled up efforts to complete its budget contribution target.

Aside form tax payments, the company has paid due regard to the fields that bring benefits where it counts most for the society, including nutrition, focusing on children; playing role in shaping thriving communities; and ensuring sustainable development in the countryside and management of natural resources in the future.

To develop thriving communities, Nestle Vietnam has been actively upholding the Vietnamese coffee industry development.

To realise the targets of improving spiritual and material health, the stature and the quality of life for Vietnamese children, Nestle Vietnam has joined the efforts of Vietnams Ministry of Education and Training, the General Department of Physical Training and Sports, and the Steering Committee for the master plan on enhancing physical strength and stature for Vietnamese people during 2011-2030, and deploying the Dynamic Vietnam programme in tandem with the Nestle MILO brand.

To develop thriving communities, Nestle Vietnam has been actively upholding the Vietnamese coffee industry development. Each year, the company injects $600-700 million into the countrys economy through coffee purchases. In addition, Nestle Vietnam has engaged in projects providing sustainable farming practice and coffee tree re-cultivation for more than 230,000 coffee farmers in Vietnams Central Highlands provinces.

Nestle Vietnam is operating four factories in Vietnam (three based in Dong Nai province) employing more than 2,300 labourers. Until now, the companys investment value in Vietnam has surpassed $600 million and it was recognised as one of the foreign invested businesses with important contributions to Vietnams sustainable and inclusive development. In the recent past, Nestle Vietnam was honoured in the Top 3 most sustainable companies in manufacturing.
FP Trending

Apple will be launching its iPhone 13 flagship this year, and various specs of the models are getting surfaced online. As per a recent report, the upcoming flagship is going to feature an in-display fingerprint scanner, a feature that has never been sported by Apple devices. A recent report by Bloomberg states that Apple is likely to bring back the biometric authentication via fingerprint on the iPhone 13. The only difference from the older models will be that the fingerprint will be authenticated right on the screen. Earlier, these fingerprint scanners were embedded in the home button. The last iPhone to feature the scanner was the iPhone SE 2020.

The California-based company is also looking forward to killing the charging port in some iPhone 13 models, as per the report. This move is going to be initiated first for the iPhone 13 Pro models after which users will have to switch to wireless charging alternatives. While Apple was the first company to do away with the headphone jack, and with its iPhone 12 models, the charger and headphone, removing the charging jack is a bit trickier.

When Apple had done away with the charger and the headphone in the box, it had also launched its wireless charging range, the MagSafe charger. If iPhone 13 comes with the charging port, users will be forced to purchase MagSafe products, rendering their chargers useless. Apple had cited the electronic waste increasing due to the shipping of new chargers with phones as the reason behind packaging iPhones sustainably. But wireless phones will make the purchase of new kinds of chargers imminent.

According to reports and leaks so far, the iPhone 13 line up will feature four devices. These are going to come with 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch screens. Two of these are going to be Pro models while the other two will be more affordable. There are rumours of Apple reducing the notch as well.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Nearly 303,000 Hoosiers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thats less than 5% of the states population. At this point, people age 70 and older, healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and first responders are eligible to get the vaccine.

Many of you at home have told us that youre having trouble signing up, or are having long wait times with the states 2-1-1 service for COVID-19 information. Theres a resource here in the Wabash Valley that can assist you and help you get information. Here locally, Thrive West Centrals Area Agency on Aging division can assist you with the vaccination process.

News 10 spoke with the Executive Director at Thrive West Central Ryan Keller. He says Area Agency on Aging divisions across the state has been mobilized to assist in the immunization of seniors. Keller says the organization is working with county health departments and local hospitals across their six-county region. These counties include Clay, Sullivan, Parke, Putnam, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties.

We want to be able to reach out to every individual within our region to make sure that they know about the vaccine, they know that they can go and get registered at no cost, and to alleviate any concerns or fears we are able to, Keller said.

AAAs services include vaccine registration and transportation to and from a vaccine location. They also answer frequently asked questions from callers. To do this, the agency collaborates with state Area Agencies on Aging and the Indiana Health Department to best assist you. Finally, they even coordinate vaccine distribution for homebound individuals. They are working with EMS providers to be able to get you registered for a vaccine and have them come to your home to give you a dose.

As the Area Agency on Aging, I really believe that this is what our mission is, Keller explained, We have a moral obligation to really help every member of our community. Thats our existence. Thats why were here.

Keller says the organization is receiving 300-400 calls per day. Due to this, he says to leave a message and you will absolutely receive a call back so they can assist you. He says generally they are quicker than the states 2-1-1 line and can give you the personal and local attention you need.

We know our area better than anyone else does, Keller concluded, When you are calling somebody at 2-1-1, they may have never heard of Terre Haute or Vigo County. It will be on their map and they will gladly schedule somebody for that. However, we know our areas better than anyone.

To get the help you need be sure to call 812-917-3145. Keller stresses patience and says they will get back to everyone who calls and leaves a message to assist you with whatever you need.
A computer is pictured in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Woman Accused of Taking Laptop From Pelosis Office During US Capitol Breach Arrested

A woman who was wanted for allegedly taking a laptop from House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the U.S. Capitol breach has been arrested, the Justice Department said.

Riley June Williams, from Pennsylvania, was arrested on Jan. 18 in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the department indicated on its website. Law enforcement officials told several media outlets that Williams had self-surrendered.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times questions about the arrest.

Williams has been accused of taking a computer or hard drive from Pelosis (D-Calif.) office with plans to sell it to Russia, according to an affidavit by an FBI special agent filed in a criminal case against her. The agent said a witness, a former romantic partner of Williams, told the bureau that Williams had intended to send the device to a friend in Russia, who in turn would sell the device to Russias foreign intelligence service, the affidavit stated.

The transfer of the device to Russia eventually fell through for unknown reasons and William was still in possession or had destroyed the device, the witness told the bureau.

The investigation over the allegations is ongoing, the FBI said.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed on Jan. 10 that a laptop was stolen from a conference room belonging to the house speakers office.

It was a laptop that was only used for presentations, Hammill wrote in a statement. It is unclear whether the computer Williams had allegedly taken is the same one.

The special agent said it appeared Williams had fled home following the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Williams mother told local law enforcement officers that her daughter packed a bag and left her home after telling her mother that she would be gone for a couple of weeks. She also changed her telephone number and deleted her social media accounts, the agent alleged.

Williams was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

The FBI and DOJ have opened at least 200 cases in connection to the U.S. Capitol breach, where groups of rioters and some protesters stormed the Capitol building when lawmakers were counting electoral votes. Mayhem on the Capitol grounds left five people dead and dozens of police officers injured.

Federal authorities have charged at least 80 cases and arrested 34 individuals in connection to the acts of violence at the Capitol, the DOJ said.

This comes on the same day that three other people were charged for their alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol breach.

Nicolas Moncada, a 20-year-old student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, was arrested at his home in Staten Island early on Monday, the FBI said. The school shared information with the FBI about a social media post showing him at the Capitol, according to local media reports.

Thomas Sweeney of Freeport, New York, was charged on Monday but was not yet in custody, an FBI spokeswoman said. Sweeney, 53, retired from the New York Fire Department in October, local media reported.

Similarly, Leo Kelly was arrested in Iowa on Monday after a video interview posted online described him as one of the first men to break the Capitol building and go inside with dozens of others, according to a court document. He was charged unlawful entry and disorderly conduct charges, according to court documents.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned the violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as the lawlessness unleashed by rioters and some protesters.

I want to be very clear: I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week. Violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country and no place in our movement, he told the country.

Making America Great Again has always been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women of law enforcement, and upholding our nations most sacred traditions and values. Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law enforcement or our great American flag. No true supporter of mine could ever threaten or harass their fellow Americans.

If you do any of these things, you are not supporting our movement. You are attacking it, and you are attacking our country, Trump said.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 22:00:51|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam attends a press conference in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 19, 2021. The construction of a new temporary hospital, conducted by engineers and workers from the Chinese mainland, will be completed here on Wednesday, Lam said. With the capacity of about 820 negative pressure beds, the hospital will greatly ease the pressure on Hong Kong's public health system amid the epidemic, Lam said in a letter to the Legislative Council. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The construction of a new temporary hospital, conducted by engineers and workers from the Chinese mainland, will be completed here on Wednesday, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said.

With the capacity of about 820 negative pressure beds, the hospital will greatly ease the pressure on Hong Kong's public health system amid the epidemic, Lam said in a letter to the Legislative Council.

Thanks to the mainland support, Hong Kong has significantly improved its facility and capacity in fighting COVID-19, with more quarantine and treatment facilities, Lam said.

Lam said the HKSAR government will make more anti-epidemic efforts with the ultimate goal of zero increase in new cases.

The mainland has firmly supported Hong Kong's battle against COVID-19. Medical professionals were sent here in the summer of 2020 for a mass testing program, and the treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo has also started operation. Enditem
Police in Nyandarua County on Monday arrested a student for attacking a teacher at Murichu Secondary School.

The Form Three student, Samuel Migwi, is said to have descended on the teacher, Mr John Gikonyo, with kicks and blows for punishing him.

The teacher who was on duty had reprimanded the learner for jumping the queue when they were being served lunch. He was rescued from the students attack by his colleagues who alerted the police.

Nyandarua North sub-county police boss Timon Odingo confirmed the incident saying police rushed to the scene and arrest the student.

The student had been punished for his action before he assaulted the teacher. He was rescued by his colleagues, he said.

The police boss said the 20-year-old student was locked up at Ndaragwa Police Station.

We will charge him with assault. We will not allow this trend to continue he said.

Elsewhere, a Form Three student of Nyangori PAG High is facing murder charges after he assaulted and killed the schools guard on Sunday morning.

The student had become unruly and attacked other students using a metal rod, when the guard identified as Willy Mukonambi intervened. The 18-year-old student then turned on the guard and hit him on the head repeatedly, using the metal rod, the DCI said.

Adding: He was rescued by his colleagues who together with the school nurse rushed him to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, in critical condition. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Also Read: Concern As DCI Detectives Nab Teenager With Knife In Class

Concerns about adverse effects post COVID-19 vaccination seem unfounded, negligible: Centre

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 19: Urging healthcare workers not to hesitate to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Centre on Tuesday said it was their societal responsibility to get inoculated, and concerns about adverse effects, as of now, seem to be "unfounded, negligible and insignificant".

At a press conference, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul asserted that both the vaccines -- Covishield and Covaxin -- are safe and a lot of effort has gone into making them.

It is saddening that healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses, are declining to take it, he said.

"We are not fulfilling our societal responsibility if a vaccine assigned to us is not being taken. The whole world is clamouring for a vaccine. I request you to please accept the jab.

"Vaccine hesitancy should extinguish because COVID-19 inoculation is taking us towards the elimination of this calamity," Paul said and disclosed that he himself has taken a jab of Covaxin.

He stated that concerns about adverse effects, as of now, seem to be "unfounded, negligible and insignificant" and the data shows that "we are in a situation of lot of comfort".

"We would like to reassure you with data that you have seen that these two vaccines are safe, they do not excite undue reactogenicity and are being accepted increasingly. They are also highly immunogenic," Paul said.

"We are very fortunate that we are running this vaccination drive at a time when the pandemic looks like to be in a controlled situation. So in this period, by taking the jabs, we have to create a wall of vaccine-induced immunity and be ready for any kind of eventuality in future," he said.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said every country has been facing vaccine hesitancy.

"Probably the degree of it is slightly more in case of COVID-19, not just in India but across countries because it''s a new disease, new vaccine and therefore more confusion."

Vaccine hesitancy was seen in case of polio and Measles-rubella, Bhushan said, "The only way of addressing it is by engaging repeatedly with the beneficiary groups and trying to address all their doubts and confusions. That is our advise to all states and Union Territories."

"Good communication, understanding the facts behind it and taking it as a duty for yourself and for the society," Paul supplemented.

About whether a person is liable for compensation in case of an adverse event, Bhushan said, "The vaccine (Covaxin) which has been given emergency use authorisation under clinical trial mode is accompanied by three documents. One is the factsheet which is read out and explained to beneficiaries, second is a consent form... and the third is an adverse event reporting form where the recipient has to report the adverse event for the first seven days.

"There, it is clearly mentioned that if there is a causal relationship between immunisation and the adverse event whether it is severe or serious the hospitalisation costs would be borne by the authorities. That is the position as it exists now," he said.

Bhushan further said in case of Covishield vaccine the monitoring is passive.

"It is that after taking the vaccine I sit for half an hour and I am observed. If there is nothing I go home. If I develop a symptom the onus is on me to come to the hospital and report it. Whereas in case of Covaxin it is active follow-up. The doctor rings you up on a daily basis and you are given a form which you fill for seven days," he said.

On how the vaccines are distributed to states and Union Territories, Bhushan said it is done based on the proportion in which the Centre got the supplies.

"Which vaccine will go to which vaccination session is a decision which has been left entirely to the states. So states have taken a decision," the Union health secretary said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 21:16 [IST]
The Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday that the Delhi government has reduced the reservation of COVID-19 ICU beds in private hospitals here to 25 per cent, from 40 per cent earlier.

Justice Navin Chawla listed the matter for further hearing on February 2, after the counsel for petitioner Association of Healthcare Providers said he is waiting for instructions from member hospitals on this development and sought some time.

The organisation has sought quashing of the government's September 12, 2020 order to reserve 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in 33 private hospitals which are its members.

The reservation percentage has been gradually reduced by the government after reviewing the pandemic situation. With the COVID-19 infection number reaching at its peak of over 8,000 in a day in November, 2020 in Delhi, the numbers are now declining and 161 fresh cases were recorded on January 18, 2021.

Advocate Sanyam Khetarpal, representing the petitioner, informed the court that the government has issued an order on January 15 reducing the reservation to 25 percent in hospitals which have over 100 beds.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

He said he requires some time to get instructions from the member hospitals on this.

As per the government's order, a review meeting was held by the competent authority on January 15, in which the data with respect to pattern of COVID-19 beds and COVID-19 ICU beds occupancy on that date in 115 private hospitals providing coronavirus treatment was analysed.

Keeping in view the low occupancy of COVID-19 beds/ ICU beds in the private hospitals, it was decided in the review meeting to further lower reservation of the total bed capacity from 30 per cent to 15 per cent, and of ICU beds from 40 per cent to 25 per cent of the total bed capacity in 45 hospitals having more than 100 beds and providing coronavirus related treatment, the government order said.

It was also decided in the meeting that other 70 hospitals which have up to 100 beds shall have the option of reserving COVID-19 beds/ ICU beds there.

Earlier, the Delhi government counsel had said not a single non-COVID-19 patient has come to the court that he was denied treatment in the hospital due to 80 per cent of ICU beds reserved for COVID-19 patients.

He had stated that not even a single private hospital has approached the high court claiming that they suffered financial loss due to this reservation order.

The petitioner organisation's counsel had contended that ICU beds were kept vacant and even no payment was made by the government to the hospitals which were facing financial losses.

He had further argued that there was no validity or permissibility to continue with the September 12, 2020 order.

The Delhi government had told the high court that it has decided to de-escalate to 60 per cent the number of ICU beds reserved for COVID-19 patients in 33 private hospitals here as was recommended by a De-escalation Committee.

The September 12, 2020 order of the Delhi government was earlier stayed by the high court on September 22 last year. However, a division of the high court on November 12, 2020 vacated the stay order taking into account the change in circumstances since the time the stay order was passed.

The petitioner association had told the high court that the 33 private hospitals are its members and the Delhi government's order shall be quashed as it was passed in an irrational manner and is ex-facie perverse.

The government, however, had contended that the situation of COVID-19 infection in Delhi has become critical recently and the COVID-19 cases are spiralling and it was critical that 80 per cent of ICU/ HDU beds be reserved for COVID-19 patients in the 33 private hospitals.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20)  Tuguegarao City returned to stricter enhanced community quarantine on Wednesday due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, officials announced. The city was previously under modified general community quarantine.

The ECQ declared will be from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday until midnight of January 29, but it can be extended for five more days if necessary, according to an executive order.

Tuguegarao Mayor Jefferson Soriano said Wednesday he has recommended to the regional inter-agency task force of Cagayan Valley to place their city back to GCQ after logging more than 80 active cases last Saturday. The regional IATF approved his proposal on Tuesday.

The number of COVID cases in Tuguegarao was manageable for first few days of January. But last January 16, we had 84 [active] cases that changed our decision -- to place tuguegarao under ECQ immediately, Soriano told CNN Philippines New Day.

ECQ guidelines

The mayor noted the ECQ in the city is different from the one Luzon had in March last year because of the amended guidelines currently enforced by the national COVID-19 task force.

He said there are establishments that are allowed to operate at a 20% and 50% capacity. But some are fully operational, including hospitals, manufacturers of medical supplies and equipment, security agencies, delivery service providers.

The full list of establishments permitted to operate at limited and full capacity can be found here.

Any person aged below 18 and above 65, those with comordibities, pregnant women, and people living with high-risk groups shall strictly stay at home, except when they need to do essential activities such as buy food and medicine, according to Sorianos EO posted Tuesday on the Tuguegarao City Information Offices Facebook post.

Public transportation is suspended and backriding is not allowed. The city is also barring the entry of locally stranded individuals, returning overseas Filipino workers and businessmen. But Soriano said OFWs may enter the city if they make prior coordination with the local governments command center and follow existing health protocols. Tuguegarao is also imposing a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., but essential workers including health workers, security forces, authorized government officials, and barangay officials are exempted from this policy.

Read the full list of ECQ guidelines here.

As of Tuesday, the Tuguegarao City government recorded 985 COVID-19 cases, 222 of whom are currently ill. Recoveries are at 748 while deaths stand at 15.
The 2021 season of Married At First Sight is fast approaching.

And while viewers are getting ready to meet this year's couples, producers are racing against time to try and film the show's infamous reunion episodes.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Endemol Shine Australia have not yet recorded the show's reunion episode finale and it has been delayed until further notice.

EXCLUSIVE: Production has been halted on the upcoming season of Married At First Sight and the show's reunion is 'in limbo' as the brides and grooms refuse to undergo another 14 days of quarantine. Pictured: Soon to be groom Brett Helling

While cast members are able to travel into NSW, participants based in Victoria, Queensland, Brisbane and Perth will be required to endure 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine upon their return to their hometowns.

'Eight brides and grooms have already had to quarantine for two weeks and they don't want to have to do it again for just two days of filming,' said a source.

According to the insider, producers are considering participants joining the reunion via Zoom, but are doing their best to try and negotiate plans for its stars to return in person.

Delayed: Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Endemol Shine Australia have not yet recorded the show's reunion episode finale and it has been delayed until further notice. Pictured: Samantha Jayne

'They need drama and the only way for it to be a climactic ending is for them to be there in person,' the source added.

'The reunion doesn't air until end of March, but nobody knows what is going to happen with the virus and travel, so they want it done soon rather than later.'

The television insider claimed while most of the show's brides and grooms were only too happy to return, others had already returned to their jobs and family.

'Eight brides and grooms have already had to quarantine for two weeks and they don't want to have to do it again for just two days of filming,' said a source. Pictured: Groom Jake Edwards

Red zone: The show's much-loved drama-filled cocktail and dinner parties are filmed at a warehouse in the Sydney suburb of Lilyfield, which is currently considered a 'red zone' by the Victorian government

The show's much-loved drama-filled cocktail and dinner parties are filmed at a warehouse in the Sydney suburb of Lilyfield, which is currently considered a 'red zone' by the Victorian government.

The new coronavirus travel system, introduced last week, blocks anyone from a so-called 'red zone' and requires people coming from an orange zone or a green zone to apply for a permit.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nine and Endemol Shine Australia for comment.

The eighth season of Married At First Sight will air on Nine in February


Gandhi's comments come after a report by NDTV channel claimed that China has constructed a new village in the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh and it consisted of about 101 homes

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of national security after reports that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Remember his promise - (Will not let the country bow)," Gandhi said on Twitter as he posted a link of a news report about the alleged "Chinese village".

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also slammed the prime minister on the matter.

In a cautious reaction to the reports, India had on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Congress leader P Chidambaram had on Monday demanded answers from the government on the issue, alleging that BJP MP Tapir Gao has claimed that China has built a 100-house village in the "disputed area" deep into Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if the allegation made out by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to China or will blame the previous governments for it.

"Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a 'disputed area' within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year.

"If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts," he had said on Twitter.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over eight months.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in order to resolve the eastern Ladakh standoff, but no significant headway has been made for its resolution.
Vallarta Living



Aid to Families of Children With Cancer January News

Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 The children were surprised on Three Kings Day with toys donated by Timothy Real Estate Group and Vallarta Food Bank. Some of the despensas were donated by Vallarta Food Bank too. A huge thank you to both. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A child diagnosed with cancer impacts an entire family. Not only does a cancer diagnosis turn a child's entire world upside down, but overwhelming medical expenses can add an enormous amount of financial stress on families with minimal income.



Aid to Families of Children With Cancer (AFCC) is an organization that supports 18 families who have a child diagnosed with cancer in the Puerto Vallarta region. The organization receives no government funding so relies solely on donations from private donors, community organizations, and fundraisers.



The pandemic has made this past year especially difficult for these families but, thanks to all of you, the AFCC is continuing to make a difference. Here's the latest update from the AFCC:



We are off to an excellent start for 2021, and the first part of January has been a busy time. The families picked up their January despensas. The children were surprised on Three Kings Day with toys donated by



Several of the children are still traveling back and forth to Guadalajara for treatments. One of our newer girls is just 3 years old and another Mia. She goes back to the hospital in Guadalajara 5 to 6 times a month, so she really needs lots of help.



One of our donors asked that her donation goes to warm clothes for the children because it's turned so cold. We've purchased warm clothes for Valentina, Mia, Alanna, and Madeline, traveling to Guadalajara a few times a month. New shoes for everyone, and Carlos will be getting a warm jacket this month. Thank you, Ruth.



We also received some sheets and blankets from Sharon Darling Rose. Something to keep the children warm at night. Thank you, Sharon.



And the "icing on the cake" as they say a the birthday cake!! Thanks to April and Bill Miton, we received several piAatas to give to the children. We initially thought we'd save them for Children's Day on April 30th. But anticipation got the better of us, and we gave some of the children who have birthdays this month or coming up a special surprise. They were delighted. Thank you too to Angela Keller.



You have been so generous throughout the holiday season and the whole of 2020, and we can't begin to thank you enough. We started the Go Get Funding campaign in March when the pandemic started, and we were all isolated. The past ten months have been difficult for everyone but especially for these families. Thanks to your continued donations, we've been able to give the children their much-needed treatments, monthly food despensas, and medications.



There have been special donations for fridges, mattresses, and help towards Monse's surgery. You are all heroic in assisting these families, and we couldn't have made it through the year without your help. We can't begin to find words to express our appreciation!



Please help us to help these families so they can focus on the most important thing... getting their child the treatments they need and on the track towards being healthy. You can donate to help cover medicines, food and many of the other requirements for these struggling families through - A child diagnosed with cancer impacts an entire family. Not only does a cancer diagnosis turn a child's entire world upside down, but overwhelming medical expenses can add an enormous amount of financial stress on families with minimal income.Aid to Families of Children With Cancer (AFCC) is an organization that supports 18 families who have a child diagnosed with cancer in the Puerto Vallarta region. The organization receives no government funding so relies solely on donations from private donors, community organizations, and fundraisers.The pandemic has made this past year especially difficult for these families but, thanks to all of you, the AFCC is continuing to make a difference. Here's the latest update from the AFCC:We are off to an excellent start for 2021, and the first part of January has been a busy time. The families picked up their January despensas. The children were surprised on Three Kings Day with toys donated by Timothy Real Estate Group and Vallarta Food Bank. Some of the despensas were donated by Vallarta Food Bank too. A huge thank you to both.Several of the children are still traveling back and forth to Guadalajara for treatments. One of our newer girls is just 3 years old and another Mia. She goes back to the hospital in Guadalajara 5 to 6 times a month, so she really needs lots of help.One of our donors asked that her donation goes to warm clothes for the children because it's turned so cold. We've purchased warm clothes for Valentina, Mia, Alanna, and Madeline, traveling to Guadalajara a few times a month. New shoes for everyone, and Carlos will be getting a warm jacket this month. Thank you, Ruth.We also received some sheets and blankets from Sharon Darling Rose. Something to keep the children warm at night. Thank you, Sharon.And the "icing on the cake" as they say a the birthday cake!! Thanks to April and Bill Miton, we received several piAatas to give to the children. We initially thought we'd save them for Children's Day on April 30th. But anticipation got the better of us, and we gave some of the children who have birthdays this month or coming up a special surprise. They were delighted. Thank you too to Angela Keller.You have been so generous throughout the holiday season and the whole of 2020, and we can't begin to thank you enough. We started the Go Get Funding campaign in March when the pandemic started, and we were all isolated. The past ten months have been difficult for everyone but especially for these families. Thanks to your continued donations, we've been able to give the children their much-needed treatments, monthly food despensas, and medications.There have been special donations for fridges, mattresses, and help towards Monse's surgery. You are all heroic in assisting these families, and we couldn't have made it through the year without your help. We can't begin to find words to express our appreciation!Please help us to help these families so they can focus on the most important thing... getting their child the treatments they need and on the track towards being healthy. You can donate to help cover medicines, food and many of the other requirements for these struggling families through GoGetFunding.com.



Site Map  Print this Page  Email Us  Top


Viruses mutate all the time, so its no surprise that the coronavirus which emerged in China at the end of 2019 has undergone significant mutations as the virus replicates and spreads. But a new strain that has emerged in South Africa is causing concern.

AFP-JIJI

The new variant of the coronavirus is more contagious than earlier versions, experts said on Monday, but there is no evidence that it is more deadly. The new variant is 50 percent more contagious, said epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim, co-chair of the health ministry's scientific committee.

After ~10 months of relative quiescence we've started to see some striking evolution of SARS-CoV-2 with a repeated evolutionary pattern in the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern emerging from the UK, South Africa and Brazil. 1/19  Trevor Bedford (@trvrb) January 14, 2021

More transmissible, more serious

Like a variant discovered in the U.K. in recent months, the one that in South Africa is proving to be far more transmissible. Being more transmissible means more people can get infected, and this could mean more serious infections and more fatalities.

"There is no evidence the new Covid variant is more severe than the original variant," professor added.

Previous infection with the coronavirus may offer less protection against the new variant first identified in South Africa, scientists said on Monday, although they hope that vaccines will still work. https://t.co/FR4dreIR0P  Alexandra Zavis (@alexzavis) January 19, 2021

The experts drew their conclusions about the variant -- now the dominant strain in South Africa -- from an analysis of data collected from the main infection clusters across the country. With more than 1.3 million people infected, South Africa has recorded more cases than any other country on the continent and has also suffered more deaths, with 37,105 registered.



Number of hospitalisations up

The second wave of the virus has stretched South Africa's health system to its limits. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Monday said there had been a 23 percent fall in infections -- but that the number of hospital admissions was up by 18.3 percent on the previous week.

Reuters

Dr Waasila Jassat, another member of the expert panel, said that even though admissions were up, the death rate from the virus in hospitals had not changed from the first wave of the virus.



Questions are now being raised over whether the coronavirus vaccines developed at breakneck speed in the last year, the Western frontrunners being those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca will be effective against significant mutations of the virus.



Reuters

While scientists believe the U.K. variant is not likely to affect the efficacy of the vaccines currently being rolled out in the West, there is more uncertainty regarding the other strain. Experts are keen to point out that theres still a lot we dont know about the new strains, although they are being investigated, and they are urging people not to panic. Heres what we know so far:



What do we know about the variant?

On December 18, South Africa announced the detection of the mutation that was rapidly spreading in three provinces, becoming the dominant strain in Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

South Africa named the variant 501Y.V2 because of the N501Y mutation they found in the spike protein that the virus uses to gain entry into cells within the body. This mutation, among others, was also found in the new strain that the U.K. identified in December (but estimated to have been in circulation since September) with both regarded as increasing the transmissibility of the virus, making it spread more efficiently.

The 3 #SARSCoV2 variants/strains update

Where they have appeared and when

1. B.1.1.7 "UK"

2. 501Y.V2 (aka B.1.351) "South Africa"

3. P.1 "Brazil" (also seen in travelers Brazil to Japan)

No other new lineages/variants/strains of concern at this timehttps://t.co/1JrZ1o22PS pic.twitter.com/rMzzzJwq5r  Eric Topol (@EricTopol) January 14, 2021

Experts said the mutations could affect how vaccines against Covid work.

How worried should we be?

Some experts are worried about the South Africa variant. So far, it has only been found in a handful of cases, WHO noted on Monday, albeit in an increasing number of countries including the U.K., France, Switzerland, Japan, Austria and Zambia.

Reuters

Multiple countries have banned flights from South Africa and the U.K. as a result of the new strains in a bid to stop their spread. Earlier this week, U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the variant found in South Africa was especially concerning.

This is a very, very significant problem, ... and its even more of a problem than the U.K. new variant, he said without explanation. On Tuesday, former U.S. FDA chief

Dr. Scott Gottlieb warned that vaccinating people against Covid is more critical than ever, especially as the variant in South Africa appears to inhibit antibody drugs, and is spreading elsewhere.

Unsplash

The South Africa variant is very concerning right now because it does appear that it may obviate some of our medical countermeasures, particularly the antibody drugs, Gottlieb told CNBCs The News with Shepard Smith on Monday.


CLEVELAND, Ohio  Former state Sen. Shirley Smith of South Euclid became the fourth Democrat to announce a bid for the 11th Congressional District as the field to succeed Rep. Marcia Fudge continues to grow.

Fudge, who has held the seat for a decade, will leave office pending U.S. Senate confirmation of her appointment as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for President-elect Joe Biden. Smith, who served in both the Ohio House and Senate from 1999 to 2014, said she was jumping in because of a need for an experienced lawmaker to take the helm.

Of all the ones that have announced, my legislative career, I have served more than all of them combined. That sets me apart, Smith said. I have accomplished more than anyone that has announced. I have a very good relationship with the other side. Ive worked with the other side. That certainly sets me apart from the rest.

Smith, 70, was first elected to the Ohio House in 1998. She served in the chamber until 2006, moving up to the Senate until 2014, including a stint as the Senate minority leader. Her former seat on the East Side of Cleveland is currently held by state Sen. Sandra Williams, who did not rule out a run following Bidens December announcement that he was nominating Fudge.

Following her exit from elected office, she was appointed to the Ohio Parole Board, which she left in 2018.

Smith said she was in the process of assembling a campaign team, though hadnt hired anyone yet.

The district is heavily gerrymandered in the Democrats favor.

Former state Sen. Nina Turner  who served alongside Smith in the Ohio Senate  Cuyahoga County Councilwoman and Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Chairwoman Shontel Brown and former Cleveland City Councilman Jeff Johnson have all publicly announced their candidacies, while others are mulling a decision to jump in to the fray for the district that encompasses the Eastern portion of Cuyahoga County and stretches down into parts of Akron.

The historical boundaries of the district have only been held by three people dating back to 1968: Louis Stokes, Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Fudge.

Fudge has not officially left her position yet as she awaits confirmation following Bidens inauguration Wednesday. Gov. Mike DeWine will set a special election, presuming Fudge is confirmed and leaves office, though he has not indicated when that election would take place.
(CNN) -- A Californian man who was "scared to go home because of Covid" lived undetected in Chicago's O'Hare Airport for three months, according to multiple reports.

Aditya Udai Singh, 33, was arrested on Saturday morning local time at O'Hare and charged with impersonation in a restricted area of the airport and theft of less than $500, the Chicago Police Department confirmed to CNN.

Singh appeared in bond court the following day where, according to the Chicago Tribune, prosecutors said that Singh had arrived at O'Hare on a flight from Los Angeles on October 19. He is then alleged to have lived undiscovered in the airport's security zone until his January 16 arrest.

Singh is reported to have been apprehended after being approached by two United Airlines employees who asked to see his identification. He's said to have then shown them an airport ID badge that belonged to an operations manager who had reported it missing in late October.

Assistant State's Attorney Kathleen Hagerty said in court that Singh claimed to have been "scared to go home due to Covid" and that other passengers had provided him with food, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz expressed surprise at the unusual circumstances of the case, the newspaper reported.

"So if I understand you correctly," Ortiz said, "you're telling me that an unauthorized, non-employee individual was allegedly living within a secure part of the O'Hare airport terminal from October 19, 2020, to January 16, 2021, and was not detected? I want to understand you correctly."

Assistant Public Defender Courtney Smallwood told the court that Singh is a resident of the Los Angeles suburb of Orange and does not have a criminal background, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Singh's bail is said to have been set at $1,000, with the condition that he does not re-enter O'Hare Airport, and he is due back in court on January 27.

O'Hare Airport is the busiest airport in the world for takeoffs and landings, with pre-pandemic passenger numbers of 84.6 million per year.

CNN has contacted Cook County State Attorney's Office and Chicago Department of Aviation for comment.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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 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.
Uganda accused the US ambassador on Tuesday of seeking to subvert last week's presidential election by trying to visit the main opposition candidate at his home, which has been surrounded by security forces since the vote.

Troops prevented pop star-turned-legislator Bobi Wine from leaving his house shortly after he returned from voting in Thursday's presidential election, in which he ran against incumbent Yoweri Museveni. On Tuesday Wine said he and his wife had run out of food, and milk for her 18-month-old niece.

Museveni, 76, who has been in power since 1986, was declared winner of the poll with 59% of the vote against 35% for Wine, who became famous after years of singing about government corruption and nepotism, charges the government denies.

The US embassy said late on Monday that Ambassador Natalie E. Brown had been stopped from visiting Wine, who it referred to by his real name, Robert Kyagulanyi, at his residence in a suburb in the northern outskirts of the capital.

The mission said Brown wanted to check on his health and safety given that he was effectively unable to leave his home.

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said Brown had no business visiting Wine, who the army says is being held to prevent potential unrest breaking out in the wake of the result.

"What she has been trying to do blatantly is to meddle in Uganda's internal politics, particularly elections, to subvert our elections and the will of the people," he said. "She shouldn't do anything outside the diplomatic norms."

There was no immediate comment from Brown or the embassy.

The public rebuke to the United States from the Ugandan government is relatively unusual as the two nations are allies.

Washington supports Ugandan soldiers serving in an African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia and has donated about $1.5 billion to Uganda's health sector in the past three years.

GOVERNMENT "WATCHING" AMBASSADOR

Opondo said, without providing any evidence, that Brown had a track record of causing trouble in countries where she has worked in the past. The government was watching her, he said.

The US embassy has said last week's vote was tainted by harassment of opposition candidates, suppression of media and rights advocates and a nationwide internet shutdown.

"These unlawful actions and the effective house arrest of a presidential candidate continue a worrying trend on the course of Uganda's democracy," it said in the statement.

Wine said on Twitter that even the father of his wife's infant niece they were looking after had been refused entry to collect her. "We have run out of food and milk. No one is allowed to leave or come into our compound," he wrote.

A police spokesman was not immediately available to comment.

On Tuesday, Wine's lawyers filed a petition in the high court challenging the legality of detaining Wine and his wife without charge. The court has not yet said when the petition will be heard, lawyer Benjamin Katana told Reuters.

During the campaign, security forces routinely broke up Wine's rallies with teargas, bullets, beatings and detentions, citing violations of laws meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

In November, 54 people were killed as security forces quelled a protest that erupted after Wine was detained for alleged violation of the anti-coronavirus measures.

Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) have rejected the results and said they were planning a court challenge.

On Monday, security forces cordoned off the party's offices in the capital. The party said that was aimed at complicating their efforts to collect evidence of irregularities committed during the election.

Short link:


Meanwhile, at the house, another date card arrived. Sarah emerged from her room for its reading, which the women used as an opportunity to attack her intentions and character. She apologized again for interrupting the group date and for isolating herself from the women, but none of the women had an interest in her excuses. They ganged up on her and told her that the remainder of her time at the resort would be uncomfortable.
B oris Johnson will be glad Donald Trump has not been re-elected for a second term, the former head of the Civil Service has said.

Lord Sedwill, who served as Cabinet Secretary from 2018 to 2020, suggested another term for Mr Trump would not have been to the benefit of the UK.

He said Joe Bidens election win brought relief to Western leaders that normal diplomatic relationships will be restored.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he continued: Those of us who regard ourselves as close American allies have badly missed US leadership over the past four years.

Donald Trump - In pictures 1 /84 Donald Trump - In pictures President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Acceptance speech Republican president-elect Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd during his acceptance speech at his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 9 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Little Trump Donald Trump pictured when he was 4 years old Donald J Trump/Instagram The Trump Princess Donald Trump waves to reporters in 1988 with his first wife Ivana as they board their yacht 'The Trump Princess' in New York AP Donald Trump stands next to one of his three Sikorsky helicopters at New York Port Authority's West 30 Street Heliport in 1988 Out on the town Trump and his first wife Ivana arrive at a social engagement in New York in December 1989 AFP/Getty Images Surviving at the top Trump followed up his successful book The Art of the Deal with Surviving At The Top in 1990 Random House Meeting the King of Pop With Michael Jackson in 1990 FilmMagic Taking a break with Miss Universe contestants Donald Trump meets Miss Universe contestants during a break in rehearsals in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in 1990 Miss Universe Organization via AP Genie of the lamp Donald Trump stands next to a genie lamp in 1990 as the lights of his Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort mark its grand opening in Atlantic City AP Marla's wedding day Donald and Marla Trump at their wedding in 1993 AP Donald Trump with daughter Ivanka at a Harley Davidson Cafe Event, New York City on 9 October 1993 Rex Features New arival Marla and Donald Trump leave St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida with their newborn baby girl, Tiffany on 14 October 1993 AP Behind the lens Donald Trump takes a picture of Bridget Marks in 1993 after interviewing her for Playboy magazine's 40th anniversary playmate in New York AFP/Getty Images Top Trump New York real estate giant Donald Trump poses in his Trump Tower office on a giant letter "T" on 08 May 1996 AFP/Getty Images New love interest Donald Trump and Melania arrive for VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on 13 April 1999 Getty Images Toasting in the New Year Donald Trump and Melania toast the new year during Trump's gala bash in 2000 The Sun-Sentinel/AP Wax work A wax replica of Donald Trump stands ready to be put on display at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, New York City in 2000 Madame Tussaud's/Getty Images Rebuild call Donald Trump talks in 2005 to reporters where he presented a proposal that the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center be rebuilt in New York Reuters Cracking prformance Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, Donald Trump, Seth Myers, Maya Rudolph perform on Saturday Night Live in 2002 Rex Features 'How To Get Rich' Donald Trump poses with a copy of his new book 'How To Get Rich' during a book signing on 24 March 2004 at Barnes and Noble in Lincoln Center in New York Getty Images Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka (left) and girlfriend Melania Knauss (right) attend the "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century" Costume Institute benefit gala on April 26, 2004 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City Getty Images Fired up figure Donald Trump poses with the new Donald Trump 12-inch talking doll 29 September 2004 at the Toys "R" Us store in New York City Getty Images Olympic flame Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay on 19 June 19, 2004 in New York Getty Images Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice (2005) Rex Features Anyone for golf? Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Old Course in St Andrews where he was meeting with the media to answer questions regarding Trump International Golf Links on 28 April 2005 in St Andrews, Scotland Getty Images Hollywod star Donald Trump, billionaire developer and producer of NBC's "The Apprentice," with his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, pose for a photo after he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2007 AP In the Highlands U.S. property mogul Donald Trump gestures during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland on 27 May 2010 Reuters Donald Trump plays a round of golf after the opening of the The Trump International Golf Links Course in Scotland in 2012 Getty Images Family time Donald Trump, Barron Trump and Melania Trump attends Trump Invitational Grand Prix Mar-a-Lago Club at The Mar-a-Largo Club on 04 January 2015 in Palm Beach, Florida Getty Images Officially in the running U.S. Republican presidential candidate, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump poses with his family after formally announcing his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York on 16 June 2015 Reuters Love, life and laughter Donald Trump sits with his wife Melania Trump while appearing at an NBC Town Hall at the Today Show on 21 April 2016 in New York City. Getty Images Thumbs up Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on 21 July 2016, in Cleveland, AFP/Getty Images Don't cry for me ... Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds babies at a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 29 July 2016 Reuters Donald Trump eating KFC on his private jet in August 2016 Is this really the Oval Office? Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump views a replica of the Oval Office on a tour of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 30 September 2016 Reuters Women for Trump Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump kisses a "Women for Trump" placard during a rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida on 12 October 2016 AFP/Getty Images In debate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, America on 09 October 2016 AP Love your country The future is orange: Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump hugs a U.S. flag on 24 October 2016 Reuters U.S. President-elect U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally in Manhattan, New York, U.S. on 09 November 2016 Reuters 60 Minutes Donald Trump and wife Melania being interviewed on 13 November 2016 by Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes 60 Minutes/CBS At The Whiie House US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office of the White House on 10 November 2016 EPA Kiss-story Republican president-elect Donald Trump embraces his wife Melania Trump during his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 09 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Person of the Year U.S. President-elect Donald Trump poses on the cover of Time Magazine after being named its person of the year, in a picture provided by the publication in New York on 7 December 2016 Time Magazine Meeting Kanye U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and musician Kanye West pose for media at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York on 13 December 2016 Reuters First Press Conference President-elect Donald Trump stands with his son Eric Trump (left) daughter Ivanka and son Donald Trump Jr. (right) on 11 January 2017 Reuters US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Virginia 19 on January 2017 AFP/Getty Images Big shoes to fill: US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive to attend an inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on 19 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors in Washington on 19 January 2017 AP British Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk along The Colonnade of the West Wing at The White House on January 27, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Pope Francis walks along with US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during a private audience at the Vatican in May 2017 AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump inspects border wall prototypes in March 2018 AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk to a joint news conference at Chequers in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump takes the hand of Prime Minister Theresa May as they enter Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire in July 2018 PA A six-meter high cartoon baby blimp of US President Donald Trump is set to fly as a protest against his visit July 2018 AP Activists inflate a giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an orange baby during a demonstration against Trump's visit to the UK in Parliament Square, London July 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump with The Queen in July 2018 AP German Chancellor Angela Merkel deliberates with US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of the official agenda on the second day of the G7 summit on June 9, 2018 in Charlevoix, Canada Getty Images President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island in Singapore on 12 June 2018 Evan Vucci/AP U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump meets with rapper Kanye West in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on 18th October 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian posed for a photograph together at the White House meeting Donald Trump/Twitter A White House staff member reaches for the microphone held by CNN's Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference in November 2018 Reuters President Donald Trump looks over tables of fast food for the the college football playoff champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in January 2019 Reuters US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un following a meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi on February 27, 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump (left) with Nigel Farage when they met met face-to-face on 2nd March 2019 PA/White House President Donald Trump smiles at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, after signing a proclamation in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2019 AP US President Donald Trump (L) First Lady Melania Trump (C) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe' Akie Abe (R) watch a sumo battle during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on May 26, 2019 AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trump gestures after receiving a prayer at McLean Bible Church on 2nd June 2019 AP US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump make their way to board Air Force One on 2nd June 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald and Melania Trump arrive at Stansted Airport on 3rd June 2019 AP President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are pictured ahead a meeting in Helsinki on July 16, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg watches as Donald Trump enters the United Nations to speak with reporters on September 23, 2019 Reuters Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcoming ceremony at the NATO leaders summit in Watford on December 4, 2019 Reuters President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Milwauke AP US president Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Congres center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 21, 2020 AFP via Getty Images US President Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio AFP via Getty Images A car with US President Trump drives past supporters in a motorcade outside of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland AFP via Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump works in the Presidential Suite while receiving treatment after testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland via Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a phone call with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley October 4, 2020, in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Not shown in the photo also in the room on the call is Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Reuters Donald Trump walks out of hospital after receiving treatment for Covid-19 AP Mr Trump boards Marine One to return to the White House after receiving treatment for coronavirus AP Donald Trump stands on the Truman Balcony after returning to the White House from hospital Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump removes his mask upon return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020 in Washington Getty Images

Mr Bidens administration will reset priorities much more in line with those of his former boss, Barack Obama.

He will re-engage with democracies and global institutions  such as the World Health Organisation and the World Trade Organisation  that Mr Trump despised and disrupted.

He will revive arms control negotiations with Iran and Russia, and rejoin the Paris treaty, which is crucial to the prospects for this years climate change conference in Glasgow.

With Brexit accomplished and the Biden administration ready to re-engage, this is the moment for Global Britain to step up to that challenge.

Mr Johnson was among the first world leaders to secure a call with Mr Biden following his election victory.

The Prime Minister told PMQs in November: It was refreshing, I may say, to have that conversation and I look forward to many more.

Since Mr Bidens election, there have been concerns the pair could face diplomatic difficulties.

They have never met before and Mr Biden has likened the Prime Minister to a physical and emotional clone of Mr Trump.

Allies of Mr Biden have also not forgiven Mr Johnson for previously highlighting Mr Obamas part-Kenyan heritage, claiming it had given him an ancestral dislike of the British empire.

The Prime Minister has gone to many efforts not to criticise Mr Trump during his leadership.

However, he has been more vocal in recent weeks, rebuking Mr Trump for inciting supporters to storm the Capitol and for continuing to question the legitimacy of the US election.
By Lee Seong-hyon





A recent court ruling over a key historical issue between South Korea and Japan has emerged as another major impediment to Seoul-Tokyo ties.



On Jan. 8, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of South Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery, ordering the Japanese government to pay 100 million won ($91,500) in compensation to each of the 12 victims who had filed the case. "The defendant's illegal activities are recognized and the plaintiffs suffered from severe mental and physical pain," the court said.



The verdict came almost five years after the case was filed. When the ruling came out, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called the decision "utterly unacceptable," but said he had no intention of appealing the ruling because the Japanese government would not accept submission to Korea's jurisdiction under the principle of national exemption.



In a broader view, the Seoul-Tokyo entanglement was part of the larger contention between Korea and Japan on their differences over the 1965 normalization treaty, which Japan has used as the basis to claim that all colonial-era settlements were completed when it provided grants and loans under the Korea-Japan Claims Settlement Agreement attached to the treaty.



Acrimonious emotions toward each other remain high in both South Korea and Japan, leaving much uncertainty for the future trajectory of the bilateral relationship. Both Japan and South Korea prioritize their respective relationships with the United States and China  the two heavyweight stakeholders in the region  at the expense of their mutual relationship. Seoul and Tokyo feel ambivalent about just how important each is to the other, at a time when geopolitical fluidity is increasing in East Asia.



Uncertainty, if not pessimism, runs deep because the current deadlock is also part of deeply embedded issues of history and territory, to which there is no easy solution. The two nations reached a so-called "landmark" agreement in 2015 in this regard. However, some condemned the move as a political "collusion" between the two governments prodded by Washington, not genuine detente between the two peoples, so as to expedite the U.S.-led regional moves to counter China.



In fact, relational defeatism is so great that some even suggest allowing time to solve the problem. There is no reason to believe that time will run its healing course and salvage the relationship, which is at its lowest since the two countries normalized relations in 1965. The relationship will drift further apart without active intervention.



Some say the issue really is about the narrative over the issue of wartime sex slavery. Others presume it is in fact a veiled legal affair that may open up a flood of fresh lawsuits if the Japanese government acknowledges its legal responsibilities (they were not acknowledged in the 2015 agreement), not to mention domestic opposition especially from Japan's right-wing elements. Still others say it is essentially a moral issue. These are all valid points and underscore the different aspects of the convoluted matter.



But what is missing in the debate is the underlying psychology and attitude that often eludes analysis. Seoul and Tokyo brush each other aside as secondary stakeholders as they muscle their diplomatic resources and attention around in coping with the seismic geopolitical shift led by Beijing and Washington, their most important economic and security partners.



Meanwhile, Seoul and Tokyo feel ambiguous toward each other's strategic values. Both countries see each other as a less important security partner compared to Washington. They also see each other as a less important economic partner compared to Beijing. Prioritizing their relations with Washington for security and Beijing for the economy, and mulling over their own hedging strategy between the two superpowers, Seoul and Tokyo are simply not sure just how important the other side is.



Thus, there is less interest and enthusiasm to tackle historical matters. Both sides are locked in a wait-and-see mentality of how much damage the other side can tolerate by cold-shouldering each other. Given that Seoul and Tokyo feel that they are dealing with more important issues at hand, they are willing to relegate their bilateral relationship to the back burner. This explains why it is so hard to find diplomatic zeal in Seoul and Tokyo to seek a solution. This underlying psychology persists and dampens political will. Left unattended, the relationship will be pummeled by hardline voices on both sides.





Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute


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.
Authorities in the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi have placed the family of detained human rights lawyer Chang Weiping under house arrest after his father spoke out about his concerns over his son's health.



Chang is currently in detention on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power" in Shaanxi's Baoji city. Following his initial detention in October, Chang's father Chang Shuanming was allowed to visit him on Nov. 25.



Hunan rights lawyer Xie Yang, who recently tried to visit Baoji to support Chang's family, told RFA: "We found out from Chang Weiping's wife that his parents are now under close surveillance, and that the authorities have installed CCTV cameras at the door [of their home]."



Xie said he boarded a high-speed train to Baoji along with fellow lawyer Chen Keyun, but was intercepted by state security police at the provincial capital, Xi'an, where he needed to change trains.



"No sooner had I gotten off the train than I ran into a bunch of people," Xie told RFA in a recent interview. "They claimed it was to do with the pandemic, because my health code didn't scan properly, and that I should cooperate with their investigation."



"But those people didn't look like pandemic prevention types to me; they were state security police from [the provincial capital of] Xi'an," he said. "I told them that they knew perfectly well who I was, and that I knew perfectly well who they were."



The police forced Xie and Chen to leave the high-speed rail station, confiscated their phones and ID cards, and took them to a hotel, where they were held in separate rooms.



They were told they wouldn't be allowed to continue to Baoji, and stability maintenance personnel, or "interceptors," from their hometowns of Changsha and Guangzhou were summoned to escort them back home again.



On returning to Changsha, Xie was placed under house arrest.



"They don't want this information to reach the outside world," Xie said. "There have been rumors going around that [Chang Weiping's parents] have now been detained, but ... nobody can get anywhere near [their home]."



"They are so worried that we will expose the truth," he said. "Maybe they are also worried that we might encourage more supporters to gather."

Complaints over torture



Shaanxi authorities allowed the Nov. 25 meeting after Chang's family and lawyers lodged official complaints about his incommunicado detention under "residential surveillance at a designated location (RSDL)" following his description of his torture during an earlier period in detention.



During the 10-minute visit, Chang appeared significantly thinner than before, and spoke slowly, and expressed concern that his wife might give interviews to the media.



Chang's earlier detention, during which he has described being tortured, came after he attended a dinner gathering of human rights lawyers, dissidents, and rights activists in the southeastern port city of Xiamen in December 2019.



Rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi and activists Zhang Zhongshun and Dai Zhenya were also detained following the Dec. 13, 2019 meeting with New Citizens' Movement founder Xu Zhiyong, who was himself later detained after publishing an open letter calling on CCP general secretary Xi Jinping to step down.



Du Song, director-general of the Hong Kong-based Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, said China isn't living up to its obligations under international human rights treaties.

"Chang Weiping's torture is already plenty to be angry about, but now they are holding his parents under house arrest," Du told RFA. "And when a friend tries to contact and visit these two elderly people, he is prevented from doing so and himself placed under illegal house arrest."



Meanwhile, jailed Chinese rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, who has been held incommunicado for three years and sentenced to jail for "incitement to subvert state power," has been named as a finalist for a Martin Ennals Award honoring human rights defenders.



"The finalists distinguish themselves by their bravery and deep commitment to the issues they defend, despite the many attempts to silence them by respective governmental authorities," the Martin Ennals Foundation said in a statement.



"Authoritarian states tend to believe that by jailing or censoring human rights defenders, the world will forget about them," jury chair Hans Thoolen said. "This years finalists are a testament to the fact that nothing could be further from the truth."



The awards will be presented on Feb. 11.



Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
An expert in the Scriptures reveals that a cataclysmic earthquake like that of the time of Noah will hit Israel in the Last Days, a report says.

Express UK reported that Scripture expert and Bible professor Tom Meyer revealed that "the greatest earthquake is yet to come and could happen within our lifetimes."

The professor from the Shasta Bible College and Graduate School shared that 40 major earthquakes "have been recorded by historians in the Holy Land since the time of Jesus Christ" with a magnitude of "greater than 6.0 on the Richter scale."

As Meyer puts it, the cataclysmic earthquake that is about to strike Israel in the Last Days can be compared to the devastating flood that happened in the days of Noah. The professor adds that this huge earthquake might be the sign of the triumphant second coming of the LORD Jesus Christ.

Prior to his earthquake prophecy, a team of Israeli experts warned that powerful earthquakes in the next few years can happen that could kill hundreds - if not - thousands of people - after a tension was found in a fault line of the Red Sea. The same fault line that could rupture anytime due to the tension.

The professor believes that the epicenter of the earthquake will be at the fabled Mount Olives since the Bible prophecy indicates that Jesus will return in the same way He went up to establish His kingdom here on the earth.

"According to biblical prophecy, in the same way that Jesus the Jewish Messiah ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven after His resurrection (Acts 1:11), so he will return to the same exact spot at the Second Coming," the Professor explained.

"This mountain was the place of His agony on the night before His crucifixion, and it will be the place of His triumph at the culmination of the Seven Year Tribulation - recorded in the book of Revelation - when he ushers in his literal 1,000-year reign from Jerusalem."

In an astonishing turn of events, geologists discovered a major fault line composed of multiple fractures under Mount Olives in 1964 when the Jordanians tried to build a hotel on the fabled mountain.

But unlike the flood that happened in the days of Noah, the Bible professor says that this time around, God will intervene to save Jerusalem from the antichrist and his cohorts.

""As YHWH intervened around 1440 BC (Exodus 14:20) to deliver Israel, who was surrounded on all sides by the Egyptian army, by parting the Red Sea, so again He will intervene by parting the Mount of Olives to provide Israel, who will be besieged in Jerusalem by the Antichrist, a way of escape yet again into the wilderness."

Professor Meyer added that compared to the birth of Christ, there are seven times more prophecies concerning the Second Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ not just in the book of Revelation but also from the books of Isaiah, Haggai and Zechariah. He added that if all prophecies about His first coming as our Savior has been fulfilled, then "all the prophecies concerning His Second Coming will also be literally fulfilled."
The music industrys first runaway hit single of the year is at once a time-tested model  a Disney actress pivoting to pop with a catchy and confessional breakup ballad  and also an unprecedented TikTok-era smash by a teenager.

Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo, 17, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on Tuesday, following a record-breaking first week across streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music. Along the way, the autobiographical song kicked up tabloid and social media speculation as listeners tried to piece together its real-life parallels as if it were a track by Rodrigos hero, Taylor Swift. TikTok videos led to blog posts, which led to streams, which led to news articles, and back around again. The feedback loop made it unbeatable.

Its been the absolute craziest week of my life, Rodrigo, who really did get her drivers license last year, said in an interview. My entire life just, like, shifted in an instant.

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.
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.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Model Jessica Gomes recently completed her two-week hotel quarantine in Sydney after returning to Australia from Los Angeles.

And on Monday, Jessica caught up with her long-time pal Gemma Ward.

The 35-year-old was seen visiting mother-of-three Gemma, 33, who originally hails from Perth, in her adopted hometown of Byron Bay.

Off-duty chic: Jessica Gomes (left) visited her model pal Gemma Ward (right) in her adopted hometown of Byron Bay on Monday

The pair cut casual figures as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the coastal town swarming with celebrities.

Jessica wore a white singlet and black pants, and swept her brunette locks up into a high bun.

She accessorised with designer shades and a colourful, boho beaded necklace.

Meanwhile, Gemma wore a pair of navy shorts and a pink polka-dot blouse as she pushed a pram with her seven-month-old daughter inside.

Catching up: The pair cut casual figures as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the coastal town swarming with celebrities

Gemma was later seen balancing little Kirra on her hip as the pair continued to walk around town.

Kirra is the latest addition to Gemma's family, as she also shares Naia, seven, and Jet, three, with her partner David Letts.

'Finally home with my honeys. HAPPY!' Jessica captioned a beach selfie with Gemma and her two daughters last week.

Family life: Kirra is the latest addition to Gemma's family, as she also shares Naia, seven, and Jet, three, with her partner David Letts

'Finally home with my honeys. HAPPY!' Jessica enjoyed a beach day with Gemma and her two daughters last week

Jessica, who has been living in LA for the past eight years, arrived in Sydney last month.

In an interview with Vogue Australia in October, Jessica revealed she had developed a newfound appreciation for her hometown of Perth.

It's unclear if Jessica is waiting for border restrictions to ease before eventually travelling on to Perth after her stint in NSW.

President-elect Joe Biden's incoming CDC director has said that rules on foreign entry to the U.S. may 'tighten' under the new administration, in a reversal of President Donald Trump's plan to relax pandemic travel restrictions.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who will take over as CDC director on Wednesday, told Good Morning America that Trump's plan to begin lifting current restrictions was unlikely to come to fruition.

'If you look at the fatalities of 400,000 that we're likely to hit today, if you look at our cases across this country, I don't think now is the time to encourage people to get on international flights,' she said.

'I think now is the time to really buckle down, double down our efforts,' Walensky added.

'I don't expect we will be lifting travel restrictions and if anything I expect that they might tighten, especially in the context of variants that we're hearing about,' she said, referring to new strains of the virus that appear to be more contagious.

Current U.S. rules forbid entry by most foreign nationals traveling from the UK, the EU's Schengen Zone, Ireland, China, Iran and Brazil.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who will take over as CDC director on Wednesday, told Good Morning America that Trump's plan to begin lifting current restrictions was unlikely to come to fruition

Travelers in the international arrival area of Heathrow Airport near London are seen on Monday. Most travel from the UK to the US is currently prohibited

U.S. nationals are still allowed to return to America from those countries in most cases, and there are various other exceptions to the rules that vary by country.

Walensky did not elaborate on what new restrictions the Biden administration might impose, and did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com on Tuesday.

Starting on January 26, the CDC will begin requiring negative COVID-19 tests for all travelers entering the U.S. from abroad. Tests were already mandatory for all travel from the UK as of last month.

Officials had told Reuters the outgoing president, set to leave office Wednesday, had planned to relax travel restrictions also starting on January 26, relying on testing to stop the spread of new variants.

In an order Trump wrote 'this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely'.

But just 90 minutes later the president elect's press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted: 'With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel.

Travelers look at Covid-19 results after being tested inside JFK International Airport in New York on December 22

'On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19,' Psaki wrote.

The current restrictions bar nearly all non-U.S. citizens who have been within the last 14 days in: Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the 26 countries of the Schengen area in Europe that allow travel across open borders.

Restrictions on travelers from Europe have been in place since mid-March; the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May. The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Trump's plan the restrictions had been set to end the same day that new COVID-19 test requirements take effect requiring all international visitors to have a negative result.

It was first reported in November that the administration had been considering lifting the restrictions, imposed early last year in response to the pandemic, after winning support from coronavirus task force members and public health officials.

But new coronavirus variants have been found in both the UK and Brazil in recent weeks. The UK's strain, B 1.1.7., has resulted in the country being forced back into strict lockdowns. The CDC has already warned it could become dominant in the US by March, triggering massive surges in cases.

In Brazil the Amazonas state where the variant emerged is now so overwhelmed with coronavirus cases that health care system in the capitol, Manaus, is in 'collapse,' Brazil's Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello said.

Joe Biden's team on Monday quashed Donald Trump's plan to lift travel ban on visitors from the UK, Brazil and Europe, instead announcing they will strengthen border restrictions

Officials had told Reuters the outgoing president, set to leave office Wednesday, had planned to remove restrictions starting on January 26. But just 90 minutes later the president elect's press secretary Jen Psaki had tweeted

Passengers pictured at JFK Airport in New York last month. Restrictions on travelers from Europe have been in place since mid-March; the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May. The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic

Last week, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed an order requiring nearly all air travelers to present a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the United States starting on January 26.

Airlines had hoped the new testing requirements would clear the way for the administration to lift the restrictions that reduced travel from some European countries by 95 per cent or more.

They pressed senior White House officials about the issue in recent days.

Reuters previously reported the White House was not considering lifting entry bans on most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in China or Iran.

On Twitter US visa holders and those with relatives in America asked Biden to consider opening the borders up to allow their travel

On Twitter some US visa holders and those with relatives in America asked Biden to consider opening the borders up to allow their travel.

Justin Elbon wrote: 'Its time to lift restrictions that are keeping familys separate. Many of which have been in quarantine for a long time and wish to be with their loved ones again. Its time to end the ban on people that wish to come to the US from Eur.'

Another Twitter user said: 'Youre forgetting the impact of this travel ban to immigration and immigrants. At least allow people with visas to enter the US after being stuck abroad for 10 months.'

Elena Graham tweeted: 'PLEASE consider a middle ground that allows partners/immediate family members to reunite with testing and quarantine. It's been a horrific year for binational families.

'Please also do not discriminate against unmarried partners.

@CFCHudsonValley wrote: 'Would US, EU & other countries figure out a testing/quarantine protocol that would allow those of us w/ loved ones in other countries to visit them safely. Would happily isolate pre/during/post travel & take multiple tests to be able to visit my daughter. Shes my only family.'

Other Twitter users backed the continued ban replying to Psaki on Monday evening

Other backed the continued ban, writing: 'Thank God there are about to be adults in charge.'

Another replied to Psaki saying: 'Thank you. Can we implement travel restrictions specifically from the areas where these variants are currently appearing. We failed to do this the first time around... and can we ramp up testing here for these mutations so that we can properly isolate and contain them?'

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has effectively shut the UK's borders amid fears of the spread of 'mutant' Covid first detected in southern England.

All arrivals to the UK from abroad will have to test negative and isolate for 10 days when they get here, regardless of where they come from.

The new regime will be backed by tougher spot checks and stay in place until at least February 15 as ministers and scientists work out how to manage the threat posed by mutations.

A COVID-19 patient, one of 12 to be transferred in a military airplane, is assisted by medical staff at the Ponta Pelada airport in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, on January 15. The health system in Manaus, in the Brazilian northern state of Amazonas, is at breaking point. The city's hospital intensive care units have been at 100 percent capacity for the past two weeks, while medical workers are battling a shortage of oxygen and other essential equipment

Scientists have warned that the new variants seen in Brazil and the UK could easily reinfect people who have survived COVID-19 because there is possible resistance against antibodies, which evades the immune system response generated by the first infection.

What's more, they caution that the variants could force researchers to update vaccines often to the point that it becomes like the flu with a shot needed every season.

There is currently no evidence that any of the variants are resistant to either Pfizer of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. However, the fact that new mutations keep cropping up is concerning.

'The not-so-good news is that the rapid evolution of these variants suggests that if it is possible for the virus to evolve into a vaccine-resistant phenotype, this may happen sooner than we like,' Philip Krause, chair of a WHO working group on COVID-19 vaccines, told Science Magazine.

Last Tuesday, Marty Cetron, director of CDC's global migration and quarantine division, said the entry bans were an 'opening act strategy' to address the virus spread and should now be 'actively reconsidered.'

Many administration officials for months argued the restrictions no longer made sense given most countries were not subject to the entry bans.

Others have argued the United States should not drop entry bans since many European countries still block most U.S. citizens.
My sister revealed that she often records phone conversations that she has with our father without his knowledge. She says she does it because he is so funny, i.e., eccentric, but I get the impression that she is laughing more at him than with him. I find his conversations less humorous than distressing, since he is often, at the best of times, in a state of heightened psychological dysregulation and anxiety, and the pandemic has just made things worse. Because of my sisters behavior, my niece has grown up thinking theres nothing wrong or unethical with recording conversations without the other persons knowledge or consent and has herself started to do this.

When I found out what my sister was doing, I was uneasy and told her that it was illegal to record someone without their consent. Her rapid retort was, Its not in New York, where she lives, as if that made it OK. I did not address my ethical concerns and am uncertain how to do so now, because my sister can be rather vicious, and I fear her wrath. At the same time, I think that its terrible that she is recording my father, who would feel hurt and humiliated if he knew, and that her daughter is learning that this is OK. It flies in the face of the Golden Rule. Ive thought about telling my father but dont think thats a good course of action. I dont know what effect my calling her to task on the behavior would have except to alienate her. Do I just let it all go? Just because Siri and Alexa do it all the time  I do not own or support use of either  doesnt mean the rest of us should. Name Withheld

It isnt illegal is the first refuge of a scoundrel  or anyway, of people who know theyre doing something sketchy. Many of the most hurtful, cruel and despicable things people do are perfectly lawful. (And some unlawful things are perfectly harmless.) The point isnt that its always wrong to record people without their consent. There are instances in which a citizen may well have reason to record a conversation with a law-enforcement officer, for example. But in family conversations, we have a reasonable expectation that our remarks are not being captured for posterity. Your sister is betraying your fathers trust.

How serious the betrayal is depends, in part, on what shes doing with these recordings. Is she playing them back to herself for kicks and giggles before drifting off to sleep? Or does she share clips with a WhatsApp group chat? In any case, she probably wouldnt be making them if they werent going to be listened to, and youre rightly troubled by actions that would wound your father if he knew about them.
- EQT Private Equity portfolio company schulke sells its Personal Care Business, a leading developer and supplier of preservatives and multifunctional skin care additives, to the Ashland group

- With the divestment, schulke completes its strategic repositioning to an infection prevention solutions provider fully focused on the healthcare industry, ready to accelerate growth

- schulke is playing an instrumental role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring the best possible support and supply of disinfectants to its customers

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that EQT Private Equity portfolio company Schulke & Mayr GmbH ("schulke" or "the Company"), has entered into a definitive agreement with ISP Marl Holdings GmbH and Ashland Industries Europe GmbH (collectively, "Ashland"), subsidiaries of Ashland Global Holdings Inc., a US-based specialty materials company, under which Ashland will acquire the Personal Care Business from schulke in an all-cash transaction for EUR 262.5 million.

Founded in 1889 in Hamburg, schulke's mission is to protect lives worldwide by providing critical hygiene solutions that effectively combat risks for humans and materials from infection and contamination. Today, schulke offers a diversified product portfolio, including disinfection products for hand, skin and surface as well as wound antisepsis products. The Company was acquired by EQT Private Equity, through the EQT VIII fund, in July 2020.

schulke's Personal Care Business is a leading developer and supplier of preservatives and multifunctional skin care additives for the global cosmetics industry and was one of the Company's four business units. The business is headquartered in Norderstedt, Germany and has approximately 90 employees in 12 countries that serve customers in around 65 countries globally.

Arne Roettger, Director of the Personal Care Business, commented: "I think I speak for all employees of the Personal Care Business when saying we are very delighted by this transaction. We are excited to enter the next phase of our journey as part of a leading global specialty chemicals business which will allow us to further grow and better serve our global customers. We look forward to joining Ashland, and I want to thank schulke and EQT for the support and opportunities they have given to the Personal Care Business up until today."

The divestment is an important milestone in EQT Private Equity's strategic repositioning of schulke to become a pureplay healthcare company and expanding its leading position in infection prevention. Following the transaction, the Company will have a strong platform and be well-positioned to accelerate growth in its core healthcare business, which has proven critical to combat infections during the last 130 years. In particular, schulke has been and is contributing immensely to the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by providing its customers and the society at large with the best possible support and supply of urgently needed disinfectants.

Matthias Wittkowski, Partner and Investment Advisor to EQT Private Equity, commented: "We are excited to have found a good long-term home for the Personal Care Business, its employees and customers. I am confident that the Personal Care Business will flourish and continue to grow as part of Ashland, which has longstanding knowledge and expertise in the personal care field. At the same time, it marks a very important moment for schulke, as it completes the strategic repositioning and enables the Company to fully focus on the healthcare industry. We are fully committed to providing the necessary resources and capital to support schulke in its continued growth and to fulfil its mission to protect lives worldwide."

Christian Last, Chief Executive Officer, schulke, concluded: "schulke is a pioneer and leader in the field of infection prevention and hygiene solutions for over 130 years. 2020 was an extremely important year for schulke as a critical company in the immense fight against the pandemic. It clearly demonstrated one thing: Our strength lies in serving our customers in the healthcare business segments. Our mission to protect lives worldwide will now become true in everything we do."

EQT Private Equity was advised by Rothschild & Co, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Deloitte.

Contact

Matthias Wittkowski, Partner and Investment Advisor to EQT Private Equity, +49 89 2554 9942

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with more than EUR 75 billion in raised capital and currently more than EUR 46 billion in assets under management across 16 active funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America with total sales of more than EUR 27 billion and approximately 159,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com

Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

About Schulke & Mayr GmbH

The company is a leader in the field of infection prevention and hygiene solutions for more than 130 years. Schulke & Mayr GmbH develops, produces and distributes antiseptics for wound care, disinfectants and medical and cosmetic skin care products and preservatives. The company offers its customers innovative products, solutions and services in the professional healthcare business, over the counter (OTC) and hygiene solutions for the pharma sector. schulke's mission is to protect lives worldwide and thereby actively contributes to patient safety. Today schulke is represented by 20 subsidiaries and sells its products in more than 100 countries. The company is headquartered in Germany, employs more than 1,300 people worldwide and operates production sites in Germany (schulke), France (Bioxal) and Brazil (Vic Pharma).

More info: www.schuelke.com

About Ashland

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier global specialty materials company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 4,200 passionate, tenacious solvers - from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators - who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries.

More info: www.ashland.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/schulke-sells-its-personal-care-business-and-completes-strategic-repositioning-to-a-pureplay-healthc,c3270363

The following files are available for download:
China looks set to be the only major economy in the world to have grown last year as other countries suffered devastating Covid-related recessions.

The Communist state  the birth-place of the global coronavirus pandemic  said output rose by 2.3 per cent in 2020 as it bounced back quickly from a slump early in the year.

That was still the weakest rate of growth for more than 40 years after Beijing imposed an extensive lockdown following the initial outbreak.

Workers move computers on a street in the Chinese City of Wuhan last week. The communist state looks set to be the only major economy in the world to have grown last year

But other economies  including the UK, US, Europe, Japan, Brazil and South Africa  have fared far worse since the virus spread from China to the rest of the world.

National output is expected to have dropped by around 10 per cent in the UK, France and Italy last year while the German economy shrank by 5 per cent.

China is forecast to continue to power ahead of its peers this year, with GDP set to expand at the fastest pace in a decade at 8.4 per cent, according to a Reuters poll.

The worlds second-largest economy has surprised many with the speed of its recovery from the coronavirus jolt, especially as policy-makers have also had to navigate tense US-China relations on trade and other fronts.

Beijings strict virus curbs enabled it to largely contain the Covid-19 outbreak much quicker than most countries, while government-led policy stimulus and local manufacturers stepping up production to supply goods to many countries crippled by the pandemic have also helped fire up momentum.

In early 2020, activity contracted by 6.8 per cent in the first quarter as the ruling Communist Party took the then unprecedented step of shutting down its economy to fight the virus.

The following quarter, China became the first major country to grow again with a 3.2 per cent expansion after the party declared victory over the virus in March and allowed factories, shops and offices to reopen.

Output then rose by 4.9 per cent in the third quarter and 6.5 per cent in the final three months of 2020.

The higher-than-expected GDP number indicates that growth has stepped into the expansionary zone, although some sectors remain in recovery, said Xing Zhaopeng, economist at ANZ in Shanghai.

But 2020 was Chinas weakest growth in decades and below the previous recent low of 3.9 per cent in 1990 following the crackdown on a pro-democracy movement, though it was well ahead of the United States and other major economies.

The International Monetary Fund and private sector forecasters expect economic growth to rise further this year to above 8 per cent.
The Beacon hospital in Dublin has agreed with the HSE to treat public patients as part of the fight against Covid-19.

The private facility will provide up to 30% capacity if needed by the health service to help ease the pressure on the public system.

Michael Cullen, CEO, Beacon Hospital said the agreement addresses concerns they had raised and the hospital is comfortable with the agreement.

For the past four months, the hospital said 15-20% of its surgical capacity and 55% of the ICU has been dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of public patients with complex, time-sensitive issues.

The Beacon has also offered the use of a newly built vaccination centre to support the vaccination programme.

The centre has the capacity to do up to 9,000 vaccinations per week and has already been used to vaccinate almost 1500 HSE frontline workers.

Read More Covid-19 vaccine rollout plan signed off by Cabinet

HSE CEO Paul Reid said they are happy to accept this offer saying the centre will prove very useful in the coming months.

Mr Reid said he is pleased that the 18 private hospitals have now joined the agreement.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also welcomed the agreement between the HSE and the Beacon hospital.

Im delighted that the Beacon has signed up. This is very much a Team Ireland moment.

He thanked all the private hospitals for signing up.
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.
One of the greatest civil rights activists is celebrated today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of this great man, the 37th annual Mohawk Valley Frontiers Club celebration was held virtually this afternoon.

The Mohawk Valley Frontiers President, Mrs. U'nice Elliott-Jefferson, said "We can make an effort as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did. To understand and to comprehend and replace that violence that's stained of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand compassion and love."

The keynote speaker was the President of Utica College, Laura Casamento. "As we remember the legend of the man from which this luncheon was organized and the movement that led significant policy changes in our constitution. We must also remember his message. A message of hope. A message of how good we can be together."

Two local activists were presented awards today. The first, Reverend Sharon Baugh of Hope Chapel AME Zion of Utica, received the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. The second award was the Friends of the Frontiers Award given to Michelle Truett of 484 Designs.

Also, four local high school students were presented with Scholastic Academic Student Awards for a brighter future. New Hartford High School student, Kerry Campbell, said "I stand proudly on the shoulders of my ancestors and those who have gone on before me, creating the opportunities that we have today." Thomas R. Proctor High School student, Widad Ibrahim, said "The decision to join this organization changed the course of my life in the best way possible."Thomas R. Proctor High School student, Na'Jaia Engram, said "This is a true honor. This wouldn't have been possible without the people in my life who care so deeply for me and my success." Rome Free Academy student, Theodore Issiah-Leon Allah, said "The junior frontiers opened my eyes to a new vision of education. It also introduced me to like-minded young men and women of color."

You can help support the Mohawk Valley Frontiers Club by making a donation online. Also, you can visit their website to see the programs they offer that help the community.

Another virtual celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was hosted by the Rome chapter of the NAACP. Many local pastors and members of the organization said a few words. And they shared videos of some of Dr. King's memorable speeches while discussing the lasting impact he's made on the world.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said "We must realize, the time is always right to do right." A Rome NAACP member said "The truisms he speaks to are still sadly true today. Imagine 53 years later and the truisms still exist. And the same dark shadows are cast over justice and inequality for people of color." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said "Well I don't know what will happen now, we've got some difficult days ahead."

The group took the time today to talk about some issues that are still present today and what they can do to promote change for the future.
Shanghai Disney Resort will host a resort-wide celebration from Jan. 19 through Feb. 26 to usher in the Year of the Ox, the Chinese lunar zodiac sign of the upcoming year.

Though last year's zodiac animal, the rat, may better represent the spirit of Mickey Mouse's theme park, many of the festivities had to be canceled or scaled down over the past 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now it's time to move on. Throughout the entire Spring Festival season, the resort will be adorned with traditional holiday decorations, iconic Chinese symbols, and a splash of Disney's magical touch. Mickey Mouse and his pals, including Daffy and friends, will also be dressed up in their new holiday outfits to give their new year wishes to everyone.

According to a Disneyland press release, visitors will also have an exclusive opportunity to see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in stylish new costumes designed by famed Chinese designer Guo Pei on Feb. 12, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

To bring even more Disney magic to the Year of the Ox, the resort added that long-time friend of Mickey Mouse, Clarabelle Cow, will make her debut at the theme park, greeting visitors with her fun-loving personality and sense of humor throughout the festive period.

Guests will also find unique Year of the Ox imagery on an exciting new social wall near Il Paperino that also serves as an interactive photo backdrop.

Another surprise to arrive at the resort during the festive period will be "Our Families"  a unique nightly show to be held after the Nighttime Spectacular that will illuminate the castle with projections of Disney families symbolizing hope and the best wishes for Disney fans in the year ahead.

Finally, from Feb. 8 through 14, the Shanghainese version of "Once Upon a Time," recorded by renowned Shanghainese actress Pan Hong, will once again return to the Enchanted Storybook Castle, immersing tourists in local Shanghai culture.
(Natural News) One of the first orders of business on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs (AOC) plate this legislative cycle is to establish a congressional commission to rein in the media and stop false information from spreading.

Pulling a page straight from 1984, AOC told viewers during an Instagram livestream the other night that she believes Congress needs to launch truth and reconciliation or media literacy initiatives aimed at realigning the type of speech that is allowed to be published or broadcasted.

I do think that several members of Congress, in some of my discussions, have brought up media literacy because that is a part of what happened here and were going to have to figure out how we rein in our media environment so that you cant just spew disinformation and misinformation, AOC whined in her that painfully cringeworthy voice of hers.

A prominent member of The Squad, a group of annoying communist women who abhor the Constitution, AOC does not approve of freedom of speech or freedom of the press.

Its one thing to have differentiating opinions, but its another thing entirely to just say things that are false, the former bartender explained, trying to sound smart while sounding utterly stupid.

How AOCs proposed ministry of truth congressional committee would operate remains a mystery, as the junior congresswoman indicated that her allied lawmakers are still looking into the idea to come up with a framework for it.

AOC says all members of Congress who she thinks are scary need to resign immediately

Clearly indicating that she has no clue how the Constitution actually works, AOC failed to address under what authority Congress has the power to crack down on Americans free speech rights. All she knows is that she wants free speech to end, and she was hardly shy in conveying that.

AOC is also under the impression that free speech and the purveyance of false information are both responsible for the Capitol false flag siege that leftists are now using as an excuse to trample Americans constitutional rights.

As the Capitol invasion was taking place, AOC says she thought she was going to die at the hands of white supremacists  not from the public, mind you, but in Congress.

AOC actually believes that there are hooded Klansmen in the House of Representatives and the Senate that are just waiting to pounce on her and other legislators of color because of the color of their skin.

I didnt even feel safe around other members of Congress, AOC complained during the livestream.

There were QAnon white supremacist sympathizers and, frankly, white supremacist members of Congress in that extraction point who I know and who I have felt would disclose my location and would create opportunities to allow me to be hurt, kidnapped, et cetera.

Because she personally felt unsafe based on these delusions, AOC is now calling on all Republicans who amplified lies to undermine our democracy, encouraged an attack on our Capitol, and tried to overturn our election to immediately resign from their posts. Included on AOCs resignation demand list are Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

She is a hideous tyrant, wrote one NewsPunch commenter. You can tell she descended from a bloodthirsty murderer named Cortez.

The division and hate are reaching a pinnacle, which is the elite Luciferians goal, wrote another. The old world has to fall in the ashes before they can have their NWO one-world government and religion behind their king, the antichrist.

More related news about the leftist assault on freedom of speech and the First Amendment can be found at FirstAmendment.news.

Sources for this article include:

NewsPunch.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Subscriber content preview

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  President-elect Joe Biden is proposing a $1.9 trillion plan to expand coronavirus vaccinations, help individuals and jump-start the economy. The plan, which would require congressional approval, is packed with proposals on health care, education, labor and cybersecurity. On Friday, he outlined a five-step approach to getting the vaccination to the American people, and to ensure that it is distributed equitably. Equity is central to our COVID response, he said.

Here's a look at what's in Biden's plan:





. . .
A Stormont minister has questioned whether a multicultural community group was adequately protected prior to a racist arson attack.

Communities minister Deirdre Hargey said members of ethic communities were angry, fearful and frustrated following last weeks attack on the Belfast Multicultural Association.

Police are treating the attack as a hate crime. The interior of the facility was badly damaged in the fire, with large sections of the roof destroyed.

Expand Close Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey at the scene of the fire at the Belfast Multicultural Association last week (Sinn Fein/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey at the scene of the fire at the Belfast Multicultural Association last week (Sinn Fein/PA)

The building was being used as a food bank, with volunteers distributing packages to vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Hargey told the Stormont Assembly her priority was to get the association back in the building as soon as possible.

She said she was working with Belfast City Council to find a temporary home for the association and its work. She said the council had offered the use of the Waterfront Hall.

With this attack theres obviously been a rise in fears within the community, the minister told MLAs.

And this isnt just pertaining to now, theres been a building of the events, there have been previous attacks.

And there is a concern and a feeling of anger and frustration amongst the association but also minority ethnic communities more generally.

And also, you know, were all of the protections put in place or were there gaps?

Expand Close The Belfast Multicultural Association building was operating as a food bank prior to the fire (David Young/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Belfast Multicultural Association building was operating as a food bank prior to the fire (David Young/PA)

The minister said association members were using their own homes over the weekend to continue their work distributing food packages.

Thats not sustainable, so were looking at current locations, she said.

I know last night Belfast City Council were offering the Waterfront Hall. I know other voluntary organisations have come forward to the department with support for buildings to get them in on a temporary basis.

The longer term plan is obviously getting the organisation back into the building and I think that was one of the big things that there is a support from this Assembly and from others that we want them back in that building again, we want the building opened again and for them to deliver more services than what they are now and I know theres an aspiration and innovation from the project to do that.

Our answer to hate. Love.



Our answer to despair. Hope.



Our answer to destruction. Build back better.



Thank you so much for the overwhelming support for Belfast Multi-Cultural Association. With all previous targets now smashed, we have lifted the fundraising goal to A60,000. https://t.co/O0aTYIsHN3  Patrick Corrigan (@PatrickCorrigan) January 17, 2021

A crowdfunding drive to raise funds for the association has raised more than 66,000 to date.

Ms Hargey said the Department of Justice would have a role in addressing the issues around security and protections.

Racism cannot be tolerated, to has to be faced down, she said.

I think that was one of the areas that members of the association and the wider community want to see more of in terms of that visible support for them out on the ground when incidents like this happen.

And I think that needs to be the case whether its racism or sectarianism wherever it raises its ugly head.
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.
Deadlines are useful tools. Without them, a lot of us wouldnt get things done.

And the self-assessment online deadline is no different. You get organised and file your return, or you receive your comeuppance in the post in the form of a 100 fine.

We all know, deep down, that tax bills are unavoidable and will have to be paid sooner or later. The threat of a fine or interest helps us get this done and move on.

Death and taxes: We all know, deep down, that tax bills are unavoidable and will have to be paid sooner or later

This is why more than 700,000 people filed their return on deadline day last year, compared with the 96,519 who did so on the very first day of the tax year.

Lets be honest, too  we have had more than enough time to file our returns. It is more than nine months since the window first opened. A strict deadline and the threat of a fine are needed to spur us into action.

But perhaps this year is different. Coronavirus has caused untold heartache, loss and upset. Incomes were wiped out last year and have still not yet had a chance to recover. Accountants are also grappling with a raft of new criteria, as well as battling sickness and home-schooling.

But most of us will still be able to find the time to file our return. Indeed, most of us have already. Yet it is troubling to think that those who have lost loved ones or spent time in hospital fighting for their lives could have a 100 penalty land on their doorstep.

The taxman has also shown signs of strain. Call waiting times are considerably longer and HMRC could soon be dealing with millions of penalty appeals.

And yet, while sticking rigidly to the January 31 deadline, HMRC has at the same time made it a lot easier to prolong the inevitable. Taxpayers can now simply fill in an online form to stagger their bill across a year.

For those struggling to pay the bill, this could be a lifeline. But interest is, of course, piled on top, and there is a risk that thousands of people will be tempted to take this option as the easy way out  building up extra debt for another day when, inevitably, more bills will be due.

Non-negotiable deadlines are good for us, but it doesnt sit well that Covid victims could be fined this year while others are offered the chance to get into debt.

Should the stamp duty holiday deadline also be set in stone? Unlike tax returns, home purchases cannot be completed in a few hours. Those who have done all they can to meet the deadline should be shown leniency to stop sales and chains falling apart.

Insurance indignity

It was a humbling day for insurers last week as the Supreme Court ordered them to pay out hundreds of millions of pounds to struggling businesses.

These firms had bought policies to protect them against disruption and losses  but when the pandemic arrived and they needed to claim to stay afloat, the door was shut firmly in their faces.

Now, after an arduous and no doubt staggeringly expensive legal fight, the insurers have been ordered to pay up. Lets hope they dont dilly-dally any longer and save these businesses from collapse. Insurers would do well to remember that ordinary people are trying to do the right thing when they buy their products.

Insurance is often expensive but that is the price of security. So when insurers try to wriggle out of paying, using vague small print, it never looks good. Its nice to see justice has been done.

Health and wealth

A major scientific study this week confirms what many people have always suspected: that you keep getting happier as you get more and more money.

Yes, it would be wonderful to have no money worries but for most of us that will never be the case.

I like to think better money management will help you to be happier with whatever you have.

Budgeting and saving are necessary evils. Wed love to hear your financial philosophies. Contact us at moneymail@dailymail.co.uk.
Lets hope that President-elect Joe Biden, who will be sworn in Wednesday, can do for America what Rep. Andy Kim did after the rampage at the Capitol: Help clean up the mess.

We caught up with Kim last week, after a now-viral photo showed him on his knees, working alongside custodians to pick up the trashed rotunda (It really just broke my heart, he explained).

We spoke about another big mess were facing: The botched rollout of the COVID vaccine. Of roughly 31 million doses sent out to states, only about 12 million have been used. Why cant desperate people get them? Below is what he told editorial writer Julie OConnor, in an edited transcript.

Q. First, is it true many Republicans didnt wear masks during the Capitol attack? Did you get tested for COVID?

A. I havent gotten tested yet, but I expect to. Look, it wasnt just about Jan. 6th. This is an ongoing problem when it comes to some of my colleagues on the Republican side. What boggles my mind is that we literally had the death of a colleague of ours, a young Republican Congressman-elect, of COVID. He was in his 40s. We had a moment of silence for him on the House floor. To honor him. But if they really wanted to honor him, they would do what they needed to do on the public health side to try to protect themselves and others.

Q. This is how Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman believes she got infected.

A. Thats right. Several of my colleagues tested positive in the aftermath and I think its very clear that it was related to those events.

Q. N.J. just opened up vaccine eligibility to a lot of folks: Seniors, smokers and those with certain illnesses. Was that the right move?

A. Yes, I think we should be focusing in on seniors and those particularly susceptible. But the problem right now is that we do not have enough doses from the federal government. Ive visited multiple vaccination sites, and each says they could be doing so much more. They will run out of doses within a few hours. Its so frustrating.

Q. Whats causing the bottleneck?

A. This was the flaw of Operation Warp Speed from the start. I worked with the Trump administration, though my role on the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, to push forward on the production and development of a vaccine, but I told them its also about the distribution.

I remember raising this with the Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, months ago, saying we just dont have a federal strategy. We dont have an actual plan on how to get this out to people. And now were seeing the faults of that. States are competing with each other on doses, trying to scramble to get what they can. And they dont have enough money to fully implement this.

Its the same problem we experienced with testing, all over again: An uncoordinated system that pits states against each other for scarce resources, and the federal government just saying, this is not our job.

Q. Why arent there enough doses?

A. Some of this we need to look into. But in all my conversations with Operation Warp Speed over several months, they kept talking about how we are pre-purchasing these doses; that these doses are in production simultaneously to the vaccine being tested, so that once approval is there, we will have millions and millions of doses that will be able to go out.

They were talking huge numbers: 20 million people can be vaccinated, or 100 million doses in the first period of time, thats what they were promising us. And I believed them. And its just clear that was not right. They were not actually scaling to that level. I was misinformed. And I think the American people should feel misinformed. Why did we not purchase those additional 100 million doses that Pfizer offered, and the Trump administration turned down? We will have time for an oversight investigation. But we have to figure out what we are going to do now, going forward.

Q. You say were just not on track right now.

A. You try to calculate how you get over 6 million people in New Jersey vaccinated. As of now, we need to theorize that in terms of 2 doses. Youre looking at over 12 million doses for adults in New Jersey. If you try to do that in 6 months, youre going to have to be doing over 60,000 doses a day. Were just not even close to that. Earlier this week, we were at 229,000 doses, and weve been doing this for about a month. We need to be operating at like 65,000 a day in order to get all adults immunized within 6 months. Yes, this is first and foremost about saving lives. But its also how we get our economy up and running. So why can we not just put forward the billions we need to the states right now, to operate a full throttle, gold standard operation?

Q. The state says its aiming to get 70 percent of adults vaccinated by the end of May. Is that still possible?

A. I do not know. State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli literally doesnt know how many doses shes going to get next month. Whatever theyve got, theyre pushing forward. And theyre taking some chances, because they know that eventually theres going to be some new vaccines online and the Biden administration is putting together a professional team thats going to have some of the strongest logistical operators in the county, to help us put this together and mobilize the Defense Production Act. Again, all things that should have been happening months ago.

Q. Do you worry that broadening eligibility will come at the expense of targeting the vaccine to the most vulnerable?

A. The nursing home and other long-term care centers have their own track, not through the general effort. Earlier this week we were at about 89 percent of these facilities visited at least once by vaccinators.

But we dont have enough doses right now, and when you open things up, it sets an expectation. What we see is the same problem set forth by the federal government with its uncoordinated, disjointed system for testing. Why do we not have a single portal where people can go, to schedule an appointment?

My parents were going on the ShopRite website, the county site; there are just so many different places. We logged in together, because they are not the best at computers. And there were like 11,000 people ahead of us in line to make an appointment at ShopRite. How in the world are people supposed to navigate this? Theres going to be a 1-800 number set up soon, but you can imagine whats going to happen to that. We have 1.5 million people in New Jersey that are 65 and older. And a couple hundred thousand doses right now, at most.

And we still need to get second doses to the health care workers and long-term care centers. People think you can just schedule, and that simply isnt the case right now. My parents were up all night, thinking maybe at 2 in the morning, this is going to be better. And it was not. Im even further down in the line. I dont know when Im going to be able to get a vaccine. Ive got a three-year-old child; over a third of his life has been during this pandemic. Theres a light at the end of the tunnel, but we just dont know how much longer this tunnel is going to be.

Q. I thought members of Congress got vaccinated. Some didnt? You chose not to?

A. Im a 38-year-old, healthy individual. I did not feel like it was right for me to get the vaccine before health care workers and seniors and those that need it most. Ill wait my turn.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share.
Mr. Schwarzman, who told people that he felt obligated to help his country if asked, was not dissuaded. He viewed his advisory role as a chance to give back, say colleagues and friends. And after decades on Wall Street, he appeared to find it invigorating to have such a close engagement with public policy.

His sole objective was to help achieve positive policy outcomes for the American people, Christine Anderson, a Blackstone spokeswoman, said in a statement.

An Odd Alliance

A lifelong Republican who favors lower taxes and spending, alongside beliefs like the need to preserve womens reproductive freedom, Mr. Schwarzman had only occasionally gotten involved in the affairs of past administrations. He was not above taking lighthearted shots at what he regarded as wrongheaded Democratic policies during Blackstones Monday staff meetings, but his political activity didnt stretch far beyond reminding Blackstone employees  the firm has a large Democratic contingent  to vote on Election Day, and writing checks to favored candidates.

Mr. Trump was not among them. So when the president-elect called Mr. Schwarzman shortly after his victory in 2016 and asked him to convene a panel of business advisers to discuss jobs and the economy, the executive was surprised, but willing, two colleagues said.

Mr. Schwarzman assembled a team of 15 fellow business leaders and policy experts, including Laurence D. Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, and Robert A. Iger, then chief executive of the Walt Disney Company. The group tried to talk the president down from some ideas that werent backed by data, such as that China was a currency manipulator, The New York Times has reported. It also aired concerns to him about his proposed ban on travel and immigration from predominantly Muslim countries, which was widely disliked in the business community.

Later, when some members of the panel wanted to resign after Mr. Trumps inflammatory remarks about deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., Mr. Schwarzman drafted a statement announcing the groups disbandment and alerted the presidents team  it was basic courtesy to tell him, Mr. Schwarzman wrote in his memoir, published in September 2019  only for Mr. Trump to quickly announce that he was the one disbanding the panel.
Pictured: Breeanna Robinson, 21, who died in 2013

The final moments of a blind cheerleader's life have been revealed after her boyfriend allegedly threw her off the balcony of a high-rise apartment block.

Breeana Robinson died when Jayden Moorea, formerly known as Dan Shearin, then-40, allegedly tossed the 21-year-old off the 11th floor of his unit in Southport on the Gold Coast on January 29, 2013.

After a six-year delay, the cruise ship entertainer was charged with murder and damaging evidence in 2019. The state coroner had postponed the inquest into her death in 2017.

Moorea appeared at a committal hearing in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where former neighbour Julie Carroll, who was watching a movie in her 11th floor apartment, said she heard screaming and crying on night of the tragedy.

'I could hear the man, he was loud, yelling, and a woman was crying,' she told the court, adding that the voices got louder the Daily Telegraph reported.

She testified that she did not see Ms Robinson, but heard a 'high-pitched scream' that stopped abruptly soon after the argument died down.

Moorea (right), a cruise ship entertainer formerly known as Dan Shearin, is accused of throwing Ms Robinson (left) from his balcony

Gordon Cassidy, a security guard who was working at the H2O apartment block that night, told the hearing her heard Ms Robinson fall and saw her after she landed on a glass awning outside the foyer

Defence barrister Angus Edwards asked if the scream could have been cut off so suddenly because the woman hit a glass awning.

'That's what I believe is what I heard,' Ms Carroll replied.

Dr Rebecca Adams lived a few floors above the couple and said thought someone had been hit by a car when she heard a loud noise and a thump.

When she looked over the railing, along with multiple others, she saw 'blood pooling' around Ms Robinson's head.

The couple's next-door neighbour Lisa Dunscombe insisted she heard no arguing, but heard a thud and what she described as a 'release of breath' while sitting inside her apartment.

Dr Rebecca Adams lived a few floors above the couple and said thought someone had been hit by a car when she heard a loud noise and a thump. Pictured: Moorea with two waitresses

One witness said Moorea (pictured with his dog) seemed upset when he got in the elevator, struggling to do up his pants and use his phone

'Because it was a foreign noise I went out to investigate  it wasn't a normal traffic noise,' she told the court.

Ms Dunscombe initially thought the young woman's body was a mannequin, as though someone was playing a sick joke.

She also said Moorea seemed upset when he got in the elevator, struggling to do up his pants and use his phone.

Alan Walker was sitting on his balcony and heard an 'oh no' as an 'object' plunged past him.

The committal hearing will allow the magistrate to determine whether there is enough evidence to send Moorea to trial at the Supreme or District Court.

Breeana Robinson (right), 21, died after falling 11 storeys from her boyfriend Jayden Moorea's (left) luxury apartment at Southport. Ms Robinson was legally blind

About 70 of Ms Robinson's (left) friends and former colleagues are expected to give evidence during the hearing

Moorea has denied the charges.

About 70 of Ms Robinson's friends and former colleagues are expected to give evidence during the hearing.

The court was also played a Triple 0 recording of the phone call Moorea made on the night of Ms Robinson's death.

'We are down in the foyer, she has landed on the glass,' Moorea said.

The emergency operator asked Moorea if his girlfriend was breathing and he said didn't know as he couldn't get to her.

Moorea was also heard asking if there was a ladder.

Gordon Cassidy, a security guard who was working at the H2O apartment block that night, told the hearing her heard Ms Robinson fall and saw her after she landed on a glass awning outside the foyer.

Gold Coast cheerleader Breeana Robinson fell to her death from the 11th floor of the H2O building in Southport in 2013

Mr Cassidy said he then accessed the awning where Ms Robinson was lying with Moorea and another man.

Mr Cassidy said the 21-year-old was still breathing so he moved her body away from the broken glass and began to perform CPR.

Mieke Pearce, who lived directly below Moorea, said she heard arguing on the night of the incident.

'I just feel like it all happened very quickly. From the memory I have now it all happened one after the other,' she said.

Ms Pearce told the court she heard a woman 'yell out no'.

She had only moved into the unit five days before Ms Robinson's death but heard the couple argue two or three times.

In a second Triple 0 phone call played to the court, Moorea said his girlfriend climbed over the balcony.

'I went into the bedroom and she just ran onto the balcony and she has gone over the balcony,' he said on the call.

This call was made before Moorea went downstairs and prior to the other Triple 0 call.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Robotic Forklift Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Robotic Forklift market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Robotic Forklift Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31069

According to this study, over the next five years, the Robotic Forklift market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Robotic Forklift business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Robotic Forklift market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Robotic Forklift market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Toyota

Comwin

KION

Hyundai Construction Equipment

Suzhou AGV Robot Co. Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

BHS Corrugated

Hangcha

Jungheinrich

BALYO

Yonegy

Hangzhou Lanxin Technology Co., Ltd.

Scott Transbotics

Machinery Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31069

This study considers the Robotic Forklift value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Laser Navigation

Magnetic Navigation

Visual Navigation

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Logistics

Manufacturing

Wholesale and Retail

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Robotic Forklift Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31069

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Robotic Forklift consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Robotic Forklift market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Robotic Forklift manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Robotic Forklift with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Robotic Forklift submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/robotic-forklift-market-research-report-analysis-by-vendors-types-applications-and-global-forecast-by-2020-2025/
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
There's no doubt about it: fans of Gogglebox Australia are obsessed with Matty and Sarah Marie Fahd's adorable son Malik.

And over the weekend, the show's youngest star was christened at a lavish ceremony in Sydney attended by friends and family.

Proud parents Matty and Sarah Marie, both 33, documented the event in a series of gorgeous photos shared to Instagram.

Blessed baby: Gogglebox couple Sarah Marie and Matty Fahd held their son Malik's christening over the weekend. Pictured with their friend and Gogglebox co-star Jad Nehmetallah

'Congratulations my beautiful boy Malik on his Christening yesterday. May you be blessed with health and happiness all of your life,' Sarah Marie captioned her photos.

'Thank you for being his Godparents @fat_rockz and @krisfade We are so lucky to have you and thank you @frankie_cee_ for being an amazing proxi Godfather for Kris who could not be in AU on the day,' she added.

'We love you so much Malik.'

Mama's boy: 'May you be blessed with health and happiness all of your life,' Sarah said

Sarah wore figure-hugging white dress, while Matty looked dapper in a pin-striped suit. Little Malik donned a white ensemble by Sydney designer Lillian Khallouf.

The guest list included the Fahds' friend and Gogglebox co-star Jad Nehmetallah.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in the lead-up to the event, Matty said he was nervous the Covid-19 restrictions in NSW could hinder the big day.

'We've got Malik's Christening, which we are so excited for... provided Covid doesn't ruin it for the third time,' he said.

Fashionable family: Sarah wore figure-hugging white dress, while Matty looked dapper in a pin-striped suit. Little Malik donned a white ensemble by Sydney designer Lillian Khallouf

The christening was held in a Sydney church and all the adult guests wore masks in accordance with the statewide mandate.

After the ceremony, a post-christening event was held at Oliveto Ristorante.

The couple hired a professional photographer from Siempre Weddings, styling and florals were provided by Royal Balloonz, and Buttercreme Lane baked the cake.

All the details: The couple hired a professional photographer from Siempre Weddings , styling and florals were provided by Royal Balloonz , and Buttercreme Lane baked the cake.

Covid-safe christening: The christening was held in a Sydney church and all the adult guests wore masks in accordance with the statewide mandate

In December, Sarah Marie and Matty threw Malik a lavish first birthday party.

The couple created a jungle-themed safari bash for the milestone, and also made it a joint celebration for their bulldog Bane, who turned three.

After the event, Matty shared a sweet tribute to his wife and son on Instagram.

Birthday boy: In December, Sarah Marie and Matty threw Malik a lavish first birthday party

'A belated thank you to my love @sarahmariefahd who didn't let 20 people [and] Covid restrictions dampen her motivation to put on the best birthday party she could for our boys,' he wrote.

'Malik and Bane's jungle safari was quite the little party.'

In the lead-up to his big day, Sarah shared her own post about Malik turning one.

Jungle: The couple created a jungle-themed safari for the occasion

'How are you already one year old?' she wrote alongside a photo of her little boy.

'Time has flown faster than I care to admit. You make me so proud to be your mother and I wish you all the happiness in the world my beautiful baby boy Malik.

'A big happy first birthday and lets also not forget his BFF @bane_tha_bully who shares his birthday with Malik and is turning three! Happy birthday Malik and Bane.'

Earlier this month, the young parents launched a children's clothing store, TMRW Kids, which Matty said was inspired by his famous tot.

The 13th season of Gogglebox Australia airs on Foxtel and 10 in early 2021
Thor: Love and Thunder is more than a year away from hitting theaters. But in recent months, the project has started to come together in development. Many members of the cast and crew are now gathering in Australia to begin production.

And, it looks like Marvel may have a major surprise in store for fans. One of Hollywoods biggest stars was reportedly spotted down under this past week, sparking rumors of a major top-secret cameo.

Thor: Love and Thunder star Chris Hemsworth

Thor: Love and Thunder is the fourth solo film for Chris Hemsworths character

Chris Hemsworths Thor will likely be the only one of the original six Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who will be part of the cinema side of phase 4. Hes also the first central Marvel character to have their solo series reach four movies.

According to Cinema Blend, Hemsworth is returning for Thor: Love and Thunder, along with Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) and Natalie Portman (Jane Foster). As most fans know by now, Jane will be transforming into The Mighty Thor in the upcoming sequel.

RELATED: Chris Pratt Confirms His Appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder While Trolling Chris Hemsworth

The Guardians of the Galaxy are also expected to make an appearance. After all, the God of Thunder did leave Earth with them at the end of Avengers: Endgame.

Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Dave Bautista (Drax), Sean Gunn (Kraglin), and Pom Klementieff (Mantis) have already been spotted in Australia.

The primary villain in the film will be Gorr the God Butcher. Christian Bale is ditching DC and heading over to Marvel to play the alien who yields the All-Black the Necrosword.

One of Hollywoods biggest stars sparks Marvel rumors after being spotted in Australia

According to News.com.au, Matt Damon and his family recently arrived in Sydney, Australia, on a private jet. Apparently, the Oscar winner has begun quarantining in preparation for a cameo in Thor: Love and Thunder.

Currently, its unknown what role Damon will play in Taika Waititis sequel or how big his part will be. But, the expectation is that Damon will reprise the uncredited role he played in Thor: Ragnarok.

Fans will remember that Damons unnamed character was one of the Asgardian thespians. He played the role of Loki on stage alongside Luke Hemsworth as fake Thor. The two were putting on a performance of events from Thor: The Dark World.

RELATED: Thor: Chris Hemsworth Teases Dramatic Changes in Love and Thunder

It was a brief cameo from Damon, and fans never saw what happened to his character during Helas attack and Surturs destruction of Asgard. But if Damon is reprising the same role, its safe to say his character made it to the lifeboat and to the escape pod during Thanos attack.

However, theres also the possibility that Damon could be playing a completely different character. And, he could be making a lot more than just a cameo.

Australia welcomes Matt Damon and his family for the filming of Thor: Love and Thunder

While the majority of the cast and crew of Thor: Love and Thunder have quarantined in a government facility, Damon and his family will do so in private. According to The Daily Mail, the Damon family landed in Australia on Saturday, January 16. After that they began their privately-arranged 14-day quarantine in New South Wales.

Im so excited that my family and I will be able to call Australia home for the next few months, Damon said.

The 50-year-old actor flew to Australia with his wife Luciana Barroso and their children Isabella, 14, Gia, 12, and Stella, 10. The family will receive their private health services from Dr. Zac Turner, the CEO of Concierge Doctors.

RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Calls Thor: Love and Thunders Insane Script One of the Best Hes Read in Years

Hollywood superstar Matt Damon joining our homegrown talent to film such a major movie in NSW [New South Wales] is a big win creating thousands of jobs for locals, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Australias management of COVID-19 and our Governments tax incentives have ensured that our film industry is booming with many new jobs for actors as well electricians, carpenters, cooks, security staff, bus drivers, and a massive boost for NSW.

Damon and his wife have also purchased a $22 million mansion in the popular Australian coastal town of Byron Bay. Right near their friends Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky.

Thor: Love and Thunder is scheduled for release in theaters on May 6, 2022
LOS ANGELES, California  Air-quality regulations that limit the amount of cremations in Los Angeles County are being suspended because of an unmanageable backlog of bodies from victims of the coronavirus, according to reports.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued the order suspending the cremation limits until Jan. 27, the Modesto Bee reports. The order could be extended if needed, slate.com reports.

The order says there were more than 2,700 bodies being stored at hospitals in L.A. County and at the coroners office as of Jan. 15. One person dies from the coronavirus in the county every six minutes, reports say, with more than 13,800 people having died since the beginning of the pandemic. Another surge of cases and deaths is expected following the holidays.

The county on Monday surpassed more than 1 million cases on Sunday, Slate reports. More than 13,000 cases are being diagnosed each day, putting a strain on hospitals, according to reports. Business Insider reports hospitals were running out of oxygen and that a coffin manufacturer was struggling with a wood shortage because of increased demand.

The Guardian reports there are 28 crematoriums in the county. While they have the capacity to handle more bodies, they were limited by air-quality regulations.
THE private Beacon Hospital has agreed to sign a safety net agreement with the HSE which will see public patients who need complex care transferred from Covid-hit hospitals.

Chief executive Michael Cullen said: We are comfortable that the agreement shared with us on Sunday night addresses the concerns that we had raised and are pleased to be in a position where we will work even more closely with the HSE in the days and weeks ahead.

Over the past four months, between 15pc-20pc of Beacon Hospitals surgical capacity and 55pc of our intensive care unit has been dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of public patients with complex, time-sensitive issues.

We look forward to continuing to do this work and to increasing the capacity available  up to 30pc  if required by the HSE to help support the public system during this time of immense pressure.

Read More

Beacon Hospital has also offered the HSE the use of a newly built, state-of-the-art vaccination centre to support the ongoing national vaccination programme.

The centre has the capacity to do up to 9,000 vaccinations per week and has already been used to vaccinate almost 1,500 HSE frontline workers. The HSE has indicated that it will accept this offer and will use the facility over the coming months.

The HSE said 18 private hospitals have joined the arrangement.

It is understood the agreement with the Beacon Hospital will allow for doctor-to-doctor referral where a medic in a public hospital liaises with a doctor in the private hospital.

Speaking earlier this week Dr Stephen Frohlich, head of intensive care in the Beacon Hospital, told the Irish Independent that just close to 300 of its staff have been vaccinated.

The only staff who got the vaccine are in its emergency department along with key theatre workers like anaesthesia nurses. Not all of its intensive care nurses have got the jab.

The Beacon is an acute hospital. We see 60 to 70 patients a day in the emergency department, Dr Frohlich said. Many of those recently had Covid-19. It is only right those staff be vaccinated.

He said: We are dealing with at least 100 surgeries a day on both public and private patients. It is only right for those patients who are coming in for surgery that the staff have been vaccinated. We should vaccinate those who are greatest priority first in public or private hospitals.

He said the Beacon Hospital was already taking public patients to relieve the pressures on local hospitals.

The local arrangement, involving doctor-to-doctor referrals, is more efficient and will allow for more public patients with conditions such as cancer to be treated than under the first original HSE safety net agreement.

He said that would mean that the patients sent to the Beacon would be decided on by a bureaucratic centralised HSE system.

We signed up to a deal in spring with the HSE and it was a dismal failure. The hospital was 70pc empty. I got one single public patient in the entire three months.

Under the original agreement the HSE would have ultimate clinical governance of a portion of the capacity in the Beacon.

He said the Beacon has already postponed some private work to deal with public patients who need to be transferred from struggling public hospitals.

Consultants from the hospital wrote to the HSE and said they wanted to take on as much public work as possible but working with local hospitals, rather than a centralised HSE arrangement.

Since early October we have moved the operating theatre schedule to six days a week rather than five.

He said the hospital also planned to open theatres on Sundays for public patients.

He recalled a day within the past week when the Beacon had a full operating theatre schedule and 17pc were HSE patients who were referred from Beaumont. Other public patients are referred from hospitals in Tallaght, Tullamore and the Mater.

Dr Frohlich went on: Most of the patients have cancer and they cannot be treated as a result of the of the Covid-19 crisis. Eight patients with lung cancer have been transferred to us from the Mater for operations this week.

The doctor from the Mater is bringing some her staff to the Beacon.

The Mater phoned us, said they could not get them done, and we said we would move mountains to do that. We are doing that every day of the week.

On Friday afternoon one of the consultants said they got a call from Beaumont Hospital where a lung cancer patient needed urgent surgery. They were transferred within an hour and operated on Saturday morning. It did not need to go through any bureaucracy. It went from one doctor to another. That works.

He said the Beacon will open its theatre on Sundays if there is a huge need for surgery on public patients.

WEST SPRINGFIELD  Landmark at Monastery Heights is now Prosper at Monastery Heights after being sold earlier this month to a startup Prosper Life Care for $11.95 million.

Prosper  a partnership among two businessmen from western New York and the owner of home care agencies based in Westborough, Massachusetts  also bought the former Landmark property in Fall River for $14.1 million, according to records at the registry of deeds there.

The West Springfield transaction was recorded Jan. 6 at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds.

It was just a really good opportunity, said Russell Papia, president of the new Prosper Life Care. One of the things was that when we came in, there were no major issues. The building is good. The staff is great. The residents are happy for the most part. We all need to get through COVID, of course.

Papia, who lives in the Buffalo area, and partner Scot Sandel, the company CEO also of western New York, have decades of experience in the industry, he said. Equity partner Azriel Lieberman is from Massachusetts.

These two facilities are the first two, and at this point, the only properties Prosper Life Care owns. The company is focusing on assisted living centers that offer memory care to seniors.

We are looking to grow and being extremely selective, Papia said Were being extremely careful about how we grow,

In West Springfield, the Roman Catholic Passionist Congregation built the property in the Spanish Colonial Revival style as the Our Mother of Sorrows Monastery and Retreat center in 1923. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Passionists sold the monastery and its 18 acres to Simsbury Associates in 1997. Simsbury Associates converted it into a 105-unit assisted-living center.

Papia said the chapel and stained glass windows were retained. But the assisted living center has no ties to the Passionists and is not a denominational or religious organization.

The 105-unit Prosper at Monastery Heights remains about 90% occupied despite the difficulties in operating under COVID-19 restrictions, Papia said.

The cost of living there varies. It depends on level of care and whether memory care is warranted. There are programs for low-income residents. But it averages $2,500 to $4,000 a month and includes three meals a day provided by a chef.

That puts Prosper at Monastery Heights squarely in what Papia called the middle class of assisted living facilities.

We wanted communities that are going to fill that need, he said.

Papia was meeting Monday with staff to set up COVID-19 vaccinations for employees. He said sales staff can give tours to prospective residents, but without any current residents nearby.

The facility has also curtailed group activities in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Landmark at Monastery Heights at 110 Monastery Ave. in West Springfield has changed owners. (Don Treeger | The Republican photo)

Related content:

Rome, Jan 19 : Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has won the first of two confidence votes at the Lower House of Parliament by 321 in favour, 259 against and 27 abstaining.

Conte sought the confidence vote after former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, now a senator who leads the Italia Viva party, pulled out of the ruling majority last week, sparking a government crisis, reports Xinhua news agency.

As a result of Renzi's move, Conte now needs to find other political allies with enough votes in parliament to give him a new majority.

The government he leads is currently backed by the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the center-left Democratic Party (PD).

Renzi cited disagreements with the government over its handling of the pandemic and its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, a massive investment project using European Union (EU) funds, as his reasons for quitting.

Monday vote was was the first of two confidence votes the Prime Minister is facing.

The second one will take place on Tuesday after Conte addresses the Senate.

According to Italian law, the cabinet can survive only if it has the confidence of both chambers of the parliament.

Conte will face a tougher test in the Senate and the outcome is highly uncertain.

However, some domestic observers expect Conte's government to survive the current crisis, but with a thinner coalition majority compared to the one that has ruled since September 2019.

"The Prime Minister might obtain the confidence, but is not likely to enlarge the boundaries of his majority," Italy's weekly news magazine L'Espresso said on Monday.

Conte's effort to find new allies among lawmakers from political groups outside the M5S-PD coalition in the Senate might succeed, after all, resulting in a 161-seat majority (which would exactly mean half of the senators plus one), L'Espresso added.

If this was the case, the magazine said, it would still be a very thin political base.

"So scarce numbers...would have an immediate political repercussion: the margins for the government's action will be just as narrow," L'Espresso added.

Meanwhile, at a video conference with international media on Monday, the director of LUISS University's School of Government Giovanni Orsina said he expected the government to win the confidence vote in both houses, despite several uncertainties.

"The cabinet is likely to survive, but with a thinner majority," Orsina said.

At the same conference, LUISS professor of Applied Economics Valentina Meliciani warned the crisis should not end up affecting the country's ability to plan and to spend efficiently the huge financial resources soon coming from the massive EU recovery fund.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
LongGood, Taiwan's first rehabilitation software development company enables remote patient monitoring using only one motion sensor per patient, which is deployed in patient homes

Hospitals and healthcare systems across the world are looking at telehealth strategies to connect with patients in remote locations. Taiwan's first rehabilitation software development company, 'LongGood' has developed a TeleRehabilitation system to help hospitals deliver rehabilitation training and monitor patient progress remotely using only one motion sensor per patient, which is deployed in patient homes. LongGood was selected by Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) as one of the 100 featured Taiwanese startups showcased at CES 2021.

"We have developed rehabilitation training programs and physical fitness assessment tools that allow patients to receive high-quality intervention services anytime, anywhere. Our system is designed with medical professionals and has been used extensively in many medical centers and related institutions. It not only increases patients' motivation in training but also saves lots of time for both therapists and patients," said Ray Chen, CEO of LongGood.

Leveraging Cloud Technology to Its Advantage

Combined with a cloud platform that generates real-time data, LongGood's rehabilitation system allows medical practitioners to monitor patients' training performances and arrange suitable training based on individual patient needs.

Using the LongGood platform, therapists can arrange personalized training remotely based on patient needs. LongGood Cloud provides over 100 gamified training programs that allow medical practitioners to design personalized training courses and assign these to the corresponding patients. Training results are visualized, allowing medical practitioners to easily track their patients' training progress. Furthermore, patients and their families are better able to understand the results of the interventions.

LongGood systems also save time, as they allow medical practitioners to manage multiple cases more efficiently.

The company also released "GaitBest," a gait analysis tool. "Different from portable or inch-by-inch gait analysis, LongGood provides a simple and fast solution. You only have to stand in front of the camera and walk forward for 5 meters. The system will immediately analyze the spatiotemporal parameters, saving lots of time," notes LongGood Product Manager Meng-Cheh Shih, who worked as a physical therapist prior to joining LongGood.

As the company claims, LongGood's systems are used in many first-tier medical centers, including Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, and multiple Taipei District Health Center locations (Daan, Zhongshan, Datong, Wanhua), among others.

Ray Chen founded LONGGOOD MEDITECH in 2011 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation training and assessment tools. LongGood has received many citations and awards, including the 2019 HQIC award, 2018 2 SNQ Award with Acute Stroke Patient treatment @TSGH, and 2016 Grant Recipient, Taiwan Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, among others
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.
Potential ferry riders gave a shopping list of what they want from potential new ferry service from Hudson Countys other waterfront to planners working on a study to be delivered in June.

Ideas came from the 36 people who participated in a Zoom meeting Thursday night about a study to add new ferry service from six sites, including the massive Bayfront community of 8,000 units proposed to be built on Jersey City-owned land between Route 440 and the Hackensack River.

Other potential landings include South Kearny, the Newark Bay side of Bayonne, Hoboken and West New York and Harrison.

Plenty of ideas were given about what the ferry study should look at, including stops at Hudson Mall, Newark airport, charter service to the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City, and making sure added ferry service has good connections with NJ Transit and is accessible by pedestrians and people riding bikes.

Ideas are still being collected through an online survey about ferry use that is open until the end of February, said Kevin Force, Hudson County principal planner and ferry study project manager. Meanwhile more public meetings will be scheduled.

The more people participating helps inform our decision making and makes it be a more inclusive process, he said. We are still in the data collection phase and hope to have the final report be released in June.

Frequent service and affordable fares were top desires of participants, expressed in two polls conducted during the presentation.

We want to make sure fares are not a barrier to people who use the system, Force said. Well look at fares of different levels, then identify different sources of funding for the infrastructure and service itself.

The study, started in June 2020 with a $276,000 grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, is not a commitment to operate ferry service.

We are looking for locations with the best potential for ferry landing without any dredging, Force said. Thats an extra step for implementation.

Ultimately the study will narrow the six ferry landing sites to three, he said.

This is a conceptual study. We dont have a ferry operator identified and no funding to implement it, Force said. We want to see if it is feasible and what destination and routes would be be favored.

So far, ferry planners have met with New York Harbor operations, safety and navigation committee members, the Port Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard.

We have a collaboration with them and theyll review our findings at the end, he said.

Hudson County is a peninsula with 72 miles of waterfront, containing densely populated cities that has seen congestion and capacity issues with some other transportation modes, he said.

Ferry service to Bayfront and the adjoining Jersey City westside neighborhoods prompted questions from Councilwomen Mira Prinz-Arey of Ward B and Denise Ridley of Ward A about serving the citys west side.

Bayfront also will be served by a branch of NJ Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to be extended across Route 440.

Prinz-Arey suggested the ferry also serve the Hudson Mall on Route 440 and asked how the ferry study planners are working with other transit services.

This is a good start and I want to include westside residents in the area to get feedback, with the extension of the light rail to Bayfront, Ridley said.

Both asked about bus connections to a Bayfront ferry landing and access for pedestrians and people on bicycles. Some of the participants also said theyd like a park and ride parking lot at ferry landings.

Bayfront is being designed with three new intersections with traffic lights to help pedestrians, cyclists and cars access it, in addition to a new light rail station, Force said.

Several residents of the Port Liberte community, located on the Hudson, south of Liberty State Park, asked when that ferry service will resume. NY Waterway service ended abruptly and left residents without their only public transportation link, said Nancy Shanes, a resident there.

Im excited Hudson County is looking at this, she said. We lost our bus service, we have no transportation service.

That service was halted last March due to coronavirus stay-at-home orders that caused ridership to decline.

Port Liberte service was suspended early in the pandemic, Wiley Norvell, an NY Waterway spokesman. Well be watching the regions recovery over the coming year as we decide on any next steps for this and our other ferry services.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
WTF?! If youre one of the millions of people who recently found themselves working from home, you might be tempted to take it easy now and again during office hours. If that's sounds familiar, be warned: according to a new report, one in five bosses are monitoring employees time-wasting antics without their knowledge.

In a report by Metro, unions warn that employers are taking advantage of Covid-19 restrictions to monitor remote workers covertly. One in five companies has admitted to snooping on staff or is planning to do so in the future.

We know many employers are investing in tech to micro-manage workers and automate decisions about who to hire, and who to let go. Staff must be properly consulted on the use of surveillance at work and protected from unfair management by algorithm, Frances OGrady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, told the publication. As we emerge from this crisis, technology must be used to make working lives better  not to rob people of their dignity.

The surveillance methods include checking how long it takes employees to read and reply to messages. The most worrying claim is that some bosses are surreptitiously watching staff via their webcams. In addition to the obvious privacy concerns, workers could face unfair disciplinary action.

A YouGov/Skillcast poll of 2,009 companies revealed that 12 percent said they had brought in remote monitoring. In the case of larger firms, that figure jumps to 16 percent, with 8 percent considering the action.

According to TUC research, one in seven employees has seen surveillance increase since they started working from home.

In the UK, companies are allowed to monitor employees without their knowledge if they suspect they are breaking the law.

Many tech giants have benefitted from the surge in remote working, and weve already seen examples of them pushing the boundaries of privacy. Microsoft, for example, changed its Productivity Score tool following a backlash against the feature's invasiveness.

Image credit: R R
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The coronavirus took a toll on Ohio in 2020, but its not the sole reason for a significant jump in the states death rate.

You can listen online here.

Preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health shows that at least 139,072 Ohioans died in 2020. Thats an increase of 17,225 from the average of 121,847 over the previous five years, with about 9,500 deaths attributed to the coronavirus. The manner of death on 1,900 cases is pending. Meanwhile, a study by a professor at Baldwin Wallace University shows how Donald Trumps tweets helped followers create an alternate reality. And Liz Walters, a Summit County councilwoman, is facing a big challenge as the new head of the Democratic Party of Ohio.

Hear cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn discuss these stories and more in The Wake Up podcast.

The podcast is a summary of cleveland.coms morning newsletter The Wake Up. You can receive The Wake Up through email at 5:30 a.m. each weekday by subscribing here.

You can get our podcasts delivered directly to your phone, and 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.




When you consider his background, Joe Biden is not unique among past presidents. But perhaps that is why he won the election in November. It was his third try.

Biden first ran for president in 1988, looking to become the Democratic partys nominee at the end of Ronald Reagans two terms in office. He did not get the nomination.

He then ran again in 2008, as the Democrats looked for a candidate to go up against the Republicans after George W. Bushs two terms in office.

During the primaries, he did not get enough support. Barack Obama eventually became the nominee and chose Biden as his running mate in the race against John McCain.

The Obama-Biden team won the election, and Biden became Vice President for eight years.

He chose not to run for president at the end of Obamas term. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were the candidates at the end of 2016.

In 2019, Biden announced his plans to run for the Democratic nomination for a third time. This time, he won, and faced off against Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

When Biden earned enough electoral college votes, he became President-elect of the United States. While this officially happened on December 14, 2020, many news organizations had called the race for Biden days after the November 3 vote.

Bidens inauguration is January 20. He will take the oath of office at noon.

When Biden repeats the oath with U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, he will join a very limited group of men to ever win the presidency.

To be part of such a group is unique. But among presidents, Biden is only unique in a few areas.

At 78, he will be the oldest man to take the oath of office. Donald Trump, at 70, had been the oldest. Twenty-five past presidents have been in their 50s.

Biden will only be the second Catholic to take the office. John F. Kennedy was the first.

Biden was born in Pennsylvania. But he started his political career in Delaware and is the first president to come from that state.

Only 19 states can claim a president. New York state has the most, with seven.

On paper, that is about all of Bidens presidential uniqueness.

Biden has a law degree, which means he is not unique among presidents. Twenty-six other American presidents were lawyers.

At 183 centimeters, Biden is not especially tall. In fact, eight presidents have been that height.

Biden was formerly a member of congress, as a senator from Delaware. He served for 36 years. Twenty-five other congressmen became president.

Biden, however, was a young senator. He won his election at just 29. He was the sixth youngest.

Biden was Obamas vice president. Fifteen presidents were once the VP.

Perhaps some Americans might consider Biden plain. Some political experts think that is why he won the election against the more flamboyant Trump.

Julie Pace is the Washington bureau chief for the Associated Press. In a November story published when it looked like Biden would become the president, she wrote about the campaign. She said Trump was not easily able to attack Biden.

She said Biden was not the most compelling speaker with the best ideas. But he was a good candidate because he made a favorable impression on Americans as vice president.

In fact, she wrote, for a plain candidate, what made Biden unique and earned him the most votes ever in a presidential election was that he was not Donald Trump.

At one point, it was not even clear that Biden wanted to run for president. But Pace credited Trump with helping Biden win.

It was Trump who pulled him back into the arena, who gave his campaign a sense of purpose. It is Trump who helped him win, she said.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on stories from the Associated Press and VOA. Bryan Lynn was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

unique- adj. used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else

primary- n. an election in which members of the same political party run against each other for the chance to be in a larger and more important election

oath- n. a formal and serious promise to tell the truth or to do something

plain- adj. not unusual or special in any way

flamboyant- adj. having a very noticeable quality that attracts a lot of attention

compelling- adj. very interesting : able to capture and hold your attention

impression- n. the effect or influence that something or someone has on a person's thoughts or feelings

arena- n. involved in politics, government, etc.
Huawei has redesigned its Google Play Store alternative, AppGallery. The new design comes with improved navigation and localized content. It also makes it easier for developers to create deeper engagements with customers.

As most of you know, AppGallery completely replaced the Google Play Store on Huaweis smartphones. The US ban forced Huawei to heavily invest in AppGallery, and the app has come a long way.

Over 500 million users use the app on a monthly basis, those are the stats for the past year. This new design is aiming to increase that number even further, as Huawei plans to boost the app further moving forward.

Advertisement

Huawei AppGallery redesign will make it easier to find good apps

Huawei says that it wanted to emphasize the Apps portion of the app with striking visuals and complementary digital content. This will mainly serve to promote Apps from app developers, make them easier to discover.

The all-new Featured tab got introduced, and in it, apps are presented in a card form. Youll be able to spot curated content easily that way. Tabs have also been updated to scroll from top to bottom, and from new to older posts, which should also enhance the experience.

Campaigns and Gifts section is extremely popular

Youll also spot the Campaigns and Gifts section in the app. Those are extremely popular with users, says Huawei. The Campaigns tab offers various promotions from Huawei, including Lucky Draws, Cashback offers, and Challenges for various rewards.

Advertisement

The Gifts section enables users to get free items from app developers in return for downloading their apps, or signing up for them. So, you can get a free premium service for a specific amount of time, or some sort of extra in-game credit.

Huawei notes that this redesign has started to roll out, but only in selected countries. Only specific countries in Europe will get it, including: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Romania, Czechia, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey, Austria, Lithuania, Hungary, and Ukraine.

A small pilot study suggests that early administration of ivermectin can reduce viral loads and symptom duration in patients with mild COVID-19, which in turn could help reduce viral transmission.

The study, which is part of the SAINT project and has been led by the University of Navarra Clinic and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, warrants further exploration in larger clinical trials.

The findings of the pilot study have been published in EClinicalMedicine, a clinical journal published by The Lancet.

We already have two approved COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union, but immunizing enough people worldwide to stop viral spread will require at least two years. Meanwhile, finding drugs that can treat or prevent infections remains a priority.

"Many efforts are focusing on developing treatments for COVID-19, but few are addressing how to reduce viral transmission," affirms study coordinator Carlos Chaccour, a researcher at ISGlobal and physician at the University of Navarra Clinic.

In this pilot study performed with patients from the Clinic and in facilities of the University of Navarra, Chaccour and his team evaluated whether the maximal dose of ivermectin recommended in Europe could have an impact on viral transmission when administered within the first days after symptom onset.

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has been shown to reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro (in cell lines), albeit at concentrations that exceed those recommended for human use.

This, together with preliminary results from a trial in humans that used data of dubious origin and was never peer-reviewed, prompted the use of ivermectin in many Latin-American countries despite the lack of reliable evidence on its efficacy in treating or preventing infection.

The research team gave one single dose of ivermectin or placebo to 24 patients with confirmed infection and mild symptoms, within the first 72 hours after the first symptoms started. Nasal swabs and blood samples were taken at the moment of enrolment and 1, 2, and/or 3 weeks after treatment.

Seven days after treatments, no difference was observed in the percentage of PCR-positive patients (100% of patients were positive in both groups). However, the mean viral load in the ivermectin-treated group was lower (around 3x lower at 4 days and up to 18x lower at 7 days post-treatment), although the difference was not statistically significant.

Treated patients also showed a reduced duration of certain symptoms (of 50% for loss of smell and taste and of 30% for cough). All patients developed virus-specific IgG but, again, the mean level of antibodies in the treated group was lower than in the placebo group. "This could be the result of a lower viral load in these patients," explains Chaccour.

The fact that there was no effect on the duration of symptoms or markers associated with inflammation suggests that ivermectin may act through mechanisms that do not involve a possible anti-inflammatory effect.

The authors believe it could be interfering with a viral entry in the cells, as suggested by another study performed in hamsters at the Pasteur Institute.

Our findings are in line with those from recent assays conducted in Bangladesh and Argentina. Although our study is small and it is too early to draw conclusions, the trends observed in viral loads, symptom duration and antibody levels are encouraging and warrant further exploration in larger clinical trials with a higher diversity of patients." Carlos Chaccour, Study Coordinator and Physician, Researcher at ISGlobal, University of Navarra Clinic
Justin Theroux stepped out for his daily walk with his beloved Pit Bull Zuma on Monday in New York City.

The actor, 49, stuck to his signature look of ripped jeans with a beanie and shades.

He wore a khaki green quilted jacket that matched the color of his knit hat and stepped out in black lace-up boots.

Daily exercise: Justin Theroux stepped out to walk his dog Zuma in NYC Monday wearing a khaki green quilted jacket that matched the color of his knit beanie and a pair of ripped jeans

The Leftovers star donned a face mask for his outing as well as black leather gloves.

He carried a backpack and had his earbuds in as he walked along with his dog's leash clipped to his belt

Theroux dotes on the rescue pup whom he adopted in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Harvey that made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017.

He recently documented his and Kuma's road trip to the ocean on his Instagram, which followed a road trip to Mexico weeks earlier.

Stroll: The actor donned a face mask for his outing as well as black leather gloves. He carried a backpack and had his earbuds in as he walked along with his dog's leash clipped to his belt

His best friend: Theroux, 49, dotes on his rescue pup dog whom he adopted in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Harvey that made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017

Last month, it was reported that his new film, a fertility thriller entitled False Positive, was picked up by Hulu for a 2021 release.

The story follows Ilana Glazer's character Lucy, who has tried to get pregnant several times with her partner Adrian (Justin Theroux).

The couple's luck seemingly turns around after they find the 'perfect fertility doctor' in Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan and they welcome a baby girl.

Theroux, who was once married to Jennifer Aniston, is currently filming a TV series adaptation of The Mosquito Coast, based on the novel written by his uncle Paul Theroux.
When international borders closed, dive shop operator Richard Nicholls saw a large part of his business dry up almost overnight.

Mr Nicholls, who owns the Dive Centre Manly, said before the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in March, half his business was made up of international tourists.

Dive Centre Manly dive master Ester Borean took a group of divers out for a dive on Tuesday in Cabbage Tree Bay on Shelly Beach. Credit:James Brickwood

"So that evaporated overnight," he said. "It looks like realistically it will be 12 months or so before we see any international tourists back again.

"It has had a significant impact on our business, but there are other businesses that are doing it even tougher than us."
More than 1,400 workers at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, New York, began a strike on Sunday, January 17, over managements refusal to raise their hourly wage by one dollar. Managements counteroffer had been an insulting 32 cent raise. Also, the workers are demanding better health benefits.

The striking workers represent most of the workforce at Hunts Point, a sprawling complex with dozens of private wholesalers. It is the largest wholesale produce market in the world. A huge portion of the fresh food consumed by the 22 million people in the New York City metropolitan area flows through this market.

Striking workers (Source: Teamsters)

The striking workers range from warehouse workers to truck drivers. Their base annual salary is $40,000, which is totally insufficient to live on in one of the worlds most expensive cities. The area where the market is located has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the city. The poverty rate in Hunts Point was 37.7 percent in 2018.

The companies rejection of the extremely modest demand for a wage increase comes after Hunts Point workers sacrificed their health for nearly a year amid a pandemic that is once again raging out of control. As many as 400 workers have been infected by COVID-19 to date, and six have died. Workers continue to struggle with poverty-level wages, while no expense has been spared to inflate the stock market and rescue the fortunes of the corporate and financial elite.

Asking for a dollar is really nothing, a striking worker told News12 Monday, summing up the attitude on the picket line. They should feel good about it, not telling us that were lucky to have a job. Youre lucky to have me to work for you. Thats how I feel.

Dock worker Jimmy Morales told CBS that he works 10 hours per day for six days each week, no matter the weather. He said that he and his coworkers need the raise to support their families. They refuse to return to their jobs until management accedes to their demands.

They are not treating us fair, an anonymous worker told ABC. They do not think that we are essential. We are essential. Weve been here since the pandemic started. We have been here risking our lives and coming here to work for these people.

The enormous support for the strike among the working class, including the potential for their struggle to spread to other areas where working conditions are similar, has not been lost on officials. The Bronx borough president warned of a ripple effect across the East Coast. He added, It is disheartening to hear that our Hunts Point Produce Market workers and management could not come to an agreement during their negotiations. In good faith, I hope both parties will do the right thing and come back to the negotiating table immediately and reach the agreement that these essential workers deserve. Diazs call for new negotiations is nothing other than a demand for workers to end the strike and capitulate to management.

Without the intervention of the rank and file to take over the conduct of the strike, to expand it to other sections of workers in the city and link it with a broader political fight to defend the interests of the working class, the Teamsters will do everything they can to sabotage the strike.

Tensions have long simmered at Hunts Point, where rotten last-minute deals between Teamsters Local 202 and the companies averted strikes in 2015 and again in 2018. However, under conditions of a pandemic and inequality soaring to grotesque new heights, the union was no longer able to hold back the outbreak of a strike.

Throughout the pandemic, the Teamsters and their fellow unions have collaborated with companies and both political parties in ensuring that essential and nonessential workers alike remained on the job, whatever the costs to their health, to keep profits flowing for the wealthy. Teamster President James P. Hoffa lent his services to President Trumps herd immunity drive, participating in a panel to advise him on reopening the economy during the pandemic.

The striking workers at Hunts Point are engaged in a vital and necessary struggle. The Teamsters leadership, however, will do everything it can to isolate the strike and bring it to a quick conclusion without satisfying workers objective needs.

Workers must follow the example of autoworkers and teachers, who are rebelling against the treachery of their own unions and form a democratically run rank-and-file committee independent of the Teamsters and wrest control of the strike from the hands of the Teamsters bureaucracy. This is the only path that can lead to victory.

The World Socialist Web Site will assist any workers who are interested in forming such a committee. Contact the WSWS for more information.

Minister For Agriculture David Littleproud during a press conference in the Mural Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 12, 2020. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Australians Turn Their Backs on Farm Work

Australias agriculture minister has all but given up on trying to convince young and unemployed people to move to the bush for farming jobs.

Instead, David Littleproud is piling pressure on the Victorian and other state governments to allow foreign workers in to harvest crops.

The federal government has an incentive program that pays $6000 relocation bonuses to local workers who take up picking jobs.

But only about 350 people have signed up to the scheme.

Littleproud concedes many Australians simply dont want to work on farms.

Weve got to be honest, even before COVID we were struggling, farmers were struggling to try and incentivise workers to go and come out from Australia to do this, he told ABC radio on Jan. 19.

Weve also incentivised young Australians, saying its an accelerated path way to Austudy and Abstudy if you go and work in agriculture.

The agriculture sector has recently been bruised by a series of exposes on underpayment and exploitation.

But the minister puts the disinterest in farm work down to a shift in societal trends.

When I grew up, my mum wouldnt let me stay at home on school holidays, I had to go and pick rockmelons and watermelons and I graduated to being a cotton chipper, Littleproud said.

Now they graduate to going to work in cafes and being baristas on the school and university holidays, and weve got to understand society has changed, but that doesnt help farmers.

They dont have the luxury to sit around and wait. When their crop is ripe, they need to get it from the paddock to your plate.

Littleproud is shifting his focus to importing Pacific and seasonal workers.

Unlike other states, the Victorian government is yet to approve plans to bring in thousands of seasonal workers to pick the summer harvest.

Victorian farmers need about 26,000 workers to help collect their crops.

They have proposed enlisting Aspen Medical to take over hotel quarantine duties for seasonal workers, establish on-farm quarantine, or create tent cities in remote communities.

But the state has not signed off on the quarantine protocols to bring people in from overseas.

Littleproud said people from rural areas were beginning to feel like forgotten Australians.

Please just do the job and we will stamp the visasits as simple as that, he said, in an appeal to the Victorian government.

This is a failure of federation and unfortunately its regional and rural Australia that has hurt the most from it.

These farmers, many of whom were coming out of drought and looking at their first year of significant income, and it has been stripped away from them because of indecision.

Daniel McCulloch in Canberra
Just as Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States, the dual economic and health crises hitting the country are at their zenith: 400,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19, and 18 million more are on unemployment rolls.

It's little wonder, then, that Biden plans to spend his first 100 days fixing the botched rollout of the vaccine and repairing the U.S. economy--both welcome goals among the millions of small businesses still fighting for survival.

Forty-eight percent of small businesses in the latest, mid-December poll from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said their fiscal health was average or poor. At least 80 percent of those surveyed were concerned about Covid-19's impact on the economy. An estimated four million small businesses closed their doors in 2020, according to Ray Greenhill, president and founder of Oxxford Information Technology, an information services firm in Hagaman, New York, which tracks about 32 million businesses.

Indeed, Biden, in a January 14 address from Wilmington, Delaware, acknowledged the difficulty facing small business: "It's not hard to see that we're in the middle of a once-in- several-generations economic crisis with a once-in-several-generations public health crisis. The crises of deep human suffering are in plain sight," he said.

He went on to outline his "American Rescue Plan," a new $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill, which includes $440 billion for communities and small businesses. The proposal would include direct payments of $1,400 to most Americans, an expansion and extension of unemployment benefits, and renewed aid to state and local governments.

Specific details--for instance, the portion of that $440 billion that gets earmarked for small businesses versus communities--remain unclear. Biden is expected to more formally present his plan before a joint session of Congress next month. He'll also offer his plan for immigration legislation, providing a pathway to citizenship for millions of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a designation that allows a small population of undocumented people to legally work for American companies.

In the meantime, he did offer some highlights on his relief bill. In particular, Biden would create a $15 billion grant program to help more than a million of the hardest hit businesses, as well as a plan to leverage $35 billion in government assistance into $175 billion in small business lending and investment. The funds, Biden said, would get invested in successful state, local, tribal, and nonprofit small business financing programs, which would then provide low-interest loans and venture capital for entrepreneurs.

He also wants to fully subsidize enhanced paid leave benefits for all employers through September 30, 2021. Biden's plan eliminates an earlier exemption for businesses with more than 500 or fewer than 50 employees. Bigger companies were not required to provide leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, because it was assumed that larger companies already offer paid leave and they didn't need any federal tax dollar subsidies.

Biden's plan also contains some controversial conditions--including calls for employers to provide hazard pay or even back hazard pay to essential workers. He'd also require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue a new Covid-19 protection standard that covers a broad set of workers, which may include those not typically covered by the agency. While all employers must provide a safe work environment, employers with 10 or fewer employees and businesses in certain industries may be exempt from keeping OSHA injury and illness records. It's not clear what exactly Biden has in mind in terms of OSHA's new protection standard, but it could mean added paperwork hurdles for certain employers.

And he'd raise the federal minimum wage standard to $15 an hour, up from the current $7.25 hourly wage floor. On the campaign trail, Biden called for gradually boosting the minimum wage to $15 over time; his latest proposal does not note a timeline for raising it. Biden called for an end to the tipped minimum wage, too, but his plan so far doesn't explain what if anything would replace it.

These new costs, regulations, and restrictions could undermine a recovery, warns Karen Kerrigan, president of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, a nonpartisan advocacy group in Vienna, Virginia. "Dramatically increasing the minimum wage and imposing other costs would disproportionately burden small businesses," said Kerrigan in a statement.

Of course, passage of Biden's aid plan, which includes billions in state and local government aid--a key sticking point for Republicans in previous relief negotiations--is hardly assured. While Democrats control both the House and the Senate, their majorities in both chambers are slim. In the Senate, the makeup is 50-50, with incoming Vice President Kamala Harris serving as the tiebreaker. Budget bills--or so-called continuing-resolution bills--need just a simple majority for passage. Other legislation--the kind required to pass a minimum wage hike, for instance--may require a filibuster-proof majority, or 60 votes in the Senate, to pass.

Persuading Republicans to underwrite Biden's plans that aren't strictly coronavirus-related will be tough for a variety of reasons. One is the growing deficit, says Ronil Hira, an associate professor of political science at Howard University. "At some point people will pay attention to the deficit and debt. The financial markets have ignored it so far, but those attitudes can change suddenly."

Biden specifically proposes using deficit spending to fund the stimulus package, which he also justifies as being a better alternative than doing too little. "A growing number of top economists have shown that even our debt situation will be more stable, not less stable, if we seize this moment with vision and purpose," Biden said in the January 14 speech.

In the early days of the Biden administration, lawmakers are also expected to be busy with a second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. And they may chafe at Biden's plans to extinguish a number of Trump-era executive orders, as well as launch a series of new actions, such as rejoining the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, and issuing a mask mandate for federal agencies and contractors.
Wirecutter's passion lies with obsessively testing and researching thousands of products every year to recommend the best of everything, saving readers time and stress in figuring out what to buy. Licensing will help amplify brands that have been recommended by Wirecutter and showcase their excellence in a way that consumers trust and appreciate.

"We are truly honored and proud to be working with such an iconic brand that serves as an innovative leader in the consumer services space," says Michelle Myers, Chief Revenue Officer of Wright's Media.

Wirecutter is changing the way consumers shop by rigorously testing and recommending products that are an indispensable part of our lives. Wright's Media will create and implement a licensing strategy that helps power that initiative by allowing brands to leverage their editorial recognition.

"We are very excited to work with an industry leader such as Wright's Media to expand our licensing efforts in exciting new ways," says Leilani Han, Business Development & Partnership Director, at Wirecutter. "We believe Wright's Media's expertise and creativity will build on and accelerate our licensing program in all categories."

About Wright's Media

Wright's Media provides content licensing solutions to businesses that drive revenues and steer brands to the forefront of this technology. Whether seeking to outsource reprints, content licensing or searching for ways to profit in-house, Wright's Media offers the right solutions. By consistently providing top-quality products such as hard-copy article reprints, content and brand licensing, E-prints, digital prints, plaques, rights and permissions, and high-tech virtual interactive prints; Wright's Media has become one of the magazine industry's most respected providers of multimedia and content management solutions.

SOURCE Wright's Media

Related Links

https://www.wrightsmedia.com/


EDWARDSVILLE  A claim against pharmaceutical manufacturer Mallinckrodt plc to compensate Madison County families and government for damages caused by the opioid epidemic was announced Tuesday by Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine.

This is the latest development after several years of consideration and discussion by county officials regarding suits and claims against the industry.

Now, as Mallinckrodts liability for its actions relating to the opioid epidemic is being determined through the bankruptcy process, Madison County will have a seat at the table, and we will be aggressively demanding recovery on behalf of the citizens of Madison County for the public health crisis of opioid addiction that has devastated so many in our area. Haine said.

In October Mallinckrodt became the third major opioid maker to declare bankruptcy after being inundated by claims regarding the U.S. opioid epidemic.

According to Bloomberg, at the time of the filing company officials said parties had agreed to a restructuring plan that handed ownership over to bondholders, left shareholders with nothing and set aside $1.6 billion to resolve opioid litigation.

The company was founded in St. Louis in 1867, but in the 1990s moved its incorporation to Ireland for tax purposes, but most of its production and sales remain in the U.S.

In his announcement Haine also expressed appreciation to attorney and former Chief Circuit Judge Ann Callis, who he said would be working on the case while waiving compensation from Madison County government and citizens.

We made sure that 100% of all settlement money allotted to Madison County will be available to support families who have lost a loved one and to pay for public safety, treatment, and education efforts, Haine said.

Callis said she was honored to represent Madison County.

Specific amounts of the claim will be determined later.

Haine also noted that other local governments could also file claims, and the states attorneys offices civil division can assist them.

This is the second claim filed by the states attorneys office against a pharmaceutical company over opioid abuse.

In July 2020 former Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons announced a claim against Purdue Pharma L.P. to recover some of the cost of the countys fight against opioid addition and the large number of overdose deaths over the past decade.

The county did not participate in the actual suit, but could file claims.

Talk about joining lawsuits against the pharmaceutical industry over opioids started in Fall 2017, and continued for several months.

Part of the discussion in early 2018 was that pharmaceutical companies created a conspiracy for the proliferation of opioid prescriptions.

According to attorneys who talked to county officials, including Callis, prior to 1995, opioids were generally prescribed for acute pain following surgery and terminal cancer cases. That changed when doctors started prescribing opioids more readily for pain management, which led to widespread abuse.

Later, prescription opioids were supplanted by heroin, which was later overshadowed by Asian-produced fentanyl coming into the illegal U.S. drug market.

Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn started tracking overdose deaths, specifically from opioids, since he first noticed a spike in 2009.

However, no decision was reached by the following spring, and the discussion died off until Gibbons filed the initial claim in 2020.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
DUBLIN, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Ambulatory EHR Market Analysis 2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) market is expected to reach $8.16 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during 2019 to 2026. Ambulatory EHR are the systems which help the physicians to maintain an electronic-based data of patients to track their medical records and long-term care. This is a digital version of the patient's paper chart which is known as electronic health record (EHR). Using these systems, detailed and specific information about each patient is collected and complete documentation of their health is recorded.



The information includes medical history, allergies and medication, the status of immunization, personal statistics, laboratory test results, demographics, and others. This software is mainly used by healthcare professionals in their clinics and hospitals to maintain the medical records of their patients. These systems are bifurcated based on the practice size i.e. Large Practices, Small-to-Medium-Sized Practices, and Solo Practices. End-Users of ambulatory EHR systems are Hospitals- owned ambulatory organizations, Independent centers, and others.



Factors such as government support for the adoption of EHR solutions, increasing number of outpatient care centers, rising adoption of EHR solutions in developed markets, increasing the need for fluid movement of healthcare information and technological advancements are propelling the market growth. However, heavy infrastructure investments and high cost of deployment is restraining the market growth.



Amongst delivery mode, the cloud-based solutions segment is expected to be the significant growing market during the forecast period, due to the advantages associated with cloud-based solutions, which include flexibility and cost reductions in healthcare delivery. Patient information is stored and managed using these cloud-based electronic health records, making them more secure. It also allows physicians and medical practitioners to control access to sensitive information.



The key vendors mentioned are Netsmart Technologies, Inc., Nextgen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC., Emds, Inc., Epic Systems Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Medical Information Technology, Inc. (Meditech), Cerner Corporation, Eclinicalworks, athenahealth, Inc., Greenway Health, LLC, Modernizing Medicine Inc., Medical Transcription Billing Corporation, Amazing Charts, LLC, CPSI, CureMD, and McKesson Corporation.



Key Questions Answered in this Report:

How this market evolved since the year 2018

Market size estimations, forecasts and CAGR for all the segments presented in the scope

Key Market Developments and financials of the key players

Opportunity Analysis for the new entrants

SWOT Analysis of the key players

Fastest growing markets analysed during the forecast period

Key Topics Covered:



1 Market Synopsis



2 Research Outline

2.1 Research Snapshot

2.2 Research Methodology

2.3 Research Sources

2.3.1 Primary Research Sources

2.3.2 Secondary Research Sources



3 Market Dynamics

3.1 Drivers

3.2 Restraints



4 Market Environment

4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Threat of substitutes

4.4 Threat of new entrants

4.5 Competitive rivalry



5 Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market, by Delivery Mode

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Cloud-based Solutions

5.3 On-premise Solutions



6 Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market, by Practice Size

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Small-to-Medium-sized Practices

6.3 Large Practices

6.4 Solo Practices



7 Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market, by Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Referral Management

7.3 Patient Management

7.4 Practice Management

7.5 E-prescribing

7.6 Population Health Management

7.7 Decision Support

7.8 Health Analytics



8 Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market, by End User

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Hospital-owned Ambulatory Centers

8.3 Independent Ambulatory Centers

8.4 Private Care Centers

8.5 Specialty Clinics / Independent Clinics



9 Global Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market, by Geography

9.1 Introduction

9.2 North America

9.3 Europe

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.5 South America

9.6 Middle East & Africa



10 Strategic Benchmarking



11 Vendors Landscape

11.1 Netsmart Technologies, Inc.

11.2 Nextgen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC.

11.3 Emds, Inc.

11.4 Epic Systems Corporation

11.5 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.

11.6 Medical Information Technology, Inc. (Meditech)

11.7 Cerner Corporation

11.8 Eclinicalworks

11.9 athenahealth, Inc.

11.10 Greenway Health, LLC

11.11 Modernizing Medicine Inc.

11.12 Medical Transcription Billing Corporation

11.13 Amazing Charts, LLC

11.14 CPSI

11.15 CureMD

11.16 McKesson Corporation



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/75odqc

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


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.
BarcelonaThe effects of the pandemic during 2020 allow some conclusions to be drawn in the field of air quality. The levels of pollution in Barcelona were significantly reduced last year, so that the city met the maximum thresholds set by the European Union (EU) for the first time in twenty years. The confinement and limitation of mobility also means that a 12% reduction in traffic compared to before the pandemic would be enough to keep pollution at bay with EU directives, according to the yearbook published by the independent foundation ENT.
Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters. Bartels, a South Dakota native, graduated from Cottey College in 1977 and Northern Arizona University in 1980 and then moved to New Mexico for her first journalism job. The Rocky Mountain News hired her in 1993 as its night cops reporter and in 2000 assigned her to her first legislative session. The Gold Dome hasn't been the same since. In 2009, The Denver Post hired Bartels after the Rocky closed, just shy of its 150th birthday. Bartels left journalism in 2015 to join then Secretary of State Wayne Williams's staff. She has now returned to journalism - at least part-time - and writes a regular political column for Colorado Politics.

LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During his monthly press conference, the Prime Minister of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, addressed how its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is attracting businesses to the dual islands. On January 14th, at the National Emergency Management Agency, Prime Minister Harris noted that investors from countries like the United States, China, Russia and Canada were all taking advantage of the CBI Programme.

St Kitts and Nevis operates the world's longest-standing CBI Programme and has welcomed investors and their families to its shores since 1984. The concept, birthed in the Caribbean, attracts foreign direct investment to a nation's economy in exchange for citizenship. St Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most cost-affective investment routes under its Sustainable Growth Fund - hailed as the fastest and most straightforward path to a second citizenship.

PM Harris spoke highly about how the Programme is bolstering business on the islands during his press conference. "Just last week, we had the grand opening of the Lans Kitchen Restaurant in Frigate Bay. [It is] a new upscale cuisine being added to the menu of services offerings here in St Kitts and Nevis and the lady behind that again is a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis," he said. "So, we have a wide range of interest in our CBI Programme, that is why it has become the Platinum Brand because persons from everywhere have come and have participated with respect to the CBI Programme," Prime Minister Harris concluded.

Granting that an applicant passes the necessary due diligence requirements, the receipt of citizenship is provided along with a wide range of benefits, including the right to live and work in the country. This also involves global mobility to nearly 160 destinations, comprising of major business hubs. Investors can also choose to pass down citizenship for generations to come, establishing a future legacy for their families.

Recognised by the industry as a Platinum Standard brand, St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme has maintained its popularity across the globe for several decades. The latest edition of the CBI Index highlighted its efficiency, due diligence framework, and its lack of mandatory travel or residence as a reason why the Programme is highly regarded within the investment migration realm.

Contact:

pr@csglobalpartners.com

www.csglobalpartners.com
The Palestinian Authority could receive Russias main COVID-19 vaccine, known as Sputnik V, within days, a PA official said on Tuesday.

The PA health ministry last week issued emergency approval for administering Sputnik in areas of the occupied West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited self-rule.

An Israeli official said earlier that a first batch of 5,000 units of the vaccine could arrive in the West Bank on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Hussein Al-Sheikh, PA minister for civil affairs, told Reuters the delivery would not take place on Tuesday, but added he expected it to happen "within days".
Meghan Markle legal battle news: Meghan Markle had reportedly suffered three types of assault when the Associated Newspapers published an edited version of the Duchess of Sussex's handwritten letter to her dad.

The 39-year-old former actress is suing the publisher of Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and the Mail Online for publishing parts of a letter in February 2019 that Meghan sent to her estranged dad, Thomas Markle, in August 2018.

The same year the Daily Mail published the excerpts, the mom-of-one has already threatened to sue them for "under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act for publishing a private letter she sent to her dad."

But it was only in October 2019 when she, along with her husband Prince Harry, officially sued the publication.

The privacy court hearing is taking place today and tomorrow, and according to reports, Meghan Markle's lawyers are applying for a summary judgment. If approved, there wouldn't be a full trial.

Her team are confident in the case and didn't believe that the Associated Newspapers' case would ever win.

The handwritten letter the former "Suits" star wrote was described by her lawyer Justin Rushbrooke QC as "a heartfelt plea from an anguished daughter to her father."

The letter was said to have been sent by the former royal to her father's home in Mexico "via a trusted contact to reduce the risk of interception."

The lawyer further explained the some of the contents and characters in the handwritten letter was meant to be "private and personal" and extremely sensitive," which is why the Los Angeles-born businesswoman expected "privacy in respect of the contents of the letter."

As per written submissions to the court, Rushbrooke wrote, "It is as good an example as one could find of a letter that any person of ordinary sensibilities would not want to be disclosed to third parties, let alone in a mass media publication, in a sensational context and to serve the commercial purposes of the newspaper."

Additionally, the Duchess' legal team believes publishing the letter was a direct assault on her "private life, family life, and correspondence."

The argument stated, "Every citizen, whatever their profile or position, has the right under English law to respect for their private and family life, their home and their correspondence."

They also said that without Meghan Markle's consent or approval of publishing, substantial parts of the letter read by millions of readers worldwide was a clear "invasion of rights of privacy."

READ MORE: Meghan Markle Dad Thomas To Expose Duchess In Upcoming Documentary

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
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
Liverpool reportedly have no immediate plans to offer a new contract to winger Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool are reportedly in no rush to open contract discussions with winger Mohamed Salah.

Having spoken publicly about his future on more than one occasion in recent weeks, Salah's future at Anfield is a hot topic for debate.

The Egypt international, who has scored 111 goals since arriving at the club in 2017, has two-and-a-half years remaining on his existing deal.

While rival clubs are taking note of the lack of developments on Merseyside, the Daily Mail claims that Liverpool have no plans to begin negotiations over the coming months.

The report says that the Premier League champions will bide their time due to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Salah has enjoyed another productive campaign at Liverpool, contributing 16 goals and four assists in the Premier League and Champions League.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 18:27:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TRIPOLI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday expressed concern about the COVID-19 risks facing asylum seekers held in detention centers in Libya.

"With the increased COVID-19 cases in Libya, UNHCR has been particularly concerned about the high risks facing people held in detention centers, in overcrowded conditions and with poor sanitation facilities," the agency said in a statement.

Immigrant shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of immigrants either rescued from the sea or arrested by the Libyan security forces, despite international calls to close those centers.

"UNHCR has long advocated for the release of all refugees and asylum seekers from detention and an end to the arbitrary detention in Libya," the statement said.

The UN agency also revealed that it has helped support the transfer of all asylum seekers detained in the southwestern Libyan city of Zintan to the capital Tripoli upon their release by authorities. Most had been detained for more than two years in extremely dire conditions.

"Currently, nearly one thousand migrants and asylum seekers remain in Government-run detention centers in Libya, 190 of whom are persons of concern to UNHCR," the statement said.

Thousands of undocumented migrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean from Libya towards Europe, due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the nation following the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Enditem
London, Jan 19 : Researchers have found that autonomy-supportive parenting, or offering meaningful choices when possible, contributed to the positive well-being of both children and parents.

"We explored whether or not autonomy-supportive parental behaviour would facilitate adaptation and better child well-being," said Andreas B. Neubauer, postdoctoral research scientist at DIPF, Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education in Germany.

"We also explored whether such parenting behaviour helps to create a positive emotional climate that benefits parents as well as children." The research published in the journal Child Development showed that autonomy-supportive parenting behaviour is positively associated both with better child well-being and higher parental need fulfilment.

According to the authors, such parenting behaviour requires parental energy and vitality but also reciprocally contributes to it.

The research involved 970 parents who filled in an online questionnaire after which they could opt to enrol in a second part of the study in which 562 parents participated.

Through the second part of the study, for three consecutive weeks, parents received 21 daily online questionnaires with questions such as "As far as possible, I let my child decide today what he or she wanted to do" or "As far as possible, my child was able to do what he or she liked today." They also received a final questionnaire after the three weeks.

Parents were asked about their parenting behaviour, the extent to which their psychological needs were fulfilled and their child's well-being.

Additionally, parents were asked about their own well-being, their perceptions of the family climate and their child's behaviour once before the 21-day period and once again after the 21 days.

"Our findings from the daily questionnaires suggest that autonomy-supportive parenting is beneficial for the well-being of both children and parents," said Florian Schmiedek, Professor, and head of the cognitive development unit at DIPF, Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education.

"Helping parents in their daily parental behaviour choices might be an effective way to improve the family climate and child well-being in a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Jennifer Dorsey is chief copy editor and Business section coordinator. She worked in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before moving to the Tetons.
FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) announced today that, as of December 2020, the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) has granted accreditation to NPU's Intensive English Program (Program) for a five-year term. CEA is the only specialized accreditor for postsecondary English language program accreditation recognized by the US Department of Education and conducts accreditation activities in the U.S. and internationally.

(PRNewsfoto/Northwestern Polytechnic University)

CEA's review determined that NPU's Intensive English Program satisfies the requirements of the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions and commended the Program for its achievements and for being "student-centered."

NPU President Peter Hsieh stated, "There are many students worldwide who are incredibly gifted and skilled but whose primary language is not English. The newly accredited Intensive English Program will allow us to matriculate highly talented students from abroad while enhancing their own communication skills, which will help them both in their time at NPU and throughout their lives. I am very proud of our team and staff, who all worked tirelessly to achieve this accreditation."

Students interested in studying at NPU who would benefit from English training now have an avenue to study at NPU. CEA's accreditation of the Intensive English Program further solidifies NPU's commitment to teach the best and brightest students from around the world regardless of any initial language hurdles, including local and domestic students seeking to improve their English language skills to supplement their educational goals.

Jennie O'Connor, the ESL Administrator and Program instructor, noted that, "With CEA accreditation, NPU has started a new chapter in its long-term plans to expand its academic offerings and can now position its students better than ever for success in education and in their careers."

Coupled with NPU's 2020 accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, NPU's success in securing accreditation from CEA for its Intensive English Program demonstrates its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and to the growth of educational opportunities for its student body.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information.

Founded in 1984, Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) is a WASC-accredited non-profit private university in Fremont, California that awards bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science, engineering, technology, and management programs. Learn more at https://www.npu.edu/.

Contact:

NPU Communications

[email protected]

(510) 556-8907

SOURCE Northwestern Polytechnic University

Related Links

https://www.npu.edu


India will be sending Serum Institute of India (SII)'s Covishield and the indigenous Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech to friendly nations as a goodwill gesture.

The Union Ministers for health and external affairs, representatives of the department of pharmaceuticals and executives from Bharat Biotech and SII met in Delhi on Monday to discuss supply of vaccines outside India.

India has decided to export 8.1 lakh doses of Covaxin to Oman, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bahrain, Mauritius, the Philippines and the Maldives as a goodwill gesture, The Economic Times reported citing sources.

Serum would supply a few lakh doses of Covishield to the Seychelles, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, the report added.

Serum has apparently allotted 25 million doses for exports.

Before the vaccines can be supplied, all these countries need regulatory dossiers to be approved by their own authorities.

Both Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India have also separately signed deals with foreign countries to supply vaccines.

Serum has signed a deal with South Africa to supply 1.5 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccines. Bharat Biotech has a deal with Brazil's association of private health clinics to supply its Covaxin.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination: Over 30,000 jabs administered in Bihar in 2 days

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination Day 3: Further dip in turnout; just 8 get jabs at AIIMS
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. said it wont insure oil and gas projects in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, becoming the first North American underwriter to make the commitment after pressure from native Alaskans and environmentalists.

The move follows similar pledges from Frances Axa SA and Swiss Re AG and comes as indigenous tribes that live in Alaska and Canada push investors, oil companies and insurers to end their support for Arctic oil drilling.

We believe climate-related risks are among the most serious issues facing the world today, Conrad Brooks, general counsel and corporate secretary of Bermuda-based Axis Capital, wrote in a letter to the Gwichin Steering Committee, which represents tribes in Alaska and Canada. We also recognize the importance of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to you and your families, as well as our planet.

Brooks said Axis wont underwrite new insurance or offer facultative reinsurance contracts, nor provide investment support for projects involved in exploration, production or transportation of oil and gas in the refuge.

The decision is one of several moves by Axis to enhance its environmental and climate-risk strategy, Brooks said. The company has already limited underwriting of thermal coal and oil sands projects.

The rugged Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska has become the latest front in a fight over oil drilling. When the Trump administration auctioned drilling rights in the refuges coastal plain last week, just two oil companies bid for tracts alongside an Alaska economic development corporation that spent about $12 million nabbing leases on the states behalf. President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to permanently protect the refuge, which is home to polar bears, caribou herds and other wildlife  and is among the fastest-warming places on the planet.

The recent lease sale ignored all our concerns and dismissed the climate crisis, but the commitment from Axis today shows that other companies agree with us and respect us, said Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwichin Steering Committee. We need more companies to stand with us, respect our human rights and our way of life.

About the photo: The Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) stands near Copperville, Alaska, U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Four decades after the Trans Alaska Pipeline System went live, transforming the North Slope into a modern-day Klondike, many Alaskans fear the best days have passed.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.
OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CFO Systems has added Jim Harshman, John Lomoro, and Chris Whitlow to its nationwide team of 40-plus professionals focused on helping our clients grow. The CFO Systems team has extensive experience leading the accounting, finance, and human resources operations for organizations of all sizes. Each of the new team members will serve different sectors within the US middle market.

Jim Harshman is an accounting and finance executive with over 30 years of experience leading the Accounting and Finance departments for privately held and publicly traded U.S. and international companies. Coupled with his extensive experience leading Information Technology and Human Resources departments, Jim has also developed, managed, and enhanced the financial performance of companies through financial analyses, strategic planning, process streamlining, expense reduction, and increased operational efficiencies. He holds CPA and CMA certificates.

John Lomoro is a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of experience. He has held senior financial positions in such diverse industries as SaaS/software, manufacturing, pharma, and high tech. John's career has included roles within a Big Four accounting firm and stints working with rapidly- growing small- to medium-sized companies as well as large multi-billion-dollar companies. Additionally, he has international operations experience in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and he has collaborated with C-level personnel on strategic and operational goals.

Christopher Whitlow is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience. He has held positions ranging from tax preparation to consulting to financial leadership. Chris's career has included roles at a CPA firm, an engineering company, and several SaaS companies.

Jim is based in Omaha, John is an addition to a recently established San Diego office, and Chris is located in Atlanta.

"We are excited to welcome more talented members to our team," said Brett Frevert, CFO Systems Managing Director. "Adding to our presence in San Diego and launching operations in Atlanta keep us in line with our goals for expansion. We are excited to continue our growth while increasing value to our diverse clientele."

CFO Systems is a nationwide company founded in 2005 to provide practical, experienced financial and human resources leadership to middle-market companies. The firm was named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, CFO Systems serves clients nationwide while working either on-site or remotely. Visit www.cfosystemsllc.com or call 402-884-0066.

SOURCE CFO Systems

Related Links

http://www.cfosystemsllc.com


CHITA, Russia -- Prosecutors have asked a military court in Siberia to sentence Private Ramil Shamsutdinov to 25 years in prison for killing eight fellow servicemen in a rampage he says was brought on by the hazing he suffered while being initiated into the army.



The Second Eastern Military District Court resumed the hearing into the high-profile case on January 19, where Shamsutdinov's defense team reiterated that Shamsutdinov had gone on a shooting spree in October 2019, killing eight -- including two high-ranking officers -- in the town of Gorny in the Zabaikalye region after being tortured and beaten by other soldiers and officers during his induction into service.



On December 28, a jury found Shamsutdinov guilty of murder and attempted murder, but decided that he deserves leniency, which according to Russian law means that he may be sentenced to a maximum of 13 years and four months in prison.



The court's officials told RFE/RL that Shamsutdinovs sentence will be announced on January 21.



The case shocked many in Russia and attracted the attention of rights activists after Shamsutdinov claimed that he committed the act while suffering a nervous breakdown caused by what he had endured.



The Defense Ministry accepted at the time that Shamsutdinov "had a conflict" with one of the officers he killed. In March, Private Ruslan Mukhatov was found guilty of bullying Shamsutdinov and was handed a suspended two-year prison term.



Deadly shootings at Russia's military units as the result of widespread hazing have been a focus of human rights organizations for years.



In November, a soldier at a military air base in the countrys western region of Voronezh shot an officer and two soldiers dead.



In recent years, photos and video footage have been posted online by members of the Russian military that show the severe bullying of young recruits as they are inducted into the army.
London, Jan 19 : The rollout of 5G networks should be halted until the safety of the technology has been tested and proven, an expert has urged.

According to Professor John William Frank from the University of Edinburgh, the transmitter density required for 5G means that more people will be exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), and at levels that emerging evidence suggests, are potentially harmful to health.

However, Professor Frank does stress the ridiculousness of linking 5G exposures to Covid-19, as suggested by some conspiracy theorists.

5G uses much higher frequency (3 to 300GHz) radio waves than in the past and it makes use of very new -- and relatively unevaluated, in terms of safety -- supportive technology to enable this higher data transmission capacity, Frank pointed out in an opinion piece published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

Its inherent fragility means that transmission boosting 'cell' antennae are generally required every 100-300 m -- which is far more spatially dense than the transmission masts required for older 2G, 3G and 4G technology, using lower frequency waves.

The professor explained that existing 4G systems can service up to 4000 radio frequency-using devices per square kilometre; 5G systems will connect up to one million devices per square kilometre -- greatly increasing the speed of data transfer (by a factor of 10) and the volume of data transmitted (by a factor of 1000).

"It is highly likely that each of these many forms of transmission causes somewhat different biological effects -- making sound, comprehensive and up-to-date research on those effects virtually impossible," he said.

Recent reviews of lab data on RF-EMFs indicate that exposures can produce wide-ranging effects, including reproductive, fetal, oncological, neuropsychiatric, skin, eye and immunological. But there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to suggest that it is implicated in the spread of Covid-19, as some conspiracy theorists have suggested, he emphasised.

But for the current 5G roll-out, there's a sound basis for invoking 'the precautionary principle' because of significant doubts about the safety of a new and potentially widespread human exposure, which should be reason enough "to call a moratorium on that exposure, pending adequate scientific investigation of its suspected adverse health effects," he said.
Lawyers for election technology company Dominion Voting Systems have warned prominent Trump ally and MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell of "imminent" litigation over "false and conspiratorial" claims that the firm somehow rigged the 2020 election against President Donald Trump, demanding in letters late last year and earlier this month that Lindell make a public apology.

More than 150 people - including Kelli Ward, the staunchly pro-Trump chair of the Arizona GOP - were sent cease-and-desist notices and warnings to preserve documents in a recent wave of letters to those who provided affidavits in election lawsuits, according to Hamilton Place Strategies, a communications firm representing Dominion that shared copies of letters and a list of recipients on Monday. Dominion also sent a follow-up retraction demand to Rudy Giuliani, the Trump lawyer at the forefront of the president's fruitless efforts to overturn the election in court.

Lindell, a major Republican donor who has touted his relationship with the president, has made frequent appearances on right-wing media to promote baseless claims - rejected by court after court in an election now certified for Biden - of a rigged election. Last week, The Washington Post's Jabin Botsford photographed parts of Lindell's notes as he went to meet with Trump, capturing phrases such as "election issues" and "martial law if necessary."

He told The Post that the notes were written by a lawyer whom he refused to identify.

Lindell said Monday that he welcomes a lawsuit. "Could they do it tomorrow? Could they do it today?" he told a reporter. He suggested that a lawsuit would help him show "the American people" the evidence supporting his claims, but he shared only a copy of a post alleging foreign hacking that appears to no longer be online.

Ward did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

In a Jan. 8 letter to Lindell shared with The Post, lawyers for Dominion wrote to emphasize their December demand for retraction of falsehoods, accusing Lindell of conducting a "smear campaign" and "leverag[ing] your significant social media following to inflict the maximum amount of damage to Dominion's good name and business operations."

"Despite your repeated promises - not to mention your considerable and costly efforts to bankroll a so-called investigation into Dominion - you have failed to identify a scintilla of credible evidence that even suggests that Dominion is somehow involved in a global conspiracy to harvest millions of votes in favor of President-elect Biden," the letter states. "Of course, this is because no such evidence exists."

The letter noted Dominion's newly filed defamation lawsuit against attorney Sidney Powell seeking more than $1.3 billion in damages for spreading "wild" allegations of a fantastical scheme to steal the 2020 election from Trump. For weeks, Powell had claimed that Dominion was established with communist money in Venezuela to enable ballot-stuffing and other vote manipulation, and that those abilities were harnessed to rig the election for Joe Biden.

"We are sending you hardcopies of the complaint and exhibits under separate cover so that there is absolutely no doubt at a future date about what was known to you at this juncture," Dominion's counsel wrote in their recent letter to Lindell, after referencing the Powell lawsuit. "Conduct yourself accordingly."

Voting companies' legal pushback and demands for retractions have forced acknowledgment of fault from some purveyors of the election fraud claims fanned for months by Trump and his allies.

Last month, for instance, Fox News aired a segment debunking misinformation about election software company Smartmatic, after the firm sent a 20-page legal demand letter. And Giuliani and Powell disappeared from Fox cable news shows where they were once frequent guests, The Post's Jeremy Barr found.

The conservative blog American Thinker published a retraction of accusations against Dominion last week, apologizing for a "grave error" and for "abandoning" journalistic principles.

"These statements are completely false and have no basis in fact," the retraction stated. "Industry experts and public officials alike have confirmed that Dominion conducted itself appropriately and that there is simply no evidence to support these claims."

The said issues will be on the agenda of a joint meeting on January 21.

Representatives of Ukraine in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas have called on the Russian Federation to unblock the process of the exchange of detainees.

The Ukrainian delegation to the TCG announced this on Facebook following a video conference of the TCG's political and humanitarian subgroups on January 19.

Read alsoRethinking TCG: Why it's necessary now to bid farewell to illusions

In particular, the agenda covered the following issues: measures to ensure the movement of citizens through checkpoints; the exchange of detainees; development of measures in the field of search for missing persons, as well as the next stage of debates on the so-called Plan of Joint Steps, proposed by the Ukrainian side.

"Regarding the exchange of detainees, the head of the humanitarian subgroup, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Halyna Tretyakova, once again offered the Russian side to unblock the exchange process, and [called on] the OSCE to support the unblocking," it said.

It is also said that "one of the fundamental aspects of the humanitarian subgroup's work is to determine sites where shuttle buses that are supposed to transport people across the contact line in the area of the Schastia checkpoint could make a U-turn.

What is more, the Ukrainian side asked OSCE Coordinator of the Humanitarian Working Group, Ambassador Toni Frisch to assist in identifying the sites with the help of OSCE Coordinator of the Security Working Group, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Ambassador Yasar Halit Cevik.

The said issues will be the subject of further consideration during a joint TCG meeting on January 21.

Other related news reports

Reporting by UNIAN
Mumbai: Adding a fresh twist to the land dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Congress has now jumped into the fray. Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant said on Tuesday that the disputed land belongs to Maharashtra, and it should be returned to the state. This stand is in stark contrast to the stand taken by the Karnataka unit of Congress.

"Our commitment is to the people of Maharashtra. We believe that this land dispute has been pending for a very long time. Clearly, areas like Belgaon, Nipani, Karwar are dominated by Marathi-speaking population. That is why this land should be returned to Maharashtra," Congress leader Sachin Sawant said in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Also read: 'Respect Federal Structure': Yediyurappa Slams Uddhav Thackeray's 'Karnataka-occupied Areas' Remark

When asked if the stand was in contradiction to the stand taken by the Karnataka unit of Congress, he said that the commitment of Maharashtra Congress was towards the people of Maharashtra.

War of words has escalated between Maharashtra government and Karnataka government after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray tweeted from his official Twitter handle that the government was committed to bring the disputed land back in the State. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar too issued a statement for the same.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
India to gift 2 million doses to Bangladesh

India will gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' on January 20. A special flight from India carrying the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20. Citing the letter by the Indian High Commission written to the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ANI reportedly said. Under the ministry, the health services division has issued a letter to the drug regulator, the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to take appropriate steps to administer the vaccine. The vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS facilities, such as the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI).

Read: India To Gift 2 Million Doses Of COVID Vaccine 'Covishield' To Bangladesh On January 20

PM Modi-Xi to participate in 5-day Davos Agenda Summit

Later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will be among the top world leaders to participate in a five-day online Davos Agenda Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Union ministers including Narendra Singh Tomar, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan along with top business leaders such as Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra will also be a part of this event.

Read: PM Modi, Xi Jinping To Participate In 5-day Virtual 'Davos Agenda Summit 2021'

15 killed in Gujarat truck accident

After 15 migrant labourers lost their lives in a tragic accident in Surat's Kosamba village, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi said that the loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is 'tragic'. Stating that his thoughts are with the bereaved families, the Prime Minister said that he is praying for the injured to recover at the earliest. The PMO further informed that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. He also announced that Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured.

Read: Gujarat: 15 Labourers Crushed Under Truck, PM Modi Approves Ex-gratia Of Rs 2 Lakh

AAP's Sanjay Singh gets death threat

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh alleged that he has received a death threat on call and registered a police complaint on the matter. The AAP leader took to Twitter and shared a copy of his police complaint. The AAP leader said that he will not get intimidated by such threats and urged the Delhi Police to take action. The police registered a complaint under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation).

Read: AAP's Sanjay Singh Gets Death Threat Call, Lodges Police Complaint

Melania Trump bids farewell

Days after the US Capitol riots, First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday in her farewell speech urged people to be "passionate in everything" but never resort to violence. Speaking for the last time as the US First Lady, Melania Trump in a video message said, "Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified." Expressing concern for the citizens amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed thousands of lives in the US, Melania urged all to "use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered". In her speech, she also conveyed condolences to the kin of Coronavirus victims and thanked "nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who are working to save lives."

A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2021

Read: 'Violence Will Never Be Justified': First Lady Melania Trump Bids Farewell
PSNI officers during a vehicle checkpoint on the Ormeau Embankment in South Belfast to check on essential travel during the six week lockdown in Northern Ireland.

More than 4,000 fines have been issued by police enforcing the coronavirus regulations across Northern Ireland.

There have also been more than 1,000 prohibition notices issued over gatherings which are restricted under rules aimed at stemming the spread of Covid-19.

The latest figures released by the PSNI show that 2,159 penalty notices, which carry a fine starting at 200, have been issued.

This replaced a previous penalty notice which carried a 60 fine, of which, 2,101 were issued.

Heftier penalties for breaching the regulations were agreed by the Stormont Executive on October 8 and came into force on November 12.

Most of the newer penalty notice were issued in Belfast (888), followed by 262 in the Derry and Strabane council area and 257 in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area.

A total of 1,156 prohibition notices have been issued to private premises (924) and commercial premises (196) over gatherings.

There have also been 55 1,000 fines issued for failing to self-isolate and 57 penalty notices issued to businesses for breach of the regulations, which carry fines starting at 1,000 up to 10,000.
Bank of America reported its fourth-quarter 2020 financial results today. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed in the following ways:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005530/en/

Bank of America newsroom at https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com

Bank of America Investor Relations website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com

Business Wires news webpage at http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/news

Investor Conference Call information:

Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan and Chief Financial Officer Paul Donofrio will discuss the financial results in a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is 79795.

Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Investors can also listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call and view the presentation slides by visiting the Events and Presentations section of the companys Investor Relations website.

Replay information for Investor Conference Call:

Investors can access replays of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations website or by calling 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international) from noon on January 19, through 11:59 p.m. ET on January 29.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the worlds leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,700 lending centers, 2,600 financial centers with a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and approximately 2,400 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email news alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005530/en/
Trump Gives Farewell Speech: The Movement We Started Is Only Just Beginning

President Donald Trump released his farewell speech on Tuesday afternoon, saying he will pray for the success of the forthcoming administration.

We areand must always bea land of hope, of light, and of glory to all the world. This week we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous, Trump said. We did what we came here to doand so much more. Above all, we have reasserted the sacred idea that in America, the government answers to the people.

We restored the idea that in America, no one is forgottenbecause everyone matters and everyone has a voice. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choicesbecause thats what you elected me to do. Our agenda was not about right or left, it wasnt about Republican or Democrat, but about the good of a nation, and that means the whole nation.

Trump added that on Wednesday, the United States will inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous.

The commander-in-chief also trumpeted what he saw as his top achievements in office, including efforts to normalize relations in the Middle East as well as his administrations efforts to take on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He also touted the fact that he started no new warsnoting he was the first president to do so in decades.

We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before, he said. As a result of our bold diplomacy and principled realism, we achieved a series of historic peace deals in the Middle East. It is the dawn of a new Middle East and we are bringing our soldiers home. I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars.

Offering his remarks about the breaching of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for the first time in weeks, Trump disavowed the violence on Jan. 6 during the Joint Session of Congress.

Trump also thanked First Lady Melania Trump, family members, various staffers, and the U.S. Secret Service.

The president also struck an optimistic tone, saying he built a potent political movement.

Now, 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, Trump said.

White House officials said on Tuesday that the speech was recorded on Monday.

Trump, meanwhile, will reportedly skip the ceremonial swearing-in of Biden on Wednesday and will depart the White House on Wednesday morning. Before his account was suspended by Twitter earlier in January, Trump said he would not attend the event.

President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday promised that even as he departs for D.C., to be sworn in, Ill always be a proud son of the state of Delaware. Biden added: Its deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts herethe place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans.
While The Queen's Gambit and Bridgerton smashed records at the end of 2020 with over 60 million streams each in their first 28 days on Netflix, new French series Lupin is quickly overtaking them.

The show - based on the novels by France's Maurice LeBlanc, who created the character in 1905 - looks to reach 70 million households by February 5, at which point it will have been available for a month.

The Queen's Gambit was released on 23 October 2020 and reached 62 million viewers by the end of November.

Streaming ahead: French series Lupin looks to reach 70 million households by February 5, at which point it will have been available on Netflix for only a month

Bridgerton was released on Christmas Day, and is projected to tally 63 million by the end of Jaunary.

Lupin, it seems, will smash this by a further 7 million. It has also became the first French series to land on Netflix's Top 10 list, ranking No. 1 in the likes of Brazil, Vietnam, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland to name just a few.

Lupin stars Omar Sy in the lead role. His character is Assane Diop - someone who lives life inspired by theif Arsene Lupin, of the LeBlanc novels.

The concept has been developed across various other film and TV formats over the years, including an animated series.

Coming up the rear: The Queen's Gambit was released on 23 October 2020 and reached 62 million viewers by the end of November

7 million shy: Bridgerton was released on Christmas Day, and is projected to tally 63 million by the end of Jaunary

George Kay - one of the creatives responsible for Netflix's Criminal UK and hit drama Killing Eve - has written the show, alongside Francois Uzan.

The story follows thief Diop, whose Senegal immigrant father is framed for the theft of an expensive diamond necklace by his employer, the wealthy and powerful Hubert Pellegrini, and hangs himself in his prison cell out of shame.

Years later, Diop - a teenager when his father died - sets out to get revenge on the Pellegrini family.

Criminally-inspired: Lupin stars Omar Sy in the lead role. His character is Assane Diop - someone who lives life inspired by theif Arsene Lupin, of the Maurice LeBlanc novels

Tres appreciee! Lead star Omar took to social media to celebrate the success of the series

He turns to subterfuge and disguise, using the Lupin books as a benchmark, having been gifted them by his father when he was younger.

The original books from the early 20th Century have already seen a surge in renewed interest since the show arrived on Netflix, and reruns of the animated series are being shown on various channels across the world.

The series is also only half-released, with five episodes available and a further five expected to drop in the coming weeks.

Lead star Omar took to social media to celebrate the success of the series.

Merci! The Jurassic World star posted his thanks to Instagram, alongside a snap of his character, thanking his 1.9 million followers

Battre des records! '70 millions, that's insane!! So proud that Lupin is the first French Netflix Original series to be so successful internationally! That wouldnt have been possible without you. Thank you all!' [sic], he gushed

The Jurassic World star posted his thanks to Instagram, alongside a snap of his character, thanking his 1.9 million followers.

'70 millions, that's insane!! So proud that Lupin is the first French Netflix Original series to be so successful internationally! That wouldnt have been possible without you. Thank you all!' [sic], he gushed.

The series also stars Herve Pierre, Nicole Garcia, Clotilde Hesme, Ludivine Sagnier, Antoine Gouy, Shirine Boutella and Soufiane Guerrab.
Premier League

Leicester v Chelsea, 8.15pm, Sky Sports

The Style Counsellors

RTE One, 8.30pm

Jessica from Meath, a busy mam to three boys under three  including twins born prematurely at the start of the pandemic. Most of Jessicas wardrobe no longer fits her, so Eileen Smith (@EileenStyleQueen) and Suzanne Jackson (Sosueme.ie) are on hand to help her start again.

The Style Counsellors: Suzanne Jackson (Sosueme.ie) and Eileen Smith (@EileenStyleQueen  two social media sensations who know their way around a wardrobe.

According to husband Dave life has been upside down and inside out ever since, but were getting through it". Jessica declares herself very comfortable in her body and says: I love my body the way it is. Why would I want it to change?"

But she notes: "After having three kids I think over the last four years Ive either been pregnant or breastfeeding so my body has changed dramatically and I havent had a minute between the pandemic and the twins coming early to go and buy clothes that suit or get time to try them on."

The boys' christening is also on the horizon so she also needs a special outfit.

Outbreak: The Virus That Shook the World

ITV, 9pm

Medical professionals take a look back at the initial outbreak in China, with suggestions that the authorities attempted to cover up the danger. There are also examinations of the decisions taken by governments and public health officials around the world which helped shape the course of the infection.

Outside The Wire

Netflix

Damson Idris as Harp and Emily Beecham as Sofiya in Outside The Wire. Picture: Jonathan Prime/Netflix

Set in the future, Harp (Damson Idris), a drone pilot, is sent into a deadly militarised zone where he finds himself working for Leo (Anthony Mackie), an android officer, tasked to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents do.

By the way, today is Donald Trump's last full day as US President so tomorrow will be all about Joe Biden's inauguration. Here's all the info on this.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Managing Editor of Features

Lindsey Hollenbaugh is the managing editor of features for The Berkshire Eagle. A native of upstate New York, she has a journalism degree from Ithaca College. She lives in Pittsfield with her husband and son.




The Doctors Company, the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, on a mission to advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine.

Healthcare Risk Advisors, which partners with large medical practices and healthcare organizations to identify and solve their unique self-insurance, risk transfer, and risk management needs.

TDC Specialty Underwriters, providing E&S-driven liability solutions for a variety of healthcare organizations and professionals.

Medical Advantage, an innovator in maximizing health plan and physician clinical and financial performance at the point of care in value-based contracting.

White, former president of the insurance operations of FPIC Insurance Group, has more than 50 years of experience in the insurance industry. He joined The Doctors Company with the acquisition of FPIC in 2011, and he served most recently as executive vice president, medical professional liability, at The Doctors Company.

"I am extremely pleased that Bob will be taking on this vital role," Dr. Anderson said. "He is well known and universally respected at The Doctors Company and in the industry. His extraordinary experience and outstanding judgment make him the ideal leader as TDC Group grows, fulfilling our promise to be the preeminent organization for service to healthcare."

"I look forward to this opportunity to assist in the growth of TDC Group and expand our mission-based platform for service to healthcare in whatever practice model our members choose," White said.

White graduated magna cum laude from San Francisco State University. He is chairman of the board of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, board member of the Florida Insurance Council, past chair and current board member of the Board of Governors of the Florida Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association, member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, and member of the Board of Directors of Professionals Resource Network, Inc. Mr. White is also a former board member of the Medical Professional Liability Association and currently serves on three of their committees.

About TDC Group

The TDC Group of companies (TDC Group) is the nation's largest physician-owned provider of insurance, risk management, and healthcare practice improvement solutions. Serving the full continuum of care, from individual physicians to academic medical systems, we help healthcare professionals overcome the complexities of today's practice environment. TDC Group (thetdcgroup.com) delivers proven solutions constantly refined through tireless innovation. We are defined by our depth of experience, commitment to service, unparalleled product offering, and broad distribution capabilities. With annual revenue of $1 billion, over $6 billion in assets, and offices nationwide, TDC Group serves over 100,000 healthcare professionals and organizations throughout the United States.

SOURCE TDC Group

Related Links

http://thetdcgroup.com


Listen to article

The Federal Government has released the sum of N10billion to support domestic vaccine production.

This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

Speaking on Monday at the briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF), Dr Ehanire said the Federal Government is working to develop the country's own vaccines.

The minister said the government is exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in the country and have had discussions with a producer.

He, however, noted that while the nation seeks to get its own vaccines, other options are being explored for licensed production in collaboration with recognized institutions.

Regarding reports of claims by some persons in Nigeria, to have COVID-19 vaccines for sale in the country, Dr Ehanire advised all citizens to disregard these claims as they are criminal.

There are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use which include appropriate regulation and certification by NAFDAC, the minister stated as he warned against the risk of fake vaccines.

He stressed that there is no vaccine yet approved for use, adding that the NPHCDA is the only authorized vaccine administrator in Nigeria.

Dr Ehanire also noted that while the prospect of a vaccine arriving soon is cheering, the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures remains critical to preventing infections.

Wear your face masks, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizers, avoid close contacts and crowded places and if you have symptoms like cough, difficulty in breathing, sudden loss of taste and smell, and fever, please get tested, the minister advised.

A man has been arrested over the fatal stabbing of a father and two other attacks carried out in less than a week in north-west London.

Delivery driver Leon Street, 48, was stabbed to death on Monday night last week in Neasden, close to where he lived with his fiancee.

A 47-year-old man was stabbed around 10 minutes earlier, while a third man, who is in his thirties, was also attacked on Sunday.

Detectives have linked the three stabbings but said they are keeping an open mind over the motive as none of the victims appear to have been robbed, and the attacker is not believed to have said anything significant to them.

The 20-year-old suspect was held in Neasden on suspicion of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm in the early hours of Tuesday.

Leon Street, 48, was killed near his home in Brent, north west London, on January 11 at 9.30pm

Police have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with Leon's death and two other attacks

Metropolitan Police Commander Louis Smith said: 'Although there has been an arrest overnight in this investigation, three stabbings, one of which was fatal, have occurred in Neasden Lane North in the past week, so I am urging residents in that area to be extra vigilant if they are out and about in the coming days.

'Due to the Covid regulations, the public should only be going outside if it is absolutely essential.

'However, if residents in the Neasden Lane North area do have to go outside I would urge them to be alert and totally aware of their surroundings.

'Residents can also be reassured that patrols in the area have been stepped up and they can expect to see increased police visibility in the area.'

The first victim, who has been discharged from hospital, was attacked on Neasden Lane by a man who ran away from the scene around 10 minutes before Mr Street was stabbed near the junction with Hazelwood Court.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene on Neasden Lane North just after 9.30pm but could not save Mr Street, who was a father and step-grandfather.

A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as stab injuries to the chest.

The third victim was stabbed in Neasden Lane North near the bus stop at the junction with Press Road shortly before 10am on Sunday.

Sunday's victim, a man believed to be aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital for stab injuries and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Pictured: Police officers on the scene

He was taken to hospital, where his condition is said to be not life-threatening.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Williams said: 'There were people around Neasden Lane North on the evening of Monday January 11 and on Sunday morning who will have seen or heard something of note. I need those people to come forward.

'In particular, I want to hear from anyone who saw a man running or otherwise acting suspiciously in the Neasden Lane North area between 9pm and 10pm last Monday or at around 9.50am on Sunday morning. I also want to hear from anyone who has seen a man hanging around the area in recent weeks.

'Officers are making extensive CCTV inquiries, and I am confident that together with information from local people, we are piecing together what happened.

While police said residents should not be leaving home unless essential due to lockdown, they have warned the community to be 'totally aware of surroundings' if they do go out on streets

'If you have information that may assist, please do not delay in making contact with us. Even exceptionally small details could prove extremely significant.'

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6783/11JAN.

To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III should reaffirm the price range of Chinas Sinovac coronavirus shot to help boost public trust, a senator said on Tuesday.

It will help a lot if Sec. Galvez and Sec. Duque would reaffirm this price range that they are looking at, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source. This would augur well to overcome the mistrust of the people.

Lawmakers and netizens have earlier raised concerns on the cost of the China-made vaccine, as officials refused to reveal the actual price, citing their non-disclosure agreement. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque later said that each dose of the product is priced near 650 and wont exceed 700.

Senate President Tito Sotto earlier said lawmakers may consider holding an executive session should officials still decline to disclose this data. But Drilon said there may be no need for one given the recent hints about the price range.

In my view, there is nothing that should merit an executive session, Drilon noted, but stressed that the decision lies on Sottos hands. The manner of confidentiality is already moot and academic the price range has been revealed.

Sinovac Biotech General Manager Helen Yang, in an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, also refused to disclose the cost of the vaccine, but noted the Philippines was given a very good pricing for the deal. She also denied claims that their product was one of the most expensive in the market.

RELATED: Sinovac in middle stage of vaccine talks with PH, definitive deal to be discussed further  manager
Amina Mohamed Abdi was just 24 when she first stood for Somalia's parliament in 2012, defeating two other candidates to win a seat reserved for women and defying elders from her Hawiye clan, some of whom denounced her as immodest.

"I was asked 'you want to be a prostitute? How can a woman represent a clan?'" she told Reuters. "I insisted and said a clan is not composed only of men."

Four years later, she won an open seat in Hiran, a region north of the capital Mogadishu.

Now 32, and having carved herself a reputation as one of the government's most vocal and visible critics, she will vie for a third term in an overdue election - the only woman in a field of six contesting the same seat.

She said growing up during a civil war that began in 1992 made her want to enter politics to help rebuild her country.

She remembers returning from school in Mogadishu as an eight-year-old to find her house empty and her family gone after fighting broke out. "Everywhere there were gunshots and mortar shells were landing," she said.

A member of the opposition Union and Peace for Development party and now one of 81 women lawmakers in the 275-seat legislative chamber, she later lived with her uncle, himself a parliamentarian, who inspired her further.

"I was brought up in a country when there was no government," she said. "It is necessary for our children to have a government in order to get the basic rights: security, clean water, and quality education."

Abdi has translated those wishes into fiery speeches that have resonated beyond parliament, labelling the government corrupt and incapable of protecting Somalia's 15 million people, accusations that it denies.

"Lawmaker Amina is not from my state but I love her," Canab Hussein, a Mogadishu shopkeeper and mother of six, told Reuters.

"I learnt (about her) over the radio and on Facebook and YouTube. She is a role model, a smart female politician. She bravely speaks the truth."

Initially due in December, parliamentary elections have been repeatedly delayed after the opposition accused President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of packing the electoral board with his allies.

The postponement sparked protests in Mogadishu and the opposition has threatened a boycott of the rescheduled vote - a process to elect first senators and then legislators that could get under way this month - if the electoral board is not disbanded. Talks are ongoing.

Winners of the two-stage ballot will select Somalia's next president. That vote is scheduled for February 8 but is almost certain to be delayed.

President Mohamed is seeking a second term. He was elected in 2017 after promising to ensure the military was paid regularly, but the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgency, which was driven out of Mogadishu by African Union troops in 2011, still mounts frequent attacks.
Its a great time to own a Samsung flagship device, with the company pushing out platform updates to the latest Android 11 release almost every week. Its only the third week of January and so far, Samsung has already updated all the devices in its roster for this month.

In fact, Samsung has now begun rolling out the Android 11 update coupled with OneUI 3.0 for the Samsung Galaxy Fold an entire month ahead of schedule, according to an online report. The update will hit both the 4G and 5G variants - the 4G variant is currently rolling out to devices in France, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the report states.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 gets Android 11 based OneUI 3

The company first rolled out its stable update in December to its latest flagships and since then, it has already updated the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10 Lite, Note 10, Note 10 Plus, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The update for the Galaxy Fold that is currently rolling out also includes the January security patches.

It remains to be seen whether Samsung continues to keep up the pace with its M series and A series, which are next in line to receive the Android 11 update, but given how quick it has been while sticking to its own schedule so far, it seems like the company is well on track.

According to the companys schedule, only the Galaxy Fold was supposed to receive the Android 11 update in February, which means the company could possibly move up some of its devices from the March roster - namely the Galaxy M30s, M31, M21 and the Galaxy A51, Galaxy Note 10 Lite and the Galaxy Tab S7, by a few weeks.
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 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced recently that 13 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive grants this year totaling $108,787.

The grants will be used to preserve and showcase the canals heritage, educate youth and welcome visitors to explore the canal in their local communities.

As the pandemic continues to present abnormal challenges it is especially gratifying to support diverse canal inspired innovations. We are so pleased to make these timely investments and contribute to the resilience of our canal communities, said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

The grants range from $1,500 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $146,630 in private and public project support, Radliff said.

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has made 96 grants to communities and non-profit organizations since 2008 that have spurred $2.49 million in additional investments in heritage preservation, recreation, and education. The grants are made possible with funding support provided by the National Park Service and the NYS Canal Corporation.

3rd Place in Classic Canal category of the 2020 Erie Canalway photo contest. "Autumn Glory" (Waterloo) by Robert Klick, Amherst, NY

2021 ERIE CANALWAY IMPACT! GRANTS

Buffalo Maritime Center, Buffalo Award: $12,000 to create an exhibit dedicated to the Haudenosaunee alliance of Native Americans and Erie Canal history to complement Buffalo Maritime Centers building of the Packet Boat, Seneca Chief.

Canal Society of New York State, Port Byron Award: $5,300 to install wayside signs to improve outreach and accessibility to cultural and natural resources at the Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron.

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango Award: $9,967 to produce a virtual 3-D tour of the museum complex to expand outreach efforts and create new opportunities for education. In addition, develop a STEM-based distance learning program for youth blending concepts of robotics and canal infrastructure.

City of Amsterdam Award: $11,757 to institute creative, place-based visitor enhancements at Riverlink Park and Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook.

Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford Award: $11,388 to implement a variety of educational initiatives aboard the Sam Patch, including a bird watching tour in partnership with the Montezuma Audubon Society, and hands-on learning for students in the Erie Canal Environmental Education program, which blends STEM, history, and environmental curriculums.

Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse Award: $11,000 to partner with restaurants and other local businesses to offer public programming on the Erie Canals relationship to food, specifically as it pertains to agriculture, irrigation and transportation of goods.

Erie Canal Discovery Center/Niagara County Historical Society, Lockport Award: $4,180 to support the development of five virtual lessons on the history, geography, engineering and national impact of the Erie Canal.

Lumber City Development Corporation, North Tonawanda Award: $3,500 to install a historic mural near the dock area at Gateway Harbor Park in the City of North Tonawanda, enhancing the beauty of the park for visitors while establishing a strong sense of place and heritage.

Montezuma Audubon Center, Savannah Award: $10,865 to organize a Canalway Conservation Corps to develop early detection invasive species management programs and STEM-based educational opportunities at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Village of Brockport Award: $4,830 to enhance Brockports self-guided walking tour by upgrading tour materials and interpretive panels.

Village of Medina Award: $10,500 to develop and install an ADA accessible kayak launch located on the Erie Canal in the heart of downtown Medina.

Village of Newark Award: $1,500 to repair vandalism damage to a prominent Erie Canal themed mural on the canalfront and guard against further damage or deterioration with protective coatings.

Western New York Land Conservancy, Inc., East Aurora Award: $12,000, to transform an unused rail corridor into The Riverline, an iconic, innovative, and inspiring nature trail and greenway along the Buffalo River near the terminus of the Erie Canal.

For more about the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, see the groups website.

MORE:

NY Canal System photo contest shows beauty of a great Upstate NY resource

Upstate NY ice fishing: Anglers share photos of their eye-opening catches

Meet Asa Ladd of Brewerton, who once fell through the ice and kept fishing, and shot himself in foot and kept hunting
HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th January, 2021) Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid has advanced to the second round of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) leadership election, Angelika Lebedev, spokesperson for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the state-run ERR broadcaster on Tuesday.

"After the first round of consultations, the Czech and Polish candidate received the least support and withdrew their candidacies from further competition. So there are eight candidates left in the competition," Lebedev said, as quoted by the broadcaster.

The second round of the competition to replace outgoing Secretary-General Jose Angel Gurria is scheduled to be held this week, the broadcaster said.

There are seven other contenders for the role, including Christopher Liddell, an adviser to US President Donald Trump, and former Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.

Gurria, a Mexican economist and diplomat, has held the post of OECD Secretary-General since 2006. He is set to leave the role this coming May.
SES Networks will provide backbone capacity able to support and improve essential QINIQ broadband and SSi Mobile phone services throughout Nunavut

LUXEMBOURG & YELLOWKNIFE, Canada -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Vital new satellite capacity will be delivered to Canadas north, including all 25 communities of Nunavut, following a partnership signed between SSi Canada, the developer-operator of QINIQ broadband and SSi Mobile services in Nunavut, and SES Networks, the leader in global content connectivity solutions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005410/en/

This partnership comes at a critical time for Nunavut, with the COVID-19 crisis having led to an unprecedented need for reliable internet and mobile communications services as Nunavummiut move increasingly to study, work, and shop online and at home. With growing demand for QINIQ broadband and SSi Mobile services, all 25 communities in Nunavut - and elsewhere in Northern Canada - will benefit from SSi Canadas multi-year agreement with SES Networks.

We are excited to partner with SES Networks to bring this much needed capacity to Canadas North, said Jeff Philipp, CEO and Founder of SSi. As a global operator, SES Networks understands the challenges faced by underserved regions of the world and SSis ongoing commitment to overcome these challenges. SES Networks is certainly the right partner at the right time.

Under the new agreement announced today, SSi Canada will secure a significant increase in its satellite capacity, enhancing SSis ability to better serve consumers, students, government entities and businesses in Nunavut today and into the future. The new SES-SSi satellite footprint covers much more than Nunavut, enabling connectivity improvements across Canada.

Thanks to timely regulatory approvals from the Canadian Government, we are now working hard to bring this new capacity online as quickly as possible said Philipp. This is an essential step to ensure continuity of QINIQ broadband, and we look forward to expanding our network offerings and capabilities in the coming months and years as we work to deliver on the Governments goal of broadband connectivity for every Canadian, no matter where they live.

For years weve been providing services to Northern Canada and know that the digital divide is challenging for people living in remote and rural areas, said Omar Trujillo, Vice President of Sales, Fixed Data Americas at SES Networks. Canadas bold vision to connect every citizen to broadband this decade aligns with the innovative solutions SSi Canada has been providing to its customers for years. We are happy to bring our expertise of operating more than 70 geostationary and medium earth orbit satellites to help SSi Canada scale up their backbone, ensuring that the remote communities in Nunavut are at the forefront in achieving the 50/10 Mbps threshold.

SES has a proven track record for providing reliable data services across Canada in a variety of spectrum bands over its satellite fleet. Its C-band offerings are uniquely capable for providing the capacity needed for communities and businesses in Canada to maintain and strengthen their communications infrastructure.

Follow SES on:

Social Media

Blog

Media Library

About SSi Canada

Headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with a satellite teleport and network operations centre in Ottawa, SSi designs, builds and operates state-of-the-art communications networks. SSi is a pioneer in delivering remote-area connectivity in Canadas North and the developer-operator of the award winning SSi Mobile and QINIQ broadband services. With over 30 years of operating experience, SSi is a leader in delivering advanced satellite, broadband, mobile wireless and clean energy solutions. SSi understands first-hand the challenges faced in providing effective and affordable communications services and other infrastructure support to remote and outlying areas, having launched broadband and mobile voice and data services into many markets where these previously did not exist.

For more information, see: http://www.ssicanada.com/

About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the worlds only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the worlds leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SESs video network carries almost 8,200 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 367 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG).

Further information is available at: www.ses.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005410/en/

CONTACT:

Suzanne Ong

SES External Communications

Tel. +352 710 725 500

suzanne.ong@ses.com

David Veniot

SSi Communications Manager

Tel. 613-271-6464

davidv@ssicanada.com

SSi Canada Partners with SES Networks to Deliver New Satellite Capacity into Northern Canada (Photo: Business Wire)
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
But the court considered the 2014 interactions were "more complex" and could ultimately be used to argue to overturn Mr Madafferis convictions. In 2014, Mr Acquaro approached police following a story in The Age that linked the Calabrian mafia to a string of drive-by shootings targeting the Woodstock pizza outlets in Carlton North and Moonee Ponds. By this time, Mr Acquaro was no longer representing Madafferi, after an escalating dispute with the Madafferi family. "He described his falling out with Madafferi, expressed his anger about the manner in which Madafferi had drawn his sons into his sphere of influence, and reported that Madafferi was standing over traders at the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the company of a man with a gun. He also reported a threat to his own life," the court said. Some of the information he provided was used to further investigations such as that into the pizza outlet shootings.

"These documents primarily record police action taken on information provided by Acquaro about criminal activity that was then ongoing or had taken place in the relatively short period since Acquaro had ceased acting for Madafferi," the court said. Loading "We do not consider that Acquaro reporting what he knew about current or ongoing serious criminal activity, particularly threats against himself, involved any breach of duty to Madafferi." Mr Acquaro was assigned the number F710FDB during his period of contact with police from March to June 2014, which included recorded meetings. At the time, concerns that Mr Acquaro could have a conflict of interest were raised because he had previously represented both Frank Madafferi and his brother Tony.

"Acquaro said he was not conflicted in the sense Im divulging anything in relation to them and I think its pretty obvious what  my relationship is with them or has been with them, 'cos theres no longer a relationship any more ' " the court said. "[Mr Acquaro said:] 'I dont have a professional relationship with Tony. I have a professional relationship with Frank  Ive always said that Im not going to infringe on my professional capacity.' " But the court found the "flavour of the discussions" could be open to interpretation that Mr Acquaro and police shared a common desire for Frank Madafferi to be "locked up". "Towards the end of the conversation, Acquaro stated that he felt responsible for creating a monster (namely, Madafferi) to which [police] responded, 'All right. Now you can destroy it'," one recording said. Mr Acquaro also provided specific information about Madafferis legal position and other matters that could be considered a breach.

"(The recordings) reveal that Acquaro disclosed to the police not only purported problems that he knew of in the prosecution case against Madafferi, but other matters that could be used to put pressure on Madafferi, such as his involvement in a 'sham' charitable foundation and potential problems with his immigration status," the court said. Loading "These are matters that may reflect on the independence of the advice and representation that Madafferi received from Acquaro." "We consider that the 2014 transcripts (and the related materials) may be of substantial assistance to Madafferi in his appeal," the court found. In the case of Saverio Zirillis appeal, the court accepted that Mr Acquaros informing in 2014 could have a logical flow on for his case too.

It could be said that, although he pleaded guilty, his decision to do so had been heavily influenced by the pressure placed upon him by the barrage of legal advice that he received from both Mr Acquaro and Ms Gobbo," the court said. As regards Mr Acquaro, there might be legitimate questions as to whether he provided Mr Zirilli with independent and impartial advice. In denying Victoria Police's applications on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal said: "The judgment of the court is that, to the extent that the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police makes application for an order that the existence or non-existence of information pertaining to whether or not Joseph Acquaro was or was not a police informer is subject to public interest immunity, that application is refused." Public interest immunity claims are designed to prevent the release of information that could prejudice a police investigation, reveal law enforcement methodologies or expose the identity of informers and undercover operatives.
"Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last," the US Vice President-elect's mother Shyamala Harris told her once, says this revelatory and inspiring biography of the female icon of the moment, to be released on the day she takes office on January 20.

Close on the heels of 'Kamala's Way' comes another biography, 'Kamala Harris: The American Story that Began on India's Shores' (Hachette) that continues the extraordinary and inspirational tale of this courageous and charismatic woman, a pioneer in her own right, who has today become a symbol many look up to in the hope of a more inclusive world. Her inspirational rise to the top holds the promise that she will not be the last woman to conquer this mountain.

In this engaging narrative, readers get a glimpse into Harris' formative years with her mother and sister, and particularly the considerable influence her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, had on her life and worldview.

It provides insights into the ideas that got Harris interested in lawmaking and the immense contributions she made in several areas in politics and society in America before entering the presidential race.

The author, Hansa Makhijani Jain, juggles her time between writing and editing. In the 14 years that she has been in media, she has written prolifically across newspapers, magazines, books and the web. She served as assistant editor at Marie Claire India, and regularly contributed to magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, L'Officiel, eShe and Prevention. She has also been the deputy editor at Fashion101.

( ) has laid a firm foundation for a strong 2021 with efforts in Mali during the December quarter.

Managing director Phil Hoskins said: It was pleasing to finish the year with further drilling underway at Tabakorole, Lakanfla assay results pending and finalising the binding documentation that significantly increases our landholdings in Mali to 752 square kilometres.

Multi-element soil geochemistry and high-resolution ground magnetics are underway at our exploration projects with a regional focus around Tabakorole given its potential to host the strike extension and generate new drill targets which we look forward to following up throughout 2021.

Finally, we are pleased to be developing our engagement with the local community through the commencement of various programs designed to meet the specific needs of the local area.

December quarter programs

During the December quarter, the company started a 6,300-metre drill program at the Tabakorole Gold Project in southern Mali and completed a 3,800-metre drill program at Lakanfla Gold Project in southwest Mali.

The company also finalised an agreement with ( ) to acquire an 80% JV interest in 600 square kilometres of gold exploration tenements and has started multi-element soil geochemistry and geophysics programs across most of the companys exploration projects.

Tabakorole Gold Project

The 44-hole, 6,300-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Tabakorole is designed to increase the existing resource by extending gold mineralisation along strike in both directions.

The program will be completed towards the end of January 2021.

Marvels landholding at Tabakorole, which covers 300 square kilometres in granted tenements, is held under two separate joint ventures, firstly with UK and TSX-listed plc ( ) ( ) (OTCMKTS:ALTUF) and secondly with ( ) (FRA:JYA).

The current drilling is being undertaken on the Altus JV tenement and completion of the program will see the company satisfy its second stage earn-in obligations and earn a 51% interest.

It has been agreed with Altus that the portion of this accelerated drill program in excess of the second-stage requirement will be allocated to future earn-in requirements as the company moves towards an 80% JV interest.

Lakanfla Gold Project

During the quarter, a 3,800-metre RC drilling program was completed at Lakanfla, the results of which are expected later this month.

Lakanfla hosts a significant number of active and historic artisanal gold workings which are coincident with major geochemical and gravity anomalies.

The objective of the first phase drill program was to prove the existence of a karst and identify the potentially mineralised areas of the gravity lows.

Lakanfla is 6 kilometres southeast of the tier-1 Sadiola gold mine with 13.5 million ounces of production historically.

The company understands Sadiola may require additional oxide feed in the relative near-term, which may prove beneficial for Lakanfla.

Limited ( ) and JV partner IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) have this month completed the sale of their entire interests in SEMOS, the holder of Sadiola, to Allied Gold Corp.

Regional exploration

Extensive multi-element soil geochemistry and geophysics programs are being conducted across all of Marvels exploration projects where little to no exploration has been previously conducted.

It is anticipated that these baseline datasets will be completed by the end of March 2021, with drill targets identified shortly thereafter.

Acquisition of tenements

During the quarter, the company executed a shareholders agreement with Oklo to acquire an 80% interest in Oklos three South Mali gold projects  Tabakorole, Yanfolila and Kolondieba  covering 600 square kilometres of highly prospective Birimian Greenstone terrain.

The company has met all the conditions precedent to complete the acquisition, which will bring the companys total landholding in Mali to 752 square kilometres.

Both Oklo and Marvel have agreed with the initial work programs for the South Mali Gold Projects, with multi-element soil geochemistry and high-resolution ground magnetics underway at each project.

Enhancement of in-country capability

During the quarter, the company has taken various steps to strengthen its capacity to operate in Mali that include:

Establishment of a guesthouse and office in Bamako;

Acquisition of three light vehicles to support exploration activities;

Providing basic upgrades to permanent exploration camps including new gen sets;

Purchase and installation of a fuel tank to support ongoing drilling activities at Tabakorole; and

Commencement of community relations programs.

Also, during the quarter, the company completed a placement of 95 million shares at 6 cents per share to professional and sophisticated investors to raise $5.7 million.

This placement ensures that Marvel is fully funded to undertake an accelerated, growth-focused exploration program across its Mali gold exploration portfolio.
Two family members of health staff at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin have received Covid-19 vaccines which it says would have been wasted otherwise.

It followed news that 16 family members of staff in the Coombe maternity hospital also were given the vaccine earlier this month.

The two family members at the Rotunda are believed to be in a "vulnerable group".

The hospital said it received its first batch of 93 vials of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine on January 6 for administration to its staff.

Each vial contains six doses, and the statement said "every one of these six doses were administered to staff working at the Rotunda".

"At the end of the first day of administration of the vaccine, the Rotunda's dedicated vaccine administration team noted a small amount of vaccine remnants in a number of vials that had been reconstituted, following administration of the approved number of six doses per vial," it said.

"In other words, there was excess vaccine in some vials. These remnants would have expired within a number of hours if not used and would have been discarded.

"Rather than wasting any vaccine whatsoever, and following immediate discussion with leadership at the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), the Rotunda requested expressions of interest from the local community, who could attend the hospital within an hour, prior to expiry of these vaccines and who would be willing to accept these unapproved vaccine remnants."

Thirty-seven people, including local GPs and members of other vulnerable groups, agreed to attend and to avail of the non-approved vaccine remnants.

"The Rotunda is of the view, and is supported by NIAC, that this was the morally correct thing to do and a wholly appropriate response in the setting of a pandemic, such that no vaccine was wasted and the maximum good was achieved," said the hospital.

"It must be noted that even if Rotunda staff could attend at short notice to receive the vaccine remnants, the hospital was not approved to administer it to them.

"Equally, the 37 non-Rotunda personnel who received the vaccines did so in the full knowledge they were receiving a non-approved vaccine remnant."

Irish Further Education Minister Simon Harris has raised concern about the lack of clear protocols around "spare" vaccines.

He said he was concerned that 16 vaccines were given to family members of staff of the Coombe.

"The idea that we had spare vaccines, albeit we had just 16 in this case, is a concept that I find hard to understand, because of course there isn't spare vaccines," he said.

"Either this is a situation in place where there is a protocol about what you do with so-called spare vaccines and that wasn't followed, or more concerning if there isn't a protocol in place."

He welcomed the apology from the Master of the Hospital, Professor Michael O'Connell, last night.

According to the hospital, the decision was taken so that no vaccine would go to waste after workers and those it has been tasked with administering the first dose had got it.

The hospital would not give details about the family members who got the vaccine other than to say there were 16 of them - nine were over the age of 70 and seven were "of varying age".
While humans take the best selfies and write the wittiest captions in their dating apps bio to attract other humans, animals in the wild have to resort to some weird techniques to find a partner.

Some birds dance and showcase their plumage, some animals sing, but one particular frog species has been found to use a very human-like gesture for interaction- waving hello!

Sachatamia orejuela, a kind of glass frog, has been observed to simply wave over to attract a mate. They usually live near loud streams or gushing waterfalls. The usual method in frogs is to croak when initiating a mating call, but due to the glass frogs surrounding, any croaks would be drowned by the sounds of water. So, when these frogs spot a potential mate, they wave them over either by flapping a hand or bobbing their head. These dancing frogs have been observed near streams and waterfalls in rainforests across the globe including in India, Brazil, Borneo, and the latest, Ecuador.

While dancing frogs have been observed before, a member of this particular frog family, Centrolenidae, has never been seen using any visual communication. The discovery was made by Rebecca Brunner, Conservation ecologist at University of California.

The Sachatamia orejuela inhabit rainforests in Colombia and Ecuador. They like to live close to waterfalls, so close that they are in the splash zone and can be seen perched on rocks and boulders around such water sources. Researchers guess the slippery surfaces allow them to be safe from predators. They almost camouflage with the surrounding on account of their green-grey colour and translucent skin. Since they are hard to spot, not a lot is known about their mating or social behaviours.

A handful of other frog species around the world use visual signaling, in addition to high-pitched calls, to communicate in really loud environments, Brunner said. But she called this discovery interesting because these species are not related to one another. This means the visual communication methods in the two, evolved independently.

The phenomenon can be explained by convergent evolution. It is when two separate species develop similar responses and behaviours due to being in similar environments. Brunner was surprised to see this visual signalling while out on observation and quickly settled herself atop the slippery rocks to get some footage.

I was already over the moon because I had finally found a calling male after months of searching, she said in a statement. There has been no official documentation of this species calls before.

Apart from the wave signal, these frogs have an extremely high-pitched call. The general croak would not be audible in such surroundings. She called her discovery a perfect example of how an environment's soundscape can influence the species that live there.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210115155338.htm

President Trump on Monday ordered an end to the ban on travelers from Europe and Brazil that had been aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus to the United States, a move that was quickly rejected by aides to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., who said Mr. Biden will rescind the move when he takes office on Wednesday.

In a proclamation issued late Monday, Mr. Trump said that the travel restrictions, which applied to noncitizens trying to come to the United States after spending time in those areas, would no longer be needed on Jan. 26, the date on which those passengers will be required to present proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding a flight.

Mr. Trump wrote that Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human services, had recommended ending the restrictions on travel from most parts of Europe and Brazil, while maintaining restrictions on Iran and China, which Mr. Trump said had not been cooperative.

I agree with the secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from Covid-19 while enabling travel to resume safely, the president said in the proclamation.
The best way to start a review of a Leyner book is to list a few of its high-concept conceits. In Last Orgy of the Divine Hermit, these include:

 a spoken-word karaoke bar

 warring criminal gangs that distinguish themselves by their colognes

 If Joan Rivers had gone to the electric chair instead of Ethel Rosenberg, this is the book she would have written

As in most of Leyners novels, like Et Tu, Babe and Gone With the Mind, these little joke-bombs go off on nearly every page. The reader has to stop to figure out what they mean and why (and whether) theyre funny. This can be a slog. Its also a weirdly exciting reading experience.

Last Orgy of the Divine Hermit poses as an ethnographic study of the fictional Eastern European nation of Chalazia. Actually, the novel excludes the study, consisting only of an introduction and an epilogue. The introduction is being recited by a patient in a New Jersey optometrists office: Shes reading it off an eye chart through a phoropter (the device used to determine lens prescriptions). Is it better like this  or like this? One  or two? the optometrist asks, switching lenses. The epilogue dramatizes a tender scene between the author of the study, Mark Leyner, and his loving daughter, Gaby. They visit a Chalazian karaoke bar on a Thursday Father/Daughter Nite, where they read endearments off a screen, just as the other fathers and daughters in attendance do. Perhaps none are the real Mark and Gaby.
Please note The Sun Chronicle is providing this story and all of our local coronavirus coverage for free so that all readers have access to this important information about the pandemic. Please visit our dedicated coronavirus coverage page for more stories. If you'd like to support our mission, please subscribe.
With a mass of 1.8 Neptune masses and a radius of Jupiter, WASP-107b presents a challenge to planet formation theories.

WASP-107 is a highly active K-type main sequence star located about 212 light-years away in the constellation of Virgo.

First detected in 2017, WASP-107b is one of the least dense exoplanets known  a type that astrophysicists have dubbed super-puff or cotton-candy planets.

It orbits very close to the star  over 16 times closer than the Earth is to the Sun  once every 5.7 days.

It has one of the coolest atmospheres of any of the exoplanets discovered, although at 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit) is still radically hotter that Earth.

In the new study, Universite de Montreals Professor Bjorn Benneke and colleagues used observations of WASP-107b obtained at the Keck Observatory in Hawaii to assess the planets mass more accurately.

They concluded that the mass of WASP-107b is about one tenth that of Jupiter, or about 30 times that of Earth.

They then did an analysis to determine the planets most likely internal structure.

This work addresses the very foundations of how giant planets can form and grow, Professor Benneke said.

It provides concrete proof that massive accretion of a gas envelope can be triggered for cores that are much less massive than previously thought.

The astronomers came to a surprising conclusion: with such a low density, the planet must have a solid core of no more than 4 times the mass of the Earth.

This means that more than 85% of its mass is included in the thick layer of gas that surrounds this core.

We had a lot of questions about WASP-107b, said Caroline Piaulet, a Ph.D. student in the Institute for Research on Exoplanets at the Universite de Montreal.

How could a planet of such low density form? And how did it keep its huge layer of gas from escaping, especially given the planets close proximity to its star?

For WASP-107b, the most plausible scenario is that the planet formed far away from the star, where the gas in the disk is cold enough that gas accretion can occur very quickly, said Professor Eve Lee, an astronomer in the Department of Physics and the McGill Space Institute at McGill University.

The planet was later able to migrate to its current position, either through interactions with the disc or with other planets in the system.

Beyond WASP-107b, the team also detected a second, more massive planet on a wide eccentric orbit.

The planet has a mass of 0.36 Jupiter masses and orbits the star once every 3 years.

Named WASP-107c, it may have influenced the orbital migration and spin-orbit misalignment of WASP-107b.

WASP-107c has in some respects kept the memory of what happened in its system, Piaulet said.

Its great eccentricity hints at a rather chaotic past, with interactions between the planets which could have led to significant displacements, like the one suspected for WASP-107b.

The findings were published in the Astronomical Journal.

_____

Caroline Piaulet et al. 2021. WASP-107bs Density Is Even Lower: A Case Study for the Physics of Planetary Gas Envelope Accretion and Orbital Migration. AJ 161, 70; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/abcd3c
TROY  The pandemic has been hammering colleges and universities in the Capital Region. Since March 202o, high education institutions have spent millions of dollars to make their campuses COVID-19-safe and minimize the spread of the virus.

The costs of refunding room-and-board for the spring semester that was cut short, stocking up on protective equipment, and setting up surveillance testing added up, and many schools were forced to furlough employees and eliminate programs to balance their budgets.

One institution that appears to be weathering the storm better than most is the Troy-based Russell Sage College, which just a few years ago was financially challenged.

Russell Sage President Christopher Ames, who joined the college in 2017, credits its multi-year financial turnaround which began yielding results shortly before the pandemic began.

"The deficit sort of emerged between the time I was hired and when I started, so I walked into a situation where that, of course, was the number one priority -- to maintain the fiscal health. And it took a couple of years to get the ship completely righted," Ames said.

Through a series of targeted cuts and a strategy to boost enrollment and rebrand the 105-year-old institution, the college whittled down a $4.8 million deficit and reversed one of the worst credit ratings of any U.S. college.

Between fall 2017 and fall 2019, the college eliminated 41 staff and administrative positions and reduced its faculty by 10. All of the reductions were made through attrition faculty members who retired or resigned and were not replaced. The college also scaled back some of its academic majors in areas like mathematics, chemistry and computer science.

"Once we got a healthy baseline and we weren't bleeding money, we could start growing our programs and it's been a really steady progress," Ames said.

By spring 2019, Moody's Investors Service had upgraded the college's outlook from "negative" to "stable." In June, the college had a positive balance of $2.9 million, marking the second consecutive fiscal year the college ended with a multi-million dollar surplus.

Like other colleges, Russell Sage refunded half of the room and board fees paid by residential students who were sent home during the spring semester shortened by the pandemic.

But the college announced no layoffs or furloughs in connection with the pandemic even when its campuses were closed last spring and most of its operational staff were not needed.

"We had made the cuts earlier to reduce in size, so we were working with a lean workforce... we've asked a lot of our employees to work with a smaller staff so we wanted to be loyal to them during this difficult time," Ames said.

The school, which enrolls about 2,300 students between its undergraduate and graduate programs, saw relatively few coronavirus cases among its 500 residential students and during the socially distanced fall term and saw its retention rates rise. Roughly 20 on-site students and employees have tested positive for the virus since last fall, according to the state's COVID-19 Report Card for schools.

Ames credits the seriousness of Sage students; many study and work in health care fields and are accustomed to practices like mask-wearing and handwashing.

During the height of the pandemic, many Russell Sage graduate students already working in health care professions and education administration were in the front lines battling the impact of the coronavirus in New York's worst COVID-19 hot spots.

Since many health care professions require hands-on training, the college "had to be creative with modest resources," according to Ames.

"We kept up the clinicals as much as we could, but as hospitals became overloaded, of course, the clinicals were shut down," he said. "With our graduate programs, some of those programs had to be postponed and picked up in the summer. Now all of our students are caught up."

The college leveraged its small size, ensuring that every residential student had a single room, which simplified the quarantine process when there were coronavirus cases, Ames said. Since most of its students are from New York, the college also had fewer challenges associated with out-of-state travel.

As part of its restructuring, the college streamlined its two campuses, the historic women-only Troy institution and newer Albany location and its graduate school became one co-ed institution. Formerly known as the Sage Colleges, the institution went back to its original name Russell Sage College.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

PHOENIX  As Arizona prepares to expand its vaccination reach, health officials on Tuesday reported more than 6,400 new COVID-19 cases and one new death.

State officials also announced appointments will be scheduled for two mass vaccination sites in suburban Phoenix for people age 65 and older. The earliest slots they will be able to register for are in February.

The state Department of Health Services and local partners transformed the parking lot outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale last week into a round the clock vaccination site. Phoenix Municipal Stadium will open as a site on Feb. 1.

Health officials said there were 6,417 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases. Arizona since the pandemic began has reported 673,882 cases and 11,266 known deaths. Meanwhile, the states COVID-19 hospitalizations have started to decline after spiking to record levels over the past week.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Arizona currently leads the nation with the highest seven-day average of daily cases per 100,000 people with 117.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

In other developments:

The University of Arizona will require all students living on campus to get COVID-19 tests twice a week. Students will gargle a saline solution that will then be analyzed by the universitys own research lab. Students must take the two tests at least 48 hours apart.

Its certainly a better experience not having someone or having you put a swab up your own nose, University President Robert Robbins said.

The number of infections in Arizona is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
A Tory MP today urged her colleagues to show what British values are about by backing a rebel plan to curb the Governments ability to agree trade deals with nations declared to have committed genocide.

Former minister Nus Ghani told the Standard that MPs had a very simple choice to make today ahead of knife-edge vote in the Commons.

A Tory rebellion, led by Ms Ghani and former party leader Iain Duncan Smith, focuses on a genocide amendment to the Trade Bill.

The proposal would enable English courts to rule on whether Chinas persecution of its Uighur Muslim minority amounts to genocide.

It could force the Government to seek parliament's permission before pressing ahead with any trade deal with China.

Ms Ghani told the Standard: Today, MPs have a very simple choice to make. Do we want the UK to be empowered to do something about genocide or to do nothing?

In the 75 years since the Nuremberg trials, the UK has never recognised a genocide while it was happening.

Chinas persecution of its Uighur Muslim minority has reportedly included forced sterilisation and forced labour / AP

And even the UN has always failed to recognise a genocide until its too late.

"It is in a state of frozen paralysis  held hostage by Russia and China - and incapable of holding genocidal states to account.

"If we dont support this amendment today, we will be outsourcing all future decisions on genocide to Russia and China.

Today is our first chance to show what British values are about. As we form trade deals we must never let economic concerns trump ethical ones."

The amendment has already been passed by the House of Lords and the vote today is expected to be close.

Government sources have expressed sympathy with the rebels stance, according to the Telegraph.

But a source told the paper: Trade deals are a matter for politicians, not judges.

In the Commons last week, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab dismissed the amendment as "well-meaning" but also "rather ineffective and counter-productive".

Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands has pointed out the UK does not have a trade deal with China, nor is there a realistic prospect of one.
Rep. Chris Freeland's Legislative Update

By Rep. Chris Freeland

Pro-Life Legislation

Good Government/Separation of Powers:





Views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of West Kentucky Star.com, Bristol Broadcasting or any employee thereof. Bristol Broadcasting makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.



BENTON -Week two of the 2021 Regular Session is in the books, and I am pleased to report we took advantage of the three legislative days we had this week to consider more legislation that will help our state move forward through this pandemic and set the stage for stronger checks and balances, clearer separation of powers, and a more balanced state response to long-term emergencies. Our efforts are grounded in the belief that we can protect human life and livelihoods by providing people with the information and resources they need to make the right decision. Our commitment to human life can also be seen in the passage of two bills that strengthen our states protections of the unborn.We adjourned the first portion of this years session on Wednesday, January 13 after sending a total of seven bills to the Governors desk for his consideration. The Governor now has ten days to do one of three things: sign the bills, veto the bills, or let them sit on his desk and become law without his signature. While we have every inclination that at least a few will be vetoed, the House and Senate are prepared to override those vetoes to ensure this legislation becomes law.The seven bills we sent to the Governor include:HB 2  Protecting Human Life  HB 2 grants the Attorney General the authority to seek injunctive relief and civil or criminal penalties to prevent violations regarding abortions or administrative regulations. By giving the Attorney General more authority, we are one step closer to ensuring there are people in place to protect unborn childrens rights.SB 9  Born Alive Infant Protection Act  SB 9 states that medically appropriate and reasonable life-saving and life-sustaining medical careand treatment must not be denied to any born-alive infant. If it were to become law, any violation by a medical provider could result in felonycharges among other penalties.HB 1  Framework for Remaining Open in the COVID-19 Pandemic  This bill provides a commonsense approach to allowing businesses, schools, parents, and nonprofits to operate safely through the pandemic by allowing them to follow a comprehensive operating plan detailing howthey will adhere to safety guidelines. The bill gives employers more time to pay late unemployment insurance taxes and waives penalties andinterest on those late payments  giving employers who are struggling some relief and helping protect jobs. HB 1 also allows nursing homes andother long term care facilities to provide opportunities for specific in-person visits if it is deemed necessary for the health and well-beingof the resident. The bill also prevents the Cabinet for Health and Family Services from restricting or halting in-person non-custodialparental visitation for children in state care.HB 3  Giving Kentuckians a Voice in Cases Against the State This measure expands access to the courts and ensures that Kentuckians acrossthe state will have a voice in who decides certain suits. HB 3 would allow Kentuckians who file suit against state government or a stateelected official to do so in the county of their residence and also allows for virtual hearings to increase accessibility.HB 5  Expand Oversight on the Reorganization of Boards and Agencies  HB 5 would require all executive branch reorganizations and boardreorganizations to be approved by the General Assembly. The five previous governors used the executive order to reorganize a cabinet,agency, or board a total of 446 times.SB 1  Better Defining Executive Authority in States of Emergency  SB 1 balances the need for Kentucky to act quickly in an emergency withensuring that a governor does not overstep his or her authority and attempt to legislate through executive orders. Under SB 1, emergencyorders issued by a governor that place restrictions on the functioning of schools, colleges, private businesses or non-profits, political,religious, or social gatherings, or places of worship, or imposes mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements will automatically expireafter 30 days. A governor must have the approval of the states attorney general to suspend statutes in an emergency order and will nolonger be able to get around the expiration of an order by simply reissuing an identical emergency order unless the legislature approvesit. Additionally, the legislature, by joint resolution, may terminate a declaration of emergency at any time.SB 2  Limit the Use of Regulations as Law  The Kentucky Constitution clearly states that the legislature is responsible for making laws, yet loopholes in the regulatory process allow governors to effectively make laws through regulation. This means they can avoid the legislative intent of a bill and even the legislature itself. SB 2 closes those loopholes and allows for greater oversight of regulations issued during a state of emergency.While we accomplished a great deal over the past eight days, we still have a more on our agenda. The biggest challenge on our horizon is theone-year state budget we must pass. Last year was the first time in modern history that the legislature did not approve a two-year budget.With so much unknown about how the pandemic and the states response to it would impact our economy and our needs, it was far more practicaland responsible to approve a one-year spending plan that kept spending relatively flat. Before adjourning on Wednesday, we sent the executive(HB 192), transportation (HB 193), legislative (HB 194), and judicial budgets (HB 195) to a joint committee of House and Senate members. These legislators will be working with input from individual lawmakers, state government agencies, and other stakeholders to craft what willeventually become the bills we pass when we return for the second portion of the session.We will reconvene on February 2. Until then I will be studying and working on the legislation that remains. In the meantime, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me viae-mail at Chris.Freeland@lrc.ky.gov.
Update 62: Our collective responsibility

Update on the latest Covid-19 testing and infection of staff and students.

South Africa is in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus and this is impacting on our University community. We have noted a significant increase in the number of staff and students who have reported testing positive in the last ten days, as reflected in the table below.

Staff and Student COVID-19 Infection Summary

Twenty staff members (including those working from home) and 11 students reported testing positive for COVID-19. The affected staff members and students are self-isolating in line with national directives and University protocols.

Number of infections 8 Jan  14 Jan 2021 Staff 20 Students 11

The data provided in the table is based on the number of infections reported to the Campus Health and Wellness Centre and the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Office.

We appeal to you to please do the following:

Complete the screening form on the Wits Logbox App before entering campus.

Complete the screening form on the entering campus. Wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose at all times.

Stay at least 1.5 metres from anyone else.

Wash your hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and dry them properly OR sanitise your hands regularly.

Find out more about keeping safe on the Wits COVID-19 Resources page.

Mental Health and Wellness

Your overall personal wellness continues to be a priority. If you, or anyone you know is in need of counselling, please make use of the services offered by the University.

Students can reach out to CCDU via info.ccdu@wits.ac.za or call the Wits Student Crisis Line on 0800111331 (24/7 toll free).

Staff members can make use of Kaelos counselling services (at no cost to staff) by calling 0861635766, by dialling *134*928, by sending a Please call me to 0726205699, or by emailing asknelson@kaelo.co.za.

Our Collective Responsibility

In order to protect our entire community, we appeal to all staff and students, out of mutual respect for one another, and the collective health and safety of our community, to abide by all COVID-19 protocols, rules and policies (and encourage others to do the same). It is up to us to care for one another and to act responsibly, in order to protect ourselves and those in our community who may be more vulnerable.
[January 19, 2021] Growth of Telehealth Provider TimelyMD Continues with Strategic Hires

TimelyMD, the only full-service telehealth provider solely focused on higher education, has recently hired five transformative leaders to support its exponential growth at colleges and universities across the country as demand for telemedicine and teletherapy continues to skyrocket during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a mission to improve the well-being of college students by making virtual medical and mental health care accessible anytime, anywhere, TimelyMD offers differentiated solutions to meet the needs of college students with 24/7 access to telehealth and providers in all 50 states. Providing telehealth options has never been more important, especially for college students who may be learning remotely, need after-hours care, and prefer to access care privately on their own devices. These leaders will support TimelyMD's continued growth beyond the 80 campus partners it currently serves, including Duke University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Los Rios Community College District, University of Notre Dame and Paul Quinn College. Nirmal (Nim) Patel M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President of Care Transformation Dr. Patel is a nationally renowned expert in preventative health and telemedicine who has held prestigious roles such as Chief Medical Officer, Chief Medical Information Officer and Global Head of Health and Wellness at industry giants such as United HealthCare, Teladoc, Morgan Stanley and Cisco (News - Alert) . As SVP of Care Transformation, Dr. Patel brings her vast experience to TimelyMD, where her role focuses on population health, optimizing quality of care and tailoring measures of success for campuses. A primary care physician with an epidemiology background, Dr. Patel's differentiated knowledge of clinical operations, evidence-based medicine, team-based care and care variation have enabled her to develop innovative care delivery systems for hospital systems, and payors. She is a subject matter expert in telehealth, having created first-of-its-kind solutions focused on primary care, dermatology and behavioral health, while using data to show success. Dr. Patel developed a unique approach to quality and value measurement for the largest telemedicine platform in the U.S. to facilitate improved outcomes, she participates in nationally renowned boards and leadership councils, including the Clinical Advisory Board at WebMD, as well as advisory boards of venture capital and early stage companies. Dr. Patel received her M.D. at the University of Manchster, U.K., and her M.P.H from Yale University. She is based in the New York metropolitan area.



Kelsey Cunningham, Senior Vice President of Finance As SVP of Finance, Kelsey Cunningham brings a strong background of accounting and finance experience to the TimelyMD team, primarily focused on the financial development and execution of various business strategies. She most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Inspirus, an HR technology and employee recognition company within Sodexo. Cunningham previously served as the Vice President of Finance for Signify Health and began her career in audit at Ernst & Young. Kelsey earned a B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting and a Master of Accounting degree from Texas Christian University and has been a CPA since 2011. Based at the company's Fort Worth headquarters, Kelsey serves on the TCU Accounting Advisory Board and the Neeley School of Business Board of Advisors.

Becky Laman, Senior Vice President of Business Development Becky Laman has dedicated her career to student success and brings more than a decade of leadership experience developing strategic plans with proven success in higher education, medical education, technology and advertising to her role at TimelyMD. She has held numerous roles across business development and operations, overseeing partner creation and expansion, new partner launches, client service, market research, technology implementation and ongoing improvement. Previously, Laman worked for two industry-leading online education service providers, Wiley Education Services (formerly Deltak) and Bisk Education, supporting both public and private institutions. Her passion for excellence and entrepreneurship has helped to build long lasting partnerships with universities and higher education associations. Becky earned her B.S. in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue University (News - Alert) . She is based in the Orlando area. Nathan (Nate) Stewart, Vice President of Student Marketing As VP of Student Marketing, Nate Stewart's focus is on maximizing student engagement and utilization, as well as building the TimelyMD brand. Prior to joining TimelyMD, Nate spent 20 years as an executive marketer in the advertising industry, leading teams at some of the best creative agencies in the world for clients like The Home Depot, General Motors (News - Alert) , Jack Daniel's and Delta Air Lines. Most recently, he was the Managing Director for The&Partnership in New York, where he built a bespoke, embedded agency for The Wall Street Journal that helped the publication add 1.5 million new subscribers, including half a million students across more than 80 universities. Stewart earned a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas A&M University and is based in Austin, Texas. Dr. Robert (Bob) Hitchcock, Executive Director of Medical Services Dr. Bob Hitchcock oversees a national network of medical and mental health physicians and advanced practice practitioners that serve hundreds of thousands of students at TimelyMD partner institutions. An actively practicing emergency physician with over 25 years' experience, and several years of telemedicine clinical and leadership experience, Dr. Hitchcock is driven by a passion for outstanding healthcare delivery. He believes that the intersection of technology and healthcare delivery is rich with opportunity to positively influence health outcomes, improve patient access to acute, chronic and preventative care and reduce the cost of healthcare. For over a decade, as a senior executive with a healthcare IT company, he led strategies for business and product development that promoted improved financial, operational and clinical outcomes for hospitals, providers, and the patients they serve. Dr. Hitchcock actively participates with state and national professional organizations to advance the practice of medicine. He received his M.D. from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine a B.A. from SUNY Oswego. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, N.Y. Dr. Hitchcock is based at TimelyMD's Fort Worth headquarters. About TimelyMD Focused on improving the health of student populations, TimelyMD offers universities and colleges a comprehensive, custom program centered around telehealth. TimelyMD's campus-wide solution gives students one point of contact - anytime, anywhere - to get quality care and immediate treatment for medical or mental health concerns from board certified physicians and licensed counselors. TimelyMD's telehealth programs optimize clinic resources and support clinic staff in delivering quality care to the right students at the right times. Visit timely.md for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005196/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Chandigarh: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunil Jakhar today criticised the BJP led central government for serving notices through the National Investigation Agency to the peacefully protesting farmers while letting off Arnab Goswami.

If anyone deserves to be investigated by the NIA right now it is Arnab Goswami who not only breached the Official Secrets Act but also compromised national security by sharing classified details with others, Jakhar said in a statement issued here today.

Sunil Jakhar

He urged the farmers that when they will be meeting the central ministers tomorrow, they must raise the matter there as it is their children who work in the defence forces whose security has been jeopardized by Arnabs leak.

The PCC President said that the information was apparently leaked to Goswami by some moles sitting in the PMO or the defence ministry. Those moles needed to be identified and exposed, as they pose a very grave risk to the national security, he said, while adding, a strong action needs to be taken to deter any further leaks in future.

Jakhar asked what if the secret information prior to Balakot strike which Goswami shared with his friend would have landed with the Pakistani army. It would have jeopardized the life and security of our air force personnel, he remarked, while adding, instead of making the people of the country elated, as Goswami claims in his Whatsapp conversations, it would have led to grief and tragedy.

Sunil JakharHe advised the Modi government that instead of serving NIA notices to the peacefully protesting farmers, it should serve it to Goswami and summon him for questioning.

What has come out is just parts of a single conversation and we dont know to what extent Goswami has used this information to manipulate his channels TRP, he pointed out, suggesting that Goswami might also be acting as a double agent. His positioning himself as the first one on the spot at Pulwama when ghastly attack on our brave security forces happened there, points towards his knowing what Pakistan was up to.

The PCC president said, the government of India will never take action against Goswami but has instead been targeting the peaceful farmers in sheer frustration. Intimidating of farmers through use of NIA not only shows its moral bankruptcy but also proves how jittery the Modi government is, he remarked.
Perceptions of safety procedure quality and utility are the best predictors of workers' likelihood to comply, Texas A&M researchers found

Disasters in high-risk industries can have catastrophic environmental, financial and human safety consequences. One way these industries help prevent and mitigate disasters is formal procedures designed to standardize how work is done. These procedures typically come in the form of a written document workers use while performing a task.

Camille Peres, associate professor at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, said that there are two models of safety companies usually follow to varying degrees, whether they realize it or not. Safety model one "is very much a control paradigm," Peres said. "The idea the company has is that if they control absolutely everything that's going on, then they will be safe." This narrow, rule-following approach does not account for unexpected circumstances and broader system issues, such as safety climate.

Safety model two focuses on procedures as a tool for the worker, and the worker being sufficiently trained to know how and when to adjust to unforeseen circumstances.

"Safety model two involves empowering the workers to understand the risks and be able to adapt when necessary to unexpected situations," Peres said. "There is an acknowledgment that things don't always go according to plan, and there is constant feedback between workers and superiors about how best to accomplish work -- this often means improving procedures in an efficient and effective way."

Although safety model two seems like an effective way to prevent incidents from occurring, there has been little empirical evidence for it in the workplace. To fill this research gap, Peres and colleagues, including Joseph W. Hendricks, research associate at the School of Public Health, recently conducted a study to investigate how both safety models one and two influence safety in the workplace through individual and system-level characteristics.

Individual characteristics include amount of work experience, attitude toward procedure utility (or usefulness), and attitude toward procedure compliance. System-level characteristics include worker subjective judgments of procedure quality, safety climate, the efficiency of the procedure change process and the impact of procedure improvement.

The researchers' main findings were that the better the worker's attitude toward compliance and the utility of procedures, and fewer years' experience, the less likely they are to deviate from and actually use procedures.

Further, the researchers found that of the individual-level characteristics, attitudes toward procedure utility were found to be the best predictor of incidents and near-misses, suggesting that the better workers' attitudes regarding procedure utility, the fewer incidents and near-misses they were involved in per year.

"To have utility associated with incidents and near misses is a big deal," Peres said. "This tells industry that it's not enough to have high quality procedures -- you have to have procedures that help workers do their jobs." Specifically, they found that utility was the best predictor of procedure use, even after accounting for procedure quality.

As found in other studies, procedure quality was found to be important. The better the quality of the procedure, the fewer deviations there are, resulting in fewer incidents and near-misses per year.

This study is unique in that it demonstrates procedure quality to be a better predictor than all other predictors -- including individual characteristics. This supports the safety two model, as it suggests that the characteristics of the workers are not what is most predictive of procedure use, procedure deviation, incidents and near misses.

Peres said the study is not advocating for the abandonment of safety model one, but rather for the two models to be used together so that individual and system-level factors can be taken into account to design more effective procedural systems.

Further studies are needed to compare workers' performance in different experimental conditions. It will also be necessary to conduct longitudinal studies to determine how these variables change over time. Peres and Hendricks are working with industry partners as part of the Next Generation Advanced Procedures Consortium to conduct these studies.

###

Natick residents are calling for one Town Meeting member to be removed from office after her alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol insurrection earlier this month.

Natick needs to demonstrate that these values are not what it stands for and Suzanne E. Ianni needs to be immediately removed from all public offices, the Change.org petition states.

Ianni was one of two Massachusetts residents arrested by the FBI on Tuesday in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. She had also organized buses to the nations capital for the group, according to court documents.

The 59-year-old was identified by the FBI through a Twitter post that included a group photo on a bus by the organization Super Fun Happy America, according to court documents.

The group, which has the motto Its Great to be Straight according to the FBI also organized Bostons straight pride parade in the summer of 2019.

This woman does not represent me, one person wrote on the petition to remove her. I feel threatened by her presence on the town council as a gay person. It makes me feel very uneasy that our town let her rise to power.

The petition has more than 1,600 signatures as of Tuesday morning.

The problem, however, is that Natick does not have a provision in its charter to remove elected officials from office.

The only way [voters] can remove her is not reelect her, said Town Moderator, Frank Foss.

Until then, Ianni stays in office.

Still, the town is reexamining its charter to determine what can be done.

Other towns have had similar issues in the past.

In 2005, Chicopee Mayor Richard R. Goyette pleaded guilty to extortion.

Goyette was just finishing his first term as mayor when he was arrested for taking two $5,000 bribes from Chicopee businessmen. Chicopee City Councilor President Shane Brooks said even then they couldnt force Goyette to step down.

He was able to finish out his term in office because we didnt have a recall mechanism, Brooks said. Even for somebody who was under federal indictment and then ultimately convicted.

Chicopee is also looking to make changes to their city charter after Goyette and, most recently, a city councilor who wrote Facebook posts placing the blame in cases of sexual assault on victims.

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.
Arunachal Pradesh BJP MP Tapir Gao

Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tapir Gao has blamed the Congress party for the latest Chinese intrusion. He said on January 19 that it was during Congress rule that China occupied Sumdorong Chu Valley in Tawang, Arunachal and claimed that Congress leader and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had denied Indian Army the permission to push back the Peoples Liberation Army.

The BJP MP from Arunachal also claimed that roads have been constructed in the region by China since the 1980s.

Gaos comments came as Opposition parties attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP over the purported village that China has constructed inside the McMahon line.

The BJP MP blamed Congress policies for bolstering Chinese ambitions in the region and claimed that the land on which the Chinese village has allegedly come up is already under Chinas occupation.

BJP MP Tapir Gao said: Since the 1980s, China has been constructing roads. They have built Longju to Maza road. During Rajiv Gandhi's regime, China occupied Sumdorong Chu Valley in Tawang. The then Army Chief planned an operation, but Rajiv Gandhi denied him permission to push back PLA.

The Arunachal East leader added: Since the 80s till today, they (China) are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. They have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian territory.

He further said that: There was a wrong policy of government during the Congress regime. They did not construct roads up to the border which left a buffer zone of 3-4 km which China occupied. Construction of new villages is not a new thing it was all inherited from Congress.

Gao then added: We are with the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh but not in Arunachal Pradesh. We have the McMahon line in Arunachal. If we call the McMahon line as Line of Actual Control, it means we are considering that we have surrendered our area to China.

With ANI inputs
A divestment would enable the board to channel more resources into developing the core Mt Oxide Project in Queenslands Mt Isa copper-belt.

The board is liaising with UK corporate advisor SI Capital on the optimal way to move this proposed corporate action forward

( ) ( ) ( ) is considering divestment opportunities, including a possible spin-off of its sizeable Broken Hill Alliance (BHA) Project into a new vehicle, which could be listed in either London or Australia to capitalise on the prevailing base and precious metal upcycle.

A divestment would enable the board to channel more resources into developing the core Mt Oxide Project in Queenslands Mt Isa copper-belt.

The board is liaising with its UK corporate advisor, SI Capital, on the optimal way to move this proposed corporate action forward in a timely manner.

Under-explored but highly prospective

Castillo Copper managing director Simon Paull said: The resurgence of interest in the Broken Hill region is timely, as it provides an excellent opportunity for CCZ to optimise the BHA Project and create value for shareholders.

Moreover, the ground is under-explored yet highly prospective for BHT and IOCG mineralisation, with multiple drill-test targets already identified.

An excellent asset

Castillo Coppers London-based director Ged Hall added: The BHA Project is an excellent asset, as it comprises a substantial prospective footprint surrounding the world-famous Broken Hill silver-zinc-lead mine.

"We believe our intent to spin this asset out into a new vehicle will be well received and supported by UK investors.

BHA Project comprises a sizeable, under-explored footprint that is proximal to the world-class Broken Hill silver-zinc-lead deposit.

The current base and precious metal upcycle has driven a resurgence of interest in the region, notably ( ) ( ) (FRA:COH), which has ground to the south of the West Zone.

Advanced predictive geological models developed by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) highlight the BHA Project is prospective for Broken Hill Type silver-zinc-lead mineralisation (BHT) in the West Zone and iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) in the East Zone.

The model has identified a plethora of test-drill targets, which provides a strong pipeline of exploratory work moving forward and significant upside potential.

Much of the tenure has been under-explored over the past two decades, which underscores the upside potential from rolling out a comprehensive exploration campaign

Next steps

The company will formalise a workable plan with SI Capital on structuring an optimal, value-creating corporate action.
Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.

Submit
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - GPM Metals Inc. (TSXV: GPM) ("GPM" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to which it will issue up to 5,000,000 units ("Units") and/or special warrants ("Special Warrants") at a price of $0.05 each to raise aggregate gross proceeds of up to $250,000.00

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.10 for a period of 60 months.

Rosseau Asset Management has indicated that they will purchase 2,000,000 Units in the Offering. To the extent that such acquisition would result in the holdings of Rosseau Asset Management exceeding 20% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Company (as calculated on a partially diluted basis, assuming conversion of all convertible securities of the Company held by such persons), the number of Units to be purchased by Rosseau Asset Management will be reduced accordingly so as not to exceed such threshold, and the balance of the Rosseau Asset Management investment will be comprised of Special Warrants. Each Special Warrant will automatically convert into one Unit without any additional payment or action by the holder on the date upon which the Company receives shareholder approval for Rosseau Asset Management to become "control persons" of the Company (within the meaning of the regulations of the TSX Venture Exchange). The Company proposes to seek such shareholder approval at its next annual meeting of shareholders, by ordinary resolution of the disinterested shareholders. In the event that such shareholder approval is not approved at the Company's next annual shareholders meeting, the Special Warrants shall automatically convert into a loan repayable to Rosseau Asset Management on demand.

All proceeds from the sale of both Units and Special Warrants pursuant to the Offering shall be immediately available to the Company.

Insiders of the Company may subscribe for up to 5,000,000 Units in the Offering (subject to adjustment to provide for the alternative issuance of Special Warrants as described above).

The insider participation will be considered to be related party transactions within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation.

The Offering is currently scheduled to close on or about February 19, 2021 and remains subject to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals.

For further information please contact:

Dan Noone, Interim CEO

GPM Metals Inc.

Suite 1101- 141 Adelaide Street West,

Toronto, Ontario M5H 3L5

Telephone: + 416 628 5904

Email: info@gpmmetals.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, the anticipated size and completion the Offering and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72293
Whiskey, Bourbon, Vodka, Gin All Find Their Inspiration And Roots In The Historical Culture Of Texas

WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / SponsorsOne Inc., (CSE:SPO)(Frankfurt:5SO)(OTC PINK:SPONF), a company that utilizes its proprietary platform that combines digital marketing, wholesale and retail distribution, branding, and operational & funding capital, giving it a competitive first-mover advantage in rapidly selling proprietary brands focused in the Alcohol, Functional Beverage and Hemp Sectors, announced today the branding for its portfolio of distilled spirits.

Myles Bartholomew, CEO of SponsorsOne, said: "Were very excited about the branding with deep ties to Smithville Texas, the town where the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution was drafted. Our products are a collaboration with a boutique distiller source local grains and ingredients to develop this premium line of distilled beverages with a distinct Texas' personality".

Ron Miranda, CEO & President of Premier Beverage Consortium (PBC), (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), stated: "Having cultivated many global distillery relationships over the years, allowed me to produce many quality products and bring this expertise to this development effort. I have recently worked with this Smithville Master Distiller to blend and produce our product line up."

Smithville Bourbon is the name for our line-up of Bourbons and Whiskeys, including the following expressions - six-year Bourbon, four-year Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and a Four Grain Whiskey. Our Bourbon and Whiskey line derive their name from Smithville. Smithville's name was as a result of a coin toss.

Four Corners Vodka, our boutique vodka, has been handcrafted from local, small production farms, enabling us to produce the smoothest, finest tasting Vodka available. The name Four Corners inspiration is the four grains used along with the four corners in the central part of the town of Smithville.

Riverview Gin is a compilation of proprietary local and statewide botanicals carefully blended to create the most aromatic expression while providing flavors rarely captured in a bottle. Riverview derives its name from the many early families who settled in Smithville; and lived on the Colorado River.

Currently, we are finalizing samples to deliver to retailers and distributors across the USA, Canada, and International. As well, our distilled spirits product line up will be offered directly to consumers through our eCommerce platform. Product availability will be late Q1 to early Q2 2021.

About SponsorsOne Inc.

SponsorsOne is the leader in the next evolution of brand creation and digital marketing through influencer marketing, storytelling, and digital-commerce with the SponsorCoin platform and its highly scalable - smart contract-based digital-currency. Combined, this allows the brands to build and manage exclusive and highly engaged communities of influencers (from pro to micro-influencers) within the social realm. The SponsorCoin platform provides for data-driven marketing campaigns that will change the way brands connect with their customers. SponsorCoin is a tool for brands to inspire real movements around their products and services. Their most valuable customers become their best salespeople, producing far higher ROI than current social media advertising methods. SponsorsOne, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SponsorsOne Media Inc., provides full creative and Brand building/management services to all our Brands and manages the influencer communities for each Brand. For making the Brand big, our wholly-owned subsidiary S1 Brands Inc. builds wholesale/retail distribution channels for the Brand, acting as a master distributor. S1 Brands provides sales and marketing on behalf of the Brand to its vast network of national wholesalers and retailers and provides purchase order financing to assist the Brand fulfilling every order. Premier Beverage Consortium LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary and is brand building for the global spirits market with its flagship "Ready to Drink" product called Doc Wylders.. Ownership of the Brand combined with distribution, digital marketing innovation, and capital is the winning formula to build the next billion-dollar Brand. To learn more, please visit www.sponsorsone.com.

Contact: info@sponsorsone.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gary Bartholomew, Executive Chairman

The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this Press Release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks:

risks associated with marketing and sale of securities

the need for additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key personnel

the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors with certain other projects

the volatility of the volume and price of the Common Shares, the failure of the business strategy, the integrity of the Company's patents and proprietary intellectual property and competition.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors, and other uncertainties and potential events, including the risk factors, set out in the Company's Listing Statement. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.

SOURCE: Cyber North Ventures

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624855/SponsorsOne-Announces-Branding-For-Its-Recently-Revealed-Portfolio-Of-Distilled-Spirits-Products
Boulder iQ offers design engineering, development and manufacturing for consumer, tech and medical products, and regulatory, clinical and quality compliance services for med device and IVD companies. The MDR Transition Program will take companies through every step required for compliance. Depending on the company, product and timeline, it could potentially save a device developer up to hundreds of hours of time.

Medical device companies that still need to meet the looming Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) deadline for the products they sell in Europe now have a one-stop resource to ensure they are ready and in compliance.

"The MDR Transition Program from Boulder iQ will take companies through every step required for MDR compliance, in advance of the May deadline," says Jim Kasic, chairman and founder. Larger companies may be ready, but many small and mid-size companies  innovators that are bringing critically needed medical devices to the market during a pandemic  need additional assistance right now, he explains. The process to bring those products into MDR compliance takes massive amounts of man hours and effort. Depending on the company, product and timeline, the MDR Transition Program could potentially save a device developer up to hundreds of hours of time.

The Boulder iQ MDR Transition Program includes a step-by-step, checklist approach to:



Evaluate:

- Gap analysis on current documentation

and systems

- Technical documentation

- Declaration of Conformity

- Clinical Evaluation Report

- Quality management system

- Agreements with authorized representative,

importers and distributors



Map: Determine plan based on gap analysis results

Execute: Update, revise and develop documentation, systems and procedures

Transition: Implement new and updated documentation and systems

Train: Learn the MDR and the organizations revised documentation, revised systems and new procedures

The extended deadline for the MDR has helped many companies prepare, says Kasic, but the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have stymied efforts of many others. In addition to supply-chain issues, many employees are working from home (or are unable to work at all), and virtual audits have even replaced in-person ones in some cases.

The Boulder iQ MDR Transition Program is one more way we are working to make sure every medical device developer can get their product to the market during this pandemic, concludes Kasic. Medical device companies can continue focusing on development of critical products, while leveraging Boulder iQs experience and expertise in MDR compliance.

About Boulder iQ (http://www.boulderiq.com)

Boulder iQ is an expert contract consulting firm offering design engineering, development, and turnkey manufacturing for consumer, high-technology and medical products, and regulatory, clinical and quality compliance services for medical device and in vitro diagnostic companies. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the company is ISO 13485:2016 certified through Boulder BioMed.

The companys Boulder Sterilization division provides ethylene oxide sterilization services. Boulder iQs Boulder Medical Device Accelerator provides equity investment in start-up companies seeking product development services, expert mentoring and infrastructure support.

Contact: Aimee Bennett, Fagan Business Communications, 303-843-9840, aimee@faganbusinesscommunications.com
Fact check: Did President of India unveil a portrait of Netaji Bose or actor Prosenjit

Birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to be celebrated as Parakram Diwas every year

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 19: The government of India has decided to celebrate the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on 23rd January, as 'Parakram Diwas' every year, said Ministry of Culture on Tuesday.

Earlier in December, the Government decided to constitute a High Level Committee to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

This High-Level Committee will decide on the activities for a one-year-long commemoration starting 23rd January, 2021.

The Commemoration is being held as a tribute and as a mark of gratitude to the colossal contribution Netaji made to India's freedom struggle.

The Committee will be headed by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Speaking about Netaji Bose, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had said, "India will always remain grateful to Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He was a stalwart who committed himself towards ensuring every Indian leads a life of dignity. Subhas Babu was also known for his intellectual prowess and organisational skills. We are committed to fulfilling his ideals and creating a strong India."

In the recent past, Government of India has taken several steps towards preserving and conserving the precious heritage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

A museum has been set up on Netaji at Red Fort, New Delhi, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 23.01.2019.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

A permanent exhibition and a Light and Sound show on Netaji has been planned to be set up at Kolkata in the historic Victoria Memorial building.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:27 [IST]
Hammerson, Ireland's largest retail landlord, said its Irish properties had a busy Christmas but has so far collected just over 30% of the rents due in this first quarter, lower than its performance in France and in Britain.

In an update, the stock market-listed property firm said Christmas footfall was particularly strong in Ireland before the full level five restrictions were imposed in January, and that "market conditions have remained challenging" amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Hammerson is best known here as the owner of half of Dundrum Town Centre, which is the country's largest shopping mall, and half of the Swords Pavilions.

It also controls the Ilac centre in Dublin city centre, as well as the nearby 1916 battlefield site, and also has a significant minority stake in the Kildare Village, and completed the sale of the Abbey Retail Park in Belfast early last year.

In Britain, it is best known as the owner of Brent Cross in London and Birmingham's Bullring, and also owns large retail properties in Paris and Barcelona.

It said that across the group it had struck agreements with its retail tenants to collect 31% of rent due in Ireland in the first quarter.

That compares with 41% in Britain and 46% in France, according to its figures.

Footfall rose sharply in Ireland and France over the Christmas period but has since "declined with the introduction of new restrictions, particularly across UK flagships and Ireland", Hammerson said.

Read More Expiry of UK tax break may lead to end of Covid house price boom

In the update, it said that the tighter restrictions in January in the UK mean that a quarter of its retail tenants are open, including essential traders or offering click and collect and takeaway services.

In France, under a national curfew, its major properties close at 6pm.

"Following the Irish Government's temporary ban on click and collect for non-essential retail, around a quarter of occupiers continue to operate," Hammerson said.

In December, for the eurozone, Hammerson also listed its shares on the Irish Stock Exchange.

Its shares fell 2.25% in the latest session to bring their losses from a year ago to 81%. Shares in many of Europe-listed retailers have also fallen sharply amid the Covid crisis.

The stock market values Hammerson at 930m (1bn).
Tsatsu Tsikata, lead lawyer for John Dramani Mahama, in the election petition before the Supreme Court on Tuesday said he was not ready to file his issues.



The filing of issues essentially serves as a guide to the court on what is up for adjudication in the case before the apex court.



Addressing the seven-member Supreme Court panel presided over by Chief Justice Anin Yeboah, Tsikata indicated that he will require a careful look at the ruling of the Supreme Court with regard to his earlier application seeking an order of the court to direct the Electoral Commission chairperson, Jean Mensa, to provide answers to some 10 questions they have identified, in order to advise himself appropriately.



Motion for Interlocutories



Former president Mahamas lawyer, when proceedings started in court today, moved a motion praying the court for leave to serve certain questions on the Electoral Commission (Application for Interlocutories) which he claims if answered would narrow down the issues before the court.



Ex-president Mahama, who is challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election, wanted the EC to answer among others, questions relating to the processes involved in the transmission of results from the polling station level, to the constituency level, to the regional offices of the EC and subsequently to the Returning Officer of the presidential election, Jean Mensa.



He is also seeking to solicit responses on whether or not the National Communications Authority (NCA) in any way facilitated the transmission of results from the various centres to the national headquarters of the EC.



EC opposes application

The EC through its lawyer, Justin Amenuvor, opposed the application, urging the court not to grant the application as it does not raise any relevant issues that are in contention. It was the case of the EC that the answers being sought for are already contained in the petition and the responses of the respondents.



Ruling

The court ruled that the application for interlocutories by the petitioner were not grounded in law and that same is in contravention of the rules that are governing the adjudication of the election petition which is the main issue before the court.



The application is hereby dismissed, the Chief Justice ruled.



Filing of issues

After the ruling of the court, it proceeded to ask the lawyers of all three parties on the approach they wanted to use in presenting the issues that are to be laid down for determination. Tsatsu on his part asked the court to permit his side to file their issues on Thursday 21 January 2021 instead of the suggested date and time (9am on Wednesday 20 January 2021). Lawyer for the EC (First Respondent), indicated that he was ready to go by the direction of the court.



Akoto Ampaw, lawyer for Akufo-Addo, expressed surprise at the petitioners lawyers request for more time to file his issues. He noted that during the 2012/2013 petition, the parties set down the issues for determination orally in court and that he is ready to do same in the instant case.



The court after hearing the lawyers ruled that they should file their issues at the Supreme Court Registry by 9am 20 January 2021. The court further ruled that it will subsequently reconstitute the same day for the case to take its natural course.







Source: Wilberforce Asare/asaaseradio









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 Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
KENMARE is a wonderful town, and we look forward to adding a new zest to The Lansdowne whilst still respecting its rich history and unique location.

So says Francis Brennan, who with his brother John has acquired the towns Victorian-style Lansdowne Arms out of receivership for an undisclosed sum. The pair plan to rebrand and reopen the hotel when Government guidelines permit, in late spring or early summer.

The 28-bed property dates from 1790 and sits just opposite the Park Hotel Kenmare on the corner of Main and Shelbourne Streets. Rates will be in the region of 220 to 230 per night, roughly half the price of its five-star sister.

"It wasnt on the horizon, but was too good an opportunity to say no to, says John Brennan, who also owns nearby Dromquinna Manor with his wife, Gwen.

"Its totally stripped out at the moment, and we're adding two new rooms, he reveals.

"The word Id use is charming. They are stripped back, comfortable, very stylish rooms. The style were going for is not OTT, but people will go in and say, This is gorgeous. It will maintain the sense of a heritage property.

"The mood boards are done; everything has been ordered. Theres no knocking of walls or building to be done, he adds.

Expand Close An archival image of The Lansdowne in Kenmare, Co Kerry / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp An archival image of The Lansdowne in Kenmare, Co Kerry

Read More

New signage and lighting and a spruce-up of the facade are also planned.

"This is one of the oldest hotels in Ireland, and we look forward to filling it with new life and style which we hope will bring additional visitors to the special place in which we live, John says.

The hotel had been operating as a three-star facility, "but to be honest the star grading doesnt bother us, he adds.

He pitches it as a revitalised Irish town hotel bringing the best of Irish hospitality to a mid-price point market looking for a very personal and warm experience".

On the ground floor, a new Lansdowne Cafe featuring 3fe coffee will open daily from 8am for bites, and The Lansdowne Bar will serve casual, flavoursome local food from 12.30 daily.

Expand Close John and Francis Brennan, photographed last summer. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp John and Francis Brennan, photographed last summer.

Meanwhile, with the Park Hotel closed since October, the Brennans have been busy steering an enormous" restoration job, the fruits of which will be on display when hotels reopen for inter-county visitors.

The result will both wow repeat visitors and "present itself as a property of choice for a much-younger generation, as John puts it.

While hotels are largely shuttered and surviving on Government supports, lockdowns have have also been a time to rethink and adapt businesses for a post-pandemic world, adds Margaret Ryan, Marketing Director for the Park and Dromquinna.

"I dont think we are the only ones, she says. Everyone has learned a lot during Covid. They had to stop and take a deep breath, and run their properties differently.

As for when the hotels will be able to reopen, they are looking past Easter at this point.

"How long is a piece of string? Were guessing as much as anyone. But we feel that they wont allow the country open for Easter, and rightly so. If they do, they might have it at Level 3, with no inter-county travel.

"That wont work for the Park... Kerry people were great to us last year, but we wouldnt get the occupancy: it's as simple as that.

I think we will be open for the May Bank Holiday weekend. Thats realistic, and we'd be really happy to open for May. The worst-case scenario is the June Bank Holiday weekend. But if it is June, so be it. Remember, last year it was July.

The Brennans have also confirmed that the next series of RTE's At Your Service will air in September of this year, and another series is in the pipeline for 2022.
Recent events in Washington reminded me of something that happened in Paris 80-some years ago, which may be of interest today.

On the evening of Feb. 6, 1934, a right-wing mob of several thousand people on Concord Square prepared to assault the Chamber of Deputies, seat of the National Assembly, the French parliament. The immediate cause was the Stavisky scandal, in which a Jewish-Ukrainian broker with ties to the government had sold worthless bonds to the public. In January, Serge Alexandre Stavisky was found dead, an apparent suicide, but many assumed he had been murdered to keep him quiet.

A crowd had been gathering for hours and the government was ready. The mob had to leave the square and cross the Concord Bridge to attack the chamber, a large building with a colonnade front. Despite repeated assaults against police barricades, the attacks failed. The police fired on the crowd, which had mainly projectile weapons. Sixteen people died, and hundreds were wounded.
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.
Prosecutors seek 25-year prison term for soldier guilty of killing comrades-in-arms

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

13:02 19/01/2021

MOSCOW, January 19 (RAPSI)  Prosecutors demanded 25 years in high-security prison for soldier Ramil Shamsutdinov, who had been found guilty of deadly shooting in a military unit, RAPSI was told in the Second Eastern District Military Court on Tuesday.

His sentencing is scheduled for January 21.

In late December, jury issued a verdict of guilty against Shamsutdinov but held the defendant deserved leniency. When delivering sentence, a court is to consider mitigating circumstances but cannot take aggravating circumstances into account. According to the jury verdict, a judge may impose not more than two-thirds of the maximum sentence on him. Thus, the defendant will avoid life imprisonment, Chikov stated.

Investigators claim that on October 25, 2019, Shamsutdinov shot two officers and six soldiers dead in the military unit where he served. Two other people suffered gunshot wounds. On October 28, a garrison military court in Chita, a city in Russias Zabaikalye Territory, placed Shamsutdinov in detention.




Premier Mark McGowan has ruled out changing the mix of city and country representatives in the upper house as an election pledge, despite the government exploring ways to reform the chamber over the past four years.

Mr McGowan labelled the electoral system as "fundamentally unfair" in 2017 after a landslide Labor win  where the party only picked up one more seat in the upper house than the Liberals and Nationals despite getting 120,000 more votes  which still left it well short of a majority in the legislative council.

Premier Mark McGowan has ruled out changing the country-city ratio for WA upper house representatives. Credit:Facebook

There are 18 metropolitan members and 18 country members in the WA upper house despite regional areas only making up 26 per cent of the 1.5 million registered voters in the last election.

This means that the Mining and Pastoral region  with 68,000 voters  has the same amount of representatives as the South Metropolitan district  with 409,000 voters.
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.
Lee Young-hoon, the Yoido Full Gospel Church's senior pastor during a special service held to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta, Ga., in this Jan. 15, 2018 file photo. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church





Lee Young-hoon, the Yoido Full Gospel Church's senior pastor, speaks during a special service held online to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, local time. / Screen captured from the King Center YouTube channel





By Park Ji-won







Lee Young-hoon, the Yoido Full Gospel Church's senior pastor during a special service held to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta, Ga., in this Jan. 15, 2018 file photo. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church

A special service named the Beloved Community Commemorative Service by the King Center to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held online Monday (local time) with a Korean pastor giving an address.







Lee Young-hoon, the Yoido Full Gospel Church's senior pastor, spoke at the service, alongside many participants from all over the world, urging people to tackle racial discrimination by following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy.







The service was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.







"The whole world is groaning and lamenting as it goes through the most difficult time in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. We come to realize the powerlessness of man at a time like this  The first thing is racial discrimination, which is widely practiced all around the world. All human beings are equal before God. Whether you are rich or poor, no matter what skin color you have, whether you are educated or uneducated, whether you are old or young, all human beings were created equal," Lee said during the online service.







"The injustice of racial discrimination should be put away. Then how can we get rid of it? We must get rid of it peacefully not by violence, but by nonviolence as Dr. King led the nonviolence movement half a century ago  I still can clearly hear him delivering his famous 'I have a dream' speech. Let us dream that everybody will work together for justice and peace in the world."







The speech came after Lee participated on the 2018 service for the first time. The annual service was part of the center's week-long celebration programs to remember Dr. King, Jr.'s message and spread his word. The service was also participated in by Bishop T.D. Jakes, author, filmmaker, and bishop for the Potter's House, and who also gave a keynote speech; Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary general of the United Nations; and Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of the King Center.







U.S. President-elect Joe Biden also delivered a speech during the service urging Americans to come together and overcome the challenges of poverty, hunger, hopelessness, and racial injustice as Dr. Martin had called for.







"The night before he was killed, he stood at the pulpit at the Mason Temple, and delivered what would be his final sermon. Many of you will remember what he said. He said 'Let us move on in these powerful days. These days of challenge. To make America what it ought to be.' That's the spirit of Dr. King. And that spirit is still with us  It's our responsibility to come together, all Americans, to bring peace to that restless spirit, to tidy up the room left behind," Biden said.







"To forge new bonds, to take on the persistent, gnawing challenges of poverty, hunger, hopelessness, and racial injustice. Challenges we can and we will overcome. We must. Times are tough right now but I know that there are brighter days ahead," he added.






Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) -Danavation Technologies Corp. (CSE: DVN) ("Danavation" or the "Company"), a Canadian-based Internet of Things (IoT) technology company and leading provider of micro e-paper displays to organizations across North America, is pleased to announce that effective at the open of business on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, an aggregate of 8,245,000 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") will commence trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange, under the ticker symbol "DVN.WT".

The Warrants are governed by the terms of a warrant indenture dated December 10, 2020, between Danavation Technologies Inc. and Computershare Investor Services Inc., as warrant agent. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.35 until January 8, 2023.

The Warrants and the Warrant 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.

Visit Danavation's website for more information, including a newly-launched investor portal.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"John Ricci"

Danavation Technologies Corp.

For further information, please contact:

John Ricci

President & Chief Executive Officer

jricci@danavation.com

or

Cindy Gray

5 Quarters Investor Relations, Inc.

Tel: 1-403-231-4372 or info@5qir.com

About Danavation

Danavation Technologies Corp. is a Canadian-based, Internet of Things (IoT) technology company, providing micro e-paper displays to organizations across North America. The Company's Digital Smart Labels, powered by leading IoT automation technology and software Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), enables companies across various sectors to automate labelling, price, product, and promotions in real-time, enhancing data accuracy and improving performance by removing high labour costs and low productivity associated with traditional labour-intensive workflows. By empowering the adoption of smart retail, smart cities and industry 4.0, our goal is to create a sustainable and profitable business for shareholders while advancing sound environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices, including by significantly reducing paper usage. Danavation is proud to support some of North America's leading retailers, including big box and boutique grocers as well as healthcare providers, manufacturing, and logistics companies. Learn more about the background of Danavation and our vision for the future on our website at www.danavation.com .

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72346


Egypts trade balance with other global markets for non-petroleum products declined by 17 percent in 2020 to reach $38.2 billion, down from the $46.2 billion in 2019, Minister of Trade and Industry Niven Gamea announced on Tuesday.

Gamea attributed the decline to the positive performance of Egypts external trade in 2019, which amounted to $88.8 billion.

She added that Egypt managed to attain such a positive performance despite the COVID-19 pandemic-related severe impacts on global trade.

Meanwhile, Egypts imports dropped in 2020 by 12 percent to record $63.5 billion, down from $71.8 billion in 2019. This drop was driven by moving towards manufacturing some of the industry's inputs and production supplies locally instead of importing them from external markets, according to Gamea.

On the other hand, Egypts exports also slightly fell by 1 percent in 2020 to reach $25.2 billion, down from $25.6 billion in 2019.

On his side, Ismail Gaber, the head of Egypts General Organization For Export & Import Control, announced that three export sectors witnessed a tangible growth in 2020, including construction materials, medical industries and handicrafts.

Construction materials' exports increased in 2020 by 20 percent to reach $6.1 billion, up from $5.1 billion in 2019, according to Gaber.

He clarified that the UAE was the top destination for such exports from Egypt with a total of $2.1 billion, followed by Canada with $632 million, then Italy with $492 million.

For medical industries, the sectors exports rose by 1 percent in 2020 to reach $548 million, up from $540 million in 2019.

Gaber expounded that Saudi Arabia ranked the top in 2020 in receiving such exports from Egypt with a total of $84 million, followed by Yemen with $51 million, then Sudan with $43 million.

He also noted that Egypts handicraft exports rose in 2020 to $208 million, up from $207 million in 2019.

According to Gaber, Turkey was the top destination for Egypts handicraft exports in 2020 with a total of 432 million, followed by Sudan with $24 million, and then Germany with $24 million.

Five markets accounted for 35.6 percent of Egypts total exports in 2020, including UAE with $2.8 billion, US with $1.5 billion, Saudi Arabia with $1.7 billion, Turkey with $1.6 billion and Italy with $1.2 billion, Gaber noted.

On another side, five markets topped the importers to the Egyptian market by 41.1 percent, including China with $11.5 billion, US with $4.5 billion, Germany with $3.9 billion, Italy with $3.1 billion and Russia with $2.9 million.

For imports, Gaber illustrated that three sectors saw a decrease. This included ready-made garment imports that dropped by 24 percent in 2020 to record $414 million, down from $544 million in 2019, in addition to handicraft imports that receded by 21 percent to reach $317 million, down from the $401 million in 2019, as well as leather and footwear imports that fell by 20 percent in 2020 to record $162 million, down from $202 million in 2019.

Egypts trade balance deficit contracted by 28.8 percent (Y-o-Y) to reach $2.9 billion in October, down from $4.1 billion in the same month of 2019, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) announced in December.

CAPMAS also said that Egypts exports dropped by 13.1 percent to record $2.2 billion in October, down from $2.5 billion in the same month of 2019.

Short link:


Watching television coverage of the siege of the U.S. Capitol, we were appalled by what we saw.

We speak as long time members of the Republican party. Donald Trump has crossed the line. He unquestionably incited a mob riot that has committed insurrection. There is nothing patriotic about this.

We have lived long enough to have voted in many elections and have seen many of our chosen candidates not make it into office. We have been sickened by what weve seen some elected officials do while in office.

Never would we think of defying the Constitution of the United States because we didnt get our way. We are not 2-year-olds. This behavior is despicable and cast sullen shadow over all Republicans.

We are floored that Trump has this kind of sick hold on the minds of so many. Sen. Joseph McCarthy also had this kind of hold on so many back in the 1950s until he finally imploded. Unfortunately, Trumps self inflicted demise is literally physically harming too many.

The media has tons of pictures of those who were rioting. Private citizens and observers also have taken pictures and posted them on social media. Many of the rioters had overnight accommodations in the DC area. Their names and personal contact information are on file with hotels and the like. They had also announced their own intentions of writing on their own social media pages. Whichever rioters that werent arrested by local police and the National Guard can be tracked down.

These people are not protestors. They are looters no better than those of different races that they condemned for stealing from stores by intermingling with legitimate protesters in order to commit crimes. They have shamed our entire country all across the world. We urge law enforcement on every level to prosecute every last one of these rioters to the fullest extent allowed. We will gladly pay taxes for penal institutions in order to have those found guilty incarcerated.

Events are forcing us to publicly condemn Donald J. Trump, the man who speaks in superlatives. Mr. Trump has unquestionably hit one and its no ones fault but his.

He is, and we hope forever will be, the worst president the United States of America has ever had. If enough evidence can be found, we would gladly watch him be tried for treason. We will work to eradicate him from the Republican Party, save for mention in history.

Steven and Jean Funck write from Etters, Pa.
The more state and federal health officials look for a mutated and highly contagious strain of the COVID virus in Florida, the more theyre finding it.

Even with relatively scant monitoring for evolved strains of the virus, known as variants, federal officials say Florida now leads the country in known cases of the so-called " U.K. variant, or B.1.1.7, with 46, according to new data released Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats up from 22 known cases last week. California has the next highest number, with 40 known cases.

Its unclear how widespread the variant is in the country, because there isnt a lot of analysis being done in the U.S. on known COVID-19 cases to find out how often they are caused by the new mutation. Florida is part of a consortium led by the CDC involving 37 state and local public health laboratories, in an effort to track the variant as it becomes more prevalent.

President-elect Joe Biden has called for efforts to identify the variants to be ramped up, proposing more funding for genetic sequencing of the virus just as the CDC warned the more contagious variant could be the predominant strain in the country by March. Scientists look for the mutated strains by selecting positive samples of the COVID virus and analyzing how its genetics have changed compared to the initial versions that first surfaced in the U.S. about a year ago.

When the Florida Department of Health announced that it had discovered the variant 100 miles north of Miami, in Martin County, on New Years Day, it had examined about 3,000 samples of the virus for signs of the variant. A spokesperson for the department did not immediately respond to a request on Tuesday morning for an update on its efforts to test for the variant, which the agency has so far declined to explain in detail.

Marco Salemi, a University of Florida professor and molecular biologist, has been calling for the state to expand those limited efforts by collaborating with researchers who dont work for the health department. He said researchers can only make an educated guess at what percentage of the thousands of daily confirmed cases of the virus in Florida are made up of the variant.

We know its in Florida, he said. What percent [of cases] is impossible to say. The genomes we have were likely collected before or at the very beginning of the introduction of [the variant] to Florida.

Preliminary studies on the contagiousness of the variant have produced startling estimates about the strain being about 56% more transmissible. Though scientists are confident so far that the vaccines will still work against the known variants, public health experts have warned that emerging and highly contagious strains of the virus could push the countrys already-strained healthcare systems past their tipping points.

Researchers in South Florida have decided not to rely on federal and state efforts, launching their own hunt for all known mutated versions of the virus in Miami-Dades public hospital, Jackson Health System. The search is expected to begin as soon as Wednesday.

Public health experts have characterized the emergence of more contagious variants of the virus as an unfortunate but predictable consequence of widespread transmission.

Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said last week that more discoveries of the U.K. variant are also to be expected as surveillance picks up. Health officials, she added, should be pulling out all the stops to sample more and more cases of the virus for mutations.

I dont believe anyone thinks that this variant is the reason why weve had such terrible numbers in the U.S., but this is not a good indicator when you look at if things could potentially be even worse, she said. So weve got to get vaccines into arms as expeditiously as possible.

___

(c)2021 Miami Herald

Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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 counsel for the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, Tsatsu Tsikata clashed with a Supreme Court judge on Tuesday (19 January 2021) during the day two of the 2020 Election Petition.



The exchanges between Tsatsu Tsikata and a Supreme Court Judge, Nene Amegatcher, began when he posed questions he (Tsatsu) claimed were key to discovering the errors committed by the EC.



According to Tsikata, the interrogatories were critical as it would help the apex court determine the authenticity of the results that saw the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, emerging as the winner of the 2020 polls.



But presenting the list of questions on Tuesday, Tsikata made reference to the Electoral Commission Chairperson rather than the office that conducted the polls.



That did not sit well with Justice Nene Amegatcher.



The apex court judge insisted that the questions should be directed to the office of the Chairperson and not come across as a personal attack on Jean Mensa.



Tsatsu: This is a question only one person in this world can answer



Justice Nene Amegatcher: Why wouldnt you limit your references to the office rather than the personality. It seems to me that your attack is with the personality and not the officeWe will be happy if you just limit it to the office and not the EC because in her absence any of her deputies could step in.



Tsatsu: Respectfully my lord, there is only one Returning Officer for the presidential election and that is the EC chairperson.



Justice Nene Amegatcher: lets leave it at that, chairperson of the Electoral Commission and not her person



Tsatsu: But my Lord, she is the Chairperson and she has a name, or I am not allowed to mention the name of the Chairperson



Justice Nene Amegatcher: The question should be to the office



Tsastu: I want to understand I am being prohibited from mentioning the name of the Chairperson, is that the issue?



Justice Nene Amegatcher: Reading through your petition which makes constant emphasis on the name, what I am telling you is that we will be satisfied with the designation because in her absence any of her deputies could act in that position



Tsatsu: My Lord



Justice Nene Amegatcher: So, it is an election petition and you are challenging the election, it is sufficient that the institution charged with the conducting that election had done their work and the Chairperson who is the head represent that institution and not the personality



Tsatsu: With the greatest respect, I believe that the constitutional requirement regarding the returning officer and the particular circumstances do not make it possible step in for the Chairperson, it cannot be like you are envisaging.



Justice Nene Amegatcher: The institution had done the work and not the personality



Tsatsu: The particular circumstances that we are dealing with in this case, do not make it possible to have the situation that you are envisaging where you have somebody else step in for the Chairperson.



The constitution makes the Chairperson and only that person the Returning Officer and in the circumstances of this case that Chairperson happens to be the person we referred to in the petition who undertook her responsibility in accordance with the constitution and legal situation that we have, I am not mentioning her name by targeting her individualthat is far from it. I do not target her when I mention her name as the person who declared the results, that is a fact.



Justice Nene Amegatcher: Thank you, you may continue with your interrogatories

Source: asaaseradio









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
Film and TV production has been taken off the UK governments coronavirus travel exemption list, meaning those arriving in Britain to participate in shoots will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

The government updated its rules this week and changes impact almost much everything apart from those involved in essential work for the BBC.

If you are not exempt, and you arrive in the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days, the government said in a statement. When you arrive in England, you must travel directly to the place you are staying and not leave. This does not apply to countries that are subject to a travel ban, such as Brazil and South Africa.

The new rules will mean that producers will have to build extra time into shoots if they working with people arriving from abroad.

There were 37,535 new cases of coronavirus on January 18, down from a peak of 68,053 in the first week of January.

There have now been a total of 89,860 Covid-related deaths in Britain.

Source: Deadline

Related
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced charges against Jacob C. Glick of Scottsdale, Arizona, a former investment adviser representative associated with Advanced Practice Advisors, LLC (APA), for repeatedly defrauding and breaching his fiduciary duty to advisory clients.

The SEC's complaint alleges that from mid-2016 through mid-2018, Glick defrauded his advisory clients in three different ways. First, Glick allegedly placed the majority of his clients, many of whom had moderate or conservative risk tolerances, in unsuitable and risky investments that resulted in substantial losses. In addition, Glick failed to disclose the risks involved in these investments to clients. As also alleged in the complaint, after APA told Glick to liquidate the risky investments, he instead bought more of the same investments in client accounts. Second, Glick allegedly defrauded two advisory clients by representing that he would use their money for a real estate investment. As alleged, Glick instead misappropriated the clients' money and used it for his own options trading and to pay the clients purported interest payments on their investment. Third, after APA terminated Glick in June 2017, he allegedly misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly widow who was a longtime advisory client. The complaint alleges that Glick told the client that he would invest all her money in real estate and instead, he misappropriated over $355,000 of her investment funds, including to pay his credit card bills. Glick also allegedly used a portion of her money to pay back other clients in Ponzi-like fashion.

The SEC's complaint, filed in federal court in Arizona, charges Glick with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The complaint further charges Glick with aiding and abetting APA's books and records violations under Section 204(a) of the Advisers Act and Rule 204-2(a)(7) thereunder. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement, and civil penalties against Glick.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Teri M. Melson and supervised by Victoria A. Levin of the SEC's Los Angeles Regional Office. The litigation will be led by Michael Sew Hoy and supervised by Amy J. Longo. The SEC examination that led to the investigation was conducted by Emanuel Asmar and Yasin Shah and supervised by Christopher Martinez and Christine Connolly.
A steamy photo of Mark Consuelos in his stripper days has been unearthed in Florida, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The All My Children star, who is married to Kelly Ripa, can be seen grinning widely amid a gaggle of tipsy females and four bronzed go-go boys in 1994.

The old Polaroid belongs to Florida woman Candace Yowell, who used to frequent the male strip club in Tampa with her girlfriends.

'I found it in an old box of stuff at my home,' Yowell, now a 49-year-old mom-of-two living in St. Pete Beach, Florida, told DailyMail.com.

'I looked at it and was like, ''hey, that's Mark Consuelos.''

'He wasn't famous then, to us he was just one of the strippers in banana hammocks at Stingers.'

Actor Mark Conseulos, who is married to Kelly Ripa, is seen in an old photo from his days as a stripper. Consuelos can be seen grinning widely amid a gaggle of tipsy females and four bronzed go-go boys in 1994

The old Polaroid belongs to Florida woman Candace Yowell, who used to frequent the male stripper joints in Tampa with her girlfriends

In 2012 Kelly Ripa publicly admitted that Consuelos had stripped to make ends meet while he was struggling to get his first gig in show business. The fit couple appear in tip top shape as they were spotted on the beach

'It was always fun in that bar. The guys all had their own little, sexy individual dances and they also danced together as a group,' Yowell recalled.

Mark and wife Kelly are seen in a photo from 1996 - two years after his stripper photo was taken

'Then they'd walk around the bar and you'd put money in their g-strings and they'd kind of hump your leg and grind all over you.

'I think it was my friend's birthday, she's the one in the middle, we were drinking and having a great time.

'I don't remember too much about that night to be honest though, it was so long ago.

'It was the 90s.

'I'm still friends with all the girls in that photo, I wanted to share it with people to make everyone smile during this difficult time in the world.'

In 2012, Kelly Ripa publicly admitted that Consuelos had stripped to make ends meet while he was struggling to get his first gig in show business.

'He was straight out of college, and he went to Notre Dame and finished his degree at the University of South Florida,' the 50-year-old TV host told Vanity Fair.

'So, there he was in South Florida, he's gorgeous, looking to break into show business, so he started off as a roadie to a group of these guys, and then they talked him into stripping.'

Consuelos and Ripa met in 1995 when they were both starring on the long-running soap opera All My Children and eloped the following year

The couple eloped in May 1996 and share three children together, Michael Joseph, 23, Lola Grace, 19 and Joaquin Antonio, 17

Ripa even admitted that she keeps an old picture of Consuelos wearing a donkey thong from his bump-and-grind era.

'I even have an old calendar pinup of him,' she said.

'He is so unbelievably gorgeous, with a Mexican father, Italian mother born in Spain and raised in Italy, and I will never give him up.'

Consuelos and Ripa met in 1995 when they were both starring on the long-running soap opera All My Children.

The couple eloped in May 1996 and share three children together, Michael Joseph, 23, Lola Grace, 19 and Joaquin Antonio, 17.

They also made headlines back in September for their generosity, providing scholarships for 20 homeless teenagers in New York City.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 13:31:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (C) speaks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a phone conversation in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2021. Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg have held a phone conversation over the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, the president office said Tuesday. (Afghan Presidential Palace/Handout via Xinhua)



KABUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg have held a phone conversation over the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, the president office said Tuesday.

The two sides on Monday discussed "the Afghan peace process and NATO's continued support for Afghanistan Defense and Security forces," the presidential office said in a brief statement.

"NATO remains committed to supporting the Afghan Defense and Security forces and continues its mission to train, advise and assist the forces," the statement quoted Stoltenberg as saying.

Peace talks have been underway between an Afghan government negotiating team and the Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar since early September last year to find a peaceful solution to the prolonged Afghan conflict, but no tangible progress has been reported yet.

The statement came as the U.S. military officials announced earlier this month that the U.S. forces in Afghanistan reduced to 2,500.

The United States and Afghan Taliban signed an agreement in February last year, paving the way for a full withdrawal of the U.S. military forces from Afghanistan by May this year, if the Taliban meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with terrorist groups. Enditem
Although much has changed and financial executives overseeing corporate ICFR ecosystems are operating in uncertain times, they remain committed to fostering a healthy ICFR ecosystem, said Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE, President & CEO of FEI & FERF.

Financial Executives at large publicly traded companies shared their biggest challenges to achieving a healthy Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) ecosystem in a report released today by The Financial Education & Research Foundation (FERF)the independent non-profit research affiliate of Financial Executives International. Entitled Where Are We Now: The Story of ICFR at Large Public Companies as Told by Financial Executives, the report also examines the practices financial executives currently rely on to maintain strong ICFRs. Greenlight Technologies, a leading provider of integrated risk management solutions, sponsored the report.

The FERF report draws on data from the recent study titled ICFR Practices at Large US Public Companies: Evidence from Accounting Executives. This research project was conducted by a team of academics from Arizona State University, Brigham Young University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Mississippi. It analyzes survey results from 145 FEI members representing 123 large public companies and incorporates research interviews with 16 financial executives. The initial survey took place from March to August 2019 with a series of anonymous follow-up interviews with FEI members occurring from February to September 2020.

Although much has changed and financial executives overseeing corporate ICFR ecosystems are operating in uncertain times fueled by equal measures of disruption and opportunity, one constant rings clearthey remain committed to fostering a healthy ICFR ecosystem, said Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE, President and CEO of Financial Executives International and Financial Education & Research Foundation. At this crucial point, financial executives will have to be more mindful about incorporating great amounts of flexibility and resiliency to support a future that seems less forgiving to manual processes and in-person collaboration.

Key Findings

As noted, the report delves into financial executives wants, challenges and pain points to achieving a healthy ICFR ecosystem. When looking at ICFR as a whole, not all control areas are seen as equally difficult when it comes to designing, implementing, and operating controls. Respondents rated the following among the most difficultwith nearly one-third of all executives indicating that they find each of these areas to be particularly challenging:



Non-routine transactions

The income tax provision

Access to data

Diving deeper, the report captures the more critical issues behind the difficulties. Disappointment with the lack of real-world examples in ICFR guidance; nearly impractical control documentation requirements; and hesitation toward the application and adoption of emerging technologies within the ICFR ecosystem were among the top concerns conveyed.

GUIDANCE

Executives want more concrete guidance and real-world examples.

For guidance, most financial executives rely on the COSCO framework followed by internal and external auditors. The top areas where financial executives want additional guidance and real-world examples are:



Justifying a position on the classification on an ICFR deficiency

Monitoring controls, including testing for effectiveness

Designing control activities

Identifying and analyzing risk

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Control documentation requirements are becoming excessive.

While being satisfied with external auditors overall, respondents reported that their auditors are requiring excessive documentation around certain control areaswhich are seen as time-intensive, disruptive to business flow, etc. These areas are:



Routine estimates

Data processing

Disclosures

TECHNOLOGY

Companies are behind on applying technologies to ICFR.

Overall, those surveyed expect emerging technologies to decrease corporate ICFR risks. Notably, respondents pointed to the following as the ICFR risk areas most likely to be positively impacted by the adoption of emerging technologies:



Failure to prevent material misstatements

Unauthorized alteration of accounting information

Failure to detect material misstatements by the external auditors

Failure to detect material misstatements internally

However, respondents point to a shallow talent pool of finance professionals with emerging technology skills as being one of the most formidable barriers to technology implementation. One of the surprising results of this study, said one of the co-authors Professor Jeff Wilks of Brigham Young Universitys School of Accountancy, is that some of the largest companies in the market are hesitant to adopt emerging technologies to improve ICFR because of the lack of qualified personnel to use the technology and the additional control risks that technology would introduce. Financial executives with accounting knowledge and IT talent are in great demand and therefore hard to find in todays labor market.

With all the new emerging technologies that promise to revolutionize corporate ICFR ecosystems, it makes sense for every financial executive to reflect on the state of their organizations ICFR technology, said Mark Kissman, CFO, Greenlight Technologies. It is still crucial to find ways to mitigate the staffing challenges that seem to be a major deterrent here. The right technology partners will provide companies with training channels to help bring existing staff up to speed to a proficiency level that can be highly beneficial to the companies overall ICFR strategies.

About Greenlight Technologies

Greenlight provides our customers with a market leading platform that is built to protect the worlds most valuable application data. Greenlight integrates into over 100 applications out of the box, including SAP, Oracle, Workday, Salesforce, and many more. Our platform monitors all user access permissions for SoD conflicts and data security controls across all your applications from one panel, while also monitoring all user activities to make sure people are using those permissions appropriately. Greenlight automates your user access reviews and can identity all sensitive data access to produce compliant reporting for SOX, CCPA, GDPR, and many more regulations. Customers love our automation, and auditors trust our reports. Learn more at https://greenlightcorp.com.

About Financial Education & Research Foundation, Inc.

Financial Education & Research Foundation (FERF) is the non-profit 501(c)(3) research affiliate of Financial Executives International (FEI). FERF researchers identify key financial issues and develop impartial, timely research reports for FEI members and nonmembers alike, in a variety of publication formats. FERF relies primarily on voluntary tax-deductible contributions from corporations and individuals, and publications can be ordered by logging onto http://www.financialexecutives.org/Research.aspx.

About FEI

Financial Executives International (FEI) is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its more than 10,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers at companies from every major industry. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research and publications. Members participate in the activities of more than 65 Chapters in the U.S. FEI is located in Morristown, NJ. Visit http://www.financialexecutives.org for more information.
[January 19, 2021] UST Global Announces New Bold Brand and Dynamic Logo, Changes Name to UST

- Engineering the future of fast-growing digital company - helping clients build for resiliency and boundless impact BENGALURU, India, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UST Global, now UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, announced a rebrand to its name, visual identity, and a purpose that re-affirms the company's position as an industry leader, its unique people, innovation, nimbleness, and commitment to client success. The rebranding and transformation initiative reflects UST's on-going commitment to enhance its innovative solutions and offerings to align with the evolving needs of clients, helping them navigate today's environment and build resilience for tomorrow. The all-new corporate website www.ust.com manifests this transformation of the company. The new global brand identity will also consolidate its key sub-brands and subsidiaries under one UST unified brand. Born digital, UST guides the world's best companies through their most pressing challenges. The company works with the world's leading brands, leveraging broad and deep domain knowledge combined with technical expertise like automation, experience design, data, and artificial intelligence to provide innovative solutions and enabling organizations to build business resilience with technology. USThas always believed in the power of technology to engineer a better future. The new brand focuses on the theme of Boundless Impact, showcasing how UST empowers its clients to break new ground. UST's clients have a long-term partner who's fast, confident, tenacious, and nimble, but creates change that will stand the test of time. With humility, humanity, and integrity, UST sets out on every new journey together with their clients.



"The rebranding reinforces UST as a leader in Digital Transformation and Innovation. We believe our work creates positive ripple effects reaching far beyond the scope of the work- improving the lives of customers, end users, and society at large," said Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST. "As a digital transformation company at the forefront of an evolving business landscape, we are delivering breakthrough services to our clients, helping them transform their businesses. This new brand accurately reflects UST at the front line of innovation, partnership and nimbleness in the face of change," he added. "At the heart of this rebrand is our desire to reflect the company's evolution since day one," added Leslie Schultz, Chief Marketing Officer, UST. "The time is right to modernize, streamline, and simplify our brand. We understand our clients' needs, and together we design, chart, and engineer their path to tomorrow. Because we know each challenge is unique, we help our clients bring their vision to life through a personalized, co-creative process. At UST, our client's journey is our journey," she added.

With 35 offices in 25 countries and 26,000 employees worldwide, UST helps its clients bring technology to life by designing, architecting, and implementing state-of-the-art solutions that deliver superior outcome-delivered change and achieve profitable growth. About UST For more than 20 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries and around the world. Together, with over 26,000 employees in 25 countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.ust.com. . Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857 Neha Misri

Global PR and Marketing, UST

+91-9284726602

media.relations@ust.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Religion and psychology share methods for reducing stress: Univ. of Illinois study

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that religious people rely on coping strategies used by psychologists when working through stressful life situations.

The study, titled Religiosity and Resilience: Cognitive Reappraisal and Coping Self-Efficacy Mediate the Link between Religious Coping and Well-Being, was published Jan. 7.

University of Illinois psychology professors Sanda Dolcos and Florin Dolcos and graduate student Kelly Hohl conducted the study, which surveyed 203 young adults, between the ages of 18 and 39, living at or near the University of Illinois campus about how they deal with adversity.

Participants were given a list of methods that people use for coping with difficulty in their lives and used scales of various lengths to indicate how frequently or infrequently they engaged in each method. Using the participants responses, the researchers analyzed the relationship between the use of religious coping mechanisms, an individuals confidence in his or her ability to manage stress and an individuals anxiety and depression.

Assessing the results of the study, Florin Dolcos remarked that It appears that religious people are making use of some of the same tools that psychologists have systematically identified as effective in increasing well-being and protecting against distress.

Therefore, he concluded, Science and religion are on the same page when it comes to coping with hardship. Dolcos expressed hope that the study will serve as an example of where religion and science can work together to maintain and increase well-being.

Cognitive reappraisal, where people try to address hardship with a positive attitude, is an example of a coping mechanism used by both the religious and psychological communities. For example, when somebody dies, a religious person may say, OK, now they are with God, while someone who isnt religious may say, Well, at least theyre not suffering anymore, Florin Dolcos said.

Elaborating further on the results of the study, Hohl explained that, We asked them about their coping styles. So, for religious coping, we asked if they try to find comfort in their religious or spiritual beliefs. We asked them how often they reappraise negative situations to find a more positive way of framing them or whether they suppress their emotions. The graduate student contended that both psychologists and religious leaders can benefit from analyzing the results of the study.

The study should speak to clergy members or church leaders who can promote this kind of reappraisal to help parishioners make sense of the world and increase their resilience against stress, Hohl said.

According to Sanda Dolcos, If we are just looking at the relationship between religious coping and lower anxiety, we dont know exactly which strategy is facilitating this positive outcome. The mediation analysis helps us determine whether religious people are using reappraisal as an effective way of lessening their distress.

We found that if people are using religious coping, that they also have decreased anxiety or depressive symptoms, she added.

Going forward, the authors hope that future studies on this particular matter include older adults and feature a more balanced religious representation. For this particular study, the participants were overwhelmingly Christian, mirroring the religious composition of adults residing in the Midwest. The researchers said that the overwhelmingly Christian sample limits the generalizability of the present findings to religions other than Christianity.

The researchers concluded that use of religious reappraisal and coping self-efficacy, an individuals perceived ability to deal with stress, may have beneficial effects reflected in reduced symptoms of distress and improved well-being and quality of life.

Such positive outcomes are especially relevant when facing a crisis, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as religious individuals may learn and apply helpful emotional regulation and coping strategies from therapy and other faith-based contexts to better manage everyday stress, they added.
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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) said Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Mesa Biotech, Inc., a privately held molecular diagnostic company, for about $450 million in cash. Under the terms of the deal, Thermo Fisher will pay up to an additional $100 million in cash upon the completion of certain milestones following the close of the transaction. Thermo Fisher expects the transaction to be completed in the first quarter of 2021. Upon completion, the business will become part of Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences Solutions Segment. Mesa Biotech has developed and commercialized a PCR-based rapid point-of-care testing platform available for detecting infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Strep A. The San Diego, California-based company has about 500 employees and 2020 revenues of about $45 million. Mesa Biotech's Accula Flu A/Flu B, RSV and Strep A tests have received 510(k) clearance and Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments or CLIA waivers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA. The Accula System has also received Emergency Use Authorization or EUA from the FDA for SARS-CoV-2 in vitro diagnostic testing and is now available for use in patient care settings. The Accula System provides results within 30 minutes, with higher accuracy compared to other rapid tests on the market. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Niall Horans Irish ex girlfriend has set tongues wagging after being pictured looking cosy with Cheryl Coles former partner.

Model and personal trainer Zoe Whelan (26), who comes from Clonshaugh in Dublin, has sparked rumours of a new friendship with Jean Bernard Fernandez Versini after they were pictured together in sunny Miami.

The French businessman, who was married to Cole for two years before their divorce in 2016, appears quite smitten with Whelan. He has been re-posting pictures of them together that she shared on her Instagram account.

According to his social media, he previously visited Brazil and then St Barths while Whelan also posted pictures of herself at the luxury Eden Rock resort at the start of January.

Read More

Whelan, who dated the One Direction star in 2013, was staying at the five-star resort which is owned by the family of Vogue Williams other half, Spencer Matthews.

The Dublin model, who posted a string of pictures of herself in a bikini on a tropical beach, appeared to arrive into Florida at the same time as Jean-Bernard as they soaked up some Winter sun in the holiday resort.

Their social media showed them both visiting Joia Beach in Miami where they shared a snap of them laughing together.

He thinks he knows...but he has no idea, Whelan wrote.

She has been busy taking in the sights in the Florida holiday destination, visiting areas like the Lincoln Road which is a famous shopping and restaurant district as well as some of Miamis celebrity hot-spots.

Expand Close jeanbernard.fernandezversini on Instagram / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp jeanbernard.fernandezversini on Instagram

She hit the headlines most recently in November 2019 after she was awarded 15,000 damages for a shoulder injury she suffered when a cherry picker van reversed into her Audi car near the Five Lamps in Dublin.

During the case, she was commended by Judge Jacqueline Linnane in the Circuit Civil Court for having made an early disclosure that she had previously settled two road traffic accident claims for 12,500 each.

The incident happened in December 2017 after she was involved in a collision with a cherry picker van which was being used in the repair of street lamps in Dunne Street.

The court heard at the time how she had stopped behind the cherry picker which had been partly blocking the street and was shocked when she saw its reversing lights come on and move backwards.

I was screaming and pumping the horn but it kept coming and crashed into the front of my car, she told the court.

My right arm was fully extended and firmly on the steering wheel as I pumped the horn with my left hand. When it struck my car, my arm was pushed back, injuring my right shoulder.

Ms Whelan said there was nothing else she could do when she saw the reversing lights come on.

She sued Electsol Services Ltd, of Killucan, Co Westmeath, and Dublin City Council for which it had been carrying out subcontract work on street lights.

Read More




A total of 38 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and four helicopters of the Indian Army will participate in the flypast at the Republic Day parade on January 26 this year.

The Public Relation Officer (PRO)of IAF on Monday said, "A total of 42 aircraft including 15 fighters, five transport aircraft, 17 helicopters and one vintage aircraft of the Indian Air Force will participate in this year's flypast. Four helicopters of the Indian Army will also participate in the flypast."

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The formations that will be seen during the parade include 'Rudra', 'Sudharshan', 'Rakshak', 'Eklavya' and 'Brahmastra'.

"The flypast would be flown in two blocks. The first block is planned along with the parade between 10:04 am to 10:20 am and the second block is planned after the parade between 11:20 am to 11:45 am," IAF added.

The first block, comprising of three formations, would be led by Nishan formation comprising of four Mi17-V5 aircraft carrying the National flag and ensigns of the three services (timed 10 seconds ahead of Parade Commander).

Following Nishan will be Dhruv, a 4-aircraft formation of the Army Aviation Corps. The third and last formation in the block is Rudra, which is commemorative of the Swamim Vijay Jayanti of the 1971 war and comprises of single Dakota flanked by two Mi 17-1Vs in a Vic formation (timed with the marching contingent from Bangladesh).

The second block will comprise of nine formations. The first two formations would be Sudarshan and Rakshak. Sudarshan will comprise of one Chinook and two Mi-17-1Vs, while Rakshak would be led by a single Mi-17-1V with four Apache aircraft.

Following Rakshak would be the Bhim formation of three C-130 aircraft. This would be followed by the Netra and Garuda formations. While Netra is unchanged from last year, Garuda formation will include a pair of MiG 29s along with two Sukhoi Su-30MKI formatting on a single C-17.

The fifth formation is Eklavya comprising of one Rafale, two Jaguars and two MiG-29s which would be followed by three Su-30s in Trinetra formation carrying out the traditional Trishul manoeuvre. Trailing Trinetra will be three Sarang helicopters flying in Vijay formation.

The flypast would culminate with a single Rafale under Brahmastra under formation that shall carry out a Vertical Charlie abeam the dais (shows stopper), said IAF.

Five Rafale fighter planes were formally inducted into the IAF in September last year. India is procuring the fighter planes from France. (ANI)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Indigo Paints will be the second public issue to open for subscription in the year 2021 after the Indian Railway Finance Corporation IPO. Indigo Paints public offer will open on January 20.

The maiden public issue of the paints company will close on January 22. The bidding for anchor book is expected to take place for a day on January 19.

Equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, Edelweiss Financial Services and ICICI Securities are the book running lead managers to the offer.

Here are 10 key things one should know before subscribing the issue:

1) About Public Issue

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 300 crore by the company and an offer for sale of 58,40,000 equity shares by promoters and investors.

Investors - Sequoia Capital India Investments IV and SCI Investments V - are going to sell 20.05 lakh equity shares and 21.65 lakh shares, respectively via offer for sale, while the promoter Hemant Jalan will offload 16.70 lakh equity shares in the public issue.

The offer includes a reservation of up to 70,000 equity shares for subscription by employees of the company. The eligible employees will get these shares a discount of Rs 148 per share.

One can put in minimum bid for 10 equity shares and in multiples of 10 equity shares thereafter.

2) Price Band

The company and investors in consultation with merchant bankers has fixed the price band at Rs 1,488-1,490 per share for its public issue.

3) Fund Raising

The company targets to raise Rs 1,168.99 crore - Rs 1,170.16 crore at a price band of Rs 1,488-1,490 per share.

4) Objectives of the Issue

The company proposed to utilise the net proceeds from its fresh issue for expansion of the existing manufacturing facility at Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu by setting up an additional unit adjacent to the existing facility (Rs 150 crore); purchase of tinting machines and gyroshakers (Rs 50 crore); repayment certain of borrowings (Rs 25 crore); and general corporate purposes.

The company will not receive any proceeds from the offer for sale, which will go to selling shareholders.

Also read: Indian Railway Finance Corporation IPO opens: Should you subscribe?

5) Company Profile

Indigo Paints is the fastest growing amongst the top five paint companies in India. It is also the fifth largest company in the Indian decorative paint industry in terms of revenue from operations for FY2020, as per F&S Report.

The company sells its products under the brand 'Indigo', through its distribution network across 27 states and seven union territories as of September 2020. It engaged Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a sportsperson with pan-India appeal, as its brand ambassador, to enhance brand image amongst end customers.

The company manufactures a complete range of decorative paints including emulsions, enamels, wood coatings, distempers, primers, putties and cement paints. As of September 2020, Indigo Paints owns and operates three manufacturing facilities located in Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Kochi (Kerala) and Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu) with an aggregate estimated installed production capacity of 1,01,903 kilo litres per annum (KLPA) for liquid paints and 93,118 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) for putties and powder paints.

It also intends to expand manufacturing capacities at its facility at Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu, by adding capacities to manufacture water-based paints to cater to the growing demand for these paints. The proposed installed production capacity of the expansion unit is 50,000 KLPA and it is expected to be operational during FY2023.

As of March 2018, 2019, and 2020, its distribution network comprised 33, 33 and 36 depots, and 9,210, 10,246 and 11,230 active dealers in India, respectively. In same periods, the total number of tinting machines that it placed across network of dealers was 1,808, 3,143 and 4,296, respectively.

Also read: Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Nazara Technologies refiles IPO papers with Sebi

6) Strengths

a) The company has track record of consistent growth in a fast growing industry with significant entry barriers.

b) It has differentiated products leading to greater brand recognition and enabling expansion into a complete range of decorative paint products.

c) It has strategically undertaken brand-building initiatives to gain visibility with prudent use of resources, gradually increasing branding and marketing expenses consistent with the growth of business.

d) It has an extensive distribution network for better brand penetration.

e) It has leveraged brand equity and distribution network to populate tinting machines.

f) The company has strategically located manufacturing facilities with proximity to raw materials.

g) It has well-qualified and professional management team with a committed employee base.

7) Strategies

a) It intends to continue to focus on developing differentiated products to grow market share.

b) It intends to further strengthen the brand to consolidate position as a leading paint company in India.

c) It aims to deepen penetration in existing markets and expand presence in select new territories by populating tinting machines.

d) The company intends to expand manufacturing capacities to aid the growth efforts and consolidate pan-India presence.

8) Financials and Peer Comparison

Indigo Paints registered a revenue growth at a CAGR of 25.8 percent during FY2018-20, largely on account of strong growth in categories such as putty, emulsion and distempers which grew at CAGR of 25-30 percent over the same period. The gross margins expanded to 48.5 percent in FY2020 compared to 41.5 percent in FY2018.

The operating profit margin improved strongly from 6.5 percent FY2018 to 14.6 percent in FY2020 (and further improved to 18.5 percent in H1FY2021), which led to around 88 percent growth in the operating profits during FY2018-20. The profit during same period grew by 84 percent.

"Better working capital management aided net working capital days standing low at 20-23 days. The cash generation from operating activities improved by Rs 48.5 crore to Rs 72.23 crore over FY2018-20. Higher cash generation took care of the capex programme. Hence debt: equity remained stable at 0.3x. The company has strong return profile with RoE and RoCE (pre-IPO) standing at 24.2 percent and 28 percent respectively," Sharekhan said.

Indigo Paints' IPO is valued at 148x its post-issue FY20 EPS of Rs 10.05 (and 130x its annualised FY2021 EPS of around Rs 11.4), which is at premium to some of the listed paint companies, said Sharekhan.

Within the paints industry, the organised sector has a 67 percent market share, while unorganised players hold the remaining 33 percent. Until 2015, the unorganised sector had a market share of approximately 35 percent, which has been penetrated by the organised sector due to challenges faced by smaller players such as demonetisation and implementation of GST.

9) Promoters and Shareholding

Promoters of the company are Hemant Jalan, Anita Jalan, Parag Jalan, Kamala Prasad Jalan, and Halogen Chemicals Private Limited. The promoters, in aggregate, hold 2,73,56,615 equity shares, representing 60.05 percent of paid-up equity share capital of the company.

10) Management

Hemant Jalan is the Managing Director and Chairman of the company. He has over 20 years of experience in the paint industry. Previously, he was associated with AF Ferguson & Co. as a consultant. Presently, he is associated with Halogen Chemicals as a director.

Anita Jalan and Narayanan Kutty Kottiedath Venugopal are Executive Directors on the board. Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Sunil Goyal, Ravi Nigam and Nupur Garg are the independent directors of the company.

Sakshi Chopra is the Nominee Director and Ravi Shankar Ganapathy Agraharam Venkataraman is the Alternate Director to Sakshi

Chopra.

Chetan Bhalchandra Humane is the Chief Financial Officer of the company. He has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the company with effect from March 11, 2020. He has over 19 years of experience in accounting and finance. Prior to this, he was associated with Jenson & Nicholson (I) Ltd.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that the inflammation caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection gives the pathogen a two-fold advantage: by both creating an inhospitable environment for competing bacteria and providing nutrients that enable C. diff to thrive.

C. diff is a bacterium that causes diarrhea, often with severe or even fatal consequences. As part of its growth cycle, C. diff produces two toxins which cause inflammation and damage the lining of the gut.

"C. diff thrives when other microbes in the gut are absent - which is why it is more prevalent following antibiotic therapy," says Casey Theriot, associate professor of infectious disease at NC State and corresponding author of the research. "But when colonizing the gut, C. diff also produces two large toxins, TcdA and TcdB, which cause inflammation. We wanted to know if these inflammation-causing toxins actually give C. diff a survival benefit - whether the pathogen can exploit an inflamed environment in order to thrive."

Theriot and former NC State postdoctoral researcher Josh Fletcher led a team that studied two varieties of C. diff - one that produced the toxins and a genetically modified strain that did not - both in vitro and in a mouse model. In both models, toxin-producing C. diff was associated with increased inflammation and cellular damage. Genetic analysis found that C. diff in an inflamed environment expressed more genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that C. diff was able to utilize amino acids from collagen for growth.

"C. diff's toxins damage the cells that line the gut," Theriot says. "These cells contain collagen, which is made up of amino acids and peptides. When collagen is degraded by toxins, C. diff responds by turning on expression of genes that can use these amino acids for growth."

The researchers also noted that an inflamed environment suppressed the numbers of other microbes in the gut. So the toxins play a dual role: by causing inflammation, C. diff both removes competition for resources and creates more resources for its own growth.

"I always found it interesting that C. diff causes such intense inflammation," Fletcher says. "Our research shows that this inflammation may contribute to the persistence of C. diff in the gut environment, prolonging infection."

###

The research appears in Nature Communications and was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant R35GM119438). Fletcher, currently at the University of Minnesota, is first author. Stephanie Montgomery, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Lineberger Cancer Center, also contributed to the work.

Note to editors: An abstract follows.

"Clostridioides difficile exploits toxin-mediated inflammation to alter the host nutritional landscape and exclude competitors from the gut microbiota"

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20746-4

Authors: Joshua R. Fletcher, Colleen M. Pike, Ruth J. Parsons, Alissa J. Rivera, Matthew H. Foley, Michael R. McLaren, Casey M. Theriot, North Carolina State University; Stephanie A. Montgomery, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Published: Jan. 19, 2021 in Nature Communications

Abstract:

Clostridioides difficile is a bacterial pathogen that causes a range of clinical disease from mild to moderate diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, and toxic megacolon. Typically, C. difficile infections (CDIs) occur after antibiotic treatment, which alters the gut microbiota, decreasing colonization resistance against C. difficile. Disease is mediated by two large toxins and the expression of their genes is induced upon nutrient depletion via the alternative sigma factor TcdR. Using tcdR mutants in two strains of C. difficile, we defined how toxin-induced inflammation alters C. difficile metabolism, tissue gene expression, and the gut microbiota to determine how inflammation by the host may be beneficial to C. difficile. Here we show that C. difficile metabolism is significantly different in the face of inflammation, with changes in many carbohydrate and amino acid uptake and utilization pathways. Host gene expression signatures suggest that degradation of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases is a major source of peptides and amino acids that supports C. difficile growth in vivo. Lastly, the inflammation induced by C. difficile toxin activity alters the gut microbiota, excluding members from the genus Bacteroides that are able to compete against C. difficile for the same essential nutrients released from collagen degradation.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West might sign divorce papers soon, as the rapper reportedly plans to see his divorce lawyers this week.

In a report by People, an insider also revealed that Kim and Kanye are no longer doing marriage counseling, something that they initially attempted to do to fix their marital woes.

It is still unknown when exactly the "Jesus is King" rapper is meeting his dfivorce lawyers. However, as of writing, even Kanye West's wife remains silent regarding the recent report.

The insider's statement echoed what the news outlet reported less earlier this January. To recall, People also revealed that Kim plans to file for divorce from West.

The 40-year-old "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star has been reportedly working with Laura Wasser, a well-renowned divorce attorney, to begin the process of the split.

"They are just not on the same page when it comes to their future as a family," the insider said. "And Kim is okay with it."

Kim shares four children with Kanye--North (7), Saint (5), Chicago (3), and Psalm (1).

What Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Feel Toward Marriage

Although the couple still tried to save their dying relationship by undergoing marital therapy, the quick turn of events seemingly became too much for Kim.

While she is definitely hurting with what her marriage with Kanye is becoming, the reality star continues her law degree education and fight for criminal justice reform. She also makes sure that her focus is on her children and career.

"Kim knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to keep living in L.A., create the best life for the kids, and focus on her work passions," another insider told People.

After seven years of marriage, Kim reportedly felt like her future does not complement West's, especially following the events during his 2020 presidential campaign and continuous Twitter rants.

As she endured all those things, the beauty mogul eventually lost her patience.

No Bad Blood Between Kim Kardashian, Kanye West

Despite their current marital status, the couple keeps their distance from each other to avoid toxicity.

According to an Us Weekly source, the two had no choice but to live apart as their communication became toxic amid the alleged divorce talks.

Meanwhile, E! News reported that Kim already moved on from Kanye after all their issues.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods Documentary Part 2: Michael Jordan Gave Advice To Tiger Woods To Attract Girls

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd. announced the appointment of Elaine Scully as senior vice president, head of Casualty Insurance in its Bermuda company, Hamilton Re Ltd.

Scully will report to Tim Duffin, chief underwriting officer, Hamilton Re. She will be based in Bermuda and is due to join in mid-February, subject to Immigration approval.

Scully comes to Hamilton most recently from AXA XL in Dublin, Ireland, where she was head of Excess Casualty, responsible for navigating the competitive, broker and economic environments to manage a team and strategically grow the business.

Before this, Scully was vice president, senior underwriter at XL Group (now AXA XL) in Dublin, where she was responsible for underwriting a profitable portfolio of diverse, complex accounts and high value client relationships. During her time at XL Group, she held underwriting roles with increasing seniority. The initial years of her career were spent first at Allied World in Dublin as an underwriter, followed by Ironshore DAC in Dublin as a senior underwriter.

Were committed to the excess casualty insurance space in Bermuda and Im thrilled to welcome Elaine to lead the charge, said Megan Thomas, CEO, Hamilton Re, Ltd. She is a dynamic and collaborative leader whose experience, skill and perspectives will be key as we continue to capture opportunities to maximize our portfolio, enabled by the current market.

Source: Hamilton Insurance Group

Topics AXA XL Casualty Bermuda
Mary Berry has urged people to have the COVID-19 vaccine in order to 'think of others' as she reflected on her own battle with polio.

The professional baker, 85, spoke candidly with Radio Times on Tuesday about the importance of having the vaccine following her past health struggles.

Mary and her husband Paul Hunning, 88, have both had their jabs, and she told the publication: 'I was so pleased, particularly for my husband. I would encourage everyone, if its offered to them, to definitely have the vaccine.'

Advice: On Tuesday, Mary Berry urged people to 'think of others' by having the Covid-19 vaccine as she said she's 'so pleased' she and her husband have had their dose

Going on to talk about her own battle with polio in the past, Mary added: 'I had polio, but now almost the whole world is vaccinated against it.

'If youre in a hospital like I was, with people in callipers, people in pain, people who werent going to get better  I think everyone should take the vaccine, not query it, and think of others.'

Mary contracted the disease when she was 13 and spent three months in hospital as a result, it also left her with a twisted spine and a weak left hand.

Struggle: Mary battled polio when she was 13 and spent three months in hospital, she later had the vaccine and said that people having the jab helped to eradicate the disease from the world

Delighted: Mary and her husband Paul have had their covid-19 vaccine, and she said: 'I was so pleased... I would encourage everyone, if its offered to them, to definitely have the vaccine'

The polio vaccine was developed in the 1950s and thanks to those having it Europe was declared polio-free in 2002, though poliomyelitis has yet to be eradicated.

Mary claimed she was 'immensely fortunate' to have had the polio vaccine, as she added that she was 'let off very lightly' by the disease.

'I was immensely fortunate. I only had it on my left side, and Ive got a funny left hand. Everybody thinks Ive got arthritis,' she explained.

It comes after it was reported Mary had to use binoculars to judge BBC's new series of Celebrity Best Home Cook, set to air later this year.

In a new interview, contestant and Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson claimed the chef checked in on the competitors from a balcony as the BBC enforced the measure in a bid to limit the possibility of contracting coronavirus.

The former Great British Bake Off star fronts the panel alongside Gordon Ramsay's former protegee Angela Hartnett, 52, and fresh producer importer Chris Bavin, 40, while Strictly's Claudia Winkleman, 48, presents the programme.

Extreme: It comes after it was reported Mary used binoculars to judge BBC's Celebrity Best Home Cook (pictured with Chris Bavin, Claudia Winkleman, Angela Hartnett in 2019 show)

Safety comes first! The chef is believed to have checked in on the competitors from a balcony in a bid to limit the possibility of contracting coronavirus (pictured last September)

On Mary's unique judging stint, actor Tom, 34, told The Sun: 'Mary, for the whole thing, because of Covid, was on a kind of beautiful mezzanine that they built for her.

'And they gave her a pair of beautiful opera glasses so she could look over and see what we're up to, which was just great. I couldn't be happier about her being there.'

According to the publication, the 15ft-high platform has been built above the cast's kitchen.

This year's edition will mark the show's third series, with Tom, former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, First Time Mum star Ferne McCann and actress Ruth Madeley leading the line-up.
Advertisement

Iran's military has kicked off a ground forces drill along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, the latest in a series of snap exercises amid escalating tensions over the country's nuclear programme and Washington's pressure campaign against Tehran.

State TV reported that commando units and airborne infantry were participating in the annual exercise, along with fighter jets, helicopters and military transport aircraft.

The drill, overseen by Iran's National Army chief Sayeed Abdelrahim Mousavi, comes four days after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out ballistic missile drills in a central desert region and just one day before the inauguration of US president-elect Joe Biden.

Iran's military kicked off a ground forces drill along the coast of the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday featuring tanks and paratroopers

Tuesday's drill is the latest in a series of snap exercises amid escalating tensions over the country's nuclear programme and relationship with the United States

State TV reported that commando units and airborne infantry were participating in the annual exercise, along with fighter jets, helicopters and military transport aircraft

Tuesday's drill (pictured) was overseen by Iran's National Army chief Sayeed Abdelrahim Mousavi and comes just four days after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out ballistic missile drills in a central desert region

Biden is expected to take a less hawkish approach towards Iran than his predecessor President Donald Trump and has pledged to rejoin a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

The deal was signed under President Barack Obama but Trump, withdrew the US from the treaty in 2018, reimposing sanctions on Iran and pursuing a 'maximum pressure' policy towards the country.

In response, Iran has gradually abandoned the limits the deal set on its nuclear development.

Paratroopers are seen during a military drill in Iran on Tuesday, one day before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden

Biden is expected to take a less hawkish approach towards Iran and has pledged to rejoin a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Pictured: Paratroopers during an Iranian military drill on Tuesday

The drill comes as Iran has been flexing its military might in the final days of the Trump administration. Pictured: Paratroopers glide down to land during the drill on Tuesday

Tuesday's drill is the latest in a series of military exercises by Iran. On Friday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' aerospace division launched surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and drones against 'hypothetical enemy bases'. Pictured: A paratrooper lands during a drill by the Iranian military on Tuesday

On Saturday, the IRGC launched anti-warship ballistic missiles at a simulated target at a distance of some 1,800 kilometres (1,120miles) in the Indian Ocean, a day after the Guard's aerospace division launched surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and drones against 'hypothetical enemy bases'.

The drill on Friday was notable for the presence of wedge-shaped suicide drones that strongly resemble the craft used to attack a Saudi oil facility in 2019. The attack was blamed on Iran, which has always denied any involvement.

Analysts say the IRGC drills are often used as a show of strength and as a deterrent to Iran's regional and international enemies.

Iran's National Army chief Sayeed Abdelrahim Mousavi (right) and General Kiumars Heidari (left) overseeing Tuesday's military drill

Several tanks took part in the military drill on Tuesday, which came just one day before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden

Tuesday's military drill followed similar exercises by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps last week. Analysts say the IRGC drills are often used as a show of strength and as a deterrent to Iran's regional and international enemies. Pictured: Paratroopers get ready to jump in Tuesday's military drill

Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high in the final days of the Trump administration after Iran seized a South Korean tanker and the US sent heavy weaponry to the region. Pictured: A tank during Tuesday's military drill

Last Thursday, the Islamic republic's navy fired cruise missiles as part of a drill in the Gulf of Oman, under the surveillance of what appeared to be a US nuclear submarine.

While earlier that week, the Guard's affiliated forces carried out a limited military manoeuvre in the Persian Gulf.

This followed a massive, drones-only drill across half of the country earlier in January.

Tanks roll across a dirt track near the Iranian coast of the Gulf of Oman during a military exercise on Tuesday, conducted by the Iranian Army

Debris from explosions fills the sky during the annual exercise, carried out by the Iranian military near the coast of the Gulf of Oman

Army ground forces watch planes during the military drill on Tuesday, which comes amid high tensions between Tehran and Washington

An Iranian Army soldier flashes a victory sign during military exercises on Tuesday that involved tanks and paratroopers

Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high in the final days of the Trump administration as the fate of the nuclear deal hangs in the balance.

Iran has begun enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels and on January 4 seized a tanker from South Korean - an important US ally in Asia.

For its part, the US sent B-52 bombers, the USS Nimitz aircraft and a nuclear submarine into the region.

Earlier this month, Iran marked the first anniversary of the assassination of revered IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on January 3 last year.

Soleimani's killing prompted calls for calm from concerned world leaders who feared retaliation by Iran could draw the US into a war that threatened to destabilise the restive Middle East.

Iran has so far avoided direct action over the assassination, having mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger flight, killing all 176 people on board, on January 8.
Kerala has recorded 0.11 per cent dropout rate of school students in the year 2019-20, the lowest in the country.

Education Minister C Raveendranath on Monday said the state has achieved the distinction of having the lowest dropout rate in the country.

Twitter

Replying to a question in Kerala Assembly today, the Education Minister said that about 6.79 lakh new students enrolled in government schools in the state.

"Kerala was able to achieve the lowest school dropout rate of 0.11 among the states. The higher secondary school dropout rate is just 0.15 per cent while as per the Minister of Human Resource Development (MHRD) the national average is 17.06 per cent. In Kerala we were able to bring down the Upper Primary dropout rate to 0.06 per cent," Raveendranath told news agency ANI.

Modern schools & classrooms

Kerala was able to achieve this milestone due to modernisation of the educational system along with making schools high-tech.

"We have focused on modernising schools in Kerala with hi-tech classrooms and hi-tech labs in all government-run and aided schools. In the MHRD's performance index, for the last two years Kerala was able to come to the top," he stated.

Edexlive

Speaking about education in the COVID-19 scenario the minister said reducing the syllabus was not a solution, but giving emphasis to the focus areas of the syllabus is the key, and it is necessary.

"The classes for 10th standard students finished yesterday and classes for 12th will be completed in the next two weeks. The revision will take place after it with the students being given portions, the focus area from each chapter in a subject," he added.
[January 19, 2021] Senseonics Announces a Positive Coverage Decision for Eversense CGM from EmblemHealth

Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: SENS) a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of long-term, implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes, announced today that EmblemHealth is now providing coverage for the Eversense CGM System, effective immediately. This recent coverage decision adds to the growing number of payers who are writing Eversense into their CGM coverage policies, as well as paying for the healthcare provider's time for the in-office sensor placement. EmblemHealth of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has added coverage for Eversense in their 2021 CGM policy which expands access to approximately 2.9 million residents of these three states. "We are excited to see additional coverage for Eversense and appreciate the payer community's recognition that CGM is now Standard of Care for patients using insulin to manage their diabetes," said Tim Goodnow, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Senseonics. "Improved glucose control has always been the goal for health care professionals and patients. Now that goal is even more imperative as the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the negative consequences of poor glucose management in patients who contract the coronavirus. Eversense offers patients a new choice amongst the CGM class that delivers industry leading accuracy, an improved patient experience, and an array of unique features intended to afford people the opportunity to achieve improved health outcomes." The Eversense CGM System consists of a fluorescence-based sensor, a smart transmitter worn over the sensor to facilitate data communication, and a mobile app for displaying glucose values, trends and alerts. In addition to featuring the first long-term and first implantable CGM sensor, the system is also first to feature a smart transmitter that provides wearers with discreet on-body vibratory alerts for high and low glucose and can be removed, recharged and re-attached to the skin without discarding the sensor. Eversense users now have the freedom to make treatment decisions based on their Eversense readings. The sensor is inserted subcutaneously in the upper arm by a health care provider via a brief in-office procedure. Patients who are interestedin getting started on Eversense can sign up at www.eversensediabetes.com/get-started-today. Physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants interested in offering the Eversense CGM System for their patients can contact 844-SENSE4U (844-736-7348).



About Eversense The Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is indicated for continually measuring glucose levels in persons age 18 and older with diabetes for up to 90 days. The system is indicated for use to replace fingerstick blood glucose (BG) measurements for diabetes treatment decisions. Fingerstick BG measurements are still required for calibration twice per day, and when symptoms do not match CGM information or when taking medications of the tetracycline class. The sensor insertion and removal procedures are performed by a health care provider. The Eversense CGM System is a prescription device; patients should talk to their health care provider to learn more. For important safety information, see https://eversensediabetes.com/safety-info/.

About Senseonics Senseonics Holdings, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on the design, development and commercialization of transformational glucose monitoring products designed to help people with diabetes confidently live their lives with ease. Senseonics' CGM systems, Eversense and Eversense XL, include a small sensor inserted completely under the skin that communicates with a smart transmitter worn over the sensor. The glucose data are automatically sent every 5 minutes to a mobile app on the user's smartphone. Forward Looking Statements Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Senseonics, including statements about the growth in payer coverage and nature of future coverage, and the potential benefits Eversense offers people with diabetes, and other statements containing the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "may," "projects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties in the development and regulatory approval processes, uncertainties inherent in the commercial launch and commercial expansion of the product, including without limitation coverage and other decisions by payers, uncertainties relating to the benefits which may be experienced by users, and such other factors as are set forth in the risk factors detailed in Senseonics' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, Senseonics' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and Senseonics' other filings with the SEC (News - Alert) under the heading "Risk Factors." In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Senseonics' views as of the date hereof. Senseonics anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Senseonics' views to change. However, while Senseonics may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Senseonics specifically disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Senseonics' views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005300/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
SHOWS

February 22, 2021 10.00 am

Bazaar Corporate Radar

Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar.
New York:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are deal-makers who are willing to break with past practice to accomplish things, a renowned expert on India and Asia has said.

The Trump administration wants export markets and India wants investments. Somewhere in there, there is a deal. These two leaders are deal-makers and they are both willing to break with past practice and past policy to accomplish things, Senior Fellow for India with the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Marshall Bouton told PTI in an interview.

He also suggested the two leaders during their first meeting next week should focus on transforming bilateral economic relations.

Bouton, who is President Emeritus of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, described economic relations between the two nations as the weakest as compared to the political and security pillars of bilateral cooperation.

Bouton had last month authored a comprehensive ASPI paper The Trump Administrations India Opportunity, in which he called for the US administration to move decisively and engage Modis government to deepen cooperation and manage potential disputes.

Also Read | H-1B visa unlikely to be major issue in Modi-Trump bilateral meet: USIBC

Bouton said if Modi and Trump want to think big about US-India relations, they should think about transforming economic ties in the manner that strategic ties strengthened under the George Bush administration with the civil nuclear deal and through the climate agreement under Barack Obama.

In his paper, Bouton, a nationally known expert on India and Asia, had noted that total US trade with India now exceeds 100 billion dollars. Although Indian exports increased rapidly over the last 15 years, Indian goods exports to the United States accounted for only 2.1 per cent of total US goods imports in 2016.

The total US goods trade deficit with India (USD 24 billion) in 2016 accounted for less than 5 per cent of the total US trade deficit.

I am sure there will be some articulation on the Indian side of concern about protectionism on the part of the US and pressure on India to reduce its trade surplus with the US. From the US side, (focus could be) on how to make the trade relationship more balanced, he said.

Modi?s visit to the US also comes against the backdrop of concerns among Indian IT professionals and outsourcing firms over the H1-B visa regime amid the Trump administration?s focus to undertake immigration reform. Bouton, however, suggested that the H1 B visa issue may not rank high among the priority areas for the Modi-Trump meeting.

H1-B is a very important issue. However, frankly, in the big scheme of things that should be the focus of this meeting, it does not rank so highly. The best we can hope for is that the administration decides what stance it really will finally take on H1-B. It should proceed cautiously and do so in consultation with its key partners, most especially India, on the H1B issue, he said.

He added that while the H1-B issue will come up in the bilateral talks between the leaders, I don't think it is going to be a major issue. No one should expect a major move out of this meeting on the H1-B question,? said Bouton, who has previously served as Director for Policy Analysis for Near East, Africa and South Asia in the US Department of Defence and as Special Assistant to the US Ambassador to India.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Two Syrians are charge in Germany, an Islamist group launches an attack in Idleb, a landmine kills 10 Russian backed fighters, and Syria wishes to import more oil.

Two Syrians have been charged in Germany for alleged links to a terrorist organization on suspicion they were involved in the killing of an army officer in their homeland in 2012, prosecutors said Monday, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Khedr A.K. was charged with membership in a terrorist organization while Sami A.S. was charged with supporting a terrorist organization on allegations they were acting on behalf of the Nusra Front, as al-Qaedas affiliate in Syria was known at the time of the alleged offenses. Neither of their last names was given in line with German privacy laws. The two were arrested last summer in Naumburg, in eastern Germany, and in the western city of Essen. The pair are suspected of taking part in the killing of a captured lieutenant colonel of the Syrian government forces in July 2012, prosecutors said. They said that Khedr A.K. guarded the man as he was brought to the execution site. Sami A.S. is suspected of filming the officers shooting and preparing the footage for use as propaganda.

A small Islamist militant group has claimed responsibility for an attack on Turkish forces in the northwestern Syrian province of Idleb VOA reported. The Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Squadron said it was behind the attack Saturday that targeted a Turkish military outpost in the northern countryside of Idleb. The sniper platoon of the Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Squadron targeted one of the main bases of the Turkish NATO military stationed near the town of Batbo, north of Idleb, the extremist group said Sunday in a statement published on social media. Since its founding in August 2020, Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq has claimed responsibility for at least three other attacks on Turkish forces in Idleb.

10 Russia-backed fighters were killed when ISIS landmines exploded in al-Tayba area in al-Sukhna, in Syrias eastern Homs countryside near the administrative border with the Deir Ezzor province, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Meanwhile, Russian warplanes carried out on Sunday 40 airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in Aleppo, Hama and Raqqa. The Russia-backed forces launched a security campaign in the deserts of Deir Ezzor and Homs, where forces from the al-Quds Brigade, 5th Corps and National Defense militias continue to comb the area from Kabajib and al-Shoula to al-Sukhna, in an attempt to secure the Deir Ezzor-Homs road.

Syria has said it would import more crude oil to cover fuel shortages it blames on Western sanctions that disrupted regular Iranian oil shipments that had for years compensated for the countrys loss of domestic oil production as a result of conflict, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Hussein Arnous did not specify how Syria would secure extra supplies but said they had already imported 1.2 million tonnes of Iranian crude oil that cost along with petroleum products in the last six months around $820 million. We have become dependant on imported oil and we have used up foreign currency in large amounts to pay for petroleum products, Arnous told deputies in a speech to Parliament.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Syrian Observer.
Tanzania's President John Magufuli has rallied farmers in the country to increase food production, predicting global food scarcity later in the year caused by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.



He urged farmers to take advantage of the reduced production by the largest food-producing countries in the wake of health restrictions imposed across the world.



"This year there is a possibility of a severe famine in the world because many people are in lockdown because of corona, but this should not discourage us because even if they are imprisoned they still need to eat. We will grow crops that we will sell to them," he told a gathering in the north-western town of Bukoba.



The Tanzanian president has been criticized for downplaying the pandemic in the country, he has repeatedly said the health crisis had been exaggerated and mocked those who wear masks.



In June he declared that the country was "coronavirus-free" thanks to prayers by citizens.



The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern over the government's strategy on Covid-19.

Source: BBC









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

Featured Video
Pulla : , Jan 19 (IANS) Bringing back memories of December's mysterious illness in Andhra Pradesh's Eluru in West Godavari district, Pulla village has seen 24 such cases of convulsions till 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Pulla is 30 km north east of Eluru town where the mysterious illness cases are being reported from Monday.

"Total cases reported so far, 24, active cases, three," said an official.

Out of the active cases, two are currently admitted in Pulla primary health centre while one more case has been referred to the district hospital in Eluru.

As many as 21 people have been discharged.

According to officials, 15 beds have been made ready at Pulla PHC, 30 in Bhimadole and 50 in Eluru to admit future cases.

The affected patients exhibited symptoms similar to the Eluru cases such as fainting, frothing, convulsions, vomiting and others.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
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.
Nationwide rollouts began in Brazil and Azerbaijan, while Britain and France widened inoculations to all elderly people.

Countries around the world stepped up their coronavirus vaccine campaigns Monday, with Russia offering jabs to all citizens, while an independent probe found fault with the early response to the pandemic. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Beijing could have acted faster when COVID-19 first surfaced in China a year ago, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response concluded in a report. It added that countries where the virus was likely to spread should have put containment measures in place immediately.

With the global death toll now past two million, many governments are betting on mass vaccination to throttle the pandemic, while tightening lockdown measures at the same time.

Nationwide rollouts from Brazil to Azerbaijan were getting underway Monday, while Britain and France were widening inoculations to all elderly people.

In Russia, the government invited all citizens to sign up for the homegrown Sputnik V jab  but while it was widely available in Moscow, many regions reported receiving only between 5,000 and 15,000 doses in the country of 146 million.

India's campaign was also facing teething problems as it emerged that almost a third of the 3,00,000 people invited for a shot on the opening day didn't turn up.

"These are initial days and we understand people are waiting to see how the procedure pans out," said Suneela Garg, a member of the coronavirus task force for New Delhi. "These numbers will go up as confidence is strengthened. And for that, we have to tackle misinformation."

Authorities worldwide have been mounting public information campaigns to address concerns over vaccine safety, and in the face of powerful online anti-vax movements.

After 33 elderly people who had received a first dose died in Norway, authorities stressed there was no proven link between the jabs and the deaths. They recommended, however, that doctors consider patients' frailty before immunising them. For Syrian refugee Fatima Ali, receiving her vaccination was cause for tears of joy.

"It's a gift from God," the 70-year-old said as she was vaccinated outside a clinic in Mafraq, Jordan.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned rich countries against hogging doses while the poorest suffer, blasting vaccine manufacturers for chasing regulatory approvals there rather than seeking global approval.

"I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure," Tedros said. "And the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries."

Israel, praised for one of the world's fastest rollouts, has secured a significant stock of vaccines partly by pledging to quickly share data on its impact with Pfizer, according to an agreement with the drug company seen by AFP.

Despite the mass immunisation campaigns now under way, spiralling infection rates have left governments reliant on continuing curbs on people's daily lives.

In the US, where nearly 4,00,000 people have died, President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden wrangled over travel bans as the country endures a rocky transition of power.

Trump announced that the US ban on travelers arriving from much of Europe and Brazil would be lifted on January 26 -- after he has left power -- but Biden's team quickly shot back saying the ban would stay.

Nearly three million people in China's northeastern Jilin province were put under lockdown Monday after a surge in cases, while Malawi introduced an overnight curfew.

Globally, travel remains at a trickle of its usual pace -- and there were signs Monday of the price being paid by companies and countries reliant on tourism.

Disneyland Paris -- Europe's biggest tourist attraction -- announced it was delaying its reopening until April, while train operator Eurostar made a desperate plea for British state support.

"Without additional funding from government there is a real risk to the survival of Eurostar," the cross-Channel service said.

Soaring public debt in Greece, Spain and Italy was on the agenda at eurozone finance ministers' talks Monday -- with the highly tourist-dependent nature of these economies compounding the problem.

Smaller business owners are also fed up after months of restrictions that have left them struggling for survival.

In Poland there had been plans for a major campaign of civil disobedience in tourist-reliant ski resorts, but while some restaurants reopened in defiance of the rules, most businesses ultimately decided to stay shut.

In Japan meanwhile, there are growing doubts on whether the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics can go ahead in July.

In another example of the remaining hurdles facing travellers, Britain imposed a 10-day isolation on all arrivals, who will have to provide a negative Covid test taken at most 72 hours before departure.

Despite the doom and gloom, in Milan fashionistas were dreaming of life beyond Covid, with a digital edition of Men's Fashion Week offering up colourful collections for Winter 2021.
Houston Audubon Society

More than 600 acres of untouched land on the Gulf of Mexico was saved for conservation.

The Houston Audubon Society bought 603 acres of land in High Island near the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. The organization purchased the land from BP America after an intense seven years of negotiations, according to the organization.

On Saturday, Los Angeles County in southern California became the first in the United States to hit the grim record of 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

The hospital systems in Los Angeles and surrounding cities are strained past their limits, with some operating at over 320 percent capacity, and the region is recording more than 250 deaths each day. Patients line corridors, hallways, gift shops, and cafeterias turned patient care, and fill parking lot tents. Los Angeles County is the starkest expression of the pandemics spread throughout the state of California. According to the states official dashboard, as of January 17, California has 2,942,475 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 33,392 deaths, the second highest toll in the US, behind New York.

Registered nurse Leslie Clark, right, collects a nasal swab sample from a mans as administrative worker Sander Edmondson works on his computer at a COVID-19 testing site in Los Angeles, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The crisis facing the nations most populous county, with more than 10 million residents, is deepening as the presence of the UK variant, which is predicted to be some 70 percent more transmissible, has been confirmed. There is no end in sight to this upward trend as over 20 percent of tests in Los Angeles County are coming back positive, pointing to rampant community spread.

The countys hospital morgues are so full that more than a dozen members of the California National Guard have been called in to help store corpses as funeral homes and mortuaries work through a backlog. A temporary morgue consisting of five 53-foot refrigerated trailers and a number of other containers were set up last week in a parking lot adjacent to the Los Angeles County Coroners building. As of Friday, over 2,700 bodies were being stored at hospitals and the coroners office. Just east of Los Angeles, Riverside County has also procured additional storage space to store bodies10 refrigerated trailers, eight of which can store 50 bodies per trailer.

There are so many deaths that air quality regulations for crematoriums in the county had to be suspended to keep up with the death toll and speed up cremations of bodies. On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an executive order to suspend air quality regulations that currently limit the number of cremations. The official district order states that the current death rate is more than double that of pre-pandemic years, leading to hospitals, funeral homes and crematoriums exceeding capacity, without the ability to process the backlog.

The skyrocketing death toll reflects the deep poverty and social inequality that exists in the wealthiest state in the US. In Los Angeles, some 16 percent of the population live below the poverty line. Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, described the higher rates of chronic illness among impoverished residents, telling CNN that Diabetes is three times more prevalent here than in the rest of California. Mortality is 72 percent higher. The life expectancy is 10 years shorter here than in the rest of the state.

California also has one of the lowest numbers of hospital beds per capitajust 1.8 beds for every 1,000 people, compared to four beds in Mississippi. The shortage of hospital beds is a reflection of the profit motive in the health care system, and of the conscious decisions to keep hospitals short-staffed, known as the LEAN model, which is embraced by all hospital systems to maintain the bare minimum of staff, a method focused on minimizing wastei.e., labor costs.

The sorry state of Californias intensive care unit (ICU) capacity has been prepared through decades of cost-cutting to services such as intensive care that are more costly. According to a 2017 financial analysis by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), titled Rethinking the Use of Intensive Care Beds in Californias Hospitals, the foundation, speaking for the shareholders and CEOs of the states health care systems, argued that hospitals should shift ICU patients to non-ICU beds instead of increasing ICU capacity, noting that an unforgivable $55 billion is spent annually on critical care across the United States.

The report sought to undermine the 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratios in ICUs and advocated instead for 1:5 ratios in non-ICU nursing. The job losses that would result for nurses is a celebrated cost-cutting measure to boost the profits of the owners of the hospital system. It also regretfully noted that the average Medicare discharge of an ICU patient results in hospital losses of $2,431, losing a yearly aggregate of $5.8 billion, whereas $2 billion in profits are made on patients that do not spend time in an intensive care or critical care unit.

Health care workers are facing lack of bed capacity, dwindling resources, and dangerous short-staffing amid the worst wave of the pandemic so far. The response of the ruling elite and Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has not been for an immediate lockdown to halt the spread of cases but has been to grant hospitals the ability to waive the nurse-to-patient ratios. About 115 hospitals in California have been approved for 90-day waivers repeatedly including about 31 facilities in Los Angeles County, according to an analysis of California Department of Public Health data. Most recently, Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster received approval shortly after Thanksgiving.

The result of these conditions has pushed hospitals and strained staff to a breaking point as they face war-like carnage on a daily basis that is only fueling the understaffing issues. A nurse from the Apple Valley hospital told Reuters that Weve had physicians retire, weve had lab staff quit, weve had nurses quit, weve had CNAs quit, monitor techs quit, people have left critical care and gone to other units because its too much for them.

Numerous hospitals have reported they are rationing care and limited resources due to lack of beds and staff, and to add insult to injury, many hospitals throughout the state have declared internal emergencies, as they are runningoutofoxygen. First responders in Los Angeles County have been ordered not to administer oxygen unless a patients levels drop below 90 percent. Nurses at Riverside Community Hospital have been directed via e-mail to preserve their oxygen supplies.

Throughout the media, headlines for the necessity of ethical protocols to prioritize lifesaving care dominate, but stripped of their euphemistic language, these are arguments for withholding patients from lifesaving care. Gary Herbst, the CEO of Kaweah Delta, the largest acute care hospital in Tulare County in central California, who brings home a yearly package of $1,058,692, remarked coolly last week that it was our responsibility as a healthcare facility to plan for these types of scenarios.

As the death toll mounts and care continues to be rationed, the slow pace of vaccinations will do little to nothing to affect the upward trend of cases and provide relief to strained health care systems. Los Angeles County is still not through vaccinating health care workers who had exposure to patients or infectious materials. There are an estimated 450,000 health care workers who have yet to be vaccinated and only 700,000 residents out of 3 million are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The additional facilities set up for mass vaccinations can only provide relief for an additional 8,000 people per day.

In Riverside County, the registration for 11,000 vaccination slots scheduled for a four-day period starting Tuesday was filled two hours after registration opened, while many were unable to access the overwhelmed county website. As of right now, we have 14,346 doses in our hands as public health and that is just enough to get through the vaccine clinics we have planned Sunday, Kim Saruwatari, the county public health director, said Friday at a live-streamed meeting with county officials. And by the end of Sunday we should be pretty close to out of vaccine as a public health department.

Despite the horrific strain on the system and the 1 million infection mark reached, the Democratic-controlled government is doubling down on its plans to reopen the economy. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors met behind closed doors for a perfunctory 10-minute meeting on Friday and announced that they do not see a need to enforce additional restrictions. Governor Newsom continues to pursue a $2 billion plan to force cash-starved schools to reopen by mid-February, and emphasized this past week that the states hospitalization rates are beginning to show the light at the end of the tunnel since theyre now growing at a slower rate than the December influx.

A Riverside nurse blasted Newsoms statement, telling the WSWS: Yesterday a patient in his 40s asked me with fear in his eyes Am I going to die? He was maxed on oxygen support and the time was near for him to be put on a ventilator. The short answer was yes, he would likely die. I tried to explain without lies so he would have hope in the end. Were going to take care of you and do everything we can. We have the best treatment available. Im going to be right here with you and holding your hand. He didnt make it. Where is his light at the end of the tunnel? Hes not the first and wont be the last to suffer from this virus.
A mob of nearly a dozen people led by the imam of a local mosque attacked Zohra Radio in north eastern Kunduz province on January 15 damaging the radios equipment and vandalizing the office. The International Federation of journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) condemn the attack and urge the Afghan government to investigate the case.

According to Mohsen Ahmad, the director of the Zohra Radio, the Imam of Firooz Kohi Mosque directed a crowd to attack the radio station at around 13:30 pm accusing the station for playing the music and songs that disturbed Friday prayer. Ahmad said the mosque followers vandalized the station even without knowing the source of the music that affected the prayer session. Due to the damage of the equipment, Radio Zohra's transmission was halted for several hours.

According to AIJA, the angry crowd also attempted to attack Radio Kaihan and Radio Chiragh but were prevented and stopped by security forces as they attempted to enter into the radio stations. Zohra Radio is planning to file case against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Afghan Journalists Safety Committee and Afghanistan Ministry of Information and Culture issued statements condemning the attack.

From January 2020, 11 media workers were murderedin Afghanistan including one on January 1, 2021. Attacks on journalists, threats from militant groups, gender-based violence against women journalists, government controls on information have also been documented, according to AIJA.

The AIJA said: The attack to the Zohra radio indicates that media in Afghanistan are unsafe not only from militant groups but also from different interest groups. AIJA demands the Afghanistan government to end the culture of impunity on crime against journalists.

The IFJ said: The safety situation for journalists in Afghanistan must be a major priority for the Afghanistan government.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Wednesday see January results for the consumer confidence index from Westpac, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In December, the index climbed 4.1 percent to a score of 112.0. Taiwan will provide December data for export order, with forecasts suggesting a jump of 27.0 percent on year after spiking 29.7 percent in November. China will see the latest figures for loan prime rates; previously, the one-year loan rate was 3.85 percent and the five-year rate was 4.65 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
By all accounts, Zachery Rose was a careful, diligent man. A bioengineer who played in a wind symphony in college and worked at a mid-sized firm in Hercules, he was never the type to wander off or do anything reckless.

In 2018, on Super Bowl weekend, he was reported missing after taking a solo late-night walk in Fairfield, disappearing seemingly without a trace.

He left probably not under means that he desired, Fairfield Police Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen told KTXL at the time.

After nearly three years, Fairfield police on Monday confirmed that Rose's remains and clothing were found on a hill by the Amtrak station on Cement Hill Road  just a mile south of where he was last seen.

"Our thoughts are with his family, and we hope while there are still many unanswered questions, the discovery of his body brings some closure," read a statement from police, who refused to provide further details on the "ongoing investigation."

Among those unanswered questions, certainly, involve the man who allegedly saw Rose last.

Phil Lasater and Rose, reported KNTV back in 2018, met online and grew close.

KNTV reported that Rose upended his life in Arkansas and moved into Lasater's Fairfield home in 2015. He eventually moved out to his own condo, ostensibly to be closer to his office in Hercules.

That report described their relationship as an "on-and-off" romantic one, but did not delve deeply into the intricacies of their private life. Other reports have only referred to Lasater and Rose as friends.

Lasater, then a supervisor at the San Francisco Sheriff's Department but now currently a lieutenant, declined to comment to SFGATE.

The two still kept in touch until Rose was last seen. Rose drove to Lasater's home straight from work the day before his disappearance. His white pick-up truck was found parked in front of his home, and all of his belongings were still at the apartment  a move that his mother told KNTV was out-of-character for him. (She did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.)

Lasater was the first to report Rose missing, nearly 18 hours after he last saw Rose leave the house. It is unclear what circumstances led Rose to walk out of Lasater's home in the first place.

While investigating Rose's disappearance, one detail that stuck out to detectives, KNTV found, was Lasater's prior marriage.

In 2012, William Volkl, Lasater's husband of more than 15 years, died at the age of 41 in his sleep at Lasater's home. (His obituary reads that he died beside Laseter.) To this day, it is still unclear what the cause of his death was.

The Solano County Coroner did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE, but KNTV reported that the county medical examiner confirmed a neck injury and a history of heart problems, and was unable to rule out foul play. Volkl may have also experienced migraines severe enough to warrant hospitalization, according to a Twitter account possibly belonging to him.

Jacobsen told KNTV that Lasater was questioned "repeatedly" as possible person of interest in both Volkl's death and Rose's disappearance.

"We have one individual who died of a suspicious method or manner inside the home, and fast forward in time, now someones vanished from it," Jacobsen told the outlet.

Lasater alleged homophobia at the hands of Fairfield police in their investigations of both cases.

And yet, despite the legions of true crime buffs who have speculated otherwise, it is still unconfirmed if Lasater played any role in either incident. Repeated requests for comment from Fairfield police did not confirm if he is still a part of their investigations.
DGAP Voting Rights Announcement: QIAGEN N.V.

QIAGEN N.V.: Release according to Article 40, Section 1 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution



19.01.2021 / 22:02

Dissemination of a Voting Rights Announcement transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The AFM (the Netherlands Authority For the Financial Markets has informed us on January 16, 2021 that a notification related to our institution has been released by the AFM. The following notification has been disclosed in the relevant register on the AFM website: Date of transaction: 13 jan 2021

Person obliged to notify: Farallon Capital Europe LLP.

Issuing institution: Qiagen N.V.

Registration Chamber of Commerce: 12036979

Place of residence: VENLO Distribution in numbers Type of share Number of shares Number of voting rights Capital interest Voting rights Manner of disposal Settlement Ordinary share 0,00 6.831.745,00 Real Real Directly

Distribution in percentages Type Total holding Directly real Directly potential Indirectly real Indirectly potential Capital interest 0,00% 0,00% 0,00% 0,00% 0,00% Voting rights 2,96% 2,96% 0,00% 0,00% 0,00% QIAGEN N.V. is not responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the notification above. The content has been taken from the relevant register of the AFM:

https://www.afm.nl/en/professionals/registers/meldingenregisters/substantiele-deelnemingen/details?id=104993

19.01.2021 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program Enrollment Open

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program is currently enrolling students for the spring semester.

All classes and services are currently being conducted remotely. When possible, in person instruction will be offered.

The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program offers classes to prepare for the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Credential. In addition to classes to prepare for the HISET or GED tests, they offer classes to help improve academic skills to enter postsecondary education, training programs, employment readiness and basic academic skills.

The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program will offer a course in Digital Literacy starting in February, for those individuals needing to learn digital literacy for the first time or to improve your current knowledge base. North Star Digital Literacy Curriculum will be utilized. Students who participate in this program will be eligible to take a credentialing exam to demonstrate competency in digital literacy.

All the programs of the Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program are free of charge funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education/Office of Adult and Community Learning Services.
Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or contributing today.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse woman was taken to a hospital after the car she was riding in Sunday night collided with another vehicle on South Geddes Street, police said.

Maelean Miller, 37, said she tried to get out of the car after the accident, but passed out because she had hit her head. She was a passenger in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe involved in the crash at 9:20 p.m. on South Geddes Street, between Grant and Laforte avenues.

Her husband, 38-year-old Michael Miller, had picked her up from her work and they were heading home when the crash happened, she said.

Syracuse police initially said Miller had failed to stay in his lane and drifted to the left, side-swiping a 2006 Chevrolet car, but a spokesman for the police department on Monday clarified that the driver of the Chevrolet had failed to keep right, according to a police report. Both drivers accused each other of crossing into the other persons lane, Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski said on Tuesday.

Maelean Miller was semi-conscious at the scene, Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski said. She also suffered back and neck pain.

Syracuse firefighters briefly closed part of South Geddes Street after the crash. Emergency crews reported the passenger in the Hyundai was in-and-out of consciousness at the time, according to police dispatches.

American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance took Miller to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

Michael Miller, as well as the driver of the other car, Ava Lebron, 34, of Syracuse, and her passenger, were not injured in the crash, Malinowski said.

Maelean Miller was treated and released from the hospital early Monday, according an Upstate University Hospital nursing supervisor.

Im all right, but sore, Miller said on Tuesday.

Police issued Michael Miller a ticket after the crash, charging him with driving without a license, Malinowski said.

Have a tip or a story idea? Contact Catie OToole: cotoole@syracuse.com | text/call 315-470-2134 | Twitter | Facebook
Since 80s China occupying this area, construction of villages not a new thing: BJP MP Tapir Gao

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 19: Amid the India-China standoff at Eastern Ladakh, a recent report said that China has built a new village comprising 101 homes in Arunachal Pradesh around 4.5 kms within Indian territory.

Tapir Gao, BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said that since 80s China is constructing road. There was a wrong policy of Government during Congress regime. They didn't construct road up to the border which left a buffer zone of 3-4 km which China occupied.

''Since 80s China is constructing road. They've built Longju to Maza road. During Rajiv Gandhi's regime, China occupied Sumdorong Chu Valley in Tawang. The then Army Chief planned an op but Rajiv Gandhi denied him permission to push back PLA,'' he added.

''Since the 80s till today, they (China) are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. They have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian territory,'' Gao further said.

He said,''There was a wrong policy of Government during Congress regime. They didn't construct road up to the border which left a buffer zone of 3-4 km which China occupied. Construction of new villages isn't a new thing, it's all inherited from Congress.''

Earlier in November 2019, Gao had reportedly warned the Lok Sabha of Chinese incursions in the state. The report quoted him as saying that the constructions included a double-lane road, and that they have entered over 60-70 kms inside the district. The Chinese are also building a road along Lensi river.

Has China constructed village in Arunachal? Chidambaram demands explanation from govt on BJP MP's claim

Several Congress MPs on Monday said reports about Chinese construction activity on the Arunachal Pradesh border were very serious and asked the government to spell out its response.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian state, but China considers it as its territory.

There is a border dispute between the two neighbouring countries and there has been a troops build-up in eastern Ladakh after a bloody clash between the Indian Army and the People''s Liberation of Army (PLA) of China in June last year. India lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan valley clash. China also lost many soldiers but did not disclose the number of casualties.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 11:06 [IST]
Gov. Greg Abbott met with hospital executives in Houston on Tuesday to discuss the states coronavirus vaccine rollout, while appearing to snub city and county officials who are overseeing a bulk of the distribution.

The Republican governor said the county, and specifically Houston Methodist Hospital, is leading the state in vaccinations, with more than 250,000 doses administered through the weekend. Dallas County is second for the most shots given, he said.

Houston Methodist has helped Texas become a national model for the vaccination program, Abbott said, following a closed-door meeting with executives at the hospital.

Texas became the first state last week to surpass 1 million coronavirus vaccinations, and had administered about another 360,000 more as of Tuesday, including 177,000 second doses overall; the vaccines each require two doses. It is among the top ten states for administering the doses its received, according to a Bloomberg news tracker.

The governors remarks come as the state continues to pivot toward large-scale vaccination sites capable of administering thousands of shots each day. This week, 79 such mass hubs are receiving doses from the federal government, up from 28 the week before.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Several of those sites are in and around Houston, including one at Minute Maid Park that is run through a partnership with the Houston Health Department and the Astros Foundation.

In a tweet over the weekend, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said city and county health officials had not been invited to participate in the governors meeting.

Any roundtable conversation in Houston about vaccine distribution in Houston, Harris County region should include diverse representation to ensure there is equitable vaccine distribution to at risk, vulnerable communities, Turner wrote.

Abbott has been repeatedly at odds with Democratic municipal leaders including Turner and County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who have asked for stricter emergency restrictions to slow the spread of the pandemic. The state has recorded more than 32,000 coronavirus deaths since March, and remains in the midst of a massive second surge.

The city and county are currently receiving about 17,000 vaccine doses each week, combined.

Asked about why municipal health leaders were excluded from the discussion, Abbott said state agencies are in constant communication with local officials, and that process will continue.

The state has administered about 78 percent of the doses it received, not including those to long-term care providers, which is being administered by CVS and Walgreens, Abbott said.

jeremy.blackman@chron.com


The third wave of the coronavirus is continuing to break records in Spain. The Spanish Health Ministry reported that 84,287 new cases had been detected since Friday, the biggest increase recorded on a Monday  when weekend data is also included  since the start of the pandemic. The previous record was set last Monday, when 61,422 new infections were reported

We could be reaching the peak of the third wave, said Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), at a government press conference on Monday. But, he warned, it may be some time before the figures are consolidated, as there is typically underreporting over the weekends. Spain also recorded its highest incidence rate of the pandemic on Monday. The 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants is now 689  nearly triple the 250-threshold considered to be an indicator of extreme risk.

Since the end of December, hospital admissions have been rising nearly exponentially Alvaro Castellanos, vice-president of the Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical and Coronary Medicine

Simon explained that while the virus continues to spread, it is doing so at a slower rate than on previous days. But contagions could continue to rise, albeit at a slower rate, for days to come. Simon acknowledged that new infections could plateau instead of starting to fall. The outcome, said the health official, depends on the measures that most Spanish regions began to introduce after the Kings Day holiday on January 6 in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. The impact of the new restrictions will be reflected in this weeks figures.

With coronavirus cases on the rise, hospital admissions for Covid-19 have also spiked. Spain reported more hospitalizations last week than during the worst week of the second wave: 12,186 compared to 11,285. Hospitals are also under greater pressure. According to Mondays report from the Health Ministry, Covid-19 patients now occupy 18.6% of all hospital beds, up from the previous record of 17.28% set on November 9. The occupancy rate in intensive care units (ICUs) is also close to what it was during the worst days of the second wave: 32.7% compared to 32.8%. It is very likely that the figure will soon exceed the November peak, as this is one of the last indicators to reflect a rise in cases, given that it may take weeks for a patients condition to worsen to the point where they require intensive care.

Although all hospitals across Spain are under increasing pressure, those in Madrid, Catalonia, Extremadura and the Valencia region face the greatest strain. In Valencia, Covid-19 patients are now being admitted into field hospitals, and the situation in the region is worse than what it was not only during the second wave, but also during the first in March-April 2020. This is also the case for Andalusia and Murcia, where hospitals have been forced to postpone non-urgent surgeries due to the high occupancy rate of Covid-19 patients.

Health workers treating an ICU patient at Reina Sofia hospital in Murcia. Marcial Guillen / EFE

The health system is not going to be able to handle this wave, warned Maria Jose Campillo, the spokesperson of the Medical Unions Confederation (CESM). Beds can be put anywhere, but you need health workers to attend them and there are not going to be enough.

Alvaro Castellanos, the vice president of the Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical and Coronary Medicine (Semicyuc), agreed that there was a real risk of breakdown in Spains hospitals, explaining: Since the end of December, admissions have been rising nearly exponentially.

In response to the worsening data, several regional authorities have been calling on the central government for permission to introduce tougher restrictions, such as an earlier curfew time and a full home lockdown. On Monday, Simon did not rule out earlier curfews, but said there were alternatives to the measure, arguing the closure of bars and restaurants was the most effective restriction, although it is not popular.

The greater the number of measures, the greater the likelihood that their combined impact will allow us to control transmission, said Simon. If we apply a reduced number of them well, others probably wont be needed. But if we dont apply them as well as we would like, we will have to apply a combination of restrictions to achieve a similar effect.

The question of earlier curfew times will be debated at a meeting of central and regional health officials scheduled for Wednesday. Castilla y Leon has unilaterally imposed an 8pm curfew in its territory  a move appealed by the central government  while the Basque Country wants to bring the curfew forward to between 6pm and 8pm.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
A small pilot study suggests that early administration of ivermectin can reduce viral loads and symptom duration in patients with mild COVID-19, which in turn could help reduce viral transmission. The study, which is part of the SAINT project and has been led by the University of Navarra Clinic and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, warrants further exploration in larger clinical trials. The findings of the pilot study have been published in EClinicalMedicine, a clinical journal published by The Lancet.

We already have two approved COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union, but immunising enough people worldwide to stop viral spread will require at least two years. Meanwhile, finding drugs that can treat or prevent infections remains a priority. "Many efforts are focusing on developing treatments for COVID-19, but few are addressing how to reduce viral transmission," affirms study coordinator Carlos Chaccour, researcher at ISGlobal and physician at the University of Navarra Clinic.

In this pilot study performed with patients from the Clinic and in facilities of the University of Navarra, Chaccour and his team evaluated whether the maximal dose of ivermectin recommended in Europe could have an impact on viral transmission when administered within the first days after symptom onset.

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has been shown to reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro (in cell lines), albeit at concentrations that exceed those recommended for human use. This, together with preliminary results from a trial in humans which used data of dubious origin and was never peer-reviewed, prompted the use of ivermectin in many Latin-American countries despite the lack of reliable evidence on its efficacy in treating or preventing infection.

The research team gave one single dose of ivermectin or placebo to 24 patients with confirmed infection and mild symptoms, within the first 72 hours after the first symptoms started. Nasal swabs and blood samples were taken at the moment of enrolment and 1, 2 and/or 3 weeks after treatment.

Seven days after treatments, no difference was observed in the percentage of PCR-positive patients (100% of patients were positive in both groups). However, the mean viral load in the ivermectin-treated group was lower (around 3x lower at 4 days and up to 18x lower at 7 days post-treatment), although the difference was not statistically significant. Treated patients also showed a reduced duration of certain symptoms (of 50% for loss of smell and taste and of 30% for cough). All patients developed virus-specific IgG but, again, the mean level of antibodies in the treated group was lower than in the placebo group. "This could be the result of a lower viral load in these patients," explains Chaccour.

The fact that there was no effect on duration of symptoms or makers associated with inflammation suggests that ivermectin may act through mechanisms that do not involve a possible anti-inflammatory effect. The authors believe it could be interfering with viral entry in the cells, as suggested by another study performed in hamsters at the Pasteur Institute.

"Our findings are in line with those from recent assays conducted in Bangladesh and Argentina," says Chaccour. "Although our study is small and it is too early to draw conclusions, the trends observed in viral loads, symptom duration and antibody levels are encouraging and warrant further exploration in larger clinical trials with a higher diversity of patients," he adds.

###

Reference

Chaccour C, Casellas A, Blanco-Di Matteo A, et al. The effect of early treatment with ivermectin on viral load, symptoms and humoral response in patients with mild COVID-19: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100720

About ISGlobal

The Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, is the fruit of an innovative alliance between the "la Caixa" Foundation and academic and government institutions to contribute to the efforts undertaken by the international community to address the challenges in global health. ISGlobal is a consolidated hub of excellence in research that has grown out of work first started in the world of health care by the Hospital Clinic and the Parc de Salut MAR and in the academic sphere by the University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University. The pivotal mechanism of its work model is the transfer of knowledge generated by scientific research to practice, a task undertaken by the institute's Education and Policy and Global Development departments. ISGlobal has been named a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence and is a member of the CERCA system of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

About the Clinica Universidad de Navarra

With over 2,800 professionals working exclusively at its headquarters in Pamplona and Madrid, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra is a leading research hospital in Spain in the sector of personalised medicine. A recognised institution for both its teaching and research work, the prestige of its professionals, and its trajectory in the diagnosis and treatment of highly complex pathologies, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra is a high resolution hospital characterised by its diagnostic speed owing to its multidisciplinary work and the acquisition of the latest technology to offer care in 46 different medical and surgical specialties.
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.
BOULDER, Colorado, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- InDevR, Inc., a life science tools company providing powerful analytical technologies to support the development and production of vaccines and biotherapeutics, announced commercial availability of its VaxArray Measles and Rubella (MR) antigen quantification kit.

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the goal of reducing the time and cost of manufacturing for these life-saving vaccines, InDevR's VaxArray MR kit leverages the company's established VaxArray platform to deliver a rapid quantitative analysis of specific measles and rubella antigens. The VaxArray MR kit provides a precise measure of antigen content in 5 hours, which is a fraction of the time needed for the traditional 10-14-day tissue culture infectious dose measurement. The high accuracy and precision of the MR kit when applied during bioprocessing steps could ultimately minimize the rate of batch rejection. The MR kit works with crude and purified monovalent and bivalent vaccine samples, making it a valuable new tool for rapid characterization of these life-saving vaccines.

Erica Dawson, CTO of InDevR, noted "We are excited to expand on our VaxArray portfolio, which currently includes influenza and coronavirus solutions, by adding this measles and rubella kit to streamline vaccine manufacturing processes. We hope the availability of this new tool will help expedite MR bioprocess development and monitoring, thereby enhancing production and reducing the cost per dose of final vaccine."

During the development, InDevR collaborated with Biological E. Limited, one of the largest vaccines manufacturing companies based out of Hyderabad, India. Biological E's Dr. Senthilkumar Manoharan, General Manager, Analytical Development (Vaccines), said that, "InDevR's VaxArray MR Assay is certainly a novel and excellent alternative tool for measuring antigen content, enabling MR vaccine manufacturers to achieve faster viral antigen content tracking during bioprocess R&D within a day with high precision. This is a significant improvement compared to the traditional long duration and tedious tissue culture-based methodology."

Filed Under: News, Products, VaxArray MR

Media Contact:

Terry Salyer, CCO

Phone: 650-520-8251

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

Related Links

https://www.indevr.com/vaxarray-for-mr

SOURCE InDevR, Inc.
New Delhi:

HSCAP has released the Kerala plus one allotment 2017 results last week at the official website which is hscap.kerala.gov.in.

4,93,584 applications has been received by HSE Kerala for plus one admission this year. HSCAP last week declared the trial allotment result and about 156874 seats were allotted.

Latest media report suggests that HSE Kerala has received around 4,96,347 applications for plus one admission this year and finally out of 51034 seats a total number of 237920 seats have been allotted.

The Plus one trial allotment has been prepared according to the scores, the students secured in their Class 10th board examination.

Aspirants are further directed to submit the application for correction or change (if any) by June 13, 2017, before 4 pm.

Also Read: SBI PO Mains 2017 results delayed, still under process: SBI

Candidates who are keen to check the allotment results may go through the following steps.

Steps to check Kerala plus one allotment 2017:

-Visit the official website

-On the homepage click on Kerala Plus One Trial Allotment Results 2017

-You will be redirected to a new page

-Enter your details such as roll number, date of birth, etc.

-Click on 'Submit'

-Your result will be displayed on your screen

-Download your result

-Take a print out of the same for future convenience
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 08:55:41|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS -- Head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has announced his resignation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's press office said Monday.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi informed Guterres that he would resign from his position with effect from Feb. 15, 2021, said Guterres's press office in a note to correspondents. (UN-UNCTAD-Resignation)

- - - -

ABUJA -- Thirty bandits were killed in a gunfight with troops in Nigeria's northwest region, a spokesman for the military said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday at the Maje Riverline axis in the Bugundu local government area of the northern state of Zamfara, said Ibikunle Daramola, a spokesman for the Nigerian Airforce. (Nigeria-Troops-Bandits)

- - - -

WASHINGTON -- U.S. COVID-19 confirmed cases topped 24 million, with total deaths approaching 400,000 on Monday, two days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

The country recorded over 24.04 million cases and more than 398,000 deaths as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. (US-Coronavirus)

- - - -

QUITO -- At least 12 people were killed, including six minors, when a van veered off the road and into a ravine in the Andean Ecuadorian province of Bolivar, the national emergency service ECU 911 said on Monday.

According to the agency, the accident was reported at 8:33 p.m. local time on Sunday (01:33 GMT on Monday) on El Torneado road, which links the towns of Chimbo and Balsapamba. (Ecuador-Roadway-Crash) Enditem
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Shaker Heights School District officials made use of their virtual instruction format last week to hold an online all-district conversation about the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol building.

Students in grades 2-4 were excused within about five minutes to return to their regularly scheduled classes after a brief reflection on the U.S. Senate seats won in the Jan. 5 runoff elections in Georgia that gave Democrats a clean majority sweep in the legislative and executive branches of government.

The next 40 minutes on Jan. 12 were devoted to a panel discussion entitled Black Student Voices: The State of Our Democracy, featuring seven students in grades 5-12, to debrief, reflect and check in as a district, noted JeffriAnne Wilder, executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Shaker Schools, who served as the facilitator.

In the real world, race, social justice and civil disobedience are very important concepts, Shaker Chief Academic Officer Marla Robinson said at the outset. And the events of last week provide us with a unique and teachable moment, to help our students connect what they learn within our walls with the current and historic events in our nation.

Shaker High School senior Dalton Mosley said he had the TV on Jan. 6 while he was working on his homework. He sensed that something was going on, but didnt really take notice until his friends started contacting him about an angry mob storming the Capitol.

I was stunned, because I thought it was all just chatter, whining about how the election was stolen, Dalton said.

We should keep our minds open, because I doubt this is the end. If they accomplished this in one day, what can they do in a week or a month or a year?

He added that he would like to meet one of the Capitol insurrectionists to try to understand the thought process that went into something so heinous and dangerous -- not only to themselves, but to the rest of the country. We have children seeing this. This isnt how we act -- this isnt America.

Junior Ayande Joseph said he was not that surprised by the acts of violence and terrorism that were committed, given the rhetoric that had been building up all along from the outgoing Trump White House.

I really was confused about how this was happening, how one of our government buildings was being attacked, that there was not enough protection or police to hold the terrorists back, Avande said.

The BLM factor

Avande also viewed a YouTube video that contrasted police response to Black Lives Matter protests with the handling of the Capitol mob -- side by side.

On one side, you have terrorists taking selfies with some of the officers inside the building, then on the other side, you have peaceful protestors being shown plenty of violence, he said. Its just the black and white of the double standards that one race has on the other.

Fellow junior Alina Roach said she saw some of the same juxtaposed video, and was also struck by a clip that showed one of the participants holding a stolen podium in front of the Capitol, with no law enforcement officers behind him.

It just shows the stark difference in how law enforcement handles protestors fighting for their lives and the confidence this man had to enter and take property without any repercussions, she said.

Sixth-grader Emmanuel Zarders wondered what they would have done if it was BLM storming the Capitol.

Avande said he talked that over with his mother, and they agreed that if that had been the case, there would have been a lot more than (five) dead bodies. Im curious where all the officers were. Some of these people were armed, some had pipe bombs, with plans to blow something up or take hostages -- we can only assume the worst.

Seventh-grader Bahji Jenkins said it was revolting and pretty absurd to compare the Capitol hordes to the BLM protestors, given that one is over losing an election and the other is about standing up for your life.

Fifth-grader Anthony Crawford said that during peaceful protests, it often seemed like added law enforcement was hurting people because of what they were protesting about.

Saying that police brutality and systemic racism hit the Black community the hardest, Dalton found another fundamental difference between the two movements.

What makes BLM so strong is that we dont need to storm the Capitol to get our message out, he said. We can walk in the street with signs and people will see us. Whereas these people needed to do something so outlandish and so wild to be taken seriously.

A pathway forward

As for the incoming Biden administration, Bahji said she hopes to see more unity, less violence and fewer wars and protests, so everybody feels like theyre being heard.

Emmanuel said that he hopes the new president will think less of himself and more of others, while Avande is looking for passion, honesty, accountability, dedication and a love for all.

In terms of maintaining that within the Shaker School District, eighth-grader Rory Lee -- who also did not like the outgoing presidents references to Black people as thugs -- suggested longer discussions of these current issues in class.

Rory feels this can be done without interfering with regular lesson plans, while Avande thinks it could be incorporated into the lesson plans.

We all need to educate ourselves and not divide ourselves by color, Emmanuel added.

Superintendent David Glasner thanked all those who helped put the Jan. 12 program together on short notice, as well as the panel of students for being courageous and willing to share their voices with others.

The program opened and closed with tributes and quotes from the late Georgia Congressman John Lewis, who Wilder said challenged the politics of the American South and urged people to be in good trouble, with connections to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -- as well as Georgias two new senators.

Read more from the Sun Press.
Mumbai:

A Jet Airways plane flying from Saudi Arabia to India had an unexpected guest today when a baby was born mid-flight.

Jet Airways 9W 569 took off from Dammam for Kochi at 2.55 am today and when an expectant mother travelling onboard went into labour the crew declared a medical emergency and diverted the flight to Mumbai.

While the plane was still over the Arabian Sea she was helped by crew members and a nurse travelling to Kerala to deliver a baby.

The plane landed in Mumbai and both the mother and the newborn were rushed to a hospital.

The plane then resumed its onward journey to Kochi and reached its destination at 12.45 pm after a delay of 90 minutes.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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
Naomi Watts is currently isolating at her home in New York City with her sons -Sasha, 13, and Kai, 12.

And on Tuesday, the actress admitted she is heartbroken she can't travel back home to Australia for the premiere of her film Penguin Bloom due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

'It doesn't feel great to not be there and share the experience with all of those people and the Blooms of course as well,' she told The Daily Telegraph's Confidential.

'It doesn't feel great': Naomi Watts (pictured) says she's heartbroken she can't travel to Australia for the premiere of her new film Penguin Bloom

The Australian star resides in Big Apple with her two sons - where she amicably raises them alongside her former partner, Liev Schreiber.

Penguin Bloom is based on the true story of a paralysed woman's life-saving relationship with a magpie.

Naomi stars in the film alongside Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House, Leeanna Walsman, Lisa Hensley, Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr.

'It doesn't feel great to not be there and share the experience with all of those people and the Blooms of course as well,' Naomi said

In December, during an interview with Channel Seven's Sunrise, Naomi spoke of the lengths the filmmakers went to in order to tell Samantha Bloom's story in the 'most authentic' way possible.

She said it was incredible working alongside - and portraying - the 'extraordinary woman' who struck up an unlikely friendship with a young and wounded magpie after an accident in Thailand left her paralysed from the chest down.

'Obviously Sam is someone who's suffered a lot, deeply, and so I just wanted to do the right thing by her,' Naomi told Sunrise.

New film: Penguin Bloom is based on the true story of a paralysed woman's life-saving relationship with a magpie

'I was nervous but she couldn't have been more generous, and it was a beautiful friendship that formed as well.'

The Hollywood star explained that 'multiple birds' who were all 'supremely trained' were used to play Penguin the magpie in the movie.

'We had a little bit of CGI and animatronics were needed, but they just kept performing... It was unpredictable [working with magpies] and there was a lot of anticipation in the lead up to it,' she added.

Penguin Bloom will be released in Australian cinemas from January 21
South Jacksonvilles Electoral Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday to consider an objection to nomination documents in the upcoming village president race.

Candidate Richard Samples is objecting to filings by candidate Tyson Manker for the April 6 election.
Donald Trumps standing army of QAnons, white supremacists and horned creatures who desecrated the US Capitol lived up to their sometime reputation as deplorables. Or at least gullible types who dont get enough sunlight.

They are also victims.

Trump supporters at the riot at the US Capitol. Credit:AP

In fact its hard to think of a constituency more abused by the psychopathic conman who at the time of writing is still President of the United States than his most loyal supporters. And a hollowed-out Republican Party has at best acquiesced in their radicalisation; only 10 of their lawmakers in the House of Representatives were prepared to defend truth in voting to impeach Trump for inciting insurrection  197 voted nay.

The partys predicament should galvanise the Coalition to weed out the Trumpians in their midst before they strangle conservatisms soul in Australia too.

A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Nandigram is a lucky place for me. If I contest here..how is it? It is my wish, says Mamata Banerjee

In her first visit to Mr Adhikari's home turf after his induction to the BJP, the West Bengal chief minister also declared that she would also try to contest from her home constituency Bhowanipore. (Photo:PTI)

Kolkata: Playing a masterstroke to avenge Shubhendu Adhikari's resignation as the MLA of Nandigram and exit from her party, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced that she would contest the hot seat, also "lucky" for her since her movement against forcible land acquisition there ousted the Communist regime a decade ago, in East Midnapore in upcoming Assembly Election.

In her first visit to Mr Adhikari's home turf after his induction to the BJP, the West Bengal chief minister also declared that she would also try to contest from her home constituency: Bhowanipore, which elected her as TMC MLA in 2011 and 2016, simultaneously. Soon after her announcement, Mr Adhikari vowed to ensure her defeat in Nandigram.

Banerjee told a TMC rally, "Nandigram is a lucky place for me. If I contest here..how is it? It is my wish. I was thinking of it because I love the place being rural and close to my heart. Our victory for the assembly polls will start from here. It is a reincarnation of Nandigram. I will field a good candidate in Bhowanipore which is also a place of my affection. It is like my elder sister while Nandigram is the younger one. I will contest the polls from both the constituencies if I can. But I will certainly contest and lead the poll campaign from Nandigram."

She said, "People of Bhowanipore may feel sad. If I can manage it then it is ok. It is the call of my conscience to make the announcement here since I had declared the name of our first candidate here before the 2016 Assembly polls. O my mother, slap on face if any mistake happens but do not turn your face and mind away from us."

Her major announcement triggered a cheer among the crowd at the rally which was however skipped by Shubhendu's father and three-time TMC MP of Contai Sisir Adhikari and his brother and party MP of Tamluk: Dibyendu Adhikari.

Mocking the BJP for causing defection in her party, Ms Banerjee observed, "Some are switching sides. Do not worry about them. They will be fought by locals. Those leaving the TMC were not around when the party was founded. Let them go. It is good. BJP is a washing machine which turns black into white. Washing Powder Bhajpa, Washing Powder Bhajpa! The BJP's situation is like that. But I will not allow them sell Bengal at any cost."

She also took a dig at the saffron party over the "leak of gameplan" in the Pulwama attack in a veiled reference to a transcript of journalist Arnab Goswami's conversation. Leading a massive roadshow in her home turf later, Mr Adhikari told the CM, "Nandigram has come to your mind after five years because another election has come. You said you would fight from Nandigram. Mark my words: I would quit politics if I can not ensure your defeat by 50,000 votes whoever, me or someone else, the BJP gives a ticket to fight you."


The Trump White House on Monday released the report of the presidential 1776 Commission, a sweeping attack on liberal thought and activism that calls for a patriotic education, defends Americas founding on the basis of slavery and likens progressivism to fascism.

President Trump formed the commission in September, saying that American heritage was under assault by revolutionary fanatics and that the nations schools required a new pro-American curriculum.

Its report, released on Martin Luther Kings Birthday, denounces the charge that the American founders were hypocrites who preached equality even as they codified slavery in the Constitution and held slaves themselves. This charge is untrue, and has done enormous damage, especially in recent years, with a devastating effect on our civic unity and social fabric, it says.

The report argues that distorted histories of the United States labor under the illusion that slavery was somehow a uniquely American evil, and that the institution must be seen in a much broader perspective, including the unfortunate fact that slavery has been more the rule than the exception throughout human history.
Trouble brews for Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa as rebelling MLAs openly start speaking out about their unhappiness at being kept out of the cabinet during the recent expansion.

Some senior MLAs have said they will be taking their claims to the party's central leadership and seek its intervention as they have felt ignored every time the cabinet is expanded.

Claiming that there are about 14-15 unhappy legislators, the rebels want the entire cabinet to be reconstituted and new faces be given an opportunity once the government completes 20 months in office.

Yediyurappa, who took oath in July 2019, would complete 20 months as CM in March.

While the rebels don't say they want the chief minister to be replaced, they want their grievances addressed and plan to meet soon and take their case to the central high command.

GH Thippareddy, a six-time MLA from Chitradurga in central Karnataka, told reporters on Tuesday that his district has always been neglected.

"I've said this many times before. Our government has come to power thrice, but the same bunch of MLAs become ministers.

Going by their performance, there should be a reshuffle. If you give some others an opportunity, the government and party could gain better reputation and praise. Only then it would be possible to win 150 seats in the next election, as targeted by the party central leadership," the MLA said.

Shivanagouda Naik, another MLA from Raichur, said their demands are justified.

"There are about 14-15 of us MLAs in constant touch with each other over phone. We will meet soon and discuss this. We feel there is nothing wrong in taking our grievances to the central top-brass and place the issue before them," Naik told reporters.

If only every district is given representation, these MLAs would have got an opportunity rightfully, he said.

"We feel fresh criteria must be made on making the cabinet. The overall opinion among us is that those who have enjoyed 20 months in power must be dropped and a new cabinet be formed. There is a need to give an opportunity to new faces, give representation to all districts, give social justice in forming a new cabinet and base it on seniority and party loyalty," he said.

While the dissenters claim they do not have a leader per se among them, they are working collectively to get justice.

Soon after the MLAs made these statements to the media, Yediyurappa engaged in damage control measures and asked one of his trusted ministers to reach out to the dissenters and mollify them.

The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
A retired New York firefighter from Long Island has been arrested for being part of the MAGA mob that stormed the US Capitol on January 6.

Thomas Fee, 53, of Freeport, Long Island, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday.

Fee, who retired from the FDNY last October after 22 years of service, faces charges in Washington of disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building without permission.

He texted a selfie of himself to his girlfriend's sibling from the Capitol rotunda when a stream of Trump supporters stormed into the building. He described himself as part of the 'tip of the spear,' prosecutors say.

Retired New York firefighter Thomas Fee, 53, of Long Island, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday for his role in storming the US Capitol on January 6. He texted a selfie of himself (right) to his girlfriend's sibling from the Capitol rotunda when a stream of Trump supporters stormed into the building. He described himself as part of the 'tip of the spear,' prosecutors say.

The FBI in New York shared this statement following his arrest

Fee leaves court in Central Islip, New York after posting $100,000 bail on Tuesday

A 22-year FDNY veteran, Fee faces charges of disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building without permission

He also allegedly sent that person a video in which people were yelling 'tyranny' and 'Pelosi'.

The unidentified man, an agent with the US Diplomatic Security Service, initially deleted those messages but later recovered them and contacted authorities, according to court papers.

The FBI in New York shared a statement following his arrest Tuesday saying: 'Thomas Fee is alleged to have illegally made his way into our Nations house. Today, we invited him into ours.'

Hes expected to make an initial court appearance in New York Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Fees white Chevy Taho was seen traveling west on the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge the morning before the riot and it returned one day after the siege, as per ABC7.

During his time with the FDNY he was honored after he rescued 13 people, including a pregnant woman and several kids, from flooding when Superstorm Sandy hit on October 29, 2012. In 2004 he was suspended from being a volunteer firefighter in Hempstead for yelling racial slurs at a black cardiologist who walked past the firehouse on three or four occasions.

Fee pictured above in this undated Facebook photo

During his time with the FDNY he was honored after he rescued 13 people, including a pregnant woman and several kids, from flooding when Superstorm Sandy hit on October 29, 2012.

In 2004 he was suspended from being a volunteer firefighter in Hempstead for yelling racial slurs at a black cardiologist who walked past the firehouse on three or four occasions.

He was also suspended from the Hempstead Fire Department in 2001 for speaking with media after rescuing two men. Then he was awarded the Silver Medal for Valor for his efforts in for that rescue one year later.
WASHINGTON - Avril Haines, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for director of national intelligence, took questions from senators Tuesday in a confirmation hearing that was notably free of the partisan rancor that has characterized so many oversight sessions during the Trump administration.

Discussion about China dominated much of the hearing, one of the rare issues that has attracted a bipartisan consensus for action on Capitol Hill in recent years. Senators pressed Haines on how she planed to counteract that country's aggressive espionage operations targeting U.S. companies.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee's incoming chairman and a former telecommunications executive, noted how his own views toward Beijing have hardened over the years, and he asked Haines to say whether China, under Communist Party rule, was an adversary of the United States.

She gave a measured answer.

"China is adversarial and an adversary on some issues," Haines said, "and on other issues, we try to cooperate with them." She noted that climate change is one area where the United States has sought Beijing's cooperation.

But, she said, "that does not mitigate the fact that in espionage and other ways, they are an adversary," and the intelligence community has to work to counter its "aggressive and unfair actions in these spaces."

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., criticized the intelligence community for, in his eyes, being "way too slow to pivot to the primary focus we need to have on China," including not having enough Mandarin-speaking analysts, and he solicited from Haines a commitment to address the issue. She said she recognized that "China is focused on a very long-term horizon, where the United States frequently is not."

Haines took firmer positions on other policies. Revisiting one of the intelligence community's darkest chapters, she unequivocally described waterboarding as "torture" and said that even if such interrogation techniques elicited useful and accurate information, she would never authorize their use.

"I believe that waterboarding is, in fact, torture - constitutes torture under the law," said Haines, a lawyer who was deputy CIA director during the Obama administration. "And I believe all of those techniques that involve cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment are unlawful."

Several senators also asked Haines what role the intelligence agencies should play in preventing political violence and the rise in domestic extremism that was laid bare in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and has led to an unprecedented level of security to protect Wednesday's inauguration ceremony.

Haines emphasized that by law, the intelligence agencies address foreign threats and that the FBI and the Homeland Security Department would take the lead on domestic ones. But she noted that to the extent that U.S. groups have connections with foreign extremists, the intelligence agencies would support the work of law enforcement and security agencies.

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., incoming chairman of the Armed Services Committee, raised the issue of the recent Russian hacks of U.S. government agencies and private-sector computer networks, calling it "one of the most significant events that [has] transpired in recent months." He expressed dismay that the breaches went undetected for many months and that it was a private cybersecurity firm - not U.S. intelligence agencies - that discovered them.

Haines agreed. "It was pretty alarming that we found out about it through a private company rather than finding out about it ourselves," she said.

She told Reed that "this is a major concern," but she deferred on offering an opinion on how significant the operation was, saying she had not "had a full classified briefing" on the matter.

U.S. officials have said that the hack probably was perpetrated by Russian intelligence operatives, and that they have debated whether to characterize it as an act of espionage or warfare. Haines offered no solid proposals on how to counter foreign intrusions. But she said she favored a strategy of deterring adversaries by imposing sanctions and using criminal indictments.

Haines said it was possible to promote norms of acceptable behavior among nations in cyberspace without a treaty, something the United States has long resisted because it also attacks foreign computer networks to steal information and disable infrastructure.

Warner said it was Haines's job to help the intelligence agencies recover from a period of intense politicization. For years, Trump has derided the CIA and other agencies as dens of conspirators trying to undermine his presidency by fabricating a "hoax" that Russia tried to help him win the White House. His administration declassified intelligence about Russia's interference in the 2016 election that some officials said could compromise U.S. intelligence sources.

"Our intelligence professionals have been unfairly maligned; their expertise, knowledge and analysis has often been ignored and ridiculed by a president uninterested in facts contradicting his political interests," Warner said.

Haines committed to "safeguard the integrity" of the intelligence community and to ensure that its work was free from political influence.

"When it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics - ever," she said.

If confirmed, Haines would make history as the first woman to serve as the director of national intelligence.

Gina Haspel, the first woman to run the CIA, the most influential of all the spy agencies, is retiring after 36 years serving as an intelligence officer, the agency announced Tuesday on Twitter.

Biden has nominated William Burns, a career diplomat, to succeed her.
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
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Mumbai: Mumbai Police on Tuesday arrested Maha Movie television channels CEO Sanjay Verma in an alleged copyright violation case, a police official said. He is also a wanted accused in the alleged Television Rating Points (TRP) rigging scam.

Verma was apprehended by the Mumbai Polices Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU), the official said. A case of copyright violation was registered at Juhu police station here and the investigation into it was transferred to the CIU, he said.

During a probe into the case, Vermas alleged role came to light, following which he was questioned by a team led by CIU in-charge assistant police inspector Sachin Waze and subsequently placed under arrest, the official said. During his interrogation, Verma told crime branch officials that Maha Movie channel had illegally broadcast movies such as Zanjeer", Lawaris", Jadugar", Mohabbat Ke Dushman", Muqaddar Ka Sikandar" between June 10 to November 10, 2020, he said.

Copyrights of these movies are with Punit Mehras company, who is son of legendary film producer Prakash Mehra, the official said, adding that Mehra never sold those rights to any other company or individuals. Earlier, crime branch had arrested Mohammed Bilal Shaikh alias Raju Khan (42) and Ghanshyam Giri (42) in the case, he said.

The official said nine more persons are wanted in the case, including proprietor of Zoya Films, a proprietor of Sonam music company, a proprietor of VIP Films, directors of Tele-One Consumers Pvt Ltd, DV Media Entertainment Ltd and Darvi Media Entertainment Ltd. Notably, in a chargesheet filed recently in the TRP rigging case, the police alleged that an official of Hansa Research Agency paid money to sample households to tune into Maha Movie, Box Cinema, Fakt Marathi and Republic TV channels.

TRP, measured by recording viewership data at sample households, is crucial for attracting advertisers. The Republic TV and others have denied any wrongdoing.

.
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has likened the secretary of state's denial Brexit is to blame for empty supermarket shelves to the fable of the Emperor's New Clothes.

Mr Lewis blamed the trading chaos across the Irish Sea on coronavirus in a television interview on Tuesday morning.

Mr Poots said it was not "good policy to go about to say something that is blatantly not the case".

He was asked about the "destructive" approach of the "unmitigated disaster that is the Northern Ireland protocol" by his party colleague Paul Givan during Tuesday's Assembly session.

Mr Givan asked about what evidence there was of the Irish Government taking a more "constructive approach rather than seeking to isolate Northern Ireland as a punishment and to pursue their own ideology of the reunification of this island".

"And if they will join with you in trying to convince people like the prime minister and the secretary of state who are downplaying the problems of the protocol not least even today at blaming empty shelves on Covid."

Mr Poots referenced the Emperor's New Clothes in responding.

"Only it is not the small boy pointing it out, it is the entire crowd. He really needs to reflect on that," he told MLAs.

"We know what the problems are and we know where the problems emanate from. We know the issues that need to be dealt with."

He said he had asked for meetings with officials in the Republic over "significant issues of concern," particularly around delays at the Port of Dublin admitting there had been better cooperation with ministers in London than Dublin.

He said hauliers had been waiting for days in poor sanitary conditions in Dublin and perishable goods lost.

Read More

Mr Poots has been accused of "trying to wind people up" after he suggested processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable after the end of the Protocol grace period.

Speaking in the Assembly he said that while items such as gravy and trifle may seem unimportant there were "hundreds of products which are going to be challenging to have on our shelves post April 1 should we not get some common sense beyond that point".

Responding on Twitter to the minister's remarks about the Emperor's New Clothes Brandon Lewis said: "Not sure anyone needs that image in their head."

He added: "I also outlined that we do need to ensure a long-term solution for post the grace period and that Edwin Poots is right on that."

Pressure has been mounting on the Government to sort out the trade chaos that has brought empty shelves to supermarkets across Northern Ireland following the end of the transition period which severed links between the EU and UK.

Hundreds of products have disappeared in shops, many online sellers have stopped supplying NI customers, and freight hauliers report bottlenecks caused by new EU paperwork needed before lorries can board ferries from Great Britain.

Last week First Minister Arlene Foster said she had raised the disruption with Brandon Lewis.

Mr Lewis said any empty supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland were due to coronavirus issues and not because of Brexit.

Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, Mr Lewis said: "The unfettered access was always about Northern Ireland businesses into Great Britain.

"The flow of food and goods linked to the EU and the Northern Ireland Protocol has been good actually."

He added: "Where we've seen some images of empty shelves in Northern Ireland - although let's be clear we've seen them across the UK recently - has been linked to Covid and some of the challenges we've had at Dover due to Covid just before Christmas and the flow through the supply line of that rather than through the protocol.

"Supermarkets we've been talking to regularly have good flows of supply and that's important to Northern Ireland, being an integral part of the United Kingdom."

A protocol agreed between the EU and UK means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards and creates extra paperwork on goods travelling from Great Britain.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported from the rest of the UK following the end of the transition period.
An elderly man has reportedly been tied to a tree and publicly shamed for taking a walk during a coronavirus lockdown in China.

Social media footage purports to show the pensioner being bound to a tree with ropes by a community officer, who scolded him for leaving his home in 'such a severe situation'.

The clip also shows the officer telling his colleagues 'to tie him tightly' as they appear to punish the senior citizen for flouting draconian quarantine rules.

Social media footage purports to show community officers fastening a pensioner to a tree for leaving his house and taking a walk during a coronavirus lockdown in Shijiazhuang, China

Shijiazhuang, a provincial capital near Beijing, banned all 11million residents from leaving their houses unless absolutely necessary on January 8 after recording a surge in COVID infections

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday in the district of Gaocheng in Shijiazhuang.

Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province which surrounds Beijing, has been fighting COVID-19 in a new outbreak since the beginning of January.

On January 8, the city banned all 11million residents from leaving their houses unless absolutely necessary after recording a surge in infections.

The city is also building a massive quarantine camp designed to hold thousands of suspected virus carriers to combat the outbreak.

An official from Gaocheng confirmed the authenticity of the footage to local reporters.

A spokesperson from the Gaocheng District Cyberspace Administration told Xuanwo Video that the public shaming in the video 'did happen'. However, he declined to provide further comments.

China is rushing to build a massive quarantine centre in virus hot spot Shijiazhuang as an incredible time-lapse video shows construction crews working around the clock to erect the emergency facility to curb a surge of coronavirus infections. In this photo taken on January 16, cranes and construction crews work at the quarantine site in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province

Workers in protective suits are pictured spraying disinfectant on a street in Gaocheng district in Hebei Province on January 15. Apart from Hebei, which surrounds Beijing, China has been dealing with coronavirus outbreaks across its frigid northeast with draconian measures

Apart from Hebei, China has been dealing with coronavirus outbreaks across its frigid northeast. The new wave has prompted additional lockdowns and travel bans ahead of next month's Lunar New Year holiday.

Chinese officials reported another 118 cases on Tuesday, with 43 of those in the province of Jilin. Hebei province saw another 35 infections, while Heilongjiang province bordering Russia reported 27 new cases.

Beijing, where some residential communities and outlying villages have been placed under lockdown, reported just one new case.

Chinese officials reported another 118 cases on Tuesday, with 43 of those in the province of Jilin and another 35 coming from Hebei. Pictured, residents line up to get on a bus in Shijiazhuang's Gaocheng district to be taken to centralised quarantine centres on January 11

A fourth northern province, Liaoning, has also imposed quarantines and travel restrictions to prevent the virus from further spreading, part of measures being imposed across much of the country to prevent new outbreaks during February's Lunar New Year holiday.

Authorities have called on citizens not to travel, ordered schools closed a week early and conducted testing on a massive scale.

China's National Health Commission reported a total of 88,454 cases and 4,635 deaths since coronavirus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. China does not include people who test positive but have no symptoms in its count.

A multinational team of investigators from the World Health Organization are currently in Wuhan undergoing two weeks of quarantine before beginning field visits in hopes of gaining clues into the origins of the pandemic that has now killed more than two million people.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Controversy erupted recently when Facebook and Twitter blocked President Trump from their platforms following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, claiming that his posts violated their rules against inciting violence.

Last week, the conservative social media platform Parler was deplatformed by Amazon Web Services, citing posts that clearly encourage and incite violence. Apple and Google joined in blocking the platform.

What do these actions mean for the future of American media? How could they affect evangelical Christians in the coming years? How should we respond biblically to this divisive and urgent issue?

Publishers or platforms?

Lets begin with some background. At the heart of the debate is the question: Are social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook publishers or platforms?

If they are publishers, they are liable for the content they publish. For example, if the New York Times publishes a story that defames a person, it can be sued for libel.

If they are platforms, by contrast, they are not liable for the content published by others on their sites. If someone posts a bad review of a restaurant on Facebook, the restaurant cannot sue Facebook. If it could, social media platforms would be inundated with lawsuits and could cease to function.

However, these platforms can regulate content if necessary without incurring legal liability.

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 states: No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be held liable on account of any action voluntarily taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected.

This provision allows social media platforms to restrict child pornography, for instance.

Republicans and Democrats have both criticized the way social media platforms have utilized this protection. The former claim that conservative speech is being censored; the latter claim that hate speech and disinformation are being protected and promoted.

The dangerous scope of the issue

Heres the question for us: Will evangelicals be the victims of censorship by social media companies in the future? If they consider our stance on same-sex marriage to be harassing or objectionable, for example, will they block our content?

The issue is larger than social media platforms. Email distributors can decide to block content they find objectionable, which would make it difficult for me to send The Daily Article to our 300,000 subscribers. Conservative voices can be marginalized or blocked by the liberal bias of mainstream media.

This debate goes to the heart of our democratic experiment. Conservative commentator Jonah Goldberg is right: Democracy is supposed to be about disagreements, not agreements. Forced unity, outside of war or some other national emergency, is antithetical to democracy and poisonous to civility. Its become a cliche to say we live in two Americas. If thats true, the people running the media of each nation have an obligation to do more than just live off demonization of the other nation.

Three reasons censorship is escalating

Before we can respond effectively, it is important to understand why this is happening today. Consider three cultural factors.

One: Our nation faces genuine threats. Sex trafficking is rising to horrific dimensions. Child pornography is exploding online. Cyberterrorism is a very real threat. As a result, we can expect escalating calls for media publishers and platforms to regulate content to protect their readers and the larger society.

Two: Many non-evangelicals consider biblical morality to be hateful and prejudiced. For example, they believe the biblical prohibition against homosexual activity to be homophobic. They see our defense of life at conception as a war on womens bodies and rights. If hate speech includes biblical truth, we can expect to see biblical truth censored by some.

Three: Our culture has no objective basis for determining truth. Postmodern relativism has convinced our culture that all truth claims are personal and subjective. As a result, we have limited ability to reason objectively about issues such as the juxtaposition of LGBTQ rights and religious liberty. Writers, editors, and publishers can be expected to do what advances their personal agendas and financial interests.

How should evangelicals respond?

In days like these, it is vital that Christians speak biblical truth with courage, passion, and grace. The more our culture rejects biblical truth, the more it needs to hear biblical truth. The harder it becomes to speak the truth in love, the more we must do both (Ephesians 4:15).

But we cannot give what we do not have. To share the truth of God, we must stay connected to the God of truth.

Jesus declared: If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:3132). Note the order: abide (remain) in his word as his disciples (fully devoted followers), and we will know (experience personally) the truth and be set free by it. Then we will share it with those we influence so they can experience the same freedom in Christ (Matthew 4:19; 1 Peter 3:15).

To this end, I invite you to make this prayer by Scottish minister John Baillie yours: By your grace, O God, I will go nowhere today where you cannot come, nor seek anyones presence that would rob me of yours. By your grace I will let no thought enter my heart that might hinder my closeness with you, nor let any word come from my mouth that is not meant for your ear. So shall my courage be firm and my heart be at peace.

Originally published at the Denison Forum

Will your heart be at peace today?
Now Yellen is poised to restore some of the Trump administration's regulatory rollbacks if she wins Senate confirmation. Her confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, US time, is expected to focus largely on Yellen's plans to revive a pandemic-stricken economy. But she will also be under pressure to show Democrats and progressive groups that she is ready to end what they view as Mnuchin's coddling of Wall Street. In recent weeks, Yellen and Wally Adeyemo, Biden's nominee for Treasury's deputy secretary, have been on a virtual listening tour of industry groups across Washington. According to people who participated in those sessions, the two have emphasised the need to create "equitable growth," using the tools of the Treasury Department to combat climate change and rebuild regulatory institutions like the FSOC. "There's an emphasis on working people, racial justice and inequality, and that's a good place to start," said Lisa Donner, executive director of Americans for Financial Reform, an advocacy group that met with Yellen this month. "But reversing things that the current Treasury Department has done is not enough." Americans for Financial Reform, a left-leaning organisation that has spent the past four years largely shut out of the Treasury Department, wants Yellen to set a new direction for the FSOC, which has the power to subject big financial firms to stricter oversight. It was created by the 2010 Dodd Frank law to prevent a repeat of what happened in the run-up to the financial crisis, when firms like the insurance giant AIG made risky bets outside of regulators' reach and then needed to be bailed out by taxpayers.

The Biden administration is likely to get tougher on financial firms after Trump relaxed regulations imposed after the GFC. Credit:AP Its power has been winnowed under the Trump administration, which released AIG and three other financial firms from stricter oversight. Americans for Financial Reform has urged Yellen and transition officials to harness FSOC's power to designate climate change as a "systemic risk" and create tools to limit leverage at hedge funds, which are only lightly regulated. Yellen likely has a new regulatory approach in mind. She called last year for a "new Dodd-Frank," arguing at a Brookings Institution event that existing laws were insufficient for dealing with problems in the "shadow" banking sector that emerged when the pandemic caused severe market turmoil. The former Fed chair has also demonstrated that she is willing to punish banks for misdeeds when warranted. In 2018, on Yellen's last day on the job, the Fed required Wells Fargo to replace four members of its 16-person board for failing to properly oversee the bank amid a fraud scandal.

But Yellen's experience at the Federal Reserve and her understanding of the banking system have eased concerns among some in the financial sector who might otherwise be wary that an incoming Democratic administration will quickly roll out onerous new rules. In meetings with financial services groups, Yellen has indicated that helping to craft and oversee the Biden administration's economic relief efforts will initially be her top priority. "She's extremely knowledgeable about the banking system; she's familiar with the strength and the role of the large banks, including the positive role that they have played over the last year," said Kevin Fromer, chief executive of the Financial Services Forum, a lobbying group that also met with Yellen this month. Yellen will have to recuse herself from Treasury matters involving certain financial institutions as a result of an ethics agreement she signed when disclosing paid speeches that she gave to major corporations and Wall Street banks since leaving the Federal Reserve in 2018. According to her financial disclosure, which was released on New Year's Eve, Yellen earned more than $US7 million in speaking fees from firms such as Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Citadel. Jeff Hauser, the director of the Revolving Door Project, called on Yellen to release the contents of her speeches. But he said that they were less troubling than some of the consulting work that Biden's other nominees have done in recent years for firms such as Blackstone, a giant asset manager run by Stephen Schwarzman, and the data-mining company Palantir. The Biden transition team has declined to make videos or transcripts of the speeches public, noting that she was usually participating in unscripted discussions about the economy.

Loading "This is the worst economic crisis in 100 years, and nobody is better qualified than Secretary-designate Yellen to lead an economic recovery," said Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, who will become the Finance Committee chairman when Democrats take control of the Senate. "She deserves much of the credit for the longest economic expansion in our history, which lasted until the pandemic hit." The confirmation process is expected to be a relatively smooth one. Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, currently Republican chairman of the Finance Committee, has spoken positively of Yellen since Biden picked her for the job. Grassley said on Friday that he had spoken to Yellen and said he emphasised to her the importance of cooperation with congressional oversight, and also expressed concern that tax increases and more regulation would slow the economic recovery. In 2014, the Senate confirmed Yellen to be Fed chair by a vote of 56-26.

While Yellen, an economist by training, has a deep understanding of monetary policy, the portfolio at the Treasury Department is vast. She will likely face questions about America's economic relationship with China, her position on sanctions policy as it relates to Iran and her thoughts on tax policy. Before Yellen's hearing, several groups have suggested that they are enthusiastic for a change in tone and personnel at Treasury. Mnuchin has managed the department with a small staff and was most receptive to executives from large banks and companies. In her testimony, Yellen will make clear that fostering greater equality is a priority. "People worry about a K-shaped recovery but well before COVID-19 infected a single American, we were living in a K-shaped economy, one where wealth built on wealth while working families fell further and further behind," she will say. "This is especially true for people of color." New York Times
Annie Lynch, the first person in Ireland to get the Covid-19 vaccine, has today received her second dose of the jab.

She received the second dose of the vaccine as St Jamess Hospital this afternoon.

The Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine requires two doses.

Ms Lynch, a 79-year-old grandmother from Dublin became the first person in Ireland to receive a coronavirus vaccination in December.

Speaking today, Ms Lynch said she is looking forward to seeing her grandchildren.

"Im relieved to have the two doses and cant wait to see my family and grandchildren," she said.

"I felt fine after the first dose, no after-effects at all. I am delighted to have received the second dose."

Ms Lynch received her first jab on December 29, and said at the time: I feel very privileged to be the first person in Ireland to receive the vaccine.

Like everyone else I have been waiting for the vaccine and I really feel like there is a bit of hope there now. Its brilliant that its here. Everything was explained very clearly to me beforehand.

Mrs Lynch, who lives in Drimnagh and was born in Christchurch, grew up in The Liberties. She has three children and 10 grandchildren.

Bernie Waterhouse, the first healthcare worker to receive the vaccine, also got her second jab today.

HSE boss Paul Redi commented that in seven days "Annie will be protected against developing serious infection and illness if exposed to Covid-19".

He added: "This offers everyone affected by this virus welcome reassurance, especially as we are seeing such high infection rates and record numbers of patients in our hospitals.

"Its another considerable step towards reclaiming our lives from the grip of Covid-19 which continues to take such a toll on so many people."

Dr Colm Henry, HSE CCO said: We are delivering second doses across the country, which will mean those people are much less likely to suffer severe consequences of Covid-19.

"The vaccine will enhance and not replace the public health measures which halt transmission of Covid-19.

"It is important that these core activities  staying apart, wearing masks, handwashing and following the public health measures - remain our frontline of defence against the worst effects of Covid-19.

According to Stephen Donnelly, about 1.9% of Irelands population has been given the Covid-19 vaccine.

Annie Lynch received her first jab on December 29, and said at the time: "I feel very privileged to be the first person in Ireland to receive the vaccine." Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

The Health Minister said that, by Sunday night, 94,000 vaccines were administered, with 71,000 frontline healthcare workers and 23,000 of residents and staff of long-term care facilities inoculated.

Earlier today, the Cabinet formally gave its approval to allow GPs and pharmacists administer Covid-19 vaccines.

Senior Government sources have confirmed to the Irish Examiner that GPs and pharmacists will be used to vaccinate 1.5m people, in a scheme which will cost 91m.

The plan, as signed off by ministers, will cover the administration of the vaccine in GP surgeries.

It is hoped GPs will be able to administer the vaccines in early February, once the AstraZeneca vaccine has been approve by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and supplies have been delivered to Ireland.

Dr Denis McCauley, chair of the Irish Medical Organisations GP committee, said there has been a concerted effort to get GPs and the practice teams vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Were preparing ourselves to be the main vaccinators, he said.

We would see general practices as a core element of the mass vaccination campaign.

The European Medicines Agency is hopefully going to approve AstraZeneca and then if we get our supply, there will be a significant uplift in the amount of vaccinations given.

If the supply is there, the GPs will be able to give it at the rate we normally give a vaccination.

On Tuesday, 93 further deaths related to Covid-19 were confirmed.

The death toll reported is the highest daily total since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily death toll recorded was 77 deaths on April 20.

2,001 confirmed cases were also reported by the Department of Health.

- Additional reporting from PA
This the shocking moment a group of motorists were captured running down a colony of rare birds on a riverbed.

Ten nesting black-billed gulls in the Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, New Zealand died after being cruelly struck by the motorcyclists and four-wheel-drivers on January 15.

Environment Canterbury chairwoman Jenny Hughey condemned the behaviour.

Motorists (pictured) and motorcyclists have been captured deliberately mowing down a colony of black-billed gulls

The birds were nesting at Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park in New Zealand when vehicles rode through (pictured)

'This is extremely disappointing and unacceptable behaviour, and we are exploring what our enforcement options are,' Ms Hughey told Stuff.

According to Ms Hughey, black-billed gulls are the most threatened birds in the world.

They were Nationally Endangered by the Department of Conservation, but now are listed as Nationally Critical.

'These beautiful birds are unique to New Zealand, mainly breeding on South Island braided rivers, are 'nationally critical' and rapidly declining,' she said.

'We work closely with the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group and the community to keep it safe.'

The bird species (pictured) were the most threatened in the world and have now been listed as Nationally Critical by the Department of Conservation

Grant Davey, a member of the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group, was also outraged by the incident.

'We had cameras set up for predators, but they have not been as much of a problem as people,' Mr Davey said.

'It is so disappointing to see after all the work that has been done by us and ECan  blocking off access to the river, putting up signs and the education that goes into it.'

In 2013, a man was charged and sentenced to one month in jail after he drove through a colony of black-billed gulls, destroying their nests.

Grant Davey, a member of the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group is outraged by the continuous occurrence of these incidents. Pictured: injured black-billed gulls

Fortunately, Ms Hughey had reported that they have had a successful breeding season for the species recently.

Mr Davey confirmed that this year they had the second-largest black-billed gull colony on the Ashley River in 20 years.

'The 1278 nests have produced approximately the same number of fledglings (flying chicks)  this is a very good outcome,' he said.

If the public do see people disturbing colonies they have been urged to contact 0800 324 636.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iQSTEL, Inc. (USOTC: IQST) today published a letter from the company CEO, Leandro Jose Iglesias, to shareholders. The letter is included in its entirety, below:

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

January 19th, 2021

Dear Shareholders,

While 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the closure of companies and countries completely paralyzed, iQSTEL was able to advance in the development of its business plan, reaching a $44.8 Million Preliminary Revenue Benchmark for FY-2020, and having a $60.5 Million Forecast Revenue for FY-2021. This was made possible by having a clearly defined vision and execution plan.

In the course of 2020, we incorporated three new subsidiaries into our business, with the acquisition of Qglobal, LLC and IoT Labs, LLC, and the creation of Global Money One, LLC. These three new companies, combined with our existing subsidiaries (Etelix, SwissLink and ItsBchain) create a portfolio of products and services well beyond just in the telecom arena.

We have also diversified our sources of revenue. Until 2019, 100% of the revenue came from the VoIP wholesale services business. That changed in 2020 where only 44% of our revenue came from VoIP wholesale services and 56% came from SMS services. Revenue diversification is a fundamental part of our business plan, and we expect this to continue in 2021 with:

The successful launch of the Internet of Things (IoT) products, where we recently won the IoT Breakthrough Award as the "Appliance of the Year".

Our entry into the Fintech arena with the release of our Visa Debit Card services through the recent agreement we signed with DTone, which also allows us to manage international remittances and top up off mobile services in 42 countries across the World.

We are focused on a continuous process of value creation for our shareholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. In this sense, our business plan includes gathering all the elements that will allow us to complete a future up-listing to a national exchange.

With that purpose in mind, we have been working on improving our balance sheet. Recently, we announced the discharge of all convertible notes and warrants, and a 48% reduction in total debt. This will be reflected in our first quarter of 2021 financial report.

To mitigate future dilution over the next three years, the company is alternatively pursuing a Reg A registered fund-raising strategy to avoid the potential need of requiring convertible notes or other forms of toxic financing. For this reason, the company summited to the SEC an extension for selling 56 Million shares within the Reg A offering statement (originally qualified by the SEC in December 2019).

At the time the Company submitted the Reg A extension, the 10 cents per share price seemed appropriate. Since then, we have seen a market reaction to recent business progress and a corresponding share price increase in turn closing the gap between our business value and our market cap.

Here is a recap on the most relevant milestones over the previous three months:

1) Signing of a LOI with ALTERNET (ALYI) to develop an IoT Smart EV device to enter the Electric Vehicles Supply Market (Technology Division).

2) Signing of a MOU with PayVMS and the incorporation of a new subsidiary, Global Money One, for the development of our Visa Debit Card (Fintech Division).

3) Execution of the Agreement with DTone for the International Remittance and Top Up Mobile services worldwide. These services will be available through our Visa Debit Card user (Fintech Division).

4) Our Telecom Business surpassed $5 million in monthly revenue for three consecutive months, setting Monthly and Quarterly Revenue Records (Telecom Division).

5) Our IoT Smart Gas winning the "Appliance of the Year" (Technology Division) award as an IoT Breakthrough.

We have disclosed within our Reg-A filing, that the use of funds is for servicing debt and funding acquisitions in FY -2021. In conjunction with the recently announced convertible and overall debt reduction, the Reg-A qualification and pursuant fundraising process can be primarily dedicated to funding acquisitions.

The Reg-A financial instrument for raising funds allows the company to sell registered shares, but does not mandate the sale of registered shares. We plan to only sell shares in the Reg-A as needed. Furthermore, the Company has reserved within the Reg A some mechanisms to adjust the offering share price. We are evaluating all available options at this time.

Over the last year our Management Team has shown impressive commitment in executing the business plan, particularly in successfully completing the acquisitions. In further proof of their ongoing commitment to and confidence in the overall long-term potential of the Company, senior management decided to convert 21 Million common shares (valuated in +$5.6 Million at Friday's closing price), into Series B Preferred shares, with a 1-year Lock-Up and an additional year Leak Out.

The Company is in the middle of executing essential activities, which will be announced over the next couple of weeks. We anticipate these new milestones will further solidify shareholder confidence in our overall Business and Corporate direction.

Please send your questions and thoughts to our ambassador FB group and to [email protected] .

Respectfully yours,

Leandro Jose Iglesias

iQSTEL Inc. (www.iqstel.com)

President & CEO

About iQSTEL Inc (Updated):

iQSTEL Inc (OTC: IQST) (www.iQSTEL.com) is a US-based publicly-listed company offering leading-edge Telecommunication, Technology and Fintech Services for Global Markets, with presence in 13 countries. The company provides services to the Telecommunications, Financial Services, Liquid Fuel Distribution and Electric Vehicle Industries. iQSTEL has 3 Business Divisions: Telecom, Technology and Fintech, with worldwide B2B and B2C customer relations operating through its subsidiaries: Etelix, SwissLink, QGlobal SMS, SMSDirectos, IoT Labs, itsBchain and Global Money One. The Company has an extensive portfolio of products and services for its clients: SMS, VoIP, 4G & 5G international infrastructure connectivity, Cloud-PBX, OmniChannel Marketing, IoT Smart Gas Platform, IoT Smart Electric Vehicle Platform, Mobile Number Portability Application MNPA (Blockchain), Settlement & Payments Marketplace (Blockchain), Visa Debit Card, Money Remittance, and Pay Mobile Phone Services among others.

About Etelix.com USA LLC (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

Etelix.com USA LLC (www.etelix.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. Etelix.com USA, LLC is a Miami, Florida-based international telecom carrier founded in 2008 that provides telecom and technology solutions worldwide, with commercial presence in North America, Latin America, and Europe. Enabled by its 214-license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Etelix provides International Long-Distance voice services for Telecommunications Operators (ILD Wholesale), and Submarine Fiber Optic Network capacity for internet (4G and 5G). Etelix was founded in 2008 and has been profitable since inception.

About SwissLink Carrier AG (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

SwissLink Carrier AG (www.swisslink-carrier.com) is a 51% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. SwissLink Carrier AG is a Switzerland based international Telecommunications Carrier founded in 2015 providing international VoIP connectivity worldwide, with commercial presence in Europe, CIS and Latin America. SwissLink Carrier AG is a Swiss licensed Operator, having a domestic Interconnect with Swisscom, allowing their international Carrier Customers direct terminations via SwissLink into all Switzerland Fix & Mobile Networks. Since the takeover from Swissphone in November 2018 and the rename into SwissLink, they operate on a profitable level.

About QGlobal SMS LLC (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

QGlobal SMS LLC (www.qglobalsms.com) is a 51% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. QGlobal SMS is a USA based company and a commercial brand founded in 2020 specialized in international and domestic SMS termination, with emphasis on the Applications to Person (A2P) and Person to Person (P2P) for Wholesale Carrier Market and Corporate Market in US. QGlobal SMS has commercial presence in US, Mexico, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia) and Africa, through our SMS service providers based in Austin, TX and Miami, FL Our Austin-based SMS service provider is specialized in the SMS traffic exchange between US and Mexico, and our Miami-based SMS service provider is focused in the development of Latin America and the rest of the world. QGlobal SMS has robust international interconnection with Tier1 SMS Aggregators, guarantying its customers high quality and low termination rates, over more than 100 countries worldwide.

About Alcyon Cloud SMS S.A.S, Commercial Brand SMSDirectos.com (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

Alcyon Cloud SMS S.A.S. (Commercial Brand SMSDirectos.com), is a whole subsidiary of QGlobal SMS, a Colombian-based Application and Content Provider. Alcyon Cloud SMS (SMSDirectos.com) is registered with the Secretary of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Colombia, offering services to government, enterprises, small and medium business, as well as end-users. Using SMSDirectos' existing network, they plan to expand services from SMS to offer omnichannel products and services such as: SMS, Emails, RCS (Rich Communications Services), Social Media Channels (Whats App, Messenger, etc), WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), VoIP (IP-PBX, SIP Trunking) ChatBots (Artificial Intelligence Based), SMS to Email, and Email to SMS.

About IoT Labs MX SAPI (iQSTELs Technology Division):

IoT Labs MX SAPI (www.iotlabs.mx), a subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc, is an Internet of Things (IoT) Mexican technology development company, creator of the "IoT Smart Gas" Platform and Application. The IoT Smart Gas platform www.iotsmartgas.com consists of an IoT field device installed on the LP gas tank (adaptable to virtually any gas or liquid storage tank) and, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) technology via Sigfox or GSM network connectivity, allows remote managed and improved logistic processes of refilling, usage tracking and tank monitoring in real-time by the Smart Gas mobile app. The new GSM tracking feature allows for mobile use including ground, air, and sea tank monitoring.

About itsBchain LLC (iQSTELs Technology Division):

itsBchain LLC (www.itsBchain.com) is a 75% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. itsBchain is a blockchain technology developer and solution provider, with a strong focus on the telecom sector. The company is the final stage of development of a series of blockchain solutions aimed at using the blockchain ledger and smart contract solutions to enable more efficiency, quickness in execution and fraud-prevention in the telco industry. Specifically, the company is developing a solution that will enable users and carriers to transfer mobile phone numbers with just a few clicks, allowing users and carriers the ability to transfer retail users from one mobile carrier to another instantly. Additionally, the company is finalizing a carrier-grade marketplace solution to procure payments between carriers for cross-traffic of VoIP, SMS and data realtime as traffic is crossed between carriers. This marketplace will allow for instant payment settlement as well as the prevention of fraud between carriers.

About Global Money One Inc (iQSTELs Fintech Division):

Global Money One Inc. (www.GlobalMoneyOne.com) is a 75% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. Global Money One Inc is a Miami, Florida-based Fin-Tech company that uses a blend of industry expertise, state-of-the-art technology and compliance requirements to create disruptive solutions that deliver control, security and real-time payments and innovative Financial capabilities with reduced cost for consumers, specially to the unbanked, underbanked and underserved segments of today's society. Our portfolio of services will include a Prepaid VISA MoneyOne Card (www.visamoneyone.com) expected to enable customers to make purchases in stores and online, withdraw cash at ATMs or receive cash back when using it to make a purchase, recharge prepaid mobile phone service and send money domestically or internationally (+ 40 countries). The VISA MoneyOne Card is expected to also facilitate the deposit of funds into bank accounts, Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) by mobile phone, bill payments, rewards, and digital gift cards. The VISA MoneyOne is the new and freedom financial world wallet expected launch in early Q2 2021.

Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and iQSTEL Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

iQSTEL Inc.

IR US Phone: 646-740-0907, IR Email: [email protected]

Source: iQSTEL Inc. and its subsidiaries:

www.iqstel.com ; www.etelix.com ; www.qglobalsms.com ; www.swisslink-carrier.com ; www.smsdirectos.com ; www.iotlabs.mx ; www.iotsmartgas.com ; www.iotsmartev.com : www.itsBchain.com ; www.globalmoneyone.com ; www.visamoneyone.com

Source: iQSTEL, Inc.

SOURCE iQSTEL, Inc.

Related Links

http://iqstel.com


An Army doctor fraudulently booked thousands of pounds worth of flights to visit his family, a court heard today.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Baird-Clarke was moved from his job in Scotland to a new role in England assisting new recruits, but was unhappy with the posting.

A court martial heard that even after he was told he could not claim an allowance for the flights, he continued to book the travel through the Army without telling his superior officers.

The prosecutor said Lt Col Baird-Clarke, 'just wanted to fly home at public expense so came up with a ploy to achieve his aim.'

Lt Colonel Baird Clarke arriving at Bulford military court this morning

Up until June 2019 the 48-year-old had been working as the head of Defence Occupational Medicine for the Army based in Edinburgh.

He and his wife and four children lived in Cornhill, in Aberdeenshire in the North Eastern corner of the country.

Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard that despite his six-figure salary, Lt Col Baird-Clarke claimed that after his 'obligatory' payments he was left with less than 600 a month.

As an Army doctor of senior rank his minimum salary would have been 120,000. However, he could have earned more because of his qualifications.

Prosecuting, Lt Col Bilal Siddique, said: 'He was posted on 18 June 2019 from Scotland to Upavon in Wiltshire against his wishes.

'He did not wish to move for family and for personal reasons and was concerned about financial implication for weekend flights.'

The court heard Lt Col Baird-Clarke initially requested a job-share arrangement that would allow him to carry on working at weekends as an Army doctor in Scotland and therefore have his flights home paid for because he would be travelling for 'service reasons'.

However, that work could be done remotely and he accepted he could pay 40 a month to get unlimited Wifi at his mess hall in Wiltshire if needed.

His commanding officer, Colonel Andrew Griffiths, OBE, told the court he had rejected the proposal because he had to put 'the needs of the army first'.

In an email to the chief of staff at the Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command Operations base, Lt Col Baird-Clarke also claimed he would be unable to afford weekly commuting from his home in Scotland.

He wrote: '[This situation] produces a horrible juxtaposition of employment placing overwhelming financial strain and embarrassment on my family.'

Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard that despite his six-figure salary, Lt Col Baird-Clarke claimed that after his 'obligatory' payments he was left with less than 600 a month

Lt Col Siddique continued: '[It was] made it clear he was to stop any work and focus 100 per cent of his capacity on improving [recruit] inflow into training at his new base.

'He ignored this and proceeded with his own plan which included booking flights...This was done by sending an email to his old clerk in his old unit.

'Lt Col Baird-Clarke just wanted to fly home at public expense so he came up with a ploy to achieve his aim.'

In total, he booked 19 flights but only took seven and was forced to cancel the remaining 12 after being told again by his commanders that he was not to make any more trips at the taxpayers' expense.

The total cost of the bookings and cancellations reached 2,200.

The Brigadier in charge of the Upavon base told the court Lt Col Baird-Clarke was required to work a 12-hour drive away from his home because 'the needs of the Army were higher than those of the individual'.

Lt Col Baird faces two charges of fraud and one count of failing to perform a duty.

He admits making the bookings but claimed he did not realise he was unable to do so, and claims he should instead be convicted of three charges of failing to perform a duty.

He has since left the Army and works as an occupational health physician but retains his title.

The trial, expected to last two days, continues.


remaining of

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

This year has been marked by a deadly pandemic and by continued concerns over a global increase in acts of violence against Jews.

Addlestone Hebrew Academy, Charleston's only Jewish day school, has worked to thrive while combating both.

Head of School Rabbi Elisha Paul sums things up with the Hebrew statement "gam zeh ya'avor," which means "this, too, shall pass."

"COVID magnifies everything," he said. "But it's important to be able to take a step back. As we respond with one eye on the present, make sure were not consumed by it."

The academy, which has 110 students and 40 employees, returned to campus in the fall rather smoothly amid the pandemic, school officials said.

The school developed a plan over the summer that was vetted by health experts to safely accommodate students and faculty. School officials have also been in regular consultation with the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, Paul said.

The school's plan included testing staff for the virus and bringing grade levels back to campus in stages to monitor safe, in-person learning. Preschool students weren't required to wear masks, while older children did while indoors. Parents are required to take basic health assessments for children upon arrival. Additionally, lunch is brought to students in their rooms, and transitions between classes were minimized, Paul said.

The academy had two families this year with cases of COVID-19 contracted away from school. This impacted in-person learning after Thanksgiving, Paul said. Class cohorts of the students who tested positive were instructed to learn from home for a week out of precaution. Those students tested negative for COVID-19 and those classes resumed in person, Paul said.

"That was a good demonstration of our precautions and COVID plan working as designed," Paul said.

In March, the school ensured all students had an iPad, said Assistant Head of School Nancy Peeples.

This ensured that all students could opt to learn from home.

Its making the best of a bad situation, said Peeples, who was recently recognized by the South Carolina Independent Schools Association "for making the largest impact on her school in the state of South Carolina."

Teachers can also provide instruction virtually. To provide further assistance, a rotating substitute was hired to fill in for teachers who had to stay home out of health concerns.

That's been a big help," Paul said. We can have a teacher not miss a beat.

Also, students remain in cohort groups. If a youth tests positive, only those who have come in direct contact are sent home to quarantine.

The school's small population will enable Addlestone to offer testing to all of its students before classes resume after winter break. A physician whose child attends the day school will provide COVID-19 testing outside at the West Ashley campus the day before school reopens.

"It says, 'were all in this together,' " Paul said.

In addition to battling the health crisis, the Hebrew academy has been working to educate youths on how to respond to increased violence against people of the faith.

Anti-Semitic incidents in recent years included men who killed Jews in a Pittsburgh synagogue, in a Jersey City, N.J., kosher deli, and wounded several in a rabbi's home in New York.

Addlestone will work with the Saul Alexander Foundation, the College of Charleston Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program and the Charleston Jewish Community Center in a film festival on Jan. 31. The groups will premiere a video that documents a 2019 Yom Kippur shooting in Germany.

After the video, experts will discuss global responses to hate and ways to move forward.

The academy is partnering with Mason Preparatory School to introduce a curriculum at area private schools that will teach Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach of using nonviolence as a response to violence.

"If you respond to violence with violence, youre modeling the behavior you want to combat," Paul said.

There's been a focus on giving back to the community, as well. During the holiday season, Addlestone took up blankets, clothes and other items to give to a local homeless shelter. Members of the Jewish community also volunteered on Christmas so its Christian neighbors could spend time with family and friends.
A Belfast man caught with drugs hidden inside a Kinder Egg has been sent to prison.

A Belfast man caught with drugs hidden inside a Kinder Egg has been jailed for four months.

Police discovered quantities of Pregabalin and Xanax on Garry Vokes, 35, during searches at a flat in the city.

Vokes, with an address on the Shore Road, admitted two counts of possessing Class C drugs.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the emergency services were alerted to an incident in the city centre on November 15 last year.

Another man had used a phone box to request an ambulance, stating that he had cut his throat.

Police called to the scene checked him for a blade and discovered bags of pills.

He was arrested and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital to be treated for a mental health issue.

Meanwhile, officers went to that man's home in south Belfast where Vokes was present and searched.

"A small yellow Kinder Egg was located in his trouser pocket," a prosecution lawyer said.

"This was seized and found to contain suspected Pregabalin and Xanax tablets."

Another Kinder Egg containing a wrap of suspected cocaine was located under a TV stand, the court heard, while a stun gun was discovered under a cushion on the sofa.

Vokes denied having anything to do with the cocaine or prohibited weapon, and was not charged in connection with either.

During police interviews he admitted possessing the Kinder Egg containing the Pregabalin and Xanax.

"He denied knowing there was Pregabalin or Xanax inside it, but admitted he was aware drugs had been usually stored in such eggs," the prosecutor added.

A defence lawyer said Vokes has a long-term addiction to drugs which he hopes to deal with either in custody or following his eventual release.

Imposing two months imprisonment for the new offences, District Judge Fiona Bagnall also ordered him to serve a further two months for breaching a previous suspended sentence.
Has China constructed village in Arunachal? Chidambaram demands explanation from govt on BJP MP's claim

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 19: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram demanded answers from the government on BJP MP Tapir Gao's "claim" that China has built a 100-house village in the "disputed area" deep into the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. He said if the allegation made out by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to China or blame previous governments for it.

Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian state, but China illegitimately considers it as a part of south Tibet which is under illegal occupation of the world's most populous country.

There is a border dispute between the two neighbouring countries and there has been a troops build-up in eastern Ladakh after a bloody clash between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation of Army (PLA) of China in June last year. India lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan valley clash. China also lost many soldiers but did not disclose the number of casualties.

Coronavirus found on ice cream in China

Chidambaram, who was the home minister in the UPA government, also alleged that the Chinese have altered the status quo in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a 'disputed area' within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year. If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts?" he asked.

India's Covid cases drop to lowest in 7 months, vaccination drive day 4|Oneindia News

"Will the government give another clean chit to China? Or will the government give a convoluted explanation blaming previous governments?" the senior Congress leader asked in a series of tweets.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:12 [IST]
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Hardware Encryption Market by Algorithm & Standard (Rivest, Shamir, and Adelman (RSA); Advanced Encryption Standard (AES); and Others), Architecture (Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field-programmable Gate Array (FPGA)), Product (Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid-state Drives (SSD), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and Inline Network Encryptor), Application (Consumer electronics, IT & Telecom, Automotive & Transportation, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, Government & Public Utilities, BFSI, and Others), and End Use (Industrial, Commercial, Residential, and Government): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027". As per the report, the global hardware encryption industry was pegged at $131.77 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $1,239.85 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 32.2% from 2020 to 2027.

Major determinants of the market

Declining prices of hardware encryption devices, imposition of regulatory compliances about the protection of private & confidential data, and surge in complexity & risk of data breaches and brute-force attacks drive the growth of the global hardware encryption market. However, high capital investment and limiting use of encrypted devices in some countries hamper the market growth. On the contrary, ongoing technological advancements in encryption chips and adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and cloud services are expected to create lucrative opportunities in the coming years.

Download Report Sample (150 Pages PDF with Insights) @

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/358

Covid-19 scenario:

The lockdown across various countries encouraged companies to opt for work from home culture. This increased the need for organizations and individuals to focus on data protection, storage, and recovery.

Adoption of hardware encryption facilities during such unprecedented times enabled governments across the globe to quickly respond to the pandemic situation in a secured manner.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the hardware encryption market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/358

The consumer electronics segment dominated the market

By application, the consumer electronics segment held the largest share in 2019, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global hardware encryption market, owing to emergence of bring-your-own-devices (BYOD) across number of organizations. However, the IT & telecom segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 40.6% during the forecast period, due to increase in the trend of mobile broadband, cloud computing, and big data management in the telecom sector.

The government segment to manifest the highest CAGR through 2027

By end user, the government segment is anticipated to portray the highest CAGR of 37.1% from 2020 to 2027. This is due to increase in digitalization and rise in need for data security. However, the commercial segment held the lion's share in 2019, contributing to more than one-third of the global hardware encryption market, owing to rise in use of mobile devices by numerous governmental agencies along with the storage of confidential financial as well as healthcare data.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/358

Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, held the lion's share

By region, the market across Asia-Pacific held the largest share in 2019, accounting for around two-fifths of the market. In addition, the region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 35.9% from 2020 to 2027, owing to high population density, surge in usage across sectors such as healthcare, BFSI, automotive & transportation, and military & aerospace, and rapid growth in the middle-class population. On the other hand, the global hardware encryption market across North America is expected to register the highest CAGR of 27.1% during the forecast period.

Major market players

International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation

McAfee, LLC

Kingston Technology Company, Inc.

NetApp

Micron Technology, Inc.

Seagate Technology LLC

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Toshiba Corporation

Symantec Corporation

Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements.

Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter

Similar Reports:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/location-based-services-marketReal-Time Location System Market Expected to Reach $23.13 Billion by 2026

Software Defined Networking Market Expected to Reach $72.63 Billion by 2027

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/push-to-talk-over-cellular-market-A05943 Graph Database Market Expected to Reach $3,731 Million by 2026

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. AMR provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

AMR launched its user-based online library of reports and company profiles, Avenue. An e-access library is accessible from any device, anywhere, and at any time for entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and researchers and students at universities. With reports on more than 60,000 niche markets with data comprising of 600,000 pages along with company profiles on more than 12,000 firms, Avenue offers access to the entire repository of information through subscriptions. A hassle-free solution to clients' requirements is complemented with analyst support and customization requests.

Contact:

David Correa

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Toll Free: 1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

Hong Kong: +852-301-84916

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1-855-550-5975

[email protected]

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

Follow Us on: LinkedIn Twitter

SOURCE Allied Market Research
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Estimating crowd sizes on Inauguration Days can be tricky. Its thought that Barack Obamas 2009 ceremony drew a record 1.8 million supporters. In Donald Trumps first full day in office in 2017, he railed against what he said were media underestimates of his pulling power. This year, no such concerns will arise. Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser is telling people to stay home. Airbnb is cancelling reservations to stop people coming to the capital for the event on Wednesday (Thursday morning, AEDT). Downtown roads and metro stations will be closed. Washington is fortified, with rings of security around the Capitol, White House and National Mall and thousands of armed soldiers (vetted by the FBI) guarding against another attack by Americans who refuse to accept Trumps defeat. There is also the matter of COVID-19. As RMIT Research Fellow Dr Emma Shortis notes, 3000 to 4000 people will die [in the US] during the day of the event itself. Inaugurations are usually joyous events that draw a line between one era and another, says Shortis. This inauguration will be like absolutely no other. It has two shadows cast over it: coronavirus and the storming of the Capitol building on January 6. So, what can we expect on Inauguration Day? How does the transfer of power work? When do the nuclear codes change hands? And where will Trump be on the big day?

Advertisement

Crowds at Abraham Lincoln's inaugural speech in 1861. Credit:Getty Images What happens at an inauguration? When a new prime minister wins office in Australia, he or she is sworn by the Governor-General in a simple ceremony. A US presidential inauguration ceremony is an all-day affair. First, theres usually a procession as the President-elect and Vice-President travel to the Capitol, followed by a mix of prayers, speeches, oaths, music, pageantry and poetry. For this inauguration, for example, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by a firefighter from Georgia, Andrea Hall; there will be a poetry reading from the first national youth poet laureate, Amanda Gorman, and the benediction will be given by a home-town friend of the Bidens, Reverend Silvester Beaman of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Delaware. New president William McKinley delivers his inaugural address as former president Grover Cleveland listens in 1897. Credit:Getty Images At 11.30am, Vice-President elect Kamala Harris will take the oath of office: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

Advertisement

Harris has chosen Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to swear her in, a history-making event in which the first black, South Asian and female vice-president will take her oath of office from the first Latina justice. Sotomayor swore in President-elect Joe Biden as vice-president in 2013. The US Marine Band will play ruffles and flourishes ceremonial music followed by the song Hail, Columbia, which was composed for George Washingtons inauguration in 1789 and which was a quasi-national anthem until The Star-Spangled Banner became the official anthem in 1931. At noon, power will transfer from the outgoing President Donald Trump to the incoming one, Joe Biden, and the new president will take the oath of office, administered by the Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts. Biden will then deliver his inaugural address, which is expected to be sober but optimistic. Biden and Harris then inspect the troops, a ritual that symbolises the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief. And later in the day, Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff are expected to visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by former presidents and first ladies Barack and Michelle Obama, George W and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Hang on, what exactly is the presidents oath?

Advertisement

The wording of the oath is different to the VP's, and shorter. Its set out in Article II, Section One, Clause 8, of the US Constitution: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Most presidents add, So help me God. The constitution stipulates that no religious test is needed to qualify as a public official. Theodore Roosevelt was hastily sworn in without laying his hand on any document after the death of William McKinley in 1901. Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on a Catholic liturgical book aboard the Air Force One plane after the killing of John F Kennedy in Texas in 1963. While a range of books have been used for swearing-ins in Congress  for example, the Koran was used by the first Muslim congresswomen, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar  presidents so far have tended to use Bibles. George Washington's swearing in as the first US president, in 1789. Credit:Getty Images The first president, George Washington, for example, used a St John's Masonic Lodge Bible which, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, was opened at random due to haste on Genesis 49:13. Donald Trump used both Abraham Lincolns Bible and one his mother gave him when he graduated from Sunday school. Biden (who, incidentally, will be only the second Catholic president, after JFK) will use a family Bible from 1893. Every important date is in there, he told TV interviewer Stephen Colbert, every time Ive been sworn in for everything, the date is inscribed on the Bible, when our son [the late Beau Biden] was sworn in as attorney-general  Its just been a family heirloom.

Advertisement

Harris will use two Bibles, including one that belonged to one of her greatest heroes, the first black Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall. Aretha Franklin in 2009 at Barack Obama's inauguration. Credit:Ron Edmonds What about showbiz? Music is part of the inauguration ceremony. Obamas big day in 2009, for example, included Aretha Franklin singing My Country, 'Tis of Thee. This year, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga will perform. But the usual balls and other gala events that follow the inauguration will be replaced by virtual events. (Imagine time-travelling back to the shindig Frank Sinatra organised for Kennedy in 1961, featuring Ella Fitzgerald, Leonard Bernstein, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte and Sinatra among others ) On the night of this inauguration, for example, actor Tom Hanks will host a TV show, Celebrating America, with appearances from Biden and Harris as well as musicians Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, the Foo Fighters, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Actors Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh and Gene Kelly at John F Kennedy's inaugural ball in 1961. Credit:Getty Images

Advertisement
By Eli Walsh

Bay City News Foundation

The attorney representing Joshua Irwin Schiller, Gov. Gavin Newsom's brother-in-law, said Monday that he expects domestic violence charges against Schiller to be dropped following his arrest last week.

Schiller was arrested Wednesday in Ross for alleged domestic violence after police officers responded just before 11 p.m. to a reported disturbance at Schiller's residence.

According to police, Schiller's spouse had visible injuries that were minor in nature and did not require immediate medical treatment.

"This was a misunderstanding and both Mr. and Mrs. Schiller have made clear to me that he did not physically harm her," Schiller's attorney Douglas Horngrad said in a statement. "There was no instance of domestic violence."

Schiller was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail, according to Ross police. Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli did not immediately return a request for comment about whether Schiller has been charged yet.

Schiller is expected in court on Feb. 11, according to court records.

"This is a private matter between us," Schiller and his spouse said in a joint statement. "We love and respect each other. We are partners and will move beyond this together."

Schiller, 40, is a partner at the New York-based law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, which has offices in San Francisco.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
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.
Ted Kirsch, 81, a social studies teacher who went on to play a significant role in the national labor movement, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, of lung disease at his home in Jenkintown.

Mr. Kirsch was a pioneering member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the union that won collective bargaining rights in 1965. In the early, tumultuous years of the PFT, Mr. Kirsch walked picket lines and went to jail for the labor cause, emerging as a gifted tactician and leader. He served as PFT president for 17 years and as president of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania for 12 years.

He was a fighter and a doer and a strategist, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers and a longtime friend of Mr. Kirsch.

The son of two trade union members, Mr. Kirsch was born in South Philadelphia and educated in Philadelphia public schools. He was the first member of his family to go to college, earning degrees from what is now West Chester University and Temple University.

In 1960, he became a Philadelphia School District employee, teaching social studies at Thomas Junior High in South Philadelphia. He wore a suit and tie every day and never talked about his age because he looked so young.

Mr. Kirsch later taught at Washington High and Overbrook High, where he instructed what is believed to be the districts first African American history class.

He was a dynamic teacher, running around his classroom, getting students excited about the material, Mr. Kirsch said in a 1990 Inquirer interview. My classes were never boring. I put on five shows a day.

In the early part of his career, Mr. Kirsch might have 50 students crowded into a classroom, with not enough chairs for all. He chafed against what he believed were unfair teacher working and student learning conditions, joining the nascent Philadelphia Federation of Teachers in 1964.

In a photo from the time, Mr. Kirsch stands with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when the civil rights leader threw his support behind the PFT, saying the union would bring great gains to 270,000 children in the city.

Through the years, Mr. Kirsch advocated for smaller class sizes, full-day kindergarten, safe schools, and increased funding for public schools.

Mr. Kirsch was elected to the PFT executive board in 1967 and eventually left the classroom to work full time for the union. After serving for years as vice president and staff director for then-PFT president Marvin Schuman, Kirsch was elected president in 1990. He served six terms, resigning in 2007 to lead the state chapter of the union, American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania. Mr. Kirsch retired from that job in 2019.

During his leadership of the PFT  which currently represents 13,000 teachers, nurses, secretaries, and other school-based workers  Mr. Kirsch also served as secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO.

He was, Weingarten said, foundational to the AFT, one of the people who kept our movement together. Weingarten often turned to Mr. Kirsch, a longtime AFT vice president, for advice or to handle matters others avoided  such as dealing with a local accused of misappropriating funds or a contested election.

People of all political stripes saw his fundamental fairness, said Weingarten. He was a trade unionist, but he would brook no dishonesty or violation of the democratic rules.

As a labor leader, Mr. Kirsch often found himself in volatile situations  from bitter contract disputes to the state takeover of the school system and the threatened turnover of the whole district to private operators. But Mr. Kirsch was not a volatile person.

In 2000, the PFT went on strike. Everyone around me is worried, Mr. Kirsch told The Inquirer at the time. But Im very calm.

He was also very good at his job. The strike was called on a Friday and over by Monday, due in large part, Weingarten remembers, to Mr. Kirschs leadership.

Jerry Jordan, who succeeded Mr. Kirsch as PFT president, hailed him as a pioneer.

He was quite an advocate for children as well as for working people, Jordan said. He really fought for a lot of social justice issues at a time when they were much more difficult fights than we have today.

Mr. Kirsch won scores of awards, visited the White House, and was a player on the local and national labor stage. But he loved nothing so much as being a family man.

He was married for 57 years to Roberta Kirsch, who died in 2017. They met on a blind date when she was 16 and Mr. Kirsch 18, and married two years later. He was devoted to his two children, Jodie Kirsch Lachman and Joel.

He always put us first  my father could be in a meeting with 500 people, but if I called, he would always take the call, said Lachman.

He was an enormously decent person, said Joel Kirsch. At his absolute core was empathy for everyone, in public and in private.

Even at the end of his life, Mr. Kirsch was rooted in helping people. Three days before his death, he learned the mother of his granddaughters boyfriend, a teacher, was having trouble with her retirement benefits. Mr. Kirsch was critically ill, but insisted on helping her iron out the situation.

Mr. Kirsch adored being Poppy to his four grandchildren. He also enjoyed travel, especially to Israel, and time spent at a vacation home in Ventnor.

Funeral services will be private.

In addition to his son, daughter, and grandchildren, survivors include a sister.

Memorial donations can be made to the Jewish National Fund for the Ted Kirsch Forest, 78 Randall Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.
The worlds biggest shipping company demanded a more effective military response to surging pirate attacks and record kidnappings off the coast of West Africa.

The number of attacks on vessels globally jumped 20% last year to 195, with 135 crew kidnapped, the International Maritime Bureaus Piracy Reporting Centre said in a Jan. 13 report. The Gulf of Guinea accounted for 95% of hostages taken in 22 separate instances, and all three of the hijackings that occurred, the agency said.

The attacks have pushed up insurance and other costs for shippers operating off West Africa, with some resorting to hiring escort vessels manned by armed navy personnel. A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, which transports about 15% of the globes seaborne freight, said decisive action needs to be taken.

It is unacceptable in this day and age that seafarers cannot perform their jobs of ensuring a vital supply chain for this region without having to worry about the risk of piracy, said Aslak Ross, head of marine standards at Copenhagen-based Maersk. The risk has reached a level where effective military capacity needs to be deployed.

The Gulf of Guinea encompasses a vast tract of the Atlantic Ocean thats traversed by more than 20,000 vessels a year, making it difficult for under-resourced governments to police. Fringed by an almost 4,000-mile-long shoreline that stretches from Senegal to Angola, it serves as the main thoroughfare for crude oil exports and imports of refined fuel and other goods.

Twenty-five African governments, including all those bordering on the gulf, signed the Yaounde Code of Conduct in 2013 to tackle piracy. It aims to facilitate information sharing and established five maritime zones to be jointly patrolled, but has been only partially implemented and most navies remain focused on safeguarding their own waters.

Bertrand Monnet, a professor of criminal risk management at Frances EDHEC Business School who has studied piracy in Nigerias oil-producing Niger Delta region for 15 years, estimates that a maximum of 15 bands operate offshore West Africa, each comprising 20 to 50 members.

The Delta both provides the launch area for the pirates but is also where they go back to when they have their kidnapped crew to negotiate ransoms, said Max Williams, security firm Africa Risk Compliances London-based chief operating officer.

Suspects Arrested

Nigeria, the regional powerhouse, has taken the lead in preventing attacks and its navy says it has arrested more than 100 suspects who are facing trial under a new anti-piracy law  the first of its kind in the region. The government plans to commission nearly $200 million of new equipment this year, including helicopters, drones and high-speed boats, to boost the navys capabilities.

Nigeria is committed to ensuring that this menace of piracy is gotten rid of in our waters, so that those with legitimate business in shipping, fishing, and oil and gas can go about their business without fear, Rear-Admiral Oladele Daji, commander of the Nigerian Navys western fleet, said in an interview.

Many shipowners favor a more muscular international effort modeled on the military response to hijackings offshore Somalia, which was the global epicenter of piracy from about 2001 to 2012. Armed guards and warships dispatched by the European Union, NATO and a U.S.-led task force to protect vessels traveling through the Suez Canal, one of the worlds busiest trade routes linking Europe to Asia, helped bring the problem under control.

If national governments focus on their territorial waters - the 12 nautical miles (14 miles) from their shores - major naval powers could reduce piracy further afield in the gulf by deploying two or three frigates equipped with helicopters, said Jakob Larsen, head of maritime security at the Baltic and International Maritime Council, a Copenhagen-based shipowners group. He considers such support unlikely because the sea routes arent as strategically important as those off Africas east coast.

There is little international appetite for getting involved in Nigerias security problems, he said.

The Liberian Shipowners Council urged the Nigerian authorities to disrupt the pirates onshore criminal activities. Improving employment prospects for impoverished coastal communities would reduce the threat of piracy in the longer term, but wont address the immediate problem, said Kierstin Del Valle Lachtman, the councils secretary general.

Attacks Spread

While the west African attacks were initially concentrated offshore Nigeria, theyve since spread to waters off Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Togo and Cameroon, according to Kamal-Deen Ali, executive director of the Accra-based Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa and a former Ghanaian naval officer.

The number of violent attacks in the Gulf of Guinea has remained fairly consistent over the past decade, but abductions of more than 10 people have become increasingly commonplace, said Dirk Siebels, senior analyst at Denmark-based Risk Intelligence.

The pirates are increasingly operating deeper out to sea, with kidnappings on average taking place 60 nautical miles offshore in 2020, according to the IMB. The furthest out took place in mid-July, when eight machine-gun wielding pirates boarded a chemical tanker off Nigerias coast and seized 13 crew members before fleeing. Only unqualified seamen remained on the Curacao Trader, which was left adrift 195 nautical miles from the coast. The crew were freed the following month.

The perpetrators of such incidents are perfectly aware there is almost no risk of being caught, said Munro Anderson, a partner at London-based maritime security firm Dryad Global. That is precisely the kind of incident an international naval coalition could mitigate.

With assistance from Gina Turner.

Photograph: The Moscow Maersk container ship on the dockside at the Port of Felixstowe Ltd. in Felixstowe, UK, on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg.

Related:

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.
Its been more than a quarter century since a New Jersey attorney general stayed this long.

Gurbir Grewal has been the states top law enforcement leader for three years as of Saturday, the first to hit that mark since the early 1990s.

His historic appointment  hes the nations first Sikh attorney general  was followed by one of the most challenging periods for law enforcement in modern history, defined by nationwide protests, a global pandemic and a mob attack incited by the countrys commander in chief.

Amid the crises, Grewals office overhauled rules governing police use of force for the first time in a generation and jointly sued the federal government more in three years than New Jersey had in the previous four decades, all while continuing to investigate and prosecute a range of crimes.

The last three years, the destructiveness of the federal government has left tremendous voids when it comes to policing, civil rights, environmental enforcement, Grewal told NJ Advance Media. Weve filled those voids.

His tenure has brought criticism.

The gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. accused Grewal of following in the abusive footsteps of repressive regimes after Grewals office demanded the company share internal documents.

Federal immigration officers blasted state rules limiting when local cops can turn over undocumented immigrants, saying they threatened the safety and security of the very people the New Jersey Attorney General is charged with protecting.

President Donald Trumps transition team once said Grewals office only sued them for media attention.

But while there are disagreements over specific policies, many state leaders said Grewal still included them in the decision-making process, according to more than a dozen interviews with civil rights advocates, law enforcement officials, legal experts and current and former state employees.

Were adversaries that can still collaborate, said Joseph Krakora, the states top public defender who is currently fighting Grewals office in court to release more people from jail.

During the Christie administration, we had a new AG about every 15 minutes, said Pat Colligan, president of the Policemens Benevolent Association. (Five attorneys general worked during former Gov. Chris Christies eight years.)

Consistent leadership made it easier to get things done, Colligan said. Until the recent lawsuit, weve had input in virtually every new policy.

The recent lawsuit refers to the ongoing fight over whether Grewal has the power to name disciplined cops, information which has long been hidden in New Jersey.

Its also one example of Grewal changing his mind.

Grewal had long supported keeping internal police records private. That changed after George Floyds death in May.

He called and said, I was wrong, said Rev. Charles Boyer, a pastor and founding director of the nonprofit Salvation and Social Justice. I found that refreshing.

Grewal said months of listening to community members turned him around.

If one thing became more crystalized for me in the wake of George Floyds killing, its really the fact that we need to acknowledge that systemic racism exists, he said. It exists in law enforcement, it exists in the criminal justice system.

Some police and prosecutors have said they wanted more input on that change especially, and felt it was largely an attempt to grab headlines.

Police unions sued to stop names from being released, and union officials have also protested other policing decisions, including the launch of an investigation into whether the State Police discriminate when hiring and promoting.

Grewals constantly trying to tweak us as if theres something wrong, said Pete Stilianessis, head of the State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

On the flip side, many civil rights advocates feel his reforms havent gone far enough.

The attorney general speaks about transparency and how important it is all of the time, said CJ Griffin, a prominent public records attorney. But then they fall short of actually providing that transparency.

New Jersey is one of 20 states where internal affairs records are private, and Grewals plan would still shield many misconduct investigations from view.

Nobody knows Jersey politics like NJ.com. Add your email now and dont miss a story.



At the very least, Grewal should advocate for legislation to open up those files, Griffin said.

Grewal defended his decisions.

He was always finding ways to listen and compromise, he said, and the new rules governing police force was another good example.

While that policy didnt reflect what every group wanted, it reflected the best policy we could develop collaboratively, Grewal said.

Hes also pushed back against calls to defund the police, arguing that more spending is needed to improve training.

Grewals office is one of the most powerful in the country.

No other state attorney general can unilaterally give orders that apply to cops and prosecutors statewide, according to Paul Nolette, an expert on the political power of state attorneys general and the chair of Marquettes political science department.

Grewals used that power to limit when prosecutors rely on jailhouse informants and restrict when juveniles can be locked up. His office expanded opioid treatment, sued a bevy of alleged polluters, called for expanding bias education in the classroom and launched a public corruption team that has made several arrests.

I get to take the credit, but the hard works done by the 8,000 or so folks who work at the department, he said.

Lawmakers also passed a bill to force his office to investigate every time somebody dies in police custody, another change he initially opposed but now supports.

Grewal has also worked more in the public eye than some predecessors.

He frequently speaks at schools and community meetings. Hes appeared on CNN, was profiled in The Atlantic and co-wrote an op-ed for The New York Times.

Hes certainly changed the way that we think about an AG, said Matthew Hale, an associate political science professor at Seton Hall University.

Grewals visibility has been important for Sikh Americans, said Satjeet Kaur, head of the national civil rights organization the Sikh Coalition.

A few years ago, Kaur walked into a government building in Trenton and saw Grewals framed portrait on the wall.

It took me a minute to process, she said. Ive grown up in New Jersey, and its not every day that you ever would see a Sikh on TV or in a government building or talked about in the newspapers.

Grewals religion has drawn out a fair share of racism, including a radio host who said Grewals turban prevented him from remembering Grewals name.

Grewals parents are from India, and hes often said he became a prosecutor partially to be a visible minority.

I remember sitting in those high schools, knowing what its like to look different and perhaps be teased, he said. Perhaps me coming in to talk about the opioid epidemic made a kid who comes from the same background as me stand a little bit taller.

Several people interviewed also noted that Gov. Phil Murphy has been more comfortable sharing the spotlight than previous governors. (See: Christie, Chris.)

Murphy praised Grewal in a statement, saying hes been a driving force behind consequential legal and policy decisions that have made our state safer, stronger, and fairer.

Im proud of his accomplishments in this critical post, Murphy said.

In the unlikely event that their relationship soured, its unclear if Grewal could be fired.

Theres not a clear answer to that, said Robert Williams, professor emeritus at Rutgers Law School in Camden and a state constitutional law expert.

New Jerseys constitution says the attorney general does not serve at the pleasure of the Governor, suggesting hes protected.

Yet a different section says the governor may launch an investigation into any officer or employee who receives his compensation from the State of New Jersey, and after a public hearing the governor may remove any such officer or employee for cause.

Williams said he was not aware of that happening to an attorney general.

As it stands, Grewals term ends when Murphys does, early next year.

Hes got a lot on his plate before then.

The New Jersey Institute For Social Justice wants him to move more incarcerated youth into residential centers. Grewal said he agreed the state should keep shrinking juvenile prisons.

Environmentalists are pushing him to sue big oil companies. Grewal said theyre considering more climate change litigation.

And as Trumps administration rushes to finalize some federal rules with less than a week left, Grewal has filed at least four new lawsuits against the federal government since New Years Day, bringing the total to at least 77.

Some of those complaints were a silly waste of resources, said state Sen. Declan OScanlon, R-Monmouth. I disagree with him on some of his more leftist policies.

At the same time, Grewals not a blind ideologue, OScanlon said. Hes someone you can work with.

Elie Honig, a former head of the criminal justice division, said hes impressed with the last three years.

Its almost impossible to do the AG job perfectly  there are just too many competing constituencies and interests  but Gurbir has come darn close, he said.

Grewal said he plans to at least finish his term, but he would like to be re-nominated for another four years if Murphy is re-elected.

I think this is the greatest job, and if he thinks that I am doing a good job Id love to continue, Grewal said. I dont have any regrets.

Grewal is 47 and a Democrat, and his name is often brought up as a contender for bigger gigs.

Grewal said thats not where his head is at.

Once you start thinking about your next opportunity, you lose focus of the work ahead of you, he said.

NJ Advance Media staff writers S.P. Sullivan and Alex Napoliello 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.
This January will be my familys 18th Australia Day. Born and raised in San Francisco, Australia was my sixth country when I arrived in 2002, complete with a Kiwi husband and our three hybrid children, the youngest just three weeks old.

As an immigrant, there is much to pick up on arrival  language, traditions, history and heritage, sports, political system, values. As we master these new things, there is always the competing question of how much of our native culture we need to abandon to be at home in this great country. Now, as I approach my first Australia Day as a newly elected councillor with a role in considering how we welcome the next generation of immigrants, I find myself thinking again about the balance between whats kept and whats cast off.

As an immigrant, there is much to pick up on arrival. Credit:Jeffrey Chan

My family came to Australia after five years in Paris. We loved France but knew a decision to stay was a decision to become French, with a heavy push for immigrant assimilation to the French way of being. From the day our children entered kindergarten at the age of three, they were taught to integrate. As parents, we observed with a mixture of pride and fear as our young boys adapted quickly and easily, wondering if any of our New Zealand-American heritage would be preserved.

Several years ago, I met a recently arrived French family at a remote lighthouse on Kangaroo Island. They had lived for four years in Seattle but left for some of the same reasons we left Paris. Neither France nor the US seemed to be countries where being from someplace else and retaining elements of that place would be acceptable. Australia, however, drew our two disparate families to it, as a nation of people we believed would honour and accept our unique heritage.

PadSplit, an Atlanta-based company focused on affordable housing near where people work, has entered the Houston market with a shared housing platform that connects renters with rooms and services designed to improve their station in life.

Houston will be the second-largest market for PadSplit, which provides furnished rooms for front-line workers earning less than $40,000 a year and an opportunity for property owners to put underutilized real estate to use. The rooms, which could be owned PadSplit, a homeowner with a spare bedroom or single-family or multi-family investors, rent for an average of $600 per month.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of front-line workers to our quality of life, as well as their vulnerability due to the lack of affordable housing options, said CEO Atticus LeBlanc.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Affordable housing gets boost with start of Greenspoint project

Because home sizes in the U.S. have increased as family sizes have decreased, there is surplus space in many houses that could be generating income, according to PadSplit.

The fastest way to deploy affordable housing is to use whats there, said LeBlanc, who founded the company in 2017.

The PadSplit platform converts underutilized spaces such as formal living rooms to bedrooms to maximize returns for property owners, he said. The houses are outfitted with energy efficient lighting and insulation to save on operating costs for the owners.

Our model balances the needs of those who seek affordable housing with actually increasing profits for property owners, all without the use of additional taxpayer dollars, LeBlanc said.

Tenants, who undergo background and credit checks, pay by the week. The rate includes utilities, WiFi, laundry facilities and 24/7 access to telemedicine services.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Taxa Outdoors churns out Camping machines in COVID era

PadSplit works with credit agencies to help tenants improve their credit scores so they can work toward goals such as owning a house or having their own place, LeBlanc said. The company partners with social services groups and staffing agencies to help tenants who are struggling with job losses. Because of the economic fallout from COVID, the company set up an emergency assistance program and has raised more than $90,000 to help members who have fallen behind on their payments.

If they decide they dont like this place or location or this roommate, they can move to another room in the network or they can be refunded, LeBlanc said.

Early on in the pandemic, PadSplit developed a policy including no guests and additional cleanings to address COVID. The pandemic did not directly impact the companys plans for expansion, but highlighted the need  and its resolve  to provide more affordable housing.

PadSplit manages the units, including those it does not own, collecting the weekly rents, which can be set to correspond to paydays. It handles maintenance issues and sends the proceeds to the owners, typically on a monthly basis. It makes money by charging a 12 percent to 14 percent commission to the property owner.

PadSplit tenants, who often earn between $25,000 and $35,000, include security guards, hair dressers, teaching assistants, grocery store and restaurant employees. About 70 percent of them get by without a car, opting instead to take public transportation, ride-hailing services or biking to work. They stay in the rooms an average of about one year.

The company has more than 1,230 rooms available across all markets, primarily in Atlanta. Almost 90 rooms are under development in the Houston market. The rooms, which will be hitting the market in the next few months, are concentrated in the southeast Houston, Acres Homes and Pasadena areas.

katherine.feser@chron.com

twitter.com/kfeser
Dubais Emirates and Abu Dhabis Etihad Airways have partnered with the International Air Transport Association to introduce a travel pass for passengers who have been inoculated against Covid-19 or have tested negative.

The IATA Travel Pass will be offered on selected flights from Abu Dhabi in the first quarter, state-owned Etihad said on Tuesday. The carrier will extend the pass to other destinations if the initial trial is successful.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The travel pass will keep passengers in control of their data and facilitate sharing their test results with airlines and authorities for travel, Etihad said.

Emirates, the worlds largest long-haul carrier, will implement phase 1 of the pass in April to validate Covid-19 tests for flights departing from Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates has administered almost 2 million vaccine doses and has the second-highest rates of inoculations per 100 people globally after Israel.

IATA, the industry group, had planned a test program with British Airways parent IAG SA at the end of last year. And last month, Singapore Airlines started trials on a new digital verification process based on IATAs Travel Pass Framework.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Alfa Laval, DTU Energy, Haldor Topsoe, Svitzer and the Mrsk Mc-Kinney Mller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping are entering into a joint project to accelerate the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology.

Funded by a grant from Danish EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program), the partners will pursue a high-efficiency solution with the scalability to support marine industry decarbonization.

The project, SOFC4Maritime, will target optimal utilization of future green fuels via application of SOFCs for power production on marine vessels. When based on fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen or bio-methane, SOFCs hold great promise as a replacement for todays fossil fuels. Such alternatives are needed in the maritime industry, which must transition to greener power over just a few decades.

By electrochemically converting fuel into electricity, SOFCs can potentially produce power with higher efficiency than internal combustion engines running on the same fuelcwithout creating polluting emissions or particulates.

Ammonia-based SOFCs are especially attractive, since ammonia can be produced in large scale using renewable electricity and no biomass resource. The research will therefore have ammonia-based SOFCs as its starting point.

Alfa Laval, a marine supplier with more than a century of expertise, will head the development initiative. Haldor Topsoe will provide the underlying SOFC stack technology, while DTU Energy will support in system layout and component testing. Svitzer will bring a shipowner perspective and the Mrsk McKinney Mller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping will ensure a broad industry overview, end-to-end analysis of various energy pathways and a detailed techno-economic analysis.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets a 50% reduction of vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Today, global shipping accounts for around 3% of global carbon emissions, a share which is estimated to increase in the coming decades (as other industries tackle climate emissions). To achieve the long-term target of decarbonization the industry must shift towards new fuel types and technologies.

Because ships have a lifetime of 20 years or more, zero-emission vessels must begin entering the global fleet by 2030 for a 50% reduction to be achieved by 2050.

Becoming a Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) Seller After College

Close



(Photo : Becoming a Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) Seller After College)

We all agree college is an excellent choice for anyone's life. Whether you're deciding which major to choose, what internship to accept, or what career to pursue upon graduation, it helps to keep the big picture in mind. In this challenging economy that's constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to know the best career choice.

There is intense competition in the job market nowadays, so having a degree won't guarantee instant success. College may be the best way to land a job, but merely graduating from college is no longer the only key to success when it comes to landing a high-paying job. It would be best if you were strategic about your first job. Apply for work that will give you a jumpstart in your career. This job should get your foot in the door of your chosen field or industry. Take advantage of paid internships, look to a mentor for help, use your previous volunteer and life experience, stay flexible in what you apply for, and network with current contacts.

Amazon's Success

Despite the massive surge in unemployment we've seen recently because of the coronavirus pandemic, companies like Amazon have announced that they're hiring hundreds of thousands of part-time, full-time, temporary, and permanent positions.

As the world's largest online retailer, Amazon is continuously innovating and finding new ways to expand and satisfy its customers. With that comes a need for qualified employees who are willing to step up to meet the challenges. Headquartered in Seattle, with offices and centers around the globe, Amazon offers many employment opportunities. Whether you're graduating with an undergraduate degree, Master's degree, MBA, or Ph.D., Amazon teams have positions available globally.

Amazon strives very hard to keep employees satisfied. They ranked third in LinkedIn's 2019 list of top U.S. companies to work for. Fifth on Forbes' 2018 list of the world's best employers and world's most innovative companies, according to Fast Company, and is the most-loved brand in America in 2019 according to Morning Consult's research. They're a company that provides numerous benefits and invests a lot into their partners.

"Amazon believes that people should pursue what they're passionate about, whether that's a long-term career at Amazon or something that they've always dreamed of doing in another industry," said a spokesperson for the company. "We want to be the kind of company that will support an individual to get the skills they need for today's most in-demand fields."

The Next Generation Of Business

When it comes to working for Amazon, it's essential to know you'll need skills in customer service, sales, and, most important problem-solving. Thankfully the company provides superb training and programs that can lead to advancement. They look for employees with substantial innovation, who are self-motivated and driven. It's also notable that Amazon keeps a consistent job opening board online, provides paid internships, utilizes current employee recommendations, and holds ongoing job fairs.

Software To The Rescue

Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) is a service provided by Amazon that includes storage, packaging, and shipping assistance to sellers. Having the commitment of the Amazon name, shipping practices, customer service, and numerous business tools will set a business up for success. Now that you've selected your next career move, it's advisable to choose the right software to help with your Amazon FBA product sourcing.

A highly recommended and powerful tool is the Reverse ASIN Research Tool from Helium 10. This software contains multiple Amazon seller tools to help you find high ranking keywords, identify trends, compare competitors, and optimize product listings. The Amazon optimization tool suite is specially designed for sellers looking to grow their Amazon FBA businesses exponentially. Another great asset to your Amazon toolbox is AMZScout. It provides similar functionality through a web app and a Chrome Extension. Strengths include producing potential scores, BSR, monthly sales, profit, current inventory levels, and multiple competitor analysis levels. ZonGuru is an all-in-one Amazon seller tool that offers big data solutions. It helps you find the best suppliers, research top-selling products, uncover valuable market opportunities, and inspire you to unlock your next product niche idea.

Your Future Is Up To You

While it can be daunting to select a career path, knowing it will alter the course of your life, know that the sky's the limit. You can always take a different route, move to another location, or try a new field as you go. The important thing is to look for what inspires you and can help fulfill your potential.

See Now: Facebook will use AI to detect users with suicidal thoughts and prevent suicide

 2017 University Herald, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
The controversial founder of an Italian drug rehabilitation community where recovering addicts live and work together is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

Vincenzo Muccioli established San Patrignano in 1978 after growing frustrated at the state's inability to tackle the heroin crisis that was gripping the country.

At a time when methadone or morphine prescriptions were the favoured form of treatment, often leading to fresh addiction, Muccioli was championing a radical, alternative solution.

Addicts were invited to stay at his 500-acre farm for free, as long as they pledged to give up drugs and took up a job to help make the community self-sufficient, whether that was cooking, mechanical work, or tending to the animals.

Within just a few years, people were lining up outside the commune in the hope of being given a place; desperate parents praised the programme for rescuing their children from the throes of addiction; and Muccioli had become something of a national hero.

Controversial: Vincenzo Muccioli established drug rehabilitation commune San Patrignano in 1978 after growing frustrated at the state's inability to tackle the heroin crisis that was gripping Italy. His rise and fall is the subject of Netflix series SanPa: Sins of the Savior

Violent: Netflix's SanPa: Sins of the Savior reveals the extreme, sometimes inhumane, steps Muccioli was prepared to take in order to uphold what he saw as his promise to help his charges, whatever it took. Pictured, a man kept in change at San Patrignano

Popular: Within just a few years, people were lining up outside the commune in the hope of being given a place (above in 1988); desperate parents praised the programme for rescuing their children from the throes of addiction; and Muccioli had become something of a hero

In the more than 40 years since, San Patrignano has been home some 26,000 recovering addicts, with 1,200 currently living on site, including children who have previously resorted to sex work in order to fund their habits, according to AirMail.

The organisation estimates that 72 per cent of people who complete the course never relapse and 92 per cent find a job.

But while San Patrignano is considered a success, the life of its founder is shrouded in controversy.

During his decade in charge of the commune, Muccioli became known for the extreme, sometimes inhumane, steps he was prepared to take in order to maintain control and keep his charges on site.

His actions have been compared to those of a cult leader or a Mob boss, with deputies responsible for overseeing 'little kingdoms' where violent punishments were handed out to residents who broke the rules or tried to run away.

In the early 1990s there was also a double suicide and a killing that thrust Muccioli into the public spotlight and led to a murder trial, although thousands remained supportive of his methods until his death in 1995.

Netflix's SanPa: Sins of the Savior examines the rise and fall of Muccioli and asks the central question: How far should one man be allowed to go in the name of doing good?

Born into a wealthy family, Muccioli was spurred into action after a visit to the town of Rimini where he encountered young people ravaged by drugs and locals who walked past them, not believing the addicts were their responsibility.

Together with his wife Maria, he began inviting drug addicts to spend Christmas at the family farm in San Patrignano. Over the years, they developed a comprehensive plan.

Muccioli began to accept full-time residents on three conditions: that they stopped using drugs; did not ask for any money from the estate; they chose to undertake a vocation from a list of more than two dozen in order to make the estate a self-sustaining community.

Killed on site: Roberto Maranzano, who worked in the butchery department, was beaten to death by his boss and colleagues in a vicious attack. The murder sparked the downfall of Muccioli in the eyes of some, although he had supporters who remained true

Meals were taken together in a large dining hall and there were recreational classes to choose from in their spare time.

At the centre of Muccioli's philosophy was the belief that people can only overcome addiction when they feel they are contributing to a stable, functioning community.

A similar, community-based approach forms the basis of San Patrignano's work today.

New arrivals were also warned that they were not allowed to leave the estate once they had committed to staying.

'If I can't change their mind in any other way, I restrain them,' he said in one news report at the time. 'Because when they ask for help. They ask for the strength they lack when time gets hard.'

In October 1980 Muccioli's methods were brought to national attention when he was arrested for kidnapping after a young woman managed to escape after spending 15 days chained up in a 'cell'.

When police arrived they found four people chained in kennels and pigeon coops in the freezing cold.

'The father': Muccioli began to accept full-time residents on three conditions: that they stopped using drugs; did not ask for any money from the estate; they chose to undertake a vocation from a list of more than two dozen in order to make the estate a self-sustaining community. Pictured, Muccioli is embraced by a young woman at the commune in the 1980s

Community living: Meals were taken together in a large dining hall (pictured) and there were recreational classes to choose from in their spare time

Muccioli spent 30 days in prison and when he emerged, signed a statement agreeing to no longer use violence or physical restraints.

However he remained defiant, saying he 'didn't regret his actions' because it was what was required to keep the addicts on site and in treatment.

Former 'guests' revealed how violence and intimidation continued after Muccioli's arrest but in a more clandestine way.

One recalled how two men working for the commune kidnapped him from his mother's home after he ran away and relapsed. High on heroin and cocaine, he was left in a concrete storeroom in the grounds of the estate while he went cold turkey.

Italy's heroin crisis In the mid-1970s, heroin began to appear in large quantities on the streets. At first its use was primarily concentrated among the country's counterculture but by the beginning of the 1980s, use of the drug had spread across the social spectrum. It led to a devastating rise in dependency and deaths, creating what came to be known as the 'disappeared generation'. Advertisement

After four or five days alone in this concrete structure, he tried to take his own life.

In 1984 Muccioli was put on trial for kidnapping. His impassioned defence of his method catapulted him into the national consciousness and turned him into a household name, his son explained.

Some saw him as the anointed one with the answers to Italy's drug problems.

In the wake of the trial, the commune grew to include revenue-generating industries such as textile creation, wine production, a dairy farm and furniture workshop. It also expanded to include a hospital that specialised in HIV/AIDS issues, to help the large number of guests arriving with the disease.

Eventually the children of celebrities started seeking treatment at the estate, giving Muccioli access to some of the country's most powerful families.

All the while the commune was growing bigger and bigger, and getting further and further away from its beginnings as a humble farm.

As the commune grew, Muccioli became more 'detached from reality', according to one former aide, and began to think he was 'invincible'.

Growing increasingly remote, he relied on 'deputies' to oversee 'little kingdoms' within the commune, defined along the lines of the professions carried out by the residents.

On trial: In 1984 Muccioli was put on trial for kidnapping. His impassioned defence of his method catapulted him into the national consciousness and turned him into a household name, his son explained. Pictured, Muccioli in court with young people from his community

These deputies doled out harsh punishments. One former resident who worked in the chemical 'sector', or profession, told how he was once beaten up simply for being late to breakfast after a night shift.

On another occasion a man ended up in hospital after claiming horseplay 'got out of hand' in the kitchen, although many suspect it was something more sinister.

The strict regime of San Patrignano was also blamed for the deaths of a woman and a man who apparently killed themselves a day apart by jumping out of the window in a double suicide that drew media attention.

The man had tried to escape the commune but had been brought back by police. Residents how as a devout Catholic he had grown distressed at being unable to attend Mass on a Sunday due to the commune rules.

Meanwhile the woman's twin brother questions the circumstances of her death, saying she was violently beaten the night before she apparently jumped out of the window.

The father-of-two killed in a violent attack blamed on the mob The body of Roberto Maranzano was found dumped near a farm at Terzigno, near Naples, in 1989. A heroin addict, Roberto had sought help from San Patrignano in early 1988. His body was found 370 miles away from the commune, wrapped in a San Patrignano blanket. But when police made inquiries they were told Roberto had run away and had been the victim of a mob drug deal gone wrong. As the autopsy had detected heroin still in Roberto's system, police accepted Muccioli's version of events. But three years later a young man named Luciano Lorandi came forward to say he had witnessed Roberto's death. Lorandi had been a resident at San Patrignano and had worked in the pigsty and butchery, which was described as being the punitive arm of the commune. Roberto had been assigned to the butchery after unsuccessfully trying to escape the commune in 1989. The leader of the butchery, Alfio Russo, was once a trusted deputy of Muccioli and was relied on to discipline the most wayward residents. Russo had ordered two of his assistants to beat Roberto in a vicious attack. The following day, when an injured Roberto collapsed while trying to carry heavy bags of feed, Russo began beating Roberto once again. Together with his accomplices, he dragged Roberto into a cold shower and prodded him with the electric rods used on the pigs. Finally, Russo strangled Roberto and stood on his neck, breaking his spine. After Lorandi came forward, Russo was arrested and charged with Roberto's murder. Two other residents were thought to be responsible for transporting Roberto's body across the country. Advertisement

Muccioli's downfall began in earnest in March 1993 when police traced a body that had been found in 1989 near Naples, some 370 miles away, back to San Patrignano.

The case made national news and exposed the horrifying extent of the violent practices at the commune.

The victim, Roberto Maranzano, who worked in the butchery department, had been beaten to death by his boss in a vicious attack.

He was strangled and prodded with the electric rod used on the pigs.

The boss who led the attack, a man named Alfio Russo, was arrested and charged with the killing. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Residents explained how the butchery department was one of several 'punitive' sectors within the commune that were responsible for doling out punishments to residents who did not follow the rules or tried to escape.

Muccioli initially denied any knowledge of the killing.

But in a shocking twist he later confessed he had known about the killing but said he had kept quiet in order to protect the commune and 'his guys'.

His driver Walter Delogu later came forward with a tape he had secretly recorded in which Muccioli asked him to kill a resident who had witnessed the killing, suggesting he make it look like an overdose.

Muccioli and his inner circle tried to brush off the scrutiny, claiming Russo had been a 'loose cannon' who had acted alone, although they admitted there were some systemic issues within San Patrignano that needed to be addressed.

Muccioli even called for inquiries to be carried out on the commune to 'eradicate the gossip'.

The rehab founder appeared in court charged with manslaughter and aiding and abetting. He was acquitted of the first charge but found guilty of the second and sentenced to eight months in prison.

The legal battle took its toll on Muccioli and in the spring of 1995 he began to withdraw from his inner circle. In the summer of that year a newspaper report claimed he was seriously ill.

A doctor who worked at the commune said Muccioli was depressed. His wife said he had a 'broken soul' from being 'brutally attacked'.

Muccioli died in September 1995 at the age of 61 in mysterious circumstances. His death meant a final verdict could never be delivered.

His own brother and mother said they did not know the cause of death but it was officially recorded as natural causes. One man close to Muccioli claimed it was as a result of AIDS.

Years after Muccioli's death, San Patrignano remains a bright light for many in Italy.

Facebook groups tell stories of success from delighted residents and their families who say it has given them their family members back.

'He should be a saint for what he did,' one TV presenter said on the Netflix series.

Another said: 'I am the man today because of Vincenzo... I am also who I am in spite of Vincenzo.'

However others remain critical, saying the 'dark side' of San Patrignano must be known.
Im feeling really down today, tweeted Silvia Nanclares last week when it was still unclear whether the Madrid region would open its schools the following Monday due to Storm Filomena. I cant face another round of childcare and remote working. Even if its for a short period. I have no energy left.

First, it was the months-long coronavirus lockdown, which confined millions of families to their homes, then came summer and just when things were starting to return to normal, with schools reopening in September, Spain was hit by Storm Filomena, which paralyzed Madrid with record-breaking snowfall and forced schools to close until Wednesday. For Nanclares, who has a two-year-old son with her partner, it was one blow too many.

Nanclares and her partner are just one of many couples in Spain struggling to juggle working from home with their responsibilities as parents who are overwhelmed by the difficulty of separating their private and professional lives.

The children demand attention all the time and I feel guilty for not being able to play with them as much as they need Adrian Cordellat, freelance journalist

Different social psychology studies indicate that the home is not the best place to carry out intellectual tasks if there is no room with a door and no rules to regulate access. We study the negative effects that open offices have on performance if there are no partitions, says Veronica Sevillano, professor of psychology at Madrids Autonomous University. These same conditions are present in the home  a lack of privacy that hinders concentration.

The biggest drawback of teleworking while children are home is, she says, the inability to set a proper work schedule, since there is often a constant demand on our attention. Different studies have shown that if an intellectual task is interrupted, it takes about 15 minutes to recover focus, she says. We dont realize why we are so angry but it is pure frustration.

According to a study carried out by Madrids IE Business School, which analyzed how the human resources departments of 100 Spanish companies had helped staff adapt to working remotely, more than 90% had focused on keeping employees motivated in order to maintain productivity and had launched activity programs for workers children to keep them entertained during their parents working hours. Other human resource departments were interested in knowing which time slots best fit the new working from home situation. Work-life balance policies are not new in this country and when the pandemic started there were already many companies with contingency plans, says Pilar Rojo, director of the Human Resources Center at IE. It would not be true to say that Spanish companies have done nothing to adapt and care for their employees during these months.

But not all families have felt their companies have had their interests at heart. Nanclares, who teaches creative writing at various educational centers, decided to speak out last week. The companies dont call to ask how you are or what you need, she says from her home in Madrids Malasana neighborhood. They take it for granted that you will be able to get everything done and it annoys me that I have to pretend to be able to adapt to anything.

The 45-year-old explained to her various employers that she was unable to prepare classes and teach them online while taking it in turns with her partner to look after their two-year-old son, whose childcare center was closed due to Storm Philomena. I cant stand the idea of one more week without school. Psychologically, we have been pushed to the limit; now, on top of everything, they are asking us to go out on the streets with shovels [to clear the snow]! she says, in reference to the regional and municipal governments call for residents to help clear snow from building entrances and roads.

Maria Guruceta works remotely while looking after her 15-month-old daughter at home in Madrid. Andrea Comas

Although there is still a shortage of data on how remote working has affected work-life balance, the burden of childcare continues to fall primarily to women. In the wake of the pandemic, requests by women for flexible hours nearly doubled. In the past year, in 73 of the 160 companies awarded the Equality in the Workplace label, requests for flexible hours have risen from 570 to 777 in the case of women and from 291 to 420 in the case of men, according to a study published in December by the Womens Institute that analyzes the impact of the coronavirus crisis on balancing family and professional life. Since last March, teleworking has increased from 35% to 70%, according to this report.

Regarding innovative measures employed by these companies since the outbreak of the pandemic, six implemented the right-to-disconnect policies, which is one of the measures included in the new law regulating remote working, which came into effect in October. This policy means that workers have the right to disconnect at certain points during the day; for example, to not receive email while at dinner time. Of the companies analyzed, 26% have also offered remote emotional support services during the pandemic.

Companies take it for granted that you will be able to get everything done and it annoys me that I have to pretend to be able to adapt to anything Silvia Nanclares, creative writer teacher

As a single mother to her 15-month-old daughter, Maria Guruceta, 43, would like to see state aid to pay for someone to look after her child for a few hours a day. With the pandemic and now Filomena, I have to pay to work, she says. I have had to take on a childcare professional because I cant cope myself. It has made me feel very vulnerable.

A lawyer with an NGO in Madrid, Maria has reduced her workday to six hours, but even so, she cannot balance her work with the demands of parenting, and is unable to call on her mother for help as she is considered at higher risk from the coronavirus. This week, I found myself working as the sun came up with my child lying on top of me, she says. Nobody realizes that a single parent has to take the baby with them in a sling even if theyre just going down to put out the trash. I dont have enough money to hire a person for the hours I need. The only help she receives from the state is 100 a month as a working mother.

The Equality Ministry insists they are aware that work-life balance policies are not comprehensive enough and that childcare is the B side that nobody bothers to take into account. This year, the ministry will launch the Co-responsible Plan, funded by 200 million from the general state budget and set to supply professional caregivers to families with children under 14 in their care. The service will involve either a professional going to the family home to take care of the child or the parents being able to leave their child in a public childcare center. The details of the scheme still need to be finalized by the Equality Ministry and regional authorities. We know that with 200 million we will not solve the problem entirely, explains a spokesman from the ministry. Our goal is to take measures that do not involve women leaving the labor market. The childcare pool will not only be aimed at families with jobs, but also at those where one of the parents is actively seeking work.

We have been living in chaos for too many months and the government has not offered us any help, says Adrian Cordellat, 36, a freelance journalist who shares the care of his seven-year-old and four-year-old with his partner. It is taken for granted that you can work, take care of your children and now also remove the snow from the street.

Mar Cadinanos helping her daughter Vera, seven, with her homework at home in Madrid. Andrea Comas

During the first month of the coronavirus lockdown, he woke up at 5am every day to get started on work, but now he doesnt have the energy. I am exhausted, he says. The children demand attention all the time and I feel guilty for not being able to play with them as much as they need. Under the governments support plan, he is only allowed to stop paying his monthly Social Security contributions, if he can show that his revenue has dropped by 70% or more as a result of the crisis.

Me and my partner, who is also self-employed, no longer know how to organize ourselves, he says. We have clients who cannot wait, yet remote learning from home is already being normalized, which is not an option for us.

Meanwhile, divorcee Mar Cadinanos, 42, who shares the custody of her seven-year-old daughter, Vera, with her former partner, says she is doing fine. She has her daughter for four days at a time, which means she can get through 80% of her work when she is alone. I am resilient, she says. And this situation does not seem like the end of the world to me, but I dont know how couples who are with their children 24/7 do it. Being separated during the pandemic has made it a bit easier.

English version by Heather Galloway.
It may be January of 2021, but an article about hands doesnt always have to be about washing them! The hands of a watch can be a key part of its identity. In fact, hands are such an important feature of the watch face that, often, you dont really see them.

Many choices, few suppliers

There are countless different styles available, but very few suppliers. They include Universo (founded in 1909, a European leader, now part of the Swatch Group), Fiedler (Switzerlands oldest surviving watch hand manufacturer  its mother house was founded in 1848), Waeber HMS, Aiguilla SA, GVA Montres, MPI in Asia and La Pratique, which has been based in Morteau, France, since 1907.

Quai des bergues Midnight in Geneva, PIlot Type 20 Blueprint, Memoris Superlight  Czapek, Zenith, Louis Moinet

A difficult year

These suppliers offer thousands of products, some standard, some less so. And, as you would expect, the public health crisis has not worked in their favour. We predicted a decline of 18%, and we ended the year down 25%, explains Laurent Waeber, Managing Director of Waeber HMS SA in Fleurier. The company works mainly for the Richemont group, but also for LVMH, Kering and some independent watchmakers.

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary  Grand Seiko

Time for a new economic model?

Other variables have affected the market. Were being asked to be more agile and reactive, Laurent Waeber continues. But thats difficult when labour represents 65% of our costs. Whats more, Asia has become more competitive in terms of both quality and reactivity. In Switzerland, on the other hand, we have the ability to produce small batches of 300 or 500 units. In Asia, if youre ordering less than 3000 units, theyre not even interested.

Endurance Pro, Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 Dan Gurney  Breitling, Baume & Mercier



Another positive factor for Swiss producers is single-batch orders. Theres almost no repetition, Laurent Waeber adds. We get an order for a design, a single batch of a few hundred pieces, and the client moves on to something different. For us, that means we must be absolutely perfect from the get-go. That requires experience and savoir-faire, which we have, but thats not necessarily the case in Asia.

Timeless creations

Some hand shapes have remained virtually unchanged for generations. The classic example is the hollow apple shape, otherwise known as the Breguet hand. These slender blued hands feature a hollow circle near the tip. They remain a signature style for the Breguet brand, although they have been widely copied by countless other watchmakers.

H5  HYT

The same goes for the spear-shaped hands that, although they are not protected by copyright, are a defining feature of Cartiers style, or the Snowflake hands used by Tudor. Other very popular designs include the leaf-shaped hands used by Frederique Constant. Finally, in recent years we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of cathedral hands, often paired with vintage designs. These highly visible hands with their generous lume infill are a key element in the success of the Pilot watches produced by Patek Philippe and Zenith.

Reine de Naples, Maillon de Cartier  Breguet, Cartier



Creative independence

Niche brands sometimes have trouble securing a source of hands, because their order volumes are so small. This has led some companies like Hysek to bring production in-house. Others still manage to find suppliers that are happy to fulfill small orders of highly creative products. This is the case for Ateliers Louis Moinet, who over the years have developed and refined their dewdrop hands. It also applies to the Roman hands that Czapek developed with Waeber HMS, which have become a key part of the brands identity, as Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel explains.

Slim d'Hermes GMT  Hermes

Makers marks

If they dont go as far as creating their own special shape of hand, many watchmakers imprint their identity on the seconds hand counterweight. The star of Montblanc or of Zeniths El Primero, the T of Tissot and the B of Breitling, the cobra on the Capeland Shelby by Baume & Mercier and the nautical letter B for Breguet  these are just a few examples.

Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, Black Bay Bronze  Patek Philippe, Frederique Constant, Tudor

There is also no shortage of different hand shapes  baton (Hermes, Nomos), skeleton (almost all of Greubel Forseys output, for example, or HYT, where they are coated with lume)  or finishes. Most hands are made of steel (which may or may not be blued), gold (at the higher end) and some showcase a special finish (Grand Seikos zaratsu polishing). The possibilities for artistry are endless, despite the diminutive canvas.
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.
Representative image

The cast and crew of Amazon Prime Video series "Tandav" on Tuesday said they have decided to implement changes to the political drama to address concerns.

"Tandav", a nine-episode political thriller starring Bollywood A-listers Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, started streaming last week but the show landed in a huge controversy over its depiction of Hindu deities. At the centre of the row is a scene with Zeeshan Ayyub, in the role of college student Shiva, playing the Hindu god Mahadev in a theatre production.

Another Tandav over OTT content, but they are still under self regulation framework

In an official statement, the team reiterated that they had no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments. "We have utmost respect for the sentiments of the people of our country. We did not intend to hurt or offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead.

"The cast & crew of 'Tandav' have made the decision to implement changes to the web series to address the concerns raised towards the same," the statement read. The team also thanked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for the guidance and support in the matter.

"We once again apologize if the series has unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments," the statement said.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
A gunman was initially feared to be on the loose in a marauding terrorist attack at Manchester Arena, an inquiry into the bombing has heard.

Audio from emergency services calls made in the minutes following the terror attack has been played as the emergency response is examined.

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, exploded his rucksack bomb at 10.31pm on May 22 2017, in the City Room or foyer of the Arena, killing 22 bystanders and injuring hundreds more among the 14,000 crowd leaving an Ariana Grande show.

The inquiry, which began last September, heard on Tuesday that there had been reports of a shooting as well as an explosion.

Expand Close Salman Abedi (Manchester Arena Inquiry/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Salman Abedi (Manchester Arena Inquiry/PA)

Among a series of audio clips played to the inquiry was a 12-minute call between North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and North West Fire Control (NWFC) which began six minutes after the blast.

The ambulance service caller was heard requesting assistance, saying there had been a bomb threat at the Arena.

The male caller said during the conversation that he had been informed we are getting reports of people being shot.

When pressed for information, he said: There is reports of a shooting going on as well.

The woman in fire control confirmed to him that she was logging his reports of a bomb having exploded, 60 casualties and an active shooter.

Later in the call the woman said an update had just come through which indicates injuries are shrapnel wounds rather than gunshot wounds.

If ever there was a time to bear in mind that time is passing its for this call, isnt it? Nicholas de la Poer QC

During Tuesdays hearing, Detective Inspector Michael Russell of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) helped to outline the sequence of events of the emergency service response.

Addressing him after the 12-minute call was played, counsel to the inquiry Nicholas de la Poer QC said: If ever there was a time to bear in mind that time is passing its for this call, isnt it?

Mr Russell replied: Twelve minutes long, yes.

Mr de la Poer added: In fact that call concludes some time after 22.49, and as well see, an awful lot occurs, some of which is being reported in real time, as the various controls learn of new information.

During internal audio from NWAS at around 10.43pm that night between the control and tactical departments, one person on the call was heard to say: Weve got a marauding terrorist incident at Manchester Arena.

The woman then added that British Transport Police have reports of 50 casualties, but they have nothing regarding an active shooter so it may be a bomb.

Expand Close Salman Abedi on the night he carried out the Manchester Arena terror attack (GMP/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Salman Abedi on the night he carried out the Manchester Arena terror attack (GMP/PA)

A few minutes later another short clip of audio confirmed NWAS had declared a major incident.

A call handler could be heard to say: Well call it declared (a major incident) as from now, 22.46.

The inquiry has heard that, on receiving reports of gunshot injuries and an active gunman, Inspector Dale Sexton, the force duty officer at GMP HQ, declared Operation Plato, believing an armed terrorist was on the loose as part of the bomb attack.

Following an audio clip of that declaration, played on Tuesday, Mr de la Poer put it to Mr Russell that it seemed it is unmistakably the case that he (Sexton) certainly has in mind the possibility of whether there is more than one person involved.

Mr Russell replied: Yes, thats correct.

On Monday the inquiry heard that firefighters did not arrive at the arena until two hours after the suicide bombing, only one paramedic entered the blast scene in the first 40 minutes, and GMP did not declare a major incident until the following day.

Expand Close Mourners view tributes in St Anns Square, Manchester (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mourners view tributes in St Anns Square, Manchester (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Among CCTV stills shown to the inquiry on Tuesday was one of the first ambulances to arrive on scene at 10.58pm, described by Mr de la Poer as a significant moment.

At around 11.16pm Inspector Sexton was informed that a report had been made about a possible second attacker, with Mr de la Poer telling the inquiry a report had been made in good faith by a member of the public.

Shortly before 11.30pm a GMP radio transmission, played to the hearing, included reference to a possible second suspect who had spoken to police officers and appeared to have been acting in an unusual way, Mr de la Poer said.

The declaration of Operation Plato meant Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) kept its firefighters away from the area, as dictated by national guidance in such a scenario.

In audio between NWFC and GMFRS a call handler in the control room was heard explaining that they had not mobilised to the scene based on the information they had from police, and instead had mustered at a fire station outside the city centre.

After giving her update, in a call shortly before 11.15pm and lasting around five minutes, she added: I know it sounds a little bit disorganised at the minute, its just been absolute bedlam with the staff weve got on duty.

The man, a group manager at the time with GMFRS, replied: Sounds like youre doing OK so far.

The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday.
Authorities are investigating an apparent homicide after discovering the body of a 61-year-old Wakefield elementary school speech therapist in her home moments before police shot her son when he charged at them holding a knife.

Wakefield police responded to the Otis Street home of Pamela Wood to perform a well-being check shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday after Greenwood Elementary School officials alerted family that she did not arrive at work at 8:30 a.m. Family members requested the check after they were unable to gain access to the home without a key.

Police and the Wakefield Fire Department pried open the back door, and police and firefighters announced their entrance and began clearing the home. Police officers went upstairs and firefighters headed downstairs, finding Wood deceased with severe trauma in the basement.

When police officers proceeded downstairs after firefighters calls for backup, Woods son, Timothy Martin, whom lives in Manchester, New Hampshire and was not expected to be there, charged at officers holding a knife over his head, police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office said Tuesday afternoon.

A pair of Wakefield officers fired shots and struck Martin, who was transported to Lahey Hospital after officers performed life-saving efforts at the scene.

Martin, 23, remains in custody at the hospital and authorities expect to file charges and schedule an arraignment.

The district attorneys office said five Wakefield police officers received treatment at area hospitals but did not sustain any serious injuries.

Per department policy, the officers who fired on the suspect have been placed on administrative leave, authorities said.

The district attorneys office, Massachusetts State Police and Wakefield Police Department continue to investigate the killing.

Related Content:
LondonThe world is one step away from a "catastrophic moral failure" that will cost millions of lives. The denunciation has been made this Monday by the director general of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom, in view of the lack of equitable distribution of the vaccines against coronavirus and rich countries' lack of commitment and solidarity with poor countries. "More than 39 million doses have now been administered in at least 49 high-income countries. Only 25 doses have been administered in one low-income country. Not 25 million, not 25,000, just 25. I have to be forceful," he added, at the organisation's executive committee meeting. These 25 vaccines refer to those administered in Guinea Conakry thanks to a donation of Sputnik V vaccines. "The price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries" Dr Tedros stressed.
Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Former European head Urs Jordi now chairs the Aryzta board

European bakery business Aryzta plans to do away with its dual-listing structure by removing the company's shares from the Euronext exchange in Dublin.

Zurich-based Aryzta, which announced last month it plans to exit the North and Latin American markets to focus on Europe and Asia, said the board of directors have opted to cancel the secondary listing on Euronext because fewer than 4% of the shares outstanding are listed on the bourse.

The shares are traded as Crest Depository Interests (CDI), a security that represents a stock trading on an exchange outside of the UK and Ireland, or in Aryzta's case, outside of the Six Swiss Exchange, the country's main share platform where the bakery company has a primary listing.

Aryzta said the benefits of a single listing are one set of compliance and regulatory obligations and reduced costs. It also noted the decision forms part of its strategy to "simplify" the business under a new recently installed board chaired by Urs Jordi, the former head of Aryzta's European division.

Under that simplification objective, Aryzta announced in December it was selling its take-and-bake pizza business in North America to US-based private-equity firm Brynwood Partners. That came before the news that Aryzta planned to exit North and Latin America, with talks ongoing with interested parties.

Aryzta said it will be writing to Euronext Dublin with a request to cancel the listing and will then communicate developments to the CDI holders.
Martin Scorsese has become one of the most famed directors of all time since he first gained recognition for his filmmaking back in the 1960s. Scorsese has brought dozens of films to life, but it turns out one diagnosis at a young age caused him to direct his creativity toward movies  as opposed to a life of crime.

Martin Scorsese | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Martin Scorsese used his childhood as inspiration for some of his movies

Scorseses childhood wasnt so different from the portrayals of youth in many of his successful movies. The director was born and raised in New York, having grown up in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. With that said, he certainly experienced some of what he brought to life in his gangster-related movies, such as Goodfellas, The Irishman, and Gangs of New York.

Though Scorsese didnt grow up with involvement in the mob, he was raised in New York during a time when the mob ran the streets. In Goodfellas, Ray Liottas character, Henry Hill, referred to being a gangster as better than being President of the United States. And to many in 1950s New York City, this was true. It would have been easy for Scorsese to become involved in such a life, but an early diagnosis prevented him from doing so.

Martin Scorsese (center) with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio | Kevin Winter/Staff

RELATED: Martin Scorseses Longest Films Include The Irishman, The Wolf of Wall Street and A Few You Forgot

Scorseses chronic asthma diagnosis helped steer him from a life of crime

From a young age, Scorsese was diagnosed with chronic asthma. The condition meant that he couldnt run around with the other neighborhood kids, play sports, or go outside as often as those around him. Scorsese spent most of his life indoors, and as a result, he fell in love with film. But his wildly successful career as a director likely never would have happened if it hadnt been for having asthma.

According to Scorseses longtime cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, Scorsese once revealed that he would have ended up in a life of crime if it werent for dealing with asthma. [Scorseses] best friend was the son of the Mafia boss there, Ballhaus once told GQ of Scorseses New York City childhood, according to Express. When he was a kid, he had asthma, so he couldnt go on the streets. He went home and watched movies on television, hours and hours. Ballhaus added that Scorsese told him, I probably would have been one of them, if he hadnt dealt with the lung condition as a child.

Martin Scorsese | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Scorsese has won more than a dozen awards for his works

Its hard to think Scorsese could have easily traveled down a different road from film directing  though the career choice certainly proved to be his calling. The director has won more than a dozen awards for his movies, such as an Academy Award for Best Director for The Departed. Scorsese also won several British Academy Film awards for Goodfellas and two Directors Guild of America awards for his films Goodfellas and Boardwalk Empire.

Scorseses awards even have their own Wikipedia page  hes no stranger to wins or nominations.

A dermatologist has revealed why the sun and salt water can be good for your skin, after Hailey Bieber declared her complexion is always at its 'best' when she has 'spent time in the ocean'.

Melbourne skin expert Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan explained that a dip in the sea has many anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits, and it can also help hugely with those struggling with acne and psoriasis.

'It is thought that blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum of sunlight, is absorbed by porphyrins produced by acne-causing bacteria,' Dr Gunatheesan told BeautyHeaven.

A dermatologist revealed why sun and salt water is good for the skin, after Hailey Bieber said her complexion is always 'best' when she's 'spent time in the ocean' (Hailey Bieber pictured)

Melbourne skin expert Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan explained that a dip in the sea has many anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits (Rachael Finch pictured)

'Exposure to nature and the meditative properties of the ocean work synergistically to reduce stress which then has a positive impact on our skin health.'

While the dermatologist said you should not be spending too much time in the water or in direct sunlight if you want good skin, she said 'two to three' sessions of between 15 and 20 minutes each per week is good for vitamin D levels.

'15-20 minutes will give you the optimal blue light exposure, as well as the anti-inflammatory effects of sea water,' she said.

Any more and you risk giving your skin sun damage or prematurely ageing your complexion.

Between 15 and 20 minutes three times per week is enough sunlight and exposure to salt water, in order to prevent any skin damage (Elyse Knowles pictured)

Dr Gunatheesan isn't the only proponent of salt water for improved skin.

Previously, health experts at The Conversation revealed salt water has significantly higher amounts of minerals, including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium - which can make it useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Bathing in natural mineral-rich water, including in mineral springs, is called balneotherapy and has long been used to treat psoriasis.

Salt water also has benefits for eczema, another immune-mediated condition.

Previously, dermatologist Dr Giulia D'Anna said there are seven age-defying ingredients you should be incorporating into your regime for a youthful look (Elise Cook pictured)

What are the seven ingredients for a youthful look? 1. SPF 2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 3. Niacinimide (vitamin B3) 4. Resveratrol 5. Hyaluronic acid 6. Squalane 7. Retinol Advertisement

Previously, dermatologist Dr Giulia D'Anna told FEMAIL that there are seven age-defying ingredients you should be incorporating into your regime for a youthful look.

These include SPF, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Niacinimide (vitamin B3) and Resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant which Dr Giulia said is found in 'high amounts amongst the skin of grapes and in red wine'.

Elsewhere, the dermatologist said you need to look for skin products with ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Squalane and Retinol.

'Retinol is a form of vitamin A, that has medical studies proving its effectiveness on skin,' Dr Giulia said.

Retinol works by speeding up the cell renewal process, and therefore removing dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones in the process.

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.
BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Digital , a leading digital marketing agency with a client base including many of Boston's up and coming tech companies, today announced results of a new survey, "Tech & Digital: Industry Trends from the COVID-19 Pandemic." The survey canvassed 500 tech executives to determine their top challenges in 2020, how they overcame these challenges, and where they plan to invest their 2021 marketing budgets. The results overwhelmingly indicate that tech companies turned to digital solutions in 2020 to combat the drop off in leads from in-person events and tradeshows, saw positive results, and are now sticking with their strategies and planning to invest more in marketing. Click here to access the full report.

In 2020 tech executives faced a unique predicament, the majority of them saw an increased demand for their products and services, yet they faced disruptions to their sales & marketing models. Tech executives turned to digital solutions & increased digital marketing to combat challenges such as pivoting their messaging or losing face-to-face sales interactions. With the move to a digital sales & marketing model, executives reported improved client satisfaction and an overall positive impact on business. Looking ahead, it is clear that tech executives are sticking with digital and plan to increase their overall investment in marketing.

"We have just come through a period of a decade's worth of changes to technology and marketing habits in just over nine months," said Boston Digital president and CEO, Peter Prodromou. "As marketers and technologists, we need to be deeply in tune with the implications of these changes. Our survey provides a strong glimpse of the trends we, and the industry, should expect to see in 2021 and going forward."

Tech companies saw an increased demand for their products while facing disruptions to their business model. They looked to digital as the solution.

Top three biggest challenges faced by tech companies during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Employees' ability to use new tech



Remote work



Lack of in-person sales meetings.

88% of tech companies had difficulty pivoting their messaging.

of tech companies had difficulty pivoting their messaging. 95% of companies have increased their marketing activities since the start of the pandemic. Top activities increased:

of companies have increased their marketing activities since the start of the pandemic. Top activities increased: Virtual trades shows



Email marketing campaigns



Webinars



Paid Social

This increase in digital marketing has positively impacted business, and as a result, tech executives are planning to invest in marketing in 2021. Both executives at companies with products that are in higher demand since the start of the COVID-19, and executives at companies that have seen lower demand, plan to invest in marketing next year.

96% plan to invest in marketing in 2021. Top marketing areas companies plan to invest:

plan to invest in marketing in 2021. Top marketing areas companies plan to invest: Social Media



Digital Marketing



Content

The benefits of digital are being felt both within tech companies and by their clients.

71% say the move to a digital sales & marketing process has had an overall positive impact on business.

say the move to a digital sales & marketing process has had an overall positive impact on business.

85% say the move to a digital sales & marketing process has had a positive impact on client satisfaction.

say the move to a digital sales & marketing process has had a positive impact on client satisfaction. Other than remote work, increased digital marketing was the top change executives anticipate being permanent.

This investment needs to come with results. The digitalization of marketing means it is more measurable than ever and tech executives want to see those stats.

93% say tying marketing efforts to ROI will be important or very important

say tying marketing efforts to ROI will be important or very important 94% say analytics will be important or very important in 2021

To see more results and implications from Boston Digital's survey, read this whitepaper.

Boston Digital

Boston Digital has been delivering transformative digital marketing for 20 years. We believe digital excellence starts with a world-class website and catches fire with brilliant digital marketing services. Boston Digital helps clients across the US in industries from consumer products and life sciences to higher education, financial services, and high tech, find their "Digital Mojo", connect their brand to the people who need it most, and boost their competitive edge. www.bostondigital.com

SOURCE Boston Digital
A professor has been interrupted by her baby eight times in one minute as she tried to present her online learning class.

Academic Elizabeth Kolkovich had just returned from maternity leave for her first class of the semester when her baby kept interrupting her.

The mother-of-two, from Akron, Ohio, was trying to film her online tutorial when her baby made noises every time she spoke.

Ms Kolkovich had to repeat her introduction 'hello, I'm Professor Kolkovich and welcome to English 2201' eight times before finally giving up with an exasperated 'ahhhh'.

Academic Elizabeth Kolkovich (pictured) had just returned from maternity leave for her first class of the semester when her baby kept interrupting her

At one point she panned the camera around to her cute as a button daughter who looked innocently up into the lense.

She said: 'This is my baby. She doesn't want to be quiet today'.

Ms Kolkovich tried to keep recording so she could edit the clips into something the baby didn't feature in, but her daughter made it impossible by constantly making noises.

At one point she panned the camera around to her cute as a button daughter who looked innocently up into the lense

The video soon racked up hundreds of retweets after it was posted to Twitter. Social media users loved the insight into the life of a working mother amid the coronavirus pandemic

She captioned the clip: 'Its the first day of the semester, Im back from maternity leave, and everything is going super smooth and professional.'

The video soon racked up hundreds of retweets after it was posted to Twitter. Social media users loved the insight into the life of a working mother amid the coronavirus pandemic.

She tweeted: 'I love that my video has brought others joy and a chance to commiserate about the ridiculousness of trying to do two full-time jobs at once (child care + teaching).

'Yesterday my 8yo re-enacted it for his second-grade class. He played me and enlisted a friend to play the baby.'

Ms Kolkovich tried to keep recording so she could edit the clips into something the baby didn't feature in, but her daughter made it impossible by constantly making noises

Responding to another comment she said: 'She gives me a couple of short windows each day when Im fooled into thinking she can play independently.

'But I need to be in the same room and look at her regularly, and quietly is obviously not part of the plan!.'

To another comment she added: 'I will need to roll with outtakes for sure! I expect the baby and her sounds will be a constant presence in my classes, but I wanted just one very short welcome where I looked like a professional adult talking to other adults. What a pipe dream!'
Given more than half of cases in NSW were overseas acquired, hotel quarantine was a "difficult but necessary safety measure", he said. He said there were "extensive paediatric supports" for children entering quarantine unescorted, and they were placed close to the nurses' station to allow for frequent observation. "No minor is left alone," the spokesman said. "Allied health and nursing staff will monitor their wellbeing and provide them with activities." Danielle Pringle, who runs a business helping with the logistics of returning boarders and international students, said she knew of dozens of high school children who were undergoing hotel quarantine while their parents were thousands of kilometres away. "I dont think the government's actually understanding the impact it's actually having on these children," she told the Herald.

Loading The mother in Singapore said she had spoken to her 12-year-old son on Tuesday, who after four days in hotel quarantine said he wasn't sure how he would cope mentally for the two-week duration. The Australian Boarding Schools Association has floated the idea of a quarantine bubble for the students, similar to those run by the AFL and at the Howard Springs mining camp in the Northern Territory. Chief executive Richard Stokes said students would be put up in the national quarantine hub under strict supervision by boarding school staff. "It's about doing it correctly, with really good protocols," he said, adding the plan was for children to spend three days in their rooms and return a negative test before they could go outdoors in small groups.

The plan has received conditional federal government support but the association is still awaiting a response from state governments, including NSW, Mr Stokes said. He said it had been challenging for boarding schools to make arrangements for students who could not return home due to border closures. A COVID-19 patient is dropped off at Special Health Accommodation, where children arriving from overseas are being quarantined. "Most of our heads of boarding have not had a holiday since Christmas," he said. "We have had a number of schools stay open all the way through the holidays to look after students or arranging home stays." The NSW Health spokesperson said hotel quarantine exemptions could still be granted in special circumstances, including for medical or compassionate reasons, provided a stringent list of health measures were agreed upon for the journey and home.

The Herald has seen three letters from NSW Health rejecting applications for exemptions for international boarding school students. The mother in Singapore said her sons, aged 12 and 15, were undergoing two weeks of quarantine at a hotel in Mascot despite her submitting a detailed self-isolation plan in which they would stay with her mother. One of the boys has asthma and coeliac disease "You're incarcerating children and there are viable alternatives that seem to be available to rich people," the mother said. She said the boys were being constantly checked on, there was a nurse on their floor and NSW Health staff had been empathetic.

Loading The mother argued it was unrealistic to expect someone other than the parents to volunteer to quarantine with the children. "Having completed two lots of hotel quarantine myself, it is a lot harder than people think and I would never ask someone to endure this," she said. Another mother based in Hong Kong, who is sending her 16 and 14-year-old sons to boarding school in Australia, said she couldn't expect her sister, who was due to host the boys, to leave her own three children to enter quarantine. Saint Ignatius' College Riverview, Dr Paul Hine, said he respected the NSW government's acumen in managing the pandemic but "sincerely shared" the concerns of families of international students undergoing 14 days' quarantine.

"Our pastoral care team is on standby to provide any form of support," he said. "We have been delivering care packages to students who are in quarantine." Ms Pringle said the general public had a view of expats as being elite, but they were quite often permanent residents living on local salaries. "At the end of the day the people are Australian residents who want to educate their children in Australia," she said. The headmistress of St Catherines School in Sydney, Dr Julie Townsend, said many of its international boarding students had to sacrifice seeing their overseas-based families during the summer holiday period. "This is to ensure they can commence their 2021 school year with us," she said.
Johannesburg, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2021 ) :A new variant of the coronavirus first identified in South Africa is more contagious than earlier versions, experts said on Monday, but there is no evidence that it is more deadly.

The new variant is 50 percent more contagious, said epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim, co-chair of the health ministry's scientific committee.

"There is no evidence the new Covid variant is more severe than the original variant," he added.

The experts drew their conclusions about the variant -- now the dominant strain in South Africa -- from an analysis of data collected from the main infection clusters across the country.

With more than 1.3 million people infected, South Africa has recorded more cases than any other country on the continent and has also suffered more deaths, with 37,105 registered.

The second wave of the virus has stretched South Africa's health system to its limits.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Monday said there had been a 23-percent fall in infections -- but that the number of hospital admissions was up by 18.

3 percent on the previous week.

Dr Waasila Jassat, another member of the expert panel, said that even though admissions were up, the death rate from the virus in hospitals had not changed from the first wave of the virus.

It was the discovery by South African experts of the new variant -- known as 510Y.V2 -- that convinced the authorities to introduce new restrictions in December to slow its spread.

"The world has underestimated this virus," said another panel member, virologist Professor Alex Sigal, adding that it was evolving and adapting to humans.

Fears over the new variant helped convince some airlines to limit flights into and out of South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced the arrival of more 20 million doses of vaccine over the next six months.

Epidemiologist Abdool Karim said it was not yet known if the current vaccines would be effective against the new variant of the virus, though several studies were going on.
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.
She's the former Real Housewives of Melbourne star who is getting out of her comfort zone on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

And on Tuesday, Pettifleur Berenger flaunted her sensational bikini body as she had her first shower in two weeks while in the jungle.

The 56-year-old stripped off her camp uniform for a provocative two piece as she prepared for the shower.

She's got it! I'm a Celebrity's Pettifleur Berenger, 56, [pictured] flaunted her age-defying bikini body as she took her first shower in TWO WEEKS on Tuesday

She wore a white halterneck bikini top with a pair of black and white palm print bottoms.

Unfortunately for the reality TV personality, the warm water shower was cut short just as she prepared to rinse out her shampoo lathered hair.

Pettifleur was left to finish her shower in cold water, leaving her annoyed at her fellow campmates.

Bikini body: The 56-year-old stripped off her camp uniform for a provocative two piece as she prepared for the shower

Oh dear! Unfortunately for the reality TV personality, the warm water shower was cut short just as she prepared to rinse out her shampoo-lathered hair. Pettifleur was left to finish her shower in cold water, leaving her annoyed at her campmates - including Dipper (right)

Last week, Pettifleur stunned fans with a shocking admission about her hygiene regimen in the camp.

The Sri Lanka born star admitted she had not showered at the camp before doing the ice bath challenge.

She also revealed she tries to 'avoid cold water' at all costs - even admitting she only drinks 'warm water'.

Admission: Last week, she stunned fans with a shocking admission about her hygiene regime in the camp. The Sri Lanka born star admitted she had not showered at the camp before doing the ice bath challenge

'You'd be loving the cold showers in camp then,' quipped host Chris Brown, prompting Pettifleur to respond, 'I don't shower.'

Pettifleur then clarified: 'I had one shower. I just let the wipes do the job.'

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10
Tangled bunches of wires, engraved in peoples mind as an integral part of Ho Chi Minh Citys hustle and bustle, have been gradually disappearing.

The removal of the citys iconic yet troubling scene has taken decades, involving dozens of agencies.

A messy electricity pole is seen at the De Tham-Co Bac intersection in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, January 1, 2018. Photo: Hoang Dong  Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

From piloting to mass implementing

The disappearance of messy nests of wires gives breathing space to the city and helps to boost sales of street front shops.

Linh, a shop owner on Vo Thi Sau Street in District 3, recalled 2016 when overhead wires still plagued and mostly covered up the buildings facade.

As the tangle became a mess, it was tightened up with metal rings," she recounted.

"We lived on thin ice back then, worrying a short circuit might have caused a devastating blaze.

"In 2017, those wires started being unraveled and grounded."

Workers of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation pull out new underground electrical cables on Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, November 8, 2020. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre

Linh told Tuoi Tre she used to set up a shop sign in front of the building which encroached on the sidewalk.

Since the wires were buried, the shop facade has been visible from afar, allowing us to attract more customers than before, she added.

Nguyen Van Anh, a resident of District 6, said electrical and telecommunications cables in her neighborhood were only grounded in 2018.

Before, the wiring formed a convoluted net right in front of her house.

It looked weighty," she said.

"I worried that once the pole might no longer bear such a burden and collapse, my house would have been destroyed.

"It was such a relief when the net was buried.

Workers construct an electricity grid on Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, August 20, 2013. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Ho Chi Minh Citys plan of wire burial was first developed between 2003 and 2005.

The citys electricity company piloted grounding its electrical cables on Le Loi, Le Duan, and Nguyen Hue Streets.

The first-hand effort, however, did not completely address the wire plague since communications and lighting cables were still overhung.

The plans next phase took place in 2009-10 with the company implementing five projects of burying electrical and communications wires in some central areas including around the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee building, Ben Thanh Market, and on the main streets of Tran Hung Dao, Le Thanh Ton, and Truong Dinh.

Technicians check a cable trenchs depth. Photo: V.A / Tuoi Tre

These projects adopted a multi-objective approach of not only centralizing the management of metropolitan technical infrastructure but also upgrading the citys sidewalk system.

The schemes started expanding in 2015 with electricity and communications sectors joining hands to bury tangled wires in District 1 and District 3.

Messy electricity poles have no longer been seen in the city center since the end of 2020 while the work has been continuing in outlying districts.

Workers remove tangled wires at the Pasteur-Ly Tu Trong intersection in preparation for undergrounding in Ho Chi Minh City, August 8, 2011. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre

Steering committee needed

The undergrounding used to be done at the stakeholders discretion.

There was a time when sidewalks would be dug up once by the electricity company that had buried their wires, then telecom agencies came to do it again.

Messy construction provoked an uproar from residents.

Realizing the issue in 2014, the city government tasked the Department of Information and Communications with cooperating with the Department of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, and related agencies in forming a steering committee responsible for coordinating the burial of electrical and communications cables.

A worker cleans up old wires after they were removed on Truong Dinh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, May 12, 2009. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre

The cooperation has proven its role in changing the cityscape, preventing fire and contributing to the development of sustainable neighborhoods, according to Le Quoc Cuong, deputy director of the Department of Information and Communications.

As the project has been expanded, Cuong stressed upon the comprehensive cooperation and support from districts authorities along with awareness-raising efforts for people on the need of wire burial.

It is an urgent demand to develop a procedure and mechanism able to link investors of public infrastructure projects, project managing agencies, sewage agencies, electricity and telecom companies in setting up the underground cable system aligned with traffic constructions, said Cuong.

The Pasteur-Ly Tu Trong intersection after the burial of overhead wires. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

In the past 10 years, under the city authorities command, some 240 cable-grounding projects have been completed on 195 streets, burying nearly 2,200km of electrical wires.

From 2021 to 2025, the city aims to bury nearly 1,300 more kilometers of electrical cables.

These ambitious undergrounding projects depend on efforts of authorities to develop an urban underground infrastructure plan as a reference system for similar efforts, according to Nguyen Van Thanh, director of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation.

Besides, it is necessary to have citizens understand the need of these projects in improving living standards and the cityscape of Vietnams economic engine.

"We plan to recommend the city authorities to use 3D Geographic Information System in managing underground infrastructure, at the same time, providing data for the citys public service portal. "The technology is expected to create favorable conditions for the design, negotiation, implementation and investment of any undergrounding project. "The company will also ask the authorities to accelerate assistance policies, offer incentives including increasing the current loan interest support of 50 percent to 100 percent." Banh Duc Hoai, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation

Le Quoc Cuong, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh Citys Department of Information and Communications, said the city was the vanguard in tidying up and undergrounding telecom cables, funded by private agencies. The city also pioneered the use of Geographic Information System in managing sectors of electricity, sewage and telecommunication as well as developing the public service portal named 1002, which was later duplicated in other provinces. The telecommunication sectors undergrounding was first conducted in 2000 on Le Duan Street. Local authorities aimed to avoid replacing an overhead mess with an underground one by tasking the department with monitoring the burial of wires. Some other cities have followed Ho Chi Minh City in undergrounding cables, said Cuong. Even in Ho Chi Minh City, people living in small alleys worked with authorities to bury wires to ensure safety.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
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.
By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed with U.S. stock markets on Tuesday ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration as U.S. president on optimism that more government stimulus will eventually lift global economic growth. Brent futures for March delivery rose $1.15, or 2.1%, to settle at $55.90 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 62 cents, or 1.2%, to settle at $52.98. Front-month February WTI futures expire on Wednesday. Wall Street's main indexes rose after upbeat earnings from big U.S. banks and comments from U.S. Treasury ...
Some residents of Sefwi-Waiwso, the Western North Regional capital have appealed to President Akufo-Addo to consider Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Waiwso constituency in his next cabinet.



In an interview with the Ghana news Agency (GNA) at Sefwi-Waiwso, some of the residents argued that Dr Afriyie, a long standing member of the NPP had selflessly, diligently and effectively served his country in various capacities and that it would be appropriate to honour him with a Ministerial position.



Others were of the view that Dr Afriyie having won the Sefwi-waiwso seat for the first time in 2016 and maintained it in 2020 and with NPP winning Presidential Elections for the first time in the area was a great achievement and he should be rewarded in order to ensure Sefwi-Waiwso becomes a strong hold of the NPP.



"Dr Kwaku Afriyie helped in the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance scheme, served as a member of the National Development Planning Commission, member of cabinet sub-committee on Cocoa Affairs between 2001-2005 and member of the National AIDS Commission, Former Western Regional Minister, as well as former chairman of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Company of Ghana" Vincent Addea NPP constituency research officer indicated.



Some also pointed out that Dr Afriyie winning the Sefwi-waiwso seat for the NPP was a well fought battle since a staunch member of the NPP contested as Independent candidate and that his appointment as a cabinet Minister would motivate the Constituents to give of their best to ensure a resounding victory in the next elections.



"Dr Afriyie's contribution to the NPP goes beyond Waiwso constituency as he supported and campaigned in other constituencies in the Region during the 2020 polls," the residents explained.

Source: GNA









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

Featured Video
The pandemic spread its tentacles fast and suddenly most countries were in the throes of the lockdown, impacting jobs and livelihood. Entrepreneurialism is fraught with risks, so would have taken a back seat during the pandemic? Wrong? A global survey by Ipsos of more than 20,000 men and women in 28 countries shows entrepreneurialism was alive across all global markets, polled  at least 3 in 10 (30%) global citizens claim to have started a business and 1 in 10 (13%), say they have started an interest group; 4 in 10 urban Indians (45%) claim to have started at least 1 business in the time of the pandemic and 4 in 10 (42%) claim to have started an interest group.

"The pandemic and the lockdown made many rethink their priorities, with all the time on the hands, even thinking of new business ideas; for some, it wouldve been to get more freedom from their demanding jobs, for others it wouldve been the only recourse with job losses reaching a new high during the pandemic," says Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos in India.

One thing is certain, the Entrepreneurial Spirit was found to be bullish across most markets  for global citizens, entrepreneurial spirits was very high and high at 32% and 37% respectively. Among Indians 51% was Very high, 26% was high, 17% moderate and 7% low.

"Entrepreneurial Spirit was arrived at by capturing views on at least 100 attributes making it a highly rigorous process," added Adarkar.

Top attributes for Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial Spirit was defined by some of these top attributes among global citizens, that they felt they possessed: strong work ethic (74%), disciplined (73%), good planner (69%), flexible (69%), resourceful (68%), self motivated (68%), future oriented (68%), passionate of what they do (67%), good money manager (66%), strong belief in self (66%), creative (64%), can deal with failure (63%), can control my destiny (60%), among others.

Is Entrepreneurialism encouraged?

Entrepreneurialism is provided major thrust is India  urban Indians feel all key stakeholders of Banks (64%), business/ private sector (60%) and govt (54%)  are actively assisting entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Global citizens in comparison credit their institutions of banks (32%), business (32%) and govt (29%) far less.

"For a job deficit market like India, entrepreneurialism is given huge emphasis, as it generates jobs and provides employment to many. Sometimes the idea is so strong that funding and systems all fit together with least effort. But sometimes, in a saturated market, with no takers, the plans fall through," said Adarkar.

Barriers to Entrepreneurialism

Everything is not hunky dory. Global citizens and Indians have identified some major roadblocks to entrepreneurialism  and both interestingly face the same hurdles: of funding, lack of interest, economy and knowledge.

Though funding was far more pronounced.

Global India

Funding (41%) Funding (49%)

Interest (19%) Interest (13%)

Economy (19%) Economy (16%)

Knowledge (17%) Knowledge (19%)
We got roughly $300,000 earmarked for us to use to take down the building and for cleanup, Adduci said. Im hoping that is what Chris is going to do and help everybody with getting some of that money out and sent to the municipalities.
BERLIN  The United States has informed Germany that it will impose sanctions on a Russian-owned ship involved in the construction of an undersea pipeline that is to carry natural gas directly to Germany from Russia, German officials said Monday.

The sanctions, which are to take effect on Tuesday, are the first action the United States has taken against the project, which has been a point of friction between Washington and Berlin.

The German government supports the pipeline, the Nord Stream 2, but Washington fears it will give Moscow undue leverage over Germany, Ukraine and Central Europe.

The U.S. sanctions came amid increased calls from opposition leaders in Germany for Chancellor Angela Merkels government to halt construction of the pipeline over the jailing of the Russian opposition leader, Aleksei A. Navalny. Mr. Navalny was arrested on Sunday upon his return home from Germany, where he had spent months recovering from a near-fatal poisoning for which Moscow has been blamed.
Darjeeling (WB) :

Security forces were on high alert and internet services remained suspended, though no incidents of violence were reported in Darjeeling hills till 9.30 AM on Monday. The situation is still very tense. Since morning there has been no incident of violence but we are on high alert and prepared for any eventuality, a senior police official said.



Internet services remained suspended and security forces were patrolling the streets on the fifth day of the total shutdown, called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland.



The internet services were blocked in Darjeeling since Sunday morning. Police sources said the step was taken to stop GJM activists from using social media to spread messages and provocative posts.

#WestBengal: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters hold a protest rally in Darjeeling, over #Gorkhaland demand pic.twitter.com/EH9jKTV6QQ  ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017

A public library, two panchayat offices and a police vehicle were set ablaze at Kalimpong yesterday. Kalimpong, part of Darjeeling district until recently, was made a separate district on February 14 this year.



The GJM activists had also taken out a protest march on Sunday carrying the bodies of two party supporters who, they alleged, were killed in police firing on June 17.



Police pickets and barricades were placed in front of government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices and various entry-exit points of the hills.



Except medicine shops, all others shops and hotels were closed in Darjeeling.

#Darjeeling: Indefinite strike called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha enters into eighth day #Gorkhaland (Visuals from Chowk Bazaar) pic.twitter.com/L0VPmMcWgd  ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017

#WestBengal: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as Toy Train services affected amid indefinite strike called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha pic.twitter.com/V6p81M82Rx  ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the second time in two days yesterday and appealed to the protesters not to resort to violence and come forward for a dialogue to resolve any issue.



All parties concerned and stakeholders should resolve their differences and misunderstandings through dialogue in an amicable environment, the home minister had said.

Mamata Banerjee appealed to people of Darjeeling to maintain peace, "Violent protest won't be tolerated. My ministers are monitoring the situation," said West Bengal CM before leaving for Netherlands.

Violent protest won't be tolerated. My ministers are monitoring the situation: Mamata Banerjee,West Bengal CM #DarjeelingUnrest pic.twitter.com/rBWrjdpQ3o  ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
LOWELL, MI -- Police are looking for a missing and endangered woman from the city of Lowell

Komal Saxena, 36, has been missing since Thursday, Jan. 7, according to a Lowell Police Department news release.

She was last seen driving a silver 2005 Lexus ES330 with a Michigan license plate of EGK2699.

Lowell Police Sgt. Scot VanSolkema told MLive Monday, Jan. 18 that Saxena takes daily medication for diabetes. The medication has been left at her apartment, VanSolkema said.

He added, police have followed up on different leads, but havent had any luck locating her.

VanSolkema said her family is concerned about her because she doesnt have her medication.

However, at this time, it does not appear she is in any immediate danger or trouble, VanSolkema said.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Lowell Police Department at 616-897-7123.

Read more on MLive:

A valuable human has lost his life, says judge who sentenced father to prison for sons backyard pool drowning

Michigan State Police trooper injured in head-on crash identified

Woman injured in apartment fire on Ferris State University campus

New grocery store focuses on food justice in underserved Grand Rapids neighborhood
Highlights BSNL will start providing landline services in Mumbai and Delhi from March 1, as per a report.

BSNL was going to start with the services in January 2021 but there was a delay due to technology-related issues.

BSNL started operating the mobile network of MTNL as its outsourced agency from January 1, 2020, according to DoT.

Government-owned telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will start providing telecom services in Mumbai and Delhi from March 1, 2021. Sources familiar with the matter told Business Standard that the telco has agreed to go ahead with the services and that there was a delay due to technology-related issues. BSNL started operating the mobile network of MTNL as its outsourced agency from January 1, 2020, DoT in a letter had noted. MTNL was to shut its special services for landline users from January 10, 2021. However, reports now highlight that the change will take place from March 1, 2021.

The department granted a unified license to the telco in December 2020 that included Delhi and Mumbai telecom service areas, making the telco eligible to offer mobile and fixed-line services in two metropolitans. The Delhi service areas include National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad while the Mumbai service area would cover New Mumbai and Kalyan.

BSNL has been allotted an additional block of 5 MHz in the 2100 MHz band in 20 telecom circles, including Mumbai but excluding Delhi and Rajasthan. It has been allotted a 5 MHz block in the 850 MHz band in Rajasthan and a 10 MHz block in the 1800 MHz band in Delhi circle with a 20 years validity up to 2040 which was effective from February 29, 2020. After the grant of the new UL, all of BSNL's spectrum in these two bands has become liberalised and can be used to offer 3G or 4G services as per the operator's discretion. BSNL has started providing 4G service in Bilaspur and Korba cities of Chhattisgarh. The telco is likely to expand its 4G service to the rest of the state and eventually plans to do so all over India.

According to an Only Tech report, BSNL's 2G and 3G network signals have already emerged in the Mumbai circle, which were however patchy. The telco will also test the quality of Indian telecom equipment before letting indigenous manufacturers participate in the 4G tender to be floated by it, according to a notice by the telco.

A Financial Express report noted that 12 companies have purchased the expression of interest (EoI) document, issued by BSNL. The Indian companies include Tejas Network, ITI, Larsen & Toubro, Tech Mahindra, TCS, Sterlite Technologies and HFCL. Global companies including Ericsson, Huawei, ZTE, Nokia and Mavenir Systems have also purchased the document which reportedly asserts that the core for the source code of the software has to be indigenous.
Pretoria (South Africa), 18 January 2021 (SPS) - Sahrawi Ambassador to South Africa, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat said that the Joint Declaration of Algeria and South Africa was in line with the requirements of the African Union (AU) regarding the need to meet the minimum conditions, namely Resolution 690 and the organization of the referendum to resolve the conflict in Western Sahara.



In an interview with APS on Sunday, the Sahrawi diplomat said that "the conflict in Western Sahara is a question of self-determination and decolonization, which is the political position of the majority of countries, a position consistent with international legality."



For Beissat, "the Makhzen's haste to normalize its relations with the Zionist entity will have no clear practical impact and will not change anything in the equation."



After recalling that "the Moroccan regime invaded Western Sahara in 1975 with the support of the Ford Administration (former US president, editor's note) and built its defense lines with Israeli help and planning," the Sahrawi ambassador said that "Trump only declared relations that were secret.



The Sahrawi ambassador to South Africa referred to the opening of consulates in territories occupied by countries that do not respect international legality, including that the existence of a community or economic interests is an integral part of the conditions for opening a consulate in terms of international law.



After attacking Sahrawi civilians on November 13, 2020, he continued, Morocco has created a new reality by pushing the Sahrawis to defend themselves, adding that over time, the Mekhzen "will feel pressure given that the Sahrawis are able to resist 40 more years to convince him to sign a just peace agreement allowing the respect of our law."



"Morocco has no ability to resist in its war against the Saharawi people," said Beissat.



"The war imposes its logic, its dynamics and its conditions, which is why Morocco must prepare for a war longer than before and more ferocious against the Saharawi people," warned the Saharawi diplomat. (SPS)



062/090/700
Editors note: This is the last of three stories highlighting the new members of Laredo City Council ahead of their first meeting.

The newly elected and sworn-in District VIII Councilmember Alyssa Cigarroa comes from a family of doctors known throughout the community. However, serving in the medical field is not the only type of public service her family has done.

The Cigarroa family is vital to the city for their service in the medical field. However, a branch of the family has also served in public service, which is the tradition the new councilmember is taking on as she explains exclusively to LMT while offering her views on what Laredo means to her and the younger generations and how the pandemic has affected her personally.

Laredo is a beautiful city; how beautiful can depend on your perspective, Cigarroa said. Our culture lends itself to family gatherings, carne asadas, quinceaneras and pinatas. For those of us who have always been here, this is enough and its fulfilling.

However, Cigarroa said this is not enough for the younger generations that still need to make a living in the growing yet economically underdeveloped city.

For the younger generations and many newcomers, Laredo is viewed as a city that has not invested in its infrastructure  a city in which its difficult to begin a new business and to integrate into our society, Cigarroa said. We find that many of our young professionals leave because of better pay or a better quality of life.

She believes investing in the city to make it a better place is the first step to retain this young talent and open the doors for talent all throughout the country to come to the city.

To change this, we must invest in our city, Cigarroa said. We must first meet the basic necessities in every district such as lighting, sewage, sanitation and adequate roads. We must also make our city more friendly to entrepreneurs, merchants and investors. We must plan for progress and innovation as other cities are doing.

Even though her running for office was considered a sensation due to the prominence of her family in the local medical field, she said her family is not just made up of doctors but also of politicians who have served in high offices of the federal government.

The Cigarroa family is known to be a medical family, she said. Four generations of physicians have tended to Laredos medical needs. We are also a family that has been in public service for 100 years.

One of her relatives was even a congressman from the San Antonio area. Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, her grandfathers cousin, served as a San Antonio councilmember then was elected to the Congress where he served nearly 50 years in office. His son Charlie Gonzalez followed in his footsteps. Other examples of the Ciagarroa family in politics include her great-great grandfather, Judge Manuel Raymond, who was elected Webb County Judge in 1937.

She said her motivation to join politics came after seeing how bad the situation was in downtown Laredo and seeing how she could also serve in public office like members of her family to bring positive changes to the area.

When I first moved to the downtown area, I was disheartened to see the neighborhoods of the West End in such disarray, Cigarroa said. Our downtown has so much potential to be better. I became involved in multiple community organizations in an effort to help improve things and met with many residents and business owners who live and work in the West End. My love for them grew, and as a result I entered public service and have chosen to dedicate my time to the community so we can move forward together.

Considering there are many issues affecting her district that need their time and dedication, she said she has to prioritize what issues are the most important.

She will focus on cleaning up the streets, improving lighting and making health care accessible in the district as her main goals. However, her main goal is to provide a voice for all members of her district so they can say what they want from the city. She will then work on those issues.

My ultimate hope is to give District VIII citizens the knowledge and tools necessary for them to meaningfully participate in the democratic process, to have a say in the policies that will affect them, to be empowered to make the decisions that will lead to healthy and productive lives, Cigarroa said.

Cigarroa has been providing the people of Laredo with a voice since the pandemic began by creating one of the main Facebook pages to provide updates about the virus.

Early on, our communitys reporting of the pandemic was deficient and not transparent, she said. I founded the Facebook page Laredo Contra Covid in an attempt to provide our community with an educational platform that brought physicians and patients directly into the homes of Laredoans. In this manner, we heard from the frontline workers and patients without filters.

Cigarroa said she also spent time getting to know many of the frontline heroes throughout the early days of the pandemic and continues to do so to see how they are struggling. Ultimately, her fathers infection is what helped her feel powerless amid the virus.

I met with frontline workers and COVID-19 patients and saw the tragic impact of the virus up close, she said. My father then developed COVID-19, and so I also felt the fear and sadness experienced by so many others.

Fortunately, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa was strong enough to beat the virus. However, the same cannot be said about many people in and around the city as the death toll is up to 565 in the city, and she understands that pain and hurt.

To all those who lost loved ones to COVID-19, I offer you my sincerest condolences, Cigarroa said. My love and prayers reach out to you. To those who were infected but recovered, be thankful and embrace life with a new vigor. And most importantly, to all those who have not had COVID, be careful. The virus is more contagious than ever and more virulent. Wear your face mask and distance yourself. Avoid gatherings! The vaccine is here and will be available to all hopefully within the coming year. The worst will be behind us soon. Remember, nothing lasts forever and neither will this.

Cigarroa said she dreams of getting many different things done for her district, but this will not just be done by herself. It will take a collective effort by all the local city government striving for the same hope.

I am a dreamer at heart, but I am also a realist, Cigarroa said. I understand that making lasting changes in our city will take time and a lot of effort. I admit I cannot do this alone, nor do I expect to. Transforming Laredo will require all city councilmembers, the mayor and city management to establish and work toward common goals that reflect the voices and needs of our community.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
Sports lie at the margins of our culture, different from how it is elsewhere in the world, and from how it used to be. This is one of the reasons why criminality among youth proceeds unchecked. There is no youth labour market, and the school system ruthlessly triages youth.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favour of Inigo Gonzalez, who was arrested by the Spanish Guardia Civil in January 2011, and who claimed to have been tortured during the period of incommunicado detention. Gonzalez was arrested by order of then judge Fernando Grande-Marlaska, now Spanish minister of interior. Today, Strasbourg has ruled against Marlaska again. The victim had denounced that during the interrogation they put a bag over his head, choked him, hit him and made him want to vomit because he couldn't stand it anymore. The extortion meant that the statement he made afterwards followed the narrative that the police had set.

Gonzalez was arrested in a joint operation carried out by the Guardia Civil and the National Police, together with Patxi Arratibel, Iker Moreno, Gorka Zabala, Xabier Beortegi and Gorka Maya, all of whom reported suffering similar processes, which were already reported by the newspaper Gara, including simulated rape or having electrodes all over their bodies.

Why were they arrested?

They were all sentenced to prison terms by Grande-Marlaska, who considered that these members of Ekin had acted under the orders of the Basque terrorist group ETA. Ekin is considered to be the structure that ETA created to manage and direct all support for the organisation in its legal part and transmit its directives to Batasuna, a political party later found guilty of financing the terrorist organization. The organisation was dissolved and its militants were encouraged to join the new bet of the abertzale left.

The Strasbourg Court ruling unanimously considers that article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture, stating that "no one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment" was violated. The ECHR states in its judgment that Gonzalez Etayo described "in a precise and circumstantial manner the ill-treatment of which he claimed to have been a victim during his detention, when he filed a complaint before the duty judge in Pamplona as well as before the investigating judge at Spains National Audience court ".

He added: 'The leading investigating judge did not respond to the requests of the applicant's family members concerning measures of investigation and protection of the applicant while in police custody, nor did he order any measures of investigation following the applicant's statements or refer the file to any other competent judge'. In view of the foregoing, he orders the compensation of 20.000  to Inigo Gonzalez for failure to properly investigate the torture which he allegedly suffered after his arrest by the Guardia Civil. It remains to be seen how the other victims cases are resolved

Marlaskas shadow

Strasbourg has now already ruled ten times against Spain for not investigating torture or inhuman treatment. Marlaska has already accumulated seven sentences against him, as he was ultimately responsible for the well-being of these people during their detention. Ohian Ataun was the first person from Navarre to win a torture case in Spain.

Subsequently, the convention ruled in favour of Jon Patxi Arratibel, a well-known case because he signed the declaration of self-incrimination with the word "Aztnugal" ("help" in reverse, in Basque). Xabier Beortegi, who also won in Strasbourg, was arrested together with Arratibel. Later, the ECHR condemned Spain for the inhuman treatment suffered by Igor Portu and Mattin Sarasola at the hands of the Guardia Civil. Now it is Inigo Gonzalez who once again highlights the lack of guarantees for those detained incommunicado. Today at 5pm, the accused in the case for which Inigo Gonzalez was arrested will hold a press conference in Pamplona to assess the Strasbourg sentence.
The past four years have been stomach churning with caustic accusations, actions and missteps by all parties. The attack on the U.S. Capitol was unimaginable.

Now is the time to see if bipartisanship and country first can be realities or if they are just empty party slogans.

In September 1974, President Gerald Ford showed real leadership and resolve when he made the right decision to pardon former President Richard Nixon. He saved our country from tearing itself apart at a tremendous cost to himself.

Now the onus is on Joe Biden to show leadership and answer that question, Which comes first: party, self or country?

Can he step up and lead us to healing and unity as Americans as well as move the country forward?

DOUGLAS H. SASS

Gadsden Street

Charleston

Deadly contradiction

I enjoy a good contradiction. Share the road is a good one. Except this contradiction can kill bicyclists, pedestrians, walkers with baby strollers, walkers with dogs, the elderly with walkers and those in wheelchairs.

Share the road means take the lane.

According to South Carolina law, without a bike lane, cyclists are required to ride as far right in the lane of traffic as possible, not on the sidewalk, as some people may think.

The plan to close the Sullivans Island causeway multiuse path will force nondrivers into the road. This creates a situation for bicycle riders where they should take the center of the lane rather than the far right side.

Attempting to share the narrow lane with drivers will put everyone at risk of a collision.

F.X. CLASBY

Riverside Drive

Charleston

Birth control needs

The S.C. Senate and House are not only forcing through legislation prohibiting abortion as early as six weeks, when most women have yet to confirm the pregnancy, lawmakers continue to fight the right of Planned Parenthood, the largest agency of birth control services in the state, to receive federal Medicaid funding.

The burden falls on our most vulnerable young women, the poorest and those without adults in their lives to guide them through one of lifes most difficult decisions.

Women disproportionately bear the consequences of their actions when it comes to an unwanted pregnancy. Many in the Legislature continue to force their beliefs and moral judgments on women.

Where is the justice in blocking services for women who cannot afford birth control, who perhaps would like to carry the pregnancy to full term but cant for lack of personal and financial resources?

Sign up for our 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!

South Carolina, you can do better than this.

SARAH REDMOND

Innisbrook Bend

Summerville

Difficult, needed vote

Thank you, Rep. Tom Rice, for casting a difficult, but necessary vote for impeachment.

Thank you for having the clarity and moral courage to do the right thing.

In our current climate of rampant conspiracy theories and alternative facts, it is a breath of fresh air for a politician to set aside personal ambition for the sake of good and for the benefit of the nation.

If only the other GOP members of the S.C. congressional delegation had equal courage.

MARK TESENIAR

Ford Johnson Road

Charleston

Trump blew it

There is an old saying comparing house guests who overstay with fish that should have been eaten a day earlier.

Our impeached President Donald Trump finds himself so positioned when just months ago he had a successful presidential campaign tantalizingly within reach. But his arrogance, sense of entitlement and a penchant for inflammatory speeches ultimately brought him down.

It was the latter that triggered thousands of loyal followers in an unprecedented act of violence to storm and ravage the U.S. Capitol with Congress in session. It was all the U.S. House needed to bestow on Trump the dubious distinction of becoming the only president to have been impeached twice.

Now, Trumps legacy and the ability to again run for office are in the hands of the U.S. Senate, which will judge whether the House made its case for impeachment.

It was all there for Trump: a second term as president and an opportunity to build on his achievements. Those of us who twice voted for him looked past the man to his promises and beliefs.

We saw a bold, new approach to governance exemplified by his success in the Middle East, his work improving job opportunities for minorities and beginning the process of reacquiring control of our borders.

But instead of wondering what might have been, he leaves us worrying about what might be.

N. JOHN GARCIA

Carolina Towne Court

Mount Pleasant
Australian business giant Super Retail Group will return $1.7million of JobKeeper payments back to the government after a 'record' online sales period over Christmas.

The Super Retail Group - who owns some of Australia's biggest brands, such as Supercheap Auto, BCF and Rebel Sport - claims it had a strong online sale period over November and December last year.

The result of high consumer spending made for a 'record first half performance for the group', allowing the company to operate without the government's wage assistance schemes.

Super Retail Group that owns brands like Supercheap Auto (pictured) had a record online sales period of $237million

The busy November and December periods last year set records for businesses, as Rebel Sport (pictured) saw a 15 per cent growth

Group Managing Director and CEO of Super Retail Group Anthony Heraghty said consumers set many records for the company.

'We are particularly pleased with our record online sales over the November cyber weekend and strong Christmas trading. This has culminated in a record first half performance for the Group', Mr Heraghty said.

For a 26 week period until December 26, 2020, online sales saw the most significant growth of 87 per cent.

Consumers set records for Super Retail group over cyber November and the December Christmas period (pictured: stock image of two people shopping)

The staggering growth generated $237million, representing 13 per cent of total Super Retail Group's sales.

But out of the four companies, BCF came out on top with a shocking 51 per cent total sales growth, followed by Supercheap Auto with 20 per cent growth and Rebel with 15 per cent.

Super Retail Group as a whole saw a 23 per cent increase across their core brands.

Heraghty said the dedicated work ethic of employees helped the company adapt to the unique challenges the pandemic presented.

From all the companies in Super Retail Group's portfolio, BCF (pictured) came out on top with a shocking 51 per cent total sales growth

'Strong cashflow generation leaves us well placed in the second half to reinvest in our brands,' Mr Heraghty reassured stakeholders.

But despite a period of unprecedented customer demand which sky-rocketed the company in sales, Mr Heraghty remains cautious about the future.

'While we remain cautious on the outlook for the second half given the uncertain economic environment, the Group has a resilient business model, underpinned by powerful brands with market-leading positions.'
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:35:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HARARE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Work to reshape Kariba Dam plunge pool that started in 2017 is progressing well and is now 60 percent complete, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) said Tuesday.

ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the project, which also involves the refurbishment of the spillway gates, is scheduled for completion before the end of 2024.

"The Plunge Pool Reshaping works commenced in May 2017 and are being carried out by Razel Bec, a French civil engineering construction company. The works are targeted for completion before the end of 2024. The project is on course and the works are 60 percent complete," Munodawafa said.

The project involves re-shaping of the Kariba Dam plunge pool to address safety deficiencies as well as the refurbishment of six flood gates to enhance operational control of reservoir releases.

The rehabilitation of the man-made dam shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia is meant to secure long-term reliability of power generation by the two nations and the entire southern African region.

The spillway refurbishment works commenced in September 2019, with the contract being implemented by a Consortium of GE Hydro of France and Freyssinet International of France.

"The spillway refurbishment works are aimed at ensuring free movement of the gates used to shut the upstream opening of the flood gates during maintenance of the flood gates," Munodawafa said.

"It is worth mentioning that the overall objective of the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project is not to seal cracks as has previously been speculated by some sections of the media, but rather to increase the lifespan of the dam wall.

"The project is on schedule while the contract implementation timeframe is 48 months from the commencement date. Consequently, the completion of the works will be accomplished in 2024," Munodawafa said.

The 300 million U.S. dollars project is jointly funded by the World Bank, European Union, the African Development Bank, Swedish government and the Zambezi River Authority, a bi-national organization managing the dam on behalf of the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The dam, constructed across the Zambezi River which divides Zimbabwe and Zambia between 1956 and 1959, was commissioned in 1960. The dam is a double curvature concrete arch dam, 128 m high and with a crest length of 617 m.

The two countries equally share the water resource for power generation. The dam supplies water to two underground hydropower stations with a total capacity of 2,130MW.

The North Bank Power Station is operated by ZESCO in Zambia and has an installed capacity of 1,080 MW while the South Bank Power Station is operated by Zimbabwe Power Company and has an installed capacity of 1,050 MW.

Both the Kariba North Bank Power Station and Kariba South Bank Power Station had their power generation capacity significantly improved in recent years with financial support from China.

Chinese contractor Sinohydro invested millions of U.S. dollars in expanding the capacity of the Kariba North Bank Power Station to the current 1,080MW after adding two 180 MW units in 2013.

On the other hand, the same contractor completed the expansion of Zimbabwe's Kariba South Bank Power Station in 2018, after adding two 150MW units, to raise the power station's capacity to the current 1,050MW. Enditem
The company is targeting development of its BHCP project to coincide with an anticipated cobalt price rally and when the market demands a new mine to meet projected demand.

The installed belt filter on the mezzanine level of the Pilot Plant being built at Broken Hill.

( ) ( ) (FRA:COH) chairman Rob Biancardi says the company is committed to developing the Broken Hill Cobalt Project (BHCP) as well as looking for commercial opportunities to deploy its proprietary processing technology in 2021.

In a letter to shareholders, he said: [BHCP] remains one of the most advanced and unique cobalt projects in the world.

Cobalt Blue believes the successful development of BHCP will position it globally as a low-cost, long-term supplier of ethically derived, battery-grade cobalt sulphate.

Shares trend higher

With the company about to begin pilot plant operations in Broken Hill as part of a global cobalt sample program and strengthening cobalt markets, COB shares have been on an upward trend since mid-December.

From A$0.105 on December 15, shares have risen more than three-fold to A$0.355 on January 11, a new high of more than two years, and today have been up to A$0.34.

This also follows a strong year of results in 2020 which have laid the foundations for 2021 to be a key year.

The company finalised the purchase of 100% of the BHCP last year and successfully delivered a Scoping Report to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) as the first step towards achieving State Significant Development (SSD) approval.

Stronger project economics

It also delivered the BHCP Project Update 2020 (effectively an enhanced PFS level study), showcasing a longer project life with stronger economics.

The study confirmed a highly profitable, long-life, low capital intensity, large-scale cobalt mine/refinery and provided the executive team with the tools needed to progress detailed commercial discussions.

It produced an intermediate Mixed Hydroxide Product (MHP) containing 37% cobalt and 7% nickel and final (battery-ready) cobalt sulphate containing 20.8% cobalt.

The company was also awarded a A$2.4 million of Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)  Project Round 8 Funding from the Australian Government for applied research and development of the processing of cobalt-pyrite ore to generate battery ready cobalt sulphate over the next three years.

Pilot plant progress

Last year the company designed, sourced and received major equipment items for the upcoming Pilot Plant in Broken Hill, including the calcination of around seven tonnes of BHCP concentrate, from which feedstock for the plant will be produced.

Biancardi said: The Pilot Plant is being finalised, and remains on-track for commissioning during February with first product shortly after.

The Pilot Plant will supply both MHP and cobalt sulphate test samples for commercial partners.

The sample program (ranging from 100 to 200 kilograms and from 2 to 3 tonnes for the later demonstration plant) is potentially one of the largest undertaken within the global cobalt market, where typical project test work normally ranges from 1-20 kilograms.

Biancardi said: The facility will prove up the processing technology that COB has developed and de-risk the project for future investors.

Instrumentation work at the pilot plant is expected to commence by mid-January.

Test samples for commercial partners

Biancardi said: I am pleased to report that to date, over 15 partners have raised their hands to receive samples.

Shipments of these test samples will begin in Q1 2021, with our aim that COB production satisfies raw material standards for global battery makers.

Commercially, COB now has cobalt sample partners from Japan, Korea, India, Europe and Australia representing a strong selection of cathode precursor/battery makers, cobalt trading houses and mining companies.

Investors can therefore anticipate robust commercial project discussions from this point.

Pilot Plant progress showing the completion of structural steelwork with electrical works undergoing.

Demonstration plant planned

The Pilot Plant will be followed by a larger scale Demonstration Plant later in 2021.

Biancardi said: This overall investment will inform the BHCP Feasibility Study.

The resulting large-scale samples will also allow us to begin qualification of our cobalt products within the downstream battery industry.

For a new supplier, this process can take over 12 months.

Cobalt market outlook

In examining the macro, Biancardi said that the cobalt market was tightening from its COVID driven 2020 lows.

He said: Cobalt sulphate pricing has improved from (cobalt equivalent) US$12/pound (April 2020) to over US$19/pound at time of drafting.

Our corporate view is that the metal is well on track to retrace its long-term average price of US$25/pound in real terms.

The BHCP, with an estimated ~US$12/pound (All In Sustaining Cost) which is in the lowest quartile of global production, makes a significant margin in such a normalised market environment.

Electric vehicle subsidies

On the demand side, Electric Vehicle (EV) subsidies are occurring on an increasingly larger scale, targeting both EV purchase assistance and bailouts for incumbent auto manufacturers.

Europe, China and other major countries are mandating lower CO2 emissions and to date over 30 countries globally have legislated the elimination of Internal Combustion Engine vehicles.

Germany has increased subsidies to 9,000 for EVs (below 40,000 price); 5,000 for EVs (between 45,000 and 65,000), Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) receive 6,750 (below 40,000) and 3,750 (price between 45,000 and 65,000).

In the UK, government grants (through dealers) are 35% of EV purchase price, up to 3,500, and 20% of the purchase price for BEV vans up to 8,000.

Notably, new cars and vans powered wholly by petrol and diesel will not be sold in the UK from 2030.

Finally, in California the Governor has announced the ban the sale of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles from 2035, mandating that all new cars sold from that point will be emissions-free.

Looking forwards

The company expects the cobalt implications of Bidens Clean Energy Plan to become clearer during 2021.

Biancardi said: The scope of the plan includes US$400 billion over 10 years targeting the creation of 10 million US jobs, and at present includes the targeted installation of 500,000 EV charging stations and will support an estimated 25 million EVs.

Our plans reflect a strong belief that cobalt prices will continue to strengthen over the coming few years.

We intend, with your support, to be well-positioned and ready at a time the cobalt market will require the development of a major new cobalt mine, in a low political risk jurisdiction with well-established infrastructure.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In 2020, Toyota ranked first among Japanese automakers by selling nearly 1.8 million vehicles in China. Hondas China business also logged growth in annual sales.

Regarding monthly performance in December, Honda was honored the fastest-growing one with a remarkable year-on-year hike of 46.2% in December.

Mazda was the only one that faced decrease in both annual and Dec. sales.

Toyota's annual China sales hits new high in 2020

Toyota saw its China sales rise 10.9% from a year earlier to nearly 1.8 million units last year, hitting a record-breaking figure for the eighth year in a row.

FAW-Toyota's annual sales amounted to around 800,000 units, climbing 9% year on year and surpassing the target the company sets for 2020.

With the expansion of TNGA-based product lineup, Toyota's competitive edge in China market boasts a big jump over the recent years. For instance, GAC Toyota's full-year sales of TNGA-based vehicles reached 544,818 units, surging 42% from the previous year.



RAV4; photo credit: FAW-Toyota



The precise two-pronged attack also accounted for Toyota's upturn in China. Last year, the sales of the RAV4 amounted to 173,000 units and its sister model Wildlander had a sales volume of 82,071 after it hit the market in late February 2020.

Toyota plans to strengthen the roll-out of new products into China this year. Aside from the Lingshang and the Allion unveiled by GAC Toyota and FAW Toyota at the 2020 Auto Guangzhou, the all-new Highlander, the new Sienna and the new Harrier will go into local production in 2020. Moreover, the IZOA HEV and the RAV4 PHEV will be launched as well.

Honda's China business achieves best-ever annual deliveries in 2020

Honda said its China deliveries climbed 4.7% from the year ago to 1,626,972 units in 2020, the best-ever figure in terms of annual sales.

The upward movement in full-year sales should be credited to the consecutive double-digit growth the Japanese automaker achieved through the second half of 2020. In December, Honda saw its China deliveries surge 46.2% from the previous year to 208,848 units, setting a new monthly record.

Breeze Sport Hybrid; photo source: GAC Honda



GAC Honda's 2020 deliveries reached a record high of 806,579 units, rising 5.4% compared to 2019. It has four models the Accord, the Vezel, the Breeze and the Criderwhose annual sales all surpassed 100,000 vehicles. Of those, the sales of the Accord exceeded 200,000 units.

Dongfeng Honda also attained its highest-ever annual sales last year. It delivered 820,393 vehicles throughout 2020, a 4% increase over the previous year. As for specific models, the respective yearly sales of the Civic, the CR-V and the XR-V all topped 100,000 units. Notably, both the CR-V and the XR-V had a sales volume topping 200,000 units.

The joint venture with Dongfeng Motor put the all-new LIFE onto the market on Dec. 15. The small-sized hatchback has the official Chinese nickname of Laifujiang and is available in four trim levels. Its guiding prices range from 97,800 yuan ($15,130) to 112,800 yuan ($17,450).

Nissan's 2020 China sales shrink 5.8%

Nissan's China sales dwindled 5.8% year over year to 1,456,738 units (including imported vehicles) last year.

In December 2020, the Japanese automaker sold 168,917 new vehicles in the world's largest auto market, a slight growth of 0.4%. The monthly volume was incessantly showing year-one-year rise between September and December.

In December, the PV business unit of Dongfeng Motor Company Limited (DFL) posted a 0.5% year-on-year growth by selling 144,286 vehicles. Of those, Dongfeng Nissan's sales grew 2.8% from a year ago to 132,883 units, achieving year-over-year increase for nine straight months.

Sylphy; photo credit: Dongfeng Nissan



Dongfeng Nissan's best-selling model of the month was still the Sylphy. The sales of the popular car model ticked up 1.3% from a year ago to 62,596 units in December. Notably, it was also crowned the hottest-selling China-made PV model by Dec. retail sales, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Dongfeng Venucia sold 11,403 units last month, representing month-on-month growth for the fourth month in a row.

Venucia would be brought under the management of Dongfeng Nissan, serving as the second sub-brand of the PV business unit, DFL announced on Dec. 28.

Nissan attempts to roll out several heavyweight models in China this year, including the all-new X-TRAIL and the all-new Murano. To strengthen offensive in electrification area, the company will start the sale of the Ariya all-electric crossover in late 2021 and introduce ePower hybrid technology into the country.

Mazda scores 5.8% decline in 2020 China deliveries

Mazda's China deliveries totaled 214,574 units in 2020, sliding 5.8% from the previous year.

The downturn entirely stemmed from the decrease confronting FAW-Mazda. The joint venture with FAW Group saw its annual sales slide 14.8% to 77,907 units. However, Changan Mazda still scored a 0.2% growth with 136,667 vehicles delivered.

Mazda3 Axela; photo credit: Changan Mazda



For the month of December, Mazda delivered 22,838 vehicles (-6.8% YoY) in China, of which 8,576 units (-17.7% YoY) and 14,262 units (+1.3%) were sold by FAW-Mazda and Changan Mazda respectively.

The Mazda3 Axela was still the hottest-seller in Dec. with a sales volume of 8,803 units. The sales of the Mazda CX-4 reached 5,174 units, 1,833 units more than that of the Mazda CX-5.

As for the full-year performance, the sales of the Mazda3 Axela amounted to 88,291 units, more than the totals of the Mazda CX-4 and CX-5's sales.
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.
Energy entrepreneur Eddie O'Connor and his management team have sold 75pc of Mainstream Renewable Power to Norwegian group Aker Horizons.

The deal values Mainstream at 1bn.

Mr O'Connor - a former Bord na Mona chief executive - owns 55pc of Mainstream, with management and other investors owning the remainder.

Mainstream will continue to operate under its existing brand, with its current CEO Mary Quaney and management team, and Mr OConnor as chairman.

Read More

The deal will enable a rapid acceleration of Mainstreams global expansion plans to bring 5.5 Gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar assets to financial close by 2023, according to a statement from the Dublin-based company.

The sale of the business represents the second mega-deal by Mr O'Connor of a renewable power company within 20 years.

In 2008, he sold Airtricity, which he founded and was backed by NTR, to SSE and Eon for a 1.1bn equity value. That made Mr O'Connor about 50m richer.

Mainstream, which was founded by Eddie OConnor in 2008, has significant interests across Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, as well as in the global offshore wind sector, with over 1.2 GW of major capital projects currently under construction.

It has a major market presence in Chile, Africa, and Vietnam, as well as assets in development in other countries including the Philippines, Australia, and Colombia.

Mr OConnor will continue to hold a significant minority interest in the business and all existing shareholders will have the opportunity to reinvest alongside him ahead of a planned IPO of Mainstream within the next two to three years, according to the company.

Commenting on the deal Mr OConnor said: "This partnership is the crucial next step in the vision we set out for Mainstream in 2008 to lead the global transition to renewable energy and rid the world of CO2 emissions.

It means we can widen our scope for entry into new markets and further deepen and expand our leadership position in existing ones, such as in Chile where we will soon be supplying the equivalent of one in seven Chilean homes with power from our wind and solar facilities."
Bhopal:

Due to distress over debts, three farmers in Madhya Pradesh have allegedly committed suicide, taking the number of suicides in the state to 15 since June 8. In Sehore alone, the home district of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, five suicides have been reported.



Bansilal Meena, a 55-year-old farmer from Jamunia Khurd village in Sehore district, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from ceiling at his home this morning, the police said.



Meenas son Manoj said his father owned nine acre land and was unable to repay a loan of Rs 11 lakh.



My father got a well dug up this year but it was dry. Besides, he was unable to repay the loan worth Rs 11 lakh taken from banks and private money lenders, he said.



Sehore Assistant Superintendent of Police A P Singh said a case has been registered in connection with the farmers death.



Another farmer Jiwan Singh Meena (35) committed suicide yesterday by hanging from a tree at his farm in Sayar Bamor village in Vidisha district.



Tehsildar Santosh Bitoliya claimed that Meena took the extreme step following a strife with his wife.



However, a family member of Meena said he was worried about the future of his three daughters amid his spiralling debt.



In a separate incident, farmer Pyarelal Oad (60) hanged himself to death in Neemuch districts Pipliya Vyas village last afternoon.



Dev Karan, Oads son, said his father was under stress as he was unable to repay a loan worth Rs 2.5 lakh taken from a nationalised bank.



City police station in-charge Hitesh Patil said a case has been registered in this connection.



Neemuch Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and extended a financial help of Rs 20,000 to the family.

ALSO READ | MP: One more farmer commits suicide, total toll reaches 12 in 10 days



Former MP and Congress national secretary Meenakshi Natarajan today visited the village and met Oads family.



Madhya Pradesh is leading in farmers suicide after Maharashtra, according to the National Crime Record Bureau. It is sad that farmers are taking such steps due to increasing debt. They are also not getting proper prices for their produce in the state, Natarajan later said.



MP recently witnessed farmers stir over loan waiver, farm produce prices and other demands. The death of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur district on June 6 during the unrest triggered a series of protests in various parts of the state.

ALSO READ | Farmers protests: Javadekar reveals 7-point strategy to double agrarian income



Since June 8, 15 farmers have ended their lives in Sehore, Hoshangabad, Raisen, Dhar and Vidisha districts.

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.

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Tiny amounts of gender bias in employee hiring decisions contribute to concerning rates of discrimination and productivity losses that together represent significant costs, financial and otherwise, for employers, a new study from Oregon State University has found.

Gender bias is a subtle, unintentional preference for one gender over the other. Despite significant efforts to reduce bias in hiring over the last several decades, it continues to persist and pose potential problems for companies, said Jay Hardy, an assistant professor of management in OSU's College of Business and lead author of the study.

"The research has long shown bias exists. This study shows that it matters," Hardy said. "When carried through the hiring decision-making process, tiny amounts of bias will balloon into a high probability of discriminatory hiring outcomes in the eyes of the law, which also has important financial consequences for companies that end up hiring less-qualified candidates.

"The message of this study is that you can't ignore gender bias, even if you think its influence is so small as to not be concerning. Society generally recognizes bias as a moral issue, but we are now learning the extent to which it is a financial and strategic issue, as well."

The findings were published today in the Journal of Management. Co-authors on the paper are Richard Martell and Andy Olstad of Oregon State and Kian Siong Tey, Wilson Cyrus-Lai and Eric Luis Uhlmann of INSEAD, one of the world's largest graduate business schools, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Hardy's research focuses on areas of human resources, including employee recruitment and selection and systematic bias in hiring. His goal for the study was to better understand the effects gender bias in hiring might have for employers.

"Bias is a problem ingrained in us. It is systematic," Hardy said. "It's not typically about bad intent. It is a natural response of human beings to make sense of our complex world by taking mental shortcuts. However, these cognitive shortcuts can have big consequences for us when high stakes rewards like a sought-after job are on the line. Our goal is to better understand it so we can find solutions."

Hardy and his colleagues first reviewed about 30 years of studies on gender bias and hiring in the workplace. The good news is that there appears to be less gender bias effect than there used to be. A couple of decades ago, gender bias influenced about 4% of hires. Today bias influences 1% or possibly fewer hires, Hardy said.

"The science shows that the effects of gender bias on hiring are very small," Hardy said. "In broad strokes, it seems like hiring decisions are actually pretty fair - certainly more fair than they used to be."

To better understand the impact this bias has and what it means for companies, Hardy and his colleagues ran a series of computer simulations. The researchers found that even a small amount of bias in hiring decisions can lead to discriminatory action against job candidates, putting companies at risk of costly legal action. They also found that biased hiring decisions can be costly for companies because a less-qualified candidate may not be successful in the position.

For example, a typical Fortune 500 company that hires 8,000 new employees a year with a 1% gender bias effect can expect 32 additional failed hires and many more sub-optimal hiring decisions, resulting in productivity losses of about $2.8 million per year. A 4% bias effect would lead to an additional 192 failed hires and an additional $17 million in lost productivity.

The study focused specifically on gender, but Hardy said it is likely that other types of bias would have similar or even bigger impacts. Past research has demonstrated that racial bias effects in hiring are much larger than they are for gender, so it is reasonable to think there would be more discrimination and more costs for employers as a result, he said.

"My estimates for gender bias were conservative and my simulations modeled near-optimal hiring conditions, so the impact of gender bias is likely to be higher in many real-world hiring contexts than my study indicates," Hardy said.

Hardy and his colleagues also simulated the impacts of some common methods for reducing gender bias in hiring, such as targeted recruiting efforts to build a bigger pool of female candidates, and found those methods still pose challenges.

"The targeted recruitment of highly qualified candidates can increase representation, but if you're not fixing the underlying bias problem, these methods do not address discrimination and can lead to other issues, including employee dissatisfaction," Hardy said.

Companies looking to reduce gender bias in their hiring processes should look for ways to remove human judgments from the process as much as possible, Hardy said. Interviews are one of the most common but least objective hiring tools, he noted. Future work by Hardy will further explore how to address bias in hiring and other employment decisions.

"Hiring is always going to be an imperfect process because human beings are complicated," Hardy said. "But the gold standard for any hiring manager should be to be as objective as possible in the hiring process."

###
By Matt Spetalnick, Andrea Shalal, Jeff Mason and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural speech on Jan. 20, 2017, he promised an end to American carnage, a bleak and dysfunctional nation he had insisted that he alone could fix.

Closing out his presidency exactly four years later, Trump leaves behind an even more polarized America, where thousands are dying daily from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is badly damaged and political violence has surged.

Trump didnt create the bitter differences that have come to define American life. Still, he seized upon many of them as tools to build his power base, promising to uplift rural America and the broader working class he said had been neglected by the Washington establishment.

When thousands of his angry followers  the vast majority of them white - marched on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, they rallied behind Trumps false claims of a stolen election. The rioting that ensued left a police officer and four other people dead, dozens wounded and a nation shaken.

A major part of his legacy when he departs the White House on Wednesday is likely to be Americans more politically and culturally estranged from each other than they were when he took office.

At the heart of that divide, Trumps opponents say, is race. Early in his presidency, he initially resisted denouncing white nationalists after a deadly 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, fueling perceptions that he sympathized with their cause. His harsh rhetoric often worsened racial crises that flared over police killings of Black people on his watch.

Sadly, he is the natural outcome of the history of divide and conquer, in American race relations, said Reverend William Barber, a prominent civil rights activist and co-chair of the Poor Peoples Campaign, an anti-poverty, anti-racism movement that Martin Luther King helped organize in the 1960s. The thing is, he just pushed it all the way.

Story continues

Trump has repeatedly denied any racist animus.

His staunch supporters argue that he served as a corrective to prior administrations of both parties that let down the poor, the working class and rural regions that have struggled in recent decades. That base of support remains large - another likely legacy of the Trump era.

Alex Bruesewitz, a conservative activist associated with Stop the Steal, a pro-Trump movement protesting the election results, said the president retains his appeal to working-class voters. They felt like they were the forgotten men and women. And the president said, You are forgotten no longer, Bruesewitz said.

Trumps refusal to concede defeat to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden and his encouragement of his supporters to descend on the Capitol mean his term is ending amid a swirl of untruths that millions of Republicans have taken to heart, creating a serious challenge for the new administration to win their trust.

The disorderly transfer of power comes against the backdrop of the increased spread of a pandemic that Trump has downplayed, and mounting financial hardships from the deep recession spurred by it.

Keeping the country on edge, and prompting security lockdowns in Washington and state capitals, is concern that the pro-Trump mobs siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6 could embolden far-right extremists to further violence.

There has never been a presidency in modern times when Americas dysfunction has been so fully on display, said Aaron David Miller, a former State Department adviser to Republican and Democratic administrations who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington.

White House spokesman Judd Deere rejected the notion that Trumps legacy lay in tatters.

In a written statement to Reuters, Deere cited a list of what he considered Trumps economic accomplishments, such as getting the country on the path to recovery and deregulatory moves, which have included loosened restrictions on auto emissions and oil drilling. He also argued that the president secured the border with Mexico, rebuilt U.S. military strength, brought some troops home and helped orchestrate development of a coronavirus vaccine in a matter of months.

"He leaves office having made America safer, stronger, more secure, Deere said.

He declined, in the statement, to address racism accusations against the president.

'AMERICA FIRST

Trump did, in fact, deliver on a number of priorities for his Republican Party.

In partnership with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, he overhauled the U.S. judiciary, giving it a more conservative bent with the appointment of three Supreme Court justices and the fast-tracking of more than 200 federal judges.

Trump pushed through massive tax cuts for corporations. The economy expanded faster than it had under predecessor Barack Obama, and unemployment reached record lows.

But the solid economy, which he hoped would be his biggest re-election selling point, was swept away in a wave of coronavirus-driven shutdowns that plunged the country into the worst downturn in nearly a century as joblessness soared. The national debt, which had ballooned during his term, grew even more in his final year.

Trump catered to his base by cracking down on illegal immigration, but critics condemned his approach as too harsh. Biden plans to reverse much of it, including a travel ban on a handful of Muslim-majority nations. Erecting a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border was a signature pledge of his 2016 campaign. Less than half of the 1,000 miles he promised was built, much of it where existing barriers stood  and Mexico never paid for it as Trump had vowed.

Abroad, Trump often invoked his America First agenda. He dismantled or disrupted multilateral pacts, withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, which committed nearly every nation to cut greenhouse gas emissions; and the Iran nuclear deal, which eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. His administration eroded bedrock alliances like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, antagonized traditional partners and indulged autocrats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

But Trump has been credited by Republicans as well as many Democrats for a tougher stance on China. He slapped tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese imports, sanctioned top officials over a crackdown in Hong Kong and imposed penalties on Chinese telecommunications companies. His administration faced some criticism, however, for provoking a trade war with Beijing and reverting to Cold War-style rhetoric.

In a parting shot, the Trump administration said on Tuesday it had determined that China has committed "genocide and crimes against humanity" by repressing Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region. China has denied the accusations of human rights abuses.

Trump has also won praise for brokering historic accords to normalize relations between Israel and four once-hostile Arab neighbors. And he reduced U.S. forces in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, though he failed to completely extract America from endless wars as he promised in his 2016 campaign.

Trump did accomplish some useful things, Richard Haass, a former senior State Department official who is president of the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote on the think tanks website. He deserves credit, Haass said, "for moving the U.S. policy vis-a-vis an increasingly repressive, powerful, and assertive China in a more sober, critical direction."

But what the president got right, Haass added, was dwarfed by what Trump got wrong, citing foremost the damage he has done to American democracy.

FRINGE SUPPORTERS

Trumps political strength stemmed, in part, from his ability to pose as a populist champion to tap into white rural and working-class resentment that has been building for years, as the United States became a more multiracial society and their communities felt the brunt of globalization, analysts say.

Some far-right fringe groups have also flocked to Trumps banner. Rioters who gathered at the Capitol included some of the more extreme elements of his base, including members of QAnon, who espouse a debunked conspiracy theory that claims Trump is fighting a Democratic cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles and cannibals.

Trump built a coalition out of white supremacists, conspiracy theorists and bigots, said Douglas Brinkley, presidential historian at Rice University in Houston.

Trump has denied any affinity for such groups or welcoming them into his fold. Im the least racist person youll find anywhere in the world, he insisted in 2019.

Accusations against Trump of xenophobia extended to his immigration policies. One White House official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that it was a fiasco when the administration in 2018 separated several thousand children  including infants - from their undocumented parents at the Mexican border. Images of crying youngsters crowded into chain-link pens were beamed worldwide.

While some Trump supporters have turned away from him since the assault on the Capitol, most appear to be sticking with him. Seventy percent of Republicans remain loyal to Trump, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling done in the immediate aftermath of the siege. Many activists say theyre willing to abandon the party for any perceived slight against their leader.

"I see Trump as a fighter for the people that actually work and put the backbone into this country," said Will Williams, a Trump supporter from Oklahoma. His legacy will be remembered by me as a great man that took on the corruption in this country.

Trumps invocation of American carnage at his own inauguration, painting what many Democrats considered an overblown dystopian vision, was an appeal to that base and also to the urban poor. He said their dreams had been stifled by economic distress, crime, drugs and loss of jobs to other countries.

Opponents say Trump, a wealthy former real estate developer, did little to help them. He sought repeatedly to kill the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which helped millions of Americans get health insurance. His tariffs war with China hurt American farmers and didnt trigger the U.S. manufacturing revival he had promised. And his tax cuts mainly benefited the rich.

REPUBLICAN SOUL-SEARCHING?

As Trump heads out the door as the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice, most recently on a charge of inciting the Capitol riot, the Republican Party's future is deeply uncertain.

Trump remade it in his image, replacing traditional conservative principles of fiscal austerity and commitment to international alliances with large deficits, his America First approach and a habit of frequently issuing policy shifts and trial balloons by Twitter. He demanded unwavering loyalty and turned on anyone who opposed him.

Now that Republicans find themselves relegated to the opposition in the Senate, the question is whether Trumps spell over the party - and Trumpism as a viable movement - will endure when he no longer wields the levers of government power.

Trumps base remains a potent electoral force. It handed him more votes  some 74 million  than any Republican in history. Fear of antagonizing them was evident when nearly half of Republican House members, fresh off the mob attack that had sent them scuttling for cover in the Capitol basement, endorsed a failed effort to block certification of Bidens victory.

But cracks have formed in Republican ranks in response to the Capitol mayhem, and the party may be in for a period of soul-searching. McConnell said on Tuesday the Jan. 6 mob was "provoked by the president and other powerful people."

Trumps own political future could be in jeopardy as well. If convicted by the Senate in an impeachment trial that would occur after he leaves the White House, Trump could be banned from holding office again.

Bob Corker, a former Republican senator from Tennessee, said Trump had been a consequential president in terms of enacting many policies Republicans wanted. But in the process of being purposely divisive and perpetuating untruths about the election, he undermined our democracy, Corker told Reuters.

Corker said the Republican Party needs to go in a direction not led by him. Weve got to redefine who we are.

(Additional reporting by Alexandra Alper; Writing by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Mary Milliken and Marla Dickerson)
Authorities in the Valencia region of Spain said that all food and drink establishments will have to close for 14 days starting on Thursday. Restaurants will still be allowed to offer takeout food, while hotel cafeterias may continue to serve guests.

Sports facilities will only be open to professionals during that time. Additionally, business hours for retail stores will end at 6pm, although this schedule does not affect supermarkets, pharmacies and other businesses considered essential.

But bingo halls, betting parlors, recreational spaces for seniors, youth centers and other social venues are being forced to close entirely for 14 days. Theaters and cinemas may remain open with limited capacity.

Valencia health chief Ana Barcelo and regional premier Ximo Puig on Tuesday. Manuel Bruque / EFE

The measures are the latest to be announced in a region where some Covid-19 patients are already being transferred to field hospitals as healthcare facilities struggle to deal with a tremendous surge in infections. The 14-day incidence rate in the region has doubled in the last 10 days to reach 896 cases per 100,000 people, around 200 points above the national average and far above the levels of the first wave in March and April last year.

The virus is killing more than ever and it has been expanding at an extraordinary rate in recent days, said regional premier Ximo Puig on Tuesday. We need to observe these measures strictly.

Puig said that he will also request permission to start the overnight curfew at 8pm instead of 10pm. The request will be made on Wednesday at a meeting of central and regional health officials.

Puig joins a growing number of regional leaders to make a similar demand. In Castilla y Leon, an 8pm curfew has been already approved despite the fact that 10pm is the earliest permitted time contemplated in the national state of alarm introduced in October to provide a legal framework for coronavirus restrictions that affect fundamental rights such as freedom of movement. Castilla y Leons move has led to a legal confrontation with the central government.

But the Valencian leader said there is still room for action before requesting home confinement, which he described as an extreme measure that creates inequality. He also defended keeping schools open, calling them safe spaces.

Valencias regional borders have been sealed since late October and will remain so at least until January 31. It was the only region of Spain not to allow cross-border travel for family gatherings over the Christmas period, although travel within the region was not limited the way it was in other regions that sealed provinces (Aragon), comarcas (Catalonia) or basic healthcare zones (Madrid).

On Monday, the Valencia government announced a 340 million plan to provide financial assistance to businesses and workers most affected by the restrictions on mobility. The regions economy is highly dependent on tourism, which just ended its worst year since the 1970s.

English version by Susana Urra.

Listen to article

A Christian girl has been taken into care in Pakistan after allegedly being abducted by a Muslim man who forced her marry him and kept her chained up in a cattle pen.

The girl spent five months chained up in the pen in the yard of her 45-year-old captors home, where she was forced to work all day clearing the animals' dung, her family claim.

They said that when rescued by police last month, she had cuts on her ankles left by the shackles put on her by captor, who is also said to have raped her repeatedly.

The case has now been taken up by human rights groups, who say the familys initial complaint to police went ignored for three months. They claim that every year, hundreds of girls from Pakistans Christian and Hindu minority groups are abducted and forced into Muslim marriage, with the justice system often turning a blind eye for fear of offending Islamic hardliners.

They say that Britain, which gives 302 million in aid last year to Pakistan, should insist that more is done to counter prejudices against minorities and challenge institutionalised tolerance of sexual abuse.

In November, the Telegraph reported on the case a 14-year-old girl allegedly kidnapped by a Muslim man who then used threats of violence to make her sign false papers consenting to marriage.

When she escaped from his custody, a court initially ruled the marriage legal and returned her to her abductors home. She is now in hiding, with the British charity Aid to the Church in Need petitioning Boris Johnson to allow her to seek asylum in Britain.

Mr Johnson previously spoke out in favour of Britain granting asylum to Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent ten years on death row in Pakistan on trumped-up blasphemy charges.

The most recent case involves a girl from the city of Faisalabad, in Pakistans eastern Punjab province, who was allegedly abducted from near her home on June 12 last year. The Telegraph knows her identity but is not disclosing it to preserve her privacy.

In a statement to Aid to the Church in Need, her father said that she had been raped multiple times. He added: [she] has told me she was treated like a slave. She was forced to work all day, cleaning filth in a cattle yard. 24-7, she was attached to a chain.

He claimed that despite his repeated pleas, it was not until September that police allowed him to file an official complaint. One police officer allegedly called him a chuhra, a term of derision for Christians that translates loosely as latrine cleaner. Another officer, he said, threatened to register a blasphemy case against him.

He also disputed the findings of a court-commissioned medical report  carried out to assess whether the girl was underage  which found she was around 16 or 17. His daughters birth record proved she was only 12, he said. The court has placed the child in a women's refuge pending further inquiries.

John Pontifex, of British-based charity Aid to the Church in Need, which campaigns on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide, said the case called into question the effectiveness of UK overseas aid.

Pakistan has for many years been the top recipient of UK aid and the premise for it has been the need to tackle extremism, abuse of girls and people from minority faiths, he said. Yet when push comes to shove, cases such as this show that Pakistan is doing very little both to help the victims and bring the culprits to justice.

Colin Freeman, The Telegraph
Listen to article

The foremost civil rights advocacy group-: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ( HURIWA) has dismissed the trenchant criticisms trailing few instances of human errors in the operations of the south west of Nigeria -based Amotekun security outfit.

The rights group which argues that the few human errors are mere teething institutional problems that will be resolved with better strategic finetuning of training and improvement of manpower capacities of Amotekun security platform, urged massive support for the body because it is better to have home-grown institutional mechanism to protect lives and property than to permit the hitherto uncontrollable rampage and killing of citizens living in the south west of Nigeria by the rampaging bunch of determined armed herdsmen whose origin are mired in politics and deceit. Moreover, the Rights group said the Federal Attorney General and minister of justice Abubakar Malami SAN had stated that his office couldn't prosecute Armed Fulani herdsmen because according to him, there is no case file against them.

In a statement by the National coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National media affairs director miss Zainab Yusuf, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA ) said those at the forefront of irrational criticisms of Amotekun because of the few but avoidable human errors, are suffering from 'intentionally deceitful amnesia' because if they think deeply how the south west came under incessant massive attacks and violence by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen , they would have seen that the errors were the less of the two evils.

Besides, the Rights group backs the order made by the Ondo state Governor Barrister Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu ( SAN ) on armed herdsmen to quit south west forests , said it expected the rest of the country such as South East, North East, North Central and South South to Embrace the Example set by the South west by replicating similar law- based institutional body to protect the lives and property of their people to complement the efforts of the regular policy institution.

 we also do expect that with Better training, retraining and a purified system of recruitment, Amotekun will become a shining example on how the state legislature working in partnership with the executive Governors should protect the lives of their people. 

The Prominent Civil Rights Advocacy group-:HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) affirmed thus:  We support Amotekun 100% and we think it is better than allowing armed Fulani herdsmen to continue to carry out genocide and be left to operate by the Nigerian police which has so far failed to prosecute a single of those armed Fulani herdsmen responsible for the killing of over 6,000 farmers all over the country in the last five years. Those now raising their compromised voices against Amotekun, are they saying they are happy with the constant spilling of blood of the innocent attributed to armed non state actors and particularly the armed Fulani herdsmen?"

The Rights group said the south western states legislature were right to pass the law Setting up the AMOTEKUN SECURITY OUTFITS IN THEOR STATES because it is in total compliance with section 4 (7) of the constitution thus; "The House of Assembly of a State shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof with respect to the following matters, that is to say:-

(a) any matter not included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution.

(b) any matter included in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto; and

(c) any other matter with respect to which it is empowered to make laws in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution."

HURIWA recalled that the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu , had asked all Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State to vacate forest reserves within the state. He also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the herdsmen.

The governor gave the ultimatum on Monday while meeting with leaders of Hausa/Fulani and Ebira Communities in the state.

The meeting held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governors office, Alagabaka, Akure, the state capital.

Mr Akeredolu said the activities of the herdsmen have long been causing a threat to security in the state.

He also shared his statement on his official Twitter handle.

Today we have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.

These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:

1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.

2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.

3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.

4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.

Our resolution to guarantee the safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.

In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.

HURIWA said every right thinking citizen of Nigeria should applaud the South West governors for standing up to defend their people.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 05:16:11|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TRIPOLI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Al-Mabrouk Abdulhafith, head of the Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Department, on Tuesday called for joint international efforts to resolve the issue of illegal immigration.

Abdulhafith made his remarks during a meeting with German Ambassador to Libya Oliver Owcza, according to a statement issued by the Libyan Interior Department.

"Abdulhafith explained that organizations concerned with (illegal) immigration operate outside of Libya under the pretext that Libya is classified unsafe, which is a complete contradiction as they propose to the Libyan authorities to integrate immigrants into the Libyan state," the statement said.

Abdulhafith also stressed the need to create sources of income in the immigrants' countries of origin, especially Libya's neighboring countries, in order to reduce the number of illegal immigrants crossing through Libya.

He added that it requires joint international efforts "to reach urgent solutions that do not affect the sovereignty of the Libyan state and refuse to settle immigrants (in Libya) in any way."

Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean from Libya toward Europe, due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the North African nation following the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Immigrant shelters in Libya are crowded with immigrants either rescued from the sea or arrested by the Libyan security forces, despite international calls to close those centers. Enditem
ABUJA: Nigeria will seek to procure vaccines that are less dependent on cooling facilities, the head of the countrys primary healthcare agency said on Tuesday, adding that talks were in progress with Russia and India to procure such vaccines.

Africas most populous country, where officials recorded low coronavirus numbers through much of 2020, is in its second wave of infections and has seen cases surge in recent weeks.

Nigerian health authorities have said the country is working with the COVAX programme backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to provide vaccines to poorer countries.

Faisal Shuaib, who heads the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, has said Nigeria expects to receive 100,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by early February under the scheme. The vaccine must be stored at ultra-low temperatures.

Our plan now is not to over-invest on ultra cold equipment for vaccines like that of Pfizer vaccines, but go for vaccines that need less cooling facilities," Shuaib told reporters in the capital, Abuja, during a tour of cold storage facilities.

We are currently engaged in talks with Russia and India to get more vaccines," Shuaib said, restating the target of vaccinating 70% of Nigerias 200 million inhabitants within the next two years.

Shuaib did not provide details of quantities discussed and said vaccines would require certification by Nigerias drugs regulator.

Other obstacles were also likely. The World Health Organizations pandemic review panel co-chair Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed disappointment on Tuesday in COVID-19 vaccine rollout plans which meant shots would not be widely available in Africa until 2022 or 2023.

The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at temperatures of around -70 degrees Celsius (-112F) before being sent to distribution centres in specially designed cool boxes filled with dry ice. Once out of ultra-low temperature storage, it must be kept at 2C to 8C to remain effective for up to five days.

Some experts have expressed doubts that Nigerian authorities will be able to store and transport the vaccine at such low temperatures.

The health minister on Monday said Nigeria had written to the African Union requesting 10 million vaccine doses, and allocated $26 million for licensed vaccine production.

As of Tuesday, Nigeria had recorded 112,004 COVID-19 cases resulting in 1,449 deaths.

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
KABUL  The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar had a telephone conversation with the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Ms. Jutta Urpilainen. They discussed the latest developments in the peace talks in Doha, and the EUs partnership with the Afghan Government.

At the outset, Mr. Atmar conveyed his appreciation for the EUs support of Afghanistans peace process. He thanked the Commissioner for the EUs observers work at Doha and the unions support for the need for the preservation of the last two decades gains in the Afghan peace talks.

Minister Atmar noted that ensuring an immediate ceasefire, a lasting peace settlement and bringing an end to the targeted assassination of political and social activists in the country were the key priorities of the Afghan government which should be taken into account during the second round of the talks in Qatar.

Calling the EU a trusted and reliable partner in mobilizing regional and international support and consensus around the Afghan peace process, Mr. Atmar appreciated EUs support in building consensus for peace talks in Afghanistan.

Ms. Urpilainen assured Mr. Atmar of the European Unions firm support to the continuation and success of the Afghan peace process. Ms. Urpilainen reaffirmed EUs long-term support to peace and stability in Afghanistan with an emphasis on immediate ceasefire.

The two sides discussed EUs pledge of financial aid during the Afghanistan 2020 Conference held in Geneva and Afghanistans commitment for accountability.

They discussed the situation of Afghan refugees in EU member states and further strengthening cooperation in this regard.

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.
A woman claimed that someone threatened to kill her children if she refused to transport immigrants, according to an arrest affidavit filed on Friday.

Holly Amber Rodriguez was arrested and charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport an immigrant.

A white Jeep Grand Cherokee arrived at the inspection lane of the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 on Jan. 13. Authorities identified the driver as Rodriguez and the passenger as Alfonso Moctezuma-Guzman.

They stated they were on their way to San Antonio to take her father-in-law, Moctezuma-Guzman, to the airport. An agent noticed how Moctezuma-Guzman was looking straight ahead, stiff and appeared to be nervous, according to court documents.

Moctezuma-Guzman stated he was coming from visiting family in Guerrero, Mexico. Asked for identification, Rodriguez provided a Texas identification card while Moctezuma-Guzman presented a Nevada drivers license.

Both allegedly stated they were U.S. citizens.

During the inspection, Moctezuma-Guzman also answered he was born in Mexico and that he became (a U.S. citizen) in Nevada a couple of years ago, states the affidavit.

Moctezuma-Guzman eventually confessed he was a Mexican citizen who had crossed the border illegally, according to court documents. Both were then taken into custody.

Rodriguez allegedly agreed to provide a post-arrest statement. She stated she received a phone call from a man who gave her instructions to pick someone up and transport him to San Antonio.

She also stated that once at the pick up location, a man entered into the vehicle and told her what to say to the (agents). Rodriguez mentioned she smuggled a female in the past and continued today because the man who contacted her said he would kill her children if she refused to transport people, states the affidavit.

Rodriguez added that she did not receive any payment, according to court documents.
BROOKLYN, New York, Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - The World Health Organization reports that as of January 19, 2021, there are approximately 94 million cases of COVID-19 globally, with over 2 million deaths. In the face of these numbers -- driven in part by an aggressive resurgence of the virus in the U.S. -- health authorities face a tenuous balancing act: how to enact policies to keep citizens safe while doing the least possible damage to quality of life and local economies, especially in smaller cities and towns, where short supply of intensive care units and tight budgets make the thin line between precautionary measures and normalcy even thinner.

A new theory and simulation platform that can create predictive models based on aggregated data from observations taken across multiple strata of society could prove invaluable.

Developed by a research team led by Maurizio Porfiri, Institute Professor at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the novel open-source platform comprises an agent-based model (ABM) of COVID-19 for the entire town of New Rochelle, located in Westchester County in New York State.

In the paper "High-Resolution Agent-Based Modeling of COVID-19 Spreading in a Small Town," published in Advanced Theory and Simulations, the team trains its system, developed at the resolution of a single individual, on the city of New Rochelle -- one of the first outbreaks registered in the United States.

The ABM replicates, geographically and demographically, the town structure obtained from U.S. Census statistics and superimposes a high-resolution -- both temporal and spatial -- representation of the epidemic at the individual level, considering physical locations as well as unique features of communities, like human behavioral trends or local mobility patterns.

Among the study's findings are those suggesting that prioritizing vaccination of high-risk individuals has only a marginal effect on the number of COVID-19 deaths. To obtain significant improvements, a very large fraction of the town population should, in fact, be vaccinated. Importantly, the benefits of the restrictive measures in place during the first wave greatly surpass those from any of these selective vaccination scenarios. Even with a vaccine available, social distancing, masks, and mobility restrictions will still be key tools to fight COVID-19.

Porfiri pointed out that focusing on a city of New Rochelle's size was crucial to the research because most cities in the U.S. have comparable population sizes and concentrations. "We chose New Rochelle not only because of its place in the COVID timeline, but because agent-based modelling for mid-size towns is relatively unexplored despite the U.S. being largely composed of such towns and small cities," he said.

Supported by expert knowledge and informed by officially reported COVID-19 data, the model incorporates detailed elements of pandemic spread within a statistically realistic population. Along with testing, treatment, and vaccination options, the model also accounts for the burden of other illnesses with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.

Unique to the model is the possibility to explore different testing approaches -- in hospitals or drive-through facilities-- and vaccination strategies that could prioritize vulnerable groups. "We think decision making by public authorities could benefit from this model, not only because it is 'open source,' but because it offers a 'fine-grain' resolution at the level of the individual and a wide range of features," noted Porfiri.

The research team included Zhong-Ping Jiang, professor of electrical and computer engineering; post-docs Agnieszka Truszkowska, who led the implementation of the computational framework for the project, and Brandon Behring; and graduate student Jalil Hasanyan; as well as Lorenzo Zino from the University of Groningen, Sachit Butail from Southern Illinois University, Emanuele Caroppo from the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and Alessandro Rizzo from Turin Polytechnic, and visiting professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at NYU Tandon.

###

The work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation (CMMI1561134 and CMMI-2027990), Compagnia di San Paolo, MAECI ("Mac2Mic"), the European Research Council, and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.

About the New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute. A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences as part of a global university, with close connections to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. NYU Tandon is rooted in a vibrant tradition of entrepreneurship, intellectual curiosity, and innovative solutions to humanity's most pressing global challenges. Research at Tandon focuses on vital intersections between communications/IT, cybersecurity, and data science/AI/robotics systems and tools and critical areas of society that they influence, including emerging media, health, sustainability, and urban living. We believe diversity is integral to excellence, and are creating a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable environment for all of our students, faculty and staff. For more information, visit engineering.nyu.edu.

Number 10 has hired a PR firm to boost uptake of the jab among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups, it was claimed today.

London-based Multicultural Marketing Consultancy (MMC) has been tasked with clamping down on vaccine misinformation and improving jab hesitancy among minorities, Huffington Post reports.

MMC prides itself on its 'ability to connect with communities' at a 'grassroots level' through media and other channels, according to the company's website.

The firm has previously worked on No10 campaigns to increase awareness about prostate cancer in black men and female genital mutilation.

SAGE  number 10's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies  has warned low uptake among minority groups poses a 'significant risk' to Britain's vaccine drive.

The advisory panel has blamed years of 'structural and institutional racism and discrimination' for vaccine scepticism among BAME communities, mainly black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi people.

It comes on the back of a major UK survey which found 72 per cent of black Britons were 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to get the Covid vaccines.

The paper presented by SAGE included the results of a survey which showed a shocking 71.8 per cent of Black people said they were unlikely to get a Covid-19 vaccine if offered one

Joanmes de-Gallerie receiving a vaccine at the Nightingale facility at the Excel Centre, London

A health worker administers an injection of a COVID-19 vaccine inside a former nightclub that has been turned into a NHS vaccine centre in Batchwood Hall, in St Albans

SAGE has blamed 'structural and institutional racism and discrimination' for vaccine scepticism among BAME communities as a recent survey found 72 per cent of black people were unlikely to have the Covid jab

MMC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Vaccines are the most effective way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives, and we are working with a range of partners to communicate to as many as people as possible.

'All vaccines go through a robust clinical trial process and are only given to patients once they have met the strict safety, effectiveness and quality standards of the UK's medicines regulator, the MHRA.

'The NHS will provide advice and information at every possible opportunity, including working closely with BAME communities, to support those receiving a vaccine and to anyone who has questions about the vaccination process.'

The shocking revelation that 72 per cent of black people would turn down the Covid vaccine came from the UK Household Longitudinal Study on Monday.

Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Eastern European groups also said they were unwilling to take the Covid jab, while women, younger people and those with lower levels of education were also more hesitant than others.

The findings have sparked concern among GPs who are now calling on No10 to begin a public health campaign that encourages black people in particular to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We are concerned that recent reports show that people within BAME communities are not only more likely to be adversely affected by the virus but also less likely to accept the Covid vaccine, when offered it.

'As such, where appropriate, we're calling for public health communications to be tailored to patients in BAME communities, to reassure them about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine and ultimately encourage them to come forward for their vaccination when they are invited for it.'

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi fears Covid-19 will 'quickly infect' communities who avoid getting the jab, as false information plays on some cultures' religious concerns

Matt Hancock says vaccination drive is 'a full seven-day' service despite apparent drop in numbers at weekends - with health chiefs blaming 'data lag' for dip amid calls to increase to 24/7 delivery Matt Hancock has insisted the UK's ambitious vaccination drive is a 'full seven-day service' - despite an apparent drop in the number of people receiving jabs at the weekend. This week's figures showed a total of 321,951 people received a dose of the Oxford or Pfizer vaccine on Thursday - followed by a further 328,260 on Friday. The figures - which include both first and second doses - then drop to 280,390 on Saturday, followed by another dip to 227,972 on Sunday. Public Health England today blamed the lower weekend figures on reporting delays, as the Health Secretary insisted the roll-out was a 'full seven-day service' with the Government 'prepared to go 24/7'. When asked about the drop in figures at today's daily Downing Street press briefing, Mr Hancock urged Britons to look at weekly averages rather than data from an individual day. Advertisement

There are concerns language and cultural barriers are feeding the spread of false information as the Government scientific advice panel revealed large differences in different communities taking the vaccine.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: 'My big worry is if 85 per cent of the adult population get vaccinated, if the 15 per cent skews heavily to the BAME community, the virus will very quickly infect that community.'

The minister, who himself was born in Baghdad, Iraq, said he was working with local mayors and councils to get the message across to 'hard-to-reach groups,' that the vaccine is safe.

Among the barriers to the vaccine uptake is the perception of risk, low confidence in the vaccine, and lack of endorsement from trusted providers and community leaders, the undated document said.

Mr Zahawi told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I am worried about BAME communities, which is why I'm spending a lot of time with the mayors, with Sadiq (Khan), and of course other parts of local government to make sure we reach those hard-to-reach groups.

Concerns have been raised that misinformation spread within some BAME communities plays on religious concerns - that the vaccine might contain gelatine, or other animal products and is not halal, or that it can result in modification of DNA.

Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, has said language and cultural barriers play a part in the false information being distributed.

He said: 'We need to be clear to our communities that there is no meat or meat products in the vaccine. There is no pork, there is no alcohol and it has been endorsed by religious leaders and religious councils.

'Organisations and officials are working with social Asian role models, community leaders, influencers, religious leaders, to help to debunk some of the myths that are out there.'

Dr Naqvi said is essential for the NHS to tailor its services to meet 'the diverse needs of our communities'.

Salman Waqar, from the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), who works as a GP in Berkshire and academic researcher at Oxford University, is helping set up one of the local vaccination hubs.

'Some of my colleagues have said that they struggled to book in minority community patients, particularly the elderly,' he said.

'If you look at data from influenza, that's also showed a lower uptake amongst minority communities, so it's not surprising in that sense.

'There is a lot of misinformation, a lot of fog. And people really need help seeing through that fog.

'When you do actually sit them down and explain to them, 'these are the myths', a lot people turn around and they do change their minds.'

It comes as a campaign in Bradford aimed at a debunking myths and fake news surrounding the vaccine was declared a success.

Well Bradford, a community health programme hosted by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, teamed up with local GP Dr Sohail Abbas to help get the message across.

Among priority groups for the vaccine are gravediggers employed in the Muslim section of Scholemoor cemetery, Bradford.
President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health, leaving her poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the US Senate.

A pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general, Levine was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017, making her one of the few transgender people serving in elected or appointed positions nationwide. She won past confirmation by the Republican-majority Pennsylvania Senate and has emerged as the public face of the states response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond, Biden said in a statement. She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts.

A graduate of Harvard and of Tulane Medical School, Levine is president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Shes written in the past on the opioid crisis, medical marijuana, adolescent medicine, eating disorders and LGBTQ medicine.

Biden and his transition team have already begun negotiating with members of Congress, promoting speedy passage of the president-elects $1.9 trillion plan to bring the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 400,000 people in the United States, under control. It seeks to enlist federal emergency personnel to run mass vaccination centers and provide 100 immunization shots in his administrations first 100 days while using government spending to stimulate the pandemic-hammered economy,

Biden also says that, in one of his first acts as president, hell ask Americans to wear masks for 100 days to slow the virus spread.

Levine joins Bidens Health and Human Services secretary nominee Xavier Becerra, a Latino politician who rose from humble beginnings to serve in Congress and as Californias attorney general.

Businessman Jeff Zients is Bidens coronavirus response coordinator, while Biden picked infectious-disease specialist Rochelle Walensky to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vivek Murthy as surgeon general and Yale epidemiologist Marcella Nunez-Smith to head a working group to ensure fair and equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments.

The governments top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, will also work closely with the Biden administration.
Gov. Greg Abbott has made his thoughts clear about the Pentagon's increased vetting of National Guard members ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post's Missy Ryan, the federal government is screening the more than 21,000 National Guard troops stationed in Washington D.C. as part of increased security during the presidential inauguration. This news after reports of an Army reservist with security-level clearance being among the attacks that stormed the Capitol on January 6.

The decision to screen members of the National Guard incensed Abbott, who took to Twitter Monday night to condemn the heightened protocols.

AFTER JAN. 6: Most American voters blame Trump for U.S. Capitol attacks

"This is the most offensive thing I've ever heard," Abbott wrote on Twitter. "No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard. I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

According to Ryan, the Defense Department assisted by the FBI is conducting "special vetting" of the National Guard. The FBI said it is also conducting "name checks" in addition to the Defense Department's vetting. Members of the National Guard were previously vetted during recruitment and enrollment.

The Associated Press' James LaPorta reports that two Army National Guard members have been removed from inauguration duty Tuesday after they were found to have ties to "fringe right group militias" during the increased vetting process. No plot against Biden was found.

"Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration," the National Guard Bureau told AP, referring further questions to the Secret Service.

LaPorta reports that the Secret Service previously said on Monday that it would not comment on the removal of any Guardsmen from the inauguration due to operational security reasons.
My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell said during an interview Saturday with Brian Glenn of Right Side Broadcasting Network that several major retailers are dropping his product.

I just got off the phone with Bed Bath & Beyond. Theyre dropping My Pillow. Just got off the phone not five minutes ago. Kohls, all these different places, Lindell said. These [companies], theyre scared, like a Bed Bath & Beyond, theyre scared. They were good partners. In fact, I told them, You guys come back anytime you want.

During the interview Glenn asked Lindell about why he recently visited President Donald Trump at the White House.

Lindell said he had proof from the footprints of the voting machines that Joe Biden lost the election.

Dominion Voting Systems has sent a letter to Lindell threatening legal action because Lindell has made claims of voter fraud in the November election.

5Newsonline.com in Minneapolis reported that Lindell confirmed to KARE 11 that MyPillow products were pulled from Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohls, HEB Stores, the Canadian Shopping Channel and Wayfair.

CBSlocal.com reported that, Dominion Voting Systems also announced Monday that the company is threatening to sue Lindell for slander. Dominion sent legal letters to Lindell over his false and conspiratorial claims about the machines being rigged or influencing the results of the U.S. Presidential election.

According to Newsweek, there have been multiple social media comments urging retailers to stop carrying My Pillow products because of Lindells false claims that Trump won the election.

READ MORE
Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of Germany's 16 states are expected Tuesday to extend and tighten a partial lockdown beyond January, as fears grow over virus variant strains believed to be more contagious.

Germany shuttered restaurants, leisure and sporting facilities in November, then expanded the shutdown in mid-December to include schools and most shops to halt runaway growth in new coronavirus infections.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The measures ordered until the end of January have brought about a "flattening of the infections curve", said Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert, noting also that the number of patients in intensive care had also fallen slightly.

"This trend is cautiously positive and a success of the restrictions of the last weeks," he said.

"But it only brings us to the point where we still have a long way to go before we can say we have the infections under control," he added.

Virus variants first seen in Britain and South Africa also posed major risks to whether the falling infections trend could be sustained, added Seibert.

The crisis talks between Merkel and state premiers were brought forward by a week because of the virus variants.

"It is a risk that responsible politicians must take into account -- sooner rather than later," he added.

- Work from home call -

Germany got out of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic relatively well, but a second wave hit Europe's biggest economy hard.

New infections have soared far above the 50 per 100,000 people incidence rate threshold set by the government. And just last Thursday, the country saw a new high in daily deaths, at 1,244.

Seibert noted that the incidence rate was still at over 130 per 100,000, and that Germany "must more quickly" bring that down to 50.

He would not be drawn on specific measures that could be decided on Tuesday, but said discussions would surround "issues like working from home, medical masks, public transport -- not about the complete halt of public transport but about reducing contact in them".

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier last week issued a joint appeal with union and employer federation representatives, urging firms to have staff work from home "whenever possible".

More could be done to keep non-essential workers out of the office and off public transport, they said.

Experts have been alarmed by data showing that while a first shutdown in spring last year had led to a sharp drop of 40 percent in mobility, this winter, far more people appear to be on the move.

Disease control agency Robert Koch Institute and Berlin's Humboldt University have found from data collected from mobile phone signals that last Wednesday, the mobility of Germans was only 15 percent below that from a year ago.

RKI chief Lothar Wieler has pleaded for rigorous implementation of curbs that have already been ordered, saying that there were too many exceptions being offered.

In northern Germany, authorities were planning to take more drastic measures against people who breach quarantine rules.

Schleswig-Holstein state's justice ministry is turning a youth detention centre into a forced quarantine site for those who do not isolate themselves when required to.

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.
His bar has sat empty since March 15, 2020, but Joe Cappelletti still has to feed the fish.

If youve been to Moby Dick in the Castro, youre familiar with the giant, glowing 250-gallon fish tank that sits above the wooden bar, gurgling away as an unlikely backdrop to one of the oldest gay bars in the neighborhood. The aquarium was there when Cappelletti bought the bar in 2002, and its become such a fixture, they know they could never get rid of it now without causing an uproar.

One customer became so attached, Cappelletti said, he once accused him of replacing his favorite fish with an imposter. The patron claimed he knew his favorite fish, who he had named Henry, must have died and Cappelletti replaced it and figured no one would notice. While he didnt replace that particular fish that particular time, Cappelletti said with a laugh, he does have to replace them occasionally.

He wishes he had problems like that these days, he said, instead of worrying about whether the bar will have to close permanently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If it can open by the summer, they should be fine, but during the worst months of the pandemic, its hard to look that far ahead and think positively.

The bar has a GoFundMe, which had raised more than $20,000 as of publishing (employees of Moby Dick have a separate relief GoFundMe that has raised $10,000, which Cappelletti himself has donated to), that has gone toward paying for the fish tank maintenance, rent, insurance, and the permits required, even though the bar isnt open.

When we spoke, Cappelletti was feeling relieved as the city had just announced it would be refunding some of those permitting fees for bars and restaurants, which many people likely dont even know exist. There are a lot of little expenses people don't know about. You don't just close the door and not have to pay for everything anymore, he said. There are taxes and fees for everything. If you have candles, you have to pay. If you have a pool table, you have to pay. If you have pinball machines, you have to pay.

Cappelletti estimates it costs about $900 each month to keep the saltwater tank clean and make sure the fish have clean water and food. Plus, he knows the tanks pump adds to the electric bill, though he is unsure of how much.

The building on the corner of 18th and Hartford streets has been a bar since 1973 when it was known as the Corner Grocery Bar, leading many to believe that it was a grocery before that. In 1979, it became Moby Dick, opened by pantyhose heir Victor Swedosh, who funneled part of his fortune into the gay bar. An enclave for gay artists, the bar even had its own record label in the 1980s, Moby Dick Records, focused on disco. The label closed in 1984 after several key employees died of AIDS.

Cappelletti had been a bartender in the Castro for almost 20 years and was a frequent patron of Moby Dick when Swedosh decided to try to sell the bar. He had recently inherited some money when his father passed away, so he decided to purchase the bar with the bars manager at the time, Doug Murphy, in 2002. (The original fish tank happened to break that year and Cappelletti replaced it for $10,000.) Murphy passed away unexpectedly in 2009 and Scot Riffe purchased his half.

Jane Fonda, Robin Williams, and Mickey Rourke have all been visitors through the years, according to reports, and the bar was designated as a Legacy Business by the city in 2016. That status hasnt helped him much, Cappelletti said, and since the bar doesnt serve food, he decided it wouldnt be financially viable to open when outdoor dining was allowed, something that some vocal customers were upset about. He would have had to partner with a food vendor to comply with the citys rules and the location is just outside the weekend street closures, so he couldnt take advantage of that. We could have done the parklet thing, but it didn't make sense, he said. It would have cost more to serve one drink to one person and then get food somewhere else. It wouldn't have been financially prudent.

While he said they have a good relationship with their landlord, the payments will all eventually come due, something that could hurt them in the long run.

While Cappelletti longs just to be open, he said business had been slowly declining over the years, something he attributes to the growing popularity of dating apps like Tinder and Grindr.

Ive worked in gay bars for more than 40 years, and theyve changed a lot. What they used to be is places where guys went to meet each other, he said. Now its like shopping on Amazon  you can pick out whatever you want online and have it delivered to your door and I think thats affected the business of gay bars a lot.

And its not just his bar, he said. He mentioned the closure of other historic gay bars like The Stud and Badlands. That's what San Francisco is all about  the little places and the people. Everyone has their neighborhood, he said. Its like our weather here, just like the microclimate it's like we have micro-culture. People go to their spots in the city to feel welcome.

Further, the neighborhood suffers from the mental health crisis on the citys streets and from the lack of major events in the Castro that have been shut down over the years, like the neighborhoods Halloween party. Some of our biggest events the city has decided to control out of existence. I don't understand why they can't handle that crowd, Cappelletti said. They could handle the Super Bowl, but they couldn't handle Halloween?

For now, Cappelletti said hell keep waiting and hoping for the best. He had hoped to pass on the bar when he fully retires. I hope we can get through this so we can give it to the next person who can be the next trustee of the place, Cappelletti said. These are little enclaves people go to not be so lonely. To talk to a friendly face and meet people like them. ... We love our little bar. I like to go in there; I like to look at it and think about how to improve it but it's so sad right now there's nothing to do at the moment.

Its CASTRO MONTH at SFGATE. Well be diving deep into the neighborhood for the entirety of January as part of a new series where well be highlighting a different corner of San Francisco every month this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 23:19:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MUSCAT, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Omani health ministry on Tuesday announced 135 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 132,146, the official Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

Meanwhile, 185 people recovered during the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries to 124,398, while two people died, pushing the death toll to 1,516, according to a ministry statement quoted by ONA.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions by the supreme COVID-19 committee. 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 World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Monday denounced drug developers' profits and vaccine inequalities, indicating it is "not right" that younger and healthier individuals in wealthy nations get inoculated against COVID-19 before older people or health care workers in poorer nations. According to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, most vaccine makers have targeted locations with the highest profits.

WHO Chief Against Vaccinating Young People First

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commenced WHO's week-long virtual executive board meeting on Monday by criticizing that merely 25 vaccine doses have been provided in a single poor country, whereas 39 million doses have been disseminated in almost 50 richer countries.

According to Tedros, "Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country -- not 25 million, not 25,000 -- just 25." He added he needed to be blunt. He did not identify the country but a WHO spokesperson specified it as Guinea.

The WHO head stated wealthy countries securing millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines has put the world on the brink of a chaotic moral failure, reported Euronews.

Tedros stated to the WHO executive board that whereas over 39 million doses of novel coronavirus vaccine have been administered in "at least 49 higher-income countries," merely 25 doses have been provided in "one lowest-income country."

He remarked the equitable dissemination of coronavirus vaccines is at severe risk.

He underscored "the recent emergence of rapidly-spreading variants makes the rapid and equitable rollout of vaccines all the more important," reported CNBC.

The Ethiopian, who goes by his first name, nevertheless lauded the scientific achievement behind the distribution of vaccines less than a year following the pandemic's emergence in China, where a WHO-backed team has now been deployed to investigate the origins of COVID-19.

Also Read: Moderna CEO Believes COVID-19 is Here to Stay 'Forever'

"Vaccines are the shot in the arm we all need, literally and figuratively," he said. "But we now face the real danger that even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the worlds of the world's haves and have-nots," according to Tedros, reported Mint.

Tedros said it is right that all governments want to prioritize inoculating their own health workers and older people initially. However, he said it is wrong that younger, healthier adults in wealthy countries are immunized before health workers and older people in poorer countries and that there should be enough vaccine for all.

The WHO director-general noted the WHO-backed COVAX program, which is purported to disseminate vaccines out to all countries, rich or poor, based on need, has since then secured 2 billion vaccine doses from five producers and options on additional one billion doses.

He said they aim to begin deliveries in February and that COVAX is ready to deliver what it was developed for.

In some of his strongest public words yet pertaining to vaccine developers, Tedros again denounced "bilateral deals" between countries and drug companies that dent the ability of the WHO-backed COVAX program that aims to distribute vaccines to all countries based on need.

He said the majority of manufacturers had prioritized regulatory approval in wealthy countries with the highest profits instead of submitting data to the WHO so it could approve vaccines for wider use.

Related Article: Death of US Doctor After Being Administered COVID-19 Vaccine Under Investigation

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The father of two young boys killed in a horror car crash has received sickening phone calls from people threatening to bash him.

Sheldon, six, and Shane Shorey, seven, died after allegedly being mowed down by unlicensed driver Jacob Steven Donn, 25, in Wellington in the NSW central west on January 5.

Their father Joseph Shorey and mum Shayleen Frail - who suffered a broken leg and spinal injuries in the crash - are arguing over whether the boys should be cremated or buried.

Mr Shorey said since the family feud began, he has been on the receiving end of a series of threatening phone calls and Facebook messages.

Sheldon Shorey (left), 6, and his brother Shane (right), 7, were killed when an out-of-control car allegedly driven by Jacob Steven Donn, 35, ploughed into them on Warne Street, Wellington, on January 5

'Ive received a couple of threats over the phone and a couple of nasty Facebook messages calling me a grub and all this, telling me to give Shayleen what she wants,' Mr Shorey told The Dubbo News.

Daily Mail Australia understands both the mother and the father have hired lawyers to settle the burial disagreement.

'Ive received threats like "Im gonna bash you" and all this "the kids dont belong with you",' Mr Shorey said.

He said he was even falsely accused of spending money from online fundraisers - set up to pay for the boys' funeral costs - on a Rolex watch and a new car for himself.

Mr Shorey said he bought both the watch and the car several years ago.

The father also revealed the heartbreaking moment he saw his sons' bodies in the morgue after their death.

The boys are pictured with their father Joseph Shorey. He has revealed he has been on the receiving end of sickening messages from strangers threatening to bash him

Joseph Shorey (left) and Shayleen Frail (right) remain at odds over the best way to lay their two sons Sheldon, 6, and Shane Shorey, 7, to rest almost two weeks after a car crash in New South Wales that claimed their lives

'Shane had a habit of pretending to be asleep in the mornings, when I saw him in the morgue I was like "get up boy, stop pretending". I was just hoping he was going to wake up with his little smile,' he said.

Mr Shorey said he believes the best compromise is to cremate the bodies of his boys so he and Ms Frail can both always feel close to them.

But Ms Frail told Nine News her sons must be buried in Wellington.

'Wellington most definitely was and still is their home, they started off their little lives here,' she said.

'They need to come home, they need to be buried here in Wellington where they are loved, where their family is.'

Despite the tragedy occurring in Wellington, the boys only spent a few years of their lives there.

Shane was born in Dubbo in 2011, before they moved to Mudgee ahead of Sheldon's birth in 2014, Mr Shorey explained the day after their death.

Police allege Donn was performing burnouts on Warne Street in his red Holden (pictured) when he lost control, mounted the gutter and hit the group of five pedestrians

Ms Frail (pictured) spent 11 days in hospital after suffering a broken leg and spinal injuries in the crash

They moved to Wellington two years later, but Ms Frail would spend almost two out of the next four years in prison.

This led to Mr Shorey moving up to Queensland with his three boys.

He said he believes cremating his sons is the best possible resolution, so that both parents can still feel close to their sons.

'I'm not going to bury them in Emerald, in Queensland, because it's too far for them to travel,' he said.

'We both love our kids dearly and they've spent time with both of us, that's why the cremation idea is a sensible one.

'It's not the first option, but its the best. We both get to have our babies close to us.'

While the argument over funeral arrangements rages, NSW Police continue to investigate the moments before the crash.

Donn is facing a total of 14 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and drug possession

Police initially believed Ms Frail, her sons and two other boys were leaving the local swimming pool when they were allegedly struck by an out-of-control Mr Donn.

But Daily Mail Australia revealed the group had actually only just arrived on Warne St.

Instead of going straight to the water, a surviving boy told loved ones that Ms Frail instead took them 'to see the man in the red car first'.

'[The surviving boy] got out of the car and said to Shayleen: "The pool's this way?"' a source said.

'Shayleen said to him: "I'm just going to see the man in the red car first".'

Donn was allegedly at the wheel of a red Holden when he crashed into the group.

When he was later arrested by police, officers allegedly found a prohibited drug in his possession.

The boys' father Joseph Shorey (pictured in blue) made an emotional visit to the scene a day after the crash, having driven through the night from his Queensland home

Mr Shorey lays a hand on the broken black fence that Donn's red Holden allegedly ploughed through

The results of mandatory blood tests for drugs and alcohol are yet to be returned.

In the aftermath of the crash, Mr Shorey drove through the night from Queensland to visit the scene of the tragedy.

Mr Shorey had last seen his sons on Monday when they told him they loved him and would see him in just a few weeks upon their return to Queensland, where they lived.

'I only saw them the day before and they gave me big hugs and cuddles and said: "Dad, we love you, we'll see you on the 17th",' Mr Shorey said.

'Now I've lost my two youngest boys.

'I can't believe it mate. I'm so shattered. It is gut wrenching, it is heartbreaking, it is everything you ever imagine it would be.

'My kids should be burying me, I shouldn't have to be burying them, they were my world.'

The crash happened just outside the Wellington Aquatic Leisure Centre (pictured) where Ms Frail was intending to take her sons, and two other boys, for a swim

Both parents have told how their children were all incredible sporty and loved the outdoors (Pictured on their scooters above are Shane, left, and Sheldon, right.

Just three days after the crash, on what would have been Shane's eighth birthday, his family gathered at the Dubbo Pool to celebrate in his memory.

Balloons spelling out his name were released into the sky and his father told those in attendance it was the party he had dreamed of.

In heartwarming footage shared to Facebook, Mr Shorey lit the candles on his late son's birthday cake while other children in the group sang Happy Birthday.

A GoFundMe page set up to assist him pay for the funerals for his two boys has so far seen more than $25,600 donated.
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ann Rodier, Ph.D., a private educational consultant who spent decades as a college administrator and academic adviser, shares seven tips she believes will help students succeed beyond high school in her new book The Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Students: An Academic Success Workbook (published by Archway Publishing).

Designed to help students who are beginning their academic career in higher education, the book focuses on academic achievement and mastery of skills to realize excellent achievement in college. The Seven Secrets are summarized by the letters of the word student which stands for s- study skills, t-time management, u-understanding yourself, d-determination to overcome obstacles, e-educational planning, n-note taking and organizational skills, and t-test-taking skills and overcoming test anxiety. Within the book, The Seven Secrets are explained and work sheets are provided to track student progress in mastering these skills.

I hope readers will know there are specific strategies to help them succeed in college and ways to measure their progress in acquiring these skills, Rodier says, adding It will reassure students that academic success is possible if they implement guidelines outlined in the book.

The Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Students is available for purchase online at the Archway link above, at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Secrets-Highly-Successful-Students/dp/1480895431.

The Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Students

By Ann Rodier, Ph.D.

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781480895430

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781480895447

E-Book | 108 pages | ISBN 9781480895454

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ann Rodier, Ph.D., is currently an educational consultant who specializes in advising students who are entering or returning to higher education. Rodier has been an educational administrator and college student advisor and currently teaches at Fordham University in New York. Rodier is married and has two sons and three grandsons.





Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit www.archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.

Attachment

Police Chief K. Scott Kelley poses with his officers in front of Town Hall on Tuesday. Kelley is escorted by Town Administrator Jay Green. PreviousNext

New Police Chief Takes Command in Adams



Chief K. Scott Kelley takes the oath from Town Clerk Haley Meczywor. Kelley is the town's third police chief in a year. ADAMS, Mass.  New Police Chief K. Scott Kelley says he "already feels at home" and is looking forward to spending time getting to know his officers.

"The thing that I'm looking forward to the most is actually spending time with my officers," he said on Tuesday. "I can't say it enough, and I mean every word of it. I have learned throughout my years that the only way to succeed in leadership is to make sure that everyone under you has input. These officers know what is needed, what is wanted, where we need to go, what our goal should be."

Kelley was sworn in on Tuesday morning in front of Town Hall, the town's third police chief in less than year. He particularly thanked his immediate predecessor Troy Bacon, along with Town Administrator Jay Green and Selectmen Chairwoman Christine Hoyt, for ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.

Bacon had been leading the force since July in an interim capacity following the retirement of Chief Richard Tarsa, a 36-year member of the Adams force. He had initially indicated interest in taking on the post permanently but declined late last year for personal reasons and returned to Indiana.

Kelley took the oath from Town Clerk Haley Meczywor with several selectmen in attendance, town employees and police officers lined up on each side of the walkway. The weather was chilly and scattered snowflakes fell during the short ceremony, a bit of a change for the South Carolina native.

He got a better perspective back on Dec. 18, he said, when he and his family traveled to Adams for a meet and greet  just a day or two after nearly a foot of snow fell on the county.

"I think we got a good dose of what the weather can offer, because it was only a day or two after the big snowfall," he grinned. "And we got to see the town, we got to kind of look at the area and get a foothold on the area around Adams and just really fell in love with it."

The new chief has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, including a 12-year stint in Anderson, S.C., during which he rose to the rank of sergeant and filled roles ranging from school resource officer to the special weapons and tactics team. He took on administrative and policy development roles in the Police Department at Folly Beach, S.C., and also worked at two higher-education institutions  Clemson University and Spartanburg Community College. At Spartanburg, he was chief of police for the sprawling campus with its nearly 7,000 students, faculty and staff. He holds a bachelor of science focused in criminal justice/law enforcement administration from Columbia Southern University.

He arrived in Adams on Friday and began his three-year contract Tuesday. His wife and three children  ages 8,11 and 13  will be joining him.

Green said this has been a year of despair between the pandemic and acknowledgement of social ills that continue to plague the nation, but there appears to be a light ahead and that the day offered a reason to be positive and embrace optimism.

"Yesterday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day that we celebrate service, I was reminded that that solution starts right here with those of us that wear a uniform or provide public service in any capacity," he said. "It starts with us in Adams, in the Berkshires, and we have a reason as citizens to contribute and lead in our own communities because that is the very foundation of our democracy."

The tip of the sword is the town's police force, Green continued. "Law enforcement has been brought to the forefront in our national and community dialogue and not always in a positive context. Although the demands and nature of policing has evolved over the years, I think it vital to remember the primary mission of a police department should always be to protect and to serve regardless of creed or race."

He lauded the departed Bacon for bringing the Adams force closer to fulfilling its 125-year mission to protect and serve its community, and to come closer to being the best-performing department in the county. Kelley, he said, had the leadership skills and empathy vital to being a chief of police and furthering the department's professionalism.

Kelley said he plans to listen to his officers and community members because it will take both groups working together for the town's betterment.

"I have felt extremely welcome. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else at this point, I already feel at home," Kelley said. "I look forward to the future for this department, I look forward to the future for this town and what we can do together  the Police Department and community  where we can go, where we can improve and all of this is with the help of the community and those officers right there."
Despite the doubts about when and how  or even if  the Covid-19 vaccine will get to you, the debate has already opened on how vaccination can boost peoples freedom to travel sooner rather than later.

At EU level, the charge is being led by Greece, which is not surprising given that tourism is worth up to 40bn per year to that country, accounts for 7pc of economic output, and is responsible for one in 10 jobs. You dont need to be Einstein to see what the economic losses amount to there.

It seems a simple enough argument that people who are vaccinated should have more room to move than those not immunised. But then you get to look into the detail  and it begins to look like a minefield.

There are three immediate issues working against the idea. The first is the principle of being obliged to share any part of your medical history to get permission to travel. Read More The second is a fear the idea could add to anti-vaccination campaigners arguments. The final one is the lack of medical evidence on whether or not vaccinated people can still transmit the virus. European affairs ministers from the 27 member states held a video conference yesterday to discuss greater co-ordination for the roll-out of vaccines. That same topic will again be pursued EU leaders, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin, when they have a summit via videoconferencing on Thursday. But the vaccination passport idea was announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis last week to the European Commission. He argued that an EU-wide vaccination certificate can help restore cross-border travel crippled by the pandemic. The idea is also out there more generally even at domestic levels. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he favoured vaccinated people being allowed back sooner to restaurants and cinemas, but other government colleagues were sceptical of that view. European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, of Slovakia, addressed the first two issues yesterday. He said it was important to stress that vaccination is voluntary and acknowledged that some people were unable or unwilling to receive a vaccine. Numbers of Covid-19 anti-vaccination people are surprisingly high. It is prevalent in the former East Bloc states where trust in officialdom is limited, given the historic experience of totalitarian government, and struggling new democratic regimes still tainted with allegations of corruption. Even in more established polities like France, the levels of vaccine scepticism are alarmingly high. Surveys last month suggested that as few as 40pc of the population are happy with the prospect of a Covid-19 vaccine. Mr Sefcovic, who was also the man who negotiated the end to UK objections to the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol, said people fretful about the vaccine should not have their rights limited. However, he also suggested that vaccination could become a condition for travel, like current requirements in many countries, including Ireland, for a negative Covid test. There will be different options how we handle travel. The possibility of the electronic vaccination certificate could be added, he said. Michael Roth, representing Germany yesterday, said it was vital to establish if vaccinated people could still transmit the coronavirus to others. The EU Commission is working to ensure that vaccination data can be collected electronically in a common form. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control will this week start collecting data on member state vaccine figures. Mr Sefcovic said EU countries needed to keep open the single market, allowing workers freedom of movement. But for the coming weeks, the focus will be on securing continuity of vaccine supplies.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Exploiting nostalgia is a well-worn emotive approach to enticing customers to purchase a product or service. New work in the International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing, has looked at how a person's character affects whether or not they are susceptible to what is commonly referred to as nostalgia marketing. One of the main findings from the work is that given a high-quality product nostalgia marketing will be successful even given a concomitant high price, the team has found.

Kyunghee Kim, Ahreum Hong, and Yannan Li of the Graduate School of Technology Management at Kyung Hee University in South Korea explain how nostalgia appeals at an emotional level for many people. It is used in many areas of human endeavor books and movies, fashion and food, and more broadly in the marketing of such things. "People often have good memories of their past and enjoy looking back to happy times," the team writes. "They enjoy being reminded of happy memories with family and friends." As such, incorporating themes or products from the past marketers can create a unique emotional feeling in their putative customers.

The team points out that there are negative associations with nostalgia. In recent years, rather than being perceived as a positive thing, there has been a suggestion that nostalgia is somehow a psychological problem associated with an unrequited desire for the past. This is then associated with melancholy, depression, and loneliness. A more holistic view of nostalgia would be inclusive of such negative connotations but also the more positive side. A balanced view of nostalgia would see it as a complex emotion or mood associated with reflection on the past whether people, experience, ideas, or objects that are no longer part of someone's present situation.

The team suggests that marketers need to reflect on how nostalgia "ain't what it used to be" if they are to benefit from improved sales when exploiting this emotion in their advertising efforts.

Explore further Childhood memories affect brand loyalty and consumption behavior

More information: Kyunghee Kim et al. Effects of consumer personal characteristics and psychological factors on nostalgia marketing, International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing (2021). Kyunghee Kim et al. Effects of consumer personal characteristics and psychological factors on nostalgia marketing,(2021). DOI: 10.1504/IJEMR.2021.112256
Was your job easier in any way?

In many ways it has been easier because there was never a shortage of photo-ops, news conferences or world stage events to photograph President Trump. The White House press photographers have never had so much access to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room meetings. Many times, we were in Oval Office events for more than 30 minutes and in Cabinet Room meetings for over 90 minutes. Photographers can take a lot of different images during that time.

Youve talked in the past about how President Trump was iconic. Can you elaborate?

President Trump was by far the most iconic president Ive photographed. President Obama was the most photogenic. Mr. Trumps hair, black jackets and red ties, along with his physical figure, makes almost any part of his body recognizable.

What was your own personal interaction with him like?

President Trump does know me by name and has pointed me out on a number of occasions. During a G7 summit in Canada, he told French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that I was one of the worlds best photographers, but that I worked for The New York Times. While I was covering President Trumps dinner with the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace, he pointed me out to the queen and said, Thats Doug Mills of The New York Times. I was shocked and just looked at the queen and said, Your Majesty, and the photo-op was over.

Did you develop a rapport with him, and what was that like?

Like many presidents Ive covered, I did develop a rapport. He would often say hello when he came back on Air Force One to talk to reporters and called me a genius. Yes, my colleagues would give me a ton of grief about it.

Ive seen President Trump praise our senior White House reporter Peter Baker on Air Force One about one of his stories and then criticize him weeks later for another story. Mr. Trump has praised me a number of times and has also questioned photos that were published. During a meeting with the prime minister of England, President Trump said, Hey, Mills, I hated that photo on the front page the other day. I truly believe he respected my work and thought I was fair and unbiased. I strive to do that each and every day. I learned to tune all the rhetoric out and focus on taking photos.
Lawton, OK (73501)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
New Delhi: Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput was found at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. The shocking demise of a popular actor under mysterious circumstances made it a sensational case for months with premiere agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the case from various angles respectively.

Sushant Singh Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty came under the scanner after some of her personal messages came out in public domain and late actor's family accused her in the FIR.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's wife Soni Razdan recently replied to a tweet supporting Rhea. He wrote: She going to jail has clearly exposed only the people who sent her there and shown that she was an innocent victim of a very twisted design. Why wont anyone work with her? I think she will do very well. I hope so anyway.

She going to to jail has clearly exposed only the people who sent her there and shown that she was an innocent victim of a very twisted design. Why wont anyone work with her ? I think she will do very well. I hope so anyway. https://t.co/SdRVb1p5xB  Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 18, 2021

Rhea, her brother Showik Chakraborty, some staff members of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput and a few others were arrested under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Rhea, Showik and some other accused were later granted bail.

After coming out of the jail, Rhea Chakraborty has been spotted in the city on a couple of occasions.

The Trump administration issued a parting shot to Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday, announcing a sweeping round of stiff financial sanctions that target a network accused of moving oil on behalf of the president's alleged frontman.

The US Treasury Department hit three individuals, 14 business entities and six ships with financial measures. They're accused of assisting the Venezuelan oil firm PDVSA, under Maduro's control, of outmaneuvering earlier U.S. sanctions designed to stop the president from profiting from crude sales.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Trump, who leaves the White House on Wednesday, has led an international coalition over the last two years by exerting increasing pressure on Maduro to end what U.S. officials call his illegitimate hold on power.

The White House recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the nation's legitimate leader, blaming Maduro for Venezuela's economic and political ruin.

The United States remains committed to targeting those enabling the Maduro regimes abuse of Venezuelas natural resources," U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement.

The fresh sanctions target people and businesses linked with Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman who U.S. officials say is a close associate of Maduro. Saab is jailed in the African nation of Cape Verde while fighting extradition to the U.S. to face corruption charges.

The primary figures targeted by the sanctions are Alessandro Bazzoni, Francisco Javier DAgostino Casado, Philipp Paul Vartan Apikian, Elemento Ltd., and Swissoil Trading SA.

Bazzoni, a London-based Italian commodities trader, declined a request by The Associated Press to comment.

Venezuelan officials, who didn't immediately comment on the sanctions, often blame the U.S. for leading an economic war" with the end goal of installing Guaido as the head of a puppet" government to steal Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Sanctions by the U.S. Treasury's Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control block any assets that targeted individuals and businesses have in U.S. jurisdictions and bar Americans from conducting financial transactions with them.

The U.S. Department of Commerce also announced measures on Tuesday to block U.S. technology from being used by military intelligence in nations including China, Cuba, Russia and Venezuela.

Commerce officials in a statement said in Venezuela they seek to deprive the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of any U.S. technology. Human rights groups accuse the counterintelligence agency of abuses against its own citizens, including torture.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke Monday by phone with Guaido. White House spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said the two talked about their shared goal to see a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela.

Pompeo expressed his personal respect and appreciation" to Guaido for the opposition leaders commitment to the cause of freedom and his inspiring leadership to millions of Venezuelans yearning for a brighter future," Ortagus 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.
WASHINGTON - President-elect Joe Biden opened his inaugural commemorations Tuesday evening by honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died because of the coronavirus pandemic, marking the final hours before his swearing-in with a somber reminder of the struggles facing the nation he will lead Wednesday.

Biden, returning to Washington for the first time since winning the election, presided over the first national mourning event amid the pandemic, and it set the tone for an inauguration that will be marked with more solemnity than jubilation.

Lanterns surrounding the Reflecting Pool next to the Lincoln Memorial shone to represent the dead, and buildings across the nation lit in a united effort to honor those lost. As the sun set with vibrant tangerine hues over a largely desolate, security-conscious downtown District of Columbia, Biden explicitly called on Americans to remember the victims and implicitly signaled the swift changes he would try to bring to the presidency.

Four years after President Donald Trump entered office talking about "American carnage" and insisting that "I alone can fix it," Biden sought to project an optimism rooted in the possibilities of a country united and working together.

"Between sundown and dusk, let us shine the lights in the darkness," Biden said in brief remarks that left the images to speak louder than his words. "To heal, we must remember. It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation. That's why we're here today."

Earlier, a Michigan nurse, Lori Marie Key, sang "Amazing Grace," and after Biden spoke, gospel singer Yolanda Adams performed "Hallelujah."

As she did, Biden; his wife, Jill Biden; Vice President-elect Kamala Harris; and her husband, Doug Emhoff, turned to gaze across the darkened pool. In a space that is usually crowded with people for a pre-inaugural concert, the dominant image instead was one of a void framed by light.

Washington Post photo by Demetrius Freeman.

The ceremony was meant as a demarcation between Biden's presidency and the tenure of Trump, who has mostly ignored the swiftly rising coronavirus caseloads and death toll for months, after insisting during the campaign that the virus would soon disappear.

Biden and Harris have cited tackling the virus - by persuading more Americans to use preventive measures and by vaccinating millions vulnerable to it - and the parallel economic collapse as their top priorities when their administration takes power Wednesday.

Inauguration planners also organized other iconic buildings - including the Empire State Building in New York and the Space Needle in Seattle - to light up Tuesday night, and invited cities and towns across the country to join in the national moment of tribute.

"For many months, we have grieved by ourselves," Harris said Tuesday night. "Tonight, we grieve and begin healing together."

Biden's appearance at the Reflecting Pool came hours after he offered an emotional farewell to his home state, weeping openly several times as he spoke in front of a bank of Delaware flags before boarding a flight to Washington for his swearing-in as president at noon Wednesday.

"I know these are dark times. But there's always light," Biden said from the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center at New Castle Airport, a venue named for his son, who died of brain cancer in 2015.

"You've been there for us in the good and the bad and never walked away," Biden said, after calling out to several friends in the audience. "And I am proud, proud, proud, proud to be a son of Delaware."

As Biden spoke, tears rolled down his face and he fought for control several times.

Paraphrasing an adage from Irish writer James Joyce, Biden said: "Excuse the emotion. But when I die, Delaware will be written on my heart."

Biden said his only regret was that his eldest son, who had been the state's attorney general and was looking toward a run for governor before his death, was not the one leaving for Washington to be sworn in as president. Biden's two surviving children and six of his grandchildren accompanied him to Washington.

The emotion of the Reflecting Pool commemoration and Biden's raw goodbye to Delaware matched the tumultuous moment in the country's history as he prepares to take over as president.

More than 20,000 National Guard troops are billeted in the nation's capital to keep peace during the inauguration. And less than two hours after he spoke, the nation passed the 400,000 mark in covid-19 deaths, as the coronavirus continues to spread across the nation amid a struggling effort to vaccinate the most vulnerable.

As a result, the events leading to the inauguration have been subdued rather than celebratory and festive.

Even before the riot by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol two weeks ago, many events associated with a transfer of power had been scaled back because of the virus.

On Inauguration Day, formal balls will be replaced with online events. The National Mall, where inaugural observers would have stood, was devoid of people, instead turned into an artistic canvas filled with hundreds of lights and tens of thousands of flags.

Additional security precautions, including scrapping a train ride Biden planned from Wilmington, Del., to Washington, were made in the days since a deadly mob stormed the Capitol directly after remarks at a rally by Trump.

After the memorial service on Tuesday night, Biden and his family went to Blair House, the official presidential guesthouse across the street from the White House. The White House had extended an invitation for Biden to use the property, but Biden's aides over the past week had declined to say whether he would stay at the home, as every president-elect has done since Jimmy Carter.

Biden, who will be the nation's second Catholic president after John F. Kennedy, is planning to attend Mass at St. Matthew's Cathedral on Wednesday morning. He will be joined by a bipartisan group of congressional leaders.

For the first time in recent memory, the incoming and outgoing presidents are not expected to meet on Inauguration Day. Trump plans to depart the White House for Florida in the morning and will be the first outgoing president to boycott his successor's inauguration since Andrew Johnson declined to attend President Ulysses S. Grant's swearing-in in 1869.

Vice President Mike Pence, however, said Tuesday that he would attend Biden's inauguration rather than Trump's farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Biden's speech on Wednesday is expected to run 20 to 30 minutes and will be "built around the theme of unity" and offer "a forward-looking vision for his presidency while addressing the moment we are living in as a country," according to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private planning.

The inauguration will close the most tumultuous transition in modern history, one that was marked by weeks of false accusations by Trump and other Republicans about the election results, which culminated two weeks ago with a pro-Trump mob storming the steps where Biden will take the oath of office.

Biden is planning an immediate burst of executive actions designed to undo a slew of measures carried out by Trump over the past four years. He is planning to immediately reenter the Paris climate accords and repeal the ban on U.S. entry for citizens of some majority-Muslim countries.

Biden is expected to sign an order extending nationwide restrictions on evictions and foreclosures and implement a mask-wearing mandate on federal property.

Biden's team has circulated a top-line list of tentative executive orders that lawmakers should expect to be rolled out over each of the next seven days - an early look at policies and messages the new White House expects to press ahead on in its opening days.

They include directives in key areas in which Biden had promised action, including fighting the coronavirus, providing economic relief, requiring the federal government to procure American goods, forging racial equality, combating climate change, improving access to health care, overhauling the immigration system and restoring the country's leadership abroad.

The list of Biden's pending executive orders, confirmed by two people who have seen it and who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly, gives a broad overview of what the incoming administration plans to do on its own - without Congress, if necessary - to address the immediate priorities.

The president-elect plans to issue administrative actions relating to the coronavirus on Thursday and economic relief on Friday. A "Buy American" action is slated for Monday, and an order addressing issues of racial equity is anticipated for Tuesday.

Biden plans to announce actions on climate change on Jan. 27, health care on Jan. 28, immigration on Jan. 29, and on Feb. 1, he is expected to take action on international affairs and national security.

Biden also plans to file on Wednesday a sweeping immigration bill, which includes an eight-year pathway to citizenship for immigrants without legal status and an expansion of refugee admissions. At the same time, he plans to press aggressively for a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package.

Biden's final few days as a private citizen included a mix of family time and homages to his past and to the crises faced by the country.

The president-elect, Jill Biden and other family members packed canned goods and rice into boxes on Monday at Philabundance, Philadelphia's largest hunger-relief program. It was part of a national day of service that kicked the inaugural festivities into high gear, and aides said more than 150 boxes of food were packaged.

On Sunday, his granddaughter Naomi posted a photo of Joe Biden with one of his dogs - an empty box and a framed photo propped on the floor in the background, nodding to the packing going on around them.

"This is kind of emotional for me," Biden said in Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, addressing a small audience that included longtime friends and allies. "You've been with me my whole career - and through the good times and the bad."

Biden recalled how his parents moved to the state from Pennsylvania under economic duress. He recounted standing on a train platform 12 years earlier, awaiting President-elect Barack Obama and speaking to his sons about the changes that had prompted the nation to elect the first Black president.

And now, he said, he was headed to Washington to meet up with Harris, who will be the first female, first Black and first Asian American vice president.

"I said, 'Don't tell me things can't change. They can. And they do,' " Biden said. "That's America. That's Delaware. A place of hope and light and limitless possibilities."

- - -

The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
Adeboje said her son, ChiDubem, left the museums event asking what the family was now going to do for other people. Adeboje said her family of four would continue to volunteer in food drives and other service events, and would educate others about their own experiences as Black Chicagoans.


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.
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 a group of diverse law students, we saw the need for a new journal that gave minority students on campus a platform to publish on issues that directly impact our communities,'' said Founding Editor-In-Chief Silvia Chairez-Perez JD/MBA '21. "As John Lewis once wrote, 'Every successful movement needs to have achievable goals to give the people involved some victories. That keeps them focused, keeps them going.' We hope this journal will elevate the voices of liberators to keep the movement going."

Chairez-Perez is joined by two other co-founders, Managing Editor Tiffany E. Avila '21 and Online Editor Bacilio Mendez II JD/MBA '20, LLM '21. The Founding Faculty Advisor is Professor Jyoti Nanda.

The students unveiled the journal web site on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Students will contribute short-form blog posts throughout the academic year, then publish a first edition of scholarly articles in late spring.

GGU Law is a well-respected leader in the education of race, gender, and social justice issues, and it serves predominantly Black, brown, LGBTQ, and other minority law students. Given these strengths, Nanda said, the school is perfectly positioned to host a platform for its faculty and students to publish scholarly work focused on these and related issues.

"The launch of this journal comes at a pivotal moment in our country's history amid a reckoning with the dynamics of race and gender, particularly with respect to police interactions with Black and Brown communities," Nanda said. "These three GGU students are true visionaries. They created a journal to analyze social justice legal issues with an intersectional lens that takes into account race, gender, and sexualityissues and voices often missing in legal academic literature."

"As someone who has spent her entire career as a scholar activist on legal issues impacting communities of color with an intersectional approach," Nanda added, "I deeply appreciate the need for complexity and depth when addressing social justice issues."

The founders included both words "sexuality" and "gender" in the journal's title to acknowledge the distinction between the two and to encourage students and other writers to engage in meaningful scholarship on both topics.

Mendez said that, as a long-time activist and ally fighting on behalf of and alongside friends living with HIV/AIDS, he struggled with how to reconcile the need to step back from activism to attend law school.

"I founded this journal with Silvia and Tiffany," he said, "to help ease the path for other queer agitators-turned-academics who struggle with the transition from direct action to legal advocacy. To them I say, this journal is proof positive that being in school does not mean that you have to be silent."

The journal complements GGU's three other publications: the GGU Law Review, the GGU Environmental Law Journal, and the GGU Annual Survey of International and Comparative Law.

GGU Law Interim Dean Eric C. Christiansen agreed that the moment is ripe to augment the school's current scholarly publications with one dedicated to the law's capacity to advance social justice.

"My wish is that this will give voice to those whose stories are too often overlooked,'' Christiansen said, "that it will empower legal advocates to pursue inclusive, meaningful equality in necessary and novel ways, and it will connect a broad community of scholars and activists to the work of justice."

Students intentionally launched the journal on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Chairez-Perez said, to acknowledge the tenor of the times and the emergence of a "new civil rights movement."

Located in San Francisco, Golden Gate University School of Law provides students with a solid foundation in legal theory and the skills necessary to be a successful practitioner. GGU Law has a special commitment to public interest law. In addition to a strong public interest law curriculum, the school offers financial assistance to students who pursue careers in public interest law, and our in-house clinics provide legal assistance to underrepresented populations. GGU students reflect a wide variety of ages, work experience, and cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. GGU's 700 law students include working professionals and recent college graduates from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate institutions.

Contact:

Michael Bazeley

Director of Communications, GGU

at [email protected]

415-442-7853

SOURCE Golden Gate University
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus thanked the Mayor and the Council of Elders of Paphos, who, responding to the request of the Armenian community of the country, quickly changed the name of Talaat Pasha Street into Tikeosinis (Justice), "Armenpress" was informed from the Armenian National Committee of Cyprus.

"Our Committee, for the first time, examined the issue of changing the street's name during its July 14, 2020 session, where it considered humiliating that the name of the organizer of the Armenian Genocide was honored.

Moreover, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Cypriot Parliament ratified a bill criminalizing the denial of the Genocide. This decision brought the circumstance of honoring the genocide organizer to the legal platform. Today, we are happy to announce that the wish of all of us has come true. Our thanks to the Mayor of Paphos Mr. Phedonas Phedonos, who established justice without any hesitation', reads the statement.
An Army official and a US intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, however, did not say what fringe group the National Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in

Two US Army National Guard members are being removed from the security mission to secure Joe Bidens presidential inauguration. A US Army official and a senior US intelligence official said the two National Guard members have been found to have ties to fringe right group militias.

No plot against Biden was found.

The Army official and the intelligence official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to Defense Department media regulations. They did not say what fringe group the Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in.

Contacted by the AP on Tuesday, the National Guard Bureau referred questions to the US Secret Service and said, Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration.

The Secret Service told the AP on Monday it would not comment on if any National Guard members had been pulled from securing the inauguration for operational security reasons.
Thimpu, Jan 16 (UNI) Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on Saturday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

"I would like to congratulate PM @narendramodi and the people of India for the landmark launch of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive today. We hope it comes as an answer to pacify all the sufferings we have endured this pandemic", Mr Tshering said in a Twitter post.

He prayed for the good health and well being of Mr Modi and the people of India.

World's largest COVID-19 vaccination programme began in India on Saturday morning. Health care workers both in government and private sectors would be vaccinated first.

UNI JAL SB 1241

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UMAX Group Corp. (the "Company" or "UMAX" - Pink Sheets Alternative Reporting Pink: UMAX)  UMAX and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Home Foam Corporation, would like to provide a follow up on the current status of corporate governance announcements released over the past couple months.

Mr. Fletcher (President and CEO of the Company), states"UMAX is committed to providing the public material business updates on a regular basis. These announcements will also provide updates on previously announced events that have not been fully completed. While we do have some material events to announce in the coming weeks and months related to revenue events for Home Foam along with potential acquisitions for UMAX, we felt this week we would provide this general update on items still outstanding. We feel that providing the public with regular information updates is the key to becoming a fully transparent issuer for our public shareholders."

Below is list of the still outstanding items we have announced which have not been completed along with the time frames for completion.

Cancellation of Common Stock  On November 2, 2020, UMAX announced the cancellation of 500,000,000 shares of its Common Stock thus lowering the amount of common stock issued and outstanding to less than 65,000,000 shares of Common Stock. This planned cancellation has been delayed due to the market value of the certificates being cancelled when attempting to get the required gold medallion signature guarantees through an appropriate banking institution. We are currently in discussions with our stock transfer agent in finding an appropriate resolution to allow this cancellation to get completed. UMAX anticipates this issue will be resolved in the next two to three weeks.

Lowering of Authorized Common Stock  On November 17, 2020, UMAX announced the plans to amend our articles of incorporation from 1,850,000,000 to 500,000,000 shares of Common Stock. As stated in the press release, this lowering of our authorized Common Stock would allow UMAX to trade under a relatively normalized market capitalization with the market's understanding that as we make our future acquisitions, the current shareholders will not suffer significant dilution of their holdings. UMAX will immediately effectuate this amendment to our articles of incorporation shortly after the cancellation of the Common Stock block discussed above is finally completed."

Engagement of a PCAOB Qualified Auditor  On December 28, 2020, UMAX announced the plan to engage a PCAOB qualified auditor, the subsequent completion of an audit of its financial statements, and an up listing to the OTCQB once completed. UMAX is currently set to receive several engagement letters in the next ten days at which such time, we will execute and engagement letter to move forward with the preparation of our audited financial statements. As such, once a PCAOB auditor is engaged in the next two weeks or less, that is will take between sixty (6) and Ninety (90) days to complete the FYE 2020 and 2019 audited financial statements and notes thereto at which such time the application to OTC Market Groups, Inc. will be completed for UMAX to move to the OTCQB.

Mr. Fletcher (President and CEO of UMAX) further stated"We just wanted to provide this quick update on these announced corporate governance matters so that our public shareholders know we have not forgotten to follow through on these important matters which will most certainly effect the long-term stability of the public market for our Common Stock. We feel these corporate matters are as important to the long-term stability of the market for our common stock as moving forward with negotiations of items of revenue that will affect our future bottom line."

About Us

UMAX Group Corp. is a Nevada corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet issuer under the ticker symbol "UMAX". Currently, UMAX has one operational subsidiary, Home Foam Corporation (Nevada Corporation), which specializes in architectural foam (EPS) design products. This includes columns, caps, bases, medallions, railings, balconies, balustrades, shutters, window trims and sills, crown moldings and interior & exterior moldings. Additionally, they provide ornamental foam pop-outs such as window treatments for outside of new homes for stucco subcontractors and plaster companies. Additionally, Home Foam cuts foam for packaging inserts for shipping companies as well as geo-foam for highway and road development. The company also manufactures shutters for some of the largest regional home building companies for newly constructed residential homes. The company currently operates a 12,500 square foot warehouse located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The warehouse provides services for over 50 customer and currently has 13 full-time employees. Home Foam has plans to participate in the home building market in the Southwest Unites States during calendar year 2021. The company will eventually develop its own patented building system using EPS Foam products and a patented stucco-based coating. The coating insures higher R-values factors than traditional wood-built residences thus lower energy monthly cost. The company is also continually searching for companies that would expand the footprint in the home building industry for partnerships of acquisition.

Forward Looking Statement

Certain statements that we make may constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as believes, expects, anticipates, intends, plans, estimates, projects, forecasts, and future or conditional verbs such as will, may, could, should, and would, as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report and subsequent Flings, which are available on Otcmarkets.com. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement in the event it later turns out to be inaccurate, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE UMAX Group Corp.

Related Links

umaxgrpcorp.com


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 06:22:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CHICAGO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures fell across the board on Tuesday, led by soybean.

The most active corn contract for March delivery fell 5.5 cents, or 1.03 percent, to settle at 5.26 U.S. dollars per bushel. March wheat lost 3.25 cents, or 0.48 percent, to settle at 6.7225 dollars per bushel. March soybean shed 31 cents, or 2.19 percent, to close at 13.8575 dollars per bushel.

U.S. wheat futures pull back as Russia has not yet signed the export taxes, while corn and soybean futures are enduring a corrective break with the weekend rains helping to stabilize Argentine crops, Chicago-based research company AgResource noted.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the United States sold 132,000 metric tons of 2021-2022 soybeans to China, along with 128,000 metric tons of 2020-2021 corn to Japan and 100,000 metric tons to Israel.

Weekly export inspections for the week ending Jan. 14 were 34.5 million bushels of corn, 75.6 million bushels of soybeans and 18.9 million bushels of wheat.

For respective crop years to date, the United States has exported 572 million bushels of wheat, down 2.5 percent year on year; 680.1 million bushels of corn, up 82 percent; and 1,578 million bushels of soybeans, up 78 percent.

Weather forecast shows limited rainfall will occur across Argentina over the next five to six days before showers return to Santa Fe and Corrientes on Monday. The southern half of the Argentine crop areas will stay dry for the next 10 days. Rainfall totals in Northern Brazil will be just 50 percent to 70 percent of normal with acute drying noted over Northeastern Brazilian crop areas.

AgResource holds that a correction was needed following the USDA January Report which caused futures to become technically overbought. It stays bullish, holding March corn is unlikely to fall too far below 5.20 dollars and March soybeans too far below 13.85 dollars, and March wheat has support below 6.35 dollars. Enditem
ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian Communications Commission says telecom operators received 47.8 million National Identification Number (NINs) from subscribers as at January 18.

This is contained in a statement by Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC Director, Public Affairs on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Adinde quoted the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as saying that the figure showed that many Nigerian subscribers would be linked to their NINs before the February 9 deadline.

The governments drive to connect phone users to national identity numbers, a process requiring physical appearance at registration centres amidst COVID-19, has faced criticisms.

The government has pushed on nonetheless, and has threatened to disconnect subscribers who fail to link up by early February.

Mr Pantami said the collection of NIN was at an average of three to four SIMs per subscriber.

He expressed the federal governments appreciation for the commitment shown by citizens and urged them to submit their NINs before the deadline.

Mr Pantami called on the technical team to fast-track the processes so that the project would be delivered soonest.

The Technical Implementation Committee, under the Ministerial Task Force reported significant progress in the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage, he said.

The minister called the attention of Nigerians to an application developed by the government, which allows subscribers to link up to a maximum of seven SIMs to their NINs.

He however, urged Nigerians to secure and protect their NINs, urging subscribers to desist from selling their numbers or allowing others to use them for registration.

For any action committed with the SIM, good or bad will be officially traced and attached to the NIN owner, Mr Pantami said.(NAN)
The operation was carried out on January 15, 16, and 17 in Chancaveni an area annexed to Vilcabamba by the personnel of the Eastern Operational Command-VRAEM.

The war material included two M1 carbines manufactured in the U.S., two 15-round M1 carbine magazines, and 30mm (23 rounds) ammunition.

The seizure also included 9mm Parabellum (25 rounds) ammunition, 9mm short barrel ammunition (9 rounds), 7.62x45mm (15 rounds) ammunition, and a hand grenade.

Among the tools and clothing items were a chainsaw, a small generator for booby traps, a printer, a binocular, 2 banners with Shining Path 's symbol (a hammer and sickle logo), as well as various materials and food.
Drilling will be completed systematically with rigs cycling through the program and the results from each round will be reviewed and inform the next round of drilling.

Horizon has started its new discovery and resource growth exploration program across a range of high-priority targets

( ) has launched a 50,000-metre drilling program with four rigs drilling across the 890 square kilometre asset portfolio within 75 kilometres of the proposed Boorara Mill site in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

The 2021 program builds on more than 21,000 metres of drilling completed since August 2020, primarily focused on reserve conversion at the core satellite projects at Rose Hill, Binduli and Teal as part of the consolidated feasibility study with most assay results still pending.

Horizon believes there is significant potential to increase the production profile through organic growth from 100%-owned project areas on major geological structures within a world-class greenstone belt.

First assay results are expected during the current quarter, subject to improved turnaround times at local assay laboratories.

An updated mineral resource estimate is expected in the first half of the year expanding on the companys current mineral resource of 1.1 million ounces.

Multiple high-priority targets

Managing director Jon Price said: With the reserve drilling to support the consolidated feasibility study mostly complete, we are turning our attention to the new discovery exploration program with multiple high-priority targets to be tested across the entire tenement portfolio and all within 75 kilometres of Boorara.

The fully-funded program will test areas that have had limited to no drilling undertaken in recent times, particularly below cover where historic shallow drilling has never been followed up.

It is an extremely exciting time to be a Horizon shareholder as we look to uncover the next new discovery with significant potential to grow our production pipeline in this world-class gold producing region.

Always look for gold near where gold has been found before and we believe there is no better address than the Goldfields of Western Australia.

2021 exploration objectives

Primary objectives for the 2021 exploration program are to:

Test high-priority new discovery targets defined at greenfields project areas including Windanya, Lakewood, Yarmany, Binduli, Kanowna South and Balagundi (around 29,000 metres);

Complete resource definition drilling for maiden mineral resource estimates at Coote, Baden Powell, Capricorn and Brilliant North (around 8,500 metres);

Extend resources beyond current mineralised envelopes along strike and at depth at Boorara, Crake, Peyes Farm, Jacques Find and Golden Ridge (around 8,000 metres); and

Complete resource definition and extension drilling at the newly acquired Kalpini gold project and the Pennys Find underground JV project (around 4,500 metres).

Target generation and production pipeline.


Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.


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.
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.


Ryan Reynolds has been enjoying some family time, as he quarantines with wife Blake Lively and their three daughters.

And the Golden Globe nominee has recently returned to work, as Hollywood bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is making knees weak as leading man in his upcoming Netflix movie The Adam Project, which he was seen shooting an action sequence for on the streets of his hometown of Vancouver, Canada on Monday.

Leading man: Ryan Reynolds is making knees weak as leading man in his upcoming Netflix movie The Adam Project. He shot an action sequence on the streets of his hometown of Vancouver, Canada on Monday

The 44-year-old rocked a tan jacket and some flattering navy blue slacks with brown boots, as he walked across a massive blue screen.

He looked in astonishment at the sky, as he walked through a group of futuristic soldiers, pointing their guns up at the unknown threat.

Reynolds crouched down and took cover, as some of the soldiers went flying through the air, during what appeared to be some kind of attack.

He stars in the movie as a man who travels back in time to get help from his 13-year-old self in finding their late father.

A bird, a plane: The 44-year-old looked in astonishment at the sky, as he walked through a group of futuristic soldiers, pointing their guns up at the unknown threat

Duck and cover: Reynolds crouched down and took cover, as some of the soldiers went flying through the air, during what appeared to be some kind of attack

Time travel flick: He rocked a tan jacket and some flattering navy blue slacks with brown boots, as he walked across a massive blue screen. Reynolds stars in the movie as a man who travels back in time to get help from his 13-year-old self in finding their late father

Saving the future: The time-jumping protagonist has to make things right with the brilliant scientist, who's now the same age as he is, in order to save the future

The time-jumping protagonist has to make things right with the brilliant scientist, who's now the same age as he is, in order to save the future.

Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldana, Mark Ruffalo and Catherine Keener also star in the film, which began production back in November.

Reynolds recently took to Instagram with a video of himself on set with Walker Scobell, who plays his teenage self.

He wrote: 'And now. Introducing @Walker.Scobell. This innocent young boy plays 12 year old me in my upcoming @netflix film.

'And because he takes his job seriously, the role required significant research. No matter what, he's WAY too young to know this monologue by heart.'

Mini-me: Reynolds recently took to Instagram with a video of himself on set with Walker Scobell, who plays his teenage self

Way too young: He wrote: 'And now. Introducing @Walker.Scobell. This innocent young boy plays 12 year old me in my upcoming @netflix film. And because he takes his job seriously, the role required significant research. No matter what, he's WAY too young to know this monologue by heart'

Age-inappropriate: The young talent perfectly recited an age-inappropriate monologue from his co-star's 2018 R-rated superhero flick Deadpool 2

The young talent perfectly recited an age-inappropriate monologue from his co-star's 2018 R-rated superhero flick Deadpool 2.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently revealed that the upcoming Deadpool 3 will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it the massive franchise's first R rating.

He told Collider it should begin filming in 2022: 'It will be rated R and we are working on a script right now, and Ryan's overseeing a script right now It will not be [filming] this year. Ryan is a very busy, very successful actor.

'We've got a number of things we've already announced that we now have to make, but it's exciting for it to have begun. Again, a very different type of character in the MCU, and Ryan is a force of nature, which is just awesome to see him bring that character to life.'

Although the titular assassin has made clever nods to both the MCU and the X-Men franchise, it's the first time he's officially joining either.

Reynolds celebrated the news on Instagram with a clever Disney joke: 'First order of business: Find the guy who killed Bambi's mom.'

Coming soon: Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently revealed that the upcoming Deadpool 3 will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it the massive franchise's first R rating
It seems like netizens have discovered the planet where K-pop stars film their music videos, after a tweet posted a bot generated photos of the planet named TOI 1338 b. The tweet posted on January 17, 2021 by user @paintwater_boba shared three pictures of the planet that was discovered by a 17-year-old high school student interning at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2019.

The pictures imagined the planet in a bubblegum pink color with hints of turquoise and lavender shades. The planet also looked as if it had been painted with light watercolors. This tweet went on to garner 60,27,000 likes on the microblogging site. In the following tweet, it is also mentioned that the pictures are created by a bot and are not the actual images of the planet. Among stars, bot created the images according to a tweet that was mentioned in the comments.

The generated pictures posted in the tweet has prompted many K-pop fans to reimagine the planet as the location where their favorite music artists might reside.

One fan of South Korean music fan quote tweeted it with a video of South Korean Japanese girl group, Iz*One.

While a BTS fan compared the planets pictures to the album art of one their songs titled Heartbeat. The album art was part of BTSs festa edition songs that came out in 2019.

tell me why this looks like BTS Worlds planet on the cover art :o https://t.co/Mcp46tFFiS pic.twitter.com/ULwxJMzRCh tony (@lifegoesevenn) January 18, 2021

A few fans were also reminded of BTS group member Jins concept room for their latest album BE. The aesthetics matched that of the TOI 1338 b.

The planet also reminded some of K-pop group TXTs Blue Hour music video.

While for some, the moment they zoomed in to the planet, they found their favourite K-pop group Seventeen.

Another fan wrote that probably NASA found the planet from where South Korean rapper Taeyong comes.

so they finally found the planet taeyong's from https://t.co/3EJN90Ss2s pic.twitter.com/TSWv84HWXZ lulek (@karinasrose) January 17, 2021

Besides reminding netizens of Korean pop stars, the planet also reminded some of the Transgender flag colours.

new planet said trans rights god I love those colors https://t.co/AFGWWqoNNH gay person (@_techniker) January 18, 2021

This user was reminded of a fancy candy as they saw the pictures of the planet.

so they finally found the planet taeyong's from https://t.co/3EJN90Ss2s pic.twitter.com/TSWv84HWXZ lulek (@karinasrose) January 17, 2021

Ariana Grande fans claimed that the artist discovered the planet first when she filmed the God is a Woman music video in 2018. Take a look yourself:

According to NASA, Wolf Cukier joined NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, as a summer intern after he finished his junior year at Scarsdale High School in New York in 2019. The teenagers job was to examine variations in star brightness captured by the American space agencys Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and upload it to the Planet Hunters TESS citizen science project. It was during this project that Wolf discovered the planet which is now called TOI 1338 b situated 1,300 light years away from Earth.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) welcomes two new Radiologists to the practice: Dr. Devin Vaswani and Dr. Rekha Kishore.

Dr. Vaswani completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in St. Louis, MO before moving on to his fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging and intervention at New York University Langone Medical Center. Dr. Vaswani is serving patients at the Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg and hospital locations.

Dr. Kishore completed her residency in diagnostic radiology and fellowship in abdominal imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also completed a fellowship in nuclear medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kishore is serving patients at the Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg and hospital locations.

Dr. Vaswani and Dr. Kishore are both board-certified in diagnostic radiology.

"Dr. Vaswani and Dr. Kishore are highly skilled physicians and are valuable additions to the practice. RAF recognizes that the needs of our patients and referring clinicians in the Fredericksburg region are growing and changing, and we are committed to providing the highest level of medical care to our community by ensuring that our staffing levels meet those needs" said Dr. Chris Meyer, RAF President.

Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg is the largest provider of radiologic and vascular surgery services in the Fredericksburg, Virginia region. Their Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Radiologists serve the community in five counties in Virginia with convenient access to the highest level of care for the greatest value in the region. Locations include: Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals, Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee's Hill, and Medical Imaging of North Stafford, as well as at RAF's interventional radiology and vascular surgery practice, Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA) in Fredericksburg and Stafford, and Virginia Women's Center in Richmond. For more information, visit rafimaging.com or call (540) 361-1000.

SOURCE Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg

Related Links

http://rafimaging.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.
I grew up disliking qulqas, the Egyptian taro dish my mother cooked religiously every winter. She would stock up and freeze enough khodra  the green herb paste that formed the base of the stew, imparting flavour to the otherwise bland starchy root vegetable  to last the entire season.

My gourmet uncle who lived overseas and had no access to either taro or khodra would request qulqas every time he visited, often returning home with one or two jars of the precious condiment. Yearly, with disappointment, I monitored her enthusiasm for qulqas season preparations. As soon as the cold weather arrived, the thick coriander and Swiss chard bunches piled up in our kitchen.

The green leaves were washed, dried then chopped together with garlic. She would then stir-fry the three ingredients in vegetable oil and ghee until the garlic was cooked to gold perfection and the leaves that had filled the pot to the brim shrivelled to a dry, dark green, rough consistency, the heat stripping them of moisture and integrity. It was then ground into a smooth paste in a blender, ready for the qulqas.

Reader, I hated qulqas, but I relished the sweet scent of the fried garlic-coriander mix, even forgave the fragrance that lingered in every corner of the house.

The brown, rough, thick skin of the taro, often covered in dried mud, is peeled off the smooth pale flesh. It is chopped into bite-sized cubes and simmered in broth until cooked al dente. Within seconds, the starch is released: the broth loses its clarity to form a cloudy liquid. Once the taro softens, however, the milky factor dissipates and the stew regains clarity. A few tablespoons of the paste are mixed in, instantly turning the colourless mix a dark moss green.

My qulqas coming of age was gradual and followed a long culinary journey that really started in the territory of Asian cuisine. It was exotic and many of its ingredients were hard to find, making my gastronomic pursuit all the more thrilling. It was by incorporating Egyptian, via Levantine, western, fusion, you-name-it delicacies into my repertoire that I rediscovered the same local dishes I grew up eating and loving.

Cooking Egyptian food, I realised, is not the same as eating it. It is achieving the balance between delicate flavor and simplicity. It takes a minimalist, uncomplicated approach that respects the integrity of ingredients without overpowering their original flavours with spices or multi-step creations, something that can easily be mistaken for lack of sophistication.

The popular koshari, fuul and taameya might be the iconic flavours of local food. But if Egyptian cuisine could be summed up in only one authentic dish, that should be qulqas: the butter-soft, mellow, subtly sweet, starchy vegetable poached in garlicky, coriander flavored stew with a hint of lemon squeeze.

Few dishes connect us with what our ancestors ate since antiquity the way Egyptian qulqas does. Eating, more so cooking, qulqas in the green herb stew is time travel. It is historys resonance in our contemporary, minimalist kitchens.

COPTIC EPIPHANY

Because the Coptic year is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar, Epiphany, Eid El-Ghitas, falls on 19 January. On Tuesday evening the vast majority of Egypts Copts mark the feast by eating qulqas for dinner after a brief fast. The hot stew graces the dining table as the main course, perhaps complemented by sides. It is the only moment of true veneration afforded to taro, which receives little recognition on the popular Egyptian food pyramid for the rest of the year.

Taro has sacrosanct parallels steeped in history with its symbolism of Christs baptism in Egyptian Coptic culture. Ghitas, from the Arabic root ghatas, means immersion. Boiling qulqas in water eliminates its harmful toxins, recalling humans being purified of sin when immersed in the baptismal water. Taro root is buried underground before it is pulled out to become food, just as baptism is burial or death followed resurrection in Christ.

While the root vegetable is not mentioned in the New Testament, the Coptic historian Atif Naguib explained that the association is inspired by the Biblical verse having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

There is no end of the baptismal allegories, he tells me. Qulqass outer skin has to be peeled off first to be consumed, just as we shed our robes of sin in baptism. When baptised, we wear the clothes of purity, then we become the children of God. The greens in the qulqas stew refer to a new life.

Because of its remarkable symbolism, qulqas is controversial in our contemporary food culture. It could be unpopular with most children, although many, like myself, eventually develop a palate for it as adults. Most Copts have to eat at least a spoonful of it on Epiphany, a fact reflected in an Arabic childrens rhyme that says if you dont eat qulqas, youll wake up with no head.

Maybe the rest of us should be grateful for the threat of headlessness. If qulqas wasnt a ritual central to the Coptic Epiphany, would we still be cooking it this way? Would it have survived in our contemporary tomato-centric food culture?

In her 2004 World Health Organization paper on Food habits of the Egyptians: newly emerging trends, the nutritionist and health policy analyst Habiba Hassan Wassef persuasively argues that the ritual foods of the Copts, which have been transmitted from generation to generation for nearly 20 centuries, provide an insight into the culinary traditions of the ancients.

She places dark green leafy vegetables and herbs  added to taro and some legumes  among the pillars of the traditional Egyptian food system established by the crop composition of the Nile valley for millennia.

MEDIEVAL CAIRO

It is not clear at what point in history taro became associated with the Coptic Epiphany. Naguib says clerics in medieval Egypt encouraged the adoption of popular rituals related to food and drink in order to bind popular festivities with religious rituals. This was probably some time in the 10th century when Egypt was under Fatimid rule. The Fatimids encouraged festivities for all the faiths observed by Egyptians at a time when Coptic and Jewish populations formed sizable communities.

Historians believe taro appeared in Egypt after the Arab conquest in the 7th century although recent archeological finds suggest it could have been much earlier. The 12th-century Egyptian historian Al-Maqrizi observed that it was planted with sugarcane, which Copts also eat on Epiphany.

Food historians have reason to believe that qulqas was popular among medieval Egyptians. One of the most celebrated references cited is the anonymous 14th-century Mamluk cookbook, Kanz Al-Fawaid Fi Tanwi El-Mawaed (Treasure Trove of Benefits and Variety at the Table) which was translated to English in 2018 by the Iraqi food historian Nawal Nasrallah.

With its 830 recipes, this is the last known cookbook believed to be Egyptian before the arrival of the Ottomans in the 16th century, which cast its culinary shadow over Egypt and the region and to which, to this day, all good food is rightly or wrongly attributed.

In her introduction Nasrallah writes that qulqas was an important crop favored for its fine taste and texture. So much so that the cookbook offers a variety of recipes for the root vegetable.

Todays simpler version of qulqas appears to share common characteristics from seven centuries ago. The ingredients cited in Kanz are more elaborate, but at least two of them feature chard, coriander and meat with the taro.

(56) Recipe for summaqiyya with qulqas:

Cook the meat in a pot, and when it is half-done, add the taro, and let it cook until done. You will have prepared finely pounded sumac, put it in a bowl and set it aside, so that when the meat is cooked, [you can] sprinkle it with enough sumac to cover it.

If desired, add chard (silq), walnuts, garlic and all kinds of spices and herbs (tawabil) to the pot. Also, if desired, the garlic may be kept whole.



Green recipes using not just chard and coriander but also mint, purslane and parsley are plentiful in the book. In one of the footnotes, Nasrallah explains that the recurring phrase, huwaijuhu what is necessary specifically refers to cilantro pounded with garlic, white onion, and suet (shahm) which shares the modus operandi of the contemporary khodra paste for qulqas.

According to Nasrallah, the controversial Fatimid caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amrillah restricted certain types of food for sectarian reasons. He prohibited a popular dish cooked with qulqas called al-Mutawakkileyya because it was named after the 9th century Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil. After Al-Hakims death, however, Egyptians resumed eating their favourite foods and al-Mutawakkileyya acquired another name, sitt al-shana or the best of the maligned dishes.

(89) Recipe for Mutawakkiliyya:

You need meat, [strain it], and then fry it with the garlic, cilantro and black pepper, [and onion]. When it is done, add the [strained] broth, and bring it to a boil. When it is done, you have the choice of adding the taro after frying it, or just washing and adding it without frying. Let the pot simmer on the smoldering file until it settles, and then ladle it.

In her pioneering 2011 book Food and Foodways of Medieval Cairenes, Paulina B. Lewicka notes that two kinds of qulqas were sold: heads (ruus) and fingers (asabi). It is quite probable, she writes, that qulqas was also consumed as an appetizer. This could be the case with fried taro as mentioned in one of the versions of The Christian Brokers Tale of the Arabian Nights Hunchback cycle. In one scene, the Baghdadi merchant prepares a food tray for his Cairene lover: he obtains nuts and almonds, and arranges mufalfal rice under them, and arranges fried qulqas, as well as fresh and dried fruits.

It is almost if pieces of fried qulqas corm, Lewicka remarks, were eaten the way French fries are eaten today.

She eulogizes the status of qulqas then and now. Medieval Cairo consumed okra, mulukhiyya and legumes, which became the distinguishing marks of contemporary Egyptian-Cairene cookery. Others, such as colocasia (qulqas), have lost their importance in the local menu.



RED VS GREEN

Qulqas might have fallen from grace since medieval times, but it has preserved its ancient DNA as a green minority in a red-majority culinary constituency (compare the Coptic minority). Today we are so blinded to the ubiquity of tomatoes in our food it is difficult to imagine that before the 19th century, we didnt even know the crop  nor did anyone else in the Middle East. Tomatoes arrived less than 200 years ago, and it remains unclear how Egyptian cuisine evolved in that direction, sealed in a tomato jar.

Anyone with any culinary experience knows that cooking with fresh tomatoes is a very different matter from cooking with that intense, thick, acidic substance: preserved tomato paste.

Tomato juice will add flavor and colour, but remains subtle on the taste buds, too weak to give Egyptian food an identity. Tomatoes became a popular ingredient in Egyptian cuisine once incorporated in our local ingredients in the mid-19th century, but remained in the background of the local food profile, secondary even to onions and garlic.

In fact, up until its 1976 edition (still in my mothers possession), not one recipe in Egypts quintessential cookbook by the dame of modern Egyptian cuisine, Nazira Niqolas (aka Abla Nazira) listed tomato paste as an ingredient. Tomato paste is also absent from the first cookbook by an Egyptian woman, Basima Zaki Ibrahim, in 1935, and from Niqolas first book, The Fundamentals of Cooking, co-authored with Bahiya Othman in 1941.

Imported and local tomato paste preserve existed in Egypt by the 1940s, but it was not a widely available or a necessarily popular substitute for fresh tomatoes.

This is echoed in the food vocabulary used in Niqolas cookbooks, which adopted culinary meanings that are very different from how we understand them now, demonstrating the speed with which Egyptian food culture has changed. The word salsa, for example, meant sauce of any colour or flavour (she cites brown, white and broth-based) whereas today the same word only means rich red tomato sauce.



The preserved food industry in Egypt took off in the second half of the 20th century, after Gamal Abdel-Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, and soon after, privately owned enterprises, including such food companies as Kaha (founded in 1940) and Edfena.

Under government management and for the next three decades, these companies expanded considerably by virtue of the Nasser-era socialist policy where the public sector practically monopolised the local food and beverage industry. Kahas canned tomato paste became widely available at affordable prices (among other production lines that included jams, juices and canned vegetables, which were often exported to African and Middle Eastern countries).

Mokhtar Khattab, the former minister of public enterprise, tells me the year-long availability of tomato paste beat previous seasonal and geographic limitations, probably leading to changes in Egyptian tastes by the second half of the 20th century.



Is it possible that Nassers nation-building program unwittingly influenced contemporary Egypts food ways? The Egyptian popular cooking method of sauteing chopped onion, adding fresh tomato left to simmer gently on low heat until reduced to the flavorful tasbeek  to which almost any vegetable can be added  was already established by the turn of the 20th century, but it was time consuming. Enter Kahas preserved tomato paste cans, simply known as salsa: a cooking shortcut that suited the busy lives of modernized and industrialized Egyptians, especially its growing class of urban working women.



The instantaneous effect of one tomato paste tablespoon is unparalleled. Once added to the sauteed onion or garlic, or both, it achieves the umami depth of flavour required by the tasbeek process as well as the dark maroon sauce that defines Egyptian cooking. No amount of fresh tomato reduction at home can achieve the intensity delivered by the paste. And no truly Egyptian fridge or pantry is devoid of tomato paste jars.

The garlicky, tangy and often spicy tomato sauce that makes or breaks the iconic koshari cant exist as we know it without the paste. This extends to almost every red recipe in our comfort food zone: from fatta, peas-with-carrots, sliced potato bake, musqaa, stuffed vegetables  to pasta. The marriage of fresh tomatoes to the concentrate has become so integral to the taste and smell of Egyptian cuisine it is hard to imagine our food without it. It is even harder to imagine that it wasnt entrenched six decades ago.

This culinary shift might be uncomfortable to digest, since its recency amplifies the disconnect between out present-day kitchen and its not so distant history.



EGYPTIAN FOOD

Qulqas recalls our culinary past and present. Its relative obscurity and controversial reputation  compared, for example, to the celebrated molokhiya  is a fitting metaphor for contemporary Egyptian cuisine.

To experience it is to eat it at home, by a masterful cook gifted with nafas: breath in Arabic. But its culinary meaning also involves intuition: the soul of cooking and taste.

Few expatriates and tourists experience Egyptian cuisine beyond street food like fuul, taameya, koshari and, bizarrely in recent years, macarona bechamel (the scrumptious Egyptian version of Greek pastitsio). For a tourist country that reveres food the way we do (Egyptians spend 37 per cent of their income on food), Egypt has little to offer visitors by way of authentic dishes.

Somaya El-Assyouti made a name for herself when she opened Fushet Somaya, a tiny home-cooked eatery in downtown Cairo serving only Egyptian food, ten years ago. Business took off fast and she was able to expand into a bigger space in recent years. Her restaurant could be the only place in Cairo that serves qulqas, when in season, with duck on Tuesdays.

El-Assoyti tells me that 60 per cent of her cliental are tourists, 20 per cent are her original customers who have no access to home cooking, and the remaining 20 per cent are new. She calls them Egyptian tourists who cook at home, but still want to dine on local food.

Theres a huge market for Egyptian food, yet it is so underrated, she says.

To Anny Gaul, the cultural historian of food and gender, this is the legacy of the unique cultural politics and tastes of Egyptian elites during the 19th and 20th centuries. A modern restaurant culture emerged that was more concerned with serving European or even Shami foods than it was with developing and promoting an Egyptian cuisine.

This was reflected in cookbooks as well as on restaurant menus. Gaul, who wrote her profound dissertation on kitchen histories in modern North Africa, cites Abla Nazira and her contemporaries, who included recipes for uniquely Egyptian dishes, but also dedicated significant space to European and Levantine foods, devoting far more space to expanding the breadth of their books beyond Egypt than to documenting local or regional specialties within Egypt.

I think this is part of the reason that today the best Egyptian food, in my opinion, is home cooking  recipes that are passed down from mother to daughter, or grandmother to granddaughter.

My gourmet uncle passed long ago, but my mother still makes batches of the qulqas khodra paste and freezes it in little jars. My relatively recent first attempt at qulqas was little more than a reenactment of her method. It had been etched in my visual memory long before I could realise.







Search Keywords:

Short link:


An aerial view from the southwest of Mount St. Helens, Washington, May 18, 1980. The Plinian eruption was the deadliest and most costly volcanic disaster in U.S. history. Credit: Krimmel, Robert. Public domain

Microscopic bubbles can tell stories about Earth's biggest volcanic eruptions and geoscientists from Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin have discovered some of those stories are written in nanoparticles.

In an open-access study published online in Nature Communications, Rice's Sahand Hajimirza and Helge Gonnermann and UT Austin's James Gardner answered a longstanding question about explosive volcanic eruptions like the ones at Mount St. Helens in 1980, the Philippines' Mount Pinatubo in 1991 or Chile's Mount Chaiten in 2008.

Geoscientists have long sought to use tiny bubbles in erupted lava and ash to reconstruct some of the conditions, like heat and pressure, that occur in these powerful eruptions. But there's been a historic disconnect between numerical models that predict how many bubbles will form and the actual amounts of bubbles measured in erupted rocks.

Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner worked for more than five years to reconcile those differences for Plinian eruptions. Named in honor of Pliny the Younger, the Roman author who described the eruption that destroyed Pompeii in A.D. 79, Plinian eruptions are some of the most intense and destructive volcanic events.

"Eruption intensity refers to the both the amount of magma that's erupted and how quickly it comes out," said Hajimirza, a postdoctoral researcher and former Ph.D. student in Gonnermann's lab at Rice's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. "The typical intensity of Plinian eruptions ranges from about 10 million kilograms per second to 10 billion kilograms per second. That is equivalent to 5,000 to 5 million pickup trucks per second."

One way scientists can gauge the speed of rising magma is by studying microscopic bubbles in erupted lava and ash. Like bubbles in uncorked champagne, magma bubbles are created by a rapid decrease in pressure. In magma, this causes dissolved water to escape in the form of gas bubbles.

"As magma rises, its pressure decreases," Hajimirza said. "At some point, it reaches a pressure at which water is saturated, and further decompression causes supersaturation and the formation of bubbles."

As water escapes in the form of bubbles, the molten rock becomes less saturated. But if the magma continues to rise, decreasing pressure increases saturation.

"This feedback determines how many bubbles form," Hajimirza said. "The faster the magma rises, the higher the decompression rate and supersaturation pressure, and the more abundant the nucleated bubbles."

In Plinian eruptions, so much magma rises so fast that the number of bubbles is staggering. When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, for example, it spewed more than one cubic kilometer of rock and ash in nine hours, and there were about one million billion bubbles in each cubic meter of that erupted material.

"The total bubbles would be around a septillion," Hajimirza said. "That's a one followed by 24 zeros, or about 1,000 times more than all the grains of sand on all Earth's beaches."

In his Ph.D. studies, Hajimirza developed a predictive model for bubble formation and worked with Gardner to test the model in experiments at UT Austin. The new study builds upon that work by examining how magnetite crystals no larger than a few billionths of a meter could change how bubbles form at various depths.

"When bubbles nucleate, they can form in liquid, which we call homogeneous nucleation, or they can nucleate on a solid surface, which we call heterogeneous," Hajimirza said. "A daily life example would be boiling a pot of water. When bubbles form on the bottom of the pot, rather than in the liquid water, that is heterogeneous nucleation."

Bubbles from the bottom of the pot are often the first to form, because heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation typically begin at different temperatures. In rising magma, heterogeneous bubble formation begins earlier, at lower supersaturation levels. And the surfaces where bubbles nucleate are often on tiny crystals.

"How much they facilitate nucleation depends on the type of crystals," Hajimirza said. "Magnetites, in particular, are the most effective."

In the study, Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner incorporated magnetite-mediated nucleation in numerical models of bubble formation and found the models produced results that agreed with observational data from Plinian eruptions.

Hajimirza said magnetites are likely present in all Plinian magma. And while previous research on hasn't revealed enough magnetites to account for all observed bubbles, previous studies may have missed small nanocrystals that would only be revealed with transmission electron microscopy, a rarely used technique that is only now becoming more broadly available.

To find out if that's the case, Hajimirza, Gonnermann and Gardner called for a "systematic search for magnetite nanolites" in material from Plinian eruptions. That would provide observational data to better define the role of magnetites and heterogeneous nucleation in bubble formation, and could lead to better models and improved volcanic forecasts.

"Forecasting eruptions is a long-term goal for volcanologists, but it's challenging because we cannot directly observe subsurface processes," said Hajimirza. "One of the grand challenges of volcano science, as outlined by the National Academies in 2017, is improving eruption forecasting by better integration of the observational data we have with the quantitative models, like the one we developed for this study."

Explore further Infrasound from underwater volcano erupting shows formation of gigantic bubbles

More information: Sahand Hajimirza et al, Reconciling bubble nucleation in explosive eruptions with geospeedometers, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Sahand Hajimirza et al, Reconciling bubble nucleation in explosive eruptions with geospeedometers,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20541-1
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
Investors are piling into ASX pot stocks as the local industry is buoyed by hopes a Biden presidency will help accelerate a new era of cannabis research.

Cannabis vaping startup Lifespot Health is the latest to attract global attention, with the firm securing backing from US cannabis investor Ela Capital on Tuesday. Founded by Vijay Sappani, Ela launched the billion-dollar Canadian-listed cannabis company TerrAscend.

Lifespot believes it is the first time a major US cannabis investor has taken a stake in a local startup.

"I think Australia is one of the leading areas in research medical cannabis," Lifespot chief executive Matthew Golden. "After law changes that we saw a few years ago, Australia has been able to capture much better clinical research capabilities."
Some of the original conceptions were weird and not entirely satisfying, but remarkable nonetheless. And no company did more to showcase Chicago's lesser-known parks, or to draw people to them who hailed from different neighborhoods. Redmoon always went large  and it was so obsessed with the next thing that it often didn't keep the thing that actually was working going for long enough to make any money. One of Redmoon's biggest problems was that its artistic leadership got bored very quickly and sought new challenges, when (as Cirque will tell you), the money rolls in quite nicely when a show runs for 20 years.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar is on an official visit to Iraq in what observers saw as a continuation of Turkey's efforts to impose its security and military equality on Iraq. This equation, which Ankara has already begun to implement on the ground, is based on turning Iraqi territories into Turkey's front line of defense and a battlefield in Turkey's war against the Kurdish Workers' Party, Arab Weekly reported.

Ankara expects to impose its equalization by force by intensifying its military operations inside Iraq and expanding these operations beyond the border areas inside Iraq. It is betting on persuading the Iraqi authorities to cooperate and agree with the presence of Turkish troops on Iraqi soil through talks with the government on vital issues.

The Iraqis do not rule out that the Turkish government, known for its opportunistic tendencies, will seek to force Iraq to agree to the establishment of Turkish military bases on its territory in exchange for a share of water resources requested by its government.

Last August, when the Iraqi government was awaiting an apology from Ankara for the killing of two officers and an Iraqi army soldier in a Turkish airstrike against the Kurdish region of Bradost, the Turkish government blamed Iraq for the incident.

The Iraqi MFA announced that Baghdad had canceled the visit of the Turkish defense minister to the country and called the Turkish Ambassador to inform him of Iraq's firm rejection of acts of aggression and violations against the country.
Chennai/New Delhi, Jan 19 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK Joint Coordinator K.Palaniswami on Tuesday said V.K. Sasikala, the close aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, will not be admitted into the party.

Sasikala, who is currently undergoing her sentence in a jail in Bengalaru after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case, is expected to be released on January 27.

He also said politics was not discussed at his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

"We didn't speak politics. This is not the time to talk about politics as there is ample time for elections in Tamil Nadu," Palaniswami told reporters.

He said he had requested Modi to inaugurate various completed infrastructure projects and also lay the foundation stone for the new infrastructure projects in the state.

Palaniswami said Modi has consented for the same.

According to Palaniswami, a memorandum was also submitted to Modi seeking funds for various river linking and other projects.

He also sought funds for the relief measures for the farmers of Tamil Nadu affected by the cyclones and rains at the meeting with Shah on Monday.

Queried about the survey that gave a favourable verdict for the DMK, Palaniswami said as per their survey, his AIADMK will again form the government in the state.

He said seat allocation for BJP will be decided only after the announcement of the poll schedule.
"As the leading buy-sell advisory firm to dealers, we pride ourselves on the integrity, confidentiality, and industry experience we bring to our clients," said Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners. "Pete embodies all of these traits. We know that his unmatched expertise in the buy-sell process will enhance our ability to provide exceptional service to our clients."

"I am thrilled to join the team at Haig Partners," shared Pete. "I've seen from my former position as a buyer at AutoNation how Haig Partners runs a confidential and effective sales process. I am looking forward to helping dealers to maximize the value of their businesses as our industry continues to consolidate."

To learn more about or to contact Pete, visit our website.

Haig Partners LLC is a boutique investment banking firm and the leading buy-sell advisory firm to owners of higher value auto, heavy truck, and RV dealerships. Since 1996, the principals at Haig Partners have completed more than 268 dealership transactions totaling over $7.5 billion, more than any other team in the industry. They also publish the widely followed Haig Report that tracks trends in the auto industry and how they impact dealership valuations. The latest Haig Report is available here. Alan Haig is a frequent speaker at leading industry events. For more information, visit www.haigpartners.com.

SOURCE Haig Partners LLC

Related Links

http://www.haigpartners.com


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
Federal agents in Portland used toxic and potentially deadly smoke grenades more than two dozen times over the summer as they attempted to disperse demonstrators protesting for social and racial justice, according to a Portland-based researcher.

Juniper Simonis, an environmental biologist and data scientist with The Chemical Weapons Research Consortium, which studies the effects of chemical agents on protesters, noticed mid-July that some demonstrators were complaining of unique and novel symptoms that sometimes lasted for days after exposure to chemical agents. Simonis had been to several protests in Portland over the summer but chose to watch from home after federal agents arrested them in July for drawing chalk lines around the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in downtown Portland.

I have friends who are seasoned veterans (of the protests) and who have been gassed a ton, Simonis said. All of a sudden they couldnt get out of bed the next day. Some of them were knocked out for a week.

A protester who went by the name of V, who volunteered in the medic tents in Chapman Square in July, said people on the ground noticed the change as well.

People came in with really abnormal chemical burns on their skin, V told The Oregonian/OregonLive, describing a chaotic scene on the night of July 26. I know that I experienced some very strange burning the next day and that night, and also really severe nausea for about 24 hours. And everyone who I was with, when they went home, they had the same strange burning sensations and really severe nausea in a way that we had never had when we experienced tear gas.

Simonis, who holds a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University, and a cadre of volunteers began collecting spent munition canisters from around the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse, the focal point of the nightly protests and where the majority of suppression efforts by federal agents took place. Simonis is one of several plaintiffs in a lawsuit, which alleges that local, state and federal officers violated the rights of people with disabilities through aggressive police responses to racial justice protests in the city.

Among the pepper balls and tear gas canisters, Simonis and the volunteers found several canisters marked MAXIMUM HC SMOKE MILITARY-STYLE CANISTER, manufactured by a company called Defense Technology, which sells crowd control weapons to law enforcement. The HC stands for hexachloroethane, a common ingredient in smoke devices that the Environmental Protection Agency has classified as a likely carcinogen.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about the agencys use of HC grenades and their toxicity, and Defense Technology did not immediately respond to questions sent Tuesday morning about the use chemicals contained in the devices.

An unexploded hexachloroethane smoke grenade retrieved in downtown by a volunteer with The Chemical Weapons Research Consortium in Portland on July 17, 2020.

The smoke grenades were a new addition to the arsenal local police and federal agents had been using against protesters, and Simonis was concerned about the effects. Using first-hand-accounts, video and photos from protests in July, Simonis found that federal agents used HC smoke grenades at least 25 times during downtown demonstrations and at least once at a protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Southwest Portland.

Simonis took spent canisters, clothing worn by demonstrators, a scrap of tent fabric from a medic tent near the courthouse and a soil sample to a lab in Clackamas County for analysis.

On the spent grenade, the analysis turned up known toxins like benzene and toluene, but, of more concern to Simonis, they also showed the grenades contained chromium, lead and zinc.

All three are heavy metals, which can be harmful to human health and the environment, but zinc, when its super heated and turned into a gas, can be incredibly toxic, sometimes fatal.

Exposure of unprotected soldiers to high concentrations of HC smoke for even a few minutes has resulted in injuries and fatalities, reads a 1994 report from the U.S. Army Biomedical Research and Development Laboratory. Therefore, it must be emphasized that this smoke should never be employed in enclosed areas.

Safety data sheets for the HC grenades listed zinc oxide as a hazardous ingredient in both 1994 and 2005, but a 2011 version of the document doesnt mention the heavy metal. Simonis worries that law enforcement may be using the devices without a complete understanding of the risk they pose.

This is a complete and utter misuse of a chemical weapon that could be lethal, Simonis said. Were talking about heavy metal poisoning.

Simonis hopes the findings would lead law enforcement agencies to reconsider using HC smoke grenades if unrest unfolds after President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, especially given federal agencies use of the toxic smoke during racial justice protests over the summer.

The reason we were out there was we were standing up for Black lives and social justice, and DHS used these on the Wall of Moms no problem, Simonis said. I want to make sure that nobody dies of chemical weapon usage on Wednesday.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
Robert Jeffress: Church must 'be prepared' for increasing 'persecution' under Biden

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Dallas megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress issued a warning to his congregation Sunday, arguing that there might be increasing persecution during the Biden administration. He urged Christians to be prepared for a possible restrain on our ability to teach Gods word without consequence.

In a sermon delivered ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration ceremony Wednesday, the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas told congregants that the New Testament book of Matthew speaks of how, in the last days, savage times will come as people cast off all moral restraint and society begins to disintegrate.

Doesn't that describe the time we're living in right now when people have cast off the restraints that God has put into place? Jeffress, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump and a Fox News contributor, asked.

You see that all around you  whether it's regarding gender fluidity, same-sex marriage, unrestricted abortion. All of these things are the result of a society that has thrown off God's restraints.

The pastor contended that unspeakable things that were once condemned by society are now celebrated.

He added that if the Church refuses to join in the celebration of immorality and ungodliness, it could run into problems.

If you've got the culture celebrating while the Church is condemning, you know what that produces? It produces friction, the 65-year-old conservative preacher explained. There is going to be pressure whenever the Church condemns what society is celebrating. And I believe that's what we're going to see happen very, very quickly over these next four years.

Jeffress argued that the Democratic Biden administration will promote the right of people to choose their own gender and choose the gender of their children. He further contends that the government will go after organizations that refuse to celebrate their expansive view of marriage. He also fears that the government will support the slaughter of an unborn child for any reason.

So when you've got an administration, a government, that is celebrating what God has condemned, and the Church condemning what they are celebrating, ladies and gentlemen, there's going to be friction, he repeated. There's going to be pressure. There's going to be persecution.

We need to be ready for the fact that there's going to be pressure, governmental pressure, to restrain our ability to preach and teach the eternal truths of God's word without consequence, he continued.

Jeffress, one of the earliest evangelical supporters of the president going back to the 2016 Republican primary election, has spoken out against far-right protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. He said the storming of the Capitol was carried out by despicable human beings who need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

They werent doing Gods work; they were doing Satans work, he said. I denounce it with every fiber of my being.

But the answer to such disarray isnt limiting free speech, the pastor declared.

Once you allow the government to start controlling speech, its not a very long trip to the persecution of the Church at all, he stated. We need to get ready for it. It is coming.

While the Church must push back against persecution, the body of Christ can still be hopeful because terrible times are temporary and simply a prelude to the return of Christ, he said.

Though the Church will be forced to navigate choppy waters in the coming years, God is in control  and no election can change that," Jeffress reminded his congregation.

Earlier in the sermon, the pastor touched on Gods sovereignty, stressing that God didnt slap his forehead when Biden won the election.

There was no panic in Heaven over the election, he asserted. There is nothing that happens outside the sovereign plan of God.

God can also use imperfect people to carry out His will, Jeffress said, emphasizing that Christians do not have that right to resist government authority because doing so is resisting God Himself.

We are to obey the governing authorities; that's our first responsibility, Jeffress remarked. Secondly, we're to pray for the government leaders. Were to pray for Joe Biden, and we're to pray for Kamala Harris, and were to pray for every elected official.

The most important prayer a believer can pray, Jeffress said, is that government leaders would leave us alone to practice our faith.

Many people are concerned about the future and what this  new administration might mean to us, he said. You are in the grip of God if you're a Christian, and no election is going to change that. God has a plan He's working out, and that plan is for your good.
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.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.


Chirag Paswan Probably for the first time, Paswan ' title='Chirag Paswan '>Chirag Paswan on Tuesday attacked CM Nitish Kumar over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar. Paswan was in Patna after news emerged that 27 of his party leaders had resigned from the primary membership of the party on Monday. They were reportedly not pleased with the leadership of Chirag Paswan. "We have witnessed back to back murders and kidnapping at every place. The criminals are so fearless that they are killing even not-so-prominent people. People are running scared because of the crime. As Nitish Kumar is the CM and he is also holding the home ministry portfolio, it is his responsibility to maintain law and order in the state," Paswan said. While being critical of the CM, at the same time, Paswan gave some time to Nitish Kumar to sort things out. "As per our party's ideology, we used to give six months time to the ruling alliance in Bihar. My father did that every time a new government was formed in state, including in 2015 when the Mahagathbandhan formed the government in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar," recalled Paswan.




A woman walks past a refrigerated trailer serving as a temporary morgue in New York, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

-- It took the United States 304 days to reach 12 million COVID-19 cases, and only 59 days to have the second 12 million cases.

-- Political polarization and a rejection of science have stymied the U.S. ability to control the COVID-19 pandemic, a New York Times article said.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. COVID-19 confirmed cases topped 24 million, with total deaths approaching 400,000 on Monday, two days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

The country recorded over 24.04 million cases and more than 398,000 deaths as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

Just a little more than halfway into January, the United States has added a staggering 3.9 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 51,000 virus-related deaths, said a report by CNN on Monday.

The level of transmission in the United States is "screaming," Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN Sunday night.

It took the United States 304 days to reach 12 million COVID-19 cases, according to JHU data. It took the nation only 59 days to have the second 12 million cases.

The United States, which makes up 4 percent of the world's population, accounts for about 20 percent of global COVID-19 deaths.

A worker assists a man at a vaccination center in New York, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

According to the latest projections of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16,200 to 29,600 new deaths will likely be reported in the week ending Feb. 6. A total of 440,000 to 477,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by this date.

"This is a staggering and mind-numbing number," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, said of the surging U.S. COVID-19 cases and deaths in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"Yet, we still have to cope with nonsensical debates about individual freedoms and mask-wearing," Gupta said.

"A vacuum of leadership, coupled with incompetency in the country to take early action to prevent the spread of the virus even after the COVID-19 virus had been identified" has all contributed to the U.S. failure, Sarwar A. Kashmeri, an international relations analyst at Norwich University, told Xinhua.

Political polarization and a rejection of science have stymied the U.S. ability to control the COVID-19 pandemic, said a New York Times article on Sunday.

"That has been clearest and most damaging at the federal level, where Mr. Trump claimed that the virus would 'disappear,' clashed with his top scientists and, in a pivotal failure, abdicated responsibility for a pandemic that required a national effort to defeat it, handing key decisions over to states under the assumption that they would take on the fight and get the country back to business," said the article titled "One Year, 400,000 Coronavirus Deaths: How the U.S. Guaranteed Its Own Failure."

People wearing face masks are seen near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"But governors and local officials who were left in charge of the crisis squandered the little momentum the country had as they sidelined health experts, ignored warnings from their own advisers and, in some cases, stocked their advisory committees with more business representatives than doctors," it said.

Though vaccinations are underway in the United States, containing the pandemic is one of the gravest national challenges Biden's new team faces as it takes office on Jan. 20.

Biden hopes to administer 100 million doses of two-stage coronavirus vaccines in his first 100 days. Biden also plans to sign an executive order requiring masks on federal property and during interstate travel and is urging all Americans to wear face coverings for 100 days.

"In the United States, there has been a great deal of misinformation and confusion about COVID-19," John Manzella, editor-in-chief of The Manzella Report, told Xinhua.

"As a result, many Americans still do not understand the importance of wearing a mask or social distancing -- a problem that very likely has resulted in higher COVID casualties," he said.

The rollout of vaccines for COVID-19 has been slower than expected in the country. The Donald Trump administration planned to inject 20 million Americans by the end of 2020. However, only about 12.28 million doses have been administered as of Jan. 15, according to the U.S. CDC.
Growing up Hip Hop is coming back soon and fans are wondering if all of their favorite stars will be back. While Egypt Criss and Sam Mattick previously said that they would not be on the show any longer, it looks like Criss has confirmed that she would at least be back on the WE tv reality television series in some capacity.

Egypt Criss | Maury Phillips/Getty Images

Egypt Criss and Sam Mattick were controversial on the most recent season of Growing up Hip Hop

Criss and Matticks relationship was pretty much the biggest storyline of the most recent season of Growing up Hip Hop. They were a controversial pairing on the cast as Criss friends and fellow cast members did not approve of her dating Mattick. All of her friends tried to vet Mattick and make sure he was the person he claimed to be and that he had her best interests in mind. It was a sharp change in Criss portrayal on the show because before this, she was virtually uninvolved in any drama.

RELATED: Bow Wow Says Hes Dated Keyshia Cole and Blac Chyna, Will Have an Entire Album Dedicated to Exes

Criss even had a physical altercation when she got into it with co-star Briana Latrise. After Latrise did not approve of her relationship with Mattick, it was a huge source of contention for the two.

She revealed she was leaving the show, writing on Instagram at the time, I respect myself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves me, grows me or makes me happy. Its time for me to rise from the ashes from being falsely represented to you, the people I love most, which is why I have decided to resign from Growing Up Hip Hop. Prior to Criss announcement Mattick had already said that he would not be on the shows next season.

Egypt Criss confirms that she will be returning to the show

In posts on Instagram and Twitter, Criss posted her green screen confessional look and hashtagged #GUHH, meaning that she has taped scenes for the show. The posts confirm rumors that Criss and Mattick would be coming back to the show after all.

Criss wrote in her caption, Always Own What You Got Hundred points symbol #greenscreen #newlook #gggg #goodgirlgonegrown #guhh Makeup @ShebaSnowMUA. She also used the photo as an opportunity to showcase her new, short haircut.

Fans immediately began questioning Criss about her return in the comments on her Instagram page.

One fan wrote, Thought you were done with GUHH??

Someone else asked, Okkkkkk I though you left the show????? 

I thought she quit, commented someone else.

No word yet on when the new season of Growing up Hip Hop will premiere, but more than likely, it will be when Growing up Hip Hop: Atlanta ends its current season.
Some of Married At First Sight's most memorable brides and grooms were recently reunited to film a two-part reunion special in Sydney.

And while Channel Nine went to extreme efforts secure an all-star cast, one of the show's most infamous brides was almost forced to miss the taping.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ines Basic almost didn't make it to Sydney for the taping of the show after her flight from Brisbane was cancelled at the last minute.

Unlucky: One of Married At First Sight's most infamous stars almost missed the upcoming reunion special. (Pictured: Cyrell Paule)

Ines, 30, was left sitting at the airport for over five hours with no knowledge of whether or not the flight was going to be rescheduled.

It's understood producers were trying to look for an alternate flight to Sydney via another airline but were unable to find one.

Upon arrival, Ines told Daily Mail Australia that should she have needed to reschedule her flight to the morning or it would have been a major conflict.

Uncontrollable: Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ines Basic almost didn't make it to Sydney for the taping of the show after her flight from Brisbane was cancelled at the last minute

Delays: Ines, 30, was left sitting at the airport for over five hours with no knowledge of whether or not the flight was going to be rescheduled

'If Ines wasn't there things it would would be different,' Nasser Sultan said of his co-star.

'She is outspoken and was happy to back me and Cyrell,' he continued.

'Ines and Cyrell were probably the most forward on the show.'

She made it! Thankfully, the brunette bride was able to find a flight to Sydney

Ines rose to fame on the 2019 season of Nine's social experiment.

She infamously cheated on her 'husband' Bronson Norrish with another groom, Sam Ball.

Married At First Sight Grand Reunion will air over two big nights on Sunday, January 31, at 7.00pm and Sunday, February 7, at 7.00pm on Nine and 9Now
(Left to right) Alex Banbury, Jonafa Banbury, Claudea Blythe and Mittie Miller stand with a MLK Day banner at a past MLK celebration event.
BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Grand openings at new Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country have come to be known for their circus-like atmosphere, with hungry fans erecting overnight campsites in order to be the first in line for myriad contests and giveaways -- as well bragging rights for simply having been there.

With continued COVID-19 concerns this year, the Jan. 21 opening day at the new Brunswick Chick-fil- A, located at 3470 Center Road at the site of the former GetGo gas station, will not have the same type of fanfare.

Instead of the traditional grand opening celebration, the restaurant will identify 100 local heroes who are making an impact in Brunswick. Those heroes will get free Chick-fil-A for a year.

Chick-fil-A has also partnered with Feeding America. The two organizations will make a combined $50,000 donation in honor of the Brunswick location and a newly opened Chick-fil-A in Parma, at 6676 Ridge Road.

The Parma location will be opening for drive-thru service only. The Brunswick Chick-fil-A will have both drive-thru and curbside service.

Both restaurants will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Traffic concerns

I have been getting calls for the past couple years, a lot of people are excited it is coming in, said Ward 2 Brunswick City Councilman Nick Hanek, in whose ward the new Chick-fil-A is located. So I think it is going to be very successful.

But such expected commercial success can come with concerns, particularly when it comes to traffic in an already busy commercial location that abuts a residential neighborhood.

City Council members expressed such apprehensions at planning meetings leading up to the restaurants opening. The Brunswick Division of Police, meanwhile, posted details of Chick-fil-As traffic plan on its Facebook page in the week leading up to the opening.

To minimize traffic congestion in the parking lot area of their restaurant, as well as Giant Eagle, Chick-fil-A has generated a traffic plan asking customers to enter from State Route 303 (Center Road) at Town Center Boulevard, and then exit on the access drive to Brunswick Lake Parkway, between Giant Eagle and Chick-fil-A, the police reported on their Facebook page.

Customers are being asked to follow the traffic flow indicated with the red arrows in the parking lot. Chick-fil-A plans to have employees in the parking lot area helping to direct traffic on opening day, the police department release stated.

Monitoring traffic issues

Hanek said Chick-fil-A representatives have cooperated greatly with the city throughout the process of constructing and now opening the new free-standing location. But, he said, he shares some residents concerns about traffic.

This is a private business and they have worked with the city for a long time, so I hope the traffic plan works out, Hanek said. But Id like to avoid (traffic) issues like those we have around the Dunkin Donuts in my ward. We will just have to monitor the situation.

Read more news from the Brunswick Sun.
Pastors fatal heart attack at 32 points to chronic disease crisis among young black males

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin

Corey Hines wasnt ready to die.

On Saturday, Jan. 2 though, the 32-year-old Texas preacher, who survived two brutal heart attacks just months ago amid the coronavirus pandemic, died gasping for air in the garage of his home.

Im about to pass out, his sister, Chelsye Hines, said were his last words.

His sister-in-law had desperately tried to get him his emergency heart medication but Pastor Hines slipped away into the unknown before she was able to get it to him.

That was it. He pretty much fainted, Chelsye said. Some 30 minutes after an ambulance arrived, her brother was pronounced dead.

In hindsight, it seems all that day Pastor Hines had been inching toward death.

Chelsye recalled how he wasnt feeling well so he was just kind of taking it easy.

He traveled with his wife out of town to see his grandfather-in-law, whom they hadnt seen for a while. On their way back, he got himself a fresh haircut. He needed to look good for church the next morning.

While he was there getting his haircut, I guess the pain got worse, Chelsye said.

Pastor Hines didnt have his emergency heart medication with him at the barbershop so a family member had to rush it to him.

He took it and he was OK, explained Chelsye.

Later, when he got home, Pastor Hines would try to feel better by relaxing with his family.

They were just having family time and just having fun. He had the kids. They had music, and just talking, having fun. Then he said, I cant breathe. Im having trouble breathing, Chelsye said.

Pastor Hines emergency heart medication was still in his car from the barbershop episode. His sister-in-law ran to get it again. Pastor Hines followed behind her to save time.

As soon as she found it, she was walking up to him and he said, Im about to pass out, said Chelsye.

Church

On Monday, Jan. 4, Heavenly Gospel Church in Fort Worth, which Pastor Hines had led for the last five years, shared the tragic news on Facebook.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the transition of our amazing Senior Pastor Corey Hines. A man of faith, love, joy, leadership and a servants heart. Pastor Corey lived his life to love and serve his family, his church and community just like Jesus, the church said. Our lives will forever be impacted by his wisdom, generous love, sense of humor, his incomparable commitment, and his unquestionable loyalty to the Kingdom of God, his wife, his family, the community and to Heavenly Gospel Church.

But Hines wasnt ready to die.

This year was supposed to be the year of victory for the young preacher.

In his New Years Eve address to his congregants shared on Facebook, Pastor Hines talked about the health challenges he had faced as the coronavirus pandemic marched across the country, leaving more than 350,000 dead in its wake.

He presented a picture of hope and gratefulness to be alive in his touching testimony of how he had survived against all odds  thanks to God.

People were trying to characterize 2020 and all the bad things and throw the whole year away and things like that, but God, He did some amazing things in 2020 through Heavenly Gospel. Not only through Heavenly Gospel, He did some amazing things in my life, Hines said with an ethereal tone and a glint of hope in his eyes.

How do I know? Because your pastor is still here! Yall missed, yall shout, he insisted. I said your pastor is still here. Two heart attacks, two surgeries, one major surgery and triple bypass and Im still here, healthy. Im thriving and I feel better than ever.

And that is a point of praising God, right? Because you could thank God your pastor is still here but in a year where over 350,000 people have passed away due to COVID. If youre watching this, youve got to consider yourself blessed.

Yes. Hines still alive at 32 on New Years Eve was a blessing to his congregation.

What his congregants did not know though, is that the day the church shared his end of year address on Facebook, Hines wasnt thriving. He had to be rushed to his cardiologist as he fought to hold on to his blessing of life, his sister said.

He went to the doctor on New Years Eve because he was having chest issues again and all they did was change his medicine. I dont know protocol. I dont know if they could have just kept him. They could have given him a heart transplant. I dont know. I just feel like more could have been done, Chelsye lamented.

While Hines did not die as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, Chelsye believes it most definitely played a role in his death by complicating his access to healthcare. She also feels like perhaps if doctors had treated his care over the last few months with a bit more urgency, perhaps her brother could have lived longer than 32 years.

An emerging chronic disease crisis

As Chelsea struggles to make sense of her brothers death, recent but still limited research suggests Hines fatal heart attack may be a casualty of an emerging chronic disease crisis among young black American males.

In A Closer Look at African American Men and High Blood Pressure Control, a report first published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010, researchers pointed to the burden of heart disease and stroke being the first and third leading causes of death and major causes of disability in the U.S. The report also highlights that black men, like Pastor Hines, disproportionately make up those numbers.

In the report Perspective: Cardiovascular Disease among Young African American Males,published in 2017, Marino Bruce, research associate professor of medicine, health and society at Vanderbilt University, along with his team, explained what they saw as the emerging chronic disease crisis.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death among middle-aged African American males, who as youth have a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors leading to accelerated rate of disease progression, and a higher rate of age-related complications than other groups of males, they wrote. CVD can have long latency periods with some processes beginning in youth.

While noting that there was still limited data on the cardiovascular disease risk among black American males, Bruce and his team highlighted hypertension and obesity as prominent features in the health profiles of young black men.

Hypertension, a known risk factor for CVD, is a salient condition for young African American males as it has been found that college-aged African American males are twice as likely to have hypertension than their white peers, the researchers said.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey also showed that black American adolescent males comprised the largest segment of extremely obese 12- to 19-year-old males.

It has been estimated that 75% of the incidence in hypertension can be directly attributed to obesity, and current evidence suggests that the poor health prospects of African American males are likely to worsen in the coming years, researchers noted.

Although black American adults are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure, they are less likely than their non-Hispanic white counterparts to have their blood pressure under control, according to the CDC. And in 2017, black Americans were 20% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

John Henryism and other stressors

In recent preliminary studies, researchers suggested the disparity may have worsened during the pandemic for young black men as well.

One study highlighted in a report by ProPublica using data through July 2020 found that black people ages 35 to 44 were dying at nine times the rate of white people of the same age from the coronavirus. Harvard researcher Tamara Rushovich found that disparity was greatest in black men.

Tracing through the histories of nearly 24 young black men who died from the virus, ProPublicas research examined a hypothesis known as John Henryism and the catalytic role it could have also played among a host of stressors in their deaths during the pandemic. The theory was also presented as a factor in why black men, in general, have the shortest lifespan of any group of Americans.

John Henry, after whom the hypothesis is named, was reportedly a black American railroad worker from the 1800s who was pitted in a race against a steam-powered drill, which required much less toil and threatened workers livelihoods. Henry beat the machine against all odds but would later die from the stress of his effort.

Public health researcher and epidemiologist Sherman James, who is now at Duke University in North Carolina, coined the term John Henryism in the 1970s, which predicts that when people face prolonged adversity  against inequality, financial hardship and racial discrimination  the high-effort coping required to thrive will damage their health through stress, leading to a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and other problems.

The John Henry of contemporary social theory is a man striving to get ahead in an unequal society. The effort of confronting that machine, day in and day out, compounded over a lifetime, leads to stress so corrosive that it physically changes bodies, causing Black men to age quicker, become sicker and die younger than nearly any other U.S. demographic group. COVID-19 is a new gear in an old machine, the Propublica report said.

Researchers at the CDC also acknowledge the theory as a driver in health outcomes for black Americans in A Closer Look at African American Men and High Blood Pressure Control.

John Henryism is described as behaviors used to deal with psychosocial and environmental stressors that are often exhibited by African Americans determined to succeed in the face of obstacles. Among African American workers of lower socioeconomic status, those with high John Henryism were found to have higher blood pressure levels than those with low John Henryism, the researchers said.

Several studies found an association between racism and higher blood pressure levels in African American men. Perceived racism contributes to stress and low self-esteem, which can ultimately negatively affect blood pressure levels, researchers explained.

Other factors such as socioeconomic status, lack of health insurance and cultural beliefs about hypertension were also found to be factors in health behaviors among black men.

Health insurance coverage can influence the successful control of hypertension. Based on 2006 Current Population Survey data, African American males were more likely to be uninsured than white males (23% compared to 17%) and less likely to have private insurance coverage (54% compared to 70%), CDC researchers said. Successful control of hypertension among African Americans is significantly related to health insurance coverage. Lack of prescription drug coverage and access to hypertensive drugs may play a role in this relationship.

Awareness, self-care and the black church

Chelsye Hines explained to The Christian Post that her brother had been involved in church leadership since he was about 18 and was groomed to eventually take the helm of the church at the age of 27.

She said when he began experiencing chest pains in the fall of 2019, he chalked it up to stress. She said, he kind of shook it off as an accepted way of life.

He thought it was stress because at the end of the day, he is a pastor, she explained. There is stress that comes with leadership, unfortunately, and he just thought, 'Well, maybe Im stressed and maybe I just need to figure out am I doing too much, am I not?

She said her brother tried different things to cope with his discomfort until around February 2020 when he tried to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. A few weeks later, the coronavirus pandemic hit, making booking time with a heart specialist much more difficult.

I remember it was hard because the pandemic hit and places were shutting down and they couldnt see him and they werent taking new patients," Chelsye recalled. "I remember they kept pushing it (his appointment) off and he was getting frustrated because he couldnt get in."

The pastor eventually got to see a cardiologist in May and they began treating him for high cholesterol. His condition was not treated with any urgency, said his sister, until he had his first heart attack in June.

When he went to the specialist, I just remember them doing a stress test because he had sent me a picture of himself hooked up to all the little things.  Thats when they figured out he had high cholesterol and gave him medicine. But that was just about it. Nothing else came about until he had his first heart attack, Chelsye added.

By the second week in July, Pastor Hines underwent triple bypass surgery to remove blockages in three of his major arteries. Around the first week in September, Chelsye said her brother would suffer another mild heart attack that forced him back to the ER where doctors put a stent in one main artery.

Doctors also gave her brother nitrates and cholesterol medication to manage his condition and sent him home with some advice to change his lifestyle.

Pretty much he was transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. My mom was making him vegan dishes. He was transitioning to stop eating meat. So it wasnt like after this he went back to living how he was living. He was really making the changes, Chelsye said of her brothers outlook when he died.

Hines was so serious about getting better, she said, he had even started a major health campaign with his congregation that he planned to highlight in 2021.

My brother, he was telling our vision for the year and he kept saying wholeness and wellness. He really wanted us to focus on not just being spiritually healthy but physically healthy, mentally healthy as well. He started a challenge on his Facebook where he challenged everybody to walk three to five miles a day, she said.

He wanted to be more effective, bring more awareness because it is true  black men, especially young black men in church, because things arent really taught in the black church. We are taught to trust in the Lord with all our hearts but you know, we dont take care of it the way that we should sometimes, she said.

In August 2019, months before the pandemic hit, CP also highlighted research showing that black men who attend church services frequently were found to be nearly twice as likely to be obese than those who never attend services, which has serious implications for heart health.

The study, Investigating Denominational and Church Attendance Differences in Obesity and Diabetes in Black Christian Men and Women, from Dukes Samuel DuBois Cook Center for Social Equity, suggested that the development of obesity in black men highly engaged in church life could be influenced by their social networks.

Researchers argued that the findings needed to be factored into faith-based health promotions since obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Months after that report, the Rev. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, brought some attention to the need for self-care among black pastors when he announced that he needed to take a sabbatical to take care of his spiritual and physical health.

Yall, did you realize this is the only body we get? This aint a test run. You wear this one out, thats it. I want to bring my best self to God. Youd be surprised that the majority of black preachers are in horrible physical condition, Wesley said. Their A1C is high, their blood pressure is skyrocketing, their cholesterol is bad, theyre on more medications than they should be.

When asked if her brother would have probably benefited from a little more time off work, Chelsye said more time could have helped in his recovery but noted that he was not asked to do any major church work.

I think so, but at the same time, all he had to do was speak. Im his second. I run the operations in everything here at the church. All he had to do is just come and prepare the sermons, she explained. Maybe some people do think he should have taken more time off to rest but I just feel like the disease itself was more progressive than they (doctors) thought.

Remembering

Reacting to the young pastors death, The Potters House of Fort Worth, which is a campus of T.D. Jakes The Potters House megachurch, celebrated Hines as a pastor after Gods heart as news of his passing spread.

Our hearts are heavy with the news of the passing of Pastor Corey Hines. When God gives a people pastors after His heart they make an [indelible] impression upon our hearts. Pastor Corey was indeed a pastor after God's heart. May his soul find rest, the church said in a statement on Twitter.

Others who knew him described him as an inspiring figure who had a passion for helping children.

I remember the night you called me to see if we could take a 1 year old boy as an emergency. You had exhausted all other options before calling as you knew we had our hands full. Of course I immediately said yes. I remember you p[l]acing this young toddler in my arms at 1:00 am. We have now adopted him and he is thriving, recalled Angie Henry on the pastors condolence page at Mansfield Funeral Home.

You are responsible for placing so many children into living homes. You worked tirelessly for the foster care system, troubled teens and your own family. You touched so, so, many lives. You will be greatly missed here on Earth but I have no doubt God needed you more. He said well done my faithful servant. Come into Heavens gates. Prayers to his wonderful family for peace and understanding, she said.

Pastor Hines leaves behind his wife, Renee, and their children, Myriah, Myrisa, and Corey Jr. The family has launched a college fund for his children on GoFundMe.
The last day of Donald Trump as President of the United States had one tangible issue he has been focused on and that is how to apply his power to pardon before his term ends before snubbing his successor Joe Biden's inauguration and leaving for Florida.

On Wednesday noon, Biden will be sworn in and the Trump presidency will end.

Banned by Twitter for his stream of inflammatory messages and misinformation, Trump has largely stopped communicating with the nation. He has also yet to congratulate Biden or invite him for the traditional pre-inauguration cup of tea in the Oval Office.

Also Read: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' Inauguration Day Tomorrow: Check Schedule and Where to Watch

Instead, Trump has spent his time meeting with a dwindling circle of loyalists who backed him during a doomed, two-month effort to overturn the results of the November election. Trump issued a scattering of last-minute orders on Monday, most notably lifting off the travel bans imposed due to spike in coronavirus cases in Europe and Brazil.

Trump has a list of about 100 people he will be granting clemency, according to CNN and other US news outlets. After what The New York Times reports has been an intense lobbying effort, the list are expected to be a mix of white-collar criminals and people whose cases have been championed by criminal justice activists.

More controversial possible pardons that have been the subject of speculation for months would be for Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Trump's influential advisor Stephen Bannon. Meanwhile, Trump awarded the king of Bahrain with the legion of merit award on his last full day in office.

The US embassy in Bahrain confirmed King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa received the award for his "visionary leadership" in the region. "His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on receiving the Legion of Merit for his visionary leadership in the pursuit of peace and strengthening relations between our two countries and across the region," the US embassy said in a tweet.

The legion of merit is a military award created to honour allied leaders in the Second World War. It had gone into obscurity until it was revived by Trump, who last month also presented it to the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan. On Saturday, the island nation was also named a "major security partner" by the Trump administration, only a few days before US President-elect Joe Biden is due to be sworn in on Wednesday.

A White House statement said that the designation was in recognition of Manama and Abu Dhabi's "extraordinary courage, determination and leadership". It remains unclear what this new designation means for Manama, which has hosted the US Navy's fifth fleet since 1995.

In September, Bahrain normalised diplomatic and trade relations with Israel as part of an initiative championed by Trump's son-in-law and special adviser Jared Kushner.

Trump is not the only western leader to spark controversy by granting a prestigious award to an Arab leader accused of large-scale human rights violations. In December, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded a diplomatic legion of honour award to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, sparking uproar online.
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.
America Talks: Join us and #ListenFirst in a virtual conversation with another American
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe & MMJ Biopharma Cultivation Sign Cannabis Cultivation Agreement

ST. PETERSBURG, FL and AWKESASNE, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2021 /The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, or also known as Kanienkehaka, recently announced the signing of a pharmaceutical marijuana development agreement with MMJ Biopharma Cultivation.

The reservation located in Hogansburg, NY and is adjacent to the Akwesasnereserve in Ontario and Quebec across the St. Lawrence River. Approximately 3000 American Indians call it home.

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has a long history of medical innovation: In 2017, the multinational pharma company Allergan agreed to transfer six patents for the ophthalmic form of its drug Restasis to the tribe. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe considers the MMJ BioPharma cannabis cultivation deal to be a significant opportunity to expand and diversify its revenue sources.

Scott Freeman, CEO of Tewathahon:ni Corporation, the tribal holding company that manages the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's business ventures, said he expects DEA officials to approve the cultivation license soon.

The joint development agreement arrives after two years of talks, during a hazardous pandemic that has taken a disproportionate toll on Indigenous communities across North America.

"It couldn't have come at a better time," Freeman stated.

He explained that the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort serves as the tribe's main revenue source, but COVID-19 restrictions cut deeply into its business, making economic diversification more urgent than ever. The casino closed in mid-March and reopened at the end of August.

"The casino business is based on volume, patronage, and customer count, and quite frankly, discretionary and disposable income," Freeman said. "In a pandemic or an economic decline, many of those things go by the wayside."

Freeman said Tewathahon:ni Corporation joined with MMJ BioPharma Cultivation because of the firm's industry credentials and its commitment to communicating with the tribe.

MMJ BioPharma Cultivation will farm medical-grade cannabis varieties on federally recognized sovereign tribal land, breeding each plant to ensure predetermined ratios of selected cannabinoids. MMJ intends to look after all aspects of the production process, including acquiring initial planting materials, to meet and exceed quality standards set by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, MMJ will grow its cannabis products under computer-controlled conditions in its facility on the 20-acre cultivation site, enabling consistency at every stage of production and guaranteeing compliance with regulations issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Proprietary protocols for in-house refinement will prepare harvested cannabis materials for the final stages of pharmaceutical product development.

MMJBPC recently submitted an application to obtain the coveted Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Federal Marijuana Growers' license. The cannabis cultivation company has also negotiated a supply chain agreement with leading pharmaceutical company MMJ International Holdings (MMJIH) to supply pharmaceutical-grade extracts - a key ingredient in MMJIH's orphan drug for Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. MMJIH has already received a DEA permit to import MMJ's proprietary cannabis extracts into the United States to provide potential therapies for these lethal autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Elio Mariana, CEO of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, stated, "Because cannabis is a federally controlled substance in the U.S., there are numerous, complicated legal hurdles that we have cleared in order to proceed with our cultivation plans. Our experienced teams have worked within the federal guidelines in hopes of accomplishing these significant goals."

Why The St Regis Mohawk Tribe?

The struggles of North America's Indigenous people are bound up in their very identity. To be native to a land is not to be poor or to struggle. To believe in sovereignty, to let it inform and define not only one's political and legal existence but also one's community, to move through the world imbued with the dignity of that reality, is to resolve one of the major contradictions of modern Indigenous life: safeguarding traditions that settlers and their descendents decimated while embracing societal change and often working with those same descendents.

Duane Boise, President of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, stated, "My motivation in working with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe was simple: I wanted to do a good thing that would provide benefit for many people with one project. We hope to bring sustainable revenue to the Awkesasne reservation while using the cannabis extracts to develop an FDA-approved medicine that would help patients suffering from neuro-degernative diseases."

"MMJ is already in the development phase of manufacturing a pharma-grade gel cap with FDA and DEA approval," Boise continued. "Meanwhile, we're speaking with several researchers and universities to further investigate applications for the extracts we will soon produce. The use cases are endless, and we're one of the first pharmaceutical companies in North America to explore them. It all links back to a mutually beneficial relationship with the St Regis Mohawk people."

Indeed, Indigenous reservations are not stagnant places. Despite staggering unemployment rates - a symptom of systemic neglect and the ripples of settler-waged genocide, among other causes - they are home to both time-honored ways of living and entrepreneurial ingenuity. Historically, our public imagination has limited tribal business affairs to casinos. While tribal gaming industry revenues ballooned from $100m in 1988 to more than $26bn in 2009 - more than Vegas and Atlantic City took in combined - little has changed for most American Indians. DEA-approved pharmaceutical cannabis cultivation offers another route forward.

CONTACT:

Michael Sharpe

+12032318583

media@mmjih.com

SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624815/MMJ-On-Track-for-a-DEA-Federal-Cannabis-License-Is-Pharmaceutical-Marijuana-Development-the-New-Casino-Revenue-Replacement-for-St-Regis-Mohawk-Tribe
275 bicycles repaired by Irish prisoners at Loughan House Open Centre have arrived in Gambia.

The bikes have been donated to students struggling to travel long distances to school in Africa.

Exceutive Director of CADO Frances Mendy thanked Rotary Ireland, who co-ordinate the work on the bikes with inmates at Shelton Abbey and Loughna House open centres. He said: This initiative has already provided 1,440 bicyles to Gambian students across the country.

With this resource, students can thrive in their education and also contribute to other important causes like reducing waste and saving the environment.

For the past five years Rotary Ireland have been collecting unwanted bikes from households around Ireland and sending them to Loughan House and Shelton Abbey Open Centre for repair before shipping them to school children in Gambia to help them get to education.

Loughan House offer a number of activities that will help to rehabilitate prisoners and provide them with skills that will be useful when they are reintroduced to society, this project provided them with the expertise to become bicycle mechanic and to even gain a City and Guilds Qualification.

Also read:Isolating Loughan House prisoners get Netflix
[January 18, 2021] PENUMBRA 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 Penumbra, Inc. - PEN

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until March 16, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Penumbra, Inc. (NYSE: PEN), if they purchased the Company's shares between August 3, 2020 and December 15, 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 shares of Penumbra 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-pen/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by March 16, 2021.



About the Lawsuit Penumbra and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

Following a series of prior negative disclosures, on December 15, 2020, post-market, the Company disclosed that it was issuing an "urgent" and "voluntary" recall of its Jet 7 Xtra Flex product because the catheter "may become susceptible to distal tip damage during use" potentially leading to injury or death. On this news, the price of Penumbra's shares declined, damaging investors. The case is Williams v. Penumbra, et al., 21-cv-420. 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/20210118005550/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Russia continued its post-Cold War decline in 2020 and covid19 played a minor role. The space program continued to shrink with fewer satellites put into orbit. Defense production is still unable to replace older Cold War systems before those pre-19911 ships, tanks and warplanes wore out. The economy continues to be crippled by low oil prices and economic sanctions imposed for the war against Ukraine. That conflict began in 2014 and has been stalemated since 2015. The ceasefire down there is regularly broken by Russian forces whose artillery and machine-gun fire causes dozens of casualties a month on both sides because the Ukrainians usually fire back. The foreign military efforts in Syria and Libya are done on the cheap but still cost Russian more than it can afford. One foreign intervention, playing a major role in restoring peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, was costly because Armenia desperately needed some foreign aid. Russia donated $12 million in cash and even more in the form of medical and military aid. That was necessary to get Armenia to calm down. Another intervention, in neighboring Belarus, was much cheaper and attracted less media attention. Belarus is ruled by a pro-Russian dictator who is facing a robust popular uprising seeking to replace him with free elections. Russia is tempted to just annex Belarus but given how the Ukrainian effort went sideways, the risk of another mess like that in Belarus discourages aggressive action, for now. At the moment Russia would rather play the role of healer and benefactor, at least until the world situation is more conducive to aggressive operations. The current atmosphere is conducive to finding buyers for the new Russian Sputnik V covid19 vaccine. This was the first vaccine to be made available for widespread use and export. So far it appears to be effective with no harmful side effects. Russia enjoys playing the good guy, for a while at least.

Armenia Peacemaking

Iran is upset at how Turkey and Russia blocked Iran from playing a major role in ending the recent battles between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Both adversaries were formerly part of the Soviet Union and quite different even though they were neighbors. Azerbaijan is majority Moslem while Armenia is Christian. Along with northern neighbor Georgia, these two are the only two Christian nations in the Caucasus. For over a thousand years Armenians and Georgians resisted efforts by local Moslems to make them Moslem. Russia played a key role in that and considers itself the protector of Armenia. Despite this, Russia managed to maintain good relations with Azerbaijan as well. In doing that Russia established one of the more successful peacekeeping operations since the Cold War ended in 1991 by getting Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree to a ceasefire in 1994 after an earlier round of heavy fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia became a military ally of Armenia as part of that arrangement. Iran has tried, and not always succeeded, to be on good terms with Azerbaijan, if only because about a quarter of the Iranian population are Azeris. At the same time Iran and Russia, traditional enemies, have become allies and those links are being used to deal with latest round of violence.

Iran has long harbored an intense interest in Azerbaijan. This is because most of the Turkic and Moslem Azeris live in Iran. Up until 1813, modern Azerbaijan was part of Iran. Then the Russians showed up. Armenia and Azerbaijan were the last Russian conquests as the tsars soldiers and Cossacks advanced through the Caucasus in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Russians stopped when they ran into the Turkish and Iranian empires, but not before taking a chunk of Azerbaijan from Iran. The Iranians did not forget. In effect, most of "Azerbaijan" is in Iran and Iran has long hoped to reunite all Azeris under their rule. Many Iranian Azeris have risen to senior positions in the government. Despite that, most Azeris would like all Azeris united in a single Azerbaijan. This is not a popular idea within Iran. The Russians, on the other hand, have come to accept the 1991 loss of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran is less accepting of such losses.

January 17, 2021: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) ten members of Russian-backed militias were killed by ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) landmines. The militias are following up on the numerous recent Russian airstrikes on ISIL targets. In some cases, ISIL camps were destroyed from the air but not mines that ISIL often plants around its camps to hinder hostile ground forces. Russian training operations for the Syrian Army are also a major presence in southern Syria. Russians have been training Syrian troops who require technical training, like mechanics and operators of electronic equipment. In some cases, Russia trains entire units, like artillery battalions who are going to use Russian artillery or rocket launchers. Russia also trains combat medics and emergency room personnel.

January 11, 2021: In northern Syria (Hama province) Russian commandos attacked a group of pro-Syrian militia and killed eleven of them.

January 10, 2021: In the eastern Syria (Homs and Raqqa provinces) ISIL gunmen and Syrian security (army and militia) forces clashed numerous times over the last ten days. This turned into a major operation to clear ISIL from the Sukhnah desert in eastern Homs and the adjacent Rasafah desert in Raqqa province as well as the larger Baida desert to the south. The fighting produced several hundred casualties and over a hundred dead, most of them Islamic terrorists. These clashes began with a growing number of ISIL attacks along the main east-west highways running through these desert areas. ISIL was also active with raids and assassinations. Russia and Syria had been planning major operation against ISIL and this is what the last few days of fighting consisted of. The final stages of this operation were particularly effective at finding and destroying ISIL camps and safe houses. That was due to Russian air support which included nearly 200 air strikes and equally numerous surveillance missions by UAVs and manned aircraft. If an ISIL group was detected it had fewer places to hide because of the scope of this operation. ISIL raids continue to threaten traffic on the main road that goes to the Euphrates River Valley and Homs province. This is all in the desert areas of eastern Syria. In addition to the Sukhnah and adjacent Rasafah deserts, there is the larger Badia Desert to the south, which extends into nearby Jordan. Baida covers 500,000 square kilometers (200,000 square miles) and represents about half of Syria and 85 percent of Jordan and smaller portions of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The Baida desert was long been the scene of ISIL activity and fighting against the Islamic terrorists. All these desert areas are thinly populated by Sunni Arabs who are inclined to tolerate or support ISIL as long as ISIL attacks were directed at military targets and not local civilians. The main job of the security forces is to keep the main road open. This vital route passes through Homs province from the Euphrates to more populated (and pro-government) areas to the west. ISIL has grown weaker in their desert refuge because of constant clashes with Syrian troops and airstrikes by Russian and Syrian aircraft.

January 9, 2021: In the northwest Syria (Latakia province) Russian aircraft carried out airstrikes on Islamic terrorist targets in the northern portion of the province near the border with Idlib province. The Syrian Army is trying to clear the area of Islamic terrorists if only because these rebels often try to attack the main Russian airbase in Latakia province.

January 6, 2021: In Libya an October 2020 ceasefire is failing because it called for all foreign troops to leave and there is little chance of that happening. To date none of the ceasefire terms have been fully met although some progress has been made on a few of the less important items. The biggest problem is that none of the ceasefire participants is willing to meet the January 23rd deadline for foreign troops leaving the country. Its estimated that there are over 20,000 armed foreigners in Libya. Over a third are Islamic terrorists. About half the armed men in the country are Syrian Arab mercenaries working for Turkey and the rest are Syrian Arab mercenaries hired by Russia to assist the LNA (Libyan National Army). There are also several hundred Russian special operations troops, technicians, pilots and advisors. Matching that are nearly as many troops from Arab allies of the LNA. Lastly there are another hundred or so special operations troops from various nations who mainly act as observers for their governments.

While Turkey is seen as an invader, Russian forces, which have been supporting the LNA for over three years, is seen as an ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism. Russia and Turkey are allies in Syria but are actually fighting each other in Libya. Well, not exactly fighting anymore but maintaining armed forces and confronting each other in anticipation of a peaceful settlement. In addition to Russia the LNA was backed by Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In Syria Russian airstrikes have killed Turkish troops while the Turks have killed Syrian troops. That has also stopped, for the moment. The Libya fighting resulted in NATO countries openly backing Greece in the maritime dispute with Turkey that led to the Libya invasion.

When Russia began hiring Syrian mercenaries, most for service in Syria and later at least 2,000 for use in Libya, they had an edge in recruiting the best and most reliable Syrian Arabs. This was because the Turks were detested as an old nemesis once more invading Arab territory. The Russians were seen as true allies because the Russians did not want to control any territory, but did rent a few bases and sell military equipment to Arabs. The Russians had been doing this in Syria for over half a century. In contrast the Turks had occupied and ruled most Arab territory for centuries, and were often quite brutal about it. That imperial rule only a century ago and is still remembered. The Russian offer the same pay as the Turks, but not the incentive of a residency permit in Turkey. The Iranians are also hiring again, but they, like the Turks, are seen as foreign invaders and dont get the most reliable recruits.

January 4, 2021: The Russian navy continued its Cold War Replacement building program in 2020 with eight surface ships and two subs, one of them nuclear, entering service. Six of the surface ships were corvettes and frigates. There was also an amphibious assault ship and a minesweeper. Russia does not report all of the older Cold War (pre-1991) warships that are out of service. Some are revealed to be headed for the breakers (sold for scrap). Russia has lost the ability to build larger warships and has a difficult time refurbishing some of the older ones the navy would like to retain for a while longer. The new ships are for a costal defense navy that does not go to sea often nor does it travel far from Russia. Meanwhile China puts about three times as many new ships into service and most of them are larger and designed to stay at sea a lot.

January 3, 2021: In Syria Russia announced that it had negotiated the reopening of the M4 highway for commercial traffic after being closed for a month while Turkish forces cleared some Islamic terrorist rebels who were periodically attacking traffic. T he M4 is the main east-west highway from Aleppo to the Assad stronghold Latakia province and its Mediterranean ports. The Turks have also been fighting the Kurdish led SDF coalition.

December 28, 2020: In the south (Caucasus) two Islamic terrorists used knives to attack and kill a policeman in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. Other police shot and killed the attackers who were trying to escape with their victims weapons.

December 26, 2020: Russian forces are also active in African. In the Central African Republic (CAR) three Burundian peacekeepers were killed and two wounded today when attacked by militia loyal to former president Francois Bozize. In 2019 Bozize returned from exile. He is prohibited from running in the December 27 presidential election. Some rebels loyal to Bozize claim they are advancing to the capital, Bangui. A rebel force seized the town of Bambari on December 22 but the town was quickly liberated by peacekeepers. Several hundred Rwandan peacekeepers were positioned to block further rebel advances. A contingent of Russian forces was also made available.

December 25, 2020: Russia is trying to make the best of a bad situation in Syria by encouraging peace talks between Israel and the Syrian Assad government. This is referred to as the Russian Plan B, a desperate but plausible ploy to avoid the unwelcome presence of Iran and Turkey in Syria and take advantage of the Israelis eagerness to make peace, even with the Assads, if that got Iran out of Syria. That is something Israel and Syrians (and everyone else) can agree on. The war in Syria should be over by now but it isnt because the foreign factions, especially the Iranians and the Turks, have unresolved issues. Iran is obsessed with destroying Israel and is not having much success at all. Turkey wants to eliminate Kurdish separatists (both Turkish and Syrian) from Syria and that is proving very difficult. The Americans want to keep ISIL down and support their Kurdish allies while Russia wants to prop up the Assad government in order to preserve the airbase and port facilities treaties, they have obtained from the Assads.

December 23, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) thirteen members of an Iran-backed Syrian militia deserted and fled to Kurdish (SDF) territory with the assistance of smugglers. The deserters are not fans of Iran and only joined the militia because it paid better and Iran said it would protect them and their families from retaliation by Syria for not being available for conscription into the Syrian military. Iranian promises turned out to be false and the work more dangerous than implied. Russia and Syria backed militias have been ordered to confront Iran-backed militias and threaten to open fire if the Iranian mercenaries dont back down. As a resulting Iran is having a harder time finding recruits in eastern Syria and more problems keeping them on the payroll.

December 22, 2020: The U.S. revealed that recent sanctions on Russian and Chinese companies was in response to their covert support for the Iranian missile programs.

December 19, 2020: In northwest Syria (Idlib province) a Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft was shot down by Islamic terrorist rebels who used a shoulder-fired missile. The pilot ejected safely but once on the ground found himself trapped by rebels and died trying to avoid getting captured.

December 18, 2020: Russia is returning to its Libyan oil and gas production and exploration projects, after a decade-long suspension of operations because of the civil war that began in 2011. The return was negotiated with the Libyan NOC (National Oil Corporation0, which cooperates with the Turkey backed GNA and Russia/Arab backed HoR governments so NOC can produce and sell oil, which is the mainstay of the national budget and economy.

December 13, 2020: Turkey has a second export customer for its locally developed and built Ada class corvettes. At the end of 2020 Ukraine ordered four of these 2,400-ton ships with two built in Turkey and two built under license in Ukraine. This is a billion-dollar sale for Turkey. The first export customer was Pakistan, who ordered four of these corvettes in mid-2018. Two are built in Turkey with the others built in Pakistan. Designed in Turkey for the Turkish Navy, four of these ships entered service with the Turkish navy between 2011 and 2019. These ships are designed for coastal patrol and ASW (anti-submarine warfare). Electronics are largely Turkish, including a hull-mounted sonar plus search and fire control radars. Other electronic systems include jammers and counter measures to deal with missiles and torpedoes.

Ukraine is at war with Russia and no longer supplies Russia with military items. Ukraine will trade with other nations that have Russian military equipment in need of Ukrainian components or equipment. Turkey recently bought a Ukrainian ADS (Active Defense System) for its tanks and now manufactures it under license. India recently bought Ukrainian gas turbines for Russia designed frigates that require such engines which Russia can no longer obtain from Russia.

December 11, 2020: In Sudan, civilian members of the SNC (temporary, post-revolution) government complained that they were blindsided by the governments decision to allow Russia to build a naval facility in Sudan. The civilians accused the military members of making the foreign policy move with consultation. A senior member of the pro-democracy Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) accused the military of hijacking foreign policy. The FFC supports the civilian members of the SNC. Another FFC member added that the decision to alter Sudans relationship with Israel was also made without consultation. Russia recently received a 25-year lease for a naval installation on the Red Sea.

December 10, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) Russian troops and their local 5th Corps Syrian militia set up a headquarters on the Syrian side near the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. This is part of an agreement with Iran to reduce the Iranian presence here and give Israel reason to halt its air attacks. The 5th Corps Syrian mercenaries began replacing Iraqi, Lebanese, Syrian and Afghan mercenaries working for Iran.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biobeat , a global leader in continuous remote patient monitoring solutions for the healthcare continuum, has launched a new home-based remote patient monitoring kit. The solution allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients' vital signs and receive updates and deterioration alerts, helping to alleviate hospital overload, reduce costs and improve patient care.

Based on the same hospital-grade wearable monitoring sensor technology used in hospitals and care facilities around the world, Biobeat's home monitoring kit includes chest-monitors, compatible adhesive units and a user-friendly manual. Patients will utilize an accompanying intuitive mobile app (compatible with IOS and Android devices) to share the data with providers and view their own health status. Moreover, the patient data is analyzed by Biobeat's AI-powered cloud-based patient management system, giving health care staff a continuous view of patient health and predictive patient deterioration alerts.

"Our new hospital-level home-based patient monitoring kit is essential in today's socially distant pandemic climate," said Arik Ben Ishay, CEO of Biobeat. "As hospitals continue to grapple with over flooded COVID wards and increasing rates of infection, it is crucial to empower health staff with trusted clinical-grade wearable AI-powered patient monitoring tools that will allow them to provide hospital-level care from a distance. In this way, providers can better manage patient influx, reduce facility expenses and most importantly, improve patient outcomes. We expect to see hospital-level home-based remote patient monitoring solutions become the standard of patient care in 2021 and beyond, strengthening the Hospital at Home concept."

Biobeat's FDA-Cleared and CE Marked chest-monitors utilize proprietary non-invasive reflective photoplethysmography monitoring technology to automatically and continuously track multiple vital signs and health parameters. The wireless solutions connect to a cloud-based patient management system to provide medical staff with real-time data and alerts, enabling early identification of clinical deterioration. The management platform includes an integrated automated, customizable early warning score system that incorporates advanced health-AI-based algorithms that analyze aggregated patient data to identify deterioration more accurately and provide predictive analytics. This platform could help patients, their family members, and healthcare providers in multiple settings, allowing to optimize care of patients in the post-discharge and outpatient settings, as well as hospital-level home care of oncology patients, COVID-19 patients, and more.

The new home-based remote patient monitoring system is now available to healthcare providers across the globe. Please contact Biobeat directly to learn more.

About Biobeat

Biobeat is a med-tech company with unique health-AI abilities in the patient monitoring space. The company's remote patient monitoring (RPM) health-AI platform includes a disposable short-term chest-monitor and a long-term wrist-monitor, both of which utilize a photoplethysmography-based (PPG) sensor to continuously provide accurate patient readings of 15 health parameters, including cuffless blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, temperature, stroke volume, cardiac output, one lead ECG (only chest-monitor) and more. Leveraging its automatic, continuous and noninvasive RPM AI platform, Biobeat has generated the biggest vital-sign database in the world, which it utilizes to identify early deterioration of patients via its proprietary big-data and health-AI tools.

Aggregated patient health data is viewed by medical staff via Biobeat's secure HIPPA and GDPR compliant cloud-based patient management platform, which utilizes an automated real-time early warning score (EWS) system that incorporates advanced AI-based algorithms to provide alerts on patient health status and potential deterioration. These capabilities allow Biobeat to support medical teams with tailored patient care such as adjustment of therapeutics and early prevention of specific disease exacerbations. Biobeat's wearable devices are the first devices to be FDA-Cleared for cuffless non-invasive blood pressure monitoring and are also CE Mark certified. Founded in 2016, Biobeat is headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel.

For more information, visit: https://www.bio-beat.com/ .

Follow Biobeat on LinkedIn .

Media Contact:

Mordy Derovan

Finn Partners

+1-929-222-8012

[email protected]

Company Contact:

Tomer Epstein

[email protected]

SOURCE Biobeat

Related Links

https://www.bio-beat.com/


Detectives believe Claremont killer Bradley Edwards visited Ciara Glennon's grave three years after her death and left behind an item of her underwear, sparking a covert police operation, according to a new book released on Wednesday.

The garment was found by one of Ms Glennons family members visiting the Karrakatta Cemetery site in late November 2000, 3 years after the 27-year-old became the third woman to be snatched off the streets of Claremont and murdered.

Bradley Edwards has been convicted of murders of Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer.

The underwear, later DNA-linked to Ms Glennon and bearing her handwritten initials on the tag, was suspected to have been a spare pair inside the lawyers missing work bag, which she had with her the night she vanished.

The bag, along with Ms Glennons shoes, jacket and brooch, have never been recovered.
The draft law also stipulates a ban on manifestations of sexism in advertising.

Ukrainian lawmakers have tabled two bills in parliament to introduce administrative liability for manifestations of sexism.

The draft laws were registered on January 15, as reported by the Sudovo-Yurydychna Hazeta legal bulletin on January 18.

The sponsors of bill No. 4599 are lawmakers from the ruling Servant of the People Party, namely head of the Committee on Social Policy and Social Protection of Veterans Rights Halyna Tretyakova and party leader Oleksandr Korniyenko. The document offers amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses regarding liability for manifestations of sexism in society.

Read alsoFemale combat general Laputina appointed Minister for Veterans AffairsIn addition, bill No. 4598 was registered to amend certain legislative acts to ban sexism in society.

In particular, it is suggested that the law of Ukraine on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men provide for establishing that "sexism is any act, gesture, visual representation, spoken or written words, practice or behavior based upon the idea that a person or a group of persons is inferior because of their gender, which occurs in the public or private sphere, whether online or offline, with the purpose or effect of: violating the inherent dignity or rights of a person or a group of persons; or resulting in physical, sexual, psychological or socio-economic harm or suffering to a person or a group of persons; or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment; or constituting a barrier to the autonomy and full realization of human rights by a person or a group of persons; or maintaining and reinforcing gender stereotypes."

"A person who believes that sexism has been committed against them ... has the right to file a complaint with government agencies,... the National Police of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights and/or a court in the manner prescribed by law," the bill said.

The document also stipulates a ban on manifestations of sexism in advertising.

In addition, Article 173-2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses equates sexism with domestic violence.

A person who have committed sexist offences is subject to fines worth from 10 to 20 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens on each count, or to community service for 30 to 40 hours, or administrative arrest for up to seven days.

Also, Article 262 of the Code of Administrative Offences provides that law enforcement agencies (the National Police) are authorized to carry out administrative detention of a violator.

Reporting by UNIAN
Fashion icon and billionaire heir Harry Brant has died at the age of 24.

In a family statement to New York Times, they said, "We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease. He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done."

The statement further added, "Harry was not just our son. He was also a wonderful brother, loving grandson, favorite uncle, and a caring friend. He was a creative, loving, and powerful soul that brought light into so many people's hearts. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out."

Harry is survived by his high-profile businessman dad, Peter Brant, and supermodel mom, Stephanie Seymour, and his brother Peter and sister Lilly.

He also has an older half-brother from his mother's previous marriage to musician Tommy Andrews and four half-siblings from his father's previous marriage.

Harry Brant suffered an accidental prescription drug overdose after a history of addiction. His death came days just before he was supposed to re-enter rehab.

The Life of Harry Brant

Harry Brant is often seen with his older brother Peter Jr. at several fashion shows and red-carpet events. He was even present at the Met Gala when he was only 16 years old.

He and Peter were labeled New York's "most beautiful teenage brothers" by the New York Magazine.

During his teenage years, Harry dabbled in journalism and even wrote columns for Interview magazine, one of his dad's companies.

In May 2020, his final column for the publication was an interview with Marc Jacob about trashing the stigma attached to men wearing cosmetics.

Harry Brant also ventured into modeling for luxury designers such as Balmain. He also appeared on Italian Vogue and is the founder of a unisex makeup line for MAC Cosmetics alongside his brother.

During the launch of his line, Harry discussed how the pressure of being young inspired his unisex approach to fashion.

Speaking to W Magazine, he explained, "I think that once you leave high school, you realize that being normal is something that people want to shy away from, and the more true you are to yourself and the more individual you are, the more people are inherently attracted to you."

However, in 2016, things took a wrong turn for Harry.

He was arrested for failing to pay a taxi fare and was even charged with theft.

Harry Brant was also arrested for interfering with an officer and for drug possession.

The 24-year-old never finished college as well.

Just before his death, his parents reportedly hoped that he would be able to let go of his substance addiction and return to work for Interview magazine to continue his career in publishing.

READ MORE: 'Bridgerton' Cast Furious and Horrified After Intimate Scenes Made it to Obscene Websites

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Glen Scotia partners with Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Scotch whisky brand Glen Scotia has announced a new partnership with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA).

The award-winning brand, owned by Loch Lomond Group, is one of only a handful of distilleries left in Cambeltown that has maintained production since the 1830s - the region's whisky-making heyday.

The partnership will see Glen Scotia sponsor the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and together with the GBEA it will recognise and reward a business owner who has shown particular entrepreneurial spirit each month.

Since being founded in 2013, the GBEA has worked to acknowledge the hard work and inspirational stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK. It attempts to foster a wider sense of community among the country's entrepreneurs, outside its awards ceremony.

John Grieveson, chief marketing officer at Glen Scotia, said: "The early entrepreneurial spirit shown by our founders back in 1832 is embedded in Glen Scotia's DNA. Back then, our founders, along with many others at the time, rode the wave of entrepreneurialism seen in Campbeltown in the early 1800s, harnessing the abundance of natural resources needed to produce quality Scotch whisky, as well as new technology including steam navigation.

"We're proud to be one of the three surviving distilleries from this boom-town era, which has only been achieved by our ability to innovate and adapyt the business over the centuries. Our new partnership with the GBEA is therefore very fitting, and we are very much looking forward to working with them to support the new generation of British entrepreneurs."

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: "I'm delighted to announce this new and unique partnership with Glen Scotia. It has an incredibly long and inspiring entrepreneurial journey behind it, and I'm thrilled they share our passion for supporting entrepreneurs and celebrating their achievements."

19 January 2021 - Bethany Whymark
Monster Energys Andy Buckworth Takes First Place, Pat Casey Takes Second Place and Larry Edgar Wins Best Trick in Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge Dirt Contest in Houston, Texas

Way to start the 2021 BMX season! Monster Energy congratulates team rider Andy Buckworth on his victory at the Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge Dirt competition in Houston, Texas, this Saturday. In an elite field of international BMX talent, the 30-year-old from Lake Haven, Australia, clinched the win with a dominant performance in the final. Joining him on the podium, 27-year-old Monster team rider Pat Casey from Placentia, California, earned a strong second-place finish on the dirt track outside NRG Stadium.

In the highly contested Best Trick competition, Monster Energy team rider Larry Edgar from Corona, California, put down the most creative move of the weekend to take the win.

Now in its fifth year, the Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge competition series takes place during select Monster Energy Supercross events. Previously contested as a triple challenge, this years schedule has been limited to two contests due to the adversities of the coronavirus pandemic. As always, BMX Dirt is dedicated to showcasing the progression in freestyle BMX. The contests continue to attract the best riders in the world as well as up-and-comers who are looking to make a name for themselves.

This weekends BMX Dirt event in Houston happened amid social distancing measures and with full safety protocols in place against the spread of Covid-19. The center of the BMX action was an outdoor track starting on a big portable roll-in, followed by two giant sets of dirt jumps for big air, as well as a quarter pipe at the end.

The field of riders was streamlined to only 16 contestants, including international elite riders and Olympics competitors. After the long hiatus on the BMX competition schedule in 2020, riders were bustling with energy and enthusiasm to finally be able throw down some tricks and chase some prize money while maintaining a safe distance. The competition format was straight to finals, consisting of four runs with the best score counting. For a unique twist, additional points from Best Trick factored into the riders overall scores as well.

Fridays practice had to be moved to the night hours as 30-mile-per-hour winds gusted over the arena during the daytime. Despite the wind and cold, Monster Energys Edgar was out under the spotlights in the epic night session, working the course with creative transfers and tricks. Edgar carried his high-energy approach into Saturdays contest with a 360 backward over the second jumpgoing from the landing into the lipand then topping it off with a flair on the landing of the first jump. It was a wild show! To no surprise, Edgar took home the coveted Best Trick trophy at BMX Dirt in Houston.

Claiming the top spot in the main event in Houston this weekend Buckworth is no stranger to podium finishes.

With some of the hardest tricks in the business and despite the lack of contests as of late, the Australian rider proved that his skills had not rusted despite the long break. He got in the zone and rolled in fully committed for the no-handed double back flip straight into a superman front flip on the second jump. His incredible display of bike riding throughout the day earned Buckworth the bullhorn-style trophy, and he also came close to landing a decade 720 during the Best Trick competition.

Casey always looks extremely comfortable on big jumps  and BMX Dirt in Houston was no exception. Always going super high and nailing technical tricks, Casey sent a combo he once reserved for Best Trick over the second set with the tailwhip cash roll. Together with huge 360 double downside whips, and a collection of stylish combos earned Casey a strong second place on the Houston podium this Saturday.

Download High Res Photos for Editorial Use.

Whats next for the Monster Energy BMX team? Get ready the second Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge Street event currently in the works to be held in Arlington, Texas, in March of 2021. Stay tuned for more information.

For more on Buckworth, Casey, Edgar and the rest of the Monster Energy BMX team visit http://www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for exclusive behind-the-scenes looks from the 2021 BMX season.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, its the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
The Headquarters of the Louisiana Department of Health in Baton Rouge, La., in a file photo. (State of Louisiana Division of Administration)

Entrepreneur Sues Louisiana Over Respite Care Regulations

A New Orleans social worker has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit to take on a state law that requires her to overcome impossible bureaucratic hurdles to helping families with special-needs children.

The case, known as Newell-Davis v. Phillips, was filed on Jan. 12 in federal district court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The lead defendant, Courtney N. Phillips, is being sued in her official capacity as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

The plaintiffs are entrepreneur Ursula Newell-Davis and the business she founded, Sivad Home and Community Services LLC.

Newell-Davis has spent her 20-year career counseling youths with mental health needs and cognitive disabilities, according to a case summary by Sacramento-based Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a public-interest law firm that is representing her in the lawsuit, with the assistance of the Pelican Institute.

As a social worker and as a mother to her own special-needs son, Newell-Davis has seen that children with disabilities and their families need support, especially those who come from poorer backgrounds. Because many of these children have parents who work odd hours, including night shifts, they are often left home alone without adult supervision. Leaving children with behavioral problems unsupervised can mean that they fall in with the wrong crowd and turn to criminal activity, according to a case summary provided by PLF.

Newell wants to provide respite services, which refers to temporary relief for parents of special needs children or parents of children with mental health challenges. Under Louisiana law, would-be respite providers must undergo a Facility Need Review process before they are eligible to apply for a license to operate. To obtain FNR approval, applicants have to convince the Louisiana Department of Health that theres a need for their services.

Believing she could make a difference, she created a business to teach at-risk children basic life skills for a few hours a week while their parents are away. Although Newell-Davis is fully qualified to provide such services, the state will not let her do so until she obtains FNR approval, PLF says.

The FNR process requires providers to prove that they are needed, which PLF says is an impossible task. Like the vast majority of those who applied in 2019, Newell-Davis was rejected.

Requiring would-be providers to prove they are needed isnt about protecting the public health or safety; its about insulating existing providers from competition, said Mollie Riddle, an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Given that children are going without services that are essential to their well-being, the stakes are too high for the government to arbitrarily pick who can and cannot enter the market.

This [FNR] determination has nothing to do with an applicants qualifications or fitness to operate, according to the legal complaint.

An applicant may be the most capable, fit, and passionate woman for the job. Yet FNR permits the Department to reject an applicant solely because there are purportedly enough businesses already operating. This is simple, unconstitutional economic protectionism.

The purpose and effect of FNR is to protect the financial interests of existing providers against competition from upstart entrepreneurs like Newell-Davis, the complaint states.

Under the Due Process and Equal Protection provisions of the United States and Louisiana constitutions, the government may not pursue simple economic protectionism, and FNR bears no rational relationship to any other conceivable legitimate government interest. It does not lower costs, ensure adequate supply, or improve quality. Instead, it drives up costs, reduces supply, harms quality, and deprives those most vulnerablespecial needs childrenof choices when it comes to the care they need.

Riddle seemed cautiously optimistic about the litigation.

The courts are extremely deferential to economic regulations, but I think this past year the tremendous job losses that people have experienced may help people to gain an understanding of how important economic freedom is, the attorney said.

Newell-Davis said she wants to help people.

The people who denied me dont know me or my work ethic; they dont know what Im capable of, she said in a statement provided by PLF. Give me an opportunity and let me help, one child at [a] time.

The Louisiana Department of Health couldnt be reached for comment over the holiday weekend.
People all over the world paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day: a federal holiday in the U.S. that marks the birthday of the civil rights icon.

January 18 is also recognized as National Day Of Service, which has turned out to be the largest day of charitable service in the Unites States since it was founded in 2002 as a way to transform 9/11 into a day of unity, empathy and service.

And now, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, actress and director Elizabeth Banks took time out on the holiday to pay tribute to all people risking their lives on the front lines.

Respect: Actress and director Elizabeth Banks revealed on Instagram that she is sending out thank you notes to frontline workers in honor of National Day of Service

'Sending thank you notes to frontline workers in honor of National Day Of Service,' the Hunger Games star, 46, wrote across a photo of some thank you letters.

The photo shows someone's hand, along with some strands of blonde hair, as they write out a big 'THANK YOU' across a sheet of paper with a crayon.

There's also several envelopes and cards strewn across a table, next to a laptop computer.

Giving thanks: The Hunger Games star, 46, has been vocal about recognizing frontline workers since COVID-19 was deemed a pandemic in mid-March 2020

Paying tribute; Banks shared a couple of photos showing someone's hand, along with some strands of blonde hair, as they write out a big 'THANK YOU' across a sheet of paper.

For many people, the term frontline workers usually conjures up images of healthcare workers and soldiers.

In terms of the coronavirus crisis, those workers like doctors and nurses are integral to the essential people doing their jobs despite great risks, along with others that include mental health counselors, police officers, bus drivers and grocery store employees -- just to name a few.

Banks has been very vocal about lending her support to those on the frontlines since COVID-19 was deemed a pandemic back in mid-March 2020, taking part in the COVID Is No Joke comedy relief event back in May, among others.

Making a difference: The Charlie's Angels director and star has used her social media platforms to promote safer living during these uncertain times, as well as the plight of those less fortunate

The Charlie's Angels director and star has used her social media platforms to promote safer living during these uncertain times, as well as the plight of those less fortunate.

'Covid-19 is devastating many friends and neighbors,' she captioned a post of herself making a heart shape with her hands back in May.

'Karen lost her husband, father-in-law and friends. She has a long road ahead. Help if you can or just send hearts and love to your own community. Link to donate in bio.'

There are nearly 400,000 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine website. The number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 24,074,657.
A Jan. 15 piece in the New York Times by Aproova Mandavilli and Roni Caryn Rabin carried a stark warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccinations against COVID-19 are picking up in Louisiana and nationally, while cases and test positivity rates are falling statewide. But a new COVID strain that appears to have originated in Britain threatens to upend our progress.

Discovery of this new variant was announced in Louisiana on Jan. 16, and the Louisiana Department of Health says it spreads more easily from one person to another than other viral strains currently circulating in the United States, though It has not been shown to cause more severe disease.

The good news is that current vaccines are believed to be effective against the new strain, according to the LDH, and wearing masks and social distancing are still essential tools for containing its spread. The bad news is that we may be just weeks away from it becoming the dominant strain in the United States.

The Times cites a CDC model that shows that if the variant were about 50% more contagious, as suggested by data from Britain, it would become the predominant source of all infections in the U.S. by March. The new variant was first detected in the United Kingdom in September, though cases did not begin exploding there until the last few weeks.

Former U.S. Food and Drug Administration head Scott Gottlieb recently tweeted that we may see 3-4 weeks of declines in new cases but then the new variant will take over. The British experience, therefore, shows how the U.S. is on an urgent race to vaccinate as many Americans as possible before the variant spreads across the country, as Mandavilli and Rabin put it.

Louisiana got off to a slow start with vaccinations, but they have picked up substantially in 2021. The state initiated vaccinations for about 12,500 people in the last week of December, compared to nearly 95,000 people between Jan. 13 and 19.

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

This is good progress, though less than 5% of the states population has started the vaccination process, well below what is needed for herd immunity. And if we are truly in a race against time to get as many people vaccinated as possible, then we need to keep dramatically improving for weeks to come.

One way to potentially speed up vaccine distribution would be to simplify our plan. This could be accomplished by using age rather than occupation (and how part-time newspaper columnist didnt make the cut is beyond me). Louisiana is currently in vaccination distribution Phase 1B, Tier 1 and youll be forgiven for not immediately knowing who is included in this group.

+2 Jeff Asher: Coronavirus is spiking. We need to take lessons from the 'marshmallow test.' New Orleans has done OK in controlling the coronavirus since the first wave subsided at the end of March, but the evidence is becoming increas

Robert Wachter and Ashish Jha recently wrote an op-ed suggesting all people over 55 should follow health-care workers and long-term care residents. People over 50 have made up 95% of Louisianas COVID-19 deaths, so vaccinating those age groups first before moving on to younger groups makes a ton of sense. After that, Wachter and Jha suggest a lottery to determine who gets vaccinated next. They call this system the system is easy to implement, transparent, broadly acceptable, generally equitable and resistant to abuse.

Vaccinating as many people as quickly as possible is our best way out of this disaster. To do so, we must overcome supply-chain issues and peoples reticence to get the vaccine. Hopefully, the complexity of our distribution plan wont be one of the major hurdles. We need to speed up vaccinations or things may get worse (again!) before they get better.

Srinagar:

In a kind gesture, Jammu and Kashmir police personnel will donate a days salary for the families of the cops who were killed in the line of duty in the state this year.

Fourteen police personnel and two special police officers (SPOs) have sacrificed their lives in various militancy-related incidents during the year, according to a police spokesman.

Police personnel will donate one day salary for the families of the martyrs who have sacrificed their precious lives in the line of duty, the spokesman said.

To show solidarity and their concern for the bereaved families of these martyrs, J&K police personnel will donate one day salary of the current month, he added.

Suggested Read: J&K: Terrorists fire upon Army vehicle near Bijbehara in Anantnag; no injuries reported

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government will support the family of Feroz Ahmed Dar, the police officer killed in an ambush by militants along with five other cops - and also provide free education to his children.





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

Engineering teams have been hired to design a dozen core bus corridors (CBCs) and one orbital bus route in Cork city as part of one of the most radical overhauls of the citys public transport system in decades.

And in a separate but linked move, public transport experts, Jarrett Walker & Associates, are set to review the citys existing bus services  with a focus on how many buses operate where, when and how often - and to design an improved network.

The same company was appointed in 2017 to review Dublins bus network, with its recommendations set to be implemented this year.

The announcements by the National Transport Authority (NTA) today are part of its ongoing work to deliver key recommendations in the landmark Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Study which was published last March.

The ambitious 3.5bn transport plan provides a detailed framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Cork metropolitan area over the next two decades.

Big ticket items

While a 1bn 17km east-west Luas-style tram linking Ballincollig to Mahon is one of the big-ticket items in CMATS, transport chiefs said the citys bus system will be the workhorse of the citys future public transport network - with some 545m earmarked for investment in a BusConnects programme to deliver a 700% increase in bus lanes, from 14km today up to 100km.

Todays announcement on the CBC design teams and on the review of the citys bus network is a major step in the delivery of BusConnects, a spokesman for the NTA said.

It is a priority of the NTA to futureproof the public transport network of Cork City to meet rapidly growing demand. The review and redesign of the citys bus network will create an efficient network that will allow more people to gain quick access to more places in the city, he said.

While one firm will review how the network works, four engineering firms have been appointed to develop concept engineering designs for 12 CBCs and for one major orbital route to support the efficient running of the citys bus services.

They will also include the provision for bus priority and safe cycle and pedestrian facilities, the spokesman said.

Rapid transit projects

Cork has been split into four work packages for the CBC route options work after which extensive public consultation has been promised - possibly in the second half of the year.

WSP, which has worked on several bus rapid transit projects in Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham and Cambridge, and on the Metropolitan Area Express bus system in Las Vegas, has been appointed to work on develop CBCs from east of Mayfield to the city via Montenotte, from Ballyvolane to the city via Montenotte, from north of Dublin Hill to the city via Blackpool and from Hollyhill/Apple computers campus to the city via Shandon.

Arup has been appointed to examine CBC routes from west of Ballincollig to the city centre via the Mardyke, from west of Bishopstown to the city, from Wilton to the city, and from Cork Airport to the city via Turners Cross.

Barry Transportation will examine CBC routes from Dunkettle to the city via Tivoli and Kent Station, from south of Douglas along the N28 to the city, via Douglas, from Jacobs Island to the city via Ballinlough, and from Mahon to the city via Ballintemple.

And AECOM has been appointed to develop an orbital bus corridor which would run from Cork University Hospital (CUH) via the Western Road to Hollyhill, Blackpool, Mayfield, through the Jack Lynch Tunnel, and on to Mahon Point, Douglas village and the Black Ash park and ride site, before returning to CUH.

The NTA had been asked to consider opening an office in Cork to drive delivery of CMATS, but it said in addition to its own resources, it is also enabling the recruitment of additional staff within the city council to support the BusConnects Cork programme.

The related appointments will be made in the coming weeks, the spokesman said.
Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., the worlds biggest smartphone and memory chip maker, on Monday was handed a prison sentence of two-and-a-half years by the Seoul High Court for corruption charges, including bribery.

Lee, 52, was found guilty of bribing an affiliate of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye in exchange for political support for a merger between two Samsung affiliates that increased his control over the company.

For those unaware, Lee was sentenced to 5 years in prison in August 2017 for the same charges by a district court. But he denied any wrongdoing and the sentence was reduced and suspended on appeal in February 2018.

Lee was released after serving about one year in prison, which meant he was free to go. However, the South Korean Supreme Court returned the case to the Seoul High Court asking for a retrial, which issued Mondays ruling.

The Seoul court said: Lee actively provided bribes and implicitly asked the president to use her power to help his smooth succession, adding, it is very unfortunate that Samsung, the countrys top company and proud global innovator, is repeatedly involved in crimes whenever there is a change in political power.

The court found Lee guilty of bribery, embezzlement and concealment of criminal proceeds worth about 8.6 billion won ($7.8 million).

While the prosecutors had asked the judge for a nine-year jail term, the court handed out a two and a half years jail term for Lee, concluding that a retrial was the latest step in a long-running legal process that has been pending for Samsung for years.

(Lee) has shown willingness for management with newly stronger compliance, as he has vowed to create a transparent company, said Presiding Judge Jeong Jun-yeong.

Despite some shortcomings I hope that over time, it will be evaluated as a milestone in the history of Korean companies as a start of compliance ethics for a greater leap forward, he said.

The Seoul High Court also doubted the effectiveness of Samsungs compliance committee and said it was not a factor during its decision-making process.

Lees defence team expressed disappointment with the courts ruling.

The nature of this case is the former presidents abuse of power violating corporate freedom and property rights. Given that nature, the courts decision is regrettable, Lees lawyer, Lee In-jae, told reporters.

The latest verdict can be appealed to the Supreme Court within seven days.
Autoworkers have experienced wage theft and dangerous working conditions at Stellantis new Detroit Assembly Complex - Mack, according to sources who spoke with the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter. Stellantis is the new global auto company formed by the merger earlier this month between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Peugeot (PSA).

The plant, which opened late last year on the grounds of the former Chrysler Mack Avenue Engine Complex, is the city of Detroits first new assembly plant in three decades. This plant and adjacent Jefferson North Assembly Plant will produce the new Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury SUV, which debuts this spring.

FCA Mack Assembly Plant (Source: Stellantis Media)

Hundreds of millions of dollars out of the $2.5 billion price tag for the new facility were covered by incentives from the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. The city paid $50 million for the 215-acre site, $43.5 million of which went to buy a 117-acre parcel from the family of infamous billionaire Manuel Moroun, who owns the Ambassador Bridge, which connects downtown Detroit to Canada. The remaining 132 acres were bought for $4.6 million. The city spent an additional $60 million for environmental cleanup of the former brownfield site.

In May 2019, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved $223 million in tax incentives for the plant, with a further $92.9 million approved in July 2019 by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

To sell the project to the city of Detroit, FCA/Stellantis pledged 4,100 new jobs that would go to Detroit residents. In reality, 3,800 of those jobs are going to low-paid supplemental employees already working for the company at other locations, who are being advanced to full time positions at the Mack plant. This has left many impoverished Detroit workers without the jobs they were promised. Stellantis currently employs the highest percentage of temporary and supplemental workers out of the Big Three, about 59 percent of its US workforce.

Moreover, several Mack workers have told the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter that they have been underpaid since relocating to the new Detroit plant. The wage progression in their contract specified a raise to $23.69 per hour when they hit 3 years. When the time came, they did not get their raise, and they are making $3.60 per hour less than what was promised.

After not hearing from the UAW for two months, a group of employees went to the UAW office to complain. They were met with outlandish lies and excuses as to why the low rate was correct, the workers say.

The UAW eventually admitted its mistake, saying it would take weeks to fix the workers pay rate and issue back pay, even though their contract specifies that pay issues have to be resolved within 24 hours. This created intense hardship for many workers, who had been counting on the pay raise to meet their bills.

The UAW makes millions and millions in profits for little to no service. And FCA had a record-breaking year in profits while many of us are not even working due to COVID, but they want to try and swindle people out of less than $4 an hour. Not only do they prove time and time again that they do not work for us, they cant even do simple things such as reply in timely fashion, if at all.

He added, They cant answer a single damn question, which really irks me. When I was a temp worker, they couldnt answer questions because the temporary full time extortion was new to them. Now Im full time and a year within our new contract and they still dont know answers because its a new contract.

Workers also reported dangerous working conditions at the Mack plant as the coronavirus rages through the population. Token safety measures by the auto companies, implemented after a wildcat strike wave in the spring forced a two-month shutdown of the industry, have been largely abandoned.

One worker reported, At first there was only one turnstile and there were thousands of us packed in like sardines. It is still inhumane, a complete risk.

Another worker said, As you know, the UAW and [Stellantis] management try with all their power to not inform workers about who is out with COVID or who came in contact. You literally have to be close friends with someone and have them personally tell you. This is how bad it is.

This coverup of infections and even deaths is the norm throughout the industry. No public figures on the extent of the virus in the auto industry have been made public, but the WSWS has uncovered major outbreaks, through discussions with autoworkers, at plants around the country, including Toledo Jeep, Kokomo Transmission, Belvidere Assembly, Sterling Heights Assembly, Sterling Stamping, Warren Truck, Ford Kansas City, Faurecia Gladstone and others.

However, a leaked management report from Stellantis Jefferson North Assembly Plant, which was also shared with but not released by UAW local officials, demonstrates that both management and the union are carefully tracking the spread of the virus inside the plants in secret. The UAW, which long abandoned even basic representative functions, today acts as the bribed agent of the auto companies, demonstrated most graphically by the recently-closed corruption probe by federal investigators which brought down two former union presidents.

Autoworkers throughout the country, with the assistance of the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter, are taking matters into their own hands by forming rank-and-file safety committees in opposition to both the UAWs treachery and the herd immunity policies of both the Republicans and the Democrats. These committees demand the closure of all nonessential production, with full guaranteed compensation and public health measures to be paid for out of the billions in profits made by the auto companies and superrich during the pandemic, complete transparency on the spread of coronavirus in the plants, and workers control over safety conditions.

To join a rank-and-file safety committee, or for help establishing a committee at your own plant, contact the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter at autoworkers@wsws.org.
NECA Premier Partners showcase their brands, products and services to the electrical construction industry through hundreds of NECA events, publications and digital platforms year-round, including the annual NECA Convention and Trade Show, the electrical construction industry's premier event.

"We are honored and excited to become the latest NECA Premier Partner," said Andy Batty, President and Owner of Buckingham Manufacturing. "As the world's leading manufacturer of fall protection and work positioning equipment, we know that we can provide value to all NECA contractors. We look forward to building and growing this relationship and stand ready to aid NECA members in anything they might need."

"We are thrilled to welcome Buckingham as a new Premier Partner in 2021, and for the value they will provide for all of our members, including those who work both inside and outside," said David Long, NECA CEO. "Safety is a top priority for us at NECA, and for all of our contractors, and our association will benefit greatly from this direct connection to a company so devoted to keeping those in our industry safe day in and day out."

NECA members can visit the Buckingham website to learn more about what the company offers electrical contractors.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office and 118 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. Go to www.necanet.org for more information.

ABOUT BUCKINGHAM

Buckingham Manufacturing is the world's leading and most trusted manufacturer of equipment to allow people to work safely, comfortably, and efficiently both at height and below ground. For the last 125 years, Buckingham's mission has been to manufacture high-quality, reliable and innovative products that make linemen, arborists, and workers in the many industries that it serves more efficient, more effective, and most importantly, SAFER.

SOURCE National Electrical Contractors Association

Related Links

http://www.necanet.org


Ulrika Jonsson has hit back at people who use the term '4x4 mum' as she defended Stacey Solomon after a cruel troll criticised her family set-up.

The TV presenter, 53, told how she was happy to read that Stacey, 31, whose three sons all have different fathers, defended herself when an internet user questioned her home life.

Writing in her column for The Sun, Ulrika, who has four children with four former partners, told how she has been called a '4x4 mum' numerous times over the years, saying it is term used to shame women.

Family: Ulrika Jonsson has defended having four children by four different men and defended Stacey Solomon after she was called a '3x3 mum' by a cruel troll

She wrote: 'For me, it wasnt just about the humour of it. It was meant to injure. To hurt and, above all, to shame a woman. I didnt particularly want to be associated with the label because I felt no sense of shame. At all.

'My simple history was made to look and seem complicated by the fact that my life had worked out differently to normal expectations  to the "norm".

She added: 'The simple truth  which applies to both me and Stacey  is that we are good, caring mothers. We chose to have our children  we longed for them, regardless of the circumstances of their creation.'

Ulrika recalled how hurt she felt when, 12 years ago, she watched an episode of Loose Women where one of the panellists, who she did not name, said: 'It must be like Euston Station at her house with all the kids coming and going.'

Support: The TV presenter told how she was happy to read that Stacey, 31, whose three sons all have different fathers, defended herself when an internet user questioned her home life.

The presenter admitted the comment 'burned' but she was defended by then panellist Jane McDonald.

Ulrika had her son Cameron, 26, with her first husband John Turnball followed by daughter Bo, 21, with her ex Markus Kempen.

She welcomed daughter Martha, 16, with ex-husband Lance Gerrard-Wright and had her fourth child, Malcolm, 12, with Brian Monet.

Ulrika said she was always maternal and does not look at the end of any of her relationships as failures, noting she still co-parents Malcolm with Brian.

Ulrika is mother to daughter Martha, 16, from her marriage to Lance Gerrard-Wright (pictured with ex-husband Brian Monet in 2012)

Recalling other hurtful comments from the past, Ulrika told how Jack Whitehall made a '4x4' jibe at her after she won Celebrity Big Brother in 2009.

Ulrika said she realised at the time the term would be her 'mantle' and felt it was 'bleak' to think her career achievements had amounted to that.

The broadcaster added that the term '4x4' is used to imply a woman is promiscuous but Ulrika insisted all of her children were planned and deeply wanted.

Ulrika also noted there is far less stigma directed towards men who have children with multiple women.

Relationship: Ulrika and Lace were married from 2003 to 2006 (pictured together in 2003)

It comes after Stacey recently hit back at a troll after she was criticised for having three different fathers to her three different boys.

The Loose Women presenter is mother to Zachary, 12, with her teen boyfriend Dean Cox, Leighton, eight, with her ex Aaron Barham, and Rex, 19 months, with her fiance Joe Swash, who is father to Harry, 13, with his ex Emma Sophocleous.

As she took to Instagram to post her usual content, Stacey interrupted her stories to hit back at the message, which read: 'It must be very sad having three different dads for your boys. Always apart. Oh well, I suppose you're happy about it.'

Stacey lives in Essex with Joe, and her three boys, while Joe's son Harry lives with his mum. Zachary, Leighton and Harry all transit between their parents' homes.

Her loves: Stacey is mother to Zachary, 12, with her teen boyfriend Dean Cox, Leighton, eight, with her ex Aaron Barham, and Rex, 19 months, with her fiance Joe Swash

The unkind comment was sparked when Stacey revealed that her boys had decided to stay at their dads' houses to continue their homeschooling, as the UK is in lockdown and most schools remain closed to children.

Stacey wrote: 'I'm really missing the big pickles today. They wanted to stay at their dads' and because they are doing school from home they can...

'I do get sad when they don't want to come home but I know how happy it will make their dads and I never want to stop them from having the chance to make memories with their family. But oh my gosh I miss them.

'It's lovely for a couple of days, less mess, less noise but they the house just feels so empty and Rex looks for them everywhere'.

Lashing out: As she took to Instagram to post her usual content, Stacey interrupted her stories to hit back at the message, which read: 'It must be very sad having three different dads for your boys. Always apart. Oh well, I suppose you're happy about it'

Baby-faced: Stacey pictured in hospital after having Zachary aged 19

Once Stacey had spotted the critical comment, she said: 'Woah there Wilma! Its far too early for that kind of judgement and of course I'm happy about it, they're the best thing to ever happen to me regardless of how they happened to me.'

She then wrote over the top of the video: 'Never let anyone make you feel like you're not good enough just because things just happen to work out differently from the "norm". Keep doing you the best way you know how...

'Unconditional love from anywhere in different shapes and sizes is all they'll need.'

In 2017, Stacey confessed to feeling an 'overwhelming sense of guilt' about the thought of expanding her family unit, confessing that she has read several studies about the social and emotional impact of broken homes on young children.

Lost love: Stacey pictured with Leighton's dad Aaron Barham in 2012

She spoke candidly to the Huffington Post in a video blog, debating the question of when the right time is to have a child in a new relationship when you already have kids with previous partners.

Stacey explained: 'I always have an overwhelming sense of guilt that if I were to make my family greater, that I would impact on them socially and emotionally.

'There's definitely been times in my life where I've felt the stigma of having multiple children from different partners.'

Sweet: Stacey pictured with Joe, with whom she shares Rex. He popped the question on Christmas Eve

The former X Factor star also discussed growing up in a big family, revealing she was one of three kids before her dad remarried and she became one of seven.

Stacey, who enthused that 'nothing was ever boring' growing up, insisted that despite her reservations, she could see the overwhelming benefits of having an unconventional family unit.

She concluded: 'Life is never perfect, you just need to adapt - ultimately by doing that, you're going to give your children the best start in life.'
Russian peacekeepers ensured the safe return of more than 50,000 refugees from Armenia to the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.



The ministry noted that 175 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Khankendi per day.



"A total of 50,002 refugees have already returned to Nagorno-Karabakh to their places of permanent residence," the Russian department explained.



The report clarifies that peacekeepers are accompanying such convoys every day, which apparently means that this process has not yet been completed.



In addition, Russian peacekeepers carry out round-the-clock monitoring of the ceasefire regime at 27 observation posts.



According to the report of the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, 12,024 Azerbaijani citizens were expelled from Khankendi as a result of its occupation by the Armenian Armed Forces. Today, according to the norms of international law, they can return to their homes together with their descendants, therefore, according to current estimates, as a result of the implementation of paragraph 7 of the Statement of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia dated November 9, about 25-30 thousand people living today in the eastern regions of Azerbaijan will return to Khankendi.

Gilat Satellite Networks won another contract to boost mobile connectivity, this time to expand signal for two Mexican operators in a multi-million-dollar deal from AXESS Networks.

In a statement, Gilat said it will work on cellular backhaul projects (CBH) in Mexico to power network expansion for two of the key Mobile Network Operators in Mexico, although did not state which operators.

Backhaul solutions over satellite will enable connectivity for hundreds of sites in its first phase, a move that will also support bridging the digital divide throughout the North American country.

AXESS leverages Gilats scalable SkyEdge II-c platform for the cellular backhaul projects.

Pablo Hoyos, AXESS VP of Operations said: AXESS chose Gilat due to its leading technology, global expertise and local presence, for providing services to two of the most important cellular connectivity projects in Mexico.

These CBH projects follow the ongoing successful CBH, enterprise and government projects powered by Gilat and are testament to our confidence in Gilats multi-application platform, enabling us to most efficiently support our satellite connectivity needs, addressing large projects in Latin America.

Gilat is honoured to be a long-time partner of AXESS and to have been selected to provide its CBH solution to power the important rural network extension projects in Mexico, added Tobias Dezordi, Gilat Latin America regional VP.

Gilat is the leading global provider of cellular backhaul over satellite and is pleased to continue to grow its mobile connectivity presence in Latin America, further to supplying enterprise and government solutions in this region.

Philippines-based operator Gilat recently tapped Gilat for its satellite solutions to also broaden connectivity in the country.

" " Rows of rails for anti-tank protection follow the Maginot Line in France. Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

World War I absolutely devastated France. Of the roughly 8.5 million French soldiers mobilized in 1914 to fight Germany and the other Central Powers, more than 6 million became casualties, either killed, wounded or declared missing during four years of grueling trench warfare.

In the wake of that catastrophic war, the French government vowed to protect its vulnerable northeast border with Germany from any future attacks. With fresh memories of fighting and living in squalid, open-air trenches, the French spent a decade building a 300-mile (482-kilometer) series of underground fortifications that would be both impenetrable and comfortable to live in. Behind an imposing line of pop-up gun turrets, tank traps and 12-foot (3.6-meter) concrete walls were fully equipped subterranean military bases complete with mess halls, hospitals, recreation facilities and railway lines.

These impressive fortifications  142 large artillery forts called ouvrages or "works," 352 fortified gun emplacements called "casemates," and 5,000 smaller bunkers and pillboxes  became known as the Maginot Line, named after the French politician Andre Maginot (pronounced Mah-ji-noh). The line wasn't Maginot's idea alone, but he helped push the ambitious, multimillion-franc project through parliament.

" " This exterior view of the Maginot Line shows a triple casemate with 75 mm guns. Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Despite its monumental concrete glory, which was the pride of interwar France, the Maginot Line ultimately wasn't able to stop Adolf Hitler's Nazi war machine from quickly overwhelming and occupying France in World War II. But does that mean that the Maginot Line was the colossal blunder that many historians have made it out to be?

Not according to Robert Kirchubel, a military historian with the FORCES Initiative at Purdue University.

"The Maginot Line was meant to stop a World War I-style attack of infantry and artillery, and it did what it was supposed to do," says Kirchubel, who's written multiple books on World War II military campaigns. The problem was that Hitler and his generals abandoned the "static" style of WWI fighting for a far more mobile blitzkrieg attack that punched a hole into France through Belgium and the Netherlands. "That's the part that fell apart for the Allies."

Advertisement

A Love of Fortresses

The Maginot Line was the brainchild of Marshal Joseph Joffre, a French WWI general, but it was hardly a new idea. The French had been building state-of-the-art fortresses and fortified cities along the German border for centuries.

"That's just what the French did," says Kirchubel. "The Maginot Line fit perfectly with this kind of thinking."

In the 17th century, from his luxurious palace at Versailles, Louis XIV oversaw the construction of citadels and fortresses meant to mark and protect the Sun King's territory. The genius behind these innovative fortifications was Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban, who designed dozens of strongholds, including the magnificent fortified town of Neuf-Brisach in the contested Alsace-Lorraine region bordering Germany.

Fortress construction in France continued through the 19th century. After a humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the French built a ring of 19 heavily fortified military bases around the ancient city of Verdun in northeastern France near the borders with Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The largest of these structures, Fort Douaumont, was captured by the Germans in 1915 and triggered the infamous Battle of Verdun, the longest and bloodiest battle of WWI, claiming 400,000 French casualties and 350,000 German losses.

"With the Maginot Line, Joffre's idea was to take these fortifications that France had had for 200 years and bring them into the mid-20th century," says Kirchubel.

Advertisement

Constructing an Unbreakable Wall of Defense

The Maginot Line took 10 years to build, starting in 1929. By the eve of WWII, the French had constructed a string of fortifications stretching from the Swiss Alps to the English Channel, but the heaviest defenses were along the 280-mile (450-kilometer) border with Germany.

The Germany-facing section of the Maginot Line presented a string of obstacles, traps and artillery forts that ran 16 miles (25 kilometers) deep in places. An advancing German army would first be spotted by camouflaged observation points hugging the German border. The enemy's position would be communicated to a cluster of 78 fire control stations that coordinated the French defense from hilltop outposts.

" " A sectional drawing of the Maginot Line, constructed to act as protection against German invasion. eystone/Getty Images

The fire control stations would give orders to the hundreds of anti-tank and heavy artillery positions that could pop out of the ground and fire from armored turrets. Behind them were minefields and tank traps made from row after row of porcupine-like iron girders that would cripple armored vehicles. French engineers even constructed emergency dams and levees that could flood the surrounding fields to further slow the German attack.

The last line of defense was the Maginot Line's massive ouvrages, each large enough to hold 500 to 1,000 permanent troops. These colossal concrete "works" packed heavy firepower and were connected to nearby stations by underground rail lines to shuttle men, weapons and supplies. While the accommodations weren't luxurious, the barracks and mess halls were a tremendous improvement over the mud, freezing cold and disease of WWI trenches.

Advertisement

Planning for the Wrong Kind of War

When Joffre, Maginot and others conceived of the Maginot Line, Germany was under tight military restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.

"The Maginot Line would have done just fine against a German army with no tanks, airplanes or heavy artillery," says Kirchubel, all of which were banned inside Germany after WWI.

But when Hitler and the Nazis rose to power in the early 1930s, they quickly backed out of the Treaty of Versailles and began equipping for a much different kind of war. While the Germans built a fleet of bombers and armored vehicles for their mobile blitzkrieg strategy, the French were putting the finishing touches on their very large and static underground fortresses.

"Maginot Line" has acquired a secondary meaning: a defensive barrier or strategy that inspires a false sense of security, according to Merriam-Webster. But this may not be a fair characterization.

Keep in mind, says Kirchubel, that the French didn't believe that the Maginot Line alone could win another war with Germany. The heavy fortifications were designed to block the most direct line of attack into France and avoid repeating what happened in WWI, when the German forces occupied large swaths of the strategically important Alsace-Lorraine region.

"Maginot and these other guys weren't dumb," says Kirchubel. "The Maginot Line was never meant to fight the war by itself. It was part of a bigger plan to force a German attack through Belgium. When the bigger plan went to crap, the Maginot Line went along with it."

Advertisement

The Nazis' End-run Around the Maginot Line

By the time Germany invaded Poland in 1939, it was clear to French military leaders that they had greatly underestimated the speed and ruthless efficiency of the German blitzkrieg. But it was too late to reorganize the entire French military in a matter of months. The French strategy was already set in millions of cubic feet of concrete.

" " French civilian refugees live inside the tunnels of the Maginot Line for safety. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Nazis knew that the heart of the Maginot Line was nearly impenetrable, so they feinted attacks along the heavily fortified border while they planned for their massive 1940 invasion of France through the Netherlands and Belgium. The boldest and most pivotal German line of attack ran through the dense Ardennes Forest in Belgium, which both the French and the other Allies had dismissed as impassable.

The thick-walled forts and casemates of the Maginot Line withstood direct hits from German bombers as they were designed to do, but the real action happened far away from that solid line of defense. By the time the Germans crossed into French soil through Belgium, the fight was all but over.

"The French were beaten emotionally and spiritually," says Kirchubel. "They cashed in their chips. They fought for four years in WWI, but were done in a week in WWII." Just six weeks after Hitler began his land invasion of the country, France surrendered to Germany.

Now That's Cool While most of the giant underground fortresses of the Maginot Line were abandoned or destroyed, you can visit a few of them, still in working order. Check out the Hackenberg Maginot Fort, now a military museum offering tours, and the Schoenenbourg Fort.
"Im hoping we can get back to normal  not the new normal, but normal.

No one ever imagined that the nation would still be battling COVID-19, nearly a year since the outbreak began, yet here we are. Its been over 300 days since the government mandated national closures on non-essential businesses, implementing curfews, quarantines, and restrictions on operating businesses  an order no one expected would still be in place today. On March 16, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a statewide lockdown, forcing restaurants and retail stores to operate solely on take-out and curbside service, while bars, nightclubs, catering facilities, and concert venues had to close their doors  some never reopening to the public again. While restrictions have loosened a bit since the shutdown began, business owners struggle to recover, making each day that goes by crucial to their survival.

In the revival of Bielat Santore & Companys Whos Who in the Restaurant Industry series, this new How You Doin - COVID Edition, interviews varied New Jersey restaurant owners, eliciting real-life business experiences throughout the pandemic. In this first interview, multi-restaurant owner and operator of B2 Bistro + Bar, Sandy DAnton shares the hardships her restaurants have endured and her hopes for a post-COVID world.

No business owner could have predicted the long-standing battle of the global pandemic, even five-time restaurant owner, DAnton. With five B2 Bistro + Bar locations in the tri-state area including Red Bank, Point Pleasant Beach, North Brunswick, Toms River, New Jersey, and West Reading, Pennsylvania, DAnton admits things have been difficult. Like most restaurateurs, DAnton took advantage of outdoor seating to combat the limited indoor dining capacity, expanding even into the streets and adding igloos, heated tents, and firepits to outdoor patio areas. We are using the igloos in Point Pleasant Beach and ordered more for our North Brunswick location, said DAnton. The igloos have received a surprisingly positive response. They fill up immediately. Meanwhile, when dining indoors, customers can expect socially distanced tables and constant sanitizing as per CDC guidelines. What really hurt the most was the newest restrictions implemented in November, said DAnton, referring to New Jerseys mandatory closures on serving indoors between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am for restaurants and bars, as well as forbidding bar seating. I am really looking forward to the bar seating opening up again.

With no timeline on when restaurants can reopen again at full capacity, DAnton had to focus on delivery and to-go orders more than ever. To-go hasnt been a savior but it has helped us increase sales, said DAnton. It kept us breathing for a bit. The bistros also experimented with to-go cocktails finding some success there as well. Pretty much anything we tried worked at some point, said DAnton. The biggest concern DAnton had was for his suppliers and staff, who she thankfully was able to keep employed. Its not just the restaurants that are suffering. Its the people that supply them and work for them as well. With a vaccine on the horizon, DAnton is praying that the future will be brighter for the restaurant industry, sooner rather than later. Barring anything extreme happening, I think were going to be okay. Im hoping we can get back to normal  not the new normal, but normal.

B2 Bistro + Bar is open 7 days a week for indoor and outdoor dining, and curbside service. A four-course Valentines Day catering menu is also available for pick-up at the Red Bank location. Visit their website at https://www.b2bistro.com/ for more information.

Stay tuned for Bielat Santore & Companys next Whos Who in the Restaurant Industry COVID Edition interview to be featured on the companys website at https://www.123bsc.com/.

About Bielat Santore & Company

Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more.
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Blais, co-chief of the General Crimes Unit at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, and Samer Musallam, a Senior Counsel in the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, have joined Ropes & Gray as partners in the firm's global litigation & enforcement practice. Brian is based in New York and Samer in Washington, D.C.

"Brian and Samer are among the best lawyers at the Southern District and at the Antitrust Division. We are pleased to welcome them to Ropes & Gray at a time when the incoming Biden administration is expected to prioritize greater regulatory oversight and enforcement that will impact our clients and their business," said the firm's managing partner, David Djaha. "Brian and Samer strengthen our world-class enforcement and antitrust practices. The practices have a stellar track record of successfully advising private equity and other investment firms, financial institutions, technology companies, health care and life sciences players and other industry clients on a broad and complex range of enforcement issues. As they confront such issues, clients will benefit from Brian's and Samer's experience and deep institutional knowledge of the DOJ, and other key regulatory enforcement agencies."

Brian Blais

Brian Blais will advise our clients on white collar investigations; enforcement actions and investigations by civil regulators; internal investigations; and securities litigation. A preeminent litigator, he will draw on his ten years of experience as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he investigated and prosecuted over 150 criminal cases and served as the lead or co-lead counsel in numerous jury trials. As a member of the Southern District's Securities & Commodities Fraud Task Force, Brian won jury convictions of the Chief Financial Officer of a prominent publicly-traded real estate investment trust for non-GAAP accounting fraud, and the president of a publicly-traded reinsurance company for market manipulation and other securities fraud offenses. As Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit, Brian supervised more than 500 investigations and over 40 jury trials.

"Brian comes out of SDNY with an impeccable reputation for integrity, courtroom advocacy and judgment. These skills, combined with his stellar government credentials, will be immediately beneficial to our clients," said Michael McGovern, partner and co-chair of the firm's government enforcement and white collar group.

Before joining the Southern District, Brian spent five years at Ropes & Gray in Boston and New York, where he worked on the defense side of white collar investigations, including as the lead associate on two joint civil and criminal resolutions for major pharmaceutical companies being investigated by the U.S. Attorney's Office for off-label marketing and various forms of pricing fraud. In addition, Brian worked on the team that defended three mutual funds in Jones v. Harris Associates, a landmark case that established the uniform national standard for evaluating excessive advisory fee claims under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act.

"Ropes & Gray is home to the very best white collar practice in the U.S. and globally. I am thrilled to return to the firm where I started my legal career. Ropes has a terrific team, and I'm excited to bring my experience from the Southern District back to the firm to add even more depth and firepower to the firm's litigation & enforcement practice," Brian said.

Samer Musallam

Samer Musallam served previously as a Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. He will work in collaboration with the firm's transactions and litigation attorneys to guide our clients through the most thorny and complex regulatory approvals and challenging antitrust questions.

While at the Antitrust Division, Samer led major merger investigations across a range of industries and served as litigation and trial counsel in a number of the Antitrust Division's most high-profile matters in the past decade. He recently served as lead counsel and first chair in the DOJ's successful challenge to the merger of leading automotive aluminum autobody sheet suppliers in United States v. Novelis Inc. and Aleris Corp. That case was the first use of arbitration by the Antitrust Division to resolve a merger dispute.

Notably, Samer also served as trial counsel for the Department in opposing the proposed merger of two of the largest insurance companies in the United States in United States v. Aetna, Inc. and Humana Inc. The case resulted in verdict and judgment in the United States' favor. In recognition of his achievements at the Antitrust Division, Samer was honored with numerous DOJ awards.

"Samer is a brilliant attorney who offers a one-two punch: he's skilled in antitrust merger advocacy, and can also litigate challenges to transactions brought by U.S. antitrust agencies. Clients routinely seek out both skillsets, and he offers both," said Mark Popofsky, partner and chair of Ropes & Gray's antitrust group. "We're thrilled to add another star performer to a team that has one of the industry's best reads on the antitrust enforcement agencies."

Prior to joining the Antitrust Division, Samer was in private practice as an antitrust lawyer in Washington, D.C., where he represented and counseled clients through all phases of litigation, merger review, and pricing and distribution practices before the DOJ and FTC.

"The antitrust team at Ropes & Gray is an elite, creative and highly intellectual group, known for steering the most complex mergers and antitrust issues that come in front of the Antitrust Division and the FTC," Samer said. "It's the ultimate compliment to join the team."

The arrivals of both Brian and Samer strengthen an all-star, cross-office litigation & enforcement practice. "We welcome Brian to the team in New York, where our litigation & enforcement group has continued to expand with both internal partner promotions and strategic lateral hires over the past several years," said Gregg Weiner, partner and co-chair of the global litigation & enforcement practice group. "Equally exciting is Samer's arrival in Washington, D.C., which highlights the continuing growth of our award-winning trans-Atlantic antitrust practice. We are thrilled to have him on board."

About Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray is a preeminent global law firm with approximately 1,400 lawyers and legal professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology and government. The firm has offices in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, and has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including private equity, M&A, finance, asset management, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring.

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Videos | Podcasts

To view our privacy policy please click here.

Contact:

Alexandra Kapos

Senior Public Relations Specialist

Ropes & Gray LLP

(617) 235-4318

[email protected]

SOURCE Ropes & Gray

Related Links

www.ropesgray.com


WASHINGTON - Five prominent anti-vaccine organizations that have been known to spread misleading information about the coronavirus received more than $850,000 in loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, raising questions about why the government is giving money to groups actively opposing its agenda and seeking to undermine public health during a critical period.

The groups that received the loans are The National Vaccine Information Center, Mercola Com Health Resources LLC, Informed Consent Action Network, Children's Health Defense Co., and the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a U.K.-based advocacy group that fights misinformation, which conducted the research using public documents. The group relied on data released in early December by the Small Business Administration in response to a lawsuit from The Washington Post and other news organizations.

Several of the Facebook pages of these organizations have by penalized by the social network, including being prohibited from buying advertising, for pushing misinformation about covid-19.

Vaccines are largely considered safe and effective, and clinical trials for both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines did not raise serious safety concerns. But many Americans hold skeptical attitudes about vaccination, attitudes public health experts have said are attributable in part to misinformation. Nearly 40% of Americans say they definitely or probably would not get the vaccine, according to a December survey by Pew Research Center. Certain groups, including Republicans and Black Americans, are even more skeptical, Pew found.

Public health officials, including WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have called vaccine misinformation "a major threat to global health that could reverse decades of progress made in tackling preventable diseases," and last year the organization partnered with Facebook to help counter misinformation on its platform with content from authoritative sources.

The smallest loan of $72,000 went to the Tenpenny organization, which is run by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, an osteopathic physician and social media figure who actively uses online forums to promote alternative health and argue against child and other forms of vaccination. A popular page run by Tenpenny was banned from Facebook in December for spreading misinformation, though she still has tens of thousands of followers on Instagram.

The largest loan of $335,000 went to Mercola, an organization affiliated with the well-known anti-vaccine activist and businessman Dr. Joseph Mercola. One of Mercola's groups on Facebook was deemed by the left-leaning human rights group Avaaz to be one of the leading "superspreaders" of misinformation about the coronavirus. His Facebook pages in English and Spanish together have more than 2.7 million followers.

The Children's Health Defense Co., founded by Robert Kennedy Jr., says it does not oppose vaccines, but is dedicated to raising questions about their safety. The group has questioned whether the coronavirus vaccines that have received emergency approval from the FDA are safe, along with questioning whether children should be vaccinated.

The group has posted on its social media channels about the "great reset" conspiracy theory, which holds that "global elites" such as Bill Gates will use the pandemic to advance their interests and push forward a globalist or Marxist plot to destroy American sovereignty and prosperity and control the population. In a CNBC interview last October, Gates said it was "unfortunate" that both he and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Dr. Anthony Fauci had been targeted by conspiracy theorists, and worried that falsehoods and misleading information about the virus was undermining the country's ability to respond to the pandemic.

Organizations tied to Kennedy were responsible for the majority of Facebook advertising critical of vaccinations, until Facebook restricted the group's ability to advertise in 2019 on the grounds that it spread misinformation, according to a study in the journal Vaccine. Facebook has also removed the group from its recommendation algorithms so that it is not suggested to other users as a potential interest, and has demoted it in its news feed so that it shows up on people's Facebook pages less frequently, and has blocked the ability of users to "like" the page.

In 2020, the group sued Facebook and its fact-checking partners for the ad ban and for debunking the group's posts with fact-checking labels, costing the group 95% of its website traffic from Facebook, according to the lawsuit.

In an interview, Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and a nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, said his organization is "scrupulous about obeying the law" and questioned whether there is any law or regulation that would prevent his organization from receiving federal help.

"I've never heard anybody say that a loan is only available to people who don't question the government," Kennedy said.

The other four PPP recipients described in this story did not respond to requests for comment.

The anti-vaccine groups are ramping up their tactics and messaging at a moment when more and more Americans are searching for accurate information about the coronavirus vaccine. Encouraging the safe use of vaccines is considered a vital component of the government's efforts to alleviate the public health crisis.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate previously exposed a conference in which anti-vaccination activists planned to seize upon people's doubts and fears to undermine confidence in the coronavirus vaccine.

"Lending money to these organizations so they can prosper is a sickening use of taxpayer money. These groups are actively working to undermine the national covid vaccination drive, which will create long-term health problems that are felt most acutely in minority communities and low-income neighborhoods," said Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of Center for Countering Digital Hate.

While it's unclear whether the anti-vaccine groups broke any rules, their receipt of public assistance is in many ways a consequence of the scattershot way in which the Paycheck Protection Program delivered hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy with few guardrails or preconditions.

The program was built around a controversial decision to allow businesses to self-certify their own eligibility for a taxpayer-backed loan. The SBA does not hand out the loans itself; rather, it empowers a network of approved lenders to quickly process them on its behalf.

Although the SBA reserves the right to audit specific PPP loans, the government performed almost no vetting of specific loan recipients beyond a basic check to determine whether the applicant had already received a loan.

The self-certification policy allowed the government to quickly pump money into a struggling business community during the chaotic months of April and May, by cutting much of the red tape typically associated with loan approvals.

But the broad eligibility criteria and lack of vetting meant numerous questionably-deserving organizations were among the millions of loan recipients. Massive restaurant and hotel chains such as Shake Shack and Sonic benefited handsomely from loans to their affiliates. Debt-collectors and high-interest lenders pocketed more than $500 million. A defense contractor with billions in sales received one.

In some cases the government has tried to claw back money after press coverage highlighted certain recipients. In April it asked publicly traded companies to return funds, and it later accused local Planned Parenthood affiliates of improperly accessing PPP loans.

It's unclear whether the SBA will take issue with anti-vaccination groups receiving PPP funds.

SBA spokeswoman Carol Wilkerson declined to comment on whether the anti-vaccine organizations were legally eligible for the loans they received. She added that the agency is reviewing loan forgiveness applications to ensure compliance with the rules, and that the next round of PPP funding include more vetting on the front-end before an organization gets a loan.

She suggested that they probably did meet the requirements; the PPP program was open to a wide range of businesses and nonprofits.

"In general, if PPP applicants [or] borrowers met the requirements, they got a loan," Wilkerson said.

The SBA has previously said in informational materials that a business appearing in its PPP loan database "doesn't mean that SBA has made an affirmative declaration that a borrower is eligible."

Misinformation about covid-19 spread widely across social media throughout the pandemic, shared by everyday people as well as anti-vaccine activists and supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Now some of those groups have turned their attention to the vaccine, making baseless arguments, for example, that the U.S. government will force people to take it, that it contains microchips, and the people will be compelled to wear some biological marker to prove that they had the vaccine.

The social media pages of the anti-vaccine groups point to articles and research highlighting stories of adverse impacts from the coronavirus vaccine, or warning against forced vaccinations and passports, or the dangers of masks. Many of the posts are factual, but use fearmongering or present a distorted picture of the dangers of vaccines.

Facebook has banned misinformation about the coronavirus and the coronavirus vaccines, and has cracked down on large Facebook groups that oppose or question vaccination, including four of the five groups that received the PPP loans, said spokeswoman Dani Lever.

In recent months, the company also suspended two major groups, including the 100,000-plus-member Stop Mandatory Vaccination, as well as pages belonging to several of the movement's leading figures. The National Vaccine Information Center is also prohibited from advertising, and the Informed Consent Action Network's page has been labeled with a link to the World Health Organization and is not being recommended to users by the company's algorithms, Lever said.

The company did not ban the groups for misinformation, but for what it said was abusive behavior, such as using paid troll farms in North Macedonia and the Philippines to spread messages.

Despite Facebook's actions, major anti-vaccine accounts on social media platforms have gained more than 10 million new followers since 2019, including 4 million additional followers on Instagram and 1 million on Facebook, according to CCDH.

"These organizations have been sowing the seeds of doubt about vaccines and public health for years," said Erica Dewald, advocacy director at a pro-vaccine nonprofit called Vaccinate Your Family.

"Now, in the middle of a pandemic, they are accepting funds for the chaos they've helped to create," she said.
Maple syrup maker Runamok launches cocktail ingredients range

US speciality maple syrup brand Runamok Maple has moved into the cocktail space with a range of new syrups and bitters.

The line of cocktail mixers will feature four syrups - Maple Old Fashioned, Maple Tonic, Smoked Old Fashioned and Maple Ginger Mule - and three bitters - Floral Maple, Aromatic Maple and Orange Maple.

The Vermont-based brand aims to bring some ease into the process of making cocktails at home, and provide a more tailored - and tasty - alternative to plain homemade sugar syrup.

Laura Sorkin, founder of Runamok Maple, said: "We have been creating cocktails using our infused and smokeed maple syrups since we started production. Through our experimentation over the years, we have come to realise that our maple-based creations are, to this day, some of our favourite cocktails.

"With the launch of our new cocktail syrups and bitters, we want our customers to experience those same flavours that we have been sharing with our family and friends."

The Maple Old Fashioneed and Smoked Old Fashioned syrups, made using an infusion of herbs and spices and some of Runamok's own bitters, make a good match for whiskey or Bourbon; the Maple Tonic combines maple syrup with quinine extract, lemon and lime to add a fresh edge to a gin and tonic; and the Maple Ginger Mule is infused with fresh ginger and lime. On the back of each cocktail syrup bottle, customers will find a suggested cocktail recipe to use the syrup in.

The new cocktail syrups and bitters are available at runamokmaple.com.

19 January 2021 -
Spencer Matthews, who appeared in Made In Chelsea, founded CleanCo in 2019

Reality TV star Spencer Matthews has bagged 7million of investment for his low-alcohol spirits business CleanCo.

Matthews, who appeared in Made In Chelsea and whose brother James is married to Pippa Middleton, founded CleanCo in 2019, supported by chairman Justin Hicklin, former director of trade body the Gin Guild.

Investors including US businesswoman and Uber board member Ursula Burns, and Mayfair-based investment firm Stonebridge, have handed the company 7million to fund its expansion.

So far, CleanCo has released CleanGin and CleanRum  both of which have an alcohol strength of 1.2 per cent and cost 19 for a 70cl bottle.

It has also released cans of low alcohol cocktails, with a 0.5 per cent strength. Year-on-year, sales are up 1,419 per cent, the company added.

Eton-educated Matthews, 32, who has been sober since 2018, said: 'Nobody wakes up saying 'I wish I drank more last night'.'

He added: 'We want more drinkers to be aware that there are choices when it comes to drinking high or low-strength alcohol.'
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.
Sen. Lankford apologizes to black constituents after supporting call for election audit

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., has apologized to black constituents in his state after he joined other Republican senators in calling for an audit of the 2020 presidential election ahead of the Jan. 6 certification of Electoral College votes.

Writing to residents in north Tulsa, the 52-year-old Lankford stated in a Thursday letter that his actions in contesting the election caused a firestorm of suspicion among many of my friends, particularly in Black communities around the state.

I was completely blindsided, but I also found a blind spot, the lawmaker stated in his letter.

The former Baptist youth camp director was among the handful of senators to join Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, earlier this month to say he would vote against the Electoral College results unless a commission was formed to provide a 10-day audit exploring claims of voter fraud in several states.

Lankford retreated from that position after the U.S. Capitol was stormed by far-right protesters on Jan. 6.

What I did not realize was all of the national conversation about states like Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan was seen as casting doubt on the validity of votes coming out of predominantly black communities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Detroit, he wrote.

After decades of fighting for voting rights, many Black friends in Oklahoma saw this as a direct attack on their right to vote, for their vote to matter, and even a belief that their votes made an election in our country illegitimate.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who served under President Barack Obama for two terms from 2009-2017, is set to be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. Kamala Harris, who served as U.S. senator from California, will serve as his vice president.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, where a white mob killed dozens of black residents on June 1, 1921.

The massacre has been called "the single worst incident of racial violence in American history."

The attack, which was carried out both on the ground and from private aircraft, destroyed more than 35 square blocks of the Greenwood district. The district was the wealthiest black community in the U.S. at the time and was known as "Black Wall Street."

As a result of Lankford's support of Cruz's call for an election audit, black leaders in Tulsa called on Lankford to be removed from the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Committee, according to Tulsa World.

I can assure you, my intent to give a voice to Oklahomans who had questions was never also an intent to diminish the voice of any Black American. I should have recognized how what I said and what I did could be interpreted by many of you, Lankford concluded in his letter. I deeply regret my blindness to that perception, and for that I am sorry.

Lankford explained his reasoning for joining the call for an election audit.

"When I announced my support for an Electoral Commission to spend 10 days auditing the results of the 2020 Presidential Election, it was never my intention to disenfranchise any voter or state. It was my intention to resolve any outstanding questions before the inauguration on January 20, he stressed.

"I believe Congress cannot legally ignore any state's electors or change any state's vote, but we can work to get answers to outstanding questions. I want to strengthen the confidence all Americans have in their electoral system so everyone is encouraged to vote and knows their vote matters."

Name: Chris DeRamus

Company: DivvyCloud by Rapid7

Job Title: VP of Technology, Cloud Security Practice

Location: Arlington, Virginia

Chris DeRamus is Rapid7's VP of Technology, Cloud Security Practice, where he leads the engineering teams while driving new innovation. He is a technical pioneer whose passion is finding innovative and elegant new ways to deliver security, compliance and governance to customers running at scale in hybrid cloud environments. He remains deeply technical, writing code, and diving into the latest technologies and services being deployed by partners like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, VMware, and OpenStack. Previously, DeRamus was the co-founder and CTO of DivvyCloud before the companys acquisition by Rapid7 in May 2020.

What was the most valuable piece of career advice that you received? The most valuable piece of career advice that I have received is to continuously work both harder and smarter in ones professional role. In my experience, in order for an employee to solidify themselves as a central figure of high value to a company, they must showcase intelligent results and work twice as hard as others. As an example, early on in my career, I would devote 60-70 hours of work per week to advance in my career. Acknowledging that perseverance is equal to aspiration is crucial and will empower one to ascend up the career ladder at an accelerated pace.

It is also important to understand that passion is critical for success and for personal fulfillment. I made the decision to enter the workforce right out of high school instead of taking the traditional route and attending college straight away. This forced me to find my passion early on, motivating me to continue to increase my IT knowledge and make new discoveries, all while working harder than any of my counterparts, in order to gain credibility.

What was the worst piece of business advice that you received? Shortly after founding DivvyCloud, one of the first investors we met with expressed much doubt over our business model. The investor advised us to pivot our focus specifically to AWS services rather than a multi-cloud approach.

However, we stuck with our gut, even in the face of adversity. Now, 89% of organisations have or plan to adopt a multi-cloud approach. From early on, we trusted our instincts that multi-cloud environments would rapidly become a highly common and highly complex undertaking for businesses. The complexity and frequency of the problem has ultimately reaffirmed our multi-cloud strategy and elevated our products value.

This interaction taught me to trust my instincts and my experience. This also reinforced my practice of focusing on the bigger picture and solving for challenges 5-10 plus years out  not just the immediate issues at hand.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IT/tech? For someone starting their career in the technology sector, it is crucial that they are cognizant of the ever-increasing rate of change of technology environment and are able to embrace a constant stream of new challenges. Massive shifts in IT happen every day, and tech and security professionals must constantly refresh their skill set and become experts on new trends. Different types of cybersecurity threats and attack vectors are continuously emerging, and ones security strategy must evolve to stay ahead of malicious actors.

With this in mind, one should look for extracurricular opportunities within their focus areas to strengthen their knowledge beyond just their daily tasks. For example, during my first career role, I was responsible for manually managing remote access. However, I was aware of different, innovative ways to complete this task more efficiently. I presented a new system for remote access management, and my employer embraced it.

By keeping an open mind, challenging your knowledge set, and never accepting the status quo of your role, you can set yourself apart from others.

Did you always want to work in IT/tech? I knew very early on that technology was my passion. From the first time I played a video game, I was certain I wanted to work with computers. Every spare moment was spent on computers. In high school, I began reconfiguring my own computers and attending local networking parties to learn more about networking, security, computing, and ethernet. At such networking events, not only was I exposed to the task of fixing and tweaking systems, I also had the opportunity to build and maintain networks of 1,000s of computers. This experience was an accelerator for my career, exposing me to technology that I wouldn't have been able to be hands-on with until college. However, it was not until my experience with DivvyCloud that I began to focus more on programming.

What was your first job in IT/tech? My first job in the technology industry was at a temp-agency, ManPower. I spent 90 days as a contractor at SAIC as a remote access administrator before being offered a full-time position. This was not the IT job I had imagined and was very process-heavy and focused on data entry. Thus, I focused on finding ways to automate manual processes, so that I was able to explore additional job functions by spending less time on data entry which in turn also benefited the company. This allowed me to showcase to my employer that I was capable of going beyond what was asked of me and that I was devoted to amplifying my role.

Overall, my career path was anything but traditional. It was not until after working for three years in the field that I decided to go to college and get a degree while still working remotely. Even though this was not a standard path, it proved to be successful in my case, and I believe that anyone interested in a technological career should choose a path that works for them, even if it is more untraditional.

What are some common misconceptions about working in IT/tech? One of the most common misconceptions is that a career in technology comes with a low chance of promotions and that the only way to move up is to move to another company. Because there is not a clear structure of moving up, it is crucial that one stands out and proves themselves useful to the company even beyond their responsibilities and the specific role for which they were hired.

When working in the technology space, do not succumb to the assumption that there is little room for promotion. Instead, be loyal to your employer and keep growing with them. Furthermore, do not believe that you are effectively forced and compartmentalised to only work on specific assigned tasks. Take a step further and find ways to be beneficial to the employer outside of your explicit duties. Showcasing how your skills can benefit an employer in more ways can drive career acceleration, because an employer will become more willing to consider different career paths as a result.

What tips would you give to someone aiming for a c-level position? For anyone aiming for a c-level position, they must have a broad set of knowledge and skills. A c-level executive does not have to be the absolute best of a specific focus area, yet it is critical that they have knowledge around business concepts and understand how technology, innovations, and investments strategically move a company forward over time. As an example, one does not have to be the best engineer to become a Chief Technology Office, but they must understand the business and be a customer-minded individual. Every successful organisation is customer-first in its mission and mindset and always does what is best in the eyes of the customer.

Additionally, a C-level executive must have the ability to work well with others and lead by example. One must embrace and promote professional debate, and not confuse productive or challenging conversations with conflict. The best business decisions come from collaboration and at times, debate. As an executive, it is important to create a culture where people feel comfortable with challenging one another for the better  at all levels, if it is a technological or a business matter. No employee should be too afraid to ask the manager questions.

Furthermore, if someone is aiming for a c-level position, it is important that they showcase that they are not afraid to get into the trenches and work alongside lower level employees and collaborate directly with the team. One must understand that they are only as good as the team of people that they lead.

What are your career ambitions and have you reached them yet? A huge ambition of mine is to rapidly grow a successful startup in its first year: to develop a great idea, build a company, receive the capital to make it successful and grow, and have the end result be a successful exit.

I am very fortunate to say that the dream of co-founding a successful startup and leading it through to acquisition has now been met. DivvyCloud was acquired by Rapid7 in May 2020. With this acquisition, DivvyCloud is now able to expand worldwide and given the nature of Rapid7s pre-existing relationships, DivvyCloud can build in new ways and more quickly. I am excited that I reached this goal and am able to provide our customers the most complete, best-in-class cloud security platform available and drive even greater innovation in cloud security.

Thus far, I have reached many of my career ambitions, but I will always have further aspirations beyond my work at DivvyCloud and I am thrilled to see what the future has in store.

Do you have a good work life balance in your current role? Unfortunately, it is very difficult for me to have a healthy work-life balance. Given that I am hyper-sensitive to customer growth and success as well as loss, it can be difficult to shut off the work side of myself.

However, when you are passionate about your work, happiness is evident. I am a big believer in the old saying, if you love what you do, youll never work a day in your life. One must always remain passionate about the opportunity to work in their role and for their employer. Work should not be accomplished solely for the reward of a paycheck. It is crucial that one wakes up excited to work  that is what it all boils down to.

What, if anything, would you change about the route your career path has taken? Since I worked for the public sector very early on in my career, I often had to work with outdated, old technology. This environment temporarily halted my exploration of new technologies and innovative trends in the industry. If I had joined the private sector earlier, I believe it would have accelerated my career.

My first job in technology within the private sector allowed me to experiment with new technology and taught me how to do so much more with less, increasing productivity and efficiency. Time for research and development is crucial for innovation and any company should allot 10-15 percent of time for this. Focusing on a career path that allows for an evolving skill set in technology will result in success.

Which would you recommend: A coding bootcamp or a computer science degree? I would recommend a computer information systems degree over a computer science degree and over coding bootcamp. A computer science degree is hyper-focused and is not as broad as a computer information systems degree. The technology stack is vast and encompasses much more than just writing code. Thus, a degree should provide a broad set of skills and fundamental knowledge across multiple areas of technology. Thereafter, bootcamps and certifications can be useful as an add-on, providing further depth to ones curriculum and can help build a more focused skill set for a particular career route.

Overall, its important to note that education must be coupled with real life experience. Getting involved with ambitious entrepreneurs in the field and working alongside technologists at a successful startup is the best education.

How important are specific certifications? Certifications in the cloud computing industry are increasingly important and are becoming a necessity. For someone starting a career in IT, certifications can help get a foot in the door. Hyper-focused certifications that hone in on relevant skills that an employer is seeking right away can be extremely useful for an employer and increase an employees value to the company.

Additionally, because of the rate of change in the IT landscape, its also important to continue education and seek new certifications over time to remain relevant in the field and desirable to employers.

What are the three skills or abilities you look for in prospective candidates? A prospective candidate must have a deep passion for technology. A candidate should be able to differentiate themselves and prove how their passion for technology shapes their everyday life, even outside of work. Being receptive to problem solving, having an open mind, and showcasing intellectual curiosity helps reveal ones passion for technology to an employer. Specifically, intellectual curiosity is a key trait. It should be clear that a prospective candidate is curious about the industry and is devoted to expanding their knowledge set. Devotion to solving a problem and understanding the root of the issue is crucial, and no candidate should portray that they only are interested in seeking the fastest answer.

Also, a candidate must enjoy working with others in a team setting, and look forward to collaboration.
As a reality-TV-star president leaves the White House, celebrities are headed back to Washington.

Hollywood A-listers, who made no secret of their disdain for President Donald Trump, have been largely absent from the city and its cultural scene over the past four years. Now, they are returning in droves: Superstars Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks will perform at President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday, while a host of other stars -- Tom Hanks, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria, Lin-Manuel Miranda among them -- will appear on a prime-time inaugural special, "Celebrating America," to air that night.

But even after this week's events are over, the stage is set for a return to the pre-Trump era, as artists from all areas are far more likely to resume events and White House visits, as well as advocate for various causes. While a few stars did make the attempt (Kim Kardashian West, notably, lobbied for prison reform), most stayed away -- and it was a two-way street. Trump skipped events such as the White House correspondents' dinner and Kennedy Center Honors. (Before Trump had a chance to decline his invitation to the latter, multiple honorees said they would skip any events with the president.)

Todd Flournoy, who runs the Flournoy Group communications firm, said many in the creative community quickly realized at the start of Trump's term, because of both the administration's strident policies and level of attacks on anyone perceived to be a "cultural elite," that visiting the Washington area for any type of advocacy was probably counterproductive. However, Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris already appear ready to embrace the arts.

"The opportunity for using arts as a shared experience, if done right, can be the on-ramp to try to take some of the hyper-partisanship out of the debate, no matter what the issue," said Flournoy, whose firm specializes in policy at the nexus of Washington and the creative community. "It's a bit aspirational, I know -- but if the common shared experiences of music, poetry, visual arts, et cetera, can be used in the administration across the board on different policy issues to bring in people in a nonpartisan way, that may offer some degree of hope in the current atmosphere."

One signal for Biden's call for unity is in the diversity of his inaugural events, with musical acts from multiple genres (pop, country, R&B, rock, classical, Latin) set to perform; the incorporation of a public art display, "Field of Flags," that represents the people unable to gather together for the inauguration because of the coronavirus pandemic; and a poem by Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet.

"I think the artists will help magnify the messaging, hopefully," said Kimball Stroud, a Washington-based event and publicity strategist. "There's a great deal of healing that needs to happen in our country, and amplifying that message is going to be very helpful."

Biden's celebrity lineup is reportedly already under Trump's skin, as The Washington Post's Mary Jordan reported this week that he was "particularly upset" about the number of high-profile stars who agreed to appear at the festivities. (Trump's inaugural committee allegedly reached out to A-listers, though the biggest names at his inauguration concert were 3 Doors Down and Toby Keith.)

"It's well and good to have big-name celebrities right now to celebrate and kick things off," Flournoy said. "But I think going forward, it will really be important to show how the arts writ large can be used."

Here are the entertainers scheduled to take part in inaugural events, and how to watch them.

- What time is the inauguration and how do I watch?

While the official schedule doesn't have a time listed, the program should begin around 11:30 a.m. Eastern, with Biden sworn in at noon. It will be available on every major broadcast and news network, which all start their inauguration coverage earlier in the morning. It will also stream on Biden's official inauguration site, Amazon Prime, and on the Presidential Inaugural Committee's Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Twitch accounts. (More options for where to watch are available here.)

- Who will sing the national anthem at the inauguration?

Lady Gaga, who also campaigned for Biden, will do the honors. The two are longtime friends and collaborated several years ago on a public service announcement to raise awareness about sexual assault.

- Who else will perform at the inauguration?

Jennifer Lopez, who is planning something "really cool" according to her fiance, Alex Rodriguez, and Garth Brooks, who said that incoming first lady Jill Biden personally asked him to perform.

- Who is the inaugural poet?

Amanda Gorman, 22, told the Los Angeles Times that Jill Biden also recommended her to be part of the inauguration. The poet, who was named America's first national youth poet laureate in 2017, wrote a poem for inauguration called "The Hill We Climb."

- What is the virtual "Parade Across America"?

While an actual inaugural parade can't happen because of the pandemic, a virtual version is taking place. Hosted by former "Scandal" president Tony Goldwyn, other participants include Jon Stewart, Andra Day and a "Pass the Mic" medley from DJ Cassidy that will feature Earth Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers, Kathy Sledge, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, the Triumph Baptist Church Choir and the Washington Chorus. Plus, Olympic athletes, TikTok stars and the drumlines from Biden and Harris's respective alma maters, University of Delaware and Howard University.

The New Radicals will also reunite for the first time in more than two decades to perform "You Get What You Give." The 1998 hit was both the walk-on song for Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, on the campaign trail and a favorite of the late Beau Biden; the incoming president said his son used to listen to it after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The parade starts at 3:15 p.m. and will be televised (though specific channels are not listed in the official schedule), and live-streamed on the Presidential Inaugural Committee's Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Twitch accounts.

- Which celebrities will be on the "Celebrating America" prime-time special?

"Celebrating America" will be hosted by Tom Hanks and also feature introductions from Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria, who, as you may remember, were also a part of the virtual Democratic National Convention. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, John Legend, the Foo Fighters, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. Biden and Harris will both speak during the special, which will also honor front-line workers and other heroes of the coronavirus pandemic.

The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and will be on NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS and streamed on the Presidential Inaugural Committee's Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Twitch accounts.
India, one of the world's biggest drugmakers, will start exports of COVID-19 vaccines as early as Wednesday, confirmed the central government, paving the way for many mid- and lower-income countries to secure supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The supply will be made under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the country has received several requests for the supply of Indian-manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries. "In response to these requests, and in keeping with India's stated commitment to use India's vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight the COVID pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from January 20," it said. "In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances."

ALSO READ: What Next After The First Coronavirus Vaccine Shot? Here's All You Need to Know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet confirmed that exports will begin on Wednesday.

India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead. #VaccineMaitri https://t.co/9Czfkuk8h7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2021

According to a report in Reuters, the first batch will be shipped to Bhutan, said officials who asked not to be named. Two million doses of the Covishield vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII), will also be dispatched to Bangladesh on Thursday, said the officials briefed on the plans.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry confirmed the plan, saying a special flight from India carrying the first consignment will land in Dhaka on Thursday. "Bangladesh will receive 2 million doses of Oxford-Astrazenca Covid-19 vaccines from India as a gift on Jan. 21," it said in a statement.

SII, the world's largest maker of vaccines, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last week SII said it soon expected emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot, which it has been licensed to make for dozens of low- and middle-income countries.

That would pave the way for SII to begin supplies to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative aimed at fairly distributing COVID-19 shots across the world.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored at refrigerator temperature, is widely viewed as a more viable option for many poorer nations than shots from Pfizer and Moderna which need to be stored at very low temperatures.

India has received requests from dozens of nations, including urgent appeals from Brazil, to begin exports of the vaccine from the SII centre in Pune.

The country plans to start exporting Bharat Biotech's vaccine at a later stage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Co-founder at RD Heritage Group, Dr. Robert Davis, is featured in an exclusive interview with Kivo Daily. Here he discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on his industries and how he is adjusting to the 'new normal.'

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / RD Heritage Group, co-founded by Dr. Robert Davis, is a partnership of five family offices and their portfolio investments. In his candid conversation with a web publication, Kivo Daily, Dr. Robert Davis discusses the effect COVID-19 has had on different sectors of his business, particularly med-tech, biotech, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas. Despite these challenges, Dr. Robert Davis remains optimistic about the future and sees this crisis as a strong driver of innovation and creativity.

Dr. Robert Davis worked as a physician for several years before deciding to pursue business investments. While he doesn't work on the front lines, Dr. Robert Davis contributes to Coronavirus relief efforts in other ways. RD Heritage has invested in a medical treatment for COVID-19, a potential treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), of which there is currently no cure. Additionally, RD Heritage Group has also invested in a company that is developing a saliva test to detect the virus, even when individuals are asymptomatic.

When asked what keeps him motivated during this unprecedented time, Davis responds by saying: "I think seeing the loss of life, especially with patients who have co-morbidities, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, those who are immunosuppressed, or the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes. Those are the ones who are really hurt by what is going on. I think our ability to help them with some of the technologies we have invested in really keeps me motivated. That is a big driver for us."

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the first Coronavirus case. While the past twelve months have been difficult due to fear of contracting the virus, death of family members and friends, changes to our daily lives, financial uncertainty, and social isolation, Dr. Robert Davis manages to find a small silver lining.

"If anything, it [COVID-19] has taught us the value of human contact and human interaction. I think things that we have taken for granted previously I am going to look at in an entirely different way," says Dr. Robert Davis.

Dr. Robert Davis encourages readers to use their free time wisely, including introspection, spending time with loved ones, sharpening one's skillset, and turning to faith.

Dr. Robert Davis concludes the interview on a positive note by reminding readers of the better times ahead. "Know that I am going to use this time to learn and grow, to focus on the positives. I have faith in the goodness of humanity and that we are going to pull through the pandemic together," he states.

If you are interested in reading Dr. Robert Davis' full interview with Kivo Daily, please visit the link here.

About Dr. Robert Davis

Dr. Robert Davis graduated third in his class from the University of Michigan before studying medicine at the University of Miami. After ten years of practicing medicine, he made the tough decision to transition to business investment. While he has always felt a desire to help people, he believed building partnerships with other global companies would lead to more meaningful change.

Today, Dr. Robert Davis is a co-founder and partner at RD Heritage Group, a successful multi-family partnership with offices in the United States and Bahrain. RD Heritage Group focuses on investing in lucrative sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, renewable energy, healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, automotive, agriculture, and real estate. Moreover, he recently launched the Robert Davis Scholarship Award, which provides financial support to students motivated by positive social and economic change.

Contact Information

Dr. Robert Davis

Website: www.robertdavisscholarship.com

Email: apply@robertdavisscholarship.com

SOURCE: Dr. Robert Davis

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624893/Dr-Robert-Davis-Featured-in-Exclusive-Interview-with-Kivo-Daily
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.

J oe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States at midday on Wednesday (5pm GMT). Here, CNNs Congressional Correspondent Phil Mattingly describes the atmosphere in the capital and gives his view on what to expect on the big day, and during Joe Bidens first few weeks in the White House.

What is the mood in Washington ahead of the big day?

Its unlike anything Ive ever seen. This will be my fourth inauguration, and the prior three were celebrations; hundreds of thousands of people arriving, street vendors on every corner selling merchandise tied to the incoming president. Its always been more of a celebration than anything else.

This is the opposite of that. There is significant trepidation about whats coming, major security concerns, and the areas around the White House and Capitol are locked down to a degree Ive simply never seen before. Obviously, this is a result of a combination of things  what occurred on 6 January, and law enforcement continuing to see significant threats in the days leading up to inauguration. But its still jarring to witness.

What security arrangements are in place?

Downtown Washington is essentially shut down. There is massive fencing that makes up security perimeters around the White House and Capitol that are far larger, and far more intensive, than any Ive ever seen. And to be completely clear: inaugurations are always heavily, heavily secured events. The current outlay makes those efforts seem very, very small.

In the Capitol currently there are roughly 20,000 members of the National Guard taking shifts around the perimeter. When they arent on watch, they are quite literally sleeping on the floors in the basement of the Capitol Building.

Federal K-9 units prepare for a security sweep in preparation for the inauguration ceremonies on Capitol Hill / AP

Notably, it is a National Special Security Event. An inauguration always is (as are events like the Super Bowl), but what that means is that the full weight of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence capabilities are deployed. This means heavy police presence, police dogs, sharp shooters, flight restrictions around the city, WMD units throughout. This, in and of itself, isnt rare for inauguration  its always the case; whats different is the massive reach of the security perimeters and, of course, the huge military presence throughout the city.

What are Joe Bidens main challenges as he begins his presidency?

The list is long. The Biden team will tell you the most significant is the pandemic, both on the public health and economic fronts. The President-elect just laid out his $1.9 trillion economic recovery plan, which Congress will have to begin work on shortly after the inauguration. Bidens team has also started to lay out its plans on vaccine production and distribution and what it plans to implement (or advise) on the public health front as Covid hits inarguably its worst stage since its arrival.

Steel fencing and barb wire surround the Capitol building as security is heightened ahead of Inauguration Day / AP

There are also huge foreign policy challenges. Whether its Iran, or China, or the still-deployed U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, there are massive issues on his teams plate from the moment they walk in the door. Some of those issues are driven by fundamental policy differences with the outgoing administration. Some are driven by world events that continue to transpire and, in some cases, devolve, on a seemingly weekly basis. Whatever the reason, Biden will major foreign policy challenges to address in his opening days.

What else can we expect on the day?

The day itself will be different from any inauguration weve ever seen. Obviously, the security threats have changed things  there wont be spectators on the National Mall, for example. And obviously Covid has changed things. Bidens team has made clear this will be much more of a scaled back and virtual event than what is traditionally held.

But you also have to factor in the outgoing president will not attend the inauguration. Thats obviously a huge shift in precedent  a precedent that symbolises the peaceful transfer of power. It will be the first time a sitting president has boycotted the ceremony since 1869.

All that said, traditions remain. There will be a swearing in ceremony held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, as is always the case. Chief Justice John Roberts will swear in Biden shortly before noon. Biden will give his inaugural address. Former Presidents and First Ladies George W. and Laura Bush, Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton have said they will attend, as is custom.

At least two big celebrities will participate in the swearing in  Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez will give a musical performance. Afterwards there will be a virtual parade  a major shift from past live parades. There will be some kind of review of troops, which is also the norm.

How can I watch it?

"Following through on our stated commitment to provide our customers even greater product performance and value, this breakthrough capability firmly establishes AlN as the go-to substrate technology choice of UV-C LED manufacturers," remarked HexaTech CEO, John Goehrke. He added, "Not only does HexaTech provide market-leading crystal quality, we have now shown the ability to eliminate substrate transparency concerns, setting the stage for dramatic industry and market-segment growth in the future."

Dr. Raoul Schlesser, HexaTech CTO and co-founder, commented "We have rapidly expanded our knowledge base tied to substrate transparency improvement, now showcasing absorption values that were previously thought to be unreachable."

Multi-point measurements exhibit not only exceptional performance and uniformity at 265 nm, but across the full UV wavelength range of interest.

Dr. Schlesser further noted, "Based on this demonstration, we have high confidence in translating this capability to a commercially available product in the near future, together with the exceptional crystal quality that has been a hallmark of HexaTech's material."

All of HexaTech's 2-inch diameter products, including the full range of deep-UV transparent substrate products, are available now with standard lead times. For more information on HexaTech's technology and products, please visit www.hexatechinc.com, or contact HexaTech at [email protected].

About HexaTech

HexaTech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, is an industry-leading manufacturer of single crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. This substrate material is enabling long life UV-C light emitting diodes (LEDs) for disinfection applications, deep UV lasers for biological threat detection, and high voltage switching devices for efficient power conversion, and RF (radio frequency) components for satellite communications.

Founded in 2001, the HexaTech team has successfully solved complex material science and engineering challenges to commercialize high quality bulk AlN for volume production. For additional company and product information, please visit us at www.hexatechinc.com.

About Stanley Electric

Stanley Electric is a global company that manufactures automotive equipment and electronic components with cutting edge optical technologies. With manufacturing at its core, Stanley Electric invests in its group companies around the world to produce automotive lamps, LEDs (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) and other electronics. The company shall contribute broadly to society by exploring the infinite possibilities of light and bringing its value to humankind. Globally headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, for more information about Stanley Electric, please visit www.stanley.co.jp/e/.

Contact: Greg Mills

HexaTech, Inc.

+1 919 415 1495

[email protected]



SOURCE HexaTech, Inc.

Related Links

www.hexatechinc.com


[January 19, 2021] HP Powers Digital Classroom Experiences with New Chromebooks

News Highlights: The HP Chromebook 14 G7 is perfect for teachers who need a powerful device with a large screen to tackle daily lesson plans.

The 360-degree hinge and the optional USI Garage Pen on the HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE allow students to learn in interactive and personalized ways.

To ensure cleanliness in the classroom, the chassis, keyboard, and display of the new HP Chromebooks can be sanitized with commonly used household wipes.1 PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HP Inc. announced five new Chromebooks to help teachers and students stay connected, productive, focused, and secure whether at home, in the classroom, or a blend of both.

The PC has never been more essential in education. There has been a 46% increase in device shipments for teachers and students over the past year2 and 66% of teachers expect blended learning to continue after the pandemic.3 With nearly 70% of teachers and students feeling less connected to each other during the pandemic,4 HPs technology solutions foster collaboration and community during this time of unprecedented change, ensuring teachers can find new ways to connect with students, and students can be seen and heard regardless of their location. HP is committed to enabling better learning outcomes for 100 million people by 2025. With education no longer confined to the four walls of the classroom, HP is creating technology that helps teachers, students, as well as parents, thrive in blended learning environments, said Bill Avey, General Manager and Global Head of Education, Personal Systems, HP Inc. HPs innovative Chromebook lineup gives educators and students access to flexible, engaging, and personalized devices that are critical to ensuring a quality education. Teaching From Anywhere The HP Chromebook 14 G7, powered with the latest Intel processors, is an essential device that helps teachers create and deliver classroom materials in todays blended learning environment. The 14-inch diagonal screen, ultra-wide HD webcam, and dual microphones, make virtual classrooms feel like the real thing. Multiple HDMI and USB-C ports make it easy to add displays and accessories for even more space to watch students and the syllabus. Additionally, teachers can work confidently, protected by Chrome OS multilayered security, while IT teams can easily deploy and manage users and devices with Chrome Education Upgrade.5 Unlocking Student Potential HP added new Chromebooks to its Education Edition portfolio, designed to enhance the student learning experience. Students can stay productive without worrying about recharging their device during the school day with its long battery life. The full-skirted anchored keyboard prevents keys from being removed, and resists spills up to 11.8 oz (350 ml).6 With HP Classroom Manager,7 students experience a user-friendly virtual environment that allows teachers to remotely control students web and app use, conduct real-time checks for understanding, and check on student well-being through private chat. IT teams can implement Chrome Education Upgrade8 to easily deploy and manage devices. The HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE , powered by the latest Intel  Celeron  multi-core processor, 9 adapts to the unique learning styles of students in the classroom and home. With a 360-degree hinge, a damage-resistant touchscreen, and the optional USI Garaged Pen, 10 students can flip and fold the device to create, edit, write, and draw in four modes: laptop, tablet, tent, or stand. The integrated HD camera and optional 8 MP auto-focusing world-facing camera let students be seen more clearly to ensure class material is being understood, and better microphones means students can be heard without hunching over their screens. Wi-Fi 6 11 and HP Extended Range Wireless LAN 12 improve connectivity when there are multiple people working and learning from home, or together at school.





, powered by the latest Intel Celeron multi-core processor, adapts to the unique learning styles of students in the classroom and home. With a 360-degree hinge, a damage-resistant touchscreen, and the optional USI Garaged Pen, students can flip and fold the device to create, edit, write, and draw in four modes: laptop, tablet, tent, or stand. The integrated HD camera and optional 8 MP auto-focusing world-facing camera let students be seen more clearly to ensure class material is being understood, and better microphones means students can be heard without hunching over their screens. Wi-Fi 6 and HP Extended Range Wireless LAN improve connectivity when there are multiple people working and learning from home, or together at school. The HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE and the HP Chromebook 11MK G9 EE help students reach their potential with cloud-first learning. Powered by Intel or MediaTek processors, busy students can work more efficiently on multiple assignments and learn from anywhere wit fast, reliable wireless connections. The HP Chromebook 11MK G9 has a battery life of up to 16 hours to last beyond the school day. 13









and the help students reach their potential with cloud-first learning. Powered by Intel or MediaTek processors, busy students can work more efficiently on multiple assignments and learn from anywhere wit fast, reliable wireless connections. The HP Chromebook 11MK G9 has a battery life of up to 16 hours to last beyond the school day. The HP Chromebook x360 11MK G3 EE, powered by MediaTek processors, empowers students with a personalized interactive, cloud-based learning experience. Students can learn in the way that best suits them with the 360-degree hinge.

HP at BETTFest 2021

HP is participating in the virtual education technology event BETTFest 2021, taking place January 20-22, 2021. Experience the companys vision for the future of education and immerse in the 3D HP City of Education to see the new solutions designed to support learning for everyone and everywhere. Gain valuable insights through the companys packed agenda of live sessions. Learn more at: https://hpfutureofeducation.com/ Availability14

HP Chromebook 14 G7 is expected to be available in February.

is expected to be available in February. HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE is expected to be available in March.

is expected to be available in March. HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE is expected to be available in February.

is expected to be available in February. HP Chromebook 11MK G9 EE is expected to be available later in January.

is expected to be available later in January. HP Chromebook x360 11MK G3 EE is expected to be available later in January.

Learn more information about HP Education Solutions here. About HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com. Christina Wahl, HP Commercial

Christina.Wahl@hp.com



www.hp.com/go/newsroom Copyright 2021 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. 1 The chassis, keyboard, ports and displays on the HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE, HP Chromebook x360 11MK G3 EE, HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE, HP Chromebook 11MK G9 EE and HP Chromebook 14 G7 have been tested to 1,000 wipes with Windex Original Glass & Surface Wipes and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes with EPA Registration Number 5813-79. See user guide for cleaning instructions.

2 FutureSource research: K-12 personal computing Market Track Q3 2020, Worldwide.

3 Based on HP proprietary qualitative and quantitative research with 427 students and teachers in the U.S. and Germany, 2020.

4 Based on HP proprietary qualitative and quantitative research with 427 students and teachers in the U.S. and Germany, 2020.

5 Sold separately or as an optional feature that must be configured at the time of purchase.

6 HP Total Test Process testing is not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Accidental damage requires an optional HP Accidental Damage Protection Care Pack.

7 HP Classroom Manager is sold separately. Control and device locking from the teachers desktop requires purchase of HP Classroom Manager for Teachers.

8 Sold separately or as an optional feature that must be configured at the time of purchase.

9 Multicore is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intels numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance.

10 Optional HP USI Garaged Pen sold separately or as a configurable option. The active HP Wacom EMR pen is not useable with the device.

11 Wireless access point and Internet service required and sold separately. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is backwards compatible with prior 802.11 specs. The specifications for Wi-Fi 6 are draft specifications and are not final. If the final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the notebook to communicate with other 802.11ax WLAN devices. Only available in countries where 802.11ax is supported.

12 Based on internal testing vs. previous generation product with 802.11ac wireless LAN module.

13 Testing conducted by HP using Google Chrome OS power_LoadTest. Battery life will vary and the maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage and battery optimization activation. See http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/testing/power-testing for test details. Battery configuration and charge capacity is optimized to improve battery health over time based upon charging patterns and temperature.

14 Availability subject to change without notice. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e86a6ba-46e8-4cce-a6fb-debedfab5493 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8883224-078f-4ffb-9504-744e8c26f1f6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ec1563e-9267-49ab-8457-63ddfebd2f61 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83974311-9c8f-4ef2-90e9-4796625a335a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5375155-c5ce-4b37-b964-d3f7fd59138c



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
The New NAU and IACA Partnership We are excited to expand our outreach to include industry associations and make higher education more accessible to International Association of Crime Analysts degree-seeking members

National American University (NAU) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) to enhance educational opportunities for its members.

The relationship between the two institutions allows IACA members to continue their education at NAU in specialized online degree programs, including associate or bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice and a bachelors degree in Intelligence Management. Under the agreement, NAU will provide IACA graduates the opportunity to participate in online classes at a reduced tuition rate and study when and where they choose.

This is NAUs first partnership with an industry association that affords association members the opportunity to transfer their industry training into a degree program with the regionally accredited university.

National American University has a long history of working with community and technical colleges to help working adults and other non-traditional students take the next step in their education and career journey. We are excited to expand our outreach to include industry associations and make higher education more accessible to International Association of Crime Analysts degree-seeking members, commented Dr. Ronald Shape, National American University President.

For more information, please contact Amanda Oppel at 816.412.7702 or aoppel@national.edu.

About International Association of Crime Analysts

The International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) was formed in 1990 to help crime analysts around the world improve their skills and make valuable contacts, to help law enforcement agencies make the best use of crime analysis, and to advocate for standards of performance and technique within the profession itself. The IACA accomplishes these goals through training, networking, and publications. Members include crime analysts, intelligence analysts, police officers of all ranks, educators, and students.

About National American University

Now celebrating its 80th year, National American University prepares students for high-demand careers in technical and professional fields. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, NAU has transitioned to offer 100% online doctoral, masters, bachelors associate, diploma, and certificate programs, including programs in Healthcare Management, Business, Accounting, Technology, Criminal Justice, and Strategic Security.
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenway Products & Services is opening its third pallet manufacturing plant in Maryland. Located on Hollins Ferry Road in Baltimore, the new facility supports the rapid growth in online shopping, and the emerging network of warehouses supporting business and home deliveries in the Mid-Atlantic region. Baltimore is strategically located within an overnight drive of one-third of the U.S. population, making it an excellent location for companies with customers in the region.

Greenway Products & Services Baltimore MD Facility

Greenway's new manufacturing facility is equipped with efficient, state-of-the-art automation for pallet manufacturing and remanufacturing. The pallet manufacturer supports retail and manufacturing logistics throughout MD, DE, NJ, Eastern PA, and NY.

The company plans a job fair on January 27, 2021. Inquiries for employment can be directed to Edward Escamilla, VP of Human Resources at 732-442-0200.

Greenway Products & Services president Dominick Davi reports, "The investments we have made in automation and the strong work ethic of our employees enables us to achieve the industry's highest on-time delivery rate of 98.9%."

"We always go the extra mile to make sure our business operates at top-notch efficiency to ensure your products get where they're going in a timely manner," adds Dave D'Amiano, Greenway's VP of Sales.

The company is eligible for a number of state tax credits, including More Jobs for Marylanders and the Job Creation Tax Credit.

"We are excited to welcome Greenway Products and Services to Maryland and look forward to working with them to ensure their success," said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. "Maryland is an ideal location for any company that needs to quickly reach its customers in the Mid-Atlantic area."

"We are excited that Greenway Products & Services selected Baltimore as the location for this expansion, where they will create job opportunities for city residents," said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation. "BDC will continue to provide the company with technical assistance and connect them to other city resources, such as the Mayor's Office of Employment Development, who will assist with their hiring efforts. Greenway's selection of Baltimore reinforces the city as a great place to do business because of its strategic location, low cost of living, talented workforce and quality of life."

"The new Baltimore facility includes two lines  a direct line for pallet repair and assembly, and a recovery line to preserve sturdy and reliable components from recycled pallets. The site is equipped with trailers and tractors for pallet pickups and deliveries," says co-owner Anthony Fabrizio.

Greenway's VP Paul Davi has pioneered the pallet business since 1993, and reflects on his deep experience in logistics: "Any business that needs to deliver or move product relies on pallets to quickly and efficiently move palletized products between warehouses, trucks, shipping containers, and retail stores." Pallets contribute to lowering handling and storage costs for all types of industries, including food and beverage production, landscape pavers, cabinetry and many more.

Greenway is a highly rated, full-service pallet management company. Contact Greenway for a quote at [email protected], or call 732-442-0200.

About Greenway Products & Services

Greenway Products & Services is a pallet manufacturer and re-manufacturer as well as a full-service pallet management company. Greenway's product line includes new, reconditioned/recycled, remanufactured, wood pallets in standard and custom sizes for domestic and international shipping. Greenway is one of the few Mid-Atlantic suppliers of heat-treated pallets. The company offers comprehensive pallet services, including pallet delivery, storage, removal and disposal, repair programs, ISPM 15 services, consulting services, excess pallet purchase program, drop trailer services, and trucking services.

Related Links

https://greenwaypsllc.com/

https://greenwaypsllc.com/pallet-types-sizes/

https://greenwaypsllc.com/recycling/

https://greenwaypsllc.com/services/

SOURCE Greenway Products & Services LLC
ADVERTISEMENT

The Kano State government on Tuesday ordered the shutting down of viewing and event centres across the state following increasing COVID-19 cases.

The government also directed all civil servants to stay at home as death and infection figures soar.

In the past four weeks of the second wave, 10 persons have died from COVID-19 complications, raising the death toll in the state to 70.

The rise in mortality shows that the second wave of the pandemic is deadlier than the first as more patients are symptomatic and require breathing support.

On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 1,617 new infections across the nation, the second-highest daily tally, with Kano having 26, raising the states confirmed cases to 2,617.

The states Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, in a statement, said the renewed ban on operations of the centres was part of the decision reached at a meeting at Africa House, Kano on Monday.

Mr Garba, however, explained that workers on essential services such as healthcare service providers, fire service, water board, teaching staff, security guards and the media are exempted from the ban.

The commissioner said the government would continue to work towards ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

He said security agents have been mandated to take necessary measures to enforce compliance with the directives.

Congratulations, President Trump! You have been awarded your second badge of honor: another accusation of wrongdoing ("impeachment" in Washington parlance) by the ever-anxious-to-do-you-in House of Representatives and its leader, the Madam Pelosi. What greater tribute could a man, who loves our country and cherishes its God-given freedoms, be granted than to be chastised by today's socialist-sympathizing, hate-filled politicians? The first 2019 accusation against Trump went down in flames when the Senate refused to even consider the hollow claims presented by the House. It remains to be seen if and when the Senate will consider the newest accusation.

President Trump deserves unending credit and appreciation for what he has done over the past four years for our country and for those who love freedom  freedom that many who despise the president are working to take from us. He has done more than any other president in history to strengthen our country and its economy and to pull it out of the socialist gutter that it has been floundering in for several generations.

The new administration will work to turn our Country back to their socialist "one world order" agenda, but their efforts will be in vain. Trump has made over 160 million Americans believers that low unemployment and prosperity for all are best achieved through his "jobs for Americans" and free-market economic philosophies. And he has taught us that these philosophies can thrive for everyone only when the freedoms protected by the Constitution are defended as sacrosanct  not cast aside or demeaned by for political expediency.

May Donald Trump continue to be motivated to battle on our behalf against the modern socialist movement that seems determined to destroy our country both from without and from within. Godspeed, President Trump.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Wednesdays are turning out to be days of significance in the USA in 2021.

We are only a few weeks into the year, but successive Wednesdays have seen an attack on the legislative part of the US Government, an historic second impeachment and then on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Joseph R Biden and Kamala D Harris will be inaugurated as the leaders of the Executive Branch of Government in the United States.

These events have usually happened over decades, but in keeping with the events of 2020, the apparent drama and speed of occurrences appears to be of little surprise to most political observers.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made history when they amassed 81 million votes at the beginning of November.

Biden will become the oldest and only the second Catholic to become US President.

Biden, of course, also wears his Irish heritage as a badge of honour and has already appointed a prominent member of the Irish American Community, Marty Walsh (Mayor of Boston) as his new Secretary of Labour.

Harris will become the first woman of Indian/Caribbean ancestry to hold a Vice-Presidential office.

They received a record number of votes in any US democratic election and are mandated, amongst other things, to take control of the pandemic in the USA which is now claiming about 4,000 lives per day.

Biden and Harris are also hopeful with Democratic control of both Houses of Congress to pass a series of economic stimulus Bills to make societal and business improvements.

Their inauguration therefore is an historic event in any other year.

But in 2021, it has the added intrigue of being an occasion which will have at least 20,000 armed US National Guards in the US Capitol.

Not since the first inauguration of Lincoln in 1860 has the US witnessed such a military presence at the swearing-in of a President.

This is due in no small part to what the New York Times stated that Sixteen groups  some of them armed and most of them hard-line supporters of President Trump  have registered to stage protests in Washington, prompting deep concern among federal officials about an event that has historically been a packed celebration of American democracy.

But why is this level of protest happening?

The United States is a divided nation in many respects - borne out of its history, culturally, racially, socio-economically, even religiously.

Bidens victory, while statistically impressive and involving the biggest defeat faced by an incumbent President since 1932, has not been legitimately accepted by the outgoing President.

Since the wee hours of November 8th, President Trump has declined to accept the electoral outcome and through social media, legal challenges and concerns raised by many members of his Republican Party, he has sought to challenge the validity of the democratic will of the American people.

For many commentators, this has allowed a narrative to develop that the election was unfairly stolen from Trump and a consistent and continual challenge to Biden and Harris victory has given many of Trumps supporters what they perceive to be a constitutional right to contest the results of November 2020.

The result of the anger, fomented by many extremists, was demonstrated in the aftermath of a rally led by Trump and his political and legal supporters on the first Wednesday of the New Year - January 6th, 2021.

As many witnessed, a crowd of thousands invaded the US Capitol building.

Their ultimate goals may have been varied, but to some, it was believed that they wanted to overturn the constitutional process of counting each states Electoral College votes for Biden and declare Trump as the rightful winner of the election.

These stunning developments ended in panic, fear, and tragedy as at least five people were known to have died as a result of these events.

Subsequent eye-witness accounts that are still emerging, show the intent of many of the mob, varying from ransacking the Legislative chambers of the House of Representatives and Senate to the attempted assassination of members of Congress.

The second Wednesday culminated in the historic impeachment of Donald Trump on charges of incitement of insurrection.

This bi-partisan vote was notable for the fact that it was the largest bi-partisan vote in terms of impeachment in US History.

However, it was momentous in the fact that for the first time a sitting US President who had lost the popular vote twice, was now impeached twice.

Many representatives from the Democratic Party railed against Trumps words and actions over the previous two months and they were aided by an incredible level of support from a senior Republican, Liz Cheney.

As the Guardian stated: In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Cheney, said that Trump had summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing, she said.

None of this would have happened without the president. I will vote to impeach the president.

Trumps trial will begin after Bidens inauguration and 67 US Senators will need to vote to convict him of high crimes and misdemeanours.

The third eventful Wednesday of 2021 will ultimately see Biden and Harris be inaugurated in a divided and fearful US capital.

Even with the concern caused by opponents of the Democratic leaders, the Biden team, according to the New York Times has stated that he was determined to make an outdoor appearance at the event to call on a divided nation to come together at a time of political and public health crisis.

Both leaders have an awesome task of uniting a divided country and finding a speedier way to help the nation recover from the coronavirus pandemic and its social and economic consequences.

Plans are afoot for a 1.9 trillion-dollar economic stimulus package and to re-engage with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Bidens approach to Ireland, both North and South in the wake of our concerns with coronavirus and the economic and political fallout of Brexit will also be of huge significance.

Ireland and the rest of the world will be watching with interest to witness what future Wednesdays (and other days) will bring in 2021.





Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - KWG Resources Inc. (CSE: KWG) (CSE: KWG.A) (FSE: KW6) ("KWG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Tony Marquis has agreed to be the President and Chief Operating Officer of Canada Chrome Corporation ("CCC"). KWG owns 100% of CCC which has staked claims and conducted a surveying and soil testing program, originally for the engineering and construction of a railroad to the Ring of Fire from Aroland, Ontario.

Tony Marquis has been a top tier executive with both CN and CP, where he played an integral role in the two most successful railroad turnarounds in North America. At both companies, he worked closely with his mentor, the legendary Hunter Harrison, who led both railroads to becoming the most efficient in the industry. Marquis was also the President and CEO of FENOCO S.A., a heavy haul railroad based in Bogota, Colombia. He is a third-generation railroader and hails from Northern Ontario.

About KWG:

KWG is the Operator of the Black Horse Joint Venture ('JV') after acquiring a vested 50% interest through Bold Ventures Inc ('Bold') from Fancamp Exploration Ltd ('Fancamp'). KWG funds all JV exploration expenditures and Bold is carried for a 20% interest in KWG's interest.

KWG has also acquired intellectual property interests, including a method for the direct reduction of chromite to metalized iron and chrome using natural gas and an accelerant. KWG subsidiary, Muketi Metallurgical LP, has received a patent for the direct reduction method in Canada, South Africa and Kazakhstan and is prosecuting remaining patent applications in India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey and the USA. It has also received a USA patent for production of low carbon chromium iron alloys and a corresponding Canadian patent application is expected to issue soon.

For further information, please contact:

Bruce Hodgman, Vice-President: 416-642-3575 ~ info@kwgresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements: Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and KWG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities that may be described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72343
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.
In celebration of the radical legacy left behind by Martin Luther King Jr., a mass car caravan organized by the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP) set out to travel from the Port of Oakland to the home of Alameda District Attorney Nancy OMalley while calling for restorative justice and the reinvestment of the Oakland Police Department budget into community resources.

But they were met with resistance, KQED reported.

As the group rolled through Alameda neighborhoods, they encountered a sight all-too-familiar to the 1960s civil rights leader they intended to honor: an apparently white man, brandishing a rifle-like gun, telling them to go home.

It was enough to disrupt the caravan at least temporarily. After organizers from Community Ready Corps spoke with the man, they signaled for the hundreds-car long caravan to shift course and avoid the street the gun-brandishing man had been stalking.

It is unclear if the man lived in the area and there is no indication the man discharged the weapon. Requests for comment by SFGate have gone unanswered by the Alameda Police Department and the district attorneys office.

Undeterred by the armed counter-protester, Brooks and the caravan concluded their demonstration at DA OMalleys house just as they had planned.

We got there. It was a victory, APTP founder Cat Brooks told SFGATE in a phone conversation. Security, which was ready, they let us know there was a man carrying a rifle, and it was our responsibility to get everyone out there safely, and thats what we did.

Todays events, she added, exemplified the power of a community-focused safety initiatives that activists have been calling for in the Black Lives Matter and Defund the Police activist movements.

Its the perfect example of we take care of us, Brooks said. "As we talk about and build non-911 responses to community crises, the first thing critics want to talk about is the one- to two-percent [of violent incidents requiring intervention], maybe more now that white conservative and white supremacist forces want to have their end of the conversation with weapons. Thats what happened today. And community-trusted security were able to deal with the would-be assailant, and because they had the trust of community, they were able to effectively and efficiently get everyone to safety.

Even in the face of white resistance, Brooks insists on claiming victory from the days demonstration.

We consider today a win. This is a beginning not an end. This is a continuum of the demands for justice for Oscar Grant. And Nancy can expect to see more of us until she does the right thing, Brooks said.
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.
By ELAINE GANLEY, Associated Press

PARIS (AP)  Frenchwoman Jeanne Pouchain has an unusual problem. Shes officially dead. She has been trying for three years to prove that she is alive.

The 58-year-old woman says she lives in constant fear, not daring to leave her house in the village of Saint Joseph, in the Loire region. Authorities seized her car over an unpaid debt she contests and which is at the center of her troubles. She fears the family furniture will be next.

Pouchains status has prevented her and her husband, who is her legal beneficiary along with her son, from using their joint bank account. Being declared deceased has deprived her of other critical amenities.

I no longer exist, Pouchain said by telephone. I dont do anything....I sit on the veranda and write. She called the situation macabre.

Pouchains status as deceased is the result of a 2017 Lyon court decision that deemed her dead even though no death certificate was produced. The decision came at the end of a legal dispute with an employee of Pouchains former cleaning company, who was seeking compensation after losing her job 20 years ago.

But the initial complaint in Frances Prudhomme workers court misfired, falling on Pouchain, whose lawyer claims her company had no responsibility for the dismissal. A series of legal proceedings, decisions and appeals followed, all the way to the Court of Cassation, Frances highest court, which dismissed the case as outside its domain, Pouchain and her lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, said.

According to Pouchain and her attorney, snowballing judicial errors ended with the 2017 ruling by the Appeals Court of Lyon that Pouchain was not among the living. The legal imbroglio is all the stranger because, Pouchain contended, neither she nor her relatives received a summons for the hearing.

Pouchains husband and son were left with an order to pay 14,000 euros to the former employee.

Cormier, her attorney, filed an unusual motion last Monday to invalidate the 2017 decision by the Lyon appeals court due to a grave error by the judges. He said he has never before dealt with such a crazy case.

At first, I had a hard time believing my client, he said.

Pouchain says she cant forgive her ex-employee for her plight but wont identify the woman. The former employees lawyer did not respond to several requests for comment.

Cormier points the finger at the judges and their extreme reticence to repair their error.

When an error is so enormous, its hard to admit, he said.

Pouchain remains stubbornly hopeful that her attorneys bid to overturn the judgement will succeed.

Its my last chance to recover my life, she said.
In the first 15 days of 2021, the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS) has already recorded five physical attacks against journalists in Turkey. The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) together with their affiliate in Turkey condemn the assaults and call on Turkish authorities to conduct thorough investigations and hold the perpetrators accountable.

In a tweet, the Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS) strongly condemned the attacks and denounced the government's absence of reaction: "Five journalists and media workers have been attacked in 15 days. There are no government convictions and no sanctions by the judiciary. This is intended to encourage the attackers."

The five journalists are:

Izzet Tnmaz, Voice of Anatolia (Anadolu'nun Sesi) news coordinator, was beaten with sticks in Aksaray by two unidentified people who had stopped his car. His wrist and waist were severely injured;

Voice of Anatolia (Anadolu'nun Sesi) news coordinator, was beaten with sticks in Aksaray by two unidentified people who had stopped his car. His wrist and waist were severely injured; Murat Uckac and Kymet Saryldz were assaulted in front of the courthouse in Aydn while covering a trial.

Just within 24 hours, two journalists critical of the government were attacked in front of their homes in Turkey's capital:

Afsin Hatipoglu , a TV host for KRT TV and a former head of the Grey Wolves, a nationalist group, during the night of 14 January;

, a TV host for KRT TV and a former head of the Grey Wolves, a nationalist group, during the night of 14 January; The next day, Yenicag newspaper writer and Ankara representative Orhan Uguroglu was beaten with sticks by four assailants in front of his residence. The men attempted to run him over with their car, but the journalist escaped with a light arm injury.

The Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspaper spoke out in solidarity with TGS and said that "the journalistic world is watching with anxiety the increasing efforts to silence journalists in Turkey as attacks against them continue in the new year".

EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutierrez said: "These acts of terror targeting journalists constitute intimidation that must be strongly condemned by Turkish public authorities. We call for a thorough judicial investigation to identify not only the perpetrators but also the instigators of these beatings."

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: "Journalists cannot continue to face violence on a daily basis. These attacks in Turkey demonstrate the lack of safety for our colleagues and a total disrespect for their work and press freedom in general. Erdogan's government must take steps, once and for all, to make progress on ensuring the safety of journalists and enabling freedom of media workers in the country".
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that as of Sunday, 94,000 people or 1.9pc of our population, had received their first dose of a vaccine.

More than 71,000 frontline healthcare workers and 23,000 residents and staff at nursing homes had received a vaccine, as of the end of last weekend.

The HSE and the Department of Health say they expect all residents and staff of nursing homes to have received their first vaccine by the end of this week.

It comes as HSE CEO Paul Reid said stories like family members of hospital staff receiving leftover vaccines does none of us, or the vaccination programme any good.

Read More

Speaking with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio One, Mr Reid said the vaccination programme was on target to have 140,000 people vaccinated by next week.

What has happened this week [family members receiving vaccines] should not have happened and I am disappointed they have happened. They are a small number of cases, though.

Mr Reid pointed out that everybody is working at pace and said it would be a shame to waste the leftover doses but that everyone needs to make sure they have a standby list of the right workforce for when this occurs again.

He said the flow of vaccines to healthcare workers has stalled this week due to the pivot towards prioritising residents of nursing homes.

Mr Reid said claims that the south and southwest hospital groups were getting more of the vaccine are not factually correct.

You will see a mix and a variance each week between allocations and some hospitals receiving more than the previous week.

Read More

The HSE boss said public and private health care workers are not differentiated within the scheduling plan for vaccination, and this is why some staff at the Beacon Hospital received a vaccine before some healthcare workers in public hospitals.

Mr Reid said the vaccination programme has gone largely to plan and that the plan has always been there in terms of sequencing and prioritisation of healthcare workers.

I dont think anybody needed further guidelines in terms of being clear about what workforce should be done, what was the priority within that workforce. It was made very clear within the sequencing document from the very start.

Mr Reid said a further document was issued on January 12 with clearer principles on how the schedule should operate.

The HSE CEO said everyone needs to learn from the instances that should not have happened to ensure they dont happen again.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she thinks trust in the vaccine rollout has been damaged due to family members receiving vaccines but added: Nobody would be happy to hear that any vaccine has been wasted - thats the last thing we want to see.

Deputy McDonald, though, said the idea that any spare vaccines are left to the judgement of an individual, and in some cases they went to family members, isnt acceptable.

Its astonishing that the clearest advice wasnt available to everybody given that this is such a scarce and precious resource at this point, Ms McDonald said.

Earlier today, Denis McAuley, Chairman of the GP committee of the IMO said once GPs are given large quantities of the vaccine they will be able to administer them quickly.

Dr McAuley pointed out that GPs administered over one million flu vaccines in six weeks before Christmas and hopes once supplies of various vaccines are available that the same will occur for Covid-19 doses.

It starts yesterday. As soon as we have Oxford-Astrazeneca approved by the European Medicines Agency. It is a vaccine that is easily stored and were hoping there will be a need for very limited supervision of the vaccine once its delivered, he told Morning Ireland.

Dr McAuley said that if you are over 70 and dont have any underlying conditions, you should still hope for a vaccine before Easter.

If you give general practitioners the supply, then we will deliver. It will be age-related stratification initially for people whether they have a condition or not. Remember, in six weeks we gave one million people the flu vaccination before Christmas. The only reason it took six weeks was because the actual supply was stuttering so if we get the vaccine, we will give it, and in an effective and ethical way.
Dr. Viswanathan Shanta

The medical community in Chennai came together on January 19 to pay its last tributes to the citys best-known oncologist Dr. V Shanta of the Adyar Cancer Institute.

The doctor was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on January 18 night after she complained of discomfort. She passed away at 3.55 am on January 19 after attempts to remove a block from a blood vessel failed. She was 93.

Dr. C S Mani, a fellow oncologist, called Shanta a visionary who devised many protocols in cancer treatment much ahead of the West. He said he had graduated under Shanta at the institute, where she worked along with Dr. Krishnamurthy. My gratitude for her work and my grief cannot be translated into words, Dr. Mani said when contacted.

Pathbreaking work

Shantas work was pathbreaking and she was 50 years ahead of the West, he said. Dr. Mani is part of the Chennai-based Cancer Research and Relief Trust, an alumni group of the Cancer Institute. He also practices at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.

A doyen among doctors, Dr. Shanta has been honoured with the Magsaysay award and Padma Vibhushan. She has been widely praised for making cancer care accessible to everyone irrespective of their capacity to pay.

Dr. E Vidhubala told Moneycontrol that Shanta was a very dedicated doctor who advocated the early detection and prevention of cancer. Her mind was always with the common people. She wanted to make cancer treatment affordable to everyone. In spite of the honours and awards that came her way, Dr. Shanta was a simple person, who was down to earth, Vidhubala said.

Vidhubala is involved with cancer care for communities and is based in Tirunelveli in south Tamil Nadu. Unlike many other doctors, Dr. Shanta promoted medical ethos. Wherever you find doctors who have passed out from the institute, they are always practitioners of high ethical standards, said Vidhubala, who was earlier associated with the Cancer Institute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and former Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Shanta, who was the chairwoman of the Adyar Cancer Institute, is renowned for developing the ACI from a small, 12-bedded hospital into a massive institution of considerable repute. She has been working at the Institute for the last 65 years.

Dr. V Shantas contribution to cancer treatment in India has no parallel

Family of scientists

Born on March 11, 1927, Dr. Shanta belonged to a family of scientists. She studied at National Girls High School (Lady Sivaswami Ayyar Girls Higher Secondary School). She took her MBBS from Madras Medical College in 1949, DGO in 1952, and MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology) in 1995.

She joined the institute, founded by Muthulakshmi Reddy, one of Indias first women graduates in medicine. At the Institute, she took up the cause of cancer awareness and devoted herself to its care and treatment.

After attending the funeral, Dr. Ramanan, an oncologist at a top private hospital in Chennai, said, Madam used to always say that even though we are often bearers of bad news, we must ensure that the patient leaves the chamber with the feeling of mental solace. Take important decisions for your patients as you would take for your dear ones.

Dr. Shanta was associated with the Adyar Cancer Institute from 1955 and was its director between 1980 and 1997. After the first three years as an honorary staff, the Institute paid her Rs 200 per month and residence in a room within the campus, where she has lived since April 13, 1955.

Dr. Senthil Kumar, who did his surgical oncological training at the Institute from 2009 to 2012, said that the Institute was famous for its ethos. Even if you had little or no money, you would still get the best of cancer care. There would be no discrimination. That really taught me that if you have the heart to help, you can, Dr. Senthil told me.

Dr. Senthil practices at the Savitha Medical College on the outskirts of the city and was earlier an assistant professor at the Institute from 2012-2014. The Institute was a pioneering place for cancer treatment and was home to many firsts in India. For example, the first pediatric oncology department was set up at ACI, he said.

Dr. Shanta was a member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission for Health. She has also served on the World Health Organisations advisory committee on health. She was critical of the metaphorical usage of the name of the disease to describe an uncontrollable situation. After the onslaught of the pandemic, she kept the hospital working and was active until earlier this week. Thousands of patients of the Institute will be sorry to see her go.
Local councils are planning to install just 9,317 public charge points for electric cars between now and 2025, which threatens to cause a huge 'bottleneck in adoption' to plug-in vehicles in the coming years.

An average of 35 chargers per local authority are due to be provided in the next four years with 126 councils currently having no plans to fit any at all, despite the Government making available funds for the installation of 3,600 devices in the next year.

Experts have warned that the serious lack of investment in local infrastructure means it will severely fall behind demand for plug-in cars and will ultimately strangle minsters' efforts to convince drivers to switch to electric cars ahead of the ban on sale of new petrol and diesel motors from 2030.

Councils failing to bolster charging infrastructure: Research has revealed that local authorities intend to install just 9,300 on-street electric car charging devices between now an 2025

A record 175,082 plug-in models were registered in the UK last year, of which 108,205 were battery electric cars that are heavily reliant on owners having home charging solutions.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, with sales of electric vehicles predicted to boom in the coming years as the ban on sales of new internal-combustion-engined cars nears.

But despite the surge in demand, councils appear reluctant to improve residential charging infrastructure.

For the 175,000 plug-in models registered in 2020, there will be just one new on-street charger installation per 19 electric and hybrid models between now and 2025.

This will make life for early adopters without garages and driveways very difficult indeed.

Motorists without off-street parking are already at a distinct disadvantage for electric car ownership, with just 7,682 public on-street chargers currently installed in the UK, limiting the capacity for drivers to replenish their vehicle's batteries overnight.

In a bid to improve infrastructure, the government announced last January 10million in funding for the installation of charge points on residential streets in 2021.

This was estimated to cover the cost of 3,600 new devices across the country to 'make charging at home and overnight easier for those without an off-street parking space'.

A lack of charging infrastructure, especially for those without off-street parking, is one of the biggest hurdles stopping motorists switching to EVs

Motorists without off-street parking and interested in having an on-street charger on their road were told to contact their local authority, who could then make a request for the available funds.

Can you run an electric car cable across the pavement and could people claim if they trip? Read our guide on everything you need to know about charging an EV without a driveway If someone trips and falls on an electric car's charging cable strewn across the pavement, who is liable?

Records show that councils received 2,835 requests in 2019 and a further 2,989 calls for devices to be installed in the first eight months of 2020.

However, the research by energy service Centrica says that councils intend to install just 3,493 devices in addition to those requested by drivers via local authorities in the next four years.

Incredibly, some 126 out of over 400 councils that received the firm's Freedom of Information request about future on-street charger installations said they have no plans to fit any ahead of 2025.

These authorities include the likes of Hounslow, Nottinghamshire, Sunderland, Waltham Forest and West Lancashire (see the full list at the bottom of this page).

There's also a significant disparity between regions across the UK, with local authorities in the South of England intending to installed 2.5-times more public devices compared to those in Northern England, the Midlands, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, with 6,713 compared to 2,604 respectively.

Latest figures already show that southern councils have added 1,203 more chargers to their streets over the last three years than their northern counterparts.

TOP 10 COUNCILS INTENDING TO FIT THE MOST ON-STREET EV CHARGERS Council Chargers per 100,000 people to be installed by 2025 Current on-street chargers Westminster 500.2 497 Kent 240.3 201 Stirling 156 56 Plymouth 122.1 33 Haringey 111.7 N/A York 97.8 23 Gwynedd 80.3 N/A Richmond upon Thames 70.7 227 Hackney 65.8 116 Brent 64 149 Source: Centrica FOI request to councils

In terms of future devices, Westminster tops the list of councils planning to retrofit its roads with the most on-street chargers.

It looks set to bolster its current availability of 497 charge points to 500.2 per 100,000 local residents by 2025.

Kent and Stirling council followed with the biggest volume of new chargers being promised by 2025.

Centrica, which also polled 2,000 UK drivers about the current and future charging infrastructure and found that half who are not considering buying an electric vehicle blamed the lack of access to on-street or public charging points in their area.

More than three quarters of motorists surveyed said that investment into more on-street charging points in urban areas would encourage more drivers without a driveway to go electric, as did a further three quarters who also said that the same investment in rural areas would boost local EV adoption.

Westminster tops the list of councils planning to retrofit its roads with the most on-street chargers, with looks set to bolster its current availability of 497 charge points to 500.2 per 100,000 local residents by 2025

Amanda Stretton, sustainable transport editor at Centrica, said: 'The latest figures released today demonstrate the need for all UK councils to play their part in helping to achieve the 2030 ban.

'Whilst it's great news that the government are providing initiatives to make the transition more affordable, cost isn't the only barrier.

'With half of drivers attributing lack of chargers as the main reason preventing them from purchasing an EV, it's unfair that those without a driveway risk getting left behind.'

She added: 'Charging infrastructure and energy systems will need be upgraded to cope with the demand and support drivers.

'For example, we are working with businesses to install smart charging systems which help automate charging at times which does not put pressure on the grid. This helps regulate demand and ensures customers get the best deal on electricity prices.'

While the availability of local on-street chargers dwindles, there are more than 36,700 public chargers at 13,300-plus locations in the UK, including those at petrol stations, hotels, supermarkets and dedicated charging stations, according to Zap-Map's latest data.

'Motorists won't switch to EVs until they cost less than 20,000' Centrica's poll also found evidence of drivers being reluctant to switch to an EV due to the high cost of the cars. More than two thirds (61 per cent) of motorists it surveyed said electric vehicles are too expensive for them, while concerns about battery life (48 per cent) and range anxiety (42 per cent) were also weighing on the mind of drivers. The question is: how far does the price of new battery electric cars need to fall in order for more people to want them? Deloitte reckons the sweet-spot figure is 20,000 or less, according to its latest Global Automotive Consumer Survey. of 1,500 driving-age consumers in the UK.

Pay-by-phone parking provider, RingGo, said the lack of council device installations will 'undoubtedly continue to cause a bottleneck in adoption' of electric vehicles.

Peter O'Driscoll, managing director, told This is Money: 'It lines up with a recent survey of UK drivers that we did which found over 30 per cent of those open to switching to an electric car still feel there needs to be greater availability of charging facilities to fully commit.

'We cannot put the onus on councils alone to create the infrastructure to support electric vehicles, it has to be a team effort.

'There needs to be education about not only the capabilities of electric vehicles  the distance they can travel, how often they need to be charged and the cost saving associated  but also the tools available to find charging points across the country.'

RingGo currently provides details of which of its car parks have charging points for EVs, with information about the device so each driver knows if it is compatible with their car.

It also plans to introduce a service where EV owners can pay for their parking and charging from its smartphone app.

'We believe that electric vehicles are the right choice for motorists and we will continue working to make it a simple choice,' Mr O'Driscoll added.

If you are reading this article on the MailOnline app and cannot see below the list of 126 councils with no plans to install new on-street EV chargers between now and 2025, please click this link to view the table in full on our website.
Did white evangelical support for Trump drop in the 2020 election?

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Bill Werts grew up in rural north central Pennsylvania and always identified as an evangelical conservative. He listened to conservative radio talk shows, emulated Christian conservative politicians like Mike Pence and even participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. five times.

After supporting staunch conservative Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the 2016 Republican primary, the 46-year-old held reservations about voting for President Donald Trump in that years general election considering his background, past indiscretions and what he considered to be a racist base the thrice-married real estate mogul tried to win over.

But after hearing prominent conservative leaders voice their support for Trump over then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and seeing Trump pick Pence to be his running mate, Werts reluctantly bought in.

When Trump won the nomination, I obviously had my questions and I was determined not to vote for him. Then he nominated Mike Pence as his running mate. I thought, maybe just possibly, I am the one that is wrong, Werts, a manufacturing supervisor, told The Christian Post in a phone interview.

Franklin Graham is telling me I am wrong. [Pat] Robertson is telling me that I am wrong. Jerry Fallwell is telling me that I am wrong. Maybe I am the one that is wrong. With all reservations, I ended up voting for Trump.

But four years later, Werts is not the same person politically. While witnessing the early days of the Trump presidency, Werts political views began to shift to the left. He switched parties in 2018. In 2020, he cast his vote for former Vice President Joe Biden as the Democrat picked up the key battleground state by less than 100,000 votes on his way to an eventual election victory.

Network exit polls seem to suggest that Werts may have been part of a small percentage of white evangelicals who voted for Trump in 2016 but did not vote for him in 2020.

Werts said he believes many evangelical conservatives who also did not vote for Trump this time around may have voted for other Republicans in down-ballot races. But he assured that he voted Democratic in the majority of the races on his ballot.

The straw that broke the camels back for him was media coverage of how migrant children were being detained in cages (built during the Obama administration) at the southern border, which also drew responses from evangelical leaders at the time and much uproar from the left.

But I still had my conservative leanings and still had my conservative roots and I also felt I couldnt support Democrats, he explained. I guess you could say I was looking for reasons to support Democrats for the past two years. The hardest bridge for me to cross was on abortion.

In 2018, Werts participated in a protest at a local courthouse over the Trump administrations immigration policies, where he was connected with the progressive organization in his county called Voices of Westmoreland.

From there, he was influenced by more progressive thoughts and reading materials. Eventually, he spoke at a progressive Christian rally in Pittsburgh organized by the evangelical left grassroots organization Vote Common Good, which held dozens of anti-Trump rallies across the country in 2020.

Where he lives in Westmoreland County, Werts said that the vote for Trump in 2020 actually improved from 2016.

Evangelicals that were leaving Trump were in more diverse areas, Werts stated.

In the suburbs of Detroit, Ronald Hawthorne, a 51-year-old machinist, is a former Trump voter who participated in Vote Common Good rallies in Michigan. He even helped organize a rally of his own in Warren.

Hawthorne said he didnt like the way Trump interacted with people, demonized media, and especially disliked how divisive the president was during the pandemic lockdowns and George Floyd protests and riots.

The way he has divided our country is just unbelievable and really disturbs me, Hawthorne told CP. At times, it messes with our spirit.

From 2016 to 2020, the network exit polls suggest a small 4% decline in the white evangelical vote for Trump, leaving leading Christian conservatives to question the accuracy of exit polls.

Meanwhile, some progressive activists have argued that this small drop in the white evangelical vote as seen in the election poll may have been what cost Trump the election.

Yet, other polling has suggested that Trumps support among white evangelicals may not have dropped considerably, if at all, and some results even suggest that a larger number of conservative Christians turned out to vote for Trump in 2020.

Conservative grassroots activists have criticized the exit polling data for not reflecting the large percentages of white evangelicals who voted for Trump in conservative states and contended that exit polls show an increase in the percentage that evangelical voters comprised of the total electorate in 2020.

Is exit polling data reliable?

The 2020 network exit polling data is conducted by Edison Research for The National Election Pool (ABC, CBS, CNN, and NBC). Over 100,000 respondents were interviewed at polling locations nationwide or by phone. The data is based on a sample of 15,590.

According to ABCs analysis of the exit polls, the data for the white evangelical self-identification question is based on answers from 3,722 respondents.

According to the polling, Trumps support among white evangelical and born-again Christians  one of his key voting blocs  dropped from 80% in the 2016 exit poll to 76% in 2020.

Additionally, the network exit poll suggests that white evangelical support for the Democratic candidate  Biden  increased to 24% from the 16% of white evangelical voters surveyed in the 2016 exit poll who said they voted for then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The exit polling result comes as there were concerted efforts from progressive Christian grassroots groups and millions of advertising dollars spent by anti-Trump Republican groups to urge faith-based voters not to vote for Trump.

But other available polling data suggests that there may have not been a decline in the percentage of white evangelicals who voted for Trump.

Another wide-ranging election survey, the AP VoteCast, found that 81% of white evangelical likely voters voted for Trump in 2020, while 18% voted for Biden. That result is more in line with the results of the 2016 national exit poll. The AP VoteCast includes interviews with 110,485 likely voters and is adjusted to reflect preliminary vote totals with a margin of error of 0.4 percentage points.

A Pew Research Center survey from August 2018 of over 3,000 validated 2016 voters shows that only about 77% of white evangelical voters voted for Trump and 16% for Clinton. Even at 77% or 76%, Trumps support among white evangelicals nearly mirrors the percentage of the vote the demographic has given to Republican candidates in past presidential elections.

In 2012, exit polls showed 78% of white evangelicals voted for then-Republican nominee Mitt Romney and 21% supported President Barack Obama.

In 2004, exit polls showed the same percentages (78% and 21%) of white evangelical voters voted for President George Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry.

Over the years, many have questioned the accuracy of exit polling data. Some have warned that exit polls can be misleading as there has been a push more toward cell phone interviews.

Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University who co-founded and contributes to the blog Religion in Public, warned that there is an issue with exit polling, such as the fact that they use self-identification to identify religious demographics.

This means that this sample includes Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Buddhists who tell pollsters they are born-again, Burge contended.

But he thinks the exit polls tell a consistent message when it comes to the white evangelical vote.

I've seen several [figures] that all pegs vote share to about 76-77%. That's pretty much in line with what high-quality surveys told us a few months after the election, Burge earlier told CP. [Trump] won 77.4% of white evangelicals, according to the 2016 Cooperative Congressional Election Study.

Tony Perkins, president of the national Christian conservative lobbying group Family Research Council, does not think exit polls should be relied on to determine evangelical voting behavior.

"First off, they dont know the definition of [evangelicals]," Perkins said. "Also, they are relying on self-described evangelicals. Quite frankly, in this environment where the media is hostile toward evangelicals, do you think people are going to say they are evangelicals? Anymore, polls are very, very suspect, especially when it comes to the evangelical community. What we are finding is that people dont respond to pollsters. People know the underlying hostility so they just avoid them or tell them what they think what they want to hear."

The national Christian conservative grassroots organization Faith & Freedom Coalition, which spent over $40 million in the 2020 election cycle, sponsored its own election-day poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies.

The poll featured a sample size of 800 respondents with a 3.46 percentage-point margin of error. That poll found that about 81% of white evangelicals voted for Trump in 2020 and that the white evangelical vote for the Democratic candidate declined to 14%.

In 2016, the same poll found that Trump received 81% of the white evangelical vote and Clinton received 18%.

Minnesota Pastor Doug Pagitt, a progressive activist who led over 90 grassroots Vote Common Good rallies in 41 states urging Christians to not vote for Trump, said he believes the 76% figure found by the network exit polls.

Some people are debating the polling numbers. I dont know if I believe the polls as much as I used to but I do think those are accurate, he told CP. There is a segment of the evangelical population  we believed it was 5% to 10%  for an off-ramp from Donald Trump.

According to the exit polls, Biden also gained slightly more support from Catholics and nonevangelical Protestants than Clinton in 2016.

For Catholics, exit polling suggests that 52% voted for Biden, a 6-percentage point increase over the 46% of Catholics voters who said they voted for Clinton in 2016 exit polls.

The percentage of nonevangelical Protestants who voted for Biden increased from 36% to 39%.

From my perspective, the bigger shift came not in evangelicals but actually in Catholics, mass-attending Catholics, Faith & Freedom Coalition Executive Director Tim Head told CP. I think for those that are actually trying to look for distinctions between 2020 and 2016, it is actually the Catholic vote that changed some. I think you have a couple of variables that factored in that.

Pagitt, who also heads the holistic missional Christian community Solomons Porch in Minneapolis, said Vote Common Goods $2 million campaign effort focused much of its attention to areas where there is significant white Catholic and evangelical voting populations.

We wanted to see what happened in those counties because we want to see some impact in certain locations, Pagitt said. Evangelicals are not evenly spread all over the country. They tend to pocket and they tend to pool.
Warbird Digest has just received the December, 2020 report from Chuck Cravens concerning the restoration of the Dakota Territory Air Museums P-47D Thunderbolt 42-27609 at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota. We thought our readers would be very interested to see how the project has progressed since our last article on this important project. So without further ado, here it goes!

Update

The newly-restored radio components arrived from John Castorina at Warbird Radios and permanent installation on the 5th Air Force, field-modified mounts has begun. The restoration technicians continue working hard on the wings, with new skin and wheel wheel completion the major tasks this month. Hydraulic plumbing and radio wiring is the focus of fuselage restoration.

Wing

The structurally complex wing remains the major focus of restoration efforts this month.

Wheel Wells

Fuselage Systems

The outward appearance of the fuselage doesnt change much as all the myriad internal systems are installed and connected, but progress continues.

Browning M-2 Machine Guns

The Thunderbolt relied on a formidable array of eight .50 caliber machine guns for air-to-air combat and strafing. Most other US fighters used the same weapon, the Browning AN/M2 .50, but only carried 4 or 6 of these heavy machine guns.

The Browning M2 heavy machine gun is a truly remarkable weapon. It is the second longest-serving weapon in the US militarys arsenal, after the M1911 semi-automatic pistol (another weapon designed by the prolific genius of gun design, John Moses Browning). Slightly upgraded versions of the M2 are still employed by over 60 countries worldwide. The M2 defined the modern use of the term heavy machine gun.

The origin of the Browning M2 dates back to battle conditions observed in the First World War. At this time the U.S. Army infantry and air service were armed with .30 caliber machine guns like the Browning M1917 on the ground, and the Lewis or Vickers gun on aircraft. Tanks, armored vehicles, and even an armored German aircraft (the Junkers J-1 ground attack aircraft) were introduced in WWI, and because of this it soon became apparent that there was a need for a more powerful round capable of penetrating armor better than the venerable M1 (30-06). General Pershing requested the development of a new machine gun with a caliber not less than .5 and a muzzle velocity of at least 2,700 feet per second. John Browning went to work scaling up the M1917 machine gun for a heavier cartridge of his own invention. Browning scaled up the .30-06 round to .50 caliber (12.7-millimeter) initially for use as an anti-tank round and then adopted it for a new machine gun, the water-cooled M1921. The M1921 weighed 79 pounds without water and fired 500 rounds a minute. John Brownings machine guns worked on the recoil-operating principle. The rearward force of expanding powder gasses pushes the barrel and bolt to the rear, and after a short recoil, the bolt is unlocked and the barrel stops. The bolt continues to the rear, and the feed mechanism feeds a round from a belt of ammunition. The bolt pushes the cartridge into the chamber as it is returned by a spring until it again joins the barrel. Unfortunately, Brownings invention wasnt ready until after the Armistice of 1918, too late for WWI combat. After Brownings death in 1926, Dr.S.H.Green redesigned the M1921 creating a downward-ejecting common receiver design which could be modified to feed from the left or right. The new machine gun became the Browning M2. The right and left feed options would prove to be very useful in adapting the M2 to fighter plane gun bays, since the ammunition chutes would feed from the left on the left wing gun bay and from the right on the other wing. Colt started manufacturing the M2 in 1933. During WWII, US manufacturers from AC Spark Plug Co., to Frigidaire, to Guide Lamp, built nearly 2,000,000 .50 calibers.

The Browning .50 caliber was used in almost every US WWII fighter or bomber. The M2 began to be installed in US fighters in the 1930s. Some versions of the Boeing P-26 Peashooter carried one .30 and one .50 caliber machine gun. The Navy Grumman F3F had a similar gun set-up. By the end of the 30s, the P-40D carried two .50 caliber M2s in each wing. Combat experience showed the need for more firepower and the typical US fighter carried three .50s in each wing by about 1942. The P-47 carried four Browning AN/M2 .50 caliber machine guns in each wing in nearly all Thunderbolt models produced. Up to 400 rounds could be carried per gun, enough for 32 seconds of fire, but the ammunition load was often reduced to compensate for the carriage of bombs or external fuel tanks. Cooled by the aircrafts slip-stream, the air-cooled .50 caliber (12.7 mm) AN/M2 was fitted with a substantially lighter 36-inch length barrel, than the M2s destined for ground use. The lighter barrels reduced the weight of the complete unit to 61 lbs. (23 lbs. Less than the 84 lb. ground version) and also had the effect of increasing the rate of fire. The shorter, lighter barrel in the aircraft version allowed the gun to cycle slightly faster because there was less inertia in the lighter moving barrel and bolt.

Originally, the Air Corps adopted the M2 with a 600 r.p.m. cyclic rate. But, as aircraft speeds increased, fighter pilots had less time to track and shoot. Therefore, Frankford Arsenal boosted muzzle velocity from 2,700 to 2,880 f.p.s.. The standard ball cartridge was the 709-gr. projectile atop 253 grs. of IMR-5010. Armorers experimented with various belting combinations, alternating ball, armor-piercing incendiary (API) and tracer. The M2 AP (armor piercing) round would defeat nearly an inch of face-hardened steel at 200 yds. Armor-piercing incendiaries (usually 647 to 662 grs.) were most useful against aircraft, as they could penetrate enemy armor and engine blocks, sever enemy airframe components, and ignite enemy fuel tanks [ref. Barret Tillman, The .50-cal. Browning Machine GunThe Gun That Won The War, American Rifleman]. Seeing a Thunderbolt diving at you with eight .50s throwing a stream of fire had to be a terrifying experience!

And thats all for this month. We wish to thank AirCorps Aviation, Chuck Cravens for making this report possible! We look forwards to bringing more restoration reports on progress with this rare machine in the coming months. Be safe, and be well
The governing body looked at various aspects of bringing back a downtown swap meet during its Aug. 4 meeting, but ultimately decided to hold off on further discussions  and possible action  until after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed and public health restrictions are eased.
DENVER, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Geological Survey has awarded Woolpert a task order under its Geospatial Product and Service Contract 3 to acquire Quality Level 1 topographic lidar data in Hawaii. The task order applies to Oahu, the four islands in Maui County and portions of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is funded by the USGS, with interagency cooperation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office for Coastal Management. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Hawaii, Office of Planning, also contributed to the task order and will be end users of the data.

This is Woolpert's third task order to collect QL1 lidar data in Hawaii as part of the GPSC 3 contract. The firm has acquired a combination of approximately 6,600 square miles of topographic and 125 square miles of bathymetric lidar data encompassing the state's eight main islands as part of a systematic plan to produce Hawaii's first statewide, high-resolution elevation dataset.

The elevation data collected will be made public and used for a broad range of applications, including coastal zone management and resilience, flood-risk management, infrastructure and construction management, forest resource management, wildlife and habitat management, invasive species mitigation and change detection due to volcanic activity.

For this most recent task order, Woolpert is employing its Leica Chiroptera 4X bathymetric and topographic lidar sensor to enhance the quality of the deliverable. Woolpert Vice President and Maritime Market Director John Gerhard said the firm realized the benefits of utilizing the bathymetric laser over land during its previous Hawaii task order.

"The bathy channel is able to penetrate Hawaii's dense vegetation to complement the data collected via the sensor's topo channel. This bathy channel improves our vegetation penetration and provides additional bare-earth data for a comprehensive, highly accurate product," Gerhard said. "The Chiroptera sensor also operates at a lower altitude, which enables us to fly below the clouds while providing better data coverage of the islands. With Hawaii's challenging climate and terrain, this approach will best support the vital needs of the USGS."

The lidar data acquisition is now underway, with a data deliverable review by USGS expected to begin in the fall.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is committed to a vision to become the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, and one of the best companies in the world. It's a vision we've been fine-tuning for decades. It guides our decisions and investments, provides our clients with optimal solutions and offers our employees unrivaled opportunities. Woolpert is recognized as a Great Place to Work by its employees and is America's fastest-growing AEG firm. With more than a century of experience, over 1,000 employees and 40 offices, Woolpert supports public, private, federal and U.S. military clients nationally and around the globe. For more information, visit woolpert.com and connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media contact: Woolpert PR Manager Jill Kelley; 937-531-1258, [email protected]

SOURCE Woolpert

Related Links

http://www.woolpert.com


Maybe youve gotten an offer like this:

I can get you an article in Forbes and Entrepreneur! These high-level articles will be tailored to showcase your story. The price is $5K.

That was an actual pitch sent to me, from someone who didnt realize that Im editor in chief of Entrepreneur. (Whoops!) Pitches like this have become common; theyre often sent to entrepreneurs via DM on social media, from people who claim to be publicists or marketing specialists.

Many entrepreneurs ask me: Is editorial coverage actually for sale?

The short answer: No! But unscrupulous people do try to take advantage of the system  and if they succeed, their work is often eventually discovered and deleted. That makes it a bad investment for you.

To get a better understanding of whats going on, here are some frequently asked questions about how the media works  and how pay-for-play happens.

First, what publications are we talking about here?

Were talking about big, established brands that employ professional journalists. These are brands like Entrepreneur, Fortune, Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, the New York Times, the Washington Post and so on. Brands like these operate with traditional journalism standards, which prohibits editorial coverage in exchange for money or other favors. You may quibble with the quality or fairness of an individual article, but Im telling you  nobody on the staff of publications like these would accept money in exchange for coverage. It's unethical and would be career suicide.

The internet is, of course, full of many lower-tier media brands, whose names I wont mention. These brands are generally launched by people who do not have journalism backgrounds, and they may be more open to pay-for-play. I cannot speak to whats happening there.

Who writes for these big publications?

This is where it gets tricky. Above, I said that nobody on the staff of publications like these would ever accept money in exchange for coverage. But staff arent the only people who write articles. There are three general categories of people who write, and its important to understand the difference.

1. Staff reporters and editors. These are people like me. We are employed by a media company, and if we took money in exchange for writing editorial, it would be an industry scandal.

2. Freelancers. These are the trusted independent contractors of journalism. Theyre people who have a background in journalism, often have worked full-time as a writer or editor, and now do project-based work for various media outlets.

If you flip through Entrepreneur magazine, for example, youll often see stories written by freelancers. Theyll often pitch ideas to us; if we like something, well assign it at a certain word length, for a certain fee, with a certain deadline. Also, sometimes well generate an idea in-house and decide that a particular writer is the best person for the job  so well reach out to see if theyre interested and available.

3. Contributors. This generally refers to people who are not professional writers but who have been invited to write for a media outlet's website because of their expertise on a certain subject. Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fortune and many other publications have whats called contributor programs, which are formalized ways in which experts can develop a writing relationship with the publication. (Entrepreneurs is called Entrepreneur Leadership Network.) However, this term can be confusing: Major newspapers, for example, generally do not offer these kinds of programs, but may use the term "contributor" to refer to their freelance reporters, op-ed writers, or other people who are not on staff.

Contributors are expected to abide by a publications ethics rules, which include not accepting money in exchange for editorial. Speaking specifically about contributors to online business publications: These contributors are generally not compensated financially for their work, though some publications offer deals based on traffic performance. These people tend to write because they consider it a business asset; theyre able to publicly present themselves as authorities in their fields.

Now, heres where it gets tricky. Sometimes, bad actors will try to game this system. Theyll apply to become a contributor, get accepted and then start selling access into the articles they write. If they aren't a contributor themselves, they may develop value-exchange relationships with contributors  say, by doing something for the contributor in exchange for them writing about a client.

What happens to a story thats pay-for-play?

Ill speak for Entrepreneur: Hopefully we find it quickly, and then we delete it. We generally also delete everything the writer has ever done for us and then ban them from ever contributing again. I cannot speak to the specific policies of all publications, but I know that my colleagues elsewhere take this issue seriously as well.

How do you discover a story thats pay-for-play?

There are many ways to do it, but heres one of the best ones: People tip us off! Oftentimes, when someone receives a pay-for-play solicitation, they forward it to me or another member of the staff. Then we do an investigation, trying to identify what articles are connected to the person soliciting money. Once we figure it out, we delete.

If you have received a solicitation like this, please forward it to me. My email is at the bottom of my website.

What about links for SEO? Dont people try to sell that, too?

They do! This is why all the links in our contributor stories are nofollow links. They will do nothing to boost anyones SEO.

What about "native" or "sponsored" content. What's that?

This is an advertising service. Many publications (including Entrepreneur) have teams that produce brand-sponsored content for their trusted adverisers. Although the final result may look and feel like editorial, there is a key difference: It must be labeled as advertising.

Someone offered to get me on a Top Entrepreneurs to Watch list. Is this real?

Probably not. Large publications tend to have annual lists  things like our 100 Powerful Women list every October, or Forbess established 30 Under 30 lists. These lists are overseen by editorial staff, often with freelancer help, and are never pay-for-play.

Then there are what I think of as the shady lists. These are the lists that people try to charge access for, and they come with titles like Top Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021 or Top Social Media Influencers to Follow or Top Entrepreneurs to Help You Get to Six Figures.

Not long ago, a friend forwarded me a solicitation from a so-called publicist that went like this: The article will be featured in Entrepreneur Digital Magazine, the title of the article is Top Influential Women to Follow in 2021. Oprah will be the featured woman and #1 on the list. Our company focuses on SEO and ranking articles and positioning  this article will get a minimum 30,000  50,000 reads.

The price for being in that supposed article: $10,000.

That list never existed  or at least, nobody inside Entrepreneur ever knew about it or intended to publish it. (Also, Entrepreneur Digital Magazine is not a name we use.) I dont know if this publicist just made the list up or if that person was working with some contributor who thought they could get it past an editor. Either way, the list never ran. I hope nobody paid $10,000 to be on it.

In short: These lists, should they ever actually be published, are a violation of journalism ethics and standards. Theyre also a waste of your money.

Whats the deal with publicists? Dont people pay them to get editorial coverage?

Yes and no. A publicists job is to help you get coverage. However, a publicist cannot guarantee press coverage. Thats because the publicist is not involved in the actual creation or publication of a story.

A good publicist has two primary assets: They know how to frame your story in a way that specific media outlets may find interesting, and they have strong relationships with writers and editors. This doesnt mean the writer or editor will be interested in your story, but a good publicist can at least get them to pay attention. Many publicists, however, arent what Id call good publicists. They just send massive email blasts, which I and my colleagues generally delete without reading.

Do I need a publicist to get press?

Absolutely not. It just takes more legwork. For more on that: Heres an Entrepreneur webinar I did on how to get press. And every Monday on my Instagram, I do what I call Inbox Monday  sharing lessons from pitches I receive.

What about press releases? Isn't that a thing?

Yes, but they're often not the best way to tell your story. People email press releases to my colleagues and me every day, hoping that they'll lead to coverage, and we tend to delete them without looking. Personalized approaches are always better. (Watch that video I linked above!)

Heres one press release trick to look out for, though: Sometimes, deceptive publicists will equate press releases to editorial coverage.

Recently, for example, I saw a publicist on Instagram bragging about the clients he placed on large websites. He posted about a client who was "featured on MarketWatch" and another that was "covered on Yahoo Finance." But the clients didn't receive editorial coverage on those sites. They just paid for a press release to be posted there.

Some websites, including Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch, publish press releases that were distributed through wire services. Yahoo explains it this way: Yahoo Finance news is aggregated from a variety of content providers, including company press releases provided by newswire companies." Those press releases are clearly marked and formatted, and are not promoted or presented as editorial. They're also rarely seen by readers.

If you paid a publicist to get you editorial, and you got this instead, then you should seriously question whether your money was well spent.

What red flags should I look for when someone approaches me about getting press?

Its simple.

If someone is a publicist, make sure theyre not guaranteeing coverage. Ask them for a proposed publicity plan, and get references from their past clients.

If anyone offers you a guarantee of coverage in a particular publication, in exchange for a fee, then run away.

Related:

Did Someone Offer to Write About You in Exchange for Money? Here's What to Know.

Mets General Manager Jared Porter Was Fired for Sending Inappropriate Texts to a Reporter. How Could the Team Have Avoided This Hiring Disaster?

5 Lessons to Learn from Elon Musk's PR Playbook



Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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.


Oakland, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - MINERCO Inc. (OTC Pink: MINE) has hired EQUIDAM SOFTWARE to create business valuation using 3 methods: IPEV (International Private Equity Valuation), DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) with LTG (Long Term Growth) and DCF with multiples model including the TV (Terminal Value) method. Minerco's Valuation report list IPEV at 297M, LTG AT 193M and DCF TV AT 1B. This Valuation was computed based upon financial projections from the business model. Minerco's will use Valuation as an indicator to the business opportunity in this emerging industry. In addition, Minerco intends raise capital to do the following:

Acquire and retire Toxic Debt from balance sheet. Acquire and renovate properties for production in Oregon, Vermont and Jamaica. Acquire equipment needed to produce 1m psilocybin tablets daily to be sold to wholesale purchasers domestically in Oregon and Vermont and internationally by way of Jamaica to Amsterdam and Canada. Establish cash collateral reserves for MINE'S blockchain gateway and token SHRU. This cash collateral will spring board SHRU token onto the top Exchanges worldwide.

"This valuation will give definitive confidence as to the financial strength and viability of the psilocybin industry. In addition, it gives confirmation that we are in the right industry with the right business at the right time," says CEO, Julius Jenge.

About Minerco, Inc. (OTC Pink: MINE)

Minerco, Inc. The Magic Mushroom Company (OTC Pink: MINE) is emerging as the world's first publicly traded company focused on the research, production and distribution of psilocybin mushroom. Blockchain token for Psilocybin purchases and investments utilizing its token SHRU.

To review the full report visit our website. Minercoinc.com

Also, join our investor call as we discuss our plans:



https://minercoinc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvd-6pqjksGNzwss1yCyDig2d2Pbia8mmf

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements made in this press release constitute forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "scheduled," "estimates" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.

Investor relations

Miners@minercoinc.com

Twitter @minercoinc





To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72287
A brass quintet from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the Spanish Steps in Wembley Park (David Parry/PA)

A minister said the door is open if the EU was willing to consider the UKs very sensible proposals on visa arrangements for musicians.

Culture minister Caroline Dinenage said the EU rejected the UKs plan, but said the Government is willing to discuss the situation again.

The UKs post-Brexit travel rules, which came into force on January 1, do not guarantee visa-free travel for musicians.

SNP MP Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) said musicians are being treated as mere collateral by the Government.

Referring to his days touring in Europe with the band Runrig, Mr Wishart told the Commons: Touring Europe means everything to our artists and musicians.

Expand Close Benny Anderrson and the Orsa Fiddlers on stage during BBC Radio 2s Thank You For The Music, A Celebration of the Music of ABB show, in Hyde Park central London (Yui Mok/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Benny Anderrson and the Orsa Fiddlers on stage during BBC Radio 2s Thank You For The Music, A Celebration of the Music of ABB show, in Hyde Park central London (Yui Mok/PA)

The thrill of that first tour, crammed into the Transit van with all your gear, four to a room in a cheap hotel in Paris, Rotterdam or Hamburg.

Using whats left of the fee for a post-gig beer.

The dream that when you come back it will be a lavish tour bus, staying in five-star hotels.

Gone, all gone.

Musicians and artists mere collateral in this Governments obsession in ending freedom of movement.

Responding to the urgent question, Ms Dinenage said: This is incredibly disappointing news for the music sector, it is not the deal that we wanted.

But Im afraid that in many other senses he (Mr Wishart) has fallen for some very selective briefing.

The EU did not offer a deal that would have worked for musicians.

Its quite simple, the EU in fact made a very broad offer which would not have been compatible with the Governments manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders.

Expand Close Runrig (PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Runrig (PA)

She added: Lets focus on the future, if the EU is willing to consider the UKs very sensible proposals then the door is open I am very happy to walk through it. I will be the first one through that door.

Ms Dinenage said the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will speak to the Treasury about support for the industry.

Responding to Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham), Ms Dinenage said: As ever, we want to make sure that our music industry is supported.

We supported them with the cultural recovery fund and Arts Council England have a whole range of grants and financial support on offer.

But in terms of this particular issue, well be speaking to colleagues in the Treasury to see whether any support can be put forward at a future fiscal event.

Expand Close The Beatles pictured as they arrive back in London after going on tour (PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Beatles pictured as they arrive back in London after going on tour (PA)

Ms Dinenage said a 90-day visa-free travel period for musicians was not offered by the EU.

Labour former minister Ben Bradshaw said: The minister and Conservative MPs keep claiming that they made this fantastic offer but we cant test that can we, because they havent published it?

The EU has, it is there in black and white  and on page 171 of the draft agreement from March last year allowing 90-day visa-free touring by British musicians and other cultural activities.

So will the minister now publish the Governments proposal so we can see where the truth lies?

Ms Dinenage replied: Well Id have to correct (Mr Bradshaw) because the document doesnt say 90-days visa-free touring by UK musicians, it is a lot more opaque than that which is why couldnt simply sign up to that because it would not have delivered what we needed for our musicians and just flew in the face of what the British public voted for in the case of controlling our borders.

But, as Ive already said, Ill speak to colleagues across BEIS and the Home Office to see what more we can publish on the details of the negotiations.


ALEPPO, Syria  On the wall of a destroyed building in the countryside of Idlib, in northwest Syria, which is under the control of the Syrian opposition, Syrian artist Aziz Asmar painted a Saudi and Qatari shaking hands.

At the top of the painting, Asmar wrote in English, The blood can never become water.

Asmars painting reflects the Syrian oppositions interest in the reconciliation that took place Jan. 5 during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in the Saudi city of Al-Ula.

Next to the hands, the painting depicts an octopus with the head of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with lava and fire spewing from his mouth. This aims to highlight the fact that the Gulf reconciliation disturbs Iran, which the Syrian opposition considers an essential partner in the Syrian regimes war against the revolution.

With the start of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Qatar had a somewhat unified position on the Syrian regime, as the four countries played a major role in placing pressure on the regime and shut down their embassies in Damascus in 2012 due to the use of force against civilians, the bloodshed and suppression of the peaceful movement.

However, the position on the Syrian regime started to shift in the wake of the Gulf rift after Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, along with Egypt, severed relations with Qatar in 2017.

In late December 2018, the UAE and Bahrain reopened their embassies in Syria, and Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on March 27, 2020, to express the UAE support for Syria and its citizens.

The supposed changes were by no means in the interest of the Syrian opposition, and their effects have been felt over the past 3 years of the Gulf dispute.

The closing statement of the Jan. 5 GCC summit stressed the need to reach a political solution in Syria based on the first Geneva Convention principles and United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2254.

The Syrian popular circles in the opposition-controlled areas are divided over the effects of the Gulf reconciliation on the Syrian revolution. One group believes that such a reconciliation would positively affect their situation in the small area that remains under their control in northwestern Syria, and would help the Syrian political and humanitarian affairs at several levels.

Meanwhile, another group downplays the importance of reconciliation and finds that such changes would have negligible effects, be they negative or positive.

Maged Abdel Nour, a journalist who lives in Idlib countryside, told Al-Monitor that he was very happy with the Gulf reconciliation, and he hoped that the reconciled countries would return to supporting the Syrian cause and unifying positions in the face of the Assad regimes negative impact on the situation in Syria.

Besides the UAE, the position of the Gulf states has not significantly changed with regard to the Syrian issue, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintained its position on the Syrian regime and is still supportive of the opposition. But the Gulf crisis has weakened the general position and distracted these countries from supporting the Syrian revolution, Abdel Nour said.

He noted that the impact of the Gulf reconciliation would be greater should it lead to reconciliation with Turkey.

Abdulslam Abdulrzak, a researcher and military analyst who lives in Idlib, told Al-Monitor, Reconciliation sets the stage for the return of a joint Gulf action toward the Syrian issue, but this does not infer a convergence of views at all levels.

We hope to witness unified Gulf efforts against Iran and its arms in the region. If this is achieved, we, as a Syrian opposition, would be among the beneficiaries of such a unity because a great deal of the Syrian suffering emanates from Iran and its supporting militias, which have been fighting for years alongside the Assad regime, he said.

Bilal Sattouf, a political activist from the northern countryside of Aleppo, told Al-Monitor, Some tend to blow the Gulf reconciliation impact on the Syrian revolution out of proportion, as they believe that this reconciliation will take us back to the early years of the revolution and that most of the Arab Gulf states will revert to providing support to the revolution forces.

He added, I believe that this reconciliation will not have the imagined positive effect on the opposition, especially at the field level, because there are major powers controlling Syria. Also, the role of the Gulf states in the Syrian revolution has receded, as these countries lost their effectiveness and ability to bring about any change. Whats more, the dominant powers have concluded field agreements on the ground in Syria with the aim of stabilizing the status quo. I do not think that this will allow the Gulf states to support the revolution like before. Therefore I do not think that the Gulf reconciliation will positively affect the field situation within the opposition-controlled areas."

Mahmoud Talha, a journalist from the countryside of Aleppo, told Al-Monitor, The Gulf crisis had disastrous repercussions on the Syrian opposition and the revolution, which caused the suspension of a great deal of military support and funding. Consequently, the political position of the opposition was affected due to the Gulf rift. In other words, the restoration of relations between Qatar and the other Gulf states will inevitably benefit the opposition and weaken its enemies, most notably Iran and its affiliated militias."

Mohamad Rashid, a journalist from the northwestern countryside of Hama, told Al-Monitor, I think that the Gulf support for the Syrian revolution and opposition will return, but it will be different. This time around, the Gulf states will not provide weapons and money to the Free Syrian Army fighters to fight battles against the Assad regime. They will politically support the opposition and help it obtain political gains that would enable it to reach a solution that meets its demands. We may also witness Gulf support for the opposition at the service and developmental level, so that the opposition-controlled areas in northwestern Syria benefit from reconciliation between the countries supporting the revolution, especially given these areas utmost need for projects in productive sectors.

Rashid concluded, It is safe to say that the Gulf would not be sufficient by itself to change the course of the political and military confrontation with the Assad regime. And to determine the effectiveness of such Gulf support, the United States would urgently need to play a more effective role in supporting the Syrian revolution and opposition.
Chief Justice John Roberts is eager to avoid presiding over Donald Trump's second impeachment trial  after he became a lightning rod during the first one.

Just as the Senate is seeking to ascertain how it might proceed with an impeachment trial without blowing up the start of Joe Biden's term, the Supreme Court could face its own business being rearranged.

The Constitution states that 'When the President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside.'

But with the Senate having been in recess since the House voted to impeach, the trial will occur when Trump is no longer in office  potentially giving Roberts an out.

That would put Kamala Harris as next in line to preside over the trial, in her constitutional role as the Senate's presiding officer.

Supreme Court Justice John Roberts is not keen to preside over the historic second impeachment of Donald Trump

U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris could step in to preside over the trial if Roberts avoids presiding over it

WHERE THE GOP SENATORS STAND To get a two-thirds majority of every voting senator Democrats need at least 17 Republicans, assuming all Democrats vote to convict. None of the 50-member GOP caucus has said they will vote to convict. Here are some of those in play. COULD VOTE TO CONVICT Mitt Romney (Utah) Voted to convict before and slammed Trump's actions after riot Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) Said Trump should quit over the riot. Already survived a primary defeat Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) Publicly OKed his caucus voting guilty and says he is genuinely undecided Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania) Not running again and already condemned Trump's conduct Richard Burr (North Carolina) Not running and said Trump 'bears responsibility' Ben Sasse (Nebraska) Targeted before by Trump, slammed GOP leaders for violence already Susan Collins (Maine) Moderate who said when she acquitted first time Trump had 'learned a lesson' John Thune (South Dakota) Number two in the Senate caucus, already target of Trump demand for a primary Roy Blunt (Missouri) Called riot 'darkest stain' and 'unpardonable.' State GOP establishment is furious at Josh Hawley Richard Shelby (Alabama) At 86 considered unlikely to run again. Called riot 'dark day' Rob Portman (Ohio) Called attack 'assault on democracy.' Up in 2022, never a Trump loyalist UNCLEAR James Inhofe (Oklahoma) Apologized to black voters for planning to overturn election Chuck Grassley (Iowa) Oldest GOP senator at 87 and unclear if he plans to run again Kevin Cramer (North Dakota) Said Trump voters 'want my head off' for not overturning election Mike Lee (Utah) Legal conservative, represents state where Trump wasn't personally popular Thom Tillis (North Carolina) Not up for election until 2026 in purple state Marco Rubio (Florida) Up in 2022 and could face Ivanka; convicting her father might help Mike Braun (Indiana) Friend of Mike Pence, could be moved by calls for him to 'hang' LEANING TO NO John Cornyn (Texas) Not personally loyal to Trump but also called trial 'bad idea' Joni Ernst (Iowa) Says she doubts trial is constitutional but will listen to arguments FIRM NO Tom Cotton (Arkansas) Called trial unconstitutional Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) Says impeaching will destroy GOP Advertisement

That could bring theVice President-elect into a charged role at the start of her own tenure.

On Wednesday afternoon, Democrats will become the majority thanks to Harris' tie-breaking vote in a 50-50 Senate.

Schumer seems unlikely to ask Harris to discharge her constitutional role as the presiding officer of the Senate for the trial.

But it is up to the Senate to set the rules of the trial and if the two party leaders, Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell, want to see Roberts preside, it is difficult to see how he would not, short of formally turning down their request.

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who will be the most senior member of the Democratic majority-Senate, is another potential candidate.

Harris has made no public statement on her position - and while Roberts has not either, a source suggested his position was very clear.

'He wants no further part of this,' a Capitol Hill source told Politico.

Roberts has spent his tenure seeking to avoid becoming a political lightning rod  although he has drawn attacks from President Trump on occasions when he joined liberals to rule against the administration.

He became the focus of attention in January last year amid partisan clashes over impeachment, as Trump was tried following his phone call to the President of Ukraine where he sought an investigation of Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

At one point, liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts sought to turn up the heat on Roberts by forcing him to read aloud a question that bashed the Senate Republican position of refusing to call witnesses for testimony.

Democrats were eager to call former national security advisor John Bolton and other figures to grill them about Trump's conduct.

'At a time when large majorities of Americans have lost faith in government, does the fact that the Chief Justice is presiding over an impeachment trial in which Republican senators have thus far refused to allow witnesses or evidence contribute to the loss of legitimacy of the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution?' Warren asked in a written question.

Due to the rules of the trial, Roberts was forced to read the implied criticism of himself and others aloud.

There is no clear language on what should happen if an ex-president goes on trial.

Past impeachment trials of lower-level officials have had the vice president, who presides over the Senate, preside over the trial.

But whatever happens, the Senate is in unprecedented territory.

The issue is 'unsettled, completely without precedent, and unspecific in existing Senate rules and precedents,' Princeton University political scientist Keith Whittington wrote in an email.

One reason that the Constitution specifies the chief justice to run the president's trial is that the person who otherwise presides over the Senate is the vice president - the very person who would assume the presidency if the chief executive is convicted. That's a bit unseemly.

Whittington said he thinks that could happen, 'as with the impeachment of any officer other than the president.' But he said he 'can imagine that the Senate might go the other way and treat a former president the same as a sitting president.'

University of Texas law professor Steven Vladeck said the chief justice is the better choice because the article of impeachment was brought when Trump was in office.

If the trial had begun during his term, it would have been clear that Roberts would preside, he said.

'Indeed, if Trump resigned (or his term ended) mid-trial, it would be more than a little odd for the Chief Justice to give way to the Vice President. The question should be whether the impeached officer was President at the time of impeachment. Here, he was, so Roberts presides,' Vladeck wrote.

Another factor in favor of Roberts is that 'a trial of a President (even a former President) is a momentous event and having the Chief Justice preside seems more congruent with, or more fitting of, the occasion,' Georgia State University law professor Neil Kinkopf wrote in an email.
The failed prophecies of Donald Trumps reelection may have damaged the credibility of the US independent Charismatic wing of evangelicalism more than any event since the televangelist scandals of the 1980s. They have led some outsiders to criticize Christianity itself and rightly call us to introspection.

Dont misunderstand me: Im Charismatic myself, and the majority of Pentecostal and Charismatic pastors I know were not paying attention to such prophecies. Millions of online views and shares, though, show that many people were.

The first step toward correcting mistakes is admitting that we have made them. As we approach the inauguration of President Joe Biden, some who prophesied Trumps reelection remain adamant that they were correct. Perhaps the election was stolen or will be overturned, or in some mystical realm Trump is actually spiritually president. Some just change the subject. Unfortunately, their hardcore followers may settle for that.

Others acknowledge that prophecy must be tested and, by affirming Bidens win, now tacitly concede that they were wrong. Yet certain prophets have drawn the attention of Charismatics and non-Charismatics alike by publicly confessing that their prophecies were indeed mistaken and extending their apologies.

R. Loren Sandford, Jeremiah Johnson, and Kris Vallotton have recently expressed contrition and even repentance for incorrectly prophesying that Trump would win again in 2020. All three urge us to pray for and work respectfully with the new administration.

Their explanations for how they may have initially misheard Gods voice may help in guarding against similar errors in the future. Meanwhile, those of us who might be tempted to tell them, I told you so ought to remember that God requires the same humility from us (Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:1920).

Their confessions, along the examples of prophets throughout Scripture, offer some useful cautions about the influence of peer pressure, pride, and presumptionand the need for Christians to remain cautious about predictions and open to correction when their interpretations prove false.

Prophets and Peer Pressure

Sandford, who has an MDiv from Fuller, is the only one of the prophetic voices circulating today of whom I knew several years ago. He has a pretty good track record. I am a witness that, by the beginning of President Trumps first term, he predicted that an economic crisis caused by circumstances outside the US would shake Trumps fourth year and that subsequent events depended partly on Trump learning to control his divisive rhetoric.

Yet Sandford eventually fell in line with the prophetic chorus announcing the presidents reelection. He now confesses that he allowed the consensus of other prophets to sway his own heart.

Up until now, I have always sought the Lord on my own, gotten the word first from him and then, and only then, have I compared it with what others were saying, he wrote in a public apology last week. My first confession is therefore that I departed from that discipline. I allowed myself to be caught up in a prevailing stream and to be carried along by it. In doing that, I actually compromised what the Lord had already told me years before.

Peer pressure can be considerable; a messenger urged Micaiah, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your words agree with theirs, and speak favorably (1 Kings 22:13). Micaiah stood alone in proclaiming the truth and was jailed for it. (In the US today he would simply lose his market share of social media attention.) Jeremiah was confused because his message contradicted that of all the other prophets (Jer. 14:13).

Article continues below

Peer review has its place; in the church in Corinth, where few converts had been believers more than a couple years, those who prophesied needed to evaluate one anothers words (1 Cor. 14:29); the Spirit enables evaluation (1 Cor. 2:1316). But it is possible to depend too much on a peer-review safety net: Therefore, declares the Lord, I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me (Jer. 23:30).

Prophets and Pride

All believers hear from God: At the very least, his Spirit testifies to our spirits that we are Gods children (Rom. 8:16). Some are gifted to hear God in clearer ways than others; God has measured out faith for different gifts, and some thus prophesyhear from and speak for Godmore fully (Rom. 12:3, 6).

Unfortunately, if we grow overconfident in our gift, we may speak beyond the measure granted to us. (That is a temptation to which we who have the gift of teaching also may succumb; certainly those with the gift of commenting online often do.) Pride can mislead us: We humans have a temptation to take credit for Gods work or gift and make it about us. A giftwhether prophecy, teaching, giving, or the likedoes not make us better than anyone else; by definition, its something we receive, not based on our merit (1 Cor. 4:7).

Not everyone who hears from God does so on the same level: Visions and dreams are often like riddles that require interpretation, as opposed to God speaking in person as he did with Moses (Num. 12:68). Most of us will experience that face-to-face knowing only when we see Jesus at his return (1 Cor. 13:812). Impressions and even fairly fluent prophecy still flow through frail vessels. The Lords assurance that everything will be all right does not always mean that the outcome will be the only scenario that we suppose all right must mean.

The humblest prophets who were wrong have apologized. Even when we speak initially, we must remain humble and frame our opinions carefully where we lack certainty.

Prophets and Presumption

Sometimes we may want to hear one thing from the Lord when he has something different to tell us. Sandford laments that he fell prey partly to the tendency we have to hear what we want to hear.

Sometimes we can be tempted to speak simply because people expect our voice, but that can risk drawing on the vaguest of impressions or inclinations, thus filling in with visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer. 23:16). I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings (Jer. 23:21-22, NRSV).

Julian Adams, who prophesied specifically and accurately to my wife and me, also told me that people were expecting him to prophesy about certain coming events. He says that he resisted because the Lord simply hadnt told him anything about them. He did not prophesy the election outcome. No surprise: The Lord did not show everything supernaturally even to Elisha (2 Kings 4:27).

Although overlap is possible, futurists arent prophets. Biblical prophecy is about declaring the word of the Lord, which is more a matter of revealing Gods heart (forthtelling) than about prediction (foretelling). Being a competent futuristsomeone who predicts trends based on current events and significant informationhas value for planning, but it is not identical with the biblical gift of prophecy. And even futurists are liable to give lopsided predictions when they get their news from only one source, whether on the Right or on the Left.

Article continues below

We also need to be flexible in applying what we believe we have heard. Jeremiah Johnson offered many accurate predictions, including Trumps 2016 election even when he was a longshot candidate early in the Republican primaries. In his apology, however, he confesses that he read too much into some of what he heard earlier. Because God shows us a purpose for a season does not mean that this will remain his purpose.

Jonah was angry when God withdrew his promised judgment against the Ninevites (Jonah 3:44:3), but the Lord reminded Jeremiah that repentance or apostasy would affect outcomes (Jer. 18:611). God had his purpose in having Samuel anoint Saul as king over Israel. But Samuel didnt assume that his earlier instruction meant that God planned for Saul to serve another term if Saul did not mature in his calling.

Elijah prophesied the obliteration of Ahabs dynasty, but God told him afterward that because of Ahabs repentance the judgment would be delayed (1 Kings 21:2829). My theologian friends hold a range of views on how to explain this; my personal understanding is that though God foreknows the outcomes, he often speaks to us just what we need for the moment. We need to be ready to change course as needed.

Prophets and Public Platforms

Wicked kings tended to give platforms to false prophets or to corrupt them through political favor (1 Kings 18:22; 22:67; 2 Kings 3:13; 2 Pet. 2:15). But who gives platforms to prophets, true or false, today?

Local accountability has warded off some errors and facilitated the process of introspection for those who have publicly repented of public errors. Acts 13 shows us prophets and teachers leading the church community in Antioch. Even when the visiting prophet Agabus predicted a global famine (which apparently hit different parts of the eastern Roman Empire at different times), believers in Antioch had to decide how to respond (Acts 11:2730). Those listening for Gods voice should be tested and get their practice in small groups (analogous to ancient house churches) and other less potentially harmful local levels before obtaining the national stage.

Unfortunately, social media makes it next to impossible to control the national stage, and consumeristic North American Christians tend to gravitate toward what theyre inclined to hear (2 Tim. 4:34). Its not the fault of true prophets and teachers if false ones often get higher view counts. Times when the prophetic voice is silent in the land are desperate times or even times of judgment (1 Sam. 3:1; Ps. 74:9; Isa. 29:1012), but times when false prophecy dominates are worse (Jer. 37:19; Zech. 13:16).

This means that the law of supply and demand can affect religious media: When people do not want true prophecy, they will get what is false. People say to the prophets, Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions (Isa. 30:10). The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule as the prophets direct; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? (Jer. 5:31 NRSV).

If consumers of a particular political or other bent want to hear prophecies that support their desires, prophets who meet those felt needs will become most popular. Recent history suggests that some of them will maintain most of their audiences even when their prophecies fail.

Especially in difficult times, most prophets tell people what they want to hear (Jer. 6:14; 8:11; 14:13), making things all the harder for true prophets (15:10, 1518; 20:718). But God reveals the burden of proof: From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true (Jer. 28:89).

Article continues below

Pouring Out the Bath Water?

At the other extreme from inflexible defenders of prophecies are those who are tempted to throw out prophecy altogether, neglecting the baby in that bath water. When Paul urges us to examine everything, he also warns us not to despise prophecy (1 Thess. 5:1922). When he exhorts us to evaluate prophecies (1 Cor. 14:29), he also urges us to pursue the gift (1 Cor. 14:1, 39).

What may be the Bibles most sustained denunciation of false prophets (Jer. 23) is delivered through a true prophet, Jeremiah. Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? declares the Lord (Jer. 23:28).

Three obscure persons, who did not know each other or me, independently prophesied to Medine Moussounga in Congo that someday she would marry a white man with an important ministry. There arent many white men in Congo. Yet Medine and I have been married now for about 19 years.

I am a Bible professor who gets to spend most of my time learning more about Scripture. Those we call prophets and teachers have much to learn from each other; prophets may offer insight in how Scripture applies to our generation (note Huldah in 2 Kings 22:1120). But neither prophets nor teachers are writing Scripture today.

Whereas prophecies and spiritual intuitions must be tested, Scripture comes to us already having passed the test; there are good reasons why Jeremiahs words are in our canon whereas those of the failed prophets of his day arent. Scripture offers a secure foundation.

Still, even Scripture must be interpreted, and diverse interpretations (and political biases) surface in teaching also. Those of us who exercise the gift of teaching deal with Gods Word in a far more explicit form, yet even we often differ on our interpretations. When we teachers say, The Bible says, but we are wrong, our interpretation is false. Teachers will be judged strictly (James 3:1), so we too must be humble and open to correction.

If we judged teachers as harshly as some judge prophetsone wrong interpretation and youre outwe probably would not have any teachers today. (Based on the context, I do differ from the one-strike-out interpretation from Deuteronomy that many give prophecy today, but that is another subject.) But Scripture usually reserves titles of false prophecy and false teaching for the most serious of errors. If that means that our commentaries or classes must correctly explain every verse we engage, most of us would file for early retirement right now!

Persecution or Purification?

We have a mess to clean up on our US Christian landscape today. After Congress certified President Bidens win, Johnson publicly repented for prophesying Trumps reelection. To his astonishment, some professed Christians denounced him, cursed him, and even threatened his life. While we should avoid conspiracy theories, priests and prophets devised real conspiracies to kill the biblical Jeremiah for his unpatriotic prophecies (Jer. 11:21; 26:11). Diehard defenders of falsehoods can prove inflexible.

Instead of persecuting the repentant, we might do better to join them. While still believing that Trump would have been the better choice, Johnson lamented that many Christians put their hope in him. No president and no political party, right or left, can take the place of Jesus. It is not just the prophets who need repentance.

Article continues below

Christians may disagree among ourselves, but where we have divided from one another by putting politics over the one body that Christ died for, repentance is in order. The repentant prophets show us a way forward. If we seek revival, then repentance and humility are a good place to start.

If the Lord has humbled us, he has also given us an opportunity to learn. May we embrace this opportunity and take the steps necessary, bringing together different gifts in the body of Christ andabove allhumility.

Craig Keener is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of Christobiography: Memories, History, and the Reliability of the Gospels, which won a 2020 CT Book Award.

[ This article is also available in espanol, Portugues, Francais, , and Galego. ]
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 01:00:05|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HARARE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Republic Police warned Tuesday that they will be impounding vehicles from motorists who will be caught violating a COVID-19 induced dusk-to-dawn curfew.

The move, which spokesperson Paul Nyathi said was with immediate effect, comes as the country experiences a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, with 60 people having died within 24 hours up to end of Monday.

This is the highest number of deaths to have occurred within 24 hours since the pandemic was first reported in the country on March 20 last year.

Nyathi said the police would be out in full force starting Tuesday to ensure compliance with the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

"Therefore, movements, whether on foot or motorized, are not allowed during this period and anyone found walking or driving will be arrested, with vehicles being impounded," he said.

He also advised those travelling between cities to plan their journeys in such a way that the curfew does not set in before they reach their destinations.

To illustrate how serious the police were, Nyathi said that they had arrested 2,336 people throughout the country on Monday for violating lockdown regulations, including unnecessary movement and failure to wear face masks.

Zimbabwe is currently under a 30-day national lockdown which allows only those in essential services to travel into town while non-essential services are closed.

The lockdown is due to end on Jan. 31, but Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, has warned that it may be extended if citizens do not adhere to regulations and numbers continue to spike.

As of Monday, the country had recorded had 27,892 cases, including 773 deaths. Enditem
Why the Left Has to Suppress Free Speech

Commentary

Let us begin with this fact: The left always suppresses speech. Since Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, there has been no example of the left in control and not crushing dissent.

That is one of the important differences between liberal and left: Liberalism and liberals believe in free speech. (The present leftist threat to freedom in America, the greatest threat to freedom in American history, is made possible because liberals think they have more to fear from conservatives than from the left. Liberals dont understand that the left regards liberals as their useful idiots.)

The left controls universities. There is little or no dissent allowed at universities.

The left controls nearly every news medium. There is little or no dissent in the mainstream medianot in the news sections and not in the opinion sections.

The left controls Hollywood. No dissent is allowed in Hollywood.

That is why we have cancel culturethe silencing and firing of anyone who publicly dissents from the left, and even publicly is no longer necessary. The National Association of Realtors has just announced that if you express dissenting views (on race, especially) in private, you may be fined and lose your membership in the organizationwhich effectively ends your career as a realtor.

So, we return to the opening question: Why does the left need to crush all dissent? This is a question made all the more stark because there is no parallel on the right: Conservatives dont shut down dissent or debate.

The answer, though the left will not acknowledge it, is the left fears dissent. And they do so for good reason. Leftism is essentially a giant balloon filled with nothing but hot air. Therefore, no matter how big the balloonthe Democratic Party, The New York Times, Yale Universityall it takes is a mere pin to burst it.

Leftism is venerated by intellectuals. But there is little intellectual substance to leftism. It is a combination of doctrine and emotion. The proof? Those with intellectual depth dont stifle dissent; they welcome it.

That is why universities are so opposed to conservatives coming to speak on campus. One articulate conservative can undo years of left-wing indoctrination in a one-hour talk or Q and A. I know this from personal experience on campuses. You can, too. Watch the speeches given by any conservatives allowed to speak on a campusmany of these talks are still on YouTubeand you will see large halls filled with students yearning to hear something other than left-wing pablum. Look at their faces, filled with rapt attention to ideas they never heard that are clearly having an impact. Universities are entirely right to fear our coming to speak. We come with the pin that bursts their $50,000-a-year balloon.

That is also why it is so hard to get any of them to debate any of us. In 35 years of radio, I have never mistreated or bullied a guest. I was unfailingly polite to an icon of the left, Howard Zinn, the America-hating author of the America-hating A Peoples History of the United States. I even invited a UCLA political science professor and violinist, one of seven members of the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra who refused to play when I conducted the orchestra in a Joseph Haydn symphony in the Disney Concert Hallsolely because Im a conservative. Despite his public letter, in which he accused me of holding horribly bigoted positions and wrote, Please urge your friends to not attend this concert, which helps normalize bigotry in our community, I nevertheless invited him on my national radio show. He agreed. I had him in studio for an entire hour and treated him and his wife (who accompanied him) with great respect, despite my contempt for his false accusations and his advocacy of the cancel culture. Every American should hear that hour.

Unfortunately for the emotional and intellectual health of our society, he, Zinn, and a few others were anomalies. Of the 100 or so left-wing authors, professors, and columnists invited to appear on my show, almost none has responded in the affirmative. They prefer NPR, where they are never challenged.

The opposite, however, isnt true: Every conservative intellectual I know says yes to every one of the (very few) left-wing invitations we receive. Of course, we are almost never invited. We regularly invite leftists. Leftists almost never invite us. They claim its because we are not up to their intellectual level and they have no desire to waste their time. One would think that the opportunity to publicly show how vapid we conservatives really are would be too good to pass up.

Leftists dont debate us or appear as guests on our shows and prevent us from speaking whenever possible, because they (correctly) fear conservatives. Race-baiters such as Ibram X. Kendi or Ta-Nehisi Coates or White Fragility author Robin DiAngelo would never debate Larry Elder, for example. Why wont they? Because they would be shown to be the intellectually shallow purveyors of hate they are. Deep down, they know it. Larry Elder is one of many conservative black intellectuals who left-wing blacks (and whites) refuse to debate.

Now you know why the left suppresses free speech: because they have to. If there is free speech, there is dissent. And if there is dissent, there is no more left.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
BISHKEK -- Aibek Tokoev, a relative of former Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, has been arrested on corruption charges.*

The State Committee for National Security (UKNK) said on January 19 that the chief of a directorate at the Service For The Fight Against Economic Crimes was arrested for illegally obtaining property in Bishkek and the Central Asian nation's second-largest city, Osh.

According to the statement, a financial police major was arrested after documentation showed he owns properties worth $4 million, an amount not in keeping with his legal income.

The man was identified by his initials, T.A.R., which corresponds to the initials of Tokoev Aibek Rakhmanberdi-Uulu, who leads a directorate at the Service For The Fight Against Economic Crimes and is also a brother of the former first lady Aigul Tokoeva. No other employee at the department has the same initials.

Neither Tokoev, his relatives, nor his lawyer have commented on the charges.

Jeenbekov resigned from his post in October 2020 amid anti-government protests that challenged parliamentary elections.

*CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story reported that the arrested official is a brother of the former first lady Aigul Tokoeva, but at least two sources told RFE/RL on January 20 that Aibek Tokoev is Jeenbekov's distant relative, not his wife's brother.
A new book about Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe has been referred to the attorney general of Northern Ireland by the coroner overseeing an inquest into the teenagers death.

The development emerged at a pre-inquest review hearing yesterday, which was also told that the PSNI is investigating whether the 14-year-old had been assaulted in Belfast city centre as he travelled on his bicycle on the day of his disappearance.

The schoolboy went missing on June 21 last year.

His body was found in a storm drain in the north of the city six days later following a massive search operation.

A post-mortem examination established that the St Malachys College student died as a result of drowning and a coroners hearing was later told there was no evidence that he was attacked or that anyone else was involved.

Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, who has called for a full investigation into her sons disappearance and death, said the publication of The Noah Donohoe Scandal by Donal Lavery trespasses on her grief, her solicitor, Niall Murphy said.

Expand Close Fiona Donohoe, mother of Noah Donohoe (Liam McBurney/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Fiona Donohoe, mother of Noah Donohoe (Liam McBurney/PA)





Read More

And she considers it to be very unhelpful in the context of the truth recovery and notes that it must be completely devoid of any specific facts that may emerge at an inquest, he told the hearing.

Coroner Joe McCrisken said he became aware of the book just days ago but was not aware of its contents.

Quite rightly I havent had sight of the publication but I was made aware of it on Friday of last week and Ive referred the matter to the attorney under the statutory responsibility, he said.

Everyone should be aware now that the only person who is in possession of all of the facts is me, and the investigating officer.

I have all of the forensics, statements none of that information has yet been made available to next of kin, let alone any other individual.

The review also heard that the PSNI is investigating a line of inquiry that Noah may have been assaulted in the city as he travelled on his bike on the day of his disappearance.

Mr Murphy told the hearing, held at Belfast Coroners Court, that he was appealing to any businesses along Royal Avenue and North Street to examine their CCTV footage.

We have reason to believe that there is particular and specific knowledge of this assault in the homeless community and with those struggling with addiction issues in the city centre and also people who may have been resident at the Queens Quarter Housing Association in University Street, he explained.

Expand Close BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated family handout file photo issued by the PSNI of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe 14, who was found dead in a storm drain in the north of the city following a huge community search effort over six days in June. His mother, Fiona Donohoe, attended the preliminary inquest into the death of her son at Belfast Coroners Court on Friday. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated family handout file photo issued by the PSNI of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe 14, who was found dead in a storm drain in the north of the city following a huge community search effort over six days in June. His mother, Fiona Donohoe, attended the preliminary inquest into the death of her son at Belfast Coroners Court on Friday.





Mr McCrisken explained that the development came from an individual who presented her account to police, which was recorded by her solicitor and police have an obligation to enquire into that account.

Some of what was initially told to police has been clarified but inquiries are ongoing, he added.

Mr Lavery has previously said his book was based on information in the public domain and on facts.

He added that he informed the family of his intention to write the book, and had received legal correspondence from the Donohoe family asking for it to be removed from sale.

The substance of the book should be the focus and not the author, he said.

"If there are any serious inaccuracies I would invite people to clarify them, but throughout I have provided information that is easily accessible online to the reader and which anyone could obtain if they look for it.

The full inquest is set to be held on January 10, 2022.

However, the coroner heard that the impact of the Covid-19 crisis had resulted in a backlog in other inquests being held, which had put pressure on courtroom availability.

As such, he stressed that a final decision on the date would be made later this year.
Key benchmark indices are trading firm in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. At 9:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 426.35 points or 0.88% at 48,990.62. The Nifty 50 index was up 115.10 points or 0.81% at 14,396.40.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 1.25%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 1.29%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, is strong. On the BSE, 1586 shares rose and 365 shares fell. A total of 53 shares were unchanged.

Stocks in news:

Maruti Suzuki India rose 1.03%. The company is increasing the price for select models owing to increase in various input costs. The price change varies across models and ranges upto Rs 34,000 (ex-showroom - Delhi). The new prices are effective from 18 January 2021.

Mindtree gained 4.03%. On consolidated basis, Mindtree's net profit rose 28.7% to Rs 326.5 crore on 5% increase in revenue to Rs 2,023.7 crore in Q3 December 2020 (Q3 FY21) over Q2 September 2020 (Q2 FY21).

L&T Finance Holdings rose 3.88%. The company said its board has approved rights issue of 46.13 crore shares for amount aggregating to Rs 2,998.61 crore. The rights issue price is Rs 65 per share.

Indiabulls Real Estate jumped 6.53%. The company reported 63.8% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 80.59 crore on 42.57% fall in total income to Rs 756.81 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q3 December 2019.

IndiaMART InterMESH rose 0.32% after the company reported 29.35% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 80.20 crore on 9.2% rise in total income to Rs 198.20 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q3 December 2019.

IRB Infrastructure Developers rose 1.8%. The company reported 56.5% slide in consolidated net profit to Rs 69.48 crore on 10.91% fall in total income to Rs 1,594.81 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q3 December 2019.

Global Markets:

Overseas, Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday as investors await remarks from U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen.

On the coronavirus front, the head of the World Health Organization warned Monday of a catastrophic moral failure due to unfair vaccine rollouts.

The U.S. stock market was closed on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Back home, benchmark indices ended with steep losses on Monday, extending fall for the second straight session. Rising coronavirus cases across US, Europe and China weighed on investors' sentiment. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, dropped 470.40 points or 0.96% to 48,564.27. The Nifty 50 index lost 152.40 points or 1.06% at 14,281.30.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 650.60 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 42.51 crore in the Indian equity market on 18 January, provisional data showed.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Asian stock markets are mostly higher on Tuesday despite the absence of fresh cues from Wall Street, which was closed overnight for a holiday. Investors remained optimistic that economic growth in China will help support growth in the Asian region. Data released on Monday showed that China's economy gained further momentum towards the end of 2020.



Investors now look ahead to comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen on U.S. stimulus at the Senate confirmation hearing later today, with her prepared remarks calling on the federal government to 'act big'.



The Australian market is rebounding following losses in the previous session, as investors digested production results from mining giant Rio Tinto.



The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index is adding 69.00 points or 1.04 percent to 6,732.00, just off a high of 6,733.20. The broader All Ordinaries Index is rising 68.10 points or 0.98 percent to 7,003.50. Australia stocks closed lower on Monday.



Among the major miners, Fortescue Metals is advancing 0.6 percent. Rio Tinto is adding 0.5 percent and BHP Group is up 0.2 percent.



Rio Tinto reported that its fourth-quarter Pilbara iron ore shipments was 88.9 million tons on 100 percent basis, an increase of 2 percent from last year. For the full year, shipments rose 1 percent.



In the banking sector, Westpac is rising more than 2 percent, while ANZ Banking, National Australia Bank and Commonwealth Bank are higher in a range of 0.9 percent to 1.6 percent.



Tech stocks are also higher. WiseTech Global is gaining more than 3 percent, Appen is advancing almost 2 percent and Afterpay is adding 0.6 percent.



Meanwhile, oil stocks are mostly lower. Santos is declining 0.7 percent and Woodside Petroleum is edging down 0.1 percent, while Oil Search is rising more than 1 percent.



Gold miners are mixed. Newcrest Mining is adding 0.4 percent, while Evolution Mining is unchanged.



Waste management company Bingo Industries Ltd. said it received an unsolicited indicative acquisition proposal of A$3.50 per share in cash from a consortium that comprises buyout firm CPE Capital as well as Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets or MIRA. Bingo said the proposal is considered by an independent board committee of the company. Shares of Bingo are climbing more than 20 percent.



The Japanese market is also rising.



The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index is adding 385.79 points or 1.37 percent to 28,628.00, after touching a high of 28,669.87 in early trades. Japanese shares closed notably lower on Monday as investors booked profits in an overheated market.



Market heavyweight SoftBank Group is rising more than 1 percent and Fast Retailing is gaining more than 3 percent. In the tech space, Advantest is higher by almost 3 percent and Tokyo Electron is adding almost 2 percent.



The major exporters are also higher. Sony is rising more than 1 percent, while Mitsubishi Electric and Canon are advancing almost 1 percent each. Panasonic is adding 0.4 percent.



In the banking sector, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial is higher by more than 1 percent and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial is adding 0.7 percent. Among automakers, Honda is rising almost 2 percent and Toyota is up more than 1 percent.



Among the other major gainers, Mitsui E&S is climbing almost 12 percent, while Tokyo Electric Power and Taiyo Yuden are rising more than 6 percent each. Mazda Motor and Toray Industries are higher by more than 4 percent each.



Conversely, Cyberagent is declining more than 2 percent.



In the currency market, the U.S. dollar is trading in the upper 103 yen-range on Tuesday.



Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea and Hong Kong are rising more than 2 percent each, while Taiwan is advancing more than 1 percent. Singapore and Malaysia are also higher. New Zealand and Indonesia are lower, while Shanghai is little changed.



Overnight, the U.S. markets were closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.



The major European markets closed mostly higher on Monday. Germany's DAX climbed 0.4 percent and France's CAC 40 edged up 0.1 percent, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 ended down 0.2 percent.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
Trump proclaims National Sanctity of Human Life Day ahead of White House departure

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Ahead of his departure from the White House Wednesday, President Donald Trump Sunday issued a presidential proclamation recognizing this Friday as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

This year marks the fourth year in a row that Trump has recognized National Sanctity of Human Life Day in January. Jan. 22 marks the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling making abortion a national right.

The president used the proclamation to speak out against the landmark 1973 ruling Roe v. Wade, tout his administrations accomplishments on behalf of the pro-life movement and call on the American people to respect the sanctity of life.

He began by declaring that [e]very human life is a gift to the world.

On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the wonder of human existence and renew our resolve to build a culture of life where every person of every age is protected, valued and cherished, the proclamation reads.

Trump described Roe as a constitutionally flawed ruling that overturned State laws that banned abortion. The proclamation claims that the ruling has resulted in the loss of more than 50 million innocent lives.

The proclamation praises the activism of the pro-life movement and its advocates, who support policy initiatives that restrict the legality of abortion.

Strong mothers, courageous students, and incredible community members and people of faith are leading a powerful movement to awaken Americas conscience and restore the belief that every life is worthy of respect, protection, and care, Trump stated.

The president cited the devotion of countless pro-life pioneers as the reason why the rate of abortions has steadily decreased.

Today, more than three out of every four Americans support restrictions on abortion, the proclamation asserted without citing a source.

The president devoted a substantial portion of his proclamation to outlining his pro-life record.

Since the beginning, my Administration has been dedicated to lifting up every American, and that starts with protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our society  the unborn, the document states.

He specifically referenced his reinstatement and expansion of the Mexico City Policy, which bans the use of taxpayer funds for nongovernmental organizations that promote abortion. He also mentioned his appointment of more than 200 judges to the federal judiciary as well as his administrations efforts to improve our Nations adoption and foster care system, secure more funding for Down syndrome research, and expand health services for single mothers.

At the United Nations, I made clear that global bureaucrats have no business attacking the sovereignty of nations that protect innocent life, he added. Just a few months ago, our Nation also joined 32 other countries in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which bolsters global efforts to provide better healthcare to women, protect all human life, and strengthen families.

Additionally, Trump boasted about how he was the first president in history to attend the March for Life last year.

Trump also criticized Democratic politicians who fought against legislation that would have banned most abortions past 20 weeks of gestation.

However, some in Washington are fighting to keep the United States among a small handful of nations  including North Korea and China  that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks, Trump contended. I join with countless others who believe this is morally and fundamentally wrong, and today, I renew my call on the Congress to pass legislation prohibiting late-term abortion.

Given the narrow Democratic majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and the fact Democrat Joe Biden is slated to replace him in the White House, Trumps call for pro-life legislation will likely go unanswered for the time being.

Biden has vowed to codify Roe into law. Meanwhile, Democrats have called for the elimination of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to cover elective abortions. Biden had for years supported the Hyde Amendment but reversed his position in 2019 amid criticism from other Democratic politicians.

We resolve to defend the lives of every innocent and unborn child, each of whom can bring unbelievable love, joy, beauty and grace into our Nation and the entire world, Trump concluded. I call on the Congress to join me in protecting and defending the dignity of every human life, including those not yet born.

The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. is typically held each year to coincide with the anniversary of Roe. With the inauguration this week, the march for this year was slated for next Friday. However, leaders announced last week that the 2021 march is canceled and will be replaced by a virtual rally.
Mumbai, Jan 19 : Actor Vivian Dsena, who rose to fame as Abhay Raichand in the 2010 fictional supernatural show Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, says he never imagined he could deliver a hit following the super success of that show. The actor, who likes his privacy, does not believe in posting about his daily life on social media.

"I never thought all three shows of mine would do so good. After 'Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani', I never thought that 'Madhubala: Ek Ishq Ek Junoon' would become such a big show, and after 'Madhubala...', my next release 'Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki' would also become such a big show. I just went with the flow," Vivian told IANS.

"I never had a wishlist in my career," he added.

Vivian often gets messages from fans to be more active on social media and share glimpses of his life. However, the actor likes his privacy.

"Somehow I don't believe in posting about my daily life. It's good that people see what others post and take inspiration from it, but what about those who cannot afford the same kind of lifestyle that I post on social media. They will feel bad and they will feel their self-worth is less because we live in such a shallow world today, where a person's worth is decided by money," asserted the actor.

"This is why I was keeping a low profile and not posting anything on social media, because there are people who might feel a little less fortunate by not being able to do what I am doing," Vivian claimed.
Looking Back at the Mystery of the Unusual Gooey Beach Balls Along Oregon, Canadian Coast

Published 01/14/21 at 9:06 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Oregon Coast)  Mysteries abound on the Oregon and Washington coast, especially if youre simply walking around these beaches. The average beachcomber glances at all sorts of stuff they dont know what to make of, and some make note of it while others dont. (All photos courtesy Haystack Rock Awareness Program)

When someone pipes up and asks a question to one of the many experts along these coastlines, especially on social media, its then that a mystery may be born.

Just what is it? some ask. There are plenty of times, however, the experts get stumped initially. One such particularly fun mystery played out in public not long ago.

In April of 2018, Cannon Beachs Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) spotted something even its experts couldnt explain. It was weird, it was puzzling and it was kinda gooey. Volunteers in the north Oregon coast town had discovered mysterious beach balls - little blobs of gray that were soft. In some ways they resembled East Indian sweets.





HRAP wasnt alone. There had been reports farther north, around the British Columbia coastline. All these sightings caused Canadian researcher Jackie Hildering to investigate. It turns out, there had been sightings for about two years in Canada and other spots, even Oregon.

Finally, Hildering happened across the research of another colleague who had examined them under the microscope and figured out they were likely egg masses from a kind of sea worm called the Pile Worm (also known as the Clam Worm). Technically: a polychaete worm by the real name of Nereis vexillosa. Other marine brains chimed in and confirmed.

A multitude of eggs combine to create these blobs, in case you were wondering.

The beach ball mystery was solved.

Except, why were they just showing up now? Oregon Coast Beach Connection received an intriguing answer from Hildering.

Theres nothing out there in the ocean that was causing them to come in, she said. Theyve probably been coming in all along. Its just now that humans are noticing.

So just what are these pile worms / clam worms? Theyre creepy-looking little worms that live on the ground floor of the ocean, and they get to as much as six inches long. Theyve got many leg-like little structures, and its segment body parts wave like banners and move it along.

You can see a picture of them at the NetartsBayToday site.

Like a cross between Alien and something in Stargate SG1, they have a jaw that protrudes outward with serrated edges so it can gnaw on algae.

Thank goodness theyre not very large. Yikes. They do, however, serve a very useful purpose as bait for fishermen along the Oregon coast and Washington coast.

More photos below:

Oregon Coast Hotels for this - Where to eat - Map - Virtual Tour





MORE PHOTOS BELOW

























Photos below of Haystack Rock







More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Labor leader Anthony Albanese will claim Prime Minister Scott Morrison's close relationship with Donald Trump has damaged Australia's alliance with the United States and his positions on climate change will leave the nation more isolated than ever on the international stage.

In his strongest comments yet on the way in which Mr Morrison has handled the relationship with the outgoing president, Mr Albanese will lash the Prime Minister for not calling out Mr Trump over his incitement of the violent riots at the US Capitol.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese will deliver a major foreign policy speech on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Morrison this week criticised "things that were said" to incite the riots on the US Congress without directly naming Mr Trump.

The Prime Minister has also declined to criticise Coalition MPs such as George Christensen and Craig Kelly for spreading conspiracy theories about the US election.
A slew of reality stars are said to have lost thousands of followers for posting about their lavish Dubai 'work trips' in the midst of a pandemic.

But Chloe Ferry decided to brush off the backlash to upload a slew of snaps from her most recent night out on Instagram on Tuesday.

The Geordie Shore star, 25, cut a glamorous figure as she posed with Salt Bae and also shared a racy snap of herself in a green cut-out dress on her stories.

'My new lad': Chloe Ferry brushed off the backlash in regards to being abroad amid lockdown to post a slew of snaps from her most recent night out in Dubai on Instagram on Tuesday

Chloe showed off her surgically-enhanced cleavage in a plunging red floral minidress and cinched in her waist with a thick crocodile print belt.

The reality star posed with the chef who is best know for sprinkling salt over steak.

She captioned the post: 'My new lad x'.

Sizzling display: The Geordie Shore star, 25, cut a glamorous figure as she posed with Salt Bae and also shared a racy snap of herself in a green cut-out dress on her stories

Gorgeous: Chloe later slipped into a slinky skintight green minidress which had cut out sections all along the side

Chloe later slipped into a slinky skintight green minidress which had cut out sections all along the side.

She added a boost to her height with white heels and admired her reflection in the mirror.

Chloe is one of dozens of reality TV personalities who have swapped the UK's third lockdown for some sun in the UAE, sharing regular updates from their lavish 'work trips' to social media.

But it is now thought fed-up Brits have hit back by unfollowing the stars accounts with Anton Danyluk, 25, and Laura Anderson, 31, dropping a combined 26,000, reports The Sun.

Jetting off: Chloe is one of dozens of reality TV personalities who have swapped the UK's third lockdown for some sun in the UAE

Anton, who is thought to have lost 14,000 followers, shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10 and has since posted glimpses of his impressive hotel views and dips in the pool with his 1m fans.

While Laura Anderson, who has reportedly dropped a sizeable 12,000 followers, sparked a backlash when she said it was 'really hard' to be an influencer following unimpressed comments on her Dubai snaps.

Others thought to have taken a hit in the Instagram numbers include Kaz Crossley, 27, who has reportedly lost 7,000 followers since touching down in the city.

Unfollow: It is now thought fed-up Brits have hit back by unfollowing the stars who have jetted abroad accounts (pictured Laura Anderson)

While Gabby Allen is thought to have lost 2,000 and Josh Ritchie 8,000. TOWIE star James Lock, who is in Dubai with his girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou is also said to have seen 1,000 people disappear from his followers.

As well as Love Island alum, Made In Chelsea's Spencer Matthews reportedly lost 4,000 fans after his trip to Barbados with wife Vogue Williams, who is thought to have seen 1,500 leave her own account.

MailOnline has contacted the reality star's representatives for a comment.

Over recent weeks, reality stars have seen a growing furore from the public as their Dubai trips as Brits back at home are in a nationwide lockdown.

Many have travelled abroad under the ruse that their trips are 'for work,' sparking backlash from fans who have been holed up in lockdown amid the pandemic.

Olivia Attwood, who found fame on Love Island, had suggested that unimpressed fans unfollow the stars abroad after she lashed out at them last week.

The beauty told people to stop trolling influencers following her own rant, instead suggesting they take a less vocal approach and simply unfollow the stars.
This story was updated at 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 19 with response from the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Four Alabama lawmakers -- two of whom were hospitalized with COVID-19 themselves -- have signed a letter saying the states slow rollout and inconsistent reporting could result in the state getting fewer COVID-19 vaccine doses in the future.

State Senators Jim McClendon, Greg Albritton, Tom Whatley and Randy Price -- all Republicans -- released a letter Tuesday titled The COVID Vaccine Distribution Problem in Alabama, blaming the Alabama Department of Public Health for slowdowns in administering the vaccine and in failing to accurately record its distribution efforts so far.

The distribution of vaccines to Alabama will continue to be interrupted until Alabama plays by the rules, the letter states. The rule is simple: The CDC will not authorize shipments to Alabama until they know we are using what we have on hand. Our citizens are paying a deadly price.

The ADPH issued a response Tuesday afternoon, saying the department was in ongoing conversations with CDC about how many doses have been administered in the state, and that the state has not missed out on any doses of vaccine.

The number of COVID-19 vaccine doses allocated to Alabama is based on our population, and is not determined by how much vaccine is on hand in the state, the ADPH said. The number of doses remaining from previous allocations does not affect the number of doses that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorizes for Alabama.

In their letter, the senators referenced a new policy, announced last week by the CDC, that vaccine allocations will be prioritized toward states that are distributing the vaccine more quickly. But, that policy was not immediate and has not yet taken effect.

CDC data as of late last week showed Alabama with the lowest COVID vaccination rate of any state, although ADPH said it did not concur with the CDCs numbers. The department said it was taking steps to ensure that all the doses being given in the state were being counted.

The Alabama Senators argue that ranking could result in reduced shipments for Alabama. The senators say that the ADPH is unable to provide information to the CDC on how many doses have been received, distributed and administered to patients in the state on a daily basis. They say the 200+ locations that are distributing the vaccine must be forced to report those doses quickly.

In a nutshell, ADPH must get every dose that has been administered entered into the registry for the Feds to send us more, the letter states. While over 200 locations are giving doses, not all are entering them. And to be honest, the doctors, pharmacists, nurses who are giving Covid vaccinations in addition to their daily duties are already doing ADPHs job, and blaming them for not entering doses into the registry is nonproductive.

The ADPH said in its response those questions have been answered.

The data to answer each of the questions asked in the letter is publicly available on the ADPH COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard, which can be accessed on the ADPH website (arcg.is/OrCey) and has been updated as of January 19, 2021, the department said. The data from the CDC is available on its vaccine data tracker website (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations), although CDC has not updated Alabamas information since January 15, 2021.

This week, Alabamas COVID vaccine dashboard, which had been updated weekly, began seeing more regular updates, and is now showing higher totals than the federal database.

ADPH Assistant General Counsel Dana Billingsley told AL.com in an email last week that vaccine providers are required to report vaccine information within 24 hours of the vaccine being given, but that some providers were not providing complete information, which resulted in some doses not being recorded by the state.

This problem is being addressed and corrected in order to ensure that all doses of vaccine are counted in CDC data, Billingsley said on Friday.

The senators suggest that ADPH require accurate and timely reporting from the clinics, pharmacies and hospitals that give the shots, and that facilities that cannot handle the reporting requirements not be supplied with additional vaccine till they comply.

McClendon and Price were each hospitalized with COVID themselves, with Price reportedly requiring a ventilator during his recovery. Whatley has said he also tested positive but did not require hospitalization.

The department said it is doing all it can to administer the vaccine as quickly as possible.

ADPH receives thousands of calls, e-mails, and social media messages every day from people who are providing suggestions to help the vaccination process move faster, ADPH said. We appreciate any recommendations, and want the public to rest assured that ADPH has a tremendous staff of physicians, nurses, public health experts, and other medical professionals who continue to work tirelessly on the vaccine rollout in Alabama. A vaccination plan of this size is truly unprecedented, and ADPH is grateful for everyones continued patience as we work to put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*AL.com reporter Sarah Whites-Koditschek contributed to this report.

Overview

January 27

11AM PT, 2PM ET



Watch Now

In todays hybrid cyber infrastructures, an organizations Active Directory is a cornerstone. Virtually all access to on-premises and cloud-based resources are tied to Active Directory accounts. So when a disaster such as a cyberattack or ransomware strikes, Active Directory recovery has to be a No. 1 priority: Nothing else can be recovered until Active Directory is up and running again.



Data protection solutions are not enough, because AD recovery must be coordinated across every domain in the IT environment. And cloud-based recycle bin tools are fraught with holes. Organizations need a comprehensive recovery tool for both platforms, or else they will face a long road before theyre able to return to business as usual.



Join us January 27 at 11am PST/2pm EST for a valuable 30-minute webcast on AD recovery and the role it plays in broader cyber resilience. Our panel of industry experts will cover topics such as:



 How to develop an AD recovery plan that will better prepare you to weather the next storm

 Best practices and tools for synching directory data in the event of a crisis

 Smart solutions to automate the recovery process and prevent corruption of data as its brought back online
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:37:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian (L) symbolically hands over a car key to first Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Ly Thuch at a ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jan. 19, 2021. China donated mine-clearance equipment and devices as well as vehicles to the CMAA on Tuesday. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- China donated mine-clearance equipment and devices as well as vehicles to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) on Tuesday.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian handed over the donation to CMAA's first Vice President Ly Thuch at a ceremony held in Phnom Penh.

The donation included landmine detectors, demining personal protective equipment outfits, protective helmets, boots, and pick-up trucks, among others.

Wang expressed his belief that China's humanitarian assistance would help reduce landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) casualties in Cambodia.

"China will continue to assist Cambodia to achieve the target of eliminating all types of mines and ERWs by 2025," he said.

Cambodia is one of the most landmine-affected countries in the world.

Ly Thuch extended his profound gratitude to China for providing mine-clearance assistance, saying that the aid was essential to save lives of people living under the threat of landmines and ERWs. Enditem
Over the last 72 hours, I have received multiple death threats and thousands upon thousands of emails from Christians saying the nastiest and most vulgar things I have ever heard toward my family and ministry. I have been labeled a coward, sellout, a traitor to the Holy Spirit, and cussed out at least 500 times.

This is the beginning of a recent Facebook post by conservative preacher Jeremiah Johnson. On Jan. 7, the day after the storming of the Capitol, Johnson had issued a public apology, asserting that God removed Donald Trump from office because of his pride and arrogance, and to humble those, like Johnson, who had fervently supported him.

The response was swift and vicious. As he put it in that later Facebook post, I have been flabbergasted at the barrage of continued conspiracy theories being sent every minute our way and the pure hatred being unleashed. To my great heartache, Im convinced parts of the prophetic/charismatic movement are far SICKER than I could have ever dreamed of.

This is what is happening inside evangelical Christianity and within conservatism right now. As a conservative Christian friend of mine put it, there is strife within every family, within every congregation, and it may take generations to recover.

On the one hand, there are those who are doubling down on their Trump fanaticism and their delusion that a Biden presidency will destroy America.

I rebuke the news in the name of Jesus. We ask that this false garbage come to an end, conservative pastor Tim Remington preached from the pulpit in Idaho on Sunday. Its the lies, communism, socialism.

The violent Know-Nothingism, which has always coursed through American history, is once again a torrent, threatening more violence in the days ahead.

On the other hand, many Trump supporters have been shaken to the core by the sight of a sacrilegious mob blasting Christian pop music and chanting Hang Mike Pence. There have been defections and second thoughts. The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, who delivered a prayer at the Trump inaugural, told his congregation Sunday, We must all repent, even the church needs to repent.

Trump-supporting Texas pastor John Hagee declared: This was an assault on law. Attacking the Capitol was not patriotism, it was anarchy.

After staying basically level for four years, Trumps approval ratings in several polls dropped roughly 10 points across several polls in a week. The most popular piece on the Christianity Today website is headlined, We Worship With the Magi, Not MAGA. In the world of secular conservatism, The Wall Street Journal editorial page called on Trump to resign. Addressing Trump supporters, conservative talk show host Erick Erickson wrote, Everything  from the storming of the Capitol to people getting killed to social networks banning you to corporations not giving you money  everything is a logical consequence of you people lying relentlessly for two months and taking advantage of American patriots.

One core feature of Trumpism is that it forces you to betray every other commitment you might have: to the truth, moral character, the Sermon on the Mount, conservative principles, the Constitution. In defeat, some people are finally not willing to sacrifice all else on Trumps altar.

The split we are seeing is not theological or philosophical. Its a division between those who have become detached from reality and those who, however right wing, are still in the real world.

Hence, its not an argument. You cant argue with people who have their own separate made-up set of facts. You cant have an argument with people who are deranged by the euphoric rage of what Erich Fromm called group narcissism  the thoughtless roar of those who believe their superior group is being polluted by alien groups.

Its a pure power struggle. The weapons in this struggle are intimidation, verbal assault, death threats and violence, real and rhetorical. The fantasyland mobbists have an advantage because they relish using these weapons, while their fellow Christians just want to lead their lives.

The problem is, how do you go about reattaching people to reality?

David French, a conservative Christian writer who fought in the Iraq War, says the way to build a sane GOP is to borrow a page from the counterinsurgency handbook: Separate the insurgents from the population.

That means prosecuting the rioters, impeaching the president, and not tolerating cyberterrorism within a community or congregation.

Others have to be reminded of the basic rules for perceiving reality. They have to be reminded that all truth is Gods truth; that inquiry strengthens faith, that it is narcissistic self-idolatry to think you can create your own truth based on what you feel. There will probably have to be pastors and local leaders who model and admire evidence-based reasoning, wrestling with ideas.

On the left, leaders and organizations have arisen to champion open inquiry, to stand up to the cancel mobs. They have begun to shift the norms.

The problem on the right is vastly worse. But we have seen that unreason is a voracious beast. If it is not confronted, it devours not only your party, but also your nation and your church.

DAVID BROOKS is a columnist for The New York Times.
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.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister says no to Sasikala's entry in AIADMK

India

oi-Deepika S

Chennai, Jan 19: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy on Tuesday categorically stated that V. K. Sasikala will not be back in the AIADMK even after her release from jail. He even maintained that Sasikala is not a member of AIADMK.

"No chance for that. She is not in the party at all... she is not in the party. 100 per cent she will not be admitted. AIADMK is now functioning after clearly deciding on this. There is no different opinion on this," Palanisamy was quoted saying.

Jayalalithaa, is expected to be released from jail by the end of this month after paying a Rs 10 crore fine.

Sasikala''s two relatives, like her, are also undergoing simple imprisonment of four years in the assets case in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

All the three of them were imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore in addition to Rs 10,000. Pandian said the process to pay the fine for the two others was also being taken up.

In 2017, after the Supreme Court restored the Bengaluru trial court judgment in toto against Sasikala and her two relatives, V N Sudhakaran and J Elavarasi in the assets case, the former Chief Minister''s confidante surrendered before the Karnataka court on February 15, 2017 and she has been serving her sentence since then.

With the death of Jayalalithaa in December 2016, the appeal against her by Karnataka stood abated. The trial court had in 2014 convicted Jayalalithaa and three others on charges, including corrpution and criminal conspiracy, 18-years after the disproportionate assets case was filed against her.

The late AIADMK supremo was also imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore by Special Judge John Michael Cunha. In 2015, the Karnataka High Court had set aside the trial court''s order convicting Jayalalithaa and three others.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 19:05 [IST]
Update: Theft charges added against Harrisburg-area woman accused of stealing Nancy Pelosis laptop

The woman at the center of an investigation into the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosis laptop graduated from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High in 2017, according to yearbooks.

Riley June Williams, 22, was referenced only once in the yearbook as a junior with her school photo. She did not submit a senior picture for the 2017 yearbook and was listed as not pictured.

While court records include an accusation that Williams stole Pelosis laptop from the Speaker of the Houses office, at the moment, she is charged only with unlawfully entering Capitol grounds and disorderly conduct, crimes that carry sentences of up to a year in prison.

She was arrested in Pennsylvania Monday. She was expected to appear before a federal judge in the Middle District in Harrisburg Tuesday, most likely through a video appearance, but details had not been released.

Williams remained in the Dauphin County Prison on Tuesday as a federal prisoner.

Riley June Williams, 22, was booked into the Dauphin County Prison as a federal prisoner on Jan. 18 in connection with the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020.

A search of online court records show no prior criminal charges against Williams, just six traffic violations from 2017 to 2019 in Cumberland and Dauphin counties.

Riley Williams most recently worked at a home health care company. Her employer, Keystone Human Services, said in a statement that did not identify Williams by name that it was aware of accusations against one of its employees and that it was coordinating with law enforcement and taking appropriate action in response, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to federal court records, Williams mother lives in the Harrisburg area and her father lives in Camp Hill.

Her mother, Wendy Williams, spoke briefly to a reporter from the British television station ITV News through her partially opened door and said that Williams fled after the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The interview occurred prior to Riley Williams arrest Monday.

Im very unhappy. Im sad that that happened to her that she was actually inside (the Capitol.) Thats what the video shows, her mother sad. Shes actually gone. She took off not only because of that...

Her mother told local law enforcement that she packed a bag, saying she would be gone for a couple of weeks but didnt provide a location. She also changed her phone number and deleted a number of social media accounts, the FBI said.

When the reporter asked if Riley should reach out to the FBI, her mother said: She figures if its out there, theyll come to her and ask her about it.

The television station said they received a photo of Riley Williams that was taken prior to the attack on the Capitol, where she appears to be holding a long gun.

Her mother told the reporter that her daughter, who she described as loving and empathetic, had taken a sudden interest in Trumps politics and far-right message boards recently.

Shes goes to rallies, her mother told ITV News. She never ever talked about them.

Riley Williams goal, her mother said was all about wanting America to get the correct information.

What is the correct information?

Youd have to ask her, her mother said, adding that she didnt think her daughter was a leader of the Trump mob at the Capitol, even though video showed her pushing other people to go farther into the Capitol.

No shes definitely not a leader, her mother said. I think she was just, Theyre letting us up. Theyre letting us up. Lets go. Shes a 22-year-old who like I said, shes very empathetic and loving.

When PennLive visited Wendy Williams apartment in Lower Paxton Tuesday, she declined to comment.

Riley Williams appeared in the 2016 Mechanicsburg Area Senior High yearbook as a junior.

According to court records, she traveled to the Capitol on Jan. 6 with her father, who told authorities they split up during the protest but met up later and returned to Pennsylvania together.

The FBI special agent who wrote up the charges against Riley Williams noted that the ITV News video appears to show Williams participating in the riot inside the Capitol.

She has brown shoulder length hair and wears eyeglasses. She is wearing a black face mask below her chin, around her neck. She can be heard in the video repeatedly yelling, Upstairs, upstairs, upstairs, and can be seen physically directing other intruders to proceed up a staircase, the agent Jonathan Lund wrote. The video also shows a stream of intruders walking up a nearby staircase.

That staircase leads to Pelosis office, Lund said. He said surveillance video from cameras in the Capitol also show Williams inside the buildings Statutory Hall pointing and directing intruders during the melee. Other surveillance video shows her entering the Capitol with the mob, the agent said.

Lund said local law enforcement in Harrisburg contacted Williams mother on Jan. 11. With the officers present, Williams mother placed a video-enabled cell phone call to her daughter, he said. When Williams answered she was wearing a brown jacket that appeared to be the same one surveillance cameras allegedly showed her wearing inside the Capitol during the riot, Lund wrote.

The court records include claims by an ex-lover that Williams stole Pelosis laptop during the riot and tried, without success, to sell it to Russias foreign intelligence service.

According to the tipster, Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it, Lund wrote. This matter remains under investigation.

PennLive Staff Writer Steve Marroni contributed to this report.

READ: Dauphin County Prison guards start wearing body cameras

READ: Members of Trumps 2020 campaign helped organize rally ahead of Capitol riot, records show

YEREVAN.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Ministry of Health of Armenia and introduced the newly appointed minister, Anahit Avanesyan, to the ministry staff.

First, the PM thanked outgoing health minister Arsen Torosyan for his work in this capacity. "Since 2018, large-scale reforms have been implemented in the field," Pashinyan added in particular.

Also, Pashinyan noted that 2020 was a year of great trials for Armenia, especially for the healthcare sector, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war.

According to the PM, the Armenian government has honorably withstood the COVID-19 pandemic and, by international standards, still has a manageable respective situation.

"Of course, the next much more severe ordeal was the war, and it continues to be so. Unfortunately, we also have a task of identification of [dead] bodies. In some respects, we had some difficulties here, too, but now we can again say with satisfaction that this work also has gained a very acceptable pace," said the PM.

Referring to Anahit Avanesyan's appointment as new health minister of Armenia, Pashinyan recalled that she had held the post of First Deputy Minister of Health until now, and therefore she already is a member of the "team." "The change taking place has the following meaning that we continue to trust that team, and in this case, Mrs. Avanesyan will lead it," the premier added.

Summing up, Nikol Pashinyan added: "In many places, the activity and quality of our healthcare system is still far from what we picture and dream of, and of course, we must work in this direction. But in general, it should be noted that, in general, the healthcare system [of Armenia] has fulfilled its tasks, especially in the crisis year of 2020. (). I hope that the pace of reforms that exists in the healthcare system will at least be maintainedand will even increase."
Boris Johnson today faces a revolt from dozens of his MPs, who are demanding action against Beijing over human rights abuses.

He is under mounting pressure to let British courts decide if the Chinese communist state is committing genocide against its Uighur Muslim minority.

More than 30 MPs are expected to back an amendment to the Trade Bill that would force ministers to block deals with countries which the High Court had ruled were guilty of genocide.

Boris Johnson today faces a revolt from dozens of his MPs, who are demanding action against Beijing over human rights abuses

Tory MP Nusrat Ghani, who is leading the drive for the change, said: 'Britain must not look the other way on the genocide that is happening today in China.

'This is our first chance outside the EU to show what Global Britain stands for.'

The Government has opposed the amendment amid concerns the measure would lead to vexatious court claims and could prove counterproductive since the threshold to prove genocide is high.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was asked on Sunday if he thought the treatment of the Uighur minority group in China was genocide.

If accepted, the amendment could prevent the government from agreeing a deal with China because of Beijing's treatment of the Uighur people in Xinjiang province, file photo

He said: 'I think it's for a court to decide whether the very complex definition of genocide is met.

'But what is clear, frankly, whatever legal label you put on it, is that there are convincing and persuasive third party authoritative reports of serious violations of human rights on an appalling industrial scale.'

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has said it is backing the calls for the British courts to be given a new role in determining if the Uighur people are suffering genocide in China.

The amendment would allow domestic courts to declare if genocide is occurring in another country and it would prevent the UK trading with any country the High Court rules is committing genocidal acts.

Allegra Stratton, the Prime Minister's press secretary, said the Government was 'constantly reaching out to all parliamentarians' and was proud of how the UK champions human rights globally.

She said the Trade Bill only applied to trade agreements that had already been signed with the EU, and that none of those agreements had 'eroded any domestic standards'.
[January 19, 2021] Telenor Norway Deploys Hiya to Stop New Wave of Fraud Calls Targeting Norwegians

Telenor Norway has deployed Hiya's intelligent call security to protect their subscribers from fraud and nuisance calls. Hiya's security service is integrated with Telenor's (News - Alert) Se Hvem app on iOS and Android, and detects and flags fraud and nuisance calls for Telenor Norway users. As a recent wave of 200,000 fraud calls from North Korea hit Norway on January 13, Telenor Norway users protected by Hiya's fraud labeling did not fall victim to the widespread scam attack. "There is no doubt about it that Norwegians are sought-after targets for scammers," says Ric Brown, Telenor Norway's Mobile Director. "Now that we are introducing a more intelligent solution to the market, it will hopefully be a little easier to manoeuvre in what is an increasingly opaque landscape. Nevertheless, I would still encourage everyone to exercise particular caution and familiarise themselves with which types of scams are common." The launch of the new service comes as fraud calls continue to rise in Norway, with a 39% rise in fraud calls in 2020. According to a recent survey by Telenor, more than 1 in 3 Norwegians eported experiencing fraud calls and 17% reported an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.



"The recent wave of fraud attempts on Norwegians highlights the need for an additional layer of voice security to keep people protected from fraud calls," said Kush Parikh, Hiya COO. "We're pleased to partner with Telenor Norway and provide our global insights and intelligence to ensure their customers stay protected from these global fraud threats." The growth in fraud calls was highlighted on January 13 when more than 200,000 fraud calls targeting Norwegians were detected from suspicious North Korean phone numbers. The campaign used the Wangiri method, one of the world's most widespread phone scams where fraudsters call the victim and hang up after one ring to trick the victim into calling back a premium rate number, which is how the fraudsters profit. According to Telenor, more than 2,000 Norwegians have called back, but no users protected by Hiya's fraud labeling returned the call.

Mobile customers in Norway can learn more about this new service and the Se Hvem app by visiting https://www.telenor.no/privat/mobil/app/se-hvem/. About Hiya Hiya is trusted by global businesses, carriers and consumers to provide secure, engaging connections and stop unwanted calls. Built on the world's leading Voice Performance Platform, Hiya connects businesses with their customers, helps carriers secure their networks, and protects people from spam and fraud calls. Hiya's SaaS (News - Alert) applications, Hiya Connect and Hiya Protect, serve more than 140 million users, power services like AT&T Call Protect and Samsung Smart Call, and deliver voice performance insights to businesses across the globe. Learn more at www.hiya.com. About Telenor Norway Telenor Norway is a part of Telenor Group, which is a leading telecommunications company across the Nordics and Asia with 180 million customers and annual sales of around USD 12 billion (2019). We are committed to responsible business conduct and driven by the ambition of empowering societies. Connectivity has been Telenor's domain for more than 160 years, and our purpose is to connect our customers to what matters most. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005809/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
If a regions average test positivity remains at or below 6.5% for at least three consecutive days and it meets hospital capacity requirements it can move into phase four of the state reopening plan, which marks the end of the tiered system and a return to the five-phase reopening plan that had been put in place before the tiers kicked in during the fall COVID-19 surge.

The seventh temporary mortuary has been set up in Britain to cope with the 'significant pressures' created by the number of coronavirus deaths.

An overflow mortuary is being set up in Winklebury, Basingstoke, Hampshire to provide extra capacity amid the ongoing pandemic.

The new facility will become operational on Thursday to support the four major NHS hospital mortuaries across the county.

Hampshire Council said the newly-built facility acted as a 'sad and strong reminder' of how the pandemic is affecting thousands of lives as he urged people to follow Covid-19 rules.

It comes as Britain announced a record 1,610 new Covid deaths in the country's deadliest day of the pandemic so far.

An overflow mortuary is being set up in Winklebury, Basingstoke, Hampshire to provide extra capacity amid the ongoing pandemic (pictured: general view of the unused retail site which will be used)

It's the third time in 2021 that Britain has recorded a record number of daily fatalities, as the nation battles with the super-infectious Kent strain and hospitals juggle winter pressures.

There were also 33,355 new infections announced in the past 24 hours.

John Coughlan, chief executive of Hampshire County Council, said the newly-built facility acted as a 'sad and strong reminder' of how the pandemic is affecting thousands of lives as he urged people to follow Covid-19 rules

John Coughlan, chief executive of Hampshire County Council, said: 'While our hospitals and funeral sector are currently coping, we are regrettably seeing significant pressures within the system.

'We have therefore decided that it is prudent now to open the temporary mortuary to ensure that we are able to carefully manage and respond to any increase in demand for additional capacity.

'I would like to reassure the families and friends of those who may be accommodated temporarily at this facility that their loved ones will be afforded every possible care, dignity and respect, and that we have been liaising closely with faith leaders to ensure required customs and practices are observed.'

He added: 'I am sure we all understand why this step is now necessary.

'There can be no sadder or stronger reminder of our collective need to follow the rules and keep ourselves and others safe.'

The facility in Hampshire follows emergency morgues being set up at RAF Coltishall in Norwich; Headley Court in Leatherhead, Surrey and Waterside Industrial Park in Leeds.

Inside one of the storage units at the overflow mortuary at Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip, West London

The overflow mortuary at Breakspear Crematorium provide an extra 20 per cent capacity for public mortuaries in London

Storage units at Breakspear Crematorium which aims to help relieve pressure on hospitals and council-run morgues

There have also been additional facilities set up at Salisbury Hospital in Wiltshire, and Aylesford Temporary Place of Rest in Kent.

Another temporary mortuary opened up just last week at Breakspear Crematorium in Ruslip, West London.

Where have temporary morgues been set up? Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip, West London

in Ruislip, West London RAF Coltishall in Norwich, Norfolk

in Norwich, Norfolk Headley Court in Leatherhead, Surrey

in Leatherhead, Surrey Waterside Industrial Park in Leeds

in Leeds Salisbury Hospital in Wiltshire

in Wiltshire Aylesford Temporary Place of Rest in Kent

in Kent Winklebury, Basingstoke , in Hampshire Advertisement

The storage units at the 3.2million facility has been set up in large temporary structures.

The overflow morgue can hold up to 1,300 bodies in total, with the site intended to help relieve pressure on hospitals and council-run morgues.

The mortuary can currently hold 217 bodies, but will reach a capacity of 1,300 once building works are completed this week.

The National Association of Funeral Directors said mortuaries across the UK were becoming 'very tight on space', adding that members had been 'extremely busy' as pressure on the industry ramped up in recent weeks.

A spokesperson today told Mail Online: 'There are huge pressures on the system at the moment and they've just announced the highest daily death rate of the pandemic.

'It's a very busy time and it's really important that local councils and resilience forums have got the facilities they need to be able to care for everyone that has died at the moment.

'It's about keeping everything running smoothly.'

During the first wave of the pandemic, four temporary mortuaries were built in London to provide extra capacity.

In Norfolk, a temporary mortuary set up in a former aircraft hangar at the old RAF Coltishall is now being used by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, having not been required during the first wave of the pandemic.

It comes as Britain announced a record 1,610 new Covid deaths in the country's deadliest day of the pandemic so far

There were also 33,355 new infections announced in the past 24 hours

Meanwhile bodies are being stored at a temporary facility in Surrey after the county's hospital mortuaries reached capacity amid rising Covid-19 case rates.

Some 170 bodies are being kept in the temporary mortuary at the former military hospital Headley Court in Leatherhead, which first opened in April to alleviate pressure during the first wave of the pandemic.

More than half of those kept at the facility died with coronavirus, a Surrey Local Resilience Forum spokesman said.

The county's hospital mortuaries have the capacity to store 600 bodies but are currently full, while the temporary facility has room for 800.

The Surrey Local Resilience Forum spokesman said the county would be left in 'real difficulty' if the 1,400 capacity is exceeded in the coming weeks.
Digital consulting company ADROSONIC, which in August 2020 had set up subsidiary ADROSONIC Inc. in the United States of America, has announced the signing of James Oury as 'Partner Operations' at ADROSONIC Inc.

With over 25 years of assisting technology companies in building legal and commercial value with the benefit of financial literacy, James Oury, Partner Operations at ADROSONIC Inc., will be responsible for running and managing the US operations of the company and in nurturing relationships with existing clients and prospects.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Mayank, CEO MD, ADROSONIC, said: "We are happy to announce signing of James Oury as Partner Operations after our big foray in the USA. We welcome James to the team. He brings in vast experience of working with several companies over the last two and a half decades. A serial founder of several Biotech, Fintech and EdTech companies, James will be an asset for us as we recruit right talent for our US entity which will help us in scaling our US operations."

Commenting on his association with ADROSONIC Inc., James Oury, Partner Operations at ADROSONIC Inc., said: "I am excited to be a part of the journey as ADROSONIC forays into the USA. The dynamic and experienced team at ADROSONIC draws confidence from its rich work ethics. I am looking forward to work with the team as we see tremendous potential for the business in the Americas."

James Oury has extensive financial services practice and legal technology exposure with 3 decades of commercial legal practice. He has an expertise in sustainability practices.

About ADROSONIC INC.

ADROSONIC, a business-focused digital consulting firm having global presence with offices in India and the UK announced the incorporation of its subsidiary ADROSONIC Inc. in Denver, Colorado in the United States of America in August, 2020. Possessing competencies in the fields of RPA, Data Analytics, CRM services and Software testing, ADROSONIC strives to pave the Digital Roadmap for emerging and traditional business organisations. This step further strengthens its vision to expand operations within the Americas.

Visit https://www.adrosonic.com/ for more information and follow us on @adrosonic on Twitter and ADROSONIC on LinkedIn.

For more information contact us at info@adrosonic.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005619/en/

Contacts:

ADROSONIC Media Contact

Wanpherlin M Shangpliang

Wanpherlin.Shangpliang@adrosonic.com

+91 22 68159923
ST AUGUSTINE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Maverick Energy Group, Ltd. (OTC PINK:MKGP) is pleased to announce we have closed the acquisition of a non-exclusive Technology License Agreement for the US territory with USR Resources LLC "USRR" a Houston, Texas based company. This is the first USR Technology License to be granted in the United States. Maverick now has the right to own and operate USRR's industry leading proprietary drilling system, which includes specialty mud motors and other proprietary drilling technology. Maverick paid $1,000,000 in a stock and cash transaction for the Technology License Agreement.

Maverick will have the use of USRR's equipment and personnel for up to twelve months while Maverick's set of USRR's drilling tools is manufactured specific to Maverick and Maverick's personnel are trained in the operation and use of USRR's tools and technology.

USRR's expertise is the re-entry of existing oil and gas wells to exploit bypassed reserves in mature fields. USRR's proprietary well-intervention technologies were specifically designed to exploit remaining reserves, increase production from marginal wells, restore production from shut-in wells, and reduce water production. USRR provides its services globally to major oil companies, large independents and national oil companies.

Having USRR's proprietary horizontal drilling technology now allows Maverick to execute its business plan of finding and acquiring high quality oil and gas drilling prospects through a combination of joint ventures, drill to earn agreements and outright purchases of fields, wells, and leases. USRR's horizontal drilling technology will allow Maverick to extract remaining reserves in mature fields more effectively and at a lower cost than traditional horizontal drilling technologies, giving Maverick a significant advantage over other oil companies.

www.usrdrilling.com

Maverick Energy Group, Ltd. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding the investment offerings and the terms thereof, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as we "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", or the negative thereof or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Investors should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Further details are available at https://maverick-energy.com

Maverick Energy Group, LTD

Signed: "James McCabe"

James McCabe, CEO and Director

mkgpinquiries@gmail.com

(800) 674-6341

SOURCE: Maverick Energy Group, LTD

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624884/Maverick-Closes-Acquisition-of-Technology-Licensing-Agreement-from-USR-Resources-LLC-11921


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.
A top deputy to Attorney General Jeff Landry returned to work Tuesday after an investigation that found he "engaged in inappropriate verbal conversations" that included sexual slang and "unprofessional comments regarding the appearance of employees."

Pat Magee, the head of the office's criminal division, had been under investigation for several weeks starting in December after a complaint was filed against him. Landry's office had released few details about the probe, and repeatedly declined to specify the type of complaint filed against Magee until Tuesday, when The Advocate inquired about Magee having returned to the office.

Several hours later, Landry's office released a letter dated Jan. 19 that laid out two disciplinary actions. Magee was ordered to serve a 38-day suspension without pay, but the letter specifies that he is still required to go to work during that time with a salary-reduction equivalent of 38 days of unpaid leave. The letter says he will lose $20,559 of his annual salary of approximately $140,000.

The letter also says that Magee is required to take training courses to help him develop "emotional intelligence, professionalism in the workplace, conflict management and leadership skills."

Magee's management style was also at issue in the investigation, according to the letter. It says that Magee was prone to outbursts, often used profanity and frequently made references to firing employees.

Top official in Jeff Landry's office put on leave amid investigation into violation of office policy A top official in Attorney General Jeff Landrys office is on leave while the agency investigates an office policy violation after a complai

The investigation concluded that Magee's behavior was "believed to have been joking in nature," but that it made others uncomfortable and offended.

"There were no allegations nor findings of any requests for sexual favors; inappropriate workplace touching; nor sexual overtures," the letter reads.

Landry spokesman Cory Dennis told The Advocate on Tuesday morning that the investigation into Magee was still incomplete and "in its final stages." But when a reporter called Magee's office on Tuesday, a receptionist said he had been at work that day and would return after a lunch break. Magee did not return a phone message.

Asked why Magee was back at his post if the investigation wasn't complete, Dennis said Magee had returned to the office Tuesday solely to discuss the outcome of the probe with the office's human resources department. But Dennis said he could not provide any more information.

What transpired before or after that, I cannot speak to that," Dennis said. A couple hours later, the office released the letter laying out Magee's discipline.

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

+2 Juanita Washington, who accused Johnny Anderson of sexual harassment, speaks out about ordeal The woman who accused Johnny Anderson of sexual harassment, leading to his resignation as a top aide to Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2017, joined 

Landry's office hired Vicki Crochet of the law firm Taylor Porter to conduct the investigation into Magee last month, according to a contract The Advocate received through a public records request. Landry's office requested that Crochet conduct an administrative investigation and prepare a written report detailing its outcome, the contract says.

Landry's office agreed to pay Crochet $225 an hour, with the total bill not to exceed $20,000. It wasn't clear Tuesday how much the investigation wound up costing.

Crochet specializes in employment law, and Gov. John Bel Edwards hired her in 2017 to represent the state in a sexual harassment case involving his former deputy chief of staff Johnny Anderson. The state settled that case in 2018, agreeing to pay $51,000 to the woman who accused Anderson of harassment and $34,000 to the woman's attorney. The state paid $22,995 to Crochet for her work on that case.

Landry criticized Edwards' handling of the Anderson case at the time and he also promised to take a hard line stance  including firing employees  if similar harassment were to ever occur in his office. When the Louisiana Legislative Auditor compiled statistics of sexual harassment in state government offices, Landry refused to participate.

New leader of AG's criminal division: On why he took job, Alton Sterling case, more When former Lafayette prosecutor Pat Magee got the call from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry asking him take over as director of the ag

"Just because the Governor appointed a habitual sexual harasser as his Deputy Chief of Staff, it does not mean our office needs to spend countless hours and precious resources scouring employment records," Landry told The Times-Picayune in 2018.

"My office takes all complaints of employee misconduct seriously," Landry added. "And we utilize our authority to terminate employment with people who engage in such behavior."

Magee, a recent member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors, took over as head of the AG's criminal division in 2018. Like Landry, Magee hails from the Lafayette area. The two met when they attended Southern University Law School together. Magee's term on the Southern board ended in December.

Magee is the first-ever Black director of the criminal division of the Office of the Attorney General.

Staff writer Sam Karlin contributed to this report.

Editor's note: This story was updated to note that Magee's term on the Southern Board of Supervisors expired at the end of 2020.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

According to the latest report by IMARC Group, titled Agricultural Packaging Market Industry: Global Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2020-2025, the global agricultural packaging market size experienced healthy growth during 2014-2019. Agricultural packaging helps in the storing and packaging of agricultural products, such as the harvest, fertilizers and pesticides, to protect them from spoilage and contamination. It is economical, provides easy printing options for branding and food labeling, and assists in keeping the contents fresh, increasing their shelf life and maintaining adequate temperature.

Request for a free sample copy of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/agricultural-packaging-market/requestsample

Market Trends

The growing population has escalated the demand for food across the globegr which in turn is propelling the market growth. Agricultural packaging minimizes the unnecessary wastage of food during post-harvest treatment procedures, production process, storage and transportation. Apart from this, owing to the rising environmental concerns, leading manufacturers in the industry are increasing their budget for research and development (R&D) activities. Moreover, they are focusing on product innovations, including the usage of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials, such as woven polypropylene, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth in the coming years.

Explore full report with table of contents: https://www.imarcgroup.com/agricultural-packaging-market

Breakup by Material Type:

Plastic Flexible Plastic Rigid Plastic

Metal

Paper and Paperboards

Composite Materials

Others

Breakup by Product:

Pouches and Bags

Drums

Bottles and Cans

Others

Breakup by Barrier Strength:

Low

Medium

High

Breakup by Application:

Food Products

Fertilizers, Pesticides and Biologicals

Others

Breakup by Region:

North America United States Canada

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Others

Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Russia Others

Latin America Brazil Mexico Others

Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being Amcor Limited, Bemis Company Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Greif Inc., Mondi Group, LC Packaging International BV, Flex-Pack, NNZ Group, Silgan Holdings Inc., Proampac LLC, Purity Flexpack Limited, Epac Holdings LLC, etc.

Browse Related Report:

https://www.imarcgroup.com/marketing-resource-management-market

https://www.imarcgroup.com/fleet-management-system-market

About Us

IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.

IMARC's information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the company's expertise.

Contact US:

IMARC Group

30 N Gould St, Ste R

Sheridan, WY 82801, USA

Website: https://www.imarcgroup.com/

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

USA: + 1-631-791-1145

Follow us on twitter: @imarcglobal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imarc-group
Editor's Note: Due to a clerical error by the Department of Justice, this story was updated to reflect that 32 Texans are facing charges in connection with the Capitol Riots on Jan. 6.

Forty-one Texans have been arrested in connection with the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C., and are facing a variety of charges.

EXPRESS-NEWS APP: Breaking news, Spurs scores, COVID updates and more  at your fingertips

Ryan Scott Zink

FBI

The 32-year-old was arrested on Feb. 4 after a tipster provided the FBI with screenshots of his Facebook page that had photos from the riot, according to a statement of facts.

Zink is a musician and the owner of Pressure Clean Oil, Gas, and Wind in Lubbock, court documents said.

His Facebook page also included numerous videos of Zink inside the Capitol, including one in which he can be heard saying We knocked down the gates! Were storming the Capitol! You cant stop us!, according to the court documents. In a private Facebook message, Zink also told someone he had "taken two flash bangs" and had been hurt, the court docs continued.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds.

Sean David Watson

FBI

The Alpine man was arrested on April 28 after showing his coworkers videos of himself at the riot, according to a statement of facts.

Witnesses told FBI agents that Watson was showing the videos on his cell phone, saying "I fd st up," court documents said. When questioned by agents, Watson initially denied being in the Capitol despite photo, video and cell phone evidence showing he was there, the FBI said.

The FBI also said Watson sent texts on Jan. 6 admitting that he was at the Capitol, including one that said "We made history today. Proudest day of my life!"

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Samuel Christopher Montoya

FBI

The San Antonio man was arrested on April 13 after a family member sent a tip to the FBI about a 44-minute video he shot while inside the Capitol, according to the FBI.

Montoya, who allegedly works for Infowars, took video of himself inside the Capitol as well as recorded the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was shot and killed by Capitol police, a statement of facts said. In one of the videos, Montoya allegedly turns the camera on himself and says "It feels good to be in the Capitol baby!," according to the court documents.

He also described his experience inside the Capitol in multiple interviews on an Infowars show.

Charges: Entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building

Daniel Ray Caldwell

The Colony man was arrested on March 22 after video captured him allegedly assaulting federal agents inside the Capitol.

Video footage uploaded to Twitter showed Caldwell spraying a mist, believed to be pepper spray, at officers who were trying to stop protesters from getting into the Capitol, a statement of facts said. A video uploaded to ProPublica shows Caldwell describing the events and saying he sprayed 15 officers after he was sprayed first, according to court documents.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct

ANDREW JACKSON MORGAN JR.

The Maxwell man surrendered to the FBI on April 6 after officials found YouTube videos of him at the Capitol, according to court documents.

Morgan was recording other protestors and can be heard in the video, that was later uploaded to YouTube and other sites, encouraging protesters to enter the Capitol and fight with police, a statement of facts said.

He told the FBI that he wanted to go to the Capitol "as a chameleon" because he is an "independent journalist and civil rights auditor," court documents said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstruction of an official proceeding; and aiding and abetted

Grady Douglas Owens and Jason Douglas Owens

FBI

The father and son from Blanco were arrested for allegedly attacking police officers during the riots.

Grady was arrested in Florida on April 1. Body camera footage showed Owens hit a Metropolitan police officer with a skateboard as the officer was trying to push through the crowd, a statement of facts said. The officer sustained a concussion and hand injury.

Footage also showed Jason shoving another officer during the altercation, the FBI said.

The FBI said it pulled fight information that shows the two traveled from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. GPS tracking from their phones also put them at the Capitol, according to court documents.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct

Christian Cortez

FBI

The Seabrook man was arrested on March 26 after video footage showed him squaring off with police before going inside the Capitol atrium with his former classmate Benjamin Larocca, the FBI said.

Cortez was in the group of rioters who were trying to break through the metal barricades into the Capitol as police attempted to push them back, a statement of facts said. As police tried to close the doors, Cortez started advancing on the officers and yelling before he was sprayed with pepper spray and fire retardant, court documents said.

When interviewed by the FBI, he initially said he was trying to help the officers and disagreed with the other protestors ramming open the doors, but retracted his statement when he was shown the video of him yelling at the officers, according to court docs.

Charges: Assaulting a federal officer; civil disorder; obstructing an official proceeding; unlawfully entering a restricted building to disrupt government; and disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds

Benjamin Larocca

FBI

The Pearland man was arrested on March 26 after video footage showed him inside the Capitol atrium with his old classmate Christian Cortez, the FBI said.

Video footage posted to LaRocca's Instagram page showed him and Cortez inside the Capitol, chanting "Our house," according to the FBI. When interviewed by the FBI, LaRocca, who now lives in Pearland, said there were no police at the Capitol entrance stopping them from going inside and that they had just joined a tour group going through the Capitol, a statement of facts said.

Charges: Obstructing an official proceeding; unlawfully entering a restricted building to disrupt government; and disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds

Jalise and Mark Middleton

FBI

The Forestburg husband and wife were arrested on April 21 after allegedly assaulting Capitol police officers while trying to breach the Capitol.

The Middletons were allegedly part of a group that was trying to overpower the police blockades to get into the Capitol, a statement of facts said. As the rioters pushed against police, body camera footage caught Mark grabbing an officer's wrist and trying to pull him into the crowd before Jalise started "grappling with and striking" two of the officers, the FBI said.

Officials identified the couple after multiple tipsters provided videos from the Middletons' Facebook pages talking about how they were "on the front lines" and helped pushed down the barrier before getting pepper sprayed, the court docs said. When a follower asked why they fought with police, Jalise responded To get in the Capital to send them bs a clear message that this wont be tolerated, the court documents said.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; obstruction of Justice/Congress; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; violent entry and disorderly conduct

Elizabeth Rose Williams

FBI

The life coach from Kerrville was arrested on March 23 after tipsters identified her and a man from photos on social media that show them inside the Capitol Crypt and in the gallery of the Senate Chamber during the riot, the FBI said.

On social media, Williams describes herself as a life coach, natural health enthusiast and musician. Her blog, "Life with Rose," has since been deleted.

The FBI said the man she was with frequently posted on social media about QAnon conspiracy theories on his Facebook and Parler accounts.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

David Judd

FBI

The FBI is accusing the Dallas man of pushing officers and throwing lit objects at them during the riots. He was arrested March 26.

Judd was allegedly a part of the group of rioters who were involved in an "intense and prolonged clash between protesters and law enforcement" at the Lower West Terrace, a statement of facts said. As the group of rioters was pushing the officers, cell phone footage captured Judd yelling "ready, heave" and later yelling at the crowd to pass back riot shields that had been stolen from the officers in order to make a "shield wall," the FBI said.

Soon after, footage shows Judd lighting something on fire and throwing it toward the line of officers before turning and walking out of the tunnel, officials said.

According to the FBI, Judd spent over an hour near the tunnel, encouraging people to enter the Lower West Terrace tunnel.

Officials said they identified Judd after a witness showed FBI agents an ad Judd posted on social media asking for a ride to the rally.

Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees; and civil disorder

Kevin Blakely

FBI

FBI officials said the McKinney man's phone pinged him inside the Capitol building during the time of the riot. He was arrested March 23.

In a photo on his Facebook page, Blakely was wearing the same Figueroa Mountain Brewery sweatshirt that he was seen wearing in Capitol surveillance footage, a statement of facts said. He was also seen in Instagram and video footage taken by others at the Capitol, the FBI said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; knowingly engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in any restricted building or grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Richard Franklin Barnard and Jeffrey Shane Witcher

FBI

The two Marine veterans from Austin were arrested on Feb. 25 after Witcher admitted to FBI agents that he and Barnard went into the Capitol to "take part in civil disobedience which he felt was necessary," the FBI said.

A tipster told the FBI that Witcher sent them videos from inside the Capitol. Witcher, however, deleted the footage before he was interviewed by authorities, a statement of facts said. He told authorities he "saw what was happening on the news and felt the videos would be self-incriminating" but insisted he wasn't destroying evidence.

According to the FBI, agents were able to retrieve the videos from Witcher's iCloud account that show him and Barnard inside the Capitol, chanting "our house" and telling officers "Don't forget your oath! You are us!"

While inside, Barnard and two others attempted to shield police with their bodies as others shoved the officers, the FBI said.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building

Joseph Barnes

FBI

The Austin man was arrested on Feb. 10 after multiple witnesses told authorities they saw Barnes in the TV coverage of the riot.

In the footage, Barnes could be heard saying "This is our house! This is our country!" a statement of facts said. While attempting to identify Barnes, authorities said they found a Facebook page titled "Joseph Barnes Art" that showed him standing in front of artwork, pointing an assault-style rifle at the camera with a caption that said A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither.

Barnes is the vice president of an Austin-based real estate company.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; obstruction of Justice/Congress; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Luke Coffee

FBI

The Dallas man was arrested Feb. 25 after he was seen on video and in photos hitting Capitol police officers with a crutch during the riot, the FBI said.

Officials said Coffee was captured in videos in the Lower Terrace steps around the time several Metropolitan police offers were injured in violent confrontations with rioters, a statement of facts said. Coffee grabbed a crutch nearby, held it in the air while approaching the police line and then used it to push into the officers, according to the FBI.

Officers were able to push Coffee off of them before he charged at them again with the crutch, the FBI said.

Coffee was identified after a former college classmate, who happens to be a Special Agent with the FBI, recognized him, a statement of facts said. Authorities said they also have screenshots of Coffee's social media posts wearing the same brown cowboy hat and camouflage jacket he was seen wearing inside the Capitol.

Charges: Assault of federal law enforcement officer with dangerous weapon; interference with law enforcement officer during civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding; unlawful entry on restricted grounds; disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Wilmar Jeovanny Montano Alvarado

FBI

The Houston man was arrested Jan. 26 after he admitted to a Houston news station that he participated in the riots, according to the FBI.

He told the reporter that he was at the edge of the Capitol building barricade when people started pushing past it so he "joined in." However, a video later posted on YouTube showed Alvarado battling with police at the entrance of the building, a statement of facts said.

He was hit multiple times by a police baton and pepper sprayed as well as being hit by a speaker thrown by someone in the crowd, the FBI said.

Charges: Restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct; civil disorders; assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers of employees; and obstruction of official proceedings

Treniss Jewell Evans III

The Canyon Lake man was arrested after a tipster told the FBI that Evans was allegedly taking shots of Fireball inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the Capitol riot, the FBI said.

A friend of the Evans family told the FBI that Evans had taken videos on his cell phone at the Capitol. Surveillance footage later showed Evans entering the Capitol through a broken window and staying inside for about 20 minutes, the Express-News reported.

Charges: Obstruction of an official proceeding; unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct.

Katherine Staveley Schwab

FBI

The Colleyville real estate agent was arrested on Feb. 2 after surveillance footage showed Schwab in the crowd inside the Capitol, according to the FBI.

According to a statement of facts, Schwab flew on a private plane from Denton to Washington, D.C., with Jason Hyland and Jenna Ryan, both of whom have also been arrested in connection with the riot. On Facebook, Schwab described what it was like inside the Capitol and said rioters only "raised hell" once Capitol police shot and killed a woman, according to the FBI.

When the FBI interviewed her, she said that, because of her "small stature," she was pushed into the Capitol by the crowds.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Jason Lee Hyland

FBI

The 37-year-old Colleyville man was arrested on Feb. 2 after surveillance footage showed Hyland inside the Capitol, the FBI said.

According to a statement of facts, Hyland flew a private plane from Denton to Washington, D.C., with Katherine Staveley Schwab and Jenna Ryan, both of whom have also been arrested in connection with the riot. Hyland told investigators, he asked a Capitol police officer if he could go inside the building and the officer replied "everyone else is," the FBI said.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Daniel Goodwyn

FBI

A self-proclaimed member of the Proud Boys from Cornith was arrested on Jan. 29 after appearing on another suspect's livestream video, according to a criminal complaint

Officials said Goodwyn can be seen and is called by name in a video taken by Anthime Joseph Gionet, also known as "Baked Alaska." Gionet has also been arrested on charges stemming from the Capitol riots. Goodwyn was escorted out of the Capitol, calling the officer who escorted him out an oathbreaker and yelled for rioters to take the officers badge number as he left, the criminal complaint said.

On Instagram, Goodwyn said he was inside the Capitol but only stayed for a few minutes and didn't break anything.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Nolan Cooke

FBI

The 22-year-old man from Savoy was arrested on Jan. 21 after three people informed the FBI about Snapchat photos that showed Cooke "helped lead the charge of rioters breaking through the police gates," officials said.

Cooke recorded the incident on a GoPro around his neck before posting video to Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, an arrest affidavit said. He also posted photos of himself and an unnamed girlfriend with the caption I wouldnt want anyone other than you with me to take on the revolution," the affidavit said.

He told officials that he went to the Capitol because he wanted to be heard, according to the affidavit.

Charges: Acts during civil disorder; entering/remaining on restricted buildings or grounds and disorderly/ disruptive conduct in or near restricted buildings or grounds; unlawful activities on Capitol grounds

Tam Dinh Pham

FBI

Pham, a Houston police officer, was arrested on Jan. 20 after telling FBI agents that he only went into the Capitol to "see history," not to vandalize or be violent, according to a statement of facts.

The 18-year veteran initially told officials that he went to Washington D.C. for business reasons. When officials asked to look through his phone, they found deleted photos and videos of him inside the Capitol, the court documents said.

He told officials he only looked at the art in the Capitol, took some photographs and left after 15 minutes, according to the court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Joshua Loller

FBI

The Spring man was arrested on Jan. 15 after a tipster showed police photos and video from Loller's Facebook account of him inside the Capitol confronting Metropolitan police officers, a statement of facts said.

An officer's body camera footage also shows Loller on the front lines fighting with police to enter the Capitol, according to the court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds; obstructing or impeding law enforcement officer during civil disorder and obstructing federally protected functions

Christopher Ray Grider

FBI

The Bruceville-Eddy man and owner of Kissing Tree Vineyards was arrested Jan. 21 in Austin after telling a Waco TV station that he was in the Capitol during the riots. He told reporters that he was within feet of Ashli Babbitt, the woman was who killed by Capitol police outside the House chambers, an arrest affidavit said. During his TV interview, Grider said "The president asked people to come and show their support. I feel like it's the least we can do, it's kind of why I came from central Texas all the way to D.C."

Officials also believe Grider handed a man a black helmet that was then used to break the glass doors of the Capitol in which Babbitt eventually attempted to jump through. Video footage shows Grider trying to push and kick the doors open, the affidavit said.

He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and taken to Washington D.C. for arraignment.

Charges: Government property or contracts; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Chance Anthony Uptmore and James "Sonny" Uptmore

FBI

The San Antonio father and son were arrested Jan. 26 after a tipster told the FBI about comments and photos on Chance's Facebook page detailing his time inside the Capitol. Chance had posted that the violence was "minimal" and that he was trying to help the police stop other rioters, a criminal complaint said. Images of him inside the Capitol were captured by news coverage of the event.

Chance later admitted to authorities that he and his father James entered the Capitol because they were "caught up in the crowd and it was a once in a lifetime event," according to court documents.

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Daniel D. Phipps

FBI

The Dallas-area man was arrested Jan. 26 after a witness told Fort Worth police about a photo Phipps posted on Facebook inside the Capitol with an American flag draped over his shoulder, a criminal complaint said. Under the photo, Phipps wrote a comment that he was in Washington, D.C., and "helped take the Hill."

Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds

Nicholas DeCarlo

FBI

The 30-year-old Burleson man was arrested on Jan. 26 after he gave an interview to the Los Angeles Times on Jan. 13 in which he admitted to being in the Capitol with another man named Nicholas Ochs, who has also been arrested by the FBI, a statement of facts said. DeCarlo said the two men were working as journalists but neither are listed as a credentialed reporter with the House or Senate Periodical Press Gallery. In a photo from Jan. 6, DeCarlo is wearing a shirt that says "Murder the Media," standing next to the same message etched into a Capitol wall, court documents said.

According to court documents, photos were posted to Twitter that showed him smoking in the Capitol with Ochs. Additional videos were posted on Twitter of Ochs and Decarlo speaking about how they were able to "stop the steal" by storming the Capitol, the FBI said.

Charges: Obstructing or impeding any official proceeding; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; parading or demonstrating on Capitol grounds

Garret Miller

FBI

Miller was arrested Jan. 20 after surveillance footage purportedly shows the Dallas-area man was part of the group that first stormed the U.S. Capitol, a statement of facts said. Miller also detailed his activities inside the building on social media, including a video posted to his public Twitter account and photos on Facebook with "just wanted to incriminate myself a little lol" as a caption, according to officials.

Miller also made threats on Twitter, saying it was "hunting season" and called for the assassination of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, officials said. He also threatened the officer who fatally shot a rioter inside the Capitol, saying supporters should "hug his neck with a nice rope," according to officials.

CHARGES: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstructing or impeding any official proceeding; certain acts during lawful civil disorder

Matthew Carl Mazzocco

FBI

The 37-year-old San Antonio man was arrested Jan. 17 after purported videos of him at the Capitol appeared on TikTok.

Multiple tipsters led officials to Mazzocco after he posted photos from the Capitol on Facebook, including in a group for a youth sports league. Twitter users also tagged the San Antonio FBI account with videos of Mazzocco inside the Capitol, where he was "telling others not to take or destroy anything, and that they were probably going to get in trouble for what they were doing," a statement of facts said.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Larry Rendall Brock

FBI

The Grapevine man was arrested Jan. 10 after his ex-wife called the FBI to say she recognized him in a photo inside the Capitol building wearing a patch and pilot wings from his military service.

A YouTube video showed a man resembling Brock's driver's license photo walking out of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office wearing a military-style helmet, body armor and holding flex-cuffs, according to the criminal complaint.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Jenny Louise Cudd and Eliel Rosa

FBI

Cudd and Rosa were arrested Jan. 12.

Officials said the two were seen on surveillance footage entering the Capitol and taking photos of the rotunda before walking around outside the upper House doors. Cudd streamed a live video and Rosa posted pictures on Facebook from inside the Capitol, the FBI said. Cudd also participated in an interview with a Texas TV station in which she described what happened, saying we the Patriots did storm the U.S. Capitol," documents said. Later, when questioned, the FBI said Rosa admitted to entering the Capitol.

CHARGES: Entering a restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct

Anthime Joseph Gionet

Gionet, known as "Baked Alaska" on social media, was arrested in Houston on Jan. 15 after livestreaming his time inside the Capitol.

Gionet livestreamed for 27 minutes and posted on social media sites DLive, YouTube and Twitter, documents show.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Daniel Page Adams

FBI

Adams was arrested Jan. 16 in East Texas after posting about the riot on Facebook, the FBI said.

Adams and his cousin Cody Page Carter Connell posted video on social media showing them pushing toward a line of Capital police officers and Adams "physically engaging with officers," documents show. Adams was clubbed and shot with rubber bullets, the FBI said.

CHARGES: Assaulting a federal officer; obstructing law enforcement engaged in official duties; incident to civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Alex Kirk Harkrider and Ryan Nichols

FBI

Harkrider, 30, of Converse and Nichols, 32, of Longview were identified by friends on Facebook.

Witnesses shared photos and videos from Nichols' Facebook page and Snapchat account that showed the two inside the Capitol. One photo depicts them standing in front of smashed windows at Pelosi's office, a criminal complaint said.

Nichols was carrying a can of pepper spray and a crowbar while Harkrider carried a baton, the FBI said. Nichols also pepper-sprayed law enforcement, according to the FBI.

They were arrested Jan. 18 in East Texas.

CHARGES: Conspiracy and unlawful entry with a dangerous weapon; violent entry or disorderly conduct; assaulting a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon; aiding and abetting

Guy Wesley Reffitt

FBI

Video from Reuters and Fox News show the Wylie resident being pepper sprayed by police.

According to an arrest affidavit, Reffitt's son told officials he took his gun to the Capitol to "protect the country." His son also told officials that Reffitt said he "would have no option but to do what he had to do" and threatened to shoot his family if they turned him into the authorities, the FBI said.

He was arrested Jan. 18.

CHARGES: Entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstruction of justice

Troy Anthony Smocks

Smocks posted on the social media platform Parler that he would be at the Capitol and planned on returning Jan. 19 with far-right groups that would "come in numbers that no standing army or police agency can match," FBI documents show.

According to the FBI, Smocks also told his social media followers they needed to "hunt theses cowards down like the traitors that each of them are." He also said to target certain groups, including democrats.

He was arrested Jan. 15.

CHARGES: Threats in interstate commerce

Jenna Ryan

FBI

The Frisco real estate agent, who took a private plane to Washington, D.C., was arrested Jan. 15 after livestreaming herself at the Capitol calling it the "best day of her life," the FBI said.

One video posted before the riots, Ryan is talking to a bathroom mirror saying "We're going to go down and storm the Capitol. They're down there right now and that's why we came and so that's what we are going to do. So wish me luck," a statement of facts said. Later, as she was inside the Capitol, she said "Y'all know who to hire for your realtor, Jenna Ryan for your realtor," the court documents said.

After her arrest, she asked Trump to pardon her, CBS11 reported. She told the news station "I dont feel a sense of shame or guilty from my heart. I feel like I was basically following my president."

CHARGES: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for ExpressNews.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A diverse group of North America's leading cannabis cultivation and manufacturing experts has announced that they have come together to form the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC). The SCC will work proactively with industry cultivation and manufacturing peers and vendors to promote proven sustainability best practices that can be implemented at scale across the cannabis market.

Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) (PRNewsfoto/Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC))

The global legal marijuana market is predicted to reach $66.3 billion by the end of 2025. In order for cultivation and manufacturing producers to compete in a global market they will be required to meet stringent sustainable and ethical business practices. The SCC will be a trusted resource providing foundational best practices to further promote economic benefits of sustainability as the industry continues to grow.

The SCC founders include CohnReznick, Anderson Porter Design, Valiant, Wholly H2O, Cloud Farming, Argus Controls, Conviron, Gro iQ, Trulieve, Byers Scientific, 365 Cannabis, GMP Collective, Omega Equipment and Supply, Simplifya, PathogenDx, Grow Generation and Outlaw Technology. These industry leaders are foremost experts in data driven business strategy, facility design, facility construction, water use, pathogen detection, energy consumption, waste disposal, economic and social impact, vertical farming, ERP and seed to sale systems, lighting, air emissions, extraction, packaging and data driven monitoring and optimization of environmental control systems.

"With investors across the industry incorporating Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") factors into the investment process, the creation of a coalition to address sustainability in this space is critical," said Peter Dougherty, CEO of Gro IQ and SCC Co-Founder. "The SCC is uniquely poised to impact the industry as it continues to rapidly evolve. As leaders in this space, it is our responsibility to provide data driven sustainability guidance to the industry while protecting both consumers and the environment."

Ira Weinstein, Managing Principal, CohnReznick, founding member of the coalition, and author of theinaugural SCC blog, added, "ESG is a key business practice for CohnReznick and our customers. The ability to incorporate data driven best practices will help confirm for our customers both the long term economic impact on their business as well as position those companies as environmentally and socially responsible market leaders."

The SCC plans to release informative blog posts and podcast interviews bi-weekly addressing each vertical segment of the cannabis cultivation and manufacturing supply chain within the industry along with best practices for sustainability.

About the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition

The Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) was founded by an alliance of America's foremost cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and technology experts. The cannabis industry is projected to reach $66.3 billion by the end of 2025. The coalition aims to measure, document and improve sustainable cannabis cultivation and manufacturing through education and proliferation of best practices.

For additional information, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Jennifer Rumble

E: [email protected]

T: 704.923.6378

SOURCE Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC)
Thousands of protesters rushed to the  Capitol Wednesday night, forcing their way through doors, crawling through windows and jamming corridors. That is how one newspaper described the storming of the Capitol  not the one in Washington last week, but the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., a decade ago.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday berated the Nigerian government over its lethargic approach to the countrys security challenges.

Making reference to the recent kidnap of 18 police officers by bandits in Kaduna state and gruesome killing of 48 farmers in Borno State, the main opposition party said President Muhammadu Buhari had made the country worse than he met it.

Our party, as the voice of the people, tasks President Buhari to show concern to the plight of Nigerians who are being ravaged by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and vandals whose activities have been emboldened by the indolent and languid attitude of his administration, including its recent dismissive statement to Nigerians to wait on God for solution, the PDP national spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said.

Against the countrys current reality, Mr Buhari made adequate security and economic growth his campaign vocal points in 2015, prompting a social media campaign calling for the dismissal of security chiefs, a demand he has refused to act on.

Reiterating this, the PDP urged the government to honour Nigerians request by reshuffling the countrys security command structures.

It is indeed unfortunate that despite the manifest security lapses, Mr. President has refused to respect the consensus by Nigerians across board, as validated by the two chambers of the National Assembly to regain his security architecture, by replacing his service chiefs with more competent hands.

The PDP calls on President Buhari to demonstrate a sense of responsibility to the duties of his office in the interests of vulnerable Nigerians who are daily falling victim to bandits, terrorists and kidnappers prowling the land, the PDP said.
Greece, N.Y.  An Amber Alert has been issued for a boy and girl kidnapped Monday night from the Rochester area by men wearing ski masks.

Shekeria Cash, 3, and Dimitri Cash Jr., 5, were abducted around 8:40 p.m. from English Road in Greece, said the New York State Police in an Amber Alert. Investigators believe the children are in imminent danger of serious harm or death, troopers said.

The children were taken by two tall men dressed in matching clothing, troopers said. Investigators are working to identify the suspects. The suspected kidnappers were last seen on English Road, troopers said.

Signs along highways across the state, including the New York State Thruway and Interstate 81 in the Syracuse area, are urging travelers to check out the Amber Alert.

Heres how troopers described the missing children:

Shekeria, a Black girl, has brown eyes and braided black hair. She is about 4 feet tall and weighs about 40 pounds. Shekeria was wearing pajamas emblazoned with pandas when she was taken.

Dimitri, a Black boy, has short black hair and brown eyes. He is about 4 feet tall and weighs about 50 pounds. When he was taken, Dimitri was wearing pajamas with either fire trucks or dinosaurs.

The suspected kidnappers were wearing matching outfits, troopers said: flannel shirts, Dickies work pants, black ski masks and black knit hats. Heres how troopers described the suspects:

The first suspect, a Black man, is about 6 feet, 1 inch tall. He weighs around 175 pounds and has facial hair. The mans age is unknown.

The second suspect, a Black man, is about 6 feet, 1 inch tall. He weighs about 200 pounds. His age is not known.

Troopers asked anyone with information about the kidnapping to contact the Greece Police Department at (58) 428-6666. Troopers asked anyone who spots the children to call 911.

Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.com.
New Delhi: Producer Nicky Bhagnani and actor Luv Sinha are on an adventurous trip to Kashmir to scout for a shoot location for upcoming web series project. The duo has a project in the works and went to explore the beautiful and picturesque Betaab valley to scout for a location for a shoot.

An explorer at heart, Luv Sinha headed to the snow-capped peaks in Kashmir with the producer friend of his upcoming project. The trip involved exploring the breathtaking landscape as well as photographing the picturesque views from thousands of meters above sea level.

Being one with nature can be quite a difficult task, especially when you have to face the elements. The actor had to brave not just the extreme cold, but also the gusty winds that have the ability to knock you off your feet. In fact, Luv escaped an accident and came out unscathed.

Luv also carried his camera and got some breathtaking shots of the view from thousands of meters above the valleys. We cant wait to find out what Luv and Nicky are working on together and hopefully we will get more details about their project soon!
A group of Houstonians brought their calls for Ted Cruz's resignation to the senator's doorstep.

The "pallbearers for Cruz," a self-described group of anarchists unaffiliated with any specific organization, carried three coffins to Cruz's Houston home before placing them on the lawn.

BEFORE INAUGURATION DAY: Abbott slams 'offensive' increased vetting of National Guardsmen

According to a statement, each coffin respectively represented those that died during the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Cruz's career, and the Texas senator's call to reject electoral votes based on President Donald Trump's repeated disproven claims of widespread election fraud, which the group said has damaged American democracy.

Paul Beyer

"Ted Cruz was elected to office as a 'constitutional conservative' and has broken his oath to defend the constitution to pander to his base," the group said in a statement. "His lies have cost American lives. It is time for Ted Cruz to retire and allow someone who will defend the constitution to represent the State of Texas. Today, Ted Cruz should resign."

Cruz has faced widespread calls for his resignation since Jan. 6, when a pro-Trump mob stormed and breached the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the deaths of five people and delaying the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Cruz was one of the most vocal challengers of certifying the results and ultimately voted to object to Arizona and Pennsylvania's vote counts after the riot.

Several have said that Cruz's vocal dissent to the election results spurred the mob. New Yorker reporter Luke Mogelson captured on video one rioter rifling through a lawmaker's papers in the Senate chamber, saying, "I think Cruz would want us to do this, I think were good."

Cruz has maintained he bears no responsibility for the attack on the Capitol and condemned the violence.

What I was doing and what the other senators were doing is what we were elected to do, which is debating matters of great import in the chamber of the United States Senate," Cruz told KHOU. "I joined with 11 other Senators and we proposed to the Senate that Congress should appoint an electoral commission.





Haiti - Diplomacy : New Ambassador of Haiti to Taiwan





Monday, January 18, 2021 in Taipei, as he prepares to take up his post in Taiwan (Republic of China), the new Ambassador of Haiti, Herve Denis, presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, a copy of the credentials that he will officially present to President Tsai Ing-wen at an accreditation ceremony.



The two discussed issues of mutual interest to the two countries.



Minister Wu looked forward to working with the Ambassador to deepen the friendship between the two countries. On behalf of the Taiwanese people and Government, Joseph Wu further conveyed his thanks to Haitian President Jovenel Moise for his long-standing support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.



Ambassador Herve Denis stressed that Taiwan is an important ally of Haiti and thanked the country for the projects it is carrying out in Haiti for the well-being of its people. He hoped that in terms of economy and trade, Haiti can establish a "public-private partnership" with Taiwan and seize new opportunities to expand cooperation by taking advantage of Haiti's geographical position in the Caribbean.



A confirmed diplomat, Ambassador Herve Denis has been posted to the United States, Germany, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Geneva with the United Nations. He also held important positions such as Minister of Labor in 1985 and Minister of Defense from 2017 to 2018. As President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti (2000-2016), Herve Denis has already visited Taiwan three times.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















More than 300 scientists and scholars are believed to have been recruited by talent recruitment schemes controlled by the Chinese Communist Party over the past decade, further raising concern Australian academics are giving Beijing access to their technologies and inventions.

One professor who was working on drone research in Australia trained a People's Liberation Army scientist who went on to become the chief technician for a Chinese military drone program.

China's talent recruitment programs attract scientists and engineers from all over the world. Credit:AP

The extent of CCP talent-recruitment activity in Australian universities and other research institutions may have resulted in $280 million in grant fraud over the past two decades, according to evidence given to a parliamentary inquiry.

The new research has identified 325 participants in CCP talent-recruitment programs from Australian research institutions, with many having conflicting commitments such as maintaining jobs in China while also being employed full-time in Australia.
Efforts to interpret and preserve sites that were important to the history of San Antonio African Americans and Latinos will be the focus of the online discussion titled Preserving Places of Color at 6 this evening.

The free, virtual Dream Week event hosted by the Conservation Society of San Antonio and Coalition for the Woolworth Building will be held via Zoom and recorded for later viewing. To register online, visit the societys website, saconservation.org.

On ExpressNews.com: Reports support preserving San Antonios Woolworth Building

The hourlong forum, followed by a question-and-answer session, will focus on the Alazan-Apache Courts, a 1939-1941 federal housing project on the near West Side; the foundations of the 1870s St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church by San Pedro Creek; and the 1921 Woolworth Building in Alamo Plaza.

As monuments to the struggle for equity and justice, these buildings and structures need to be experienced as places, the society said on its website. Join us for a discussion with four expert panelists about sites related to the underrepresented narratives of Blacks and Latinos in San Antonios history.

On ExpressNews.com: Public to weigh in on fate of historic Black church foundation

Speakers will include Sarah Zenaida Gould, interim executive director of the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute in San Antonio.

She will discuss the Alazan-Apache complex, which is targeted for demolition to provide replacement housing. Last year, the community known as Los Courts was included in the National Trust for Historic Preservations annual list of Americas Most Endangered Historic Places.

Everett Fly, a co-founder of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, will provide insights on the AME church foundations, discovered nearly a year ago and now awaiting nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

A public input process for the site is planned as part of the second phase of Bexar Countys San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a project led by the San Antonio River Authority.

On ExpressNews.com: National group calls Alazan-Apache an endangered historic site

Nancy Rankin, principal with John G. Waite Associates, an architectural firm, will present key findings from recent reports on the Woolworth Building, which housed one of seven lunch counters downtown that peacefully desegregated in 1960.

A recently released report by the firm, prepared as part of a massive public-private makeover of Alamo Plaza, recommends keeping the building and two other state-owned historic structures intact, possibly as part of a modern Alamo museum to interpret the mission and battle site.

Historian and author Antonia Castaneda will offer commentary on the loss of cultural icons such as the La Gloria, Univision and G.J. Sutton buildings that have been demolished. Vince Michael, the societys executive director, will serve as moderator.

shuddleston@express-news.net
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two NASA astronauts are scheduled to venture outside the International Space Station Wednesday, Jan. 27, and Monday, Feb. 1, for a pair of spacewalks to finish installing a European science platform and complete long-term battery upgrade work. NASA will preview the work during a news conference at 3 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 22, from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Live coverage of the preview briefing and spacewalks will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Reporters who wish to participate by telephone must call Johnson's newsroom at 281-483-5111 to RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Reporters will not be invited to attend briefings in person at NASA centers due to safety restrictions related to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Those following the briefing on social media may ask questions using #AskNASA.

News conference participants will be:

Kenny Todd , deputy manager, International Space Station Program

, deputy manager, International Space Station Program Rick Henfling , Jan. 27 spacewalk flight director

, spacewalk flight director Sarah Korona , Jan. 27 spacewalk officer

, spacewalk officer Vincent Lacourt , Feb. 1 spacewalk flight director

, spacewalk flight director Sandy Fletcher , Feb. 1 spacewalk officer

NASA Television and the agency's website will broadcast the spacewalks with live coverage beginning at 5:30 a.m. on the day of each spacewalk. The spacewalks will begin about 7 a.m. and will last about six and a half hours.

NASA Flight Engineers Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover, who flew to the space station aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft, will conduct both spacewalks, which will be the 233rd and 234th in support of space station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

The Jan. 27 spacewalk will focus on completing cable and antenna rigging for the "Bartolomeo" science payloads platform outside the ESA (European Space Agency) Columbus module. The duo also will configure a Ka-band terminal that will enable an independent, high-bandwidth communication link to European ground stations. After completing the upgrades on the Columbus module, Hopkins and Glover will remove a grapple fixture bracket on the far port (left) truss in preparation for future power system upgrades.

The Feb. 1 spacewalk will address a variety of tasks, including installation of a final lithium-ion battery adapter plate on the port 4 (P4) truss that will wrap up battery replacement work begun in January 2017. Hopkins and Glover will remove another grapple fixture bracket on the same truss segment, replace an external camera on the starboard truss, install a new high-definition camera on the Destiny laboratory, and replace components for the Japanese robotic arm's camera system outside the Kibo module.

Hopkins will be extravehicular crew member 1 (EV 1) for both spacewalks, wearing a spacesuit with red stripes, and Glover will be extravehicular crew member 2 (EV 2), wearing a spacesuit with no stripes. These will be the third and fourth spacewalks in Hopkins' career, and the first and second for Glover.

These two spacewalks are scheduled to be followed by two additional spacewalks in the near future. During the third spacewalk, Glover and NASA astronaut Kate Rubins will work outside the station to prepare its power system for the installation of new solar arrays to augment the station's existing power supply. For the fourth spacewalk, Rubins and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi will continue upgrading station components. Another briefing will be scheduled to preview the next two spacewalks after the dates are set.

For more than 20 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep space. As a global endeavor, 242 people from 19 countries have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 3,000 research investigations from researchers in 108 countries and areas.

For more information about the International Space Station, its research, and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


To the Editor:

On Wednesday Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be sworn in as our 46th president. I am filled with hope and at peace knowing that, whatever the next four years bring, we have as president a wise, caring, gentle and highly qualified leader to take us to a place that felt unreachable just a few months ago.

Imagine news conferences based on facts, addresses to the nation meant to promote harmony and unity, a world awaiting renewed outreach and cooperation, all leading to a better tomorrow.

I no longer fear the future. I welcome it, revel in its promises and believe in its dreams.

Doris Fenig

Boca Raton, Fla.

To the Editor:

I am 76 years old and I feel as if I have basically lost the last four years of my life waiting on the world to change. I went from deep anger and depression following Donald Trumps election to amazement as I watched him do in a cruel and heartless way exactly what he said hed do: dismantle everything Barack Obama had built. In the process he divided our country, our families and our friendships, but hopefully not forever.
Solidium's return on equity holdings was 13.5% for the six-month period and 5.6% for the full calendar year 2020

Solidium's net asset value increased by EUR 0.7 billion and was EUR 7.3 billion at the end of the period.

Solidium's CEO Antti Makinen's comments:

"The review period was marked by the stark recovery of the market after the fall in the spring. Also, major events happened for our equity holdings in the six-month period. 1 July 2020 Metso Outotec started its journey together, and at the same time we sold our stake in Neles to Valmet. Additionally, Konecranes announced a merger with Cargotec, which we are supporting. The combined company will become the leading global player in port equipment and services, and other material flow related equipment and service businesses.

An analysis of the carbon emissions of our equity holdings was concluded during the review period. The portfolio companies' CO 2 intensities were slightly better on average compared to their peers. Also, the companies are on average more ambitious on emission reduction targets. Over half of the companies have approved Science Based Targets.

Solidium's return on equity was satisfactory despite the pandemic (5.6%) in the full calendar year 2020. In the six-month period Metso Outotec contributed especially well (66%), which benefits from the incoming synergies of the merger and the demand for metals has been on a good level. However, the return of Nokia was the weakest (-19%), which was affected by its weaker than expected guidance.

During the reporting period 1 July - 31 December 2020 Solidium increased its stake in Nokia from 4.8% to 5.2% and in Nokian Tyres from 6.8% to 7.8%. Solidium closed a transaction and sold its 14.9% stake in Neles to Valmet in the beginning of July, which was signed at the end of the previous financial year."





SOLIDIUM'S HOLDINGS

Development of holdings and key indicators

The value of Solidium's all holdings (equity holdings and money market investments) was EUR 7,841 million on 31 December 2020 (EUR 6,950 million on 30 June 2020 and EUR 7,701 million on 31 December 2019). The return on all holdings was 13.0 per cent over the review period of six months, and 5.5 per cent for the last twelve months. More detailed information on the investment key indicators are attached.

Equity holdings

The value of Solidium's equity holdings was EUR 7,620 million on 31 December 2020 (EUR 6,799 million on 30 June 2020 and EUR 7,541 million on 31 December 2019). The total return of Solidium's equity holdings was 13.5 per cent during the review period and 5.6 per cent for the last twelve months. During the six-month period the best returns were generated by Metso Outotec whereas the return of Nokia was the weakest.

Money market investments

Solidium's money market investments amounted to EUR 222 million on 31 December 2020 (EUR 151 million on 30 June 2020 and EUR 160 million on 31 December 2019). The return of money market investments was 0.5 per cent during the review period and 0.5 per cent for the past twelve months.

During the review period Solidium did not pay a profit distribution to the owner.

Participation in nomination boards

A central aspect of Solidium's corporate governance model is to actively influence the composition of the boards of directors of the portfolio companies. Solidium actively participated in the work of the nomination boards responsible for preparing board elections. Solidium pursues board compositions which best serve the needs of the companies and the goal of shareholder value creation.

Solidium's representatives have served as the chairman of the shareholders' nomination boards of Elisa, Metso Outotec, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, TietoEVRY and Valmet, and as members of the shareholders' nomination boards of Kemira, Konecranes, SSAB and Stora Enso. The nomination boards prepare the proposals related to the selection and remuneration of the board members for the 2021 Annual General Meetings.

According to Solidium's strategy the objective for Solidium is to have a representative in the board of each portfolio company. Currently Solidium's CEO Antti Makinen is board member of Metso Outotec, Sampo and Stora Enso boards and investment director Annareetta Lumme-Timonen is a board member of SSAB. In addition, Solidium's Board member Aaro Cantell is a member of the board of Valmet, Timo Ahopelto is a member of the board of TietoEVRY, and Jannica Fagerholm is a member of the board of Sampo.



Share transactions

During the review period Solidium acquired shares in Nokia for EUR 99 million and in Nokian Tyres for EUR 33 million. Following the the arrangements, Solidium's holding in Nokia increased from 4.8 per cent to 5.2 per cent and in Nokian Tyres from 6.8 per cent to 7.8 per cent.

Solidium closed a transaction and sold its 14.9% stake in Neles to Valmet for EUR 190 million in the beginning of July, which was signed at the end of the previous financial period.





SOLIDIUM OY'S EVENTS

Annual General Meeting

Solidium's Annual General Meeting was held in Helsinki on 30 November 2020. The Annual General Meeting adopted the company's financial statements for the financial year 1 July 2019-30 June 2020 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. The Annual General Meeting decided not to distribute profits to the owner. For a term ending at the end of the next Annual General Meeting, the following persons were re-elected to the Board of Directors: Harri Sailas (Chairman), Aaro Cantell (Vice-Chairman), and Timo Ahopelto, Jannica Fagerholm, Marjo Miettinen, Laura Raitio and Kimmo Viertola as Board members.

This half-year report is available at https://www.solidium.fi/en/publications-and-media/half-year-report/





Solidium Oy

Further information: Antti Makinen, CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 830 8905





Solidium is a limited company wholly owned by the State of Finland. Its mission is to strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in nationally important companies and increase the value of its holdings in the long term. Through its stakes, Solidium is a minority owner in thirteen listed companies: Elisa, Kemira, Konecranes, Metso Outotec, Nokia, Nokian Renkaat, Outokumpu, Sampo, SSAB, Stora Enso, TietoEVRY and Valmet. The market value of Solidium's investments is approximately 8.2 billion euros.

Further information: www.solidium.fi





Attachment
A train attendant awaits the departure of a train to Bandung from Gambir station in Jakarta, Aug. 31, 2015.

Indonesia will go ahead with plans to extend construction of the Chinese-backed Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to Surabaya despite Japan refusing to join the enlarged project, the investment ministry said Tuesday.

The government has offered China an opportunity to take part in extending the rail line to Indonesias second largest city and is open to other countries investing in this, said Jodi Mahardi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment.

Tokyo had rejected Jakartas invitation for a consortium of Japanese investors to sign on for the extended project, saying it was focused on its existing medium-speed rail project connecting the Indonesian capital to Surabaya, Jodi said.

They want to focus on the north line first, Jodi told BenarNews.

The Japan-backed rail project traverses the north side of Java, Indonesias most densely populated and built-up island.

The Indonesian government, however, wants the high-speed railway to Surabaya to pass through the south side of the island. The government believes that an extension will make the project more economically viable, Jodi said.

Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesias minister for investment, told Beijing last week that it could build the high-speed railway extension. He made the offer during a meeting with Wang Yi, the visiting Chinese foreign minister.

President Joko Widodo has told President Xi Jinping that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] can participate in the project, Luhut said in a statement on Jan. 14.

China will look into the project, Jodi said.

A team of Chinese experts will be sent to conduct a study on the project, he said.

Basically, we are open to investors from anywhere, including Japan. They are still welcome, he said.

Flagship One Belt, One Road project

Last week, Ren Hongpeng, the vice president of state-linked China Railway Group Limited (CREC), said the firm was committed to finishing the Jakarta-Bandung train project on time.

Even though we are experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic, we will still try to complete the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project according to schedule, Antara, the Indonesian state news agency, quoted Ren as saying after a meeting in Beijing with the Indonesian ambassador to China.

The consortium building the U.S. $6-billion Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), said in December that the project was 64 percent finished, and scheduled to be completed next year.

The 142-kilometer (88.2-mile) Jakarta-Bandung line is expected to shorten the travel time between the two cities via rail to 40 minutes from 3 hours, according to Chinese state media.

Japan had initially planned to build the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway but Jakarta awarded the project to China after Beijing agreed to provide a loan without a government guarantee.

Launched by Jokowi in 2016, it is the flagship project in Indonesia under Chinas controversial One Belt, One Road (OBOR), an estimated U.S. $1 trillion-plus initiative to build a network of railways, ports and bridges across 70 countries.

Djauhari Oratmangun, the Indonesian envoy to Beijing, said both governments were committed to the project, which could pave the way for other investments by China.

I hope that this project will be completed soon. When this project is completed, there will be discussions on next projects, Djauhari said.

In 2019, Indonesia and Japan signed a deal on the outline of the 700-km (435-mile) Jakarta-Surabaya medium-speed rail project after two years of negotiations, with an initial investment of 60 trillion rupiah ($4.3 billion).

This project is expected to shorten the Jakarta-Surabaya train trip to 5 hours and 30 minutes, from more than 10 hours currently. Construction is scheduled to start in 2022 and finish in 2025.

Japan vs China

As an emerging Asian power, China wants a greater role in Indonesia  the largest country in Southeast Asia  according to one observer.

Japan and China  are trying to achieve hegemony in Indonesia. Of course, Japan doesnt want [greater Chinese influence], because theyve been investing here all along, Yusuf Rendy Manilet, an economist at the Indonesian Center for Reform of Economics, a think-tank, told BenarNews.

The government could still involve other countries in the project through a sovereign wealth fund called the Indonesian Investment Authority, which it launched this month, he said.

If the government is successful in running the [fund], it could become an entry point for the financing of the high-speed train project, Yusuf said.

In his view, South Korea could be a potential investor in the high-speed rail project.

South Korea also has experience building high-speed rail lines. Apart from that, the current trend is that South Korea and Indonesia are in a honeymoon period in economic cooperation because a lot of new investment is coming from there, he said.
The Covid-19 death toll now stands at 440, with the deaths of 15 more people yesterday.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.

One of the new deaths occurred in Tobago. The Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development disclosed that the patient was a 38-year-old male with co-morbidities.
On Jan. 6, during a joint session of Congress convened at the U.S. Capitol to certify Democratic President-elect Joe Bidens electoral victory, the federal building was violently sieged by a pro-Trump group of insurrectionists who sought to overturn the results of the November 2020 election.

Around 2 p.m., during congressional proceedings, all hell broke loose. Members of the mob forced their way through law enforcement, up and over barricades as well as U.S. Capitol Police officers. The crowd advanced to the exterior facade of the building and then inside the chambers of Congress.

The insurrection led to a rushed evacuation of federal lawmakers, among them members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, and ended with the discovery of pipe bombs and other weaponry, the arrests of dozens of rioters and the deaths of five people, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

Among the insurrectionists, authorities say, were two Massachusetts residents: 46-year-old Mark G. Sahady of Malden and 59-year-old Suzanne Ianni of Natick. Affidavits filed in federal court shed light on the individuals charges and alleged involvement in the insurrection.

The Natick woman and Malden man, each of whom stand accused of participating in the pro-Trump mobs storming of the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, were arrested Tuesday morning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of local police.

The alleged rioters were charged with disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, according to the FBI.

The suspects were taken into custody without incident at their respective homes in accordance with criminal complaints issued by the U.S. Court for the District of Columbia. They are expected to make their initial appearances in Boston federal court later Tuesday.

The affidavits filed in the criminal cases detail how the FBI was able to identify and track down the Massachusetts residents in the aftermath of the riot.

During national news coverage of the aforementioned events, video footage which appeared to be captured on mobile devices of persons present on the scene depicted evidence of violations of local and federal law, including scores of individuals inside the U.S. Capitol building without authority to be there, read the statement of facts filed in relation to Sahadys arrest.

Following the invasion of the Capitol, members of the public and the media started identifying people who were at the riot and entered the congressional meeting place.

Through social media posts, photographs and news reports, the FBI said, law enforcement soon discovered Sahady and Ianni participated in the insurrection.

One such photograph, according to the the federal agency, showed both Sahady and Ianni together in the Capitol building during the siege. The picture appeared on a number of platforms, including Twitter, where individuals worked successfully to identify the Malden man and Natick woman.

The MetroWest Daily News also reported the two individuals identities on Jan. 11, according to court records.

Based on my training and personal experience, I know this photo was taken inside the Capitol building based on the background and, specifically the decorative elements on the walls behind Sahady, a special agent for the FBI wrote in the affidavit. Based on my review of the evidence and law enforcement data to include government photographs of Sahady, I can corroborate MetroWests identification.

The crux of the FBIs investigation centered on a tweet from a group called Super Happy Fun America. The organization, which has the motto Straight is Great, organized the Boston Straight Pride Parade in 2019.

On the night of Jan. 5, the group tweeted a photograph of multiple people on a bus with the caption, Bus 1 of 11 coming to Washington DC. See you there!

The FBI confirmed both Sahady, who authorities noted is the vice president of the group, and Ianni are seen in the photograph, pictured putting their thumbs up.

Open source information later revealed Ianni, a Natick Town Meeting member, allegedly organized the buses to drive individuals to D.C., working with Super Happy Fun America. A petition has been circulating calling for the 59-year-old womans removal from the municipal governmental body.

Further review of Super Happy Fun Americas Twitter account showed multiple statements from the group evincing a belief that the 2020 election was stolen and that people need to gather in D.C. to respond to this theft on January 6, 2021, according to the FBI.

On November 16, 2020, Sahady writes that he was glad to be in D.C. the prior weekend and that if President-Elect Joe Biden won, he wanted to plan a rally to oppose Biden and send a message against tyranny, court records read.

Authorities said Ianni also spoke with a local news outlet and was interviewed for an article in which she said she was the lead organizer of the nearly a dozen buses of roughly 300 members of Super Happy Fun America that left Massachusetts for Washington.

Notably, in this article, Ianni declined to comment on whether she entered the U.S. Capitol, the affidavit said.

Read the affidavits here:

Related Content:

In one of his final acts in office, President Donald Trump has appointed Huntsville lawyer Mark McDaniel to a prominent international agricultural food board.

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks announced the appointment Monday of McDaniel to the International Food and Agricultural Development board.

The board, former in 1975, advises the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on issues concerning agriculture, higher education in developing countries, and food insecurity. The board and Title XII also recognize the critical role of U.S. land-grant institutions in agricultural development, domestically and abroad, and support their representation in USAID development programs.

America needs strong leaders in every aspect of federal government, Brooks said in the announcement. My friend, Mark McDaniel, has proven time and again to be a constructive and productive advisory board memberparticularly on NASAs Advisory Council. With Marks appointment, the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development has gained a thoughtful and hardworking member.

As a member of NASAs Human Exploration and Operations Committee, Mark has focused on ways to eventually feed explorers in deep space. Now, hell use that expertise and his years of experience in his new position advising USAID on how best to feed populations here on Earth. Congratulations to Mark on this well-deserved appointment. Its great to see Tennessee Valley residents take on prominent roles in government.

McDaniel has been appointed three by NASA administrators to serve on agencys advisory council and is currently serving on NASAs Human Exploration and Operations Committee.

On January 26, 2007, Mr. McDaniel received the NASA Public Service Medal for his Leadership and Council to Americas Space Agency, his advocacy of Human Space Flight and Exploration and dedication to the Aerospace Community at large.

I am very grateful for the Presidential appointment to this important International Agriculture Board, McDaniel said in a statement. The United States Agency for International Development has a very positive and important impact on Americas standing and influence throughout the world. The work of the USAID helps American farmers and in turn helps all humanity.

I look forward to working with Americas Land Grant Universities, especially Alabama A&M University and Auburn University.
LHostal Can Mario in Valldemossa is widely considered the birthplace of tourism in Mallorca.

Its been handed down through the ages by four generations of the Mercant family, whos family tree can be traced back to the 16th century.

Now Jaume Mercant, a descendant of that famous Mallorcan family has written a book about LHostal Can Mario which details the rich history of his relatives and their business.

In September, 1867 Jaumes great-great-grandfather, Jaime Mercant, hosted the Archduke Louis Salvador of Austria in the rooms above his grocery store when he visited Valldemossa.

A few years later, in 1899 Jaumes great-grandfather Antoni Merchant, who was nicknamed Mario, founded Lhostal Can Mario.

The business was a bit of a novelty at that time because Mallorca was basically an agricultural community and Can Mario was considered extremely posh, especially by those who were lucky enough to work there.

The business was quite varied and consisted of 21 guest rooms, a cafe, a restaurant, a shop and a haberdashery. The family also owned a horse and carriage and one of Antoni's sons would take guests on excursions to Soller at a cost of one peseta one way and 75 cents on the way back.

For decades LHostal Can Mario was the flagship of tourism and it also became a highly popular destination for famous personalities of the era, including actor Fortunio Bonanova, painters Normann Bruck, Mariano Montesinos, Henri Brugnot and Joan Fuster.

The hostel part of Can Mario is now closed but the restaurant is still open. Its still owned by the Mercant family and offers traditional homemade Mallorcan food, including Arroc Brut, Tumbet, fresh seafood and fantastic desserts.

LHostal Can Mario by Jaume Mercant is published by Documenta Balear and pays tribute to the Merchant familys fascinating legacy.
To the editor:

State Sen. Jim Stamas is urging Gov. Whitmer to reopen the state, with a specific concern for reopening restaurants. (Note: Stamas is a co-owner of Pizza Sams) Sen. Stamas stated in the Daily News, the Senate should reject the governors appointments until state has reopened. He claims there is no correlation shown between common dining areas being open and the influx of COVID-19 cases and goes on to say, I ask the governor to use actual science to help families get through these times instead of political science.
PAFnow logo KPMG Belgium is proud to work with PAF on bringing a unique perspective on data, embedding actionable insights and business value. We see this partnership as paramount in helping businesses tap into the potential of their data ecosystems.

KPMG Belgium and the Process Analytics Factory (PAF) have entered into a partnership in the field of Business Intelligence (BI) & Analytics. The PAFnow tool complements the Process Mining offering of KPMG Advisory in Belgium to their clients.

The Microsoft technologies on which PAFnow is based, such as Power BI, are already being used across numerous KPMG Belgium projects. With PAFnow added to the portfolio, clients will benefit from the latest technological advancements in combination with the expertise of highly skilled KPMG Belgium professionals to help them improve their business processes and focus on data-driven decision making.

PAFnows prebuilt automated Process Mining capabilities will support KPMG Belgium in guiding their clients to design, monitor and optimize their business processes in a faster and more efficient way.

"We are very pleased to welcome KPMG Belgium, one of the Big Four, as a partner. We share a passion for making our customers' operations sustainably better. This requires a combination of technical and analytical expertise. KPMG Belgium has combined both for many years, making them an outstanding partner to PAF," said Deborah Korb, Head of Strategic Alliances at PAF.

Tobias Rother, Founder and CEO of PAF said "The combination of years of experience in Process Mining is a very valuable asset for every enterprise. Together we will significantly reduce the time needed to find actionable insights and drive corrective actions with confidence.

Usually, understanding the clients business processes is a time-consuming activity. Integrating Process Mining in Power BI allows for the creation of a transparent overview of processes in a time-efficient manner. Furthermore, based on the analysis of data gathered from business applications, recommendations are made with respect to automation initiatives and the identified weak points can immediately be targeted by taking optimization measures. Following the implementation of those measures, Process Mining helps to report on KPIs and to continuously monitor the success of the measures taken.

KPMG Belgium is proud to work with PAF on bringing a unique perspective on data, embedding actionable insights and business value. We see this partnership as paramount in helping businesses tap into the potential of their data ecosystems, adds Jorn De Neve, Head of Advisory KPMG in Belgium.

Our joint efforts will allow us to expand the focus of business intelligence beyond reporting and dashboards to a broader capability that allows businesses to capitalize on their information, apply insight to respond to marketplace pressures and identify competitive advantages, said Anthony Van de Ven, Partner, Technology Advisory, Head of Technology KPMG in Belgium.

About KPMG Belgium

KPMG Belgium, with 1,400 employees across the country, offers personalized and multidisciplinary support in audit, accountancy, tax and legal advice. In addition, we support a wide range of management services: from operational efficiency, cost management to digital transformations, risk management and deal advice. As an integrated business using the latest innovative tools, KPMG Belgium is in a strong position to respond to client needs, bringing together the right teams at the right time, across disciplines and across borders.

About PAF

The Process Analytics Factory (PAF) is a leading pioneer in the development of Process Mining Software, which makes data-intensive work in real time easier and more efficient. PAF's flagship product, the software solution PAFnow, makes Process Mining accessible to companies of all sizes and industries so that they can transform data into insights and actions - easily, comfortably and fast. PAFnow is the world's first Process Mining solution fully integrated into Microsoft Power BI. The company was founded in 2014 and opened its North American subsidiary in 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to be at the center of research in data science and Artificial Intelligence. PAF is a self-financed company focused on sustainable growth. https://pafnow.com
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 76F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 52F. SSE winds shifting to N at 10 to 15 mph.
Heavy Military Presence as Capitol Prepares for Inauguration Like No Other

WASHINGTONThe nations capital is preparing for a presidential inauguration like no other in U.S. history, marked by extensive security measures, a large military presence, and pandemic restrictions. President-elect Joe Biden is set to be sworn in on Jan. 20.

Up to 25,000 members of the National Guard coming from all 50 states will be stationed at the Capitol. The number of Guardsmen sent to Washington far exceeds the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which has been reduced to 2,500. National Guardsmen have been permitted to use lethal force in order to support law enforcement in the Capitol and city.

The capital was reminiscent of an abandoned ghost town in the days leading up to the inauguration as roads were barricaded, stores were boarded up, and military troops were seen checking the IDs of people at security checkpoints. Military vehicles were seen throughout the area while most residents appear to be staying indoors, aside from the occasional jogger. The Capitol building itself was entirely surrounded by high fencing with barbed wire.

Members of the National Guard patrol the National Mall in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Authorities are worried that the violence and unrest during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach could be repeated again. While most national security and military experts told The Epoch Times the operations are well-conducted and necessary, some say its a little excessive.

The military presence in Washington is unprecedented and, while well-planned as a logistical feat, its over the top, J. Michael Waller, a senior analyst for strategy at the Center for Security Policy, told The Epoch Times.

It never would have been necessary had the leadership in both houses of Congress paid attention to their own security, and had the mayor of Washington, D.C., accepted the Trump administrations offers of help before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Members of the National Guard patrol the streets in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Waller, a former instructor with the Naval Postgraduate School and an instructor and lecturer at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, described the huge military presence as a psychological show of force to deter and intimidate.

He said it was to compensate for poor intelligence but also noted that the city is well-prepared for crowd control or riot control.

I talked to many of the soldiers on duty, and they tell me that the threat level is very lowthey are not even carrying ammunition in their weapons, Waller said. The whole operation is overkill and sends a dangerous precedent that could normalize a huge military force that our Founding Fathers warned against.

View of the Capitol Building ahead of the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Jan. 15 that even after the presidential inauguration, the city will have to maintain heightened security. When asked if the extensive security measures around the city would be reversed after the inauguration, Bowser said, We are going to go back to a new normal.

Federal authorities have said theyre tracking an extensive amount of concerning online chatter about potential threats to the inauguration, including armed protests, potential threats linked to the Capitol breach, and other potential threats.

The presidential inauguration was also declared a National Special Security Event. On Jan. 12, Acting Secretary Pete Gaynor expanded this period to begin on Jan. 13a week ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration.

The military and national security cultures are good at overreacting, a retired senior military officer told The Epoch Times.

Additional security in light of Jan. 6 is necessary, however 20,000 armed National Guard members seems a bit over the top.

There is an element of both overreaction and a more nefarious exploitation of a crisis. At this point in timewhat is the threat? Are hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters going to show up? I dont think so, the officer said.

There have been other times in U.S. history when the military has been sent to Washington. Some experts say the heavy security measures and presence of troops in the city are necessary.

I view the current security preparations prudent and warranted, Robert J. Bunker, director of research and analysis at C/O Futures, LLC and an international security and counterterrorism professional, told The Epoch Times.

During times of national unrest threatening Washington, D.C., the military has been deployed in a similar manner, such as during the Civil War and to quell the Bonus Army in mid-1932, he said.

Security around the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

The huge National Guard presence is fully justifiable within the context of the Biden inauguration and the further potential for violence that exists, Bunker said, referring to the Jan. 6 breach. A peaceful transition of power must be assured.

Its hard to travel around in the city or to even get to the Capitol. The Metro announced it would close 13 stations inside the security perimeter. And the National Mall stated it would implement a temporary public closure beginning at 11 a.m. on Jan. 15 through at least Jan. 21, at the request of and in cooperation with the U.S. Secret Service.

Now: Here is what the Capitol looks like in DC Fencing with barbed wire surrounds the perimeter, as armed national guard patrol the area. pic.twitter.com/pJ8HayNpzR  Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) January 18, 2021

Buses, streetcars, and other forms of public transportation, even bicycles, have been shut down.

The city has been separated into green and red zones as part of the 2021 Presidential Inaugural Subcommittees transportation plan. The U.S. Secret Service has posted a list of all the street closures on its website, many of which began at 6 a.m. on Jan. 16, and are scheduled to end at 6 a.m. on Jan. 21. A number of bridges and interstate highways into Washington were also scheduled to close at 6 a.m. on Jan. 19.

Ryan Mauro, the Clarion Projects national security analyst and Shillman fellow and director of Clarion Intelligence Network, also believes the military presence is justified, based on the extremist chatter being monitored.

Were in a new threat environment, which Ive dubbed the War of the Extremes, where political demonization and hysteria is fueling violent extremism on all sides, Mauro told The Epoch Times.

And all of these extremist ideologies view Inauguration Day as a climax of the conflict they think we are in, and they hope to turn into a civil war and nationwide insurrection.

An Untraditional Inauguration

Biden is set to be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol building. But the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, which normally draws hundreds of thousands of Americans, has been canceled, to be replaced by a virtual parade. Inaugural balls have been canceled as well.

The viewing stand near the White House has been dismantled, making this event likely the smallest inauguration in history, in terms of physical attendance.

President Donald Trump said earlier that he wouldnt attend the swearing-in ceremony of Biden, breaking a longstanding tradition. He made the announcement the day after Congress certified Biden as the winner of the 2020 election.

The unprecedented security measures add weight to the event and what Biden will say to the nation, which in some ways raises the stakes for Biden, said political communication expert Mitchell S. McKinney, director of the Political Communication Institute at the University of Missouri.

The Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

He pointed out that Biden during his campaign focused on a theme of unity, in which he expressed a willingness to work with the other side, a theme other Democratic candidates didnt touch upon at the time.

I fully expect him to draw on that theme of unity, McKinney told The Epoch Times. He may harken back to some of the times in our nations history where we had similar division. Abraham Lincolns 1861 inaugural address, for example, where we were on the verge of the civil war.

We also again are in similar times in terms of the division, the animosity in our nation, he said. It now falls to Joe Biden to try to transcend and try to unite.

The themes in terms of unity that Biden might strike is reminding citizens that we all have responsibility, and we have responsibilities to one another, we have responsibilities to try to live with and to be able to create a community with one another.

Trump wont escort Biden in a motorcade to the Capitol, another break from tradition. However, its not the first time a president has refused to attend the inauguration of his successor.

John Adams, the second president of the United States, left Washington before Jeffersons inauguration in 1801.

Extra security barriers block the roads at F and 14th streets in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

The country that year was very divided, and in some ways similar to 2021. Jeffersons supporters characterized his opponent, Adams, as a lover of monarchy, while Adamss supporters pictured Jefferson as a radical. Some say Adams didnt attend Jeffersons inauguration to prevent violence at the event.

John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president, left Washington a day before the inauguration of his successor, declining to attend Andrew Jacksons ceremony in 1829.

Other presidents who didnt watch their successors take the oath of office were Martin Van Buren (1841) and Andrew Johnson (1869).

Residents React

The Epoch Times spoke to a handful of Washington residents who were walking near the Capitol area. They all called what they were seeing in their city unprecedented. Most said they felt safer under the security measures.

One longtime Washington resident and military veteran who asked not to be named called the scenes really disturbing, though he believes the security isnt excessive, pointing to the Jan. 6 breach.

Its like a cross between a zombie movie and a disaster movie, he told The Epoch Times. I havent ever seen anything like this in this country.

Security around the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

The veteran said the presence of the National Guardsmen is sending a message, a show of force, a deterrence. He described the mood in Washington as tense over the past few days.

Brooke Bamar, a Washington resident who lives downtown, said she believes the military preparation is proper and that she feels more secure, despite it impacting the daily lives of many.

People are trying to adapt to the situation, we know that this is temporary, Bamar told The Epoch Times. Its hard, people are having a hard time going to work and grocery shopping, but I think everyone has to sacrifice, and we are doing what we have to do.

One resident who lives in an apartment where the Capitol building is visible said shes not going to come out to watch the inauguration parade. Instead, shell stay in her apartment and watch the events on television.

Tomoko Makino, a longtime Washington resident, told The Epoch Times: I have been living here for almost 15 years and I saw Obamas inauguration and Trumps. I have never seen anything like this.

Emel Akan and Janita Kan contributed to this report.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory in his military operation in the northern region of Tigray, but there are clear signs that fighting persists despite a claimed return to normalcy.

Abiy launched the offensive last November against Tigray's ruling party, which he accused of attacking federal army camps and seeking to destabilise the country.

Within weeks troops entered the regional capital of Mekele and Abiy announced military operations were "completed."

But the government continues to give accounts of TPLF leaders slain in gun battles while the United Nations reports "insecurity" hampering aid access.

And in recent weeks satellite images, public statements from military and civilian officials in Tigray and scattered accounts from residents have added to evidence of a conflict unfolding largely in the shadows.

A communications blackout in much of Tigray means confirmable details remain scant.

Region still 'volatile'

When federal forces arrived in Mekele in late November, they encountered little resistance as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) leadership appeared to have already fled.

And a triumphant Abiy claimed no civilians had been killed during the capture of Tigrayan cities.

Doctors at one Mekele hospital told a different story, though, saying at least 20 civilians died in shelling.

They provided AFP with photos of survivors with gruesome injuries, including lost limbs and exposed internal organs.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank says thousands have died so far, and tens of thousands of refugees have streamed across the border into neighbouring Sudan.

Federal officials have described subsequent fighting as minor operations centred on Tigrayan leaders like former regional president Debretsion Gebremichael, who has been out of contact for more than a month.

But a UN humanitarian assessment dated January 6 said Tigray remained "volatile", with "localised fighting".

The UN is especially worried about what happened at two camps housing over 30,000 Eritrean refugees that are inaccessible.

Top officials have repeatedly sounded the alarm about reported killings, abductions and forced repatriations from the camps back to neighbouring Eritrea.

The alleged presence of soldiers from the isolated and iron-fisted Eritrean regime in Tigray has been a hotly contested aspect of the conflict.

Five humanitarian workers have been confirmed killed at one of the camps, known as Hitsats.

"Reports of additional military incursions over the last 10 days are consistent with open source satellite imagery showing new fires burning and other fresh signs of destruction at the two camps," UN refugees chief Filippo Grandi said in a statement Thursday.

"These are concrete indications of major violations of international law."

Eritrea's role

Ethiopia has strenuously denied Eritrean soldiers played an active role in the fighting, contradicting witness accounts.

But in December the US State Department said it was "aware of credible reports of Eritrean military involvement in Tigray" and called for Eritrean troops to be withdrawn.

Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition.

Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies.

In late December a top-ranking member of Ethiopia's army told a meeting of Mekele residents that Eritrean troops had entered Tigray, but insisted they were "unwanted".

Awet Woldemichael, a Horn of Africa security expert at Queen's University in Canada, said this explanation was dubious.

"Eritrean involvement in the war in Tigray is not considered a violation of Ethiopia, and the international community is not worked up about it, precisely because the Ethiopian government invited it," he said.

Starvation warnings

Perhaps the most immediate concern for Tigray's estimated population of six million is humanitarian access.

So far "the number of people reached is extremely low compared with the number of people we estimate to be in need of life-saving assistance, around 2.3 million people," said Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office.

The government's Tigray Emergency Coordination Centre puts the number of people needing food assistance at 4.5 million and says 2.2 million have been displaced.

Officials from the new caretaker administration have warned of widespread starvation if food aid does not arrive soon, according to humanitarian officials briefed on their assessments.

A letter from a Catholic church official in the town of Adigrat, dated January 5 and seen by AFP, says residents have run out of food, water and medicine and are living without electricity and other basic services.

"It is a daily reality to hear people dying from the fighting consequences, lack of food, insulin & other basic medicines," the letter reads.

Government statements about the conflict have recently focused on TPLF leaders who have been killed or captured.

William Davison, the ICG's Ethiopia analyst, said this could complicate the caretaker administration's efforts to win over Tigrayans, raising questions about Abiy's long-term strategy.

"From the outset of the conflict," Davison said, "the major challenge for the federal government has been how to defeat Tigray's leadership without alienating the Tigrayan people."

Short link:


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.
UPDATE: Officials say one person has died from the injuries sustained in the fire.

A house fire in Massachusetts late Monday left two people hospitalized and at least 20 animals dead, news outlets reported.

The fast-moving blaze broke out at the house on Winter Street in Holliston shortly before midnight, WCVB reported.

A neighbor told the news outlet a woman who lived in the home ran into the house to try to save her dogs.

She became trapped on the second floor of the home as flames swept through the roof, Holliston Deputy Fire Chief Mark Dellicker told WHDH.

Firefighters rushed upstairs to the bedroom where the woman went to get the dogs and found her in minutes, the news outlet reported.

According to WCVB, the woman was rescued, but many of the roughly 20 animals could not be saved.

Many of the animals were in cages, officials noted. Firefighters tried to resuscitate three or four of them. However, the rest were already dead, WHDH reported.

The woman and her husband were taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries, according to WCVB.

The fire remains under investigation.
South Korean defense ministry spokesperson Boo Seung-chan speaks during a regular briefing at the ministry's headquarters in Seoul's Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap



South Korea is ready to discuss any issues with North Korea via military channels to ease cross-border tensions, the defense ministry said Tuesday.



Ministry spokesperson Boo Seung-chan made the remark a day after President Moon Jae-in said that the two Koreas can discuss joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington if necessary through a joint military committee as agreed upon in 2018.



"Our military can discuss any issues with North Korea through military talks, including the inter-Korean military joint committee meeting, to ease military tensions between the two Koreas," Boo said in a regular briefing.



"According to the Sept. 19 agreement, the two sides are supposed to discuss such issues as large-scale military exercises and arms buildup through the joint committee," he added.





Moon's changing stance on Japan linked to North Korea engagement: experts Outgoing US envoy says hope alone won't resolve North Korean issue Moon calls on Biden to move forward from Singapore agreement with North Korea Under the pact named the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), the two Koreas agreed to form a joint military consultation body to discuss and oversee the implementation of a set of tension-reducing measures. The pact was signed in 2018 during an inter-Korean summit held in Pyongyang.



But no discussions on the envisioned military committee have taken place amid a lack of progress in the denuclearization negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea and chilled inter-Korean ties.



Seoul and Washington have held combined military exercises on a regular basis, and the springtime one is supposed to be staged in around March.



North Korea has long demanded an end to such drills, and leader Kim Jong-un also repeated the call this month, citing it as a crucial matter to improve cross-border ties.



President Moon on Monday repeated the country's stance that they are defensive in nature.



The spokesperson also countered some criticism that the agreement has almost been nullified.



"Since the pact was signed, the two Koreas have not taken hostile acts against each other at the agreed-upon buffer zones, and the military situation in border areas has been managed in a stable manner," Boo said.



Under the pact, the two Koreas also agreed to set ground, air and maritime buffer zones near the border to reduce tensions and prevent accidental clashes.




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.




Korea Development Institute (KDI) researcher Song Yeong-kwan speaks during a press briefing at the Sejong Government Complex, Tuesday. Courtesy of KDI
Israel has confirmed a meeting that is suspected to have taken place between a delegation and the Syrian government, regarding the removal of Iran reports North Press.

The Israeli army has refused to comment on the news of a meeting between a Syrian government delegation and Israeli delegation sponsored by Russia at the Hemeimeem military base in Syria.

Available information mentioned that the goal of the meeting was to discuss ways to expel Iranian factions from Syria.

A special Israeli military affairs source told North Press, The Israeli army refused to comment on the report, and an Israeli officer considers it fake news.

But the source believes that no matter how unlikely the meeting seems, it is possible at the same time.

Mordechai Kedar, an Israeli scholar, said in a radio interview that he did not know the truth of the meeting, but it was likely that there may be a possibility of cooperation between the Syrian regime and Israel based on resentment of the Iranian role.

Kedar, who wrote his doctoral thesis about Syria, claimed that he knows something about the thinking of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the reality of the situation in Syria.

He believes that Assad is very concerned with the Iranian role in Syria, because in the last two years, the Iranian threat has replaced the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS).

Assad understood that calling on Iran to deal with ISIS was the price for handing Syria over to it. Now there is a common desire between Israel and Assad, which is seeing Iran ousted from Syria before it is too late, Kedar added.

Kedar claimed that the Syrian ground defenses do not generally address Israeli attacks against Iranian targets in Syria, and Russia does not oppose Israels actions.

Two weeks ago, Israel launched an unprecedented massive military operation that targeted 18 points in one night in Syria.

Kedar pointed out that the Russian silence means that there is an implied Russian and Syrian agreement that came after a long series of consultations to allow Tel Aviv to carry out the expanded attacks.

Kedar acknowledges that Russia and Syria do not want to clash with Iran, given the presence of common interests, but both countries have an interest in driving Iran out of Syria with the help of Israeli strikes.

He pointed out that Russia wants a nuclear reactor for Iran that produces electrical power at a cost of 30 billion dollars. This prevents Russia from entering into a direct confrontation with it.

Sources told North Press recently that Israel believes that there are two blocks within the Syrian government, one of which is loyalist and another pragmatic, opposing the Iranian presence.

The sources revealed that there are messages being sent between Damascus and Tel Aviv through Russia on an ongoing basis and with the knowledge of Assad.

The Saudi newspaper Elaf recently quoted an Israeli military source as saying that the Syrian regime has sent messages through Moscow to Israel, stipulating things to achieve peace between them.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Cabinet will today consider a multi-million euro deal that would see doctors and pharmacists administer Covid-19 vaccines.

It would see roughly 1.5 million people inoculated against the disease.

The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will present the 91m deal to his Cabinet colleagues this morning.

If approved, it would see GPs and pharmacists get 60 for vaccinating a patient with two injections and 35 per single dose once the option is available.

The plan would begin in early February and run for six months.

It is expected the soon-to-be-approved Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will feature heavily as it doesn't need to be kept at very low temperatures.

The plan would begin with the over 85s and will then work down through the groups in order of priority.

Read More Vaccine rollout confusion as non-frontline workers receive jab

Meanwhile, former tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald believes Ireland should have a dedicated minister for the rollout of the vaccine.

The Fine Gael MEP said it would be in everyone's interest.

"It makes sense to have the political leadership of another minister in Cabinet to support and augment current efforts.

"I'm not suggesting a new department or new ministry, I'm saying that you need the support and co-operation of another minister working on the logistical side of the vaccination rollout."

As of Sunday night, 94,000 vaccines had been administered.

71,000 to frontline healthcare workers and 23,000 to residents and staff of long-term residential facilities.

CMO calls on hospital managers to uphold standard during vaccine rollout

Dr Tony Holohan says hospitals need to ensure the jabs are distributed to the highest priority groups.

The Chief Medical Officer has called on hospital managers to uphold the "highest standards" in administering Covid-19 vaccines.

There has been criticism of two Dublin hospitals after it emerged a small number of staff family members were given leftover doses.

The Rotunda and the Coombe have both said it was to ensure none were wasted.

New guidance issued recently requires hospitals to have a standby list of 120 healthcare workers for any leftover doses.

Dr Tony Holohan says hospitals need to ensure the jabs are distributed to the highest priority groups.

"The guidance in respect of the use of the leftover doses is about reinforcing the need to ensure that those additional doses would also be targeted to people and arrangements be put in place to target the people who are in those highest priority groups.

"We would hope that all people in leadership positions would uphold those standards."

Safety profile of Covid-19 vaccines positive

Abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and dizziness are among the reported side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) says up to last Monday, it has been notified of 81 mild to moderate suspected cases.

More than 77,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered.

Chief Executive of the HPRA, Dr Lorraine Nolan, says no serious allergic reactions have been reported.

"To date, the HPRA has not received any confirmed reports of anaphylaxis but we can anticipate that as our vaccination numbers continue to increase, we will receive reports of this nature.

"As always, when discussing potential side effects, we must remember the risk they present is significantly outweighed by the health risks posed by the virus itself."

Dr Nolan said the ongoing monitoring of Covid-19 vaccines worldwide has not identified any newly emerging safety concerns to date.

She said the safety profile remains positive.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia is learning from the things that other countries are doing. (Nick Moir/Getty Images)

Australia Moves Towards Safe CCP Virus Vaccine Rollout, Mindful of Deaths in Norway: PM

Australia is moving faster than normal to approve a CCP virus vaccine while keeping an eye on how other countries are rolling them out, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said.

Morrison met on Jan. 18 with a group of countries known as the first moversAustria, Israel, Greece, Denmark, Czech Republic, and Norwayto discuss the development and rollout of vaccines for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Weve been getting the information from across all those countries where vaccinations have commenced, and were learning from the things that theyre doing now, Morrison told 2GB radio.

The deaths of 30 Norwegians who took the Pfizer vaccinethe one set for Australia in the coming monthshave disturbed Morrison.

These cases in Norway, they are distressing, Morrison said. They are very aged people, and they were in the last phases of life, and they are very frailthis can happen with vaccinations, we know that, and that is why it is important to be very careful.

Morrison also noted that he believed this was why Australia should not rush the Therapeutic Goods Administrations (TGA) approval process.

I think this just highlights why weve been prudent. I mean, theres been no delays. Weve been moving as quickly as we possibly can. But equally, theres been no rush. Theres been no corners cut, Morrison said.

The TGA and foreign affairs officials are working with Norwegian officials to get as much information as possible.

However, Norways vaccine rollout continues despite the deaths, with authorities saying they have made adjustments to the vaccine program in nursing homes.

Lets make sure they are right  then we can give the tick and then people can safely get the jab, Morrison said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison touring the University of Queensland Vaccine Lab to look over their research as they try to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus in Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 12, 2020. (Darren England/Getty Images)

Morrison told 2GB in Aug. 2020 that the vaccine will not be mandatory but New South Wales (NSW) premier has suggested alternative ways to incentivise people to get vaccinated.

It is not going to be compulsory to have the vaccine  there are no compulsory vaccines in Australia, Morrison said. No one is going to force anybody to do anything as a compulsory measure, but we certainly will encourage people to take this up.

The prime ministers comments come after NSW Premier Gladys Bereijiklian suggested that venues should be allowed to refuse those who have not been vaccinated.

Berejiklian raised the possibility of barring those who decline the vaccine from government-run buildings and permitting private venues to take similar measures.

She said she wants people to start thinking about how they feel about receiving the CCP virus vaccine.

I dont ever like to force anybody to do anything, Berejiklian told 2GB radio. But wed like there to be an incentive system where people are encouraged to have it because it means they can do all these things they may have otherwise not been able to do.

After waiting for 3 long years, Dhruva Sarja's highly anticipated film Pogaru will have a massive theatrical release on February 19, 2021 (Friday). The action thriller will hit the screens on the occasion of Ratha Saptami.

Dhruva took to his social media handle to announce the arrival of the film. While interacting with his fans on Instagram Live, the actor appreciated the cast and crew of the film and thanked his fans for their support and love.

Notably, Pogaru will become the first big film from the Kannada film industry to release post-COVID-19 lockdown. Though the film was earlier scheduled to hit the screens on March 24, 2020, the makers were forced to postpone the release owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

Interestingly, one of the songs of the film 'Karabbu' that released on April 2, 2020, garnered huge response from the audience, and eventually created a record of the most-viewed Kannada song on YouTube. As of now, the song featuring Rashmika Mandanna and Dhruva Sarja has 193+ million views and 1.3+ million likes.

Pogaru written and directed by Nanda Kishore, is backed by BK Gangadhar under his home production banner Sri Jagadguru Movies. The film simultaneously shot in Kannada and Telugu will also have a release in Tamil (dubbed version) which has been titled Semma Thimiru. The action-thriller features an ensemble cast including Dhananjay, Raghavendra Rajkumar, P Ravi Shankar, Kai Greene, Sadhu Kokila, Kuri Prathap, Morgan Aste, Dharma, Mirnalini Ravi, and Mayuri Kyatari. Pogaru has music scored by composer Chandan Shetty and cinematography by Vijay Milton.

Also Read: Sudeep Joins Upendra In R Chandru's Multilingual Period Film Kabza, Makers Unveil His First Look Poster

Also Read: Yash & Kichcha Sudeep Set The Dance Floor On Fire At Ramesh Aravind's Daughter Niharika's Wedding Reception
Arcadia administrators are set to permanently shut another 31 of the fashion groups stores by the end of January, with the loss of 714 more jobs.

Sir Philip Greens Arcadia retail empire collapsed into administration at the start of December.

Arcadia, which once consisted of 444 UK retail chain stores including Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, and Wallis, is the latest leading high street company that has been battered by the pandemic.



It is understood that the latest set of cuts, first reported by The Times, will result in the closure of all 21 of the groups Outfit stores.

Outfit, which was acquired by Arcadia from Sears in 1999, is not a fashion brand itself but sells all of Arcadias retail brands in out-of-town destinations for shoppers.

It comes after reports that Topshop's flagship store in Oxford Street, London, is set to be sold by administrators.

Arcadia administrators are set to permanently shut another 31 stores by the end of January. Pictured: Topshop flagship store in Oxford Street, London, which is reportedly up for sale

It is understood the latest cuts will result in the closure of all 21 of the group's Outfit stores

The three-storey building opened in 1994 and had its own DJ booth and nail bar.

Reports suggest property adviser Eastdil has been appointed to oversee the sale of the building, while Savills would advise on future leasing options.

Arcadia and Deloitte declined to comment on the closure update.

The move comes a day after the deadline for rescue bids set by administrators at Deloitte.

High street stalwart Next is among retail groups to have placed bids to take control of the retail empire.

Deloitte are expected to receive bids worth more than 200 million in the process, which could be completed by the end of the month.

Sir Philip Green with model Kate Moss who first launched a fashion line with Topshop in 2007

Next has been touted as one of the most likely victors in the process, with the listed retailer bidding for the group in partnership with US hedge fund Davidson Kempner.

It faces competition from high street rival JD Sports, which has held talks over a joint bid with US retail giant Authentic Brands.

Last month, administrators agreed the sale of Arcadias plus-sized brand Evans to Australian firm City Chic Collective in a 23 million deal.

According to the Times, expressions of interest have valued Topshop at more than 200 million, leading Primark's owner, Associated British Foods, to walk away from the sale.

It comes days after Debenham's announced it will close its flagship store in Oxford Street, London, as liquidation of the retail giant continues.

The department store closures will result in the loss of around 320 jobs, with stores in Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester closing their doors for good.

Debenhams will shut flagship Oxford Street store as the wind down of historic chain continues

The company started a liquidation process last month after failing to secure a last-minute rescue sale.

The chain's remaining 139 shops are currently trying to sell off all their stock - a process made harder by the current national lockdown.

Debenhams had been in administration since April, but when any hopes of a rescue were dashed, it drew a line under 242 years of trading and put 12,000 jobs at risk.

Experts called the collapse of the two giants at the end of last year one of the most 'devastating' weeks in the history of British retail.

Up to 25,000 workers were put at risk of redundancy in the space of 12 hours.

The number of job losses was so large it equated to losing the entire labour force of the UK fishing industry overnight.

It came in addition to thousands of other job losses as a result of the pandemic, which has pushed businesses across all sectors to breaking point.

Peacocks and Jaeger, which are owned by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, fell into administration last month, putting 21,000 jobs at risk.

Laura Ashley went bust in March while fashion giants Oasis and Warehouse fell into administration in April.
COVID-19 testing information for west-central Illinois counties:

Morgan County

Jacksonville

Days and times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Drive-through testing site located at the intersection of Dunlap Court and Morgan Streets.

Details: No appointment necessary. Photo ID and insurance card requested but not required.



Brown County

Mount Sterling

Days and times: By appointment.

Location: Brown County Health Department, 120 E. Main St. 217-773-2714

Details: Testing eligibility determined by telephone screening.



Cass County

Beardstown

Days and times: Monday-Friday 9-11:20 a.m.

Location: Cass County Health Department, 8590 St. Lukes Drive. 217-323-2182

Virginia

Days and times: Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m.

Location: Cass County Health Department, 331 S. Main St. 217-452-3057

Details: Testing by appointment only and is limited to those who live or work in Cass County. Schedules subject to change.



Greene County

Carrollton

Days and times: By appointment. Open seven days a week.

Location: Boyd Rural Health Clinic, 800 School St. 217-942-3600

Details: Testing performed if medically indicated, pre-op with doctors order, or return to work. Must call and leave message with name and callback number.



Jersey County

Jerseyville

Days and times: By appointment.

Location: Jerseyville Community Hospital Walk-in Clinic, 903 S. State St. 618-498-2273

Details: Testing performed if medically indicated.



Macoupin County

Gillespie

Days and times: By appointment.

Location: Maple Street Clinic, 109 E. Maple St. 217-313-5078

Details: Drive-through free testing. Register by phone or online at mcphd.net.



Pike County

Pittsfield

Days and times: By appointment.

Location: Quincy Medical Group, 320 N. Madison St. 217-277-4001

Details: Testing performed if medically indicated.

.

Days and times: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Location: Illini Express Clinic, 101 E. Washington St. 217-277-3504

Details: Testing performed if medically indicated. Register upon arrival.



Scott County

Winchester:

Days and times: Mondays and Fridays 9-11 a.m.

Location: Scott County Health Department, 335 W. Cherry St.

Details: Schedule subject to change. See Facebook page for updates.
SELBYVILLE, Del., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on Global Market Insights Inc., report, the global biphenyl market size was estimated at $225 million in 2019 and is slated to surpass $360 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 7% from 2020 to 2026. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the top winning strategies, wavering industry trends, drivers & opportunities, top investment avenues, competitive scenarios, market estimations & size.

Global Market Insights Inc.

Biphenyl market from natural gas biphenyl type anticipated to grow with CAGR of over 6.5% by the end of 2026 owing to an incremental increase in natural gas reserves in different regions such as North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific across the world. Moreover, increased shale gas extraction activities in the U.S. are expected to raise the demand for natural gas in the country in the years to come.

Increasing natural gas production on a global level is expected to increase the consumption of natural gas biphenyl during the forecast period. Regulation-driven shift in coal to gas consumption especially in countries such as China may weaken the demand for coal tar biphenyl to some extent during the next few years. Moreover, increasing demand for dyes, pigments, and carbonless copy paper is one of the defining reasons supporting market growth. Furthermore, increasing usage for electrical, heat transfer and hydraulic equipment should propel the biphenyl market growth of natural gas biphenyl.

Request for Sample Report: https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/4889

The global biphenyl market from dyestuff carrier for the textiles industry is expected to surpass over 80 million by the end of 2026 owing to increasing consumer demand for apparel with aesthetically approved designs.

The biphenyl market from fungicide application is projected to grow with a CAGR of over 5.5% owing to increasing usage of biphenyl for fungicide for plant disease control and as a preservative for citrus fruits.

Rapid industrialization, growing food & beverage industries, and increasing focus on the development of concentrated solar power plants across the globe will significantly drive the demand for heat transfer fluids which in turn will augment the market growth from heat transfer fluids application.

Biphenyl demand as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7% by the end of 2026. Biphenyl market by chemical intermediate application is projected to gain traction with the CAGR of 7.5% in the market owing to increasing demand for polymer processing and in the production of organic chemicals.

Increasing usage of agrochemical and other pesticides in the agricultural sector are should boost product demand by fungicide application. The market is anticipated to grow over USD 5.5 million from fungicide application by the end of 2026.

Request for customization of this report: https://www.gminsights.com/roc/4889

Europe region is expected to witness considerable growth with a CAGR of 5.5% in the coming years owing to an increased demand for pharmaceutical preparations. Biphenyl is a chemical, which finds demanding applications as an intermediate in manufacturing other organic chemicals like phosphorus and hydroxy compounds the establishment of research institutes, economic development, and increasing innovations are some of the factors contributing to the rapid growth of the global chemical industry.

The demand for organic chemicals in Europe is primarily driven by rising government funding and heavy investments by major players in research & development. The region is witnessing the growing demand for chemicals owing to an increasing focus on alleviating the adverse effects of climate change, health, and nutrition. The increasing role of chemistry in the development & maintenance of infrastructure, pharmaceutical industry, and biochemistry represents healthy growth opportunities for the biphenyl market in the coming years.

Rapid urbanization, increasing populace, changing lifestyle, and increasing consumer spending across the globe particularly in Asia-Pacific is driving the production of textile fabric this, in turn, will augment the biphenyl market share from dyestuff carrier for textiles application. Rising consumer demand for apparel with aesthetically approved designs and textures is encouraging textile manufacturers to bring about innovations in the dyeing process of textiles, increasing innovations in the field of technical textiles which may boost the market growth. Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Italy, turkey, and Vietnam are expected to be lucrative regions for biphenyl in dyestuff carrying applications.

Some of the key players operating in the biphenyl industry are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sigma Aldrich, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Clearsynth, Lanxess AG, Biosynth Carbosynth, ABCR GmbH, AK Scientific, Inc., AA Blocks, Alfa Chemistry, 3B Scientific (Wuhan) Corporation Ltd., Sinfoo Biotech, Oakwood Chemical, Angene International Limited, King Scientific, Haihang Group, Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp., Dayang Chem (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., Central Drug House (P) Ltd., Loba Chemie, Eastman Chemical Company, Debye Scientific Co., Ltd., Matrix Scientific, Win Win Chemical, Life Chemicals, MuseChem, Aozeal Certified Standards, LGC Standards (part of LGC Group), Hangzhou Keying Chem Co., Ltd., Xingrui Industry Co., Ltd., Anward and others.

Read the latest blog on " Chemicals intermediate application to fuel biphenyl consumption globally": https://news.decresearch.com/global-biphenyl-industry/

About Global Market Insights, Inc.

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting, and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision making.

GMIPulse, our business analytics platform offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level, and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights, Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.gminsights.com

Related Images

global-biphenyl-market-outlook-2026.jpg

Global Biphenyl Market Outlook - 2026

SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.

Related Links

https://www.gminsights.com


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 far-right filmmaker known as Baked Alaska was released on bond Tuesday on charges stemming from a profanity-laced livestream taken inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent insurrection that left five people dead last week.

The video is being used as evidence against Anthime Joseph Gionet in a federal prosecution in Washington, D.C. The Arizona man appeared at a video hearing before a federal magistrate Tuesday in Houston, where he was arrested last week after being identified in the lengthy live-streamed video taken as he wandered through the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6.

Gionet will be released Tuesday from a federal lockup in Conroe and will make his way back to his hometown outside of Phoenix. U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy ordered him to stay away from Washington, D.C. except for the hearings in his case, which commence on Monday via video. The judge explained he cannot appear in the Houston courthouse to begin bond paperwork because it will be closed Wednesday along with other federal buildings for safety reasons following the insurrection earlier this month.

The judge and a federal prosecutor admonished him to stay off of social media and avoid all contact with anyone involved in the D.C. insurrection.

Along with dozens of others across the county, Gionet was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to a criminal complaint filed last week.

Officials charged him with entering the Capitol between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. alongside a throng of Trump supporters who smashed windows, desecrated lawmakers offices and fought with law enforcement officials.

In a 27-minute video posted to DLive, a streaming platform, Gionet chronicled his involvement in the riot. The video was later posted to YouTube and Twitter where FBI agents discovered it, according to court documents.

About three minutes into the livestream, Gionet turns the camera to show his face, which is clearly identifiable, according to an FBI investigator.

Gionet says, Unleash the Kraken, lets go and Occupy the Capitol lets go. We aint leaving this bitch, according to court documents. He repeatedly encourages other protesters not to leave, according to the criminal complaint. At one point, the video captures him entering an office and sitting on a couch with his feet on a table.

He accused a law enforcement officer of shoving him, though no shoving can be seen on the video, and yelled at the officer, calling the person an oathbreaker.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
It is at a particularly tense moment in American history that Joseph Robinette Biden Jr will take the oath of office on Wednesday. He will be tasked with reuniting a nation fractured by the misrule of Donald Trump, who has disavowed even the normal decorum of transfer of power rituals that exemplify the elegance of democracy. Mr Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris inherit a fractured nation ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, economic turbulence and cultural fissures caused by deep racial divisions. Between them, Mr Biden and Ms Harris represent vividly the true state of the United States of today of a mixed racial and cultural milieu but they will be up against a white supremacist cult living in a world of alternate reality that Mr Trump cultivated with his lies and converted into a bankable core of a dangerous vote bank.

The taut atmosphere in fortress Washington as it prepares to deal with violent threats to national security after the Capitol Hill invasion of January 6 is illustrative of what the new presidential team is up against. However distracting and divisive the prospect of convicting Mr Trump in the Senate trial and disbarring him from holding high office in the future may be, Team Biden will have to address the more immediate and impressive actions he has lined up like the $1.9 trillion pandemic response that would need bipartisan legislative support and overhaul of health care, education and criminal justice systems with executive decisiveness. And all of that has to be done while attempting to restore the soul of the nation that he has promised. There will not be much place for the middle ground when it comes to dealing with facts like institutionalised racism and xenophobic anti-immigration.

Major reversal of policies are anticipated on the mix of sources for the energy grid with greater emphasis on alternative energy sources to keep in line with the Democrats belief that climate change is real. A greater impact on the people will, however, depend on impetus to the US jobs scene but many nations will be pleased that the country will be rejoining the collective effort to try and bring down global warming. Putting a full stop to the beliefs of Trump Republicans that climate change does not pose a threat would in itself be a great contribution to protecting science and advancing solutions based on it. Leadership from the US in this fight for humanity would be even more welcome.

Sweeping American foreign policy changes can be expected and India, as a more trusted ally of the US in recent history, can hope to do much better than at a time when Mr Trumps empty promises came to nought and India is paying a price in not being able to pick up Iranian oil just as its techies faced hurdles in the H-1B visa program. As a driver of the India-US nuclear deal, Mr Biden is an old hand in dealing with India and his White House administration will have, besides vice-president Kamala Harris, as many as 20 persons of Indian origin with a majority of them in key positions. Pinpricks there may be in US views on J&K, CAA and other matters, but the chances of more meaningful country-to-country ties just got brighter.
If McConnell ultimately votes to convict Donald Trump in his second Senate impeachment trial  he has suggested hes open to the idea  that wont make him a hero, either. He will simply have done the right thing and likely not for the right reasons: As Alec MacGillis makes plain in his excellent book The Cynic, Mitch McConnell never does anything unless it serves the interests of Mitch McConnell.

Which is why McConnell made his unholy alliance with Donald Trump in the first place. By his own admission, McConnell plays the long game (its the name of his memoir, in fact). Hes methodical in his scheming, awaiting his spoils with the patience of a cat. So if hitching his wagon to a sub-literate mob boss with a fondness for white supremacists and a penchant for conspiracy theories and a sociopaths smirking disregard for the truth meant getting those tax cuts and those conservative judges  hey, thats the cost of doing business, right?

Isnt it?

Well. Live by the mob, die by the mob. Thats what happened on Jan. 6.

What long game McConnell had failed to foresee: The problem was coming from inside the House. And the Senate. A quarter of his caucus helped fuel that siege by cynically disputing the results of a fair election. All that staring into the distance came at the expense of McConnells peripheral vision. He was now outflanked on his right.

Yet it shouldnt have come as a surprise. Anyone whos spent any time watching Republican congressional politics over the last quarter century has witnessed this phenomenon time and time again: A Republican leader, once hailed as a fire-spewing Komodo dragon, suddenly finds himself under attack from even more blistering fire-breathers within his ranks.

It happened to John Boehner, who came of age as an anti-establishment radical but lived out his days as speaker of the House under the implicit and sometimes explicit threat of a party coup. (He resigned his post in 2015 and eventually went into the weed business.) Years earlier, it happened to Bob Dole, who was known early in his Senate career as Darth Vader and Aya-Dole-ah and ended it as a befuddled majority leader, exasperated by all the proto-Gingriches whod suddenly appeared in his midst.

Your wearable, whether its an Apple Watch, Fitbit or another fitness tracker, might offer an early detection system for COVID-19, based on your heart rate variability (HRV). In a Mount Sinai study, researchers followed a group of 297 healthcare workers for roughly half a year and noted heartbeat changes that may indicate someone has the coronavirus, a full week before they feel sick. This would be particularly useful for asymptomatic people who can spread the virus and not appear or feel sick.

A similar study by Stanford University of participants wearing trackers from Garmin, Fitbit, Apple and others found that 81 percent of patients testing positive for COVID-19 also saw changes in their resting heart rate up to nine and half days before presenting symptoms. Some companies are even planning dedicated wearables for clinical settings to help treat and monitor COVID-19.

 Mat Smith

The IEA says the sector's emissions need to drop by over 70 percent by 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down industry enough to create a small reduction in methane emissions, according to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report. The organization primarily attributed an approximate 10 percent drop in emissions from oil and gas companies to lower production amid reduced demand. However, it claimed those operations still released over 70 million tonnes (77 million tons) of methane into the atmosphere in 2020.

Agriculture remains the largest source of human-generated methane emissions (around a quarter), followed by energy. According to the IEA, leaks from the natural gas value chain cause around 60 percent of the industrys emissions. Its these leaks that the agency wants to address, suggesting many could be remedied at no net cost after selling the retained methane. Continue reading.

But the service is still unavailable.

One week since it lost access to Amazons hosting servers, Parlers website is back online, at least in a limited form. For now, it hosts a message from CEO John Matze, saying We will resolve any challenge before us and plan to welcome all of you back soon.

According to CNN, Parlers domain is currently registered with a DNS provider known for offering a safe haven to websites like 8chan and The Daily Stormer in the past. Getting a site online is just one of the challenges Parler needs to solve: Without access to the App Store and Google Play, Parler users wont have an easy way of installing the software on their phones. Continue reading.

It's lighter and better suited to modern music production.

Last year, Korg announced a limited edition remake of the ARP 2600. Arguably the most iconic synth out there, it weighed about 68 pounds and would basically demand its own table or desk. So Korg has done its best to shrink the 2600 down, resulting in the ARP 2600 M. Its about half the size and tips the scales at just 13 pounds, though it ditches the keyboard to help make weight.

It isnt a 100-percent faithful recreation of the 70s modular synth, but Korg expanded the feature set to make it work better in a modern music-making environment. It also has USB host capabilities, so you can connect any USB MIDI controller if you need the keyboard back. Continue reading.

The gravitational wave discovery could help us understand the cosmos.

Scientists may have identified the gravitational waves that make up some of the universes background, not just those coming from unusual events such as black-hole collisions. The NANOGrav research team discovered a strong signal that might represent the gravitational wave background. These are waves from supermassive black-hole mergers across the cosmos.

This isnt a definitive result just yet, but with further research, it could help to pinpoint the sources of those waves and, perhaps, how these hidden forces shape the universe. Continue reading.

But wait, theres more...

Capitol rioter allegedly planned to sell laptop from Pelosi's office to Russia

Acer's latest convertible Chromebooks are built for classroom mayhem

Mt. Gox exchange users may finally get to recover some of their lost Bitcoin

Hatch Grow review: A smart scale for infants that could have been great

'Apex Legends' season 8 adds a new demolitionist character
WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has demanded that acting defense secretary Christopher Miller immediately halt efforts to install Michael Ellis, a former Republican Party operative, as the lead lawyer for the National Security Agency.

In a letter to Miller sent late Sunday, Pelosi, D-Calif., questioned the timing of the move to place Ellis as the NSA's general counsel, within 72 hours of President-elect Joe Biden taking office, as an attempt to "burrow" a President Donald Trump loyalist into a highly sensitive intelligence position in the Biden administration.

The Pentagon general counsel had selected Ellis for the job in November, after a civil service competition and under pressure from the White House, people familiar with the matter said at the time. Gen. Paul Nakasone, the NSA director, was not in favor of Ellis's selection and sought to delay his installation, according to several people familiar with the issue, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity.

Miller on Saturday ordered Nakasone to immediately place Ellis in position as the NSA's general counsel. Ellis accepted the final job offer Saturday afternoon, and the agency was "moving forward" with his employment, the NSA said in a statement Sunday.

Pelosi called the circumstances and timing of Ellis's placement "highly suspect."

"The efforts to install him or 'burrow' him into a highly sensitive intelligence position 72 hours prior to the beginning of a new administration manifest a disturbing disregard for our national security," Pelosi stated in her letter to Miller.

Pelosi does not have the authority to stop Ellis's hiring, and it is unlikely that her letter will do much to affect the process. In a statement Sunday, Pentagon public affairs officer Russell Goemaere said that once a candidate is selected through the merit system, meets the job requirements and accepts an offer, if the person is not installed, "it exposes the department, agency and senior leadership to claims for a violation of the merit system principles and processes." Congressional or news media attention to a hiring decision is not justification "to delay placing a selected qualified individual in a position," he said.

Drew Hammill, Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, said Monday that the speaker had made her concerns known as "Congress obviously has a clear constitutional authority to conduct oversight." Pelosi's letter also suggested that she and Miller had spoken by phone earlier Sunday about her concerns.

Other Democratic lawmakers have also expressed their fears that, as NSA general counsel, Ellis will politicize a role that should remain free of partisan influences.

"I think it's very clear this is a part of the administration's effort to embed people in the civil service who are political and partisan actors who don't belong there," Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Sunday on CBS News's "Face The Nation."

In her letter, Pelosi requested that the acting inspector general conduct a detailed check of the hiring process that had taken place, arguing that Ellis - "a relatively recent law school graduate with a limited resume" - had been chosen because of White House interference over more qualified candidates.

She also suggested that Ellis had been involved in activities, including shielding information about Trump's call with the president of Ukraine in July 2019, that should be considered disqualifying. Ellis formerly served as a senior official on the National Security Council under Trump, and as chief counsel to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., when Nunes was chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Trump's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the president asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, led to Trump's impeachment in the House in December 2019.

"I have serious concerns about your statement that this process was free from political interference," Pelosi wrote to Miller. "The NSA General Counsel, which involves supervising many intelligence community attorneys and interacting with intelligence agencies, is a highly sensitive career position for which candidates are selected, based on merit and free from political influence."

Ellis is slated to start the new job on Tuesday, a day before Biden is inaugurated, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the subject's sensitivity. An NSA representative on Monday declined to comment, pointing to the agency's statement from the previous day. A representative for Biden's transition team also declined to comment.

Biden will have options to remove him from the post, as The Washington Posts Tonya Riley has reported. Ellis could be reassigned to another senior role in the Defense Department, at the discretion of the Pentagons general counsel or acting general counsel. He could also be fired if a new general counsel under Biden thinks Elliss installation violated the law or policies designed to prevent last-minute job filling of political personnel into career positions.

Special school teachers have been offered State subsidies for childcare costs and flexibility on leave under a Government deal aimed at getting vulnerable children back to school this week.

Special school teachers who are pregnant can also temporarily work from home as part of a package offered to teacher unions by Education Minister Norma Foley.

The same package is being offered to Special Needs Assistants (SNAs).

The minister has sought to address the concerns raised by teachers ahead of plans to reopen special schools on Thursday.

Read More

A Government source said the minister is eager to get the most vulnerable children in society back to school this week but added that they cannot offer the unions much more than what is in the proposed package.

The package includes an increase in subsidies for childcare costs for teachers working in special schools. Flexibility will also be offered on parental and personal leave which means teachers can take extra time off even if they have used up all their allocated days.

Pregnant teachers will also be able to choose to work from home under the deal the Government hope will be agreed by unions this evening.

Thursday had been earmarked for students in special classes to return to classes. However, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and Forsa raised concerns about the plan.

Yesterday, the INTO called on Government to reconsider plans to resume special education on Thursday.

The union said teachers safety concerns had not been adequately addressed at a public health webinar organised by Ms Foley.

The INTO accused the Education Minister of not engaging with teacher representatives. However, a Government source insisted they have been in daily contact with the unions on this issue for weeks.

There have been on-going disagreements between the unions and the Government over plans to reopen schools during the third wave of Covid-19.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (Asti) prevented Leaving Cert students returning after Christmas. The Cabinet is set to review the closure of schools on January 31.
BEIJING: Workers trapped in a Chinese gold mine for more than nine days received more medical and food supplies on Tuesday, including bandages, blankets and porridge, but one of the group is in a critical condition with a severe head injury, state media said.

A total of 22 workers were left trapped in the Hushan mine, in Shandong province, after an explosion on Jan. 10. A week later, it emerged that at least 12 of them were still alive as a note retrieved from the mine said: We hope the rescue wont stop."

A drilled channel on Sunday located 11 of the miners, who were working more than 600 metres underground, and rescuers were subsequently able to speak to them via wired telephone.

The official Xinhua news agency said the miners had requested on Monday evening sausage and pickles as well as porridge but medical experts decided they should not eat hard food having only just regained their strength.

Fortified by the food and medical supplies - the fourth consignment to reach the group - two workers who had previously been very weak were able to walk again on Tuesday, Xinhua reported, citing a member of the rescue team.

However, the Peoples Daily said one worker was in a coma, in a critical condition, after sustaining a head injury in the blast, while two were mildly unwell" and eight in good health.

One more worker has been located in another section of the mine, while the whereabouts of the other 10 remain unknown.

News that some of the miners are still alive has boosted Chinese netizens hopes for a miraculous escape, with thousands leaving prayer messages on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo platform and calling on the authorities to please speed up the rescue".

Chinas National Mine Safety Administration has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the countrys non-coal mines, which will run until the end of March, the Peoples Daily reported.

There are 32,000 non-coal mines in China, most of which are small, use outdated technology and equipment, and have poor safety management, it said, citing an administration official.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Former Congress chief on Tuesday slammed BJP national president J.P. Nadda after he taunted him for misleading and provoking farmers, saying who is he and why should he answer him.

While addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, Rahul Gandhi to a question over Nadda's series of tweets on him, said, "Who is he that I have to answer to him? Is he my professor? I will answer to the country." He made the remarks to a question over Nadda slamming him in a series of tweets.

Earlier in the day, ahead of Rahul Gandhi's press conference, Nadda said, "Now that Rahul Gandhi has returned from his monthly vacation, I would like to ask him some questions. I hope he will answer them in his today's Press Conference." "When will Rahul Gandhi, his dynasty and Congress stop lying on China? Can he deny that thousands of kms, including the one in Arunachal Pradesh he is referring to, was gifted by none other than Pandit Nehru to the Chinese? Time and again, why does Congress surrender to China?" Nadda said in another tweet.

"Why did farmers remain poor for decades under Congress governments? Does he feel sympathy for farmers only in opposition?" the BJP leader asked.

"Rahul Gandhi spared no opportunity to demotivate the nation in the spirited fight against Covid-19. Today when India has one of the lowest cases and our scientists have come up with a vaccine, why hasn't he congratulated the scientists and lauded 130 crore Indians even once?" Nadda said.

Slamming Nadda, Rahul Gandhi further said that farmers know the reality.

Gandhi also jokingly said that this is an attempted distraction, this is not full distraction.

"What they have in their heart they tell about me. The government is trying to distract the farmers. The government is telling them to talk and the talks have been done nine times. Farmers knows the reality. What Rahul Gandhi does every farmer knows.

"In Bhatta Parsaul, Naddaji was not there. Even during the Land Acquisition time, neither Naddaji and nor Modiji was there. Rahul Gandhi was there. When it was the matter of lands of farmers, Congress was standing there. When it was the matter of waiving off farmers loan, Congress was standing there," he said.

He also said that he has character. "I am not scared of Modiji or anyone else. I am a clean person. They can shoot me from a bullet. I am a patriot, and I protect my country. And I will keep on doing that even if I have to stand alone. I am more fanatic than them.

"What is happening here. The reason for which country fought 70 years ago, that is happening once again," he added.

This was Rahul Gandhi's first press conference at the party headquarters this year.

Last Friday, he along with his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had participated in the protest over the three farm laws.

Asked about the Supreme Court forming a committee over the three farm laws, Rahul Gandhi declined to comment.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Superior Gold Inc. ("Superior Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV: SGI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Damien Marantelli to its Board of Directors (the "Board").

"We are very pleased to welcome Damien to our Board of Directors. His extensive industry experience, operational expertise and being located in Western Australian will be a great asset to Superior Gold and will complement the skill set and experience of our existing Board members." commented Superior Gold's Chairman, Mark Wellings.

Mr. Marantelli is an experienced mining engineer with extensive operational and leadership experience across a variety of commodities and brings 40 years of international mining industry experience to the Company. Mr. Marantelli's most recent roles have been Chief Executive Officer and Director of Metals X, Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining and senior management positions with First Quantum Minerals, Inmet Mining and WMC Resources. Previously, Mr. Marantelli held the role of General Manager of the Sentinel copper mine in development by First Quantum Minerals, where he was responsible for leading approximately 3,500 employees through the final stages of commissioning and ramp-up of open pit and processing operations. He was also the Managing Director of First Quantum Minerals' (previously Inmet Mining's) Las Cruces copper mine and the Managing Director of the Cayeli underground copper and zinc mine. Prior to this, Mr. Marantelli was the General Manager of BHP Billiton's (previously WMC Resources) Mount Keith operations and oversaw the expansion of annual capacity from 18 million to 40 million bank cubic metres per year over a two year period.

The Company will grant Mr. Marantell, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Stock Option Plan and the receipt of regulatory approval, options to purchase 200,000 common shares of the Company with a five year term.

About Superior Gold

Superior Gold is a Canadian based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold Operations located in Western Australia. The Plutonic Gold Operations include the Plutonic underground gold mine and central mill, numerous open pit projects including the Plutonic Main Pit push-back project, the Hermes open pit projects and an interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Superior Gold is focused on expanding production at the Plutonic Gold Operations and building an intermediate gold producer with superior returns for shareholders.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. By identifying such information in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Annual Information Form of the Company for a discussion of other risks including outbreaks or threats of outbreaks of viruses, other infectious diseases or other similar health threats, such as the novel coronavirus outbreak, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company by causing operational and supply chain delays and disruptions, labour shortages, shutdowns, the inability to sell gold, capital markets volatility or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. The Company cannot accurately predict what effects these conditions will have on the Plutonic Gold Operations or the financial results of the Company, including uncertainties relating to travel restrictions to the Plutonic Gold Operations or otherwise and business closures that have been or may be imposed by governments. If an outbreak or threat of an outbreak of a virus or other infectious disease or other public health emergency occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information as no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, and if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange not its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Superior Gold

Related Links

https://www.superior-gold.com/






Haiti - NOTICE : Bac session for those that failed, registration of candidates





The Ministry of National Education informs the general public and failed candidates in particular that the first session of the permanent bac exams for the 2020-2021 academic year will be held in March 2021.



Candidate registrations are scheduled from January 20 to February 3, 2021 in all Departmental Directorates of Education (DDE).



Only candidates who failed in final (traditional secondary or renovated secondary) are entitled to participate in the tests.



Candidates will undergo the exams in subjects for which they did not have their average (recorded in the database of the Departmental State Examinations Office over a period of two years).



Conditions of participation :

1. Participation form for the last tests or certificate from the Ministry;

2. Two ID photos;

3. Participation fee of two thousand (2,000) Gourdes per candidate.



The Ministry asks the departmental directors to make all arrangements for the smooth running of the registration process for the candidates concerned.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Whats New: Hong Kong-listed China Longyuan Power Group Corp., the countrys biggest publicly traded windfarm operator, is seeking to go public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through a backdoor listing, according to a statement filed to the bourse on Sunday.

The plan will see Longyuan make the listing using loss-making Inner Mongolia Pingzhuang Energy Resources Co. Ltd. as a shell.

Meanwhile, Pingzhuang Energy will sell its existing coal-mining unit to a subsidiary of its leading shareholder, China Energy Investment, which is also a major shareholder of Longyuan. In addition, China Energy Investment will also sell some of its other new energy assets to Longyuan.

Whats the background: Longyuan can obtain a higher valuation on the A-share market than it can get in Hong Kong, the company said. And the move will also allow Longyuan to broaden its financing channels.

Moving China Energy Investments clean energy units into Longyuan can help reduce competition among the state-owned giants subsidiaries, the statement said.

The countrys power generators have been pushing mergers among their subsidiaries so as to shut down unprofitable ones and cut losses. Some have had to delist floated units and move assets into them, before letting them go public again on the A share market for future financing.

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use.To read the full Caixin article in Chinese, click here.

Contact reporter Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and editor Heather Mowbray (heathermowbray@caixin.com)

Support quality journalism in China. Subscribe to Caixin Global starting at $0.99.

WASHINGTON - The violent assault on the Capitol broke a four-year spell on the Republican Party leadership's refusal to criticize President Donald Trump.

But not for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The president's most loyal Cabinet member has spent the past several days heaping praise onto Trump and his presidency, saying it has made the United States "so much safer today than four years ago" and has served as a role model to other nations because of the "values we project out into the world."

In dozens of tweets from his official State Department account since Jan. 1, Pompeo has hailed Trump's "huge wins" and suggested that the president should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

"We restored America's credibility," Pompeo said, reviewing his nearly three years at the State Department.

To independent observers, the remarks are tone-deaf and reinforce Pompeo's status as one of the most partisan secretaries of state in modern U.S. history. While Pompeo claims that Americans have been "safer" under Trump's watch, the coronavirus death toll in the United States is fast approaching 400,000, with more than 3,000 Americans dying daily. Pompeo's promotion of "founding ideals" and the projection of U.S. "values" abroad came as the president attempted to subvert results of a democratic election, a bedrock of the United States' global image.

To Republican political observers, Pompeo's unflinching promotion of a twice-impeached president is part of a careful balancing act designed to lay future claim to Trump's large and loyal political base while retaining credibility among the GOP establishment.

"He has done a masterful job at walking that fine line," Danielle Pletka, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said of Pompeo. "I am pressed to think of anyone who has done it better."

Pompeo's subservience to the "Make America Great Again" legacy comes as another potential 2024 presidential hopeful, Vice President Mike Pence, falls out of favor with Trump's die-hard followers, including some Capitol rioters who chanted "Hang Mike Pence!" over his refusal to attempt to subvert the election. And Trump himself may come away damaged from his election brinkmanship as Silicon Valley strips him of his social media megaphones, businesses and local governments sever ties with his companies and lawyers warn him of a growing list of legal risks that will live beyond his presidency.

"A month ago, everyone thought Trump would be the leader of the opposition. Now, there's an enormous disruption about the notion that he can lead the conservative party going forward," said James Carafano, a vice president at the Heritage Foundation. "That opens up space for everyone in the conservative movement, including Pompeo."

Pompeo, who has made no secret of his presidential ambitions, is scrambling to build his social media presence during his final week in office, repeatedly urging the more than 3 million followers of the official State Department account to follow his personal Twitter account.

"I will never stop fighting for America First, even after my time as Secretary of State," he tweeted Monday. "There is always more work to be done and I look forward to continuing to share and engage with you on what's next. If you haven't already, please be sure to follow me @mikepompeo."

To some observers of Pompeo's attempts at retail politics, his presidential ambitions are borderline delusional. The former Kansas congressman styles himself as an anti-elitist Midwesterner despite hailing from California with a law degree from Harvard University. He is known to charm small gatherings of political donors with his quick wit and pithy rhetoric, but when he delivers speeches to large audiences, he speeds through prepared remarks awkwardly, often swallowing words and lacking cadence or gravitas.

"His primary goal was to do his job while being completely sycophantic to Trump, even if he came off as Manichaean and un-nuanced," said Tom Wright, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "That's the legacy of Pompeo: Trump's most loyal lieutenant - even more so than Pence. So now he's the heir to that."

One of the few times Pompeo expressed annoyance at criticism of his closeness to Trump came with the publication of a New Yorker profile quoting an unnamed U.S. ambassador saying Pompeo was like a "heat-seeking missile for Trump's a--."

Pompeo told CBS, "I find the language offensive, and I find the statement ludicrous."

Pompeo's piety about curse words came as a surprise to some in his inner circle who noted his frequent use of obscenities during heated office interactions.

But what Pompeo might lack in charisma he makes up for in devotion to the powerful constituencies that loom large in Republican politics. With a distracted president, Pompeo has used his considerable authority as secretary of state to implement last-minute policy moves that excite Republican pressure groups, hamper the incoming Biden administration's diplomatic efforts and potentially pay dividends for his own political future.

On Jan. 9, Pompeo said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. diplomats and Taiwanese officials, a decision that infuriated Beijing but won praise from Washington's Taiwan lobby. On Jan. 10, Pompeo announced his intention to designate Yemen's Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization, a move sought by anti-Iran hard-liners and pro-Israel donors despite concerns among aid organizations that it would significantly worsen the humanitarian situation in Yemen. On Jan. 11, Pompeo relisted Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a gift to Cuban American voters in South Florida that security experts said had little credible policy basis.

A Pompeo aide who handles his media relations, Katie Martin, did not respond to requests for comment.

Pompeo has suggested that the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 will not damage his reputation, or the president's, despite embarrassment and dismay inside the State Department about Pompeo's response to the attack.

"Look, what happened that day was terrible, and I have said repeatedly that those folks who engaged in this activity need to be identified, prosecuted, and they are criminals and ought to be treated as such," he told conservative radio host and Washington Post contributing columnist Hugh Hewitt. "But history will reflect on the good work that this president and our administration has done. Those books will be written about the changes that we have made in the world, the recognition that we have taken about reality, sovereignty, respect for basic dignity and human rights, a return to the founding principles in a way that previous administrations had not done."

At the State Department, U.S. diplomats and civil servants have criticized Pompeo's response to the assault, airing their dismay in the department's "dissent" channel, a protected method of conveying internal policy disputes. One dissent memo signed by more than 100 officials said Pompeo had damaged U.S. democracy by "failing to publicly hold the president to account." Another noted the hypocrisy of holding foreign governments to account for anti-democratic behavior without stressing that the U.S. president is not "above the law."

But Pompeo appears unbothered by such critiques, or charges that he is trying to "bluff his way to a legacy," as an essay in Foreign Policy magazine claimed.

Scholars of the U.S. role at the United Nations have raised particular exception to Pompeo's efforts to popularize the hashtag #EffectiveMultilateralism, touting the Trump administration's work with other nations.

Richard Gowan, the U.N. director at the International Crisis Group, ticked off a list of Pompeo's beleaguered efforts to win support at the United Nations on issues such as Iran, Venezuela, China and human rights.

"Ultimately, the administration has turned losing diplomatic battles at the U.N. into an art form, largely failing to get other states to do its bidding and then claiming this just shows the U.S. is better than other countries," Gowan said. "This clumsy approach often made it easier for China to gain influence at the U.N."

By his original metrics for success, Pompeo has struggled to come away with big accomplishments. Iran, his main focus of attention, is closer to a nuclear bomb than when he took office, and its aggressive behavior toward the United States has increased since the Obama era. North Korea has further developed its nuclear arsenal despite Pompeo's attempts to negotiate with Pyongyang. The U.S. standing at the United Nations and in European capitals has suffered under his tenure.

The Trump administration has taken on a more aggressive posture toward China, though critics debate how much it has to show for it. While the European Union has gone ahead with an investment pact with China despite U.S. objections, backers of the administration point to Washington's success in encouraging more countries to commit to using telecommunications partners unaffiliated with Beijing.

"I'm in favor of a strong posture towards China, but he undermined that by taking such a hard line that it alienated allies," Wright said. "By painting terms in black and white, it makes diplomacy more difficult. But Pompeo never cared about that, because his audience was the MAGA movement."

Many conservatives look at Pompeo's tenure as largely successful, Carafano said, because he remained "tough on bad guys like Iran and China."

But U.S. presidents rarely win the White House based on claims of foreign policy success.

"His struggle will be that national security issues don't really resonate," Pletka said. "If you're speaking at a local bar in rural West Virginia and you say, 'We upped sanctions on Iran and helped derail the terrible JCPOA,' that's not going to get anybody's beer up in the air cheering you."
Devyn Box, 36, a social worker in Dallas, avoids going places in Texas where IDs have to be shown, because Boxs lists their sex assigned at birth rather than their nonbinary gender.

Nineteen states across the U.S. allow nonbinary residents to use an X mark for gender on state IDs, like drivers licenses, though Texas is not one of them. Box, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, said a federal policy that would allow them and other individuals who identify as neither exclusively male nor female to receive an accurate ID would make a huge difference in their daily quality of life.

On my mortgage, I had to put the wrong gender, because they wouldn't let me select my actual gender, Box told NBC News. I've had situations where people are going on what's on my ID, and so then I have to basically out myself to them if I want for them to speak to me respectfully, which can be unsafe, and it's also just uncomfortable and exhausting having to continuously educate and advocate for myself.

Image: Devyn Box (Courtesy Devyn Box)

In Joe Bidens plan to advance LGBTQ+ equality in America and around the world, which is on his campaign website, the president-elect said he believes every transgender or non-binary person should have the option of changing their gender marker to M, F, or X on government identifications, passports, and other documentation. As a result, he vowed to support state and federal efforts that permit trans people to have IDs that accurately reflect their gender identity.

Box said they hope the Biden administration will push for a federal rule in its first 100 days, because they dont plan to move out of Texas anytime soon, and they dont expect the state to pass its own legislation. Until then, Box said they will continue to feel unsafe and experience hostility from people while explaining their identity.

I don't want to make it a big deal, like I just want to exist and not have to give this any thought, Box said. I just feel like if I had an ID that matched who I am, that I could possibly cut down on the number of times that I have to experience that. But it's just kind of unavoidable everywhere I go.

Story continues

Last March, during the Democratic presidential primary race, Biden released an ambitious plan to advance LGBTQ rights, but at the time it was unclear what he would realistically be able to accomplish if elected with a Republican-controlled Senate. But now that Democrats will narrowly control Congress and the White House for the first time since 2011, many of Bidens LGBTQ proposals appear much more achievable.

LGBTQ people and advocates are gearing up to hold Biden to his promises in the first 100 days of his presidency. Some, like Box, want to see federal ID legislation, which the American Civil Liberties Union is pushing for Biden to institute via an executive order. Others want him to immediately undo the ban on transgender people serving in the military and a variety of other Trump administration policies that rolled back protections for LGBTQ people. Advocates would also like to see Biden pass federal discrimination protections, among other legislation.

The Equality Act

In May 2019, the Democrat-controlled House passed the Equality Act, a sweeping bill that would grant LGBTQ people federal protections from discrimination in employment, housing, credit, education, public space, public funding and jury service. The legislation, however, was never given a vote in the Republican-led Senate.

With Mitch McConnell in charge of the Senate, there was no chance we would ever get a vote on any of our stuff, Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Trans Equality, said of pro-LGBTQ legislation.

With McConnell, R-Ky., in a minority leader role, the bill faces fewer barriers.

The opportunity that we have to pass the Equality Act is better now than it's ever been before, said Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the countrys largest LGBTQ advocacy group. This should be a part of our civil rights laws.

Addressing a four-year onslaught of attacks

Advocates also expect Biden to deliver on his promises of immediately undoing Trump policies that targeted LGBTQ people with executive orders or new guidelines.

The past four years has resulted in an onslaught of attacks against the LGBTQ community, David said, citing as examples the administrations push to allow womens homeless shelters to turn away transgender women and health care providers to refuse service to LGBTQ people during a pandemic.

Neither of those policies are currently in effect. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is scheduled to issue the final version of the policy for homeless shelters in April. Last August, a federal judge blocked the Department of Health and Human Services from removing nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in health care. The administration finalized another rule on Jan. 12 that would allow social service providers to discriminate against LGBTQ people, and its scheduled to take effect Feb. 11.

In a series of tweets in July 2017, Trump reinstated a ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, which Biden promised to undo on Day One.

I think we will see a reversal of the illegal and incompetent and dangerous trans military ban, Keisling said. I bet you that turns out to be one of the first things we see.

Just a week before Bidens inauguration, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule allowing taxpayer-funded social services organizations, like adoption agencies, to discriminate based on LGBTQ status.

Image: heather-mcnama-nyman-nancy-nyman (Courtesy Nancy Nyman)

Nancy Nyman, who is a foster parent with her wife in Los Angeles, said she hopes Biden will act immediately to recognize the importance of same-sex couples and families in the foster care system.

There is definitely always a need for more families in foster care, and to enable organizations to discriminate against same sex couples or LGBTQ couples in the foster care system just seems outrageous to us, she said. This kind of discrimination, it cuts deep, because it cuts parents who are very well equipped to help, and to help solve a really big problem in our country.

Some of the attacks on LGBTQ people over the last four years have been more subtle, according to David. For instance, the Trump administration removed references to LGBTQ people from federal agency websites.

All of these steps that have been taken by the Trump administration were really focused on effectively erasing LGBTQ people, trying to suggest that LGBTQ people don't exist, David said.

The administration has also rolled out policies that disproportionately affect LGBTQ people of color, like the travel restriction focused on Muslim-majority countries, among other immigration policies, according to Kamal Fizazi, 47, a lawyer who lives in New York City. Fizazi said immigration and criminal justice are two issues that matter most to them as a queer Muslim.

Image: Kamal Fizazi (Thomas Johnson)

There are some people who live in Muslim-majority countries that need to get out of those societies because they're facing some persecution, and the U.S. used to be a safe harbor, Fizazi said. At the same time, the idea that the U.S. is a safe harbor is increasingly open to question. It feels increasingly unsafe here for some people.

There are currently around 70 countries around the world that criminalize homosexuality and at least nine that have laws criminalizing certain types of gender expression, which are aimed at transgender and gender-nonconforming people, according to Human Rights Watch. Most of them are in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Fizazi also said they would like to see Biden enforce and expand Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program for undocumented young people who came to the United States as children, and expand access to affordable health care.

"Health care is an LGBTQ issue, given that we have higher rates of mental health illness and addiction," Fizazi said.

Many of the Trump administration policies that LGBTQ advocates would like to see reversed by the incoming Biden administration could be undone without congressional action in the first 100 days, although rules issued by the Department of Health and Human Services will take longer to address as they have to follow a longer administrative process that includes a public comment period.

Sending a new message

While LGBTQ advocates want Biden to move swiftly to reverse a number of Trump-era policies, they would want his administration to implement proactive, pro-LGBTQ policy. In addition to federal ID legislation, a number of advocates would like to see the Biden team issue guidance to federal agencies regarding implementation of the Supreme Courts 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, which granted LGBTQ people protections from employment discrimination.

While the Bostock ruling specifically addressed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which deals with workplace discrimination, David advocated for the decisions central finding  that sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity  to be applied to other federal discrimination protections.

We have many federal statutes not only in the area of employment, where LGBTQ people could be protected but have not been because the administration has not implemented the Bostock decision, David said.

Much of what the administration can do immediately, Keisling said, is send LGBTQ people a different message than the one theyve received over the last four years. She said that after the Trump administration rescinded Obama-era guidance meant to protect trans students in schools, calls to the Trans Lifeline, a crisis hotline run by and for trans people, increased.

What it does to trans kids to know that the president of the United States is coming after them over and over again, what it does to our service members, who one month they're told, We welcome you if you're qualified, you can serve, and in the next month, the commander in chief is just whimsically tweeting that they can't serve anymore  there's big psychic damage to that, Keisling said. People are going to feel better not being attacked.

Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:12 pm

Im the product of a mixed marriage  politically, that is.

My father who grew up on a Minnesota farm was a staunch Democrat. My mother, whose father taught at Purdue University before he became an executive for Hyster Co., was a Republican. When my eldest sister joined the Young Democrats, I declared myself a Republican.

After joining the Association of Personal Historians in 1999, I flew to a conference in Chicago, where I met many friendly, helpful people and quickly discovered that, as a conservative, I was a political minority in a sea of liberals. But for two decades, Ive maintained friendships with many colleagues who hold political views far different than my own. Once, when politics surfaced on the listserv, I objected, saying, We need to build on what we have in common rather than what divides us.

On Election Day 2000, my last day at The Daily News in Longview, we wrote local stories and watched the national returns on the newsroom television as networks initially called Florida for Vice President Al Gore. A liberal coworker said, Julie, Al Gores ahead. A young reporter turned to me in shock. You voted for George Bush? I nodded and said, Proud of it, too. Two others in the newsroom of nearly three dozen quietly told me they had also voted for Bush.

That 2000 election hinged on hanging, dimpled and pregnant chads counted or cast out in Florida. In the end, only 537 votes separated Bush and Gore. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling ended the recounts while Bush was ahead, so he won.

In 2004, I campaigned for Bushs re-election, and that same year, Washington state saw its closest gubernatorial election ever. Attorney General Christine Gregoire, a Democrat, defeated Republican state Sen. Dino Rossi, even though he initially won by 261 votes and, after a machine recount, by 42 votes. When King County officials later found missing ballots, Gregoire won by a mere 133 votes. I joined many Lewis County Republicans at the state Capitol in Olympia, rallying for a revote that never happened. Although angry at a perceived injustice, we never considered violence.

In 2008, I campaigned for Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam veteran and war hero, and loved the fact that he selected a conservative woman as his running mate. I staffed the Lewis County Republican Partys office during the election season. Although disappointed when he lost to Sen. Barack Obama, I never considered fighting the result. We live in a democracy, where voters decide who serves in office  and once in a while the courts.

Four years later, I supported Sen. Mitt Romney in his run for president, but again, my candidate lost. President Obama won re-election.

In 2016, the Republican Party had 17 candidates running for president. After my least favorite won the partys nomination, I waited for Donald Trump to convince me to support him. But I didnt like his ongoing ridicule and demonization of others and past lewd comments about forcing himself on women. I had company, such as prolific Christian author Max Lucado, who said Trump brandishes a Bible, calls himself a Christian and in the next breath refers to women as bimbos. I couldnt vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton either, so I wrote in God. I figured whichever candidate won, this nation needed help from the Almighty  and it still does.

Character matters. What weve seen play out the past two months proves that point. What we witnessed at the Capitol last week drove it home.

Even before anyone voted, with polls indicating he might lose, the president started spouting claims about a stolen election  allegations repeated often enough that his ardent supporters believed them  before anyone even cast a ballot.

Biden garnered 7 million more votes than Trump, 51 percent to 47 percent, but popular vote doesnt decide elections in the United States: the Electoral College does. Biden won that as well306 to 232 for Trump.

In the contested battleground states, Biden beat Trump by numbers in the thousands  not 537 as in Gores 2000 defeat or 133 as in Rossis 2004 defeat. In the closest races, Biden beat Trump in Arizona by 10,457 votes and in Georgia by 11,769 votes.

For two months, the president and his team undermined the very fabric of our democracy with baseless allegations of voter fraud and a stolen election. They filed (and lost) more than 60 lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of the elections in battleground states. Since the election, at least 86 judges (38 appointed by Republicans) ruled against the Trump team in court. The conservative majority in the U.S. Supreme Court, including three Trump appointees, tossed out a lawsuit by the state of Texas to invalidate the electoral votes in four battleground states.

One of the most scathing judicial rejections came from District Judge Brett H. Ludwig, a Trump appointee, who dismissed a lawsuit attempting to toss out election results in Wisconsin. Calling the request extraordinary, he said, A sitting president who did not prevail in his bid for reelection has asked for federal court help in setting aside the popular vote based on disputed issues of election administration, issues he plainly could have raised before the vote occurred. This court has allowed the plaintiff the chance to make his case and he has lost on the merits.

I was appalled by the silence of Republicans and cringed when 147 GOP House and Senate members proclaimed plans to undermine our nations democracy Jan. 6 by voting against a legitimate election and peaceful transfer of power.

That very day, after a Trump rally, a mob of his fans  not Antifa but Trump supporters  stormed the Capitol as the Electoral College ratification vote was taking place. They bashed in windows, beat and bludgeoned police officers, threatened both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and our vice president as they chanted, Hang Mike Pence.

It was obscene. It was insurrection. It was un-American. It was sedition. It was so preventable and unnecessary.

It took courage for our 3rd District Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler to vote for certification of the Electoral College results and later in favor of impeaching the president whose incendiary lies and demonization of opponents emboldened a fringe element of far-right anarchists. Ive read the hateful nasty Facebook comments by people trashing our elected representative for voting her conscience. They say she doesnt represent them, but she represents me and many others who agreed with her vote.

Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House, summed up well why she voted for impeachment: The president of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing. None of this would have happened without the president. The president could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence. He did not. There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and oath to the Constitution.

Polls indicate most Republicans believe Trump bears no responsibility at all for the attack and contend the election was stolen. But when those in their camp include white supremacists, neo-Nazis, anti-Semites, and the Proud Boys, perhaps they might be on the wrong side of history.

For years Ive listened to Republicans dismiss Trumps nasty words, his disrespect for others, and his demonization of opponents. To them, his policies are more important than his character.

But Im in agreement with retired four-star Marine General John Kelly, former White House Chief of Staff for Trump, who said his former boss was the most flawed person hes ever known and described the depths of his dishonesty as astounding.

I think we need to look harder at who we elect, Kelly said. What is their character like? What are their ethics? Are they willing, if theyre elected, to represent all of their constituents, not just the base, but all of their constituents? And then look at the politics.

Although still conservative, I no longer consider myself a Republican. Im not a Democrat either. Im politically homeless.

Remember when President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip ONeill, a Republican and a Democrat, worked together to solve the nations problems? Remember when conservative Christians proclaimed love for everyone, Democrats and Republicans? Remember when we could hold different political views but still love and respect one another?

What a difference four years can make.



Julie McDonald, a personal historian from Toledo, may be reached at memoirs@chaptersoflife.com.

The facade of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Hospital in Vinh Long Province where a man is being treated with Covid-19 after illegally entering Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long.

Vinh Long police have launched a criminal investigation against a man who tested positive for the novel coronavirus after illegally entering Vietnam.

Le Thuc Tri, 33, is being investigated for "spreading dangerous infectious diseases in humans," Colonel Huynh Thanh Mong, deputy chief police officer of the southern province, told the press Tuesday.

Under Vietnamese law, a person can be criminally charged if he/she carries dangerous pathogens capable of infecting humans into the country, a crime punishable by up to 12 years in jail under Vietnam's Penal Code.

Tri is still being treated at the Vinh Long Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, making it difficult for the police to talk to him and further the investigation.

There is no evidence yet that he had infected anyone.

Tri is the second person to be placed under criminal investigation for spreading the virus that causes Covid-19 in Vietnam. The first is a Vietnam Airlines' flight attendant who allegedly breached Covid-19 quarantine protocols and infected three others. Until then, people flouting Covid-19 prevention regulations were let off with fines.

Tri is in stable health now, with no fever or cough. He and five others had traveled from Myanmar to Thailand on a truck on December 15 and stayed there until leaving for Cambodia on December 23. Then they paid people smugglers to sneak them across the border into Vietnam to avoid quarantining.

On December 24, the six people and three other women crossed into Vietnam through the Long Binh border gate in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. Tri returned to his house in Vinh Long Province, a 32-year-old woman went to Dong Thap Province. The remaining seven people went to HCMC.

Four of the nine have so far been confirmed infected with the novel coronavirus.

Phan Thanh Hung, 39, suspected of running a human smuggling gang operating between Cambodia and Vietnam, has been arrested in the case with four of his accomplices. The ring is being investigated further.

Vietnams success in containing the pandemic has been rooted in its strict quarantining and tracking measures. Thus far, the nation has recorded 1,539 infections and 35 deaths, and has not reported any community transmission for the last 46 days.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Iranian authorities have convicted an American-Iranian businessman on spying charges, US media has reported, in a recently revealed case which comes amid high tensions between the two countries.

The State Department confirmed late Monday in a statement to AFP that "we are aware of the reports that Iran has detained another US citizen".

It did not identify the person and declined to provide further details, but Iranian media on Thursday reported the conviction of Emad Sharqi, describing him as the deputy head for international affairs at an Iranian venture capital company called Sarava.

The Young Journalists Club, a news agency linked to Iranian state television, said Sharqi had been caught "trying to illegally flee the country from western borders". It did not disclose that he was a dual US citizen, as Tehran does not recognise bi-nationality.

He had been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of espionage and gathering military information and was out on bail ahead of an appeal when he tried to abscond, the YJC said.

But a family friend quoted by NBC on Monday said Sharqi, 56, whom the US television channel identified as Iranian-American, was summoned to a Tehran court on November 30 and told that he had been convicted of espionage without a trial.

Revelations of the case come as US President-elect Joe Biden is due to be sworn in on Wednesday, with the difficult relationship between Washington and Tehran one of the top foreign policy challenges at the start of his administration.

Sharqi's case aside, three US citizens are known to be in detention in the Islamic republic.

The cases threaten to complicate potential engagement with Tehran on salvaging the Iran nuclear deal, a multilateral pact that has been on life support since 2018, when outgoing President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the deal and began reimposing crippling sanctions on Tehran.

NBC said that Sharqi was arrested in 2018, but was originally acquitted by an Iranian court in December 2019, ahead of his conviction late last year.

Short link:


An end to the near eight-month exclusion of Irish beef from China remains in the hands of Chinese officials.

The suspension, a result of an atypical BSE case in May, couldn't have come at a worse time for Irish exporters as Chinese imports of beef surged to record highs in 2020.

Factories have now called on the Taoiseach to intervene directly with the Chinese government.

It comes as Sinead McPhillips of the Department of Agriculture told a Bord Bia Meat Seminar last week that there have been ongoing intensive government, diplomatic and technical contacts since the suspension to try to resolve this issue.

"We maintain excellent relationships with our Chinese counterparts and remain confident that trade will be allowed to resume," she said.

Read More

However, the timing for that decision remains in the hands of the Chinese authorities, she said, adding that as with every other country in the world the Chinese system is busy with the unprecedented challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meat processors have described the suspension as a major loss just as sales to the giant new market were set to ramp up.

"The impasse has been prolonged beyond reason and it is now time for An Taoiseach to engage with his counterpart in China in order to move the process forward quickly towards a resolution," Meat Industry Ireland said in a statement.

New official figures from China's General Administration of Customs released last week showed its meat imports up 73.5pc on the same period a year ago.

Meat Market analyst Rupert Claxton told the Bord Bia Meat Seminar that China's beef imports are expected to be 2.5 million tonnes in 2020, up one million tonnes since 2018.

He noted that the surge in Chinese meat imports is as a result of an acute pork shortage resulting from outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) across Asia in recent years. Since 2019, he estimated that China is down 27m tonnes in pork production.

"China has been the driver of meat price increases seen around the world this year. They took in all types of meat to fill that gap and it is becoming really important for beef and sheep-meat.

"Even if you haven't got a plant with access, the more meat we take out of the market globally, the better it is for everyone," he said.
GREENWICH  The son of billionaire Peter Brant and former model Stephanie Seymour has died of an accidental drug overdose.

Harry Brant, a model and cosmetics entrepreneur, died Sunday at the age of 24, according to a statement that his family released to the media.

Brant died of a prescription drug overdose after struggling with addiction for several years, the statement said. Brant had plans to enter a drug rehabilitation center this year, the Brant family said.

We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease, his family said in a statement. He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done.

Harry was not just our son, the family statement continued. He was also a wonderful brother, loving grandson, favorite uncle and a caring friend. He was a creative, loving and powerful soul that brought light into so many peoples hearts. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out.

Brant founded a unisex MAC makeup line with his brother Peter in 2015, and he promoted the products on social media and YouTube. He modelled for the Italian edition of Vogue magazine.

Messages of shock and heartbreak flooded the comment section on Brants most recent Instagram post from about a week ago. Brant, in a December posting on Instagram, mourned the death of fashion model Stella Tennant, and he often posted observations about the fashion world.

Harry Brant was the son of billionaire Peter Brant, an art collector, newsprint manufacturer, polo player and media executive, and former model Stephanie Seymour. They own White Birch Farm on North Street in Greenwich.

Harry Brant drew headlines in 2016 when Greenwich police arrested him after they said he refused to pay a $28 taxi fare in town. Police charged Brant, 20 at the time, with sixth-degree larceny, resisting arrest and drug possession. When he was told he was under arrest, police said he tried to run away from the officers, who were able to restrain him as he resisted arrest. When officers searched Brant after he was in custody, police said they found a baggie that had a white substance in it. Police said that substance later tested positive for narcotics. Brant attended a drug awareness program following his arrest in 2016 to settle the charges.

According to an interview with Vogue, Brant said he had a love of art history that fed his interest in fashion. I love the idea of each object holding its own as a piece of art. Its the same thing that attracts me to true high fashion imagery, he said.

Brant studied at Rye Country Day and Bard College.

Greenwich police said Monday that there was no local involvement in the fatality.

Memorial arrangments were not announced.
WARNER ROBINS, Ga., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Silvervine Software announced today that it has completed a SOC 1 (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18 ("SSAE 18")) Type 2 examination. The audit was performed by 360 Advanced, Inc., a full-service IT assurance, compliance and security firm that specializes in integrated compliance solutions, including conducting SOC 1 examinations.

SOC 1 Certification

The completion of the SOC 1 (SSAE 18) Type 2 examination exemplifies Silvervine Software's continued commitment to create and maintain the most stringent controls needed to ensure the highest quality and security of services provided to customers.

The Service Auditors' Report includes a detailed description of Silvervine's controls and an independent assessment of whether the controls are placed in operation, suitably designed and operating effectively.

"Silvervine Software is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our clients' data. This in-depth and independent audit ensures that our security protocols meet or exceed the audit's stringent requirements," said Michael Crain, director of information technology (IT) at Silvervine. "Silvervine will be undergoing a SOC 2 audit later this year, which takes a deeper dive into security, availability and confidentiality. The IT department currently builds to SOC 2 standards, and this audit will confirm these robust security and data protection protocols."

A SOC 2 Type 2 Report expresses an opinion on the system description, the design of controls placed into operation and includes whether controls operated effectively throughout a historical period of time, typically a 12-month period. Thus, in addition to what a Type 1 Report addresses, this report incorporates an additional step that the controls were tested and reporting is available.

The SOC 1, Type 2 Audit is available to review. Please contact Michael Crain for more information.

About Silvervine Software:

Headquartered in Georgia, Silvervine is the platform of choice for many of the nation's sophisticated P&C insurers and MGAs. Its cutting-edge technology facilitates direct-to-consumer sales, distribution management, mobile engagement and digital payment options. Silvervine's team gets your products to market faster, with less red tape and more insurance expertise to inform the development process. To learn more, visit the Silvervine website at http://silvervinesoftware.com.

SOURCE Silvervine Software

Related Links

http://silvervinesoftware.com


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)

Former New York State Democratic Party Leader Receives Vaccine in Florida

A former New York State Democratic Party leader, who previously worked for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has said he received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida due to the slower rollout of inoculations in his native state.

New York resident John Sullivan, who worked as the partys co-chairman in the 1990s, said he chose to receive the first dose in Florida as he became eligible for the shot there before Cuomo expanded New Yorks vaccine administration network and widened eligibility criteria to include additional categories of essential workers and people aged 65 and older.

I got the vaccine down here. I probably wouldnt have gotten it by now in New York, Sullivan, 73, told The New York Post.

He told the Post he was eligible to receive the COVID-19 shot in Florida as he has been renting an apartment in the state since October 2020. He added that he is due for his second and final dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and German firm BioNTech on Feb. 3.

Florida Gov. DeSantis, from the moment vaccinations rolled out in the state in mid-December, made it a priority for those aged 65 and older to receive the shot against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Cuomo meanwhile announced the broadened criteria during a Jan. 9 press briefing in a bid to accelerate New Yorks pace of inoculations against the CCP virus following a slow rollout and reports that narrow guidelines have led to some vaccine doses being discarded.

In its first phase, New Yorks vaccine rollout prioritized health care workers.

I think Florida is a leader in the nation in vaccinating seniors, Sullivan said. For as much as I disagree with Gov. DeSantis on other things, allowing senior citizens to get the vaccine right away was the right decision.

He was right on. Whos dying out there? The people 65 and over, he continued.

Cuomos call to vaccinate seniors came a week later. You know how many people could have been inoculated in a week? Sullivan added. Health care workers should be a priority to get the vaccine. But are they a priority over the most vulnerable senior population? Probably not.

Related Coverage Norway Warns Against Vaccinating Frail, Terminally Ill People as Deaths Reported

Cuomo said during the briefing that over the next several weeks, the Department of Health will also be setting up 20 mass distribution sites across the state to further the vaccination efforts. Cuomo estimated that it would take around 14 weeks to vaccinate groups 1A and 1B.

Priority group 1A includes workers in health care settings, as well as seniors living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Group 1B includes education workers, first responders, public safety and transit workers, and seniors.

Cuomo said that just over half a million COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered in New York as of Jan. 8.

So, 33,000 week one, 102,000 week two, 148,000 week three, 259,000 [week four] to date, but the week is not over, he said, adding that the state receives a supply of 300,000 doses per week.

Were hoping for an acceptance rate close to 80 percent with a minimum of 70 percent.

The problem all along has been a lack of allocation from Washington, and now that weve expanded the population of those eligible, the federal government continues to fail to meet the demand, Cuomo spokesman Jack Sterne said in a statement.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers a COVID-19 update at Baber AME Church in Rochester, N.Y., on Nov. 25, 2020. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

Trump administration officials had said they projected 20 million people would get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 31.1 million doses have been distributed as of Jan. 15 but just 12.2 million have been administered.

Health Secretary Alex Azar said last week that President Donald Trumps administration is releasing all COVID-19 vaccine doses, after initially holding back second doses as a safety stock.

Both of the authorized vaccines are built on messenger RNA platforms and require two doses spaced several weeks apart.

We now believe that our manufacturing is predictable enough that we can ensure second doses are available for people from ongoing production. So everything is now available to our states and our healthcare providers, Azar told ABCs Good Morning America on Jan. 12.

Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
The minimum temperature in the national capital is likely to drop by 1- 2 degrees Celsius from Tuesday, as the wind directions are changing from easterly to north-westerly, said India Meteorological Department. Mornings may witness shallow to moderate fog, it added.

With the change in wind direction, winds are likely to blow from the direction of western Himalayas, so they will be colder. The minimum temperature in Delhi maybe around 8C, while the maximum maybe around 21C. Winds are also likely to pick up, so air quality may improve, Kuldeep Shrivastava, head, regional weather forecasting centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told Hindustan Times.

On Monday, Delhi recorded the minimum temperature at 9C. Meanwhile, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on Monday was recorded in the very poor category at 372. The northwesterly winds of around 10 kmph blowing on Tuesday and of 15 to 20 kmph on Wednesday will help disperse pollutants and improve Delhis air quality, stated an early warning system issued by the Union ministry of earth sciences.

With the change in wind direction from Monday night, the minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 2 to 4C during the next three days, leading to cold wave conditions in isolated pockets over eastern Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during January 18 to 20 and over western Uttar Pradesh and northern Rajasthan during January 19 to 21, according to IMDs Monday bulletin.

Dense to very dense fog is likely to cover parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan, Bihar, and Odisha during the next 24.
The people of Nubia in Egypts Aswan governorate have been awaiting the payment of compensation for the damage they suffered about a century ago from the inauguration of the Aswan Low Dam (the first Aswan dam)  currently known as the Aswan reservoir  in 1902 and later the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which was built between 1960 and mid-January 1971.

The Nubians were displaced from their villages, which stretch over 350 kilometers (217 miles) along the banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt, in 1902, when the Egyptian government began building the Aswan Low Dam to prevent flooding that led to the drowning and displacement of most of the Nubia residents.

Since then, the Nubian community has been demanding to return to their villages and financial compensation for the loss of their lands.

In January 2017, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decision to establish a specialized committee tasked with the distribution of compensation to the Nubians.

Coinciding with the anniversary of the inauguration of the High Dam Jan. 9, Alaa al-Din Fouad, minister of parliamentary affairs and head of the committee for the disbursement of compensation to Nubians, announced the launch of the second phase to receive requests from those entitled to compensation.

During a Jan. 7 press conference, Fouad said that 6,171 Nubians out of 11,500 entitled to compensation have submitted compensation requests during the first phase of the project to disburse aid to the Nubian community in January 2019.

He said the committee paid compensation to those who submitted the required documents but suspended payment to those who failed to submit the required inheritance notices or powers of attorney on behalf of heirs of other beneficiaries. Compensation, he said, will be paid upon receiving the required documents.

Fouad said that the committees work is based on three phases. The first phase consists of handing over in-kind compensation bonds and disbursing monetary compensation to beneficiaries who submitted the required documents.

He explained that some of the beneficiaries who submitted the required documents have received ownership contracts for the lands on which their homes were built, while others received certificates of usufruct for lands adjacent to the rivers.

He noted that a number of beneficiaries received contracts of ownership of housing units while some were instead given the amount of 225,000 Egyptian pounds ($14,320). He added that contracts to own arable land in the areas of Wadi al-Amal and Khor Qandi were handed over to beneficiaries. Others were instead given 25,000 Egyptian pounds ($1,590) for each acre.

Others asked to take part in the development projects implemented by the Upper Egypt Development Authority, a government agency tasked with development in Upper Egypt.

Fouad said that as part of the second phase, 3,640 eligible individuals have submitted compensation requests, but their payments have been suspended due to the lack of required documents.

The committee, through the Aswan governorate, receives the documents to process the compensation of citizens, and has so far received the required documents of 705 individuals.

As for the third phase, Fouad said that the government has requested that the committee allow compensation requests to be submitted by those who failed to do so in the first phase.

In regard to the parliaments position on the compensation of Nubians, Ayman Fouad, a member of parliament representing Nubia, praised the governments compensation to the Nubian community. He told Al-Monitor that Nubia has sacrificed a lot for the establishment of the Aswan dam, which is why the Nubian people must be compensated.

He called on the members of the committee to disburse compensation to Nubians in order to facilitate the process to receive requests during the one-month second phase that began Jan. 17. He stressed that compensation must take into account the losses people have suffered.

As for the details of the second phase of compensation, Aswan Gov. Maj. Gen. Ashraf Attia Abdel Bari said during a press conference Jan. 7 that this phase aims at providing 1,185 housing units and arable lands in Wadi al-Amal and Khor Qandi.

He noted that the Aswan governorate tasked 16 subcommittees spread across the cities and centers of the governorate with receiving such requests.

In January 2019, the Egyptian state disbursed compensation for the people of Nubia as part of the first phase during a large ceremony attended by the prime minister and a number of officials, titled, Keeping the promise, handing over compensation to the Nubians.

During his speech at the ceremony, Minister of Justice Omar Marawan said that the committee for the disbursement of compensation to the affected Nubians has provided compensation to those who submitted requests  people seeking in-kind or cash compensation or people looking to benefit from the states development plans.

He indicated that compensations were distributed based on the beneficiaries requests. Some 2,009 citizens are to be compensated in kind through land ownership contracts, while 187 persons are to be compensated through land usufruct contracts. In addition, he said that 198 beneficiaries are to be compensated in kind through housing unit ownership contracts.

Marawan noted that 2,020 individuals are to be compensated with ownership contracts of arable lands: 1,812 of them are entitled to the Khor Qandi area, stretching over 2,909 acres, and 208 beneficiaries are to be compensated in kind by owning arable lands in Wadi al-Amal, stretching over 445 acres.

He added that it was decided to compensate 1,680 beneficiaries in cash, from those who lost land or housing, and the total value of the cash compensation reached about 302 million Egyptian pounds (about $19.2 million).

Mohammed Ahmad, a Nubian, told al-Monitor over the phone that he is extremely happy about the governments compensation plan and said that he has obtained a contract to own the property in which he and his family reside, and that there are hundreds of Nubians who have received compensation.
India has done many eye-catching things recently, indicating that the incumbent administrations ambition to turn India from a country that counts for a great deal to one of a leading role has not abated despite domestic and international changes since last year.

As an ancient nation with a unique traditional culture, India has never stopped its quest to become a major country. Chanakya of the Maurya Dynasty wrote a series of a treatise titled Artha-shastra (The Science of Material Gain), in which he said, International relation is a dynamic hierarchy centered on the conqueror. Direct neighboring countries are natural enemies and enemys enemy is a natural ally. This theory, combined with the strategic boundary concept left by British colonists in India, constitutes the ideological root for Nehrus idea of making India count for a great deal.

With its markedly growing national strength in recent years, Indian leaders have become more outspoken about their ambition to become a major country, from Vajpayees brave talk that the 21st century belongs to India to Modis declaration that India will become not only a provider of international security architecture but also a leading country in it. During the nearly seven-year term, the Modi administration has aggressively pushed the national reshaping and economic reform at home and deliberately stressed its major-country status and strategic independence in the international stage.

Generally speaking, when a country determines its strategy, one of the key elements deciding the effect of the strategy is how well the countrys resource capability is matched with its resource consumption when implementing the strategy. To be objective, the Modi administration did an excellent job in its first term from 2014 to 2019, with the countrys greatly enhanced visibility and recognition on the international stage. This is partly attributed to a generally favorable global political and economic environment and partly to Indias proactive efforts to strike a balance in major-country diplomacy. Among that, a generally stable relation with China  its largest neighbor  was good for India to create a secure environment, boost the economy and expand its use of foreign investment.

Met with ebullient praises both internally and externally, especially after his 2019 reelection with an overwhelming advantage, the Indian leader has become more confident and obviously aggressive. However, given the profound changes unseen in a century, decision-makers of all countries should keep a close eye on the drastic movements of international situation and pandemic situation and work out responses with their own characteristics. Whatever approach they choose, it mostly should be based on national conditions, available resources, and the priorities of the national agenda.

But Indias multi-point, protracted, rash, and aggressive strategy is indeed unwise, which, if kept forward, will not only eat up what India has achieved in previous years but may also drag the country into an abyss of surrounding enemies and strategic overdraft. Historical laws show that for a rising country, the most frequent mistake on its way forward is strategic aggressiveness, which may foil both its short-term and long-term strategic goals. An American website, when commenting on Indias North Pole policy, asked a question bluntly: to what extent India, a country thats much closer to the Equator than the North Pole, is able or even needs to, engage with the Arctic?

You cannot have eyes bigger than your stomach. As the national economy, society and livelihood are struck by COVID-19, and its neighbor-diplomacy shows signs of failure, the Indian elites may well ask themselves the following questions. How can they maintain the countrys position as a "regional center" and obtain recognition from surrounding countries if they continue the beggar-thy-neighbor policy? How can they claim to gain their peoples and the worlds trust and promote Indian vaccines in the world if they cannot keep the virus under control at home? And how can India become one of the leading countries in the world if it continues to stand by anti-China forces, turn a blind eye to Chinas goodwill, and is determined to walk down the path of a zero-sum game, even to compete through an arms race? That will not only put the China-India relation at peril but will also drive a wedge between India and its traditional friend Russia.

(The author is director of the Research Department of the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University and a senior fellow at Taihe Institute.)

This article is originally published on Huanqiu.com and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.

Jaipur, Jan 19 : In a rather unusual incident, burglars who had stolen Rs 2 lakh from a Dargah's donation box in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, returned half of the stolen amount after a month, apparently fearing the wrath of the "Pir Baba" (holy saint), villagers said.

The incident was reported at the Dargah of Hazrat Saman Diwan in Badi Khatu village of the district.

Police said that the miscreants broke open the locks of the donation box of the shrine and decamped with around Rs 2 lakh on December 17 night.

The Dargah management had filed a police report following the theft, but there was no clue about the thieves for a month.

The closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the vicinity were non-functional.

Meanwhile, on Monday morning, villagers were shocked to see a bundle of notes totalling Rs 93,514, lying near the Dargah. Later, it was discovered they were the same notes stolen from the shrine.

The villagers informed the police about the matter and handed over the money to the officials.

Bhopal:

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has decided to put off his six-day visit to Russia, starting on Sunday.

Chouhans six-day visit to Russia from today stands cancelled, said SK Mishra, principal secretary to the chief minister.

The chief ministers visit was aimed at branding and marketing Madhya Pradesh in Russia primarily to attract investments, Mishra told PTI On Sunday.

The development assumes significance as it has come at a time when Congress is gunning for Chouhans head and backing the farmers who are angry at the state government.

Congress has staged an impressive 72-hour Satyagraha supporting farmers demands, which include loan waiver, satisfactory prices for farm produces among other things.

Also Read: BJP 'back-stabbed' farmers by not implementing Swaminathan Commission report: Arvind Kejriwal

The Satyagraha started in Bhopal and ended in Dhar on Saturday.

Farmers agitation in Madhya Pradesh had turned violent and police firing had left five farmers dead and six injured on June 6 in Mandsaur district.

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

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has ordered the implementation of the National Employment Programme in its second edition for the benefit of Bahraini citizens.

The extension of the programme will boost employment of locals both in private and public sectors and includes a hike in compensation fees. This was approved by the Cabinet during its weekly meeting chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and held remotely, yesterday.

The major scheme aims to create 25,000 jobs in 2021 and 10,000 training opportunities annually that would make Bahraini citizens the ideal choice for local employment. The programme will revolve around three key initiatives.

First initiative includes the allocation of BD120 million budget from the Labour Fund Tamkeen for three years (2021- 2023); double what has been allocated during the past five years to support the employment of Bahrainis through the wage support programme; and increasing the amount and duration of support extended to those registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and new entrants into the labour market.

The second initiative includes extending the period of announcement of vacancies before the recruitment of non-Bahraini workers from two to three weeks, while the third initiative is based on tightening security measures regarding irregular workers, in addition to continuing the initiatives set out in the programmes first version.

The Cabinet also expressed its appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for following up on the conditions of the Bahraini seafarers detained in Qatar until their safe return to the Kingdom.

It also expressed appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for its role in this matter. The Cabinet welcomed the statement issued by the US designating the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE as major strategic partners in confronting regional and global challenges. During the meeting, the Cabinet also discussed a number of memorandums.
Tammin Sursok has updated fans on her husband Sean McEwen's coronavirus battle.

In a video shared to Instagram on Monday, the 37-year-old actress said Sean was still 'very exhausted' and going through 'the post-viral part of Covid'.

'It's day 17. We are able to keep his temperature under 100. It's been like that for 48 hours. So I don't know if it's a low-grade fever,' she said.

Update: Tammin Sursok has updated fans on her husband Sean McEwen's coronavirus battle. In a video shared to Instagram on Monday, the 37-year-old actress said Sean was still 'very exhausted' and going through 'the post-viral part of Covid'

'Our doctor says he's going through post-viral part of Covid. He is really exhausted. He is sleeping almost all day. He wakes for up food and goes back to bed.'

'What is crazy is that a lot of people don't talk about the post-effects of this virus. A lot of you have [direct messaged] me and said they struggled for a lot longer than talked about,' she explained.

'Some people get sick for 10 days, some people have no symptoms and then there are other people like my husband who are fit, young, have no pre-existing conditions, have no immune problems and they really get affected by it.'

Tammin believes her husband is now 'on the good side of Covid' but she isn't sure how long the 'post-viral part of the virus is going to last'.

She also revealed she and her daughters, Phoenix, six, and Lennon, two, can now leave their house after quarantining for 15 days and testing negative three times.

Gradual progress: 'It's day 17. We are able to keep his temperature under 100. It's been like that for 48 hours. So I don't know if it's a low-grade fever,' she said

Last week, Tammin tearfully announced that her husband, film producer Sean, had contracted coronavirus.

'My husband has Covid and I'm scared. Today I'm not as scared as yesterday, but yesterday I felt very out of control,' she said.

'It was rough and touch and go. All the hospitals are full and his fever of 103 wouldn't break for days and it got to a very scary place.

'I'm scared': Last week, Tammin tearfully announced that her husband, film producer Sean, had contracted coronavirus

'Covid is real. It's scary and I now see it first hand. I've been really scared and in a dark place... I'm struggling and I love you all and this community.'

The former Home and Away star finished by urging people to 'please wear a mask', before saying: 'This is not something you want to get.'

Tammin met her husband in 2007, when she was auditioning for his film Albino Farm. The couple married in 2011 in Florence, Italy.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late. High 84F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Low near 75F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Millionaire Sydney residents who live near the busy Gladesville Bridge Marina - and their local Mayor - are fighting tooth and nail to stop an expansion they claim is a safety risk that will spoil their peace and quiet.

In one corner is a formidable coalition of millionaire 'battlers', property owners from a tiny peninsula with one street and their allies including kayakers, fishermen and rowers. The median property price in the area is over $2 million.

The community coalition has a website and online petition (which is nearing its initial target of 1500 signatures) plus Facebook and Instagram pages showing campaign updates.

They have also been well organised in outlining their long list of gripes with the Marina plans in submissions to Canada Bay Council, which close on February 8.

Plans for the $7.8 million Gladesville Bridge Marina redevelopment would nearly double the current use of the Parramatta River according to this estimate drawn by campaigners

Architect's concept drawings show how the expanded marina would dominate the small bay between Howley Point and the Gladesville Bridge (pictured)

These complaints include the expanded marina being a collision and fire safety hazard, fears of environmental damage, parking problems, likely noise and light pollution and spoiling views and access to the water in the heritage-listed area.

In the other corner is Motor Yacht Marine Holdings - run by family members of the Sutton car dealership empire, Neil and Scott Sutton - which has lodged an amended DA as they scrap to gain approval for a $7.9 million redevelopment of the Gladesville Bridge Marina.

Neil is the son of automotive supremo, the late Frederick Sutton, who made Sutton an automotive brand and the brother of Laurie, who the Australian Financial Review says was worth $884 million in 2020.

Neil was bought out of the family business in 2007. He and Scott are not as wealthy as Laurie, but they're in another universe from even the millionaire home owners opposing their plans.

Neil and Scott managed to sell not one, but two exclusive penthouses since 2019, one in Point Piper worth $6.5 million, and another at Darling Point which was listed for $8 million.

In the bin: where Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Angelo Tsirekas (pictured) wants to see plans for the Gladesville Bridge Marina go

Neil Sutton (pictured), director of Motor Yacht Marine Holdings, is the son of teh late Sutton Motors founder Frederick Sutton

Scott was dating model Michelle Leslie when she was arrested in Bali for ecstasy possession in 2005. Her charges were eventually reduced in controversial circumstances after hiring a high-powered legal team.

Scott is also co-founder of the luxury designer yacht company The Boutique Boat Company, which uses city marinas at Sydney's Rose Bay, and also Fremantle and the Gold Coast to show vessels for sale that are worth up to $1.5 million.

The Sutton's Gladesville marina plans include increasing the number of floating berth spaces from 50 to 115, removal of 29 of 45 cheaper 'swing' moorings, a big increase in the number of easier access floating berth spaces from 50 to 115.

380 Victoria Place, Drummoyne, home address of the current Gladesville bridge Marina

Community members (pictured) rallied in opposition to the planned Gladesville Bridge Marina redevelopment

An artist's impression of the planned Gladesville Bridge Marina redevelopment

Concept drawings clearly show the revamped marina will take up much more space too, basically doubling in size from by extending concrete pontoons from Five Dock point to the Gladesville Bridge.

'The small bay stretching from Howley park to the Gladesville Bridge will be almost entirely obliterated by large vessels on pontoons,' The Save Gladesville Bridge Waterway Community Action Group said.

The safety issues, it claims, relate to: 'increased risk to small boat users, swimmers, kayakers, stand up paddle boarders, rowers and fisherman'.

It is also believed ferries would be forced to further slow down in the area, impacting commuters and in a submission, even said it feared that yachts with highs masts could even hit the underside of the bridge in high winds.

In a damning submission to the DA process, Captain Cook Cruises, Anthony Haworth General Manager of Captain Cook Cruises said the area was already one of the most congested on Sydney Harbour.

Text from a submission to the Gladesville Bridge Marina DA process stating the redevelopment could even create a fire hazard

A rare submission in support of the $7.8 million redevelopment, most were strongly opposed to it

He added the redevelopment would: 'increase the likelihood of collision ... and inevitably result in further speed restrictions impacting thousands of commuters; and will make sailign and rowing unsafe in the area.'

The most vocal critic has been Canada Bay's own Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas, who told Daily Mail Australia the amended DA 'has not changed my fundamental concerns about the proposal in any way.'

'I still believe the proposed development would be a scar on the face of our waterway and that it should not proceed.

'I continue to stand with residents in opposing this development and I will do all that I can to stop the overdevelopment of the Marina.

'The vast majority of residents who have come to me have been steadfast in their opposition to this proposal.'

Despite claims by proponents that the developments would bring social and economic benefits to the area, Tsirekas was defiant.

'We have worked for years with the Paramatta River Catchment Group to make the River swimmable by 2025 and recently have developed a Foreshore Access Strategy to bring more of our City to the river. Any suggestion that this development is inevitable is wrong.'

Liberal MP Anthony Roberts was another politician opposed to the idea: 'I am concerned the proposed redevelopment ... will negatively effect the amentiy of other users such as swimmers, rowers, ferries due to the increased congestion on the river and may present a danger to other users.'

This image from the National Trust showed how the view from Five Dock Point (in the blue circle) would be obstructed by tall yachts in the red circle if the redevelopment goes ahead

Local resident Michael Carnemolla claimed in his submission that a bigger marina could make it difficult for Sydney ports fire tugs to reach waterfront properties - which had been used to extinguish fires there in the past because of difficult access.

'There would be a catastrophe if a fire was the break out on the [larger] marina. It could spread to boats and ultimately homes in the bay.'

He also claimed that the large berths shown in the plans attract boats and owners who are more inclined to party in them than sail them. 'It will be like having 50 four bedroom apartments in the bay.'

'Parking, waste, catering, staffing or just people using these vessels will impact on the area to a devastating effect.'



The fate of the proposal will be decided by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel after submissions close.
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.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said said the Development Ambassadors Initiative which is launched under the title of "Be an Ambassador" is meant to spread the culture of comprehensive and sustainable development through organizing a series of training courses for various segments of the Egyptian society.



In a statement released by Egypts Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the minister said the initiative is held in partnership with the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD).



El-Said added that it also provides Egyptian youth with the skills needed to apply the foundations of comprehensive and integrated development.



The initiative will be implemented through various productive and service activities and areas, with the aim of improving the standard of living of Egyptians, said the minister.



The ministry invited young people aged between 18 and 35 to join the initiative, with the deadline for applications set for November. She said more than 7,000 applicants from various governorates have requested joining the initiative.



She added that it will start with training university and school graduates and scouts. Accepted participants have already answered some queries to measure some of their skills including self-confidence, marketing, self-learning as well as their previous practical and voluntary actions.



Each trainee will be given an NIGSD accredited certificate to become ambassador for sustainable development in their societies, according to El-Said.



The minister called on young people to participate in the initiative to qualify for spreading awareness on sustainable development and implementing its goals.



NIGSD Executive Director Sherifa Sherif explained that the evaluation committee comprises representatives from ministries concerned in addition to development partners from the private sector, civil society and academics who will vet candidacy applications.



She added that participants in the program will also receive training on the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), the green and circular economies as a means to achieve sustainable development, the basic axes for achieving sustainable development, and Egypts sustainable development priorities and their relationship to the UNs SDGs.

Short link:


RFP Number: ATIC-2020-001

Issuance Date: 13.01.2021

Deadline for Offers: 30.01.2021

Description: ATIC Strategic Plan Development

For: National Association of ICT Companies

Issued By: National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC)

Point of Contact: mbzovii@ict.md, Marina Bzovii, Executive Director

Section 1: Introduction and Instructions to Offerors

1.1 Introduction

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

ICT COMPANIES FROM MOLDOVA

PRESENTATION

WHO WE ARE?

National Association of ICT Companies from Moldova (ATIC) is the business Organization uniting more than 60 companies. Umbrella Organization gathering over 7000 employees, representing more than 60% of Moldovas ICT sector market value.

Being established in 2006, ATIC is the action leading association and the voice of the Moldovan ICT industry that promotes the development of the ICT sector in Republic of Moldova through viable partnerships between companies, similar organizations, government, state institutions and international organizations. The association was founded to represent the industry on different policy and legislative issues and to facilitate the exchange of best-practices between members. ATIC mission is to protect and promote the Association members interests as well as facilitate a more favorable ICT business climate.

VISION

The ICT sector will become an enabler of the Moldovan economy and ATIC will actively contribute into the process of making Moldovan ICT sector the growth engine focused on principles of fair competition, transparency, free and open market in line with international regulations, by creating a better business, educational and social environment for the ICT players of Moldova. ATIC will actively promote the interests of its members by getting involved into the spheres of regulation, education, capacity building, competitiveness enhancement to have ICT lead the industry and become a part of any system and process to ensure its development.

MISSION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Moldovan Association of ICT Companies promotes the development of the ICT sector in the Republic of Moldova through viable partnerships between companies, similar organizations, universities, state institutions, international organizations in order to enhance the development of the sector and members capacities, enlarge the market, improve the ICT workforce capacities, protect current investments in the country and participate in the decision making and regulatory process on the national and international level. ATIC will actively promote the interests of the members, by helping delivering the benefits of the ICT sector, while meeting the legitimate concerns of the members.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

With an experience of 12 years, ATIC is committed to raise the competitiveness of the ICT sector through a large range of interventions and initiatives. The association aims at developing the human capital for ICT, supporting the tech entrepreneurship and development of innovative products and services, strengthening the market and promoting the local IT services and products.

ATIC has previous experience in working on human capital development initiatives with such projects as Aleg Cariera IT, interventions to the Vocational ICT Education implemented through direct grants from Austrian Development Cooperation, Moldova ICT Summit Initiatives, The Tekwill[1] project with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and education with funds from USAID and Sweden, Robotics and ICT program for young people funded by USAID and Sweden, Smart Classroom program from KOICA resources. All the programs have been implemented in close cooperation with government agencies, private sector, and academia and donor community.

The development of the first ICT Excellence Center in Moldova was started in September 2015, under a USAID project, together with a number of strategic partners. It aims to improve Moldovas global competitiveness and its business and investment environment. Innovative, high-value technology products and businesses are essential for development of the knowledge-based economy. Science, innovation and technology are the key drivers of the sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Tekwill is created with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden through Sida/Swedish International Development Agency in the framework of the project "Development of Moldova ICT Excellence Center" implemented by ATIC in partnership with Technical University of Moldova.

Tekwill was inaugurated on March 15, 2017. During the 3 years of implementation (as the project was fully operational even before the official launch of the Tekwill center), Tekwill project completed or supported 188 educational initiatives, and 301 entrepreneurship initiatives, transforming Tekwill into one of the most successful initiatives in tech in Moldova and in the region. It has helped over 350 teams to reach better business, create opportunities and seek investment. Altogether it trained and oriented over 35,000 people.

The goal of the project is to establish and operate a fully functional and sustainable ICT Excellence Center in Moldova. The activity will establish and manage a physical facility for the Center, provide for appropriate equipment and staff, and organize trainings and services to students and IT sector workers related to information and communications technology (ICT). Over 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to receive relevant training per year. As a result of the project, the skills of the Moldovan workforce and the ICT industry in Moldova will be improved. The overarching goal of Tekwill is to ensure maximum impact on Moldovas economy though enhancing the educational capacity and research potential of the higher education institutions in line with industry needs; hence achieving quantitative and qualitative increase in qualified IT professionals and ICT skills and nurturing successful technology startups based on modern ecosystem and world class sales and marketing force. The project will contribute to growing competitiveness of the ICT industry and of other economic sectors, overall, given the enabling role of technologies in economic and societal development.

Since 2014, ATIC has actively promoted women in tech, by launching the annual Women in ICT event and supporting a series of initiatives to encourage young women and girls to pursue a career in tech, such as Technovation Challenge, Rails Girls, GirlsGoIT.

Empowering Women in Tech project supported by UN Women aims at mainstream a gender perspective and promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through information and communication technologies.

Among the main objectives are Mainstreaming gender equality and the empowerment of women through information and communication technologies (ICTs); building awareness that ICTs are tools that enable gender equality and women's empowerment, and are integral to the creation of societies in which both women and men can substantively contribute and participate.

The Youth Maker Club project has the goal to create a supportive, collaborative platform where VET students can proactively investigate, strengthen and enrich their technical skills necessary to perform specific tasks and solve real-life problem.

The project will create a nurturing learning environment that will provide a series of diversified activities, including fun ones that require hands-on application of science, technology and crafts (including mechanics, electricity, electronics). Beyond the technical skills, students will be able to strengthen essential soft skills like problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, basic digital skills and working in teams.

1.3 Questions and Requests for Clarifications

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this RFP may be submitted no later than January 15, 18:00 local Chisinau time by email to mbzovii@ict.md. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions and requests for clarificationand the responses theretothat ATIC believes may be of interest to other offerors will be circulated to all RFP recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by ATIC will be considered official and carry weight in the RFP process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of ATIC or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this RFP.

1.4 Offer Deadline

Offerors shall submit their proposal offers until January 30,2021 via e-mail to mbzovii@ict.md.

Offerors shall submit their offers in hard-copy and/or electronically.

Hard-copy offers must be received no later than January 30,2021 at the following address:

Str. Studentilor 9/11, MD-2068

Offerors are responsible for ensuring that their offers are received in accordance with the instructions stated herein. Late offers may be considered at the discretion of ATIC.

1.5 Protocol for Submission of Offers

Hard Copy Submissions:

Each offeror must submit its proposal in two separate packages: the Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal. The following number of copies is required in each submission:

Technical and Cost Proposal: Three (3) original hardcopies and one (1) electronic copy on CD of the technical proposal, per the instructions below. All offers and related documents must be enclosed in sealed envelopes with the name and address of the offeror and the RFP number (RFP No. ATIC-2021-001) clearly marked on the outside. The Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal must be submitted together. If multiple envelopes must be submitted due to the size of a proposal, offerors must ensure that each envelope is sealed and clearly marked with the information described above.

1.6. Technical and Cost Proposal

1.6.1 Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal should describe in detail the offerors proposed plan for providing the services described in the scope of work found in Annex 1. It should demonstrate a clear understanding of the work to be undertaken and the responsibilities of all parties involved. The plan should include details on services, personnel, and subcontractors that the offeror will make available to carry out the required activities. The plan should also provide details on the anticipated delivery schedule, including an estimated completion date.

At a minimum, the Technical Proposal must contain the following required completed documents:

Letter of Transmittal (see Section 3) Offerors Summary Sheet (see Section 4) Completed/Signed Certifications (see Section 5). Bank Account Award Certificate - copy - issued by the bank holding the account; Certificate of regular payment of taxes - copy - or certificate issued by the Tax Inspectorate on double taxation records; Past Performance Information (see Section 2.4)-minimum 3 previous track record information Concept description, including detailed schedule activities, methodology and end results Staffing capacity to undertake the current project Copy of official registration or business license 11. Copy of relevant documentation demonstrating the authorization and quality to offer consultancy services

Subcontracting arrangements: If the execution of work to be performed by the offeror requires the hiring of subcontractors, the proposal must clearly identify the subcontractor(s), contact information of subcontractor(s), and the work they will perform. ATIC will not refuse a proposal based upon the use of subcontractors; however, ATIC retains the right to approve or reject the specific subcontractors selected.

All electronic copies of documents in the Technical Proposal must be in PDF, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel format.

The information contained in the Technical Proposal should not contain any cost- or price-related information.

1.6.2 Cost Proposal

Taking into consideration the complexity of the work, the cost proposal is used to determine which proposals represent the best value and serves as a basis of negotiation before award of a subcontract.

It should offer a clear understanding upon the amount of work, different types of activities (if applicable), but offer a fixed price for the assignement taking into account all details.

In case the Offerors cost proposal exceeds the equivalent of USD 50.000, the Offeror shall provide a bank guarantee in amount of 10% per model in annex No.3 below. The bank guarantee must be annexed to Cost Proposal.

The cost proposal shall also include a budget narrative that explains the basis for the estimate of every cost element or line item. Supporting information must be provided in sufficient detail to allow for a complete analysis of each cost element or line item. ATIC reserves the right to request additional cost information if the evaluation committee has concerns of the reasonableness, realism, or completeness of an offerors proposed cost.

The agreement under which this procurement is financed does not permit the financing of any taxes, VAT, tariffs, duties, or other levies imposed by any laws in effect in the Cooperating Country. No such Cooperating Country taxes, charges, tariffs, duties or levies will be paid under an order resulting from this RFP.

1.7 Validity Period

Offers must remain valid for at least 120 calendar days after the offer deadline.

1.8 Eligibility of Offerors

By submitting an offer in response to this RFP, the offeror certifies that it and its principal officers are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise considered ineligible for an award. ATIC will not award a contract to any firm that is debarred, suspended, or considered to be ineligible.

1.9 Evaluation and Basis for Award

An award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be responsive to this solicitation document, meets the eligibility criteria stated in this RFP, meets the technical, management/personnel, and corporate capability requirements, and is determined to represent the best value to ATIC. Best value will be decided using the trade-off process.

This RFP will use the trade-off process to determine best value. That means that each proposal will be evaluated and scored against the evaluation criteria which are stated in the table below. Cost proposals are not assigned points, but for overall evaluation purposes of this RFP, technical evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are considered approximately equal to cost factors. If technical scores are determined to be equal or nearly equal, cost will become the determining factor.

In evaluating proposals, ATIC will use the following evaluation criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Sub-criteria Evaluation Sub-criteria Technical offer (approach) 20 points Personnel Qualifications 20 points Past performance information 20 points Overall cost proposal provided 40 points Total Points  Technical and Cost Approach 100 points

This RFP utilizes the trade-off process. ATIC will award a subcontract to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to ATIC. ATIC may award to a higher priced offeror if a determination is made that the higher technical evaluation of that offeror merits the additional cost/price.

1.11 Negotiations

Best and final price quotations are requested from all offerors. It is anticipated that awards will be made solely on the basis of these original quotations. However, ATIC reserves the right to conduct negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to awarding a subcontract.

1.12 Terms and Conditions of Subcontract

This is a Request for Proposals only. Issuance of this RFP does not in any way obligate ATIC to award a subcontract, nor does it commit ATIC to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal.

This solicitation is subject to the Draft Order Terms and Conditions detailed in Section 2. Any resultant award will be governed by these terms and conditions. ATIC reserves the right to make revisions to the content, order, and numbering of the provisions in the actual subcontract document prior to execution by ATIC and the selected awardee. Issuance of a subcontract award is subject to availability of sufficient funds.

Section 2. Background, Scope of Work, Deliverables and Deliverable Schedule

2.1 Strategy Scope of Work

As specified in Annex 1, ATIC is looking to subcontract one responsible company to support developing ATIC Strategy for 2021-2025 as stated in Annex 1 (Detailed Scope of Work.).

Section 3. Payment and Financial Obligations

3.1 Subcontract Price

The Subcontractor shall complete all the services required under this subcontract for the fixed price of TBD . This price shall include all licenses, permits, administration costs, labor costs, travel costs, translation costs, materials, overhead, profit, and all other costs.

The Subcontractor will be paid the installment amounts listed under the column named Payment Amount only upon successful completion and acceptance by ATIC of the Strategy Document.

3.2 Payment Terms

ATIC will pay the total agreed price through a series of installment payments after Subcontractors completion of the corresponding deliverables and ATIC acceptance thereof. The Subcontractor may submit invoices for deliverables that have been accepted and approved by the authorized ATIC representative. ATIC will pay the Subcontractors invoice within fifteen (15) days after the following conditions have been fulfilled:

the Subcontractor has delivered a proper invoice

Payment will be made in MDL or USD based on the location of the company providing services, paid via wire transfer to the account specified in the Subcontractors invoice. Payment of unpaid balances will be made upon completion and final acceptance of all works and deliverables by ATIC. Any invoices for services rendered and deliverables submittedbut not accepted by ATICwill not be paid until the Subcontractor makes sufficient revisions to the deliverables such that ATIC may approve the deliverables and thus the invoice.

3.3 Invoice Requirements

The Subcontractor shall present an invoice to ATIC only for services that have been accepted by ATIC. The invoice must be an original invoice, submitted to:

ATIC

Attention: Accountant Office

National Association of ICT Companies

To constitute a proper invoice, the Subcontractors invoice must include the following information and/or attached documentation. This information will assist ATIC in making timely payments to the Subcontractor:

Subcontractor legal name, subcontract number, invoice date, and invoice number. Deliverable(s) number, description of approved deliverable(s), and corresponding value. Bank account information to which payment shall be sent: Name of the Bank, Swift, IBAN, Address of the bank.

3.4 Cooperating Country Fees, Taxes, and Duties

This subcontract is entered into by ATIC.

As such, this subcontract is free and exempt from any taxes, VAT, tariffs, duties, or other levies imposed by the laws in effect in Republic of Moldova.

The Subcontractor is responsible for payment of all applicable taxes, as prescribed under the applicable laws, associated with wages/salaries/compensation for services rendered by individuals employed by the Subcontractor and who are directed to work as required under this Subcontract. The Subcontractor is liable for payment of all applicable taxes associated with revenues (profit), and other such taxes, fees, or dues for which Subcontractor is normally responsible as a result of operating its business.

3.5 Set-Off Clause

ATIC reserves the right of set-off against amounts payable to Subcontractor under this subcontract or any other agreement in the amount of any claim or refunds ATIC may have against the Subcontractor.

Anti-Kickback

(a) Definitions.

Kickback, as used herein, means any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation of any kind, which is provided, directly or indirectly, to ATIC, the ICTEC project office or any of its employees, the Subcontractor or Subcontractor employees, or vendors in any way related to the performance or subsequent activities of this subcontract, for the purpose of improperly obtaining or rewarding favorable treatment in connection with this subcontract.

Person, as used in this article, means a corporation, partnership, business association of any kind, trust, joint-stock company, or individual.

Subcontractor employee, as used in this article, means any officer, partner, employee, or agent of the Subcontractor.

(b) The Subcontractor and its employees, whether directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of this subcontract, agree to abide by the terms of The United States Anti-Kickback Act of 1986, which prohibits any person from providing or attempting to provide any kickback; soliciting, accepting, or attempting to accept any kickback; or including, directly or indirectly, the amount of any kickback in the contract price charged by the Subcontractor to ATIC.

When the Subcontractor has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation described in paragraph (b) of this provision may have occurred, the Subcontractor shall promptly report in writing the possible violation. Such reports shall be made to ATIC, who shall forward the report to the USAID Inspector General for investigation, as required.

The Subcontractor agrees to cooperate fully with any United States Government agency investigating a possible violation described in paragraph (b) of this article.

ATIC may offset the amount of the kickback against any monies owed by ATIC under this fixed price subcontract or order the monies withheld from future payments due the Subcontractor.

The Subcontractor agrees to include the substance of this article in any contract it may issue under this subcontract.

Intellectual Property Rights

The ownership of all copyright and other intellectual property rights in respect of any data compilations, research, spreadsheets, graphs, reports, diagrams, designs, work products, software, or any other documents, developed in connection with this subcontract will exclusively vest in or remain with ATIC, which shall have all proprietary rights therein, notwithstanding that the Subcontractor or its employees may be the author of the intellectual property. All documents relating to the intellectual property or otherwise connected with this fixed price subcontract, the services, or duties must be returned or delivered to ATIC at the time of the expiration or termination of the subcontract. The Subcontractor agrees not to publish or make use of any of the intellectual property, or documents relating thereto, without the prior written approval of ATIC and proper attribution.

Modifications

Modifications to the terms and conditions of this subcontract, including any modification to the scope of work, may only be made by written agreement between authorized personnel of both Parties as stipulated in Article 16 of this subcontract. Each Party shall give due notice and consideration to any proposals for modification made by the other Party.

Changes

ATIC may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this subcontract in the services to be performed.

If any such change(s) causes an increase or a decrease in the cost, or the time required for the performance, or any part of the work under the subcontract, an equitable adjustment shall be made in the subcontract price or delivery schedule, or both, and the subcontract shall be modified in writing accordingly. Any claim by the Subcontractor for adjustment under this subcontract must be asserted within 30 (thirty) days from the date of receipt by the Subcontractor of the modification or change.

Assignment and Delegation

This subcontract may not be assigned or delegated, in whole or in part, by the Subcontractor without the written consent of ATIC. Absent such written consent, any assignment is void.

Termination

ATIC reserves the unilateral right to terminate this fixed price subcontract at any time, paying for all deliverables completed at the time of termination and a pro-rata share of any deliverable in progress based on ATIC internal procedures.

In the event that the Subcontractor fails to make progress so as to endanger performance of this fixed price subcontract, or is unable to fulfill the terms of this fixed price subcontract by the completion date, the Subcontractor shall notify ATIC forthwith and ATIC shall have the right to summary termination of this fixed price subcontract upon written notice to the Subcontractor.

Section 3: Letter of Transmittal

The following cover letter must be placed on letterhead and completed/signed/stamped by a representative authorized to sign on behalf of the offeror, as part of the Technical Proposal:

To: National Association of ICT Companies

Str. Studentilor 9/11

Reference: RFP No. ATIC-2021-001

To Whom It May Concern:

We, the undersigned, hereby provide the attached offer to perform all work required to complete the activities and requirements as described in the above-referenced RFP. Please find our offer attached.

We hereby acknowledge and agree to all terms, conditions, special provisions, and instructions included in the above-referenced RFP. We further certify that the below-named firmas well as the firms principal officers and all commodities and services offered in response to this RFPare eligible to participate in this procurement under the terms of this solicitation.

Furthermore, we hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge and belief:

We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any ATIC or above mentioned project staff members;

We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any other offerors submitting proposals in response to the above-referenced RFP; and

The prices in our offer have been arrived at independently, without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition.

All information in our proposal and all supporting documentation is authentic and accurate.

We understand and agree to ATIC prohibitions against fraud, bribery, and kickbacks.

We hereby certify that the enclosed representations, certifications, and other statements are accurate, current, and complete.

Authorized Signature:

Name and Title of Signatory:

Date:

Company Name:

Company Address:

Company Telephone and Website:

Company Registration or Taxpayer ID Number:

Does the company have an active bank account (Yes/No)?

Official name associated with bank account (for payment):

Section 4: Offerors Technical Summary Sheet

The following information must be completed and submitted in the Technical Proposal

Name of Offeror:

Tax ID No.:

DUNS No:

Address:

Telephone/Fax No.:

Is the Offeror an official dealer for the commodities offered? ____yes _____no

III. International warranty on all commodities? ____yes _____no

Copy of warranty terms/conditions included? ____yes _____no

How many years for the warranty? _______ years

III. Authorized agent(s) in Republic of Moldova for service, warranty, etc.:

Name(s): Address(s): Telephone No.(s): Fax No.(s): Contact:

Delivery time

Deliverable Number Deliverable Name Delivery Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 etc.

(NOTE: Delivery data must be honest, accurate, and upheld in any resulting subcontract.)

Company Name

Name and title of authorized representative

Signature

Date

Section 5: Required Certifications

The following certifications must be completed and submitted in the Technical Proposal:

Section 5-1: Certificate of Independent Price Determination

Certificate of Independent Price Determination

_________________________(hereinafter called the "offeror")

(Name of Offeror)

(a) The offeror certifies that

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to (i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory

(1) Is the person in the offerors organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; or

(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the following principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision ____________________ [insert full name of person(s) in the offerors organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal, and the title of his or her position in the offerors organization];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals named in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this provision have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this provision, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.

Company Name:

By (Signature): ___________________ Title: _____________________

Printed Name: ____________________ Date: _____________________

Section 5-2: Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters

Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters

(a) (1) The Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that -

(i) The Offeror and/or any of its Principals -

Are , are not , presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state agency;

Have , have not , within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, violating state criminal tax laws, or receiving stolen property;

Are , are not , presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision;

Have , have not , within a three-year period preceding this offer, been notified of any delinquent state taxes in an amount that exceeds $3,000 for which the liability remains unsatisfied.

(ii) The Offeror has has not , within a 3-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any state agency.

(2) Principal, for the purposes of this certification, means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment; and similar positions). This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the Republic of Moldova and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under the Moldovan legislation.

(b) The Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to ATIC if, at any time prior to contract award, the Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

c) A certification that any of the items in paragraph (a) of this provision exists will not necessarily result in withholding of an award under this solicitation. However, the certification will be considered in connection with a determination of the Offerors responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish a certification or provide such additional information as requested by ATIC may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available ATIC, ATIC may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

Company Name:

By (Signature): ___________________ Title: _____________________

Printed Name: ____________________ Date: _____________________





Section 5-3: Evidence of Responsibility Statement

Evidence of Responsibility Statement

This statement describes the offerors internal policies and procedures, as well as its ability to comply with the terms and conditions of a potential subcontract resulting from RFP No. ATIC-2021-001. The offeror shall complete the information in this statement as part of its proposal.

Company Name:

Authorized Negotiators

The offerors proposal in response to RFP No. ATIC-2021-001 may be discussed with any of the following individuals. These individuals are authorized to represent our company in negotiation of this proposal.

Names of authorized negotiator(s):

These individuals can be reached at the following office:

Address:

Telephone/Email:

Adequate Financial Resources

We hereby certify that the above-named company maintains adequate financial resources to manage any subcontract resulting from this offer.

Ability to Comply

We certify we are able to comply with the proposed schedule and period of performance, having taken into consideration all existing business commitments, commercial as well as governmental.

Record of Performance, Integrity, and Business Ethics

Our record of integrity is outstanding. We have no allegations of lack of integrity or of questionable business ethics. Our integrity can be confirmed by our Past Performance References, contained in the Technical Proposal.

Organization, Experience, Accounting and Operational Controls, and Technical Skills

Describe how the subcontract will be managed:

Equipment and Facilities

We maintain the necessary facilities and equipment to carry out the subcontract.

Eligibility to Receive Award

We are qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulation. In addition, we have performed similar work  describe:

Acceptability of Subcontract Terms and Conditions

We have reviewed the solicitation document and attachments and agree to the terms and conditions set forth therein.

I hereby certify that the above statements are true and accurate, to the best of my knowledge.

Company Name:

By (Signature): ___________________ Title: _____________________

Printed Name: ____________________ Date: _____________________

Annex 1: Detailed Scope of Work for the Consultancy Services

Background

The Government has declared the ICT sector as a priority for the country, both as a productive sector and as an enabler for economic and society development. An advanced ICT sector is crucial to an innovative and efficient economy and a high standard of living for the entire society. The Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (which absorbed the former Ministry of ICT) developed three main strategic documents  Digital Moldova 2020 Strategy for the development of digital society (approved in 2013), and Moldova ICT Industry Competitiveness Strategy (approved in 2015), Moldova IT Industry Competitiveness and Digital Innovation Ecosystem (approved in September 2018) that caters to the needs of the ICT industry as a productive sector, and represents a natural continuation of the first one. The main emphasis of the new strategy is IT competitive human capital, IT competitive business environment, ICT based innovation and support for IT investment and export.

Moldova has a small but rapidly growing IT sector only (excluding communications), employing about 29600 people, with exports of USD285 million abroad in 2019, while the overall turnover of the industry is USD 390 million. Together with telecom, the sector generates around 7.1% of GDP. With a mainly focused industry on communication and hardware sales, still the country has succeeded to increase its IT exports 40 times in the last 10 years, with a 50% growth of IT services exports only in 2017 and 2018 consecutively. The growth in IT industry has been driven by Moldovas advantages as a subcontracting destination for IT services, based on cost, location and skills.

Where do we want to be in 3-5 years:

We want to see the sector turnover growth reach 1bn USD in 3-5 years We want to reach 35000 employees in ICT in 5 years We want to reach 60,000 USD/per employee productivity rate (current rate is 22,000/per employee) We want to create 10 international partnerships and support the growth of 2-3 billion (internationally) valuated companies We want to attract min 100 mln USD for IT Industry development in Moldova in the next 5 years We want to have the best business climate for ICT in the region..

National Association of ICT Companies from Moldova (ATIC) is the business Organization uniting more than 60 companies. Umbrella Organization gathering over 7000 employees, representing more than 60% of Moldovas ICT sector market value.

Being established in 2006, ATIC is the action leading association and the voice of the Moldovan ICT industry that promotes the development of the ICT sector in Republic of Moldova through viable partnerships between companies, similar organizations, government, state institutions and international organizations. The association was founded to represent the industry on different policy and legislative issues and to facilitate the exchange of best-practices between members. ATIC mission is to protect and promote the Association members interests as well as facilitate a more favorable ICT business climate.

We will focus our attention this year on providing a balance between various ATIC members needs (for Eg. Telecom, Software, Startups, Fintech, Hardware) and overall sector development in close collaboration with ATIC members vision. ATIC will assess the best operations models to reach the above stated results for the sector and for its members.

During the following year ATIC will focus on the following strategic areas:

Strengthen the day to day activity of the association Lobby and Advocacy for Sector growth based on members vision

Further development of sector regional competitiveness

Knowledge sharing: Communication with Members & Business Networking Development of strategic partnerships with various stakeholders Question (Projects should be an implementing unit separate from ATIC L&A)

International Markets Development

Human Capital Development

ASSIGNMENT:

Responsible companies/individuals are invited to provide consulting services to support ATIC executive team in defining its next 3-5 year strategic plan, namely 2020-2025.

The consultant/company should perform the following activities:

ATIC seeks a consultant/company to deliver and develop an actionable strategic plan, the organization envisions the scope of work being completed in various stages, that includes but is not limited to:

ATIC Strategic Vision - This stage includes consensus building among ATIC Members, ATIC Team and other stakeholders in order to discover a shared strategic vision. The strategic Vision shall be: clearly stated, compelling, in line with the development of the sector timely describe a clear and present need motivate people to act o is a worthwhile challenge. Research and Validation - Needs assessment, gap analysis, SWOT analysis, research, etc. This stage should produce the substantive documentation and solutions needed for validation of discovered vision and key goals and inform the strategic planning process. Identify strategic goals and write the strategic plan, including detailed budget. This phase entails the identification of key strategic goals and the development of an actionable strategic plan that will serve as the overall blueprint for our work. This plan should include: An executive summary, as well as a comprehensive, detailed plan that identifies: ATICs shared vision, goals, objectives, strategies, tactics and responsible partners and their roles as well as measures and outcomes. The plan should also include: Resource development strategies and initial communications strategies. Development of implementation recommendations This stage includes the development of recommendations regarding the implementation phase of the plan. Included within this phase should be a detailed budget to implement the plan and methods of measuring successful implementation.

Stakeholders:ATICs activitiy is various therefore it is expected that the consulting team will perform interviews with team members, board members, members, Government partners, donor, academia, other. A tentative 15 focus groups are expected to be created, apr. min 40 interviews to be performed.. Focus groups, interviews, surveys and/or any other method that will be useful in receiving members and partners input. The contractor will facilitate group meetings with members, board, staff and other stakeholders to create consensus regarding a strategic vision and plan.

Meeting topics will align with information and data collected and may include:

Organizational Overview  Assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and competencies of the organization. Evaluate from the perspective of legal, organizational, business, services, etc.

External Overview - Assessment of opportunities and threats facing the ATIC in coming years. The assessment will include information on availability or significant limitation of resources and tools that ATIC could use to add value and further its goals.

Methodology - The consultant will describe the methodology used to identify vital challenges and opportunities identified.

Identification of Opportunities, Strategies and Vision  Refining the vision for ATIC which identifies its priorities, opportunities and strategies, and clarifies the ATICs role and confirms its mission and values.

Defining Future Access or Limiting Factors - needs/implications related to potential strategic pathways.

Timeline: Provide and develop the Strategy of the Association for the following 3 (three) to 5 (five) years.

Long Term Objectives

Development of a long-term perspective, and capabilities to enable proactive response to growth opportunities.

Ensure strategic planning for ATIC development while benchmarking our organization with other similar sized non-profits or additional organizations with similar focus.

Define and asses ATIC objectives long term.

Short Term Objectives

ATIC seeks a strategic plan that serves as a foundation for the next three to five years. Key goals for the planning effort include:

Develop overarching strategy for sustainable growth that maintains ATICs focus on developing the ICT sector;

Identify priority areas for growth and development;

Answer key organizational questions;

Create prioritized list of goals and strategies;

Potentially update mission, vision, values.

Key aspects and items to be covered

Financial  ensure and develop strategical sustainability plan and check operational efficiency of the association. Competitors- asses and identify opportunities based on existing competitors, by reviewing ATICs strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Business  focus shall remain on all aspects of IT and Telecom business areas. Services  ensure the coverage of potential services to be developed by the association to further ensure its sustainability and business continuity. Regulatory  Develop a high level advocacy plan to cover and ensure the development of the ICT sector.

Deliverables:

 Presentation of the methodology. Detailed framework/design, implementation plan and data collection tools

 Inception report and implementation plan and methodology to reach the plan

 Full .doc, .docx report with annexes in English (and Romanian)

 Presentation to the team members, Board and Members if requested

 Other that may be required.Evaluate current ATIC legal and organizational format

Scenarios of further development of ATIC

Conclusions and recommendation plan

The assignment is expected to commence no later than 10 days after signing the contract

The proposals of each interested company/individual consultant should include:

 Timeframe and schedule of proposed implemented actions

 CV of key people working on the assignment

 Technical approach to complete the assignment

 Potential entry points/questionnaires to complete the assignment

Best candidates should demonstrate:

 Prior experience in strategic planning, prior IT projects or collaborations will be considered a plus

 Good understanding of the IT ecosystem and educational IT initiatives in the country

 Relevant international expertise will be considered a plus

 Fluency in all three Romanian, Russian and English will be considered a plus

 Prior and relevant expertise/knowledge in investments projects (if physical infrastructure will be chosen as an impact component of the future assignment)

[1] https://www.tekwill.md/
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
Netflix can be a great way to learn new languages as you stay at home during the ongoing pandemic. Although this might seem an odd method to learn a new language, many people are using the popular streaming platform to practice their speaking skills.

Also Read: Doubting Facebook Due to Its User Data Policy? Here's How to Delete It and Unpopular Best Alternatives

This information was released by Netflix itself in Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. To help you further, here are the secret codes you can use to learn your desired language.

It also specifies which language the movie is using.

Portuguese (107465)

"Coisa Mais Linda"

"3 %"

"Airplane mode"

"Good morning, Veronica"



Japanese (107554)

"Terrace House"

"Midnight Diner"

"Tokyo Stories"

"Alice in Borderland"

"Fullmetal alchemist"



Polish (107559)

"Ultraviolet"

"The Coldest Game"

"1983"

"Symbols"



Turkish (81314775)

"The Protector"

"The Gift"

"Love 101"

"We met in Istanbul"



Hindi (107461)

"Sacred games"

"Typewriter"

"Little Things"

"Leila"



English (107548)

"Stranger Things"

"Cobra Kai"

"Love is blind"

"How to raise a superhero"

German (100379)

"Dark"

"Babylon Berlin"

"We are a wave"

"Nailed It! Germany"



Italian (107553)

"Baby"

"Curon"

"Black moon"

"Life before him"

"The beast"



Korean (107555)

"Emergency landing in your heart"

"It is good not to be good"

"Kingdom"

"Stranger"



French (100378)

"Ten Percent"

"The revolution"

"The Circle: France"

"The Bazaar of Charity"

"Lupine"

Tips on how to learn new language quickly

According to Entrepreneur's latest report, there are many ways you can use to learn new languages on Netflix. If you want to do it faster, the first thing you need to do is find a movie that you are very familiar with.

Once you have the movie or show you are looking for, watch it again several times and then watch it again in the language you want to practice. Another trick is letting the film's subtitles as your guide.

You can also change the text, size, and color of the subtitles. This allows you to see the words and letters easier. If you want to learn more details, all you need to do is click here.

More secret codes!

B985 also reported that there are other Netflix secret codes you can use. If your family didn't enjoy the movie you have watched previously on Christmas, then save these additional secret codes to lighten up the mood on the upcoming Christmas season.

Christmas Children & Family Films for ages 11 to 12 - 1477206

Christmas Children & Family Films - 1474017

Feel-good Christmas Children & Family Films - 1475066

Romantic Christmas Films - 1394527

Family-friendly Christmas Films - 1394522

Christmas Children & Family Films for ages 5 to 7 - 1477201

For more news updates about Netflix and other popular streaming platforms, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: New Netflix Fake Billing Message Scam! What You Need to Know to Avoid It

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Salma Hayek has been sharing several bikini photos to Instagram during lockdown.

And on Tuesday the 54-year-old movie star was at it again as she posted two images while in a black string bikini as she sat in the shore of a sandy beach.

'We need to keep our cool. Hay que mantener la calma #instamood #calm,' wrote the mother of one in her caption for her 17M followers.

A 10: Salma Hayek has been sharing several bikini photos to Instagram during lockdown. And on Tuesday the 54-year-old movie star was at it again as she posted two images while in a black string bikini as she sat in the shore of a sandy beach

The beauty looked half her age as she had slender arms, a very small waistline and sculpted arms that made her look great in the bikini.

Her long black hair was wet and slicked back as she wore minimal makeup for the pinup shoot.

Last year she said her career is doing better than ever.

'It really invigorated me that they are finding me. I always found them. But they didn't want me. And that now they're coming to me, that's what's been really invigorating,' the beauty told OK! magazine.

Chilled out: 'We need to keep our cool. Hay que mantener la calma #instamood #calm,' wrote the mother of one in her caption for her 17M followers

'It's difficult to make sense of it, you know? But that's what's been really strange. And you know what? Strange things happen to strange people.'

In the past few years the actress has starred in Drunk Parents, Like A Boss and The Roads Not Taken. Next she will be seen in The Eternals, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard and Bliss.

Hayek rose to fame in the Mexican telenovela Teresa before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a big screen career.

Flawless: The beauty looked half her age as she had slender arms, a very small waistline and sculpted arms that made her look great in the bikini. Her long black hair was wet and slicked back as she wore minimal makeup for the pinup shoot

However, when the Hollywood actress first started out in 1988 she had no idea how things would end up.

She believes any struggles over the years have given her the possibility to choose the right path, having dubbed her life 'completely unimaginable'.

The cover girl explained: 'The things that have happened in my life are completely unimaginable. Even in my greatest ideas of my most extraordinary destiny, I never imagined how I feel right now.

Another knockout look for this timeless wonder: And earlier this month Salma was seen in this brown bikini with red on the flip side

'At some point in your life you just settle for doing the right thing and the best you can, instead of think about what you want and what you can didn't get get or what you're not getting or how someone's getting it and you're not getting it.

'It gives you the possibility to take roads that you never wanted to take, and you have the adventurous spirit to go and discover instead of planning so much. You may end up on roads that are much better than in your imagination.'

The wife of billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault has proved with several bikini shots this year that she looks as good as ever.

Salma and her French businessman husband have been married since 2009, after tying the knot in a lavish Paris ceremony on Valentine's Day. Their nuptials are said to have cost an eye-watering $3.5 million.

Another dreamy look for this star: A fuchsia suit with a wrap was just the ticket

Life's a beach for Hayek: The Fools Rush In star has been in the tropics with her family

Their big day took place in the famous Venice opera house Teatro La Fenice, and the lovers were joined by an A-List group of well wishers, including Penelope Cruz, Woody Harrelson and Bono.

Last year, it was reported that Francois-Henri is worth an estimated $33.2billion. (He is the chairman and CEO of Kering since 2005, and president of Groupe Artemis since 2003.)

The Oscar-nominated actress remains tight-lipped about their relationship, but last year she did address trolls who apparently criticized the union.

We are green with envy: The talented film veteran was also seen in this plunging dress

'A lot of people are very shocked that I married who I married,' she said in an interview with Town & Country.

'And some people are even intimidated now by me. But it's another way of showing racism. They can't believe this Mexican ended up in the life that she has, and they're uncomfortable around me.'

Salma added: '[Pinault] is the best husband in the world. I get to be who I am with him, and I don't feel that somebody tries to limit me.'
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2021) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR2) ("Fremont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has amended the terms of the option agreement relating to the Griffon gold project ("Griffon"), a past-producing gold mine located at the southern end of the Cortez Trend in White Pine county, Nevada.

In December 2019, Fremont entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Pilot Gold (USA) Inc. ("Pilot"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Gold Corp. ("Liberty"), to acquire 100% of Griffon (see news release dated December 18, 2019). Both Pilot and Liberty are arms length to the Company.

The original terms of the Option Agreement included a requirement that on December 16, 2020, Fremont would: (i) pay US$50,000 to Pilot; and (ii) issue a number of common shares of the Company to Liberty that would bring the total ownership of Liberty and its affiliates to 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Fremont. Pilot has agreed to amend the terms of the Option Agreement as follows:

reduce the December 16, 2020 option payment to Liberty from US$50,000 to US$25,000 and defer payment until the revised terms of the Option Agreement have been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"); and

replace the requirement to issue a number of common shares of the Company to Liberty that would bring the total ownership of Liberty and its affiliates to 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Fremont with the following issuances:

2,500,000 common shares to Liberty once the revised terms of the Option Agreement have been approved by the TSXV;

2,500,000 common shares to Liberty on or before December 16, 2022; and

2,500,000 common shares to Liberty on or before December 16, 2023.

To acquire 100% of Griffon, the total number of common shares to be issued by Fremont to Liberty pursuant to the Option Agreement will be 10,000,000 over four years, of which 2,500,000 common shares have already been issued and another 2,500,000 common shares will be issued once the revised terms of the Option Agreement have been approved by the TSXV. All other terms of the Option Agreement remain unchanged. All securities issued in connection with the Option Agreement are subject to a 4-month hold period pursuant to the policies of the TSXV.

The amendments to the Option Agreement are subject to approval by the TSXV.

Grant of Stock Options

Fremont's Board of Directors has approved the granting of stock options to various employees, directors, advisors, and consultants pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The stock options entitle the holders (ten people in all) to purchase a total of 3,000,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company at a price of $0.08 per common share. The stock options have a term of five years and vest over a 24-month period. The stock option grant includes 200,000 stock options granted to a principal of G2 Consultants Corp. which undertakes Investor Relations Activities on behalf of the Company (see news release dated March 16, 2020).

About Fremont Gold

Founded by geologists that have a track record of making multi-million-ounce gold discoveries, Fremont has assembled a portfolio of quality gold projects located in Nevada's most prolific gold trends. The Company's property portfolio includes North Carlin, a new discovery opportunity, Cobb Creek, which hosts a historic resource, Griffon, a past producing gold mine, and Hurricane, which has returned significant gold intercepts in past drilling.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

CEO

Fremont Gold Ltd.

For further information, contact:

Corporate Information

Fremont Gold Ltd.

Blaine Monaghan, CEO

Telephone: +1 604-676-5664

www.fremontgold.net

https://twitter.com/GoldFremont

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/

Investor Inquiries

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: ir@fremontgold.net

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking statements

Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are referred to collectively as "forward-looking statements". The United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", "hope", "will be", "expected" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Such forward-looking statements are based on several material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Fremont undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72316
Former Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn allowed cameras to accompany her to her smear test in a bid to raise awareness about cervical cancer.

This week marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Week and it is a cause close to Katies heart after she was involved in a heartbreaking, award-winning storyline that saw her character Sinead Tinker die from the disease on the ITV soap in October 2019.

'Cervical screenings are the best way to protect against cervical cancer,' Katie, 27, as she filmed herself heading to get her screening.

Ex Corrie star Katie McGlynn, 27, filmed herself having a smear test on Lorraine on Tuesday to raise awareness after her soap character Sinead Tinker died from cervical cancer

'But many of us are still too shy, too scared, too embarrassed to go for our appointment. Well lucky for you, I am on my way to the hospital to get my smear test to prove to you all that there is nothing to worry about.'

Her doctor, Dr Sally Harris said: ' I think it is a brilliant thing that you are doing. There is a lot of misinformation out there that these type of procedures arent happening during the Covid crisis.

'But actually, while it might be more to get your appointment it is still really important that you attend for your routine screening.'

Tragic: Coronation Street viewers were left sobbing in October 2019 when Sinead Tinker finally lost her battle with cancer

Goodbye Sinead: Heart-breaking scenes showed the characters final day as she said her final goodbyes to her loved ones

The doctor told Katie that the procedure would be 'a little bit uncomfortable' but reassures her that 'it doesnt take very long.'

Speaking after the screening, Katie said: 'It was really straightforward. I felt super comfortable with Dr Sally. I didnt feel embarrassed.

'Yeah there were some thoughts going through my head like, "Ooh, Ive not shaved my legs" but all in all it was a pretty smooth experience.'

Speaking directly to viewers, Katie said: 'Ladies, if any of you have had your cervical screening invitation, please make sure you go. It is so important. It could save your life. If I can do it, whilst filming it all, then I think you can too.'

Speaking after the screening, Katie told Lorraine: 'It was really straightforward. I felt super comfortable with Dr Sally. I didnt feel embarrassed'

Katie then joined Lorraine live to speak about the experience and the importance of smear tests.

She said: 'I think a lot of women generally do get embarrassed and I understand that but it is so quick that there is just no need to worry.

'Even in the pandemic, if anything, I personally found it a little bit better because everybody had the mask on, there were measures in place, it felt more protected in a way.

'I would strongly urge anyone who isnt at high risk, who is able to go for the smear test, if they have the invitation, they should definitely go.

She added: 'Even in the pandemic, if anything, I personally found it a little bit better because everybody had the mask on, there were measures in place, it felt more protected in a way'

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER? Cervical cancer affects the lining of the lower part of womb. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding, such as between periods, during sex or after the menopause, but other signs can include: Pain during sex

Vaginal discharge that smells

Pain in the pelvis Causes can include: Age - more than half of sufferers are under 45

HPV infection - which affects most people at some point in their lives

Smoking - responsible for 21 per cent of cases

Contraceptive pill - linked to 10 per cent of cases

Having children

Family history of cervical or other types of cancer, like vagina Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement

'The embarrassment side really shouldnt take over the doctors see it day in day out they are really not looking at the aesthetics, its a very clinical operation that is done in like two minutes. Its not painful, its a little bit uncomfortable but its fine.'

Dr Hilary Jones then weighed in: 'If you have had an abnormal smear in the past, it is vital that you go for that test the GP surgeries will have Covid-19-free areas, PPE will be in place, you will be in there and out like a shot, and it is very very safe.'

Speaking about highlighting the issue on Coronation Street last year, Katie added: 'I am so glad that we did it because I still get messages now from women that put off the smear test, they eventually went and they found cancerous cells

'It can save your life by going for a smear so it is so important. At the time we got a lot of messages from nurses saying that the uptake on screenings has massively risen, but because we are in a pandemic, we still need to get that message out there.

'I sound like a broken record to my family and friends and on social media, but ladies, please go for the smear because it can save your life.'
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
A Bucks County man was arrested at a campsite Friday after police say he made threats on Facebook against President-elect Joe Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and other prominent Democratic party officials.

Kris Kinsey, 61, of Upper Black Eddy, was wanted in Ohio and was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police in Bucks County, according to the Pennsylvania State Police at Dublin.

Troopers went into a wooded area off of Sunday Road in Durham Township and arrested him, NBC 10 is reporting.

At the campsite, police found a semiautomatic handgun, a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, reports indicate. Kinsey is prohibited from having a gun, according to reports.

Images, messages and videos on Kinseys Facebook page threatened violence and death towards Biden, Harris, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, as well as their supporters, according to reports.

He was charged Monday with terroristic threats, and weapons and drug-related charges, reports indicate.

Bail was set at $4.6 million, unsecured. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10.
Sidharth Shukla is in the news ever since Bigg Boss 13. The Dil Se Dil Tak actor, who bagged Bigg Boss 13 trophy, has garnered huge fan base not just in India, but also across the globe, including Pakistan. Fans have been showering him with immense love on social media. Recently, a fan shared a cute video in which his little fans (kids) from Pakistan showered their love on him and requested him to come online.

A fan by name Hoora Ayat shared the video on Twitter and captioned it as, "Love knows no boundaries @sidharth_shukla .. You love kids and we love you. A big shout out from the kids in Pakistan.... Ek baar toh aaye online bhaijaan #SidharthShukla King of hearts Sidharth."

The actor, who noticed this, replied by tweeting, "Awwww that's is so sweet thank you so much ... love to all and a big hug to each one of them.... thank you so much Hoora Ayat for this ... if only we ALL lived in this world with only love in our heart ... there would be no Boundaries."

Sidharth's tweet won over Twitterati, who couldn't stop raving about actor. His tweet got 3.4K tweets and 9.1K likes.

Meanwhile, Sidharth has been super busy after his Bigg Boss 13 stint. The actor was seen in a few music videos and his songs 'Bhula Dunga' and 'Shona Shona' with his Bigg Boss inmate Shehnaaz Gill, been become super hit. He will next be seen in Ekta Kapoor's Broken But Beautiful 3, which will also star Sonia Rathee.

Also Read: BB 14: Vikas Gupta & Jasmin Bhasin Get Into War Of Words On Twitter Over Aly Goni's Homophobic Comment

Also Read: Asim Riaz: Fame & Wealth Are Temporary; Mental Health Is The Real Wealth

A Texas man in the January 6 Capitol riot was arrested after he allegedly said threats of shooting his own children if they turned him in to authorities, court documents said Monday.

The Texas man was identified as Guy Reffitt, 48, from the city of Wylie.

He allegedly took his gun with him when he participated in the Capitol riot.

The FBI found the Texas man's firearms in his house and charged him with unlawful entry, reported New York Post. Reffitt said he took part in the Capitol riot "to protect the country," a report from Houston Chronicle said.

"If you turn me in, you're a traitor and you know what happens to traitors. Traitors get shot," his wife recalled him saying.

Read also: Trump Impeached by House for Second Time With 10 Republican Members Voting Against Him

He was also charged for obstruction of justice for saying these statements to his family, NBC Dallas Fort-Worth added. He remained in federal custody on Monday.

Reffitt was arrested on January 16, Saturday. He was among the several people who have been arrested by the FBI over the past few days over accusations of them being in the chaotic intrusion in the nation's Capitol.

Texas Man Was an Apparent Militia Member

An affidavit obtained by NBC News said an FBI agent described Reffitt as an apparent member of a militia group called "Texas Freedom Force". The extremist group travelled from suburban Dallas to the Capitol in Washington.

He posted a comment on the website for "Texas Freedom Force, a militia extremist group," using his own cellphone number in October using the same cell phone number.

Brandon Burkhart, the president of "This is Texas Freedom Force," said Reffitt did sign up for the group in June 2020 but did not attend any of their meetings or rallies. He also disputed the FBI's characterization of their group.

"We are not a militia," he said.

Scanning through a news video of the Capitol riot, the FBI confirmed that he did participate in the violent event as the footage showed a man flushing out his eyes after apparently being pepper-sprayed. He was seen wearing a black helmet and tactical vest.

Texas Man Says He Went to Capitol Riot, But Stayed Outside

Reffitt's son added in an interview with the FBI that his father recorded the events during the Capitol riot using his GoPro camera that was attached to a helmet.

Footage from Reffitt's cellphone further proves that he was at the mob, the FBI said.

The affidavit also said Reffitt made threats to "put a bullet through" his daughter's cellphone if she recorded or posted about his comments on the riot on social media.

Related story: 7 More People Federally Charged in Connection to Capitol Riot

His wife said the man was prone to delivering such "extreme" statements but she didn't believe he would act on his words.

Reffitt confirmed that he did go to the Capitol on January 6 but added that he did not enter the building.

It is unknown whether Reffitt has a lawyer and a message from a phone number under his name has not immediately returned comment on accusations against him.

So far, law enforcement officials found that open cases related to the Capitol riot topped 300.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Bahrain will launch the second edition of its National Employment Program, which aims to create 25,000 jobs in 2021 and provide 10,000 training opportunities annually.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, directed the launch of the National Employment Program 2.0 as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterda (Jan 18), said a Bahrain News Agency report.

The program will be based on three main initiatives, namely the allocation of a budget of BD120 million ($318.35 million) from the Labour Fund Tamkeen for three years (2021-2023), double of what has been allocated during the past five years, to support the employment of Bahrainis through the wage support program, while increasing the amount and duration of support extended to those registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and new entrants into the labour market.

The second initiative includes extending the period of announcing vacancies before the recruitment of non-Bahraini workers from two to three weeks, and the third initiative is based on tightening security measures regarding irregular workers, in addition to continuing the initiatives set out in the programs first version.

The Cabinet welcomed the statement issued by the US designating the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as major strategic partners, adding that this increases the impetus to further this partnership with the US, which has achieved notable success in confronting regional and global challenges.

The Cabinet discussed a number of memorandums during the meeting. It also approved a memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance on the sustainability of pension funds, which includes measures that will be taken to implement the six urgent reforms to extend the life of pension funds until 2078, in addition to increasing the pensions of retirees receiving less than BD500 by 3% for this year.
(Natural News) The far-left communists that run Amazon have kicked Parler off of its web hosting servers.

(Article by Steeve Strange republished from TheScoop.us)

This means that the Parler.com website and Parlers smartphone apps will not be online for weeks, if not months until Parler finds a new server company to host its data.

Parler CEO John Matze posted the news on his Parler account:

Sunday (tomorrow) at midnight Amazon will be shutting off all of our servers in an attempt to completely remove free speech off the internet. There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on the internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. We prepared for events like this by never relying on amazons proprietary infrastructure and building bare metal products. We will try our best to move to a new provider right now as we have many competing for our business, however Amazon, Google and Apple purposefully did this as a coordinated effort knowing our options would be limited and knowing this would inflict the most damage right as President Trump was banned from the tech companies. This was a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place. We were too successful too fast. You can expect the war on competition and free speech to continue, but dont count us out.

Parler users are encouraged to visit the social media website Gab.com. Gab owns and operates its own servers, so it is free from Big Tech censorship.

Please make an account on Gab.com and follow @TheScoop_US.

Amazon, at this very moment, has an article expressing its support of the Black Lives Matter Marxist terrorist organization on its website.

The inequitable and brutal treatment of Black and African Americans is unacceptable, reads the article.

Black lives matter. We stand in solidarity with our Black employees, customers, and partners, and are committed to helping build a country and a world where everyone can live with dignity and free from fear. As part of that effort, Amazon will donate a total of $10 million to organizations that are working to bring about social justice and improve the lives of Black and African Americans. Recipientsselected with the help of Amazons Black Employee Network (BEN)include groups focused on combating systemic racism through the legal system as well as those dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities for Black communities.


Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
American flags are placed on the National Mall  some 191,500 will cover the area to represent the people unable to travel to Washington.

Donald Trump is set to issue a slew of pardons today on his final full day in the White House, though CNN and Fox News both reported he would not attempt to pardon himself.

As many as 100 pardons and commutations are reportedly being prepared for the US president to sign ahead of noon tomorrow when he formally hands power to Joe Biden. Those chosen will join a list of people pardoned since the November election, which already includes former Trump campaign figures, one-time Republican congressmen and businessmen.

Mr Trumps willingness to use his presidential power to pardon criminals has spawned a lobbying drive, with lawyers paid tens of thousands of dollars to push potential beneficiaries.

Among the names speculated as possible recipients is Dr Salomon Melgen, a well-known eye doctor from Palm Beach, Florida who is in prison for healthcare fraud.

Read More

For months now there has been persistent reporting across US media outlets Mr Trump has sounded out advisers about the possibility of pardoning himself. Such a move would be unprecedented and likely trigger an immediate challenge through the courts.

Mr Trump has also reportedly mulled over pardons for his children. Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, the presidents two eldest sons, took over the running of his business empire after he entered the White House.

As executives at the Trump Organisation, his sons could face legal complications from any future cases against the business. There is no suggestion they have committed any wrongdoing.

But both CNN and Fox News, two leading cable news networks on the left and right of the political spectrum respectively, reported White House figures do not expect Mr Trump to pardon himself or immediate family.

The storming of the US Capitol by his supporters earlier this month, which led to Mr Trump becoming the only US president to be impeached twice, may have shaped his thinking. CNN reported there had been plans for two days of pardon announcements before the assault took place but that is now being condensed into a single day.

Mr Trump faces a variety of legal pressures when he returns to being a private citizen tomorrow, including investigations into his tax affairs and allegations of sexual impropriety, which he has always denied.

Mr Trump has declined to attend Mr Bidens inauguration as president.

Details of the send-off he is organising for himself instead tomorrow morning are beginning to emerge. It will be held at Joint Base Andrews, a military airfield in Maryland, at 8am local time. There have been reports Mr Trump wants an ostentatious military parade for his final departure as president.

Scores of cheering supporters are also expected to be present, with invitations embossed at the top with an image of the White House already circulating. But even once he leaves the Oval Office, the political headaches for Mr Trump will not stop.

The US Senate will hold a trial on whether to convict Mr Trump of the single article of impeachment, incitement of insurrection, that passed the US House of Representatives last week.

At the heart of the impeachment trial will be Mr Trumps culpability for the violent storming of the Capitol on Wednesday, January 6 which left five dead, including a police officer.

Mr Trumps false insistence he won the November election and incendiary speech to supporters hours before some broke into the Capitol were cited by congressmen who voted to impeach.

Mr Trump has rejected criticism of the speech, claiming it was totally appropriate.

Melania Trump released a seven-minute video giving a departing speech yesterday in which she called serving as First Lady the greatest honour of my life.

She called on all Americans to focus on what unites us, to raise above what divides us, to always choose love over hatred, peace over violence and others before yourself.

Meanwhile, a rehearsal for Joe Bidens inauguration was evacuated over a false alarm yesterday, not long after the FBI announced it would be vetting service members amid fears of an internal security threat to the ceremony.

With Washington on high alert, a run-through of tomorrows events was abruptly halted when plumes of smoke were detected close to the Capitol building.

For a few tense minutes, a security alert warned people in the Capitol complex to take shelter and avoid doors and windows because of an external security threat.

Participants in the inauguration were ushered from the west front of the Capitol and were directed towards a secure location inside the building complex.

It soon emerged it was a false alarm and the smoke had been caused by a fire in a homeless encampment roughly a mile away. Normal operations resumed about an hour later.

Mr Biden was not participating in the inauguration rehearsal, but the rapid lockdown of the Capitol gives an indication of just how on edge security officials are.

The nations capital city has tightened security ahead of Mr Bidens swearing in tomorrow in anticipation of further potential violence.

The city centre is essentially on lockdown, with streets blocked off, high fencing installed and tens of thousands of National Guard troops and other law enforcement officers stationed around the area.

Christopher Miller, the acting defence secretary, said: While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital.

However, it appears US defence officials are concerned about the potential for an insider attack after the FBI went public with its plans to carry out background checks on all 25,000 National Guard troops being deployed.

Were continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation, said Ryan McCarthy, the army secretary, acknowledging that officials were conscious of the potential threat.

Mr McCarthy said military leaders had also gone through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for the inauguration.

He said guard members were also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.

We need to be conscious of it and we need to put all of the mechanisms in place to thoroughly vet these men and women who would support any operations like this, Mr McCarthy said.

According to Mr McCarthy, service members from across the military attended Mr Trumps the rally in which the outgoing president urged his supporters to march to the Capitol to fight like hell against Congresss certification of Mr Bidens election victory.

One army reservist was arrested last week for his alleged involvement in the riots.

Timothy Hale-Cusanelli (30) from New Jersey, was described in court papers as an avowed white supremacist and Nazi sympathiser who allegedly encouraged other violent rioters. ( Telegraph Media Group Limited 2021)
By An Puzhong and Zhang Xiaoyu

BEIJING, Jan. 19 -- The first plenum of the inter-departmental joint conference on national conscription work was held in Beijing on January 18. State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, also a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

This conference was tasked to study and review the work rules of the inter-departmental joint conference mechanism and to promote Chinas reform for biannual conscription and demobilization work.

It is learned that the inter-departmental joint conference on national conscription work comprises of 14 departments, including the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), five departments under the CMC, etc., with the CMC's Department of National Defense Mobilization taking the lead. The joint conference is responsible for implementing related major decisions and deployments concerning the military conscription, and coordinating the implementation of important matters involving multiple departments.

The conference doesn't have a dedicated office, with the Recruitment Office under China's Ministry of National Defense undertaking its organization, liaison, coordination, and other daily work and convening meetings at proper times as needed.

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.
Headliner

The Grey at Intersect by Lexus

The somewhat-improbable combination of a high-end automaker and far-flung guest chefs and restaurants that opened on West 14th Street about two years ago has brought an interesting dimension to New Yorks dining scene. The latest is Mashama Bailey, the chef who owns The Grey in Savannah, Ga., with her business partner, Johno Morisano. (The Grey opened in 2014, and is named for its location in a former Greyhound bus terminal.) Chefs from restaurants in Paris, Mumbai, Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile, have been in residence with Intersects chef, Nickolas Martinez, and Danny Meyers Union Square Hospitality Group, to run its kitchen. But the recent cancellation of indoor dining has finally turned the Intersects informal luxury toward takeout and delivery only. The Greys three-course menus with sides, $65 per person, plus tax, gratuity and delivery, are posted weekly on Mondays, and available Thursdays through Sundays. Its residency will continue through mid-April. At the Grey, Ms. Bailey, a Bronx native who moved with her family to Savannah in 1980, then back to New York before returning to Savannah, stitches together a personal take on Southern and soul food. This weeks nicely packaged menu features smoked catfish with rye crackers, yardbird chicken with captain sauce, and devils food cake. Leeks vinaigrette, red snapper and butterscotch cream will be served next week, and, the week after, there will be crab Louis, smoked lamb and a brown-butter fritter. Southern-style cocktails will also be sold. Intersect, which has a program of culinary training for formerly incarcerated youth, is donating 500 meals to health care workers. (Opens Thursday)

intersect-nyc.com.

Opening

Penny Bridge

Remember the days of soft openings? The virus yanked the rug out, and now the formula for a restaurants debut is takeout and delivery. Dan Klugers Penny Bridge in the new JACX development, in Long Island City, Queens, is a good example. (Mr. Kluger also owns Loring Place in Greenwich Village.) The airy new industrial-style place focuses on comfort food like crispy delicata squash rings, a tuna crudo melt with lardo, chicken wings, fried chicken and vegetarian chili. (Wednesday)

28-03 Jackson Avenue (42nd Road), Long Island City, Queens, pennybridgelic.com.

Wagyu Social

An owner of Hachibei, a restaurant on East 53rd Street that specialized in Japanese unagi (eel), and some chefs have trained their focus on a different protein: premium-grade A5 Wagyu beef imported from Japan. Hachibei closed as a result of the pandemic, and the new concept is for takeout and delivery only. There are burgers, a 6-ouncer topped with foie gras, truffles, radicchio and caramelized onions, with only 10 available per day; a 5-ounce Katsu burger without the foie gras and truffles; and several made with half-and-half Japanese Wagyu and American grass-fed beef. A Wagyu roast beef bowl and Wagyu niku sushi (meat on rice) are also served for lunch and dinner, delivery and pickup Tuesdays through Fridays and dinner only on Saturdays.

238 East 53rd Street, second floor, 212-888-8003, wagyusocial.com.

Baita

The Alpine-style winter restaurant at Eataly Flatiron returned this winter, but, instead of keeping its usual rooftop perch, its at street level: a base lodge equipped with cozy huts for single parties warmed by solar-powered heaters and cashmere throws to buy. The menu wards off the chill with raclette over potatoes and root vegetables, melted taleggio cheese with bread and black truffles, polenta with various toppings, and an array of warm cocktails like a Negroni made with mulled wine. Theres also a dinner with an appetizer, an entree and three sides, $45 per person.

200 Fifth Avenue (23rd Street), 212-229-2560, eataly.com
Emeraude Coty Turns 100 Years!

Vintages

In 2021, several glorious fragrances will celebrate their 100th anniversary! Lovers of Chanel 5, Habanita Molinard, and Tosca can start to rejoice this great date, and I am sure that Chanel, Molinard, and Maurer & Wirtz will not fail to remind us of this event at the proper time, with limited editions and online festivals. The glorious times of many centennials are left behind, and they are no longer as famous or have left us already, such as Maja Myrurgia, Crown Spiced Limes The Crown Perfumery, Gri-Gri Volnay, Enigma Lubin, and Petit Fleur Bleu Godet. We will miss you. The Fragrantica team will try to reminisce about most of them in a separate article, but today I would like to review one of the most legendary fragrances that is not often remembered now  I mean the glorious Emeraude Coty.

Let's start with the name. Francois Coty created his fragrance in honor of the emerald, a gem that shone on the crown of Fallen Angel Lucifer, and it was an analogue of the forbidden fruit of paradise in the legends of the South American Indians. The green color of the emerald has given rise to legends that it is a stone of spring, youth, love, and rebirth.

The sacred texts of the Koran were written on emeralds, and they were stored in villages as a means of attracting good luck and wealth. With the touch of an emerald they cured many diseases, from bad spirits to leprosy. Islam is especially supportive of emeralds because of their green color. Francois Coty was inspired by the emeralds of Afghanistan and India, which is reflected in the oriental character of the fragrance and its packaging.

Coty adverts, 1930s

Due to its oriental character, Emeraude Coty was usually recommended for women with dark auburn hair in the 1920s and '30s, as it was not considered light enough for blondes. Look at the posters above. Adverts for fragrances was a kind of game then  find your hair color, or your handwriting, or your character type, and we will advise you which Coty perfume you should wear.

Comparisons between Emeraude Coty and Shalimar Guerlain are common on the Internet. It was rumored that Jacques Guerlain's wife wore Emeraude, which, they say, forced the perfumer to create Shalimar. I think this is a rumor used to justify the similarity of the fragrances. With the help of the perfumer's wife, they also justified the similarity between Liu Guerlain and Chanel 5.

The French brands had different business strategies: Francois Coty was an innovator looking for new perfume compositions, and he did his best to make Coty products affordable, while the Guerlain family polished the best compositions to perfection to offer them as luxury goods to wealthy people. If the fragrances Emeraude Coty and Shalimar Guerlain are similar, then it is only in fragments because in their development, their differences are clearly noticeable as well.

I have two versions of the vintage Emeraude Coty in my collection: the eau de toilette and the handbag Purser perfume. I can see similarities and differences in them. Both versions of Emeraude begin with green and resinous citruses. They gradually acquire a fougere color because linalool and then coumarin and vanillin are added in the base, due to the then-popular Ambreine Samuelsson perfume base, which consisted mainly of coumarin and vanillin. (Citrus notes with civet helped the Ambreine base unite perfumes into a whole composition.) This fougere development makes me wonder: Maybe Emeraude was created as a feminine oriental version of Fougere Royale Houbigant?

In the vintage eau de toilette, after a short fougere introduction, the floral notes quickly escape, hiding behind a cedar-sandalwood-incense / papery-powdery accord. In the vintage Emeraude perfume, rose and jasmine have time to shine as a separate floral accord and in the beautiful, long transition to the oriental amber-coumarin base. Compared to the eau de toilette, the base of the perfume is sweeter and more pronouncedly oriental. Here, along with the dryish Ambreine, the now-classic amber accord of benzoin, opopanax, patchouli, and vanilla was used.

Civet is better articulated in the parfum, which could be worn on furs; an eau de toilette needs the warmth of ladies' skin. Emeraude Coty and Shalimar Guerlain have similarities, but nevertheless, they are far from being the same perfume.

First of all, Emeraude is not vanilla-centric. It does not place you in an oriental palace under the care of numerous servants, and it does not make you the most desirable wife of the Sultan. Rather, it leaves you at your current job, letting you dream about what you will do when you reach your goals (in which there is no place for palaces and harems).

Coty Classics still makes Emeraude Coty (along with Wild Musk, Aspen, Preferred Stock, etc), and you can buy a 75ml Eau de Toilette for just US$18. It's not possible to restore the original Emeraude formula as it has done with some of the other Coty fragrances. It has a little in common with the original perfume, but the oriental base is quite similar. For procuring the vintage scent, use ebay.com, etsy.com, and other buying options. And remember that perfume is always better than other concentrations.

Emeraude Coty

Top notes: Orange, Lemon, and Bergamot;

Middle notes: Rosewood, Jasmine, Rose, and Ylang-ylang;

Base notes: Ambrein, Opoponax, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Vanilla, and Patchouli.
Burma Myanmar Workers at International Joint-Venture Construction Site Strike for Unpaid Wages

Construction workers at the Yoma Central projects hold protest for unpaid wages and social-security allowances. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

Yangon  Hundreds of construction workers at the Yoma Central development projects are on strike, blocking a major Yangon road over late payment of wages and unpaid social-security allowances.

In 2015 Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings Limited, headed by Serge Pun, received approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission for the redevelopment of a four-hectare site on Bogyoke Aung San Road, including restoring the 1877 Burma Railways Headquarters.

In 2017 the firm signed an agreement with two global construction companies to build two integrated housing developments, Yoma Central and the Peninsula Yangon, including turning the rail headquarters into a luxury hotel. The budget for the two projects is about US$400 million (533 billion kyats).

The Yoma Central project is being built by BTJV Myanmar company, a joint venture between Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, and Japans Taisei Corporation.

The Peninsula Yangon project is being implemented by BYMA, a joint venture between Dragages Singapore and Yoma Strategic.

On Tuesday, several hundred BYMA employees blocked Bogyoke Aung San Road after the company failed to pay weekly wages for a third time, according to the strikers.

The company failed to pay the wages on Jan. 5 and weekly wages were not paid on Jan.12, they said.

Workers said the strike was held after full wages were not paid on Tuesday.

They also said social security allowances were not paid although workers had been taxed by the government each month.

Myanmars government promised workers registered with the authorities a social-security net of 40 percent of their salaries during the COVID-19 lockdown when work stopped.

We want our wages on time. Everyone is waiting for their wages. Some workers cannot pay their bills, Ko Lin Lin Tun, a BYMA construction worker, told The Irrawaddy.

However, the protest ended on Tuesday evening after BYMA and the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population promised all unpaid social security allowances and wages will be paid by Jan. 26.

BYMA could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Says Thai Firm at Dawei SEZ Breached Contract

Myanmar Secures Second IMF COVID-19 Loan

China Inks Economic Agreements With Myanmar, Promising COVID-19 Vaccine Donation
Fierce offshore winds hissed and howled across the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, with the strongest gusts reported in the North Bay and a few topping 90 mph.

The blustery conditions sparked a handful of brush fires, toppled trees and power lines and sent patio furniture flying. Power outages were reported across the region.

"It's pretty unusual for us to get an offshore wind event like this, especially in the month of January," Roger Gass, a forecaster with the National Weather Service said. "We had critical fire weather conditions across the region in 2014, but to my recollection it wasn't as strong as this. People should watch out for debris in the roadways and trees down. Anyone commuting to work should be cautious."

The winds kicked up as a potent upper-level system dove south from the Great Basin and Pacific Northwest.

Oakland Firefighters

"It's currently sliding down out of Southern Nevada and then will slide off the California Coast," said Gass. "This system created a really tight pressure gradient. This is a typical pattern we'd see in the fall months, not in the winter."

Winds will likely start to ease after sunrise Tuesday and subside through the afternoon, with Tuesday evening being substantially less gusty than Monday night.

The weather service has a high wind warning in effect for elevations above 1,000 feet in the San Francisco Bay Area through 10 a.m. Tuesday. A wind advisory was issued for the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Teresa Partridge

Top wind speeds recorded as of 4 a.m. Tuesday included a gust hitting 97 mph at the Santa Fe Geothermal PG&E gauge in Sonoma, 95 mph in Lake County, 84 mph on Mount Diablo in the East Bay and 78 mph on Mount Umunhum in the South Bay.

In San Francisco, a 54 mph gust was recorded.

The winds arrived at the tail end of a warm spell with 10 Bay Area locations breaking same-day temperature records Monday afternoon, including 80 degrees in Santa Rosa, 79 in Oakland, 78 in San Jose, 77 in Napa, and 76 in Downtown San Francisco, according to the weather service.

Offshore winds, aka Diablo Winds, blow hot air from inland areas toward the coast and are known for drying out the landscape, and essentially sucking the moisture out of the vegetation and leaving it tinder-dry and vulnerable to burning.

Twitter / EJ Miller

Forecasters warned of the risk of wildfires sparking across the region and especially just south of the Bay Area in Monterey and San Benito counties.

"Relative humidity values are in the teens this evening and are not expected to recover overnight," the weather service said in its Monday report. "This unseasonably dry air mass and strong winds will combine to create critical fire weather conditions tonight and Tuesday in areas where fuels remain dry, specifically in the hills and mountains of Monterey and San Benito Counties where a Red Flag Warning is currently in effect."

Twitter / Caltrans Dist 4

A small vegetation fire broke out in the hills east of Geyserville near the Geysers geothermal fields Monday night after 9 p.m. The Old Fire was 5 to 10 acres as of 11 p.m. Monday with no evacuations or structures immediately threatened.

A fire also broke out in Milpitas on Country Club Drive, police said. Dozens of residents were temporarily evacuated, but police sent out an alert at 9:53 p.m. to tell residents of Cervantes Court, Camarillo Court, Calaveras Ridge Drive and Calera Creek Heights Drive that they could return home. Everyone else in the fire area is asked to shelter in place while firefighters finish their work, police said.

The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit said Tuesday morning that firefighters responded to at least 10 vegetation fires overnight. Cal Fire reported some of the blazes broke out in the burn scar of the CZU Lightning Fire, a massive blaze that consumed 86,509 acres in August.

"Even though it is January, we must remain vigilant and fire-safe," Cal Fire wrote on Twitter.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, remarked on Twitter that wildfires are unusual in the Bay Area in winter.

"Nothing short of incredible this is happening in Sonoma County in *mid January,*" Swain wrote. "Hopefully vegetation is still moist enough the meager rainfall so far this season to keep fire spread rates down tonight, but...wow. Other fires already in Bay Area tonight."

Thousands of PG&E customers were without power Tuesday morning with the utility company's online map showing outages throughout the region. (See a map showing all outages on the PG&E website.)

Downed power lines forced the shutdown of Interstate 680 in Fremont on Monday night. ABC News reported that a massive redwood tree fell onto a house in Santa Rosa.
A new study published in PNAS finds that aid provided by the United Nations (UN) in the aftermath of climate-related disasters is driven by humanitarian need rather than by strategic donor interests. The results underline the importance of climate-related hazards for understanding aid disbursements.

The study 'Humanitarian need drives multilateral disaster aid' provides the first estimation of UN climate-related disaster aid worldwide. Although it cannot be entirely ruled out that powerful donor states' interests shape UN aid flows, the UN seems able to fend off donor states' strategic interest and allocate more aid after disasters where hazard severity is greatest and need is most pressing.

Threats to human livelihoods from natural hazards are increasing due to climate change. Climate-related disasters such as floods, storms and droughts have destroyed homes, reduced crop yields, harmed livestock, and fueled conflict, especially in developing countries. To provide adequate disaster relief, states rely on multilateral institutions, particularly the UN.

Yet the determinants of where UN disaster aid is disbursed are poorly understood. To fill this gap, researchers from Stockholm University and Uppsala University, affiliated with the Bolin Centre for Climate Research and the Mistra Geopolitics programme, examined the determinants of UN disaster aid using a dataset of UN aid covering almost 2 000 climate-related disasters between 2006 and 2017.

The principal findings are twofold. First, humanitarian need largely drives UN aid in the aftermath of climate-related disasters. The UN seems able to fend off donor states' strategic interests and allocate more aid after disasters where hazard severity is greatest and need is most pressing. Based on this finding, the study argues that the UN lives up to its stated principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence in disaster aid. The results underpin the legitimacy of the UN to allocate disaster aid.

While the study indicates that humanitarian need is the main driver of UN climate-related disaster aid in the past 15 years, there is another main factor that shapes aid allocation: UN aid appears to mimic emergency official development assistance (ODA), mirroring previous findings from humanitarian aid research.

"Knowing whether the severity of a climatic hazard is important for explaining multilateral aid has implications for what we can do to better alleviate humanitarian crises in the aftermath of climate-related disasters," said Lisa Dellmuth, lead author of the study and Associate Professor of International Relations at Stockholm University and member of Mistra Geopolitics.

Second, the study has important consequences for disaster impact research and provides a way of measuring hazard magnitude. It develops a uniquely global hazard severity measure that, for the first time, compares across different climate-related disaster types, and assesses and bolsters the measurement validity of EM-DAT climate-related disasters, the most widely used database on natural disasters.

"In aid and disaster impact research, there is much uncertainty in existing data on the occurrence and severity of disasters. For example, consequences of future climate change will likely be different from historical climate disruptions", said Frida Bender, co-author of the study and Associate Professor in Meteorology at Stockholm University and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research. "It is quite likely that over this century, unprecedented climate change is going to have significant impacts on extreme weather events, and our study underlines the validity of the widely used EM-DAT dataset on disasters."

The researchers also make clear there is need to further improve the estimation of climate-related aid data (read article in Nature), and that the present study is a contribution in this regard as it provides the first estimation of UN climate-related disaster aid worldwide.

"Understanding the determinants of multilateral climate aid is important not only for increasing the ability of the international community to provide humanitarian assistance, but also for improving resilience in the face of increasing risk of climate-related natural disasters," said Nina von Uexkull, study co-author and senior lecturer in International Relations at Stockholm University and researcher in Mistra Geopolitics.

###

Read the study 'Humanitarian need drives multilateral disaster aid' published in PNAS: Dellmuth LM, Bender F, Jonsson AR, Rosvold EL, von Uexkull N., "Humanitarian need drives multilateral disaster aid", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., Vol. 118 (2021). doi: 10.1073/pnas.2018293118.

For interviews or further information, please contact:

Lisa Dellmuth, Department of Economic History and International Relations, Stockholm University: +46-722 933 380, lisa.dellmuth@su.se

Ylva Rylander, Communications Officer, Stockholm Environment Institute and Mistra Geopolitics: +46-731 503 384, ylva.rylander@sei.org

Press Office at Stockholm University +46-816 40 90, press@su.se

Authors and affiliations

The study is written by Lisa Dellmuth, Frida Bender, Aiden Jonsson, Elisabeth Rosvold, and Nina von Uexkull, Stockholm University, the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, and the Mistra Geopolitics programme.

Lisa Dellmuth is Associate Professor of International Relations; Frida Bender is Associate Professor in Meteorology and affiliated with the Bolin Centre; Aiden Jonsson is a PhD student in Meteorology and affiliated with the Bolin Centre; Elisabeth Rosvold is a postdoc in International Relations; and Nina von Uexkull is a senior lecturer in International Relations, Stockholm University, and former Assistant Professor at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University. Dellmuth and von Uexkull are researchers in the Mistra Geopolitics programme.

Mistra Geopolitics is a research programme that examines the dynamics of geopolitics, human security and environmental change. The programme brings together a strong interdisciplinary research team consisting of six Swedish core consortium partners:

Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

Linkoping University

Uppsala University

Stockholm University

Lund University

The programme also involves numerous stakeholder partners including Swedish government agencies, companies, industry associations and two international partners, E3G and Adelphi. http://www. mistra-geopolitics. org Twitter, #MistraGeopolitics.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth, based on critical thinking. Stockholm University contributes actively to society - a role that has characterized the University since its inception in 1878. Stockholm University is an international academic environment, which is an integral part of excellence in research and education.

Maritza Hernandez, 44, of Philadelphia, the principal at Julia De Burgos Elementary School, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, of kidney cancer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Quiet, unassuming, yet fiercely dedicated to educating students in and around her childhood neighborhood of Fairhill, Ms. Hernandez excelled at her work while also battling cancer for years. Her goal, said her daughter, Dejah Lloyd, was to show students that they, like her, could make a difference in the world no matter the obstacles.

She wanted to teach people, especially her students, to strive and achieve and never give up, Lloyd said. She was always doing something for the kids.

Born on May 26, 1976, Ms. Hernandez was drawn to education from the start. Even as a student at Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School in the 1990s, she focused on her studies and helped others when they struggled. Her book bag was so full it always weighed 20 pounds, Lloyd said.

After high school, Ms. Hernandez was married and divorced twice, and dived into college life at Bloomsburg, Holy Family, Temple, and Edinboro Universities. She earned a masters degree in education from Holy Family, and a masters in educational leadership and administration, and principal certification, at Edinboro.

She began teaching Spanish in 2007 at Maritime Academy Charter High School and moved on to elementary education at Antonia Pantoja Charter School in 2008. She became dean of students and vice principal at Memphis Street Academy in 2012, and then principal at Julia De Burgos in 2014.

She was very dignified, very private, said Dr. Robin Cooper, a longtime principal and administrator for the School District of Philadelphia and the current president of Teamsters Local 502 of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators. She was well respected, did her job, and loved her family.

In a greeting to visitors on the Julia De Burgos website, Ms. Hernandez described her goal as to exceed expectations while empowering scholars to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

She worried how neighborhood violence affected her students and tried to empower them to avoid it and fight against it. She was part of a neighborhood peace march in 2014 after her school was locked down several times due to nearby violence.

We wanted to show them that they have a voice in their neighborhood, and in their future, Ms. Hernandez told Inquirer and Daily News columnist Helen Ubinas before that march.

Ms. Hernandez loved warm weather, and was happiest when she was on a beach, visiting family in Florida, or visiting family in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, her family wrote in a tribute. She enjoyed dancing and singing. Friends and family recalled her feisty, spicy nature, and coworkers noted her energy and passion for her students.

One parent wrote in a tribute that Ms. Hernandez helped her children through difficult times. Its not too many principals out here that would do what you did for your students, she said.

She was always in that [school] building, Lloyd said. At 7 a.m. At 8 p.m. Whether it was an awards ceremony or planning student of the month awards, she was dedicated to her students and teachers. She said you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

Cooper said few people at school knew of Ms. Hernandezs illness. She had been working remotely due to pandemic restrictions but had continued to fully participate in school life until only recently.

People are still in shock, Cooper said. She never complained. You would never know she was ill. When others were worried about her, she was worried about the community and her students.

In addition to her daughter, Ms. Hernandez is survived by her mother, Naida Miranda Hernandez, daughter Jeyda Staton, partner Jerome Ty Lassiter, two brothers, and other relatives.

A viewing was held Jan. 16. Services and interment were private.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., months after drawing flak from Democratic politicians and pundits alike for her conduct during Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearing, has once again opened herself up to attacks from her party after defending the Republican lawmakers who objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election.

While other members of her party have explicitly called for Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Josh Hawley, R-Miss., to resign following their helming of a campaign to de-legitimize President-elect Joe Biden's victory, Feinstein called their attack "a kind of leadership."

Per the San Francisco Chronicle, Feinstein told the press pool at the Capitol: "I think the Senate is a place of freedom. And people come here to speak their piece, and they do, and they provide a kind of leadership. In some cases, its positive, in some cases, maybe not. A lot of that depends on whos looking and what party they are.

"But its an important place to have this kind of dialogue," she added. "Its probably the highest-level dialogue that you get in an electoral body.

Hawley, notably, was photographed expressing his solidarity with pro-Trump and QAnon rioters in Washington D.C. hours before their Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol. Cruz and Hawley continued their crusade against the election results following the lockdown of the Capitol.

At least four other Senate Republicans, in addition to Hawley, Cruz and a slew of GOP members of the House of Representatives, also spoke out against the legitimate election results despite the riots, citing voter fraud and other baseless claims.

The number of Democratic officials who have called for the two to tender their resignation has grown since the Jan. 6 attack, which left four rioters and a Capitol officer dead. The list includes Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., Patty Murray, D-Wash., the third-ranking member of the Senate Democrats, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

This news comes a week after reports that Feinstein is considering another run for Senate in 2024. She will be in 91 in 2024.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
The Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRS&D), has commissioned two mechanized boreholes for the people of Ahiagbekope and Gblidemekope in the Akatsi South and North Districts of the Volta Region.



The Presbyterian Relief Services and Development a Non-Governmental Organization of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana with support from Ghana Outlook, a United Kingdom-based Non-Governmental Organisation provided the boreholes for the two farming communities which were facing acute water challenges over the years compelling women and children to travel far in search of water.



The two projects which cost GHC48, 000 would help solve the water supply challenges of the people and neighbouring communities, especially school children and women who shared streams and river bodies with cattle and other animals.



Mr Williams Jesse Mensah, the Representative of Ghana Outlook, speaking at the commissioning, said the project would promote and sustain hand hygiene in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.



He said government alone cannot meet development needs of every community hence, the need for Civil Society Organisations, Faith- Based Institutions and other actors to complement the efforts of the State.



He indicated that, the Volta region has benefitted from lots of projects from the Ghana Outlook including; schools, teaching and learning aids, staff accommodation and libraries.



He said it came to light in one of their fact finding missions that water was one of the essential commodities the communities lacked and recounted a visit to the communities with the UK team, where streams were dried up and the people were drawing water from infected rivers.



He said four mechanised boreholes were provided in the area; two more to be added before the end of the first quarter of 2021 and urged them to maintain the facilities.



Mrs. Rebecca Teiko Sabah, the Director for Development and Social Services of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), said the Church believed in the holistic development of persons and their communities and as part of its mission embarked on four types of witnessing; spiritual, moral, environmental and social.



She said, in addition to health and education, the Church believed in social witnessing as an agent of development and appealed to the communities, to maintain clean environment, especially in this challenging moment as we provide water to fight COVID 19 and to maintain the system to make it sustainable



She said the PRS&D in collaboration with the Ghana Outlook were keen on providing water, education, health and relief services to the people at all times and commended the Ghana Outlook and PRS&D for the gesture.



The District Chief Executive for Akatsi South, Mr. Leonelson Adzidoga, commended Ghana Outlook and the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development for the gesture adding that it was the assemblys dream to provide water for most communities, but restrained by limited funds.

The National Director for Missions and Evangelism at the Head Office of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. E. K. Sarbah told the gathering that Jesus Christ Himself is life that is why he gave the Water of Life to everybody.



He expressed the hope that the water would heal, restore hope and aid in the development process of the communities.



The Chief of the area Togbe Ahiamadorwu Godome III, Dufia of Live, express his appreciation to the development partners for the support and bringing Life to the communities. He pledged their commitment to take good care of the facilities. He requested for a school in the Ahiagbekope to prevent children from walking far to access formal education.



He appealed to PRS&D and partner for a school in Ahiagbekope to make it accessible to children.

Some of the school children and women from the two communities expressed appreciation to the donors for the gesture, which they said would aid development.

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
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:41 am

2020 ended on a high note for the Battle Ground Rotary Club as it raised more than $9,000 at its annual Festival of Wreaths and Wine Auction.

Due to health and gathering restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the club took on the daunting and new task of hosting the auction entirely online and raised more than expected.

Our normal expectation for a fundraiser is about $7,500, Battle Ground Rotary Club President Dan Hanenkrat said, explaining he enjoyed the experience of hosting the event online.

In a normal year, the club holds an event at the Battle Ground Community Center with live music, catered dinners and an in-person silent auction. This year, with the auction being held online, bidders were able to be notified on their smartphones when they were outbid, resulting in more competitive bidding and more money raised for the clubs philanthropic efforts in the area and around the world.

The online auction allowed bidders that were not necessarily in our community but were aware of what we were doing to place bids, Hanenkrat said, mentioning the auction had a few bidders from Camas and Vancouver. We had a total of 65 bidders on the 54 items we were selling and sold all but one item.

According to Dan and his wife, Becky, the single item that wasnt sold was given to YWCA Clark County, because one of the club members is very involved with the club.

Along with the normal auctions items such as hand-crafted wreaths, the club was able to create new auction items such as regional and worldwide wine baskets, a steak dinner with Battle Ground Mayor Adrian Cortes and tickets to a concert of local artist Amber Sweeney.

The Hanenkrats expressed gratitude for the number of sponsors that made the event possible, with emphasis on the event sponsor Your Insurance Gal Agency. The duo said the event would not be possible without agency owner Stacey Johnson sponsoring the event, and the club is already looking for a 2021 event sponsor.

Along with Johnson and her agency, the event had numerous other local sponsors and donors, such as Battle Ground Natural Healing, Emanar Cellars and Lumos Hearth and Home. All money raised from sponsorships will be used by the club for its nonprofit efforts, such as work with the North County Community Food Bank, Battle Ground Healthcare and the work the club does overseas in Kenya sending kids to school. The Hanenkrats said the club will also save some of the funds raised in order to have money put away for spontaneous efforts like the funds the club spent this year to help victims of the 2020 wildfires.

Having money in our foundation makes it possible for us to do spontaneous stuff, Dan Hanenkrat said.

For next year, the Hanenkrats said the club hopes to host the event in person. However, they said the club wants to implement a few of the tactics used by the club for the online auction, such as the online bidding and various auction items.

Becky Hanenkrat said the club may look at something like a four-day auction with a live event and dinner in the middle to bring back the in-person experience the club loves while also making the bidding experience better.

While it is not set in stone that the 2021 auction will be in person, the Hanenkrats are hopeful.

We like the best of both worlds, Becky Hanenkrat said. We like to do the in person event to give the community something fun to do at Christmastime.
A vial of COVID-19 vaccine once opened for inoculation needs to be fully used within four hours, else the remaining doses go waste and need to be destroyed, senior doctors said on Tuesday. The first batch of Oxford COVID-19 Covishield vaccine had reached Delhi's central storage facility at Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital (RGSSH) on January 12. The lot of Bharat Biotech-made Covaxin had reached there the next day, which is being used at six sites, including AIIMS and RML Hospital.

RGSSH is also one of the 75 sites where Covishield shots are being administered to doctors, nurses and other beneficiaries. Forty-five shots were given on day one and 20 on day two. "Each 5 ml vial of the vaccine has 10 doses in total. And, once opened, all 10 doses have to be consumed within four hours, otherwise it goes waste, and remaining doses have to be destroyed," RGSSH spokesperson Chhavi Gupta told PTI.

On day one, when 45 people were vaccinated at the facility, four vials were fully used, while the fifth one had five unused doses which went waste, she said. India is conducting a mega vaccination drive against COVID-19 which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

On day one, 4,319 healthcare workers and on day two (Monday), 3,598 people got vaccinated across 81 sites in the national capital. There are strict protocols for storage, transportation and usage of the vaccine, according to senior doctors who are part of this massive immunisation exercise.

B L Sherwal, Medical Director of RGSSH, which till recently was a dedicated COVID facility, said the government has sent 10 per cent extra doses in the stock to mitigate such wastage and other related factors. "In the morning, we can wait for 10 people to arrive at the centre and then a vial can be opened, so that it gets fully consumed. But, as the day progresses, people may come in insufficient number, but the doses have to be given, so, the scope for wastage," he said.

Gupta, the RGSSH spokesperson, had earlier said that 22 boxes, each containing 1,200 vials of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, were delivered to the hospital on January 12. And, 20,000 doses of Covaxin had arrived on January 13. The Delhi government has received 2.74 lakh doses of the vaccine so far from the Centre, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said, ahead of the launch of the drive.

"Every person will receive two doses, and the Centre has given 10 per cent extra in stock, in case of any mishappening, like damage of vials. Thereare a total of 2.4 lakh healthcare workers in Delhi who have registered for vaccination, and more doses are expected to arrive soon," he had said. The vaccine is to be administered on four days of the week in Delhi -- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It will not be given on Sunday, and two others days of the week, when other regular vaccination work will be carried out.

In the first phase, only healthcare workers, who were in the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, are to be vaccinated. Each day 100 persons per site were to be administered the jabs, as per the plan, but the turnout across the country, including in Delhi, has been very low, especially at government hospitals. Asked if this issue of vaccine wastage is being addressed, Sherwal said "we are just hoping that the wastage is minimal".

He also suggested some changes in the protocol to avoid wastage. As per the present protocol, he said, a person can only visit the centre assigned to him by the Co-WIN app for vaccination. "We will suggest to the authorities to make some changes so that a beneficiary can be sent to another nearby centre where there are unused doses. Vaccination exercise is a teamwork after all." A person coming at the end of the day at RGSSH in Tahirpur area may be sent to the Delhi State Cancer Institute or GTB Hospital, all within 1-1.5 km radius "so that no wastage happens", he illustrated.
San Francisco, Jan 19 : Amid the tense political situation in the US, encrypted messaging app Telegram has blocked and shut down hundreds of public calls for violence that couldve otherwise reached tens of thousands of users in the country.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that the company welcomes peaceful debate and protest, but "our Terms of Service explicitly prohibit distributing public calls to violence".

"?ivil movements all over the world rely on Telegram in order to stand up for human rights without resorting to inflicting harm," he said in a statement late on Monday.

For the last two weeks, the world has been following the events in the US with concern.

While the US represents less than 2 per cent of Telegram's user base, the company said it has been watching the situation closely.

"In early January, the Telegram moderation team started to receive an increased number of reports about US-related public activity on our platform. The team acted decisively by clamping down on US channels that advocated violence," Durov noted.

"The team continues to process reports from users in addition to proactively removing content that directly incites violence".

Telegram has seen a significant uptake in new users as WhatsApp's new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy have trigged a fresh data sharing debate. It has crossed 525 million users.

"Telegram welcomes political debate coming from all sides of the political spectrum - but will act swiftly to stop those who incite people to inflict harm on others," Durov said.

Durov, however, did not address Telegram's encrypted chat feature that protects conversations from outside access and is not subject to centralised moderation.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby described the coronavirus vaccine as an 'answer to prayer' as he became the latest well-known figure to have the jab.

The 65-year-old received it at the weekend because he is a volunteer chaplain at Guys and St Thomas's hospitals in London.

Sharing his photo on social media, he urged others to follow suit.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby shared the picture of himself getting the jab on Twitter and urged others to get theirs when given the chance

He wrote: 'I want to encourage everyone to get the Covid-19 vaccine when they are invited.

'Staff across the NHS, and health workers across the world, are under immense pressure on the frontlines of the pandemic.

'They deserve not just our admiration but our support - and getting the vaccine when we have the opportunity is something we can all do to relieve the burden on them.'

He added: 'The rapid development of the vaccine is an answer to prayer - and it is central to the recovery from this terrible pandemic.

'Jesus Christ calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves.

'Getting the vaccine is part of that commandment: we can show our love for each other by keeping each other safe from this terrible disease.'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte supports the decision of the Department of National Defense to terminate its three-decade agreement with the University of the Philippines that bars the entry of the military or police in campuses without prior notice to the UP administration, Malacanang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that Duterte, who treats Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as his "alter ego," backed the latter's decision to end the 1989-UP-DND Accord to supposedly protect the youth from recruitment activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

"Si Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana is an alter ego of the President. Of couse, the President supports the decision of Secretary Lorenzana," Roque said in his briefing.

Roque, a UP alumnus himself, also stressed that during his 25-year-stay in the university as a professor and as a student, he did not experience any threats from uniformed personnel in the campus.

"I don't think the policemen were barred from UP. Even during the pandemic, I see them in the vicinity of the campus," he said.

Roque also called on UP President Danilo Concepcion to issue a clearer statement on why the termination of the agreement should be reconsidered. He said authorities will listen to the explanation.

"Tingin ko naman po, sa tagal kong nanatili sa UP, hindi nila hahayaang malabag ang kanilang karapatan sa academic freedom," he said.

[Translation: I think, considering the number of years I stayed in UP, they will not allow their rights to academic freedom to be violated.]

He also noted that troops can freely conduct surveillance, as they do in the whole country. But sanctions may be imposed against them for violations of humanitarian laws.

"They can do surveillance in the whole Philippines. Ang hindi po pwede ay to intrude into protected rights. Ang surveillance, hindi po ipinagbabawal iyan," he said.

[Translation: What they can't do is to intrude into protected rights. Surveillance is not discouraged.]

Members of the UP community, lawmakers, rights advocates, and other government officials slammed the abrogation of the pact, whose restrictions exempt cases of hot pursuit and emergency.

Vice President Leni Robredo, a UP alumna, said that the accord was simply designed to give notice to the university and "discourage dissent" during the conduct of security operations in the campuses.

Concepcion already issued a statement urging Lorenzana to revoke the abrogation of the accord that he said is meant not to evade the law but to protect the climate of academic freedom. The unilateral termination of the agreement, without consultation that would have addressed concerns raised, may only worsen relations between the institutions and "detract from our common desire for peace, justice, and freedom in our society," he added.

READ: Robredo, lawmakers denounce termination of UP-DND pact
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:39 am

Interim Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto is seeking to fill two positions on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.

Positions on the board include a low-income representative and community representative from Clark Countys fourth district, which encompasses Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie, Battle Ground, Yacolt and other unincorporated areas in East Clark County.

Term periods are three years, ending Dec. 31, 2023. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.

Low-income representatives are defined as any person who is nominated by a group who is low-income such as tenants of a low-income housing complex or an agency that serves people who are low income such as the Council for the Homeless or Share.

The 12-member advisory board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self sufficiency and housing programs.

Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially those from historically oppressed or underserved communities.

Interested residents must submit an application and resume to Rebecca Royce, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or rebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 25.
A San Diego federal court filing revealed that lawyers still have not located the parents of 611 children who were separated from them in 2018 under President Donald Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy.

According to La Opinion, the court document filed last Wednesday also indicated that the parents of 392 families had been deported to their native countries after they were separated from their sons and daughters by United States immigration agents in their botched attempts to illegally cross the Mexico-United States border.

The filing was presented before U.S District Judge Dana Sabraw at the United States District Court for the Southern California and shows that at least 201 parents could be living in the United States at the moment.

The litigation also indicates that the Trump Administration does not know the whereabouts of at least 18 children who were taken away from their parents at the souther international border crossing

President-elect Joe Biden, who will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, promised leading up to the election that he would create a special task force on Day One of his administration to reunite the separated parents and children.

Biden is also poised to introduce an immigration bill on his first day of office that hopes to to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status.

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to present a bill on his first day of office Wednesday that will provide a path to U.S. citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who were in the United States as of January 1, 2021

A San Diego federal court filing revealed that lawyers still have not located the parents of 611 children who were separated from them in 2018 under President Donald Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy. File photo from January 22, 2020 shows David Xol-Cholom, of Guatemala, hugging his son Byron at Los Angeles International Airport as they reunite after being separated during the Trump administration's wide-scale separation of immigrant families

The filing was presented before U.S District Judge Dana Sabraw at the United States District Court for the Southern California and shows that at least 201 parents could be living in the United States at the moment. File photo from December 11, 2018 shows an asylum-seeking boy from Central America running down a hallway after arriving from an immigration detention center to a shelter in San Diego

The filing came a day before a government watchdog report found that top-ranking officials at the Justice Department in PresidentTrump were fully away that the 'zero tolerance' border policy would result in family separations but pressed on with prosecutions even as other agencies became overwhelmed with migrants.

The report from the inspector general for the Justice Department found that leadership failed to prepare to implement the policy or manage the fallout, which resulted in more than 3,000 family separations during 'zero tolerance' and caused lasting emotional damage to children who were taken from their parents at the border.

Trump's policy was enacted April 6, 2018 and was widely condemned by world leaders, religious groups and lawmakers in the U.S. as cruel.

The executive order was issued without warning to other federal agencies that would have to manage the policy, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Health and Human Services. It was halted June 20, 2018.

The 'zero tolerance' policy meant that any adult caught crossing the border illegally would be prosecuted for illegal entry. Because children cannot be jailed with their family members, families were separated and children were taken into custody by Health and Human Services, which manages unaccompanied children at the border.

The policy was a colossal mess; there was no system created to reunite children with their families. The watchdog report found that it led to a $227 million funding shortfall.

Trump's policy was enacted April 6, 2018 and was widely condemned by world leaders, religious groups and lawmakers in the U.S. as cruel. File image from July 17, 2019 shows Border Patrol agent at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Donna, Texas, holding a migrant child who was intercepted after attempting to enter the country with a male individual who lied and said the child his son

The 'zero tolerance' policy meant that any adult caught crossing the border illegally would be prosecuted for illegal entry. Because children cannot be jailed with their family members, families were separated and children were taken into custody. File image from July 2, 2019 shows detained migrant families at a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas

Biden is set to introduce legislation to reunite families ripped apart by the 'zero tolerance' policy after his inauguration, according to a person familiar with the legislation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

The bill places Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations.

It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favored by many Republicans, putting passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

Under the legislation, those living in the U.S. as of January 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

The bill is not as comprehensive as the last major immigration overhaul proposed when Biden was vice president during the Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather calls for coming up with strategies. Nor does it create any new guest worker or other visa programs.

It does address some of the root causes of migration from Central America to the United States, and provides grants for workforce development and English language learning.

During the Democratic primary, Biden consistently named immigration action as one of his first-day priorities, pointing to the range of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trump's policies.

Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and enough other GOP senators to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades.

As a candidate, Biden said the Obama administration went too far in its aggressive deportations.
Ahead of Inauguration Day, the state Capitol building has increased security, which state Rep. Tim Twardzik said Thursday has made it feel safe.

It certainly is a very safe environment right now with the extra police and barricades in place and very limited visitation, Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp. (Schuylkill County) said Thursday. We dont feel worried about being at work. Theyve done a really good job of securing, and hopefully it will be a peaceful transition.

Twardzik said there have always been metal detectors and police at the building, but the increased security measures have made it more secure.

In response to the riots in Washington, D.C., last week, Twardzik said that kind of violence has no place here.

I dont understand what happened in the capital, Twardzik said. Eventually there will be enough investigations to find out who perpetrated the violence and they will hopefully be punished to the full extent of the law. It was nothing like all the other rallies that Trump had held.

Moving forward, Twardzik said he hopes to see no more rioting in the country.

Protest all you want, but the rioting is un-American, Twardzik said.

Twardzik said the state House of Representatives has a lot of work to do, so once Inauguration Day has passed, that will be the priority.

We have a very busy schedule, Twardzik said. Theyve already put a lot of bills to the various groups and committees. Well work within those committees to bring them to the floor, bring them to votes and get back to business.

Rep. Joseph Kerwin, R-125, Lykens, said Saturday he cannot comment on the security measures, as he is in Washington, D.C. as the company commander with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

I have been able to vote remotely and by proxy, Kerwin said. My district offices are still running with my staff maintaining a presence there, so constituents needs, concerns and issues are still being addressed. I look forward to my return and hopefully will be back following inauguration.
The way we all work has changed--permanently.

According to the Harvard Business Review, the pandemic has only accelerated a trend that was already gathering steam with knowledge work companies around the globe. Work-from-anywhere, or WFA, was already becoming prevalent at firms across industries, from IT to global consulting.

Of course, some industries were better prepared for the swift changes the pandemic demanded than others. The software development industry, for example, has embraced remote work for years, not to mention several other trends that have become far more prevalent in 2020--digital services delivery, for example.

In fact, the software dev industry can serve as an illustrative example of where work, in general, is heading in 2021 and the post-pandemic future. Here are a few practices, standard in IT and software development, that we can all benefit from as our organizations emerge from the disruptions of 2020.

1. Embracing an agile mindset and Agile methodologies.

If there was ever a case to be made for the importance of agility in business--both with a lowercase "a" and uppercase "A"--2020 was it.

The need for agility in business, both at an organizational level and an individual, employee level, is clear. Companies must be able to adapt to the circumstances around them, whether that's needing to go to a full-remote workforce within a span of days, or changing a product that's not performing.

In terms of capital-A Agile, a model based on Agile processes (as in the Agile methodology) allows teams to pivot the product and service offerings as needed and address obstacles quickly.

Agile is the framework that many software companies have used for years, as it's uniquely suited to the kind of iterative, highly collaborative work that goes into creating new software or a mobile app.

However, Agile processes can be applied to many different industries and sectors, to improve workflows and communication, and to increase a team's ability to react swiftly to problems as they arise.

One web and mobile custom software development company, Gorilla Logic, employs Agile teams to help its clients develop their products with a minimum of back-and-forth. By embracing full transparency--another benefit of the Agile methodology--Gorilla Logic's outsourced development teams are able to work seamlessly with their clients' in-house teams.

2. A more thoughtful approach to outsourcing: nearshoring.

Nearshoring, as opposed to offshoring, involves the contracting of outsourced teams closer to a company's headquarters. For American companies, this usually means Latin America.

The benefits of nearshore teams are many, from better English language skills, to cultural affinity, to negligible time zone differences. But in a post-pandemic world, nearshore teams stand to become even more critical to a company's success.

For one thing, in 2020 businesses realized the cost and time savings that come with drastically reducing, and in many cases eliminating, business travel. As businesses do begin to step back into a world of business travel and site visits, companies located close to home will present a much more appealing option than those that require a day of flights in order to reach.

Mexico and Central America are home to firms that regularly contract with American companies for everything from customer service to IT. That same firm, Gorilla Logic, for example, has nearshoring centers in Costa Rica and Colombia, allowing its clients to take advantage of services from employees who are fluent in English and work the same hours as they themselves do. And a simple Google search for "nearshore software development" yields hundreds of firms that offer the same benefits.

3. An increased focus on customization and quality customer experience.

An increasingly high level of customization is becoming the standard for everything from software development to the retail experience.

That's why digital marketing is taking an ever more personalized approach to meeting customers where they are and giving them exactly what they're looking for.

For businesses developing products and delivering services, customization is key--in fact, it's customization and quality that are becoming the driving forces for customer experiences in 2021.

This only stands to reason, as the vast majority of customers were pushed online into digital experiences in 2020, often for businesses that had no digital offerings until the pandemic hit.

Software companies have had a front-row seat to just how vital a personalized customer experience is for their clients, with countless companies needing mobile apps, online portals, and other digital products to continue serving customers in the past year. Businesses in every industry need to take this lesson to heart in 2021, as no customer is going to be ready to give up the conveniences of a digital experience they've gotten so used to.
Not officially, at least, as bits of information and leaks still reach the web in one way or another. But as far as Apples CEO Tim Cook is concerned, staying tight-lipped on the Apple Car is the right way to go.Speaking with Chris Wallace of Fox News during the weekend, Tim Cook sidestepped a question regarding the existence of the Apple Car, simply explaining he cant comment on rumors and so forth.When Wallace suggested not discussing rumors is Cooks decision, not something enforced by Apple as an internal policy, the CEO confirmed. Youre right. I choose not to. Touche, he said.But on the other hand, silence is an answer too, and in this case, its likely a sign the Apple Car is in development, only that talking about the project right now doesnt make much sense given many details are yet to be finalized. For example, Apple is said to be discussing with Hyundai a possible manufacturing deal as we speak, with an agreement expected to be reached by March this year.If the two form a partnership, Hyundai could be in charge of building the Apple Car at Kias plant in the United States, though Apple is also exploring building a completely new facility in the country specifically for manufacturing the vehicle.According to people familiar with the matter, Apple hopes to bring a beta version of the car, or a prototype, to the road as soon as next year, while the mass production would kick off in 2024. More details would most likely surface in the coming months, as the Apple Car project seems to be gaining pace, especially now that Apple has reached the phase where its discussing more details with its industry partners.
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
We realized they were big fans of home brewing and brewing themselves, said Cesar Marron, owner and head brewer with Sketchbook Brewing, which also has a location in Evanston. Theyre a bunch of engineers who brew in their day job but not something they can consume. It kind of fell in both of our laps to do something together.
Federal prosecutors will be allowed to carry concealed firearms as part of his commitment to law enforcement service. Trump wants these men and women to be adequately protected as they do their jobs.

The Capitol's current situation has prompted the president to sign a final order to give federal prosecutors more protection.

Last Monday, President Trump approved an executive order that will authorize federal prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers to legally carry a hidden firearm for protection, reported The Epoch Times.

In effect, the signed order will allow authorized individuals from law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors a legal right to arm themselves as part of their profession. The outgoing commander in chief asks congress to make laws that will include federal judges as well.

In the order, it is stated that all Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers should not be exposed to danger when they serve the public. They should have adequate protection for themselves and their families. This is the general content of his order. The Trump administration is committed to priorities like preserving the rule of law, including protecting those who serve law and order in the country.

After the killing of 20-year-old Daniel Anderl, son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, and her husband, Mark Anderl. Daniel was shot in the chest several times and died from them. His mother was the target of the shooter, but he blocked the bullets to save his mom.

The FBI identified Roy Den Hollander as the main suspect for the attempted murder of Judge Salas. He was found dead, committing suicide in upstate New York. The order of Trump for concealed firearms may prevent such dastardly incidents.

Also read: Federal Judge Esther Salas House Attack That Killed Son, Points At Her As Gunman's Intended Target

Mentioned in the order is these judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers' are steadfast and keep focused despite their profession's dangers. These men and women inspire everyone in public service.

Earlier rules have sought to limit the legal carry of concealed weapons for this professional, who is at the mercy of the lawless at times. With this order before the end of the Trump administration, it hopes to allow them to legally carry a hidden firearm for protection.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen is authorized to propose a regulation within 30 days from approval of the order. This gives most federal prosecutors the power to carry and own a firearm, but not to arrest. Part of the order is to train for handling of guns properly as one of the pre-requisites.

The Acting Attorney General is ordered to direct the Marshals Service Director to prioritize protecting federal judges and prosecutors. Another is to investigate and prosecute federal offenses against these professionals and family members, especially in Judge Salas with her son killed because of her work.

For extra protection, the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security is asked if all personal information about them is removed or minimized for their safety. Keeping judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers uncompromised while doing their jobs.

Judge Sala last August had pled for greater privacy after the killing of her son. She said the gunman knew everything about them and when to strike. Adding her dead son should be the last to die.

The last order of Trump allowing concealed firearms might be affected by the change on January 20, despite the dangers faced by law enforcement professionals and the judiciary.

Related article: Bloodbath in NYC Continues With 9 Dead, 41 Injured Overnight



@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Amazonian city of Manaus in Brazil began administering vaccines against the coronavirus, providing a ray of hope for the rainforests biggest city whose health system is collapsing amid an increase in infections and dwindling oxygen supplies.

Amazonas state Gov. Wilson Lima led a ceremony that kicked off the vaccination campaign Monday night in Manaus, an isolated riverside city of 2.2 million people.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Vanda Ortega, 33, a member of the Witoto ethnicity and a nurse technician, received the first dose of CoronaVac, a vaccine developed by Beijing-based biopharmaceutical company Sinovac.

I want to thank God and our ancestors," said Ortega, who is also a volunteer nurse in her Indigenous community.

Brazil on Monday began rolling out its national immunization program with 6 million doses of CoronaVac in almost a dozen states, and hopes to receive 46 million doses up to April to distribute among states. Amazonas received 256,000 doses.

The state government on Tuesday started distributing the doses to municipalities. The priority in the first vaccination phase will be health workers, elderly people above 80 years old, and Indigenous people in about 265 villages.

Amazonas has recorded at least 232,000 cases of the virus since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures. The state is in the midst of a devastating resurgence of infections and a lack of oxygen supplies.

Hospitals in Manaus have admitted few new COVID-19 patients, causing many to suffer from the disease at home and some to die. And many doctors in Manaus have had to choose which COVID-19 patients can breathe while desperate family members searched for oxygen tanks for their loved ones.

The city is receiving an average of four Brazilian air force flights per day to bolster oxygen stocks, along with one shipment per day from the city of Belem near the mouth of the Amazon river, according to officials.

The government of Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro, which Bolsonaro regularly criticizes, authorized the dispatch of a caravan of trucks loaded with 107,000 cubic meters (3,78 million cubic feet) of oxygen that will arrive in Amazonas on Tuesday, according to the state government.

Even as Amazonas welcomed the support, Bolsonaro lobbed critiques at Maduro.

If you want to offer us oxygen, we will receive it without a problem," Bolsonaro said Monday. But he (Maduro) could give emergency aid to his people too, right? The minimum wage there doesnt buy half a kilo of rice."

Amazonas government transferred 18 patients by plane to Goias state on Monday. The state has already transferred 112 patients to be treated in the Federal District, Brasilia, and other states, according to the states health secretariat.





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.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 54F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  The first round of state funding through the Job Training Incentive Program in 2021 will support 265 new jobs, a news release said.

The state Economic Development Department announced Tuesday that eight companies will receive more than $2 million to support 264 trainees and one intern in New Mexico. Companies receiving funding in excess of $50,000 include:

 Tempur Production USA, which received $1.136 million to support 141 trainees in Albuquerque at an average wage of $20.97 per hour.

 LQ Digital, which received $417,164 to support 101 trainees in Albuquerque at an average wage of $15.70.

 McKinley Paper Company, which received $256,147 to support 10 trainees in Prewitt, at an average wage of $32.38.

 Build With Robots, which received $71,786 to support three trainees in Albuquerque at an average wage of $41.83.

 Kane Robotics, which received $65,264 to support two employees and one intern in Albuquerque. The two employees have an average wage of $51, while the intern wage is $18.50.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................
HOUSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) (the "Company") today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer for any and all of the $1,000,000,000 aggregate outstanding principal amount of its 5.375% senior notes due 2025 (CUSIP Nos. 44267D AB3; U44255 AB0; and U44255 AC8) (the "Notes") and a related consent solicitation (together, the "Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation") to effect certain amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture governing the Notes (as supplemented to date, the "Indenture") that would eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default and related provisions contained in the Indenture and reduce the notice period required for optional redemption of the Notes, which Proposed Amendments would be contained in a supplemental indenture (the "Fourth Supplemental Indenture") to the Indenture. Holders who tender their Notes will be deemed to have consented to all of the Proposed Amendments, and holders may not deliver consents without tendering their Notes. The Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation is being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated January 19, 2021, and a related Consent and Letter of Transmittal (together, the "Offer Documents"), which more fully set forth the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation.

The Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on February 16, 2021 (as such time and date may be extended, "Expiration Date"), unless earlier terminated. Holders who validly tender their Notes and deliver their consents to the Proposed Amendments at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 1, 2021 (as such time and date may be extended by the Company in its sole discretion, the "Consent Payment Deadline") and do not withdraw their Notes or revoke their consents at or prior to such time (as such time and date may be extended by the Company in its sole discretion, the "Withdrawal Deadline"), and whose Notes are accepted for purchase, will receive $1,031.25 per $1,000 principal amount of tendered Notes (the "Total Consideration"), which amount includes a consent payment of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest from and including the most recent interest payment date for the Notes, and up to, but excluding, the applicable settlement date.

Holders of the Notes who validly tender their Notes after the Consent Payment Deadline, but at or prior to the Expiration Date, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase, will receive $1,001.25 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest from and including the most recent interest payment date for the Notes, and up to, but excluding, the applicable settlement date. Holders of Notes tendered after the Consent Payment Deadline will not receive a consent payment.

If the Company receives valid consents of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (the "Requisite Consents") and the Company accepts such Notes for purchase, the Company will execute the Fourth Supplemental Indenture effecting the Proposed Amendments. Notes tendered and consents delivered prior to the Consent Payment Deadline may be withdrawn at any time before the Withdrawal Deadline. Consents delivered after the Consent Payment Deadline will constitute a waiver of a holder's right to withdraw its consent from and after the Consent Payment Deadline.

The Company reserves the right, but is under no obligation, on any day following the Consent Payment Deadline and prior to the Expiration Date (the "Early Settlement Date"), to accept for purchase any notes validly tendered prior to the Early Settlement Date (and not withdrawn at or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline), subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation.

The Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation is subject to a number of conditions that are set forth in the Offer Documents, including, without limitation, (i) the condition (the "Financing Condition") that the Company has completed one or more financing transactions resulting in net proceeds to the Company that, together with the Company's cash on hand, are sufficient to pay (a) the Total Consideration, plus any accrued and unpaid interest of the Notes from and including the most recent interest payment date and up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date, in respect of all of the Notes and (b) the related fees and expenses of the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation and (ii) the execution by the Company and the other parties thereto of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture following receipt of the Requisite Consents (the "Documentation Condition"). There can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy the Financing Condition, or any other condition to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation, including the Documentation Condition. If any of the conditions are not satisfied, the Company is not obligated to accept for payment, purchase or pay for, and may delay the acceptance for payment of, any tendered Notes or delivered consents and may terminate the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation.

The Company intends to call for redemption any and all Notes not tendered in the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation, and, at the time the Company calls such Notes for redemption, if the Documentation Condition has not been satisfied, the Company intends to effect the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.

The Company expressly reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to terminate the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation.

The Company has engaged BofA Securities, Inc. as the Dealer Manager and Solicitation Agent for the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation. Persons with questions regarding the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation should contact BofA Securities at (980) 388-4370 (Collect) or [email protected]. Requests for copies of the Offer Documents or documents relating to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation may be directed to D.F. King & Company, Inc., the Tender Agent and Information Agent, at (888) 887-1266.

This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the optional redemption provisions of the Indenture or an obligation to issue a notice of redemption in respect of the Notes. Any redemption would be made solely pursuant to the notice of redemption, including subject to the conditions set forth therein, delivered pursuant to the Indenture and the information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by such notice.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes, nor does it constitute a solicitation of consents to amend the related Indenture. The Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation is made solely pursuant to the Offer Documents. The Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

Holders are urged to read the Offer Documents and related documents carefully before making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation. Holders of Notes must make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Notes and provide the related consents. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents, the Tender Agent or the Information Agent makes any recommendations as to whether holders should tender their Notes or provide the related consents pursuant to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation, and no one has been authorized to make such a recommendation.

About The Howard Hughes Corporation

The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. The Company's assets include master planned cities and communities, as well as operating properties and development opportunities including: the Seaport District in New York; Columbia, Maryland; The Woodlands, The Woodlands Hills, and Bridgeland in the Greater Houston, Texas area; Summerlin, Las Vegas; and Ward Village in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements about the satisfaction or waiver of the Documentation Condition, the Financing Condition and the other conditions of the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation; our intended redemption of the untendered Notes; and any satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs, intentions and expectations are forward-looking statements. Statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "project," "realize," "should," "transform," "would," and other statements of similar expression constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements to materially differ from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to satisfy the conditions to the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation and other factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we are under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date hereof.

Contacts:

For Media

The Howard Hughes Corporation

Cristina Carlson, 646-822-6910

Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations

[email protected]

For HHC Investor Relations

David M. Striph, 972-232-2672

Executive Vice President, Head of Operations & Investor Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE The Howard Hughes Corporation

Related Links

http://www.howardhughes.com


The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.




Haiti - NOTICE : Turkey scholarships, registrations open





The Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informs that the Directorate of Scholarships of Turkey "Becas Turkiye" receives until February 20, 2021, in all disciplines and for all levels, registrations for Turkish universities for the academic year 2021-2022.



The programs open to applications are : Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs. Applications will be open to applicants who wish to study at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.



In addition to providing world-class educational opportunities as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience, Turkey offers scholarships for international students from all over the world to study at the most prestigious universities in Turkey.



Those interested should note that the scholarships are full. Individual application files are received directly online on the website : https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr and the age limit required is 21 years for the license, 30 years for the master's degree and 35 years for doctoral level studies. It is necessary to create a user account in order to be able to initiate the registration process.



For more information visit : https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr or



Email contact : info@turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.



What makes these scholarships unique is that they not only include financial support, tuition, accommodation, and health insurance, but also provide university placement and academic, social and cultural facilities to its scholarship holders at all levels of higher education.



Registration deadline February 20, 2021.



Online registration : https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr



Required documents, academic criteria etc...: https://turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en/page/prospective-students/how-to-apply



Website: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - INDVR Brands Inc. (CSE: IDVR) ("INDVR", "INDVR Brands" or the "Company"), a premier US cannabis brand aggregator, is pleased to announce its ongoing commitment to profitably expanding its market share in the US cannabis edibles and infused products space is exceeding internal estimates in both Washington and Oregon State.

Since August 2020, through new corporate objectives set out by the new board and management team, INDVR has become hyper-focused on growing its infused product brands and using those brands to expand its distribution reach to over 1,000 dispensaries across Washington, Oregon and Colorado.

"We are very encouraged by the growth we are seeing in the edibles segment," said Joshua Mann, INDVR Brand's CEO. "The continuing sales growth of our award-winning Honu brand reaffirms our decision to focus on exceptional tailor-made products, growing our market share with our most profitable SKUs, and expanding our network into maturing markets in the US and Canada."

Through its third-party manufacturing partner in Washington, INDVR sold over 206,000 individual edible units in December, a 12% month over month increase from the 184,000 units sold during the previous month. The Company also recorded an 8% sales increase in its infused topical segment, bringing units sold to over 2,700 in December 2020. The Honu brand is currently sold in over 350 dispensaries in Washington State.

In Oregon, INDVR remains focused on growing the Honu brand's distribution platform to facilitate additional sales growth in 2021. INDVR is currently in discussions with partners to bring Honu products to Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and California in the United States, and potential partners to manufacture and distribute in Canada. As of December 31, 2020, Honu is sold in over 360 retail locations across Oregon.

The award-winning Honu brand encompasses edibles including peanut butter cups, turtles, salted caramels, milk chocolate medallions and other products. Honu also has a topical product line that includes bath bombs and skincare items.

In Colorado, INDVR holds the head lease on two cannabis cultivation facilities, and one cannabis retail location. In addition to the leases, the Company owns all the tenant improvements and cultivation and other equipment in these facilities including -- but not limited to -- the watering systems, grow lights, HVAC units, racks and trays. The cultivation operations and a retail store are currently operated through third-party sublease and equipment lease agreements.

On December 31, 2020, in the best interest of the Company, the management team and new board of directors of INDVR permitted the previously announced definitive merger agreement with Cannabis Corp expire on its own terms to better continue its focus on growing its most profitable brands. The Company also began the process of gaining its own state approval to operate cannabis assets in Colorado. Similarly, the previously announced asset purchase agreements with the Nevada-based Evergreen Organix have also expired on their terms. The Company is already in the process of developing another relationship with a licensed producer in Nevada to distribute its products in that state.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "potential", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the parties' current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following the closing of the Offering, closing of future tranches of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the benefit of the Offering to the Company. These statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the parties are not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To the extent any forward-looking information in this press release constitutes "future-oriented financial information" or "financial outlooks" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated product sales of the Company and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking information generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above under the heading "Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information".

Cannabis is legal in certain States in the United States ("U.S."), however cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal laws. INDVR Brands intends to conduct its U.S. cannabis operations in a manner consistent with the applicable State laws and in compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements applicable in the applicable State. However, the readers should be aware that any change in federal guidance on enforcement actions could adversely affect INDVR Brand's ability to access private and public capital required in order to support continuing operations and its ability to operate in the U.S.

Unlike in Canada which has Federal legislation uniformly governing the cultivation, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis under the Cannabis Act (Federal), readers are cautioned that in the U.S., cannabis is largely regulated at the State level. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of medical cannabis at the State level, cannabis continues to be categorized as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S. and as such, cannabis-related practices or activities, including without limitation, the manufacture, importation, possession, use or distribution of cannabis are illegal under U.S. Federal law. Strict compliance with State laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve INDVR Brands of liability under the U.S. Federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any Federal proceeding, which may be brought against INDVR Brands. Any such proceedings brought against INDVR Brands may materially adversely affect its operations and financial performance in the U.S. market.

Further Information: For investment inquiries, please contact Scott Koyich, Investor Relations at Scott@briscocapital.com or (403) 619-2200.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72284
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday appointed the new chairman of the trust which manages the world famous Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan town in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district.

Modi, one of the trustees of the Shree Somnath Trust, was named to the top post unanimously, a senior official of the shrine management body said.

Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the PM. "His commitment towards the development of the Somnath shrine area has been unparalleled. I have full faith that the pride and honour of Somnath Temple would be enhanced under PM Modis chairmanship, he said.

The post of the Somnath Trust's chairman fell vacant after the death of the incumbent, former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, in October last year.

Patel had served as the trust chairman for several years.

Narendra Modi

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is one of the trustees of the Somnath Temple trust, was appointed the new chairman during a virtual meeting of trustees held today.

"The decision to appoint the PM as the chairman of the trust was taken unanimously by all trustees during the online meet," said Trustee-Secretary P K Laheri.
The farmers unions even made it clear they would not talk to any committee members, after which Mann recused himself from the panel

The committee members came under sharp criticism by the protesting farmers and the Opposition for publicly supporting the new laws. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi: Under sharp attack from the protesting farmers unions for their pro-government public stand on the three contentious agricultural reform laws, members of a panel set up by the Supreme Court to resolve the crisis said Tuesday they will keep aside their own ideology and views while consulting various stakeholders, even as they indicated a complete repeal wont augur well for the much-needed agriculture reforms.

After their first meeting at Delhis Pusa Agriculture University on Tuesday, a key panel member and president of the Maharashtra-based Shetkari Sanghatana, Anil Ghanwat, said the farm sector reforms were much needed and no political party in the next 50 years would ever attempt them again if these laws were repealed. He said the panel would listen to all farmers, including those supporting and those opposing the laws, and then prepare a report for the Supreme Court.

Noting their biggest challenge was to convince the protesting farmers to appear before the panel, Ghanwat said the first meeting with the stakeholders had been scheduled for Thursday. So far, nine rounds of talks have also taken place between the government and the agitating unions without any concrete resolution. The next round of talks between the farmers representatives and the Centre are now scheduled for 2 pm on Wednesday at New Delhis Vigyan Bhavan.

Ghanwat said the court-appointed committee had decided to listen to the views of the protesting unions on a priority basis, as it wants them to end their two-month agitation at Delhis borders at the earliest. He also said, however, that the laws implemented over the last 70 years were not in the interests of farmers, and 4.5 lakh farmers have committed suicide. Farmers are getting poor and are under debt. Some changes are needed. Those changes were happening, but then the protest began, he added.

After staying the implementation of the three farm laws, the Supreme Court had on January 11 appointed Ghanwat, Bhartiya Kisan Union president Bhupinder Singh Mann and agricultural economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi as members of a committee to ascertain the views of the stakeholders on the contentious laws.

The committee members came under sharp criticism by the protesting farmers and the Opposition for publicly supporting the new laws. The farmers unions even made it clear they would not talk to any committee members, after which Mann recused himself from the panel.

The 81-year-old Mann, a former Rajya Sabha member, said: As a farmer myself and a union leader, in view of the prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst the farm unions and the public in general, I am ready to sacrifice any position offered or given to me so as to not compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers of the country.

Ghanwat said the panel was keen to know whether the farmers want these laws repealed or not. A physical meeting will be held with those organisations who want to meet us in person. Video conferencing will be held with those who cant come to us.

He said: If the government wants to come and speak with us, we welcome it. We will hear the government too. The biggest challenge is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with us. We will try our level best.

Ghanwat also made it clear the panel will not meet representatives of those farm unions that were formed recently. The statement assumes significance in the wake of reports that the BJP was now registering new farmers unions as a way to sway the dialogue in favour of the laws, and that these unions were meeting ministers and submitting memos.

Joshi said: We are also setting up a website where people can post their suggestions We are unbiased, impartial. Even the Supreme Court seemed to defend the selection of the panel members. Opinions can change, Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde said in an unrelated case, in a possible reference to criticism of the panel members.

CJI Bobde said: If you appoint a committee and if they had taken a view (earlier) it does not mean they should not be in the committee It is okay. You have taken a view and you are entitled to change your opinion. Generally, there is a peculiar lack of comprehension on the constitution of a committee. They are not judges.

The Bombay High Court has asked media houses to exercise restraint when reporting on suicide cases, saying 'media trial leads to interference and obstruction to administration of justice'.

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked media houses to exercise restraint when reporting on suicide cases, saying "media trial leads to interference and obstruction to administration of justice".

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni said some reportage by Republic TV and Times Now in the aftermath of the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput was "contemptuous".

The bench further said that it had, however, decided against taking any action against the channels.

The HC said such reportage by any media organisation, that obstructs an ongoing investigation or administration of justice in a case, will amount to contempt of court.

"Media trial leads to interference and obstruction to administration of justice and violates programme code under the Cable TV Network Regulation Act," it observed.

"Any reportage has to be in accordance with the norms of journalistic standards and ethics, else media houses stand to face contempt action," it said.

The HC also issued a slew of guidelines for media houses to follow when reporting in cases of suicide.

Following weeks of exhaustive arguments, the bench had on 6 November last year reserved its verdict on a bunch of PILs seeking that the press, particularly TV news channels, be restrained in their reportage on the death Rajput.

The PILs, filed through senior counsel Aspi Chinoy, by activists, private citizens, and a group of retired police officers, had also sought that TV news channels be stopped from conducting a media trial into the case.

During the arguments, the Union government's counsel, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, had said there already existed adequate statutory as well as a self-regulatory mechanism for the media, including TV news channels, to follow while printing or broadcasting any news item.

Private TV news channels that are party to the case had also argued that the self-regulatory mechanism was adequate and no new statutory mechanism or guidelines were required to control the media.

Rajput was found hanging at his home in Bandra area of Mumbai on 14 June last year.
NIAGARA FALLS, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. (TSXV:EHT) ("EHT") is pleased to provide the results of Its Annual General & Special Shareholders meeting held today.

We are pleased to announce that all directors have been affirmed with over 99% votes in favour. Our auditors have been approved and our shareholders stock option plan has been approved. Our resolution to give our Board of Directors the option to consolidate EHT's common shares on an up to 20 to 1 basis, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, in the next year has been approved with over 72% of the total votes in favour.

We would like to thank our shareholders for all the support with more than 40% of all outstanding shares voted.

John Gamble, CEO, commented: "I would like to personally thank our shareholders for all the support. We have a lot of projects on the go right now and we receive new enquiries daily for our innovative technology. We certainly believe have the right products at the right time. As our projects move ahead, we will keep you informed. Most of all please stay safe."

About EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies

EHT delivers proprietary, turn-key energy solutions which are intelligent, bankable and sustainable. EHT's expertise includes the development of its ENERTEC module structures with full integration of smart energy solutions. Using a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger than traditional wood or steel structural insulated panels, EHT provides exceptional thermal energy efficiency in modular homes, cold storage facilities, residential/commercial out buildings and emergency/temporary shelters. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. In addition to traditional support to established electrical networks, ENERTEC buildings excel where no electrical grid exists.

About ENERTEC

The EHT advanced ENERTEC Modular Wall and Roof System uses a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger and more energy efficient than traditional wood or steel structures providing the highest ratings for energy efficiency. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. After installation, each structure can be furnished and finished to meet the customer's requirements including siding, tile, kitchens and bathrooms or segregated commercial rooms. The finished wall product can be shipped on pallets and delivered via rail, truck or water in standard formats.

At the core of the ENERTEC product line is the ENERTEC Embedded Solar Roof Module. Solar cells can be embedded in a proprietary fire proof skin resulting in substantial cost savings by eliminating heavy glass panels and aluminum racking required for traditional solar panels. Two barriers to greater adoption of solar energy are weight limitations of the roof on which solar panels could be deployed and onerous shipping and labour costs. A lighter product at a better price point will open a larger market for solar due to the faster return of capital investment especially for rural and remote users looking to go off-grid. Furthermore, the entire EHT embedded solar roof becomes a massive solar panel capable of producing significantly more energy than the home requires, allowing the structure to then become an important source of power for the local micro grid or large battery storage systems.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information relating to sales of the products (the "Opportunities") involves risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, for the Opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although EHT believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information on the Opportunities outlined in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. EHT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

John Gamble

CEO & Director

(289) 488-1699

jgamble@ehthybrid.com

info@ehthybrid.com

Website: www.ehthybrid.com

SOURCE: EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624878/EHT-Provides-Results-of-Shareholders-Meeting

Will-Burt Operating as One Team with One Vision under One Brand Our clients will be able to access Will-Burts market leading products and services from all locations executing our vision of one team under one brand  Will-Burt

The Will-Burt Company is pleased to introduce our One Company initiative, a program designed to ensure that we operate as One Team, guided by One Vision, representing One Brand - Will-Burt. This initiative formalizes our way of thinking and our passion to serve our customers. It was created to make it easier for our clients to engage with Will-Burt, no matter where they are or whomever they communicate with in our global organization.

Over the past 100 years, The Will-Burt Company has grown from a small, family-owned business located in Orrville, Ohio, USA into the leading internationally recognized brand of mobile elevation solutions. Our employee-owned company has expanded organically and through several acquisitions over the past 20 years and now has locations in the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Asia, and Turkey.

Richard Lewin, CEO and President of Will-Burt comments, "Multiple companies and locations with different backgrounds and histories have successfully come together to make Will-Burt the success it is today. In 2021 the One Company initiative will deploy common business practices, systems, and superior customer experience in support of our global operations. Our clients will be able to access Will-Burts market leading products and services from all locations executing our vision of one team under one brand  Will-Burt."

The Will-Burt logo will be prominently displayed on all business and marketing materials globally. All locations have been renamed Will-Burt followed by their geographic location. For instance, GEROH, located in Germany, has been renamed Will-Burt Germany Gmbh & Co. KG. Company web sites will be consolidated under http://www.willburt.com and the GEROH social media platforms will be renamed Will-Burt Germany.

For additional information, visit http://www.willburt.com

About The Will-Burt Company:

The Will-Burt Company (http://www.willburt.com), headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, USA, is the world's premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for defense, government, first responders, telecommunications, energy production and other markets. Will-Burt also offers contract manufacturing, metal fabrication, powder-coating, and rapid prototyping services. Will-Burt is an international company with offices and manufacturing in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, and Singapore. All manufacturing locations are backed by a certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Incorporated in 1918, Will-Burt is 100% employee-owned and is classified as a small business.
The date of the next meeting will be appointed by the judge.

Preparatory hearings on the case against Russia's controversial Liberal leader, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who is facing charges of sponsoring terrorism in Ukraine, did not take place on January 19.

Press Secretary of Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court Olha Piven said in a comment for UNIAN.

Read alsoUkraine drafting papers to charge Russia's Zhirinovsky with encroachment on Ukraine's territorial integrity

"The defense did not appear there," she said, adding that the meeting failed to take place.

The date of the next meeting will be appointed by the judge.

Case against Zhirinovsky in Ukraine

Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court greenlighted a special pretrial probe as part of criminal proceedings against Zhirinovsky and two Russian State Duma members suspected of financing terrorism in Ukraine.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, Zhirinovsky created and headed an organized group in Moscow in March-April 2014 with the aim of providing material support to two Russia-controlled terrorist organizations, the "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR") and the "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR").

The group included certain members of Russia's State Duma and members of the Liberal Democratic Party, in particular, heads and representatives of the party's regional branches, who raised funds from Russian citizens for sponsoring terrorism.

In addition, the aforementioned persons concluded an agreement for the "DPR" to use premises in Moscow for their representative activities.

Reporting by UNIAN
In his speech at the UN Office at Geneva four years ago, President Xi Jinping raised two critical questions: "What has happened to the world and how should we respond?"



To this day, these questions remain valid.

The world is undergoing a bevy of changes, many of them unseen in the past century. The novel coronavirus disease is yet to be contained and humans are standing at a crossroads, faced with some tough choices. Cooperation or confrontation? Openness or isolation? Mutual benefit or zero-sum game? How to build the global community and what kind of community is to be built to begin with? The world's population finds itself treading a fine line.

Peace and development are the aspirations held dear by all human beings. Even today, these goals are yet to be 100 percent met. Armed conflicts flare up from time to time. The Cold War mentality and power politics still exist. Nonconventional security threats, particularly terrorism, refugee crises, major communicable diseases and climate change fallouts, are rife.

It is mandatory that all nations forge ahead together.

This provides the context for Xi's proposala community with a shared future for humanity. In his speech on January 18, 2017, he elaborated on this notion by saying, "All countries are entitled to shape the future of the world, making international rules, managing global affairs and sharing the fruits of development."

Such a world should have lasting peace, common security for all and common prosperity. It should be open, inclusive, clean and beautiful.

Thus far, many people around the globe have embraced the concept, and they are taking tangible action. Nevertheless, this is not enough.

This great cause rests on the shoulders of humanity at large and thus demands the involvement of all. When it comes to the pursuit of common interests for future global development, we should rid ourselves of all distractions and join hands to turn this planet into one big family, transforming aspirations for a better life into a worldwide reality.
Those over the age of 65 and anyone 16 and older with certain medical complications will be able to get the coronavirus vaccine sooner, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Tuesday.

The health department said it is expanding its vaccine distribution to include those over 65 and adults with high-risk conditions. They are now included in Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout, the initial phase of the distribution. So far, distribution has gone primarily to health care workers and residents and staff in nursing homes.

The news comes about a week after the federal government shifted its guidance to states and urged states to begin offering vaccines to all those 65 and over. Last week, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the state would be following the federal governments guidelines.

Those between the ages of 16 and 64 with these high-risk conditions are now eligible to get the vaccine, according to the health department:

Cancer

Chronic kidney disease

COPD

Down Syndrome

Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines

Obesity

Pregnancy

Smoking

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

In an interview last week with PennLives editorial board, Levine described the states plans to speed up the vaccine rollout, saying, We want to do more and we want to do better. She said the state will soon be making vaccines available at retail pharmacies and holding what she called mass vaccination clinics.

Levine told PennLive last week it still may be months before many in the general public get the vaccine. Asked about when she expects vaccines to become available to everyone, Levine said, It could be by the beginning of summer  but lets say, optimistically, by the end of spring.

Gov. Tom Wolf said Tuesday he hopes to name a replacement for Levine later this week. President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Dr. Levine to be his assistant health secretary. She would become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Levine has served as Pennsylvanias health secretary since 2018. Wolf brought Levine into his administration as physician general in 2015.

Wolf lauded Levine for her leadership of the department, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of new cases and hospitalizations has been dropping in recent weeks. About 4,600 people with COVID-19 are being treated in hospitals, down from a peak of about 6,300 in December.

More than 777,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 19,000 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, according to the health department.
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.
South Africa and China are teaming up to improve the capacity of public servants on governance and management of disasters and emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, said National School of Government in a statement released on Monday.

The school, which falls under the Ministry of Public Service and Administration, will work with the China National Academy of Governance on the project to improve the capacity of South Africa's public servants.

"Through discussions, participants will be able to understand China's basic national conditions, governance and management experience. This will further expand friendship, consensus, mutual trust and cooperation between China and South Africa", said Busani Ngcaweni, principal of the National School of Government.

He said South African managers would be exposed to China's governance models and responses to emergencies. The courses include China's governance model for development outcomes and the capacity of the state to deal with emergencies.

The courses will be offered for senior and middle managers in public service in March and April 2021.
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.
In reaction to the report that China has built an entire village in Arunachal Pradesh, the Central government said that it is keeping a close watch on all developments and taking necessary measures to safeguard India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ministry of External Affairs claimed that India has ramped up the construction of border infrastructure, including roads and bridges for the improvement of the livelihood of its citizens.

The response from the MEA has come after the NDTV channel showed satellite images in which China has allegedly built a village on the banks of River Tsari Chu in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The village comprises 101 homes and encroaches approximately 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory.

The channel showed two images of the area where it said the village has been set up. The first image dated August 26, 2019, did not show any human habitation but the second one of November 2020 shows a row of structures.

BJP's Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao told the channel, "Construction is going on. China has entered more than 60-70 km inside the Upper Subansiri district if you follow the path along the river. They are constructing the road along the river known locally as the Lensi as it flows in the direction of Subansiri river".

On Gao's claim, senior Congress party leader P Chidambaram has demanded answers from the union government. He said if the allegation made by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to China or blame previous governments for it.

Chidambaram, who was the home minister in the UPA government, also alleged that the Chinese have altered the status quo in Arunachal Pradesh.

"If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts?" he asked.

"Will the government give another clean chit to China? Or will the government give a convoluted explanation blaming previous governments?" the senior Congress leader asked in a series of tweets.





Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a

disputed area within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 18, 2021

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.

India and China are locked in a bitter border row in eastern Ladakh for over eight months.

The army as well as the Indian Air Force have been maintaining a high state of operational readiness along the entire stretch of the LAC with China including in the Arunachal sector in view of the eastern Ladakh standoff.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in order to resolve the eastern Ladakh row, but no significant headway has been made for its resolution.

Earlier this month, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat visited various forward posts near the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh and reviewed India's operational preparedness.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination Day 3: Further dip in turnout; just 8 get jabs at AIIMS

Also read: Lifetime high! Petrol breaches Rs 85-mark, diesel climbs to 75.38 per litre in Delhi
SAGINAW, MI - A group of young Saginaw County residents will soon receive leadership training at Saginaw Valley State University to help them fill vacant community positions.

The 2021 First Ward Leadership Fellows were chosen in a partnership between the university and Saginaws First Ward Community Center, based on applications and their previous work with First Ward, according to a news release. The 11 residents chosen to receive fellowships are Amaya Bradley, Daeveon Clemons, Indigo Dudley, Bria Gregory, Airiana Hamilton, Jalen Latimore, Tess Martin, Jesse Sanchez, Alissiana Scott, Demetria Simmons and Simone Vaughn.

The fellows will work with the Vitito Global Leadership Institute in SVSUs Scott L. Carmona College of Business over 14 weeks to learn about how they can help their community through serving on local boards and commissions, according to the release. At the end of the fellowship, they will attend a Signing Day event to announce the boards they want to serve on and sign their applications to them.

We welcome the opportunity to further the partnership between SVSU and First Ward Community Center with the creation of this Fellowship program, said Dawn Hinton, director of SVSUs Center for Academic Innovation & Online Learning, in the release. This program is designed to assist young community members in developing the leadership skills that will allow them to make significant contributions to our community.

Read more:

Mid-January sees open water on Saginaw River in Bay City, preventing ice fishing for now

Bay City to consider changes to utility service deposits for new businesses with shaky credit

Tuesday, Jan. 19, coronavirus data by Michigan county: 49 counties now below 7% positivity rate

Saginaws First Ward center partners with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
[January 19, 2021] Johnson Controls CEO named Chair of Business Roundtable Energy & Environment Committee

CORK, Ireland, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced that its chairman and CEO George Oliver has been chosen by the Business Roundtable Chairman Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart, to serve as chair of the organization's Energy & Environment Committee. "I am honored to be selected as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee," said George Oliver , chairman and CEO Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America's leading companies. Through research and advocacy, Business Roundtable supports policies to spur job creation, improve U.S. competitiveness and strengthen the economy. Its Energy & Environment Committee is dedicated to advancing policies that encourage innovation and support an environmentally and economically sustainable future. As the incoming Biden administration prepares to put clean energy at the heart of the U.S. economic recovery, such business-led initiatives will be key in helping the new administration meet its proposed goals. "I am honored to be selected as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee and look forward to working with my fellow CEOs to support policies that preserve our environment and maximize our energy options," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO. "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet today. Business Roundtable believes that businesses are an essential part of the solution and calls for collective action and policies to drive innovation, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise." The next decade is crucial in the shift to a sustainable economy. With its team of 100,000 employees Johnson Controls is committed to playing a meaningful role in helping the transition to a safe, sustainable, low-carbon world. This new position for Oliver highlights that ongoing commitment. In December 2020 Johnson Controls received an A- climate change Leadership band score from CDP, in recognition of its actions to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change in the past reporting year as well as an A score for its risk disclosure and governance. Sustainability is an integral part of Johnson Controls vision and values. Since signing the United Nations Global Compact in 2004, the company has remained fully committed to aligning its operations and strategies with the U.N. Global Compact's Ten Principles. Under Oliver's leadership, Johnson Controls continues to have a distinguished track record in sustainability. The company recently launched its inaugural green bond in the US and was named to the World's Most Ethical Companies Honoree List and as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. To read more about Johnson Controls commitment and accomplishments around sustainability, please visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/environment About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. From optimizing building performance to improving safety and enhancing comfort, we drive the outcomes that matter most. We deliver our promise in industries such as healthcare, education, data centers and manufacturing. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries and over 130 years of innovation, we are the power behind our customers' mission. Our leading portfolio of building technology and solutions includes some of the most trusted names in the industry, such as Tyco, YORK, Metasys, Ruskin, Titus, Frick, Penn, Sabroe, Simplex, Ansul and Grinnell. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.







INVESTOR CONTACTS: MEDIA CONTACTS:



Antonella Franzen Chaz Bickers Direct: 609.720.4665 Direct: 224.505.9290 Email: antonella.franzen@jci.com Email: charles.norman.bickers@jci.com



Ryan Edelman Michael Isaac Direct: 609.720.4545 Direct: +41 52 6330374 Email: ryan.edelman@jci.com Email: michael.isaac@jci.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson-controls-ceo-named-chair-of-business-roundtable-energy--environment-committee-301210416.html SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Kate Ritchie has been keeping a low profile since splitting from her husband, Stuart Webb, after 10 years of marriage.

And almost a year after the former couple were last spotted together, Kate appears to have moved on with a younger boyfriend.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal she is spending time with businessman John Bell, who runs his own security company.

EXCLUSIVE: Kate Ritchie's (left) 'mystery man' is security consultant John Bell (right), Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal

Photos published in Monday's New Idea show the former Home and Away star, 42, getting cosy with John while on holiday in Byron Bay.

John, who is said to be a few years younger than mother-of-one Kate, has several eye-catching tattoos, including the words 'Italian Pride' on his forearm.

John started security solutions business VIREOSS in September 2019. He runs the company from the small town of Seymour, an hour and a half from Melbourne.

Inked: John, who is said to be a few years younger than mother-of-one Kate, has several eye-catching tattoos, including the words 'Italian Pride' on his forearm

He means business: John started security solutions business VIREOSS in September 2019. He runs the company from the small town of Seymour, an hour and a half from Melbourne

John made all his social media accounts private after New Idea published the photos of him holding hands with Kate.

But from what is publicly available, he seems to have a passion for travel, having visited Paris among other destinations.

He is also a fan of horse racing, with his liked pages including Racing Victoria, Flemington Racecourse, and Country Racing Victoria.

Traveller: John made all his social media accounts private after New Idea published the photos of him holding hands with Kate. But from what is publicly available, he seems to have a passion for travel, having visited Paris among other destinations

Kate and John reportedly stayed at an Airbnb and spent most of their time on holiday relaxing by their private mineral salt pool and visiting Byron Bay's top restaurants.

The sighting comes after Kate parted ways with her husband, retired rugby league player Stuart Webb, after a decade of marriage.

While it's unclear when exactly Kate and Stuart split, she hasn't worn her wedding ring in a year and moved out of their marital home in Sydney's Randwick in late 2019.

Parting ways: While it's unclear when exactly Kate split from her husband, retired NRL star Stuart Webb (left), she hasn't worn her wedding ring in a year and moved out of their marital home in Sydney's Randwick in late 2019. Pictured on September 15, 2011, in Sydney

Kate moved out after police took out an interim AVO on her behalf against the former NRL star following an incident at the property.

In December 2019, Stuart's five-time drink driving history was revealed in a police fact sheet as he faced court for blowing 0.083 when he was pulled over by highway patrolmen in the city's east in March of that year.

The former couple were last spotted together in February 2020, when they celebrated their six-year-old daughter Mae's first day of school.
MOBILE, Ala. (AP)  The state says an inmate who escaped from a community-based prison program in Mobile is back in custody.

A news release from the Alabama Department of Corrections says 53-year-old Michael Lee Jones was discovered missing from a work center in the port city at 2 a.m. Tuesday.

He was arrested almost nine hours later around Interstate 65, but details weren't immediately available.

Jones was sentenced to 35 years in 1998 after being convicted of distributing drugs in Talladega County.

He was considered a minimum-security inmate.
Abu Dhabi, Jan 19 : Indian missions and organisations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are prepping for scaled-down Republic Day celebrations this January 26 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai will hold the annual flag-hoisting ceremonies to commemorate the day but without much fanfare, while adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols, Gulf News said in a report.

The two ceremonies will be live-streamed for people to participate virtually.

In a statement on Monday, the Embassy announced that in-person celebrations at the mission's premises will be restricted only to staffers and personnel.

"However, the Indian community is invited to participate in the celebrations virtually as the programme will be live-streamed on our social media handles," it added.

After hoisting the flag at the Consulate, Aman Puri, the Consul General, will also attend the low-key Republic Day celebrations at the Oud Mehta campus of The Indian High School (IHS).

Meanwhile, other Indian organisations have also announced to hold events marking the day, Gulf News reported.

While Funun Arts said that it will bring together 30 artists and 60 artworks on one platform for a month-long art exhibition, members of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), an online group for expatriate women in the Emirate, are gearing up to hold a 'Bol Gappa Pe Golgappa' contest.
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General has praised the breakthrough made by a key committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum at the weekend, over an interim political leadership deal, ahead of nationwide elections at the end of the year
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.
Steven Dillingham announced Monday his plan to resign as director of the U.S. Census Bureau when the new administration takes control of the government.

Steven Dillingham, whose term was supposed to be finished at the end of the year, said that he would resign on Wednesday, the same day when President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office.

According to an NBC News report, the Census Bureau director's plan to resign comes in the middle of computing the 2020 census numbers, which would be used to determine how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets. It would also determine the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year.

His announcement to resign followed after receiving a memo on Jan. 12 from the Commerce Department's Office of Inspector General, questioning whether he has been pressuring bureau employees to produce a technical report on undocumented immigrants' statistics in the U.S. before Biden takes over.

"Those employees acknowledged that they have not had sufficient time to conduct their normal data quality checks, and they expressed concern that the data required for this report is not ready for publication for several reasons," read the memo.

One of the concerns about the early release of data was that it could jeopardize the information's accuracy. According to a Voice of America News report, one whistleblower suggested that if released in a rushed, the data would be statistically indefensible and could be misinterpreted, misused, or affect the Census Bureau's reputation.

After the memo was made public, Steven Dillingham said that he ordered those who are involved in the count to stand down and discontinue their data reviews, Reuters reported.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to exclude undocumented immigrants from the population's total count used to allocate congressional districts to states.

Last month, the Census Bureau said it would miss a year-end deadline to produce the population count.

Related story: Biden Says US Constitution 'Requires' Inclusion of Illegal Aliens in Congressional Apportionment





Census Bureau's Undocumented Immigrants Count

Undocumented immigrants have long been the focus of the Trump administration on the census data. The White House pushed to include a citizenship questionnaire in 2018 consisting of a request that was later blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court.

To swiftly process data amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration recommended last year that undocumented immigrants be excluded in the count, which was also dismissed by the high court.

Some cited fears of not including undocumented immigrants could benefit Republicans. Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York alleged Steven Dillingham of siding with the president.

House Oversight and Reform Committee said in a statement that Steven Dillingham appears to have acceded repeatedly to the Trump administration rather than ensure an accurate count.

The statement added that Steven Dillingham has failed to be open and transparent with Congress, noting that the recent events have indicated he has lost the confidence of the Census Bureau people.

Steven Dillingham took over the agency in January 2019 after being nominated by Trump. Biden has yet to announce his choice to head the Census Bureau and other significant appointees in the agency.

Read also: Trump Signs Memorandum Excluding Undocumented Immigrants From Census




Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 16:03:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite disruptions due to the COVID-19 epidemic, China's centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) reported profit growth in 2020 amid reforms to make their operations more efficient.

Net profits of the country's 97 central SOEs expanded 2.1 percent year on year in 2020 to 1.4 trillion yuan (215.77 billion U.S. dollars), with around 80 percent of central SOEs reporting rising profits, Peng Huagang, spokesperson for the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, told a press conference Tuesday.

The growth was hard-won, said Peng, noting that the central SOEs saw their profits plummet more than 60 percent in the first four months last year when the country was yet to emerge from the impact of COVID-19.

"We had experienced ups and downs in 2020 but managed to achieve good results," Peng said.

The central SOEs raked in 30.3 trillion yuan in combined revenues last year, down 2.2 percent year on year, narrowing by 9.6 percentage points from the decline seen in the first quarter last year, SASAC data showed.

In December alone, central SOEs saw their revenues rise for the fifth straight month to 3.7 trillion yuan, an 11.7-percent expansion from a year ago.

The recovery came as the country stepped up efforts to boost the SOEs via ownership reforms and market-oriented operations. In 2020, the country started to implement a three-year action plan for SOE reform, which is expected to take reform in state-owned assets and firms to a new level.

Among the measures, a national fund totaling 200 billion yuan was established last year to facilitate the mixed-ownership reform of SOEs. By introducing private investors as stakeholders of the SOEs, the reform is expected to optimize corporate governance of the firms and enhance operational efficiency.

The companies have become more cost effective amid the reforms. In 2020, the sales and management costs of the central SOEs saw year-on-year declines, while the ratio of profits to costs increased 0.2 percentage points from a year earlier.

Tuesday's data also showed that China's central SOEs reported improved solvency and better debt structure.

The average debt-to-asset ratio of the central SOEs stood at 64.5 percent by the end of last year, down 0.5 percentage points from the previous year, achieving the country's deleveraging target for SOEs, Peng said.

China has set a timetable for SOE deleveraging as part of efforts to defuse financial risks. The average debt-to-asset ratio of SOEs should be reduced by 2 percentage points by the end of 2020 compared with that at the end of 2017, according to guidelines released in September 2018.

The SASAC will strive to build on the deleveraging results and keep the debt-asset ratio of most firms stable, the SASAC said, vowing further efforts to forestall major debt risks. Enditem
Monika Iuel has been appointed as the new chief marketing officer at Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Monika Iuel, the new chief marketing officer at Wesgro

Congrats on your appointment as chief marketing officer at Wesgro. How do you feel about it?

Wesgro appoints Monika Iuel as new CMO Iuel will take lead of the destination marketing organisation and communications and marketing teams from 15 March 2021...

As the new chief marketing officer, what will your role entail?

How and when did this come about? When do you take up this position?

What excites you most about joining Wesgro?

You began your career in the early 90s. What do you love most about your industry? What has been your biggest highlight?

Tourism is one of our largest exports, an apex industry that transforms livelihoods across a great diversity of industries, and we consistently exceed expectation when first-time travellers come to our shores.

Cape Town has long been seen as a destination of choice for both local and international travellers and Covid-19 has certainly impacted the travel and tourism industry across the globe. What approach are you and your team taking in ensuring that Cape Town is still a destination of choice?

What advice do you have for the tourism industry as we navigate through the pandemic?

In your opinion, what will travel look like in 2021 and going forward?

All global economies are under pressure, and its expected that this will impact tourism spend for quite some time to come (and may favourably impact growth in low-cost carriers and short term rentals).

There will likely be more disruptors in the tourism space in future, leveraging the spirit of change; however, in the foreseeable future, the traditional channel will likely be strengthened due to the peace of mind provided through e.g. ATOL bonding, in-market consumer protection laws and on the ground assistance in the destination.

I catch up with Monika Iuel to find out more about the appointment and what advice she has for the local tourism industry as we navigate through the pandemic.Thank you very much. I feel thrilled to have been selected for the role, and honoured to be able to contribute to the Wesgro teams efforts in re-energising Cape Town and the Western Capes tourism economy in a post-Covid world. I have no doubt that there is a long road ahead, but firmly believe in the opportunities public-private partnerships will present in delivering a recovery for tourism.The chief marketing officer role entails leading and managing the destination marketing effort to position Cape Town and the Western Cape as a world-class leisure and business tourism destination, and a leading business hub for Africa.My official start date is 15 March 2021. The CMO role had been vacant since Margie Whitehouses departure in June 2020, and I was lucky enough to be considered during a recruitment process concluded in December last year. Due to my time at SA Tourism and my involvement with the TBCSAs Inbound Recovery group last year, I felt that the CMO Wesgro role would provide me with an opportunity to further support the tourism recovery and use my international and local connectivity on a wider platform.I have always admired the work the team at Wesgro does, right back to my time at SA Tourism. They punch above their weight, attract incredible talent and have a very strong belief in the contribution that they can make to the province. Besides which, the Western Cape is definitely the most incredible province in terms of what it has to offer, and being allowed to market Cape Town and the Western Cape to the country and the world is a real privilege.Tourism in South Africa has certainly been my passion right from the start. There are so many facets to the sector: the passionate entrepreneurs, the creative experience curators, the scenic beauty, the courageous conservation efforts, the delighted tourists; but most of all the sectors ability to uplift the country and its individuals.So its a wonderful way to express your pride in your home, being able to showcase it to the rest of the country and the world.Its too soon for me to answer this question in any great detail. It's safe to say that the team takes their responsibility to bring Cape Town and the Western Cape back to its full potential and beyond, thereby ensuring recovery of the tourism economy and its stakeholders, very seriously, and that there is a great sense of urgency to ensure that we do so as soon as is humanly possible.The past 12 months have been brutal in terms of impact on the industry, and I know first-hand that most businesses have had to make some really tough decisions in order to stay afloat. Whilst the current situation still looks grim, I am confident that we are almost through the storm, with many key source markets already reaching important milestones in their vaccine campaigns.There is also compelling evidence that there is massive pent up demand globally, and as a destination, we need to be ready when that starts to turn on. The most important thing right now is to look forward, stay agile and continue to conserve resources.Our industry has always flourished through strong relationships, and continuing to make commercial decisions on the basis of long term partnerships will stand businesses in good stead in the recovery period.Its anticipated that leisure travel will be the first to recover in the short term; business events and the cruise industry will take longer to recover and will be reliant on a stronger Covid vaccine response globally, which means the recovery of the total tourism industry to pre-Covid levels will be slow."Bleisure" is a key trend that will likely persist for some time, with the ability to work from anywhere in the world resulting in longer stays combining work and holiday. In the short term, its clear that mainly destinations offering wide open spaces and outdoor activities are being sought by consumers, and Cape Town and the Western Cape have these in abundance.
Adams, Madison, Hamilton, and the other founders of the Republic recognized the difficulty of forming a democracy. They understood the necessity of developing processes, structures, and laws that struck a balance between tyranny and mob rule. While they succeeded in setting up that system, they ultimately knew that success depended upon the willingness of the people and leaders to believe in those rules  to have faith that democracy worked.

In the summer of 1864, the belief and faith in democracy were sorely tested. The White people of the South had rejected the basic tenet of majority rule and had lost faith in the democratic processes. Now, three years after secession, the nation and the democracy were on the brink of dissolution. The United States Army of Tennessee under William Sherman was stalled outside of Atlanta while the Army of the Potomac was in a bloody stalemate outside of Richmond. The Union Armies were losing approximately 2,000 men a day that summer. The northern population was weary, resistant to the draft, and sickened by loss of life. Dissent was so vociferous that martial law was declared in parts of the nation, an Ohio Congressman was expelled for sedition, and newspapers and the mail were censured for printing seditious calls to resist the government. The nation was falling apart.
Gardner lived in the 8000 block of Alpine Lane in the Hidden Creek apartment complex, south of Pine Island. She was shot in the hallway outside her apartment about 11:30 p.m. Saturday after she arrived home from work at Joes Crab Shack in Merrillville. About $85 in tips were missing.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Entheon Biomedical Corp. (CSE: ENBI) (FSE: 1XU1) (OTC Pink: ENTBF) ("Entheon" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on developing psychedelic medicines to treat addiction, announced a partnership with Divergence Neuro Technologies Inc. ("Divergence"), a company focused on the research and development of a data-driven, cloud-based neuro platform based on electroencephalogram ("EEG") analysis and machine learning, to research and develop N, N-Dimethyltryptamine ("DMT") biomarkers ("Biomarkers") and a predictive model of biomarker responses to drug dosage and delivery of DMT-based psychedelic therapeutic products (the "DMT Products") targeted to treat a number of different addiction and substance use disorders (hereto referred to as the "DMT Biomarker Model"). Divergence will also develop a software platform (the "Application") that supports the tracking of EEG data during pre, intra, and post dosing using, among other prediction models, the DMT Biomarker Model.

Entheon will utilize Divergence's expertise to consult on planning, research, and development of the DMT Biomarker Model and the Application to predict acute responses to DMT based on the analysis of EEG data. Divergence will lead the process of integrating EEG into Entheon's DMT-therapy platform with the ultimate goal of incorporating the technology for use by any clinics utilizing DMT products for the treatment of substance use disorders.

The Application to be developed is a predictive analytics platform that can infer neuro-state change, based on EEG data, during the uptake of DMT while utilizing machine-learning and AI technology, leveraging Divergence's innovative brain mapping technology with the purpose of guiding drug dosage levels and delivery of DMT during the therapy process.

The Application to be built using the DMT Biomarker Model, at its core, will be a platform that generates highly reliable predicative indicators relating to brain state change following the administration of DMT. The Application will rely on the real-time input of high-fidelity brainwaves to be collected from clinical trial participants and patients to provide feedback on the psychedelic-therapy experience.

Beyond DMT, the Application will be used to aggregate and analyze datasets extending to other psychedelics and therapeutic compounds in order to develop profiles and biomarkers that will be used to inform and guide patient experience and outcomes.

"This partnership represents an exciting direction related to the use of EEG and brain-mapping technology that will ultimately be used to better inform and direct the psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy process," said Chief Executive Officer of Entheon, Timothy Ko. "The proven and accomplished team at Divergence is well-equipped to lead this EEG and biomarker research, and only furthers our mission of using data to better understand the unique patient experience before, during, and after psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We hope that this data-informed approach yields insights that physicians can use in more accurately assessing patients and prescribing medicines in a highly personalized way."

"We are excited to work with a world-leader in the field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy like Entheon on a project that has deep implications for the future of mental health," said Alex Ni, Chief Executive Officer of Divergence. "We are deeply grounded in the belief that applied neuroscience, when combined with cloud, AI, and mobility, will bring enormous positive and meaningful enhancement in the space of mental health care."

About Entheon Biomedical Corp.

Entheon is a biotechnology research and development company committed to developing and commercializing a portfolio of safe and effective N,N-dimethyltryptamine based psychedelic therapeutic products ("DMT Products") for the purposes of treating addiction and substance use disorders. Subject to obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals and permits, Entheon intends to generate revenue through the sale of its DMT Products to physicians, clinics and licensed psychiatrists in the United States, certain countries in the European Union and throughout Canada.

About Divergence Neuro Technologies Inc.

Divergence is a Toronto-based company focused on the research and development of a data-driven, cloud-based neuro platform based on EEG-analysis and machine learning to improve mental health for all.

Divergence's platform and research enhance clinical and personal mental health assessments by supplementing self-reporting methods with an easy-to-understand, cloud-based EEG software platform, offering individualized neurofeedback protocols driven by machine learning and AI combined with therapist interaction.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Timothy Ko"

Timothy Ko, CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Entheon Biomedical Corp.

Joseph Cullen, Investor Relations

Telephone: +1 (778) 919-8615

Joe@entheonbiomedical.com

https://entheonbiomedical.com/

For media inquiries, please contact Crystal Quast at:

Bullseye Corporate

Crystal Quast

Telephone: +1 (647) 529-6364

Quast@BullseyeCorporate.com

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the partnership with Divergence Neuro Technologies Inc., research and development of the Biomarkers, the development of the Application, 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. 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 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 CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada 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/72312

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 15:28:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A police officer was shot dead in an armed standoff in the Ohio city of Toledo on Monday, the local police department tweeted.

Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, was shot and died after being taken to hospital, said Police Chief George Kral, adding that there was a warrant out for the suspect's arrest.

The incident occurred on Fulton Street at around 4 p.m. local time (0300 GMT). The police believed the suspect to be the one that had vandalized a cathedral earlier Monday morning.

The suspect, who came out with two guns after the SWAT team fired tear gas into the house, began shooting at the officers and was also taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, police said. Enditem
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.

Hyderabad, Jan 19 : Hyderabad police detained leaders and workers of opposition Congress party as they tried to march towards Raj Bhavan on Tuesday to protest against the new farm laws enacted by the Centre and the hike in petrol and diesel prices.

State Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and other leaders were stopped at Lumbini Park by the police who were deployed in large numbers to foil the protest march.

Expressing solidarity with protesting farmers and demanding rollback of hike in petrol and diesel prices, the Congress leaders marched from Assembly towards Raj Bhavan but the police stopped them near secretariat.

The protestors were also stopped on other roads leading towards Raj Bhavan. Police said there is no need for the protest. There was an argument between the police personnel and protestors and pushing and jostling between the two sides led to mild tension.

Uttam Kumar Reddy and other MPs Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Revanth Reddy were detained. Senior leaders V. Hanumantha Rao, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, former central minister Balram Naik, Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Anjan Kumar Yadav, Jagga Reddy were also taken in preventive custody.

Later, talking to reporters Congress leaders condemned the arrests and alleged that the government is adopting undemocratic means to stop peaceful protests. They demanded withdrawal of all the three farm laws saying they would badly affect the farmers.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Telangana Assembly should pass a resolution against the farm laws. He questioned the silence of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao over the issue.

Venkat Reddy alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader took a u-turn over farm laws. He said after strongly opposed the farm bills, Chandrasekhar Rao later colluded with BJP leadership.

The Congress leaders also condemned the state government's decision not to procure agriculture produce in villages during Rabi season. They demanded that the government continue the procurement centres and ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers.
NETANYA, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellcom Israel Ltd., ("Cellcom Israel" or "the Company") (NYSE: CEL)(TASE: CEL) today announced that it intends to consolidate the listing of its shares onto one single exchange, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange ("TASE"). The Company will maintain the current listing of its shares on TASE, which will become Cellcom Israel's primary and only listing.

Cellcom Israel, therefore, intends to voluntarily delist its ordinary shares from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") in the United States.

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined after extensive consideration that its current dual listing structure, whereby its shares are listed on NYSE in addition to the listing of its ordinary shares on the TASE, is unnecessary in today's increasingly globalized trading environment, where equity investors can access any international stock, regardless of where it is listed and since the vast majority of its ordinary shares trade on the TASE and its operations are substantially all carried out in Israel, it would be prudent for the Company to terminate its listing on NYSE, in order to minimize the costs associated with maintaining a U.S. listing. By maintaining one single listing on TASE, the Company will be able to focus even further on developing the business, while reducing the costs and challenges to the Company of maintaining a listing in the United States, where the Company's operations are not focused, and to facilitate the eventual deregistration of the Company with the SEC at such time as the Company becomes eligible for such deregistration.

With the only listing in Tel Aviv, Cellcom Israel will be subject to TASE's listing rules and Israeli securities law and regulations and Israeli Securities Authority's reporting requirements and the high standards of corporate governance prevalent in Israel. The Company remains committed to maintaining the same levels of transparency and accountability and will continue to provide investors with timely updates, including quarterly reporting. Cellcom Israel's strategy, its underlying operations and its ability to grow the business will not change as a result of the Company consolidating its listing onto a single exchange.

Cellcom has notified NYSE of its intention to delist and currently anticipates that it will file a Form 25 relating to the delisting of its ordinary shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on or around January 29, 2021. As a result, the Company expects that the last day of trading of its ordinary shares on NYSE in the U.S. will be no earlier than February 8, 2021. The change to a sole listing on TASE is intended to be effected upon the U.S. delisting, no earlier than February 9 2021. The Company will continue to comply with its SEC reporting obligations until such obligations may be terminated by the deregistration of the Company. The Company intends to pursue such deregistration as soon as possible. The Company has not arranged for a listing on any other United States exchange or for quotation of its ordinary shares in any quotation medium.

Forward-looking Statements

The information included in this press release contains, or may be deemed to contain, forward-looking statements (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Israeli Securities Law, 1968). Said forward-looking statements, relating to the intention to delist and deregister and execution thereof, are subject to uncertainties and assumptions and the actual results may materially differ. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Cellcom Israel on the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Cellcom Israel are expressly qualified in their entirety by the factors referred to above. Cellcom Israel does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

About Cellcom Israel

Cellcom Israel Ltd., established in 1994, is a leading Israeli communications group, providing a wide range of communications services. Cellcom Israel is the largest Israeli cellular provider, providing its cellular subscribers with a broad range of services including cellular telephony, roaming services, text and multimedia messaging, advanced cellular and data services and other value-added services in the areas of mobile office, data protection etc., based on Cellcom Israel's technologically advanced infrastructure. The Company operates advanced networks enabling high speed broadband and advanced multimedia services. Cellcom Israel offers nationwide customer service including telephone customer service, retail stores, and service and sale centers. Cellcom Israel further provides OTT TV services, internet infrastructure and connectivity services and international calling services, as well as landline telephone services in Israel. Cellcom Israel's shares are traded both on the New York Stock Exchange (CEL) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (CEL). For additional information please visit the Company's website http://investors.cellcom.co.il.

CONTACTS

Cellcom Israel Ltd.





Shai Amsalem Telephone: +972 52 998 4774 Chief Financial Officer [email protected]



Elad Levy Telephone: +972 52 998 4774 Investor Relations [email protected]

SOURCE Cellcom Israel Ltd.

Related Links

http://investors.cellcom.co.il


Mexico complies with WHO request to reduce vaccine shipments

Mexico City, Mexico  The president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has announced the temporary reduction of Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine shipments into the country.

The announcement came after the World Health Organization (WHO) said the world was on the brink of catastrophic moral failure due to the me first approach resulting in the unequal distribution of Covid vaccines.

WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was not fair that richer nations are vaccinated before poorer ones and that rich healthy people are vaccinated before the vulnerable in poorer states.

I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the worlds poorest countries, he said.

From that, Mexicos president AMLO agreed to temporarily cut its vaccine quantities in half. Initially, the next shipment set to arrive January 19 was to bring 400,000 doses, but now, it will arrive with around 200,000 to comply with the UN request to avoid hoarding and allow access for poor countries.

AMLO revealed that the UN has asked the pharmaceutical company Pfizer to lower its delivery counts to countries with which it has a contract, such as the case with Mexico, so that vaccines are more readily available and to avoid hoarding.

Mexicos president says the country will comply with the request and reduce vaccine orders by 50 percent

He said the reduction in the vaccines does not change the inoculation plan in Mexico because we are looking for other vaccines anyway, adding we are in negotiations for the Chinese CanSino vaccine and a vaccine from a Russian laboratory (Sputnik V), plus a vaccine from AstraZeneca with the University of Oxford, so we are going to have enough vaccines, he explained.

Dr. Tedros said more than 39 million vaccine doses had been distributed in 49 richer states compared with just 25 doses in one low-income country. To date, China, India, Russia, the UK and the US have developed Covid vaccines. Nearly all of these nations have prioritize distribution to their own populations.

So far, Mexico has agreements for 34.4 million doses from Pfizer, 77.4 million from the British AstraZeneca, 35 million from CanSino and 34.4 million from the Covax platform of the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico is also analyzing the purchase of 24 million by the Russian Sputnik V.
University of South Australia scientists have developed the world's first test to accurately predict mood disorders in people, based on the levels of a specific protein found in the brain.

Links between low levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and depression are well known but, until now, it hasn't been possible to distinguish between the three forms of the BDNF protein in blood samples.

The mature form promotes the growth of neurons and protects the brain, but the other two BDNF forms  its precursor and the prodomain of BDNF  bind to different receptors, causing nerve degeneration and inflammation.

An assay kit developed by researchers from UniSA can now precisely distinguish between these proteins, unlike other commercial kits in the market.

The finding, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide and Kunming Medical University in China, has been published in a new paper in the Journal of Psychiatric Research led by UniSA PhD student Liying Lin.

UniSA Professor Xin-Fu Zhou, one of the researchers, says there is strong evidence to suggest that psychological stress decreases mBDNF and a lack of mBDNF causes depression.

In a study of 215 people in China, including 90 patients with clinical depression and 15 with bipolar disorder, researchers found clear links with low levels of mBDNF in their blood. The more severe the depression, the lower the mBDNF level.

Mature BDNF levels in patients not on antidepressants was also lower than patients treated with antidepressants.

Surprisingly, there was no difference in mBDNF levels between 14 people with a history of suicide attempts and the control group of 96 people.

No significant gender differences were found.

"As mature BDNF and proBDNF have different biological activities, working in opposition to each other, it is essential that we can distinguish between these two proteins and detect changes in their levels," Prof Zhou says.

"The existing commercial BDNF ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits are not specific and can cross react with each other. The kit we have developed has an accuracy rate of 80-83 per cent."

The researchers say serum mBDNF levels less than 12.4 ng/ml could be used as a cut off point to diagnose depression and bipolar disorder.

"This could be an objective biomarker in addition to a clinical assessment by a doctor," Prof Zhou says.

"Growing evidence indicates that inflammation in brain cells is linked with depressive behaviours and proBDNF seems to activate the immune system. Therefore, we must separate it from mature BDNF to get an accurate reading.

"Interestingly, our recent studies in animals showed that proBDNF injected in both the brain and muscle can directly trigger depressive behaviors," Prof Zhou says.

The next step is to examine whether imbalances between proBDNF and mature BDNF can be restored in electric convulsion therapy. This project will be led by UniSA Associate Professor Larisa Bobrovskaya in collaboration with University of Adelaide psychiatrists Associate Professor Dennis Liu and Dr Oliver Schubert.

Mood disorders affect millions of people worldwide. However, about one third of people with depression and bipolar disorder are resistant to antidepressants or alternative therapies. The reasons are not understood but it could have something to do with the imbalances between the different forms of BDNF, which we hope to investigate next." Xin-Fu Zhou, Professor, University of South Australia
The European Commission has started an investigation review of existing anti-dumping measures for hot-rolled coil produced by Russian steelmaker Severstal.

The investigation was opened after the European steel association lodged a request, according to a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Monday January 18.



In October 2017, the EC imposed fixed charges in the range of 17.60-96.50 ($21.25-116.52) per tonne as a definitive trade defense measure in the case against HRC originating from Brazil, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. Duties set for the material produced by Russian steelmaker Severstal were the lowest at 17.60 per tonne, and the producer was the only Russian mills that continued to export HRC to Europe, market sources told Fastmarkets.



Russia exported 1.27 million tonnes of HRC to the European Union in the first 11 months of 2020, according to data published by Eurofer.



Eurofer provided evidence pointing to Severstal having taken the strategic decision to change its operating business model and increase its export volumes to the EU. Import statistics appear to corroborate the increase in volumes. The applicant further provided evidence pointing to Severstals higher prices in the domestic market than in the export market, which appears to stem from the domestic market structure, the EC said.



In addition, a comparison of Severstals normal value and their export prices to the EU indicates that the dumping margin appears to be significantly higher than the dumping margin of 5.3% established in the original investigation. Moreover, the applicant also provided evidence pointing to Severstal having made plans to increase its capacity despite a weak domestic demand, the EC added.



The products subject to this review are certain flat-rolled products of iron, non-alloy steel or other alloy steel, whether or not in coils (including cut-to-length and narrow strip products), not further worked than hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, originating in Russia, currently falling under CN codes 7208 10 00, 7208 25 00, 7208 26 00, 7208 27 00, 7208 36 00, 7208 37 00, 7208 38 00, 7208 39 00, 7208 40 00, 7208 52 10, 7208 52 99, 7208 53 10, 7208 53 90, 7208 54 00, 7211 13 00, 7211 14 00, 7211 19 00, ex 7225 19 10 (TARIC code 7225191090), 7225 30 90, ex 7225 40 60 (TARIC code 7225406090), 7225 40 90, ex 7226 19 10 (TARIC code 7226191090), 7226 91 91 and 7226 91 99.



The investigation is scheduled to end within 12-15 months from the date of the notice.



Explore the six macroeconomic and steel-specific dynamics set to rebalance the Asia steel and scrap market in 2021. Please read our full report Asia Steel and Scrap: Six Key Forces in 2021 today.
One Logistics Parks, backed by the group, has launched a Rs 500 crore warehousing-focused alternate investment fund (AIF) for domestic investors.



Named One Logistics Parks Fund I the fund is a SEBI-registered Category II AIF.



The fund has a target size of Rs 500 crore with a tenure of four years and a hurdle rate of 15 per cent. Welspun promoter family office has put in Rs 75 crore. The investment thesis of the fund is to acquire land parcels in high demand, pre-identified markets, and develop Grade-A parks which will be leased on a long-term basis to AAA credit tenants from sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG, third-party logistics (3PLs), pharma and auto-ancillaries.



On completion, these assets would be divested to institutional investors including private equity, pension and sovereign funds, REITs, and so on to provide an exit and deliver the targeted returns to fund investors.



Speaking at the launch of the AIF, BK Goenka, chairman, Welspun Group said, Indias logistics sector will continue to be the backbone of economic growth, and is a key component of this ecosystem. Presently, domestic investors can only invest in this high growth sector by investing directly in warehouses. Through this AIF, the investor can reap the benefits of the returns by owning units of a fund, instead of an asset.



Our business model of an integrated fund, development and asset management platform ensures that there is control over the entire lifecycle of the investment including land acquisition, leasing, development and divestment. Welspun Ones investment strategy is focused around identifying tenant requirements and constructing built-to-suit warehouses to de-risk the investment. The team has spent the last 12 months creating a strong deal pipeline, with visibility on the deployment of a significant portion of the fund corpus. This includes our under-construction flagship 110-acre park with a leasable area of approx. 3 million sq. ft. in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, which is already significantly pre-leased. In total, we expect to be able to deliver a portfolio of 6-7 million sq. ft. of Grade-A space over the next 3-4 years," said Anshul Singhal, managing director, Welspun One Logistics Parks.



Sanctum Wealth Management and Edelweiss Wealth Management are on board as the key distributors of the AIF.



Shiv Gupta, CEO, Sanctum Wealth said, High structural demand, low vacancies, and a shorter development period relative to other real estate asset classes, combined with attractive returns and stable long-term yields have made the warehousing sectors risk-reward dynamics very favourable for investors looking to add higher-return assets to their portfolios.



One of the big shifts of this 2030 decade would be the growth that India shall witness in infrastructure especially in logistics across the country. Mainly due to favourable government policies, consolidation, e-commerce and largely the market getting organised. The total penetration of warehouses in India is less than 0.1 sq. ft. per capita and the sector is expected to grow in excess of 20% CAGR. Welspun Ones AIF is a first of its kind, launched to leverage the large opportunity in the sector, with an inherent strategy to mitigate due risks while giving stable long term returns to investors. We are happy to partner with them and believe that this is an opportunity for our customers to participate in the development of the Indian warehousing sector by investing in this fund, said Nitin Jain, CEO, Edelweiss Wealth Management.
Advertisement

Coronavirus deaths in care homes have doubled in a fortnight in England, figures revealed today amid a spike in cases across the sector.

An Office for National Statistics (ONS) report found 1,260 residents died of the virus in the week ending January 15, almost twice the 661 fatalities two weeks ago. The virus now accounts for a startling 40 per cent of all deaths in care homes in England, up from just over a quarter at the end of December.

Ministers have been slammed by furious families and charities for failing to vaccinate care home residents  who are first in the queue because they are most vulnerable to the disease. Even though only half of Britain's 400,000 residents have had their jab since the immunisation drive started six weeks ago, No10 has already expanded the scheme to over-70s.

It comes after two-thirds of the elderly residents at a Lincolnshire died following a sudden outbreak of coronavirus in November which killed 17 people over six weeks. There are now questions over whether the spike in cases and deaths is linked to the Government's controversial policy to send Covid patients discharged from hospitals back into care homes. Under the scheme, designed to free up hospital beds and protect the NHS, care homes which passed inspection and were deemed Covid-secure were once again asked to house infected patients.

The scheme was launched by the Department of Health in October in the hope that every local authority would have access to at least one approved site by the end of the month. But only a third of councils in England had an approved setting as of January 5.

It emerged today that No10 will provide indemnity to care homes approved to take Covid patients, amid concerns that not enough homes were signing up because insurance companies refused to cover them. Industry bosses feared they would come under increasing pressure to accept Covid patients, with too few approved settings and rising numbers in hospitals.

More than 20,000 care home residents died from Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic and experts say the decision to discharge thousands of untested hospital patients into care homes in spring was partly to blame. MPs accused ministers of throwing care homes 'to the wolves'.

With history threatening to repeat itself, Britain announced another 1,610 Covid deaths today  the highest daily figure since the pandemic began. Health bosses also posted 33,355 cases, with the outbreak continuing to shrink because of lockdown.

An Office for National Statistics (ONS) report found 1,260 care home residents died to the virus in the week ending January 15, almost twice the 661 fatalities two weeks ago

Public Health England has also recorded a spike in the number of suspected Covid-19 outbreaks reported in care homes. But it said many of these are be false alarms, although it couldn't say what number turned out not to involve the virus

Ministers have been slammed by furious families and charities for failing to vaccinate care home residents despite the immunisation programme launching six weeks ago and already being expanded to over-70s

Joan Willett (left), a resident in a care home in Hastings, East Sussex, receives her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine today. As does John Mason 82, from Blackburn

LINCOLNSHIRE CARE HOME SUFFERS 'WORST OUTBREAK' OF THE PANDEMIC A Lincolnshire care home boss has described the 'absolutely horrendous' ordeal of seeing 18 elderly residents die in a coronavirus outbreak. All residents and 20 staff members at The Old Hall at Halton Holegate, near Spilsby, became infected with the virus in November, with the first resident dying on the 16th. Over the next six weeks another 17 people died from Covid. Most were in their 90s, with the youngest aged 79 and the oldest 99 Some of the deaths were so sudden staff did not have the chance to administer end-of-life treatment or arrange for loved ones to say goodbye. Following an inspection by CQC, the care home regulator, the home was found to have been doing everything it could to prevent the spread of the virus. Diane Vale, the care home's manager, said the situation had been 'absolutely horrendous' and that some deaths were so sudden staff could not administer end-of-life treatment or arrange for loved ones to say goodbye. Advertisement

ONS statistics revealed the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes has risen for six consecutive weeks since the start of last month.

There were 444 fatalities registered with the Care and Quality Commission in the seven days to December 4.

But this had tripled to 1,260 by the week ending January 15, the latest date for which data is available.

A separate dataset from Public Health England last week also showed they were receiving more reports of suspected Covid-19 outbreaks than at the start of the second wave.

More than 800 suspected outbreaks with at least one confirmed Covid case were reported in the week to January 10, a hundred more than the previous week.

For comparison, when the second wave began in August fewer than 100 were reported in the space of a week.

A suspected outbreak  or acute respiratory infection incident  is when two or more cases of a virus are thought to have been identified in a home.

But PHE has insisted these don't necessarily represent actual outbreaks, as many turn out to be false alarms  although it doesn't say what proportion of all cases were not actual outbreaks.

There are fears the resurgence of Covid in care homes is the result of ministers' controversial policy to send Covid patients discharged from hospitals into the sector - a move which has worrying echoes of the first wave when hospitals were permitted to discharge patients into care homes without testing them for Covid.

These patients, bosses warned, seeded deadly coronavirus outbreaks in the homes which contributed to the sector's devastating death toll of 19,157 in 2020.

When the plans were announced last autumn, they were met with fury by human rights groups, who described the move as 'like throwing a lit match into a haystack'.

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International, said: 'The discharge of Covid-19 patients into care homes full of vulnerable residents is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most devastating mistakes of the Government's handling of the pandemic. Yet the same deadly policy from earlier in the pandemic is being pursued, despite the knowledge of how disastrous it was and how many lives were lost as a consequence.'

Killer delays at care homes: My aunt caught virus waiting for jab By Susie Coen and Helena Kelly for The Daily Mail The niece of a 95-year-old care home resident has told of her anguish after her aunt caught Covid while waiting for the vaccine. Ursula Sarsfield, 51, said she has no idea when dementia sufferer Mary Edwards will receive the vital jab. Last week she was told the home in Liverpool was battling a Covid outbreak after three staff members tested positive. On Monday she was informed former seamstress Mrs Edwards and four other residents were infected. Mrs Sarsfield, who runs a masonry business, said: 'It's absolutely horrible. I'm very, very anxious. 'Had the residents and the staff had their vaccination a month ago, which was perfectly possible, things would be completely different. I just really feel now that the care homes have been excluded  they're just being left. 'We've fought since May for her safety. We've restricted ourselves from seeing her to protect her and now this happens. The Government says 50 per cent of over-80s have been vaccinated  what about the other half?' Government guidance states Covid patients must wait four weeks before they can receive the jab, meaning Mrs Edwards will not get it until at least mid-February. The nephew of a care home resident Michael Pearce, 88, struck down with Covid said he was 'frustrated and angry' he did not receive the jab before getting the virus. Meanwhile, the family of the last surviving member of the Battle of Britain Fighter Command HQ, aged 100, told how they had to 'fight' to get her inoculated Meanwhile, the nephew of a care home resident struck down with Covid said he was 'frustrated and angry' he did not receive the jab before getting the virus. Ian Moss had been pushing for his uncle Michael Pearce, 88, to be vaccinated. Former businessman Mr Pearce was found to have Covid after staff tested positive at the Bristol home. Mr Moss said: 'I'm very frustrated that my uncle wasn't given the vaccine in time.' He added: 'He's deteriorated so much and we haven't been allowed to see him. I don't want him to be left to die. It's heartbreaking.' The family of the last surviving member of the Battle of Britain Fighter Command HQ, aged 100, have told how they had to 'fight' to get her inoculated after she failed to receive a letter from her GP. Gladys May Eva was finally vaccinated. Step-grandson Grant Gibson, 66, intervened after noticing younger residents in Folkestone, Kent, getting the jab. He told the Mail: 'There are only around 13,000 in the country over the age of 100 so you would have thought my gran would have been first in line.' Advertisement

The scheme, which launched in mid-October, was for patients only to be sent into homes if they produced a negative test upon being discharged. But documents seen by the Guardian last week revealed the NHS - facing its biggest ever winter crisis - is now is asking care homes to start accepting Covid patients directly from hospitals and without a recent negative test, as long as they have been in isolation for 14 days and have shown no new symptoms.

There are no figures yet to show how many patients have actually been sent into homes, meaning it's impossible to know if the wave of infections in care homes is linked to the policy.

The Department of Health reassured that homes selected to house infected patients would be carefully inspected so the facilities would not turn into breeding grounds for the virus. But leaked documents sent by local councils to care homes  seen by Amnesty International  offered no concrete assurances that facilities will be properly Covid-secure, the human rights group said.

It comes as the Government announced it will provide indemnity for care homes in England approved to safely receive Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital, in recognition that insurance issues have led to too few numbers.

Vaccine Deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi has announced a 'time-limited state-backed indemnity' for care homes registered or intending to register as 'designated settings' who are unable to obtain sufficient insurance cover.

These are care homes or alternative sites that have been inspected and approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the rapid discharge of hospital patients with coronavirus.

In mid-October, when the scheme was launched, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it hoped every local authority would have access to at least one approved site by the end of the month.

Figures from the CQC last week show that more than a third of local authorities in England had no approved setting as of January 5.

No10 to provide indemnity for care homes in England approved to safely receive Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital Families won't be able to sue care homes if a relative dies from coronavirus as a result of taking in infected hospital patients, under new Government plans. Number 10 said today it will be providing indemnity for care homes in Engand that have been approved to receive Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital. Since mid-October, the NHS has been sending infected patients into the sector in a desperate bid to free up beds and protect the health service from being overwhelmed. But not enough care homes have been signing up because insurance companies have been refusing to cover them if the tactic sparks outbreaks. Vaccine Deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi has today announced a 'time-limited state-backed indemnity' for care homes registered or intending to register as 'designated settings' who are unable to obtain sufficient insurance cover. When the scheme was launched, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it hoped every local authority would have access to at least one approved site by the end of the month. Figures from the CQC last week show that more than a third of local authorities in England had no approved setting as of January 5. Advertisement

There have been fears that, with too few approved settings and rising numbers in hospitals, care homes who have not been approved will come under increasing pressure to accept patients.

Mr Zahawi acknowledged that an inability to get sufficient insurance cover has been a barrier for some care homes wishing to join the scheme.

In a written ministerial statement on Monday, he said: 'This is limiting the ability of a small number of local authorities to operationalise designated settings capacity, and in other areas is limiting the expansion of such capacity in response to rising demand.

'Given the severity and immediacy of the pressures facing the NHS, we want to take all possible steps to remove obstacles to sufficient local designated settings provision.

'This includes ensuring that where the creation of designated settings has created barriers to insurance, the Government will introduce a targeted and time-limited indemnity offer to fill gaps in commercial cover.'

The indemnity will cover clinical negligence, employer's and public liability and remain in place until the end of March, with a review in mid February.

Care England said a lack of insurance has been a 'major stumbling block' in care homes agreeing to become designated sites.

Chief executive Professor Martin Green said: 'We are delighted that the Government has listened to Care England about the critical issue of insurance.

'We look forward to working with the Government to make the best of this important decision and will continue to campaign to have the difficulties associated with securing insurance cover extended to the rest of the care home sector who are crippled by sky-high premiums and lack of Covid cover.'

Care England said it expected further guidance from the Government in due course. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it welcomes the opportunity to work with the Government and supports the scheme's aims.

Director general Huw Evans said: 'The insurance industry remains supportive of the care home sector and will continue to work with the Government on the detail of this scheme and to assist with ongoing insurance provision wherever possible in these most challenging circumstances.'

The National Care Forum welcomed the scheme but said it does not go far enough, calling for it to be extended to the entire social care sector.

Executive director Vic Rayner said: 'Aside from those care homes operating designated settings who have now received indemnity, care providers continue to struggle to negotiate affordable insurance cover  with many seeing substantial increases to insurance premiums, restrictions and exclusions that prevent adequate cover for Covid-19-related claims.

'We have raised this consistently and it is hugely frustrating that it has taken until now for the Government to act.'

The DHSC will also provide clinical negligence indemnity to community pharmacies carrying out vaccinations, up until June 30.

Mr Zahawi said the need for this was 'extremely urgent' as pharmacy-led vaccination centres were not able to start vaccinating people until this was in place. Vaccination has begun at six centres as of Monday, he added.

He said: 'Delaying would have postponed the rollout of this vital aspect of the vaccination programme, restricting access to the vaccine in some areas of the county. We concluded that such a delay was not acceptable and I hope it is clear why this was indeed a case of special urgency. '

There is no doubt that shipping volumes into the UK have declined sharply, but untangling the impact of leaving the UK single market is extremely difficult given other factors at work.

The trade outlook is not linear and there will be potential new dynamics to boost UK exports. There are, however, also major uncertainties over services and it will be even more difficult to unravel the impacts of Brexit and coronavirus in services, especially given social restrictions.

Overall, economist at ING Bank does not expect that the UK economy will recover pre-covid levels until at least late 2022.

This under-performance would tend be a significant drag on the pound Sterling performance.

UK shipping volumes decline sharply, multiple factors at work

ING notes that the number of ships visiting the UK has declined sharply at the beginning of 2021.

There are distorting factors given that overall activity has been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic which has hurt global supply chains. The closure of the port of Dover just before Christmas also had a significant impact and there will be a knock-on effect this year, especially with the need for negative covid tests.

It is also likely that fears over being stranded in the UK have deterred truckers from entering the UK.

Wider global transport disruption due to the coronavirus impact will also continue to be a significant factor and there was stock building ahead of year-end.

Above: UK shipping

ING commented; While its true the outlines of the trade deal have been known for months, in many cases staff involved in the preparations will have been furloughed. Smaller businesses also often wont have had access to legal and consultancy resources to help them work through the consequences for their business.

The latest ONS survey indicated that 13% of companies were fully prepared for the end of transition while 14% were not prepared.

Over 30% of companies also stated that it was not a relevant issue and some of these may have been unaware of the impending changes.

ING considers; One thing that looks inevitable is a fall in manufacturing production in January - perhaps in the region of 3-4%.

There is also a big difference from theoretically being able to do business and actually doing business with EU companies potentially switching to single-market sources.

There are particular difficulties in the fresh food sector given the limited shelf life. Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, stated recently; The new post-Brexit customs system for meat products is convoluted, archaic and badly implemented.

If continental supermarkets are unable to have products delivered the way they need them to be, this trade will simply be lost as EU customers abandon UK suppliers and source product from European processors.

According to ING; In short, the situation is fairly bleak, but working out the magnitude of the impact on the wider economy is less straight forward.

There will be some substitution of EU imports with domestically-produced goods which will be an offsetting factor.

Even greater uncertainty over UK Services

ING also nots the importance of services and the greater degree of uncertainty compared with manufacturing. This is particularly important in the fields of documentation and regulation; at extreme levels, for example, UK service engineers could be prevented from operating in the EU.

ING notes; This is where the UKs competitive advantage lies, and it is also where arguably life outside the single market is more complex.

According to Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, indicated the extent of concerns; There is so much complexity. Its like an onion - the more you peel, the more you cry.

Weak UK investment a major source of concern

ING also points to longer-term uncertainty which will tend to erode investment; Even before Covid-19 struck, investment had underperformed G7 peers, and this is likely to continue in the post-Covid-19 recovery phase.

Brexiteers will point to the ability to expand trade outside the EU and there will also be increased opportunities to boost the UK competitive position through innovation etc.

Benefits, however, are liable to be reaped over the longer-term while the costs will be concentrated in the short term.

According to ING, these barriers will likely prevent the UK economy returning to its pre-virus size until late 2022 at the earliest.

The coronavirus impact will still act as important cover for the next few months at least, but trade developments will still have an important impact on Sterling sentiment.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Frontline workers and people 75 years and older started getting the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. People in both Phase 1A and 1B can now make appointments to get vaccinated.

The Madison County Health Department and the Morgan County Health Department encourage you to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but they are taking walk-ins while supplies last.

The Madison County Health Department plans to give about 500 doses of the vaccine every day this week.

The Morgan County Health Department plans to give about 300 doses of the vaccine every day this week.

WAAY 31 spoke with people after receiving the vaccine and everyone said they were excited to get the vaccine and were thankful to be part of getting the virus under control. Johnny Lacour said the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh any fears he may have had.

I just thank God that I was able to come take this shot and done get it over with," he said. "Yes, I was scared at first, but I listened to other people but I had to take matters into my own hands. You know, do I want to live or die? Today I want to live.

A spokesperson with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Judy Smith, wants to remind everyone to be patient with them.

Please be patient. Please know that were committed. Please know that were not going to give up, were in this with you and were going to keep going as long as necessary in order for those that need and want a vaccine, to have that vaccine. So, just hang in there, keep doing the things you need to do, and were in it with you.

Smith said the Morgan County Health Departments goal is to vaccinate 1,500 people by the end of the week.
An OnlyFans model who earns an impressive $200,000 a month has insisted that her Christianity does not prevent her from stripping off for money.

Lindsay Capuano, 22, from Connecticut, has opened up about why she does not believe that God will judge her for taking her clothes off.

Lindsay, a practicing Christian who 'prays every night', frequently shares racy lingerie pictures with her two million followers on Instagram, but insists that her religion does not interfere with her career.

OnlyFans model Lindsay Capuano, 22, from Connecticut, has opened up about why she does not believe that God will judge her for taking her kit off for money

Lindsay, a practicing Christian who 'prays every night', shares racy lingerie pictures with her two million followers on Instagram, but insists that religion does not interfere with her career

She explained: 'God will love you no matter what  that's what I was taught in my household, school and church.

'I pray every single night. I pray for whatever I feel I need to that day. I pray for my family, my fans, myself.'

The model started raking in more than $200,000 a month after signing up for OnlyFans, an online subscription service where creators provide exclusive content to their fans.

But Lindsay, who grew up attending Catholic private school and regularly attends church with her family, says her religion has never stopped her from doing she wants.

She explained: 'My family is Christian but very laid-back, my religion has never interfered or stopped me from doing anything I've wanted to do.'

The model started raking in more than $200,000 a month after signing up for OnlyFans, an online subscription service where creators provide exclusive content to their fans

Lindsay previously worked at a Christian daycare center but quit her job after deciding to focus on social media and OnlyFans full-time

Lindsay previously worked at a Christian daycare center but quit her job after deciding to focus on social media and OnlyFans full-time.

She said: 'Throughout the summers of 2016 to 2018, I worked at a private Christian daycare.

'I actually loved the job and I really enjoyed working with the children.

'But when things started really taking off last summer on Instagram and Snapchat, it didn't make sense to go back.'

She said that her Christian parents are very supportive of her decision and join her in celebrating her achievements, including reaching two million Instagram followers.

She admitted that she feels extremely lucky to have such accepting parents, who have always taught her that God will love her no matter what she chooses to do.

Lindsay explained: 'My parents are supportive of whatever I choose to do. They have always been that way.

'They are so proud of me, we celebrate every time I reach another million followers on Instagram.

She said that her Christian parents are lucky very supportive of her career and join her in celebrating her achievements, including reaching two million Instagram followers

Lindsay currently earns around $6,600 a day from posting her half-naked photographs online, but earns most of her money from fans who give her tips

'I'm blessed to have the family I do. I know a lot of parents aren't as accepting as mine, so I consider myself to be very lucky and never take it for granted.'

The model currently earns around $6,600 a day from posting her half-naked photographs online, but rakes in most of her income from fans who give her tips.

She said: 'I have multiple amazing fans who tip me $1,000 to $3,000 every day, sometimes.'

But the social media sensation said she does receive some strange requests from her fans, including one who requested an armpit video - which she declined.

And she also admitted that one person even asked her to send them jars of used bathwater, which they wanted to drink.

She continued: 'I've pretty much heard every crazy request there is.

'Some fans have asked me to send them jars filled with my used bathwater, so they could drink it.

'I was asked to make an armpit video  they offered quite a lot for it, but I politely declined that one.'

Despite the strange requests, she said that her fans' devotion to her and the positive feedback she receives makes her feel more confident and 'sexier' in herself.

Lindsay said: 'It actually makes me feel sexier and more confident because I take all of the positive feedback I get from my fans personally.

But the social media sensation said she has also received some strange requests from her fans, including one who requested an armpit video - which she declined

Modelling is not Lindsay's only passion, as she also hopes to pursue a career in singing in the future, and is working with an award-winning music producer

'A nice original genuine compliment goes a long way with me.'

But modelling is not Lindsay's only passion, as she also hopes to pursue a career in singing in the future.

She has posted videos of her singing on YouTube and Instagram since she was just 14 years old and plans to devote more of her time to her music.

Lindsay added that the COVID-19 lockdown has helped her keep her focus on her singing, and even teased that she is currently working with an award-winning producer.

She added: 'I have enjoyed singing all of life.

'I started taking voice lessons at the age of 10, was in choir in elementary and high school, and had leads in musical theater productions.

'I have also posted singing videos on YouTube and Instagram accounts since I was 14 years old.

'So I am now focusing my attention on singing  which lockdown has really helped with, actually  and I'm currently working with an award-winning producer creating original songs which will be available on iTunes once completed.'

PM warns Canada could impose new COVID-19 travel restrictions without notice.

Citing the evolving situation with the identified COVID-19 variants from other countries, the prime minister is strongly urging Canadians not to travel because federal travel rules could change very quickly.

In French, the prime minister implored anyone who has booked trips to cancel them, saying a vacation is not worth it given the uncertainty and chance of either contracting the virus or ending up stranded abroad.

He said the federal government is closely following the latest science on more transmissible strains, such as those from the U.K. and Brazil, and officials could impose new restrictions without advance notice at any time.

The government continues to advise against any non-essential travel, though that decision is left up to Canadians and no outright ban is in place.

Canadian airlines and travel companies continue to offer vacation packages and flight deals to warmer destinations, with flights departing from Canada daily.

Acknowledging that people have the right to travel, Trudeau said the government also has the ability to impose penalties for those endangering others health.

Canada has had restrictions on international travellers entering the country since mid-March 2020, as well as a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for anyone who returns from an international location.

In December, while some Canadians opted to vacation abroad, the federal government imposed new travel rules, including the requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight coming back into this country. As well, for a short period of time flights from the U.K. were banned with little notice, but have since resumed.

Violating any of Canadas international travel screening and self-isolation requirements can result in charges under the Quarantine Act, with maximum penalties of up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $75,000.

According to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, in Canada there have been 23 confirmed cases of the variant first reported in the U.K., and two cases of the South African strain. Further, the Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting nearly 200 recent international flights that have landed in Canada with at least one COVID-19 positive passenger aboard.

Every vacation travel we postpone for a better time in the future, every outing or activity we avoid, shorten, or limit to essentials helps to reduce spread of the virus, Tam said Tuesday.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:07 pm

A new report from the Governors Salmon Recovery Office shows a number of salmon and steelhead populations in Washington state are teetering on the brink of extinction, according to a Thursday press release by the state Recreation and Conservation Office.

The report, titled State of Salmon in Watersheds, shows that 10 of the 14 populations of salmon and steelhead listed as threatened or endangered in Washington under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) are not making progress. Of the 10, five are in crisis.

We have come a long way in addressing the factors killing salmon, said Erik Neatherlin, the executive coordinator of the Governors Salmon Recovery Office. Some salmon populations are strong and nearing recovery. Unfortunately, many challenges are outpacing restoration efforts, holding back recovery of the majority of salmon.

The report noted that salmon populations are expected to worsen as the climate warms and mountain glaciers, which feed cold, clean water to salmon-bearing streams in the summer, continue to disappear. In addition, Washingtons human population is expected to grow from 7.6 million to 9 million people by 2040, adding the equivalent of three more Seattles to the state.

More people means more demand for water and for land along waterways, both of which conflict with what salmon need, Neatherlin said. Its important to remember that Washingtonians rely heavily on salmon to support jobs in the fishing and tourism industries, as a food source and for traditional tribal culture and for recreation.

Cause and Effect

The report comes one month after the Washington Department Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that all but one coastal river (Quillauyute) was expected to have below the expected returns for steelhead. That prompted the WDFW to prohibit fishing for salmon and steelhead in coastal rivers from floating devices and the use of baits and scents, starting Dec. 14, 2020. The department is also closing coastal rivers sooner than usual, ranging from Feb. 1 to April 1, depending on the river.

On Monday, the Olympic National Park announced it will close the Queets River for steelhead fishing on Feb. 1 to protect the native run. The 2020-21 forecast for Queets wild steelhead is expected to be well below the escapement goal of 4,200 fish. Queets wild steelhead have failed to meet their escapement goal in each of the last four years, and returns in recent years were among the lowest on record.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved an application on Aug. 14, 2020 to expand a program to kill sea lions preying on threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin. The removal includes up to 540 California sea lions and 176 Stellar sea lions through 2025.

Finding a Solution

In 1991, Snake River sockeye salmon were the first salmon population in the Pacific Northwest to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Since then, 14 species have been listed in Washington. No species have been added since 2007, when Puget Sound steelhead were added to list, which included more than 50 stocks of summer- and winter-run steelhead.

We are making progress, Neatherlin said. However, we still are losing more ground than were gaining. We must come together and we must step up our actions. We know what needs to be done and we have the people in place to do the work, we now just need to make saving salmon a priority across Washington and provide the funding and resources to get it done. We must save salmon.

The report and accompanying website recommend a list of actions geared toward reducing the many factors that kill salmon. Following are a few of the reports recommendations:

 Adapt land-use and other regulations to accommodate salmon. Integrate and give priority to the needs of salmon and other natural resources in land-use plans, long-term infrastructure planning processes and related regulatory programs. The report also calls for increasing compliance and enforcement of existing land-use laws.

 Ensure clean, cold water in streams by reconnecting floodplains and protecting sources of groundwater and cold springs, which feed salmon-bearing streams in the late summer and during droughts.

 Improve fish passage by removing barriers to migration and re-introduce salmon to places above dams where theyve been blocked.

 Work with Indian tribes in Washington to establish a statewide standard for protecting fully-functioning and healthy land along streams and rivers for salmon.

 Fully-fund salmon recovery, which currently receives only 22 percent of the estimated need.

A Step in the Right Direction

Washington has been making steady progress restoring habitat in recent years. Since 2005, 20,013 acres of riparian areas have been treated and 12,008 acres of estuaries and near-shore areas have been treated.

Following the removal of the Elwha Dam in 2012, steelhead and all five of the native species of salmon in the Clallam County river have been making recoveries.

Other in-state dam removals on Trout Creek, Middle Fork Nooksack, Pilchuck and White Salmon rivers have boosted salmon and steelhead populations in those respective areas. There are currently efforts underway to improve passage at Mud Mountain Dam near Enumclaw, and to place salmon above dams where they have not been for nearly 100 years, such as at Chief Joseph Dam near Bridgeport and Grand Coulee Dam near the town of Grand Coulee.

Salmon are key indicators of the health of our environment, Neatherlin said. We are at a crossroads, and as we look forward, we need to come together to find solutions that work for salmon and people. Just as we develop long-range plans for roads, powerlines, development and other infrastructure, we need to begin to do the same for salmon if we want them to be around in the future.

For more information and to read the full report, visit https://stateofsalmon.wa.gov.

MILWAUKEE

Jan. 18, 2021

Milwaukee county

Milwaukee county

City of Milwaukee

Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Tom Barrett

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

David Crowley

March 2020

/PRNewswire/ --HealthyMKE, a website consolidating trusted resources and connectingresidents with COVID-19 vaccine and health resources, has launched. The site is sponsored by the Milwaukee Unified Emergency Operations Center (UEOC) and developed and maintained by INPOWER, a local Black, and woman-owned communications agency located in the 53206 Zip code.HealthyMKE offers a Vaccine Connector Tool which matches individuals and organizations identified in Phase 1A seeking vaccines with registered Vaccinator Organizations. HealthyMKE provides real-time updates on vaccine eligibility and vaccination sites inHealthyMKE also provides Frequently Asked Questions, access to the county's COVID-19 Dashboard, TestUpMKE, IMPACT 211 and Health Compass Milwaukee, along with flu shot locations, and 11 municipal health department websites. Spanish and Hmong translations will soon be available, along with webinars, podcasts, and email/text alerts for those who register to receive COVID-19 vaccine updates. Registering for alerts does not constitute a registration to receive the vaccine. Individuals should contact a health care provider to determine vaccine eligibility and schedule a vaccination."Over the course of the pandemic, we have looked to different sources for information - the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Milwaukee County COVID-19 Dashboard, thehealth department, the(MCW) and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)," saidMayor. "They, along with municipal health departments, health care providers and media have contributed to COVID-19 information available online forarea residents. HealthyMKE provides an easy to navigate, single source for the most valuable of these resources."HealthyMKE is supported with funding and resources from Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, MCW, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, United Healthcare Community Plan ofand the Alliance of Health Insurers."Public and private partnerships have incredible value in helping us navigate the pandemic. From our partnership to stop evictions in real time to sending critical aid to organizations working in historically underserved communities, partnerships have been key in meeting the needs of area residents during this tough time," said Milwaukee County Executive. "HealthyMKE is another example of the impact those partnerships have in providing needed resources and information to the community."Established in, the UEOC facilitates efforts among local government, fire, EMS, law enforcement, public health, health care, academia, the business community and others to coordinate and elevate a unified multi-sector public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing affected vulnerable populations.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/milwaukee-unified-emergency-operations-center-launches-healthymke-website--a-digital-hub-for-covid-19-vaccine-and-public-health-information-301210317.html



SOURCE Medical College of Wisconsin




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.


DENVER, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertafore today announced State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company (State Auto) and Leavitt Group are the latest industry partners to join its Commercial Submissions platform to drive innovation in market connectivity.

Commercial Submissions connects the end-insured, agents and carriers for simplified, real-time quoting on commercial policies. The platform works seamlessly within Vertafore's agency management systems, allowing agents to significantly reduce the labor-intensive, repetitive and time-consuming process of quoting commercial insurance coverage.

State Auto expands options with real-time capabilities

As a Commercial Submissions carrier design partner, State Auto has been working with Vertafore to bring additional capabilities and options to independent agents and their business customers. Starting in early 2021, State Auto, a leading commercial insurance carrier with multiple lines of coverage, plans to enable agents to use Commercial Submissions to quote business owners' policies (BOP) in real-time, followed by commercial auto and workers' compensation.

"State Auto strongly believes that digital distribution in the independent agent channel is the best path forward for the insurance industry. Vertafore continues to innovate in ways that enable carriers like us to help independent agents grow," said Brandon Bauer, State Auto vice president of platform distribution. "Integrating State Auto Connect, our fully digital quote and bind platform, with opportunities like Commercial Submissions brings even greater ease of use to our agents at a time where digital is becoming more and more important in commercial lines."

Top agency guides InsurTech development

Vertafore has also onboarded a number of its agency design partners onto Commercial Submissions, including Leavitt Group.

As the nation's twelfth largest privately held insurance brokerage, Leavitt Group is helping to drive the innovation behind Commercial Submissions. Known for their leadership in pioneering InsurTech, Leavitt Group is excited to help shape technology that will further the partnerships they have with carriers and move the insurance industry forward with a solution that their producers and account managers have long wanted.

"We write a large volume of small to medium commercial accounts, and we believe Vertafore's platform will be an absolute game changer for us," said Joe Callister, chief operating officer at Leavitt Group. "Providing guidance to small commercial clients is an important part of what we do each day. Automation and real-time connection with our carriers will significantly enhance our ability to efficiently service commercial accounts the way we want and the way our clients need."

Improving market connectivity for agents and carriers

With its live collaboration capabilities, Commercial Submissions lets agents quote commercial policies in minutes directly from their Vertafore management system. The solution pre-fills 80% of application fields from the agency's management system and allows agents to invite clients to review, change and/or approve quotes in real time, enabling agents to win business faster and easier than ever before.

"Automated integration with the carrier has added incredible speed and convenience in the personal insurance segment, and the need for that capability is just as great for commercial insurance," said Amy Zupon, Vertafore chief executive officer. "We're working closely with our carrier and agency design partners to build a solution that will truly enhance our customers' success across the insurance distribution channel."

About Vertafore

As North America's InsurTech leader for more than 50 years, Vertafore is modernizing and simplifying insurance distribution so that our customers can focus on what matters most: people. Vertafore's solutions provide end-to-end connectivity, improve the client and agent experience, unlock the power of data, and streamline essential workflows to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability for independent agencies and carriers. For more information about Vertafore, visit www.vertafore.com.

2021 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Liz Reilly

SSPR

[email protected]

SOURCE Vertafore

UPDATE: The teen has been found, according to police.



STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in locating a missing 17-year-old Willowbrook girl.

Shaniya Cole was last seen at her home on the 1100 block of Forest Hill Road at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Cole is described by police as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and 160 pounds with brown eyes and black hair, according to police.

She was last seen wearing a green jacket, blue jeans and gray sneakers and was carrying a black backpack, the police statement said.

The NYPD provided a photo of Cole.

Anyone with information in regard to this missing person is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
A rideshare driver and his passenger are among four people killed in two horror crashes in New South Wales this weekend.

A couple were travelling home in a Kia Carnival when it slammed head-on into a ute west of Muswellbrook, in the NSW Hunter region, at 9.30pm on Sunday.

Rob Baker, the driver, and one of his passengers, Tracey Strachan believed to be in her 60's, died at the scene.

The ute's driver, a man in his 30's, also died.

Ms Starchan's husband, Brad Strachan is fighting for life and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

Tracey Strachan (right) was killed and her husband, Brad (left) was airlifted to hospital following a fatal two vehicle crash that also killed both drivers

Rob Baker (right) was the driver of the rideshare who was instantly killed from the collision

The 30-year-old man behind the wheel of the ute died at the scene and an investigation is ongoing. Pictured: crash site at Muswellbrook

Hunter Valley Police Command Chief Inspector Guy Guiana said the couple regularly used rideshare services to get around.

Chief Inspector Guiana said the road was a 'reasonably well-maintained country road, fairly well used by local traffic'.

He speculated that 'one of the vehicles must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time' given the nature of the head-on collision.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the driver, Mr Baker to help the family cover the costs and support his family.

'Rob had a heart of gold and was a genuinely nice person who would of done anything to help anyone,' read the page.

He was the owner of the rideshare service, Movin.

Tiarni Jean Simpson, 18 (right) was killed when a Toyota Landcruiser crashed into Allyn River on Sunday

In another crash at Upper Allyn, an 18-year-old woman, Tiarni Jean Simpson, was killed while a second woman was injured following a one vehicle crash on Sunday.

According to reports, a Toyota Landcruiser lost control and crashed into Allyn River after it had rolled down an embankment.

Three men, Sam Hinder, Benn Hinder and Todd Knox rushed to the car and freed the female passenger using a knife to cut her out from her seatbelt.

They performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

'It hard to get her through the window so we had to get the door open and get her out,' Sam Hinder told The Daily Telegraph.

'Then we lifted her on top of the car and commenced CPR.'

NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and continued to revive Ms Simpson but sadly she died at the scene.

The driver of the car, an 18-year-old woman was able to get out of the vehicle and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

She screamed for help.

Police have established a crime scene at both crash sites and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding them is underway.

Reports will be prepared for the coroner.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday justified the Duterte administration's decision to abruptly end the Department of National Defense's agreement with the University of the Philippines that prohibits the entry of state forces in its campuses without prior notice.

He claimed the three-decade old agreement accorded to UP out of courtesy is now obsolete because there is a need to protect the majority of Filipinos against a university that has become a "breeding ground" of groups with extremist beliefs to recruit students to go against the government.

"The countrys premier state university has become a safe haven for enemies of the state. The Department of National Defense will neither renege nor shirk on its duty to protect the rights of the majority. It will not tolerate those who will violate the laws of the land in the guise of lawful public dissent, free assembly, and free speech," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana also said UP cannot be given special treatment and be regarded like the demilitarized zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, where the military cannot enter without coordination.

"What makes UP so special? We are not your enemies. We are here to protect our people, especially our youth," he said in a tweet.

Philippine National Police Chief Debold Sinas expressed support for the DND's decision, saying the deal failed to serve its purpose.

"The agreement between the DND and UP that limits police and military presence in all its campuses nationwide did not serve the best interest of public order and security in all 30 years that the accord was in effect," he said in a statement.

The top cop vowed that the law will be observed at all times regardless of the termination of the accord. He said the PNP would respond to reports of police abuse in the UP campuses.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who previously served as PNP Chief, said the military and police should come up with an agreement with UP on boundaries to be observed now that the agreement has been scrapped. He said this will ensure that it will not affect the culture of academic freedom in the state university.

"If it is designed to muzzle the academic and other freedoms being enjoyed by UP in general, you can describe it as that  overstepping," he said.

In a letter made public on Monday, DND informed UP officials that it is ending the 1989 accord that barred the police and military from entering any of its campuses without notifying school officials, citing the supposed "clandestine recruitment" of students in communist organizations. The letter, however, said that no military nor police personnel would be stationed inside campuses.

The UP-DND Accord states that prior to entering any UP campus, the military and police must give notice to university officials. An earlier agreement, inked by student leader Sonia Soto and ex-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile in 1982, protected the autonomy of the university from military intervention.

Soto said it is now time for the "iskolar ng bayan" to fight back against the government's decision to end the agreement that protects students.

"We fought hard from 1977-1982 for what we called democratic reform movement in campuses nationwide... It's now the Iska/Iskos of today's turn to fight for this historic accord," she said in a statement.

UP President Danilo Concepcion urged Lorenzana to reconsider his decision and revoke the abrogation.

"I must express our grave concern over this abrogation, as it is totally unnecessary and unwarranted, and may result in worsening rather than improving relations between our institutions, and detract from our common desire for peace, justice, and freedom in our society," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Vice President Leni Robredo, some lawmakers, and progressive youth groups also denounced the DND's sudden decision to abrogate the agreement.

RELATED: Lawmakers, youth groups denounce termination of UP-DND pact

The Duterte administration has repeatedly red-tagged students of UP. President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the state university of recruiting students to join the communist insurgency. He previously threatened to defund UP after confusion following calls of academic strike.
Detectives investigating Melissa Caddick's disappearance are working under the belief she's 'still alive' and are examining her high-end cars and computers for clues.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller revealed on Tuesday that the wealthy businesswoman and accused fraudster's disappearance remains a missing persons' investigation.

'We are treating the case as she is still alive,' the commissioner told Radio 2GB's Ben Fordham breakfast program.

Police are still searching for CCTV footage, doorknocking Dover Heights residents and 'downloading information from her cars (and) computers', Mr Fuller said.

Ms Caddick's baffling disappearance is just weeks away from crossing a critical threshold in the world of police missing person's investigations.

Melissa Caddick vanished from her Dover Heights home on or about November 12 last year and hasn't been seen since. The timing was conspicuous, coming two days after she was raided

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said detectives are examining her cars (such as this $300,000 Audi R8) for clues

Ms Caddick is believed to have disappeared from her Dover Heights home on or about November 12, or just two days she was raided over an investigation by the corporate regulator ASIC over the alleged misappropriating her clients' funds.

As of Tuesday, Ms Caddick, who posed as a financial adviser, has been missing for some 68 days. Should she not be found in 90 days - in three weeks' time - she will be designated a 'long term missing person'.

That means she would likely appear on the Federal Police's nation-wide missing persons' registry. She's already listed on a state-based equivalent.

Mr Fuller, above, noted it is quite difficult to disappear completely in 2021 given peoples' electronic footprints

Last year, police said some 99 per cent of cases were solved before reaching the 90 day mark.

In 2020, only 18 disappearances surpassed that threshold.

Meanwhile, Ms Caddick's husband, Anthony Koletti, is believed to have ditched the family $6.1million Dover Heights mansion and to have shacked up with his in-laws at their Edgecliff unit.

He has been driving a Mercedes rather than his $300,000 Audi R8 recently and has been spotted driving about the eastern suburbs, 'music blaring', an observer said.

Despite the ongoing investigation, a police source told Daily Mail Australia the agency doesn't currently have any of Ms Caddick's vehicles in its custody.

Mr Fuller also alluded to police exploring other avenues for clues.

Ms Caddick's father-in-law, tax agent Rodo Koletti, lashed out at 'innuendo' spread online about his family by wannabe cyber sleuths earlier this month.

Rodo threatened to call in the lawyers over posts on a Facebook discussion group where false claims about the Koletti family have previously been published - including about people with the same last name but who are not at all related to the clan.

Ms Caddick's hairdresser and DJ husband, Anthony Koletti, is believed to have ditched their $6.1 million Dover Heights home to shack up with his in-laws

Ms Caddick, 49, used to live an extravagant lifestyle with her husband (on right, she is wearing a Stefano Canturi necklace she claims was valued at $250,000)

'I feel sorry that Melissa is missing, but also feel very sorry for the innocent people who may have been "defrauded" of their hard earned life savings,' Mr Koletti senior said.

It is not suggested Anthony Koletti - or any of his relatives for that matter - played any role in the disappearance of Ms Caddick, who posed as a financial adviser.

A separate ASIC investigation remains on foot into claims Ms Caddick misappropriated tens of millions of investors' money in her 'financial advisory' firm, Maliver Pty Ltd.

Ms Caddick is accused of doctoring fake CommSec documents showing her clients were making extraordinary returns. One example, revealed by Daily Mail Australia, showed a client reaping a 257 per cent profit.

That CommSec document was not genuine, banking industry sources confirmed, and ASIC has made similar claims of her alleged deception in filings lodged with the Federal Court.

Police were told Ms Caddick may have left her home on a morning run on November 12. Officers said she may have been wearing a black singlet, leggings and silver Nike runners.

'There are serious concerns for the welfare of the missing person,' a statement said.
In May 2020, interventional nephrologist Gautam Bhanushali, MD, first used the Ellipsys System to create a type of dialysis access known as an endovascular fistula at NANI Vascular's Willow Springs Surgery Center in Justice, Ill. He has completed nearly a dozen Ellipsys procedures to date, and NANI plans to implement the Ellipsys technology at its other five outpatient vascular access centers in the near future.

"It's a very safe procedure, and research shows that fistulas created with Ellipsys can be used for dialysis sooner than surgically-created ones and that they also work for much longer periods of time," said Dr. Bhanushali . "Patients find this new process much more appealing. Not only are they coming in for a procedure that has a higher likelihood of success, but it requires only a single needle stick instead of surgery, so they walk out with just a band aid on their arm. Our goal is to make the lives of dialysis patients easier, and that's exactly what Ellipsys does."

Hemodialysis requires access to the patient's bloodstream, which is typically created by establishing a permanent connection between an artery and a vein in the arm known as a fistula. For the past 50 years, the only way to create a fistula was with a complex surgery that causes considerable discomfort and requires long recovery times. In contrast, the Ellipsys System uses a small needle puncture and catheter under ultrasound to create a fistula without the need for incisions or stitches. The Ellipsys procedure can be done in as little as 30 minutes in an outpatient setting and requires very little recovery time.

In Illinois, nearly 32,000 people have ESRD, many of whom must visit a dialysis center several times a week for life-saving treatment. For these patients, any improvement in quality of life can have a significant impact. Dr. Bhanushali estimates that as many as 60 percent of patients who require a fistula would be eligible for the Ellipsys procedure.

Patients who have had the new procedure say that the benefits are obvious.

"This technology is so innovative," said James Millsap, a 45-year old cybersecurity technical analyst from Aurora, who had his fistula created with the Ellipsys System in June 2020. "The procedure was virtually painless and my fistula is so inconspicuous, you wouldn't even know I have itit's perfect."

Millsap expects that the procedure will enable him to continue his active lifestyle, working full time and going to graduate school, in addition to going to dialysis three times a week. A lifelong athlete who once competed in Olympic trials, he even expects to begin competitive swimming again.

Another important advantage of the Ellipsys System is that it reduces or even eliminates the amount of time that dialysis patients will require a central venous catheter (CVC). Compared to fistulas, CVCs are associated with significantly higher rates of complications, like infection and even deathyet 80 percent of patients in the U.S. still start their dialysis with a catheter.

For NANI, the use of the Ellipsys System will be a key part of the practice's participation in the Kidney Care First (KCF) model, part of the federal government's Advancing American Kidney Care initiative, according to chief executive officer Brian O'Dea. The initiative is designed to improve kidney patient health and quality of life, a large part of which is having ESRD patients begin dialysis with fistulas instead of CVCs.

"Having a well-informed patient start dialysis with a functional fistula, under the care of a nephrologist, is invaluable," said O'Dea. "That's what is being incentivized under these programs, and we're pleased that the Ellipsys technology helps us comply with their guidelines and make a difference for our patients."

The Ellipsys Vascular Access System is currently available at the Willow Springs Surgery Center in Justice, Ill. Patients can call (708) 594-3513 or visit willowspringssurgery.com to request an appointment.

About NANI

With over 125 kidney specialists in three states, nationally renowned NANI is the largest Nephrology practice in the United States. In addition to its growing network of medical offices and dialysis centers, NANI has expanded to include other patient services, including diagnostic labs and high blood pressure specialty centers; peritoneal dialysis training and support for home dialysis; and pre- and post-transplant care provided by transplant specialists. NANI nephrologists coordinate the best patient care, from chronic kidney disease management to outpatient vascular access procedures to dialysis care.

Contact: Emily Frederick

Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana

630-974-5258

[email protected]

SOURCE Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI)
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low near 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
This is a fundamental fact of life: no one like to be sold. We dont need to be sold on buying food, water or heat. We must have it to live.
Salem County Music Around the County will host a virtual jazz concert with guitarist and composer Brian Betz and saxophonist Denis DiBlasio 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.

Originally planned as a live show, Music Around the County concerts will remain virtual due to COVID-19, until it is safe to gather in person. The concert may be accessed from the Music Around the County Facebook page or from the webpage musicaroundthecountysalem.com.

Betz and DiBlasio have been performing and composing together for over 20 years. Betz was a student of DiBlasio at Rowan University.

Prior to teaching at Rowan, DiBlasio toured as part of Maynard Fergusons band. DiBlasio was instrumental in arranging for Ferguson to receive an honorary doctorate from Rowan in 2000, when the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz was created. DiBlasio received his masters degree from the University of Miami. He is the executive director of the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz at Rowan University and is a saxophonist, composer, arranger and musical director for the institute. He has released nine CD on the Encounter Records label.

Betz is a guitarist, composer and educator based in South Jersey who regularly performs throughout the United States. He holds bachelors and masters degrees from Rowan. Betz won the Betty Carter International Jazz Competition in 2004 and 2007 and was a runner-up for the 2006 Henry Mancini Jazz Competition. He currently teaches jazz guitar and improvisation at Rowan. Brian currently has six CD available on the Dreambox Media label.

Send community news to south@njadvancemedia.com.
DETROIT, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 11, 2021, reference publisher Omnigraphics will release its new diversity title, the resource guide Understanding and Navigating Discrimination in America, edited by Jamie Maniloff.

Understanding and Navigation Discrimination in America

Designed to serve as a resource guide, expanding upon, and increasing access to diversity content in libraries, schools, and in the workplace, Understanding and Navigating Discrimination in America covers the history, social movements and progression of systemic discrimination and racism in America, while providing important information directly addressing these issues today.

"As a resource guide it is easy to navigate, with key links to organizations, local and national support groups, and government agencies to help readers identify, report, and manage discrimination," says editor Jamie Maniloff.

"It is a must-have resource for any library," says Shauntee Burns-Simpson, President, Black Caucus of the American Library Association. "In order to move forward from the ugly effects of racism, we as a society have to look back, see how we got here, and purposely make changes to move forward. This book uncovers the constraints that People of Color experience and provides information to support the ongoing change needed in our country."

Understanding and Navigating Discrimination in America explores the psychology behind discrimination and its impact on physical, mental, psychological, and social wellbeing. The book covers how presidential administrations throughout U.S. history, from Abraham Lincoln to Donald Trump, have affected racism, and how significant historical events and empowerment movements like the Civil Rights Act, Women's Suffrage, the surge of Islamophobia after the 911 terrorist attacks, Black Lives Matter (BLM), Me Too (#metoo), and more, have brought us to where we are today.

"Understanding and Navigating Discrimination in America is an incisive exploration of strategies to combat and conquer discrimination," says Kelvin Watson, Director of Broward County Libraries. "It is the right book, at the right time."

Omnigraphics is a reference publisher headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, which was launched in 1985 by Fred Ruffner, founder of Gale Research, and is now part of the global data intelligence company, Aggregate Intelligence, Inc. Since 1985, Omnigraphics has been carrying out the mission of providing authoritative and engaging reference products for libraries, schools, and businesses, delivering high quality content in innovative and traditional ways, based on the needs and preferences of users. Flagship products include The Health Reference Library with 100+ key health topics, The Teen Resource Center, packed with practical and engaging reference content for teens, and the new Omnigraphics title, "Understanding and Navigating Discrimination in America," part of the new diversity collection. To learn more, visit www.omnigraphics.com

Media Contact: Omnigraphics Nina Mendiola, Marketing Specialist 615 Griswold St., Suite 520 [email protected] Detroit, MI 48226 313-437-9784



SOURCE Omnigraphics
Wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager, Burns & Wilcox, has promoted Bonnie Steen and Cain Webber in management roles in its New Orleans office.

Steen has been promoted to managing director from vice president, associate managing director; and Webber has been promoted to associate managing director from manager, commercial insurance.

In her role as managing director, Steen leads the growth strategy of the New Orleans location, which is consistently amongst the largest Burns & Wilcox offices. Steen also oversees and manages operations of the New Orleans team while simultaneously supporting the Monroe and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, locations. With more than 35 years of industry experience, she is known as a go-to surplus lines insurance professional with a highly-regarded specialization in catastrophic property. She has been integral in supporting brokers, agents and partners through some of the most severe weather events after many admitted markets withdrew from the region.

Steen also demonstrates her commitment to the industry through involvement with the Louisiana Surplus Line Association, the Insurance Professionals of Greater New Orleans, and as a certified Continuing Education instructor.

Steen reports to Blaise DAntoni, executive vice president, Burns & Wilcox, South Region. As the former managing director of New Orleans, DAntoni remains directly involved with day-to-day operations while playing a more active role with the offices he oversees throughout the U.S. South region, ranging from Texas to the Carolinas.

In his new role as associate managing director, Webber will assist in the New Orleans offices growth strategy, working alongside Steen. He has been with Burns & Wilcox for more than a decade and has held various roles with increased leadership responsibilities during his tenure. He currently oversees the Commercial Underwriting department, which is known for its national partner relationships and consistency in retaining and growing business. Webber has experience and knowledge working with London syndicates and contracts.

Burns & Wilcox is a member of H.W. Kaufman Group.

Source: Burns & Wilcox

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 man found with around 12,000 of stolen clothing in his house has been jailed for two years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that on May 30, 2019 gardai began an investigation after a break in of North Face Ireland storage depot during which 45,000 worth of merchandise was stolen.

On June 3, 2019 gardai went to the home of Gerard Carey (43) in Tallaght with a search warrant. During a search they found North Face clothing in the house.

Some of the items had been taken out of packing boxes and some other items were lying on the bed with merchandising tags still on.

The wholesale value of the items seized was 12,000 and none of the other merchandise has been recovered, the court heard.

Carey subsequently pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to knowingly or recklessly being in possession of stolen property at his home at Drumcairn Avenue, Tallaght.

Garda Stephen Neylon told the court that Carey's 70 previous convictions include a number of theft offences. In 2013 he received a partially suspended eight year prison term for armed robbery.

Carey told gardai that he had no involvement in the burglary of the premises and had just agreed to hold the items in his home, where he lives with his mother.

Phillip Rahn BL, defending, said his client has had drug addiction issues in the past and has made efforts to address these.

Judge Melanie Greally said the value of the stolen items was very significant.

Even if his self professed role was truthful, he was providing a very valuable facility to persons higher up the hierarchy, she said.

She noted his addiction issues and suspended the final year of a three year prison term on condition he engage with the Probation Services.








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.
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.
Ten years ago last Thursday, the dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali fled Tunisia and his regime fell. He had been under intense public pressure for several weeks, ever since a fruit vendor named Mohammed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest his treatment by police, sparking mass protests. The fall of Ben Ali was a seminal moment in the wave of regional uprisings that quickly came to be known as the Arab Spring, with demonstrators from North Africa to the Gulf demanding economic dignity, democracy, and greater freedoms, including of speech and the press. The protests were documented on social media, including by citizen journalists who relayed compelling scenes of repression and revolution across the world.

Tunisia has since embarked on a transition to democracy, and journalists have been among the beneficiaries. In 2010, the country ranked one-hundred-and-sixty-fourth (out of one-hundred-and-seventy-eight countries) on Reporters Without Borderss press-freedom index; last year, it ranked seventy-second. (For context, the US ranked forty-fifth.) Freedom of expression is one of the gains of the revolution in 2010, whether in the media or on social networks, or simply in cafes as a fear that once reigned has truly dissipated, Layli Foroudi, a freelance journalist who has written for CJR on the push to reform Tunisias state news agency, told me last week. In her two years reporting out of Tunis, the countrys capital, Foroudi says that the authorities have approved her press accreditation without any problemsa far cry from the Ben Ali era, when Abdelwahab Abdallah, an official known locally as Tunisias Goebbels, sought to control journalists speechand independent outlets such as Inkyfada, a news site that worked on the Panama Papers and other transnational investigations, have flourished. Many challenges remain, however. Over the years, the government has continued to harass reporters, and the climate has worsened since the election, in 2019, of President Kais Saied; last year, two bloggers, Anis Mabrouki and Hajer Awadi, were prosecuted for criticizing Tunisias response to the pandemic. (Mabrouki was acquitted; Awadi was convicted then freed on appeal.) Old habits among long-time staffers die hard and corrupt practices remain, Foroudi says. In recent days, protests have flared again, and the authorities have responded with mass arrests.

New from CJR: Punchbowls Jake Sherman on Capitol coverage in the new Washington

Beyond Tunisia, the pictureboth for democracy and for the mediais significantly bleaker. In the months following the Arab Spring, countries whose old regimes fell failed to codify advances in media freedom, and regimes that survived cracked down on dissenting voices with fresh vigor; by 2015, regional journalism associations had concluded that, on the whole, press freedom was even worse than it had been prior to the uprisings. Media organs that had proved crucial to the uprisings degenerated with dismaying rapidity into highly partisan platforms serving state authorities or political factions, Marc Lynch, a political scientist at George Washington University, wrote that year in the Journal of Democracy, and both mass media and social media magnified the fear and uncertainty that inevitably accompany transitions. In the years since, journalists working in many Middle Eastern countries have been variously arrested, jailed, and expelled, or harassed with bogus lawsuits, spyware, and coordinated pro-regime troll swarms on social media. In all, the story of the last decade has been one of an unprecedented toll paid mostly by local journalists who, in wave after wave, have faced retaliationmany of them because of their role in covering the protests, Sherif Mansour, Middle East and North Africa program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists, told me recently. By the end of 2020, one of every three journalists behind bars worldwide was in the Middle East.

That is true thanks, in no small part, to Egypt, where the regime of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who came to power in a military coup in 2013, has become one of the worlds most prolific jailers of journalists, as well as strangling online news sites and formalizing highly restrictive speech laws. As leaders around the world take aim at fake news, Ruth Margalit wrote for CJR in 2019, Egypts efforts may be the most brutal, and the most foreboding. Since 2010, the country has dropped nearly forty places on RSFs index and is now among the fifteen worst countries for press freedom globally. Bahrainwhere the ruling dynasty survived mass protests and has since clamped down hard on reporters and citizen journalists, including by stripping some of them of their citizenshipdropped twenty-five places since 2010 and sits even lower than Egypt. Libya, Syria, and Yemenwhich all saw significant uprisings in 2011, and where local journalists have since been torn between competing factions amid years of brutal conflictall remain near the bottom of RSFs list; in Syria alone, hundreds of journalists, including the celebrated war reporter Marie Colvin, have been killed since 2011. The press-freedom climate has also stagnated or deteriorated in countries including Iraq, Jordan, Oman, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, of course, brazenly assassinated the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

We have seen many prosecutions since 2015 targeting people for things they said on Twitter at the heat of the moment during the Arab Spring years. At the time, tweets felt ephemeral and most people never thought they would one day down the road come to haunt them, a journalist in the Gulf region, who requested anonymity in order to speak candidly, told me. Looking back now, it is hard not to feel that the window of freedom at the start of the Arab Spring was fleeting and deceivingly full of hope. What we are left with today is an atmosphere of fear where most peopleincluding journalistshave to make a difficult choice between silence or exile.

Sign up for CJR 's daily email

Still, the decade marker is too soon to close the book on the Arab Spring, and the various regional pushes for democracy that have followed it. Journalists and activists in the region are quick to point out that young people in many countries are now less scared to confront power than their parents were. In Algeria, for instance, a street movement known as the Hirak sprung up in 2019 and forced the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the countrys long-term president. The new administration has close ties to the old one and continued to suppress speech, including by jailing journalists and blocking news sites. But protests continued, too, well into 2020.

Whichever way we lookto any country in the region and at any levelthings look terrifying. But thats not the full picture, Alia Ibrahim, cofounder and CEO of Daraj, a Lebanon-based Arabic news site, told me this morning. You cant expect societies to change in months and years, and a closer look shows a lot has been achieved in the last decade. She added, The dreamers that took the streets ten years ago are maturing into reformers, in all fieldsthe media included. We should have no illusions. Today, we have no reason to celebrate any big successes, but we do have not only the right but the obligation to be hopeful that what we have started will eventually win. This is how history works and there is no turning back.

Below, more on press freedom around the world:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Major stories you may have missed since the insurrection

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
By Misairi Thembo Kahungu

When President Museveni is sworn in on May 12, he will take the first step towards joining the club of longest serving African leaders who have led their countries for 40 years and are still in the bidding.

His re-election last Thursday will take Mr Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since January 1986, to 40 years in power by the next General Election in 2026.

The President, now aged 76, will be 81 by then. His party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) also won majority of seats in the next Parliament.

Mr Museveni has benefited from two constitutional amendments that came up at a time he was becoming ineligible to seek re-election by removing the constitutional limitations to his candidature.

The first amendment was in 2005 when Parliament voted to amend the Constitution to remove presidential term limits.

Without the amendment, Mr Museveni would have been ineligible to contest in 2006 elections having served the two terms from 1996.

In December 2017, Parliament again amended the Constitution, removing Article 102b to lift the presidential age limit.

The upper cap was 75 years while the lower cap was 35 years.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/museveni-joins-africa-s-longest-serving-leaders-3261008
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has labelled the organisers behind a tent city homeless camp in the heart of Fremantle as anarchists who were exploiting vulnerable people.

Mr McGowan said those behind the volunteer-driven camp, set up at the port citys Pioneer Park on Boxing Day, were professional protesters linked to groups like climate change activists Extinction Rebellion and urged the homeless people staying at the park to seek help from state government-run services.

Tents have been pitched in Pioneer Park in Fremantle for homeless people. Credit:Erin Guy

Im quite frustrated by this, Mr McGowan said when asked about the camp at a press conference on Tuesday morning.

There are professional protesters organising people to go to that camp. Many of those people already have accommodation and there are services available.

ASHLAND, Ore.  This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a number of local leaders have taken up a challenge  to read Dr. King's book, "Why We Can't Wait," and reflect upon his life and legacy here in the Rogue Valley community.

The organization Southern Oregon MLK Day issued the challenge, paired with the virtual screening of a short film on Monday, as well as a discussion hosted via Facebook Live.

"In addition to honoring his legacy it's important to understand the organizing Dr. King lead and how it impacts American society then and now," the organization said ahead of Monday's screening. "We see that we are still facing many of the same inequities today as in Dr. King's time which is exactly 'Why We Can't Wait.'"

"These disturbing events have bolstered our resolve and the pressing urgency of Dr. King's nonviolent tactics, his calls for unity and his unwavering committement to positive change for all people," said Vance Beach, a member of B.A.S.E. Southern Oregon. "We're convinced more than ever that the time is now, and that we truly cannot wait any longer."

There will be virtual discussions beginning February 5 so that people can delve into the book after reading it. As of Monday evening, all of those discussions were full  Southern Oregon MLK said that more sessions may be offered later in the Spring if there is enough interest.

You can sign up to be notified of future discussion on the group's website.
On January 20th, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. Once inaugurated, he will be, at 78 years and 61 days old, the oldest President to date. His Vice President, the former Senator Kamala Harris, will be the first woman to hold the office, as well as the first person of African American and of South Asian descent.

Indeed, the inauguration of the 46th President will be unusual in many respects. As tradition dictates, President-elect Biden and Vice-President elect Harris will take their Oaths of Office on the west side of the U.S. Capitol building overlooking the expansive grassy grounds of the National Mall. As has been the case since 1981, seating for guests of honor and members of Congress will be set up on the steps and terrace there. But whereas in the past 200,000 or more tickets to the ceremony were allotted to Senators and members of the House of Representatives to distribute among their constituents, due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year each lawmaker will only receive one extra ticket. No more than 3,000 people will be allowed onto the Capitol grounds.

In the past, as many as 1.8 million citizens watched and celebrated the ceremony and the confirmation of the incoming leadership from the National Mall grounds. But not this year. Once the Inaugural Ceremony is finished, 80 percent of the festivities will be virtual: televised, but not attended in person by the usual crowd of one million plus celebrants. This includes the Inaugural Parade and the Pass in Review, a tradition that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power, wherein the incoming president surveys a group of uniformed members of the military. Thats in keeping with the Presidents primary dutyto keep the American people safe, be it from external threats, domestic malefactors, or Covid-19.

In taking this oath, the President affirms his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. Whatever his personal feelings, party loyalty or religious convictions, he or she is bound to follow the provisions of these fundamental laws. Once sworn in, he or she is President of all Americans everywhere, regardless of whom they voted for and whether they agree with his or her policies. From the Inauguration on, the President heeds the national motto: E Pluribus Unum. Out of the many, one.
Last week, my family and I visited Rainbow Springs during a short winter staycation. We were blown away at the beauty of the place. The natural elements were breathtaking, but there were manmade parts that also made an impact. Here's the history of the state park.

The neighborhood where I live becomes a war zone on holidays that feature fireworks, so my family and I usually plan a trip to avoid them. This year, our plans changed last minute and we were faced with the dilemma of booking something spur-of-the-moment, or succumbing to a sleepless night of everlasting explosions, crying babies and terrified pets.

I found the most adorable rental on Airbnb. A tiny house resort about three hours away. The only issue being that it was in the middle of nowhere. Despite my husbands reluctance, I insisted we go ahead and book the trip to Williston, Fla.

Its only a couple of days, I said. Surely there are a few nearby parks or attractions worth seeing.

I planned out a short road trip, stopping in the Goethe State Forest on the way there. I wanted to see the Big Cyprus Boardwalk Trail, a popular attraction on SR 121. We drove down a gravel road for about three miles before reaching the trail head. After that, it was a short half-mile hike, which culminated at a 900-year-old Cyprus tree. It was an easy walk for the kids (ages 4 & 5) and a much needed mental health break for us parents, who had to ride the car with said kids for multiple hours. My husband felt the tree was a little underwhelming (I probably hyped it up too much), but for this Florida girl whos used to mangroves and sea grapes, it was impressive. In addition, the boardwalk trail along the cypress swamp was beautiful and definitely worth the short detour.

Next, we arrived at the Homestead Tiny House Resort. The house where we stayed was absolutely adorable. We felt right at home in the charming cabin. Located downtown in a neighborhood, it was within walking distance to several restaurants all of which were closed for the holiday. So we rang in the New Year with Chinese food and Netflix.

The next day, we headed 20 minutes south to Rainbow Springs. Id read that access is limited, especially during Covid, so we arrived as early as possible, around 9:00 a.m. There were plenty of parking spaces at that time and we walked right into the state park.

I wasnt sure what to expect as we were walking in. Manmade pools around the entrance were neglected and filled with green algae. However once, we got through the gates, the landscape opened up and down a wooded hill was one of the most beautiful landscapes Ive ever seen. The view was absolutely breathtaking. The water was so lovely, we all got in our bathing suits and jumped in. We had the entire swimming area to ourselves.

Rainbow Springs is one of the largest in Florida. It was utilized for thousands of years by Native-Americans. In the early 20th Century, it was used for phosphate. However it was turned into a theme park in the 1930s. Forced to compete with other similar attractions like Silver Springs, the park featured something better than the glass bottom boats of its competitors. Sub-boats, half boat and half submarine, allowed visitors to descend down a flight of stairs and look at the surface of the water at eye level. In addition to the sub-boats, the park featured waterfalls, a zoo, a rodeo, a gift shop and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas, according to the Florida State Parks website.

The waterfalls werent natural. They were created by piling rocks on to phosphate tailings. Despite their origin, the waterfalls were, and are, very beautiful. I cant say Ive ever seen waterfalls like that in Florida.

After our frigid dip, we explored the rest of the park which has several walking trails. Toward the back we found the remains of the zoo, with several overgrown stone cages that used to hold deer, monkeys and other animals.

The interstate system in Florida eventually led to the demise of Rainbow Springs. In 1974, it closed and stood abandoned for many years. The state purchased the property in the 1990s and group of citizens, called Friends of Rainbow Springs helped restore of the old features.

Today, the Rainbow River is a designated National Natural Landmark, a Florida aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Water. The park consists of more than 1,470 acres and has three main entrances: the head-springs day use area, the tubing facilities and the campground.

Visitors from around Florida and the world visit Rainbow Springs State Park to swim in the crystal-clear water, tube down the peaceful Rainbow River, and enjoy picnicking with friends and families. My family really enjoyed our time there.

Another natural wonder just a few miles from our tiny house resort was Devils Den spring. This attraction is privately owned and renowned for its snorkeling and diving. We had a look around the campground, but decided not to pay entry just for a few Instagram photos since we wouldnt be going into the water.

All in all our impromptu vacation turned out really fun! I am constantly amazed at all that Florida has to offer.
Gov. Greg Abbott has made his thoughts clear about the Pentagon's increased vetting of National Guard members ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post's Missy Ryan, the federal government is screening the more than 21,000 National Guard troops stationed in Washington D.C. as part of increased security during the presidential inauguration. This news after reports of an Army reservist with security-level clearance being among the attacks that stormed the Capitol on January 6.

The decision to screen members of the National Guard incensed Abbott, who took to Twitter Monday night to condemn the heightened protocols.

AFTER JAN. 6: Most American voters blame Trump for U.S. Capitol attacks

"This is the most offensive thing I've ever heard," Abbott wrote on Twitter. "No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard. I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

According to Ryan, the Defense Department assisted by the FBI is conducting "special vetting" of the National Guard. The FBI said it is also conducting "name checks" in addition to the Defense Department's vetting. Members of the National Guard were previously vetted during recruitment and enrollment.

The Associated Press' James LaPorta reports that two Army National Guard members have been removed from inauguration duty Tuesday after they were found to have ties to "fringe right group militias" during the increased vetting process. No plot against Biden was found.

"Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration," the National Guard Bureau told AP, referring further questions to the Secret Service.

LaPorta reports that the Secret Service previously said on Monday that it would not comment on the removal of any Guardsmen from the inauguration due to operational security reasons.
Governor Tom Wolf is urging the General Assembly to act now to allocate $145 million that is available now to provide support to Pennsylvania businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Governor Wolf, joined by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware), noted it has been three weeks since the governor initiated a transfer of $145 million to be appropriated by the state legislature into grants for businesses. This transfer requires legislative authorization to appropriate the funding to make grants for businesses.

This pandemic has brought us many challenges, but we have the means in front of us to help Pennsylvanians overcome one of those challenges, Gov. Wolf said. We all need the Republican-led General Assembly to step up and do their part. Republican leaders have failed to act thus far and that has to change. They need to act quickly because businesses need this help now.

It is not mitigation efforts but rather inaction on assistance programs that is putting permanent Closed signs on the doors of business across the state, Sen. Costa said. This $145 million is an important step to helping our small business community through this difficult time. The Senate Democrats are ready to vote yes on the plan as soon as we are back to session.

For nearly a year now our local businesses have been struggling to keep their doors open, Sen. McClinton said. These are the neighborhood businesses that create the jobs, sponsor the little league team, let the Girl Scouts sell cookies out front and are the backbone of the communities they serve. They deserve our help and were going to deliver the help they need.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Wolf Administration has provided for more than $525 million in relief to businesses and non-profits in addition to federal support through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program.

The governor said the Republican legislature, rather than prioritize supporting businesses, has instead focused its efforts over the past few weeks on spreading disinformation about the 2020 General Election, delaying the swearing-in of a Democratic senator who won his election, and trying to find ways to disenfranchise voters.

The General Assembly must commit to working together to get this money into the hands of businesses that need it. Delaying now, when the funds have already been transferred, only harms working Pennsylvanians, Gov. Wolf said. The money is available and ready to be distributed, and our businesses cant afford to wait.
2020 marks record year of engineering graduates for university

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021

Kansas State University graduated the largest-ever number of engineering students in the state during 2020. | Download this photo.

MANHATTAN  While 2020 will be remembered on many fronts, largely related to a global pandemic, the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at Kansas State University has marked the year in celebratory mode by recording its largest-ever number of graduates and the most of any engineering school in the state.



In awarding a total of 782 bachelor's degrees from spring, summer and fall 2020 graduation classes, the college exceeded its previous record-setting years of 2017 with 630 graduates, 2018 with 684 and 2019 with 719.



When looking for an impetus or reason behind this surge in numbers, a good place to start is the college's response to and benefit from the University Engineering Initiative Act, or UEIA, enacted by the Kansas Legislature in 2011 to increase the number of engineering graduates from the state's three engineering schools to 1,365 students per year by 2021. The goal for the Carl. R. Ice College of Engineering was 587 graduates per year by 2021, a number it first exceeded in 2017, year six of the 10-year program.



During this time period, each engineering college was required to provide a one-to-one match from non-state sources, or $3.5 million per year for each school, for a total match of $105 million over the 10 years in support of engineering education programs. The initiative ends in 2021 unless it is renewed by the current Kansas Legislature.



"The college's response to the UEIA has been nothing short of remarkable," said Matt O'Keefe, dean of engineering and LeRoy C. and Aileen H. Paslay chair in engineering at K-State. "This investment by the state legislators targeting engineering education efforts was met by our implementation of enhanced recruitment and retention programs to increase the size of the student body and support student success.



"In addition, we leveraged the funds to increase our facility size by more than 100,000 square feet of new space for classrooms, laboratories and student design team areas, as well as adding to the number of faculty serving our students."



The initiative directed the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce to work with the Kansas Board of Regents, as well as the three state universities, to develop a plan to target engineering education efforts to fuel economic growth and business success in Kansas.



"Demand for our graduates remains strong, with our record-setting class of 2020 continuing the tradition of a high percentage either employed or seeking additional professional education," O'Keefe said.






[January 19, 2021] Atlantic Broadband Launches Hosted Voice 2.0 for Business

Atlantic Broadband, the nation's eighth-largest cable operator, today announced that it has launched Hosted Voice 2.0, which is now available to new and existing customers across the eleven states it serves. The new offering builds upon existing Hosted Voice product offerings with a new Manager Portal web interface that provides businesses and their employees seamless access to calls, voicemails and chat. Through the Manager Portal, a Call Center feature will add a new level of business visibility into call center activity and training effectiveness. Hosted Voice 2.0 also features new software with an improved design to ensure employees can access their important contacts, calls and voicemails anywhere, anytime. This service is ideal for businesses operating in multiple locations, or those with employees who are working remotely. Businesses and their employees can be assured that they can receive and answer phone calls and voicemails, regardless of location. With visibility into call center statistics, businesses can ensure their customers' calls are effectively managed. New features allow call center managers to dial or "whisper into" conversations, offering sales employees additional training or help when resolving customer requests. Call recording features allow managers and employees to review performance or refer back to caller requests, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service. "Hosted Voice 2.0 builds on the advanced services and features currently available to make the business user experience more seamless and user-friendly," said John Romagnoli, Senior Director of Commercial Products, Atlantic Broadband. "The new platform is accessed from an internet browser, meaning employees can login from any approved device to make and receive calls or communicate with colleagues. Remote employees have access to their desk phones from home or on-the-go so they can provide high levels of customer service, regardless of location." The Hosted Voice 2.0 platform was built with additional server redundancy backup to help ensure uptime. Mobile and web applications can be accessed by employees using their unique username and password via any computer, iPhone or Android (News - Alert) device. Push notifications alert users of newcalls and voicemails.



The benefits of Hosted Voice 2.0 include: Unified Communications (News - Alert) - A new unified communications account will be available to each employee through a Manager Portal, a web interface available anywhere and on any device via a web browser that enables users to access and control account and settings.

- A new unified communications account will be available to each employee through a Manager Portal, a web interface available anywhere and on any device via a web browser that enables users to access and control account and settings. Call Center - Through the Call Center, supervisors have a new level of visibility into active calls, calls in queue, agent status and training, call recording and history. Business leaders have the option of receiving automated reports on time parameters, call queue stats and agent availability. Through this tool, businesses have control, access and management of their calling assets in one place, at a fraction of the cost of alternate solutions, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding customer support, employee staffing and training.

- Through the Call Center, supervisors have a new level of visibility into active calls, calls in queue, agent status and training, call recording and history. Business leaders have the option of receiving automated reports on time parameters, call queue stats and agent availability. Through this tool, businesses have control, access and management of their calling assets in one place, at a fraction of the cost of alternate solutions, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding customer support, employee staffing and training. Mobility - Convenient access for business users on the go, with seamless call transfer between mobile app, desk phone and laptop; access to internal chat and company contacts.

- Convenient access for business users on the go, with seamless call transfer between mobile app, desk phone and laptop; access to internal chat and company contacts. Calls from Anywhere - Through the Manager Portal, business users can make and receive calls while on-the-go from their desk phone, mobile phone, laptop or other devices. Phone (News - Alert) calls made through the Portal will appear as the user's work phone number. Features like an Attendant Console, Dynamic Call Parking and Call Queues improve the user experience for both business users and customers.

- Through the Manager Portal, business users can make and receive calls while on-the-go from their desk phone, mobile phone, laptop or other devices. Phone (News - Alert) calls made through the Portal will appear as the user's work phone number. Features like an Attendant Console, Dynamic Call Parking and Call Queues improve the user experience for both business users and customers. Never Miss a Voicemail - Received voicemails are clearly displayed, along with caller ID names. Voicemails can be forwarded to other extensions within the organization, downloaded, saved and deleted easily through the Portal.

- Received voicemails are clearly displayed, along with caller ID names. Voicemails can be forwarded to other extensions within the organization, downloaded, saved and deleted easily through the Portal. Chat Features - Easily communicate with other users in an organization through SMS built into the Portal.

- Easily communicate with other users in an organization through SMS built into the Portal. Control Settings - Users can easily control their organization's settings through the Manager Portal, including contacts and users, department groups, call answering rules, business time frames, music on hold and more. As businesses change, administrators can control their own system seamlessly. To find out more about Hosted Voice 2.0 and determine if it is right for your business, visit this website and read more in this whitepaper/feature guide. To learn about Atlantic Broadband's internet, phone and TV offerings for businesses, visit atlanticbb.com/business.

ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND Atlantic Broadband, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the eighth largest cable operator in the United States, based on the number of television service customers served. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Phone services in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Atlantic Broadband is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND BUSINESS Atlantic Broadband Business delivers advanced Video, Internet, Business WiFi (News - Alert) and Phone services to small and medium businesses over a highly reliable, fiber-rich, high-capacity network. It also offers customized, scalable Metro Ethernet enterprise solutions, including dedicated fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, point-point and multipoint transport, and Hosted Voice solutions. Atlantic Broadband supports its business clients with 24/7 network monitoring and technical support, professional client care, and dedicated local account executives. To learn more, visit atlanticbb.com/business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005185/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Statehouse Reporter

Danny Jin is the Eagle's Statehouse reporter. A graduate of Williams College, he previously interned at the Eagle and The Christian Science Monitor. Danny can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter at @djinreports.
The annual national programs "Ukraine-NATO" carried out by Ukraine actually correspond to the format of the Membership Action Plan (MAP) in the Alliance, Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva said.

"It is such a procedure now. But, once again I urge everyone not to focus on these three magic letters. I will reveal a big secret: the Ukraine-NATO annual national programs, we are carrying out, in particular this year, and already, by the way, we are preparing the program for 2021, in fact, it is in the MAP format. If you read them, then these are the same annual national programs that countries performed in the MAP implementation formats. In the absence of these magic three letters, we do everything in the practical sense of the word," Zhovkva said in an interview with TSN.

According to him, such precedents existed until 1999, when countries joined NATO without the MAP. In addition, at the Alliance summit in the autumn, a decision may be made to abolish the MAP institute, and, accordingly, then it will not be needed for admission.

Zhovkva said the reform of the Armed Force of Ukraine, the security sector continues, the compatibility of units is taking place, Ukraine's participation in all peacekeeping missions of the Alliance, and Ukraine joined NATO's expanded capabilities partnership in 2020.

"This gives us many new opportunities to approach NATO standards even closer. Therefore, Ukraine initiated its vision of a partnership of expanded opportunities. We will try to quickly get a response and start practical implementation. This is more important, and the MAP will come," the deputy head of the President's Office said.
[January 19, 2021] Automated Virtual Care Platform Conversa Health Expands Series B to $20 million

Conversa Health, a leading virtual care and triage platform, has expanded its Series B financing to $20 million during a year in which the company experienced sixfold growth of its platform. With the closing of the Series B round, Conversa has raised a total of $34 million. The Series B round, first announced at $12 million in June, was co-led by Builders VC and Northwell Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Northwell Health, New York's largest healthcare provider with 23 hospitals and 800 outpatient facilities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005642/en/ Automated virtual care platform Conversa Health is expanding its Series B to $20 million after its platform grew sixfold in 2020. (Graphic: Business Wire) "Northwell has been successfully using Conversa to scale our communications and patient engagement initiatives which include thousands of COVID-19 patients," said Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health. "Conversa has become a critical collaborator in achieving our vision for virtual health, helping Northwell to engage, monitor and manage patients more efficiently than ever before." Investing to catalyze the shift to digital first The COVID-19 pandemic compressed years of virtual care tool adoption into months. Conversa was perfectly positioned to meet this need. Conversa's Automated Virtual Care and Triage platform enables health systems to remotely monitor, analyze and communicate with patients and healthcare consumers at high frequency and scale-for chronic care, acute discharge, perioperative, oncology, OBGYN, prevention and wellness, and more. The platform automates care where possible, identifies at-risk patients, and provides digital triage to higher levels of care for those patients-e.g. phone calls, telehealth, e-visits, scheduling in-person consults-when necessary. In addition to co-leads Builders VC and Northwell Ventures, the investor syndicate includes UH Ventures, the venture arm of University Hospitals, an 18-hospital health system in Ohio; and venture capital firms P5 Health Ventures, Genesis Merchant Capital, J-Ventures, Epic Ventures, StartUp Health and Nassau Street Ventures. "Conversa links providers' EHRs and other patient data to best-of-breed interactive digital care pathways and clinical analytics engine to automate care management 24x7. This improves care plan adherence pre- and post-visit, reducing costs and generating better outcomes for patients," said Mark Goldstein, Builders VC partner and Conversa board member. "Conversa's enterprise platform and library of digital pathways are used by providers to care for patients across their populations, as opposed to one-off point solutions. It fills an enormous gap in the market." By automating remote management of vulnerable populations with Conversa, health systems gain significant clinical and operational benefits, including: Improved patient satisfaction and engagement-97% of patients feel Conversa helps them manage their care and 87% feel better able to follow teir care plan;

Lower total cost of care-hospital readmission rates 32% lower in patient cohorts using Conversa;

Increased revenue-over 70% reduction in procedure no show/cancellation rates; and

Enhanced care team coordination and productivity-82% of care team members using Conversa would recommend it to a colleague to help them deliver care.



Innovating with health systems Innovative healthcare companies are partnering with Conversa to create a new care delivery model based on automated, evidence-based digital pathways. Conversa was one of the first digital health companies to develop a suite of COVID-19 Virtual Care Solutions, helping hospitals increase capacity by automating the outreach to and monitoring of vulnerable patient and employee populations. Northwell, UCSF Health and UNC Health were among the first health systems to adopt these solutions to educate patients about COVID-19, direct them to care when needed, deliver COVID-19 test results and provide daily quarantine check-ins.

Conversa and UCSF Health rapidly launched Conversa Employee HealthCheck last spring to enable UCSF to effectively and efficiently comply with a city of San Francisco mandate to screen all workers daily before entering their hospitals and clinics. Analyzing the data helps employers spot burgeoning hot spots and respond to potential workforce needs more quickly. Prisma Health in South Carolina and SCL Health in Colorado, as well as other employers, such as retailers and universities, also adopted Employee HealthCheck. Northwell recently began offering HealthCheck to employers and schools working to create and maintain a safe environment throughout New York. Conversa integrates remote patient monitoring (RPM) and other devices to incorporate vital signs and biometrics into its automated digital pathways where needed. Seeking to care for lung transplant patients better at home to avoid exposure to coronavirus, UCSF integrated a Conversa chat program with a home spirometry kit to detect early signs of declining lung function. Conversa has also extended its COVID-19 response to help with vaccine education, outreach, appointment scheduling and post-shot monitoring. Healthcare workers at UCHealth in Colorado have their vital signs monitored by a stick-on sensor called the BioButton, made by Conversa partner BioIntelliSense, starting two days before receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations and continuing for seven days after. Conversa collects temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate data from the BioButton and integrates the data with insights from a daily automated vaccination health conversation. Accelerating the transformation of healthcare Conversa will use the additional Series B funds to continue to scale its technology platform, expand its library of automated virtual care digital pathways, and fuel growth with new and existing customers. The new investment comes after a year that saw an acceleration of Conversa's business and market recognition of its platform, including being named "Best Remote Diagnostics Company" for 2020 at the UCSF Digital Health Awards. "In the future, much of healthcare will be done remotely. Conversa's automated platform helps care teams practice at the top of their license to deliver high-quality care at much lower cost. Our technology continually analyzes health data, using the resulting 'signals' to navigate patients along personalized journeys down evidence-based pathways. This data-plus-behavioral science approach maximizes engagement and drives positive behaviors while reducing variability of care," said Conversa CEO Murray Brozinsky. "We're honored to partner with our visionary customers and investors in our crusade to transform healthcare." To learn more about Conversa, please visit conversahealth.com. About Conversa Health Conversa is a leader in automated virtual health at scale. Conversa's Automated Virtual Care and Triage platform utilizes its proprietary patient profiling and health signals engine and an extensive library of evidence-based digital pathways to help healthcare organizations effectively and efficiently risk stratify and remotely manage patients across the care continuum. Leading health systems, payers, employers and pharmaceutical companies are using Conversa to develop meaningful relationships and drive better health outcomes. To learn more, visit conversahealth.com, follow @ConversaHealth or text HELLO to 77877. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005642/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]










ALBANY, N.Y.

Jan. 18, 2021

-- The demand within the global bias tire market is a function of advancements in automobile engineering. The use of bias tires across a multitude of vehicles open organic pathways for growth and development for the vendors operating in this market. It is worthwhile to note that the relevance of bias tires in the domain of automobile engineering stems from the safety, performance enhancement, and durability offered by these tires. Moreover, these tires have found to perform better than radial tires in terms of various key aspects. Over the course of the next decade, the use of bias tire is slated to increase at a stellar pace across various parts of the world.

It is projected that the global bias tire market would grow at a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period ranging through 2020 to 2030. The total worth of the global bias tire market is set to touch US$ 9.2 Bn by the end of this forecast period. The relatively slow growth rate of the global bias tire market can be pegged to advancements in manufacturing of radial tires. Despite the tremendous utility and safety offered by bias tires, the popularity of radial tires has caused disruptions across the global bias tire market. However, the marketing is gradually gaining momentum as new opportunities for market expansion emerge across the automobile industry.

Download PDF Brochure  https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=33521

Key Findings of Market Report

Cross-Marketing of Radial and Bias Tires

The use of radial tires over bias tires, or vice versa, has been a matter of contention and debate for several years. However, the narrative around their comparison has indeed helped in popularising both these products. Therefore, it is safe to state that the quest of radial and bias tire manufactures to outdo their competitors has played to the advantage of the overall market. The multiple layers used for manufacturing bias tire as against the single-layered radial tires has created humongous opportunities for growth within the global bias tire market. Therefore, it is safe to expect that the bias tire market would attract formidable investments from leading stakeholders in the times to follow.

Advancements in Automobile Engineering

The use of bias tire in the domain of heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing has boded well for the growth of the global market. Heavy vehicles include buses and tractors that are subjected to long and rough routes. Moreover, these vehicles usually have a long run, and are required to be inducted with leading technologies. Several engineers assert that the use of bias tires for heavy vehicle manufacturing has created new avenues for safety and durability within the automobile industry. Industrial vehicles are also equipped with bias tires, furthering the demand within the global market. Over the course of the next decade, the emergence of new-age heavy and light commercial vehicles would drive market growth and expansion.

Explore 370 pages of superlative research, current market scenario, and extensive geographical projections. Gain insights into the Bias Tire Market (Type: General Bias Tire and Bias Belted Tire; Vehicle Type: Passenger Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle, Construction & Mining Vehicle, Agriculture Tractor, and Industrial Vehicle; Tire Size: 20-22", 23-50", and >50"; and Sales Channel: OEM and Aftermarket) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2020-2030 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/bias-tire-market.html

Global Bias Tire Market: Growth Drivers

Safety, resilience, and utility offered by bias tires has brought them under the spotlight of attention for the leading automobile manufacturers.

The use bias tires in agricultural tractors is also bringing new growth opportunities to the fore of the industry.

Growing collaborations between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and entities in the automobile industry is slated to redefine the dynamics of market growth.

Analyze global bias tire market growth in 30+ countries including US, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Russia, Poland, Benelux, Nordic, China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Request a sample of the study

Global Bias Tire Market: Key Competitors
Palestinian Territories to get Russian COVID vaccine soon 5,000 doses of Sputnik 5

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JANUARY 19 - The Palestinian Authority (PA) is expected to receive an initial shipment of 5,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik 5 Covid-19 vaccine soon, according to Israeli media.



The news outlets reported that the doses will arrive in the West Bank from Jordanian territory and that the PA received assistance from the Israeli authorities for the transfer of the vaccines.



The use of Sputnik 5 was approved ''as an emergency measure'' by the PA last week.(ANSAmed). (ANSA).




Oscar-winning duo Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster reunited on Tuesday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of The Silence of the Lambs happening February 14.

'It's a life-changing adventure, that movie, for both of us,' the 58-year-old Los Angeles native said during a one-hour remote conversation for Variety's Actors on Actors.

'I'm sure you still get people who come up to you and say, "Would you like a nice Chianti?"'

'It's a life-changing adventure, that movie, for both of us': Oscar-winning duo Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster reunited on Tuesday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of The Silence of the Lambs happening February 14

The 58-year-old Los Angeles native (L) said on Variety's Actors on Actors: 'I'm sure you still get people who come up to you and say, "Would you like a nice Chianti?"'

The 83-year-old Welshman replied: 'Oh yeah, they do.'

Anthony (born Philip) revealed the real-life inspiration behind his iconic character, the incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

'He's like a machine. He's like HAL, the computer in 2001: "Good evening, Dave." He just comes in like a silent shark,' Hopkins explained.

'I remember there was a teacher at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and his name was Christopher Fettes. He was a movement teacher. He had a cutting voice, and he would slice you to pieces. His analysis of what you were doing was so precise; it's a method that stayed with me for all my life.

The 83-year-old Welshman (L) replied: 'Oh yeah, they do'

'He's like a machine. He's like HAL, the computer in 2001': Anthony revealed the real-life inspiration behind his iconic character, the incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter

'When I was doing it, I thought, "This is Chris Fettes. This is the voice. This man is merciless." I remember the cage scene, when I said, "No!" Wrong, try it again. That, to anyone, to the observer, the recipient of that, is lethal and charismatic.'

The two-time Emmy winner fondly recalled watching dailies of the scene where Foster's FBI cadet character Clarice Starling got into a Quantico elevator with her towering male colleagues.

'I'm like, "This is brilliant, because you are a smaller person in this big, macho male world, coming in as the hero,"' Anthony noted.

Jodie (born Alicia) said that uncovering Clarice was mostly about nailing her rural West Virginia accent.

'You are a smaller person in this big, macho male world, coming in as the hero': Hopkins fondly recalled watching dailies of the scene where Foster's FBI cadet character Clarice Starling got into a Quantico elevator with her towering male colleagues

'The fact that she could relate to those victims made her the hero': Jodie said that uncovering Clarice was mostly about nailing her rural West Virginia accent

Huge hit: The critically-acclaimed classic went on to win the big five Academy Awards - best picture, best director (L, Jonathan Demme), best actor (Hopkins), best actress (Foster), and best adapted screenplay (Ted Tally)

'She had this quietness. There was almost a shame that she wasn't bigger, that she wasn't stronger, this person trying to overcome the failure of the body they were born in,' the former child star explained.

'I understood that was her strength. In some ways, she was just like the victims - another girl in another town. The fact that she could relate to those victims made her the hero.'

The critically-acclaimed classic went on to win the big five Academy Awards - best picture, best director (Jonathan Demme), best actor (Hopkins), best actress (Foster), and best adapted screenplay (Ted Tally).

Anthony and Jodie did not address the controversy over Lambs' problematic portrayal of transfemininity as audiences are meant to recoil from a serial killer creating a woman suit out of skin.

Transphobic: Anthony and Jodie did not address the controversy over Lambs' problematic portrayal of transfemininity as audiences are meant to recoil from a serial killer creating a woman suit out of skin

Identity: Back in 1991, LGBT activists protested the movie due to Buffalo Bill aka Jame Gumb (Ted Levine) serving as a violent, mocking distortion of transgender women

The late filmmaker (R) - who died, age 73, in 2017 - argued that Bill wasn't trans as Lecter states in the movie: 'Bill is not a real transsexual. But he thinks he is. He tries to be'

Back in 1991, LGBT activists protested the movie due to Buffalo Bill aka Jame Gumb (Ted Levine) serving as a violent, mocking distortion of transgender women.

The late filmmaker - who died, age 73, in 2017 - argued that Bill wasn't trans as Lecter states in the movie: 'Bill is not a real transsexual. But he thinks he is. He tries to be.'

In the excellent DVD commentary, retired FBI unit chief John E. Douglas explained that Bill was a cross between real-life serial killers Ted Bundy, Gary M. Heidnik, and Ed Gein.
Advertisement

Stanley Johnson has backed Matt Hancock's decision to play rugby with his two sons in busy parks twice over the weekend.

The Health Secretary today announced that he is isolating until Sunday after being 'pinged' by the NHS coronavirus app.

But, strolling in the same park Mr Hancock was pictured in, Boris Johnson's father insisted he was right to defy the Prime Minister's pleas for everyone to stay home because 'we live in a free country'.

Asked if the MP had made the right decision, Mr Johnson, 80, said: 'Of course he did. We live in a free country and should be able to do that. And look at the wide open spaces here.

'After all, you and I are easily social distancing. It is not a problem at all.'

Mr Hancock was spotted out in busy London parks twice over the weekend playing rugby with his sons, despite Boris Johnson entreating the public to stay at home as much as possible. Taking daily exercise is permitted.

Strolling in the same park Mr Hancock was pictured in, Stanley Johnson, the Prime Minister's 80-year-old father, insisted the Health Secretary was right to defy his son's pleas for everyone to stay home because 'we live in a free country'

Stanley Johnson raises his coffee cup to the camera today as he takes a stroll through a north London park

Mr Johnson strolling through the same park where Mr Hancock was pictured over the weekend

The Cabinet minister was spotted covered in mud in a London park near his home on Saturday (pictured) and Sunday

Matt Hancock was seen wearing a hoodie and covered in mud as he played a game of rugby with his sons in a local park on Sunday

Try time: The Health Secretary dives over the line as he sons try to tackle him on Sunday

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he will be staying at home until Sunday after receiving the notification

However, as his isolation is scheduled to end at 11.59pm on Saturday and the standard quarantine period is 10 days it appears his contact must have happened before then - most likely Wednesday.

Mr Hancock attended meetings in Downing Street that day, January 13.

He led a press conference on Monday night with medical chiefs Susan Hopkins and Stephen Powis. Under the rules, they are not expected to have to self-isolate unless Mr Hancock is confirmed as positive with the virus.

Why DOES Matt Hancock need to self-isolate if he's had Covid before? And does his family need to stay at home? Even though Matt Hancock was struck down with Covid last April, the Health Secretary must still self-isolate after being 'pinged' by the NHS app. Official Test and Trace guidance says coronavirus survivors 'probably have some immunity' against the disease, which would theoretically protect them from being struck down again. But scientists have yet to prove exactly how long this lasts for, meaning they can't be sure that Mr Hancock  or other people who have already beaten the illness  won't get re-infected. Public Health England researchers last week claimed most Covid survivors are unlikely to catch the illness again for at least five months. But the PHE academics  who studied thousands of NHS workers  found 44 reinfections in 6,600 volunteers with antibodies, saying some survivors can still catch the illness again. And experts claimed even those who are immune may still carry the virus in their nose and throat and therefore have a risk of spreading it to others. Professor Susan Hopkins, one of PHE's top officials, said the findings proved it was 'crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules'. WHAT ARE THE SELF-ISOLATION RULES FOR THE NHS APP? Mr Hancock's family will only have to self-isolate with him if he gets a cough, fever or loses his sense of smell or taste, NHS guidance says. If he develops symptoms, he must get tested. Anyone he lives with must also stay-at-home until he has received his swab result. If it came back negative, Mr Hancock's family would then be allowed to leave quarantine. But if his result was positive, anyone he lives with must self-isolate for 10 days from when his symptoms first began. The PHE study found the two patients who had 'probable reinfections' both experienced less severe symptoms the second time round. Advertisement

The app alert is triggered when it detects you have come into close contact with someone who later tests positive, but it is understood Mr Hancock does not know who that was.

Mr Hancock will not be taking a test as he has no symptoms, although even if he was negative he would still be required to self-isolate.

Mr Johnson - who had coronavirus at the same time as Mr Hancock last spring - has also since been forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with a Tory MP it later emerged was infected.

In a video posted on Twitter from his home, Mr Hancock said: 'Last night I was pinged by the NHS coronavirus app, so that means I'll be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday.

'This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing because I know from the app I've been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive and this is how we break the chains of transmission.

'So you must follow these rules like I'm going to. I've got to work from home for the next six days, and together, by doing this, by following this, and all the other panoply of rules that we've had to put in place, we can get through this and beat this virus.'

Former Chancellor George Osborne today suggested that ministers should get priority for vaccines, although again that would not exempt Mr Hancock from isolation as it is not certain that people who have had jabs cannot transmit the virus.

'It's a peculiarly British trait that we rightly make vaccinating millions of health workers a priority, but we can't spare a single dose for the Health Secretary leading the response to the pandemic,' Mr Osborne said.

But the Prime Minister's spokesman said: 'The PM and the rest of the Cabinet will take the vaccine when it's their turn to do so based on the priority lists that have been published.

'We don't think it's right that the PM or other members of Cabinet take the vaccine in place of somebody who is at higher clinical risk.'

He said that Mr Hancock was following the rules and exercising when the Cabinet minister was seen in a park in London over the weekend.

'We've been clear that everybody needs to follow the guidance and it remains the case that people are allowed outside to exercise which is what I believe Matt Hancock was doing,' the spokesman said.

The news emerged as new figures showed around one in eight people in private households in England had been infected with coronavirus by December 2020.

This is up from an estimated one in 11 people in November and one in 14 in October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures are the proportion of the population who are likely to have tested positive for antibodies to Covid-19, based on blood test results from a sample of people aged 16 and over.

Former Chancellor George Osborne today suggested that ministers should get priority for vaccines, although again that would not exempt Mr Hancock from isolation as it is not certain that people who have had jabs cannot transmit the virus

Boris Johnson - who had coronavirus at the same time as Mr Hancock last spring - has also since been forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with a Tory MP it later emerged was infected

Matt Hancock tonight revealed more than 4million Britons have now had a coronavirus vaccine, amid mounting claims that a 'postcode lottery' has left vulnerable people in certain areas unprotected

Ministers are pressurising their own Government to end the vaccine postcode lottery amid fears the most vulnerable in some areas are being left behind

The ONS also found 'substantial variation' between regions in England, with 17 per cent of people in private households in Yorkshire & the Humber estimated to have tested positive for antibodies in December, compared with 5 per cent in south-west England.

Meanwhile, SAGE has raised fears millions of people could start to ignore coronavirus restrictions once they have been vaccinated.

Government scientists advising the PM fear that many people will 'probably abandon' social distancing and lockdown rules once they have had the jab.

More than 4million Britons have now had a Covid vaccine and ministers believe they are on track to hit the 13.9million target by February 15, which could spell an end to the endless cycle of restrictions.

Whitehall insiders hope most adults will have been inoculated by the end of June.

The problem was highlighted as police revealed they have handed out nearly 30,000 fines to lockdown flouters in England, taking the total to more than 6million.

Minutes from a SAGE meeting, seen by The Telegraph, cite a survey which estimates just under a third of people will adhere to the restrictions less strictly once they have had a vaccine, while 11 per cent will 'probably no longer follow the rules.'

The minutes from the December 17 meeting state: 'There is a risk that changes in behaviour will offset the benefits of vaccination, particularly in the early months of vaccine rollout.'
877 Shares Share

I am an orthopedic surgeon, and I only take cash. When I tell people this, it usually conjures up images of some money-grubbing doctor eager to make a dollar any way they can. Personally, I am not incredibly incentivized by money in and of itself. I try to live a reasonable lifestyle and keep my expenses under control. I started a cash-only practice not for the love of money but for hatred of insurance.

I can tell you what I dont want to do. I dont want to mill through 50 patients a day, mindlessly clicking through EMR checkboxes so an insurance auditor five states away will deem that Ive done my job and deserve reimbursement. Thats a high volume, high overhead game, and I dont want to play it. I recently spoke with a doctor who was getting so many insurance denials that they needed to hire 14 additional billers at an estimated cost of somewhere around half a million dollars a year. Insurance companies want to make it difficult for doctors to get paid. They will only add more hoops to jump through, meaning that I need to hire more hoop jumpers as a doctor. Hiring hoop jumpers costs a lot of money, which means I need to see more patients. Seeing more patients in the same amount of time leads to shorter visits and worse care. Not to mention the pressure from hospital administrators to expand your indications, or in laymans terms, operate on someone who may not really need it.

So I let it all go. No coders, no billers, no insurance companies, no clunky EMR. Its only my patients and me. I am providing much better care, not because I am a better doctor than I once was, but because I get to spend more time with each of my patients. It is not uncommon for me to spend up to an hour with each one. It is not the doctors who are flawed, it is the business model of healthcare delivery that we have. Imagine if someone asked you to paint a wall in 15 minutes. You may be able to do it, but you likely would not be able to do a good job. I think it is the same with medicine. I truly believe that by compressing medical visits down to such a short period of time, you must lose quality. There is no time for patient education. That is not for me.

So how do you make a cash practice work? By cash, I really mean non-insurance forms of payments. By not dealing with insurance companies, you do not need the excessive amount of overhead required to receive payments from them. Over time this overhead will only increase, and reimbursements will only go down. Cash payments can be as simple as a patient paying me after I see them, up to the complexity of employer-based contracting. Medicolegal record reviews and independent medical exams can also be a good source of cash-based payments. The reality is that there is no perfect solution for everyone looking to get into this model. I am still figuring out what works and what does not as an orthopedic surgeon. Direct primary care doctors have figured it out, and have managed to create a model that provides excellent care at a low cost. Direct primary care doctors are also generally the happiest doctors I have come across. I think most doctors can find a way to make it work. It just takes some creativity, the ability to take risk, and some luck.

Daniel Paull is an orthopedic surgeon.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
[January 19, 2021] Michael Green to Lead Baker Tilly Life Sciences Practice

Leading advisory, tax and assurance firm Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) appoints Partner Michael Green to lead the firm's life sciences practice. "Mike's experience as a life science executive, combined with his years as an audit partner serving life science and technology clients, gives him a deep understanding of the challenges life sciences companies face and how we can serve as strategic partners to enhance and protect their value," Christine Anderson, Managing Partner - Growth Strategies, said. In his new role, Green will be responsible for strategy and operations of Baker Tilly's life sciences practice which serves medical device, pharmaceutical and biotech companies and works with stakeholders across the industry spectrum. The practice helps clients with a broad range of services including market access, capital requirements, mergers and acquisitions and traditional audit and tax services. "It's a pivotal time for the life sciences industry, and I'm proud to lead our team of innovative and talented professionals in bringing solutions to the challenges and opportunities inherent in each stage of our clients' lifecycle, from launch to growth to maturity to exit," Green said. Green joined Baker Tilly in 2020 when California-based accounting and advisory firm Squar Milner, LLP combined with Baker Tilly. He is also the managing partner for Baker Tilly's San Diego market. Prior to joining the firm, he served as the COO and CFO for several public and private life science companies where he was responsible for all finance, accounting, information technology, human resources, manufacturing, sales and maketing, and operational matters.



Learn more about Baker Tilly's life sciences practice:

bakertilly.com/industries/healthcare-and-life-sciences/life-sciences. About Baker Tilly US, LLP (bakertilly.com)

Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage with critical mass and top-notch talent in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. Baker Tilly is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 146 territories, with 36,000 professionals with a combined worldwide revenue is $3.9 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Baker Tilly US, LLP is a member of the Baker Tilly International network, the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly refers to the global network of accounting firms of Baker Tilly International Limited. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Baker Tilly International Limited does not provide services to clients.  Baker Tilly US, LLP View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005812/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Tokyo:

The US Navy on Monday identified all seven sailors killed after their destroyer was partially flooded following a collision with a container ship off Japans coast at the weekend, confirming their deaths for the first time.



The crew were reported missing after Saturdays predawn collision, triggering a major US-Japanese search operation, with divers scouring damaged areas of the destroyer.

Read | Bodies of missing sailors found on stricken Navy destroyer



On Sunday, US authorities tacitly acknowledged there were no survivors as they ended the search, but declined to say how many bodies had been found until the families were notified.



The 154-metre (500-foot) Fitzgeraldcommissioned in 1995 and deployed in the Iraq war in 2003 - was pulled by a tugboat back to its base on Saturday in Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo.



The navy said the bodies of the missing crew were found by the divers in flooded sleeping quarters.



The remains of seven sailors previously reported missing were located in flooded berthing compartments, after divers gained access to the spaces, it said, adding that the deceased sailors ranged in age from 19 to 37.



Several other US crew members were injured in the accident and had to be evacuated by air to hospital, including the vessels commanding officer Bryce Benson.

Read | US Navy destroyer collides with merchant ship off the coast of Japan



The accident happened 56 nautical miles (104 kilometres) southwest of Yokosuka, in a busy shipping channel that is a gateway to major container ports in Tokyo and nearby Yokohama.



There have reportedly been several collisions involving large vessels in the area over the past five years.



The container ship, the 222-metre Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal, came into port with large scrapes on its bow, but none of its 20 crew were injured, Japans coastguard said.



The accident is under investigation.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
SC Upholds IBC Amendment Requiring Minimum 10% Home-buyers To Initiate Insolvency against Builder

After holding home-buyers as financial creditors as per the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the Supreme Court on Tuesday accepted an amendment in the IBC as constitutionally valid, which requires no less than 100 or 10% home-buyers to initiate insolvency against builder or developer. Under the IBC amendment passed by the Parliament in March 2020, a single home-buyer is barred to approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under Section 7 of the IBC.

There were petitions in SC challenging Section 3 of IBC which has placed differential conditions on home-buyers to initiate corporate insolvency and resolution process (CIRP) against builders. The amendment and subsequent ruling by the apex court limits the avenues for redress available to aggrieved home-buyers and also defeats the purpose of including home-buyers as financial creditors under IBC.

In its order the apex court says, "Sheer numbers of applications that would proliferate, combined with the likely results, cannot be brushed aside."

Section 3 of IBC allows home-buyers to seek CIRP process against builder only when 100 allottees or at least 10% of allottees make a joint application.

This means, home-buyers are now required to approach the NCLT with a joint application of at least 10% or 100 of the total home-buyers of a project. If the numbers of home-buyers are less than that, NCLT will dismiss their application ipso facto.

In other words, home-buyers can approach the NCLT against a builder or developer only with a joint application, similar to the provisions in the Companies Act, where certain actions against a company can be activated only by members representing not less than 100 members or members holding not less than 10% of the share capital.

According to a January 2020 report from the Mint , a group of home-buyers have filed multiple writ petitions with the Supreme Court challenging the amendment in the IBC that placed a minimum threshold on the number of home-buyers. The writ petition has been filed on behalf of 11 home-buyers from Noida and Gurgaon. Another writ petition has been filed by Centrik Legalistic on behalf of five home-buyers.

Quoting Piyush Singh, partner at PSP Legal, a Delhi-based law firm, the newspaper says, Bringing a threshold just for home-buyers is arbitrary while there is no threshold for any other financial or operational creditors. Even a single financial or operational creditor (other than home-buyer) can file an application against the company with NCLT for starting of the liquidation process."

Last year in March, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by the Parliament. At that time, Union finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman pointed out that government understands the difficulties being faced by the home-buyers. "We have shown clear, pro-active initiatives to sort out the cases which are lying incomplete. We are giving last-mile completion related funding through single window mechanism," she had said.

The minister had also said that the number of cases pertaining to concerns of home-buyers filed since inception (NCLT) was 2,454. "We are taking care of the interests of home-buyers," the minister had mentioned.

Later while announcing relief packages for COVID-19 pandemic, the FM increased the threshold for defaulting companies under the IBC to Rs1 crore from Rs1 lakh earlier.

Before the Supreme Court ruling in August 2019, home-buyers were treated as other creditors and they were not regarded as 'financial creditors' or as 'operational creditors', which restricted their ability to initiate insolvency proceedings under the IBC against a defaulting builder or developer.

In its August 2019 order, the apex court had upheld the government decision to grant home-buyers the status of financial creditors. The court had also upheld the IBC Amendment with certain safeguards.

The SC had also asked the government to adequately man the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) saying, "IBC provisions should be read harmoniously with RERA. Every application pending before NCLT will be decided on their own merit with respect to this apex court judgement."
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families is recruiting San Diego-area veterans to apply for cybersecurity training through its Onward to Opportunity San Diego program.

The nonprofit institute based at Syracuse University in New York is partnering with the Bethesda, Md.-based SANS Institute to provide free training to applicants who meet their criteria.

The SANS Institute, founded in 1989 as a research and education organization, offers a three to four month accelerated training program at the SANS VetSuccess Immersion Academy to help transitioning veterans earn certification and get jobs in the cybersecurity industry.

Courses are scheduled to begin Aug. 21 at the Courtyard San Diego Sorrento Valley. Remaining courses will be conducted online. Graduation is slated for this December.

Advertisement

Applicants must qualify by demonstrating aptitude and foundational skills using the SANS CyberTalent Enhanced Assessment and participate in interviews with SANS staff.

The deadline to apply is July 14.

For more information, visit sans.org/cybertalent/immersion-academy or email immersionacademy@sans.org.
Photos of Jung-in, a 16-month-old girl who died after being abused by her adoptive parents, sit in front of her grave at a cemetery in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Jan. 13. Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



The death of a 16-month-old girl following abuse by her adoptive parents has fueled a nationwide call to improve systems protecting children from abuse.



Experts point out that the country needs better coordination between police and public servants or private organization workers in charge of monitoring child abuse, to supplement the lack of authority of social workers and a lack of understanding of child abuse among police officers.



The girl, named Jung-in, died in October in a hospital emergency room in western Seoul after arriving there with bruises, fractures and severe organ damage.



The National Forensic Service concluded that the baby died of serious internal bleeding from her organs caused by external force, with severe injuries to her pancreas and a torn mesentery.



Her adoptive parents face a number of charges including child abuse, and during the first trial last week, prosecutors added a murder charge against her adoptive mother, instead of the charge of child abuse resulting in death.





The stepfather of Jung-in is surrounded by reporters as he leaves Seoul Southern District Court following a preliminary hearing on charges of child abuse, Jan. 13. Yonhap

There are many more child abuse cases like Jung-in's, even if the abuse does not result in death, and the number of cases is growing. According to the health ministry, there were 41,389 reports of suspected child abuse in 2019 and 30,045 of them were confirmed as abuse. That was more than double the number in 2015 when there were 11,715 confirmed cases out of 19,203 reports.



Forty-two children died of abuse in 2019, up sharply from 16 in 2015.



There have been efforts to improve laws and relevant systems to deal with child abuse, such as allocating 290 public servants to be exclusively in charge of child abuse cases dispatched to 118 local governments. But such measures are apparently insufficient as seen in Jung-in's case, with such workers lacking the authority to launch an investigation when accused parents deny the allegations.



Even if the parents and child are separated during an initial investigation, there are many cases in which the child returns to the parents without measures to prevent a recurrence of abuse.





Protesters hold signs demanding the death sentence for the adoptive mother of Jung-in outside Seoul Southern District Court, Jan. 13. Yonhap



"Even if social workers at child protection agencies or public servants of local governments receive a report of child abuse and visit their home, parents often refuse to be investigated. Some public servants even get injured from scuffles with parents while trying to investigate," an official from the health ministry said.



A civil servant in charge of child abuse at Ansan City Government said they don't have investigative authority like the police. "If parents refuse to be investigated by police, they will be punished for obstruction of public duty, but if they refuse an investigation by a public servant in charge of child abuse like me, they will only be fined," said the official, who asked to be identified only by his surname Koh.



Such civil servants mostly accompany police officers when an abuse report is received. But in many cases, police officers lack a thorough understanding of child abuse and unless a child sustains serious injuries, they just close the case after issuing a warning to the parents who claim they were disciplining the child.



In Jung-in's case as well, police received a barrage of criticism for failing to adequately respond despite three previous reports of abuse before she died, by a daycare center teacher, a passerby and a pediatrician. Police claimed they had believed the excuses her adoptive parents gave, such as claiming the girl's bruises resulted from a massage.



In response to the mounting calls for child abuse prevention, the government announced a set of measures on Tuesday. It said it would increase the number of public servants dedicated to child abuse cases, and expand the number of childcare facilities to accommodate children separated from abusive parents.



Police will also run a separate division to handle child abuse cases and will strengthen cooperation with related ministries and agencies.





People visit the grave of Jung-in in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, to mourn her death, Jan. 12. Yonhap
Utica, N.Y. - Governor Cuomo says the vaccination rate amongst healthcare workers across the state is lower than he'd like to see and needs to improve in the event of a second wave.

During his COVID-19 press briefing on Monday, Cuomo announced the current vaccinate rate for healthcare workers across the state is 62.8 percent.

He also broke it down by region with the Mohawk Valley Region being second lowest at 60.6%, second only to Long Island at 60.1%.

These numbers are just for a first dose, meaning only 60.6 percent of healthcare workers in our Mohawk Valley Region have received a first dose, and they have had five weeks to get one.

The bottom four hospitals on the list in the Mohawk Valley Region are :

MVHS's St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica : 59.7%

MVHS's Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare in Utica : 57.1%

Rome Memorial Hospital in Rome : 53.5%

Bassett Healthcare's A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta 40%

Governor Cuomo says these numbers are a major concern.

Cuomo says although the curve is coming down in every region of the state as far as infections and hospitalizations go, he is very concerned that the new strains of COVID recently detected around the world, first in the UK and now in South Africa and Brazil that are reportedly more contagious, could ultimately cause a second wave here in the New York State, "Unvaccinated doctors and nurses are still a problem. You put unvaccinated nurses and doctors together with a second wave, that should keep us all up at night."

Each of the hospitals with the lowest vaccination rates in the Mohawk Valley Region released a statement to News Channel 2 on Monday.

A statement from Rome Memorial Hospital's Infection Prevention Director Emma Ingalls says, "Rome Memorial Hospital reports on a total of 1025 employees, including full-time, part-time and per diem staff as well as 176 medical providers who may have privileges at other hospitals. Many per diem staff and providers have received it elsewhere but have not provided the hospital with documentation of the immunization yet, so the percentage doesn't reflect all those who have been immunized. Initially, the state allocated only 400 doses for hospital staff at highest risk. Many more have been vaccinated as the guidelines allowed more support staff to receive the vaccine. However, demand outpaced supply quickly as the state opened up eligibility to more high priority groups. The hospital has been out of vaccine since January 13."

Ingalls says staff members have been educated on the importance of getting the vaccine, "In addition to providing written education, clinical leadership rounded daily throughout hospital departments "myth busting" and encouraging vaccination, the overwhelming message was 'the only way this ends, is with the vaccine.' Healthcare workers are being vaccinated and actively encouraging others to be vaccinated because it is safe and effective,"

A statement from MVHS Spokesperson Caitlin McCann reads as follows, "MVHS began distributing vaccines to our employees, along with other local healthcare workers and essential employees  those in group 1A  in December 2020. As was noted in Governor Cuomo's press briefing today, the Mohawk Valley Region is one of the highest performing in the state when it comes to the distribution of the vaccine. This is good news. We have also been making great progress vaccinating our employees and others in group 1A. As the vaccine has been rolling out, more and more employees and healthcare workers are seeking to be vaccinated. However, as we reported last week, MVHS is now out of first dose vaccines and have employees and healthcare workers waiting to be vaccinated. We do not believe these numbers indicate anything about the staff's concerns about the safety of the vaccine and to read into it in that manner is irresponsible. Our staff has been extensively educated through leadership rounding, daily written communication and, most recently, a virtual Q&A for our staff to ask questions about the vaccine, which had excellent attendance. It was also posted so that those who missed the presentation could watch.

The vaccination process is continually evolving and changing as information is gathered. We look forward to continuing our part in this process and increasing the number of vaccinated healthcare workers as soon as we get more vaccine."

Finally, Bassett Healthcare Network Communications and Marketing Director Karen Huxtable released the following statement to News Channel 2 regarding the 40% vaccination rate at Bassett's A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, "A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta continues to hold clinics and will have nearly 50% of its staff vaccinated by the end of this week. Of the hospital staff not yet vaccinated, there are a number that declined for medical reasons  such as other immunization or COVID illness  both require a waiting period before being able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Importantly, vaccine is not being wasted. Fox used nearly all of its initial allocation, 94%, to vaccinate community health care workers in addition to staff. In the region served by Bassett Healthcare Network, close to 5,000 staff and community health care workers have been vaccinated against COVID-19; additional clinics will be scheduled as vaccine becomes available from NYS."
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the company was presented with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's Corporate Member of the Year award. SoCalGas was selected in recognition of the company's support of the Chamber's efforts to support economic prosperity in the Los Angeles region. SoCalGas co-hosted the first-ever virtual job fair which had over 1,000 registrants, supported the launch of ONE LA to assist small businesses in obtaining vendor contracts from companies like SoCalGas and helped engage and recruit highly skilled executive committee members. The Chamber's efforts were led by SoCalGas vice president, Denita Willoughby, who served as the organization's 2020 board chair. Willoughby is the first African-American woman to do so since the Chamber's inception in 1888.

(PRNewsfoto/Southern California Gas Company)

"SoCalGas recognizes the need to champion the communities we serve and the businesses that keep these communities thriving, now more than ever," said Maryam Brown, president of SoCalGas. "We are proud of the work we did with the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce this past year and we are thrilled to receive this award. SoCalGas has been a longtime partner of the Chamber, helping to build a prosperous region for all Angelenos. We will continue to support those we serve, not only through our community partnerships, but by providing a clean and resilient 21st century energy system that is affordable for all."

"The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor SoCalGas as our Corporate Member of the Year. Throughout the past year, their unwavering partnership with the Chamber and our community has been the best example of leadership. We look forward to partnering with them in the year ahead as we all chart our course toward economic recovery," stated Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, president & CEO, Maria S. Salinas.

"COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow to our workers and small businesses, the very backbone of our economic strength  and we all bear responsibility for ensuring our hardest-hit employers can survive this period of sheer uncertainty," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "We can only meet this moment through the power of partnerships, and we are proud to have leaders like SoCalGas and the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce stepping forward to help lift up local businesses, navigate our pandemic response, and prepare for the recovery," said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce works to champion the needs of the business community in Los Angeles through its nationally recognized influence. The organization advocates for economic prosperity and quality of life for the Los Angeles region by being the voice of business, promoting collaboration and helping members grow. The Chamber represents more than 650,000 employees and businesses from more than 35 industry sectors. Each year the Chamber delivers referrals to member companies, provides business and professional development programs and internship opportunities for Los Angeles youth.

SoCalGas has been a member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce since 1911 and has invested over $1.5 million since 2001 in the chamber and its affiliated centers of impact, including Southern California Leadership Network (SCLN), Better Buildings Challenge, LASER, Unite LA and LA Jobs PAC.

About Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in the Los Angeles region. The Chamber's mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. Founded in 1888, the Chamber is the oldest and largest business association in the region. Its member companies work together to promote a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com .

About SoCalGas

Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, clean and increasingly renewable gas service to 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California, where more than 90 percent of residents use natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, drying clothes or other uses. Gas delivered through the company's pipelines also plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians about 45 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.

SoCalGas' vision is to be the cleanest gas utility in North America , delivering affordable and increasingly renewable energy to its customers. In support of that vision, SoCalGas is committed to replacing 20 percent of its traditional natural gas supply with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2030. Renewable natural gas is made from waste created by dairy farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. SoCalGas is also committed to investing in its gas delivery infrastructure while keeping bills affordable for our customers. From 2014 through 2018, the company invested nearly $6.5 billion to upgrade and modernize its pipeline system to enhance safety and reliability. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.

SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

Related Links

http://www.socalgas.com


The next hearing has been scheduled for February 2, 2021.

Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court has ruled to extend the arrest of former Donbas war volunteer and musician AKA "Riffmaster" Andrii Antonenko, a suspect in the murder case of journalist Pavel Sheremet.

Today, January 19, the jury considered the motion by Antonenko's lawyers to ease the measure of restraint for his client, an UNIAN correspondent reports.

The next hearing has been scheduled for February 2, 2021.

Read also Ukraine warned about preparations for Sheremet murder back in 2012  ex-Belarus KGB officer Sheremet murder case: Details

The journalist was assassinated in a car blast in the center of Kyiv on the morning of July 20, 2016.

On December 12, 2019, police said they suspected five persons of complicity in the crime: former Donbas war volunteer and musician Andrii Antonenko, army volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko (nom de guerre "Lysa," or "Fox"), nurse with a paratrooper unit Yana Duhar, and a family couple of army volunteers Inna Hryshchenko ("Puma"), and Vladyslav Hryshchenko ("Bucha"). Law enforcers claim that the goal of Sheremet's assassination was to destabilize the social and political situation in Ukraine. Antonenko, Kuzmenko, and Duhar were notified of suspicion on December 12, 2019.

Ukrainian investigative journalists with the Slidstvo.info project said they had found the forensic analysis report used in the probe into the murder of Sheremet far from being unambiguous, while evidence presented by the police was not convincing. What is more, many Ukrainian activists consider the proof collected by the investigators to be insufficient.

On August 25, 2020, all three defendants demanded in court that their case be heard by the jury. Olha Holub, the chair of the panel of judges, said that since they all were facing life imprisonment, the Criminal Code allows such cases to be heard by a jury, which consists of two professional judges and three members of the jury.

On September 28, the prosecutor in the Sheremet case read out the indictment to Antonenko, Kuzmenko and Duhar in Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court.

On January 4, 2021, leaked audio recordings were released alleging the involvement of Belarus top security leadership in the elimination of political opponents, including the assassination in a car blast of journalist Pavel Sheremet.

The National Police of Ukraine said they had received documents and audio recordings exposing what could be possible masterminds behind Sheremet's murder.

Reporting by UNIAN
There has been "no case of serious or severe" adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) till date, the health ministry said on the third day of the COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday.

Two men -- one each in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka -- have died after they received COVID-19 jabs.

Also Read | Churn in Indias internet economy

In a press conference, additional secretary in the health ministry Manohar Agnani said the man from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh died due to cardiopulmonary disease. The death "is not related to vaccination as per the post-mortem report", he said.

The health worker who was vaccinated on January 16 and died the next evening.

Agnani further said that the cause of death of another man from Bellary in Karnataka is anterior wall infarction with cardiopulmonary failure.

The post-mortem of the man, who was vaccinated on January 16 and died on Monday, is scheduled to be conducted at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences in Bellary.

"No case of serious/severe AEFI attributable to vaccination till date," Agnani added.

A total of 3,81,305 beneficiaries have so far been vaccinated for COVID-19 and 580 adverse events following immunisation were reported in the country till now, the Union health ministry said on Monday.

Agnani said 1,48,266 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 25 states and Union territories till 5 pm on Monday.

He said a cumulative 580 adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and seven cases of hospitalisation have so far been reported in the country since the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive began on January 16.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Whether it's a slight cough or a scratchy, sore throat, some may be tempted to dismiss mild symptoms as "just the flu" amid a serious global pandemic.

People wear masks as they pass a pharmacy offering flu shots in downtown Calgary, Alta., Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Experts say a drastic drop in the circulation of the influenza virus this season means signs of flu are more likely to be COVID-19 than another respiratory virus.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Whether it's a slight cough or a scratchy, sore throat, some may be tempted to dismiss mild symptoms as "just the flu" amid a serious global pandemic.

But experts say a drastic drop in the circulation of the influenza virus this season means signs of flu are more likely to be COVID-19 than another respiratory virus.

A FluWatch report from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released last week shows laboratory-confirmed incidents of flu are exceptionally rare this season, despite "elevated testing" for it during the pandemic.

Experts say a confluence of factors are playing a role in the abnormally light flu season, including public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and the reduction of international travel.

Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious disease expert in Mississauga, Ont., says the low prevalence of flu underscores the need to get tested for COVID if people develop symptoms.

"You can't tell by looking if somebody has influenza or COVID," he said. "And right now, depending on where they live, if someone has acute viral symptoms, the chances of it being COVID over other things is much higher."

PHAC's report shows there have been 51 influenza detections in Canada to date this flu season  significantly lower than the nearly 15,000 cases averaged by this point in the past six seasons  and there were zero lab-detected cases (from 13,000 tests) over the first week of 2021.

Chakrabarti expects there to be more cases of influenza than what PHAC's data shows, since not everyone with flu-like symptoms is tested for that virus. But in the segment of the population that is getting tested  typically older adults seeking medical care  influenza isn't coming up.

People admitted to hospital with symptoms are given respiratory multiplex tests that can detect multiple viruses at once, Chakrabarti said.

"And we've picked up very little in the way of other viruses. So if you're seeing a reduction in those cases, it suggests that the overall amount of flu in the community has dropped."

While experts assumed public health measures like mask-wearing and physical distancing would also lessen flu prevalence, the level of drop-off has been surprising, says Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist with McMaster University.

He believes travel restrictions have likely played a significant role.

Whereas COVID-19 can continue to spread easily because the virus is already entrenched here, Chagla says influenza is usually brought in each winter from tropical climates. A population confined largely indoors due to cold weather helps it spread.

"Border restrictions, quarantine rules, that probably limits the amount of influenza coming in in the first place," Chagla said. "And the odd case that does come in, it's harder to spread because people aren't congregating."

Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist with the University of Ottawa, agrees that a reduction in international travel likely explains the light flu season more than just the implementation of public health measures. He says places in South America are also seeing dips in flu numbers even though mask-wearing hasn't been as widespread there.

A level of immunity to influenza may also be contributing to the stifling of the virus, he added.

"More people got a flu vaccine this year," Deonandan said. "That can't be underestimated."

Chagla says other respiratory viruses also seem to have decreased this season. While there was an uptick in the common cold rhinovirus in the fall  usually correlated with children going back to school  PHAC data shows it's been dropping since.

Hand-washing and sanitizing high-touch areas may be playing a role in controlling viruses that are more transmissible on surfaces, experts say.

Chagla says cold or flu-like symptoms should raise a red flag for anyone right now, and he worries about people mistaking COVID signs for another virus.

"In years past you could say: 'this is just a cold,' doctors would say: 'don't even come in,'" Chagla said. "And now we have to switch the mentality to say: 'actually, no, go get tested.'"

Chakrabarti warns the "just the flu" mentality also diminishes the significance of influenza, which can lead to serious disease in vulnerable people too.

So there's need for caution, even if symptoms are from the flu virus.

"A lot of people say 'it's the flu, who cares? I get it all the time,'" he said. "This is going to sound familiar, but the reason it matters is because you can spread it to somebody else."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2021.


Two East Texas men were arrested Monday on federal charges after the FBI said it uncovered evidence that shows the men invading the U.S. Capitol with weapons on Jan. 6 alongside a crowd of violent pro-Trump rioters.

Alex Kirk Harkrider, a 32-year-old from Carthage, and Ryan Taylor Nichols, a 30-year-old resident of Longview, posed for a selfie in front of the U.S. Capitol, a sea of fellow rioters clutching Trump flags behind them, with the caption "We're in." Nichols posted that photo and others on Facebook. Acting on tips from two people, FBI agents used the pair's extensive social media posts and other photo and video evidence to outline their participation in the riot.

Harkrider is charged with conspiracy and unlawful entry with a dangerous weapon, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol ground and aiding and abetting, according to a criminal complaint filed Sunday in U.S. District Court. Nichols faces the same charges, plus civil disorder and assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon.

NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here

FBI

Nichols brought a bullhorn and crowbar to the riot, federal officials said, while Harkrider wore a tactical vest under his jacket and carried a baton. The men were at one point standing on a ledge outside a smashed window they believed to be Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

According to video reviewed by the FBI, Nichols can be heard yelling, "If you have a weapon, you need to get your weapon! and "This is the second revolution right here folks! This is not a peaceful protest." Dozens of people pushed their way into the Capitol building in that vicinity around the same time, according to the affidavit.

While the crowd was actively pushing into an entrance guarded by U.S. Capitol Police, Nichols grabbed a large red aerosol cannister from someone in the crowd and sprayed what is believed to be pepper spray toward officers blocking the entrance, the affidavit alleges. Harkrider was at the same time pushing into the entrance alongside others in the mob as people chanted "Heave! Ho!"

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust on HoustonChronicle.com

After entering the building, Harkrider sent a Snapchat of himself, facemask pulled down, inside the Capitol with the caption: "Were in. 2 people killed already...Give us liberty, or give us death. We wont stand for it.

Nichols made multiple Facebook posts in December indicating he would come to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

The two men are among multiple Texans who have been implicated in the Capitol insurrection, including East Texan Daniel Page Adams and a Dallas-area real estate agent.
Hurghada, Egypt (PANA) - The Libyan Constitutional Committee started its second meeting on Tuesday with the participation of two delegations from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, each comprising 10 members

Why 2020 Was the Year of Disaster Recovery

These three trends remind us of the value of our data.

Many companies in 2020 were forced to re-prioritize how their employees work and where they work. Organizations quickly shifted or increased their digital operations to maintain business continuity. Because of this fundamental shift, keeping systems and applications running 24/7 became critical for business survival. Consequently, one of the most important trends we saw in 2020 that will continue into 2021 is an organization's need for a robust disaster recovery plan.

2020: Increased Need for a Disaster Recovery Plan

In the past, some organizations looked at disaster recovery plans as an insurance policy they would never use, but 2020 has proven it must be more than that. You need a reliable disaster recovery plan to keep your business operational, no matter the disruption. This year proved disruptive for many companies, particularly with the transition of large employee populations to a remote workforce environment. This shift in priority benefited organizations that had already invested time and resources to develop a reliable contingent infrastructure to protect the organization from downtime and data loss. Those that didn't have that DR plan in place were scrambling.

Here's one example of what caused the concern. With most of the workforce operating remotely, organizations that still house their DR infrastructure in their physical data center faced challenges. The personnel essential to quick remediation for disruptions such as cyber attacks and power outages couldn't access their buildings. An organization must have a disaster recovery plan to quickly mitigate the problem without impacting business operations. In addition to a well-thought out plan for physical access, many organizations have also increased their cloud investment to provide an easy-to-access alternative. Many also realized cost advantages with this cloud-first approach.

2020: Disaster Recovery Plans Proved their Worth

Every company has always needed a disaster recovery plan. Some just didn't realize the criticality until the pandemic and remote work made it more apparent. It is not clear to most that they not only need a plan, but they need to routinely test it to make sure it is comprehensive. The COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, and economic closures of 2020 shined a continuous spotlight on the problems, forcing companies to consider if they had the right plan.

The first step for most organizations to start a DR project is with a business impact analysis (BIA). The BIA helps the IT department and the business align on what should be considered mission-critical infrastructure. It also allows organizations to allocate the right budget for DR. Companies should also consider consolidating and using fewer partners -- perhaps only one -- for several services to optimize the infrastructure.

2020: Testing and Training Became More Vital Than Ever

Businesses also realized in 2020 they needed to conduct tabletop exercises to test the DR plan and learn from the issues uncovered. To effectively carry out their disaster recovery strategy, organizations also need to put a renewed focus on employee user education that includes cybersecurity awareness. It's crucial to take a proactive approach to training and employee awareness to fight off hackers who can easily attack overworked and unsecured networks during the pandemic.

Companies learned many of their employees were unaware of how to handle cybersecurity issues simply because they had never had to before. Without dedicated IT teams on premises and with malware attacks on the rise, companies had to make employees aware of what could happen and arm them with the tools to make sure it did not happen to them. For employees to understand the risk of downtime and data loss, they must know what could happen if they don't use the corporate VPN and a secure router, update their passwords, or click on a suspicious email.

2020: Importance of Data Availability and Backup

Data is the most valuable asset to most organizations, bringing insightful information to enable companies to make smarter decisions. If any disaster puts a company's systems down -- for even a short amount of time -- it can result in losing critical data and that will have a wide-ranging impact on customers and employees. In some cases, that data loss can drive a company out of business. Data backup is important to mitigate this risk; if there is downtime, there is no loss of data that could lead to catastrophic effects on a business.

Also, we have seen the increase in ransomware attacks in 2020 due to work-from-home vulnerabilities. These are getting more frequent and more sophisticated. It's essential to have backups in place to recover the data from these ransomware attacks without paying the ransom to the "bad guys." Solutions that replicate near-real-time data are powerful tools to mitigate this problem because they allow granular recovery of data from the point of just seconds before a cyberattack, which is why having a secure data backup and disaster recovery plan in place is imperative.

In 2020, many organizations adopted Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) as their DR strategy to ensure data and applications are safe, secure, and accessible. DRaaS provides faster implementation, increased business continuity, and potential cost reduction compared to traditional in-house DR infrastructure. In some cases, these reductions can be as much as 50 percent. This potential cost savings can be a significant driver for considering and adopting of DRaaS, especially when IT leaders are looking to improve DR capabilities with limited investments. Also, since it can be accessed from any location and doesn't require upfront investments or internal resource allocation, DRaaS has proven to be an ideal option during the pandemic.

A Final Word

The pandemic has upended the way the world conducts business and connects with others. Because of the acceleration of remote work -- and the malware attacks that came with it -- companies across the globe, no matter their location or susceptibility to natural or online disasters, will need to go into 2021 with definite and updated data recovery plans.
Why it matters: You can add Logitech to the growing list of tech companies that not only survived the pandemic, but thrived during it. The Swiss-American peripheral maker in its latest earnings report said sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 reached $1.67 billion, an increase of 85 percent compared to the same period a year prior.

Operating income grew an impressive 248 percent to $448 million, far surpassing the $129 million generated in the year-ago period, while non-GAAP earnings per share reached $2.45. Analysts were expecting earnings to be closer to $1.02 per share.

A year ago, investors earned just $0.84 per share for the three-month period.

As the pandemic ramped up in the early part of 2020 and companies started sending employees home en masse to work remotely, many of them had to scramble to assemble makeshift home offices. Companies like Logitech that sell products such as keyboards, mice and webcams suddenly found themselves in a prime position to capitalize.

A steady stream of new products across its portfolio hasnt hurt, either.

Logitech also raised its fiscal year 2021 annual outlook to between 57 percent and 60 percent sales growth from its previous outlook of between 35 percent and 40 percent.

Share value is down around 3.4 percent as of writing but is up more than 104 percent compared to the same period in early 2020.

Image credit: Ismail Sadiron, ipanacea
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 06:20:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A healthcare worker wheels a patient into an ambulance outside a hospital in New York, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2021. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States topped 24 million on Monday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. U.S. COVID-19 case count rose to 24,018,793 with a total of 398,307 deaths, as of 2:21 p.m. local time (1921 GMT), according to the CSSE tally. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. COVID-19 confirmed cases topped 24 million, with total deaths approaching 400,000 on Monday, two days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

The country recorded over 24.04 million cases and more than 398,000 deaths as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

Just a little more than halfway into January, the United States has added a staggering 3.9 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 51,000 virus-related deaths, said a report by CNN on Monday.

The level of transmission in the United States is "screaming," Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN Sunday night.

It took the United States 304 days to reach 12 million COVID-19 cases, according to JHU data. It took the nation only 59 days to have the second 12 million cases.

The United States, which makes up 4 percent of the world's population, accounts for about 20 percent of global COVID-19 deaths.

According to the latest projections of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16,200 to 29,600 new deaths will likely be reported in the week ending Feb. 6. A total of 440,000 to 477,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by this date.

"This is a staggering and mind-numbing number," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, said of the surging U.S. COVID-19 cases and deaths in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"Yet, we still have to cope with nonsensical debates about individual freedoms and mask-wearing," Gupta said.

"A vacuum of leadership, coupled with incompetency in the country to take early action to prevent the spread of the virus even after the COVID-19 virus had been identified" has all contributed to the U.S. failure, Sarwar A. Kashmeri, an international relations analyst at Norwich University, told Xinhua.

Political polarization and a rejection of science have stymied the U.S. ability to control the COVID-19 pandemic, said a New York Times article on Sunday.

"That has been clearest and most damaging at the federal level, where Mr. Trump claimed that the virus would 'disappear,' clashed with his top scientists and, in a pivotal failure, abdicated responsibility for a pandemic that required a national effort to defeat it, handing key decisions over to states under the assumption that they would take on the fight and get the country back to business," said the article titled "One Year, 400,000 Coronavirus Deaths: How the U.S. Guaranteed Its Own Failure."

"But governors and local officials who were left in charge of the crisis squandered the little momentum the country had as they sidelined health experts, ignored warnings from their own advisers and, in some cases, stocked their advisory committees with more business representatives than doctors," it said.

Though vaccinations are underway in the United States, containing the pandemic is one of the gravest national challenges Biden's new team faces as it takes office on Jan. 20.

Biden hopes to administer 100 million doses of two-stage coronavirus vaccines in his first 100 days. Biden also plans to sign an executive order requiring masks on federal property and during interstate travel and is urging all Americans to wear face coverings for 100 days.

"In the United States, there has been a great deal of misinformation and confusion about COVID-19," John Manzella, editor-in-chief of The Manzella Report, told Xinhua.

"As a result, many Americans still do not understand the importance of wearing a mask or social distancing -- a problem that very likely has resulted in higher COVID casualties," he said.

The rollout of vaccines for COVID-19 has been slower than expected in the country. The Donald Trump administration planned to inject 20 million Americans by the end of 2020. However, only about 12.28 million doses have been administered as of Jan. 15, according to the U.S. CDC. Enditem
Thanks to the officials from Henan province, all my Hami melons were sold out. Im really grateful to them, Wang Denghao, a farmer in Hongshan village, Nanhu township, Hami, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, told Peoples Daily joyfully, adding that he plans to continue growing Hami melons in the next year.

Nanhu township has a Hami melon planting area of 14,500 mu (about 966.67 hectares), and produces about 30,000 tons of Hami melons a year. Last year, nearly 4,000 tons of these fruit were sold to central Chinas Henan province, which has been helping promote sales of products from Xinjiang through Chinas pairing assistance program designed to channel financial and personnel support to less developed regions.

Photo shows visitors tasting nang, a baked flatbread from northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, at the third nang industry promotion conference held from Dec. 14 to 16, 2020, in the Central China International Expo Center in Zhengzhou, capital of central Chinas Henan province. (Photo/Aksu Daily)

Zhao Hongyuan, deputy head of Hami melon association of Nanhu township, considered the pairing assistance from Henan really helpful. The province has carried out promotional activities both online and offline to help us sell products and we dont need to worry about the sale of our Hami melons at all, Zhao said.

Besides Nanhu township, other areas of Xinjiang have also benefited from the pairing assistance from Henan.

The 13th division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in Hami city sold 4,793 tons of high-quality grapes and more than 20,000 tons of late-maturing organic Hami melons to Henan province last year.

Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, agricultural and sideline products of Hami city encountered poor sales for a time last year, which added pressure on local people for shaking off poverty as planned.

The problem became worse during the harvest season when a large number of fruits appeared on the market at the same time, which made growers extremely anxious.

In June 2020, members from Henan province for pairing assistance in Xinjiang carried out studies and surveys in the fields and mobilized all the officials dispatched to Xinjiang in tackling the challenges posed by the pandemic to fruit growers.

We should try to sell more Hami melons to Henan and other areas, said Guo Zhiyong, deputy director of the bureau of agriculture and rural affairs of Hami and one of the 10th batch of officials sent from Henan province to Xinjiang under the pairing assistance program.

In early July 2020, the forward command post of Henan province for pairing assistance in Xinjiang cooperated closely with Communist Party of China (CPC) Hami municipal committee and the municipal government, launching a live-streaming event for stimulating the consumption of products from Xinjiang in Henan province.

Relevant enterprises running businesses such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and wholesale markets in Henan province were all encouraged to promote products from Xinjiang via livestreaming during the event.

In addition, by tapping into various resources and advantages, officials sent from Henan to Xinjiang brought in an amount of orders in a short time. They were frequently seen helping purchase fruits in the fields and send out goods.

I perform comic dialogues and dramas. I never thought I could one day be a part of a livestreaming show, said Fan Jun, a traditional Chinese opera master in Henan. In response to the provinces call for support for Xinjiangs development, Fan has volunteered to perform in Xinjiang every year during the past nearly 10 years.

In December 2020, the forward command post of Henan province for pairing assistance in Xinjiang held the third nang industry promotion conference in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Xinjiang.

More than 200 types of nang, a baked flatbread and staple food for the Uygur ethnic group, and over 100 kinds of special forest and fruit products as well as agricultural and sideline products from Xinjiang were showcased at the event, which resulted in investment and cooperation agreements worth of 970 million yuan (about $149.77 million) between Xinjiang and large shopping malls, supermarkets, and dealers in Henan.

Last year, the forward command post of Henan province for pairing assistance in Xinjiang helped Hami city sell 53,455 tons of agricultural and sideline products, effectively increasing the production and income of local residents.
BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The VHL Alliance (VHLA) today announced the 2021 recipients of the VHLA Competitive Research Grant Program. This year, three grantees were chosen. Scientists are increasingly aware that curing von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic form of cancer  is a key step to curing cancer, leading to a significant increase in the quality of research grant applicants in the program year after year.

Over 20 top VHLA researchers from across the US, Canada, and Europe were involved in reviewing and selecting those projects which have the greatest potential to make advances toward Curing Cancer through VHL. For the second year in a row, responding to the increase in quality applications, the VHLA Board of Directors voted to expand the annual budget for research.

This year's grant recipients were:

Amit Tirosh , MD, Head of Neuroendocrine Tumors Services, Institute of Endocrinology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel

, MD, Head of Neuroendocrine Tumors Services, Institute of Endocrinology, Sheba Medical Center, Eric Jonasch , MD , Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX ; and

, Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The MD Anderson Cancer Center, ; and David Zagzag , MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY

Dr. Tirosh proposes to investigate the microenvironment of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancers using computational biology. Dr. Jonasch will test in the laboratory whether VHL-associated kidney cancers respond to a new class of medication that exploits DNA stress. Finally, Dr. Zagzag will test whether a change in a specific protein expressed in hemangioblastomas can determine their growth rate.

"The VHL Alliance is proud to fund basic scientific and translational research of the highest quality, poised to shed light into the mechanisms of VHL tumors and lead to discovery of new ways to prevent and treat VHL patient tumors," said Othon Iliopoulos, MD, PHD, board member and chair of the VHLA Research Council, and Clinical Director, Von-Hippel Lindau Disease/Familial Renal Cell Cancer Program, Associate Professor of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

"Once again, the VHL Alliance Research Council was impressed with the range and quality of grant applications received. We have seen a growing interest among researchers in solving the mystery of the VHL gene - an important key to unlocking the mechanisms of tumor growth and ultimately, cancer," said Chandra Clark, Executive Director of the VHL Alliance. "VHL disease affects 1 in 36,000 people around the world regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic, or geographic circumstances, and finding a cure will benefit thousands of cancer patients."

For more information about the VHL Alliance or the 2021 VHLA Competitive Research Grant Program, please visit vhl.org.

About VHL

VHL or von Hippel-Lindau disease is a genetic form of cancer. VHL patients battle a series of tumors throughout their lives. The VHL gene controls the major feeding pipeline of every tumor. Curing VHL is one step closer to curing many other forms of cancer. There are currently 8 drugs being used to effectively treat cancer, mainly kidney cancers, which are direct results of VHL research.

About the VHL Alliance

The VHL Alliance (VHLA) is the preeminent resource and clearinghouse for those affected by von Hippel-Lindau disease, including patients, caregivers, researchers, and the medical community. VHLA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1993, which is dedicated to research, education, and support to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those affected by VHL. VHLA is the leading funder of VHL research, funding over $2.5 million in grants to support studies designed to find a cure. The VHL Alliance's vision is Curing Cancer through VHL.

About the VHLA Competitive Research Grant Program

The VHLA's Competitive Research Grant program awards two types of Grants: Pilot Grants ($25,000 for one year), designed to help researchers prepare the basic modelling required to then pursue larger grants; and Research Grants ($150,000 over three years), designed to obtain sufficient data to apply for government funded resources. Previous grants have contributed to our understanding of how the VHL gene contributes to the tumorigenesis including how to overcome the body signaling and response to what it perceives as a hypoxic (low oxygen) environment.

Contact:

Heidi Leone, Director of Advancement

VHL Alliance

617.277.5667 x 4

[email protected]

SOURCE VHL Alliance
- Voyager Customers Now have the Ability to Buy and Trade LUNA Directly with USD -

CSE: VYGR

OTCQB: VYGVF

Borse Frankfurt: UCD2

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Voyager Digital Ltd. ("Voyager" or the "Company") (CSE: VYGR) (OTCQB: VYGVF) (FRA: UCD2), a publicly-traded, licensed crypto-asset broker that provides investors with a turnkey solution to trade crypto assets, today announced the listing of the Terra (LUNA) Token on the Voyager platform, expanding Voyager's industry-leading offering to 57 digital assets.

"By adding the LUNA Token to the Voyager platform, our U.S. customers will now have one of the first direct fiat-to-crypto on-ramps available on mobile devices," said Steve Ehrlich, Co-founder and CEO of Voyager. "Our commission-free agency broker platform is quickly becoming the most trusted and transparent vehicle for investors to buy, trade and hold digital assets. We will continue to enhance our customer-centric platform with additional offerings including debit and credit cards, margin and the listing of other digital assets."

Terra LUNA is a next-generation smart contract platform and programmable money for the internet. Terra's platform supports stablecoins that offer instant settlements, low fees and seamless cross-border exchange, and are loved by millions of users and merchants.

"Both Terra and Voyager are making crypto and blockchain more accessible for mainstream adoption," added Terra Co-Founder and CEO, Do Kwon. "Terra's focus on merchant and payment adoption will be pushing the future forward on blockchain-powered digital payments. We're excited to be partnered with Voyager, availing the power of LUNA to the masses."

For more information on Voyager Digital, please visit https://www.investvoyager.com . The Voyager app is available for Android and iPhone .

About Voyager Digital Ltd.

Voyager Digital Ltd. is a crypto-asset broker that provides retail and institutional investors with a turnkey solution to trade crypto assets. Voyager offers customers best execution and safe custody on a wide choice of popular crypto-assets. Voyager was founded by established Wall Street and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who teamed to bring a better, more transparent, and cost-efficient alternative for trading crypto-assets to the marketplace. Please visit us at https://www.investvoyager.com for more information and to review the latest Corporate Presentation.

About Terra

Terra's stablecoin ecosystem aims to make money easier to spend and more attractive to hold for users. Terra is the first (and today the largest by market cap) algorithmic stablecoin protocol in existence, supported by the Terra blockchain's native asset, LUNA. Terra creates stablecoins pegged to the world's major fiat currencies (USD, EUR, CNY, JPY, GBP, KRW, and the IMF SDR) that deploy decentralized monetary supply controls to retain value, generate stable interest, and keep transaction costs low. Terra now has the third highest number of transactions of all blockchains (after BTC and Ethereum) and is generating 13M USD in fees annually. TerraKRW today powers Chai, one of the largest e-commerce wallets in Korea, which hosts over 2 million users and generates $1.2 billion in annualized transaction volume. Investors in Terraform Labs (TFL), the group behind Terra, include Arrington XRP Capital, PolyChain Capital, Binance Labs, Huobi Capital, FBG Capital, and TransLink Capital.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Certain information in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future growth and performance of the business, momentum in the businesses, future adoption of digital assets, and the Company's anticipated results may constitute forward looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements), which can be identified by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "intend," "continue" or "believe" (or the negatives) or other similar variations. Because of various risks and uncertainties, including those referenced below, actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are subject to the risk that the global economy, industry, or the Company's businesses and investments do not perform as anticipated, that revenue or expenses estimates may not be met or may be materially less or more than those anticipated, that trading momentum does not continue or the demand for trading solutions declines, customer acquisition does not increase as planned, product and international expansion do not occur as planned and those other risks contained in the Company's public filings, including in its Management Discussion and Analysis and its Annual Information Form (AIF). Factors that could cause actual results of the Company and its businesses to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, a decline in the digital asset market or general economic conditions; the failure or delay in the adoption of digital assets and the blockchain ecosystem by institutions; a delay or failure in developing infrastructure for the trading businesses or achieving mandates and gaining traction; failure to grow assets under management, an adverse development with respect to an issuer or party to the transaction or failure to obtain a required regulatory approval. In connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made assumptions that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business and that current trends in respect of digital assets continue. Forward-looking statements, past and present performance and trends are not guarantees of future performance, accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, past performance, or current trends. Information identifying assumptions, risks, and uncertainties relating to the Company are contained in its filings with the Canadian securities regulators available at www.sedar.com . The forward-looking statements in this press release are applicable only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the relevant forward-looking statement and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after that date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are cautioned that past performance is not indicative of future performance and current trends in the business and demand for digital assets may not continue and readers should not put undue reliance on past performance and current trends. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

SOURCE Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd.
There was a feeling of spring in the air and a sense of lightness and of joie de vivre permeated the room. People were smiling at each other, not that I could see their lips, but their eyes told it all. As each name was called, we jumped up and gratefully accepted the piece of paper handed to us with our details on it. This was the scene in the vaccination room last Wednesday.

The whole process lasted 20 minutes. It was run with military efficiency. I have never known myself looking forward to receiving an injection with such enthusiasm. But that was my emotion as I spotted a glimmer of light peeping through the fog of illness and death. The needle was small so there was very little pain and the 15-minute supervised wait afterwards, lest there was an allergic reaction, seemed more like five. A bruise on my arm and a healthy tiredness were all I experienced the following day. I slept for 10 hours that night. There will be another injection in two weeks.

The joy of receiving the vaccine overshadowed the reality that Ireland has been a slow starter in the fight back against the coronavirus. Around 1.6pc of our population has had the first jab compared to 6.3pc in Northern Ireland. The figure for England in 5.49pc and for Israel 23.89pc, making it the world leader. Nonetheless we are the 6th highest in the EU.

Read More

While the vast majority of people are willing to take the vaccine, 70pc a few weeks ago and now up to 80pc according to a recent opinion poll, there remains some anti-vaxxers who in principle refuse, believing it to be unsafe and an infringement of human rights. While this has its origins in 18th century United States, when religious leaders viewed vaccines as the devils work, more recently the blame for refusal has rested with the presumed side-effects.

A famous case arose in 1998 when Andrew Wakefield, a British former doctor, published a paper in the Lancet suggesting a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The paper was retracted by the journal and Dr Wakefield lost his licence to practise following a medical hearing in London. No study has been published finding such a link, although the reduction in vaccination caused by this episode continues to the present.

While small in number, anti-vaxxers have a strong presence on social media. There are of course legitimate concerns about the safety of vaccines that are crucially important, particularly since some in the past few years have been associated with serious side-effects.

One concern expressed to me relates to the speed with which the vaccine has been developed. Has it been adequately tested? Those charged with developing the rollout of the anti-Covid vaccine should not dismiss all who express such concerns as mavericks, fanatics or extremists, although some may be.

The effectiveness of vaccines in combating polio, measles and mumps cannot be forgotten and most doctors will never see a polio case in their lifetime. Yet in 1950 there were 16,000 cases each year in the US with 1,800 deaths and serious neurological disability.

The world-famous violinist Itzhak Perlman contracted polio when he was four and has used crutches ever since, he uses a scooter to enter and exit the stage for recitals and he remains seated.

Recent trials on more than 43,000 people have shown that the vaccine made by Pfizer/BioNTech is 95pc effective at preventing symptoms. This is the one in use in Ireland at present. Others have been made by Moderna of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and AstraZeneca of Cambridge/Oxford. All have been tested in clinical trials and shown to be promising in preventing symptoms.

But there are questions: one is what are the side-effects? These can be deciphered from the studies already conducted and so far they seem mild. It has been noted that 23 people over the age of 80, frail and with underlying medical conditions, who received the vaccine have died in Norway. It is unclear if it was the cause as the post-mortems are continuing. One company is now conducting trials in those over 65 so their safety in older age groups will become apparent.

What happens if the vaccine is given to a person already infected by the virus? Does it worsen the symptoms or reduce them? So far information on this is only available in 170 cases with Covid-19 from the Pfizer data base and the results of this are awaited although a larger sample will be needed to provide accuracy.

Finally, how long will immunity last and will boosters be needed? This question cannot be answered yet since the vaccine is too new, but this will clearly need to be monitored in those vaccinated with follow-up studies.

Many questions remain unanswered and it behoves the relevant authorities to address these openly and honestly.

For my part I had no hesitation, based on the information available, in taking the vaccine.

It is our only hope of restoring our freedoms and our wellbeing. The common good demands we take this step.

Patricia Casey is a consultant psychiatrist in the Hermitage Clinic, Dublin and Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at UCD
CAIRO  The Administrative Judicial Court of the Egyptian State Council is looking into a new lawsuit filed by lawyer Mostafa Shaaban and a group of animal welfare activists, demanding that the government stops randomly killing stray dogs and cats and bans their export to countries that allow their meat to be eaten.

The case was addressed to the president of the republic, the prime minister, the ministers of interior, foreign affairs, local development, investment and agriculture, and the chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS).

On Jan. 9, the court adjourned the hearing of the case to Jan. 23.

Shaaban told Al-Monitor over the phone that the government agencies are conducting a systematic campaign to kill dogs and cats across Egypt in violation of the law, using brutal and immoral methods, most notably killing them with bullets or by inserting deadly toxins into food and feeding it to them. He said this is the reason for filing a lawsuit to force the government to stop this campaign.

He said that this government strategy disturbs the ecological balance as well, as these dogs and cats usually feed on snakes, mice and various rodents, which creates a natural environmental balance between these organisms.

Shaaban noted that some predators, such as wolves and mountain foxes, fear dogs, so their presence in the streets helps these animals from migrating to urban areas or new cities near the desert and mountainous areas, such as 6th of October City, Badr City and 10th of Ramadan City. The unjust killing of dogs is against the constitution on the one hand, and against nature and the environmental balance on the other, he aded.

Article 45 of the Egyptian Constitution stipulates, The state commits to protecting its seas, beaches, lakes, waterways, groundwater and natural reserves.  The state also commits to the protection and development of green space in urban areas; the protection of plants, livestock and fisheries; the protection of endangered species; and the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Dina Zulfikar, a prominent animal rights activist, told Al-Monitor over the phone that although the Egyptian Constitution provides for the protection and welfare of animals, the law does not punish the killing of dogs or cats or any kind of animals that are not pets, meaning that any citizen can kill any dog or cat on the street without any legal deterrence.

She explained that Article 355 of the Egyptian Penal Code punishes any individual with penal servitude who deliberately and unjustifiably kills a riding animal, a carrying beast, a towing beast or any other type of livestock, or causes extensive harm to it.

However, these penalties do not apply to killing or harming street animals, Zulfikar noted.

The absence of an explicit legal text to punish those who harm street animals has led to the spread of killing and assault cases, especially against dogs, because Egyptians in general despise street dogs [because they believe they are dirty and carry diseases]. Some citizens are killing dogs in different ways, while local administration officials crack down on dogs or feed them poisoned food, she added.

Zulfikar explained that the government has used a type of toxin called strychnine to get rid of dogs, although it is dangerous to human health and children in particular, as its effect lasts in the soil for 40 days. Strychnine is used to exterminate rats and rodents, and its use is limited in other countries.

This controversy, which has now come down to lawsuits, has existed for some time, especially after member of parliament Mona Mounir submitted an urgent official briefing request to parliament on Nov. 25, 2018, to hold the government accountable for its decision to export cats and dogs abroad, as well as the random killing of street dogs.

Mounirs briefing request mentioned that GOVS, the government agency responsible for preserving and developing livestock, had approved the export of 4,100 dogs and cats to several countries for their meat.

Hassan Shafiq, GOVS deputy head, told Al-Monitor that there is no official government decision to export dogs and cats, but the export process is permitted in Egypt and is done according to specific requirements and permits.

He stressed that the local government departments do not randomly kill dogs; they only kill them after receiving complaints from citizens about the presence of rabid dogs that bite them or their children, noting that there were over 300,000 complaints in 2020.

Shafiq said that the government must respond to complaints of street dogs attacking citizens, especially since the number of stray dogs in Egypt exceeds 20 million. He stressed that the government does not kill all street dogs, but targets aggressive ones only in coordination with GOVS, noting that over 400,000 people have been bitten by street dogs in recent years.

He added that in the scientific and religious view it is not permissible to kill stray dogs or any kind of animals unless their presence results in harm that can only be removed by killing them to protect citizens.

We cannot kill all dogs, and those who accuse the government of randomly killing all dogs are wrong because it is logically inconceivable that more than 20 million dogs will be eliminated in Egypt. But the government must also take action to protect citizens from rabies, Shafiq noted.
The uncertainty around special education schools reopening this Thursday is causing parents to turn on each other Eleanor McSheery of the Special Needs Parents Association has said.

Ms McSherry, who co-founded the association said it was sad to see parents so divided but admitted it was understandable.

Ms McSherry told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One that the uncertainty had parents all at sea.

In my 16 years of being a parent of a child with a disability, I have never seen such divisiveness within our community. Its very sad to see. Ive had parents remove themselves from online social groups because they have been so upset by it.

Read More

Theres a huge divide in the community because some peoples children would not survive getting Covid-19, their children arent going to be sent back in. Yet, the other half, their children have intellectual disabilities who would otherwise be quite healthy and they are regressing. They want the schools open.

This is very divisive at the moment. Forget about your teachers unions and the government, the parents themselves are now turning on each other - which is very sad to see, but quite understandable, unfortunately, Ms McSherry said.

Parents dont trust anything they read anymore, due to the mixed signals, Ms McSherry said.

One minute they are being told by the school via texts, calls and emails that their kids are to go back to school on Thursday and they are seeing all over the media that the unions and teachers dont want to go back.

While they have a huge amount of sympathy for teachers, their children are regressing and are upset due to the lack of routine and due to lack of socialisation - which can be very detrimental to these children and to their parents. Its like watching your child at the very early stage of their diagnosis, Ms McSherry said.

Adam Harris, founder of Irelands AsIAm autism charity said that students and their parents need clarity today from unions as to what their red line is on returning to the classroom.

We need all the support we can get on this as, unfortunately, the voices and needs of vulnerable children with a constitutional right to an education have just been ignored in all of this, Mr Harris told Galway Bay FM this morning.

Were seeing the power struggle between the Department of Education and unions that our parents have no interest in. We need absolute clarity as to what their red lines are and when are they willing to return to the classroom.

Our families have been completely silenced and any time they speak up about their needs on social media, theyre being attacked, Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris said it needs to be recognised that everyone is on the same team and the central stakeholders at the end of the day, are the children.

[January 19, 2021] Options Announces Direct Internet Connectivity to Frankfurt (FR2)

Options, the leading provider of cloud-enabled managed services to the global capital markets, have today announced the availability of direct, high-performance Internet connectivity to Frankfurt (FR2). This direct connectivity is an exciting addition to the Options network and service offering, allowing clients to access services hosted at Equinix (News - Alert) Frankfurt (FR2) and other European colocation facilities. Options facilitates trading at hundreds of venues worldwide with real-time market data, direct market connectivity, and fully managed colocation services. Options' industry-leading expertise in infrastructure automation, architecture, and operations provides clients with rapid time to market, TCO reduction, best-in-class performance, resiliency, and security. Today's announcement builds on the three exchange-related integrations Options completed in 2020; the Miami International Securities Exchange (MIAX), the newly-launched Members Exchange (MEMX) and the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE). John Bryant, Options CTO, commented, "Direct Internet connectivity to one of the pre-eminent European trading colocation facilities is an exciting addition to the firm's global market data and trading connectivity service offering. 2020 was a year of considerable growth for Options, and we are delighted to have completed the build-out of our Frankfurt Internet infrastructure to facilitate client requirements for European connectivity, hosting and data residency in a post-Brexit world."



About Options (www.options-it.com): Options Technology are the No. 1 provider of IT infrastructure to global Capital Markets firms, supporting their operations and ecosystems.

Founded in 1993, the firm began life as a hedge fund technology services provider. Today, the company provides high-performance managed trading infrastructure and cloud-enabled managed services to over 200 firms globally, providing an agile, scalable platform in an Investment Bank grade Cybersecurity wrapper. Options clients include the leading global investment banks, hedge funds, funds of funds, proprietary trading firms, market makers, broker/dealers, private equity houses and exchanges. With offices in 8 key cities; New York, Toronto, Chicago, London, Belfast, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand, Options are well placed to service their customers both on site and remotely. In 2019, Options secured a significant growth investment from Abry Partners, a Boston-based sector focused private equity firm. This investment has enabled Options to considerably accelerate its growth strategy to invest further in its technology platform and expand its reach in key financial centres globally. Options was named among the UK's leading growth companies in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table. For more on Options, please visit www.options-it.com, follow us on Twitter at @Options_IT and visit our LinkedIn page. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005623/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
For Ministers, tackling the immediate problems posed by the pandemic must take precedence.

However, that should not mean that the need to rebuild the economy is neglected.

Now the challenge is to tackle the immediate health service needs and, when possible, refocus on the emerging economic crisis.

People who voted for Brexit are disappointed. So also are people who voted against.

The arrangements made, after months of disagreement, have left most people disappointed. The political settlement expressed in the protocol has created a complex business environment which is frustrating and unhelpful.

Arguably, the tensions caused by the complex documentation demands should be temporary.

The Joint Committee working for the EU and UK governments has the authority to make the arrangements simpler and more understandable. Michael Gove, as the designated UK Minister, must take responsibility. The crisis must be resolved quickly.

The early difficulties in managing the operational details of the protocol are not unexpected but that has created an unfortunate dilemma.

An understandable reaction, faced with disrupted trade arrangements, is to seek to abandon the protocol and revert to the status quo ante. However, that is a legal nightmare worse than improving the protocol arrangements.

The protocol is part of an international agreement and cannot unilaterally be abandoned.

The EU, arguing on behalf of Ireland, would defend the settlement as a critical international agreement.

At this stage, a reminder of the expected benefits from the protocol may help. Northern Ireland manufacturers remain within the EU. Manufacturing businesses in Northern Ireland have the advantage of doing business without trading obstacles as part of the UK economy and, in addition, also have the advantage of doing business with no trading barriers or customs duties within the EU.

On a continuing basis, Northern Ireland manufacturers will stay in regulatory alignment with EU standards to enable local businesses to operate on an agreed competitive basis with other EU businesses.

In the new (post-protocol) arrangements Northern Ireland does have unique advantages.

Goods manufactured here have customs-free access to the UK and EU markets. Those advantages offer the prospect of making Northern Ireland a more attractive location for international investors.

After Brexit there is considerable interest in how this will affect the attractiveness of either the UK or EU markets to international investors.

The Irish economy will continue to seek to attract investors from, for example, the USA on the basis of working languages, business standards, skills and taxation as well as access to an EU market place of over 400 million people.

Northern Ireland-located businesses, following the arrangements of the protocol, should be able to offer similar (or better) advantages as well as easier access to the UK market.

The possible negative conclusion from the changed international conditions is that Great Britain will be less likely to attract investment from the USA.

This conclusion might be a reason for London to adopt a more generous series of State Aids to increase its relative competitiveness.

That will be a critical test of the working of the 'level playing field' agreement included in the post-Brexit trade agreement between Britain and the EU.

The EU and UK(GB) authorities will remain competitors to attract foreign direct investment but no longer offering the same large single market.

Into that difference, Northern Ireland can bridge the gap. For FDI and the businesses already in Northern Ireland, there potentially should be continuing access to both large single markets.

Northern Ireland's representatives at the EU-UK Joint Committee have a negotiating challenge to secure the best outcome. If Northern Ireland is to be a competitive location for international investment, it is critical that Northern Ireland is seen as a stable community.

If the protocol is seen as unlikely to survive then that will add to the danger of deterring investment.

During the early months of 2021 it is important that acceptable working arrangements are agreed to substantiate the possible benefits of the protocol.

The protocol might be improved through negotiation: it would be a major mistake simply to want to walk away.
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.

Cairo, Jan 19 : The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of remains of a Roman fort in the country's Aswan Governorate.

At the fort site, an Egyptian archaeological mission also uncovered the remains of a church from the early Coptic era and a temple from the Ptolemaic period, Xinhua news agency quoted Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, as saying in a statement on Monday.

A vessel made of clay and part of a red brick vault dating back to the Coptic era were also found at the site.

Head of the Central Administration of Antiquities of Upper Egypt, Mohamed Abdel Badie, said that the Coptic church was built on the ruins of the Roman fort, according to the statement.

Abdel Badie added that the mission also found the remnants of a mud-brick wall surrounding the church from the western side.

"There are four chambers, a hall and an upward staircase on the northern side of the church. As for the southern side, there are ovens for burning pottery," the official said.

The North African country has witnessed several large-scale archaeological discoveries in recent years in different parts of the country, including Pharaonic tombs, statues, coffins and mummies.
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 a recent virtual Open Stage, 14 musicians and two poets performed, while another seven joined to listen. Musicians bantered about some jokes about folk instruments, such as whats the difference between a macaw and a banjo? One is loud, screeching and obnoxious and the other is a bird.
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.
Saskatoon-based Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is launching a new gas brand, called Western Nations gas bars, in partnership with Indigenous enterprises across the four Western provinces.

Saskatoon-based Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is launching a new gas brand, called Western Nations gas bars, in partnership with Indigenous enterprises across the four Western provinces.

The local, independent Indigenous partnerships in Western Nations will allow FCL to expand its fuel supply marketplace and according to Brian Humphreys, FCLs vice-president of energy, will also give the successful co-op brand a chance to engage in a significant way with what he says is an important stakeholder.

Although there are not currently any partnerships or locations established, he said talks are underway with a number of groups. FCL would not discuss how many outlets it is expecting to develop.

While some might say this is not necessarily an ideal time to develop a new gas bar brand because pandemic restrictions has lowered fuel consumption, Humphreys said its not something that FCL is worried about.

"Pandemic or not, this is an initiative we want to do as a long term project and we think it is the right thing to do," he said. "There is pressure on the economy overall right now, not just the demand for energy."

FCL has plenty of experience working with independent owner-operators in many of its regional co-ops. As well, it also has fuel supply arrangement with third-party operators like the Tempo brand gas bars.

The regional co-ops would help get the Western Nations Indigenous partners established with site development or site improvement assistance if there is already an existing facility in place.

FCL also has a Community Building Assistance Program, that will provide a certain dividend per litres of gas sold that the owner-operator can use for community development investment.

"This is absolutely an equal combination of us partnering with a really important stakeholder of ours  Indigenous communities  and at the same time we will be participating in growing new markets in the way we want  alongside those Indigenous partners."

Humphreys said they are open to all sorts of location and operational situations, whether on reserve or on urban reserves or wherever the partners decide makes the most sense.

"We are pretty confident in our local market presence and brand differentiation," he said. "We believe we will continue to be successful for the long-term."

Humphrey emphasized the fact the company intends to make this a long-term commitment, after planning it for more than a year before the launch this week.

"We know the energy sector is changing in Western Canada. With that, we see an opportunity to build a brand with Indigenous partners for the collective benefit of our people and communities," said Humphreys.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesIt was only last month that Teyana Taylor stepped up from brand ambassador to creative director of the fashion retail brand Pretty Little Things, and she's already facing an issue.

Over the weekend, a Black designer, who goes by the Twitter name @AnifaM, shared a side-by-side picture of a dress she says she designed next to a similar-looking dress on PLT's website.

After making their own comparisons, Twitter fans began accusing Taylor of "stealing from other black people," which prompted a response from the multi-hyphenated star.

"First off how are u going to ASSUME I have anything to do with this?" asked Taylor on Monday. "My position barely started! I JUST announced my new title only a month ago, I have not even officially started my CD role as of yet. So check ya self & most IMPORTANTLY ya tone before u come at me loud & wrong."

Taylor then retweeted another fan, who said, "See what I dont understand is.... @TEYANATAYLOR literally bothers nobody, why come for her?"

This isn't the first time PLT has been accused of copying the work of other designers. Earlier this month, Twitter users pointed out the brand's "newsprint" design dresses, which fans believe resembles the work of British designer John Galliano, who served as creative director of Dior from 1996 to 2011.

One fan wrote, "So prettylittlething ha[s] a bunch of stuff on their website thats 'newsprint.' We all associate that with Galliano and Dior. Do they have the right to print his name on these garments knowing thats where the likeness literally comes from?"

By Rachel George

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
After several delays, Wonder Woman 1984 finally flew into theaters and HBO Max on Dec. 25, 2020. And though the movies reception has been less-than-perfect, star Gal Gadot remains one of the most beloved, influential big-screen superheroes. So its wild to think that the Wonder Woman star almost joined the DC Extended Universe in a very different sort of role instead.

Gal Gadot at CCXP 2019 Sao Paulo at Sao Paulo Expo | Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images

Gal Gadot made her film debut in 2009s Fast & Furious

Prior to landing the role of Diana, Gadot led a very interesting life. At the age of 18, she won the Miss Israel beauty pageant. Then she served as a soldier for two years, fighting for the Israel Defense Forces. Finally, Gadot began studying law and government in college. And at the same time, she began to build her acting and modeling careers.

But the future Wonder Woman didnt make her film debut until 2009. She starred opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in Fast & Furious. Gadot reprised her role as Gisele Yashar in two more sequels. Then in 2016, she made her DCEU debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, it seems director Zack Snyder initially had Gadot in mind for another project first.

RELATED: Wonder Woman Director Didnt Want to Make 1 of These Boring Movies

But Gal Gadot almost starred in an earlier DC Extended Universe movie

A few months before Batman v Superman hit theaters, Gadot revealed she nearly joined the DCEU in its first installment. The actor told Israeli website Xnet (via Batman News) that she almost played a villain in Snyders 2013 hit Man of Steel. But Gadot had to turn down the part because she was pregnant with her first daughter.

When I was a month pregnant with (my daughter) Alma, I got an offer to be the evil Superman character. If I wasnt pregnant Id take the job, and theres no way they would take me now to be Wonder Woman.

In Man of Steel, Antje Traue plays General Zods (Michael Shannon) second-in-command, Faora-Ul. Judging from Gadots comments, this is the DCEU role she would have played instead of Wonder Woman. Its easy to see how Gadots screen presence could have made her a solid Faora. Clearly, she made an impression on Snyder, who brought her on for his second DCEU film.

RELATED: Wonder Woman Director Patty Jenkins Had No Input on Justice League

Instead, Gal Gadot became an A-list star with 2017s Wonder Woman

So Gadot was unable to sign on as Faora in Man of Steel. But in hindsight, it certainly worked out for the best. Traue delivered a memorable performance in the role. And while Gadot likely would have been similarly effective, Faora was never meant to be more than a one-time character. Instead, Gadot earned widespread acclaim as the first big-screen Wonder Woman.

Considering how well director Patty Jenkins 2017 solo movie performed, Gadot has easily emerged as one of the most reliable pillars of the DCEU. And the role is very lucrative for the actor, who reportedly got paid $10 million to return for Wonder Woman 1984. She and Jenkins are already signed on to return for a third movie too. So Gadot will remain a DCEU mainstay for a while to come.
China ended 2020 as the only major economy that didnt shrink as a result of the pandemic and, if the forecasts are right, will grow at a startling rate in 2021. If it wants to meet those forecasts it might be forced to rethink its ban on Australian coal.

The 2.3 per cent rise in China's GDP last year might have been its weakest growth since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, but was a global standout in a year when the pandemic wrecked all the other big economies.

Chinas economic statistics do have to be taken with a pinch of salt  it is remarkable that it was able to produce the data from its sprawling economy within a couple of weeks of year-end  but the performance of its economy does accord broadly with both its response to the pandemic and third-party data on its exports.

Coal exports to China have been restricted. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers

The draconian response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan was of an order that no Western government could have contemplated, but was effective in enabling China to get control of the virus (despite a recent outbreak in northern areas of the country) even as it has raged out of control in other major economies.
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.
While we dont have a statewide snowstorm in the offing, areas of lake effect snow will hit Michigan. It looks like a concentrated area of heavier snow should develop across southern Lower Michigan this evening.

This morning and this afternoon you will find the most consistent lake effect snow over northwest Lower Michigan and the U.P. As evening approaches there will be an upper-air disturbance moving across southern Wisconsin and across the southern third of Lower Michigan.

Snow coverage and intensity should increase over southern Lower between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m this evening.

In the radar forecast below, you can get a feel for the area of snow this morning across northern Michigan, and the increasing snow this evening across southern Lower Michigan.

High resolution radar forecast from 8 a.m. Tuesday to midnight Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Northwest Lower Michigan will have areas of two to four inches of snow during the day today. This means Gaylord, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Mancelona, Kalkaska and the northern Traverse City area will have the snow this morning.

By 5 p.m. today, a larger area of light snow will move into the southwest quarter of Lower Michigan, including South Haven, Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor. This snow will actually increase in intensity and spread east across the I-94 corridor this evening, eventually bringing occasional vigorous snow showers into the Jackson area, Ann Arbor and occasionally into Detroit.

While accumulations wont be real heavy across southeast Lower, roads will become snow covered this evening.

Heres the snowfall forecast today and tonight, giving you a feel for who gets the snow.

Total snow forecast through 7 a.m. January 22, 2021. The snow will fall today and this evening.

Up to eight inches of new snow today could fall around the Gaylord area. The very southwest corner of Lower Michigan should get three to five inches of snow. Grand Rapids will have one to two inches of snow. Kalamazoo will likely see two to four inches of snow. Moving east into Jackson, Lansing, Ann Arbor and the Detroit area, amounts should mostly stay under one inch. There is the potential for a band of snow to hover along I-94 and drop up to two inches of snow. The Flint area, Saginaw/Bay City area and the Thumb will also get less than one inch of snow.

Its not a huge snowstorm for southern Lower, but roads will turn slick this evening.
Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!
Beer brewers in Laois feature in Lidl's campaign to Lidl Ireland to strengthens support for local suppliers.

Lidl has announced today the return of 36 products from 25 small Irish suppliers, including two Laois businesses, which were part of the retailers annual Kick Start Supplier Development Programme last summer.

Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Lidl says it has already invested 1 million through the programme since its inception in 2017.

The limited-edition range will be available in Lidls 208 stores and features Laois-based suppliers, Ballykilcavan Brewery and 12 Acres Brewing Company.

Lidl will be stocking Ballykilcavan Brewing Companys Red Ale and Bawn Pale Ale. A family run business based in Stradbally, Ballykilcavan Brewing source their brewing water from their own well, which was specially divined in the 18th-century farmyard just outside the brewery building.

The 12 Acres Brewing Company will feature their Far Side Hazy IPA 5.1%, Winter is Coming Oatmeal Porter 5.2%, Pallet Jack India Pale Lager 5% and Make Hay Session IPA 3.8% as part of the Kick Start promotion.

Established in 2014, 12 Acres Brewing Company is a multi-award-winning artisan farm microbrewery based on a family farm in South Laois. 12 Acres was the first Irish microbrewery to provide genuine traceability for the malting barley used to brew their beer. Brewed from their own malted barley grown on their own farm and pure spring water from deep beneath the same land the barley is grown on, 12 Acres brings real Irish craft beer with unique provenance and genuine traceability from the ground to your glass to the Irish market. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Lidl Ireland Buying Director, Cathal Corcoran, reflecting on the impact of the Kickstart programme.

At Lidl, it has never been more important to us to support our local communities, as well as the livelihoods of those who continue to operate throughout the pandemic, through our growing local supplier network.

Our Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for small to medium sized Irish businesses to showcase their products to more than 2 million customers that enter our stores every week. The quality of Irish artisan food and drink is up there with the best in the world, and we are delighted to bring unique, delicious, local produce to shoppers looking to support our local economy when they need it most, he said.

Lidl says it takes great pride in supporting small Irish suppliers and bringing the best of Irish produce to its loyal community of customers. Visit www.lidl.ie/kickstart for more information on Lidls annual supplier development programme, Kick Start.
"Though he roamed all over the country then, little is known about his journeys in Maharashtra and even the present-day Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which I have researched to bring out several aspects concerning Xuanzang," Dr Pandit told IANS.

The scholar Xuanzang (602-664 AD) travelled in classical India during the 7th century AD, spending around 12 years traversing the length and breadth of the country, according to the new treatise, 'Mumbai Beyond Bombay' by historian, scholar and archaeologist Dr Suraj A. Pandit.

Primarily, he visited India to learn Buddhism and spoke and compared it with Chinese Buddhism during the Harshavardhana Empire of yore.

Among other things during his tour of this western Indian domain, Xuanzang met the King of Maharashtra, Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas Dynasty of Badami, in modern-day north Karnataka.

"He described the people from this kingdom as 'very humble, warm, helpful and having a high self-esteem' when he mingled with even the ordinary folk during his sojourn for an unspecified period here," Dr Pandit said.

Xuanzang had made Krishnagiri - the modern-day famous Kanheri Caves in Borivali, north-west Mumbai - as his abode during his stay here.

He also journeyed to nearby places like Sopara, the thriving port and capital of the kingdom of Maharashtra - which is today the humble middle-class Nalasopara town in Palghar district.

Dr Pandit said that after the Sopara trip, Xuanzang wrote of what he witnessed there, including a reference to one of the two huge 'stupas' built by Emperor Ashoka the Great (who reigned from 268-232 BC), besides the existence of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist sects in modern-day Mumbai.

"Later, another stupa also came to light and both the stupas still exist in Nalasopara till date. In the past 100 years, we have also discovered the edicts nos. 8-9 of the total 14 edicts proclaimed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty," Dr Pandit said.

During his travels to India, modern-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet, etc, Xuanzang collected many important manuscripts from India, including some in Sanskrit from the Kingdom of Maharashtra, which he translated into Chinese after returning to his motherland, as per available historical records.

At Krishnagiri (Kanheri), he described the Buddhist monastery atop the hills in great detail, the 'Viharas' which were excavated in three layers on the mountain slope with a stone elephant carved out at the main entrance.

Kanheri - which was situated on the huge Salsette Island, into which the 7 islands that comprised the original Bombay were merged by the British - had dense forests teeming with wildlife and tigers roaming in the present-day Malabar Hill area.

Of his stay here, Xuanzang paid glorious tributes to his Acharyas and the Buddhist monks from whom he acquired knowledge and wisdom, Dr Pandit said.

Before leaving Krishnagiri (Kanheri), Xuanzang was presented a wooden statuette of the 11-headed Bodhisattva, Lord Ekadashmukh Avalokiteshvara and a text called Dharini, which he also translated into Chinese.

The statuette later created a sensation in his home country and the later spread of the 11-headed Bodhisattva cult in China can be largely attributed to Xuanzang, Dr Pandit explained.

A Faculty at University of Mumbai, Dr Pandit, 43, is also Head of Department of Buddhist Studies & Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology at PTVA's Sathaye College, Vile Parle.

His recent book 'Mumbai Beyond Bombay' is translated from Marathi to English by young archaeologist Prashant Gharat and published jointly by Aprant and Centre for Archaeology, University of Mumbai.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)

--IANS

qn/kr

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.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese will claim Prime Minister Scott Morrison's close relationship with Donald Trump has damaged Australia's alliance with the United States and his positions on climate change will leave the nation more isolated than ever on the international stage.

In his strongest comments yet on the way in which Mr Morrison has handled the relationship with the outgoing president, Mr Albanese will lash the Prime Minister for not calling out Mr Trump over his incitement of the violent riots at the US Capitol.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese will deliver a major foreign policy speech on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Morrison this week criticised "things that were said" to incite the riots on the US Congress without directly naming Mr Trump.

The Prime Minister has also declined to criticise Coalition MPs such as George Christensen and Craig Kelly for spreading conspiracy theories about the US election.
Photo: The Canadian Press President-elect Joe Biden waves to reporters as walks out of The Queen theater Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status, a massive reversal from the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies.

The legislation puts Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Donald Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations. It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favoured by many Republicans, making passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

Expected to run hundreds of pages, the bill is set to be introduced after Biden takes the oath of office Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the legislation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

As a candidate, Biden called Trumps actions on immigration an unrelenting assault on American values and said he would undo the damage while continuing to maintain border enforcement.

Under the legislation, those living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfil other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

The bill is not as comprehensive as the last major immigration overhaul proposed when Biden was vice-president during the Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather calls for coming up with strategies. Nor does it create any new guest worker or other visa programs.

It does address some of the root causes of migration from Central America to the United States, and provides grants for workforce development and English language learning.

Biden is expected to take swift executive actions to reverse other Trump immigration actions, including an end to the prohibition on arrivals from several predominantly Muslim countries.

During the Democratic primary, Biden consistently named immigration action as one of his day one priorities, pointing to the range of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trumps policies.

Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and enough other GOP senators to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades.

That kind of major win  even if it involves compromise  could be critical as Biden looks for legislative victories in a closely divided Congress, where Republicans are certain to oppose other Biden priorities that involve rolling back some of the GOPs 2017 tax cuts and increasing federal spending.

As a candidate, Biden went so far as to say the Obama administration went too far in its aggressive deportations.
By Donald Lambert-Principal private sector development specialist Asian Development Bank

Policymakers, however, must consider if the economy needs further stimulus. Based on conventional measures, probably not. The economy is expected to bounce back strongly in 2021 with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasting an expansion of 6.1 per cent, which is broadly comparable to Vietnams recent growth rates. With the General Statistics Office reporting unemployment at 2.5 per cent as of September 2020, the labour market seems strong.

Traditional metrics like GDP and unemployment, however, may overlook and even contribute to inequalities. If the overall picture is strong, then governments may elect to forego additional support even though certain groups may be lost in the statistical shuffle. In response, some economists have proposed more targeted metrics to measure recovery. For example, there are calls for the Federal Reserve in the US to consider the unemployment rate of black Americans as opposed to the general unemployment rate when setting monetary policy. Basing economic monetary and fiscal policy on the most economically vulnerable has the potential to address systematic inequalities, but how could the concept be imported to a middle-income country like Vietnam?

Ask women. More specifically, ask women who own small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Lets break the idea into its constituent components beginning with five reasons for focusing on small businesses during a recovery. Firstly, these businesses represent an important block of the economy. Including micro enterprises, they account for 98 per cent of all businesses and around half of all jobs. Secondly, SMEs can play a critical role in recovery. In low- and middle-income countries, they are generally the most responsible for job creation.

Thirdly, unlike micro firms, they have already achieved a modicum of scale and so have the potential to be more economically efficient.

Fourth, small businesses can drive innovation, often having greater flexibility to pivot than less nimble, larger enterprises. This can help Vietnam to avoid the infamous middle income trap. Finally, SMEs are particularly vulnerable to economic crises. They lack the financial resources of larger enterprises, and their access to finance is constrained.

This crisis is no exception. During the first half of 2020, over 29,000 enterprises suspended their operations - a 38 per cent year-on-year increase, and whereas lending in Vietnam increased lending 2.1 per cent from the start of 2020 through to mid-June, lending to SMEs declined 0.7 per cent over the same period.

Now within the broader universe of SMEs, female-owned enterprises are even more vulnerable because they have more difficulty in accessing finance. An International Finance Corporation report identified in 2017 that small businesses in Vietnam owned by women face a $1.2-billion financing gap, and that 37 per cent of these businesses had borrowed from a bank in the past two years, which was significantly lower than 47 per cent of SMEs owned by men.

Similarly, a 2019 study from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry found women-owned small businesses have, on average, loan terms 16 per cent shorter than SMEs owned by men. These trends are likely to compound during a downturn when banks typically become more conservative. These discrepancies are the product of documented biases, both conscious and unconscious.

Moreover, economic policy that follows the fortunes of these firms would benefit not just women but all economic participants. Most obviously, monetary and fiscal policy would have an incentive to look past the headline numbers and consider how the larger statistics on GDP and unemployment are filtering down to the less advantaged. This will create a bias toward greater support during a downturn. Focusing on the health of women-owned businesses would also improve economic resilience. Women are more likely to be in economically vulnerable jobs than men, and with poorer access to finance, and businesses owned by them are at greater risk of bankruptcy because of temporary liquidity issues rather than more serious solvency issues.

Finally, it would lead to better socioeconomic outcomes. By ensuring that capital is equally accessible, it ensures its flows to those businesses with the most potential to generate growth and employment.

Women-owned businesses need more support from banks, especially in financially straitened times like these. This is gradually happening. An ADB grant funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, for example, incentivises banks to restructure existing loans to such businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to extend loans to first-time borrowers. The grant will be disbursed through Asia Commercial Bank, BIDV, Saigon-Hanoi Bank, Tien Phong Bank, and Vietnam Prosperity Bank - all of which have volunteered for the programme.

Efforts like this will help. But if economic policy benchmarked to female-owned businesses is to become a viable policy tool, better data is required. Economic data in Vietnam is generally not sex-disaggregated. It needs to be, and the ADB is working with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to introduce it for the first time to the 2021 economic census.

Lets take a major step toward breaking down barriers by making them the criterion by which economic stimulus decisions are set.
(Newser)  He was the son of a billionaire and one of the world's first supermodels. But if Harry Brant led a charmed life, it came to a crashing halt over the weekend. The 24-year-old New York socialite was found dead of an accidental drug overdose on Sunday, according to his parents, industrialist and magazine publisher Peter Brant and former Victoria's Secret "Angel" Stephanie Seymour. "Our hearts are shattered. Harry wanted to overcome his addiction and was just days away from re-entering rehab," his family said in a statement, per the New York Times, which refers to Brant as "a new-look 'It' boy." He and his brother, Peter, were thought of as "the male version of wealthy celebrity sisters Paris and Nicky Hilton," per Page Six. Both "were fixtures at New York City's hottest parties and front-row attendees at top international fashion shows."

story continues below

Once named "NYC's Most Beautiful Teenage Brothers" by New York, the brothers also modeled. Brant landed in Italian Vogue and ad campaigns for luxury French fashion house Balmain, per People. He was also "a trailblazer of beauty and cosmetic products for men," according to the family's statement. He and his brother released unisex makeup collections with MAC in 2015 and 2016. Also in 2016, Brant made headlines after he allegedly ran off without paying a taxi and was found with "a white substance," leading to charges of larceny, illegal possession, and interfering with an officer, per Page Six. "We will forever be saddened that Harrys life was cut short by this devastating disease," the family said. He "achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done." (Read more obituary stories.)


Head of the board of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy Andriy Kobolev considers it necessary to create a unified information database of vulnerable consumers in the country, which will contain full information about their income, volumes and cost of consumed natural gas.

He said this during a discussion on the gas market at the Energy Club on Tuesday.

"Our ideology, which we have been promoting for six years, is as follows: if there is a vulnerable consumer, give him or her money. This is done in all developed countries. We consider it necessary to create a database that will allow the government to identify all vulnerable consumers, link them to specific gas consumption and help them. And this in the future will allow us to avoid problems with too rapid growth in prices," the head of Naftogaz said.

At the same time, Kobolev said that today the main obstacle to providing citizens with subsidies in cash is the lack of information about which categories of consumers are vulnerable and why, what are their volumes of gas consumption and what is their cost, as well as what is their income ratio and the cost of consumed gas.

"If now the state decided to give these people money, even the same social services would have a trivial question: is it possible to give the accounts of these consumers? Is it possible to identify them so that we know who and how much money needs to be given to support these people? Unfortunately, at the moment the system is not ready for this," Andriy Kobolev said.

As reported, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted resolution No. 25 dated January 18, 2021, which introduces the maximum gas price of UAH 6.99 per cubic meter for household consumers (population) in February-March 2021.
The regional Infrastructure minister, Marifran Carazo, visited Riogordo on recently as work to a 22-kilometre section of the A-7204 road in the upper Axarquia was completed.

The section, from the junction with the A-402 in Venta Baja, was one of the first to get under way during the first coronavirus lockdown, taking advantage of the reduction in traffic, according to Carazo.

The one-million-euro budget for the project came from European Union Regional Development funding (ERDF). Local mayors first reported the road's bad state of repair to the regional government five years ago.

BROOKFIELD  Registration for residents eligible for phase 1B vaccines via the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Vaccine Administration Management System has caused some confusion for the town now signing up residents 75 years or older, according to First Selectman Steve Dunn.

In an email to residents, Dunn said some entities, such as Nuvance (Danbury Hospital) have entered many of our residents names and email addresses into the CDC-VAMS system without the residents knowledge.

When Brookfield officials began registering people for the towns upcoming vaccine clinic, hundreds of registrations were kicked back, according to Dunn.

Some people are getting registered on the VAMS system without their knowledge, right, and it seems what Nuvance has done is just uploaded every person they have onto the VAMS system, Dunn said. So its confusing because when we try to register people who came through the town website, it doesnt let us do that. You can only have one email and you can only register once with that email.

Residents eligible for the next round of COVID-19 vaccines sent their information to the town ahead of time so when the time came, they could be registered. However, Nuvance went ahead and registered some Brookfield residents despite their wish to be signed up by the town, according to Dunn.

Dunn said residents should still be getting an email from VAMS telling them to register and make an appointment, regardless of whether or not the town or Nuvance completed the registration.

In the end, it doesnt matter, what matters is they do get registered and that they look for an email from VAMS telling them how they can register and then sign up to get the actual vaccination, Dun said

Being registered by one specific entity does not mean residents have to be vaccinated by that group. After residents sign up, they can go into the system and make an appointment at any certified facility in Connecticut, Dunn said.

In his email, Dunn urged residents to check their inboxes for a VAMS invitation, including their spam and junk folders. Dunn encouraged residents to add their names to the town website with a unique email address on the offhand residents are unable to locate an invitation from VAMS.
The marijuana legislation passed with great fanfare and was touted for its focus on diversifying the predominantly white industry and creating greater social equity, though it has fallen short of some of those goals so far  something Steans acknowledged in announcing her resignation.
MOSCOW, Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A special Aerolineas Argentinas flight picked up Argentina's second shipment of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on January 15th at Sheremetyevo International Airport and returned to Buenos Aires.

The shipment of 300,000 doses of the world's first coronavirus vaccine follows a previous shipment of 300,000 doses shipped to Argentina on December 24. More than 200,000 people have been vaccinated in Argentina with the Sputnik V vaccine.

The round-trip flight will take 40 hours in total, including time on the ground in Moscow, and has a crew of 20, including technical experts who are ensuring proper in-flight control and handling of the vaccine.

Argentina is the first country in Latin America to authorize the use of Sputnik V vaccine.

Transportation of Sputnik V requires special attention throughout the supply chain and must adhere to strict temperature requirements at all stages of transportation. It must be maintained at ultra-low temperatures and be held in specialized thermal containers and ice packs.

Moscow Cargo, Sheremetyevo's cargo handler, met or exceeded all temperature, handling and storage requirements until the vaccine shipment was loaded onto the aircraft. Moscow Cargo has extensive experience in handling pharmaceuticals, including vaccines.

The Moscow Cargo terminal has 26 independent storage areas for cargoes classified as TTSP, or time & temperature sensitive products. All have individually adjustable temperature controls to maintain conditions from -20 to +25 C, as well as 60 thermocells in the automated PCHS (Pallet / Container Handling System) for storing unit load devices (ULDs) holding temperature-sensitive cargo.

SOURCE Sheremetyevo International Airport
A new local strain of the novel coronavirus has been found in more than one-third of patients in Los Angeles, a new study finds.

Researchers from Cedars-Sinai say the strain, called CAL.20C, is partly responsible for the striking rise in cases over the last two months.

CAL.20C is different from the variant first identified in the UK, known as B 1.1.7., that has sprung up in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

While that variant is only accountable for around 40 cases, the Cedars-Sinai study found that CAL.20C os responsible for 36.4 percent of all cases in Los Angeles.

Researchers say they believe the new strain is more transmissible - but not more deadly - than other commonly circulating strains.

It comes as California became the first U.S. state to top three million COVID-19 infections.

A new coronavirus strain called CAL.20C was identified in Los Angeles, and may be responsible for the rising number of cases in the county

Los Angeles County has been reporting a COVIS-19 death every eight minutes on average, and a new infection every six seconds. Pictured: A team of doctors and nurses tend to an urgent COVID-19 patient whose oxygen level had dropped too low at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, January 12

California has remained one of the most hard-hit states during the course of the pandemic, and Los Angeles County has been devastated in particular.

Earlier this month, county officials said they had essentially run out of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients.

What's more, the National Guard had been called in to assist with the temporary storage of bodies at the county medical examiner-coroner's office because other morgues have run out of space, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Los Angeles County alone is reporting a death due to COVID-19 every eight minutes on average, and a new infection every six seconds, according to county officials.

The researchers say it is not merely a coincidence that the emergence of CAL.20C occurred as cases began spiking.

'The recent surge in COVID-19 positive cases in Southern California coincides with the emergence of CAL.20C,' said co-corresponding author Dr Eric Vail, an assistant professor of pathology at Cedars-Sinai, in a statement.

The study, published on pre-print site MedRxiv.org is currently undergoing peer preview.

To identify the CAL.20C strain, the team looked at virus samples from 192 COVID-19 patients at Cedars-Sinai who tested positive between November 22 and December 28 of last year.

In October, the CAL.20C strain was virtually nonexistent in October.

However, by December, 36.4 percent of all virus samples from Cedars-Sinai patients were linked to the strain.

A new study from Cedars-Sinai found that 36.4% of all coronavirus patients at the hospital had an infection linked to CAL.20C. Pictured: Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, National Guard members place COVID-19 victims into temporary storage at the medical examiner-coroner's office in Los Angeles, January 12

CALIFORNIA: The news comes as California became the first U.S. state to top three million COVID-19 infections

If this translates to the general population, this could mean 372,805 cases of the more than one million cases in Los Angeles are associated with the strain.

In addition, 24 percent of all samples from Southern California - including Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties - were linked to CAL.20C.

'The double-digit prevalence of the CAL.20C strain in November and December was striking given that it was first observed in July 2020 in just one of 1,230 virus samples in Los Angeles County and had not again been detected in Southern California until October,' said co-corresponding author Dr Jasmine Plummer, a research scientist at the Cedars-Sinai Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics.

CAL.20C includes five recurring variants, including one that was reported by the California Department of Public Health on Sunday.

The variant, known as L452R, was first seen in Denmark but does not appear to be a more infectious one in the European country that was linked to minks and led to 17 million of the animals being culled in November.

It has been linked to multiple outbreaks in Santa Clara County, including one in a Kaiser Permanante emergency room that sickened more than 90 and led to one death.

CAL.20C is different from the B 1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK and includes the L452R recently identified in 12 West Coast counties

The news of California's milestone was not entirely unexpected - but the speed at which the state reached this figure is stunning.

The first coronavirus case in The Golden State was confirmed on January 25, 2020. It took 292 days to reach one million infections on November 11 and 44 days to top two million on December 24

This means it took just 25 days to record three million cases.

California's caseload is also far ahead of other large states. Texas currently has more than two million infections and Florida is just above 1.5 million.

A caseload surge that began last fall has strained the state's hospitals and especially intensive care units as a percentage of the infected - around 12 percent - become sick enough weeks later to need medical care.
Torrington Police / Contributed Photo

TORRINGTON  A man was arrested Monday night after he allegedly claimed to have a bomb during a disturbance at a local restaurant , according to police.

Around 10:20 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Bachis Restaurant at 46 E. Main St. for a report of a disturbance and a possible bomb threat, Detective Kevin L. Tieman said Tuesday .
Is it wrong to cremate a persons body according to the Bible? Historically, cremation has not been part of the Christian tradition. Early Christians agreed with their Jewish ancestors that cremation was not an option they would consider, even though the Bible includes no specific mandate prohibiting it. However, this view has transformed over the years. Today, many of us have friends or family members who were cremated and cremation is sounding more and more like something we might consider for ourselves. But is cremation an acceptable option for Christians?

Many factors influence a persons choice on what to do with the body after death. Some of these factors include wealth of the family, the status of the individual, the climate of the country, health, sanitation and religious beliefs, among other things. Among these variables comes the debate of burial vs. cremation. The previously named factors contribute to the choices that each individual and family will make with respect to the question. When it comes to whether its ok for a Christian to be cremated, the best place to turn is the Bible.

The Bible nowhere answers the questions as to the method of disposal. Moral and religious questions are raised as to the right to destroy the body through cremation of the remains. The Bible has remained silent as to the correct technique. From this, we know that one cant say that cremation is a sin. One might say that burial better reflects the biblical perspective on life, death and the body. But one can say with certainty that Christ will come again, and our bodies will be raised again, never to die again.

Cremation was practiced in biblical times, but it was not commonly practiced by the Israelites or by New Testament believers. In the cultures of the Bible times, burial in a tomb, cave or in the ground was the common way to dispose of a human body. You can find references of this in Genesis 23:19; 35-19; 2 Chronicles 16:14 and Matthew 27:60-66. While burial was the common practice, the Bible nowhere commands burial as the only allowed method of disposing of a body.

There are some that believe that cremation interferes with resurrection and that just isnt true. Cremation in no way interferes with Gods ability to resurrect the dead  to give us life after death. People have died in countless ways throughout history, from accidents to warfare to being lost at sea, and yet, God will still resurrect them in the future. This doesnt have to be done with a body. Consider how God will resurrect any of the dead. He will not simply put life back into bodies, for that would be possible only in He returned someone to life immediately after dying. The reality is that even if the body remains intact upon death, it will eventually decompose. The bodies of most people who have lived since creation will no longer exist by the time of the resurrection.

The believers hope, whether we will submit our remains to burial or cremation is that the body that is buried or incinerated is not that the body that will ultimately dwell with the Lord. The Bible says But someone may ask, How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something elseSo will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable. It is raised imperishable. IT is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body. It is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:25,27,42-44).

At the resurrection, it will not make any difference whether a persons body has been cremated or buried. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease, suffering or death. There is also no need to worry that the body will be destroyed and thus unable to participate in that great catching away. The body that is interred will either slowly decay or burn rapidly, but God will give all His children a new body, glorious and incorruptible to dwell with Him forever. Once and for all, the negativity of death and separation from God will be nullified.

Ultimately, cremation is an acceptable means of dealing with the dead. Cremation doesnt conflict with the Bible nor does it interfere with Gods ability to resurrect the dead. The question of cremation is within the realm of Christian freedom. The Bible tells us, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5). A person or a family considering this issue should pray for wisdom and follow the conviction that results. Grief is a difficult process. We each deal with it in different ways. Whether burial or cremation is the better option for a loved one or for ourselves should be left to personal decision. Trust how God is moving you.
A group of doctors from the state of California is calling for schools in the state to reopen, according to a letter they have signed.

Thirty University of California, San Francisco doctors have signed a letter urging state officials to reopen schools by Feb. 1. They added that prolonged school closures are causing social isolation among children and could tax their mental health and well-being, according to a One America News Network report.

The doctors noted that there is a major increase in emergency visits for mental health issues last year among the youth.

Dr. Jeanne Noble, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UCSF said that closing schools have real health effects, adding that it is not just saying that they cannot do this to help COVID numbers.

Noble added that this was harming the kids, not being able to go to class face-to-face.

ABC7 Special Correspondent and pediatrician Dr. Alok Patel agrees on the idea of school reopening, saying that it should be a priority and can be done safely.

"I think it's a fairytale to think distance learning works for every kid. It really comes down to a clear separation of have and have nots," Patel was quoted on a ABC7 News report.

Noble added that once schools reopen, desks should be spaced somewhere in the three-to-six-foot range.

The California doctor also added that windows and doors should remain open.

Noble said that if these precautions can be done, one can operate a school safely.

Related story: Florida School Reopening Adds Increase of Coronavirus Among Children

Resistance to Schools Reopening

Some states have already unveiled plans to reopen schools. Meanwhile, some have already reopened schools with resistances from educators.

In Chicago's case, they already opted to reopen their schools.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has explained that giving parents the choice to send their children to school in person is important to prevent some of the city's most poor and Black and Latino student from falling permanently behind, according to to The New York Times report.

However, teachers' unions are arguing that schools are not yet safe while there is still the threat of the pandemic.

Chaz Garcia with the Oakland Education Association said that maintaining safety protocols in schools is easier said than done.

Garcia said that they have some classrooms without windows and with doors that open to hallways and not outside. She added that there is a serious risk in those areas.

Chief executive of a school system that serves about 350,000 students, Janice K. Jackson, said that she was optimistic that most teachers would go to work.

Jackson warned that anyone who stayed home without permission would not be paid. This further raised the possibility of a clash with the union.

An economic professor at Brown University, Emily Oster, said that this is probably one of the most unpleasant reopenings, with how the two sides are interacting with one another.

Oster has collected data on coronavirus cases in schools. She has also argued that reopening schools is safe under many circumstances.

Many state leaders around the United States are increasingly pushing for schools to reopen as more teachers begin to gain access to the vaccine.

Teachers in Arizona started receiving shots last week. With this Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said that he expects students back in the classroom despite objections from top education officials, according to a U.S. News report.

Related story: US College Campuses See Rise in COVID-19 Cases as Classes Resume
[January 18, 2021] Netskope Expands NewEdge Network in Singapore to Meet Unprecedented Demand

SANTA CLARA, California, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Netskope, the leading security cloud , today announced the expansion of the Netskope NewEdge network to a new data center in Singapore. Serving millions of enterprise users around the world, Netskope NewEdge is a carrier-grade private cloud network that is reserved exclusively for Netskope customers. The expansion of the Singapore data center enhances the NewEdge infrastructure, building on Netskope's investment in the region to better serve local and multinational customers. Trustwave, a Singtel company and the global security arm of Singtel, Optus and NCS, is a leading cybersecurity and managed security services provider focused on threat detection and response with customers in over 90 countries around the world. "Netskope's industry leading technology, including Cloud XD, is integral to our managed cloud security offerings," said Alan Phua, director product management at Trustwave. "With the Netskope NewEdge network's ever-growing global footprint, as well as Trustwave's global network of security expertise, we can be even more confident our clients get the security and data protection they require, without sacrificing on performance or user experience." As organizations continue to balance the remote or hybrid-office workforce, they are relying on cloud-based solutions to seamlessly bridge the gap from office to home for their employees. With 20% of users moving sensitive data among multiple cloud apps and services, businesses must continue to prioritize security during this era of rapid digital transformation. The decades-long efforts to digitally transform enterprises have pushed the capabilities of the public internet to its maximum. Inherently unpredictable and unsecure, the public internet is strained by users who demand great web, cloud, and private application performance and enterprises that demand more security. Compounding this challenge, legacy security tools often introduce delays to accessing these critical services. As a result, industry analysts have scrutinized the reliance on the public internet for security of these services, giving rise to new architectural frameworks like Gartner's "secure access service edge" (SASE) that enterprise security leaders are moving to adopt.



"Netskope continues to be a champion for the modern workforce," said Tony Burnside, Vice President for Netskope Asia Pacific. "With this NewEdge expansion to Singapore, Netskope is enabling organizations to securely scale their businesses without sacrificing speed or performance." Netskope NewEdge is built by industry veterans representing the largest and most performant networks ever built. Like no other network, NewEdge delivers inline security services through a carrier-grade, next-generation global infrastructure based on advanced application and network optimization technologies and processes. As a private cloud network, NewEdge optimizes connectivity with its resilient global architecture, which is directly peered with major providers, mitigating the challenge of the public internet. This enhances the overall user experience, resulting in a better web, cloud, and private application performance for most Netskope customers. This latest data center brings improved performance for Netskope services in Singapore, as well as surrounding countries across the region including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

The Netskope Security Cloud , delivered on NewEdge, provides unrivaled visibility and real-time data and threat protection for cloud services, websites, and private apps accessed from anywhere, on any device. No other company in the market has addressed shifting demands by combining next-generation SWG capabilities, the world's leading CASB , zero trust network access, and advanced machine learning to detect unauthorized data exfiltration and advanced threat protection. Only Netskope understands the cloud and takes a data-centric approach that empowers security teams with the right balance of protection and speed they need to secure their digital transformation journey. To accelerate deployment and simplify administration for network teams, Netskope supports the most flexible options of any vendor for steering traffic to the NewEdge network. This includes Netskope's lightweight client for managed devices or a traditional proxy auto-config (PAC) file-based approach. NewEdge also works seamlessly with a customer's existing router, firewall, and proxy investments utilizing IPSec/GRE tunnels or proxy chaining, as well as plug-and-play integrations with SD-WAN solutions. To extend security and data protection to unmanaged users and devices, Netskope also supports an extensive set of clientless options to enable any web-based, SaaS application. To learn more, visit http://www.netskope.com/newedge . To learn more about the Netskope Security Cloud, with its breadth and depth of offerings, please visit https://www.netskope.com/products . About Netskope

The Netskope security cloud provides unrivaled visibility and real-time data and threat protection when accessing cloud services, websites, and private apps from anywhere, on any device. Only Netskope understands the cloud and delivers data-centric security from one of the world's largest and fastest security networks, empowering the largest organizations in the world with the right balance of protection and speed they need to enable business velocity and secure their digital transformation journey. Reimagine your perimeter with Netskope. Media Contact

Inkhouse for Netskope

netskope@inkhouse.com SOURCE Netskope

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Members of the panel will keep aside their personal views on the farm laws while preparing the report to be submitted to the apex court, said Ghanwat after the panel's first meeting in New Delhi

New Delhi: Members of the Supreme Court-appointed panel on farm laws will not let their personal views on these Acts come in the way of their deliberations with various stakeholders, key committee member Anil Ghanwat said on Tuesday, while asserting that they are not on the side of any party or the government.

After their first meeting in New Delhi, Ghanwat said the first round of consultations with farmers and other stakeholders has been scheduled for Thursday.

The Supreme Court had set up the four-member panel on 11 January, but one of them, Bhupinder Singh Mann, recused himself later after questions were raised by the agitating farmer unions about the views expressed by all members in the past in support of the contentious laws, against which thousands are protesting on Delhi borders for almost two months now.

Separately, nine rounds of talks have taken place between the government and agitating unions without any concrete resolution.

Ghanwat, who is the president of the Shetkari Sanghatana, said the panel will hold its first round of talks with farmers and other stakeholders on 21 January. "The biggest challenge for panel is to convince agitating farmers to come and speak with us. We will try our best," he said.

Ghanwat further said the committee will seek views of farmers and all other stakeholders on the new farm laws, besides the Central and state governments.

"Panel members will keep their personal views on farm laws aside while preparing the report to be submitted to the Supreme Court," he said.

The committee has been appointed by the Supreme Court and it is up to the apex court whom to appoint, he said on whether any replacement would be made for Mann. "We have been given a responsibility and we will fufill it properly," Ghanwat said.

"We want to request those farmers who don't want to come before us that we are neither from any party nor from the government side. We are from the Supreme Court side," he said on allegations by the agitating unions and Opposition parties that all the members were pro-government.

"Come and talk to us. We will listen to you and present your views before the court. We request them to come and speak to us," Ghanwat said.
Are there additional ways to reduce my risk?

Getting the vaccine is the ultimate way to reduce risk. But until then, take a look at your activities and try reducing the time and number of exposures to other people.

For instance, if you now go to the store two or three times a week, cut back to just once a week. If youve been spending 30 to 45 minutes in the grocery store, cut your time down to 15 or 20 minutes. If the store is crowded, come back later. If youre waiting in line, be mindful of staying at least six feet apart from the people ahead of you and behind you. Try delivery or curbside pickup, if thats an option for you.

If youve been spending time indoors with other people who arent from your household, consider skipping those events until you and your friends get vaccinated. If you must spend time with others, wear your best mask, make sure the space is well ventilated (open windows and doors) and keep the visit as short as possible. Its still safest to take your social plans outdoors. And if you are thinking about air travel, its a good idea to reschedule given the high number of cases around the country and the emergence of the more contagious variant.

The new variants are making me think twice about my plan to teach in-person, which would have been with masks and with good ventilation anyway, Dr. Marr said. Theyre making me think twice about getting on an airplane.

Will the current Covid vaccines work against the new variants?

The current generation of vaccines still are highly effective at protecting you against the emerging coronavirus variants. Earlier this month, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their Covid vaccine works against one of the key mutations present in some of the variants. Thats good news, but some data also suggest that variants with certain mutations, particularly the one first seen in South Africa, may be better at dodging some, but not all, vaccine antibodies. While the data are concerning, experts said the current vaccines generate extremely high levels of antibodies. Breakthrough infections are rare, and the vaccines are still highly effective at preventing serious illness in people who are immunized and get infected.

The reason why Im cautiously optimistic is that from what we know about how vaccines work, its not just one antibody that provides all the protection, said Dr. Adam Lauring, associate professor of infectious disease at the University of Michigan. When you get vaccinated you generate antibodies all over the spike protein. That makes it less likely that one mutation here or there is going to leave you completely unprotected. Thats what gives me reason for optimism that this is going to be OK in terms of the vaccine, but theres more work to be done.

You can read more here about how the vaccines protect you against variants.

If I catch Covid-19, will I know if I have the new variant?

Probably not. If you test positive for the coronavirus, the standard PCR test cant definitively determine if you have the variant or the original strain. While some PCR test results can signal if a person is likely to be infected with a variant, that information probably wont be shared with patients. The only way to know for sure which variant is circulating is to use gene sequencing technology, but that technology is not used to alert individuals of their status. While some public health and university laboratories are using genomic surveillance to track the prevalence of variants in a community, the United States doesnt yet have a large-scale, nationwide system for checking coronavirus genomes for new mutations.
The South African coronavirus variant may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past, scientists fear.

Researchers say that a mutation on a specific part of the virus's outer spike protein appears to make it able to 'escape' antibodies. Antibodies are substances made by the immune system that are key to destroying viruses or marking them for destruction by white blood cells.

South African academics found that 48 per cent of blood samples from people who had been infected in the past did not show an immune response to the new variant. One researcher said it was 'clear that we have a problem'.

Professor Penny Moore, the researcher behind the project, claimed people who were sicker with coronavirus the first time and had a stronger immune response appeared less likely to get reinfected.

Antibodies are a major part of the immunity that is created by vaccines  although not the only part  so if the virus continues evolving to escape from them it could mean that vaccines have to be redesigned and given out again.

But experts so far say they have no reason to believe vaccines won't work, which may be because they produce a stronger immune response than a very mild infection, and because they produce various different types of immune cells.

At least 54 people in the UK have already been confirmed to have had the South African Covid variant, although these were picked up by random sampling so the true number is likely much higher.

In a bid to stop new variants coming into the country, Britain has now made it mandatory for all international arrivals to quarantine for 10 days and provide proof of a negative test within three days before departing for the UK.

The new variants of the coronavirus have mutations on the spike protein, which are key for the immune system's antibodies to latch onto and destroy it. Changing the shape of them makes it harder for the body to catch the virus

Professor Penny Moore, from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa, found in a small study of 44 people that 48 per cent of them (21) had no immune response at all to the new variant despite having had coronavirus before

Researchers have been scrambling to find out more about concerning new variants of the coronavirus since major changes were found in strains coming from Kent in England, South Africa and Brazil.

The virus appears to be evolving to transmit around 50 per cent faster and to get past some antibodies made in response to other variants of the virus.

Antibodies are extremely specific, fitting to the virus like a key in a lock, and are moulded to the virus when it is in the body. If the virus changes too much, the old antibodies may no longer be able to fit to it and so can't destroy it.

This means people infected with the virus three months ago or more may not have total natural immunity if they catch a newer version.

A study by the University of Washington looked at how the blood of people with antibodies for an older version of coronavirus reacted to the new variant.

In a group of 11 blood samples, nine of them showed 'reduced binding' from antibodies when exposed to the key mutation on the South African variant.

The mutation they studied is called E484K, which changes the shape of the spike protein that the virus uses to latch onto cells in the body. The same mutation has also been spotted in both Brazilian variants.

At least three major coronavirus variants have been spotted in Britain in recent months  from Kent, South Africa and Brazil  and they appear to be evolving to spread faster and to evade some parts of the immune system, although scientists do not yet think any have yet got so far as to slip past the vaccines completely

The most cases of the South African variant - called B.1.351 - have been detected in the UK and South Africa. But scientists say the UK has found so many because it sequences many samples

The report from COG-UK also revealed the first cases were spotted back in October last year

Dr Jesse Bloom and colleagues wrote: 'The site where mutations tend to have the largest effect on binding and neutralization is E484, which unfortunately is a site where mutations are present in several emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages.

'However, some [samples] are more affected by mutations at other sites, while others are largely unaffected by any single mutation.'

Data from researchers in South Africa, where the variant emerged, appears to suggest that immunity to Covid-19 was reduced in more than 90 per cent of people when they were reinfected with the new variant.

Professor Moore, from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa, found in a study of 44 people that 48 per cent of them (21) had no immune response at all to the new variant despite having had coronavirus before.

She told a scientific panel meeting yesterday: 'When you test the blood of people infected in the first wave and you ask "Do those antibodies in that blood recognise the new virus?" you find that in 50 per cent of cases  nearly half of cases  there's no longer any recognition of the new variant.

'In the other half of those individuals, however, there is some recognition that remains. I should add those are normally people who were incredibly ill, hospitalised and mounted a very robust response to the virus.'

Professor Moore said that research made it 'clear that we do have a problem', but that it is still in its early stages and laboratory studies cannot perfectly recreate the real world.

On whether vaccines would be affected, she added: 'If you have very high antibodies to begin with, there does remain some recognition of the new virus and that's important as we think about vaccines.

LIFTING LOCKDOWN TOO SOON COULD ALLOW MORE MUTATIONS Britain must keep Covid under wraps during the vaccine roll-out or it risks allowing the virus to mutate and render the jabs useless, an expert has warned. Dr Christina Pagel, a health and mathematics researcher based at University College London, said allowing the virus to continue to spreading could give the coronavirus more time to mutate in a way that would make vaccines stop working. The UK is already on high alert for mutations and today closed its borders to anyone who has not tested negative within 72 hours of travelling, to stop evolved variants coming in. But there is still a risk that people will slip through the checks and that outbreaks will start again inside the country in the spring  vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has suggested lockdown rules could start to be lifted as soon as March. If the virus can keep circulating it will keep mutating and, the longer this goes on for, the more likely it is that a devastating mutation will emerge. Scientists fear the virus could learn to evade vaccines and natural immunity over time. Britain's second wave was driven by a highly infectious variant that first emerged in Kent. Laboratory researchers have also spotted dozens of cases of a South African variant across the UK and last week confirmed 11 samples had tested positive for one of two Brazilian variants. England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has already admitted that the UK's current strategy of half-vaccinating people raises the risk of the virus mutating to become vaccine-resistant. Dr Pagel claimed a combination of rapid vaccination and stringent 'suppression' of outbreaks should continue until the majority of people have been immunised. Advertisement

'Some vaccines elicit very high levels of antibodies and others do not, so we need to understand whether there is some recognition by vaccine-elicited, rather than infection-elicited, antibodies.'

The studies by Dr Bloom and Professor Moore have not yet been reviewed by other scientists and published in journals and are known as 'pre-print' papers.

Scientists tracking the South African variant in the UK yesterday confirmed that at least 54 Brits have tested positive for it so far, with the first case dated back to October 2020.

It's likely that there have been far more cases of the variant because the Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) only analyses 10 per cent of random positive coronavirus samples.

COG-UK say they've not found any evidence yet that it will make the current wave of vaccines less potent.

In their 41-page report, COG-UK said tests had already been carried out on the South African variant which established some of its mutations did not lessen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

But they added that not all of the mutations were checked that are found on the rapidly spreading strains in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.

In a scientific study published as a pre-print on medRxiv, the scientists describe the genetic make-up and spread of the South African strain.

'This lineage emerged in South Africa after the first epidemic wave in a severely affected metropolitan area, Nelson Mandela Bay, located on the coast of the Eastern Cape Province,' they wrote.

'This lineage spread rapidly, becoming within weeks the dominant lineage in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces.'

They added: 'While the full significance of the mutations is yet to be determined, the genomic data, showing the rapid displacement of other lineages, suggest that this lineage may be associated with increased transmissibility.'

It comes after Dr Christina Pagel, who is part of the Independent SAGE group, which has been highly critical of the Government's pandemic response, told The Times: 'We know that this virus does mutate and it mutates in ways that can potentially evade the vaccine.

'Once we start vaccinating, we really want to vaccinate everybody before it starts to have the opportunity to mutate because then youre much more protected...'

'What you dont want is to get to September and suddenly youve got a new variant  whether we've imported it from somewhere else or weve grown our own variant  and then you've vaccinated 40million people and you have to start from scratch.

'I just can't imagine anything worse. So that's why I think you actually want to go for suppression now.'

Coronavirus, like all pathogens, is constantly evolving as it spreads. But most of these changes make no difference to the virus or the way it behaves.

COG-UK said yesterday that over 700 individual mutations have been spotted so far in the coronavirus in Britain.

But, rarely, the bug will mutate in a way that gives it an evolutionary advantage - such as being able to spread easier or reinfect people who have previously caught and beat an older version of the virus.

There have been at least two reports of nurses in Brazil becoming reinfected with new strains there, despite having natural immunity from the first wave in spring.

Even though reinfection has not been proven on a large scale, the UK Government is keen not to take the chance and has introduced sweeping travel restrictions for anyone entering the country.

Dr Pagel has warned that letting the virus spread too much during the vaccine roll-out will give it more opportunities to mutate.

Vaccines have been developed to create immune responses to target the spike proteins of the virus.

Mutations that occur on the spike may make the protein unrecognisable to the immune system, and therefore allow the disease to slip past.

Some scientists have warned that giving people half-doses of vaccines  which the UK is doing to stretch its limited supplies to cover more people  could expose the virus to low levels of the immune cells that are supposed to destroy it.

If this happens often and the viruses find they can get past the weak immune response, scientists fear this could lead to a version of the virus that can keep spreading even in vaccinated people.

Professor Chris Whitty admitted this month: 'That is a real worry but quite a small real worry within the system.'

'The general view was the size of the increase of the risk is sufficiently small that, measured against this ability to double the number of people who actually are vaccinated, the public health arguments are really strongly for doing what we have decided to do.'

He added: 'Clearly, if we had infinite vaccine we might have taken different approaches, but we dont.

'At this point in time, for the next three to four months, the number of vaccines we have available is going to constrain our ability to get through the 25 to 30 million people we must do.

'Whilst this is such a fast-moving virus at this time, our view was very strongly, on the balance of risk, the benefits to the UK for us at this point in the epidemic were in favour of doing this.'

The coronavirus is expected to mutate eventually in a way that will make vaccines less effective, but scientists aren't yet sure when or how drastic this will be.

It could mean that people will be vaccinated every year, as with flu.

NHS England medical director, Professor Stephen Powis said that it was likely that there may need to be 'frequent, maybe annual' vaccination programmes to deal with new variants of Covid-19.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'The early signs are that the vaccines will be perfectly adequate for that new strain.

'Other strains of the virus will emerge  thats what happens with viruses, they mutate.

'Every year flu is a little bit different and we adapt our flu vaccines each year to cope with that.

'I think its perfectly possible that over time the Covid vaccine will need to be adapted from year to year to deal with new strains.

'The good news is that were using new technology with these new vaccines and that can be done very quickly.

'So yes it is likely that there may have to be frequent, maybe annual  like flu vaccine programmes, which will deal with these new variants, but its a bit too early to be absolutely sure yet.'
Berlin, 18 January 2020 (SPS)  Polisario Front representative in Germany Najat Handi said on Saturday that the German governments position, in line with international law concerning the Sahrawi cause is "constant and unchanging."



In a statement to APS, the Sahrawi diplomat said that Germanys position with regard to the Sahrawi question was clear, officially expressed by German representative to the UN Christoph Heusgen, during last Decembers Security Council consultations on Western Sahara.



"The definitive solution of the question must take place within a UN framework, in accordance with the relevant international resolutions," he had said then.



In the absence of a contrary decision to the previous one in support of the process of political settlement of the Sahrawi cause, the position of the German government therefore remains "constant and unchanging," she stressed.



He added that the remarks attributed to the German ambassador in Rabat, Gotz Schmidt-Bremme about the Sahrawi cause "do not reflect the official position of the German government, contrary to what the Makhzen media are trying to make believe."



Last December, German Ambassador to the UN, Christoph Heusgen, said during a Security Council meeting on the latest developments in Western Sahara, that "resolving conflicts peacefully means following the rules and implementing UN resolutions and apply international law."



He affirmed that his country "remains deeply committed to a political solution which is really in the interest of all". (SPS)



062/090/700
Former Married At First Sight star Ines Basic has been left fearing for her life after being trolled by the British public now that her season of the show is airing in the UK.

The influencer, who has been dubbed 'Britain's most hated bride', is being slammed by English viewers of the show on all of her social media pages.

Both her Instagram and YouTube accounts have been flooded with nasty comments, with one troll writing: 'What a fake delusional narcissist.'

Backlash: Married At First Sight bride Ines Basic is experiencing a new wave of backlash and online trolling as her season of the show airs in the UK

Another wrote: 'Watch MAFS from the UK, her behaviour was appalling and irritating!! She needs a therapist!'

Countless viewers pointed out Ines' treatment of her on-screen husband Bronson Norrish whom she memorably cheated on during the show.

'Just watching you on married at first sight as its only showing now in the UK are you still nasty and deluded ? Or have you changed your ways yet,' one asked.

Heartbreaking: The influencer, who has been dubbed 'Britain's most hated bride', is currently being trolled by English viewers of the show on all of her social media pages

'Ahaha your f***ing nuts and not in a good way. Jesus your self centered lol, MAFS being shown in UK and you are not cool....' wrote another.

Another raged: 'What a vile woman you are! Watching MAFS how do you think its ok to treat people like that?'

Ines recently admitted that she's terrified to visit the UK because the backlash has become so bad that she fears she might be killed.

Both her Instagram and YouTube pages have been flooded with nasty comments, with one troll writing: 'What a fake delusional narcissist'

'I've always wanted to go to England, but I don't know if I ever will now as I might get f***ing stabbed,' she told The Sun on Friday.

'I want everyone to know I'm a really nice girl, at the time I was just close-minded and it was all filmed two years ago. I couldn't even be that person again if I tried.'

Fans weren't impressed when the bride showed dissatisfaction for Bronson after seeing his eyebrow piercing when she walked down the aisle.

'I've always wanted to go to England, but I don't know if I ever will now as I might get f***ing stabbed': Ines has confessed that she's too scared to visit the UK in case she's killed

'I thought it was an insult. The eyebrow ring f***ing sent me  I was real angry. Do they think I'm a piece of s**t or something, is this what I deserve [in] life?' she said.

Ines told the publication that she found it difficult to be 'nice' to her groom and was left feeling disappointed having not been placed with 'the man of her dreams'.

Previously speaking to Who Magazine, Ines admitted that she nearly quit the series when she discovered Bronson used to be a stripper.

High standards: Fans weren't impressed with the bride showed dissatisfaction for Bronson Norrish after seeing his eyebrow piercing

'When taking the photographs, I was told my groom was a stripper I was like, "Oh my god, no!" I wanted to run away. I didn't want to be there,' she said at the time.

The Bosnian-born beauty also revealed she didn't take too kindly to her groom's appearance at the ceremony, saying: 'His shirt was untucked and I didn't like that.'

Ines will soon return to Australian screens when she joins some of her season six co-stars Cyrell Paule, Jessika Power and Elizabeth Sobinoff for a reunion special.

Married At First Sight Australia is currently airing on E4 in the United Kingdom

Acer launched a trio of true wireless headsets in India. The premium model sells under the Gateway brand, the other two carry the Acer brand. They are on sale now at Amazon and Flipkart.

What the three models have in common (beyond wire-free operation) is that their charging cases allow for up to 28 hours of total listening time. Outside of the case, the buds can last up to 4 hours in one go, adds another 24 hours. Recharging the cases takes an hour and a half.

The Gateway TWS (GAHR012) are the premium offering with a price of INR 3,500. They feature 9 mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. These are charged through their USB-C port.



Gateway TWS (GAHR012) with Bluetooth 5.0, 9 mm drivers and a USB-C port

The two Acer-branded TWS models cost INR 2,500 and have very similar design. Where they differ is how they are charged. The GAHR011 model has a USB-C and a USB-A cables built-in, so it can be plugged into a Type-C or Type-A port to charge. Interestingly, the bottom part is a kind of dock and can be removed to take up less room in your pocket.



Acer TWS (GAHR11) with Bluetooth 5.1, 8 mm drivers, USB-C and USB-A cables

The GAHR010 splits the difference and has a USB-A cable on board, plus a USB-C port. This means you can use the USB-C cable you charge your phone with. On the other hand, the 011 model can be plugged into a power bank (or even your phone) to charge without needing a cable.



Acer TWS (GAHR10) with Bluetooth 5.1, 8 mm drivers, USB-C port and a USB-A cable

Both the 010 and 011 have 8mm drivers and the newer Bluetooth 5.1 standard support. That doesnt amount to much as none of the headsets have aptX or LDAC support, no multipoint either (that is you can connect to only one device at a time).

All three weigh a total of 50g with their cases, though the buds on the 010 and 011 are bulkier than the AirPod-like Gateways. Also, the three models share an IPX4 rating (i.e. sweat resistance).

Here are the prices again with links to Amazon and Flipkart:
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
Workforce

Haines looks to restore IC workforce morale

Avril Haines, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), said that revitalizing the intelligence community workforce and ensuring that its work remained apolitical will be a major priority if she is confirmed.

Haines, testifying at her Jan. 19 confirmation hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said her biggest priorities at the start of her tenure will be "institutional." She pointed to workforce issues like retention and recruitment that need attention. A climate survey on the workforce might be helpful near the outset, she said.

Former Trump administration DNI Dan Coats said that Haines' "commitment to bringing non-politicized truth to power" was her most important asset. Coats' reports on issues like Russia and North Korea were reported to have angered Trump when he served as his DNI.

Haines, who would be the first woman to serve in this top intelligence position, will have oversight powers across the intelligence community if confirmed. She served in the Obama administration as principal deputy national security advisor and as CIA deputy director. Since June 2020, she's been doing transition work for the Biden-Harris administration.

In the answers to her prehearing questions submitted to the committee, Haines also addressed low morale among the intelligence workforce. She said that communicating with the workforce early would be "critical."

Workers in the intelligence community can expect her to resume town hall meetings with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence workforce and emphasize whistleblower protections.

The discussion also briefly focused on the recent SolarWinds Orion hacking breach.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said that to his knowledge, no committee members were notified or given a report from any intelligence community actors on the incident. Haines herself said that she hasn't received a full, classified briefing on the matter.

"I have a lot more to learn about what we know about this at this stage," Haines said about the hack.

Haines wrote in her answers to prehearing questions that she would work to "close the gap between where our capabilities are now and where they need to be in order to deter, detect, disrupt and respond to such intrusions far more effectively in the future."

She said that future cybersecurity threats could be deterred by making cyber breaches harder for adversaries to accomplish in the first place and highlighted the importance of working with the private sector and allies to promote an overall deterrence strategy.

Overall, Haines said that she hoped to make technology into an advantage rather than a liability during her term by "integrating new technologies to improve the capacity and superiority of our intelligence into the future."
Six Invitational 2021 would still be pushed through and go on as planned despite the hindrances brought about by the COVID-19, as announced by "Rainbow Six" developers Ubisoft.

Six Invitational's New Home

Reported by DOT eSports, a video on social media site Twitter was posted by the official Twitter account of "Rainbow Six" eSports. It presented what would be the "new home" for the eSports event itself, in which it will take place in a new game studio based in Paris, France - and not in the usual Montreal, Quebec, Canada venue where the past Six Invitational events took place.

The development branch of the company would now serve as the new battlefield wherein teams from all over the world would face for the coveted prize of being the champion for this year's Six Invitational event. A total of 20 teams would be included on the tournament, and these are the teams from Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, North America, and Europe, respectively.

Also Read: 'Dead or Alive' and 'Ninja Gaiden' Creator Tomonobu Itagaki Establishes Self-Named Company

One of the most awaited aspects in such eSports events not just for "Rainbow Six" but also for the other eSports events and leagues in the world, is the coveted prize pool. Although there is still no confirmed information on about how much would this year's edition may cost, some are saying that the bare minimum could be priced at about 500,000 USD and could reach to an amount of up to 3,000,000 USD in total for the event. It would be supported by about 30 percent of the revenue which will come from the S1 2021 Battle Pass.

Six Invitational Teams and Other Details

Another eSports website named SiegeGG has listed the teams that would compete for this year's Six Invitational event. It includes the top 16 pro teams in the world, headlined by the home country's pro team BDS Esport. Latin American country Brazil would have the most number of teams to be participating in the event, with five pro teams joining in the event. It lists teams such as last year's runner-up Ninjas in Pyjamas, Team Liquid, Team oNe eSports, FaZe Clan, and MIBR.

There would be four North American teams on the other hand, such as TSM, DarkZero Esports, Six Invitational 2020 champion Spacestation Gaming, and Oxygen Esports. Russian representatives would also be present in the event, as pro teams such as Virtus.pro and Team Empire was also invited to compete. Other teams from the top 16 that would be participating are United Kingdom's Wildcard Gaming, Spain's Giants Gaming, and South Korea's Cloud9.

Teams who won the Regional Qualifiers are also being invited, and these are CYCLOPS athlete gaming from Japan, Mkers from Italy, Altiora form Canada, and FURIA Esports from Brazil. All of the teams would undergo a seven-day quarantine prior to the event, and would need to present a negative result of their PCR test right even before flying to France.

Details whether the event would be available for the public has been yet to announce, including possible ticket prices, and merch features as well. The group stage will begin at February 9 up to February 14, while the playoffs will take place on February 17 to February 21.

Related Article: 'Grand Theft Auto Online' Update: Double Money Bonus, New Vehicle Introduced
Warner Music India has struck an exclusive distribution agreement with Sky Digital India, the countrys fastest-growing Punjabi music content consortium and aggregator. Distribution of Sky Digitals repertoire outside India will be handled by ADA, Warners independent artist and label services division, while Warner Music India will handle distribution within the country.

Sky Digital India is home to some of the countrys biggest Punjabi music stars including Jaani, B Praak, Mankirt Aulakh, Gippy Grewal, Sunanda Sharma, Sidhu Moosewala and Happy Raikoti to name a few. Sky Digital also manages premium Punjabi content-based YouTube channels with more than 15 million subscribers, making it the third largest Punjabi YouTube channel collective, with top videos on the site racking up more than 500 million views.

The company currently aggregates releases from more than 42 Punjabi labels, two leading mainstream independent Hindi labels, and some top regional labels specialising in Haryanvi and Bhojpuri music - two of the fastest-growing regional languages in India after Punjabi.

The deal will see Warner Music India help to grow Sky Digitals market share in India, currently estimated at around one per cent nationally, by establishing a presence for its artists and distributed label content on additional digital music services.

Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India, says: The Punjabi music scene is absolutely exploding at the moment and Sky Digitals artists already have a huge fanbase in India. Were in a great position to help connect them with even more music fans both here and around the world. This deal is a key milestone in the development of Warner Musics presence in India.

Gurkaran Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Sky Digital India, adds: It is highly exhilarating for Sky Digital to be in partnership with Warner Music. Were excited about the possibilities for our entire region of North India to engage in the worldwide music industry. Through this deal with Warner Music, and the indomitable strength and scale that this region carries, we can expand together and achieve great success.

Eliah Seton, President, Independent Music and Creator Services, Warner Music, concludes: Theres increasing interest in Punjabi music globally, ignited by diaspora communities in countries such as the US and Canada whove helped introduce it to a wider audience. ADA is proud to represent Sky Digital Indias amazing catalogue to a worldwide audience.

Modern Punjabi music has its roots in the 1980s, as artists switched from playing folk instruments to harnessing modern production techniques. The Bhangra sound was also heavily used in Bollywood movies, spreading its popularity across India. Artists in the Punjabi diaspora in countries such as Canada, the UK and US started to blend in other influences from hip-hop, R&B and reggae with Bhangra beats.
StoreDot is releasing the first production batch of sample cells, which is targeted at showcasing the technology to potential EV and industry partners. This first-generation battery was used to demonstrate the full charge of a two-wheeled EV in just 5 minutes for the first time (see video ) and can offer ultra-fast charging to a number of other industries, such as commercial drones and consumer electronics. The first-generation engineering samples demonstrate to EV OEMs and battery manufacturers the successful replacement of graphite in the cell's anode using metalloid nano-particles  a key breakthrough in overcoming major issues in safety, battery cycle life and swelling.

The sample cells were produced by StoreDot's strategic partner in China  EVE Energy Co., Ltd. Crucially, unlike competing technologies which require significant capital expenditure in bespoke manufacturing equipment, StoreDot XFC batteries are designed to be produced on existing Li-ion production lines at EVE Energy. The samples are compliant with UN 38.3, which ensures the safety of Li-ion batteries during shipping.

Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, comments: "StoreDot continues to go from strength to strength as we get one step closer to making our vision of 5-minute charging of EVs a commercial reality. Our team of top scientists has overcome inherent challenges of XFC such as safety, cycle life and swelling by harnessing innovative materials and cell design. Today's announcement marks an important milestone, moving XFC for the first time beyond innovation in the lab to a commercially-viable product that is scalable for mass production. This paves the way for the launch of our second-generation, silicon-dominant anode prototype battery for electric vehicles later this year."

In collaboration with its strategic partners, StoreDot is in the vanguard of driving mainstream adoption of electric vehicles by overcoming the critical barrier of range and charging anxiety.

Dr Myersdorf concludes: "We founded StoreDot to achieve what many said could never be done  develop batteries capable of delivering a full charge in just five minutes. We have shown that this level of XFC charging is possible  first in 2019 with an electric scooter and again six months ago with a commercial drone. We are proud to make these samples available, but today's milestone is just the beginning. We're on the cusp of achieving a revolution in the EV charging experience that will remove the critical barrier to mass adoption of EVs."

About StoreDot

StoreDot is a pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) batteries that overcome the critical barrier to mainstream EV adoption  range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by designing and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, making it possible to fully charge an EV in just five minutes  the same time it takes to refuel a conventional combustion engine vehicle. StoreDot's battery technology is optimized for best driver experience with XFC in Li-ion batteries, as well as future technologies for extreme energy-density (XED).

StoreDot's strategic investors include BP, Daimler, Samsung Ventures and TDK. In 2019, the company achieved a world first by demonstrating the live full charge of a two-wheeled EV in just five minutes. In 2020, the company demonstrated the scalability of its XFC batteries for other industries, by fully charging a commercial drone in five minutes in another world first. Moving XFC battery technology from the lab to a commercially-viable product for the first time, StoreDot has launched engineering samples of its first-generation batteries that are designed to be manufactured at scale on traditional Li-lion production lines.

For more information see: www.store-dot.com.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422203/StoreDot_First_ever_5_minute_charge_battery.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422204/Dr_Doron_Myersdorf_CEO_StoreDot.jpg

SOURCE StoreDot
The Adani Group on Tuesday, 19 January, signed concession agreements with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the management, operations, and development of Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports.

"The concessionaires are required to take up the Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports fulfilling certain conditions precedents within 180 days from 19 January, 2021," the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a press release.

The Centre had in February 2019 privatised six major airports of the country  Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. Through a competitive bidding process, the Adani group won the rights to run all of them for 50 years.

The AAI had handed over the airports in Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru in October and November last year. "The concession fee that would be received by AAI after leasing out six airports will be used for the maintenance and development of other brownfield airports, and also for further development of RCS (regional connectivity scheme) and greenfield airports throughout the country, the release said.

On 5 September 2019, the AAI had recommended the central government to privatise airports at Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Raipur, and Trichy. AAI chairman Arvind Singh last month said privatisation of these six airports would begin in the first quarter of 2021.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte took a jab at senators who favored the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech after the deaths of some elderly patients in Norway who took a shot against COVID-19.

Ang Pfizer ng mga senador (The Pfizer for the senators)...25 died after receiving their vaccines. There you are, mamili kayo (you choose), said Duterte during his weekly national address on Monday.

He added that China-made Sinovac vaccine is now being used in neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, as well as in Turkey, Egypt, and UAE, claiming that there were no reported deaths after being vaccinated with it.

Almost everybody na kilala ko are scrambling to buy itong Pfizer (Almost everybody that I know want to buy Pfizer). To me it is a good one. If you want to follow the experience of Norway, go ahead, nobody will stop you, said Duterte.

Duterte defended last week the national governments preference for China-made COVID-19 vaccines, saying that they are as good as those produced by American and European pharmaceuticals.

However, some studies showed that Sinovacs efficacy is only at around 50%.

Senators recently criticized Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's remark that Filipinos should not be "choosy" with the COVID-19 vaccine brand that they will receive from the government.

Several local government units in the country are set to procure vaccines from British drugmaker AstraZeneca. But the president said the national government is not preventing anyone from buying their own vaccines.

READ: LGUs announce signing deals for advance purchase of AstraZeneca vaccines

We never prohibited anybody from buying from government. We are not selling. We are buying for the people, said Duterte.

The government has granted an emergency use authorization for the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech. Its vaccine has shown 95% efficacy. Despite the reported deaths, the Food and Drug Administration said the manufacturer will keep its EUA but it needs to send a report to the agency.

Moreover, Pfizer-BioNTech said in a statement that it is now working with Norwegian health officials to gather more data regarding the incident.

Pfizer and BioNTech are aware of the reported deaths following administration of BNT162b2. We are working with the Norewegian Medicines Agency (NOMA) to gather all the relevant information, read the statement.

Norwegian authorities have prioritised the immunisation of resident in nursing homes, most of whom are very elderly with underlying medical conditions and some which are terminally ill, it added. NOMA confirmed the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations.

Pfizer-BioNTech also said that all reported deaths will be evaluated by the authorities to determine if they are related to its vaccine.

Norway has now changed its use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to consider excluding the terminally ill.
If you were in San Antonio on New Years Eve, its almost certain you heard or saw the barrage of loud fireworks that lit up the skyline, scaring people and pets and triggering those with PTSD.

Despite being illegal within city limits, the hours-long aerial displays that were seemingly everywhere only garnered a handful of complaints and citations.

The San Antonio Police Department issued one citation and 21 warnings for fireworks use on New Years Eve. The Bexar County Fire Marshals Office issued 2 citations, 3 warnings, and fielded 18 calls via their temporary fireworks hot line.

A lack of citations could be traced to the citys decision not to set up a fireworks hotline for New Years Eve. The city also did not set up a hotline for the Fourth of July, citing staffing and proximity concerns regarding the coronavirus.

Instead, residents were advised to report illegal fireworks to SAPDs non-emergency line. Police prioritized its response based on risk assessment and the current demand for calls.

Related: SAPD issued only 1 citation for New Year's Eve fireworks

This year, as officers responded to reports in the city, the majority of callers either were not present when the officer arrived or refused to further speak with police. Officers were also dispatched to patrol different locations in which officers found no suspected violator.

Last year, SAPD fielded nearly 1,000 calls about fireworks activity but no citations were given. In 2018, only one ticket was written. There were four citations in 2017, two in 2016 and one in 2015.

The raucous, citywide New Years Eve celebration also did not cause a spike in calls to a hotline for veterans experiencing mental health crises.

A doctor with South Texas Veterans Health Care System credited the lack of calls to the therapy veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome have received to manage their stress ahead of potential triggers.

The patients who were in treatment are doing well, said Dr. William Elder, PTSD Clinical Team Director at the hospital. So our patients tend to not call or experience a spike in symptoms.

Elder said Veterans Affairs clinicians help veterans cope with nights that may trigger PTSD like the Fourth of July by easing them into the stimulus. For example, a veteran may start off by watching video of a fireworks show with the sound off.

On ExpressNews.com: FAQ: When and where Texans can get the COVID vaccine

The sound is slowly added as the veteran is able to cope with the potential trigger and realize that there is no immediate danger.

When the feared outcome doesnt happen and the brain learns its safe, it stops signaling danger and we learn that we can tolerate these situations when nothing happens to us, he said.

Jose Ivan Perez, 34, was shot by a sniper while he was deployed as a U.S. Marine in Iraq in 2007. Since his return, the disabled veteran has put in the work to learn exactly what his triggers are and how to cope with being in certain crowds.

He purposefully chose to live in a subdivision in Marion, where there is plenty of space to avoid the thud of a car door or the revving of a motorcycle.

I've learned to really desensitize myself. Literally putting yourself in the situation and talking yourself through it, Perez said, sharing the steps hes taken with a clinician. What calms you down is saying Youre fine. You're OK.

Perez is now an athlete with Project Comfort, a non-profit that supports wounded or ill veterans and their families. He works to support others as a personal trainer.

Elder said he invites the veterans he works with to leave a note on his wall with something they would have wanted to know on their first day of therapy.

Many say that the hardest part of treatment is the first sentence.

Theres a common theme, which is how hard it is at first but how quickly it gets easy, he said.

From there, veterans develop a strong bond with their clinicians and learn techniques to regulate their emotions in a situation that would otherwise trigger PTSD.

This increases confidence that they can handle these strong emotions and not be sent out of orbit, he said.

Even though treatment exists for veterans to cope with a night full of triggers, Elder encourages people to remain considerate of veterans who live in their neighborhood.

He urges people to get to know the veteran next door and ask if they are OK with fireworks being used in the area.

I think if you approach your neighbors they would be so grateful for your thoughtfulness and kindness that you would end up making a new friendship even if they say no to fireworks, Elder said. They are trained in safety, often have medical knowledge, and they are used to being in a community of mutual responsibility and safety.

Veterans or their loved ones in need of assistance with PTSD or other mental episodes may call the Veteran Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, then press 1 to be connected to staff.

The crisis line may be reached via text at 838-255 or online at www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
Shirley Anne Nelson, 88, of Truro, Nova Scotia, passed Jan. 11, 2021, at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro.

She was born in Linden, Nova Scotia, and grew up in Truro. She was the daughter of the late Burley and Annie (McFadden) Works, and a sister to Hazel Murray (Vernon) and Frank Works (Marion).

She loved to talk about her childhood and especially her times in Linden and Pointe de Chene, New Brunswick. She loved her visits with all her family living in those areas.

She graduated from The Business College in Truro, went on to marry her first love, Gerald (Gerry) Nelson, and later had two beautiful children, Debbie and Stanley. She stayed home to raise her children and went back to work when they were almost teenagers. She spent many years as the insurance adjuster at The Wally Keddy Real Estate Company.

She loved raising her children, following her husband Gerrys horse racing career, being able to work, spending time at the old cottage on Shortts Lake, bowling, and especially being a very active member of The First United Church.

Gerry and Shirley moved to California in 1977 to follow Gerrys love of training and racing horses. She worked in the office of the Joe OBrien stable the whole time they were with the stable. She developed great friendships with Joe and Ilene OBrien, Betty and David Harding, and all the trainers and grooms. They were a very close-knit group travelling all over the U.S. together to all the big tracks.

Shirley and Gerry decided to move on from California to Florida in 1982. This became their new home until they moved back to Nova Scotia in 2017. She worked as office manager for the Archie McNeil stable as well as the Ron Waples stable, for whom Gerry trained and drove. Again, she held close friendships with all members of the stable. Once Ronnie moved on, she became the new clerk of course at Pompano Park, where she stayed until her retirement days.

During their stay in Florida, she stayed right by Gerrys side again, traveling around to all the tracks in the Northeast U.S.

Her outside interest was being very busy with The United Methodist Church in Margate, Fla. Her faith was a great part of her life.

Prior to Gerry leaving the horses for good, they moved back to the area, settling at Shortts Lake in Brookfield for the summers. They both enjoyed this time as it gave them an opportunity to catch up with friends and relatives from the past. They became members of the Knox United Church, Brookfield, and could not have asked for a more tight-knit community.

When they finally left Florida for good, they returned to Truro and spent their last days together at Cedarstone Enhanced Care. Gerry passed on Jan. 11, 2019. She was comforted by visits from family and also the wonderful staff at the facility.

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her daughter, Debbie; daughter-in-law, Beverley; grandchildren, Josh and Tori; brother, Frank (Marion) Works; and the Vernon Murray family. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry; son, Stan; and sister, Hazel.

No visitation by family request. A graveside service will take place at a later date in Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Shirley Nelson.
John Elk III/Getty Images

San Antonio's skyline will be washed in amber hues Tuesday night in a show of solidarity with a national memorial for COVID-19 victims.

President-elect Joe Biden invited U.S. cities to participate in a national memorial to remember nearly 400,000 U.S. lives lost to COVID-19 ahead of his inauguration on Wednesday.
[January 19, 2021] Delphi Display Systems Helps Chick-fil-A Franchisee to Expand Drive-Thru Efficiency

Delphi (News - Alert) Display Systems, Inc., the global leader in consumer engagement and business optimization technology solutions for the food service industry, has developed a drive-thru video chat kiosk ordering system for Ken Walsh, a New Jersey based Chick-fil-A franchisee. The system allows restaurant employees to communicate with Drive-thru customers using iPads from inside the store. To meet high customer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, this franchisee implemented a five-lane drive thru operation in their parking lot. Each lane is configured with a Delphi interactive video kiosk that allows the customer to communicate directly with the order taker via high-definition video and audio. This technology solution enables the franchisee to continue serving a high volume of customers in the Drive-thru during the winter months -- where staffing the lanes outside with employees is impractical. The technology was developed quickly for Chick-fil-A by leveraging Delphi's core outdoor display technology enhanced with a two-way audio/video system comprised of a noise cancelling microphone array, speaker system and HD camera. A video chat style software application was implemented to allow the use of existing iPads to communicate remotely with customers at any Drive-thru lane on demand. "With how much COVID-19 has impacted face-to-face interaction and engagement, we were really looking for a solution that would allow our Guests to still be able to se the faces of our Team Members during their transactions," said Ken Walsh, franchise owner. "Delphi's solution was able to perfectly meet that request and it has allowed us to continue delivering an efficient experience without sacrificing personal interaction and service!"



"We are very pleased to be able to provide this new technology to Chick-fil-A that enables them to engage with their customers on a more personalized basis," said Ken Neeld, President and CEO of Delphi Display Systems. "As many in-store dining rooms remain closed across much of the country, the need for innovative solutions to help serve more customers in the Drive-thru is more important than ever. Delphi is committed to helping our customers as they look at ways to pivot their business model in these challenging times." About Delphi

Delphi Display Systems, Inc. provides customized outdoor and indoor digital signage hardware, software and service solutions that enable businesses to engage with, influence, attract and retain their end customers. Specializing in drive-thru technologies, Delphi provides solutions to the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry where is has installed solutions in more than 40,000 locations in over 75 countries around the world. The company also serves the education, corporate, transportation and theme park markets as well as other industry verticals. Follow Delphi on Twitter (News - Alert) @DelphiDisplay and like Delphi on facebook.com/delphidisplay. For more information on the company and its products, visit DelphiDisplay.com or call 714-825-3400. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119006110/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
DETROIT, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Aramid Fiber Market by Fiber Type (Para-Aramid Fiber and Meta-Aramid Fiber), by Application Type (Protection & Safety, Electrical Transmission & Insulation, Tire Reinforcement, Rubber Reinforcement, Friction Materials, Filtration, Paper, and Others), by Form Type (Filament, Pulp, Staple Fiber, and Others), by End-Use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunications, and Others), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Size, Share, Trend, Forecast & Competitive Analysis: 2021-2026.

This strategic assessment report, from Stratview Research, provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today's aramid fiber market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period of 2021 to 2026. The report estimates the short- as well as long-term repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the demand for aramid fibers at the global, regional, as well as country level. Also, the report provides the possible loss that the industry will register by comparing pre-COVID and post-COVID scenarios. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for the market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as formulate growth strategies.

Aramid Fiber Market: Highlights from the Report

First introduced by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. in the 1970s, aramid fibers have witnessed a remarkable transition over the decades across industries. The progression of the material's range of applications from consumer electronics to automotive to aerospace & defense has been phenomenal. These fibers offer various outstanding properties, such as high tensile strength, high stiffness, good resistance to abrasion, good resistance to organic solvents, low flammability, electrically non-conductive nature, high dimensional stability, high cut resistance, and resistance to high temperature. The strength and modulus of aramid fiber are about five to six times and two to three times, respectively, of steel wires with the same diameter, whereas its weight is approximately one-fifth of the steel wire.

Despite a few bumps along the road for the governing industries (aerospace & defense and automotive), the demand for aramid fiber remained stable till 2019, impelling market stakeholders to prepare for skyrocketing demand in the years to come. But the COVID-19 crisis crashed all possibilities of a flourishing market in 2020. The two leading industries suffered the gravest impact of the pandemic, completely overturning the market conditions, with an overall acute decline of -13.4%, YoY in 2020.

However, the unremitting demand from the relatively unaffected defense and electrical & telecommunications industries is likely to be the redeeming grace for the aramid fiber market, covering a portion of the losses incurred. Also, incessant investments towards the establishment of 4G and 5G networks are likely to support the aramid fiber demand in the long run. The market is likely to experience a brisk recuperation from 2021 onwards, translating to a cumulative sale of US$ 22.4 Billion during 2021-2026.

Click Here and Run Through the TOC of the Report: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/toc/165/aramid-fiber-market.html

Based on the application type, we have segmented the market as protection & safety, electrical transmission & insulation, tire reinforcement, rubber reinforcement, friction materials, filtration, paper, and others. Electrical transmission & insulation and protection & safety are expected to be the largest demand-generating applications during the forecast period. These two segments are also likely to endure a relatively lower impact of the pandemic in 2020. Zealous efforts towards the development and implementation of next-gen 4G and 5G communications is likely to fuel the long-term demand.

Based on the form type, filament is likely to maintain its dominance in the market till 2026, owing to its numerous advantages such as excellent strength-to-weight ratio, heat, flame, and chemical-resistance, high dimensional stability, ability to modify as per application, and availability in various colors. Staple fiber is also likely to offer attractive opportunities during the forecast period with key applications in hot gas filtration fabrics, sewing threads, zipper tapes, firefighter's turnout facing fabrics, aircraft carpeting, cut-protection products such as gloves.

Enquire Here for a Free Sample of the Detailed Report: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/165/aramid-fiber-market.html

In terms of regions, North America and Europe are likely to hold a massive chunk of the market in 2020 as well as in the foreseen future. The leading aerospace & defense and automotive industries are likely to hugely influence the regions' demand in the long term. Despite taking a steep plunge in 2020, the USA takes the throne in North American as well as the global markets. Post suffering the least downturn in 2020, Asia-Pacific to act as a catalyst for the market, rapidly and efficiently recovering from the pandemic's aftermath. China and India are expected to remain the thrust-bearers of the market in the long-term.

The supply chain of this market comprises raw material suppliers, aramid fiber suppliers, part manufacturers, OEMs, and MRO companies. Key players in the aramid fiber market are DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Teijin Ltd., Kolon Industries, Inc., Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co. Ltd., etc. The key players have always had a keen interest in capacity expansions and collaboration, which have now been halted as an indispensable move towards cash preservation and short-term strategizing. However, with the gradually healing aerospace & defense, automotive, and electrical transmission & insulation industries, the market stakeholders' activity is expected to pick up pace in the long-term.

The aramid fiber market is extremely concentrated with the top four players capturing the lion's share of the market. The major companies focus on capacity expansion, collaborations, and partnerships to maintain their vanguards in the market and to pounce at any prevalent opportunities in the market. A few of the key collaborations/partnerships in the market are Teijin and Nippon Paper Papylia to expand Nomex paper capacity with a new facility in Japan which is expected to be established by 2021. Another significant movement in the market was the Dow and DuPont merger in 2017, valued at US$ 130 Billion, was one of the biggest mergers in the industry, creating the world's biggest chemical company, only to de-merge later in 2019.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

Market trend and forecast analysis.

Market segment trend and forecast.

Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc.

Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

Emerging trends.

Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

Key success factors.

This report studies the global aramid fiber market and has segmented the market in five ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the four ways in which the market is segmented:

Aramid Fiber Market, by Fiber Type

Para-Aramid Fiber (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Meta-Aramid Fiber (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aramid Fiber Market, by Application Type

Protection & Safety

Regional Analysis ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)



Sub Application Analysis (Personal Protection, Protective Apparels, and Armored Vehicles)

Electrical Transmission & Insulation

Regional Analysis ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)



Sub Application Analysis (Fiber Optic Cables, Electric Insulation, and Others)

Tire Reinforcement

Regional Analysis ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)



Sub Application Analysis (Passenger Car, Aircraft Tire, Bicycle Tire, Racing & Motorcycles, and Others)

Rubber Reinforcement

Regional Analysis ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)



Sub Application Analysis (Conveyor Belts, Automotive Hoses, Industrial Hoses, Power Transmission Belts, and Others)

Friction Materials

Regional Analysis ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)



Sub Application Analysis (Automotive, Industrial Breaking Elements, Automotive Gaskets, Industrial Gaskets, and Others)

Filtration (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Paper (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aramid Fiber Market, by Form Type

Filament (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Pulp (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Staple Fiber (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aramid Fiber Market, by End-Use Industry

Aerospace & Defense (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Automotive (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Electrical (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Electronics & Telecommunications (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aramid Fiber Market, by Region

North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , the UK, Russia , and Rest of Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan , China , India , and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Saudi Arabia , Brazil , and Others)

Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the composites and advanced materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Advanced Materials Industry: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/market-reports/Advanced-Materials.html

About Stratview Research

Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research, and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas.

We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies.

Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making.

For enquiries, please contact:

Stratview Research

E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com

Direct: +1-313-307-4176

SOURCE Stratview Research
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
Kolkata: In a significant development, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre has decided to celebrate the birthday of iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as 'Parakram Diwas' every year on January 23.

The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Culture, which said, To honour and remember Netajis indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation. The GoI has decided to dedicate his birthday (January 23) every year as Parakram Diwas.

Government of India has decided to celebrate the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on 23rd January, as 'Parakram Diwas' every year: Ministry of Culture pic.twitter.com/Cg0P8gjyFt  ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2021

"The people of India fondly remember Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's unparalleled contribution to this great nation in his 125th birth anniversary. The Government of India has decided to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary year of Netaji beginning from January 2021 in a befitting manner at the national and international level," the Ministry said.

"Now, in order to honour and remember Netaji's indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on the day of January every year as 'PARAKRAM DIWAS" to inspire people of this country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour," the government stated in its release.

In the recent past, the Government of India has taken several steps towards preserving and conserving the precious heritage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A museum has been set up on Netaji at Red Fort, New Delhi, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 23.01.2019.

A permanent exhibition and a Light and Sound show on 'Netaji' has been planned to be set up at Kolkata in the historic Victoria Memorial building.

In view of the announcement, it is also expected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit West Bengal on January 23 to attend Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birth anniversary celebrations at the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.

The PM is also likely to visit the National Library located in Belvedere Estate, Alipore, according to the sources. Interestingly, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has announced to hold a padyatra on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti.

Live TV

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Argentina's government began administering second doses of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine Tuesday after receiving another shipment of 300,000 shots at the weekend.

Argentina began its immunization campaign on December 29 with the first 300,000 doses of the vaccine made by Russia's Gamaleya laboratory.

It is prioritizing health care workers in this first phase.

"The immunization campaign has been developing in a timely fashion," Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia said.

The country of 44 million has recorded more than 1.8 million cases and almost 46,000 deaths from COVID-19.

Argentina was the first Latin American country, on December 23, to approve the "emergency use" of Sputnik V despite a lack of clinical trials.

The government has an agreement to purchase another 19.4 million doses by the end of February with an option for an extra five million.

Argentina has committed to buying 51 million doses in total and has also signed deals to purchase the AstraZeneca/Oxford and Covax vaccines.

Negotiations are ongoing to procure the vaccine made by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer with German biotechnology firm BioNTech.

The next stages of the immunization program will see the over 60s and people suffering from at least two illnesses receiving vaccines.

Meanwhile, Chile began immunizing its general population on Monday, starting with those over 80 or suffering from chronic illnesses.

Chile started immunizing health care workers on December 24 and has signed deals to purchase 30 million doses.

It has reported 670,000 cases and 17,500 deaths amongst its 18 million population.

Explore further Argentina first in Latin America to approve Russian vaccine

 2021 AFP

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.
(Alliance News) - John Wood Group PLC on Tuesday said it has entered into a five-year agreement with Spirit Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of British Gas-owner Centrica PLC, to deliver late-life solutions for the Morecambe Bay gas fields in the UK.

The Reading, England-based oilfield services provider said the agreement with Centrica, based in nearby Windsor, is valued at USD130 million. It will involve John Wood using its experience in late-life asset optimisation and management to extend field life, lower costs, and reduce late life carbon intensity across both the Morecambe Bay offshore assets in the East Irish Sea and the Barrow onshore gas terminal on the north-west coast of England.

John Wood said the agreement will employ 130 people across the offshore assets and onshore terminal, as well as a small support team in Aberdeen, Scotland.

"I am delighted to be able to announce our new partnership with Spirit Energy which will see Wood apply our decades of experience in intelligent operations, maintenance and integrity solutions to deliver a sustainable next chapter for the field. Our shared ambition is to leverage the greatest value from the Morecambe Hub in its late-life phase, by focusing on driving down operational costs and creating opportunities to extend field life," said Craig Shanaghey, President of Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Shares in John Wood were down 4.4% at 333.80 pence in London on Tuesday.

By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Chris Hemsworth is continuing to bulk up as he prepares to play WWE legend Hulk Hogan in an upcoming Netflix biopic.

And the 37-year-old actor was looking very ripped on Wednesday as he spent time with his family on Lord Howe Island - a tiny Australian island in the Tasman Sea.

The muscular star shared a gallery of holiday snaps to Instagram, which prompted one follower to comment: 'I think you can see Chris' abs from space!'

Scroll down for video

'You can see his abs from space!' Chris Hemsworth was looking very ripped on Wednesday as he spent time with his family on Lord Howe Island - a tiny Australian island in the Tasman Sea

'You can see his abs from a mile away,' another fan wrote beneath a drone photo of Chris standing by a rock pool.

However, many pointed out that Chris' wife, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, looked just as fit and toned in her swimwear.

The mother of three, 44, flaunted her sensational figure in a bikini top and shorts as the couple posed together.

'See those from a mile away!' The muscular star shared a gallery of holiday snaps to Instagram, which prompted one follower to comment: 'I think you can see Chris' abs from space!'

Ripped! Chris' wife, Elsa Pataky, 44, also showed off her incredible bikini body during the trip

'She is shredded!' Many fans pointed out that Elsa looked just as fit and toned as her husband

Bikini babe: Mother of three Elsa (second from left) flaunted her sensational figure in a bikini while posing for this photo with Chris (right) and their friends

'Can we just take a minute and taker in how shredded Chris' wife is. Damn!' one follower wrote.

Another said: 'Look at those guns! I'm not talking about yours, Chris.'

During their trip to Lord Howe Island, the family swam in a crystal clear rock pool, went hiking and even rented kayaks for the day.

Working up a sweat: During their trip to Lord Howe Island, the family swam in a crystal clear rock pool, went hiking (pictured) and even rented kayaks for the day

Break from production: Chris is currently filming Thor: Love and Thunder in Australia alongside Matt Damon, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale

Chris and Elsa share three children: daughter India Rose, eight, and six-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan.

The pair celebrated 10 years of marriage in 2020.

Chris is currently filming Thor: Love and Thunder in Australia alongside Matt Damon, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale.
Belfast solicitor Kevin Winters to write to Brenda King asking her to force care homes to implement the care home partnership scheme (Yui Mok/PA)

Families of care home residents have appealed to the Attorney General to intervene to bring an end to enforced separation of families across Northern Ireland.

They have instructed Belfast solicitor Kevin Winters to write to Brenda King asking her to force care homes to implement the care home partnership scheme, which was set up to allow a nominated person visitation rights with residents throughout the pandemic.

Mr Winters, from KRW Law, said families had been forced to act in a desperate bid to bring to an end "the ever deepening entrenched crisis" in the care home sector.

"Families longing to visit the elderly are crying out for consistency across all care homes," he said.

"We're now calling on the Attorney General to use her offices to give legislative effect to the guidance provided by the Department of Health."

In September last year, the Health Minister announced details of the care home partnership scheme, which involved funding, advice and support.

Under the latest visiting restrictions for healthcare settings, care home partners are allowed to continue visiting their loved ones.

Expand Close Brenda King / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Brenda King

However, only a minimal number of care homes have implemented the scheme to date.

Last week, Health Minister Robin Swann said he was frustrated at the lack of uptake and said he has not ruled out the introduction of legislation to force care homes to sign up to the scheme. However, he said such a move would take time so he would prefer to engage with the sector.

Last night, Julieann McNally from CHASNI (Care Home Advice and Support), said she was bitterly disappointed that families had felt forced to write to the Attorney General in an attempt to bring an end to their suffering.

She said: "This is enforced separation. We are concerned that visits to care homes as they were pre-Covid, where families can pop in to a home at any time to see their loved one, are not going to return this year.

"That's why it is even more important that the situation regarding the care home partner scheme is resolved sooner rather than later. We're not advocating a free for all, the care home partner scheme enables a nominated person to spend time with their loved one in a safe and managed way. We have been inundated with people who are so distressed because they aren't being allowed to see their relative and some people whose loved ones passed away without them seeing them again.

"Until this is addressed, there will continue to be elderly and vulnerable care home residents who will pass away without feeling the touch of their loved one in the final months of their lives. The enforced separation is causing misery and is also leading to a rapid decline in the health of many care home residents. It's absolutely heartbreaking."
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 Boris Johnson has said he understands the frustrations of businesses exporting to Europe after seafood hauliers protested against the Brexit fishing deal by stacking lorries in central London.

Mr Johnson confirmed on Monday that any business experiencing difficulty exporting to the EU through no fault of their own would be compensated.

Exports of fresh fish and seafood have been severely disrupted by delays since the UKs transition period ended on December 31.

The new checks and paperwork has been causing massive delays for the industry since the UK left the European Union, with seafood producers growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of Government action.

Seafood hauliers descended on roads near 10 Downing Street in response to the issues they have faced in exporting seafood to the EU, saying they were being tied in knots with paperwork by the Brexit fishing deal.

Expand Close Trucks carried messages that were critical of the Government (SCFF) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Trucks carried messages that were critical of the Government (SCFF)

Speaking to the BBC, Boris Johnson said: I sympathise very much and understand their frustrations and things have been exacerbated by Covid and the demand hasnt been what it was before the pandemic and thats one of the problems were trying to deal with. Thats driven in large part by the pandemic.

Where businesses, through no fault of their own, have faced difficulties exporting where there is a genuine willing buyer, theres a 23 million fund to help out.

He added: But be in no doubt, there are great opportunities for fishermen across the whole of the UK to take advantage of the spectacular marine wealth of the United Kingdom.

In just five-and-a-half years time, we will have access to all the fish in all our waters. And just now, we have access to 25% more than we did just a month ago. That means there is scope for fishing communities across the UK to take advantage of the increase in quota.

What were going to do is give people a helping hand and thats why weve set up the 100 million fund to help people with boats, to help with the fish processing industry, the opportunity is massive.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that 14 people had been issued with fines after a protest on Monday morning.

A spokesperson from Eyemouth-based DR Collin & Son, who were taking part in the protest, said: The industry is being tied in knots with paperwork requirements which would be easy enough to navigate, given that companies have put in the time and training in order to have all the relevant procedures in place for 1st January 2021.

However, all the training is going to waste as the technology is outdated and cannot cope with the demands being placed on it  which in turn is resulting in no produce being able to leave the UK.

These are not teething issues as reported by the Government and the consequences of these problems will be catastrophic on the lives of fishermen, fishing towns and the shellfish industry as a whole.

Alasdair Hughson, Chair of @CreelScff says 'firms will start going bankrupt, firms will start going to the wall." All because of recent seafood export issues. Talks between industry and Gov over compensation scheme have been taking place. pic.twitter.com/8lz3eZMKvq  Steven Brown (@smwbrown) January 18, 2021

Alasdair Hughson, Scottish Creel Fishermens Federation chairman, said: It is inevitable that the UK shellfish industry would want to make its voice heard loud and clear on this matter.

After the year that all of these businesses have had, struggling to survive against the odds, now faced with this situation, to now find themselves being blamed for not completing forms correctly when they are all just trying to follow Government guidelines which are unclear and changing all of the time.

If this debacle does not improve very soon we are looking at many established businesses coming to the end of the line.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the Government of trying to blame fishing communities for the issues caused by Brexit.

Sir Keir said: They are beyond frustrated, they are pretty angry about whats gone on because the Government has known there would be a problem with fishing and particularly the sale of fish into the EU for years.

It didnt prepare for it and now it is doing the classic thing of the Government, which is trying to blame the fishing communities rather than accepting its their failure to prepare.

Scotlands rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said any compensation may be too little too late for some businesses.

As feared and predicted, the new trading relationship with the EU is having a catastrophic impact on Scotlands food and drink export industry Fergus Ewing, Scotlands rural economy secretary

He said: As feared and predicted, the new trading relationship with the EU is having a catastrophic impact on Scotlands food and drink export industry.

It is very clear that the UK Government should have extended the transition period as we called for, due to the pandemic and lack of progress in the negotiations.

He added: It is unacceptable that the UK Government has not consulted with us on this funding package ahead of this announcement, as our view and that of the Scottish industry is that devolved administrations are clearly best placed to take decisions on spending in their areas.
A university student in Pakistan has been arrested on charges of having links with global terror groups and sending money to the dreaded Islamic State terrorists in Syria, police said on Monday.

Muhammad Omer Bin Khalid, who is studying at Karachi's reputed NED University of Engineering and Technology, was arrested while trying to leave Karachi via a train, according to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh Police.

"He is a final year student at the NED University of Engineering and Technology. This student has been involved in sending money to families of militants linked with the global Islamic State group in Syria. He used to hand over the money in cash to one Zia, in Hyderabad, who converted it into dollars before sending it to Syria," said Deputy Inspector General of Police CTD Omar Shahid Hamid. He said as per initial estimates, Omer has already sent over one million rupees to terrorists.

"We detained him initially and seized two mobile phones from him and also a laptop on December 17 last year. At the time, however, the suspect was released on bail as the CTD had no concrete evidence against him, the officer said. "But forensic examination of the seized gadgets later confirmed the suspect had links with persons who collected funds from Pakistan and sent them to IS militants in Syria. The report also established that he was in direct contact with suspected terrorists in Pakistan and Syria through their families," Hamid said.

He said many people were sending money to the IS terrorists in Syria by converting them into Bitcoin crypto-currency. "Jihadi families" in Syria have established Twitter accounts through which they demand funds. Many social media apps are being used for coordination, Hamid said, adding that women are being used to generate funds for terror groups.

.


Drilling at Kachi as DFS Funded

Brisbane, Jan 19, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Clean lithium developer Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( FRA:LK1 ) ( OTCMKTS:LLKKF ) announced today that shallow drill testing is underway on-site, as part of development activities required for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) at the Company's flagship Kachi Lithium Brine Project, Argentina.Kachi DFS ActivitiesGeophysical studies have assisted the planning of the shallow wells (up to 60 metres deep). These will be followed by further geotechnical studies, in addition to recent works conducted on proposed sites for Lilac's direct lithium extraction demonstration plant and for the future production plant. All works are following COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of staff.An additional 20,000 litres of Kachi brines will be extracted and shipped for further processing at Lilac's pilot module in California. This data is a key part of the DFS, which formally commenced earlier this month (refer ASX release 8 January 2021).Lake aims to sustainably produce the cleanest quality lithium carbonate at scale, with demand rapidly increasing for battery materials for use in the fast-growing battery market as the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates globally.DFS Fully FundedThe Company is well financed for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and these activities. As reported on 27 November 2020, the Company extended its existing Controlled Placement Agreement ("CPA") with Acuity Capital to 40,000,000 LKE securities with the expiry date now 31 January 2023 and funding increasing by $5.5 million. Lake Resources NL utilised its Controlled Placement Agreement ("CPA") with Acuity Capital and raised $3,375,000 (inclusive of costs) by agreeing to issue 40,000,000 LKE shares to Acuity Capital at an issue price of $0.0844 from the Company's LR7.1A capacity. The issue price of $0.0844 represents a 13.6% discount to the 15 trading day VWAP of $0.0977 to 18 January 2021 (inclusive).The funds raised will be used towards the Kachi DFS, further exploration and working capital. For more information on the CPA, please see previous Company announcements including 2 August 2018 and 27 November 2020.Novonix ProgressNovonix continues its test work on Lake's high purity lithium carbonate, which will be used together with commercial battery cathode precursor materials, to form a NMC622 cathode that will then be processed into NMC622 lithium-ion batteries for testing (see announcement 26 November 2020). This will enable Lake and its potential customers to make direct comparisons of Lake's lithium product's performance in familiar battery chemistries. As reported, initial indications are anticipated to be reported next month.Investor EngagementLake is ramping up investor engagement this week and next with Australian, North American and European based investors, amid increasing focus on the lithium sector and the need for responsibly sourced supply as highlighted by recent media reports. Lake is able to deliver key characteristics demanded by cathode and battery makers, including high quality, scale, scalability and ESG benefits. An updated presentation will be released separately.Meanwhile, leading battery researcher Novonix ( ASX:NVX ) is continuing its testwork on Lake's high purity lithium carbonate, preparing together with commercial battery cathode precursor materials, to form a NMC622 cathode that will then be processed into NMC622 lithium-ion batteries for testing (see announcement 26 November 2020). This will enable Lake and its potential customers to make direct comparisons of Lake's lithium product's performance in familiar battery chemistries.Lake's Managing Director Steve Promnitz commented: "Lake has started 2021 on the front foot by formally launching our Kachi DFS, and ramping up engagement with investors and potential industry partners. Interest in the sector has never been stronger in environmentally responsible, direct lithium extractions."To view the company presentation, please visit:About Lake Resources NL

Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost.



This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers.
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.
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ConserV Bioscience Limited ("ConserV"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing vaccines that protect against endemic and emergent infectious diseases and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ("LLNL") have agreed to collaborate on the development of a broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccine.

This collaboration brings together ConserV's expertise in identifying antigens and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's nanolipoprotein particle technology ("NLP") delivery system. The vaccine has been designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against coronavirus pathogens of human and animal origin, including but not limited to MERS, SARS and SARS-CoV-2.

The vaccine construct consists of conserved immunoreactive regions from external and internal coronavirus proteins, from each virus genus, encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA constructs will be formulated with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 's proprietary NLP vehicle prior to injection, allowing freeze drying of both components separately, improving storage and transport conditions required compared to other mRNA vaccine products.

Vaccine formulation was funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) through an SBRI programme managed by Innovate UK.

The objective of the collaboration is to demonstrate the immunogenicity and protective responses in pre-clinical studies which will support initiation of clinical studies as soon as feasible thereafter.

To date, globally, over 92 million people have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and more than 1.9 million people have died from the infection (coronavirus.jhu.edu). Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 indicates that the virus accumulates two mutations a month and, in December 2020, a new variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) has emerged in the UK showing significant mutations in the spike protein and the receptor binding domain that drastically increases its infectivity. Another variant that originated in South Africa, B.1.351 lineage (a.k.a. 501Y.V2), carries a mutation in the spike protein (E484K) that has been shown to reduce antibody recognition and could therefore affect the efficacy of the licensed vaccines. A new variant belonging to the B.1.1.248 lineage has recently been detected in Japan in patients travelling from Brazil. This strain has 12 mutations in the spike protein, including N501Y and E484K, implicated to increase transmissibility. In Brazil, a variant with mutation E484K and closely resembling B.1.1.248 was reported on January 6, 2021 in a patient that had been reinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Further investigations are needed to understand the impact of these new strains on transmission, clinical severity of infection, laboratory diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, or public health preventive measures.

In 2003, more than 8,000 people were infected by SARS-CoV-1 and at least 770 people died from the virus causing SARS. In 2012, MERS-CoV was first identified and outbreaks emerged in 2015 and 2018 and, to date, approximately 2,500 people have been infected and over 850 people have died from MERS. Considering the demonstrated pandemic potential and high mortality rates of some coronaviruses, a broad-spectrum vaccine is a necessary next step to protect against continued mutations of SARS-CoV-2 as well as against the likely emergence of new strains that jump from other hosts to humans posing new pandemic threats.

Kimbell Duncan, CEO of ConserV Bioscience, commented: "Our mission is to develop safe and effective vaccines which offer broad protection against infections from viruses that mutate frequently. We are pleased to be working with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop our broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccine candidate. We have identified regions within the proteins of the virus that are not susceptible to change and, if effective, the vaccine promises to protect against a broad spectrum of current circulating coronavirus strains and future emergent ones."

Amy Rasley, Senior Scientist Immunology and Vaccines at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, added: "We look forward to combining our nanolipoprotein particle technology with ConserV's mRNA construct encoding conserved viral epitopes. We hope to advance the vaccine candidate to human trials as quickly as possible."

Nick Fischer, Principal Investigator on the project, noted: "Our NLP technology is very versatile, so we anticipate that we can tune our platform formulation to produce safe and effective vaccine candidates." Other LLNL team members include Wei He, Matthew Coleman and Sandra Peters.

ConserV Bioscience has a pipeline of eight vaccines at various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development including a broad-spectrum flu vaccine that is ready to enter Phase III trials, to assess protective efficacy and safety, and a novel mosquito saliva vaccine that aims to protect against all mosquito-borne diseases that is ready to enter Phase II trials, to obtain preliminary information about the vaccine's ability to produce its desired effect and continue to assess its safety.

About ConserV Bioscience Limited

ConserV Bioscience Limited, based in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, is a clinical-stage vaccine development company focused on advancing safe and effective vaccines that protect against endemic and emergent infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 as a spin-out from Seek (Peptcell Limited), it has an experienced scientific and leadership team. It is harnessing its novel in silico proprietary platform to identify highly conserved regions of viral proteins that contain a high number of reactive T-cell epitopes with extensive HLA coverage. In addition to its broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccine candidate, its pipeline includes vaccine candidates to protect against broad-spectrum influenza, mosquito-borne diseases, HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus and Chagas. www.conservbio.com

About Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, based in Livermore, California, is a US government-owned facility that is part of the Department of Energy. Its mission is to strengthen US security through the development and application of world-class science and technology. The Biosciences and Biotechnology division applies an understanding of fundamental biology to predict and counter emerging biological and chemical threats and to solve problems in health and environmental security.

About nanolipoprotein particle technology

NLPs are water-soluble molecules that are 6 to 30 billionths of a meter in size resembling high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, which are associated with playing a role in regulating the human body's 'good' cholesterol. LLNL scientists are working to use this nanotechnology, also known as nanodiscs, as a delivery platform for tularemia and chlamydia vaccines that are under development.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency, drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. We connect businesses to the partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. We fund business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into R&D. Our support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions.

About SBRI

The Small Business Research Initiative programme uses the power of government procurement to drive innovation. It provides opportunities for innovative companies to engage with the public sector and gain contracts to solve specific problems. Competitions for new technologies and ideas are run on specific topics and aim to engage a broad range of organisations. SBRI enables the public sector to engage with industry during the early stages of development, supporting projects through the stages of feasibility and prototyping. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sbri-the-small-business-research-initiative

SOURCE ConserV Bioscience
(CNN) - A coronavirus variant that first appeared in South Africa and has now been spotted in more than a dozen other countries might partially evade the vaccines, researchers said during a presentation Monday.

We do now have very compelling data both from our labs and from many other labs around the world to support the fact that these mutations are problematic, said Penny Moore, associate professor at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa.

Researchers in South Africa and elsewhere are studying whether it can evade antibodies created by the vaccines. Study results are expected within the next week or two.

The researchers are concerned because the vaccines target the spikes on top of the virus, and this variant has mutations in two different regions of the spike.

When we see mutations like this specifically in those two regions, its a strong indication that the virus has managed to evade neutralizing antibodies  neutralizing antibodies are the types of antibodies that stop a virus from being able to infect a cell," Moore said.

The coronavirus was thought to be relatively stable  but nearly 100 million people have caught the virus, and each time it spreads to another person, it gets a chance to mutate.

It creates more opportunities for the virus to learn how to be resistant to the vaccine, Paul Bieniasz, a virologist at the Rockefeller University told CNN last week. Its going to be, over time, likely chipping away at vaccine efficacy, but were not going to fall off a cliff tomorrow.

Such misbehavior wasnt expected from a coronavirus, Alex Sigal, a virologist at the Africa Health Research Institute, told CNN.

This virus really showed us it can adapt, and could be able to escape, he said. It just goes back to the first rule of virology: dont underestimate your virus.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "COVID-19 vaccines might not be as effective against variant first identified in South Africa, researchers say"
Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release

SubCategory Select Sub-Category

Cameron Ortis (R), a former senior intelligence official with the RCMP charged with violating the Security of Information Act and breach of trust, leaves the courthouse in Ottawa with his lawyer after being granted bail on Oct. 22, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

Security Breaches, Money Laundering, and Wonderland

Commentary

Amid the repetitive news cycle about governments saving us from COVID-19 at a blisteringly sluggish pace while Trump stinks, boo Trump, we suddenly hear that a known massive security breach in Canada also involved vast money laundering networks. Boooooring. Tell us more about how our politicians are great and Trump stinks.

Sorry. No can do. I dislike lockdowns but they are not the only story. Indeed, one of my complaints is that officialdom and many commentators act and talk as if about the only bad thing that could happen to anyone in Canada is they might get COVID. If they lose their job, succumb to despair, or watch their government plunge into insolvency while disregarding basic security duties, it is a bagatelle.

To be fair, Canadian governments were disregarding security long before the pandemic. After about 1968 the public and cultural reflex was to treat the Cold War as a figment of right-wing American imagination; the same with the threat from China, militant Islamism, and massive money laundering linking the drug trade with hostile foreign powers. (One curious feature of underground history is that organizations that initially dabble in crime to finance ideological projects tend to morph into purely criminal enterprises. For instance, the notorious Chinese triads tortuously descended from the Tiandihui or Heaven and Earth Society.)

There are moments of lucidity. But Canadians increasingly live in a sweet-smelling land of make-believe, where if a press release about compassion gets you through the next news cycle it solved any problem that seemed to exist. Hence the ubiquitous, hypnotic, smiling, There is no war in Ba Sing Se, as readers of a certain age or with children or grandchildren of same might phrase it.

Nevertheless, Global News just broke the disquieting story that Cameron Ortis, former director-general of the RCMPs National Intelligence Coordination Centre, was allegedly tangled up with money laundering. Ortis was also tangled up with other things; he was arrested in September 2019 for doing bad stuff. But this being Canada, we dont need to know any disquieting facts.

As one news story noted, Crown prosecutors allege he revealed secrets to an unnamed recipient and was planning to give more to a foreign entity. Such as? Hush. As another quoted RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, At this point, the co-operation with our allies is not at all compromised. Again, the lithium drip kicks in. Just because they put a spy in charge of security doesnt mean anything is wrong. There is no security breach in Ba Sing Se.

So please also ignore another story, this one from The Canadian Press, about how the FBI had to call up the RCMP to tell them a spy in the Canadian Navy named Jeffrey Delisle had been funneling vital Five Eyes secrets to the Russians for years prior to his arrest in 2012. They had already told the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, which then watched him do it for months but didnt tell anyone, including the cops, for fear of having their surveillance techniques exposed in court.

Outside Wonderland, theres no point having surveillance techniques if you cant act on what they reveal. But in Wonderland, the RCMP sprang into committee and began an investigation so time-consuming the Americans considered luring Delisle to the United States and nabbing him. (By the way I do not deny the American governments carefully honed capacity for massive ineptitude either. But through long necessity they have been slightly less ridiculous on security than their allies, which is why they alone in NATO fund their military at a level permitting independent combat operations.)

How bad was the Delisle delay? Never you mind. As CP reported, The RCMP did not respond to a request for comment, while the University of Ottawas Wesley Wark commented, There has never been any public accounting of the handling by Canadian authorities of the counter-intelligence investigation. Well, no. It might cause talk.

As might the fact of massive money laundering in Canada, which is at once obvious and taboo, on the principle that if certain ethnic groups are overrepresented in any kind of antisocial behaviour, you are ostracized if you mention the behaviour at all, let alone the overrepresentation, lest dots should connect themselves. Including about soaring house prices in some Canadian cities, notably Vancouver, because of shadowy offshore real-estate speculation.

Even so, thanks to Global we now know Ortis may have been involved with a foreign actor laundering some $15 billion a year for Latin American, Chinese, and Mideast drug cartels, and terror groups including Hezbollah. The question is: Do we care?

Here it is tempting to blame governments for failing to act or alert citizens. But in truth, they give us tacit permission to ignore it and we return the favour. For once, we really are all in it together. So back to those lovely lockdowns. Boo Trump.

John Robson is a documentary filmmaker, National Post columnist, contributing editor to the Dorchester Review, and executive director of the Climate Discussion Nexus. His most recent documentary is The Environment: A True Story.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A turning Mitsubishi Triton was dramatically flipped onto its roof in a horror crash when it was T-boned by a car flying out of a hidden lane.

Horrifying footage shows the ute turning right from the Princes Highway into Darley Road, in Heathcote in Sydney, through a gap in oncoming traffic.

Two lanes of traffic travelling in the opposite direction can be seen halted at a 'do not queue across intersection' sign, with the Triton using the opportunity to pull out in front of cars to complete the turn.

A white hatchback has been filmed T-boning a Mitsubishi Triton (pictured) in Sydney's south

But as a vehicle crosses, a white Mazda 323 Astina hatchback zips up the third outer lane and into the intersection, smashing into the ute.

The force of the impact crumples the white car's bonnet and sends the Triton flying onto its roof.

Motorists waiting in traffic abandoned their cars and rushed to the wreckage to help the drivers.

Local residents can also be seen dashing from their homes to offer assistance.

Many commentators were quick to praise the citizens who darted to the drivers' aid.

'Great to see everyone helping, makes me feel proud to be an Aussie,' one person said.

The utility vehicle was turning right into Darley Road when it was hit by a oncoming white Mazda 323 Astina hatchback

Another added:' although it was such a hard hit, it always makes you feel better when you see so many people go and help!'

Others said the accident was avoidable.

'When taking a cut-through always make sure all the lanes have stopped,' a third comment read.

Someone else said: 'This is one of the first things they teach you never to do when learning to drive.'

New South Wales road rules state drivers turning right across a median strip must give way to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead and should only cross when their is a suitable gap in traffic.
Lincoln chooses his examples well. The motive of the Vicksburg mob, in Lincolns telling, is public virtue. The motive of the St. Louis mob is revenge. The high-minded yearning for moral purification and the low-minded lust for blood are two sides of the same coin, and the effects are the same. McIntoshs lynching soon led to the expulsion and killing of an abolitionist editor. The Vicksburg mob set a precedent for other violent attacks against suspected threats to public order.

Willfully killing the (presumed) guilty rapidly descends to accidentally killing the innocent. The lawless in spirit are encouraged to become lawless in practice. Normally law-abiding people, losing faith in government, are not much averse to a change in which they imagine they have nothing to lose. Men of low scruples and overweening ambitions scout their political opportunities.

Is it unreasonable then to expect, Lincoln asks, that some man possessed of the loftiest genius, coupled with ambition sufficient to push it to its utmost stretch, will at some time, spring up among us?

Donald Trump is not a man of the loftiest genius. He is, as Ive written before, a political arsonist who managed, in his inveterately asinine way, to burn down his own presidency while attempting to torch everyone and everything else. Neither is Josh Hawley nor Ted Cruz a lofty genius. They are credential-holding ideological grifters who lack the wit to see how easily they are seen through.

But the three are at least a hazy approximation of what the younger Lincoln most fears  men in the mold of Caesar or Napoleon who would sooner tear down than defend republican institutions in order to slake a thirst for glory. Before Jefferson Davis tore the federal government asunder, John C. Calhoun tried to nullify its power. What rougher beasts do Trump, Cruz and Hawley prefigure? For that matter, for what kind of Reichstag fire was the Capitol Hill insurrection merely a test run?
India reported 10,064 new covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest single-day spike in seven months. Out of the total cases, active cases further dropped to 2 lakh while recoveries went up to over 1.02 crore

The Central Government on Tuesday expressed concern over the vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers even as the number of those inoculated Tuesday crossed 4.5 lakh while the country reported 137 deaths, the lowest in around eight months.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that India recorded the highest number of first day vaccinations for COVID-19 immunisation, yet some of those selected for the first-stage of immunisation drive opted out on Tuesday as well while some demanded the option to choose the vaccine.

According to Centre, of the total people vaccinated against COVID-19 so far, 0.18 percent reported adverse events following immunisation, while 0.002 percent had to be hospitalised which is fairly low. According to the health ministry, there were 580 reports of severe events while two persons  a 52-year-old in Moradabad and a 42-year-old in Karnataka  have reportedly died due to cardiopulmonary disease after getting their shots. The deaths have not been linked to the vaccines till now.

Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said concerns about adverse effects and serious problems post immunisation as of now seem to be unfounded, negligible, insignificant and stressed that both the vaccines are safe.

Major highlights this week   4,54,049 people have been vaccinated till early morning today

 After 7 months, active cases have come down to 2 lakhs; continue to decline

 Cumulative &positivity rate is 5.63% and 1.99% respectively: Secretary, @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/gs5dBaM6dP  PIB India (@PIB_India) January 19, 2021

In Delhi, seeing a low turnout of healthcare workers on the first two days of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday said the exercise is voluntary and a matter of "personal decision" for people whether to get a shot or not, but all efforts are being made to boost their confidence.

India reported 10,064 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest single-day spike in seven months. Out of the total cases, active cases further dropped to 2 lakh while recoveries went up to over 1.02 crore.

Upsetting if health workers refuse vaccination, says Centre

The government on Tuesday expressed concern about vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers, with NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul saying that doctors, nurses and other frontline workers should fulfil their social responsibility by getting inoculated.

"A lot of efforts have gone into making the vaccines. If our healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses are declining it (vaccination), then it's very upsetting. We never know what form this pandemic could take, how big it could get, so please get vaccinated," Paul was quoted by NDTV as saying.

The NITI Aayog official also said the concerns pertaining to the coronavirus vaccines having adverse effects and serious problems seem to be unfounded and insignificant. He reassured that the two vaccines  Serum Institutes Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin  are safe.

If there is an adverse effect, there are all preparations in place. But let me assure you that adverse events are not even taking place to a significant scale. The hesitancy about adverse effects among healthcare workers needs to end. This vaccine hesitancy needs to end, Paul added.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also presented data of vaccinations done in other countries. He said India inoculated 2,07,229 people on the first day, while the United States vaccinated 79,458 beneficiaries. He went on to provide data on vaccinations done on the first day in the United Kingdom (19,700) and France (73).

India has vaccinated the highest number of persons in the world on the first day of vaccination. On Day 1, India has vaccinated 2,07,229 people: Secretary, @MoHFW_INDIA#IndiaFightsCOVID19 pic.twitter.com/KNx1zIwIsr  PIB India (@PIB_India) January 19, 2021

Vaccination is personal decision: Satyender Jain

Amid a low turnout of healthcare workers on the first two days of the coronavirus vaccination drive, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has said the exercise is voluntary and that the government cannot force anyone.

Nearly 3,600 healthcare workers were inoculated in Delhi on Monday, a further dip in the figures compared to that on the opening day of the immunisation drive, with sources saying just eight medical staff got the jabs at AIIMS.

"The target of the day in Delhi was 8,136, and 3,598 got vaccinated, which is 44 percent of the targeted figure," he told reporters.

Jain reiterated that this is a voluntary exercise and people are making their own decisions, as it's the initial phase.

Asked if statements made by a few political leaders raising doubts over its efficacy and safety, could be a factor, he said, "No. Going for vaccination is a personal decision, and has nothing to do with what political statements have been made about it."

The Delhi government has set up 81 immunisation centres across the city as part of the nationwide mega vaccination drive.

The sharp fall had come after one severe and 50 minor cases of AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) were reported on Saturday.

India announces supply of vaccines to six countries

India on Tuesday announced that it will supply COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles from Wednesday. The Ministry of External Affairs said India will supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner keeping in view the domestic requirements.

It said India is awaiting confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius for the supply of the vaccines. In a statement, the MEA said India has received several requests for the supply of Indian-manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries.

"In response to these requests, and in keeping with India's stated commitment to using India's vaccine production and delivery capacity to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from 20 January," it said. "In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances," it added.

India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country. While Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by the Serum Institute, the Covaxin is being produced by Bharat Biotech.

COVID-19 cases shoot up in Lakshadweep islands

The number of COVID-19 cases soared to 14 in Lakshadweep islands, which remained insulated from the attack of deadly virus till Monday, since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country nearly a year ago.

A day after the first coronavirus case was reported in the islands, official sources said 13 people, who were the patient's primary contacts, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, taking the test positivity rate to 42.4 percent.

The man belonging to the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), had left for Kavaratti by ship from Kochi on 3 January and tested positive on Monday, official sources said. He had reached the islands on 4 January. Sources said his 31 primary contacts were traced and tested of which 13 were infected.

All of the positive people belonged to IRB, they said. While four of them are having symptoms, the remaining are asymptomatic. The authorities have started tracing and isolating their primary and secondary contacts.

Till Monday, the islands had not reported a single positive COVID-19 case. Taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus, the administration had directed all those who had come in contact with him to go on quarantine, they said.

According to sources, risk communication activities started and disinfection process are on. The administration also suspended all the inter-island movements, including ships from Tuesday.

'Those with fever, allergies shouldnt take Covaxin', says Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotechs fact sheet on COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, has advised pregnant or breastfeeding women, besides people with high fever or bleeding disorders, not to take the vaccine.

The vaccine maker in the fact sheet on Covaxin, posted in its website, said the clinical efficacy of the vaccine is yet to be established and is being studied in Phase 3 clinical trials, and hence, it is important to appreciate that receiving the vaccine does not mean other precautions related to COVID-19 need not be followed.

You should not get Bharat Biotechs COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin if you have any history of allergies. Have a high fever. Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner. Immune compromised or are medicine that affects your immune system. Are pregnant. Are breastfeeding. Have received another COVID-19 vaccine. Any other serious health-related issues, as determined by the vaccinator/ Officer supervising vaccination, the fact sheet said.

The fact sheet also asked people to inform the vaccinator or a supervising official about their medical condition before taking the vaccine. Bharat Biotech said in an ongoing clinical trial Covaxin has been shown to generate immunity following two doses given four weeks apart.

Centre issues Letter of Comfort to Bharat Biotech for 45 lakh doses of Covaxin

Bharat Biotech has secured a fresh Letter of Comfort from the Centre for another 45 lakh doses of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, sources said on Tuesday.

Out of those 45 lakh doses, the Hyderabad-based vaccine maker will be supplying over eight lakh doses of Covaxin to some of the friendly countries such as Mauritius, Philippines and Myanmar, free of cost as a goodwill gesture. They also said the company will be dispatching 20 lakh doses of the earlier order in a couple of days, from Hyderabad.

The company was given a fresh letter of comfort recently for supplying another 45 lakh doses of Covaxin. The doses will be dispatched as and when the government places orders with the company, sources told PTI.

After having received the government purchase order for 55 lakh doses, Bharat Biotech shipped the first batch of vaccines (each vial containing 20 doses) to Gannavaram (Vijayawada), Guwahati, Patna, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Bangalore, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Chennai and Lucknow, it said.

Bharat Biotech said it has also donated 16.5 lakh doses to the Government of India.

State-wise deaths

India reported the lowest number of daily coronavirus infections in over seven months with 10,064 new cases, which took the caseload to 1,05,81,837, said the Union health ministry on Tuesday.

The country's COVID-19 toll increased to 1,52,556 as 137 fatalities, the lowest in around eight months, were recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the novel coronavirus surged to 1,02,28,753, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.66 percent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.44 percent.

The 137 new fatalities include 35 from Maharashtra, 17 from Kerala, 10 from West Bengal, nine from Karnataka, and eight each from Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

A total of 1,52,556 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 50,473 from Maharashtra followed by 12,272 from Tamil Nadu, 12,175 from Karnataka,10,754 from Delhi, 10,063 from West Bengal,8,580 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,141 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,509 from Punjab.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 percent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

With input from PTI
MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI  One person is dead and three are injured after a crash in Michigans Upper Peninsula.

The crash occurred on US-41 in Marquette Countys Michigamme Township on Saturday when a 20-year-old woman, later identified by Michigan Tech University as Charlotte Jenkins of Fenton, was driving a 2005 Pontiac Aztek westbound.

According to WLUC-TV, she lost control of the vehicle near mile marker 102 and collided with two eastbound vehicles while she was returning to campus for the beginning of the semester.

Jenkins, a third-year computer engineering student, later died from fatal injuries sustained in the crash. Her 19-year-old passenger was transported to UP Health System Marquette for treatment of serious injuries.

Two other motorists were transported to Bell Memorial for injuries, according to the TV station.

According to Michigan Techs internal memo, Jenkins was involved with Residence Education and Housing Services and served as the resident assistant for the Women in Engineering community in McNair Hall.

We offer our deepest condolences to Charlottes family, friends, loved ones, and all those who were part of her community here at Tech, Interim Dean of Students Joe Cooper said in the memo. Losing someone we care about is incredibly difficult, and I ask that we do our best to support each other during this challenging time.
Sapiens Partners With Click-Ins

Click-Ins is teaming up with Sapiens International to offer vehicle-damage inspection and assessment platform to insurance carriers.

Click-Ins said in a press release that its product is now offered along with Sapiens CoreSuite for P&C product to offer end-to-end claim processing, automation and settlement. Both businesses are based in Israel.

AI and deep learning are transforming insurance underwriting as we know it, stated Roni Al-Dor, president and chief executive officer of Sapiens. Click-Ins has the expertise and capabilities needed to drive this transformation, making them ideal partners in our quest to provide comprehensive, customer-centric solutions.

Click-Ins allows carriers to detect, analyze and process vehicle damage, with the click of any digital camera. Click-Ins works to increase automation, reduce human errors, fraud and risk, and increase customer satisfaction, the company said. The solution captures and processes digital pictures of damaged vehicles and transforms them into damage reports and damage repair estimates.

QBE and Velocity EHS Offer Ergonomics Technology

QBE North America has formed a partnership with Velocity EHS to offer a sensorless motion-capture technology that enables employers to recognize employee ergonomics issues in the workplace.

Velocity, based in Perth, Australia, said in a press release that its Humantech Industrial Ergonomics software uses artificial intelligence to assess workplace ergonomics and offer tailored solutions to prevent worker injuries. Musculoskeletal disorder injuries (strains and sprains) are a leading cause of workplace injuries for companies and their employees across the United States, QBE said in a press release.

Poorly-designed workplaces not only cause employee injury and stress; they can lead to long-term pain, absenteeism, and loss of productivity, QBE Senior Vice President and Loss Control Leader Paul Isaac said in a press release. Anyone looking to accurately and quickly assess jobs for musculoskeletal disorder risk can benefit from this new technology.

The Velocity software starts with a video of an operator performing a work task. That is uploaded to the Humantech software, which uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to recognize body segments and records joint angles, frequencies, and durations of the postures during movement. Within minutes, the software displays a skeletal overlay on the original video and indicates the risk levels in colored lines.

QBE is based in Sydney, Australia and operates out of 27 countries around the globe.

Cotton Holdings Acquires Stellar Restoration Services

Cotton Holdings, a infrastructure support company for commercial restorations, based in Katy, Texas, has acquired Stellar Restoration Services, a commercial roofing repair company.

Stellar, based in Rosemont, Ill., will retain its name and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Cotton under the continued leadership of co-Founders Michael de la Mora and Rick Bailey, who will retain an ownership interest in the business, the company said in a press release. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Cotton provides property restoration and recovery, construction, roofing, consulting, temporary workforce housing and culinary services to public and private entities worldwide.

The addition of Stellar to the Cotton team brings tremendous value to our organization and will help us deliver a deeper set of roofing restoration capabilities to customers with an expanded geographic footprint in their time of need, said Pete Bell, founder and chief executive officer of Cotton Holdings.
Baltimore may be a continent away from San Francisco, but the coastal cities have at least one thing in common: rising seas.

Both are seeing more flooding, more shoreline erosion and more battered infrastructure, and both want the oil industry to pay for the damage. They blame fossil fuels for the global warming thats causing sea level rise.

On Tuesday, Baltimore will lead the campaign to recoup billions of dollars from oil companies in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The citys legal strategy is one that dawned in the Bay Area four years ago, when San Francisco and neighboring communities began filing lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry. The California tactics have since been embraced by nearly two dozen cities, counties and states nationwide, all of which could be affected by the high courts pending action.

The question in front of the justices is not about the merits of the case. Its about how a decision to hear the issue in state court versus federal court should be made. Still, the seemingly small procedural matter could have a big impact on whether the California communities and other litigants ultimately win money to cover potentially huge losses from climate change.

San Francisco alone calculates that rising seas threaten $10 billion of public property and nearly $40 billion of private property. Baltimore, in its lawsuit, cites the possibility of losing some of its waterfront, including its popular Inner Harbor, with it jobs and city tax revenues.

We anticipated the fossil fuel companies would make this move (petitioning the Supreme Court), and we look forward to responding to the petition in court, said John Cote, spokesman for the San Francisco City Attorneys Office, whose case also was submitted to the Supreme Court by the oil producers for review, but not yet accepted.

In addition to San Francisco, California communities with suits against oil companies include the counties of San Mateo, Marin and Santa Cruz and the cities of Oakland, Richmond, Santa Cruz and Imperial Beach (San Diego County).

All of the municipalities have faced the question of whether their cases should be taken up by state or federal court.

The plaintiffs want the cases to proceed in state court, where their legal challenges are tailored. They argue that companies such as Chevron Corp., Shell and ExxonMobil sold fossil fuel products while knowing their goods were harming the climate, akin to what the tobacco industry did with cigarettes and public health decades ago. They allege violations of state public nuisance law and state consumer protection law.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Conversely, the oil companies want the cases in federal court. They believe the judges there will defer to federal laws governing greenhouse gas emissions, namely the Clean Air Act, making the state-level allegations moot.

Several appellate courts, including the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, have agreed with the plaintiffs, ruling that state court is the appropriate venue. However, the more than a dozen defendants in the Baltimore suit have asked the Supreme Court to reconsider that decision, in this case one made by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. The defendants believe the grounds on which the appellate judges ruled were too narrow.

The Supreme Court is now poised to decide whether broader issues should be considered when such a venue change is deliberated. The conclusion, legal experts say, will help determine where the cases end up.

If the Supreme Court were to say these belong in federal court, they would be pulled out of the state courts and thats a big thing, said Karen Sokol, a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans who has been following the climate litigation.

Sokol, however, believes the plaintiffs have made strong cases for why their suits are classic tort cases meant for state judges. The communities arent seeking to regulate emissions, but simply to get compensation for harm done. The law firm representing the city of Baltimore, Sher Edling, also represents several communities in California.

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

Industry attorneys see things differently. At the heart of their petition to the high court, requesting broader scope for the appellate judges, is the opinion that such a monumental issue as climate change is a federal one.

Baltimores claims may be packaged under state tort law (but) their goals, the nature of the litigation, and the remedies they seek are all inherently national, said Phil Goldberg, special counsel for the trade group Manufacturers Accountability Project. Developing national energy policy is a legislative and regulatory matter and should not be driven by a number of state court judges across the country based only on a narrow set of allegations.

The Trump administration, which has sided with the defendants, is expected to join the oil industry in the courtroom next week. Oral arguments begin a day before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who has said he supports climate litigation but has not discussed specific cases.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is among the many state attorneys who have filed amicus briefs in support of the plaintiff.

We support the city of Baltimores effort to hold oil companies accountable for their role in creating the climate crisis, Becerra said in a statement. We urge the Supreme Court to allow this case to proceed in state court, where it belongs.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
Selbyville, Delaware, Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to credible predictions, global carbon steel market had reached a valuation of USD 738.52 billion in the year 2019 and is likely to showcase a y-o-y growth rate of 4% between 2020 and 2027. The growth can be attributed to growing investments towards infrastructural development and widespread product demand.

Apart from this, the document talks about the different market segmentations such as grade type, application reach, end-user analysis, and form type. It mentions the regional landscape as well as provides a detailed analysis of the several companies operating in this business space.

Carbon steel is basically steel infused with carbon substances from around 0.05% to 2.1% in terms of weight. The material is widely adopted in construction sector for developing pipeline systems that collect crude oil, natural gas, and water.

Request Sample copy of this Report @ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/3110279/

The product is also highly used for constructing buildings and bridges. Thus, escalating investments by public entities towards boosting construction activities coupled with rapid expansion of real estate sector are favoring global carbon steel industry outlook.

Citing an instance, IBEF (Indian Brand Equity Foundation) states that the Embassy Office Parks secured around USD 775.66million in Indias first REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) listing. Moreover, new housing launches in major cities in the country surged by 32% CAGR, accounting for 193 thousand units in the year 2018.

Increasing utilization of carbon steel in shipbuilding activities as well as in automotive sector is also adding traction to the overall market size. Carbon steel is not only affordable but also possesses high mechanical properties which are suitable for ships.

Technological advancements in this business sphere are also facilitating global carbon steel market expansion. However, easy availability of polymer materials could potentially hamper the industry growth in the forthcoming years.

To access a sample copy or view this report in detail along with the table of contents, please click the link below:

https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-carbon-steel-market-size-research

A synopsis of regional outlook

The geographical scope of global carbon steel market consists of North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world. Among these, estimates cite that North America currently accounts for the largest market share and is estimated to display similar growth trends in the ensuing years. Rising adoption of carbon steel for shipbuilding activities and in aerospace sector is the regional market outlook.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific carbon steel industry is predicted to record the highest CAGR through 2027, primarily due to flourishing construction sector.

Global Carbon Steel Market by Grade Type (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

Ultra-High-Grade Carbon Steel

High-Grade Carbon Steel

Medium-Grade Carbon Steel

Low-Grade Carbon Steel





Global Carbon Steel Market by Application Scope (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

Beams

Channels

Angle

Wire Rod

Pipes & Tubes

Normal Plates and Floor Plate

Bards & Rebars

Basic and Perforated Sheets

Others





Global Carbon Steel Market End-user Analysis (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

Cutting Tools

Consumer Appliances

Heavy Engineering and Equipment

Energy

Aerospace

Shipbuilding & Marine

Railways

Construction

Automotive





Global Carbon Steel Market by Form Type (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

Cold-rolled Carbon Steel

Hot-rolled Carbon Steel





Global Carbon Steel Market Geographical Landscape (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

North America

Canada

United States

Asia-Pacific

South Korea

Australia

Japan

India

China

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Europe

Italy

Spain

France

Germany

United Kingdom

Rest of Europe





Latin America

Mexico

Brazil





Rest of the World

Global Carbon Steel Market Competitive Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027)

AK Steel Holding Corporation

Tata Steel Limited

Afarak Group

Omega Steel Company

ArcelorMittal S.A.

Bushwick Metals LLC

Curtis Steel Co. Inc.

China Baowu Steel Group Corp. Ltd.

Nippon Steel Corporation

JFE Steel Corporation





Table of Content:

Chapter 1. Executive Summary

1.1. Market Snapshot

1.2. Global & Segmental Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.2.1. Carbon Steel Market, by Region, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.2.2. Carbon Steel Market, by Grade, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.2.3. Carbon Steel Market, by Application, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.2.4. Carbon Steel Market, by Form, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.2.5. Carbon Steel Market, by End Use, 2018-2027 (USD Billion)

1.3. Key Trends

1.4. Estimation Methodology

1.5. Research Assumption

Chapter 2. Global Carbon Steel Market Definition and Scope

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Market Definition & Scope

2.2.1. Scope of the Study

2.2.2. Industry Evolution

2.3. Years Considered for the Study

2.4. Currency Conversion Rates

Chapter 3. Global Carbon Steel Market Dynamics

3.1. Carbon Steel Market Impact Analysis (2018-2027)

3.1.1. Market Drivers

3.1.2. Market Challenges

3.1.3. Market Opportunities

Chapter 4. Global Carbon Steel Market Industry Analysis

4.1. Porter's 5 Force Model

4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.1.6. Futuristic Approach to Porter's 5 Force Model (2017-2027)

4.2. PEST Analysis

4.3. Investment Adoption Model

4.4. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 5. Global Carbon Steel Market, by Grade

5.1. Market Snapshot

5.2. Global Carbon Steel Market by Grade, Performance - Potential Analysis

5.3. Global Carbon Steel Market Estimates & Forecasts by Grade 2017-2027 (USD Billion)

5.4. Carbon Steel Market, Sub Segment Analysis

5.4.1. Low-Grade Carbon Steel

5.4.2. Medium-Grade Carbon Steel

5.4.3. High-Grade Carbon Steel

5.4.4. Ultra-High-Grade Carbon Steel

Chapter 6. Global Carbon Steel Market, by Application

6.1. Market Snapshot

6.2. Global Carbon Steel Market by Application, Performance - Potential Analysis

6.3. Global Carbon Steel Market Estimates & Forecasts by Application 2017-2027 (USD Billion)

6.4. Carbon Steel Market, Sub Segment Analysis

6.4.1. Basic and Perforated Sheets

6.4.2. Bars & Rebars

6.4.3. Normal Plates and Floor Plate

6.4.4. Pipes & Tubes

6.4.5. Wire Rod

6.4.6. Angle

6.4.7. Channels

6.4.8. Beams

6.4.9. Other

Chapter 7. Global Carbon Steel Market, by Form

7.1. Market Snapshot

7.2. Global Carbon Steel Market by Form, Performance - Potential Analysis

7.3. Global Carbon Steel Market Estimates & Forecasts by Form 2017-2027 (USD Billion)

7.4. Carbon Steel Market, Sub Segment Analysis

7.4.1. Hot-rolled carbon steel

7.4.2. Cold-rolled carbon steel

Chapter 8. Global Carbon Steel Market, by End Use

8.1. Market Snapshot

8.2. Global Carbon Steel Market by End Use, Performance - Potential Analysis

8.3. Global Carbon Steel Market Estimates & Forecasts by End Use 2017-2027 (USD Billion)

8.4. Carbon Steel Market, Sub Segment Analysis

8.4.1. Automotive

8.4.2. Construction

8.4.3. Railways

8.4.4. Shipbuilding & Marine

8.4.5. Aerospace

8.4.6. Energy

8.4.7. Heavy Engineering and Equipment

8.4.8. Consumer Appliances

8.4.9. Cutting Tools

Chapter 9. Global Carbon Steel Market, Regional Analysis

Related Report:

Structural Steel Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2020 - 2026

Worldwide Structural steel market is anticipated to expand at a significant rate throughout the coming time period owing to increasing construction activities in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Structural steel is a steel construction material which is fabricated with a particular shape and chemical composition to suit the applicable specifications of a project. From a regional frame of reference, the Latin America structural steel market focuses on strengthening the value of regional integration, as well as technological innovation. This region accounted for a market revenue of $3.73 Bn in 2019. The Middle East region accounted for nearly 3.8% of the global structural steel market.

About US:

Market Study Report, LLC. is a hub for market intelligence products and services.

We streamline the purchase of your market research reports and services through a single integrated platform by bringing all the major publishers and their services at one place.

Our customers partner with Market Study Report, LLC. to ease their search and evaluation of market intelligence products and services and in turn focus on their company's core activities.

If you are looking for research reports on global or regional markets, competitive information, emerging markets and trends or just looking to stay on top of the curve then Market Study Report, LLC. is the platform that can help you in achieving any of these objectives.
Actors and television professionals from middle class backgrounds are most-likely to pretend to be working class to sound 'more deserving' of their success, a study has found.

Well-off people from these professions are also more-likely to describe their rise to stardom as coming from 'humble origins', researchers claim.

This way, people won't think their success was due to their privileged upbringing.

The study by London School of Economics sociologists involved 175 interviews with actors, architects, accountants and TV professionals.

Of those, 36 people who had undeniably middle-class upbringings thought of themselves as working class. Of the 36, 24 participants were actors or worked in TV.

Researchers said people in those industries 'misrepresenting' their upbringing is understandable as there is a 'symbolic market for downplaying class privilege in these professions'.

Olivia Coleman's (left) fourth great-grandfather, Richard Campbell Bazett, worked for the East India Company - which transported slaves. Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley (right) was accused of being 'tone deaf' by online critics after she said she is no more privileged than her Star Wars co-star John Boyega back in 2019. There is no suggest that any of the mentioned actors 'misrepresented' their backgrounds

Actors or TV professionals may want to sell a 'humble origins story' so their peers don't think they were handed jobs because they had inherent privileges - such as wealth or social connections - from their parents.

Scientists - whose research was published in the journal Sociology and reported in The Times - said: 'By framing their life as an upward struggle "against the odds", these interviewees misrepresent their subsequent life outcomes as more worthy, more deserving and more meritorious.'

In 2019, the actors' union called for bias against working-class performers to be made illegal in the same way as race or sex discrimination in order to close the 'privilege gap'.

Equity claims actors from poorer backgrounds are now at an unfair disadvantage and kept out the industry by the rising cost of training and the prevalence of unpaid internships.

The move came as actors from wealthy backgrounds, many of whom were educated at top public schools, are among the world's biggest stars.

Tom Hardy's (right) private school cost 30,000 a year whereas Surrane Jones (left) left high school to pursue acting. There is no suggest that any of the mentioned actors 'misrepresented' their backgrounds

Privately-educated Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the granddaughter of Sir John Edward Longueville Clerke, the 12th baronet of Hitcham, while Tom Hardy's private school cost 30,000.

Olivia Coleman's fourth great-grandfather, Richard Campbell Bazett, worked for the East India Company - which transported slaves.

Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley was accused of being 'tone deaf' by online critics after she said she is no more privileged than her Star Wars co-star John Boyega back in 2019.

The actress, 27, who comes from a family of establishment figures and was privately educated, suggested her life experiences aren't dissimilar to Boyega's, who had to apply for a hardship fund to join Theatre Peckham.

Poshos: Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge went to private school and Tom Hiddleston holds a first in classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. There is no suggest that any of the mentioned actors 'misrepresented' their backgrounds

During an interview with The Guardian, Ridley was quizzed on whether she thinks she finds it easier to 'navigate her celebrity' due to her privileged upbringing.

She insisted: 'Well no, because, no John [Boyega] grew up on a council estate in Peckham and I think me and him are similar enough that no.'

While Ridley's grandfather, John Ridley OBE, was BBC head of the engineering from 1950 to 1965 and her great uncle was Dad's Army star and playwright Arthur Ridley.

Ridley is the youngest of three daughters born to Louise Fawkner-Corbett, a banker, and Christopher Ridley, a photographer.

Her mother's family, the Fawkner-Corbetts, were landed gentry with a military and medical background.

There is no suggest that any of the actors mentioned 'misrepresented' their backgrounds.

Last year, the BBC's head of diversity said the broadcaster failed to connect with white working class audiences and must do more to make them feel represented.

June Sarpong said her work to reach under-represented groups would extend beyond black and Asian people to include working class communities and their concerns, including immigration.

June Sarpong (pictured in March in London's Southbank Centre) said her work to reach under-represented groups would extend beyond black and Asian people to encompass people of all races who are economically disadvantaged

The presenter made the remarks at a virtual Ofcom summit where she also spoke about being the only black person in the room at BBC conference meetings.

She said: 'Often the BAME audience gets a lot of focus, in that the BBC doesn't represent BAME audiences enough, and we talk about young people.

'But we know that we've had serious issues in terms of our connection with C2DE [working class] audiences and I think it's about getting the balance.

'As somebody who is an advocate for diversity, I'm always making sure I'm banging the drum for working class audiences because I come from a working class background, my parents were immigrants, we grew up in a white, working class community.

'And I totally understand when it comes to immigration, that is the community that has actually lived it, and often we don't have the sort of nuanced debate around this stuff that we need to.'

Miss Sarpong praised new director-general Tim Davie for speaking out about the need to improve diversity at the BBC .

She said: 'Our ethos is about being for all of us and that means you have to balance opposing views and groups that perhaps don't see eye to eye.

'What Tim is doing is ensuring that we don't ignore any part of our audience.'

But speaking to Ofcom's Small Screen: Big Debate virtual conference, she said the broadcaster's survival depends on doing more.

'Now the audience themselves are very vocal, and not just of the BBC or of broadcasters but of any institution and company in general,' she said.

'We understand that it's absolutely vital for our success and our survival. It's no longer a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.'
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.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti on Tuesday accused the of fighting political battles by lodging fake FIRs with the help of police and asked it to stop the alleged practice.

There is no place for violence in democracy. Political fights should be fought through political means and not through fake FIRs and taking the help of police and hiding behind them," Bharti, a former Delhi government minister, told reporters while coming out of Ahmat jail here following his release on bail in two cases.

The two cases one in Rae Bareilly and another in Amethi -- were registered against Bharti on charges of making objectionable remarks against UP Chief Minister and state's hospitals.

I am being released from jail after 200 hours. I want to tell Yogiji that even if he keeps me in jail for 200 days, I will still go from house to house, from locality to locality in Uttar Pradesh to present the Kejriwal model of governance and its achievements on issues of education, water, power health, security, Bharti said.

We have set up a model in Delhi and the people of Uttar Pradesh also have the right to get benefits similar to those being extended to the people in Delhi. We will ensure that people here get similar rights, he said.

Attacking the UP CM, Bharti said, There is an undeclared emergency in the state and he has gone even beyond the Congress. There is an attempt to gag the voice of everyone.

Bharti said on behalf of the AAP, it was his promise that he would apprise the people of the Kejriwal model of governance versus the Adityanath model of governance.

He said his party will contest the coming zila panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh.

On Friday, a special court in Sultanpur had granted bail to Somnath Bharti in one of the two cases lodged against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Uttar Pradesh CM and the state's hospitals two days earlier.

On Saturday, he was granted bail by a Rae Bareli court in the other case. The cases were registered against him in Rae Bareli and Amethi after he had made the objectionable remarks.

Shortly before his arrest, an unknown miscreant had hurled ink a Bharti face. Bharti was remanded in 14-day judicial custody at the Amhat jail in Sultanpur district.

(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.)
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aesculap has been awarded a contract with Vizient that offers state-of-the-art neurosurgical technology at enhanced savings to Vizient member hospitals. The contract includes Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Management and Dural Repair and Neuro Critical Care product categories.

Vizient's diverse membership and customer base includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute healthcare providers and represents more than $100 billion in annual purchasing volume.

As a result of the award, Vizient members will now have access to contracted pricing for all of Aesculap's fixed and programmable hydrocephalus shunts, including the new M.blue Valve and accessories. Launched this year, the M.blue Valve is the only valve on the market that combines an adjustable gravitational unit and a fixed differential pressure unit into a single device. The combination of these two units provide automatic adjustment of the opening pressure depending on the patient's body position and counteracts the risk of possible overdrainage complications, especially in the upright and active body position.

The Dural Repair product category includes Aesculap's Lyoplant Onlay Dura Substitute and Neuro-Patch Dura Substitute. Lyoplant Onlay Dura Substitute is a biological, absorbable dura substitution consisting of a bilayer membrane designed to provide high ease of use. Neuro-Patch Dura Substitute is a microporous fleece manufactured from highly purified polyester urethane with a fine-fibered microstructure that supports rapid fibroblastic proliferation.



"As a global pioneer in neurosurgical treatment solutions, Aesculap has developed life-saving devices for over 100 years and is continuing to innovate," said Bob Sowinski, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aesculap, Inc. "We are pleased to share our solutions with Vizient members who can take advantage of special pricing for these products."



The contract is now effective, and Vizient members who are interested in taking advantage of the new contract should contact their local Aesculap sales representative.



For more information on our neurosurgical solutions, please visit our website, subscribe to our YouTube channel or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Aesculap, Inc.

Aesculap, Inc., a B. Braun company, is part of a 180-year-old global organization focused on meeting the needs of an ever-changing healthcare community. Through close collaboration with its customers, Aesculap provides advanced technologies for neurosurgery, general surgery and sterilization technologies. Aesculap continues a proud heritage of leadership and responsiveness as we strive to deliver products and services that improve the quality of patients' lives. For more information, call 800-282-9000 or visit aesculapusa.com.

SOURCE Aesculap, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.aesculapusa.com


With up to 12 hours of battery life and a MIL-STD 810H-certified rugged design, the Acer TravelMate Spin B3 convertible promises to deliver all that classroom use requires. This Windows 10-powered portable will hit China in February, EMEA in Q2, and North America in April, with prices starting at US$329.99.

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

Earlier today, Acer announced a new convertible with military-grade durability that was designed specifically for classroom use. According to the official press release, the new TravelMate Spin B3 (TMB311R-32) "features a Full HD webcam and blazing-fast Intel Wi-Fi 6, providing students with everything they need to succeed in interactive or virtual classrooms that make heavy use of media-based teaching materials."

For now, there are no specifics regarding the hardware specs, since Acer has only mentioned that this convertible is driven by "up to the latest Intel Pentium Silver processors" and also revealed some connectivity- and design-related details. In addition to the aforementioned webcam and Wi-Fi 6 support, there is also optional 4G LTE, an optional Wacom AES pen, full-function USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, as well as an optional BPR and EPA-compliant silver-ion antimicrobial agent in the keyboard's coating, touchpad, and palm rest surface that ensures a high microbial reduction rate.

The Acer TravelMate Spin B3 (TMB311R-32) can withstand up to 60 kg (132.289 pounds) of downward force and it complies with the MIL-STD 810F standard for protection from sand and dust.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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
A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for a suspect in the death of a man found last year in the Red River.

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for a suspect in the death of a man found last year in the Red River.

The body of Mohamed Mohiadin Ahmed, 29, was discovered Oct. 12 in the area of Churchill Drive and Hay Street. The Winnipeg Police Service homicide unit asked the public for any information on Ahmeds death the next day.

WINNIPEG POLICE SERVICE Winnipeg police announced a Canada-wide warrant for 28-year-old Jesse James Daher on second-degree murder charges in connection to the Oct. 12 slaying of Mohammed Mohiadin Ahmed, 29.

The next public update on the case came Tuesday, when police announced a Canada-wide warrant had been issued for 28-year-old Jesse James Daher on second-degree murder charges.

WPS public information officer Const. Dani McKinnon said investigators believe Daher is "possibly" still in Winnipeg.

"(The warrant is) really just to cover all bases," she said. "Its very important to understand that a charge such as murder is very serious and we cant limit it only to our province."

Police provided few details on the homicide: Ahmed and Daher reportedly knew each other, and the body was not in the Red River for a long period of time before it was discovered.

Daher is known to city police. In February 2018, he was arrested after a break-and-enter at an Ellice Avenue apartment building. Daher was charged with multiple firearm counts, four counts of failure to comply conditions set by a judge, and was processed on five outstanding warrant arrests when he was remanded in custody.

"We would like to have somebody arrested sooner than later, that would be an ideal situation," McKinnon said Tuesday. "In this case, we are asking for the publics assistance, so it has taken a little bit more time."

Daher is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to call 911, or the homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
Samsung is bringing its cheapest 5G phone to the UK  the Galaxy A32 5G will be available in a month. Two 4G-connected members of the A-series will launch before that. All three phones have 6.5 displays with 720p+ resolution, all three are powered by 5,000 mAh batteries with 15W charging support.

The Galaxy A32 5G will cost 250 when it becomes available on February 19. It will come in Awesome Black, White, Blue and Violet. This Dimensity 720-powered phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage as standard (plus a microSD slot) and runs Android 11 with One UI 3.0 out of the box.

It features a 48MP main camera on the back, 8MP ultrawide (123), 5MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera has a 13MP sensor. Both front and back cams can record 1080p video at 30 fps.



Samsung Galaxy A12  48MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide and two 2MP helpers

The Galaxy A12 is available as of today for 170. You can find it on the Samsung UK website (its available in Ireland as well at 190), you can check local retailers as well.

This one drops down to a Helio P35 chipset and Android 10. It has 4 GB of RAM and 64GB storage (there are no other memory configurations on the British Isles). The camera setup is very similar with a 48MP main module on the back, but with lower resolution sensors in the ultra wide (5MP) and selfie (8MP) cameras.



Samsung Galaxy A02s  13 MP camera  5,000 mAh battery with 15W charging

Finally, the Galaxy A02s will be available in the coming weeks for 140. So, you can save 30, but youll lose high res main camera, the ultra wide lens is gone altogether. Heres a detailed comparison of the three phones.

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G will also be available in Germany from February 12. The price of the 64 GB model is 280 (and 300 for the 128 GB one). You can grab a Galaxy A12 from Samsung.com for 180.

Source
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.


Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that leaking sensitive information related to the national secret of a planned attack to a journalist is a "criminal act" and persons behind this should be put in prison. To a question about the alleged chats discussing the Balakot air strike after the February 14, 2019 Pulwama terror strike on CRPF convoy, Rahul Gandhi said, "Leaking of any sensitive information is a criminal act. This applies to the person who sends it and the person who receives it." He said that such a sensitive issue was a subject of national secret regarding a planned air strike which is only either with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Defence Minister, Indian Air Force Chief and the National Security Advisor. "I want to know who among the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister or NSA leaked secret information to the journalist. This is a criminal act. If the journalist had such information on his WhatsApp, I assume the Pakistanis too had it," he said. He also said that by leaking such information to a journalist risked the IAF fighter jets and pilots and this was not an act of "patriotism". He also said for leaking such a classified information, the process of putting the people in prison should start.




Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) speaks to reporters as he arrives to the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 20, 2020. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

Sen. Josh Hawley Delays Quick Confirmation of Bidens Homeland Security Nominee

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said on Tuesday he would place a hold on President-elect Joe Bidens choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

He made the announcement hours after the Senate Homeland Security Committee ended its hearing with Alejandro Mayorkas.

Hawley said he took issue with answers given by Mayorkas about how he will secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Bidens promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures, Hawley said in a statement on Tuesday.

Just today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered, he added.

Mayorkas previously served as the deputy secretary of DHS in the Obama administration. When he was confirmed in 2013, he did not earn any Republican votes in the Senate.

During an exchange in Tuesdays hearing, Mayorkas was asked about whether he would use $1.4 billion in funds slated for the border walla chief 2015 campaign promise of President Donald Trump.

Alejandro Mayorkas, nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, testifies during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 19, 2021. (Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images)

If I may strike at the fundamental point that I believe you were inquiring of, which is will I follow the law and the execution of my responsibilities should I have the privilege of serving as the Secretary of Homeland Security. And the answer is yes I will follow the law. And what I would need to do is to understand what the law provides with respect to the obligation of funds to construct a border wall, and then see what the opportunities are to discontinue any such obligations, Mayorkas said, per The Hill.

Trump oversaw about 450 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

About two years ago, Trump declared a national emergency to redirect defense funds to the wall. Congress also approved the funding.

Mayorkas, in the hearing, said that the Trump plan for migrants to remain in Mexico would not be rescinded immediately, saying it cannot be accomplished with just a flick of a switch.

Mayorkas also said that I would not abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, overseen by the DHS. It came as some leftist members of Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), said the agency should be scuppered.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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 Covid-19 death toll now stands at 440, with the deaths of 15 more people yesterday.

The Ministry of Health reported the deaths in its daily update yesterday evening.

One of the new deaths occurred in Tobago. The Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development disclosed that the patient was a 38-year-old male with co-morbidities.
Black pastor who marched with MLK shares pains and joys of civil rights activism

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

When the people marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they were happy, 82-year-old Rev. Bill Owens told The Christian Post on Monday. They thought about a future with freedom for children yet unborn, a future where black people could do anything.

When he was 18 years old in college at Tennessee State University, Owens marched with King. He was part of the civil rights movement from 1957 onward. And today, Owens leads the Coalition of African American Pastors, a national black-led organization dedicated to the propagation of biblical values.

At the start, he wasnt part of a centralized civil rights group. Spontaneously, he said thousands of African American college students organized marches, protests and sit-ins.

Well, most of it was just students. We were happy. There was no idea of any danger, people acting crazy. We were all marching in love and peace, he recalled. We were laughing with each other. It was almost a religious fervor. It was really like a religious fervor. We were happy, we knew we were bringing about change.

To take part in a civil rights march, Owens said he had to prove he could take violence without giving violence back. Before students could march, they would take a class. They would sit on a stool and other students would curse, hit and slap them. Their job was to not fight back.

We knew we were fighting for something. I think we were so involved and we were just ready for change. We knew the people who were hitting us were getting us ready to go, said Owens. We were willing. We knew we were preparing for something better.

Nashville wasnt as dangerous as other Southern cities, according to the longtime activist. However, he said racists burned down the house of an attorney working for the movement in the city.

The state of Tennessee put pressure Owenss university president Walter S. Davis, who in turn told his students to be cautious. Even so, the students werent afraid. They had bigger priorities, Owens remembers.

We wanted to see a change. Tennessee State was the only state school I could go to, and we wanted change, the father of six said. What would our children be like? How would they live? What would they be treated like?

In the late 1950s and the 1960s, the American civil rights movement wasnt about anger over injustice or fear of oppression, Owens said. It found hope and joy in making a better future that had once seemed impossible. People didnt feel discouraged, but happy, he assured.

[The civil rights movement] gave hope to black America, the pastor said. We looked at it different from the way our parents looked at it. Our parents looked at [racism as], This is the way it is in America. We looked at it differently. We can do this and were willing to pay the price for it. Our parents would caution us [to] be careful. My mother cautioned me to be careful. We were careful. We didnt have any fear. We didnt have any fear.

Owens wife, Betty, worried for him during the marches. Fortunately, Owens said he was never attacked during a march.

It was a different time, he said. All of the violence you see now and the dissension and the groups that oppose, it was a different climate.

Civil rights marchers met in churches and protested with strong support from the Church. People in the group knew each other and often had a strong sense of community, he said.

The courage Owens and others took from the civil rights movement had immediate results in their own lives, he contends.

The activist recalled one day when he came home to his house from college to find an old, white insurance collector talking with his mother. The man didnt take off his hat to respect Owens mother and called her by her first name, he recalled. Owens said that the self-respect he gained in the civil rights movement motivated him to confront the man.

Sir, would you take your hat off? She is not Charlotte to you. She is Mrs. Owens to you. And when you come here, dont ever come in with your hat on and dont ever call her by her first name. Dont get common with her, Owens detailed of the conversation.

He said the man obeyed his wishes.

Dr. King was the reason that the civil rights movement happened when it did and in the way it did, Owens believes.

We thought big, said Owens. Dr. King, in all he did, he inspired people. People were inspired that there could be change. I think it happened when it did because of Dr. King. When I look at the landscape, it took a Dr. King. We saw the sacrifice he made and he could speak.

Kings commitment to nonviolence made the civil rights movement effective and powerful, Owens asserted. It also saved lives on both sides.

[If we had been violent,] a lot of us would have been killed. And thats why Dr. King stood for peace. He stood for peace, stressed Owens. I dont know where [modern civil rights activists] got it that they had to be violent. We made changes. What changes are they making? Dr. King with his leadership turned this country around.

In later years, Owens talked with King, he said. King was very warm and friendly, even to strangers.

I think mostly what Dr. King did was listen to you. He wasnt giving lectures, but whatever you wanted to talk to him about he was there, he said.

Owens was in Memphis the day King died, April 4, 1968.

I was in Memphis downtown in my lawyers office when the news came that Dr. King had been shot, Owens told CP. They got it wrong. They said that a black man did it, but that was not true. A white gentleman stopped me and said, Did you hear that Dr. King was killed? I was shocked, absolute shock. Im sure you know that they had a riot in Memphis. We stayed at home because we didnt want to get involved. We were very angry.

Owens said he thinks about his time in the civil rights movement every day.

People dont have to sleep at segregated hotels, drink from different water fountains or eat at segregated restaurants anymore in the U.S.

In that sense, the movement succeeded. But in other ways, the African American community hasnt yet reached the dream King marched for.

I asked a friend of mine two or three years ago, what happened? I asked him, What happened with the civil rights movement? What has happened to our society? Why dont we have more black doctors? Why are black boys still going to prison? Owens remarked.

He argues that the way to Kings dream doesnt go through movements like Black Lives Matter. These movements lack the spirit of love that gave life to the movement of the 1960s, he said.

If I was sending my children off to college now, I would caution them right now to be very careful. So much is going on right now that is much worse than the civil rights movement. It doesnt have the light that the civil rights movement had, Owens believes.

We were doing what we were doing out of love and looking for the future of our children and the country.

Todays marchers arent happy, Owens argues.

Theres a difference between hate and love, he said. And when you preach love all the time, theres a big difference between the spirit of hate and love.
Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Syro Malabar Church's Archbishop, Cardinal George Alanchery, the Malankara Syrian Church's Archbishop, Cardinal Baselious Mar Cleemus and Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mumbai's Cardinal Archbishop Oswald Gracias met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss various issues.

The three Cardinals later told the media that the meeting was positive and that the Prime Minister had lent a patient ear to their issues.

Cardinal Mar Baselious Cleemus said that the church heads had apprised Modi about the discrepancies in the distribution of scholarships for minority students, insofar that Christian students are getting only 20 per cent of the minority scholarship amount, while another minority community is garnering the rest.

The church leadership is of the opinion that the community should get at least 41 per cent of the allocation on the basis of their proportion.

It is learnt that the contentious issue of "Love Jihad" was also conveyed to the Prime Minister as the Catholic community is worried over several Christian girls getting converted to Islam after marrying Muslim youths. Three Christian girls who married Muslim youths and converted to Islam have gone to IS territory in Afghanistan and Syria. The Christian community is worried over this trend and the Kerala BJP has been taking this issue up.

The meeting of the Catholic heads with the Prime Minister assumes significance as it was held at the behest of Mizoram Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, a former President of the Kerala BJP.

The party state leadership is upbeat over the Prime Minister meeting the Catholic Church's heads as the party knows that the support of the Christian community is very crucial for it in the state. With the BJP taking the lead to settle the issues between the Orthodox and Jacobite churches, it feels that there will be a definite support base evolving among the Christian community for the BJP.

BJP state President K. Surendran, speaking to IANS over telephone, said: "The PM meeting the Church heads is a good development. They have aired their genuine grievances and let us see how things move ahead."
Early Thursday morning, a masked arsonist carrying two gasoline cans arrived in the Witchcraft District  a slice of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., popular with members of the Church of Satan  and went up the front steps of 27 South Clinton Street, a gothic-looking residence that looks like a set from the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family.

The masked figure doused the front entrance and set it ablaze.

Inside, the homeowner, Matthew Camp, 36, said he woke to see through his bedroom window his front porch in flames. He managed to escape with his roommate, Six Carter, before the house burned to a charred shell.

It looked like a tsunami of fire roared through the house, Mr. Camp said.

Now local Church of Satan members are mourning the loss of their main gathering place, a local landmark known variously as the Halloween House, the House of Netherworld and the Witch House.

For years, the house was owned by Joseph Mendillo, a popular local figure and a priest in the Church of Satan known as Joe Netherworld. Mr. Mendillo, a retired stage prop designer, had cultivated the house as an exotic homage to the campy filmmaker Ed Wood, who was born in Poughkeepsie.
Domingo Ramirez Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram

FORT WORTH, Texas  A Wylie man arrested over the weekend for going inside of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 told his family he went there to protect the country and threatened to shoot his children if they turned him in, authorities say.

Guy Reffitt took his gun with him when they stormed the Capitol and recorded some of the events on his Go Pro camera that he was wearing on his helmet, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Reffitt was arrested Saturday at his Wylie home and faces federal charges of obstruction of justice and knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. Wylie is about 55 miles northeast of Fort Worth.

The Wylie man, who is a member of Texas Freedom Force, a militia extremist group, remained in federal custody on Monday.

FBI agents tracked down Reffitt through a news video, showing a man outside the U.S. Capitol building using a water bottle to flush out his eyes after apparently being pepper-sprayed.

Reffitt is among several people who the FBI have arrested in the past few days in Texas and across the country and accused them of the violent intrusion.

One of them, Air Force veteran Larry Brock Jr. of Grapevine, told The New Yorker that President Donald Trumps loss in the presidential election in November was fraudulent, a position that is not supported by evidence.

On Jan. 6, a joint session of the United States Congress convened to certify the vote count of the Electoral College declaring President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election.

At about 2 p.m. on that day, Trump supporters forced their way through and over barricades and officers of the U.S. Capitol to get inside of the building, according to the affidavit.

FBI agents executed a search warrant on Reffitts home on Saturday at a time when he was home along with his wife and young daughter. His adult son arrived at the home when FBI agents were there.

Refitts son told FBI agents that he was home on Jan. 8 when his father arrived home along with another man, and that his father said he had been at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

On Jan. 11, Reffitt commented to his son that he had to erase everything because the FBI was now watching him. Reffitt also told his son that if he crossed the line and reported him to police, that would put the family in jeopardy and Reffitt would have no option but to do his duty to protect the country and do what he had to do, according to the complaint.

His son asked, Are you threatening us?

Reffitt answered, Dont put words in my mouth, according to the complaint.

After that threat, Reffitt caught his daughter using her phone and told her that if she was recording him, meaning putting him on social media, that she had crossed the line and betrayed the family. He threatened to put a bullet through his daughters phone, the complaint says.

Reffitts son told FBI agents his father had a Smith & Wesson pistol and an AR-15 rifle.

In another threat, Reffitt told his son and daughter, If you turn me in, youre a traitor and you know what happens to traitors ... traitors get shot, according to the complaint.

His wife told FBI agents that she did not believe Reffitt would act on his words, and she, her daughter and son did not feel threatened, but they were disturbed by Reffitts extreme statements.

She had words with Reffitt and he did not regret or take anything back when he talked about traitors, according to the federal complaint.

Joe Exotic's legal team expect a pardon from President Donald Trump 'very soon' and are ready to pick him up in a limo from a Fort Worth prison to immediately get his hair done before seeing his husband Dillon Passage.

Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, has served roughly two years of a 22-year sentence after he was convicted on 17 federal charges in 2019 for animal abuse and an attempted murder-for-hire plot on Carole Baskin.

Maldonado-Passage, 57, who owned and operated the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, shot to fame after Netlfix released its hit Tiger King series at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Exotic's legal team expect a pardon from President Donald Trump 'very soon' and are ready to pick him up in a limo from a Fort Worth prison to immediately get his hair done before seeing his husband Dillon Passage

Private investigator Eric Love said he expects a pardon for Joe Exotic from President Trump

Exotic will be picked up in a limo rented from Heaven on Wheels if pardoned

The limousine will whisk Exotic away to a luxury ranch where he will 'decompress' after being 'institutionalized'

Exotic will reportedly receive the 'platinum service' to prepare to unite with husband Dillon Passage

Eric Love, a private investigator who is a part of Team Tiger, said early on Tuesday that Team Tiger expects the pardon 'very soon.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Love for additional comment and details.

Exotic will receive makeup and wardrobe in addition to the hair styling

'We delivered everything that I want to do on this project and I am absolutely confident that we will receive the pardon tomorrow. I worked very hard on it,' he told KOCO on Monday.

Team Tiger has Dodge SUV limo rented from Heaven on Wheels 'standing by' to whisk Maldonado-Passage from FMC Prison in Fort Worth 'to a secure location.'

Trump is expected to issue a flurry of 100 presidential pardons including Exotic and rapper Lil Wayne on his last full day in office, reports said.

Last week, Exotic's legal team flew to Washington D.C. to meet with White House aides for a last-minute pardon discussion.

Love told The Sun that the 'exit plan' to take Exotic to a luxury ranch also includes a helicopter.

'The first thing that will happen: Joe will be taken off site and then placed in a helicopter with myself and a security team and an additional helicopter, we are going to go to a remote ranch, that's remote to Fort Worth,' Love told The Sun.

Love added that Exotic will need about 48 hours of 'decompression' after being 'institutionalized.'

Exotic was convicted for the 2017 murder-for-hire plot to kill rival Carole Baskin

Team Tiger will 'make sure that he is loved, appreciated, catered to,' Love told the outlet.

'He's made it very clear, he wants to make sure his hair is done before he sees Dillon, and that's important,' he said.

'You always want to be the best for your spouse and we can certainly agree and embrace that and we will facilitate that.'

Love added that Exotic 'is a very flamboyant person' and will receive the full 'platinum' service.

Love said Exotic will choose from 10 possible outfits selected by a wardrobe team before uniting with his husband

Exotic will also receive treatment from doctors and psychologists as he adapts to leaving prison

Passage will be taken to Exotic two days after his release

Exotic will be treated by a wardrobe and makeup team to make him 'showtime ready' -- though Team Tiger will not have cameras with them, The Sun reported.

'We have a chef that will be there, we have a full stock. It's literally, if you can imagine what a utopia would be, anything you need, we're going to have,' Love said.

Love has previously said that Exotic will also quickly 'get some pizzas, steak, maybe a McRib.'

'We have folks from all walks of the medical field that get him ready and what I mean by that is make sure that all medical issues are ready: platelets are infused.'

Love said that psychologists will also be available to help Exotic and Team Tiger 'with anything that he needs.'

'He will get to pick from any 10 outfits because we want to make sure that we have the right attire, because he wants the world to see him not as the disheveled person that prison has made him to a degree,' he said.

Passage, Joe's husband, will then be driven to the ranch two days later, according to the outlet.

Exotic was sentenced in January 2020 in his native Oklahoma after attempting to pay a hitman $3,000 to kill his nemesis Baskin -- who sought to shut down his breeding of big cats.

Last May, it was revealed that Exotic's legal team was seeking a pardon from Trump claiming that he was wrongfully convicted after Trump said last April he was looking to pardon the former zookeeper.

In September, Exotic he wrote Trump a letter pleading for an early release from prison while his representatives spent around $10,000 at Trump's D.C. hotel in a bid to help his cause.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was not scared of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he was a "clean person" and he would continue to fight alone even if no one sided with him.

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, after releasing a booklet on the three farm laws titled "Kheti Ka Khoon.

Rahul Gandhi said, "I have character. I am not scared of Modi or anyone. I am a clean person, and they cannot touch me. They can shoot me. I am a patriot and I protect my country. I will stand alone even if everyone is standing on the other side but will fight as it is my religion."

"I am more fanatic than them. India is once again fighting for independence," he said.

He was responding to a question about BJP chief J.P. Nadda's remarks that he was distracting the farmers.

He said that even during the UPA government, the Congress stood with the farmers in Bhatta Parsaul. "Nadda was not standing there nor was the BJP standing with the farmers then," he said.

Lashing out at the Centre, Rahul Gandhi said the three farm laws were meant to destroy the Indian agricultural system.

He said, "A huge tragedy has unfolded and I am not talking about just farmers because that is not the only thing happening. Youngsters, who believe in this country, they need to listen carefully."

He said, "What we have seen in industry after industry, when it comes to the airports, telecom, power, retail, across the board, what we are watching is the development of massive monopolies."

He alleged that 'three-four-five people are owning this country', they are owning it as a small group of people who are close to the Prime Minister and have media support.

"And now we have seen that the last bastion of agriculture that was not touched by industries is also going away," he said.

Rahul said that now three-four people will own the whole system and the farmers will not get their price and the middle class will be hurt by the prices.

"This is an assault on the middle class," he said.

The Congress leader said that the farmers of Punjab and Haryana are fighting on behalf of 65 crore farmers of the country.

"They are the patriots of the country, who are protecting livelihoods of 65 crore people. I support them, they are fighting for us," Rahul Gandhi said.

To a question about China's intrusion, Rahul Gandhi said, "China is noticing the weakness of India. China has a strategic vision as it wants to shape the entire world. China has tested India twice. If India won't create a strategy against China, it will take benefit of that and at that time no one would be able to stop the damage."

He said that the job of safeguarding the country is not being done properly.

"China is testing India and it wants to dominate. I am raising red flags, you can't manage China with event management," he said.

He added that whoever speaks against the government is described as an anti national or a criminal.

"We are saying because we are seeing the problems. When we speak about China we are enemies. When we are giving warning signals, we are enemies. Even if the farmers protest is sorted out, then its result will come from somewhere else like from youths or someone else.

"Their approach is wrong, they don't want to learn and accept. They only want to speak, it is the training by the RSS, they are top grade in this," he added.
MAMUJU, Indonesia (AP)  Aid was reaching the thousands of people left homeless and struggling after an earthquake that killed at least 84 people on an Indonesian island where rescuers intensified their work Monday to find those buried in the rubble.

More rescuers and volunteers were deployed in the hardest-hit city of Mamuju and the neighboring district of Majene on Sulawesi island, where the magnitude 6.2 quake struck early Friday, said Raditya Jati, the National Disaster Mitigation Agencys spokesperson.

He said nearly 20,000 survivors were moved to shelters and more than 900 people were injured, with nearly 300 of them still receiving treatment for serious injuries.

A total of 73 people died in Mamuju and 11 in Majene, said Didi Hamzar, the disaster agencys director of preparedness. He said rescuers also managed to pull 18 people alive from the rubble of a collapsed houses and buildings.

Mahatir, a relief coordinator for volunteer rescuers, said his team was trying to reach many people in six isolated villages in Majene district after the quake damaged roads and bridges. Aid and other logistic supplies can be distributed only by foot over the severe terrain, said Mahatir who goes by one name.

In a virtual news conference, Hamzar said that three helicopters were taking aid supplies Monday to four cut-off villages in Majene.

In other hard-hit areas. water, which has been in short supply, as well as food and medical supplies were being distributed from trucks. The military said it sent five planes carrying rescue personnel, food, medicine, blankets, field tents and water tankers.

Volunteers and rescue personnel erected more temporary shelters for those left homeless in Mamuju and Majene.

Most were barely protected by makeshift shelters that were lashed by heavy monsoon downpours. Only a few were lucky to be protected by tarpaulin-covered tents. They said they were running low on food, blankets and other aid, as emergency supplies were rushed to the hard-hit region.

Police and soldiers were deployed to guard vehicles carrying relief goods and grocery stores from looting that occurred in some areas, said Muhammad Helmi, who heads the West Sulawesi polices operation unit.

Jati said at least 1,150 houses in Majene were damaged and the agency was still collecting data on damaged houses and buildings in Mamuju.

Mamuju, the provincial capital of nearly 300,000 people, was strewn with debris from collapsed buildings. The governors office building was almost flattened and a shopping mall was reduced to a crumpled hulk.

The disaster agency said the evacuees are in dire need of basic necessities  blankets, mats, tents, baby food and medical services.

The disaster agencys chief, Doni Monardo, said authorities were trying to separate high- and lower-risk groups and provided tens of thousands of anti-coronavirus masks for those needing shelters. He said authorities would also set up health posts at the camps to test people for the virus.

People being housed in temporary shelters were seen standing close together, many of them without masks, saying that they difficult to observe health protocols in this emergency situation.

West Sulawesi province has recorded more than 2,500 cases of the coronavirus, including 58 deaths. Indonesia has confirmed nearly 908,000 cases and almost 26,000 fatalities.

Many on Sulawesi island are still haunted by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that devastated Palu city in 2018, setting of a tsunami and a phenomenon called liquefaction in which soil collapses into itself. More than 4,000 people were killed, including many who were buried when whole neighborhoods were swallowed in the falling ground.

Indonesia, home to more than 260 million people, is lined with seismic faults and is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. A magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Sumatra in 2004 triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries.

Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Photograph: Rescuers search for survivors among the ruin of a building damaged by an earthquake in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Photo credit: AP Photo/Sadly Ashari Said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Earthquake
Melania Trump, the nation's outgoing First Lady, defended her legacy as she reflected on her four years in the White House during a farewell message on Monday.

During the nearly seven-minute-long farewell message, Trump called the past years the "greatest honor" of her life, two days before her husband President Donald Trump officially steps down.

Trump used the farewell message as an opportunity to highlight her work in leading the "Be Best" campaign which sought to address the well-being of children by protecting them from cyberbullying, opioid abuse and other challenges.

She encouraged people to do everything possible to ensure success of the next generation of Americans, said a report from NBC's Today.

She also thanked military service members, law enforcement workers, caregivers and other inspiring figures she met since entering the White House in 2017.

"I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination," she said.

Read also: Trump Reflects on 'Historic Victories' as Biden Looks Ahead in Contrasting New Year Messages

Looking back at all the people she met along the way, Trump said it had been humbling to "represent a nation with such kind and generous people."

A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2021

The First Lady also posted the video to her address on Twitter, a social media site where her husband was recently banned.

First Lady Melania Trump Addresses Pandemic in Farewell Message

Trump spoke at length about the coronavirus pandemic, noted Fox News.

She thanked the health care workers, military and law enforcement officers who were at the frontlines in the middle of the crisis.

Grieving the lives lost due to the pandemic, she also urged "caution and common sense" among Americans to protect those vulnerable to the virus as vaccination efforts continue in the country.

She also recognized the efforts of civilians who helped each other amid the pandemic.

"In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through," she said, citing efforts of students to make cards and deliver groceries to the elderly and the struggle of teachers who work hard to educate children during the trying time.

Trump's Farewell Message Skirted Through Capitol Riots

Even though the First Lady urged people to continue being passionate about the things they believe, in she added that "violence is never the answer and will never be justified."

Trump did not make any direct mentions of the January 6 Capitol riot due to relentless claims that the election was "stolen."

Related story: Only 8% of Republicans Support Trump Impeachment: Poll

Five people died from the incident, one of them a Capitol Police officer.

She had previously said that she was "disappointed and disheartened" by the violence but called out gossip and "misleading accusations" about her.

The Trumps chose to skip White House tradition in several ways.

First, Melania Trump is reportedly set to become the first modern First Lady who won't be welcoming the incoming First Lady for a tour of the White House living quarters, reported Al Jazeera.

Also breaking tradition, they won't be attending the January 20 inauguration ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden.

Instead, President Trump will be giving the farewell address at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday before a sendoff ceremony outside Washington.

Melania Trump and is outgoing president's third wife and mother of his youngest son, Barron. Her plans post-White House remains unknown.

A full transcript of the farewell address can be read on the White House website.
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.


(@ChaudhryMAli88)

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th January, 2021) US President-elect Joe Biden will not lift coronavirus-related travel restrictions on entry from Europe and Brazil, Biden's spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump lifted COVID-19 restrictions on entry to the United States from the Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland and Brazil from January 26, according to a proclamation on the White House's website.

"On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19," Psaki said on Twitter.


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.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
What do you think about our new website?

Share your opinion
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will add a low-cost airline providing non-stop travel to three Florida destinations, with specific reach beyond to the Caribbean and Bahamas, GSP announced Tuesday.

Silver Airways will begin service on March 18, joining recently activated service in Columbia and Charleston after fits and starts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The GSP service will offer nonstop flights, starting at $59, to Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. From Jacksonville, the same plane will connect to Fort Lauderdale.

The airline has "an extensive network" throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas in cooperation with partners.

Last month, Silver began flights out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport direct to Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Columbia fliers for years had complained about a lack of low-cost airlines.

The same day in October that Silver announced Columbia service, the airline said it would begin flights just before Thanksgiving from Charleston International Airport. The Charleston service came after a delay dating back to February when Silver announced its return to Charleston after a five-year hiatus.

In March, Silver CEO Steven Rossum pleaded in a letter to President Donald Trump's administration that the company was "in dire need" of coronavirus bailout funds or the jobs of its 1,000 employees would be "gravely at risk." The airline ultimately received payroll support relief.

Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email

Sign Up!

Now, Silver has "taken a different approach" from others in the industry by expanding service during the pandemic, Silver's marketing manager, Angelia Hanne, said during a news conference at GSP. Hanne said Greenville was in the airline's plans during the opening of the two other South Carolina operations.

"As I drove to Charleston and Columbia opening those stations," she said, "I would pass through Greenville and I'd say, 'Greenville you're next.'"

How low-cost carriers will compete with larger airlines once the pandemic clears is uncertain, given it is not yet known how travel habits might change.

Dave Edwards, GSP's president and CEO, expressed confidence in the Silver's long-term success.

"We are thrilled to welcome Silver Airways to GSP," Edwards said, "and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."

Service to Orlando and Tampa will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Jacksonville service will operate Mondays and Fridays.

Flights will be on ATR turboprop aircraft with both 46 and 70 seats.
High-throughput sequencing can be used to obtain the genetic information of a living organism within a few hours. Credit: SoulPicture|Kiel, IKMB Uni Kiel

For several years, scientists worldwide have been investigating the extent to which microorganisms living in and on the human body influence central life processes and thus health and disease. Today they assume that there is a connection between the totality of the microbial colonization in the human body, called the microbiome, and the development of diseases. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD) in particular is suspected to be closely linked to the composition and (im-)balance of the intestinal microbiome. However, the causal relationship between the microbiome and the development of disease and determining factors of the composition of the microbiome in the individual are still largely unexplained.

Researchers at Kiel University have now investigated possible influences of genetics, i.e. individual human genetic information, on the composition of the microbiome. To this end, they have carried out a large-scale genome study with data from almost 9000 test persons in search of connections between genetics and colonizing microorganisms. Among other things, the research team from the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB) headed by Professor Andre Franke finds a previously unknown connection between genetic variations responsible for blood type and the occurrence and frequency of certain types of bacteria. The researchers published their results today in the journal Nature Genetics.

Individual genetic make-up influences the microbiome

The new publication is based on insights from a smaller study that found first indications of the influence of genetic variations on the intestinal microbiome. The scientists have now succeeded in analyzing intestinal microbiome samples from five extensive cohorts from three German locationsmainly Kiel, Augsburg and Greifswaldand were thus able to conduct the largest so-called genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Germany. In the process, the research team discovered 38 striking so-called genetic loci, i.e. the physical positions of individual genes within the overall genetic information, which indicate a relationship between individual genetics and the composition of the microbiome.

"We made the most interesting observation in the context of the genetic factors responsible for the expression of the blood group antigens in humans," emphasizes first author Dr. Malte Ruhlemann, scientist at the IKMB and member of the CRC 1182. "These genes responsible for the ABO blood group system determine which blood type a person belongs to. In some people, so called 'secretors," these blood group antigens are not only formed on the surface of red blood cells but are also released into the intestine. These are mainly sugar residues, which can possibly be used as an energy source by some bacteria of the Bacteroides group, making these occur more frequently. Particularly in people with blood groups A, AB or B, this mechanism thus seems to directly promote the occurrence of these bacteria in the human intestine," Ruhlemann continues.

This correlation potentially has great significance for health, because in about 20 percent of the world's population belonging to the group of 'non-secretors' as well as in people with blood group 0, these complex sugars are not secreted, consequently leading to a deviating microbial composition in the intestine. "These metabolites appear to be important molecules in the interaction between host and various microorganisms," explains Ruhlemann, who is also a researcher in the "Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation" (PMI) Cluster of Excellence. "Previous studies could show that people without this secretion pathway are better protected against norovirus infections, for example," Ruhlemann continued. In the working group of CRC1182 member and co-author Professor John Baines at Kiel University's Institute of Experimental Medicine, these metabolic pathways have been intensively researched for several years.

The example illustrates the effects that individual genetic variation has on human metabolism and can thus help determine the composition of the microbiome. In the future, the researchers try to better understand the mechanisms on which this interaction between humans and microorganisms are based in detail. On a larger scale, the new results of the Kiel research team provide further explanations for the formation of the human microbiome as a whole: in addition to environmental and nutritional influences, the genetics of the human host is apparently also a central factor influencing the bacterial colonization of the body. Thus, the microbiome would be more than a random collection of microorganisms available in the environment.

Therapeutic goals in the intestinal microbiome?

In order to be able to derive clear causal relationships between the bacterial colonization of the body and the development of disease in the future, the Kiel researchers in the CRC 1182, in the PMI Excellence Cluster and within the Research Unit miTarget want to identify, step by step, further factors that contribute to the composition and balance of the intestinal microbiome. One approach will be to identify individual critical bacterial species, whose occurrence and frequency, both as risk and protective factors, significantly influence the microbial colonization of the body. "Our analyses of extensive amounts of genetic data within the framework of large cohort studies will provide clinicians with valuable information about the points at which they can best intervene in the microbiome in order to specifically treat diseases based on a disturbed bacterial colonization in the future," emphasizes Professor Andre Franke, member of the CRC 1182 and PMI Cluster of Excellence and spokesperson of the miTarget Research Unit. "The identification of such therapeutic targets is an important first step towards future treatment of, for example, chronic intestinal inflammation by specifically changing the composition of the microbiome," Franke concludes.

Explore further Wild animals allow new insights into the skin microbiome

More information: Malte Christoph Ruhlemann et al. Genome-wide association study in 8,956 German individuals identifies influence of ABO histo-blood groups on gut microbiome, Nature Genetics (2021). Journal information: Nature Genetics Malte Christoph Ruhlemann et al. Genome-wide association study in 8,956 German individuals identifies influence of ABO histo-blood groups on gut microbiome,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-00747-1
Two brothers from Haiti were detained at San Francisco International Airport Sunday for more than a day, despite having visas to enter the United States, and the youngest, a 9-year-old boy, was sent to a government shelter for unaccompanied children, their attorney said Tuesday.

Christian Laporte, 19, who is enrolled at Diablo Valley College in Contra Costa County, and Vladimir Fardin, 9, were detained at the airport by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sunday, their attorney, Milli Atkinson, said.

Atkinson, legal director of the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative, said officers took the brothers visas away and did not allow them to communicate with her or family members.

Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday that one of the brothers was missing required documents, while the other had plans to enroll in school  a violation of his tourist visa. Laporte was allowed to withdraw his attempt to enter the country in lieu of deportation. He flew to Mexico Tuesday morning and will ultimately return home to his mother, a spokesperson said in an email.

Vladamir was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and later was transferred to a government-run shelter for unaccompanied minors in San Diego, Atkinson said.

The shelters are funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, a subdivision of Health and Human Services that cares for unaccompanied minors and children separated from their parents or guardians by immigration authorities.

Representatives for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Jackie Speier said Tuesday they are working on the matter but declined to provide details, citing privacy constraints.

Laporte, who has studied in the U.S. for several years on a student visa  including two years at a boarding school on the East Coast  traveled to Haiti to be with family for the holidays, Atkinson and his family said. When it was time to return to the U.S., Vladimir asked to tag along with his older brother and accompanied him on a tourist visa.

(Laporte) just wanted to let his brother see the schools in the United States and decide if the family possibly wanted to apply for a student visa for the 9-year-old in the future, Atkinson said. But instead when they got to the airport they were questioned, they were interrogated, they were not allowed to speak with an attorney. They were not allowed to speak with their family; their visas were taken from them.

But Customs and Border Protection alleged Tuesday that the boy had previously attended elementary school in California on a tourist visa  a violation of the terms of the visa  and was planning on enrolling again.

The CBP spokesperson said Laporte, who presented an F-1 student visa, was missing required documents.

CBP followed policy and procedure for processing of the (unaccompanied minor), the spokesperson said. Without a legally acceptable and court-recognized guardian in the United States, the (unaccompanied minor) was turned over to Enforcement and Removal Operations for transport to the designated Office of Refugee Resettlement facility.

Atkinson said Monday that she believed the brothers were stopped by authorities because Laporte was missing an I-20 form, a document that shows a student has been admitted to a full-time study program in the U.S. and has sufficient financial resources.

Because of the holiday, he couldnt get the one form from his college that he needed to be able to enter on a student visa, she said. Because hes been stuck at the airport he cant access any of his information online. His family  because they cant speak to him  cant log in for him to prove that hes a student and resolve all the issues that theyre claiming they have with the student visa.

Atkinson said that immigration authorities initially seemed open to allowing the brothers to fly back to Haiti but that they later said they were likely going to separate them.

Atkinson said authorities argued that they have no choice but to send the boy to the shelter  a claim that she refuted.

They are able to do something called deferred inspection, she said. Its something they do all the time to give them a few days to resolve some of the paperwork issues and let the children leave voluntarily with family members, with adults. But instead theyre sending them to detention and putting them through this horrible, traumatic process.

A longtime family friend, Linsay Etienne, lives in Oakley. She said Vladimir never intended to stay in the U.S and planned to leave later this month.

She said the boys mother, Michaelle Pyroll, expected a call from immigration authorities early Tuesday but that she did not hear from them. The family did not know where Vladimir was until they spoke to the child on Tuesday afternoon.

Pyroll on Monday told The Chronicle that Laporte sent her a text message on Sunday evening saying the two had been detained by immigration authorities. She has not heard from them since.

I tried to text him back. I tried to call him. Nobody answered, she said.

Pyroll, who lives in Haiti, said she is unable to travel to the U.S. and has no way of reaching her sons.

I need to talk to my sons, she said. I dont know what happened.

Tatiana Sanchez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tatiana.sanchez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TatianaYSanchez
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Legal filings and media reports over the past six months gradually have peeled back the layers of a dark-money political network funded by FirstEnergy, the Akron-based utility company.

But because state and federal law dont require political nonprofits to disclose their donors, the only reason the public knows about anything about the utilitys ties to the expansive constellation of Ohio political causes is the federal investigation into House Bill 6, the nuclear bailout law which prosecutors say passed due to a $61 million bribery scheme, funded by FirstEnergy and its affiliates through secret or difficult to trace political donations.

The U.S. attorney overseeing the case, David DeVillers, said anonymous political spending played a key role in the scandal. Dark money is a breeding ground for corruption, he said in a statement shortly after then-House Speaker Larry Householder and others were arrested last July, revealing the investigation.

An FBI agent in a court filing described a political non-profit seeded with $20 million from FirstEnergy, much of which went to a different nonprofit that was central to the bribery scheme. But the FirstEnergy-backed nonprofit also funneled money to other diverse causes.

Starting with the $20 million, federal tax filings made available in the past several months and reported by Ohio media outlets have connected the additional dots. They revealed the company backed:

- An effort to weaken Cleveland Public Power, the city-owned utility

- A group supporting Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryans longshot presidential campaign

- A group supporting DeWines daughter in her run for a county prosecutor seat, a small-town race that drew an unusually high amount of anonymous outside spending.

Following the emergence of the HB6 scandal, a bipartisan pair of state lawmakers introduced a bill to require more transparency in state political spending, including requiring corporations to disclose political expenditures greater than $500. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, threw his support behind the bill.

Despite its bipartisan backing, the bill, modeled after a bill Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted introduced when he was in the state Senate, never even got a committee hearing.

The FirstEnergy-backed group, and the network of groups it funded, are a textbook example of dark money groups, a term used to describe political groups that are structured as a vehicle for anonymous political spending. These types of groups have proliferated since the 2011 Citizens United ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Investigators have said FirstEnergy gave $61 million in bribes, nearly all of which was given to political groups with scant disclosure requirements, that spent the money to help elect Householder as speaker and to push HB6s nuclear bailout provisions through the state legislature.

The co-sponsors of last years campaign-finance bill, state Reps. Gayle Manning, a Lorain County Republican and Jessica Miranda, a Cincinnati Democrat, said they plan to re-introduce their bill in the new legislative session.

I think most people I think most people agree that dark money has no place in politics, and it corrodes public trust, Miranda said in an interview. In Ohio, we have a front-row seat for how incredibly horrific this has been for Ohio politics and Ohio voters.

If such a bill were passed, it would not prevent corporations like FirstEnergy from spending money on state races and issue campaigns. But they at least would be required to disclose doing so, and several times a year, or in some instances, within 24 hours, not more than a year later as is the case right now for many political nonprofits that are commonly used for dark money campaigns.

DeWine has said he is working on his own proposal, but a spokesman declined to provide details.

DeWine himself has taken heat for his own connections to the FirstEnergy-backed network of political groups, having acknowledged to the Cincinnati Enquirer that he solicited contributions from the FirstEnergy-backed nonprofit backing his daughters race.

Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio and a longtime advocate for increased transparency in state political spending, said she thinks the legislature eventually will end up passing tougher disclosure requirements.

It just is going to take a lot of pressure from the public, she said. We deserve so much better and we need to demand it. We deserve transparent, open government and elections in which we can actually follow the money.

As the system stands, retracing the steps of FirstEnergys secret political spending is like solving a puzzle, piecing together numerous different tax filings. Heres how some of them fit.

Partners for Progress

The key group in the network of FirstEnergy-funded political groups is Partners for Progress, described by the FBI in court filings as an energy passthrough through which much of FirstEnergys money flowed. The group was incorporated in 2017 in Delaware, a state known for its lax disclosure rules for business filings.

As previously reported by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, filings show the group was founded by Dan McCarthy, a former lobbyist who now works in the DeWine administration. McKenzie Davis, who works at McCarthys former lobbying firm, now runs the group.

FirstEnergy seeded Partners for Progress with $5 million. The company wired another $20 million to the group in October 2019, after House Bill 6 had passed. Of the $25 million, $15.9 million went to Generation Now, a political nonprofit that was charged in the HB6 probe, according to the FBI affidavit. The group has pleaded not guilty, court records show.

Prosecutors say Generation Now was the main conduit for funneling bribes from FirstEnergy to Householder, who helped direct the money to be spent supporting candidates who backed him for Ohio House speaker, and on a campaign to pass HB6 and to defend it against a repeal effort. Generation Now also funded a different political group, the Coalition for Growth and Opportunity, which ran attack ads against Republican candidates not favored by Householder in last years Republican primary.

In November, Partners for Progress filed its tax paperwork for the previous year. It disclosed most of the money the FBI said was sent to Generation Now. But it also reported sending money to several other political groups involved in a range of diverse topics.

Gov. Mike DeWines campaign for governor

Also in 2019, Partners for Progress sent $300,000 to Securing Ohios Future, a political nonprofit founded by Nick Wise, a former DeWine aide.

Securing Ohios Future was the main outside group supporting DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husteds race for governor in 2018. That year, the group raised $4.3 million, paying $1.8 million to Majority Strategies, a prominent GOP ad firm. The group ran ads praising DeWine and attacking his Democratic opponent, Richard Cordray. In a report on its website, Majority Strategies takes credit for DeWines win, saying the soft Republican voters it helped mobilize were critical to victory.

Alice DeWines campaign for Greene County prosecutor

Residents in Greene County, population 189,000, were perplexed when mysterious political literature flooded their mailboxes leading up to the 2020 county prosecutors race.

The ads were paid for by the Protecting Ohio Action Fund, which federal campaign finance records show received nearly all of its $321,000 in funding from Protecting Ohio Inc., a political nonprofit.

Protecting Ohio Inc. doesnt have to disclose its donors. But Partners for Progress reported giving the group $75,000 in 2019. Protecting Ohio also is run by Wise, the former DeWine aide, according to its tax filing.

That amount of money being spent on a local, county race, it is really insane, Alice DeWines primary opponent, David Hayes, told the Columbus Dispatch in April 2020. But, I have near-universal law enforcement support and the people who support me are residents of Greene County  not politicians in Columbus or family members.

Hayes ended up winning the race.

Gov. DeWine told the Cincinnati Enquirer in December he solicited money from FirstEnergy to pay for independent expenditures in his daughters race.

But he said last week the companys decision to donate to the groups supporting his and his daughters campaigns, didnt affect how he viewed HB6, which he signed into law, saying it helped support Ohio energy diversity and protect the jobs of the people who work at the two plants the bill props up.

Ive said many times before, this did not impact my position. My position is my position, DeWine said Its been well known. Ive been very, very open about my position when I ran for governor about nuclear energy in the state of Ohio.

Pro-Tim Ryan group

Partners for Progress reported sending $100,000 in 2019 to Rebuilding America, a political nonprofit based in a home in Dayton owned by Rhine McLin, the citys former mayor and then vice-chairwoman of the Ohio Democratic Party.

Rebuilding America, which renamed itself the Modern America Project, in its own tax filings reported receiving $150,000 in total donations, but didnt disclose from whom. A state party spokeswoman told the Cincinnati Enquirer the group was founded to support Rep. Tim Ryans since-abandoned presidential campaign.

The groups president is Ron Malone, an influential figure in state organized labor circles and the Ohio Democratic Party. Malone filed state paperwork incorporating the nonprofit just a few weeks before Ryan ended his run for president.

After the groups existence was reported by the Dayton Daily News in December, its web page was taken down.

Anti-Cleveland Public Power campaign

A group calling itself Consumers Against Deceptive Fees emerged on the scene in 2018, eventually enlisting lobbyists and public-affairs consultants involved in Cleveland politics to try to undermine Cleveland Public Power, the city-owned utility.

As previously reported by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, Partners for Progress reported giving $200,000 to the group, which reported taking in a total of $551,000 in 2018 and 2019. Cleveland officials say theyre trying to figure out where the group got the rest of its money, which funded staff, mailings and legal research.

The group developed a proposed city ordinance that city officials said would have eliminated their ability to negotiate with commercial and industrial customers. As part of its campaign, the group hired prominent local and state political consultants, including Kenn Dowell, a longtime ally of Democratic Marcia Fudge and Remington Road Group, a Columbus firm with close ties to the Ohio Democratic Party.

An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect first name for Nick Wise. It has been corrected.
Taiwan on Tuesday conducted a military drill as a show of strength amid rising threats from China across the Formosa Strait. The exercise staged at the Hukou army base south of the capital Taipei, involved tanks, mortars, and small arms. The drill was also meant to show that the Taiwanese Army is keeping vigil ahead of next month's Lunar New Year when many servicemen take off for holidays and the vulnerability increases.

Read: China To Sanction US Officials For Lifting Diplomatic Curbs On Taiwan

Major General Chen Chong-ji, director of the department of political warfare, said "No matter what is happening around the Taiwan Strait, our determination to guard our homeland will never change." The military drill comes days after the US lifted all restrictions on officials in the country from making diplomatic contacts with their Taiwanese counterparts, garnering flak from Beijing.

Read: US UN Ambassador Meets Virtually With Taiwan President

Threats from Beijing

Taiwan is facing serious threats from Beijing, which claims the island nation as its own territory. The threat level has increased in the recent past with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) regularly violating the median line, which experts see as a way to coerce Taiwan into towing Beijing's line. China has also warned in the past that it will not shy away from taking the island nation by force. But Taiwan has refused to give up to the pressure and instead is working with its ally the United States to develop its military capabilities, which has become a matter of grave concern for China.

Read: China Responds To US Ambo's Planned Trip To Taiwan

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who came into power in 2016 and has since become a thorn for China, is calling for indigenous development of the country's military to counter threats from Beijing. Under Tsai's rule, Taiwan has not only developed closer ties with Washington but has also purchased high-end military equipment for billions of dollars, including armed drones, rocket systems, missiles, etc, making Beijing wary of the relation, which has warned the US on several occasions to adhere to the 'One-China' policy.

Read: Taiwan Launches New Passport Amid Increasing Tensions With China

(Image Credit: AP)


President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on ensuring the activities of the Karabakh Revival Fund. The text of the document was published on the official website of the head of state.



By decree, the President approved the Charter and structure of the Foundation.



The authorized fund of the Karabakh Revival Fund is one million manat and is formed at the expense of the state budget.



In addition, within a month the fund must approve the wage fund, the number of employees and the amount of their salaries, as well as resolve other issues arising from the decree.



The Azerbaijani Ministry of Finance was instructed to provide the necessary funding.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment of a legal entity of public law "Karabakh Revival Fund" on January 4. It will provide financial support and attract investment to the activities towards the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, transformation of this region into a sustainable economy and a prosperous region, while ensuring the development of public-private partnership in this area, as well as carrying out necessary awareness campaigns at home and abroad.
The mulch pile is now available on Summit Avenue near Washington Street. Residents will need to shovel their own mulch, as there will be no staff present, and mulch is available on a first-come, first-served basis, the city said.


Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Latest news: Plug Power CEO committed to Capital Region despite Rochester expansion

COLONIE  Plug Power has decided to go to the Rochester area to build its new $125 million hydrogen fuel cell "gigafactory" that would eclipse its current factory in Latham as its largest manufacturing facility.

The decision is a blow to the Capital Region's business community, which had hoped to land the factory, expected to be one of the largest fuel cell factories in the world making the proton exchange membrane technology that is used in Plug Power's fuel cell stacks.

The factory, which will be built in the town of Henrietta in Monroe County, is expected to employ 377 people.

"Among many great options, none could match Rochester in terms of talent, local supplier networks, and opportunities to partner with top-tier research institutions," Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said in a statement.

The state is giving Plug Power $13 million in tax credits depending on the final job creation totals. Other states were in the running for the facility.

Marsh did not address why he did not choose the Capital Region for the factory. Plug Power already had expanded in Rochester in 2019 with a $3.7 million fuel cell parts assembly facility in an old Kodak building that will employ 80 people.

Plug Power has its manufacturing headquarters in Latham and an assembly and warehouse facility in Clifton Park. The company's origins date back to a spin-off from General Electric Co. in the 1990s.

But Plug Power's 2019 expansion in Rochester is built upon a 2018 acquisition of a Rochester company known as American Fuel Cell that made a key component of the fuel cell that generates power.

Plug Power also gained a substantial research and development operation from American Fuel Cell, as well as a foothold into the on-road fuel cell market that Plug Power has been moving toward.

The new factory being built in Henrietta is being called an "innovation center."

"Plug Power looked at several other states and cities, and are happy to be calling the Rochester area home to their innovation center," a Plug Power spokesperson told the Times Union. "Plug Power already has a large presence in Rochester, ever since the purchase of American Fuel Cell in 2018, and have always been planning to expand more in that area."

The last time that Plug Power expanded in the Capital Region, it was to Clifton Park with a $2.8 million warehouse and assembly plant. Plug Power, which has roughly 800 to 1,000 employees depending on the time of year, received $1.2 million in tax credits at the time.

Plug Power, which has never made a profit, makes fuel cells used in fork lift trucks, but it also has new products in development for on-road vehicles and drones.

"The company's continued investment and expansion in the Finger Lakes region is truly a testament to their commitment to this effort," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "This state-of-the-art innovation center will not only further establish New York a center for green energy excellence and create hundreds of jobs, but also play a key role in helping reach the goals set forth in our nation-leading climate and clean energy agenda."

Cuomo has been pushing for huge investments in the renewable energy markets at part of his state budget proposal, which is likely the reason the announcement was made Tuesday just before Cuomo's budget address to the Legislature.

Although Plug Power has its roots in technology developed in the Capital Region, the company has been made over several times with foreign investment leading the way. Most recently, SK Group of South Korea invested $1.5 billion in the company with an eye on remaking the fuel cell market in Asia.

Before that, Russian investors took a stake. Amazon and Walmart have also taken large stakes in Plug Power with an eye on green tech's future.

During Plug Power's long history in the region, it has changed direction several times. It originally planned to power homes and then cell phone towers before moving into the fork lift market. Now it is focusing on all types of vehicles as the renewable energy market has evolved.

Plug Power also sells hydrogen and the equipment needed for companies to refill the fuel cells with hydrogen.

Empire State Development, the state agency that oversees the state's corporate incentive programs, said that the Rochester site was picked by Plug Power, and ESD worked to ensure that another state did not step in and lure the company elsewhere. Ohio has been aggressive in giving Plug Power incentives for a previous project in the Dayton area.

ESD officials stressed that the decision by Plug Power to build in the Rochester area was not a slight to the Capital Region or a signal that Plug Power was retreating from its Latham headquarters. State officials stressed that Plug Power employs hundreds already in the Capital Region, and the new gigafab in Henrietta will only help grow the state's green tech economy upstate.

While Empire State Development is proud to have a role in Plug Power's decision to expand within New York State, the Finger Lakes Region was chosen by the company," ESD spokeswoman Kristin Devoe. "The bottom line here is that this is good news for the Finger Lakes, the Capital Region and all New Yorkers, as Plug Power will invest and create hundreds of jobs to support the green economy in upstate New York.

Shares of Plug Power ended Tuesday's trading on the Nasdaq at $66.47 per share, an increase of 10.5 percent since Friday's close on the day.
THIS country would need 4-million migrants over the next 30 years to maintain the financial health of the State pension system.

The stark warning was made to the Government-appointed Pensions Commission. It was told that the number of older people is rising fast, leaving a smaller proportion of those in work to fund the pensions of the over 65s.

Central Statistics Office statistician James Hegarty told a commission meeting: The population of older age groups will increase, and this will have e a significant impact on the ratio of working age people to pensioners.

Read More

He said at a meeting in December that there are currently five working age people to every one person over the age of 65.

By the year 2051 this will fall to 2.3 people for every one person over 65.

But Mr Hegarty said Ireland is still younger than most European countries. This is due to the fact that fertility rates have only started to drop here recently, while they have been falling in the rest of Europe for a number of years.

This country is moving to the EU average with more older people and fewer younger people, Mr Hegarty said.

To maintain the current ratio of five workers to one older person in 2051, it is estimated that an additional 4 million migrants would be needed, he told the commission.

But the statistician and commission members unlikely that net inward migration will reverse the current trends. And some migrants would become pensioners themselves.

An additional 4 million migrants by 2051 would create significant challenges e.g. in terms of housing, transport, employment, the minutes state.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (FCA) told the commission that currently 850m a year is needed to cover pensions, and costs will grow substantially.

It is anticipated that expenditure will outstrip revenue by 2025, largely due to increasing costs for pensions and long-term care.

FAC chair Sebastian Barnes said tax and spending would have to adjust to fund pensions, while the pension age would need to rise.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys spoke at the first meeting and made it clear that a reduction in the amount of State pension was not to be considered.

The Minister also emphasised the role of the State pension as the bedrock of the pension system and asked members to keep this in mind

The Commission on Pensions has been told to report by the end of next June on the qualifying age for the State pension, contribution rates, total contributions and eligibility requirements.

It comes after previous plans to increase the State pension age proved highly contentious during last Februarys general election.

This prompted a commitment in the Coalition Governments programme for government to maintain the pension age at 66 pending the completion of the Commissions work.

The pension age had been due to go to 67 this month.

The commission has been asked to look at projected changes in demographics, and review the situation in other countries, among other considerations.

It has also been asked to examine how private sector employment contracts specifying retirement ages below the State pension age may impact on the States finances and pension system.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Without an immediate, major resupply of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, the city will not have enough to make good on its appointments through the end of the week.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday the city needs more than the current weekly federal allocation; his goal was to vaccinate 300,000 city residents this week with a monthly end goal of one million vaccinations.

The city has only 92,000 first doses left, the mayor said.

He did not say how the low supply would impact those waiting for their second dose or what a disruption in the vaccine schedule could do to efficacy.

We will hit zero by Friday. We will have literally nothing left to give. If we dont get a new supply of vaccines we will have to cancel appointments and no longer give shots after Thursday for the remainder of the week at a lot of our sites, de Blasio said, adding the next shipment scheduled for the city isnt until next Tuesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also said last week that the states overall vaccine shipment would also be decreased by about 50,000 doses, meaning the citys supply would also be lowered.

This is crazy. This is not the way it should be. We have the ability to vaccinate a huge number of people. We need the vaccine to go with it, he said.

The announcement comes as additional vaccine hubs and mass vaccination sites, including Empire Outlets on Staten Island, are slated to open this week.

The vaccine rollout has been far from perfect  borough residents have reported hours-long wait times despite having an appointment, technical glitches and trouble navigating the multiple online application processes.

To date, 455,737 doses, both first and second, have been administered to New York residents, the mayor said.

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.
Oh, how we miss travel!

Holidays abroad, short breaks, even just days out. Gone are the days where you can choose any destination, book a ticket, throw a few things into a suitcase, and go.

The coronavirus pandemic put a stop to that!

Whilst we arent able to look into the future to know when well be able to travel to far off places again, it doesnt mean we cant travel at all. We just have to look at things differently.

Travel in 2021

According to an article in The Economist, three big changes will define travel in 2021. The first is frequency and length. Short breaks across borders will remain difficult. As they open, most countries will impose two-week quarantines on incoming and returning travellers, turning a three-day holiday into a 31-day ordeal. As a result, trips will be fewer and longer.

A second change is distance. Domestic tourism will boom in 2021. Big destination countries are trying to make up for the shortfall in international visitors by encouraging citizens to holiday at home.

Holidaymakers will not be difficult to persuade. Going abroad, although possible, will remain a hassle: countless forms, the need for covid-19 tests and the risk of being stranded will all discourage foreign travel.

The third change will be in the nature of the holiday. As trips get fewer and longer, those who can work from home will find an attractive alternative in working from somewhere-a-lot-nicer-than-home, and with fewer restrictions on movements.

Before we take a look at some of the options, we must stress that the safety of yourself and others should always be the first thing you consider when travelling. Always review COVID-19 travel restrictions before you book a holiday.

Holiday at home

Many people will want to stay closer to home and there are many destinations in Turkey that combine new experiences with relative safety

Remote and secluded destinations are popular, for obvious reasons. 2020 was the year of curfews and being cooped up inside and the thought of open countryside, mountainous terrain and not many people holds a definite appeal.

This informative article by Argun Konak takes a look at six ancient sites in Turkey to add to your travel bucket list.

The Sumela Monastery is carved out of rocks in a wooded area 300 meters above the Altndere Valley, Trabzon. (DHA Photo)

6 outdoor ancient sites in Turkey to add to your 2021 travel bucket list

Where to stay?

When it comes to thinking about somewhere to stay, if you want your own space, you can book a self-catering holiday in a cottage, cabin or one of a selection of unique accommodation options on airbnb  who are also promoting Go Near holidays.

From tiny houses to glamping, theres something to suit everyone. Click here to see whats on offer.

Tiny stone house in Kekova

Glamping in a dome house in Sapanca, Sakarya.

Take to the road

It will come as no surprise to learn that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, caravan and camper-van/motorhome holidays are becoming more popular.

After curfews and restrictions, the freedom of spending a holiday in a caravan or motorhome is a consideration for many. Camper-vans/motorhomes are available to rent in Turkey (see links at the end of this article).

The unusual sight of a car and caravan passing through Salda village during the summer. I thought I was in Cornwall for a moment (19 July 2020)

Camping at Doganbaba Public Beach at Lake Salda (19 July 2020)

Kervan Camping, Sultanhani, Aksaray

As well as being able to keep yourself to yourself, you can also explore as much of Turkey as you want. From beaches along the southwest coast, to Turkeys many lakes, to the historic region of the Black Sea and so much more!

Top 10 best beaches in Turkey

Lakes and Rivers in Turkey

Black Sea Region of Turkey

Check out the five spectacular caravan campgrounds in this article written by Leyla Yvonne Ergil for Daily Sabah.

On the road: 5 best caravan camps in Turkey

Aktur Datca Camping

Support Bubbles and Slow Travel

According to an article in Tourism Review News, support bubbles and slow travel will also be amongst the new trends we will see as a result of the pandemic.

Support Bubbles

Travel in 2021 will no longer be about where you go, but with whom. In the new post-COVID era, more importance will be given to the people who accompany us than to the destination. Next year, we will see many more group holidays for adults only or with selected family members. Multi-generational family travel will also be popular and people will make up for a lost time. Something that we learned in 2020 is that it is not about where you go, but who you enjoy it with.

Slow Travel

For the world, 2020 has meant a slower approach to life. Many travelers have discovered that there is no need to rush. This kind of travel in 2021 will make travelers spend more time discovering a destination and visiting fewer places during the same trip but enjoying more experiences, cultures and traditions that make the journey unique.

Hope for the tourism industry?

According to a survey by Topdeck Travel, 93 per cent of young adults say that the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have increased their desire to travel.

Topdeck Travels research indicates that this has resulted in a new movement, especially among younger people. They call the trend rebound travel, as in literally making a break-up-esque comeback to the travel scene.

While it will take some time for the world to recover, signs do point towards travel being restored to some extent next year, says Charles Knowlton, Topdecks Global General Manager.

Travellers have not lost faith in exploring the world, and many cannot wait to book their next adventure.

As the world slowly reopens and flight services resume, we may have to keep an open mind and consider destinations we may not have thought about visiting in the past.

Whatever type of holiday you prefer, we hope the one you choose is enjoyable and safe.

Further reading/useful links

Heres what experts are forecasting for the travel industry in 2021

Travel in 2021: Key Trends to Keep in Mind

Go Turkey Tourism

Lets Go Camper

Bandana Motor Caravan Rentals

170 Motorhome stopovers in Turkey
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Ukraine expects that Sweden's Chair of the OSCE will play an important role in motivating the Russian Federation to work constructively in the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas and to fulfill its commitments undertaken within the framework of the Paris summit agreements.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this at a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde in Kyiv on January 19, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We discussed in detail the state of the settlement of the armed conflict. I sincerely shared my impressions and assessments of Ukraine concerning the actions of [representatives] Russia in the Trilateral Contact Group, stressing that Ukraine has fulfilled its commitments assumed at the Paris summit of the leaders of the Normandy format countries. However, we do not see reciprocal actions on the part of Russia. We hope that Sweden's Chair of the OSCE will play an important role in changing this situation for the better and encouraging the Russian Federation to work constructively in the TCG," Kuleba said.

The Ukrainian foreign minister thanked Sweden for its continued support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the fact that during Sweden's 2021 OSCE Chair, the issue of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine as the main challenge to European security will remain in the spotlight.

"Our goal is to unite efforts in order to use OSCE tools to promote the rule of international law and strengthen security in Europe," he said.

Kuleba said that tomorrow, January 20, he and his Swedish counterpart will travel to the JFO area in Donbas and visit the Zolote checkpoint to personally get acquainted with the situation and problems that need to be addressed.

As reported, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde is on a two-day working visit to Ukraine.

ish


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar firmed against its major counterparts in Asian trading on Tuesday, as investors remained hopeful that economic growth in China will help support growth in the Asian region.



Data released on Monday showed that China's economy gathered momentum towards the end of 2020.



Janet Yellen will appear before the Senate Finance Committee for her confirmation hearing as Treasury Secretary.



Yellen is likely to urge them to 'act big' to ramp up the recovery.



The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden is due on Wednesday. Biden has set an ambitious goal of 100 million Covid vaccinations and mandating everyone to wear a mask to address the pandemic in his first 100 days in office.



The aussie climbed to 4-day highs of 80.31 against the yen and 0.7719 against the greenback, off its early lows of 79.53 and 0.7670, respectively. Next key resistance for the aussie is seen around 84.00 against the yen and 0.79 against the greenback.



The aussie rose to 1.5672 against the euro and 0.9830 against the loonie, from its early low of 1.5734 and more than a 2-week low of 0.9786, respectively. The aussie is likely to challenge resistance around 1.56 against the euro and 1.00 against the loonie.



The aussie spiked up to more than a 3-month high of 1.0819 against the kiwi, after falling to 1.0795 in early deals. On the upside, 1.10 is seen as its next resistance level.



Looking ahead, German ZEW economic sentiment for January is due out in the European session.



In the New York session, Canada manufacturing sales for November are set for release.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
BATON ROUGE, LA / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Professional dentist Andre' Bruni DDS, the founder of Pearl Dental Group headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was recently featured in an interview with Ideamensch.

The interview focused on Andre' Bruni's esteemed career as a dentist, which began 20 years ago. Dr. Bruni received his dental degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2001 and immediately thereafter opened his own dental practice in Baton Rouge, LA. Over the past 2 decades Dr. Bruni has excelled in becoming a skilled clinician in the field of cosmetic, implant and sedation dentistry. He is a premier preferred provider for Invisalign and has helped thousands achieve their dream smiles giving people more confidence and better function. Andre' Bruni successfully grew his business to 15 practices in 4 states including being the first dentist ever to be invited into Walmart Super-centers. He served as dentist, clinical director and mentor to company doctors before selling business to a dental management company. In 2020, Dr. Bruni and his wife Dr. Jessica Bruni founded Pearl Dental Group where they practice together.

In the interview, Andre' Bruni shared how the name of his practice, Pearl Dental Group, was born out of the analogy of how it takes many years for a pearl to grow and take form. The years of hard work, trial and testing, all come together to create something beautiful and of worth. As Andre' Bruni sees it, Pearl Dental Group "is the culmination of our lifelong work and experience in dentistry to create practice facilities and care that are trusted and embraced by the patients we serve."

The interview then goes on to ask Andre' Bruni about broader trends within the dental industry. Dr. Bruni replied that one trend that's exciting to him is the digitization of dentistry. He cites a couple of examples including intra-oral digital scanners and 3D cone beam imaging, which result in better cosmetic outcomes for patients and more accurate treatment planning and dental surgeries, respectively. Dr. Bruni also mentions that Pearl Dental Group recently introduced Hybridge XD technology into its clinics, which provides patients with permanent, full arch implant restorations in just a few appointments.

When it comes to habits that allow him to be successful, Andre' Bruni stated that he tries to carve out uninterrupted quiet time each day when he can simply think and work in the "creative realm." He also said that as a business leader, it's important to stay humble, ask a lot of questions, and listen to those around you that are more knowledgeable.

The interview also touched on Andre' Bruni's life outside of the office. Dr. Bruni is a man of faith, who prioritizes his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, which includes his wife, Dr. Jessica Bruni, and their five children, above all else. His faith has even inspired him to lead dental missions at home and abroad to bring oral health support to communities in need.

The interview also revealed that he has a heart for orphans and has supported and helped build orphanages around the world. He even started a charitable organization of his own called Property to Charity. This charity raises money for non-profits that are working on the frontlines to difference for those less fortunate.

Andre' Bruni's interview concluded with him sharing his favorite quote, "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" - Matthew 19:26.

For more information, please visit https://www.pearldentalgroup.com/.

About Andre' Bruni

Andre' Bruni is a general dentist practicing in Baton Rouge, LA with Pearl Dental Group. Dr Bruni has earned a reputation for delivering trusted, personalized and comfortable care. He is an expert in a range of dental services from porcelain veneers and implants to Invisalign and sedation dentistry. He is an exclusive provider for Hybridge full arch implant restorations. His number one goal is creating beautiful, healthy smiles for each and every one of his patients and making sure they have a great experience along the way.

Contact:

Dr. Andre' Bruni

Email: drbruni@pearldentalgroup.com

SOURCE: Dentist Andre'

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624913/Dentist-Andre-Bruni-Featured-in-Exclusive-Interview
A new Netflix billing scam is currently circulating online! Many users said that they are receiving an email message that claims their account will be permanently closed if they don't verify their billing information.

Also Read: Concerned About Facebook's New Data Sharing Policy? Here's How You Can Delete It and Other Great Alternative Apps

Security experts are now putting the users on high alerts after discovering that the hackers are fooling them to hand over their sensitive billing data. Express UK reported that the new campaign is more worrying since it is targeting the Netflix customers in a bid to access their actual bank accounts.

The fake messages state that the users must comply within 48 hours or two days to avoid getting their favorite movies and shows from being blocked. Although this could not actually happen, many users are pressured since their account will be deleted if they don't provide their payment details.

How to avoid the new Netflix scam

Although the new scam looks legit, Netflix said that the users should disregard the email since the platform will never contact them to via text or email message to ask for their banking details.

"We will never ask you to enter your personal information in a text or email. This includes credit or debit card numbers, bank account details, Netflix passwords," said Netflix via Express UK.

"We will never request payment through a 3rd party vendor or website," added the company.

The video platform suggests that the users should not tap the message if it contains an unfamiliar URL. If they accidentally clicked the text or email message, they are highly advised not to provide or enter any information on an unfamiliar website.

Security experts added that the hackers and other malicious actors can't breach the users' banking accounts unless they provide it to them. The new scam came after a price hike appeared on the popular streaming service, making it look more real.

Another Netflix scam

Aside from the new Netflix billing scam, there is another hacking campaign that is also currently targeting Netflix fans. According to The Denver Channel's latest report, the other scam claims that the users can have a free Netflix account that can be used for a year.

It sends a message that states Netflix is offering everyone a free year of service because of the ongoing pandemic. However, once you clicked it, the message will direct you to a website that requires you to add a payment method.

This just shows that hackers are becoming more notorious since most people are currently staying in their homes.

For more news updates about Netflix scams and other hacking campaigns, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Here's What WhatsApp is Doing to Try to Stop Users from Switching to Signal and Telegram

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Esmat Yehia, the former dean of the Higher Institute of Ballet, died early Tuesday following a sudden health crisis, the Ministry of Culture revealed.

The Minister of Culture Ines Abdel Dayem said that Egypt's creative world has lost one of its prominent icons in art and academic education, adding that the Yehia was like "the father figure, friend and teacher for many artists."

Born in Cairo, on 20 October, 1948, Yehia was a ballet dancer, ballet teacher, and choreographer.

He studied ballet at the Higher Institute of Ballet, under Russian teachers. He later taught at the Institute and served as its dean between 1999 and 2004.

Yehia taught dance at the Higher Institute for Folkloric Art, where he was appointed dean in 2005, a post that he held until 2009.

He was also General Manager of the Academy of Arts between 2006 and 2008.

Yehia directed many ballet performances. He also worked on choreography for theatre, cinema and television alongside creating choreography for numerous national occasions.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

Short link:


Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit a Queensland regional centre that could become a quarantine base for returning Australians to protect city populations from the UK strain of coronavirus.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wants national cabinet to consider sending all international arrivals to quarantine in regional parts of the country to reduce the risk of a mass outbreak in heavily populated cities.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wears a face mask as he disembarks a plane after landing at Longreach Airport on Tuesday. Credit:AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The idea came after more than 2 million people were forced into a three-day lockdown this month when a highly infectious virus strain broke out of a Brisbane quarantine hotel.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor, in the city's CBD, was evacuated after six cases were linked back to one floor.
No impeached president has ever been tried by the Senate after leaving office. But the 145-year-old case of a Cabinet member accused of corruption could serve as a precedent for the trial of soon-to-be-former President Trump.

Secretary of War William Belknap rushed to President Ulysses S. Grants office and resigned in 1876 after learning that he was about to be impeached on charges of taking kickbacks at an American Indian trading post. But the House impeached Belknap anyway, and the Senate, by majority vote, decided that it had authority to bring him to trial. Later, senators fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict Belknap and bar him permanently from federal office, though he never held office again.

With Trump leaving office Wednesday, a week after being impeached by the House for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 riot in the Capitol building, his defenders argue that the Constitution does not allow the Senate to conduct a trial of someone who no longer holds office. 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 Belknap case.

Although there are legitimate arguments on both sides, Belknaps case is historical authority for the Senate trial of an ex-president, said Erwin Chemerinsky,dean at the UC Berkeley School of Law.

Impeachment and removal are about a message to the officeholder, to society and for the future, he said.

Harvard Law School Professor Laurence Tribe agreed, and also cited another case the nations founders were well aware of when they drafted the Constitution: the British case of Warren Hastings, former governor general of India. After retiring from that post in 1785, Hastings was impeached by the House of Commons for alleged corruption while in office and tried, from 1788 to 1795, by the House of Lords, which acquitted him.

There is no basis in the Constitution for saying its all over because (Trump) ran out the clock, Tribe told CNN on Friday.

While post-presidential proceedings can no longer remove a wrongdoer from office, they can deter presidents from committing misconduct at the end of their terms and ensure they will not have a future opportunity to imperil the public by holding office, Marjorie Cohn, a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and former president of the National Lawyers Guild, said in a column on the Truthout website.

Opposing analysts contend the Belknap case, never tested in court, did not set a precedent and that the chief constitutional purpose of impeachment was to remove a current officeholder for crimes or abuses of power.

Citing the constitutional language that civil officers of the United States can be impeached and removed from office, UC Berkeley law Professor John Yoo said the provision should not be interpreted to apply to one who no longer holds civil office.

The American people do not need a rushed, infirm House impeachment, nor an unprecedented Senate conviction, to remove Trump from their future, Yoo said in an article for National Review. They can do that all by themselves.

J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appeals court judge and influential conservative commentator, said impeachment was intended to remove a president from office before he could further harm the nation from the office he then occupies. In a Washington Post column, he said it was highly unlikely the Supreme Court would allow a Senate trial after Trump left office.

But in a 1993 ruling, the court said the rules for a federal judges impeachment trial, under the same constitutional provision, were a political question to be determined by the Senate, not the courts. The opinion by Chief Justice William Rehnquist was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas and another conservative stalwart, Justice Antonin Scalia.

Even if the current court follows that precedent, though, it could determine Trumps future by another route: the little-known Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Enacted after the Civil War, it denies the presidency, or any other federal or state office, to anyone who, as a public official, has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against (the U.S. Constitution), or given aid and comfort to the enemies of the same.

Unlike the two-thirds Senate majority required to convict Trump of the impeachment charge, the House and Senate could find 14th Amendment violations by majority votes, which would not require Republican support in the evenly split Senate. But legal analysts said those findings would not be the last word, and the courts would have to decide whether to disqualify Trump from holding office in the future.

A Senate trial, if it occurs, would raise the possibility of another distinction for Trump, as the first president to win two Senate acquittals of separate House impeachments. If all 50 Democrats voted for conviction, they would need support from at least 17 of the 50 Republicans, an unlikely prospect based on their public statements. Only one Senate Republican, Mitt Romney of Utah, voted to remove Trump from office last February after his impeachment for withholding military aid from Ukraine to pressure its leader to investigate Joe Biden and his son.

But the effect of a trial cannot be measured solely by its outcome. Unlike the earlier trial in a Republican-controlled Senate, these proceedings will include live witnesses and evidence that Democrats want the public to see and hear, regardless of the final vote.

Even though it is unlikely that 17 GOP senators will vote to convict Trump, it is still essential to have a public trial where testimonial and visual evidence of Trumps incitement of insurrection is systematically presented, said Cohn, the San Diego law professor.

Rather than dry witness testimony read into the record, the Democrats can show images that will sear the event in the memories of the senators and Americans, said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. And they will try to connect those images, she said, with exhortations by Trump and his followers.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Google has spoken up to clear its name of the recent allegations of the lawsuit pushed by several states against the company, saying that they have been observing anticompetitive behavior with Facebook. The internet company is ready to hash it out on court, explaining that the ad arrangement was only to benefit faster site loads and headers.

The Mountain View internet company was said to only observe an "Open Bidding" contract with several companies, including Facebook, which has proposed an ad space testing that threatened Google in 2017. The social media company's proposal at that time was buying dependence on Google's platform, and not a tactic to work directly with the company.

Google has been facing several lawsuits lately, including a number of antitrust cases from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), regarding anticompetitive behavior with its business tactics and monopolistic behavior. The company denied all the allegations and lawsuits against them, fighting off different cases as they try to bring innovations to the public.

Read Also: 'Battlefront 2' Crossplay: Redditors Demand Cross Platform Gameplay-What Does EA Say About This?

Google Denies Allegations of Anticompetitive Behavior with Facebook Ads

According to Google's blog post, the lawsuit is full of false claims and allegations against the company, even mentioning Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton to push forth a "misleading" attack on their business. The company's blog aims to "set the record straight" and clear their name of the already circulating negative image and statements against their reputation.

Google called its arrangement with Facebook "Open Bidding," as it let the social media company and other clients buy ad spaces and "bid" for it, as offered by the company. The internet company said that money-making is given, because of advertisements that they control and insert properly as different companies wish for with their purchase.

The Mountain View giant also said that "mythical" statements were forwarded with the case which is misleading the facts regarding Google's business. For example, Google mentioned that image-based ads are overcrowded and competitive, thus resulting in a massive stream of advertisements-but the attorney general determines this as a "dominating" behavior.

Google Lawsuit: Facebook Partnership Allegations

The Texas AG and other states have pushed with the case, leading with the lawsuit that claims Google's behavior as anticompetitive and defeats the purpose of competition in the ad landscape of the internet. Allegedly, the courts found Google to be giving Facebook a partnership status instead of merely its client in advertisement arrangements.

The New York Times' report details an interview with some of the companies that wished to remain anonymous, saying that Facebook was given the better end of the stick, with a "guaranteed win rate" for the bids. Also, Google offered Facebook some fees from the winning bids in its arrangement.

Google continues to defend the "Open Bidding" tool that is fair and offers an equal business for ad placements among companies, including Facebook.

Related Article: Facebook Users Will Receive $350 Each After FB Loses Its Biometric Privacy Breach Case in Illinois





This article is owned by Tech Times





Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.




KEY FIGURES Revenue in 2020

provisional







934.2 million Growth at constant exchange rates and scope 1







+5.7% of which



companion animals +5.5%

food-producing animals +6.6% Growth at

constant exchange rates







+3.2%



Total

growth







-0.4%

+1.8%excl. Sentinel

1 Growth at constant exchange rates and scope is the organic growth of sales, excluding the impact of exchange rate changes, by calculating the indicator for the financial year in question and that for the previous financial year on the basis of identical exchange rates (the exchange rate used is that in effect for the previous financial year), and excluding the impact of changes in scope, by calculating the indicator for the financial year in question on the basis of the scope of consolidation for the previous financial year, and by excluding sales of Sentinel for the two financial years in question.





Quarterly consolidated revenue

Fourth-quarter revenue amounted to 220.3 million, representing growth at constant exchange rates and scope of +2.6% excluding Sentinel, (-8.6% at actual exchange rates and scope) compared to the same period in 2019. The strong depreciation of certain currencies, particularly the Brazilian real, Mexican peso, South African rand and rupee, weighed heavily on the quarter's performance.

All areas, with the exception of the United States, are growing at constant exchange rates compared with the same period in 2019. Growth for the quarter was led by Europe and Asia-Pacific, thanks to excellent performances by India, Australia, OTC Europe, Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, which has benefitted from the effect of a Brexit-related anticipation of purchases. Latin America grew slightly over the quarter mainly driven by the performance of Colombia and Mexico, which has offset the significant decline in Chile, especially in the antibiotics and parasiticides ranges after a sustained first semester. The United States posted a slight drop, excluding Sentinel, primarily linked to the decline in the dental range over the period. In terms of species, growth at constant exchange rates and scope of the food producing animal segment is driven by the range of products intended for cattle; while that of companion animals is carried in particular by the petfood and parasiticides ranges for dogs and cats.

Annual consolidated revenue

Over the year as a whole, revenue amounted to 934.2 million compared to 938.3 million for the same period in 2019, representing an overall increase of +1.8%, excluding Sentinel, (-0.4% at actual exchange rates and scope). Excluding the negative effect of exchange rates, revenue increased by +5.7%, excluding Sentinel, (+3.2% at constant rates and actual scope).

Fourth-quarter growth, excluding the impact of exchanges rates and scope, has provided a positive end to the year thanks to the resilience of the sector, the correct execution of our strategy, and the constant mobilization of Virbac teams. Overall, contributions at constant exchange rates are positive across the entire business, except for the United States, which has fallen slightly, excluding Sentinel, and the impact of the disruptions to dog and cat vaccines which generated a loss over the year. Europe and the Asia-Pacific region drove annual growth at +5.8% (+5.9% at constant rates), and +2.7% (+6.9% at constant rates) respectively, although one country was more affected by the health crisis (United Kingdom), whose under-performance is largely offset by the strong contributions of India, France, Benelux and China. Latin America grew -4.7% (+7.1% at constant rates), driven by the dynamism of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia over the period. Lastly, the United States grew by -15.1% (-14.3% at constant rates) mainly due to the divestment of the Sentinel ranges. Excluding Sentinel, growth at constant rates is -0.8%, mainly impacted by the withdrawal of the dental and antibiotics ranges.

In terms of species, the companion animals business grew overall by +0.4% at constant rates and +5.5%, excluding Sentinel (-1.6% at actual exchange rates and scope), essentially driven by double-digit growth in the petfood, specialty, dermatology and hygiene ranges, which compensated for the decline in vaccines, antibiotics and dental ranges. The food producing animals segment also recorded strong growth of +6.6% at constant rates (+0.4% at actual exchange rates and scope), mainly driven by the ruminant sector (+10.1% at constant rates); while aquaculture fell (-5.0% at constant rates) compared to the same period in 2019.

Outlook

As anticipated and in line with our roadmap, the "current operating profit before depreciation of assets arising from acquisitions" to "revenue" ratio should benefit from the favorable impact of the activity in the past year, as well as the non-recurring impact related to the very sharp reduction in expenditure (in connection with the health restrictions linked to Covid-19), and should be around 14% at constant exchange rates and at actual scope in 2020 (the exchange rates should have a negative impact on this ratio estimated at around -0.7 pt).

It should be noted that the July 1 divestment of the Sentinel brands, for which we will continue to manufacture the Sentinel Spectrum product at our US site in Bridgeton, is expected to result in revenue decrease of approximately $55 million and a decrease in the EBITA2 to revenue ratio of approximately 3 points on a pro forma full-year basis. Across 2020, the impact on the EBITA to revenue ratio should be limited to around 1 point, given good Sentinel sales, which represented revenue of $39 million in the first half of the year.

From a financial standpoint, the divestment of Sentinel for a total of $410 million resulted in a positive net cash position. Lines of credit drawn in US dollars were repaid, and most of our financing (which essentially matures in 2022,) was retained to cover potential working capital requirements, external growth operations or other projects.

In line with the execution of our strategic plan, we anticipate, in 2021, a revenue growth at constant rates and scope of between 3% and 5% (i.e. between 0% and 2% at constant rates and actual scope), as well as a ratio of "current operating profit before depreciation of assets arising from acquisitions" to "revenue" which should be between 10% and 12% at constant exchange rates. Finally, as indicated in September 2020, we are entering a transition phase over the period 2021-2022. Our Capex level could be around 60 million per year over these two financial years. However, we remain vigilant to the evolution of the pandemic in the coming months and the impacts on our business.

CONSOLIDATED DATA

Unaudited figures -

in millions of euros 2020 2019 Growth Growth

at constant exchange rates 1 Growth

at constant exchange rates and scope 1 Revenue for 1st quarter 247.7 217.5 +13.9% +14.3% +14.3% Revenue for 2nd quarter 230.6 246.2 -6.4% -3.3% -3.3% Revenue for 3rd quarter 235.6 233.5 +0.9% +6.8% +11.1% Revenue for 4th quarter 220.3 241.1 -8,6% -3.5% +2.6% Annual revenue 934.2 938.3 -0.4% +3.2% +5.7% Revenue excluding Sentinel 894.5 878.5 +1.8% +5.7% +5.7%

2EBITA: Current operating profit before depreciations of assets arising from acquisitions.

A lifelong commitment to animal health

Virbac offers veterinarians, farmers and pet owners in more than 100 countries a practical range of products and services for diagnosing, preventing and treating the majority of diseases while improving quality of life for animals. With these innovative solutions covering more than 50 species, Virbac contributes day after day to shaping the future of animal health.





Attachment
Wayne Gatt, chief executive officer of the Victoria Police Association, at the Flemington Towers Government Housing complex in Melbourne, Australia on July 6, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Victoria Police Blames Note for Fines Confusion

A poorly-worded note is being blamed for the frustrating impression many Victorian coronavirus fines were to be dropped.

Victoria Police hierarchy is adamant there has been no shift on policy and unpaid fines will be pursued.

Victorian Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said on Jan. 18 many fines would not be enforced, adding it sent the wrong message and could make life harder for members trying to do their jobs.

The Age reported that police had been told to issue cautions for all but the most serious unpaid fines.

Police have issued about 40,000 fines for breaches of the chief health officers rules in Victoria during the pandemic.

Its a wee bit frustrating, Gatt told 3AW.

None of this was fun for our members. It was bit of a thankless job.

What you potentially do is  you make that enforcement job of the police a little bit harder.

We dont want to do that. The job is tough enough for them.

Premier Daniel Andrews then said it was up to Chief Commissioner Shane Patton to discuss how fines were being processed.

Later in the afternoon Assistant Commissioner Rick Nugent held a media conference to explain that the guidance note had created the concern among police about a softening of fines enforcement.

A guide was prepared for prosecutors and police with respect to prosecuting (COVID) finesin hindsight, that document was poorly worded and doesnt appropriately articulate the process for fines and warnings, Nugent said.

There is no policy shift whatever in terms of our approach to those fines and the importance of those fines at the time.

Of the 40,000 fines, Nugent said about 3000 had been paid, while another 5700 had accepted guilt and are on payment plans.

About 2400 have elected to take their fines to court.

Nugent said fines were issued for blatant, deliberate rule breaches and added police had also given more than 12,000 formal warnings.

Melbourne
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.
Moscow rally activist convicted of throwing refuse bin at policeman loses parole bid

 pixabay.com

17:52 19/01/2021

MOSCOW, January 19 (RAPSI)  A court in the Bryansk Region dismissed a petition for parole filed by convict Yevgeny Kovalenko, who had thrown a garbage can refuse bin at a National Guard officer at an unauthorized rally on July 27, 2019, in Moscow, according to his attorney Mansur Gilmanov.

The activist was denied parole despite the prosecutors agreement and positive comments from the penal colony administration, the lawyer told RAPSI on Tuesday.

In September 2019, Moscows Meshchansky District Court sentenced Kovalenko to 3.5 years behind bars. The man was found guilty of use of violence against a representative of authority. According to case papers, he threw a refuse bin at a National Guard officer and kicked a police lieutenant.

Protest actions began in Moscow in mid-July 2019 after election commissions denied registration of certain opposition members as candidates for the Moscow City Duma elections reasoning that documents submitted by them contained numerous violations.

The first unauthorized rally took place hear the Moscow City Election Commissions building on July 14 and looked like a provocation, according to law experts. Unauthorized rallies in support of candidates seeking to become lawmakers of the Moscow State Duma but refused registration by the Election Commission were also held on July 27 and August 3 in central Moscow. Over 1,000 people were arrested for various violations as a result.

Following the 27 July rally, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over mass riots. Investigators believe that the protest action was held with the use of force against representatives of authority.


Beyonce proved all of the naysayers wrong when she stepped out of Destinys Child in search of solo stardom. Her debut album Dangerously In Love, spawned four number-one singles. One of which was Baby Boy, a collaboration with Sean Paul.

Sean Paul and Beyonce | Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Interestingly, Beyonce only performed the song live with Paul once. She always however ensures the song is part of her concert setlist.

Paul recently offered an explanation as to why, claiming Beyonces now-husband was not comfortable with having him around.

Sean Paul and Beyonce collaborated on the 2003 single Baby Boy

Baby Boy is the second single from Beyonces debut album Dangerously In Love. The song features Jamaican reggae and dance hall artist, Sean Paul. It was allegedly Beyonces idea to have Paul contribute vocals to the song.

An accompanying music video also has island vibes, with Beyonce performing on the beach and in night clubs.

Source: YouTube

Related: Beyonces Best Albums, According to Streams on Spotify

The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks. It was Beyonces longest-running No. 1 single before being surpassed by her 2007 single Irreplaceable.

Aside from its success in the U.S., Baby Boy reached the top 10 charts in other countries including Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and Norway.

Baby Boy was certified platinum by both the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). ASCAP recognizes Baby Boy as one of the most performed songs of 2004.

Sean Paul says Jay-Z was uncomfortable with him around Beyonce

Jay-Z has a co-writer credit on Baby Boy. He also has a co-producer credit on the track. Despite his contribution to the song  and knowing Paul would be needed for promotion  Paul says Jay-Z was not comfortable with his presence around Beyonce.

Per DancehallMag, Paul revealed such during a recent interview with the Jamaican radio show Too Live Crew, Action & the Burgerman. The host pointed out that it was rumored Jay-Z prevented too much interaction between him and Beyonce, which Paul confirmed.

Yes, to me that was something that was apparent at the time, he replied. We know that artistry is artistry.

Beyonce and Sean Paul rarely performed Baby Boy together

Paul says hes not happy with how things turned out as it prevented him from actively participating in the success of the song. With the exception of appearing in the music video (which Paul shot separately from Beyonce), the two only performed the song together live on stage one time.

While Beyonce is sure to perform Baby Boy during every tour and in plenty of variations, Paul only took the stage alongside her for the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards. It marked the first and last time theyd perform the song together.

Source: YouTube

Despite such, Paul revealed to MTV in 2012 that hes grateful he had the opportunity to be part of a No. 1 hit.

There was just a lot of controversy, he said at the time. Shes an amazing artist, the song was at #1 for like nine weeks, so that was a very special time for me and for dancehall.

Paul continues to perform and record music.
The red on the Scranton-Oakland unity flag is more pink, the blue more turquoise, than a traditional American flag.

Outstretched hands, one white, one Black, reach for each other over the span of the country, clasping somewhere around Colorado or Kansas. The flag now flies outside of both city halls.

Everybody in our country is so diverse ... everybody is a different shade of red or blue but the thing is, were all equal and from the United States of America, said Ryan Hnat, a local artist and one half of the creative team behind the flag. That was kind of our concept.

Hnat, a local business owner, teacher and Northeast Art Project founder, worked with Oakland, California-based artist, Favianna Rodriguez, a cultural organizer and social justice activist, on the project. They were linked up through the mayors offices of the two cities to celebrate the next leaders of the United States: President-elect Joe Biden was born in Scranton and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in Oakland. They will be inaugurated in Washington, D.C., today.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf also has a connection to the Electric City. Like Biden, her husband, Salvatore Fahey, is a Scranton native.

The flag was raised quietly outside of Scrantons city hall Monday because of COVID-19 and safety concerns; Oakland raised the flag Tuesday.

Hnat joined Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti for a Facebook Live celebration of the flag raising Tuesday afternoon.

She thanked both Hnat and Rodriguez for their artwork, which Cognetti said is a beautiful way to symbolize Scrantons new sister city.

Biden and Harris werent born in big cities but rather small ones, said Hnat.

It actually shows our youth in our area that theres a lot of opportunity, you can actually become the next president of the United States and be from Scranton or Oakland or anywhere, he said.

Cognetti called the flag aspirational and said shes proud to have it flying at City Hall. She hopes to continue collaborating with Oakland in the future, including a possible youth exchange.

There are so many different opportunities out there for people in Scranton to learn more about what other places are like... it gives people a realization of how much we have here in Scranton and what a great place it is to live, Cognetti said.

Hnat said in the future prints of the artwork on the flag will be available to purchase. Visit www.northeast artproject.com for more details.
After undergoing customs control procedures, the minivan crossed the border into the Russian Federation.

The OSCE Observer Mission [OM] based at the Russian Gukovo and Donetsk checkpoints has spotted a funeral minivan entering Russia from occupied Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

"On January 12 at 13:55, the OM at the Donetsk BCP [Border Crossing Point] observed a funeral minivan entering the BCP from Ukraine," the OSCE said in a weekly update on January 19, 2021.

Read alsoOSCE SMM records 91 ceasefire violations in Donbas over weekendThe OT noticed only driver onboard, the monitors said.

After undergoing customs control procedures, the minivan crossed the border into the Russian Federation.

More news reports

Reporting by UNIAN
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A recently-retired city firefighter surrendered Tuesday to authorities after allegedly taking part in the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol.

Thomas Fee, 53, of Freeport, L.I., was charged with disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building without permission, the Daily News reported.

Fee is reportedly accused of sending a selfie to a friend from the rotunda of the Capitol building during the insurrection, saying he was at the tip of the spear.

Two other New York City firefighters  one retired, one active  were reported to also have been spotted outside the building.

A recent memo to the department by FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro urged all active and retired firefighters to act with the utmost discretion and respect for others.

Conduct that crosses the line into violence or threats against others or property, or otherwise violates any local, state or federal laws, will be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, the commissioner wrote.
RxBenefits deep relationships with PBMs and high-touch account management service model have enabled it to deliver savings to mid-sized employers and fill a key gap in the market. We are incredibly excited about RxBenefits and believe the company is well-positioned for continued expansion.

Advent International (Advent), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced that it has completed a recapitalization of RxBenefits, the employee benefits industrys first and only technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO), which values the company at approximately $1.1 billion. With this investment Advent joins Great Hill Partners (Great Hill), a leading growth-oriented private equity firm, which first invested in the company in 2016. Advent and Great Hill now each own equal stakes in RxBenefits, alongside a significant investment from the current management team.

Founded in 1995, RxBenefits serves as a trusted pharmacy adviser to employee benefits consultants and as the pharmacy benefits solution provider of choice for self-insured employers. The company leverages longstanding partnerships with the leading pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), a proprietary data management and business intelligence platform and tailored clinical strategies to deliver unmatched pharmaceutical cost savings to self-insured employers and small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The recapitalization will provide RxBenefits with capital to accelerate the build out of its salesforce, broker channels and technology and continue executing on its strong growth strategy, both organically and through M&A.

RxBenefits is the industrys only fully independent, client-aligned, multi-PBM platform delivering tangible pharmacy savings, optimized clinical outcomes and a superior customer experience, said Bryan Statham, Chief Executive Officer of RxBenefits. Advent brings a robust track record in the healthcare services and tech sectors, and their investment is a testament to the opportunities ahead. We look forward to growing in partnership with Advent and Great Hill as we continue to build out our specialty and clinical programs to deliver additional cost savings to our clients.

Prescription drug costs have seen significant increases in recent years, creating a compelling market opportunity as small and mid-sized employers seek to manage their pharmacy benefit spend, said John Maldonado, Managing Partner at Advent. RxBenefits deep relationships with PBMs and high-touch account management service model have enabled it to deliver savings to mid-sized employers and fill a key gap in the market. We are incredibly excited about RxBenefits and believe the company is well-positioned for continued expansion.

Led by an experienced and proven management team of industry veterans, RxBenefits offers comprehensive white-glove service throughout the prescription benefits process for employee benefits consultants, self-funded employers, hospital and health systems and third party administrators. The RxBenefits team consists of over 500 pricing, technology, data and clinical experts providing coverage to more than 2 million members.

We are excited to continue working with Bryan and the RxBenefits management team, and we are thrilled to welcome Advent as an investor in the business going forward, said Mark Taber, a Managing Partner at Great Hill Partners. Rafael Cofino, Partner at Great Hill Partners, added, We remain as enthusiastic about the business as when we first invested in 2016, and are excited to join forces with Advent in this next chapter of RxBenefits growth.

Advent has a strong track record of investing in healthcare, having completed over 45 investments in the sector over 30 years.

Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges served as legal advisor to Advent. Barclays and TripleTree served as financial advisors and Goodwin Procter served as legal advisor to Great Hill Partners and RxBenefits. Maynard, Cooper & Gale served as legal adviser to RxBenefits.

About Advent International

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 350 private equity transactions in 41 countries, and as of September 30, 2020, had $66.2 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 200 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

For more information, visit: http://www.adventinternational.com or http://www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international.

About Great Hill Partners

Great Hill Partners is a Boston-based private equity firm targeting investments of $25 million to $500 million in high-growth companies across the software, digital commerce, financial technology, healthcare, and digital infrastructure sectors. Over the past two decades, Great Hill has raised nearly $8 billion of commitments and invested in more than 75 companies, establishing an extensive track record of building long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs and providing flexible resources to help middle-market companies scale. In addition to RxBenefits, Great Hills portfolio of healthcare companies includes Pareto Health, PartsSource, Quantum Health, and Vatica Health. Prior healthcare investments include bswift, Passport Health Communications, PlanSource, Qualifacts, and SterilMed. For more information please visit http://www.greathillpartners.com.

About RxBenefits

RxBenefits is a technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO) with more than 500 pharmacy pricing, data, and clinical experts working together to deliver prescription benefit savings to employee benefit consultants and their self-insured clients. With nearly 2 million members, RxBenefits brings market-leading purchasing power, independent clinical solutions, and high-touch service to its customers  ensuring that all businesses, regardless of size, can provide an affordable and valuable pharmacy benefit plan to their employees. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, AL. For more details, visit http://www.rxbenefits.com or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Advent International

Anna Epstein or Sophia Templin

Finsbury

Tel: +1 646 805 2000

AdventInternational-US@finsbury.com

Great Hill Partners

Eddie de Sciora, Stanton on behalf of Great Hill Partners

edesciora@stantonprm.com

(646) 502-3538

RxBenefits

Melissa Baratta

ARPR, on behalf of RxBenefits

912-856-4260

melissa@arpr.com

It is the final full day of the Trump administration. Among the final actions for the outgoing administration: a wave of pardons.

As the Trump era draws to a close, lawmakers returned to Washington on Tuesday, many for the first time since the riot of Jan. 6, as a heavily militarized city remained on edge after the fears of widespread violence over the long weekend never materialized.

As Congress returns, the fate of the Senate trial for President Trumps second impeachment remains unknown, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not indicated when the House will send the article of impeachment to the Senate. Part of the delay stems from a concern that a trial would hamper the start of the Biden administration, where advisers are growing concerned about the sluggish start to confirming his cabinet nominees.

On Tuesday, multiple nominees will deliver testimony before Senate committees, including Alejandro N. Mayorkas for secretary of homeland security, Avril D. Haines for director of national intelligence, Janet Yellen for Treasury secretary, Antony J. Blinken for secretary of state and Lloyd J. Austin III for defense secretary.
BTG Pactual will be using Artificial Intelligence to protect customers and improve customer experience with a focus on retail banking

SAN MATEO, Calif. and SAO PAULO, Brazil, Jan. 19, 2021, the largest investment bank in Latin America, which has just launched its new retail bank BTG+, and Feedzai, the world's leading financial crime management platform, just announced a partnership that will strengthen the bank's ability to monitor financial transactions using advanced machine learning.

The partnership between the two companies also includes Pix monitoring, the new instant payments system that launched on November 16, 2020. Feedzai's financial crime management platform also monitors real-time transactions that go through the new channel designed by the Central Bank of Brazil.



"We are excited about this partnership and this new resource to protect and improve our customer experience," said Rodrigo Cury, Head of BTG+. "We want to become one of the main retail banks in Brazil and for that reason, we are using advanced technology that allows consumers to buy, trade, and engage with the digital economy in a straightforward and agile way."



Artificial intelligence has proven to be an excellent ally for monitoring financial crime in digital environments, with customers now benefiting from a combination of speed and security in payments, P2P transactions, and account opening. BTG is one of the players that recognize this new technology's value while being committed to establishing partnerships with Fintech companies that offer sophisticated products optimized for performance and scalability.



"The partnership with BTG Pactual confirms the global trend of turning giants in the financial sector into digital retail banks highly focused on offering products and an overall experience very much aligned with consumer expectations,"said Nuno Pires, SVP, LATAM, at Feedzai. "Brazil has proved to be a market with a huge growth potential and Brazilian consumers are "early-adopters" who are quite engaged with new payment trends."

Feedzai leads the financial crime management market and works with some of the world's largest banks and payment processors, currently protecting more than 800 million people in 190 countries.

Pactual BTGPactual is the biggest investment bank from Latin America, operating in Investment Banking, Corporate Lending, Sales & Trading, Wealth Management, and Asset Management. Since its inception, in 1983, the Bank has been run based on a meritocratic partnership culture, focused on clients, excellence, and a long-term vision. We have cemented our status as one of the most innovative sector players and have won numerous national and international awards. We currently have almost 3,000 employees in offices across Brazil, as well as in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, United States, Portugal, and the UK.



About Feedzai



Feedzaiis the market leader in fighting financial crime with AI. We're coding the future of commerce with today's most advanced risk management platform powered by big data and machine learning. Founded and developed by data scientists and aerospace engineers, Feedzai has one mission: to make banking and commerce safe. With more than 500 employees, Feedzai is considered best-in-class by Aite and one of Forbes's most successful AI companies. The world's largest banks, processors, and retailers use Feedzai's fraud prevention and anti-money laundering products to safeguard trillions of dollars and manage risk while improving customer experience.

Contacts

Press Contact - Feedzai

Igor Carvalho

Head of Corporate Communications, Feedzai

igor.carvalho@feedzai.com



+351 916 755 906

New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Delhi government is a habitual offender in causing pollution in the Yamuna river.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Vineet Saran was hearing a suo moto case pertaining to the issue of remediation of polluted rivers.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing CPCB, contended before the bench that the department is in the middle of collecting data on various factors associated with pollution in Yamuna and it will be filed very soon. "Delhi is a habitual offender for pollution in Yamuna," Bhati submitted before the top court.

Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, amicus curiae in the matter, submitted before the bench that as on January 18, the water quality is excellent, as the ammonia content is 0.3 ppm, and insisted if this can be maintained consistently. Praising the Haryana government, Arora submitted, "They have brought ammonia to a good level the acceptable point is 0.9 ppm." She emphasised this is a matter of drinking water for Delhi.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing Haryana government, submitted that petition filed by Delhi Jal Board was not maintainable, as there were many facts which are in dispute. The Chief Justice replied, "What is the problem in making an order that the present levels must be maintained?" Divan urged not to make this observation, as problems connected with water pollution emerge from Delhi. He added that Delhi government is wrong on pinning the blame on Haryana. The bench gave one week's time to Haryana to file a counter to Delhi Jal Board's plea.

The bench also directed the committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on river monitoring to submit its report to the court and made it a party in the case.

On January 13, the Supreme Court had said pollution-free water forms the basic right under the constitutional framework and took suo moto cognisance on the issue of contamination of rivers by sewage effluents.

The top court said "We deem it appropriate at this stage to start with the issue of contamination of river Yamuna." The observation from the top court came on a plea by Delhi Jal Board citing increased ammonia levels in Yamuna due to discharge of pollutants. The top court observed that the plea highlights an issue of great significance and consequence not only for general public but all living beings dependent upon open surface water.

The bench said the right to clean environment and further, pollution-free water has been protected under the broad rubric of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21.
States across the country say they're running low on coronavirus vaccine supply, with many officials insisting the vaccine delivery numbers reported by the Trump administration don't align with what they are seeing on the ground.

From New York to Tennessee to West Virginia, officials are clamoring for more doses of coronavirus vaccine. And officials in those states said that federal tallies suggesting they have thousands of doses sitting on the shelves don't accurately reflect the supply of vaccine on hand.

The confusion around vaccine supply -- and the gap between what officials said is happening locally and the numbers the Trump administration is reporting -- presents an immediate challenge for the incoming Biden administration.

A source close to the Biden transition team said there is enormous concern among the incoming administration about the accuracy of the numbers that have been released by the federal government. It was only within the last few days that the transition team was given access to Tiberius, the system that shows states how many doses are available to them and allows states to determine delivery locations.

Until then, the team was working solely off numbers they received from manufacturers, unable to cross check and confirm, the source told CNN on Tuesday.

All of this means the Biden team still isn't sure what it will be confronted with when President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Wednesday. Despite frustration, the source said Biden's team has been hesitant to broadcast just how they were left in the dark out of concern that the Trump administration would stop cooperating altogether.

"This is a very confusing time for understanding these numbers and as we talk more and more to the Biden administration, we're learning that they are trying to sort this out as well," Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), told CNN on Tuesday. "With the change of administration happening at this very moment, they don't appear to totally know yet what vaccine numbers we're talking about and what is the reality."

Trump administration officials, meantime, said they have held hundreds of meetings with the incoming Biden coronavirus team.

"This is a concerted effort by the new team to down-talk where things are, so they could look like heroes when they come in and just carry forward the momentum that we have established," outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Fox News on Monday.

'We're just scratching our heads trying to figure out what the truth is'

The finger-pointing is of little use to states, which are clamoring for more vaccine and clearer numbers from the federal government about how much is truly available.

"Nobody knows where that number is coming from," Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey told CNN on Tuesday when asked why the federal government's tally of doses distributed in the state is 76,000 higher than the state's count.

"We don't count it on our dashboard until we have it in hand," Piercey said. "We don't want to, you know, get people's hopes up."

A senior administration official told CNN that the numbers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accurately reflect doses that are distributed or delivered. As of Tuesday afternoon, the CDC's website notes that the term "distributed" refers to the cumulative count of vaccine doses recorded as shipped in the CDC's Vaccine Tracking System.

Yet that has not been the experience in some states.

"The doses distributed means that they've given us a number, we have told them where it needs to go in the system to get sent out, but that does not mean that it's been shipped," said Kris Ehresmann, director of infectious disease epidemiology, prevention and control for the Minnesota Department of Health.

"The doses shipped, that means we've got a FedEx tracking number and it's left the facility," Ehresmann said. "The doses distributed are doses that have been promised to the state, that the state has accepted and given a location where those doses should be shipped. And the disconnect is that those doses haven't necessarily arrived in the state."

And governors in Minnesota, West Virginia and New York have all said in recent days that they are running low on vaccine.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Monday his state had "a very limited supply."

"The federal government has been giving mixed messages on vaccine availability and guidance, and we need them to step up and get more vaccine to the state," Walz said.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice echoed the need for more vaccine in a news conference Tuesday.

"We can't give you a vaccine shot, if we don't have the vaccines," Justice said. "Today, right now -- if they send us vaccines, we will put them in somebody's arm and as soon as we put them in somebody's arm it's going to be saving somebody's life."

There was always going to be a shortage of vaccine in the early months of distribution because production can't keep up with the national demand. But states have repeatedly expressed frustration that they can't get clear answers from the Trump administration about how much vaccine will become available and when.

Hopes of a surge in vaccine shipments fizzled last week after the Trump administration announced a new policy to release second vaccine doses that had been held in reserve, only to later admit that many of those doses had already been distributed.

"This is making our health departments nervous and anxious that those second dose quantities -- thought to be held in protected reserve -- may have actually disappeared somehow. We need rapid transparency and clarity on overall vaccine supply in order to pivot planning and messaging on the ground in communities," Freeman said. "We're just scratching our heads trying to figure out what the truth is."

Mounting challenges for Biden's team

By the CDC's count, more than 31 million doses of vaccine have been distributed and less than half -- roughly 12.3 million shots -- have been administered, as of Friday.

But states said there's no way half their doses are sitting on shelves or in freezers.

A number of factors could be contributing to the confusion. The CDC's distribution numbers reflect the doses that have been shipped, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have been received yet. The federal totals also include doses that have been earmarked for nursing home residents and those vaccinations have been recorded more slowly, according to health officials.

Some vaccines may have also been distributed to clinics or providers that are moving at a slower pace. In some cases, resource-depleted states have determined it's easier to keep those doses where they are rather than attempt the complicated process of transporting and redistributing them.

"It's not practical for states to consider trying to recall them or move them. It's better for states to support these providers in getting them into arms," said Claire Hannan, executive director for the Association of Immunization Managers.

Unwinding exactly what's mucking up the numbers -- and speeding up the supply of vaccine -- will ultimately be a problem that falls to the incoming Biden administration.

"For example, in Minnesota, we're moving vaccine through as quickly as we can and our numbers for vaccination are far different than what has been described as distributed," Michael Osterholm, a member of Biden's coronavirus advisory board, told CNN on Tuesday. "So that's one of the challenges -- that's where states have been frustrated because they've been getting caught in people perceiving there's a lot more vaccine available than there really is."
ROCHESTER, Minn. - To honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. safely during the pandemic, Rochester's 26th Annual "We Have a Dream" Community Celebration was livestreamed on the Rochester NAACP's Facebook page.

The event is hosted by the NAACP Rochester Branch, Diversity Council, City of Rochester, Olmsted County and Rochester Area Chamber.

The livestream was open to the public and featured speakers, musicians, and local poetry contest winners. One of the highlights was a live interview between local students and Justice Alan Page, retired Minnesota Supreme Court Judge and former Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame defensive lineman. He reflected on MLK's fight for civil rights.

"He was an advocate for nonviolent direct action. Think about that: nonviolent direct action. We have to be willing to act," he says.

Justice Page encourages local students of color graduating high school soon to apply for a scholarship through the Page Education Foundation to help them further their educations.
Camus signs distribution deal with African drinks giant Distell

The House of Camus has signed a deal with African drinks giant Distell to distribute its portfolio of products in France.

Cognac brand Camus will take on exclusive distribution of Distell's portfolio - which includes Bunnahabhain, Ledaig, Deanston, Tobermory, and Black Bottle Scotch whiskies - in the French market.

The two companies already have a well-established working relationship in China, where Shanghai-based subsidiary Camus Yuanliu distributes the Distell Group's brands.

The new deal between the companies will cover all distribution channels, including e-commerce, on-trade and off-trade.

In a statement about the new deal, Camus said: "With more than 155 years of entrepreneurship today led by fifth-generation family president, owner and unique shareholder, Cyril Camus, the House of Camnus celebrates a living tradition perpetuated since its foundation in 1863.

"It is this ethos - based on human values, the mastery of expert know-how and of time - that authentically reveals all the qualities of a unique terrior. In line with its quest for utmost refinement, Camus creates a synergy with the Distell Group brands, thus strengthening its presence on the French market."

19 January 2021 - Bethany Whymark
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- InDevR, Inc., a life science tools company providing powerful analytical technologies to support the development and production of vaccines and biotherapeutics, announced commercial availability of its VaxArray Measles and Rubella (MR) antigen quantification kit.

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the goal of reducing the time and cost of manufacturing for these life-saving vaccines, InDevR's VaxArray MR kit leverages the company's established VaxArray platform to deliver a rapid quantitative analysis of specific measles and rubella antigens. The VaxArray MR kit provides a precise measure of antigen content in 5 hours, which is a fraction of the time needed for the traditional 10-14-day tissue culture infectious dose measurement. The high accuracy and precision of the MR kit when applied during bioprocessing steps could ultimately minimize the rate of batch rejection. The MR kit works with crude and purified monovalent and bivalent vaccine samples, making it a valuable new tool for rapid characterization of these life-saving vaccines.

Erica Dawson, CTO of InDevR, noted "We are excited to expand on our VaxArray portfolio, which currently includes influenza and coronavirus solutions, by adding this measles and rubella kit to streamline vaccine manufacturing processes. We hope the availability of this new tool will help expedite MR bioprocess development and monitoring, thereby enhancing production and reducing the cost per dose of final vaccine."

During the development, InDevR collaborated with Biological E. Limited, one of the largest vaccines manufacturing companies based out of Hyderabad, India. Biological E's Dr. Senthilkumar Manoharan, General Manager, Analytical Development (Vaccines), said that, "InDevR's VaxArray MR Assay is certainly a novel and excellent alternative tool for measuring antigen content, enabling MR vaccine manufacturers to achieve faster viral antigen content tracking during bioprocess R&D within a day with high precision. This is a significant improvement compared to the traditional long duration and tedious tissue culture-based methodology."

Filed Under: News, Products, VaxArray MR

Media Contact:

Terry Salyer, CCO

Phone: 650-520-8251

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

Related Links

https://www.indevr.com/vaxarray-for-mr

SOURCE InDevR, Inc.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 06:23:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ABUJA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Thirty bandits were killed in a gunfight with troops in Nigeria's northwest region, a spokesman for the military said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday at the Maje Riverline axis in the Bugundu local government area of the northern state of Zamfara, said Ibikunle Daramola, a spokesman for the Nigerian Airforce.

Daramola told Xinhua that the operation was in response to reports that scores of bandits, along with a large number of rustled livestock, were spotted heading toward Kekuwuje, a town along the Yar-Katsina road in Zamfara.

He said the troops chased and overpowered the bandits with superior firepower in the ensuing gun battle.

One military personnel died during the gunfight, while three others, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, have been evacuated for medical treatment.

The military, Daramola added, will remain resolute and continue to work assiduously to rid the Nigerian northwest region of all criminal elements. Enditem
ROCHESTER, Minn. - On Tuesday at 5:30 PM, the same time as the RPS School Board meeting, around 50-100 parents, children, and other citizens plan to protest outside of the Edison Building.

These protesters feel their concerns have not been heard by the board. They want RPS students to return to full-time distance learning.

"The school board held a listening session that really didn't address any of our concerns at all, and so we want to send the message to them that the data shows its safe, the data shows that distance learning is harmful to kids, and we want our kids back at school," says Jessica Cruz, parent to a Rochester kindergartener and 1st grader.

Cruz says some of the demonstrating parents include the following:

This is a group of parents that cares deeply about the education of their own children and other children in the community. We trust scientific evidence that shows schools are safe for staff and students.

We've all seen our own kids suffering, and worry about other students in the community who don't have support at home or the right resources to be successful with distance learning.

We're worried that our children will fall behind their peers in surrounding districts and in private schools, that have been in session in-person most or all of the year.

Many of us have children that were previously happy and well-adjusted kids who are now struggling with anxiety and depression, and studies show this is a widespread impact of distance learning.

Protest attendees are encouraged to wear masks and social distance with people outside their households.
EDMONTON - Alberta has decided to cancel recently issued coal leases in the Rocky Mountains, as public opposition grows to the United Conservative government's plan to expand coal mining in the area.

In this March 28, 2017, file photo, a dump truck hauls coal at Contura Energy's Eagle Butte Mine near Gillette, Wyo. Public opposition to the Alberta government's plans to expand coal mining in the Rocky Mountains appears to be growing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Mead Gruver, File

EDMONTON - Alberta has decided to cancel recently issued coal leases in the Rocky Mountains, as public opposition grows to the United Conservative government's plan to expand coal mining in the area.

Late Monday afternoon, Energy Minister Sonya Savage issued a press release saying the sale of 11 recently purchased coal leases would be cancelled. Savage added that no further leases would be sold on lands that were protected from open-pit mines under a policy the government revoked last May.

"We have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion," she said in the release.

This pause will provide our government with the opportunity to ensure that the interests of Albertans, as owners of mineral resources, are protected."

She also said the move will have no impact on existing coal projects currently under regulatory review.

The cancelled leases are a small portion of the coal exploration leases the government has issued since revoking a policy that protected the eastern slopes of the Rockies  home to endangered species as well as the water source for millions downstream  since 1976.

The decision came as more than 100,000 signatures had been collected on two petitions opposing increased mining on two related fronts.

One, sponsored by environmental groups on Change.org, was addressed to the provincial government and had 77,000 signatures Monday afternoon  an increase of about 10,000 over the weekend.

Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy, Government of Alberta speaks during an event to mark the start of right-of-way construction for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, in Acheson, Alta., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Another, sponsored by a private citizen and addressed to federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, had nearly 28,000 names opposing the Benga coal project in southern Alberta, which is undergoing a federal-provincial environmental review.

As well, a Facebook site called Protect Alberta's Rockies and Headwaters has more than doubled its membership over the last week to more than 10,000. The Benga review has received more than 4,000 statements of concern from members of the public, the vast majority opposing the project.

Members of the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta have sent more than 700 postcards to Wilkinson asking him to block coal development in the Rockies and another 2,000 have joined an online group to that end, said organizer Latasha Calf Robe.

Edmonton New Democrat MP Heather McPherson has received hundreds of calls on the issue, a spokeswoman said.

The Opposition New Democrats also started a petition that garnered nearly 2,900 names in a week. A spokesman said the number nearly doubles every day.

New Democrat environment critic Marlin Schmidt welcomed the suspension Monday, but said it raises more questions.

"They're not committing to reinstating the coal policy, so they're not ruling out future development in these areas like people are demanding. It's a partial victory, but it's a clear signal that Albertans need to keep pushing to put permanent protections in."

Schmidt asked if the cancellations create any financial obligations for the province.

"How much are taxpayers on the hook for?"

Neither Savage nor Alberta Energy staff were available to take questions on the issue.

"The government is obviously feeling the pressure," said Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

She pointed out Monday's announcement doesn't affect coal leases covering 420,000 hectares the government has sold since cancelling the coal policy.

"What can still go forward is massive," she said.

Before the cancellations, at least eight provincial recreation areas would have been mostly or completely surrounded by coal exploration leases. It wasn't immediately clear how they are affected by the move.

Provincial New Democrat Opposition leader Rachel Notley said public outcry over development in one of Alberta's best-loved landscapes was rooted in the government's plan to change how provincial parks are classified and protected. She said that decision -- also announced without consultation -- damaged trust in the United Conservatives.

"One thing that did percolate over the summer was the overall distrust of this government's plans," she said. "(The coal protests) feed off that same level of distrust.

"Folks are very, very suspicious of these guys."

Notley said concern over parks and coal mines is rejigging old political allegiances.

"Historic party lines are realigning as we speak. You go to very wealthy areas of the province that definitely align themselves with conservatives and you see Save My Parks signs all over the place."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2021

-- Follow Bob Weber on Twitter at @row1960
Announced Saturday by his Chief of Staff Ron Klain, president-elect Joe Biden has now unveiled a plan for he and Kamala Harris first ten days in office to kick-start many of their key policies. The move is clearly intended to mark a clean break between the end of the Donald Trump era and the beginning of the Biden one.

With America currently reeling from a health crisis, economic chaos, racial unrest and now in the shadow of insurrectionist violence, the news brings some hope of momentum and constructive leadership from day one.

These executive actions will deliver relief to the millions of Americans that are struggling in the face of these crises, Klain said in the memo. President-elect Biden will take action  not just to reverse the gravest damages of the Trump administration  but also to start moving our country forward.

Joe Bidens first day as 46th President of the United States

The quickest way for Biden to go about making some of these changes (crucially bypassing the process of approval in Congress) is by signing executive orders.

The memo detailed several executive actions that Biden will be signing within the first hours of his presidency on 20 January, including;

Environment: Keystone XL oil pipeline and Paris climate accords

A US return to the Paris climate agreement - the global pact on cutting carbon emissions. Biden plans to immediately rejoin the Paris climate accords, and to seek to push other countries into lowering their emissions.

Biden has said he would build upon Barack Obamas efforts to fight climate change. As part of the plan, Biden proposed $2 trillion in clean energy and infrastructure spending and he is also aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

It is also now being widely reported that the words "Rescind Keystone XL pipeline permit" appear on a lengthier briefing note circulated following Klains announcement Saturday from the Biden transition team with US stakeholders.

The controversial pipeline has had a turbulent start to life, having been vetoed by Barack Obama in 2015. Trump restarted construction in 2019. Indigenous groups and environmentalists alike have been fighting the project for over ten years.

The pipeline is projected to carry oil nearly 1,200 miles from the Canadian province of Alberta down to Nebraska, where it would join an existing pipeline.

Reverse Trumps travel ban

Biden will rescind the controversial travel ban on mostly Muslim-majority countries. Donald Trump, through executive action, instituted a travel ban from Muslim countries such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. The ban, which Trump has said is in the best interest of national security, included some immigrants, refugees and visa holders from entering the US.

Coronavirus mask mandate and eviction pause extensions

Other executive actions for the first hours of Bidens term include, orders making the wearing of masks on federal property and when travelling interstate mandatory and calling for an extension to nationwide restrictions on evictions and foreclosures due to the pandemic.

What other plans does Biden have in his sights?

On Thursday, the new presidents second day in office, Biden would sign orders related to the covid-19 pandemic, aimed at reopening schools and businesses and expanding virus testing, Klain said. The following day, Friday, will see action on providing economic relief to those suffering the economic costs of the pandemic, say the AP.

In the following week, Klain said, Biden would take additional actions relating to criminal justice reform, climate change and immigration  including a directive to speed the reuniting of families separated at the US-Mexico border under Trumps policies.

Biden's early plans: will they all happen?

Full achievement of Bidens goals will require Congress to act, Klain wrote, including the $1.9 trillion virus relief bill he outlined on Thursday. Klain said that Biden would also propose a comprehensive immigration reform bill to lawmakers on his first day in office.

The "DREAMers" program, which allowed children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the country, was rescinded by Trump in 2017, but Biden is set on ensuring that DACA - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - would continue to allow these immigrants to live and work in the US without threat of being deported.

Incoming presidents traditionally move swiftly to sign an array of executive actions when they take office. Trump when he first took over in 2016 did the same, but he found many of his orders challenged and even rejected by courts.

Klain maintained that Biden should not suffer similar issues, saying the legal theory behind them is well-founded and represents a restoration of an appropriate, constitutional role for the President, according to APs report.
Washington: A lot of the characters are the same for US President-elect Joe Biden but the scene is far starker as he reassembles a team of veteran negotiators to get back into the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

President Donald Trump worked to blow up the multinational deal to contain Irans nuclear program during his four years in office, gutting the diplomatic achievement of predecessor Barack Obama in favour of what Trump called a maximum pressure campaign against Iran.

There are mounting fears regional conflict will erupt, triggered by the accusations, threats and still more sanctions imposed by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in their final days, but also Iran's decision to spur uranium enrichment and seize a South Korean tanker.

Missiles are launched by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard forces during a drill last week. Credit:AP

Iran on Friday (Saturday AEDT) staged drills, hurling volleys of ballistic missiles and smashing drones into targets, further raising pressure on the incoming American president over a nuclear accord.
VIJAYAWADA: Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday slammed the YSR Congress Government, saying it has turned Andhra Pradesh into a hub of violence. There, he said, were a series of murders, suicides, suspicious deaths and atrocities.

He said the chief minister and the ministers were not behaving like elected people's representatives but bent on unleashing rowdyism on all sections of the people. Over 2,000 farmers committed suicide in the last 20 months, some 400 atrocities were committed on women and physical attacks were made at 1,350 places. Over 16 Telugu Desam activists were murdered during this period, Naidu said.

Addressing a video conference for party leaders in Tirupati parliamentary constituency, Naidu said a normally peaceful Chittoor and Nellore districts were also witnessing attacks and atrocities. The YSRC leaders have made it a daily ritual to kill people. He lamented that a ruling party MLA was seen threatening the district SP at a public meeting and another MLA's constant harassment caused a woman MPDO to sit on a protest dharna at midnight in front of a police station.

Alleging that a section of the police was conniving with miscreants, Naidu said criminal gangs were having a field day thanks to the patronage they got from the YSRC. Jagan has already surpassed 'Sisupala' by committing more than a hundred serious mistakes. The decline of the YSRC would start with the Tirupati bypoll and the TDP victory would bring the YSRC violence to an end in the state as Lord Venkateswara Swamy would never tolerate attacks and violence, Naidu asserted.

Naidu said the TD 'Dharma Parirakshana Yatra' would be held for 10 days from January 21 in over 700 villages in Tirupati parliamentary segment. The party cadre should expose the YSRC misdeeds and corruption in the public. Everybody has a duty to protect the sacredness of Tirupati and Tirumala and awareness should be created on the industrialization of Tirupati and Nellore under the TD rule.
The federal government is counting on a boost in domestic tourism to help the economy ride out an extended ban on overseas travel, which it says will be one of the last things to change while the pandemic continues.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said some Australians would choose to see more of their own country in response to the curbs, one day after a top official said there would be no return to widespread overseas travel this year.

The tourism industry says domestic spending won't be able to make up for the loss of international tourists. Credit:Virginia Star

But travel agents and the tourism industry said there was no hope the domestic spending could fill the gap left by international tourists, leaving employers waiting years for the money to pay workers.

Nationals MP Pat Conaghan, a key advocate for the governments $128 million package for travel agents last month, backed industry calls for a bigger scheme like JobKeeper to save tourism jobs.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31074

According to this study, over the next five years, the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Zhejiang Juhua

Honeywell

Daikin

Arkema

Mexichem

GFL

Linde

Dongyue Group

Navin Fluorine International

Yonghe Refrigerant

China Fluoro Technology

Limin Chemicals

Meilan Chemical

Yuean Chemical

3F

Ying Peng Chemical

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31074

This study considers the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Natural Refrigerants

Synthetic Refrigerants

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Air Condition

Refrigerator

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31074

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Natural & Synthetic Refrigerant submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/natural-synthetic-refrigerant-market-size-share-growth-outlook-forecast-research-report-till-2025/
The HSE has launched a new bereavement support campaign. The new programme includes a 10 week online information campaign to profile and raise awareness of bereavement supports and services that are available to people living in Kildare and west Wicklow.

The campaign has been funded by the HSE under Connecting for Life, Kildare and west Wicklow and will profile the work of national and local partner organisations including: Irish Hospice Foundation, Kildare Youth Service, Anam Cara, the Curragh FRC, the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, HUGG, Barnardos and Turas Le Cheile.

It has been developed by an inter-agency group comprising of the HSE resource officer for suicide prevention, Kildare Youth Services, Kildare CYPSC, Irish Hospice Foundation and the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network.

The first video, launched today, features Dr. Amanda Roberts, Bereavement Development discussing resources available to the community by the Irish Hospice Foundation. See video link: https://youtu.be/7CH9XjQN2js

The information campaign aims to educate and inform the public about bereavement including self-care, supporting loved ones and what supports and services are available. HSE Community Healthcare Dublin South, Kildare and west Wicklow will work with partner organisations to focus on providing information around key areas of bereavement including - supporting bereaved parents, teenage grief, bereavement during Covid-19, supporting families and communities through bereavement and suicide bereavement (talking to others with experience can help).

It will also cover childrens grief, understanding and coping with giief and loss, what bereavement care is, young people and grief (how counselling can help), suicide bereavement and talking to your child about suicide.

The campaign will feature on Kildare Youth Services, HSE and CYPSC's social media channels. The social media campaign will feature various information resources including videos describing services and how to access them and resources to support individuals and communities in the aftermath of bereavement.

Ann OShea, HSE area chief officer said, Dealing with the loss of a loved one, family member or friend is so very difficult and Covid-19 has made it so much worse. This campaign is about raising public awareness to our community about the supports and resources that are available to help them in these difficult times. Bereavement is a lonely and isolating time and given the restrictive times it is important, more than ever, that we can engage and inform our community that we are here to help. I would like to acknowledge the work of all the partners who are working to bring this together.

It can be accessed on the following YOUTUBE KILDARE YOUTH SERVICES: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0WxKv7p6aw86l-pIEoJpQ

FACEBOOK:

 facebook.com/KildareYouthService

 facebook.com/HSElive

 facebook.com/parentingsupport




Bharat Biotech, as part of its precautionary advice, has said people on medicines that affect their immune system should not take its vaccine Covaxin. Close on the heels of some adverse incidents being reported, a detailed fact sheet released by Bharat Biotech says those with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid taking the shot for now.

People with a fever or allergic or pregnant and lactating mothers have also been advised against taking the jab. The factsheet, accessed by Times of India, says if someone develops Covid-19 symptoms after taking the jab, it will be considered an "adverse event" based on the RT-PCR test conducted.

Notably, the Centre in its detailed guidelines on vaccination had recently said that patients who are on immuno-suppressants (cancer patients on chemotherapy, HIV positive and those on steroids) or suffering from the immune deficiency may get vaccinated.

The ministry suggested that acutely unwell people or hospitalised or those infected with Covid-19 or administered plasma should delay their vaccination by 4-8 weeks.

Bharat Biotech is among two companies in India that have received approval to roll out their vaccines for emergency use. The vaccine has been developed with the National Institute of Virology and the Indian Council of Medical Research. The company is still conducting Phase 3 clinical trials, which means its efficacy is yet to be established.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin has been approved by 11 states for inoculation in the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Out of the 11 states that have agreed to deploy the Covaxin, five are opposition-ruled.

In total, the Centre will procure 1.65 crore vaccines initially -- 1.1 crore from SII and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech. While Covishield will cost Rs 200 per jab for the government, Covaxin has been priced around Rs 206 per dose, as per health secretary Rajesh Bhushan.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccination Day 3: Further dip in turnout; just 8 get jabs at AIIMS
Superman is such an amazing movie. I watch it at least twice a year istg



There's no way anyone else can play Superman and Clark Kent just as well as Christopher, nevermind better than. He really was Kal-el

Reply

Thread

Link

I'm not sure whether I liked his acting, or I was incredibly charmed by him in that movie. Maybe that's what I was supposed to feel for a good superhero who did what he did because of pure goodness

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





the entire beginning of the film showed clark kent - the quiet and clumsy doormat of a reporter who hid behind his glasses and poor posture. it was such an amazing build up to seeing him interact with lois lane for the first time as superman, who was almost horrifyingly charming, confident, and would not break eye contact when him and lois flirted with eachother. he actually managed to make her feel awkward.







that helped the audience see why someone as smart as lois lane couldn't at first figure out that the two are connected. cr's acting was really on point, and it went perfectly with margot's acting as well. there is no way this combination could ever be replicated tbh. the fact that we were shown perfection right from the get go is what made me a dc stan bc that was dc's thing back in the day (see: batman tas being viewed as quintessential batman the same way christopher reeve is viewed as quintessential superman). they really struggle to bring quality to the table anymore rip



ty for coming to my ted talk lmao charm aside, the differences between his portrayal as clark kent vs superman were pristine.the entire beginning of the film showed clark kent - the quiet and clumsy doormat of a reporter who hid behind his glasses and poor posture. it was such an amazing build up to seeing him interact with lois lane for the first time as superman, who was almost horrifyingly charming, confident, and would not break eye contact when him and lois flirted with eachother. he actually managed to make her feel awkward.that helped the audience see why someone as smart as lois lane couldn't at first figure out that the two are connected. cr's acting was really on point, and it went perfectly with margot's acting as well. there is no way this combination could ever be replicated tbh. the fact that we were shown perfection right from the get go is what made me a dc stan bc that was dc's thing back in the day (see: batman tas being viewed asbatman the same way christopher reeve is viewed as quintessential superman). they really struggle to bring quality to the table anymore ripty for coming to my ted talk lmao

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Christopher Reeve was GOLD as Superman/C.K. and no one can convince me otherwise. Perfect casting.



No one has ever come close to him. Add to that Margot was also perfect as Lois.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

They say an actor can be a good Clark Kent or a good Superman, but not both. He was the only one good as both.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I loved a review I read of this movie once where the reviewer was like Superman (1978) shows definitively that the only way to pull off the Clark Kent/Superman ruse is to be as consummate an actor as Juilliard trained Christopher Reeve and its true. His voice, his demeanour, his gestures, he altered them so completely you really could see how people wouldnt notice its the same person.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i've only seen superman and caberet from this list, but i rewatched superman recently and it's so good. christopher reeve and margot kidder are so perfect as lois & clark.

Reply

Thread

Link

My secret is that I haven't seen the Godfather films because I read the book, which was mostly interesting, but not great literature. I know that this is one of those cases where the movies are better than the source material, but I've been reminding myself for years to watch them and never do.

Reply

Thread

Link

Same. I had read the books, because everyone kept making a big deal out of the books and the movies.

Was underwhelmed by the books, so never checked out the movies.

Opposite happened to me with LOTR, I got addicted to LOTR from the books and checked out the movies

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The first two are worth watching if only for how gorgeous young Al Pacino is

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yes, he has never looked better.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

also young de niro in part II 

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I couldnt believe that was him!!!!!! His voice was softer/less crazy back then too 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Young James Caan really does it for me in Part I.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

definitely check out the films. francis took out all the ridiculous subplots (like the whole random ass shit with sonnys mistress getting her vagina reupholstered or what his twins were doing as adults, like no1curr)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I actually went to the source and whew that's a great list.



American Graffiti is probably my fave from the list. I can watch that movie all the time and never get tired of it and the soundtrack is A+ introducing me to



Reply

Thread

Link

I find American Graffiti unconscionably boring

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Okay

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I have this on my watchlist on hbomax so I should watch this soon!!

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I only like the soundtrack. My mom had it on 8-track & I'd listen to it all of the time. But the player would not switch from 3 to 4 (why it's called 8-track when there were 4 on the player, I don't know. 2 per?) & you had to manually switch it or it would play 3 over again. [/CSB]

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

All of these films hold up. Black people absolutely LOVED Bruce Lee in the 70s; his movies would be playing in neighborhood theaters and it would be PACKED. Christopher Reeve was and will remain the Gold Star Standard Superman because no one after him has a fraction of the charisma he gave the role; you definitely knew when he was Clark Kent (even without the glasses) and when he was Superman and he was just fantastic.



Dawn of the Dead is a trip and a half with the same extras being zombies all through the film and moments that were unintentionally funny while others were chilling. The opening scene where Swat goes into the overrun projects and this women was trying to communicate with her "turned" husband (who then bit into her arm like it was a piece of chicken) was the stuff of nightmares.



Cabaret gave me the same feels as Babylon Berlin does now because everyone is having a good time but you know what is coming. :/



Edited at 2021-01-19 03:10 pm (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

The first time I saw Dawn of the Dead I think I was about 12 or 13 and the scene you describe chilled me then and still does upon every rewatch. It's one of those scenes that, no matter how many times I've seen it, it still effects me as if I'm seeing it for the first time.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Romero's Dawn of the Dead is amazing.

Reply

Thread

Link

I love the Bruce Lee movies, I remember watching Fist of fury and enter the dragon as a 12-13 year old with my older cousin, and I was thoroughly entertained.

Reply

Thread

Link

I only watched the first Godfather but had to admit that I wasn't surprised that I wasn't that bored by it.

Reply

Thread

Link

[ -----WHOLE LIST----- ]

The Bad News Bears (1975)

American Graffiti (1973)

Star Wars (1977)

Jaws (1975)

The Godfather Part I and II (1972) (1974)

Superman (1978)

Alien (1979)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Fist of Fury (1972)

Nashville (1975)

The Conformist (1970)

Cabaret (1972)

All the President's Men (1976)

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Halloween (1978)

Coming Home (1978)

The Exorcist (1973)

The Sting (1973)

Gimme Shelter (1970)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Day for Night (1973)

Network (1976)

Sounder (1972)





Reply

Thread

Link

Yes! to Alien, Dawn of the Dead, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Halloween and The Exorcist.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

going through this list just shows how bad my perception of time is because i would not have guessed most of these were 70s films

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is a great list. So many of my favourite films are from this era - All The Presidents men, Godfather part 2,Halloween, Five Easy Pieces, Chinatown, The Getaway, The Graduate, Serpico, Dirty Harry, Dog Day Afternoon, Friends of Eddie Coyle, The Last Picture Show..the list goes on and on.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

ugh The Graduate will always be one of my all time favorites.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The Graduate was 1967.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I have watched.... 3 of these

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Monty Python FTW!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

the 70s is one of my favorite eras of film because at heart i am a douchey lil film bro and i love all the coked out modernist fever dreams coming out of this era



I love:

Taxi Driver

A Woman Under the Influence

Opening Night

Mean Streets

Eraserhead

All That Jazz

Days of Heaven

Hausu



still a lot i need to see esp to fill in my knowledge of blaxploitation movies



Reply

Thread

Link

coked-out 70s movies are way better than coked-out 80s movies, I assume because they fucked their tolerance



I really miss TCM's early weekend morning programming. It had all the good cult stuff.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

lol I swear everything I want to see on TCM now is always playing at 2 am.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yeah and with seventies you still have the absurdism and psychedelic style left over from sixties.



So much of eighties film making is capitalist Reagan fever dreams.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think I prefer the 70s to 80s too, which seemed less cohesive in terms of genres outside of the action blockbusters and comedies

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link









Suspiria, 1977







Picnic at Hanging Rock, 1975







Nosferatu, 1979







Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1977







Black Christmas, 1974



love this post OP!! my favorite films from the 70s:Suspiria, 1977Picnic at Hanging Rock, 1975Nosferatu, 1979Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1977Black Christmas, 1974

Reply

Thread

Link

Picnic at Hanging Rock <33

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Suspira made me realize I forgot to add House to my list.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link









my old boss was obsessed with cult films and I told him about House - we ended up watching it at work one Friday afternoon when we were the only people in the office. probably the best day I've ever had at work lmao House is amazing!!my old boss was obsessed with cult films and I told him about House - we ended up watching it at work one Friday afternoon when we were the only people in the office. probably the best day I've ever had at work lmao

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Close encounters is so good

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Picnic at Hanging Rock is an underrated masterpiece <3333 The soundtrack alone! Chills!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I was surprised at how good Suspiria was given its very simple plot lol.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

love picnic at hanging rock!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

When I saw Suspiria for the first time, I happened to have a neighbor who had a red curtain in their window... my brother and I could see it when wed take the dog outside and wed always argue who had to go at night bc the curtain freaked us out so badly LOL.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This list!!! The taste

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

YESSSS my fave

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link



Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

Reply

Thread

Link

Butterflies are Free is def my guilty pleasure 70s pick.



Also love Cuckoo's Nest, A Woman Under the Influence, and The Conversation.

Reply

Thread

Link

God, I love A Woman Under the Influence so much.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link









Don't act like you don't randomly start singing "Show Me the Way to Go Home"



Also Alien and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (though it pains me how all but like one of them are shitty.) 70s movies that I like more than I should: Slap Shot and What's Up Doc. I went through a Streisand phase a couple years ago and she's really charming, and there are no bad movies with Madeline Kahn.



ETA, also Picnic at Hanging Rock!



Edited at 2021-01-19 03:45 pm (UTC) Excellent choices. Also, Game of Death is beloved by me so I will ignore any implication that it doesn't hold up. My favorite from the list:Don't act like you don't randomly start singing "Show Me the Way to Go Home"Also Alien and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (though it pains me how all but like one of them are shitty.) 70s movies that I like more than I should: Slap Shot and What's Up Doc. I went through a Streisand phase a couple years ago and she's really charming, and there are no bad movies with Madeline Kahn.ETA, also Picnic at Hanging Rock!

Reply

Thread

Link

Theyre both from the end of the 70s but Star Wars (77) and Alien (79) are both still amazing films.



I dont particularly care for it myself but many people still consider The Exorcist (73) the scariest film ever made. The original Carrie (76) is still the best version of it imo

Reply

Thread

Link

Yesss alien is still so good

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
At the beginning of 2020, when COVID-19 broke out unexpectedly and viciously, top research institutions and enterprises in China responded quickly, and the virus antibody R&D team of Sino Biological Inc. was one of them. After receiving the task, the R&D team from Sino Biological started to invest themselves into this task without any delay and completed the expressions of important target antigen protein S-RBD of SARS-CoV-2 successfully within only 11 days, and developed industrial-grade core antigen protein reagents; also, it supported Wondfo to complete the marketing of the first batch of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic products on February 22.

Later, Sino Biological quickly accomplished the breakthrough in the industrial-grade production technology and achieved the production of 100g-level reagents, and developed more than 200 kinds of reagents for scientific research and pharmaceutical R&D, etc. In May of this year, in the first medical science and technology innovation competition held by the Development Center for Medical Science& Technology under the National Health Commission, the project titled Development of Antigen and Antibody for Rapid Immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 declared by Sino Biological was awarded the Silver Award in the Fighting Against COVID-19 Epidemic.

In this interview, Dr. Jie Zhang, general manager of Sino Biological Inc., shared his insights and experiences in biotechnology innovations and collaborative development of the industry with his research team.

Would you please share with us the achievements your team has made over the past year in terms of scientific research?

This year has been an extraordinary year for Sino Biological. After the outbreak of the epidemic, we started the research and development of virus antibodies in a very short time. We have summarized three major advantages in our R&D works: first, we have conducted fast research and development. We developed key protein reagents for SARS-CoV-2 within only 11 days, and launched them into the markets as the first company across the world; second, we have successively developed more than 200 protein reagents for anti-epidemic fight globally. These reagents cover a variety of targets and a variety of variant viral strains; third, industrialized production and have achieved the output of 500 liters for a single batch, to meet the large-scale demands for the COVID-19 reagents from scientific research institutions and industrial users worldwide. Our antigen reagents have high purity and high activity, and our antibody products have high affinity, high specificity, and high sensitivity, therefore, our products have been widely accepted and recognized in the markets. Our scientific research reagents for COVID-19 have been used for virus research, drug and vaccine development in more than 1,700 institutions and organizations in 53 countries or regions worldwide. Presently, our research team has published more than 280 high-level articles on COVID-19 in international journals such as Cell, Nature, and Science, etc., providing support for the development of diagnostic reagents and vaccines by related enterprises. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that we have supported the global scientific and technological work against COVID-19 on an all-round level.

Sino Biological has been constantly developing a variety of antigen and antibody detection reagent products, and actively participating in national and international cooperation. Would you please share with us your experiences in cooperation with domestic and foreign research teams and what's your experiences and philosophy on cooperation?

After the outbreak of this epidemic, our research team has worked all round the clock and worked with both domestic and foreign research teams proactively, and we have achieved many research results from these cooperations. As an upstream supplier, we have extended cooperation with many diagnostic reagent companies on product development. We have developed a series of high-quality protein, antibody biological reagents and supported diagnostic reagent enterprises with our products to develop novel diagnostic reagent products for testing in immunology and serology, including viral antigen reagents and antibody reagents; and we have supported more than 200 diagnostic reagent enterprises to develop different diagnostic reagent products to meet the demands in clinical uses. Besides, we also worked with the U.S. research teams to develop a unique method for improving the sensitivity of the reagents. Compared with the conventional methods, the sensitivity of the reagents has been successfully increased by hundreds or thousands of times. Due to the high sensitivity, we can not only detect throat swabs but also perform assays and tracing on the virus level in the patients' blood. Besides the products, we also offered services to support the studies on the viruses of many research institutes, universities, and enterprises. For example, under the unified coordination of the Beijing Municipal Science &Technology Commission, we supported the R&D of antibody drugs of Peking University using internationally advanced single-cell sequencing techniques. We transformed the obtained antibody sequence into antibody products in the shortest time possible. Through cooperation, antibody drugs have been developed and applied to clinical studies successfully. To conclude, I believe that, no individual organizations or institutions can cover everything in the biology field, so we shall strengthen robust cooperation in the major R&D projects with an open mind, to constantly accelerate our scientifific research.

Presently the COVID-19 epidemic is still intense globally and respiratory diseases have aroused great attention from the governments and scientists of various countries. So what has been done in the product development by Sino Biological and what's the current progress?

After the outbreak of the epidemic, we have been aware of the importance to strengthen the research and development to fight against COVID-19. As a matter of fact, respiratory diseases will pose a major threat to human health in winter and spring every year, for example, the well-known influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, etc., these viruses have a fast spread rate and can cause certain fatality. We have researched reagents specific for respiratory diseases very early. In the previous H1N1 influenza A and H5N1 avian influenza epidemics, we were the first to develop related biological reagents. At present, our reagents cover 10 major types of respiratory disease viruses, including more than 1,000 kinds of products, strongly supporting the global research on respiratory diseases.

In 2020, the research and development of SARS-CoV-2-related drugs, vaccines and testing reagents shows a global competition. Various countries present their scientific research strength, highlighting the important value and significance of biomedical industries. So, what's the future development direction of Chinese bio-reagent enterprises represented by Sino Biological, and how to facilitate the innovation and development of the entire biomedical industry?

Sino Biological starts the research and development of biological reagents early in China. Through years of research, especially this epidemic, we are fully aware that an enterprise must have its own core technologies and the capability to form a closed-loop R&D platform for its long-term development. At the beginning of this epidemic, we have developed our products and produced our own scientific research results, and the underlying reason is that we have our own core technologies, and the key reagents are developed by our team or co-developed with domestic manufacturers. Most importantly, we shall have key technologies in our very own hands, instead of having to get them from others. Furthermore, in the long run, we shall improve our competitiveness in quality and performance, as this is the key to long-term survival and the development of enterprises. Due to our adherence to Quality Coming the Foremost, our products can be marketed both at home and abroad, serving so many users and supporting them to publish articles, and supporting the marketing of their reagents and vaccines. Last, I would like to emphasize our awareness of the provision of services, and we should deliver our promises to customers. Currently, we have established our teams across the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Japan. These teams, as well as our domestic sales teams, shall all put the service awareness in their mind, respond to the customers' needs in time, and provide them with professional and one-stop services. Only by doing so can it bring more opportunities for the development of the entire biomedical industry

About Sino Biological Inc.

Sino Biological, Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing affordable, high-quality reagents, including recombinant proteins, antibodies and cDNA clonesall in-house. We provide a one-stop shop for researchers and pharmaceutical companies around the world, helping our customers obtain the best reagents in the needed amounts to accelerate the pace of discovery and improve human health.

Sino Biological's core business

Sino Biological is committed to providing high-quality recombinant protein and antibody reagents and to being a one-stop technical services shop for life science researchers around the world. All of our products are independently developed and produced. In addition, we offer pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms pre-clinical production technology services for hundreds of monoclonal antibody drug candidates. Our product quality control indicators meet rigorous requirements for clinical use samples. It takes only a few weeks for us to produce 1 to 30 grams of purified monoclonal antibody from gene sequencing.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Beacon (BECN) has received early termination of the waiting period required under the HSR Act, in connection with the divestiture of its Interior Products business. In December, Beacon entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Interior Products business to affiliates of American Securities LLC. Julian Francis, Beacon's CEO and President, said: 'We are very pleased to receive early termination of the HSR waiting period for the sale of our Interiors business to American Securities. We remain on schedule to close the transaction during our fiscal second quarter.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Shaji spun his way to the jackpot on the Atlantis Casino game  a simple underwater theme online slot game. When asked what he would do with his win, Shaji further said "I was in shock, it's a huge amount of money for me and my family. I've invested the money into a joint account with my wife and I'll keep some money for my children's college fund, we'll also be able to finish the build of our new house and move in next year."

Win Summary

Jackpot: 33,580,264.50 INR

Product: Atlantis Slot

When: 12/10/2020

A Lottoland representative said, "It's fantastic to see how rapidly our customer base and prize wins have grown here in Asia, not too long ago we were celebrating our first Lakhpati at Lottoland.asia and now we're ushering in our first Crorepati with Shaji and his family." The representative goes on to say, "We've been made aware that Shaji plans to help a local orphanage near his village with some of his winnings. To hear someone will be so selfless with their money is fantastic and we couldn't be happier that Shaji was our jackpot winner."

Shaji has now completed the quick and easy verification process with Lottoland and has had the money deposited in his bank account.

When asked on whether Shaji had any final words of advice for those thinking about joining Lottoland? "You need to keep playing and if you're lucky it will be a huge Jackpot."

Launched in 2013, Lottoland has grown rapidly to become the world leading online lotto betting provider, allowing people to bet on the outcome of lotteries from around the world  it has a range of jackpots on offer at any one time so that people can pick and choose how they want to bet. In August last year they started accepting bets on International Sporting events offering competitive odds and an easy to use interface.

About Lottoland

Lottoland has grown rapidly to become a world leader in online lotto. Innovation, coupled with the freedom to offer players a unique and enhanced lottery experience, has been key to the company's success.

In June 2018, Lottoland paid out 90 million to one lucky winner in Germany - this win has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the Largest online gambling payout.

The Gibraltar-based business is active in 15 markets, has over 350 employees, and more than 13 million customers worldwide. Lottoland is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, the UK Gambling Commission, the Republic of Ireland National Excise License Office, the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli in Italy, the Northern Territory's Racing Commission in Australia and has recently received licences from the Swedish Gambling Authority, the Malta Gaming Authority and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422137/Lottoland.mp4

Related Links

www.Lottoland.com



SOURCE Lottoland
Lehigh Valley

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lehigh Valley

Tom Smith

John Gunning

McClure Co.

Northwestern Lehigh School Board

Kutztown Area School District

Allentown School District

Northwestern Lehigh School Board

Willard Dellicker

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

CDC

CDC

Christian Temchatin

Stephen Angstadt

Barry Isett and Associates

ASHRAE Journal

CDC

Gary Debes

Lehigh Valley

Matthew Link

(TNS)  Its not often school board directors need a science lesson before deciding to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.This year, as the science has evolved on COVID-19 and best practices to mitigate the spread, several in thehave decided to pursue an air purification strategy that thestill considers an emerging technology, though its basic principals are as old as the Earths atmosphere.In normal times, using a process called bipolar ionization to clean the air would seem a luxury for schools. These days, its looking to directors like one more thing they can do, often with money available from state-distributed coronavirus relief grants, to try to make schools safer.So at least fourschool districts have or are getting ready to install these unimpressive blue boxes in their HVAC systems.If it keeps one kid from getting sick, so be it, Allentowns Operations Directorsaid.The needlepoint bipolar ionization devices send positive and negative ions through the air ducts that act like magnets, merging with air particles to make clumps that are easier for filters to catch. When viruses are present, the charged ions pull hydrogen away from their coats  in the case of the coronavirus, the spikey outer shell are proteins that need hydrogen to survive. Thus, the ions inactivate the virus.Where we see naturally occurring ions in the world around us are the places that people go on vacation to get cleaner air,, senior mechanical engineer with, explained to thein December. Think higher-elevation places like mountains and waterfalls.Bipolar ionization units are just one of several strategies Gunnings team might present to school boards when asked for possible air-purifying solutions. Since the second round of federal coronavirus relief funding is anticipated to be much larger than the first, his company has in the last few months fielded more requests.Though its yet to be vetted by independent experts or regulatory agencies, bipolar ionization tends to rise to the top of the list, Gunning said, since its flexible with existing HVAC systems and has a long life expectancy  about 10 years.This school year,was the first locally to outfit all its buildings at a cost of $250,000, before the start of the fall semester. Northwestern Lehigh installed units in early January for $350,000.bought nearly $472,000 worth of devices that are now being installed, and Northern Lehigh school board voted last week to procure them for about $250,000.For the most part, the districts are funding them with federal coronavirus relief money, though Northwestern Lehigh used part of the $475,000 it had leftover from a high school construction fund.This seems like a godsend at this point in time with what were facing,Presidentsaid at the December meeting, after voting yes.This kind of purchase would have been out of the question for an underfunded district like Allentown had there not been relief money available, Smith said.Unfortunately, these are luxury items. They shouldnt be, but they are, he said. The grant has given us the ability to level the playing field.Still, the districts all faced a common challenge: Among the sea of products emerging during the pandemic that claim to sanitize and purify, what can be trusted?Even the efficacy of bipolar ionization is still under review with a newly formed epidemic task force at the the industry experts who set standards for HVAC, among other systems.Convincing scientifically rigorous, peer-reviewed studies do not currently exist on this emerging technology; manufacturer data should be carefully considered, the organization states on its website.The, too, considers it an emerging technology because, though the process is old, its application to HVAC systems is new. In the last 20 years or so, bipolar ionization has mainly been marketed toward odor-elimination, like in locker rooms or cosmetology labs.As with all emerging technologies, consumers are encouraged to exercise caution and to do their homework, thewrote in response to an ASHRAE inquiry.Third-party test data about bipolar ionizations impact on the coronavirus arrived in May, which made the option more mainstream for places like schools, Gunning said.The experiment, conducted by an Innovative Bioanalysis lab on a device made by manufacturer Global Plasma Solutions, found that after 30 minutes of being exposed to needlepoint bipolar ionization, 99.4% of the viral particles became inactive.McClure conducted its own tests on the air quality in Kutztowns buildings a month after installation of the Global Plasma Solutions product. It couldnt test for viral content in the air, but the tests showed improved air quality: far more ions and far fewer clumpy air particles.Nobody guaranteed us that bipolar ionization was going to solve this issue, and certainly it hasnt, Kutztown Superintendentsaid. But it was the most effective solution that our engineers could recommend to help improve air quality for our students.The driving force, he said, was a desire to bring students back for in-person learning full time, which Kutztown did in August for kindergarten through eighth grade students (students could still opt for virtual learning).That lack of guarantee is a main reason, senior project manager at, hasnt specifically recommended these or other air purifiers to his clients. Plus, he said, the odds of transmitting the virus out ones mouth, into the ceiling air ducts, out a supply grill and to another person are very unlikely, compared with breathing in the virus from a person sitting nearby.For this reason, an article inon guidance for building operations during COVID-19 states, basic principles of social distancing (1 to 2 m or 3 to 6.5 ft), surface cleaning and disinfection, handwashing and other strategies of good hygiene are far more important than anything related to the HVAC system.Angstadt said clients have also come to him asking about ultraviolet light, a proven technology used in hospitals and, lately, nursing homes. These, however, have to be placed strategically where people arent exposed to the radiation for too long. Another strategy touted over the years, the use of ozone, has gone by the wayside for its potentially harmful respiratory side effects.Earlier versions of bipolar ionization devices might have emitted some ozone, but, many of the earlier potential safety concerns are reportedly now resolved, thesays., president of thechapter of ASHRAE, called bipolar ionization a good first step, though the national organization does not yet have a firm position or guidance.This is a very new issue that is extremely complex, so there will most likely be updated recommendations from ASHRAE as this virus is studied further, he said.In the meantime, school leaders are moving ahead.At the core, its just doing all we can to mitigate the negative effects of the virus, Northern Lehigh Superintendentsaid.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Venture Capital investment set records in 2020. Early-stage investment hit a trough in Q2, but swift action by the angel community and tailwind opportunities created by COVID-19 fueled a rebound in Q3 and Q4. Locally, 2020 was a banner year for Keiretsu Forum's Mid-Atlantic (K4-MA) and South-East (K4-SE) Regions booking record growth.

Source: Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic. Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic and South-East 2020 Investments as reported by members.

US Venture Capital investing set records in 2020, surpassing surprising performance in 2018 (Source: PitchBook Venture Monitor). Investors deployed just over $156B and liquidated over $290B in exit value, with massive exits happening in Q3 and Q4. Early-stage investments in 2020 did not see the same bounce back but did see a healthy increase in the last two quarters of the year.

The performance within K4-MA & K4-SE is not consistent with the angel investment asset class on a national level. In 2020, the two East Coast Regions received 367 unsolicited applications for funding (a 17.6% YoY increase), screened 122 companies, and presented 80* high-quality opportunities to angel group members (a 27% YoY increase). "Our members really stepped up in 2020," said Howard Lubert, Area President of the two Keiretsu Forum Regions, "increasing their activity in due diligence and investing, placing $9.5m in 61 companies, an increase of almost $1.5m over 2019's record setting performance. Members ended up funding 76% of the companies that presented in Forum which is a testament to the rigorous Keiretsu process." Of note, 51% of those investments were made in Life Science companies.

Deal flow growth was primarily driven by Keiretsu Forum's swift transition to secure, online meetings and due diligence, as well as the tailwind provided to companies in the Life Science space related to resolving the global pandemic. New and existing portfolio companies were able to pivot to lead development in testing, treating, and vaccinating against COVID-19. Further fueling deal flow for Keiretsu Forum members, the first-ever multi-region, multi-day Keiretsu Forum Investor Capital Expo took place in Q4, led by Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, Northern California, and Pacific Northwest Regions.

Thirty-six companies presented at the Expo, representing the best-of-the-best deal flow in 2020. Upon speaking to the founders and collaborating with members, investor members felt confident in closing deals. Although work will continue to be distributed virtually in the first half of 2021, there is no reason to believe that opportunities will slow down. Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic believes that opportunities will continue to increase specifically in Biotech and Pharma as interest in vaccines and anti-virals remain high.

For more information on Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic or South-East, please email [email protected].

*Includes companies presenting at the expanded Investor Capital Expo.

Keiretsu Forum's Mid-Atlantic and South-East Regions are part of Keiretsu Forum, a global investment community of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate/ institutional investors. Keiretsu Forum was founded in 2000 by Randy Williams in San Francisco. Today's Keiretsu Forum is a worldwide network of capital, resources, and deal flow with 53 chapters on 3 continents. Keiretsu Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. The community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities. For more information visit www.KeiretsuForum-MidAtlantic.com.

Media Contact: Cindi Sutera, [email protected] or 610-613-2773

SOURCE Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic

Related Links

https://www.keiretsuforum.com


Ambulances are seen in a staging area at the North Kirkland Community Center, which is a short drive from the Life Care Center of Kirkland, the long-term care facility linked to several confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, in Kirkland, Wash., on March 4, 2020. (David Ryder/Reuters)

9 Deaths, Over 100 COVID-19 Cases at Barrie Long-Term Care Home

Testing underway to confirm if deaths are caused by UK variant

An outbreak of COVID-19 at a Barrie long-term care home has taken the lives of nine residents, and infected over 100 people since the first case was reported on Jan. 8. Testing is also underway to confirm if the outbreak was caused by the UK variant strain.

To date, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of nine residents and infected 63 residents and 53 staff members at Roberta Place, the long-term care home in Barrie, Ontario, Stephanie Barber, community relations coordinator at Jarlette Health Services, which owns Roberta Place, told The Epoch Times in an email on Monday.

Barber said that they could not confirm if the UK strain had anything to do with the outbreak at this time, but as information becomes available, we will be sure to share accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) confirmed Monday all the residents and staff at Roberta Place have been tested for COVID-19 and testing is also underway to determine if the U.K variant strain is part of this outbreak, which may be more transmissible, according to Public Health Ontario.

Barber also confirmed that Roberta Place has entered a voluntary management agreement with Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital (OSMH) for the hospital to temporary manage the home to bring the outbreak under control.

The residents and staff at Roberta Place have been hit very hard with this current COVID-19 outbreak and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time, said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHUs medical officer of health, in an emailed statement. In consultation with the facility, we have determined that the support of OSMH is essential.

The SMDHU issued the emergency order under the Health Promotion and Protection Act for Public Health on Jan. 8 after a resident at the home tested positive for COVID-19, the disease the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus causes.

This outbreak unfortunately has spread very rapidly and affected a large number of the residents and staff, he added.

On Sunday, the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) issued an urgent plea calling on the Canadian Armed Forces and Red Cross to be deployed to help with the situation at Roberta Place.

Behind the walls of some nursing homes, there is a horrifying humanitarian crisis playing out, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said. In some of these homes, there arent enough people to offer residents the basics, let alone staff having the time to comfort and console residents who are battling this horrible virus.

Physicians are calling for help at Roberta Place, and we hear the urgency, she added. If I were premier today, I would be putting extra hands and hearts in these homes by calling in both the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Red Cross.

Following Horwaths comments, Krystle Caputo, press secretary of Ontarios minister of long-term care, responded in a tweet that the Canadian Red Cross has been deployed to support Roberta Place. At the same time, the OSMH, Royal Victoria Hospital, Ontario health, and Jarlette Health Services, have also been called in to help.

The above mentioned partners are also holding daily meetings with the home to ensure it has the support it needs to combat the outbreak, Caputo said in an email statement.

We remain committed to doing everything we can, along with our partners, to help stabilize the home and have it return to normal operations, she added.

Barber said as the home works in collaboration with OSMH, their focus will remain the same as our top priority has and continues to be the comfort, safety and well-being of our Residents and Team members.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
WASHINGTON - In a hearing Tuesday that highlighted Republican opposition to his confirmation, homeland security nominee Alejandro Mayorkas told senators that he would carry out President-elect Joe Biden's immigration overhaul while intensifying efforts to fight domestic extremism,.

Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Mayorkas wore a blue mask and listened impassively to questions about his management style and involvement in a visa program for wealthy investors.

Mayorkas, 61, is expected to be confirmed because Democrats picked up two additional Senate seats this month in Georgia. But legislative aides from both major political parties said it is unclear how quickly that will occur.

Democrats are pushing for Mayorkas's rapid confirmation, saying it is crucial to have top national security officials in place given the recent siege on the U.S. Capitol, cyberattacks on federal agencies, and the coronavirus pandemic.

But Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., the focus of resentment for challenging Biden's election and, critics say, helping to incite the violent mob who attacked the Capitol, moved later Tuesday to block the fast-track confirmation process, saying he was dissatisfied with Mayorkas's responses to questions about the Biden immigration agenda. Hawley is a member of the homeland security committee.

A spokesman for Mayorkas, Sean Savett, called Hawley's move "dangerous, especially in this time of overlapping crises when there is not a moment to waste."

Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee responded bitterly. "His games are, AGAIN, putting our national security at risk," they said in a tweet.

Some Senate Republicans raised concerns about a 2015 inspector general report that said Mayorkas intervened in a visa program for wealthy investors at the behest of politically connected Democrats. The report found that Mayorkas, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time, did not break any laws but created the appearance of "special access" because he got involved in three projects that were headed for rejection, and all were approved.

Mayorkas told senators that he fixed problems in a troubled government agency that was supposed to create American jobs, and that the cases were among "hundreds" he examined at the request of lawmakers from both major political parties.

Amid questioning from the committee's top Republican, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, Mayorkas said he took issue with the term "intervene" because it was his job to get involved.

"I don't drive to be a government servant and serve the American public to cut ribbons around the country and have fun," Mayorkas said. "I work really hard. And I worked really, really, hard throughout my nearly 20 years of government service to bring honor to the office that I have been privileged to occupy."

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also raised the report as a concern, saying he wondered why Mayorkas, when approached by politically connected people, did not say to himself, "Holy cow, I've got to step back."

Mayorkas told Romney that he had learned from the episode. "I did in fact learn, senator, how to better guard against the perception" of favoritism, he said.

Mayorkas also testified on the issue in 2013 before he was confirmed for the No. 2 job at the Homeland Security Department; Republicans boycotted that hearing and voted against him that year.

Immigration enforcement was the other major theme of the hearing. Asked whether the U.S.-Mexico border needed more barriers, Mayorkas told senators that border security is "not a monolithic challenge," quoting the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., whom he called "an American hero."

"The border is varied," he said, and enforcement should be determined by "geography, the venue and conduct of individuals around it."

Mayorkas was pressed repeatedly by GOP senators about whether migrants seeking better economic opportunities were eligible for asylum in the United States. The law does not cover applicants seeking humanitarian protections on those grounds, Mayorkas said.

"We are a nation of immigrants," Mayorkas said. "We are also a nation of laws. I intend to apply the law."

Mayorkas said he did not support "defunding" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has become a target of liberal Democrats upset by the agency's aggressive approach under President Donald Trump. But Mayorkas deferred questions about whether he supported the emergency enforcement measures the Trump administration implemented at the border during the coronavirus pandemic that allow U.S. agents to rapidly "expel" most illegal crossers to Mexico.

"Our highest priority is to protect the health and well-being of the American public," said Mayorkas. He said he needed more time to study the emergency measures.

When Romney asked about a large caravan of Honduran migrants who have been attempting to travel north in recent days, telling some reporters that Biden will allow them to enter the United States, Mayorkas declined to say whether U.S. authorities should try to stop them. Guatemalan riot police have blocked the migrants along the highway, clubbing and arresting them.

"If people qualify under the law to remain in the United States, we will apply the law," Mayorkas said. "If they do not qualify, then they won't."

Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada was one of several Democrats who expressed concerns about the Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol and the growing threat of anti-Semitic and white supremacist groups.

"I am profoundly aware of the threat and existence of anti-Semitism in our country and the world," said Mayorkas, whose Romanian-born mother's relatives were killed in the Holocaust. "I have dedicated a considerable amount of my career to battling anti-Semitism and discrimination in all forms."

Mayorkas called the Capitol siege "horrifying," vowing to senators that the "terror" they and staffers felt "will not happen again."

Romney said at the hearing that the United States is "woefully unprepared" on cybersecurity, and he urged Mayorkas to bring a "whole different level of expertise" to confront such attackers. Authorities said in recent weeks that cyberspies, probably with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, breached networks at the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, Commerce, State and Energy.

Mayorkas said cybersecurity has long been a priority for him, including when he served as the deputy to Secretary Jeh Johnson during the Obama administration.

"The threat has only evolved and only grown since then," Mayorkas said. "I can assure you that the cybersecurity of our nation will be one of my highest priorities because I concur with you that the threat is real and the threat is every day, and we have to do a much better job than we are doing now."

The department has not had a Senate-confirmed leader in nearly two years, a vacuum in an agency created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to fight terrorism. It is the third-largest federal agency, with 240,000 employees, a $50 billion budget and a broad national security mandate to safeguard ports and borders, enforce immigration laws and defend against attacks on U.S. cyber networks.

A federal judge has rejected convicted pharmaceutical executive's Martin Shkreli's second request to be let out of prison early, showing skepticism about his claim in court papers that mental health issues have weakened his immune system and made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus.

U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto said in a 12-page ruling on Friday that Shkreli again failed to demonstrate extraordinary and compelling factors that would require a sentence modification, such as release under home confinement rules designed to move vulnerable inmates out of institutions during the pandemic.

Matsumoto, the same judge that ruled against Shkreli in May, said the 37-year-old presented no evidence to support his claims and that a mental health practitioner who evaluated him found him to be stable.

A federal judge rejected former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli's request to be freed from prison

U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto rejected his claim that his deteriorating mental health justified compassionate release

Matsumoto also rejected the argument that Shkreli should be let out because coronavirus-related lockdowns were impeding his ability to communicate with the lawyers representing him in a civil lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission.

Matsumoto noted that Shkreli recently had a two-hour Zoom session with his lawyers, as well as several phone calls up to an hour in length.

Shkreli's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, declined to comment.

The low-security prison in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, where Shkreli is locked up has seen an increase in coronavirus cases among inmates and staff, with 26 inmates and 14 staff members currently testing positive.

Prosecutors said that, as of January 6, there were no positive cases in Shkreli's housing unit. In her ruling, Matsumoto wrote that Shkreli is a 'relatively young and healthy man' and won't be at high risk of severe complications if he were to contract the disease.

Martin Shkreli was sentenced to seven years in federal prison and up to $7.4 million in fines in 2017 on charges of securities fraud

Shkreli is serving a seven-year prison sentence for a 2017 conviction for lying to investors about the performance of two hedge funds he ran, withdrawing more money from those funds than he was entitled to get, and defrauding investors in a drug company, Retrophin, by hiding his ownership of some of its stock.

Shkreli, who was ordered to forfeit $7.3 million as part of his sentence, is due to be released from prison in September 2023.

Shkreli first gained notoriety by buying the rights to a drug used to treat an infection that occurs in some AIDS, malaria and cancer patients and raising the price from $13.50 to $750 per pill.

He is also known for attacking critics on social media and offering a bounty to anyone who could give him one of Hillary Clinton's hairs.

In his original request for compassionate release, Shkreli asked to be let out of prison for three months to put his background 'as a successful two-time biopharma entrepreneur' to work researching a coronavirus treatment 'under strict supervision.'

Matsumoto rejected that, relaying concerns of probation officials that Shkreli's claim that he could develop a cure for coronavirus that 'so far eluded the best medical and scientific minds in the world working around the clock' is 'delusional self-aggrandizing behavior.'

A former Bloomberg News reporter, Christie Smythe, 38, quit her job, divorced her husband, and froze her eggs for imprisoned former CEO Martin Shkreli who said he 'wishes her well'

Shkreli was in the news last month after a former Bloomberg journalist who quit her job and left her husband to be with him despite him being incarcerated claims she fell in love with Shkreli while covering his white collar crimes for work.

Christie Smythe, 38, shared details of their romance in Elle in December after being cut off by Shkreli who, in a statement, said he 'wishes her well'.

Despite his reputation and crimes, Smythe said she fell hopelessly in love over the next few years after she started covering Shrkreli for work in early 2015, when she broke the news of his arrest for securities fraud.

Smythe quit her job at Bloomberg and began to visit him in prison and defending him on Twitter, until their relationship 'finally turned romantic' after he was sentenced in 2018.

Since then, she says she has frozen her eggs to be able to have a family with Shkreli, 37, when he gets out of prison. They've never slept together and have only been able to hug or kiss briefly in prison.

Smythe also hasn't been able to see him for more than a year but she says she is 'happier than ever' and willing to wait for him - even though he isn't speaking to her.

'I fell down the rabbit hole. I'm happy here. I feel like I have purpose,' she said.
Has Hillary Clinton taken one too many walks in the woods?

She's starting to sound outright crazy, in a podcast with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

According to The Independent of London:

Former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, have suggested that Donald Trump might have been in contact with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the day of the deadly riots at the US Capitol, and called for a 9/11-type commission to investigate the events of 6 January. Speaker Pelosi was in conversation with Ms Clinton for the podcast You and Me Both on Monday, when the former secretary of state said she would love to see Mr Trumps phone to see if he had been talking to Mr Putin on 6 January  the day of the riots. Ms Pelosi responded by saying Putin wants to undermine democracy of America and with Mr Trump all roads lead to Putin. She said the Capitol riots were a gift to Putin and the people who stormed the building were Putin puppets.

Or the Inspector General's report , another bollixed-up failure for the Russia collusion crowd which noted significant FBI failures, vanished.

Or the Senate intelligence committee's report, once again finding no Trump-Russia collusion , even existed.

Huge amounts of time, extending nearly the length of the Trump presidency, as well as tens of millions of dollars ( $35 million for the Mueller report alone) had been expended to prove that Donald Trump colluded with the Russians, yet they all came up with nothing, process crimes or unrelated crimes from a few officials at most.

The central charge, of Trump colluding with Putin was nothing but a made-up call, cooked up by Democrat operatives, based on assorted WikiLeaks, in a bid to deflect news of Clinton's security lapses from her illegally used private server and her emails. That was what the Ratcliffe report found and there have been others. Yet despite this invented narrative, shocking for its falsity against a president of the U.S, all that was ever exposed in the probes that followed was Hillary Clinton's own Russian collusions. Nothing, absolutely nothing, on Trump was ever found.

This claim is really old and a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Yet, Hillary still persists.

Even without those discrediting reports, the proof of its falsity can also be found in the Trump presidency.

The dirty little secret , as it was called, of the foreign policy crowd, as noted by CNN commentator Fareed Zakharia , was that Trump was hell on the Russians.

You know, the dirty little secret about the Trump administration was that while Donald Trump had clearly had a kind of soft spot for Putin, the Trump Administration was pretty tough on the Russians. They armed Ukraine, they armed the Poles. They extended NATO operations and exercises in ways that even the Obama Administration had not done.

Trump also expelled or refused to renew visas of hundreds of Russia's diplomats and foreign correspondents, seized Russia's consular properties, sanctioned Russian human rights violators, froze assets, armed the Ukrainians, and roadblocked the onetime superpower in huge ways on the Middle East which included undermining its longtime ally Iran.

Worse still for them, Trump achieved America's energy independence, which was a crushing economic blow for petrotyrant Putin. Joe Biden's plan to restore American energy dependence by shutting down fossil fuels is a big gift to the Russians, as is his plan to make nice with Iran.

Do colluders deliver geostrategic death blows to their supposed patrons? Do they hire people like heavyweight Putin critic Fiona Hill? If you're colluding, presumably you'd help your puppetmaster, not cut them off at the knees. Trump did precisely the opposite of help Putin as president, and any credible diplomat knows that you watch what counterparties do, not what they say.

You'd think that as a former Secretary of State, Clinton would have a take that was more serious on that front. Diplomats know what happened. Hillary still thinks Trump had to be on the phone during the riots to take instructions from Putin.

More disturbing still, as these investigations went on, the evidence piled up that both Clinton and her Democratic colleagues, did a lot of colluding with Russians on their own. The Clinton Foundation, for one, was rife with pay-to-play setups for access and influence on U.S. foreign policy, including the sale of U.S. uranium to Russia-aligned interests. As reporter John Solomon noted, Bill Clinton flew to Moscow to collect an " eye-popping " $500,000 for a single speech from Russian-linked interests. Meanwhile, the abandoned laptop of Biden's son Hunter revealed that a $3 million payment was delivered to Camp Biden by the wife of the mayor of Moscow, a known Putin ally, at whose funeral Putin eulogized.

Sound like Trump was the one colluding with the Russians? Is Hillary serious?

All of these events were big news when they happened, and yet still, Clinton is propagating the ridiculous, lunatic, utterly improbable claim that Trump was on the phone taking instructions during the Capitol riot from Putin.

It's the most unserious, baseless, lunatic claim, with zero evidence, and on the foreign policy front, zero probability. Yet still she persists, spewing out the most fantastical of utterly discredited tales -- to the third most powerful person in government, a woman who's just as truth-challenged as she. This person is a former Secretary of State? This woman she was making her claims to is the Speaker of the House? And the Speaker of the House was egging her on and nodding?
Industry Update

Appointment

19 January 2021

Wan Enderi Mohd Saad

Appointed General Manager

At Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has appointed Wan Enderi Mohd Saad (picture) as the new general manager of Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA in Malaysia, effective Jan 4. Wan Enderi has over 20 years of experience, having worked with some of the industry's multinational hospitality companies and hotels both locally and overseas.

Accor Accor is a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industrys most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. more information

Recent Appointments at Accor Jacco van Teeffelen - General Manager 21 May 2021  Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the iconic world-leading hotel group known for its historic luxury and unparalleled service, has announced the appointment of Jacco van Teeffelen as General Manager of Fairmont Winnipeg in Winnipeg, MB. read more

Rabih Zein - General Manager 17 May 2021  Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has named a new cluster general manager for its Ajman and Fujairah properties. Rabih Zein will help lead the two hotels, moving up from his previous position as GM of Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort. read more
Tata Motors has been organising several campaigns and activities across the nation to encourage more and more buyers to opt for combustion-free vehicles for a sustainable ecosystem. One such event was organised by the Indian car manufacturer for all the Nexon EV owners in Pune few days back.

The scheduled rally was flagged off from Hotel Sayaji and the EVs were destined to cover a total distance of 100km across two hours. The affair witnessed a turnout of 50 Nexon EV owners. One such proud owner was also declared as the winner for achieving the highest range of 375km in the conducted event.

The Tata Nexon EV was launched in January 2021 and is the most affordable EV currently on sale in the country. The 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery develops 127bhp and 245Nm of torque. The battery pack is dust and waterproof meeting the IP67 standards. However, the year 2021 is expected to bring in more EVs in the emerging EV market of India and the Nexon EV will soon face new competitors other than just the MG ZS EV . We have driven the Nexon EV and you can rear our first-drive review here.

The program which took place for the first time was also aimed to acquaint the owners and their families to the EV, learn new driving techniques, and calculate the mileage per charge.

Tata Nexon EV  13.99 Lakh Onwards

Tata | Nexon EV | Tata Nexon EV
JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy and the City of Jackson today announced the start of the Our Town meal distribution program, a one-of-a-kind collaboration in Michigan to support local restaurants and provide free meals to community members.

The new Our Town program will distribute thousands of meals to Jackson families in need for 10 weeks, starting Feb. 1. Nearly $500,000 contributed by Consumers Energy and several community partners will pay over 20 locally owned restaurants to prepare healthy meals. Restaurants also will ensure that over half of the food is locally sourced, creating more economic value for the community.

"We are excited this innovative and collaborative effort will assist those in need in our hometown," said Roger Curtis, Consumers Energy's vice president for public affairs. "We have been so touched by the generosity of our friends with the City of Jackson and community partners who are stepping up to ensure our local restaurants stay in business and our neighbors do not go hungry."

The Jackson effort is inspired by Everyone Eats, a program in Brattleboro, Vt., that used federal funding to support restaurants and provide thousands of meals. Consumers Energy and Jackson city officials hope the Our Town approach can lead to more donor-driven efforts across Michigan.

City of Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies applauded the quick work of city staff to collaborate with Consumers Energy and others. The effort also is supported by the Dream Maker Fund, the Jackson Community Foundation and the Enterprise Group Community Ventures Corporation.

"Our amazing City of Jackson staff have been instrumental in getting this much-needed program going," Dobies said. "This partnership with Consumers Energy really speaks to the commitment of our community to make sure everyone is cared for during this ongoing pandemic and hunger issues are kept at the forefront."

Meals will be distributed starting Feb. 1. Learn more at cityofjackson.org/ourtown.

The Our Town effort joins other recent efforts by Consumers Energy to support Michigan businesses. In December, the company provided $850,000 in matching gift cards for small businesses in over 55 communities. The company's charitable foundation has provided nearly another $2.5 million in support to Michigan businesses.

"This is a hopeful time for our state as Michiganders start to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the governor announcing plans to reopen restaurants next month," Curtis said. "We still need to support our town, and every town, until our restaurants get completely back on their feet."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy



SOURCE Consumers Energy

Related Links

http://www.consumersenergy.com


Avril Haines, President-elect Biden's nominee for director of national intelligence, pledged at her Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday to conduct a public assessment of the threat of the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory.

Why it matters: Many members of the pro-Trump mob involved in the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol siege were seen sporting symbols referencing QAnon, a sprawling and baseless conspiracy theory that purports that President Trump is fighting a vast deep-state cabal of pedophiles.

The FBI has labeled fringe conspiracies like QAnon as potential domestic terror threats.

Driving the news: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) asked Haines at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee whether she would commit to the assessment, which he first requested from the Trump administration in December.

Haines said she will "work with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security" to produce a report. The former Obama administration official indicated she would also assess how foreign influence operations have exacerbated the spread of QAnon.

Go deeper: The Capitol siege's QAnon roots
DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Phoenix Royalties (RPR) announces its third DJ Basin oil and natural gas royalty acquisition within current mineral fund. The purchase, from an undisclosed seller, encompasses 15 PDP wells with upside potential, located in the Niobrara Shale, Weld County, Colorado.

"This direct from seller acquisition was a transaction where a son, via power of attorney, coordinated the sale of his mother's mineral rights," shares Janie Widman, Vice President, Rising Phoenix Royalties. "Depending on an individual's or family's life situation, selling mineral rights can be a financially wise option to settle estates, immediately pay off debt, or fund retirement."

"In many cases the mineral sale lump sum payment translates to 'instant financial freedom' that is truly life changing for the seller," observes Widman.

Kerr-McGee Oil and Gas Onshore LP is the well-site operator and manages 2.3 K producing wells in 5 Colorado counties, including Weld County. Data on file shows 2.2 M barrels of oil and 24.7 MCF of gas produced in September 2020.

Backed by 4 generations of oil and gas industry expertise, RPR assists mineral owners nationwide with solutions in selling their mineral assets. Common reasons why RPR clients choose to sell their royalties include immediate financial need, maximizing tax benefits, funding retirement, diversifying investment portfolios, and liquidating estates. RPR provides an in-depth analysis of each divestiture to help owners in achieving their life and financial goals.

Rising Phoenix Royalties offers free evaluations of royalty interests.

Contact Janie Widman at 214.915.9288 or [email protected] .

About Rising Phoenix Royalties

Rising Phoenix Royalties, Dallas, TX, is a privately held independent mineral and royalty interest acquisition company built on four generations of oil and gas industry expertise. Since 2009, RPR has successfully identified, evaluated, acquired, and managed incoming producing properties of over $140 million in mineral and royalty assets in oil and gas basins nationwide. Learn more at www.risingphoenixroyalties.com.

Janie Widman

Rising Phoenix Royalties

214-915-9288

[email protected]

Join us on social media:

Facebook

LinkedIn

SOURCE Rising Phoenix Royalties

Related Links

https://www.risingphoenixroyalties.com/



They went public with their romance as they shared loved-up images to social media over the weekend.

And Demi Sims shared the moment Francesca Farago asked her to be her new girlfriend as she held a surprise dinner date on the beach during their trip to Mexico on Monday.

The TOWIE star, 24, and the Too Hot To Handle personality, 27, packed on the PDA as they exchanged kisses while enjoying a candle lit evening.

Cute: Demi Sims shared the moment Francesca Farago asked her to be her new girlfriend as she held a surprise dinner date on the beach during their trip to Mexico on Monday

Putting on a romantic display, the American influencer ensured the sandy shores of the country were decorated in rose petals, which read: 'Girlfriend?'

The smitten couple couldn't keep their hands off each other as they ended their intimate outing with kisses.

The pair treated themselves to sun-soaked strolls along the scenic hotspot earlier in the day.

How perfect: The TOWIE star, 24, and the Too Hot To Handle personality, 27, packed on the PDA as they exchanged kisses while enjoying a candle lit evening

'Look what she did for me!' Putting on a romantic display, the American influencer ensured the sandy shores of the country were decorated in rose petals, which read: 'Girlfriend?'

Romance is alive: The smitten couple couldn't keep their hands off each other as they ended their intimate outing with kisses

Just the two of us: The pair treated themselves to sun-soaked strolls along the hotspot earlier in the day

After revealing their new status, TV star Demi received a sweet message from her ex-girlfriend Megan Barton Hanson as she wrote 'cuties' underneath her Instagram post.

Francesca first received attention for her role in the Netflix original series Too Hot to Handle, which premiered last April.

Inspired by an episode of the hit sitcom Seinfeld, the show places 14 contestants together in a Mexican luxury resort, and in order to win $100,000, none of the cast members are allowed to have sex or engage in any other intimate contact.

Wow-factor: They tucked into a quiet meal as they soaked up the stunning scenery

Smitten: They went public with their romance as they shared loved-up images to social media over the weekend

The Canadian beauty was one of the contestants that made it to the final episode, and forged a close relationship with co-star Harry Jowsey.

The two split up shortly after the show's finale, but reconciled and became engaged during the show's reunion special taped eight months later; Francesca later announced that they broke off the relationship.

Demi has previously dated Leonie McSorley, with them last being seen out together in October, and having confirmed their romance in July.
The Illinois General Assembly took up this issue in legislation that would have banned the practice of locking up a student alone inside a seclusion room, or physically restraining them facedown. The bill was spawned by joint Tribune/ProPublica Illinois investigation in 2019 that revealed public schools across the state had been confining children with emotional or behavioral disabilities alone in small enclosures for classroom disciplinary reasons. Under current Illinois law, schools can put children in isolation only if those students pose a safety threat to themselves or others.
The easing of restrictions in Northern Ireland is some time away yet, Northern Irelands top doctor has said.

Dr Michael McBride, Northern Irelands chief medical officer (CMO), said levels of transmission of Covid-19 and the pressures on the health service mean that it is not safe to consider lifting the lockdown.

I think the easing of restrictions is some time away yet in my view, he said.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Dr McBride said there are a number of criteria he would like to see met before restrictions in Northern Ireland are relaxed.

The Northern Ireland Executive is due to meet on Thursday to discuss the current lockdown, after originally stating the measures put in place at Christmas would remain in place until February 6.

Read More

Dr McBride said the lockdown has been effective in reducing the R number for community transmission in Northern Ireland, which he said has been below 1 for a number of weeks.

However, pressures on the hospital system remain high and more patients are expected to need an intensive care bed in the coming weeks.

The CMO said it is imperative that hospital pressures ease, as well as a continued reduction in new cases before restrictions can be lifted.

He also said he wants as many people as possible to receive their first dose of the vaccine before steps are taken to lift the measures in place to control the spread of the virus.

However, he warned the emergence of the Kent variant of Covid-19, which is between 50 and 70% more infectious than the current dominant strain in Northern Ireland, will make it more difficult to bring the virus under control.

Unfortunately the R number for hospital admissions remains above one and whilst the numbers seem to be plateauing, I anticipate that our hospital system will be under some significant pressure for some many weeks, he warned.

If you look at the R number for intensive care admissions, there still remains an upward trajectory in terms of likely anticipated pressures, in terms of people requiring intensive care, beds and treatment.

If we then consider the next steps, I think there are number of conditions that are important that we reflect upon.

Firstly, what we need to see is sustained reduction in the levels of community transmission and that obviously just became harder with the emergence of the variant throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and here in Northern Ireland.

So what that means is we all have to work much harder to achieve the same effect and the restrictions that would have achieved significant impacts in terms of community transmission will not be as effective with the new variant in circulation and thats something which we all must be mindful of.

Those circumstances where the virus would not have transmitted before the virus now will transmit.

Read More

He continued: The second thing to bear in mind is that before we consider relaxation in current restrictions, we need to ensure that we have more of those people who are clinically extremely vulnerable protected by the vaccine.

We are making very good progress, we have made a very good start, however we need to ensure we have as many people at risk of severe disease vaccinated with the first dose as possible before we consider significant relaxation in the current restrictions.

The third element that is crucially important, we need sustained reduction in the pressures on our hospital system.

Our hospitals are seeing pressures like they have never seen before at any stage during this pandemic.

Our health service and those staff working in it are facing a very difficult time at present and will do over the next couple of weeks, and what we cannot allow to happen is to relax the current restrictions prematurely so you have increase again in community transmission and then we see the hospital system face a further wave of increased transmissions and increased pressures.
(Newser)  President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the US without legal status, reports the AP. The legislation, a massive reversal from the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies, puts Biden on track to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of President Trump's restrictive policies and mass deportations. It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years, but it fails to include the traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favored by many Republicans, putting passage in a narrowly divided Congress in doubt.

story continues below

Under the legislation, set to be introduced after Biden takes the oath of office Wednesday, those living in the US as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements. From there, it's a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the US illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status, could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school, or meet other requirements. Biden is also expected to take swift executive actions to reverse other Trump immigration actions, including an end to the prohibition on arrivals from several predominantly Muslim countries.

(Read more immigration stories.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. to share vaccine procurement details with Senate President Vicente Sotto III for "transparency", after the secretary refused to disclose the prices of vaccines, Senator Bong Go said.

"[I]natasan niya si Secretary Galvez na ipaalam ang kasunduan kay Senate President Sotto," said Go in a video message to reporters on Tuesday.

[Translation: He ordered Secretary Galvez to inform Senate President Sotto about the deals.]

The order comes shortly after Galvez emphasized the need to comply with confidential disclosure agreements signed with vaccine makers.

"Maaari pong mawala sa atin ang 148 million doses na nine-negotiate po natin sa mga vaccine companies kapag lumabag po tayo sa ating kasunduan," said Galvez, as he explained certain information like prices of vaccines are covered by the said agreements.

[Translation: We might lose the 148 million doses we are negotiating with vaccine companies if we breach our agreement(s with them).]

The 148 million doses, which are currently being negotiated with more or less seven vaccine manufacturers, will inoculate around 50 to 70 million Filipinos by year-end, assuming things go as planned.

RELATED: COVID-19 vaccines: Where is PH in the procurement, clinical trials?

Galvez, who was heavily grilled during the Senate Committee of the Whole's hearing on the national vaccination plan last week, also expressed his intent to reconcile and harmonize information on vaccines with those in lawmakers' possession.

RELATED: Duterte defends vaccine czar vs alleged kickbacks, non-disclosure of dose prices

"Nakita po natin na sa pandemic po na ito, kailangang-kailangan po natin ang cooperation po ng Senado at ng ehekutibo para magkaroon po tayo ng tinatawag na whole-of-nation, whole-of-government approach," said Galvez, while also reminding senators not to violate non-disclosure agreements in the process.

[Translation: We saw that during this pandemic, we really need the cooperation of the Senate and the executive branch in order to establish a whole-of-nation, whole-of-government approach.]
In 2020 the Real Housewives were forced to pivot how they film due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Kameron Westcott says that shooting during lockdown was a very unique experience.

Westcott spoke exclusively with DailyMailTV senior correspondent Alicia Quarles about adjusting to a new way of shooting calling it 'extremely different'.

Plus, the 38-year-old dished about her fun new podcast with Kary Brittingham, her thriving pet brand, Sparkle Dog and her relationship with former Housewife LeeAnne Locken.

New normal: Real Housewives of Dallas star Kameron Westcott spoke exclusively with DailyMailTV senior correspondent Alicia Quarles about adjusting to filming during COVID, calling it 'extremely different'

'It was extremely different,' she reflected. 'We had a lot more footage inside our homes so it was different for our families because they're not used to having cameras over here 24/7.'

Kameron explained that the entire dynamic shifted because instead of being able to film at events or restaurants and during cast trips, it was primarily just her personal life at home.

Season five, which premiered earlier in January, marks Westcott's fourth with the Real Housewives of Dallas after joining the popular series in season two.

New castmate Tiffany Hendra found out the hard way what type of drama being a Housewife can drum up after being shaded for a lavish tour of her mansion.

'It was extremely different,' she reflected. 'We had a lot more footage inside our homes so it was different for our families because they're not used to having cameras over here 24/7.'

'Sometimes it gets sticky because we are in the south and southern women, you know, try not to brag about their wealth,' Kameron said of the flack Tiffany caught.

'But for me, I love going into people's closets because it really expresses people's style and you get to know them when you enter someone's closet,' she added.

Season seven is also the first without former co-star LeeAnne Locken who quit the series last year.

Changes: Season five marks Westcott's fourth with the Real Housewives of Dallas and the first without former co-star LeeAnne Locken

'LeeAnne and I are a great place. I love that we've shared so many wonderful memories,' Kameron told Alica Quarles. She added that aside from her, LeeAnne seems to have pretty much washed her hands of the cast (Season 4 cast pictured with Andy Cohen)

'LeeAnne and I are a great place. I love that we've shared so many wonderful memories,' Kameron told Alica Quarles. She added that aside from her, LeeAnne seems to have pretty much washed her hands of the cast.

'She is really just doing her own thing. I don't really think she misses a lot of the girls on the show. I don't think she does,' she continued. 'She keeps in touch with me.'

Meanwhile, Kameron has not slowed down despite quarantine and recently launched a new podcast cheekily titled Kam & Kary Do Dallas with co-star Kary Brittingham.

'We are complete opposites, which is so excited and fun because we love to throw different opinions to each other,' she gushed about her new podcast. 'We still both love each other even though we have different opinions on a lot of things.'

It's no secret to fans of RHOD that Kam and Kary tend to have opposing opinions but Westcott says it's that dynamic that makes Kary the 'perfect partner'.

'We are complete opposites, which is so excited and fun because we love to throw different opinions to each other,' she gushed about podcasting. 'We still both love each other even though we have different opinions on a lot of things.'

Westcott has also been keeping busy by working on her pet product line Sparkle Dog.

Dog lover: Westcott has been keeping busy by working on her pet product line Sparkle Dog which is available on Amazon

The brand which features treats, toys and even pet shampoos and is available on Amazon and Kam promises the line is perfect for furry friends of all sizes.

'It's very wholesome,' she said. 'Everything in it is extremely healthy and organic. So your dogs will actually love it.'

Season five of the Real Housewives of Dallas is currently in full swing and airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo.
Tech companies here raised a record 45.6m in investment last year, creating more jobs at better salaries than any other sector, according to a report today.

Tech Nation, a growth platform for tech companies, alongside search engine Adzuna, said the figure represented the Northern Ireland tech sector's most profitable year yet. It's 50% more than what it raised in its last count in 2018.

Back then new tech start-ups in NI raised 30.4m through capital investment.

As a result of the investment the IT sector offered more jobs in 2020 than any other field here, ahead of healthcare, nursing, accounting and finance. Tech jobs here pay an average of 43,000.

The report comes as tech firm SustainIQ secured a six-figure investment from a syndicate of HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) Angel investors and Co-Fund NI, managed by Clarendon Fund Managers.

It will allow the company, which helps organisations to monitor social, economic and environmental impacts, to expand its presence here and in ROI.

And in Newry, 15 new tech roles have been created at ROI firm Glantus' new NI operation, which launched recently with 75,000 support from Invest NI.

Dr George Windsor, head of insights at Tech Nation, said: "NI's strong investment levels, despite the challenges of the past 12 months, are something to celebrate.

"From established firms to start-ups, tech companies across the region have come together to form a supportive ecosystem, making it a welcoming place to launch a new venture. This is a great opportunity to understand what more can be done to ensure that Belfast and NI's tech sector continues to thrive."

Jason McKeown, chief executive of Neurovalens, a medical technology firm, added: "When we started Neurovalens, there was only the whisper of a start-up hub in Belfast. Now the ecosystem has really developed, with a wealth of co-working spaces, innovation grants and meet-ups."

Mr McKeown added: Six years on, the city is a phenomenal place to launch a tech company and we couldnt be prouder to be part of such a thriving industry.

Last year, Belfast was ranked as one of the best cities in Europe for tech firms according to fDi Intelligence, taking into account measures such as economic potential, innovation and attractiveness, and foreign direct investment performance.

Minister for Digital Caroline Dinenage said: All regions across the UK are benefitting from the tech industry. Belfasts engineering heritage has laid the foundations for a tech industry rich in technical skills and passion, and one that is employing thousands of people.

There are currently 806 open tech roles in NI, with 516 of those in Belfast.

The Tech Nation data also revealed that IT workers here, on average, earn more than 10,000 than their non-tech counterparts.

The report said these new findings reflected the reliance on technology during the coronavirus pandemic, as businesses and consumers took work and life online.

As a result, tech companies and skilled tech workers have been more in-demand than ever here.

This increased need for specialist staff means tech workers across the region can command larger salaries.

Tech workers in Northern Ireland, the research stated, earn on average 43,032, over 10,000 more than the standard average salary of 32,704.

Software engineers are in particular demand, with 250 vacancies across the region, with an average salary of 53,312.

Meanwhile, data scientists can earn on average 50,127.

The top tech companies taking on staff in Belfast include a mix of professional services firms such as Citi and PwC and financial tech providers CME Group and Trintech.

The average tech salary in Belfast is slightly higher at 43,228 than the 43,032 in the rest of Northern Ireland.

The figures on the growth of Northern Irelands tech industry were published as the Governments Digital Economy Council and Tech Nation host a digital roundtable today to discuss the challenges facing the sector as it works to create jobs and help the region recover from the impact of the coronavirus on jobs.

This weeks virtual roundtable is one of a series being held.

Adani Group on Tuesday announced that it has signed a concession agreement with Airports Authority of India(AAI) for Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram airports.

"We are pleased to inform you that Adani Jaipur International Airport Limited, Adani Guwahati International Airport Limited and Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company have signed the Concession Agreement on 19th January, 2021 with Airports Authority of India for the Operations," the company said in a regulatory filing today.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

"The concession period is 50 years from the commercial operation date," the company added in the filing.

Adani Group had emerged as the highest bidder for six AAI airports namely Lucknow, Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram in February 2019.

Developing story

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
AS 2021 begins, many people in Manitoba are hopeful that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. The number of infections reported is falling. Effective vaccines have been approved and will eventually become widely available.

Opinion

AS 2021 begins, many people in Manitoba are hopeful that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. The number of infections reported is falling. Effective vaccines have been approved and will eventually become widely available.

Unfortunately, the pandemic is far from over and the worst could still lie ahead. Manitoba, like most jurisdictions in Canada except the Atlantic provinces and Northern territories, is using a public-health strategy for responding to COVID-19 that hasnt given us the protection and positive outcomes that we could have expected.

This strategy  one of mitigation, to use the epidemiological term  has aimed to keep the virus from spreading so much that sick people overwhelm the hospital system.

"Building the Canadian Shield: A New Strategy to Protect Canadians from COVID and from the Fight Against COVID," a new report from the COVID Strategic Choices Group  a task force made up of scientists, medical doctors, economists and top corporate figures  is clear: "The sad reality is that even the most aggressive or innovative tactics cannot save a failing strategy."

The report points out that a number of countries using mitigation strategies, including the UK, have found themselves forced into lockdowns for a third time.

The problem is that when the virus is still circulating in the population at a significant level and most people havent been vaccinated, the end of a lockdown will eventually lead to another wave of infections. We know all about that in Manitoba. Even though the number of infections was very low in the summer of 2020, reopening without appropriate preventative measures in place and extensive resources for rapid testing, contact tracing and supported isolation measures led later in the year to a rapidly rising wave.

Building the Canadian Shields statistical forecast is "that, without a fundamental change in strategy, Canada will likely experience a third wave this spring with a potential peak of over 9,000 cases per day."

Widespread vaccination by late 2021 may not protect us from a third wave this spring. As highlighted in the report and supported by many leading public-health experts, we suggest that a different strategy is needed to prevent the deaths, disabling long-term health effects, suffering, mass exhaustion of our essential and critical workers and financial hardship that will be inflicted by another wave.

Another reason to drastically curb the spread of the virus is that the more it circulates, the greater the chances that new variants will develop that are more deadly, resistant to vaccines or spread more easily, as the one in the U.K. that is currently the focus of much attention appears to do.

There are alternatives to the current "live with the virus" strategy. Its possible to adopt a strategy of suppressing the virus. This has been done in a number of countries, including Australia. It involves using extensive lockdowns to drive the number of cases down to very low figures. At the same time, governments commit the resources required for widespread testing, contact tracing that really works and measures to support people isolating when they need to.

Only when there are very few infections and those programs are in place are restrictions relaxed. This is what a growing number of scientists and doctors, some connected to the #COVIDzero initiative, have been calling for. Its what Building the Canadian Shield proposes. In Manitoba, Communities Not Cuts has launched a Suppress the Virus campaign, urging the government of Manitoba to adopt this path to protect our most vulnerable, our essential workers and everyone else.

It should be accompanied with generous social and economic supports to help people through the pandemic. These include a ban on evictions, rent relief, additional support for workers as requested by their unions and associations, and entrenching paid sick days in the Employment Standards Code.

We also need an approach to public health that is clear and transparent about what the goal is and whats needed to achieve it  one that aims to mobilize organizations and individuals in a co-operative effort to control the pandemic and promote well-being.

Suppressing the virus wont be easy. However, to stick with the current strategy is to invite more unnecessary deaths, harm and restrictions on gatherings over the course of 2021.

David Camfield is an associate professor of labour studies and sociology at the University of Manitoba. Claudyne Chevrier is a local activist and a graduate of the community health sciences department at the University of Manitoba.
A worker in a protective suit is seen at the closed seafood market in Wuhan, Hubei province, China January 10, 2020. Picture taken January 10, 2020. REUTERS-Yonhap



China and the World Health Organization could have acted faster to avert catastrophe during the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, a panel of independent experts has concluded.



The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response said its evaluation of the start of the crisis in China "suggests that there was potential for early signs to have been acted on more rapidly".



Containment measures should have been implemented immediately in all countries where transmission was likely, the panel said in their second report, due to be presented to the WHO's executive board on Tuesday.



Covid-19 was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019 before seeping beyond China's borders to wreak global havoc, costing more than two million lives and eviscerating economies.



The panel said it was clear that "public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China in January".



The report also criticised the WHO for dragging its feet at the start of the crisis, pointing out that the UN health agency did not convene its emergency committee until January 22, 2020.



And the committee failed to agree to declare the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)  its highest alert level  until a week later.





A general view shows the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market, where the first cluster of cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, January 15, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap



Trump accusations



"It is not clear why the committee did not meet until the third week of January, nor is it clear why it was unable to agree on the (PHEIC) declaration... when it was first convened," the report said.



The WHO has already faced claims it was too slow to declare an international crisis, to acknowledge the virus was spreading through the air, and to recommend face masks.



Outgoing US President Donald Trump accused the organisation of botching its handling of the pandemic and of being a "puppet of China".



The panel, led by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, began its work in July after WHO member states called for an "impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation" of its response to the pandemic.



'Hidden epidemic'



Just over a year after the first cases of Covid-19 were detected in China, experts agree that the official tally of over two million deaths and close to 100 million infections is an underestimate.



And according to the panel report, the case numbers have been undercounted from the start.





A vendor waits for customers in his shop in Wuhan, China's central Hubei province on January 19, 2021. AFP-Yonhap
The release of the countrys much anticipated census data offers a chance to look back at past predictions to see what can be gleaned about the future

May 28, 2021 01:39 PM
President Donald Trump turns to reporters as he exits the White House to walk toward Marine One on the South Lawn in Washington, on Jan. 12, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Trump Lifts CCP Virus Travel Ban for UK, Brazil, Keeps Ban for China, Iran

Biden's spokesperson says he will block Trump's order

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Jan. 18 lifting the CCP virus travel ban for most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil. The proclamation makes clear that travel restrictions will remain in place for China and Iran.

Trump in March 2020 issued travel bans for foreign nationals from the Schengen Area of Europe, and later to the United Kingdom and Ireland, if they have been within those areas in the prior 14 days. In May 2020, he ordered a similar travel ban for Brazil. Trumps latest order, effective Jan. 26, will terminate the travel bans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Jan. 12 issued an order that requires proof of a negative test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, for all air passengers coming from abroad to the United States. The order takes effect on Jan. 26.

Trump said that Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar reports high confidence that Europes Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, and Brazil, will cooperate with the CDCs order and that tests administered there will provide accurate results.

This cooperation stands in stark contrast to the behavior of the governments and state-owned enterprises of the Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which repeatedly have failed to cooperate with the United States public health authorities and to share timely, accurate information about the spread of the virus, the president noted.

Trump added that both Chinas and Irans responses to the CCP virus, their lack of transparency, and lack of cooperation with the United States, cast doubt on their cooperation in implementing CDCs January 12, 2021, order.

Azar advised Trump that travel restrictions can be lifted for the Europes Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, and Brazil, but should remain for China and Iran.

I agree with the Secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely, Trump said in his proclamation.

President-elect Joe Bidens spokesperson said that Biden will block Trumps order.

With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel, Bidens incoming press secretary, Jen Psaki, said in a statement on Twitter.

On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19, she added.
Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Trader Joe's Company, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The San Francisco employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe's Company, alleging the company violated California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Trader Joe's Company, is currently pending in the San Francisco County Superior Court, Case No. CGC-20-588293. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

According to the lawsuit filed, Trader Joe's Company allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses, and (f) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

Cal. Lab. Code  226 provides "that every employer shall furnish each of his or her employees with an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing...the corresponding amount of time worked at each hourly rate." From time to time, DEFENDANT allegedly failed to provide wage statements to employees that identified the correct gross and net wages earned, the applicable number of hours worked and rates of pay, which resulted in DEFENDANT allegedly violating Cal. Lab. Code  226.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Trader Joe's Company, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***

The SolarWinds Orion SUNBURST supply chain attack has rocked the confidence of security teams across all industries. In this blog, Todd Kemmerling, Director of Data Science at ExtraHop, reconstructs the timeline of the attack over the past 9+ months and provides insights about how to improve threat detection in the future.

A forensic examination of SUNBURST before detection

Over the last week I have been working on analyzing the depth and breadth of the SUNBURST trojan. I decided it was important to devote some time to understanding how this threat made it past so many, and was able to linger for so long, in the hopes of improving how we approach threat detection in the future.

In addition, I noticed that some of the forensic data is disappearing from public archives and databases and I wanted to preserve what I could. For example, the WHOIS record no longer lists the registrar of the last changes to avsvmcloud[.]com domain prior to Microsoft capturing the domain in a sinkhole.

Threat Level 0.25 (Unlikely)

On July 25, 2018 the domain name avsvmcloud[.]com was registered by a domain name squatter or typo squatter.

ExtraHop

We can make this conclusion because there was nearly zero activity or social networking (such as a website or mentions on LinkedIn) on this domain until the recent past and the domain reseller activity is detectable back to early 2019.

A simple search (done on December 15, 2020) of the Wayback Machine showed only a single entry from 2019 where it appeared that robots.txt prevented the site from being indexed:

ExtraHop

It is not unusual for a new website to hold off indexing during development. Shortly after this entry was logged, the domain went up for sale. Here are some examples of the ads that listed avsvmcloud[.]com for sale:

ExtraHop

Ad listing avsvmcloud[.]com for sale.

At this point the domain doesn't show anything to be concerned about:

It looks like it could have been purchased as an investment (buy for low cost, sell for a profit)

It has a near-zero footprint (only a couple of IP addresses and no links in or out)

The observed IP addresses associated with the domain are from domain resellers and their hosting services

The social graph (employee names, email address, phone numbers, web pages, IP addresses, web site) of the domain is small

On a scale of 0.0 (0% probability of threat) to 1.0 (100% probability of threat), I would score this risk level at 0.25 (or, most likely not a threat). It is not unusual for domains to be purchased and heldI do this on occasion myself for research purposes and for possible future projects.

Threat Level 0.375 (Inconclusive)

On February 25, 2020, the avsvmcloud[.]com domain was transferred and registered by www.domainsbyproxy.com, as confirmed by a WHOIS query on December 13, 2020 and by a number of other OSINT sources such as Domain Status.

ExtraHop

It is not uncommon for a domain to transfer ownership, but it is a little unusual for a domain to sit dormant for two years, abruptly change ownership without any related relevant activity, and then immediately become active.

As avsvmcloud[.]com becomes more active, it can be considered a new domain because it has been parked for the bulk of its existence. Newly active domains are considered more risky than older established domains. The threat potential is still low, but moving from "not a threat" to "unknown threat." I would score the risk level at 0.375.

In retrospect, it becomes clear that lying dormant was a strategic effort by the SUNBURST trojan to avoid detection. In other words: go active, establish history, but take no note-worthy action.

Threat Level 0.50 (Growing)

On February 26, 2020, the SUNBURST trojan came to life. In a matter of minutes, the avsvmcloud[.]com domain grew from a single IP address to seven IP addresses. These IP addresses are from multiple cloud vendors located in Europe and the United States. In the next few days, the associated IP addresses grew to at least 15 locations on servers from at least three cloud service providers.

From a predictive modeling perspective, this is the worst position to be in. We know a threat is out there, we know it is active, we know it is growing, but we don't know enough to know what else might be coming. Based on the increased activity, I would score the risk level at 0.50.

Threat Level 0.90 (Imminent)

On April 15 a domain-generation algorithm (DGA) was observed with a fully-qualified domain name (FQDN) of f526qtbk9bbb9chpf1vt24i.appsync-api.eu-west-1.avsvmcloud[.]com. Based on the increased activity, I would score the risk level at 0.90.

Active Undetected Threat

When indicators of compromise began to appear in December, the security community was alerted and threat hunters began to see the scope and depth of the attack.

Why Is This Type of Detection Challenging?

While the December 13, 2020 FireEye Blog Post describes a DGA as a "domain name generated by algorithm," I prefer to characterize this FQDN as a "hostname generated by algorithm."

The "avsvmcloud" part of the FQDN determines whether the domain is a DGA. The hostname "f526qtbk9bbb9chpf1vt24i" part of the FQDN is not typically evaluated because it is not uncommon for large enterprises to assign hostnames by algorithm. The variables in this domain name are the algorithm-based hostname and region-based subdomains. Strictly speaking, the domain name is not changing and therefore there is nothing to detect.

The variables in the region-based subdomains appear to be a mechanism to minimize the chance of detection by "impossible distance" detections. These detections examine the locations where a user is logging in from and considers whether it is possible for that user to have traveled between those locations. For example if user "Todd" logs into the system from Paris and then logs in from San Francisco two hours later, an impossible distance detection occurs. These variable subdomains likely routed victims to more local attacker nodes.

If the variable subdomain successfully avoids the impossible distance detection, and there are no strong indicators that this FQDN is a threat, what are some other signals? We must look at unusual behavior signals.

What Should Security Analysts Do?

The first time this FQDN connects to a network, the incident should be detected as an unusual behavior. Unusual doesn't necessarily mean bad, but should be investigated. New FQDNs are frequent, researching them takes time, specialized tools, and access to the proper data.

When an investigation about a FQDN returns virtually no results (no web site, no business address, no CEO, no phone numbers except the domain registrar), you should consider this to be a strong signal that something is awry.

An ambiguous domain isn't a threat until an unknown actor on the internet is connecting to your network. While it is possible that this situation is benign, it is suspicious enough to be considered a legitimate potential threat.

References

The dataset in this analysis has at least two sources for each referenced data point, but should still be considered incomplete because we have ~1,700 data points for an attack believed to have a footprint of nearly 18,000 systems.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 42F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
Mumbai, Jan 19 : Actors Harshvardhan Rane and Sanjeeda Shaikh say they had fun shooting for the Kushan Nandy directorial Kun Faya Kun despite the challenges they faced due to the pandemic.

The shooting took place in Mahabaleshwar, Wai and Panchgani in Maharashtra in November, December and January.

Sanjeeda posted a photo of the film's team on Tuesday and wrote on Instagram: "A breathtaking thriller, a fun filled shoot, finally comes to a wrap! My next movie Kun Faya Kun. directed by @kushannandy is coming to cinemas soon. Stay tuned! #KunFayaKun." In a statement, the actress said: "An actor always looks out for different experiences and characters, and I am glad that 'Kun Faya Kun' has given me that edge. I had a wonderful time working on this film and shooting for it, despite the challenges posed by the current times. I am sure the audience will embrace its unique vibe." Excited about completing the shoot, Kushan said: "As a team, we take great pride in having started and completed the shooting of our film 'Kun Faya Kun', even as we await for normalcy to return in these times of a pandemic.

"We have had a very challenging, but successful experience shooting this project, and we can't wait to take the audience on a thrilling ride with this movie, which we have made with a lot of love, laughter and fun on the sets." Harshvardhan feels this is a time for "movies laced with new styles of storytelling and differentiated content. I am so glad about being a part of a film like 'Kun Faya Kun', which ticks all the right boxes. Teaming up with my 'Taish' co-star Sanjeeda again was a cherry on top, and working under Kushan Nandy's direction has made me admire his attention to detail".

The film is written by Ghalib Asad Bhopali.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Advertisement

Hard-pressed parents were handed the prospect of a new postcode lottery nightmare when lockdown ends as a top medic warned today that schools could reopen at different times.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries told MPs that it was 'likely' that there would a regional approach to restarting face-to-face lessons for millions of children when England comes out of the latest shutdown.

It means that the date when schools restart could be based on the infection rate locally, with areas with the highest rates staying closed for longer.

Facing the Education Committee today Dr Harries was also unable to rule out schools remaining closed after February half-term - after education chiefs last night raised fears children could be away from the classrooms until Easter.

Asked if schools could reopen next month she said the February restart should not be seen as a 'fixed date' and infection rates 'will continue to need to be observed and reviewed up until that time period'.

Asked about a regional phased reopening of schools she said: 'On the broad epidemiology it is highly likely that when we come out of this national lockdown we will not have consistent patterns of infection in our communities across the country. And therefore as we had prior to the national lockdown it may well be possible we need to have some differential application.

'But ... clearly schools will be right at the top of the priority for trying to ensure that that that balance of educational wellbeing is right at the forefront of consideration.

'The short answer is that it is likely we will have some sort of regional separation of interventions and it is likely that as we are hopefully starting to see now some glimmers of hope that London which has been affected earlier by the new variant, that may move across the country.'

She added: 'Schoolchildren definitely can transmit infection in schools - they can transmit it in any environment - but it is not a significant driver as yet, as far as we can see, of large-scale community infections.'

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Janny Harries told MPs that it was 'likely' that there would a regional approach to restarting face-to-face lessons for millions of children when England comes out of the latest shutdown

Despite the UK recording another drop in Covid cases, school bosses believe millions of pupils face being home schooled until the start of April. Pictured: Pupils wear protective face masks

More than a fifth of primary school pupils in England were on-site last week during the latest lockdown, new Government data shows.

Overall, 14 per cent of state school pupils were in class on January 13, which is higher than when schools were partially closed between March and May last year.

Figures from the Department for Education show 21 per cent of primary school pupils were on-site last week, while 5% of secondary school students were in class.

Attendance is higher than during the first lockdown where on-site attendance was approximately 4 per cent in primary schools and 1 per cent in secondary schools, according to the Government's analysis.

Pupils in schools and colleges in England - except children of key workers and vulnerable pupils - have been told to learn remotely until mid-February due to tighter restrictions.

But approximately 709,000 children of critical workers were in attendance on January 13 - which represents 72 per cent of all pupils in attendance last week.

Despite the UK recording another drop in Covid cases, school bosses believe millions of pupils now face the prospect of being home schooled until the start of April. It means students will have faced almost a year of on-and-off disruption to their education.

Fears of an April return were further compounded as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned at the weekend that it would not be possible to start to lift lockdown restrictions in England until March.

And yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock cast more doubt on a March re-opening for schools when he declined to say that a loosening of lockdown rules meant a return for students.

The warning comes as disgruntled Tory backbenchers last night demanded the Government produce an urgent 'road map' out of lockdown - with measures due to be lifted in mid-February.

But as the number of people vaccinated reached 4million yesterday and infection figures continued to fall, with Britain recording another 37,535 new cases, down a fifth from last Monday, Boris Johnson last night defied fresh demands to say how and when the brutal restrictions in England will ease.

Meanwhile, Government sources last night said it was too early to say when schools would reopen, with one source saying: 'It's about what the health picture is. If lockdown does its job then schools could be the first thing to open.'

The Prime Minister has repeatedly vowed that the reopening of schools will be his priority when lockdown is eased  but no date has ever been set.

And now the leader of a major academy chain has warned the 'mood' is for schools to shut until the Easter holidays - at the start of April.

Steve Chalke, head of the Oasis academy chain, which runs 48 schools, said: 'I don't think schools will reopen until post Easter. I think they will miss the second half of term as well.'

Charlotte Rose assists one of her children, who is home schooled in Milton Keynes

Parents are irate that their children could be out of school until April with one declaring: 'Kill me now'

Meanwhile, Government sources last night said it was too early to say when schools would reopen. Pictured: Education Secretary Gavin Williamson

The Prime Minister, pictured yesterday in a full protective suit during his visit to Oxford Biomedica, has said reopening schools will be his priority when lockdown is eased  but no date has ever been set

Mr Chalke meanwhile said many teachers are very worried about catching Covid in school and that they will feel 'safer' and 'more confident' when the weather warms up and they can take children out of the classroom more.

At yesterday's Downing Street press conference, Mr Hancock was asked whether schools would reopen in March.

He simply said: 'We've got to watch the data, and the Prime Minister, when he brought in the national lockdown, set out four considerations. We've got to see the number of deaths coming down, and sadly we haven't seen that yet. We need to clearly see the pressure on the NHS reducing, and we are not seeing that yet.

'We must see the vaccination programme working and the rollout is going really well.' He continued: 'The fourth consideration is that there mustn't be some other new variant.'

Professor Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at Public Health England, said: 'We've always said the schools should be the last to close and first to open.

'But I think giving a more defined date than that is very difficult until we see what happens over the next few weeks.'

Fears of schools remaining shut until Easter are growing after ministers refused to set a reopening date yesterday. Pictured, a primary school in east London

A sign hangs on the gate of St Anne's Catholic Primary school in Caversham, Reading. No date has yet been confirmed for the reopening of schools

Education insiders said the date for reopening 'was never going to be' February half-term and claimed the Government is 'working on the assumption it will be Easter at the earliest'

Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said the Government has presided over 'one of the world's largest procurements of laptops and tablets' so students can work effectively remotely. Pictured: Students takes a COVID-19 test at Oasis Academy in Coulsdon, Surrey

Last night Robert Halfon, Tory MP and chairman of the education committee, said: 'The Government said that schools would reopen after the February half term. Everything possible should be done to keep to that date  for the sake of the children's education, mental health and safety.

'That is why ministers should prioritise school staff for the vaccine, and send in mobile units to jab them across the country.'

Mr Johnson said there would be no 'open sesame' relaxation of lockdown. 'I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can,' he said.

Delays at Heathrow as Border Force check 'every UK arrival' for negative Covid test Thousands of airline passengers arriving in Britain from across the world faced delays to get through passport control as Border Force agents demanded proof they did not have Covid-19 - despite all those flying into the UK already having to prove their negative test result when boarding abroad. New rules came into force at 4am requiring arrivals to prove they were negative for coronavirus with a test that meets performance standards of 97 per cent specificity and 80 per cent sensitivity at high viral loads. This is most likely to be a PCR test, which tend to take 12 to 48 hours for the results to come back and were used by every passenger spoken to MailOnline arriving at UK airports today. Border Force staff were ignoring guidelines for 'spot checks' and instead chose to ask every person for proof they don't have Covid-19, leading to concerns over social distancing as queues built up. Travellers described 'chaotic' scenes in arrivals at London Heathrow Airport as border workers checked all negative test certificates and quarantine locator forms despite all airlines not allowing anyone to get on a plane to Britain without seeing them at check-in first. New rules requiring arrivals to take a negative test up to 72 hours before departure and self-isolate for up to ten days after entering the UK came into effect yesterday as travel corridors offering exemptions were scrapped. The move is part of the Government's attempts to prevent new strains of Covid-19 entering the UK. Spanish student Enrique Vasquez arrived today to Heathrow on a flight from Madrid. He said: 'When I arrived, I had to show three documents to the border force officers  my passport, a negative Covid test result from when I took my PCR test in Madrid less than 72 hours before my departure. I also had to give them the locator form telling them at which address I will be isolating at for the next ten days.' Coffy app chief executive Andy Hart, from London, who arrived at Heathrow's Terminal Five from Nairobi with his partner, said he was 'shocked and disappointed' to see the queues at passport control - and fears the delays could lead to the spread of coronavirus. He said: 'We felt unsafe. We felt that, even though everyone was masked, they were far too close together. I've been flying 30 times a year for 20 years. I mean, once or twice have I ever seen it (airport queues) like this. How can this happen during Covid times?' The Department for Transport has recommended 'spot checks' for proof from people flying into the UK - but UK Border Force workers were checking the vast majority of people on the first day of new testing rules, with several people getting 500 fines this morning. Staff at Terminal Two handed out bottles of water to passengers waiting over an hour and a half to clear immigration, leaving suitcases piling up in arrivals. Richard Bradley also arrived from Nairobi with his son Joseph after a Christmas break with family. Mr Bradley, who was returning to his home in Oxford, said there was a 'triple check' of people's passports, proof of a negative Covid-19 test, and their passenger locator form, taking 90 minutes to get through the 'pretty substantial' queue at passport control. He said: 'There were a couple of people in our queue whose tests may have been outside the required 72 hours so that was causing a lot of grief and discussion.' Home Office sources disputed that delays had lasted 90 minutes. One Whitehall source told MailOnline: 'People knew these checks would be made, they are being done as speedily as possible. They are in place to protect people, I think the vast majority of people would accept that.' A Home Office spokesperson said: 'People should not be travelling unless absolutely necessary and it is an offence to arrive into England without proof of a negative Covid test or a completed Passenger Locator Form. 'We have also increased Border Force spot checks on arrival, with passengers subject to an immediate fine of 500 for failing to comply with the new rules. 'Despite these measures, the vast majority of passengers have been moving through the UK border in good time.' Advertisement

The Prime Minister insisted that things would look 'very different by the spring', adding: 'I'm afraid I've got to warn people it will be gradual, you can't just open up in a great open sesame, in a great bang, because I'm afraid the situation is still pretty precarious.'

Meanwhile, speaking in the Commons yesterday, Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said the Government has presided over 'one of the world's largest procurement of laptops and tablets' so students can work effectively remotely.

He told MPs: 'By December, we had procured and delivered 560,000 laptops and tablets. In November last year we ordered an additional 340,000 devices, bringing our total procurement to one million laptops and tablets.

'This has been one of the world's largest procurement of laptops and tablets, and it has happened despite intense global demand.'

It comes as Mr Johnson yesterday defied fresh demands from Tory MPs for a 'road map' out of lockdown as coronavirus infections tumbled again.

The PM is under pressure to say how and when the brutal restrictions in England will ease after the UK recorded another 37,535 cases - down a fifth from last Monday.

Although deaths rose again to 599 there are increasing signs that the curve is flattening, as it lags weeks behind the new infections.

Conservatives this evening underlined calls from former chief whip Mark Harper, who heads the CRG group of lockdown-sceptics, to say what will happen when the government has vaccinated the four most vulnerable groups - meant to happen by mid-February.

The number of people receiving their first jab topped four million today.

The deputy chair of the group, Steve Baker said: 'We locked down the country and shut down our schools on the basis of a forecast, so why can't we open it up on the basis of one too? It is not sustainable to leave the public and British businesses languishing any longer.

'Businesses and individuals desperately need hope and the opportunity to plan our recovery, that's why we need to know our road to recovery as soon as possible.'

Another Tory backbencher told MailOnline the government should lay out its plans even if it is like 'snakes and ladders' and the arrangements later have to change.

However, Mr Johnson poured cold water on the idea this afternoon, insisting that it will not be possible to set out the route for unwinding restrictions until February 15.

Touring the Oxford Biomedica vaccine plant, the PM also warned when the loosening does come it will not be an 'open sesame' moment.

'I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can. It does depend on things going well,' he said.

'It depends on the vaccination programme going well, it depends on there being no new variants that throw our plans out and we have to mitigate against, and it depends on everybody, all of us, remembering that we're not out of the woods yet.'

He said: 'We're going as fast as we can but I stress we can do everything we can to open up but when we come to February 15, and the moment when we have to take stock of what we've achieved, that's the time to look at where the virus is, the extent of the infection and the success that we've had.

'It's only really then that we can talk about the way ahead and what steps we can take to relax.

'I'm afraid I've got to warn people it will be gradual, you can't just open up in a great open sesame, in a great bang, because I'm afraid the situation is still pretty precarious.'

The wrangling came as ministers face a backlash over a vaccination 'postcode lottery', with millions of 70-somethings being offered a jab - but only in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have had it already.

Nearly 5million people aged between 70 and 80 are being invited to receive their first dose, with some in Whitehall suggesting the rollout is going so well that the wider adult population could be covered by June rather than September.

However, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said people in their 70s will only be offered jabs in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have already had their first shot.

That could mean people in areas such as London and Suffolk, where progress has been slower, will have to wait longer.

Tory MPs demand a route out of lockdown after infections drop AGAIN with 37,535 more Covid cases, 599 new deaths and 4million vaccinations

By James Tapsfield, Political Editor for MailOnline

Boris Johnson defied fresh demands from Tory MPs for a 'road map' out of lockdown as coronavirus infections tumbled again.

The PM is under pressure to say how and when the brutal restrictions in England will ease after the UK recorded another 37,535 cases - down a fifth from last Monday.

Although deaths rose again to 599 there are increasing signs that the curve is flattening, as it lags weeks behind the new infections.

Conservatives this evening underlined calls from former chief whip Mark Harper, who heads the CRG group of lockdown-sceptics, to say what will happen when the government has vaccinated the four most vulnerable groups - which is meant to happen by mid-February. The number of people receiving their first jab topped four million today.

The deputy chairman of the group, Steve Baker, said: 'We locked down the country and shut down our schools on the basis of a forecast, so why can't we open it up on the basis of one too? It is not sustainable to leave the public and British businesses languishing any longer.

'Businesses and individuals desperately need hope and the opportunity to plan our recovery, that's why we need to know our road to recovery as soon as possible.'

Another Tory backbencher told MailOnline the government should lay out its plans even if it is like 'snakes and ladders' and the arrangements later have to change.

However, Mr Johnson poured cold water on the idea this afternoon, insisting that it will not be possible to set out the route for unwinding restrictions until February 15.

Touring the Oxford Biomedica vaccine plant, the PM also warned when the loosening does come it will not be an 'open sesame' moment.

'I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can. It does depend on things going well,' he said.

'It depends on the vaccination programme going well, it depends on there being no new variants that throw our plans out and we have to mitigate against, and it depends on everybody, all of us, remembering that we're not out of the woods yet.'

He said: 'We're going as fast as we can but I stress we can do everything we can to open up but when we come to February 15, and the moment when we have to take stock of what we've achieved, that's the time to look at where the virus is, the extent of the infection and the success that we've had.

'It's only really then that we can talk about the way ahead and what steps we can take to relax.

'I'm afraid I've got to warn people it will be gradual, you can't just open up in a great open sesame, in a great bang, because I'm afraid the situation is still pretty precarious.'

The wrangling came as ministers face a backlash over a vaccination 'postcode lottery', with millions of 70-somethings being offered a jab  but only in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have had it already.

Nearly 5million people aged between 70 and 80 are being invited to receive their first dose, with some in Whitehall suggesting the rollout is going so well that the wider adult population could be covered by June rather than September.

However, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said people in their 70s will only be offered jabs in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have already had their first shot. That could mean people in areas such as London and Suffolk, where progress has been slower, will have to wait longer.

NHS staff administer the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine at the Totally Wicked Stadium, home of St Helens rugby club, one of the new mass vaccination centres opened today

John Mason, 82, receiving a Covid-19 vaccination from nurse Anie Santillan in the crypt of Blackburn Cathedral today

Boris Johnson was shown the vaccine quality control systems on a visit to Oxford Biomedica in Oxfordshire today

The Prime Minister toured a warehouse at the vaccine manufacturing facility in Oxfordshire today

On another turbulent day of developments in the coronavirus crisis:

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday, Mr Harper set out CRG demands for the PM to publish a draft plan this week setting out how curbs will be lifted.

The Government is due to conduct its first formal review of lockdown on February 15 and Mr Harper said ministers could at that point firm up the proposals ahead of an easing of rules in March.

He said: 'The top four at-risk groups, which the Government aims to have given a first dose by Feb 15, will have got the maximum immunity from that within three weeks - by March 8.

'That has got to be the point at which we start to lift restrictions in a way proportionate to the reduction of risk.'

Mr Harper said that 'nobody is expecting nightclub doors to be flung open on March 8' because it is 'obvious that not every restriction can be lifted straight away'.

He pointed to Mr Johnson's previous suggestion that there will be a 'gradual unwrapping' of lockdown and said he agreed that will be the best approach to take.

'People need hope and businesses need a plan in order to survive, especially those in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors,' he said.

'That's why this week, we need a draft plan for the progressive lifting of restrictions from March 8 so that the public, businesses and scientists can use it as the basis for a sensible debate, as the Prime Minister suggested on Friday.

'That will allow a definitive plan to be published ahead of Feb 15.'

Mr Baker said tonight: 'Just like the disease, lockdowns and restrictions cause immense harm  to people's health, their livelihoods and to our children's life chances. So it's a relief to hear that once the top four groups have been vaccinated and immunised by 8 March at the latest, Government will start easing the restrictions.

'It's important that we lift restrictions in a way that is proportionate and safe. The Health Secretary has told us that the vast majority of hospitalisations and death caused by Covid will be protected against by 8 March, so this clearly implies that we should be removing the vast majority of restrictions.

'It is crucial that our response to Covid is proportionate at all times to the harm the disease is capable of causing  which by 8 March should, thankfully, be hugely diminished if we hit the 15 February vaccination rollout target.'

The government is facing concerns it has moved too fast to roll out vaccines for over-70s, with large disparities between how many have been administered in different parts of the country.

London has given the lowest number in England so far, with a total of 417,225 doses between December 8 and January 17, including 367,209 first doses and 50,016 second doses.

This compares to 746,487 total jabs in the Midlands, 681,317 in the North East and Yorkshire, 541,145 in the North West, 652,350 in the South East, 461,792 in the South West and 424,135 in the East of England.

The eligibility is being expanded despite vaccines not yet having been distributed to all care homes. Most residents and carers have already had their first shot in Newcastle, but in rural Suffolk the programme is struggling to speed up.

The PM defended the shift this afternoon, insisting that while the four most vulnerable groups remained the 'top priority' it was right to widen the scheme 'as more vaccine comes on stream'. Asked if he was concerned about a postcode lottery, Mr Johnson said: 'I think actually the whole of the UK is going very well. And, overall, the pace of the rollout is very encouraging.'

Cabinet minister Therese Coffey voiced frustration today, saying 'something isn't right' and it was 'distressing and annoying' that individuals in their 70s were being offered jabs ahead of the more elderly.

Hundreds of patients forced to rearrange their vaccine appointments after jabs failed to arrive Hundreds of disappointed patients were forced to rearrange their vaccine appointments after jabs failed to arrive at a new hub. Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent was set to begin inoculating elderly people in the Weald today. But the delivery never turned up - leading to GPs having to break the devastating news to the most vulnerable at the eleventh hour. A statement from Marden Medical Centre in Tonbridge said: 'We have been informed on Sunday evening 17th January that our patients booked for the Monday afternoon 18th will need to be rescheduled. 'This is due to a failure of supply and is a regrettable and not infrequent issue for those organisations contracted to give the vaccines. They will be contacting the many hundred elderly patients from the Weald area directly. 'We are very sorry for the stresses this will create. Please be patient with the team who are mostly volunteers with a problem beyond their control. 'Marden Medical Centre has no access to the booking system so please do not contact us with queries.' North Ridge Medical Practice in Hawkhurst also raised the alarm by saying: 'Due to stock not being delivered on time, the clinics scheduled for Monday 18th January 2021 has to be postponed for later in the week. You will get contacted to re-schedule. 'If you know of anyone over 80 booked for tomorrow please advise them not to attend there appointment.' Advertisement

'Vaccinations started well in Suffolk Coastal in the last few days, but something isn't quite right as in some places, patients aged 70+ are being contacted for vaccination ahead of 80+/90+ year olds,' she tweeted.

Ms Coffey later said that she had been assured 'letters and messages will be going out today' to all over-80s who had not already been contacted.

Letters are being sent out in England inviting the next two priority groups for vaccinations. That includes 4.6million in their 70s plus another one million classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' because they have conditions affecting the immune system, certain cancers or are organ transplant recipients.

In London vaccinations have been trailing behind the rest of the country, with Tory MPs voicing alarm that the supplies are being based on take-up of the flu vaccine last winter, which was low in the capital.

Downing Street insists the supplies are being 'distributed equally'.

Some 140 people a minute are receiving a jab, putting Britain on course to vaccinate all adults by early autumn, if not before. However, one coronavirus patient is being admitted to hospital every 30 seconds.

The Government last night announced that the first phase of the vaccine programme has made enough progress that those in their 70s and on the shielding list will be called up to get their jabs from today.

But in some places medics still haven't got through to the over-90s, who are in the top priority group for the Covid vaccines. Matt Hancock last week revealed GPs leading Britain's great vaccination drive were forced to pause jabs to allow other parts of the country to catch up.

Newcastle's care homes saw all their residents get vaccinated against Covid by seven medical teams who made their way through the city in just two weeks.

Care home residents are top of the Government's priority list for vaccination because they face such a high chance of dying if they catch Covid-19.

Ministers pledged to get jabs to all of them  there are around 400,000 people living in homes across the UK  by the end of January.

The roll-out could not start immediately because the first vaccine to be approved, Pfizer's, had to be kept in specialist freezers so couldn't be transported in batches smaller than 1,000 to begin with.

But since the approval of Oxford and AstraZeneca's jab, which can be kept out of the fridge for almost an entire working day, the care home programme has sped up.

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Nick Forbes, said: 'In less than two weeks we have protected the most vulnerable people in our communities, providing the residents and their families with a sense of reassurance and hope they have longed for.

'It is also relief for care home staff who have given so much during this pandemic, prioritising the health and care of the residents they work with.'

Public Health England data shows that the North East & Yorkshire  the region containing Newcastle  was furthest ahead with its vaccine programme by January 10.

This is the most recent data available and local figures are not yet available for areas smaller than regions.

It shows that the North East and Yorkshire had vaccinated 370,694 people by January 10.

Elderly people have been the priority since the vaccine programme started and data published by Public Health England shows exactly how many of them have been vaccinated.

PHE figures show that 43.8 per cent of over-80s in the North East & Yorkshire had received a Covid vaccine by January 10, compared to 27.9 per cent in the East of England.

In London the figure was 29.5 per cent, in the Midlands 33.4 per cent, in the South West 34.3 per cent, in the South East 34.8 per cent and in the North West 35.9 per cent.

Mr Johnson last week told MPs: 'There are parts of the country where they have done incredibly well in, for instance, vaccinating the over-80s.

'We are well over 50 per cent now in the North East and Yorkshire; less good in some other parts of the country.'

It is not clear whether some regions are vaccinating fewer people because they can't get enough supplies or because they aren't rolling them out quick enough.

Hailing the vaccine expansion today, Mr Johnson said it 'marks a significant milestone as we offer vaccinations to millions more people who are most at risk from Covid-19'.

The vaccination centre in Bournemouth officially opened today and is expected to give jabs to more than 9,000 a month

Cabinet minister Therese Coffey complained this morning that in her constituency some individuals in their 70s were being offered jabs ahead of the more elderly

NHS staff administering the vaccine in St Helens today as the drive to innoculate the population steps up another gear

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi (left) was bullish about the September target for covering all adults in a round of interviews this morning. NHS England medical director Stephen Powis (right) today warned that vaccines will not have an impact on the death rate until 'well into' February

'We have a long way to go and there will be challenges ahead  but together we are making huge progress in our fight against this virus,' he said.

Drakeford under fire as he blames Pfizer vaccine limits for slower rollout in Wales Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford came under fire from MPs today for deliberately slowing down the country's Covid vaccine roll-out. Mr Drakeford this morning admitted Wales isn't using up all of its doses of the Pfizer jab because it wants to make them last until the end of the month. He claimed the 'sensible' thing to do would be to ration supplies so the programme could work steadily until next month and so staff aren't 'standing around with nothing to do' if supplies run out. But MPs have slammed his plan as 'dangerous' and said the point of the programme is to protect elderly people from dying not to keep NHS staff busy. David Jones, MP for Clwyd West said the explanation was 'wholly incoherent'. Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean on the Welsh border, said it was 'dangerous' and that people needed vaccines as soon as was possible. And Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said it was 'deeply, deeply frustrating'. The Government  including Mr Drakeford in the same interview  have blamed limited supply from manufacturers for slowing down the roll-out of vaccines, which it is hoped could bring an end to the UK's relentless cycle of lockdowns. Britain has so far immunised nearly 3.9million people  Wales has done the fewest in relation to its population size with a total of 126,375. Advertisement

There are claims swirling that Mr Johnson wants all adults to get an initial jab by June. And Mr Zahawi backed the target to offer a first jab to everyone by September as 'achievable'.

However, he fuelled questions about the way in which people are getting access by confirming that over-70s are currently being offered first jabs in areas only where 'the majority' of over-80s have had their first shot. The speed of the process has varied widely in different areas.

'Anyone who is over 80 watching us this morning should not worry because we are making sure that those areas have vaccinated the majority of their over-80s,' Mr Zahawi told the BBC.

'And in some areas they've got to 90 per cent of their over-80s, that's where the letters are going out for the over-70s to invite them for their vaccinations.'

Downing Street said those aged over 70 would start to be offered vaccines in areas where the 'majority' of those in the older age category and higher up the priority list had already received their first jab - but refused to say what that meant.

A spokesman said: 'From today, those aged 70 and over will begin receiving invitation for vaccination, and it will be for them to book an appointment or come forward.

'Depending on where they are, the timing will be slightly different but the important point is that this allows areas that have already vaccinated a majority of those over 80, care home residents, frontline NHS and care home staff to keep the momentum up and to start giving it to further-at-risk people.'

Asked whether those in their 70s could expect to start receiving their vaccination this week, the spokesman said the jabs would start 'shortly'.

The PM's spokesman also insisted supplies were being 'distributed equally' across the country.

'In some areas where they have already vaccinated the majority of those four high-risk groups, we want to ensure we maintain momentum and continue to rollout the vaccine to more and more people who are at higher clinical risk  that's why we sent out the letter to the over-70s,' the spokesman said.

'The Prime Minister has stated clearly that we will ensure that everybody in the first four priority groups will receive a vaccination by February 15 and we've also said that care home residents will all have received it by the end of the month.'

But Work and Pensions Secretary Ms Coffey was among those expressing alarm at the situation, although she later said she had been reassured.

'I know it is both distressing and annoying when people hear that other cohorts of a lower priority (according to the JCVI) are being vaccinated ahead of our oldest and most vulnerable. On that point, every care home resident will be vaccinated by next Sunday,' she posted on Facebook.

'I am already in regular contact with the NHS and Ministers but will be following up with the local NHS to work out what is going on regarding contacting 80+ population (main route is by text and/or letter) and will be pressing for some local communication.'

Touring the Oxford Biomedica vaccine plant today, Mr Johnson appeared to dismiss demands from Tory MPs for an early 'road map' to show how lockdown will be eased.

And he warned when the loosening does come it will not be an 'open sesame' moment.

The PM told reporters: 'I understand completely that people want to get back to normal as fast as we possibly can. It does depend on things going well.

'It depends on the vaccination programme going well, it depends on there being no new variants that throw our plans out and we have to mitigate against, and it depends on everybody, all of us, remembering that we're not out of the woods yet.'

He said: 'We're going as fast as we can but I stress we can do everything we can to open up but when we come to February 15, and the moment when we have to take stock of what we've achieved, that's the time to look at where the virus is, the extent of the infection and the success that we've had.

'It's only really then that we can talk about the way ahead and what steps we can take to relax.

'I'm afraid I've got to warn people it will be gradual, you can't just open up in a great open sesame, in a great bang, because I'm afraid the situation is still pretty precarious.'

Mr Zahawi laid out the timetable for easing the lockdown, although he warned there were 'caveats' about whether it could happen in early March.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'If we take the mid-February target, two weeks after that you get your protection, pretty much, for the Pfizer/BioNTech, three weeks for the Oxford/AstraZeneca, you are protected.

'One of the things we don't know yet, and the deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam is on record as saying 'look give me a couple of months and I'll tell you', is the impact of the vaccine on transmission rates ie on infecting people.

'So there are a number of caveats that stand in the way of us reopening the economy.

'It will be gradually, it will be probably through the tiered system but you're looking at that sort of period, two to three weeks after the middle of February, after we've protected the top four cohorts.'

He said there should be 'very clear evidence' by the second week in March that there had been a 'break in the correlation between infection rates and hospitalisation and obviously death'.

'There is some really good early data from Israel, where they have vaccinated 20 per cent of the over-60s and they are beginning to see, two weeks later, a marked reduction in the serious illness and death in that same cohort.

'So, two weeks after mid-February, we should be seeing a marked reduction in death and of course serious illness,' he said.

Mr Zahawi said 24-hour vaccinations will be piloted in London hospitals by the end of January - but he played down the usefulness of the idea in the first phase.

He told Sky News: 'We are going to pilot the 24-hour vaccination, the NHS is going to pilot that in hospitals in London and we will look at how we expand that.'

Pressed for when the pilots will start, he said: 'By the end of January, absolutely.'

But he said 8am-8pm vaccination 'works much more conveniently for those who are over 80 and then as you move down the age groups it becomes much more convenient for people to go late at night and in the early hours'.

Home Secretary Priti Patel today vowed tougher enforcement on lockdown-sceptic protests as she chatted to police officers in Westminster

Several passengers have been refused permission to fly to Britain from the US today after being told their negative Covid results were 'not sufficient'. Pictured, Heathrow Airport

Boris Johnson, pictured with his son Wilfred on Sunday, has promised the first four priority groups will all have received the jab by the middle of February

The new mass vaccination hub that has opened in the Olympic Office Centre in Wembley, London today

Meanwhile, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has defended the slower rollout of the vaccination programme in Wales  saying the Pfizer vaccine could not be used all at once.

The Welsh Government has faced criticism in the past week for vaccinating fewer people in proportion to its population than the other home nations.

Priti Patel vows tougher action on lockdown-sceptic protests Home Secretary Priti Patel today vowed tougher enforcement on lockdown-sceptic protests. The Home Secretary warned people will be held responsible for their actions as she visited St Thomas's Hospital in central London, the scene of an anti-lockdown protest on New Year's Eve. Asked whether there would be tougher enforcement to target protesters she said: 'Absolutely, without hesitation. 'When you look at the pressures on the NHS  and we have been saying this for too long, quite frankly  the public need to take responsibility, act conscientiously, wear their masks, wear face coverings, follow the rules, follow the regulations. 'I can't emphasise that enough. 'The police will not hesitate, they are doing a fantastic job in terms of stopping the spread of the virus, making sure people comply, enforcing the coronavirus regulations but helping the NHS in particular save lives and to protect the NHS.' Advertisement

Statistically, Wales is behind the other nations of the UK in delivering the first dose of the vaccine per 100,000.

As of last week, 3,215 had received it in Wales, compared to 3,514 in Scotland, 4,005 in England and 4,828 in Northern Ireland.

Mr Drakeford dismissed the statistics as 'very marginal differences', and went on to explain that supplies of the Pfizer vaccine had to last until the beginning of February and would not be used all at once.

'There will be no point and certainly it will be logistically very damaging to try to use all of that in the first week and then to have all our vaccinators standing around with nothing to do with for another month,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine you've got over the period that you've got it for so that your system can absorb it, they can go on working, that you don't have people standing around with nothing to do.

Mr Raab pledged yesterday that every over-18 will be offered a first jab by September  if not earlier.

And he said he was hopeful some lockdown restrictions could start to be lifted from March.

Ten new mass vaccination hubs will open today, including Blackburn Cathedral and Taunton Racecourse.

Ministers said the priority this week will still be to vaccinate the top two priority groups, made up of care home residents and staff, the over-80s, and NHS workers.

More than 3.8million have received their first vaccine dose so far. But NHS sites which have spare capacity will be allowed to offer jabs to those aged over 70 and those who are 'clinically extremely vulnerable'.

Boris Johnson has promised the first four priority groups will all have received the jab by the middle of February.

The PM said: 'Today is a significant milestone in our vaccination programme as we open it up to millions more who are most at risk from Covid-19. We are now delivering the vaccine at a rate of 140 jabs a minute and I want to thank everyone involved in this national effort.

'We have a long way to go and there will doubtless be challenges ahead  but by working together we are making huge progress in our fight against this virus.'

Mr Hancock added: 'Now that more than half of all over-80s have had their jab, we can begin vaccinating the next most vulnerable groups.

'Where an area has already reached the vast majority of groups one and two, they can now start opening up the programme to groups three and four.

'We are working day and night to make sure everyone who is 70 and over, our health and social care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable are offered the vaccine by the middle of February and our NHS heroes are making huge strides in making this happen.' Mr Raab said yesterday it would be 'great' if the rollout could be faster amid reports that the target of offering everyone in the UK the jab could be met by June, but said the Government was working to the early autumn target.

'Our target is by September to have offered all the adult population a first dose. If we can do it faster than that, great, but that's the roadmap,' he told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday.

Mr Raab said the Government hoped 88 per cent of those most at risk of dying from coronavirus would receive their first jab by the middle of February, with 99 per cent of those at greatest risk protected by the early spring.

He suggested lockdown restrictions could then be eased  with a possible return to the tiered system. 'I think it is fair to say it won't be a big bang, if you like, it will be done phased, possibly back through the tiered approach,' he told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show.

Asked if vaccine supplies are sufficient for someone to get their second dose within 12 weeks, he said 'we ought to' be able to deliver.

Sir Simon Stevens said staff were jabbing 'four times faster' than people are newly catching the virus.

He also predicted lockdown could be eased 'gradually' around spring and summer time. However, he said this would depend on the effect of new variants of coronavirus.

A new strain found in the UK that is more transmissible than previous types is rapidly spreading across the country, and variants found in Brazil and South Africa are also being viewed with concern by virologists in case they are more resistant to vaccines.
Philadelphia police are investigating the shooting death of a man who was found in the street in the citys Feltonville section Monday morning.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was found dead on Whitaker Avenue, near Loudon Street, at about 7 a.m. Monday. Police described the victim, who was shot in the head, as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have no made arrests and did not recover a weapon at the scene. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Philadelphia Police Departments tip line at 215-686-8477.
Since the last legislative session, Texas faces more issues than before with COVID-19 taking priority and school funding still on the line. The 87th Texas Legislative Session began Jan. 12, with legislators meeting at the state Capitol in Austin to discuss redistricting, future procedures concerning COVID-19 and the usual concern of public school funding.

During the 86th Legislative Session, the passing of House Bill 3 aimed to improve and modify school funding formulas for public schools. State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Cypress, said one of his biggest goals for the session is keeping, and possibly upping, funding for public schools.

The number one priority for us right now is to keep the funding that we got last time, Rosenthal said. With that budget shortfall, which is sizable but not as bad as what we thought it was going to be, its going to be a challenge to keep the funding we got last time.

On HoustonChronicle.com: The Texas Legislature session is almost here. GOP and local government lawmakers are ready for war.

Rosenthal said additional funding for education could be found in the $60 billion in tax abatements given out by the State of Texas. Rosenthal said the state should be funding 50 percent of all operations for public schools.

If we could make inroads on some of those additional revenue streams like the big push to legalize marijuana and there would be revenue off of that, Rosenthal said. I always talk about property tax recalls. I think that with a conservative majority persisting, Im not sure how much success well have going after that.

Rosenthal is also bringing Rileys Rule to the session for possible approval. Rileys Rule was brought to Rosenthal by a student who lost their academic eligibility following a cancer diagnosis and subsequent procedures.

On HoustonChronicle.com: What you need to know about 6 key issues before the Texas Legislature

Rileys Rule provides a statewide accessibility for students to apply for and restore their academic eligibility if its a result of chronic illness, Rosenthal said. Its definitely the right thing to do, but it also comes from a young student in the district, a young guy who came to my office and delivered an organized, detailed presentation about this.

Rosenthal also hopes to support the Texas Black Caucus with the George Floyd Act, which aims to narrow use of force rules, require more concrete guidelines for violation of policy by police and require corroboration from undercover police officers in drug cases.

Ahead of the legislative session, Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, who also represents part of Cy-Fair, spoke to members of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Governmental Affairs Committee on Jan. 7.

Schofield aims to take care of current business owners negatively impacted by COVID-19.

The problem is the local individual current owners of restaurants may not be the ones who are back when restaurants are thriving again, Schofield said. Thats a massive concern. If you spent your entire life trying to build your family business and the coronavirus or the government told your customers they cant come, there may not be any coming back to that.

chevall.pryce@chron.com
Safe Home DIY Drinking Water Test Kits  Now Available at Bed Bath & Beyond

Environmental Laboratories Inc. (ELI)  one of the largest EPA-certified drinking water testing laboratories in the Midwest  proudly announces, their Safe Home Drinking Water Test Kits have launched in more than 900 Bed Bath & Beyond stores. This new national retail presence for Safe Home at Bed Bath & Beyond provides consumers a convenient way to pick up a test kit and check the quality of their drinking water. All Safe Home test kits are made in the USA!

Safe Home DIY Bacteria in Drinking Water Test Kits and Safe Home DIY Lead in Drinking Water Test Kits are currently available in all Bed Bath & Beyond retail stores in the USA and Canada. The DIY Bacteria test kit detects more than 50 different species of coliform bacteria in drinking water, down to one colony forming unit (best in the industry). The DIY Lead test kit informs the consumer of dissolved Lead concentrations in drinking water above or below the USEPAs Action Level of 0.015 ppm (parts-per-million).

Safe Home DIY City Water Test Kits (testing for 12 different parameters per kit) and Safe Home DIY Well Water Test Kits (testing for 16 different parameters per kit) are available in select Bed Bath & Beyond stores. All four are available online, through Bed Bath & Beyond.

The USEPA recommends residents test their city water supply (treated water) if they notice any unusual changes in taste, smell, or visual oddities. The EPA also recommends that owners of well water supplies (untreated water) test their drinking water annually (more often if conditions warrant). As part of the Safe Home You Test It platform, consumers purchase the DIY test kit of choice, collect their water sample, follow the easy-to-read instructions, and receive on-the-spot results. Safe Home also offers In-Lab test kits for the We Test It platform. With the Safe Home In-Lab test kits, your water is tested at their EPA-certified laboratory for exact concentrations of up to 200 different parameters. The In-Lab test kits are available for purchase at the companys website.

Chris Myers, the President and CEO of Environmental Laboratories is the Senior Scientist on staff, with 40-years of experience in testing drinking water. He is considered one of the USAs leading authorities, in this arena. Chris is committed to providing educational outreach on the importance of testing drinking water, throughout the world.

Mr. Myers says one of his greatest passions is making a difference in peoples lives through science. He went on to say, We continue to seek exceptional partnerships like the one we have with our newest retail partner  Bed Bath & Beyond. Collectively, we are determined to provide the best water testing products in the world. With partners like The Good Housekeeping Institute, Merck Laboratories and Indiana University, our scientists will continue to provide easy-to-use products with cutting edge technologies for testing drinking water on a global scale, for decades to come.

Birnur Aral, PhD, Director of the Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Laboratory at Good Housekeeping Institute, oversaw the testing of the four Safe Home DIY Water Test kits. She recommends them as accessible, fast, and a simple means of making qualitative assessments of water at home.

Honors and notable achievements by Safe Home:



2020: Safe Home earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal for their DIY drinking water test kits.

2020: Safe Homes ULTIMATE In-Lab Drinking Water Test Kit was chosen the Best Overall Water Test Kit in the USA for 2020, by The Spruce.

2018: Safe Home Water Quality Test Kits were named one of the "Top Ten New Products in the World" at the National Hardware Show.

2017 >2020: For every Safe Home Test Kit sold, an annual donation is provided for clean water initiatives to NFPs such as but not limited to Active Water, Water.org, Water for People, Water is Life and Charity Water.

2016 >2020: Safe Home test kits have been vetted by Merck Laboratories, Underwriter Laboratories and American Red Cross Laboratories.

Visit the companys website for more information about Safe Home Water Quality Test Kits.

###

About Environmental Laboratories

Chris Myers founded the company in 1983 as an environmental laboratory and consulting firm. ELI has grown to about 60 employees and has some of the brightest environmental scientists in North America. ELI has over 1,600 (regulated clients) across the USA and performs certified testing in the arenas of drinking water, wastewater, solid waste and more. However, drinking water sciences are ELIs primary strength, with three certified lab locations (all in Indiana).

In 2014, Mr. Myers and the ELI team launched a new division, EnviroTestKits (ETK), which manufactures drinking water test kits under the brand name of Safe Home, specifically designed for use by the public. Safe Home has two testing platforms and over 20 different SKUs of test kits being sold  Safe Home Do-It-Yourself test kits (You Test It at home) and Safe Home In-Lab test kits (We Test It at our certified laboratory). Safe Home presently sells DIY testing and In-Lab testing to consumers in all 50 states (USA). They also sell their DIY test kits globally (presently in twelve countries other than the USA).

About Good Housekeeping

Celebrating 135 years, Good Housekeeping (GoodHousekeeping.com) is a leading lifestyle media brand inspiring a monthly audience of 45 million readers. The Good Housekeeping Institutes state-of-the-art labs combined with Good Housekeepings seasoned editorial talent is unparalleled. Staffed by top engineers, scientists and technology experts, the GH Institute tests and evaluates thousands of products each year for the Good Housekeeping Seal, which is among the most recognized and trusted consumer icons in the world today.
Hundreds of scientists and academics at Australian universities have been recruited by the Chinese Communist Party as part of Beijing's push to become the dominant global power by 2050, a new report claims.

A new submission to a parliamentary inquiry warned the authoritarian state has offered lucrative pay packets to at least 325 people at Australian universities as part of China's Thousand Talents Plan.

Alex Joske, the author of the report, said the real number is likely to be much higher and could be associated with up to $280 million in grant fraud - as China looks for clandestine access to the latest technology and other sensitive information.

Hundreds of scientists and academics at Australian universities have been recruited by the Chinese Communist Party (students pictured in Melbourne)

'Combined with the possible extent of grant fraud and other forms of misconduct associated with this activity, it is really an alarming issue,' the China expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute told The Australian.

He said the cases identified in the report only represent a fraction of what is likely to be the extent of Chinese influence at Australian universities and that the real number could be in excess of 600.

In the submission to the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Mr Joske detailed how the Chinese program requires academics to share their research with Chinese authorites.

There were 59 instances where Australian university academics received fellowships worth anywhere from $1million to $3million by the Australian Research Council at the same time they were part of the Chinese scheme.

In one case University of Queensland professor George Zhao was the head of multi-million dollar Chinese battery company Qingdao while taking in $3.9million in grants from the ARC.

Mr Zhao has denied he did anything wrong or gained any financial advantage.

Another professor, Brad Yu Changbin, worked on Australian defence-funded drone projects as he was being trained as a scientist in the Chinese military.

In the submission to the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Mr Joske detailed how the Chinese program requires academics to share their research with Chinese authorities (stock image)

Beijing's strategic plan was first established in 2008 under Hu Jintao and is now overseen by his successor President Xi Jingping.

But Western democracies targeted by the program are now becoming more attuned to the underhanded tactics of the rogue regime.

'The Chinese government tries to entice scientists to secretly bring our knowledge and innovation back to China - even if that means stealing proprietary information or violating our export controls and conflict-of-interest rules,' FBI Director Christopher Wray said in July last year.

'Take the case of scientist Hongjin Tan, for example, a Chinese national and American lawful permanent resident.

Cases identified in the report only represent a fraction of what is likely to be the extent of Chinese influence at Australian universities and that the real number could be as in excess of 600, Mr Joske said (stock image, University of Sydney)

'He applied to China's Thousand Talents Program and stole more than US$1billion - that's with a 'b' - worth of trade secrets from his former employer, an Oklahoma-based petroleum company, and got caught.

'A few months ago, he was convicted and sent to prison.'

The findings of the parliamentary inquiry into the national security risks facing Australian universities, is set to be handed down in July.

The ARC said it was unaware of the issues raised in the report but said the council expects the 'highest standards of integrity in all aspects of research funds'.

It added that all universities have obligations to ensure that appropriate due diligence is undertaken.
WASHINGTON - Canada won't stop trying to convince Joe Biden of the merits of Keystone XL, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted Tuesday, despite reports the U.S. president-elect appears poised to sign the pipeline project's death warrant.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provides an update on the COVID-19 pandemic from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

WASHINGTON - Canada won't stop trying to convince Joe Biden of the merits of Keystone XL, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted Tuesday, despite reports the U.S. president-elect appears poised to sign the pipeline project's death warrant.

Trudeau shrugged off media reports that Biden intends to revoke the cross-border project's presidential permit as early as Wednesday, the day he takes the oath of office and moves into the White House.

But even the prime minister's full-throated defence of the controversial US$8-billion effort to ferry Alberta bitumen to U.S. refineries betrayed a note of resignation, focused less on what he intended to do than what he'd done already.

He'd been singing the praises of Keystone XL for more than seven years, Trudeau said, including in a congratulatory phone call with Biden in the days immediately after his election win in November.

He said it would be Kirsten Hillman, Canada's envoy in Washington, who would be making Ottawa's case with what he described as the "highest levels" of the Biden team.

And he acknowledged the elephant in the room: that Biden's campaign team promised back in May that it would do precisely what transition documents reviewed by The Canadian Press suggest will happen Wednesday.

"We understand, of course, that it is a commitment that  the candidate Joe Biden made to cancel this pipeline," Trudeau said.

"At the same time, we continue to demonstrate the leadership that Canada has shown on fighting climate change and on ensuring energy security as a priority for North America."

Advocates for the project, however, are clinging to hope that the ensuing outcry  the Alberta government is already threatening legal action  will prompt the Biden team to give them a chance to change the president-elect's mind.

Canada has known ever since May "that we would have to work very hard to make our case for this project," Hillman said in an interview Tuesday when asked about reports of the project's imminent demise.

"I actually see it as something that has been ongoing for a long time. And I'll be honest, it's still ongoing," she said.

"We're continuing to have these conversations, regardless of what is out there in the press, and we are still having conversations with people within the Biden team about this, even today."

Trudeau spoke with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney Tuesday about Keystone XL.

A readout out from the prime minister's office says Trudeau told Kenney that Canada has made the case for the project, including recently to president-elect Biden.

The Prime Minister said that workers in Alberta and across Canada will always have the governments support.

"The Prime Minister looked forward to working with the incoming administration of president-elect Biden to fight climate change, protect jobs and grow the economy."

Kenney issued his own statement, saying he thanked the Prime Minister for his governments continued support for the project.

He said he urged the federal government to do everything possible to convey a clear message to president-elect Biden that rescinding the Keystone XL border crossing permit would damage the Canada-US bilateral relationship.

The public relations campaign also continued Tuesday as a D.C.-based strategic communications firm hired by the Alberta government released details of a recent poll aimed at gauging public attitudes toward Keystone XL in the U.S.

The online poll by JDA Frontline Partners was conducted among 1,400 respondents over a 10-day period that ended Monday. It suggests nearly half of those surveyed supported the project, while 24 per cent opposed it and 25 per cent said they didn't know.

The poll also suggests that compared to high-priority issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the U.S. economy, the question of Keystone XL's potential effect on climate change did not rank very high.

"Voters don't think it's an urgent thing," said pollster Matt George. "And in terms of potential impact, voters don't think that rescinding that permit will have a major impact on addressing climate change."

Indeed, when informed construction on the pipeline had already begun and crossed into the U.S., nearly three-quarters of respondents  71 per cent  said it should be completed.

Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population.

The politically fraught project, originally proposed in 2008, aims to deliver more than 800,000 additional barrels a day of diluted bitumen from the Alberta oilsands to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

It has long been a linchpin in Canada's strategy for boosting fossil-fuel exports by delivering Alberta's landlocked underground energy resources to tidewater.

At the same time, it has become a lightning rod for partisan and public discord in both countries as debate continues to escalate over climate change, economic growth and society's long-standing dependence on fossil fuels.

As a result, it never found favour among the Democrats in Barack Obama's White House, which included Biden as vice-president. That administration slow-walked the approval process for the better part of eight years, much to the frustration of then-prime minister Stephen Harper, before outright rejecting it in 2015.

Trudeau's newly elected government didn't seem especially upset, said Conservative MP Michael Chong, the party's foreign affairs critic, noting Obama hosted a state dinner at the White House in Trudeau's honour five months after that November 2015 decision.

"When that dinner took place, there was lots of talk of bromance in the air, and lots of smiles all around, but very little discussion about the decision to abort the decision on Keystone XL," Chong said in an interview.

"I think the present decision is just a continuation of what happened in November of 2015."

Canada's pitch to the Biden team has for months framed Keystone XL as a vastly different, more environmentally friendly project than the original. And TC Energy Corp. plans to spend US$1.7 billion on a solar, wind and battery-powered operating system for the pipeline to ensure it achieves net-zero emissions by 2030.

It has also included the idea of talking about energy exports and climate change as part of a shared North American strategy, a proposal federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson repeated during an online panel discussion Tuesday.

"Canadian energy opportunities with the United States are bigger than any one project," Wilkinson said.

"It's important, not just for Canada but for the United States as well, to be thinking about how the continued use of fossil fuels in combustion fits in the context of a broader climate plan."

As for the question of whether an early Keystone XL decision by the Biden White House would put the Canada-U. S. relationship on an awkward footing, Hillman sounded unconcerned.

"It's important for us to be able to have a robust and mature relationship with the United States," she said.

"A robust, mature, and close relationship is one where you can have disagreements, and you can have them in the strongest possible terms, and you can move on, and not let those disagreements derail the entire relationship."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2021.
(Bloomberg) -- The Canadian province that invested $1.1 billion of taxpayers money in the controversial Keystone XL project is now considering the sale of pipe and materials to try to recoup some funds.

If the project ends, there would be assets that could be sold, such as enormous quantities of pipe, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said in a press conference Monday. That would offset construction costs.

With Joe Biden set to be sworn in this week, the U.S. president-elects campaign promise to cancel the crude pipelines license is haunting the Canadian oil sands industry. The decision may come via executive action on his first day in office, CBC News reported on Sunday, citing people it didnt identify.

Meanwhile, the government of Justin Trudeau vowed to defend the project.

Alberta, home to the worlds third-largest crude reserves, has struggled for years with a lack of pipeline capacity to ship its crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast and other markets. TC Energy Corp.s Keystone XL was one of the possible pipelines the industry was counting on to solve that.

The cancellation of Keystone XL would cost Alberta taxpayers just over C$1 billion ($785 million), Kenney said.

In March, Kenneys government agreed to fund the first year of construction with a $1.1 billion investment and to guarantee $4.2 billion of loans as a way to jump-start construction.

The province and TC Energy have a solid legal basis to recoup damages through the courts, Kenney also said.

Canadian Energy Minister Seamus ORegan said the federal government continues to support Keystone XL and will make the case for the project to the Biden administration.

Canadian oil is produced under strong environmental and climate policy frameworks, and this project will not only strengthen the vital Canada-U.S. energy relationship, but create thousands of good jobs for workers on both sides of the border, said ORegan in an email.

Kenney stressed that the federal government had said the pipeline is the the top priority of Canadas relationship with the U.S.

Sit down and review the many facts that have changed since KXL was proposed a decade ago, Kenney said, citing reduced carbon emissions from the oil sands, labor agreements and an indigenous stake in the pipeline.

More than a decade old, the Keystone XL project was first rejected by former-President Barack Obama due to concern about climate change, but his successor Donald Trump issued a new permit when he took office.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said that canceling the project would kill thousands of jobs and offered to work with stakeholders to find a solution to complete the pipeline.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine have delivered five tonnes of humanitarian aid from European countries to Luhansk region.

This was reported by the press service of the National Guard of Ukraine on Facebook on January 19, Ukrinform reports.

This is already the 21st humanitarian cargo. In general, since 2014, with the support of the Ministry of Defense and the Chief Chaplain of the National Armed Forces, Latvia, with the assistance of the National Guard of Ukraine, has delivered more than 400 tonnes of humanitarian aid to residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the report reads.

As Ukrinform reported, humanitarian aid was transported to the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Eastern Region as part of the Help East international strategic humanitarian initiative.

ish
Office expansion allows Appsian to bring innovative data security and analytics applications to the emerging Turkish and Middle Eastern markets

DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Appsian, the global leader in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) data security and compliance solutions, today announced that it has increased its international presence by opening a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. The opening of the new location will bring Appsian's innovative data security and analytics solutions for ERP applications such as SAP, PeopleSoft, and Oracle EBS to the emerging Turkish and Middle Eastern markets. Cenk BICAKCI has been appointed as the Managing Partner at the Turkish office, where he will focus on accelerating the company's international expansion and growing customer relationships.

"The decision to expand our international presence in Turkey and the Middle East was a logical step in our business growth strategy," said Piyush Pandey, CEO of Appsian. "We are seeing incredible demand for our ERP data security and compliance solutions in the market and we are now positioned to meet the increasing challenges faced by security executives."

With more than 250 customers worldwide, Appsian is the recognized data security leader for organizations across all verticals, including healthcare, higher education, public sector, manufacturing, and retail. Appsian also delivers compliance solutions that give organizations complete control and visibility over their data access and usage.

The GDPA and KVKK (Turkey's Personal Data Protection Law) require organizations to implement appropriate security measures around personal data. Appsian's Turkish team can fast track GDPA and KVKK compliance efforts by enhancing visibility into data access and usage. A feature currently unavailable in legacy ERP systems.

"I'm excited to be a part of Appsian," said Cenk BICAKCI, Managing Partner at Appsian Turkey. "Our team brings more than 50 years of combined experience implementing ERP systems for Turkish customers. I look forward to delivering Appsian's world-class data security and analytics products to our customers to help them achieve their strategic security and compliance initiatives."

Appsian Turkey will host an introductory webinar with Deloitte on Tuesday, February 9, at 15:00 Turkish time zone, and discuss the legal implications of KVKK privacy laws. You can register here: https://www.appsian.com/landing_page/legal-implications-kvkk-compliance/.

About Appsian:

Appsian's ERP Data Security Platform delivers fine-grained, risk-aware software solutions for critical business systems like PeopleSoft, SAP, and Oracle EBS. After installing directly into the application web server, Appsian can enhance access control capabilities while implementing detailed logging and analytics - all designed to enable customers to maintain complete control and visibility over their sensitive ERP data. To learn more, visit www.appsian.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742715/Appsian_Logo.jpg
Liam Campbell, who was found civilly liable for the Omagh bombing, should not be surrendered to the Lithuanian authorities where he is suspected of international weapons trafficking, his lawyers have told the Court of Appeal.

Campbell, who has been battling extradition for more than 12 years, wants the three-judge court to overturn a decision by the High Court surrendering him to Lithuanian prosecutors who allege that he was involved in the smuggling of weapons in support of the Real IRA (RIRA) between the end of 2006 and early 2007.

Campbell (58) was arrested in Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth, on December 2, 2016, on foot of the second European Arrest Warrant (EAW) issued by Lithuanian authorities to be endorsed by the High Court here. It was the third attempt overall by Lithuania to seek Campbell's surrender.

The 1998 Omagh bombing was the single deadliest incident in the Troubles, resulting in 29 deaths.

Remy Farrell SC for Campbell said there is clear evidence that the Lithuanians have not made a decision to try his client but want him extradited so they can continue their investigation into the crime alleged against him.

Counsel said that section 21A of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 states "in black and white" that the "High Court shall refuse to surrender the person if it is satisfied that a decision has not been made to charge the person with, and try him or her for, that offence."

Mr Farrell pointed to an affidavit from the Lithuanian authorities which, counsel said, "clearly indicates that a decision hasn't been made" as to whether to put Campbell on trial. The affidavit, he said, indicated that any decision to prosecute is contingent on evidence yet to be gathered. Criticising the High Court's decision to extradite Campbell, counsel said the court's findings were "perverse" and ignored the evidence that the Lithuanians had not yet made a decision.

Pat McGrath SC for the Minister for Justice responded, saying that Mr Farrell was inviting the Court of Appeal to rewrite the law. He said the courts had decided in numerous previous cases to take a "cosmopolitan" approach to what constitutes a decision to begin legal proceedings in circumstances where different European member states have different legal systems. He accused Mr Farrell of taking a "provincial approach" to words such as "prosecution" and "try" rather than the cosmopolitan interpretation adopted by the courts.

Counsel said that the Lithuanian system requires the input of the accused person before an indictment can be brought but that the intention at present is to put Campbell on trial.

Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding, with Mr Justice Donald Binchy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgement.

The EAW had sought Campbell in relation to three alleged offences: preparation of a crime, illegal possession of firearms, and terrorism. The maximum sentence for the offence of terrorism is 20 years.

The warrant alleges that Campbell "made arrangements while acting in an organised terrorist group, the Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA) to acquire a substantial number of firearms and explosives from Lithuania and smuggle them into Ireland".

It further alleges that during the end of 2006 to 2007 Campbell "made arrangements with Seamus McGreevy, Michael Campbell (his brother), Brendan McGuigan and other unidentified persons to travel to Lithuania for the purposes of acquiring firearms and explosives, including, automatic rifles, sniper guns, projectors, detonators, timers and trotyl [TNT]".

Campbell had previously spent four years in custody in Northern Ireland during a second attempt to extradite him but was released when he succeeded in his objection that to do so would be a breach of his rights.
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 have enjoyed working with Dr. Ari Berman to lay the groundwork for an exciting new chapter for Montefiore Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Yeshiva University," said Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2020-21 academic year, Einstein is home to 721 M.D. students, 178 Ph.D. students, 109 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,900 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2020, Einstein received more than $197 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities.

Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island.

Founded by Yeshiva University in 1958, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is the affiliated medical school of Yeshiva University.

About Montefiore

Montefiore is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families.

About Yeshiva University

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools  Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business  offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic research institutions.

SOURCE Yeshiva University

Related Links

http://yu.edu




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.
Henry "Enrique" Tarrio had already publicized his plans to participate in the Jan. 6 "Stop the Steal" rally. The 36-year-old Miami resident and national chairman of the Proud Boys posted on social media that he would direct small teams of his far-right group with a history of violence to wear black and fan out across Washington.

But when he arrived in D.C. on Jan. 4 ahead of the scheduled demonstrations, he said, "15 cop cars" swarmed his Honda Crosstour soon after he passed through the Third Street Tunnel. Tarrio was wanted on a misdemeanor charge from December accusing him of setting fire to a historic Black church's Black Lives Matter banner.

During the traffic stop, authorities found high-capacity firearm magazines in his backpack, resulting in felony weapons charges, according to court records. And as he sat in a jail cell for 24 hours, Tarrio said, he thought about how he would need a lot of money to get out of this mess. Good lawyers, he said, don't come cheap.

He said family members had the idea to monetize the support of his online followers through GiveSendGo.com, a niche Christian fundraising website that bills itself as "a place to fund hope." Within a week, the "Enrique Tarrio Defense Fund" had amassed more than $113,000 from 2,359 donors, according to the site. Tarrio has pleaded not guilty.

"It's not just Proud Boys that are raising money there," Tarrio said in an interview Thursday, noting that his group's chapters nationwide have used the site to fund their cause. "There's just so many people that are raising money there."

A review by The Washington Post shows that the self-described Christian website has become a refuge of sorts for outcasts and extremists, including fringe groups such as the Proud Boys as well as conspiracy theorists who seek to undercut the results of the presidential election by promoting debunked claims of fraud. Some of the users claim to have been booted from other crowdfunding websites for violating terms-of-service agreements.

Postings on GiveSendGo show that 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 the Jan. 6 rally.

One post asked donors to "sponsor a warrior" and help "buy body armor and other protection pieces for our patriots." It has raised only $5. Another featured a screenshot of President Donald Trump's tweet promoting the Jan. 6 event above a man's plea for help after he claimed that a different crowdfunding site, GoFundMe, had removed his page. "I plan to meet you all there and fight alongside you," he wrote on GiveSendGo, raising $958.

The pleas for money illustrate how even small-dollar donations could make the trip to Washington possible for some Trump supporters.

A Texas woman asked for $500, listing her expenses: $15 for pepper spray, $100 for cab fares and $100 for a room at a hostel, with extra money for food and an emergency fund. She said one donor already contributed his frequent flier airline miles to defray the cost of a plane ticket.

Another woman pleaded for $400 to cover her travels: "Funds are tight and I'm behind on bills. . . . For the last rally I drove straight through with no motel and no sleep. It was difficult. By giving, you would allow me to sleep on the 5th and 6th and keep my trip and driving safer." She ended her post by writing: "We're going to MAGA" - referring to Trump's pledge to "Make America Great Again!"

The Post's review also found that more than $321,000 has been raised through GiveSendGo for funds that promote conspiracy theories about the presidential election.

Following the siege of the U.S. Capitol, which resulted in the deaths of one police officer and four rioters, GiveSendGo has found itself in a firestorm over the use of its platform to finance travel or legal defense funds related to the events of Jan. 6.

Several days after the rally, PayPal announced that it would no longer process transactions for the site.

"The account in question was closed due to a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy," a PayPal spokeswoman said in a written statement. "PayPal carefully reviews accounts to ensure our services are used in line with our well-established policy, and has a long history of taking action when we deem that individuals or organizations have violated this policy. We do not allow PayPal services to be used to promote hate, violence, or other forms of intolerance."

Jacob Wells, the chief financial officer of GiveSendGo, told Bloomberg News that he "broke up first" with PayPal after growing alarmed by its plans to censor some funds.

Photo for The Washington Post by Amanda Andrade-Rhoades

In interviews with The Post, Wells said he is "definitely not comfortable" with the presence of the Proud Boys on his site but had no plans to remove their pages.

"I'm extremely hesitant to trample or walk on that freedom at the outcry of public opinion,'' Wells said. "If the law dictates that we can't have things [on the website], we adhere to the law.''

Over the past few days, however, the site has suspended donations to several funds set up by the Proud Boys and other Stop the Steal participants. Wells said he removed the donate button on these pages after Stripe, a company whose software enables online payments from credit or debit cards, emailed with objections. He said he hopes to come up with a solution that would allow donations to resume to those accounts as soon as Feb. 1. Stripe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

GiveSendGo drew criticism last year following its apparent willingness to host campaigns connected to people accused of crimes, including Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the killing of George Floyd, and Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old charged with killing two men and wounding a third in Kenosha, Wis. Chauvin and Rittenhouse have pleaded not guilty; Rittenhouse has claimed self-defense.

Wells acknowledged that the site has at times struggled to stay true to both Christian principles and its commitment to facilitate fundraising for individuals or causes irrespective of their popularity.

"We're not radicalized people,'' he said. "I'm a Jesus guy. . . . I love the message of the cross and the gospel, which is an equalizer for everybody."

Wells added, "The mission at GiveSendGo has [been], and will always be, to share the hope of Jesus in the midst of a divided place."

A handful of Christian pastors who had publicly condemned the events of Jan. 6 said in interviews that they feared the website could become a tool in what they see as the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism, an ideology rooted in its followers' intent to take back what they view as the American identity.

"When you've got people waving flags and taking Jesus' name in vain like this, what seems to happen is that Jesus becomes more of an 'Uncle Sam' character than what we proclaim as the living Christ," said Garrett Vickrey, who leads the Woodland Baptist Church congregation in San Antonio.

"That's how Jesus kind of becomes a mascot for your movement and a blank canvas to project whatever your values or vision is of what's good and right. And that's how things get dangerous."

On GiveSendGo, the religious branding is central to the site. If would-be donors can't afford to chip in money for a cause, they can hit the "PRAY NOW" button to let a fundraiser know they are supporting the effort through prayer.

Wells and his sisters, Emmalie Arvidson and Heather Wilson, began brainstorming the idea for GiveSendGo in 2013, according to the website. The siblings grew up in the Boston suburb of Milton. Wells said he attended Boston Baptist College and served five years in the Navy as a cryptology technician before eventually starting the site.

"The creators of this new site desire for all to understand that they believe God wants www.givesendgo.com to be a place for Christians," Wilson wrote in a 2015 news release. "A place to fund hope. A place to pray and connect with other believers worldwide, and most importantly, a place for GIVERS, SENDERS and GOERS to work together to be the light of the world."

Wells said staff members for the website, which bills itself as the premier free Christian crowdfunding site, work remotely. He declined to generally describe where he lives, citing security concerns. Arvidson, who could not be reached to comment, is not involved with operating the website, Wells said.

GiveSendGo is a for-profit business and the site has experienced "year-over-year growth" since its inception, said Wells, who added that he hoped to "hit $1 million" in revenue in 2021. He said the site processed more than 10 million payments last year.

"We operate on the generous donations from our Campaign Owners and Givers," according to its website. "You will never be asked by us to make a payment."

When users attempt to donate, the site defaults to a $1 suggested "gift" for GiveSendGo to help defray costs.

Emily Clagett, 25, of Gaithersburg, Md., said she interned for GiveSendGo in 2015 while she was a student at Salisbury University. Clagett said she worked remotely but would meet with Wilson, who was her direct supervisor, once a week at a coffee shop to work together for an hour or two. At the time, Clagett said, the site was just starting and the founders were hoping to get the attention of prominent Christian churches and their followers.

Every day, Clagett said, she was tasked with choosing three quotes from well-known Christian leaders to post on social media with graphics. But after a while, she said, it grew difficult to find succinct quotes that she had not already featured.

"I slipped up once and I guess I put like a Buddha quote in there and I got in trouble," she said. "The quote was really just something about being kind to other fellow humans. I get that he's not a Christian religious figure."

Clagett said Wilson didn't get angry, but told her: "Hey, that's not OK. Don't do that again."

Last year, she said she was puzzled to read about GiveSendGo's willingness to host Rittenhouse's legal defense fund, which has raised more than half a million dollars, according to the site.

"I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, but the tenets of Christianity are, you know, 'Don't hurt people,' " Clagett said. "So I was surprised about that and pretty much equally as surprised about all of the Proud Boys fundraisers. I'm not really sure how that can be spun as being Christian."

A few days after the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, Clagett said, she updated her online resume to delete the reference to the time working for the website.

"I just don't really agree with what they are doing now," she said. "I don't want to be associated with them at this point."

Asked to comment, Wilson, Clagett's former boss, said by email, "Emily was a great intern and we wish her well in whatever she does."

In some instances, GiveSendGo has leaned into the criticism - issuing news releases to call attention to payment vendors that it claims have tried to block transactions.

On Sept. 4, GiveSendGo wrote: "Discover Card is attempting to ban their customers from donating. . . . It is our assumption that they reached this decision due to the fundraiser for Kyle Rittenhouse."

The same day, Wells recorded a video in which he calls Discover's actions "horrendous" and takes a pair of scissors to his own Discover card, cutting it into small shards and dropping them, one by one, into a trash can.

"Why don't we make this go viral?" he asked his Facebook followers, challenging them to film videos of themselves destroying Discover cards.

In a statement to The Post, Discover spokesman Jon Drummond wrote: "GiveSendGo.com is a platform that facilitates a variety of fundraising endeavors. Activities that violate our operating regulations are terminated through our financial institution partners. Activities that comply with our operating regulations are allowed to accept Discover."

In response to some of the recent criticism, Wells told The Post that he strives not to judge the people who use his site.

"For the people that use our platform that we might not agree with, we are going to give them grace, because they're going to deal with the ramifications of their actions," Wells said, referring specifically to the Rittenhouse example.

"And same with everyone that busted into the Capitol and did anything wrong there. They're going to have to deal with the ramifications of their actions, and they are. They're being caught, and they're being arrested.''

Before his GiveSendGo post, Tarrio, the national chairman of the Proud Boys, said he had used a crowdfunding website only once before.

In 2017, he posted a pitch on the nation's largest crowdfunding site, GoFundMe, asking for donations for a Proud Boys trip to Houston for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. But once he made it to the city, he said, he received notice that GoFundMe had deactivated his page for violating its terms of service.

Tarrio said the hurricane relief money was refunded to donors. But GoFundMe's decision to pull the plug on his charitable efforts infuriated him, he said. He said that anger - along with the realization that many sites were "de-platforming" people affiliated with the Proud Boys - made GiveSendGo the only viable destination to host his legal defense fund.

In the wake of the Jan. 6 events, GoFundMe issueda statement explaining its position on the use of its platform: "We continue to enforce our terms of service and do not tolerate fundraisers supporting hate, violence, harassment, or spreading misinformation about the 2020 election."

The website stressed that it condemns "the violence and attempted insurrection and will continue to remove fundraisers that attempt to spread misinformation about the election, promote conspiracy theories and contribute to or participate in attacks on US democracy."

Wells said GiveSendGo has not solicited the controversial users.

"We don't go out looking for campaigns," he said. "They pop onto our site because they were booted off somewhere else or because they knew about us."

The photo accompanying Tarrio's GiveSendGo legal defense fund shows him wearing a black cap emblazoned with yellow letters that spell out "The War Boys." He is holding his hands outward, with his fingers forming a hand gesture that appears similar to the "okay" sign. The signal has been interpreted by some experts on extremism as a call for "white power." Tarrio, who is of Afro Cuban descent, disputed that he is calling for white supremacy. He said his hand gesture was a way to "troll" the media.

The terms of service for GiveSendGo state that it should not be used for harassment or "to promote violence, degradation, subjugation, discrimination or hatred against individuals or groups based on race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age or veteran status."

Wells said GiveSendGo screens its participants to ensure that no fundraising appeals call for violence or law breaking of any kind.

"I don't know, necessarily, any group that's used our platform that has outwardly advocated using violence,'' Wells said. "I'm not Google, so I don't have all the answers in the world.''

Nicholas Ochs is a self-described Proud Boy from Honolulu who posts online under his self-styled social media brand called "Ochs Report." On GiveSendGo, a post under his name raised $300 for expenses to attend the Jan. 6 rally.

"It's an alt-media dream team," he wrote on the plea for money, saying he was "going to DC because the president asked." He said that he expected to lose money on the trip but that "our sweet boys wouldn't miss it and promise to deliver the heinous, ugly truth to a heinous, ugly city."

He added, "We will try not to get stabbed but if one of us does that's when the real bucks come in so keep an eye out for that fundraiser too."

Ochs was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful entry stemming from his presence inside the Capitol on Jan 6, according to court documents. The Los Angeles Times reported that he filmed videos of the insurrection for a California right-wing news outlet called "Murder the Media." With Ochs's criminal case pending as he sat behind bars in Hawaii, a new GiveSendGo page popped up: the "Legal fees for Nick Ochs" fund. As of Sunday, it had raised nearly $20,000, but the ability to donate had been disabled.

Asked by email to comment, Ochs responded, "Shut up nerd." His attorney declined to comment.

A GiveSendGo fund listed under the name of Zach Rehl, who has been described as the president of the Proud Boys Philadelphia chapter, raised more than $5,500 for travel to the Jan. 6 event. In California, a page bearing the name of Ricky Willden took in more than $1,300 after a request to fund travel for 13 Proud Boys to Washington for the rally. "We have found our purpose in life and we know what must be done," read a statement on the page, which signed off with: "We are no longer Standing By! God Bless America," followed by the praying hands emoji.

Rehl and Willden did not respond to requests for comment.

The legitimacy of some of the GiveSendGo pages tied to the Jan. 6 events is unclear.

As of Sunday, at least six pages claimed to be fundraising for the family of Ashli Babbitt, the San Diego woman who was shot by a Capitol Police officer when she was trying to make her way through a broken window of a door inside the building.

One memorial fund for Babbitt was listed under the name of "thedonald.win" - the moniker of a group of Trump supporters with their own online forum. The fund raised nearly $4,500, but a family friend, Destinie Condon, told The Post that they had no idea who was behind the effort.

"It really is sad how so many are able to get approval overnight, even those taking advantage," Condon wrote in a text to a Post reporter. "Yet those who are honest and family members can't get a campaign up and running even a week later."

Condon has since posted the "Ashli Babbitt Official Memorial" on GoFundMe, where she had raised $2,460 as of Sunday.

On GiveSendGo, there are numerous public posts that have nothing to do with Trump or fringe groups. The website includes tabs to filter campaigns by the expressed purpose of the fundraising, including community, mission, church and medical expenses.

As of Sunday, one campaign had raised $36,487 in memory of a schoolteacher who died of covid-19. Another had raised $72,643 for survivors of a father who died in a truck accident.

Lorie Murphey said she turned to GiveSendGo after school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic dried up her horse-riding business and placed her at risk of losing her five-acre ranch in Central California. As of Sunday, she had raised $81,561, according to the site.

In an interview, Murphey said she learned about GiveSendGo in the fall while posting complaints about the state's coronavirus restrictions on social media. The raised money, she said, will help her to satisfy terms of a balloon payment for a loan that is due Feb. 1 on her ranch in Wilton, about 20 miles southeast of Sacramento.

"I'm absolutely blessed with the response I've gotten,'' Murphey said. "I'm not a political person. I'm just trying to survive."

Some pastors told The Post that, despite its intended Christian audience, they had never heard of GiveSendGo until they learned that some of those involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol had used the site to raise money.

"I don't really know any Proud Boys," said Bill Ireland, the pastor of the Norris Religious Fellowship, a small interdenominational congregation about 20 miles north of Knoxville, Tenn. "But I just don't think that there's a place for Christians to be fomenting violence. I see that being contrary to the way of Jesus.''

Emily Hull McGee, a pastor who leads the First Baptist Church on Fifth congregation in Winston-Salem, N.C., said she is upset that some potentially bad actors are adopting fundraising mechanisms used by Christian churches for such efforts as mission trips to aid the poor. McGee said she was troubled that GiveSendGo was used to promote plans for disruptions on Jan. 6, which she noted is the Epiphany, a day to celebrate "the light of Christ in the world." She said she sees an irony.

"For decades, we have pooled our money to do together what we cannot do apart," she said. "And this takes the very heart of a commitment that has been exercised in a number of Christian traditions for years and perverts it to the very sort of worst impulses that I can see."

Wells said GiveSendGo has recently sought advice from public relations consultants about how to handle the controversy.

"These aren't things that we are approaching lightly,'' he said. "And they're not things that we've got so solidly locked that there's no room for [change]. We're trying to navigate it with advice from people that we trust.''

As for Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader said he sees nothing wrong with his decision to use the Christian site. He said that he admits to burning the Black Lives Matter banner but that he did not know it belonged to a church.

"The disciples that Jesus had around him weren't, like, perfect human beings," he said, noting that his views align most closely with those of Baptists. "They were human beings that sinned. And I'm not free of that sin. I've f---ed up many times in my life."

The Rev. Ianther M. Mills, who leads the Asbury United Methodist Church whose banner Tarrio is accused of destroying, declined to comment.

The generosity of GiveSendGo donors has been overwhelming, Tarrio said, so much so that he recently stopped accepting new donations.

He said that once the $113,000 in GiveSendGo money is transferred to his bank account, he will start his search for a top lawyer to mount his defense.

"I'm gonna go with the best one I can find," he said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Alice Crites and Marissa Lang contributed to this report.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 47F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Listen to article

The HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) is urging Nigerians to massively boycott the NIN/SIM card registration exercise especially if they have not already enrolled with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The reason for the people of Nigeria to protest against this policy of government is not that it is a bad policy but the timing of the implementation of that policy is suicidal.

That the Nigerian government has remained inconsiderate, irresponsible, insensitive, irresponsible and not being responsive to the agitation of millions of Nigerians that have called on the government to suspend the exercise until such a time that second wave of Covid-19 is checkmated, is disappointing.

Therefore the last card the people of Nigerians has is to massively protest either SYMBOLICALLY THROUGH ACTIVE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE METHODOLOGY OF BOYCOTT OF THE EXERCISE OR PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATIKNS OB THE STREETS. WE CALL ON ALL NIGERIANS INCLUDING POLICEMEN AND WOMEN TO PROTEST.

The protest does not mean physical protest alone unless they are pushed to their limits then they can come out wearing their face masks, observing physical distancing but anything other than this, the people can also boycott the exercise.

Yes the reason why they should protest is because the timing of the exercise is a threat to their lives because the second wave of Covid-19 is on a global rampage and people are dying in their thousands in Nigeria and many who have attended that registration exercise have died from Covid-19. HURIWA has learnt of some fatalities related to that dastardly ill timed exercise.

Also the judiciary should bail us out in such a way that if there are cases challenging this exercise the court should hear it in accelerated hearing because it dovetails into a question of right to life.

The right to life is the Be-All and End-All of all human rights because there is no human rights in the mortuary and the dead have no human rights and since we are alive as Nigerians are we going to keep quite until the government sends us to our early grave? ONLY THE LIVING CAN ENJOY HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

To an extent that even the Minister of health of this same government has said that the timing of the exercise is a threat to the lives of Nigerians.

So why are Nigerians complying and turning out in their millions to go and die? ARE WE A NATION PRIMED FOR MASS SUICIDE? HAVE WE NO COURAGE TO SAY NO TO THIS COMOULSORY CALL TO DIE?

If the government is in doubt that the people are actually dying in the exercise then there should be an independent opinion poll to ascertain this claim.

The timing of this exercise is the violation of section 14 sub section( 2)(B).and section 33 (1)

14. - The federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state base on the principles of democracy and social justice.

2B- The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government.

33.-(1) Every individual has a right to life, and no one shall be deprive intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.

COMRADE EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO:

NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).

January 18th 2021.
The proposed 50-km kisan rally will be led by women-driven tractors on ORR and won't disrupt the days big parade on Rajpath, says Unions

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday left it to the Delhi police to decide on the entry of protesting farmers into the national capital on Republic Day, as it heard the governments plea seeking an injunction against the tractor rally planned for January 26.

Sticking to their stand, the union leaders said the protesting farmers had a constitutional right to take out their tractor rally peacefully and said thousands of people will participate in the event. The proposed 50-km kisan rally will be led by women-driven tractors on Outer Ring Road and wont disrupt the days big parade on Rajpath. Farmers have started organising mock rallies in parts of Punjab and Haryana to encourage more people to join the kisan tractor march in large numbers.

The tenth round of talks between the government and the farmers representatives was on Monday pushed back by a day to January 20, with the Centre saying both sides want to resolve the stalemate at the earliest but it was getting delayed due to the involvement of people of other ideologies.

The governments ministerial meeting with the farmers unions will be held on January 20 at 2 pm at Vigyan Bhavan, instead of January 19, the agriculture ministry said in a statement late on Monday. A Supreme Court-appointed panel to resolve the crisis is, meanwhile, due to hold its first meeting on Tuesday.

The governments ministerial meeting with protesting farmers unions was fixed on January 19. Due to inevitable reasons, it has become important to postpone the meeting. Now the meeting will be held on January 20 at 2 pm at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Request you to attend the meeting, agriculture secretary Sanjay Agarwal said in a letter to 40 farmers unions.

There are indications the tractor rally may also figure in the tenth round of negotiations between the farmers and Central ministers. The two sides have failed to reach any understanding in nine rounds of talks over the repeal of three Central farm laws and the MSP Act.

In the Supreme Court, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Monday said the Delhi police was at liberty to invoke its powers under the law and it has the power to deal with law and order situations. Who should be allowed and the number of people to enter are all matters of law and order, to be decided by the police. We are not the first authority, Chief Justice Bobde said.

To this, attorney-general K.K. Venugopal said: It is an extraordinary situation and the court may pass orders, noting that public order, police, land and services in the national capital are under the direct purview of the Centre. Calling the proposed tractor rally illegal, Mr Venugopal told the court an order from it would strengthen the hands of the government as it was facing an unprecedented situation. An unmoved CJI Bobde shot back, asking: Does the Union of India need the Supreme Court to tell it what powers it has under the Police Act? He said the court hadnt taken up the entire issue of the farmers agitation and its intervention had been misunderstood.

Does the Supreme Court say what are the powers of the police and how they will exercise them? We are not going to tell you what to do, replied the bench, which included Justices L.N. Rao and Vineet Saran. The court told Mr Venugopal that since it was not the same bench that was hearing the matter, it was adjourning the hearing till January 20.

The Centre, in an application filed through the Delhi police, said that any rally or protest that may disrupt/disturb the Republic Day celebrations will cause an embarrassment to the nation.

The farmer unions, which are firm on holding the rally on Republic Day, have pledged that the protesters will not carry weapons or indulge in any inflammatory speeches or violence. They also clarified there will be no occupation or attack on any government building during the parade, that will see tractors start their journey from their respective positions at the Delhi borders and return to the same place.

Farmers will celebrate Republic Day with huge fervour. The tractor parade will move in a circle on Outer Ring Road, that goes around areas like Janakpuri, Munirka, Nehru Place, Tikri. We hope that the Delhi and Haryana police will not cause us any problems or restrictions. This will be a very peaceful protest since our biggest weapon is non-violence, said Yogendra Yadav from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.

Asked what would happen if the Delhi police doesnt give permission for the tractor parade, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said the farmers have a constitutional right to hold the tractor rally peacefully. If the Delhi police has some issues over law and order on Republic Day, they can sit with the Sankyukt Kisan Morcha and give alternatives routes for the tractor rally. Then our farmers committee will decide. But we are very clear the tractor rally will be taken out in the national capital on January 26.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) Punjab general secretary Paramjit Singh said farmers arent going to hold their rally on Rajpath or other high-security areas. He said: We are stuck at Delhis borders. We have not decided to sit at these borders ourselves, we have been stopped from entering Delhi. Well take out the rally peacefully without disrupting law and order. Well exercise our constitutional rights and will definitely enter Delhi.
Beijing, Jan 19 : China's National Health Commission (NHC) on Tuesday sent an expert team to Qixia in Shandong province to guide and assist the rescue mission for the trapped gold mine workers.

The team consists of five medical experts from leading hospitals in Beijing, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying.

The NHC has sent two medical experts from Shandong to Qixia to guide in the preparation of emergency medical aid.

The blast took place on January 10, and 22 workers are trapped underground.

Tuesday's development comes after the trapped miners sent a note on Sunday, saying that 12 workers were still alive, while the state of the other 10 was unknown.

In a related development, China's National Mine Safety Administration has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the country's non-coal mines to forestall major accidents.

According to a directive issued by the administration, the campaign will last till the end of March, with efforts focusing on preventing the occurrence of severe accidents including collapses in mined-out areas and explosions.

In recent years, the workplace safety situation of mines in China has been steadily improving.

But the sector still faces safety risks given the huge number of scattered mines, many of which are small and ill-equipped, according to an official with the safety watchdog.

At present, there are 32,000 non-coal mines in the country, 86.4 per cent of which are small.

Most of these mines are backward in technology and equipment, with undertrained staff and poor safety management, the official said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 12:43:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The debt-to-asset ratio of China's centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) continued to head downward in 2020, achieving the country's deleveraging target for SOEs, official data showed Tuesday.

By the end of last year, the average debt-to-asset ratio of central SOEs stood at 64.5 percent, down 0.5 percentage points from the previous year, Peng Huagang, spokesperson for the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, told a press conference.

The solvency of the companies was improved with a better debt structure, Peng said.

China has set a timetable for SOE deleveraging as part of its efforts to defuse financial risks. The average debt-to-asset ratio of SOEs should be reduced by 2 percentage points by the end of 2020 compared with that at the end of 2017, according to guidelines released in September 2018. Enditem
Nicky Hilton was It Girl chic as she hit the streets of Manhattan's Downtown neighborhood on Tuesday.

The hotel heiress bundled up from the NYC chill wearing a stylish black and white Monse sweater featuring the Playboy Bunny.

She continued the fashionable look with a black bomber jacket and matching skinny jeans.

Bunny hop: Nicky Hilton looked chic wearing a stylish black and white Monse sweater featuring the Playboy Bunny while out in NYC on Tuesday

Nicky added a bit of edge with her accessories, carrying a quilted purse with large leather studs while stomping along in combat boots.

Her blond tresses were slicked back sleekly and you could see that the fashionista had painted her eyes with a flick of cat-eyed liner.

The sister of Paris Hilton was a bit distracted during her stroll, splitting her attention between walking and a phone call.

She's the bomb: She continued the fashionable look with a black bomber jacket and matching skinny jeans

Multi-tasking: The sister of Paris Hilton was a bit distracted during her stroll, splitting her attention between walking and a phone call

Mask on: Nicky wore a black face mask amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic

Black leggings: The socialite showed her lean legs in black leggings

It was likely Nicky was focusing on her fashion endeavors.

Earlier this month Hilton showed off her latest collection with shoe brand French Sole.

'Forever a city girl,' she wrote while leaning against the entrance of the Bleeker Street subway station wearing moccasins from the line.

Valentino fan: The influencer stepped out in Valentino boots and carried a Valentino handbag

Busy mom: The mother of two launched her own clothing line in 2004

Pulled back: Nicky had her blonde hair pulled back into a low knot

Aww: Hilton shares daughters Lily-Grace and Teddy with her husband James Rothschild

Nicky shares Lily with her husband, British banking heir James Rothschild, whom she has been married to since 2015.

The couple also share a second daughter, three-year-old Teddy Marilyn Rothschild.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Nicky revealed quarantine still had been beneficial for her marriage.

'Being together as a family is nice. My husband and two daughters have breakfast, lunch and dinner together every single day...I think this seclusion has been great for our marriage.'
The prospect of the Trump familys future raises all kinds of intriguing questions. Will the twice-impeached president be convicted by the Senate? Can he ever find another social media platform he loves as much as Twitter? Will daughter Ivanka realise her cherished political ambitions and run for Florida governor?

If Donald Trumps four-year tenure with its ignominious departure has taught us anything, its to expect the unexpected when it comes to this clan.

This is true, most of all, for Melania Trump (50), who has retained an element of mystique throughout her White House residency.

The outgoing first lady is the first foreign-born FLOTUS in 195 years. Back in 2017, which saw the emergence of the #freemelania hash tag, it was posited that she had joined her husband in the White House under duress and that the Slovenia-born model and business woman would be high-tailing it to the divorce lawyers as soon as Trump left office.

But Melania, lets not forget, has sparked her own share of controversy over the past four years.

This is the first lady who wore a Zara jacket emblazoned with the words I really dont care, do you when she visited immigrant children detained and separated from their parents at the US-Mexican border.

More recently, she famously asked, Who gives a f*ck about Christmas in a secretly recorded conversation and in 2018 she claimed to be the most bullied person in the world.

Read More

And in the wake of the recent attacks on the Capitol, she remained silent for five days. When she finally issued a statement on January 6, she used portions of an older speech, condemning the violence and calling for unity, while at the same time, seeking to paint herself as a victim.

I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me  from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda, said Melania, who had been overseeing a photoshoot of rugs in the White House while the riots took place.

According to a CNN poll, she departs Washington with the lowest favourability rating since she became first lady but at this stage, she may be beyond caring. Reportedly she has just wanted to go home since early December when her husband was still furiously contesting the election results.

The Trumps are said to be planning to leave the White House and live at their Mar-a-Lago club in Florida  although neighbours do not want them there and have filed a grievance claiming that Trump has no legal right to permanently reside on the property. Melania has also been seen in the area scouting out a school for their 14-year-old son, Barron.

All of this seems to indicate that whatever Melanias long-term future ambitions are, she plans to remain Mrs Trump and that her role as a mother will remain of paramount importance to her.

She is said to be extremely protective of Barron; according to Mary Jordan, author of The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump, the model renegotiated her prenup to ensure that her son got a greater share of the family business.

Another possibility is that she will make a return to modelling. Her White House bio is fulsome in its praise of her highly successful modeling career, appearing in many high profile ad campaigns and working with some of the best photographers in the fashion industry.

But that career, surprisingly, hasnt translated into any magazine covers since Trump came to office. Unlike her predecessor, Michelle Obama, who graced 12 magazine covers during her two terms as first lady, Melania has been bypassed and this exclusion is said to have enraged Donald Trump, who retweeted a post that said elitist snobs in the fashion press were ostracising the most elegant first lady in American history.

Expand Close Michelle Obama / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Michelle Obama



Reflecting her keen interest in design, one of the projects she is said to be working on is a coffee table style book about the decorative objects shes amassed during her time in the White House, which would be a poor substitute for the juicy, tell-all memoir it had been previously rumoured she was penning.

A recent Tweet called attention to the White Houses many restoration projects ensuring the history and beauty is preserved for generations to come.

With a number of previous business projects under her belt, another option is that Melania will dip her toes into those waters again. In 2010, five years after marrying Trump, she launched an eponymous jewellery line which was sold on the QVC shopping channel, where she presented her designs.

She had also previously worked on a caviar skincare line in the early 2000s, which never really took off, but given the slew of celebrities who have recently entered the skincare market, including Rihanna, model Emily Ratajkowski and Jennifer Lopez, the time might be right for the soon-to-be-former FLOTUS to revisit this venture.

Whatever Melanias future might look like, it seems certain that it will be radically different from other American first ladies, who enjoyed varying careers and took different pathways once their husbands had left office.

Many of these women stayed active in the political sphere, such as Barbara Bush, who died in 2018. She helped her son George W campaign and was one of only two women in the history of the United States to be both the wife of a president and mother of a president.

Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, who served as first lady from 1993-2001, famously pursued her own political career and was secretary for state from 20092013 before running for president in 2016, in which she was the first woman to win the popular vote in an American presidential election. Ultimately she lost to Trump.

Educator Laura Bush, wife of George W, wrote a memoir and a childrens book and moved to Dallas with her husband after the 2008 election to work on the George W Bush Presidential Library.

Expand Close Richard and Pat Nixon pictured in 1960 / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Richard and Pat Nixon pictured in 1960

Despite endorsing Hillary Clinton and heavily criticising Trump, Michelle Obama has said that she has no passion for politics and would not run for president. She remains enormously popular and her memoir, Becoming, became the highest-selling book published in the US in 2018 while The Michelle Obama Podcast, featuring conversations with friends and family, including her husband Barack, has proved to be hugely successful.

Of any of the former first ladies, the one with whom perhaps Melania shares the most in common is Pat Nixon, who was known for keeping her opinions to herself, disliking political life and supporting her husband throughout Watergate.

Nixons story may serve as a cautionary tale to Melania: after Nixons resignation, they retired to his Californian estate where their subsequent years were difficult because of legal and financial issues.

At this point in time, only Melania knows what shes going to do next. But one thing is for certain; she will have plenty of time to ponder her legacy and her future in her luxurious Palm Beach surrounds after leaving the White House tomorrow.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PHX MINERALS INC., "PHX," (NYSE: PHX), today announced that John H. Pinkerton was appointed to the Company's Board of Directors effective Feb. 1, 2021. Mr. Pinkerton was appointed to replace Robert E. Robotti, who retired effective May 1, 2020, and his appointment increases the board's size to six members.

"Our Board and management team are delighted that Mr. Pinkerton has agreed to join our Board of Directors. His extensive background and expertise in many facets of the oil and gas business increase the Board's ability to assist our management team with the execution of our growth through mineral acquisition strategy," said Mark Behrman, PHX's Lead Independent Director.

Mr. Pinkerton joined Range Resources Corporation as President in 1990 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1992 until 2012. He served as a director starting in 1988 and as Chairman from 2008 until January 2015. During his tenure, Range Resources grew from its small cap origins to be a $13 billion enterprise with a preeminent position in the Marcellus Shale. Mr. Pinkerton currently serves as Executive Chairman and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Encino Energy, a private oil and gas operating company, since 2017. He also serves as a director of EP Energy since 2020. Mr. Pinkerton received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Texas Christian University, where he now serves on the board of trustees, and a Master's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

PHX Minerals Inc. (NYSE: PHX) Oklahoma City-based, PHX Minerals Inc. is a natural gas and oil mineral company with a strategy to proactively grow its mineral position in our core areas of focus. PHX owns approximately 253,000 net mineral acres principally located in Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, New Mexico and Arkansas. Approximately 71% of this mineral count is unleased and undeveloped. Additional information on PHX can be found at www.phxmin.com.

SOURCE PHX MINERALS INC.

Related Links

http://www.phxmin.com


Theres a technology thats been around for a dozen years. Its an in-line hydraulic quick-connect and the Italian bike component company Formula made it. Its called the SpeedLock. The need for this tech wasnt as acute when it was first developed, but the industry trajectory over the past half-decade has bent directly toward this tech.

The easiest way to express this is by using an example. Ive got a beautiful tri bike in my workshop and below is a detail pic showing the front brakes hydraulic line running down into the steer column. If I want to change the stem on this bike, Id better not have anything on my schedule. Ive got to disconnect the hydraulic line at the brake caliper  or at the lever  fish the internally routed hose out of the bike; change the stem; reroute and refix the line; and then bleed the brakes. There is no other way.

Imagine if a Formula SpeedLock was installed. I just disconnect the junction, change the stem, reconnect, and Im ready to roll. Instead of a 10 minute job becoming a 60 or 90 minute job (assuming I have all the tools), a 10 minute job (changing a stem) becomes an 11 minute job.



I first became aware of this product when I saw mention of a new tri bike, made by Ku Cycle, with whom my old friend Richard McAinsh is attached, because I saw this device on that companys tri bike. I asked Richard and he put me in touch with the folks at Formula. Ive berated myself from then til now because of all the bikes that have passed across my transom that needed this, and I didnt know it existed.



Richard was smart enough to include this as original equipment on this bike because, of course, we internally route all our cables, and all our new tri bikes now have hydraulic brake lines. If we want to travel with our bikes, and that requires disconnect of cables or lines, this makes the whole thing much easier. If we want to change a stem on our bikes, and the lines run through either the stem or the steerer, this is how you do it.

I suspect when this product was first developed the need wasn't as acute. But I had to change a stem on the Cervelo Caledonia 5 and  hoo boy  that was an afternoon Im not going to get back. Had that bike been specd with this kind of tech, again, its just a few minutes. If I owned a Cal5  which is a terrific bike which I mourned losing when I had to give it back to Cervelo  the very first thing I would do is replace the existing hydraulic lines with Formula SpeedLocks.



That established, the Cal5 is so good at hiding the lines that theres very little of each hydraulic line that is exposed. But they have to come out sometime and, at a minimum, Ive seen the SpeedLock  or a version of it  right at the road control (brake/shift lever). So, worst case, Id have to unwrap the handlebar tape down to the lever, fish the cables out of the handlebar to the stem area, change the stem, and reconnect everything. But, still, no need to shorten the hydraulic line, no need for a new needle and olive, no need to rebleed the brakes.



Best, of course, if our bikes today were made so that just enough of the hydraulic line was available for SpeedLocks to be accessible to the user  say, right at the point the hydraulic line leaves the handlebar and enters the stem.



Heres how the thing works, more or less:

I bought mine online from Modern Bike. The pair of these set me back about $100. You cant get just the quick-connect hardware  you just buy the whole length of housing with the connection in-line. You then replace your hydraulic line in your bike  I experimented on my OPEN WI.DE gravel bike  and other than somehow forgetting to put one of the two rubber boots in-line I got it all together. It wasnt any harder than replacing a hydraulic line, except you have to grab the line at each end of the bike and push in or out until you get the connector exactly where you want it, then you cut the housing at the brake lever and at the brake caliper, hook it all up, bleed it, and go.



In the images here you only see one connector because I took this bike out over the weekend, rode for 2-plus hours, up and down 3600 feet, to see if it ever didnt work. I wanted at least one brake I could rely on. But so far  early on  I havent found any downside to having this in-line connection. And by the way, theres one of the two rubber boots that somehow didnt make it onto my bike when I assembled the SpeedLock onto my bike. You can see those two boots in the SpeedLock in the pic above, as it sits on my shop floor, but youll see its missing when assembled on my bike. User error. Hence the need for Velofix in our lives.

This or something like it really needs to be on every bike makers internally routed bikes, and these tend to be tri bikes or aero road bikes. Theyre not necessary if the bike is made in a way that allows parts  like stems  to be changed without decabling the bike, and/or if the bike can be broken down for bike case travel without undoing hydraulic lines. The fact is, we travel. We travel with our bikes. Other folks? I cant speak for them; but I can speak for us, and the requirements for successful use by triathletes at the pointy end of the spear means a degree of user-friendliness on our bikes which are inevitably built nowadays with internal hydraulic lines.



Distribution of this product if you live in the North America is nonexistent? I dont know, but pretty close. I couldnt find this product on my home continent other than at Modern Bike. I dont want to get all soapboxy, but a theme of mine for some years now has been: Yes, manufacturers, make bikes that are more aero, lighter, and so on. But there should be a discipline you exercise during product design. Every time you give us something better, you must not offset that by taking away something vital, e.g., you cant make the bike more aero but then take away my capacity to change the stem, or pack my bike for airline travel. The SpeedLock is technology that, at least potentially, would allow a bike maker to make me a better bike without compromising the capacity of that bike in the course of normal use.



So, why havent all the other companies  from big brands to small  deployed the SpeedLock as original equipment? I dont know who dropped the ball on this. Perhaps Formula was not as good as it could have been at prosecuting the value of this product; or for not delivering and pricing this product in ways that make it palatable for OEs. I'll let OEs (bike makers) take a mulligan if they didn't know this product existed (though Richard McAinsh did). Water under the bridge. One hopes everyone who needs to know about this product in our market will know about it now or soon, and we'll see in-line hydraulic connections in common use in those applications that mandate it.
Following the launch of the all-new MG HECTOR 2021, MG Motor India has now joined hands with Cheil India to drive a nationwide, 360-degree marketing campaign. The campaign, named Its a Human Thing to Evolve, builds on the idea of MG HECTORs Its Human Thing and captures the internet SUVs transformation as a more comfortable, connected, attractive, and feature-rich vehicle with a hint of the human touch.

The campaign departs from the automobile industrys traditional approach of taking car shots alone. It integrates strong human element with a British family at its center. Through their daily lives, the evolved features of the new HECTOR 2021 are brought to light in unexpected, witty, and endearing ways. The approach has made the creative campaign more than just a car commercial  its a Human Thing, after all!

The all-new HECTOR comes loaded with several advancements including a new-fangled design, interiors, in-car technologies, and an evolved i-SMART software system, to name a few. It has even learned an Indian language despite being a British brand! MG customers will be able to control several of their in-car features with Hindi voice commands.

MG HECTOR is Indias first internet car that created new benchmarks in its segment by introducing several industry-first features. They include sophisticated 48V mild-hybrid architecture and OTA update capability alongside others.

MG has retailed more than 40,000 units of the feature-rich internet SUV so far with strong customer demand on a national level. HECTOR has also given MG the desired momentum with 250+ customer touchpoints across 65 cities to date in India.

CBS All Access days are numbered... in name, at least. ViacomCBS has revealed that Paramount+, its expansion and rebranding of All Access, will launch in the US on March 4th. The streaming service will come to Nordic countries on March 25th, Australia in mid-2021, and Canada later in the year (although Canadians will see the rebrand right away).

Paramount+ is ultimately a bid to compete with NBCUniversals Peacock, Disney+, HBO Max and other network-oriented rivals. Where All Access was originally focused on CBS and internet-only originals, the new offering includes shows from a host of ViacomCBS channels as well as Paramounts movie library. In theory, youll have a reason to subscribe beyond following the latest Star Trek series.

Whether or not it works is another matter. Theres a much larger catalog, but competitors also have exclusives for popular classic shows like The Office and Friends. Theres also the concern of subscription fatigue  people may only be willing to sign up for so many services. Paramount+ is an easier sell than CBS All Access, but it might be too much for someone already struggling to keep up with (or afford) their queues on other services.
One of Boris Johnson's top ministers was taken to task by Piers Morgan today as he refused to explain why the UK's Covid death rate is now the worst in the world.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis was skewered by the Good Morning Britain host over devastating new research by Oxford University experts.

Britain was averaging 935 daily fatalities in the week up to January 17, or the equivalent of 16.5 people in every million, according to it research platform Our World in Data. No other country currently has a higher death rate per capita.

Asked to explain the figures, Mr Lewis tried to explain that it was not possible to do a direct comparison between countries.

This prompted the excitable host to interrupt, saying: 'With respect minister, as a government you have spent the last three weeks giving us direct comparisons about the vaccination programme, by comparing it to every other country.

'We literally never hear you stop talking about it - and by the way you have got every right to, because we are doing very well.

'But please don't tell me you're not in the business of international comparisons, because you stopped telling us how many people were dying by comparison to other countries many months ago, when the numbers got very bad.

'Yesterday the numbers came out and were the worst in the world. Given that you have been using international comparisons for weeks now about the vaccines I don't think it is unreasonable to ask you why we have the worst death rate int he world

Mr Lewis tried to interrupt, saying 'It is just too early to do those comparisons' as Mr Morgan continued to search for an answer.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis was skewered by the Good Morning Britain host over devastating new research by Oxford University experts.

Britain was averaging 935 daily fatalities in the week up to January 17, or the equivalent of 16.5 people in every million, according to it research platform Our World in Data. No other country currently has a higher death rate per capita

Covid was England's biggest killer in 2020 and accounted for one in eight deaths Coronavirus was the leading cause of death in England last year and accounted for one in eight fatalities, official data has revealed. An Office for National Statistics report published today found Covid-19 was responsible for 69,101 out of 569,770 total deaths in 2020 (12.1 per cent). The figure is slightly lower than the 78,076 on the Government's dashboard because the ONS looks at cases where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. The official tally counts people who died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus. Number 10's figure will also be higher because it includes deaths from this January. Dementia and Alzheimer's were the second biggest killers in England in 2020, claiming 66,060 lives, while heart disease was behind 51,979 deaths. There were just 18,656 flu and pneumonia deaths last year, 40 per cent lower than average, which is thought to be the knock-on effect of social distancing measures. The ONS report also found that in December, deaths from all causes were 25 per cent higher than the five-year average. Covid-19 was by far the biggest killer last month, claiming 10,973 lives. Covid killed more people than dementia, Alzheimer's and heart disease combined (9,646). Advertisement

Near the end of the uncomfortable grilling Mr Morgan said: 'I've tried. Viewers can make up their minds as to whether your response is adequate ... viewers won't understand, they'll just see you avoiding the question.

Mr Lewis hit back, saying: ' I haven't avoided the question, I've been upfront with you, Piers.'

'You can't think of a single reason why so many people are dying in this country,' fired at him.

Britain overtook the Czech Republic, which had been at the top since January 11 with a death rate of 16.3, after publishing its latest death figures on Sunday night, when there were 671 victims.

Fatality statistics on the weekend and on Mondays in the UK tend to be lower due to a reporting lag, which means the country's death rate could surge even further into the lead this week.

However there are signs that Britain's crisis is starting to slow thanks to its third national lockdown. Infections are down by a fifth in seven days and deaths are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Rounding out the top five countries with the worst death rates are Portugal (14.82 per million), Slovakia (14.55) and Lithuania (13.01). Panama is the only country in the top 10 list which is not in Europe.

Mainland Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic since last October, accounting for around a third of global deaths.

The 52 countries and territories in the region have recorded an average of 5,570 deaths every day - 17 percent higher than a week earlier.

The US and Canada have counted 407,090 altogether and saw fatalities rise by 20 per cent last week at 869 average daily deaths.

More than 106,000 deaths involving Covid-19 have now occurred in the UK, new figures show.

A total of 99,813 deaths have so far been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to the latest reports from the UK's statistics agencies.

This includes 90,720 deaths in England and Wales up to January 8, which were confirmed by the ONS on Tuesday.

Since these statistics were compiled, a further 6,447 deaths have occurred in England, plus 146 in Scotland, 260 in Wales and 181 in Northern Ireland, according to additional data published on the Government's coronavirus dashboard.

Together, these totals mean that so far 106,847 deaths involving Covid-19 have taken place in the UK.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, has launched its newest product for human health and nutrition, DailyZz, an ingredient containing a propriety blend rich in naturally occurring polyphenols for safe and natural nightly sleep.

A recent human clinical trial has shown that in as early as one week, DailyZz promotes better quality sleep and improves next-day functioning in healthy adults who have occasional sleep complaints.

In the 100-person study, sleep quality and daytime functioning benefits showed improvement in both objective and subjective measures. The study used multiple rigorous testing methods, including computerized performance testing and validated sleep diary surveys  the gold standard for assessing the subjective sleep experience  to evaluate the effects of supplementation of DailyZz on sleep and next-day performance.

Participants in the 30-day study received either 485 milligrams of DailyZz to take 30 minutes before bed or a placebo. Those taking DailyZz nightly showed significant improvement in their quality of sleep, as well as better concentration, reaction time and visual recall and processing. The participants taking DailyZz also showed improved judgement in a risk-taking scenario after a night of quality sleep.

"Sleep is an important part of overall health, and many people without sleep disorders are looking for ways to improve their sleep so that they can feel more rested during the day and perform better," said Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and lead investigator of the study. "Our study showed that DailyZz might help some of those people meet their goals of better sleep and better daytime functioning."

The global sleep market illustrates just how much today's busy consumers are looking for a good night's rest. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of eight percent and global retail sales projected to reach USD$2.3 billion by 2025, the market reflects the consumer need for sleep-support supplementation.1

"Consumers are sleeping less hours due to increasing stress at work, obligations at home and the growing use of digital devices," said Kim Edwards, Global Product Manager, Kemin Human Nutrition and Health. "Consumers are looking for natural, non-addictive sleep ingredients to improve their quality of sleep and feel rested in order to take on the next day, and DailyZz meets all these needs."

Click here to learn more about DailyZz.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies and textile industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.



Media Contact:

Kim Edwards, Global Product Manager, [email protected], +1 515 344-2423

REFERENCES:

1Euromonitor International, Sleep Aids in the US, Country Report, October 2020

 Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2021. All rights reserved.  TM Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A.

Certain statements, product labeling and claims may differ by geography or as required by government requirements.

SOURCE Kemin Industries

Related Links

http://www.kemin.com


[January 19, 2021] LendingClub Announces Transformation of its Board of Directors

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LendingClub Corporation (NYSE: LC), America's leading online lending marketplace connecting borrowers and investors, today announced that Al Landon, Erin Selleck and LendingClub's chief financial officer, Tom Casey, will join as the newest members of its Board of Directors at the completion of the acquisition of digital bank Radius Bancorp ("Radius"), which the company expects to occur on or around February 1, 2021, subject to completion or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions. Simultaneously, Dan Ciporin, former general partner at Canaan Partners, and Ken Denman, former president & chief executive officer of Emotient, have decided to resign from LendingClub's Board of Directors, each effective at the completion of the acquisition of Radius. In addition, Simon Williams has decided that he will step down at the conclusion of LendingClub's 2021 annual stockholders meeting. With this decision Simon, who is a veteran financial services and fintech exec, is completing a long and dedicated service and leadership term with LendingClub that began in 2009. The board transformation comes as LendingClub has received all the bank regulatory approvals necessary to complete its acquisition of Radius and become the first U.S. public neobank, poised to reimagine banking for everyday Americans. "We were looking for new board members with the expertise and insights that will support us as we transform the company and embark on our next chapter of growth. We are excited to welcome Al and Erin to the board given their demonstrated success and wealth of experience in the financial services industry," said Scott Sanborn, LendingClub's CEO. "With Dan, Ken and Simon wrapping up their board tenure, I'd like to thank them personally for their support and belief in our mission to empower members on their path to financial success. I am extremely grateful for their commitment, guidance and partnership as we transformed LendingClub and wish them each well on their next endeavors." Long-serving board member Mr. Ciporin added, "For more than 13 years I have been part of the LendingClub journey from a small startup to today's publicly traded industry leader, helping millions of customers seamlessly access lower cost credit. can't wait to see what this team does next."



Mr. Landon is an investor, advisor and director of start-up businesses with over 30-years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently, Mr. Landon is the assistant dean and adjunct professor at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. He is also a member of the National Board of the Smithsonian Institution and the PBS Foundation in Washington, D.C., serves as vice chair of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and is a member of the advisory board of PBS Utah. Previously, he served on the board of several financial institutions, including State Farm Insurance. He also held prominent roles as chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawaii and served as a partner with Ernst & Young. In January 2015, President Obama nominated Landon to serve on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Mr. Landon will serve on LendingClub's Audit, Credit Risk and Finance, and Compensation Committees. "Now that the company is becoming a bank holding company, they can build on LendingClub's credit and data expertise to develop new capabilities that seamlessly blend savings and credit  transforming the experience for our customers," said Mr. Landon. "I'm looking forward to sharing my experience as LendingClub continues to innovate on behalf of our members."

Ms. Selleck is an experienced financial executive, advisor, and corporate director who is a current member of the Board of Directors of Broadway Financial Corp and its subsidiary, Broadway Federal Bank, where she serves as chair of the Audit Committee, and member of the Risk/Compliance and Loan Committees. Prior to becoming a director and advisor, Ms. Selleck had a successful 30-year career in the financial services industry and served as the senior executive vice president and treasurer for Union Bank, a top-25 U. S. bank and a key subsidiary of Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the world's largest financial organizations. Ms. Selleck will serve on LendingClub's Audit, Credit Risk and Finance, and Operational Risk Committees. "What drew me to LendingClub is its unique business model and its intent to help people reach their financial goals, which will only be enhanced as it becomes a bank holding company," said Ms. Selleck. "I'm excited to provide my expertise to help improve the financial health of all Americans." The appointment of Ms. Selleck, Mr. Landon and Mr. Casey signals a new era for the company as it embarks on its journey to offer a broad range of financial products and services through a technology and data-driven platform, designed to help Americans pay less when borrowing and earn more when saving. About LendingClub After completing the acquisition of Radius Bancorp, LendingClub Corporation (NYSE: LC) will be the parent company of LendingClub Bank, National Association, Member FDIC, and the only full-spectrum fintech marketplace bank. Members can gain access to a broad range of financial products and services through a technology-driven platform, designed to help them pay less when borrowing and earn more when saving. Since 2007, more than 3 million members have joined the Club to help reach their financial goals. For more information about LendingClub, visit https://www.lendingclub.com . Safe Harbor Statement Some of the statements above, including statements regarding our ability to close the pending transaction with Radius timing of closing, the benefits of the transaction, and future products and services, are "forward-looking statements." The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include whether all the closing conditions of the pending acquisition of Radius are satisfied, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction with Radius and those factors set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as our subsequent filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and 10-K. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Information in this press release is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Media and Investor Contacts

For Investors: IR@lendingclub.com

Media Contact: Press@lendingclub.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendingclub-announces-transformation-of-its-board-of-directors-301210502.html SOURCE LendingClub Corporation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy
BANGKOK  The onetime civil servants crime was to share audio clips on social media that were deemed critical of Thailands monarchy. The sentence, handed down on Tuesday by a criminal court in Bangkok, was more than 43 years in prison.

It was the longest sentence yet for violating Thailands notoriously tough lese-majeste law, which makes it a crime to defame senior members of the royal family, according to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The former civil servant, Anchan Preelert, was sentenced to 87 years, but her prison term was cut in half because she agreed to plead guilty.

Todays court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy wont be tolerated but that they will also be severely punished, said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher on Thailand for Human Rights Watch.

Thailand has seen a spike in lese-majeste cases since late last year, after more than two years during which Section 112 of the criminal code, which applies to criticism of top royals, was not enforced, according to Thai legal groups. The three-year pause came at the behest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who wanted such prosecutions halted, according to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Odisha: As Jagatsinghpur rivers dry up, locals worry over govt inaction

January 19,2021 | Source: The New Indian Express

Even as major rivers are drying up and human encroachments are blocking their flow in the district, inaction by the State government and district administration to revive them is posing a grave challenge to sustainable development in the region. As per reports, the four main rivers in the district including Mahanadi, Devi, Chitrotopla and Paika are witnessing water flow only for two to three months during the rainy season and are dry for the rest of the year. Depletion of groundwater level, disruption in flow due to construction of bridges and barrages and other human encroachments are believed to be contributing factors.



Moreover, many rivers like Hansua, Alaka, Dhanua, Gobari, Budha and Balia are almost dead. While this phenomenon has ecological repercussions, it has also led to immediate concerns like poor crop output and shortage of drinking water. Over the years, it has given way to livelihood concerns for those who depend on fishing and farming. In 2018, locals led by social activist Ratanakar Nayak had demanded eviction of illegal encroachment of Alaka river from Birabarapatana in Biridi block to Bay of Bengal under Erasama block. They had demanded harvesting of rainwater, measures to rejuvenate the river and prevent further depletion of groundwater, evicting illegal constructions from both sides of the river and other solutions to the crisis.



Following the protest, a six-member team of Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata had visited different areas of Biridi block to prepare techno-economic feasibility report (TEFR) and detailed project reports (DPR) to both Central and State governments for revival of the Alaka river. But, the reports are yet to be submitted. A year later, the Fisheries Directorate had again sought the CIFRIs intervention for a DPR to mitigate the water crisis but the research institute is yet to give a response. Meanwhile, in May, the district Fishery office had submitted a proposal to the district rural development agency (DRDA) for utilisation of MGNREGS funds to take suitable measures to restore water bodies for pisciculture. District fishery officer Subrat Kumar Das has said, The department had adopted a mission mode approach to boost fish farming but all projects are on hold as DPRs for rejuvenation of rivers are awaited.
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cue Health Inc. (Cue) announced today that its molecular, point-of-care COVID-19 Tests are being distributed to five additional states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Utah, as part of the joint $481 million program with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD). This expansion doubles the number of states participating in the program. Cue expects to deliver six million tests by the spring. Cue's COVID-19 Tests are being used in point-of-care settings to provide molecular confirmation to antigen tests that yield positive and suspicious negative results, eliminating the need to send results to a central lab and thereby enabling healthcare providers to respond immediately.

The Cue COVID-19 Test is being used in a variety of applications by the departments of public health in each state. The tests are being distributed for use in high-concern populations and congregate care settings, such as long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and hospices, as well as in public health and safety screenings such as mobile testing units, drive-through clinics, K-12 schools, and hospitals. Tests are also being sent to tribal nations and rural communities where access to laboratories is minimal and results are not received for several days. In some states, tests are being provided to essential businesses, fire and police departments, and front-line workers. Correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers are also using Cue tests to monitor and prevent outbreaks.

"Cue is proud to expand this important program, scale our manufacturing, and deploy our test to make a positive impact on the health of communities alongside HHS and DOD," said Ayub Khattak, CEO of Cue.

Cue's easy-to-use, fast, molecular test provides lab-quality results directly to connected mobile phones. "Cue's COVID-19 Test is an efficient solution at the point-of-care, and is a critical part of our strategy to deliver the right test, for the right person, at the right time," said Assistant Secretary for Health and COVID-19 Testing Coordinator, Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. "While this program is in the pilot phase, we have already seen a significant impact in communities across the country. It is our goal to deploy millions more of these tests that help improve infection control."

While each state has autonomy over how to best deploy the Cue test, notable use cases include the following: in Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is using the tests for teachers and staff in K-12 schools in five counties. In Minnesota, Cue's tests are being deployed to assist underserved homeless populations and correctional facilities. In Utah, the test is being used in schools, long-term care facilities, drive-through clinics, and community testing centers to identify hot-spots and prevent community spread after the holidays.

In November 2020, Cue announced its COVID-19 Tests had been deployed to five states as part of the program's launch: Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Texas. The tests have been utilized in various ways, including at Veteran Affairs Medical Centers in New Jersey, fish processing plants in hard-to-reach regions of Alaska, and nursing homes in Louisiana.

Cue's COVID-19 Test is a portable, compact, easy-to-use, molecular test that detects the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 using a nasal swab (the Cue Sample Wand) taken from the lower part of the nose. Specimen collection and execution of the test is simple, requires no training, and is completely automated in its process of sample to result. Cue's molecular assay and connected platform, which provide results to a mobile smart device in about 20 minutes, is an efficient solution for frequent, fast, and reliable testing at point-of-care.

The Cue COVID-19 Test received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 10, 2020. The test is authorized for use in point-of-care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.

On October 13, 2020, HHS and DOD announced an award to Cue that will enable the company to expand its industrial base and U.S. production capacity to deliver six million COVID-19 Tests and 30,000 Monitoring Systems to the U.S. government, to support the domestic pandemic response. This effort is being led by the DOD's Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), in coordination with the DOD's Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), and funded through the HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, to enable and support domestic production of critical medical resources.

About Cue Health

Cue Health Inc. ("Cue") is an ISO 13485-certified company focused on developing and manufacturing professional and consumer medical diagnostic products that can be used in clinical or at-home settings. Cue's mission is to create tools that empower healthcare providers and consumers by increasing their access to actionable health data. Cue's first product, the Cue Health Monitoring System with the Cue COVID-19 Test Cartridge, is a platform that provides diagnostic information to clinicians and patients seeking to benefit from a connected healthcare delivery ecosystem. The company is based in San Diego, CA. For more information visit www.cuehealth.com

This test has not been FDA cleared or approved; this test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; this test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C.  360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

SOURCE Cue Health Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cuehealth.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.
For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe.

Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime.
(TNS) - Jan. 18The time frame for additional COVID-19 vaccinations become available for county residents remains up in the air for now, Johnson County and Cleburne officials said last week.Officials from both entities stressed that they are as frustrated over the situation as the public."Right now it's a situation of hurry up and wait from the state," Mayor Scott Cain said during Tuesday's Cleburne City Council meeting.An unfortunate reality Johnson County Emergency Management Director Jamie Moore shared during Monday's meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court."People call our office all the time about the vaccine," Moore said. "All we can tell them right now is that there is no news because there's little communication between the state and cities and counties. We contacted the Texas Department of State and Health Services branch in Arlington asking when more vaccines were coming and were told that they don't know."Supply and logistics play into the shortage, Moore said."There are only six manufacturers of the vaccine at this point," Moore said. "Others are still in the testing phase but for now there are only six. China and Russia each have their own manufacturer. That leaves four companies otherwise to manufacture vaccines for the entire world. There's just not enough doses available yet for everybody and the best estimates we're getting at this point is that it will be June or July before they become widely available."Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon explained that the federal government allocates vaccine dosages to the states who in turn allocate them to cities and regions."At this point there are still doctors, nurses, first responders who haven't been vaccinated because there simply aren't enough doses available yet," Moore added. "The manufacturers can only produce them as fast as they can."You'll also see reports in the media where one jurisdiction received 1,000 doses but have only administered 200. People rightfully wonder why that is. Well, because it takes time."You have to pull up the vaccine, thaw it, go through the process of inputing people's information then have people sit for 15 minutes after to ensure there are no side effects. That all takes time unless you have significant manpower to administer the vaccines. It's not just run 1,000 people through and give them shots."So yes, those places probably do have 1,000 vaccines but they probably have people scheduled out for appointments and in many cases they probably lack manpower." Cleburne received 500 doses for first responders and it took about a week to administer those because of the process involved."Cleburne Fire Chief Scott Lail, during Tuesday's council meeting, confirmed that the city received 500 vaccines and subsequently 500 follow up vaccines. Cleburne in fact was one of the first 10 non-hospital providers in the state to receive vaccines, Lail added."We don't have any new allocations of first doses," Lail said. "We don't have any information at this point when we will get more."Harmon and others noted that Gov. Greg Abbott has since increased the pool of people eligible for the vaccine beyond first responders and medical personnel"The problem there is there's been no new allocation of vaccines," Harmon said. "More are eligible but the vaccines aren't available yet and so it's caused a gap and expectations on the public's part."Harmon and Cain credited Tarrant County Judge Glenn Whitley for reaching out to Johnson and surrounding counties to help make the vaccine available to more.The problem there, Moore said, is that Tarrant County only received 19,000 doses last week while Dallas County received about 23,000. Johnson County so far has only received roughly 1,900 doses officials said with all but the 500 allocated to Cleburne Fire Department having been scheduled for nursing home residents.Johnson County residents are free to call Tarrant County to get on their list, officials said, but added that Tarrant County's waiting list sits at about 100,000.Lail added that his department has received more than 3,000 requests to get on their list."It's not that we want to lower peoples' expectations," Moore said. "It's just that we want to relay the reality that it's going to take a while before the vaccines are widely available."Lail concurred."We understand that obviously people are upset over the situation and want the vaccine," Lail said. "I know the mayor and council have been catching flak. But the reality right now is it's out of their hands. It's out of my hands. We're at the mercy of the state right now."If they allocate more we will vaccinate more. But we can't even go on the state site and get more at this point. They send emails saying we're allocated this much when they do allocate and that's the process right now."We anticipate that somewhere in the future vaccines will become more readily available but we've been given no time frame for when that will be just yet."Cain called the situation frustrating."It's important for the community to know that council and staff are working as hard and fast as we can. We don't like that people have to go to Tarrant County to get it right now. The problem we continue to have is there's no communication from the state."People say, 'Work harder. Go to Austin.' But there's no place to go in Austin. There's no particular point or contact person on this."Moore and Lail encouraged residents to check the county and city websites for updates on vaccine availability.___(c)2021 the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas)Visit the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas) at www.cleburnetimesreview.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The ministry is sending world leaders invitations to a respective summit.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the initiative to create the Crimean Platform is gaining more and more support in the world.

He announced this at a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde in Kyiv on January 19, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Read alsoMuseum organizations seek release of art scholar tortured in Donbas captivity

"We are now at the stage of sending leaders of other states official invitations to a Crimean Platform Summit," the minister said.

"The work that we are doing with all countries to clarify the goals of the Crimean Platform and its format demonstrates that this initiative is gaining more and more support," he said.

Crimean Platform to end Russian occupation of the peninsula

On September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who participated in the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, called on partners to join an international platform for the end of the Russian occupation of Crimea.

In December, Zelensky announced that the creation of the Crimean platform had already been backed by Europe and North America.

The platform will operate at several levels. The first, the highest one, is the political level, which will involve heads of state and government. The second level is that of top diplomats and defense chiefs, the third is the inter-parliamentary level, and the fourth will involve non-governmental experts. An expert network will be created to enhance the effectiveness of government action, as well as engaging additional intellectual resources in the platform's work.

The Crimean Platform Summit is scheduled for August 23, 2021.

Russian occupation of Crimea

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula. An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia. De-facto Crimean authorities reported that allegedly 96.77% of the Crimean population had voted for joining Russia.

On March 18, 2014, the so-called agreement on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was signed in the Kremlin.

The West did not recognize the annexation in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced.

Ukraine's parliament voted to designate February 20, 2014, as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began.

Reporting by UNIAN
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / LeanLife Health Inc. (CSE:LLP)(FSE:LL1)(OTC PINK:LHLNF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a significant sales agreement in the United States with Eclypse LLC ("Eclypse"), a private U.S. company specializing in the in the beverage space.

The key principal of Eclypse, Cathal O'Flaherty, has a stellar track record of building and growing beverage brands, including over 16 years at Constellation Brands, where he helped develop sales and business development programs enabling Constellation to enjoy unparalleded growth in the beer industry; accounting for over half the U.S. total sales of imported beer. O'Flaherty worked with iconic brands like Corona Extra and Modelo Especial. During this time the import beer division gew from from $1 billion to $5 billion in revenue. Prior to Constellation, O'Flaherty spent 15 years with Anheuser Busch's wholesale operations division, working in a wide variety of sales, marketing and operations roles. More recently, O'Flaherty partnered closely with Invest Northern Ireland (NI), the Vermont Cider Company and Vitani Spirits.

To further incent Eclypse, the Company is providing milestone bonuses upon reaching sales of USD $10 MM and USD $20 MM of the Mike Tyson branded Iron Energy drink

Stan Lis, CEO and Director of LeanLife, states: "The Company continues to build a solid foundation by working solely with major distributors and agents who have a track record of building and growing sales in the beverage sector. I am very pleased to add to our roster of sales agents a company whose executive has helped make Corona one of the best-selling beers in the United States. I look forward to working closely with them to facilitate an aggressive sales roll-out across America in 2021."

About LeanLife Health and its Brand Positioning in the Marketplace

FoodCare Group, the supplier and manufacturer of Iron Energy, by Mike Tyson, is a market leader in Poland's energy drink market and is a leading brand in the Middle East. We believe, Iron Energy will also appeal to North American consumers and will quickly gain retail and consumer acceptance and trial.

The annual market value of the combined U.S. and Canadian energy drink markets is estimated at over $14 billion (USD). Red Bull is the market leader, followed by Monster and Bang. While Red Bull pursues a premium price strategy; LeanLife will be aggressively priced and shelf positioned, apprealing to a broad consumer base. According to Allied Market Research, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the global energy drink market is 7.2% while the US market is positioned to grow to over $86 billion (USD) by 2026.

Consumer preference and the increased occasions for energy drink consumption are growing the category. Iron Energy will participate in this phenomenon through category and organic growth. The broad base of young adult consumers will be attracted to this unique product alternative. Iron Energy is enjoying great success in the European market. We believe Iron Energy will offer a similar success story in North America due to its compelling brand attributes, product taste and energy benefits.

For more information, please contact:

Stan Lis, CEO

604-764-0518

SLis@LeanLifeHealth.com

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control including, the Company's ability to compete with large food companies; sales of any potential products developed will be profitable; the ability to complete sales under the sales agreement. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

THE CSE HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: LeanLIfe Health Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624816/LeanLife-Announces-Additional-Strategic-Agreement-to-Boost-Product-Sales-for-Mike-Tyson-Branded-Iron-Energy-Drink
America Talks: Join us and #ListenFirst in a virtual conversation with another American
He lived and died in a time of tumult and a racial awakening, so perhaps it is no surprise that the 35th national celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday has particular resonance amid one of the most traumatic seasons in memory: A raging pandemic. Protest and civil unrest after the killing of Black people by the police. A momentous election. And an insurrection.

Even the title of his final book  Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?  seems ripped from todays headline.

I think its still an unanswered question, said Clayborne Carson, a history professor at Stanford University, referring to the title of Kings book.

I think the most important word in that question is we  who are we, and until you figure that out, its very hard to tell where we are going, said Carson, who is also the founder and director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, which is publishing a collection of Kings papers.

Amid the change and upheaval, the words of King, both those celebrated and the less familiar, feel more urgent then perhaps ever before, both as a guide and a warning. From oft-quoted speeches to the words he never had a chance to deliver before his assassination, King talked about his vision of a just world, about the power of peaceful protests, and about disruption as the language of the unseen and the unheard.

We asked Carson and others from across the country to choose words from King and reflect on how they resonate today. Heres what they had to say.



Now, let me say as I move to my conclusion that weve got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end. Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point, in Memphis. Weve got to see it through.

 from the last speech given by King, on April 3, 1968, in Memphis, the day before he was assassinated.

The Rev. Dr. William Barber II, a chairman of the Poor Peoples Campaign, said Kings words spoke to the daunting challenge that civil rights leaders faced helping the poor and marginalized. He drew a parallel to todays challenges of systemic racism, ecological devastation and a lack of access to health care.

The election of a Democratic president, he said, is no reason to slow down.

Its not enough to have an election and put new people into office, Barber said. We must push and continue to push for the kind of public policy that really establishes justice.

We really must now go about the business of lifting up those who are poor and those without health care, he added. Thats the only way we can heal the nation  we have to heal the body.



The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

 from Kings speech at the Washington National Cathedral on March 31, 1968.

Connie Field said Kings quote had guided much of her work as an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

Dr. King presented a vision of an equal, multiracial society, she said. He presented a vision of economic equality. And he presented a vision of a political struggle thats nonviolent. Those are three things that we can all try to live by and strive for today.

She added: Whats going on in the United States, what we witnessed on Jan. 6, all has to do with a backlash to the fact that our world is changing. Its going on here in America; its going on in Europe. Were becoming a more intertwined world, a more multicultural world. Thats the trajectory of history, and theres no going back on that. That quote completely underscores everything Im talking about  a just world is an equal world, equal no matter what our race is.



Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

 from Kings I Have a Dream speech at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.

Bernard Lafayette, 80, recalled the words from the I Have a Dream speech as a reminder that the turmoil the country is witnessing today is not the way things have to be, and its not something we have to accept, but should be understood as another step on the long journey that King described, with each shift connected to the events that precede it.

The violence at the Capitol, he said, reflected the fear from some members of our society that they were losing political power.

You have to ask the question, What are these people afraid of? Well, they are afraid they would lose power, they would lose control and the election in Georgia exacerbated that, he said. These fears that are being perpetrated, theyre really false fears, because no one is going to take anything away from them.



I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.

 from King speech in Memphis on April 3, 1968, a day before he was assassinated.

Rutha Mae Harris, 80, of Albany, Georgia, said she believed Kings speeches often warned of the kind of conflict that unfolded in Washington on Jan. 6. Harris, who marched with King during the Civil Rights era, recalled, in particular, the famous speech he gave in Memphis a day before he was killed.

With the rhetoric of Trump, I myself knew that something would happen, she said. This had been building up for four years. She said King was a man of vision, but that vision captured the darkness as well as the light. She noted, He said, I might not get there with you, and, of course, you can read in between the lines.



Why America May Go To Hell

 title of a sermon that King had planned to deliver at his church on Sunday, April 7, 1968.

For the Rev. Amos C. Brown, the pastor of Third Baptist Church, a historically Black church in San Francisco founded in 1852, the words of King that come to mind this year are the ones he never had a chance to speak.

When he was assassinated, King had been planning to give a sermon, he said, called Why America May Go to Hell. In the sermon, King planned to warn that the country needed to use its vast resources to end poverty, and to offer all of Gods children the necessities of life.

The hell that King stood against is still deeply embedded in America today, said Brown, who is attending the inauguration as a guest of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (who attends his church).

We are about to fall over the precipice into, figuratively speaking, hell in this nation  sure, we ought to be concerned about whats going on now, he said, referring to the attack on the Capitol. But people are just now beginning to experience what Black folk have gone through since the Atlantic slave trade began. Hell.



We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

 from Kings speech in St. Louis on March 22, 1964.

For Antwan T. Lang, a member of the Chatham County Board of Elections in Savannah, Georgia, Kings words meant we cannot be afraid to learn from one another and understand our differences and similarities.

My hope is that one day white America will understand that we harvest no hate, but we want to be seen not as a Black man, Black entrepreneur, Black superintendent, Black doctor, Black lawyer, Black teacher, Black insurance agent, Black funeral director, but as a human being wanting to freely be ourselves without having to walk on eggshells in fear of becoming a statistic, he said.

It is clear to me that our protest and our plea to America is that we want to be free, to simply be a human being with real feelings, emotions, dreams and goals, Lang said, to be able to live long enough to accomplish those goals, dreams and ambitions.



Oh no, Brother Gray. This is no ploy at all. If we are to succeed, I am now convinced that an absolutely nonviolent method must be ours amid the vast hostilities we face.

 Kings response in 1955 to a suggestion that his nonviolence tactics were for attention.

Fred D. Gray was the lawyer who represented Rosa Parks, King and the Montgomery Improvement Association during the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, the event that inaugurated the 20th century civil rights movement. The quote, found in Grays account of that battle, Bus Ride to Justice, was Kings response to a suggestion that his commitment to nonviolence was a ploy to gain attention in the press.

I became a lawyer so I could use the law for the purpose of destroying every act of segregation that I could find, Gray said. There were other people whose roles were to make speeches, and others who demonstrated, but you had to put it all together and do it in a nonviolent fashion.

Regarding the protests over the past year against killings of unarmed African Americans by police officers, Gray said: I think were going to have to go back to what Martin said about nonviolence and social change. All the things that King did, all the things we did in the Montgomery bus boycott were to get rid of racism and inequality. We were able to do a little bit, but not do it all.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state government is in talks with COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to ensure that Lagos residents are catered for in any vaccine distribution.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said following the spike in the confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection being recorded in the state, adequate steps must be taken to provide vaccines for Lagosians.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said this during a press conference Tuesday on the management of COVID-19 infection in the state.

We are closely monitoring ongoing action by the Federal Government to procure COVID-19 vaccines for use in Nigeria.

We have also opened discussions with vaccine manufacturers so that when the vaccine comes eventually, we can ensure that Lagosians are catered for. In the meantime, we are developing a strategy that will articulate the criteria, guidelines and regulatory framework for providing and monitoring vaccinations in Lagos, Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor disclosed a partnership with the private sector in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the areas of testing, oxygen deployment, and clinical management of moderate to severe cases.

As you are all aware, Lagos State remains the national epicentre of the disease. As of the 17th of January 2021, Lagos had recorded a total of 41,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Of this number, 28,452 have recovered and are within the community while 9,213 are currently active in the community. Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres; with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 per cent (277 cases), the governor said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the increase in the positive cases has necessitated the provision of greater amounts of concentrated oxygen for the moderate to severe cases on admission in the isolation centres.

In the last few weeks, the demand for oxygen has risen from 70 six-litre cylinders per day to 350 six-litre cylinders in our Yaba Mainland Hospital, he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the government will continue to ramp up steps to provide oxygen at isolation centres.

The Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the State through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks, the governor said.

He urged citizens to treat any malaria-like symptoms as COVID-19 infection unless until otherwise proven.

Any affected individual with COVID-like symptoms should proceed to any of our public health facilities and/or laboratories to get tested for free, he said.

As of Monday, Lagos has 41,374 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 277 deaths.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

LAS CRUCES  A former Las Cruces police officer who was arrested in 2019 on drunk driving charges and then fired from the department, accepted a 36-month suspension of her law enforcement credentials last week.

In 2019, Stephanie Carabajal, then 26, was charged with one count of aggravated driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and one count of blocking traffic after she fell asleep at the wheel of her personal vehicle while it was still running on Highway 70 near the Mesa Grande Drive exit.

Carabajal refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested that night. She was later placed on a lengthy administrative leave before being terminated from the force.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Her initial charges were dismissed to allow prosecutors time to collect evidence in the case against her; in February, they were re-issued. Carabajal is scheduled to face a jury April 15, according to the New Mexico court system database.

Tai Chan, who was once accused of a homicide at Hotel Encanto, voluntarily relinquished his.

Both actions were taken by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board, as first reported by the Northern New Mexico Independent.

In 2007, Tai Chan, a former Santa Fe County sheriffs deputy, was charged with one count of first-degree murder after he killed his partner, Jeremy Martin, at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.

The two had been drinking and Chan claimed self-defense in the incident.

The case dragged on for years. On Aug. 8, 2018, it was dismissed by the prosecutor following two mistrials. Later that year, in October, the Third Judicial District Attorneys office filed a new charge against Chan  voluntary manslaughter. That case was also dismissed.

In 2019, prosecutors again charged Chan with voluntary manslaughter, but that case was dismissed on Aug. 3, 2020, due to a speedy trial violation. After the latest dismissal, the DAs Office stated theyre not expecting to challenge the judges decision on the matter.
While many sectors of the economy continue to flounder and unemployment rates remain tragically high, the stock market is thriving and certain industries are going gangbusters even amidst a global public health crisis, political chaos, and a general zeitgeist of existential dread. As Federal aid has waned, 8 million people in the United States have slipped below the poverty line since May, the biggest spike in indigence in 60 years. In the same time period, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk cemented their status as centibillionaires. Now, just this month, Elon Musk shocked the world when he surpassed Amazons Jeff Bezos as the richest man on Earth on Thursday, riding high on Teslas meteoric 2020 rise. The iconic electric vehicle companys stock value has gained over 700% this year, and was given a significant boost in anticipation of TSLAs induction into the S&P 500 last month. A 6% rise in Tesla (TSLA) shares early Thursday lifted the value of its CEO's stock holdings and options by $10 billion, taking his net worth to about $191 billion, reports CNN Business. A more modest rise of less than 2% lifted Bezos' Amazon (AMZN) shares by about $3 billion, putting his net worth at $187 billion.

While Musks trajectory is anything but typical, his soaring success this year can be viewed as a microcosm of much larger gains by the EV industry. It would be overly simplistic to say that electric cars are killing it--just like any other economic sector, 2020 was a bumpy ride for EV markets. Despite lots of hopeful speculation, the entire clean energy industry was hit hard, with about a half-million workers losing their clean energy jobs during the pandemic.

Despite these sobering statistics, there is a lot of truth to the claims that clean energy is taking off. Over the summer, PV Tech reported on a raft of new studies which has come to underscore the business case of pushing renewables to the heart of the COVID-19 recovery, amid claims green energy plays offer a low-cost, high-return opportunity for investors. Then, in August, MacArthur genius Saul Griffiths organization Rewiring America backed these findings up and made its big debut with a jobs report showing that rapid decarbonization through electrification would create 15 million to 20 million jobs in the next decade, with 5 million permanent jobs after that.

Related: Iran Looks To Poach Saudi Oil Contracts With New Projects



The EV sector, in particular, holds a huge amount of promise for jobs creation in 2021. And not just from Tesla. In the United Kingdom, legislators are debating whether to accelerate a ban on new combustion engine sales in the interest of boosting new EV jobs and buoying the economy. On this side of the Atlantic, a fleet of small-scale EV companies are revving up for a new clean-energy friendly administration and rising interest in ESG investment.

While the details of a Biden-led green stimulus package as it pertains to the EV industry are still unknown, a lot of industry insiders are betting on a promising degree of federal support. Biden has already tapped former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm, who worked closely between President Obama and the automotive industry during the 2008 financial crisis, to fill the Energy Department Secretary role.

One promising sector is the electric trucking industry, which has seen a flurry of mergers in recent months. EV trucking companies Lordstown Motors, Hyliion, XL Fleet, Rivian, Nikola and Lightning eMotors have all recently raised hundreds of millions of dollars and gone public by merging with blank check companies, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (also called SPACs) according to reporting last week by GreenBiz.

But thats just one small part of a much larger sector thats poised for a massive comeback and a great year. Growth in EV manufacturing and EV manufacturing jobs means growth in EV infrastructure and EV infrastructure jobs. Additionally, a federal government stimulus also could inject funding and jobs into a growing domestic EV battery production sector, writes GreenBiz.

One thing is very clear: EV is no longer a niche market with sci-fi leanings. Its becoming more widespread and more accessible all the time, and the great news is that in addition to being great for the planet, its going to be great for the economy at a time that decent manufacturing jobs are sorely needed. Cmon Mr. Musk. Its time to let those economics trickle down.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Advertisement Advertise With Us

Brandon Sun readers request specific questions be asked about COVID-19.

QUESTION: if a person from Rapid City, for example, were to test positive at the Brandon site, would they not be added to Brandon district numbers?

PROVINCIAL SPOKESPERSON: Numbers are tracked by home address  i.e., the address on the Manitoba Health Card is where that case will be attributed to in our numbers, not the testing location.

As to your example, if that persons home address were to show as Rapid City on their health card, thats where we would consider the case to be from, not the testing location (Brandon).

QUESTION: I understand Modernas vaccine efficacy in participants 65 years of age and older appears to be lower than in younger adults 18 to 65 years  86.4 per cent compared to 95.6 per cent. Considering First Nation elders are top of list for vaccination  is this on your radar at all as an issue? The question would apply, as well, regarding any personal care homes using Moderna.

DR. JOSS REIMER: We are constantly looking at the data thats provided by the companies, as well as by other jurisdictions. We will be sure to analyze it on an ongoing basis. What we have right now shows it as a very effective vaccine and we are confident that it will be beneficial to those who are receiving it.

QUESTION: People who work at a COVID testing site are eligible to receive the vaccine. Why arent people who work directly with COVID-positive clients at alternative isolation accommodation sites included in the eligibility criteria?

REIMER: We have looked at a number of different issues when it comes to determining the eligibility criteria. We looked at issues like whether or not the people would potentially be exposed to the virus in the workplace. Were also looking at how vulnerable the patients or clients in that setting might be. So for example, for personal care homes, its essential that the staff be immunized so that theyre not a source of infection or the individual living in that setting because theyre more likely to experience severe harm.

Were also looking at where weve seen evidence of outbreaks and disease transmission, particularly between staff and residents or patients. Were looking at where we have a specialized workforce with specialized skills or those where any work disruption would be quite critical to the system. All of those factors have to be considered at the same time.

So one of the reasons that the COVID immunization clinics became a priority was around that workforce issue. It is critical that these clinics be up and running with as many people as we need in order to give every vaccine as fast as we can.

So it was important that not only that we have the eligibility in there to help recruit some of the workers to that batch location, but also to prevent that from ever becoming a source of infection. The last thing we would want for Manitobans is to have one of our vaccine clinics become the site of an outbreak, and so we wanted to ensure that we were protecting everyone who was working there, as well as protecting everyone who is coming through to get their vaccine.

Do you have a question? Send your questions to opinion@brandonsun.com with the subject line: Readers Ask.

 mletourneau@brandonsun.com

 Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.
Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who left her country for Lithuania following a disputed presidential election that she and her supporters claim she won, has asked the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to assist her and other exiled opposition politicians to safely return home.



In a January 18 post on her website, Tsikhanouskaya said she made the request during an online meeting with European Union Ambassadors to the OSCE a day earlier.



"Together with the international community, I would like to find an opportunity to safely return to Belarus. Two criminal probes have been launched against me, and they also put my name on the international wanted list, so there must be special guarantees for my return," Tsikhanouskaya said at the meeting.

She added that the situation with the Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who was immediately arrested upon his arrival to Moscow from Berlin over the weekend "shows that assistance from the international community, especially from the OSCE is essential" in this matter.



Results from Belarus's August election, which Lukashenka claims to have won, sparked mass protests, with Tsikhanouskayas supporters and opposition figures claiming she was the victor.



In the days following the vote, several opposition figures, including Tsikhanouskaya, left the country amid security fears.



Several protesters have been killed and thousands arrested during the ongoing mass demonstrations demanding Lukashenka's resignation. There have also been credible reports of torture during a widening security crackdown.



Tsikhanouskaya also proposed that the OSCE organize an inclusive dialogue to solve the ongoing crisis in Belarus by creating a contact group to start negotiations between representatives of the European Union, the Belarusian opposition, and Lukashenka, who has run Belarus since 1994.



Tsikhanouskaya reiterated her support for holding a new presidential election in Belarus, adding that "we are ready to hold the poll in 45 days."
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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) - Voting 212-1-1, the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill which promotes a new way of gesture in observance of social distancing protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Bill 8149 or the "Bating Filipino Para Sa Kalusugan Act" institutionalizes placing one's palm at the center of the chest together with a slight nod as customary Filipino gesture of respect. It is also seen as an alternative to the traditional handshake.

The measure covers all Filipino citizens and other individuals staying in the country.

Under the proposed measure, all government agencies are mandated to disseminate information and to encourage the practice of the new gesture.

The bill also mandates the Department of Health in consultation with the Department of Education, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, and other concerned agencies to formulate and issue the rules and regulations for its implementation.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has said the countrys empty shelves have nothing to do with Brexit.

He blamed the pre-Christmas shutdown at the Port of Dover over the highly infectious strain of Covid-19 for temporary interruptions in the flow of goods across the Irish Sea.

The Secretary of State said supermarket supply lines were healthy.

Mr Lewis blamed the pre-Christmas shutdown at the port of Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA).

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Thats actually something weve seen across other parts of the UK as well, nothing to do with leaving the EU, nothing to do with the Northern Irish protocol but actually to do with some of the challenges we saw with Covid at the Port of Dover just before Christmas and the impact that had on supply lines coming through.

I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle.

He said there was no reason for lorries to return empty from Great Britain due to excessive paperwork.

Smaller food traders have struggled to adapt to problems with multiple consignments travelling in one lorry, meaning loads have to be re-sealed and certified by officials several times.

Mr Lewis said: Even on foodstuffs, theres no reason for that to be the case.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported from the rest of the UK following the end of the transition period.

Processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable in Northern Ireland at the end of the protocol grace period, the partys Stormont agriculture minister Edwin Poots said (Niall Carson/PA).

Mr Lewis said the UK is working with the EU to get a permanent resolution before that ends.

Some supermarket shelves were depleted this month as suppliers grappled with new rules surrounding sending goods from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland.

The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards.

Mr Lewis has previously said there is no Irish Sea border and important preparations had been made for the end of the Brexit transition period.

Read More Nursing home calls in army but hits out at social media commentary

The Democratic Unionist Party has strongly criticised the new arrangements.

Processed goods like jelly or gravy could be unavailable in Northern Ireland at the end of the protocol grace period, the partys Stormont agriculture minister said.

Edwin Poots acknowledged the country had plenty of homegrown beef and potatoes but warned Northern Ireland Assembly members trimmings like Bisto or trifle could be missing from traditional Sunday dinners.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has warned of the impact on products like steel, which could face tariffs of up to 25%.

It is deemed by the EU to be at risk of entering the Single Market when arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.
[January 19, 2021] HERO, Mercer release 2020 Progress Report for HERO Health and Well-Being Best Practices Scorecard in Collaboration with Mercer

The Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) and Mercer released today the 2020 Progress Report for the HERO Health and Well-being Best Practices Scorecard in Collaboration with Mercer (HERO Scorecard). Among other findings, the report shows a growing consensus around the business case for well-being initiatives, an evolution in incentive strategies for employers, and best practices that are most often connected with optimal outcomes. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005679/en/ Findings and analyses from the 2020 Progress Report are based on the responses of companies that completed the HERO Scorecard V4 between July 2014 and September 2020. The number of HERO Scorecard completers has increased 30% since the 2018 Progress Report, indicating a growing interest among employers in benchmarking their well-being initiatives and outcomes against similarly situated organizations. The importance of employee well-being is underscored by the fact that 30% of respondents say their senior leaders view health and well-being as connected to broader business results "to a great extent" (up from 22% in 2016), while 49% of companies say their corporate vision or mission statement supports a workplace culture of health (up from 35%). "Participation in the HERO Scorecard continues to increase year over year, which is yet another testament to the growing employer commitment to improving workplace and community well-being. This is more important than ever, as the world continues to grapple with the health inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Karen Moseley, president and CEO of HERO. "Completing the HERO Scorecard gives them a comprehensive assessment of their initiatives and their outcomes and provides guidance for future efforts." More than 1,300 organizations have completed the current version of the HERO Scorecard and nearly 200 companies have taken it more than once. The HERO Scorecard asks employers about the adoption and outcomes of well-being best practices, such as the use of financial incentives, strategic planning, program integration, and the breadth of programs offered. According to Mary Imboden, director of research for HERO, repeat participation allows researchers to measure changes in well-being practices over time. "The HERO Scorecard has been designed to keep pace with both best practice research and real-world utilization of well-being strategies by a diverse range of organizations. The research findings and expert commentaries help organizations understand emerging trends and provide applicable recommendations for improving health and well-being initiatives," said Imboden. For example, the HERO Scorecard Progress Report includes in-depth analysis by population health professionals in several best practice areas, including: Strategic planning,

Organizational and leadership support,

Program integration,

Program comprehensiveness,

Participation an social strategies to support well-being, and

Use of data to measure program performance.



According to Imboden, this Progress Report will be the last based on data from HERO Scorecard V4. HERO Scorecard V5, which is scheduled for release in early 2021, has been designed with input from industry experts and insights from previous learnings to keep pace with emerging research on well-being best practices and growing trends related to the expanded scope and comprehensiveness of health and well-being initiatives.

"Beyond keeping it current and relevant, revising the HERO Scorecard allows it to continue providing invaluable benchmarks and data for organizations to support decisions about their well-being initiatives in an environment that continues to evolve rapidly," said Steven Noeldner, Senior Consultant, Total Health Management, Mercer. "The HERO Scorecard lends credibility to these decisions and allows users to benefit from the experiences of other leading employers. The introduction of HERO Scorecard V5 makes it possible to take advantage of the latest insights leading into the future." In addition to expert research commentaries and trend analyses, the HERO Scorecard Progress Report features employer case studies by UKG and the City of Brentwood, CA (News - Alert) that illustrate the utility of the HERO Scorecard as a resource for employers. About the HERO Scorecard The HERO Scorecard was launched in 2006 as a tool to help employers evaluate their health and well-being efforts against a comprehensive inventory of current best practices. The tool, available through the HERO website, was in its fourth edition during the development of this report and is available in both U.S. and international versions. To date, more than 1,300 employers have completed the U.S. version and nearly 400 have completed the international version. The HERO Scorecard asks employers to provide information about strategic planning, organizational and cultural support for employee health and well-being, specific program offerings, integration of health and well-being programs with other areas of the company, strategies to encourage participation (such as communications and rewards), program costs, and outcomes. After submitting the online scorecard, an employer receives best practice scores in six areas that contribute to employee well-being, along with benchmarks that show how they compare to national employers. To learn more or to complete the HERO Scorecard, visit www.HERO-health.org. To download the 2020 Progress Report, please visit https://hero-health.org/publication/2020-hero-scorecard-progress-report/. About HERO - HERO (the Health Enhancement Research Organization) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that was established in 1996. HERO is dedicated to identifying and sharing best practices that improve the health and well-being of employees, their families and communities. To learn more, visit www.hero-health.org. Follow us on Twitter @heroehm or LinkedIn. About Mercer - Mercer believes in building brighter futures by redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being. Mercer's more than 25,000 employees are based in 44 countries and the firm operates in over 130 countries. Mercer is a business of Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world's leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people, with 76,000 colleagues and annual revenue of $17 billion. Through its market-leading businesses including Marsh, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman, Marsh & McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment. For more information, visit www.mercer.com. Follow Mercer on Twitter (News - Alert) @Mercer. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005679/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Samajwadi Party president Tuesday accused the government of creating a big fuss over Prime's political saga "Tandav", which he called a "minor"

His statement came in the wake of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry seeking an explanation from the OTT platform over the series, and at least three FIRs being filed with different police stations in Uttar Pradesh against the makers and the artistes of the show.

"What is Tandav?" he told reporters here to a question over the controversy. "It is a minor series. And you are creating a 'tandav' (a dance form associated with Hindu god Lord Shiva) over it."



Yadav also said OTT platforms gained popularity during the lockdown period, and asked as to when an Indian platform will be created that can rival

"You talked about swadeshi andolan and let a foreign platform loot millions of rupees. Tell me when will there be a homemade platform that can rival Amazon," Yadav said, confessing he does not have an subscription and have not watched the series.

"Tandav", a nine-episode political thriller starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, started streaming last week and is neck deep in trouble with loud calls for its ban and an FIR against its makers in Lucknow. At the centre of the row is a scene with Zeeshan, in the role of college student Shiva, playing the Hindu god Mahadev in a theatre production.

The cast and the crew of "Tandav" had to "unconditionally" apologise in a bid to quell the controversy surrounding the show.

Yadav also attacked the BJP over the ongoing protests against the farm laws, alleging the leaders of the party have nothing to do with agriculture but they just want to control the market linked with it and make profit.

"We are associated with farming, the BJP is not," he claimed.

He said January 26 is a good day for the government to accept the demands of farmers who want the three new agri laws repealed and a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

"There can't be a bigger display of love for the country and respect for the constitution. The BJP has got an opportunity to (exhibit) their patriotism and love for this country," he said.

On the Investigation Agency (NIA) serving notices to some farmer union leaders, he said they have been issued as farmers are agitating against the laws.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking while welcoming youth achievers and leaders into the party fold.

He said declining employment opportunities, "privatisation of education and politicisation of educational institutions" are the burning issues the youth of the country faces.

He also claimed the stringent Security Act was being invoked against youths who speak for themselves and alleged nothing of this sort is taking place anywhere else in the world.

He also alleged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his deputy were withdrawing cases lodged against them.

The state today tops parameters such as crime against women, fake encounters, communal violence and hooch tragedy deaths among others, he alleged.

It is also for the first time that "the court has said" that there is jungle raj in the state, he said.

The Allahabad High Court had recently quashed an FIR against a man who allegedly tweeted that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had transformed the state into "jungle raj".

Yadav also raised the issue of security after reports that China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh, saying Google maps show China raised constructions in the area over the past few months.

On a question on the biennial MLC elections on 12 seats, the SP chief said he ought to have fielded a third candidate also "since some of the BJP MLAs were ready to vote for his party".

The SP has fielded two nominees as per its strength in the Assembly and the BJP 10 for the election whose process is presently underway.

(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.)
Chezzi Denyer has confirmed her husband Grant Denyer's confession that Pamela Anderson had previously hit on him.

Speaking to his fellow campmates on Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, the 43-year-old TV host revealed the Baywatch actress had once asked him out.

But while Grant's co-stars were dubious, his wife of 10 years said it was all true, and she remembers when it happened.

All true: Chezzi Denyer has confirmed her husband Grant Denyer's confession that Pamela Anderson had previously hit on him

'I remember vividly when Pamela Anderson tried to crack onto Grant. I told him then he was CRAZY to not go to the party with her but he was too scared! True AND funny story!' the 40-year-old tweeted.

A fan commented that Grant's encounter with the busty blonde was 'adorable' and asked: 'How many men have said no to Pammie?'

'Bahahah EXACTLY what I said to him at the time,' added Chezzi.

Brush with fame: Speaking to his fellow campmates on Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, the 43-year-old TV host revealed the Baywatch actress had once asked him out

Confirmation: While Grant's co-stars were dubious, his wife of 10 years said it was all true, and she was there when it happened

Speaking to his co-stars, Grant revealed: 'Pamela Anderson wanted to date me... I was nervous as hell, really shy, very turned on.'

'She was like, "You're cute." She goes, "Do you want to come to a party with me?"' he continued.

Grant said he turned down the 53-year-old's offer to go to the party because he had to catch a flight back to Sydney.

Crush: Speaking to his co-stars, Grant revealed: 'Pamela Anderson wanted to date me... I was nervous as hell, really shy, very turned on.' Pictured at a movie premiere in Paris in June 2019

Gotta fly: Grant said he turned down the 53-year-old's offer to go to a party because he had to catch a flight back to Sydney

His confession prompted his disbelieving campmates to chant: 'Lie! Lie! Lie!'

But an offended Grant later insisted his story was completely true.

'No one believed that this honey pot here could lure in a bee like Pamela Anderson. Stuff you, it's true!' he added.
Guwahati, Jan 19 : The opposition Congress on Tuesday announced a five-party 'Mahagathbandhan' to take on the ruling BJP-led coalition in Assam in the upcoming Assembly elections expected to be held in April-May.

Announcing the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), Assam Congress President Ripun Bora said that his party would contest the elections in alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the three Left parties - Communist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) - and the Anchalik Gana Morcha (AGM).

He said that regional parties are welcome to join the Mahagathbandhan to oust the Bharatiya Janata Party from power in the state.

"The Congress is always keen to oust all communal forces for the best interest of the country. People are ready to vote out the BJP as its misgovernance caused a lot of distress to the people, who have become fed up with the BJP," he said.

AIUDF General Secretary Aminul Islam said the Mahagathbandhan is good for Assam as it would fulfil the expectations of the people of the state and throw the BJP out of power.

AGM President Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, also a Rajya Sabha member, termed the formation of the grand alliance as a historic moment. He sounded optimistic that the grand alliance would defeat the BJP in the forthcoming elections.

Besides the AIUDF, a Muslim-dominated party in Assam, and the Left parties, state Congress leaders had held several meetings in the past few months with the 'like minded parties'.

AIUDF President and Lok Sabha member Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has been stating that the two parties (Congress and AIUDF) have decided to contest the Assembly polls together since their tie-up for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls held last month.

Recently, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi had appointed three central leaders -- Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh Chief Minister), Mukul Wasnik (AICC General Secretary) and Shakeel Ahmed Khan (Bihar MLA) -- to oversee the election campaign in Assam in close coordination with the AICC general secretaries and the party in-charge for the state.

Baghel and other central leaders held meetings with the state party leaders in Guwahati before Assam Congress chief announced the Mahagathbandhan.

The Congress had suffered a setback in the recent elections to the BTC and the Tiwa Autonomous Council. Two of its MLAs - Ajanta Neog and Rajdeep Goala - had joined the BJP last month, delivering another blow to the party.

In the 2016 Assam assembly elections, the Congress had contested on its own without an electoral alliance with any party, securing 24 seats.

After the last Assembly polls, the BJP formed the government in Assam for the first time after winning 60 seats following the formation of an alliance with the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which won 14 and 12 seats, respectively. The ruling alliance also has the support of an Independent MLA.

The 126-member Assam Assembly is likely to go to the polls in April-May along with West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
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


Not long before Donald Trump became the first-ever American President to be impeached for a second time  this time with a real possibility of conviction  his daughter Ivanka chose to remind the world of the close ties between her father and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opening and closure in record time of a study centre in Gwalior that exalted Nathuram Godse, the killer of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also occurred almost simultaneously.

It is the legal action against Mr Trump by Americas senators and congressmen that grips the worlds attention. The impeachment proceedings threaten to overwhelm President-elect Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion plan to end a crisis of deep human suffering by speeding up the supply of coronavirus vaccines and financially helping Americans who are still struggling with the economic disaster caused by the grim pandemic. It even distracts notice from the contradictions, if not crisis, of democracy that Mr Trumps rantings and ravings have unwittingly highlighted. For it should never be forgotten that 74 million Americans voted for the man who now seems bent on destroying the edifice on which he stood.

While he is believed to have broken many constitutional norms during his four years in the White House  including trying desperately hard to thwart the peaceful transition of power to his legitimately elected successor  millions of Americans had endorsed his excesses. The January 6 rioters who stormed the US Capitol building in Washington chanting Hang Mike Pence and Wheres Nancy? clearly saw both the Republican vice-president and the Speaker of the House  the first and second in the line of presidential succession  as national enemies.

There is footage available of the rioters beating a police officer with a flagpole as the crowd chanted USA and crushing another officer repeatedly in a door. The violence resulted in five deaths; more might have perished if the police hadnt distracted the mob from breaching the debating chambers long enough to whisk every legislator away to safety. The outrage to civilised governance was infinitely worse. Some Repub-licans, after encouraging or standing by mute as the President attacked the democratic process for months, have shaken consciences. Ten of them joined all 222 Democrats in the House vote accusing Mr Trump of incitement of insurrection that was passed on January 13, a week after the attack.

Even those who concede that Mr Biden obtained more votes can ask if that invalidates the views of 74 million Americans.

A similar question arose in 2000 when George W. Bush defeated Al Gore by winning 271 electoral votes, one more than a majority, despite Mr Gore receiving 543,895 more votes nationally. Many Americans did not regard it as a satisfactory outcome, but they accepted it without protest.

The flaw goes back to 507 BC when the Athenian Cleisthenes introduced demokratia, or rule by the people, from demos, the people, and kratos, or power. Setting aside the claims of Vaishali, Athens was the first democracy for the Western world. But it was a far cry from the universal adult suffrage which we identify with democracy today, and which can be indistinguishable from mob rule. In the middle of the 4th century, for instance, Athens boasted about 100,000 citizens (sons and daughters of citizens), some 10,000 metoikoi, or resident foreigners, and 150,000 slaves. Only male citizens above 18 were a part of the demos, meaning only about 40,000 people could participate in the democratic process.

Around 460 BC, under the rule of the general Pericles (generals were among the only public officials who were elected, not appointed), Athenian democracy began to evolve into an autocracy (Herodotus the one man, the best) which eventually led to Mao Zedongs concept of peoples democratic dictatorship. The premise was that the party and the State represented the people and acted on their behalf to preserve the dictatorship of the proletariat, and save the government from collapsing into a dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, or liberal democracy. Mao famously used the term on June 30, 1949, commemorating the 28th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

However, not all democracies are killed by Army coups or declarations of emergency. Many are destroyed from within. The urge to perpetuate a particular groups stranglehold on power or the plea that a mere head count does not adequately reflect the mood and temper of the people explains opportunistic devices like Gen. Ayub Khans basic democracy (Pakistan), King Mahendras panchayati democracy (Nepal) or guided democracy (Indonesia). Mr Trumps America First slogan is strongly echoed in the implicit argument that Indias majority feels disenfranchised unless it enjoys special privileges. Hence the Hindu Mahasabhas attempt to propagate the true nationalism which Godse stood for through an eponymous library.

Three years ago, the Mahasabha installed a statue of Godse and was about to organise prayer meetings there, but the statue was removed. This second try has to be seen in the context of the constitutional dismemberment and demotion of Jammu and Kashmir, motivated tinkering with academic curriculums, triumphalism over the new Ram temple in Ayodhya, Hindutva trolls, opposition to inter-faith marriages and attacks on Muslims in the name of cow protection. WhatsApp and Twitter are said to be the main instruments for hounding the community.

In view of such similar populist moves, it was not surprising that 39-year-old Ivanka Trump, a senior adviser to her father, should choose this moment to recall her 2017 visit when she led a high-powered delegation to the Global Entrepreneur Summit in Hyderabad. As the world continues to battle Covid-19, our countries strong friendship in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity is more important than ever, she tweeted, paying particular tribute to Mr Modi by name.

Given the association with a man who is widely accused of desperate attempts to subvert democracy, its a compliment the Prime Minister of an India that is still proud of being the worlds largest democracy could have done without.

Union minister on Tuesday asked the Tribal Affairs Ministry to coordinate with the MSME Ministry and come up with a scheme to provide employment to 25 people in every tribal village in India.

The minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Road Transport & Highways said five crore jobs should be created by the MSME sector this year.

He observed that there are 6.5 crore MSME units in the country and 11 crore jobs have been created through the sector till now.

Gadkari said the turnover of village industries at present is Rs 80,000 crore, which needs to be increased to Rs 5 lakh crore.

"I request you to draft a scheme in coordination with us to provide jobs to 25 people in every tribal village in the country, which we will finance," Gadkari told the Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The minister said he has heard that his effigies were burnt in some parts of China to express displeasure after imposition of heavy import duty on bamboo sticks by India that led to closure of few industries.

The government last year hiked import duty on bamboo sticks to 25 per cent to check heavy imports from China, and boost local manufacture of agarbatti and bamboo industries.

The minister was addressing an MoU signing event.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed two agreements on Tuesday for procurement of Khadi fabric for tribal students and for creating local employment for a large chunk of tribal population across the country.

KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena in his address said that the PMEGP scheme bring implemented by KVIC has led to setting up of nearly 3 lakh units in last five years that created 24 lakh direct jobs.

While one memorandum of understanding (MoU) is for the purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, the other MoU is on partnering of the Tribal Affairs Ministry with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as an implementing agency for the Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).

Under the second MoU, Scheduled Tribe Finance Development Corporation (NSTFDC), an agency of the Tribal Affairs Ministry responsible for economic development of tribals in India, will be roped in as a partner to implement the PMEGP Scheme.

NSTFDC provides concessional loan schemes for funding entrepreneurial ventures of aspiring scheduled tribes in all sectors of economy.

(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.)

Press Release

19 January 2021

Parmelia Hilton Perth Completes AUD45 Million Refurbishment

Advertisements

The 309-key Parmelia Hilton Perth ("Parmelia") will reopen next month, after a major 10-month renovation headed by Australia-based construction firm, ADCO Construction. The AUD45 million works involve both the hotel and its surrounding public infrastructure. Upon completion, Parmelia is expected to feature 25 new rooms and suites, an Executive Lounge for guests to unwind, a newly designed lobby which reflects coastal landscapes and Perth's cultural heritage, and new connection which allows convenient access to the adjacent Brookfield Place precinct. There have also been notable improvements in Parmelia's technology; Hilton's Digital Key systems have been fully fitted, allowing for contactless check-ins and room access. In addition, Hilton's CleanStay Program and EventReady program for hygiene and cleanliness have also been fully integrated. Rooms will be sealed to show guests that they have not been accessed after cleaning. The hotel last underwent a major redevelopment in 1999 and had minor refurbishments progressively between 2012 and 2015. Hilton's Vice-President of Australasia, Heidi Kunkel, has expressed that after the newly refurbished Parmelia Hilton Perth is now the city's best-connected hotel and will "set a new standard for Perth hotel stays".

Three Vietnamese Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated in January 2021

According to the Vietnam Ministry of Transport, three major transportation projects have been inaugurated in January 2021. After six months of phase one upgrading, the USD86 million Tan Son Nhat International Airport's runway 25R project and the USD87 million Noi Bai International Airport's runway IB project are operational on 10 January. The second phase of the upgrades are slated to complete by the end of 2021 and early 2022, respectively. The upgrades are expected to alleviate overloading, better serve new-generation planes and ensure safety of flights. Meanwhile, on 11 January, the 6.2-kilometre Hai Van Road Tunnel 2, the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia, was inaugurated. The tunnel connects the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city, and is expected to reduce congestion for the existing Hai Van Road Tunnel 1, shorten travelling time, and improve the efficiency of transporting goods and passengers. On 12 January, the USD270.5 million Lo Te-Rach Soi highway that runs southwest from Can Tho city to Kien Giang province officially opened. The 51-kilometre expressway with four lanes will be a part of the North-South Expressway and is expected to shorten travel time from Can Tho to Kien Giang from more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to 50 minutes.

Access Road to Tourist Spots in Cebu Town Completed

The Department of Public Works and Highways announced the completion of a newly paved 1.38-kilometre, 2-lane road in the coastal area of Aloguinsan Town, Cebu Province on 7 January 2021. The new access road within the Barangay Malolos-Barili-Kantabugon Road measures 6.10 metres in width, with a 1.5-metre paved shoulder, drainage canal, and traffic safety devices in place. It is expected to reduce the travelling time to several famous tourist destinations in Central Cebu including the Hermits Cove, Bojo River and Lunhaw Farm Resort from 40 minutes to 15 minutes. The Public Works and Highways Secretary, Mark Villar, mentioned that the new road would benefit both tourists and locals with improved mobility and investment potential, allowing for potential economic benefits in Cebu. The construction, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Tourism started in February 2020 with an allocation of PHP50 million under 2020 General Appropriations Act.

Myanmar's First Community Tourism Island Opens in Kyunsu

On 10 January 2021, Taninthayi Region Chief Minister Myint Maung inaugurated Myanmar's first community-based tourism ("CBT") island. While previous CBTs solely focused on exposing visitors to the local culture and tourism, this island CBT program pilots the addition of marine tourism into its list of offerings. Located in Kyunsu Township, visitors would be able to experience the Kayin, Bamar and Salon heritage through the various tours offered, and could even spend the night in the Don Nyaung Hmaing village. This program follows the announcement of for a CMT plan to connect Nay Pyi Taw to Shan and Kayah states, which seeks to utilise the hot springs and agricultural infrastructure to boost tourism within the area. The CBT project is pioneered by Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, with the primary objective in increasing cultural tourism within the country while ensuring minimal disruptive impact on its natural and cultural heritage. In addition, Myanmar also seeks to boost domestic and international tourism, increase job creations, and support poverty elimination in the country.
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 historian tasked by President Emmanuel Macron with assessing how France deals with its colonial past in Algeria -- a hugely sensitive issue six decades after Algerians won independence -- will deliver his recommendations on Wednesday.

The atrocities committed by France in its attempt to quash Algeria's bid for independence, as well as by the nationalists who waged an eight-year liberation war, continue to strain relations between the two countries.

Macron, the first president born after the colonial period, has gone further than any of his predecessors in recognising the scale of abuses by France in the North African country.

While campaigning for president in 2017 he caused a sensation by declaring that the colonization of Algeria was a "crime against humanity."

A year later, he acknowledged that France had instigated a system that facilitated torture during the 1954-1962 Algerian war, which ended 132 years of French rule.

It was a startling admission in a country where the colonization of Algeria was long seen as benign and many are opposed to the idea of repentance.

De Gaulle's decision to grant Algeria independence was deeply divisive in France /  AFP/File

"In French political culture, anti-colonialism has always been an extremely fringe movement," historian Sylvie Thenault told AFP.

"There is a profound conviction that the French Republic is a force for good that thwarts the possibility of criticizing what is done in the name of the Republic," she added.

No other event in France's colonial history had as deep an impact on the national psyche as the Algerian war.

More than one million French conscripts saw service in the conflict.

After it ended hundreds of thousands of European settlers fled to France, a wrenching exodus that sowed the seeds of lingering anti-Arab sentiment.

Tens of thousands of Algerians who fought alongside French forces also crossed the Mediterranean to escape Algerian nationalist lynch mobs.

- Apology unlikely -

On Wednesday, Benjamin Stora, the historian Macron commissioned in July with assessing "the progress made by France on the memory of the colonization of Algeria and the Algerian war," will submit his findings.

Macron is hoping that Stora's report will help normalize relations between France and Algeria, which also appointed an historian to work on the project.

Macron's decision to appoint French historian Benjamin Stora to work on the report was controversial /  AFP

But in a sign of the difficulty of achieving consensus in France on the issue, some MPs went on the attack as soon as Stora had accepted his brief, suggesting that the Algerian-born historian would not be partial.

During the war French forces cracked down on independence fighters and sympathisers, and a French general later admitted to the use of torture.

Algerian independence fighters also targeted civilians and mistreated prisoners during a complex conflict characterised by guerrilla warfare, in which hundreds of thousands of Algerians died.

But the many Algerians hoping for an official apology from France risk being disappointed.

Speaking to the Le Soir d'Algerie newspaper, Stora argued that shedding full light on the past was more important that seeking forgiveness.

"In my view, it is more important to continue getting to know what the colonial system entailed in terms of the daily reality, the ideological aims and the French and Algerian resistance to the system," he said.

Thenault agreed.

"It's important that France face up to its colonial past, but the notion of repentance is too religious, too Christian."

- Fuelling extremism -

France's actions in Algeria left a deep well of bitterness and resentment that has been blamed by some experts for the drift of some second- and third-generation immigrants into extremism.

In a speech in October on combatting radicalisation, Macron acknowledged that France's colonial past and the Algerian war had "fed resentment" against France.

But the decision by wartime president Charles de Gaulle to grant Algeria its independence in 1962 -- a decision ratified by referendum -- also proved divisive, with French nationalists bitterly opposing the move.

As the dust settles on the conflict, French leaders have become bolder about acknowledging wrongdoing in Algeria.

- 'Truth and reconciliation' -

In 1998, Jacques Chirac acknowledged the massacre of civilians in the town of Setif in 1945, and in 2012 Francois Hollande recognised the "suffering" caused by the colonisation.

But atrocities by the military largely remained taboo.

Speaking to Jeune Afrique magazine in November, Macron described France as being "locked in a sort of pendulum between two stances: apologizing and repentance on the one hand and denial and pride on the other.

"As for myself I would like truth and reconciliation," he said.

In 2018, he announced that France would open up its archives on the thousands of civilians and soldiers who went missing during the war, both French and Algerian.

But with many of the files classified state secrets historians complain that access is still heavily restricted.
After the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol in Washington, some historians have noted a connection between current political events and a piece of Schuylkill County history.

Pam Delenick, retired history and AP government teacher at Pottsville Area High School, said current scenes of troops in Washington, D.C., made her think of the Pennsylvania First Defenders, the first soldiers to arrive in Washington during the Civil War. Many of those soldiers were from Schuylkill County.

When the president made the call to war, the guys from Pottsville went and registered, hopped on a train, and they were the first to arrive in Washington, D.C., to defend the nations Capitol, Delenick said. All these guys slept there for days and nights waiting. That was considered an insurrection of sorts, as well.

Delenick said when she was a teacher, she focused a lot on local history and taught her students about the Schuylkill County First Defenders. Pottsville Area seniors would take a field trip to D.C. every year to visit the Capitol and looked forward to seeing the local connection.

Theres a plaque inside the Capitol, a bronze plaque to the men of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Delenick said. It was off the main hall. None of the tour guides ever knew where it was, but we did.

Jake Wynn, director of interpretation at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Fredrick, Maryland, and Williamstown native, said that plaque can be seen in a recent photo of National Guard soldiers sleeping in the Capitol at the base of an Abraham Lincoln bust.

I think of all of these things as a historian, especially focusing on the Civil War era, how remarkable some of the comparisons are to what was happening in 1861, Wynn said. It was such a crazy parallel that you have these soldiers sleeping beneath these monuments to an event that happened 160 years ago, and yet here we are again.

Wynn said as a historian who focuses on the Civil War and studies local history of Schuylkill County, the parallels between those events and now were striking.

It was absolutely gut-wrenching to see some of the first images that came out of the Capitol were of people carrying Confederate battle flags, Wynn said. Those soldiers 160 years ago made a stand and protected the Capitol from that flag ever getting anywhere close to it.

Wynn has lived in Washington, D.C., for more than two years. He said on Jan. 6, he watched the chaos and listened to the sirens, helicopters and emergency alerts throughout the day and into the night. The next day, he said, they began putting up fences around the Capitol.

As we get close to the inauguration, more and more soldiers arrive, many of them from Pennsylvania, Wynn said. Theyre patrolling our neighborhood. Its a surreal experience being here and seeing this response.

In his neighborhood, Wynn said there had been violence and property destruction beginning in December during a Proud Boys protest, including vandalism of two churches, one being historically Black. Although he knew something was going to happen in the days leading up to Jan. 6, he was still shocked.

Never in a million years did I think they would ever make it into the United States Capitol building, Wynn said. Weve entered a new era of American history. While we may avoid it on Jan. 20 and hope theres a peaceful transition of power, I think were going to see more of this political violence.
Constellation Affiliated Partners (Constellation) has acquired INSUREtrust, a specialty wholesale broker and MGA headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

INSUREtrust, founded by Steve Haase in 1997, is a specialty wholesale broker and managing general agent, distributing cyber liability, technology errors & omissions and miscellaneous professional liability coverages.

INSUREtrust has also promoted Christiaan Durdaller to president and CEO of INSUREtrust. Durdaller will take over for CEO and Founder Haase in his retirement from INSUREtrust. Durdaller will continue to oversee the strategy, companys products, partnership and production.

Bill Goldstein, CEO of Constellation, said INSUREtrusts stellar reputation in the cyber risk marketplace, its team of brokers and underwriters, and its development of technology to drive business, were driving forces behind the new partnership.

Durdaller said the new partnership with Constellation Affiliated Partners will allow INSUREtrust to broaden its technology enabled products and continue to develop its risk management platform.

Marsh Berry & Co was exclusive advisor to the seller.

Constellation Affiliated Partners is a New York-based insurance consolidator platform that specializes in acquiring MGA, program administrator and wholesale companies in the United States and Canada.

Topics Mergers
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

French automotive giant Renault has decided to slash its global production capacity by nearly a quarter under a renewed five-year programme that is targeted at making the organisation lean and profit-focused. India, which is the fourth-biggest automotive market in the world, however, is among the handful of markets where Renault will pull up its socks and optimise operations.

New CEO Luca de Meo, who took over in the middle of last year, is aiming to reposition Renault as a modern brand that has electrification, hybridisation, technology and services at the core of its brand premise. India is among the large markets in the world prioritising electrification for the future.

Renault will bring down its global car production to 3.1 million by 2025 from the 4 million clocked in 2019. This will involve shifting focus to larger and more premium cars and fully electric cars bringing in better margins. The company hopes to make all local units profitable by 2023.

The fact that we did not reach the profitability we wanted does not mean we want to give up on our global footprint. It means we will need another strategy on product and rightsizing (of production) where necessary. We have done this, for example in Brazil, where we have stopped the rush for market share at the expense of profitability. We will optimise our operations in Latin America, India and Korea, de Meo said in his maiden address since taking over the reins.

India houses one of Renaults six global design and engineering centres as well as one of its 16 vehicle-production sites, which it shares with Nissan. The French major is presently the sixth-largest vehicle maker in India. In the April-December period the company saw sales of 60,660 units, representing a market share of 3.4 percent, as per data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Products

Under its new strategy, Renault will shift its focus from the A segment, where it has the Kwid, and bring out models in the B, C and D segment. The Kiger compact SUV and a compact sedan, both of which are based on the new Kwid platform, will be launched in India and will be part of the B segment.

The C segment will see the introduction of a new SUV that is longer than the Renault Duster. There is no confirmation of it coming to India yet. Over the next two years, however, Renault will bring in the electric version of the Kwid.

In Europe we will reconquer the C segment to generate a margin but we will focus on more profitable segments and channels in countries such as Russia, India, Brazil and South Korea, added de Meo.

Over the past few years, Renault cleaned up its India product portfolio by getting rid of multiple slow-moving models such as Fluence, Koleos, Pulse, Scala, Lodgy and Captur from 2011. The Kwid, Duster and Triber make up Renaults current model line-up in India.

Failures

Renaults bet on India comes at a time when its western rivals have given up on the country. General Motors became the first carmaker in recent years to exit the market after repeatedly failing to make its operations profitable since entering the country in the mid-1990s.

Ford Motor Company, which has said it will continue in India for the time being, could not go ahead with the proposed tie-up with Mahindra & Mahindra, understood to be the lifeline that the US-based brand needed for survival in India.

After 23 years of continuous operations Japanese giant Honda pulled the plug on one of its two plants in India, phasing out a couple of models including one that was brought back only a year ago.
By the terrible standards of 2020, Chinas 2.3% growth stands out. That sets the country up well for a strong 2021, before some familiar challenges reassert themselves.

Official full-year figures released Monday confirmed that Chinas economy is firmly on the mend, having performed impressively in the worst year for the global economy in recent memory.

This is partly because China handled the pandemic well, after initial missteps. But it was also lucky, both with its business cycle and because its key export industry, electronics, happened to uniquely benefit from pandemic-related demand in rich countries.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

Although it wasnt broadly appreciated at the time, Chinas economy was already perking up in late 2019 due to the reviving fortunes of two of its largest, most labor-intensive manufacturing sectors: electronics and automobiles. Electronics in particular were boosted first by rebounding global smartphone shipments and then supercharged by demand for stay-at-home goods.

Profits in electronics and autos logged their strongest performances last year since 2017, growing 15.7% and 7.2%, respectively, in the first 11 months of the year compared with the same period in 2019. In contrast, overall industrial profits were up 2.4%.

The first half of 2021 seems certain to be strong as developed countries struggle to vaccinate their populaces and Chinas own moderately sized stimulus feeds through. However, as the rich world starts spending more on services again, Chinese exports may flag. Back at home, many of Chinas urban car markets are well saturatedin part thanks to previous, generous government stimulus programsmeaning the auto industry wont fully pick up the slack.

By late 2021 more fundamental headwindsincluding a declining labor force, weakening productivity growth and rapidly rising consumer indebtednessmight become more obvious again.

To be sure, China is making useful changes, such as raising the retirement age, easing restrictions on population movements, and making bankruptcy and intellectual property courts more efficient.

But because the states share of total investment keeps creeping upward, the cumulative effect of these changes will have to be large indeed to maintain overall growth. And signs of progress can be overstated. For example, rising bankruptcy numbers appear to reflect difficult times for private businesses as much as increased administrative efficiency.

That means that if 2022 is a more normal year, full-year growth might be just 5% or 6%, not the roughly 8% consensus for this year. It is always tempting to extrapolate in straight lines, particularly when Chinese economic power is so clearly in full flood. But economies rarely move in straight lines for longand floods, by definition, dont last.

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.


With online shopping and parcel deliveries increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gardai in Longford are warning members of the public of the potential risk to their personal and payment data.

Also read: Man (30s) arrested over alleged theft of 20k digger in Longford

An Garda Siochana has become aware of a scam that is operating where emails and texts are being circulated under the branding of various courier companies.



In these emails/texts it is requested that the recipient has to pay an additional cost for customs clearance prior to delivery of their parcel.



In some instances these emails/texts have been circulated in Irish.

Recipients are asked not to provide payment details, and to take a screenshot of the text/email, delete it, and anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud is asked to report the matter to their local Garda station.



These scams takes advantage of the confusion around Brexit and uses this uncertainty to defraud people.



An Garda Siochana is advising the following:

- Those who receive unsolicited correspondence and are awaiting a package to first independently verify the status of their package with the relevant postal service or courier.

- Never click on links in an unsolicited text or email, never provide payment details or give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers or passwords.



- Do not respond to such messages and delete straight away.



- Never open attachments in unsolicited emails and to make sure your computer has the most up-to-date anti-virus software installed.



- Be weary of unsolicited phone calls.



There are some critical pieces of advice that consumers must follow to help protect their finances and their bank account.



When it comes to email and text related scams Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has the following advice:

"Be careful, do your research, dont rush in, ask yourself why me? Why am I getting this great offer, and if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.



- Only use secure sites and make sure you are on the real site. Check the URL and look for the trust seals.

- Make sure to check these sites privacy policy, refunds policy and contact us section



- Use trusted payment methods and never send cash

- Use sites where a padlock symbol is shown beside the website address



- Do not under any circumstances use public Wi-Fi when making payments - switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary

- Independently visit the website of the online sales company as opposed to clicking on social media or pop-up adverts



- Be cautious about claiming outrageous offers - if it sounds too good to be true it probably is

- Stick to well-known websites or websites that you are familiar with or websites associated with high street retail outlets.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), a statewide nonprofit that promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry, is offering its members exclusive access to banking through the North Bay Credit Union (NBCU).

Since California legalized cannabis, operators have faced significant struggles with banking and payment services given the federal government's continued ban on cannabis products. CCIA's goal in partnering with NBCU is to alleviate the banking obstacles that cannabis operators face, so they can focus on their core business.

CCIA's 400 cannabis industry members will qualify for membership in the credit union and access to banking services such as checking accounts, online bill payment, wire transfers, and ACH processing. Employees of CCIA members are also welcome to join as individual members of the credit union.

The cannabis market in California generates annual revenues of $5.6 billion, which accounts for more than 10% of the entire $52 billion national cannabis market. And sales in California are projected to reach $7.2 billion by 2024. Additionally, the industry employs nearly 40,000 people in California at some 7,400 cannabis businesses.

CCIA Executive Director Lindsay Robinson said this partnership presents a huge benefit to CCIA members. "Our goal is to alleviate the challenges that small businesses in the cannabis space face when it comes to banking. We look forward to working with the North Bay Credit Union to ensure our members receive the banking services they need to conduct business safely and efficiently."

North Bay Credit Union's CEO, Chris Call said that the credit union and CCIA share a common goal to ensure cannabis businesses, which represent a significant economic sector, receive access to the support they need to succeed.

Call said that "We have been impressed with CCIA's commitment to help California cannabis operators thrive through lobbying efforts and educational resources which aligns with our own mission of promoting local economic growth. We've been a national leader in offering the cannabis industry access to banking services. We are honored that CCIA has selected us as a partner to serve their members.

CCIA was formed to promote the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and work for a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for their industry in California. CCIA represents over 400 businesses and approximately 15,000 employees.

North Bay CU has over $100 million in assets and offers a full range of loans, including mortgages, vehicle loans, home equity loans, agricultural loans and private student loans. The credit union is federally insured by the NCUA.

Learn more about North Bay CU at www.NorthBayCU.com. Learn more about CCIA at www.cacannabisindustry.org.

SOURCE California Cannabis Industry Association

Related Links

https://www.cacannabisindustry.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.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Netskope, the leading security cloud , today announced the expansion of the Netskope NewEdge network to a new data center in Singapore. Serving millions of enterprise users around the world, Netskope NewEdge is a carrier-grade private cloud network that is reserved exclusively for Netskope customers. The expansion of the Singapore data center enhances the NewEdge infrastructure, building on Netskope's investment in the region to better serve local and multinational customers.

Trustwave, a Singtel company and the global security arm of Singtel, Optus and NCS, is a leading cybersecurity and managed security services provider focused on threat detection and response with customers in over 90 countries around the world. "Netskope's industry leading technology, including Cloud XD, is integral to our managed cloud security offerings," said Alan Phua, director product management at Trustwave. "With the Netskope NewEdge network's ever-growing global footprint, as well as Trustwave's global network of security expertise, we can be even more confident our clients get the security and data protection they require, without sacrificing on performance or user experience."

As organizations continue to balance the remote or hybrid-office workforce, they are relying on cloud-based solutions to seamlessly bridge the gap from office to home for their employees. With 20% of users moving sensitive data among multiple cloud apps and services, businesses must continue to prioritize security during this era of rapid digital transformation.

The decades-long efforts to digitally transform enterprises have pushed the capabilities of the public internet to its maximum. Inherently unpredictable and unsecure, the public internet is strained by users who demand great web, cloud, and private application performance and enterprises that demand more security. Compounding this challenge, legacy security tools often introduce delays to accessing these critical services. As a result, industry analysts have scrutinized the reliance on the public internet for security of these services, giving rise to new architectural frameworks like Gartner's "secure access service edge" (SASE) that enterprise security leaders are moving to adopt.

"Netskope continues to be a champion for the modern workforce," said Tony Burnside, Vice President for Netskope Asia Pacific. "With this NewEdge expansion to Singapore, Netskope is enabling organizations to securely scale their businesses without sacrificing speed or performance."

Netskope NewEdge is built by industry veterans representing the largest and most performant networks ever built. Like no other network, NewEdge delivers inline security services through a carrier-grade, next-generation global infrastructure based on advanced application and network optimization technologies and processes. As a private cloud network, NewEdge optimizes connectivity with its resilient global architecture, which is directly peered with major providers, mitigating the challenge of the public internet. This enhances the overall user experience, resulting in a better web, cloud, and private application performance for most Netskope customers. This latest data center brings improved performance for Netskope services in Singapore, as well as surrounding countries across the region including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

The Netskope Security Cloud , delivered on NewEdge, provides unrivaled visibility and real-time data and threat protection for cloud services, websites, and private apps accessed from anywhere, on any device. No other company in the market has addressed shifting demands by combining next-generation SWG capabilities, the world's leading CASB , zero trust network access, and advanced machine learning to detect unauthorized data exfiltration and advanced threat protection. Only Netskope understands the cloud and takes a data-centric approach that empowers security teams with the right balance of protection and speed they need to secure their digital transformation journey.

To accelerate deployment and simplify administration for network teams, Netskope supports the most flexible options of any vendor for steering traffic to the NewEdge network. This includes Netskope's lightweight client for managed devices or a traditional proxy auto-config (PAC) file-based approach. NewEdge also works seamlessly with a customer's existing router, firewall, and proxy investments utilizing IPSec/GRE tunnels or proxy chaining, as well as plug-and-play integrations with SD-WAN solutions. To extend security and data protection to unmanaged users and devices, Netskope also supports an extensive set of clientless options to enable any web-based, SaaS application.

To learn more, visit http://www.netskope.com/newedge .

To learn more about the Netskope Security Cloud, with its breadth and depth of offerings, please visit https://www.netskope.com/products .

About Netskope

The Netskope security cloud provides unrivaled visibility and real-time data and threat protection when accessing cloud services, websites, and private apps from anywhere, on any device. Only Netskope understands the cloud and delivers data-centric security from one of the world's largest and fastest security networks, empowering the largest organizations in the world with the right balance of protection and speed they need to enable business velocity and secure their digital transformation journey. Reimagine your perimeter with Netskope.

Media Contact

Inkhouse for Netskope

[email protected]

SOURCE Netskope

Related Links

www.netskope.com


Gandhinagar, Jan 19 : With the aim to transform barren land in the state into productive and cultivated land, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday announced the Gujarat Chief Minister Horticulture Development Mission. According to the mission, as a pilot project, the government aims to transform around 50,000 acres of identified land in five districts into productive land by giving it on lease to those who will grow horticulture produce and medicinal plants.

The government on Tuesday announced the 'Horticulture Development Mission' (Bagayat Vikas Mission) in an attempt to transform the barren land through leasing it for medicinal and horticulture cultivation. According to the mission, identified barren wastelands in five districts will be given on 30-year lease for cultivation of horticulture and medicinal crops.

The government has identified wasteland in Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Patan and Surendranagar. A list of land blocks for allotment in a transparent manner will be released on the I-Khedut portal. The CM has clearly specified that this scheme is not for common farmers, as huge investments and a lot of hard work will be required to convert the land.

As a result, large land pieces not under 50 hectares and upto a maximum of 400 hectares will be given on lease free of charge for the first five years to the developer. Under this mission, the tax on land conversion will be waived. The lease amount applicable will be Rs 100 to Rs 500 per acre per year during the 6th to the 30th year. The leaseholder will be able to install solar panels and wind mill to generate energy for his own use, but will not be allowed to sell it.

If the land is returned before the end of the lease period, no compensation will be payable. The final decision on land allotment will be taken by a committee chaired by the Chief Minister.

As an incentive, these farmers will get priority in power connectivity. They will be exempted from land conversion duties. The government will also offer priority assistance to lease owners for drip-sprinkler fountains.

"We are limiting the cultivators to horticulture farming as it brings good money from abroad, as it's demand is more. The mission is on the lines of land cultivated in the Gulf countries and Israel. In the Kutch region, farmers have successfully turned barren land into productive land and grown dates which are being exported," said Rupani.

"Besides the increase in agricultural production, this project will also generate employment in the state," added the CM.
Indian stock market benchmark Sensex soared 834 points today, tracking strong gains in index majors HDFC twins and Reliance Industries amid an upbeat trend in global markets. The 30-share BSE index ended 834 points higher at 49,398 while the broader NSE Nifty surged 1.7% to 14,521. With today's gains, Sensex has now recovered most of losses of the previous two sessions. Sensex had lost more than 1,000 points in two sessions.

Here are 10 things to know about today's market move:

1) Bajaj Finserv was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying around 7%, followed by Bajaj Finance, HDFC, L&T, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma and NTPC. On the other hand, Tech Mahindra, ITC and M&M were the laggards.

2) Bajaj Finance rose 5% and HDFC 3% while Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank gained 2-3%.

3) Global markets were mostly higher today with investors hoping that the changing of the guard in the US will mean more support for the economy and more aggressive measures to fight the pandemic.

4) Joe Biden's nominee for treasury secretary, former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen, is urging Congress to do more to fight the recession to avoid an even worse downturn.

5) In testimony prepared for her confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Finance Committee, Yellen said more aid is needed to get coronavirus vaccines distributed  key to ending outbreaks  to reopen schools and to help families struggling with job losses stay fed and housed.

6) Ruchit Jain, Senior Analyst - Technical and Derivatives, Angel Broking, said: Post the previous sessions correction, it initially seemed that the pullback move would again see some profit booking and the volatility would continue in todays session as well. However, the index breached its Intraday resistances one after another and posted decent gains at the close. Most of the sectors participated in the upmove today while the broader markets gained back momentum.

7) He added: :Frankly speaking, todays move was certainly a bit unexpected by us; but certainly the bulls have made a smart comeback supported by the global optimism. Going ahead, 14450 and 14320 would now be seen as immediate supports, whereas 14600-14620 would be the immediate range to watch. Traders are advised to focus on stock specific moves and look for themes which are providing good opportunities during the day."

8) Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said: "Bulls took control after two days of massive selloff, tracking positive cues from Asian markets and in expectation of a bigger US stimulus to keep the liquidity alive. Buying was seen across sectors with realty and PSU Banks outshining. The current market will get further boost by foreign inflow if additional US stimulus kicks in. However, recent volatility in the market has increased due to concerns over high valuations and bond yields. Investors should be watchful."

9) Manish Hathiramani, Proprietary Index Trader and Technical Analyst, Deen Dayal Investments, said: "The Nifty has closed around its resistance area of 14550-14600. If we manage to get past that level, we should be headed to 14800-14900. The index has made a strong base at the 14200 levels which acted as good support.

10) Keeping a close below this level as a stop, he said, traders can initiate long positions for higher targets.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The Supreme Court, has by a unanimous decision, dismissed an application by lawyers for former President John Dramani Mahama for leave to serve interrogatories for certain answers from the Electoral Commission (EC) with regard to the presidential election petition.



Mr Mahamas lawyers were seeking permission from the Supreme Court to allow him ask 12 questions that borders on how the Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Adukwei Mensa, arrived at the figures she used in declaring President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the 2020 presidential poll.



It was one of two legal processes the petitioner was expected to file on Monday. The second process was a request to admit facts, wherein the petitioner wants the EC to either admit or deny certain facts with regard to what ensued on December 9, 2020; the day Mrs Mensa, who is the returning officer for the presidential poll, declared Akufo-Addo as the President-elect.



Moving the motion, lead counsel for Mr Mahama, Mr Tsatsu Tsikata argued that the objective of the application was to narrow down the issues for the trial.



Dismissal of Application (Strictly Bound To Comply With C.I. 90)



But the seven-member panel of the court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah dismissed the application with the view that the crucial issues of relevance had not been established by the petitioner.



The court explained that "reference was made to the 2013 [presidential election] petition in which inter-locutories was granted by the Court.



"However, subsequent to 2013, several statutory amendments have been made by C.I. 99 of 2016 which has restricted the practice and procedure of this court as regards Election Petition.



"Indeed, Rule 69 of the Supreme Court amendment in C.I. 99 directed the expeditious disposal of petitions and sets timeliness for this court to dispose off the petition."



"It implies that even amendments brought here and granted as well as..., subsequent statutory amendments pointed out after the 2013 [presidential election petition], has provided us with new procedural regime and strict timelines."



"We are strictly bound to comply with C.I. 90 and therefore we will not apply Order 22 of C.I. 45 of 2004 in this circumstances."



"We accordingly refuse to grant the application and same is accordingly dismissed," the court said.



Not Ready To File Issues Yet



Minutes after that decision, the petitioners lead counsel requested to have a copy of the ruling to "advise appropriately". He added that he was not ready to file his issues until that is done, since the court had earlier proceeded to ask the lawyers of all three parties on the approach they wanted to use in presenting the issues that are to be laid down for determination.



The filing of issues essentially serves as a guide to the court on what is up for adjudication in the case before the apex court.



Addressing the court, Tsikata indicated that he will require a careful look at the ruling of the Supreme Court with regard to his earlier application seeking an order of the court to direct the Electoral Commission chairperson, Jean Mensa, to provide answers to some 12 questions they have identified, in order to advise himself appropriately.



Exchange Bewtween Tsatsu & Judge Over Jean Mean



Prior to the apex court's ruling on the application for leave to serve interrogatories, Lawyer Tsikata's constant reference to the Chairperson of Electoral Commission rather than the office that conducted the polls, appeared not to have gone down well with one member of the panel; Justice Nene Amegatcher.



The Supreme court judge insisted that the questions should be directed to the office of the Chairperson and not come across as a personal attack on Jean Mensa.



Tsatsu Tsikata (TT): This is a question only one person in this world can answer



Justice Nene Amegatcher (JNA): Why wouldnt you limit your references to the office rather than the personality. It seems to me that your attack is with the personality and not the officeWe will be happy if you just limit it to the office and not the EC because in her absence any of her deputies could step in.



TT: Respectfully my lord, there is only one Returning Officer for the presidential election and that is the EC chairperson.



JNA: lets leave it at that, chairperson of the Electoral Commission and not her person



TT: But my Lord, she is the Chairperson and she has a name, or I am not allowed to mention the name of the Chairperson



JNA: The question should be to the office



TT: I want to understand I am being prohibited from mentioning the name of the Chairperson, is that the issue?



JNA: Reading through your petition which makes constant emphasis on the name, what I am telling you is that we will be satisfied with the designation because in her absence any of her deputies could act in that position



TT: My Lord



JNA: So, it is an election petition and you are challenging the election, it is sufficient that the institution charged with the conducting that election had done their work and the Chairperson who is the head represent that institution and not the personality



TT: With the greatest respect, I believe that the constitutional requirement regarding the returning officer and the particular circumstances do not make it possible step in for the Chairperson, it cannot be like you are envisaging.



JNA: The institution had done the work and not the personality



TT: The particular circumstances that we are dealing with in this case, do not make it possible to have the situation that you are envisaging where you have somebody else step in for the Chairperson.

The constitution makes the Chairperson and only that person the Returning Officer and in the circumstances of this case that Chairperson happens to be the person we referred to in the petition who undertook her responsibility in accordance with the constitution and legal situation that we have. I am not mentioning her name by targeting her individualthat is far from it. I do not target her when I mention her name as the person who declared the results, that is a fact.



JNA: Thank you, you may continue with your interrogatories.



Background



The former President is currently at the Supreme court challenging the verdict of the 2020 elections which declared Nana Akufo-Addo as President.



The EC declared President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) the winner of the 2020 polls, however, Mr Mahama disagrees with the figures put out by the Chair of the Commission.



John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate is therefore seeking a rerun of the election because he believes no candidate won the polls.



The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a pre-trial conference for parties in the 2020 election petition case.



This is to assist the court and parties organize the proceedings in a manner that will be convenient and also set down the issues for the trial.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/GHANA









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

Featured Video
At last week's Tullamore Municipal District meeting, Councillor Tony McCormack described as "an eejit" a person using a scrambler motorbike to ride up and down the grassy side of the grand canal in Tullamore from the Whitehall Bridge to Digby Bridge.

"They have ripped up the whole area and it's made it impossible for the people to walk on that side of the canal because of all the muck it has created. I live along the canal and I've heard the scrambler in action. I hope the gardai got him. If people see them will they ring the gardai, because it's ruining an amenity that we have. They think they are clever, but all they are doing is ruining it for other people," remarked Cllr McCormack.

On a related issue, Cllr McCormack commented: "We have a fantastic amenity along the canal - the greenway, and it's a victim of its own success. Im using it quite a bit myself for running and walking and I find in the evening and weekend there are hundreds of people on each stretch of the canal.

"The problem is the parking. A lot of people are driving up whether it's down beside Elliffes at Puttaghaun or down at the Rahan road or Digby bridge. We are going to have to do something to alleviate this problem. It's going to cause accidents. I think we may look at car parking, he added.

Cllr McCormack asked people to park at the Daingean Road, car park and walk to the canal. "It's a huge success and compliments to the council and the people who thought about it in the first place," he said.

In response the Director of Services, Tom Shanahan said: "It is fantastic that the Greenway is getting so much use. That's what it's intended for. Eventually, that route will extend from Shannon Harbour in the west right up to Dublin.

"At this stage we have part 8 planning for the entire route from Edenderry to Shannon Harbour. Tullamore, the attractions and facilities along the grand canal which will include parking, is obviously very central in that.

"One of the next phases is the urban section which will go from Convent View through Bury Quay over to the Clara road and Srah area. It's a more expensive piece; a different funding stream and will have some more phases to go through. The intention would be that people would come into the car park in town and walk out from there, Some will have to drive to use it.

"We will be looking at all the amenities and along the canal in due course. That's very much in hand. Im disappointed that there has been some unsatisfactory use, it's not intended that there would be any motorised vehicles used on the route, it's entirely for pedestrians and cyclists, stressed Mr Shanahan.
Go Fund Me

The death of Houston social media maven Alexis Robinault, whose mysterious final days made global headlines, has been ruled a homicide  nearly two months after a city worker found her nude body concealed in roadside bushes.

In a statement, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences said Robinault  who also went by her married name Sharkey  died by strangulation. Police officials said the investigation into her death continues and no arrests have been made.

Photo: (Photo : Gnist Design from Pexels)

In Woodway, Texas, a home got robbed while the family is at the father's funeral.

Last January 5, the family came home and saw how their home was a wreck from the burglary.

Because of the incident, Woodway police reminds families to be extra careful and vigilant when leaving their homes.

ALSO READ: Young Boy Loses Both Mom and Dad to Covid-19 Months Apart





An additional grief to the father's funeral

The family's grief of losing their father was worse when they got home and found out that their home got robbed.

One family member shared with KWTX how horrified they were when they got home, "You're so torn up on the inside and your emotions are all raw to start with."

According to the family, the burglars came into the house through the back door. The family believes that the suspects even kicked the back door when the crowbar did not work, "Then they went about trashing my father's house."

ALSO READ: Woman Receives Birthday Card from Mom Who Already Died in 2018





Valuables were taken when home got robbed

Aside from the fact that the home got robbed while the family is at the father's funeral, they were also heartbroken to find out that they lost some important stuff. Some of these are the ones with sentimental value.

One of the family members said, "They took every single family photo I have of my daddy and my momma and everybody else in the family."

Losing the family photos, according to the family, was what made this incident more painful.

Aside from these items, a Cadillac, that was parked in the driveway, was also stolen from the family.

The family's plead to the burglars

Even though the home got robbed while the family is at the father's funeral, the family is grateful that their dad is no longer alive to see the incident. A family member said, "This alone would've killed him."

While they are still upset about what the burglars did, the family is pleading the burglars to return one of the bags which has flash drives in them, "Even if they just have to return the items by tossing them back on their front lawn."

ALSO READ: Being There: How to Show Support During the Pandemic





Police warn families about similar incidents

The police is already conducting investigation on the incident.

According to Woodway Police, although it may sound unique, they have already recorded several same incidents in the area. An official said, "We have had a couple in the last few months here in Woodway."

Police say that when the family provides the date and time of the funeral in obituaries, the burglars see this as an opportunity to rob a home.

Authorities suggest that a call to the police should be done when families are going away from their homes. The Woodway police said, "let them know you're going to be away from the house for a funeral or vacation that way the officers on patrol can drive by the house and check it."

ALSO READ: Mother died while family attends dad's funeral; both died due to coronavirus
A Thai fisherman has had an extremely lucky catch, finding a waxy lump that may be whale vomit worth as much as 210,000.

Chalermchai Mahapan, 20, came across the seven-kilogram lump shortly after docking his boat at Samila Beach in the southern Songkhla province on January 6.

He said he had been out catching mullet when the weather suddenly changed and he was forced to return to shore early.

As he pushed his boat to dock, Chalermchai said he noticed a white lump in the sand that was being pushed by currents towards the beach.

Thai fisherman Chalermchai Mahapan, 20,(pictured) had an extremely lucky catch, finding a waxy lump that may be whale vomit worth as much as 210,000

Chalermchai said he had been out catching mullet when the weather suddenly changed and he was forced to return to shore early. As he pushed his boat to dock, he said he noticed a white lump in the sand that was being pushed by currents towards the beach

Chalermchai took the mysterious mass home to try and figure out what it might be and village elders suggested it could be whale vomit, known as ambergris

At first, the fisherman thought it was just an ordinary rock but after taking a closer look, he suspected it might be something of value.

Chalermchai took the mysterious mass home to try and figure out what it might be.

'I had no idea what this thing was until I asked the elderly villagers here who informed me about ambergris,' he said, referring to the substance which forms from a secretion of the bile duct in the intestines of sperm whales.

It can be found floating in the sea or washed up along shorelines. Sometimes, it is also present in the abdomens of the whales themselves.

Ambergris has a foul smell at first but after drying out, it develops a sweet and long-lasting fragrance, which makes it a sought-after ingredient in the perfume industry.

Burning pieces of the lump on an open can lid seemed to confirm that the substance was indeed ambergris as it quickly melted.

Ambergris forms from a secretion of the bile duct in the intestines of sperm whales. It can be found floating in the sea or washed up along shorelines. Sometimes, it is also present in the abdomens of the whales themselves

Burning pieces of the lump on a can lid seemed to confirm that the substance was indeed ambergris as it quickly melted. This was later confirmed by a lab

The young fisherman (second from the left) is now waiting for a buyer at a price of 1,00,000 Thai baht (24,500) per kg

A sample was sent to a lab where it was confirmed to be genuine.

'I feel very lucky to have found it,' Chalermchai said.

The young fisherman is now waiting for a buyer at a price of 1,00,000 Thai baht (24,500) per kg.

'I'm not in a hurry to sell this,' he said. 'An agent will find an international buyer for it'.

In April 2016, a 1.57-kg ambergris ball found in Lancashire sold for 50,000 while in November of that same year, three Omani fishermen found 80kg of the substance and sold it for $3million (2,205,942).
KANKAKEE (AP)  When David Love was around 8 years old, his tech-savvy dad introduced him to coding, a type of language used to create computer programs.

Love found himself fascinated by the process and created simple applications as soon as he understood enough to do so.

It was a slow start for me, he admits. It was a bit of a daunting task for someone my age, and I wasnt too great at it.

As he has gotten older, Love picked the hobby back up and continued building his knowledge of coding and computer science on his own.

Now, the 16-year-old high school sophomore has two consecutive Congressional App Challenge wins under his belt.

Congressional districts across the country participate in the annual contest for high schoolers in celebration of Computer Science Education Week in December. The competition began in 2015.

Love won the 2020 challenge for Illinois 2nd Congressional District with his entry of an app called Keychain External Login System. The app stores clients passwords in a secure system designed to keep hackers at bay.

A video demonstrating Loves Keychain External Login System app is viewable at bit.ly/2LB27vG (Be warned: Love might sound like a college professor to the non-technologically inclined).

Love won the 2019 challenge for the district with his entry of Virtual ATM, an app that allows clients to securely login to websites and complete monetary transactions.

Love attended Kankakee High School his freshman year and transferred to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora for his sophomore year. He lives with his family in Kankakee and attends school online.

The nationally recognized winning apps are displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website, and winners have their apps exhibited on a digital display in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

Love was set to visit Washington, D.C., in March to demonstrate his Virtual ATM app to technology professionals and Congress members for the #HouseOfCode conference.

Unfortunately, the visit was canceled because of the pandemic. The status of an in-person event for this years challenge is still to be announced.

I would appreciate getting my name out there and showing what Ive got, Love said.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly visited Loves computer science class at KHS last February to recognize his win in the 2019 challenge.

The fact that David is a two-time App Challenge winner demonstrates the depth of his talent and creativity, Kelly said in a news release. Im especially pleased that David tackled the issue of cybersecurity, a problem of the greatest concern for our nation and also the focus of recent legislation that Ive put forth to protect our national security.

Kelly went on to say in the release that the future of the nations cybersecurity will one day be in the hands of Loves generation.

Davids talent clearly demonstrates well be in capable hands, she said.

Love said he was inspired to create the Keychain External Login System after a data breach caused him to have to painstakingly change passwords for more than 70 accounts.

It got me to thinking, What is the solution to this? Love said. We keep having more and more accounts and more and more services we have to sign up for.

Clients can use the app to implement login systems on their websites. The app encrypts password information and sends it to a secure server where login is completed externally.

The small mom-and-pop business that needs to now create a website and implement login doesnt have to worry about security or managing passwords, he said.

Love noted that security is becoming a big concern in the tech world, and it has become increasingly important to create security solutions.

If you have one company storing your passwords and managing login, its way less likely that that company is going to be breached and your password is going to be lost, he said. At the same time, its going to be more convenient, as you will only need one account to login to everything with a service like this.

Like with Virtual ATM, Love created the Keychain External Login System app entirely on his own time using self-taught skills. It took him about the same amount of time, roughly seven months.

Creating the new app was far more challenging, however, due to the complexity of the task the app sought to accomplish.

I have learned so much in the time from when I submitted my last app to now, Love said. I feel Im much stronger in my coding experience than I was before.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation hosted the fifth annual National Day of Racial Healing , a virtual afternoon of music, conversation and solidarity featuring community leaders, advocates, artists and influencers engaging in essential and timely discussions of racial healing, equity and justice.

"Today is about people, conversations and action," said La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. "It's about finding connection, sharing our truths and coming together to transform our communities. That's the basis of racial healing."

In her opening remarks, she acknowledged the anti-democratic events of recent weeks have caused many more people to ask, "What will it take for our country to heal?"

She added, "The common element is that racial healing is the first step on every path. It creates a space to acknowledge a person's story. And it begins with a conversation."

The 2021 National Day of Racial Healing sought to bridge divides, affirm our common humanity and inspire action by engaging individuals and influencers leading today's important racial equity and healing efforts. The event included in-depth conversations focusing on righting historical wrongs and repairing the harms of racism, ensuring employment equity, and the impact of racism on the legal system.

Additionally, actor and "artivist" Storm Reid, during her third opening conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron in National Day of Racial Healing events, emphasized the need for ongoing conversations. "Racial healing is not something we're doing in the moment or to get over injustices," she said. "It's about asking, how do we actually come together as a society and fix our core?"

And actor Yara Shahidi said, "Racial healing is integral to setting conditions for continual progress to occur." She joined panelists in a conversation on righting historical wrongs and repairing the harms of racism.

The day also recognized the racial healing work of WKKF grantees in Kalamazoo, MI and Buffalo, NY, two places among several across the U.S. implementing the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) process.

Communities joined the event from cities across the country, and shared their experiences using the hashtag #HowWeHeal. WKKF resources (Conversation Guides, Action Kits and the Business Case for Racial Equity) were downloaded more than 450,000 times in the week before the National Day of Racial Healing.

In closing, Tabron invited the more than 4500 viewers of the premiere to join in this work: "It's the challenge of our time  the important work for children, families and communities that you and I and so many people are being called to right now. And it's simply the path to unity  the way to move towards a common humanity, as so many are hoping we can in the year ahead."

More than 90 events took place to honor the National Day of Racial Healing. Visit www.dayofracialhealing.org for a complete list of events including Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Selma, AL; New Orleans, LA; Buffalo, NY; Baton Rouge, LA; Battle Creek, MI; Flint, MI; Dallas, TX; Richmond, VA, and more.

To watch the recording, please visit: https://youtu.be/H7m0u8jJyN8.

To coordinate an interview with a WKKF spokesperson or National Day of Racial Healing panelist, please contact Aprill O. Turner at [email protected].

About National Day of Racial Healing

The "National Day of Racial Healing" was established by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 2017 to promote healing as a critical path for ending racial bias and creating a society in which all children can thrive. The annual outreach grew out of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, a national and community-based process designed to bring transformational and sustainable change to communities, while addressing the historic and contemporary effects of racism.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. W.K. Kellogg Foundation priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti.

SOURCE W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Related Links

http://www.wkkf.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.
Tony's 50 Year Anniversary Blend Throughout the year, we will look for ways to support farmers, care for the planet, and celebrate all-things-coffee, states Yake. While this momentous occasion is celebratory, we remain grounded in our mission to fight climate change...

Tonys Coffee, recently named 2021 Roaster of the Year has another big company milestone to celebrate50 years of roasting delicious craft coffee and espresso. To commemorate this milestone year, the team roasted up Tonys 50th Anniversary Blend featuring organic, fair trade, shade grown coffee from Ethiopia and Central America. When you blend a citrusy coffee from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, with a creamy, chocolaty coffee from Central America, you end up with a balanced and delicious cup, states David Yake, director of sales and sustainability.

Throughout the year, we will look for ways to support farmers, care for the planet, and celebrate all-things-coffee, states Yake. While this momentous occasion is celebratory, we remain grounded in our mission to fight climate change and hope that by sharing our journey we can encourage other sustainably minded companies to join the challenge.

Tonys is a true sustainable coffee pioneer that has put farmers at the heart of its business from day one, said Paul Rice, President and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Its wonderful to see them honored as Roaster of the Year! We look forward to continuing the momentum with them to grow fair trades impact and help build resiliency for farmers across the world.

Tonys Coffee Journey to Carbon Neutral

You cant offset what you dont measure, states CEO Todd Elliott. One of the first things we did, with the encouragement and support from our longtime grocery partner, PCC Community Markets, was partner with Climate Collaborative who provided resources to help us progress with our sustainability goals. Tonys Coffee challenges other companies to visit Climate Collaborative and start the process.

"Tony's Coffee has a long and proud history of investing in coffee sustainability, states Vern Long, CEO of World Coffee Research. As the company looks ahead to its next 50 years, World Coffee Research is proud to call them a partner in the global, collaborative effort to ensure the future of coffee through research and innovation to benefit farmers."

A Year of Coffee for a Year Giveaways

To celebrate and thank loyal customers, Tonys Coffee will select one lucky winner each month from their e-newsletter list to receive a years supply of delicious coffee. Coffee lovers are encouraged to visit https://www.tonyscoffee.com/newsletter/ to learn more and sign up.

About Tonys 50th Anniversary Blend

This light-medium roast features organic, fair trade, shade grown coffee from Ethiopia and Central America, with notes of crisp citrus, milk chocolate, and caramel. Fun Fact: A Bellingham artist, tattooer, and musician, Jess Bonin was commissioned to provide the unique label art which pays homage to the local ecosystem and is stylistically inspired by classic and beloved children's books.

MSRP: $14

Size: 12 oz bag

Available online at http://www.tonyscoffee.com and natural grocers, including PCC Community Markets, Whole Foods, Haggen, New Seasons, Fred Meyer, QFC, and Sprouts. Tonys line of organic, fair trade, pre-packaged coffees are distributed by UNFI, DPI, and KeHE.

About Tonys Coffee

In 1971, the smell of freshly roasted coffee came to Bellingham, Washington. Tonys Coffee first started roasting fine coffees and serving espresso at their street-level coffeehouse in Bellinghams historic Fairhaven district. The family-owned company continues to roast in small batches, selecting the highest quality, shade grown, GMO-free, organic, fair trade coffees from farmer-owned cooperatives. Tonys is a leader in the sustainable coffee movement, and recently became one of the countrys first carbon neutral roasteries. They are also a founding member of World Coffee Research, an organization that helps small scale farmers adapt to climate change. Their team of 50 employees provide wholesale coffee to many natural food grocers, offices, and cafes in the Pacific Northwest. A variety of coffees are available online for purchase at http://www.tonyscoffee.com.

#
After confusion was blamed for some Connecticut teachers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine too soon, Gov. Ned Lamont brought some clarity to the process on Tuesday.

The governors office has released a new, tiered approach to divide the Phase 1B vaccination group, which includes 1.4 million Connecticut residents.

Phase 1B officially began Monday with the vaccinations of residents 75 and older who are not living in nursing homes.

Connecticut residents between the ages of 65 and 74 will be the next group to be vaccinated, which will likely begin in early February, according to a loose timeline shared by the governors office.

That group will be followed by front-line essential workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions who have an increased risk for severe illness, Lamonts office said.

Lamont said those residents will probably begin receiving the vaccine by around March 1. He said that timeline could change if the state receives more doses of the vaccine, including if one developed by Johnson & Johnson is approved.

Folks 65 and above are 18 percent of the population, but still 88 percent of the fatalities, Lamont said Tuesday during his afternoon media briefing. So I think you can understand why this is going to be a really important priority for us.

The vaccine should become available to the remaining essential workers, known as Phase 1C, sometime in May. The vaccine could be available to the general population sometime in June, according to the governors timeline.

Rolling out the vaccine to a slightly younger segment of the population next is also meant to address how the virus has hit communities of color disproportionately hard.

African Americans are much more likely to suffer fatality in the 70- to 79-year-old group than, say, a non-Hispanic white, Lamont said. And Hispanics are even more likely to suffer fatality in that younger age group, so thats another reason why we focus on 65 and above.

Deidre Gifford, the acting commissioner of the Department of Public Health, said the state will also use data tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine where to place vaccination clinics to ensure the shots reach vulnerable communities.

The governor continued to urge patience and said he believes the incoming Biden administration will put the foot on the accelerator to ramp up vaccination efforts on the federal level, including the use of the Defense Production Act.

On Tuesday, Connecticut reported 2,094 new COVID-19 cases out of 37,033 tests for a daily positivity rate of 5.65 percent. The state reported 27 people have been hospitalized since Monday, increasing the statewide total to 1,141. A dozen more deaths brought the statewide death toll to 6,682.

As of Tuesday, 220,820 vaccine doses had been administered in Connecticut, including 24,067 people who have received their second and final dose, according to the governors office.

Lamonts vaccine timeline announcement came as the president of the Connecticut Education Association says confusion about where teachers are prioritized during the process led to a number of educators getting their shots too soon.

In a joint memo sent Sunday, the state Department of Public Health and Department of Education said some school districts prematurely registered their entire roster of employees in the federal Vaccine Administration Management System.

Once users are uploaded to the web portal, they receive a message from the CDC allowing them to use VAMS to find and schedule a vaccine appointment.

Josh Geballe, the states chief operating officer, said only about a dozen school districts misunderstood the directions. He pointed out there are more than 200 school districts in the state and more than 300 private schools.

The governors office said school staff who made appointments after Thursday had been instructed to cancel them.

School districts are also being told not to upload more rosters of employees into VAMS until notified, according to the Sunday memo.

Gifford indicated teachers have followed their directives. When teachers understand whats being asked, they will cancel their appointment and wait their turn, she said.

East Windsor resident Jessica Wolf, a music teacher in the Somers school district, is among the educators who have already received their first dose of the vaccine. Wolf said she registered through VAMS and received the vaccine Saturday at Rentschler Field.

Yesterday was my birthday, Wolf said. What a present!

Jeff Leake, president of the Connecticut Education Association, said his group has consistently advocated that teachers be a top priority in Phase 1B.

We know that some school districts, either accidentally or purposefully, put educators in the queue, Leake said. We also know that some of you had appointments scheduled, only to have those appointments canceled when the state learned the group was not in the 75-and-older category. We have also been told that there will be glitches and some inconsistencies in any massive public health undertaking of this sort  some folks not in the 75-and-older category have been invited to receive or have received a vaccine even though this is not the stated protocol.

Some teachers in New London were vaccinated when they werent yet eligible because of what officials said was likely a VAMS error.

The states vaccination efforts come as college students have begun returning for the spring semester.

Students returning to the University of Connecticuts Storrs and Stamford residence halls were required to test at home and then again over the weekend when they returned to campus.

The school found 76 COVID-19 cases in re-entry testing, according to UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz. Of those, 56 cases were caught at home, and another 20 students developed the virus between the home test and returning to campus, Reitz said.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
When I started out in this game 50 years ago, on a now defunct weekly paper in Peterborough, we used to drink in a city centre pub called the Black Boy & Trumpet.

Nobody gave the name a second thought. We had no idea that half a century later we would have been committing a hate crime.

How long would it take today before an angry Black Lives Matter mob descended on the boozer, stoved in the windows and tore down the sign swinging over the front door?

Greene King brewery is taking no chances. It has announced that four of its pubs are to be renamed due to potentially offensive connotations. The move affects three pubs called The Black Boy  in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury in Suffolk, and Shinfield in Berkshire  along with the Blacks Head in Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Greene King acted after an investigation by University College London uncovered the companys historic links to slavery.

Mandela, before he became a secular saint, was leader of a terrorist organisation responsible for bombs that slaughtered at least 100 innocent people, most of them black Africans. How long before the BLM crowd go after his statue in Parliament Square? (pictured)

Theyve already smeared racist on Churchills statue outside Parliament and taped anti-racist slogans on a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, who once called black Africans savages

How the pubs came to be named The Black Boy and the Blacks Head is lost in the mists of time. But chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: While the origins of the names are obscure . . . what is clear is that they are linked with racism today.

Predictably, the Bufton Tufton Tendency are outraged. A number of letter writers to Her Majestys Daily Telegraph insist that the name Black Boy has nothing to do with racism.

One claims it refers to the soot-blackened faces of charcoal and foundry workers. Others connect it to Charles II, who was apparently nicknamed the black boy because of his swarthy complexion, black hair and dark eyes.

Another links a Black Boys pub on the Henley Road in Berkshire to William of Orange, although surely it would have been called The Orange Boys. (Mind you, that would have been cancelled by now, too, accused of glorifying Donald Trump.)

No one could mount a similar defence of the old Black Boy & Trumpet. The pub is long gone, but I managed to track down a photo of the sign online. Theres not an ancient king or foundry worker in sight, simply a painting of, er, a young black boy with a trumpet. They couldnt have made it more obvious if the sign had featured a picture of Louis Armstrong performing Hello, Dolly!.

Nobody in their right mind would countenance calling a new boozer The Black Boy these days, with or without trumpet. It would never happen. And rightly so.

But that doesnt excuse the craven surrender everywhere to those maniacs who want to trash our history, often on the most spurious of premises.

Big business, most politicians and our civic institutions are all in thrall to revisionist zealots, determined to erase any lingering connection with colonialism in general and slavery in particular.

Were currently facing a frontal assault on not just our history, but freedom of speech and thought, from a vociferous, intolerant woke minority. Pictured: Protesters in Bristol roll a statue of slave trader Edward Colston along the street

The latest lunacy involves a reassessment of Winston Churchills views on race and empire by, er, Churchill College, Cambridge  which is named after the great man and has been entrusted with custody of his papers.

Among those reassessing Churchill will be a fellow at the college, Professor Priya Gopal, a staunch critic of the British Empire. Another is Kehinde Andrews, a professor of black studies at Birmingham City University, who attacked the singing of Rule, Britannia! at The Proms.

Why does anyone take any notice of self-important, soft-headed academics like him? Birmingham City is one of those pretend universities invented by New Labour. It started out as an art college and incorporates what used to be known as Birmingham Polytechnic.

Its where Brummies used to go to evening classes to paint bowls of fruit and get a City & Guilds in plumbing.

Who gives a monkeys what an obscure provincial professor of black studies thinks about the legacy of a Prime Minister who saved Britain from tyranny and helped defeat a truly evil empire?

When I started out in this game 50 years ago, on a now defunct weekly paper in Peterborough, we used to drink in a city centre pub called the Black Boy & Trumpet. Nobody gave the name a second thought

Tyrannies, however, come in different forms. Were currently facing a frontal assault on not just our history, but freedom of speech and thought, from a vociferous, intolerant woke minority.

Thankfully, at long last, the Government is fighting back. Statues and monuments will no longer be toppled on the whim of a baying mob  or a handful of extreme Left-wing councillors.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has promised that, in future, councils will have to go through a proper planning and consultation process before removing statues or changing street names. That wont stop them, of course. But it might slow things down and give opponents time to organise resistance.

Politically motivated councils have been renaming streets and buildings for decades. It began in earnest over 30 years ago, inspiring Only Fools And Horses creator John Sullivan to locate the Trotters flat in a Peckham tower block called Nelson Mandela House.

One of my early columns for Londons Evening Standard in the late 1980s featured the opening of the Winnie Mandela Under-Fives Resources Centre in Islington  where else? This was around the time when Nelson Mandelas missus was revealed to be torturing her opponents with necklaces of burning tyres.

I suggested that, as a gesture of solidarity, the Mayor of Islington should dump his chain of office and conduct the opening ceremony wearing a flaming Dunlop SP round his neck.

Not sure Winnies under-fives centre is still there, but it cant be long before the woke warriors turn their attention to her late husbands legacy. Mandela, before he became a secular saint, was leader of a terrorist organisation responsible for bombs that slaughtered at least 100 innocent people, most of them black Africans.

How long before the BLM crowd go after his statue in Parliament Square? Theyve already smeared racist on Churchills statue outside Parliament and taped anti-racist slogans on a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, who once called black Africans savages.

It can only be a matter of time until the BBC starts broadcasting trigger warnings before Only Fools, or simply edits out mentions of Nelson Mandela House.

And where does that leave Gandhi? Speaking of Trigger warnings: He made one great film and you never saw him again.

I imagine the Nags Head, Peckham, is safe for now  at least until the animal rights brigade start to make themselves busy.

But what would you call a new pub these days? Its a minefield getting any name through the existing planning process.

When I lived in the Loony Left London Borough of Haringey for 12 years until the mid-1990s, the council cared more about Soweto than Seven Sisters. They even flew the flag of the African National Congress above the Town Hall.

Haringey, like countless other local authorities across Britain, is now conducting a review of all buildings, place and streets names in the wake of the BLM protests.

I wasnt surprised to read recently that, despite opposition from residents of all ethnic backgrounds, the council proposes to change the name of Black Boy Lane, in Tottenham, to La Rose Lane after a local poet and campaigner.

So you can imagine how delighted the council was, back when I lived there, to approve an application for a new pub in Wood Green to be called The Nelson.

Naturally, they assumed this was in honour of Mandela. When the pub opened they were horrified to see a sign featuring Admiral Horatio Nelson over the front door; red, white and blue bunting everywhere; and graphic scenes from the Battle of Trafalgar on the walls of the saloon bar.

Still, could have been worse. At least the brewery didnt decide to call it the Black Boy & Trumpet.

Self-righteous brothers

The death of Phil Spector reminded me that the last live gig I attended before lockdown starred Bill Medley, the baritone half of The Righteous Brothers, most famous for the Spector-produced Youve Lost That Lovin Feelin.

When Bill walked on stage I thought that by mistake Id wandered into a Joe Biden rally.

Baby, baby, Ill take the knee for you...
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Zedcor Inc. (TSXV: ZDC) (the "Company" or "Zedcor"), a leading provider of strategic security solutions and remote video surveillance systems, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a rental and service agreement with a major pipeline contractor. Zedcor, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Zedcor Security Solutions Corp., will provide the pipeline contractor with the rental and service of up to 100 of Zedcor's Hybrid MobileyeZ security towers featuring ground disturbance sensors for a period of two years. The contract is expected to contribute up to $14 million of revenue to Zedcor over the term.

Zedcor's innovative Hybrid MobileyeZ security towers will provide 24/7 live security monitoring along the construction route for the contractor's expansion project which spans 1,150 kilometers across two provinces. The Company will position their Hybrid MobileyeZ towers at strategic locations that are deemed to be higher-risk along the pipeline's construction path. Video, along with disturbance alerts, will be streamed in real-time to Zedcor's centralized command center in Leduc, Alberta and will be monitored by Zedcor's trained security personnel without interruption. Alerts are met with an immediate response and if necessary, on-site security personnel can be dispatched. Deploying the Company's unique MobileyeZ solutions allows the contractor to mitigate risk through heightened visibility into potential security threats across a broad geographic area, while also controlling the cost of personnel and fuel, and limiting the potential for safety incidents.

Todd Ziniuk, President and CEO of Zedcor commented, "We are pleased to be awarded this contract and are excited to be contributing to a project that is strategically important for Canada. After many months of hard work and the ongoing dedication of the Zedcor team, this contract demonstrates our ability to provide innovative security solutions to major infrastructure projects and establishes Zedcor as the preeminent provider of remote security and surveillance solutions to the pipeline construction industry."

In order to fulfill the requirements of the contract, the Company will purchase an additional 20 Hybrid MobileyeZ security towers, which brings its total fleet to 150, two-thirds of which will be equipped with ground disturbance technology. Financing for the purchase of the 20 Hybrid MobileyeZ towers has been secured by the Company through a draw on its previously announced $2,000,000 accordion facility with Maynbridge Capital Inc. In addition, Zedcor intends to bolster the strength of its existing team with three additional service technicians.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements or information may contain statements with the words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "budget", "should", "project", "or similar words suggesting future outcomes or expectations. In particular, forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release, include, but are not limited to, the expansion of Zedcor's Security and Surveillance business, the expiry date of all outstanding warrants, Zedcor's estimated senior debt to EBITDA ratio, fleet expansion, marketing of security services and expansion of Zedcor's service offering to other geographic regions. Although the Company believes that the expectations implied in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements or information because the Company can give no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of assumptions about the future and uncertainties, including current forecasts and utilization. Although management of the Company believes these expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements or information to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will be proved to be correct, and actual results will differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. For this purpose, any statements or information contained herein that are not statements or information of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements or information and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new contrary information, future events or any other reason, unless the Company is required by any applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About Zedcor Inc.

Zedcor Inc. is the parent company of Zedcor Security Solutions Corp., and operates two business segments: Security & Surveillance and Rentals. Zedcor is focused on generating value for shareholders through the profitable provision of security and surveillance services, and the rental of surface equipment and accommodations in Western Canada. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZDC".

For further information contact:

Todd Ziniuk

President & Chief Executive Officer

P: (403) 930-5432

E: tziniuk@zedcor.ca

Amin Ladha

Chief Financial Officer

P: (403) 930-5435

E: aladha@zedcor.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72321
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says hot, dry and windy conditions over the next two days will test containment lines as crews continue to battle a fire that has been burning north of Perth for almost a week.

The potential for the fire to escalate rapidly means warning areas could change at short notice, the department said, and residents were urged to check the Emergency WA website regularly for updates.

Strong easterly winds are set to hamper efforts to control a fire emergency in the Shire of Gingin, north of Perth. Credit:Nine

Ocean Farms Estate and Seaview Park residents are being told they are unable to return home, and a bushfire emergency warning is in place for people in parts of Cataby, Lancelin, Regans Ford, Red Gully, Cowalla, Moore River National Park, Nilgen, Mimegarra, Wedge Island, Karakin, Yathroo, Orange Springs, Cooljarloo and Ledge Point.

The alert covers an area east of Indian Ocean Drive, south of Meadows Road, west of Eniminga Nature Reserve, south of Nammegarra Road, west of Brand Highway and Regans Ford, north of Orange Springs Road and K.W. Road, including Nilgen (Ocean Farms Estate) and Karakin (Seaview Park).
A breast cancer cell, photographed by a scanning electron microscope. Credit: Bruce Wetzel and Harry Schaefer, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her care, she was found to have a BRCA2 mutation. Her doctor suggested that my brothers and I get tested for this mutation, too. I am a 26-year-old woman, and I am not sure what this means for me and my risk of cancer.

Having a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis can be scary. It also can become confusing when you start to hear about genetic mutations. The good news is that the information can help guide your family regarding screening and future cancer risk.

BRCA2 is a genetic abnormality that can be passed down from a parent to children. It is autosomal dominant, which means there is a 50% chance that each of your mom's biological children could have the mutation. Being positive for the mutation would mean that you or your brothers may be at increased risk of developing certain cancers, compared to the general population.

In addition to breast cancer, these cancers are also known to be associated with BRCA2: ovarian cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.

To understand your risk, you would want to meet with a genetic counselor who can help you understand the implications of undergoing genetic testing and whether this is something you want to do. Typically, genetic testing is performed using a blood or saliva sample. The counselor would review the results with you and, if you are positive, recommend next steps to learn more about personalized screening and specific risk reduction options.

Generally speaking, it is recommended that women who have a BRCA2 mutation begin monthly breast self-examinations, beginning at 18. Clinical breast examinations are recommended every six months, beginning at 25, or before if there is an earlier breast cancer in the family. Annual breast MRIs should begin at 25. Tomosynthesis mammograms are recommended annually, beginning at 30. They are usually alternated with breast MRIs every six months. Based on risk and family history, some woman may choose to undergo a preventive mastectomy to remove their breast tissue and hopefully decrease their risk of developing breast cancer.

There is no screening test for ovarian cancer. However, women can have transvaginal ultrasounds and a blood test called CA 125 every six to 12 months, beginning at ages 30-35, while their ovaries are still in place.

If desired, women can undergo surgery to remove their ovaries and fallopian tubes once they are done having children. Ideally, this would occur between the ages of 40-45. As this surgery results in women going through menopause, some women may be started on hormone therapy until ages 50-51 to alleviate menopausal symptoms and offset some long-term risks associated with early menopause.

Research has shown that many ovarian cancers begin in the fallopian tubes. With this knowledge, women have recently been having surgery to remove their fallopian tubes and delay surgery to remove their ovaries for a few years  though the recommended age for a woman to have her ovaries removed is still 40-45 in a BRCA2 mutation carrier. The benefit of removing just the fallopian tubes is that this allows women to preserve their natural hormonal function longer. The safety of this strategy is being studied, and this type of surgery is being performed as part of clinical trials.

Women who undergo surgery to remove their ovaries before menopause have a 50% reduction in their risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to surgeries, there are medications that can be given to help decrease the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are types of medications that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Oral contraceptives can decrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 50%.

Since the BRCA2 mutation can be passed down to offspring, understanding your status  and that of a future partner  is important, as there is a genetic condition called Fanconi anemia that can occur if both the male and female partners have a BRCA2 mutation.

Thus, for men and women who test positive for BRCA2 and have not yet had biological children, it may be worthwhile to meet with a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility to discuss options.

There are no standard screening guidelines for pancreatic cancer or melanoma. Based on your situation, a consultation with a pancreatic specialist may be worthwhile to discuss whether to pursue MRI or endoscopic ultrasound. Likewise, a referral to a dermatologist can be made to initiate skin cancer screenings.

Understandably, you may be nervous about your risk for cancer, given your mother's diagnosis. However, you are young, and you should not feel rushed to make any decisions regarding genetic testing. If you choose to undergo testing and are found to have a BRCA2 mutation, your health care providers will give you the information that you need so that you can begin to think about what makes sense for your life and your priorities.

 Casey Swanson, physician assistant, Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Explore further Managing ovarian cancer risk in women with BRCA1/2 genetic variants

2021 Mayo Clinic News Network

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine, leader of the states coronavirus pandemic response and among the nations highest-profile transgender public officials, has been nominated to a key role in President-elect Joe Bidens new administration.

If confirmed as the nations assistant secretary for health, Levine, 63, will be the highest-ranking openly transgender official ever to serve in the federal government, and the first to face confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Colleagues, friends, and public health experts in Pennsylvania and beyond praised Levines steady, matter-of-fact approach and decades of experience as a pediatrician. Before becoming the states top public health official, she worked for more than 20 years at Penn States Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

What we like best about her is that she is always available to talk to us. Shes been a leader. She joined the Wolf administration, rolled up her sleeves, and learned what the problems are, said Michael A. DellaVecchia, an ophthalmologist in Ardmore and the president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

In the public eye since being named state physician general in 2015, Levine has weathered ongoing transphobic attacks with a steady, calm advocacy that has won her praise at a time when the health-care establishment is recognizing the importance of ensuring equity for marginalized groups.

Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic  no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability  and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond, Biden said in a statement announcing his choice Tuesday. She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts.

Levine said in a statement Tuesday that she had been honored to serve in Gov. Tom Wolfs administration and was looking forward to the opportunity to continue to serve Pennsylvanians, and all Americans. She wrote that she was proud of her work on the states opioid epidemic and in addressing health inequities in the state  including among LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.

Yvonne Michael, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in Drexel Universitys Dornsife School of Public Health, said that focusing on health equity will be key.

Continuing Dr. Levines efforts on behalf of the public health infrastructure to Washington, funding significant local health positions, will both meet the Biden administrations goal of employment and address the huge health inequities and distrust of science and public health that we have going on, she said. I think she will bring a really important lens to her role in Washington.

Levines friend and colleague Adrian Shanker, executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, said he was ecstatic and beaming with pride upon hearing of Levines appointment.

This is a groundbreaking, history-making nomination, he said. But thats not why Dr. Levine will do a great job in this role. Its not because she is a transgender woman. Its that she will make a tremendous difference for the American peoples public health.

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said Levine gives trans children across America the opportunity to look up to someone in a high position. But thats not why she was appointed, Keisling said. It simply is not.

Keisling, who has spoken with Biden about issues impacting trans people, said hes laser-focused on the pandemic, and is super serious about getting the best people in there. And Dr. Levine is the best people.

Face of the pandemic response

For nearly a year, Levine has been the face of Pennsylvanias response to the coronavirus pandemic, holding livestreamed briefings several times a week. She is also a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine. Her expertise includes eating-disorder treatment, the opioid crisis, adolescent medicine, medical marijuana, and LGBTQ medicine.

 READ MORE: Pennsylvanias Health Secretary Rachel Levine fights hate, fear, and the coronavirus

I and the people of Pennsylvania owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership, strength and dedication to protecting every persons health amid unprecedented circumstances  and, at times, amid hateful distractions, Wolf said. Dr. Levine is both competent and compassionate, and never lets the anger or fear of others sway her from her goals.

Levine, an early and frequent advocate of mask-wearing and social distancing, has consistently focused on asking Pennsylvanians to do our part to stop the spread.

By some measures  engaging contact tracers and testing residents per capita  Pennsylvanias COVID-19 response is behind that of most states. But to judge from its rate of illness  at 6,000 confirmed infections per 100,000 people, more than 1,000 fewer than the national average  it has fared better than most.

Paul Offit, a Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrician and vaccine expert, wrote in an email that it was a pleasure to work with Levine on the states coronavirus task force.

During our biweekly meetings, she has been inspirational, smart, humorous, and shown a remarkable ability to make everyone on the call feel that they have something important to say. A remarkable person, he said.

Though she focused almost entirely on public-health messaging during the pandemic, Levine addressed a string of transphobic attacks head-on in July.

While these individuals may think that they are only expressing their displeasure with me, they are in fact hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians who suffer directly from these current demonstrations of harassment, she said at a briefing.

The epidemic before the pandemic

Before the pandemic struck in March, Levine led the commonwealths response to the opioid epidemic, including signing the standing order that allowed people to obtain naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug, at pharmacies without a prescription. (Amid the pandemic, she signed a new order allowing Pennsylvanians to obtain naloxone through the mail.)

Cathleen Palm, a longtime child health activist and founder of the Center for Childrens Justice in Bernville, said Levine supported her organizations calls to list neonatal abstinence syndrome  when children are exposed to opioids in utero  as a reportable health condition.

As a physician, she understood that it is hard to change the trajectory of a public health crisis if we do not have reliable data about exactly how many babies are born each year withdrawing from opioids, Palm said. She also understood it wasnt just about counting, but instead it was about working to improve outcomes for these infants and their mothers, including reducing the likelihood that a woman would relapse or die from an overdose in the postpartum period.

Levine also helped establish the states medical marijuana program, and worked to ensure equal access and care for people in the LGBTQ community.

Her work for our commonwealth has been transformational, Wolf said, and I appreciate it more than I can say.

Before joining the governors administration, Levine worked for two decades at Penn State Healths Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

One of the people Levine mentored during her time at Penn State was Lori Frasier, now chief of the Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics at Penn State Childrens Hospital. Frasier met Levine when Frasier joined the medical schools faculty in 2013, she said, and was immediately impressed.

Frasier was thrilled when she heard of Levines nomination, adding she has regularly listened to her former colleagues coronavirus news conferences and thought Levine provided calm, confident leadership throughout the pandemic. I would expect thats one of the reasons why Biden tapped her.

Frasier also praised the comprehensive child-and-adult eating-disorder treatment program Levine established at Penn State, an impressive program that incorporates mental and physical health. Levine has tremendous experience caring for people who are experiencing mental health crises, Frasier added, and that experience will be useful amid a pandemic that has left so many, including children and young adults, struggling.

 READ MORE: COVID-19 meant mental health challenges in 2020. Heres how to get help in 2021.

Its just heartwarming that [Bidens pick] is a pediatrician, Frasier said. Pediatricians just have a different way of looking at the world.

A native of the Boston suburbs, Levine graduated from Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine, and trained in pediatrics and adolescent medicine at New York Citys Mount Sinai Medical Center.

On Tuesday, the governor said he would announce Levines replacement later this week.

Staff writers Anna Orso, Tom Avril, and Marie McCullough contributed to this article.
New Delhi: Team Indias historic win against Australia in the 4th Test at the Gabba ground in Australia has got everyone stunned. Congratulatory messages have been pouring in for the Team from all over the world on social media.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar including several others expressed their excitement and congratulated Team India with posts on Twitter and Instagram.

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati also celebrated the win by posting a selfie with his TV in the background on which team India was seen celebrating their win at the Gabba ground. He captioned his post saying, Amazing amazing win by team India in the Aus v Ind test match today. A historic and very proud moment! Congratulations to the team!!! Well done boys!

Amazing amazing win by team India in the Aus v Ind test match today

A historic and very proud moment! Congratulations to the team!!! Well done boys! pic.twitter.com/yYbnXVOmJh  Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) January 19, 2021

Shah Rukh Khan revealed that he was up all night watching the match unfold and could sleep happily knowing that India won.

What an absolutely marvellous victory for our team!!! Stayed up all night to watch it unfold ball by ball. Now will sleep peacefully for a bit and savour this historic moment. Love to all our boys and greatly admire their resilience to power us through to this win. Chak De India!  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) January 19, 2021

Boney Kapoor said that the match was so interesting that his eyes were glued to the TV screen and he missed two flights in the process.

Congratulations Team India on the historic Gabba win. Missed 2 flights as my eyes were glued to the TV screen. Proud moment for every Indian. @BCCI #INDvAUS  Boney Kapoor (@BoneyKapoor) January 19, 2021

Karan Johar celebrated the win by saying there was a great show of character from team India.

Incredible. What a historic win!

Congratulations #TeamIndia for retaining the #BorderGavaskarTrophy & achieving the stellar feat of winning at the Gabba. Great show of character from the boys, so proud! #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/IervzYX39J  Karan Johar (@karanjohar) January 19, 2021

Take a look at what other celebrities had to say about Team India's historic win against Australia:

T 3787 - INDIAAAAA .. INDIA !! INDIAAAA .. INDIA ..

THOK DIYA .. Australia ko ..

INCREDIBLE VICTORY .. badhai badhai badhai .. !!

Body blows ! Injury ! Racist abuse !      ,   !!!!

INCREDIBLE INDIA !! Don't ever underestimate INDIA !! pic.twitter.com/TPFxNbODU8  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 19, 2021

Congratulations Team India for an exemplary performance, winning against all odds and creating history...truly Champions #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/1tNTttez9V  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 19, 2021

"Never ever underestimate any Indian"#INDvsAUS  Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) January 19, 2021

What a match!

Exceptional game and excellent performance...

Congratulations Team India#INDvsAUS  Sidharth Malhotra (@SidMalhotra) January 19, 2021

Where a draw would have won the series Team India created history by going for the kill #INDvsAUS new boys came and grabbed the bull by the horns .. this is the young india, well done skipper #AjinkyaRahane should this be the new team and captain now ? Id say Why not !! pic.twitter.com/a3f7f81Yto  Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) January 19, 2021

Team Indias stellar performance at the Gabba and their extraordinary historic win will be talked about and celebrated for a very long time.

CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Konstantinos Floros discussed on Monday strengthening military cooperation between Cairo and Athens.

During a meeting in Cairo, the two officials discussed a number of issues of common interest in light of the current regional and international developments and their repercussions on the security and stability in the Middle East, according to a statement from the Egyptian Armed Forces.

The Egyptian defense minister praised the strategic partnership relations between the Egyptian and Greek armed forces in various fields, especially in defense and security, the statement said.

He also stressed the importance of coordinating military efforts and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

Egypt and Greece signed in last August an agreement to demarcate their maritime borders in the Mediterranean, allowing the two countries to maximize benefits of the resources available in their exclusive economic zones, especially oil and natural gas reserves. Enditem

[ Editor: SRQ ]
In March, when COVID-19 burst into Americas consciousness, Marvin Edwards did a mental checklist of all his ailments and shut his life down.

Edwards, 60, of North Philadelphia, has high blood pressure and diabetes, and survived heart surgeries.

Ive been in the house since it started, Edwards said Monday morning. They didnt really have any testing where I was living, so I stayed in. It was like I was in prison.

Edwards stood in the cold Monday with the help of a walker, one of hundreds who lined up to get free coronavirus testing at Girard College as part of the Fairmount boarding schools 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

On a typical Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Girard College is filled with thousands of volunteers lending their hands to a variety of causes. But as the pandemic changed the rules of indoor gatherings, it also changed the focus of 2021s events, said Todd Bernstein, founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service.

Several dozen volunteer doctors and nurses helped combat the virus by administering tests and handing out PPE, while also trying to balance the racial inequities of health care. Black, Hispanic, and Latino populations are at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than white populations.

This year its about saving lives, Bernstein said.

 READ MORE: COVID-19 vaccines have gone mostly to white Philadelphians. Heres what the city is doing to change that.

Bernstein said he reached out to Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, in the spring to see if she and her growing team of volunteers would be interested in spearheading an event. Stanford, whose consortium has tested thousands of city residents, accepted the challenge.

Can you make sure everyone in the tent knows the tubes are to be labeled? Stanford said over a two-way radio Monday morning on the college grounds.

Stanford said serving people outside in January, in a socially-distanced way, was the main challenge. She said about 25 medical personnel volunteered.

Our usual [testing rate] is about 100 per hour but I think we could probably test up to 600 today, Stanford said.

Before the testing started, Stanford was one of several people who spoke during a news conference inside Girard College. Nearly every elected official who spoke mentioned the racial disparities of the pandemic and their hopes for a more effective response from President-elect Joe Biden.

One silver lining about the pandemic is how much its shown the world we need to improve health equity and racial inequity, Mayor Jim Kenney said.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said that, too often, elected officials get the credit when volunteers turn the wheels of progress. While he spoke, medical volunteers were readying their testing kits in an adjacent room.

You are the outsiders who should be the insiders, Krasner told the crowd.

Kenney urged the community to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when their time comes. Neighbors seeing neighbors get the vaccine would help boost the publics confidence in its efficacy, he said. Stanford said the consortium has tried to address concerns about the vaccine in the Black community. Among them: the history of racism in American medicine and the quick turnaround to create the vaccine. Even though the Pfizer and Moderna 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.

Stanford said the consortium has registered 8,000 people to get the injections so far.

We listen and we educate, she said.

Outside, most of the people waiting in line on College Avenue for their COVID-19 tests were Black. Derrick Bullock, 53, of West Philadelphia, said mask-wearing is the simplest way for anyone to follow Kings message.

I mean, you care about your fellow man, right? Its pretty easy, he said. Except for Trump.

Elizabeth Jones, 73, of North Philadelphia, said she wouldnt be getting the vaccine, preferring to leave her fate in the Lords hands.

But toward the back of the line, Edwards said he was eager to be vaccinated and get back to living.

If its good enough for President Joe Biden, its good enough for me, Edwards said. Im ready to get out of my house.
Avril Haines speaks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee to be President-elect Joe Bidens national intelligence director, in Washington, on Jan. 19, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Bidens Top Intelligence Pick Says CCP an Adversary On Some Issues

President-elect Joe Bidens pick to head the Office of the Director of National Intelligence offered a direct answer to a yes-or-no question about whether the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is an adversary of the United States.

Avril Haines, who is Bidens nominee to be director of national intelligence, told lawmakers on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence as part of her confirmation hearing on Jan. 19 that China is an adversary in some areas while a partner in others, such as climate change.

She deferred to Bidens definition of the communist regime as a global competitor, while adding that she will nonetheless work to counter Beijings illegal espionage.

Is China, under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party an adversary of the United States? Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) asked.

China is adversarial and an adversary on some issues and, in other issues, we try to cooperate with them, whether in the context of climate change or other things, Haines responded.

And ultimately, the frame that the president-elect has identified for thinking about this is a global competitor, she added. But I think that doesnt, to your point, in any way mitigate the fact that when it comes to espionage or the variety of areas that Ill be focused on if Im confirmed as the director of national intelligence, they are an adversary and that we have to work on those issues, in particular, countering their illegal, unfair, aggressive actions in these spaces.

Both Warner, the top Democrat on the committee, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the committee chairman, said the CCP is the No. 1 threat facing the United States. Haines steered clear of using the same language in her opening remarks, opting instead to define the relationship with the United States as a competitive one.

We should provide the necessary intelligence to support the long-term bipartisan efforts to outcompete China, gaining and sharing insight into Chinas intentions and capabilities, while also supporting more immediate efforts to counter Beijings unfair, illegal, aggressive, and coercive actions as well as its human rights violations whenever we can, she said.

Haines served as deputy national security adviser in the Obama White House from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, she served as the deputy director of the CIA. Biden announced his intention to appoint Haines on Nov. 23, 2020.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) asked Haines if she had any concerns about how the Obama administration approached China when Haines served in the White House. Haines said she supports the Trump administrations more assertive stance.

China is a challenge to our security, to our prosperity, to our values across a range of issues and I do support an aggressive stance, in a sense, to deal with the challenge that were facing. So I think thats the place that we are now and one thats more assertive than we had been in the ObamaBiden administration, Haines said.

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said that the failure to address the threat of the CCP has been bipartisan, stretching over the course of more than a decade. He asked Haines why the intelligence community has been slow to pivot its priorities to China, despite years of rhetoric about the threat.

Our opponent is not the Chinese people. Our opponent is not Chinese Americans. But our opponent is the Chinese Communist Party, Sasse said. Yet, if we look at the resources of the intelligence community, it still doesnt show a primary focus on China that I think is the bipartisan consensus in this committee.

Haines explained that the intelligence communitys focus is on some threats that have been the focus for many years, including terrorism, war zones, and the Middle East. Experience on Asia, in comparison, is lacking, she added.

Sasse asked Haines to commit to producing a strategic plan during her first six months in office, outlining how the intelligence community will shift its focus to the CCP. Haines committed to doing so.

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe assessed that China sought to influence the 2020 U.S. election.

In a joint statement issued on Dec. 4, 2020, Rubio and Warner said, China poses the greatest national security threat to the United States.

In 2020, the Senate Intelligence Committee held 10 publicly disclosed meetings on Russia and none on China. During the same time period, the committee released several voluminous reports on Russia and none on China.
Bradford County corporate executive Stacy Garrity took office as Pennsylvanias 78th state Treasurer Tuesday, vowing to do her part to make sure state residents get the biggest bang for their tax dollars, and to make it easier for them to keep as close an eye as they want on where those dollars are going.

Garrity, 56, said she turned to politics last year as a new public service outlet after wrapping up a stellar career as an Army reservist in 2016.

Her well-honed sense of mission infused her inaugural ceremony, from the brisk pacing that got a full program completed in the allotted 60 minutes, to the change-of-command flavor as ousted incumbent Joseph Torsella, the man she defeated in November, was invited to give a final report on the mission he is passing on to Garrity.

Garrity comes to the office as an unknown to most Pennsylvanians, so the inauguration served in part, as introduction.

A native of the small town of Sayre in Bradford County, Garrity came back to her hometown after graduating from Bloomsburg University and rose from office cubicles to the senior management of Global Tungsten and Powders in Towanda, a rare example of a plant that has survived trade wars, recessions and the age of corporate buyouts to still provide 500 manufacturing jobs to small-town families for two generations and counting.

She leaves GTP as vice president for government affairs and industry liaison, a role in which she had a direct hand in preserving those jobs by helping to lobby Congress and the Trump administration for a ban on Defense Department acquisition of sensitive materials or the end products GTP makes from China, Russia, North Korea or Iran.

Side-by-side with her business career, Garrity was rising through the ranks of the Army reserve as part of a military police unit.

During one of her overseas deployments to Iraq, then-Major Garrity earned the moniker Angel of the Desert for her demonstrated human concern for Iraqi detainees at Camp Bucca, which caused it to be seen by many as the antithesis of Abu Ghraib, where well-documented abuses of prisoners served as an international embarrassment and helped to energize Americas enemies.

Retiring from the Army in January 2016, Garrity said she found a bit of a void in the public service part of her life and she started to explore the idea of getting into politics.

She made her debut, of sorts, in the 31-person scrum for the right to succeed retired Congressman Tom Marino, R-Lycoming County, in a 2019 special election. Garrity showed well in that selection process, and by the end of the year, found herself being heavily encouraged to seek a statewide office in 2020.

I said, No. No.No.... But they really couldnt find anybody, and then I thought: Well, if not me, then who? So. I did. And here we are, she told PennLive in an interview after Tuesdays ceremonies at the Harrisburg Forum.

In that race, she pulled off a big upset, unseating a well-liked, if not necessarily well-known, incumbent Democrat from the biggest media market in the state, in an era that has been trending well for Democrats in statewide elections.

David Vine, one of Garritys former bosses, said the voters have chosen wisely. In this most divisive of times, he said, this inauguration is a glimmer of hope. I feel this hope because we elected a qualified and experienced leader who also has the integrity, ideals and values we desperately need.

Garrity - who is married to Daniel Gizzi, a project analyst for Corning Inc., just across the New York line - has proven a gracious winner, working closely with Torsella on her transition, and in fact, determining to keep a healthy portion of his senior staff.

Theres a fair amount (of Torsella Administration staffers) who are staying, Garrity said. I wanted to surround myself with the best people, and.... they have a huge amount of institutional knowledge. Theyre dedicated civil servants, and really loyal to the people of the Commonwealth.

Those Torsella holdovers will be sprinkled in with new hires - like former state Budget Secretary Charles Zogby and former director of the state Office of Open Records Erik Arneson - to form a kind of bipartisan whos who of state government in the Finance Building.

Torsella, while admittedly sorry to be passing the baton, said in his video address he comes away from the transition period satisfied that hes passing it on to a worthy successor.

This is how a transition of power is supposed to work, Torsella said. In our conversations, Stacy has given me real confidence that she is beginning this job with something that is truly indispensable and commendable: Respect for this important institution and the people it serves.

Garrity also shared the stage Tuesday with her three sisters, who introduced her as the kid who was always working on the next mission, whether it was mowing the church lawn, babysitting or delivering newspapers, or helping them to set goals for their own lives.

As Treasurer - aside from investing state funds, disbursing the states outlays, helping to manage pension funds and the various other tasks that fall to the office - Garrity will find herself in a job that at times may find herself square in the middle of pitched battles between the Republican-controlled state legislature and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

She said shes ready to take it on, leaning on the look-for-the-good-in-people spirit that she learned from her Mom, to that military training.

You know when youre in the military, your job is you have to accomplish the mission. And so that means you cant just work with one party. You have to reach across the aisle to everybody to get it done. And thats what I plan to do
A failure to vaccinate enough young people against Covid-19 could allow a mutant strain of the virus to rage out of control in Northern Ireland, it has been warned.

Dr Connor Bamford, a virologist from Queen's University in Belfast, said the race is on to vaccinate as many people as possible to reduce the number of people who become seriously ill as a result of Covid-19.

But he stressed the vaccination programme alone will not be enough to bring the virus under control.

Currently, demand for the vaccine far outweighs supply but there are concerns that younger people, who may be worried about the safety of the jab and may also believe they do not need protection from the virus, may not avail of the opportunity to be vaccinated.

"The people who are being vaccinated now are in the highest priority groups but there is a concern as the younger groups are invited for their vaccine they may say no," he said.

"When you think about people who are 40 and under and have no underlying health conditions, they may not think it's important that they get the vaccine. There are questions about the safety of the vaccines but they are very safe and it's crucial that as many people as possible are vaccinated.

"The biggest issue is the fact we don't think the vaccines stop people from spreading the virus. Some people who get the vaccine don't get sick at all so they won't know that they are ill and are spreading the virus, possibly to people who are vulnerable. We really do need high vaccine uptake.

"In addition, even though our vaccination programme is ambitious, this becomes a global issue where other countries may not be vaccinating as well as we are, which could result in greater spread and the potential for new variants."

Dr Bamford said scientists are carefully monitoring the situation regarding mutant strains of Covid-19.

All viruses mutate, including the ones that cause Covid-19. As the virus replicates, tiny changes occur so that it can survive and thrive. While many are not an issue, some can make it more dangerous or infectious to humans.

There are thousands of different variants of Covid-19, but the strains that have originated from south east England, Brazil and South Africa are a concern to experts because of how they increase people's chances of catching it.

Dr Bamford continued: "The worry is that, while they might not make people sicker, they will make the outbreak worse and because more people are getting sick, more people will end up in hospital and it will make getting control of the virus harder.

"We do think that the mutations may be slightly more resistant to the vaccine, so where immunity would have been at 95%, the vaccine may only by 80% effective against the variants. The vaccines that have been created so far can be updated quite easily but we don't know yet exactly how the situation is going to change and whether other variants might emerge.

"The longer we take to vaccinate people, the more chance there is for other variants to emerge. And there is the possibility that one of those may be resistant to the vaccines we already have and that's why it's so important that we get the virus back under control as quickly as we can.

"The best way to beat this virus is by controlling the spread in the population and stopping other variants in the future and that's why we need the vaccination programme, restrictions on mixing, travel restrictions and a proper track and trace system to keep virus levels as low as possible."

The three new coronavirus strains which have emerged

KENT STRAIN: The strain became known as such as the first sample of the variant was discovered in a person who lived near Canterbury in Kent in September last year.

The variant subsequently ripped through the UK, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to cancel Christmas relaxation plans and announce a third lockdown.

While it is believed the Kent strain does not result in a more severe illness, it is thought to be up to 70% more infectious - as well as being more transmissible by children.

Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser Prof Ian Young has said he does not believe the spike in cases here post-Christmas was as a result of the Kent strain, although research is being carried out to establish if this is the case.

BRAZILIAN STRAIN: Travel to the UK from South America and Portugal has been banned following the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant in Brazil.

To date, there are no cases in the UK linked to the strain, which was first discovered in Tokyo, Japan, with four travellers arriving from Manaus, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, on January 2.

The Brazilian strain has had a change on the spike protein of the virus called N501Y, which scientists say makes it better able to latch on to the body and spread.

There are still questions over how it could have an impact on people, although Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's chief scientific adviser, said last week there was no evidence the Brazilian variants leads to more severe symptoms.

SOUTH AFRICAN STRAIN: South Africa's authorities announced on December 18 the detection of a mutation that was rapidly spreading in a number of areas in the country.

It has since become the country's dominant strain. South Africa named the variant 501Y.V2 because of the N501Y mutation found in the spike protein.

The South African strain does have other mutations, and these have prompted some concerns that it could prove more resistant to coronavirus vaccines.

However, most scientists expect the vaccines to work despite the mutation. In a preliminary study which tested the Pfizer Covid vaccine against the N501Y mutation in the South African variant, the vaccine appeared to work against the mutated virus.
Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422797/Artprice_Global_Indices_Infographic.jpg

thierry Ehrmann, President and Founder of Artmarket.com and its Artprice department: "the works that were resold at auction in 2020 generally fetched better prices. Two segments in particular stood out: works on paper (+55%) and Contemporary Art (+48%). However, you have to take into account the method used to calculate our indices and anticipate the fact that they tend to flatten naturally over time".

Auctions and repeat sales

Auction sales correspond to the visible segment of the Art Market and it's probably the segment that has best adapted to the consequences of the pandemic by accelerating its switch to an online modus operandi. Artprice's 2020 of the Art Market Report will soon reveal all the details of this transformation (the publication of our free report is expected in March 2021).

Artprice's Global Indices are calculated on the basis of a very specific pool of works: lots which have already been sold at public auction. This method of calculation (the repeat-sales method) is considered particularly robust, but it excludes all lots that appear in an auction sale for the first time.

Extraordinary resales

Among the highest value increases recorded in 2020, Artprice was particularly interested in Banksy's the performance. His acrylic on canvas Weston Super Mare (1999) was acquired for $16,700 in 2006 at Sotheby's in London and was resold for $978,000 in October 2020 at Bonhams in London. The gain corresponds to an annual return on investment of 34% over 14 years.

Inversely, a small canvas by Raqib Shaw  Untitled (2004)  was acquired for $91,000 in 2008 at Sotheby's New York, but sold for just $8,750 in 2020 at Wright in Chicago.

Between its last two appearances at auction, Joan Mitchell's diptych La Grande Vallee VII (1983) multiplied in value 44 times, from $330,000 in 1989 to $14.5 million in 2020. Joan Mitchell was in fact the most successful female artist at auction in 2020, but her prices didn't just soar last year. Taking into account all of her works sold and resold at auction over the years, Artprice estimates that her prices rose 15% over the last twelve months. This increase is added to the over 2000% value accretion calculated by Artprice using the same method between 2000 and 2019 for all of Mitchell's work.

Image : [ https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/01/Artprice-Global-Indexes-Update-2020.png ]

Copyright 1987-2021 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com

Don't hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com

for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo

Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription

About Artmarket:

Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF.

Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: https://en.artprice.com/video

Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987.

See certified biography in Who's who :

https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/10/biographie_oct2019_WhosWho_thierryEhrmann.pdf

Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 744,000 artists.

Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.

Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6300 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 4.5 million 'members log in' users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France's Commercial Code).

Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art.

Artprice by Artmarket's 2019 Global Art Market Report published in February 2020 :

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2019

Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department:

http://serveur.serveur.com/press_release/pressreleaseen.htm

Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (4.9 million followers)

https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom

https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom

Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department http://web.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum "The Abode of Chaos" (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013

L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o

https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999

(4.4 million followers)

https://vimeo.com/124643720

Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: Thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009603/Art_Market_logo.jpg

SOURCE Artmarket.com
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.

London:

A vehicle has hit pedestrians in the Finsbury Park area of north London, killing at least one and injuring 8 others, police said on Monday (IST), adding that one person had been arrested.



Police were called just after 0020 hours (2320 GMT) 18 June to reports of a vehicle in collision with pedestrians, police said in a statement. There are a number of casualties being worked on at the scene. There has been one person arrested, the statement said.

London police say one person died and 8 injured when van hit crowd near Finsbury Park; Counter Terrorism Command investigating pic.twitter.com/EwqyQSYxBn  ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017



The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), an umbrella body, said on Twitter: We have been informed that a van has run over worshippers as they left #FinsburyPark Mosque. Our prayers are with the victims.



Harun Khan, the head of the MCB, tweeted that the van had intentionally run over people leaving night prayers held during the holy month of Ramadan.



The mosque is near Seven Sisters Road, where the accident happened, and was once a notorious hub for radical Islamists but has entirely changed under new management.

#BREAKING: Van strikes crowd of pedestrians outside mosque in London; one person is arrested. #FinsburyPark pic.twitter.com/e0dAmafKES  Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) June 19, 2017

BREAKING: We have been informed that a van has run over worshippers as they left #FinsburyPark Mosque. Our prayers are with the victims. https://t.co/FSE5m3bFpo  MCB (@MuslimCouncil) June 19, 2017

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : The private LTE/5G infrastructure market will grow from $945 million to reach $5.7 billion in 2024 as demand from mission-critical organisations are driving early investment, according to a new IDC report.

Private LTE/5G infrastructure is any LTE and/or 5G network deployed for a specific enterprise/industrial customer that provides dedicated access.

It includes networks that may utilise dedicated (licensed, unlicensed, or shared) spectrum, dedicated infrastructure, and private devices embedded with unique SIM identifiers.

According to the IDC, the worldwide revenue attributable to the sales of private LTE/5G infrastructure will grow with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.4 per cent.

"Private LTE infrastructure is already used by select verticals worldwide to solve mission-critical networking challenges. However, the barrier to consumption has remained high, limiting adoption to organisations possessing in-house competency and access to dedicated spectrum," said Patrick Filkins, senior research analyst, IoT and Mobile Network Infrastructure.

Many organisations are deploying private LTE today, and a select few are beginning to deploy private 5G in limited instances.

"With more spectrum being made available for enterprise uses, coinciding with the arrival of commercial 5G, interest has grown toward using private LTE/5G solutions as a basis for connectivity across a multitude of mission-critical, industrial and traditional enterprise organisations," Filkins elaborated.

Mission-critical verticals are that require "always on" connectivity addressable through redundancy and dedicated resource, as well as the clear need or desire for mobile site connectivity.

Loss of connectivity would likely result in significant negative business or operational outcomes.

Industrial verticals are whose primary focus is process and industrial automation for Industry 4.0.

"Traditional enterprise or "Business-Critical" are verticals that require deterministic wireless networking beyond traditional Wi-Fi, but where redundancy and automation needs are lower," the report mentioned.
The initial public offer (IPO) of Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) was subscribed 0.65 times of 65 per cent on the first day of subscription on Monday. The IPO received bids for 80,89,30,700 shares against 1,24,75,05,993 shares on offer, as per data available with the NSE.

The category reserved for non-institutional investors was subscribed 9 per cent and retail individual investors 1.25 times.

IRFC had on Friday raised a little over Rs 1,398 crore from anchor investors.

This is the first-ever IPO by a non-banking financial company (NBFC) in the public sector. The IPO will close on January 21. Price band for the IRFC IPO has been fixed at Rs 25 to Rs 26 per share.

The share sale that is offering up to 178.2 crore shares of face value of Rs 10 each, comprises a fresh issue of up to 118.8 crore shares and an offer for sale of up to 59.4 crore equity shares by the government.

Post the IPO, the shareholding of government will come down to 86.4%, from 100% earlier. The issue includes a reservation of Rs 50 lakh worth of shares for eligible employees. Shares of IRFC are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

Nureca gets SEBI's approval for Rs 100 crore IPO

The company will utilise the net proceeds towards augmenting the company's equity capital base to meet future capital requirements arising out of growth in business and general corporate purposes. The company will not receive any proceeds from the offer for sale and the same will be received by the government.

The bids for the issue can be made for a minimum of 575 equity shares and in multiples thereafter. Up to 50% of the net issue is reserved for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB).

The company has reserved not more than 35% of the issue for the retail investors and the remaining 15% for Non-Institutional category. The issue includes a reservation of equity shares worth Rs 50 lakh for subscription by eligible employees.

AM Capital Advisors Ltd, HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Private Ltd, ICICI Securities Ltd and SBI Capital Markets Ltd are the book running lead managers to the offer. KFin Technologies Private Ltd will be the registrar to the issue.

Press Release

January 19, 2021 Lacson Hopes Vaccine Officials Learned Hard Lesson on Transparency More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/01/19/lacson-hopes-vaccine-officials-learned-hard-lesson-on-transparency/ While there is still a long way to go as far as the government's vaccination efforts are concerned, the controversy involving COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac should be a hard lesson on honesty and transparency for officials in the program, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday. Lacson said that had the officials been forthright about the conditions of negotiations with Sinovac early on, there would have been no speculations or suspicions about the matter. "If they had been more forthright and honest in their responses in our first hearing, hindi mafo-focus sa Sinovac," he said in an interview on ANC, stressing that while Congress - the Senate and House of Representatives - are willing partners of the executive department, in return, lawmakers "need to be informed also what happened to the appropriations we gave you." "When the Senate hearings raised more questions than answers about Sinovac, our officials were both tongue-tied and stuttering, leaving us with a string of flip-flopping pronouncements," Lacson noted in his privilege speech on the issue Monday. Also, Lacson debunked insinuations that some senators had personal or political motivations in the hearings. "I haven't heard of any senator who has expressed preference for the Pfizer vaccine or any brand for that matter," he said, adding that "what we are doing in the Senate is an exercise of our oversight function over the appropriations laws that we passed, particularly on the purchase of the vaccines." "There is no personal or political agenda involved in our inquiry as insinuated by Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier. Most of us who participated in the public hearings of the Committee of the Whole merely want to get straightforward and honest responses from the concerned authorities so we will be informed for our future reference in our legislative work. Instead, the resource persons were groping, inconsistent, flip flopping and even evasive in their responses - hence our misgivings and apprehensiveness," he added. He recalled that when the Senate conducted inquiries on the anomalies in the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Corrections and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)/Department of Health, "enough information was gathered that led to the filing of criminal and administrative cases by the Department of Justice and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, and could have possibly tightened the noose on those responsible for the pillage of public funds or prevented them to further bleed dry the public coffers." "Isn't that how the executive and legislative departments work as a team in fighting corruption?" he said. Lacson noted the suspicion of senators - and netizens - was aroused when the officials would not disclose pricing and other conditions of the negotiations with Sinovac, a privately owned Chinese firm. The officials also were not forthright in their answers during Senate hearings last week. He added it was only recently that vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. declared an "indicative price" of P700 for the Sinovac vaccines. "If at the outset during our first hearing last Jan. 11, he already declared we can get Sinovac vaccines for P700 thereabouts, then that's the end of the story," he said. "So the controversy is their own doing. It's not the Senate, it's not the senators. We're performing our job, oversight. We did it in the Bureau of Customs, PhilHealth, and Bureau of Corrections. May nangyayari naman pag nag-iimbestiga kami in aid of legislation," he added. On the other hand, Lacson pointed out Galvez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III did not seem surprised the Philippines was to receive 44 million free doses of vaccines through the COVAX facility, but did not disclose it if they were aware of it. "As I was observing our resource persons (including Galvez and Duque), I didn't notice any glow in their eyes or at least an expression of pleasant surprise in their faces, which should have been the case for a normal person after hearing such a wonderful piece of information. 44 million doses! My God, Philippines, my beloved Philippines - at P1,200 per dose as the estimated average cost made by the Department of Finance for purposes of transacting loan agreements with the World bank and the Asian Development Bank, this would translate into P52.8 billion worth of free vaccines!" he said in his privilege speech. Lacson said that if we take into account 44 million doses for free from COVAX, the 8.5 million doses from the private sector, and 14 million to be shouldered by the local government units, this could mean the national government may seek a smaller loan from institutions like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. "We would not be needing P70 billion to purchase vaccines because of the free doses. Our computations show the national government should need to vaccinate 36 million Filipinos. At P1,200 per vaccine on the average, it would need just P39 to 40 billion instead of P70 billion," he said.
State officials are seeking permanent custody of eight horses that were seized from an Oakdale farm after they were found severely neglected.

The motion, filed in Hartford Superior Court on behalf of the state Department of Agriculture, seeks permanent custody of the animals. It also requests that the court order the farms owner, Michelle R. Wilson, to provide daily compensation to the department for the temporary care of the animals.

A virtual hearing will be held on the matter at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Wilson, who owns Laurel Ledge Farm in Oakdale, was charged on Sept. 24, 2020 with nine counts of animal cruelty. She is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Feb. 3. Court records show she was released on a $50,000 bond.

Following up on a complaint from Montville Animal Control, the state Department of Agricultures Animal Control Unit met with Wilson last summer, according to a press release from the office of Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

During that meeting, officials said, the animal control unit saw several severely underweight horses, including an extremely thin and unsound horse that was being ridden.

State animal control officers urged Wilson to consult with an equine veterinarian, officials said.

When authorities returned to check on the horses, officials said none of the medical care required had been performed and the conditions of the horses continued to deteriorate, officials said. One horse, Tank, had a severe bone infection, and had to be euthanized, officials said.

The Department of Agriculture obtained a search-and-seizure warrant to obtain custody of the nine surviving horses at the farm in September 2020.

Equine veterinarians found all nine horses suffered from neglected dental care, with three in obvious and significant dental pain, officials said. They all lacked proper hoof care, with one having a severe bacterial infection, officials said. Three of the horses had to undergo extreme and immediate hoof care, officials said.

Eight of the horses had some degree of lameness, with two that were severely lame and in obvious pain, officials said.

Several of the horses were malnourished, some severely so, officials said.

One of the horses, Bavaro, continued to deteriorate after experiencing a seizure and had to be euthanized, officials said.

No animal should suffer in this way, Tong said in a statement Tuesday. These horses were severely malnourished and in visible pain. We are moving today for permanent custody to ensure these horses receive the care and respect all living creatures deserve. It is my hope that these horses will continue to thrive under state care, and will one day find new loving homes.

Officials said Tristian, Regal, Avadon, Ember, Cabot, Sullivan, Sebastian and Bailey continue to recover in state care at the Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Program in Niantic. They are all in stable condition and show signs of improvement.

Any livestock or domestic animal owners in need of additional assistance during the ongoing pandemic are urged to reach out to officials for help. The state Department of Agriculture has complied a directory of hay resources and COVID-19-related resources for animal owners at www.CTGrown.gov.
Deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimneys on Brother's Volcano's northwest caldera wall create a unique environment for microbes. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach/NSF, ROV Jason and 2018 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributed to an international study that found almost 300 novel types of microbes living near a deep sea volcano. These microbes, which could be used in biotechnology, reveal new insights about their extreme underwater environment.

Two distinct communities of heat-loving and many acid-loving microbes live near Brother's Volcano, located about 200 miles northeast of New Zealand and 6,000 feet underwater. Known as extremophiles, these microbes thrive in water heated by magma and hydrothermal vents.

Though they live close to one another, the microbial communities reflect differences in water chemistry and temperature from geological features. In analyzing the new bacterial and archaeal families, ORNL's Mircea Podar thinks microbes like these can help better characterize extreme environments.

"We're heading to a point where microbes can be very informative about the environment they came from and even reflect some of the past," Podar said. "With more data, we can use microbes as a proxy to characterize environments where traditional measurements are challenging to capture."

Magmatic hydrothermal venting at the cone site in Brother's Volcano creates a microbial community distinctly different from those at nearby geological features. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach, NSF, ROV Jason and 2018 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

ORNL contributed to the international study, which was led by Portland State University, and leveraged submersible technology from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Credit: Anna-Louise Reysenbach

More information: Anna-Louise Reysenbach et al, Complex subsurface hydrothermal fluid mixing at a submarine arc volcano supports distinct and highly diverse microbial communities, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2020). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Anna-Louise Reysenbach et al, Complex subsurface hydrothermal fluid mixing at a submarine arc volcano supports distinct and highly diverse microbial communities,(2020). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019021117
How does great literature  the Grade A, top-shelf stuff  announce itself to the reader?

Nabokov spoke of the shiver between the shoulder blades. Emily Dickinson required more persuasion. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, she wrote in a letter, I know that is poetry.

Im sorry to say that I occasionally experience it as the dishonorable and squirrelly impulse to hoard the book in question, to keep it my secret. This can prove difficult, as you might imagine, given my line. All of which is to say, I bring news of Tove Ditlevsens suite of memoirs with the kind of thrill and reluctance that tells me this must be a masterpiece.

The books first appeared in Denmark between 1967 and 1971 under the titles Childhood (Barndom), Youth (Ungdom) and Dependency (Gift  the Danish word for both the adjective married and the noun poison). The first two volumes were translated by Tiina Nunnally, the final one  the most sublime and harrowing  by Michael Favala Goldman. Now published together in one handsome volume as The Copenhagen Trilogy, they are a portrait of an artist and a portrait of an addict  and the product of a terrifying talent.

Ditlevsen, who died in 1976, is beloved in her native Denmark; today her work is taught in schools and her life is the subject of reverent plays. Danish editions of her work often feature her photograph on the cover  her head cocked, a cigarette between her fingers, looking amused and conspiratorial. Loved by generations of women and put down by generations of men, the Danish writer Dorthe Nors has described her.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 22:36:01|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NAIROBI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Tuesday announced a major disarmament exercise in three counties in the northern region to address the spate of insecurity that has claimed tens of lives and left others displaced.

Fred Matiang'i, Interior Cabinet Secretary said security agencies are mapping out the areas Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties ahead of what he terms as an "aggressive disarmament exercise".

Matiangi said the police chief is already working on the logistics ahead of the exercise which is expected to pacify the region which borders both Somalia and Ethiopia.

Among others, the region has borne the brunt of terror-related activities and lately, clan wars at the borders of the three counties have become a norm, largely because of meager resources like water and grazing land.

He spoke after meeting leaders of the three counties. The meeting was attended by among others the three governors representing the affected areas in Nairobi.

Matiang'i said the government is set to conduct an audit of the National Police Reserves in the area, following a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The audit will inform how and where more security resources and personnel should be added, in a bid to calm the volatile region.

He also directed area local government officials known locally as chiefs to strictly serve within their administrative units assigned to them, saying those overstepping jurisdictional boundaries will be fired.

Matiang'i added that some of the violence is instigated by politicians ahead of 2022 elections, a trend he said will be stopped.

"Some of these violent incidents have a relationship to a political activity, intention or expressions," he said.

Ali Korane, Garissa governor said they agreed in principle that they need to bring to an end this violence by finding the solution to the problems.

"We have agreed as leaders to lead in this peace process through further consultations," Korane said.

Apart from terrorism, which is prone in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera Counties, the other areas including Marsabit and Isiolo face frequent inter-clan attacks. Enditem
On this, God willing, Donald J. Trumps last full day in office, most Americans have come to the conclusion that he is not a very good president. Its an understandable sentiment in the shadow of his refusal to concede the election, incitement of the worst assault on the Capitol since 1814, and unprecedented re-impeachment by the House of Representatives.

But in the broad sweep of American history, this verdict of the moment is myopic and uncharitable. Donald Trump isnt a bad president; Donald Trump is the worst president.

Sure, its a competitive category, but dont take my word for it. As a ranking House member offered in support of Trumps latest impeachment, There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi? Trumps personal prosecutor Adam Schiff? No, Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the chamber and representative of a state, Wyoming, that Trump carried by more than 40 percentage points  twice.

Or take the unstinting assessment of a well-known California politician: He will go down in history as the worst president ever. Gavin Newsom? Jerry Brown? No, Californias last Republican governor and Trumps fellow Celebrity Apprentice host Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nor was that the most devastating comparison inherent in Schwarzeneggers analysis of the Trump-inspired riot, which he likened to Kristallnacht. He did so with the authority of an Austrian raised in the aftermath of Nazi Germanys defeat.

That said, the former governor is no presidential historian. Fortunately for those interested in a more authoritative sense of Trumps place in history, though, there is no shortage thereof. We have so many presidential historians, in fact, that they are regularly surveyed on the subject of best and worst presidents, forcing the nations chief executives to endure their polls for eternity.

One remarkable aspect of these surveys of this academic meta-electorate is their relative stability. While a Grant or a Jackson might make a dash up or down the middle ranks based on modern revisionism, the top five are usually some permutation of Rushmore plus the other Roosevelt. The bottom ranks are about as static: Apart from scandal-steeped Warren G. Harding, they consist of the succession of Southerners and sympathizers who presided over the prelude to and aftermath of the Civil War, bottoming out with Andrew Johnson and James Buchanan, Lincolns immediate successor and predecessor.

Though it doesnt feel that way, Trumps presidency is too new to have been included in many of these polls. But especially given the long-standing consensus about the lower ranks, he has fared extraordinarily poorly in the two major surveys he made.

In one, a 2018 poll of presidential experts by researchers at the University of Houston and Boise State University, Trump debuted dead last at No. 44; even Republican scholars put him in the bottom five. In the other, a quadrennial Siena College poll the same year, experts ranked Trump absolute worst among the presidents in integrity, intelligence, appointments and overall ability. But relatively high ratings in two categories, risk-taking and luck, buoyed him to No. 42, ahead of perennial presidential cellar dwellers Buchanan and Johnson.

With later presidential lowlights such as Hoover and Nixon ranked safely in the 20s and 30s, Trumps only hope of escaping historys harshest judgments looks to be this pair of anti-Lincolns. They are, after all, the presidents most closely associated with the fell march toward the Civil War and the squandering of the peace, intertwining their legacies with a calamity that almost destroyed the country.

And yet Trump was contending with and even beating these men for worst president ever (the title of a Buchanan biography) before he had a chance to disastrously botch the response to the coronavirus pandemic, the toll of which rivals the Civil Wars and exceeds that of every other American conflict. His abysmal showings also preceded both of his impeachments, which comprise half the historical total, the most bipartisan impeachment ever and the only bipartisan vote for conviction.

That first may well be repeated following his second Senate trial. Its fitting that the high crime at issue reflects the darkest facets of our national history and character. A century and a half after our last worst presidents chose the wrong side of national disintegration, the worst presidency ever was punctuated with a Confederate battle flag paraded through the Capitol.

Josh Gohlke is The Chronicles deputy editorial page editor.
A recent ruling of the Belgian constitutional court has canceled the 15-year grace period granted to residential PV system owners to keep operating under net metering despite the arrival of smart meters. The Flemish government said it will provide some compensation for the financial losses that this decision will cause. Belgium's constitutional court has ruled that the regulation of the Flemish-speaking macro-region of Flanders that allows the owners of PV systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW to keep operating under net metering for up to 15 years after the grid-connection date, is unconstitutional. ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Making good on their pledge to fulfill 2020-2021 season commitments, Symphoria managers have found ways to adapt programming to meet pandemic restrictions on travel and gathering. Two upcoming concerts will originate in Inspiration Hall, but portions of the performances will be pre-recorded to honor the stipulated number of musicians who can gather at any one time.

Artistic Director Lawrence Loh will host the Masterworks concert, Winter Reflections, Jan. 23. The Vimeo link will open at 6:30 p.m. for a pre-concert conversation with Loh preceding the 7:30 start time.

First on the program will be Mother And Child by William Grant Still, an early-20th century composer who broke color barriers by being the first African-American to have an opera performed at the New York Opera. He breached the divide between classical and popular music, contributing to all genres, including film and television scores such as the popular Gunsmoke.

Stills 1943 Mother And Child for strings is a sweet, expressive work of melodic depth that extends beyond the initial lullaby by incorporating themes of sadness. It was inspired by a 1932 chalk on paper work by Sargent Johnson. Featured musicians are: violins, Sonya Stith Williams, Edgar Tumajyan, Noemi Miloradovic, Amy Christian, and Anita Gustafson; violas, Arvilla Wendland and Dana Huyge; celli, Lindsay Groves and George Macero; bass, Marshall Henry.

For the second piece on the Masterworks program, the virtual concert venue takes the audience to Germany and the home of featured artist Tai Murray, who will perform a solo violin work by J.S. Bach. Murray has been hailed in performances across the world as a musician of extraordinary technical and expressive talent. She had been scheduled to join Symphoria as soloist on Tchaikovskys violin concerto, but Covid restrictions made travel as well as the performance of a full orchestra impossible.

Igor Stravinskys 1918 LHistoire du Soldat, or The Soldiers Tale concludes the program. The story comes from a Russian folk tale in which a talented young man trades his fiddle with the Devil in exchange for wealth. It is scored for a seven-piece ensemble, a high and a low instrument from woodwind, brass, and string with one percussion, and in it, Stravinsky pulls from various genre of the time.

CirqOvation Jan. 30

Syracuse-based CirqOvation, specializing in elegant aerial acrobatics and colorful comedy acts, will perform from Inspiration Hall Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. The space has been modified to accommodate the troupes equipment for a lively visual interpretation of small ensemble music by Vivaldi, Boccharini, Saint-Saens, Piazzolla and others.

On the CirqOvation Facebook page, the artistic director, Sora Sol has written, The Covid protocols put in place by the symphony are phenomenal. Since the start of the pandemic, this is the first event where weve felt protected enough to perform.

Tickets for all Symphoria concerts are available by calling 315-299-5598. Ticket holders will receive email messages during the week prior to shows that include a private, one-time-use link to the virtual concerts.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, issued an order directing a hearing notice and document of the suit filed against a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, be pasted to his office at the National Assembly complex.

The judge, Okon Abang, who fixed February 5 for hearing in the case, granted the order of substituted service after the plaintiffs lawyer, Michael Okejimi, moved his clients ex parte application Tuesday.

The plaintiff, the United Global Resolve for Peace Organisation (UGRPO), alleged in its application that Mr Dogara had frustrated efforts to personally serve the court processes on him.

Shortly after the court ordered that Mr Dogara be served through substituted means, his lawyer, Isiaka Kadiri, told the judge that he had come to court to receive the court processes for his client.

But the judge insisted that his order of substituted service permitting the plaintiff to paste the originating summons and the hearing notice to Mr Dogaras office was a better approach.

Suit

UGRPO, in its substantive suit, prayed for an order that Mr Dogara be sacked from the House of Representatives following his last years defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A similar suit instituted against Mr Dogara by the PDP earlier came up before Mr Abang on Monday and the judge adjourned it till February 4.

Mr Dogara, who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from June 2015 to June 2019, has been representing his Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, since 2007.

He won another re-election on the platform of the PDP in 2019, but defected from the party to the APC on July 24, 2020.

The plaintiffs, in the two cases pending before Mr Abang, argued that by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, Mr Dogara should vacate his seat in the House of Representatives following his defection from the party that sponsored his election before the expiration of his tenure.

UGRPO in his suit filed on August 4, 2020, prayed the court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seat.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other defendants in the suit are: the PDP, APC, Speaker of the House of Representatives, INEC, and the Attorney General of the Federation sued as the 2nd to 6th defendants, respectively.

Before adjourning the case till February 5, Mr Abang ordered the hearing notice be issued and served on the five other defendants.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI  A third-generation owner of a longtime Southeast Michigan restaurant is accused of fatally shooting his wife.

On Saturday, Jan. 16, Karen Palleschi was found dead of a single gunshot wound in her Clinton Township home after police responded to reports of shots fired, FOX 2 Detroit reports. Her husband Joseph Palleschi surrendered to police at the scene.

Joseph Palleschi was arraigned Tuesday on one count of open murder in Macomb County 41B District Court, the court confirmed. He is a co-owner of a popular Italian restaurant, Villa, in Eastpointe.

Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the shooting, FOX 2 reports.

The suspect was held without bail at Macomb County Jail over the weekend. Judge Sebastian Lucido granted bail of $500,000 cash/surety.

The Palleschi-family restaurant, Villa, has been in business for 65 years. On Sunday, the restaurant announced that it would be closed until Wednesday due to the tragedy within the family.

In light of a recent tragedy within the family, Villa will be closed through Tuesday, January 19. We will reopen for... Posted by Villa Restaurant on Sunday, January 17, 2021

READ MORE:

2 arrested for attacking Spirit Airlines agents, sending 1 to hospital

Downstate student dies in U.P. crash on way back to Michigan Tech

A valuable human has lost his life, says judge who sentenced father to prison for sons backyard pool drowning
Investigation after allegations Members of the Senedd breached Covid rules at Welsh Parliament meeting where alcohol was consumed

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2021

Three politicians have apologised and denied wrongdoing after allegations surfaced about a meeting six weeks ago.

BBC Wales named Conservative Senedd leader Paul Davies, Darren Millar MS and others who the BBC say were seen drinking together along with stating Labour Senedd member Alun Davies was also involved. All three deny breaking any rules.

The allegation is that consumption of alcohol took place on the premises of the Welsh Parliament on the 8th of December  a significant action and date with the pandemic restrictions on the serving of alcohol coming into effect on the 4th of December. The unofficial meeting took place in the Senedd tea room in the Ty Hywel building, which is behind and linked to the Senedd building pictured above and contains a range of office space as well as canteen areas, at a time where restaurants and pubs could not.

The Senedd Commission have issued a statement saying: We are aware of an incident on the Senedd estate last month which may have been contrary to public health regulations in force at the time.

The Senedd Commission takes the public health regulations in Wales very seriously and is currently investigating the matter in order to establish an accurate account of what took place and to determine whether action may be required.

The alleged incident took place after a Plenary session on December 8th, a session that was attended by some members in person and others connecting via Zoom. Some of the members involved in the alleged incident were on the Zoom view, with others in the chamber.

This afternoon the Welsh Conservatives have issued a statement from Paul Davies MS, Darren Millar MS and Paul Smith ( Welsh Conservative chief of staff ) who said We are profoundly sorry for our actions. While we did not break the rules, we recognise that what was part of a days work would not be seen to be following the spirit of them, especially given the tough time the country has been going through.

They say the meeting was being held to discuss legislation for possible inclusion in the Welsh Conservative manifesto, and that there was never more than four people in the room at once and social distancing rules were maintained. They also say they drank one or two glasses of wine.

A spokesperson for the Senedd Labour Group said: A member has been suspended from the privileges of Senedd Labour Group membership while an investigation takes place into this alleged incident.

Alun Davies MS said: I am very sorry if my actions have given the impression that I am in any way not committed to upholding the regulations which I have consistently supported throughout the last year.

For context, the purpose of this meeting from my perspective was to seek to persuade the Welsh Conservatives to support my proposal for a Welsh Hearts Bill which the Senedd endorsed on 21 October and to make a commitment to enact this life-saving legislation in their manifesto for Mays election. This is part of my work across political parties on this issue.

The Senedd Commission has already confirmed to me that I did not breach the Coronavirus regulations on the consumption of either food or alcohol that were in force at that time. I have also confirmed to the Commission that the regulations on the number of people present and on social distancing were not breached either. I look forward to the Commissions final conclusions on this matter.

It is yet unclear why the incident has only just come to light.
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.
Chinese medics have been secretly filmed admitting they knew how dangerous the coronavirus was when it began to wreak havoc in Wuhan - but say they were told to lie about it.

Medical professionals in Wuhan say they knew about virus deaths as early as December 2019, but it was mid-January before China first informed the WHO of a fatality.

They also realised that the virus was passing between humans, but hospitals were told 'not to tell the truth' and calls to scrap Lunar New Year festivities were rejected because authorities wanted to 'present a harmonious and prosperous society'.

The new testimony, which will be broadcast tonight in an ITV documentary called Outbreak: The Virus That Shook The World, flies in the face of China's denials that it covered up the epidemic in its earliest days.

It comes amid growing pressure on China after a WHO-backed panel said on Monday that Beijing was too slow to respond to the outbreak, days after the US published new claims suggesting the virus could have leaked from a Wuhan lab.

The video also adds to a growing body of evidence that China lied to the world about the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, allowing it to balloon into a global pandemic.

Medical professionals in Wuhan have been secretly filmed saying they knew about virus deaths as early as December 2019 and realised that the virus was spreading among humans

The Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan where some of the earliest known coronavirus patients were admitted in late December 2019

China first informed the WHO of 27 cases of the then-unknown disease on December 31, 2019, with no deaths reported until mid-January.

But Chinese medics filmed secretly by a citizen journalist say they knew before then that the virus was deadly.

One medic said: 'Actually, at the end of December or beginning of January, the relative of someone I know died of this virus. Many of those living with him were also infected, including people I know.'

As late as January 12, the WHO was saying there was 'no clear evidence of human to human transmission' and said it was 'reassured of the quality' of China's response.

But one Chinese medic said: 'We all felt there shouldn't be any doubt about human to human transmission.'

According to one account, doctors who attended a hospital meeting were 'told not to speak out' about the true nature of the contagion.

'We knew this virus transmitted from human to human. But when we attended a hospital meeting, we were told not to speak out,' one medic said. 'The provincial leaders told the hospitals not to tell the truth.'

By January 21, when the WHO issued its first situation report on the virus, the disease had infected at least 278 people in China and spread to three other countries.

Infectious diseases specialist Dr Yi-Chun Lo, of the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, told the ITV programme that 'the pandemic could have been avoided at the beginning if China was transparent about the outbreak'

China has lionised its medical workers with murals of people wearing masks outside this Wuhan exhibition celebrating the city's success - but evidence has continued to emerge that Beijing misled the world about the early days of the outbreak

The medics also claim that authorities knew the risks of Lunar New Year celebrations, realising that the travel and crowds could 'accelerate the spread of the virus'.

'People suggested at city level that it shouldn't go ahead, but it did because such an event would present a harmonious and prosperous society,' one said.

The testimony of Wuhan medical professionals testimony is backed by leading virologists, including infectious diseases specialist Dr Yi-Chun Lo, the deputy director-general of the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan.

He said: 'The very early outbreak management was just a mess, a failure. I think the pandemic could have been avoided at the beginning if China was transparent about the outbreak and was quick to provide necessary information to the world.'

The documentary also hears from Dr Yin-Ching Chuang, from the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Treatment Network in Taiwan, who says he and his team had tried desperately to find out whether the virus was spreading between humans.

After getting permission to travel to mainland China, they say they found it difficult to get clear answers until the truth finally emerged in a meeting.

'We asked a lot of questions, very unwillingly they finally came out and said limited human-to-human transmission can't be ruled out,' he said.

Dr Chuang said: 'What was the scale of infection? How big was this epidemic? How many patients were affected? We didn't know. Only they knew this.

'Why didn't China inform other countries of this human-to-human matter earlier?'

Virologist Sir Paul Nurse, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, said the outbreak from China to the rest of the world was 'like a forest fire in the Australian outback'.

'What might've taken two, three, four, five years to spread a couple of hundred years ago can spread in 24 hours,' he said.

The Chinese government declined to comment, but Beijing has repeatedly rejected claims of a cover-up and said it provided timely information once facts were known.

Height of the crisis: Medical workers wearing full hazmat suits and face shields carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan in January 2020

Beijing has touted its recovery from the early outbreak as a triumph for its Communist leaders, with China's economy the only major one to grow in 2020.

But on Monday, a new report by a WHO-backed expert panel said it was 'clear' that 'public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China' last January.

The panel, set up last July after countries including Australia angered China by calling for an investigation, said there was 'potential for early signs to have been acted on more rapidly' by both China and the WHO.

The criticism is at odds with the WHO's public statements at the time, when it praised China for the 'remarkable speed' with which it responded to the outbreak.

The panel also faulted the WHO itself, which has faced a chorus of criticism led by Donald Trump for being too close to Beijing.

The criticism of both authorities comes as a team of WHO experts carries out a separate, politically sensitive mission in China to investigate the origins of the disease.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that 'no one should be in any doubt that this is a scientific exercise' to understand how the virus emerged.

The team was expected to investigate the animal market linked to an early cluster of cases, but it is no longer thought that this was necessarily where the virus jumped from animals to humans.

It is widely suspected that the virus originated in bats, but scientists say that it may have passed to humans via another species, possibly pangolins.

The Trump administration has touted alternative theories, rejected by China, that the virus could have leaked out from a virology lab in Wuhan.

Last Friday, the US state department claimed that some researchers at the institute had shown possible Covid-19 symptoms weeks before the outbreak came to light.

China, for its part, has promoted the idea that the virus might not have originated within its borders at all but arrived on contaminated seafood from elsewhere.

The documentary airs on ITV at 9pm on Tuesday.

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.
STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. A new town will be built in Artsakh using the rubble stone excavated from the quarry of Martakert, the Artsakh presidential advisor Samvel Voskanyan told ARMENPRESS.

Voskanyan is also the manager of the G. Gabrielyants Future Generations Foundation, and this organization is implementing the project.

We are actively cooperating with the authorized bodies regarding the location of the settlement and the layout of homes, he said. In terms of a timeframe, it is too early to say because not everything depends on us, but the work will commence not long after the launch of the quarry, probably in spring.

Voskanyan said they are now carrying out preparation works in the Martakert quarry, where the excavation of rubble will begin.

He called the launch of this quarry vital because two other rubble stone quarries are lost since the territory went under Azeri control.

We have already acquired the necessary modern equipment and machinery for excavating stone. At the initiative of our companys founder Professor Gabrielyants, the Union of Armenians of Russia is cooperating with us in this matter, Voskanyan said, also highlighting Artsakh government support.

He expressed hope that the logistic issues hindering exports of the excavated stone will be solved soon.

The company also carried out exploratory works in Artsakh, and the operations will continue this year.

Speaking about other programs of Future Generations, Voskanyan said they highlight cultural life, and they have already started the creation of a Visual Arts Museum in Artsakh.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Loyal shoppers have stumbled across the real meaning behind Kmart Australia's exclusive product brand Anko.

Long before the popular label appeared on shelves across the country, the retailer offered an extensive range of items under multiple &Co brands such as 'Home&Co', 'Kids&Co', 'Clothing&Co' and 'Active&Co'.

The different categories made the products 'clearly identifiable' in the stores - ranging from homeware and children to clothing and fitness.

But in 2018, the discount chain quietly transformed '&Co' to 'Anko' after replacing the letter 'c' with 'k' to 'pay homage to where it all started - Kmart Australia'.

'We've made the decision that all Kmart own-brand items will transition to one product brand: Anko,' the retailer wrote on its website.

Loyal shoppers have stumbled across the real meaning behind Kmart Australia's exclusive product brand Anko

Long before the popular label appeared on shelves across the country, the retailer offered an extensive range of items under multiple &Co brands such as 'Home&Co', 'Kids&Co', 'Clothing&Co' and 'Active&Co' (picture of Home&Co kitchen products)

What does Anko mean? Anko is an evolution of Kmart's existing '&Co' brands: Home&Co, Kids&Co, Clothing&Co and Active&Co. The retailer replaced the letter 'c' with 'k' to pay homage to where it all started  Kmart Australia. 'We've made the decision that all Kmart own-brand items will transition to one product brand: Anko,' it said. Advertisement

'Anko is an evolution of our existing '&Co' brands: Home&Co, Kids&Co, Clothing&Co and Active&Co.'

The best-selling label also stands for 'A New Kind Of', which represents the change the retailer has undergone since 2008.

The change was made ahead of the company's 50-year anniversary to give its range the 'recognition and celebration it deserves'.

'So, when you see Anko products in our stores - or online - you can trust that they are designed and sourced by us here at Kmart, just for you,' it said.

Dozens of shoppers were surprised by the discovery, saying they never knew there was actually a meaning behind 'Anko'.

In 2018, the discount chain quietly transformed '&Co' to 'Anko' after replacing the letter 'c' with 'k' to 'pay homage to where it all started - Kmart Australia'

The budget products are now labelled under one brand called 'Anko' (picture of baby items)

And it isn't the first time customers spoke about the label.

In 2018, one woman said she made the revelation when she was making a cup of coffee with her Kmart mug one morning.

'And out of nowhere it hits me. Kmart changed their branding from Kids&Co, Pets&Co, Active&Co right? Changed it to Anko?' she wrote on Facebook.

She noticed the retailer had removed the first word and the products were labelled 'Anko' instead of '&Co' after changing the spelling.

'Now I'm sure I'm the last to catch on to that but it's had me giggling for half an hour,' the woman added.

The branding comes nearly one year after a shopper was left 'mind blown' when she discovered the products were marked with one of 10 different colour codes in store (pictured left: stationery range in yellow and right: fitness range in lime green)

What are the different colours for each section in Kmart? Orange: Kitchen and appliances Blue: Bathroom Lime green: Sports and fitness Dark green: Camping Purple, yellow, pink: Kids' stationery Dark blue: Luggage and bags Pink/purple: Party Light purple: Nursery Light blue: Adults' stationery Grey: Pets Advertisement

Many shoppers quickly responded to her post, with one saying: 'Anko A New Kind Of. At first, I thought they'd brought in a new line of stuff but nope turns out they are just unifying their brand lines.'

The branding comes nearly one year after a shopper was left 'mind blown' when she discovered the products were marked with one of 10 different colour codes in store.

The colours are designed to tell Kmart employees exactly which aisle each product belongs in.

'Not a hack but did everyone know all the Anko branded stuff [in Kmart] is colour coded?' the woman posted.

'My husband just pointed it out to me casually and my little mind was blown.'

One employee responded to the thread, saying: 'I work at Kmart and it made my life so much easier to do my returns especially if they are out of my usual area when I noticed they were colour coded.

'Look at the area signs also they will have the colour of the area.'
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Establishment of Maxon Computer KK to Strengthen Relationship with the Japanese Market and Provide Direct Support for the Cinema 4D, Red Giant and Redshift Artistic Community

Today, Maxon announced it has completed the transaction to acquire the business segment of its Japanese distributor that services Maxon's community and business concerns, and the formation of the first official office in Japan: Maxon Computer KK. For the last ten years, Maxon's Japan Representative office in Tokyo, TMS Corp, has been well-known amongst the Maxon community. The establishment of Maxon Computer KK seeks to deepen this connection and show Maxon's ongoing commitment to the Japanese market. Maxon have also announced that TMS Corp founder, Manfred Flick, has been appointed as the Regional Director of this new subsidiary. In addition, his entire motivated team will be part of the Maxon family.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005758/en/

Establishment of Maxon Computer KK to Strengthen Relationship with the Japanese Market and Provide Direct Support for the Cinema 4D, Red Giant and Redshift Artistic Community (Photo: Business Wire)

TMS Corp specializes in the broadcast, industrial design, architectural design, event and exhibition, and game development industries in this region, within which Cinema 4D already has a strong established presence. Many major TV stations in Japan already rely on Cinema 4D in production, as do many design departments for notable industrial companies and this acquisition will therefore be welcome news for these companies.

"Japan has been and continues to be a huge growth area for Maxon," says Maxon CEO, David McGavran. "The TMS team have been strong partners in the region. Their expertise will be invaluable in our efforts to grow the influence of our Redshift, Red Giant and Cinema 4D product lines in Japan and APAC."

Benefits for Users

Through this acquisition Maxon aims to strengthen their support system and outreach for the large number of product users in the country, who will benefit from Maxon's ongoing provision of regular free seminars. Moreover, the inclusion of Red Giant and Redshift products, as well as the full Maxon One bundle, will certainly provide many more exciting tools for creatives to explore.

About Manfred Flick, Regional Director of Maxon KK

In 1994, Manfred founded TMS Corp. in Tokyo after having worked eight years in Japan as a broadcast engineer for a German company. A visit to the Siggraph trade show in 1998 in Los Angeles led him to the Maxon booth where he witnessed the popularity and potential of Cinema 4D for the first time. This kicked off an invaluable more than two-decade long relationship which has opened the door to Japan for Maxon. For TMS it was an exciting challenge to introduce a new product into a competitive market. Through tenacity, patience and enthusiasm Manfred and his experienced team, Cinema 4D has quickly become an essential tool in all design industries, and Maxon's Red Giant and Redshift product lines are quickly gaining that same popularity.

About Maxon

Maxon makes powerful, yet approachable software solutions for content creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects and visualization. Maxon's innovative product portfolio helps artists supercharge their creative workflows. Its product lines include the award-winning Cinema 4D suite of 3D modeling, simulation and animation technology, the diverse Red Giant lineup of revolutionary editing, motion design and filmmaking tools, and the high-end production, blazingly fast Redshift rendering solutions.

Maxon's team is comprised of fun, passionate people who believe in building and empowering a successful artistic community. From its popular, inclusive events to its free Cineversity educational resources, Maxon recognizes that developing strong connections with creatives and fostering their professional growth is integral to Maxon's ability to stay on top of industry trends and better serve customers.

Maxon is part of the Nemetschek Group.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005758/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact

Nick Govoni

Zazil Media Group

(e) nick@zazilmediagroup.com

(p) +1 (978) 866-7354
GENEVA -- The world is on the brink of catastrophic moral failure in sharing COVID-19 vaccines, the head of the World Health Organization said on Monday, urging countries and manufacturers to spread doses more fairly around the world.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the prospects for equitable distribution were at serious risk just as its COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme aimed to start distributing inoculations next month.

He noted 44 bilateral deals were signed last year and at least 12 have already been signed this year.

This could delay COVAX deliveries and create exactly the scenario COVAX was designed to avoid, with hoarding, a chaotic market, an uncoordinated response and continued social and economic disruption, he said.

Such a me-first approach left the worlds poorest and most vulnerable at risk, he said at the opening of the bodys annual Executive Board meeting in virtual format.

Ultimately these actions will only prolong the pandemic, he added, urging countries to avoid making the same mistakes made during the H1N1 and HIV pandemics.

The global scramble for shots has intensified as more infectious virus variants circulate.

Tedros said more than 39 million vaccine doses had been administered in 49 higher-income countries whereas just 25 doses had been given in one poor country.

A delegate from Burkina Faso, on behalf of the African group, expressed concern at the meeting that a few countries had hoovered up most of the supplies.

Observers say this board meeting, which last until next Tuesday, is one of the most important in the U.N. health agencys more than 70-year history and could shape its role in global health long after the pandemic ends.

On the agenda is reform of the body as well as its financing system, which was revealed as inadequate after its largest donor, the United States, announced its withdrawal last year.

WHO has to remain relevant and ... has to come out of this crisis with more strength than before, said WHO Executive Board Vice-Chair Bjoern Kuemmel of Germany in comments last week.

But he expected resistance from some countries to pressure to boost financial contributions.
Two days before assuming power, Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, spent part of Monday volunteering at a food bank, Philabundance, in the large eastern city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Bidens volunteered on the National Day of Service commemorating the annual holiday honoring the late civil rights leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Security is a bigger focus than usual, with the inauguration coming two weeks after thousands of supporters of Trump stormed the domed Capitol after he urged them to march to the building as lawmakers met to certify Biden's victory.

The inaugural site is encircled in tall fencing topped with concertina wire, a much more pronounced show of security than has been common at past quadrennial inaugurations.

U.S. intelligence reports have suggested that some protesters holding on to the belief that outgoing President Donald Trump was cheated out of reelection might try to disrupt Biden's swearing-in ceremony and inaugural celebration.

"While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital," acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said in a statement. He said the troops are being given extra training as they arrive in Washington and told "that if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report it to their chain of command."

U.S. security officials say they are taking every precaution to guard against an attack on President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration Wednesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, including FBI security screening of the 25,000 members of the National Guard assigned to Washington to protect the event.

In Washington, military and musical groups marched in front of the White House, rehearsing for Biden's inaugural parade, although the event has been significantly downsized from previous inaugurations because of the soaring number of coronavirus cases in the U.S.

Much of the celebration of Biden's inauguration will be conducted virtually, with bands and groups appearing from all 50 U.S. states. As they arrive in Washington on Tuesday from their home in the eastern state of Delaware, the Bidens and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, plan to turn on 400 lights alongside the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the nearly 400,000 Americans who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Other landmarks across the U.S., including the Empire State Building in New York and the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, are being illuminated at the same time as the Washington event on the National Mall.

The immediate area around the Capitol, where Biden and Harris will take the oath of office, is a virtual armed encampment. Authorities have also closed the National Mall along with roads and Metro subway stations in much of downtown Washington. Bridges into the city from the state of Virginia are also being closed. Thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers are stationed across the area to protect against further violence.

Despite the heightened security concerns, Biden plans to go ahead with the inauguration ceremony in its traditional location. "Our plan and our expectation is that President-elect Biden will put his hand on the Bible with his family outside on the west side of the Capitol on the 20th," Kate Bedingfield, Biden's incoming communications director, told ABC's "This Week" show. She said the Biden team has "full faith in the United States Secret Service and their partners who have been working for over a year on the planning to ensure [the inauguration] is safe."

Trump has refused to concede his defeat or congratulate Biden, while acknowledging there will be a "new administration" come Wednesday. Trump, ignoring 160 years of the U.S. tradition of an outgoing president attending his successor's swearing-in ceremony to demonstrate a peaceful transfer of power, has announced he plans to skip the inauguration. Vice President Mike President is planning to attend.

Trump instead is planning to leave Washington on Wednesday morning with a red-carpet ceremony as he boards Air Force One for a flight to his Atlantic Ocean retreat in Florida. Trump's plan has drawn criticism, including from a group of five Democratic members of the House of Representatives who in a letter Saturday to acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller and Joints Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley urged the Pentagon to not divert any resources for what they called a "disruptive departure ceremony for the outgoing president."

"The proposed action is unwise, unconventional, and most importantly, puts the national security needlessly at risk by diverting essential personnel and resources from the protection of the U.S. Capitol, where all of the institutions of government will be represented, to providing for the security, protection, and transport of the outgoing president," the lawmakers wrote. Signatories included Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Jan Schakowsky and Congressmen Andre Carson, Steven Cohen and Danny Davis.

The House last week impeached Trump for a second time, accusing him of inciting insurrection, and his Senate trial is set to start soon after Biden's inauguration. If convicted, Trump, the first U.S. president to be impeached twice, could be barred from ever again holding office.

Before he leaves office, however, Trump is expected to grant several more pardons, possibly to key supporters convicted of crimes or facing trials. People familiar with the matter said Trump met Sunday with aides to finalize a list of more than 100 pardons and commutations to issue before his term ends. White House advisers have said Trump has had discussions about preemptively pardoning himself and other family members, none of whom have been charged with any crimes, but that at this point he is not expected to do so.

Bedingfield said Sunday Biden is planning to lay out a "positive, optimistic" vision for the country in his inaugural address on Wednesday and "try to turn the page on the divisiveness, and the hatred of the last four years" under Trump. "I think that's what Americans all across the country want," Bedingfield said. "They want a government that once again is focused on doing the right thing by them and helping them in their day-to-day lives." Once in power, Biden plans to quickly overturn numerous Trump policies.

Incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain said Saturday night that Biden "is assuming the presidency in a moment of profound crisis for our nation. We face four overlapping and compounding crises -- the COVID-19 crisis, the resulting economic crisis, the climate crisis, and a racial equity crisis."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to get inoculated with Sinovacs CoronaVac vaccine but in private, the Palace said Tuesday.

Opo [Yes]. And his answer was no problem, I will take the vaccine as soon as it is available, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque when asked whether the chief executive is willing to receive shots of the Chinese firms COVID-19 vaccine.

Pero ang sabi niya, hindi na kinakailangang ipakita ito sa publiko, Roque further explained, noting the President will be taking a private route similar to that of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh when they got vaccinated against the disease.

[Translation: But he said it need not be shown to the public.]

A spokesperson for the Buckingham Palace informed the public of the royals inoculation, which happened earlier this month.

Roque likewise said they will be announcing the Presidents vaccination after it happens.

During Mondays briefing, the spokesman asked the public to wait for Dutertes decision on whether he will get the first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

A recent survey by Pulse Asia revealed almost half of Filipinos said they will opt out of COVID-19 vaccination, mainly citing safety concerns.

RELATED: Transparency in COVID-19 vaccine process to improve Filipinos' confidence  pharma group
Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
DUBLIN, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Application (Semiconductor, LEDs), by Region (North America, Europe, APAC, CSA, MEA), and Segment Forecasts, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global ultra high purity silicon carbide market size is expected to reach USD 79.0 million by 2027. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2020 to 2027.



The rising penetration of electric vehicles and the growth of the renewable energy sector are projected to provide growth opportunities to market vendors.



Power supplies and photovoltaic inverters are among the significant application areas of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors. Moreover, SiC power electronics are adopted in electric vehicle charging products, wind energy infrastructure, and industrial motor drives. Thus, the demand for electric vehicles is expected to boost the growth of ultra-high purity silicon carbide semiconductors. The growing utilization of renewable sources of energy for power generation around the globe is anticipated to drive the market for SiC power semiconductors.



The development of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology, is also anticipated to provide new opportunities for market vendors. Increasing penetration of these technologies, particularly in the U.S., is likely to remain a key factor contributing to the market growth.



Companies in the U.S. have invested large sums in these technologies, thereby positively impacting the development of semiconductors required for artificial intelligence, supercomputers, and data centers. For instance, R&D investments in the U.S. semiconductor industry have increased at a CAGR of 6.6% from 1999 to 2019. In the U.S., R&D investments for 2019 amounted to USD 39.8 billion, which was around 17% of its sales, the highest among all the countries.



The increasing demand for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is another key factor projected to fuel market growth over the coming years. Ultra-high purity silicon carbide is used to remove the impurities in LEDs. The LED lighting market is anticipated to register a growth rate of 13.4% from 2020 to 2027 owing to the decline in prices, stringent regulations related to lighting technologies, and efforts taken by various governments in the direction of sustainable development.



Companies in South Korea are involved in the development of silicon carbide technology, which is projected to remain a key driving factor in the long term. For instance, POSCO, one of the leading steel manufacturers in the globe, invested 10 years in the development of SiC single-crystal. In this project, POSCO is working on the development of 150-mm and 100-mm SiC substrate technology, which is close to commercialization. Another manufacturer SK Corporation (SKC) is likely to commercialize 150-mm SiC wafers.



Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market Report Highlights

In terms of both revenue and volume, semiconductor was the largest application segment in 2019. The growth of the segment is attributed to rising requirements of the increasing middle-class population, and thus indirect demand for electronics.

By application, LEDs are projected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 15.6% in terms of revenue from 2020 to 2027. Increasing awareness regarding global warming has created a positive impact on the demand for LEDs due to their energy efficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a severe impact on the end-use industries of ultra-high purity silicon carbide (UHPSiC). In terms of volume, demand for UHPSiC is projected to decline by nearly 10% in 2020 from 2019.

Asia Pacific was the largest regional market and accounted for a volume share of 48.0% in 2019. High volume production of electronics and LEDs in China , South Korea , and Taiwan is a key growth factor for the regional market.

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1. Market Outlook

3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping

3.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.3.1. Manufacturing trends & technology overview

3.3.2. Sales Channel Analysis

3.4. Technology Overview

3.5. Regularity Framework

3.6. Market Dynamics

3.6.1. Market Driver Analysis

3.6.2. Market Restraint Analysis

3.6.3. Market challenges

3.7. Business Environment Analysis: Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide market

3.7.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's

3.7.2. PESTEL Analysis



Chapter 4. Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. Definition & Scope

4.2. Application Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2019 & 2027

4.3. Market size & forecasts and trend analysis, 2016 to 2027

4.3.1. Semiconductor

4.3.2. LEDs

4.3.3. Others



Chapter 5. Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. Regional Market Snapshot

5.2. Definition & Scope



Chapter 6. Ultra High Purity Silicon Carbide Market - Competitive Analysis

6.1. Key global players & recent developments & their impact on the industry

6.2. Vendor Landscape

6.2.1. List of potential end-users

6.3. Company market positioning



Chapter 7. Company Profiles

Washington Mills

CoorsTek Inc.

JJISCO Inc.

Pacific Rundum Co., Ltd.

American Elements

LG Innotek

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x463cp

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


Tourism bosses have warned immediate clarity over Irelands roadmap out of the Covid crisis is needed in order to save the industry.

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) said the Government must clarify its vaccine rollout and a usable travel testing regime.

ITIC has written off in-bound tourism for the first half of the year, but is hopeful of some recovery in the second half.

But for bookings by overseas visitors to be made from June onwards, it said the Government must now instil confidence that Ireland is safe to visit.

Chief executive Eoghan OMara Walsh said last summers lost business was catastrophic.

Losing two summers in a row would be terminal for many businesses. Around 1.3bn was spent by in-bound visitors in Munster, alone, during 2019. That disappeared to zero last year and we cant afford a repeat of that this year."

The Irish Travel Agents Association has noted only a "minimal" increase in out-bound holiday bookings so far.

It said this "trickle" of bookings is due to the slow rollout of vaccines and lingering consumer fears around Covid. The ITAA said higher levels of vaccinations were needed before a safe return to international travel would be viable, warning that air travel disruption is still a fluid situation.

Read More Government and Failte Ireland announce 3.2m funding for outdoor recreation projects

Meanwhile, the airline sector has been tipped to recover more quickly than currently anticipated.

Irish-founded aircraft leasing firm Avolon has said vaccine roll-out, fiscal stimulus and monetary easing measures will drive recovery this year and said passenger numbers will be more healthy than current industry estimates suggest.

It also anticipates more start-up airlines materialising this year than failures occurred last year, with low-cost carriers best positioned to succeed.

Avolon's optimism contradicts the outlook from other industry sources, however.

Airline representative group the International Air Transport Association  IATA  has predicted the industry will have ended up losing $118.5bn (98bn) in 2020 and will lose a further $38.7bn this year.

Earlier this week, PwC said airlines would have to rethink their finances, fleets and business models to survive, with the industry set to need ongoing access to emergency funding  including Government aid  to withstand another tough year.

Vaccines offer the spark that will reignite the recovery of the aviation industry; 2021 will be challenging, but we are now looking to recovery, said Avolons Jim Morrison.
(@FahadShabbir)

Vado Hondo, Guatemala, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2021 ) :Guatemalan security forces on Monday broke up a caravan of some 4,000 Honduran migrants trying to reach the United States on a journey of thousands of kilometers through Central America, AFP reporters witnessed.

Police advanced on the group in a coordinated move, striking batons against their shields to make an intimidating noise, prompting the group to scatter in different directions.

Authorities thus cleared a key road blocked by migrants held up in the town of Vado Hondo since Saturday, causing a long build-up of cargo trucks waiting to pass.
Met Eireann is warning that weather conditions will become increasingly windy for the rest of the week with risk of frost and icy conditions and falls of sleet and snow at times.

It comes as a yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for Wicklow from 10am today until 7pm tomorrow.

Met Eireann placed a warning on the county as falls of sleet and snow with significant snow accumulations on hills and mountains is expected.

A weather advisory has also been placed on the entire country from midnight today until Sunday night.

Motorists and walkers undertaking Covid-19 lockdown exercise were warned to take extreme care given torrential rainfall forecast over the last 24 hours as Storm Christoph swept past Ireland.

While Ireland avoided the worst of the Atlantic storm - spot flooding and even flash floods on mountainous areas across the west and midlands was expected.

Met Eireann issued a Status Yellow rainfall alert which remained in place until 9pm last night.

The alert was valid for Connacht, Longford, Louth, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

Read More

Gardai and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) urged those driving to and from work as well as those undertaking essential journeys to drive with caution given the possibility of spot-flooding and poor visibility.

Met Eireann's Linda Hughes said: "On Wednesday, rain will become confined to the east and south where it will be heavy for a time near southeastern coasts."

"The western half of the country will become bright with scattered wintry showers of rain or sleet."

Blustery showers will persist into Wednesday night though a frost will set in and temperatures could sink to as low as minus 3C overnight.

"Thursday will be a cool day with good sunny spells though there will be widespread showers over the western half of the country, more scattered further east will bring a risk of hail and some wintry falls."

"Thursday night will see showers become mostly confined to northern and westerly coastal counties overnight as westerly winds ease."

"Friday will see good sunny spells generally but staying cloudier in the south. Showers most frequent along Atlantic coastal counties with well scattered showers further inland. It will turn very cold through the evening with a widespread frost setting in and lowest temperatures of up to minus 5C."

"It is likely to remain cold over the weekend with sunny spells and scattered showers. There will be widespread frost both nights with temperatures dropping to -4C."

Scores of Vodafone customers have commended the telcos annual Akwantuo Aye Free initiative, which pays the transport fares of customers travelling from Accra to other parts of the country during the Christmas season.



According to them, the telecom giants generous move provided an opportunity for them to travel and spend quality time with family and friends during the yuletide without having to worry about the cost of travel.



Over 1,100 Vodafone customers who travelled via Intercity STC and VIP bus terminals to other parts of the country benefitted from the initiative which provided them with GHS 40 cash-back on their transport fares. Beneficiaries were also signed onto Vodafones Travel Companion, an insurance product that covers customers against death, permanent disability and hospital admissions that may result from a car, train or ferry accident.



Sharing her experience, Priscilla Kyei, a Vodafone subscriber, who travelled to Kumasi, said:



I have been using Vodafone for four years and I have enjoyed their services throughout the years especially Vodafone Cash. I have never won any of their promotions but I was lucky to have my fare to Kumasi reimbursed. I want to thank Vodafone for the kind gesture. It came as a very pleasant surprise.



Francis Yeboah another customer, who has been using Vodafone for the past six months, said:



My transportation fare to Takoradi to spend Christmas with my family was paid in full. All I can say is wow! Vodafone truly cares and I am proud to be a customer of this wonderful network.



Mohammed Alhassan another elated customer who travelled to Wa in the Upper West Region shared his experience.



Deciding to embark on the trip was a difficult one because of economic hardship, so receiving the Ghc 40 fare was a great relief and a big surprise. I used the money to buy gifts for my family in Wa. Thank you Vodafone.

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
IndiaMART InterMESH gained 2.73% to Rs 7,662.25 after the company reported 29.35% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 80.20 crore on 9.2% rise in total income to Rs 198.20 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q3 December 2019.

Revenue increased due to marginal improvement in realization of existing customers and increase in number of paying subscription suppliers. Consolidated deferred revenue declined from Rs 649 crore in Q3 FY20 to Rs 633 crore in Q3 FY21.

IndiaMART's consolidated profit before tax was Rs 106.5 crore in Q3 December 2020, up 100% from Rs 53.2 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Consolidated EBITDA jumped 100% to Rs 88 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 44 crore in Q3 December 2019. The firm's EBITDA margin surged to 51% in Q3 December 2020 from 26% in Q3 December 2019, primarily driven by sustained as well as temporary benefits arising from various cost optimization initiatives. Consolidated EBIT was Rs 84 crore as compared to Rs 38 crore in Q3 FY20, representing a growth of 122% y-o-y. EBIT margin increased to 48% in Q3 FY21 from 23% in Q3 FY20.

On the operational front, IndiaMART registered a traffic growth of 35% YoY with 253 million in Q3 FY21 as compared to 188million in Q3 FY20. Total business enquiries delivered increased to 154 million from 112 million, a growth of 37%. Supplier Storefronts grew to 6.4 million in Q3 FY21, an increase of 9% YoY and paying subscription suppliers grew to 148 thousand, a growth of 5%.

Consolidated cash flow from operations for the quarter was at Rs 77 crore. Cash and investments balance stood at Rs 1,143 crore as on 31 December 2020 as compared to Rs 859 crore on 31 December 2019, an increase of 33% YoY.

IndiaMART InterMESH CEO, Dinesh Agarwal said with the emerging accelerated digitization needs of businesses, the company is looking forward to kickstart the new year on an optimistic note.

IndiaMART is India's largest online B2B marketplace for business products and services. The company makes it easier to do business by connecting buyers and sellers across product categories and geographies in India through business enablement solutions.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Donald Trump was permanently banned from Twitter on Jan. 8, bringing to an end to perhaps the worlds most prolific and influential Twitter account. While Twitter has deleted all of his tweets, the Trump Twitter Archive has preserved the 56,571 utterances sent by @realDonaldTrump since his first one on May 4, 2009. What can we learn about how Trump used his account over the years?

The timeline below shows the total number of tweets he sent each week since he joined. Trump didnt begin tweeting heavily until August 2011 and really embraced it starting in September 2012 as he weighed in on that years presidential election. Beginning in October 2015, he steadily decreased his Twitter use week over week through the election, at which point he began to steadily ramp up his use. But from the 2020 election through his ban, he tweeted less and less. (Click the image to enlarge it.)

Did Trump primarily tweet his own thoughts or amplify those of others? Zooming in on the August 2011-to-present period, the timeline below shows the percentage of his tweets that were retweets. It was not until January 2016 that he began noticeably retweeting others and it was not until the start of 2019 that he began relying ever more heavily on retweets. Yet, starting in July 2020, amid the ongoing George Floyd protests, he began turning back to his own statements. In all, 10,170 (18%) of his tweets were retweets.

His increasing reliance on retweets coincides with a sharp decrease in the percentage of his tweets that exclude retweets (this includes replies and mentioning other accounts), dropping from around 80%-90% of his tweets to around 30% by mid-2016. Only in early 2019 did he begin once again mentioning other users, increasing through the end of 2019 and decreasing again from July 2020 onward. It appears the Floyd protests marked a turning point in which he shifted from largely amplifying the thoughts of others toward mostly putting forth his own commentaries. In all, 58% of his tweets have mentioned another user.

Since mid-2019 he has steadily increased the percentage of capitalized letters in his tweets, from 8% a week to 12%, but has decreased his use of capitalized letters in the weeks since the election. In contrast, since the start of 2019 he has steadily reduced his use of exclamation points, from as much as 70% of his weekly tweets to around 40%, but then steadily increased their use in the weeks since the election.

Just over 28% of Trumps tweets contained either an image or video or a link to an external website. The most common sites he linked to were pscp.tv, facebook.com, donaldjtrump.com, breitbart.com, whitehouse.gov, winred.com, instagram.com, youtube.com, foxnews.com, thegreggjarrett.com, dailycaller.com, washingtonexaminer.com, nypost.com and thehill.com.

How often does Trump refer to himself? The timeline below shows the percentage of his tweets that mentioned I, me, or Trump versus we, our, or ours. From late 2012 to early 2016 he tended to spend four times as many tweets on himself. As his campaign accelerated during 2016, he sharply decreased his mentions of himself and steadily increased his references to we and our and ours. By his election he was using the two sets of terms equally, but began decreasing use of both categories in mid-2019.

What about the tone of his tweets? The timeline below shows the average weekly tone of his tweets using an eight-week rolling average of the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) tone dictionary. Tone is computed by counting the percentage of his words that were deemed negative (top Trump words include fake and bad) and subtracting them from the percentage of words deemed positive (top Trump words include great and thank). Higher weekly scores indicate there were more positive words than negative words that week.

The tone of Trumps tweets begins a steady negative slide in late May 2015 just before he formally announced his candidacy and reached a bottom in January 2020. As the pandemic raged, the tone of his tweets became sharply more positive as he projected an optimistic and upbeat message. In April he shifted his tone towards greater negativity and then rebounded in August heading into the election, then turned hard negative in the weeks after the election.

How much did Trumps tweets resonate with the media? The timeline below shows the number of online news articles per day that linked to one of his tweets from April 20, 2016 through present, as monitored by the GDELT Project. Despite tweeting more than ever, media interest in his tweets had been on a steady decline leading up to the 2020 election. His claims of a stolen election appear to have reversed this decline, drawing widespread coverage.

For Trump himself, television became the medium through which he could watch the effects of his tweets, the New York Times reported, while for voters themselves, 72% heard about his tweets through television coverage. So how much coverage did his tweets receive? Using data from the Internet Archive Television News Archive, the heatmap below shows the seconds of airtime each hour from Jan. 1, 2020 through present across BBC News London, CNN, MSNBC and Fox News in which the text @realDonaldTrump was visible somewhere on-screen.

Since the start of last year, BBC showed his tweets over more than five hours of airtime, with CNN, MSNBC Fox News each devoting around 14.7 hours to his tweets. Even banishment from Twitter hasnt eliminated coverage of his tweets. In the days since the ban his Twitter handle is still shown on air for 100-200 seconds a day across the four channels, a decrease of around half of his pre-ban levels.

In the end, the graphs above show how celebrity Trump evolved into candidate Trump into President Trump and how his use of the platform changed from touting himself to amplifying the views of others, his focus on negativity and the medias fixation on his every word.

RealClear Media Fellow Kalev Leetaru is a senior fellow at the George Washington University Center for Cyber & Homeland Security. His past roles include fellow in residence at Georgetown Universitys Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and member of the World Economic Forums Global Agenda Council on the Future of Government.
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.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Palaniswamis meetings with Amit Shah and also Modi are likely to have an impact on the States political situation

The political grapevine had it that Palaniswami has gone to explain to the Prime Ministers and other leaders of the BJP the difficulties in allowing the T T V Dhinakaran-led AMMK merge with the AIADMK at this point of time.(Representational Photo: AA)

Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamis scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday, ostensibly to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Jayalalithaa memorial and to discuss development plans for the State, led to tongues wagging in the political circles back home.

The political grapevine had it that Palaniswami has gone to explain to the Prime Ministers and other leaders of the BJP the difficulties in allowing the T T V Dhinakaran-led AMMK merge with the AIADMK at this point of time.

That Dhinakaran was also planning to fly to Delhi by a chartered flight only added fuel to the rumours, though Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who accompanied the Chief Minister, told the media rather categorically that the visit was to seek funds for the various schemes initiated by the State government and to invite the Prime Minister for the inaugural function.

The BJP, it is said, is keen that the AIADMKs vote bank is intact when the alliance goes to polls, probably in April or May, and does not want the AMMK to split it. The perception is that the arrival of V K Sasikala, aide of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, in the political scene could create a bigger rift in the party with many leaders and functionaries of AIADMK throwing their weight behind her.

In such a scenario, the AMMK could walk away with more votes that would otherwise go to the AIADMK and thus weaken the entire alliance, in which the BJP is a part, paving the way for an easy victory of the DMK in the elections.

So, the BJP leaders are said to be putting pressure on the AIADMK to accept Sasikala and AMMK into the party fold without any fuss. Voicing the same sentiment was Deputy Chief Minister and AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam at a meeting of Jayalalithaa Peravai office-bearers on Monday.

Panneerselvam said in Chennai that 1.5 crore cadre of the AIADMK should ensure the easy victory of the party in the elections and that any differences between the brothers would be sorted out amicably. It was construed as his desire to unite the AMMK and AIADMK cadre.

That was also the indication given by Thuglak editor S Gurumurthy, who treated the AIADMK and Sasikala as one entity that should be used to defeat the DMK, at the anniversary function of the magazine on January 14. Gurumurthy was engaged in a long conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah when he visited Chennai last and the two might have discussed the BJP strategy for the State.

But the other leaders of the AIADMK, including Palaniswami, are of the opinion that allowing Sasikala into the party at this juncture could be detrimental to the poll prospects of the party and hence want to think about the merger with AMMK after the elections.

The AIADMK leaders, however, are wary of totally renouncing Sasikala as they fear that she could approach the court against her removal from the post of general secretary of AIADMK, which has not been filled so far. In the event of her taking the legal route, there is also the possibility of the Two Leaves symbol getting frozen.

Since Dhinakaran is said to be in touch with some BJP leaders in Delhi in a bid to get something substantial for him and his followers, the AIADMK leaders are reportedly suggesting that the BJP accommodate the AMMK as its ally and share some seats allotted to it to their representatives.

Whatever it is, Palaniswamis meetings with Amit Shah and also Modi are likely to have an impact on the States political situation.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The results of a study led by Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, suggest the immune systems of people infected with COVID-19 may rely on antibodies created during infections from earlier coronaviruses to help fight the disease.

COVID-19 isn't humanity's first encounter with a coronavirus, so named because of the corona, or crown-like, protein spikes on their surface. Before SARS-CoV-2the virus that causes COVID-19humans have navigated at least 6 other types of coronaviruses.

The study sought to understand how coronaviruses (CoVs) ignite the human immune system and conduct a deeper dive on the inner workings of the antibody response. The published findings appear today in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

"Our results suggest that the COVID-19 virus may awaken an antibody response that existed in humans prior to our current pandemic, meaning that we might already have some degree of pre-existing immunity to this virus." said John Altin, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in TGen's infectious disease branch and the study's senior author.

This knowledge could help researchers design new diagnostics, evaluate the healing powers of convalescent plasma, develop new therapeutic treatments, andimportantlyhelp design future vaccines or monoclonal antibody therapies capable of protecting against mutations that may occur in the COVID-19 virus.

The researchers used a tool called PepSeq to finely map antibody responses to all human-infecting coronaviruses. PepSeq is a novel technology being developed at TGen and NAU that allows for the construction of highly diverse pools of peptides (short chains of amino acids) bound to DNA tags. When combined with high-throughput sequencing, these PepSeq molecule pools allow for deep interrogation of the antibody response to viruses.

"The data generated using PepSeq allowed for broad characterization of the antibody response in individuals recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with those of individuals exposed only to previous coronaviruses that now are widespread in human populations," said Jason Ladner, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor at NAU's Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, which combines the academic genomic research focus of NAU and the translational genomics capacity of TGen. Dr. Ladner is the study's lead author.

Besides SARS-CoV-2, researchers examined the antibody responses from two other potentially deadly coronaviruses: MERS-CoV, which caused the 2012 outbreak in Saudi Arabia of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome; and SARS-CoV-1, the first pandemic coronavirus that caused the 2003 outbreak in Asia of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. All three are examples of coronaviruses that infect animals, but evolved to make people sick and became new human pathogens.

In addition to characterizing antibodies that recognize SARS-CoV-2, they also examined the antibody responses of four older coronaviruses: alphacoronavirus 229E; alphacoronavirus NL63; betacoronavirus OC43; and betacoronavirus HKU1. These so called "common" coronaviruses are endemic throughout human populations, but usually are not deadly and cause mild upper respiratory infections similar to those of the common cold.

By comparing patterns of reactivity against these different coronaviruses, the researchers demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 could summon immune system antibodies originally generated in response to past coronavirus infections. This cross-reactivity occurred at two sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein; the protein on the surface of virus particles that attaches to ACE2 proteins on human cells to facilitate cell entry and infection.

"Our findings highlight sites at which the SARS-CoV-2 response appears to be shaped by previous coronavirus exposures, and which have potential to raise broadly-neutralizing antibodies. We further demonstrate that these cross-reactive antibodies preferentially bind to endemic coronavirus peptides, suggesting that the response to SARS-CoV-2 at these regions may be constrained by previous coronavirus exposure," said Dr. Altin, adding that more research is needed to understand the implications of these findings.

The findings could help explain the widely varying reactions COVID-19 patients have to the disease; from mild to no symptoms, to severe infections requiring hospitalization, and often resulting in death. It's also possible that differences in the pre-existing antibody response identified by this study could help to explain some of the difference in how severely COVID-19 disease manifests in old versus young people, who will have different histories of infections with the common coronaviruses.

"Our findings raise the possibility that the nature of an individual's antibody response to prior endemic coronavirus infection may impact the course of COVID-19 disease," Dr. Ladner said.

The studyEpitope-resolved profiling of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response identifies cross-reactivity with endemic human coronaviruseswas published in Cell Reports Medicine.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Cell Reports Medicine, DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100189
As President Biden completed his transition into the White House, several social media companies were completing their own transitions of highly followed official accounts.

But the handoff wasnt as seamless as it was four years ago, when President Barack Obama turned over the keys of much of his social empire to President Donald J. Trump.

In 2017, Mr. Obama passed on official Twitter accounts to Mr. Trump, along with the millions of followers the accounts had gathered. Since then, Mr. Trumps digital team used the accounts as megaphones for his administrations agenda and built the follower numbers higher: before Mr. Bidens inauguration, @POTUS had 33.3 million followers, @WhiteHouse had 26 million, @FLOTUS had 16.4 million and @VP had 10.3 million. The @POTUS account alone had nearly tripled in followers under Mr. Trump.

But this year, instead of simply handing them over as it has before, Twitter did not carry over the followers of each account as Mr. Biden assumed control. Instead, accounts with much smaller followings, mostly created last week, were to be transformed into the official ones.
HDFC Bank has submitted its plan to stop repeated glitches in its technology platform after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently pulled the plug on the lender, restricting it from making any new credit card acquisitions.

The plan submitted to the RBI reportedly includes both short and long-term solutions, which may take up to three months to implement. "From there on, it's up to the regulator to inspect the progress and take a call on lifting sanctions," The Economic Times reported citing unnamed sources.

India's largest private bank in market capitalisation was barred from issuing any new credit cards on December 12 after a series of technical glitches. The RBI also stopped the lender from rolling out new digital initiatives such as HDFC 2.0. This dealt a huge blow to HDFC Bank, which on average issues around 1.5 lakh new credit cards every month.

Also read: HDFC Bank 'on war footing' to curb outages after RBI bans digital launches

Though the RBI decision may not hurt the bank in the near-term -- since customer spending matures only after two years -- it'll surely hit its credit card business growth, which in December quarter had grown 32 per cent on Q-o-Q basis.

The bank holds a 40 per cent share in the digital payments business, while 26 per cent in the credit card business. Its share in the loans market stands at 10 per cent.

Apologising to customers for disruptions, HDFC Bank new CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan last month had said the bank was working on war footing to strengthen its systems.

"Some of our strategic digital initiatives to improve the front-end digital experience, improve digital origination, straight-through processing, next generation of mobile and internet banking, APIs based banking on the edge etc would now be readied and launched post the approval and clearance from the regulator," said Jagdishan in a message to bank customers.

The private bank had three main outages -- one in November 2018, the second one in December 2019 and the latest one on November 21, 2020. The primary reason for the latest one was the power outage in HDFC Bank's primary data centre.

ALSO READ: Meet Sashidhar Jagdishan, the banker who takes over as CEO of HDFC bank

ALSO READ: HDFC Bank 'in good hands': Aditya Puri on successor Sashidhar Jagdishan

ALSO READ: 5 big challenges for new HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan
CUInsight Publisher & CEO Lauren Culp is joined by Mark Weber, CEO of Strum for a quick interview with just 3 questions:

(0:30) What are the big challenges credit unions need to adapt to in these unparalleled times? (3:15) What are you hearing from credit union senior leaders about their greatest concerns to compete and grow in 2021? And what are you doing to help them with those? (6:50) As data analytics have increased in importance recently, what are the highest impact ways youre seeing CU leaders evolve to improve their member insights & deepen those relationships?

Click here to learn more about Strum!
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 20:25:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WINDHOEK, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Namibia recorded the lowest annual vehicle sales figure of 7,614 in 2020, a 26.8 percent contraction from 2019, according to statistics released Tuesday.

This is the lowest number of vehicles sold in Namibia since 2004, according to statistics from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Of the 7,614 new vehicles sold during the year, 3,212 were passenger vehicles, 3,869 were light commercial vehicles, and 533 were medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

According to analysts from a Namibian research firm, IJG Securities, the introduction of the longer-dated 72-month vehicle loans has had a small positive impact on new passenger vehicle sales, but not enough to offset the damage done by lockdowns.

"With there being few signs that 2021 will see significant economic growth, we expect new vehicle sales in the country to remain under pressure," IJG concluded. Enditem
Lisa Armstrong was seen stocking up on wine with her boyfriend James Green during a rare outing on Sunday.

The former wife of presenter Ant McPartlin, 44, opted for comfort in a red tracksuit as she and the electrician, 37, took a trip to a local shop in west London.

Marking her first romance since her 31 million was finalised, the make-up artist and her beau went public with their relationship last August, a few months after he separated from his wife Kirsty.

Side by side: Lisa Armstrong was seen stocking up on wine with her boyfriend James Green during a rare outing on Sunday

Cutting a casual figure, the former Deuce member teamed her vibrant co-ords with white trainers and a designer crossbody bag by Gucci.

The ex-musician wore her tresses loose and appeared to go make-up free while sporting a patterned face mask.

Father-of-two James, meanwhile, looked equally low-key in a khaki green jacket, a pale jumper and indigo trousers.

The couple, who are believed to be spending the UK's third lockdown together, held onto alcoholic beverages and snacks as they headed to their next destination.

Low key: The former wife of presenter Ant McPartlin, 44, opted for comfort in a red tracksuit as she and the electrician, 37, took a trip to a local shop in west London

New romance: The make-up artist and her beau went public with their relationship last August, a few months after he separated from his wife Kirsty

Over the summer, the senior engineer's estranged wife told of her hurt at seeing photos of her husband of five years cuddling up to Lisa during a park date on the morning of her 36th birthday.

The TV star's new lover moved out of their 475,000 family home in Winchester, Hampshire, last year.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Kirsty said she had a suspicion that her ex was dating Lisa because a mutual friend has already told her they were an item.

Relaxed: Cutting a casual figure, the former Deuce member teamed her vibrant co-ords with white trainers and a designer crossbody bag by Gucci

She revealed at the time: 'I saw the photos of James and Lisa yesterday - on my birthday, which wasn't the best present ever. I'd kind of already had an idea they were an item, someone gave me the heads up.

Kirsty said they had been together for many years and had a daughter, 14, and their 11-year-old son.

Admitting they're still on good terms, she explained: 'James and me are not divorced yet, we are still going through the process but we split earlier this year and obviously he has moved out.

'We were together for a long time and I still have a good relationship with him and still speak to him. He is the father of my two children after all.

Relaxed: Father-of-two James, meanwhile, looked equally low-key in a khaki green jacket and a pale sweater

Let's go: The couple, who are believed to be spending the UK's third lockdown together, held onto alcoholic beverages and snacks as they headed to their next destination

'I've seen some of the comments people have made about James and Lisa online and I've found them quite upsetting to be honest.

'I think people have a negative view because Ant McPartlin is so popular, he's seen almost as a national treasure.'

James is a senior electrical engineer for Doorgear Ltd, where he installs and maintains electric doors.

His friend previously insisted he has 'genuinely fallen for Lisa' and has no interest in the 31million she received in her divorce settlement with Ant, 44, who is now engaged to his partner of three years, Anne-Marie Corbett.

Don't mind me: Lisa wore her tresses loose and appeared to go make-up free while sporting a patterned face mask

A close friend told MailOnline: 'People have been sniping saying that he's only with her because she's got 31million from the divorce with Ant McPartlin but I truly believe it's got nothing to do with money.

'He genuinely likes her and seems to be getting back to his old self after a really rough patch at the end of last year when his marriage was falling apart.

'James was with Kirsty for a long time - since they were both teenagers - and they always seemed like the perfect family with fantastic children.

'But for whatever reason that relationship started to unravel and it was then that he met Lisa.

'Someone gave me the heads-up'; Over the summer, the engineer's estranged wife (pictured) told of her hurt at seeing photos of her husband of five years cuddling up to Lisa during a date

'At the start of this year, he was away working and was sat in a bar in London and she was in there. They got talking and had a lovely night.

'They swapped numbers at the end of the evening but I don't think it was any more than that because at the time he was still with Kirsty, even though they weren't living together.

'He apparently told Lisa that he was having trouble with his marriage and that he may be single very soon, which was true because by this point he was living with his mum and dad.'

James met Lisa in a London bar at the turn of the year and the pair exchanged numbers at the end of the night when he confessed his five-year marriage was in trouble, telling her: 'I'm probably going to be single very soon.'

The duo kept in contact during lockdown and James 'couldn't be happier' now they are spending more time together.

Exes: Lisa, the head of make-up and hair for Strictly Come Dancing, finalised her divorce with Ant back in April 2020 after their split in January 2018 (pictured on their wedding day in 2006)

The insider added: 'A few months ago, James told me that he had been to see her a few more times before lockdown but now people are allowed out to socialise again, he goes down to London a lot more often.

'He and Lisa are now an item and he seems to be much more positive about the future.

'Kirsty is also seeing someone else, from what I gather, although it must still be difficult to see your former husband splashed across the newspapers cosying up to Ant McPartlin's ex.'

Lisa, the head of make-up and hair for Strictly Come Dancing, finalised her divorce with Ant back in April 2020 after their split in January 2018 following 12 years of marriage.

Moving: Ant recently confirmed his engagement to former PA Anne-Marie Corbett on New Year's Day following a Christmas Eve proposal

Earlier this year, the Saturday Night Takeaway co-host was reported to have handed over 31 million to Lisa, including their 5 million home in West London, following his highly documented battle with painkillers and alcohol.

While she remains on good terms with him, Lisa is understood to have felt that Ant 'got away with a lot' following their split.

Their outing came after claims emerged that Lisa is over her broadcaster Ant as she feels he has become a different person to the one she married.

According to reports, the beauty expert was not shocked by the I'm A Celebrity star's engagement to his former PA Anne-Marie, 43, and instead expected them to do so sooner than it happened.

Congratulations! The broadcaster and his girlfriend had been dating for nearly three years (pictured in 2019)

It was revealed on New Year's Day that Ant had got engaged to girlfriend Anne-Marie after romantically popping the question on Christmas Eve.

A source speaking to New magazine claimed: 'The engagement wasn't a shock for Lisa. She thought it would be the next step and she was actually surprised they hadn't got engaged before now.'

'She thinks Ant is a different person. He's not the same Ant that she knew and was in love with, it's someone very different.

'The way he treated her killed all the love she had for him. They were together from a really young age and it's like they're both different people now.'

The source added that Lisa wished Ant and Anne-Marie well, and claimed she has gotten over their former romance and did so 'a long time ago'.

Ant has been linked to the personal assistant since March 2018 and it is expected that a 'thrilled' Declan Donnelly will 'act as the best man' at their wedding - just as he was at Ant's first nuptials back in 2006.

A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Ant and Amzie are delighted to announce their engagement. The proposal took place on Christmas Eve at home in a very romantic setting.'
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stout recently concluded its multi-year engagement as consultant to the Independent Monitor appointed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Takata Airbag Recalls and Coordinated Remedy Program. Stout assisted the Independent Monitor in data collection, analysis, and consulting in oversight of the recalls and identified strategies to accelerate recall repairs.

The Takata Airbag Recalls are the largest and most complex automotive safety recall in U.S. history, affecting an estimated 67 million defective airbag inflators in the U.S. across 19 vehicle manufacturers. Together with NHTSA and the Monitor Team, affected vehicle manufacturers implemented a number of innovative recall strategies, never before used in automotive recalls, to identify the correct vehicle owner, communicate the urgency of completing the recall repair, overcome vehicle owner inconvenience, engage with franchised dealers, and partner with relevant third-party stakeholders.

As a result of these innovative strategies, approximately 50 million airbags have been repaired or accounted for, equating to a 79% recall completion rate for mature campaigns, which far outpaces those of other automotive recalls of older vehicles.

"The Takata recalls are an extraordinary example of the remarkable transformative change possible when industry, government, and independent expertise collaborate using research, data, and shared objectives," said Stout Managing Director Neil Steinkamp. The Monitor Team in coordination with NHTSA, hosted 11 Takata recall summits with affected vehicle manufacturers and created numerous working groups related to common areas of focus or consistent challenges for manufacturers. The data aggregation and visualization platform created by the Monitor Team was instrumental in analyzing trends in recall completion as well as identifying opportunities to develop new and innovative strategies to accelerate recall repairs and elevate completion percentages. The unique approach taken through this monitorship demonstrated how oversight and collaboration with industry can integrate with research and data processes to create widescale transformative change."

Stout's team was led by Steinkamp and Director Ray Roth. The team also included Stout professionals from several practices and industry-specific areas across the firm, including Transformative Change Consulting and Automotive.

A recent report by the Monitor describing the current state of the Takata recalls can be found here. More information about the Takata Airbag recalls can be found at NHTSA's website here.

About Stout

Stout is a global investment bank and advisory firm, specializing in corporate finance, valuation, financial disputes, and investigations. We are recognized internationally as the leading advisory firm in the automotive sector and as preeminent experts of automotive recall risks, data, and costs. We understand the complex relationship between OEMs and tiered automotive suppliers. With this expertise, we help clients understand the risk and economic costs of warranty service repair, recall campaigns, and other actions. Learn more.

SOURCE Stout
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. - The port in Prince Rupert, B.C., has set another record in defiance of the economic downtown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A ship is moored in Prince Rupert, B.C. Tuesday, December, 11, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. - The port in Prince Rupert, B.C., has set another record in defiance of the economic downtown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The port authority announced Monday that despite unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic, 32.4 million tonnes of cargo moved through the port in 2020, up nine per cent from the year before.

The volume increase was led by a rise in exports of coal, propane and wood pellets.

The port says the high demand for thermal coal led to a 26 per cent increase at the Ridley Terminal, where rail cars with B.C. and Alberta natural resources are unloaded and the product is shipped.

While cargo shipments were up last year, the port says in a news release that passenger volumes dropped off significantly, with the cancellation of the cruise season and BC Ferries seeing a steep decline in ridership.

Prince Rupert Port Authority CEO Shaun Stevenson says the facility has increased trade in support of Canada's economic health through the pandemic, enabling over $50 billion in international trade.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2020.
Every Black Life Matters Gives Certificate of Appreciation to President Trump

Letter includes signatures with over 300 citizens



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Every Black Life Matters

Jan. 19, 2021



SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Later today, Co-Founders Kevin McGary and Neil Mammen of Every Black Life Matters(EBLM), a Christian alternative organization to BLM, will release a Certificate of Appreciation to President Trump. Along with the certificate is a Letter of Commendation for the President's many efforts to save and improve black life.

Dear President Trump,



Thank you!



While there have been many Presidents of the U.S. who have asserted support for the Black community, you have fully demonstrated your commitment and resolve to support and improve Black life by standing firm on the right to life. The right to life has a significant and specific impact on Black life.



We commend you!







Being President over these past four years has (no doubt) been exhilarating and, at times, excruciating. We want you to know your stand and focus on improving Black life has not been in vain. Your Presidential record confirms that with your stand against abortion, policies for school choice, economic revitalization via "Opportunity Zones," crafting of The Platinum Plan, permanent funding for HBCU's, and with your criminal justice reforms, you have attempted to improve Black life in every phase of life (from the "womb to the tomb"). This is the exact definition for standing for Every Black Life Matters!

The entire letter, along with the 300+ names can be found at

https://everyblm.com/open-commendation-letter-to-president-trump/



Every Black Life Matters is a pro-life, pro-capitalist, pro-nuclear family organization who boldly stands in direct opposition to BLM. Their mission is to protect black life from conception to death by confronting injustice and deconstructing barriers inside and outside the black community through a national platform of training, networked resources, community organizing and faith building.



If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kevin McGary at 510-886-7319, or email info@everyBLM.com.



Open Letter to President Trump

https://everyblm.com/open-commendation-letter-to-president-trump/



Facebook Page of EBLM https://facebook.com/everyblm



Website https://everyblm.com



SOURCE Every Black Life Matters



CONTACT: Kevin McGary, EBLM, 510-886-7319, info@EveryBLM.com


I'm not alone when I say that I've never been through anything like this and didn't see it coming. I had no way of imagin...
i will NEVER get sick of this telenovela come to life

Reply

Thread

Link

Soraya 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

he always leaves social media every few years.

Just log out and come back when you need to promote something tbh.

Reply

Thread

Link

This scandal is just weird, these white people are sooo weird, but oh well they keep me entertained.

Reply

Thread

Link

This is the silly lighthearted scandal we need. Just good old fashioned stupidity.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

No me llores :(

Reply

Thread

Link

This scandal is getting boring. It needs a new twist.

Reply

Thread

Link

It turns out that she was adopted by her American parents from Spain and her new parents return to claim her.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

-another pregnancy

-him cheating with an actual spanish woman

-divorce with all subsequent girlfriends and the potential future wife being actual spaniards

-divorce with him disowning the kids and fighting people who bring it up

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

yeah i'll go with bandaid baby #687 over any of the others

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Not just divorce annulment. LOL. He could absolutely claim fraud. 

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

they need to divorce/separate, and hilary then chooses she doesn't like the negativity she's receiving in the us so she moves to ESPAIN so the kids can grow up experiencing the same culture she did "growing up (you know every summer") and so they can be closer to abuelo and abuelita



id say we could a custody battle like we did with blah that lady from gossip girl who claimed monaco was like dangerous or unfitting for her kids to live in if you know alec actually cared about these kids

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Up next: They quietly rename all the children (and hopefully keep them off social media forever cause yikes)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think deep inside he knew it was a con but convinced himself that she was in fact Spanish because he wanted her to be. People will ignore all kinds of lies to fit the narrative they want to be true.

Reply

Thread

Link

Given that he's an old white boomer with Strong Opinions on politics, I'm not sure he let her talk much anyway.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yep, people see what they want to see and ignore anything that doesn't fit.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

You know theyre both dying from the lack of (positive) attention and not posting.



She must be scratching off days on the walls like a prisoner until her publicist or whoever allows her back online.

Reply

Thread

Link

he'll stay off twitter for as long as she lived in spain lol

Reply

Thread

Link

HAHAHA

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

He just cant help himself from throwing a tantrum every couple of months

Reply

Thread

Link

Embarrassing for a man of his big age to make a flounce post

Reply

Thread

Link

so what was the big tipping point with hilaria? was it all the attention that amy schumer was putting on her or had she already been outed by then?

Reply

Thread

Link

Hilaria La Scammer...Also wtf! At Wikipedia? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transracial_(identity)

Reply

Thread

Link

lmao I can't believe they included that girl from Dr. Phil! Her sister exposed her on Twitter as a liar, it was all fake lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

And nothing of value was lost.

Reply

Thread

Link

I'm re-watching 30 Rock and Selma Hayek was on for a handful of episodes. "Hilaria" looks even dumber to me now if that whole "pretended to be Spanish because of Selma Hayek on 30 Rock" rumor is true.

Reply

Thread

Link

It also makes Selma Hayek's plot in Ugly Betty funnier now too. Her character tricks Daniel into proposing to her in 30 days or something 



Edited at 2021-01-19 04:02 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Salma herself is so weird about her identity. Shes only Mexican when it serves her. She has mostly claimed herself as Spanish and middle eastern so I can see why Hillary was like let me do the Spanish thing. LMAO

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here
The officer had to be taken to hospital following the unprovoked attack

A policeman's eye was allegedly gouged as he investigated complaints of a noisy gathering at a flat in west Belfast, a court heard today.

The officer had to be taken to hospital following the unprovoked attack in the early hours of Monday morning, it was claimed.

Adam Crawford, 21, is accused of inflicting the injuries outside his address on Lenadoon Avenue.

He appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and disorderly behaviour.

A PSNI constable contended: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack on officers responding to a complaint of noise phoned in by neighbours."

She disclosed that one of those who went to the scene sustained a serious eye injury.

"The defendant allegedly gouged the officer's eye with his fingers in the attack," the constable said.

"The eye was bleeding, he had blurred vision, and he had to attend the RVH (Royal Victoria Hospital).

"This was a shocking attack on police officers trying to do their job."

A 17-year-old youth was also arrested and is due before a judge next month to face allegations of assault on police and disorderly behaviour.

Police claimed it was the latest in a number of incidents where they have been called out to Crawford's address.

Bail was opposed amid concerns over potential repercussions if he returned to his flat.

"The defendant and the co-accused actually went for the neighbours," the constable claimed.

Defence solicitor Pearse MacDermott accepted that the officer had sustained injuries.

"There are obviously photographs which are quite graphic," he said.

Confirming Crawford denies the charge, Mr MacDermott claimed he has not yet had the opportunity to give his version of events.

"He would say there was a melee going on, and the factual circumstances will all come out in due course (from) the police body-worn footage," the lawyer submitted.

He added: "What his neighbours did or didn't do is completely irrelevant to this charge, police officers will be the ones giving evidence."

Granting bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ruled that Crawford must find a different address approved by police.

She imposed an alcohol ban, curfew, and prohibited him from entering Lenadoon Avenue or contacting his co-accused.

Crawford is due to appear in court again in four weeks time.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Tuesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Next PLC - Leicester-based clothing and homewares retailer - Chief Executive Simon Wolfson is appointed a non-executive director of Deliveroo, effective Monday and ahead of the meals delivery firm's planned initial public offering. Deliveroo, in which the US's Amazon.com Inc is a 16% shareholder, said on Sunday a fund raising round has valued the company at more than USD7.0 billion. It is the first external appointment accepted by Wolfson since he became chief executive of the Next two decades ago, according to the Times newspaper.







J Sainsbury PLC - London-based supermarket chain - David Keens will not seek re-election as non-executive director at July annual general meeting, having served on the board since 2015. Says a search for a replacement has begun.







SolGold PLC - copper-gold explorer in Ecuador - CEO Nicholas Mather to retire on March 31, after 13 years in post. Independent Non-Executive Director Keith Marshall will be interim CEO until a new permanent CEO is hired. Mather will remain on the board as a non-executive director. "Nick Mather has made an incredible contribution to the success and growth of SolGold, having taken the company from a market capitalization of USD40 million in 2006 to over USD1 billion" says SolGold Chair Liam Twigger.







Xpediator PLC - freight management services in UK and Central and Eastern Europe - Hires Michael Williamson as chief financial officer, starting March 1. Williamson is currently global director of finance & controlling and regional CFO of Northern Europe for Rohlig Logistics, an international freight forwarder.







Induction Healthcare Group PLC - London-based healthcare technology - Shelley Fraser resigns as CFO and from board, effective immediately. Olly Drake will be interim CFO. Drake was UK finance director for Next Fifteen Communications Group PLC. Induction says current trading and outlook remain in line with previous guidance.







OptiBiotix Health PLC - York, England-based developer of compounds to treat obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skincare - Christopher Nother hired as part-time consultant to be pharmaceutical lead on LPLDL product. Also hires Taru Jain as business development director for Asia. Jain was an executive director at Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a contract research and manufacturing company in India.







Curtis Banks Group PLC - Bristol-based provider of self-invested personal pensions - Hires Jill Lucas as non-executive director and chair of Dunstan Thomas, a fin-tech firm bought by Curtis Banks back in August. Lucas is a non-executive director of NS&I, the UK government-owned savings bank. Previously, she was chief information officer for broker Towergate Insurance.







Amino Technologies PLC - Cambridge-based streaming video technology - Hires Steve Oetegenn as non-executive director. Until last year, Oetegenn was president of Verimatrix, a provider of revenue security solutions to the pay TV and on-line video industry.







Oncimmune Holdings PLC - Nottingham, England-based early detection of cancer - Cheung To steps down as non-executive director on Tuesday. To remains a director of Genostics Co Ltd, part of Gene Group Holdings Ltd, and Genostics remains a significant shareholder in Oncimmune. Genostics sold 195,000 Oncimmune shares between mid-December and Monday last week, lowering its stake to 9.8%.







By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Fruit Cider Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Fruit Cider market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Fruit Cider Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-31068

According to this study, over the next five years, the Fruit Cider market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Fruit Cider business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Fruit Cider market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Fruit Cider market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Heineken

C&C Group PLC.

Molson Coors

Aston Manor Cider

Carlsberg Breweries

Kopparbergs Bryggeri AB

ACE Cider

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-31068

This study considers the Fruit Cider value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Alcohol Content: Under 5%

Alcohol Content: 5%-6%

Alcohol Content: Above 6%

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

On Trade

Off Trade

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Fruit Cider Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-31068

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Fruit Cider consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Fruit Cider market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Fruit Cider manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Fruit Cider with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Fruit Cider submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/fruit-cider-market-size-share-growth-outlook-forecast-research-report-till-2025/
Congress leader on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister on the issue of security after reports that has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Remember his promise - '??? ??? ????? ???? ?????' (Will not let the country bow)," Gandhi said on Twitter as he posted a link of a news report about the alleged "Chinese village".

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also slammed the prime minister on the matter.

"Modiji where is that 56-inch chest," he asked on Twitter.

In a cautious reaction to the reports, India had on Monday said it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on the country's security, and takes necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Congress leader P Chidambaram had on Monday demanded answers from the government on the issue, alleging that BJP MP Tapir Gao has claimed that has built a 100-house village in the "disputed area" deep into Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if the allegation made out by the BJP MP is true, will the government again give a clean chit to or will blame the previous governments for it.

"Mr Tapir Gao MP, belonging to BJP, has alleged that deep into Arunachal Pradesh, in a 'disputed area' within Indian territory, the Chinese have built a 100-house village, a bazaar and a two-lane road in the last year.

"If this is true, it is clear that the Chinese have altered the status quo by converting a disputed area into a permanent settlement of Chinese nationals. What has the government to say about these startling facts," he had said on Twitter.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over eight months.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in order to resolve the eastern Ladakh standoff, but no significant headway has been made for its resolution.

(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.)
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Showers early becoming a steady light rain later in the day. Thunder possible. High 61F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 44F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Oxford University has been given 100million for a new institute that aims to combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

The gift from chemicals giant Ineos  one of the largest donations in Oxford's history  will be fund antimicrobial research at the institution, which played a key role in the origin of antibiotics after its academics discovered penicillin in the 1940s.

Researchers will seek to develop new drugs for both animals and humans, as well as promote more responsible use of antibiotics to halt the rise of 'superbugs'.

It is estimated by 2050, up to 10million deaths a year could be caused by antibiotics and other drugs no longer being effective at treating common infections.

Deemed to be one of the biggest threats to humanity, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era.

Oxford's vice chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said that immediate action to address the issue was 'imperative'. She said it would be 'cataclysmic' for surgeries if infection could not be prevented by antibiotics.

She said: 'I think that the pandemic has shown us just the extraordinary high costs if you ignore a problem that is potentially headed your way.

The gift from Ineos will be used to fund antimicrobial research at the institution (William Conran/PA)

WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In September, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, C-sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements will become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. Advertisement

'We certainly knew that there was a high potential for another pandemic, we were reminded of that many times, and yet we were caught unprepared.

'We know that human antibiotics are, with every passing year, becoming fewer and fewer because of the growth of resistance so it's absolutely imperative that we act, and the impact of being unprepared for the pandemic I think reinforces the importance of acting before it's too late. And it may seem very costly to do all this research now but it's nothing on the cost of failure to act.

'Every time you have surgery, the biggest risk is infection, so you get an antibiotic to prevent that. Imagine if you couldn't prevent infection, it would be cataclysmic for so many surgeries.'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos, said he is 'excited' to partner with the university 'to accelerate progress in tackling this urgent global challenge'.

Professor Richardson said the donation to the university was 'wonderfully generous' and she added that it felt 'entirely appropriate' that Oxford would be 'in the vanguard' of the search for antimicrobial resistance after the institution created penicillin in the last century which saved millions of lives.

When asked about the argument that the pandemic and its impact on the NHS should be the main focus of any additional funding right now, Professor Richardson said: 'I think any philanthropist is entitled to decide for themselves what their money is going to be used for and personally I can't think of something that will have greater societal impact than addressing the terrible problem of antimicrobial resistance.'

The university is planning to have more than 50 postdoctoral research scientists working at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance over the next five years, alongside a number of PhD students.

Illnesses which have evolved to be difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics are spreading fast around the world and already kill around 700,000 people per year.

MRSA is one of the most well-known and widespread resistant infections, and is often deadly for hospital patients  its full name is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus because it has evolved to fight off penicillin-like drugs.

But many common infections are becoming resistant, such as gonorrhoea, E.coli and one called klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes pnuemonia.

Antibiotic resistance is blamed on various factors including doctors prescribing too many, people not taking them properly and farmers giving them to animals.

Surgeon David Sweetnam, adviser to the Ineos Oxford Institute, said: 'If there is any positive lesson to be taken from the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic, we've clearly seen that the only way out of such infectious disease crises is through brilliant scientific groundwork, laid well in advance.

'The vaccines which have been created in record time and which offer light at the end of the tunnel were developed using research conducted long before Covid-19 struck.

'It's clear that we must be looking right now for new antibiotics with the same urgency as we have been for vaccines. The consequence of continued complacency doesn't bear thinking about.'
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.


We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Scientists used image processing on high-resolution images of the Sun to reveal distinct plumelets within structures on the Sun called solar plumes. The full-disk Sun and the left side of the inset image were captured by NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory in a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light and processed to reduce noise. The right side of the inset has been further processed to enhance small features in the images, revealing the edges of the plumelets in clear detail. These plumelets could help scientists understand how and why disturbances in the solar wind form. Credits: NASA/SDO/Uritsky, et al

Scientists have combined NASA data and cutting-edge image processing to gain new insight into the solar structures that create the Sun's flow of high-speed solar wind, detailed in new research published today in The Astrophysical Journal. This first look at relatively small features, dubbed "plumelets," could help scientists understand how and why disturbances form in the solar wind.

The Sun's magnetic influence stretches billions of miles, far past the orbit of Pluto and the planets, defined by a driving force: the solar wind. This constant outflow of solar material carries the Sun's magnetic field out into space, where it shapes the environments around Earth, other worlds, and in the reaches of deep space. Changes in the solar wind can create space weather effects that influence not only the planets, but also human and robotic explorers throughout the solar systemand this work suggests that relatively small, previously-unexplored features close to the Sun's surface could play a crucial role in the solar wind's characteristics.

"This shows the importance of small-scale structures and processes on the Sun for understanding the large-scale solar wind and space weather system," said Vadim Uritsky, a solar scientist at the Catholic University of America and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, who led the study.

Like all solar material, which is made up of a type of ionized gas called plasma, the solar wind is controlled by magnetic forces. And the magnetic forces in the Sun's atmosphere are particularly complex: The solar surface is threaded through with a constantly-changing combination of closed loops of magnetic field and open magnetic field lines that stretch out into the solar system.

It's along these open magnetic field lines that the solar wind escapes from the Sun into space. Areas of open magnetic field on the Sun can create coronal holes, patches of relatively low density that appear as dark splotches in certain ultraviolet views of the Sun. Often, embedded within these coronal holes are geysers of solar material that stream outward from the Sun for days at a time, called plumes. These solar plumes appear bright in extreme ultraviolet views of the Sun, making them easily visible to observatories like NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite and other spacecraft and instruments. As regions of particularly dense solar material in open magnetic field, plumes play a large role in creating the high-speed solar windmeaning that their attributes can shape the characteristics of the solar wind itself.

Using high-resolution observations from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite, or SDO, along with an image processing technique developed for this work, Uritsky and collaborators found that these plumes are actually made up of much smaller strands of material, which they call plumelets. While the entirety of the plume stretches out across about 70,000 miles in SDO's images, the width of each plumelet strand is only a few thousand miles across, ranging from around 2,300 miles at the smallest to around 4,500 miles in width for the widest plumelets observed.

Though earlier work has hinted at structure within solar plumes, this is the first time scientists have observed plumelets in sharp focus. The techniques used to process the images reduced the "noise" in the solar images, creating a sharper view that revealed the plumelets and their subtle changes in clear detail.

Their work, focused on a solar plume observed on July 2-3, 2016, shows that the plume's brightness comes almost entirely from the individual plumelets, without much additional fuzz between structures. This suggests that plumelets are more than just a feature within the larger system of a plume, but rather the building blocks of which plumes are made.

During its first solar flyby in November 2018, NASAs Parker Solar Probe observed switchbacks  sudden reversals in the magnetic field of the solar wind, illustrated here. Newly-observed solar plumelets might produce similar signatures to switchbacks. Credits: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Conceptual Image Lab/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez

"People have seen structure in and at the base of plumes for a while," said Judy Karpen, one of the authors of the study and chief of the Space Weather Laboratory in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA Goddard. "But we've found that the plume itself is a bundle of these denser, flowing plumelets, which is very different from the picture of plumes we had before."

They also found that the plumelets move individually, each oscillating on its ownsuggesting that the small-scale behavior of these structures could be a major driver behind disruptions in the solar wind, in addition to their collective, large-scale behavior.

Searching for plumelet signatures

The processes that create the solar wind often leave signatures in the solar wind itselfchanges in the wind's speed, composition, temperature, and magnetic field that can provide clues about the underlying physics on the Sun. Solar plumelets may also leave such fingerprints, revealing more about their exact role in the solar wind's creation, even though finding and interpreting them can be its own complex challenge.

One key source of data will be NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which has flown closer to the Sun than any other spacecraftreaching distances as close as 4 million miles from the solar surface by the end of its missioncaptures high-resolution measurements of the solar wind as it swings by the Sun every few months. Its observations, closer to the Sun and more detailed than those from prior missions, could reveal plumelet signatures.

In fact, one of Parker Solar Probe's early and unexpected findings might be connected to plumelets. During its first solar flyby in November 2018, Parker Solar Probe observed sudden reversals in the magnetic field direction of the solar wind, nicknamed "switchbacks." The cause and the exact nature of the switchbacks is still a mystery to scientists, but small-scale structures like plumelets could produce similar signatures.

Finding signatures of the plumelets within the solar wind itself also depends on how well these fingerprints survive their journey away from the Sunor whether they would be smudged out somewhere along the millions of miles they travel from the Sun to our observatories in space.

Evaluating that question will rely on remote observatories, like ESA and NASA's Solar Orbiter, which has already taken the closest-ever images of the Sun, including a detailed view of the solar surfaceimages that will only improve as the spacecraft gets closer to the Sun. NASA's upcoming PUNCH missionled by Craig DeForest, one of the authors on the plumelets studywill study how the Sun's atmosphere transitions to the solar wind and could also provide answers to this question.

"PUNCH will directly observe how the Sun's atmosphere transitions to the solar wind," said Uritsky. "This will help us understand if the plumelets can survive as they propagate away from the Sunif can they actually be injected into the solar wind."

Explore further Effects of the solar wind

More information: V. M. Uritsky et al. Plumelets: Dynamic Filamentary Structures in Solar Coronal Plumes, The Astrophysical Journal (2021). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal V. M. Uritsky et al. Plumelets: Dynamic Filamentary Structures in Solar Coronal Plumes,(2021). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/abd186
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.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  Officials with the Eastern States Exposition have been working with state authorities since Jan. 1 on plans to use the grounds of the Big E as a COVID-19 mass vaccination site.

Eugene J. Cassidy, president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition, said Tuesday his organization is awaiting a go-ahead from the state.

Certainly we provide the best location in all the commonwealth, Cassidy said. Certainly in Western Massachusetts. With our proximity to highways, its a good fit.

State planners have mostly been interested in traffic patterns, Cassidy said, and the Big E has expertise in moving crowds of people and lines of traffic. More than 1.5 million people visit the fair every year and crowds can top 170,000 a day on weekends.

Earlier in the pandemic, the state set up a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the Big E.

The Big E has discussed several options with the state, including a drive-thru clinic in one of its buildings where there would be sheltered working space inside and a dedicated parking area outside. People would stay in their cars.

Or, the Big E could accommodate a walk-in vaccination clinic.

We have several buildings that are the same size as Costco, Cassidy said. So we could certainly handle the crowds.

It wouldnt be a moneymaker for the Eastern States Exposition, Cassidy said. But if the fairgrounds is used as a vaccination location, the program would help defray the organizations ongoing overhead costs in running and maintaining the fairgrounds.

Cassidy spoke with The Republican after Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said earlier Tuesday that a vaccination site was on the horizon for the Springfield area. A mass vaccination site is already open at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, home of the Patriots; for now its only available to emergency responders.

The state is still in the first phase of its vaccination plan, which includes health care workers and first responders, among several other groups. Phase two includes individuals certain health conditions, older adults, and a wide range of essential workers. The general public will be eligible for the vaccine in phase 3.

Many venues around the region are already serving as vaccination sites for health care workers and emergency responders.

The campus center at UMass Amherst opened as a site for first responders on Jan. 11. On Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Bakers office announced that UMass Amherst will accommodate other eligible residents in phase one, and UMass said it would continue serving as a vaccination site for the foreseeable future.

We are proud to devote our time, energy and expertise to expanding the Commonwealths vaccination program, UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said in a statement. This effort reflects our deep commitment to public service. Our clinic is staffed through the invaluable assistance of the UMass College of Nursing, with our nursing students providing critical support while also gaining clinical experience to administer vaccinations.

Fenway Park will also serve as a phase one site for groups including first responders and workers in long-term care facilities and congregate care settings.

Beginning this week, meanwhile, at least 15 CVS Health and Walgreens locations will offer the vaccine in areas of the state farther from the larger vaccination sites. The locations  in Greenfield, Fall River, Salem, South Yarmouth, Pittsfield, Lee, Holden, Gardner, Hyannis, Mashpee, Somerset, Fairhaven, Haverhill, Saugus and Danvers  will receive a total of 10,000 doses a week. Residents eligible for the vaccine in phase one can find information at mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-individuals-currently-eligible-to-be-vaccinated.

About 40 vaccination sites will be added the week of Jan. 25 through current partners and additional partners, such as Wegmans, Big Y, Price Chopper, Stop & Shop and Hannaford. The state expects to increase vaccine volume through retail pharmacies in the coming weeks.

Related Content:
India's leading e-commerce players Amazon and Flipkart are hosting their respective sale events in the country, as a part of the Republic Day celebration. Both the Amazon Great Republic Day sale and Flipkart Big Savings Day sale events are live for Prime and Plus members, respectively, while regular buyers will have access to deals starting tomorrow. As a part of the sale event, a variety of TWS earbuds from Sony, Jabra, and more are getting temporary price cuts bundled with other deals. The same sale offers extend to other products as well, that include smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more.

The Flipkart Big Saving Days sale will conclude on January 24, while the Amazon Great Republic Day sale will last till January 23. Customers can avail cashback offers with Amazon ICICI Pay credit card or Flipkart Axis Bank credit card, during the respective sale events. Additionally, select TWS earbuds also have no-cost EMI option available with limited credit cards. So in case, you're planning to purchase new true wireless earphones during this Republic Day sale season, here's a list you may want to consider.

Sony WF-XB700: The TWS earbuds by Sony are currently retailing at Rs 6,990 instead of Rs 9,990 on Amazon. Prime members can also enjoy an additional 10 percent discount of up to Rs 1,500 with SBI credit card on both regular and EMI transactions. In terms of features, the Sony WF-XB700 come with the IPX4 water resistance rating and support for SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. The earbuds are designed for bass lovers and can deliver up to 18 hours of total battery life.

Apple AirPods 2-Generation: The second-generation Apple AirPods are retailing at Rs 13,990 and Rs 12,490, during the Amazon Great Republic Day sale and Flipkart Big Savings Day sale events, respectively. The Amazon variant is relatively more expensive as the device's case supports wireless charging. Customers can enjoy cashback deals with the Amazon ICICI Pay credit card or Flipkart Axis Bank credit card. The Apple AirPods offer up to 24 hours of music playback time and support Siri voice assistance. The earbuds feature the proprietary H1 chip to enhance the audio quality.

Crossbeats Pebble 2020: The Crossbeats Pebble TWS earbuds are available at Rs 2,799 (MRP Rs 4,999) during the Amazon sale. The earphones by Crossbeats can deliver up to 24 hours of battery with the charging case and support Bluetooth v5.0 for connectivity. Other features include voice assistance support, touch controls and punchy bass. Customers can enjoy 10 percent off with SBI credit card or avail no-cost EMI option with select domestic banks.

Jabra Elite 65t: The premium Jabra Elite 65t TWS earphones are getting a massive discount and are currently selling at Rs 3,999 (MRP Rs. 13,999). The earbuds offer up to 15 hours of battery and can be customised with the Jabra Sound+ app. They also pack four microphones to provide clear audio during phone calls. The earphones' sale deals include no-cost EMI with Amazon Pay ICICI credit card and 10 per cent off with SBI Bank credit.

Realme Buds Air Pro: The Realme Buds Air Pro are getting a price of Rs 1,000 and are available at Rs 3,999 via Flipkart. Additionally, customers can purchase the device from the Realme India website, that is also hosting the RealPublic Day sale. The earbuds feature a dual-microphone system for ANC and voice calls. Other notable features include fast charging, touch controls, and IPX4 water resistance.
[January 19, 2021] Hexaware & Active.Ai Partner to Deliver Next-Gen Digital Customer Experiences for Banking and Insurance Verticals

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexaware, one of the fastest-growing next-generation providers of IT, BPO and Consulting Services, has announced its global strategic partnership with Active.Ai  a Fintech specializing in conversational AI for digital financial services. This joint strategy aims at leveraging digitalization and intelligent automation to empower financial institutions with higher levels of efficiency, NLP and machine intelligence for an interactive and superior customer experience supplementing next-gen financial services. This provides Hexaware with an added edge to create a richer business impact in banking and insurance verticals by addressing the needs of the market. It helps unlock a higher potential of digitalization in order to deliver elevated customer experiences that are cost-efficient and customer centric. Hexaware is a leader in digitally automated transformations and cloud revolution; this partnership will help accelerate the use of intelligent automation and dive customer experience to the next level by leveraging innovative enterprise-grade conversational AI finance and industry-leading financial solutions - platforms through futuristic solutions.



This partnership will provide omni-channel banking experiences that are driven by innovations for an enhanced customer experience. The key objective was to ensure seamless financial operations with a connected customer experience and superior strategy for clients through constructive disruptions and a transformational roadmap that best fits their strategic ambitions. Chinmoy Banerjee, EVP & Global Head - Banking & BPS, Hexaware, states, "This partnership adds leverage to our digital expertise, industry-leading deliveries and intelligent suite of bots. Active.Ai's innovative power solutions help make conversational AI platforms easier for financial institutions to deploy and more intuitive for customers to use. Our joint forces would cement stronger digital technology solutions to deliver intelligent automation and superior financial solutions to organizations of all sizes and help deliver higher levels of excellence in today's hyper-competitive and disrupted industry." Ravishankar, CEO and Co-founder, Active.Ai states, "Active.Ai's partnership with Hexaware along with our out of the box conversational AI solutions will add to our strategic focus of delivering futuristic digital experiences to our customers and elevate our position in the Intelligent Process Automation segment for financial and banking counterparts. Partnering with Hexaware will help ensure that we are able to deliver high ROI through the best of intelligent banking solutions to our clients with the highest level of integrity at the most optimal pricing."

About Hexaware http://www.hexaware.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hexaware--activeai-partner-to-deliver-next-gen-digital-customer-experiences-for-banking-and-insurance-verticals-301210750.html SOURCE Hexaware Technologies Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[January 19, 2021]

Bitcoin Billionaire Review: Comprehensive Sign Up Guide For Bitcoin Billionaire App

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitcoin Billionaire Update: Bitcoin Billionaire allows users to invest and trade in this cryptocurrency conveniently. A user deposits money into their account which is then converted into the Bitcoins that they use to trade.? ?Bitcoin Billionaire is a famous crypto auto trading platform. These are the easiest steps to follow while using Bitcoin Billionaire to trade : Register, Deposit Money, Start Trading

The Bitcoin Billionaire's concept is pretty much the same as that of stock trading. It is an automated system that is designed to enable individuals to enter the cryptocurrency market and start trading or investing with ease. Bitcoin Billionaire is an automated, cryptocurrency trading robot.

REPORT IN THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://bitcoin-billionaire-pro.com/

Analysts across the globe are predicting a bitcoin boom like never witnessed earlier than inside the coming months. Robert kiyosaki, the author of rich dad, poor dad has lately anticipated that btc will hit seventy five thousands usd in some months to return. Max keiser of the keiser report is also predicting a growth so as to push btc price to $100k by using early next year. Bitcoin Billionaire claims to have all that it takes to capitalize on such booms. The robot trades volatility and hence capitalizes on each the upward and downward charge swings. the users are becoming rich, paying off their debts, and becoming financially independent by trading with Bitcoin Billionaire.

It's a free software and interested traders can sign up immediately to earn massive profits. As a trader may have been confident with Bitcoin Billionaire now and want to experience the benefits that it can offer as a platform to help in moving forward with Bitcoin trading, go ahead and do it. Trader will b amazed with the returns that Bitcoin Billionaire is sending on the way. It is an outstanding product and can explore everything that comes along with the product without spending any money out of the pocket. Hence, it can deliver all the support trader need to ensure proper financial sustainability in the long run. MUST SEE: "Shocking New Bitcoin Billionaire Report  This May Change Auto Trading Mind".







Bitcoin Billionaire has been identified as one of the first trading platforms for cryptocurrency that allows crypto traders to invest as low as $250 to start using the trading platform. This is one of the lowest deposit values that can be found on the crypto market. Following the trading analysis, and reviews from crypto traders who invest $250, it has been concluded that trading with the minimum deposit will yield a profit of $8000. The customer success rate of the Bitcoin Billionaire is more than 97%, found users who are earning over $4,000 daily, there are so many positive testimonials, Please check the customer reviews to see for yourself. The user has to register on the website, fill up the details, fund the account, and start trading. No fees, it is free to create a new Bitcoin Billionaire account. Open Bitcoin Billionaire Account for Free Now From The Official Site

It was confirmed that any user who trades with the minimum deposit of $250 can earn up to $1,000 from the crypto market every day. This profit is guaranteed for all users, based on personal experience with Bitcoin Billionaire. The fast rate at which transactions are completed by the Bitcoin Billionaire crypto trading system is amazing. That is one of the features directly linked to the massive profits earned by the daily users. The most consistent automated trading software, Bitcoin Billionaire now predicts market movements for traders. The software has an accuracy rate of 99.4%. So, based on these trade signals, user can place profitable trades. Traders can also choose to trade in the manual mode if they wish. The automated crypto trading platform is safe for every potential crypto investor. It is one of the safest platforms; the team have confirmed that excellent antivirus and malware programs have been installed on the platform, to protect the users. To register on the automated app, users need to fill the sign-up form on the platform's landing page.

Traders don't require any exceptional knowledge or support to use this software because the automated trading robots of Bitcoin Billionaire are programmed with highly advanced and accurate algorithms. Bitcoin Billionaire is free trading platform so easy to use but if user do have any questions or issues, there's a customer support team on hand to help user out whenever they need it. Bitcoin Billionaire wants trader to make as much money as possibly user can and that's why they provide a team to help traders 24 by 7. Traders have to work for about 15 to 20 minutes. Sometimes it will take less too if traders are in auto-mode.??? There is no doubt that cryptocurrencies have started becoming extremely popular. Bitcoin Billionaire App is a bot that has rapidly gone viral all over the countries in the world. Its users claimed that this trading robot is highly profitable and can be a source of lucrative income. Using this robot can provide a possible profit of $5000 daily from an initial trading capital of $250. Best Crypto Trading Bot in 2021

Official Website: https://bitcoin-billionaire-pro.com/

Contact Details:

Bitcoin Billionaire

info@bitcoin-billionaire-pro.com

TOLL FREE (800) 364-1388
REGINA - Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Tuesday he won't shut down all restaurants and bars because a few are flouting COVID-19 rules.

Premier Scott Moe speaks during an interview at the Legislative Building in Regina on December 15, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell

REGINA - Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Tuesday he won't shut down all restaurants and bars because a few are flouting COVID-19 rules.

Instead, he said, he has asked public-health officials to look at more enforcement measures beyond handing out fines, such as forcing rule breakers to close "indefinitely."

"I don't believe that we need new measures put in place to bend the COVID curve here in Saskatchewan. What we need is everyone to follow the measures that are in place," Moe said at a news briefing Tuesday.

"Enough is enough."

For months, Moe has rejected calls to return the province to an economywide shutdown in the face of rising COVID-19 cases. He has opted to allow retail businesses, restaurants and bars to stay open, but with reduced capacity, and a prohibition on activities like dancing and mingling between tables.

But that was exactly the behaviour on display in a recent video circulating online that shows young people partying at a bar in Regina.

"The question I ask myself is do we need to punish all of the restaurants, many that are adhering to the public-health orders that are in place, because there are these few that are not?" said Moe.

"I would say no we don't."

The premier contrasted the bar footage to a petition sitting on his desk that he said has been signed by thousands of families who want the province to allow kids to play competitive hockey.

All team sports outside of practices for athletes 18 and younger have been banned because health officials cited recreational sports as leading to infections in some schools and workplaces.

"At the very same time as we have these adults asking for their children to participate in a sport like hockey, we see a video of a number of adults that are selfishly and drunkenly dancing," Moe said.

Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, announced another 309 new infections and said the province's daily case average remains stuck at about 300. Six more residents were also reported to have died from the virus, while 207 were in hospital, 31 of them in intensive care.

Even with a stubborn caseload  which has made Saskatchewan the jurisdiction with the highest rate of active cases per capita in Canada Shahab said it's promising that the test positivity rate sits at 10 per cent, down from about 12 per cent.

Still, he warned that more people are ending up in hospital and intensive care because of the virus. And it's when this pressure builds up on health-care systems, he says, that leaders have no choice but to bring down the strictest possible measures to avoid widespread collapse.

"We may not be there yet," Shahab said.

He added that said many of the province's outbreaks are tied to people not following public-health rules in places like bars, at funerals and outside.

No more than 30 people are allowed to gather for weddings and funerals. The current health order, which is set to expire next Friday, also prohibits households from having guests over and caps outdoor get-togethers to 10.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2020
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:26 am

Seniors in the Clark County area are next on the list to receive COVID-19 immunization. Currently, Washington state remains in Phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccination plan and is continuing to vaccinate healthcare workers, first responders and residents and employees of long term care centers in the state. Following 1a is stage 1b Tier 1, which includes vaccination of all people aged 70 and older as well as those over 50 living in multigenerational households. We are working to get everyone in 1a vaccinated so we can move to 1b as quickly as possible, Clark County Public Health Senior Communications Specialist Marissa Armstrong said.

While Armstrong said the state, county and public health department are working to get everyone in the first phase vaccinated as quickly as possible, there still is not a set timeline as to how long the rest of phase 1a will take. According to Armstrong, the timelines depend on vaccine supply and how much vaccine the state and county have to distribute. Currently, Washington state allocates vaccines to each county and sends COVID-19 vaccinations to facilities around the county. According to Armstrong, Clark County has had nine different distribution facilities since the vaccine rollout began in December.

Armstrong explained that the vaccination process for those in phase 1a has been a joint effort between the public and private sector. A partnership has formed between the federal government and companies such as CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate those living and working in long term care facilities.

For Clark County Public Health, Armstrong said the agency is working to connect people with vaccine opportunities now and in the foreseeable future.

According to Clark County Public Health, vaccination phase 1b will be made up of four tiers, each tier adding additional people to the rollout. 1b Tier 1 includes all people over 70 and people over 50 living in multigenerational households. Tier 2 includes high-risk critical workers aged 50 and older working in certain settings such as agriculture, food processing, K-12 education, childcare, corrections, public transit, law enforcement and more. Tier 3 will include everyone over 16 year of age with two or more comorbidities or underlying conditions. Tier 4 will vaccinate high-risk critical workers under 50 in congregate settings like grocery, K-12 education and more.

Armstrong explained that many local healthcare providers will reach out to patients falling into the current and future vaccine rollout category about vaccination opportunities and status. Armstrong mentioned that patients should talk with their healthcare provider about their status for the upcoming 1b rollout plan. However, if you havent reached your primary care provider or are unable to learn about upcoming vaccine rollout, Armstrong said Clark County Public Health can connect you with vaccination information and a vaccination site. On our website there is a form people can fill out with basic information such as names, phone numbers, address and date of birth, Armstrong said. We then take that information and connect them with a facility.

According to Armstrong, it is unknown if there will be any vaccination sites dedicated to senior citizens and other vulnerable populations. However, she said Clark County Public Health is working with partners in the region to get community sites and mobile vaccination units in the future to ensure faster and more efficient vaccine rollout for community members. Some of the biggest barriers to quick vaccinations include space for physical distancing and waiting times.

For those hesitant to take the vaccine, Armstrong said the vaccine is the next crucial step to returning to pre-pandemic normalcy and ending this pandemic. Armstrong explained that she understands people's hesitancy to take the COVID-19 vaccination, however, she mentioned that both of the vaccines have gone through clinical trials and the vaccines have been vetted and safe. Armstrong said she urges everyone to reach out to their healthcare providers or use the Clark County Public Health Website to schedule a vaccination appointment and get vaccinated as soon as they can. We are working as quickly as possible to get people who are eligible vaccinated and eager to get more people vaccinated, Armstrong said. Vaccination is an important piece to ending this pandemic and returning to normal.

While vaccinations are on the horizon for the general public and a key part of getting back to life as we knew it, Armstrong said it is incredibly important to remain diligent in following safety protocols such as mask wearing, hand washing and physical distancing. Being continuous with the preventative measures will be a key piece in protecting yourself and the community and help us get back to normal, Armstrong said.

More information on the Clark County Public Health vaccine roll out plan can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-health.
At a meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization's executive council in Madrid on Tuesday, Pedro Sanchez said that he was "convinced" that once 70% of the population had been vaccinated, Spain would be "progressively" better prepared to receive foreign tourists.

"The government is working on vaccinating at the greatest possible rate. Spain is in fact the ninth country in the world in terms of vaccination and one of the leaders in Europe." The seventy per cent of population will have been vaccinated, the prime minister anticipated, by the end of the summer.

Crises, he stated, are opportunities for transformations, for a more sustainable tourism sector that is rooted in the environment and which respects the diversity and identity of each place. The tourism of the future, Sanchez observed, will be inspired by digitalisation, ecology, diversity, equality and sustainable development goals. It will be a model for "generating prosperity, conserving the environment and preserving traditions and history".

The 2021 budget, he explained, has allocated 660 million euros to tourism sector sustainability plans, 150 million euros for the rehabilitation of properties for tourism use, 64 million for digital transformation of the sector and 46 million euros for "resilience strategy" in destinations such as the Balearics and the Canaries. Including funds from the European Recovery Plan, tourism will receive 3,400 million euros.
OTTAWA - Conservatives were torn Tuesday over a decision by party leader Erin O'Toole to try to expel an MP from their ranks over a donation from a known white nationalist.

Conservative MP Derek Sloan arrives at West Block Thursday December 3, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Conservatives were torn Tuesday over a decision by party leader Erin O'Toole to try to expel an MP from their ranks over a donation from a known white nationalist.

The party's 121 MPs are set to vote via secret ballot Wednesday morning on whether Derek Sloan ought to be removed, with a simple majority required to oust him.

While Sloan has courted his fair share of controversy for months, the idea he should be booted from caucus specifically because of a donation he said he had not realized he'd received wasn't sitting well with some MPs and party supporters.

And the move prompted backlash from some anti-abortion groups, who had been firmly in Sloan's corner during the leadership race he lost to O'Toole almost six months ago.

The group Right Now urged backers to contact MPs to voice their displeasure."We feel that this an attempt to discourage pro-lifers from engaging within the Conservative Party of Canada, specifically at the upcoming policy convention," Right Now's email said.

"If those officials in the Conservative Party of Canada who do not share our values were not threatened by us taking our rightful and democratic place within the party, then they would not attempt such a brazen and obviously desperate effort such as this."

The controversy over the $131 donated by Paul Fromm, a longtime political activist with links to neo-Nazi causes, erupted late Monday.

O'Toole declared the donation  made under the name "Frederick P. Fromm"  meant Sloan could no longer be a Conservative MP, citing an intolerance for racism within the party. O'Toole promptly kick-started the process of getting him removed from the Conservative caucus.

Some MPs publicly voiced their approval on social media, but privately concerns were immediately raised about the bar O'Toole was setting.

The party prides itself on collecting donations from hundreds of thousands of grassroots supporters. Vetting them all against an unclear standard would be challenging, if not outright impossible.

Sloan was first elected in the Ontario riding of Hastings-Lennox and Addington in 2019 and stunned many of his fellow MPs by running to lead the party not long after.

He has sparked several controversies during his relatively short political life. He's been accused of racism for questioning the loyalty of the country's chief public health officer, a charge he denied. He's also suggested being LGBTQ is not a matter of science and compared a ban on therapy designed to force a person to change their gender or sexual identity to child abuse.

During the leadership race, O'Toole urged MPs not to kick Sloan out of caucus over the remarks he made about Dr. Theresa Tam, even buying ads on social media trumpeting that position.

The fact that a donation was the thing that finally turned O'Toole against Sloan raised some eyebrows.

"That (Sloan) plays silly-bugger word games that homosexuality is a choice should have disqualified him. But kicking him out over a donation from a racist who disguised his identity? So many good reasons to kick him out. Not sure this is one," wrote longtime Conservative operative and strategist Chisholm Pothier on Twitter.

"Glad hes gone. But ends justifying the means is easy, principled politics is hard."

The Liberals have been calling for months for O'Toole to eject Sloan, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday he's s pleased O'Toole is showing leadership."Political parties need to remain vigilant, particularly in the wake of what we see in the United States, from the infiltration or the active presence of fringe or extremist or violent or unacceptable or intolerant elements," Trudeau said at a news conference.

"And that's something that we constantly need to work towards as all politicians in Canada."

Trudeau, however, did not address whether Fromm's organizations would also see money they received in COVID-19 supports clawed back as well.Fromm has been connected to Holocaust-deniers and other white nationalist groups for years. Sloan cited Fromm's use of his first name to make the donation in saying he was unaware of the source of the funds.

Sloan has said he'll fight efforts to expel him. He noted he told the party to return Fromm's donation as soon as he was made aware of it, and wasn't sure what more he could have done.

Fromm is a member of the party, voted in the leadership race, and had applied to attend the virtual convention the party is holding in March, none of which had raised red flags before Monday's revelation.

Late Tuesday, the party said Fromm's membership will be revoked and he will not be allowed to participate in the convention.

In an interview, Fromm said he's never met Sloan, and while Sloan's policies did appeal to him, to suggest his money, membership or desire to participate in the convention taints Sloan or the party is ridiculous.

"I think basically, somebody is out to get Sloan and are prepared to use just about anything," he said.

O'Toole won the leadership last year thanks in part to Sloan's supporters, whom he'd courted.

Ever since, he has faced questions about how he'll broaden the appeal of the party, given the strength of its social-conservative wing.

That faction was already gearing up to try to play an outsized role at the party's policy convention in March, organizing to advance several socially conservative positions through policy motions and ensuring they had enough delegates to make them pass.

Their efforts were spurred on by Sloan, who had been pushing people to sign up as delegates, a move viewed within caucus as challenging O'Toole.

Late Tuesday, Sloan urged his supporters not to shy away from their push to "be a presence at convention."

"It should now be very evident just how important it is that we have a strong presence at the upcoming convention. If we do not, the types that wish to send me packing will do our party great damage," he wrote in an email.

The party has been fielding complaints about Sloan's use of the membership list, and of robocalls, to encourage members to sign up for the convention.

The latter could be seen as a violation of government telecommunications rules that forbid the use of robocalls for solicitation purposes, the party said.

They've launched investigations into both, but spokesman Cory Hann said Sloan isn't co-operating."We take this seriously and expect all caucus members and candidates to fully comply with all rules, regulations and laws," Hann said.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2021.
A fisherman at Warrenpoint dock hauls in bags of green crabs caught in Narrow Water to be exported to France. Uncertainty around the Irish border following the UKs departure from the EU is causing fear, residents have warned. There was concern on Wednesday over the UKs acknowledgement there would be new customs checks for cross-border trade.

Northern Irish fishermen have spoken of their fears they are set to lose out post-Brexit under a discriminatory UK system.

Fleets from the region currently have a quota of 8.4% in terms of how much they can catch.

Alan McCulla, chief executive of the Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation, says that to potentially lose out to placate fleets in England, Scotland and Wales is sickening.

Giving evidence to the Stormont Agriculture Committee, Mr McCulla said it appears that one discriminatory system is to be replaced by another.

Thats the level we have got to, having replaced one EU system of discrimination to Northern Ireland fishermen, that were now going to replace it with a GB system that applies more discrimination, he told MLAs.

The UK Government will decide fishing quotas across the country in the coming weeks following quota gains from the EU.

Expand Close Alan McCulla, Chief Executive of the Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation. (NI Assembly/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Alan McCulla, Chief Executive of the Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation. (NI Assembly/PA)

Mr McCulla said the industry in Northern Ireland fears that London will seek to redistribute some of what should be Northern Irelands share of the additional fishing quotas gained from the EU.

Today Northern Irelands fishermen hold about 8.4% of all UK fishing opportunities, he said.

He said about 20% of Northern Irelands quota are fish and shellfish stocks in the Irish Sea, with 80% in the west of Scotland, the North Sea and in the south west approaches.

We suspect Defras aim is to allocate only a proportion of the UKs gains in the Irish Sea to Northern Irelands fishermen, he said.

When Northern Irelands existing share is applied to the additional quota gained by the UK from the EU, it should mean that Northern Ireland gains new fishing opportunities in all sea areas worth 19.1 million per annum from 2026.

Prawn is the most important local catch here in Northern Ireland (50%), 30% is pelagic species such as mackerel and herring, 20% are diverse white fish species.

We suspect Defra's aim is to allocate only a proportion of the UK's gains in the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland's fishermen Alan McCulla, Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation

We believe Defra are manoeuvring to reallocate quota from Northern Ireland to England, Scotland and to a lesser extent Wales, to placate fishing interests there who are bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the fisheries element in the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Mr McCulla said Stormont Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has been supportive of them, raising the matter in discussions with London.

He described the Northern Ireland Protocol as a moving goalpost, with changes such as the announcement on Monday by Ireland of additional ports that Northern Irish fisherman could land in from next month.

Having made one step forward yesterday, we almost feel today we have taken two steps back, he said, describing some of the regulations in the protocol as daft.

Going forward, there is a lot of work still to be done. The fishing industry will benefit, we will recover but there is so much that needs to be finetuned yet.

Expand Close Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Robert Perry/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Robert Perry/PA)

Mr McCulla explained why he feels disappointed with Brexit so far.

Expectations were raised so high by the Prime Minister and all those below him, and clearly when it came to November 24, they couldnt meet those expectations, he said.

What were asking for is that Northern Ireland gets its fair share of the additional quota. That means by 2026, we will get an additional 19.1 million per year.

Thats big to coastal communities in Northern Ireland, in terms of UK fisheries, it is small.

The committee agreed to write urgently a letter of support for the Northern Ireland fishermen.
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.
COLUMBIA  Some funeral homes in South Carolina are delaying cremations because of a problem in a new state computer system that's left them unable to get a death certificate, complicating plans of grieving families, funeral directors said Tuesday.

Amid the backlog, one of the Midlands' biggest funeral homes has rented a refrigerated trailer to ensure the deceased are "cared for properly" while it awaits the paperwork.

A second mobile mortuary might be necessary if cremations can't proceed soon, said Greg Dunbar, manager of Dunbar Funeral Home, which has three locations in Columbia.

In South Carolina, cremations require a permit from the local coroner. To get that, the funeral home must provide a certified death certificate from the state's public health agency, along with other documentation. Not having a printed copy of the death certificate puts families' plans on hold.

The issue is a Jan. 11 systems switch at the Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Vital Statistics. The software overhaul was supposed to "strengthen security and enhance the overall user experience," while altering what birth and death certificates look like, according to a Dec. 18 news release about the impending change.

The upgrade was initially set to occur a week earlier, but DHEC delayed the launch to allow for further testing. Still, the rollout came with "sporadic errors" the agency is still working with its vendor to resolve. Non-working security codes are primarily what's preventing the finalization of death certificates, said DHEC spokeswoman Cristi Moore.

The issue isn't stopping traditional burials, as those don't require a death certificate.

But "100 percent of families we serve are experiencing some delays," said Rep. Mark Smith, R-Charleston, owner of McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, which has six locations in Charleston, Berkeley and Orangeburg counties.

That's because a certified death certificate is needed for families to start the post-death legalities, such as probate court and life insurance. Smith declined to estimate how many families his locations are helping through the delays.

"We've been blessed" to not need to buy or rent any additional space, Smith said.

By Wednesday, Dunbar Funeral alone could have more than two dozen families waiting on a death certificate, its manager said, noting appointments with families continue.

Normally, his locations' indoor refrigeration capabilities are sufficient. But the rental became necessary starting last Friday, he said, because of the unfortunate combination of being unable to get a death certificate from DHEC and an uptick in deaths generally, whether from COVID-19 or something else.

He declined to estimate how soon a second rental would be necessary.

"Weve had refrigeration in our funeral homes for years. Of course, they are reaching capacity," he said. "Were in the process of trying to make sure we provide the care we ensure families we provide for their loved ones."

DHEC hopes all problems are solved by the weekend.

By Wednesday afternoon, DHEC intends to have a hotline up and running specifically to help the system's users resolve security code issues, which will be staffed around the clock for several days. A separate phone number will be available for help navigating other issues with the new system, Moore said.

"When the issues involving the PIN numbers are resolved, families will be able to obtain death certificates in a timely manner and funeral homes will not experience delays in getting cremation permits," she said late Tuesday.

Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email

Sign Up!

State Rep. John King, director of Christopher King's Funeral Home in Chester, said DHEC's new system is not bad. It should even make things easier once people have the hang of it, but there should have been a phase-in period and training, he said.

"Now the kinks are not worked out, and we can't print death certificates," said the Rock Hill Democrat, adding his small business is waiting on one printout.

King plans to seek state reimbursement for funeral homes like Dunbar that have had to spend money on refrigerator trucks and other equipment.

The timing of DHEC's system changeover has exacerbated the problems statewide, said Brad Evans, president of the state Funeral Directors Association.

"Whenever you have a brand-new system and a pandemic going on, its never a good time for major change," said the owner of Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Abbeville.

The massive state agency tasked with responding to the world's worst health crisis in a century has a variety of other functions, which it's managing without a permanent director since June.

The timing was dictated by the Jan. 12 end of Adobe Flash, computer software used in filing South Carolina death certificates, Moore said.

But the expiration should have come as no surprise. Adobe first warned users 3  years ago that Flash was on its way out. It's unclear why DHEC didn't upgrade its system sooner.

The agency's system is used by doctors, funeral home directors and coroners. Ideally, all users' information, including licensing numbers and doctors' electronic signatures, would have transferred seamlessly, Evans said.

But computer overhauls are rarely ever smooth, especially in the middle of a crisis diverting users' attention, Evans said, adding he believes many doctors were too overwhelmed dealing with COVID-19 to even see DHEC's emailed notification.

Some regions of the state were able to resume printing death certificates last week, he said.

The problems seem to be worse in urban areas, where there are large hospitals with lots of doctors, he said, adding he was able to pick up two death certificates Tuesday morning from his local health office in Greenwood.

"It has caused some confusion. It's caused frustration. It has stopped the flow of things," Evans said. "It's a multifaceted problem."

But he did not blame the Vital Statistics division.

"They're doing all they can to repair everyone's issues. It's just not happening in a very quick way," he said. "They're really trying hard. Today, this year, is not a good time to be transferring systems but they didnt have a choice."
Newly appointed Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Pier Francesco Zazo presented copies of credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar.

"I accepted copies of credentials from Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Pier Francesco Zazo. I am glad that the development of economic cooperation and the continuation of active political contacts at a high level is the priority for the ambassador. We are working together on a number of bilateral events," Bodnar wrote on Twitter.
London, Jan 19 : Another 37,535 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, the lowest daily increase since the start of the year, according to official figures released on Monday.

The daily figure, down from 38,598 on Sunday, brought the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 3,433,494, the data showed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Another 599 have died within 28 days of a positive test. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 89,860, the data showed.

The latest figures were revealed as Britain is racing against time to roll out its coronavirus vaccine program in a bid to bring the pandemic under control.

People aged 70 and over and those listed as clinically extremely vulnerable in England have begun to receive the first dose of coronavirus vaccine from Monday.

Nadhim Zahawi, the minister responsible for the vaccine rollout, said despite "lumpy" vaccine supply, he was "confident" that Britain is able to vaccinate all 15 million people in the top four priority groups by mid-February.

On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said every adult in Britain is expected to receive at least one dose of a vaccine by September.

However, with deaths and cases remaining high, it is believed that Britain will still be under tight restrictions for the next few months.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  A new low pressure area is seen to trigger rains in some parts of the country and may intensify further into a tropical depression, the state weather bureau announced Tuesday.

Weather forecaster Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration told CNN Philippines' New Day that the LPA was last seen 65 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

"Based on our assessment, looking at the appearance of this low pressure area, meron po siyang 50% chance na maging tropical depression in the next 48 hours," Estareja said.

[Translation: It has a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.]

He noted that the LPA is moving northwestward towards Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region and may join the cloud bands of the northeast monsoon that will lessen its chances of intensifying further.

Currently, the LPA is hovering over the said areas with the tail-end of a frontal system  or the boundary between cold and warm air masses  bringing cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms.

The LPA will also bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over Caraga, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Quezon, he added.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Aurora. It will also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

"Expect natin by the end of February, mag-pe-prevail pa rin itong northeast monsoon hanggang sa first half of March, magtatagal pa rin po ito sa Northern Luzon," Estareja added.

[Translation: We can expect that the northeast monsoon will prevail by the end of February until the first half of March, it will likely remain in Northern Luzon.]

The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.
In their latest fight against the ban on outdoor dining, more than 50 restaurants, wineries and related businesses in Napa and Sonoma counties filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday. They argue the states restrictions on outdoor dining  while allowing other businesses like indoor retail and outdoor gyms to continue operating  violate the California Constitutions equal protection clause and due process.

The lawsuit filed in Napa County Superior Court calls the outdoor dining ban arbitrary, irrational and unfair, and argues that there isnt scientific data supporting the restrictions. Its similar to a legal challenge the California Restaurant Association filed against Los Angeles County in November, which has its next hearing in February. Tomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health, is also named in the suit.

Collectively suing in a group called the Wine Country Coalition for Safe Reopening, the businesses started organizing in December, shortly before Newsom announced the latest stay-at-home order. Many have expressed frustration that they cant operate outdoors when indoor malls are allowed to continue, and some infectious disease experts have agreed that theres no evidence linking outdoor dining with the spread of COVID-19 when masking, distancing and other safety measures are in place. The business owners hope their legal challenge allows them to reopen their outdoor patios as soon as possible.

We have all collectively spent so much money to pivot and pivot and pivot to operate safely under the guidelines, said Cynthia Ariosta, director of operations for St. Helena restaurant Pizzeria Tra Vigne, which is part of the lawsuit. We really just want to get reopened and bring our employees back to work.

Among the coalition members are Fume Bistro, which openly defied the dining ban in December; Amizetta Winery; Costeaux French Bakery; Filippis Pizza Grotto; and Olabisi Wines. Restaurant sales are down by up to 75% due to the outdoor dining ban after coalition members collectively spent millions to build or weatherize outdoor dining spaces, according to the lawsuit.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne, for example, spent $18,000 to rent a tent for six months and then $4,000 for a second tent to maximize outdoor space, plus thousands of dollars on heaters and $1,500 per month on safety equipment like face shields and thermometers. Some of these ongoing costs have continued during the shutdown as the restaurant stays open for takeout. While the restaurant often maintained 50 employees at a time, its now down to eight, Ariosta said.

The California Department of Public Health has stated the outdoor dining ban is necessary to help prevent households from mixing at a time when the coronavirus is so widespread.

This is not about which sector is riskier than another sector, its about the fact that any mixing among households presents a risk of disease transmission, the department wrote in an email this month.

Yet the lawsuit argues that more Wine Country restaurants and wineries will close if the outdoor dining ban isnt reversed soon  and that the restrictions are eroding public trust in the industry without sufficient scientific basis.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Because our government and public health officials say its safe to get on an airplane but not to dine outside, theres a percentage of the public that believes that were dangerous, said coalition member Carl Dene, who is not sure how much longer his Calistoga cafe, Sams General Store, can last. Every day I see the bank account getting closer and closer to zero. The 20-30% of sales Im doing now compared to when there was outdoor dining isnt going to sustain us.

This is the latest action in the increasingly public fight against outdoor dining bans in California. On the Peninsula, Pacifica Brewery organized an 80-person protest in late December, while Marin County restaurant Guesthouse drew more than 5,500 signatures to its online petition to overturn the ban.

Legal proceedings take time, and its possible the Bay Area will reach the states benchmark of 15% ICU availability to reopen outdoor dining before the Wine Country lawsuit gets resolved. That said, the states data forecast does not expect the Bay Areas ICU capacity to improve through the week of Feb. 7.

Were filing now because we do feel like time is of the essence and the more momentum, the more lawsuits  its going to make the change, Dene said. I also want to make sure we send a clear enough message that if (an outdoor dining ban) comes back again, were ready to do this again.

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
Image: Canva

Can a church be both a micro church and a large church at the same time? If a few years ago you were to ask Tony and Felicity Dale, or read Felicitys book Simply Church, or Neil Cole, author of Organic Church, or Wolfgang Simson and his book Houses that Change the World, they wouldve probably answered no.

However, while theyre all micro church advocates, they would probably acknowledge that the gravitational pull is still toward the large church.

Years ago, I facilitated a gathering of both megachurches and micro churches in Austin, Texas. Felicity Dale made it clear to everyone, I'm not in competition. Hill Country Bible Church, a local megachurch in Austin, was represented by its senior pastor, Tim Hawks. Tim and Felicity were really engaging as they dialogued. Felicity admitted (my paraphrase), Our singing is really bad. There are 15 of us gathering in a room and we're really passionate about this, but then when I go to Tims church it's like literally being transported to heaven. The band's playing and people are really singing.

Reflecting back, the merit of their interaction and the dynamics of their conversation raises an intriguing question that could unlock a great potential for the future of the church: Can micro and large coexist?

The rest of this article explores what used to be a dichotomized way of thinking about micro and mega, and the opportunity nowlargely due to the pandemicfor bringing these church expressions closer together.

Downward Pressure and the Micro Church

Over the years, Ive talked about what frustrates some of my micro (house, simple, and organic) church friends. There are 34 Western industrialized democracies in the world and there are no micro church movements similar to the ones we see in Africa, Asia, or Latin America among any of the non-majority world peoples. I've done the research and can attest to their frustration.

For many years, I was the missiologist for the largest Protestant denomination in America. I flew around the country looking for movements that people would refer to me or that I would read about in books. None of them were verifiable by actual research. There are no identifiable largescale micro church movements in the West, especially ones that meet the definition of a Church Planting Movement given by the missiologist David Garrison.

What are we to make of this?

One of the greatest common factors that make micro church movements possible in majority world situationsand perhaps, even a necessityis downward pressure. In countries such as China and Cuba, the downward pressure has come from government suppression on all kinds of religions but especially Christianity. In other parts of the world, such as India, Bangladesh or Kenya, the downward pressure is more economics and social class. These are things that we havent explicitly experienced in modern Western democracies.

At least not until the coronavirus crisis and the lockdowns which began in the Spring of 2020.

Downward Pressure in a Pandemic

In Western societies that have touted religious tolerance and the freedom of assembly, what kind of downward pressure could cause someone to reconsider walking into a Hill Country Bible Church with all of its heavenly worship and amazing teaching? What is it that would create a downward pressure which pushes people to the periphery of church life in practice, and which opens up the possibility for a micro church movement dynamic?

If its ever going to happen, then its got to be as major as a global pandemic.

Now, we have seen dozens of global pandemics happen throughout the history of the church. When the Black Death swept through Europe, Christians met in cathedrals before, they met in cathedrals during, and they met in cathedrals after. They knew that being near each other spread the disease, and made concessions to minimize close contact. Like us, they had to pause and pivot. But they continued meeting in large gatherings and in large buildings. Such was also the case with the 1918 Flu Pandemic.

So, what is it about the coronavirus crisis in our time that could be different?

I dont think its found in the circumstances as much as it is in the pervasive thinking that the church, especially in America, needs change. I think after decades of prayer and years of talking about missional innovation, some will actually seize this moment to do something about it. A large part of me feels that most churches will revert to whats been their norm. I think the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. But I also think that many will experiment with new ideas and approaches to church. I hope they will because I believe God is at work, particularly in the margins and in hard times.

I'm of the view that we are in the midst of a very bad, broken situation and are facing the greatest global crisis in our lifetime. But we could, in God's goodness and pushed by the pandemic with downward pressure, mobilize lay people as functional lay pastors, empowered for more decentralized ministries such as starting and leading micro churches.

This has happened before in history. In the 1700s, John Wesley in England and Theodore Frelinghuysen utilized lay preachers in their ministries in a season of great revival. Wesleys use of them helped build a leadership structure in the Methodist church which was exploding with growth during that time. Frelinghuysen used lay preachers in his ministry among the Dutch Reformed in the colony of New Jersey. The practice became established among the Dutch Reformed in the colonies.

I believe that existing churches that are taking steps to train and equip lay people to serve as lay pastors and local missionaries will re-emerge in the post-pandemic situation with more workers for the harvest. Some could even find their church structure becoming more decentralized in their ministry, and functioning more as a network or family of smaller churches. For years, the cell church and small groups movement told us that life and mission happened best in small groups. Some churches have been putting this idea to the test since the beginning of the pandemic.

Its still too early to see what will come from the spurts of innovation were seeing amid the pandemic. But I have never seen so many large church pastors open to the idea of starting and supporting smaller expressions of church. And I have never seen so many micro church leaders willing to converse and collaborate with large church pastors.

This was the dynamic I saw in the conversation between Felicity Dale and Tim Hawks, and this is a dynamic I am seeing now that I hope will remain even after the pandemic.

Questions Remain

My colleague Daniel Yang is involved in starting a church of missional communities in Chicagoland called The Prodigal Network. Their leadership team is covocational focused on evangelism, discipleship, and developing leaders. The people that gather together in their living rooms and community spaces, who see each other day by day, and ask one another, How are you doing spiritually? How are you growing? How are you using your gifts? are far more likely to have a high percentage of members engaged in discipleship and ministry than if they were to come into a room where all are lined up in rows facing forward, like shelves at Walmart. They recognize the power of the small unit of church in their missional communities but are also leveraging the advantage of the big by networking their groups together.

Which brings us back to our question: Can we take advantage of the best of both micro and large? Right now, I think its possible and some are doing it aided by the downward pressure of the pandemic. But the bigger question is, can what they are discovering be sustained, and will others follow suit? Will the gravitational pull that draws people toward the larger church, and its dynamic worship and teaching like at a Hill Country Bible Church, be too strong?

This is a great time to have a greater sense of micro church engagement and involvement. I am glad were seeing some of it happen, and I hope and pray that well see more. But the question remains whether we can create and maintain these sprouting micro movements once the downward pressure lets up.

For the sake of reaching all kinds of people, I hope we can.
Advertisement

The United States hit a grim milestone and surpassed 400,000 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

That figure is more than the number of Americans who died during World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined and nearly the same number who died in World War II

To put into context, it is about the population of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Tampa, Florida; or New Orleans. It is equivalent to the sea of humanity that was at Woodstock in 1969.

The death toll comes on the final day in office of President Donald Trump - whose handling of the crisis bar Operation Warp Speed - has been judged by public health experts a singular failure. It's also almost exactly one year to the day since the first virus case was detected in Seattle on January 21.

The first known deaths from the virus in the U.S. were in early February 2020, both of them in Santa Clara County, California.

America's death toll is the highest in the world despite the country accounting for less than five percent of the global population.

More than 24.1 million people have been infected since the pandemic began.

And the virus isn't finished with the U.S. by any means. Even with the arrival of the vaccines, a widely cited model by the University of Washington projects the death toll will reach nearly 567,000 by May 1 of this yea with drops in cases, hospitalizations and and deaths beginning around February.

While the Trump administration has been credited with Operation Warp Speed, the crash program to develop and distribute coronavirus vaccines, Trump repeatedly downplayed the threat, mocked masks and railed against lockdowns, promoted unproven and unsafe treatments, undercut scientific experts and expressed scant compassion for the victims.

Even his own bout with COVID-19 last year left him unchanged.

The White House defended the administration.

'We grieve every single life lost to this pandemic, and thanks to the president's leadership, Operation Warp Speed has led to the development of multiple safe and effective vaccines in record time, something many said would never happen,' said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

On Tuesday, the United States surpassed 400,000 coronavirus deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, close to one year after the very first death was recorded

This means more Americans have died from COVID-19 than died during World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined

The death toll comes on President Donald Trump's final full day in office. Pictured: Trump boards Air Force One before departing Harlingen, Texas, January 12, 2021

America's death toll is the highest in the world despite the country accounting for less than five percent of the global population. Pictured: Pall bearers carry a casket with the body of Lydia Nunez, who died from COVID-19, after a funeral service at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Los Angeles, July 2020

The first known deaths from the virus in the U.S. were in early February 2020, both of them in Santa Clara County, California. Pictured: Artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg walks among thousands of white flags planted in remembrance of Americans who have died of COVID-19 near Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, October 2020

Since the first case was detected in the U.S. in Seattle on January 21, more than 24.1 million Americans have been infected

From the Lincoln Memorial to the Empire State building, landmarks across the United States will be illuminated on Tuesday evening as part of a ceremony led by President-elect Joe Biden to honor the 400,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19.

The commemoration comes just hours before Trump leaves the White House and hands over a country in crisis.

The ceremony, spearheaded by Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, will be the federal government's first nod to the staggering death toll from the pandemic.

Biden and Harris will lead a lighting ceremony at the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial at 5.15 pm ET followed by a moment of silence and 400 bell tolls at the National Cathedral to symbolically honor the COVID-19 dead.

'Hundreds of towns, cities, tribes, landmarks, and communities all across the country have committed to joining the tribute in a national moment of unity,' Biden's inaugural committee said in a statement.

Local officials from Miami, Florida, to San Diego, California, said buildings in their cities would be lit for the occasion.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City was inviting the public to light a candle on its front steps on Tuesday evening before a solemn bell toll.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in the countrys battle against COVID-19 under Biden, who has pledged to make coronavirus relief a top priority when he takes office on Wednesday under unprecedented security measures in the nations capital.

In addition., instead of the usual Inauguration Day crowds, approximately 191,500 flags will cover the National Mall in honor of those unable to travel to Washington due to the pandemic.

Transporters Miguel Lopez, front, and Noe Meza wheel a gurney carrying a deceased COVID-19 patient at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills section of Los Angeles, January 9, 2021

Lonardo Cabana cries over the casket of his father Hector Cabana who died of COVID-19 before the a funeral home service given by Father Fabian Arias in Brooklyn, New York, May 2020

Approximately 191,500 flags will cover the National Mall in honor of those unable to travel to Washington for the inaugration of President-elect Joe Biden due to the pandemic (above)

A TIMELINE OF MAJOR EVENTS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IN THE U.S. December 31, 2019: Chinese authorities reveal they are treating dozens of cases of pneumonia of an unknown cause in Wuhan January 21, 2020: The first U.S. case of coronavirus is detected in a man in his 30s in Seattle, Washington, who developed symptoms after a trip to Wuhan January 30, 2020: The WHO declares the virus to be a global health emergency February 11, 2020: The WH) names the disease caused by the virus COVID-19 February 29, 2020: Authorities announce the first COVID-19 death at the Kirkland Life Care Center in Seattle March 26, 2020: The U.S. becomes the country with the most infections April 21, 2020: Authorities discover the actual earliest death of coronavirus occurred on February 6 in California April 30, 2020: American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the first airlines to require a face mask on flights May 27, 2020: Coronavirus deaths in the U.S. surpassed 100,000 July 13, 2020: A study found that the pandemic caused around 5.4 million Americans to lose their health insurance between February and May August 3, 2020: The U.S. death toll topped 150,000 deaths and President Trump said: 'It is what it is' August - September 2020: Coronavirus cases begin surging across colleges, forcing classes to be moved online September 22, 2020: The U.S. death toll surpassed 200,000 October 2, 2020: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump test positive for COVID-19 November 8, 2020: America hits a total of 10 million infections November 18, 2020: The U.S. death toll surpasses 250,000 December 11, 2020: The FDA approves a coronavirus vaccine manufactures by Pfizer Inc December 14, 2020: America records 300,000 total deaths December 18, 2020: The FDA approves Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine January 8, 2021: Daily COVID-19 deaths surpass 4,000 for the first time January 19, 2021: The U.S. tops 400,000 deaths Advertisement

Biden will inherit a grieving and sickened nation from Trump, who critics say was to blame for a disjointed and ineffectual response to the pandemic, resulting in the United States having the highest COVID-19 death toll in the world.

On Tuesday, his last full day as president, Trump had no public events scheduled, although U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was planning to convene the White House Coronavirus Task Force for its last meeting under his watch.

Many of Bidens policy plans fly in the face of the Trump administrations approach to combating the pandemic.

They include a mask mandate that would apply to federal properties, planes and buses and a recommitment to the World Health Organization after Trumps withdrawal from the agency.

Biden will also face the daunting task of overseeing the nations COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.

The United States is trailing in its vaccination goal, with just 14.7 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, and only about 54 percent of vaccine doses distributed to states have been administered to people, according to data from Bloomberg.

Some states like California are floundering with vaccination rollout, using a meager 40 percent of doses distributed to it.

However, North Dakota is flying through the doses sent to it by the federal government, using 78 percent of its allotted doses and vaccinating just shy of seven percent of its population.

States, tasked with rolling out their own vaccine programs, have lamented a lack of funding and support from the federal government. Some localities say they do not have adequate supply to meet demand.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday warned New York City will run out of vaccine doses as soon as Thursday and will be forced to cancel many appointments if it does not get resupplied quickly.

We will have literally nothing left to give as of Friday, de Blasio told a news conference.

Biden has said he will seek a $1.9 trillion spending proposal that includes funding for accelerating the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, and Democrats, who now hold a slight majority in Congress, hope to prioritize state and local aid in the next stimulus deal.

Earlier today, Dr Anthony Fauci, says masks and social distancing aren't going anywhere any time soon and that the nation may have to prepare for the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay.

'We have to make that as a possibility. We've got to be prepared for that,' said Fauci told morning show The National Desk on Tuesday.

'Right now we're fortunate enough to have a vaccine that is extremely efficacious for the strain that now is circulating in our own country. We may need to make modifications, as new strains that are different come in.'

The nation's top infectious disease expert says normalcy may only occur when the majority of the country is vaccinated.

'When we get the country to be 70 percent to 85 percent vaccinated, and we get this blanket or umbrella of herd immunity so that the level of virus is so low in society that it's not really a threat to anybody, then we can start coming down on the stringency of the public health measures,' Fauci said.

'Bottom line is that if you get vaccinated, you can't throw away the masks, because you could be infected and conceivably infect others.'

North Dakota administered 3,222 vaccines on January 14 alone, according to its latest data. Nearly six percent of its population has had their first shot, and nearly one percent have already received their second.

Meanwhile, the state has 1,377 active cases of COVID-19 as of Monday - just a little over 10 percent as many as it saw at its November peak of 10,195.

Deaths in North Dakota continue to climb, but have leveled off since November.

Throughout much the nation, a game of federal and state he-said-she-said continues, and is doing little to speed the sluggish rollout.

Houston, Texas, officials say they are receiving sporadic shipments of small numbers of vaccine doses.

'Right now, having (doses) one day and then running out, it just creates a lot of chaos,' said Galveston County health director Dr Philip Keiser on Monday, according to Houston Public Media.

North Dakota has given nearly 53,000 of the 76,275 doses sent to it, and kept up a consistent flow of administering vaccines since its first doses arrived last month (pictured), according to the state's health department

Active coronavirus cases have fallen by 80% and the number of new daily infections in the state is a fraction of what it had been a month ago when North Dakota was among the nation's top hotspots

Cumulative deaths have increased in North Dakota, but the state has drastically bent the curve of fatalities since it climbed steeply last month, reaching a peak of 499 deaths in November, followed by 278 in December and 37 so far in January

About 31.1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been sent to US states by the federal government, according to tracking from Bloomberg.

While West Virginia races to the head of the pack, vaccinating nearly nine percent of its population in just a month, California and Alabama rank worst, getting shots in the arms of just 3.3 percent and 2.7 percent of their residents, respectively.

Mass vaccination sites opened in larger states like New York, California and Florida, but rates of shot administration remain low.

Some of the states that have most vocally blamed the federal government for the vaccine rollout are among the slowest to use the doses sent to them.

California has vaccinated just 3.3 percent of its population and used a little over a third of its allotted doses, despite turning Disneyland and Dodger Stadium into mass vaccination sites.

Only about 3% of Americans have gotten their first doses of coronavirus vaccines, with the highest rates in West Virginia and the Dakotas, and the lowest rates of vaccination are in Alabama and Arizona

More than half of all doses of coronavirus vaccines distributed to US states are sitting on the shelves, with the highest rates of unused shots in California and Texas - despite the former being one of the worst hotspots for COVID-19 in the country

Former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb estimates only a THIRD of the US population really want the COVID vaccine By Keith Griffith for DailyMail.com The former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has shared concerns that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations will be slowed by large numbers refusing the shot, predicting only a third of the U.S. population will volunteer for inoculation. Dr. Scott Gottlieb aired his concerns in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning, saying that many younger people who are unlikely to face serious illness might decline to get vaccinated. So far, 10.5 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, out of the 31 million doses distributed to states, according to the latest available CDC data. Dr. Anthony Fauci has estimated that up to 80 percent of the U.S. population, or some 260 million people, will need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the point at which the virus is unable to spread widely. 'At some point demand is going to become an issue,' Gottlieb said in the interview, pointing out that last fall, the number of people getting a flu vaccine hit a record high, but was still only 120 million. 'Those were people who were worried about getting COVID going out and getting flu vaccines. That may be the universe of people who really have significant demand for a COVID vaccine,' he said. 'There's going to be a lot of intense demand even in younger cohorts, but I think once we get to 100 million, maybe 120 million vaccines, the demand is going to get soft,' he added. 'We've talked about access being the real challenge right now, and now we're talking about supply because we're starting to get to a steady state of supply and it's hard to increase the supply in the near term,' said Gottlieb. 'At some point, demand is going to be come an issue.' 'We can't lose sight of that and just take for granted that everyone wants this vaccine,' he said. Advertisement

New York is faring a little better using up 53 percent of its doses and vaccinated about 5.4 percent of its population.

Southern and Sun Belt states are struggling. Alabama and Arizona have each vaccinated just 2.7 percent of their populations.

That's particularly worrisome for Arizona, which has had more coronavirus infections per capita than any where else in the world.

The surprise leaders in the race remain West Virginia and the Dakotas.

West Virginia was the only state in the union turned down the federal government's partnership with CVS and WalGreens to help vaccinate its nursing home residents.

And now it's vaccinated 8.6 percent of its population - more than than any other states.

North and South Dakota have vaccinated nearly seven and 6.45 percent of their respective populations.

A senior federal official told DailyMail.com that the US will meet its goal of distributing 50 million doses to states this week.

But at this rate, it could be weeks before all of those doses make it into Americans' arms.

States have given fewer than half of the doses the federal government has shipped - 46 percent - yet some say they are running out of doses.

Reports emerged last week that there was no federal stockpile of second doses to increase states' supplies - after HHS Secretary Alex Azar promised that the reserve would be released - triggering panic.

Federal officials say that the number of doses made available to states each week has increased, but that the notion that the government ever had a stockpile was incorrect.

In fact, a senior administration official told DailyMail.com that some states are not completing all their orders for new doses each week, leaving them shorthanded.

Yet states, including Texas, say they're on pace to run out of doses of vaccine by next week if they continue to administer as many as possible.

Since it began over a month ago, the US coronavirus vaccine rollout has been plagued by a game of federal and state 'he said, she said,' and little seems to have changed.

The emergence of more infectious coronavirus variants, including the UK's 'super-covid,' should be a 'clarion call' to Americans to get vaccinated, said Dr Anthony Fauci during a Sunday Meet the Press appearance.

But the uptake has been slow.

Los Angeles is among the worst hotspots for coronavirus in the US and health workers are racing to vaccinate at-risk people - including nursing home residents in Pasadena (pictured, file), but the state has used just 27.5% of its allotted doses

Experts say yet another factor is holding up the rollout: 'We're underselling the vaccine' Dr Aaron Richterman, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania told the New York Times.

He's not alone in thinking that attempts to temper expectations and keep Americans from ripping of their masks as soon as they get their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines may be misguided.

'It's driving me a little bit crazy,' Dr Ashish Jha of the Brown School of Public told the Times.

Vaccines made by both Moderna and Pfizer are more than 94 percent effective at preventing COVID-19, and that should be the focus of public messaging, the experts say.

That's not to say that questions still being researched - such as rather the shots prevent infection or transmission altogether - should be concealed, nor that warnings about potential side effects shouldn't be clear.

But, Dr Jha and Dr Richterman worry that the emphasis on what's unknown is fueling hesitancy and slowing the uptake of shots.

One California epidemiologist on Sunday called for Moderna to put a hold on 330,000 doses from one lot that have already been distributed after 'fewer than 10' people had possible severe allergic reactions to the shots within 24 hours.

Moderna, the FDA and the CDC are all investigating the incidences, but said in a statement to Fox News that vaccination is never without risks.

The reactions all happened within the observation period while the recipients were still at the vaccination site in San Diego.

Health care workers and nursing home residents were put first in line for coronavirus vaccines.

But during the first weeks of the rollout, staggering numbers of health care workers turned down the shots.

One Illinois veterans nursing home said that while about 90 percent of its elderly residents had said 'yes' to the shot, some 80 percent of staff had said 'no.'

Nurses in Texas and California - two of the nation's worst hotspots for COVID-19 - said they and about half of their colleagues planned to refuse or delay vaccination.

In New York, four doses of vaccine had to be thrown out because willing recipients working in health care could not be found in time to use the shots before they expired.

Amid suspicion that resistance among health care workers and rigid state plans for who could be vaccinated when were the problem, federal officials urged vaccination to be opened up to people 65 and older.
MBABANE  As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, employers have been given the green light to start applying for the retrenchment of employees.

When the pandemic first hit the country in March 2020, employers were discouraged from retrenching their staff, but only allowed to apply for layoffs, which would last for a period not longer than two months. Over 18 000 employees had already been on layoff towards the end of 2020. However, last Saturday, the Labour Commissioners Office issued a notice stating that employers could now submit applications for Retrenchment Notices, Applications for Layoffs and Labour Compliance Certificates. According to the Labour Commissioner, Mthunzi Shabangu, many companies had been hard hit by the effects of the pandemic and could not function and as a result, wanted to retrench some members of their staff.

Rescue

However, Shabangu encouraged employers to utilise the business rescue measures which had been introduced by government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.

These include the E45 million fund, which government has launched, where businesspeople can apply for a loan. The fund is managed by EswatiniBank. Shabangu said as part of the initial guidelines, which they had published at the early stages of the emergence of COVID-19 in April last year, from the employment and labour sector through Legal Notice No.22 of 2020, they were meant to mitigate against immediate permanent job losses.

He said retrenchment was the permanent cessation of employment. It is for that reason that during the subsistence of those guidelines from March 27 up to November 18, 2020, retrenchments due to business distress caused by COVID-19 were prohibited in the country, he explained. He said instead, employers were encouraged to rather apply for unpaid layoffs of their employees. The labour commissioner said, however, with the new regulations which started operating on November 19, 2020, they had since relaxed the initial restrictions by allowing retrenchments as a result of business distress caused by the effects of COVID-19.
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.
Strains in Congress-DMK alliance in Puducherry

India

oi-Deepika S

Puducherry, Jan 19: Cracks appeared to have developed in the decade-old alliance between the ruling Congress and DMK in the union territory just months ahead of the assembly elections, with a senior leader of the Dravidian party pitching for contesting all 30 seats.

Party sources said DMK, which has been of late distancing itself from the Congress, felt the V Narayanasamy government had ditched the party on several occasions and matters, including appointment of chairpersons to various statutory bodies, and occasions though it had been supporting it from outside since 2016.

Amid the visible strains, senior leader and MP S Jagathratchagan, deputed by the party leadership, on Monday told a party executive committee meeting here that DMK should win in all 30 constituencies in the next polls, likely in April-May, seen as an indication that it should go it alone.

ABP-CVoter Opinion Poll: Congress-DMK, NDA in close contest in Puducherry

At the meeting, local DMK leaders, including MLA R Siva and former minister S P Sivakumar, projected Jagathratchagan, who represents Arakonam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party.

'The DMK should romp home in all the 30 assembly constituencies in the Union Territory in the next polls,' the MP said, adding the party needed to emerge a big winner so that it could strive hard to ensure that Puducherry made a rapid stride in every field.

While welcoming Jagathratchagan on his arrival at the venue of the meeting, the DMK workers raised slogans hailing him as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party.

DMK had won two seats out of the ten it contested under the Congress-led alliance in the 2016 assembly elections. Its tally rose to three after the victory in the byelection to Thattanchavady held in 2019.

Indications of strains in the ties had been there since the past few months with the DMK keeping away from various agitations staged by the Congress.

The DMK had held a separate protest last month over the central farm laws issue when the Congress gave a call for the stir and its three MLAs were absent when the assembly passed a resolution seeking repeal of the contentious acts on Monday.

Despite being part of the democratic secular progressive alliance, the DMK did not take part in the agitation by the combine earlier this month demanding the recall of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi for allegedly impeding implementation of welfare schemes.

It was the general wish of the rank and file that DMK party should contest in all the 30 seats in the coming assembly poll on its own, a party source told PTI on Tuesday.

The developments come at a time when the strength of the Congress in the assembly has come down to 14 after the disqualification of rebel MLA N Dhanavelu on charges of anti- party activities and the party banks on the support of the three DMK MLAs.

In fact, opposition parties, including AIADMK, on Monday demanded that Narayanasamy prove his majority in the assembly, pointing to the cold ties between Congress and DMK.

However, a DMK source here said the party did not want to pull down the Congress government.

'We do not want to topple the government. But the hidden agenda with which the Congress government is functioning is a disturbing environment for the DMK.

'We will, however, carry out whatever directives our high command and party leader M K Stalin give us in the context of the coming assembly polls,' the source added.

Interestingly, even on the never ending tussle between the ruling dispensation and Bedi over administrative issues, the DMK was of the view that the former had taken wrong decisions on some matters and it could reflect on the party when it approaches voters seeking support for the alliance.

A senior Congress leader, however, rejected the charge that the DMK had been sidelined.

'The government is implementing several schemes maintaining balance. There is no truth in the criticism by the DMK against the government. Despite several hurdles the Lt Governor had been putting in implementation of the schemes the government is catering for the wellbeing of people in all segments without discrimination,' the leader said.

He also said the question of continuation of the alliance between the Congress and DMK was a matter lying within the domain of the leaderships of the two parties and 'local units of the parties have no say.'

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 19:48 [IST]
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With first responders across the country suffering from shortages, PPE manufacturer Armbrust American today announced that its factories are now capable of producing meltblown, the non-woven fabric material that is crucial to filtering out microscopic particulate matter such as the coronavirus.

Armbrust American's Texas-based medical mask production facility. Photo by Alex Smith. Armbrust American's Texas-based medical mask facility & meltblown machine.

In 2019 less than 3 million tons of meltblown material was produced in China, which isn't enough to manufacture a sufficient supply of PPE like surgical and N95 respirator masks. The move to produce its own meltblown allows Armbrust American to control costs and better scale its operations so that America's first responders have the protection they need.

"Nine months into this pandemic, a lack of domestic manufacturing is the only explanation for why America still does not have enough PPE," said Founder and CEO Lloyd Armbrust. "Investing to produce our own meltblown means we aren't dependent on other countries, who are more than willing to profit from our lack of preparation."

Meltblown is made from plastic polypropylene pellets that are melted down and "blown" into a nonwoven fabric sheet, which then gets a static charge to improve filter effectiveness. The majority of meltblown material is manufactured in China and sold to U.S. manufacturers at a great cost. This has caused prices for PPE to skyrocket, with some health service providers now passing those exuberant expenses to patients in the form of surcharges, according to recent reports .

"PPE prices skyrocketed globally during this pandemic because China controls the supply, and the situation is scarcely better today. So when demand for PPE rises, America is once again at their mercy, unable to deliver products and held hostage to rampant price gouging," said Armbrust American President Landon Morales. "We can't rely on other countries to supply masks. America needs to take care of itself."

Armbrust is manufacturing a new Electrostatic Armor  Meltblown, the company's new proprietary blend of meltblown filtration material that more easily adds a static charge and allows those wearing a mask greater breathability. Despite the premium quality and proprietary process, the company is still able to keep costs lower than what is sold from China.

"The shortage has caused people to rely on reusable cloth masks that offer as little as 10% protection against the coronavirus. And now our hospitals are subsidizing Chinese companies to produce something that can be made better and cheaper at home," Armbrust said.

About Armbrust American

Armbrust American's mission is to bring strategic manufacturing back to the U.S. Founded in 2020 by Y-Combinator alumni Lloyd Armbrust, the company currently operates a factory out of Austin, Texas utilizing a proprietary mix of materials and manufacturing innovation to provide the highest quality PPE at a competitive cost. Lloyd was previously the founder and CEO of OwnLocal, a company that automates production for 3,500 newspapers worldwide.

Introduction Video: About Armbrust American (2-min)

For more info, visit: https://www.armbrustusa.com/

Media Contact:

Tom Cheredar

[email protected]

Ph: (512) 831-4409

SOURCE Armbrust American

Related Links

https://www.armbrustusa.com


The DuPont company and a former employee pleaded not guilty Tuesday to allegations they ignored federal regulations and company policy, causing the deaths of four workers exposed to a massive release of a toxic chemical.

Kenneth Sandel, 49, and the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Inc. are accused of knowingly ignoring mandatory safety regulations that would have prevented the 2014 incident at the companys La Porte facility. Sandel, who headed the plants Insecticide Business Unit, appeared via video from his Friendswood garage before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy following a Jan. 7 indictment. A team of defense lawyers for the company also were in attendance.

The federal magistrate released Sandel on unsecured bond pending trial and ordered him to surrender his passport and remain in the U.S. He and the company are charged with negligently releasing extremely hazardous substances and failing to implement safe work practices and written procedures and prevent accidental releases.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Chemical breakdown

Sandel was assigned to ensure workers in that insecticide unit, which manufactured pesticides used on fruits and other crops, followed federal safety regulations, according to court documents.

A 2019 Chemical Safety Board report on the incident said the facilitys incinerator was poorly designed, leading to frequent fluid build-up. Both the CSB report and Tuesdays indictment tell of workers routinely being told to drain the liquid from the pipes inside the facility without specifically addressing the hazards involved. The problem had existed for years before the fatal incident, according to both documents.

Investigators say the day and night before the deadly incident, Sandel and DuPont engineers came up with a plan to divert a large volume of methyl mercaptan gas into a waste gas pipe system, after a blockage had formed due to cold weather. When workers Crystle Wise and Wade Baker attempted to drain the pipe as usual, they unknowingly released a massive amount of the toxic chemical into the air, killing Baker immediately and killing Wise after she managed to call for help. Robert Tisnado was killed while trying to save Baker and Wise. His brother Gilbert Tisnado was killed as he tried to save Robert.

The company and Sandel entered not guilty pleas to the charges, which is standard practice at arraignment hearings. Stacy set the trial for March 29 before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.

Prosecutors say Sandel knew what would happen if he didnt instruct the workers how to prevent the accidental release and he failed to warn them.

Sandels lawyers said in a statement their client was absolutely innocent and we are confident a jury will agree. Criminally charging their client will only compound the tragedy of what happened, said attorneys Amy Craig and Miles Ehrlich.

Six years ago Ken Sandel lost four dear coworkers and friends in a tragic, unforeseen accident, the statement said. Ken did not cause this accident and he did nothing wrong.

Gregg Schmidt, the spokesperson for Corteva, the parent company of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, said in a statement the company deeply regrets the events that occurred at the La Porte plant.

We will never forget the colleagues we lost and will continue to honor their memory, he said.

Schmidt said the company strongly disagrees with the basis of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas decision to bring criminal charges, adding that it will contest the charges vigorously.

Its rare to see federal criminal charges brought involving violations of the Clean Air Act. There were less than 20 such cases annually for the last five fiscal years. Its also unusual to see such a case more than six years after the incident.

The 2005 Texas City refinery explosion reached a settlement with BP just three years later, said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas. Its a much higher legal threshold to bring criminal charges but it does seem like a pretty long time.

The charges stem from the November 2014 incident at the La Porte plant when 24,000 pounds of methyl mercaptan, a highly toxic, flammable gas, were released.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Up in the tower

DuPont, a Delaware-based global chemical manufacturer, previously owned the La Porte facility that was the site of one of the deadliest accidents in years. The insecticide unit at the plant has since been demolished.

John Morawetz remembers the details of the case years later. Hes the health and safety representative with the International Chemical Workers Union Council.

This was very foreseeable, Morawetz said, whos retiring at the end of the month after 32 years with the union. It was a horrendous situation that never should have happened.

The unit manufactured Lannate and Vydate, which brought the company an annual net income of about $123 million in 2014, according to court documents. Following other such deadly incidents, Environmental Protection Agency set protections in place by way of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act which sought to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals.

Rock Owens was a special assistant county attorney for environmental affairs until he retired in October. He got DuPont to pay a $25,000 fine for its role in the incident.

DuPont was a case that really pissed me off, Owens said. Here you have a company like DuPont that sells its safety program around the world and then you have something like this happen here. These poor guys were being told to ignore gas detection warnings. Some of those didnt work. There was no safety plan for if something like this happened.

We were very lucky we didnt have people killed off-site due to this, Owens said. The temperature conditions that helped cause it probably helped us avoid those off-site deaths.

The fatal DuPont incident came a year after the West Fertilizer explosion killed 15 people. Three years after West, the Obama administration introduced new rules in response to prevent and lessen the impact of chemical incidents.

The new regulations required companies to conduct root-cause analysis after incidents, use third-party audits and improve public transparency. Companies were mandated to study whether they could use safer technology or less hazardous chemicals to reduce the potential for harm in an incident. There was no requirement to make changes based on those studies.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Disaster Rule rollback

Under the Trump Administration, an industry coalition asked the EPA to reconsider what was known as the Chemical Disaster Rule. The rules were suspended, and Trump officials argued in court that they needed more time to consider industry objections. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument, saying the EPA needed to propose new rules or change the existing ones, and could not suspend the rules indefinitely.

In November 2019, the EPA finalized its changes to the rules, which rolled back the changes made after West. The agency said removing the incident prevention regulations would save Americans roughly $88 million per year.

As a candidate, President-Elect Joe Biden opposed rolling back the Chemical Disaster rule but its unclear whether he will attempt to reintroduce the regulations or push for something new.

The Houston area is home to more than 2,500 chemical facilities.

A 2015 Houston Chronicle investigation found theres a major chemical incident in the greater Houston area every six weeks. There have been multiple incidents in the Houston area since the fatal DuPont incident.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a series of large chemical fires erupted at the Arkema plant in Crosby. Company officials were criminally indicted and later acquitted in relation to the fire. In 2019, an explosion at the KMCO chemical plant in Crosby killed one worker. Also in 2019, a series of large chemical leaks and fires at the Exxon Mobil facility in Baytown later resulted in Harris County suing the company for violating environmental regulations.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com

matt.dempsey@chron.com

hannah.dellinger@chron.com contributed.

The HSIB said there has been increased demand for oxygen during the pandemic (PA)

The deteriorating state of some NHS buildings could be having an impact on the supply of oxygen, health leaders have said.

NHS Providers called for vital capital investment to address the NHS maintenance backlog.

The request comes after health investigators launched a probe into the provision of piped oxygen gas supplies to hospitals.

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) launched a national investigation after a hospital trust declared a major incident when demands on its oxygen supply led to patients being diverted to different hospitals and a need to transfer patients between clinical environments.

New investigation, launched today: we look into oxygen issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more on our website >> https://t.co/fdUXdeetVj #patientsafety #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/byfOa6PSg5  Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (@hsib_org) January 15, 2021

The trust had sufficient supplies of liquid oxygen available but its piped oxygen system was unable to deliver the volume of oxygen gas required to meet all patient needs, the HSIB said.

The HSIB said there has been increased demand for oxygen during the pandemic.

It warned that insufficient oxygen supply to seriously ill patients can have very severe consequences, including death.

Meanwhile BOC, the main oxygen supplier to the NHS, said in a statement on its website that it has helped with 30 system upgrades to increase the capabilities of oxygen delivery systems in hospitals across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

NHS Providers, which represents acute, ambulance, community and mental health services, called for NHS trusts to be awarded capital funding to address important maintenance work.

The organisations chief executive Chris Hopson said: With the number of people being admitted into hospital with Covid-19 increasing, the need for oxygen piped to bedsides has also risen dramatically.

The growing demand for continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to support patients, rather than mechanical ventilation, has also placed additional demands on oxygen supply over and above the problems we saw in the first peak.

We welcome HSIBs investigation into the provision of piped oxygen gas supplies to hospitals.

"The condition of the NHS estate has made responding to the COVID-19 pandemic more difficult."



Read senior policy officer Patrick Garrattas latest blog on the growing maintenance backlog across the NHS estate.



https://t.co/tz8NWrIJUb pic.twitter.com/nnSAao8Y94  NHS Providers (@NHSProviders) January 19, 2021

Trusts are doing all they can to secure and scale up capacity to deliver oxygen and are working with BOC and other experts to overcome real logistical challenges.

Trusts have upgraded several hospital systems over the past few months to prepare, however many trusts are telling us that the deteriorating state of the NHS estate is having an impact on the supply of oxygen.

Recent figures on the NHS estate show that the escalating backlog maintenance bill is a real problem, and so we must see trusts receive vital capital funding to carry out important maintenance work to meet growing demand and to keep people safe.

Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president at the Society of Acute Medicine, said: It boils down to the amount being used being greater than the capacity of the building infrastructure to deliver.

This is usually down to the piping in hospitals.

In many trusts, the demand for oxygen is one of many areas that should be monitored daily during surges  we know that certain forms of respiratory support require significantly larger flows of oxygen to maintain them and these forms of support are being used more and more as the pandemic progresses as they are often delivered outside of critical care units.

There is very little trusts can do acutely day-to-day over this but it is a reflection of our often ageing hospital buildings and the NHSs overall lack of pandemic planning that it is an issue, and perhaps this should really have been looked at over the relatively quiet summer months to identify where it was going to be a severe issue and any possible mitigations put in place.

A spokesman for the NHS in England said: The NHS has enough oxygen supplies to meet current demand and will continue to work with suppliers to manage any future needs. It is more important than ever that the public do everything possible to reduce social transmission and help reduce infection rates.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: We are investing record sums to upgrade and modernise our NHS buildings to build back better.

Alongside providing funding to deliver 48 hospitals and 20 major hospital upgrades across the country, we recently announced 600 million to tackle nearly 1,800 urgent maintenance projects across 178 trusts.

Before winter, over 30 additional upgrade projects were completed to improve the long term oxygen and medical supply systems within hospitals.
A pub landlady has died from coronavirus while lying in her hospital bed planning a funeral for her husband who was killed by the virus just two weeks before.

Gail, 53, and John Evill, 62, landlords at The Conway Inn in Aberdare, south Wales, were admitted to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil just before Christmas after developing severe breathing problems.

Admitted just days apart, 62-year-old pub landlord Mr Evill was eventually placed in intensive care before he died on Saturday, January 2, with his wife at his bedside as doctors switched off his ventilator.

But on Friday, January 15, widow Gail also died with coronavirus, aged 53, after spending her last days in a neighbouring ward organising an undertaker, coffin, and flowers for his send-off.

Gail, 53, and John Evill (pictured together), 62, landlords at The Conway Inn in Aberdare, south Wales, were admitted to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil just before Christmas after developing severe breathing problems

Her last Facebook message to well-wishers following Mr Evill's death read: 'Thank you to each and every one of you. I'm still fighting this virus and I hope to be home very soon.'

However, her brother-in-law Charles Evill has revealed that, as her condition worsened, asthma sufferer Gail had refused to be transferred to ICU.

'I just got the impression towards the end she missed John too much and thought: ''Enough is enough, I want to go'',' said the 68-year-old retired carpenter and market worker from Brecon.

'The day she died Gail got one of the nurses on her ward to ring me and her brother to say that, even though she was struggling to get enough oxygen to sustain herself, she'd turned down intensive care treatment.

'Perhaps she didn't want to go through the same thing that John did, I don't know. It's very sad.'

Admitted just days apart, 62-year-old pub landlord Mr Evill was eventually placed in intensive care before he died on Saturday, January 2, with his wife at his bedside as doctors switched off his ventilator

He added that, despite being very ill and laid up herself, Mrs Evill had still managed to register her husband's death and sort things with the local undertaker.

'She'd even ordered flowers and picked out his coffin from her hospital bed - ordered it from my niece in Somerset who makes caskets out of willow. That's just the kind of person she was.'

Since then her family have been flooded with hundreds of tributes from pub regulars. 'It's been overwhelming seeing just how much love there was for them both,' said Charles, adding that a joint remembrance service would now take place for the pair, who'd been married since 2014.

'We're hoping that the funeral procession can go through Aberdare town centre and past the Conway itself so those who can't attend the funeral service can pay their last respects.'

Pictured: Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil where the couple died

He added that both will be cremated and their ashes hopefully scattered at sea.

'John used to work as a trawlerman back in the day and always wanted to be buried at sea but, given all the current rules and regulations regarding Covid, it looks like we'll have to rethink that.

'I'm going to talk to Gail 's family about the possibility of both their ashes being scattered together.

'They had a place in Malta that they'd recently bought with their savings but never got the chance to actually enjoy.

'Both of them loved the island, so off the coast there seems like the obvious choice.'

Charles added that once coronavirus restrictions lift and the pubs re-open he hopes the running of The Conway will eventually be taken over by another member of the family.
India launched the world's biggest vaccination drive with two 'Made in India vaccines- Covishield and Covaxin- against the coronavirus disease which has claimed more than 1 lakh 50 thousand people in the country. Covishield is made by Serum Institute of India (SII) and Covaxin is manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

Three days after India kick-started mass inoculation against Covid-19, Bharat Biotech has come out with a fact sheet about the process involved and who should avoid taking the vaccine.

According to the fact sheet posted on Bharat Biotech's website, it is advisable not to take the vaccine if a person has allergies, fever or bleeding disorder, weaker immunity or are on a medicine that affects their immune system.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

It also said that pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking Covaxin. Those who have received another Covid-19 vaccine should also not get the Bharat Biotech's medicine, the company said.

The factsheet lists side effects that include pain, swelling or itching, fever, malaise, weakness, rashes, nausea and vomiting. Recipients are also warned of severe allergic reaction that may include difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face and throat, fast heart-beat, rashes all over the body, dizziness and weakness.

Earlier, the govt had said that someone who had an adverse reaction to a previous Covid vaccine dose or allergic to any other vaccine, pregnant women and lactating mothers should not take Covid jabs.

So who all are eligible to get Covaxin shots?

According to the fact sheet released by Bharat Biotech, "Individuals who are prioritised under the public health program of the ministry of health and family welfare will be covered under this endeavour. Informing the individuals about the offer for a vaccination with Covaxin will rest with the respective government program officials. Those offered Covaxin at pre-specified booths will have the options to receive or reject administration of the vaccine," the fact sheet said.

View Full Image Bharat Biotech issues Covaxin fact sheet.

So far, a total of 3,81,305 beneficiaries have been vaccinated for covid-19 in cumulative 7,704 sessions. At least 580 persons so far have reported Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) with majority complaining of fever, headache and nausea, according to the provisional data of ongoing vaccination drive. On Monday, the government had said that no case of serious or severe AEFI attributable to vaccination till date.

Two doses of Covaxin

Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine. This destroys the pathogens ability to replicate but keeps it intact so that the immune system can still recognise it and produce an immune response. The vaccine will be administered in two doses and stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.

India has granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) to two covid-19 vaccines -- Pune-based Serum Institute of Indias Covishield and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltds Covaxin which are being used in the governments vaccination drive.

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!!
PHOENIXTop pleasure products distributor Entrenue is now shipping an assortment of Strap On Me products from Lovely Planet, including unique harnesses, squirting dildos, vibrating strapless strap-ons, and metallic dildos. Notable is the companys use of metallic bronze leatherette to construct their jockstrap-style harnesses for premium shelf appealand appeal to vegans everywhere.

The new offerings from Strap On Me include a variety of unique dildos:

 The Strap On Me Bendable Dual Density Semi-Realistic Dil is a sleek purple dildo that is flexible, ergonomic, harness-compatible and available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL.

 The Strap On Me Silicone Cum Dildo is a squirting dildo with a 30ml syringe and three outlet pipes for comfortable use in either hand. It is available in two colors: black and vanilla.

 The Strap On Me Metallic Dil features a suction cup base and 7 inches of length and is available in three metallic colors: purple, blue, and pink.

 The Strap On Me Vibe is an ergonomic strapless strap-on that features three motors and a remote control and is equipped with a position memory to provide optimum comfort and a perfect fit to the intimate anatomy. It is available in medium and large sizes and in two colors: purple and vanilla.

 The Strap On Me line also features two unique metallic bronze leatherette harnesses: Desirous and Curious. Both of these jockstrap-style harnesses are universally dildo-compatible as well as easy to wash and were designed with comfort in mind.

Lovely Planet has been a delight to work with and were excited to expand our dil selection with these bold options, Entrenue CEOwner Joe Casella said. Their sex-positive branding aligns well with what we do here at Entrenue. We dont carry many harnesses as we have been extremely selective, and these feel unique and make a great addition to our catalog. We are especially excited about their vibrating double dildosomething shoppers dont see every day.

Lovely Planet is the brand behind the Man Wand, a rechargeable silicone wand massager for penises that features two flexible flaps that can hold a penis of almost any size. while the textured silicone optimizes the vibrations and pleasurable stimulation.

To view Lovely Planets Strap On Me offerings, log into Entrenue.com to start browsing. To place an order, call (800) 368-7268, email [email protected] or visit Entrenue.com.
01/19/2021

Photo (c) Andriy Onufriyenko - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 24,087,284 (23,952,960)

Total U.S. deaths: 399,264 (397,672)

Total global cases: 95,703,104 (95, 179,173)

Total global deaths: 2,044,445 (2,033,641)

Two million deaths and counting

Over the long holiday weekend, the worldwide death toll from the coronavirus (COVID-19) passed the 2 million mark. Today the U.S. death toll is close to 400,000.

In fact, the U.S. has by far recorded the largest number of COVID-19 deaths of any country. The second-largest number of deaths attributed to the virus is in Brazil with 210,000 deaths.

China, where the virus originated, has recorded only 4,700 deaths since the pandemic began. The U.S. daily death toll is getting close to that number.

Second variant of the coronavirus found in Germany

Health officials expressed concern, a few weeks ago, when a variant of the coronavirus was found in the U.K. Now, a second variant has been found at a hospital in Germany.

The slightly different form of the virus was discovered in 35 of 73 newly-infected people at a hospital in Bavaria. Samples are reportedly being studied at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin.

Officials said the variant is different from the recently discovered variant in the U.K. and South Africa, which is no more deadly than the original but is said to spread more easily.

WHO opposes vaccination passport idea

The World Health Organization (WHO) has gone on the record opposing a proposal floated in some countries to create vaccination passports for people who have received the coronavirus vaccine.

The objective is to allow people who have received the vaccine to return to normal life faster and make travel easier. However, the WHO says that could be unwise.

Being vaccinated should not exempt international travelers from complying with other travel risk reduction measures, the WHO Emergency Committee stressed during its recent meeting.

Biden wont lift travel ban

The outgoing Trump administration and incoming Biden administration are at odds over restrictions placed on travelers entering the U.S. from certain countries. Hours after Trump said the restrictions would be lifted, a spokeswoman for Biden said they wouldnt.

With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel, tweeted President-elect Joe Bidens spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

The current policy bans entry on most people traveling from the UK., Europe, and Brazil.

Blood pressure medicine a non-factor in COVID-19

If you take common blood pressure medicine, you may have been concerned about reports that it could make you more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus. Researchers say its not true.

The UCLA scientists found that there was no increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, or subsequent complications for users of either angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

People with hypertension have worse COVID-19 outcomes, and there remains speculation that some anti-hypertensive medications may be detrimental, said lead researcher Dr. Marc Suchard. The clear answer is that ACE inhibitors and ARBs pose no increased risk as compared to other treatments.

Around the nation

Massachusetts: Businesses throughout the state that survived with the help of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans last year are facing a painful reality. While the U.S. government is not taxing those forgiven loans, the state of Massachusetts is.

Nebraska: State health officials have delivered some positive news amid the rising cases of the virus. The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in the state has dropped to 429, the lowest number in nearly three months.

Oregon: Routine screening has identified someone at the University of Portland with the mutant version of the coronavirus. The person, who had no symptoms, was quickly quarantined. State health officials say its likely there are other cases in the state.
Please, people of Trinidad and Tobago, I beg you to take Covid-19 very seriously. I dont want anyone of you to feel the pain I feel.

The weight of that tearful plea from Indian restaurateur Gautam Khanna ripped the heartstrings from the body in one forceful pull, on a quiet Wednesday morning in Arima.

It is one of the most indelible images from the Capitol Hill insurrection: A rioter carrying the Confederate battle flag  a symbol of racism and sedition  through the halls of Congress.

The image was jarring and grotesque  but even more disturbing, it was just one of many emblems of hate front and center in the terrifying Jan. 6 attempt to overthrow our countrys presidential election.

In the chaotic melee of vandalism and violence that day, signs of anti-government militia movements, white supremacists and far-right extremists were everywhere: Banners and flags associated with the Three Percenters. Pepe the Frog masks and Oath Keeper hats. OK hand gesture white power signs. At least one person wearing a Camp Auschwitz shirt, a reference to the Nazi concentration camp where more than one million men, women and children were killed.

It was something intelligence officials and the people who monitor extremist movements had long warned about  a deadly attack fueled by far-right domestic terrorism.

In September, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the House Homeland Security Committee that racially motivated violent extremism, mostly from white supremacists, made up the bulk of domestic terrorism threats. A month later, the Department of Homeland Security called violent white supremacy the most persistent and lethal threat in the homeland.

The threat was clear  the day before the Capitol Hill riot, the FBI office in Virginia issued a warning that extremists were headed to Washington to get violent and ready for war. The danger was present  in the past 10 years, according to a former DHS official, 76 percent of terrorist attacks have come from the right wing.

Yet, law enforcement and national security officials were still caught flatfooted. Americans deserve to know why. There must be a thorough investigation into the security failures  and a full-throated push by law enforcement and elected officials to ensure that far-right extremism is taken as seriously as threats coming from outside the country.

That doesnt mean rushing to douse freedom of speech or curtail other civil liberties, as was done after the 9/11 terror attack. It means pinpointing the roots of far-right radicalization and stopping the doctrine of hate from continuing to seep into the mainstream.

In many ways, the spasm of rage we saw in the attack on the Capitol was a natural culmination of the presidency of a man who not only balked at condemning white nationalists, but who often employed racist dog whistles and embraced the language, tweets and beliefs of conspiracy theorists and far-right extremists.

In 2017, President Donald Trump said there were very fine people on both sides of the clash between neo-Nazis and counterprotesters, one of whom was killed. When asked to condemn white supremacists and militia groups during a presidential debate in September, he instead told the Proud Boys extremist group to stand back and stand by  a message interpreted by many on the far-right as a call to arms.

Trumps failure to forcefully reject white supremacists and his espousing of extremist ideology served as a powerful recruiting tool for the far-right movement, whose members took it as tacit approval, Kurt Braddock, assistant professor in the School of Communication at American University, told the editorial board.

So what must be done to dismantle the hate groups such as those who stormed Capitol Hill?

It starts with accountability. Anyone involved in the attack must face legal consequences and stiff penalties. That will send a message that far-right terror will not be tolerated.

The Biden administration must also prioritize investigating and prosecuting domestic terrorism, with a special effort made to understand how far-right extremists are being radicalized.

Whats more, elected officials must also consistently and forcefully disavow and reject extremist groups and beliefs. Generically condemning violence on all sides is not effective. Leaders must specifically call out those most responsible for each act of violence  whether its from the right, left, or any other affiliation. Given the severity and greater frequency of attacks by the white supremacist movement, and the very real racial bias that leads some to discount its threat, attention from officials and law enforcement should be commensurate and sustained until that far-right threat is contained.

If the threat is taken seriously, the fever can break. If it isnt, the Capitol Hill attack will only be a harbinger of what is to come.
Imaging does matter. Especially if you are in politics. And if the battle is as fierce as the one for Bengal, then even more so. There is no denying that for every Bengali, Rabindranath Tagore holds a special place. There is almost no Bengali household which does not possess a book or two by the Nobel laureate or a collection of Rabindra Sangeet. The younger generation may be hooked to hip-hop and techno, but Tagore's tunes are often de rigueur in a lot of households.

Says poet Sudeep Sen who has worked on Tagores poems, For Bengal, the relevance of Tagore is paramount. For the older generation and for the Bengali diaspora abroad, it is like what society in its holistic sense ought to be  educated, fair, egalitarian, hunger-free, and forward-looking. For the younger generation, Tagore is something that was a reality of the past, and this notion needs to be updated urgently. And that is because the relevance of what Tagore stood for has not changed  it is the way his vision is carried forward for the new generation in a language they understand (without any dilution) is the key.

And hence, it's with deep interest that Bengalis are looking at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His look. His long, flowing beard. His long kurtas and a shawl draped across one shoulder. While no one from the Bharatiya Janata Party or the central government will confirm that this is a deliberate attempt to connect with Bengalis by projecting Tagore, the similarity cannot be missed. Recently an image of the PM went viral where he was seen with peacocks at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The resemblance to Tagore seated at the stairs of his Shantiniketan home cannot be forgotten.

The PMs new look, timed with the beginning of the lockdown, made many wonder whether this was the reason why he didnt go for a haircut or trim. But as time passed, he has begun to don a look which bears stark resemblance with Rabindranath Tagore. Of course, there are potshots from his opponents, and the Trinamool Congress repeatedly calls him and his party "outsiders" who are trying to connect with Bengal only for electoral gains. But the BJP rejects this outright. Says party MP Swapan Dasgupta, Tagore belongs to all Bengalis and all Indians, irrespective of their voting preferences. He cannot be the private property of any party.

When the PM addressed the Visva-Bharati centenary celebrations last year, he responded to this "outsider" charge against him. He spoke about the Gujarat connections of Tagore. Satyendranath Tagore, who was in the Indian Civil Service, was posted in Ahmedabad. Rabindranath Tagore used to visit Gujarat frequently. He stayed in Ahmedabad for a long time. During such a period, he wrote his two popular poems. He wrote a portion of Khudito Pashan (Kshudhita Pashan) in Gujarat, Modi said. Not only this, Gujarats daughter Srimati Hutheesingh was married in the Tagore family. When Satyendranath Tagores wife Jnanadanandini Devi was in Gujarat, she saw women draping the pallu of saree on their right shoulders, which she felt cumbersome and improvised the style bringing the pallu on the left shoulder."

Amit Malviya of the BJP also said, India's national movement for freedom was accompanied by a wave of social, educational and economic awareness throughout the country. Tagore was the ideological spirit behind Indias freedom struggle. Today, Bengal needs another renaissance. It needs to get rid of widespread corruption, appeasement and nepotism. People of Bengal have made up their minds to reclaim the lost glory of Bengal and build Sonar Bangla (developed Bengal) under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Rabindranath Tagore is known not for just his poems but also his revolutionary ideas. Universalism and self-reliance were among his views that Modi has connected to his policies and politics. Like Atmanirbhar Bharat. As the Trinamool Congress gears up to attack the PM when he begins his canvassing in Bengal, it's these teachings of Tagore and their use in his policies which will be put into the electioneering. Sources say Modi is likely to dwell more on Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose in his campaign, while at the same time making a pitch for Sonar Bangla. But with his 'Tagore look' which has become a talking point, the PM and BJP hope to remind the people of Bengal that he is a part of them. After all, no Bengali can ever overlook the relevance of Tagore. And the PM knows that. 
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "Since coffee is very important to millions of people, we wanted to be able to provide them with access to fresh coffee of their likings, at their disposal," said two inventors from Rhode Island. "So, we developed COFFEE-N-GO."

The patent-pending invention allows one to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee at any place or time. It would be ideal in situations where the purchase of coffee was inaccessible. This device provides added convenience to those consistently on the go and would eliminate the need to stop and purchase coffee. Therefore, it could save people time and money. Additionally, it features a light weight and easy to use design.

The original design was submitted to the Boston sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-BMA-5653, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com

SOURCE InventHelp

Related Links

http://www.inventhelp.com


You are the owner of this article.
Barn destroyed by Wednesday morning fire

Fire destroyed a barn about five miles southeast of Watertown Wednesday, according to a report from Watertown Fire Rescue.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
Instead of organizing a protest against a restriction, I would rather see that we would organize together and find solutions to open businesses.

"Instead of organizing a protest against a restriction, I would rather see that we would organize together and find solutions to open businesses."

 Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk

The sheer irony of anti-mask rallies should not be lost on the people protesting wearing masks on the basis of "rights and freedoms."

Public officials in health have been tirelessly trying to protect the health of all Manitobans. So when more than 100 people, again, descended on Steinbach this weekend to protest mask-wearing regulations, it made perfect sense that Mayor Earl Funk would plead with protesters to not gather in his town.

The continued ignoring of public health orders by such protests only manages to keep those health orders intact for longer periods due to potential spread from these large gatherings.

Anti-mask protests dont solve the problems the province is facing  it only extends them.

Hiding under the guise of rights and freedoms when these protests put others at risk through large gatherings. This attitude shows a level of selfishness that goes far beyond the individual, especially when many who joined the protest came from communities outside of Steinbach, including Winnipeg, where cases of COVID-19 remain too high.

It is hard to comprehend how people can deny the science of mask-wearing as a mitigation measure in containing the spread of coronavirus particulates in the air.

Hand-washing and mask-wearing seem to have had a direct impact on the spread of influenza this season, with medical experts claiming this past season to have had one of the lowest infection rates in years.

In its September 2020 report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control states: "Following widespread adoption of community mitigation measures to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the percentage of U.S. respiratory specimens submitted for influenza testing that tested positive decreased from (greater than) 20 per cent to 2.3 per cent and has remained at historically low interseasonal levels (0.2 per cent versus 1-2 per cent). Data from Southern Hemisphere countries also indicate little influenza activity."

Of course, like any protective measure, masks dont offer 100 per cent protections, but that doesnt mean they arent effective. And denying that efficacy is  as Premier Brian Pallister put it  stupid.

That doesnt mean people dont have the right to not wear a mask  in Canada, your rights and freedoms mean that you have the freedom to express your opinion and the right to be treated equally. However, when public spaces that are governed by rules and regulations meant to protect everyone come into play, your freedoms and equality take on new meaning.

The key word in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is that the government, or anyone acting on its behalf, doesnt "take away or interfere with these rights or freedoms unreasonably."

Masks are meant to protect others in case you unknowingly have the infection.

Wearing a mask not only protects you, but shows you are willing to protect others, and not doing so is infringing on the rights of others to live a reasonably safe and protected life themselves.

Wearing a mask isnt a "magic cure." Its one of many tools in an arsenal put in place to try to keep the number of COVID-19 cases to a minimum so the community health care system isnt overwhelmed.

Mayor Funks statement about the protest not being the view of Steinbach is mirrored in an online survey done by Leger, a market research and analytics company, and the Association for Canadian Studies in September. Conducted just prior to the second wave of the pandemic, it showed that 87 per cent of people who responded believed it was a civic duty to wear a mask in public. The non-mask wearing support in that same survey had dropped by six per cent from one done in July, with 21 per cent stating it was an infringement on personal freedoms.

Eight-eight per cent of respondents to that survey did not support anti-mask protests. However, that 21 per cent shows that better health messaging and enforcement need to be provided by the provincial government and health experts.

This recent protest shows not only does the province need to be strict in its enforcement, but its also time to invest in targeted health messages that are not only transparent, but consistent.
A day before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, Pentagon officials confirmed that 12 National Guard members have been removed from the Washington, D.C., security effort after they were flagged as part of an FBI vetting process.

Two Guard members were flagged for making "inappropriate comments" and are being sent home, Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters at the Pentagon.

"They were both here in Washington, and they are both being sent home," he said.

Read Next: Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to Leave Post on Inauguration Day

It's unclear what caused the other 10 Guard members to be flagged by the FBI, but Hoffman said the reasons were not necessarily related to extremist activity.

"It's a lot of looking back at anything that can potentially flag in a criminal history check, anything that can come up in a civilian database that is being scrubbed by our partners," he explained but refused to go into details about the vetting process. "We are just not taking any chances. Anything flagged, any reason that someone's name is brought to the chain of command, they are being removed from the line. We will ask questions later."

The announcement comes as the Guard presence in D.C. has swelled to 25,000 members, contributed by all 50 states and territories in response to the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

A week after the riot, law enforcement arrested Virginia Guard Cpl. Jabob Fracker, an infantryman and former Marine, for his role in the attack. Fracker, a Virginia police officer, was the first serving member of the U.S. military to be arrested after the riot, which resulted in the deaths of six people.

"Extremism is not tolerated in any branch of the United States military," Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told reporters. "I visit with these men and women every night, and they understand the importance of this mission. They are also proven, prepared and proud to do their part to ensure a peaceful and safe inauguration for our 46th commander in chief."

Pentagon officials would not explain what was "inappropriate" about the two Guard members' comments. One was identified by the Guard's chain of command, and the other was named in an anonymous tip, Hokanson said.

"We are a close-knit organization, and we keep an eye on each other," he said. "And if anything doesn't seem right, if we see something, we are going to go ahead and report it."

Hokanson stressed that the Guard decided to pull the members from D.C. out of an "abundance of caution," not because they have been proven guilty of anything.

Hoffman said the Pentagon has no concerns about the professionalism of the Guard force in D.C. "The American people should have confidence in the National Guard," he said.

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he has confidence in the Guard but supported conducting additional vetting to screen those deploying to D.C.

"Any time you have a mission of this nature, and especially in the wake of horrific political violence the nation was subjected to, you have to have appropriate screening measures in place," Reed said in a statement. "I am grateful to the men and women of the National Guard. These citizen-soldiers come from all across the country and across the political spectrum. Every one of them volunteered, and they all make tremendous sacrifices to keep our country safe.

"Our National Guardsmen and women are a source of great pride, strength, and security," he added. "I have tremendous faith in them and abiding admiration for their service."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Army Will Not Screen All National Guardsmen Deploying to DC for Extremist Sympathies
Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc.
Farmers have fought back against a plant-based drink manufacturer after it claimed the dairy and meat industries emit more Co2 than transport.

Swedish oat milk firm Oatly caused a stir over the weekend after it tweeted its controversial 'Help Dad' advert to its 13,000 followers.

The dairy and meat industries emit more CO2e than all the worlds planes, trains, cars, boats etc combined.

"Need help talking to dad about milk? Go to oatly.com/helpdad," the company said on 16 January.

The dairy and meat industries emit more CO2e than all the worlds planes, trains, cars, boats etc., combined. Need help talking to dad about milk? Go to https://t.co/vqDLHniySQ pic.twitter.com/4HspwIu1ME  OatlyUK (@OatlyUK) January 16, 2021

Farmers and industry groups were quick to respond to the tweet, with the NFU saying it 'did not recognise' Oatly's claim.

"The UK figures for emissions from UK agriculture are 10% compared to UK transport at 27% (data from Defra).

"We dont recognise your statistics," the union said.

The UK figures for emissions from UK agriculture are 10% compared to UK transport at 27% (data from Defra). We dont recognise your statistics. pic.twitter.com/8CkRhoSDYZ  National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) January 18, 2021

Joe Stanley, a livestock producer from Leicestershire, said the advertisement amounted to 'misinformation'.

As a farmer who actually grows oats and no longer milks dairy cows, this misinformation is shocking," he said on Twitter.

Transport accounts for 27 per cent of UK emissions; all sheep and cattle account for 3.7 per cent. How do you justify your assertion?

As a farmer who actually grows oats & no longer milks dairy cows, this misinformation is shocking.

Transport accounts for 27% UK emissions; all sheep & cattle account for 3.7%

How do you justify your assertion?@ASA_UK pic.twitter.com/2N692pthRM  Joe Stanley (@JoeWStanley) January 17, 2021

Some social media users called on the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to review the advert.

Reported to @ASA_UK for false advertising.

Livestock = 5.8% of total GHGe.

Aviation (1.9%), road transport (11.9%), shipping (1.7%), Rail (0.4%) = 15.9%

(WRI 2020).  Jimbo (@Culturalmistake) January 17, 2021

Oxfordshire arable and oat farmer Frank Nixey said, in a letter to Oatly, that it should 'not knock down the competition with lies'.

"I do not believe it is a them against us situation as there is enough room in the market place for all sorts of milk if people so choose.

"My problem is with the spreading of lies and untruths about the meat and dairy industry.

"Surely you are better to put across and explain how good your product is, not to knock down the competition with lies.

"To say that the meat and dairy industry emits more CO2 than the worlds planes, trains, cars, boats etc, is wildly inaccurate, not true and not very helpful.

"Yes, livestock does emit CO2, but this is all part of the carbon cycle and balances itself out."

Complaints can be submitted to the ASA using its online form.
Social media influencer Alexis Sharkey's autopsy has revealed she was strangled to death after her naked body was found dumped by the side of the road in Texas over Thanksgiving.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences revealed the 26-year-old's cause of death on Tuesday.

Houston Police have not made any arrests and say the case is still under investigation.

Sharkey vanished on November 27 after allegedly having a fight with her 49-year-old husband Tom Sharkey.

Her naked body was found on a roadside in Houston the following day by a sanitation department worker who spotted her feet in some bushes.

Police said at the time that her body showed no signs of visible wounds, which led to initial speculation she may have overdosed.

Social media influencer Alexis Sharkey's autopsy has revealed she was strangled to death after her naked body was found dumped by the side of the road in Texas over Thanksgiving

Sharkey vanished on November 27 after allegedly having a fight with her 49-year-old husband Tom Sharkey. Her naked body was found on a roadside the following day by a sanitation department worker

Her body was found about three miles from the apartment she shared with her husband.

Friends revealed after her death that she was trying to file for divorce from her husband and that he had allegedly abused her.

They say Sharkey, who had more than 21,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shared updates about her life, had confided in them on a recent trip to Mexico that she feared for her life but it was not clear why.

Her husband has publicly denied those allegations, saying that Sharkey was unhappy and stressed at the time.

'She wasn't happy. She was stressed. I would cuddle her to try to make her strong. She was an amazing woman,' Tom told KTRK-TV at the time.

'My wife was an amazing woman. She really was. There's always other sides to everything. I was the one holding her, cuddling her, and building her back up.

'I don't need to set the record straight. I'll let it play out the way it is. I know what my life was with my wife.'

Sharkey's mother Stacey Robinault had always been convinced that her daughter was murdered.

Robinault told ABC13 at the time that her son-in-law had called to say Sharkey was missing a day after he had last seen her.

Friends revealed after her death that she was trying to file for divorce from her husband and that he had allegedly abused her. Her husband has publicly denied those allegations. They are pictured together on Halloween last year

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences revealed the 26-year-old's cause of death on Tuesday. Houston Police have not made any arrests and say the case is still under investigation

Sharkey's mother said that her daughter 'had an argument' with her husband before leaving the house without her car.

Tom denied that he got into a fight with his wife the night she went missing.

He said that just before she disappeared, he urged his wife not to leave their home as she was 'under the influence' but he did not elaborate further.

'We didn't fight when she left,' he said. 'I just told her she couldn't drive under the influence. She left anyhow. This is where we're at.'

Robinault revealed last month that she had to fight her son-in-law to get custody of Sharkey's body in order to bury her in her home state of Pennsylvania.

'As her husband, he would have primary custody of what determined what happened with her, and he had said all along that he was willing to let her come home,' Robinault told FOX26.

She said Tom eventually stopped cooperating with the family.

'It just was a very strange - I'd almost call it - fight to get her,' Robinault said.

'I didn't think I was gonna get her, and I had actually given up hope, when all of the sudden the forensics lab called me.'

The medical examiner eventually made Robinault the next of kin after two weeks of inaction from Tom.

The couple had been married about a year and had moved to Houston a year prior to her death.
When an astrocyte in the thalamus is filled with a dye, it diffuses into neighboring cells of the network (red). These include many oligodendrocytes (green), as shown by the overlay (B3, yellow). Credit:  Group Steinhauser; from: Cerebral Cortex, January 2018;28: 213-222; doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhw368

The human brain has about as many neurons as glial cells. These are divided into four major groups: the microglia, the astrocytes, the NG2 glial cells, and the oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes function primarily as a type of cellular insulating tape: They form long tendrils, which consist largely of fat-like substances and do not conduct electricity. These wrap around the axons, which are the extensions through which the nerve cells send their electrical impulses. This prevents short circuits and accelerates signal forwarding.

Astrocytes, on the other hand, supply the nerve cells with energy: Through their appendages they come into contact with blood vessels and absorb glucose from these. They then transport it to the interfaces between two neurons, the synapses. Before that, they partially convert the sugar into other energy-rich molecules. "We have now been able to show that oligodendrocytes play an important role in the distribution of these compounds," explains Prof. Christian Steinhauser from the Institute of Cellular Neurosciences at the University of Bonn (Germany). "This is apparently especially true in a particular brain region, the thalamus."

Huge supply network

The thalamus is also called the "gateway to consciousness." The sensory signals it receives include those from the ears, eyes, and skin. It then forwards them to the respective responsible centers of the cerebral cortex. Only then do we become aware of this information, for instance the sound of an instrument.

It has long been known that astrocytes can form close connections: They build intercellular networks through tunnel-like coupling. Molecules can migrate from one cell to another through these "gap junctions." A few years ago, Steinhauser and his colleagues were able to show that there are also oligodendrocytes in these networks in the thalamus, about as many as astrocytes. The cells form a huge network in this way, which neuroscientists also call a "panglial network" ("pan" comes from Greek and means "comprehensive"). In other regions, however, the networks consist predominantly of coupled astrocytes. "We wanted to know why this is different here," explains Dr. Camille Philippot of Steinhauser's research group, who conducted much of the work. "Our results demonstrate that the high-energy compounds travel through this network from the blood vessels to the synapses," Philippot emphasizes. "And oligodendrocytes seem to be indispensable in this process."

The researchers were for instance able to demonstrate this in mice, in which the oligodendrocytes are unable to participate in the network because they lack the appropriate tunnels. In these mice, energy molecules no longer reached the synapses in sufficient quantities. The same was true if the astrocytes lacked the appropriate connecting links. "The thalamus apparently requires both cell types for transport," Steinhauser concludes.

Starved neurons cannot communicate

The researchers were also able to show the consequences of such a disrupted energy supply for neuronal information processing. The synapses are where two neurons meeta sender cell and a receiver cell. When a pulse from the sender cell arrives at the synapse, it releases messenger molecules into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters dock onto the recipient cell and trigger electrical signals there, the postsynaptic potentials. When these signals are generated, potassium and sodium ions pass through the membrane of the recipient cellsodium ions inward, potassium ions outward. These, like the neurotransmitters, must then be pumped back again. "And for that, the neurons need energy," explains Steinhauser, who is also a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Life and Health" at the University of Bonn. "When energy is lacking, pumping activity ceases." In the experiments, "starved" neurons were therefore no longer able to generate postsynaptic activity after just a few minutes.

Explore further Myelin optimizes information processing in the brain

More information: Camille Philippot et al, Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the thalamus jointly maintain synaptic activity by supplying metabolites, Cell Reports (2021). Journal information: Cell Reports Camille Philippot et al, Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the thalamus jointly maintain synaptic activity by supplying metabolites,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108642
Cuba-influened guitartist Kai Lyons will join Calistoga Jazz Pianist Larry Vuckovich live streaming at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23.

The duo promises a program of diverse, wide-ranging selections covering stimulating jazz compositions, special standards, plus exotic world music pieces that range from South America to the Middle East.

Kai and I have developed very close chemistry, and I look forward to bringing him back to Calistoga, Vuckovich said.

Lyons is lauded as a highly talented, 25-year-old guitarist and has a most unusual and stimulating music history. He has received music scholarships and has studied with such jazz greats as Harold Maeburn, Mulgrew Miller and Andrew Speight.

Besides playing authentic bebop, Lyons has absorbed other exotic jazz influences, such as the music from Brazil, where he spent some time  in particular playing the innovative style of the great Brazilian guitarist, Garoto.

Speaking fluent Spanish, Lyons travels to Cuba regularly and due to his knowledge of the Cuban music art form, he has been invited to perform within the inner circles of the best Cuban guitarists.

Vuckovich also said he has introduced Kai to the ethnic folk music of the Balkans, which he absorbed very quickly.
His father Tony has made millions advising foreign leaders and mighty corporations since stepping down as prime minister.

And his mother Cherie is a highly-paid lawyer with an impressive property portfolio.

But Euan Blair is set to leave them both in his wake after his share in an education start-up company was valued at almost 70million.

The 37-year-old investment banker-turned-entrepreneur, the Blairs eldest son famously arrested aged 16 for being 'drunk and incapable' as he celebrated the end of his GCSE exams, founded Multiverse to offer young people an alternative to university.

Yesterday the company, which until now has been called WhiteHat, revealed it had secured 32million from investors, who have valued it at a reported $200million (147million).

Euan is not the only successful Blair child, with all of them millionaires through property alone after their parents gave them a leg up on to the property ladder.

Tony Blairs second son Nicky, 35, is a successful football agent while his only daughter Kathryn followed in her mother's footsteps and became a barrister. Their youngest child Leo, 20, is a student and a Labour party member, having joined when Jeremy Corbyn was leader.

All of them have been helped on to the property ladder by their parents, who have a 37million property empire. Euan lives in a central London townhouse in one of the capital's most exclusive areas worth 4.6million.

The company, originaly launched as WhiteHat (pictured with WhiteHat co-founder Sophie Adelman), boasts a client network of more than 300 firms in Europe including Facebook, Morgan Stanley, KPMG, Fujitsu, Capita, Kantar, Skanska, Citi and Microsoft

Tony Blair's son Euan (pictured with wife Suzanne Ashman on their wedding day in 2013) could now be worth up to 73million after the education technology start-up he founded was valued at 147million

4.6m: Eldest son Euan Blair, 37, is believed to live in a plush townhouse estimated to be worth a staggering 4.6 million - part of the family's 37million property empire

The investment banker-turned-entrepreneur could now be richer than his former Labour Prime Minister father (pictured), who, according to the Telegraph , had an estimated wealth of around 60million in 2015

Who is Tony Blair's son Euan? Euan Blair is the eldest son of former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie. He was born in London in 1984, thirteen years before his father's New Labour stormed to power in a landslide election victory in 1997. As a young boy, he was occasionally photographed outside the steps of Downing Street with his mother, father and siblings Nicholas and Kathryn. His youngest brother, Leo, was born in 2000. As a young boy, he was occasionally photographed outside the steps of Downing Street with his mother, father and siblings Nicholas and Kathryn Euan attended catholic boys school, The London Oratory School, in Fulham, and was made a headboy. Blair Junior, as he was sometimes referred, later attended Bristol University in the UK and prestigious Yale in the US before opting for a career in investment banking with Morgan Stanley. In 2013 Euan married long-term girlfriend Suzanne Ashman - the daughter of motor-racing entrepreneur Jonathan Ashman - who is a partner at venture capital firm Local Globe. The couple were wed at the All Saints Parish Church in Wooton Underwood, Buckinghamshire before heading to a reception at the nearby Blair family mansion. Later that year the pair moved into a 3.6million Georgian townhouse in Marylebone - near to the headquarters of his edutech start-up firm WhiteHat. The company was launched in 2016. It has since been re-branded as Multiverse. In 2017, at the age of 29, wife Suzanne was listed as a prominent European financier on prestigious business publication Forbess 30 under 30 list. In 2018, Euan became an uncle after brother Nicholas and his wife Alexandra welcomed a baby girl - the first grandchild of Tony and Cherie. Advertisement

Chief executive Mr Blair had a 47 per cent stake, according to filings on Companies House last year, worth around 68million under the estimated valuation.

That is more than the reported net worth of his father, who famously said his priorities as PM were education, education, education. He has made a fortune from various commercial ventures since leaving No 10 in 2007.

The former Labour leader, 67, insisted in 2014 that he was worth less than 20million, although some have claimed he is likely to be worth nearer 50million.

He and wife Cherie, 66, a leading barrister and part-time judge, have reportedly amassed a property empire worth 35million.

She was mired in controversy in the Cheriegate saga in 2002, when she purchased two flats in Bristol. It was alleged, but denied, that she received a discount negotiated for her by Australian conman Peter Foster, then boyfriend of her friend and stylist Carole Caplin.

In 2009 she admitted in an interview that her working-class upbringing on Merseyside left her driven to ensure she had money  her father, Till Death Do Us Part actor Tony Booth, left her mother when Cherie was eight and she lived with her grandmother.

Its nice to be comfortable, but Ill probably never ever stop worrying that Ive got enough, Mrs Blair told Tatler.

Euan, one of the Blairs four children, was 13 when his father won power in 1997 and grew up in Downing Street with brother Nicky and sister Kathryn. His youngest brother, Leo, was born in 2000. Euan married venture capitalist Suzanne Ashman, who is in her early 30s, in 2013.

He worked at banking giant Morgan Stanley before setting up WhiteHat with fellow entrepreneur Sophie Adelman in 2016. The venture was launched to help the 50 per cent of young people who do not go into higher education, by matching them with apprenticeships at major companies based on their skills.

The service works with a host of businesses, including property website Zoopla, entertainment giant Warner Bros, Google, Facebook, office provider WeWork, the Starling and Santander banks, oil giant BP and law firm Mishcon de Reya.

Apprentices are supported by the firm, which provides coaching and training.

The 32million in new investment is thought to be the biggest amount ever raised by a UK education technology business.

Yesterday Multiverse said it would use the money to expand, a plan that includes hiring 200 more UK staff and opening an office in New York.

Mr Blair said: For a long time theres been a belief that college, supplemented by sporadic corporate training, is the only route to success.

This model is fundamentally broken. So were building an outstanding alternative to both the college system and to traditional corporate training.

Leo Blair (centre), the youngest son of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Cherie Blair (right), listen to Mr Blair during a speech to mark the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Labour party in February

Nicky Blair, pictured with his mum, is a football agent and gave his parents their first grandchild

Kathryn Blair, Tony and Cherie's only daughter, is a barrister in London

As a young boy, Euan was occasionally photographed outside the steps of Downing Street with his mother, father and siblings Nicholas and Kathryn (all pictured). His youngest brother, Leo, was born in 2000

Were empowering people from diverse backgrounds to access the very best opportunities through apprenticeships as they embark on a successful and fulfilling career.

Joel Cutler, boss of investor General Catalyst, which took part in the latest fundraising round, said: A four-year degree should not be a prerequisite to reaching your fullest professional potential.

Multiverse did not respond to a request for further comment.

What has happened to Tony Blair's other children? Tony Blair with his family on the doorstep of 10 Ten Downing Street. L-R, sons, Nicky , Euan, wife Cherie, son Leo, Tony Blair and daughter Kathryn Nicky Blair, 35, is a successful football agent and married divorce lawyer Alexandra Bevir. Nicky, who trained to be a teacher, tied the knot with Alex, 34, with a reception at the Blairs Buckinghamshire home South Pavilion five years ago. The couple have a young child together. Nickys agency, Magnitude, was accused of trading on the Blair name to sign players in the footballing hotbed of Brazil  including youngsters from countrys impoverished favelas, The Sun has claimed previously. In 2018 Nicky splashed out 2.75million on a new London property. Kathryn Blair is a successful barrister. The PMs only daughter married long-term boyfriend James Haslam in Sardinia in 2019. In preparation for marital bliss, barrister Kathryn and James bought a five-bedroom West London townhouse for 2.4 million. She also has another home in London worth some 1.4million, bought in 2015. Baby of the family Leo Blair is 20. The student owns a 800,000 home close to the Blairs' country seat. It is in the grounds of this house that the controversial barn, which the council won't let be developed Advertisement

Blairopoly: Tony and Cherie Blair's 37m property empire where his children alone have homes worth 12m - thanks to some VERY unsocialist wheeler-dealing...

For the last decade they have built up an extraordinary property portfolio consisting of 39 homes and flats whose worth is put at 37million.

Their investments  some bought with mortgages and some without  span everything from student digs in Manchester to Tony and Cherie's principal homes in London and Buckinghamshire, worth more than 20million alone.

Not to be outdone, their children have been busy reaching ever more rarefied heights on the property ladder.

10m: Tony Blair's country pile in Wotton Underwood, Buckinghamshire, was once the home of actor Sir John Gielgud

800k: Leo Blair (right), 18, was welcomed into the 'family firm' and made the co-owner of an 800,000 house close to the Blairs' country seat. It is in the grounds of this house that the controversial barn, which the council won't let be developed

225k: Also among the list of properties owned by the Blair's are three of Cherie and eldest son Euan's Stockport flats

1.4m: This period terrace in London belongs to daughter Kathryn Blair and was purchased in 2015. It is worth some 1.4million

1.3m: Oldbury Residential Ltd also forked out for 14 more Stockport flats to add to the growing number of properties on the list

2.4m: After buying her first property in 2015, Kathryn Blair bought a second house for 2.4 million. It is currently undergoing renovations

While eldest son Euan, 37, lives in a townhouse estimated to be worth 4.6million, in 2018 his 35-year-old brother Nicky splashed out 2.75million on a new London property.

The Blair's 37.9m property empire 9.6m Five-storey Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in London, bought in 2004 for 3.65m 10.5m Grade I-listed manor house in Buckinghamshire, bought in 2008 for 5.75m 800k Mews house behind townhouse, London, bought in 2007 with mortgage, since paid off 2.1m Four-storey Georgian townhouse, London, bought for 1.35m cash for son Nicky in 2012 1m Three-bed cottage in Buckinghamshire, bought for 600,000 cash in 2013 4.8m Six-storey Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, London, bought for 3.62m in 2013 for son Euan and his wife Suzanne 1.5m Mews house behind Euans townhouse for daughter Kathryn, bought for 1.2m in 2014 800k Ten flats in Manchester bought for 650,000 in September 2014 by Cherie and Euan as a buy-to-let investment 1.3m Fourteen flats in Stockport bought in 2014 by Cherie and Euan for 1.2m 250k Three more flats in Stockport, bought in 2015 for 225,000 280k Four flats in Whalley Range, Manchester, bought in April 2016 for 265,000 5m Office building for Cherie, London, bought July 2017 Advertisement

Meanwhile sister Kathryn, 32, owns two London houses. The first, worth some 1.4million, was bought in 2015. Then she bought a second house for 2.4million.

All of which leaves Leo, the Blair's fourth and youngest child.

He turned 18 in 2018 but, we can reveal, had barely blown out his candles when he was welcomed into the 'family firm', being made the co-owner of an 800,000 house close to the Blairs' country seat.

It is in the grounds of this house that the controversial barn sits. Had it been granted planning permission, it would have become the 40th property in the family's portfolio.

Instead, it remains a shed in a state of disrepair  a description that could be applied to the Blairs' relationship with villagers.

'It's fair to say there was a fair degree of opposition,' one local said of the matter earlier this week. 'It is all rather awkward.'

When the Blairs left Downing Street in 2007 they first moved into a five-storey Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in London's uber-posh Connaught Square.

A stone's throw from Hyde Park, the property was bought for 3.65million while Mr Blair was in office. At the time they feared they would struggle to afford it.

In her memoirs, Cherie wrote that they had taken out a mortgage 'the size of Mount Snowdon'. The payments initially fell on her shoulders  'it was very scary'  which she covered through her work as a QC and with lucrative speaking engagements in America.

But as Mr Blair's post-Downing Street career took off, the money poured in.

His earnings since quitting are conservatively estimated at 20million, money used to invest in property which, in turn, has itself increased in value by more than 10million.

According to property website Zoopla, the Blairs' main London property is now worth around 8.5million.

Linked to it is a mews house, bought for security reasons on advice from MI5 in 2007, with a purchase price of 800,000. That is now worth 1.7million.

Not long afterwards, the Blairs treated themselves to a country retreat: a Grade I-listed mansion near Aylesbury, Bucks.

The former home of actor Sir John Gielgud, it was bought in 2008 for 5.75million but is now valued at 10million.

Among the Blairs' neighbours is David Gladstone. A descendant of Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone, he lives in an early 18th-century stately home for which the Blairs' property once served as coach house.

Its grounds and gardens, designed in part by Capability Brown, are designated Grade I by Historic England.

In 2013 the Gladstone family sold the Blairs a 600,000 property nearby. Nestling on the edge of a wood, the four-bedroom house was extensively renovated.

Land Registry documents show it was bought without a mortgage and initially owned jointly by Cherie and Mr Blair's younger sister, Sarah.

But in the year of its purchase, Kathryn's name was swapped onto the deeds in place of her aunt. Soon after the property, now worth 800,000, was advertised to rent for 2,500 a month.

With the house came a parcel of land including a pond and the barn. At 21 by five metres, it has wooden sides and a rounded, corrugated iron roof.

In September 2017 an application was submitted to Aylesbury Vale District Council for permission to convert the barn from agricultural to residential use.

The application was submitted in the name of 'Mr A Hubble'.

It is understood this refers to Andrew Hubble, who is said to work for the Blairs and to live in a property owned by them. 'They (the Blairs) do everything in someone else's name,' said a well-placed source.

'It is purely because they (the Hubbles) work for the Blairs and tend to do most of the stuff because they live in the village full time.'

The application included plans for how the barn could be converted into a three-bedroom house, enlarging it and raising the roof and extensively re-building it.

The plans did not go down well in the village.

Among those to contact the council to object was Mr Gladstone. He wrote: 'The site was sold to Mrs Blair in 2013 with a strict prohibition on change of use because of the importance of the landscape. The barn is very obviously visible from large tracts of the landscape and any development would be a blight.'

Another resident, Christian Sacher, wrote: 'The existing barn is little more than a shed. The idea that this is a conversion of a substantial existing building does not bear scrutiny.'

In December 2017 the application was refused by the council, which described it as an 'incongruous and inappropriate form of development'.

Unperturbed, in April 2018 another application was submitted to convert the barn into a three-bedroom dwelling. Again residents objected.

'I am somewhat exasperated to have to go through due process of objecting in the strongest terms AGAIN less than four months after the previous application was rejected,' wrote Mr Gladstone.

'The proposed development has been ruled...to be detrimental and causing significant harm to my unique Historic Park of national and international importance.

'The small design changes proffered do not address any of the objections and reasons for refusal.

'It is regrettable that despite the clearly expressed views of the illustrious statutory consultees...in rejecting the previous application, that the Blair family hiding behind the applicant persist in wasting everyone's time and causing potential irreparable upset.'

In August the council again turned down the application.

What plans the Blairs have for the barn now are unclear. Contacted to discuss the matter, the Daily Mail received no response from Mrs Blair or her husband.

But Land Registry records show that, as of the end of May, the co-owners of the house and land are now Leo and Kathryn Blair.

Leo celebrated his 18th birthday earlier that month. Of course, if he intends to further follow in the property-owning footsteps of his older siblings, then he may have to prepare himself for similar planning battles in years to come.

Kathryn, a barrister, recently found herself locking horns with her neighbours after applying for permission to renovate her newest home  a 2.4million five-bedroom townhouse in West London.

She bought the property in December 2017, despite already owning a 1.4million townhouse half a mile away.

A planning application was submitted to erect a full width single-storey rear ground extension, but hurriedly withdrawn following a host of complaints, principally about a gas meter box which Ms Blair wanted moved outside. Another submission a month later was met with further objections.

One public comment on the Westminster Council website said her proposed solar panels were out of keeping with the conservation area the house lies within.

Despite the objections, planning permission was finally granted last month.

Kathryn's other brother Nicky, who has worked as a football agent, has also recently moved house.

In 2012 he and mum Cherie bought a four-storey Georgian townhouse in London for 1.35million. It underwent major remodelling and was subsequently transferred into his sole ownership.

In May of last year, it sold for 1.735 million, after which he and his wife Alexandra spent 2.75million on a Victorian villa in North London.

But of all the siblings, it is Euan who has been the most active in the property market, acting in conjunction with his mother.

Her name is listed alongside his as the joint owner of the home he lives in with his wife. It was bought for 3.625million in 2013 and is now worth a million more.

Together with Cherie he is a director of Oldbury Residential Limited, the company they set up to buy and rent out properties.

It owns a total of 31 flats and houses in the North of England. These include ten flats bought in Urmston, Manchester, for 650,000 in 2014, 14 flats in Stockport bought in the same year for 1.3million, three more Stockport flats bought in 2015 for 225,000 and four flats bought in Manchester's Whalley Range in 2016 for 265,000

In 2018, the company reported 200,000 in profits for each of the past two years.

To that background it can only be a matter of time before the family Blair expands their property portfolio further.

Doubtless their neighbours in the Buckinghamshire countryside will be hoping that does not include a converted shed.
Joe Bidens plans to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline is a gift to someone. The radical green groups for sure: they have opposed the oil link since its inception. The trucking and railroad industry will benefit, too, because once the pipeline is stopped, then the oil will be transported in and around America by something with wheels. Its also a gift to our adversaries: for who will benefit when America and Canada cant bring their fossil fuels to market? The competition. Russia and Venezuela will be thrilled to know their market share will increase thanks to the Biden Administrations fumble.

Whats fascinating about Keystone is how un-fascinating the project actually really is. Sure, its a marvel of engineering and an extraordinary accomplishment of human and mechanical skills. The 1,200 mile pipeline from Alberta, Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast carrying crude oil to be refined is a great infrastructure project. A State Department study commissioned during the Obama Administration (when Joe Biden was Veep, a point which requires emphasis) determined the pipeline would create 3,200 temporary construction jobs directly, 42,000 additional jobs indirectly, and generate over $2 billion in wages. For the people in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska, the states through which the proposed pipeline will transverse, thats an enormous opportunity.

Joe Biden claims to love infrastructure. His Build Back Better program commits to infrastructure programs which create good paying jobs and achieve net-zero emissions. (Know what has emissions? Trucks and trains. Know what doesnt? Pipelines. But alas, theres no place for facts in a party which simplistically believes in science.). Eliminating Keystone for purely political reasons eliminates these jobs and all the opportunities for these communities. Rural America will not fare well under the Biden energy agenda. After all, this is just the beginning.

Are pipelines scary? If you think so, I have the plot of a horror film: the call is coming from inside the house. Your house is full of pipelines. America is crisscrossed with over 2.6 million miles of pipeline. Thats enough to get to the moon and back....more than five times. Is there a risk? Of course, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, records all pipeline incidents. Last year there were fewer than a dozen considered serious and one tragically resulted in the death of four workers in Texas.

Lets compare that to trucking, which is the fallback transportation method after the pipeline is ignorantly canceled. Another office at the Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, also records accidents. In 2018, the most recent year for recorded data, large trucks were involved in 4,862 fatal crashes, 112,000 crashes which resulted in injury, and 414,000 crashes which resulted in property damage.

You tell me which is greener and safer: pipelines or trucks? The facts are clear, and this is no way a knock on the trucking industry which is a vital, noble, and risky profession. It's just a technological reality.

Keystone was also making a massive renewable energy investment, and youd think that alone would please the green Biden team. According to The Wall Street Journal, Canadas TC Energy Corp. TRP 0.29% is committing to spend $1.7 billion on solar, wind and battery power to operate the partially completed 2,000-mile pipeline. Furthermore, the company pledges also to hire a union workforce and eliminate all greenhouse-gas emissions from operations by 2030. These points which hit the very plan Biden promises should trump (pardon the pun) politics and keep the project alive.

Canada has an economy to run, too, and the country has lots of oil to sell. If Keystone is stopped, it will simply be sold elsewhere. China? Probably. As the worlds largest oil importer at 10-11 million barrels a day, China would love to buy oil from anyone but America. Canada needs revenue and jobs. China needs oil. Losing our northern neighbors reliable, inexpensive, and abundant crude to the Chinese Communist Party nation would be a foreign policy collapse. But if Biden wants to continue the Obama-Biden tradition, more foreign policy disasters are to be expected.

Ive written here before about the great gift to China which is the entire Biden energy agenda. At the same time he will be watching Canadas oil go to China, Biden will be buying Chinese wind and solar technologies with borrowed American tax dollars. Meanwhile, Russia will be selling its natural gas to Europe, while America will join the other eunuchs of the Paris Climate Accord to keep China and Russia laughing at all of us.

Great plan. Putin and Xi themselves couldnt have crafted a better one.

Energy policy isnt the simplicity of soundbites. Cancel Keystone is a bumper sticker, not the decision of a serious politician who sees the real world fallout of jobs and geopolitics let alone the increase in emissions that will result.

This is just the beginning of an energy agenda that will cripple us on so many levels: jobs, cost of living, and opportunity. It will hurt our critical allies in Canada and Europe. It will benefit our enemies Russia and China. And it will do absolutely nothing for the environment.

Its almost as if Joe Biden isnt the moderate we were always told he is, even if his tweets will be nicer than his predecessor.

Daniel Turner is the founder and executive director of Power The Future, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for American energy jobs. Contact him at daniel@powerthefuture.com and follow him on Twitter @DanielTurnerPTF
Jeff Yass, the billionaire financial trader in Bala Cynwyd, is showing some buyers remorse over his massive financial support for Republican politicians who have decried the presidential election as stolen.

In the last six years, Yass has given $43 million to Republican candidates nationwide and GOP-oriented political action committees. One such PAC, called the Club for Growth, spent $3 million to help U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, the firebrand from Missouri who was a leader among Republicans contesting the election.

Now, a former stockbroker who is a longtime acquaintance of Yass has made public emails in which the investor denounced Hawley.

Do you think anyone knew Hawley was going to do that? Yass wrote. Sometimes politicians deceive their donors.

The emails were released by Laura Goldman, a former investment adviser turned freelance television producer in Philadelphia. In them, she said in Twitter postings, Yass also wrote: To be clear  I dont think the election was stolen.

Yass, 65, rarely, if ever, speaks to the media, and he had no comment for this article. He keeps a very low profile, but is one of Americas biggest donors. A ranking by the campaign-finance watchdog, the Center for Responsive Politics, placed Yass and his wife, Janine, as the ninth-largest givers in the United States in the last federal election cycle.

Yass, a founder of the 2,000-employee Susquehanna International Group, a trading and investment giant, gave $21 million over the last two years to the Club for Growth PAC, which supports economic conservative candidates and has backed President Donald Trump. That was almost a third of the $65 million war chest the club collected for the 2020 election, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

The PAC, in turn, generously supported the initial election of Hawley in 2018 and the reelection that year of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), key leaders among the 147 Republicans in the Senate and House who voted not to certify Democrat Joe Biden as defeating Trump. It spent $1 million backing Cruz, providing some money to directly help his campaign and the rest to attack his opponent.

Overall in the 2020 election, the Club for Growth PAC gave money to 19 House candidates, all Republicans. Of those, 16 won. And of that group, 12 voted against certification of the election.

The winners included U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, one of the eight Pennsylvania Republicans who voted against accepting Bidens election. He was the only Pennsylvania candidate to receive money in this cycle. He was given more than $1 million.

The Club for Growth also backed four Republican Senate candidates in the November election, all of whom won.

They included U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska. Sasse voted to certify Bidens election and has emerged as one of the GOPs most outspoken critics of election-result deniers.

It gave money to one other candidate, Steve Daines, of Montana, who voted to certify. He originally was going to object to the vote result but said he changed his stance after the riot.

The other two senators who received donations were Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Cynthia Lummis, of Wyoming. They both voted against certification.

The PAC also spent heavily to back the two Republican candidates for Senate in the special election in Georgia on Jan. 5. The pair received about $2.3 million each. Both lost.

Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey has been a stalwart ally of the Club for Growth and served as its president for four years before his election in 2010. He has urged Trump and Republicans to acknowledge Bidens win and has said he is not running for reelection.

After the Jan. 6 riot by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol, leading business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Business Roundtable, quickly denounced the assault and and urged officials to accept Joe Biden as the next president.

In an even stronger stand, more than two dozen major corporations, from Walmart to Comcast, said they were suspending campaign donations to those who voted against certifying Bidens win. (Goldman, who made public Yass emails to her, said Yass did not reply when asked if he would refrain from giving money to Hawley and other Republicans who questioned the election results.)

Unlike other business-oriented groups, the Club for Growth has maintained a public silence. It did not respond to a request for comment.

Unlike JPMorgan and several other financial companies that publicly denounced the rioting and distanced themselves from select GOP leaders, Susquehanna mostly invests its own members money, and doesnt have to report to shareholders or outside customers.

The U.K.-based Guardian newspaper was the first to report on Goldmans tweets and said it had verified her account.

In an interview, Goldman confirmed that she had posted information on Twitter about Yass email exchange with her. On social media, Goldman said that Yass had acknowledged that Biden had defeated Trump legitimately.

In Pennsylvania at the state and local levels, Yass has shown past support for Philadelphia mayoral candidates and state officials, particularly for those who support private and charter schools.

Notably, in 2015 Yass and partners Arthur Dantchik and Joel Greenberg donated $7 million to support the run of state Sen. Anthony Williams for mayor of Philadelphia. Williams lost to Jim Kenney in the Democratic primary.

Staff writers Catherine Dunn and Erin Arvedlund contributed to this article.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : One of the biggest policy issues which will set the tone for the US-India strategic relationship under the new Joe Biden administration is work visas for Indians.

India is hoping that Biden will fulfil his poll promise to lift all immigrant visa restrictions that President Donald Trump had imposed during his tenure in the last four years.

Even as President-elect Biden has already indicated that he plans to reverse the Trump administration's immigration policies on day one of his assuming office, whether it will include any reprieve for Indians is not clear yet. Reports suggest that the Biden administration will pave the way for citizenship in eight years for around 11 million illegal immigrants in the US.

For many Indians, especially those in the information technology industry, America remains a dream destination but under the Trump administration, their efforts to immigrate to the US faced severe challenges. President Trump's inward-looking policies aimed at 'Make America Great Again' resulted in several protectionist measures in employment and trade. The focus of his presidency remained jobs and business for Americans first.

President Trump, however, gave huge concessions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on internal issues like Kashmir, CAA, and Ayodhya over which the Democrats in the US, took an offensive stand. During his visit to India last February, President Trump refrained from even commenting on the communal violence in New Delhi over CAA. He also did not push his way with the Indian policymakers over the trade deal that the US was expecting to sign with India during his trip.

Though the US-India relationship thrived at multiple levels and in unprecedented ways under the Trump administration, immigration remained a sore issue between the two sides. The rejection rate of H-1B visa applications went up considerably after Trump issued a temporary ban on work visas following the coronavirus pandemic.

Now that the Biden administration is assuming office on Wednesday, policymakers are hoping for a relaxed immigration regime for Indian workers, which could provide a firm foundation for the relationship that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will share.

US President-elect Joe Biden already made a huge impact on the Indian American community when he chose Kamala Harris - an American of Indian descent - as his running mate. Apart from projecting himself as the architect of the US-India nuclear deal, he made it a point through his election campaign to use occasions like Diwali to reach out to the Indian community.

Overall, India has been enjoying due attention and respect from both sides of the political aisle in the US. But with the controversial presidential election in the US, where Trump supporters believe that the polls were rigged against him, the Biden presidency is likely to face tremendous challenges while executing its policies.

The coronavirus pandemic has already put tremendous strain on the global economy including that of the US. With Republicans and Democrats still at each other's throats especially after the US Congress approved impeachment of President Trump, whether President Biden will be able to have his way on immigration remains to be seen.
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 (BCN)

A Stockton man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, among other offenses, after he led California Highway Patrol officers on a pursuit in a dirt bike along the Bay Bridge on Sunday, ultimately crashing his bike and killing his passenger.

Humza Zahoor, 20, has been booked into the San Francisco County jail in connection with the Sunday crash that killed 20-year-old Christopher Lee of Beaumont, Texas.

According to CHP officials, officers initially responded just after 5 p.m. for a report of a sideshow involving as many as 15 dirt bikes heading toward the Bay Bridge. When CHP patrol cars encountered the bikes on the bridge's eastbound lanes, the riders allegedly turned around and began heading in the wrong direction.

The riders then exited at the Sterling Street and Fourth Street off-ramps, traversed downtown San Francisco and re-entered the bridge the wrong way on the Fremont Street on-ramp, heading east on the upper deck of the westbound Bay Bridge, according to the CHP.

Lee, who was part of the group of dirt bike riders, then crashed his bike near the Treasure Island ramp, prompting another biker from the group, later identified as Zahoor, to pick up Lee, CHP officials said.

As officers pursued the pair, Zahoor attempted to evade officers by trying to jump a median wall. Zahoor, however, crashed into the wall, causing Lee to be ejected onto the Bay Bridge, where a pickup truck struck and killed him.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

More than two dozen Chihuahua-type dogs were removed from a Massachusetts home last week due to what authorities described as unsanitary conditions caused by overcrowding.

Thirty-one dogs were rescued from the home in Weymouth in an operation that involved area law enforcement, animal control and the law enforcement wing of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the organization said in a statement.

Police and animal control officers from Braintree, Cohasset, Scituate and Weymouth participated in the operation, according to the statement.

ARL took in 21 of the dogs, while the remaining animals were taken to another animal welfare organization on the South Shore, according to the statement.

The animals were removed due to unsanitary conditions, which is typically a byproduct of overcrowding, the organization noted in its statement.

One of the dogs needed emergency care and was immediately transferred from the home to a nearby animal hospital, according to ARL.

The remaining 20 dogs were brought to the ARL Animal Care and Adoption Center in Dedham. They have since received thorough veterinary exams, the organization said.

Several of the dogs were diagnosed with heart murmurs and dental disease, and the majority will be available for adoption later this week, officials said.

ARL Law Enforcement also wishes to thank and commend Weymouth Police and Animal Control for their steadfast commitment to the safety and wellbeing of these animals, and for allowing ARL to assist in this operation, the organization wrote in its statement.

Officials urged the public to reach out to their local animal control agency or ARL Law Enforcement at 617-426-9170, extension 110, if they know about any overcrowding situations. The organization can also be contacted by email at cruelty@arlboston.org.

Overcrowding can lead to serious health concerns not only for the animals, but for people living among the animals as well, ARL said. Additionally, overcrowding often leads to under-socialized animals, creating ongoing behavioral issues, particularly for older animals.
[January 19, 2021] Yext Extends Answers to Partners to Bring Local Businesses into the Future of Search

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yext, Inc. (NYSE: YEXT), the Search Experience Cloud company, today announced the availability of Yext Answers, the company's revolutionary search product, to select partners in its Channel Partner Program. Select global Channel partners that typically sell Yext solutions to small businesses will now be able to offer their clients a modern search experience on their websites, capable of understanding complex questions in natural language and returning direct answers. This includes the ability to integrate custom calls to action within the answers, allowing businesses to boost conversions and lower support costs. "Today's enterprises have the power to win customers back from Google with Answers, our revolutionary NLP-based search product  and now, we're bringing that power to SMBs," said Howard Lerman, Founder and CEO of Yext. "With businesses of all sizes grappling with the surge of customer questions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's never been more important for local businesses to use the most advanced technology available and meet customers with official answers, the moment they ask for them." "Over the years, Yext has built incredible relationships with the world's leading digital agencies, working with them to bring the most innovative search solutions to their local business clients," said Luis Baptista-Coelho, Executive Vice President, Global Partner at Yext. "As customers ask more questions online than ever before, it's fitting that the next phase in our relationship with our partners is Answers. With Answers, our Channel partners will be able to enhance the value of their digital offerings with a truly advanced search experience that can deliver accurate information to end consumers and generate invaluable insights into how to improve search experiences in their clients' industries." Yext Channel partners like GoSite, an all-in-one SaaS and payment platform helping small businesses move their storefronts online, and FCR Media, a group of digital media companies facilitating commerce for European local businesses, see the value that Answers will bring to their industry and have already signed on to add Answers to their digital offerings. "mall businesses  especially during the pandemic  are in search of the best digital solutions and experiences to serve their communities and customers, without the hassle of using multiple software tools," said Alex Goode, Founder & CEO of GoSite. "That's where GoSite comes in. By integrating Yext Answers with our all-in-one platform, small businesses will be able to bring their customers transformative online search experiences."



"As an agency whose work spans several countries, FCR sees businesses with many different needs in many different industries  but each one is united by the common need to keep up with customer expectations in a constantly changing digital landscape," said Jon Martinsen, CEO of FCR Media Belgium. "With a product like Answers in our arsenal, we can offer businesses a foolproof way to exceed customer expectations regardless of the conditions." Yext Answers is now available to select Channel partners, which are agencies that resell Yext solutions to small businesses. Other tiers of Yext's partner program include Alliance partners, agencies, and systems integrators that refer enterprise companies to Yext, and App Directory partners, companies that have integrations with Yext to serve mutual customers.

Click here to learn more about Yext's new Answers offering for partners. About Yext The ultimate source for official answers about a business online should be the business itself. However, when consumers ask questions on company websites, too often they are left in the dark with wrong answers. Yext (NYSE: YEXT), the Search Experience Cloud, solves this problem by organizing a business's facts so it can provide official answers to consumer questions  wherever people search. Starting with the company website, then extending across search engines and voice assistants, businesses around the world, like T-Mobile, Jaguar Land Rover, BBVA USA, and Kiehl's  as well as organizations like the U.S. State Department and World Health Organization  trust Yext to radically improve the search experience on their websites and across the entire search ecosystem. Yext's mission is to help businesses and organizations around the world deliver official answers everywhere people search. Yext has been named a Best Place to Work by Fortune and Great Place to Work, as well as a Best Workplace for Women. Yext is headquartered in New York City with offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, Geneva, London, Miami, Milan, Paris, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and the Washington, D.C. area  and work-from-home offices all around the world. CONTACT: Amanda Kontor, pr@yext.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yext-extends-answers-to-partners-to-bring-local-businesses-into-the-future-of-search-301209703.html SOURCE Yext, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Khartoum, Jan 19 : The death toll due to the bloody tribal violence which broke up in El Geneina, the capital city of Sudan's West Darfur State, has increased to 129, while the number of the injured stood at 198, according to authorities.

In a statement on Monday, the Doctors' Committee of the West Darfur State said the victims include "children and new-born infants", reports Xinhua news agency.

On Sunday, Sudan's Security and Defense Council decided to send security reinforcements to West Darfur to protect the citizens and vital utilities, following a curfew imposed the previous day in the wake of the violence.

The council also decided to form a higher committee to investigate El Geneina events, determine the root-causes of the problem, and hold the perpetrators accountable.

According to local media reports, the clashes erupted after a fight on January 15 between two people in a displaced camp in El Geneina.

One of the two men, a member of a local Arab tribe, was stabbed to death.

In response to the killing, members of the local tribe attacked people in a camp and in other areas the following day.

West Darfur has also been the site of much of the ongoing Darfur armed conflict that began in February 2003 when the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement rebel groups began fighting the government of Khartoum, which they accused of oppressing the region's non-Arab population.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The White House released a sanitized list of 'Trump Administration Accomplishments' on the president's last full day in office  claiming credit for job gains before the coronavirus left millions unemployed.

The president is also taking credit for millions of deaths avoided but not the 400,000 U.S. coronavirus deaths that happened on his watch.

The White House pushed out its accomplishments list as the president leaves office with the lowest approval ratings of his presidency, with windows still smashed inside the Capitol from the MAGA riot this month.

President Donald Trump is claiming credit for job gains before the coronavirus left millions unemployed, and touting a 'Phase One' trade agreement that ended a trade war with China

The document hails an 'Unprecedented Economic Boom,' although the strong growth even in Trump's first three years was not without president.

It begins with a major caveat: 'Before the China Virus invaded our shores, we built the worlds most prosperous economy.'

It states that 'America gained 7 million new jobs  more than three times government experts projections.' The economy went on a tear at the start of Trump's term, picking up post-Great Recession growth from the Obama Administration.

But once the coronavirus hit, millions of Americans were thrown off payrolls, with the economy losing 3 million jobs since the day he took office. That sets a record for all U.S. presidents, Republican and Democratic, since the government started keeping track in 1939.

Trump takes credit for 'record stock market numbers and record 401ks,' and while his administration's economic policies helped shape the economic picture, it was business and investors who drove up stock valuations.

The White House released a list of Trump Administration Accomplishments on President Trump's last full day in office

The list of accomplishments doesn't mention the riot that trashed the U.S. Capitol

Trump became the 'first president to meet with a leader of North Korea and the first sitting president to cross the demilitarized zone into North Korea,' the list said under a heading of 'Peace Through Strength'

The list touts 'Authorized $28 billion in aid for farmers who have been subjected to unfair trade practices  fully funded by the tariffs paid by China,' although U.S. subsidies meant to help farmers hit by the trade war are born by U.S. taxpayers

The accomplishments list touts 'record stock market' and 'record 401(k)s'

The administration 'Renewed our cherished friendship and alliance with Israel and took historic action to promote peace in the Middle East,' it says. Here White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, left, elbow bumps Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a news conference in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

It also promotes the $3.2 trillion tax cut, which slashed rates, ended the estate tax  but also added to the dead, increased the wealth gap, and didn't deliver on a a simplification promise that was to shrink returns to the size of a postcard.

It touts 'massive deregulation' efforts, some of which have become law and some of which the Biden administration will immediately try to undue.

The list finds several ways to try to get around the historic coronavirus pandemic that reshaped Trump's legacy.

One section says he 'achieved a record-setting economic comeback by rejecting blanket lockdowns'  although the U.S. also set records for failing to control the spread of the disease within its borders.

'Since coronavirus lockdowns ended, the economy has added back over 12 million jobs, more than half the jobs lost,' it states, suggesting the massive job loss that transpired. The economy lost 22 million jobs after the virus hit.

Prior to that, the U.S. economy was strong, with unemployment at a 50-year low.

Likewise with coronavirus deaths, the list states that the administration 'Acted early to combat the China Virus in the United States.'

It notes that it 'Established the White House Coronavirus Task Force, with leading experts on infectious diseases, to manage the Administrations efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to keep workplaces safe.' Trump largely stopped attending those briefings for months, even as infections raged.

One achievement is that the administration 'Halted American funding to the World Health Organization to counter its egregious bias towards China that jeopardized the safety of Americans.'

It notes that in tense early days, it 'Converted the Javits Center in New York into a 3,000-bed hospital, and opened medical facilities in Seattle and New Orleans.' Trump has complained that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo asked for the beds, hardly any of which ended up being used.

The administration 'implemented strong community mitigation strategies to sharply reduce the number of lives lost in the United States down from experts projection of up to 2.2 million deaths in the United States without mitigation,' it said.

The release came on a day actual U.S. deaths his 400,000  a number that would have been hard to fathom at the start of Trump's term.

On domestic security, the administration says it 'deployed Federal agents to save the courthouse in Portland from rioters.' It doesn't mention that Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters this month who went on to storm the Capitol, endangering lawmakers and the electoral count laid out in the Constitution.

Trump was impeached in the House for 'incitement of insurrection.' That, too set a record of note: he became the only U.S. president who got impeached twice.

Trump became the 'first president to meet with a leader of North Korea and the first sitting president to cross the demilitarized zone into North Korea,' the list said under a heading of 'Peace Through Strength.'
Credit: University of Manchester

A team of scientists from the University of Manchester have been honoured with a Guinness World Record for weaving threads of individual molecules together to create the world's finest fabric, overtaking finest Egyptian linen.

The weaving of threads having diameters ranging from several millimetres (reeds, plant fibres, etc.) to a few microns (wool, cotton, synthetic polymers, etc.) has underpinned progress through the ages, from stone-age humans making nets to catch fish and weave cloth to keep themselves warm to the modern textiles we all use every day.

Now, for the first time, a team of scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a way to weave molecular threads in two-dimensional layers. In doing so they have produced a 2-D-molecularly-woven fabric that has a thread count of 40-60 million (for comparison, the finest Egyptian linen has a thread count of ~1500thread count is the number of strands per inch).

Weaving has many applications, for birds who weave twigs to build their nests, and humans who use it to make nets for fishing, baskets to carry things in, and fabrics to clothe ourselves. Plastics are made of long molecular strands called polymers, and the research team wanted to find a way of weaving those strands to make molecularly woven fabrics which could have exceptional strength and flexibility in the same way as linen sheets differ from individual threads of cotton.

The collaborative team used chemistry to weave the strands. Metal atoms and negatively charged ions work in tandem to weave together small molecular building blocks made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur atoms. The woven building blocks then join together like pieces of a jigsaw to form single sheets of woven molecular strands in a fabric just 4 millionth of a millimetre thick (4 nanometres). At the moment the largest piece of fabric made is just 1 mm in length. Obviously that's extremely small, but it's actually larger than the first flakes of graphene when that was first made.

Credit: University of Manchester

Professor David Leigh said: "Weaving molecular strands in this way leads to new and improved properties. The fabric is twice as strong as the unwoven strands and when pulled to breaking point it tears like a sheet rather than clumps of strands detaching. The woven material also acts like a net, allowing small molecules to pass through it while trapping larger molecules in the tiny mesh.

"This is the first example of a layered molecularly woven fabric. Weaving molecular strands offers a new way of altering the properties of plastics and other materials.

"The number of strands and strand-crossings was measured by shining X-rays on the building blocks. The strands bend the path of the X-rays through the material by a specific amount, enabling researchers to measure how many strands there are per inch. The measurement shows the material has a thread count of 40-60 million strands per inch. In comparison, the finest Egyptian linen has a thread count of around 1500."

The team also measured the thickness of the molecularly woven fabric using a special instrument called an atomic force microscope, which has a probe tip so sharp that it has a single atom at the end. Each layer of the molecularly woven fabric is just 4 nanometres thick; that's 10,000 times thinner than a human hair.

The research was reported in: 'Self-assembly of a layered two-dimensional molecularly woven fabric' in the journal Nature. The team behind the work involved four different research groups from across the University. Professor David Leigh's team from the Department of Chemistry made the molecularly woven fabric. Professor Bob Young's team from the Department of Materials and Henry Royce Institute carried out atomic force microscopy studies to determine its structure and material properties.

Dr. George Whitehead from the Department of Chemistry carried out X-ray crystallography experiments to locate the precise position of atoms in the material's building blocks. Professor Sarah Haigh from the Department of Materials, used electron microscopy to image the molecularly woven fabric. Ph.D. student Paige Kent and Professor Rob Dryfe used the material as a molecular net, trapping big molecules in the woven mesh while smaller molecules passed through freely.

Explore further Scientists discover a new type of molecular knot using X-ray diffraction techniques

More information: David P. August et al. Self-assembly of a layered two-dimensional molecularly woven fabric, Nature (2020). Journal information: Nature David P. August et al. Self-assembly of a layered two-dimensional molecularly woven fabric,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-3019-9
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on January 19 first resident Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia Nicholas Schmemers.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, greeting the diplomat, the PM said, '' The opening of the Dutch Embassy in Yerevan and the appointment of a resident ambassador opens new opportunities for the development of cooperation between our countries. This will contribute not only to the expansion of bilateral but also multilateral relations within the European Union'. Pashinyan highly assessed the unbiased and constructive stance of the Netherlands towards the South Caucasus region, as well as the assistancce of the Netherlands to the democratic reform agenda in Armenia.

Referring to the situation created after the Artsakh war, Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the key priority for the Armenian side is the return of the POWs, for which intensive efforts are being made.

The PM asked to convey warm greetings to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte and expressed regret for that his visit planned for the previous year was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicholas Schmemers assessed it as honor to hold a diplomatic position in Armenia and assured that he will make all possible efforts for bringing Armenia-Netherlands relations closer. According to him, the opening of the Embassy in Armenia is aimed at ensuring balanced diplomacy in the region. Highlighting high-level mutual visits, the Ambassador hoped that in the near future the visit of PM Pashinyan to the Netherlands will take place.

Nicholas Schmemers offered condolences to the PM for the military and civilian victims during the war in Artsakh and wished the injured speedy recovery.

The interlocutors discussed issues of deepening economic relations between the two countries. The sides assessed IT, agriculture, tourism as spheres with great potential for cooperation.

The Prime Minister noted that the vision of the government is to have a knowledge-based economy, and offered the Ambassador to draw the attention of Dutch companies to the prospect of investing in these areas. Nikol Pashinyan also spoke about the opportunities created by the unblocking of the economic and transport infrastructures of the region.

Nicholas Schmemers expressed readiness to inform Dutch companies about Armenia's investment opportunities and to work actively to promote cooperation. He also praised the role of the Dutch-Armenian community in various spheres of the country's public life.
During the Trump years, Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer delivered politics-obsessed professionals and observers a predawn, must-read Beltway Bible as the authors of Politico Playbook. As the page turns to the Biden era, theyre betting that their expertiseand their Rolodexeswill power a new outlet worth paying for.

Along with veteran Hill reporter John Bresnahan, also most recently at Politico, Sherman and Palmer last week launched Punchbowl News, a startup that aims to bring an intense focus on the people who power the US legislature. The outlet, named for the Secret Services code name for the US Capitol, received all the pageantry accorded to a big new deal: a profile in the New York Times, a behind-the-scenes exploration of tensions between the authors and their former colleagues at Politico.

The offerings from Punchbowl to date include a free weekday-morning newsletter, afternoon and evening editions available to premium subscribersprice tag for an annual subscription: $300along with Zoom Q&As with the authors and a Sunday conversation that Sherman says has drawn interest from television networks.

Sherman, Palmer, and Bresnahan expected their first week to be eventful, with a speakership election and electoral vote certification on the schedule. On Wednesday, along with much of the Capitol Hill press corps, Sherman and Bresnahan found themselves part of the story, sheltering in place as a mob of pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the seat of the US legislature.

Sherman spoke with CJR at the close of Punchbowls first week about his plans for the outlet, the state of DC journalism, and how to approach reporting in the new Washington. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Im not looking for this to be a place where youre going to get a hate-read about how somebody is a horrible person or an evil genius. We are writing about power, the exercise of power, and people abusing power.

You were in the building last Wednesday. Have you had a chance to reflect on that experience?

Yeah, this was a tragic incident. Ive been a reporter at the Capitol for eleven years. This is a second home for us, so it hit really hard. The difference between Congress and a lot of other beats is we really live among the members of Congress in the sense that theres a ton of access to people. We could basically go wherever we want.

When we go to work in the morning, we come to the Capitol. Its where Im sitting now. We were sitting here in this room and hearing bangs all around us, people banging on the door and people smashing through the glass. That image that has been all over the news now, of people smashing through the glass and knocking over the police officerwe were standing right there. Thats maybe a hundred feet from where we sit every day. So its like people coming into your home and breaking all your stuff. I dont know if I have any real reflections beyond that.

Our biggest fear for years was always something would happen like this, and that since this building is so big, they would never be able to get the people out. Luckily, thank God, they were able to clear these people out. It was terrifying, and the loss of life is horrible. I dont know the police officer [who was killed], but a lot of people that we know in the police force know him. So thats a long answer to say it was a searing incident for all of us in the Capitol press corps.

Launching any new outlet implies that you see a gap in the way politics is covered. How would you describe the space that you envision Punchbowl filling?

Number one, we think news should not be a one-way street. News should be a conversation between the audience and the reporters. We did a bunch of that in our previous iteration, but this should be more constant, creating conversation around content.

Number two is, we want to chart power. Our goal is to chart power and to focus on the one hundred people that matter. The center of that is the congressional leadership and the people around the congressional leadership, the corporations that war in Washington, and the leadership at the White House. Were not going to chase shiny objects. We feel, based on our experience, that we have a unique skill and a unique know-how about Washington and how business gets done. We think of it as the politics of legislating.

People view the congressional beat as a stopping point on a larger political reporting journey that might include going to the White House. We think the Capitol is the center of the political universe, and were trying to, for lack of a better word, productize that theory of the case. Its a great time to do this, because Joe Biden has a very ambitious agenda that all has to come through the Capitol.

We call it a news community, because we live among our readers. We live in the Capitol, and we exist among our readers in a physical and a kind of a metaphysical and theoretical sense. We know what they want to read, how they want to read it. And were responsive to themnot in the sense that were doing their bidding, but were responsive to their wants. News is a business, right? News is an enterprise in which the customer should be happy and feel like theyre getting what they pay for.

You mentioned not chasing the shiny object. Is that an implied criticism that a lot of other political media is chasing the shiny object?

No. There is value in covering member X says Y from an accountability point of view and from a news value point of view. Thats not our mission. Thats not our business unless it has a significant impact in some larger picture of getting something done or not getting something done. So if Congressman X says the world is flat, thats not something youre going to be reading about in our report.

We think of ourselves as a news content company, not as strictly a news company. Everything is centered around news, but were not only going to be delivering the written word. We have many other offerings in the content space. Its not an implied criticism; its just a statement of fact. A lot of people do chase shiny objects, because thats what their readers or viewers want. That is decidedly not what ours want.

Who do you see as your readership?

Certainly people who have to exist in Washington, people who have to exist in the government or who deeply care about the government, either as a hobby or as a profession. What we found more and more in an interconnected universe is that there are more and more people who need to understand what the top leaders in Washington are thinking.

Im not looking for this to be a place where youre going to get a hate-read about how somebody is a horrible person or an evil genius. We are writing about power, the exercise of power, and people abusing power.

On the Zoom call with subscribers you said, Were really down the middle, and were just obsessed with power and great stories. That approachwhat has been called the view from nowherehas received a lot of criticism, especially this past year. Is that still an appropriate approach when the majority of one party voted to reject the results of a democratic election?

When I say down the middle, what I mean is Im not beholden to either party. Im not a partisan journalist. If youve read us, and if youve read Playbook before that, I have beat the drum quite frequently about the uselessness of some of those exercises. Take the vote to object to the results of the election: we have said, time and time again, its useless and McCarthy is only doing it because he has a conference full of people who believe something thats not true. Now, is it my job to say theyre jerks? No, that is not my job. My job is to say they are doing something thats absolutely useless, thats not grounded in reality.

I dont think being down the middle, meaning being not an advocate for one side or the other, means that I cant call balls and strikes, or that I cant say things are wrong, lies, or whatever. But when I say were obsessed with power, there are a lot of partisans, not only in my interactions that I see and on Twitter, who are also obsessed with power in the same way that I am. They key off of our reporting. Were explaining what Mitch McConnell is doing before he does it and why hes going to do it. Then they key off that to say, This is bad. We should vote out Mitch McConnell. Theres room for both in this world.

Do you see the term access journalism as an accurate description of the sort of reporting you did at Politico and are doing now? Do you have any thoughts about the criticism of access journalism as an approach?

How would you define access journalism?

The idea of speaking directly to the members or their staff, and not providing evaluation of what theyre doing as much as explanation for what theyre doing.

Am I supposed to not speak to them? Am I supposed to cover Congress without talking to Nancy Pelosi or without talking to Mitch McConnell?

No, of course not.

Right. The implication when discussing access journalism is that somehow there is no accountability for wrongdoing. You would agree with that, right?

Yes, thats right.

So Ive gotten a member of Congress indicted. I wrote a story in this pandemic period about [Florida congressman] Matt Gaetz misusing government money. Ive written stories that have resulted from all sorts of bad behavior. Bres has written about scandals for thirty years. We both have access because of that.

I think the episode youre referring to is when I attended a happy hour with [former Republican House Speaker] John Boehner. That was a happy hour with maybe seventy-five to eighty people who were covering a policy retreat, meaning our company sent us there to write about the legislative plans of the thenHouse Republican majority. It wasa widely attended event with representatives from every outlet. Everybody that criticized me for that had colleagues at that same event.

It was funny, because a media reporter from a major outlet emailed me after that, and the crux of what this person said is, You were bought off by John Boehner because you went to this happy hour. Could you provide me some examples of critical coverage of John Boehner?

If you ask anybody that worked for Boehner or who was part of that Republican majority, Bres and I wrote stories, like, every other day saying John Boehner was a weak Speaker, he had no plans, he had no ability to rally his people together. He, you know, was thinking

Got it, you dont need to defend your

No, Im just explaining the context of that scenario, which I found to be strange. I think what a lot of people who engage in that argument dont understand is that the people who speak to you do so because they believe that reporters are fair and tough, and they want to get their side of the story in.

I just think the whole argument is kind ofits not something I often engage in, which is maybe why its bottled up and Im giving it to you. I just dont spend a lot of time thinking about that. My job is to break news and to write critically and analytically about Congress and about power and about the White House. Thats what I think about.

Speaking of writing about Congress, one of the themes of the book you wrote with Anna was that the people change, but the incentives and levers of power dont. Has anything thats happened in the two years since you wrote that book, or even in the past week, changed your understanding of the way power works in Washington? Or do you expect that, under a Biden administration, things are going to function as they have?

One of the things that will be really interesting to see is how much Donald Trump stays in this kind of business. In the 20102011 era, when Republicans took the majority, I was a young reporter at Politico, and there was this fear with Heritage Action and with Rush Limbaugh. If Limbaugh or Hannity were on the air railing on about some sort of bill, they wouldnt be able to get it through. Now, does Donald Trump say, Im going to primary anybody who votes for this Joe Biden covid package? Thats a familiar power dynamic. Fealty to Trump is something that were going to see tested. Does the party move on from him? Do donors demand that the party moves on from him? Are there repercussions for people who do move on from him?

In a few respects, power is always relatively similar, right? Its always, how do you grab power? How do you increase it? How do you keep it? How do you use it to your advantage to either get reelected or to get a priority of yours achieved? I dont think those basics have changed. How Trump applies it in his post-presidential life, and how people react to it, will be interesting to watch.

Right now there are three of you doing the reporting. Do you have plans to grow? And have you considered, specifically, increasing the diversity of the team doing the reporting?

Yes. To the last question, yes. We were hamstrung at the beginning just because we raised a small amount of money, but thats a priority of mine and Annas in the immediate future.

To your first question and how we think about growth: We dont know yet. We have big ambitions. Were starting a podcast thats launching at the beginning of February with Cadence13. Thats our biggest growth plan now. I dont think that we are going to be a big newsroom. Thats not mine or Annas goal.

The nucleus of what were going to do is going to be the written report. Were also doing a Sunday-evening thing called The Lookahead, and weve had interest from TV networks about picking that up. All were going to do is be sitting in our houses and talking about the week ahead. Its going to be almost like our weekly planning meeting.

I actually think that news organizations often overthink this. What Bres always used to tell me when I was younger is that if you find the story interesting, its interesting to other people.

Can you say anything about who youve gotten TV interest from?

I cant, because were not sure what were going to do with it. We want to be careful not to bite off more than we can chew with this point. We think of it almost like a Pardon the Interruption, that style of conversation. Its not going to be that same format, but its going to be basically reporters talking about what were thinking for the week ahead.

Do you have a projected divide of what percentage you hope comes from advertising versus subscriber numbers?

Building a robust subscription business is a very big priority of ours, and weve already built an insane subscription business. Weve met goals that we thought we wouldnt for many, many, many months. Were having to readjust our priorities because we didnt expect to get where we were so quickly. We cant say specific numbers, but Ive been in the newsletter business for a long time, and I can say Ive never seen open rates like this.

Was there tension at all with Politico when you decided to start this? The Daily Beast piece suggested that it was amicable but there was some tension in the organization. Was that an accurate description of how things felt, where you just decided it was best to go your different ways?

I didnt feel any tension. I was there for eleven years. When I decided to leave, it was a decision that Anna and I made because we felt like it was the right time, and we had all these ideas which dont necessarily fit in a traditional, large-scale news operation. We spoke to [Politico owner and chairman] Robert Allbritton about leaving, and offered him the chance to invest and advise us on various parts of our business. Well see if he takes us up on that.

I think Politico was obviously disappointed when we decided to leave, and suggested as much to us. Listen, theres an inherent tension in writing a newsletter, and also I didnt work in the newsroom. I am extraordinarily close with Bres and the Capitol Hill team just because thats where I came from, and I work in the Capitol. I loved my time at Politico and I was upset to leave, but it was the right time to go.

ICYMI: Tsedale Lemma on new threats to the Ethiopian press

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 22:34:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LUANSHYA, Zambia, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese firms' efforts in Zambia to adhere to preventive measures against the spread of the second wave of COVID-19 are highly appreciated, an industry group has said.

Peter Nkhumbwa, President of Luanshya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Chinese are leading the way on how to fight COVID-19.

Nkumbwa said Chinese firms in Luanshya district have put up strict COVID-19 preventive measures and have urged their Zambian counterparts to follow suit.

"As a chamber, we are happy that the Chinese firms operating in the district have put up strict measures against the spread of the second wave of COVID-19, we are just urging other companies to emulate the Chinese, we need to get united and fight this disease," he said.

According to Nkumbwa, the Chinese firms have put up strict measures of sanitizing and masking up for their workers in Luanshya.

The Chamber has since urged the general populace to copy the Chinese way of fighting the pandemic which claimed many lives across the world.

Meanwhile, Tresford Chikope, Luanshya district chairman for Zambia Congress of Trade Unions also hailed the Chinese way of fighting the pandemic.

"Their style is excellent, they are observing social distancing and always masking up," he said.

Further, Chikope added that some Chinese companies like China Non-Ferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC) Luanshya Copper Mine have donated materials towards the fight against COVID-19, to public places such as government institutions and schools.

"The Chinese mining company has been donating masks and hand sanitizers to markets, schools, and government institutions," Chikope said. Enditem

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The scene in Wattle Bridge where a suspect device and ammunition are being examined by police on January 19th 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

First Minister Arlene Foster has slammed those behind the alleged dissident republican shooting of a private helicopter as it flew over Fermanagh.

Police said there was no damage and the pilot was unaware the aircraft was shot at on Thursday, January 14.

Police have closed the Wattlebridge Road and Cavan Road, outside Newtownbutler due to an ongoing security alert after a report the CIRA left a device in the area on Wednesday, January 13.

The terror group has claimed it fired on a police helicopter. A claim dismissed by the police. Previously dissidents have tried to lure police into the area for an attack.

In a video on Twitter, the First Minister, who grew up close to the Wattlebridge area, said it was time to remove these crazed political ideologues and they should back off the community.

There has always been a small band of extreme republicans in that area who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting, stated Mrs Foster.

This latest incident where republicans claim they left a device in the area and then shot at a civilian helicopter is crazy.

Regardless of the debate about whether they did or did not target a helicopter - who in their right mind would even think about shooting down a helicopter over a populated area?

The devastation is unthinkable - families quietly going about their business and then a helicopter lands on their house, shot down, for what reason?

To round it all off, this helicopter was a civilian craft which just happened to be in the area.

There have been few incidents in recent time which have highlighted the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists.

I condemn their actions and urge the community in and around Newtownbutler on both sides of the border, to go to the police if they have information.

There still remain some in our society who mindlessly cling to the days of bombing and shooting.



The recent incident in Wattlebridge highlights the utter stupidity and recklessness of these republican terrorists. pic.twitter.com/bgpbFx4IjH  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 19, 2021

South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn confirmed that the Police Service helicopter was not deployed in the Wattlebridge area at any time on Thursday.

A fixed wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on this date, he continued. Following extensive enquiries we have established that a private helicopter was travelling through the area on Thursday.

If there is any truth to the claims from dissident republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the aircraft that they shot at. Fortunately the helicopter did not sustain any damage and its occupant was unaware of any shots being fired.

He continued: "Those involved have shown their absolute disregard for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was intended for police, makes it no less heinous. Police officers safeguard our communities every day in the face of this threat and continue to do their utmost to build a safer society.

We can all show our contempt for such senseless attacks by standing together and working in partnership to find those responsible.

The Continuity IRA have sought to disrupt our communities a number of times over the last few years with a booby trap device in Craigavon in July 2019, an explosive device on the Cavan Road in August 2019 and an explosive device on a heavy goods vehicle in Lurgan in January 2020.

They did not care about the danger they caused to our communities then, nor do they care now.

All right thinking people will appreciate the catastrophic affects that a crashed aircraft would have had on the helicopter pilot and residents living in this area. Their recklessness knows no bounds.

The public will appreciate that we are taking this very seriously and today we have commenced searches, working with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, to make the area safe and to gather evidence to progress our investigation.

A number of roads will be closed with traffic diversions in place. We will do our utmost to facilitate local residents and minimise any disruption.

I am asking everyone to work with us to find those responsible for this attack on our community.

If anyone has any information that can assist the PSNIs investigation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Agritech firm DeHaat on Tuesday said it has raised USD 30 million (around Rs 220 crore) from various investors to fund its expansion plan and strengthen technology platform.

The company raised USD 30 million in Series C funding, led by Prosus Ventures (formerly Naspers Ventures). RTP Global co-invested in the round with participation from existing investors, Sequoia India, FMO, Omnivore & AgFunder, the company said in a statement.

"The recent from marquee investors like Prosus Ventures, RTP Global and others is a strong validation of our goal to become the world's largest farmer aggregator and will help us scale up in both size and scope," Shashank Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, DeHaat said.

Based in Gurgaon and Patna, DeHaat was founded in 2012 by Amrendra Singh, Shyam Sundar, Adarsh Srivastav and Shashank Kumar.

The company is a technology-based business to farmers (B2F) platform that offers full-stack agricultural services to farmers, including distribution of high-quality agricultural inputs, customized farm advisory, access to financial services, and market linkages for selling their produce.

With the Series C investment, the company plans to strengthen the technology platform and expand geographically to other parts of India.

Currently, it is operating across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.

(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.
The "Fire Flower" during creation, in front of Hyosung Harrington Place next to Sinyongsan Station as seen July 14, 2020, stands about five meters from the former site of Namildang, where a forced eviction resulted in a fire that killed five evictees and a riot police officer on Jan. 20, 2009. / Courtesy of Ron Bandun



By Ron Bandun



If you're in the Sinyongsan area, just east of Yongsan Station, you might notice a red sculpture that wasn't there a year ago. It looks sort of like a tulip, or a red flame, standing in front of the recently opened Hyosung Harrington Place building. A plaque identifies it as the "Fire Flower" by Han Jin-su, and it seems to be an accidental memorial to a tragic fire that took place almost exactly on the spot.



No more than five meters away from the installation is the site of a deadly urban renewal battle on the morning of Jan. 20, 2009. If you were in Korea back then, you may remember the images of fire burning early in the morning on top of a small commercial building called Namildang, with a cargo container crammed with police swaying at the end of a portable crane like a cat toy over the fire. Now called the Yongsan Disaster, the fiery urban redevelopment battle claimed the lives of five evictees and one anti-terrorist riot police officer.



At the time, the protesters had been labeled as terrorists and held responsible for the fire that resulted in the deaths, but in hindsight it's clear no lives would have been lost if the police hadn't attempted their daring rooftop raid. The jailed evictees had their records cleared by presidential pardon by President Moon Jae-in.



After the Yongsan Disaster happened, I visited the site a few times. Sometimes the evictees held memorials for their fallen friends, and the police were always around in strong force, sometimes filling Hangang-daero with hundreds of riot police buses, all for just a dozen elderly protesters.



On Jan. 20, 2010, the one-year anniversary, Namildang still stood, a burned-out carcass. I photographed a red banner hanging from a nearby street pole, promoting Seoul as the World Design Capital 2010, with the slogan "Design for All."





A banner for Seoul as World Design Capital 2010 boasts "Design for All" on Jan. 20, 2010, next to the ruins of Namildang where six people died in a deadly eviction one year earlier. / Courtesy of Ron Bandun



In those days, banners like this were up all over the city, advertising then-Mayor Oh Se-hoon's initiative to bring global recognition to Seoul's urban design. I could not imagine a worse place to hang a banner with that phrase, than right in front of a spot where six people were violently killed in the name of extreme redevelopment.



Namildang was eventually torn down, and the site stood empty for years after the original construction plans for the area fell through. It seemed the police had violently evicted the remaining protesters for nothing, that those lives were lost so the land could be cleared to make way for an accidental parking lot.



Even after the building was gone, I could still find the exact location where Namildang stood and the Yongsan Disaster happened. The curb right in front still exists just as it did back then, and a tree growing there is certainly the same one that narrowly avoided having its branches scorched in the fire. There's still a bus stop in the middle of the street right in front, which was one of the reasons why the police deemed the evictees as a threat  while they were fighting back against hired goons who had terrorized them into fortifying themselves on the rooftop of the four-story building. For years, there had been a food tent selling hotteok right outside the lot, run by the widow of one of the men who died in the fire. It hasn't been seen there recently.



In December 2015 Hyosung won a construction order to build on the site, and the wasteland was fenced off by a tall white barrier hiding the rapid construction.



When I visited the site on Jan. 20, 2019, right on the fence in front of where Namildang had been, I observed two ads for fire prevention and rescue services, particularly focused on smoke detectors.



One showed a woman sleeping in bed while flames rose around her, asking "If there's a fire in your house, who will wake you up?" Another showed two smiling girls in firefighter outfits, one holding a fire extinguisher and the other holding a smoke detector, in front of an illustrated background showing four houses on fire. It's not bad advice, but then again, why did it need to include fire imagery, right there? Would you put a cartoon of a car crash in the road next to the scene of a fatal accident?





An ad on a construction wall in front of the Yongsan Disaster site asks "If there's a fire in your house, who will wake you up?" on Jan. 20. 2019. / Courtesy of Ron Bandun





An ad on a construction wall in front of the Yongsan Disaster site recommends fire prevention equipment on Jan. 20. 2019. / Courtesy of Ron Bandun



The fence was peeled away last year, revealing Harrington Place, the new high-rise building in the space. And in front of it, not three meters from where the front door of Namildang used to stand, is the "Fire Flower."



A plaque at its base, explaining the piece in Korean, translates to: "It is a work that harmonizes the shape of a burning fire and flowers. Like red flowers blooming in the gray city, it symbolizes the will and hope that comes out like fireworks in the midst of hardship."



It is close enough to the physical location where the flames of the Yongsan Disaster burned that I am surprised anyone would allow this accidental memorial to exist at this spot. If I were more paranoid, and if it had been the same developer that was in the picture in 2009, I might have suspected it was done to taunt the survivors and their hopeless struggle against neverending, unsentimental redevelopment backed by state-approved violence.





The "Fire Flower" installation is seen on July 14, 2020, near the curb in front of the former site of Namildang, where five evictee protesters and one riot police officer died in a daring rooftop raid that sparked a fire on Jan. 20, 2009. / Courtesy of Ron Bandun

In a move it says will help make the internet more transparent and resilient, privacy-focused browser Brave now offers fully integrated and native IPFS browsing (via The Verge). InterPlanetary File System, as its known by full name, is a peer-to-peer protocol for hosting web content and it could make the idea of decentralized web a reality.

Heres how it works. When you visit almost any website on the internet today, a centralized server transmits the information you want to see via HTTP or HTTPS. By contrast, IPFS uses a network of distributed nodes to get that same data to your computer. As Motherboard points out, a close parallel to IPFS is how BitTorrent works.

The protocol brings with it several advantages over HTTP. One of the big ones is that it promises to make browsing the web faster since youll be able to access websites through nearby nodes, instead of servers in far off locations. It could also reduce operating costs for publishers since they wont need to invest as much in expensive server hosting. However, by far the most significant way in which IPFS could change the internet is in that it would make it more difficult for governments to censor specific websites.

Today, Web users across the world are unable to access restricted content, including, for example, parts of Wikipedia in Thailand, over 100,000 blocked websites in Turkey and critical access to COVID-19 information in China, said Molly Mackinlay, IPFS project lead. Now anyone with an internet connection can access this critical information through IPFS on the Brave browser.

In that same way, IPFS would also make websites more resistant to the kind of enforcement action we saw Amazon take against Parler earlier in the month. Of course, more browsers will need to adopt and implement the protocol before thats a realistic possibility. With 24 million monthly active users, Brave is a growing player in the browser space, but its far from the biggest one. It would take a giant like Chrome, which has had 1 billion users since 2016, to make the decentralized web a real possibility.

You can start accessing IPFS content by installing version 1.19 of Brave, which is available to download beginning today.
(CNN)  US President Donald Trump on Monday lifted coronavirus-related travel restrictions for much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil, effective on January 26  a move that President-elect Joe Biden's administration has promised to block.

In an executive order issued Monday evening, Trump said he had been advised to lift restrictions on incoming travelers to the United States from the 26 European countries in the Schengen Zone, the UK, Ireland and Brazil but leave in place restrictions on travel from Iran and China.

"I agree with the Secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely," Trump wrote in the order, referring to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar.

Biden is set to take over the presidency on Wednesday and his incoming press secretary, Jen Psaki, said that his administration would not lift the restrictions.

"With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel," Psaki said on Twitter. "On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

Reuters was first to report the order.

The expected easing of travel restrictions comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week it will require a negative Covid-19 test from all air passengers entering the United States -- a move it says may help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Air passengers will be required to get a test within three days before their flight to the United States departs, and to provide written documentation of their lab results, or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

CNN has reached out to the White House Coronavirus Task Force as to whether the panel approved the anticipated move.

The combination of the testing program announced last week and lifting travel restrictions aligns with the interests of several airlines that have been in negotiations with the CDC and the White House. Earlier this month, a group of major airlines asked the Trump administration to broadly expand a program to test US-bound passengers and simultaneously lift travel restrictions.

Airlines for America -- with members including American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines -- wrote to Vice President Mike Pence asking the administration to implement "a global program to require testing for travelers to the United States." Such a program would allow authorities to release restrictions on entering the US from the European Union, United Kingdom, and Brazil, the group wrote.

Last month, the CDC announced that passengers arriving in the United States from the United Kingdom must test negative for Covid-19 before departure in response to a new coronavirus variant that is said to have originated in the UK and is potentially more transmissible. At least 72 cases of a variant first identified in the UK have been found in 10 US states, according to data posted last week by the CDC.

Many of the countries impacted by Trump's order have their own recent requirements for American travelers looking to enter their borders. US travelers must have a negative Covid-19 test from within the prior 72 hours to travel into the United Kingdom or Ireland, and in conjunction with proof of a completed Declaration of Traveler's Health to enter Brazil. American travelers cannot enter countries in the Schengen Zone including Spain (barring special permission or requirements), Germany, France, Italy and Sweden.

The potential travel restriction reversal would come as the Trump administration shifts on another element of the coronavirus response in the President's final days in office.

The Department of Health and Human Services was expected to announce sweeping changes last week in vaccine rollout guidelines in an effort to boost the lagging number of vaccinations in the first month -- effectively adopting the approach proposed by Biden's incoming administration.

Since then, hopes of a surge in Covid-19 vaccine shipments under a new policy to release second doses held in reserve appear to be evaporating -- with the revelation that those doses have already been distributed, contrary to recent indications by the Trump administration.

A senior administration official told CNN that when the administration announced that it would be releasing reserved doses last Friday, many of those reserves had already been released into the system starting last year as production was ramping up.

This story has been updated with further developments.
Coming off a record week of new cases, positives remain high although they have started to drop from the astronomical heights they were previously at.

On Monday, the City of Laredo announced in its public update an additional 191 positives and two deaths related to COVID-19. There have now been 34,690 positives and 565 deaths throughout the pandemic since its start locally last March.

With nearly 200 cases announced, positives still arent nearly back to the lower levels seen prior to the end-of-year holiday seasons. However, it is the second straight day where there has at least been much lower than things were going, with eight straight days above 400 cases followed by two days in the 300s from Jan. 15-16.

Specifically, the week of Jan. 8-15 was unlike anything the area has seen yet. A total of 5,217 additional positive cases were reported, or 745.3 per day, dwarfing the former record from Aug. 8-14 of 1,763, or 251.9 per day.

Through three days now this week, Laredo has 752 positives. While thats much less than a week ago, its still on line to challenge the former record averaging 250.7 positives per day. The area must be judged on a Saturday through Friday basis to accurately account for the previous time period Laredo briefly stopped updating results on weekends.

Fortunately, there have been only four deaths announced so far this week. Last week also featured 35 being reported, the second-most during the pandemic behind only July 18-24 which had 38.

There was no further information released Monday pertaining to the individuals who died due to the holiday.

Unfortunately, Laredos hospitalization situation remains dire. The COVID-19 hospitalization rate - the percentage of the areas total resources being utilized by COVID patients - is still nearly twice the total of any other area in Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced Monday night that Laredo had a 48.4% COVID-19 hospitalization rate corresponding to Sunday, down just slightly from Saturdays 48.8%. The latter figure is just the latest time that Laredo has broken the state record during the pandemic.

Bryan is the closest area to Laredo with a 27.1% hospitalization rate, ahead of Waco (26%) and Dallas/Ft. Worth (24.2%). Laredo has led the state in this key metric - which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott described as a red flag when above 15% - since Dec. 10.

Laredo reported a drop in hospitalizations Monday from Sundays record high of 249 down to 237. A total of 82 individuals are also in the intensive care unit, up one from Sunday.

The city continued its blitz to try and limit the further spread of the coronavirus by pleading with citizens to stay home. It sent out another wave of emergency messages to cell phones and on social media Sunday.

Our medical professionals and hospitals are overwhelmed with the surge in COVID-19 cases, the City of Laredos social media warning read. Our hospitals are at capacity and are having to divert patients to local standalone facilities at this moment. The current situation is at its most critical level and lives are at stake. We are asking you to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Laredos rolling test positivity rate sat at 21.5% Monday - its sixth straight day above 20% after it hadnt been that high since September. Texas rolling positivity rate is 17.2% while the United States is at 10.9%.

The Laredo area has 1,194 active cases of COVID-19 - down from 1,731 - after a total of 726 were reported recovered Monday.

Overall, the area has had a reported 32,931 recovered from the coronavirus and 235,218 tests administered throughout the pandemic.

zdavis@lmtonline.com
Ali Abbas Zafar has been making the headlines due to the controversy surrounding his debut web release, Tandav. The Amazon Prime original show starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Dino Morea, Kumud Mishra, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Gauahar Khan and Kritika Kamra, premiered on the streaming platform on Friday (January 15).

Since its release, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, netizens and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut have called out the makers for Hinduphobic content. After several people associated with the show, including producers, actors and the writer were named in an FIR, director Ali Abbas Zafar on Monday (January 18), issued an unconditional apology for hurting religious sentiments.

Now on Tuesday, Ali shared a follow-up tweet with an update for the fans. He wrote that he is in touch with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and will get back when they reach a solution. The tweet read, "We just want to share a quick update with everybody. We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised. We value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly."

We just want to share a quick update with everybody. We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised. We value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly. https://t.co/Yp8kogTlvs  ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) January 18, 2021

In his apology, the filmmaker had written, "We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series Tandav and today during a discussion, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have informed us regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people."

Ali also emphasised that Tandav is a work of fiction and that "the cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead. The cast and crew of Tandav take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments."

Two FIRs have been lodged against the makers of Tandav for promoting enmity and causing public mischief. While many have demanded legal action against the makers, others seek the removal of the questionable scenes from the show.

ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Calls Out Ali Abbas Zafar Over Tandav Controversy, Asks 'Hai Himmat Allah Ka Mazaak Udaane Ki?'

ALSO READ: Tandav Controversy: After I&B Ministry Seeks Explanation, FIR Filed Against Amazon Prime Video And Makers
The Bay Conservation Cadets is welcoming its first 10 cadets to its Tauira Mahi programme in Tauranga.

The programme was launched on Monday, with representatives from the Department of Conversation and the Bay Conservation Alliance, along with Environment Minister David Parker.

The new cadets are Nathan Wakley, Hayley Reder, Leviticus Pouwhare, Liberty Jones, Misty Peni, Monique Nee Nee, Reuben Aikman, Anna Wentsch, Gaia O'Hare, and Shane Gregory.

The cadetship will see the cadets working alongside Fish and Game, MPI, gathering data on birds and invertebrate, monitoring water, bush navigating, and visiting the Councils Geographic Information Systems team.

Chief Executive of the Bay Conservation Alliance Michelle Elborn says there is currently a gap in monitoring.

Theres never been invertebrate monitoring before. Its really important but not something that volunteers have time for.

They will learn from 29 different environmental experts.

Chair of the Bay Conservation Alliance Julian Fitter says he doesnt think anyone in New Zealand has tried anything like this before.

Conservation is not rocket science - its a lot more complicated than that.

He says the purpose of the programme was to involve the cadets deeply in conservation, while improving their understanding of the importance of biodiversity.

How many kiwis can tell the difference between a pampas and a toe toe? Not many and its pretty easy.

He says 80 per cent of our biodiversity is found only in New Zealand.

Michelle says its really exciting for the planning to finally become reality.

Bay Conservation Cadets received $3.5million in funding as part of the Jobs for Nature scheme announced in the 2020 budget.

Minister David Parker attended the launch. Photo: Ursula Keay.

Jobs for Nature is a great idea but without the training the jobs become meaningless, says Julian.

Michelle says the programme will train 150 cadets over five years.

Environment Minister David Parker says this is one of the first initiatives that was approved.

We think this will ensure benefits for both the environment and the people doing the work.

For us to give $3.5 million means that what we think theyre doing is significant.

He says the government was concerned environmental volunteers were getting older and there was a lack of younger people coming through.

Hayley Reder, one of the 10 cadets, says the environment is important for the whole country.

The exposure well get to all the environmental industries will be insane.

Nathan Wakley, who studied marine biology and volunteered for the Department of Conservation prior to joining the course, says the environment is only going to get more and more important.

He says its really exciting to be chosen as one of the cadets.

While Leviticus Pouwhare, who completed a Diploma in Environmental Management, says hes stoked to join the programme.

He says he joined partly because hes really interested in birds, as he used to always help them when they fell out of trees.

Its the perfect job for me.

Jobs for nature is a $1.245 billion dollar scheme aimed at boosting employment while protecting the environment and cushioning the economy from COVID-19.

We wanted to do it in a way that wasnt just building roads. We wanted to also mitigate climate change, says Parker.

We want to grow a cohort of people across New Zealand that have environmental management skills; from pest control, freshwater restoration, environmental monitoring and planting, to conservation work and more.

I hope this is just the start of a long, fulfilling career protecting our environment. This is vitally important work.

He says to date the Jobs for Nature has created 800 jobs including 19 new projects that were announced last year.

Applications are now open for the intake starting in May. To find out more, click here.
MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SpaceLink, a company that is redrawing the map of space connectivity, announced it has built out its senior executive team with four highly experienced satellite industry leaders, all with strong track records of success. The company is building a satellite relay system for secure, continuous, high-capacity data relay service between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the ground to meet pent up demand for fast and affordable access to the growing flood of data available from space.

Tony Colucci has been named Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer and Larry Rubin joins as Chief Operating Officer. Both were instrumental in establishing the company's vision of a service that will help advance humanity to a new age of space commerce, exploration, environmental awareness, and security. Rob Singh, formerly of Maxar Technologies, has joined as Chief Technology Officer, and David Lihani, formerly of Astrolabe Enterprises, was named General Counsel.

"I joined SpaceLink knowing that a superior executive team would be supporting me in my role as CEO," said David Bettinger, Chief Executive Officer at SpaceLink. "Tony, Larry, Rob and David all have stellar lists of accomplishments developing communications satellite networks around the world. They understand the value of our substantial bandwidth in MEO and are driving the design and construction of an advanced communications network that will serve both commercial and government spacecraft in near Earth orbit."

SpaceLink is a subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems of Australia (EOS) and benefits from resources, financing, and advanced technology from its corporate parent, including advanced optical communications. The relay system will optimize access to imagery from Earth observation satellites and will provide continuous communications for human spaceflight. It will provide a secure connection for the defense and intelligence communities and fast data transfer for space agencies.

SpaceLink continues to build its team and is recruiting engineering talent with a focus on satellite network, ground, and antenna systems. It recently launched a website at www.eosSpaceLink.com where more information is available.

About SpaceLink

SpaceLink will help advance humanity to a new age of space commerce, exploration, environmental awareness, and security. The Always in Sight data relay system provides global coverage to empower space system operators to maximize use of their assets. SpaceLink Corporation is headquartered in the Washington DC area, with offices in Silicon Valley and secure facilities collocated with sister company EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, a public company traded on the Australian stock exchange.

SOURCE SpaceLink

Related Links

https://www.eosspacelink.com


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 49F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain showers early becoming more intermittent overnight. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are reportedly over.

After only dating for a year, things seemed to have changed between Affleck and De Armas that they had no choice but to part ways.

A source confirmed to People that De Armas (now ex) decided to end their relationship a few weeks after moving in with the actor.

"Ben is no longer dating Ana," the insider revealed. "She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated."

The source detailed that De Armas did not want to settle down in Los Angeles.

However, the "Batman" star needs to stay since his kids live in that state.

Although the news came abruptly weeks after they moved in together, another source assured that the split was actually mutual. Per the second source, Affleck and De Armas are currently at different points in their lives, causing a massive gap between them.

Despite the breakup, Affleck seems to be continuously working on himself. The filming of his movies--including "The Flash" and "The Last Duel"--occupy most of his schedule.

Apart from being an actor with full-packed appointments, he is reportedly working on becoming a solid father at home.

Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas' Relationship Timeline

In March 2020, the two developed a closer relationship after filming their upcoming thriller flick "Deep Water" in New Orleans.

The now-ex-couple were first seen together on a trip to De Armas' hometown in Cuba. They went to Costa Rica afterward before heading back to Los Angeles.

Ben Affleck's girlfriend at the time made headlines the following weeks after the public spotted them frequently--showing off full-packed PDA.

Finally, in April 2020, the 32-year-old "Knives Out" actress confirmed their relationship on Instagram during her birthday.

Before their split, De Armas had been spending time with his kids, as well. The actor shares his children--Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel--with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

De Armas does not want to live in Los Angeles. Still, she put effort into establishing closer relationships with Ben Affleck's kids.

"Ana seems to love being around his kids. Everyone has been getting along great. Ana is making an effort to get to know his kids," another source revealed to People back in June.

In August, De Armas was seen moving her things into her boyfriend's home in Los Angeles. Just last month, she placed her Venice, California home on the market.

READ MORE: 'Batman' Star Ben Affleck Exposes Ugly Treatment To Ex-GF Jennifer Lopez During Relationship

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
The equity barometers continued their uptrend in mid-afternoon trade with the Nifty touching 14,500 mark. Firm global cues and robust FII inflows in domestic equities boosted sentiment. At 14:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 783.66 points or 1.61% at 49,347.99. The Nifty 50 index soared 222.55 points or 1.55% at 14,499.75.

Bajaj Finserv (up 6.58%), Bajaj Finance (up 5.16%), HDFC (up 3.56%) and Reliance Industries (up 1.56%) were major market movers.

The rally was broad based. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 1.99% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 1.47%.

Buyers outpaced sellers. On the BSE, 2,054 shares rose and 854 shares fell. A total of 151 shares were unchanged.

COVID-19 Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 9,55,55,763 with 20,40,669 deaths. India reported 2,00,528 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 1,52,556 deaths while 1,02,28,753 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Economy:

India's 2020-21 sugar production till 15 January 2021 is up by 33.76 lakh tonnes or 31% compared to the same period of the previous sugar season (October to September), according to a latest update from the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). A total of 487 sugar mills are in 33.76 lakh tonnes operation in the country as on 15 January 2021 and have produced 142.70 lakh tonnes of sugar, as compared to 108.94 lakh tonnes produced by 440 sugar mills as on 15 January 2020.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Metal index surged 1.45% to 3356.45, snapping its three-day losing streak. The index tumbled 6% in three days.

Hindustan Zinc (up 5.09%), Jindal Steel & Power (up 3.4%), Vedanta (up 2.4%), NMDC (up 2.32%), National Aluminium Company (up 2.3%), JSW Steel (up 1.59%), Hindalco Industries (up 1.42%), Coal India (up 1.3%), Tata Steel (up 0.9%) and Steel Authority of India (up 0.68%) climbed.

Earnings Impact:

Bank of Maharashtra surged 5.9% after the bank's net profit jumped 14.07% to Rs 154 crore on a 3.41% rise in total income to Rs 3,577 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. The bank posted a pre-tax profit of Rs 404 crore in Q3 FY21 as against a pre-tax loss of Rs 75 crore in Q3 FY20. Tax outgo during the quarter was Rs 250 crore. Operating profit improved by 7.13% to Rs 902 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 842 crore in Q3 December 2019. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 51.92% in the December quarter as against 48.31% in the same period last year, mainly due to one-time expenditure of Rs 230 crore on account of wage revision arrears payable to retired employee.

On the asset quality side, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 8,072.43 crore as on 31 December 2020 as against Rs 9,105.44 crore as on 30 September 2020 and Rs 15,745.54 crore as on 31 December 2019. Provisions & contingencies dropped 45.69% to Rs 498 crore in the third quarter as compared to the same period last year. Provision coverage ratio improved to 90% as on 31 December 2020 as against 83% as on 31 December 2019. The same was 87% as on 30 September 2020.

Vishwaraj Sugar Industries jumped 16.13% after the company's net profit soared 162% to Rs 30.46 crore on 18.6% decline in net sales to Rs 82.75 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q3 December 2019. Profit before tax zoomed 169% to Rs 31.30 crore in Q3 December 2020 from Rs 11.63 crore registered in Q3 December 2019. Current tax expense in quarter ended December 2020 stood at Rs 0.83 crore.

Numbers to Track:

In the foreign exchange market, the partially convertible rupee appreciated to 73.215 compared with its previous closing of 73.28.

The yield on 10-year benchmark federal paper fell to 5.944% as compared to its previous close of 5.957%.

MCX Gold futures for 5 February 2021 settlement rose 0.24% to Rs 49,012.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, fell 0.2% to 90.573.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for March 2021 settlement rose 16 cents to $55.26 a barrel.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon. High 91F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was detained on Sunday upon his arrival in Moscow from Germany, where he received medical treatment for alleged poisoning over the past months.



Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service said its officers detained Navalny at the Sheremetyevo International Airport for his "systematic violations of the conditions of the probationary period."



The opposition figure on probation was put on a wanted list on Dec. 29, 2020 and he will remain in detention until a court ruling, the service said.



Navalny, a harsh Kremlin critic, fell into a coma on a flight from the Russian city of Tomsk to Moscow on Aug. 20, 2020.



He was then transferred to a Berlin hospital with suspected poisoning symptoms.



In early September, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny was poisoned with the Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent.



Russian authorities have repeatedly denied the accusations and demanded solid evidence from Germany.

Source: BBC









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

Featured Video
WASHINGTON  The Pentagon is intensifying efforts to identify and combat white supremacy and other far-right extremism in its ranks as federal investigators seek to determine how many military personnel and veterans joined the violent assault on the Capitol.

 Chang W. Lee/The New York Times Federal officials are vetting thousands of National Guard troops arriving to help secure President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s inauguration.

In the days since a pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, senior leaders of the 2.1 million active-duty and reserve troops have been grappling with fears that former or current service members will be found among the horde.

The F.B.I. investigation into the Capitol siege, still in its very early stages, has identified at least six suspects with military links out of the more than 100 people who have been taken into federal custody or the larger number still under investigation. They include a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel from Texas, an Army officer from North Carolina and an Army reservist from New Jersey. Another person with military service was shot and killed in the assault.
Washington: President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill will become the new White House residents when he takes office on Wednesday.

Biden has made his family a major focus throughout his career, and his 2020 presidential campaign thrust them fully into the spotlight -- with some members causing controversy but others breaking barriers. Here is a look at the members of America's new "first family."

The First Lady

Jill Biden, an educator, is set to transform her new role before she even moves into the White House. While first ladies traditionally only fulfil ceremonial duties, "Dr B," as her students call her, intends to keep her full-time job as an English professor.

As first lady, Jill is expected to work on education issues and relaunch Joining Forces, a mission to rally around military families that she and predecessor Michelle Obama started in 2011.

The Bidens met in 1975, a few years after the Delaware senator had faced the unthinkable -- his young wife and daughter were killed in a car crash.

Biden often says his second wife "put us back together."

The couple wed in 1977, and she became "Mom" to his sons Hunter and Beau, who survived the car accident. They also have a daughter, Ashley, together. While raising her family, Jill, 69, also earned two Master's degrees, and would eventually earn a doctorate in education.

She supported her husband through his three previous presidential bids and was one of his most vocal advocates and tireless campaigners during his most recent run.

The First Children

Biden has often spoken about how his relationship with his sons helped him cope with grieving as he built his political career, as well as when he married Jill. For years, while working as a senator, he commuted by train two hours each way between the family home in Delaware and Washington in order to be there for Hunter and Beau.

Beau was seen as inheriting his father's public service ethos and political skills. He served in the military in Iraq and became Delaware's attorney general.

But Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46, less than two years after he was diagnosed.

Biden refers to his late son often in political speeches, and he regularly visits Beau's grave, as well as those of his first wife and daughter.

Biden's other son, Hunter, has stayed farther from the spotlight. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, and was discharged from the Navy Reserve in 2014 after a positive test for cocaine.

He became a regular focus of Donald Trump's attacks ahead of the November 3 vote for his business dealings in Ukraine and China.

Hunter, 50, now an artist based in Los Angeles, has admitted to displaying "poor judgment" in some of his business dealings, but denied any wrongdoing.

Biden, however, has been unwavering in his support for his son. During the final presidential debate, when Trump mocked Hunter's cocaine use, the former vice president simply said: "I'm proud of him. I'm proud of my son."

The First Pets

After Trump was the first president in more than a century not to have a dog, the Bidens are bringing two with them.

The German shepherds -- Champ and Major -- as well as a cat, whose breed and name have not yet been revealed, will move into the White House on January 20.

Champ has been with the Bidens since 2008. The family fostered and then adopted Major in 2018. According to Biden's team, Major will be the first foster dog to live in the White House.

The canine companions featured in one of Biden's campaign ads that warned voters to "choose your humans wisely," highlighting clips of Trump scoffing at the idea of a presidential pet.

The two good boys also starred in the Bidens' holiday message. A video cut between shots of Champ, relaxing by a Christmas tree with a sedate instrumental version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing in the background, and clips of Major playing and zooming around the house to an electric guitar version of the holiday carol.
[January 19, 2021] KuCoin Introduces Its Trading Bot for Making Passive Income

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 19, 2021, KuCoin , an IDG backed crypto exchange, announced that it officially launched the Trading Bot Feature. Users can use the KuCoin Trading Bot for free via the latest version of the KuCoin App, making stable passive income. The KuCoin Trading Bot currently supports Classic Grid trading and Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) trading. Classic Grid aims to help users arbitrage in volatile markets to make stable income. The DCA Bot allows users to conduct an automatic investment plan, which is a way to control risks and earn long-term returns. KuCoin DCA Bot supports the Profit Target function. Uers can set a target when setting up a DCA bot. Once the target is reached, the bot will remind you to continue the DAC or sell all positions.



Johnny Lyu, CEO of KuCoin Global, said, "At present, most existing investment tools in crypto are not friendly enough to newcomers and not advanced enough to professional traders. KuCoin Trading Bot not only provides the simplest AI parameter settings for newcomers, but also provides custom parameters for others. With KuCoin Trading Bot, users can make passive income in a more stable and easy way." It is claimed that the KuCoin Trading Bot will add more functions in the future. In the KuCoin App, we can see that Classic Grid and DCA are now live, while Margin Grid, Extreme-Volatility Killer, Dynamic Position Sizing and more functions are in development. With the launch of these new functions, the KuCoin Trading Bot will bring more utility investment tools for users.

After the official launch of the KuCoin Trading Bot, a series of campaigns will be launched. Users who participate in the KuCoin Trading Bot's Grid Competition will be able to share a $15,000 prize pool. KuCoin is a global crypto exchange that supports multiple crypto asset transactions. Established in September 2017, KuCoin has grown into one of the most popular crypto exchanges in the world. It currently provides Spot trading, Margin trading, P2P fiat trading, Futures trading, Staking, and Lending to its 6 million users in 207 countries and regions around the world. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kucoin-introduces-its-trading-bot-for-making-passive-income-301210651.html SOURCE KuCoin

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
On his way out the door, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out anew at China on Tuesday by declaring that its policies on Muslims and ethnic minorities in western Xinjiang region constitute 'crimes against humanity' and a 'genocide.'

The rarely used designation is sure to provoke an angry response from Beijing.

Pompeo made the determination on Tuesday just 24 hours before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. There was no immediate response from the incoming Biden team, although several members have been sympathetic to such a designation in the past.

Pompeo's determination does not come with any immediate repercussions although the legal implications mean the U.S. must take it into account in formulating policy toward China.

The U.S. has spoken out and taken action, implementing a range of sanctions against senior Chinese Communist Party leaders and state-run enterprises that fund the architecture of repression across Xinjiang.

Many of those accused of having taken part in the repression are already under U.S. sanctions. The designation means new measures will be easier to impose.

'I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state,' Pompeo said in what is both a provocative attack on China, and a diplomatic problem for the Biden administration

.China has been condemned for complexes in Xinjiang that it describes as 'vocational training centers' to stamp out extremism. Human rights groups have called them concentration camps

'After careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that since at least March 2017, the People's Republic of China, under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party, has committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang,' Pompeo said in a statement.

'In addition, after careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that the PRC, under the direction and control of the CCP, has committed genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uyghurs by the Chinese party-state.'

Tuesday's move is the latest in a series of steps the outgoing Trump administration has taken against China.

Since last year, the administration has steadily ramped up pressure on Beijing, imposing sanctions on numerous officials and companies for their activities in Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

Those penalties have gotten harsher since the beginning of last year when President Donald Trump and Pompeo began to accuse China of trying to cover up the coronavirus pandemic.

Just on Saturday, Pompeo lifted restrictions on U.S. diplomatic contacts with Taiwanese officials, prompting a stern rebuke from China, which regards the island as a renegade province.

Anger: Members of the Uighur minority have protested against persecution,including in Istanbul where a large number live. The Uighurs are Muslims who identify as part of the Turkic peoples

Five days ago, the administration announced it would halt imports of cotton and tomatoes from Xinjiang with Customs and Border Protection officials saying they would block products from there suspected of being produced with forced labor.

Xinjiang is a major global supplier of cotton, so the order could have significant effects on international commerce.

The Trump administration has already blocked imports from individual companies linked to forced labor in the region, and the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Communist Party officials with prominent roles in the campaign.

China has imprisoned more than 1 million people, including Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups, in a vast network of concentration camps, according to U.S. officials and human rights groups.

People have been subjected to torture, sterilization and political indoctrination in addition to forced labor as part of an assimilation campaign in a region whose inhabitants are ethnically and culturally distinct from the Han Chinese majority.

The Associated Press wrote about widespread forced birth control among the Uighurs last year, including mass sterilization.

China has denied all the charges, but Uighur forced labor has been linked by reporting from the AP to various products imported to the U.S., including clothing and electronic goods such as cameras and computer monitors.

China says its policies in Xinjiang aim only to promote economic and social development in the region and stamp out radicalism. It also rejects criticism of what it considers its internal affairs.
Listen to article

Irked by the inability of some indigent patients who received medical treatment at the various hospitals in Lagos and Ogun State, the PEGA & Friends Foundation (P&FF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has paid their hospital bills and united them with their families.

The patients, who had stayed in the hospitals for between two and six months after their cure and subsequent discharge due to lack of money to offset their medical bills, resigned to fate before the PEGA and Friends foundation came to their aid and brought succour to them.

Many of the patients who came from various parts of Lagos state as well as Ogun State were in the children, surgery and orthopaedic wards of the hospitals.

They were treated of various ailments, accidents, delivery and were given medical bills. But due to lack of money, they were hanging around the hospital waiting for money to clear their bills before they could go home.

The founder/Director of the foundation, Prince Ekunola Gbenga Abraham (PEGA), while addressing the management and patients at General Hospital Badagry, praised the hospital management for the care and the patients for their cooperation.

Ekunola revealed that the programme started since 2010 but fully registered as an NGO in 2015. With the support of friends, the programme had been sustained since then, he said.

PEGA disclosed further that the foundation was focused at enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians by promote health, socio-economic development and status of vulnerable and disadvantaged women, children, youths and men in community and welfare, character management & rehabilitation programs for inmates.

He said, We go round Nigeria to help the underprivileged in the society and this we have been doing over the years. To change our society and make the world a better place we must love, give and share no matter how small.

The Director also revealed that many indigent patients were discharged through the foundation, adding that they were released in Ore-Ofe Private Hospital Ilaro, Ogun State and General Hospital Badagry in Lagos State. Among the beneficiaries is 8-days old baby that was abandoned at the road ride in Badagry who is currently taking care at the Badagry general Hospital.

Oba Akran of Badagry, His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1 praised the vision and humanitarian service rendered to the indigent patients and Badagry community by the Pega and Friends Foundation, even as he urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the gesture.

Responding, the Deputy Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olatunde Bakare, praised the NGO for its gesture, saying that it had set a pace for others to follow.

The patients expressed their gratitude to the NGO for paying their hospitals bills. They prayed God to grant those behind the NGO their heart desires.

They prayed God to guide and protect the members of the Pega and friends foundation and as well reward them.

The foundation also visited Hephzibah homes in badagry, where materials of different kind and food items were donated to the orphans.

Ekunola, confirmed the adoption of three (3) children of late Madam Kemi Adepoju who died of cancer in Ibadan which made the children to become orphans, and nobody is ready to take responsibility including the professor that was standing in between the family at initial stage.

As part of activities marking the annual get-together of the foundation, it has extended a hand of fellowship to the sick, widows and orphans as part of the foundations goals to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions by distribution of different kind of food items to the aged and less privileges in different villages across the nation.

Other side attractions of the program was the visitation of the Palace of Akra of Badagry, seaside, first upstairs in Nigeria, Slave point of no return, slave market, first church in Nigeria and many other places and the get-together party and general meeting to roundup the occasion.

Signed.

Prince Ekunola Gbenga Abraham

Director, Pega and friends foundation

09059558880

www.pegaff.org
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Bong Go asks public to trust gov't as they ensure that the national vaccination program is safe, sure and secure Senator Christopher "Bong" Go asked Filipinos to trust the national government when it comes to the procurement and subsequent rollout of sufficient, safe, and effective vaccines against COVID-19 across the country in his manifestation during the Senate regular session on Monday, January 18. "First of all, I wish to commend my colleagues for our collective effort to help the government and our people in overcoming the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This is a testament that through our bayanihan efforts, we can recover as one," Go began his manifestation. He also renewed his earlier request to Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. to further explain to the Filipino public the national vaccine roadmap to overcome public reluctance and build vaccine confidence. "I urge Vaccine Czar Secretary Galvez to explain the process further without compromising ongoing efforts to procure and administer as many vaccines as needed for our people. And out of transparency, maybe we can ask him if he can disclose the prices at the appropriate time to allay any doubts of the public, not only of Sinovac, but of all vaccines," Go said during his speech. Go stressed his trust and confidence in Galvez, saying that the vaccine czar "will always uphold the interest of the Filipino people when negotiating for our vaccines." "After all, these procurements by the national government are done through multi-lateral agreements with fund managers, such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank," he noted. He also highlighted that President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to ensure that the national vaccination program - from approval to rollout and implementation - is safe, sure and secure has never changed. "Magtiwala po tayo sa ating gobyerno. I am personally aware na bago pa man nagsimula sa social media ang mga kuro-kuro at haka-haka, masusi na po ang pagtrabaho ng mga opisyal ng ating pamahalaan to get the best for our country and for every Filipino," he said. "Para kay Pangulong Duterte, ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino ay nasa sentro ng programa natin. Ito ang responsibilidad na ginagampanan natin palagi. Our officials will be measured by their adherence to the President's guidance," he added. As to the disclosure of prices of vaccines, Go stressed that government officials handling the negotiations are required by law to abide by Non-Disclosure Agreements with all pharmaceutical companies developing these vaccines. "Intindihin po natin na ginagawa ng gobyerno ang lahat para makakuha ng sapat na supply ng ligtas at epektibong mga bakuna. May sinusunod rin tayong mga patakaran at proseso sa negosasyon at kasama na diyan ang mga Non-Disclosure Agreements with pharmaceutical companies," he added. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his appeal to concerned authorities to expedite the process of acquiring vaccines and collaborate with the private sector and local government units for the proper implementation of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap. "Huwag na nating pahirapan pa dahil lahat naman tayo nagmamadali dito. 'Yun po ang inaantay natin para unti-unti na tayo makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay. Let us work together to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the road towards recovery," Go told concerned authorities. "Siguraduhin dapat na bawat piso ng pondo ng bayan ay hindi nasasayang, lalo na sa panahon ng krisis. Siguraduhin din nating makakabenepisyo ito sa lahat, kung kaya't patuloy ang aking paalala na unahin dapat ang mga mahihirap, mga bahagi ng vulnerable sectors, at mga frontliners, lalo na sa mga malalayong lugar na hindi nga po alam kung ano itong vaccine at saan ito kukunin," he added. In view of some questions regarding the actual final prices of vaccines against COVID-19, Go also urged the agencies involved to be transparent and prudent in using the country's limited resources. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the Senator reminded the national government that they are still mandated to ensure proper and full accounting of public funds used and these should be disclosed to the public at the proper time without compromising the ongoing negotiations. As to those spreading misinformation and taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of Filipinos during these challenging times, Go appealed to them to "join the 'bayanihan' efforts instead." He also renewed his call for a measure that will punish those who continue to take advantage of the current situation. "Tulad ng sabi ko noong Biyernes, kung walang katapusan ang pagdududa, as legislators, why don't we legislate a law, not only to prepare for adverse events, but also against those who are taking advantage of the situation -- para guarded lahat at may penalties po. Ikulong o isama natin sa death penalty -- 'yung mga nangsasamantala dyan at nagkakalat ng maling impormasyon, dapat po kayo ang unang turukan -- by lethal injection!" Go warned. Ending his manifestation, Go emphasized that it is important to commence the vaccine rollout as soon as possible so Filipinos' lives can finally return to normal. "Ang importante po, sana ay maumpisahan na po ang roll out at maturukan na po ang mga Pilipino ng safe na vaccine. Mas lalong matatagalan ito dahil merong pagdududa. Kawawa naman po ang ating frontliners. Kawawa naman po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, sila po ang apektado dito kung lalong matatagalan pa," Go pointed out. "Magtulungan na lang po tayo. Magbayanihan na lang tayo, mga kapatid kong Pilipino. Magtulungan na lang po tayo," he ended.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The pandemic continues to pose huge challenges to health services worldwide. Hospitals are in crisis as the pace of new COVID-19 cases outstrips their capacity. What makes things particularly difficult is that the coronavirus doesn't affect everyone in the same way.

Being able to better predict which patients will get seriously ill would allow hospitals to use their stretched resources more effectively. Armed with such information, hospitals could stop admitting patients who are at low risk of deteriorating and avoid administering unnecessary treatments. And for patients at high risk, this information could guide doctors on how and when to treat them.

Researchers have been racing to develop "prediction models" for this very purpose since the start of the pandemic. Prediction models are created by learning from previous patients, and they need to be fed a lot of data. Early models were found to be inadequate for clinical use, mainly because they didn't include enough data to capture the variety of scenarios that occur among different patients and across different settings.

But there is a studycalled ISARIC4C  that is collecting data on patients with COVID-19 from over 250 hospitals across the UK. We believed that this could be a powerful platform for addressing this problem. So, working with colleagues from across the UK, we set about creating a prediction model using ISARIC4C's data that would be good enough to be used clinically.

Using big data to improve care

We used ISARIC4C data from approximately 75,000 patients across England, Scotland and Wales to develop our prediction tool, which we called the 4C deterioration model. It's designed to predict the risk of an adult hospitalised with COVID-19 requiring breathing support, needing intensive care or dying during their hospital stay.

The model requires only routinely collected information. It needs to know the person's age and sex, whether they developed their infection inside or outside hospital, their bedside assessmentssuch as oxygen level, rate of breathing and consciousness leveland a selection of common blood tests and chest X-ray findings. These 11 data inputs (or "predictors") were included based on previous reports of them being associated with severe COVID-19 together with evidence from the ISARIC4C study associating them with deterioration.

A patient's predictors are combined together in the 4C deterioration model using an equation, which then provides the percentage likelihood of that patient's condition worsening. The predictors aren't equal, but are weighted according to their association with deterioration. For example, the strongest predictor in the model is blood oxygen level (measured using a finger probe). This is because a reduction in oxygen levels is the main mechanism through which COVID-19 causes critical illness.

We tested the accuracy of the predictions in hospitalised COVID-19 patients across nine NHS regions in England, Scotland and Wales. Our analyses showed that the model's predictions closely matched the observed outcomes of patients. For example, using a measure called a "calibration slope" to see how well predictions matched up with real outcomes, the model scored 0.96 compared with a perfect score of 1. These results offered encouraging evidence that the model could usefully guide medical decision making in all regions.

How doctors can use the tool

We made the 4C deterioration model available to doctors as an online risk calculator in January 2020. It's available alongside our 4C mortality score, a model we made previously that predicts risk of death in COVID-19 patients, and which has been recommended by NHS England to help guide antiviral treatment.

Since age is a very strong predictor of whether a COVID-19 patient will die, we recommend using both models in parallel to ensure that risk isn't underestimated among younger patients. Young people with COVID-19 can be at low risk of death but high risk of deteriorationa fact not picked up by the 4C mortality score on its own.

These prediction tools are intended to allow inherently subjective medical decision makingwhich may vary considerably between cliniciansto be more objective and evidence-based, particularly during challenging circumstances when resources are stretched. Predictions may be used to support discussions of prognosis with patients and families, estimate demand for resources, and inform decisions regarding keeping patients in hospital or admitting them to critical care.

Future clinical trials could also evaluate whether the tools might be useful for directing treatments with specific drugs (such as antivirals and immune modulators) towards patients who are most likely to benefit. The tools could even be used to analyse data from clinical trials that have already been run, to see if they can distinguish between patients who did and did not respond to treatment.

Importantly, the ISARIC4C study is ongoing. This means that we can continue to evaluate how the prediction tools are performing in recent groups of patientsand this will allow us to optimise them if required in the future. In addition, making the models freely available will allow researchers and policymakers worldwide to test how well our models work in their own populations.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The suspect in the shooting death of a man found in a vehicle abandoned at a Birmingham gas station has now been formally charged.

Birmingham police on Tuesday announced a capital murder warrant against Lawrence Earl Eaton. The 29-year-old man is charged in the slaying of Timothy Hall, 39.

Hall was found dead Sunday after a bizarre series of events on the citys east side. The investigation began at 2:45 a.m. when East Precinct officers were dispatched to the 200 block of 62nd Street South in the Woodlawn area after Shot Spotter, the citys gunfire detection system, indicated shots fired there. Police arrived on the scene and found spent shell casings as well as blood, but no victim, said spokesman Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Later, police received a call from a community member who said they were on the phone with someone who may have been connected to the gunfire incident.

The conversations continued, brokered by the community member, and police learned that an assault had definitely taken place and that the person on the phone was driving around in a vehicle.

A bizarre series of events early Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, led to the discovery of a Birmingham homicide victim and eventually a person of interest in the slaying.

Shortly before 4:30 a.m., officers were instructed to go to the Shell station in the 3800 block of East Lake Boulevard. When they got to the Shell, which was just over two miles away from the initial shooting scene, they found an abandoned sedan on the south side of the business.

They approached the vehicle and found Hall inside. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead on the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers still had contact with the community member who had the person of interest on the phone,' Fitzgerald said. That community member was able to talk the person of interest into turning themselves in.

Eaton was finally taken into custody on nearby Birmingham Street in Tarrant. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 8:10 p.m. Sunday and is being held without bond.

Authorities have not said what led to the deadly shooting.
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 of recordings provides info that will allow tracking down masterminds of Sheremet's murder

Former employee of the Belarusian special forces Igor Makar has provided evidence to the investigators of the National Police of Ukraine, the Ukrainian law enforcement agency confirms.

"The owner of the records has been questioned on the territory of Ukraine. The police provided protection to him," the National Police of Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

Later, the National Police of Ukraine clarified that in order to obtain additional information, which will help track down the masterminds of those who ordered the impudent murder of Pavel Sheremet in the center of the Ukrainian capital, the investigators of the National Police interrogated the man who handed over the above mentioned audio recordings for publication. He has the procedural status of a witness.

"During the interrogation, the witness provided the investigators with information that could significantly speed up the process of identifying the masterminds and the circumstances of the preparation of the explosion of Pavel Sheremet in the car. Now the police are checking the received data. The audio recording has been sent for a phonoscopic examination," the message says.

In addition, the employees of the National Police prepared a request for international legal assistance to carry out additional investigative actions on the territory of states related to the released audio recordings. "The relevant documents have been submitted for approval by the Prosecutor General's Office," the message says.
750 killed at Ethiopian Orthodox church said to contain Ark of the Covenant: report

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Around 750 people were killed in an attack on an Orthodox church, which is said to contain the Ark of the Covenant described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible, in northern Ethiopias war-torn Tigray region  home to thousands of churches and monasteries  according to reports.

Hundreds of people hiding in Maryam Tsiyon Church in Aksum amid an armed conflict were brought out and shot to death, and local residents believe the aim was to take the Ark of Covenant to Addis Ababa, the Belgium-based nonprofit European External Programme with Africa reported in The Telegraph.

"The government and the Eritreans want to wipe out the Tigrayan culture. They think theyre better than rest of the people in the country. The looting is about destroying and removing the cultural presence of Tigray, Gervers explained.

Former BBC World Service Africa editor and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Martin Plaut, said that those who escaped the Aksum massacre had reported that the attack began after Ethiopian federal troops and Amhara militia approached the church, the U.K.s Church Times reported.

People were worried about the safety of the Ark, and when they heard troops were approaching feared they had come to steal it. All those inside the cathedral were forced out into the square, Plaut was quoted as saying.

About 1,000 people were believed to be in the church complex at the time of the attack. The EEPA said the massacre was carried out by Ethiopian federal troops and allied Amhara militia that are fighting the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front.

The church and and the Ark have likely not been damaged, Plaut added.

The fighting began in Tigray since Nov. 4 when the regions ruling political party Tigray Peoples Liberation Front captured the Northern Command army base in the regional capital Mekelle as part of an uprising, after which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive. Abiy claimed on Nov. 28 that the Ethiopian National Defense Force had regained full command of Mekelle.

However, humanitarian workers say the fighting continues.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has rushed a multi-disciplinary team to assist the Lakshadweep administration in Covid-19 management after the Union Territory reported its first case of infection.

The case was reported on January 18. The index case is a traveller who had come to Lakshadweep from Kerala's Kochi on January 4 by a ship.

The case had reported to hospital with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 and was tested positive.

Initially, 31 primary contacts of the index case have been traced and quarantined of which 14 have now been found to be positive and have been isolated.

About 56 contacts of positive cases detected so far have also been traced and quarantined. The UT administration has initiated disinfection procedures and intensive risk-communication activity has been operationalised.

The Central team rushed to the UT comprises of experts drawn from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry; the National Institute of Virology, Pune and the regional office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The team will assist UT administration in Covid-19 containment activities.
T he worst evening I spent in Downing Street? Easy: September 18, 2014, sitting in the small wood-panelled dining room in Number 11 with David Cameron; eating a tepid curry; waiting for the results of the Scottish referendum. We thought: are we the people who have lost Scotland? History allows for no recovery from a disaster like that. Ask Lord North, the prime minister condemned for all time for the loss of America. The mistake he made  and with Irish calls for home rule a century later  had been to assume that doing nothing was an option. Our referendum was a proactive plan to keep the United Kingdom together  and it looked like it had put Scottish nationalism back in its box for a generation.

Not any more. By unleashing English nationalism, Brexit has made the future of the UK the central political issue of the coming decade. Northern Ireland is already heading for the exit door. By remaining in the EU single market, it is for all economic intents and purposes now slowly becoming part of a united Ireland. Its prosperity now depends on its relationship with Dublin (and Brussels), not London. The politics will follow.

Northern Irish unionists always feared the mainland was not sufficiently committed to their cause. Now their short-sighted support for Brexit (and unbelievably stupid decision to torpedo Theresa Mays deal that avoided separate Irish arrangements) has made those fears a reality. It pains me to report that most here and abroad will not care.

Scotland is an altogether different matter. Its history is our history. Its contribution to the world through its literature and philosophy, exploration and art, is our contribution. Its departure  with no disrespect to the Welsh  would represent the end of the United Kingdom. The rest of the world would instantly see that we were no longer a front-rank power, or even in the second row. We would instead be one of the great majority of countries who are on the receiving end of the decisions made by a few, subject to the values of others. We would become another historically interesting case study in how successful nations can perform unexpected acts of national suicide.

So how can Boris Johnson avoid this disaster  and ignoble title of the worst prime minister ever? For every poll shows consistent support now for independence. The Government has two plans. The first is to win more Scots over to the virtues of the Union. Press officers are being hired especially to make the case. We did something similar seven years ago, opening a Treasury office in Edinburgh and badging UK projects with a little Union Jack.

That made little difference; what it did was hold the Scottish National Party to account for the devolved decisions on things like tax we handed over to them. But now the Edinburgh and Glaswegian middle-classes who shied away from the risks of independence in 2014 are recalculating. For what is riskier? Being in Brexit Britain, or becoming independent and rejoining the EU?

Those who want to keep the UK together need to respond with new, powerful arguments against separation. After all, hasnt the EU negotiations shown Scots that the whip hand lies with the larger, more powerful bloc?

Surely SNP claims of easy trade deals, frictionless borders and a rosy future for Aberdeen fishing and Edinburgh finance can now be easily demolished? If leaving a loose union with European nations after a mere 50 years has caused such division and debilitation, imagine the trauma of sundering an intense 300-year-old union with those we share this island with.

But theres a problem: this Brexiteer premier cant say any of this. So whats the second plan? Simple. Refuse to hold a referendum. Its the only sure way you wont lose one. Yes, the SNP will be in full cry  but so what? Domestic opposition has already evaporated, with the Labour leader there resigning last week.
Pathway Promotes Simon Lau to Managing Director

Pathway is pleased to announce that Simon Lau has been promoted to Managing Director.

Mr. Lau joined Pathway in 2006 and is a managing director and Head of the Hong Kong office. He is responsible for investment analysis and conducting due diligence on primaries, secondaries, and co-investments; negotiating and reviewing investment vehicle documents; and client servicing. Mr. Lau also serves on the advisory boards of several private market partnerships. Prior to joining Pathway, Mr. Lau worked in the business consulting division of Accenture (News - Alert) in Lonon. Mr. Lau received a BS in information management (first class) from University College London and an executive MBA, with distinction, from the Cass Business School at City University.







About Pathway Capital Management

Pathway is a private market portfolio solutions provider with over $70 billion of assets under management from private equity, private credit, and infrastructure mandates. Formed in 1991, Pathway creates and manages single- and multi-investor programs for institutional investors worldwide, investing in various private market strategies through primaries, secondaries, co-investments, and direct credit investments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005049/en/
As the protest intensifies, questions on national security have been doing rounds amid the call for Tractor Rally by the farmers on 26th January. The Supreme Court has left it on Delhi police to decide on whether to allow the rally to take place in the national capital on Republic Day.

As farmers protest enters day 55, farmers continue to protest around the capital against the three farm laws, amidst biting cold in colossal numbers. The 10th round of talks between farmers and the Centre, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed to tomorrow.

On the other hand, four member panel appointed by the Supreme Court is to hold its first meeting today. The committee is scheduled to hold a meeting with the farmers on 21st January. The panel constitutes of Bhupinder Singh Mann, National President, Bhartiya Kisan Union and All India Kisan Coordination Committee; Pramod Kumar Joshi, Agricultural Economist and Director for South Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute; Ashok Gulati, Agricultural Economist and Former Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices; and Anil Ghanwat, President, Shetkari Sanghatana.

The farmers unions have refused to be a part the committee set up by the apex court as they believe that the panel is pro government. We dont know, were not going (to first meeting of SC-formed committee). Nobody from the agitation approached Court. Govt. brought Bill through Ordinance, it was tabled in the House. Itll go back the same route it came from, said Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union in a statement.

Anil Ghanwat, member of SC-formed committee in a statement said, It has been decided that the first meet with farmers will be held on Jan 21st. Physical meeting will be held with those organisations who want to meet us in person. Video conferencing will be held with those who cant come to us

He added, If the govt wants to come and speak with us, we welcome it. We will hear the Govt too. The biggest challenge is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with us, we will try our level best

Also Read: Coronavirus inoculation drive day 4: 3.81 lakh vaccinated so far, Bharat Biotech issues fact sheet

Also Read: Tandav row: Ali Abbas Zafar and team issue unconditional apology, UP police to question makers today

As the protest intensifies, questions on national security have been doing rounds amid the call for Tractor Rally by the farmers on 26th January. The Supreme Court has left it on Delhi police to decide on whether to allow the rally to take place in the national capital on Republic Day. The next hearing of the court is scheduled to take place on 20th January. Meeting between the farmers and the Delhi and UP police is was held today over the tractor parade. Home Minister Amit Shah also held a high-level meeting with officials of Delhi police today.

The Farmer unions have announced that they will go ahead with tractor rally anyway and the protest will be peaceful. There will be close to 5-6 lakh tractors and they will not enter Delhi but will move in a circle on the Outer Ring Road.
Machine Gun Kelly has been a busy guy, recently releasing his first movie musical.

But the Houston-born actor/musician is finding time to focus on himself, amid his growing success.

He served Pepto Bismol vibes in head-to-toe pink Monday, as he ran errands in Beverly Hills, where he picked up some lunch to-go at Comoncy Cafe.

Pretty in pink: Machine Gun Kelly served Pepto Bismol vibes in head-to-toe pink Monday, as he ran errands in Beverly Hills, where he picked up some lunch to-go at Comoncy Cafe

The 30-year-old kept it cozy in an oversized bubblegum hoodie with harness straps hanging down the back and some matching pink sweatpants, also featuring straps.

He finished the look with and a pair of hot pink Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, adorned with guitars on the sides.

Kelly wore his hood up as he left a nearby cafe with his tablet and a to-go cup, after sitting down for some coffee.

He threw on a black face mask, as he took precautions from COVID-19, while placing his lunch order at Comoncy.

Working hard: The Tickets to My Downfall artist appeared exhausted, after premiering his movie musical Downfalls High over the weekend on Facebook and YouTube

Strapping display: The 30-year-old kept it cozy in an oversized bubblegum hoodie with harness straps hanging down the back and some matching pink sweatpants, also featuring straps

Cool kicks: He finished the look with and a pair of hot pink Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, adorned with guitars on the sides

Caffeine fix: Kelly wore his hood up as he left a nearby cafe with his tablet and a to-go cup, after sitting down for some coffee

Wear a mask: He threw on a black face mask, as he took precautions from COVID-19, while placing his lunch order at Comoncy

The Tickets to My Downfall artist appeared exhausted, after premiering his movie musical Downfalls High over the weekend on Facebook and YouTube.

He took to his Instagram Story during the outing, addressing his 7.5million followers in a video: 'I just wanted to say to my fans, I been in kinda like a f***ed up place personally for a couple months, in my head.

'So, I haven't been that active on socials. But I did just get a call from the label about Downfalls High. The premiere weekend, we got 12million views on Facebook, dude. I'm like tripping out!'

The Bird Box actor clarified in writing: 'Made a verbal typo. It ended up being 16million***. Love you all so much. Thanks for these moments.'

He also took to Instagram as he posed in front of some posters for the film, which were plastered on the side of a wall in Los Angeles.

F***ed up place: He took to his Instagram Story during the outing, addressing his 7.5million followers in a video: 'I just wanted to say to my fans, I been in kinda like a f***ed up place personally for a couple months, in my head'

Tripping out: Kelly added: 'So, I haven't been that active on socials. But I did just get a call from the label about Downfalls High. The premiere weekend, we got 12million views on Facebook, dude. I'm like tripping out!'

Photo op: He also took to Instagram as he posed in front of some posters for the film, which were plastered on the side of a wall in Los Angeles

Movie musical: Kelly and pal Mod Sun wrote and directed the 49-minute project, which they called 'a first of its kind musical experience'

Kelly and pal Mod Sun wrote and directed the 49-minute project, which they called 'a first of its kind musical experience.'

Narrated by Kelly and Travis Barker, it stars Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney and TikTok personality Chase Hudson as a star-crossed high school couple.

In addition to Barker, the musical also features his other Tickets to My Downfall collaborators Trippie Redd, Blackbear and Iann Dior.

Kelly told NME last fall: 'We're making a new pop-punk Grease. It was almost like shooting 14 music videos back-to-back, but with a narrative that's outside of my personal life stories.

'It focuses on other characters, and then me and [Barker] are just the narrators. It's an interesting concept because it hasn't been done for an album ever, maybe outside of like Pink Floyd's The Wall.'
Numerous land-based universities and agri-colleges have confirmed they will issue rent refunds to students due to the UK's current lockdown.

The government is seeking to reduce the movement of students into and across the country to minimise transmission risks.

Current coronavirus advice is that students should not return to university campuses until at least February.

Harper Adams University said students whose courses will continue online, who are not permitted to return to university-owned accommodation, will receive refunds.

Students in catered accommodation will receive a refund for the catering element of their accommodation fees for the period 9-18 December 2020 as well as the full rent refund.

Harper Adams said those students in university-owned accommodation permitted to resume studies on campus will still be subject to full accommodation fees.

Vice-Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: We wish to thank our students and their families for bearing with us while we developed our response to the national lockdown.

"We are pleased to have now confirmed our approach to campus accommodation charges and we will continue to communicate directly with students about their teaching and learning arrangements.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has also announced a rent refund for students who are unable to access on-campus accommodation.

In line with national government guidance, all courses offered at the RAU will be conducted online until at least the middle of February.

Although agriculture and land-based courses include significant practical elements, they currently do not meet the governments exemption criteria for practical programmes that can include face-to-face teaching elements.

RAU has therefore confirmed that a refund will be provided to students who are not in their on-campus university accommodation for the period Sunday 3 January to Saturday 20 February 2021.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Joanna Price said: I am pleased to inform you that the university has agreed that a refund will be provided to students who are not in their on-campus accommodation for the period Sunday 3 January to Saturday 20 February.
Forum.eu will offer regular opinion pieces that are written exclusively for the platform

BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / The digital media platform Forum.eu starts this new year out by publishing pieces from The New York Times. From now on, users have access to articles from the US daily newspaper, on topics relevant to Europe, in several languages, and can debate them on the platform.

In addition, Forum.eu, which has grown to 30 employees within only nine months of its launch, will offer regular opinion pieces that are written exclusively for the platform, but can also be published by all participating publishers, translated into the respective national languages. The first piece is by John Bolton, Trump's former Security Advisor, and a piece by former German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is to follow. Both revolve around the discussion of whether or not the EU should have a European army.

The Berlin-based platform Forum.eu brings together exclusive voices from all over the world and the best articles on European topics - translated into English, German, French, Polish, Spanish and Greek. In the long term, Forum.eu plans to offer all European languages. "Language barriers need to be removed in order for debate culture to flourish. A mode of discussion that challenges, informs and involves as many Europeans as possible," says Forum co-founder Paul Ostwald, who made it into the Forbes 30Under30 2020 list with his vision of a "Europe united in diversity".

Within the last few months, the number of media publications participating has tripled to 20, including Die Zeit (Germany), Rzeczpospolita (Poland), El Mundo (Spain), Diario de Noticias (Portugal), The Telegraph (UK) and Der Standard (Austria). The international editorial team of Forum, based in Europe's capitals, selects the best articles on European issues from these trusted sources and translates them into the respective languages.

Participating publishers become part of a European public on Forum.eu, part of "a great vision, but without cost and without risk", as Ostwald points out. "In addition, they get high-quality editorial translations of selected articles from us to use for themselves, as well as access to content by international opinion leaders."

List of partner media

New York Times (US)

Die Zeit, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, taz, blaetter.de (Germany)

Rzeczpospolita, OKO.press, New Eastern Europe, Visegrad Insight, Res Publica Nowa (Poland)

El Mundo, elDiario.es (Spain)

Diario de Noticias, Eco (Portugal)

The Telegraph, Prospect Magazine (UK)

Der Standard (Austria)

Schweizer Monat (Schwitzerland)

Ethnos, Efsyn (Greece)

The Conversation, Bellingcat (global)

Forum is a digital media platform that offers its users up to seven hand-picked relevant articles about Europe from trusted sources every day, starting at 4 euros a month. The content is selected, translated, published, and debated in moderated discussions by an international team of journalists. In the long term, Forum.eu plans to offer all European languages. Readers can support this idea by paying a higher contribution ("Keep us growing") on a voluntary basis instead of the 4 euros ("Keep us going"). For a limited trial period, Forum.eu is free of charge.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
PROVO, Utah, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nu Skin today reported it has completed its goal of assessing, scoring and improving the environmental impact score of its top 20 products, as identified when it set its goals during 2019. It is estimated that these initial changes saved at least 16.5 tons of paper and 21 tons of plastic during 2020.

In addition, the company is on track with all its previously announced sustainability commitments including evaluating 100 percent of its products for improved environmental impact score by the end of 2023 and ensuring all packaging will be recycled, recyclable, reusable, reduced, or renewable by 2030. Only 9 percent of all plastic that has ever been produced globally has been recycled, and the company is committed to doing its part to reduce its footprint.1

As changes have been made to the products, the company's sustainability logo will appear on the back of packaging representing a sustainable change has happened, ranging from reduced packaging to sustainable sourcing of ingredients to reduced carbon footprint.

"During 2020, we listened to our sales leaders and customers and worked closely with them to understand their expectations when it comes to sustainability," said Ritch Wood, Nu Skin CEO. "By including them in the process of developing our sustainability strategy and with their cooperation on what they hope to see in a sustainable future, we believe our sustainability strategy will lead to impactful changes."

Some of the sustainability highlights from the past year include:

Offering new bottles from our Nutricentials line made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic and tubes made from approximately 34 percent post-consumer recycled plastic

Reducing packaging materials used by 70 percent from our Epoch Baobab Body Butter by switching the packaging from jars to an environmentally friendly tube

Winning nine sustainability awards for clean beauty products, sustainable sales leader efforts, and waste and packaging reductions

Helping build the Utah Sustainable Business Coalition as a founding member

To stay updated on Nu Skin's sustainability progress, please visit www.nuskin.com/sustainability.

About Nu Skin

Founded more than 35 years ago, Nu Skin develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. The ageLOC brand has generated a loyal following for such products as the ageLOC LumiSpa skin cleansing and treatment device, ageLOC Youth nutritional supplement, the ageLOC Me customized skin care system, as well as the ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping system. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (NYSE: NUS). More information is available at nuskin.com .

Nu Skin Social Media Channels

fb.com/nuskin twitter.com/nuskin instagram.com/nuskin fb.com/ForceForGood

1 2017 Science Advances Journal

SOURCE Nu Skin

Related Links

https://www.nuskin.com


Virtual Vocations unveils the Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs in 2021 Last year, we witnessed unprecedented growth not only in the availability of remote jobs but also in the number of employers who adjusted and expanded their business models to include in-demand, flexible job options and opportunities to work from home. Virtual Vocations CEO Laura Spawn

For jobseekers looking for remote work in 2021, the employers named in Virtual Vocations fifth annual list of top companies for remote jobs will be ones to watch.

Since 2007, Virtual Vocations has connected professionals in a variety of fields with legitimate remote job openings from thousands of expert-vetted employersand even in a year of record-setting growth for remote work, there were some companies that outshined all the rest.

In its latest report, Virtual Vocations is unveiling the companies that posted the most remote job openings to its hand-screened job board from January through December of last year.

The remote-enabled employers named by Virtual Vocations as the Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs in 2021 include more than 30 businesses featured on the 2020 Fortune 500 list and seven that were recognized as Glassdoor's Best Places to Work" in 2020.

Openings from these remote-enabled employers spanned 23 industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, and combined, they comprised more than 10% of all jobs listed on Virtual Vocations massive jobs database in 2020.

From Fortune 500 companies to those touted by their employees as providing the best work environments, the 100 remote work enabled businesses featured on our fifth annual companies list reflect the commitment employers made to telework in 2020, said Virtual Vocations CEO Laura Spawn.

Last year, we witnessed unprecedented growth not only in the availability of remote jobs but also in the number of employers who adjusted and expanded their business models to include in-demand, flexible job options and opportunities to work from home on a full-time or part-time basis throughout the U.S., Spawn added.

The top 10 companies named by Virtual Vocations as employers to watch for remote jobs in 2021 are as follows:

1. VocoVision

2. UnitedHealth Group

3. Stride, Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.)

4. Oracle

5. Humana Inc.

6. USAA (United Services Automobile Association)

7. Parallon

8. PRA Health Sciences

9. VMware, Inc.

10. Supporting Strategies

To learn more about Virtual Vocations or view the companys full list of Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs in 2021, visit: https://www.virtualvocations.com/blog/annual-statistical-remote-work-reports/top-100-companies-to-watch-for-remote-jobs-in-2021/

ABOUT VIRTUAL VOCATIONS

Founded in 2007 by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations is a small company with a big mission: to connect jobseekers with legitimate remote job openings. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than two million jobseekers in their quests for flexible, remote work.

In addition to providing a database that houses more than 40,000 current, hand-screened remote job openings at any given time, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches, including exclusive e-courses and downloadable content, and resume writing services. Virtual Vocations also releases several data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

Virtual Vocations, Inc. is a private, family-owned, and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Michelle Rawlings

michelle(at)virtualvocations(dot)com

1 (800) 379-5092 ext. 703

VirtualVocations.com
The Supreme Court-appointed committee on the three new farm laws will hold its first meeting with farmers on January 21, said panel member Anil Ghanwat on Tuesday.

During a press conference here, Ghanwat said the biggest challenge before the committee is to convince the agitating farmers to discuss the matter.

"It has been decided that the first meeting with farmers will be held on January 21. The physical meeting will be held with those organisations who want to meet us in person. Video conferencing will be held with those who can't come to us," Ghanwat said.

"If the government wants to come and speak with us, we welcome it. We will hear the Government side, too. The biggest challenge is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with us, we will try our level best," he added.

On January 12, the stayed the implementation of the Centre's three farm laws and asked the committee formed by it, concerning the laws, to submit its report within two months. The committee has been directed to hold a dialogue with farmers and submit its recommendations pertaining to the farm laws within two months from the date of its first sitting.

After the press conference, the other two members of the committee talked to ANI and said they will remain neutral and resolve the impasse between the government and the farmers.

"'When we get this kind of responsibility, we have to work impartially. Will work fairly. We do not have to give our views. We have to present the views of the farmer unions before the Supreme Court," Dr PK Joshi, member of the committee said.

"We will request the agitating farmers that we want to talk to them. We have started our work and we will try to meet them, convince them," he added.

Another member of the committee, agriculture economist Ashok Gulati said, "We will talk to all the stakeholders. We will talk to those who are opposing and supporting the farm laws. We will put the farmer unions views before the apex court, if they will tell us about their opinions to us. We will also talk to state governments."

The committee consisted of Bhartiya Kisan Union President Bhupinder Singh Mann, Shetkari Sanghatana president Anil Ghanwat, and agri-economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi. However, shortly after it was formed, Bhupinder Singh recused himself from the committee and said "I will always stand with my farmers and Punjab".

The leaders of farmers' unions rejected the committee, saying their members were already in favour of the farm laws.

The central government has postponed the 10th round of scheduled talks with the protesting farmers' representatives to January 20, informed the Agriculture Ministry on Monday. The meeting was earlier scheduled for Tuesday, January 19 and now it will be held on Wednesday at Vigyan Bhavan at 2 pm.

Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the capital 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.
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.
California's state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Erica S. Pan on Sunday recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory," Pan said in a statement.

She said more than 330,000 doses from the lot arrived in between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers.

Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.

Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.

However, six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination centre on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.

The CDC has said the vaccine can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, which are normal signs that your body is building protection".

However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna, the rate of anaphylaxis in which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to drop was about 1 in 100,000.

The announcement came as counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to reduce its rate of infection, which has led to record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.

California, with a population of 40 million, has received about 3.5 million vaccine doses and has only administered about a third of them, according to the CDC.

So far, the state has vaccinated just 2,468 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to the federal data.

Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week said anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate so many people and are concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes first.

On Monday, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District sent a letter to state and county public health officials asking for authorization to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at schools for staff, local community members and for students once a vaccine for children has been approved.

Doing so will help reopen schools as soon as possible, and in the safest way possible, Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote.

is nearing 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 33,600 people have died since the start of the pandemic last year, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County the nation's most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemic works out to about one person every six minutes.

On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.

The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years," the agency said.

California has had about 500 deaths and 40,000 new cases daily for the past two weeks. Although hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions remained on a slight downward trend, officials have warned that could reverse when the full impact from transmissions during Christmas and New Year's Eve gatherings is felt.

As case numbers continue to rise in California, the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase, the state Department of Public Health said in a statement Sunday.

Adding to concerns, California is experiencing new, possibly more transmissible forms of COVID-19.

The state health department announced Sunday that an L452R variant of the virus is increasingly showing up in genetic sequencing of COVID-19 test samples from several counties.

The variant was first identified last year in California and in other states and countries but has been identified more frequently since November and in several large outbreaks in Northern California's Santa Clara County, the department said.

Overall, the variant has been found in at least a dozen counties. In some places. testing has found the variant in a quarter of the samples sequenced, said Dr. Charles Chiu, a virologist and professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

However, not all test samples receive genetic sequencing to identify variants so its frequency wasn't immediately clear.

However, health officials said it was linked to a Christmas-time outbreak at Kaiser Permanente San Jose that infected at least 89 staff members and patients, killing a receptionist. The outbreak has been blamed on an employee who visited the hospital emergency room wearing an air-powered inflatable Christmas tree costume.

The variant is different from another mutation, B117, that was first reported in the United Kingdom and appears to spread much more easily, although it doesn't appear to make people sicker.

That variant has already shown up in San Diego County and Los Angeles County announced over the weekend that it had detected its first case.

(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.)

Lee already served 353 days on remand from Feb. 17, 2017 until a higher court suspended his sentence. Now he has to stay in jail until July 2022 unless he is released early.

Lee was whisked back to prison immediately after the Seoul High Court found him guilty of paying W8.6 billion in bribes to Park and her confidante Choi Soon-sil and embezzling the money from Samsung coffers (US$1=W1,107).

Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars on Monday in a retrial for bribing ex-President Park Geun-hye.

The presiding judge said Lee "went along with Park's demands for bribes and provided them while making an illegal request for the president's support in facilitating the succession process."

Park solicited the bribe in return for easing Lee's ascent to the Samsung leadership by means of a merger between two subsidiaries that gave him effective control through the conglomerate's Byzantine holding structure. Park then leaned on the National Pension Service, a major shareholder, to wave the merger through.

The court earlier recommended that Lee overhaul Samsung's governance mechanisms to ensure that it stops using its influence and power to skirt the law. But the judge said the improvements Samsung came up with were not good enough to count as a factor in reducing the sentence.

A lower court sentenced Lee to five years in prison, and an appeals court whittled down the sentence to two-and-a-half years behind bars, suspended for four years. But the Supreme Court in August 2019 concluded that Lee gave Park and Choi W8.6 billion in bribes, W5 billion more than the amount recognized to determine the sentence, and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court.

After his sentence was read out the judge gave Lee a chance to make a statement, but the Samsung chief only bowed his head and said, "I have nothing in particular to say."

Lee's lawyers expressed regret and are considering an appeal.
Thirteen migrant labourers and a year-old-girl from Rajasthan who were sleeping by the roadside in Gujarat's Surat district were among 15 dead after a dumper truck ran over them on Tuesday, police said. Those killed include eight women and a migrant worker from Madhya Pradesh, police said. While 12 of them died on the spot, three died during treatment at a hospital, police added.

Except for the 19-year-old worker from Madhya Pradesh, all the other deceased were from villages in Banswara district in south Rajasthan, police said. The tragedy took place near Kosamba village, around 60 km from Surat, police said. The truck driver, who apparently lost control over the vehicle after hitting a sugarcane laden tractor, has been booked under sections of the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act, police said.

The truck driver and the vehicle's 'cleaner' were also injured in the accident and are being treated at a hospital. The truck ran over the migrant construction workers on the Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight, Surat SP Usha Rada said.

The truck driver lost control over his vehicle after dashing against the tractor and veered off the road onto the pavement where the workers were sleeping, she said. "The truck was on its way to Mandvi from Kim. The driver lost control of the vehicle after it hit sugarcane hanging out of the tractor trolley coming from the opposite direction.

"The truck's front window pane shattered on impact, which blocked the driver's vision. The truck then veered off the road and crashed into the sleeping labourers," she said. Three workers injured in the tragedy are being treated in a nearby hospital, the police official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each person killed in the accident and Rs 50,000 would be given to each injured. "The loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest," the PMO tweeted, quoting Modi.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also announced compensation of Rs two lakh to the kin of each deceased.

Fifteen migrant workers sleeping on the sidewalk were killed after a truck ran over in Surat, Gujarat on Tuesday.

BJP leader Om Birla condoled the victims' deaths after the incident. "Getting to know about a tragic accident in Surat, Gujarat, in which many workers who slept on the sidewalk died. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved family members of this heart-wrenching accident and wish the injured to get well soon," he said on Twitter.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's office said in a tweet that the CM expressed deep condolences after the death of several civilians in the horrific road accident in Surat, Gujarat. "The Chief Minister prayed to God to give peace to the departed souls, to provide support to their family members in this difficult time and to make the injured fully healthy," the tweet said.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot expressed sadness after the incident, as well. "Deeply saddened to know many labourers from Banswara, Rajasthan have lost their lives after a truck ran over them as they were sleeping near a road in Surat. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)
Computer and internet access is increasingly becoming an essential for many, especially during the pandemic. Two US high school students are refurbishing laptops to provide underprivileged students full access to education. VOAs June Soh talked with them at their company in Bowling Green, Virginia.
BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caresyntax, a pioneer in surgical automation, analytics, and AI software and technologies, today announced that it was selected to join the Massachusetts Digital Health Sandbox Network as part of a joint project with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) to install a digital platform in operating rooms that can enable video-based assessments of a surgeon's technical performance.

The Massachusetts Digital Sandbox Network connects startups to cutting-edge research and development facilities and provides opportunities to test innovations in Network labs. Over the next year, Caresyntax will work with UMass Medical School's Department of Surgery to collect and analyze high volume video data on surgical performance in a simulation environment. Together, Caresyntax and the UMMS interprofessional Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation (iCELS) will use the data to identify predictive indicators of surgical risk and complications and utilize the simulation setting to improve safety.

"Medical schools and teaching hospitals worldwide have been forced to reassess how they support training and learning opportunities during the pandemic," said Dennis Kogan, Caresyntax CEO and co-founder. "With access to a renowned medical school and labs dedicated to immersive education, UMass Medical School and the Digital Health Initiative are ideal partners for strengthening these programs, expanding the reach of our patient safety-focused technology to more facilities, and accelerating innovation across the industry."

"We're always striving to improve surgical performance and we know that many of the answers are right in front of us, but in ways that can be challenging to apply," said Dr. Demetrius Litwin, chairman of the department of surgery at UMass Medical School. "With Caresyntax, we may have the tools to understand what works and what doesn't work so that we can operate more safely."

The partners will also leverage the insights made possible through video data to develop a fully remote and immersive virtual surgery simulation program to train residents, modernizing residency learning for the COVID-19 era and beyond. The project aims to develop a new approach to surgical training that can be leveraged by other medical schools and hospitals to improve learning opportunities worldwide.

"The interprofessional Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation is renowned for exemplary simulation development, programming, and research," said Nathaniel Hafer, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine and Sandbox coordinator for the Medical School. "We look forward to collaborating with Caresyntax to develop innovative training programs that advance clinical simulation development, programming, and research for this generation of medical professionals and the next one."

About Caresyntax

Caresyntax is working to make mission-critical health care settings such as surgery, interventional radiology, and obstetrics smarter and safer. The company's proprietary solutions leverage IoT, analytics and AI technologies to automate clinical and operational decision support for surgical teams and support all outcome contributors in the delivery and management of risk-bearing contracts. By integrating data from medical devices, electronic health records, and other sources inside the OR into a unified data platform, Caresyntax helps caregivers better identify and manage risk, increase workflow efficiency, reduce surgical variability and improve operational or clinical outcomes at the point of care. Today, Caresyntax technologies are used in more than 8,000 operating rooms worldwide and support surgical teams in over 13 million procedures per year. For more information at caresyntax.com.

About the Massachusetts eHealth Institute

MeHI, or the Massachusetts eHealth Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, is the Commonwealth's entity for healthcare innovation, technology, and competitiveness, and partners with industry, government, and healthcare organizations to support the Massachusetts Digital Health Initiative on behalf of Governor Charlie Baker. MeHI also helps all the Commonwealth's providers harness the benefits of electronic health records and the Mass HIway, the statewide health information exchange. For more information, please visit https://mehi.masstech.org and follow @MassEHealth. Learn more about the Massachusetts Digital Health Initiative at www.massdigitalhealth.org.

About the University of Massachusetts Medical School

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), one of five campuses of the University system, is comprised of the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Graduate School of Nursing, a thriving research enterprise and an innovative public service initiative, Commonwealth Medicine. Its mission is to advance the health of the people of the Commonwealth through pioneering education, research, public service and health care delivery with its clinical partner, UMass Memorial Health Care. In doing so, it has built a reputation as a world-class research institution and as a leader in primary care education. The Medical School attracts more than $266 million annually in research funding, placing it among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. In 2006, UMMS's Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with colleague Andrew Z. Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference (RNAi). The 2013 opening of the Albert Sherman Center ushered in a new era of biomedical research and education on campus. Designed to maximize collaboration across fields, the Sherman Center is home to scientists pursuing novel research in emerging scientific fields with the goal of translating new discoveries into innovative therapies for human diseases.

Contact

[email protected]

804-305-2835

SOURCE Caresyntax

Related Links

https://caresyntax.com


Ohio Police Officer Mortally Wounded by Arson Suspect After Standoff

A police officer in Ohio died on Monday after being shot in a standoff with an arson suspect.

Authorities tried negotiating with the suspect, who vandalized a cathedral in Toledo earlier Monday, but failed to reach an agreement, so a SWAT team rushed in.

As they did, the suspect exited the house with two firearms and started shooting.

Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, who was doing perimeter security, was struck once in the head and passed away soon after, Toledo Police Chief George Kral told reporters at a press conference.

Stalker was rushed to Mercy St. Vincents Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Officer Down Memorial page, 17 law enforcement officers have died so far this year, including several from COVID-19.

The suspect, 27-year-old Christopher Harris, was shot by police on the scene and died. Multiple officers fired their weapons at Harris; all were placed on administrative leave per collective bargaining agreements.

Kral said Stalker was an amazing police officer who leaves behind a fiancee and a young child.

This is a very dark and horrific day for the city of Toledo, added Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.

It did not escape my notice that this terrible event took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is a day of reflection and thought, a day where questions of justice are asked and answered. And I might simply say, for those who would react to what happened today with feelings of hatred and a desire to take our community into an even darker place, I might simply say that Dr. King said that no darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.

So I call on all Toledoans tonight, to say a prayer for their city and to challenge themselves to respond to todays horrible events with thoughts of love, and light, he added.
A two-year-old boy was choked to death by the cord of a bedroom blind after his mother 'left him for a second', an inquest heard.

Joey Walker had only been left on his own for 'seconds' when he became trapped in a looped cable installed by a previous tenant.

His heartbroken mother, Chloe Armstrong, told how she desperately tried to save his life after discovering him unconscious on April 5 last year.

The 28-year-old spoke out over the tragic accident as a coroner warned other children's lives are at risk.

Ms Armstrong, from Denton, Greater Manchester, said: 'I was collecting the washing from my room and his room and taking it downstairs.

Joey Walker had only been left on his own for 'seconds' when he became trapped in a looped cable installed by a previous tenant

'Joey was in my bedroom, I left him for a second. He liked playing with the washing machine. His job in the house was to help me fill it up and turn it on.

'I was shouting him to come down - but he didn't follow. 'I could hear him messing about and then it was just silence.

'I went upstairs and that's when I found him.'

An inquest heard that the blind cord had been installed by a previous tenant at the rented house on Prince Edward Avenue when tragedy struck on April 5.

Senior coroner Chris Morris said he was concerned that landlords had no obligation to inspect roller blinds, or make sure cords were safety-compliant.

His heartbroken mother, Chloe Armstrong (pictured together), told how she desperately tried to save his life after discovering him unconscious on April 5 last year

Writing to housing secretary Robert Jenrick and council bosses in Tameside, Greater Manchester, he said: 'It is a matter of concern that residential landlords are not currently subject to any obligation to inspect window coverings.

'In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths.'

A police investigation concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. No arrests were made. But the report added: 'The investigation established the blind cord which had been installed by a previous tenant was not a functioning safety cord which would break if undue pressure was placed on it.'

Regulations were brought in 2014 meaning all blinds sold and installed must have the cords attached to the wall; have a chain break feature, or a wand-style device to open and close them.

Ms Armstrong said the broken blind cord had simply been tied back rather than removed and replaced before she moved in. She said: 'This chain was already broken before I moved in. It shouldn't have been there, full stop.

'Joey would be alive now if the house had not been re-let with a faulty blind cord.'

After finding her son, Chloe dialled 999 and began giving her son lifesaving CPR she learned while working in health and safety. Paramedics arrived and Joey was admitted to the intensive care unit at Manchester Children's Hospital.

But he died 18 days later, having suffered irreversible brain injuries.

Ms Armstrong is now training to be a paediatric nurse in her son's memory. She intends to promote children's first aid to help parents and carers save lives.

She said: 'He lived so long after the accident because I knew child CPR - I did what I could to give him the best chance.

'The doctors said that he wouldn't have had a chance otherwise.

'Joey was so funny. He was very, very clever. He could have a conversation with you at two years old. He was very polite - he always said please and thank you.'

The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. There have been at least 35 toddler deaths connected to blind cords since 2001, according to figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Baby Rifky Grossberger died in Hackney, north London, when tragedy struck in July 2019. The inquest heard that her parents were 'unaware' of the lethal dangers of the metal blind cord and had thrown away the instruction leaflet.

A RoSPA spokesman said: 'Blinds might look harmless enough, but to a young child the looped cords can be deadly if they get them caught around their neck. 'Most accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in the bedroom and occur in children aged between 16 months and 36 months, with the majority happening at around 23 months.'

Jenny Ward, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust said: 'The sudden death of a baby or young child is something no parent or relative can prepare for, and any following inquests can be incredibly emotional.

'No two people experience grief in the same way, but it's important to remember that you are not alone.

'At The Lullaby Trust we offer a free listening service where bereaved family members can speak with one of our support advisors who will listen non-judgmentally and be there to support you for as long as you need.'
The Royal Thai Government recently lifted restrictions on the Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows entry for tourists from any country or territory worldwide. Prior to this, STV holders were only allowed from low-risk countries. The STV offers visitors an initial 90-day visa with two extensions totalling 270 days. The STV was also extended to allow arrival by private yacht.

Thailand also offers a single-entry Tourist Visa (TR) that permits stays of up to 60 days and may be extended once for an additional 30 days. In addition, visa exemptions have been reactivated for eligible passport holders of 56 countries and territories for a stay between 30-90 days. The validity of the Certificate of Entry (COE) was also extended to more than 72 hours in case of flight delays or missed connecting flights.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, "We recommend that all potential visitors who want to enter Thailand contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate-general first regarding all the necessary visa requirements in their respective countries as the situation continues to evolve. In addition to other requirements, the 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival remains in place and applies equally to both Thai nationals and foreign visitors."

TAT has created a variety of platforms and support mechanisms to facilitate ease of entry, while not compromising public safety to the Thai population at large. These include the collaboration with the Thai tourism industry partners on a series of tourism promotions and initiatives, including Amazing Thailand Plus, ASQ Paradise, and Happy DIY Set.

TAT also introduced the 'Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification in collaboration with the public and private sector partners to help build confidence among Thai and foreign tourists. The certification is key to ongoing efforts by Thai tourism operators to certify that an establishment meets the standards of hygiene and health safety for their products and services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as vaccination efforts begin in earnest.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1391287/Bangkok.jpg

Related Links

http://www.tatnews.org



SOURCE The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Enables PKI automation for enterprise endpoints running on a broad array of operating systems and platforms

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / GlobalSign (https://www.globalsign.com/en), a global Certificate Authority (CA) and leading provider of identity and security solutions for the IoT, today announced the availability of Auto Enrollment Gateway (AEG) 6.4, enabling users to automate Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for most end-points on their network. Making this possible is GlobalSign's next-generation cross-platform enrollment agent, the first such offering by any Certificate Authority in the world - solidifying GlobalSign's position as the top CA for large enterprises. The enrollment agent can be seamlessly installed on any device or server for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems and platforms. With the new agent, policies are set at regular intervals and managed through AEG's intuitive dashboard. In addition, the agent automatically enrolls and provisions certificates, providing a highly scalable method to deploy identity across an organization's devices, machines, S/MIME clients, and servers.

GlobalSign's Auto Enrollment Gateway is perfectly suited for any company with more than 500 employees and/or machines and those that use Microsoft Active Directory. Its robust, affordable PKI management and automation capabilities are especially ideal in our current environment requiring employees to work remotely. AEG 6.4 also opens the door to security improvements companies need more than ever -- S/MIME for secure email, remote network authentication, and better tools to manage it all, which helps avoid costly oversights and service disruptions. With the new cross-platform enrollment agent, enterprises can automate the deployment of device or machine certificates at scale - reducing IT workload, saving resource time and money, as well as greatly improving a company's security posture.

"Installing agents on its endpoints gives an organization greater reach and control over its entire network. It also means that users and administrators no longer need to rely on complex methods for certificate enrollment, which will allow them to better manage certificates. We are truly closing the circle on automation," said Lila Kee, General Manager, North and South American Operations, GlobalSign. "AEG 6.4 is perfect for organizations looking to enable or streamline remote work arrangements, for securing BYOD networks and for automating PKI functions that consume time and resources when performed manually."

A cross-platform enrollment agent is a small piece of software that is installed on a device, which uses the ACME or SCEP protocol to communicate with AEG for automating enrollment of user devices and servers, as well as for authorizing and provisioning of certificates. In many cases, a cross-platform agent also enables turnkey compliance with certain industry or regional regulations. In addition, the agent eliminates barriers to S/MIME since it will work on any platform or operating system, which also boosts scalability. Keys will be archived and retrievable in the event an employee leaves a company or is unable to manage them.

Kee added: "IT Administrators want to be able to manage certificate life-cycle on devices running on Windows, Linux, and Macs. The AEG Cross-platform agent allows organizations to automate enrollment, provisioning, and management."

About GMO GlobalSign

As one of the world's most deeply-rooted certificate authorities, GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud-based service providers, and IoT innovators worldwide to conduct secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale PKI and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people, and things comprising the IoT. A subsidiary of Japan-based GMO GlobalSign Holdings K.K and GMO Internet Group, GMO GlobalSign has offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit https://www.globalsign.com.

Media Relations Contact:

Amy Krigman

Public Relations Manager

Phone: 603-570-7060

Email: amy.krigman@globalsign.com

SOURCE: GlobalSign

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624686/GlobalSigns-AEG-64-Features-Certificate-Authority-Industrys-First-Cross-Platform-Enrollment-Agent
Iran and six other nations have lost their voting rights in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over unpaid dues, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to reports, Iran has to pay over $16 million in dues to the UNGA, a delay the country has blamed on US sanctions. Iran has to pay more than all other countries who lost their voting rights recently, including war-torn Libya, South Sudan, Niger, the Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, and Zimbabwe.

Read: UN Chief Says Iran And Nine African Countries In Arrears On Dues, Could Lose Voting Rights

Iran blames US sanctions for delay

Iran has blamed the non-payment of UN dues on US embargos, saying the funds designated for the United Nations currently remain frozen in South Korean banks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Tehran's $7 billion remain stuck in two South Korean banks because of US sanctions, saying those funds also include the money meant for the UN. Iran has demanded the UN make arrangements for these funds to be transferred without using American banks because Tehran fears if the money goes out of the South Korean banks through US institutions it may be seized.

Read: Iran Kicks Off Ground Forces Drill On Coast Of Gulf Of Oman

According to reports, UN chief Antonio Guterres wrote a letter to UNGA President Volkan Bozkir, informing him that the aforementioned countries will lose their voting rights because of unpaid dues. UN member states have to make financial contributions to the global body, which if they fail to do so for more than 2 years, the UN Charter gives the right to suspend their voting rights, as in the case of Iran and the six other nations.

Read: India Strengthens Chabahar Port's Cargo Handling Capacity, Supplies Mobile Harbour Cranes

Meanwhile, three other countries, who have not paid their dues for more than 2 years, will be allowed to vote in the future sessions after they gave sufficient evidence to prove they are incapable of paying at the moment. These countries are Somalia, Comoros, and African island nation Sao Tome and Principe.

Read: Iran Asks Watchdog Not To Publish 'unnecessary' Nuke Details

(With inputs from ANI)


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.
KABUL  The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met this afternoon with the Head of the European Union Delegation to Afghanistan, Mr. Andreas von BRANDT, discussing the resumption of peace talks in Doha and the EU's partnership with the Afghan Government.

Minister Atmar thanked the EU for being a steadfast ally of Afghanistan and a principled supporter of democratic values and human rights in Afghanistan, and expressed gratitude for the EU's $357 million assistance pledged at the 2021 Afghanistan Conference in Geneva. Mr. Atmar noted that Afghanistan was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the EU and the new U.S. administration.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the unabated violence and targeted killing of journalists and human rights activities amid the second round of peace talks.

Mr. Andreas von Brandt stated that the EU Member States were well aware of Afghanistan's situation, and they all supported the efforts to mobilize regional and international consensus for the Afghan peace process.

Mr. Atmar also asked the EU to help MoFA with specialized training programs for its diplomats, an issue that was welcomed by Ambassador Brandt.
A North Alabama teacher is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student.

Special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation said the alleged incident involved a teacher and a student at Brooks High School in Killen. The teacher has been identified as Ashton McCluskey, listed on the schools website as a 7th grade math teacher. McCluskey, who is on paid administrative leave, has not been charged.

WAAY reported SBI is handling the investigation because the student is a family member of a sheriffs department employee.

Officials said no further information will be released as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Lauderdale County District Attorneys Office.
Amid a barrage of bad coronavirus pandemic news this week in California, some glimmers of hope have also appeared  among them that the death rate from COVID-19 has been steadily declining in the state.

Data shows that the trend observed since May 2020 continued from October through December, even during the worst of the recent surge, as hospitals were overwhelmed and available ICU capacity dwindled to near-zero in many locations. The decline in case fatality ratios occurred across all age groups and was especially notable among those over age 50.

According to the data collected by George Lemp, an infectious disease epidemiologist and retired director of the California HIV/AIDS research program at the University of California, the overall death ratio dropped from 5.9% in May to 2.1% in October, and decreased even further to 1.58% in late December.

These declines in the case fatality ratios are striking and may reflect continued improvements in the treatment and care for patients with severe COVID-19, Lemp said.

According to Lemp, the ratios reflected an estimated 21-day lag time between diagnosis of a case and death. That three-week period is based on the gaps observed between the peaks of cases and deaths during the summer and fall surges.

Lemp said that widespread testing was likely a minor factor in the declining death rates, leading some to get care sooner. But he said a more significant impact on death rates was more young people becoming infected during the summer surge and after widespread testing was introduced, which is why he controlled for age by showing the case fatality ratios across all age groups.

The findings were particularly notable in the older population. Through mid-May, the adjusted case fatality ratios were 14.34% for individuals ages 65 to 79, and 34.07% for those 80 and older. By late December, the ratios were 7.1% and 23.35%, respectively.

This is significant because older people are at higher risk for severe illness caused by COVID-19, and according to the CDC, 8 in 10 coronavirus deaths reported in adults have been in individuals 65 and older.

Statewide, 75% of COVID-19 deaths have been in individuals 65 and older, followed by 19% in people ages 50 to 64. In San Francisco, 88% of the citys 262 coronavirus deaths were among individuals 60 and older, but that age group accounted for 15% of total cases. In Alameda County, the numbers are similar, with 86% of the countys 764 deaths in people 61 and older, who make up 15% of total cases.

Lemp said that at the beginning of the pandemic, health care professionals did not yet have much experience working with the disease, so some patients may have been intubated too soon. Now, techniques including proning and providing oxygen are being used rather than intubating, and treatments such as remdesivir and dexamethasone are being used to help those with severe illness from coronavirus.

And, he said, more promising drugs are coming.

It will still important to be able to treat people successfully even in the future, because the vaccine may not be taken by everybody, or work for all people, Lemp said. In the meantime, were trying to vaccinate large portions of the population but its likely there will still be hundreds of thousands of people who are going to get coronavirus in the next few months.

The encouraging findings came as the U.S. passed the 400,000 mark for pandemic deaths on Tuesday. Officials also are worried about another coronavirus variant spreading across California and linked to multiple outbreaks.

Several allergic reactions have prompted California to suspend the use of hundreds of thousands of doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine, throwing another wrench into the states struggling vaccination rollout. Some counties have canceled planned vaccine clinics, and San Francisco officials said they could run out of coronavirus vaccines on Thursday.

The recent coronavirus surge in the Bay Area does appear to be leveling off, with new cases and daily deaths declining. While many more cases are expected in the coming months, Lemp expressed some optimism.

Hopefully reductions in case fatality ratios continue over time, he said. Despite the surge, hospitals are still successfully treating patients. Patients diagnosed through the end of December have even better survival rates than patients diagnosed through the end of November. Based on that, I would expect improvements would continue as clinicians find additional methods to improve patient outcomes.

Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang
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.
GRAY, Tenn., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent study ( NCBI ), close to 90 percent of the world's student population has had their learning experience disrupted by new policies put into place as a result of the recent pandemic. Many parents fear that virtual learning will become a permanent fixture due to the instability of in-person instruction, and they don't feel prepared. One of the greatest concerns among these parents is the fear that their children will not cooperate when the parents try to enforce a schoolwork schedule ordered by the districtand it is not necessarily their fault. In an era where the youth often determine the culture, more so than at any time in the world's history, many parents struggle to find the needed respect to lead, guide, and instruct their children.

The Old Schoolhouse

Gena Suarez, publisher of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine understands that there can be a struggle and offers a solution through the curriculum platform SchoolhouseTeachers.com . "Parents are able to find freedom with our homeschooling platform because they are not trying to push their kids to complete school work on someone else's schedule, using a curriculum that may not be tailored for at-home instruction. They are able to use our courses in a way that fits their needs and schedules." Much of the power struggle is removed when the parent sets the course of their child's education rather than trying to meet the needs of teachers who are working with dozens of students at a time. In an age where children and teens are taught more by their peers than their parents by default, when parents take back the reins of their children's education, they also have an opportunity to instill discipline and character into their children's lives, since they will have more time together.

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is a curriculum platform that parents can confidently use to teach their children in Pre-K through grade twelve on their own schedule. They are able to choose from a wide variety of core classes (science, math, history, etc.). They are not locked into one particular history course for each grade but can choose the one that fits their children's learning style or interests. Dozens of quality electives are also available to choose from, including music courses, art classes, and computer courses. The new semester rates are discounted until the end of January through the "Fresh Start" sale. Details can be found at SchoolhouseTeachers.com .

About The Old Schoolhouse

The Old Schoolhouse (www.theoldschoolhouse.com) is a privately held corporation that publishes the industry-leading homeschool education print magazine, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, as well as hundreds of eBooks and planning support tools for homeschooling families, worldwide. SchoolhouseTeachers.com, a division of The Old Schoolhouse, supports over 9,000 member families with more than 450 self-paced, online courses for preschool through high school, as well as educational videos, World Book Online, transcripts, report cards, planning tools, and recordkeeping. Established in 2001, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is focused on providing high-quality, encouraging, affordable solutions for homeschooling families.

Media Contact:

Paul and Gena Suarez

The Old Schoolhouse

+1 888-718-4663

[email protected]

SOURCE The Old Schoolhouse
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky begged Europes richest countries last week for assistance in obtaining coronavirus vaccines as the virus continues to rip through the countrys impoverished population.

Meeting with newly elected Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kiev, Zelensky said that countries like Ukraine and Moldova, which are part of the EUs Eastern Partnership program, should be given increased attention by the EU states in matters of joint procurement procedures and accelerating the supply of vaccines.

The Eastern European country of approximately 42 million has reported over 1.2 million cases and 20,000 dead due to the pandemic. The ongoing recession may push more than 9 million people in the country into extreme poverty, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The fact that the virus continues to ravage the population is a direct result of the policies of the Zelensky government which, like its counterparts across Europe and the Americas, has pursued a policy of herd immunity. Despite seeing daily case rates as high as 15,000 per day and the overwhelming of the countrys short-staffed and decaying hospitals, the Ukrainian government refused to enforce any quarantine measures during the holidays. Instead, it waited until after Orthodox Christmas on January 7 to implement a limited two-week lockdown.

As the countrys working class and elderly continue to disproportionately suffer the effects of the pandemic, the countrys ruling oligarchy has subordinated its vaccination efforts to the whims of Western imperialism, refusing to purchase the more readily available Sputnik V from neighboring Russia.

US and European imperialism orchestrated a coup in Kiev in 2014 with the help of far-right forces under the fraudulent pretext of supporting democracy. Subsequent Ukrainian governments have conducted a civil war against Russian-backed separatists in East Ukraine and have stood at the forefront of military provocations against Russia in the Black Sea region.

At the same time, they have implemented aggressive austerity measures against the Ukrainian working class which have pushed millions deeper into poverty and have signified further devastating cuts to the health care system. Now, while still providing military backing to the Kiev government in the civil war in East Ukraine, the US and NATO powers are refusing to provide even minimal vaccine assistance to what has become the poorest country in Europe.

After initial talks with the companies Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson collapsed due to the Trump administrations ban on vaccine exports, the country was left with few other options other than turning to Moscow for assistance. As it stands, the earliest delivery of the major Western vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna will not take place until at least late 2021. However, Zelensky stated last month that to accept the Russian vaccine would be another geopolitical blow, it will be another strong information war on the part of Russia.

According to its developers, the Russian Sputnik V vaccine is more than 90 percent effective and markedly cheaper and more available than its Western counterparts. However, the vaccine has not undergone all the necessary trial phases before the government released it in Russia, and large sections of the Russian population therefore distrust the vaccine.

Facing pressure from his political rivals at home for refusing to accept medical assistance as people continue to die needlessly, Zelensky stated in a recent interview with the New York Times, Of course, it is impossible to explain to Ukrainian society why not to take the vaccine from Russia if America and Europe do not give you the vaccine. It is impossible to explain that to anyone who dies.

Zelensky, who usually profusely thanks his Western allies for their military assistance against Russia, bitterly complained to the Times, We are supposed to be like political acrobats to manage to get into a priority list, noting that the American ban on vaccine exports had put Ukraine at the end of the line.

His main political rivals from the Opposition Platformfor Life party, which is led by oligarch and Putins personal friend Viktor Medvedchuk, have used the vaccine issue to gain support. The party has begun collecting signatures for a petition, urging the government to allow for production of Sputnik V in Ukraine.

During a meeting with Putin this past fall, Medvedchuk obtained permission from the Russian President for Ukraine to receive the Sputnik V vaccine and obtained a license for Biolik, a pharmaceutical company based in eastern Ukraine, to manufacture the vaccine in Ukraine.

So far, Ukrainian medical authorities have outright refused to move forward with Sputnik V production. Echoing the stance of NATO and the United States, the country director of medical procurement stated, We cannot rely on a Russian state company during an armed aggression against Ukraine.

President Zelensky has seen his approval ratings steadily decline as the ongoing pandemic and its economic fallout have impacted the countrys working class hard. Moreover, while the promise to end the now nearly seven-year-long war in eastern Ukraine war had played a central role in his election in 2019, Zelensky has continued to subordinate his governments policies to the US- and NATO-led war drive against Russia. The war, triggered by the Western-backed coup of 2014, has claimed the lives of over 14,000 people, displaced 1.4 million and left 3.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance.

Recent polls show that the pro-Moscow Opposition PlatformFor Life party is now the most popular political party in Ukraine, ahead of Zelenskys own Servant of the People Party.

Desperate to still somehow get a vaccine, Ukraine has turned to China and is set to receive 5 million doses from the Chinese company Sinovac Biotech starting in March. Another 8 million doses are scheduled to be delivered in March under the WHO-led COVAX global vaccine initiative, which is attempting to distribute vaccines to the worlds poorer countries. These 13 million doses will fall far short, however, from what is needed to implement a comprehensive vaccination program for the 42 million people living in Ukraine.

While the Ukrainian ruling class itself has been criminally negligent in combating the pandemic, the country has now also become a victim of the same vaccine nationalism that is plaguing all of the worlds poorest countries.

So far, COVAX has raised just $6 billion of the $7 billion it is seeking to finance deliveries of vaccines to 92 developing nations with limited or no means to purchase the vaccine on their own. Speaking last week while urging the worlds wealthiest capitalist countries and companies to stop making bilateral deals at the expense of COVAX, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated simply, Rich countries have the majority of the supply.
[January 18, 2021] Nestle announces partnership with GK-Plug and Play to drive its innovation efforts in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle, one of the world's leading food, nutrition, health and wellness companies, has formed a new partnership in Indonesia with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley in a bid to drive its innovation efforts across Southeast Asia. Through this partnership, Nestle will be able to leverage Plug and Play's innovation expertise and ecosystem of startups, corporations and investors, enabling the company to accelerate its innovation capabilities for future food technologies and solutions. "I have witnessed the decline of many traditional and conservative companies because they failed to adapt to rapidly evolving industries. We are really proud that Nestle Indonesia is partnering with us to embark on this pursuit of innovation and transformative excellence in the food industry." Halim Hartono, Director of GK-Plug and Play .



Plug and Play was invited by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) back in 2016 to drive the country's innovation efforts within its startup ecosystem. Since then, they have created a thriving ecosystem of like-minded innovators where corporations, startups, investors, and government entities can collaborate to drive further innovation. This aligns with Nestle's objectives:

"For over 150 years, we have continuously focused on innovating our brands, products, systems and technologies in order to remain relevant, and competitive. We look forward to this exciting partnership with GK Plug and Play which will drive our innovation efforts in the region," Guy Kellaway, Communication Director of Nestle Indonesia. Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that brings together the most promising startups with the world's leading corporations to drive investment, foster innovation, and secure collaborative partnerships across an array of verticals. Nestle joins Plug and Play with 6 other corporations in their GK-Plug and Play Program, including Astra International, Bank BNI, Bank BCA, ITM, Sinar Mas Group, and the Global Innovation Alliance. About PT Nestle Indonesia: Nestle Indonesia is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A., the world largest food and beverages manufacturer, having its headquarter in Vevey, Switzerland. As nutrition, health and wellness company, Nestle has been in operation over 150 years and present in 187 countries with its more than 2,000 brands that have similar purpose to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Nestle Indonesia was established in 1971 and employed about 3.600 employees. Nestle Indonesia is operating 3 factories in Indonesia producing milk, foods and beverages with well-known brands such as DANCOW, MILO, NESCAFE, LACTOGROW, CERELAC, KITKAT, BEAR BRAND, etc. Nestle is a food and beverages company with the largest research and development centers in the world involving 5.000 employees in 23 locations around the world. In Asia, Nestle owns its research and development centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapura and Gurgaon. About Plug and Play: Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, it has built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, Its programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 30 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 30,000 startups and 400 official corporate partners, it has created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. Companies in its community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club and PayPal. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplayapac.com SOURCE Plug and Play APAC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
HARTFORD - A 42-year-old Springfield man who admitted to defrauding multiple companies of $176,000 was ordered to serve 15 months in federal prison and make full restitution, according to the U.S. District Attorney for Connecticut.

Jason Whitehead was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford by Judge Alvin W Thompson. In addition to jail time and restitution, Whitehead was ordered to serve three years probation following his release.

Whitehead in October pleaded guilty to a single count of mail fraud .

According to court documents, Whitehead worked for Payflex, a company that administered health care and dependent care spending accounts for corporate employees. In 2017, he was transferred to another division inside the parent company Aetna.

Using access to Payflexs computers, Whitehead created multiple fictitious employees and arranged for them to receive fraudulent reimbursement claims for dependent-care expenses.

Whitehead is ordered to report to prison to begin his sentence on July 19.
Spain's health minister, Salvador Illa, said on Tuesday that regional governments have "sufficient instruments" for stopping the incidence of coronavirus but that he will listen to arguments calling for an earlier start to the curfew.

Illa argued that the means available to the regions are enough "to defeat the second wave" and that measures will have an effect if the necessary time is given to them. Additional measures, such as an earlier curfew, "must be evaluated and have legal certainty". He explained that it was Congress which established the time framework for the curfew and that an alteration would require amendment to the state of alarm decree law which would then have to be considered by Congress.

The minister said that he had spoken with the president of Castile and Leon, Alfonso Fernandez Manueco, and informed him that starting the curfew at 8pm is not covered by the state of alarm. The president was warned that he faced being taken to court as the region's decision to introduce an 8pm curfew was "a violation of fundamental rights".

"If it (an earlier curfew) must be done, then it must be done, but done properly," stated Illa, who added that Manueco had advised him that legal reports indicate that the Castile and Leon decision is permissible.

On the vaccination programme, Illa said that it was operating well and that a "bottleneck" has been with the doses received and not with any logistical issue or lack of health service capacity.
(Natural News) The closer we get to Joe Biden actually being sworn in, the more obvious it becomes that the next four years (if he can mentally make it that long) will be the China presidency.

According to The National Pulse, Bidens pick to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel, Thomas Zimmerman, once served as a visiting scholar for what the FBI described as a Chinese intelligence-gathering organization.

The outlet notes:

While at New York Universitys Center on International Cooperation, Zimmerman also served as a fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its close ties to the Chinese Communist Partys top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security.

The Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), which the FBI views as a front group for Chinese intelligence collection and overseas spy recruitment, was involved in a 2019 criminal case involving a retired Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operative selling classified U.S. defense documents to China.

That operative, Kevin Mallory, had been contacted by an official from the SASS via the employment networking site LinkedIn, which spawned a relationship that eventually earned Mallory a 20-year prison term.

It gets worse, however.

One of the United States leading liberal policy think tanks, the Brookings Institute, also partnered with the SASS, the Washington Free Beacon reported in August. And, of course, there is a strong connection to China Joe.

The partnership raises questions about potential Chinese espionage activities at the think tank, which employs numerous former government officials and nearly two dozen current foreign policy advisers to Joe Bidens presidential campaign, the WFB noted.

For the record, the SASS, which says its the second biggest academic organization and comprehensive research center in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China, is very much aligned with Beijings top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security.

According to a 2019 affidavit involving Mallorys case, FBI officials said that they suspect senior-level Chinese officials use the SASS for cover so that its staff can act as spotters and assessors in search of candidates they can turn into spies.

As for Zimmerman, Homeland Security Today reported that he also worked at the Pacific Council on International Policy and the Center on International Cooperation, which includes China policy.

And its not as if the Chinese didnt know who he was; he joined then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obamas campaign, becoming the Special Assistant to the National Security Adviser for the Obama-Biden administration before moving to the Pentagon as country director for Pakistan (which is also aligned with China).

Of course, this all comes amid one scandal after another involving the Bidens and China, dating back to 2013 when Joe Biden was still vice president.

In October, before the election theft the following month, Biden was assembling a transition team that was compromised by Chinese elites who had already compromised Hunter Biden via various business deals with Beijing-run entities.

In September 2020, Joe Biden appointed Jeff Zients to co-chair the presidential transition task force, which will be responsible for staffing a potential Biden White House, we reported.

Under the Obama-Biden administration, Jeff Zients worked his way up to acting director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by connecting the Biden family with some of Chinas most influential business and political elite. Zients worked in a corrupt political climate that sold America out, allowing Chinese elites to wield significant influence over the Biden family and the White House, the report continued.

Its crystal clear that U.S. policy toward China during a Biden administration is going to be the polar opposite of what it was during the Trump Administration, when we had a president who finally put American interests over those of Beijing and stood up to the rising Asian giant.

Those days are soon going away.

See more reporting like this at NationalSecurity.news.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

HSToday.com

TheNationalPulse.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.

San Francisco, Jan 19 : The long-rumoured Apple Car is expected to use a "C1" chip based on the A12 Bionic processor with in-cabin AI capabilities such as eye-tracking.

According to US-based magazine 'EETimes', Apple will require a chip foundry with capacity for automotive processes, which Samsung or TSMC could supply to Apple.

TSMC is believed to have been developing a 7nm automotive-grade process for some time, and Samsung has developed the Exynos Auto V9 SoC on its 8nm process.

As per reports, the C1 could bear a close resemblance to the design of the A12 Bionic chip, which is already fabricated with a similar 7nm process, and be manufactured by TSMC.

The Apple Car is already rumoured to feature LiDAR technology, which could add a lot of depth to onboard AI functions.

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the launch of Apple Car is unlikely to happen until 2025-2027.

In a research note, Kuo said that Apple Car specifications are yet to be finalised, adding that he would not be surprised if the vehicle's launch timeframe is pushed even further to 2028 or later.

Kuo cited three main issues with Apple Car: Uncertainty about the launch timing, uncertainty about the supplier and vehicle specs, and uncertainty around Apple's competitiveness in the EV and self-driving car market.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai: Actor Abhishek Bajaj, who made his Bollywood debut in Student Of The Year 2, will be seen in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, and he says he had a lot of fun working with lead actor Ayushmann Khurranna of the film.

"I had fun working with Ayushmann. He is such a talented artiste and very humble as a person. I am really looking forward to the movie's release," Abhishek, who will be seen playing a negative role in the film, said.

Abhishek is known for his work in the television shows "Dil Deke Dekho", "Parvarish" and "Meri Bhabhi".

On Abhishek's role, a source in the unit said: "His character will be seen as a rival to Ayushmann in the film. Both the actor bonded over their Punjabi background while shooting. Since they couldn't exercise in gyms due to the pandemic, they enjoyed working out together on the set with Punjabi songs playing in the background. Ayushmann's trainer often guided Abhishek."

All GP practices across Wrexham sign up to administer vaccine to patients (Full council update)

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2021

All GP practices across Wrexham have signed up to administer doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Each practice will start to receive a supply of Oxford vaccines this week and will be able to begin vaccinating their practice populations in the most vulnerable categories.

The information was provided by Wrexham Council yesterday as part of its twice a week coronavirus update  with the full update below.

The local authority also confirmed that a letter has been sent to all residents explaining that they will be contacted when it is time for them to receive their vaccine.





So far over 151,000 people in the top two priority groups has received the first dose of either the Oxford AstraZenca or Pfizer vaccines.

Of those vaccinated over 16,000 have been in North Wales according to the most recent update on the Public Health Wales tableau  however the information is correct as of the week ending January 10th.

We asked the health board for an update more locally, and they told us: As of last week over a quarter of both Priority Groups 1 and 2 (including those aged over 80) in North Wales have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. All 98 GP practices in the region are now part of the vaccine roll-out. 71 of them have already started to administer the vaccine, with the remaining practices due to take delivery of the vaccine this week, and this is in addition to the mass vaccination centres which are also available.

We aim for all people aged over 80 to have had their first dose of the vaccine by the end of next week.

Those over the age of 80, healthcare workers, care home residents and staff are amongst the first to be offered the vaccine as part of guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The vaccine rollout will eventually be extended to offer all in the below groups to be vaccinated:-

 All those 75 years of age and over

 All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals

 All those 65 years of age and over.

 All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality

 All those 60 years of age and over

 All those 55 years of age and over

 All those 50 years of age and over

The Welsh Government is is aiming to offer the vaccine to all care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care staff by mid-February; everyone over 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable by mid-February.

By spring vaccination will have been offered to all the other phase one priority groups. This is everyone over 50 and everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition.

As part of the rollout there are plans to open mass vaccination centres across Wales, with centres in Plas Madoc and the Wrexham Glyndwr University planned for Wrexham.

In the briefing issued by Wrexham Council it is noted that although the exact date is yet the be confirmed, the site at the Catrin Finch centre on the university campus is expected to open within the next two weeks.

Coronavirus cases in Wrexham remain the highest across Wales, with the rolling seven day average for the county borough 792.2 per 100k. However this is a drop on recent days, although the testing positivity rate remains at 29%.

The are 11 areas across Wrexham with more than 700/100k are set out below, although cases of the virus remain high across the area.

Gwersyllt West & Summerhill has 1232  down from 1249 on the 15th

Caia Park has 1064  down from 1087 on the 15th

Wrexham West has 1056  up from 912 on the 15th

Hermitage & Whitegate has 1040  down from 1337 on the 15th

Rhos and Johnstown South has 1024  down from 1110 on the 15th

Town North, University & Rhos-ddu has 923  down from 1137 on the 15th

Acton & Maes-y-dre has 890  up from 791 on the 15th

Coedpoeth & Brymbo has 844  down from 855 on the 15th

Pen-y-cae & Minera has 786  down from 820 on the 15th

Gresford, Marfoed & Rossett has 714  down from 749 on the 15th

New Broughton & Bryn Cefn has 709  down from 1044 on the15t

More information on vaccinations in North Wales can be found on the Betsi Cadawaladr University Health Board website.

The full council update from yesterday is copied in full below, as usual any bolding or italics is from Wrexham Council:
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.
STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh authorities found the remains of 7 servicemen and 1 civilian during search operations.

According to Hunan Tadevosyan, a spokesperson for the Artsakh State Service of Emergency Situations, the bodies were found in Hadrut and Jabrayil, as well as the territory which was formerly part of the Davit Bek village of Syunik province of Armenia, but is now under Azeri control.

The civilians body was identified by family members.

So far the search and rescue teams have found the remains of 1246 servicemen and civilians who were killed in the war.

The search operations continue.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
By John A. Tures

In the wake of the failed coup attempt, there is a plan under way to divide Democrats and Republicans, just as there were efforts to pin the whole thing on Antifa. But the events of Jan. 6, 2021 involved an insurrection to target the police and law enforcement, representatives of both political parties, and the Americans who elected them, replacing our Constitution with authoritarian rule.

There are plenty of members of weirdos with animal skins and horns, painted faces, faux patriotism and Confederate flags. These targets of hilarious memes obscure the true threat: deliberate rhetoric targeted specific politicians for death, and the weapons to carry out those executions, including guns, IEDs, pipe bombs, and zip ties. Pipe bombs were destined for Democratic and Republican targets, including both the DNC and RNC.

We dont know exactly why National Guard members were not approved initially, why requests for more law enforcement personnel were denied, why frantic calls for aid by the chief were turned down at the highest levels. But we do know that those Capitol Police requests came before the reading of the Electoral College results, and the FBI reported on the danger. Someone powerful wanted this to happen.

We also know that an inadequate police force suffered at least one death, perhaps others, with as many as 60 injuries. Some of that, as well as the sacrifice many in the blue made, has been lost in the stories about the officer who posed for a selfie. And certainly, any who aided the insurrection must be investigated and held accountable, for what happened to their fellow officers, as well as to our elected legislative branch.

We also know that those who intended to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (also not Antifa) similarly planned deadly attacks on law enforcement. Witnesses describe the mob chanting traitors at the police. So much for back the blue.

There were also preliminary reports claiming Republicans were supportive of the insurrection. Allow me to present a more updated poll, from PBS/Marist, showing that 88% of Americans opposed the mobs action at the U.S. Capitol. Similarly, only 18% of Republicans and 3% of Democrats supported this attempt to violently overthrow the government, while 80% of the GOP and 96% of Democrats oppose it. Those rebelling against the government dont speak for Americans.

As a result, 66% of Americans blame Trump for the violence, and 56% support his impeachment, according to an ABC News/IPSOS poll. Support for impeaching Trump in 2019-2020, Bill Clinton, or even Richard Nixon in 1974, never rose that high.

There have been strong disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, between police and critics in the Black Lives Matter movement. And calls for unity in the past have been used as an excuse to avoid any sort of accountability.

But we need unity among all of these groups to face a common enemy, not against someone who voted for the GOP in 2020 or their opponents, but that dangerous subsection who lack widespread support but make up for it in an amplified online presence and willingness to use intimidation and violence.

If we dont have that bipartisanship, and a truce to the disagreements of 2020 to deal with this threat, well be looking up to this mob and their puppet masters as our new leaders.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2.
Kildare based company West End Knitwear will target international buyers this month at Showcase Irelands Creative Expo which will pivot a new innovative Virtual Showroom format from January 25-29.

Established in 1957, West End Knitwear and its Aran crafts collection, skillfully fuse its handcrafting heritage with modern, fashion-forward styles. Based out of Monasterevin, the extensive range of clothing and accessories are designed to have the traditional Irish Aran Stitches throughout to keep each garment connected to the generations of Irish craftmanship the company has known.

Supported by Design & Crafts Council Ireland Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, including Local Enterprise Office Kildare. Showcase is one of the industrys largest international trade fairs (normally held in Dublins RDS) where designers and craft makers provide a choice of contemporary and heritage collections, offering innovation, quality, sustainability and a distinctive point of difference to retail buyers from across the globe.

Chair of Showcase Ireland, Eddie Shanahan said; Ireland boasts a wealth of talent and creativity and while the pandemic prevents the physical event from taking place, we are delighted to continue to provide a platform for Irelands creators and makers to showcase their products to Irish and international buyers. Though this years event will look different, we are confident that we will demonstrate the vitality of the Irish craft and design sector to both new and returning buyers.

We will also relaunch our showcase website as a Source Guide, with over 200 designers and makers offering B to B facilities, for Irish and international buyers.

Showcase Ireland 2021 Virtual Showrooms will be delivered on a robust and secure platform that will facilitate person to person virtual meetings by appointment. It will allow international and Irish buyers to explore the creativity and craftsmanship of the exhibitors, like they would at the RDS each year. The platform will feature exhibitors and buyers profiles, website links, product imagery and video links that will be accessible to participants at the event.

Exhibitors have been fully equipped via a specially developed Masterclass in virtual trading, including how to set up a visually appealing online showroom, managing a virtual meeting, storytelling and how to trade effectively in a virtual setting.

Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, said: The showcase virtual showrooms will be invaluable in helping to maintain key relationships between Showcase, key buyers around the world and producers in Ireland. While the Digital space will never replace the value of a physical sales meeting, we believe that more and more exporting will be transacted online in the future. I want to thank Eddie Shanahan as chair of Showcase Design & Crafts Fair CLG, together with his board colleagues, for their hard work and guidance in delivering this exciting new event for the design and craft sector. I would also like to thank Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices for their continued strong commitment to Showcase and our industry overall.


Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America's leading companies. Through research and advocacy, Business Roundtable supports policies to spur job creation, improve U.S. competitiveness and strengthen the economy. Its Energy & Environment Committee is dedicated to advancing policies that encourage innovation and support an environmentally and economically sustainable future.

"I am honored to be selected as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO

As the incoming Biden administration prepares to put clean energy at the heart of the U.S. economic recovery, such business-led initiatives will be key in helping the new administration meet its proposed goals.

"I am honored to be selected as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee and look forward to working with my fellow CEOs to support policies that preserve our environment and maximize our energy options," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO. "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet today. Business Roundtable believes that businesses are an essential part of the solution and calls for collective action and policies to drive innovation, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise."

The next decade is crucial in the shift to a sustainable economy. With its team of 100,000 employees Johnson Controls is committed to playing a meaningful role in helping the transition to a safe, sustainable, low-carbon world. This new position for Oliver highlights that ongoing commitment.

In December 2020 Johnson Controls received an A- climate change Leadership band score from CDP, in recognition of its actions to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change in the past reporting year as well as an A score for its risk disclosure and governance.

Sustainability is an integral part of Johnson Controls vision and values. Since signing the United Nations Global Compact in 2004, the company has remained fully committed to aligning its operations and strategies with the U.N. Global Compact's Ten Principles. Under Oliver's leadership, Johnson Controls continues to have a distinguished track record in sustainability. The company recently launched its inaugural green bond in the US and was named to the World's Most Ethical Companies Honoree List and as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens.

To read more about Johnson Controls commitment and accomplishments around sustainability, please visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/environment

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. From optimizing building performance to improving safety and enhancing comfort, we drive the outcomes that matter most. We deliver our promise in industries such as healthcare, education, data centers and manufacturing. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries and over 130 years of innovation, we are the power behind our customers' mission. Our leading portfolio of building technology and solutions includes some of the most trusted names in the industry, such as Tyco, YORK, Metasys, Ruskin, Titus, Frick, Penn, Sabroe, Simplex, Ansul and Grinnell. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc
Members of the Aiken County Public School District community have the opportunity to ask questions and voice opinions at Tuesday's town hall meeting.

The Aiken County Board of Education will hold its first town hall of 2021 at Silver Bluff High School during the evening of Jan. 19.

Chairman Dr. John Bradley said Superintendent King Laurence will deliver a short presentation before public questions and comments begin.

Unlike regular meetings, the town hall will be more relaxed and informal, Bradley said.

Speakers will still be limited to about five minutes each. Bradley said people can talk about any issue they want, regardless of whether it affects the Silver Bluff area specifically.

Bradley said the meeting will be a good opportunity for community members to get to know the school board and for the board to hear some concerns firsthand.

Board member Sandra Shealey also encourages people to come to the meeting.

"I'm sure that we'll be discussing things that they'll want to be a part of," Shealey said.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Silver Bluff High's auditorium, located at 64 DeSoto Drive Aiken, SC.

A livestream of the meeting will be available at acpsd.net, according to the meeting agenda.

There will be two more town hall meetings this school year. One of them is scheduled for March 16 at North Augusta High School, and the other is scheduled for May 18 at Midland Valley High School.

A woman drags her Christmas tree along the seafront in Sandymount in Dublin on her way to the nearby recycling centre. Photo: Gerry Mooney

A Status Yellow heavy rain warning will remain in place until tonight as the same system that is threatening much of Britain with heavy flooding and a danger to life will bring up to 50mm of rain here.

Storm Christoph  named by the UK Met Office  was expected to cause severe flooding in parts of Scotland, England and Wales after it moved over the Irish Sea last night.





The Met Office has also issued an Amber Alert for parts of northern and central England as Storm Christoph is expected to unleash 70mm of rain in a 48-hour period, posing a threat to life due to fast-flowing and deep water.

But Ireland will be spared the worst as the first wave of the storm was forecast to push across the Irish Sea before gaining strength as it tracks south of Scotland.

"The only way it will affect us will be heavy rain, Met Eireann forecaster Paul Downes told the Irish Independent.

However, heavy rain, with the possibility of localised and river flooding, prompted Met Eireann to issue a Status Yellow rain warning for six counties  Longford, Louth, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

That warning came into effect at 9pm last night and will remain in place until 9pm tonight.

Accumulations of between 30mm and 50mm of rain are expected, with higher accumulations expected in mountainous areas across the country.

There is a risk of flooding, but nothing compared to the UK, he said.
Russia will make its final decision on withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies depending on dialogue with the incoming US administration, Chairman of the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Defense Committee Vladimir Shamanov said.

"Expert analysis is underway, we should wait a while," he pointed out, adding that the Biden administration needed to take office. "The final decision will depend on how dialogue goes. The transition period is expected to last one to three months," TASS cited Shamanov as saying.

Russias Foreign Ministry announced on January 15 that Moscow was launching domestic procedures to pull out of the Treaty on Open Skies, citing the lack of progress in efforts to remove obstacles preventing the future functioning of the treaty following the United States withdrawal. Once the procedures are completed, notifications will be sent to the treaty depositories.

Washington for years blamed Moscow for selectively implementing the Treaty on Open Skies and violating a number of its provisions. Russia, in turn, expressed grievances related to Washingtons implementation of the treaty. In 2017, Washington imposed restrictions on Russian observation flights over US territory, triggering a tit-for-tat response from Moscow. The US left the Treaty on Open Skies on November 22, 2020.
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.
Russian, Armenian top diplomats discuss ways to resolve humanitarian problems in Karabakh

Ways to resolve humanitarian problems and establish multilateral cooperation in Nagorno-Karabakh were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian and Armenian Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Ara Aivazyan, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.

"The top diplomats continued to discuss the implementation of the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders statement of November 9, 2020 and agreements reached during their Moscow summit on November 11, 2021, including in the context of finding solutions to humanitarian problems and establishing multilateral cooperation in the region," TASS cited the statement as saying.

The two ministers also discussed a number of current issues of the bilateral and international agenda.
Tara ONeill / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A Hamden man was killed in a Monday afternoon shooting on Dixwell Avenue, according to police.

Around 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter gunfire detection alert and 911 calls about shots fired in the area of Dixwell Avenue between Elizabeth and Cherry Ann streets.

BATESVILLE, Ind., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) will hold a conference call and simultaneous webcast Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. ET. They will discuss the results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, which ended December 31, 2020. The live webcast, including a slide presentation, will be available at http://ir.hillenbrand.com under the "News & Events" tab and will be archived on the company's investor relations website through Friday, March 5, 2021.

To access the conference call, listeners in the United States and Canada may dial +1 (877) 407-8012, and international callers may dial +1 (412) 902-1013. Please use conference call ID number 13715095. A replay of the call will be available until midnight ET, Thursday, February 18, 2021, by dialing +1 (877) 660-6853 toll free in the United States and Canada or +1 (201) 612-7415 internationally and using the conference ID number 13715095.

Hillenbrand will issue a press release reporting its results after the market closes on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. The full text of the release and financials will be available at http://ir.hillenbrand.com.

About Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand (www.Hillenbrand.com) is a global diversified industrial company with businesses that serve a wide variety of industries around the world. We pursue profitable growth and robust cash generation to drive increased value for our shareholders. Hillenbrand's portfolio includes industrial businesses such as Coperion, Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion, and Mold-Masters, in addition to Batesville, a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America. Hillenbrand is publicly traded on the NYSE under "HI."

SOURCE Hillenbrand, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.hillenbrand.com


School committee members across Massachusetts are urging Gov. Charlie Baker to prioritize vaccine distribution for teachers in low-income or underserved communities hard hit by COVID-19.

The 69 Massachusetts school committee members signed a letter sent to Baker, including Devin Sheehan of Holyoke, Denise Hurst of Springfield, and Stacey Rizzo of Revere.

Sheehan wrote that urban communities like Holyoke are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Holyoke remains in the red zone or high rates of COVID-19 cases.

Sheehan was joined by his fellow Holyoke School Committee members and Mayor Alex B. Morse.

Governor Baker has been calling on schools to reopen. Our educators have been working extremely hard in a hybrid and remote environment over the last 10 months, Sheehan stated. Prioritizing school staff in receiving the vaccine and ensuring timely distribution will help expedite a safe return to school.

Sheehan has served as a president of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

Massachusetts launched a three-phase vaccine rollout in December. Phase I includes clinical and nonclinical health care workers, nursing homes, congregate living and home-based health employees.

The elderly, essential workers, adults 65 plus, persons with one comorbidity, and educators are slated for February through April. However, Holyoke Public Schools plan to launch a hybrid educational scheme, a mix of online and in-person learning, in the coming weeks.

The Holyoke plan drew scrutiny recently from the parents, school committee members and the Holyoke Teachers Association, all concerned with the steady and unrelenting rise in infection rates.

Hurst added that vaccinating educators would keep school staff safe, especially as districts across the Commonwealth reopen classrooms on part or full-time.

Rizzo, a retired school nurse, stated, We have seen success across our nation with the distribution of the vaccine to public safety and hospital staff, it is critical our educational staff be made a priority.

Vaccine rollout has gone slowly nationwide as more and more Americans rush to get vaccinated. The Center for Disease Control noted that only 12.2 million Americans received the vaccine of the 31.1 million available doses.

School Committee Members hope that Governor Baker and public health officials will consider placing educators in an earlier phase of the vaccine distribution, the statement read.

Besides Baker, senior education and public health officials also received copies of the letter.
Moscow: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is urging Russians to take to the streets in protest after a judge remanded him in pre-trial detention for 30 days on his return from Berlin, despite calls from Western countries to free the opposition politician.

The United Nations and Western countries had told Moscow before the ruling to let Navalny go, and some countries have called for new sanctions on Moscow, which told them to mind their own business.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, right, is escorted hand-cuffed after a court hearing in Moscow. Credit:AP

The ruling to remand him in custody for violating the terms of a suspended jail sentence, a day after he flew back to Russia since he was poisoned with a nerve agent last summer, could be the prelude to him being jailed for years.

Moscow's prison service has applied to convert a suspended 3 year embezzlement sentence in the same case, which he says was trumped up, into real jail time early next month. He faces three other separate criminal cases too.
By 2023, Ukraine plans to return to the format of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) channeling the funds into the FX reserves of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) or technical assistance instead of directly financing the national budget deficit, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko has said.

"At the moment, the IMF provides money directly to the budget to finance the deficit. We want the IMF to allocate funds for the [FX] reserves of the National Bank, or only provide technical assistance, that is, guarantees that the money will be available in case of an emergency," he said in interview with DER STANDARD.

He said that direct financing of the national budget should end before 2023.
Amazon on Tuesday announced business deals for business buyers. These deals will be available during the e-retailers upcoming Great Republic Day Sale that will go live at 12AM on January 20 and go on until 11:59PM on January 23. Prime users, on the other hand, will get access to all the deals starting 12 AM on January 19.

Amazon said that in addition to the offers and deals on its platform, business customers will get access to exclusive deals, new launches and special offer prices on business-relevant selection by logging in to their Amazon Business account.

Additionally, businesses can save an additional 15% more on account of bulk purchase discount and up to 28% more on GST invoice for the input tax credit. The e-retailer said that the business customers can save more by getting an extra 10% instant discount with SBI Credit cards and EMI transactions, no-cost EMI using Bajaj Finserv EMI card, and Amazon Pay ICICI Credit card and select debit and credit cards.

Here are the top deals you should look out for:

-- Headphones: Amazon is offering the Panasonic Extra Bass in-Ear Wired Earphone for 854 and the Panasonic Wireless in-Ear Headphone for 2,316.

B08PXQLNZH

B08KGC4XW9

-- Smart TVs: Amazon Business is offering up to 50% off on Smart TVs with no-cost EMI option up to 24 months starting at 905 per month. The company is also offering up to 40% off on top TV brands like LG, Samsung and Sony, up to 30% off on Alexa enabled TVs and up to 50% off on large screen TVs.
The suspension will be in effect for 15 days and handed down to her after three of her former assistants filed complaints last year.

The DP politician will thus not be allowed to participate in any parliamentary meetings and will not receive her daily allowances for the period of 15 days.

During a session on Monday, parliamentary president David Sassoli stated that the accusations were found to be legitimate, leading to the suspension.

Semedo has since released a statement in which she acknowledges her actions and announced not to appeal the decision. She regrets the tensions she created in her former team, three members of which left together last year. She further states that since reorganising her team last March, the "professional relationship with her assistants has been excellent".
Marmorstein: You might soon be living in a million dollar home  unfortunately

Dr Vida Hamilton, HSE clinical adviser, said there are 312 patients in critical care, adding that the situation is "very pressurised but functioning"

The death toll from Covid-19 this month is almost twice the figure for the entire month of December - but there are now signs the virus surge may be gradually slowing down.

There have been 338 deaths from the virus this month, with eight people dying yesterday - the youngest of whom was 49 and the oldest was 93.

However, for the second day in a row the daily number of cases fell, from 2,944 on Sunday to 2,121. The numbers in hospital, which had been at 2,032, fell to 1,975 by the afternoon yesterday.

Hospitals are under intense pressure, with 200 seriously ill patients in intensive care relying heavily on adapted surge beds to look after the sickest with the virus.

Chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said we need to restrict our movements down to the minimum so "we can drive this infection down faster than we have been driving it down so far".

Asked about the reopening of schools for special needs pupils, deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there are no "zero-risk" environments. However, he said the closure of schools should be a "last resort".

"There are people working in shops all across the country and that's not a zero-risk environment," he added.

Dr Vida Hamilton, HSE clinical adviser, said there are 312 patients in critical care, adding that the situation is "very pressurised but functioning".

Asked about the risk of more infectious forms of the virus being brought into the country by overseas travellers arriving here, Dr Holohan said there is little point trying to stop the UK variant becoming the dominant strain.

He said measures cannot keep these viruses out of the country, but they can slow their progress and allow the opportunity to get as many people as possible vaccinated.

There is no evidence of onward transmission of the South African variant and the Brazilian variant has not been identified here.

Meanwhile, Dr Lorraine Nolan of the Health Products Regulatory Authority said it has received 81 reports of suspected reactions to the Covid-19 vaccine so far. However, all reactions are within the expected range and transient.

She said, internationally, there have been reports of anaphylaxis associated with the vaccine, but it is very rare.

The incidence of this with the vaccine is around one in 100,000 and, as more people get the vaccine, it is expected there will be suspected cases reported here also.

Referring to the 23 deaths of very elderly people with severe illness in Norway after getting the vaccine, Dr Nolan said there is no evidence to show they were caused by the vaccine.
HOUSTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a contract to provide technical advisory solutions to SK E&S for its hydrogen development business in South Korea. SK Group announced late last year that it would invest in assets that will provide hydrogen as a next-generation eco-friendly energy source.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technical solutions to support SK's plan to build a 30,000 metric-ton-per-annum liquefied hydrogen facility and supply liquefied hydrogen to various metropolitan areas in South Korea. The initial phase of the project includes KBR reviewing key licensor technologies.

"We are delighted to be part of this strategic project and to support SK's philosophy of sustainable growth in the hydrogen sector," said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President, Technology Solutions. "This contract award aligns with KBR's strategic decision to provide differentiated and sustainable solutions to our customers. As a premier provider of technologies, value added design and project integration capability, KBR will leverage its hydrogen and cryogenic domain expertise to support SK in this critical phase of the project."

For many years, KBR has been an industry leader in energy transition, offering proprietary sustainable technologies and professional services to clients to support decarbonization. KBR has been actively involved in the hydrogen value chain as a technology provider, an advisor and provider of differentiated project delivery solutions. KBR has licensed over 260 syngas projects involving hydrogen production and has completed a large number of projects involving gas compression and cryogenic handling and storage.

About SK E&S

SK E&S, based in Seoul, South Korea, is an affiliate of SK Group, one of the country's top three industrial conglomerates with over $140 billion in annual global revenue and more than 100,000 employees worldwide. SK E&S has completed projects across the LNG value chain from upstream to downstream and has secured the largest city gas market share in the nation. The company is also engaging in district heating and cooling, gas-fueled electricity generation, LNG import, and renewable energy, as well as the energy solutions business. SK E&S plans to actively participate in the hydrogen business which is the core of ESG investment and is drawing attention as a next-generation energy. The company also plays a key role in the SK Hydrogen Business Development Center. It plans to become a major global eco-friendly energy company that encompasses hydrogen renewable energy solutions by expanding its business to all areas of hydrogen ecosystems, including production, distribution, and sales of hydrogen based on deep experiences from its LNG value chain.

For more information on SK E&S, visit http://www.skens.com/.

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.
A year after it became the first financial company to undergo insolvency proceedings, Dewan Housing Finance Corp. Ltd (DHFL) is finally inching towards closure with Piramal Enterprises getting voted as the successful bidder by the committee of creditors.

To be sure, the resolution is not cast in stone given that bidders who lost have the option to take legal recourse. Even retail fixed deposit holders may potentially seek the courts help if they are unsatisfied with the implementation plan.

Also Read | Churn in Indias internet economy

That said, for all purposes, Ajay Piramals company will end up swallowing DHFL. Media reports said Piramal had offered 37,300 crore for DHFL, which includes an upfront cash payment of 12,700 crore, 3,000 crore as interest income to be paid from DHFLs operations and issuance of around 20,000 crore long-term bonds to banks.

View Full Image Stronger together

Analysts said DHFLs acquisition would be a positive for Piramal Enterprises despite the short-term requirement of a large capital infusion. The company has been trying to diversify its loan book and DHFLs addition would take the share of retail loans to as high as 35%. Given that both real estate sales and initial trend in home loans is encouraging, Piramal may get more bang for its buck from DHFL. Besides, DHFL also brings with it a strong workforce and a network of 250 branches. It also brings with it an existing technology platform. All these may make it easier for Piramal Enterprises to turn around DHFL into a profitable business. As such DHFLs quarterly net loss had narrowed in the December quarter.

But there are some red flags, which is enough to give Ajay Piramal a mild case of buyers remorse. To start with, the loan book of Piramal Enterprises is about 52,000 crore as of September. This compares with DHFLs 95,000 crore, of which 46% is wholesale. Clearly, Piramal is swallowing a book larger than its own size. Managing the merged book wont be easy. The wholesale book is likely to give trouble considering the high level of delinquencies and the ongoing stress among real estate developers.

Two, it will be challenging to meet the demands of creditors. Here, banks are likely to expect to be compensated for the hit from fraudulent transactions at DHFL. Piramal Enterprises will have to tread carefully on these fronts. Recall that a forensic report by Grant Thornton in early 2020 found many financial misgivings.Analysts, however, point out that the offer of Piramal Enterprises for DHFL is almost 60% lower than the size of the troubled lenders balance sheet. This gap may take care of any new misgivings from the book.

Shares of Piramal Enterprises have gained 21% ever since the company upped its bid for DHFL in mid-December, which shows expectations are running fairly high and that there is little room for error as far as the merger integration process goes.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Here is a numeric look at the life of Scranton native Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., who is set to take the oath of office as president of the United States.

78

Joe Biden's age. The president-elect was born Nov. 20, 1942, in St. Mary's Hospital on Hickory Street in South Scranton.

10

The age Biden was when his family moved to Delaware, according to Biden's autobiography.

43

The minimum number of visits Biden made to Northeast Pennsylvania since his 1972 election as a U.S. senator from Delaware. Most, 41, were for public events  speeches to civic groups and college graduations, political rallies and campaign stops and campaign fundraisers for himself and others. In an October 2000 visit, he eulogized close childhood friend, Charlie Roth, who died Sept. 30, 2000. Around Christmas 1981, he and sons Beau and Hunter visited the newsroom of the former Scranton Tribune to visit an editor, Tommy Phillips, a close friend of Biden's grandfather, Ambrose J. Finnegan. Finnegan owned the home where Biden lived several years as a child and visited often afterward. Friends say Biden visited numerous other times before Finnegan died in 1957, and even after that in the 1960s on his way to and from law school at Syracuse University.

1,071

Pieces of legislation he sponsored in the Senate. He cosponsored 3,374 pieces of legislation. A total of 348 became law.

0

Tie-breaking votes cast in the Senate as vice president.

36

Years as Delaware's senator.

3rd

Biden was long referred to as Pennsylvania's third senator.

12,810

The number of Senate votes cast, ranking him 14th among senators. The late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, one of Biden's close Senate friends, tops Pennsylvania senators with 10,282, ranking him 31st.

45?

Biden will actually be the 45th person to serve as president. Grover Cleveland was president No. 22 and 24.

0

Number of previous presidents named Joseph

1

Previous presidents born in Pennsylvania. James Buchanan, the 15th president, preceded Abraham Lincoln.

0

The number of previous presidents born in Scranton.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:22 pm

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Assault

 At 7:20 p.m. on Jan. 15, Jingli Yu, 57, of Seattle, was arrested and released for assaulting a female employee at a local business in the 100 block of West High Street.

Theft

 Burglary to a business in the 400 block of South Tower Avenue was reported at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Jan. 17. The incident is under investigation.

 Just after 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 17, a vehicle was reported stolen from the parking lot of a business in the 1100 block of E Street. The incident is under investigation.

 At approximately 7:25 p.m. on Jan. 17, Matthew R. Evans, 28, of Olympia, was arrested in the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue and released with a criminal citation for third-degree theft.

 Just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 17, a theft of a wallet with a debit card was reported stolen at a local business in the 500 block of South Tower Avenue. The incident is under investigation.

Crashes

 A non-injury, two-vehicle collision was reported in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue just before noon on Jan. 17.



Editors note: Some crime reports were not available Monday as many offices were closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The human remains found Saturday in a field on the edge of Fairfield were identified Monday as Zachery Rose, a 27-year-old Fairfield biotech engineer who disappeared nearly three years ago, police announced.

The body, along with clothing, was found near the Suisun-Fairfield Amtrak station at Peabody Road and Cement Hill Road, about 5 miles northeast of downtown Fairfield.

Rose disappeared on Feb. 3, 2018, after parking his truck in front of a friends house in Fairfield.

Our thoughts are with his family and we hope, while there are still many unanswered questions, the discovery of his body brings some closure, police Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen said.

The cause of death was not announced. Police said Roses death was part of an ongoing investigation (and) we will not be providing further details or information at this time.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contract the Fairfield police investigators at 707-428-7600.

According to reports on NBC Bay Area, Rose disappeared from the home of his friend, San Francisco sheriffs Lt. Phil Lasater, who had called authorities to report that Rose had walked out the front door.

In a police dispatch call, Lasater told a dispatcher that Rose had left the truck and his personal belongings behind, the NBC report said.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF
Wendy Williams has shut down accusations made by her own brother that she skipped her mother's funeral in order to grab lunch with her ex-husband and son.

Tommy Williams recently accused his sister Wendy of meeting with her ex Kevin Hunter and their son Kevin Jr. instead of attending their mother Shirley's funeral.

Shirley died at age 83 in December 2020, and Wendy took a three week break from filming the show to grieve the loss.

But on Tuesday's episode of her eponymous talk show, Wendy slammed allegations made from her brother, insisted she was indeed present at the 'service', and accused her brother of even starting a fight at the funeral.

'You started a fight over an open casket': Wendy Williams has shut down accusations made by her own brother that she skipped her mother's funeral in order to grab lunch with her ex-husband and son

'Tommy, you know I was at mommy's service. And you know she looked beautiful in her casket. And you know that you fist fought a loving member of our family, half your age.... a blood relative everyone, not my son.

'You started a fight over an open casket, right there over my mother. Thank God we were at a civilized funeral home,' Wendy said on the Hot Topics segment of her show.

'And the men of the funeral home blocked so that Mommy wouldn't fall out and there'd be a catastrophe. You should know better at 53.'

Tuesday's episode marked the second time Wendy had broached the touchy topic.

RIP: Williams' mother Shirley Williams passed away at age 83 in December 2020

Allegations: Wendy's brother has accused his sister of skipping their mother's funeral to have lunch with her ex and son

On Monday, the host did not hold back as she threatened to unload all the 'receipts' she had on her brother.

'Tommy, let me tell you something right now. All you are is my brother. You better stop talking the way you're talking because now it's dripping into my comment page.'

'I'm seeing a lot of comments about, "Your brother doesn't like you," or 'You better watch your back because your brother is on one," or "Wendy I can't believe your this kind of person or that,"' Wendy explained.

'You should know better at 53': Williams unleashed the receipts

'Full blown receipts': Williams threatened to reveal information she had about her brother on Monday's episode of the show

Reputation on the line: 'He's pegging me to be a person that I am not,' Williams said

'He's pegging me to be a person that I am not. Honey, you don't want me to start pegging you to be the person that you are. With full-blown receipts. I could fill the audience with receipts, with the leftovers all the way around the block.'

'You are my brother, let's keep it that way,' she added. 'If you want to talk on the internet, you talk about the things you think you know about yourself. You don't want to talk about the things that I know about you for sure.'

In videos posted to his YouTube account, Wendy's brother Tommy alleged the talk show host disappointed their father by failing to attend their mother's funeral and instead meet with her ex and son for lunch.

Family matters: The talk show host with her then-husband Kevin Hunter and their son Kevin Hunter Jr. in 2017

'I asked you one question, why didn't you go to the funeral? Why couldn't you call daddy and let him know why? If it was that serious, that much of a stance, then what was the problem? I was there when you came in on that night of the dawning of the wake. And you told us, you told daddy, that you had to race back to New York to handle business. You were only going to be in town for the viewing. We didn't even know. He didn't even know.

'Doesn't matter if I knew or not, your father didn't even know that you were in town for the funeral. And you're out eating lunch with your ex and your son. Which wouldn't be a problem I guess, I guess, if you had told your father that or... he's hurting, Wendy.'

'Why did you have to lie to daddy and tell him you were going to be back in New York when you were here. It's not right,' he added.

In a comment posted to The Shade Room's Instagram account following Wendy's reply, Tommy claimed his sister, her ex, and son 'attended the wake, NOT the funeral.'

Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
A Slovak hunted a tiger in Africa and used it for advertisement

He may spend one to five years in prison.

Jan K., a man from the village of Ziharec in Sala district (Nitra Region), may end up in prison for hunting a tiger in Africa and bringing it home. He subsequently used it to advertise hunting in South Africa.

Since he violated the rules for the protection of plants and animals, he could end up spending one to five years in prison if found guilty, the police said.

Jan K. hunted and killed a jungle tiger (Panthera tigris) for commercial purposes against valid regulations. He then brought the animal to Slovakia without permission from the Environment Ministry and kept it in his home without being able to prove how he had come into its possession.

"He also used the tiger to promote business activities related to mediating hunting in South Africa, at odds with the law," the police said.

The State Nature Protection calculated the jungle tiger specimen's social value at 28,000.

The controversial business of Jan K.'s family was in the past described by the Aktuality.sk news website. They sued tax officers after they had refused to approve their VAT refunds. The family was represented in court by ex-justice minister Gabor Gal of Most-Hid.

19. Jan 2021 at 17:42 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Just before 5 am (Washington time), President Caner announced that the United States and Iran had signed an agreement for the release of the hostages. Even before President Carter's brief statement, two Algerian 727s had taken off for Teheran to pick up the hostages, landed In Teheran at 9 pm (Melbourne time) laden with sandwiches, frozen chicken and oranges. Just before midnight (Melbourne time) CBS news reported that the hostages had been taken to Teheran airport. Two US C-9 Nightingale hospital planes are already on their way to Algiers to pick up the hostages. Mr Carter made the announcement just after he had been awakened in the White House and told that the chief American negotiator, Deputy Secretary of State Mr Warren Christopher, had initialled the agreement in Algiers. It is believed that under the agreement, negotiated over the past 10 weeks, the US will transfer nearly $A7000 million in frozen Iranian assets into an Algerian account in the Bank of England.

Free At Last -- American hostages released from Iran are all smiles as they arrive at an airport in West Germany. President Carter said a few more documents were still to be signed before any funds from Iran's frozen assets were transferred and the hostages released. After the release, the US would unfreeze a major part of Iran's assets frozen on his orders 10 days after the hostages were taken. "We have also reached complete agreement on the arbitration procedures between ourselves and Iran with the help of the Algerians which will resolve the claims that exist between residents of our nation and Iran and vice versa," Mr Carter said. Reuter news agency reported that an airport official said all the hostages were expected to be aboard one of the Boeing 727s, while the other would carry baggage and Algerian officials.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mr Behzad Nabavi, said in Teheran: "For Iran the hostage affair is over." Mr Christopher signed the agreement in Algiers at 7.30 pm Melbourne time. The White House announced that the Iranians had signed the agreement earlier in Teheran. Mr Christopher said: This is a very happy day." Tentative plans have been made foe President Carter to greet the hostages in Germany, provided he can return in time for tomorrow's inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Mr Ronald Reagan. Mr Nabavi said the US had finally accepted all Iran's terms for the release of the hostages.

Loading Asked by a State radio interviewer whether the Americans would be freed in a few days, he said: "Yes, naturally. According to the agreement reached, after the statement has been signed and the Algerian Government, announces that the agreed assets are sent to the central bank of a third country, the hostages will be immediately released. Mr Christopher signed three documents, initialling each page. A US delegation, including former Secretary of State Mr Cyrus Vance, was due In Frankfurt today to welcome the hostages, US sources said. The State Department group was likely to fly to the US Air Force Rhein-Main base outside Frankfurt,

A State Department spokesman, Mr George Sherman, who was in Germany when Iran freed a first group of 13 hostages in November 1979, was also on his way to West Germany, the sources said. The agreement to end the ordeal is a straight dollars-for-people deal: Iran frees the American captives and the United States releases frozen Iranian asses. Arrested The Algerian doctors flown to Teheran at Irans request to examine the hostages left their hotel this morning, apparently on their way to the hostages' secret location. Journalists pursuing the six-man team were arrested briefly and their films confiscated by Revolutionary Guards, who refused to let reporters follow the doctors.

Loading The doctors went first to the Algerian Embassy, where they were blindfolded and driven away in a station wagon. Other visitors of the hostages in recent weeks have been blindfolded so they could not detect where the hostages were being held. The doctors were accompanied by "Students Following the Imam's Line, the title adopted by the radical Moslem students who seized the embassy. President Carter flew from Camp David to Washington soon after midday yesterday when word was that received that Iran's official radio station had announced an and to the crisis. He talked for three hours with senior officials and prepared a short statement to be delivered once word had been received from the American negotiating team in Algiers that the formalities had been completed.

With Mr Carter due to leave office tomorrow, the US negotiating team in Algiers worked through the night to iron out the last disagreements and technicalities. Early yesterday afternoon, White House spokesman Mr Jody Powell said President Carter would soon make a brief televised statement. As the hours dragged on, however, and White House officials waited anxiously for word from the American negotiating team in Algiers that the formalities had finally been completed, it became clear that the complicated process of translating and checking the accords was taking longer than expected. Shortly before midnight, a White House spokesman said the final version of the agreement had been delivered to Teheran. We're just awaiting the final approval (by the Iranians) and initialling of the documents in Teheran," he said.

Loading The frustrating delay in concluding the 14-month crisis revived fears that the agreement might break down at the last moment, as it had done on several previous occasions, or that some militant Iranian group might intercede to prevent the hostages being freed. Even yesterday afternoon, State Department officials admitted they had no official confirmation that all the hostages were under the control of the Iranian Government. But late last night a White House official said. "We are basically through with our part of the process. We're waiting to hear from Teheran. I do not have any indication of any problem that has developed." The long wait was clearly a strain on President Carter. Aides reported yesterday afternoon that, after consulting his senior advisers, be sat alone in the Oval Office.

The hostage crisis has paralysed Mr Carter's Administration for months. And it is also known that he believes it played a major part in his devastating defeat by Mr Reagan in the November elections. The President's close aides say he was desperately anxious that the hostages should be set free before he left office so that he could feel that his prolonged efforts to negotiate their release had paid off and that he would be justified in the eyes of future historians. Mr Reagan seemed equally anxious for the crisis to be over before be takes the oath of office at noon tomorrow. After attending church yesterday morning, Mr Reagan told reporters: "If they deliver the hostages, Ill sign anything." For the families of the hostages the strain has been even greater. President Carter telephoned many of them yesterday and is reported to have told them that an agreement appeared within reach.

Loading They were also kept informed by the State Department of the latest developments. But many said they would not believe their ordeal was over until they saw the hostages walk off the rescue aircraft in Germany The transfer of nearly $A7000 Million to Iran will be the largest international financial transaction in history. American bankers warned yesterday that Iran could create chaos in the international money market if it began to sell off the money. American and British financial officials met in New York yesterday to devise a strategy to persuade the Iranians not to disrupt the international money market by withdrawing their unfrozen dollar deposits from American banks and switching them into other currencies and precious metals. The Soviet news agency Tess reported briefly and without comment today the signing of the agreement to free the hostages. The report came shortly after the Communist Party newspaper `Pravda' had accuser the US of dishonest dealing over the hostages.
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.
President-elect Joe Biden is sharing the bill for his 2 p.m. Home State Inauguration Event on Wednesday with Philly rock band Low Cut Connie.

So the party faithful at the virtual ball-equivalent for Delaware and Pennsylvania Democrats will be entertained by Adam Weiner, the piano-pounding front man who is known for stripping down to his skivvies and singing Its Raining Men on his Tough Cookies livestreams.

Also featured as performers are Jeff Bradshaw & the All Call Band, led by the Philly trombonist who gathered horn players at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for Black Lives Matter demonstrations in June.

How did Low Cut Connie become the headliners?

You might think its because of their connections to Barack Obama, who put one of the bands songs on the first of his annual playlists. (As the most obscure act included, they got a welcome boost.) But in an interview Tuesday, Weiner said Biden hadnt become a fan by swapping playlists with his former boss.

Instead, the Home States gig grew out of voter-mobilization initiatives Weiner got involved in this fall.

I did this thing called Dont Be A Schmuck, Go Vote, says Weiner, who partnered with Rock the Vote and Headcount.org on the public service announcement urging his fans to vote. That one really made the rounds, and the Biden people loved the commercial, Weiner says.

Then Low Cut Connie, whose standout Private Lives double album was released in October, was asked to join other musicians and celebrities for a Pennsylvania Democrats virtual event called A Love Letter To Pennsylvania.

On that show  which also included the Black Eyed Peas, the OJays, Los Lobos, Julius Erving, and Ben Simmons, Weiner did a fire and brimstone speech supporting the Democratic ticket, along with his 2014 song Boozophilia.

On Nov. 7, the Saturday when news organizations named Biden the winner, Low Cut Connie performed a special Tough Cookies show: We did Philadelphia Freedom and I Shall Be Released. It was just a big, cathartic night, Weiner says.

Many Biden staffers tuned in. They said, Wed really love to work with you on something someday, Weiner says. He didnt know what that might be until he got a call about the Home States party earlier this month.

Hell do two songs at the ball  one original and one cover  at which Biden will deliver a virtual speech. Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey and Delaware Sen. Chris Coons will also appear, along with Democratic members of Congress from both states.

Fans can sign up for the free event at: hovercast.live/pa-dems/inauguration-event.

Weiner is at work on a new album and is also planning a Tough Cookies compilation album for March. Next month, a Tough Cookies partnership kicks off with Clevelands Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He said the Biden campaign hookup is another in a series of unexpected associations that have raised his profile. The New Yorker, for instance, recently named him Pandemic Person of the Year.

My career trajectory has been all these great moments that have nothing to do with the music industry, he says.

You know, we bend over backwards to try to get on the Jimmy Fallon show or something, Weiner says. And then [the Biden team] reaches out and says, I love your band. But thats the weirdness of Low Cut Connie.
When the numbers fall into the orange category, red level restrictions will continue to apply for two weeks before being lowered to the orange level. The restrictions will only be lowered if the county does not cross into the red level at any time during that two-week period, according to the state Department of Health.
Ms. Allison doesnt take a single day for granted. If I am alive for Inauguration Day and have my health, I will be watching every bit of it, she said. For that day I will probably get a little dressed up and put some pearls on. She wore them on her wedding day, 57 years ago, and puts them on when attending church, which she still tries to do.

The day will be especially moving for her. I remember very well when women had no kind of positions, nothing to do but stay home and have babies, she said. I wont be here to see, but I think it is going to go even further for women.

With few opportunities to leave the house during the pandemic, some women are excited for any excuse to put on their pearls. I might run out to the grocery store that morning just so people can see me wearing them with a big smile on my face, said Dr. Jan Thompson Gorniak, 53, a forensic pathologist in Las Vegas.

For Gwen Kelly, 56, a project administrator in Cincinnati, wearing pearls has been a transformative experience since she was a little girl. I used to try on my grandma and aunts pearls all the time, and finally they got me my own set when I was nine or 10, she said. I always felt like wearing pearls elevated me.

Other women are buying their first set of pearls so they can be part of this community. Dr. Gorniak never received pearls growing up, nor was she interested in them. I am not a big accessorizer, she said. I always looked at pearls as expensive and upscale. But this Facebook group made her change her mind. On Jan. 2 she went to Zales and bought a long strand of pearls for her 53rd birthday. Now I think they say, I am dainty, but at the same time, I have strength, she said.
Made In Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock has tied the knot with girlfriend Emma Louise Connolly.

The couple announced they got married on December 15, writing on Instagram: Love wins!

The reality star and the model had re-scheduled their wedding numerous times because of the coronavirus pandemic and Connolly told Tatler: It was an amazing, emotional and intimate day  we were just excited we were finally married.

Proudlock continued: Our grand plan had been to have 200 to 150 people at Cowdray Park.

All of a sudden we could only have 15 guests and then just days before we were due to get married, Boris dropped the bomb that lockdown was happening and everything would be cancelled again.

The couple scrambled to re-arrange the wedding one more time and Proudlock said: It was like something out of Home Alone, I just started running round calling everyone to see if they could change the date.

By the time Emma got home I said: Dont worry were getting married tomorrow instead.'

He added: We are married and that was the most important thing to us. Our honeymoon was slightly unusual as we spent it at home isolating with Emma-Lous mum and dad.

Hopefully later in the year we might be able to celebrate with our other friends and family. It will be great to be able to dance and hug  Im probably going to have to order triple the amount of alcohol!

The couple got engaged in 2018 while celebrating their fourth anniversary in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Enrol in the PolyU International Summer School 2021 to gain a rewarding and fun-filled experience.

PolyUs International Summer School offers a diversified range of intellectually stimulating subjects in three thematic academic areas, namely Chinese Language, Culture and Society, Design, Innovation and Technology, and Business, Entrepreneurship and Global Leadership. Participants can earn credits by attending distinctive courses taught by PolyU professors. They can also select some interesting and experiential classes like Wine Tasting, Elementary Cantonese, Japanese Culture, Artificial Intelligence and Science Fiction.

The summer programme furthermore provides ample opportunities for the students to participate in various local field trips and cultural exchange activities like Chinese Kung Fu and calligraphy classes that enable them to discover the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong.

With the aim of helping the overseas participants blend into the local life and culture, PolyU has a unique Buddy Programme that matches incoming International Summer School participants with PolyU students, thus encouraging intercultural communication between PolyU students and the global community.

Since the inception of the PolyU International Summer School in 2016, PolyU has received a lot of positive feedback from previous participants. A student from the United Kingdom applauded that the classes were very well taught and engaging: It also gave me the chance to connect with many people, both locals and foreigners, and the possibility to learn from new experiences, knowledge and cultures. I felt like I was able to fully immerse myself in the city and university life in Hong Kong. To learn more about what previous participants feel about the PolyU summer programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/summerschool/about-us/sharings-from-participants/

For more details about the PolyU International Summer School, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/summerschool/.


DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pollo Campero, the fast service restaurant known for its flavorful chicken meals, now offers guests a new contactless dine-in ordering option through digital table service in the majority of US locations. The program allows guests to conveniently order from their tables, eliminating the need to stand in line.

To use the new service, guests simply scan their table's QR code to view the menu. Then, they place their order online and select "dine-in" at checkout, entering their table letter to have a team member deliver their food to the table.

"The pandemic pushed us to re-imagine our guests' dine-in experience, and technology like paperless QR menus proved to be the way around a lot of concerns," said Campero USA Managing Director and COO Luis Javier Rodas. "Our new contactless ordering service takes it a step further as the trend continues toward more tech in restaurant dining."

Pollo Campero piloted the program at several locations in 2020 as it prepared for this year's rollout.

"Our test of digital table service was successful at our restaurants last year because it offers our guests convenience and additional peace of mind while they once again enjoy dining in," said Patricia Giraldo, general manager of Pollo Campero in Falls Church, Virginia.

In addition to the digital table service launch, Pollo Campero plans to open 10 new digital kitchens in 2021 after launching its first two in San Francisco and Chicago in late 2020. These locations are just one part of the overall development strategy for Pollo Campero in the new year.

About Pollo Campero

Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero is a fast service chicken restaurant brand specializing in uniquely flavorful chicken and a wholesome menu offering individual and family meals. Using family recipes passed down from generation to generation, Pollo Campero offers tender, juicy, hand-breaded fried chicken, citrus flavor-infused grilled chicken and extra-crunchy chicken that is always fresh and hand-prepared daily. Since its beginnings as a tiny, family-owned restaurant, Pollo Campero has grown to more than 350 restaurants around the world. To learn more about Pollo Campero, visit us.campero.com and follow the flavor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Callie Haddox or Kim Cooper

[email protected] or [email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Pollo Campero

Related Links

http://us.campero.com


In a pre-recorded speech sent to Chinese people via the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties (January 18), Cuong affirmed that the neighbourly friendship both as comrades and brothers nurtured by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong and other generations of leaders has become a valuable asset of the two Parties, States and peoples, and both sides have responsibility for maintaining and promoting the relationship.

In the past year, despite impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bilateral relations maintained the growing trend.

The year 2021 is of great significance for both countries as Vietnam will carry out tasks and targets set out by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and China will fulfill the first centenary goal and prepare for the organisation of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Vietnam wishes to, together with China, well control differences on the basis of respecting each others legitimate interests and in conformity with international law, Cuong said, believing that with joint efforts, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership will continuously be consolidated and deepened.

Meanwhile, in his pre-recorded speech, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo spoke highly of achievements of the bilateral relations over the past 71 years.

As 2021 is significant to both countries, China and Vietnam should intensify solidarity, share opportunities and together face challenges.

China is willing to, together with Vietnam, consolidate political trust, grasp thoroughly development orientations of the two Parties and States, maintain high-level exchanges and create favourable conditions for the bilateral relations in the new era.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 07:46:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on Jan. 18, 2021 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Up to 25,000 U.S. National Guard troops are being deployed to the city for the inauguration, in a massive security ramp-up after President Donald Trump's supporters broke into the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Security concerns have put Washington D.C., the U.S. capital, on edge ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.

Up to 25,000 U.S. National Guard troops are being deployed to the city for the inauguration, in a massive security ramp-up after President Donald Trump's supporters broke into the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

HEIGHTENED ALERT

The incident has made the city jittery, underscored by a brief shutdown on Monday, which was the result of a small fire in a homeless encampment.

"Due to an external security threat under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets SE, staff and other personnel are directed to avoid coming to the Capitol Complex area until further notice," Capitol Police said in a letter to lawmakers Monday morning. "All personnel currently on the Capitol Complex are advised to stay indoors and away from windows and doors."

Security staff are seen near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services said on Twitter that the fire had been extinguished. It said the fire was caused by a homeless person who used propane, adding the incident resulted in one individual sustaining "non life threatening injury."

On-site photos showed people inside the Capitol were evacuated from the West Front of the building. They were rehearsing the presidential inauguration.

On Friday, a man who was carrying an unlicensed firearm and over 500 rounds of ammunition was arrested at a security checkpoint.

The man, identified as 31-year-old Wesley Allen Beeler from the neighboring state of Virginia, was released Saturday on personal recognizance, saying after the release that he made "an honest mistake."

National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

VIRTUAL LOCKDOWN

With seven-foot barriers being erected around the Capitol, its office buildings and the Supreme Court, the city core is in a virtual lockdown.

Vehicle traffic in much of the city is prohibited or limited to residents and businesses only. Military vehicles are seen parking at intersections downtown to boost security. Many of the restrictions are expected to remain in place until Thursday after the inauguration.

Residents said they do not recognize Washington D.C. with so many military personnel lining the streets, in a city known as a tourist attraction.

"Frank," not his real name, a longtime resident of the area around Washington D.C., told Xinhua the deployment is an "over-reaction," adding that a few "rednecks" breaking into the Capitol are not the threat to Democracy that the "liberal media" is selling.

Photo taken on Jan. 13, 2021 shows the Washington Monument seen through a barrier fence in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Cathy, who declined to give her last name, told Xinhua: "I don't need my tax dollars to be spent on that," referring to the massive Guard deployment.

Others, however, said the National Guard troop deployment is needed to ensure a safe inauguration.

Darren Wilson, who lives just outside Washington D.C., said the troop deployment is "understandable," given the breach in security at the Capitol building that allowed rioters to penetrate.

Linda, who also declined to give her last name, agreed, saying the Guard is "needed" to prevent further riots. 
Before he joined the University of Texas at Arlington as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and founded the Robotic Vision Laboratory there, William Beksi interned at iRobot, the world's largest producer of consumer robots (mainly through its Roomba robotic vacuum).

To navigate built environments, robots must be able to sense and make decisions about how to interact with their locale. Researchers at the company were interested in using machine and deep learning to train their robots to learn about objects, but doing so requires a large dataset of images. While there are millions of photos and videos of rooms, none were shot from the vantage point of a robotic vacuum. Efforts to train using images with human-centric perspectives failed.

Beksi's research focuses on robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems. "In particular, I'm interested in developing algorithms that enable machines to learn from their interactions with the physical world and autonomously acquire skills necessary to execute high-level tasks," he said.

Years later, now with a research group including six PhD computer science students, Beksi recalled the Roomba training problem and begin exploring solutions. A manual approach, used by some, involves using an expensive 360 degree camera to capture environments (including rented Airbnb houses) and custom software to stitch the images back into a whole. But Beksi believed the manual capture method would be too slow to succeed.

Instead, he looked to a form of deep learning known as generative adversarial networks, or GANs, where two neural networks contest with each other in a game until the 'generator' of new data can fool a 'discriminator.' Once trained, such a network would enable the creation of an infinite number of possible rooms or outdoor environments, with different kinds of chairs or tables or vehicles with slightly different forms, but still -- to a person and a robot -- identifiable objects with recognizable dimensions and characteristics.

"You can perturb these objects, move them into new positions, use different lights, color and texture, and then render them into a training image that could be used in dataset," he explained. "This approach would potentially provide limitless data to train a robot on."

"Manually designing these objects would take a huge amount of resources and hours of human labor while, if trained properly, the generative networks can make them in seconds," said Mohammad Samiul Arshad, a graduate student in Beksi's group involved in the research.

GENERATING OBJECTS FOR SYNTHETIC SCENES

After some initial attempts, Beksi realized his dream of creating photorealistic full scenes was presently out of reach. "We took a step back and looked at current research to determine how to start at a smaller scale - generating simple objects in environments."

Beksi and Arshad presented PCGAN, the first conditional generative adversarial network to generate dense colored point clouds in an unsupervised mode, at the International Conference on 3D Vision (3DV) in Nov. 2020. Their paper, "A Progressive Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for Generating Dense and Colored 3D Point Clouds," shows their network is capable of learning from a training set (derived from ShapeNetCore, a CAD model database) and mimicking a 3D data distribution to produce colored point clouds with fine details at multiple resolutions.

"There was some work that could generate synthetic objects from these CAD model datasets," he said. "But no one could yet handle color."

In order to test their method on a diversity of shapes, Beksi's team chose chairs, tables, sofas, airplanes, and motorcycles for their experiment. The tool allows the researchers to access the near-infinite number of possible versions of the set of objects the deep learning system generates.

"Our model first learns the basic structure of an object at low resolutions and gradually builds up towards high-level details," he explained. "The relationship between the object parts and their colors -- for examples, the legs of the chair/table are the same color while seat/top are contrasting -- is also learned by the network. We're starting small, working with objects, and building to a hierarchy to do full synthetic scene generation that would be extremely useful for robotics."

They generated 5,000 random samples for each class and performed an evaluation using a number of different methods. They evaluated both point cloud geometry and color using a variety of common metrics in the field. Their results showed that PCGAN is capable of synthesizing high-quality point clouds for a disparate array of object classes.

SIM2REAL

Another issue that Beksi is working on is known colloquially as 'sim2real.' "You have real training data, and synthetic training data, and there can be subtle differences in how an AI system or robot learns from them," he said. "'Sim2real' looks at how to quantify those differences and make simulations more realistic by capturing the physics of that scene - friction, collisions, gravity -- and by using ray or photon tracing."

The next step for Beksi's team is to deploy the software on a robot, and see how it works in relationship to the sim-to-real domain gap.

The training of the PCGAN model was made possible by TACC's Maverick 2 deep learning resource, which Beksi and his students were able to access through the University of Texas Cyberinfrastructure Research (UTRC) program, which provides computing resources to researchers at any of the UT System's 14 institutions.

"If you want to increase resolution to include more points and more detail, that increase comes with an increase in computational cost," he noted. "We don't have those hardware resources in my lab, so it was essential to make use of TACC to do that."

In addition to computation needs, Beksi required extensive storage for the research. "These datasets are huge, especially the 3D point clouds," he said. "We generate hundreds of megabytes of data per second; each point cloud is around 1 million points. You need an enormous amount of storage for that."

While Beksi says the field is still a long way from having really good robust robots that can be autonomous for long periods of time, doing so would benefit multiple domains, including health care, manufacturing, and agriculture.

"The publication is just one small step toward the ultimate goal of generating synthetic scenes of indoor environments for advancing robotic perception capabilities," he said.

###
On Christmas day Patently Apple posted a report titled "A Report from China claims that BOE has Officially Passed Apple's Certification and is set to begin OLED shipments in early 2021." Today a Korean Tech site has reported that both BOE and Luxvisions have entered Apples supply chain.

The Korean report claims that Luxvisions Innovation Technology has acquired Apples front camera supplier Cowell E Holdings. The the acquisition will help Luxvisions become the top front camera module supplier of Apple immediately.

Recent moves by BOE and Luxvisions indicate that Chinese companies have started to chase after South Korean companies that have been dominating markets for displays with high values and relevant parts.

According to industry sources, BOE will begin supplying OLED display panels to Apple for the iPhone 12 this coming Thursday. It is understood that BOE received a final approval from Apple at the end of last month.

Now Samsung Display and LG Display will have to compete against BOE in order to obtain future orders from Apple, but they also have to compete against BOE to obtain orders from other smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, OPPO, VIVO, and Xiaomi.

BOE is the biggest display manufacturer in China that has grown rapidly with support from the Chinese 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.
She, like many influencers, have jetted to Dubai for strictly 'work purposes'.

But Sophia Peschisolido looked like she was managing to enjoy some downtime in the city as she took to Instagram on Wednesday in a black LBD.

The daughter of Apprentice star Karen Brady, 24, showed off her bronzed tan in the simple spaghetti strap minidress as she posed by a lift ahead of her night out.

Turning up the heat: Sophia Peschisolido looked like she was managing to enjoy some downtime during her Dubai work trip as she took to Instagram on Wednesday in a black LBD

Sophia teased a hint of cleavage and her long legs in the thigh-skimming minidress.

She teamed the look with a pink Fendi shoulder bag and hot pink high heels.

Sophia wore her brunette locks in soft waves and amped up the glamour with a full face of make-up.

Strike a pose: The daughter of Apprentice star Karen Brady, 24, showed off her bronzed tan in the simple spaghetti strap minidress as she posed by the lift ahead of her night out

Tory peer Baroness Brady, 51, was also in Dubai last month, with her daughter.

She told the Daily Mail she had travelled there for business, leaving Britain on December 18 and returning 'shortly afterwards'.

She said that 'no rules have been breached, by me or any member of my family'.

One picture Sophia put on Instagram from last month showed her walking up the stairs at luxury restaurant Bagatelle Dubai with the caption: 'Mum getting the angles in lol.'

Sizzling: Sophia was one of a number of social media and reality stars to flock to Dubai before the third lockdown began. Trips for work purposes were within the rules

Although it was uploaded on Christmas Eve, Karen explained that 'bears no relation to the dates I was in Dubai or the date the pictures was taken'.

After Dubai was added to the travel corridor list in November, it became a playground for influencers keen to escape restrictions at home and seek out photo opportunities for their sponsorship deals.

Many have faced a backlash for posting pictures of themselves sunbathing and enjoying nights out while Covid cases in the UK soared and people faced more and more curbs on their lives.

Sophia has been in Dubai since at least December 22, although there is no suggestion she broke Tier Four rules to fly out.

Sun-kissed: The 24-year-old has shared scores of pictures of herself wearing bikinis in the Middle Eastern holiday hotspot

In November Karen wrote an article for The Sun urging readers to be 'sensible' with regards to visiting family members amid the pandemic.

The multi-millionairess, who took her seat in the House of Lords in 2014, wrote: 'This virus doesn't know it's Christmas. It won't take a week off just so we can get together with our various beloveds.'

She later told Mail: 'I went to Dubai for business on the 18th and returned shortly afterwards, my children did not travel with me.

'I have not breached any Government restrictions, to suggest otherwise would be totally incorrect.'

Under the current national lockdown, people are banned from going on holiday and can travel internationally only for work or other legally permitted reasons.

The United Arab Emirates was removed from the UK's travel corridor list last Tuesday, just days ahead of the decision to close all corridors amid fears of new strains of the virus.

All travellers returning to the UK now need proof of a negative test and must quarantine for ten days, unless they test negative again after five days.
Egypts Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi told parliament on Tuesday that state subsidies should go directly to consumers rather than bakeries and grocers.

Speaking before the House of Representatives, Moselhi called on MPs to support the ministry's decision in diverting food subsidies from bakeries and grocers to consumers, arguing that direct subsidies to consumers will be more beneficial for the public.

I hope we direct subsidies to the real beneficiaries, who are the Egyptian citizens for whom we are working, and not anyone else, Moselhi said in his speech.

Moselhi stressed that such a move would achieve the goals of the governments food subsidy programme.

The minister rejected criticism from some MPs regarding a recent ministry decision to reduce the weight of a subsidised bread loaf to 90 grams.

The old weight of a single loaf in all governorates never exceeded 91 grams, Moselhi said, adding that the ministry subsequently took a decision to reduce the weight of the loaf to 90 grams to avoid wasting resources."

The minister said savings from setting the weight of a loaf at 90 grams would be redirected to the states budget in order to bolster infrastructure projects and the health and education systems.

On combatting corrupt practices by some bakers, Moselhi told MPs that bakeries pay the market price for each gram and they would be shut down if the differential exceeds 20 grams.

The minister stressed that the ministry would not permit any licensing of bakeries based on false application data and would not allow any bakery that serves less than 2,500 people in any one area to remain in operation.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy El-Gebaly referred the supply minster's statement to the parliaments committees of Economic Affairs and Social Solidarity for review and follow up.

Short link:


Chief Minister - "Our Saddest Day"

"Good afternoon. Thank you for joining me this afternoon on this very sad occasion. I want to start by expressing my heartfelt condolences to every person who has lost a loved one or a close friend to COVID-19."

"His Excellency the Governor, all my Cabinet colleagues, the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues, and Ms Hassan Nahon, together with the Speaker of the House and his staff, have all asked me to express their own condolences on this awful loss of life.

We can also be grateful for the expressions of support and solidarity that have been sent from the United Kingdom, from Spain and from around the world.

There is great suffering across our nation.

But we are not alone.

There is great suffering around the world.

The total number of persons who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Gibraltar is now 45. We have experienced a harrowing loss of life just this weekend alone.

I am shaken to the core by the knowledge that, since I addressed Parliament just 72 hours ago, 21 of our fellow Gibraltarians have died of complications relating to COVID-19.

Gibraltar has not experienced such loss of life in such a short time since the 1951 explosion of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ammunition ship the Bedenham.

Now, 38 Gibraltarians have died in the last18 days since the start of the year.

In the last 24 hours alone, we have lost another 2 of our fellow Gibraltarians to this awful virus. This is now the worst loss of life of Gibraltarians in over one hundred years.

Even in war, we have never lost so many in such a short time.

Not since the so-called 'Spanish flu' have we seen so many succumb to one disease within days.

The total number of persons infected in Elderly Residential Services is now 128.

I believe we will see more deaths amongst the frail elderly at ERS.

But you should rest assured that everything possible will be done to save the lives of all of them, however advanced they may be in age.

The disease is believed to have initially entered the ERS both through visitors before the lockdown and members of staff who inadvertently have infected their precious residents.

The much more virulent strain has been impossible to stop at the door as effectively as we did in the first wave.

The Public Inquiry we have already announced will help us find answers and learn lessons about every aspect of how we dealt with the Pandemic in Gibraltar generally and in ERS in particular.

But what I can tell you is that every single member of the staff of ERS, at every level, have given their all for the residents of ERS.

They feel the loss of each of them as if they were losing a member of their very own families. These deaths have impacted them very greatly.

I know that the whole Community will want me to express deep, deep gratitude to all of the men and women of ERS for their diligent care of their elderly residents.

But the battle is not just in ERS.

Members of our Community are arriving with COVID-19 in St Bernard's Hospital from across all adult age groups.

9 persons are now in CCU.

Of these, 8 are on ventilators.

34 are in the COVID-19 wards.

Mortuary capacity is now very low.

The pressure on our GHA and ERS staff is without precedent. The same is true throughout our frontline services.

This is now a health crisis without equal in our history.

We have lost more Gibraltarian lives in the days since the start of the year than we have to any one affliction in that time in the past 100 years.

The remarkable extra virulence of the strains amongst us now is taking an impossible toll. This is a time of sadness.

But it is therefore also a time for unity.

We must now stick together more than ever.

Because there are many challenges ahead of us.

There will never be a challenge before us on which more lives depend.

So, for the next two weeks at least, we need to ensure that we keep to the anti-COVID-19 rules.

There are no risks that we can afford to take now.

If you have lost a loved one, our hearts are with you.

If you have lost a friend, our thoughts are with you.

Because, my dear fellow Gibraltarians, we are losing fellow Gibraltarians.

We will lose more.

That much is clear.

And we must brace ourselves to see the numbers of those lost to COVID-19 in our Community steadily increase.

For that reason, although now is a time of sadness, now is not yet a time for national mourning. That time will come, and, together, mourn we will.

Now is a time for collective action to defeat this virus.

A time to turn our sadness into unity and determination.

When all this is over, we will hold an interfaith service, for all Gibraltar together, for all our creeds, beliefs, and none, to remember all those who we have lost.

But for now, I again call on our collective, Gibraltarian spirit. I call on the spirit of resilience and strength which is within us. It is that spirit that will continue to shine brightly as we face these very difficult days.

I know many of us had long hoped that the end of 2020 would usher in a new, better time in 2021. I am very confident that the better times we all crave are coming. They are closer now.

But they are not here yet.

Today, the total number of new infections of COVID-19 is 42. The total number of persons recovered is 151.

The total number of active infections today is 681.

Those numbers are down and moving in the right direction. But we are far from out of the woods yet.

The good news, of course, is that the vaccine has arrived.

We have been vaccinating well over 500 people a day.

As at midnight last night, 5,847 first doses have been administered of the Pfizer vaccine.

With the key support of the United Kingdom, more vaccine will arrive this week.

The UK continues to demonstrate that, on what matters, we can count on its support.

I can now announce that 48 hours from now, on Wednesday, we anticipate the arrival of 4,875 additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

And then more will come shortly afterwards.

Those vials of hope will bring us closer to the protection of medical science. Closer to freedom from COVID restrictions.

Closer to a return to our families, to our friends and to our cherished way of life. So do not believe the lies that anyone has died from the vaccine in Gibraltar.

It is not true.

It is not true of any one of our elderly or our frontline workers.

It is not true of any frontline worker in the Campo de Gibraltar around us.

Please therefore be very careful with the information you disseminate and the information that you trust.

Trust only the information provided by official sources and our established media.

Do not trust what you hear in an audio message circulated virally on WhatsApp.

Lives depend on our continued trust in the medical science and our GHA.

And let us all continue to trust that the effective roll out of the vaccine will finally enable us to turn the tide.

I know that hope will not save those who have already been lost. Hope will not bring back our loved ones.

But it is hope that will keep alive the dream of a future in which we lose no more of our people to this deadly virus.

And until we have turned the tide, we must continue united in our defensive posture against this virus.

We must follow the basic rules of hygiene and social distancing.

AND YOU MUST STAY AT HOME UNLESS IT IS ESSENTIAL AND WITHIN THE RULES TO GO OUT.

Please follow the rules now more than ever.

In honour of those we have lost.

And as part of our effort to reduce infections and reduce loss of life. That is the challenge for each one of us in Gibraltar.

Let us live up to that challenge.

I know none of us will want to let Gibraltar down."
Tom Oywa Mboya, the man who shot the owner of the popular KOsewe (Ranalo Foods) restaurant, was found in contempt of court after he insulted his victim during his defense hearing.

The accused was on Monday, January 18, put on his defense after the court found he had a case to answer on an attempted murder charge.

Tom Oywa Mboya, however, found himself in trouble with Nairobi Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku after using vulgar language during his cross-examination by prosecutor Anderson Gikunda.

The prosecutor had asked Mboya why he continued shooting at the restaurateur William Osewe who was already disarmed after the accused shot him in the hand during their bust-up over a woman on December 1, 2016.

But the ill-tempered Mboya told the court that he continued firing at his love rival because he was behaving like an animal.

This prompted the magistrate to jail Mboya for a day for contempt.

PHOTOS  Recovering Restaurateur Osewe Treated to a Surprise Party at His Lavish Karen Home

In an earlier defense, Mboya, who is alleged to have shot Osewe four times, told the court that he fired two shots in the air and another at Osewes right hand.

I saw Mr Osewe draw his pistol and cock it twice so I felt unsafe and decided to draw mine. I was faster than him. I drew my gun, cocked once, and aimed at his hands. My intention was to disarm him. I aimed at the right hand, I shot once in his hand and twice in the air, he said.

He fell down while still holding his gun. I shot in the air to scare him more and alert the public. I was doing my duty as required when trying to defend and disarm someone.

Mboya said that before the shooting, he was leaving Hagon Hotel off Thika Road when Osewe stormed out of his car screaming at him in Kiswahili: Umelala na bibi yangu sana lakini leo nimekupata (You have slept with my wife a lot but today Ive caught you].

Osewe was shot three times in the rib cage and once in the arm.
If there were only three words to describe the much-beloved Tobin Hill neighborhood of San Antonio, they would be walkable, eclectic and diverse.

Tobin Hill is considered among the top three walkable neighborhoods in San Antonio, a place to live where residents can access several bars and restaurants within any given five-minute jaunt.

Tim Macy, a real estate broker with Real Broker LLC, said Tobin Hill remains a perennially popular place to live and attracts a wide variety of buyers.

We work with lots of buyers looking in the downtown market, and Tobin Hill is one of the most sought-after downtown neighborhoods because of its easy access to North St. Marys and the Pearl Brewery, he said.

The Saturday Farmers Market is also close by, and nine bus lines cut through the neighborhood, making it easy to navigate.

Macy noted that many of the downtown neighborhoods in Tobin Hill are filled with older historic homes, but new homes are available as well.

My personal favorites are the early 1900s Craftsman homes with the wide front porches and original historic features, he said. Tobin Hill has a great mix of these older historic gems with a growing amount infill developments mixed in.

One of the best things about living in the area  besides the great restaurants along North Saint Marys and accessibility to the Pearl!  are new and exciting things coming down the pike on McCullough Avenue.

Tobin Hill is really the neighborhood to live in to be in the middle of it all, Macy said. I think most people are moving there for access to those things, but when they get there, they end up falling in love with the diverse community.

The variety of nearby restaurants and beautiful street art is amazing, Macy said, noting that a local renowned breakfast taco mural is his personal favorite.

READ ALSO: Dignowity Hill: Close-knit community has rich history

Another great place to eat is Tycoon Flats, he said, where visitors can get great burgers and milkshakes with room for little ones to run around.

[And] if youre looking to go somewhere for drinks, Paramour is pretty tough to beat, Macy said.

Also, he noted, the San Antonio Museum of Art is nearby as well as all the appealing attractions along Broadway. Like I said, when you live in Tobin Hill, youre pretty close to a lot of amazing San Antonio attractions, he said.

Recently, he said the area has seen a significant increase in buyers with dual income but no kids yet.

Im sure everyone has different motivations for living in the neighborhood, he said, but that is a strong trend weve witnessed in a lot of the downtown neighborhoods.

Macy noted that thinks couples who havent yet started a family yet may be more likely to choose to tackle the projects that some of the gorgeous older homes in Tobin Hill can present.

But from an investment standpoint, Tobin Hill is great place to buy, Macy said.

People are buying homes and land in areas based on possible future development, he said. [But] the value in Tobin Hill is that so many of the large developments are already done.

From the Pearl, an expertly executed mixed-use community, to the San Antonio Zoo and the Tobin Center, theres much to see and do in the area thats already complete.

So, although Tobin Hill is a pricier investment bet, its a safer bet.

The downtown San Antonio real estate market has some unique opportunities [coming in the future], but Tobin Hill has it all  and it has it right now, Macy said.

And of course, one can never brag enough about the neighborhoods walkability.

I mention walkable because there are very few areas in San Antonio that are truly walkable, Macy said.

Macy did one of the first transactions of his career in Tobin Hill five years ago, and said hes endlessly impressed by how the area continues to evolve and grow.

I also love how diverse Tobin Hill is, not just in the different people, but the range of different things you can find in the neighborhood, he said.

To learn more about the Tobin Hill area, or for more information about buying a home in Tobin Hill, contact Tim Macy via phone at 210-965-4000 or on Instagram at @timmacyrealtor.
Advertisement

The number of Brits getting vaccinated against Covid in the UK has fallen for the third day in a row, raising fears that the rollout has stalled over the weekend.

Some 204,076 people in Britain were vaccinated yesterday, January 18, with the total slumping from 225,000 on Sunday, 277,000 on Saturday and a high of 324,000 on Friday.

More than 4.26million people have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine through the NHS programme  one in every 16 people in the UK  which makes it one of the best covered countries in the world.

But to hit the Government's target of 13.9million people by February 15, which is the threshold at which officials will consider relaxing lockdown, Britain must manage 360,000 jabs per day from today onwards  2.5million per week. Last week it averaged 254,000 per day and hit a total 1.77million. The daily requirement will increase for every day that it isn't hit.

Dr Duncan Robertson, an analyst at Loughborough University, said today: 'The number vaccinated has fallen for three successive days. It would be useful to know what the vaccine supply schedule is over the next weeks and months, and the reason for this decrease.'

The reasons behind the slowdown are not clear  it could be a consequence of the Government focusing efforts and supplies on slow rollout areas so they can get to all over-80s, or it may be a bottleneck in supply. Ministers repeatedly warned last week that manufacturing speed was the 'limiting factor' and it has emerged that Pfizer, one of the two vaccine suppliers, has delayed its deliveries for the rest of January while it expands its Belgian factory.

It comes amid growing pressure on the NHS to run a 24/7 service after people noticed the number of jabs given out over the weekend was lower than in the week.

No10 was told today it must 'throw as much money as possible' at the NHS to ensure coronavirus vaccine uptake stays high all week.

At a Downing Street press conference last night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock brushed off questions about the lower uptake the weekend, urging people to look at the weekly averages rather than data from individual days. But think-tanks told MailOnline today that the drop was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic', and called on ministers to 'put money into it', if it turned out that staffing issues was to blame.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, told MailOnline: 'Throughout this pandemic the Government has consistently over-promised and under delivered. When it comes to the vaccination program, the Government must avoid repeating the failures of our test and trace system and PPE supply chains to the frontline.'

It comes as an NHS trust in London today reportedly sent out an email to staff urging them to just turn up to get Covid vaccinations because leftover doses were at risk of expiring if they weren't used by tomorrow morning.

Health and social care workers are in one of the top priority groups to get vaccinated, and people working in the vaccine supply chain will now also be prioritised to make sure deliveries are not interrupted.

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as officials in Scotland and Wales have been accused of stockpiling vaccine stores and not using them as soon as possible. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said yesterday he did not want staff 'standing round doing nothing' later in the month if all supplies of the jabs were used now. Scottish Conservatives said today there are 400,000 doses that have been delivered to Scotland but not used yet.

With 27 days left for the Government to hit its target of vaccinating 13.9million people by February 15:

Number 10 insisted all areas have had equal access to the coronavirus vaccine, with the Prime Minister's spokesperson s aying ministers had 'ensured' everywhere received the same supplies;

Doctors on the frontlines have complained limited supplies are hampering Britain's largest ever jab rollout, claiming they could do more with more regular deliveries;

A GP helping to organise jab appointments in Sheffield revealed over-80s have been texted to secure slots, saying he feared it may mean many elderly residents are missing their jabs;

A racecourse hosting a Covid vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue;

Up to 2,000 people working in roles in the Covid vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable, the Government has announced.

Why has Britain's Covid vaccination programme slowed down? The reasons behind the slowdown are not clear  it could be a consequence of the Government focusing efforts and supplies on slow rollout areas so they can get to all over-80s, or it may be a bottleneck in supply. Speaking at a Downing Street press conference last night Mr Hancock said vaccine supply was the 'rate-limiting factor'. 'If you listen to voices on the ground in the NHS, you hear people saying 'give us more supply and we will jab it into more arms',' he said. 'We are shoveling it out as fast as we can.' Pressure is mounting on the Government to dish out coronavirus vaccines 24/7, with Labour saying No10 'must deliver for the British people' because the public 'have sacrificed so much'. But ministers earlier claimed there was 'no clamour' for appointments beyond 8pm. It emerged last week that Pfizer is shrinking and delaying its deliveries to Europe while it expands its factory in Belgium. The company makes one of just two vaccines that are being given to the public in the UK and confirmed that Britain would be affected in late January and February. Countries in the EU have criticised Pfizer for shrinking its deliveries as it emerged Norway would get a batch 18 per cent smaller than expected next week. A spokesperson at the company told the Financial Times: 'Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March.' Advertisement

Department of Health figures published today show that the number of people vaccinated against Covid rose by 204,076 between Sunday and Monday.

The total number of coronavirus vaccine doses dished out  208,641  is higher because some patients were given their second jab.

Data also revealed the number of people vaccinated in England has fallen from 320,894 on Friday to 167,150 in the past 24 hours.

Across Britain as a whole, the total number of people getting jabs daily fell from 324,233 on Friday to 277,915 on Saturday to 225,407 on Sunday.

To hit its target of 13.9million people by February 15, which is the Prime Minister's target before he can start to think about loosening lockdown restrictions in March, the nation must manage 360,000 per day, and this number will increase for every day that the target isn't hit.

The Adam Smith Institute think-tank told MailOnline today there seemed to be a 'lackadaisical approach to Saturdays and Sundays'.

Deputy director Matt Kilcoyne said the blip in figures was 'both worrying and unwarranted in the face of the pandemic'.

'Knowing as we do that every hour counts, every day counts... there is no reason why the UK could not have the same vaccination rollout rate as Israel,' he added.

Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute for Economic Affairs, said NHS staff needed to be congratulated on the 'great job' they've done with the vaccine roll out so far.

But he added: 'The NHS is bit of a five day week service in many ways and if it comes down to staffing then we need to put more money into it. If you give people strong financial incentives it makes people want to work seven days a week.'

Ministers are piloting 24/7 vaccinations after Boris Johnson came under immense scrutiny for claiming there was 'no clamour' for appointments beyond 8pm. But the inconsistencies at the weekend will raise concerns about whether No10 can deliver.

Mr Snowdon told MailOnline 'money should be no object' when it comes to the vaccine rollout because the benefits of immunising the entire country and ending the economically-crippling lockdowns would outweigh any cost.

He said: 'At the moment they're only paying GPs commission on jabs given to care home residents, but they [the Government] should pay commission for every patient.

'It seems that we need more staff, and the staff we've got need to work longer hours, so they have to throw as much money as possible at it.'

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as leaders in Scotland (Nicola Sturgeon, right) and Wales (Mark Drakeford, left) have been criticised for sitting on supplies of the jabs

Staff at a London hospital are invited for a 'walk-in' jab to use up spare doses Staff at a London hospital were sent an email today urging them and colleagues to get impromptu Covid jabs because it had doses that were at risk of being 'wasted' if they aren't used by tomorrow morning. 'We still have a large amount of walk-in vaccination appointments available today for FIRST DOSE vaccinations for staff', staff said in an email tweeted by EveryDoctor, a campaign group run by NHS doctors. The email continued: 'This batch of vaccinations need to be used by 8.15am tomorrow or they will be wasted.' Staff were 'actively encouraged' to book in for a walk-in vaccination. EveryDoctor tweeted: 'Covid-19 vaccine doses may be wasted because NHS hospitals are not allowed to give 2nd doses (a full vaccine course) to NHS staff. 'The Government needs to change this now to protect staff and patients.' It comes after local NHS leaders are said to have issued vaccine disposal instructions to doctors organising clinics, despite Professor Chris Whitty saying the UK's roll-out of vaccinations was being held back by delayed deliveries of the Pfizer jab. Some surgeries are taking a stand against the orders, described as 'bordering on criminal', but others fear their supplies will be cancelled if they don't comply. Supply chain uncertainty - particularly around the Pfizer jab which needs to be kept at -70C - means GPs are struggling to book the exact number of appointments for clinics and in some cases patients haven't turned up having been given little time to prepare. The NHS said there was 'no reason' why stocks should be wasted, insisting vaccination sites should make sure a back-up list of patients and staff who can get the jab at short-notice if there are such absences is drawn up. Advertisement

Public Health England last night blamed the lower weekend figures on reporting delays and the Health Secretary insisted the roll-out was a 'full seven-day service' with the Government 'prepared to go 24/7'.

When asked about the drop in figures at the press briefing, Mr Hancock said: 'The vaccine delivery is absolutely delivering a full seven-day service and we are prepared to go 24/7.

'I wouldn't read too much into an individual day's data, I think the best thing to do is look at weekly averages and, as you say, you can see that going up, and up fast.'

Mr Hancock said vaccine supply was the 'rate-limiting factor'. 'If you listen to voices on the ground in the NHS, you hear people saying 'give us more supply and we will jab it into more arms',' he added. 'We are shoveling it out as fast as we can.'

Mr Hancock revealed that 4million Britons have now had a coronavirus vaccine, amid mounting claims that a 'postcode lottery' has left vulnerable people in certain areas unprotected.

With the successful roll-out of a Covid vaccine the only hope ministers have of being able to ease the lockdown restrictions this spring, the Health Secretary told the nation: 'Don't blow it now, we're on the route out.'

The Health Secretary also admitted supplies of the only two approved jabs, made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca, are being prioritised to areas lagging behind in the roll-out.

It comes after another 7million Britons were sent invite letters to receive their coronavirus jabs from yesterday  but only in areas where the 'majority' of over-80s have had it already.

Discussing Britain's growing Covid vaccine postcode lottery, Mr Hancock praised Slough for ensuring all of their care home residents have had their first dose. Newcastle-upon-Tyne has also achieved the feat.

But he said: 'What we're doing now is making sure that whilst they, of course, will be able to move onto the next group, we're prioritising the supply of the vaccine into those parts of the country that need to complete the over-80s.

'But we don't want to stop the areas that have effectively done that job already, we want them to carry on, but the priority of the vaccine is according to the JCVI prioritisation list. The critical thing is to make sure that everybody can get it, that we're putting more supply into the areas that have got more to do.'

Whitehall insiders believe the UK's vaccine rollout is going so well that the wider adult population may be covered by June rather than September, with around 280,000 doses currently being administered each day. Ten new mass vaccination centres opened today, to speed up the programme even further.

No10 says all areas HAVE had 'equal access' to Covid vaccines amid 'postcode lottery' row Number 10 has insisted all areas have had equal access to the coronavirus vaccine amid mounting anger over a jabs 'postcode lottery'. The Prime Minister's spokesman dug his heels in on the claims today, saying ministers had 'ensured' everywhere received the same supplies. Matt Hancock yesterday revealed some regions were lagging behind schedule in the rollout to over-80s  despite No10 announcing the scheme was being expanded to all over-70s and adults with underlying conditions. But the Health Secretary hinted supplies have not been equally distributed, as he claimed they were being diverted to areas which were way off target. No10 has yet to confirm whether 'equal' means all regions got the same number of doses, or enough doses to vaccinate the same proportion of over-80s. London's mayor Sadiq Khan said last week he was 'hugely concerned' by the sluggish rollout in the capital, complaining about the city's vaccine supply. Advertisement

Staff at a London hospital were sent an email today urging them and colleagues to get impromptu Covid jabs because it had doses that were at risk of being 'wasted' if they aren't used by tomorrow morning.

'We still have a large amount of walk-in vaccination appointments available today for FIRST DOSE vaccinations for staff', staff said in an email tweeted by EveryDoctor, a campaign group run by NHS doctors.

The email continued: 'This batch of vaccinations need to be used by 8.15am tomorrow or they will be wasted.'

Staff were 'actively encouraged' to book in for a walk-in vaccination.

EveryDoctor tweeted: 'Covid-19 vaccine doses may be wasted because NHS hospitals are not allowed to give 2nd doses (a full vaccine course) to NHS staff.

'The Government needs to change this now to protect staff and patients.'

It comes after local NHS leaders are said to have issued vaccine disposal instructions to doctors organising clinics, despite Professor Chris Whitty saying the UK's roll-out of vaccinations was being held back by delayed deliveries of the Pfizer jab.

Some surgeries are taking a stand against the orders, described as 'bordering on criminal', but others fear their supplies will be cancelled if they don't comply.

Supply chain uncertainty - particularly around the Pfizer jab which needs to be kept at -70C - means GPs are struggling to book the exact number of appointments for clinics and in some cases patients haven't turned up having been given little time to prepare.

The NHS said there was 'no reason' why stocks should be wasted, insisting vaccination sites should make sure a back-up list of patients and staff who can get the jab at short-notice if there are such absences is drawn up.

Concerns about the speed of the rollout come as Scotland and Wales have been criticised for sitting on supplies of the jabs.

Elderly Britons may be missing invites for Covid jabs because GPs are having to TEXT them due to 'short notice of supply' Elderly Britons may be missing appointments for their coronavirus vaccines because GPs are sending them invites by text, doctors fear. Some over-80s who are next in line for the jab are being contacted on their mobile phones because of the 'short notice of supply'. Dr Ollie Hart, a GP involved in the rollout in Sheffield, said he was concerned it was leading to many missing their jabs. He said: 'The difficulty for us has been the short notice of supply, which has meant we've had to contact most people by mobile phones and by telephone rather than sending letters and having a more staged and planned approach. 'So that has meant if people haven't been in or we haven't been able to get hold of them sometimes we might of missed people.' He urged over-80s still waiting to hear from their surgeries to give them a call to ensure they hadn't missed any calls or text messages.' The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine poses few problems for surgeries because it can be stored in standard fridges for months. But the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine  which was the first to be approved  must be used five days after it is defrosted. Dr Hart said once supplies of the jab are delivered there is usually only three-and-a-half days left, leading to frantic calls to the priority groups to ensure no supplies are wasted. The NHS says most invites are sent as letters  but GP practices can invite their own patients by text. Advertisement

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the Scottish Government has received 717,000 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines  but claimed that well over half of these had not yet been used.

She said: 'We know how many doses of vaccine have so far been delivered to Scotland, we know how many GP practices have agreed to take part in the process. The GPs know who their patients are and they know how to contact them.

'The only thing that's missing is for too many practices across Scotland they have not yet actually received any supplies.'

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, replied: 'Supplies are allocated to Scotland, they are then drawn down to Scotland, and we vaccinate as quickly as we possibly can. That will continue to be the case.

'In terms of the doses that are in Scotland, many of them have already been put into people's arms.'

Welsh leader Mark Drakeford yesterday came under fire for his strategy of rationing coronavirus vaccine doses to make them last until the next delivery in February, instead of using them as fast as possible.

Mr Drakeford yesterday admitted Wales isn't using up all of its doses of the Pfizer jab, claiming the 'sensible' thing to do is ration supplies so the programme could work steadily until next month and so staff aren't 'standing around with nothing to do' if supplies run out.

But MPs slammed his plan as 'dangerous' and said the point of the programme is to protect elderly people from dying not to keep NHS staff busy.

Welsh Tory leader Paul Davies said: 'You'd have thought from a government's perspective they would've wanted to distribute the vaccines as soon as possible. I was flabbergasted by his comments.

'This is a matter of life and death, and that's why it's so crucial now that they get these vaccines out to people as soon as possible.

'To suggest that vaccines should be rolled out over a period of time so that vaccinators are not standing around with nothing to do is absolutely preposterous.

'If we don't get the vaccines out as soon as possible, and into people's arms as soon as possible, then unfortunately more people are going to die.'



David Jones, MP for Clwyd West said the explanation was 'wholly incoherent'. Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean on the Welsh border, said it was 'dangerous' and that people needed vaccines as soon as was possible. And Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said it was 'deeply, deeply frustrating'.

Up to 2,000 people working in roles in Covid vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs Up to 2,000 people working in roles in the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable, the Government has announced. The move follows a plea from AstraZeneca to protect workers involved with the manufacture of the vaccine to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said staff working for Pfizer and AstraZeneca that are involved in crucial supply chain roles in the UK will be among those eligible for the jabs. The employees will be the first group of key workers outside of the NHS, social care and care home workers to be vaccinated. Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines. Last week Sir Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals research and development at AstraZeneca, called for people in the vaccine process to be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine. Advertisement

It was also revealed today that up to 2,000 people working in roles in the coronavirus vaccine supply chain will be offered jabs to help ensure the UK gets the doses it needs to protect the most vulnerable.

The move  announced by Number 10  follows a plea from AstraZeneca to protect workers involved with the manufacturing of the vaccine to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly.

The Department for Health said staff working for Pfizer and AstraZeneca that are involved in crucial supply chain roles in the UK will be among those eligible for the jabs. The employees will be the first group of key workers outside of the NHS, social care and care home workers to be vaccinated.

Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines.

Last week Sir Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals research and development at AstraZeneca, called for people in the vaccine process to be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine.

He told the Science and Technology Committee that an outbreak had already occurred in one group working on the vaccine.

'One of the things that I'm worried about is actually maintaining a continuous supply and work on this vaccine,' he said.

'Of course with the outbreak and the pandemic where it is  I feel it's critical to the people that are working on this vaccine are actually immunised.

'Because if you have an outbreak at one of the centres  which we've had actually  or in one of the groups in Oxford (that) is working on new variants, or the people that are working on the regulatory files, everything stops.

'This is a concern that I have and so again we're pushing to try and get our key workers that are working on the vaccine project immunised to try and prevent these outbreaks.'

A racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue. Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus

Racecourse hosting Covid vaccine hub is halting its service to allow horse racing to continue A racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue. Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus. But less than a week later, the centre will shut for a day on Wednesday for a scheduled race day. Horse racing is allowed to continue under lockdown rules because it is considered an elite sport. The racecourse posted on Twitter on Thursday: 'A heartwarming moment as the first patients arrive at the racecourse to receive the vaccine against Covid-19. Proud to play a small part in this positive moment and our thanks to all @BerksWestCCG & local GP's who are working tirelessly to distribute up to 1500 vaccines a day.' It also posted: 'A decision was taken not to operate on Wednesday to minimise the risk to all participants, but this is being reviewed moving forward.' A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: 'The race day has always been planned and we have made provision for it so it is not hampering the vaccination process. 'The vaccination centre opened last week and the NHS was made aware of the race day. We have an abundance of space but a decision was made we would not operate both the race day and the vaccination centre this week but that is being reviewed so both may be open in the future.' Advertisement

The DHSC said that workers identified as 'irreplaceable and crucial' to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines.

'Highly trained workers who have been identified by the Government as being irreplaceable and crucial to the delivery of vaccine supplies will be offered vaccines,' DHSC said.

Those eligible include staff making the vaccine substance, working on fill and finish and batch testing, as well as those involved in end-to-end coordination who are responsible for getting doses to the right place at the right time.

And in other vaccine developments today, a racecourse which is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination hub that provides up to 1,500 jabs daily is temporarily halting the service to enable its horse racing to continue.

Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire opened its vaccination hub on Thursday last week as part of the nationwide drive to inoculate against the virus.

But less than a week later, the centre will shut for a day on Wednesday for a scheduled race day.

Horse racing is allowed to continue under lockdown rules because it is considered an elite sport.

The racecourse posted on Twitter on Thursday: 'A heartwarming moment as the first patients arrive at the racecourse to receive the vaccine against Covid-19. Proud to play a small part in this positive moment and our thanks to all @BerksWestCCG & local GP's who are working tirelessly to distribute up to 1500 vaccines a day.'

It also posted: 'A decision was taken not to operate on Wednesday to minimise the risk to all participants, but this is being reviewed moving forward.'

A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: 'The race day has always been planned and we have made provision for it so it is not hampering the vaccination process.

'The vaccination centre opened last week and the NHS was made aware of the race day. We have an abundance of space but a decision was made we would not operate both the race day and the vaccination centre this week but that is being reviewed so both may be open in the future.'

Newbury has 29 race days scheduled for the year including Wednesday, one in February and four in March.

A spokeswoman for Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group said: 'Local NHS staff are working hard to continue to deliver vaccinations throughout the week and into the weekend, and we are working with Newbury Racecourse so vaccinations can continue to take place safely on race days in future.'
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (S&P Global Ratings) Stakeholder capitalism is challenging traditional views of value creation, says S&P Global Ratings and its newly formed Sustainable Finance Scientific Council in its first white paper..

The report, "Stakeholder Capitalism: Aligning Value Creation With Protection Of Values," published today on RatingsDirect, argues that corporate priorities are increasingly shifting towards long-term value creation for customers, employees, society, and the environment, rather than just shareholder returns.

According to the white paper, the COVID-19 pandemic has served to accelerate this shift, with substantial government support for businesses raising expectations of corporate social responsibility.

In addition, the white paper explores the benefits and challenges of balancing stakeholder and shareholder interests; how the value created by stakeholder capitalism can be measured, and whether the indirect "scope three" ESG impacts of a company should be considered, along with the direct impacts--just as scope one, two, and three greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are increasingly being disclosed under the GHG Protocol.

Michael Wilkins, Senior Research Follow, Sustainable Finance, S&P Global Ratings, and lead author of the white paper, said: "Recent surges in sustainable investing and increasing market scrutiny of ESG factors are calling into question the purpose of corporations and asking where their responsibilities to society begin and end. Companies are now expected to invest more in employee health and wellbeing, safety protocols, and ensuring business continuity. But this means aligning these objectives with sometimes-contradictory shareholder interests."

He added: "The COVID-19 crisis has reaffirmed the materiality of sustainability-related risks and the deep links between businesses and their stakeholders across the value chains. Indeed, given the S&P 500 ESG Index outperformed, suffered fewer losses, and recovered faster than the S&P 500 during the pandemic, it may act as an impetus for corporations to refocus their priorities in line with market expectations around sustainable growth."

The white paper was produced following consultation with S&P Global Ratings' newly formed Sustainable Finance Scientific Council, which aims to foster an exchange of ideas and strategies between leading experts in academia, sustainability, and finance, as well as major corporates and investors on how the global capital markets can best transition toward sustainability.

This report does not constitute a rating action.

The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect at www.capitaliq.com. If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-7280 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Ratings information can also be found on S&P Global Ratings' public website by using the Ratings search box located in the left column at www.standardandpoors.com. Alternatively, call one of the following S&P Global Ratings numbers: Client Support Europe (44) 20-7176-7176; London Press Office (44) 20-7176-3605; Paris (33) 1-4420-6708; Frankfurt (49) 69-33-999-225; Stockholm (46) 8-440-5914; or Moscow (7) 495-783-4009.

Copyright  2021 by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC. All rights reserved.

No content (including ratings, credit-related analyses and data, valuations, model, software or other application or output therefrom) or any part thereof (Content) may be modified, reverse engineered, reproduced or distributed in any form by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC or its affiliates (collectively, S&P). The Content shall not be used for any unlawful or unauthorized purposes. S&P and any third-party providers, as well as their directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents (collectively S&P Parties) do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of the Content. S&P Parties are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, for the results obtained from the use of the Content, or for the security or maintenance of any data input by the user. The Content is provided on an "as is" basis. S&P PARTIES DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, FREEDOM FROM BUGS, SOFTWARE ERRORS OR DEFECTS, THAT THE CONTENT'S FUNCTIONING WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR THAT THE CONTENT WILL OPERATE WITH ANY SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE CONFIGURATION. In no event shall S&P Parties be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, compensatory, punitive, special or consequential damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including, without limitation, lost income or lost profits and opportunity costs or losses caused by negligence) in connection with any use of the Content even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Credit-related and other analyses, including ratings, and statements in the Content are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact. S&P's opinions, analyses and rating acknowledgment decisions (described below) are not recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell any securities or to make any investment decisions, and do not address the suitability of any security. S&P assumes no obligation to update the Content following publication in any form or format. The Content should not be relied on and is not a substitute for the skill, judgment and experience of the user, its management, employees, advisors and/or clients when making investment and other business decisions. S&P does not act as a fiduciary or an investment advisor except where registered as such. While S&P has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, S&P does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives. Rating-related publications may be published for a variety of reasons that are not necessarily dependent on action by rating committees, including, but not limited to, the publication of a periodic update on a credit rating and related analyses.

To the extent that regulatory authorities allow a rating agency to acknowledge in one jurisdiction a rating issued in another jurisdiction for certain regulatory purposes, S&P reserves the right to assign, withdraw or suspend such acknowledgment at any time and in its sole discretion. S&P Parties disclaim any duty whatsoever arising out of the assignment, withdrawal or suspension of an acknowledgment as well as any liability for any damage alleged to have been suffered on account thereof.

S&P keeps certain activities of its business units separate from each other in order to preserve the independence and objectivity of their respective activities. As a result, certain business units of S&P may have information that is not available to other S&P business units. S&P has established policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of certain non-public information received in connection with each analytical process.

S&P may receive compensation for its ratings and certain analyses, normally from issuers or underwriters of securities or from obligors. S&P reserves the right to disseminate its opinions and analyses. S&P's public ratings and analyses are made available on its Web sites, www.standardandpoors.com (free of charge), and www.ratingsdirect.com (subscription), and may be distributed through other means, including via S&P publications and third-party redistributors. Additional information about our ratings fees is available at www.standardandpoors.com/usratingsfees.

STANDARD & POOR'S, S&P and RATINGSDIRECT are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC.

SOURCE S&P Global Ratings

Related Links

http://www.standardandpoors.com


Egypts exporters were handed EGP 21 billion under six initiatives that had been launched to support them amid the COVID-19 crisis, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said in a statement on Tuesday.

The initiatives are aimed to provide exporters with cash liquidity in order to meet their financial obligations and maintain their workforce, Maait explained.

2500 exporters benefitted from five initiatives, receiving around EGP 8 billion, according to Maait.

Under the latest prompt cash payment under the exporters initiative, a total of EGP 13 billion was disbursed to 169 export companies during November and December.

The disbursed sums were due arrears owed to exporters from the Export Development Fund, according to the minister.

Since October 2019, the government has launched six initiatives, per the directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directives, with the aim of settling the exporters arrears through June 2019 and supporting the sector that was among the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic.

The initiatives included the repayment of small investors with a maximum of EGP 5 million; the repayment of 30 percent of the whole arrears to the exporters; holding a set-off between the exporters arrears and the payable tax and custom obligations on them; the repayment of the total arrear sums over four to five years while expanding their investments in return; in addition to the land allocation initiative.

Short link:



Jennifer Scott

One decisive consequence of the Jan. 6 storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters was the permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account on Twitter due to the risk of further incitement of violence (Twitter Blog, Jan. 8, 2021), as well as the temporary suspension of his social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among others.

Communications professionals know the power of words, especially words amplified by influential people on platforms with massive reach. We understand that checks and balances are at the heart of deploying words in responsible and accountable ways. We have our own code of ethics. We work with journalists who have their own code of ethics. Common among them is a commitment to honesty, accuracy, and truth.

Despite this ethical foundation, we have joined the rest of the world in scrambling to respond ethically to the meteoric rise of social media as a communications platform. In 15 short years, platforms like Twitter and Facebook have transformed from vehicles used by friends and family to keep in touch, to algorithmically driven marketing machines that harvest massive amounts of personal information and monetize engagement. They have profoundly impacted social discourse and have contributed to divisiveness and the propagation of misinformation.

A 2018 MIT study of Twitter (MIT News, March 8th, 2018) found that false stories are 70 percent more likely to be retweeted (by people, not bots) than true stories, and that it also takes true stories six times longer than false stories to reach the same number of people. Furthermore, out of all news categories, political falsehoods traveled faster and further. The research indicated that this virality of misinformation might be because humans respond to false news with strong emotions, like surprise and disgust, and this emotional novelty might drive accelerated sharing.

Social media platforms benefit financially from the kind of information that generates maximum engagement. The MIT study proves that false stories are significantly better at driving engagement than true stories. Misinformation can be monetized far more readily than truth.

On social media platforms, the virality of misinformation is also enhanced by the selective targeting of consumers using algorithms. These function to feed the most relevant content (including PR and advertising) to users based on their interests (harvested from their search history). This is one thing if I am searching for a new vacuum cleaner and targeted ads appear on my feed. But its another when the content being pushed to me includes misinformation that has been selected to appeal to my political and ideological convictions.

Furthermore, as professional communicators know, confirmation bias is a powerful driver of selective attention. We have a strong preference to embrace content that reinforces our existing views, and to reject information that counters them. The algorithmic targeting of audiences with their preferred content on social media platforms reinforces confirmation bias.

It is becoming clear how human nature can combine with the business model of social media, to allow users to inhabit increasingly partisan online worlds, reinforced by misinformation, where views are radicalized rather than tempered. This is an environment ripe for those who would sow discord and extremism. Which is why suspending the president from social media was like extinguishing a match without doing much to drain away the giant pool of gasoline.

Its up to us as communicators to recognize this situation for what it is and to reassess how we are using social media on behalf of our organizations and clients. We need to look carefully at the ways in which personal data (especially psychographics) are being harvested and used for selective targeting of advertising or PR. We need to take a fresh look at the stories we tell to check that we are not inadvertently pandering to ideological confirmation bias. And we need to more diligently examine situations where we might be tempted to prioritize reach over accuracy or engagement over-balanced discourse. In this way, we can do our part to dilute that pool of gasoline and restore social media as a vibrant, diverse, and healthy communications environment.

****

Jennifer Scott is clinical assistant professor, PR and corporate communications at New York University's School of Professional Studies. She was previously managing director, thought leadership at Ogilvy.
"Rand McNally is pleased to have Barry join our Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of experience and personal relationships to Rand McNally, the likes of which have few equals," said Joseph Roark, Chairman of Rand McNally and an Operating Partner at TELEO Capital.

TELEO Capital acquired Rand McNally at the end of October 2020 with an expressed commitment to investing in and growing Rand McNally's position in their retail, commercial, and industrial transportation technology markets.

"We couldn't be more delighted to have Barry join our Board as we continue to grow through the development of innovative product solutions and acquisitions. His understanding of our customers, served markets, and technology will be incredibly valuable to us," Roark said.

During his 30 years of entrepreneur and executive experience, Glick has established strategic partnerships with industry-leading transportation and supply chain management systems, telematics vendors, and other players in the full industry ecosystem.

Having worked in mapping and location-based services at NAVTEQ, now HERE, as well as mobility and logistics as President of PTV America, Inc. (acquired by Porsche SE), Glick has extensive experience in international business in business-to-business software and telematics.

He also has led multiple companies through venture capital raises, acquisitions and mergers including the sale of ALK to Trimble.

"I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Board of Directors of Rand McNally," Glick said. "I have long admired Rand from my early years in digital mapping through more recent years in location-based services serving the freight transportation market.

"The Rand McNally name is unequaled in the industry and I am thrilled to assist TELEO Capital in achieving its ambitious vision for an even more successful future for the company."

Glick is a member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board for software and data technology companies in the United States and European Union. He is a past member of the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering's Mapping Science Committee.

Glick currently serves as Mentor-in-Residence for software and data science startups at Tech Launch Arizona at the University of Arizona. Glick earned a Ph.D. in Geography from the Univeristy of Buffalo and a Master's degree in Policy Planning & Regional Analysis from Cornell University.

About Rand McNally  Chicago-based Rand McNally has been transforming travel and transportation for 165 years. Today, Rand McNally provides innovative fleet management and commercial transportation solutions, connected vehicle technology, and consumer travel and education products. Learn more at randmcnally.com and fleet.randmcnally.com

2021 RM Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Rand McNally. All rights reserved.

Rand McNally and the globe logo are trademarks of RM Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Rand McNally.

SOURCE Rand McNally

Related Links

http://www.randmcnally.com


Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is

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

Police responded to the Trump Plaza building in Downtown Jersey City after a bomb threat was called into the residential tower on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Law enforcement determined the Morgan Street building was safe and the threat to be unfounded after K9 units searched the tower.

Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the threat was made just before 3 p.m. and that no device was found, but that the investigation is ongoing.

Several streets surrounding the tower were closed off during the investigation but have since been reopened.
This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here.

Sometimes Barbara Shelley was the victim. By the end of the movie Blood of the Vampire (1958), the Victorian character she played  her brocade bodice properly ripped  was in chains in a mad scientists basement laboratory.

She was at Christopher Lees mercy in Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966), although before the end she had fangs of her own. (In fact, she accidentally swallowed one of them while filming her death scene, which she considered one of her finest moments.)

Sometimes she was an innocent bystander. In Village of the Damned (1960), she was impregnated by mysterious extraterrestrial rays and had a son  a beautiful, emotion-free blond child whose glowing eyes could kill.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews post- cyclone situation in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi.
Gov. Greg Abbott has made his thoughts clear about the Pentagon's increased vetting of National Guard members ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post's Missy Ryan, the federal government is screening the more than 21,000 National Guard troops stationed in Washington D.C. as part of increased security during the presidential inauguration. This news after reports of an Army reservist with security-level clearance being among the attacks that stormed the Capitol on January 6.

The decision to screen members of the National Guard incensed Abbott, who took to Twitter Monday night to condemn the heightened protocols.

AFTER JAN. 6: Most American voters blame Trump for U.S. Capitol attacks

"This is the most offensive thing I've ever heard," Abbott wrote on Twitter. "No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard. I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. I'll never do it again if they are disrespected like this."

According to Ryan, the Defense Department assisted by the FBI is conducting "special vetting" of the National Guard. The FBI said it is also conducting "name checks" in addition to the Defense Department's vetting. Members of the National Guard were previously vetted during recruitment and enrollment.

The Associated Press' James LaPorta reports that two Army National Guard members have been removed from inauguration duty Tuesday after they were found to have ties to "fringe right group militias" during the increased vetting process. No plot against Biden was found.

"Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration," the National Guard Bureau told AP, referring further questions to the Secret Service.

LaPorta reports that the Secret Service previously said on Monday that it would not comment on the removal of any Guardsmen from the inauguration due to operational security reasons.
Members of a committee appointed by the Supreme Court to resolve the deadlock between protesting farmers union and the Centre on Tuesday said they will keep their personal views aside, but stated that repealing the Central Government's three contentious laws won't augur well for much-needed agriculture reforms.

Meanwhile, the tenth round of discussions between farmers unions and the Centre is slated to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, 20 January).

After the first meeting of the apex-court appointed panel, one of its members, Anil Ghanwat, said the first round of talks with the protesting farmers and other stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday (21 January).

Noting that the "biggest challenge" is to convince the protesting farmers to appear before the panel, Ghanwat said they will be still given a priority as the panel wants the long-running protest to end at the earliest. Agri-economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi, also on the panel, were present for the meeting.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting on Delhi borders for almost two months against the three laws enacted in September. They have alleged these laws will end the mandi and MSP procurement systems and leave the farmers at the mercy of big corporates, even as the government has rejected these apprehensions as misplaced.

Meanwhile, farmers at the borders of Delhi said preparations for a tractor march planned in Delhi on 26 January are going full steam, though the official permission is yet to be granted.

The Supreme Court on Monday, while hearing the Centres application seeking an injunction against the proposed tractor on Republic Day, had termed it a matter of law and order and left the decision to the Delhi Police.

'Panel members will keep aside personal views'

Ghanwat, president of Maharashtra-bases Shetkari Sanghatana and a member of the SC-appointed panel on Tuesday said "People are dying in the cold. We don't want this (protest) to continue not because of any political reasons, but I am a farmer and I have been agitating for so many years too. When lives are lost in agitation, it is very disappointing and heartbreaking.

He also said that the laws implemented in the last 70 years were not in the interest of farmers and that around 4.5 lakh farmers have committed suicide. "Farmers are getting poor and are under debt. Some changes are needed. Those changes were happening but the protest began," he added.

Ghanwat said his own organisation was also not fully in favour of the laws and it wanted some changes. However, no political party in the next 50 years will ever attempt the reforms again if these laws are repealed and farmers will continue to die, he said.

"If we want change, come and talk to us. We will try to fully deliver what you want," he said adding that reforms are needed to end the exploitative system in the agriculture sector.

Ghanwat appealed to the farmers to co-operate with the committee to bring about these changes, saying "We are one. I am also a farmer leader. To help Punjab farmers, many times I mobilised thousands of farmers from Maharashtra. There is no rivalry. We had an ideology, now it is not there..."

He added that there will not be peace in the country when farmers are not able to live happily.

The Supreme Court had set up the four-member panel on 11 January to look into the contentious three farm laws. Protesting farmers unions, as well as some Opposition parties, had raised questions over the committee's constitution, pointing out that its members had in the past expressed support to the three farm laws,

One of the members, Bhupinder Singh Mann, laterbrecused himself , citing farmers' interests.

Briefing media after their meeting, Ghanwat said, "In today's meeting, we have decided to hold our first meeting with farmers and other stakeholders at 11 am on 21 January. We will meet both physically and virtually depending on the convenience of farmers."

"The biggest challenge is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with us. We will try our level best and we will definitely want to speak with them," Ghanwat said.

It is not clear as yet whether the panel can meet the protesting farmers at their place if they don't appear before us, but the committee members wish to meet them and try to convince them, he added.

Besides farmers, the panel will seek views of farmers' bodies and other stakeholders such as farm exporters, traders, millers, ginners, dairy and poultry industry on the new farm laws, in addition to the central and state governments, he said, adding that a website will also be launched to invite suggestions.

On protesting farmers' allegations that the panel members were "pro-government" and have openly expressed their support for the three laws in the past, Ghanwat said, "It is their view. Whatever might have been our earlier ideology, now we are on the Supreme Court-appointed panel. We cannot be one-sided."

"Panel members will keep their personal views on farm laws aside while preparing a report to be submitted to the Supreme Court. ...Our duty is to listen to both sides and not impose our ideology," he said.

Ghanwat further said, "We have been given a responsibility and we will fulfill it properly. We want to request those farmers who don't want to come before us that we are neither from any party nor from the government side. We are from the Supreme Court side," he said.

Meanwhile, during a hearing on a separate matter, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said members of a committee are not judges, and they may very well change their opinions, reported LiveLaw. "Just because a person has expressed a view on the matter, that is not a disqualification to be a member of committee. Generally, there is a peculiar lack of comprehension about the constitution of a committee. They are not judges," the report quoted him as saying.

Another member of the SC-appointed panel, Gulati said that its prime job is collate the best views and collective wisdom of the committee on the farm laws, and also views of farmers and other stakeholders, put it in a proper framework and communicate it to the apex court.

The third member, Joshi, said the committee is hopeful of completing the report within two months, as directed by the apex court and added that it is clear that the members cannot give their views in the report." "Our views may be different. When a responsibility like this is given by the court, we have to work in an unbiased and transparent way," he said

On whether any replacement would be made for Mann, Ghanwat said the decision on whom to appoint was up to the apex court. Gulati said all members of the panel are "equal" and ruled out the appointment of a chairman of the panel.

Protesting farmers prepare for tractor march

Meanwhile, unions protesting at the borders of Delhi said preparations for a planned tractor rally on the Outer Ring Road in Delhi on 26 January have begun and more farmers would be joining in.

The tractor rally, protestors said, was happening because the government had failed to meet their demands in the last two months, and would be a way to display the farmers' unity. While the final plan for the rally is yet to be formulated, volunteers from among the protesters have been roped in to ensure discipline during the march, farmers said.

"Rehearsals for the rally are going on back home in our villages. The volunteers here are being told how to maintain decorum during the march," Sukhjit Singh Sidhu, a protesting farmer from Patiala told PTI, adding that lakhs of people will turn up from Thursday, after gurupurab (Guru Gobind Singh's birth anniversary) tomorrow.

We want the government to give us permission for our rally. This is our country and it is our constitutional right to voice our needs and demands," said Amarjeet Singh Rarra, general secretary, Deaba Kisan Committee, said on the Singhu border. We will march with our farmer unions' flags and the national flag. So if they fight us, they will be fighting the tiranga', he said.

He added that instead of preventing the farmers from taking out the march, the Centre and the police should provide a safe corridor for the rally.

"We met the police today to tell them that our rally will be completely non-violent, and they said they will scrutinise the route details and get back to us tomorrow," said Lakhbir Singh, All India Kisan Sabha, state vice-president (Punjab). "We also want to see what the government has to say tomorrow at the talks. We will then finalise the plan in 1 or 2 days," he said.

Farmers in Punjab said that tractor rallies have already been held in places such as Nawanshahr and Gurdaspur as a build-up to the proposed 26 January event and more are planned over the next two days in the state's villages.

"There is a great enthusiasm among people in Punjab to become part of the tractor parade. Our batches will start moving towards Delhi from 23 and 24 January," Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Sidhupur) president Jagjit Singh Dallewal said 20,000 to 25,000 tractors would come to Delhi from Punjab alone for the planned parade.

BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) vice-president Harinder Kaur Bindu said women who are camping at the Delhi border and those who come later from Punjab will take part in the parade and added that several women will also drive tractors.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the BKU said around 3,000 farmers affiliated to it from Uttarakhands Udham Singh Nagar will drive their tractors to Gazipur on 23 January to take part in the rally.

Efforts have also begun in Uttar Pradesh to mobilise and prepare farmers for the planned tractor rally, reported the Indian Express. Our district alone will send 1,000 to 1,200 tractor-trolleys, each carrying 25 people, for 26 January, Rajkumar Guddu, a BKU leader from Banat near Shamil told the newspaper.

BJP, Congress trade barbs

The BJP and the Congress continued to spar over the farm laws and farmers protest on the day before the next round of talks between the Centre and the agitating farmers. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Opposition party does not want the talks to succeed and has resorted to obstructive tactics.

He expressed confidence that the talks will be successful and claimed that the three laws were based on demands made by the farming community over the years.

Addressing a press conference after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi released a booklet "Kheti ka khoon" and attacked the government, Javadekar accused him of running away from the questions BJP president JP Nadda asked of him on Twitter and alleged that the Congress leader displayed his "familiar indecency" while referring to his party chief.

To Rahul's charge that three or four people enjoy a monopoly in the economy, Javadekar said it was during the Congress rule that one family ran the country and alleged that Rahul is unhappy because his family rule has ended.

Referring to the Congress booklet, the BJP leader took a swipe at the party, saying it has "special love" for 'khoon' (blood) and referred to people's killings during the partition, anti-Sikh riots and Bhagalpur riots.

He said farmers have suffered due to "destructive" policies of the Congress and added that the Modi government has empowered them with the transfer of Rs 1.19 lakh crore into their accounts with the total amount likely to be over Rs 7 lakh crore in 10 years.

Taking a swipe at Rahul over his claim that food prices will rise due to the government's policies, he said the fact is over 80 crore people get rice and wheat at subsidised rates of Rs 3 and Rs 2 respectively.

Rahul earlier in the day released a booklet highlighting the "plight" of farmers in the wake of the Centre's three farm laws and claimed that the legislations are designed to "destroy" the agriculture sector. He asserted that the only solution to the farmers' issue is to repeal the legislations.

Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and NCP president Sharad Pawar will take part in a protest planned in Mumbai in support of the farmers agitating on borders of New Delhi. Some farmers' organisations have planned to hold

protests in Mumbai from 23 to 25 January.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha had on Monday reiterated the movement "will not have any direct engagement with any political party" and disassociated itself from a meeting its constituent Gurnam Singh Chaduni had attended with some Opposition leaders.

A controversy had erupted after Bhartiya Kisan Union-Haryana president Chaduni attended the meeting with the Opposition leaders in Delhi on Sunday and supported a call for convening a 'Jan Sansad' (People's Parliament) on the farmers' issue on 22 to 23 January.

In a statement, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) said its coordination committee "inquired into the controversial matter of Chaduni's meeting with several political parties".

"Chaduni, clarifying his stand to the committee, stated in writing that yesterday's meeting was organised by him in his personal capacity. SKM is not associated with this activity in any way. Realising this, he assured the committee that in future, while the ongoing farmers' agitation is underway, he will not attend any political party meeting," it said, adding that the committee "welcomed his statement and decided to end the controversy here".

The SKM had said earlier on Monday that it "has formed a committee that will inquire into the matter and give its report in three days' time. SKM will take further steps thereafter."

In the late-evening statement, the morcha said, "The juncture at which this current unprecedented farmers' movement is, unity and discipline are of highest priority.... Any organisation and party is free to extend its support; however, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the movement will not have any direct engagement with any political party."

On the meeting, Chaduni had said that he wanted to let the country know where all these parties "stand on farm laws  whether they are against these or in favour" but added that he will abide by whatever the morcha decides.

Replying to a question, he had also said that his organisation had never invited any politician to share stage or address the people during the ongoing agitation against the Centre's new farm laws.

With inputs from PTI


The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
New debt financing will support capital investments as Wasabi expands its global footprint

Boston, MA, Jan. 19, 2021, the hot cloud storage company, today announced that it has raised $27.5 million in debt financing from MGG Investment Group, LP, bringing Wasabi's total financing raised since launch to nearly $140 million.

Today's announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for Wasabi. In 2020, the company's total storage expanded 150%, annual revenues grew by more than 3 times over 2019, and the customer base increased to more than 21,000 businesses, educational institutions, municipalities and technology service providers worldwide. Wasabi's growth continues to be fueled by its expansive partner community of more than 4,000 channel partners and 350 technology partners and its ongoing expansion into new geographies and markets.

Wasabi's low cost, high-performance storage is empowering organizations to rethink critical data strategies by providing access to bottomless storage capacity that can scale up or down based on changing needs. Wasabi's storage is one-fifth the cost of Amazon S3, faster than the competition with no fees for egress or API requests, and no vendor lock-in. These characteristics, along with strengths in multi-cloud deployments, established Wasabi as an "Outperformer" by GigaOm when compared to other alternatives to Amazon AWS S3.

"Our transformative deal with MGG marks Wasabi's first major institutional debt round, which is an important milestone for our company and mission as we continue to roll out more data centers and bring our unique solutions to more customers around the world," said Wasabi CEO & co-founder, David Friend. "MGG distinguished itself due to the firm's successful track record of partnering with companies to build enduring value as well as the team's understanding of our business model and growth potential. This financing provides our company with stable, long-term support to drive our rapid growth and we look forward to a prosperous relationship with MGG in the years to come."

"While the migration to cloud storage was already well underway, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift and demonstrated the need for increased remote data accessibility and storage," said Kevin Griffin, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of MGG. "Wasabi is a disruptor in the space, and its growth over the past year is a testament to the company's standout technology and the clear market need for secure, infinite, high-performance, high-value storage. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support Wasabi in its global growth, enabling cloud storage to become the next utility for all data-driven organizations."

Lincoln International served as financial advisor to Wasabi in connection with the financing.

For more information on Wasabi's hot cloud storage, please visit Wasabi.com.

About Wasabi

Wasabi provides simple, predictable and affordable hot cloud storage for businesses all over the world. It enables organizations to store and instantly access an infinite amount of data at 1/5th the price of the competition with no complex tiers or unpredictable egress fees. Trusted by customers worldwide, Wasabi has been recognized as one of technology's fastest-growing and most visionary companies. Created by Carbonite co-founders and cloud storage pioneers David Friend and Jeff Flowers, Wasabi has secured $140 million in funding to date and is a privately held company based in Boston.

Follow and connect with Wasabi onTwitter, Facebook,Instagramand ourblog.

About MGG Investment Group, LP

Founded in 2014, MGG Investment Group is a private investment firm that provides bespoke financing solutions to mid-size and growing lower-middle market companies. MGG works with owners and management teams to help build lasting value, address immediate needs, and solve complex situations while generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors irrespective of and through market cycles. For more information, visit mgginv.com.
Local Police in Malaga have raided an industrial unit in the city and found almost 3,000 marijuana plants inside.

During the raid on the premises on the Guadalhorce industrial estate six people were arrested, all of Chinese nationality, according to sources.

Inside officers discovered an intricate electrical installation that included fans, thermostats and other devices, to make the plants thrive.

The ongoing investigation has now been handed over to the National Police.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2021 ) :Ambassador of Denmark Mrs. Lis Rosenholm on Tuesday stressed the need for expediting work on the waste water treatment plant to ensure rapid completion of the project.

She was addressing a meeting at WASA office here on Tuesday. Deputy Head of Mission Mrs. Bente Schiller, Commissioner Saqib Manan and WASA officers were also present on the occasion.

The ambassador said that this project will have a salutary impact on the overall environment of this fastest growing industrial city and the waste water could be utilized for irrigation purposes. She added that the treatment plant would be setup with the newest Danish technology which further cement the bilateral relations between the two countries.

She said that WASA was providing best service to the people of Faisalabad and hoped that WASA Faisalabad would also play its full role for rapid completion of waste water treatment plant.

Divisional Commissioner Saqib Manan said that waste water treatment plant was a mega project of about Rs.

19 billion which will resolve the problem of pollution through waste water.Moreover, the waste water could be available for agriculture purposes.

On the occasion, Managing Director WASA Jabbar Anwar Chaudhry welcomed the visit of Danish Ambassador Mrs. Liz Rosenhall and Deputy Head of Mission Medium Bente Schiller's to Faisalabad and said that WASA was grateful for their full support. He hoped that their visit would further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

The MD said that waste water treatment plant will have positive impact in overall environment of this city. He said that WASA Faisalabad was a large power consuming company and need support to convert its machinery and installations to solar energy.

Later, WASA Chairman Sheikh Shahid Javed presented special souvenirs and gifts to the ambassador and other guests.
UPDATE: Reed Manor fire started by person who broke in, official says

JACKSON, MI  One person was injured during a fire at Reed Manor late Monday night.

The fire started inside an apartment around 10:10 p.m., Jan. 18, in Building D of Reed Manor, 301 Steward Ave., Jackson Fire Department Chief Dave Wooden said. Reed Manor is public housing, which rents to people rent based on their income.

Between 24 and 26 apartments inside Building D were evacuated during the fire, Wooden said. Building D is next to Building C, which houses the administrative offices.

One person, who was not a resident of Reed Manor, taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health with burns. They were later transferred to the burn unit at the University of Michigan Health System, Wooden said.

The apartment where the fire started was destroyed and considered a total loss, Wooden said. Three apartments also have a combination of water, smoke and heat damage.

People displaced were lodged in other apartments, Wooden said. He wasnt sure how many people were affected. Reed Manor management did not return a request for comment at the time of publication.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and Jackson police are looking into it, Wooden said.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:37 a.m., Jan. 19, Wooden said. Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, Summit, Spring Arbor and Napoleon township fire departments and Jackson Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Read more from MLive:

Jackson YMCA eyes summer 2021 groundbreaking for new facility

Free meals from Jackson restaurants being passed out through new Consumers Energy program

Police looking for missing Clinton man, say he could be danger to himself
Victoria no longer dominates the list of Australia's most expensive schools after almost half of the state's private schools froze fees to support enrolments during the coronavirus downturn and lockdowns.

The state's private schools increased fees for local year 12 students by an average of 0.4 per cent this year  the lowest fee increase across the country and well below the national average rise of 1.05 per cent.

With 47 per cent of private schools freezing fees and a further 6 per cent cutting them, Victoria is no longer home to the country's biggest cluster of expensive schools. NSW has taken that mantle, led by SCEGGS Darlinghurst and The Scots College.

Victorias Geelong Grammar is still the most expensive school in Australia, with annual fees for local year 12 students of just under $43,000.
WILLOWS, Calif.  A Sacramento man was arrested after Glenn County Sheriffs deputies say he set a church building on fire Sunday in Willows.

Willows Fire Personnel responded to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church, on Sunday, Jan. 17. A large amount of smoke was seen coming from the vents on the north side of the church, as well as a broken window, according to deputies.

Deputies say 35-year-old Randy Louis White of Sacramento, admitted to breaking the window, entering the church, and purposely setting fire to the building. White was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail with a bail set at $200,000.

Deputies say during the fire they contacted the Company Nurse due to smoke inhalation. However, they did not require any further medical attention.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
(Natural News) A tweet from Patrick Byrne (scroll about halfway down the page to the 12:00pm entry) alleges that Charles Lieber, a professor at Harvard University, has been arrested for committing treason with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Lieber was allegedly given $50,000 per month from China for living expenses along with a $1.5 million lump sum payment for his work not just with the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), which is directly connected to billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates, the Rockefeller Foundation, and other swamp entities. Early on in 2020, Lieber was indicted for his participation in a CCP scheme to smuggle biological material into China. This material was presumably used to develop bioweapons like the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Lieber is also connected to Joe Biden and the rest of the Biden Crime Family, as well as to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), both of which presumably are about to be in charge of the failed corporation known as the United States of America.

Byrne says Lieber and his cronies have been engaging in treasonous corruption right out in the open because they are not afraid of getting caught. And why would they, since it was so easy to steal an election that the deep state is planning to coronate Biden without a hitch?

Crooked prosecutors, crooked mayors, crooked governors, crooked sec[retaries] of state, (and) crooked law enforcement all helped to make it happen, Byrne says, and under a Biden  Harris administration this cozy little setup is unlikely to change.

More related news about the fraudulent 2020 election and deep state corruption can be found at Corruption.news.

They need to toss Lieber in prison and throw away the key

Back in June, the Department of Justice (DoJ) issued a memo explaining that Lieber had been indicted on false statement charges.

The former Chair of Harvards Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department lied to federal authorities about his participation in Chinas so-called Thousand Talents Program.

Lieber was arrested on Jan. 28, 2020, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of making false statements. His arraignment was set for a later day in federal court in Boston.

Since 2008, charging documents reveal, Lieber served as the Principal Investigator of the Lieber Research Group at Harvard, specializing in the area of nanoscience. He was granted more than $15 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Beginning in 2011, Lieber started working as a Strategic Scientist at WUT, and later became a contractual participant in the Thousand Talents Program, which lures talent from overseas to come to China and use their knowledge and experience to further the agenda of the communist regime.

Lieber later lied about his participation in the program, pretending as though he was never asked to be involved with it. The NIH also inquired of Harvard as to whether Lieber had failed to disclose his relationship with WUT and the Thousand Talents Program.

A conviction for making false statements comes with a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

He should have the same treatment as the Rosenbergs for selling atomic bomb plans to Stalin, wrote one of our own commenters about the punishment Lieber should face for his treason.

What is the death of one person worth? The death of one million people? The death of one billion? Cutting the genetic lineage of masses of people forever? asked another. Some evil people will sell their own mother  if the price is right.

Sources for this article include:

WorldChangeBrief.Webnode.com

NaturalNews.com

Justice.gov

[January 19, 2021] COVID-19 Resources Added to Award-Winning FAIR Health Consumer Website

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020, FAIR Health added several COVID-19 resources to its free, award-winning cost transparency website fairhealthconsumer.org, rendering the consumer tool even more useful in these challenging times. The resources include typical costs for COVID-19 testing codes, an article on dealing with COVID-19 costs, and total treatment costs for three different COVID-19 scenarios. Other highlights of 2020 can be found in the FAIR Health Consumer year-end statistics for 2020, which, like last year's statistics for 2019, shed light into what types of people are using the site and why. FAIR Health added several COVID-19 resources to its free, award-winning cost transparency website fairhealthconsumer.org In 2020, FAIR Health and its consumer website (also available in Spanish at fairhealthconsumidor.org) won seven eHealthcare Leadership Awards, the most such honors it had ever received in a single year. The awards included the Mark Gothberg eHealthcare Organizational Commitment Award, the highest honor of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, recognizing industry leadership, innovation and commitment. FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd stated: "Each year, FAIR Health Consumer's year-end statistics show again how a healthcare cost transparency website can attract a broad range of users. We are pleased to see that consumers across the country are using the cost lookup tools and educational resources on the site to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system." Top Medical and Dental Search Terms

FAIR Health Consumer includes medical and dental cost lookup tools that allow users to search for typical costs of healthcare procedures in their geographic areas. In 2020, procedure codes were added that allowed consumers to search for diagnostic tests for active COVID-19 infection and tests for past COVID-19 infection. In 2020, the top five medical terms searched with the medical cost lookup tool wer:



Physical therapy; Chiropractic; Anesthesia; Psychotherapy; and Ultrasound. "Physical therapy" climbed up the list from 2019, when it was the fifth most common term searched. The rest of the top five terms were different in 2019. In 2020, the top five dental terms searched were:

Root canal; Implant; Orthodontic; Crown; and Cleaning. The top five dental terms in 2019 were the same, though in somewhat different order. "Root canal" topped the list both years. Age and Gender

Although adults across the age spectrum used FAIR Health Consumer in 2020, the largest age group was that of individuals aged 65 and oldera change from 2019, when the largest age group was that of individuals aged 25-34. The age breakdown of FAIR Health Consumer users in 2020 was: 18-24: 8.84 percent;

25-34: 19.86 percent;

35-44: 14.05 percent;

45-54: 15.36 percent;

55-64: 19.56 percent; and

65+: 22.33 percent. In 2020, 63 percent of FAIR Health Consumer users were female, 37 percent male. The percentage who were female grew since 2019, when 57 percent of users were female. Insurance Status

As in 2019, all types of insurance status were represented among FAIR Health Consumer users in 2020, including out of network (31.5 percent), in network (28.4 percent) and uninsured (12.7 percent). Top User Locations

The top 10 states from which visits to FAIR Health Consumer originated in 2020 were: New York ; California ; Texas ; Florida ; New Jersey ; Illinois ; Georgia ; Pennsylvania ; Virginia ; and Ohio . The list of top 10 states in 2019 was similar, except that it included Oregon (in fourth place) and did not include Ohio. In both years, all four US census regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West) were represented. Most Popular Educational Topics

FAIR Health Consumer features a rich library of FH Insurance Basics, articles and videos on healthcare costs and health insurance. One article added for 2020 is "How to Deal with COVID-19 Medical Costs." The most popular educational topics from this library in 2020 were: Types of out-of-network reimbursement;

Negotiating your costs;

How to review your medical bill;

Estimating costs for a hospital stay; and

Healthcare services not covered by health insurance. Most Frequently Visited Total Treatment Cost Bundles

Using FAIR Health Consumer's medical cost lookup tool, consumers can view the overall cost of caring for certain chronic and acute conditions and event-based procedures with FH Total Treatment Cost bundles. In 2020, bundles were added for three COVID-19 scenarios: hospitalization, hospitalization with complexities and non-hospitalization. The most frequently visited bundles in 2020 were: C-section;

Vaginal delivery;

Knee replacement;

Hip replacement; and

Type 1 diabetes. For an infographic with these statistics, click here. Follow us on Twitter @FAIRHealth About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent nonprofit organization that qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. It is dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health possesses the nation's largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 32 billion claim records and is growing at a rate of over 2 billion claim records a year. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data productsincluding benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics and market indicesto commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, providers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a national Qualified Entity, FAIR Health also receives data representing the experience of all individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B and D; FAIR Health includes among the private claims data in its database, data on Medicare Advantage enrollees. FAIR Health can produce insightful analytic reports and data products based on combined Medicare and commercial claims data for government, providers, payors and other authorized users. FAIR Health's systems for processing and storing protected health information have earned HITRUST CSF certification and achieved AICPA SOC 2 compliance by meeting the rigorous data security requirements of these standards. As a testament to the reliability and objectivity of FAIR Health data, the data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish and an English/Spanish mobile app, which enable consumers to estimate and plan for their healthcare expenditures and offer a rich educational platform on health insurance. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Dr. Marty Makary's book The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Careand How to Fix It and Elisabeth Rosenthal's book An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org. Contact:

Dean Sicoli

Chief Communications Officer

FAIR Health

646-664-1645

dsicoli@fairhealth.org View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-19-resources-added-to-award-winning-fair-health-consumer-website-301210845.html SOURCE FAIR Health

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced that the company achieved the highest ever rate of nationalisation in 2020.

Some 42 per cent of in-focus roles at EGA are now held by UAE nationals - exceeding the companys long-standing goal of Emiratising 40 percent of these positions by the end of 2020.

In-focus roles are all those positions that can feasibly be Emiratised. Almost 1,200 UAE nationals now work at EGA, including more than 750 under the age of 35 years old.

On the key achievement, CEO Abdulnasser bin Kalban, said: "Our success as a company depends on the skills and commitment of our people. In line with 'UAE Vision 2021' we aim to harness the full potential of the UAE's human capital."

"As a vital industrial company in the UAE, we are proud of the many talented young people who are inspired to contribute to the development of the nations industrial sector and knowledge economy by joining EGA and of those who have dedicated their careers to our progress," he added.

EGA recruits, develops and empowers the next generation of Emirati innovators through its 'Graduate Trainee programme,' which provides recent university graduates specialising in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) and other fields with 18-months of training.

The company, he stated, equips them with technical know-how necessary to assume permanent, leading positions within the organisation. The executive committee includes employees who originally joined as fresh graduates.

EGA has also run 'National Training programmes' to prepare young UAE nationals for technical roles in its operations. More than 5,000 Emiratis have graduated from the programmes since they were first established in 1982, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A successful entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jesse Willms, discusses all things business and technology in his new blog on Medium.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Jesse Willms is pleased to announce the launch of his new blog on Medium, which will focus on topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, social media, technology, and innovation. Medium is a highly recognized platform that encourages "experts from around the globe" to share their stories and ideas.

Currently, Willms' posts are already receiving a lot of attention from business-savvy users. A few of his most recent blogs include 13 Las Vegas Tech Start-ups are Reshaping Countries Future, How Traditional Businesses Can Transition Online, and Affiliate Marketing for New Bloggers.

Whether you display an interest in business or are actively thinking of starting your own company, subscribing to a blog is the simplest way to see what others in the marketplace are doing.

In one of Willms' most recent blog posts, Best Tips for Building a High-Traffic Website, he discusses the importance of boosting your web traffic to drive more qualified visitors to your site. The article advises readers to create a comprehensive content strategy, perform search engine optimization (SEO), integrate paid ads, and deliver more engaging content.

In today's increasingly technological landscape, nearly every company needs to have a website to build brand awareness and improve market share. Fortunately, Willms blogs provide expert business advice regardless of your industry.

As a successful entrepreneur, Jesse Willms is passionate about sharing his accumulated wisdom with those looking to pursue a similar path as him. His blog will provide candid insight, including expert advice and personal stories, to help individuals succeed in the world of business and avoid common pitfalls.

Moreover, Willms is committed to posting regular content to ensure his readers have the most up-to-date information.

If you are interested in broadening your business knowledge, you can read Jesse Willms' blog here.

About Jesse Willms

Jesse Willms is a successful entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Nevada. For as long as he can remember, Willms has been passionate about business. His first venture involved selling books, which was time-consuming but allowed him to turn a modest profit. Following in the footsteps of some of his top role models, Willms left school at seventeen to pursue his passion for e-commerce.

Today, Willms is the owner of multiple vehicle history websites with more than four million visitors each month. Users get free access to pertinent vehicle information, such as whether there are any liens on a car, unfixed safety recalls, if it's been in an accident, and how customers have reviewed it. In the short term, Willms continues to set his sights on new and exciting business ventures.

Contact Information:

Jesse Willms

Website: https://jessewillms.com/

Email: apply@jessewillmsscholarship.com

SOURCE: Jesse Willms

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624928/Jesse-Willms-Announces-the-Launch-of-his-Blog-on-Medium
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 virus, a riot, even a creaky knee and an aching back have discouraged many of Joe Bidens local friends and supporters from traveling to Washington, D.C., to see him take the oath of office in person today.

Instead, like most of the world, Scrantonians and other people in Northeast Pennsylvania will watch from home or work as the Scranton native and president-elect officially becomes the 46th president of the United States during his inauguration at the Capitol.

Even with the COVID-19 outbreak, Amy Mitchell, 36, of Scranton, hoped to drive down with her daughter, Madison, 14, just to see history in the making.

Madison Mitchell, an eighth grader with a Biden flag hanging behind her bed, was excited about attending and disappointed she cant.

I think itd be cool to just see ... what happens, she said.

Her mom thought it would be cool to see a president from our area.

I take her all around the world to see stuff. So Im like, this is awesome. Were gonna do this. Then my life changed, Amy Mitchell said.

Rioters attacked and assumed control of the Capitol on Jan. 6, raising fears of an Inauguration Day repeat and discouraging her travel, Mitchell said. The riot surprised her because she and her daughter toured the Capitol three years ago.

Their security was tight there, and I get it, I get why it is. And then when we saw this on TV, Im like, how are these people getting into this building? It was scary, she said. Watching it unfold on TV, ... this (was) bizarre to me that these people are just taking over our Capitol.

As a substitute, she will join a virtual inauguration party involving about 20 local residents and residents of Ballina, Ireland, home of Bidens ancestors, she said.

If not for the virus and the riots, Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty, who attended five previous inaugurations, said busloads of Scrantonians would have undoubtedly traveled to watch Biden sworn in live, regardless of how far away on the National Mall they had to stand.

There would have been many of us that couldnt get anywhere (near the ceremony but would go) just to say we were on the lawn, she said.

First, she would have stopped to visit the grave of her late husband, Scranton Mayor James McNulty. Biden offered condolences on his death during a campaign stop with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in August 2016.

I would have stopped at Cathedral Cemetery and said, Im on my way Jimmy. There was no bigger fan of his, said McNulty, 61, of Scranton. He went to him for help when there was federal stuff when he was mayor. But that friendship continued. I mean he (her husband) was out there when his (Bidens) dad died.

Biden friends since childhood, Larry Orr and Tom Bell said they likely would have received invitations if not for Bidens desire to keep the crowd down because of COVID-19. Neither has heard from Biden since his election. Both figure hes busy.

Orr, 77, of Scranton, eight months younger than Biden, said he absolutely would have gone in his younger days, but an aching back reminds him of his age.

The situation is its going to be cold, its going to be a long day, Orr said. Seeing him privately, yeah, but (otherwise) its just too much for me.

Bell, 77, of Waverly Twp., two months younger than Biden, said he would have declined an invitation to go because of the coronavirus and because hes still recovering from knee replacement surgery.

I dont go out to the movies or anywhere ... and Im really up to my eyeballs with boredom, Bell said. I mean Im extremely proud of Joe. Im very happy for him. Im glad he got in, but I wish it had happened under different circumstances. Because this whole thing has been tarnished by a lot of strange people.

Orr will watch his old friend with pride, too.

I keep thinking to myself I knew this guy when we were kids, Orr said. And now, hes the most powerful man in the world. What are the odds of that? Theres what? Six billion people in the world? And Im on a first-name basis with this person. Thats just really overwhelming when I think about it.
Investors who lost more than 200million in the London Capital & Finance (LCF) savings scandal were given fresh hope yesterday as a landmark legal case kicked off.

A handful of victims have taken the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to court, after it refused to give the majority of them any cover when LCF collapsed.

LCF fell into administration in January 2019, after collecting 237million from 11,600 investors. It sold them 'mini-bonds', promising to lend their cash to hundreds of businesses which needed it to grow.

A handful of LCF victims have taken the Financial Services Compensation Scheme to court, after it refused to give the majority of them any cover when LCF collapsed

It promised high returns and claimed the products were low-risk. But investors, many of them elderly, were left high and dry when it collapsed, and it turned out money had been funnelled to a small number of borrowers.

Several directors are being investigated for fraud. But the FSCS, designed to compensate victims of failed firms, said it was only able to return money to around a fifth of LCF customers because the firm was not carrying out 'regulated activities' when it took their money.

Now four savers are challenging that through a judicial review. As the case began yesterday over video-link, their barrister James McClelland told the Administrative Court how some elderly customers had been forced out of retirement. Others had to sell their home and one was on the verge of being made homeless.

He said: 'For some this has been life-changing, and for others it has been little short of catastrophic.'

McClelland said the FSCS was fundamentally wrong to say that LCF was not carrying out a regulated activity, as he tried to clarify several complex points of regulation. He said: 'These are precisely the sorts of investors who one might expect to be protected.'

So far the scheme, funded by the financial services industry, has paid around 51million to just under 3,000 LCF bondholders.

It believes it is only able to cover customers who were given financial advice by LCF, or who took their money out of a stocks and shares ISA to invest in the mini-bonds.

LCF administrators and the Serious Fraud Office are still trying to track down investors' money so it can be returned.

Thirteen people including a former energy minister, Charles Hendry, are being sued by administrators at Smith & Williamson for 178million in connection with the scandal.

It is claimed that savers' money was used to buy horses, a helicopter and lifetime memberships at a Mayfair club.

In court documents, the claimants' lawyers said: 'It appears that LCF may have practised one of the largest frauds on the investing public in recent memory.'
Scientists need to start developing new Covid vaccines now to stop the coronavirus evolving to escape the immune system, an expert investigating new variants of the virus has warned.

Professor Ravi Gupta, a Cambridge University microbiologist, fears there is a risk that mutations will 'chip away' at the efficacy of the current crop of vaccines as they build up.

The vaccines we have now should work against the current virus, he said, but they should be kept updated with new variants in case it mutates so much that they stop working.

If the effectiveness of a vaccine is too low there is a higher risk that people will get infected despite having had a jab.

Major variations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus  which causes Covid  have emerged in England, South Africa and Brazil over the past month. All of them contain changes on the spike protein, which is targeted by the immune system.

Scientists found in a small study already that when blood samples from coronavirus survivors were exposed to the South African variant, almost half showed no immune reaction at all because their immune systems didn't recognise it.

And Professor Gupta's own work has found mutations on the variant that emerged in Kent in England appear to lead to a 'reduction in efficacy' of the Pfizer vaccine.

Although the vaccines already approved for use in Britain are still expected to work against the viruses already in circulation, Professor Gupta warned they won't work forever if the coronavirus keeps mutating. Most are based on versions of the virus from almost a year ago.

Professor Gupta told MailOnline: 'The time has come  we need new vaccines now. We know what mutations are cropping up and it's going to take months, whatever we do.'

Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer are understood to be studying the new variants of the coronavirus and working out how to change their vaccines, but neither have started manufacturing them yet.

The new variants of the coronavirus have mutations on the spike protein, which are key for the immune system's antibodies to latch onto and destroy it. Changing the shape of them makes it harder for the body to catch the virus

At least three major coronavirus variants have been spotted in Britain in recent months  from Kent, South Africa and Brazil  and they appear to be evolving to spread faster and to evade some parts of the immune system, although scientists do not yet think any have yet got so far as to slip past the vaccines completely

Professor Gupta said he expected vaccine-makers to already be developing the updated jabs tailored to changes on the spike protein of the coronavirus.

The reason new variants may be able to get past the immune system is that the substances the body makes to tackle viruses are extremely specific and fit to the virus like a key in a lock.

If the virus changes shape too much  and they are constantly changing because of random errors when they reproduce, even though many of these changes make no difference  the immune system won't be able to attach to it.

If vaccines don't keep up with the changes, Professor Gupta said, there is a risk that minor mutations will add up and snowball to significantly change the virus and make vaccines less effective.

This could lead to outbreaks starting again even after everyone has been vaccinated.

One of the most concerning mutations so far is called E484K and is found on the variant that emerged in South Africa and two variants from Brazil.

While at least 54 people in the UK have been infected with the South African version, one Brazilian one has not yet been found here, while the other has been detected 11 times.

This mutation, South African researchers found, appears to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system's antibodies in almost all blood samples from people who have already recovered from Covid-19.

Up to HALF of people who've already had Covid 'may still be vulnerable to South African variant' The South African coronavirus variant may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past, scientists fear. Researchers say that a mutation on a specific part of the virus's outer spike protein appears to make it able to 'escape' antibodies. Antibodies are substances made by the immune system that are key to destroying viruses or marking them for destruction by white blood cells. South African academics found that 48 per cent of blood samples from people who had been infected in the past did not show an immune response to the new variant. One researcher said it was 'clear that we have a problem'. Professor Penny Moore, the researcher behind the project, claimed people who were sicker with coronavirus the first time and had a stronger immune response appeared less likely to get reinfected. Antibodies are a major part of the immunity that is created by vaccines  although not the only part  so if the virus continues evolving to escape from them it could mean that vaccines have to be redesigned and given out again. But experts so far say they have no reason to believe vaccines won't work, which may be because they produce a stronger immune response than a very mild infection, and because they produce various different types of immune cells. At least 54 people in the UK have already been confirmed to have had the South African Covid variant, although these were picked up by random sampling so the true number is likely much higher. In a bid to stop new variants coming into the country, Britain has now made it mandatory for all international arrivals to quarantine for 10 days and provide proof of a negative test within three days before departing for the UK. Advertisement

This means it is possible that people who have been infected with an older version of coronavirus already could still be at risk of getting sick if they catch this one.

'We need to get vaccines out because this is a signal,' Professor Gupta said.

'Vaccines are still really important to take and they will still reduce transmission. They are the difference between getting infected, or not, or getting seriously ill, or not.

'With our variant [Kent] there is a moderately reduced effect [from Pfizer's vaccine], which is what you would expect.

'The worry is that mutations will accumulate. It's chipped away at the vaccine efficacy and there will be things chipping away even more.

'We need to keep vaccinating and keeping transmission down. The wake-up call is here and we need to do stuff about it.'

Adapting vaccines to cope with new variants of the virus should be relatively straightforward for the experts working on them.

For Pfizer and Moderna, which produce theirs using genetic code called mRNA, it could be as basic as changing the genetic code on a computer and regenerating all of the RNA samples.

For Oxford and Janssen, however, which attach part of the real coronavirus to a living cold virus from a chimp, the companies must go through the process of growing all of these natural components, which slows down development. It takes Oxford around three months to make a batch.

AstraZeneca's executive vice-president, Sir Mene Pangalos, pointed to this as a reason behind delays to Britain's vaccine supply in a meeting with MPs last week.

He said: 'You have to grow cells, and cells divide at a certain speed  you cant do any faster than the speed at which the cells divide.'

AstraZeneca, which produces a vaccine designed by the University of Oxford, said it is already starting work on designing new vaccines behind the scenes.

A spokesperson for the company said: 'The University of Oxford and labs across the world are carefully assessing the impact of new variants on vaccine effectiveness, and starting the processes needed for rapid development of adjusted Covid-19 vaccines if these should be necessary.'

Pfizer is also understood to be working on understanding the new variants and how it could adapt its vaccine to tackle them.

Professor Gupta's comment comes after scientists in South Africa warned the variant that emerged there may slip past parts of the immune system in as many as half of people infected with different versions in the past.

Researchers say that the variant's E484K mutation appears to make it able to 'escape' antibodies.

Academics at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa, found in a study of 44 people that 48 per cent of them (21) had no immune response at all to the new variant despite having had coronavirus before.

Professor Penny Moore, the researcher behind the project, claimed people who were sicker with coronavirus the first time and had a stronger immune response appeared less likely to get reinfected.

Antibodies are a major part of the immunity that is created by vaccines  although not the only part  so if the virus continues evolving to escape from them it could mean that vaccines have to be redesigned and given out again.

But experts so far say they have no reason to believe vaccines won't work, which may be because they produce a stronger immune response than a very mild infection, and because they produce various different types of immune cells.

At least 54 people in the UK have already been confirmed to have had the South African Covid variant, although these were picked up by random sampling so the true number is likely much higher.

Professor Moore told a scientific panel meeting yesterday: 'When you test the blood of people infected in the first wave and you ask "Do those antibodies in that blood recognise the new virus?" you find that in 50 per cent of cases  nearly half of cases  there's no longer any recognition of the new variant.

'In the other half of those individuals, however, there is some recognition that remains. I should add those are normally people who were incredibly ill, hospitalised and mounted a very robust response to the virus.'

Professor Moore said that research made it 'clear that we do have a problem', but that it is still in its early stages and laboratory studies cannot perfectly recreate the real world.

On whether vaccines would be affected, she added: 'If you have very high antibodies to begin with, there does remain some recognition of the new virus and that's important as we think about vaccines.

A separate study by the University of Washington found that in a group of 11 blood samples, nine of them showed 'reduced binding' from antibodies when exposed to the E484K mutation on the South African variant.

Dr Jesse Bloom and colleagues wrote: 'The site where mutations tend to have the largest effect on binding and neutralization is E484, which unfortunately is a site where mutations are present in several emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages.

'However, some [samples] are more affected by mutations at other sites, while others are largely unaffected by any single mutation.'

Boris Johnson narrowly avoided a embarrassing Commons defeat on foreign policy tonight as Tory MPs rebelled in an attempt to force a hardline approach to China's domestic human rights abuses.

The Prime Minister's working majority of 87 dwindled to just 11 as MPs voted to reverse an amendment to the Trade Bill made by the House of Lords by 319 votes to 308.

The changes made by peers would have forced ministers to withdraw from any free trade agreement with any country which the High Court rules is committing genocide.

In its sights was the hardline Communist regime in Beijing, which has been accused of appalling human rights abuses against its Uighur Muslim minority in Xianjing, including using them as forced labour.

Some 33 Tory MPs broke the whip to vote for the amendment, with a further nine abstaining. They were a mixture of hardline China hawks and centrists with human rights worries.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith led those voting against the Government, who also included ex-ministers Tobias Ellwood, Damian Green, David Davis and Tracey Crouch, and committee chairmen Julian Lewis and Tom Tugendhat.

Those abstaining included former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee.

It comes as US secretary of State Mike Pompeo used his last day in office to say China's policies on Muslims and ethnic minorities in Xinjiang constitute 'genocide'.

'After careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that since at least March 2017, the People's Republic of China, under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party, has committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang,' Pompeo said in a statement.

Boris Johnson today faces a revolt from dozens of his MPs, who are demanding action against Beijing over human rights abuses

Some 33 Tory MPs broke the whip to vote for the amendment, with a further nine abstaining. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith led those voting against the Government, while former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, both abstained

What would the Trade Bill amendment do? The Lords passed a series of amendments to the Trade Bill, but the genocide amendment is by far the most threatening for the government. It would force the government to withdraw from any free trade agreement with countries that the High Court ruled was committing the highest grade of human rights abuses. The measure is clearly aimed at China, with politicians across parties condemning the abuse of the Uighur Muslim minority. Supporters say the provision would send a 'powerful' message that the UK will not tolerate abuses anywhere in the world. However, the government points out that there is no trade deal with China currently - and little prospect of one happening any time soon. It fears the amendment would lead to vexatious court claims, and could prove counterproductive as the threshold to prove genocide is high. Ministers also argue that politicians, rather than unelected judges, should get the final say on whether to do business with foreign states. Advertisement

Earlier Wakefield Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan said he would vote for the amendment, saying: 'Rebellion against one's own Government is tortuous, but in this case I feel compelled. I have no doubt it is the right thing to do.

'The UK has a proud history as a staunch defender of human rights, champion of the oppressed and celebrant of diversity and freedoms everywhere. The anti-genocide amendment is our chance to continue this proud tradition and help protect innocent lives from evil-doers.'

He added: 'There are occasions when it is simply impossible to reconcile personal conviction with party loyalty. The genocide amendment is not perfect, but it provides a real opportunity of a new beginning for reimagined foreign policy.'

Tory MP Nusrat Ghani, who is leading the drive for the change, said: 'Britain must not look the other way on the genocide that is happening today in China.

'This is our first chance outside the EU to show what Global Britain stands for.'

Mr Hunt told The Times: 'I feel very strongly about this. I was always very struck having visited the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda that Bill Clinton thought his biggest mistake was that he didn't intervene ...

'I think there's something very powerful about the fact that a UK court could make a determination.'

The Government has opposed the amendment amid concerns the measure would lead to vexatious court claims and could prove counterproductive since the threshold to prove genocide is high.

Ministers argue that politicians, rather than judges, should get the final say on whether to do business with foreign states.

Downing Street said the UK had a 'proud record' standing up for human rights in China. The PM's press secretary Allegra Stratton said: 'We recognise the strength of feeling but the Government doesn't support the amendment.'

Lib Dems foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran MP said: 'Today the Government turned down a crucial opportunity to say 'never again' and put ending genocide and protecting human rights at the heart of the UK's trade policy, despite clear cross-party support.

'On the same day that the US recognised what is happening in Xinjiang as genocide, the Government has chosen to turn a blind eye and to not put human rights first.'

The amendment aimed 'to address significant human rights concerns in China, but it's the case that we don't have a free trade agreement with China and we are not currently negotiating one'.

Trade Minister Greg Hands told the Commons this afternoon: 'To accept this specific amendment would allow the High Court to frustrate, even revoke, trade agreements entered into by the Government and approved after parliamentary scrutiny.

'This is a completely unprecedented and unacceptable erosion of the royal prerogative and not something the Government could support.

'It is for the Government, answerable to Parliament, to make trade policy, not the courts.'

He added: 'We do not have a bilateral trade agreement within the scope of this Bill with China. We have no plans to do a bilateral trade agreement with China.'

But Sir Iain, the former Tory leader, urged MPs to support the amendment, telling the Commons: 'This is not anti-China but it is anti-genocide and we need now to stand tall.

'We left the European Union because we didn't want to accept judgments from a court that we say we didn't have power over.

'But we didn't come away because we disliked our courts. I think we have the best courts in the world, and I think they can make this judgment.

'And my question, therefore, is what is it about? Why are we leaving? Why did we leave?

'And the answer is so that we would stand tall and have a global vision about the morality of what we do.

'I simply say to my colleagues and to the frontbench, tonight is more than just pettifogging, tonight is all about simply shining a light of hope to all those out there who have failed to get their day in court and failed to be treated properly.

'If this country doesn't stand up for that then I want to know what would it ever stand up for again? I urge my colleagues to vote to keep the amendment that is from the Lords in this Bill.'

Tobias Ellwood, the Tory chairman of the Defence Select Committee, signalled his intention to vote for the amendment as he told the Commons: 'It saddens me that I'm having to rebel here today to encourage my Government to take the moral high ground. It should be our default position.'

In a joint letter to MPs, shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy and shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry called on them to support the changes.

'In particular, we are all gravely concerned about the situation in Xinjiang and the growing body of evidence of the systemic human rights abuses being committed by the Chinese government on an industrial scale against the Muslim Uighur people and other minorities,' they said.

If accepted, the amendment could prevent the government from agreeing a deal with China because of Beijing's treatment of the Uighur people in Xinjiang province, file photo

'It is essential that, as we begin to implement our own independent trading policy, we ensure that our collective concerns about human rights are reflected in how we conduct trade negotiations around the world, and that Parliament can play its proper role in scrutinising potential trade agreements with those human rights concerns in mind.'

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was asked on Sunday if he thought the treatment of the Uighur minority group in China was genocide.

He said: 'I think it's for a court to decide whether the very complex definition of genocide is met.

'But what is clear, frankly, whatever legal label you put on it, is that there are convincing and persuasive third party authoritative reports of serious violations of human rights on an appalling industrial scale.'

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has said it is backing the calls for the British courts to be given a new role in determining if the Uighur people are suffering genocide in China.

The amendment would allow domestic courts to declare if genocide is occurring in another country and it would prevent the UK trading with any country the High Court rules is committing genocidal acts.

Ms Stratton said the Government was 'constantly reaching out to all parliamentarians' and was proud of how the UK champions human rights globally.

She said the Trade Bill only applied to trade agreements that had already been signed with the EU, and that none of those agreements had 'eroded any domestic standards'.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton hotel in Cairo announced on Tuesday the appointment of Taher Hamza as the new director of catering and conference services.

According to a press release issued by the hotel, Hamza will be responsible for catering events, overseeing the planning and preparation of weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings, as well as meetings, and conferences.

The new director, according to the press release, brings over twenty-seven years of hospitality experience from multiple luxury brands and markets, along with strong food and beverage operations experience.

Hamza catered to the citys upscale events, key ceremonies, and outside catering events in Egypt, as he held leadership positions at a number of reputable properties, the press release read.

It added that the properties Hamza has held leadership positions in include Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Grande Hayat, and Conrad.

Hamza started his career in the hospitality industry as a waiter at Le Meridian Cairo, the press release said.

It noted that this beginning paved the way for his promotion to catering sales assistant, catering coordinator, catering sales executive, catering sales manager, and assistant director of catering.

This was followed by solid steps in the catering field until he accomplished his goal of becoming the director of catering, the press release added.

His vast operations background and knowledge, paired with his proven track record of success, makes him the ideal candidate to take catering and events to the next level of success, the press release read.

Short link:



Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / TNS 2018

It took a couple of months, but California finally learned where Alex Padilla  who will be sworn in as the state's junior senator on Wednesday  stands on key policy debates that divide the Democratic Party.

In a tweet that was sent out Monday, Padilla aligned himself clearly with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, sharing a list of policy goals that include "effective vaccine distribution," "getting our economy and jobs back on track," Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and immigration reform.
What does it mean for a wine to be vegan? Many wine drinkers assume all wines to be vegan, since wine is made entirely from grapes. Its true that wine is always vegetarian, in the sense of containing no meat or seafood. However, a great many wineries do use animal products to clarify their wines, making wines that do not qualify for stricter vegan classification.

After fermentation, wine is hazy with particles that need to be removed before bottling. Because filtration alone can compromise wine flavor and texture, it is often supplemented with a clarification process called fining. A fining agent will attract and trap the largest grape and yeast particles, leading them to settle as sediment for easy removal. Proteins have the ideal ionic charge for this task, so fining agents have historically been animal products. Nowadays, these are typically frothed egg whites for red wines or milk protein for whites. Fining agents are removed from the wine along with the grape and yeast solids and are not detectably present in the finished wine.

To be certified as vegan, a wine would need to be unfined or to have been fined with a material that is not an animal product. That is how this Spanish cabernet sauvignon from the arid Castilla-La Mancha plateau is made, fined with a mineral-rich clay called bentonite. This allows the vintner to deliver a wine with rich texture, concentrated flavors of brandied cherries and cassis liqueur and aromas of allspice and mocha, while still displaying its vegan certification on the back label.

Lobetia Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

$10.99; 14.1% alcohol

PLCB Item #314

Sale price through Jan. 31  regularly $14.99

No alternate retailers found within 50 miles of Philadelphia on Wine-Searcher.com

The former officer who resigned from the Houston Police Department amid accusations that he illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building with a violent mob now faces federal charges, with agents saying in court records that he deleted photos from his phone of his participation and lied to investigators.

Tam Pham, of Richmond, was charged Tuesday in connection to the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection after federal agents reviewed his phone and found deleted photos of him inside the historic Capitol building. According to charging papers, federal agents went to Phams Fort Bend County home last week and questioned him on his Washington D.C. visit.

The 18-year veteran of HPD said he went to the nations capital for business reasons and attended a rally in support of President Donald Trump. He initially denied breaching the Capitol building as lawmakers certified the Electoral College votes for President-Elect Joe Bidens win. A U.S. Capitol Police officer died following the attack.

But a review of Phams phone suggested otherwise. A special agent opened an album dedicated to deleted images and found photos of Pham posing inside the Rotunda.

A special agent warned Pham that it was illegal to lie to them and Pham then revealed more about his East Coast trip.

RELATED: 'I shouldn't have done it': Houston cop may face charges after entering Capitol during riot

Pham said he traveled to the nations capital for two nights starting Jan. 5 for his wifes cooking business. She and a friend joined him. The morning of the Capitol insurrection, he went to a Trump rally around 7 a.m. to "see history," he said, according to court documents. He denied having been apart of the large groups that flocked to D.C. for the rally or traveling with weapons.

His intent on entering the Capitol had nothing to do with violence or vandalism, Pham said.

After the rally, he separated from his wife and followed a large group of people to the Capitol. He admittedly crossed barricades, including a knocked-down fence, and continued toward the political hub. He saw police officers but ignored them, he said.

FBI

He then entered the Rotunda and stayed there for about 10 to 15 minutes to look "at the historical art on the walls, investigators wrote.

He took photos of the art and then left, Pham said. Time stamps on the images  including one that showed him posing with a Trump 2020 flag hanging from a statue of former President Gerald R. Ford  placed him in the Capitol from at least 2:50 p.m. to 2:59 p.m., according to authorities.

Selfies that Pham took in the Rotunda showed a large crowd of rioters behind him.

Charges against Pham include entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The charges appear to carry a penalty of up to 18 months combined. If found to have used explosives or weapons or seriously injuring someone, the penalty would crank up to a maximum combined 15 years.

Kenneth Magidson, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, said proving Phams presence at the Capitol will be easy.

The question is what else did he do besides entering the building, Magidson said. That's probably what they're doing with all these cases. These are all questions that have to be answered.

Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Revelations that a veteran officer in HPDs ranks may have joined the violent mob have prompted the department to take a closer look at its employees with the FBIs help, Chief Art Acevedo said, speaking Tuesday morning from the police academy.

Weve actually pulled our background records, Acevedo said. Were actually looking at everything, not just on this employee, but looking for any other case of anybody else that was there.

So far, HPD has found no sign that any other members of their department participated in the Capitol riots, the chief continued. No threats tied to presidential inaugration have been found in Houston either, he said.

Acevedo issued a warning to a new class of cadets that sympathizing with militias and far-right ideologies will not be tolerated.

If anyone in this room right now believes that anyone needed to be in that Capitol building  you need to check out now, he commanded. No one left the room. You wont survive in this department with that mindset.

Acevedo reminded the cadets that Pham is no longer a police officer. He resigned Thursday after Acevedo disclosed the day prior that the officer was under investigation and that he could face federal charges.

In a phone call with the Houston Chronicle, Pham expressed regret for being at the Capitol and that he was there to take pictures.

Doug Griffith, head of the Houston Police Officer Union, again expressed his disappointment in the accusation involving an HPD officer. Because the allegation happened outside the scope of Phams duties as a law enforcement officer, the the union will not be providing Pham with legal help, he said.

Pham is one of more than two dozen law enforcement officers under investigation across the country for possibly participating in attempted Capitol takeover while off-duty. Offiers from agencies in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington state are among those being scrutinized for their alleged role in the attack.

St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
Stating that had gone up because of lower production in oil-producing nations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that the lower production had caused an imbalance in demand and supply.

"Our main challenge is, we have to import 80 per cent of crude oil of our requirement. Due to coronavirus, many oil-producing countries stopped production or reduced it. There is a pressure on fuel price due to imbalance in demand and supply," Pradhan said while speaking to media in Betul.

"Consumption has been increasing. India is third as far as energy consumption is concerned," he said.

The Union Minister asserted that the government was focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy, production of ethanol etc to become self-reliant in the energy sector.

On Monday, the Union Minister also flagged off two welfare projects of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to increase the use of renewable energy and making India Atmanirbhar, two projects supported by Energy Maharatna ONGC for the welfare of people here were launched by Pradhan.

The Minister laid the foundation stone of a hostel-cum-training facility for farmers at Bharat Bharati Shiksha Samiti. He also launched the distribution of Solar Chulhas to poor households in Betul, which is being developed as a solar village.

(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 29-year-old Anna Grigorian took up a vacant seat in the National Assembly two years after participating in the last Armenian parliamentary elections on the My Step ticket. She replaced a pro-government lawmaker who resigned last month.

I believe that a government defeated in the war [in Nagorno-Karabakh] must inevitably resign, Grigorian told reporters after being sworn in as a parliament deputy.

In that regard, Grigorian dismissed Pashinians offer to hold snap parliamentary elections to resolve a political crisis sparked by Armenias defeat in the recent war. She said such polls must be held by a new, interim government made up of technocrats.

Accordingly, she did not endorse a caretaker prime minister nominated by an alliance of Armenian opposition parties campaigning for Pashinians resignation. I do not support any political force right now, she stressed.

Four other deputies affiliated with My Step quit the parliaments pro-government majority shortly after the Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement that stopped the six-week war on November 10. Their and Grigorians defections reduced to 83 the number of seats officially controlled by Pashinians bloc in the 132-member legislature.

The defectors have drawn stern rebukes from senior lawmakers remaining loyal to Pashinian. Deputy parliament speaker Alen Simonian questioned their legitimacy on Monday, saying that they owe their parliament seats to the prime ministers popularity.

It is very doubtful that many, many people would sit in the National Assembly if it wasnt for Nikol Pashinian, the main driving force of [My Steps landslide victory in] the last elections, said Simonian.

Grigorian dismissed the criticism while acknowledging Pashinians personal contribution to her performance in the December 2018 elections.

I want to remind that I was elected from an individual constituency, she said. I got more than 5,500 votes and a large part of them were given to me as an individual and to the team which I represented.

Grigorian represents a constituency in Armenias southeastern Syunik province which was directly affected by the recent war.

Many Syunik residents have been angered by Armenian troop withdrawals from adjacent districts southwest of Karabakh, which were handed back to Azerbaijan as part of the ceasefire deal, and ensuing Armenian-Azerbaijani border delimitations. They say that they can no longer feel safe because Azerbaijani forces are now deployed dangerously close to their communities.

The mayors of virtually all Syunik towns have issued statements demanding Pashinians resignation. Some of them organized protests that forced the prime minister to cut short on December 21 a trip to the mountainous region.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 16:58:34|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's space administration has unveiled a list of 10 selections for the name of the country's first Mars rover, inviting internet users from across the globe to vote on the candidates before making a final selection.

Netizens at home and abroad can take part in the poll to help decide the name of the Mars rover from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28. The administration will pick the three most popular names based on public voting and the opinions of an evaluation committee.

According to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration, the 10 selected names have come out after a global naming campaign that kicked off in late July 2020.

In October, a panel of 32 experts selected 10 semifinalists after evaluating more than 39,000 submissions from 38 countries and regions. The participants ranged from 7 to 95 years old.

These include "Hongyi," which means having a broad and strong mind in Chinese, "Qilin," a legendary animal, and "Nezha," a beloved Chinese mythological figure.

The final name will be announced when Tianwen-1 lands on Mars, the administration added.

China launched its Mars probe Tianwen-1 on July 23, 2020. The spacecraft, consisting of an orbiter, a lander and a rover, is expected to reach the planet around February. Enditem
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.
During the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine, several major contracts may be signed, in particular, an important contract with Alstom for the supply of electric locomotives, Ukrainian Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko has said.

"President Macron's visit to Ukraine is, definitely, planned. We are working on this every day, first of all, on the substantial filling of the agenda of this visit," Omelchenko said at the online conference titled "Seven years after the Maidan" on Monday. The ambassador believes several major contracts will be signed during the visit of the French President to Ukraine.

"This is, first of all, the major contract with Alstom and the Ukrainian government for the supply of electric locomotives, which also provides for local content in Ukraine. We also hope that we will have time to learn the issue of expanding cooperation with Alstom on the construction of high-speed railway tracks between Kyiv and Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa," Omelchenko said.

It is also planned to sign contracts for the construction of drinking water stations.

"Such a station has already been constructed in Mariupol, it is tens of millions of euros, and we hope that such construction will also start in Kyiv and Luhansk," the diplomat said.

Earlier, Head of Ukrzaliznytsia Volodymyr Zhmak said Ukrzaliznytsia has very outdated tracks and needs to be updated strategically. At this stage, according to him, Ukrzaliznytsya is interested in 50 two-system electric locomotives capable of transporting from 5,500 to 6,000 tonnes of cargo.
After External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UAE last year, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan will be on a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Tuesday where he is set to hold talks with the leadership with a special focus on the welfare of Indian workers, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

READ | MEA Lambasts Pakistan's Farcical Action Against Masood Azhar & Lakhvi, Cites FATF Motive

He will be meeting with UAE dignitaries and a broad cross-section of the Indian community during his visit to the UAE, the MEA said. He will hold talks with the UAE side on various bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, it said. There will be special focus in the visit on issues related to the Indian community, especially the welfare of Indian workers, the MEA said.

READ | MEA Rubbishes 'fabricated' Claims Of Pakistan Accusing India Of Targeting UN Vehicle

MEA S Jaishankar visited UAE last year

In November, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar had called upon United Arab Emirates (UAE) Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to hand over a personal communication of Prime Minister Narendra Modi . Jaishankar also discussed the economic cooperation between the two countries in the post-COVID era. The External Affairs Minister also thanked the UAE PM Sheikh Mohammed for 'taking care of the Indian Community'. EAM Jaishankar is on a three-country tour to Bahrain, UAE and Seychelles. Jaishankar had also addressed the Indian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates via a virtual meeting and had expressed gratitude towards the community for supporting fellow Indians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

READ | MEA Snubs Claims Surrounding India-Russia Summit, Calls Them 'particularly Irresponsible'

(With PTI Inputs)
Many city centre workplaces in Australia have become barren wastelands, with virtual meetings, skeleton staff and empty desks the norm due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The implications for corporate Australia have been severe, with the challenge now for businesses to devise new ways to entice their staff to head into the office.

Some experts have suggested the office in 2021 and beyond could instead be viewed as a venue for face to face contact and team building rather than a permanent '9 to 5' venue.

A recent study on the future of work from communications giant Cisco revealed before the pandemic last year, only 10 per cent of those surveyed expected to work from home.

That has since changed to 89 per cent, according to The Australian.

Corporate life in Australia (pictured above) will never be the same, with virtual meetings, skeleton staff and empty desks now the norm

Communication giant Cisco in Sydney's north (pictured above) present innovative working conditions in the office for their staff

Cisco altered the appearance of their North Sydney office in 2017, with the kitchen deliberately designed to offer a 'homely' feel, inviting areas for staff to catch up and brainstorm.

'Hot desking' has also become common for staff, as they have in many offices, with more people working from home.

Staff at Cisco were also assigned individual stylish wooden lockers, as well as around the clock access to soundproof rooms, which feature Wi Fi access.

With video calls on Zoom and Microsoft Teams now commonplace to accommodate staff working away from the office, Cisco have gone above and beyond.

Cameras and sensors have been installed to detect how many people are in a room or space, for Covid-19 safety purposes, using the DNA Spaces system.

Employees can use voice commands to book rooms, start meetings, make phone calls and if required, use the system to transcribe and translate.

Cisco's ultimate aim, like many companies, is to adopt flexible work arrangements for their staff. The business upside financially could be reduced office rent and smaller lease durations.

For some businesses, video conferences could entirely replace the need for some staff to ever head back into the office.

'We never intended Zoom to be used in the way it is,' Michael Chetner, the head of the ABC's Asia-Pacific operations, said in November.

'But the pandemic changed beliefs over what was possible.'

With corporate staff working from home during the pandemic, empty offices (pictured above) are now commonplace

Usually bustling city centres (pictured above) are now running at a reduced capacity due to Covid
The end of the Brexit transition period has been a difficult adjustment for retailers in Northern Ireland, the industry said (Michael McHugh/PA)

The end of the Brexit transition period has forced a difficult adjustment on retailers in Northern Ireland, the industry said.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis maintained that empty supermarket shelves in Belfast this month were due to the UK variant of coronavirus, which saw Europe close its English Channel ports before Christmas.

The senior Cabinet member has argued that there is no Irish Sea border created by the Protocol and the shortages have nothing to do with the special EU divorce deal.

Expand Close Brandon Lewis has argued that there is no Irish Sea border created by the Protocol (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Brandon Lewis has argued that there is no Irish Sea border created by the Protocol (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: The big takeaway for the Secretary of State and the UK Government is making sure that Great Britain suppliers who supply into Northern Ireland do make sure that they comply with the paperwork and make sure they are aware that how they trade with Northern Ireland has changed.

There was certainly a knock on effect  the reality is that this new regime we have in relation to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland certainly has been a very difficult adjustment.

The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards to avoid a hard Irish border on the island.

Traders have faced a challenging period but are adapting to extra red tape created by the protocol, Mr Roberts added.

They are also attempting to source more products locally.

He represents independent small and medium-sized firms, not large supermarket chains.

Expand Close The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards to avoid a hard Irish border on the island (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The protocol means Northern Ireland follows the EUs rules on matters like animal product standards to avoid a hard Irish border on the island (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said: We are confident we will get through it.

Members have taken a very solution-based approach and independent retailers are probably, out of all the sectors  we are probably the most adaptable to change.

I would be optimistic that it will, to use a Northern Irish expression, collapse into place.

Some supermarket shelves were depleted this month as suppliers grappled with new rules surrounding sending goods from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland.

I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle Brandon Lewis

The Secretary of State told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Thats actually something weve seen across other parts of the UK as well, nothing to do with leaving the EU, nothing to do with the Northern Irish protocol but actually to do with some of the challenges we saw with Covid at the Port of Dover just before Christmas and the impact that had on supply lines coming through.

I have to say supermarket supply lines at the moment are in good fettle.

Hauliers representatives in Northern Ireland have also suggested the problems are being resolved.

Mr Lewis said there was no reason for lorries to return empty from Great Britain due to excessive paperwork.

Smaller food traders have struggled to adapt to problems with multiple consignments travelling in one lorry, meaning loads have to be resealed and certified by officials several times.

Mr Lewis said: Even on foodstuffs, theres no reason for that to be the case.

A soft-touch three-month period has been negotiated with the EU for regulating supermarket goods transported from the rest of the UK.

Mr Lewis said the UK is working with the EU to get a permanent resolution before that ends.

The Democratic Unionist Party has strongly criticised the new arrangements.


Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc.
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - White Metal Resources Corp. (TSXV:WHM) ("White Metal") is pleased to announce that it has received an update from Benton Resources Inc. ("Benton") regarding its first phase drilling program and ongoing 3D IP survey at the Far Lake IOCG Project (aka Far Lake Copper-Gold Project). The Far Lake IOCG Project is currently under option to Benton whereby Benton can earn up to a 70% interest in the Project (see White Metal news release dated May 20, 2020). The news release, which was issued by Benton earlier today, is reproduced below:

Benton Confirms Widespread Copper Mineralization at Far Lake IOCG Project;

3D IP Survey Identifies Large Chargeability Targets for Drilling

Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Benton Resources Inc. ('Benton' or 'the Company') (TSX-V: BEX) is pleased to announce that it has discovered wide zones of mineralization at the Company's Far Lake IOCG project ("Far Lake") including 0.15% Cu and 0.15 g/t Ag over 60.4 m, including 0.35% Cu and 0.51 g/t Ag over 15.6 m and 1.08% Cu and 1.63 g/t Ag over 2.6 m in drill hole FL-20-11. Drill hole FL-20-11 is located approximately 1,800 m NW along the same structure as the Far Lake discovery zone where surface sampling produced Cu grades up to 22% over 0.7 m. Drill holes FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 completed in the discovery zone yielded results including 0.19% Cu and 0.34 g/t Ag over 33.6 m, including 1.11% Cu and 1.33 g/t Ag over 3.1 m (FL-20-03). The Far Lake project, pursuant to which the Company currently holds under option from White Metal Resources Corp. (TSX-V: WHM) (see Company PR dated May 20, 2020), is located 80km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 were shallow holes and mineralized targets were interrupted by a series of diabase dykes and sills. Future drilling in this area will therefore be deeper to avoid intersecting these younger mafic intrusions. The Company is very encouraged by the Cu mineralization intersected in almost every hole and confirms that there is a direct correlation between Cu-sulphides and the two NW trending structures that cross the property.

In December 2020, the Company hired Abitibi Geophysics ("Abitibi") to complete a 3D DasVision IP survey which is nearing completion. Preliminary data has identified chargeability targets between 350-800 m in depth that coincide with the FL#1 and FL#2 structures which contain and appear to be controlling the Cu mineralization discovered to-date. The DasVision, distributed array survey, is designed for deep mineral exploration, up to 1,000m depth. Benton will rely on this new dataset to expand its exploration at depth.

President and CEO of the Company Stephen Stares stated: "The exploration steps taken thus far to advance and understand the Far Lake project have delivered valuable information about the system, and the results from the maiden drill program have confirmed that Benton has indeed discovered an extremely large copper system. The new deep IP data received from Abitibi has now identified large chargeability anomalies on the same structures and in close proximity to that of the new copper discoveries, so we believe this next drill program could deliver very promising results."

Results of the first drilling program are as follows:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) FL-20-01 46.2 48 1.8 0.23 0.63 FL-20-02 35.6 36.4 0.8 0.44 0.9 FL-20-03 26.2 59.8 33.6 0.19 0.34 incl 29.2 32.3 3.1 1.11 1.33 FL-20-04 45 72.3 27.3 0.11 0.21 48.3 54.3 6 0.21 0.43 FL-20-05 55.9 64.9 9 0.11 and 74.9 79.9 5 0.15 FL-20-06 NSA* FL-20-07 NSA* FL-20-08 33.3 34.9 1.6 0.23 FL-20-09 93.7 134.5 40.8 0.051 FL-20-10 138.3 152.3 14 0.023 FL-20-11** 82.8 143.2 60.4 0.15 0.22 incl 120.6 136.2 15.6 0.35 0.51 incl 124.7 128.3 3.6 1.08 1.63 FL-20-12 102.4 106.5 4.1 0.09

* No Significant Assays

** Additional sampling above and below this interval is being completed

Drill holes FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 were shallow holes drilled over a 200m strike length into the Far Lake discovery zone and were all interrupted by diabase dykes/sills.

Drill hole FL-20-06 intersected a silicified breccia in and E-W interpreted structure with no significant Cu results.

FL-20-07 was drilled approximately 2 km south of the main Far Lake copper zone. The hole was designed to test two parallel EM conductive anomalies on the northern edge of the Shebandowan greenstone belt. Alteration and pyrite mineralization were abundant, but no significant results were received.

Drill hole FL-20-08 was drilled to test a new gold occurrence (trace to 970 ppb Au) which was identified by Benton along the north shore of Kabaigon Lake. Drill results included 0.23g/t Au over 1.6m.

Drill hole FL-20-09 and FL-20-10 were drilled as a fence to test a 250-300 m width of the Two-Pond structural zone that contains chalcopyrite and abundant silicification on surface. Both holes intersected intense epidote alteration and fine chalcopyrite, mineralized in small quartz veinlets flooded throughout a metasediment over several metres.

Drill hole FL-20-11 was designed to test Cu mineralization below the trenches dug by Benton in 2020, along strike of the discovery zone. This area contained the highest Cu-in-soil assay values with coincident anomalous Cu in trench sampling. The hole was drilled approximately 100m south of the widest soil anomaly and intersected large, silicified zones, breccias, epithermal style veining and intense sericite and epidote alteration. Highlights include 0.15% Cu and 0.15g/t Ag over 60.4m, including 0.35% Cu and 0.51 g/t Ag over 15.6 m and 1.08% Cu and 1.63 g/t Ag over 2.6m.

Drill hole FL-20-12 was drilled below the highest Cu-in-soil anomaly on the property located along the FL#1 structure plus outcrop containing chalcopyrite (with malachite and azurite). This hole was the deepest of the drill program which ended at 297 m in a rusty red highly magnetic granite. Abundant magnetite is often associated with fine-grained, disseminated chalcopyrite.

Equity Holdings

Benton continues to be very encouraged by the progress made by Clean Air Metals Inc. ("Clean Air"), in which Benton holds 24.6 million shares. Clean Air has two drill rigs operating on the Thunder Bay North and Escape Lake Copper-Nickel-PGM project and has released excellent drill results from its ongoing drill campaign. Benton looks forward to receiving ongoing encouraging drill results and future project advancement.

Benton also holds 3,940,000 shares of Quadro Resources Ltd, which is advancing various projects in Newfoundland and Ontario. Additionally, Benton holds 3.6 million shares of Maxtech Ventures Inc. Maxtech has an Option and Joint Venture agreement on Benton's Panama Lake gold project in the Red Lake mining region. Further, Benton holds 1.0 million shares of Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: SIC) which has recently released excellent drill results from its Moosehead Project in Newfoundland, and 1.36 million shares of Metallica Metals (CNQ: MM) advancing Benton's Saganaga Gold project. Benton also has two NW Ontario projects optioned to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (the Bark Lake and West Baril Lake Copper-Nickel PGE projects).

QP

Nathan Sims (P.Geo.), Senior Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high-grade projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Most projects have an up-to-date 43-101 Report available.

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-475-7474

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

Phone: 416-868-1079 x231

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Website: www.bentonresources.ca

Twitter: @BentonResources

Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

About White Metal Resources Corp (TSXV: WHM):

White Metal Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company exploring in Canada. For more information in regards to White Metal Resources Corp. you can visit the company's Web Page at www.whitemetalres.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of White Metal Resources Corp.

"Michael Stares"

President & CEO, Director

For further information contact:

Michael Stares

President & CEO, Director

684 Squier Street

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, P7B 4A8

Phone: (807) 358-2420

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72345
A masseur raped a crying woman at her home after she ordered his services through urbanmassage.com, a court has heard.

Cosmin Tudorache is said to have assaulted the woman, who cannot be named, after she booked him through the online massage agency - which connects freelance therapists with customers who can order a session at their home - on October 6, 2018.

During the 90 minute massage Tudorache touched the woman intimately under her pyjama bottoms, before performing a sex act and raping her, jurors heard.

The 33-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey today and denies one count of rape and two of assault by penetration.

Cosmin Tudorache is said to have assaulted the woman, who cannot be named, after she booked him through the online massage agency - which connects freelance therapists with customers who can order a session at their home - on October 6, 2018

Giving evidence from behind a screen the alleged victim told jurors she froze when Tudorache started to assault her and wept as she was raped.

Defence barrister Mark Gadsden suggested she didn't tell him to stop until the very end of the alleged attack, and that she touched him on the thigh, indicating she wanted intimate sexual contact - claims the woman denied.

She said: 'He put his hand on my underwear before I did anything.

'I wanted him to touch me as a masseuse, I booked him to help help with my muscles, not so that he could rape me.

'For him to use me as anything else except a massage customer is completely unacceptable.'

She denied assisting him by lifting her hips or pushing her underwear to the side.

'I'm not a touchy person, I don't like my boyfriend to touch me that much, why would I use someone else?'

Mr Gadsden asked: 'You said his hands brushed your bottom, why didn't you push him away?'

The witness replied: 'I thought he was a professional massager there to do a professional job, I didn't want to accuse him of anything.

'I kept just trying to close my legs, my body language was very much like, stop.'

Asked why she didn't try to push him away or say anything she said she wished she had but she froze.

The 33-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey today and denies one count of rape and two of assault by penetration

The woman said she has since had therapy and was told that her freezing reaction was a natural response to an assault.

She added: 'I didn't say 'no, stop', I was just busy crying the whole time, he only noticed that afterwards.

'I was quietly crying, if he had paid attention to my crying when he started penetrating me and touching me.'

She said she didn't know why she remained silent when Tudorache started touching her and performing a sex act.

Mr Gadsden suggested: 'All you had to do was say stop.'

She replied: 'I don't know why my body reacted like that, why I wasn't able to open my mouth and say something.

'It was only when he asked that I reacted.'

The woman denied Mr Gadsden's suggestion that sex was consensual or that she had made the rape accusation after her flatmate returned home and would have told her boyfriend.

She added: 'I was just crying, I didn't make much of a noise.'

The woman said she called a friend afterwards who took a cab to her home and they both googled what the options were.

She called police who attended her address at 4am that night.

Tudorache, of Dollis Avenue, Cricklewood, north-west London, denies one count of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

The trial continues.
YEREVAN.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Tuesday introduced Arsen Torosyan, the newly appointed Chief of the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia and now former Minister of Health, to the Office staff.

First, the PM thanked Eduard Aghajanyan, the outgoing Chief of the Office of the PM, for his work in this capacity, and noted that Aghajanyan had assumed the post in a difficult situation.

Next, the premier wished success to Arsen Torosyan in his new position and presented his respective task. "We have lived through very difficult times. The [recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war period was a very difficult and arduous period for all of us. And now the post-war period has its many difficulties and challenges that need to be managed effectively. () the public administration system [of Armenia] needs a restart, and that restart should definitely start with the Prime Minister's Office. This restart is the main task set before Mr. Torosyan," said the PM.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, in fact, they know all the advantages and shortcomings of the public administration system. Especially in this situation, we must set a new benchmark for public administration, which is, in fact, a service provided to the public, and we must bring the quality of that service to a whole new level," he added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  As the Defense Department unilaterally moved to terminate a 1989 pact that prohibits the unauthorized entry of police and military personnel in University of the Philippines campuses, another deal has consistently been mentioned as its basis  the Soto-Enrile agreement.

In an Oct. 29, 1981 letter, then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile told student groups that the police would not enter any campus nationwide unless requested by students or school authorities, and that the military would not interfere in peaceful student protest actions. In return, student protesters should notify the police ahead of any demonstration, the letter stated.

Sonia Soto, who was the League of Filipino Students' chairperson when the deal was forged, recalled how the student activists fought for police-free campuses and the restoration of their rights after the late President Ferdinand Marcos lifted martial law.

She believes the Soto-Enrile deal still stands, considering that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana only scrapped the agreement with the University of the Philippines. The Soto-Enrile agreement, on the other hand, covers all campuses nationwide, she stressed.

Ito na yung pinagbabatayan ng lahat ng mga pagkilos. Tinanggal 'yung mga police detachments, bumalik ang campus papers, student orgs, student councils, Soto told CNN Philippines on Tuesday. Palagay ko, hindi ito damay.

[Translation: This has served as the basis for all protest actions. The police detachments were removed -- campus papers, student organizations and student councils were restored. I think these were not abrogated as well.]

UP-DND pact different from Soto-Enrile agreement

Lawyer JV Bautista, who was part of the negotiations with Enrile as head of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, agrees that the police and military still could not simply barge into UP or any other school because of the 1981 pact.

The 1989 agreement with UP and DND (Department of National Defense) has nothing to do with the 1981 agreement between the students and Enrile because the parties are different, Bautista said.

He said all provisions under the Soto-Enrile agreement should remain in effect, unless the Duterte administration also revokes it. Lorenzana told reporters his department is already looking into terminating other agreements as well, including one with another state university, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, for supposedly being a recruitment den of communist rebels.

In his Jan. 15 letter to UP President Danilo Concepcion, Lorenzana said the abrogation was necessary for authorities to fulfill their mandate of protecting the youth against the recruitment activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New Peoples Amy, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by an executive body.

READ: UP accord terminated to protect Filipinos vs 'enemies of the state'  Lorenzana

But DNDs agreement with UP cannot be unilaterally terminated, Bautista said, expecting the premier state university to put up a fight.

The UP community has protested the DNDs action, and has received support from Vice President Leni Robredo and several lawmakers. Concepcion urged the government to rethink its decision, stressing that the university will reject any semblance of militarization in its campuses to prevent any chilling effect on academic freedom.

READ: Reconsider end of DND pact, gov't need not fear academic freedom  UP President

Here are some of the salient provisions of the three-decade-old agreement.

No entry, arrest, search without permission

Under the deal, any police or military operation in any UP campus requires prior notification. The presence of uniformed personnel is allowed only in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency or ordinary transit through UP premises.

Since the agreement mandated UP to manage its own security, police, and firefighting capabilities, policemen and soldiers can only provide assistance when requested. They cannot interfere with peaceful protest actions within university premises.

Authorities should also coordinate with the management before serving search or arrest warrants on any UP student, faculty, employee, or invited participant inside the university. Any arrest made on these members of the UP community anywhere in the country should also be reported to the universitys officials.

The agreement was signed by then UP President Jose Abueva and Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos. In a tweet, UP Professor Danilo Arao said it was the 1989 abduction of Donato Continente, former staffer of campus paper Philippine Collegian, that led to the signing.

Continente was allegedly tortured to confess to the killing of US Army Col. James Nicholas Rowe, but was freed in 2005 after a commuted sentence.

"The signing of the UP-DND accord is meant to stop the military and police from abducting UP constituents like Donato Continente," Arao said. "To terminate the accord is to legalize the deplorable."
Gov. Phil Murphy will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend Joe Bidens inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.

Murphy, a longtime Biden friend and fellow Democrat, will leave New Jersey on Tuesday night and return Wednesday afternoon, the governors office said.

NJ Advance Media was the first to report the trip.

Both Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy will be in the audience when Biden takes the oath of office  an audience that will be much smaller than usual and more socially distanced thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, D.C. has been in lockdown because of the threat of possibly violent protests after a mob of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress met to certify Bidens victory over Trump.

This is one of the rare times Murphy has been out of state since the start of the pandemic last March.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver will serve as acting governor while hes gone.

Murphy has known Biden for years. The governor was a former major national Democratic donor and served as U.S. ambassador to Germany when Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama.

Biden visited New Jersey twice in 2017 to campaign for Murphy when he ran for governor.

Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in just after noon, replacing outgoing Trump and outgoing Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump does not plan to attend the ceremony.

Tomorrow begins a new day in our nations history, Murphy said Tuesday during his latest COVID-19 briefing in Trenton. I am excited about the new opportunities of true federal cooperation that exist on the critical challenges we face  from a real focus on fighting and defeating this pandemic, to investing meaningfully in our impacted families, to building a stronger economic future.

Whether you voted for him or not, at noon tomorrow he becomes our president, the governor added about Biden. Note that word our. This is how our democracy works. This is the example we have set  and must reset  for all across our nation and around the world.

There was long speculation that Biden may pick Murphy to be a member of his Cabinet or serve as a diplomat again. But Murphy repeatedly said he planned to remain New Jerseys governor. He is running for re-election this year.

A number of New Jersey governors have attended past presidential inaugurations. Chris Christie attended Trumps in 2017, Jon Corzine attended Barack Obamas in 2009, and Christie Whitman attended George W. Bushs in 2001.

Murphy announced he is closing all state offices in New Jersey on Wednesday because of the fear of violent protests on Inauguration Day  though the governor said there is no specific threat to the state. All state employees will work remotely.

We felt that was right thing to do given the level of tension right now in the county, Murphy said last week.

Murphy isnt the only famous New Jerseyan to be part of the inauguration festivities. Both Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi  Murphys friend and neighbor in Middletown  will perform in a TV special called Celebrating America at 8:30 p.m.

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

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
Tara Sutaria, who debuted with 'Student of the Year 2,' is a beach bum. Time and again, she escapes to the beach and posts drop-dead gorgeous photos of herself. (Image: Instagram)
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Veeam support for Microsoft Azure VMware solution

Whether you are running VMware workloads on-premises or in Azure, you need a simple, flexible, and reliable backup solution that can adapt to your business requirements.

Veeam delivers everything you need to protect VMware VMs on-premises, as well as your Azure VMware solution VMs  and all with the same proven Veeam Cloud Data Management Platform.

Access this 3-minute demo for a high-level overview of Veeam for Microsoft Azure including

How to protect an Azure VM with Veeam Backup & Replication

A quick review of core features, including VM backup and replication

And more
Colorado Springs, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/19/2021 -- There are many considerations when looking to purchase new furniture and accessories for the patio. Buying Colorado Springs patio furniture from Western Outdoor Living is one way to ensure high-quality products as they stock ranges from the nation's most respected manufacturers like OW Lee, Woodard, Meadowcraft, Homecrest, and Gloster. One of the primary factors to consider is the space available. Is the furniture for a spacious back yard, a porch, a balcony, or an indoor space like a sunroom? If the space available has unusual dimensions like being very narrow or being in an "L" shape for instance, then looking to mix and match smaller units or modular furniture may be a solution. Especially with woven patio furniture, the final configuration of the seating can sometimes be adjusted by rearranging the constituent tables and chairs. Another prime consideration is how much care the patio set will require. This relates not only to keep the patio furniture looking in pristine condition but also if it can be left outside year-round and if not, is there a place it can be stored? Some furniture may have the capability to fold or be stacked for easier storage.



Some materials used commonly in patio sets are very easy to maintain, wrought iron is durable and withstands fluctuations in temperature. If it is scratched or damaged, an application of paint can fix any cosmetic issues as well as protect the furniture from future corrosion. It is easy to get carried away when looking at patio furniture and forget the very basic practicalities which may become an issue once a patio set is purchased and delivered to the home. Before choosing new outdoor furniture, carefully consider the site which is being changed. If there is not a solid foundation (the area is turf) or if there is a wooden deck that has gaps between the wooden boards, then chairs and tables with narrow legs may not be a good fit, they could get trapped between the boards which could be annoying and may also cause damage. It's also a good idea to think about what the patio furniture will be used for. Is it primarily to be used as a dining table for family and friends, or as a lounging area to relax, thinking through the scenarios will help narrow down the list of styles and designs to look at. Colorado outdoor furniture can be an investment for the future. Sticking within the desired budget whilst buying a high-quality product will ensure that the patio furniture is fit for purpose and designed to last. The experienced staff at Western Outdoor Living can help match the homeowner's wish list to the best materials and design for their unique space. Taking in a picture of the patio space can help communicate critical considerations like how much space is available, how exposed the patio area is, the gradient of the patio, the style of the landscaping, and the proximity to other features like a pool or an outdoor kitchen which might further influence the choice of materials or design.



Colorado Patio furniture is showcased alongside a wide selection of built in grills, Colorado Springs barbecue grills, and outdoor fire pits, bringing together multiple elements of the patio and patio accessories together in one place. From a wrought iron patio set of a table and chairs to the latest in Fire Magic built-in outdoor grill technology including wood chip smokers and halogen lights inside the barbecue hood, Western Outdoor Living inspires new patio projects for the Colorado family that enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.



As one of the premier providers of patio accessories and patio furniture in Colorado Springs, Western Outdoor Living has experienced staff who can help find the products best suited to each home or business. The latest and finest patio products are stocked in their extensive showroom.



About Western Outdoor Living Colorado Springs

Western Outdoor Living believes in outstanding service, durability, and comfort. Colorado outdoor patio furniture is showcased alongside outdoor fire pits, premium built-in outdoor grills, and custom outdoor kitchens for Coloradans embracing the outdoor lifestyle. They offer a wide selection of styles in different materials so from a rustic wood patio furniture set to a sleek and colorful sling patio design, patio furniture and the perfect accompanying fine patio accessories are always in stock. The Western Outdoor Living website is also a useful resource for homeowners with a link to maintenance tips, helping keep high-quality Colorado Springs outdoor furniture products as impressive as the day they were bought. To find out more and explore the website, please visit: http://www.westernoutdoorlivingcolorado.com/



Contact Details:



1685 Paonia Street Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Telephone: 719-591-1690

Email: info@westernoutdoorlivingcolorado.com
For the four years that Donald Trump was president, politics felt like anything but "unity." Government bureaucrats resisted him, and the media built false narratives about him. Congress reviled and impeached him. Speaker Antoinette couldn't even make a coherent press statement because every sentence had to start and end with "Donald Trump is evil. Oh, and I'm praying for him."

Then, on November 3, something miraculous happened. About an hour after the propaganda ministry declared Kamala Harris the new president elect/designated, calls for "unity" abounded. The storm clouds had cleared, the sun was shining, and the birds were singing. It was as if a new, gentler era of politics had dawned on America.

Then it all came to a jarring halt on January 6. Suddenly, there were no more calls for "unity." Now we're back to impeachment, censorship, and investigations. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Cuomostan) is demanding numerous (preferably all) Republicans resign for inciting insurrection. Nancy Pelosi is even investigating use of the 14th Amendment to avoid seating Republican congressmen.

What happened on January 6 to cause this sudden change in rhetoric? Was there an expiration date we didn't know about? There was a "mostly peaceful" protest on January 6. Surely that wouldn't have triggered a change in tone. The Democrats have shown an unwavering commitment to supporting "mostly peaceful" protesters.

The only other thing that happened on January 6 was certification of the Electoral College vote. Bingo  I think we have a winner! Could it be that calls for unity were just a ruse to keep us calm while the left consolidated power? Could it be something that cynical? Of course, smart conservatives (versus the useful idiot type) knew exactly what was going on. There was plenty of ridicule on the right for any notion of "unity." But calls for unity were just what the left needed to placate the RINOs  and they fell for it. There's a Yiddish word for what the RINOs have become: putzes.

As Mark Twain allegedly said, "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." The past behavior of those on the left has been nothing short of shameful. The media are proven liars, and the Democrats squandered their integrity years ago. We shouldn't believe anything the left tells us, but rather should wait to see what their actions are.

I have a message for our friends on the left. You cannot metaphorically punch us in the nose and then declare peace before we metaphorically punch you back.

We conservatives have always been a civilized lot. We play by the rules. However, the left amended the rules in 2016. In accordance with the new rules, we will be applying resistance to the entirety of the Harris/Biden administration.

John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Star, Idaho. He is a retired engineer with over 40 years of experience in the areas of product development, quality assurance, organizational development, and corporate strategic planning. He can be reached at greenjeg@gmail.com.

Image: Pixy.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
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
President Donald Trump's supporters continue to voice their protests against the results of the November elections by holding peaceful demonstrations ahead of the inauguration on Jan. 20 across capitols in the United States, a report said.

One America News Network reported that peaceful demonstrations are being held at heavily-guarded state capitols across America to voice their frustrations against the inauguration.

Although some protesters like the one in Ohio were armed but not violent, OANN said most demonstrations were peaceful such that there were no incident reports on clashes by local police between the demonstrators.

The demonstrators, who were mostly a dozen in number as per OANN, said they actually had no intentions to commit violence and only wanted to voice out their objection to the inauguration.

Meanwhile, the areas of state capitols were mostly empty except for the troops deployed there. Security in states across the country are actually on alert after the Federal Bureau of Investigation gave warnings for its need due to intelligence report on "possible violent protests" from radical leftists in line with the inauguration. State officials have taken the warning sternly and have taken every information they received on upcoming demonstrations seriously.

The Gateway Pundit cited a similar incident in Albany where the governor had triple security setup after receiving information that pro-Trump supporters will be demonstrating in their capitol only to discover that it was fake news.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had three layers of security setup over the weekend after receiving information that "armed MAGA protest" will be held in their state capitol, which is located in Albany, the Gateway Pundit said.

However, the Gateway Pundit added, nobody showed up and only reporters were there, which makes the incident a result of "more fake news by the media."

"Cuomo set up 3 layers of security and state troopers ahead of an alleged pro-Trump demonstration in Albany. No one showed up except journalists," US Navy Veteran Jack Posobiac tweeted about the incident on Monday. The post contained a link to an article of Democrat & Chronicle about it.

Posobiec tweeted some hours afterwards a quote from General George Washington that seemed to capture the tension in national security in line with the upcoming inauguration.

"General George Washington in 1776: 'The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in,'" he said.

Democrat & Chronicle, via an interestingly titled article, "Pro-Trump rally fails to materialize in Albany," reported how Albany police actually setup barricades with three layers of cordoned fences to secure the state capitol based on the rumored pro-Trump rally that never happened.

Anti-Trump Albany resident Abdul told the outlet that they are hoping that Trump supporters, who he accused of trying to "create havoc" and stand for "racism," said "We're hoping that they don't show up here."

The 31-year-old added a few words that seem common among Trump haters:

"I think it's just a whole waste of time that they're doing a call for arms because their president lost. Your president lost. Boo-hoo. Get over it. It doesn't mean that you need to come to the New York state Capitol or Albany in general and try to create havoc."

Other netizens, however, poked fun at Cuomo and the counterprotesters' preparations for something Trump supporters aren't known for doing but some from the left are: causing trouble.

In Austin this weekend. Walked by the capital. Completely locked down with tons of police/NG. Saw one group of 10 people protesting. The next day the headline is armed protest at the capital with a pic of the group we saw. Maybe they were armed? Misleading headline.  TV (@tvitgan) January 18, 2021

Media is pushing these bogus "rallies" or "uprisings." Don't buy it, people, it's probably a setup.  Forging Fires (@FiresForging) January 18, 2021

Many economists have said the Vietnamese economy is set to speed up this year.

Viet Nam's economy is forecast to grow this year.  Photo baotintuc.vn

Viet Nam's economy grew quite slowly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, but many experts have said the countrys economy is like a coiled spring, just waiting for the opportunity to bounce back.

Therefore, the Government has set a growth target of 6.5 per cent for this year, twice the growth rate of last year. This is a big challenge as the pandemic is still complex, there are many risks related to trade conflicts between major economies and global political instability.

However, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said there were still many opportunities that Viet Nam could seize to grow strongly.

They include opportunities from new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), opportunities from digital transformation, e-commerce and the formation of new industries and business models.

The minister said that Viet Nam could enjoy a high growth rate this year and in 2021-2025 if the country could fully utilise these opportunities and overcome the internal difficulties of the economy.

World organisations have also tipped Viet Nam's economy to speed up again after 2020.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast that the Vietnamese economy will grow by 6.3 per cent this year; the United Overseas Bank (UOB) predicted the economy to grow 7.1 per cent and HSBC even gave a figure of up to 8.1 per cent.

According to HSBC, Viet Nam's economy will benefit from the technology-led recovery and consistent foreign direct investment inflows.

Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a senior lecturer at Fulbright University Viet Nam, said with the above predictions, a recovery was expected from the second quarter of this year.

The country had signed new-generation FTAs to expand economic space, he said.

This was very important for foreign investors, who believed in Viet Nam's potential and market, to continue to look to the country, he added.

Once capital flows had shifted to Viet Nam, it was inevitable the Vietnamese economy would bounce back, not only this year but also in the next five years, he noted.

According to investment funds, Viet Nam will be the number one destination in Southeast Asia this year, in which the leading role of capital flows is likely to belong to investors from Europe.

Although European investors approach development opportunities in Asia more slowly than the US and other countries in the region, they recently realised that Southeast Asia, the only region with 5 - 6 per cent growth (before the COVID-19 pandemic), gives them huge benefits.

Therefore, many private investment funds in Southeast Asia began to attract European money and a series of new funds in Southeast Asia with direct capital contribution from European investors have been established.

In addition, traditional investment from South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore is also a lever to help Viet Nam's economy grow this year. These capital flows are continuing to pour into Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, some said the digital transformation that started last year would continue to be accelerated this year, opening up opportunities for the economy, especially domestic enterprises.

In addition, 14 out of 16 FTAs officially took effect, opening up large export markets this year, with 59 tariff lines reduced to zero, creating special conditions for agricultural, forestry and fishery exports.  VNS

How the most prominent political event in Vietnam in 2021 could affect its economy The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (January 25-February 2, 2021) is one of the most prominent political events this year.

Niger on Monday declared three days of mourning and vowed to beef up security in a western border region where jihadists killed 100 villagers, according to a local toll.

"We have decreed three days of national mourning, and on security, we are going to strengthen the presence" in the frontier region with Mali, Interior Minister Alkache Alhada told AFP, adding that the government would also launch "forums" to defuse ethnic tension.

Scores of "terrorists," arriving by motorbike, killed 70 people in the village of Tchoma Bangou and 30 in Zaroumadareye, local mayor Almou Hassane told AFP on Sunday.

It was the biggest single massacre of civilians in the Sahel's eight-year-old history of Islamist unrest, according to a US group, ACLED, which tracks the violence.

Alhada, speaking by phone after a meeting of the National Security Council headed by President Mahamadou Issoufou, said troop numbers would be increased to achieve "greater saturation" of the area.

"We have to stop incursions. We have to create a kind of security cordon, but one of the difficulties is that there's a void on the Malian side," he said.

Alhada also promised support, in the form of food aid, for communities who had suffered losses.

- Plans to boost military -

Niger is caught in a pincer between jihadists crossing from Mali, in its southwest, and from Nigeria, in its southeast.

Thirty-four people were killed in the southeastern region of Diffa on December 12 by Boko Haram jihadists.

Its armed forces, poorly equipped and trained, have lost nearly 200 men to road bombs and camp raids in the last two years.

The government has previously unveiled plans to double military personnel to "at least 50,000" over the next five years. Defence already accounts for 17 percent of the budget.

The jihadist insurgency in the vast Sahel began in northern Mali eight years ago, and then spread into Niger and Burkina Faso.

Thousands of people in those countries have died and nearly three million people have fled their homes, according to UN figures.

Jihadist violence has also fuelled ethnic tensions.

Alhada said the government would stage forums with ethnic and religious leaders to "prevent the risk of intra-ethnic conflict" in the border area.

"In this region which is a string of multi-ethnic villages, these incursions can lead to intra-community conflict. We have to make people aware of this," he said.

"I was there yesterday with the prime minister. It's hard -- we saw the graves, the victims' relatives. We have to hold back (anger) to prevent flareups. Some people are calling for weapons," Alhada said.
fabio formaggio via 123RF

The Covid-19 pandemic created, influenced or accelerated each of these trends.In 2021, consumers expect purpose-driven initiatives that support the triple bottom line  people, planet and profits. Nearly 70% of professionals expect consumers to be more concerned about sustainability than before Covid-19.There's a growing desire for the ease of on-the-go, impulse and spontaneous occasions and simplicities of pre-pandemic life.Consumers will reconnect with nature and turn to open-air venues for leisure and to safely socialise.People will use digital tools to stay connected at home and to facilitate safer procedures in brick-and-mortar outlets.Consumers are gaining newfound flexibility, scheduling activities in a non-conventional order to suit individual time demands.With a distrust in media and governments, people are defying misinformation and putting their needs first. In 2020, 29% of global consumers were actively involved in political and social issues.There's a rising demand for contactless services, exceptional sanitation standards and products that enhance hygiene and immunity.Consumers will reassess priorities and identities in pursuit of a more fulfilled life and improved mental resilience. Depression and mental health had a moderate or severe impact on 73% of global consumers everyday lives last year.Consumers are budgeting more cautiously and purchasing value-added and affordable products and services.People are finding a new work-life balance, as remote collaboration redefines the traditional office environment. More than half of global consumers previously had a strict boundary between work or school and personal life.2021 will be a pivotal year, says Alison Angus, head of lifestyles at Euromonitor International. Tailoring strategies to these emerging consumer trends will empower businesses to endure the unexpected and overcome adversities.
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
The ASX reached an 11-month high on Wednesday as technology stocks out-performed, another iron ore exporter forecast higher production, and the incoming Biden administration highlighted the importance of its $US1.9 trillion ($2.5 trillion) stimulus package.

The S&P/ASX200 hit 6788.1 points during morning trade before closing 0.4 per cent higher at an 11-month high of 6770.4 points. This puts the index only 5.3 per cent below the all-time highs of February 2020.

Australian shares hit a fresh 11-month high on Wednesday. Credit:Michel O'Sullivan

The information technology sector out-performed after Wall Streets Nasdaq index gained 1.5 per cent.

The local sector gained 2.5 per cent as Afterpay touched new highs of $142.30 before closing 5.2 per cent higher at $141.

WiseTech Global gained 4.8 per cent, while Megaport dropped 5.5 per cent to $12.12.

Industrials gained 1.6 per cent as Transurban improved by 4.4 per cent to $13.51 thanks to an analyst upgrade. While mining giant BHP gained 0.9 per cent to $46.30 after increasing its iron ore production estimates to as much as 255 million tonnes this financial year.

Senior client advisor at Novus Capital, Gary Glover, said he was keeping a close eye on trading volumes to gauge the next big swing in the market following the November and December rises.

It seems strange, but sometimes markets need time for the smart money to get out, Mr Glover said.

A sharp increase in volumes would be an indication the market was about to move, and he believes that would be downwards given stock prices have run pretty hard.

I want to be lightening off as everyone else is getting greedy.

He added markets would remain sedate until the US reporting season finishes with the change in administration unlikely to have much impact on markets.

I think reporting season will be more interesting because it might be confession season. Price to earnings ratios in any sort of metric (are) historically the greatest valuations ever.

Meanwhile Bell Direct market analyst Jessica Amir noted lithium miners were rallying.

The lithium sector was emerging from a two-year bear market and would soon be in bull market territory thanks to interest from electric vehicle makers who use the mineral in batteries.

They have been some of the best performers in the ASX this (past) year, Ms Amir said.

Galaxy Resources gained 7.5 per cent to $3, the highest price since July 2018, Orocobre was up 10.5 per cent to $5.70, also a two-year high, and Pilbara Minerals closed at an all-time high of $1.25 on Wednesday.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

US Scientist That Condemned Wuhan Lab Leak Theory Admits He Was Shielding Chinese Scientists

U.S. scientist Dr. Peter Daszak, president of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, led an endeavor in February 2020 to stop ideas that the CCP virus might have spread due to an accidental escape from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Daszak had written an article published in The Lancet medical journal, castigating ideas or suspicions that the novel virus might not be of natural origin.

The article was written before any rigorous research on the origins of the virus was conducted.

We stand together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin, reads the article.

Daszak reiterated that stance in a Feb. 6, 2020, email: We stand together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that 2019-nCoV does not have a natural origin. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly suggests that this virus originated in wildlife, as have so many other emerging diseases.

But last Friday, his spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that his widely cited statement, which was used to trample over differing points of view, was utilized to protect Chinese scientists from online criticism.

The Lancet letter was written during a time in which Chinese scientists were receiving death threats and the letter was intended as a showing of support for them as they were caught between important work trying to stop an outbreak and the crush of online harassment, Daszaks spokesman said.

The United States said it had reason to believe that several researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology fell ill with symptoms similar to those caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in the autumn of 2019, contradicting claims by a senior researcher from the facility who said there were no infections among the staff scientists.

The revelation is part of a fact sheet released by the U.S. State Department on Jan. 15, which slams the CCP for excessive secrecy around the origin of the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

The Epoch Times published the first documentary on the origin of the CCP virus in April last year.

WHO Team Arrives in Wuhan to Investigate Origin of CCP Virus

A team of experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Jan. 14 to investigate the origin of the CCP virus. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) called the WHOs visit a scientific research cooperation.

The WHO team arrives in Wuhan city to investigate pandemic origins, in Hubei Province, China, on Jan. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The family member of a COVID-19 victim who died in Wuhan told The Epoch Times that he believed the WHO wont find anything and is just being used by the Chinese regime as a scapegoat for the pandemic.

Two members of the WHO team stayed behind in Singapore after testing positive for the CCP virus, which causes the disease COVID-19. On Jan. 14, the remaining 13 experts arrived in Wuhan, where the outbreak first emerged in China in late 2019.

CCP authorities required that the WHO team quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The experts will stay in Wuhan for about one month, during which authorities arranged for them to visit the Huanan food market, local scientific research institutes, and hospitals.

Wuhan resident Zhang Hai, whose father died of COVID-19 last year, said in an interview with The Epoch Times, WHO is just a figurehead in my eyesa tool, to put it bluntly. It is now looking for the source of the virus, and the first anniversary of the outbreak has passed, and all (evidence) is gone.

Ivan Pentchoukov and Alex Wu contributed to this report.
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) will require the owners of a corporation to remain current with the reporting of information to the IRS and other federal and state agencies. It was drafted to deal with perceived abuses to the system involving anonymous corporations. An anonymous corporation is an entity that masks the identity of the person or entity that started or benefits from the corporation. They are the legal entity of choice when criminals seek to launder money or assets or engage in the following illicit activities:

Drug cartels

Sex and human traffickers

Countries seeking to avoid sanctions for financial crimes

Corrupt government officials laundering money from state or federal funds

The information gathered will be disclosed to law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other entities that have mandatory anti-money laundering obligations.

If having your identity disclosed in association with one of these previously anonymous entities creates tax fraud concerns, you have a short window to voluntarily get right with the government and avoid a criminal tax prosecution through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure. Our office can help. Call 949 681-3502 or book a reduced rate initial consultation online here.

The owner of a corporation or LLC will have to provide the following information to comply with the CTA:

The name of the beneficial owner of the company

The address of the beneficial owner

The date of birth of the owner

The driver's license or ID number of the owner

Additionally, if there is a change in ownership of the corporation, this information must also be reported.

A penalty can be imposed for failing to adhere to the CTA of up to $500 for every day that the corporation is not compliant with the law. If the owner of the corporation is brought up on criminal charges, they may be fined $10,000 and could face up to two years in prison. If the gathered information is disclosed without authorization, the violators could be assessed civil penalties up to $250,000. Additionally, the discloser of information may also be subject to a criminal penalty of five years in prison upon conviction.

See the full version of this article here.

Public Contact: Dave Klasing Esq. CPA, [email protected].

SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC

Related Links

klasing-associates.com


Rebekah Jones, 31, (pictured above) was released Monday on $2,500 bail after being charged with hacking into Florida's emergency alert health system

A Florida woman who claims she was fired from her job as a COVID-19 data scientist for refusing to falsify data has tested positive for the virus after turning herself into police.

Rebekah Jones, 31, was released Monday on $2,500 bail after being charged with hacking into the state's emergency alert health system and allegedly downloading the contact information of 19,000 Floridians.

Jones is also charged with using the system to illegally send a mass message to close to 2,000 state employees, calling on them to 'speak up'.

Jones said she was prompted by Florida officials to make the state's coronavirus figures look better than they actually were - which she says she refused to do - leading to her firing.

The charges against her are retribution for refusing to falsify the data, she claims.

She told reporters on Monday morning as she left Leon County Detention Facility following her initial appearance hearing in Tallahassee that she had tested positive for COVID-19 after handing herself into authorities on Sunday.

Scroll down for video

Fired Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones leaving Leon County Detention Facility on Monday morning. She told reporters that she had testing positive for COVID-19 and to stay away

Jones is charged with using Florida's emergency alert health system to illegally send a mass message to close to 2,000 state employees, calling on them to 'speak up'. She is pictured above during a police raid on her home on December 7 in which they found evidence

'I've tested COVID positive, you guys, so...' Jones said as she attempted to get reporters to move back.

'Believe me, I do,' Jones added when questioned whether she understood the irony of testing positive for COVID-19. 'Fortunately, I made it this far without catching it.'

She wore a mask and a heavy jacket and was flanked her attorney as she left but made no other comment, MyNews13 reported.

Her attorney Steve Dobson confirmed her positive COVID-19 test to the Tampa Bay Times.

Jones now lives in Maryland, but drove to Florida to turn herself in. Her attorney said she drove to Tallahassee over the weekend to face her arrest warrant, but that it took longer than expected as she felt ill.

Dobson said he had advised her to drive after Florida officials threatened to arrest her in D.C. and then extradite her to the state.

He told CBS News her voluntary surrender 'saved the entire Eastern seaboard from being exposed to infection.'

She was tested as she was being booked in Leon County jail on Sunday and learned on Monday that it was positive.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has charged Jones with one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices.

The third-degree felony carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Jones, 31, has maintained her innocence but handed herself in on Sunday

Rebekah Jones, pictured in her office at the Florida Department of Health, was a COVID-19 data compiler who claims she was fired in May for not falsifying data

Ahead of her court appearance Monday, the state had asked that Jones, who now lives in Maryland, be banned from computer and internet access.

However, the court granted her access to cell phones, computers and the internet.

The judge also denied a request for Jones to be forced to wear a GPS tracker.

She was ordered not to access any state computer systems or having any contact 'with any of the people whose information was downloaded'.

Jones has been under investigation since early November after someone illegally accessed the state's emergency alert health system, warning employees 'to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead'.

Rebekah Jones, the Florida data scientist who was fired by the state from her job as a COVID-19 data curator, was charged Sunday

'You know this is wrong. You don't have to be a part of this. Be a hero,' the message continued.

On November 10, the FDLE received a complaint about the hack, which the arrest warrant claimed forced about 30 state employees to stop work.

Agents determined the message was sent from the home where Jones lived in Tallahassee after tracking down the IP address.

The agency obtained a search warrant and evidence received from the home on December 7 shows that Jones allegedly illegally accessed the system and sent a message to about 1,750 people, as well as downloaded confidential data and saved it to her devices.

Yet, Jones claims the arrest was part of a plan to silence her after she was fired in May for refusing to falsify data on the state's coronavirus outbreak to make it look better than it was.

She sued the state in December, following the raid on her home address, calling the search of her home a 'sham.'

In the suit, she claimed that FDLE officials violated her First Amendment rights, deprived her of due process and unlawfully seized her computers, cell phone and storage media during a search of her home.

It also claims that IP addresses are commonly 'spoofed' and that she is innocent of all the charges.

After the search warrant was executed, Jones posted a 31-second video of officers entering her home, claiming the 'Gestapo' were sent after her by Gov. Ron DeSantis and accusing cops of pointing guns at her and her kids.

On December 7, agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) carried out a search warrant on 30-year-old Jones' (pictured above during the raid) Tallahassee home, while she, her husband their two young children were inside

Jones filed a lawsuit last month claiming that the search warrant was 'a sham' used to punish her for speaking out against Gov. DeSantis and for 'refusing to falsify statistics' for the state

The department later released more than 20 minutes of bodycam video that shows she refused to respond to phone calls and knocks on her door.

Jones has had several run-ins with law enforcement over personal issues, including a pending misdemeanor charge from 2019 where she is accused of cyberstalking her former boyfriend, but she gained international attention by disputing Florida's COVID-19 statistics in May.

She has been highly critical of Republican Gov. DeSantis on social media and questioned the validity of the state's COVID data, claiming that officials attempted to downplay the outbreak to allow for reopenings.

DeSantis has argued that Jones was fired in May for insubordination and that he has no link to the current FDLE investigation.

In a tweet on Saturday, Jones revealed that she was heading to Florida to turn herself in, despite her claims of innocence.

She wrote that 'to protect my family from continued police violence, and to show that I'm ready to fight whatever they throw at me, I'm turning myself into police in Florida Sunday night.

'The Governor will not win his war on science and free speech. He will not silence those who speak out,' she added.

Jones tweeted on Sunday morning that 'insurrectionists planning attacks across the country this week and Florida is jailing scientists for the crimes of knowing and speaking.'

In the tweet on Saturday, pictured above, Jones said that 'to protect my family from continued police violence, and to show that I'm ready to fight whatever they throw at me, I'm turning myself into police in Florida Sunday night. The Governor will not win his war on science and free speech. He will not silence those who speak out'

She tweeted that she would hand herself in on Sunday as officials threatened to extradite her

She also tweeted that she is 'censored by the state of Florida until further notice.'

Jones has not returned to social media since her release.

'We are going to defend this case vigorously,' her attorney, Dobson, said. 'She has maintained her innocence from the beginning.'

'It is important to remember these are allegations,' he continued. 'We all know the Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee...You don't know with the internet who can access your computer.'

'They are so concerned with Rebekah Jones when there are really serious crimes being committed.

'It's very ironic. They have devoted all these resources to go after her' with an allegation that she broke into a state system to urge people to "tell the truth",' Dobson added.

'That's a bad thing in today's world, isn't it?'

As a Department of Health employee, she was paid an annual salary of nearly $48,000. Since May she has raised more than $273,000 on a GoFundMe account after criticizing DeSantis.

After her dismissal, she set up a competing COVID-19 dashboard to display data about the virus.

The dashboard is still running and across Florida, shows 100,000 extra confirmed case and 400 extra deaths.
Fr. John Gbakaans lifeless body was discovered on Saturday, a day after armed men kidnapped him.

Vatican News Service

Nigeria's Fr. John Gbakaan, parish priest of the Saint Anthony Church in Gulu, in the Diocese of Minna, was kidnapped on 15 January along the Lambata road to Lapai in the state of Niger, reports the Catholic wire service, Agenzia Fides.

The parish priest of St. Theresa in Madala, Fr. John Jatau, confirmed that Fr. Gbakaan, together with his brother and another priest, had gone to Makurdi in the state of Benue on 14 January to visit his mother.

Demand for ransom

On 15 January, the priest and his brother were ambushed by gunmen. The attack took place around 9 p.m. near the village of Tufa. The two brothers were abducted by armed men who then sought ransom from the Diocese of Minna. Initially, the kidnappers demanded a sum of thirty million naira, which they later reduced to five million naira.

The priests body was found near the site of the kidnapping. Father Gbakaan was executed with a machete in such a brutal and horrific manner that identification was hardly possible. The vehicle that the priest was travelling in was found in a nearby bush. There is still no news of the priests brother, who is said to be still in the hands of the kidnappers.

Shocking and painful

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), has asked the Federal Government to end the abductions and killing of religious persons by bandits in the country. CANs Vice Chairman (Northern region), Rev. John Hayab, made the call when he spoke to the Lagos-based daily, Vanguard. Rev. Hayab described the Catholic priests killing as shocking and painful, stating that insecurity in the North of Nigeria had assumed a much more alarming dimension.

Pleading with the Federal Government

Today in Northern Nigeria, many people live in fear, and many young people are afraid to become pastors because pastors lives are in great danger, said Rev. Hayab. He continued, When Bandits or Kidnappers realise that their victim is a priest or pastor it seems a violent spirit takes over their hearts to demand more ransom and, in some cases, go to the extent of killing the victim. We are simply pleading with the Federal Government and all security agencies to do whatever it will take to bring this evil to a stop, the CAN representative said.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan says prominent Armenian lawyers in the United States Garo Ghazarian and Karnig Kerkonian have played an unparalleled role in protecting human rights in Artsakh and Armenia throughout the war.

From the very start of this war, Garo Ghazarian (Talin Davidian) and Karnig Kerkonian (Karnig Kerkonian), Co-Chairs of the Armenian Rights Watch Committee (ARWC), prominent Armenian lawyers in the United States, have been with us every day since 27 September 2020.

Mr. Ghazarian is based in Los Angeles and Mr. Kerkonian, in Chicago.

Throughout the war, they played an unparalleled role in protecting human rights in Artsakh and Armenia, by assisting the Human Rights Defenders in Armenia and Artsakh in compiling, monitoring, reporting, documenting and analyzing war crimes by Azerbaijan, and by cultivating strong ties with international human rights organizations in the United States and other countries. Thanks to their efforts, cooperation was fostered with other Armenian organizations in the Diaspora too, they being the bridge between the Armenian Diaspora, on the one hand, and Armenia and Artsakh, on the other.

Mr. Ghazarian and Mr. Kerkonian, through their dedicated efforts and true professionalism, have raised and continue to raise public awareness through the Armenian Bar Association of the United States about the hostilities, the true objectives of the Azerbaijani authorities, including Azerbaijani war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Artsakh and Armenia.

During this time, they also led a series of widely-broadcast public discussions not only on legal matters related to the war, but also on its geopolitical and historical implications. Thanks to their devoted public activities and engagements, not only the Armenian Diaspora, but also the international community, was accurately informed about the war. Their efforts and contributions have been simply invaluable.

Me and Mr. Artak Beglaryan, the Human Rights Defenders of both Armenia and Artsakh have never been made to feel by Garo Ghazarian and Karnig Kerkonian, that the amount of support we need from them is enormous, whether we are calling upon them for complex professional analysis of human rights and humanitarian law or for the translation of our reports and statements into English. Despite their own professional workloads, their complex law practices and work, and the huge time difference in their core working hours in the United States, their response time to our requests was not so much as delayed by a few minutes, and more often then not they responded within seconds.

To this day, Garo Ghazarian and Karnig Kerkonian continue to support us by providing their assistance around the clock in all human rights matters and issues (i.e. official letters to international bodies, follow-up work on the return of prisoners of war, recording of Azerbaijani war crimes, and a host of other issues).

It is especially important that they, as long-time practicing lawyers in the United States, utilize their practical knowledge and experience to support us.

They are our partners, and as partners, they also did absolutely the same selfless service during our crisis in April of 2016, during July of 2020, and indeed during all other periods of hostilities and crisis in years past.

The role of these Co-Chairs of the Armenian Rights Watch Committee is also invaluable in improving the human rights system in Armenia.

In particular, every public gathering, rally or protest, every police action or use of force, children and womens rights, the rights of servicemen, or any other human rights issue, has always been subject to their immediate focus.

Each time, through public feedback and professional analysis, they have immensely helped the Human Rights Defender of Armenia to find the right solutions to those problems and to settle those solutions in accordance with international best practices. In their customary and frequent visits to Armenia and Artsakh, they have devoted their time to the discussions of important human rights issues with an aim to identify and seek solutions.

Moreover, Mr. Garo Ghazarian and Mr. Karnig Kerkonian continue to undertake all these measures to protect the rights of Armenians in other countries of the world as well, from the Middle East to Europe, from South America to the United States of America and other countries.

Our Armenian-American partners also provide active teaching and training in the United States, Armenia and Artsakh. For example, Garo Ghazarian has been the Dean and a law professor at a School of Law in California for 22 years, and has in the past also lectured on criminal procedure and investigation for the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Karnig Kerkonian has taught international law at Artsakh State University and, during this war, filed a lawsuit on behalf of Artsakh and Artsakh civilians in the US Federal District Court in Washington DC.

Importantly, Mr. Ghazarian and Mr. Kerkonian also have conducted a legal course for the staff of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, especially in connection with practical issues of human rights protection during the investigation of criminal cases as well as regarding legal writing to international institutions, commensurate with their vast litigation backgrounds and their international experience.

They have played a significant role in the 2017 establishment of a law clinic at Artsakh State University and with the training of legal specialists in that clinic with advanced law practice standards.

I express my sincere gratitude to our esteemed colleagues who continue to spare no effort and energy, especially during this difficult post-war period, in matters pertaining to the protection of the rights of our compatriots.

Their support over the years is a genuine example of what cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh and the Diaspora should be like, Ombudsman Tatoyan said on Facebook.

Burma Six Members of Rebel Group Along Myanmar-Indian Border Charged With Unlawful Association

Peoples Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA) fighters. / naukrinama

Sagaing Region authorities have filed charges against an officer and five other members of the Peoples Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), a rebel group fighting the Indian government from bases along the Myanmar-India border, under the Unlawful Association Act and the Immigration Act.

Five Meitei rebels were arrested at Chindwin River Bridge in Monywa, Sagaing Region in northwestern Myanmar in August last year, and their interrogation led to the arrest of a PLA captain who had immigrated to Sagaing.

With the approval of the Indian government, police and immigration department have opened cases against them under the Unlawful Association Act and the Immigration Act at police stations in Monywa and Sagaing.

We arrested five Meitei people at Chindwin Bridge who said they came to receive medical care. We interrogated them with a special unit as they looked suspicious. And we arrested a Meitei captain living in Sagaing who has ties with them. They are all Indian citizens. So, police filed a lawsuit against them under Unlawful Association Act and the immigration department has also filed a lawsuit under immigration law, said Sagaing police force spokesman Police Lieutenant Colonel Ba Win.

The PLA captain, identified as Nora but also known as Devanl, has been living in Sagaing with a fake Myanmar citizenship ID, according to Sagaing Region authorities. The Meitei man from Tokpaching of Indias Manipur had moved to Myanmar and married a Burmese woman in Sagaing. The couple has a daughter.

Police charged the six under Section 17 (1, 2) of Unlawful Association Act in August last year. And immigration department also charged them under the 1947 Myanmar Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act. The Monywa Township court is hearing the case.

Sagaing Region police force is also planning to open cases against Nora and a Meitei rebel under Section 468 of Penal Code for counterfeiting citizenship IDs, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Ba Win.

The Irrawaddy was unable to obtain a comment from the Sagaing Region Immigration and Population Department.

According to Kuki Youth Network (KYN), there are at least six Meitei rebel groups based in Myanmar: the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), the Peoples Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), the United National Liberation Front of Manipur (UNLF), the United Peoples Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the Kanleipak Communist Party (KCP).

All are fighting against the Indian government for the liberation of Manipur.

The rebel groups are mainly based in Tamu and Kalay townships in Sagaing Region and in Tonzang in Chin State on the Myanmar-India border. India-Myanmar military analysts suggest there may be many Meitei rebels holding Myanmar citizenship IDs and some are running businesses in other parts of Myanmar.

The six Meitei rebels are being detained at Monywa Prison, according to the police.

In January 2019 the Northwestern Command of the Myanmar military raided the headquarters of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region. The NSCN-K is an ethnic Naga armed group pushing to establish a sovereign Naga homeland. The military arrested 24 Assam and Meitei rebels in the raid, according to a military spokesperson.

In May 2019, the Hkamti District Court in Sagaing Division sentenced the detainees to two years in prison under Article 17 (1) of the Unlawful Associations Act. They were released in the presidential amnesty in April and handed over to the Indian government at Hkamti Airport in Sagaing the following month.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
What is the optimum population of the world? It is certainly not the maximum number that can be squeezed onto the globe by eradicating every species of plant and animal that cannot be eaten.

by John Scales Avery

Ceasefire in our suicidal war against nature

Here are some quotations from a December 2, 2020 article by Justin Rowlatt entitled Humans waging suicidal war on nature - UN chief Antonio Guterres:

Humanity is waging what he describes as a suicidal war on the natural world.

Nature always strikes back, and is doing so with gathering force and fury, he told a BBC special event on the environment.

Mr Guterres wants to put tackling climate change at the heart of the UN's global mission.

In a speech entitled State of the Planet, he announced that its central objective next year will be to build a global coalition around the need to reduce emissions to net zero.

Net zero refers to cutting greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible and balancing any further releases by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.

Mr Guterres said that every country, city, financial institution and company should adopt plans for a transition to net zero emissions by 2050. In his view, they will also need to take decisive action now to put themselves on the path towards achieving this vision.

The objective, said the UN secretary general, will be to cut global emissions by 45% by 2030 compared with 2010 levels.

Here's what Mr Guterres demanded the nations of the world do: 1) Put a price on carbon. 2) Phase out fossil fuel finance and end fossil fuel subsidies. 3) Shift the tax burden from income to carbon, and from tax payers to polluters

. 4) Integrate the goal of carbon neutrality (a similar concept to net zero) into all economic and fiscal policies and decisions. 5) Help those around the world who are already facing the dire impacts of climate change.

It is an ambitious agenda, as Mr Guterres acknowledged, but he said that radical action is needed now.

The science is clear, Mr Guterres told the BBC, unless the world cuts fossil fuel production by 6% every year between now and 2030, things will get worse. Much worse.

Climate policies have yet to rise to the challenge, the UN chief said, adding that `without concerted action, we may be headed for a catastrophic three to five-degree temperature rise this century.

The impact is already being felt around the world. Apocalyptic fires and floods, cyclones and hurricanes are the new normal. Biodiversity is collapsing. Deserts are spreading. Oceans are choking with plastic waste.

Mr Guterres said the nations of the world must bring ambitious commitments to cut emissions to the international climate conference the UK and Italy are hosting in Glasgow in November next year. As well as pressing for action on the climate crisis, he urged nations to tackle the extinction crisis that is destroying biodiversity and to step up efforts to reduce pollution. We face, he said, a moment of truth.

But he does discern some glimmers of hope. `He acknowledged that the European Union, the US, China, Japan, South Korea and more than 110 other countries have committed to become carbon neutral by the middle of this century. He said he wants to see this momentum turned into a movement. Technology will help us to reach these targets, Mr Guterres said he believes. The coal business is going up in smoke' because it costs more to run most of today's coal plants than it does to build new renewable plants from scratch, he told the BBC.

We must forge a safer, more sustainable and equitable path, the UN chief concluded. He said it is time for this war against the planet to end, adding: We must declare a permanent ceasefire and reconcile with nature.

The danger of a catastrophic global famine

As glaciers melt in the Himalayas, depriving India and China of summer water supplies; as sea levels rise, drowning the fertile rice fields of Vietnam and Bangladesh; as drought threatens the productivity of grain-producing regions of North America; and as the end of the fossil fuel era impacts modern high-yield agriculture, there is a threat of wide-spread famine involving billions rather than millions of people.

People threatened with famine will become refugees, desperately seeking entry into countries where food shortages are less acute. Wars, such as those currently waged in the Middle East, will add to the problem.

What can we do to avoid this crisis, or at least to reduce its severity? We must urgently address the problem of climate change; and we must shift money from military expenditure to the support of birth control programs and agricultural research. We must also replace the institution of war by a system of effective global governance and enforcible international laws.

Optimum population in the distant future

What is the optimum population of the world? It is certainly not the maximum number that can be squeezed onto the globe by eradicating every species of plant and animal that cannot be eaten. The optimum global population is one that can be supported in comfort, equality and dignity - and with respect for the environment.

In 1848 (when there were just over one billion people in the world), John Stuart Mill described the optimal global population in the following words:

The density of population necessary to enable mankind to obtain, in the greatest degree, all the advantages of cooperation and social intercourse, has, in the most populous countries, been attained. A population may be too crowded, although all be amply supplied with food and raiment.

... Nor is there much satisfaction in contemplating the world with nothing left to the spontaneous activity of nature; with every rood of land brought into cultivation, which is capable of growing food for human beings; every flowery waste or natural pasture plowed up, all quadrupeds or birds which are not domesticated for man's use exterminated as his rivals for food, every hedgerow or superfluous tree rooted out, and scarcely a place left where a wild shrub or flower could grow without being eradicated as a weed in the name of improved agriculture. If the earth must lose that great portion of its pleasantness which it owes to things that the unlimited increase of wealth and population would extirpate from it, for the mere purpose of enabling it to support a larger, but not better or happier population, I sincerely hope, for the sake of posterity, that they will be content to be stationary, long before necessity compels them to it.




Expressing support for data localisation, on Tuesday said data generated in India should be processed within the country.

Speaking at the 15th India Digital Summit, Sharma said there is nothing that stops companies from processing data in India itself.

He added that companies need to look at India beyond as just a market, given the massive opportunity it presents.

"India is an open market, we welcome foreign companies, we need to put them to the same laws and orders... Beyond that, may the best product win.

"I'm not saying a product, just because it is made in India, will be superior. Ultimately the superior product wins," he said.

He added that while many tech products were built in the US previously, these are now being developed in India -- a trend that will accelerate further in the next five years.

"I think India will make the world's most superior products, and that is why we will win, he said.

In the past too, Sharma had endorsed

Data sovereignty is an issue that the Indian government is looking at addressing through its data protection law to ensure privacy, safety and security of user data. These include provisions around the handling of data of adults and minors, storage within the Indian borders and penalties for non-compliance.

Sharma also dismissed any concerns around job losses from transitioning to an 'Aatmanirbhar' digital economy.

Sharma said a few thousand jobs that foreign investment generates will be far outweighed by the long-term benefits of homegrown digital enterprises.

To a question on the influence of Chinese investors on Paytm, Sharma said the company operates independently.

"On our board and operations, I can say that we run all our software technology platform by ourselves. No shareholder has a say on what we should do. Effectively, all shareholders are treated as commercial shareholders. The board seats and the board control is in India's hand," he said.

He added that the company has shareholders not only from China, but also Japan and the US, and that "every one of them is a very influential corporate governance-led shareholder.

(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 Duchess of Sussex yesterday asked a judge to rule in her favour in a privacy claim against a newspaper.

Lawyers for Meghan, 39, said her legal action should be decided by Mr Justice Warby without proceeding to full trial.

The duchess is suing the publisher of The Mail on Sunday, the sister paper of the Daily Mail, after it published extracts from a letter she wrote to her father following her marriage to Prince Harry.

Her lawyers say the letter was 'intrinsically private, personal and sensitive' and was never intended to be made public.

Justin Rushbrooke QC, for the duchess, said the publication of extracts from the letter was a 'triple-barrelled' assault on her 'private life, her family life and her correspondence'.

He said the letter had outlined the duchess's 'constant love' for her father Thomas Markle, 76, and her fears for his health.

The Duchess of Sussex asked a High Court judge to rule in her favour in her privacy claim against a newspaper yesterday

Written in August 2018, it is at the centre of the high-stakes privacy case at the High Court in London. Lawyers for The Mail on Sunday deny breaches of privacy, copyright and data protection and have asked that the case continue to trial later this year.

They argued that the duchess expected the letter to become public, and effectively breached her own privacy by allowing her friends to speak to a US magazine on her behalf.

Mr Rushbrooke said both Meghan and Harry had attempted to guard their privacy following fears about Mr Markle speaking to journalists. They were in regular contact with Mr Markle in the run-up to their 2018 wedding, he said, and had been worried about him. Meghan offered to help protect her father against intrusive paparazzi photographers, the court heard.

Meghan's letter to her father was written after her wedding, and lawyers for the newspaper said it was vital that she should face questions over alleged 'inconsistencies' in her account of how she came to write it.

The duchess has always insisted she wrote the 'deeply painful' letter herself. She said she informed Jason Knauf, Kensington Palace's director of communications, about her letter and showed him a draft.

Lawyers for the newspaper argue she consulted Mr Knauf because she expected the letter to become public. They are seeking further information from him and three other senior royal aides over the letter. The quartet were named in legal documents seen by the court as Mr Knauf, Samantha Cohen, Christian Jones and Sara Latham.

At the time the letter was written, shortly after Meghan's marriage to Harry, Miss Cohen was their private secretary and the other three worked in the Kensington Palace communications office.

Lawyers for the duchess said a legal firm representing the quartet, Addleshaw Goddard, had confirmed that 'one or more of our clients would be in a position to shed some light on the following issues: the creation of the letter and the electronic draft'.

Justin Rushbrooke QC said the letter had outlined the duchess's 'constant love' for her father Thomas Markle, 76, and her fears for his health

All four said they were willing to give evidence but did not wish to 'take sides', the court heard.

A new witness statement from The Mail on Sunday editor Ted Verity claimed Mr Knauf worked on drafts of the letter with the duchess. He said a source had told him that Sara Latham had helped the authors of a controversial biography of Meghan and Harry, Finding Freedom.

Mr Verity said Miss Latham had effectively been 'fact-checking' for the authors.

Antony White QC, for the newspaper, said it should be able to question the duchess about 'inconsistencies' in her case. It would only be able to do so if the case went to full trial. He added: 'There are now on the record a number of inconsistent statements made by her that she will need to explain.'

The hearing continues.
Stack rugs or wrestling mats on the floor, says Yoron Israel, who leads the percussion department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Sound doesnt want to be contained; it undulates easily through air, concrete, brick and wood. In fact, it moves faster through solids, with their more densely packed molecules. An acoustic drum set is a high-decibel instrument with low frequencies particularly suited to spreading. Adjust your expectations: You cant truly soundproof a room without decoupling it from the larger structure, which means building a new room within your existing room, preferably with several inches of air space and acoustic insulation between the two. Such a project will cost thousands of dollars, and if youre a renter, landlords arent likely to sign off. You can buy pricey, prefabricated sound-insulation rooms, but Israel often advises his percussion students to go the cheaper, sound-dampening route. To do that youll want to hang drapery, acoustic-foam tiles or even mattress toppers over walls, ceilings, floors and doors. If youre a drummer and can get away with it, leave your windows uncovered. You deserve light, Israel says. People always make drummers play in basements.

Your noise is only a problem if someone who hears it is displeased. Befriend your neighbors. Israel, who has played with the likes of Sonny Rollins and Ahmad Jamal, took up the drums as a child in a third-floor apartment in Chicago. Luckily, five of the six apartments in his building were occupied by family members who were mostly tolerant, and sometimes even encouraging. If someone tells you to tone it down, calmly negotiate with them. Try to get to some kind of compromise, Israel says. Most often, that will mean finding a stretch of time every day when your neighbors are away and you can play with abandon. Of course, Covid-19 has made such conditions harder to come by.

In recent months, Israel has suggested that his students soundproof themselves instead, by using rubber pads that go over drum heads and cymbals or electronic drum sets. Though these are workable solutions, Israel feels for his young, muted students, whose crestfallen faces he sees over Zoom, often back in their childhood homes playing on electronic drum sets with headphones only they can hear. Its been emotional for them, he says.
It was mid-May and the pandemic was raging in Pennsylvania. Dr. Rachel Levine, the head of the state Department of Health, was speaking on a call with the media when a radio host repeatedly misgendered her.

Levine, who is the most prominent transgender official in the commonwealth, responded calmly, asking the man to please stop, telling him: Its really insulting.

It was just one of the times Levine was forced to address her gender while working to manage a pandemic. Shes shaken off insults since 2015, when she made history becoming the first openly trans person to serve as a cabinet member in Pennsylvania. The scrutiny reached new intensity last year as she became a public face advocating for restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus  and as Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf clashed with the Republican-controlled legislature over the states response.

On Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden announced that the spotlight on Levine will intensify. He intends to nominate her to be assistant secretary of health, meaning if shes confirmed by the Senate, shell be the highest-ranking trans person ever to serve in the federal government.

The nomination solidifies Levines place in LGBTQ history and serves as a reminder of all she has endured  constant transphobic memes, relentless online commentary about her appearance, having her face plastered on anti-lockdown billboards.

Its tiring, Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, who served in the Obama administration and was the first openly trans person to work in the White House, said of the vitriol still directed at trans officials.

But she said Levines appointment marks a new day for transgender America.

Its such an important message to young people and young trans and non-binary identified children who might be wondering: What can I do when I grow up? she said. Its like, you can be the assistant secretary of health.

Public health officials became something like celebrities in 2020 as Americans either embraced the likes of Dr. Anthony Fauci or disliked them for advocating tactics like mask-wearing and stay-at-home orders. In Pennsylvania, Levine and Wolf have been slammed by constituents and Republican lawmakers who believe business-closure orders and other restrictions amount to government overreach.

Some say Levine never would have faced such a barrage of attacks if not for her gender identity.

When the history of this era is written, there will probably be very few people who received as awful and as ferocious daily attacks as Dr. Levine, said State Rep. Brian Sims (D, Phila.), the first openly gay lawmaker elected to the Pennsylvania legislature. Shes handled all of it with not just grace and composure, shes handled it the way she has her entire career: Shes focused on science, medicine, and data.

 READ MORE: Pennsylvanias Health Secretary Rachel Levine fights hate, fear, and the coronavirus

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said Levines nomination marks a radical shift in the recognition and acceptance of a community that has been shunned for a long time. He said its especially notable given the Trump administrations posture toward the trans community, whether it was banning openly trans individuals from military service or withdrawing Department of Education protections for transgender students.

He also noted that in August, Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis misgendered Levine in a tweet and refused to apologize. A spokesperson for Levine at the time said the health secretary does not have time for this nonsense.

David said Levines ability to shake off attacks is an asset.

LGBTQ people, and specifically transgender people, in public service confront a barrage of attacks simply because of who they are, he said. We have to be battle-tested. And she brings this experience into the federal government.

Levine  generally known for sticking on message during appearances related to the pandemic  did publicly denounce the ridicule being directed at her during the summer in a statement saying, Our children are watching. Her comments came after a series of personal attacks, including from a Tioga County restaurant that featured a menu item with a transphobic description and a Bloomsburg carnival that called a dress-wearing man in a dunk tank Dr. Levine.

A day after Levines comments, State Rep. Russ Diamond (R., Lebanon), a vocal opponent of mask mandates, released a statement mimicking her remarks.

Diamond had in May led the charge among a group of two dozen Republican lawmakers who called for Levine to resign or be removed from office after it became public that she assisted her mother in moving out of a Pennsylvania personal care home as the coronavirus spread rapidly in congregate-care facilities.

She did so after advising nursing homes to accept coronavirus patients discharged from the hospital. Levine at the time said her mother made the decision herself.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House GOP campaign arm tried to resuscitate the controversy, demanding to know whether Pennsylvania Democrats supported her appointment. The House doesnt vote on presidential appointments.

Levine will need to be confirmed by a majority of the U.S. Senate, which is split 50-50. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will have the tie-breaking vote. Sen. Bob Casey (D, Pa.) praised her nomination in a statement.

Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) said he would give Levines nomination full and fair consideration should it reach the Senate floor.

I appreciate Secretary Levines hard work as Pennsylvanias Secretary of Health and her responsiveness to me and my staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Toomey said in a statement. However, her role in the Wolf administrations failure to protect nursing home residents from COVID-19, and the states prolonged, arbitrary lockdown, deserves further scrutiny.

Ruben J. Gonzales, executive director of LGBTQ Victory Institute, said the group is part of a coalition of 32 organizations that recruits and advocates for LGBTQ federal appointees, and is ready to fight like hell to defend Dr. Levine and ensure she is judged on her qualifications and nothing else.

Anyone who chooses to make an issue of her gender identity is going to look bad now and look bad in the eyes of history, he said.

Celena Morrison, director of Philadelphias Office of LGBT Affairs and the first openly trans person to lead a city office, said it was incumbent on her and other Levine supporters to focus public attention on Levines qualifications.

For Dr. Levine, the LGBT voices have been so loud in support of her that they drown out that negative, she said. You see the tons of support and people that are countering that negativity with love and understanding.
DUP Councillor David Ramsey pictured with his wife Debbie who is now recovering from Covid-19 after being discharged from Altnagelvin hospital.

A Derry and Strabane councillor who watched police officers break up a house party in the street where he lives as an ambulance crew took his wife to hospital with Covid-19 said people are still not taking the virus seriously enough.

David Ramsey's wife Debbie was diagnosed with coronavirus just days after Christmas. While initially her symptoms were just a loss of taste and smell, a few days later she developed chest pains and was struggling to breathe.

Mr Ramsey was so concerned for his wife's health he called an ambulance.

When paramedics arrived Mrs Ramsey was told she needed to go to hospital.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Ramsey said the sight of his wife being carried into an ambulance at the same time as a house party was raging across the street, left him stunned and shocked.

He said: "Seeing police break up a house party across the way from our house where an ambulance crew was caring for my wife who was really struggling to breathe after testing positive for coronavirus left me stunned but also made me realise people still are not taking this virus seriously.

"They don't seem to understand that they might not have symptoms but they could still be spreading the virus to the elderly in their families.

"I would have been sceptical about the virus myself but I would have followed the rules. People need to take this seriously."

He added: "During the first lockdown our council area wasn't affected. In fact, I didn't know anyone who had it but that is not the case now. So many people are testing positive and I know people who have lost their lives to Covid.

"It is real, it needs to be taken seriously by everyone - young and old."

After a short stay, Mrs Ramsey was discharged from hospital and is now continuing her recovery at home.

Mr Ramsey said: "Thankfully Debbie is back home but she is in bed and is still very, very unwell but it was such a frightening thing to see your wife being taken to hospital.

"Debbie has no underlying health conditions but coronavirus hit her very hard and the doctors told her that her lungs have been scarred.

"We both tested positive but my symptoms were a loss of taste and smell and fatigue like I have never experienced in my life.

"I would get up in the morning and try to do whatever council business I could but two hours later I was forced back to bed because I was just so incredibly exhausted.

"Debbie was a lot worse than I was and it got to the point that I had no option but to call an ambulance.

"Listening to the medical experts suggests this week will put a big strain on the hospitals so I really would appeal to people to adhere to the lockdown rules for their own sake, for the sake of their families and for the sake of the hospital staff."
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
WASHINGTON, Jan 19 (Reuters) - A federal court on Tuesday struck down the Trump administration's scaled-down replacement of the Obama administration's signature climate change regulation for power plants, a final blow to its environmental deregulatory agenda on President Donald Trump's last day in office.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously decided to toss the Environmental Protection Agency's Affordable Clean Energy rule, which constrained how carbon emissions from power plants are regulated, and remanded it to the agency, which will prioritize climate change under the incoming Biden administration.

The decision to strike down the rule was made by a three-judge panel comprised of two Democratic appointees and one Trump-appointed judge.

They considered whether the federal Clean Air Act requires the EPA to limit new rules to reduce emissions to a particular power plant, the way the Trump EPA interpreted it, or if the agency can take a sector-wide approach to regulating emissions.

"Because promulgation of the ACE Rule and its embedded repeal of the Clean Power Plan rested critically on a mistaken reading of the Clean Air Act, we vacate the ACE Rule and remand to the Agency," the judges wrote.

The decision comes after a full day of arguments in the D.C. Circuit court in October in which environmental groups and Democratic-led states maintained that the repeal of Obama's Clean Power Plan, which never took effect under Trump, was illegal and Republican-led states and industry groups supported Trump's EPA.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Talking and eating were not an option for Anthony Jones. He couldnt even close his mouth.

After months of intubation battling COVID-19, Anthony was diagnosed with macroglossia  an extremely enlarged tongue that makes swallowing and speaking impossible.

He spent 12 hours a day lying on his stomach for three weeks to repair his lungs. While the treatment restored his health and breathing, his tongue remained enlarged, stretching down past his lips and chin.

And none of the health care specialists in his hometown of Lake City, Fla., could diagnose or heal Anthonys tongue.

No one knew what to do, his wife, Gail, recalled. All of the doctors were shaking their heads.

It wasnt until discovering a surgeon 800 miles away  in Houston  that Anthony could begin to hope for a brighter future, one where smiling would be a possibility again.

A worker at a private ambulance service, Anthony came home from a summer shift one evening with a high fever and body aches. By July 2, he was feeling so sick, he went to the emergency room to be tested for the coronavirus.

He was in bed, and it was like he had no energy, his wife said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: UTMB receives 3-year grant to research breast milks COVID-19 antibodies

His test came back positive, and his condition continued to worsen; by July 8, he was back in the hospital.

The next day, he was on a ventilator, Gail recalled. And there was no contact. We couldnt see him at all. I was calling every two hours to check up on him.

She had no way of knowing that his tongue had enlarged, extending more than 3 inches from his mouth.

It wasnt until weeks later, during a FaceTime call, that she learned of the condition. Later, when he was released from the hospital, his tongue was still enlarged, and doctors had no prescriptions to help.

Gail was charged with feeding him through a tube since he could no longer swallow. Every four hours, she wrapped his tongue to prevent it from becoming too dry and cracking.

Only a couple of months earlier, Gail herself had recovered from renal failure. She was back at her job at a mental health hospital for only a short time before she had to take medical leave to care for her husband. She held onto faith that she could find a solution for Anthonys predicament.

But an August visit to a Florida ear, nose and throat surgeon only added to their frustration.

He told me that he didnt really know how much to cut, said Anthony. Nor could the surgeon promise to preserve his patients sense of taste or his ability to speak.

On the way home from the appointment, Anthony teared up, imagining a life of feeding tubes and written communication.

I guess Im better off dead, he thought.

He asked Gail to take him to his parents house. He then asked his father, Leroy Jones, to come outside to pray with him.

In the meantime, his mother, Mary Ann Jones, a retired nurse, Googled his condition. In her internet search, Houstons Dr. James Melville appeared like a beacon. The doctor of dental surgery and associate professor and oral surgeon at UTHealth School of Dentistry had experience with macroglossia and tongue surgery. He had even published a case study on macroglossia in the Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery in 2017.

Its a relatively uncommon condition, Melville said. Only a rare subset of people develop massive macroglossia.

He treated a patient who developed the condition in Houston after she too was intubated a couple of years ago. He was able to successfully treat the woman and a second patient with the disorder. Both recovered their ability to taste food and to talk.

Mary Ann emailed the doctor immediately, writing, I have a very big problem that is killing me. I am the mother of a 46-year-old son that has an extreme case of macroglossia.

She begged him to take their case.

Melville responded in a matter of minutes.

She told me his story, the surgeon recalled. I asked if she could send pictures. I told her, I can help right away. I can give him a better quality of life.

That night, Gail sent Melville photos of her husband.

I knew a change was coming, Anthony said. I knew it would be different because someone knew what was going on  and how to help.

Gail worked with a case manager to get insurance coverage for the out-of-town surgery.

The Jones family and their church congregation pooled resources to cover expenses for the trip.

On Oct. 13, the family flew to Houston; two days later, Anthony was ready for surgery.

Melville performed a partial glossectomy, or the surgical removal of a portion of the tongue. Glossectomies are often part of the treatment for tongue cancer.

Its modifying the structure, he said. You keep the portion that has motion and sensation and sew it back together.

By preserving the important parts of the tongue, he is able to preserve taste and speech. Often, other surgeons are too concerned about negatively affecting one or the other and steer clear from operating on the tongue in general, Melville explained.

Most doctors have never encountered this, so theyre reluctant to treat it, he said.

Melville is comfortable performing the procedure.

Its 45 minutes of someone knowing what to do  and that can literally change their life, he said.

And thats exactly what happened to Anthony. The day after surgery, he was discharged to a hotel room with his wife  with a new, temporary trachea that allowed him to speak.

It was amazing, Gail said. She had not heard her husbands voice since July. His face was another welcomed sight. I hadnt seen his bottom lip for so long.

Anthony could drink water and Gatorade again, swallowing on his own. Eventually, he began to eat soft foods.

At one point, Melville asked the Joneses to go out for some Texas barbecue to assess Anthonys sense of taste after four months on a stomach tube. He ordered a pulled pork sandwich, chopped extra fine.

MORE FROM LINDSAY PEYTON: Houston doctor gets star turn singing with Demi Lovato at inauguration

Now, Anthony eats pretty much anything he wants, Gail said. Hes doing really well.

Melville said that Anthony is functioning normally and has even returned to work.

While macroglossia is rare, Melville has received calls from COVID-19 patients in other states with the same condition. He is doing further research and looking into genomic tests to further understand treatment options.

Patients dont have to suffer, Melville said.

Still, Anthonys life hasnt completely returned to normal yet. He still steers away from harder foods  and struggles to speak as clearly as before. Part of the problem is that his enlarged tongue pressed on his bottom four teeth, loosening them to the point they had to be extracted during surgery. He has also lost almost 80 pounds due to the hospitalization.

But Anthony said the weight loss has actually helped him feel more active now.

I feel great, he said. Im blessed to be able to talk and eat again. Im not depressed anymore. I dont have the trach. I dont have the tube.

The experience has changed his outlook on just about everything, he added.

I dont take life for granted, he said. Tomorrow is not promised. Today is not even promised. Youve got to live your life to the fullest each day.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer.

Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:15 pm

QUEETS  A seven-hour fishing excursion through the Quinault Indian Reservation had come down to this. Three of us turned a corner as the fourth person in our group stood in the middle of the river battling a steelhead, looking desperately for someone to net the fish for him. I dropped my poles and made the 50-yard dash toward him, kicking up water along the way. Would I make it in time?

Constructing a plan

The idea seemed obvious. Two of my friends, my step-dad and I had all spent the last month searching for steelhead in Southwest Washington. The friends, Tyson Lorton and Garrett Dokter, had each caught one chrome steelhead this winter, while my stepdad, Ray Hawks, and I had found no luck. Hawks and I just got back into sportfishing this fall, years after giving it up. So why not improve our chances by taking every advantage we could?

Hawks is an enrolled Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) member, and has been so since I was a little kid. The Quinault Indian Nation is comprised of Quinault and Queets tribes and descendants of five other coastal tribes: Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook and Cowlitz.

Hawks is Chinook, an unrecognized tribe whose ancestral grounds are in Pacific County. Being enrolled as a Quinault allows him hunting and fishing opportunities not afforded to the white man, as Dokter and I are. Hawks gets access to some of the most prime and coveted salmon and steelhead fisheries in the entire Pacific Northwest.

The Quinault Indian Reservation encompasses the southwest corner of the Olympic National Park, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Olympic Mountains. It includes 23 miles of ocean coastline and over 200,000 acres of land.

It also includes the Quinault, Queets and Salmon rivers, along with Cook Creek, which produce not only some of the biggest salmon and steelhead runs in the state but also some of the largest fish in Washington. A tribal member can bring up to three non-enrolled fishermen with them for walk-in trips. Thats where Lorton, Dokter and I come into play.

Adventure time

The four of us converge in a dark parking lot in Aberdeen at 5:50 a.m. Sunday before beginning our trek to the Olympic Peninsula. Instead of chatting about our upcoming sport fishing were about to embark on, we all begin trading commercial fishing stories. Hawks has run his own crab boat for 30-plus years, Dokter has been a commercial fisherman since he was basically 13 and Lorton and I are both former commercial fishermen who have since left for normal jobs.

Its still dark when we arrive at Cook Creek, a tributary of the Quinault River, which contains the Quinault National Fish Hatchery and provides salmon and steelhead fish for the both systems. Its one of two hatcheries owned and operated by the tribe, the other being the Salmon River Fish Culture Facility, which produces fish for the Queets and Salmon rivers.

The Quinault National Fish Hatchery, located 15 road miles inland on Cook Creek, first opened in 1968. The hatchery grew from raising fish in small, wooden tanks, to the current facility that raises more than 3 million juvenile salmon for release into select coastal streams each year. Thats one reason why were going here first.

The other being that Lorton, who just got the news that he received the required 50 signatures to be adopted into the tribe, knows this area well. Hes fished these rivers on the reservation for years with his cousin. So while my step-dad is our native guide, Lorton, who is also native, is our actual fishing guide.

First hole

Its a bumpy, muddy three-mile journey on rugged logging roads before we arrive near the mouth of Cook Creek. Its still dark out at 7 a.m., as we rig our poles up and wait for the light of morning. Were the first ones here, though the tire tracks, fire pit and day-old steelhead carcasses show were not the only ones who use this spot.

An hour of casting our jigs and bobbers and the occasional spinner yields us no luck. Even worse, the creek is too high to cross in our chest waders, Lorton says. So we pack up our supplies and head for Plan B: Salmon River, a more popular spot that typically has more fish but is sure to be packed by the time we arrive around 8:30 a.m.

Sure enough, after a 30-minute drive, we round a corner and come across 20 or so vehicles on the side of a logging road next to a tall bridge that spans the river.

Dont worry, Lorton says as we cruise past the crowd of fishermen. Only tribal fishing is allowed on the other side of the bridge.

We come upon a locked gate a mile or so up the road that leads to the Salmon River Fish Culture Facility. Lorton has never seen this gate locked. We debate whether to turn around and go fish in the public spot with all the people we passed, or make the unknown-distance walk down to the hatchery. We decide on the latter.

Salmon River

Finally reaching the hatchery, which proved to be a half-mile walk, we come upon steelhead-rearing ponds full of tiny, juvenile fish that hammer the surface when a hatchery worker throws out a scoopful of food pellets. Walking along a small stream that connects the hatchery to the Salmon River gives us a glimpse at something even the most experienced angler rarely sees: dozens of steelhead slowly wafting in the water. Its a sight Ive never seen before. The 3-feet deep water is crystal clear, allowing us a remarkable view of these prized specimens, some with the distinct red stripe running along their side. This stream is closed, from its mouth at the Salmon River up to the hatchery.

Steelhead, one of the most prized sport fish in the world, brings thousands of out-of-state and even out-of-country visitors to the Pacific Northwest each year in hopes of landing one of the beauties. Its their heralded fighting ability, beautiful coloring and now their rarity and declining numbers that make them enticing.

Trending down

The WDFW released regulations Dec. 14 to aid native steelhead populations, as all but three coastal rivers in the state are expected to have below their escapement goals. That includes banning fishing from floating devices and the use of baits and scents.

The Olympic National Park announced Jan. 11 the early closure of the Queets River, of which the Salmon River is a tributary of, starting Feb. 1. The 2020-21 forecast for Queets wild steelhead is expected to be 637 short of its escapement goal of 4,200 fish. Wild steelhead on the river have failed to meet their escapement goal in each of the last four years, and returns in recent years were among the lowest on record.

For now, the Quinault Indian Nation rules allow for the retention of three winter steelhead per day on the Quinault, Queets and Salmon rivers, along with Cook Creek.

Back to fishing

The first deep hole we come to has long been spoken for before we get there. Just across Salmon River is what looks like a summer camping trip. Dozens of people are set up on this rocky sandbar, with pole tents set up, campfires puffing up smoke and numerous bobbers floating in the water. I spot a chrome-bright steelhead hooked to a stringer. We could have gotten here at 5 a.m. and they still probably would have beat us to the spot.

Towering over the river is what looks like someone decorated a Christmas tree with orange and pink decorations. Really, its hundreds, and I mean hundreds, of jigs and spinners snagged in the branches. If a person was able to break one of those branches off theyd be set for life.

We cast a few times anyways, hoping, just maybe, that well catch a wayward fish that hasnt already been spooked. Nothing. No bites.

Lorton leads us on what will be a two-mile adventure upriver in search of waters untouched. The four of us stick close by the entire time. All non-enrolled fishermen must be accompanied by a Quinault tribal member while fishing, and stay within 100 feet of them. We must also abide by the tribes lengthy list of COVID-19 guidelines, which includes maintaining 6 feet of distance from non-enrolled fishermen, and wearing a facemask when in close proximity to each other.

It only takes about five minutes of walking before we spot our first legal steelhead. Three of them. The hatchery does not clip the fish it produces, so they all have their adipose fin intact, meaning every fish we catch here is legal to retain.

I cast my gold spinner in front of the group, hoping to entice them to take the bait. Seven casts later brings not even a wiggle of interest, so we ford the river downstream a bit and continue on.

We hit every deep, dark-green hole we come across on this perfect winter day. Its a balmy 50 degrees with no clouds and zero precipitation. Couldnt ask for better weather.

Heart of the forest

We pass a large weir, a low-head dam that controls the water level of the river. At one point, I notice a bald eagle watching us fish on a large sitka spruce, perhaps laughing at our feeble attempts. We cross the strong-flowing river multiple times, sometimes coming up to our waists. We emerge on the edge of the Queets Rainforest, a remote, pristine area that looks exactly like pictures of the Olympic National Park you may have seen before. Thick blankets of moss hang off every branch, chest-high sword ferns pop up out of the ground and towering old-growth trees dominate the temperate rainforest. A bucolic stream, about 3 or 4 feet wide, winds lazily parallel to the Salmon River. This area holds some of the largest remnants of ancient forests left in the country.

Thats when we see it. The print. No, not sasquatch. This print is human. Specifically, one wearing a felt-bottom shoe that typically goes with a pair of chest waders. Weve been trailing at least one fisherman this entire time. Every hole weve been hitting has been sloppy seconds.

At this point, nearly a mile upriver, we decide to continue on. Were already here; might as well keep going until we actually run into them. Spoiler alert: we do.

For the next mile or so, we each get at least one bobber down that might have been a steelhead, but also might have been our jig bouncing off the rocky river bottom. It can be hard to tell sometimes. Then, rounding a corner, we see them. Three fishermen about 100 yards upstream. This is our turning-around point. Being the first people weve come across in two miles of river, we dont want to intrude. Its a common courtesy. We hit a few of the holes we previously fished on the way back, but mostly its a trudge back to the truck. Were seven hours in and, with little food, were getting hungry and tired.

End of the road

As Hawks, Lorton and I stop to fish one of the last holes, Dokter breaks off and continues downstream around a corner. We cut through a trail to hit what was our first hole of the day and what will be our last. The bank campers are still there in full force. I was half expecting a karaoke machine to be set up by now. Fifteen minutes of casting yields not even a single bite. We backtrack to find Dokter, whos probably wondering where we went.

As we emerge out of a thick blanket of brush, we see Dokter standing in the middle of the river, leaned back with his pole bent sharply. Is he snagged? I got one! Dokter yells.

I drop my two poles and begin dashing through the water toward him. Hes a few minutes into the fight already and nearly has it worn out. He guides it toward the shallows where I grab it by the tail, but the beast wiggles free and darts back into the deep water for one final push. Dokter brings it back in and Lorton grabs it by the tail with one hand and the body with his other hand, lifting it toward the bank. Dokter holds the fish while my stepdad and I snap a couple quick photos before he releases it back into the river. It jets downstream immediately and is gone within seconds. Its all we talk about as we walk the half-mile back to the truck.

Even though only one of us caught a fish, its still a successful day. For three of us, it was the excitement of exploring and fishing new territory. For the other, it was reliving past memories. For all four of us, it was about creating new memories. As we part ways, after a nine-hour fishing trip, we make plans to head back together the following weekend. Were each looking forward to creating even more memories next time.
Torosian, who is a senior member of the ruling Civil Contract party, was replaced by his first deputy, Anahit Avanesian, and appointed as chief of Pashinians staff on Monday.

Introducing Torosian to the staff, Pashinian said the Armenian state apparatus needs a major restart after the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh that plunged the country into a serious political crisis.

That restart must definitely start from the prime ministers staff, he said. That restart is the main objective set for Mr. Torosian.

The prime minister praised Torosians track record when he introduced Avanesian to senior officials from the Armenian Ministry of Health in a separate meeting. He said that the ministry has been one of our most efficient agencies despite being frequently criticized by the Armenian opposition and media. This is why, he said, the new health minister is a member of the same team that has run the ministry since May 2018.

Pashinian specifically defended its handling of the coronavirus crisis. He argued that Armenia has stopped being one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic.

There was a time (in the summer of 2020) when in the context of the fight against the coronavirus they showed us the example of other countries, saying: Look at how you should be fighting against the coronavirus, you dont know how to fight against the coronavirus.

But we were confident that we are following the balanced path. Now that our statements have been borne out by the reality they no longer show us [the example of] those countries.

Armenia has been hit hard by the pandemic, with nearly 165,000 coronavirus cases officially confirmed in the country of about 3 million so far. The real number of cases is believed to be much higher.

The Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that 9 more people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 3,007. The figure does not include the deaths of 734 other Armenians infected with the virus. According to the ministry, they were primarily caused by other diseases.

The authorities largely stopped fining people and businesses to enforce their anti-epidemic rules following the September 27 outbreak of the Karabakh war. The daily number of new COVID-19 infections reported by them grew rapidly as a result. But it has fallen significantly since mid-November.

The ministry reported 236 new cases on Tuesday, sharply down from more than 2,000 cases a day routinely recorded in late October and early November.

Despite the decreased coronavirus numbers, opposition groups and other critics of Pashinians government have continued to denounce it. They maintain that Armenia could and should have avoided many COVID-19 deaths.

The pro-government majority in the Armenian parliament last week gave the green light to a parliamentary inquiry into the governments response to the pandemic demanded by the opposition.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Serbia launched on Tuesday a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign and became the first European country to use the Chinese-made Sinopharm jab.

"It is the only way to return to normal life," said Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar, the first who received the vaccine.

"These are all very safe vaccines," Loncar said as the state-run RTS television carried his vaccination live at the virology institute in Belgrade.

There is no reason for concern regarding their safety, he stressed.

Serbia received on Saturday one million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine.

It is the third coronavirus jab used by the Balkan nation, after Pfizer-BioNTech and Russia's Sputnik V.

President Aleksandar Vucic announced earlier Tuesday the start of the mass vaccination campaign and said jabs will be administered at some 300 locations in Serbia's biggest cities.

Vucic is to be inoculated with the Sinopharm vaccine at the weekend.

Serbia secured nearly 1,055,000 doses of the three jabs and agreed on the delivery of additional six million doses, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said.

AFP data based on official sources show Serbia is the first European country to administer the Sinopharm vaccine.

The European Union-candidate country, which has also close economic and political ties with Moscow and Beijing, started vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech jabs on December 24with Brnabic receiving it.

It later imported Russian Sputnik V jabs.

Sinopharm says its vaccine is 79 percent effective against the novel coronavirus.

Another Chinese-made jab, Sinovac's CoronaVac, was rolled out in Turkey last week.

Serbia has registered nearly 380,000 infections and more than 3,700 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

By mid-January, some 20,500 peopleresidents of retirement homes and health sector employeeshave been vaccinated in the country, official figures show.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
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
Oman Shell has launched the 25-megawatt Qabas solar plant, the companys first utility-scale, photovoltaic (PV) solar project in Oman and the Middle East.



Owned by Shell, Sohar Solar Qabas is located on a 50-hectare site within Sohar Freezone in northern Oman, and consists of over 88,000 solar modules. The renewable electricity output from Qabas is supplied to a large ferrochrome production facility, displacing the equivalent gas-fired power generation taken from the grid and avoiding more than 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.



The project was completed to budget and on time while meeting Oman Shells stringent Goal Zero safety standards. It was accomplished despite unprecedented challenges created by the global Covid-19 pandemic.



Walid Hadi, Oman Shells Vice-President and Country Chairman commented: This is an incredible project and the first of its kind for Shell in the Middle East and in Oman, while being in line with our ambition to become a net-zero emission energy business by2050 or sooner. I thank the Omani government, particularly the Sohar Port and Freezone, for their collaboration and support on a project with potential for long-lasting economic value for the Sultanate.



Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Chairman of The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), said: I would like to congratulate Oman Shell and Sohar Free Zone for inaugurating this solar project in Sohar. The facility is an important milestone and it aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanates national economic ambition.



It is the first step for the Public Authority of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones plan for solar projects equating to 1 gigawatt in Sohar. This will help free up natural gas for other industrial use.  TradeArabia News Service
Mumbai/Bhopal: The makers of Tandav" on Tuesday agreed to implement changes to their controversial webseries after several FIRs were filed against the political drama for alleged inappropriate depiction of Hindu deities and calls for its ban. The day also saw many political leaders expressing the need for close monitoring of OTT platforms besides protests at some places with the demonstrators burning effigies of series director Ali Abbas Zafar among others.

Tandav", a nine-episode political thriller starring Bollywood A-listers Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, started streaming on Amazon Prime Video on Friday but the show ran into trouble over its depiction of Hindu deities. Taking cognisance of complaints over the web series, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had on Sunday sought an explanation from Amazon Prime Video on the issue.

With the controversy refusing to die down, the cast and crew of the Amazon Prime Video series Tuesday evening said they have decided to implement changes to it to address concerns. In a statement, the team said, We have utmost respect for the sentiments of the people of our country. We did not intend to hurt or offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead." Facing outrage, the cast and crew had on Monday issued an unconditional apology if their fictional show had unintentionally" hurt sentiments.

At the centre of the row is a scene with Ayyub, in the role of college student Shiva, playing the Hindu god Mahadev (also a name for Shiva) in a theatre production. Another student playing Narad wonders about the increasing followers of Lord Ram on social media. Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra condemned the way Ayyub, Khan and Zafar reacted to our religion and hurt sentiments".

The Madhya Pradesh government will register a case in this regard," he said in Bhopal. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also reacted to the controversy, saying no one has the right to hurt our faith and insult our deities." He said obscenity being served on OTT platforms is not good for our teenagers" and called for close monitoring of these platforms. Haryanas Home Minister Anil Vij demanded that Tandav" be removed from the Amazon platform, saying it has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

He also said that the Centre should make a provision that no web series can be screened without being passed by the censor board. Uttarakhand BJP vice president Devendra Bhasin said all web series should be censored before being streamed on OTT platforms.

The makers of Tandav have apologised. It is good if they really mean it.Only time will tell whether or not they make the necessary changes in the web series. However, it is time all web series are censored before being streamed on OTT platforms," he said in a tweet. OTT content does not come under the ambit of theCentral Board of Film Certificationat present. The government though had recently brought OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, besides other online news and current affairs content, under the ambit of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, giving it powers to regulate policies and rules for the digital space.

Meanwhile, there were protests at some places in Haryana by Bajrang Dal activists and VHP and Hindu Jagran Manch members in Uttar Pradesh who also burnt effigies of some stars and makers of the web series. The VHP also demanded that NSA be invoked against Zafar. In Uttar Pradesh, three FIRs have been lodged against the makers and artists of Tandav"  in Lucknow, Greater Noida and Shahjahanpur.

The complainants have alleged inappropriate depiction of Uttar Pradesh Police personnel, Hindu deities, and adverse portrayal of a character playing the prime minister in the political drama. The latest FIR at Rabupura in Greater Noida names as accused Zafar, Amazon Primes India head Aparna Purohit, producer Himanshu Kishan Mehra, writer Gaurav Solanki and actors Khan, Kapadia and Sunil Grover.

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
Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - The coronavirus pandemic is increasingly worrying health authorities in Senegal as ten new deaths were reported on Tuesday by the Ministry of Health and Social Action
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2021 / Roscan Gold Corporation ("Roscan" or the "Company") (TSX-V:ROS)(FSE:2OJ)(OTC PINK:RCGCF) is pleased to announce positive Diamond and RC drill results (Figure 1) from 23 holes totaling 4,158 metres (m) at its Kabaya Target with multiple holes intersecting high gold grades over wide intervals. Drill hole DDDBS20-008 (Figure 1) intersected 2.96 gpt over 30m starting from surface. Drill hole DDDBS20-009 intersected 2.38 gpt gold over 20m from 46m, Drill hole DDDBS20-006 intersected 2.66gpt over 17m from 166.2m and hole DDDBS20-14 ended in gold mineralization at 247.2m depth (Figure 2).

Kabaya - DD + RC Drilling Highlights

10.6 gpt gold over 3m from drill hole DDDBS20-003 from 84.6m Including 24.6 gpt gold over 1m from 84.6m And 1.64 gpt gold over 9m from drill hole DDDBS20-003 from 57.8m



3.09 gpt gold over 9.3m from drill hole DDDBS20-015 from 0m Including 8.73 gpt gold over 2m from 4.3m



2.96 gpt gold over 30m from drill hole DDDBS20-008 from 0m Including 11.7 gpt gold over 2m from 26m And 1.54 gpt gold over 15m from drill hole DDDBS20-008 from 34m



2.66 gpt gold over 17m from drill hole DDDBS20-006 from 166.2m Including 7.45 gpt gold over 2m from 171.2m And 1.07 gpt gold over 15m from drill hole DDDBS20-006 from 143.2m



2.38 gpt gold over 20m from drill hole DDDBS20-009 from 46m Including 11.9 gpt gold over 1m from 64m



1.93 gpt gold over 7m from drill hole DDDBS20-014 from 233.2m

1.71 gpt gold over 13m from drill hole DDDBS20-010 from 0m

1.65 gpt gold over 9m from drill hole RCDBS20-06 from 74m

1.47 gpt gold over 21m from drill hole RCDBS20-005 from 109m And 0.79 gpt gold over 16m from drill hole RCDBS20-005 from 90m



1.28 gpt gold over 18m from drill hole RCDBS20-002 from 141m

Notes: 1: True width yet to be determined, 2: Table 1 - Assay Highlights, 3: 0.5gpt used as cut-off with 2m internal dilution for drill holes, 4: No top-cut.

Since acquiring Kabaya in June 2020, all 23 holes drilled intersected gold mineralization (Table 2) which reflects a 100% drill success rate. The Kayaba deposit (see Disclosures below1) has a pit-constrained mineral resource to a depth of 58m, which contains 105,000 ounces of Indicated Resource and 35,000 ounces of Inferred Resource. We have now established mineralization to a depth of 196m which remains open. (Figure 2)

1 Kabaya Project (Source Komet's NI 43-101)

The mineral resource is based on optimized pit shells using a gold price of US$1,350 and a presumed heap leach gold recovery of saprolite material.

Classification Tonnage (Mt) Au (g/t) Ounces (koz) Indicated 3.17 1.03 105 Inferred 0.96 1.14 35

Pit Constraint Mineral Resource

1. Effective date for resources is January 7, 2019. (Source Komet's NI43-101)

2. The independent QP for this resources estimate is Yann Camus, Eng., SGS Canada Inc.

3. The mineral resources are presented at a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off grade in pits.

4. The resources are presented without dilution.

5. Whittle pits have been utilized based on a gold value of US$1,350/oz.

6. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

7. No economic evaluation of the resources has been produced.

8. This Resource Estimate has been prepared in accordance with CIM definition (2014).

9. Density used is of 1.7 based on measurements and similar projects.

10. Capping grade is of 30 g/t Au on original assays.

Based on the Disclosure of NI43-101, Section 2.4

a) The source is Komet's NI43-101 that is effective January,7, 2019

b) We consider the reliably and relevance to be reasonable

c) The key assumptions are listed above (1-10) Above

d) The categories are similar

e) There are no recent estimates

1Technical Report (NI43-101) dated March 5, 2019 (Effective Date: January 7, 2019) with Title Page, "Dabia Sud Property, Kabaya Resource, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mali", prepared by Yann Camus, P. Eng. And Didier Ouedraogo, P. Geo., SGS Geological Services, and filed on SEDAR on March 5, 2019.

Exciting results from hole DDDBS20-014, which intersected 1.93 gpt gold over 7m from 233.2m and ended in gold mineralization at 247.2m (Figure 2), has reinforced the need for even deeper drilling. The recent addition of our 6th rig, which has a maximum depth drilling capability of 1,400m, will greatly facilitate this deeper drilling (see news release 5th January 2021). The Kabaya deposit remains open at depth and along strike and has become another priority target for follow up drilling in 2021.

Roscan believes that the Kabaya deposit is part of a significant structural corridor which spans from Oklo Resources discoveries of Seko and Disse, to the North East of our land package and then extends for 22km on our property, from Kabaya to our recent Kandiole North Discovery (KN2) and onto our recently acquired Mankouke West Land Package, which shows a strong magnetic signature similar to the other discoveries on this corridor. (Figure 3 and news release 11th January 2021). Much of this 22km corridor has yet to be tested and thus, Roscan feels that the potential for new discoveries in this corridor is excellent and connecting these multiple targets via step out drilling will be a key priority in 2021.

Nana Sangmuah, President and CEO, stated, "These are very exciting times for the Company as we continue our success rate with additional positive results at Kabaya. These results demonstrate the potential of the magnetic structure in the corridor that extends for 22km from Kabaya to our newly acquired Mankouke West Target. This is one of five major trends of gold mineralization on our property and we will continue to aggressively drill to build ounces on these targets in 2021.

Since acquiring Kabaya in 2020, we have extended the average depth of mineralization from 58m to a vertical depth of 196 meters. Importantly, hole DDDBS20-014 our deepest intercept to date, ended in gold mineralization and remains open. This projected depth potential in gold mineralization and fresh rock will be another high priority for the Company. The drilling results, to date, have shown the potential to significantly increase the size of the gold occurrence at Kabaya."

Figure 1: Plan View delineating the new holes drilled at Kabaya Deposit

Figure 2: Cross Section depicting Depth and High-Grade Continuity - DDDBS20-014

Figure 3: Plan View of Kabaya Deposit with Magnetic Signature on the entire Property

The gold mineralization at Kabaya (Figure 4) is associated with albite-dolomite-pyrite alteration in greywackes and diamictites of the Kofi Formation. The alteration observed in the core indicates a strong hydrothermal system commonly associated with gold deposits in this area.

Figure 4: DDDBS20-08 Kabaya: 2.96 gpt Au/30m from surface including 11.7 gpt Au/2m from 26m Drilling Contract and Analytical Protocol The drilling was performed by Geodrill who employs multi-purpose (AC/RC/DD) rigs and AC rigs at the Kandiole Project. The AC drilling is mainly focused on drilling exploration targets. The Diamond Core and RC samples are sent for preparation to Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories in Bamako, Mali and assayed at their analytical facilities in Bamako and in Abidjan, Ivory Coast with fire assay with atomic absorption finish and by gravimetric finish for grades above 10gpt Au. Roscan applied industry-standard QA/QC procedures to the program. Certified reference materials, blanks and field duplicates are inserted at appropriate intervals.

Figure 5: Kabaya Small-Scale Operation depicting the significant potential

Table 1: Drillhole Highlights at Kabaya Deposit (January 18th, 2021) Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) gpt Au Comment Oxides unless otherwise noted DDDBS20-001 5 8 3 0.84 88 89 1 0.75 193 194 1 1.97 FRESH DDDBS20-002 40 43 3 3.95 47 50 3 1.02 58 59 1 0.51 66 69 3 1.36 72 76 4 0.73 79 81 2 1.00 92 94 2 1.58 FRESH 121 122 1 6.02 FRESH 133 135 2 2.71 FRESH 154 169 15 0.79 FRESH DDDBS20-003 0 0.8 0.8 1.25 LAT 57.8 66.8 9 1.64 SR 70.8 72.8 2 0.90 FRESH 76.6 78.6 2 0.78 FRESH 84.6 87.6 3 10.6 FRESH including 84.6 85.6 1 24.6 FRESH 91.6 92.6 1 0.53 FRESH 96.6 98.6 2 1.96 FRESH 104.6 108.6 4 0.78 FRESH 123.6 124.6 1 0.59 FRESH RCDBS20-001 0 6 6 0.57 LAT 64 78 14 0.99 SAP+SR RCDBS20-002 127 129 2 3.20 SR 133 138 5 1.57 SR+FRESH 141 159 18 1.28 FRESH RCDBS20-003 66 69 3 0.65 125 126 1 0.58 128 132 4 0.56 DDDBS20-004 118.3 119.3 1 0.55 141.3 142.3 1 0.62 146.3 147.3 1 0.57 DDDBS20-005 106.3 109.3 3 0.79 126.3 127.3 1 0.81 137.3 143.3 6 0.57 150.3 151.3 1 0.74 160.3 171.3 11 1.22 175.3 176.3 1 1.01 183.3 191.3 8 1.11 196.3 203.3 7 1.71 DDDBS20-006 53.2 56.2 3 1.02 59.2 60.2 1 0.67 116.2 118.2 2 1.22 122.2 124.2 2 0.80 143.2 158.2 15 1.07 162.2 163.2 1 2.28 166.2 183.2 17 2.66 including 171.2 173.2 2 7.45 199.2 200.2 1 0.76 FRESH DDDBS20-007 17 19 2 1.37 29 32 3 0.65 40 41 1 0.89 51 52 1 0.50 55 61 6 1.03 66 70 4 1.14 75 78 3 0.65 SR 84 86 2 8.26 FRESH 89.8 96.8 7 0.77 FRESH DDDBS20-008 0 30 30 2.96 including 26 28 2 11.7 34 49 15 1.54 58 62 4 0.72 66 67 1 1.26 93.8 95.8 2 2.20 FRESH 118.8 119.8 1 0.74 FRESH DDDBS20-009 0 4 4 0.68 20 29 9 1.68 33 36 3 1.56 42 43 1 0.98 46 66 20 2.38 SAP+SR including 64 65 1 11.9 SR 69.5 70.5 1 0.59 FRESH 74.5 79.5 5 0.78 FRESH 106.5 107.5 1 1.03 FRESH 110.5 112.5 2 1.67 FRESH DDDBS20-010 0 13 13 1.71 LAT+MZ 18 21 3 2.16 24 25 1 0.90 38 39 1 0.64 DDDBS20-011 0 1 1 1.14 LAT 48 50 2 1.03 53 54 1 0.94 86 87 1 0.95 RCDBS20-004 41 42 1 3.83 60 63 3 1.01 78 79 1 2.89 RCDBS20-005 58 59 1 0.54 75 79 4 0.63 82 83 1 1.12 90 106 16 0.79 109 130 21 1.47 134 135 1 2.14 DDDBS20-012 139.4 140.9 1.5 0.52 157.1 158.1 1 0.52 181.1 182.1 1 1.10 205.1 206.3 1.2 0.92 DDDBS20-013 113.3 114.3 1 0.71 127.3 128.3 1 2.83 139.3 145.3 6 0.77 148.3 151.3 3 0.83 DDDBS20-014 151.2 152.2 1 0.51 160.2 170.2 10 1.19 173.2 174.2 1 0.60 180.2 185.2 5 0.87 188.2 195.2 7 0.69 207.2 211.2 4 0.63 215.2 222.2 7 0.84 225.2 229.2 4 0.68 233.2 240.2 7 1.93 245.2 247.2 2 0.70 End of the hole DDDBS20-015 0 9.3 9.3 3.09 LAT+MZ including 4.3 6.3 2 8.73 LAT 38.3 44.3 6 0.80 RCDBS20-06 38 39 1 0.63 42 44 2 1.29 47 54 7 0.85 57 58 1 0.72 67 71 4 1.00 74 83 9 1.65 RCDBS20-07 76 81 5 0.77 84 92 8 0.87 103 104 1 1.52 107 111 4 0.99 115 120 5 0.94 RCDBS20-08 100 101 1 1.72

Table 2: Drillhole ID Kabaya Deposit (January 18th, 2021) Hole ID X Collar Y Collar Section AZM DIP DDDBS20-001 265500 1389700 1389700 90 -50 DDDBS20-002 265520 1389650 1389650 90 -50 DDDBS20-003 265498 1389598 1389600 90 -50 RCDBS20-001 265692 1389685 1389700 270 -50 RCDBS20-002 265719 1389650 1389650 270 -50 RCDBS20-003 265701 1389600 1389600 270 -50 DDDBS20-004 265175 1389400 1389400 90 -50 DDDBS20-005 265180 1389450 1389450 90 -50 DDDBS20-006 265200 1389500 1389500 90 -50 DDDBS20-007 265575 1389526 1389525 270 -50 DDDBS20-008 265624 1389672 1389675 270 -50 DDDBS20-009 265604 1389602 1389600 270 -50 DDDBS20-010 265584 1389740 1389750 270 -50 DDDBS20-011 265555 1389850 1389850 270 -50 RCDBS20-004 265572 1389526 1389525 270 -50 RCDBS20-005 265230 1389450 1389450 90 -50 DDDBS20-012 265130 1389450 1389450 90 -50 DDDBS20-013 265182 1389550 1389550 90 -50 DDDBS20-014 265105 1389450 1389450 90 -50 DDDBS20-015 265520 1389740 1389750 90 -50 RCDBS20-06 265266 1389400 1389400 90 -50 RCDBS20-07 265220 1389400 1389400 90 -50 RCDBS20-08 265175 1389251 1389250 90 -50

Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure

Greg Isenor, P. Geo., Executive Vice-Chairman for the Company, is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same.

About Roscan

Roscan Gold Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of producing gold mines (including B2 Gold's Fekola Mine which lies in a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole), and major gold deposits, located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Andrew J. Ramcharan, P.Eng

Executive Vice President - Corporate Development

Tel: (416) 572-2295

Email: aramcharan@Roscan.ca

Greg Isenor, P.Geo

Executive Vice-Chairman

Tel: (902) 902-221-2329

Email: gpisenor@Roscan.ca

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Roscan Gold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/624671/Roscan-Gold-Intersects-30m-at-296gpt-20m-at-238gpt-and-17m-at-266gpt-at-Kabaya-and-Significantly-Extends-Gold-Mineralization-to-196m-Depth
CARROLLTON Greene County is turning 200 on Wednesday. To celebrate, the historical society is working on a book to tell the stories of the people that built it.

The history of a county is built on the people that live there.

It is those stories that the Greene County Historical Society is hoping to share in a new book it is working to compile as the county celebrates its 200th year as a county of Illinois.

Larry Gillingham, the vice president of the Greene County Historical Society, said the stories of the everyday person  not the well known families in Greene County history  will be the primary tales in the books.

These are stories about ordinary people over the last 200 years, Gillingham said. It is strictly about Greene County residents.

So far the society has collected between 24 and 36 stories for the book, but he said there are so many stories the make up the history of the county, with one of the earliest stories taking place in 1821.

Greene County was established as an Illinois county on Jan. 20, 1821, after Gen. Nathaniel Greene, a Revolutionary War hero.

Greene Countys county seat, Carrollton, will also be celebrating its 200th birthday this year

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the collection of the stories and photos have delayed the development of the book, Gillingham said, though he hopes things will resume soon.

Gillingham said that it takes a large amount of people to gather the stories and pictures, as well as to arrange the book before it goes to an editor in Texas. Once completed, he said the society would work with a local publisher.

This pays tribute to the lives and history of Greene County, Gillingham said. These arent the people who have been written about before.

The book is a part of the bicentennial, though most of the countys celebrations were done during the state bicentennial in 2018.

These are cute stories of our past, Gillingham said. We want to share them, thats what we are trying to do.

There is currently no timeline for the completion of the book.
In a heart-wrenching video, a CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) constable on Monday saved the life of a man who fell unconscious at the Delhi metro station by performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on him. This incident took place at Delhi Metro's Dabri Mor Station. CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is performed when the heart stops beating.

READ | Chennai: Airport Employee, Passenger From Dubai Held For Gold Smuggling

Watch: CISF personnel at Delhi metro station saves 45-yr old man

#CISF personnel saved a precious life by giving CPR to a passenger namely Mr Satyanaran, R/O Janakpuri @ Dabri More Metro Station, DMRC, Delhi. Mr Satyanaran thanked CISF profusely for saving his life. pic.twitter.com/iqlMyeSIhd  CISF (@CISFHQrs) January 18, 2021

READ | SC Stays FIR Against BJP Bengal Neta Kabir Bose; Issues Notice On Vendetta Charge

In the 22-second-long CCTV video shared by CISF on their official Twitter handle, the 45-year-old man identified as Satyanaran who is a resident of Janakpuri fell unconscious on the floor. Meanwhile, the CISF constable who was deployed at the security point of Dabri metro station, promptly came forward to assist the passenger by performing CPR medical procedure following which the unconscious man returns to his senses.

Subsequently, an ambulance was called at the spot to shift the person to the hospital for further medical assistance. Shift in-charge of CISF and Station Controller reached the spot and asked the passenger to seek further medical assistance, but he denied to go to the hospital. Later, Satyanaran thanked the CISF for saving his life.

READ | Noida: CISF Havildar Rushed To Hospital After He Suffers Heart Attack At Metro Station

Lady jawan saves man who fell on train tracks

Earlier on December 27, 2020, a man named Irani Kaizhad was saved by a brave woman jawan of Maharashtra security force after he fell down on the railway track at Mumbai Grant Road Railway Station on Saturday. According to the visuals, it could be seen that as soon as the man fell on the track due to dizziness, a train was seen coming on the same track and just then the lady officer Lata Bhosle jumped on the track, signalled the motorman to stop the train and saved the life of the young man. As per reports, Irani Khizhad was brought to the platform and was given first aid.

READ | Fringe Group Unfurls Saffron Flags Outside Taj Mahal; 4 Booked For 'promoting Enmity'

CISF jawan saves life of Delhi Metro passenger
The Capitol area of Washington hunkering down under a pall of fear was put in a lockdown on Monday when a fire broke out in a camp of homeless people near the site of Wednesday's inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President.

rehearsal for the inauguration -- the swearing-in ceremony -- was disrupted when the fire and explosions happened, but it was not found to be a security threat as only propane tanks at the camp exploded from the accidental fire.

Neither Biden nor Harris was at the rehearsal.

The military band and others participating in the rehearsal were ordered to take shelter in a secure area.

The lockdown was lifted after the fire was not considered a threat by officials.

The heart of the city looks like an armed camp with about 15,000 National Guard troops deployed in response to the storming of the Capitol by some of President Donald Trump's supporters on January 6 and the breakdown of security. About 10,000 more are expected.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned of threats from extremists to Washington and state capitals around the country before and during the inauguration.

The presence of some police and other security personnel as well as several ex-service personnel at the attack on Congress has raised fears that the troops deployed for inaugural security may themselves be a security threat.

The FBI and other agencies have been vetting the National Guard at the request of the Defence Department.

National Guard Commanding General William Walker told Fox News TV the vetting was a matter of "abundance of caution" being carried out "to make sure that we have the right people in the security bubble".

None of the attacks, riots or large protests that had been anticipated during the weekend or on Monday, the public holiday celebrating the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, have materialised.

But the fears of attacks or disruptions for the inauguration persist.

The January 6 riots took place after Trump addressed a rally urging his supporters to protest the election of Biden, which he said was the result of massive fraud. About 50 legal challenged by him and his supporters to the election have been thrown out by courts.

Many of his supporters marched to the Capitol, which houses Congress. just as the Senate and the House of Representatives were in the process of ratifying the votes of the electoral college electing Biden.

A section of the rioters overwhelmed security and rushed inside the Capitol building, entering the Senate chamber and the office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, while members of Congress were evacuated to safety.

Five people, including a police officer, died during the riot and a nation-wide hunt is on for those who entered the Capitol and several have already been arrested..

The House impeached Trump on Wednesday, charging him with inciting an insurrection and threatening democracy.

Under the impeachment process, the Senate is to hold a judicial-style trial of Trump with the senators acting as jurors.
There are high hopes for the next generation of high energy-density lithium metal batteries, but before they can be used in our vehicles, there are crucial problems to solve. An international research team led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has now developed concrete guidelines for how the batteries should be charged and operated, maximising efficiency while minimising the risk of short circuits.

Lithium metal batteries are one of several promising concepts that could eventually replace the lithium-ion batteries which are currently widely used - particularly in various types of electric vehicles.

The big advantage of this new battery type is that the energy density can be significantly higher. This is because one electrode of a battery cell - the anode - consists of a thin foil of lithium metal, instead of graphite, as is the case in lithium-ion batteries. Without graphite, the proportion of active material in the battery cell is much higher, increasing energy density and reducing weight. Using lithium metal as the anode also makes it possible to use high-capacity materials at the other electrode - the cathode. This can result in cells with three to five times the current level of energy-density.

The big problem, however, is safety. In two recently published scientific articles in the prestigious journals Advanced Energy Materials and Advanced Science, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, together with colleagues in Russia, China and Korea, now present a method for using the lithium metal in an optimal and safe way. It results from designing the battery in such a way that, during the charging process, the metal does not develop the sharp, needle-like structures known as dendrites, which can cause short circuits, and, in the worst cases, lead to the battery catching fire. Safety during charging and discharging is the key factor.

"Short circuiting in lithium metal batteries usually occurs due to the metal depositing unevenly during the charging cycle and the formation of dendrites on the anode. These protruding needles cause the anode and the cathode to come into direct contact with one another, so preventing their formation is therefore crucial. Our guidance can now contribute to this," says researcher Shizhao Xiong at the Department of Physics at Chalmers.

There are a number of different factors that control how the lithium is distributed on the anode. In the electrochemical process that occurs during charging, the structure of the lithium metal is mainly affected by the current density, temperature and concentration of ions in the electrolyte.

The researchers used simulations and experiments to determine how the charge can be optimised based on these parameters. The purpose is to create a dense, ideal structure on the lithium metal anode.

"Getting the ions in the electrolyte to arrange themselves exactly right when they become lithium atoms during charging is a difficult challenge. Our new knowledge about how to control the process under different conditions can contribute to safer and more efficient lithium metal batteries," says Professor Aleksandar Matic from Chalmers' Department of Physics.

###

More about: The research project

The international research collaboration between Sweden, China, Russia and Korea is led by Professor Aleksandar Matic and researcher Shizhao Xiong at the Department of Physics at Chalmers. The research in Sweden is funded by FORMAS, STINT, the EU and Chalmers Areas of Advance.

More about: The scientific publications

The scientific article 'Insight into the Critical Role of Exchange Current Density on Electrodeposition Behavior of Lithium Metal' has been published in Advanced Science. The article is written by Yangyang Liu, Xieyu Xu, Matthew Sadd, Olesya O. Kapitanova, Victor A. Krivchenko, Jun Ban, Jialin Wang, Xingxing Jiao, Zhongxiao Song, Jiangxuan Song, Shizhao Xiong and Aleksandar Matic.

The researchers are active at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in Russia, Xi'an Jiaotong University in China and at Chalmers University of Technology.

https:/ / onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ 10. 1002/ advs. 202003301

The scientific article 'Role of Li-Ion Depletion on Electrode Surface: Underlying Mechanism for Electrodeposition Behavior of Lithium Metal Anode' has been published in Advanced Energy Materials. The article is written by Xieyu Xu, Yangyang Liu, Jang-Yeon Hwang, Olesya O. Kapitanova, Zhongxiao Song, Yang-Kook Sun, Aleksandar Matic and Shizhao Xiong.

The researchers are active at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia, Xi'an Jiaotong University in China, Chonnam National University and Hanyang University in Korea, as well as at Chalmers University of Technology.

https:/ / onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ 10. 1002/ aenm. 202002390

More about: Next generation batteries

There are a number of battery concepts which researchers hope will eventually be able to replace today's lithium-ion batteries. Solid state batteries, lithium-sulphur batteries and lithium air batteries are three oft-mentioned examples. In all these concepts, lithium metal needs to be used on the anode side to match the capacity of the cathode and maximise the energy density of the cell. The goal is to produce safe, high energy-density batteries that take us further, at lower cost - both economically and environmentally. So far, researchers estimate that a breakthrough to the next generation of batteries is at least ten years away.

At Chalmers, research is conducted in a number of projects in the field of batteries and the researchers participate in both national and international collaborations and are part of the large European initiative 2030+ in the BIGMAP project.

For more information contact:

Shizhao Xiong,

Researcher, Department of Physics,

Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden,

+46 31 7726284,

shizhao.xiong@chalmers.se

Aleksandar Matic,

Professor, Department of Physics,

Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden,

+46 31 772 51 76,

matic@chalmers.se
MLK Jr. Unity program celebrates African American businesses, schools

Odell Suber Jr. performs in the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity celebration.

Introduced by United Breakfast Chair Shirley Davidson, the program features opening and closing gospel songs by Odell D. Suber Jr., and sketches by Ronnie Pepper, who shared brief history sketches of important African-American businesses and institutions during "separate but equal" segregation. The video was made in a partnership with the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

Pepper's tour included the James Pilgrim Funeral Home, 836 Third Ave. West; the Landina Guest House, at 17 First Avenue West, which was listed in the "Green Book" African-American travelers used to find overnight lodging; the African-American section of Oakdale Cemetery; the site of the old Sixth Avenue School, which opened in 1916 and served all grades of African-American students (later replaced by the Ninth Avenue School, which served black children from three counties); the site of Buster Robinson's cab stand, first in the Green Meadows community and later on Whitted Street at Seventh Avenue West; the grill run by Estelle and Sylvester, which sold Jack cookies (2 for a penny), served chicken boxes and hot dogs and played Ray Charles on the jukebox; the more than 150-year-old Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church on Mine Gap Road and the Mud Creek Association, where migrants received education, vaccinations and health care; the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church cemetery, where black people are buried along with white people; and apple orchards in Edneyville.

"You had black people that owned orchards and farms," Pepper said. "They don't realize how spread out our (people in the) community of color are. Even though you don't see us, we're there. Just like in the history books, we're between the pages, present and working hard."

To close the 24-minute program, Terry Young read select quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. including this year's theme, "The time is always right to do what is right."

The MLK Day of Service also announced plans for this year. Several youth groups will host a short Zoom opening program honoring Dr. Kings legacy. Then, as in past years, they will gather safely with each other or their families to bag family meals of rice and beans for the clients of The Storehouse, 1049 Spartanburg Highway. The bagged meals will be delivered to the Storehouse.

Everyone is also invited to drive by the Storehouse between 1:30 and 3 p.m. to drop off non-perishable food or money to help provide food to members of our community who have been particularly affected by the coronavirus and the accompanying financial distress. Food can also be dropped off at the entrance to the St. James Parish Hall from 1 to 2 p.m.




People who dont know they have the virus that causes COVID-19 are significantly more likely to spread it, accounting for more than 50% of transmissions according to some studies. Early detection is the key to slowing both this pandemic and future pandemics, and a growing number of scientists believe that smart watches  which measure subtle changes in heart rate and temperature  could hold the answer.

Of course, thermometers and methods of taking a patients pulse have existed for centuries and are easily administered by laypeople in their homes. But with COVID-19, the symptoms are so subtle, and the human body so inconsistent, that its easy for its symptoms to be missed.

Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) - Space Gray Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - amazon.com 169 Shop Now

Youre usually told that the normal temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees, which is wrong, Dr. Michael Snyder, from the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford, told American Innovation. For like 25% of people, its 94.6 degrees, and for 75% of people, its 99.1.

That means if youre one of the people with a lower than normal body temperature, a fever that increasese your body by 4 degrees Fahrenheit will read as perfectly healthy on a normal thermometer.

An Apple Watch, or other smartwatch, solves this problem by monitoring your health constantly. It will know, hours after you purchase it, your consistent body temperature and how much it fluctuates during a normal day. Once you start moving outside that range, the smartwatch will know far faster than a regular thermometer that something is wrong.

Specific to COVID-19, one of the earliest symptoms is a mild increase in heart rate, which can be as small as two beats per minute. Since the difference comes down to heart rate variability, rather than a steady increase in beats-per-minute, such a change would be almost impossible to detect with a finger to the wrist or even a stethoscope. But various studies have found that you can detect those symptoms as often as 63% of the time.

Apple Watch Series 5

Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm) - Silver Aluminum Case with White Sport Band - amazon.com 349.00 Shop Now

Our goal was to use tools to identify infections at time of infection or before people knew they were sick, Rob Hirten, an assistant professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told CBS News.

In Hirtens study, Apple Watches are showing significant changes in HRV metrics up to seven days before individuals had a positive nasal swab.

Apple has not participated in the study, but CEO Tim Cook commented that most of the money in healthcare goes to cases that werent identified early enough. It will take some time, but things that we are doing now  give me a lot of cause for hope.
Forget about the Democrats

Lets forget about the demarcates . Lets forget about Benner Sanders , AOC.

Lets forget about Joe Biden and Kamala Harris;

They are the lefts who always wanted to do the left things

Lets look at the republicans side and nonpartisan side.

Not to mention republican candidate 2008 John MacCain and Cindy MacCain ( Cindy MacCain endorsed Joe Biden)

Not to mention republican candidate 2012, mitt Romney

Not to mention republican PACs like Lincoln project, Republicans vote against Trump, push43 for Biden , and PAC run by Trumps former communication director Anthony Scramucci.

Not to mention former Ohio republicans governor John kasich, who also endorsed Joe Biden.

Among 9 justices 5 of them including 3 of them were nominated by Trump rejected the law sue case brought by Trumps campaign and his supporters

Over 60 law sue cases were either withdrew or dismissed, by judges , many of them were nominated by Trump himself.

Georgia republican governor and republican secretary of state, on the record told Trump : your data is bad, Biden wow the state.

Who is more nonpartisan than 10 former secretary of defense include ones worked in Trumps administration , Dick Cheney and many worked in republican administration. They wrote an open letter to call all man and woman in uniform to loyal to constitution rather than a person even that is the sitting president.

Who is more nonpartisan than the 8 generals in Joint Chiefs of Staff, they wrote the similar letter to all man and woman in uniform.

Who is more loyal to trump than Mike Pence, who is more conservative than the governor of ruby red state Indiana?

Yes, there was not much pence could do in congress join session election result certification proceeding. But he could decide to do absolutely nothing, he could decide do a No Show, but he didnt.

Do you know the national Guards in DC were under the order of Vice president Pence.

Many members brought their family members to the capital building, include Mike Pence, do we ask ourselves why ?

Who is more conservative than Liz Cheney, the congress member from Wyoming.

She wrote the following :

"The president of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing," Cheney continued. "None of this would have happened without the president. The president could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence. He did not. There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution."

In congress second impeachment vote, there were 10 republicans voted for impeachment. 5 more than demarcates voted for Clinton impeachment.

Who is more supportive to Trump administration than Mittch McConnell. Do you still remember his stand on Trumps first impeachment? Dead at its arrival was what he said.

What he said to his fellow GOP senators : you vote based on your own conscience

In up coming Senate impeachment hearing, there is no way to convict Trump without 17 republican senators vote for Yes.

This is a nation of Law and Order, if you do not like the law, you can push for legislation to change it, but before it is changed, we do things following the law.

This union is a federation union, election is managed by the each individual states following their own laws and procedures.

Supreme count is the final authority on how to interpret constitution

Lets trust the elected leaders will do the righting for the nation and for this greatest democracy in the world!
[January 19, 2021] Telco Systems Upgrades its NFVTime Edge Compute Management Solution for Public Cloud

MANSFIELD, Mass., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Telco Systems, the leading provider of innovative SDN/NFV, CE 2.0, MPLS and IP solutions, today announced that the company has upgraded its NFVTime uCPE and Edge Compute solution to support public Cloud environments, including Amazaon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. As part of the upgrade, Telco Systems has completely rearchitectured its MANO (management and orchestration) to operate natively in public Clouds. This upgrade also includes full security and availability mechanisms for these platforms. Telco Systems' new NFVTime uCPE and Edge Compute offering allows its telco and managed service provider customers to focus on expanding their portfolios of NFV-based services and generating new sources of revenue from their business customer segments. By running the NFVTime uCPE MANO solution in a public Cloud environment, service providers no longer need to spend valuable time and resources managing the IT and security issues that typically impact private Cloud environments. Telco Systems reports that the company is receiving strong interest in its NFVTime uCPE offering for ublic Cloud environments from Tier 1 and 2 service providers in North America and Western Europe as well as small operators in emerging markets, especially across Asia and Africa. The company notes that the market opportunity for more resiliency, security and availability of a public Cloud MANO is accelerating the demand for its new NFVTime offering.



"The telecom market is discovering the beauty of the public Cloud," explained Ariel Efrati, CEO of Telco Systems. "Our exciting new uCPE offering for the public Cloud is attracting attention from forward thinking service providers around the world, accelerating its adoption and providing valuable new use cases for their enterprise customers." NFVTime is an open plug-and-play virtualization suite. The solution provides a complete environment for quick service deployments with centralized management and orchestration. It features zero touch provisioning that ensures all new white box devices and third party VNFs are configured, up-to-date and fully operational within minutes.

About Telco Systems Telco Systems delivers an industry-leading portfolio of Carrier Ethernet and MPLS-based demarcation, aggregation, NFV and uCPE solutions, enabling service providers to create intelligent, service-assured networks for mobile backhaul, business services and Cloud networking. Telco Systems' end-to-end Ethernet, SDN/NFV-ready product portfolio delivers significant advantages to service providers, utilities and city carriers competing in a rapidly evolving telecommunications market. Telco Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of BATM Advanced Communications (LSE: BVC). To learn more, visit Telco Systems at www.telco.com. Press Contact Tony Miller

+1-617-418-3024

tony@noteya.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telco-systems-upgrades-its-nfvtime-edge-compute-management-solution-for-public-cloud-301210754.html SOURCE Telco Systems

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
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.
Russia has no right to intervene in the sovereign decisions of democracies, in particular Ukraine and Georgia, on joining NATO.

Ive heard that question phrased in different ways many times  as if, in a way, the enlargement of NATO has been some kind of aggressive action against Russia; has justified Russias use of force against other countries, like you mentioned, Donbas and Georgia and so on. I think we have to start with the basics. The basics is that all countries in Europe have signed the Helsinki Final Act - and also many other documents - which clearly states that all nations have the sovereign right of choosing their own path. Its so obvious that sovereign nations should have and must have the right to decide their own path, including what kind of security arrangements they want to be part of, or not want to be part of, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the Sciences PO Youth & Leaders Summit, answering a question whether NATO enlargement fuels Russian aggression against neighbouring countries.

He recalled that gaining NATO membership was once a sovereign decision of Eastern European countries, including the three Baltic states which were once part of the USSR. At the same time, NATO has never forced anyone to join. These countries themselves chose the path of joining the Alliance through the democratic procedures.

We will never force a country to join. So, when our good friends and neighbours, Finland or Sweden have, for decades, decided they dont want to be members of NATO, we totally respect that. But when countries like Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and many others, Romania, decide that they want to be members, of course, if they meet the NATO standards, they should be allowed to be members, NATO Secretary General said.

He stressed that the issue of whether a country should join NATO or not should be decided only by the country and the Allies. Russia has no right to try to intervene or to block or to stop the membership of a sovereign nation into NATO.

Georgia wants to become a member of NATO. And thats not for Russia to stop. Whether Georgia becomes a member of NATO or not is for Georgia and NATO Allies to decide, and only them Its not for Russia to decide what Georgia is to do And, therefore, what they [Russia] have done in Abkhazia, in South Ossetia, violating their territorial integrity, the sovereignty of Georgia, an independent country, is unacceptable. The same with Ukraine, of course, illegal annexation of Crimea, destabilising Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Its violating absolute fundamental principles in the way we should create a peaceful, stable world, Stoltenberg stressed.

He added that NATOs role is to provide support to Ukraine and Georgia in capacity-building and reforms.

We have presence in different ways [of cooperation] in both Georgia and Ukraine. But, of course, we need to find political solutions. Different conflicts, Moldova, Nagorno Karabakh, different conflicts, but the main message is that we should respect the sovereignty. And, of course, we should also look for political solutions. And NATO supports the different efforts to find political negotiated solutions to the different conflicts, more or less frozen, NATO Secretary General said.

ol
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
A married couple from South Carolina have been arrested for allegedly having sex on a Ferris wheel in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and in other public places, videotaping their trysts and then sharing the recordings on a porn website.

Eric and Lori Harmon, both 36, have been charged with indecent exposure for allegedly engaging in amorous activities inside a glass gondola at the SkyWheel: a 187-foot-tall observation wheel that is one of the largest attractions of its kind in North America.

Police launched an investigation into the Harmon couple on January 12, after discovering videos online they say are depicting the two having sex in public.

Eric and Lori Harmon, both 36, have been charged with indecent exposure for allegedly making and sharing videos showing themselves having sex in public

The pair allegedly had a tryst on the SkyWheel attraction in Myrtle Beach in early January

According to court records cited by Myrtle Beach Sun News, one video from January 2 shows Eric and Lori Harmon having sex inside one of SkyWheel's 42 glass gondolas in full view of the public.

Another video that was discovered on a porn site is said to show the duo exposing themselves, having sexual intercourse in a community pool in Horry County, S.C., and performing other lewd acts last month.

During the incident in the pool, Lori also allegedly urinated on two vending machines.

In another instance that was said to have occurred in December in Murrells Inlet, the Harmons allegedly shot video that showed the wife exposing herself and urinating inside a public elevator.

Lori now faces three counts of indecent exposure, two counts of participation in preparation of obscene material, and malicious injury to personal property. They are Class A misdemeanors. She was released from jail on $18,000 bond, reported CBS17.

Police were said to have discovered a video on a porn site that shows the Harmons having sex inside on of SkyWheel's 42 glass gondolas (stock image)

Eric has been charged with two counts of indecent exposure and one charge of participation in preparation of obscene material - Class A misdemeanors. He was freed after posting $14,000 bond.

A representative at SkyWheel has released a statement condemning the Harmons suspected conduct.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach prides ourselves in providing a safe, family friendly attraction and atmosphere, the statement read. This incident that we are just becoming aware of is extremely disturbing. We have not been notified yet from the authorities regarding this incident, but are ready to cooperate in any way we can.

These actions do not reflect our values, and we do not tolerate any behavior that does not coincide with our family friendly environment.
Benefit Vantage Limited, the company behind the one-click mobile authentication, user verification, and fraud prevention solution, IPification was just selected among the Top 10 global startups at JUMPSTARTER 2021.

JUMPSTARTER is an initiative organized by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund with the goal to build, empower, and boost Hong Kong's startup ecosystem by bringing high-quality, high-impact entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and the public together.

After more than 2000 startup applications and two rounds of preselection, IPification will take part in the grand finale of this global startup competition where two winners will be chosen. They will have the opportunity to win investments of up to US$4 million.

"It was the greatest honor to be selected among the top 200 global startups in the first preselection round. But then, IPification was selected among the top 20, and now among the top 10 startups," said Stefan Kostic, IPification CEO. "That brought not only a great sense of pride, but it was all the confirmation we needed to push harder than ever before on our journey of building the backbone of secure, seamless mobile authentication."

"The scale of this achievement makes it one for the books, and we are looking forward to the grand finale. Thank you JUMPSTARTER 2021, and thank you Team IPification for all the great work," added Harry Cheung, the president of IPification.

IPification has finished 2020 having deployed its patented mobile authentication, user verification, and fraud prevention technology in more than 11 different markets and reaching more than 350 million devices worldwide.

About IPification

IPification is building the backbone for mobile authentication of today and tomorrow via cutting edge technology. MobileID is created from a unique SIM, device, and verified phone number parameters extracted via IP address. This way, IPification's patented technology is enabling secure, passwordless, zero-tap compatible mobile user authentication, phone verification, and fraud prevention solutions for any mobile application. In partnership with Mobile Network Operators, IPification is readily available across numerous countries and regions, and trusted by some of the leading telco, technology, payment, and OTT companies including Microsoft, GBG, DataZoo, 3HongKong, Axiata Digital.

As part of Benefit Vantage Limited, the leader in Asia for providing security and data backup solutions headquartered in Hong Kong, IPification has offices and representatives operating in the U.S., U.K., Serbia, Switzerland, Bosnia, Brazil, India, Vietnam and Pakistan.

For more information, please visit www.ipification.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005466/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact Maja Perovic Baines maja@ipification.com




By Kim Bo-eun







Renault Samsung Motors announced on Tuesday its launch of a mobile application offering auto loans to customers.







The Renault Finance app was launched by the local branch of the carmaker's auto-financing unit, RCI.







Renault said the app makes it easier and faster for customers to apply for loans to purchase vehicles.







The app allows customers to check loan eligibility and choose personalized financial products. The entire process is conducted via the application, with a simple verification process.







This enables around-the-clock loan screening, including on holidays and weekends, which speeds up the process of purchasing automobiles for customers.







Customers can save a QR code to their phone which staff at dealerships can scan to access their loan eligibility data, saving staff and customers time.







Renault said the app will be useful for customers who prefer conducting online transactions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.







Both Koreans and foreigners can use the app, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. RCI Korea is offering coffee coupons to customers purchasing vehicles via the Renault Finance app through Feb. 28. They will also be given a chance to win a smartwatch.







"Renault Finance was developed to provide the best customer experience to customers of Renault Samsung Motors," RCI Korea CEO Franck Malochet said.







"RCI Korea will make efforts to satisfy customers who seek reliable personalized contactless financial services at a time countless services incorporating AI technology and fintech are available."







RCI Korea is an auto finance company established in 2003. It is the local branch of RCI Bank and Services which is wholly-owned by France's Renualt group. RCI Bank and Services provides various financial products and services for Renault Samsung Motors and brands included in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-20 04:21:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TRIPOLI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Tuesday said that the Libyan Constitutional Committee held its second meeting in Egypt's Hurghada to discuss constitutional arrangements for the Libyan elections.

The meeting, attended by two delegations from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, each comprising 10 members, "is convened to discuss the constitutional arrangements necessary for the holding of elections on December 24, 2021," the UNSMIL said in a statement.

"If you fail to reach an agreement, this will have very negative repercussions on the other tracks including the security and economic situation," Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Libya Stephanie Williams was quoted as saying in her opening remarks.

"Therefore, you have a great responsibility to reach a consensus on the constitutional arrangements," she said.

The UNSMIL confirmed its support and encouragement to constructive dialogue between the two sides, adding that it looks forward to the outcome of the committee's deliberations by the 60-day deadline.

During the first meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum held on Nov. 7-15, 2020 in Tunisia's capital Tunis, 75 Libyans representing the social and political spectrum of the Libyan society discussed a political roadmap to achieve lasting peace in war-torn Libya, and agreed to hold general elections on Dec. 24, 2021.

Libya has been suffering escalating violence and unrest since the 2011 fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. Enditem

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP)  A federal judge in Oklahoma has ordered the new owners of an Oklahoma zoo featured in Netflixs Tiger King documentary to turn over all the lion and tiger cubs in their possession, along with the animals mothers, to the federal government.

U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III issued the order last week in the case against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe and the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park based on claimed violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act.

The Lowes have showed a shocking disregard for both the health and welfare of their animals, as well as the law, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Jeffrey Lowes attorney, Daniel Card of Oklahoma City, didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

The Lowes took over operations of the zoo, which was previously run by Joseph Maldonado-Passage  also known as Joe Exotic  and featured in Netflixs Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.

Maldonado-Passage is serving a 22-year sentence in a Fort Worth, Texas, federal prison for his conviction on charges that he participated in a murder-for-hire plot and violated federal wildlife laws. Maldonado-Passage has formally requested a pardon from outgoing President Donald Trump.
As reports suggest that India's possible export of COVID-19 vaccines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hints at distributing Covid vaccines with the neighbouring countries.

Replying to a tweet of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Modi said we will continue to give due importance to our Neighborhood First policy while collectively fighting the pandemic.

Thank you, President @GotabayaR. We will contrinue to give due importance to our Neighborhood First policy while collectively fighting the pandemic. https://t.co/tIXUfxqaMG  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2021

Meanwhile, a multi-ministerial meeting on Monday discussed various aspects of India's possible export of COVID-19 vaccines in view of requests from an increasing number of countries to procure the vaccines, people familiar with the development said.

Ministry of External Affairs said the ministries of health, commerce, external affairs and the Department of Pharmaceuticals are among the key stakeholders involved in the possible export of the vaccines.

MEA also said, several countries have approached India for the procurement of the vaccines. It is learnt that countries in India's neighbourhood are likely to get the supplies first.

On Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the government is assessing the production schedules and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines, and any decision on their supply to other countries "may take some time".

"In so far as requests from countries for vaccines from India, you would recall that Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has already stated that India's vaccine production and delivery capacity would be used for the benefit of all humanity in fighting this crisis," he had said at a media briefing.

Covishield to be given to Bhutan for free

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on Monday confirmed that Indian government will provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country for free.

"GoI has announced that they will provide vaccines for free and if we have to procure vaccines then His Majesty has said he would even provide from his personal resources," PM Tshering was quoted by The Bhutanese.

"If we have to buy the vaccines then we may to spend USD 6 million. His Majesty was informed by the GoI that they value the old ties with Bhutan and will help Bhutan. We have told GoI that we plan to vaccinate the whole eligible population in one go and they said they understand," Tshering said.

Tshering further said that Bhutan was likely to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India. "It looks like we will get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India," he was quoted by the Bhutanese daily.

This comes after the Nepal Government approved the emergency use of the 'Covishield' vaccine last week, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

The Indian side assured that the "requirements of Nepal would be in priority consideration after the roll-out of vaccines", said the Nepal Embassy following the approval of the vaccine.

India to gift 2 mln doses of 'Covishield' to Bangladesh

Bangladesh will receive 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' as a gift from India on January 20.

Citing the letter by the Indian High Commission written to the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka Tribune reported that a special flight from India carrying the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20.

The Health Services Division under the Ministry has issued a letter to the drug regulator the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to take appropriate steps to administer the vaccine.

The vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS' facilities, such as the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), Dhaka Tribune further said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that additional storage for the COVID-19 vaccines will be provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). On January 8, Bangladesh had approved the procurement of 30 million doses of Covishield COVID-19 vaccine from India

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.


Acle Methodists bring January cheer

Acle Methodist Church is bringing some cheer into the local community with its response to the national January Light project.

The church creates regular displays in its church windows in order to brighten up the village and as a reminder that it is still an active church despite the building being closed for worship. There were poppies in November, angels bearing messages of hope in December and in January there is a lighthouse, below, which has been adopted by many churches as the symbol of the January Light project.



The Methodist church wants to encourage community participation for its February display and has launched a heart appeal, inviting children and adults to make and decorate a heart in any way they like. Being creative is a good way to beat the January blues and it is hoped the church will be full of colourful hearts spreading a little love through February.



January Light encourages churches to spread a little light in their community during January, which can be a dismal month at the best of times explained Sara Edwards from Acle Methodist Church.



Acle has reached out to the community in several ways. An artist has painted over 60 pebbles, pictured top, with cheerful pictures or messages which are gradually being left around the village. There was a poignant response to this when someone found one of the smallest stones, painted as a robin. They reported that a family member had died of Covid the day before and finding the robin had caused them to recall the verse Robins appear when loved ones are near and thanked the church for this lovely act of kindness during these crazy times.



Church members have also engaged in writing specially designed January Light postcards to those who are alone or missed and sharing uplifting messages and images on its Facebook page.



The church will conclude its participation in the project by holding an online Light Service on Sunday January 31 at 5pm.



Visit the Acle Methodist Facebook page .



For more about January Light, visit januarylight.org .



The images above are courtesy of Sara Edwards.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in East Norfolk?

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.

Tony Rothe, 19/01/2021
Fixing the Economy

Twelve years ago, President Barack Obama inherited an economy in free fall. Mr. Biden has better luck: The economy has rebounded significantly from the collapse last spring, in large part because of trillions of dollars in federal aid. Progress has slowed in recent months, however, and in December, it went into reverse as employers cut jobs in the face of the resurgent pandemic.

Mr. Bidens first job will be to right the ship, something he proposes to do via a $1.9 trillion spending plan he announced last week. Once the immediate crisis passes, Mr. Biden will face a perhaps even more difficult set of challenges: healing the scars that the pandemic has left on families and communities, and addressing the deep-seated issues of inequality that have existed for decades but that the pandemic laid bare.

 Ben Casselman

Tackling Big Tech

The recent decisions by Facebook, Twitter and other technology companies to cut off President Trump and right-wing groups sharply escalated the debate over online speech and the influence of Silicon Valley.

At the center of the debate is a law known as Section 230, which absolved websites of legal responsibility for the content they host. Republicans and some Democrats are calling to revise or revoke the law, while the powerful tech companies will probably resist major changes. The Biden administration also inherits the federal governments antitrust lawsuits against Google and Facebook, and a Congress that continues to scrutinize the industrys might.

 Cecilia Kang

Rethinking Taxes

Mr. Biden has repeatedly declared that the federal tax code favors the rich and large corporations, and has proposed several measures to make them pay more, to finance spending on clean energy, infrastructure, education and other parts of his domestic agenda. He wants to roll back some of Mr. Trumps 2017 tax cuts for people earning more than $400,000, and to raise rates on companies, high-earning investors and heirs to large fortunes. Mr. Biden will need to overcome resistance from business lobbyists and square his proposals with competing plans from top congressional Democrats, who also want to raise taxes on corporations and the rich, but often differ with Mr. Biden on how.

 Jim Tankersley
France started its campaign to vaccinate people over 75 against the coronavirus on Monday, as its death toll rose past 70,000 at the weekend.

There is increasing concern that delays in delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine might hinder the drive to vaccinate in France and beyond.

French authorities have already been criticised for the country's slow pace in delivering shots, especially compared to Britain, Germany and Italy.

Local authorities said that initially 10,000 doses would be administered per week in Paris, and that at this pace several months would be needed to vaccinate the 175,000 Parisians that make up the target group.

"As we speak we are fully booked throughout January and we are already taking appointments for February so there is approximately a month to wait," said Ariel Weil, mayor of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.

Officials have been worried over polls showing that the majority of French people are wary of vaccines against COVID 19, so they may have been surprised by the number of people who have signed for shots, reserved for those 75 and older or with a high health risk.

The health agency had reported more than 500,000 scheduled for the first of two shots until February 14, saturating the system.

An internet site set up as one means to make appointments was receiving up to 20,000 connections a minute, the agency said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Russian Supreme Court upholds sentence of Probusinessbank embezzlement case defendants

 occrp.org

16:44 19/01/2021

MOSCOW, January 19 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia on Tuesday upheld prison sentence given to two defendants in a case over stealing of 600 million rubles ($8 million at the current exchange rate) from Probusinessbank, the courts press service told RAPSI.

The Ostankinsky District Court of Moscow earlier sentenced Dmitry Rogovsky and Taimirzhan Makhmutov to 3 and 4 years in prison respectively for aiding and abetting embezzlement.

The bank managers and main shareholders were involved in the embezzlement of 600 million rubles belonging to the bank in May through June 2015. To steal money, they signed a fictious agency contract on rendering services to the bank. The embezzled funds were transferred to accounts of companies affiliated to the defendants.




New Delhi: In a strongly worded letter to Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users".

The IT Ministry, in the letter to CEO Will Cathcart, asked Whatsapp to withdraw the proposed policy, slamming its "all or nothing" approach which "leverages the social significance of the app to force users into a bargain".

The policy that was announced earlier this month asked them to agree to the new terms or lose access to accounts by 8th February, sparking widespread concerns and criticisms.

Since Whatsapp is owned by Facebook, the letter called on the social media giant to "value the principles of privacy and consent" as laid down by the Indian supreme court in its judgment of Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017).

The data sharing between Whatsapp and Facebook has been one key aspect of the concerns.

The govt's letter said that the new proposed policy ceases any "any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies" and given the huge userbase of both the companies in India, "consolidation of this sensitive information" exposes a "very large segment of Indian citizens" to "greater security risks and vulnerabilities creating a honeypot of information."

Under such pressures, Whatsapp recently halted the rollout of its controversial privacy policy. Interestingly, India has raised "strong objections" against "differential treatment" by WhatsApp to its users in India and in the European Union. While the new proposed whatsapp policy was only for India, they remained unchanged for Europe. The letter said, "differential treatment is prejudicial to the interests of Indian users" and is viewed with "serious concern by the Government"."

The government has handed over a detailed questionnaire to the messaging app to get details about its data-sharing protocols and business practices. Questions including, does WhatsApp conduct the profiling of Indian users, does the app capture information about other apps running on a mobile device.

Here some of the key questions by the Indian govt to Whatsapp:

1.Disclose the exact categories of data that WhatsApp application collects from Indian users.

2. Give details of the permissions and user consent sought by WhatsApp app and utility of each of these with respect to the functioning and specific service provided.

3. Does WhatsApp conduct profiling of Indian users on the basis of their usage of application? What nature of profiling is conducted?

4. Details of the difference between WhatsApp privacy policies in other countries

and India.

5. Details of Data Security Policy, Information Security Policy, Cyber Security

Policy, Privacy Policy and Encryption Policy.

6. Does the WhatsApp app share data with any other app or business unit of the

same company or associated companies? Share details of the data flow

among these apps, business units or associated companies.

7. Does the WhatsApp app capture the information about the other apps running

on the mobile device of the user? If yes, what information is being captured by

the app and what purpose is it being collected and used?

8. Details about the server when data of Indian users is transmitted or hosted.

9. Has the company or application provided any access to a third party to access

a users personal data? If yes, then share those details.

10. Does the app harvest user data? Has the company faced any action in any

country for surreptitiously harvesting user data?

Live TV
Appointment

19 January 2021

Sandals Resorts International has announced Adam Stewart's appointment as the resort company's Executive Chairman. Stewart becomes just the second Chairman in the company's 40-year history. He is preceded by his late Father and Chairman, the Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart, a pioneer in Caribbean tourism who broke the ceiling of all-inclusive luxury after founding the organization in 1981 and played a pivotal role in bolstering the region's popularity.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart assumes the role after working alongside his father for more than two decades, serving as Chief Executive Officer and most recently Deputy Chairman. He has helped oversee the continued rapid expansion of Sandals Resorts International throughout the Caribbean, including the recent announcement of two new island resort destinations, the future Sandals Curacao and Beaches Resorts in St. Vincent.

Countless organizations have recognized Adam Stewart for his leadership in the travel industry and his substantial contributions to the destinations where Sandals Resorts International operates. As part of this commitment, in 2009, Adam Stewart launched the Sandals Foundation with a mission to lift communities through education, healthcare, and environmental protection. The foundation and its activities have helped millions across the region through various impact-focused programs, where he will continue to serve as President. Stewart is also a strong proponent of the direct investment and development of team members. His work through the Sandals Corporate University brings continued learning, mentorship and invaluable skills training to thousands of employees throughout the Caribbean. In 2016, Stewart was also bestowed the national honor of the Order of Distinction, Commander Class by the Government of Jamaica for outstanding contribution to tourism.

Stewart has also played an integral role in managing the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including launching its creation of the respected Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness to ensure guests' and team members' safety, and consulting with industry groups, government entities, health organizations and international associations alike. His work guaranteed Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are at the forefront of providing a safe and enjoyable destination for international travelers during this time and is keeping thousands of team members across all its Caribbean destinations employed.

Earlier this month, the Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart's passing was marked by a global outpouring of support from Sandals team members, guests and industry partners around the world, sharing thousands of memories. As an industry pioneer, he helped to establish the tourism sector across the Caribbean through building first of its kind luxury resorts, chartering flights to bring international visitors when no major airline service was offered and a relentless commitment to backing the Travel Agent community. Over the years, the brands have become respected for its Luxury Included model that changed the face of the all-inclusive segment and built a loyal following; affording it the highest return guest rate of any hospitality brand in the western hemisphere.

"My Father's shoes are impossible to fill, but we will follow in his ground-breaking footsteps to continue the important work we all set out to do together. As a company and as a team, we are poised for the future. We are already leading the industry in recovering from the greatest setback in the history of travel. We will continue to lead not just by saying, but by doing. And at the heart of it all, we are solely focused on what we do best: delighting our guests," Stewart concluded.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 21:04:42|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A staff member checks the packaging quality of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine products at a packaging plant of the Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

- "As an ordinary person and the president of Serbia, I am convinced of the quality of the Chinese vaccine, which will be decided by our competent agency," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said.



- Specialists decided that "the best vaccine for Azerbaijan is the vaccine of the Sinovac company," as it has passed clinical tests in many countries, said Azerbaijani Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev.

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- With Chinese-made vaccine shots reaching people in more countries, booming vaccine cooperation with China worldwide is injecting confidence into the global fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.





VACCINATION DRIVE

Serbian health authorities approved the use of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccines on Monday evening, two days after a million doses were imported from China, enabling the country to start mass immunization of its population.

One million doses of Sinopharm's vaccine arrived in Serbia on Saturday and were welcomed at the Belgrade Airport by President Aleksandar Vucic, who confirmed that he will receive the vaccine himself.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (C) and China's ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo (L) welcome the shipment of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines at the Belgrade Airport, Serbia, Jan. 16, 2021. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

Meanwhile, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday read that Sinopharm, one of the two vaccines approved by the authority, has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality.

Also on Monday, Brazil launched its mass vaccination campaign against the virus simultaneously in each state, after Brazil's health regulatory agency on Sunday authorized the emergency use of two vaccines, one by the Chinese company Sinovac as well as the other by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.



Dulcinea da Silva Lopes (R), a 59-year-old mediacal worker, receives a dose of China's COVID-19 vaccine in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jan. 18, 2021. (Brazilian National News Agency/Handout via Xinhua)

In Azerbaijan, senior health officials on Monday took their first inoculation of the Sinovac vaccine, marking the beginning of mass immunization against COVID-19 in the country, according to state-run news agency AZERTAC.





POSITIVE FEEDBACK

The Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Serbia and its employees "assessed the necessary documentation and scientific evidence in a highly professional and thorough manner according to all European Union and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, which confirmed the quality, efficiency, and above all the safety of the Chinese vaccine," Pavle Zelic, an official with the agency, told local media.

"As an ordinary person and the president of Serbia, I am convinced of the quality of the Chinese vaccine, which will be decided by our competent agency," Vucic said when welcoming the arrival of the Chinese vaccine on Saturday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday he did not see any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine that he received the previous day.

On Thursday, Turkey started its mass vaccination program with the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac.

A medical worker receives a dose of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at the Sabiha Uzun Maternal Child Health Center in Ankara, Turkey on Jan. 15, 2021. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

Specialists decided that "the best vaccine for Azerbaijan is the vaccine of the Sinovac company," as it has passed clinical tests in many countries, said Azerbaijani Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev, when addressing local media after being inoculated on Monday.

Similarly, "Azerbaijan got the most safe and effective vaccine," said Shahmar Movsumov, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan, as he praised the Chinese-made jab two days earlier.





CHALLENGES AHEAD

As an increasing number of countries started mass vaccination, the world finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, even in some developed countries, the public is not satisfied with the vaccination campaigns.

In the United States, health experts and officials have blamed states for slow vaccine rollout. The country planned to immunize 20 million Americans by the end of 2020. However, only about 12.28 million total doses have been administered as of Jan. 15, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Residents receive COVID-19 vaccines in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, Jan. 15, 2021. (Xinhua)

Also, the slowdown in vaccine arrivals has sparked complaints in Europe.

More worryingly, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday warned of the moral consequences of the lack of COVID-19 vaccines for poorer countries, saying that the higher-income countries are privileged compared to the developing countries.

"More than 39 million doses of vaccine have now been administered in at least 49 higher-income countries. Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million, not 25 thousand, just 25," he said.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for solidarity with developing countries in the context of COVID-19 and pre-exisiting inequalities and injustices.

Vaccines must be a global public good, available to everyone, everywhere, he said.

The good news is that China has, on various occasions, pledged continuous efforts in global COVID-19 response.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has recently said that China will continue to advance global cooperation on epidemic response, strengthen joint prevention and control, and assist countries and regions in need.

"We were the first to pledge to make vaccines a global public good, bearing in mind the greater good of humanity," he said.

James Nyirenda, a biochemist in Zambia, said China is providing support to Africa at a critical time to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"China has really helped. We are yet to see test kits or even vaccines from the West and other big countries," said Nyirenda. 

New Delhi, Jan 19 : Microsoft has given customers more control over whether their voice data is used to improve products and now, people using Cortana will be able to decide whether or not the audio recordings can be used by the tech giant to improve its speech recognition algorithms.

Microsoft said that the new updates let customers decide if people can listen to recordings of what they said while speaking to Microsoft products and services that use speech recognition technology.

If customers choose to opt in, people may review these voice clips to improve the performance of Microsoft's artificial intelligence systems across a diversity of people, speaking styles, accents, dialects and acoustic environments.

"The goal is to make Microsoft's speech recognition technologies more inclusive by making them easier and more natural to interact with," the company said.

Customers who do not choose to contribute their voice clips for review by people will still be able to use all of Microsoft's voice-enabled products and services.

Microsoft said it removes certain personal information from voice clips as they are processed in the Cloud, including Microsoft account identifiers and strings of letters or numbers that could be telephone numbers, Social Security numbers and email addresses.

The new settings for voice clips mean that customers must actively choose to allow people to listen to the recordings of what they said.

If they do, Microsoft employees and people contracted to work for Microsoft may listen to these voice clips and manually transcribe what they hear as part of a process the company uses to improve AI systems.

"Their transcription is what we consider our ground truth of what was actually spoken inside that audio clip. We use that as a basis for comparison to identify where our AI needs improvement," said Neeta Saran, a senior attorney at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.

The more transcripts Microsoft has of how real people talk from contributed voice clips, the better these AI systems will perform.

Microsoft said it does not use any human reviewers to listen to audio data collected from speech recognition features built into enterprise offerings.

On October 30 last year, Microsoft stopped storing voice clips processed by its speech recognition technologies.

Over the next few months, the company is rolling out the new settings for voice clips across products including Microsoft Translator, SwiftKey, Windows, Cortana, HoloLens, Mixed Reality and Skype voice translation.
Listen to article

An Akwa Ibom son, Enwongo-Abasi Francis has been selected as one of the World's Top 30 Under 30 Literacy Leaders.

Francis, a Librarian who hails from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was selected and honoured by the International Literacy Association for his work in literacy development in West Africa.

Francis, 24 years of age is the only Nigerian selected for the 2020 honours. He is also the second youngest selected along other four Africans.

Other Africans honoured are Jimmie Chengo from Kenya, Cedric Christian Ngnaoussi from Ghana, Simpson Muhwezi from Uganda, and Josephine Lichaha, from Zambia.

According to the International Literacy Association, Enwongo-Abasi Francis is" a rising literacy advocate in Nigeria,

Enwongo-Abasi Francis has a zeal for creating a sustainable reading culture in his community. He began speaking about literacy promotion as a teenager, and hes implemented various advocacy programs to increase literacy, including a seminar for families and caregivers to engage their children in reading, counseling for students, and programs to eradicate illiteracy in his community."

Francis is quoted by the organization as stating My day is not complete if I dont take action to advance the cause

of sustainable literacy development in the society. It has been a journey full of impact and purpose.

In their statement, the International Literacy Association said " Theres no denying that 2020 was a year for the books, one that challenged our societies in innumerable ways. But the strife of global issuesincluding a pandemic, social justice reform, and climate concerns, to name a few didnt deter our accomplished group of leaders from continuing to enact change across their classrooms and the world."

The Organization noted that for those honoured, literacy is not only a means to knowledge but also a pathway to a more inspired, equitable, and tolerant society.

while commending the World's Top 30 Under 30 Literacy Leaders for their work, the Association Insisted that the future of literacy is bright thanks to the work of 2020 class of ILA 30 Under 30 honorees.

Francis' profile indicates that he has already been honoured with Conferment Award as Readership Advocate of Nigeria (RAN) by ESAN,

Literacy Development Icon Award by SOREPCHY Africa, Covid-19 Hero Award by Young Leaders of Africa ( YOLEAF) and Pacesetter Awardee on grassroot Literacy by DE Joseph Society.
An arrest warrant was issued today for the ex-husband of Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone after he failed to attend court on charges of verbally abusing a police officer.

Gold bullion dealer James Stunt, 38, is accused of threatening PC Richard Harper at his multi-million pound mews home in Knightsbridge, southwest London, last summer.

He failed to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning and, if found, will be taken into custody.

Stunt was charged with racially or religiously aggravated harassment and one of using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause harassment or distress.

Gold bullion dealer James Stunt, 38, is accused of threatening PC Richard Harper at his multi-million pound mews home in Knightsbridge, southwest London. He is pictured outside court on November 19

Prosecutor Simon Maughan said Stunt was notified about the charges on 17 December and was due to appear today but there has been no contact from the defendant or his lawyer.

Magistrate Alan Elias said: In the case of Mr James Stunt we issue a warrant for his arrest and no bail.

In November, Stunt appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court with his girlfriend Helena Robinson charged with possession of cocaine, damage to a police cell, assault, harassment and theft said to have been committed between 5 and 7 August.

He is facing a crown court trial for those matters.

Last month Stunts former bodyguard Justinas Ivaskevicius, 34, was cleared of stealing a 515,000 diamond ring from a safe in his 10 million home after a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Stunt has not entered a plea to one count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment and one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause harassment or distress.

He moved to his three-bed home on the street worth 4.5 million after he split from the Formula One heiress.

Stunt with his ex-wife Petra Ecclestone at their engagement party at Battersea Power Station in 2011
A heroic mother who tragically died after she raced into a dangerous rip to save her son has been remembered by friends and family, as it's revealed she was on the trip to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Leonie Jackson drowned after she dove into the water at Congo Beach, on New South Wales' South Coast to rescue her ten-year-old son around 4.30pm on Sunday.

The remote beach is not patrolled and is known for dangerous rips and huge drops in sand levels.

Tributes have since poured in for the mother-of-two who was the first deaf person to become the CEO of the Deaf Society and who spent years working for charities that focused on hearing impairments.

Emma Watkins, known for her role in The Wiggles, wrote: 'Just so sad. Leonie you have been an inspiration to so many. Thinking of Leonies family and especially her two beautiful boys'.

Leonie Jackson, 50, (pictured, left) drowned after she dove into the water at Congo Beach, on New South Wales' South Coast to save her ten-year-old son around 4.30pm on Sunday

Ms Jackson and her family had travelled from Surry Hills to the south coast to celebrate her 50th birthday, which was on Saturday.

A surfer had spotted the mother and her son struggling in the water on Sunday afternoon and ran to help them.

Witnesses pulled the pair onto the shore and started performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Her son was not injured but Ms Jackson was unable to be saved.

The mother had worked as the Executive Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships for the Deaf Society since being named the CEO in 2015.

Tributes have since poured in for Ms Jackson who is being remembered as a pioneer for the deaf community

Congo Beach on the New South Wales south coast (pictured) is a popular holiday spot but NSW Surf Life Saving warns the beach is not patrolled and has persistent rips

Friend and former colleague Tony Abrahams, Ai-Media Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, told the Daily Telegraph: 'Leonie was one of my very closest friends.

'Her heroic sacrifice  diving into a rip to save her son just one day after celebrating her 50th birthday  is a tragedy beyond words and speaks to the character of a woman and a leader whose life was lived in service to others.

'I am heartbroken, and I know Leonie will be terribly missed by the many thousands of lives she touched, who remember her energy, passion, talent and amazing sense of humour.'

Hundreds of others also shared their condolences for the loving mother on Facebook.

Tributes have since poured in for the mother-of-two who was the first deaf person to become the CEO of the Deaf Society and spent years working for charities that focused on hearing impairments

CEO of Deaf Services and the Deaf Society, Brett Casey, said the news of her death had devastated the deaf community.

'This has come as a shock to the whole community. To many of us, myself included, Leonie was far more than a colleague, her passing is an incredible loss to our organisation, the Deaf community, and the Australian disability sector at large,' he said.

'Australia's Deaf community would look very different today if not for the passionate work of Leonie Jackson. Deaf Services and the Deaf Society will not be the same without her, and neither will many of our lives, or those of the community we serve.

'The thoughts of all staff are with Leonie's family during this difficult time - especially her two boys, who were her pride and joy.'

'Leonie was a true leader, a community engager, and a fantastic mother of two amazing boys. Her advocacy and work in the deafness sector in NSW and Australia have impacted millions of Australians,' CEO of Hear for You David Brady wrote.

Ms Jackson was the third person in NSW to die while trying to rescue another from a rip this year.
NEW YORK - A U.S. Army soldier was arrested Tuesday in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online about plots to blow up New York City's 9-11 Memorial and other landmarks and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East, authorities said.

FILE - In this Friday Sept. 11, 2020, file photo, a mourner prays over the etched name of the deceased Emilio Pete Ortiz at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York. Authorities say a U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online about plotting to blow up the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

NEW YORK - A U.S. Army soldier was arrested Tuesday in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online about plots to blow up New York City's 9-11 Memorial and other landmarks and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East, authorities said.

Cole James Bridges of Stow, Ohio, was in custody on charges of attempted material support of a terrorist organization  the Islamic State group  and attempted murder of a military member, said Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for Manhattan federal prosecutors.

The 20-year-old soldier, also known as Cole Gonzales, was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, when he thought he was communicating with the Islamic State online about the terrorism plots, Biase said.

Unbeknownst to Bridges, an FBI employee was in on the chat as Bridges provided detailed instructions on tactics and manuals and advice about attacking the memorial and other targets in New York City, Biase said.

As we allege today, Bridges, a private in the U.S. Army, betrayed our country and his unit when he plotted with someone he believed was an ISIS sympathizer to help ISIS attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East," said William F. Sweeney Jr., head of New York City's FBI office.

Fortunately, the person with whom he communicated was an FBI employee, and we were able to prevent his evil desires from coming to fruition, Sweeney said in a release.

FILE - In this June 7, 2018, file photo, the September 11 Memorial and Museum are seen from an upper floor of 3 World Trade Center in New York. A U.S. Army soldier was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online about plots to blow up New York City's 9/11 Memorial and other landmarks and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East, authorities said. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Our troops risk their lives for our country, but they should never face such peril at the hands of one of their own, U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said.

Bridges was scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Augusta, Georgia, on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear who would represent him.

According to a criminal complaint in Manhattan federal court, Bridges joined the U.S. Army in September 2019 and was assigned as a cavalry scout in Fort Stewart.

At some point, he began researching and consuming online propaganda promoting jihadists and their violent ideology, authorities said.

They said he expressed his support for the Islamic State group and jihad on social media before he began communicating in October with an FBI employee who posed as an Islamic State group supporter in contact with the group's fighters in the Middle East.

According to court papers, he expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid the Islamic State group.

The criminal complaint said he then provided training and guidance to purported Islamic State fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, including the 9-11 Memorial.

It said he also provided portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics.

Bridges also diagrammed specific military manoeuvrs to help the terrorist group's fighters kill U.S. troops, including the best way to fortify an encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces and how to wire certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops, the complaint said.

This month, according to the complaint, Bridges sent a video of himself in body armour standing before an Islamic State flag, gesturing support.

A week later, Bridges sent a second video in which he used a voice manipulator and narrated a propaganda speech in support of the Islamic State group's anticipated ambush of U.S. troops, the complaint said.

In a statement Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division, Lt. Col. Lindsey Elder, confirmed that Pfc. Cole James Bridges is assigned to the division. She said division commanders are co-operating fully with the FBI.

Elder referred further inquiries to the Pentagon.

Associated Press writer Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, 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.
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Transcript of Dateline Philippines-ANC Interview of

Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan

On the unilateral abrogation of the 1989 UP-DND Accord, and the 75th Anniversary of the Liberal Party Karmina Constantino: Senator and former UP student council chairman Francis Pangilinan warns government not to mess with UP as he voiced his objection to the termination of the UP-DND Accord. Senator Pangilinan now joins us on the program. Senator, good afternoon. Thanks for joining us today. Senator Francis "Kiko" N. Pangilinan: Good afternoon, maraming salamat, thank you for having us. KC: Alright. I wanna start off with what the Secretary of Defense said in his statement, Senator. He says the agreement has become obsolete, the times and circumstances have changed since the agreement was signed. He says that the institution has become a breeding ground for students and groups that eventually get recruited to fight government. What does this kind of reasoning tell you, Senator? SFNP: Well, I think that is the archaic 'Cold War' mindset. Students throughout history have always been anti-government. That doesn't necessarily make them communists, but they've always been critical. Jose Rizal was a student in Europe- Mariano Ponce, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Juan Luna. They were students and they were all critical. And anti-government- I mean the Spanish Colonial rule. So we're missing, you know, many lessons in history. Therefore it is unfortunate na ganito ka-narrow ang pagtingin ng ilang mga nasa gobyerno sa mga protesta at mga kilos ng mga estudyante at ginagawang komunista. Di, kung na lahat sila na nagpoprotesta ay komunista di dapat nung panahon nung pagmamartso sa kalye o pagpoprotesta nina Jose Rizal ganun din. 'Wag kayong magreklamo, 'wag kayong magprotesta, 'wag niyong panawagan magbago ang pagbabago sa lipunan. 'Di magkakaroon ng rebolusyon noong 1896 kung hindi naging kritikal at naging anti-government sina Jose Rizal. Dapat ganoon ang tingin natin dito. Nakakalungkot. Nakakalungkot. KC: I don't know if you caught our interview with Sonia Sotto just a few minutes ago but you, as well, you were chairperson -- the chairperson of the student council in UP then. How important was it for you to be able to voice your dissent, to be able to have critical thought, to have that freedom to exercise critical thought at that time you were a student activist, Senator? SFNP: Alam mo, simple lang, eh. You know you're there to learn, di ba? You're there to solve problems. Araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, di ba? Every midterms, every finals- ang mga estudyante solusyon ang hinahanap sa mga problema. Kaya dapat hayaan na manatiling kritikal ang ating mga kabataan at hayaan silang magkaroon ng academic freedom. Dahil mahirap naman na naghahanap ka ng solusyon tapos yung solusyon na nais mong banggitin o sabihin eh sasabihin sa'yo "Hindi puwede 'yan, hindi puwede 'yan. 'Wag ka nang mag-isip. Tatakutin ka namin pag naghanap [ng solusyon]- kung mali yung sagot mo. Kung hindi- kung yung sasagutin mo, eh, hindi sang-ayon sa amin, ay bagsak ka o..." Di ba? Hindi! Critical thinking is key, academic freedom is key, if we are to learn. We should not be made to accept, di ba? That preset na, "'Wag na kayong mag-isip. 'Wag na kayong magtanong. 'Wag na kayong maging kritikal." Hindi tama yan. Hindi na tayo matututo. Hindi natin mahahanapan ng solusyon ang mga problema kung ang pinipuwersa sa atin, eh, "'Wag maging kritikal. 'Wag nang magsalita. 'Wag bumatikos." Hindi tama. KC: Well, the UP President, Danny Concepcion, has since appealed for the DND to reconsider and revoke what he called the abrogation of the agreement. We don't know if the DND will actually listen but tell us though, is this just about UP or this is about something greater than the institution? SFNP: I thought [about] what Sonia said earlier. You know the 1982 Enrile-Soto Accord was the government, a dictatorship, negotiating and signing an agreement with students. Why? Because they realized na- they could not suppress student unrest with more- with arrests and harassment. They have to sign that accord so that the protests and the boycotts would stop. And, therefore, we have to learn the lessons [from] the past. It's like saying, "O, from now on, 'wag ka nang bumatikos. 'Wag ka nang anti-government. Matuto ka na. Maging pro-government ka na." Hindi ganon ang kabataan. Hindi ganon ang estudyante sa kasaysayan ng anumang lipunan. Let us learn from history. The more you suppress, the more they will fight! And, you know, suppression and authoritarian rule and military rule has proven to be, you know, incapable of solving major problems in the country. Nung nag Martial Law nung 1972 karampot lang, iilan lang ang komunista. Pagdating noong 1986, bago napatalsik yung diktadura twenty-five thousand [25,000] na ang mga armed regulars ng NPA. Lalong dumami because of suppression, because of abuses, and because of authoritarian militaristic rule. So ang panawagan natin sa DND, I share the concern raised by President Concepcion. Let's hold dialogues. Pag-usapan natin because the accord, the DND-UP Accord, provided certain responsibilities on the part of the campus of the university and responsibilities and obligations on the part of the police and the Armed Forces. Ang tanong: may violation ba? Kasi kung walang violation bakit tinerminate? Ano ang basehan nung termination? Dahil naisip nila? Dahil may nagsumbong sa kanila? Bakit hindi kinausap yung, uh, administrasyon ng UP. Ba't bigla na lang na-revoke at tinerminate. It's- it's a mutually, it was a mutually agreed upon accord. Both parties sat down and respected each other and then [held a] dialogue- and then came up with this agreement. So if you want to terminate it let us look back at the agreement and what were the violations. KC: Here's a problem though, Mr. Senator. Because it seems like when you read the statement of DND, they're looking at it from an absolutely different perspective. Let me read to you what the Secretary of Defense said. He said, "the Department of National Defense will neither renege nor shirk on its duty to protect the rights of the majority. It will not tolerate those who will violate the laws of the land and in the guise of lawful public dissent, free assembly and free speech". He equates it to protecting the majority of the Filipino. In fact, he said, it is a sworn duty to protect the Filipino people. SFNP: And I agree with them that it is the sworn duty of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, of the law enforcement agencies to do that. But we have a process to be able to achieve that. We want them to be able to protect our citizens, definitely. But, you know, ano yung naging basehan nung pag-terminate. Kung merong violation dapat- ano ba'ng hinihingi- ano ba yung nakalagay dun sa DND-UP Agreement? Di naman pupuwedeng hindi kayo puwede pumasok, of course not. You can go into the campus, you can actually arrest, you know, law-breakers if it's in hot pursuit. Ibig sabihin you don't have to ask permission kung talagang tinutugis ninyo at i-aaresto yung when a crime is being committed. Wala nang notification 'yan. Pero sinasabi lang nung accord, "kung papasok kayo, kung maari i-notify kami." Hindi naman sinasabing- KC: (crosstalk) It's courtesy. SFNP: Yes! And there's no, you know- and what's wrong with that, di ba? Kung papasok ka sa isang opisina, di ba, dahil may aarestuhin ka- di ba may warrant of arrest naman et cetera, eh di okay lang walang problema yun eh. Hindi naman sila pinipigil pumasok. Banggitin lang sa kanila, sabihan lang sila na papasok sila. And then- and, uh, how many times have they refused? If at all? I don't think it's ever, you know, it's ever been violated. KC: What is your fear, Senator? Last question on this topic. What is your fear that this has been done. Moving forward, is there anything that concerns you more now that the agreement has been abrogated? SFNP: Well first, I hope, magkaroon ng dialogue. Baka sakaling maisasalba pa. Of course my other concern is: this a divisive issue. We have yet to address Covid and its spread. We are still discussing issues about the most effective vaccine and the roll-out. The economy is in doldrums. Millions are hungry because we have not been able to manage the spread of the disease, uh, effectively compared to Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore. Sana yun ang tutukan natin. 'Yon ang pangunahing problema ng ating mga kababayan. Gutom, trabaho, kita. At lahat apektado dahil hindi natin matulungan nang maayos at kasing-ayos ng ibang mga bansa- itong Covid at pagkalat nito. KC: I wanna shift gears now and talk about the Liberal Party. The party is celebrating its seventy-fifth year. I wanna ask you, how has the party evolved since it was founded in 1946? SFNP: Well, uh, sabi ko nga, a huge part of the history of the party is, you know, connected to or, uh, intertwined with the history of the country. We've had four presidents from our ranks. We were there, the Liberal Party was nearly decimated because of the Plaza Miranda bombing of 1971. In 1972, during the Marcos Regime, hundreds of our supporters and members were jailed and harassed. Ninoy Aquino was Secretary General of the party when Marcos declared martial law- was arrested and jailed and eventually he was assassinated. Many of our members of the party suffered with the Marcos Regime. After the Marcos Regime, under the Cory Administration, the LP-led Senate, fought for our sovereignty by rejecting the US-RP Bases Agreement under the leadership of our president then of the party, Senate President Salonga. And we have continued to provide leadership and we have continued to face the challenges of governance in the country. So on our seventy-fifth year we are still around. Di tayo magpapatinag. Hindi lahat ng panahon naman, eh, mananalo ang partido at kapag natalo maraming natutunan na mga leksyon sa pagkatalo na dapat sariwain at kilalanin para bumalik sa taong bayan at muling kumbinsehin ang ating mga kababayan. And that's what we've been doing in the last three years since I was party president. We have gone back to our citizens. In fact we are still building a genuine people's party. We have chapters that we have established- over a hundred, uh, chapters being established in the last three years of, uh, ordinary citizens. KC: Senator, I wanna get into that right now because in 2016, you were talking about the challenges. In 2016, when the LP's presidential bet, Mar Roxas, lost to then-candidate Duterte. Observers then have said that that defeat exposed the greatest flaw of the party. That after all these years in power, the party failed to recognize what majority of the people really wanted, really needed at that time. So as we move closer to 2022... SFNP: I don't think- KC: [Crosstalk] Let me just finish. As we move closer to 2022, how does the LP see itself regaining the trust of the people, Senator? SFNP: Well, first, I don't think the LP was outrightly rejected in 2016. Our vice president won, seven of the twelve senators who ran aligned with LP won, and one hundred fifteen members of Congress won as LP. Of course, they all jumped- many of them jumped ship after, but if it was really a rejection by the citizens then it would've been more like the Arroyo Administration in 2010. They could not even come up with a Senate ticket. Their presidential and vice-presidential candidates lost. That was a rejection. So- so I'd like to correct that misimpression and, yes, our standard bearer lost, and- and that has awakened our eyes that kulang, kulang. I'm not saying we won outright, obviously not. Kulang ang ating naging mga kilos kaya nga from 2016 onwards we went back to the citizens. We consulted, we listened to them, we- in fact, prior to the 2019 elections we came up with a listening campaign. We visited a hundred-sixty thousand [160,000] households and had a, uh, dialogue with them, face-to-face. We would actually have a second, uh, listening campaign after the election- I mean prior to Covid but, uh, because of Covid nga nahihirapan tayo but we continue to go back to our voters and listen to them and help organize our citizens. May mga pagkukulang, wala namang partidong perpekto but the important thing is let's learn from our shortcomings and then move forward because in the end, you know, we only have one country. And there are challenges that we face today and the Liberal Party has been around for the past seventy-five years. It will continue to be around for as long as, you know, governance and challenges of governance is there. Nariyan tayo maghahanap ng mga solusyon. We have been demonized, obviously, so much fake news. I am being subjected to fake news every day. I am being insulted. I am being threatened. Even my daughter is being threatened on social media because of paid trolls but, you know, if we keep quiet- if we get intimidated- because they want to keep us quiet and they want to silence us. We will not allow that. We will fight as best we can, given what we have because we want our democracy to be strengthened and we want the basic fundamental rights of our people addressed. KC: Liberal party chairman, Senator Francis Pangilinan. Always a pleasure talking to you. Thanks for joining us today. Keep safe. SFNP: Thank you! Maraming salamat at magandang araw sa kanilang lahat.
Washington, Jan 19 : A police officer was shot dead during an armed standoff in the US state of Ohio, authorities said.

The incident took place on Monday evening in Toledo city, Xinhua news agency reported Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, was shot and died after being taken to hospital, said Toledo Police Department Chief George Kral.

The police believed the suspect vandalised the Rosary Cathedral earlier in the day.

The suspect was also shot during the standoff.

He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, the Department was quoted as saying in a statement.

Responding to the incident, state Governor Mike DeWine ordered that all US and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Lucas County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus in honour of the slain police officer.

In a tweet the Governor added that Stalker was "the second Toledo officer killed in the line of duty in less than a year".

According to Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, two other officers have died this past year -- Officer Anthony Dia in the line of duty on July 4, 2020, and another unexpectedly last week.
Homeless families crowding into tent cities in two Perth parks are being lured there by 'professional protesters' using 'attractive ham', Premier Mark McGowan claims.

The Western Australian leader claimed 'anarchists' like climate activists Extinction Rebellion are coaxing the needy away from government services.

There are now 75 tents in the 'eyesore' Pioneer Park encampment in Fremantle and more in the CBD, and locals raised fears about growing violence, theft, and piles of rubbish and discarded syringes.

Mr McGowan said the people staying in the camp are 'being exploited' and many of them already have a place to stay.

Mark McGowan claims radical groups like Extinction Rebellion are luring the needy away from government services and into a 'tent cities'

Mr McGowan said the people staying in the camp are 'being exploited' and that many of them already have a place to stay. A tent city resident

'There are professional protesters organising people to go to that camp,' he said.

'Many of those people already have accommodation, they have services available to them.

'The professional protesters, who have organised it are often people from organisations like Extinction Rebellion  basically anarchists  and they're coordinating this as some sort of protest.'

Just before Christmas, the groups 'Freo Street Kitchen' and 'House the Homeless' advertised a free meal service at Pioneer Park for vulnerable people during the holiday period.

But since then, many chose to sleep rough in the area which is opposite the office of Community Services Minister and Labor Fremantle MP Simone McGurk.

Mr McGowan said Mr McGurk and the government were working tirelessly to provide emergency shelter but their efforts were hindered by extravagant meals provided at the encampment.

Mark McGowan has lashed out at 'anarchists' and 'professional protesters' for providing Western Australia's homeless with 'attractive' ham

Extinction Rebellion are a radical environmental action group known for disruptive protests

Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down parts of Melbourne's CBC on December 12 2020

'They're organising lunches there with ham off the bone and quite attractive food in order to attract people there,' he said.

'Rather than helping people, they are exploiting them they are coordinating this as some sort of protest movement.

'Often these people have complex mental health, drug addictions, alcohol addictions - I just urge them, use the services that are available.'

Homelessness advocate Jesse Noakes - who is involved in providing support for the camps and was previously a coordinator for the Extinction Rebellion environmental action group - called the premier's comments 'spin'.

Mr Noaks was part of an open letter sent to the government by various groups calling on McGowan's government to do more to address the issue of homelessness in the state.

With voters set to go the polls on March 13, homelessness is expected to be a key election issue.

Raymond Ward is pictured at camp in Perth's CBD with the words 'tent city' sprayed on the concrete wall behind him

Raymond Ward shares with up to six other people at the Tent City homeless camp in Perth CBD

Rental vacancies in the resource rich state have reached record lows as rates of homelessness skyrocket

Shelter WA estimates there are about 15,000 on the social housing wait list and more than 1,000 sleeping on the street.

At the same time rental vacancies in the resource rich state have reached record lows.

'It's a shame it has taken the Premier over a month to finally respond to the open letter addressed to him by over 30 health experts and elders,' Mr Noaks said.

'The Premier has finally responded with baseless conspiracy theories that are a distraction from the crisis that has exploded in WA on his watch  a public health crisis where thousands of vulnerable families are abandoned on WA streets, where dozens die each year.

'That the Premier chooses to paint desperate people demanding support from his government as professional protesters shows how his government handles a crisis - with spin, distraction and a fatal abandonment of duty of care.'


Vice President Mike Pence has been trying to get ahold of hero Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman.

CNN reported Sunday night that Pence reached out to Goodman late last week in order to thank him for his efforts, citing a person close to Pence.

After the June 6 MAGA mob, a video of Goodman went viral showing the officer leading pro-Trump rioters away from the doorway of the Senate chamber, where Pence and other officials were gathered.

Vice President Mike Pence has reached out to hero Capitol Hill police officer Eugene Goodman, who distracted a mob while the Senate chamber went unguarded during the January 6 siege

Video of Officer Eugene Goodman went viral showing him distracting a mob of Trump supporters and leading them away from where VIPs like Pence had just been

Capitol Police Office Eugene Goodman when he was serving in the Army

The Washington Post reported Friday that the mob came perilously close to Pence, who Capitol Police didn't remove from the Senate chamber until 14 minutes after the initial break-in.

Secret Service pulled Pence out of the chamber with his wife and daughter and into a room off the Senate floor.

One minute later, a group of rioters ran up the stairs to the second-floor landing and Goodman provoked a man leading the pack, drawing them away.

The Senate chamber wasn't secure for another minute, CNN reported.

Three sources told The Post that Pence was hidden away less than 100 feet from that landing.

In his nearly four years as vice president, Pence had never publicly broken from Trump, but the president warned the MAGA crowd at the ellipse earlier in the day that Pence was about to betray him.

'Mike Pence, I hope you're gonna 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, I will tell you right now. I am not hearing good stories,' Trump had said.

Trump wanted Pence to unilaterally overturn the results of the Electoral College, something a vice president doesn't have the power to do.

Rioters were heard yelling 'hang Mike Pence' at the Capitol that day.

Three members of Congress, Democratic Reps. Charlie Crist and Emanuel Cleaver II and Republican Rep. Nancy Mace have already introduced legislation to award Goodman with a Congressional Gold Medal.

'By putting his own life on the line and successfully, single-handedly leading insurrectionists away from the floor of the Senate Chamber, Officer Eugene Goodman performed his duty to protect Congress with distinction, and by his actions, Officer Goodman left an indelible mark on American history,' the bill reads.

You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

Experts have revealed their tips for sharing a car or taxi during the coronavirus pandemic, in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Sharing a car with someone who is not from your household or support bubble is not currently permitted under UK government guidelines, but there are exceptions.

If car sharing is undertaken for an exempt reason  such as being 'reasonably necessary' as part of your work  travel is permitted, but precautions are essential.

Professor Catherine Noakes, a mechanical engineer with a background in fluid dynamics at the University of Leeds, advises opening windows for ventilation, sitting diagonally opposite the driver and cleaning high-touch points such as door handles.

Wearing a face covering to protect other people in the vehicle is also mandatory on public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles  and an essential weapon against the virus.

Scroll down for video

Sitting diagonally from the driver, ensuring the greatest possible amount of space, is best practice for catching a taxi, ride-sharing service or private car hire

'Travelling in cars particularly is a challenging one, because it is a very small space  it is one of the smallest spaces that we occupy,' Professor Noakes told the Guardian.

The government is also recommending ride-sharing drivers, such as Uber, to not offer their services online or at taxi ranks during the pandemic, although they have still been available.

If possible, avoiding sharing a car journey with someone outside your household or support bubble is still the best protection against the virus.

In the event of it being absolutely necessary, here are some of the best practices.

Open the windows

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, is carried in microscopic droplets emitted during natural respiratory activities, such as breathing, and talking.

Recent simulations found these infected airborne particles in a car can build up to dangerous levels in just 15 minutes if the windows are not opened.

If using taxi and private hire services, the public is asked to use a face covering, carry a hand sanitiser and wash your hands before and after travel

Opening all four windows in a car is the most effective way to ensure adequate ventilation and reduce risk of transmission if either the passenger or driver is infected.

But if this is not possible in the freezing winter months, opening just two windows can significantly reduce risk of infection.

The best arrangement is for the passenger to sit diagonally behind the driver and open the rear driver's side window as well as the one on the front passenger's side

'The simulations showed an air current that acts like a barrier between the driver and the passenger,' said Dr Varghese Mathai, a physicist from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

'While these measures are no substitute for wearing a face mask while inside a car, they can help reduce the pathogen load inside the very confined space of a car cabin.'

The experiment was based on a typical rideshare trip with one driver and one passenger sitting at opposite ends of the cabin of a Toyota Prius at 50mph. If all windows can not be opened, the best two to open are the rear driver's side and the front passenger's side

According to Professor Noakes, air conditioning in the car isn't as effective as open windows  and, if used, it must be put on the correct setting.

'It is absolutely critical that you put it on fresh air mode,' she told the Guardian.

Face masks

For people in England, government guidelines state that face coverings must be worn on public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles and transport hubs such as airports, rail stations and bus stations, as well as many other settings.

'Masks contain almost all the larger aerosols and droplets,' said Professor Noakes, who is a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

'Even a lower quality mask has a good reduction, and a lot that escape are leakage around the edges due to mask fit.'

There are some places where you must wear a face covering by law, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse, including public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles

Face masks that are only half on  covering the mouth but not the nose  have become a common sight since the government made them mandatory on public transport last June.

But wearing them in this fashion makes them effectively redundant, Professor Noakes suggests.

'If you dont cover your nose with your face covering its only partially protecting other people from your exhaled breath,' she said.

'But it also provides zero protection to you. Air takes the easiest path so you will breathe in mostly through your nose and bypass any benefit from the mask.'

Sanitise

Vehicle owners can help prevent the spread of the virus by thoroughly cleaning after each use

Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles also contain a multitude of high-touch point areas where the coronavirus can linger.

Because of this, it's advised that when making an essential journey, the public carries anti-viral products with them  and not be embarrassed to use them.

Giving the door handle and the seat belt buckle and fastener a once over with anti-viral wipes can make a big difference before starting a journey.

Government says: 'If using taxi and private hire services, please use a face covering, carry a hand sanitiser and wash your hands before and after you travel.'

Guidelines also advise paying for a journey in advance or using contactless payment in the vehicle, instead of handing over cash.

Drivers are advised: 'Take contactless payment if you can. If not, you should wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser after handling money.

'You should remind passengers to wash or sanitise their hands after the journey.'

Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
One You Love Homecare While the pandemic has changed everything, we continue to be focused on unsurpassed quality senior care within our clients homes along with our unrivaled technology platform to further enhance our extensive care offerings, said David Giacobbo, President and CEO of One You Love Homecare

One You Love Homecare, the trusted source for in-home senior care services, continues its recent expansion reaching thirteen new franchise agreements throughout the continental United States. From the Philadelphia corporate headquarters serving both South Jersey and Philadelphia regions, One You Love Homecares expansion includes franchise locations broadening coverage in New Jersey and the Philadelphia suburbs plus franchise locations in Maryland, Ohio, Utah, Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, North Carolina and Florida. While currently at fourteen locations, including the corporate headquarters based out of Philadelphia, PA, One You Love Homecare is currently in discussions with a number of potential franchisees with plans to increase its presence through strategic franchise growth throughout the United States.

While the pandemic has changed everything, we continue to be focused on unsurpassed quality senior care within our clients homes along with our unrivaled technology platform to further enhance our extensive care offerings, said David Giacobbo, President and CEO of One You Love Homecare. One You Love Homecare is extremely proud of the culture we have built since our companys inception and we continue to be highly focused on franchisee success, with extensive support fueling our existing franchisees growth now and into the future. One You Love Homecare provides senior care services for family members and loved ones within their own homes for maximum comfort, well-being and peace of mind.

To learn more about One You Love Homecare, visit the company website at https://oneyoulovehomecare.com. For more information on senior care franchise opportunities at One You Love Homecare, please visit https://oneyoulovehomecare.com/franchise/

ABOUT ONE YOU LOVE HOMECARE

One You Love Homecare provides senior in-home care services for loved ones. One You Love Homecare takes a dedicated, comprehensive and proven approach to caring for loved ones in their own homes. Delivering the best care possible including 24/7 support from our professional care-giving team means exceptional reliability and total peace of mind for you and your family. We offer both our traditional Senior Home Care Services, including Personal Care and Companion Care, plus Comprehensive Care Management Plans to deliver extensive care coverage customized for each client with fixed, affordable rates. Investing in a One You Love Homecare franchise is based on the total commitment to caring for others. Our services focus on assisting seniors or other adults who are chronically or acutely ill, disabled or who need help performing day-to-day tasks in the home. The strength behind the One You Love Homecare brand is our core set of values and dedication to making a difference in our clients' lives.


Gareth Mellor, Head of ?tuneCore UK

Leading independent digital music company, TuneCore, has named Gareth Mellor as Head of TuneCore, UK, reporting to Faryal Khan-Thompson, Vice President, International, TuneCore. Mellor will oversee TuneCores expanding roster in the region and the organizations growth in the UK.

TuneCore is owned by Believe, the Paris-based digital music company. Believe currently operates in 45 countries and together the two companies distribute much of the worlds digital music. TuneCore has operations in 11 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, India, Brazil as well as the LATAM, Africa and SEA markets.

Commented Khan-Thompson, As TuneCore continues to expand, its important to the company to provide best in class, localized services. The UK is one of the worlds most important music markets so we knew we needed an experienced music executive to lead our efforts. Gareth brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the table, enabling him to hit the ground running and bring new ideas to the fore. We couldnt be more excited to have him on the team.

Mellor joins from Kobalt Music Group, where he served as Marketing Director, UK & EU for more than three years. Whilst at Kobalt, Mellor oversaw all marketing activity in the region, including the relaunch of its recorded music division, AWAL. Mellor led global partnerships with Zoom, The U.N, Icelandair and ethical clothing company, Lucy & Yak, while overseeing the companys event activations at SXSW, The Great Escape and BBC Introducing Live. Mellor was also a key component of Kobalts progressive diversity strategy in the region, forging partnerships with PRS Foundation: Women Make Music, She Said So, Featured Artists Coalition and Music Managers Forum.

Said Mellor, I'm delighted to join TuneCore and work with Faryal and the wider team to expand the UK roster. As a pioneer of digital music distribution and as a constantly evolving business, TuneCore has the organizational experience to see the independent music market with a wise head coupled with the same excitement that drives creativity and innovation from the artists it serves.

The UK is a competitive marketplace, but together with Believe, we can replicate the same success TuneCore has seen globally by engaging in the culture of local artists, providing them with the support they need when they need it, and by treating them - and their music - with the respect they deserve.

In 2020, TuneCore launched local operations and websites for India, Brazil and Russia. The company expanded into Germany, France and Italy in 2016, the UK and Australia markets in 2015, while TuneCore Japan and TuneCore Canada have had similar localized services since 2012 and 2011, respectively. The company currently has 11 local language websites with more planned as TuneCore continues its international expansion.

About TuneCore

TuneCore is the global platform for independent musicians to build audiences and careers -- with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Deezer, TikTok and more than 150 download and streaming stores worldwide, while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration, worldwide royalty collections, and placement opportunities in film, TV, commercials, video games and more. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of Believe, is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, and Austin, and global operations in the UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, India, Brazil as well as the LATAM, Africa and SEA markets. http://www.tunecore.com

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.
BENGALURU, India, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced the launch of an Infosys Cobalt offering - its applied AI cloud, built on NVIDIA DGXTM A100 systems, the universal system for all AI workloads, offering unprecedented compute density, performance, and flexibility. The powerful new Infosys applied AI cloud will be an AI center of excellence for the company, enabling developers and project teams at Infosys to quickly and easily access AI hardware and software stacks, across both private and public clouds, to build contextualized services that deliver AI-first business processes for enterprises. NVIDIA DGX A100 systems will provide the infrastructure and the advanced compute power needed for over 100 project teams to run machine learning and deep learning operations, simultaneously. NVIDIA Multi-Instance GPU (MIG) technology will enable Infosys to improve infrastructure efficiency and maximize utilization of each DGX A100 system. Teams can process AI algorithms centrally or locally on any device, without lag, using Infosys edge AI.

As a service delivery partner in the NVIDIA Partner Network, Infosys will also be able to build NVIDIA DGX A100-powered, on-prem AI clouds for enterprises, providing access to cognitive services, licensed and open source AI software-as-a-service (SaaS), pre-built AI platforms, solutions, models and edge capabilities. Infosys will enable businesses to harness their own data estates, open source data and curated data exchanges on the cloud to build and train their AI models. Enterprises can leverage this advantage, along with services delivered by any hyperscale cloud provider to scale and future-proof their AI-powered transformation.

"For a long time now, AI has been playing a key role in shaping consumer experience. Cloud, data analytics and AI are now converging to bring the opportunity for enterprises to not just drive consumer experience but reimagine processes and capabilities too," said Balakrishna D.R., Senior VP, Head - AI & Automation Services, Infosys. "Infosys applied AI cloud, powered by NVIDIA DGX A100 systems, can help enterprises to quickly build on the opportunity, while scaling with new technological advancements."

"Many organizations are eager to infuse their business with AI but lack the strategic platform on which they can pool expertise and scale the computing resources needed to build mission-critical AI applications," said Charlie Boyle, Vice President and General Manager of DGX Systems at NVIDIA. "Working with Infosys, we're helping organizations everywhere build their own AI centers of excellence, powered by NVIDIA DGX A100 and NVIDIA DGX POD infrastructure to speed the ROI of AI investments."

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 46 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With nearly four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

SOURCE Infosys
Ghislaine Maxwells second deposition in which she spoke about her sex life will be made public next Tuesday along with dozens of other documents.

But the alleged madam for Jeffrey Epstein got a break when the judge in the case ruled that anything relating to private intimate conduct should be redacted.

Judge Loretta Preska said that anything in the documents about consensual adult behavior should stay private too.

The hearing at federal court in New York was temporarily disrupted by QAnon conspiracy theorists who were livestreaming the dial-in audio hearing on YouTube.

The phone line to listen in had already hit 500 people by the time the stream posted by a YouTube personality went up and attracted 14,000 viewers.

Judge Preska ordered him to stop and said he was operating against the law and the stream went down a few minutes later.

Maxwells case has become an obsession for conspiracy theorists who believe the world is controlled by a group of pedophile Democrats and Hollywood stars.

The 58-year-old British socialite is accused of procuring girls as young as 14 for Epstein to abuse and in some cases taking part in the assaults.

Ghislaine Maxwells deposition in which she spoke about her sex life will be made public next week along with dozens of other documents. But Judge Loretta Preska said that anything in the documents about consensual adult behavior should stay private

Maxwell's attempt to get free from jail on a $28.5m bail package backfired spectacularly after a judge said it 'only solidifies' the risk of her fleeing

Maxwell is also accused of perjury and has pleaded not guilty.

The deposition due to be released was taken in July 2016 in a defamation case brought against Maxwell by Virginia Roberts Giuffre that led to her perjury charges.

Giuffre claims that Maxwell recruited her and that she and Epstein loaned her out to Britains Prince Andrew for sex three times.

In her ruling Judge Preska rejected claims from Maxwells lawyers that unsealing this set of documents would cause a media frenzy. Nor would it jeopardize her right to a fair trial as Maxwell had claimed.

Judge Preska said that in a previously unsealed deposition from Maxwell, which she submitted to in April 2016, Maxwell did not answer when asked about her sex life.

But in her July 2016 deposition she did answer such questions and so was entitled to privacy. The judge said: Public access to certain parts of the transcript is outweighed by Ms. Maxwell's countervailing interests in resisting disclosure of the details of her private, intimate relationships with consenting adults.

This testimony is, in any case, far afield from the sex trafficking and sexual abuse allegations that were central to the dispute in (the defamation case).

Although the prurient interest of some may be left unsatiated as a result, Ms. Maxwell's interest in keeping private the details of her sexual relationships with consenting adults warrants the sealing of those portions of her testimony and any materials that reference them.

Referring to one document the judge said: Objections to questions nine, 10 and 11 will remain sealed because it relates to Miss Maxwells intimate conduct. Material on pages 17 to 19 shall remain sealed, same reason.

On another document Judge Preska said: In the introduction, the sentence beginning Miss Maxwell never admitted shall remain sealed. It relates to private intimate conduct. Pages 1-2, the material relating to Miss Maxwells adult conduct shall remain sealed.

In the same document, Judge Preska said one sentence with material relating to adult consensual behavior should be redacted.

The names and testimony of people who did not object to their identities being made public will be unsealed in the next batch of documents, as will all references to Alan Dershowtiz, the lawyer who has represented Epstein.

Giuffre claims she was forced to have sex with Dershowitz too, claims he strongly denis.

Judge Preska initially wanted the documents unsealed by Tuesday next week but Maxwells lawyers asked for another day because they have a deadline to file court documents in her criminal case on Monday, and the judge agreed.

The April 2016 deposition which has already been made public ran to 418 pages and Maxwell fought tooth and nail to keep it private.

Over seven hours Maxwell was questioned about everything from her sex life to her relationship with Andrew and Epstein.

Maxwell was defiant, dismissive and refused to answer some questions 20 times.

At one point she denied keeping a laundry basket of sex toys at Epsteins mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

Judge Alison Nathan said the vast sum, including $22.5m from Maxwell and her husband, was so much higher than the $3.5m she claimed to be worth after her arrest in July that it was suspicious.

Maxwell was asked about having three-way sexual massages with Epstein and his sexual idiosyncrasies such as nipple pinching.

When asked if she ever provided Guiffre with schoolgirl outfits for her to wear with a massage Maxwell responded: I have no idea what you are talking about.

Maxwell did admit that in 2015 she and Prince Andrew talked on the phone about allegations made by Giuffre.

Andrew said of Giuffre that everything she said is a lie, according to Maxwell.

Elsewhere in the deposition Maxwell called Giuffre an awful fantasist and at one point she became so angry she banged her hand on the table.

Maxwell's attempt to get free from jail on a $28.5m bail package backfired spectacularly after a judge said it 'only solidifies' the risk of her fleeing.

Judge Alison Nathan said the vast sum, including $22.5m from Maxwell and her husband, was so much higher than the $3.5m she claimed to be worth after her arrest in July that it was suspicious.

Judge Nathan wrote that Maxwell was guilty of 'misdirection' to the court by failing to disclose her true worth the first time around.

Maxwell's 'lack of candor is, if anything, stronger now than in July' and her representations back then were 'woefully incomplete', the judge said.

The scathing assessment was part of a 22-page filing to federal court in New York which set out Judge Nathan's reasons for denying Maxwell bail for a second time.

The ruling means that Maxwell will remain in the grim Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until at least July next year when her trial is due to take place.

Judge Nathan wrote that Maxwell was guilty of 'misdirection' to the court by failing to disclose her true worth the first time around

Maxwell, 58, has been held there since July when she was arrested for allegedly procuring girls as young as 14 for Jeffrey Epstein to abuse.

The British socialite is also accused of perjuring herself in a civil case and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Maxwell's second bail application had included more than a dozen letters from family and friends in support.

The $22.5m in cash and assets from her and husband Scott Borgerson, 44, a tech entrepreneur, was on top of $5m in property from her family and a $1m bond from a private security company.

Judge Loretta Preska said that anything in the documents about consensual adult behavior should stay private, thus siding with Maxwell

But in the filing Judge Nathan said that Maxwell's new bail application showed she had 'extraordinary financial resources' she could use to 'flee the country undetected'.

The judge wrote: 'The new information provided in the renewed application only solidifies the court's view that the defendant plainly poses a risk of flight and that no combination of conditions can ensure her appearance'.

Judge Nathan said that Maxwell 'providing incomplete or erroneous information to the court or pretrial services' was a 'significant' factor in her decision.

After her arrest in July Maxwell claimed she had no access to her financial records and was piecing her assets together from memory.

But Judge Nathan said that the difference between $3.5m and $22.5m was so big that Maxwell's explanation stretched credibility.

Maxwell is accused of procuring girls as young as 14 for Epstein between 1994 and 1997

The judge wrote: 'Even if the defendant was unable to provide an exact number, however, the difference between the number she originally reported to pretrial services and the number now presented to the court makes it unlikely that the misrepresentation was the result of the defendant's mis-estimation rather than misdirection.

'In sum, the evidence of a lack of candor is, if anything, stronger now than in July 2020, as it is clear to the court that the defendant's representations to pretrial services were woefully incomplete.

'That lack of candor raises significant concerns as to whether the court has now been provided a full and accurate picture of her finances and as to the defendant's willingness to abide by any set of conditions of release'.

Judge Nathan noted that Maxwell had leaned heavily on a letter from Mr Borgerson - who she acknowledged as her husband for the first time in the bail application - saying that she would never leave the US and abandon him.

Borgerson wrote that Maxwell was a 'wonderful and loving' person and he believed in her innocence.

Judge Nathan wrote: 'The defendant now argues that her newly revealed relationship with her spouse signals her deep effective ties in the country, but at the time she was arrested, she was not living with him and claimed to be getting divorced.

'Indeed, she does not propose to live with him were she to be released on bail, undercutting her argument that that relationship would create an insurmountable burden to her fleeing'.

Elsewhere in the ruling Judge Nathan said that, contrary to Maxwell's claims, the case against her remained 'strong'.

The allegations from the three accusers would be backed up by flight records and other witnesses' corroborating testimony, the judge said.
Pooja Hegde is on a roll and today she wrapped up the shoot for her next with Prabhas, Radhe Shyam. The film is directed by Radha Krishna Kumar and is a romantic drama. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, the film was initially introduced as Prabhas 20 as it marks the actors twentieth film.

The principal photography of Radhe Shyam started in January 2020 in Georgia and the cast and crew managed to finish the schedule in March before returning to India due to the lockdown. They resumed the shoot in October 2020 in Italy and major parts of the film were shot in Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad in December, last year.

Announcing that shes wrapped up the film, the lead actress Pooja Hedge shared a cute picture of herself on social media. Staring at a chocolate cake, Pooja marked the completion of her schedule with a sweet treat. She captioned the picture, Cake will always be the answer. The question is irrelevant. #WrapUpCake #RadheShyam





Apart from this, Pooja also has Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali with Salman Khan and Cirkus with Ranveer Singh lined up for the coming year.
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
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Lawmakers approved 84/2 at second reading the government-authored bill requiring public officials to file spending disclosures in addition to the asset disclosures.

Government officials spending more than 2,000,000 drams at once or if the aggregate sum of the same type of spending totals 3,000,000 drams for expenses listed by law will have to disclose it in the report.

In addition, the law will from now on require officials to include in their asset declarations the assets which are de facto owned by them but are registered under someone elses name.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
India is the "indispensable partner" in Japan's endeavour to achieve its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and both countries have been deepening cooperation in areas of maritime security and connectivity, Japanese ambassador Satoshi Suzuki said on Tuesday.

The envoy said it will require collective efforts by like-minded countries to realise the vision which is getting traction across the world as it is based on universal values such as freedom, openness and inclusiveness.

"It goes without saying that India is the indispensable partner in Japan's endeavour to achieve our vision. A free and open Indo-Pacific is a natural shared goal for the two Asian maritime powers: in the Pacific and India in the Indian Ocean," he said.

The Japanese ambassador was addressing a workshop on cooperation among India, France and in the Indo-Pacific region, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

In addition to bilateral efforts, Satoshi said is another platform where and India have been working together with a focus on Indo-Pacific.

The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan, is aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region that witnessed increasing Chinese military assertiveness in recent years.

India and Japan have been regularly discussing the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific and have signalled to expand cooperation to deal with common challenges.

"The free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on. And it remains so under the current PM (Yoshihide) Suga's administration, as demonstrated by his first foreign visit destinations being Vietnam and Indonesia," Suzuki said.

He also said that Japan attaches a great significance to its cooperation with France in the Indo-Pacific region.

Suzuki identified maritime security and digital connectivity as important areas for trilateral discussion among India, Japan and France.

"As the challenges in these areas go beyond geographical boundaries, international cooperation is essential, and region-wide trilateral cooperation should make a difference," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of France Emmanuel Lenain said France has been following a cooperative strategy, and it wished to work on key issues with its foremost Asian partners like India and Japan, as well as any other country willing to join it.

He said a rapid change in the balance of power, including unilateral policies by some countries, has been witnessed, adding the COVID-19 crisis has been a great accelerator of both opportunities and risks.

All this creates uncertainties and triggers the risk of non-cooperative policies, he said.

In this context, India, Japan and France stand as factors of stability and progress, Lenain 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.)
IDEMIA today announced the next generation of Oklahoma's Mobile ID in partnership with the Department of Public Safety. Tweet this

The latest version of the Mobile ID app will feature REAL ID pre-enrollment, allowing residents the opportunity to jumpstart the process from the comfort of home. Mobile ID users can use the app's checklist to confirm they have the correct documents, then upload them using their smartphone camera, and finally, answering a brief questionnaire. By completing these steps in advance, applicants can expect to decrease their transaction time during their in-person visit by up to 40%.

"There is no better time to bring the residents of Oklahoma a contactless, secure identification option that can facilitate the move to REAL ID and more online services," said Matt Thompson, SVP, Civil and Mobile ID of IDEMIA. "This technology has the power to shape the future of our experience at the DPS and other government agencies, and Oklahoma is paving the way to the next generation of state-issued identity credentials."

Mobile ID, which will soon be available in other states, allows residents to control their identity like never before with quick, secure access to their ID. Mobile ID combines security and convenience for a state-of-the-art personal identity solution.

To learn more about where you can use Oklahoma's Mobile ID, please visit http://www.ok.gov/dps/. To download the app, please visit the App Store or Google Play Store. To learn more about IDEMIA, please visit https://www.idemia.com/.

About IDEMIA

IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, provides a trusted environment enabling citizens and consumers alike to perform their daily critical activities (such as pay, connect and travel), in the physical as well as digital space. Securing our identity has become mission critical in the world we live in today. By standing for Augmented Identity, an identity that ensures privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect one of our greatest assets  our identity  whether for individuals or for objects, whenever and wherever security matters. We provide Augmented Identity for international clients from Financial, Telecom, Identity, Public Security and IoT sectors. With close to 15,000 employees around the world, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter.

CONTACT: Chris Coleman, [email protected]

SOURCE IDEMIA

Related Links

https://www.idemia.com


"We're pleased to welcome Gianluca and Guido to our thriving Latin America and Capital Markets Practices," said Marc Jaffe, Global Chair of Latham's Corporate Department. "They have rightfully earned reputations as market-leaders, with both the track records and well-established relationships throughout Latin America to make them an incredible asset to our clients. They are wonderful additions as we continue to invest in and extend the firm's reach in the region."

Bacchiocchi and Liniado focus their practice on representing sponsors, issuers, underwriters, investors, and enhancers in cross-border capital markets transactions within Latin America. They advise banks, institutional investors, development finance institutions, sponsors and corporate entities in a broad range of matters across the region, including leveraged finance, acquisition finance, asset finance, project finance and project bonds, structured finance and private placements, hybrid structures, multisourced financings, issuances of asset-backed securities, future-flow backed securities, and high-yield debt.

"We're delighted to have Gianluca and Guido join the firm and our New York office," said Michele Penzer, Office Managing Partner of the firm's New York office. "We're thrilled to add their skills to those of our market-leading capital markets and energy and infrastructure teams."

The addition of Bacchiocchi and Liniado follows that of David Penna late last year. Penna returned to the firm after serving as Senior Vice President in the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

"Gianluca and Guido are two of the market's leading lights in the Latin America energy and infrastructure space," said Tony Del Pino, Global Chair of the firm's Latin America Practice. "They are widely regarded for their practical, business-focused approach and understanding of the key issues, risks, and business drivers affecting deals in jurisdictions throughout Latin America. Their addition will significantly enhance our leading Latin America Practice at a time when many clients are navigating landmark business transactions in the region."

"I'm thrilled to join Latham's phenomenal team of practitioners and continue building this exceptional group," said Bacchiocchi. "I have been impressed by Latham's commitment to the region and its strong track record on some of the largest and most important Latin American transactions. I look forward to further extending the reach of this team and this platform."

Added Liniado: "Clients looking to do deals in Latin America need not only counsel with a deep understanding of the market, but also a business-minded, innovative approach. I'm pleased to be joining and further expanding a team that values those qualities as I do, and to combine their substantial experience with my own to deliver even better results to clients."

Bacchiocchi and Liniado join Latham & Watkins from Clifford Chance US LLP in New York. Bacchiocchi received his JD from the New York University School of Law and his BA from the University of Michigan. Liniado received LLMs from Columbia University Law School and the Universidad de Alcala de Henares and received a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires.

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Contacts

Marc Jaffe, Global Chair, Corporate Department, +1.212.906.1281

Michele Penzer, New York Office Managing Partner, +1.212.906.1245

Antonio Del Pino, Global Chair, Latin America Practice, +1.212.906.1851

SOURCE Latham & Watkins

Related Links

http://www.lw.com



More than a third of Irelands total milk pool could be ineligible for key EU supports and may be locked out of lucrative Third Country markets as a consequence of Brexit.

Close to 4.0 billion litres of milk from farms in the Republic and Northern Ireland is currently processed in unison for produce such as butter, specialised nutrition powders and cream liquors.

However, this produce will be excluded from EU supports such as Private Storage Aid (PSA), and from some emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, has admitted that dairy produce which comprises mixed milk originating from farms in the North and South will not qualify for preferential tariff rates which the EU has negotiated in trade agreements with up to 70 countries around the world.

Only dairy produce manufactured from entirely EU milk qualifies for the preferential tariff rates available under these international trade deals.

As Northern Ireland is no longer part of the EU since Brexit, dairy produce that includes milk from the North is not covered by these trade agreements.

Among the most important markets affected by the post-Brexit restrictions are Japan, Canada, South Africa, South Korea and Morocco.

In addition, dairy produce comprising mixed milk from the North and South will not qualify for crucial EU market support measures such as PSA and intervention.

Such mechanisms have helped underpin EU milk prices despite extreme dairy market volatility over the last decade. In the most recent intervention the Commission purchased 380,000 tonnes of skim milk powder and substantial quantities of butter in 2018-19 to support milk prices.

DII estimates that dairy products manufactured with mixed milk use around 4.0 billion litres of 11.0 billion litres of milk produced on the island of Ireland. This equates to almost 37pc of the milk produced North and South.

Conor Mulvihill of DII explained that mixed-milk produce is not an issue in the UK and EU markets, and is irrelevant in China and the US as there are currently no trade agreements between the EU and these states.

Where it does become a problem is in customs origin rules, where Irish products seek to avail of a preferential tariff from a free trade agreement the EU has negotiated, such as Japan or Canada. There are about 70 of these agreements, he added.

Now with the recent EU-UK [trade] deal we feel there is a political window to address this anomaly, Mr Mulvihill said.

However, the Commission is understood to be reluctant to reopen existing trade deals.

Industry sources concede that changes to the detail of existing EU trade agreements to reflect the Northern Ireland protocol are unlikely until these accords are renewed or reviewed in the future - although the protocol may be reflected in new trade deals.

Equally, the Commission is reluctant to allow dairy produce manufactured using milk from Northern Ireland to have full access to EU market tools such as PSA and intervention.

Industry sources said the dairy processors affected  which include Lakeland Dairies, Glanbia and Aurivo  will have to use Southern milk exclusively when manufacturing product for particular Third Country markets.

Glanbia confirmed that it has the ability segregate its milk supplies from the North and South.
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.

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

WASHINGTON  Republican lawmakers and conservative groups opposed President-elect Joe Bidens forthcoming immigration plan Tuesday as massive amnesty for people in the U.S. illegally, underscoring that the measure faces an uphill fight in a Congress that Democrats control just narrowly.

In a further complication, several pro-immigration groups said they would press Biden to go even further and take steps such as immediate moratoriums on deportations, detentions and new arrests. Coupled with the discomfort an immigration push could cause for moderate Democrats, liberals demands illustrated the pressures facing Biden as four years of President Donald Trumps restrictive and often harsh immigration policies come to an end.

It simply wouldnt have happened without us, Lorella Praeli, co-president of the liberal group Community Change, said of Bidens victory. So we are now in a powerful position.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Biden plans to introduce the legislation shortly after being inaugurated Wednesday, a move he hopes will spotlight his emphasis on an issue thats defied major congressional action since 1986. Its fate, as written, seemed in doubt.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who will become Senate majority leader this week, said Trumps impeachment trial, confirmation of Bidens Cabinet nominees and more COVID-19 relief will be the chambers top initial priorities. I look forward to working together with him on the measure, Schumer said  a choice of words that might suggest changes could be needed for it to pass Congress.

Bidens proposal would create an eight-year pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants, set up a processing program abroad for refugees seeking admission to the U.S. and push toward using technology to monitor the border. The measure was described by an official from Bidens transition team who described the plan on condition of anonymity.

With an eye toward discouraging a surge of immigrants toward the U.S.-Mexico boundary, the packages route to citizenship would only apply to people already in the U.S. by this past Jan. 1. But it omits the traditional trade-off of dramatically enhanced border security thats helped attract some GOP support in the past, which drew criticism on Tuesday.

A mass amnesty with no safeguards and no strings attached is a nonstarter, said Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

There are many issues I think we can work cooperatively with President-elect Biden, but a blanket amnesty for people who are here unlawfully isnt going to be one of them, said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., often a central player in Senate immigration battles.

Total amnesty, no regard for the health or security of Americans, and zero enforcement, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who like Rubio is a potential 2024 GOP presidential contender, said in a Monday tweet.

That view was shared by Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, which favors curbing immigration.

Past proposals at least accepted the concept of turning off the faucet and mopping up the overflow. This is nothing but mopping up and letting the faucet continue to run, Krikorian said.

Rosemary Jenks, top lobbyist for NumbersUSA, which also wants to limit immigration, said the measure seems likely to fail in the Senate. It would need at least 10 Republicans to join all 50 Democrats to overcome a filibuster that would kill the measure.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said, Moving an immigration reform bill wont be easy, but I think its possible. He cited a 2013 massive overhaul that narrowly passed the Senate, only to die in the GOP-run House. Menendez and Rubio were part of a bipartisan Gang of 8 senators that helped win Senate approval.

Under Bidens legislation, those living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other requirements. From there, its a three-year path to naturalization if they pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

Biden is also expected to take swift executive actions, which require no congressional action, to reverse other Trump immigration actions. These include ending to the prohibition on arrivals from predominantly Muslim countries.

The legislation represents Bidens bid to deliver on a major campaign promise important to Latino voters and other immigrant communities after four years of Trumps restrictive policies and mass deportations. It provides one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years.

Biden allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with the GOP to avoid the stalemate that has vexed administrations of both parties for decades.

That kind of major win, even if it involves compromise, could be critical for Biden. Hell be seeking legislative victories in a Congress where Republicans are certain to oppose other Biden priorities, like rolling back some of the GOPs 2017 tax cuts and increasing federal spending.

Democrats will control the 50-50 Senate with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris tiebreaking vote. Democrats currently control the House 222-211, with two vacancies.

___

Barrow reported from Wilmington, Delaware. AP writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego also contributed to this report.
A man living at a campsite in Bucks County was arrested last week for allegedly making online threats against President-elect Joe Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

Kris John Kinsey, 61, of Durham Township, was arrested Friday in a wooded area off Sunday Road, Pennsylvania State Police said, and charged with making terroristic threats in connection with images, videos, and posts he allegedly put on Facebook. Those posts, police said, threatened violence and death to the four elected officials.

Kinsey was also charged with drug offenses and possession of a semiautomatic handgun. Kinsey, according to State Police, is listed as a person who cannot possess a firearm.

The warrant for Kinsey originated from an investigation in Elyria, Ohio, 150 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Its unclear how Kinsey wound up in Bucks County. The area where he was found is not an official campground.

According to a July article in the Lorain Morning Journal, Kinsey was arrested for assault after throwing a rock at a mans head. According to that story, Kinsey lived in Elyria. A 2017 story in the same newspaper about a lawsuit Kinsey had filed said he lived in Philadelphia.

While there are no recent public posts on Kinseys Facebook page, several from the summer concern his distaste for face masks, quarantines, and COVID-19 testing.

Kinsey, according to police, was taken to the Bucks County jail, where he is being held on an unspecified bail.
The five-month-old interim government has a new problem; the recent loss of Soumaila Cisse, the popular and long-time opposition politician favored to win the next presidential election in 2022. The 71-year-old Cisse died from covid19 in late December. Now the interim Mali government has to take a closer look at other possible winners of the 2022 election.

The August 2020 coup ejected a corrupt president but failed to establish a military government. Instead, the CNT (National Transitional Council), an interim (temporary) government was organized, at the insistence of local politicians and major foreign aid donors. The CNT has until March 2022 to organize new elections and disappear. The CNT is composed of 121 members generally agreed to represent the Mali population and institutions. The CNT elected a president and vice-president who are both army colonels who were not part of the coup. The CNT serves as a temporary legislative group to determine and approve measures required to maintain order and organize new the 2022 elections. Without Cisse it is unclear who is now most likely to win the 2022 presidential election.

The CNT was preceded by the populist J5M (June 5Movement) that carried out months of demonstrations in the capital and made the coup possible by forcing a corrupt president out. J5M criticized the composition of the 121 member CNT because of the 22 army officers on it, in addition to some shady civilians. Most of the CNT members are less suspect and do represent a wide spectrum of groups. Nevertheless, J5M declared a boycott against the CNT and refused to cooperate with it. J5M represents civilians who seek a less corrupt and more effective government and do not see a military dictatorship making a difference.

The main leader of J5M is Moslem cleric Mahmoud Dicko. He has been the de-facto spokesman for J5M and managed to maintain that position. Dicko is a popular senior imam (Moslem cleric) who studied Islam in Saudi Arabia and came to be chairman of Malis High Islamic Council. Despite (or because of) his education in Saudi religious schools, which stress the need for Islamic law, Dicko openly backs a secular government, but one run by honest (or a lot more honest than now) politicians and officials. Imams like Dicko are one reason Islamic terrorist beliefs have not spread to the majority of Malians, most (95 percent) of them Moslem. Many foreign students in Saudi religious schools note that for all its piety Saudi Arabia is very corrupt as are most other Arab oil states. There were some exceptions but without all that oil wealth many Arab governments would be undergoing the same political pain Mali is suffering.

Many Mali politicians and economic leaders dont trust Dicko, feeling that he must be in touch with Islamic terror group leaders and actually willing to try a religious government. Dicko has never expressed support for that and more and more Malians are believing him rather than less popular and trusted politicians and other prominent Malians.

Its not just J5M that demands a more effective government. Many nations threatened to impose sanctions after the August coup if the coup leaders did not organize elections and a new democratic government. That led to the interim government and CNT and subsequent decisions leading to elections.

The August 2020 coup was the second one since 2012 and the third since Mali became independent in 1960. The 2020 coup got the same hostile reaction from the neighbors, international organizations and Western supporters as did the 2012 one. The prompt installation of the temporary government, with 21 of 25 ministries led by civilians, is an attempt to get local and international sanctions lifted.

So far, the UN sanctions remain in place, at least until August 2021. Lifting some of the sanctions depends on progress the CNT makes. The interim government is acceptable as long as it is temporary. The sanctions have disrupted trade and been a bonanza for smugglers. Islamic terrorist groups control a lot of the smuggling so as long as the sanctions remain in force the Islamic terrorists make more money.

The March 2012 coup was triggered by the lack of financial and political support for troops stationed in the thinly populated north, which was being taken over by a Tuareg rebellion led by Islamic terrorist groups. Elections were held in 2013, after a French-led force advanced into the north in January and quickly defeated the Taureg rebels and their Islamic terrorist allies. Now it is 2021 and the Taureg tribes are still waiting for the government to deliver the economic aid promised when the Tauregs agreed to a peace deal. The Islamic terrorist groups are still up there and have spread to central Mali, partly to support their smuggling operations (drugs and people) that finance the terror groups. The corruption and mismanagement are still prominent and the target of growing popular anger. Despite all the peacekeepers and counterterror forces, there will be no peace until a competent and a lot less corrupt government is installed.

Since 2013 the Mali military has been rebuilt, a task carried out largely by French trainers and advisors. Currently the army has about 7,000 troops. Another 800 personnel serve in the air force and riverine navy. There are also nearly 5,000 paramilitary troops, including the 2,000-man Republican Guard stationed in the capital to protect government officials and facilities. Most of the paramilitary personnel act as national police and serve throughout the country. Overall, the rebuilt army is a more effective force than it was in 2012. Mali troops are still considered the least effective in the region. The 2020 army has a few units that are first-rate and these often operate with the French counterterrorism forces. These elite Mali troops account for less than ten percent of the army.

Meanwhile Life Goes On

Most of Mali is peaceful and keeping the economy growing, in spite of the corrupt politicians that hamper faster growth and more foreign investment. The peacekeepers are needed to deal with t he thinly populated northern two-thirds of the country, which has a population of less than three million. That is about 16 percent of the population and about five percent of the GDP. The north was very poor in the best of times, and several years of Islamic terrorist violence halted tourism, a major source of income, especially in the three major cities up there, and the movement of many goods. The north is something of a political mistake. The Tuareg majority in the far north are more Arab than African and the peace deal with them was stalled for over a year because the black majority in the south did not want to even consider granting as much autonomy as the Tuaregs demanded. The two groups have always been at odds but were only united in the same country by the colonial French during 70 years of occupation. Like most African countries, dividing the nation is not an acceptable option and the colonial borders are considered sacrosanct. The French colonial government was established in 1892 and it was far more popular in the south than the north. Since independence in 1960 nearly all Mali politicians and business leaders have been pro-French and often educated in French universities. That was less the case in the north.

Death Trap

Mali remains the most dangerous assignment for UN peacekeepers. Since 2013 the 13,000 Mali peacekeepers have suffered 231 combat deaths. That translates to about 200 dead per 100,000 troops per year (a standard measure of such things) for the peacekeepers in Mali. This is largely because most of the peacekeepers are stationed in northern Mali, where most of these deaths occur. There was lots of violence up there since (and before) the peacekeepers arrived in early 2013. The peacekeepers are mainly African and the death rate has fluctuated from year, going as low as 130 per 100,000 per year. Since 2018 a lot of the violence has moved south to central Mali and the three-border area where the Mali army and tribal militias take most of the casualties.

While being a peacekeeper remains a dangerous job, its still less dangerous than places like Afghanistan, where in 2013 the rate was 200 per 100,000 for all foreign troops there. That was down from the peak 587 per 100,000 in 2010, which was about what it was during the peak years in Iraq (2004-7). The action in Mali is less intense than in pre-2014 Afghanistan or pre-2011 Iraq but is more than double the rate for peacekeepers worldwide. Total Mali peacekeeper casualties since mid-2013 are about 500 dead and wounded and losses but have been much heavier among the Islamic terrorists.

The 5,100 troops of French counterterrorism forces are separate from the Mali peacekeepers because the French force deals with Islamic terrorism throughout the region. Since 2013 the French forces has suffered 50 dead. That is largely because the French troops are an offensive force that does not do a lot of patrolling and concentrates on finding and destroying Islamic terrorists wherever they are active. There is less popular support in France for the French counterterror effort in and around Mali and the French are trying to get other nations to replace the French force or at least a portion of it.

January 15, 2021: In the north (near Kidal) a peacekeeper was killed by a roadside bomb and another peacekeeper was wounded. The peacekeepers were escorting a supply convoy, which has become a common practice in the north because Islamic terrorists have increasingly attacked road traffic or demanded bribes for safe passage.

January 13, 2021: In the north (near Timbuktu) four peacekeepers were killed by a roadside bomb and six were wounded. The peacekeepers were escorting a supply convoy

January 8, 2021: In the northeast (south of Gao) in the three-borders (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso) area, six French soldiers were wounded by a suicide bomber. This area, where the three borders meet, has long been known for the presence of Islamic terrorist camps and bases.

January 3, 2021: In the north (east of Timbuktu) French forces made two attacks on Islamic terrorists, killing fifteen in one attack and two in another. At least four were captured by ground forces. Later there were reports that twenty civilians at a wedding in the area were killed by an armed helicopter. France pointed out that they had not used armed helicopters in the area that day, only UAVs and warplanes armed with guided missiles and bombs. Several days later French and local soldiers visited the scene of the alleged attack and could find no evidence of an air strike.

January 2, 2021: In the northwest (Menaka) two French soldiers were killed and one wounded when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle. JNIM (Al Qaeda) took credit for this attack. JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems) is the largest Islamic terror group in Mali. This is an al Qaeda coalition formed in early 2017 to consolidate the many separate Islamic terror groups in Mali. In part this was a reaction to the growing threat from ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant), which is hostile to everyone who is not ISIL and will attack or recruit from the JNIM members like AQIM, Ansar Dine, FLM and several other smaller groups. Another reason for the merger was to make it easier to pool resources, especially information and practical advice, and coordinate with other Islamic terror groups in the region. This reduces friction and destructive feuding. Making a coalition like this work is always difficult, especially considering the importance of ethnic differences.

December 28, 2020: In central Mali (Mopti) three French soldiers died when their armored vehicles hit an improvised mine.

December 27, 2020: Across the northern border in Algeria ( Jijel Province, 365 kilometers east of the capital) army investigators seized $100,000 that was part of $10 million ransom paid in Mali to get four hostages released. The money was held by known Islamic terrorist supporters. When Algerian officials found out about the large ransom, they warned that it would mean more terrorist activity in Algeria and that happened. Jijel province has long been the scene of Islamic terrorist activity.

December 25, 2020: Soumaila Cisse, one of the four captives (three of them foreigners) freed by Islamic terrorist kidnappers in early October 2020, died in Paris. He had contracted covid19. Cisse has long been the most prominent opposition politician in Mali and was campaigning in northern Mali in March 2020 when Islamic terrorists kidnapped him and demanded ransom. Cisse had been the runner-up in the last three presidential elections and was expected to win in 2022 when the post-coup democracy is restored via national elections.
(CNN)  China has revealed a prototype for a new high-speed Maglev train that is capable of reaching speeds of 620 kilometers (385 miles) per hour.

The train runs on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) power that makes it look as if the train is floating along the magnetized tracks.

The sleek 21-meter-long (69 feet) prototype was unveiled to media in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on January 13. In addition, university researchers constructed 165 meters (541 feet) of track to demonstrate how the train would look and feel in transit, according to state-run Xinhua News.

Professor He Chuan (vice president of Southwest Jiaotong University, which worked on the prototype) told reporters that the train could be "operational" within 3-10 years.

He added: "Sichuan has rich rare earth resources, which is very beneficial to our construction of permanent magnet tracks, thus promoting the faster development of experiments."

China is home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, which stretches over 37,000 kilometers, and the fastest commercially operating train -- the Shanghai maglev.

The country's first high-speed Maglev train, it began operating in 2003. Running at a top speed of 431 kph, the train links Shanghai Pudong Airport and Longyang Road in the eastern side of Shanghai.

China has been eager to make further infrastructure improvements ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, which will take place in Beijing.

This time last year, China unveiled a new 174-kilometer high-speed railway line connecting Beijing with 2022 Winter Olympics host city Zhangjiakou, cutting the travel time between the two from three hours to 47 minutes.

Earlier this month, the country debuted a bullet train specifically designed to withstand freezing temperatures. The CR400AF-G train can travel up to 350 kilometers per hour in weather as cold as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit).

It will run on routes between Beijing, Shenyang and Harbin -- the latter of which is so cold that it hosts an annual snow and ice festival.

This story was first published on CNN.com China debuts train prototype that can hit speeds of 620 kilometers per hour
New Delhi: The Centre's new farm laws are designed to "destroy" the agriculture sector, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Tuesday and asserted that the only solution to the farmers' issue is to repeal the legislations.

At a press conference, Gandhi also released a booklet highlighting the "plight" of farmers in the wake of the Centre's three farm laws.

He alleged that the laws will put the entire agriculture sector in the hands of "three to four crony capitalists".

The Centre's new farm laws are "designed to destroy" the agriculture sector, the former Congress chief said.

"I support the protesting farmers 100 per cent and every single person in the country should support them as they are fighting for us," he said.

There is just one solution that these three laws will have to repealed, Gandhi said when asked about the impasse in talks between the government and the protesting farmers.

Hitting back at BJP president J P Nadda for his tweets earlier in the day criticising him, the Congress leader said it was an "attempted distraction". The farmers know that it was Rahul Gandhi who stood up in Bhatta Parsaul and over the land acquisition issue, not BJP leader Nadda, he said.

"I am not afraid of anyone, neither of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi nor of anyone else. I am a clean person, they can't touch me. They can shoot me, but can't touch me. I am a patriot and I protect my country, and I will keep doing it," he said.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Haryana and Punjab, have been protesting at several border points of Delhi since November 28 last year, demanding a repeal of the three laws and a legal guarantee to the minimum support price (MSP) system for their crops.

Enacted in September last year, the three laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

However, the protesting farmers have expressed their apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the "mandi" (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

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.
The state of Hawaii is on the verge of a COVID outbreak as the Hawaii Department of Health reported 129 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the state total to 24,482 cases and a death toll of 322. Metrics compiled by rt.live shows that the states virus effective reproduction rate stands at 1.12 and warns that the state is on the precipice of a major outbreak. This means that every COVID positive person is spreading the virus to 1.12 people, making it the worst state after Washington, with a growth rate of 1.15.

Front view of The Queen's Medical Center (Wikimedia Commons)

It is under these conditions, and months of demands for safe working conditions, that some 700 nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children voted by 93 percent in early January to authorize strike action. The nurses are represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA) Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 50, who reported that an unprecedented 96 percent of the membership cast their vote, showing widespread support for strike action in support of patient and staff safety.

The strike was announced on January 10 by OPEIU Local 50, and within days the union had announced it reached a tentative deal with Kapiolani. As of now only the union highlights have been shared, consisting of minor wage increases of 2 to 3 percent, and 8284 percent of health care premiums for family members to be covered. The OPEIU states that the tentative agreement addresses PPE and safety concerns, but the specifics have not been released. OPEIU Local 50 is pushing through a vote, asking health care workers to ratify the agreement on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. It is unclear if nurses will even have access to the full contract before voting on it.

For Kapiolani nurses, as for nurses and other health care workers across the US, the primary concerns they are striking for are to improve patient and staff safety. Workers presented a list of proposals to keep themselves and their patients safe to Kapiolani management in September, but these were rejected. Since last year, nurses have been asking for a COVID task force which includes nurses to ensure hospital staff have what they need.

The main issue nurses report is their being forced to reuse personal protective equipment (PPE), which the hospital sterilizes with a UV light. But health care staff say that the N95 masks do not properly fit after sterilization, placing them and their families at risk.

Kapiolani Medical Center CEO and executive vice president of Oahu Operations for Hawaii Pacific Health Martha Smith has continued to downplay concerns, stating that PPE can be used up to 10 times according to CDC guidelines. We sterilize them with ultraviolet light, were using the CDC and manufacturers recommended guidelines, which say that you can use those masks and sterilize them and reuse them if theyre in good condition, up to 10 times.

Since last year Kapiolani nurses have been demanding the creation of a COVID task force that includes nurses to ensure hospital staff have what they need. They are worried about safe staffing and a rising number of cases among health care workers.

Astoundingly, Smith and Kapiolani management have been responding to cases of infection among staff by blaming health care workers. Nurses report that the hospital is blaming them for contracting the virus and not properly wearing PPE, which they claim if worn properly should prevent them from contracting it.

Paulette Vasu, a Kapiolani nurse, told Hawaii Public Radio, We are pretty confident that one of our nurses and one of our residents did contract COVID from a patient, but the management said no, its community acquired. Vasu said that management pressured staff to answer if they had worn proper PPE and if they washed their hands. If so, management is classifying the infection as being acquired from within the community and not from their COVID patients.

The movement by Hawaii nurses for patient safety and safe work conditions is connected to the demands by health care workers across the country and internationally who are raising the same demands. Hawaii nurses must be warned that the OPEIU as well as the HNA is working not only with hospital management but with the highest levels of the state and Governor David Ige to prevent a strike that could quickly spread across industries, as cases are rising in the state.

Just last month, SEIU Local 121RN betrayed a struggle by nurses at three Southern California hospitals owned by the health care giant Healthcare Corporation of America and smothered a planned strike by some 2,500 nurses in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Within days they called off the action and pushed through a vote which did nothing to stop the deadly short-staffing and high ratios. The SEIU had workers vote on a contract which they did not even get to read. The WSWS published a statement urging them to reject the vote, demand to see the contract in full, create independent rank-and-file committees and link up with other sections of workers to put a stop to the spread. Only a halt to the spread of the virus will alleviate the horrific conditions in the hospitals.

What is required to put a halt to the pandemic is a lockdown with full provisions made so that nonessential workers can stay at home safe and small businesses do not face financial ruin. However, this demand cannot be realized by nurses alone, they must link up with other sections of workers and join a network of rank-and-file committees.

Nurses in Hawaii must be warned that the response of the Democratic Party that runs Hawaii and are tied to the trade unions will be just as brutal as in California. The response of the ruling class, which Governor Ige and California Governor Gavin Newsom represent, is to do everything possible to keep businesses and schools open despite the rate of infection and deaths.

Despite Californias skyrocketing death toll and morgues unable to keep up with the cremations, Newsom is still working to open all schools next month. This has been allowed to happen with the assistance of the trade unions. All industries are working with management and state officials to keep businesses and schools open, and will do everything in their power to prevent any action by nurses. This includes OPEIU Local 50. Health care workers must demand to see the full contract and at least a week to study it before voting on it.

Health care workers in California have sent in the following statements urging Kapiolani workers to draw the necessary conclusions, reject the efforts to sabotage their struggle and organize independently of the trade unions:

To the nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, from a worker at an Adventist Health hospital: We support your fight to strike! Management at our hospital does everything to deny hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections. Its an insult to deny paid COVID leave to the frontline workers struggling to stem the pandemic, especially when we have to take time off to care for our own families, who in all likelihood have fallen ill because of our work exposures. Workers and patients deserve the PPE needed to protect themselves and their families. Baking the same N95 to reuse over several shifts is not the standard of safety anyone should settle for, especially during a pandemic. They do the same at our hospital, too, using UV light as an excuse to not provide us with adequate PPE. Almost a year into the pandemic and were still short on N95s and face shields. And to (re)use an N95, we need approval from the charge nurse. Our benefits here have been slashed for 2021, and weve been denied pay increases that keep up with the rising cost of living. Its becoming ever more difficult to care for oneself or for ones family. Especially in the state of Hawaii, with the highest cost of living in the country. You nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center arent alone. HNA takes dues from 4,000 nursesyou have, at the bare minimum, 3,250 allies you can count on. Reach out to them! The union wontmaking you work without a contract since November is an absolutely shameful betrayal. Bring EVS/housekeeping and other clinical and nonclinical workers with you! Unite with all the workers at your hospitaland across hospitals throughout the state, and abroad. You make this hospital and the community, and these are your lives at stake. You have to fight for them, and you cant fight alone. This is a struggle that health care workers face all across the world.

An acute care nurse from Riverside, California, sent the following message, Stay strong during this time, with your collective voice you can achieve patient safety, settle for nothing less. The public will make you feel guilty for abandoning patients, in truth you are putting patients first. All nurses recognize this and support you.

A nurse from Long Beach issued the following warning and call for Hawaii nurses to begin forming rank-and-file committees: To the nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center, do not allow the union and hospital management to shut down your voices and demands. They will try to deter you from your goals of advocating for safe patient care and safe working conditions. Hospital management actually prefers having a union hospital because they know the union will put to bed any dissension at the behest of hospital management. And hospital CEOs and political leaders will try to sabotage your voices and demands through a smear campaign and guilt because hospital corporations and the Democratic Party are tied to each other by campaign donations, your dues money, given to the Democratic Party.

If political leaders were concerned for the welfare of nurses and patients they would have bailed out the American people, not corporations. Hospitals have profited during a raging pandemic through bailouts and have maximized their profits by understaffing hospitals, not providing enough PPE and cutting employee benefits. Stand strong against the pressure from hospital management and your union because they will attempt to sabotage your fight for safe patient care and safe working conditions. I recommend forming rank-and-file committees away from the union and take control of your working conditions and power.

For help starting a rank-and-file safety committee at your hospital and workplace, contact us at wsws.org/contact and sign up for the WSWS Health Care Workers Newsletter.
The EU has been able to make "quantum leaps" in European integration since Britain signalled its exit from the bloc, Brussels' ambassador to the UK has said.

In his first public appearance since the UK left the single market on 31 December Joao Vale de Almeida said he did not think any other countries would follow Britain's example.

"After Brexit, after the referendum in 2016, we see support for Europe going up in all our countries, at least on average. Going up, not down," he told an event hosted by the UK-based think-tank Bright Blue.

"I don't see any country, not even any important opposition party in Europe, advocating exit from the European Union since the referendum.

"And I see the European Union, in the last few years, taking a number of very important and bold decisions that lead me to say that the Union is, with all its problems that we all have in these non-normal times, that the union is is is doing quite well."

Mr Vale de Almeida, a former ambassador to the United States who took his current role last year, cited the EU's response to the Covid-19 crisis as evidence that the bloc was doing fine without Britain's input.

"We made a quantum leap in terms of equipping ourselves with the financial means and the financial mechanisms to deal with this crisis, which are absolutely unprecedented in magnitude in terms of the amount of money," he said.

"But also in qualitative terms we're doing things that some people call a 'Hamiltonian moment'... I prefer to say a 'Monnet moment' or a 'Schuman moment', in terms of our founding fathers.

"In a nutshell: Brexit did not produce new Brexit, or new exits  Brexit produced increased support for the European Union, and in the last few years after Brexit, we were able to make quantum leaps in the way we organise ourselves, and the way we set out goals."

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 27 May 2021 A man waits to receive a dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, in the rooms of the Claudia Comte exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Castello di Rivoli near Turin AFP/Getty World news in pictures 26 May 2021 A girl, with her face painted with the colours of the opposition flag, looks on during a demonstration against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and presidential elections, in the opposition-held Idlib, Syria Reuters World news in pictures 25 May 2021 A Buddhist monk climbs atop a giant statue of Buddha, to wash and decorate on the eve of Buddha Purnima, a holiday traditionally celebrated for Buddha's birthday also known as Vesak celebrations, in Bhopal AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 May 2021 Lava from the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo cuts through Buhene north of Goma, Congo AP World news in pictures 23 May 2021 Cyclists at the start of the 15th stage of the Giro dItalia, a 147km race between Grado and Gorizia AFP/Getty World news in pictures 22 May 2021 Swiss Guards take their position prior to the arrival of the European Commission President at San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican for a private audience with the Pope AFP/Getty World news in pictures 21 May 2021 A dog that has been trained to sniff out the coronavirus disease, screens a sweat sample at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters World news in pictures 20 May 2021 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr in action during a F1 practice session at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo Reuters World news in pictures 18 May 2021 Horse-drawn carriages drive through the mudflats near Cuxhaven, northern Germany dpa via AP World news in pictures 17 May 2021 Kanoya Onishi in action during the Cycling BMX Free Style of Tokyo 2020 Olympics test event at Ariake Urban Sports Park in Japan EPA World news in pictures 16 May 2021 Rescuers carry Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, as they pull her from the rubble of a building at the site of Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City Reuters World news in pictures 15 May 2021 A ball of fire erupts from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza city AFP/Getty World news in pictures 14 May 2021 Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers inside the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh AP World news in pictures 13 May 2021 Muslim girls ride on a mini train after attending the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 May 2021 Israeli artillery fire as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border EPA World news in pictures 11 May 2021 Maya Nakanishi competes in the womens long jump - T64 category during a para-athletics test event for the 2020 Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo AFP/Getty World news in pictures 10 May 2021 A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, ahead of a planned march to commemorate Israels takeover of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War AFP/Getty World news in pictures 9 May 2021 Falconer Giovanna Piccolo performs with her Eurasian eagle-owl at 'Roma World' theme park, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Rome Reuters World news in pictures 8 May 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is introduced as a starter against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 6 May 2021 Buddhist monks and believers attend a lantern parade in celebration of the upcoming birthday of Buddha at a temple in Seoul, South Korea Reuters World news in pictures 5 May 2021 Russian MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation over the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin in Moscow during a flypast rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 May 2021 An elevated metro line collapsed in the Mexican capital on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured as a train came plunging down, authorities said AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 May 2021 Lightning bolts strike buildings during a thunderstorm in Bangkok AFP/Getty World news in pictures 2 May 2021 Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus AFP/Getty World news in pictures 1 May 2021 A Gilet Jaune, or yellow vest, protestor stands in front of a burning barricade holding his hand up with an inscription calling for President Macron to resign as May Day Protest turn violent near Place de la Republique in Paris, France Getty World news in pictures 30 April 2021 A demonstrator from the Rio de Paz human rights activist group digs a symbolic grave in front of rows of bags symbolising bodybags on Copacabana beach, during a protest against the Brazilian governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 April 2021 An aerial picture shows dead carp fish flushed to the shores of al-Qaraoun reservoir in Lebanons Western Beqaa District in the countrys east. Tonnes of fish have washed up dead on the shoreline of the highly polluted artificial reservoir in eastern Lebanon in recent days AFP/Getty World news in pictures 28 April 2021 Health workers wearing PPE attends to coronavirus patients inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a covid care centre in New Delhi AFP/Getty World news in pictures 27 April 2021 The full moon, known as the Super Pink Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Reuters World news in pictures 26 April 2021 Balinese people lay wreaths with names of the crew on board the sunk Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala during a prayer at the sea near Labuhan Lalang, Bali, Indonesia EPA World news in pictures 25 April 2021 An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshipper walks around the Edicule, the place believed to be where Jesus Christ was buried, during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 April 2021 Fans of Wuhan Three Towns FC cheer for their team during the 1st round match Wuhan Three Towns FC and Beijing Institute of Technology FC during Chinese Football League One in Wuhan, China Getty World news in pictures 23 April 2021 A girl prays in front of the Dome of the Rock, in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions ease around the country, in Jerusalem Reuters World news in pictures 22 April 2021 People walk through the art work 'THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS' by Yayoi Kusama, during the press preview of a retrospective exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Martin Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany AP World news in pictures 21 April 2021 Hungary's Sara Peter competes in the Women's floor qualifications during European Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the St Jakobshalle, in Basel AFP/Getty World news in pictures 20 April 2021 South Korea university students gets their heads shaved during a protest against Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in front of the Japanese embassy, in Seoul Reuters World news in pictures 19 April 2021 A spectator wearing a football jersey of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament singles match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Argentina's Guido Pella at the Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona AFP/Getty World news in pictures 18 April 2021 People raise their fist during a demonstration near the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP/Getty World news in pictures 17 April 2021 Security personnel stand guard outside a polling station during the 5th phase of West Bengal's state legislative assembly elections in Kolkata AFP/Getty World news in pictures 16 April 2021 Palestinians take part in the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty World news in pictures 15 April 2021 A firefighter inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 14 April 2021 This picture shows the 100 days countdown till the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games displayed on the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on April 14, 2021 AFP/Getty World news in pictures 13 April 2021 This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source shows Buddhist monks gesturing while taking part in a demonstration with protesters against the military coup in Mandalay during the Myanmar New Year festival of Thingyan AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 April 2021 An Indian holi man during the Kumbh Mela royal bath (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Thousands of pilgrims are gathering and taking holy dip in Kumbh Mela that is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which occurs after every twelve years and rotates among four locations EPA World news in pictures 11 April 2021 Nasa released images of of sand dunes on Mars captured using infrared reflections NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU World news in pictures 10 April 2021 People watch devotees pulling a chariot in Biska Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal AP World news in pictures 9 April 2021 Maintenance workers clean the monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Moscow on April 9, 2021. - Sixty years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space, marking it a new chapter in the history of space exploration. AFP/Getty World news in pictures 8 April 2021 Protesters hold a banner and burning red flares during a demonstration of called by unions of healthcare and social workers in support of their sector and to demand a bonus in their pay in Paris AFP/Getty World news in pictures 7 April 2021 Protesters laying on the street near the Election Commission office in Kolkata during a demonstration demanding the halt of the ongoing state legislative election and campaign rallies amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases AFP/Getty World news in pictures 6 April 2021 Voters stand in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during third phase of West Bengal state elections in Baruipur, South 24 Pargana district, India AP

EU countries have jointly worked together to procure equipment and vaccines during the course of the outbreak at a time of global shortage.

Its leaders also agreed a vast 750 billion (667 billion) coronavirus recovery fund to help kick-start the economies of its 27 countries as they emerge from the crisis.
ADVERTISEMENT

Following the increase in the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said any malaria-like symptoms should henceforth be considered as COVID-19 virus infection unless and until proven not to be one.

He, therefore, advised that anyone with such symptoms should proceed to any of the states public health facilities or laboratories to get tested for free.

He noted that seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival for severe to critical cases.

Speaking during a press conference on COVID-19 updates at the Lagos House, Ikeja on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said it is important that Lagos State residents begin to learn to live and act responsibly, in order to augment the governments efforts and previous success of flattening the curve.

The governor also said the increase in coronavirus cases in the second wave has necessitated the greater amount of oxygen for the moderate to severe cases of admission in all the isolation centres.

He said the alarming trend of COVID-19 has necessitated the reopening of some of the previously closed isolation centres.

These include the INDO Isolation Centre and Gbagada Isolation Center to contain the rising cases and re-flattening the curve in the shortest possible time.

Over the last few weeks, the demands for oxygen has risen from 70 six-litre cylinders per day to 350 six-litre cylinders in our Yaba Mainland Hospital. This is projected to more than double to 750 six-cylinders, before the end of January 2021.

ln addition to providing oxygen at our isolation centres, the Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the state through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks. Oxygen therapy and other related services will be provided to patients that require them.

Five of these 10 oxygen centres have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks. It is our expectation that these sampling kiosks would be easily accessible to residents that require oxygen therapy at the level of LGAs as stabilisation points prior to onward transmission to our isolation centres if required.

This strategy is to further increase the fighting chance of Lagos residents that have contracted the virus and require immediate oxygen therapy, he said.

Schools resumption

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the commencement of school activities yesterday (Monday) was a difficult decision to make in light of the second wave of COVID-19, but I assure you it was the best decision for our childrens safety and long-term development, especially our most vulnerable children.

He stressed the need for students to return to school to continue their education at various levels.

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that almost 24,000 students are yet to report in public schools after last years lockdown necessitated by the first wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Last year after the first lockdown and kids have to come back to school, we are still looking for about 24,000 of them that have not come back to school. So, there is a challenge if you keep them out for that long and their parents or guardians now turn them to other things instead of ensuring that they have time to come back for learning even if it is twice or thrice a week.

At least they have been registered since the beginning of a session and they can be monitored. If not, they will just be roaming the streets and become endangered. We have seen incidents of child abuse and all unprintable things that are being done to these children. So, we believe to a large extent that schools sometimes happen to be the safe haven for them. We have done the roster in which we ensure they keep social distance and we are monitoring, he said.
Kerry Group - not commenting on report suggesting primary dairy unit is to be sold

Ireland's Kerry Co-operative Creameries is reportedly set to buy a majority stake in Kerry Group's primary dairy business.

The Irish Independent newspaper reported today (19 January) the co-op's board has agreed to purchase the business, which it said is valued at EUR800m (US$970.7m), in light of the emergence of an unnamed rival bidder.

The newspaper, which did not reveal its source, said the board decided in principle to move ahead with a deal yesterday and is expected to ratify a decision to purchase a 60% majority share in the dairy business at a meeting tomorrow (20 January).

The move was first mooted back in August by the Irish Farmers Journal publication.

When approached by just-food, a Kerry Group spokesperson said: "Kerry does not comment on rumour or speculation."

just-food has also asked Kerry Co-operative Creameries for a response to the story.

Kerry Group  in which the co-op owns a 12% stake  operates three dairy manufacturing facilities in Ireland, where more than one billion litres, or 20% of the total Irish milk pool, are processed annually. The dairy arm also produces whey and skim milk powder.

Responding to the Irish Independent story, Ryan Tomkins, an analyst with Jefferies, said the benefit to Kerry Group would be the "removal of what are basic dairy processing operations from what is otherwise a faster-growing and higher-margin division".

In December, Kerry Group refused to be drawn on a report claiming the Tralee-based food and ingredients manufacturer was considering the future of its consumer-facing division.

News agency Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, said Kerry was weighing up what options it has for the unit, which is home to brands including Richmond sausages and Dairygold butter.
Photo: Contributed

Amid a recent spate of Lower Mainland gang-related shootings in Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond and other areas, people are being asked to submit more tips to local police agencies.

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers says more than 500 anonymous tips about gang-related activities and illegal weapons were received in 2020, about a tenth of all tips received, said a news release.

Those tips are being credited with leading directly to arrests.

With the spike in recent gang-related activity in the Lower Mainland, Crime Stoppers is urging local residents to keep providing anonymous tips with information that could help police investigate, make more arrests and save lives, said Linda Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, in the news release.

Heres how some of the tips to Crime Stoppers in 2020 break down:

Total gang activity/illegal guns tips in 2020: 510

Number of tips related specifically to illegal guns: 401

Number of arrests based on tips about gang or illegal gun activity: 21

Number of charges laid: 34

Number of illegal weapons seized: 17

Year-end statistics for 2020 just published by Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers in its annual Impact Report show 5,017 tips were received for all categories of crime (compares closely with 5,137 tips received in 2019). Information from these tips led to 72 arrests and 135 charges laid in 2020.

In addition, more than $2.7 million in property and illicit drugs were seized last year including 16 vehicles. Since the inception of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers more than 35 years ago, more than 8,200 arrests have been made and half-a-billion dollars in property and drugs have been recovered, said the release.
Pamela J. Roe is an avid traveler presently living with her husband in Arizona who enjoys being outdoors, running, reading, hiking, taking long walks on the beach, and visiting her grown children in Colorado, Iowa, and Michigan. She has completed her new book A Forever Home: Greys Ranch Trilogy: a gripping and potent romantic drama that keeps the pages turning until the satisfying conclusion.

Alessandra Petrovich is forced to leave her home in Kosovo as a teenager, caught in the struggle between ethnic groups and terrified of the father she loves. She and her mother hide among thousands of refugees seeking asylum in other countries. Their journey leads them to a small Midwestern town in the United States, where they find solace and create a home for themselves. After fifteen years, Alessandra finds out her father is desperate to find her. She is forced to flee, once again, this time without her mother.

Orion Grey returns to the small community of Hideaway Canyon, Colorado, near his family, to recuperate from his last mission. Understanding the sacrifices required of his job, he struggles to rectify his idealistic childhood. Orion does what any man would, after finding an unconscious woman along the roadside during a winter storm. Alessandra becomes unwittingly dependent upon Orion and his family as her memory returns, and her past is discovered.

Will Orion be able to help Alessandra find out where she came from? Does she really want to know? What kind of dangers will the woman bring to the peaceful mountain village? Can two people who have survived dubious pasts, find love? Everyone deserves their happily ever after and a place to call their forever home. A place filled with love and a sense of security. A Forever Home: Greys Ranch Trilogy represents hope for people who live on the margins of society and an opportunity to open the hearts of those of us who have our happily ever after and forever home, to those who dont.

Published by Page Publishing, Pamela J. Roes engaging novel is a superb choice for avid fiction readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engrossing work can purchase A Forever Home: Greys Ranch Trilogy at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
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.
[January 19, 2021] Bank of America Announces Stock Dividends and Common Stock Repurchase Plan for Q1-21

Bank of America today announced the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Bank of America common stock of $0.18 per share, payable on March 26, 2021 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2021. Also, the Board authorized the repurchase of $2.9 billion in common stock through March 31, 2021, plus repurchases to offset shares awarded under equity-based compensation plans during the same period, estimated to be approximately $0.3 billion. This authorization equals the maximum allowed for the period, according to guidelines established by the Federal Reserve Board following the results of the latest Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review examination. The Board's decision reflects the strength of the company's balance sheet and its continued focus on growing responsibly. At December 31, 2020 the company's common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio was at an all-time high of 11.9 percent. This translates into $36 billion in capital above the minimum requirement. The repurchase program will be subject to various factors, including the company's capital position, liquidity, financial performance and alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, and general market conditions, and may be suspended at any time. The common stock repurchases may be effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans. The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.75 per share on the 7% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B. The dividend is payable on April 23, 2021 to shareholders of record as of April 9, 2021. Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of Bank of America based on available information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words like "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates, "targets," "intends," "plans," "predict," "goal" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "might," "should," "would" and "could." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Bank of America undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.



Forward-looking statements represent Bank of America's current expectations, plans or forecasts of its future results, revenues, expenses, efficiency ratio, capital measures, and future business and economic conditions more generally, and other future matters. These statements are not guarantees of its future results or performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond the Bank of America's control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all of the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Bank of America's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in any of the Bank of America's other subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,700 lending centers, 2,600 financial centers with a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and approximately 2,400 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email news alerts. www.bankofamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005503/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]



WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Security has been tightened in Washington, D.C. ahead of the presidential inauguration in the wake of FBI warning that protests by right-wing extremists are possible against federal institutions.



More than 25000 National Guard reserve soldiers have been deployed to take guard around the White House, Capitol Hill and other crucial spots.



Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said that while there is no intelligence indicating an insider threat, the department is 'leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital.' 'The D.C. National Guard is also providing additional training to service members as they arrive in D.C. that if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report it to their chain of command,' he said in a statement.



Senior officials of Biden's Transition national security and homeland security teams met with designated acting heads and staff from national security agencies to discuss the security situation surrounding Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. and around the country. The meeting, chaired by incoming Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, reviewed the current operational posture.



Officials from the National Security Council, the Secret Service, FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, Departments of Homeland Security, State, Treasury, Defense and other agencies briefed participants on the current security situation and the pace of interagency coordination with state, local, and industry partners.



The 59th inaugural ceremony for president-elect Joe Biden and vice President-elect Kamala Harris is scheduled to start at 11 am ET Wednesday with the president's processional from the White House to the Capitol grounds. They will be sworn in at a scaled-down event amid the tightest security measures Washington witnessed in recent memory.



The inaugural parade is scheduled at 2pm ET. Biden will participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.



President Donald Trump and Melania Trump will depart from the White House on Wednesday morning, breaking the long-held tradition of welcoming the incoming President and First Lady and attending the inaugural ceremony.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
The BBC has apologised for describing music producer Phil Spector, who died in prison serving a murder sentence, as talented but flawed.

The broadcaster said the headline on its news article reporting his death on Sunday did not meet our editorial standards.

The BBC confirmed it had received complaints about the headline, which it said was changed within minutes. It also deleted a tweet reflecting the headline.

Spector, renowned for his wall of sound recordings, was sentenced to a minimum 19 years for murdering actress Lana Clarkson, 40, with a single gunshot to the mouth at his home outside Los Angeles in 2003.

The producer claimed her death was accidental suicide and that she kissed the gun before it went off. He was tried twice before being convicted in 2009.

The broadcaster said the headline (pictured) on its news article reporting his death on Sunday did not meet our editorial standards

A statement from the BBC said: The breaking news story on Phil Spectors death was published with a headline that did not meet our editorial standards.

'This was changed within minutes and we also deleted a tweet that had gone out automatically with the original headline. We apologise for this error.

Spectors ex-wife Ronnie, 77, claimed in a memoir that he used to keep her prisoner at home and threatened to kill her.

In a social media post after his death, she said he was a brilliant producer but a lousy husband.

Spector (pictured) was sentenced for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, 40, with a single gunshot to the mouth at his home outside Los Angeles in 2003

She added: 'Unfortunately Phil was not able to live and function outside of the recording studio. Darkness set in, many lives were damaged.'

Spector, who was born in The Bronx, New York, made his name as a record producer for what became known as the 'wall of sound' recording technique, with its dense, layered effect.

He was best known for his role as a producer, working with some of the biggest stars in music, including John Lennon, whose 1971 hit Imagine he produced.

He also worked with stars including Ike and Tina Turner, The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers, Cher, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles.

Spector produced Let It Be, The Beatles' final album, which was released in 1970.
[January 19, 2021] CI Global Asset Management launches new ETF US$ Hedged Series of CI Munro Alternative Global Growth Fund

CI Global Asset Management ("CI GAM") today announced the launch of the ETF US$ Hedged Series of CI Munro Alternative Global Growth Fund, adding to the CI Liquid Alternatives lineup of dual-class funds available in both ETF and mutual fund series. This new series begins trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the ticker symbol CMAG.U. CI Munro Alternative Global Growth Fund seeks to generate risk-adjusted, absolute returns through exposure to global growth equities over the medium to long term, while maintaining a capital preservation mindset. The portfolio sub-advisor is Munro Partners, an experienced and accomplished global investment team based in Melbourne, Australia. CI GAM has adoted the dual-class fund structure, which includes both mutual fund series and ETF series, for certain funds, as part of a continuing initiative to streamline and modernize its product lineup. Benefits of the structure include less duplication of funds, larger funds with greater economies of scale and portfolio diversification opportunities, and greater consistency of fund performance between different fund structures with the same mandates.



More information about CI Liquid Alternatives can be found at www.ci.com/liquidalts. About CI Global Asset Management

CI Global Asset Management is one of Canada's largest investment management companies. It offers a wide range of investment products and services and is on the Web at www.ci.com. CI GAM is a subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. (TSX: CIX, NYSE: CIXX), an independent company offering global asset management and wealth management advisory services with approximately $231 billion in total assets as at December 31, 2020.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Please read the prospectus before investing. Important information about mutual funds and ETFs is contained in their respective prospectus. Mutual funds and ETFs are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of an ETF on recognized Canadian exchanges. If the units are purchased or sold on these Canadian exchanges, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the ETF and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. This communication is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal, legal, accounting, tax or investment advice, or construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any entity or security discussed. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding any particular investment. Investors should consult their professional advisors prior to implementing any changes to their investment strategies. CI Liquid Alternatives is a trademark of CI Investments Inc. CI Global Asset Management is a registered business name of CI Investments Inc. CI Investments Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005217/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
In a series of experiments with laboratory-cultured bacteria, Johns Hopkins scientists have found evidence that there is a second role for the widely used gene-cutting system CRISPR-Cas9 -- as a genetic dimmer switch for CRISPR-Cas9 genes. Its role of dialing down or dimming CRISPR-Cas9 activity may help scientists develop new ways to genetically engineer cells for research purposes.

A summary of the findings was published Jan. 8 in Cell.

First identified in the genome of gut bacteria in 1987, CRISPR-Cas9 is a naturally occurring but unusual group of genes with a potential for cutting DNA sequences in other types of cells that was realized 25 years later. Its value in genetic engineering -- programmable gene alteration in living cells, including human cells -- was rapidly appreciated, and its widespread use as a genome "editor" in thousands of laboratories worldwide was recognized in the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year to its American and French co-developers.

CRISPR stands for clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Cas9, which refers to CRISPR-associated protein 9, is the name of the enzyme that makes the DNA slice. Bacteria naturally use CRISPR-Cas9 to cut viral or other potentially harmful DNA and disable the threat, says Joshua Modell, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular biology and genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In this role, Modell says, "CRISPR is not only an immune system, it's an adaptive immune system -- one that can remember threats it has previously encountered by holding onto a short piece of their DNA, which is akin to a mug shot." These mug shots are then copied into "guide RNAs" that tell Cas9 what to cut.

Scientists have long worked to unravel the precise steps of CRISPR-Cas9's mechanism and how its activity in bacteria is dialed up or down. Looking for genes that ignite or inhibit the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-cutting system for the common, strep-throat causing bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, the Johns Hopkins scientists found a clue regarding how that aspect of the system works.

Specifically, the scientists found a gene in the CRISPR-Cas9 system that, when deactivated, led to a dramatic increase in the activity of the system in bacteria. The product of this gene appeared to re-program Cas9 to act as a brake, rather than as a "scissor," to dial down the CRISPR system.

"From an immunity perspective, bacteria need to ramp up CRISPR-Cas9 activity to identify and rid the cell of threats, but they also need to dial it down to avoid autoimmunity -- when the immune system mistakenly attacks components of the bacteria themselves," says graduate student Rachael Workman, a bacteriologist working in Modell's laboratory.

To further nail down the particulars of the "brake," the team's next step was to better understand the product of the deactivated gene (tracrRNA). RNA is a genetic cousin to DNA and is vital to carrying out DNA "instructions" for making proteins. TracrRNAs belong to a unique family of RNAs that do not make proteins. Instead, they act as a kind of scaffold that allows the Cas9 enzyme to carry the guide RNA that contains the mug shot and cut matching DNA sequences in invading viruses.

TracrRNA comes in two sizes: long and short. Most of the modern gene-cutting CRISPR-Cas9 tools use the short form. However, the research team found that the deactivated gene product was the long form of tracrRNA, the function of which has been entirely unknown.

The long and short forms of tracrRNA are similar in structure and have in common the ability to bind to Cas9. The short form tracrRNA also binds to the guide RNA. However, the long form tracrRNA doesn't need to bind to the guide RNA, because it contains a segment that mimics the guide RNA. "Essentially, long form tracrRNAs have combined the function of the short form tracrRNA and guide RNA," says Modell.

In addition, the researchers found that while guide RNAs normally seek out viral DNA sequences, long form tracrRNAs target the CRISPR-Cas9 system itself. The long form tracrRNA tends to sit on DNA, rather than cut it. When this happens in a particular area of a gene, it prevents that gene from expressing, -- or becoming functional.

To confirm this, the researchers used genetic engineering to alter the length of a certain region in long form tracrRNA to make the tracrRNA appear more like a guide RNA. They found that with the altered long form tracrRNA, Cas9 once again behaved more like a scissor.

Other experiments showed that in lab-grown bacteria with a plentiful amount of long form tracrRNA, levels of all CRISPR-related genes were very low. When the long form tracrRNA was removed from bacteria, however, expression of CRISPR-Cas9 genes increased a hundredfold.

Bacterial cells lacking the long form tracrRNA were cultured in the laboratory for three days and compared with similarly cultured cells containing the long form tracrRNA. By the end of the experiment, bacteria without the long form tracrRNA had completely died off, suggesting that long form tracrRNA normally protects cells from the sickness and death that happen when CRISPR-Cas9 activity is very high.

"We started to get the idea that the long form was repressing but not eliminating its own CRISPR-related activity," says Workman.

To see if the long form tracrRNA could be re-programmed to repress other bacterial genes, the research team altered the long form tracrRNA's spacer region to let it sit on a gene that produces green fluorescence. Bacteria with this mutated version of long form tracrRNA glowed less green than bacteria containing the normal long form tracrRNA, suggesting that the long form tracrRNA can be genetically engineered to dial down other bacterial genes.

Another research team, from Emory University, found that in the parasitic bacteria Francisella novicida, Cas9 behaves as a dimmer switch for a gene outside the CRISPR-Cas9 region. The CRISPR-Cas9 system in the Johns Hopkins study is more widely used by scientists as a gene-cutting tool, and the Johns Hopkins team's findings provide evidence that the dimmer action controls the CRISPR-Cas9 system in addition to other genes.

The researchers also found the genetic components of long form tracrRNA in about 40% of the Streptococcus group of bacteria. Further study of bacterial strains that don't have the long form tracrRNA, says Workman, will potentially reveal whether their CRISPR-Cas9 systems are intact, and other ways that bacteria may dial back the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

The dimmer capability that the experiments uncovered, says Modell, offers opportunities to design new or better CRISPR-Cas9 tools aimed at regulating gene activity for research purposes. "In a gene editing scenario, a researcher may want to cut a specific gene, in addition to using the long form tracrRNA to inhibit gene activity," he says.

###

Funding for the Johns Hopkins research was provided by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Other scientists who contributed to the research include Teja Pammi, Binh Nguyen, Leonardo Graeff, Erika Smith, Suzanne Sebald and Marie Stoltzfus from Johns Hopkins, and Chad Euler from Weill Cornell Medical College.
SPRINGFIELD  The annual celebration of the life and legacy of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might have taken a different form this year  it was presented online, instead of in an event at the MassMutual Center that typically draws hundreds  but the message of continuing to work for equality and justice remained the same.

Gov. Charlie Baker used his remarks to highlight the states recent police reform legislation  which he called a big step forward for racial justice  while other speakers called for continued advocacy for racial and social justice in the aftermath of the recent riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald J. Trump.

In addition to Baker, speakers included Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Martin Luther King Family Services President Ronn Johnson, and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies LLC and former director of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley. They said Kings message is more critical than ever in light of the nations recent racial tensions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Johnson urged residents to push to improve the city and nation, and to give back to the community.

I am drawing inspiration, as I hope you are, from the life and tireless commitment Dr. King made to push beyond the concerns of any given day, driven by a commitment to address the racist societal norms of America, Johnson said. While Dr. Kings voice was silenced, his vision was not and his legacy lives on through the ways we answer that question  what are you doing for others?

Johnson urged public service such as participating in the Read Aloud program in the schools, volunteering in a food pantry, or donating to an organization that works on racial and social justice issues.

The governor, who has attended past celebrations of the holiday in Springfield, said Kings message is more important now than ever. He cited events such as the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last year, which touched off a wave of Black Lives Matter protests across the country.

Baker said there has been recent progress in Massachusetts, including the recent police reform bill. He said he believes the legislation, which he signed Dec. 31, significantly increases police transparency and accountability and is a big step forward in promoting racial justice.

Baker also spoke about state policies aimed at increasing access to services and financial aid to communities of color and businesses during the pandemic.

Even when this pandemic is over, the fact will remain that we have more work to do to improve health outcomes for people of color, Baker said. We must also focus on the social determinants of health as the root of these disparities.

Sarno echoed the need to confront the current tumultuous times, citing the suspicious fires at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield last month.

We will move forward together, aspiring the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King for empowerment, for social justice, economics, education, and we will move forward where skin color will not matter, Sarno said.

King spoke at length about common decency, Sarno said, and the mayor added that good will always win over evil.

In remarks titled The Dream is Calling You, Lugo-DeJesus said people need to join in creating a better nation and society.

Always feel that you count, always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance, Lugo-DeJesus said. However young you are, you have a responsibility to seek to make your nation a better nation in which we live. You have a responsibility to seek and to make life better for everybody. As so, you must be involved in the struggle for freedom and justice.

In light of the riot at the Capitol, she said, we need to name it, call it out, address it, and fix it.

The presenting partners of the holiday celebration were Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, the Community Music School of Springfield, D.R.E.A.M. Studios, Springfield College and Focus Springfield.

Musical acts included the MLK Day House Band, featuring Community Music School of Springfield founding faculty member Billy Arnold; the Springfield CommUnity Chorale led by Vanessa Ford; the MLK Festival Bucket Drummers, led by community school faculty member Rick Marshall; a performance of Glory by Community Music School Musico students from Springfield and Holyoke Public Schools; and the MLK Festival Orchestra led by community music school faculty member Marty Knieriem.

There was a dramatic dance selection from D.R.E.A.M. Studios and a spoken word performance from Enchanted Circle Theater students.

The Focus Springfield program can be watched on-line here
It just occurred to me that the Nelson could change its name and ALMOST NOBODY WOULD CARE. Think about it:

There are hundreds of thousands of broke-ass locals who never visit this place, never send them a dime and never give the pretty building much thought outside of watching stock footage for sausage commercials.

At the crux of it, the faux crisis is just another self-serving argument amongst the Kansas City "creative-class" and the donors who fund them.

What's worse is that our local journalist class refuse to tell the public about this dirty little secret and would rather pretend that the "woke" debate over artsy name games is something that impacts the public.

Check-it . . .
In the early hey-days of the Range Rover, following its introduction in the 1970s, it was the vehicle of choice for the British rangers. The...
OTTAWA  First Nations people remain over-represented in Manitobas COVID-19 cases, though not to the extent widely reported, due to problems in how the province records its data.

OTTAWA  First Nations people remain over-represented in Manitobas COVID-19 cases, though not to the extent widely reported, due to problems in how the province records its data.

Under official metrics, First Nations make up 73 per cent of active COVID-19 cases in Manitoba as of Monday; the number is realistically closer to 43 per cent.

The discrepancy stems from the province taking weeks to clear COVID-19 cases from its datasets.

The vast majority of people with COVID-19 recover within 10 days and are no longer infectious; those who are still sick tend to be in hospital.

Provinces such as Quebec faced a similar data issue in the spring, and crafted algorithms to tabulate who had a COVID-19 diagnosis more than 10 days earlier without ending up in hospital.

Last week, Dr. Jazz Atwal, acting deputy chief provincial public health officer, told reporters there was a total of 1,394 active cases in Manitoba as of last Thursday  despite the province officially reporting 2,866 active cases for that day.

This issue in the data emerged in October 2020, when Manitoba appeared to have nearly five times as many active cases as Saskatchewan, due to its faulty data reporting.

The Free Press tabulated all new cases reported in the daily updates from both the provincial government and the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team between Jan. 5 and 14.

There were 1,734 new cases of COVID-19 across Manitoba logged in that period, of which 740 were First Nations people, both on- and off-reserve.

That would suggest 42.67 per cent of active cases as of last Thursday were First Nations people  not the 70 per cent tabbed by the response team in a news release that day.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Dr. Jazz Atwal, acting deputy chief provincial public health officer.

Thats still a drastically high number, disproportionate to the 10.5 per cent of Manitobans who identified as First Nations in the 2016 census.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee, who represents northern reserves, said thats the culmination of decades of inequities, particularly crowded houses where the coronavirus thrives.

"Its because of decades of neglect of the obligations of the federal government to our First Nations people," the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak leader said during a videoconference last Friday.

"The system that we inherited has just been flawed from the get-go," he said, arguing First Nations must oversee their own health systems. "Its time to have a paradigm shift, especially in the North."

It remains undisputed First Nations COVID-19 patients are also over-represented in hospital wards and deaths in Manitoba.

The response team did not provide anyone for an interview Monday.

The multi-organizational body has been hailed for giving First Nations a leadership role in pandemic response, but has struggled to keep up with data reporting, public messaging, vaccine prioritization and logistical distribution.

Manitobas first quota of Moderna doses sat unused for 12 days in Winnipeg, as the group grappled with deciding which communities would be prioritized for vaccination.

The Pallister government says its confident this slower start will pay off in the long run, as First Nations will trust their own leaders telling them to roll up their sleeves.

 with files from Danielle Da Silva

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

michael.pereira@freepress.mb.ca
Update: Budget Director Robert Mujica gave more details this afternoon about how the proposed aid for restaurants would work. See below.

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Restaurants that spent months in restrictive orange and red zones would be able to tap into $50 million in state aid, according to a proposal from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The money would be part of Cuomos proposed 2021-2022 state budget, which he outlined today from Albany in unusually broad strokes with very few details.

The extra help for restaurants hinges, in part, on New York getting $15 billion from Washington as part of President-elect Joe Bidens massive Covid-19 rescue plan.

In his message from Albany today, Cuomo acknowledged that restaurants were among the businesses hit the hardest during the coronavirus pandemic. Even as other businesses opened and viral cases surged, the state shuttered restaurants for weeks during late 2020 and early 2021 because of fears about increased transmission.

I did that with a very heavy heart, Cuomo said today.

The proposal would allow qualifying restaurants who lost $40% in revenues to apply for $5,000 in tax credits for each worker hired back. That would be capped at $50,000, Budget Director Robert Mujica said.

Other small businesses could apply for similar tax credits, he said.

But restaurants dont have to wait until tax time. Restaurants that were shuttered in late 2020 can apply for those tax credits now to get payments out faster, Mujica said. Those advance payments would be reconciled at tax time, he said.

The proposal is part of the governors annual spending plan, a multi-faceted set of legislation that includes everything from education aid to infrastructure money to ideas about legalizing marijuana. As of noon today, those proposed bills were not yet public.

Instead of providing detailed budget information, Cuomo today argued that New York deserves a large slice of Bidens $1.9 trillion plan.

The governor laid out two scenarios.

In one, New York would get $6 billion in Covid-19 relief from Washington. That wouldnt plug the states $15 billion budget gap. To make up the $9 billion, the governor says the state would have to cut education funding, health care programs and money to local governments like Syracuse.

In the second scenario, the state would fill the budget hole with $15 billion in federal aid. If that happens, he said, the state could afford a laundry list of program expansions, including more health care for poor people, aid to small businesses, lower-cost broadband to eligible families and an approved tax cut to the middle class.

The proposal for the restaurants, which would include those in New York City, would happen under the $15 billion scenario.

The state Legislature must approve the budget. The states fiscal year begins on April 1.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
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.
Closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High 'impacts our entire town'

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the closing of Hancock Middle-Senior High School; the crowd pleaded against it.
January 20 will now forever be known as Whats Going On Day in Michigan to celebrate one of the biggest and most influential Motown hits in music history, Whats Going On, which was released a half century ago. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially recognized the day to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Marvin Gayes single.

The song was the first single released from Gayes 11th studio album of the same name in May 1971. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B/Soul Chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was also the first to credit Motowns in-house studio band, The Funk Brothers.

This is a significant moment for the museum, our community, and Motown fans all around the world, and were thankful that the State of Michigan has partnered with us to recognize this date as we begin our year-long celebration of this album, said Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry.

Whats Going On would go on to became Gayes second-most successful Motown song to date, after Lets Get It On. The album was named No. 1 on Rolling Stones 2020 list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.

As we come out of a very challenging year, its more important than ever to reflect on Marvin Gayes prolific and timeless lyrics to inspire a spirit of connection in 2021. Whats Going On Day will serve as a reminder of his impact and legacy, bringing awareness to the issues of today, encouraging active dialogue between groups and individuals and acknowledging the important role Motown music continues to play in uniting us all.

In addition to the statewide tribute on January 20, the museum will honor the album throughout the year with a series of upcoming virtual celebrations, signature events and an infusion of Gayes legacy in its 2021 programming lineup, including its spoken word poetry competition, Motown MIC: The Spoken Word, and its singing competition, AMPLIFY: The Sound of Detroit.

Having this tribute on the calendar provides us with an important moment, one where we can come together as a unified state to pause, reflect and appreciate the need for ideas, perspective, love and understanding. These are values that mean more today than ever before, said Gov. Whitmer. Through the recognition of Whats Going On Day, we hope to bring awareness to Marvin Gayes profound words as his timeless music remains in our hearts and minds and continues inspiring generations to come.

MORE FROM MLIVE:

30 famous singers and bands you may not know are from Michigan

30 famous celebrities you may not know are from Michigan
Dublin City Council has given the go-ahead to plans to demolish the well-known Kielys pub in Donnybrook, Dublin, to make way for a shared co-living accommodation scheme.

The planning authority has given the scaled down plan by Shane Whelans Westridge the green light despite around 115 objections being lodged against the proposal.

The pub has long been associated with author Paul Howard's fictional character, Ross OCarroll Kelly and the scheme followed Westridge acquiring the property for 5m plus in 2019.

Those to object against the six-storey plan include the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Hazel Chu, Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews TD, Labour Senator Ivana Bacik and Labour councillor Dermot Lacey.

The original scheme reached to seven storeys and was made up of 100 shared living units.

However, revised plans lodged in response to council concerns over the scale of the project included the omission of one storey which reduced the number of shared living units from 100 to 91.

In its decision however, the council has ordered that the number of shared living units be reduced by a further six shared living units due to the impact on a neighbouring property.

The council has also ordered that all of the rooms have a minimum width of 3m which will lead to the omission of more shared living units from the proposal.

The planner in the case stated that the council has included this condition after the developer failed to increase the width of the rooms to a level which is considered to provide for a reasonable quality of residential amenity.

The council stated that the developers proposed size of the shared living units was "restricted.

The planners report said the 3m width condition "will, in all likelihood, involve a reduction in the number of rooms within the scheme, which will reduce the number of residents sharing communal facilities.

In their planning report, the developers said it is anticipated that the impacts of the current pandemic will be over in the short to medium term.

They stated the proposed development could be operational in two to three years, and then it is envisaged there will be a renewed demand for shared accommodation within this timescale.

In her objection, Cllr Chu claimed the plan to construct the scheme is unduly hasty and poses serious health concerns in the context of a dangerous pandemic.

She argued that in the midst of a homelessness and housing crisis, "co-living is a dangerously complacent attempt to address the crisis in the capitals rental market.

Commenting on the decision today to grant planning permission, Senator Bacik said: "It is disappointing to see Dublin City Council grant permission for yet another co-living development, despite the Minister for Housing's announcement before Christmas that he would restrict the development of such so-called 'shared living schemes.

"Recently, UCD's Orla Hegarty estimated that between developments that have already been approved and those currently seeking permission, there may be 3,000 co-living units in Dublin City by the time the ban is actually implemented.

She added: I will give further consideration to the conditions set out by Dublin City Council in the coming days but, in principle, I do not see co-living as a suitable solution to the housing crisis, whether there is a pandemic or not.
Now in our third Covid lockdown, focus once again turns to the epidemic of domestic violence. However, while this is an important conversation to have, we must also remember that there is another group of people at risk of domestic violence  children.

Children can either witness, overhear or directly experience violence in the home. They are victims too, not passive bystanders.

They can pick up on the atmosphere in the home, suffer from the effects of financial abuse when one parent is not allowed to purchase sufficient supplies, or be directly targeted by the abuser.

This combines to perpetuate trauma that can be transferred from generation to generation if sufficient help is not available to break this intergenerational cycle.

Impacts of experiencing domestic abuse as a child can vary from substance abuse in adulthood, a pattern of unhealthy adult relationships, and physical and mental health issues, as well as being more at risk of living in poverty.

While the courts were busy over Christmas with victims of abuse seeking domestic violence orders, the helplines for services such as Womens Aid were also busy.

It is also concerning that the Childline helpline received over 700 calls on Christmas day, with some children sharing that they were scared of tension at home and adults engaging in substance abuse.

Read More Vulnerable children hospitalised as Covid-19 stops intervention

Andrea McDermott, social care leader with Mens Aid, highlights how services are lacking in Ireland for fathers who want to protect themselves and their children.

"There are no refuge spaces for men and their children in Ireland to escape to, so fathers were seeking help for themselves and their children through Mens Aid helpline," she said.

"Men are disclosing their teenage children running away from the home and sleeping rough as they can no longer sofa surf in friends homes the way they may have done in the past when their family home becomes extremely toxic and dangerous."

Sofa surfing might have worked for some older children as a temporary measure before Covid but, in times of social distancing and bubbles, this safety valve is gone for most.

For children who cannot escape due to age or circumstance, the risk of being exposed to abuse is higher.

Andrea shares a devastating example: "One dad spoke of singing songs to his two children while locked in the bedroom. His wife was banging on the door drunk and screaming he is a useless husband, calling him a wimp and she wishes she never had children with such a pathetic man so he can keep them. His children were crying throughout the ordeal.

"He told Mens Aid that his wife was mentally and physically abusive to him and his children, but it had become 100 times worse during lockdown. He had nowhere to go and nowhere to take his children to escape."

A lesson for everyone is that, even though the child may not be the target of the violence and abuse, they are still experiencing the same trauma and mental anguish as the targeted person.

While adults can be supported to leave abusive situations, children may often experience a sense of powerlessness as they are dependent on adults to protect them.

Emma Reidy, CEO of Aoibhneas Domestic Support for Women and Children, states: "Children represent the invisible casualties in an abusive home, where their access to support depends on a parent's access to their own supports, including a willingness and ability for that parent to see their situation in the first instance as unsafe or even dangerous.

"We experienced a 17% increase in the number of children that accessed our service in 2019.

"While positive that we were in a position to support more children, it is important that we take stock of the prevalence of domestic violence in homes, including everyone impacted by it."

Emma says her service supported 739 children in 2019, a 17% increase on 2018, which highlights the need for continued specialist support for children in a household where domestic abuse is taking place.

It remains to be seen how Covid-19 has impacted these figures for 2020.

With schools now closed, vulnerable children can slip through the gaps or lose access to a few hours of respite from an abusive home situation.

This situation cannot be allowed to continue. From 2019, the government has had an obligation under the Istanbul Convention to provide adequate refuge spaces.

This commitment has still not been fulfilled. There are less than a third of the prescribed number of refuge spaces actually provided and nine counties do not have a refuge.

There are no refuges for men and their children, and some spaces are inaccessible to people with disabilities or large families.

Covid-19 and the multiple lockdowns have highlighted gaps in existing services and we must ensure that these gaps are closed so that children and adult victims of domestic violence can be protected and supported in a holistic way that breaks the cycle of domestic abuse.

This involves ensuring additional resources to support services, widespread education across society about the many forms domestic violence can take, and increasing safe spaces for victims to access.

We dont have to live in a society where victims go unheard; together we can build a society that supports our most vulnerable members.

If you need help or support, you can reach out to Mens Aid: 01 5543811 or hello@mensaid.ie; or Aoibhneas: 01 8670701 or helpline@aoibhneas.org

Dr Caroline West is a lecturer, writer and host of the Glow West podcast. Find her at www.iamcarolinewest.com
The December quarter was busy. In addition to signing port access and service agreements with Mid West Ports Authority, operator of the Port of Geraldton, FEX also acquired existing port facilities at the port.

Fenix Resources Limited ( ) made significant progress in the December quarter on development of the Iron Ridge Iron Ore Project in WAs Mid-West, with production underway and the first shipment of about 60,000 tonnes of combined lump and fines product scheduled for early February.

The company had a busy quarter. In addition to signing port access and service agreements with Mid West Ports Authority, the operator of the Port of Geraldton, it also acquired existing port facilities at the port.

During the quarter, the West Australian high-grade iron ore developer also signed an offtake agreement with Sinosteel International Holding Company for 50% of production and sales from Iron Ridge.

It also signed a road transport contract with Fenix Newhaul Pty Ltd, an incorporated joint venture company between Fenix and Newhaul.

Iron Ridge Project

Fenix commenced production at the Iron Ridge Project in December

Lump and fines products are now being stockpiled at the Port of Geraldton in preparation for the first shipment, expected early next month.

Production and road haulage is ramping up in line with expectations, with deliveries to the Fenix-owned port facilities currently at about 60% of planned annualised output, with full capacity of 1.25 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) expected in March 2021.

As of January 17, 2021, there was slightly more than 32,000 tonnes of product stored in the port shed ready for export.

The companys cash reserves at the end of 2020 stood at $10.2 million.

Port infrastructure acquisition

Fenix executed a binding terms sheet with Sinosteel Midwest Corporation Ltd (SMC) to acquire SMCs iron ore storage shed, truck unloading and conveyor systems at the Geraldton Port.

Both SMC and the company also reached agreement to cooperate on commercial terms to ensure that the Iron Ridge project has the necessary lease area to fit all of its infrastructure during the economic life of the Iron Ridge Project.

Port access and lease agreements

Also during the quarter, Fenix executed a port lease agreement and a port access and services agreement with Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) for the export of iron ore products through the Port of Geraldton.

The agreement allows Fenix to export 1.25 million tonnes per annum of iron ore, with a four-year initial term and two additional two-year extensions at Fenixs election

Board changes

During the quarter, Warwick Davies was appointed as non-executive director. He has worked in the iron ore and minerals industries for more than 50 years.

Also, Garry Plowright will step down from his executive role and will move into a non-executive director role, effective January 1, 2021.

In the quarter, the company issued a total of 39.7 million fully paid ordinary shares upon exercise of unlisted options exercisable at 8 cents per option on or before November 21, 2021, receiving $3.2 million.
There were some minor technical glitches in CoWin app at some places in Haryana, but it has not stopped the anti-Covid vaccination drive from achieving a good coverage in last two days, health department officials said on Tuesday.

A senior official said some minor technical glitches were reported from some places, but that has not impacted the immunisation drive.

CoWin is an online platform for monitoring Covid-19 vaccine delivery and administration.

In case of glitches or any issues with the app, the data is manually uploaded within 24 hours, he said.

He said Haryana has so far achieved a good coverage during the two days of the vaccination drive.

We are achieving a good coverage of the target set, he said.

Notably, on the second day of the drive on Monday, a total of 11,457 beneficiaries were vaccinated for Covid-19 in Haryana against the target of 18,807.

The beneficiaries who received the jabs were health workers, officials had said.

The vaccination against Covid-19 began in Haryana on Saturday with several healthcare workers, the foremost warriors in the battle against the pandemic, getting the first shots of the vaccine on the opening day of the inoculation exercise.

On the first day, the Health Department had it administered the vaccine to 5,590 beneficiaries at 77 immunisation sites across the state.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The delivery man doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire. Engulfed in flames, he protested for what he said were unpaid fees from a business tied to Chinese technology giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

I want my blood- and sweat-money back," said the man, Liu Jin, covered in ash, as police officers tried to rush him to the hospital on Monday, a widely shared video posted on social media showed.

Also Read | What 2020 did to Indias inequality

The 48-year-old Mr. Liu, who survived but suffered severe burns, is one of the millions of workers in Chinas tech sector whose plight has ignited online denunciations of the countrys internet giants by internet users and state media. The outcry shines a spotlight on the grueling working conditions and hard-edge labor practices that many blue- and white-collar workers face as the internet companies they work for battle over users.

Mr. Liu delivered meals through a subcontractor of Alibabas Ele.me food-delivery service in the eastern Chinese city of Taizhou, according to the local government. Ele.me said it has paid Mr. Lius medical expenses and is continuing to assist him and his family. It also said that Ele.me prohibits agencies it works with from defaulting on paying delivery riders and that it is investigating the case.

In recent weeks, Pinduoduo Inc., a fast-growing e-commerce company that now rivals Alibaba by some measures, has also faced criticism after the deaths of two workers in their 20s: One collapsed on her way home from work at 1:30 a.m. and the other jumped from a high-rise. Pinduoduo confirmed the incidents and expressed condolences to the workers families.

Posts about these incidents went viral on Chinese social media Weibo, drawing hundreds of millions of views, with many users criticizing the long working hours and calling for workers to be treated more humanely.

Another delivery man for Alibabas Ele.me broke down and died on the job in December, according to state broadcaster Chinese Central Television. Ele.me, noting that the driver worked with a subcontractor, initially offered his family what it called compassionate compensation" equivalent to $300. After an online uproar, Ele.me said on Weibo it would increase the payout to $92,000. The company didnt provide further comment.

Rising concerns and anger directed at Chinas increasingly powerful tech companies echo shifts in sentiment in the U.S. and Europe. As in the West, the reversal comes as authorities scrutinize the business practices of tech giants and take action to rein in their influence.

In recent months, Chinese authorities have launched an antimonopoly probe into Alibabas business practices, shelved the initial public offering of its financial affiliate Ant Group Co. and summoned executives at Alibaba, Pinduoduo and four other tech giants to discuss their business practices.

Chinese technology companies have benefited from a sharp increase in demand for e-commerce and food delivery during the pandemic. In the first 11 months of 2020, online retail accounted for 30% of overall sales, up from 25.8% a year earlier, data from Chinas National Bureau of Statistics showed.

That surge in demand has lifted tech shares and the fortunes of entrepreneurs like Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who topped the list of Chinas wealthiest people before the latest wave of regulatory action drove down Alibaba shares. The share price of five-year-old Pinduoduo quadrupled last year, turning founder Colin Huang into Chinas second-richest man, according to Bloombergs Billionaire Index.

The pandemic has added to heavy workloads for rank-and-file workers, from university-graduate programmers to less-educated delivery workers. China Labour Bulletin, a Hong Kong-based workers rights group, says pay-per-order for couriers has fallen in recent years.

Algorithms on delivery apps pit couriers against one another, penalizing slower workers and those who receive anything less than a five-star customer review, adding an extra layer of psychological pressure, says Jenny Chan, an associate professor of sociology at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The recent spate of deaths reveal the pent-up frustration and despair that have accumulated over time," says Ms. Chan, who studies the working conditions of Chinas delivery workers.

Workers in China, prevented from organizing by Chinas ban on independent labor unions, at times resort to drastic action to draw attention to their plight, she added.

Online posts showed that the latest incidents reminded many people of the series of suicides a decade ago by workers at Chinese factories where Foxconn Technology Group assembled gadgets including Apple Inc.s iPhones. The suicides similarly highlighted the drudgery of high-tech work in Chinaback then building electronics, now working in the gig economy or e-commerce.

Dissatisfaction with Chinese internet companies 996" cultureworking 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a weekhas been brewing for years. Labor law stipulates that working day shouldnt exceed eight hours and the working week 44 hours, though it is rarely enforced, notes Ms. Chan.

Many university graduates are willing to work the long hours in exchange for prestige and relatively high salaries, but a growing number say the pressure has become harder to bear.

This week, a video posted by a former Pinduoduo employee on Weibo decrying what he described as grueling working hours, rotten canteen meals and a shortage of toilets at company offices went viral on Chinas internet, racking up nearly 60 million views.

A spokesman for Pinduoduo said it fired the worker after finding that he had left extreme statements with significant malicious intent" on an online forum. The employee, who according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency is a web engineer surnamed Wang, declined to comment, citing labor arbitration with Pinduoduo.

At the companys Shanghai headquarters, employees are discouraged from socializing, and working hours as well as breaks are monitored by surveillance cameras, according to current and former employees of the five-year-old company. They said weak cellular data signals inside the office mean employees must use the companys network for internet connectivity, which they believe allows the firm to track their smartphone internet use.

One Pinduoduo employees work schedule showed no days off, and office hours that regularly stretched past midnight and occasionally until 6 a.m., according to a digital record reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Pinduoduo didnt comment on specific workplace conditions but said in that it had set up an internal channel and a dedicated team to counsel employees after the latest worker deaths.

Ms. Chan, the sociologist, said public debate over tech companies labor practices has helped fuel popular outcry, which in turn engenders support for tougher government regulation of the industry.

In a commentary posted on Weibo last week, state broadcaster CCTV called on tech companies to strengthen worker protections.

At Pinduoduo, workers said they are pessimistic that anything will change soon. These issues have been discussed for such a long time already," said one. Everyones already resigned and quite numb to it."

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.
Yash has rapidly become a famous face on social media, especially since the success and popularity of KGF, which shows him in the leading role. In his personal life, he is known to be a family man, as is evident in his numerous posts on social media. He has now headed for a vacation with his family in one of the increasingly popular holiday destinations in the world  Maldives. The actor has shared a few photos from his family holiday in the Maldives on his Instagram account; have a look at them.

KGFs Yash flies to the Maldives with family

Having become the father of two, Yash has been visibly spending more time with his family, especially post lockdown. The coronavirus pandemic had put a halt any kinds of travel plans for everyone; but now that the restrictions have been lifted with appropriate guidelines, many people have started to head out for vacations. That is exactly what Yash as done as he decided to fly to the Maldives to enjoy his free time with his family in the tropics. In his latest Instagram post, he has uploaded a few pictures from his vacation with the caption, If there was a tropical paradise.. then this would be it!! Maldives.. here we come!!.

ALSO READ: Remember When KGF's Yash Was Trolled By Kiccha Sudeepa's Fans Over A Challenge?

The first picture shows his entire family, with Yash and wife Radhika Pandit standing in the waters and holding their children. All of them dressed in appropriate tropical outfits, Yash is seen sporting dark shades with a white outfit. The next three photos show him posing individually with each of his family members. He posted a candid picture with his daughter and a sweet picture with his son, along with a pleasant picture with his wife Radhika with sunlight reflecting on the waters in the background. His fans routinely showered love and affection on him in the comments.

Image courtesy: Yash's Instagram comments

ALSO READ: KGF's Yash Birthday: #HappyBirthDayRockyBhai Trends On Twitter As Fans Pour In Wishes

Fans have been eager to seem him reprising the role of Rocky in KGF: Chapter 2. The actor created a lot of excitement and hype in his followers after he shared the trailer of the film on his social media accounts. The release date of the film is yet to be announced.

ALSO READ: KGF's Yash to Rashmika Mandanna round-up: How South celebs spent the first week of 2021

ALSO READ: 'KGF' star Yash's wife Radhika shares a 'Jaw-some picture' from daughter's second b'day

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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 02:09:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SANAA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 23 fighters from both Yemeni army and Houthi militia were killed in clashes in the past 24 hours in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, a local government military source told Xinhua on Monday.

"The clashes erupted after the Houthis attempted to infiltrate to the army positions in the liberated areas in the district of Al-Durayhimi in the southern part of the port city, but the army fought back, killing at least 21 rebels and forced them to retreat," the source said, adding that two soldiers were killed in the fight.

Meanwhile, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that Houthi fighters have killed "dozens" of the government forces in the fighting in al-Durayhimi district in the last 24 hours without providing more details.

Hodeidah has seen a shaky cease-fire between the government forces and the Houthis since they reached a UN-sponsored truce in Stockholm in December 2018.

Part of the port city is under the control of the Houthis, while the government forces have advanced to the southern and eastern outskirts.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The United Nations is trying to end the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the Arab country to the brink of famine. Enditem
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Skylar Mack said that her decision to break a mandatory COVID-19 quarantine after she landed in the Cayman Islands eats her up, adding that taking off her geo tracker to see her boyfriend compete in a jet ski competition was a 'conscious decision.'

The 18-year-old, who just returned to the United States on Friday after she was jailed for 32 days, spoke with Good Morning America in her first interview since returning home.

'It eats me up,' she said of the decision to break the mandatory quarantine, apologizing for her misdeed.

Skylar Mack, who just returned to the United States on Friday after she was jailed for 32 days, spoke with Good Morning America in her first interview since returning home

.@ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE: The anger, the disappointment. Its all justified.



American teen Skylar Mack admits she was wrong by violating Cayman Islands quarantine rules  a mistake which eventually landed her in prison. @janai reports. https://t.co/tKqKabdGAe pic.twitter.com/i09R0hncBb  Good Morning America (@GMA) January 19, 2021

Mack landed on November 27 but broke quarantine two days later to see her 24-year-old boyfriend, Vanjae Ramgeet, a professional jet skier who was competing in a race. The pre-med student figured that because she had tested negative for the coronavirus and would be social distancing on the beach, she would be fine.

'It was a conscious decision,' Mack said. 'I can't give you any good reason for it.  I had signed the paper.'

But had she'd been asymptomatic and gotten someone on the island sick, Mack said she would have been devastated.

'I would have never been able to live with myself knowing that I could have been the reason that somebody could have even just been sick,' she asserted. 'The action itself was serious, but like how much worse it could have been.'

Mack landed on November 27 but broke quarantine two days later to see her 24-year-old boyfriend, Vanjae Ramgeet, a professional jet skier who was competing in a race

'It eats me up,' she said of the decision to break the mandatory quarantine

Mack takes full responsibility for her actions, however.

'It was a selfish decision. There's no reason that I can give you to grant me a second chance,' Mack explained. 'I don't expect anybody to ever forgive me, but I would like for them to at least let me be able to show them that I did learn from it.'

Mack, of Loganville, beamed with happiness and embraced her mother after landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Friday.

When asked how she felt she said, 'Very excited. Happy to be home!'

Mack had traveled to the Cayman Islands on November 27 and was required by the government to quarantine for 14 days.

But her dream vacation turned into a nightmare when she broke quarantine to attend her boyfriend's jet ski competition and ended up behind bars for violating the island's strict coronavirus guidelines.

Mack is not allowed back on the island as long as the borders remain closed under COVID-19 restrictions.

Georgia teen Skylar Mack, 18, who was jailed for 32 days on the Cayman Islands for breaking mandatory COVID-19 quarantine, returned back to the US on Friday

When asked how she felt she said, 'Very excited. Happy to be home!' with a smile as she embraced her family who greeted her at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta

Mack (left) had traveled to the Cayman Islands on November 27 and was required by the government to quarantine for 14 days. But her dream vacation turned into a nightmare when she broke quarantine to attend her boyfriend Vanjae Ramgeet's (right) jet ski competition and ended up behind bars for violating the island's strict coronavirus guidelines

American teen Skylar Mack has returned home after serving 32 days in a Cayman Islands prison for violating its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine regulations. @janai reports. https://t.co/i9rZzYvW4s pic.twitter.com/BANSGK4Gz8  Good Morning America (@GMA) January 18, 2021

Now the family is at ease knowing Mack is home safe and sound.

'It's the biggest relief. I've finally slept through the night. It's kinda hard to fall asleep when someone you love so much, you know that they're not sleeping. And that they're uncomfortable. She's a tough girl but she had to be scared,' her grandmother Jeanne Mack said to Good Morning America Monday.

Mack was supposed to undergo a two-week quarantine as mandated by the government, which electronically tracks anyone who arrives in the British Caribbean territory.

After two days in quarantine Mack allegedly removed her wrist monitor to see her boyfriend 24-year-old Vanjae Ramgeet compete in a jet ski competition.

Both Mack, who is enrolled as a pre-med student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and her boyfriend were detained and initially ordered to pay a fine and serve 40 hours of community service.

'It's the biggest relief. I've finally slept through the night. It's kinda hard to fall asleep when someone you love so much, you know that they're not sleeping. And that they're uncomfortable. She's a tough girl but she had to be scared,' her grandmother Jeanne Mack said to Good Morning America Monday

Both Mack, who is enrolled as a pre-med student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and her boyfriend were detained and initially ordered to pay a fine and serve 40 hours of community service. Mack pictured in handcuffs being escorted from a police car

However, after legal back and forth over their sentences not being harsh enough, they were sentenced to four months in prison, which was halved in late December to two months. They ultimately served 32 days behind bars. Vanjae Ramgeet, 24, pictured above in handcuffs

However, after legal back and forth over their sentences not being harsh enough, they were sentenced to four months in prison, which was halved in late December to two months. They ultimately served 32 days behind bars.

Ramgeet, a Cayman resident and professional jet-ski racer, also was released from prison last week, as per The Cayman Compass.

Mack's family had repeatedly made public pleas for mercy and even sent a lette to President Donald Trump pleading for help in her case.

Her family says on the incident: 'Skylar made the decision to breach quarantine and Skylar needed to face the consequences.'

During her time in prison her family made repeated pleas for help, noting how Mack was terrified being so far from her family.

The original law called for a $2,400 fine and up to six months in prison, while the recently amended law calls for a $12,000 fine and up to two years in prison. Mack left and boyfriend Ramjeet right

'The stress, scared, she's scared to death over there,' her mother Rebecca Burt previously said to Channel 2.

'She's by herself; there's not family there whatsoever to speak of,' she added.

The couple was the first to be sentenced under an amended law targeting COVID-19 violators.

The original law called for a $2,400 fine and up to six months in prison, while the recently amended law calls for a $12,000 fine and up to two years in prison.

Under the original law, a Canadian couple found guilty of violating coronavirus measures were ordered to pay a $1,200 fine each.
[January 19, 2021] Teleperformance to Support Covid-19 Vaccinations for Its Employees Worldwide

Regulatory News: Teleperformance (News - Alert) (Paris:TEP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, announced today its plans to reimburse the cost of Covid-19 vaccinations for its more than 330,000 employees worldwide, wherever the vaccine is not being provided free of charge by the country's healthcare system. The plan will be deployed in accordance with the decisions of the local authorities concerned and in partnership with key private healthcare partners across Teleperformance's footprint, which spans 80 countries. Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, Teleperformance has paid careful attention to protecting its employees, notably with a strong focus on health and hygiene standards in all its locations, millions of masks proactively secured and distributed to its staff, the assertive move to a Work at Home delivery model in conjunction with its clients, and enforcement of extra physical distance at its operational sites, over and above local country guidelines. Today, by offering the vaccine as a free, optional staff benefit, Teleperformance aims not only to honor its commitment to protecting the health of its people, but also to help governments address the pandemic with agile, large-scope support of vaccination programs deployed at the corporate level. The Group is already delivering a wide range of helpline and other essential support services to support public efforts in the fight against Covid-19 across all regions, notably in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Teleperformance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Julien, said: "Nothing is more important in fulfilling our mission than the safety and health of all our employees. Since the beginning of this grae crisis, we have done everything in our power to ensure business continuity for our clients and protect the health and safety of our employees, our partners, and jobs in the communities where the Group is present. Now, more than ever, we are focused on the same priorities. Based on strong relationships with healthcare partners and in compliance with government decisions and procurement agendas, we are well prepared across the world to assist in securing critical Covid-19 vaccinations for our employees. The reimbursement of vaccination costs for our staff is another critical step in this commitment to our employees. We will support every employee in the Group who wants the vaccine, especially in countries where the public or private insurance system doesn't cover the cost. We are also proud to be actively contributing to the ongoing fight against the virus by boosting vaccinations worldwide".



ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP Teleperformance (TEP - ISIN: FR0000051807 - Reuters (News - Alert) : TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model combining three wide, high-value solution families: customer experience management, back-office services and business process knowledge services. These end-to-end digital solutions guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high tech, high touch approach. The Group's 331,000 employees, based in 80 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2019, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 5,355 million (US$6 billion, based on 1 = $1.12) and net profit of 400 million.

Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, CAC Support Services, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350 and MSCI Global Standard. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares have been included in the Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 index since 2015, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and also the Ethibel Sustainability Excellence Europe index (confirmed in 2019). For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) : @teleperformance View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005742/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Press Release

January 19, 2021 Dialogues, not suppression, win hearts and minds: Pangilinan SENATOR Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Tuesday joined students and fellow alumni of the University of the Philippines in opposing the unilateral termination of the agreement between UP and the Department of National Defense that limits the presence of security forces in the former's campuses. Pangilinan, who was UP University Student Council chairman in 1986, filed Senate Resolution 616, which also calls for a dialogue between the two parties. "Dialogues, not suppression, win hearts and minds. And with the 'woke' among the youth, lalong pinipigil, lalong nanggigigil," he said. Pangilinan said young people throughout the world and throughout history have always been critical of the status quo, including governments. He cited the examples of Philippine national heroes Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, the Luna brothers, and Graciano Lopez Jaena who effected fundamental change in Philippine society with their activism. "The 1981 Enrile-Soto Accord was the government, a dictatorship, negotiating and signing an agreement with students. Why? Because they realized that they could not suppress student unrest with arrests and harassment. They had to sign that accord so that the protests and the boycotts would stop. And, therefore, we have to learn the lessons from the past," said the first UP Student Regent. "It's like saying, 'O, from now on, 'wag ka nang bumatikos. 'Wag ka nang anti-government. Matuto ka na. Maging pro-government ka na.' Hindi ganon ang kabataan. Hindi ganon ang estudyante sa kasaysayan ng anumang lipunan. Let us learn from history. The more you suppress, the more they will fight," he added. Pangilinan said suppression and authoritarian or military rule have proven to be incapable of solving major problems in the country. He said martial law was the main recruiter of rebels, who were only a handful in 1972 but grew to 25,000-strong before the dictator Marcos was deposed in 1986. Pangilinan, who also championed the UP Charter law, said the UP-DND accord details the processes of engagement between the two institutions. He explained that the accord does not rigidly prohibit entry into the UP campus as long as there is proper notification beforehand and a valid reason to do so. The senator called on the DND to reconsider its actions and pushed for dialogue between the parties involved. "I urge UP and the DND to commence a dialogue and to find common ground that promotes peace and security, and protects academic freedom, and the pursuit of excellence," he added.
Two Massachusetts residents including a Natick Town Meeting member were arrested by the FBI on Tuesday in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Suzanne Ianni, 59, of Natick, and Mark G. Sahady, 46, of Malden, were taken into custody without incident at their respective homes, the FBI said on Tuesday. They are expected for initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Boston on Tuesday.

Ianni and Sahady are each charged with knowingly and entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Each were identified by the FBI through social media, specifically through the organization Super Happy Fun America, according to court documents. The group posted pictures on Twitter of both Ianni and Sahady on a bus with a caption Bus 1 of 11 coming to Washington DC. See you there!

According to court documents, Ianni organized the buses to the nations capital for the group. Sahady, court documents say, is the vice president of the group.

Through local new reports, the FBI said more than 300 people from the group used the buses to trek to Washington D.C.

The group, which has the motto Its Great to be Straight according to the FBI also organized Bostons straight pride parade in the summer of 2019.

The FBI cited photos from Jan. 6 showing the Ianni and Sahady together outside and inside the U.S. Capitol, confirming the two were together.

The FBI worked in coordination with the Malden and Natick police departments in arresting both Ianni and Sahady, authorities said.
Backtracks is clearly differentiating itself as the only technology provider that offers a turnkey platform for managing, measuring and monetizing a podcast ecosystem. - Kelly Perdew, lead investor and Managing General Partner, Moonshots Capital

Backtracks, the leading technology infrastructure platform for end-to-end podcast management, advertising and data analytics, is pleased to announce an unprecedented year in product expansion, bolstered by a previously undisclosed new round of funding closed in June 2020, further fueling the companys momentum in innovating the new technologies that will define the future of the podcasting industry.

In the last year, Backtracks has launched a suite of new products that enhance the ability of publishers and advertisers to understand and reach audiences with next level analytics and machine learning-based capabilities, accelerated user adoption and partner acquisition, and closed an investor-initiated Pre-Series A funding round in the amount of $1.6M.

We are building the infrastructure of podcasting, said Jonathan Gill, CEO and founder, Backtracks. Our robust analytics engine provides an unprecedented level of insight into audio and listener behavior, connecting the best content with the best ads while preserving our audiences data privacy and providing a best in breed user experience. This recent round of funding underscores investor confidence in our model and market validation during a time of uncertainty. Were continuing to innovate our platform and product lines and are looking forward to announcing exciting upcoming releases and continuing to further growth in 2021 and beyond.

Investor Confidence During Times of Uncertainty

Despite the myriad of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Backtracks has continued to advance and disrupt the podcasting industry through its technology development and product releases this year. An unexpected infusion of confidence also came through an investor-instigated funding round of $1.6M in June 2020, a time of frozen funds in the VC landscape.

Backtracks is clearly differentiating itself as the only technology provider that offers a turnkey platform for managing, measuring and monetizing a podcast ecosystem, said Kelly Perdew, lead investor and Managing General Partner, Moonshots Capital. Like the Stripe of podcasting, Backtracks is ushering in a new era to the market with the breadth and depth of their technologies. We recognized their potential early on with the initial funding round and have seen the breakneck pace of new technology development as a result, so that led us to participate in an additional oversubscribed round recently targeted at further fueling this momentum. Backtracks offerings and product releases on the horizon will quickly distinguish them as the leading technology platform for end-to-end management of podcasting.

Investors in this most recent round of funding include: Moonshots Capital; KLI Capital; Bull Creek Capital; Sputnik ATX; Bench Management; Ross Hoffman, former Chief Business Officer at Headspace and former VP of Partnerships at Twitter; and, Vivek Garipalli, co-founder and CEO, Clover Health, among others. Backtracks previously closed its first seed round of funding of $2.1M in May 2019, led by Moonshots Capital.

Innovation Throughout the Podcast Ecosystem

In 2020, Backtracks also announced a new suite of publisher tools that introduced enhanced tracking, transparency and measurement to podcasting with standardized and verified metrics across any app, host and device.

Key features of that update included the most advanced podcast analytics available to publishers to date, allowing content creators to see verified data around who is listening to their content, segments that were listened to and skipped, and on what device.

This years product innovations included:



Backtracks Switchboard gives publishers deep analytics and control of their data with the ability to change hosting providers any time, for any reason.

Backtracks Charts allows publishers, advertisers, and listeners to search by specific topic across 26 million+ episodes and over 800,000 podcasts and explore the ecosystem-wide knowledge graph of podcasting.

Backtracks Player enhancements to enable content creators to customize the player to fit any brand and style guidelines, with the ability to embed anywhere, as well as additional audience engagement features to enhance the marketing capabilities of their audio.

Backtracks will continue to invest heavily in further development of existing and new product offerings and its infrastructure platform, to help podcasters and audio partners around the world measure, monetize, and advertise in audio and podcasting.

Partner Scale Out and Expansion of Enterprise Capabilities

Partners are recognizing the value of Backtracks innovative technology solutions. The companys reputation for delivering results that provide business value for publishers and advertisers, and enhancing the listening experience for consumers, has seen marked validation in its scaled adoption this year.

Backtracks has processed more than 40 billion minutes of audio and empowers thousands of podcasts and audio partners, including McKinsey & Company, Stratfor, SamsungNEXT, Mediahuis, The Memphis Grizzlies, Y Combinator, NASA, and several NPR entities, affiliates, and shows, including Money 20/20, KQED and KUT to manage and monetize their audio content.

I live on Backtracks, said Emily Donahue, Head of Public Relations at Stratfor. When I joined Stratfor, ramping up our podcasting was a top priority. We had some really great information that wasnt being delivered for the general public and it presented a huge brand building opportunity. Since partnering with Backtracks, weve grown our audience 300% year over year, with zero paid marketing efforts. The platform shows me which content resonates with individual listeners, which content has life over time, which content resonates in which areas of the world, and more. Using the information were learning from Backtracks has enabled us to build the audience, and the bigger the audience, the better for business, as it means more people understanding our brand and who we are.

For more information, visit backtracks.fm.

About Backtracks

Backtracks, Inc. is a data analytics and advertising platform based in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2016 by engineers Jonathan Gill and Kevin Wright, Backtracks is on a mission to modernize the podcast medium by providing podcasters and advertisers with the tools to measure, discover and monetize their content and data. Backtracks recognizes that in every medium a player comes along that fundamentally changes the way key actors in the space interact with each other and like Google and Facebook for display ads or Nielsen for TV, Backtracks goal is to be that catalyzing force to help podcasting reach its full potential.
Theresa May has issued her most strident criticism yet of Boris Johnson, accusing him of abandoning Britain's 'position of global moral leadership'.

Writing in the Mail to mark Joe Biden's inauguration as US President, she suggests her successor has failed to honour British values by threatening to break international law in Brexit trade talks and tearing up the foreign aid target.

The former prime minister says the two actions were not ones that 'raised our credibility in the eyes of the world'. If Britain is to lead internationally, she says, we must live up to 'our values'.

Theresa May has issued her most strident criticism yet of Boris Johnson, accusing him of abandoning Britain's 'position of global moral leadership'

In her article, Mrs May says the election of 'decent' President Biden offers a 'golden opportunity' for Britain to play a key role in making the world safer.

But she suggests that her successor, Mr Johnson, will be unable to grasp it unless there is an end to macho diplomacy where a few self-styled 'strongmen' like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin 'face off against each other'.

In a pointed reference to Mr Johnson's vow to 'build back better', she says that 'strong leadership' knows when to compromise.

However, in a statement issued to the Mail last night, the Prime Minister pledged to work hand in hand with the new US President to defend democracy and tackle Britain and Americas shared challenges.

He also went out of his way to stress his determination to help Mr Biden build international co-operation.

Mrs May also uses her article today to condemn Mr Trump over the 'whipped up' mob who stormed the US Capitol earlier this month.

May suggests her successor has failed to honour British values by threatening to break international law

Significantly, she draws a parallel between the storming of the Capitol and 'attacks on our own democratic institutions' such as the murder of PC Keith Palmer.

Mrs May has had a series of clashes in the Commons with Mr Johnson since he ousted her 18 months ago. She had a bruising political relationship with Mr Trump when she was in power.

Her intervention comes as Mr Biden prepares to take office later today following a turbulent end to the Trump presidency.

Security is intense in Washington ahead of the inauguration ceremony, with thousands of National Guard reserve soldiers deployed in the wake of the Capitol riot.

The former Prime Minister had a bruising political relationship with Mr Trump when she was in power

In her piece for today's Mail, Mrs May says that 2021 can be a year when Britain 'leads on the world stage' and truly become 'Global Britain'. But she says that for this to be realised there needs to be a 'change in world politics' and world leaders have to act differently - including Mr Johnson.

The former prime minister writes: 'We have been sliding towards absolutism in international affairs: if you are not 100 per cent for me, you must be 100 per cent against me. Compromise is seen as a dirty word.

'We must reject a scene in which a few strongmen face off against each other and instead bring people together in a common cause.'

The UK was well placed to shape a 'more co-operative world' she says, adding: 'But to lead we must live up to our values.'

Mr Johnson had not done so in Brexit talks or overseas aid, she suggests: 'Threatening to break international law by going back on a (European Union) treaty we had just signed and abandoning our position of global moral leadership as the only major economy to meet both the 2 per cent defence spending target and the 0.7 per cent international aid target were not actions which raised our credibility in the eyes of the world.'

Mrs May compares Mr Trump's turbulent exit from the White House to her own dignified acceptance of defeat

Britain cannot rely on history to retain its place at the top table, says Mrs May. It would be judged by its actions  and that meant Mr Johnson had to keep his word on the UK's commitments to other nations.

After resigning from her Cabinet in 2018 Mr Johnson said her Brexit plan would leave the UK a 'colony' of the EU. Mr Trump said that her Brexit stance was 'foolish' and accused her of ignoring his advice.

Mrs May compares Mr Trump's turbulent exit from the White House to her own dignified acceptance of defeat when she was forced to hand over to Mr Johnson in July 2019. 'I know from experience that leaving power is not easy,' she reflects.

She famously broke down in tears in a farewell Downing St press conference. By contrast, the violence in Washington earlier this month was 'an assault by a partisan mob whipped up by an elected president.' Mrs May says when she was prime minister she never knew what Mr Trump would do next: One minute he wanted to be her friend, the next she feared he would stand by her side and denounce Nato.

Mr Biden would be 'more predictable' and help 'make the 2020s a decade in which democracy and decency lead to a brighter future'.

'Only through international cooperation can we overcome the shared challenges,' she argues.

THERESA MAY: Britain threatened to break the law. We abandoned our global moral leadership... we did not raise our credibility in the eyes of the world

This week America inaugurates a new president, and the free world gains a new leader.

In Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I believe Britain has partners for positive action to make our world a safer place.

The US and the UK share enduring values: respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom of speech and thought, representative democracy, equality and the rule of law. These values have shaped our societies. In the past, we have had common cause to defend them.

In Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I believe Britain has partners for positive action to make our world a safer place

Today, those values are under threat once again  and once again, the UK has a responsibility to play its part in defending them.

The threat does not just come from countries which reject our democratic values  nations like China, which continues to persecute the Uighur people and infringe the rights of people in Hong Kong, or Russia, where opposition leader Alexei Navalny recently survived poisoning only to face imprisonment.

On January 6, those values came under attack in that bastion of democracy the United States Capitol. The sight of mob violence in the marbled halls of the US Congress, with elected members barricaded in offices and a police officer murdered, are images we thought we would never see. Americans I have spoken to in the aftermath of that event remain profoundly shocked by it.

Sadly, we have known attacks on our own democratic institutions in recent years. I will never forget the terrible day a terrorist struck the House of Commons and killed the brave PC Keith Palmer.

What happened in Washington was not the act of a lone extremist or a secretive cell, but an assault by a partisan mob whipped up by an elected president. I know from experience that leaving power is not easy  especially when you feel that there is more you want to do.

Modern threats come from countries which reject our democratic values like Russia where opposition leader Alexei Navalny (pictured) has been jailed

But anyone who has the honour of serving in such a position must always remember that the office is bigger than the individual.

The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of any democracy; it is what makes us special. When George Washington, the first American president, willingly stood down from office after two terms and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, it was a genuinely radical act. Already the images of violence from the city that bears his name are being used as propaganda by autocrats who claim that democracy does not work.

The scenes at the Capitol show us how fragile support for democracy can be in a world where lies are spread on social media. It also reminds us of the responsibility which free nations bear to live up to our high ideals.

I set 'Global Britain' as our foreign policy goal because I wanted to ensure that the UK did not turn in on itself or become isolated after Brexit. Instead, I believe a constructive role awaits a self-confident UK  outside the EU but emphatically within the mainstream of western democracies.

The scenes at the Capitol show us how fragile support for democracy can be in a world where lies are spread on social media

With Brexit now achieved but the pandemic still raging and the long-term economic and social impact of Covid to be addressed, it is now even more important that we work together with our allies.

Last year, the UK led a collective effort to fund global work on vaccines. Now, as countries close their borders in response to Covid, we must work collectively to find a way of living with the virus.

This challenge makes the concept of Global Britain even more salient. 2021 can be a year when Britain leads on the world stage. Hosting the G7 and the COP26 climate summit will put Global Britain at the forefront of joint endeavour between nations. For this potential to be realised, there needs to be a change in world politics.

For too long we have been sliding toward absolutism in international affairs: if you are not 100 per cent for me then you must be 100 per cent against me. In this world there is no room for mature compromise. Indeed, compromise is seen as a dirty word. In fact, the opposite is true.

Strong leadership knows when to compromise to achieve a greater good. If the world is to work together to 'build back better' then we must all be willing to compromise.

We must reject a scene in which a few strongmen face off against each other and instead bring people together in a common cause.

The UK is well placed to play a decisive role in shaping this more co-operative world. We have an excellent diplomatic network, a strong military, and enviable soft power. Outside the EU, we are a player again in the World Trade Organisation  as well as a leading member of Nato, the Commonwealth and the UN Security Council.

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson attended the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford in December 2019

But to lead we must live up to our values. Threatening to break international law by going back on a treaty we had just signed and abandoning our position of global moral leadership as the only major economy to meet both the 2 per cent defence spending target and the 0.7 per cent international aid target were not actions which, in my view, raised our credibility in the eyes of the world.

Other countries listen to what we say not simply because of who we are, but because of what we do. The world does not owe us a prominent place on its stage. Whatever the rhetoric we deploy, it is our actions which count. So, we should do nothing which signals a retreat from our global commitments.

The arrival of President Biden provides Britain with a golden opportunity. He is an experienced hand, having served eight years as a diplomatically engaged vice president. With Donald Trump, I never knew what to expect  from being offered, sometimes literally, the hand of friendship to hearing him question core tenets of the transatlantic alliance.

When a British prime minister walks out for a joint press conference with the world's media unsure if the United States president standing next to her will agree that Nato is a bulwark of our collective defence, you know you are living in extraordinary times. Mr Biden will have his own agenda in pursuit of the US national interest, but he will be a more predictable and reliable partner for Global Britain.

Together, a USA recommitted to international leadership and a United Kingdom guided by our common values can be a powerful partnership. We can lead the world in action to tackle climate change at COP26 in Glasgow. We can galvanise the other great democracies which share our belief in freedom under the rule of law.

Together, we can make the 2020s a decade in which democracy and decency lead the world into a brighter future.
WhatsApp may face some heat from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

WhatsApp has been in the news for the past few days over its new privacy policy. The new update provides additional information on WhatsApp services and how the app processes user data. Following the announcement, the Facebook-owned app has received severe backlash from users.

The new WhatsApp privacy policy could be viewed as an abuse of its dominant position. Although there are plenty of WhatsApp alternatives that offer better privacy and features, users often find it tough to switch to other apps due to the lack of interoperability. The dominant positioning coupled with the updated privacy policy that allows metadata sharing with Facebook apps could attract the CCIs attention, according to The Economic Times (ET).

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

The update gave users an option to either accept the new terms or delete their WhatsApp account. The new update did not give users an option to opt out of sharing data with the Facebook apps. This could be a reason for people to accept the new privacy policy terms as switching to other apps may result in them losing out on their chats and related data. WhatsApp has over 400 million active users in India.

Also read: How does WhatsApp alternative Signal work and why are people moving to it? All your questions answered

WhatsApp has pushed the implementation of its new privacy policy to May 15. The company said it is doing so to clear up misinformation around privacy and security. The messaging app stated that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook cannot see your messages or hear your calls. It also does not keep a log of the people a user calls or messages.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) filed a petition in the Supreme Court that urged WhatsApp, as well as its parent company Facebook to withdraw its new privacy policy. As per CAIT, WhatsApp has been fraudulently collecting personal user data.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Cloudy with a few showers. High 78F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 61F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Express Employment Professionals Named Top Staffing Franchise by Entrepreneur for 10th Consecutive Year Tweet this

Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur editor-in-chief, also acknowledged the challenges of last year but highlighted the unique opportunities it presented.

"Franchises were able to be nimble and innovative, serving the needs of franchisees and customers in ways that will resonate for many years to come," he said. "We believe that, when we eventually look back on this time, we'll see it as a moment when many brands defined themselves for the future."

Key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

With more than 830 franchises internationally, in 2020, Entrepreneur further recognized Express as a Top Global Franchise, a Top 100 Franchise to buy for less than $150,000 and one of the best franchise brands of the year. Staffing Industry Analysts added to the accolades by naming Express the tenth largest global staffing firm, the sixth-largest U.S. staffing firm, the sixth-largest U.S. office/clerical staffing firm and the second-largest U.S. industrial staffing firm.

"The Express family is growing and there's even more opportunity for entrepreneurs to realize their business ownership dreams with us in 2021 on our way to put a million people to work annually," Stoller said.

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena Karami-Hollander, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing company has more than 830 franchises in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Since inception, Express has put more than 8 million people to work worldwide.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 552,000 people globally in 2019. For more information, visit www.ExpressPros.com.

SOURCE Express Employment Professionals

Related Links

http://www.expresspros.com


Amazon Prime show Tandav drew attention of the government and its leaders as numerous complaints were lodged for a scene that allegedly hurt religious sentiments. The team finally released a statement on the row and apologised. Director Ali Abbas Zafar, who has been at the receiving end of the flak, now shared that they were in touch with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to resolve the matter.

READ: UP CM Yogi Warns Of Strict Action Against 'Tandav' Makers For Insulting Hindu Religion

Ali Abbas Zafar on Tandav row

Ali Abbas Zafar took to Twitter after issuing the apology that he wanted to share a quick update with netizens. He revealed that the team of the controversial web series were in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have sparked an uproar. He also acknowledged the continued patience and support, and hoped for a solution shortly.

We just want to share a quick update with everybody. We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised. We value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly. https://t.co/Yp8kogTlvs  ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) January 18, 2021

READ: Saif Ali Khan Gets Extra Police Security At His House Amidst 'Ban Tandav Controversy'

Tandav team releases statement

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the team shared that they were closely monitoring the reactions and that the I&B Ministtry informed them with with serious concerns and apprehensions of a large number of grievances and petitions over their show hurting sentiments.

The statement reiterated the disclaimer often seen before films on it being a work of fiction and any resemblance being 'purely coincidental.' The team stated that they did not have any intention to 'offend the sentiments' of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or 'insult or outrage' any institution, political party or person, living or dead.

It added that taking cognisance of the concerns, they were unconditionally apologising if they hurt anyones sentiments.

Our sincere apologies . pic.twitter.com/Efr9s0kYnl  ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) January 18, 2021

Tandav row

Two First Information Reports have already been filed against the show. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ram Kadam held a protest against the show and filed a complaint, while other leaders issued a legal notice and expressed their displeasure. This includes Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati, among others.

The outrage against Tandav is over a scene where Mohammed Zeesha Ayyub seemingly played a character based on Lord Shiva with dialogues in jest and gestures involving playful situations.

READ: Kangana Ranaut Opines On 'Tandav' Row, Calls Content 'creatively Poor' And 'atrocious'

READ: 'Tandav' Makers Release Statement After FIR Lodged For Controversial Scene In Webseries

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.
In the final days of his presidency, Donald Trump has carried on an unfortunate tradition: last-minute pardons that reek of corruption. He is expected to issue up to 100 pardons on his final day in office. The presidents clemency power is nearly unlimited, which means Trump is only constrained by his own sense of what he can get away with. His pardons are consistently, cartoonishly sordid; his friends and allies are first in line, followed by disgraced Republican officials, murderous law enforcement officers, and Lil Wayne. Trumps final pardon spree is certain to tarnish clemencys public image, which has already been battered by his predecessors. In light of his abuses, scholars and commentators have declared that the pardon power should be diminished or abolished. These critics suggest the tool has outlived its usefulness and presents too great an opportunity for self-dealing.

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.

This jaundiced view of clemency is understandable. It is also misguided. The pardon power exists for a very good reason, and its exploitation at the hands of crooks and con men should not give cause for its eradication. It is not some obsolete relic from a simpler era, but a vital safeguard against unjust convictions and disproportionate sentences. The United States federal prisons are filled with good citizens who have no business being behind bars. It is unfortunate that Trump has overlooked these individuals in favor of his vile cronies. It would be catastrophic if Trumps actions prevented future presidents from using the pardon power to free the people who actually deserve clemency.

For most of U.S. history, the pardon power was not particularly controversial. The Framers added it to the Constitution to ensure that justice would not wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel. They envisioned it as a safety valve, and thats exactly how it operated: Presidents issued hundreds of pardons a year in the 19th century, viewing the process as a routine administrative duty. (The chief deviation from this norm was Andrew Johnsons mass pardon of Confederate soldiers, which does not appear to have dissuaded his successors from using the power as intended.) After Congress instituted parole in 1910, presidents increasingly used pardons to restore civil rights to convicted felons who were already released from prison.

Advertisement

Perversely, as Congress deemed more and more conduct a federal crimethereby exponentially increasing the federal prison populationpresidents grew less and less willing to grant clemency. The pardon power became more divisive after Gerald Ford preemptively pardoned Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter pardoned Americans who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War. Its reputation went down from there: George H.W. Bush notoriously pardoned key players in the Iran-Contra scandal, and Bill Clinton pardoned a glut of questionable associates on his last day in office, including his half-brother and the billionaire donor Marc Rich.

For most of U.S. history, the pardon power was not particularly controversial.

In the 21st century, the conventional wisdom seems to be that presidents deploy clemency for self-serving purposes in their last weeks or days, when they wont face political consequences. In truth, it was Clinton who established this traditionand its Trump who is entrenching it. Since losing the election, Trump has pardoned corrupt former Republican congressmen, Blackwater guards who massacred civilians, allies convicted in Robert Muellers probe, and a police officer who repeatedly had her dog attack sleeping and surrendered suspects. As of late December, 88 percent of people who received clemency from Trump had personal or political connections to him; that number will probably be higher by noon on Jan. 20.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Joe Biden will have a few tools at his disposal to reform the criminal justice system beginning on day one. His Justice Department, for instance, can implement policy changes like directing prosecutors to avoid criminal charges with draconian mandatory minimum sentences and rigorously implementing compassionate release. But these options pale in comparison to clemency. Barack Obama granted nearly 2,000 pardons and commutations during his two terms, focusing on people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. In the process, he laid the groundwork for a systemic approach to clemency that Biden should dramatically expand upon. There are currently more than 150,000 people in the federal prison system; nearly half of them were convicted of drug offenses. Many of these people were sentenced under harsh drug laws that Biden authored and now publicly regrets. Simply releasing or shortening the sentences of people convicted under these drug laws would put a huge dent in the federal prison population. Biden can also commute federal death sentences to life in prison, effectively ending the federal death penalty.

Advertisement

But he shouldnt stop there. People convicted of violent offenses also deserve consideration, and Biden should look to experiments at the state level when crafting his clemency policies. D.C., for instance, has passed a series of measures that allow incarcerated people to request early release after serving 15 years for a crime committed before the age of 25. These laws reflect the scientific consensus that most young people age out of violence as their brains develop. It may not be politically expedient to commute the sentences of violent offenders. But the reality is that keeping rehabilitated people locked up, at a cost of more than $37,000 a year per person, benefits no one. True reform will require lawmakersup to and including the presidentto acknowledge that even people who committed horrible crimes in their youth deserve a second chance.

Advertisement

Advertisement

There are sure to be many efforts to root out corruption and rein in executive powers in the wreckage of the Trump administration. The presidential pardon powers have been badly misused, but that doesnt mean theyre inherently suspect. The injustice is not merely that Trump granted clemency to his odious friends, but that he did not grant clemency to tens of thousands of other people who deserved it. If Democrats dont make this crucial distinction, they risk scaring Biden away from using clemency at all. As with so many other scandals over the last four years, the problem here isnt executive power; its the bottomless corruption of the man who wields it.
January 6, 2021, will be remembered as a day like no other for many, including those whove made the United States their new home. VOA spoke to a few of them in this report by Correspondent Mariama Diallo. VOA Khmer's Chetra Chap narrates the story in Khmer.
CsPbI3 perovskite NCs studied via MDCS. (A) Perovskite NC absorption spectra as a function of temperature. (B) Energy level diagram of the nondegenerate bright triplet states {i = x,y,z} that comprise the band-edge transitions to and from |g. The dark singlet state |d is shown to lie between states |y and |z. (C) Schematic of the MDCS experiment. Three pulses {A,B,C} are focused onto the sample with varying time delays. Inset shows a transmission electron micrograph of representative CsPbI3 NCs. (D) Excitation pulse sequence and excitation polarization schemes used to acquire one-quantum and zero-quantum spectra, in which double-sided arrows in circles denote the polarization of each pulse. Pulses A and C are horizontally polarized, and pulse B is either horizontally or vertically polarized, which corresponds to an emitted signal of either horizontal or vertical polarization respectively. a.u., arbitrary units. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594

Advanced optoelectronics require materials with newly engineered characteristics. Examples include a class of materials named metal-halide perovskites that have tremendous significance to form perovskite solar cells with photovoltaic efficiencies. Recent advances have also applied perovskite nanocrystals in light-emitting devices. The unusually efficient light emission of cesium lead-halide perovskite may be due to a unique excitonic fine structure made of three bright triplet states that minimally interact with a proximal dark singlet state. Excitons are electronic excitations responsible for the emissive properties of nanostructured semiconductors, where the lowest-energy excitonic state is expected to be long lived and hence poorly emitting (or 'dark').

In a new report now published in Science Advances, Albert Liu and a team of scientists in physics and chemistry at the University of Michigan, U.S., and Campinas State University, Brazil, used multidimensional coherent spectroscopy at cryogenic (ultra-cold) temperatures to study the fine structure without isolating the cube-shaped single nanocrystals. The work revealed coherences (wave properties relative to space and time) involving the triplet states of a cesium lead-iodide (CsPbI 3 ) nanocrystal ensemble. Based on the measurements of triplet and inter-triplet coherences, the team obtained a unique exciton fine structure level ordering composed of a dark state, energetically positioned within the bright triplet manifold.

Constructing an ensemble of cesium lead-halide nanocrystals

In this work, Liu et al. extracted crucial figures of information processing to construct an ensemble of cesium lead-iodide nanocrystals (CsPbI 3 ) at cryogenic temperatures. The first synthetic cesium lead-halide perovskites were developed more than a century ago with a general chemical formula of CsPbX 3 (where X= chlorineCl, bromineBr, or IodineI) and a recent production formed CsPbX 3 nanocrystals that combined the advantages of perovskites with those of colloidal nanocrystal materials. The perovskite nanocrystals exhibited luminescence with quantum yield to reach nearly unity in contrast to chalcogenide nanocrystals with a gradient shell.

Optical triplet coherences in one-quantum spectra. (A and B) Magnitude one-quantum spectrum at 4.6 K with (A) colinear and (B) cross-linear excitation. The white/red dashed arrows and solid black lines indicate the cross-slice locations and laser pulse spectra, respectively. (C and D) Bottom plots show normalized cross-slices centered at || = |t| = 1900 meV of the (C) colinear and (D) cross-linear excitation one-quantum spectrum. Top plots show theoretically calculated relative peak strengths in the NC reference frame (see the Supplementary Materials). Numbers label peaks arising from electronic interband coherences and populations. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594

The unusual brightness of perovskite nanocrystals originated from an optically active, non-degenerate triplet state that emits efficiently despite the presence of a dark singlet state. The unique exciton fine structures of perovskite nanocrystals improved the potential of colloidal nanocrystals for quantum information processing applications. However, researchers require intimate knowledge of the coherent dynamics in perovskite nanocrystals to engineer the exciton superposition states as information carriers, which were not well understood. Liu et al. therefore used multidimensional coherent spectroscopy to measure the triplet state excitons and presented evidence for a mixed bright-dark level ordering, which rendered the triplet state excitons to only be partially bright. The team then used perovskite nanocrystals as a potential material platform for quantum applications through bottom-up engineering methods.

Triplet state quantum pathways and Feynman diagrams

To conduct multidimensional coherent spectroscopy, the team used a multidimensional optical nonlinear spectrometer that focused three laser pulses on to the perovskite nanocrystal ensemble as a function of three different time delays (, T, and t). During the experiments, the scientists Fourier transformed the emitted four-wave mixing signal as a function of two or all three of the time delays in a multidimensional spectrum. They commonly referred to the resulting sequences of light-matter interactions as quantum pathways. The team conceptually represented the quantum pathways using double-sided Feynman diagrams. The diagrams contained vertically arranged sequences of density matrix elements that began with an initial ground state population where time advanced upward, with changes introduced in the density matrix by interactions with each excitation pulse. They noted three types of quantum pathways defined as "excited-state emission" (ESE), "ground-state bleach" (GSB) and "excited-state absorption" (ESA), and only considered ESE and GSB pathways during this work.

Double-sided Feynman diagrams of quantum pathways. Double-sided Feynman diagrams representing accessible quantum pathways in perovskite nanocrystals. Nine ESE and GSB diagrams each are possible, which involve an intermediate excited-state population/coherence and ground-state population respectively. The peak position of each diagram in one-quantum spectra is labeled above. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594

Fourier transforming studies had previously revealed new electronic properties of various perovskite materials. In order to experimentally probe different quantum pathways, the team chose the polarization of the second laser pulse in the setup to either align parallelly or orthogonally to the collinear polarization of the two other pulses. They obtained a single-quantum spectrum at a temperature of 4.6 K with colinear and cross-linear excitation. The spectra revealed numerous peaks elongated in the diagonal direction to reflect inhomogeneous spectral broadening. To explain the peak structure for both excitation polarization schemes, Liu et al. theoretically calculated the relative peak strengths for the varying dipole matrix elements and vector orientations of each triplet state transition and drew important conclusions from the calculations. Compared to the integrated four-wave mixing techniques, one-quantum spectra was particularly useful in this work.

Peak strength calculations. (A) Excitation polarization sequences as described. (B) Schematic of dipole moment vector orientations, in which

Terahertz inter-triplet coherences in zero-quantum spectra

Liu et al. next showed many of the quantum pathways to generate sidebands relative to inter-triplet coherences, i.e., quantum coherences between triplet states that are not necessarily dipole-coupled. The inter-triplet coherence time defined the time scale within which the involved super-position states could be coherently manipulated in the experimental setup, which was of practical importance. To directly measure and characterize these coherences, the team used zero-quantum spectra at varying time delays and temperatures ( = 0 and 20 K). For cross-linear excitation, the researchers isolated the inter-triplet coherence pathways by passing the measured four-wave mixing signal through a vertical polarizer to plot a resulting cross-linear, zero-quantum spectrum at 20 K. The inter-triplet coherences were robust against thermal dephasing (up to 40 K) and the work also showed the electronic nature of the four-wave mixing signal.

Terahertz inter-triplet coherences in zero-quantum spectra. (A) Magnitude zero-quantum spectrum taken at  = 0 fs and 20 K. Two sidebands due to inter-triplet coherences are observed. (B) Evolution of normalized slices taken along the dashed red line in (A) at  = 1890 meV as a function of delay  (at 20 K) and temperatures [10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40] K (at  = 0 fs). (C) Fit of normalized cross-slice taken at  = 0 fs, in which the complex Lorentzians of peaks 6 and 8 are shifted by phases /2 relative to peak 7. The shaded curves represent the real quadratures of each Lorentzian in the fit line shape, and the top plot is the phase of the fitted complex line shape. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594

In this way, Albert Liu and colleagues measured and characterized the optical frequency triplet coherences and inter-triplet coherences in perovskite lattices. The results were significantly different from those previously reported for other lead-halide nanocrystals. It appears that even a slight change in a single constituent atom of the perovskite lattice could drastically alter the interactions that determined the fine structural-level ordering, which warrants further investigation. The team experimentally and theoretically presented evidence of an exciton band edge whose emission is partially quenched by an intermediate dark state to contribute important insight to the exciton ground states in a variety of perovskite nanocrystals with potential applications for quantum information processing.

More information: Liu A. et al. Multidimensional coherent spectroscopy reveals triplet state coherences in cesium lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals, Science Advances, 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594 Liu A. et al. Multidimensional coherent spectroscopy reveals triplet state coherences in cesium lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals,, 10.1126/sciadv.abb3594 Becker M. A. et al. Bright triplet excitons in caesium lead halide perovskites. Nature, doi.org/10.1038/nature25147 Tamarat P. et al. The ground exciton state of formamidinium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals is a singlet dark state. Nature Materials, doi.org/10.1038/s41563-019-0364-x Journal information: Science Advances , Nature , Nature Materials

 2021 Science X Network
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.
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.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 49F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain showers early becoming more intermittent overnight. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.
The organiser of the annual Davos summit faced ridicule after claiming it has spent more than a decade sounding the alarm over the threat of infectious diseases only to be ignored.

As it released its latest Global Risks Report yesterday, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said it has been 'warning the world about the dangers of pandemics' for 15 years.

And it added that last year 'the world saw the catastrophic effects of ignoring' such risks.

Covid claims: The organiser of the annual Davos summit said it has been 'warning the world about the dangers of pandemics' for 15 years

But the WEF, which every year hosts a meeting of the global elite in the Swiss ski town of Davos, was accused of existing 'in its own air-conditioned bubble'.

This time last year, when Covid-19 was sweeping across Asia and the WEF released its 2020 report, infectious disease was not on its list of the ten likeliest risks. And it came tenth on the list of risks likely to have the most impact.

At last January's summit, the virus was merely a murmur in the background, as climate change took centre stage.

Former Commons Treasury committee chairman Lord Mann said: 'Just like they didn't see the 2008 crash, Brexit or the election of Trump, the WEF failed to foresee this pandemic. Davos exists in its own air-conditioned bubble.'

Andrew Sentance, an economist and former Bank of England policy maker, added: 'I don't think anything that was ever said at Davos has made any impact.

'Can anybody identify any major initiatives launched by the WEF? I can't.'

Founded by German economist Klaus Schwab 50 years ago, the WEF was designed to 'improve the state of theworld' and 'shape agendas' through engagement between business leaders, politicians and even celebrities.

But Davos has become renowned for flashy parties and champagne-fuelled events. This year it is online.

WEF managing director Saadia Zahidi said: 'In 2020 we talked about how health systems were facing threats from multiple fronts and were essentially too weak to deal with a major load. We've seen quite a bit of that come true.'
RapidVent Graphic. Credit: The Grainger College of Engineering

The design, testing, and validation of the Illinois RapidVent emergency ventilator has been published in the journal Plos One. The article, "Emergency Ventilator for COVID-19," by University of Illinois Urbana researchers, is the first of its kind to report such details about an emergency ventilator that was designed, prototyped, and tested at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

"This article reports the development and testing of the RapidVent emergency ventilator," said William King, professor at The Grainger College of Engineering and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and leader of the RapidVent project. "The research shows integration of different disciplines to develop a medical device, including science-based engineering, ultra-rapid design and manufacturing, functional testing, and animal testing."

The Grainger College of Engineering, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and industry partners launched the Illinois RapidVent project to address ventilator shortages in spring 2020. The goal was to design an emergency ventilator that could be rapidly and inexpensively produced.

"Publication of this work helps to share our knowledge with the public and acknowledge the outstanding intellectual contributions of our team members," said King Li, Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

The RapidVent team consisted of more than 50 people who worked together to develop an emergency ventilator in less than three weeks. The Illinois RapidVent is easy to produce in part because it has few components and can be powered from pressured air or oxygen.

"The rapid development and successful delivery of the functional Illinois RapidVent is yet another amazing display of collaborative interdisciplinary research, and a testament of what can be achieved here at Illinois for our community, society, and global health," said Stephen Boppart, Executive Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer of Carle Illinois College of Medicine. "It's a primary example of how engineering- and technology-based medicine can support the land-grant mission of our university. The team members from Carle Illinois College of Medicine were proud to help catalyze this effort."

"Emergency Ventilator for COVID-19" reports how the team developed their ventilator design based on the needs of physicians. The team then used digital design and advanced manufacturing for ultra-rapid development of prototypes, followed by detailed functional testing, durability testing, and animal testing.

To support safe use of the device, the team also developed an electronic monitoring system and detailed training materials that can be used by physicians. The monitoring system became Illinois RapidAlarm, an open-source sensor and alarm system that makes emergency ventilators, such as the Illinois RapidVent, more useful during a crisis.

"The RapidVent team built upon relationships forged through Carle Illinois College of Medicine. This focus on engineering and medicine is the exact vison we sharedone that would generate practical solutions to healthcare opportunities and challenges," said Dr. Mark Johnson, Carle Health physician and RapidVent team member.

The University of Illinois made the RapidVent technology available through a free license in April 2020. The license includes access to device designs, training materials, and a testing report. Since then, more than 70 organizations have accessed the technology from 15 different countries. There are multiple efforts underway to make use of RapidVent, including two companies that have announced their intention to commercialize the technology.

Explore further Team demonstrates working prototype of emergency vent

More information: William P. King et al, Emergency ventilator for COVID-19, PLOS ONE (2020). Journal information: PLoS ONE William P. King et al, Emergency ventilator for COVID-19,(2020). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244963
New high-resolution structures of the bacterial ribosome determined by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that a single water molecule may be the cause -- and possible solution -- of antibiotic resistance.

The findings of the new UIC study are published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

Pathogenic germs become resistant to antibiotics when they develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Each year in the U.S., millions of people suffer from antibiotic-resistant infections, and thousands of people die as a result.

Developing new drugs is a key way the scientific community is trying to reduce the impact of antibiotic resistance.

"The first thing we need to do to make improved drugs is to better understand how antibiotics work and how 'bad bugs' become resistant to them," said Alexander Mankin, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the UIC College of Pharmacy and co-author of the paper.

Mankin and his colleague, Yury Polikanov, associate professor of biological sciences at the UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, have been studying the mechanism of action of one of the most popular types of antibiotics used in the clinic today -- macrolides.

"Macrolides are among the most successful antibiotics that are commonly used to treat infections that spread in the community -- people get macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin, for example, all the time," said Polikanov, the corresponding author of the paper. "Macrolides work by entering bacteria and binding to the ribosomes, the protein synthesis machine of the cell. Once bound, the drug prevents ribosomes from making new proteins, thereby stopping bacteria from growing and replicating. However, resistant bacteria change their ribosomes so that the drug cannot bind to them anymore."

Through years of partnership between their two labs, the UIC researchers were able to understand how macrolides bind to the ribosome, how bacteria respond to macrolides and how they become resistant to these commonly used drugs. They also learned how to capture high-resolution images of the ribosomes invaded by antibiotics.

"We compared the hi-res structures of the ribosomes from sensitive and resistant bacteria and noticed that a water molecule that is needed for the tight antibiotic binding was not present in the ribosomes from the drug-resistant bugs. In the ribosomes from the drug-resistant bacteria, there was simply no room for this water molecule," Polikanov said.

The water molecule, the researchers found, acts as a bridge between the ribosome and antibiotic. When resistant bacteria change the chemical makeup of their ribosomes, this bridge between the ribosome and the drug cannot be built. While the scientific community has long guessed that differences in the structures of the sensitive and resistant ribosomes were important -- why these changes prevent drug action was previously unknown.

"This study offers the first convincing explanation of why macrolides are unable to bind to ribosomes of the resistant bacteria," Mankin said.

"We are very much excited by this discovery," Polikanov said. "Because we now know how exactly macrolide antibiotics interact with their target, the ribosome. This discovery is important because it will inform and facilitate the development of new antibiotics that do not need this water molecule for binding. There is a huge demand for such drugs that are able to kill even those bacteria that became resistant to the currently used drugs."

###

Co-authors on the paper are Maxim Svetlov, Egor Syroegin, Elena Aleksandrova of UIC, Gemma Atkinson of Umea University, and Steven Gregory of the University of Rhode Island.

This work was supported by Illinois state startup funds, the National Institutes of Health (R21AI137584, R01GM132302, R35GM127134, and R01GM094157), the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch Project 10160130), and the Swedish Research Council (201504746 and 201901085).
We are excited by the huge support in the placement shown by institutional and high net worth investors in Australia, Asia and Europe, says chairman.

Shares have been as much as 65% higher in early trade to A$0.115 cents, a new 12-month high.

( ) (FRA:PF8) (VSE:ELI) (NEX:EUR) has soared on receiving strong support from institutional and high net worth investors for a placement that will boost the companys cash balance by A$7 million.

Shares were up as much as 86% to A$0.13, a new high of almost two years on volume of more than 63 million as investors respond positively to the placement to sophisticated investors that validates the companys integrated European lithium supply strategy as well as its new Australian gold project.

These funds will supplement the companys share purchase plan that closes on January 22 and aims to raise around A$2 million.

Reflects positive market sentiment

EUR chairman Tony Sage said, We are excited by the huge support in the placement shown by institutional and high net worth investors in Australia, Asia and Europe.

We believe this reflects the positive market sentiment for battery metals.

"After a very challenging year, we now see demand for lithium chemicals to support a very strong EV market which led to the recent lithium price rally.

Investors will also be issued one option for every two shares issued at an exercise price of A$0.075 and expiring three years from issue.

Proceeds will be used to continue exploration and development on the flagship Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria and the new WA tenement considered prospective for conglomerate gold.

Gold prospect in hot region

Sage added: "The funds will also be used to explore our recently acquired gold project in the hottest region in Australia with De Gray, Azure, Artemis and Novo all finding success."

Last year EUR secured gold tenement E47/4144 in a ballot and is confident of the prospectivity of the tenement which is in a region of the Pilbara that is attracting plenty of attention.

Through initial desktop analysis of government data and previous open file statutory reports, the company has identified several areas of prospectivity that continue from known gold occurrences in the immediate area.

EUR aims to explore as soon as possible, with the required heritage compliance to allow Native Title Notification to commence to be completed shortly.

Placement details

The placement is lead managed by Evolution Capital Advisors and Empire Capital Partners.

Placement shares will be issued without shareholder approval relying on the companys capacity under Listing Rule 7.1 and 7.1A.

The attaching options are subject to shareholder approval, which will be sought as soon as practicable, and the company will seek to have the options quoted.

EUR also expects a strong response to its SPP which offers eligible shareholders with a registered address in Australia or New Zealand with an opportunity to apply for up to $30,000 in new shares at an offer price is A$0.0475 per share.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Pennsylvanias Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine to serve in his cabinet.

On Monday, Biden announced he wants Levine to serve as the assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health and Human Services. The president-elect cited Levines work on the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If approved, Levine would be the first openly transgender senate-confirmed federal official.

Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic  no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability  and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond. She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts, Biden said in a news release.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris called Levine a remarkable public servant with the knowledge and experience to help us contain this pandemic, and protect and improve the health and well-being of the American people.

Biden has nominated Xavier Becerra, Californias attorney general, as Health and Human Services secretary and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, a Harvard infectious disease expert, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A graduate of Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine, Levine completed her training in pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

She worked at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, before joining Gov. Tom Wolfs administration in January 2015 as the physician general of Pennsylvania.

Levine was named acting secretary of health in July 2017 and confirmed as secretary in March 2018.

Congratulations from Pennsylvania officials included Gov. Tom Wolf, who said Levine has been a wise and dedicated partner during this pandemic and throughout her career with the commonwealth.

I couldnt be prouder of the tireless work shes done to serve Pennsylvanians and protect the public health Wolf said in a news release. Over the past year, her steady hand and calm approach were critical to managing Pennsylvanias response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adrian Shanker, executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, welcomed the news and said Levine has helped save countless lives through her work on both the opioid epidemic and COVID-19.

She is a dedicated public servant, a public health expert, and a compassionate leader who is well-prepared to go to Washington to improve public health for the American people, he said in a released statement.

More than making history, Dr. Levine will make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ Americans, and all Americans through her innovative approaches and her unabated dedication to public health, Shanker said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
This is the heartbreaking moment a groom in China burst into tears reportedly after no one showed up at his nuptials due to coronavirus restrictions.

Footage widely circulated online shows the Chinese man weeping while being comforted by his bride, seemingly apologetic for failing to give his partner the wedding of her dreams.

The couple was forced to tie the knot without any families or friends present at the ceremony in northern Hebei Province which emerged to become one of China new coronavirus hotspots in recent weeks.

Footage widely circulated online shows the Chinese man weeping while being comforted by his bride, seemingly apologetic for failing to give his partner the wedding of her dreams

The saddening scene was reportedly captured on January 9 in Hebei near Beijing, a province that has been battling a wave of COVID-19 infections from the beginning of January by imposing travel restrictions and mass-testing.

Since January 8, three Hebei cities, including its provincial capital of Shijiazhuang with 11million residents, have been sealed off, with no one allowed to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

The city is also building a massive quarantine camp designed to hold thousands of suspected virus carriers to combat the outbreak.

The new outbreaks ravaging across China's northeast have interrupted the life of tens of millions, including this couple who was set to get married.

According to media reports, none of their families nor friends could attend the wedding and witness the lovers' special moment due to the travel restrictions.

According to media reports, none of their families nor friends could attend the wedding and witness the lovers' special moment due to the travel restrictions. Pictured, Mr Li and Ms Shi stand on the beautifully decorated ceremony stage as they tied the knot without guests

The couple's story comes as China is bracing a wave of coronavirus outbreaks across its frigid northeast. Pictured, villagers work as security guards at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Beijing near Hebei Province on January 13 following the country's new virus outbreak

In the trending footage, Mr Li and Ms Shi are seen standing on the beautifully decorated ceremony stage as they pressed their foreheads together.

The groom suddenly broke down in tears as he felt guilty for not giving his bride the perfect nuptials.

While trying to compose himself, the man was comforted by his partner who gently wiped his tears away as she held his arms, seemingly showing her support and understanding.

Although the couple spent their wedding without guests, the newly-weds have since received a flood of congratulating messages from netizens after the short clip became trending on Chinese social media.

One comment wrote: 'Even though your families and friends were not present, we are all sending our wishes to you. Wishing you a lifelong marriage and a beautiful family!'

Another user said: 'The whole country is congratulating you guys. Please always be happy!'

Since the beginning of January, Hebei has been battling a wave of COVID-19 infections by imposing travel restrictions and mass-testing. Medical workers collect swab samples for COVID testing from residents in Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital of Hebei, on January 6

The couple's story comes as China is bracing a wave of coronavirus outbreaks across its frigid northeast, prompting additional lockdowns and travel bans ahead of next month's Lunar New Year holiday.

Authorities have called on citizens not to travel, ordered schools closed a week early and conducted testing on a massive scale.

Chinese officials reported another 118 cases on Tuesday, with 43 of those in the province of Jilin. Hebei province saw another 35 infections, while Heilongjiang province bordering Russia reported 27 new cases.

As of Tuesday, the country reported a total of 88,454 cases and 4,635 deaths.

A multinational team of investigators from the World Health Organization are currently in Wuhan undergoing two weeks of quarantine before beginning field visits in hopes of gaining clues into the origins of the pandemic that has now killed more than two million people.
Buying food from a supermarket, either in-store or online, often results in households dealing with a huge mountain of waste - including packaging that cannot be recycled.

Now, an online sustainable grocer  Good Club  is hoping to help our fight with plastic and cardboard packaging through the launch of its zero-waste delivery service.

The business, launched in 2019 and set-up by Danny Blackman and former Farmdrop founder Ben Patten, claims to be the first retailer to collect all the reusable packaging from shoppers' homes the next day.

Good Club is trying to change the way people shop and buy groceries through its zero waste product range

Ben says: 'We'll never be filling up our customers' bins, unlike other services, which deliver in paper bags and cardboard boxes, which need to be recycled and can only really be used a handful of times.

'Our delivery crates will be used indefinitely. We think it's a simple solution to a complicated problem'.

How does it work?

To benefit from the discounts on offer, online shoppers must subscribe to the Good Club as members at a cost of 30 a year, which works out to 2.50 a month.

Membership gives shoppers access to 3,000 discounted sustainable products and monthly delivery and collection.

Deliveries are made via a carbon neutral courier. Shoppers can also give back by referring a friend to the service.

For every successful referral, Good Club will donate a food parcel to a local foodbank.

If you sign up for the month of January, you will also get a free zero waste glass storage jar worth 4.50  simply use the code ZEROWASTE at checkout to get the deal.

If you're a household on a low income you can join too  for free. All you have to do is apply for the subsidy in the application.

Ben says: 'We don't have strict guidelines, we ask people to apply and provide some details. We have never rejected an application to date. It's there to help people and it's a cost we've factored in.

The Good Club was launched in 2019 and set up by Danny Blackman (left) and former Farmdrop founder Ben Patten

Ben says that there's no evidence that people are abusing this honesty system when it comes to the membership fee. To date the company has 6,000 members, 245 of whom are free members.

Ben says: 'It's our mission to make sustainable living achievable for all. Our new zero waste delivery service is just the start.'

The company has just over 3,000 products in its range to which it's added 75 of its new zero-waste products. By March this zero-waste range will be boosted to 150 products.

Ben adds: 'We're really excited by this new range - and it's been a direct response to members - we now send out all deliveries in boxes which are returned to us, along with the product packaging for any product bought in the zero-waste range.'

The fight to going green

Ben admits there are packed products by other brands on offer through Good Club but that reaching zero waste is still the businesses' 'north star'. The problem is convincing big businesses to change their ways.

Ben points out: 'For a lot of brands, packaging is their identity and brand equity and it's not something they've thought about, but we are helping them along.

'We're here to help people and don't try to judge anyone. We understand that it's hard to change but we try and make it easier to change habits.'

The business also fights against consumer's need for a cheaper product. Ben says the business is making progress, pointing out that it's basmati rice is only 33p more than Asda's range.

It's our mission to make sustainable living achievable for all. Our new zero waste delivery service is just the start Ben Patten, co-founder of Good Club Ben Patten, co-founder of Good Club

He explains: 'We know we won't get there on every category and every product but that still informs our thinking.

'I think there are perhaps some limits to how low you can go on pricing without sacrificing important environmental standards and we need to ensure that we're helping people consume in a sustainable way.'

When asked about the company's success to date, Ben assures it's doing sales in the 'multiple millions'. However, two years on, the business is not profitable yet.

But Ben is optimistic about the future, pointing out that people are gravitating towards shopping online more: 'There is a much easier route for online retailers than it was 15 years ago for the likes of Ocado and others.

'I think online is growing rapidly and the pandemic is speeding that up. I don't want to spend my Saturday loading up my shopping  I want that to come to me.'

He admits that it's possible for families to take their own containers to supermarkets if they want to be eco-friendly, but says that many don't do this as it's not always practical.

'I think part of what we are doing is about convenience and fitting into new ways of shopping. The returns thing works better online than offline with the reusable pots.'

Shoppers can also give back by referring a friend to the service. For every successful referral, Good Club will donate a food parcel to a local foodbank

How does Good Club compare on price?

The founders claim that Good Club is 'extremely competitive' with all the major national supermarket chains and specialist health stores.

In Good Club's own price comparison exercise conducted in February last year looking at like for like products, the company claims it came in 53 per cent cheaper than the average available price across its entire range.

Good Club also claims to be 15 per cent cheaper on average than every major retailer across an average basket, including delivery fees.

Danny says: 'For example, compared to leading supermarkets Ocado and Sainsbury's, we were 26 per cent cheaper across an average basket at Ocado and 16 per cent cheaper than the equivalent at Sainsbury's including delivery fees.'

'Availability of sustainable products was also patchy at supermarkets, with no major retailers stocking the full range of sustainable products to fill an average basket.

'The retailers focused on sustainability were able to meet the majority of our range, but their prices were on average 30 per cent more expensive.'

Where it may, however, turn people off is through its 30 membership fee. Ben admits that this could be a sticking point, but adds: 'In a way, the commitment of membership helps us offer lower prices, but we're working on introducing new ways of accessing the service that suit different households.'

It costs 30 a year to become a member of Good Club but low income households can apply to be members for free

Britain's waste problem

Research by YouGov shows that 83 per cent of UK consumers consider environmental sustainability of food and household items to be important, however sustainable products account for only eight per cent of sales.

Good Club says it's trying to solve the massive waste problem the UK is facing. But it's a mammoth task - every year, 400million tonnes of plastic is produced and that only 40 per cent of that is single use.

But it's not impossible to change. The added challenge will be convincing the public to switch from stalwarts like Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco.

Good Club has ensured that access to its services is possible for 90 per cent of UK addresses. As for the other 10 per cent  Ben says the business is working on it.

He adds: 'More importantly, perhaps, we are working on ways to make our products more accessible. A lot of this will be about helping people further on price.

'Ultimately, everyone needs to tread a little more lightly on the planet and pretty much everyone wants to. We're just here to make it easier.

'We know we're not there for every household yet, but that's our goal.'

Rubbish doesn't only end up in landfill. Oceans suffer greatly as a result of all the pollution that finds its way into the sea  which amounts to eight million tonnes a year.

Good Club says that experts predict that by 2050 the amount of plastic in the sea will weigh more than the world's fish.

Waste is a worldwide problem, but Good Club is not yet ready to expand internationally.

Ben says: 'That's not something that we're thinking about too much for now. But again, sustainable shopping needs to be something we all do.'
Oregon Fruit Canned Puree We hope to become part of discerning home brewers ingredient supply, keeping high-quality fruit within arms reach whenever inspiration strikes.-- Chris Hodge, director of sales for fermentation, Oregon Fruit Products

Oregon Fruit Products LLC, manufacturer of fruit purees for the craft beverage market, today announced the release 16 newly-branded Canned Fruit Purees packaged for home or small-scale beverage manufacturing market. Oregon Fruits Canned Fruit Puree line adds the flavor, aroma, and texture of real fruit to beer, wine, spirits, kombucha, soda or any number of fermented or flavored beverages. The purees are available in shelf-stable 49 oz. cans and can be purchased through Country Malt Group.

Oregon Fruit has been servicing the craft and commercial brewing industry for over 20 years with its Fruit Purees. The new canned puree line provides homebrewers and beverage makers the same level of quality as larger-scale operators, but in a convenient smaller format and without the work or the worry of introducing inconsistencies that sometimes comes with using fresh or frozen fruit.

According to Chris Hodge, director of sales for fermentation at Oregon Fruit Products, the estimated 1.1 million U.S. homebrewers* will be the initial target market for the puree line. Homebrewers wield exceptional creativity and imagination when it comes to dreaming up their next beer. However, using fresh or frozen fruit can be tricky because of irregularities in quality and availability. With Canned Purees available year-round, we hope to become part of discerning home brewers ingredient supply, keeping high-quality fruit within arms reach whenever inspiration strikes.

Oregon Fruit Canned Fruit Purees consist of real fruit, minimally processed to a smooth texture to ensure the best fresh fruit flavor, aroma and color. They contain no added sugar or preservatives and are pasteurized and canned for shelf stability for up to 18 months. The new line includes the following purees:

Apricot

Blackberry

Black Currant

Blood Orange

Blueberry

Dark Sweet Cherry

Cranberry

Grapefruit

Mango

Passionfruit

Peach

Pineapple

Pink Guava

Plum

Raspberry

Strawberry

Select varieties of Oregon Fruits Canned Fruit Purees are now available at Country Malt Group with additional varieties to be released throughout 2021. The product is certified kosher, made in the U.S.A., non-GMO, gluten-free and vegetarian. Oregon Fruit Products does not use, nor does it allow any of the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat) in the products or processing areas.

*American Homebrewers Association

Oregon Fruit Products LLC

Founded in 1935, Oregon Fruit Products offers a complete line of canned, frozen and shelf-stable premium fruit for consumers, foodservice operators and ingredient sales. The company is located in Salem, Oregon and can be found on the web at http://www.oregonfruit.com.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Trump is likely to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon, sources said on Monday.

Trump is expected to issue more than 100 pardons and commutations on his last full day in office. Two sources familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump appeared to have been dissuaded from pardoning himself or members of his family.

Lil Wayne pleaded guilty last month to possessing a loaded, gold-plated handgun when his chartered jet landed in Miami in December 2019. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison at a Jan. 28 hearing in Miami.

Lil Wayne appeared to support Trump during last year's presidential campaign when he tweeted a photo of himself with the president and said he backed Trump's criminal justice reform program and economic plan for African Americans.

The sources confirmed a New York Times report that the list of pardons and commutations is expected to include former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, 76, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2015.

Trump's list is not expected to include Giuliani, the Trump private lawyer who has been a vocal proponent of the president's claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

The sources also said not expected to get a pardon is Steve Bannon, who helped Trump win election in 2016 and was a senior White House adviser. Bannon, 66, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors to "We Build the Wall," an online fundraising campaign that raised $25 million.

Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, was also not expected to get a pardon, the sources said.

The U.S. Justice Department in 2019 asked Britain to extradite Assange to the United States to face charges that he conspired to hack U.S. government computers and violated an espionage law.

A British judge ruled two weeks ago Assange should not be extradited to the United States, saying his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide.
Convicted former Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh is among those seeking clemency from President Donald Trump as he reportedly prepares to issue 100 pardons and sentence commutations on his final full day in office Tuesday.

Pugh, 70, is seeking to have her three-year sentence commuted, according to a database of clemency appeals on the U.S. Department of Justice website. Her cases status is listed as pending.

Her attorney, Steve Silverman, declined to comment Monday.

CNN reported that the White House held a meeting Sunday to finalize a list of pardons and commutations, which the outlet said was expected to include a mix of criminal justice reform-minded pardons and more controversial ones secured or doled out to political allies.

A pardon allows someone to wipe their record clean; a commutation is when a sentence is cut short.

Pugh is a Democrat who held elected positions at the city and state level for two decades. Elected Baltimore mayor in 2016, she pleaded guilty three years later to a fraud scheme involving her self-published Healthy Holly childrens book series.

She failed to print thousands of copies, double-sold thousands more and took many others to use for self-promotion, according to federal prosecutors. Investigators also uncovered that she laundered illegal campaign contributions and failed to pay taxes.

Pughs political fall began when The Baltimore Sun revealed she had entered into a no-bid deal with the University of Maryland Medical System, where Pugh sat on the board of directors, to buy 100,000 copies of her sloppily published Healthy Holly books for $500,000.

She later resigned from the medical system board and as mayor amid several investigations into her finances and the book sales. In total, she netted more than $850,000, prosecutors say.

Pugh reported to prison in Alabama in late June to begin serving her sentence. If her clemency appeal is denied, she has other options for leaving prison before serving her full term, such as the First Step Act, which seeks to reduce the federal prison population.

Convicted state Del. Cheryl Glenn of Baltimore was recently allowed to serve out the rest of her sentence on home confinement, after serving about four months of a two-year federal sentence for taking bribes.

___

(c)2021 The Baltimore Sun

Visit The Baltimore Sun at www.baltimoresun.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is preparing to pardon or commute the sentences of more than 100 people in his final hours in office, decisions that are expected to be announced Tuesday, according to two people familiar with the discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the plans.

Trump met Sunday with his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, daughter Ivanka Trump and other aides for a significant portion of the day to review a long list of pardon requests and discuss lingering questions about their appeals, according to people briefed on the meeting. The president was personally engaged with the details of specific cases, one person said.

In the past week, Trump has been particularly consumed with the question of whether to issue preemptive pardons to his adult children, top aides and himself, said the people familiar with the discussions.

Aides say they no longer expect a preemptive self-pardon or pardons for any family members, but the situation could change with a volatile and mercurial president.

Neither Trump nor his children have been charged with crimes, and they are not known to be under federal investigation.

But the question of a presidential self-pardon has become more urgent and controversial since the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol by Trump's supporters. Some aides say Trump could face criminal liability for inciting the crowd.

Others say a self-pardon, never before attempted by a president, would be of dubious constitutionality, could anger Senate Republicans preparing to serve as key jurors at Trump's impeachment trial and would amount to an admission of guilt that could be used against him in potential civil litigation related to the Capitol attack.

White House spokesman Judd Deere declined to comment, saying his office does not discuss pardons.

The people familiar with the discussions said many of the pardons and commutations Trump is expected to issue in his final days will be uncontroversial.

Aides say he probably will not grant clemency to Steve Bannon, his former campaign adviser, who was charged last year with defrauding donors to a private fundraising effort for construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, or to his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, whose consulting business has come under scrutiny as part of an investigation that led to charges against two of his associates.

One person under consideration for a pardon is Lil Wayne, administration officials said. The rapper and music executive, whose real name is Dwayne Carter Jr., pleaded guilty in December to carrying a loaded handgun from California to Florida on his private jet. He was barred from owning the gun because of past felony convictions, including a weapons charge. He has not yet been sentenced. Lil Wayne, 38, met with Trump and posed for photos five days before the November election. He drew criticism from other musicians and activists for posting the photo to social media and crediting Trump with helping Black people.

The news of Trump's intention to make a slew of final pardons and commutations in the coming days was first reported by CNN.

The president has been besieged by lobbyists and lawyers for well-heeled clients who are seeking to have their criminal convictions pardoned, as well as by advocates for criminal justice policy change who say their clients were wrongly convicted or were given unfair sentences and deserve to be freed from prison.

Trump has told advisers for weeks that he wants to be liberal with pardons before leaving office. Aides have said the ability to grant clemency is one perk of the job Trump has particularly relished because the Constitution hands the power to the president alone.

But the president's review of pardon candidates was delayed by the intensifying dysfunction inside the White House since the election and by Trump's focus on trying to challenge and undermine the results, according to the people familiar with the discussions.

Some candidates were told last week by the White House Counsel's Office that no pardons could be granted that were not finalized by Friday. Then word of the president's last-minute weekend review and preliminary decisions to grant numerous pardons and commutations began to trickle out.

Trump has granted clemency to 94 people - mostly friends and political allies - including 49 in the week before Christmas 2020.

They have included people convicted in the special counsel investigation that dominated his first two years in office, such as his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and longtime confidant Roger Stone. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Trump pardoned Michael Flynn, who had briefly served as his first national security adviser and later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during its investigation of Russian interference in Trump's 2016 election win.

Other pardons issued in the closing weeks of Trump's time in office have gone to Charles Kushner - the father of the president's son-in-law - as well as three Republican former members of Congress and four military contractors involved in the killing of unarmed civilians during the Iraq War.

About 14,000 people have filed petitions for pardons and commutations. For years, criminal justice advocates have criticized Republican and Democratic administrations for backlogs that have left thousands of rehabilitated people seeking mercy to instead languish in prison.

Trump has moved especially slowly in acting on pending petitions. Rather than consulting with the Justice Department's pardon attorney for recommendations, he has routinely gone around the formal process and sought advice about pardons from a circle of friends, lobbyists and lawmakers.

Many of those to whom he has shown presidential mercy have not even filed applications with the Justice Department, and their cases violate rules the department normally imposes as preconditions for clemency, which include that people generally acknowledge their crimes and show remorse.

Even when Trump has granted clemency to people who are not themselves politically connected, they have often come to his attention through his favored voices in the field of criminal justice advocacy.

For instance, a number of ordinary people granted clemency have been recommended to the president by Alice Johnson, whose prison sentence after a drug conviction was commuted by Trump in 2018 after lobbying by the celebrity Kim Kardashian. Johnson received a full pardon after speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

- - -

The Washington Post's Tom Hamburger contributed to this report.
A day after celebrating her 50th birthday with friends and family, Leonie Jackson died saving her son from a rip while swimming at the beach on the NSW Far South Coast.

Ms Jackson had taken her two children for a walk along Congo Beach, south of Moruya, on Sunday when the boys decided to go for a swim.

Leonie Jackson had just celebrated her 50th birthday, with her children and co-parents Alex Jones and Paul Harrison, before she drowned on the Far South Coast on Sunday. Credit:Facebook

By the time the boys got into the water, the wind and swell had changed direction and was pulling them further out. Ms Jackson urged them to come back to shore but her youngest began to struggle and she swam out to him.

Both mother and son were caught in a dangerous rip and despite help from a surfer and other beachgoers, it was too late for Ms Jackson. Her son was brought to shore and was assessed by paramedics but was not injured.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 1 of 3 Roma high school Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Rick Diamond Show More Show Less 3 of 3





No celebration of America's Latin heritage would be complete without some representation from Texas especially South Texas. Enter Eva Longoria and Roma's Nuevo Santander mariachi band from Roma High School.

Both the actress and the band will participate in "Latino Inaugural 2021: Inheritance, Resilience, and Promise."
Tributes have been paid to a popular former teacher at a County Derry school.

Virginia (Ginny) Aitken taught at Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt for many years.

Mrs Aitken passed away on Friday at her home in Magherafelt.

A spokesperson for Rainey Endowed said they were saddened to hear of her death.

Mrs Aitken had a long and distinguished teaching career in the Rainey, beginning in 1979, the spokesperson said.

Mrs Aitken was a well respected English teacher who was much loved by her pupils.

She was editor of the school magazine and was responsible for numerous drama productions including Toad of Toad Hall, Macbeth, Our Town, Oliver Twist, Tom Sawyer and Bugsy Malone, to name just a few.

Mrs Aitken was an accomplished author, having had a number of novels published.

Our deepest sympathies go to her children and the wider family circle at this time, concluded the school's spokesperson.

Former pupils and colleagues of Mrs Aitken paid tribute to her on the school's Facebook page.

Ashley Fulton wrote: I was so very sad to hear this news earlier today. Very fond memories of her from school and various productions. She was an inspirational lady. My thoughts are with her family and friends.

Gillian Brown wrote: I remember her as an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher in the classroom and I was also lucky enough to work behind the scenes on some of the amazing productions listed above. Above all I will remember Queen records being played in her home which blew my mind having grown up on country music and Elvis in my own home.

Margaret Hamilton wrote: Very sad to hear this morning of Ginnys death. She was a valued colleague and good friend and I have wonderful memories of our time together on the Rainey staff and in later years in retirement. Deepest sympathies to Ian, Lynne, John and Claire on their sad loss."

Michelle Rowe wrote: Mrs Aitken was my favourite teacher at the Rainey and I have so many great memories of time spent in her English class. She was an inspirational teacher and I will also admit to being a teeny tiny bit of afraid of her! She set the bar high and pupils strove to meet her expectations. A wonderful wonderful lady.

Mark Greer wrote: Deepest sympathies to the family. An exceptional lady, who left a lasting impression on many. She encouraged and inspired. Despite the difficult times, take comfort in the memories being shared here. You most certainly have a great deal to be proud of.

Mrs Aitken, who was predeceased by her husband Henry Chance, is survived by her children Ian, Lynne, John and Clare.
Mumbai: Actor Rana Daggubati says he realised how tough and hard the lives of Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel are when he shot for the documentary Mission Frontline. Daggubati features alongside BSF soldiers in the documentary, which will premiere on Discovery+ on Thursday.

In most films, if we are playing some character, we get to spend time with them but obviously, its very little time that they give. Like we go for 4 hours, record everything they say, go back and then assume we know a part of their life. But this is completely different, just being with them at their place of work. I got to do a simulated mission through this entire thing, so you pretty much get to see everything very up close and that was very unique for me, the 36-year-old actor said in a statement. The Baahubali star further said that he became aware that serving in the armed forces is a real deal during the filming.

This is the first time I came last in a running race. I was like, this is the real deal. The film I am right now shooting, is similar costume but then, I am always the guy leading and on the film set I am usually the fittest guy, like you run forward and others are trying to catch up. But here it is like this the real stuff and its so different, he added. Daggubati also believes the actual reality of a soldiers life can never be captured on camera.

There is a lot of assumptions we make sitting in the cities or there is a little bit that we know through news. But what life is, hasnt been ever captured on camera before. When there is news on the border, you hear about border men, or when something happens is the only time we get up to this news. But just as an educational exercise I think taking a leaf out of their life and bringing it to the people was for me the most unique experience of all, he added.
He's best known for chatting up a storm with Liam Stapleton on Nova in Adelaide.

But Ben Harvey was lost for words when he proposed to his girlfriend of five and a half years, Sam Wallace, recently.

The radio host popped the question while on holiday with Sam's family in Port Douglas, Queensland, on December 29 - and he shared the news with Ben & Liam breakfast listeners on Monday.

'I didn't plan what I was going to say': Radio host Ben Harvey has opened up about proposing to his girlfriend Sam Wallace

'Went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and that night I told her I organised a dinner. We went out the door and across the hall to her mum and dad's room, and all the family was in there... I did it in front of her family,' he explained.

'It was pretty intimidating... The lights were all off, so when someone turned them on they were all there and she didn't know what was going on and started freaking out.'

Ben then detailed getting down on one knee and not knowing what to say.

'I didn't plan what I was going to say. Like, I might say a few words about spending the rest of my life with you... she was freaking out, like "what's going on?", "what are you doing?",' he said.

Bliss: The radio host popped the question while on holiday with Sam's family in Port Douglas, Queensland, on December 29

'Before I even got the ring out she said 'yes' and I got it out and shoved it on her finger.'

The funnyman added he hired a private chef to make the couple Japanese food in the hotel room after because 'that's her favourite'.

'We've been dating for five and a half years, so it was about time,' he said.

Breakfast kings! Ben is best known for chatting up a storm with Liam Stapleton (left) on Nova in Adelaide

'She wanted to be proposed to in Japan but because of COVID that wasn't going to happen.

'I also got her sunflowers, because thats her favourite flower and I was playing Jack Johnson's Better Together.'

Ben has since announced the news on his Instagram page by uploading a picture of the pair flaunting the flowers and the ring while celebrating their special day.
IAS officers Smaraki Mahapatra



and Sanghamitra Ghosh were appointed as the joint chief electoral officer and additional chief electoral officer, respectively, by the government on Tuesday, a day before the full bench of the Election Commission visits the state to review the poll preparedness, an official said.

The two officials were directed to take over the responsibilities immediately, he said.

"Both the officials have been asked to be present during the visit of the full bench of the EC," the official said.

Ghosh is presently posted as the secretary of state Women and Child Welfare Department, while Mahapatra is the secretary in the state Finance Department with the additional responsibility of the director of Highway Development Corporation.

The full bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, will arrive in the state on Wednesday night on a two-day visit.

On Thursday, they will be holding meetings with Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab and Additional Director-General (Law and Order) Gyanwant Singh, who is also the nodal officer of the state police.

The EC officials are also scheduled to meet representatives of political parties before meeting officials of the central and state regulatory agencies.

There will also be a review meeting with divisional commissioners, district election officers and senior police officers over the assembly elections in the state, sources in the state poll panel said.

The EC will also be meeting Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Home Secretary HK Dwivedi, DGP Virendra and other senior officials, they said.

Meanwhile, the CEO on Tuesday held a meeting with Inspector-General of CRPF PK Singh and Inspector-General of BSF AK Singh over the availability of security forces during the assembly elections in the state, likely 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.)
Former Bachelor star Florence Moerenhout is struggling to return back to Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 29-year-old shared a post to Instagram on Monday, revealing her flight from the Netherlands has been pushed back due to travel restrictions.

'Waking up on the day of your pushed back flight is a whole different level kind of sad,' she wrote.

Travel restrictions: Former Bachelor star Florence Moerenhout has revealed she is struggling to return to Australia after travelling to the Netherlands to visit her family

'I'll just decorate my imaginary home instead while we remain in limbo,' she added.

Florence is one of many travellers struggling to get back to Australia during the pandemic thanks to cancelled flights and restrictions.

Meanwhile, the reality TV beauty recently revealed that she underwent a nose job in Bangkok, Thailand.

Last year, the Victorian-based brand manager said she didn't pay a penny for the facial surgery during a candid interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Delays: The 29-year-old shared a post to Instagram on Monday, revealing her flight from the Netherlands has been pushed back due to travel restrictions

She confirmed the $8,500 procedure - which included a two week holiday to Thailand - was paid for by cosmetic company CosMediTour, in exchange for social coverage and taking part in a promotional video.

Florence, who has racked up over 155,000 Instagram followers, explained she 'knows the power of social media' when discussing the freebie, before revealing she has 'no regrets' about her undergoing the procedure.

'I feel very lucky,' she said. 'But at the same time, I know the reach they get out of it. If you compared it black and white price wise, it would definitely come down to the same worth.'

'I know the power of social media': It comes after Florence underwent a nose job in Bangkok, Thailand. Last year, the Victorian-based brand manager revealed she didn't pay a penny for the facial surgery, in a candid interview with The Daily Telegraph

She added that a number of people have reached out to her since the posts went online, asking her for recommendations on where to go.

And when it comes to the review, Florence revealed she never felt pressured to tell a certain story on what happened.

'We agreed I would tell my story, but they never gave me any guidelines like - you need to say this, or mention that,' she added.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abia State said on Tuesday that it had intervened in a suspected child trafficking case involving a 13-year-old girl, Uduak Willy, who reportedly jumped down from a two-storey building to evade punishment for alleged stealing.

The State Commandant of the corps, Vincent Ogu, said this at his office in Umuahia, while briefing journalists about the incident.

He said the incident happened on January 8 at 204, Niger Stone, on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, near Ariaria Market, Aba, Abia State where Miss Willy lived with a businessman, Emeka Igwe, and his wife, Aniekan.

Mr Ogu said the girl who was liiving with the couple as a house help took the desperate action after she was accused of stealing N500 from the house and allegedly subjected to serious beating by Mr Igwe and his wife.

Alleged child trafficking

The commandant said Mr Igwe, along with his mother-in-law, 50-year-old Christiana Godwin, was arrested for alleged involvement in child-trafficking, child-labour, domestic violence and attempted murder.

He said the circumstances surrounding the process of the victims coming to Abia suggested she might have been a victim of child trafficking.

He said the matter would be handed over to the appropriate agency for diligent prosecution at the end of investigations.

What led to NSCDC intervention

Mr Ogu said that the command was alerted about the incident by the Speacial Adviser to the Abia State governor on teenage matters, Chinemenma Umesaka.

When I got the disturbing information on the ordeal of the girl from Umesaka, I quickly mobilised my men and ordered them to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly and inhuman act against the minor, the NSCDC boss said.

He said Mr Igwe was eventually lured out from his hiding and arrested by the Aba Divisional Officer, Uche Uduma, to face justice for his action.

He said the command later took the victim to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she underwent a series of tests, including chest X-Ray, Abdomen Ultrasound and C.T Scan for the head, to be sure she did not suffer any internal injuries.

Government officials intervention

Meanwhile, the governors aide, who condemned the ill-treatment meted to the girl, said the incident was made public via the social media.

She said that the governors wife, Nkechi Ikpeazu, drew her attention to the online video and directed her to take up the issue with the NSCDC, to rescue the girl and bring the suspects to book.

She alleged that the suspect relocated out of Abia on the heels of the incident and turned down her request to hand over the girl to her office for appropriate medicare.

Victim speaks

Narrating her ordeal to journalists, the victim, who said she came to live with Igwes family in November, denied stealing money.

She also denied being pushed down by Mr Igwe as alleged in the social media, saying she took to her heels from the house and jumped down from the building to escape further beating.

Couples defence

Mr Igwe and his wife admitted beating her (victim) as a measure to make her admit stealing the money but denied pushing her from the building.

Mr Igwe also denied going into hiding, saying that he took the girl to a clinic for treatment immediately after the incident.

ADVERTISEMENT

The girl was said to have been brought to the couple from Ododo in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom by Mr Igwes mother-in-law through the help of one Mbakara.

(NAN)
The CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, is hopeful that flights to the UAE and Bahrain will restart soon, following the recent lifting of the blockade by its Gulf neighbours.

Bahrain, UAE and Saudi Arabia reopened their airspace to Qatar following the signing of an agreement at the 41st annual summit of the GCC.

The flag carrier has already resumed flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia as well as Egypt and is looking to relaunch more Gulf flights.

In an interview with CNNs Richard Quest, Al Baker said the reopening of airspace, which was previously blocked during a regional dispute, has made a huge difference to the carrier, in terms of operational costs.

"We saved nearly two hours and 40 minutes flying to San Paulo each way. Khartoum will be only three and a half hours instead of seven hours. Lagos, we will save nearly an hour and a half. So, yes it will make a big impact for our operational costs," he said.

In the interview, Al Baker also blamed the lack of coordination from governments and organisations across the travel and tourism industry for the challenges airlines are currently facing

Speaking on Quest Means Business, Al Baker said: "Because each government is putting out regulations in piece meal - there is no proper coordination. And I also blame the organisations like IATA, AACO and the WHO for not getting together and coming back with a policy that is imposed as a standard for all of the countries to follow - including a travel pass which IATA is now working on. This should be standardised and recognised all across the world. Only by doing this, and stopping this quarantine issue, which is again implemented in a very haphazard way - which is really affecting and eroding the confidence with the travellers because nobody knows from a day to the next what would be the regulations. And the authorities are running around like headless chicken immediately panicking as soon as they see that the figures of infections are rising. If they're implementing these things correctly, they will mitigate the reason for them to do what they're doing."

Al Baker said that protecting passengers is the absolute priority, highlighting the carrier's rigorous hygiene and safety measures

"We have the UV system that we use in airplanes. We hold a very large number of them. And every single aircraft, every 24 hours, it is completely disinfected using the UV. We have robots that go around the airport, we have contactless check-in areas and boarding Gates. We have done everything including the PPE that our crew wear, the way we are delivering and catering to the airplane. So, we have gone through the entire process to make sure that we have done our utmost to protect our passengers."

When asked about the future of the airline industry as a result of the coronavirus crisis, he added: "I think if this prolongs, I'm expecting there will be some big airlines that would really need a massive state aid to stay afloat or else they will have to shut their doors."
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  They are two women from different backgrounds who fell down the same, strange rabbit hole, sucked in by outlandish conspiracies.

They dont know each other. But they appear to know what the other knows. They believe what they know is true.

It isnt.

Many of us have lost friends these past few years over allegiances to Bernie or Trump or Black Lives Matter or white nationalism. Everybody gets to have an opinion.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

But what happened to these two women was different. I cant say with certainty that either became acolytes of the amorphous QAnon cult, but what changed them and our friendship is surely akin to what inspired some members of a violent mob who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

It would be easy to dismiss them all as worrisome wackadoodles on the fringe, though some undoubtedly are. But these two women are not fringe-y or unhinged, and neither were many of the rioters, some identified as firefighters, law enforcement officers, CEOs, a music teacher, a school therapist, a flower shop owner, an Olympic medalist and a county commissioner.

QAnon began festering on dark, extremist internet sites in late 2017 before oozing onto mainstream sites, attracting those who are angry and alienated and spend too much time on social media.

QAnon believes President Trump is a messiah battling the deep state, the media and antifa. Its supporters believe liberal elites are into Satanism, pedophilia and drinking the blood of babies.

Crazy? Sure. But four in 10 Republicans who have heard of QAnon say the movement is good for the country, according to a Pew Research Center survey taken before the election. In contrast, an overwhelming 90% of Democrats who have heard of it say it is bad for the country.

QAnon insidiously yet masterfully lures new members with bread crumbs of truth that lead to wild allegations.

I watched this happen to those two women.

One was a law enforcement officer, true and tough, a woman who didnt suffer fools gladly even when those fools were her brothers in badges.

The other was tough, too. She had been a victim of crime, shot by a monster who left her for dead. She fought to survive and to put that monster in prison.

I admired both women, and I felt honored to know them.

I no longer know them.

Before this summer of COVID-19, the survivor had used social media primarily as a site to display her photos of food and Bible verses, but in late July she started posting items about child sex-trafficking rings and using the hashtag #savethechildren, a phrase usurped by QAnon.

By late August, she had shifted to baseless stories about how Trump, with Gods help, was on the verge of vanquishing the biggest child trafficking ring in history involving Satan-worshipping Hollywood celebrities and Democrats.

She posted about how she believed COVID-19 was a hoax and the presidential election was rigged. Last week, she posted a video from a Torrance County man who urged followers to stockpile firearms and food and download an encrypted communications app for secrecy. He warned that Chinese troops were massing at the Canadian border and that the Italian president had been arrested for rigging the U.S. election against Trump.

My cop friend also began posting concerns over child trafficking that grew wilder by the day. Sometimes, she said she posted bizarre items she knew were false but liked how they made people like me squirm.

Check this out! This is being passed around, she wrote in a private message in late July. Some of this I did find some information on but if the majority of this is true God help us Joline.

What followed was a lengthy list of nonsensical beliefs peppered with a few kernels of truth and preposterous extrapolations.

Wayfair trafficking children via suspiciously overpriced cabinets, Pizzagate, organ harvesting were all real, it contended, because child sex trafficking is real.

The post posited convoluted theories involving Hillary Clinton, $65,000 worth of Chicago hot dogs purchased by President Obama, Haitian orphans, Bill Gates, suicides, death threats.

This runs deep, and youre going to be shocked at the ending, the post concluded. Everything. Everything ties together. Everything is connected.

I told her I was concerned she, a veteran police officer, would give even a moment of credence to such stuff.

She continued to publicly post disinformation on Facebook. Perhaps more disturbing were approving responses from people whose names I recognized as being former members of local law enforcement.

Seeing these women sink into this mean, murky cesspool was like watching them succumb to addiction or disease. They no longer talk to me. I am, to them, an enemy of the people.

Ben Collins, an NBC reporter who covers disinformation and extremism, warns that what transpired Jan. 6, the crackdown on QAnon internet access and loss of their messiah have not crushed the cult completely.

We are at one of the hardest parts of this journey as a country, he tweeted last week. It will take empathy and firmness to bring radicalized friends and family back to reality, he says.

For these two women, for the others, for the nation, lets hope reality comes soon.

Reach Joline at 730-2793, jkrueger@abqjournal.com, Facebook or @jolinegkg on Twitter.
Featured stories

At least 17,000 more people than usual died last year in Ohio amid coronavirus (cleveland.com)

When will it be safe to travel again? (Hint: You might want to delay that spring break trip) (cleveland.com)

New study examines how Donald Trump used Twitter to craft an alternate reality for his followers (cleveland.com)

Coronavirus in Ohio

Ohio reports 4,312 new coronavirus cases, 81 deaths: Monday update (cleveland.com)

See how many new COVID-19 cases there are for every ZIP code in Ohio (cleveland.com)

Harry Buffalo and Cebars Euclid Tavern cited for violating coronavirus health orders (cleveland.com)

Five Northeast Ohio bars cited for violating coronavirus health orders (cleveland.com)

Crime

Kent police officers Lenny Kunka and Kyle Auckland were released from the hospital Saturday after being shot on duty. Photo collage created with photo-collage.net

Two Kent police officers involved in shooting after home invasion were released Saturday from hospital (cleveland.com)

63-year-old Cleveland man dies after stabbing woman and then stabbing himself (cleveland.com)

Akron police arrest man on weapons charges Sunday following traffic stop on Shaw Avenue (cleveland.com)

Akron SWAT team has standoff with man after woman says he wouldnt stop calling her (cleveland.com)

Cleveland / Cuyahoga County

9 Edwins MLK Jr. Day of Giving food handout

Martin Sweeney wins Cuyahoga County Council seat, replaces Dan Brady (cleveland.com)

Edwins MLK Jr. Day of Giving gives out 1,000 meals (cleveland.com)

OH weather: Remember Clevelands past polar vortexes (cleveland.com)

Local news East

Rising to the occasion: Van Aken District developers seek more skyline with proposed 17-story apartment complex (Updated) (cleveland.com)

Local news West

Avon City Council continues discussion on Airbnb rentals (cleveland.com)

Bay Village fire chief saving city money with new emergency call routing (cleveland.com)

Berea district grades 6-12 to return to in-person class four days a week (cleveland.com)

Berea installs new fire chief, assistant chief (cleveland.com)

Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools will return grades 5-12 to classrooms 2 weeks earlier than planned (cleveland.com)

Brunswick man killed, child injured in Lorain County crash, officials say (cleveland.com)

Independence partners with state, federal agencies on crime task force (cleveland.com)

Akron / Canton area

Medina churches pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. (cleveland.com)

Pandemic wont put the freeze on annual Medina Ice Festival (cleveland.com)

State

Small group of demonstrators, some armed, gather Sunday outside Ohio Statehouse (cleveland.com)


Among numerous stated promises for his first 100 days in office, President-elect Joe Biden plans to jump-start his term with executive actions to address major crises.

Here are major changes to look for.
TUNIS  It felt like an echo of the wildfire protests that brought down Tunisias dictator, leading to a series of revolts that ripped across the Middle East 10 years ago: young people in the streets of more than a dozen Tunisian cities over the last three nights. Fury that corruption seemed to be everywhere, jobs nowhere. Clashes with security forces led to more than 600 arrests by Monday.

Only this time, the endgame was unclear.

Tunisias dictatorship is long gone. Its president, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, fled the country in January 2011 after a brutal 23-year rule, the first strongman to fall in the Arab Spring revolts that began in Tunisia and surged across the Middle East. Ten years later, Tunisians have built a democracy, however dysfunctional, complete with elections and  that rarest of Arab commodities  the right to free speech.

So it is that the protests, strikes and sit-ins seem to almost never stop. Graffiti gleefully denounces the police. Bloggers and citizen journalists howl about official mismanagement, heap scorn on political opponents and lob corruption allegations against government officials high and low, their Facebook posts then shared and amplified by thousands of fellow Tunisians.

But none of it has righted an economy heading for shipwreck. Nearly a third of young people are jobless, public services are foundering and corruption has increasingly infiltrated daily life. Opportunities for most people have become so scant, especially in Tunisias impoverished interior, that at least 13,000 Tunisian migrants gambled their lives crossing to Italy by boat just in the last year.
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.
This article has been updated with comments from Tony Daunt and Aaron Van Langevelde.

LANSING, MI - Republicans have officially replaced the GOP state canvasser who certified President-elect Joe Bidens win with a conservative activist after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer accepted one of their nominations.

Aaron Van Langevelde, who also serves as legal counsel to the state House Republicans, made waves when he pushed back against election challenges within his own party with his Nov. 23 vote to certify. This clinched Bidens Electoral College win in Michigan.

Read more: Through pandemic, floods and protests, these Michiganders helped all of us weather 2020

His term ends on Jan. 31, and he told MLive that he was not asked by Michigan GOP if he wanted another term. He was not surprised the party went in another direction.

This position, of course, is a partisan nomination, he said in a statement, but while some are critical of my decision to certify the election, I am convinced that I did the right thing regardless of personal or professional consequences and despite the pressures and dangers faced. I upheld my oath of office, told the truth, and did what I could to defend the rule of law (at a time our nation desperately needs it). My conscience is clear.

After the GOP sent Whitmer three nominees, the governor appointed Tony Daunt, executive director of the conservative Michigan Freedom Fund.

Daunt, who will hold the position from Feb. 1 until January 2025, previously worked for former Gov. Rick Synder, former state Sen. Randy Richardville and served in other state Republican roles.

I appreciate the nomination from Chairwoman Cox and the appointment by Governor Whitmer, Daunt said in a release. The Board of State Canvassers requires leaders willing to follow the rule of law and to provide honest leadership, and I am honored to be entrusted with this position. Aaron Van Langevelde served with honor and integrity, and the entire state owes him a debt of gratitude. Our republic depends on fair and secure elections and Im committed to upholding those values.

He has publicly criticized challenges to the November election, calling them an outgrowth of the rhetoric, lies and conspiracies spread by the president and other elected Republicans whove falsely and feverishly claimed Novembers election was stolen.

Van Langevelde said he hoped that Daunt would uphold the law.

He beat out Linda Lee Tarver, who was involved in lawsuits requesting the Republican-led state Legislature overturn the Electoral College result. Daunt also was appointed over Tori Sachs, a conservative strategist who worked on John James 2018 campaign for Senate. State Democrats have sparred with Sachs over accusations of coordinating with her Better Future Michigan group to funnel dark money to James 2020 Senate campaign.

Whitmer did not provide an explanation for her choice in her announcement. Her office did not respond to requests for an explanation, though the release did include a description of a state canvassers job.

The Board of State Canvassers canvasses and certifies statewide elections, elections for legislative districts that cross county lines and all judicial offices except Judge of the Probate Court, according to Whitmers release. The Board also conducts recounts for state-level offices, canvasses nominating petitions filed with the Secretary of State and state-level ballot proposal petitions, assigns ballot designations and adopting ballot language for statewide ballot proposals, and approves electronic voting systems for use in the state.

Whitmer also reappointed Jeannette Bradshaw for one of the Democratic canvasser seats. The State Canvassing Board consists of four members, two from each major party. Bradshaw will also serve until January 2025.

The other two state canvassers are Republican Norm Shinkle and Democrat Julie Matuzak.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, Whitmer said in her offices release, though there is no indication her appointment would be rejected. Some frustrated Senate Republican, such as Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, have floated the possibility of rejecting gubernatorial appointees until COVID-19 related closures cease.

Read more from MLive:

Armed boogaloo boys gather at Michigan Capitol, join small group of protesters

Heavy police presence at Michigan Capitol ahead of potential protests, threats

Whitmer authorizes deployment of Michigan National Guard for Bidens inauguration

Lansing mayor says Proud Boys, boogaloo groups planning armed protests at Michigan Capitol

Extreme rhetoric thrives on alternative social media sites growing after Facebook, Twitter crackdown
Doctors in Laois have begun contacting patients about the commencement of vaccination and the intention to begin inviting people for the shot in the coming weeks.

On the day when the Government agreed on a deal with GPs and pharmacists, the Cedar Clinic in Portlaoise has texted patients advising them of the next steps. It has also posted a message on its website.

"We hope to commence Covid-19 vaccinations in priority groups in the coming weeks," said the message on January 19.

The Clinic, which is one of the biggest in Laois, says on its website that it will shortly be commencing Covid 19 Vaccinations.

"The vaccination will be given in order of priority in accordance with HSE guidelines. We will update this news on a weekly basis so you know when your age group can book an appointment through our online system. At present we are preparing a list of all our patients over 70 years of age. Thank you for your patience and we will get to you," said the message.

Read also: GPs APPEAL TO PUBLIC AFTER BEING INUNDATED WITH CALLS

The Leinster Express other family doctors have made contact.

It is understood that nearly all GPs in Laois and many frontline staff in their surgeries received the first dose of their vaccination at one of three national vaccination hubs in Portlaoise on Saturday, January 16.

Read also: IN WHAT ORDER WILL VACCINATION TAKE PLACE

A 91 million deal has been struck with pharmacists and doctors to administer 1.5 million vaccines, which is about half the population, over six months.

Doctors and pharmacists will receive 60 for each patient vaccinated with two doses. This will drop to 35 if a single dose is approved.

The GPs and pharmacists will use the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine because it does not require super-low temperatures. It is expected to be approved at the end of January. The Government is understood to have preordered.
Cincinnati, OH (45221)

Today

Rain this morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. High 72F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 48F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Growth & Trends

The global medical affairs outsourcing market size is expected to reach USD 3.47 billion by 2028 registering a CAGR of 12.2%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Transformation in medical education and the rising number of orphan therapies for the treatment of rare diseases are some of the key factors propelling the market growth. The pharmaceutical companies are looking for assistance to systematically position the therapeutic outcomes of these therapies in the market. According to a report published by IQVIA in 2020, the U.S. FDA has approved 80 orphan indications in 2017 and about 57 in early 2020.

Changes in the reimbursement scenario and pricing pressure are expected to increase the adoption of cost-saving measures by the pharmaceutical and medical device companies. This is anticipated to promote off-shoring of medical affairs outsourcing in countries like India and China. Pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing medical affairs services to get high-quality documents, control the R&D cost, and reduce investment costs required to train the medical affairs team. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and medical device companies are outsourcing their medical affairs services to diverge their business activities and manage product life cycles.

In addition, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offer cost-efficient solutions and compliance with the health authority requirements, thereby propelling market growth. The bio/pharmaceutical outsourcing industry has seen a rise in R&D demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in demand, as well as other impacts from the pandemic, such as rising demand for clinical trials and its outsourcing services, have caused some CROs to shift focus and adjust their operations. The pandemic has pushed more pharmaceutical companies and regulators to use new technologies for remote quality audits and inspections, thus driving positive changes in the pharma industry.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Report

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Report Highlights

The medical writing & publishing segment led the market in 2020 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing need for marketable written content to convey medical information to healthcare professionals and patients

North America dominated the global market with a share of 35.3% in 2020 owing to the presence of a large number of pharmaceutical and medical devices companies in the region

Moreover, the high cost of medical affairs services is a major challenge, which has encouraged various medical device companies in North America to outsource functions to third-party vendors in off-shore locations with a high level of expertise in the domain

However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to account for the largest revenue share by 2028 while growing at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to cost-efficient service offering by the CROs in the region

In addition, improved regulatory framework and availability of a skilled workforce in APAC boosts the market growth

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global medical affairs outsourcing market on the basis of services, industry, and region:

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Medical Writing & Publishing

Medical Monitoring

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)

Medical Information

Others

Medical Affairs Outsourcing Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Pharmaceutical

Biopharmaceutical

Medical Devices Therapeutic Medical Devices Diagnostic Medical Devices



Medical Affairs Outsourcing Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe UK. Germany France Italy Spain

Asia Pacific Japan China India Korea Australia

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE



List of Key Players of Medical Affairs Outsourcing Market

ICON plc

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

The Medical Affairs Company

Syneos Health, Inc.

Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC

Ashfield Healthcare Communications

Zeincro Group

Wuxi Clinical Development, Inc.

SGS S.A.

Indegene, Inc.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
A once devoutly Catholic Dublin grandmother has told how the unexplained murder of her partner led to her abandoning her strong faith.

Painter and decorator Michael Gallagher (60) was killed in a frenzied, but unprovoked attack in the Tallaght home he shared with his partner Sally Rodgers 14 years ago.

Despite following many lines of inquiry, officers have never made an arrest for the killing of Mr Gallagher, who was attacked at his home in Tymonville Road, Tallaght, shortly after 10pm on January 18, 2007.

Ms Rodgers (65), who is a special needs assistant and grandmother of four, yesterday marked the 14th anniversary of her partner's murder.

The assault took place after two masked men rushed into their home after Ms Rodgers opened the front door. One of the men had a knife and the other was carrying a hammer.

Mr Gallagher, a father of five from Mohill, Co Leitrim, was assaulted in the couple's kitchen and stabbed up to 15 times, including a fatal wound to his heart.

Ms Rodgers received several hammer blows to the body during the violent attack.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Ms Rodgers said she is still haunted by the memories of watching her partner die in a pool of blood.

She said she lives in constant fear that the men responsible could still be at large and strike again.

The former devout Catholic, who in the past has worked with homicide victims' group ADVIC, also said that the savagery of the crime and the lack of progress in the murder case prompted her to turn her back on religion for good.

"Up to when Michael was killed I was a strong Catholic and would have prayed a lot and attended Mass regularly, but ever since then I've found it hard to believe any more, she said.

"What happened was so terrible it made me question my religion. So faith no longer plays a part in my life like it used to."

Ms Rodgers, who received counselling after the tragedy, said she remains convinced that her partner was wrongly targeted by his killers in a case of mistaken identity.

"We still have absolutely no idea why he was attacked and by who, because he was a good man who had never been in any trouble," she said.

"I've tried to get on with my life as best I can ever since, but it's very difficult. Those horrific memories, of seeing Michael dying in a pool of blood on our kitchen floor, are always there. And if something violent comes on the TV, I have to change the channel because it's too upsetting."

In non-Covid times, Ms Rodgers marked the anniversary of her partners death by travelling to his hometown of Mohill in Co Leitrim, where he was buried.

However, this year she stayed at home in Dublin which she said made yesterday's anniversary even more difficult.

"All these years later we are still none the wiser as to who did this, and why. Michael and I were so happy together and had plans to move to Mohill to spend the rest of our days with each other. But those two men took that away in the cruellest possible way, she said.

"They caused me so much damage and yet, they are probably still out there getting on with their lives. I still can't come to terms with how anyone could do that to another human being, but I will never give up looking for answers."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01-666 6000.




Former NSEL CEO Anjani Sinha held for fake trading

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police said on Monday that it has arrested former CEO of National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) Anjani Sinha for fictitious trading on the exchange and for creating false stocks.

The EOW, which had registered a case in 2015 on a broker's complaint against Sinha and others, arrested the ex-CEO of NSEL in Mumbai on Sunday night after conducting raids at various hideouts.

In a statement, the EOW said the accused was produced in a Borivali court and has been granted transit remand. He is being brought to New Delhi for production in the jurisdictional Court, it added.

In 2013, NSEL had defaulted on payments worth of Rs 5,600 crore in which about 22 borrowers had received money which they did not return to the investors.

"The NSEL crisis was an engineered crisis. Though it was solvable, it was not solved with a view to throwing 63 Moons Technologies out of the exchange business. All the probe agencies like the ED, the CBI, the EOW-Mumbai, and SFIO have traced the entire money trail of Rs 5,600 crore to the 22 defaulting entities and their investigations established that not a single paisa has come to NSEL, 63 Moons or its founder," said a spokesperson of the NSEL.

"Even the Bombay High Court has observed that the entire money trail is with the 22 defaulting entities. Despite this, all targeted actions have been concentrated against NSEL, 63 Moons and its founder, who are actually the biggest sufferers and victims. Such victimisation and motivated action notwithstanding, they have been trying to earnestly resolve the crisis," the NSEL spokesperson added.

The crisis-hit NSEL has also urged market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to resolve the Rs 5,600 crore payment crisis in the larger interest of the investors.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this 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.

According to sources, the states plans to relocate the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam may also come up for discussion between the CM and Shah. (Reprsentational Photo:PTI)

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would visit New Delhi to meet Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.

The CM will hold discussions with Shah on matters like the Amaravati land scam wherein top names from the judiciary are said to be involved. Sources in the CMO said the AP government had sent a request to Shah for an appointment to discuss on several issues. The CM would be accompanied by Advocate-General S. Sriram.

The visit gained significance also as AP is witnessing a series of attacks on temples and desecration of idols, and DGP Gautam Sawang had blamed those from the Opposition Telugu Desam and the BJP for their suspected roles to whip up religious sentiments.

Notably, when BJP leaders led by AP party chief Somu Veerraju went to visit the temple at Ramateertham in Vizianagaram district for a study of the scene where the idol of Lord Rama was vandalised, the AP police had blocked their way. The BJP leaders raised a hue and cry over the police action and pointed out that the state government had allowed YSRC MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, some ministers and even TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu to visit the spot.

BJP MP G.V.L. Narasimaha Rao had complained to the Union home minister on the issue.

The AP government requires the Centres support on many matters of importance. It requires the central help in getting the Presidents nod for the AP Disha Bill meant to toughly deal with those involved in violence against women and children.

Central help is also required for abolition of the AP Legislative Council as the Assembly had already passed a resolution to this effect. The states plans to relocate the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam may also come up for discussion between the CM and Shah, according to sources.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 15:33:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SYDNEY, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian state of Victoria has relaxed its border restrictions with neighbouring state of New South Wales (NSW) from Monday afternoon but remains closed to 10 local government areas (LGA) in Sydney as the capital of NSW.

The 10 LGAs remain as "Red Zones" under Victoria's new travel permit system, meaning traveling from those areas to Victoria is not permitted unless travellers have an exception, exemption or work or transit permit.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has cast her doubt on the necessity of such restrictions as both states continue to record zero local COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.

Around 1 million people in Sydney are still not able to enter Victoria because of those restrictions, Berejiklian said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria is reviewing the border control for the remaining 10 red zones in Greater Sydney on daily basis and will update the permit zone list in a fast and orderly manner.

Meanwhile, The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will also ease its border restriction for NSW from Tuesday afternoon, with the same 10 Sydney's LGAs remaining on its hotspot list. Enditem
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government of Honduras considered that the rise to power of President-Elect Joe Biden is an important opportunity to increase aid through the Alliance for Prosperity program, negotiate a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and maintain the fight against drug trafficking.

"It is a new opportunity to strengthen the relations of cooperation and understanding that we have historically maintained with the United States. The relationship will continue to be cordial and our agreements will prevail, considering the adjustments that are necessary and more convenient for our country" Honduran Foreign Minister, Lisandro Rosales, said.

The government official was optimistic with the announcements made by U.S. president-elect, especially on the immigration issue, and considered that this new administration opens a path of hope for beneficiaries of the TPS and the Dream Act, known as Tepesianos and Dreamers respectively.

"We continue to do what is necessary to support our people in this process and for now we are waiting for a new TPS - the request has already been made. We believe that there are great possibilities that the chance of a permanent status will be opened to thousands of Hondurans who live in the USA," he said.

Regarding the fight against drug trafficking, Rosales emphasized that "we must understand that this fight will continue, it is a commitment assumed by the Government of Honduras to confront this scourge with determination, and we count with the United States." emphasized.

Regarding the announcement of President-Elect Biden to increase around 4 billion dollars in four years in aid programs for the region, Rosales assured that the government sees this proposal with hope and "welcomes any action aimed at improving conditions and the life of our people and make Honduras a more inclusive country with greater opportunities. "

SOURCE Government of Honduras
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has this week reached out to two key members of Donald Trump's administration but has no plans to talk to the outgoing United States President.

Mr Morrison on Tuesday morning spoke by phone with US Vice-President Mike Pence from Longreach as he began his four-day tour of regional Queensland.

The Prime Minister will travel throughout western Queensland over the coming days before leaving Queensland on Friday. Credit:AAP

It followed a phone conversation on Monday night with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Both Mr Pence and Mr Pompeo could be candidates to be the next Republican nominee for US president in 2024.

It is the time to get excited for Marvel, Zendaya and Tom Holland fans, as they are all looking forward to the much-awaited third installment of Spiderman movie that is currently under production. So, when some behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets of Spiderman 3 were posted on social media, fans had a collective meltdown.

On Monday, Just Jared shared some pictures that captured lead actors Zendaya and Holland in their character costumes for the movie. The pictures were taken in Atlanta where Marvel has shot some of its blockbuster movies like Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War. In the pictures that were shared on social media, Zendaya was seen in her typical MJ aka Michelle Jones getup with no makeup look.

From the pictures, fans also guessed that Zendayas character is working a part-time job in the upcoming movie. While lead actor Holland was dressed in winterwear and was holding a piece of paper in the photograph. The 24-year-old British actor was also spotted in his Spiderman suit in Atlanta by the paparazzi.

The untitled Spiderman movie will also be starring Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the role of Dr Strange and Jamie Foxx who will be reprising his role of Electro from the Amazing Spiderman movie. The 2014 movie Amazing Spiderman starred Andrew Garfield as the superhero created by Stan Lee.

It is being speculated that the upcoming Spiderman movie directed by Jon Watts will also be starring Garfield, Emma Stone (who played Gwen Stacy) and Tobey Maguire, who was the first actor to play Spiderman on screen in 2002.

This will be the third Spiderman movie that will star Holland donning the iconic red and blue superhero suit. Holland made his first appearance as Spiderman in the 2016 movie Captain America Civil War. The movie is scheduled to release on December 17, 2021.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today announced the determination that the "People's Republic of China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, China, targeting Uyghur Muslims and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups."

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins commented:

"I commend Secretary Pompeo for declaring atrocities against Uyghur Muslims and others as genocide. Reports show that these minorities are being sent to concentration camps to endure not only forced labor, but also forced abortions and sterilization. The goal is clear: Chinese officials want to reduce the Uyghur population in China by whatever means necessary. The sad reality is that while the rest of the world has been focused on containing the coronavirus, Chinese communists appear to have ramped up the persecution of anyone the government perceives is a threat.

"Our vital interests and essential values demand that we act. While the word 'genocide' alone won't stop the suffering, it will certainly go a long way to sparking the desperately needed actions that can bring help and hope to all those suffering under the communist regime.

"The way forward is to continue spotlighting these flagrant abuses of religious freedom and international human rights laws and demand the rest of the world hold China accountable. By doing this, we stand in solidarity with the people of China who want the fundamental human right of religious freedom," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council

Related Links

http://www.frc.org


BT, a UK-based telecom company, formerly named British Telecom, faces an $800 million (600 million) lawsuit over its historic 'overcharging.' Elderly customers and a group of pensioners filed the class-action lawsuit against the company earlier this week.

"We think millions of BT's most loyal landline customers could be entitled to compensation of up to 500 each, and the filing of this claim starts that process," said Justin Le Patourel, Collective Action on Landlines consumer group founder said, as reported by the BBC.

Four years ago, Ofcom, a watchdog organization for telecom companies, found BT guilty of overcharging 2.3 million landslide customers since 2009. Although the company has reduced its price by 7 a month, many are still not compensated for the previous loss.

Le Patourel, who serves as a telecom consultant for Ofcom for over 13 years, accuses the company of not repaying the money made from this landline overcharging mess.

Read also: iPhone 13 Rumor: Size, Specification, Release Date, Price- Are Future Apple Phones Portless?.

Vehement Denial

Despite the lawsuit, BT vehemently denies that the company has been engaging with an unhealthy way of competitiveness and a shady monopolistic way of doing business. In a statement, BT denies its failure to adequately address the overcharging. It believes that it has been offering a plethora of discounted landline and broadband packages in a smart and competitive market.

"We take our responsibilities to older and more vulnerable customers very seriously and will defend ourselves against any claim that suggests otherwise," the company says in a statement, as noted from Reuters.

BT also states that it intends to defend itself "vigorously" in the courtroom. The company also believes that Ofcom's final statement does not explicitly accuse the company of the monopoly, hence the denial.

For references, the cheapest landline deals from BT starts from 20.20 a month, although a connection fee may apply later. The website offers several deals, with the most expensive one costs 35.20 a month.

A Long History

The suit goes as earliest as 2017. After steadily falling by at least 25% since 2009, the costs of providing landlines to customers see an unbelievable 28-41% increase in October 2017, as Ofcom found.

The telecoms giant has a long history of fines and breaching the uncompetitive market. Ofcom fined the company 42 ($56,9) million for not providing high-speed Ethernet lines on time in the same year.

Telecoms analyst Ian Grant told the BBC that it's unethical for such a giant telecoms company like BT to overcharge over-65 customers whom the telephone was their only communications link. Even worse, three-quarters of them are loyal customers who had never switched to another provider.

Law firm Mishcon de Reya filed a "Competition Appeal Tribunal" claim worth $800 million, resulting in a $678 payment of each for 2.3 million BT customers. Should the suit be successful, BT would have to pay the amount worth 500 in British pound sterlings to each customer.

Related post: Australia vs. Google: Government Bashes Tech Giant for Blocking Local Small Websites.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 17:18:14|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BELGRADE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Serbian health authorities approved the use of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday evening, two days after a million doses were imported from China, enabling the country to begin with the mass immunization of its population.

"The import permit and a certificate of analysis were issued for the initial 100,000 doses of China's Sinopharm vaccine," Pavle Zelic, an official with the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Serbia, told local media.

"The agency and its employees assessed the necessary documentation and scientific evidence in a highly professional and thorough manner according to all European Union and World Health Organization standards, which confirmed the quality, efficiency, and above all the safety of the Chinese vaccine," the Tanjug news agency quoted Zelic as saying.

Sinopharm's vaccine thus fulfilled legal preconditions and became the third vaccine available to the Serbian population, after the Pfizer-BioNtech and the Sputnik V vaccines, which arrived in the country in December and were given to high-risk groups.

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic also announced that the mass immunization will start from Tuesday, with teachers, policemen, soldiers and journalists as a priority.

One million doses of the Sinopharm's vaccine arrived in Serbia on Saturday and were welcomed at the Belgrade Airport by President Aleksandar Vucic, who confirmed that he will receive the vaccine himself.

In the past 24 hours, Serbia has reported 1,578 new coronavirus infections, bringing its case tally to 374,111. So far, 3,771 people died from the virus in the country, while 5,214 are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

Across the country facial masks are obligatory indoors and in public transportation. Working hours of businesses are restricted while gatherings are banned. Enditem

In this image from video, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Senate Television via AP) PHOTO:Senate Television via AP

McConnell: Trump 'Provoked' Capitol Siege

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is placing blame on President Donald Trump for the deadly riot at the Capitol.McConnell on Tuesday said the mob was fed lies and that the president and others provoked those intent on overturning Democrat Joe Bidens election.McConnell's remarks come on Trumps last full day in office.The Republican leader vowed a safe and successful inauguration of Biden on Wednesday.It's an unparalleled time of transition as the Senate presses ahead to his impeachment trial and starts confirmation hearings on Bidens Cabinet.Three new Democratic senators-elect are to be sworn into office Wednesday.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (CSE: CHM.wt) (USOTCQB: CHMJF) (the "Company" or "Chemistree") is pleased to inform shareholders that Chemistree investee company ImmunoFlex, a life sciences company developing clinically validated, pharmaceutical grade natural health products based on advancements in genomics research, today announced the approval of FLEX 10 by Health Canada.

"At ImmunoFlex, we work with the immune system to strengthen, support, and enhance our body's natural surveillance and response system." said ImmunoFlex CEO Chris Wagner. "FLEX 10 is the first product in our line up of products designed to achieve this goal so we could not be more delighted with the Health Canada approval."

Chemistree president Karl Kottmeier commented "This is great news. We view the approval from Health Canada as a significant milestone for Immunoflex and look forward to announcing further advancements for this and their other products."

About FLEX 10TM

FLEX 10TM is ImmunoFlex's unique N-Acetyl-L-cysteine formulation in packs of 30 - 600 mg capsules. FLEX 10TM is a powerful antioxidant, specifically packaged in aluminum blisters to reduce the potential for product oxidation. To sign up for the FLEX 10TM Early Access Program, send an e-mail to [email protected].

About ImmunoFlex

ImmunoFlex works with the immune system to strengthen, support, and enhance our body's natural surveillance and response system. By combining natural health products with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and genomics we create patented, premium, immune-boosting products. Learn more at www.immunoflex.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about ImmunoFlex's objectives, strategies and tactics that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are "forward-looking" as they are based on our current expectations about the markets we operate in and on various assumptions and estimates. Actual results or events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks affect our business, or if our estimates or assumptions turn out to be inaccurate.

Learn more at www.immunoflex.com

About Chemistree Technology Inc.

Chemistree Technology Inc. is an investment company with holdings in the U.S. cannabis sector, real estate, and a consumer-targeted biotechnology venture. The Company's corporate strategy is to focus on opportunistic investments across a broad range of industries, and is seeking to invest in early stage, promising companies where it may be the lead investor and can additionally provide investees with advisory services, mentoring and access to the Company's management expertise. For more information, visit www.Chemistree.ca.

Advisory

The Company wishes to inform shareholders that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in both Canada and the United States.

Cannabis-related Practices or Activities are Illegal Under U.S. Federal Laws

The concepts of "medical cannabis" and "recreational cannabis" do not exist under U.S. federal law. The Federal Controlled Substances Act classifies "marihuana" as a Schedule I drug. Under U.S. federal law, a Schedule I drug or substance has a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of safety for the use of the drug under medical supervision. As such, cannabis related practices or activities, including without limitation, the manufacture, importation, possession, use or distribution of cannabis are illegal under U.S. federal law. Strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defence to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. Enforcement of U.S. federal laws will be a significant risk to the business of the Company and any such proceedings brought against the Company may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial performance.

Further information regarding the legal status of cannabis related activities and associated risk factors, including, but not limited to, risk of enforcement actions, risks that third-party service providers, such as banking or financial institutions cease providing services to the Company, and the risk that Company may not be able to distribute profits, if any, from U.S. operations up to the Company, are included in the Prospectus, the Company's annual information form and other documents incorporated by reference therein and in the Company's Form 2A listing statement filed with the CSE and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

"Karl Kottmeier"

President

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Information set forth in this news release includes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "budget", "scheduled" and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks identified in the Company's reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

SOURCE Chemistree Technology Inc.

Related Links

http://chemistree.ca/


Senior Nuclear Safety Officer (P5), Vienna, Austria

Organization: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Country: Austria

City: Vienna, Austria

Office: IAEA Vienna, Austria

Closing date: Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Senior Nuclear Safety Officer (P5)

( 2020/0554 (015978) )

Organization: NSNI-Operational Safety Section

Primary Location: Austria-Vienna-Vienna-IAEA Headquarters

Job Posting: 2020-12-30, 2:41:14 PM

Contract Type : Fixed Term

Regular

Probation Period : 1 Year

This vacancy notice may be used to fill two positions - one with a focus on long-term operation and ageing management and one with a focus on operational safety review.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEAs nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the Agencys activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, and responds to the needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and security.

The objective of the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety (NSNI) is to achieve and maintain a high level of safety of nuclear installations worldwide that are under design or construction or in operation. The Division does this by establishing standards of safety for the protection of health, including standards for nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations and facilities, and by providing for the application of these standards through, among other things, support for the IAEAs Technical Cooperation programme, the rendering of safety review services, the promotion of education and training, the fostering of information exchange and the coordination of research and development. In addition, the Division helps ensure safety at nuclear installations by promulgating international safety instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Code of Conduct on the Safety of Research Reactors. NSNI comprises five Sections:

External Events Safety Section

Operational Safety Section

Safety Assessment Section

Regulatory Activities Section

Research Reactor Safety Section

The main aim of the Operational Safety Section (OSS) is to enhance Member States capabilities to improve the operational safety of nuclear power plants through operational safety review services, the use of IAEA safety standards and continuous self-assessment. Its activities include assessment of operational safety performance, long-term operation and operating experience; promotion of management for safety and safety culture; and maintaining the international reporting system database for nuclear power plants.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Section Head, the Senior Nuclear Safety Officer contributes to programme plans, integrates projects, and coordinates an integrated portfolio of projects to support a wide variety of Divisional programmes and services aimed at strengthening the safety of nuclear installation through proper site selection, installation design, systems design; and regulatory and operating policies and practices.

Role

The Senior Nuclear Safety Officer is: (1) a programme planner and project integrator, planning, developing and implementing activities aimed promoting the Divisional programmatic objectives;

(2) a scientific secretary and subject matter expert, planning and leading complex Technical Meetings and consultancies;

(3) a mission leader, planning and leading complex technical safety reviews and follow-up missions; and

(4) a technical officer, developing evaluation strategies and managing integrated project teams to implement and evaluate large and complex technical cooperation and extra-budgetary operational projects and coordinated research projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Depending on the Section focus, functions may include to:

Organize and lead teams of internal and external experts to strengthen safety standards and improve their implementation, including to specify the way that standards are developed, implemented and evaluated.

Lead the development of methodologies to assess safety vulnerabilities and for conducting national nuclear safety assessments including consideration of external hazards, safety margins, plant vulnerabilities, and severe accident management plans.

Coordinate Agency activities related to strengthening the nuclear safety effectiveness of operating organizations with Member State regulatory bodies and industry associations.

Consult with Member States with nuclear power programmes and those planning to embark on such a programme to identify and plan initiatives to assist them to strengthen, develop, maintain and implement their capacity building programs, including education, training and exercises at the national, regional and international levels

Tags civil servants emergency preparedness information exchange information systems nuclear power nuclear power plants nuclear safety power plants radiation protection radioactive materials research and development safety and security safety regulations safety standards subject matter expert technical cooperation

Identify evolving information requirements and guide the development and management of nuclear safety information systems such as the Incident Reporting System (IRS), Incident Reporting System for Research Reactors (IRSRR), and Fuel Incident Notification and Analysis System (FINAS); provide support and relevant expertise for the Incident Emergency System (IES); and participate in associated training events and exercises

Participate as an active member and IAEA representative in professional meetings, conferences and projects.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEAs Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

NameDefinition

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Sections priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Communication

Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Achieving Results

Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Divisions programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition

Judgement/decision making

Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agencys regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.

Partnership building

Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.

Technical/scientific credibility

Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description

Nuclear Safety

NPP Conduct of Operations

Experience in the conduct of operation of nuclear power plants, including operation, maintenance, operating experience, radiation protection, operating experience feedback, accident management and emergency preparedness and response.

Nuclear Safety

NPP Nuclear Oversight OR Ageing Management and Long-term Opertaion of Nuclear Power Plants

Practical experience in performing nuclear oversight in nuclear power plants OR Thorough knowledge and practical experience in aging management and long-term operation of nuclear power plants, including experience in using relevant IAEA safety standards in these areas at international level

Nuclear Safety

Nuclear Installation Safety

Expertise in aspects of safety of nuclear installations, including commissioning and operation.

Nuclear Safety

Operational Safety Assessment

Practical experience in conducting operational safety assessments in nuclear power plants, including these at international level.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Masters Degree

Advanced university degree in engineering/physical/nuclear/chemical/mathematical/behavioural science/social psychology or a related field.

Minimum of ten years of relevant experience, including five years of senior level experience, and at least four years at the international level.

Experience with the application of nuclear safety principles, standards, procedures, and guidelines, judging their appropriateness and determining the necessity for adapting them.

Proven experience in NPP nuclear oversight OR ageing management and long-term operation of nuclear power plants.

Experience organizing and leading Technical Meetings, capacity building missions, and other expert and advisory missions.

Experience conducting and managing multiple simultaneous projects.

Experience in international projects an asset, particularly with developing countries.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $88162 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 46373*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

-- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
Tibet, the globes Third Pole, welcomes tourists from around the world with its rich tourism resources, said Qizhala, chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region.

The official said Tibet will work hard to build the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into a national and international highland in ecological civilization, an instruction given by Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, at a high-level meeting on work in Tibet held in August 2020.

Photo shows Midui Glacier in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Photo/Tsering Norbu)

Known as the water tower of Asia, the plateau is the place where the Yangtze, Yellow, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers originate, the official said, adding that the number of plants and animals endemic to the plateau, such as Tibetan antelopes, black-necked cranes, wild yaks and snow leopards, have been on the rise.

Qizhala introduced that Tibet has designated over 800,000 square kilometers of land as areas where exploitation activities are prohibited or limited. It has implemented the most stringent environmental protection system and a one vote veto system for issues concerning environmental protection. With prohibiting enterprises involving high energy consumption, serious pollution, and high emissions, it maximizes the use of clean energy.

Photo shows farmhouses in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Photo/Tsering Norbu)

Tibet will also strengthen afforestation, restoration of the ecosystem of grassland, control of desertification, water and soil conservation, improvement of river basins, sewage and waste treatment in urban and rural areas, and energy conservation and emissions reduction.

Leveraging its geographical advantages, Tibet has boosted the development of its tourism industry in recent years by building third pole national parks, strengthening the construction of infrastructure and improving its systems and mechanisms to support the sector.

Popular tourist destinations in Tibet include not only Lhasa and Nyingchi, but also remote areas like Ngari, the official said.

Photo shows the scenery of a forest in Lulang town, Nyingchi city, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Photo/Tsering Norbu)

Tibets civil aviation industry registers positive growth in passenger volume, as the growth is at its best level in history, said Qizhala, hailing Tibets abundant tourism resources, including the Mount Qomolangma National Nature Reserve and its mountains, lakes, glaciers, grassland, canyons, primitive forests, and unique culture.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.

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.
January 19, 2021 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals") (TSX-V:DEFN / OTCQB:DFMTF / FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce its support as a Founding Member of the recently launched Canadian Critical Minerals and Materials Alliance (C2M2A). Defense Metals and nine other C2M2A founders reflect a broad knowledge base across the suite of critical material supply chains; including current & prospective producers and processors, commercial & national laboratories, academia and innovation hubs, and engineering & business experts.

Defense Metals support of the C2M2A initiative, representing a clear industry voice to guide Government of Canada policy towards establishing Canadian-based critical material supply chains, will greatly benefit the advancement of its 1,708 hectare (4,220 acre) Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Property ("Wicheeda") located near Prince George, British Columbia (BC). The Wicheeda project has indicated mineral resources of 4,890,000 tonnes averaging 3.02% LREO (Light Rare Earth Elements) and inferred mineral resources of 12,100,000 tonnes averaging 2.90% LREO[1].

Launched on January 14, 2021 the Canadian Critical Minerals and Materials Alliance is an industry association aimed at advancing resilient critical materials supply chains for Canada's cleantech economy. The launch of C2M2A builds on the earlier establishment of the Canadian Rare Earth Elements Network (CREEN) in 2013 and its success in building awareness on the growing importance of rare earth elements.

Recent geopolitical developments have underscored the importance of the critical materials supply chains necessary for clean energy, electric vehicles, communications, medical and aerospace applications. A coordinated supply chain consortium, which represents both upstream and downstream critical materials producers (e.g., rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, graphite and others) will help support policymakers and industry players implement strategies that will enable full Canadian participation in the sector.

Other international jurisdictions including the European Union, Japan, the United States and Australia have already made announcements on their critical materials strategy. Alliance members agree that it is time for Canada to step up and move forward with its own strategy. Canada is well positioned to implement its vision for a clean energy future because of its enormous critical minerals resource wealth; however, the country must implement a strategy to use this wealth to establish the downstream processing capacity to create the refined materials needed in electric vehicle and battery technologies.

Recent announcements by the federal government with Ford Motors and General Motors on their plans to establish more electric vehicle manufacturing capacity in Canada confirm Canada's commitment to a low-carbon future. C2M2A will help support further investments in this rapidly advancing sector of the economy, particularly in outlining the effort and costs to build value- creating materials chains in Canada.

Craig Taylor, CEO comments:

"With the support of the C2M2A initiative Defense Metals continues to establish itself as one of the industry leaders in the advancing Canadian-based critical material supply chains. As North America and the world move toward widespread adoption of electric vehicles and other green technologies there will be upward demand pressure on critical REE magnet-metals, principally NdPr. Defense Metals is well-positioned to meet demand for North American-sourced critical REE's with one of the highest-grade road accessible deposits, with potential to reduce the political and strategic risk of current reliance on Chinese REE sources."

About C2M2A

C2M2A is a non-profit, independent organization with a mission to foster and enhance Canada's role as a leader in the production of critical materials manufacturing in support of the global transition to a low-carbon, clean-growth economy. By focusing on rapidly advancing the establishment of economic critical materials production and manufacturing capacity, Canada will grow its economy, compete globally and continue to protect the environment. C2M2A will enable stakeholders around the country to collaborate on shared priorities while respecting each jurisdiction's needs and plans, including the need to ensure the continued competitiveness and viability of businesses. For more information, please visit www.C2M2A.org.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Defense Metals Corp.

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of "GREEN" energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol "DEFN" on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D".

For further information, please visit https://defensemetals.com/ or contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: (778) 994 8072

Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's plans for its Wicheeda project, XRT study and the expected benefits and results therefrom, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

Paid News -Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Disclosure : this news release featuring Defense Metals Corp. is a paid for service on Investorideas.com ($750) More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com

Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

[1] Technical Report on the Wicheeda Property, British Columbia, effective June 27, 2020 and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Steven J. Nicholls, B.A. Sc., MAIG and Kristopher J. Raffle, B.Sc., P.Geo) is available under Defense Metals Corp.'s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com)

About Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/About/

Sign up for free stock news alerts at Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 76F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 52F. SSE winds shifting to N at 10 to 15 mph.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments from oil companies Tuesday that state and municipal lawsuits seeking damages for their contribution to climate change belong in federal and not state courts.

While justices will not be deciding the merits of the litigation - at least not for now - a decision favoring the oil companies would effectively block plaintiffs' efforts to sue under state and local nuisance laws. It would also likely leave the ultimate question with the Supreme Court of whether oil companies and other polluting industries can be held liable for greenhouse gas emissions that have been a constant of human society for centuries.

RELATED: Oil companies fight to get climate cases before Supreme Court

The arguments stem from a 2018 lawsuit in Maryland state court by Baltimore city officials arguing that oil companies including BP, Conoco Phillips, Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell should be held liable for selling oil and natural gas despite evidence that greenhouse gas emissions were causing the planet to warm dangerously.

The oil companies attempted to have the case moved to federal court, arguing they had sold fossil fuels at the direction of the federal government. But their request was denied by U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander, an Obama appointee, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In March the oil companies filed a request with the Supreme Court, arguing that the Fourth Circuit had not correctly considered the case and that the justices should make clear that the scores of ongoing climate suits in courts around the country belong in federal court.

Such a move would effectively halt efforts to hold fossil fuel companies liable for greenhouse gas emissions, after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 2011 that federal pollution laws prohibit such litigation in the federal court system.

It is time for the case to start moving, Sara Gross, a Baltimore city attorney, said in a statement. In the two and half years since we filed this case in Maryland state court, defendants have done everything they can to delay and avoid accountability for their decades of deception about climate change.

The stakes are high for polluting industries, from airlines to farms, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers joining with the oil companies. They argue that while climate change is a "critical issue," it was up to government to make policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, not the courts.

"This litigation is a counter productive distraction," said Phil Goldberg, an attorney representing the National Association of Manufacturers. "It's not about casting blame. It's a shared responsibility, and we can not sue our way out of climate change."

The Supreme Court's decision to hear the case required at least four justices to sign off. But with Justice Samuel Alito recusing himself from the case  due to stock holdings in Phillips 66 and Conoco Phillips  only eight justices will decide the case.
She's been on a mission to transform her body.

And on Monday, Tiffany Haddish revealed she's also transformed her look.

The actress and comedienne, 41, took to Instagram to show offer her new buzz cut with 'She Ready' sprayed on the back in gold lettering.

Changing it up: She's been on a mission to transform her body. And on Monday, Tiffany Haddish revealed she's also transformed her look

New look: The actress and comedienne, 41, took to Instagram on Monday to show offer her new buzz cut with 'She Ready' sprayed on the back in gold lettering

The images were snapped next to a movie trailer.

Haddish was dressed in a black t-shirt and was wearing a sparkly black face mask.

Last month, the star of Night School, The Oath and The Last O.G., explained to People how she has been using her time at home during the pandemic to focus on a toning routine.

She shared that she was mostly eating vegan food and while her workout program is only supposed to last for a month, she plans to continue using the fitness tricks and tips that she's learned.

Transformation: Last month, the star of Night School, The Oath and The Last O.G., explained to People she has been using her time at home during the pandemic to focus on a toning routine

New outlook: She shared she was mostly eating vegan food and while her workout program is only supposed to last for a month, she plans to continue using the fitness tips she's learned

Haddish said her goal is to not necessarily keep shedding weight, but to sculpt her body into shape.

'I don't really want to lose any more weight. I want to now just sculpt it all, sculpt off the fat so I can get to the muscle,' she said.

The Los Angeles native appeared in various film and TV roles before gaining prominence for her extended run on the BET parody series Real Husbands Of Hollywood.

She later went on to win a starring role in the NBC comedy series The Carmichael Show.

In 2018, the actress took on a costarring part in the series The Last OG as the girlfriend of Tracy Morgan; the series has been renewed for a fourth season.
Odisha: The increase in shrimp farming around Chilika Lake in Indias Odisha state has not only been destroying the areas ecology but also affecting the livelihoods of several thousand fishermen

January 19,2021 | Source: The Fish Site

For the past five decades, Jogi Behera has been a fisherman on Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India and also the largest brackish water lagoon in the world. The 60-year-old, who lives in Balipatapur, laments that his catch has been dropping with each passing year, due to illegal shrimp farming around the lake.



The increase in shrimp farming has been snatching our livelihoods and turning us into paupers, he says. The catch has been dwindling as the chemical-laced water discharged from the shrimp ponds has been killing the aquatic life of Chilika. The lake covers an area of around 1,100km2, which is spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. Its ecosystem provides large fishery resources and its 300 aquatic species include several threatened ones, such as Irrawaddy dolphins. We used to catch around 20-30kg of fish per day, even two decades ago, but now its difficult to have 5kg of catch, even after spending several hours in the lake, says Behera. Fishermen will soon migrate to other states if things remain the same, he adds, while sitting in his ramshackle boat.



The rise of illegal shrimp farms



But he is not alone. Over 200,000 fishermen in 132 villages across the Chilika region have been affected  many deeply concerned about their future, in the face of whats come to be seen as the prawn mafia, whose rapid expansion has been devouring their livelihoods. Meanwhile, the authorities seem to have almost turned a blind eye to the plight of the fishing community. Fishermen claim that mushrooming shrimp farming has already caused grave damage, as several species of native fish, such as Chilika ilish, have almost disappeared. Large swathes of ponds, mainly producing vannamei shrimp and Bagda shrimp (tiger prawns), have been established around the periphery of the lake. Farmers are converting their agricultural land into shrimp farming for higher returns, much like in West Bengal. Odisha has been emerging as one of Indias leading shrimp producers. In 2010-11, the area under shrimp culture stood at 5,324 hectares, but this increased to 13,186 hectares in 2019-20. The production of shrimp rose from 7,520 tonnes to 48,147 tonnes during the same period.



The environmental impact of shrimp effluent



Environmentalists say that the chemical compounds used in shrimp farming have been detrimental to the lake ecosystem. Shrimp farming is being done at the periphery of the lake. The farmers use different varieties of chemicals and protein-enriched food for culture of the shrimps. They [shrimp farmers] take the water from the lake and then discharge it back into the lake, points out Gayatri Devi, an environmentalist and wildlife researcher based in Odisha. The chemical- and nutrient-rich discharged water goes into the Chilika water. It results in hyper-nitrification of the wetland water and leads to the growth of vegetation, especially Eichhornia, an exotic invasive species, commonly called water hyacinth. Water hyacinth covers the water surface, destroys the aquatic life, alters the wetland ecology and gradually converts a wetland into a wasteland. Shrimp farming has been affecting the ecology of the most of the wetlands and growth of Eichhornia has been playing a major role in their destruction. The construction of shrimp farms in the buffer of wetland result in the destruction of wetlands and [the loss of] feeding habitat of many migratory and resident birds.



Farmland converted to shrimp cultivation



Locals claim that the ponds have been dug illegally for shrimp farming on land that was being used for agriculture. During the 1960s, several migrants arrived from different states of India, mostly West Bengal, and settled here. The state government decided to rehabilitate them by offering them land close to Chilika. The land was given on lease to these people. But slowly, the migrants began to sub-lease their land for shrimp farming and shifted to other places, claims Manoj Kumar Naidu, a senior journalist based in Khurda district.



Over the years, several acres of land that once belonged to Chilika have been encroached on for shrimp farming and the situation continues to worsen due to the network between the cops, shrimp mafia and administration, he adds. Indeed, local activists fighting for the survival of Chilika claim that nothing has been done to save the lagoon, despite the fact that it attracts migratory birds and thousands of tourists each year. Its a losing battle to save the lake, as several letters sent to the Indian President and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) have yielded no response so far, reflects Dilip Kumar Behera, director of the Chilika Fishermen Central Co-operative Society. The area of the lake has shrunk to just 580km2 from 1,100 km2 in the past four decades, due to encroachments and siltation. The per-capita income of the fishing community has come down drastically. The population of Irrawaddy dolphins has also dropped to just 60, due to entanglement in gill nets and drag nets. The lockdown has proved to be a blessing in disguise for the shrimp mafia, as the number of ponds has increased in the past few months, he adds.



Rise in prawn exploitation during lockdown



As well as the encroachment from the ponds, the number of prawn gheris  fine-mesh nets that are staked in the lake to catch prawns and other creatures  has increased drastically during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, claims Dilip. In 2018, the Odisha government had started a demolition drive and had cleared almost 85 percent of the prawn gheris. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, the government had also re-implemented the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1981, which authorised government officials to clear the illegal gheries.



In February 2020, the state government conceded that the process had stalled. In an affidavit filed in the Orissa High Court a Puri official admitted that no evictions targeting unauthorised operations had been undertaken since November the previous year, when an area of around 268 acres was cleared. The collusion of the prawn mafia and the administration has led to proliferation of ponds and bunds. We have complained numerous times to the local administration but no action has been taken yet and their numbers continue to grow, fumes Surendranath Behera, sarpanch (head) of the Balipatapur gram panchayat (village council) in Khurda district.



Human health concern



He also claims that many fishermen have developed allergies from staying in chemical-laced water for extended hours. Several fishermen and villagers are suffering from skin rashes, black spots on their bodies and allergies because of the harmful water discharged from shrimp ponds. Around 20 people have died of cancer in the neighbouring villages in the past four years It is not just the fishermen but others are also getting affected, as the water from the shrimp ponds is entering local water bodies and poisoning them where the locals take baths, says Behera.



Denials



When contacted, senior officials at Chilika Development Authority (CDA) scoffed at allegations of a prawn mafia encroaching on the lake periphery. We have no such information of illegal prawn farming being done around Chilika. We do regular satellite monitoring along with field visits by our officials to ensure that no illegal activities thrive in the area, assured Susanta Nanda, chief executive of CDA.

Holly Willoughby has shared a candid glimpse at homeschooling her three children as the classrooms remain closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The This Morning presenter, 39, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a sweet snap with her son Chester, 6, as she helped with his reading.

It came after Holly, who is also mum to son Harry, 11, and Belle, nine, admitted that she was close to 'giving up' attempting to limit her children's screentime as the family are holed up at home during lockdown.

Still learning! Holly Willoughby, 39, has shared a candid glimpse at homeschooling her three children as she helped her son Chester, six, with his reading on Tuesday

Holly looked radiant in a cosy cream jumper with floral embroidery as little Chester sat on her lap.

The mother-of-three was helping her little boy with his reading, working their way through the learning book The Red Man and the Green Man.

She captioned the post: 'Eat, Sleep, Read, Repeat...'

Holly previously shared an insight into juggling homeschooling her three children during Monday's This Morning, with star admitting she was considering ditching the strict rules on how much time her kids spend in front of a screen.

What's the point? It came after the presenter admitted that she was close to 'giving up' attempting to limit her children's screentime as they continue with learning at home

During a phone-in about homeschooling, Holly asked headteacher Christine Cunniffe: 'Can I ask a question on behalf of a working mum and parent of three who is struggling...?

'My big fear is that we've all worked really hard not to put our kids in front of screens.

'Now here I am with three children spending online learning in front of a screen, then when they finish they want to talk to their friends, again on a screen, then they might want to play and that's on a screen.

'I'm suddenly like, am I just throwing all this out the window and give up holding back the time of screen time.'

Doting mother: Holly is a devoted parent to daughter Belle, nine, and sons Harry, 11, and Chester, six, with husband Dan Baldwin

Holly had previously admitted a week of homeschooling her children left her so exhausted she planned to spend the weekend in bed.

The Dancing On Ice host shared a flawless snap with the caption: 'Friday might sleep till Monday'

Holly also recently offered support to one mum struggling with the challenges of homeschooling by offering to send her a printer.

Touched my one mum's struggle to provide resources to home school her children properly, Holly offered up her own spare printer, with fans hailing her a 'really lovely person.'

Sleepy: Holly had previously admitted a week of homeschooling her children left her so exhausted she planned to 'sleep until Monday'

The mum in question, called June, had called in to the show to reveal she was overwhelmed by the prospect of home schooling once again following the announcement of another national lockdown.

During the call, she mentioned that she didn't own a printer as she contemplated whether it could help her organise lessons with her kids.

Feeling sympathetic towards June, Holly - who is a mum to three children herself - then declared that she would personally send her own equipment as she had a spare printer.

How sweet! Holly also recently offered support to one mum struggling with the challenges of homeschooling by offering to send her a printer

She told June: 'Please don't worry if you don't home school every day. I actually have a spare printer you can have that printer! It's just sitting at home and we never use it.

'I will bring it in tomorrow and you can have it, and that will sort your printer issue out. I'll bring it in so stay on the lines.'

On January 4 Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced primary and secondary schools would be closed as part of a new nationwide lockdown.

Currently only children of key workers, or those classed as vulnerable are allowed to still attend school, with all others ordered to continue their learning online.

Following complaints from parents that they didn't have the right resources to educate their children, the government announced that any child without access to a laptop, internet, or a place to study could also return to the classroom.
Armenia President: Today we stand on threshold of Sardarapat of morality, dignity

Catholicos of All Armenians: Our people shall find strength to overcome this ordeal as well

Armenia First Republic Day event is held under very modest conditions

Newspaper: Armenia authorities claiming to be popular close off First Republic Day event to public

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: Now or never!

Armenia President, then acting premier arrive at Sardarapat Memorial

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan's new "cleverness?"

France ambassador: I wish Armenia to be able to live its independence in peace, prosperity

Bashar al-Assad wins Syria presidential election

Reporters not allowed entering Sardarapat Memorial of Armenia

US continues to face very serious problems in trade and economic relations with China

Armenia 1st President: There is a risk of civil war

Scenes of apprehension of Azerbaijani who attacked Armenian in Moscow disseminated on the Internet

Germany, France, Netherlands urge tech giants to test start-up purchases

Armenia 1st President: There has never been such rough dialogue between Armenian and Azeri leaders as there is now

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan military fired several shots at border area of Gegharkunik Province village

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development opening office in Yerevan

New nasal spray could be used to treat Parkinson's disease

US Department of State issues statement on detention of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces

Armenia 1st President says Aliyev is certain that Pashinyan won't win elections and is trying to get all that he can

UN calls for $ 95 million in aid to Palestinians

Statue of Rafael Nadal placed in Roland-Garros

Twitter is concerned about safety of its employees in India

Artsakh hero: Impotent and perhaps also treacherous authorities of Armenia need to be removed from power immediately

France MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to show maximum restraint

Azerbaijani attacks Russia citizen of Armenian descent in Moscow

Armenia acting MOD provides President with information about capture of Armenian servicemen

Lithuania MFA urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to go to de-escalation of situation and pull out troops

Russian Deputy FM, EU Special Representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia acting FM resigns

Acting Deputy FM: Armenia reserves itself the right to take necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity

Scientists find way to significantly reduce use of antibiotics

Real Madrid are ready to sell 9 footballers and spend EUR 150,000,000

Simone Inzaghi to extend contract with Lazio

China speaks on dark history of US intelligence in connection with Biden's order

PSG and Bayern Munich have eye on Inter Milan's footballer

Netanyahu slams hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French FM

Turkish authorities issues new arrest warrant for mafia after his scandalous revelations of Erdogan's entourage

EU-Armenia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security holds 11th Meeting

Armenia acting PM deletes statement on Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers "being intertwined" from Facebook post

Sergio Ramos: Zinedine Zidane is the one and only

6 Armenian soldiers captured: situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border is tense, May 27 digest

Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff deputy chief explains difficulties with settlement of border with Azerbaijan

UN: Israeli forces may have committed war crimes during 11-day war with Hamas

Nikol Pashinyan presents plan for resolving border situation

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Real Madrid head coach main candidates

Opposition party leader: Armenia Security Council to convene session with heads of parliamentary factions this evening

His Holiness Karekin II receives newly appointed UK Ambassador to Armenia

Greece and Turkey FMs to meet in Athens

Armenia acting PM says he will present plan for peaceful solution to border situation very soon

Armenia Parliament Speaker sends letters to counterparts of partnering legislatures

Zarif: Iran welcomes willingness of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tension

Grammy simplifies nominee selection rules

Armenia acting Deputy MOD on news about soldiers being ordered to not open fire

ANCA calls on US Congress to block financing of Azerbaijani Armed Forces

Armenia to allocate lands in Syunik Province to Russian border guards

Low testosterone levels increase the risk of contracting coronavirus

Armenia Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief: We can destroy all Azerbaijani soldiers who invaded territory

Messi agrees to extend contract with Barcelona

Bayern Munich sign new deal with an English footballer

Matthew Perry undergoes emergency surgery before filming Friends special episode promo

Armenian advocates file lawsuit against Nikol Pashinyan

Army general staff deputy chief: About 1,000 Azerbaijan soldiers are illegally in Armenia

Army general staff: Armed forces can capture Azerbaijani soldiers who marched into Armenia

Armenia legislature approves several amendments to laws

Armenian opposition MP: Villages mentioned by ruling bloc's deputy are Armenia's buffer zone

Armenia Gegharkunik Province villager to acting PM: Over 50% of our pastures are now under Azerbaijan control

Armenia Kotayk Province has new governor

Armenia parliament majority leader meets with US ambassador, discusses border situation

NEWS.AM BREAKING: 6 Armenian soldiers are captured by Azerbaijan military in early morning

European Council head says process of implementing sanctions against Belarus is launched

Armenia acting MOD leaves for Moscow

Armenia President, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces discuss current situation on border

Armenia acting PM to residents of borderline village: If we cede our border, Azerbaijanis will get more excited

Armenia MOD not confirming reports about Azerbaijan firing shots at Tavush Province

Ex-President Kocharyan meets with Yerevan residents, "Armenia" bloc members (PHOTOS)

Armenia petitions to European Court to ensure fundamental human rights of 6 soldiers captured by Azerbaijan

Moby misses his mother's funeral because he was drunk

Armenia acting premier: We need to unite in this situation

Official: Varazdat Haroyan moving to Cadiz

Serj Tankian makes statement on Azerbaijans displayed horrific racism

Official: Zidane quits Real Madrid

Man detained in US for intending to commit attempt on Biden

Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD continues disseminating disinformation

Erdogan to visit Baku and Shushi

Two Armenia legislature committees to hold closed joint meeting regarding tense situation on Azerbaijan border

Holy Etchmiadzin on capture of Armenia soldiers: Such behavior of Azerbaijan authorities is strongly condemnable

Gegharkunik Province village border area situation very tense, says Armenia enlarged community leader

Check it out: Everyone needs "Friends"!

Armenia opposition MP: Shots are heard Gegharkunik Province

Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to publicly announce reunion as a couple

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces

Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session

Russia: Doctors, teachers and social workers must get COVID-19 vaccination

140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Brad Pitt wins child custody case against Angelina Jolie

Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning
The sister of a pharmacist who was murdered by her husband so he could start a new life with his boyfriend in Australia today revealed his crocodile tears as the family comforted him after her death.

Jessica Patel, 34, was strangled by her husband Mitesh at their home in May 2018 in a premeditated attack - with the 37-year-old planning to use her frozen embryos to have a family with a lover he met on gay dating app Grindr.

Her sister, Minal, comforted Mitesh after Jessica's death when she still thought the tragedy had been the result of a burglary gone wrong.

'I sat down on the sofa next to him and went to hug him and he immediately buried his head in my shoulder,' she told The Mirror.

'He held my dad's hand with the hands that strangled and murdered his own daughter. How could someone do that?'

Jessica Patel, 34, (left) was strangled by her husband Mitesh at their home in May 2018 in a premeditated attack. He is seen (right) in the pharmacy where they both worked

Jessica's sister, Minal (right) is seen alongside her family when they gave a statement outside Teeside Crown Court

Minal was found covered in duct tape, and Mitesh ransacked the house to make it look like a burglary.

But his lies were undone when investigators examined his movements using the iPhone Health App, which both he and his wife used, in a legal first for the UK.

The app tracks a person's steps throughout the day and it disproved Mitesh's lie that Jessica was murdered by an intruder.

In the minutes that followed her death Mitesh's phone monitored frantic activity, racing around the house as he staged the burglary, running and up and down the stairs, while hers stayed still.

Only after Jessica's death, her phone moved exactly 14 paces as her husband took it from her body and deposited outside to make it look as though the 'burglar' had dropped it as he left.

The couple married in 2009 but it soon became clear 'something wasn't quite right, Jessica's sister Minal said today.

'Jessica was voicing concerns that Mitesh was spending a lot of time on his phone and he would walk out of the room if she came in while he was on it,' she said.

'She knew it wasn't right but he took his phone everywhere with him  even into the toilet  and she didn't know his passcode to check who he was talking to.'

Minal was found covered in duct tape, and Mitesh ransacked the house to make it look like a burglary. The couple are pictured on a holiday together

Jessica suffered in silence, aware that her husband was in love with another man and was also having casual sex with strangers he met on the Grindr dating app.

Timeline of his evil plot 2002/3 - Jessica attends university at De Montfort Leicester and has a short relationship with Patel July 2009 - The couple marry February 2010 - Jessica's grandfather is very ill and dies - Patel refuses to let her return home and stay with her family. Jessica discloses she was hit by Patel in a car July 2010 - Jessica graduates from Manchester University 2010/11 - Jessica works at a pharmacy in Bradford and disclosures to a colleague she suspects he is gay The couple's home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough 2012 - Jessica tells her cousin of relationship problems while on holiday and of Patel spending a long time speaking to another man on the phone December 2012 - Jessica's sister finds an intimate text conversation between Patel and his lover 2013/14 - The couple move to Middlesbrough, Jessica is isolated from her family April 2015 - Jessica and Patel purchase the lease on a pharmacy. He lies about Jessica being pregnant with twins October 2015 - Jessica starts IVF treatment April 2016 - Jessica tells her GP she feels under pressure to conceive and is sent for cognitive therapy September 2016 - Jessica is prescribed medication for anxiety and depression by her GP 2017 - Pharmacy colleagues review CCTV and see Patel kissing and groping another male, they also uncover he is taking medication to lower his sperm count February 2018 - Jessica's sister tells of conversation where Jessica tells of how Patel put his hands around her neck March 2018 - Jessica's IVF is successful and three embryos are frozen May 14, 2018 - Jessica is found after being suffocated by Patel. Advertisement

She also went through years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, who had moved her to Middlesbrough from Halifax in an attempt to isolate her from her family.

In 2015 the couple started trying for a baby through fertility treatment.

Jessica went through three unsuccessful rounds of IVF while her husband developed his plot to flee with his lover, Dr Amit Patel.

The fourth IVF cycle had resulted in Jessica's embryos being harvested and held in frozen storage in a fertility clinic in Darlington.

With access to the embryos Mitesh had no more use for his wife, he brought forward his plan to murder her.

On May 14, he strangled her with a Tesco Bag for Life at their home in the suburb of Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, close to the pharmacy they ran together.

He then ordered a pizza at the nearby Romano's takeaway before returning home and calling 999.

When he was arrested following Jessica's death he was found to have prepared syringes filled with insulin in his bag.

His computer also showed searches including, 'I need to kill my wife Insulin overdose', 'plot to kill my wife, do I need a co-conspirator?' and 'hiring hitman UK'.

Mitesh was convicted of murder in December 2018 and sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years.

Jessica's family said afterwards: 'Jessica was a beautiful person both on the inside and out.

'Her soul was pure, her heart ever so kind and the love and generosity she afforded to everyone in her life was second to none.

'She had simple dreams, all she ever wanted was to fall in love, have a family of her own and live happily ever after.

'Losing Jessica has devastated our family. Over the last 6 months we have agonised over what could have happened and the truth we have learnt over the last few weeks is truly painful and traumatic.

'Never could we have ever imagined anything like this. The man we welcomed into our family, who promised to look after and protect her, betrayed her in every sense of the word, cheating her of her dreams, robbing her of her life and robbing us of her.

'No one in this world has the right to take someone else's life. Although even a maximum life sentence is not punishment enough, we are relieved at the outcome of the trial and this will help to bring us a little peace.

'We would like to thank everyone associated with this case who have worked tirelessly in aiding our fight to get justice for Jessica.

'All we really want is to have Jessica back in our lives; something we will never get but we hope now she is finally at peace.'

The story behind Jessica's murder is being told in new documentary Countdown To Murder on 5Star at 9pm on Tuesday.

Patel ransacked their home after the murder to try to make it look like a burglary
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is looking to form partnerships with companies from the United States to develop unconventional oil resources in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Reuters quoted ADNOCs chief executive, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, as saying on Tuesday.

The UAE, one of the large producers in OPEC, is looking to boost its production capacity and eventually, its crude oil production, when the OPEC+ output cuts end.

Last November, Abu Dhabis Supreme Petroleum Council said that the emirate had increased its total oil reserves by 2 billion barrels to 107 billion barrels thanks to new discoveries. The council also announced Abu Dhabi had 22 billion barrels of unconventional oil reserves to date, again thanks to new discoveries onshore. This amount is larger than the reserves contained in Abu Dhabis fields in development and, according to the Supreme Petroleum Council, could rival the U.S. shale boom.

Todays announcement by the SPC of the discovery of recoverable unconventional oil resources demonstrates how ADNOC is efficiently expediting the exploration and development of Abu Dhabis unconventional resources and marks a major milestone as the nations unconventional industry evolves, Al Jaber said at the time.

A few days after that, ADNOC said it had awarded a contract worth up to US$519 million (AED 1.9 billion) to further expand the scope of what it says is the worlds largest combined three-dimensional (3D) onshore and offshore seismic survey, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi.

The award further demonstrates ADNOCs commitment to realizing the full potential of our conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources to ensure the UAE remains a long-term and reliable energy provider to the world, Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Upstream Executive Director, said at the end of November.

Last month, ADNOC signed a collaboration agreement with U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil to explore joint technology research and development (R&D) partnership opportunities in upstream oil and gas, with initial areas including advanced non-metallic solutions, field testing and integrity management, smart reservoir management and well monitoring systems, and innovative emergency response systems.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:


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 New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
First Lady Melania Trump during an inspection of the 18.5-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree for the White House Blue Room, outside the White House on Nov. 23, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Melania Trump Says Serving as First Lady Has Been Greatest Honor of My Life

First Lady Melania Trump said in a farewell video to the nation released on Jan. 18 that serving in the role has been an honor.

My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as first lady of the United States. I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness and grace, she said.

The past four years have been unforgettable.

Trump, 50, a Slovenian native, married President Donald Trump in 2005. She gave birth to their son, Barron, the following year.

A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2021

As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination, Trump added.

I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us wherever we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their debt.

I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet. I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for love of their children. I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that give these children the support and care they need to grow. When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people.

First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump at Trumps 2020 reelection event in Orlando, Fla., on June 18, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, on Nov. 28, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta walk along the colonnade of the White House in Washington on Aug. 27, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

First Lady Melania Trump leaves the White House en route to Bedminster, N.J., on July 27, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in Helsinki, Finland, on July 15, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participate in the arrival of King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the White House in Washington on June 25, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump receives a Shamrock Bowl by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump in the East Room of the White House on March 15, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

First Lady Melania Trump arrives at a joint press conference with President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 23, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

First Lady Melania Trump talks about the opioid crisis before the president announced it as a nationwide public health emergency in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Oct. 26, 2017. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump speaks with the press before boarding Marine One with First Lady Melania Trump on the South Lawn of the White House, on Oct. 3, 2017, en route to Puerto Rico. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania Trump during the Presidents Make America Great Again Rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on July 25, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)

Trump has focused on her Be Best initative, which encourages children to reach their full potential. One component is trying to address the rise in bullying among kids. Another deals with the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged communities across the United States.

In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nations drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system. Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has been an honor to represent the American people abroad. I treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I have met along the way, she said.

The first lady urged parents to teach their children to do their best, educating them about Americans who worked hard and sacrificed for the good of the country and teaching them how to lead by example and care for those in their community.

The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every opportunity to show consideration for another person and build good habits into your daily lives, Trump said.

In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself. Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on Americas legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith.

The Trumps are scheduled to leave office on Jan. 20. President-elect Joe Biden is slated to be sworn in during a ceremony in Washington, alongside his wife, Jill Biden. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, will also take part.
A Florida company that allegedly sold more than 10,000 counterfeit 3M respirators to Hennepin County (Minnesota) Medical Center has been slapped with an injunction from a federal court in Minnesota.

3M sued Nationwide Source Inc. in late December, claiming it was advertising and selling counterfeit N95 face masks  notably to HCMC, which paid more than six times above 3Ms standard price for the authentic goods.

U. S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright on Friday granted 3Ms request for a preliminary injunction, ordering Nationwide Source to stop using the companys trademarks and falsely representing itself as a 3M distributor or authorized retailer.

Nationwides activities were unlawful and endangered the lives of essential medical workers, Maplewood-based 3M said in a statement. Nationwide Source, located in Delray Beach, declined to comment.

Since COVID-19 3M surfaced last winter, 3M has tripled production of its N95 respirators, often seen as the gold standard for filtering out pathogens and particulate matter.

The company has also investigated over 10,000 cases of fraudulent N95 sales, leading to 29 lawsuits and nearly as many injunctions and restraining orders. Thousands of false social media claims and fraudulent e-commerce N95 offerings have also been removed from the internet, according to 3M.

The suit against Nationwide Source is rooted in a deal made with HCMC in November, 3M said in a court filing.

An HCMC employee received a solicitation from National Source offering two different models of 3Ms N95 respirators at $7.95 a piece; the standard price is $1.27. HCMC is a large public hospital in downtown Minneapolis.

The employee asked Nationwide Source to vouch for the authenticity of the products. The company replied that the masks were made overseas, but it provided a verification report from an international inspection agency, the court filing said.

HCMC received the mask shipment on Nov. 16. About 25 days later, an HCMC nurse noticed that one of the masks from Nationwide did not fit as expected, and suspected that the respirator may have been a counterfeit, the court filing said.

On Dec. 14, HCMC reported the suspected fake N95 to 3M, which confirmed it was counterfeit and told HCMC that Nationwide Source was not an authorized distributor of 3M products.

3M said it sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company, but received no response; it then sued.

2021 StarTribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that leaking sensitive information related to the national secret of a planned attack to a journalist is a "criminal act" and persons behind this should be put in prison.

To a question about the alleged chats discussing the Balakot air strike after the February 14, 2019 Pulwama terror strike on CRPF convoy, Rahul Gandhi said, "Leaking of any sensitive information is a criminal act. This applies to the person who sends it and the person who receives it." He said that such a sensitive issue was a subject of national secret regarding a planned air strike which is only either with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Defence Minister, Indian Air Force Chief and the National Security Advisor.

"I want to know who among the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister or NSA leaked secret information to the journalist. This is a criminal act. If the journalist had such information on his WhatsApp, I assume the Pakistanis too had it," he said.

He also said that by leaking such information to a journalist risked the IAF fighter jets and pilots and this was not an act of "patriotism".

He also said for leaking such a classified information, the process of putting the people in prison should start.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
NEW DELHI : Urban India has increased savings and investments, and cut down basic and luxury expenses significantly due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey done by Max Life Insurance.

Urban India continues to grow anxious about financial security, fear of COVID-19 infection, untimely death of breadwinner, and cost of COVID-19 treatment, Max Life's India Protection Quotient (IPQ) 3.0 revealed. Term insurance ownership registers 4 percentage point increase during Covid-19 pandemic; however, conversion to ownership of term insurance still under 50 per cent, it said.

Around 4,357 respondents were surveyed via face-to-face interviews with adequate safety measures across 25 cities comprising six metros, nine Tier I and 10 Tier II cities, it said.

Urban India has grown more anxious about financial security and preparedness in the last one year, the survey said, adding, financial anxieties related to COVID-19, and ability of current earnings to cover expenses have emerged as top concerns for them. "IPQ 3.0 brought to light that in comparison to pre-COVID-19 times in IPQ 2.0, urban Indians are prioritizing savings and investments over discretionary spending.

"Savings and investments increased from 41 per cent (IPQ 2.0) to 50 per cent, whereas basic expenses decreased from 44 per cent (IPQ 2.0) to 41 per cent and luxury expenses decreased from 14 per cent (IPQ 2.0) to 9 per cent," it said. Savings objectives also saw some change during the pandemic, it said. While only 35 per cent saved for untimely death of breadwinner earlier, a higher 41 per cent saved for it now and 62 per cent saved for old age security, as compared to 57 per cent earlier, it added.

With a sense of increasing worries and reducing security, IPQ 3.0 saw urban Indians becoming more proactive about financial planning and overall health and fitness. 69 per cent respondents said that they're proactive about financial planning and they believe in saving more than spending respectively, it said. Even with a vaccine in sight, 'Digitally Savvy Urban Indian' continues to feel attitudinally less secure at 51 per cent, it said. PTI DP MR

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iQSTEL, Inc. (USOTC: IQST) today published a letter from the company CEO, Leandro Jose Iglesias, to shareholders. The letter is included in its entirety, below:

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

January 19th, 2021

Dear Shareholders,

While 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the closure of companies and countries completely paralyzed, iQSTEL was able to advance in the development of its business plan, reaching a $44.8 Million Preliminary Revenue Benchmark for FY-2020, and having a $60.5 Million Forecast Revenue for FY-2021. This was made possible by having a clearly defined vision and execution plan.

In the course of 2020, we incorporated three new subsidiaries into our business, with the acquisition of Qglobal, LLC and IoT Labs, LLC, and the creation of Global Money One, LLC. These three new companies, combined with our existing subsidiaries (Etelix, SwissLink and ItsBchain) create a portfolio of products and services well beyond just in the telecom arena.

We have also diversified our sources of revenue. Until 2019, 100% of the revenue came from the VoIP wholesale services business. That changed in 2020 where only 44% of our revenue came from VoIP wholesale services and 56% came from SMS services. Revenue diversification is a fundamental part of our business plan, and we expect this to continue in 2021 with:

The successful launch of the Internet of Things (IoT) products, where we recently won the IoT Breakthrough Award as the "Appliance of the Year".

Our entry into the Fintech arena with the release of our Visa Debit Card services through the recent agreement we signed with DTone, which also allows us to manage international remittances and top up off mobile services in 42 countries across the World.

We are focused on a continuous process of value creation for our shareholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. In this sense, our business plan includes gathering all the elements that will allow us to complete a future up-listing to a national exchange.

With that purpose in mind, we have been working on improving our balance sheet. Recently, we announced the discharge of all convertible notes and warrants, and a 48% reduction in total debt. This will be reflected in our first quarter of 2021 financial report.

To mitigate future dilution over the next three years, the company is alternatively pursuing a Reg A registered fund-raising strategy to avoid the potential need of requiring convertible notes or other forms of toxic financing. For this reason, the company summited to the SEC an extension for selling 56 Million shares within the Reg A offering statement (originally qualified by the SEC in December 2019).

At the time the Company submitted the Reg A extension, the 10 cents per share price seemed appropriate. Since then, we have seen a market reaction to recent business progress and a corresponding share price increase in turn closing the gap between our business value and our market cap.

Here is a recap on the most relevant milestones over the previous three months:

1) Signing of a LOI with ALTERNET (ALYI) to develop an IoT Smart EV device to enter the Electric Vehicles Supply Market (Technology Division).

2) Signing of a MOU with PayVMS and the incorporation of a new subsidiary, Global Money One, for the development of our Visa Debit Card (Fintech Division).

3) Execution of the Agreement with DTone for the International Remittance and Top Up Mobile services worldwide. These services will be available through our Visa Debit Card user (Fintech Division).

4) Our Telecom Business surpassed $5 million in monthly revenue for three consecutive months, setting Monthly and Quarterly Revenue Records (Telecom Division).

5) Our IoT Smart Gas winning the "Appliance of the Year" (Technology Division) award as an IoT Breakthrough.

We have disclosed within our Reg-A filing, that the use of funds is for servicing debt and funding acquisitions in FY -2021. In conjunction with the recently announced convertible and overall debt reduction, the Reg-A qualification and pursuant fundraising process can be primarily dedicated to funding acquisitions.

The Reg-A financial instrument for raising funds allows the company to sell registered shares, but does not mandate the sale of registered shares. We plan to only sell shares in the Reg-A as needed. Furthermore, the Company has reserved within the Reg A some mechanisms to adjust the offering share price. We are evaluating all available options at this time.

Over the last year our Management Team has shown impressive commitment in executing the business plan, particularly in successfully completing the acquisitions. In further proof of their ongoing commitment to and confidence in the overall long-term potential of the Company, senior management decided to convert 21 Million common shares (valuated in +$5.6 Million at Friday's closing price), into Series B Preferred shares, with a 1-year Lock-Up and an additional year Leak Out.

The Company is in the middle of executing essential activities, which will be announced over the next couple of weeks. We anticipate these new milestones will further solidify shareholder confidence in our overall Business and Corporate direction.

Please send your questions and thoughts to our ambassador FB group and to [email protected] .

Respectfully yours,

Leandro Jose Iglesias

iQSTEL Inc. (www.iqstel.com)

President & CEO

About iQSTEL Inc (Updated):

iQSTEL Inc (OTC: IQST) (www.iQSTEL.com) is a US-based publicly-listed company offering leading-edge Telecommunication, Technology and Fintech Services for Global Markets, with presence in 13 countries. The company provides services to the Telecommunications, Financial Services, Liquid Fuel Distribution and Electric Vehicle Industries. iQSTEL has 3 Business Divisions: Telecom, Technology and Fintech, with worldwide B2B and B2C customer relations operating through its subsidiaries: Etelix, SwissLink, QGlobal SMS, SMSDirectos, IoT Labs, itsBchain and Global Money One. The Company has an extensive portfolio of products and services for its clients: SMS, VoIP, 4G & 5G international infrastructure connectivity, Cloud-PBX, OmniChannel Marketing, IoT Smart Gas Platform, IoT Smart Electric Vehicle Platform, Mobile Number Portability Application MNPA (Blockchain), Settlement & Payments Marketplace (Blockchain), Visa Debit Card, Money Remittance, and Pay Mobile Phone Services among others.

About Etelix.com USA LLC (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

Etelix.com USA LLC (www.etelix.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. Etelix.com USA, LLC is a Miami, Florida-based international telecom carrier founded in 2008 that provides telecom and technology solutions worldwide, with commercial presence in North America, Latin America, and Europe. Enabled by its 214-license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Etelix provides International Long-Distance voice services for Telecommunications Operators (ILD Wholesale), and Submarine Fiber Optic Network capacity for internet (4G and 5G). Etelix was founded in 2008 and has been profitable since inception.

About SwissLink Carrier AG (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

SwissLink Carrier AG (www.swisslink-carrier.com) is a 51% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. SwissLink Carrier AG is a Switzerland based international Telecommunications Carrier founded in 2015 providing international VoIP connectivity worldwide, with commercial presence in Europe, CIS and Latin America. SwissLink Carrier AG is a Swiss licensed Operator, having a domestic Interconnect with Swisscom, allowing their international Carrier Customers direct terminations via SwissLink into all Switzerland Fix & Mobile Networks. Since the takeover from Swissphone in November 2018 and the rename into SwissLink, they operate on a profitable level.

About QGlobal SMS LLC (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

QGlobal SMS LLC (www.qglobalsms.com) is a 51% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. QGlobal SMS is a USA based company and a commercial brand founded in 2020 specialized in international and domestic SMS termination, with emphasis on the Applications to Person (A2P) and Person to Person (P2P) for Wholesale Carrier Market and Corporate Market in US. QGlobal SMS has commercial presence in US, Mexico, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia) and Africa, through our SMS service providers based in Austin, TX and Miami, FL Our Austin-based SMS service provider is specialized in the SMS traffic exchange between US and Mexico, and our Miami-based SMS service provider is focused in the development of Latin America and the rest of the world. QGlobal SMS has robust international interconnection with Tier1 SMS Aggregators, guarantying its customers high quality and low termination rates, over more than 100 countries worldwide.

About Alcyon Cloud SMS S.A.S, Commercial Brand SMSDirectos.com (iQSTELs Telecom Division):

Alcyon Cloud SMS S.A.S. (Commercial Brand SMSDirectos.com), is a whole subsidiary of QGlobal SMS, a Colombian-based Application and Content Provider. Alcyon Cloud SMS (SMSDirectos.com) is registered with the Secretary of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Colombia, offering services to government, enterprises, small and medium business, as well as end-users. Using SMSDirectos' existing network, they plan to expand services from SMS to offer omnichannel products and services such as: SMS, Emails, RCS (Rich Communications Services), Social Media Channels (Whats App, Messenger, etc), WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), VoIP (IP-PBX, SIP Trunking) ChatBots (Artificial Intelligence Based), SMS to Email, and Email to SMS.

About IoT Labs MX SAPI (iQSTELs Technology Division):

IoT Labs MX SAPI (www.iotlabs.mx), a subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc, is an Internet of Things (IoT) Mexican technology development company, creator of the "IoT Smart Gas" Platform and Application. The IoT Smart Gas platform www.iotsmartgas.com consists of an IoT field device installed on the LP gas tank (adaptable to virtually any gas or liquid storage tank) and, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) technology via Sigfox or GSM network connectivity, allows remote managed and improved logistic processes of refilling, usage tracking and tank monitoring in real-time by the Smart Gas mobile app. The new GSM tracking feature allows for mobile use including ground, air, and sea tank monitoring.

About itsBchain LLC (iQSTELs Technology Division):

itsBchain LLC (www.itsBchain.com) is a 75% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. itsBchain is a blockchain technology developer and solution provider, with a strong focus on the telecom sector. The company is the final stage of development of a series of blockchain solutions aimed at using the blockchain ledger and smart contract solutions to enable more efficiency, quickness in execution and fraud-prevention in the telco industry. Specifically, the company is developing a solution that will enable users and carriers to transfer mobile phone numbers with just a few clicks, allowing users and carriers the ability to transfer retail users from one mobile carrier to another instantly. Additionally, the company is finalizing a carrier-grade marketplace solution to procure payments between carriers for cross-traffic of VoIP, SMS and data realtime as traffic is crossed between carriers. This marketplace will allow for instant payment settlement as well as the prevention of fraud between carriers.

About Global Money One Inc (iQSTELs Fintech Division):

Global Money One Inc. (www.GlobalMoneyOne.com) is a 75% owned subsidiary of iQSTEL Inc. Global Money One Inc is a Miami, Florida-based Fin-Tech company that uses a blend of industry expertise, state-of-the-art technology and compliance requirements to create disruptive solutions that deliver control, security and real-time payments and innovative Financial capabilities with reduced cost for consumers, specially to the unbanked, underbanked and underserved segments of today's society. Our portfolio of services will include a Prepaid VISA MoneyOne Card (www.visamoneyone.com) expected to enable customers to make purchases in stores and online, withdraw cash at ATMs or receive cash back when using it to make a purchase, recharge prepaid mobile phone service and send money domestically or internationally (+ 40 countries). The VISA MoneyOne Card is expected to also facilitate the deposit of funds into bank accounts, Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) by mobile phone, bill payments, rewards, and digital gift cards. The VISA MoneyOne is the new and freedom financial world wallet expected launch in early Q2 2021.

Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and iQSTEL Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

iQSTEL Inc.

IR US Phone: 646-740-0907, IR Email: [email protected]

Source: iQSTEL Inc. and its subsidiaries:

www.iqstel.com ; www.etelix.com ; www.qglobalsms.com ; www.swisslink-carrier.com ; www.smsdirectos.com ; www.iotlabs.mx ; www.iotsmartgas.com ; www.iotsmartev.com : www.itsBchain.com ; www.globalmoneyone.com ; www.visamoneyone.com

Source: iQSTEL, Inc.

SOURCE iQSTEL, Inc.

Related Links

http://iqstel.com


WASHINGTON - Residents of the region expressed new frustrations Monday over how to get the coronavirus vaccine as the pool of eligible recipients grew and the available supply was far outstripped by demand.

More than 1,400 new appointments for senior citizens in the District of Columbia were snapped up in 25 minutes, city officials said, while people who were newly eligible in Maryland and parts of Virginia also struggled to get appointments.

In Fairfax County, Virginia's most populous jurisdiction, the health department started accepting registrations for residents 65 and older or who are at least 16 and have a high-risk medical condition or disability that increases their chance of getting severely ill from covid-19, the disease that can be caused by the virus.

More than 50,000 people have signed up, said Fairfax Health Department spokesman Jeremy Lasich, but the county has enough vaccine for about 10,000 doses a week. Some of those who went online to get an appointment were sent an email with a unique link to sign up; others were told there were not enough doses to go around and were added to a waitlist.

"Don't call us, we'll call you," quipped one 74-year-old Annandale resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he worried about risking his future access to the vaccine.

Lasich said the department heard from some residents who were confused by the messages, which he said were intended to provide updates on the process and assure them that they are still registered.

Maryland expanded vaccine eligibility Monday to Phase 1B, which includes people age 75 and older, K-12 teachers, child-care workers, those in assisted-living facilities and incarcerated people at high risk of developing complications from covid-19.

Some residents said on community email groups and in emails to The Washington Post that appointments were hard to secure and were unavailable in some places.

A Chevy Chase, Md., resident said he found the state's sign-up website difficult to navigate, especially for seniors who might not be as tech-savvy. The man, who is 77, said he was frustrated that he could not find available appointments in Montgomery County. He said he made an appointment for next week in another county, which he declined to name because he said he did not know whether such as move was allowed.

"Something like this should be as user-friendly as possible," he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was worried about his medical privacy. "I get that it's a tough thing to do, but we've known this vaccine is coming for months. It should be much smoother."

Jinlene Chan, Maryland's acting deputy health secretary, said no state policy requires people to be vaccinated in their home county. Local health departments, she said, have discretion in doling out their doses.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, publicly received his first dose of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine Monday, and he urged state residents to seek it as soon as they qualify. Hogan, who is 64 and had cancer, said he qualified for the vaccine under the "continuity of government" category in Phase 1B.

"The only way that we're going to return to a sense of normalcy is through these coronavirus vaccines," Hogan said. First lady Yumi Hogan, as well as Republican Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford and his wife, Monica Rutherford, also were publicly vaccinated.

Hogan acknowledged that his state and others have faced criticism for the sluggish rollout of vaccinations. But he said that Maryland is months ahead of schedule in expanding to other priority groups and that it is vaccinating people at a faster rate than the federal government is supplying doses. Public advocacy campaigns to encourage residents to get the vaccines are expected to launch in the next few weeks, he said.

Maryland reported 1,769 new coronavirus cases Monday, the lowest single-day tally in three weeks (reporting often slows on weekends, and it was a holiday). Twenty-nine new deaths were reported.

The District of Columbia reported 182 new cases and seven deaths Monday - four women and three men, ranging in age from 58 to 90 years. Virginia, which on Sunday reported a record 9,914 new cases, on Monday added 7,245 cases and 10 deaths.

D.C. resident Gail Hochhauser said she and her husband, who are over 65, have grown "extraordinarily frustrated" trying to make a vaccine appointment in the city since becoming eligible Jan. 11.

The city shifted strategy late last week, reserving some appointments for residents of its least affluent wards, which have been hit hardest by the virus. That decision came after data showed that a tiny fraction of the available appointments had gone to poorer residents.

Hochhauser, who is the director of development for a nonprofit organization, said she and her husband tried the city's website on separate computers at 9 a.m. every day last week and again Monday. If the website did not crash or boot them off, she said, they would hit refresh repeatedly. After 20 to 30 minutes, she said, they would see, "No appointments currently available."

When she called the city's coronavirus alert center just after it opened at 8 a.m., Hochhauser said, she got a recording, once saying she was 196th in line and another time 220th.

She said she and her friends are worried that the vaccine will be made available to the next eligible group before medically vulnerable seniors have had a chance.

"It's just not working," she said.

A D.C. Health Department spokeswoman said the city is "working closely with partners around-the-clock" to improve the appointment scheduling process.

"We know how stressful of a time this is, and we will continue to advocate to the federal government for more vaccine for our residents and workers," the spokeswoman said. "The District of Columbia will continue to make the vaccine available promptly as we receive doses, and we remain committed to ensuring an equitable distribution."

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Zauzmer contributed to this report.

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
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Anas Sarwar and Monica Lennon will face off to become the leader of Scottish Labour after nominations closed on Tuesday.

The pair were both able to gain at least four nominations each from MSPs or Labours sole Scottish MP in order to trigger the contest.

The partys ruling body has set out a condensed timetable which will see a new leader appointed to succeed Richard Leonard by the end of next month, more than eight weeks before the Holyrood elections.

Expand Close Mr Leonard resigned suddenly on Thursday (Jane Barlow/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mr Leonard resigned suddenly on Thursday (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Leonard announced his departure on Thursday, triggering a race to take over the party in time to fight the election in May.

Mr Sarwar has claimed to have won the support of 15 of Scottish Labours 23 MSPs, as well as Edinburgh MP Ian Murray and more than 70 councillors.

After nominations closed, he said: The hard graft starts here.

Leadership hustings will take place between Wednesday and February 9, the same day the voting opens.

Expand Close Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Anas Sarwar (PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Anas Sarwar (PA)

Voting will close on February 26, with an announcement made virtually the following day.

In the early days of the campaign, Scotlands constitutional future has become one of its key issues, with Ms Lennon saying the party should not move to block another vote on independence.

She told the BBC: I dont believe in Scottish independence but I do understand people maybe have frustrations, things are not settled, and Im not in politics to tell people what they cant have. Ill always respect democracy.

We have to find out why this is such a polarising issue in Scotland, we cant just wish it away.

Meanwhile, Mr Sarwar, a steadfast opponent of Scottish independence and the partys constitution spokesman under Richard Leonard, said the next parliamentary term should be used to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

He told the Daily Record on Tuesday: I do not support an independence referendum in the next parliament. I support the next parliament being a Covid recovery parliament.

When asked how the party can win back support from the SNP, he said it should be true to our principles, weve got to say what we believe and why we believe it, and hope to win people back on that argument.
After a short period of the website down, controversial social media platform Parlor is now partially back online thanks to a Russia-based tech firm. Interestingly, the tech company has several ties to other racist and conspiracy theory sites.

As spotted by Reuters, Parler uses an internet protocol address owned by DDoS-Guard. According to infrastructure expert Ronald Guilmette, the Russian company has a long laundry-list of history of working with racist, far-right, and conspiracy sites.

"We are not related to any politic issues and don't want to be associated in any sense with customer hosting such toxic sites like QAnon/8chan," Evgeniy Marchenko, one of DDoS-Guard's two founders, vehemently denied his company's ties with conspiracy sites, as reported by Business Insider from The Guardian.

The Russian tech company has previously provided its services for companies and internet providers like VanwaTech. The Washington-based provided sparked controversy after one of its websites, 8kun, was used by rioters to plot the Capitol siege earlier this month.

Read also: Huawei Uighur Controversy: Finance Chief Meng Wanzhou Received Bullets Sent In Mail.

Goodbye, Amazon

Previously, Amazon Web Service (AWS) has cut its commercial ties with Parler after 'repeated' violent and threatening content on January 11. When users tried to visit the website on desktop or mobile, Parler would greet them with a message saying, "This site can't be reached: parler.com's server IP address could not be found."

"Recently, we've seen a steady increase in this violent content on your website, all of which violates our terms. It's clear that Parler does not have an effective process to comply with the AWS terms of service," Amazon told Parler in a letter, as reported by NBC.

Two days later, Parler CEO John Matze told Reuters that his team has been trying to get the website back online and in touch with multiple service providers. Matze promised that the website will be live by the end of January. Although the boss declined to elaborate on which provider he's been in contact with, several proofs have indicated that Parler will be operating under DDoS-Guard.

Big Tech vs. Parlor

Besides, Amazon is not the only tech behemoth to be pit against Parler. Google and Apple have also previously removed Parler from their Android Play Store and iOS App Store services, making it harder for Parler to gain trust from any provider.

As of this writing, Parler's website is back online, but viewing and creating content, as well as managing accounts, is still impossible. John Matze greets both "lovers and haters" on the front page of his website.

"We will resolve any challenge before us and plan to welcome all of you back soon. We will not let civil discourse perish!" the CEO writes.

Parler was raised to popularity after Big Techs like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook started labeling content Donald Trump's account as misleading. The pinnacle of it came after the aforementioned apps and several others temporarily banned the president.

Related post: 'Grand Theft Auto Online' Update: Double Money Bonus, New Vehicle Introduced.
San Franciscos vaccine supply will run dry by the end of this week if the city doesnt receive any new shipments, Mayor London Breed said Tuesday.

The city could run out of vaccines by Thursday, Breed said. That would affect people who would get the vaccine through the city; private providers have a separate supply, and Breed added that the supply constraint for the city should not have a significant impact on plans to open a mass vaccination center soon at City College.

Dr. Grant Colfax, the citys main public health official, said that the city has received 8,000 doses from the Moderna lot that the state recommended not be administered while they are studied further, following a spate of allergic reactions from the lot at Petco Park in San Diego.

"We paused on those out of an abundance of caution, he said. We have not received any replacement doses." Last week, the city got 12,000 doses overall. This week only 1,775. "This unreliable source makes it hard to plan."

San Franciscos supply crunch is emblematic of what health officials in the city and across the state have been saying for weeks: there are not enough vaccines to keep up with the public-health demand.

San Franciscos entire health care system has received 102,825 doses of the vaccine as of Tuesday, Breed said. But those are supposed to count as both first and second doses. There are about 210,000 people in San Francisco eligible for the vaccine under the first tier of Californias vaccine-distribution system.

While we are making progress, we simply need more vaccines, Breed said Tuesday.

Overall, 28,501 San Franciscans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 6,347 have received two doses.

"We will be ready to vaccinate 10,000 people a day, Colfax said. But right now our challenge is the lack of vaccine. The (Department of Public Health) vaccine supply will be exhausted by Thursday."

Asked about when San Franciscos stay-at-home order might end, Colfax said: "We have some hopeful signs in regard to case rates starting to drop and hospitalizations starting to level off. ... If that trend continues I expect we will move out of that state stay-at-home order. The trend is in a positive direction... This is no time to let down our guard."

Regarding the new variant, Colfax said, "There is a likelihood that it is more infectious." But "there is no reason to panic," and people should follow standard public safety protocols.

Michael Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: michael.williams@sfchronicle.com
A year ago, I made a bold and, as it transpired, horrendously wrong prediction about the 2020 US Election.

It wasn't quite as bad as the Decca Recording Company turning down the Beatles in 1961 because 'we don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out', but it wasn't far off.

Last January, Donald Trump had just been feted at Davos for the purring US economy, his Impeachment trial over alleged Russian collusion was collapsing in his favour, he'd taken out the world's top two terror leaders in just four months (ISIS chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Iran's military commander, General Suleimani), and the Democrats were eating themselves alive.

'The President's laughing all the way back to the White House,' I wrote. 'The Democrats need a Hail Mary pass in November.'

Well, they got one a lot earlier than that in the form of the coronavirus pandemic which erupted in February and exposed all Trump's worst failings as a leader including his delusional fork-tongued narcissism, refusal to believe or heed science, and chronic inability to show even a shred of empathy towards the millions of Americans left mourning or jobless as COVID-19 wrought its mayhem.

Scroll down for video

President Donald Trump is seen last week on January 12 boarding Air Force One in Harlingen, Texas. He begins his last full day in office today

The MAGA mob are seen about during the Capitol riots on January 06

If that wasn't bad enough, he then gave an equally disastrous masterclass in how not to handle a crisis following the horrendous killing of George Floyd at the knee of a brutal callous police officer.

And in the final horrific coup de grace of his presidency, Trump refused to accept the result of the free and fair election and whipped up a frenzied mob of his supporters into such a deadly fury with his deliberate lies about having the result 'stolen' from him that they stormed the US Capitol and attacked the very heart of American democracy.

So, in just 12 months, Donald Trump's gone from a man heading for comfortable re-election to the worst president in US history with the lowest outgoing approval rating ever recorded.

Tomorrow morning, in an act of spectacular gracelessness even by his very low standards, humiliated Trump will slink out of office and flee Washington without bothering to attend Joe Biden's inauguration or greet him for the traditional handover on the steps of the White House.

I doubt the Bidens give a monkey's cuss if he's there or not.

And nor should they, because Trump's presidency is ending in a blaze of shame and ignominy that threatens to contaminate anyone who comes within a hundred meters of him.

The MAGA mob smashes windows above as they enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6

As he leaves though, there remains the very important question of what should now happen to him.

It's been a febrile debate that's raged intensely since the US Capitol riots on January 6 and been fuelled by the House of Representatives launching another impeachment charge at him, the first time any president has ever been impeached twice.

His trial in the Senate won't take place until after he's gone, so it won't be an instrument to remove him from office.

But what it can be is an instrument to hold him properly to account for what happened at the Capitol and to potentially bar him from ever running for president again.

In my opinion, Trump should be convicted.

If a president can't be impeached for inspiring an insurrection against the result of a democratic election in his own country  then, when can he?

This is far more serious than anything Richard Nixon ever did.

Trump was to those rioters what Osama bin Laden was to Al Qaeda fighters, the delusional and deranged figurehead of a large brain-washed nihilistic terror group intent on violently attacking and destroying US democracy.

Only by luck, and heroic police work, did we avoid seeing elected officials murdered that day in a way that would have had Al-Qaeda or ISIS cheering.

But what we did see is more than enough for Donald Trump to be convicted in the Senate.

He undeniably inspired those rioters with his appalling lies and 'STOP THE STEAL!' rhetoric. We all saw and heard him with our own eyes and ears.

He commanded them to go down to the Capitol and stop the election being stolen.

He urged them to 'fight' and promised the protest would be 'wild'.

QAnon shaman Jacob Chansley, 33, stormed the Capitol wearing a fur headdress with horns

And even two hours into their riots, as they were still on the rampage inside Congress, doing exactly what he told them to do, Trump went on TV to say he loved them, and they were 'special people.' One of these 'special people' was seen on camera wearing a Camp Auschwitz T-shirt.

Trump may not have physically been there, but he was to blame.

Just as Bin Laden wasn't himself on the planes on 9/11 but was entirely responsible for what happened.

Many of the Capitol rioters, or domestic terrorists as they should be called, have since told the FBI that they acted on the instructions of the president.

Texas real estate broker Jenna Ryan, 50, who bragged about taking a private jet to storm the US Capitol during the January 6 siege and was arrested Friday is now demanding President Donald Trump pardon her from charges after simply following his instructions

Ryan pictured wearing a Trump hat storming the US Capitol during the January 6 siege. She later tweeted, 'We just stormed the Capital. It was one of the best days of my life'

Jenna Ryan, a Texas realtor arrested at the scene, even asked Trump for a pardon because she claimed to have been following his instructions.

'I just want people to know I'm a normal person,' she told CBS11, 'that I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol'.

So, he should be convicted in the Senate on the charge of inciting an insurrection because that's self-evidently what he did.

But WILL he be?

That's the big question.

The answer lies with Republicans.

And if I were Donald Trump, I'd be starting to sweat.

Republican support for convicting him has grown in his final days in office, according to a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll published today.

Around 20 percent of Republicans said they 'strongly' or 'somewhat' approved of convicting, up from 14 percent a week earlier.

There's movement against Trump, and it's dangerous movement for him.

It shows that more and more Republicans are reflecting on what happened, reading and seeing ever more appalling evidence about exactly what went down that day, and realising just how bad it was.

And they're also starting to realise that there is a massive inconsistency looming in the whole accountability process.

How can any of the rioters be prosecuted and convicted of their serious crimes of insurrection if the man who by their own words inspired them to commit them goes free?

How can the supposed 'party of law and order' turn a blind eye to such brazen disregard for law and order as shown by Donald Trump?

For the Senate to convict, 17 Republican senators must vote with the 50 Democrats who will be making up the chamber from tomorrow.

And key to that scenario happening is Republican senate leader Mitch McConnell who's said he has an open mind about it.

If he decides to vote to convict, so will at least 16 other Republican senators because there's no way McConnell will pull the Brutus-style trigger if he isn't sure of victory.

If McConnell needs any help in deciding the right thing to do, he should look no further than Trump's own words.

In a typically cowardly U-turn last week, Trump threw under the bus all the rioters who he had earlier claimed to love because they were 'special people.'

'America is a nation of laws,' he said. 'Those who engaged in the attacks last week will be brought to justice.'

But the rioters can't be brought to justice if the guy who sent them down to the Capitol to 'fight' for him and 'STOP THE STEAL!' isn't.

It's time to remind every Republican senator that their first duty is to serve the American Constitution and rule of Law, not Donald Trump.

And that in an impeachment trial, they are required to exercise 'impartial justice.'

The oath they will take says: 'I solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God.'

By any impartial justice, Donald Trump's guilty as charged.
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 government is probing former Labour minister Petronella Kagonye on allegations of improperly acquiring six farms in Mashonaland East under her real estate firm, Glorious Properties.

On her part, Kagonye described the investigation in an interview with the Daily News yesterday as a smear campaign by her detractors.

I feel there are people who have personal issues with me. There have been attempts to soil my name. I have nothing to do with those farms, she said.

However, documents in the possession of the Daily News allege that Kagonye used her influence when she worked in the Lands ministry a decade ago to improperly acquire the vast tracts of land in question  before she joined active politics.

A one time deputy minister of Transport before she was purged from government at the height of Zanu PFs ugly tribal, factional and succession wars in 2014, Kagonye later bounced back as Minister of Labour for a brief period between December 2017 and July 2018.

Recently, she participated in and lost during Zanu PFs chaotic district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections in Goromonzi. According to the documents in the Daily Newss possession, some of the contested farms are allegedly registered in the names of Kagonyes family members.

Glebe Farm in Goromonzi is registered under Stanley Kagonye, Umritsur Farm in Chabwino and Entiors Farm in Ward 21 are registered under Kagonye, Woodley Farm in Melfort is under Johannes Kagonye, Alderley Farm in Arcturus is under Austin Kagonye, and Banana Grove is under Isiah Kagonye, the documents put together by the Ministry of Housing and Social Amenities say.

Apart from the six farms, it is alleged that Kagonye is also claiming ownership of the vast 598-hectare Hofmoor Estate. As of now, Kagonye says she owns the Hofmoor Estate. She says it was allocated to her by the government, the documents state further.

In addition, it is also claimed that Glorious Properties owns a vast portfolio of residential land in Ruwa, Caledonia, Arcturus, Mara and Mandalay Park. Further, the documents claim that the former minister is also allegedly involved in wars to control another six farms in Ruwa.

The ex-minister is fighting to control Mara, Hofmoor Estates, Rosemary, Green Sykes, Capital Foods and Clovedales farms. All these farms are in Ruwa, the report alleges. Kagonye is also alleged to be at the centre of a tussle to control a freehold property measuring 40 827 hectares that was said to have been bought by a company called Mashonaland East Tobacco Graders (METG) in June 2011.

In a formal complaint to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), METG director Samson Chauruka said Kagonye systematically and knowingly abused her political influence in a bid to grab the property.

She has systemically contrived through a carefully orchestrated racket by hook and by crook, violent dispossession, brute force, blatant thuggery and political scheming to exploit grey areas within the context and intent of the land reform programme to personally and fraudulently go on an unbridled primitive accumulation of vast tracts of land and wealth, Chauruka wrote.

However, Kagonye described Chaurukas claims as another smear campaign aimed at destroying her character. The Mashonaland East tobacco farm that Chauruka says I want to grab from him is just 40 hectares. Chauruka has been using the media to try and soil my name  what power do I yield now eight years after I left the Lands ministry? she asked.

This comes after authorities said recently that 15 land kingpins, as well as 5 000 smaller land barons were in possession of 80 percent of residential land space acquired using dubious methods. Daily News
President Donald Trump on Monday lifted coronavirus-related travel restrictions for much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil, effective on January 26 -- nearly a week after he leaves office.

In an executive order issued Monday evening, Trump said he had been advised to lift restrictions for European countries in the Schengen Zone, which consists of 26 countries, the UK, Ireland and Brazil but leave in place restrictions on travel from Iran and China.

"I agree with the Secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely," Trump wrote in the order, referring to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar.

President-elect Joe Biden is set to take over the presidency on Wednesday and his incoming press secretary, Jen Psaki, said that his administration would not lift the restrictions.

"With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel," Psaki said on Twitter. "On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

Reuters was first to report the order.

The expected easing of travel restrictions comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week it will require a negative Covid-19 test from all air passengers entering the United States -- a move it says may help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Air passengers will be required to get a test within three days before their flight to the United States departs, and to provide written documentation of their lab results, or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

CNN has reached out to the White House Coronavirus Task Force as to whether the panel approved the anticipated move.

The combination of the testing program announced last week and lifting travel restrictions aligns with the interests of several airlines that have been in negotiations with the CDC and the White House. Earlier this month, a group of major airlines asked the Trump administration to broadly expand a program to test US-bound passengers and simultaneously lift travel restrictions.

Airlines for America -- with members including American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines -- wrote to Vice President Mike Pence asking the administration to implement "a global program to require testing for travelers to the United States." Such a program would allow authorities to release restrictions on entering the US from the European Union, United Kingdom, and Brazil, the group wrote.

Last month, the CDC announced that passengers arriving in the United States from the United Kingdom must test negative for Covid-19 before departure in response to a new coronavirus variant that is said to have originated in the UK and is potentially more transmissible. At least 72 cases of a variant first identified in the UK have been found in 10 US states, according to data posted last week by the CDC.

The potential travel restriction reversal would come as the Trump administration shifts on another element of the coronavirus response in the President's final days in office.

The Department of Health and Human Services was expected to announce sweeping changes last week in vaccine rollout guidelines in an effort to boost the lagging number of vaccinations in the first month -- effectively adopting the approach proposed by Biden's incoming administration.

Since then, hopes of a surge in Covid-19 vaccine shipments under a new policy to release second doses held in reserve appear to be evaporating -- with the revelation that those doses have already been distributed, contrary to recent indications by the Trump administration.

A senior administration official told CNN that when the administration announced that it would be releasing reserved doses last Friday, many of those reserves had already been released into the system starting last year as production was ramping up.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.
A bag of cement which usually costs approximately $50 has more than tripled in price at some places since Covid-19 invaded the country in March 2020.

Some people are paying as much as $150 and more for a bag of cement.
Authorities have identified 69-year-old Sylvester Jones, of Brockton, as the victim in a fatal rollover crash on Route 24 in Stoughton on Monday.

Massachusetts State Police said Jones was ejected from a Lexus SUV after the car went off the right side of Route 24 northbound shortly before 11 a.m. on Monday. The vehicle rolled over multiple times, leaving a woman trapped inside, according to a statement from Massachusetts State Police.

The woman, who authorities say is a 47-year-old Boston resident, was rescued by first responders and taken Boston Medical Center. She suffered serious wounds in the crash, officials said.

Police did not specify whether Jones or the woman was the driver.

Continuing investigation into this mornings crash has resulted in a revision of the earlier determination of who was driving the SUV, they said. At this time we have not concluded who was driving. That remains part of the ongoing investigation, as does the cause of the crash.

The woman remains hospitalized, authorities said.

The crash is still under investigation.
The Can Mata project is the first landfill gas injection project in Europe to be financed by a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

GRENOBLE, France, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrovial Servicios, a leading global service operator, has selected Waga Energy to produce biomethane at the Can Mata landfill, one of Spain's largest landfill, near Barcelona. The site will be the first in Spain to use the WAGABOX purification technology, developed by Waga Energy to recover landfill gas in the form of biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas.

The WAGABOX unit at the Can Mata site will be commissioned in 2022. It will treat up to 2,200 m3/h of landfill gas and inject 70 GWh of biomethane per year into the gas grid of the Spanish operator Nedgia, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 14,000 Spanish households or 200 lorries. The project will avoid the emission of 17,000 tonnes of CO2 per year by substituting renewable gas for natural gas.

This is the first ever landfill gas injection project to be financed by a long-term power purchase agreement in Europe. This method of financing is common for renewable electricity projects, but rarely used for green gas projects, generally unable to provide buyers with a competitive price over the long term.

This first-ever "Biomethane Purchase Agreement" has been made possible thanks to the proven efficiency of the WAGABOX technology, combined to Waga Energy's unique expertise in the management of landfill gas injection projects.

The two partners have adopted a business model that guarantees high performance throughout the project cycle. Waga Energy will purchase landfill gas from Ferrovial Servicios and finance the construction and operation of the WAGABOX unit, manage relations with the gas network operator, and the sale of the biomethane. Waga Energy will invest 7.5 million euros to commission the unit and connect the landfill to the gas grid, located four kilometers away.

The result of 10 years of R&D within Air Liquid group and Waga Energy, WAGABOX is a breakthrough technology for upgrading landfill gas into grid-compliant biomethane. It combines membrane filtration and cryogenic distillation to separate the methane from other compounds of landfill gas. Ten units are already in operation in France, supplying 35,000 homes and avoiding 45,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
The Boeing 737 Max is to start flying again in Europe (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The Boeing 737 Max will be allowed to resume flights in Europe next week, the head of the European aviation safety agency has said.

The green light for flights follows nearly two years of reviews after the aircraft was involved in two deadly crashes that saw the planes grounded worldwide.

Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), told reporters that planes will be permitted to fly as long as they meet conditions specified by the agency and that pilots are up to date on their training.

It will be cleared to fly again from next week, he said at an online event hosted by Germanys Aviation Press Club.

Expand Close The Boeing 737 Max has been allowed to resume flights in the US and Brazil (Andrew Matthews/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Boeing 737 Max has been allowed to resume flights in the US and Brazil (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The planes were grounded in March 2019 following the crashes of a Lion Air flight near Jakarta on October 29, 2018, and an Ethiopian Airlines flight on March 10, 2019, killing a total of 346 people.

Investigators determined that the cause of the crashes was a faulty computer system that pushed the planes nose downwards in flight and could not be overridden by pilots.

Changes mandated by EASA include a recertification of the planes flight control system, called the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System, which was not a part of previous 737 models.

The 737 Max returned to the skies in the United States last month, after the Federal Aviation Administration approved changes that Boeing made to the automated flight control system.

It has also been allowed by Brazil to resume flights, and Transport Canada said earlier this week that it had been cleared to start flying again on Wednesday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Falfurrias Capital Partners (FCP), a Charlotte-based private equity firm focused on growth-oriented, middle-market businesses, today announced the merger of Corsis, a provider of data-powered technology due diligence services, with its newest portfolio company, Crosslake Technologies.

Corsis brings a consistent, data-driven approach to technology due diligence assessments through their extensive TechIndicator best practice library and proprietary Confidence Index scoring methodology. With their proprietary software, Corsis delivers actionable insights to private equity firms and portfolio companies via a centralized dashboard, complete with objective benchmarking data that help them prioritize technology initiatives, maximizing both short- and long-term success.

Corsis has supported $30 billion in deal value and guided more than 200 private equity firms and portfolio companies with their objective and reliable analysis of technology operations throughout the investment lifecycle. Crosslake performs technical due diligence work on behalf of private equity firms and supports portfolio companies after an investment to enhance their software and accelerate growth.

Together, Crosslake and Corsis will offer private equity clients and their portfolio companies with a comprehensive suite of services that accelerate growth, minimize risk, and maximize value throughout the hold period.

"For years, we've played a key role in growing the value of private equity investments through objective data-driven insights, and now we have a unique opportunity to strategically broaden our capabilities," said Gregg Alwine, CEO, Corsis. "Combining our unparalleled insights with Crosslake's team of first-class software practitioners will ultimately deliver a platform that's truly unmatched in our industry."

"Beyond anything else, Crosslake is dedicated to accelerating our customers' business growth and return on investment," said Russ Albright, founder, Crosslake Technologies. "Between the resources that Falfurrias can provide and the industry-leading platform and analytics that Corsis brings to the table, we've never been better positioned to help companies scale and serve as the ideal end-to-end technology provider for today's private equity firms and their portfolios.

"Corsis is the next logical step and a complementary acquisition to Crosslake's evolution, and we believe they'll be able to drive significantly more value to private equity firms as one integrated team," said Wilson Sullivan, Partner, Falfurrias Capital Partners. "Private equity firms increasingly see technology as the critical function to execute their thesis and drive investment returns, and our Industry First approach identified Crosslake and Corsis as the clear market leaders in delivering this capability."

About Corsis

Corsis is a data-powered technology platform that delivers revolutionary insights into technology investments that drive growth and value. Corsis uses a consistent, proven process to objectively visualize the health, risk and opportunity within a company's technology and compliance operations. Leveraging their proprietary TechIndicator software, Corsis seamlessly blends process automation with a human touch to surface key insights that inform critical decision points. To learn more, visit http://www.corsis.com .

About Crosslake Technologies

Crosslake Technologies is an Information Technology and Software Development Services company, providing services including Transformational Roadmaps, Technical Assessments, Organizational Optimizations, Quality Assurance Acceleration, DevOps, and IT Operations. Crosslake works to transform organizations and optimize software delivery. With extensive boots-on-the-ground experience in IT execution and shipping software, Crosslake provides end-to-end value with expertise in management consulting and advisory services providing both strategic and tactical insight. Established in 2008, Crosslake is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit http://www.crosslaketech.com/ .

About Falfurrias Capital Partners

Falfurrias Capital Partners is a Charlotte-based private equity investment firm founded in 2006 by Hugh McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America; Marc Oken, former CFO of Bank of America; and Managing Partner Ed McMahan. The firm has raised approximately $1.0 billion across four funds and invests in growing, middle market businesses in sectors where the firm's operational resources, relationships, and sector expertise can be employed to complement portfolio company executive teams in support of growth objectives. Falfurrias Capital Partners employs a proprietary, research based process called "Industry First'' to identify markets with durable growth trends, construct a thesis based on research findings, and partner with management teams and companies to create strategic value. For more information, visit www.falfurriascapital.com .

SOURCE Falfurrias Capital Partners

Related Links

http://www.falfurriascapital.com


Malappuram: In a shocking revelation, a 17-year-old rape survivor has disclosed that she had been allegedly sexually abused by 38 people during the past few months. The teenager's ordeal came to light during a counselling session at a Nirbhaya Centre here recently, police said.

The minor girl had been sexually abused in 2016 when she was 13 and then a year later. After the second incident, she was sent to the Child Home and allowed to go with her mother and brother about a year ago.

According to Mohammed Haneefa, Circle Inspector of Police, the girl was missing for sometime after she was released from Child Home and was traced from Palakkad in December last and brought to the Nirbhaya centre.

During counselling sessions, she informed the Nirbhaya authorities about the series of sexual abuses and molestation she had been exposed to. Almost all the accused, who were charged with various crimes, including sexual abuse, have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, the police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The Malappuram CWC president Shajesh Bhasker said the CWC has taken all legal and logical steps to ensure the safety of the child, when she was released from the Child Home, about a year ago.

"The decision was taken by our five-member committee and in consultation with the Child Protection Officer. This was done in tune with the Juvenile Justice Act, which says institutionalising a POCSO survivor should be the last priority."

"They are supposed to be sent out with their parents to ensure their protection as well as enabling restoration to society," Shajesh Basker said. He said the CWC has been acting with utmost good faith and intentions. But there are some flaws in the after-care and follow up of POCSO survivors once they are released in the custody of their parents or relatives, who undertake to protect them, he said.

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is the statutory body for ensuring the rights and addressing the needs of the children in need of care and protection. CWCs have been empowered as the competent authority to take reasoned decisions in the matter of children in need of care and protection.

Live TV
Carolyns recovery has been a blessing, said Banks, adding that because of her mothers memory issues, it was the family who made the decision for her to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they learned it was being offered this week through Walgreens to Bright Oaks residents.
An Ohio police officer was shot dead on Monday after a two-hour armed standoff ended in gunfire and also claimed the life of a suspect who was wanted for vandalizing a Toledo cathedral by spray-painting 'Jesus is black' on its walls.

Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, was killed at around 6.22pm when Christopher Harris, 27, emerged from a home with 'a firearm in both hands and fired shots in multiple directions,' police said. One of the shots hit and killed Stalker.

According to police, multiple officers then returned fire and shot Harris. Both men were pronounced dead at a hospital.

Toledo police officer Brandon Stalker, 24 (left), a father of two, was fatally shot in the head during an armed standoff by vandalism suspect Christopher Harris, 27 (right)

Harris was wanted for defacing Toledo's Rosary Cathedral with 'Jesus is black' graffiti and setting fire to its doors on Monday morning

Harris allegedly doused the doors of the cathedral with a flammable liquid and set them alight

Firefighters are seen working at the scene of the vandalism and fire at the cathedral, the interior of which was not damaged

'The entire Toledo Police family is in shock. Another hero has paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the residents of Toledo,' said Police Chief George Kral.

Stalker, whom Kral described as 'an amazing police officer,' leaves behind a fiancee, a seven-year-old daughter and a three-month-old son. He had joined the police department in July 2018.

Kral said the standoff started about 4pm, when officers noticed a man with warrants out for his arrest for defacing Rosary Cathedral with graffiti and setting its doors on fire earlier that day smoking outside a home in a residential neighborhood.

Officers approached the man, later identified as Harris, who fled, brandishing a firearm and entered a nearby home in the 2200 block of Fulton Street. Police set up a barrier and a SWAT team was called in.

Negotiators had tried for hours to get Harris to surrender peacefully.

Harris, posting under the user name 'Danny Love' on Facebook, wrote in a status update at the time: 'Stand off. wit the police.'

Harris faced charges of ethnic intimidation, vandalism and aggravated arson. He opened fire on police following a two-hour standoff

The shooting took part in the 2200 block of Fulton Street in Toledo at 6.22pm

During his confrontation with the cops, Harris, posting under the moniker 'Danny Love,' wrote this status update

SWAT team officers eventually deployed tear gas to force him out. Harris exited holding two guns and opened fire in multiple directions. One of the suspect's rounds hit Stalker in the head, Toledo Chief Kral said.

Police shot back, striking Harris. Stalker was placed into a police vehicle and rushed to Mercy St. Vincents Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect also was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Court records cited by 11Alive indicate that Harris had a warrant out for his arrest, accusing him of repeatedly tagging Rosary Cathedral on Collingwood Boulevard with the words 'Jesus is black' and 'black.'

He was also accused of dousing the doors of the cathedral with a flammable liquid and setting them alight, which caused exterior damage.

On the morning of the church vandalism and shooting, Harris wrote on his Facebook page under the name 'Danny Love': 'Jesus is Black though.'

In a separate incident, Harris was suspected of vandalizing an apartment in Toledo where he previously lived on January 8.

Stalker (right) joined the Toledo police in 2018. He leaves behind his fiancee and two children

Harris faced charges of ethnic intimidation, vandalism and aggravated arson.

Friends and family have been writing messages of love and support on Harris' Facebook page. Some claimed that the 27-year-old was struggling with mental health issues.

'Mental illness is real and its not a joke cuz [sic] was showing all the signs basically crying out for help but no one payed him no attention or helped him get the proper help he needed,' one commenter wrote.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said his city's department 'has had to endure too many dark and terrible days in the last six months,' with the July on-duty killing of 26-year-old Officer Anthony Dia, who was Stalker's classmate, and the unexpected death of an officer just a few weeks ago.

Stalker is the 32nd Toledo police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

'This has been a very difficult time,' Kapszukiewicz said. 'It is a very difficult day for the city.'

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officer.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Stalker's family with his funeral expenses.
MSI has launched new laptops under the Summit, Prestige and Modern series in India. These new laptops are powered by the latest 11th generation Intel processors with the Prestige 14 Evo being based on Intel Evo platform. MSI has introduced as many as 11 SKUs under its new Summit series along with refreshing the existing Prestige and Modern range.

We are delighted to enter into the business and productivity segment of laptops with our latest 11th Gen Intel processor line up in India. From establishing a stronghold in the gaming and content creation segment, MSI has now come up with innovative, feature-loaded laptops for business professionals, said Mr Green Lin, Regional Marketing Manager, MSI.

MSI Summit, Prestige and Modern series pricing and availability

The new laptops from MSI start from Rs 55,990 for the Modern 14 series and go all the way up to Rs 1,79,990 for the Summit laptop range. The MSI Modern 14 B11M is available at Rs 55,990 and Rs 67,990 followed by the MSI Modern 14 B11SB priced at Rs 89,990. The MSI Modern 15 A11M and Modern A15 A11SB are priced at Rs 70,990 and Rs 95,990 respectively.

Coming to the Prestige range, the MSI Prestige 14 EVO is priced at Rs 95,990 and Rs 1,06,990 while the Prestige 14 A11SCX with NVIDIA GTX 1650 is priced at Rs 1,28,990 and Rs 1,34,990.

The MSI Summit E15 with GTX 1650Ti is priced at Rs 1,79,990 while the Summit B15 is priced at Rs 1,23,990 in India.

MSI has revealed that the Summit E15 and Prestige 15 laptop range will be available from January 24 on Flipkart. The remaining laptops will also arrive in the markets soon.

MSI Summit E15 and Summit B15 features

MSI has launched the new Summit series of business laptops with enterprise-grade security features and more. The new Summit laptops can be configured with upto 15.6-inch 4K UHD display with thin bezels and 100% Adobe RGB colour gamut.

The new MSI Summit laptops are powered by upto 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor which is paired with 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti graphic card. The laptops have two DDR4 slots that can house upto 64GB memory along with SSD storage. There is a fingerprint reader and an IR camera for faster authentication. The MSI Summit laptops are thin and light measuring 16.9 millimetres in thickness and weigh 1.79 kilograms.

MSI Prestige 15, Prestige 14 and Prestige 14 Evo features

The MSI Prestige 15 features upto 15.6-inch 4K UHD display and is powered by up to 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor. This is paired with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti, two DDR4 slots and two SSD storage slots. The Prestige 15 laptops measure 16.9 millimetres in thickness and weigh 1.65 kilograms.

The MSI Prestige 14 features upto 14-inch 4K UHD display with upto 11th gen Core i7 processor paired with GTX 1650 graphics. The laptops are available with 16GB or 32GB LPDDR4x RAM along with an SSD slot. The laptop is 15.9 millimetres in thickness and weighs 1.29 kilograms.

Then theres the Prestige 14 Evo which has the same features as the Prestige 14 but is based on Intels Evo platform which offers features like instant wake, faster WiFi, better battery life and more. The graphics on-board include the Intel Iris X GPU along with 16GB RAM and the laptop features a 14-inch Full HD display.

MSI Modern 15 and Modern 14 features

The MSI Modern 15 and Modern 14 are powered by upto 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with NVIDIA GeForce MX450 or Iris X graphics. The Modern 15 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display while the Modern 14 has a 14-inch display. Both laptops support upto 32GB DDR4 memory with the Modern 15 getting two SSD slots and the Modern 14 with single NVMe SSD slot.

The MSI Modern 15 has a Thunderbolt 4 port, three USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, microSD card slot and 3.5mm microphone-headphone combo jack. The laptop measures 16.9 millimetres in thickness and weighs 1.6 kilograms. The Modern 14 also has a Thunderbolt 4 port with two Type-A ports, HDMI, micro SD card reader and 3.5mm combo jack. The Modern 14 is slightly lightweight at 1.3 kilograms.
[January 19, 2021] OpenGate Capital Signs Agreement to Sell Bois & Materiaux to Chausson Materiaux S.A.S

OpenGate Capital, a global private equity firm, today announced the signing of an exclusive agreement to sell Bois & Materiaux ("B&M"), a French building products distributor, to Chausson Materiaux, a major building materials distribution company. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and the final sale is subject to closing conditions and works council consultation. OpenGate Capital acquired B&M in March of 2016 from Wolseley Plc, representing the firm's second investment within Fund I. Bois & Materiaux, with headquarters in Pace, France, is one of the leading building materials distributors in France. The business has more than 2,100 employees and operations across the northern region of France with 135 branches and two main networks: Reseau Pro and Panofrance. OpenGateFounder and CEO Andrew Nikou said, "This agreement marks an important juncture in the evolution of B&M and sets up the business for a new phase of growth. It has been great to work with the team at B&M and CEO Yves Martin, and I look forward to witnessing the continued momentum under Chausson's ownership."



Chausson Materiaux is acquiring B&M as part of its strategy to enhance their building materials product offerings in France. Chausson Materiaux was founded in 1921, is headquartered in Toulouse, France, and distributes building materials including heavy-side, roofing, wood, insulation, tiling, tools, and hardware throughout France. About OpenGate Capital

OpenGate Capital is a global private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and operation of businesses to create new value through operational improvements, innovation, and growth. Established in 2005, OpenGate Capital is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with a European office in Paris, France. OpenGate's professionals possess the critical skills needed to acquire, transition, operate, build, and scale successful businesses. To date, OpenGate Capital, through its legacy and fund investments, has executed more than 30 acquisitions including corporate carve-outs, management buyouts, special situations, and transactions with private sellers across North America and Europe. To learn more about OpenGate, please visit www.opengatecapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210119005066/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]


A new study suggests that identical twins are not exactly the same genetically. Identical twins are two babies that come from the same fertilized egg.

Scientists in Iceland examined DNA from 387 pairs of identical twins, their parents, children, husbands or wives.

The examinations led the team to find early mutations that separate identical twins, lead researcher and geneticist Kari Stefansson said. He is a professor at the University of Iceland and founder of the company deCODE genetics.

Mutations are small changes in DNA that can happen when a cell divides in an attempt to copy itself. These small changes can influence a persons physical appearance or control a persons ability to fight a disease.

The newly-discovered mutations show that identical twins do have genetic differences, the researchers said. The results were recently published in Nature Genetics.

On average, identical twins have 5.2 of these early genetic differences, the researchers found. But about 15 percent of identical twin pairs have more than that. Some might have as many as 100 genetic differences, Stefansson said.

These differences represent a small part of each twins genetic material. But they could influence why one twin is taller or why one is at greater risk for some cancers than the other.

In the past, many researchers believed physical differences seen in identical twins were related mostly to environmental influences, such as nutrition or lifestyle behaviors.

Jan Dumanski is a geneticist at Swedens Uppsala University. He was not involved in the study. He praised the findings as a clear and important contribution to medical research.

The implication is that we have to be very careful when we are using twins as a model for examining the influences of genetics or the environment, Dumanski said.

A 2008 paper in The American Journal of Human Genetics found some genetic differences between identical twins. The new study, however, goes beyond earlier work by including the DNA of parents, children, husbands and wives of identical twins.

Studying family members permitted the researchers to examine when genetic mutations happened in two different kinds of cells: those present in only one individual and those passed on to the persons children.

Stefansson said his team found twins where a mutation is present in all cells of the body of one twin, but not in the other twin at all. However, sometimes the second twin may show the mutation in some cells, but not all cells, he added.

The researchers said they also found mutations that came about before the developing embryo split in two.

Nancy Segal is a psychologist who studies twins at California State University, Fullerton. She was not involved in the study. But she called the results heroic and really significant.

Segal added that the research is likely to persuade more scientists to rethink the influences of genetics and environment on twins. Twins are very alike, but it is not a perfect similarity, she said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. 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

twin  n. either of two babies who are born to the same mother at the same time

mutation  n. a change in the genes of a plant or animal

pair  n. two of the same thing

lifestyle  n. the way a person or group of people live

contribution  n. something that is added or provided to a bigger cause

implication  n. something that is suggested without being said directly

significant adj. important
Kyran OGrady should have been an accountant like his father. But in the late 1970s, he left a BComm to do an Anco course in thatching. An interest in antiques and old houses saw him do the thatching course thinking it would be a skill he'd have in his back pocket.

"It was a skill, not a life job goal. I might have had in the back of my mind to buy an old house and do it up and thatch it if necessary."

Today he's still thatching houses, having recently finished one in Birr.

"My dad was a chartered accountant and when I left school I was doing a BComm with the intention of becoming an accountant. But I got a little bit disillusioned with the course and felt it was not very practical."

Originally from Howth in Dublin, Kyran never went back to finish the BComm but continued learning his trade with master thatchers around the country and has thatched the Orchard pub in Stillorgan and Kepak HQ in Clonee.

Turkey has for years, he says, been the main source of reeds but Kyran has switched to importing reeds from Romania in recent years.

Expand Close Kyran O'Grady says a thatched roof will usually last 20-25 years. Photo: Owen Breslin / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Kyran O'Grady says a thatched roof will usually last 20-25 years. Photo: Owen Breslin

Much of his work is repeat jobs, but it doesn't crop up for years, with most thatch roofs lasting at least 20 years. The other pipeline for work is when he's physically on roofs that "people will come along and ask you to do another one. It's nearly all word of mouth".

Kyran has worked on houses and buildings all over the country using reed, which he says is "indisputably the finest thatching material available".

The reed grows on marshland, in the spring the root stock of the reed produce shoots  colts  which during the summer steadily flourish in height and turn a green hue. The reed is harvested till after the first frosts which strip off all of the leaves.

"By this time all the growth has gone back down into the roots and you are left with a golden stem five to seven feet in height. A roof thatched with water reed is more durable and water-resistant than straw, it will last from 35 to 40 years in Ireland and longer in milder climates, with very little maintenance."

"Traditionally, long straw would have been used on the east coast. This type of thatching is found particularly along the east coast of Ireland. Here the straw is passed through the mill and has to be later pulled into bundles. To look at it, it has a more poured-on look, much softer in appearance than water reed or combed wheat.

Expand Close Gathering the raw material with a reed cutter. Kyran now imports most of his reeds from Romania / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gathering the raw material with a reed cutter. Kyran now imports most of his reeds from Romania

"That was the dominant thatch used from Drogheda to Wexford and maybe into the midlands. Limerick and Clare have traditionally used reed, while Donegal thatch has been a variety, but it's a different style of thatch to the others. The roofs are much rounder and it's a tie-down thatch that can be done in a day, with straw ropes holding it down.

"Up north they have used flax and they also had combed wheat reed, which is wheaten straw cut with a binder, but not threshed, the heads are threshed and so all the butts are together and when that goes on a roof it looks like a reed roof, so its called combed wheat reed."

Work on a thatch roof starts at the bottom and goes up in 'courses'.

Read More

"The first bundle is the eave, the second creates the brow or the start of the face of the roof. Every 18 inches there is another course, so it could be 12-20 courses till it gets to the top and it's 12-14 inches deep.

"When you have the two sides done you put a ridge capping on it, it's a protective layer and it wears quicker than the rest of the roof and has to be replaced every eight to 10 years.

"A bundle will cover a square foot, so a typical Irish cottage might take 1,200-1,500sq ft, so you would need 1,200 to 1,500 bundles to cover it."

Expand Close Kyran has worked on many types of buildings, including this example of an early Christian dwelling / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Kyran has worked on many types of buildings, including this example of an early Christian dwelling

Reed is the only material Kyran uses and a reed thatch is "the Rolls Royce of roofs", according to Kyran.

But it doesn't come cheap. The estimated minimum cost of a 40ft long house would start at around 20,000 and takes around five to six weeks.

But it's more adaptable to work with than slate or tiles, especially if there are windows and valleys in the roof, with less waste.

According to Kyran, the lifespan of a thatch roof is difficult to predict, as you don't know how it will react.

"I tell people 20-25 years in the main.

"But it can take 10 years for a roof to show issues and how it's responding to the weather."

Read More




Ukraine cuts spending in foreign currency on coal imports by 40%

During the reporting period, Ukraine imported 16.95 million tonnes of coal compared to 21.8 million tonnes a year before (a 22% decline).

Reporting by UNIAN

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter
There was a shock at the Judicial Panel of Enquiry sitting in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital on Monday, when a widow, Adebimpe Sobowale, na...





There was a shock at the Judicial Panel of Enquiry sitting in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital on Monday, when a widow, Adebimpe Sobowale, narrated how she was tortured and detained for four days despite being pregnant.

She also told the panel that, her husband, Mr. Sobowale was killed in police detention over N200 airtime allegedly traced to her phone.

Sobowale said this while defending a petition filed against the operatives of the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad Zonal Intervention in the state.

The widow said she was three months pregnant on February 8, 2020, when the operatives reportedly stormed her residence at night and arrested her over alleged fraud committed with her SIM card.

She said she was arrested on Feb. 8, 2020, and taken to a holding cell in the station where she was detained and tortured with something like electric touch.

She said, They used the thing, which was plugged to an electric socket to shock me, and asked me to write whatever they dictated to me as a statement. They said I belonged to a gang of fraudsters.

They said my SIM card was used to collect N200 recharge. They said they tracked it at Zain (Airtel) office and it brought my picture.

I told them I dont know what they were talking about and I refused to implicate myself in the statement. They arrested my husband on Feb. 10 and released me the next day.

Some days later, I was informed that my husband had died in detention.

Sobowale said she was picked by three SARS officers but she could only identify two of them and she recalled that one of them was called Inspector Apiah Moses.

She said she was released after spending four days in detention when her husband reported at the police station.

The widow said few days after the husband was taken into custody in her stead, she received a call that her husband had died in the custody.

She had a son before her arrest and the pregnancy had produced another baby boy. She brought both of them before the panel.

When called to testify in the case, one Mr. Ojo Friday, explained his efforts in securing bail for Mrs. Sobowale.

He said, When I got to the SARS ZIS three days after she was arrested, I met the officer in charge , Mr. Megbope and explained that a woman was being detained here. He expressed surprise. It was then that the IPO came in to brief him.

I expressed my displeasure to the OC, I said somebody is being locked up here for the past three days and he is not aware, he was not pleased with my statement and he asked me to go out.

Friday further explained that the Officer-in-Charge later assured him that the woman would be released once the husband was apprehended.

The husband showed up on Feb. 10 and the woman was released the next day, while the husband was held in detention. About three or four days after, I heard that the husband had died.

The case was adjourned till February 4, 2021, while the respondents were asked to produce Inspector Apiah Moses and the alleged defrauded woman.
Theresa May has launched a fresh onslaught on Boris Johnson, accusing her successor of abandoning Britains position of global moral leadership.

The former prime minister warned Mr Johnsons threat to override Britains treaty obligations in the Brexit divorce settlement risked signalling a retreat from the UKs global commitments.

In an article in the Daily Mail to mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as the US president, she hit out at the way Donald Trump had whipped up his supporters to storm the Capitol after refusing to accept the election result.

What happened in Washington was... an assault by a partisan mob whipped up by an elected president Theresa May

Mrs May drew comparisons with the murder of Pc Keith Palmer in a terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament.

What happened in Washington was not the act of a lone extremist or a secretive cell, but an assault by a partisan mob whipped up by an elected president, she said.

I know from experience that leaving power is not easy  especially when you feel that there is more you want to do.

But anyone who has the honour of serving in such a position must always remember that the office is bigger than the individual.

The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of any democracy; it is what makes us special.

Mrs May said the arrival of Mr Biden in the White House represented a golden opportunity for Britain, with the return of a more normal style of presidency.

We should do nothing which signals a retreat from our global commitments Theresa May

However, for the full potential of Global Britain to be realised in this new era there needed to be a change in international affairs and an end to the absolutism which said if you are not 100% for me then you must be 100% against me.

In this world there is no room for mature compromise. Indeed, compromise is seen as a dirty word. In fact, the opposite is true, she said.

Strong leadership knows when to compromise to achieve a greater good. If the world is to work together to build back better then we must all be willing to compromise.

We must reject a scene in which a few strongmen face off against each other and instead bring people together in a common cause.

Mrs May said that while the UK was well placed to play a decisive role in shaping a more cooperative world, she suggested it had not been helped by Mr Johnsons actions.

She again strongly criticised his threat  later withdrawn  to override elements relating to Northern Ireland in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and his decision to drop the commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on international aid.

To lead we must live up to our values, she said.

Threatening to break international law by going back on a treaty we had just signed and abandoning our position of global moral leadership as the only major economy to meet both the 2% defence spending target and the 0.7% international aid target were not actions which, in my view, raised our credibility in the eyes of the world.

Other countries listen to what we say not simply because of who we are, but because of what we do. The world does not owe us a prominent place on its stage.

Whatever the rhetoric we deploy, it is our actions which count. So, we should do nothing which signals a retreat from our global commitments.
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ('Benton' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that it has discovered wide zones of mineralization at the Company's Far Lake IOCG project ("Far Lake") including 0.15% Cu and 0.15 g/t Ag over 60.4 m, including 0.35% Cu and 0.51 g/t Ag over 15.6 m and 1.08% Cu and 1.63 g/t Ag over 2.6 m in drill hole FL-20-11. Drill hole FL-20-11 is located approximately 1,800 m NW along the same structure as the Far Lake discovery zone where surface sampling produced Cu grades up to 22% over 0.7 m. Drill holes FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 completed in the discovery zone yielded results including 0.19% Cu and 0.34 g/t Ag over 33.6 m, including 1.11% Cu and 1.33 g/t Ag over 3.1 m (FL-20-03). The Far Lake project, pursuant to which the Company currently holds under option from White Metal Resources Corp. (see Company PR dated May 20, 2020), is located 80km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 were shallow holes and mineralized targets were unexpectedly interrupted by a series of diabase dykes and sills. Future drilling in this area will therefore be deeper to avoid intersecting these younger mafic intrusions. The Company is very encouraged by the Cu mineralization intersected in almost every hole and confirms that there is a direct correlation between Cu-sulphides and the two NW trending structures that cross the property.

In December 2020, the Company hired Abitibi Geophysics ("Abitibi") to complete a 3D DasVision IP survey which is nearing completion. Preliminary data has identified chargeability targets between 350-800 m in depth that coincide with the FL#1 and FL#2 structures which contain and appear to be controlling the Cu mineralization discovered to-date. The DasVision, distributed array survey, is designed for deep mineral exploration, up to 1,000m depth. Benton will rely on this new dataset to expand its exploration at depth.

President and CEO of the Company Stephen Stares stated: "The exploration steps taken thus far to advance and understand the Far Lake project have delivered valuable information about the system, and the results from the maiden drill program have confirmed that Benton has indeed discovered an extremely large copper system. The new deep IP data received from Abitibi has now identified large chargeability anomalies on the same structures and in close proximity to that of the new copper discoveries, so we believe this next drill program could deliver very promising results."

Results of the first drill program are as follows:

Hole ID From To Interval Cu (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) FL-20-01 46.2 48 1.8 0.23 0.63

FL-20-02 35.6 36.4 0.8 0.44 0.9

FL-20-03 26.2 59.8 33.6 0.19 0.34

incl 29.2 32.3 3.1 1.11 1.33

FL-20-04 45 72.3 27.3 0.11 0.21



48.3 54.3 6 0.21 0.43

FL-20-05 55.9 64.9 9 0.11



and 74.9 79.9 5 0.15



FL-20-06 NSA* FL-20-07 NSA* FL-20-08 33.3 34.9 1.6



0.23 FL-20-09 93.7 134.5 40.8 0.051



FL-20-10 138.3 152.3 14 0.023



FL-20-11** 82.8 143.2 60.4 0.15 0.22

incl 120.6 136.2 15.6 0.35 0.51

incl 124.7 128.3 3.6 1.08 1.63

FL-20-12 102.4 106.5 4.1 0.09





* No Significant Assays

** Additional sampling above and below this interval is being completed

Drill holes FL-20-01 to FL-20-05 were shallow holes drilled over a 200m strike length into the Far Lake discovery zone and were all interrupted by diabase dykes/sills.

Drill hole FL-20-06 intersected a silicified breccia in and E-W interpreted structure with no significant Cu results.

FL-20-07 was drilled approximately 2 km south of the main Far Lake copper zone. The hole was designed to test two parallel EM conductive anomalies on the northern edge of the Shebandowan greenstone belt. Alteration and pyrite mineralization were abundant, but no significant results were received.

Drill hole FL-20-08 was drilled to test a new gold occurrence (trace to 970 ppb Au) which was identified by Benton along the north shore of Kabaigon Lake. Drill results included 0.23g/t Au over 1.6m.

Drill hole FL-20-09 and FL-20-10 were drilled as a fence to test a 250-300 m width of the Two-Pond structural zone that contains chalcopyrite and abundant silicification on surface. Both holes intersected intense epidote alteration and fine chalcopyrite, mineralized in small quartz veinlets flooded throughout a metasediment over several metres.

Drill hole FL-20-11 was designed to test Cu mineralization below the trenches dug by Benton in 2020, along strike of the discovery zone. This area contained the highest Cu-in-soil assay values with coincident anomalous Cu in trench sampling. The hole was drilled approximately 100m south of the widest soil anomaly and intersected large, silicified zones, breccias, epithermal style veining and intense sericite and epidote alteration. Highlights include 0.15% Cu and 0.15g/t Ag over 60.4m, including 0.35% Cu and 0.51 g/t Ag over 15.6 m and 1.08% Cu and 1.63 g/t Ag over 2.6m.

Drill hole FL-20-12 was drilled below the highest Cu-in-soil anomaly on the property located along the FL#1 structure plus outcrop containing chalcopyrite (with malachite and azurite). This hole was the deepest of the drill program which ended at 297 m in a rusty red highly magnetic granite. Abundant magnetite is often associated with fine-grained, disseminated chalcopyrite.

Equity Holdings

Benton continues to be very encouraged by the progress made by Clean Air Metals Inc. (TSX-V: AIR) ("Clean Air"), in which Benton holds 24.6 million shares. Clean Air has two drill rigs operating on the Thunder Bay North and Escape Lake Copper-Nickel-PGM project and has released excellent drill results from its ongoing drill campaign. Benton looks forward to receiving ongoing encouraging drill results and future project advancement.

Benton also holds 3,940,000 shares of Quadro Resources Ltd, which is advancing various projects in Newfoundland and Ontario. Additionally, Benton holds 3.6 million shares of Maxtech Ventures Inc. Maxtech has an Option and Joint Venture agreement on Benton's Panama Lake gold project in the Red Lake mining region. Further, Benton holds 1.0 million shares of Sokoman Minerals Corp. which has recently released excellent drill results from its Moosehead Project in Newfoundland, and 1.36 million shares of Metallica Metals advancing Benton's Saganaga Gold project. Benton also has two NW Ontario projects optioned to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (the Bark Lake and West Baril Lake Copper-Nickel PGE projects).

QP

Nathan Sims (P.Geo.), Senior Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high-grade projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Most projects have an up-to-date 43-101 Report available.

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-475-7474

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

Phone: 416-868-1079 x231

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Website: www.bentonresources.ca

Twitter: @BentonResources

Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72306
Listen to article

Fowl and dog chop sh*t but na goat teeth dey rotten

On 6 January, the world witnessed an interesting spectacle, an assortment of what appeared to be characters from fantasy television shows taking possession of the US Capitol, where the legislature sits. Despite spending more than $1 trillion on its military, intelligence services, and police, the United States government found itself overrun by a horde of (1) Donald Trumps supporters (2) Homegrown Terrorists and (3) others. They came without any precise programme and were not able to elicit a serious revolt around the country. What they showed clearly is that there is a serious divide in the United States, which weakens the ability of the US elites to exercise their domination over the world.

Around the world, people gaped at the bizarre pageant of Trumps army running riot in the chambers of the body that calls itself the worlds oldest democracy. With precision, Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent out a tweet that tied the US economic sanctions against his country to the chaos in Washington, DC. The events at the Capitol, he wrote on 7 January, showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end. The government of Venezuela offered its concern about the political polarization and the spiral of violence and explained that the United States now experiences what it has generated in other countries with its policies of aggression.

President Mnangagwas use of the term moral right has echoed across the world: how can a society that faces such a severe challenge to its own political institutions feel that it has the right to promote democracy in other countries, using the various instruments of hybrid war?

The United States  like other democracies  has struggled with insurmountable challenges to its economy and society, with high rates of wealth inequality crushed by large-scale precarity and income deflation. Between 1990 and 2020, US billionaires saw their wealth increase by 1,130%, while median wealth in the US increased by only 5.37% (this increase was even more marked during the pandemic). Exits from this social and economic crisis are simply not available to the US ruling class, which seems not to care about the great dilemmas of its own population and of the world. An example of this is the meagre income support provided during the pandemic, while the government hastens to protect the value of the wealth of the small minority that holds an obscene share of national wealth and income.

Rather than seek a solution to the economic and social crisis  which it cannot solve  the US ruling class projects its problem as one of political legitimacy. There is now a false sense that the main problem in the United States is posed by Donald Trump and his rag-tag army; but Trump is merely the symptom of the problem, not its cause. The constituency that he has assembled will remain intact and will continue to flourish as long as the social and economic crisis spirals further out of control. Large swathes of the US elite have rallied around Joe Biden, hoping that he  as a representative of stability  will be able to maintain order and restore the legitimacy of the United States. Their view is that the US is currently facing a crisis of political legitimacy and not a socio-economic crisis for which they have no answers.

The last two paragraphs above is not different from what was obtainable in Nigeria, the difference is that our case is worse, if you add the insecurity, the financial acreage being carried out by our political class, we continue to protect the rich, the politicians at the expense of the masses and we seem to have forgotten a glimpse of all that could go wrong in the eventuality of revolution not guided and guarded as a result of the "palliative looting".

During the last two decades, China has developed its scientific and technological prowess, which has resulted in rapid advances for Chinas development. Over the past few years, Chinese scientists have published more peer-reviewed papers than scientists from elsewhere and Chinese scientists and firms have registered more patents than scientists and firms from elsewhere.. As a consequence of these intellectual developments, Chinas firms have made key technological breakthroughs, such as in solar power, robotics, and telecommunications. A high savings rate by the population has enabled the Chinese state and private Chinese capital to make considerable investments in manufacturing; this has propelled Chinas high-tech industries, which have seriously threatened Silicon Valley firms.

It is sad that Nigeria is not in any serious conversation moving forward, it is 2021 and we still remain a dumping ground for anything and everything, rather than tackle the great social and economic challenges within the 'not exactly' federal republic of Nigeria, our ruling class has taken refuge in anti-religious, pro-ethnic rhetoric. Why is the employment situation so bad in the country, the people ask? Because of PDP and APC, say the elites  whether those who support Buhari or those who look back nostalgically to Goodluck. Why did COVID-19 create such havoc here in Nigeria, even with one of the lowest death tolls in the world? The general orientation of our ruling class is to blame everyone for everything but themselves.

We have been blessed with the burden of leaders seeking to shift all responsibility for their failures onto everyone. This has remained a cynical and dangerous strategy and we are not afraid that  as has been shown  the revolution would not be televised. Every day the ruling class shows that they are willing to risk a cataclysmic war to protect its preponderant hold to power.

So grab one bottle and a plate of peppersoup, this is the reality, these are miserable times. The statistics of deprivation and death are gruesome. Far too many people struggle with hunger, deprivation and insecurity, the gimmicks of the comedians in Mr. Buhari's administration strains the successes it has recorded.

Many journalists, writers and development practitioners have become actuaries of suffering. The general mood is despair; the general conditions of life are bare. The gap between the rhetoric of hope and the condition of despair is vast. There is no bridge between them. We live in the wound.

Everywhere you look, the news is startling. The keywords for the present are fairly straightforward: Insecurity in all shades, apart from the second wave of COVID-19, financial crisis, it is bandits, kidnappers, gunmen, Ransome and killed, excluding herdsmen and farmers, or Boko Haram, as farmers now pay protection money and small arms are everywhere.

No great depth is needed to be terrified by what is happening in Nigeria, so if you are alive and can afford it, take a chilled bottle of beer, if you have electricity, and all you see is that panic is a natural reaction, hastened by the general demise of social bonds. Nowhere in Nigeria is immune, as we may want to think. If they attacked Capitol Hill, Aso Rock beware of the one bo and peppersoup.

If people have a hard time getting an education, getting a job, if jobs themselves are more stressful, if commute times increase, if medical care is hard to attain, if pensions deteriorate before higher expenditures (including taxes), and if it just gets harder and harder to deal with everyday life  well, then it is easy to expect tempers to fray, anger to rise, and a general social misery to be on display.

And in all these the people dont hear songs of freedom, hope and beliefNigerians are angry and stressed. The day the beer parlour will be devoid of one bottle beckons, and with no plate of peppersoup for the masses, revolt is natural, and whenonly time will tell.
Francis Conole is an Iraq War veteran, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former policy adviser to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, and served on President Obamas Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. He is also a former candidate for Congress in New Yorks 24th District.

In 2009, I served on President Barack Obamas Armed Forces Inaugural Committee and had the honor of being a part of this historic inauguration. This week, as our country prepares to inaugurate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, our nation is on edge as Washington has been fortified with unprecedented security following the deadly attack on our U.S. Capitol. As I reflect on the state of our country and the events that have led us to this point of needing a war zone security posture in Washington, I cant help but think of the stark contrast between what I experienced on that day in January 2009.

When I joined Obamas Armed Forces Inaugural Committee in late 2008, we were planning for the largest inauguration in U.S. history. Security was absolutely a concern. We expected over a million visitors to arrive in Washington and police and the military prepared for a range of possible threat scenarios from terrorism to domestic unrest.

Then-U.S. Navy Lt. Francis Conole, a member of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), stands in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 29, 2008. Conole provided military ceremonial support to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Kathrine McDowell, U.S. Air Force/Released) Armed Forces Inaugural Committee

On the morning of Jan. 20, I woke at 4 a.m. to join a multi-service unit at our assigned location on the White House Ellipse. It was a bitter cold day, but we were excited to carry out the plan that we had prepared for months. The inauguration that day was the largest in history and there was not a single significant security disruption. I will never forget the scene when Obama took his Oath of Office. We were all standing at attention, the president raised his right hand, and in front of me I could see a black Army Sergeant in our unit, who had tears streaming down her face. We were all so filled with emotion. The Mall was filled with over 1.5 million people of all different races, creeds, political parties and backgrounds and the mood was one of joy and optimism.

This optimism proved short-lived. Soon after, the politics of intransigence and division would take hold. This form of divisive politics would metastasize. It would go from thwarting a policy agenda to an all out assault on truth that included attacking the credibility of our democratic institutions, to questioning our elections, to attacking the very integrity and citizenship of those with whom we disagree. And Americans have continued to retreat into their own silos of information and news, further exacerbating the divide.

Retired senior military officers from for the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen to former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have been sounding alarm bells about the dangerous path our country is on.

And now, as we prepare to inaugurate our 46th president, Washington is locked down. The Mall is closed, barricades are everywhere, and 20,000 national Guard troops have deployed to our capital  force numbers that are higher than Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

This path is unsustainable for our country.

Last week, the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a statement to American Forces that read, On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and become our 46th Commander in Chief.

Two hundred forty-five years ago, Americas improbable experiment in democracy began. At the time, our nations founders were locked in divisive fights. And yet through these disagreements, our country and our Constitution were forged. Over the past two centuries, our country survived a civil war, has worked and continues to work to overcome our original and ugly sin of slavery, fought tyranny in two world wars, advanced civil rights, made great technological advances, cured diseases, and built a middle class. We did it together, and yet, so many challenges and injustices remain in our pursuit of becoming a more perfect union.

As Biden takes office, we continue to face immense challenges  a horrific global pandemic, a nation divided, racial and economic injustice, and the threats of climate change. We cannot and will not move our country forward by retreating into our separate corners. If we are going to meet the incredible challenges of our time, we are going to have to do it together.

On Wednesday, let us honor our countrys great experiment in democracy, which remains fragile, and commit ourselves to a new path. Let us commit ourselves to a path that remembers that we are all Americans, and while we may have different stories, backgrounds, racial or gender identities, sexual orientations, or political beliefs, we are bonded by our common desire to preserve our sacred democracy and to build a better future for our children and our grandchildren.

Also in Opinion: Norms and traditions can be broken; the Constitution endures (Editorial)
The Cabinet signed off on an agreement with GPs and pharmacists to administer coronavirus vaccines to more than 1.5 million people (Matt Alexander/PA)

A government plan to use general practitioners and pharmacists to administer the Covid-19 vaccine is an opportunity to get ahead of the virus, a GP has said.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet signed off on an agreement with GPs and pharmacists to administer coronavirus vaccines to more than 1.5 million people.

GPs and pharmacists will get 60 euros for delivering two doses of the vaccine through surgeries and pharmacies, which includes a 10 euro admin fee.

There will also be an hourly fee of 120 euros for GPs and 70 euro for pharmacists who work in the HSE mass vaccination clinics.

The HSE estimates that GPs and pharmacists could administer vaccines to 1.5 million people over the course of the national vaccination programme, using their own premises.

The estimated cost of the scheme is 91 million euros.

We would see general practices as a core element of the mass vaccination campaign Dr Denis McCauley

The Government is of the view that it will prove good value for money if it helps to bring the country out of the pandemic, a spokesman said.

It is hoped GPs will be able to administer the vaccines in early February, once the AstraZeneca vaccine has been approve by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and supplies have been delivered to Ireland.

Dr Denis McCauley, chair of the Irish Medical Organisations GP committee, said there has been a concerted effort to get GPs and the practice teams vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Were preparing ourselves to be the main vaccinators, he said.

We would see general practices as a core element of the mass vaccination campaign.

The European Medicines Agency is hopefully going to approve AstraZeneca and then if we get our supply, there will be a significant uplift in the amount of vaccinations given.

If the supply is there, the GPs will be able to give it at the rate we normally give a vaccination.

Dr McCauley said GPs recently administered one million flu vaccines over six weeks.

He said the AstraZeneca vaccine is easily stored and will require a limited supervision period.

Face coverings can help to reduce the spread of #coronavirus. They should:

a cover the nose & go under the chin

a fit snugly against the side of the faceaa

a be secured with ties or ear loopsaa

a include at least 2 layers of fabricaa

a allow for unrestricted breathing pic.twitter.com/bpmDAHaRmQ  HSE Ireland (@HSELive) January 19, 2021

He hopes the supply will allow GPs and pharmacists to start the vaccination process of the next two priority groups, including the over-70s and the at-risk group.

They will be contacted, an appointment will be given and we will get them in and get them done, he added.

We are aware that people are eager and keen, were aware that if they know a GP has the vaccine and theyre not getting it, they will get frustrated and maybe even angry.

He said GPs and pharmacies could get through as many as 300 vaccinations in a day.

We have been reacting to the virus all the time, so this is the chance to get ahead of it and we know we can participate in that, he added.

Dr McCauley said about 90% of GPs have received their first dose of the vaccine.

I think that's going to be a game-changer and crucial in terms of the rollout David Cullinane, Sinn Fein

The deal was also welcomed by Sinn Fein health spokesman David Cullinane.

He said: I think thats going to be a game-changer and crucial in terms of the rollout.

If we can get to a point AstraZeneca is certified and were getting more doses in, hopefully over 100,000 a week coming in, the role of GPs and pharmacies will come front and centre.

We need to make sure that when that is certified (AstraZeneca), that we have some sense of how many doses we can get in really quickly.

I know from engagement with that company theyve done a huge amount of advanced manufacturing.

I think its possible to get our hands on huge quantities of that vaccine very quickly.

Then the question is how quickly can we get the administration of it done.


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.
Carol Wright was pictured on a dog walk with her daughters Jess and Natalya on Tuesday after battling coronavirus alongside her husband Mark senior.

The TOWIE matriarch, 60, appeared to be almost back to her normal self as she took in some fresh air, but appeared a little tired given what she has been through.

She wrapped up warm in a black padded coat and leggings as her daughters joined her for support.

Getting back on track: Carol Wright walked the dogs with daughters Jess and Natalya on Tuesday after she and husband Mark Snr suffered 'severe health complications' due to Covid

Strong: The TOWIE matriarch, 60, appeared to be almost back to her normal self as she took in some fresh air, but appeared a little tired given what she has been through

Jess, 35, wore a cream padded coat with leggings and pink wellies, while Natalya, 20, opted for a padded shearling number, leggings and a beanie hat.

No doubt it's been a very worrying time for the family.

Carol and her husband Mark, 64. suffered from severe health complications after recently contracting coronavirus.

Tough time: Carol, 60 and her husband Mark, 64. (not pictured) suffered from severe health complications after recently contracting coronavirus

Keeping warm: Jess, 35, wore a cream padded coat with leggings and pink wellies, while Natalya, 20, opted for a padded shearling number, leggings and a beanie hat

And Natalya recently encouraged others to follow lockdown rules amid her parents' health battle.

The model revealed she has watched her 'parents suffer' as her siblings, Jess and Mark Wright, also recently urged the public to comply with coronavirus restrictions.

She wrote on social media: 'Covid has hit my family quite hard over the last few weeks. Ive watched my parents suffer, my dad breathing through oxygen in hospital & other family members very unwell.

Battle: Carol and Mark pictured before they fell ill, both are now back at home

'Whilst some of my family members are still fighting this awful virus I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Please dont think this virus isnt real & cant affect you or your family. Corona virus is REAL, It is SCARY. Take care, stay safe'. (sic

Last week, her older brother Mark, 33, said that his father is still 'not completely better' and that his family 'worried for his life' while he was in hospital battling coronavirus.

The former TOWIE star's parents Mark. Snr and Carol announced on New Year's Eve they had been struck down by Covid-19. They are both now home.

Looking after herself: Carol wrapped up warm in a black padded coat and leggings as her daughters joined her for support

Support: The girls are no doubt looking after their mother following her illness

Mark also revealed that two of his uncles are currently in hospital due to the virus with his uncle Eddie, 65, the father of his reality star cousin Elliott, in a coma and intensive care unit (ICU).

Speaking on his Heart Evening Show last Monday night, the presenter made an impassioned plea for people to observe government guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Mark also revealed that he had tested positive for Covid-19 last year but it didn't affect him like it has his family.

Shocking: Jess and Natalya's older brother Mark (Jr) , 33, said that his father is still 'not completely better' and that his family 'worried for his life' while he was in hospital

Please stick to the rules: Mark believes people obeyed the government guidelines and rules 'so much better' during the first lockdown compared to the third lockdown

The emotional reality star said: 'I want my life back. I want my family to be well again. I don't want my family to have to worry anymore.

'I don't want you to worry anymore. If you want to get your life back, the only way this will happen is if we obey by the government rules.'

Mark noted that people obeyed the government guidelines and rules 'so much better' during the first lockdown compared to the third lockdown, which was imposed in England towards the start of January.

He said: 'Now last time when this happened, last year's lockdown, I saw such a difference. Everybody was sticking to the rules so much better than it feels this time and it's coming back to bite us, harder, faster and tougher.

Upset: Natalya, 20, (second from right) confirmed she has watched her 'parents suffer', as her siblings, Jess and Mark Wright, also urged the public to comply with coronavirus restrictions (pictured in 2019)

'Do you want to see your family members go through what I'm seeing right now? I understand if it hasn't affected your family like it has affected mine, bloodlines are different, I don't know the science of it.

'But what I do know is that my father, my dad was suffering in hospital and we worried for his life for two weeks, he's now home, he's not completely better, he knows that and we know it.

'My other uncle, his brother, is in hospital right now, receiving oxygen, and their other brother, my uncle Eddie who I love dearly is currently in a coma in the ICU.'

Mark admitted that he wasn't trying to get 'too dark' but by sharing personal information about how it has impacted his family, it will highlight how important the guidelines are.

'Take care, stay safe': Natalya penned: 'Please don't think this virus isn't real and can't affect you'

He continued: 'Now I'm trying not to be too dark but I'm trying to give you a personal from me, because I am seeing first hand, and I know if you haven't seen it and you haven't felt it the way I have, I understand it's hard to believe it.

'It's easy to sit and think, "You know what, it's just for people that have got real underlying health issues, they were going to die of something anyway." That's not the case.

'A) that shouldn't be a good excuse anyway because they don't deserve to take this badly just because they've got an underlying health condition. And b) it's not just that. My dad is a healthy man, so are my uncles.'

He added: 'So look, I want to move on from this subject, but I just wanted to clear it up because it's made a bit of the headlines from what I said on Good Morning Britain.

Scary: Last week, Mark, 33, said that his father is still 'not completely better' and that his family 'worried for his life' while he was in hospital battling coronavirus (pictured with his father)

'My dad is doing okay, and I want him to know I love him very much. But look, please going forward, we stick together, we do this together and we do what we can to get us back to normal.

'Get us back to holidays, get us back to seeing our friends and dancing on the dance floor.'

Mark also admitted that he understands it's a 'tough situation' and that he is aware that the virus affects everyone differently.

He continued: 'It is a tough situation, I understand, because there's so many conspiracy theories that you hear from people.

'Many people that don't believe how real what is going on actually is, and I hear it first hand from friends of mine, very close friends of mine.

Heartbreaking: Mark also revealed that two of his uncles are currently in hospital due to the virus with his uncle Eddie, 65, the father of his reality star cousin Elliott, in a coma and intensive care unit (ICU) (Elliott and Eddie pictured in February 2020)

'"Oh it's just like a cold, it's just like a flu," "I know someone who had it," "I had it, I was just tired, it didn't hurt, it was fine" and I know that. We know that. It doesn't affect everybody to the point of the way it affects some.

'It didn't affect me when I had it back last year, the way it affected my family members, the way it is affecting my family members.

'I've always done my best to stand by what the government say, and the reason I do that is because I know the experts working with the government, are the best experts we have and that's why they're working for the government.'

Jess, who postponed her wedding due to the pandemic, also took to Instagram recently to share her experience with the virus.

She wrote: 'Covid has ripped through my family in the past month and it has been absolutely horrendous. Please stay safe everyone, stay home, wear masks and also check on loved ones regularly.

'The fight isn't over for us yet, we are taking every day as it comes and praying a lot. This new strain seems to be spreading like wildfire.

'Thank you the well wishes for those who have known, for my family members that have been hospitalised by this awful, awful virus.'

Jess added it was important to also focus on mental health and help build others up as the nation navigates the third lockdown.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio  Cuyahoga Falls police on Tuesday released details about the fatal shooting of an Akron man during a home invasion.

Demetrius Horton, 41, was shot by a homeowner on the 2200 block of Richmond Road after he broke into the house, according to police and the Summit County Medical Examiners Office.

Police responded around 5:45 a.m. Saturday after receiving a 911 call that a man armed with a gun broke into the home and had been shot by a resident.

When officers arrived, the resident exited the home and said the suspect was still inside, police said in a news release. Officers entered and found Horton with apparent gunshot wounds and administered first aid. Horton died at the scene.

Investigators say Horton had a pistol on him and entered through an unlocked kitchen window. Police believe he targeted the residence specifically, and there is no continued threat to the public, the news release states.

Cuyahoga Falls police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 330-971-8321 or leave an anonymous tip at 330-971-8477.
Fugue Next-Generation Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) provides interactive visual maps of cloud infrastructure environments As Red Ventures leverages more cloud-native services, Fugues new container runtime security capabilities empower our teams to innovate fast while streamlining cloud security and compliance at every stage of development and operations.

Fugue, the company putting engineers in command of cloud security and compliance, today announced new capabilities for bringing public cloud container resources into compliance and ensuring the continuous security of container runtime configurations. The new capabilities deliver security and compliance visibility and reporting for managed container services offered by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure and turnkey support for the CIS Docker Benchmark.

The new Fugue features provide continuous configuration visibility, security checks, and compliance reporting for AWS Elastic Container Service (ECS) with Fargate, AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), Azure Container Instances, and Azure Container Registry. Developers can run policy checks on their infrastructure-as-code to ensure their managed container resources are configured securely according to the CIS Docker Benchmark and their custom rules, and use those same rules to ensure continuous container runtime security in production.

Fugue has simplified the task of establishing compliance visibility and reporting across our entire cloud footprint and ensuring our environment stays secure, said Ben Carter, Vice President of Enterprise Architecture at Red Ventures. As Red Ventures leverages more cloud-native services, Fugues new container runtime security capabilities empower our teams to innovate fast while streamlining cloud security and compliance at every stage of development and operations.

Our customers are increasingly taking advantage of the managed container services offered by cloud providers such as AWS and Microsoft Azure, and they need an efficient and effective way to ensure those resources are configured securely and stay that way, said Josh Stella, co-founder and CEO of Fugue. Were excited to extend Fugues next-generation cloud security coverage to include public cloud container runtime security so our customers can keep moving fast and know their infrastructure and data remains secure and in compliance.

Fugue recently introduced next-generation Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) capabilities that leverage its cloud state machine and OPA-based policy-as-code engine to provide customers with continuous visibility into the full configuration state and security posture of their entire environment. With Fugues data warehouse, teams can analyze their data using Fugues native tools or their third party business intelligence (BI) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools.

Fugue radically streamlines cloud compliance with full historical audit evidence and out-of-the-box support for industry standards, including CIS Foundations Benchmarks, CIS Docker Benchmark, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, PCI, and SOC 2. Fugue supports custom enterprise policies using OPA and provides the Fugue Best Practices framework to protect against advanced misconfiguration exploits that compliance frameworks can miss, including complex Identity and Access Management (IAM) vulnerabilities.

Fugue offers Enterprise and Team plans under a 30-day free trial, and the free Fugue Developer plan for individual engineers. Fugue is available in the AWS Marketplace. It takes just 15 minutes to get up and running with Fugue.

About Fugue

Fugue puts engineers in command of enterprise cloud security with tools to prove compliance, build security into cloud development, and stay safe by eliminating cloud misconfiguration. Fugue provides one-click reporting for CIS Foundations Benchmarks, CIS Docker Benchmark, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, PCI, and SOC 2. Customers such as AT&T, SAP NS2, and A+E Networks trust Fugue to protect their cloud environments. Fugues investors include New Enterprise Associates, Future Fund, and In-Q-Tel (IQT). Fugue is an AWS Advanced Technology Partner and Microsoft Azure partner. To learn more, visit http://www.fugue.co.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
KHAMMAM: Internal squabbles within Telangana Rashtra Samithi in Khammam and Kothagudem districts have become a headache for the party high command. So much so, TRS working president and IT minister K. T. Rama Rao has asked all MLAs and MPs, former legislators and ex-parliamentarians of the party in the two districts to assemble in Hyderabad for a meeting on January 20.

Former minister T. Nageswara Rao, former MP P. Srinivas Reddy, former MLAs Madanlal of Wyra and Payam Venkateswarlu of Pinapaka, apart from Thati Venkateswarlu of Aswaraopet and party candidates who contested 2018 elections like Pidamarthi Ravi of Sattupalli have been asked to be present at the meeting.

The defeat in Dubbaka and setback in GHMC elections have forced TRS to resolve the issues within its own party leaders. The ruling party feels unity among these leaders is need of the hour in the graduate constituency and Khammam Municipal Corporation elections.

Ruling party MLAs are not allowing MPs and former MPs into their assembly segments without their permission. The party high command has also asked them to attend programmes after interacting with concerned MLAs.

Visits of former minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and former MP P. Srinivas Reddy in the assembly segments are creating a ruckus. Tummala is frequently attending programmes in the Palair segment, though MLA K. Upender Reddy has been raising objections.

A tussle is also on between former MP Srinivas Reddy and Sattupalli MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah over the visit of the former in Sattupalli constituency. In a meeting organised at Enkoor, Ponguleti vented his feelings saying, Ee gooti pakshulu aa gootiki velle time vochindi (Time has come for birds to fly from this to that nest). The comment of former MP is being construed by MLAs in their own way.

Friction is also on between Tummala and Kandala Upender Reddy in Palair.

Transport minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar said, The proposed meeting in Hyderabad has been fixed to discuss strengthening of the party in the two districts.
Nord Stream 2, if completed, would give Russia the means to completely bypass Ukraine, depriving Ukraine of vital revenues and opening it up to further Russian aggressive actions.

The U.S. Department of State has explained the imposition of new sanctions against Nord Stream 2, saying the move is aimed at supporting Ukraine.

"Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Russia-based entity KVT-RUS and identifying the vessel FORTUNA as blocked property," the U.S. Department of State said in a press statement on January 19, 2021.

It is noted KVT-RUS is being sanctioned pursuant to Section 232 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for knowingly selling, leasing, or providing to the Russian Federation goods, services, technology, information, or support for the construction of Russian energy export pipelines.

Read alsoUkraine welcomes new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2"The United States will consider further actions in the near term, under CAATSA, and the Protecting European Energy Security Act (PEESA), as amended," the statement says.

"Nord Stream 2, if completed, would give Russia the means to completely bypass Ukraine, depriving Ukraine of vital revenues and opening it up to further Russian aggressive actions, while providing the means to use natural resources as a tool of political pressure and malign influence against western Europe," the report says.

According to the officials, today's announcement demonstrates that the United States is not afraid to hold accountable those who continue to aid and abet this tool of Russian coercion.

What is more, the United States will continue to work with its friends and allies to ensure Europe has a reliable, diversified energy supply network that does not undermine collective security.

At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine says Nord Stream 2 is a threat to U.S. and European vital national interests. "We remain committed to Ukraine's energy security, & blocking Russia's attempts to use energy to assert malign influence," the diplomats wrote on Twitter on January 19, 2021.

Other related news reports

Reporting by UNIAN
On Race in America, the Left Is Stuck in the Past
The New York Times

For 27 years, Bill Gates has entrusted the management of his enormous wealth and the endowment of his giant foundation to a single man: Michael Larson. Larson has invested the Microsoft co-founders money in farmland, hotels, stocks, bonds, even a bowling alley. Thanks in part to Larson and the soaring value of Microsofts shares, Gates fortune has gone from less than $10 billion to about $130 billion. But Larson, 61, also engaged in a pattern of workplace misconduct at Gates money-management firm, Cascade Investment, according to 10 former employees as well as others familiar with the firm. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He openly judged female employees on their attractiveness, showed colleagues nude photos of women on the internet and on several occasions made sexually inappropriate comments. He made a racist remark to a Black employee. He bullied others. When an employee said she was leaving Cascade, Larson retaliated by trying to hurt the stock price of the company she planned to join. Over the years, at least six people  including four Cascade employees  complained to Gates about Larson, according to former employees and others with direct knowledge of the complaints. (Several of them also complained to his wife, Melinda French Gates.) Cascade made payments to at least seven people who witnessed or knew about Larsons behavior; in exchange, they agreed to never speak about their time at the firm. Even as Cascade grew to more than 100 employees and to manage more money than most Wall Street hedge funds, the perception that Larson had Gates unflinching support allowed him to maintain a culture of fear inside the companys lakeside offices, the former employees said. Larson still runs Cascade. Gates reluctance to take decisive action at Cascade adds to an emerging portrait of the billionaire philanthropist that is at odds with his image as a roving global do-gooder and champion of womens empowerment. As The New York Times has reported, Gates for years regularly spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking of girls  a relationship that was among the factors precipitating French Gates recent decision to seek a divorce. And on at least a few occasions, Gates pursued women who worked for him at Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2019, Microsofts board investigated one of those cases, in which Gates acknowledged he had an affair with an employee. Gates stepped down from the board last year. Larson and Chris Giglio, his spokesman, denied some but not all instances of Larsons misconduct. During his tenure, Mr. Larson has managed over 380 people, and there have been fewer than five complaints related to him in total, Giglio said. He added, Any complaint was investigated and treated seriously and fully examined, and none merited Mr. Larsons dismissal. Giglio and Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, said that Bill and Melinda Gates Investments, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Cascades, has robust policies to deal with employee complaints about wrongdoing. BMGI takes all complaints seriously and seeks to address them effectively to guarantee a safe and respectful workplace, Giglio said. Arnold said, BMGI does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She added that any issue raised over the companys history has been taken seriously and resolved appropriately. Larson said, Calling BMGI a toxic work environment is unfair to the 160 professionals who make up our team and our culture. Courtney Wade, a spokeswoman for French Gates, said, Melinda unequivocally condemns disrespectful and inappropriate conduct in the workplace. She was unaware of most of these allegations given her lack of ownership of and control over BMGI. Some former Cascade employees declined to comment because of nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing their time at the company. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retribution. Years after they left Cascade, a few found talking about Larson so upsetting that they could hardly speak. A Generic Name Before Larson, Gates financial consigliere was Andrew L. Evans, a longtime friend who had previously served a six-month prison sentence for bank fraud. (Gates visited him in jail.) But when Evans criminal record was spotlighted in a front-page Wall Street Journal article in 1993, Gates sought out a new money manager. The next year, he hired Larson, who previously was a fund manager at Putnam Investments. In 1995, Cascade was incorporated in Washington state. The generic-sounding name with no reference to Gates allowed Larson to run a vast investment operation with a low public profile. From the start, Cascade, whose sole function was to manage the Gateses money, was deeply entwined with the wider Gates universe, including Microsoft. The firm is in the same office park in Kirkland, Washington, as Gates personal office, Gates Ventures, and across the street from French Gatess own group, Pivotal Ventures. Over the years, employees have moved among Cascade, the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the two Gates ventures and K&L Gates, the law firm where Gates father had been a named partner. In 2005, when Cascade needed a new human resources executive, the company hired a Microsoft veteran. Larson regularly hired people fresh out of college or in the early stages of their careers. Graduates of Claremont McKenna College, his alma mater, were a particular favorite. The college has several scholarships endowed by Larson. Some employees saw working at Cascade as a way to make the world a better place. Because Cascade also oversees the Gates Foundations $50 billion endowment, helping it do well meant more money for things like fighting malaria and funding education. Others said they were star-struck by the idea of working for Gates, who founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Throughout his tenure, Larson earned steady returns for Gates. He invested largely in undervalued, old-fashioned stocks, eschewing hot tech companies. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the strategy paid off. Larson also shielded Gates assets from the steepest declines of the recession in 2008 and 2009. Larson branched out into real estate and high-end hotels. He bought a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons chain. He acquired vast tracts of land that by some estimates make Gates the largest private owner of farmland in the United States. Chasing the highest returns was not the main goal. The mandate, according to one former employee, was: We dont want Bills name in the headlines. You Live in the Ghetto In the spring of 2004, Stacy Ybarra decided to quit her job at Cascade to join the internet company InfoSpace. Ybarra, then 30, had joined Cascade three years earlier as an investor relations analyst. After she announced her planned departure, Larson became so angry that he shorted the stock of InfoSpace, according to three people familiar with the episode. (Short selling involves placing bearish bets on the companys shares, which sometimes causes the stock to fall.) Two of the people said they saw Larsons trades on their computer terminals. Larson told Ybarra and others that he had shorted InfoSpaces stock out of spite, according to the three people, who heard about his remarks at the time. Giglio confirmed that Cascade shorted the stock but denied that Larson did it to spite Ybarra. At the same time, Larson repeatedly pressured Ybarra to remain at Cascade. She ultimately agreed to stay. On Election Day that November, Larson asked some Cascade employees in the office about the best time to go vote. Ybarra, who is Black, replied that she had voted that morning without having to wait in line. Larson responded: But you live in the ghetto, and everybody knows that Black people dont vote. The scene was described by two people who heard the comment and a third who was told about it later. Giglio denied that Larson made the remark. At least one employee at Cascade complained to human resources about Larsons remark. The complaint made its way to Gates and French Gates, who later spoke to Ybarra as part of an internal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. In January 2005, she quit Cascade, received a small payout and agreed to not speak about the firm in the future. When these allegations were made more than 15 years ago, BMGI took them very seriously and hired an independent lawyer to investigate, Giglio said. He added that it is standard procedure at Cascade to have employees sign confidentiality agreements when they get severance packages. Potential to Embarrass In November 2006, Gates and French Gates were sent another complaint about Larson. This one was from Robert E. Sydow, a California fund manager who had been close friends with Larson and whose firm, Grandview Capital Management, had been hired by Larson to manage a $1.6 billion slice of the foundations endowment. Sydow wrote a six-page letter to the Gateses accusing Larson of abruptly severing Cascades ties with Grandview after a dispute. (The dispute, Sydow wrote, came after Sydow warned Larson that he needed to stop using his power to hurt others in anger.) The letter, reviewed by The Times, said Larson had harmed Grandviews reputation in part by spreading false and defamatory lies about it in the market. Sydow, the godfather to one of Larsons children, went on to describe multiple instances of Larson seeking to punish employees who left Cascade and retaliating against those who cooperated with the investigation into his treatment of Ybarra, among other things. Larson has the potential to greatly embarrass both you and the foundation, Sydow wrote. We exit agreements with third-party investment managers for a variety of reasons, Larson said in a statement sent by Giglio. After Ybarras departure, Cascade hired a new head of human resources, Kathy Berman. She had once worked at Microsoft, most recently as the head of executive recruiting. Around then, there were also efforts to create physical distance between Larson and some Cascade employees, including moving a number of people onto a different floor from Larsons office, according to three former employees. Giglio said employee morale was high. Cascade employees including Larson were required to undergo sexual harassment and sensitivity training. Larson didnt seem to take it seriously, one former employee said. We dont need this, the former employee recalled Larson saying. Giglio denied that. Larsons conduct did not improve, former employees said. In emails, he sometimes castigated colleagues as stupid or called their work garbage, according to several people who saw the emails. (The missives came to be known as Larson bombs.) At meetings, he would sometimes dismiss employees presentations with comments like, Thats the dumbest idea Ive ever heard. Years ago, earlier in my career, I used harsh language that I would not use today, Larson said in the statement. I regret this greatly but have done a lot of work to change. At a work Christmas party in the mid-2000s, Larson was seated outdoors with a small group of male employees after dinner, according to one of the men. Three female colleagues were standing about 20 feet away. Which one of them do you wanna have sex with? Larson asked the men, using a profane verb. When a female employee was on a Weight Watchers program, Larson asked her, Are you losing weight for me? according to someone who heard the remark. Another former employee said Larson would ask male employees whether certain women at Cascade were single. On at least one occasion in recent years, with employees looking on, Larson displayed photographs of naked women on his phone and compared them to Berman, the human resources executive, according to a former employee who witnessed the incident and another person who was told about it. (Berman left Cascade in 2015.) Another woman who worked at Cascade said Larson asked her if she would strip for a certain amount of money. Larson denied making any of those comments. This is not true, he said. A Canceled Contract About three years ago, Megan Scott, Larsons chief of staff, complained to the Gateses about Larson, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Among her concerns was that Larson was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a recruiting firm that a Cascade employee, Pamela Harrington, was starting, two of the people said. (The proposed contract would pay Harringtons firm an annual retainer that started at less than $1.5 million and over time decreased to $400,000, said Mitchell Langberg, a lawyer for Harrington.) Scott and another employee complained to the Gateses about what they saw as the close personal relationship between Larson and Harrington, the people said. This allegation unfairly emanates from a former disgruntled employee who has tried hard to undermine the reputation of Mrs. Harrington, a highly accomplished and successful individual in her own right, Giglio said. Gates told Larson to cancel the proposed contract with Harringtons firm, the people said. Giglio said the decision was part of a broader move not to outsource many internal functions, including recruiting. By 2019, that had apparently changed. Langberg said that BMGI entered into an executive recruiting contract with Harringtons firm that December. Mrs. Harrington has been providing service under that contract since that time, he said. Around the time of the complaints involving Harrington, Larson was repeatedly propositioning, and being rebuffed by, the manager of a local bicycle store that was mostly owned by a firm, Rally Capital, that Cascade had invested in. In 2017, the manager hired a lawyer, who sent a letter to Gates and French Gates warning them that if Larson did not stop harassing her, she would sue them. The letter said Larson had told the manager that he wanted to have sex with her and another woman, according to someone who read the letter. Gates agreed to settle the matter by having a payment made to the bike store manager. French Gates insisted that an outside investigator review the incident and Cascades culture, people familiar with the matter previously told The Times. In 2018, Larson went on paid leave while the investigation took place. At the time, Gates told a Cascade employee that he doubted that Larson would ever return, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. Jessie L. Harris, a lawyer for a Seattle law firm, Williams Kastner, conducted the investigation. He concluded that the bike shop managers complaint could not be substantiated. You should know that Michael wanted to contest the allegations throughout the investigation, Giglio said. But he, obviously, was not the ultimate decision-maker. Larson returned from leave in 2019. Cascades chief operating officer had departed during Larsons absence, and Scott left shortly after his return. To curb Larsons influence over Cascade, Gates told him to hire a new chief operating officer, a former Cascade employee said. Giglio said the process included a committee and an outside search firm. The pick was Larsons college and business school classmate. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Washington: A day ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration, United States' outgoing First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday (January 19, 2021) made a request to the supporters of President Donald Trump.

In her farewell message, the First Lady Melania Trump said, "Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified."

She added, "In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself."

A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2021

The message comes following the January 6 Capitol violence by the US President Donald Trump's supporters that resulted in five deaths and making the government officials impose unprecedented security surrounding the Capitol.

Melania also said that the past four years have been unforgettable.

"As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination," she said.

She added, "Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on Americas legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith."

"No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the privilege of having served as your First Lady. To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart forever," said Melania Trump.

Meanwhile, as per a report, the FBI is assisting the US military in vetting more than 25,000 National Guard troops being deployed to assist in protecting the US Capitol around President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration for a potential security breach.

The United States government has also blocked access to major public parks and closed bridges crossing the Potomac River between Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Over a dozen subway stations have been closed and the US airlines have also imposed new security precautions for DC-area flights ahead of the inauguration.

Joe Biden who defeated Donald Trump in the November 3, 2020, elections, will be the 46th President of the United States.


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19)  President Rodrigo Duterte's warning to companies to settle their tax obligations before seeking a franchise applies to broadcast giant ABS-CBN, his spokesperson said Tuesday.

In his briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte's pronouncement during the weekly Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases meeting applies to all firms, including the media network that failed to renew its franchise bid after it was shut down by the administration.

"Lahat iyan ay addressed sa mga nag-a-apply ng prangkisa (All of this is addressed to those applying for a franchise). Insofar as ABS-CBN is one of them, I guess it's a safe conclusion that it is also applicable to ABS-CBN and all those who want a franchise," he said.

In his public address late Monday evening, Duterte did not name any specific company, but stressed that those who cannot pay their dues "will not see the light of day" until they come clean.

"For all I care, you can have a 1,000 franchise, you will not see the light of day until you come to government with clean hands. Wala akong galit, bayaran mo lang ang gobyerno, sasaludo ako sa inyo limang beses (I'm not angry. Just pay your taxes to the government and I will even salute to you five times)," he said.

The alleged tax-avoidance schemes of ABS-CBN Corporation has been pointed out as one of the reasons for the broadcast giant's non-franchise renewal by the House of Representatives last July. The National Telecommunications Commission ordered ABS-CBN to cease their broadcast last May 5 with their franchise expiration.

However, the Bureau of Internal Revenue cleared ABS-CBN in February 2020 of any tax liability, saying the company paid 70.5 billion in taxes in the past 17 years.

Duterte has been vocal in the past about shutting down ABS-CBN after accusing the network of refusing to carry his 2016 campaign ads.

Senate President Tito Sotto and Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto have filed separate bills seeking to renew ABS-CBN's franchise for 25 years.

Lawmakers previously voted to deny ABS-CBN a fresh franchise, citing supposed tax avoidance schemes, ownership and labor issues, and alleged biased reporting.
Posted Monday, January 18, 2021 4:08 pm

With a family and farm to take care of and college classwork waiting for her, Rachael Heinrich said waking before dawn to have cinnamon rolls ready for her market stand is sometimes really tough.

But she doesnt do it for herself.

She does it for her customer who is a nurse, whose 12-hour shifts working with COVID patients doesnt allow her time to bake.

Or the little boy who saves up his good-behavior money all week to come in for a treat.

Or even the regular who lost her beloved horse and her first thought was to come to the bakery stand.

My goal is to feed people. Its my love language, said Heinrich, who owns Half Pint Farm Bakery in Rochester.

Since November, Heinrich and her husband, Scott Heinrich, have been selling their baked goods every Friday and Saturday from their market cart in the Rochester Fruit Stand parking lot. For Rachael, baking started from a young age. Born in Whidbey Island, she is the oldest of six kids, and her mother loved to bake and include her children in the activity. She fondly remembers receiving her first cookbook at the age of 8.

Rachael and Scott met in high school in California, where Rachael moved as a teenager because of her fathers military career. They will have been married 25 years this year. Scott served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Rachael has worked in several fields and has an associates degree in the legal field. She recently began pursuing a degree in agricultural business. The couple owned an event planning business in the early 2000s, and Rachael said while she loved cooking and baking, she never considered it as a career.

I always said I would not do the food business. I fought it and fought it, she recalled.

But that attitude began to change when she started baking treats for her husbands Air Force co-workers. Every delivery got rave reviews and some tasters encouraged Rachael to take orders and sell them. By the time Scott retired four years ago, she said she had decided she might want to take it to the next level.

He said for 20 years, youve been supporting my career. What do you want to do? I said I want to farm and bake, Rachael recalled, adding a laugh. I think hes working harder now than he was before.

The Heinrichs first bakery stand opened in 2016 at their former house on Sargent Road in Rochester. Scott stacked some old pallets and topped them with a recycled piece of tin roofing to create a makeshift building to try out the concept. It immediately took off with the community.

People would stay there 30, 40, 50 minutes just talking to us, telling us their life stories, Scott recalled. So, we knew right then it was a calling for us.

Two years later, the Heinrichs were devastated when the Sargent Road home with the bakery stand burned down. After the fire, they moved to a home in Rochesters Independence Valley and attempted to re-open their farm stand, but the drive was too much for many of their regulars. They began looking for alternatives that would allow them to stay in Rochester and offer their baked goods in a location that was closer for customers. When the owners of the Rochester Fruit Stand, just off U.S. Highway 12, offered them space in their parking lot year-round, they said it felt like the right fit.

Fridays and Saturdays, Half Pint Farm Bakery appears in the fruit stand location in a farm stand on wheels made by a builder in Winlock. Regulars know to check the Facebook page for updates on times and the menu and to come early for the best selection since items are first-come, first-served. One of their more popular items are cinnamon rolls, which are on the menu every weekend. The last weekend of every month, look for Chummies, Rachaels homemade version of the classic Hostess Ding-Dong, featuring homemade marshmallow cream filling and Ghirardelli chocolate coating. Seasonally, they also offered canned peaches, pears and homemade preserves. Besides those regular items, the weekly lineup is ever changing based on whats available and what inspiration strikes.

I do five things that speak to me and that keep everything feeling fun, Rachael explained of the bakery stands offerings.

Every bakery ingredient they can raise themselves comes from the Heinrichs 40-acre self-sustaining farm. Otherwise, they emphasize purchasing ingredients locally, including duck eggs from a farmer just down the road, in-season fruit from the Rochester Fruit Stand, berries from local growers and cranberries from a farm in Grays Harbor. Half Pint Farm Bakery uses no preservatives and rarely sources any ingredients outside Washington state.

And its not just the ingredients location but also their own that is important at Half Pint Farm Bakery. The Heinrichs said they have been approached by a handful of local farmers markets to bring their trailer and sell there, but they do not intend to ever leave Rochester. After the fire at the home they now affectionately call the fire house, the Heinrichs received a great deal of support from the entire Rochester community, both personally and toward their business.

After our house fire, we really wouldnt have been able to do anything without the community, Scott said. There was so much help from people. We wont ever be able to repay them.

The couple said their bakery stand is one small way they can show their gratitude to their community, as well as perhaps bring a little extra sweetness to the world. They believe in the power of a buttery crust, a dollop of fresh fruit preserves and bit of chocolate to make the world a little better place.

Especially with everything happening right now, no matter what side youre on, people can gather here. Sometimes they line up outside in the rain. It brings them together, Scott said.

Half Pint Farm Bakery

Generally open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, or until sold out, in the parking lot of the Rochester Fruit Stand. Follow them @HalfPintFarmStand on Facebook for more updates.
Parents of children with special needs are heartbroken after it was announced last night that schools will not be reopening.

In-person education for children with special and additional needs was due to recommence tomorrow however, Education Minister Norma Foley has conceded that the phased return cannot go ahead because of lack of co-operation.

It follows a decision by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and Forsa, representing special needs assistants (SNAs), to reject proposals for reopening.

Emma Harris, a single mother-of-three living in Limerick, said her head was fit to burst over the uncertainty on whether her eight-year-old son Dylan, who has autism, would return to school on Thursday.

Dylan attends a special needs unit attached to a mainstream school and was due to return on Thursday along with one other student.

Read More

"My head is fit to burst because in the news theres always something being said about it and everyone is saying something different and everybody wants something different, Ms Harris told Independent.ie.

"Nobody knows what the right thing to do is and it does get to you. It gets to a point where you try not to think about it because when you start to think about anything you get angry, you cry, every emotion.

Ms Harris explained that it is incredibly difficult to home school her other children, aged six and 11, as Dylan requires so much care.

The mother-of-three said she doesnt think anyone can really understand how hard it is unless they are going through it themselves.

I dont think they could ever understanduntil they understand my position, a single mum with three kids and one that cant talk, one that I cant leave alone.

I cant really leave him alone and he floods my sinks, hes unpredictable, but thats autism for you, autism is unpredictable.

"I really have to try and keep strong and keep it together and try and do my best because I know thats all I can do.

"Im trying not to read things now, I wont believe that schools are open until that bus turns up because they already gave me that glimmer of hope and to take it away was really hard for me.

Despite desperately wanting schools to reopen for children with special needs, Ms Harris said she can understand teachers and SNAs being worried.

"I do feel for teachers, I dont think anybody should be forced to do anything they dont want to do right now in this world, she said.

Aisling McNiffe, whose 15-year-old son Jack has special needs, said she will not be sending him back to school if it reopens. However, she thinks the option should be there for those who need it, explaining that its not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Expand Close Aisling McNiffe, her son Jack and his companion dog Beth. Photo by: Tom Honan / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Aisling McNiffe, her son Jack and his companion dog Beth. Photo by: Tom Honan

My son is in the minority who will probably not be going back to school because he hasnt been in since March because he is very medically complexed, she said.

"As much as I am advocating for schools to reopen its not for me personally because he wont be able to go back until hes vaccinated.

The mother-of-two said she believes teachers and SNAs should be treated as frontline workers and be higher up on the list for vaccination.

She added: For children with special needs school is more than just education for them, its socialisation, its therapy and its respite for families.

"Our children cant learn online, its just not possible. There might be a small cohort that can but in general, its not a possibility, so they should be open.

"Its a small cohort of all the children in Ireland and if the teachers and SNAs and all people that work in schools were treated as frontline staff or essential workers then things could move along and open safely.

A spokesperson for four advocacy organisations, AsIAm, Down Syndrome Ireland, Family Carers Ireland and Inclusion Ireland, has said that children with special educational needs, and their families and carers have been almost completely forgotten about in the conversations between stakeholders over the partial re-opening of schools.

They added: The manner in which this issue is being dealt with  with U-turns, mixed messages and false dawns, needs to stop.

"The department and education stakeholders need to get this sorted once and for all. Our most vulnerable students  children with disabilities and special educational needs, their families and their carers have been almost completely forgotten about in this row.
Sweden will continue its efforts to resolve the conflict in Donbas and support a political solution to the situation during its OSCE chairmanship, according to OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde.

She said this at a joint briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Tuesday, January 19, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The Swedish Chairpersonship will continue to build on the efforts of the previous chairs to work towards a peaceful conflict resolution. One of our priorities [] is to defend the European security order. We support a sustainable political solution in line with OSCE principles and commitments, with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," she said.

In addition, Linde noted a significant reduction in ceasefire violations since July 27 last year.

"This has made the everyday lives of people in affected areas safer," she said.

Linde also expressed regret that one Ukrainian serviceman died in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas last week and extended her condolences to his family.

Linde also noted that the improved security situation should provide the basis for further steps, such as the exchange of detainees, the opening of new entry-exit checkpoints, demining, and disengagement areas, in line with the Common Agreed Conclusions of the Paris Normandy Summit.

op
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday congratulated Sadyr Japarov on securing victory in the Kyrgyz presidential election and expressed hope that Tehran and Bishkek would continue to strengthen bilateral relations

TEHRAN/MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th January, 2021) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday congratulated Sadyr Japarov on securing victory in the Kyrgyz presidential election and expressed hope that Tehran and Bishkek would continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

"I sincerely congratulate you on successfully holding the vote and your election as a president of Kyrgyzstan. I hope that during your leadership, growth, prosperity and national well-being will accelerate in the country, while the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kyrgyzstan, using the existing economic potential and taking into account the good level of cooperation, will continue developing bilateral relations," Rouhani said in a statement.

On Sunday, the Central Asian country held a snap presidential election and a referendum to determine the form of government after the previous leader, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, resigned following mass protests in October. Over 80 percent have voted in favor of a presidential system of government, according to preliminary results. Japarov is leading the presidential race with 79.2 percent of the vote, according to the information from 98 percent of polling stations.

The Kyrgyz Central Election Commission said that the official results will be announced within 20 days from the voting day.
One of the supporters of President Donald Trump who entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and smoked marijuana in Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkleys office has been arrested and charged with trespassing and interfering with the certification of the 2020 vote.

Brandon Fellows, 26, of upstate New York, was arrested late on Saturday for his role in last weeks riot and assault on the Capitol building, according to a statement posted by the FBIs Albany branch on Twitter.

Fellows previously told Bloomberg News that he had no regrets for having entered the Capitol through a broken window, roaming the halls, and smoking a joint in the office of Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon.

The trail of destruction and looting. What happened today was an assault by the domestic terrorists who stormed the Capitol, but it was also an assault on our constitution.

[sound on] pic.twitter.com/BrELF7cMz1  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) January 7, 2021

Calls to Fellows mobile phone went straight to his voice mail. In his recording, Fellows says he turned himself in for supporting the Constitution, and that hes committed to continuing his fight against, our overreaching government that has told us that we cannot go out and work, that we cannot go out to see our family, that we cannot even leave our house. I am happily being punished for that.

Fellows is one of about 100 people whove been charged in connection with the violent intrusion at the Capitol, which resulted in at least five deaths, including a Trump supporter who was shot by police and a Capitol Hill police officer who died following an altercation with rioters.

A criminal complaint filed in South Florida federal court also identified a second man in Merkleys office. An FBI affidavit says Felipe Marquez, 25, of Coral Springs was identified by a tipster who saw videos Marquez posted on his Snapchat feed.

The FBI says the videos depicted Marquez driving in a Tesla 3, taking part in a rally featuring President Donald Trump before the Capitol riot Jan. 6 and then showing Marquez in Merkleys office, identified by the FBI through artwork on the walls. In several videos, Marquez is wearing a red Keep America Great hat.

Other rioters were also arrested over the weekend, including Lisa Eisenhart, Jack Jesse Griffith and Blake A. Reed, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to an FBI special agents affidavit supporting Fellows arrest, the agency received its first tips as early as Jan. 7 linking Fellows to the Capitol seizure. Among them were links to Fellows personal Instagram feed, in which he posted a series of pictures depicting a person sitting on a police motorcycle.

In an interview with reporters posted on social media the same day, Fellows acknowledged his role in the riot, saying Yeah, we went in there and then walked in and theres just a whole bunch of people lighting up in some Oregon room...they were smoking a bunch of weed in there, according to court filings.

Fellows went on to explain that the rioters had the tools to exact further violence on the Capitol and its guards.

They know many of us had guns at our hotel rooms and vehicles, he posted in a Facebook chat shared with the FBI, adding that the rioters werent angry enough to kill the police or military. But we will fight them and make them retreat.
The company has completed a review of previous exploration at the project and through interpretation and a target generation study has identified two target areas.

( ) has started fieldwork at its 100%-owned Turondale Project within the East Lachlan Fold Belt, NSW.

Shree completed a review of the previous exploration at the Turondale Project and conducted an interpretation and target generation study.

The project covers 129.9 square kilometres and is 15 kilometres north of Bathurst, in a region that hosted Australias first gold rush during the 1850s.

Exploration targets

The company has identified two priority target areas with the first covering possible extensions of historic workings at the Quartz Ridge and Box Ridge prospects held by Ltd ( ).

These prospects are typical gold-bearing quartz reefs of the Hill End Trough.

Gold mineralisation is hosted in north-south trending pinch and swell quartz veins within folded volcanic and sediments.

The quartz veins have widths ranging from 0.3 metres to 3 metres and extend up to 2.4 kilometres along strike.

The second priority target area is near the historic alluvial and hard-rock workings at Cheshire Creek and Winburndale prospects, where highly encouraging geochemical results were reported by Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX:NIC).

Stream sediment samples returned highly anomalous assays of up to 2.5 g/t gold within several creeks draining radially from a hill 2 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide.

Copper and lead values were also highly anomalous with values up to 3700 parts per million (ppm) copper and 980 ppm lead.

The source of the gold and base-metals is interpreted to be from the central hill that comprises a folded sequence of interbedded sediments and volcanic rock.

Planned work program

Shree intends to conduct a stream sediment sampling program over the northern portion of EL9017 to locate possible extensions of the Quartz Ridge and Box Ridge gold mineralised trends.

The sampling will also highlight any quartz reefs within the prospective north-south corridor that extends south on to EL9017.

Shrees initial exploration will also consist of a stream-sediment sampling of the creeks draining radially from the hill at Cheshire Creek.

The company is negotiating land access with the various landowners for various parts of the exploration licence.

Exploration is underway on target areas that are within parts of the licence for which access has been granted.

Following stream sediment sampling, a grid-based soil sampling program along a geological mapping will be planned to identify the source of the mineralisation and generate targets for follow-up drilling.
Biden to appoint first openly trans-identified individual to federal post at HHS

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

President-elect Joe Biden announced that he will be appointing an individual who, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will be the first openly trans-identified person to hold a federal government position.

In an email to supporters on Tuesday, Biden announced the appointment of Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Levine, who is a biological male and originally named Richard Levine, presently holds the position of secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In a statement included in the announcement, Biden said that he believed Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic.

[Levine will] meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond. [He] is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts, Biden continued.

Levine garnered controversy last May over his decision to allow hospitals to discharge COVID-19 positive patients who were sent back to nursing homes, thus putting large numbers of elderly people at risk of death by further spreading the virus.

This prompted some, including state Sen. Doug Mastriano, to call for Levine's resignation, equating the decision to that of medical malpractice.

Our secretary of health, Dr. Levine, decided that it would be good to allow COVID-positive patients to be returned to elder-care facilities. And as a result of that, it broke out like fire, Mastriano said, according to triblive.com.

The very same people our secretary of health said were going to be vulnerable  It unleashed heck upon our dearly beloved fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I think thats unconscionable, unacceptable, and that secretary needs to be held accountable for that awful decision.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf defended Levine, arguing that Levine has done a phenomenal job of making sure that we do what we need to do in keeping Pennsylvanians safe.

I think its a tribute to [him] that Pennsylvania has actually done a better job than many of our surrounding states in terms of the infection rate and the death rate, he continued, as reported by triblive.com.

While adding more rules and restrictions to state nursing homes, Levine garnered attention when local news outlet ABC27 reported that his own mother recently vacated a personal care home in the state.

Many in Harrisburg wondered what kind of message it sends  when a close relative of the person tasked with overseeing those types of facilities doesnt choose to stay in one. Levine countered that [he] is working to protect the health of all Pennsylvanians, ABC27 reported last May.
Police in Hanoi are investigating a case where a local woman was hospitalized after being attacked by two men at her house last week following a conflict between the victim and her debtor.

Officers in Ung Hoa District confirmed on Monday they had received a report from the victim  31-year-old N.T.T.T..

CCTV footage of the incident, which took place at around 9:00 pm on Friday, was posted on social media earlier the same day.

In the video clip, T. is sitting with her son and two other people at a cafe run by the family when a baton-wielding man rushes into the venue and attacks her.

Another man later runs into the house and beats the victim.

The man who was sitting next to T. tries to stop the two attackers but also ends up being assaulted.

The assailants also appear to yell at and insult T. during the attack.

According to an official in Hoa Nam Commune, Ung Hoa District, T. previously lent her money to a close friend.

As the friend was unable to pay her debt, a conflict eventually broke out between the debtor and creditor.

T.s older brother confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the woman who borrowed T.s money is the wife of one of the two attackers.

T. had demanded her money back multiple times but the debtor has yet to pay up, the victims brother continued.

My sister is being treated at 103 Hospital. She was diagnosed with serious injuries in her face and head, he added.

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.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the media after Friday prayers, in Istanbul, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Turkey's president has criticized the United States for kicking his country out of the F-35 fighter jet program after Ankara purchased a Russian missile defense system. Speaking after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey paid "very serious money" for the F-35 stealth jets and that America had committed "a very serious mistake" with its NATO ally. (Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool)

Turkey on Tuesday slapped advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest over their non-compliance with a controversial new law that requires social media platforms to appoint legal representatives in the country.

The lawwhich human rights and media freedom groups say amounts to censorshipforces social media companies to maintain representatives in Turkey to deal with complaints about content on their platforms.

Companies that refuse to designate an official representative are subjected to fines, followed by advertising bans and could face bandwidth reductions that would make their platforms too slow to use. The ban is on selling online space for ads, which is what many social media companies make their money from.

Facebook avoided the advertising ban after it announced Monday that it had begun the process of assigning a legal entity in Turkey, joining LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Dailymotion and the Russian social media site VKontakte, which have agreed to set up legal entities in Turkey.

"We hope that Twitter and Pinterest which have still not announced their representatives will rapidly take the necessary steps," said Omer Fatih Sayan, the deputy minister in charge of communications and infrastructure, after the advertising bans for Twitter, it's live video-streaming app, Periscope and on the image sharing network, Pinterest, were announced on Turkey's Official Gazette.

Sayan added: "It is our last wish to impose bandwidth reductions for social networks that insist on not complying with their obligations."

There was no immediate comment from Twitter and Pinterest over the advertising ban.

Under the law that came into effect in October, the local representative of social media companies would be tasked with responding to individual requests to take down content violating privacy and personal rights within 48 hours or to provide grounds for rejection. The company would be held liable for damages if the content is not removed or blocked within 24 hours.

The law also requires social media data to be stored in Turkey, raising concerns in a country where the government has a track record of clamping down on free speech.

Rights groups have said the decision by international tech companies to bow to Turkish pressure and appoint representatives would lead to censorship and violations of the right to privacy and access to information in a country where independent media is severely curtailed. The Freedom of Expression Association says more than 450,000 domains and 42,000 tweets have been blocked in Turkey since October.

Facebook said Monday it remained committed to maintaining free expression and other human rights in Turkey.

Explore further Turkey fines social media giants for breaching online law

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The combined businesses of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Peugeot maker PSA Group made a debut on the Paris and Milan stock exchanges Monday and will start trading Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange under the name Stellantis.

Stella-what?

The new name has puzzled car-industry experts, dealers and customers since its July unveiling. Why not one or several of the groups brands, like Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo and Maserati?

The name rang like a product to ease stomach pain," wrote the car columnist for The Australian newspaper. An Automotive News story about the unveiling carried the headline: Take 2 Stellantis and call me in the morning."

Luis Guzman, based in Austin, Texas, drives a sporty 2016 Chrysler 300S and said he is embarrassed by the name: I love the car and hate the fact that [Chrysler] is going to be owned by a company called Stellantis."

Fiat Chrysler and PSA said Stellantis draws on the Latin stello," meaning to brighten with stars." The Latin root reflects the combined companies French and Italian heritage. The name also signifies the creation of one of the new leaders in the next era of mobility," the companies said.

Our thought process was really very simple," said Mike Manley, former chief executive of Fiat Chrysler, who will lead the new groups Americas operations. We have a stable of some fantastic, storied historic brands. We knew from the beginning that we didnt want to use those brand names as our corporate name."

Pierre-Olivier Salmon, head of corporate information at PSA, said We are very, very happy and proud of this name, which already unites us," declining to discuss the name in detail.

People dont know what Stellantis is," said Jeremy Beaver, president of Del Grande Dealer Group in California, but this company has changed its name so many times I dont think it matters to the average customer."

One advantage to a new name: It avoids disputes about who goes firstsomething that dogged the 1998 merger of Daimler and Chrysler.

Chryslers then-chairman, Robert Eaton, told The Wall Street Journal at the time that the name was the last issue to be discussed before the boards signed off. Daimlers then-chairman, Jurgen Schrempp, had argued that the names of founders Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz had to be first, proposing Daimler-Benz Chrysler. Mr. Eaton countered that Walter P. Chrysler had founded their company and was an American pioneer. His name had to go first: Chrysler Daimler-Benz.

Mr. Schrempp told the Journal at the time that he and Mr. Eaton never considered compromising by creating a name unrelated to their heritage.

For centuries, company names have reflected their founders (Walt Disney Co.), products (Coca-Cola Co.), industries (General Electric Co.) or, sometimes, birthplace (Cisco Systems Inc.).

Fiat Chrysler combines Fiat, which Giovanni Agnelli founded in 1899 as Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, and Chrysler, which Mr. Chrysler founded in 1925. Peugeot was created in 1882 when Armand Peugeot broke from the familys business making bicycles and coffee grinders to bet on the horseless carriage.

Like baby-naming, company-naming has tracked fashion recently. Hip businesses deploy made-up names (Google), sometimes using a made-up verb (Spotify) or adverb (Wonderly), or a prefix (Uber). Rarely do these names betray what the companies do.

In 2001, Andersen Consulting sparked confusion and hilarity when it renamed itself Accentureofficially a contraction of Accent on the future." The name became widely recognized.

Mondelez, the name Kraft Foods gave its snacks business in a 2012 spinoff, combined monde," derived from the Latin for world," and delez," a fanciful expression of delicious, " according to executives.

Then-Mondelez board member Nelson Peltz said at a conference the following year that the name sounds like a disease."

Still, Mondelez just became accepted after a while," said Erika Troia, senior naming strategist at naming agency PS212. With most new names, she said, After the initial confusion, it ends up coming to a place of acceptance."

Except when it doesnt, as with Tronc. When Tribune Publishing Co., owner of newspapers including the Chicago Tribune and the New York Daily News, renamed itself Tronc Inc. in 2016, executives said it was short for Tribune Online Content and a banner for its digital future. Some other people said it sounded like nonsense.

The company became Tribune Publishing again two years later.

The way that words hit our ears affects what we think of them," Ms. Troia said. Tronc just has a really unfortunate sound to it."

One reason to invent names is avoiding trademarks. Finding something thats protectable and available hasnt trumped everything, but it has become a major part of the process," Jane Geraghty, Global Chief Executive at Landor & Fitch, a branding agency owned by WPP PLC.

In the old days we could come up with a relatively short list of names that would fit the story that we wanted to tell," she said. Now we have to generate thousands of names in the process to find, ultimately, a solution that youre going to be able to trademark."

The auto industry is going through a rebranding and renaming phase that largely reflects its move to clean electric vehicles. South Koreas Kia dropped Motors" from its name last week, saying it was revamping its brand to further its vision to create sustainable mobility solutions."

General Motors Co. has called its battery company Ultium, prompting Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas to ask GM CEO Mary Barra during a July earnings call: Why not call the company Ultium, the entire company?" Ms. Barra replied that GM was willing to entertain any idea that benefited shareholders.

As Mr. Manley, who will lead Stellantiss Americas operations, put it in July: I have to tell you that the naming of a new company istheres no doubtits a process for sure."

There was poetry in Stellantis, he said, and Im not a particularly poetic person."

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.
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!
My fellow Americans: Four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit, and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens. In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again -- for all Americans.

As I conclude my term as the 45th President of the United States, I stand before you truly proud of what we have achieved together. We did what we came here to do -- and so much more.

This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck -- a very important word.

Id like to begin by thanking just a few of the amazing people who made our remarkable journey possible.

First, let me express my overwhelming gratitude for the love and support of our spectacular First Lady, Melania. Let me also share my deepest appreciation to my daughter Ivanka, my son-in-law Jared, and to Barron, Don, Eric, Tiffany, and Lara. You fill my world with light and with joy.

I also want to thank Vice President Mike Pence, his wonderful wife Karen, and the entire Pence family.

Thank you as well to my Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows; the dedicated members of the White House Staff and the Cabinet; and all the incredible people across our administration who poured out their heart and soul to fight for America.

I also want to take a moment to thank a truly exceptional group of people: the United States Secret Service. My family and I will forever be in your debt. My profound gratitude as well to everyone in the White House Military Office, the teams of Marine One and Air Force One, every member of the Armed Forces, and state and local law enforcement all across our country.

Most of all, I want to thank the American people. To serve as your President has been an honor beyond description. Thank you for this extraordinary privilege. And thats what it is -- a great privilege and a great honor.

We must never forget that while Americans will always have our disagreements, we are a nation of incredible, decent, faithful, and peace-loving citizens who all want our country to thrive and flourish and be very, very successful and good. We are a truly magnificent nation.

All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol. Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated.

Now more than ever, we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor, and forge our common destiny.

Four years ago, I came to Washington as the only true outsider ever to win the presidency. I had not spent my career as a politician, but as a builder looking at open skylines and imagining infinite possibilities. I ran for President because I knew there were towering new summits for America just waiting to be scaled. I knew the potential for our nation was boundless as long as we put America first.

So I left behind my former life and stepped into a very difficult arena, but an arena nevertheless, with all sorts of potential if properly done. America had given me so much, and I wanted to give something back.

Together with millions of hardworking patriots across this land, we built the greatest political movement in the history of our country. We also built the greatest economy in the history of the world. It was about America First because we all wanted to make America great again. We restored the principle that a nation exists to serve its citizens. Our agenda was not about right or left, it wasnt about Republican or Democrat, but about the good of a nation, and that means the whole nation.

With the support and prayers of the American people, we achieved more than anyone thought possible. Nobody thought we could even come close.

We passed the largest package of tax cuts and reforms in American history. We slashed more job-killing regulations than any administration had ever done before. We fixed our broken trade deals, withdrew from the horrible Trans-Pacific Partnership and the impossible Paris Climate Accord, renegotiated the one-sided South Korea deal, and we replaced NAFTA with the groundbreaking USMCA -- thats Mexico and Canada -- a deal thats worked out very, very well.

Also, and very importantly, we imposed historic and monumental tariffs on China; made a great new deal with China. But before the ink was even dry, we and the whole world got hit with the China virus. Our trade relationship was rapidly changing, billions and billions of dollars were pouring into the U.S., but the virus forced us to go in a different direction.

The whole world suffered, but America outperformed other countries economically because of our incredible economy and the economy that we built. Without the foundations and footings, it wouldnt have worked out this way. We wouldnt have some of the best numbers weve ever had.

We also unlocked our energy resources and became the worlds number-one producer of oil and natural gas by far. Powered by these policies, we built the greatest economy in the history of the world. We reignited Americas job creation and achieved record-low unemployment for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, women -- almost everyone.

Incomes soared, wages boomed, the American Dream was restored, and millions were lifted from poverty in just a few short years. It was a miracle. The stock market set one record after another, with 148 stock market highs during this short period of time, and boosted the retirements and pensions of hardworking citizens all across our nation. 401(k)s are at a level theyve never been at before. Weve never seen numbers like weve seen, and thats before the pandemic and after the pandemic.

We rebuilt the American manufacturing base, opened up thousands of new factories, and brought back the beautiful phrase: "Made in the USA.

To make life better for working families, we doubled the child tax credit and signed the largest-ever expansion of funding for childcare and development. We joined with the private sector to secure commitments to train more than 16 million American workers for the jobs of tomorrow.

When our nation was hit with the terrible pandemic, we produced not one, but two vaccines with record-breaking speed, and more will quickly follow. They said it couldnt be done but we did it. They call it a medical miracle, and thats what theyre calling it right now: a medical miracle.

Another administration would have taken 3, 4, 5, maybe even up to 10 years to develop a vaccine. We did in nine months.

We grieve for every life lost, and we pledge in their memory to wipe out this horrible pandemic once and for all.

When the virus took its brutal toll on the worlds economy, we launched the fastest economic recovery our country has ever seen. We passed nearly $4 trillion in economic relief, saved or supported over 50 million jobs, and slashed the unemployment rate in half. These are numbers that our country has never seen before.

We created choice and transparency in healthcare, stood up to big pharma in so many ways, but especially in our effort to get favored-nations clauses added, which will give us the lowest prescription drug prices anywhere in the world.

We passed VA Choice, VA Accountability, Right to Try, and landmark criminal justice reform.

We confirmed three new justices of the United States Supreme Court. We appointed nearly 300 federal judges to interpret our Constitution as written.

For years, the American people pleaded with Washington to finally secure the nations borders. I am pleased to say we answered that plea and achieved the most secure border in U.S. history. We have given our brave border agents and heroic ICE officers the tools they need to do their jobs better than they have ever done before, and to enforce our laws and keep America safe.

We proudly leave the next administration with the strongest and most robust border security measures ever put into place. This includes historic agreements with Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, along with more than 450 miles of powerful new wall.

We restored American strength at home and American leadership abroad. The world respects us again. Please dont lose that respect.

We reclaimed our sovereignty by standing up for America at the United Nations and withdrawing from the one-sided global deals that never served our interests. And NATO countries are now paying hundreds of billions of dollars more than when I arrived just a few years ago. It was very unfair. We were paying the cost for the world. Now the world is helping us.

And perhaps most importantly of all, with nearly $3 trillion, we fully rebuilt the American military -- all made in the USA. We launched the first new branch of the United States Armed Forces in 75 years: the Space Force. And last spring, I stood at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and watched as American astronauts returned to space on American rockets for the first time in many, many years.

We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before.

We obliterated the ISIS caliphate and ended the wretched life of its founder and leader, al Baghdadi. We stood up to the oppressive Iranian regime and killed the worlds top terrorist, Iranian butcher Qasem Soleimani.

We recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

As a result of our bold diplomacy and principled realism, we achieved a series of historic peace deals in the Middle East. Nobody believed it could happen. The Abraham Accords opened the doors to a future of peace and harmony, not violence and bloodshed. It is the dawn of a new Middle East, and we are bringing our soldiers home.

I am especially proud to be the first President in decades who has started no new wars.

Above all, we have reasserted the sacred idea that, in America, the government answers to the people. Our guiding light, our North Star, our unwavering conviction has been that we are here to serve the noble everyday citizens of America. Our allegiance is not to the special interests, corporations, or global entities; its to our children, our citizens, and to our nation itself.

As President, my top priority, my constant concern, has always been the best interests of American workers and American families. I did not seek the easiest course; by far, it was actually the most difficult. I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices because thats what you elected me to do. Your needs were my first and last unyielding focus.

This, I hope, will be our greatest legacy: Together, we put the American people back in charge of our country. We restored self-government. We restored the idea that in America no one is forgotten, because everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We fought for the principle that every citizen is entitled to equal dignity, equal treatment, and equal rights because we are all made equal by God. Everyone is entitled to be treated with respect, to have their voice heard, and to have their government listen. You are loyal to your country, and my administration was always loyal to you.

We worked to build a country in which every citizen could find a great job and support their wonderful families. We fought for the communities where every American could be safe and schools where every child could learn. We promoted a culture where our laws would be upheld, our heroes honored, our history preserved, and law-abiding citizens are never taken for granted. Americans should take tremendous satisfaction in all that we have achieved together. Its incredible.

Now, as I leave the White House, I have been reflecting on the dangers that threaten the priceless inheritance we all share. As the worlds most powerful nation, America faces constant threats and challenges from abroad. But the greatest danger we face is a loss of confidence in ourselves, a loss of confidence in our national greatness. A nation is only as strong as its spirit. We are only as dynamic as our pride. We are only as vibrant as the faith that beats in the hearts of our people.

No nation can long thrive that loses faith in its own values, history, and heroes, for these are the very sources of our unity and our vitality.

What has always allowed America to prevail and triumph over the great challenges of the past has been an unyielding and unashamed conviction in the nobility of our country and its unique purpose in history. We must never lose this conviction. We must never forsake our belief in America.

The key to national greatness lies in sustaining and instilling our shared national identity. That means focusing on what we have in common: the heritage that we all share.

At the center of this heritage is also a robust belief in free expression, free speech, and open debate. Only if we forget who we are, and how we got here, could we ever allow political censorship and blacklisting to take place in America. Its not even thinkable. Shutting down free and open debate violates our core values and most enduring traditions.

In America, we dont insist on absolute conformity or enforce rigid orthodoxies and punitive speech codes. We just dont do that. America is not a timid nation of tame souls who need to be sheltered and protected from those with whom we disagree. Thats not who we are. It will never be who we are.

For nearly 250 years, in the face of every challenge, Americans have always summoned our unmatched courage, confidence, and fierce independence. These are the miraculous traits that once led millions of everyday citizens to set out across a wild continent and carve out a new life in the great West. It was the same profound love of our God-given freedom that willed our soldiers into battle and our astronauts into space.

As I think back on the past four years, one image rises in my mind above all others. Whenever I traveled all along the motorcade route, there were thousands and thousands of people. They came out with their families so that they could stand as we passed, and proudly wave our great American flag. It never failed to deeply move me. I knew that they did not just come out to show their support of me; they came out to show me their support and love for our country.

This is a republic of proud citizens who are united by our common conviction that America is the greatest nation in all of history. We are, and must always be, a land of hope, of light, and of glory to all the world. This is the precious inheritance that we must safeguard at every single turn.

For the past four years, I have worked to do just that. From a great hall of Muslim leaders in Riyadh to a great square of Polish people in Warsaw; from the floor of the Korean Assembly to the podium at the United Nations General Assembly; and from the Forbidden City in Beijing to the shadow of Mount Rushmore, I fought for you, I fought for your family, I fought for our country. Above all, I fought for America and all it stands for -- and that is safe, strong, proud, and free.

Now, 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. The belief that a nation must serve its citizens will not dwindle but instead only grow stronger by the day.

As long as the American people hold in their hearts deep and devoted love of country, then there is nothing that this nation cannot achieve. Our communities will flourish. Our people will be prosperous. Our traditions will be cherished. Our faith will be strong. And our future will be brighter than ever before.

I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come.

Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.
ISTANBUL  The Turkish government imposed advertising bans on Twitter, its live video-streaming service Periscope and Pinterest on Tuesday over the platforms noncompliance with a controversial social media law human rights advocates say could stifle online free speech.

The decision, announced Tuesday, comes after the social media platforms refrained from appointing local representatives to handle government requests, as required by a social media bill passed in July 2020.

Effective since October, the law compels platforms with more than one million users to store data locally and fulfill content removal requests or face penalties, including fines and bandwidth restrictions rendering them inaccessible in Turkey. Representatives from both Twitter and Pinterest did not immediately reply to requests for comment regarding the advertising ban.

To date, Dailymotion, LinkedIn, TikTok, VKontakte and YouTube have fulfilled the laws requirements, with Facebook agreeing Monday to appoint a local representative. Turkeys Transport and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Omer Fatih Sayan outlined the laws proceedings on Twitter Tuesday, saying the advertisement ban would be monitored by a number of Turkish regulators.

We hope that Twitter and Pinterest, which still have not notified us of their representatives, will take the necessary steps immediately, Sayan tweeted.

He added, We will never allow digital fascism and the disregard of rules to prevail in Turkey, echoing phrases previously used by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who campaigned for the social media law after his daughter, Esra Albayrak, became a target of online harassment last year.

Turkish officials have pitched tighter regulations on social media platforms ostensibly to reel in cybercrime and online harassment, often saying Turkeys bill was modeled after Germanys NetzDG law.

Yet digital rights advocates warn such restrictions  imposed under a judiciary lacking independence  could facilitate online censorship on social media platforms that serve as alternative information sources in a country where the majority of mainstream news outlets are run by the state or government-friendly corporations.

After initially refraining from appointing a local representative, Facebook announced Monday it would begin the process of appointing a legal entity in compliance with the social media bill, noting it would withdraw the representative if the company faced pressure over its community standards.

Erkan Saka, an associate professor of journalism and media studies at Istanbul Bilgi University, said Facebooks decision was likely made to protect its relatively good advertisement revenue in Turkey.

This all proves that commercial companies are not always reliable in opposing authoritarian regimes, Saka told Al-Monitor, adding, I believe Twitter will not comply, not because of an idealist point of view but because of its financial calculations. [Turkish] citizens will again need to rely on circumvention tools to use Twitter.

Since the law came into effect last fall, Turkey has fined noncomplying social media companies 40 million Turkish liras ($5.37 million) each, with those who comply late benefitting from a 75% reduction in penalties.

Under the law, platforms that continue to disregard its requirements are to receive advertisement bans in January and then increasing rates of bandwidth throttling in February and March, eventually making the sites unusable in Turkey.

I do not know how much advertisement both Twitter and Pinterest receive from Turkey but from today onwards, action will be taken to stop such activity, Yaman Akdeniz, a law professor at Istanbul Bilgi University and a founder of the Freedom of Expression Association, told Al-Monitor. One way or another this penalty will be detrimental to the platforms, the impact of which remains to be seen.

Local representatives appointed by social media companies in Turkey are tasked with fulfilling content removal requests within 48 hours. Failure to comply or provide grounds for rejection can result in financial penalties or the platforms being blocked in the country.

According to a recent report by Twitter, Turkey accounted for 10% of global content removal requests in the first half of 2020. The nation ranked fourth  behind Japan, Russia and South Korea  in such requests during the reporting period, down from first place in previous years.

Milena Buyum, Turkey campaigner for Amnesty International, condemned Facebooks decision to appoint a local representative. In a statement Monday, she said, Over the last weeks we have watched as companies, one-by-one, have complied with a draconian new law that will stifle dissent."

She added, Facebooks decision leaves them  and Google, Youtube and others  in serious danger of becoming an instrument of state censorship. They must tell us and their users in Turkey what concrete steps they will take to prevent this from happening.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-19 07:48:12|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has announced his resignation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's press office said Monday.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi informed Guterres that he would resign from his position with effect from Feb. 15, 2021, said Guterres's press office in a note to correspondents.

Guterres is grateful for Kituyi's service and his commitment for the remainder of his term to the functions entrusted to him as an international civil servant of the United Nations. During his tenure, UNCTAD advanced work on trade, investment, finance and technology, offering solutions to the major challenges facing developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable nations, said the press office.

The deputy secretary-general of UNCTAD, Isabelle Durant of Belgium, will serve as acting secretary-general of UNCTAD while Guterres launches a recruitment process, in consultation with member states, to find a successor to Kituyi. Durant will be granted all the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition, it said. Enditem
This report skillfully weaves together myths, distortions, deliberate silences, and both blatant and subtle misreading of evidence to create a narrative and an argument that few respectable professional historians, even across a wide interpretive spectrum, would consider plausible, never mind convincing, he said.

Theyre using something they call history to stoke culture wars, he said.

The commissions report depicts a nation where liberals are seething with hatred for their own country, and whose divisions over its history and meaning recall those leading to the American Revolution and the Civil War.

It portrays an America whose institutions have been infiltrated by leftist radicals whose views echo those of recent totalitarian movements and argues that progressives have created, in the so-called administrative state, an unchecked fourth branch or shadow government.

And American universities, the report contends, are often today hotbeds of anti-Americanism, libel, and censorship that combine to generate in students and in the broader culture at the very least disdain and at worst outright hatred for this country.

The report likens the American progressive movement of the early 20th century to the fascism of leaders like Benito Mussolini, who it said sought to centralize power under the management of so-called experts.

The biggest tell in the 1776 report is that it lists Progressivism along with Slavery and Fascism in its list of challenges to Americas principles, Thomas Sugrue, a historian at New York University, wrote on Twitter. Time to rewrite my lectures to say that ending child labor and regulating meatpacking = Hitlerism.

Released on Martin Luther Kings Birthday, the report even takes aim at the legacy of the Civil Rights movement, saying that it was almost immediately turned to programs that ran counter to the lofty ideals of the founders.
Kim Jong Un issued a stern warning to the incoming Biden administration, threatening to expand its nuclear arsenal

KJU designated the United States as its biggest enemy, but also kept the door for dialogue ajar by asserting that the US changing its hostile policy was necessary to establish better ties. (Photo:AFP)

At the eighth congress of the ruling Workers Party on January 5-12, North Koreas supreme leader Kim Jong Un (KJU) was bestowed with an additional title of general secretary. In Communist parties, the general secretary of the central committee is the most powerful post as the party secretariat controls personnel, internal affairs and discipline. In the old Soviet Union, Josef Stalin eliminated all rivals as the CPSUs general secretary. After the abolition in 1982 of the post of chairman of the Communist Party of China, the countrys paramount leader is the central committee general secretary, a position held by President Xi Jinping. In North Korea, KJUs father Kim Jong Il, as well as the republics founder Kim Il Sung, had occupied this powerful position.

In recent times KJU has shown increasing sensitivity to the poor living conditions of the long-oppressed North Korean masses and has given more attention to economic growth. The economy suffered badly from the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, the most recent in Resolution 2371 of August 2017. The North Korean regime is faced with an existential dilemma. Any compromise on giving up its nuclear weapons capacity could threaten the regimes survival as it could open a window for a US-led external attack or internal revolt.

In an autocratic system where the supreme leader is seen as infallible, it was surprising for KJU to accept failures on the economic front. In his address at the congress, KJU noted with regret that the goals we set were immensely underachieved in almost all areas. In a candid assessment reflecting the economys dire condition, KJU said the last five years were the worst of the worst for North Korea.

The North Korean economy, crippled by sanctions, was further hit by the devastating floods of 2020. Western observers estimate North Koreas economy may have contracted by 8.5 per cent last year after a modest 0.4 per cent growth in 2019. Covid-19 has also badly impacted the North Korean economy as it closed its borders with China.

The unprecedented 2018-19 dialogue with outgoing US President Donald Trump was triggered by the North Korean leader in his New Year message of January 2018 in the hope that North Korea may obtain some easing of sanctions without giving up its nuclear deterrence capability. In the three summits between Mr Trump and KJU in Singapore, Hanoi and the DMZ, the US establishment managed to restrain President Trump from signing a limited deal that would have eased the sanctions without a time-bound roadmap towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea.

In a signed article in Foreign Affairs last April, then-candidate Joe Biden had set out his approach towards North Korea: I will empower our negotiators and jumpstart a sustained campaign with our allies and others, including China, to advance our shared objective of a denuclearised North Korea. Herein lie the seeds of fundamental differences between the two parties: North Koreas stated objective being denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

At the party congress, KJU issued a stern warning to the incoming Biden administration, threatening to expand its nuclear arsenal. He exhorted his scientists to develop new capabilities of solid-fuel ICBMs, hypersonic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons. This would alarm both South Korea and Japan as any future threat of using tactical nuclear weapons may elicit an equivocal response from the United States guaranteed nuclear umbrella. The development of tactical nuclear weapons would also require fresh nuclear testing.

In his opening speech, KJU designated the United States as its biggest enemy, but also kept the door for dialogue ajar by asserting that the US changing its hostile policy was necessary to establish better ties. In his closing remarks, KJU vowed to strengthen the nuclear war deterrent.

North Korea has not slowed down its development of nuclear weapons and delivery systems. In October, at the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Workers Party, a massive new ICBM was displayed. In another military parade on January 14, North Korea unveiled a new submarine-launched missile claiming it was the worlds most powerful weapon.

To draw Washingtons attention, KJU is likely to resume the time-tested North Korean policy of brinkmanship and shrill rhetoric. He may refrain from personal attacks on President Joe Biden but apply pressure by threatening an ICBM or nuclear test. The Trump administrations one success was to pressure KJU to temporarily cease high-profile testing. The last North Korean nuclear test was in September 2017 and the last ICBM test in November 2017.

After nine years at the helm, the young 37-year-old KJU has evolved as a confident and mature personality. He met President Donald Trump thrice in full media glare and often made extempore unprepared remarks. remarks. He has gradually given some visibility to his sister Kim Yo Jong after ruthlessly eliminating any possible challenger to his untrammelled power. However, at the congress, Kim Yo Jong seems to have been dropped from the politburo which she joined as an alternate member last year.

The world at large needs to appreciate KJUs efforts to lead North Koreans in the direction of a better life while ensuring regime survival along with peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in is a sympathetic partner of KJU in this endeavor. India would hope that the two Koreas and the US work in harmony to pursue the twin objectives of the denuclearisation of North Korea and peace and tranquillity in Northeast Asia.
A St. Clair County man was fatally shot Monday night by deputies responding to a domestic violence call.

Authorities were dispatched at 10:05 p.m. to a physical domestic altercation at 490 Pepper Road in Cropwell, St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray said Tuesday.

When officers arrived at the location, they encountered a man who was brandishing a handgun. The deputies repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon but instead, the sheriff said, the man pointed his gun at a deputy.

The deputy then fired his weapon and struck the man. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Authorities identified the slain man as Kevin Darion Wells. He was 56.

Court records show Wells was arrested April 12 on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, but that charge was dismissed at the states request in August. No additional details were available.

Murray said the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics is processing the scene and the investigation is being conducted by the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office.
A young woman whose three sisters and stepmother died in a horror house fire was forced to tell her father he'd 'lost everything' when he woke from a coma.

Shana Kikuchi 'will never forget' the moment she broke the news to Hiroyuki Kikuchi, 50, that his wife Kaoru and three youngest daughters, Ako, Uta and Enna were dead.

A fast-moving blaze tore through their Glen Waverley home in southeast Melbourne in the early hours of January 10.

Mr Kikuchi managed to escape the house with severe burns and was taken to hospital in an induced coma, where he remained for five days.

It wasn't until Friday that detectives were finally able to speak with the father about the 'suspicious' fire.

Shana Kikuchi will 'never forget' the moment she broke the news to Hiroyuki Kikuchi, 50, that his wife Kaoru and three youngest daughters, Ako, Uta and Enna were dead

Pictured: Mr Kikuchi with his wife, Kaoru and their three girls, Enna (in her mother's arms), Uta (left) and Ako (right)

Neighbours have described seeing the family return home in the hours before the tragedy

Shana, who is Mr Kikuchi's daughter from a previous relationship, has paid tribute to her little sisters and step mum after their tragic deaths.

She said Kaoru was 'born to be a mother' and had become a great friend in the time that she'd known her.

Kaoru shielded her three girls from the blaze as it tore through the family home, and Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Neville Major said their bodies were found huddled together in the debris of the bathroom.

Shana said each of her sisters had developed their own unique personalities, with 'the littlest [Enna], having the biggest personality'.

'She was so loud all the time, singing and talking gibberish,' Shana recalled.

Shana, who is Mr Kikuchi's daughter from a previous relationship, has paid tribute to her little sisters and step mum after their tragic deaths

Kaoru shielded her three girls from the blaze as it tore through the family home, and Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Neville Major said their bodies were found huddled together in the debris of the bathroom

Mourners left flowers near the scene of the fatal house fire in Glen Waverley, Melbourne's southeast

She said the three-year-old would often draw all over her body, and then would set her sights 'on the wall or the couch; courtesy of collaborative work by Uta and Enna'.

'She just made everyone laugh,' she said.

Uta, who was five and the middle child, was the 'cheekiest' out of the trio.

'She would steal lollies when she wasn't allowed, say cheeky things, make funny drawings of dad,' Shana said.

Of all the girls, Uta loved to play games the most and was particularly close with Shana's brother.

Ako, meanwhile, took her role as the 'big sister' extremely seriously and did her best to 'always look after her sisters'.

The eight-year-old was 'the sweetest, most caring girl, with the biggest heart I know,' Shana said.

Uta, who was five and the middle child, was the 'cheekiest' out of the trio. 'She would steal lollies when she wasn't allowed, say cheeky things, make funny drawings of dad,' Shana said

Of all the girls, Uta loved to play games the most and was particularly close with Shana's brother

A message left by a mourner near where the three girls died with their mother in the fatal house fire

She had a passion for playing the piano, loved to hula dance and studied hard to 'make her parents proud'.

Shana explained that her father was injured in the mysterious blaze - which remains under investigation - as he tried to save his family.

He was sedated and taken to hospital, but woke several days later to the news that Kaoru and the girls had all perished.

'The moment I had to tell him the news of his family's passing was truly horrible,' Shana recalled.

'It's one I won't ever forget. My dad lost everything; his beloved children, his wife, their two cats Nixon and Tsuppy, their home and everything in it.'

In the wake of their deaths, Shana has set up a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of Kaoru, Ako, Uta and Enna's funerals

Mr Kikuchi lost his business in 2020 as a result of the Covid crisis and nationwide lockdowns. Shana explained that the financial hardship on top of his personal loss was all too much to bear

Kaoru Okano (pictured with one of her daughters) had tried to take cover from the blaze in the home's en suite bathroom as the property became engulfed in smoke

Mr Kikuchi lost his business in 2020 as a result of the Covid crisis and nationwide lockdown. Shana explained that the financial hardship on top of his personal loss was all too much to bear.

In the wake of their deaths, Shana has set up a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of Kaoru, Ako, Uta and Enna's funerals.

She is also hoping to raise enough money to cover travel expenses for Kaoru's parents and brother to fly to Australia for the services from Japan.

Given the Covid pandemic, her family will need to secure hard-to-come-by flights and then quarantine in a hotel at their own expense upon arrival.

Any additional money again will go toward putting a roof over her father's head.

The fundraiser has already surpassed $80,000, with a goal of reaching $150,000.

No charges have been laid in relation to the fire and an investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with further information on the Glen Waverley blaze is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shana has set up a fundraiser to cover funeral costs and provide for her father after he 'lost everything'

She has paid tribute to her step mum and three little sisters after their tragic deaths
Jason Merritt/Getty Images Denzel Washington was rendered "speechless" after receiving some unexpected praise.

In an interview with Access Hollywood, Washington became visibly emotional after learning his son, John David, praised his recent recognition as the "best actor of the 21st century."

"It's about time," John David had said in a previous interview with Access. "I think he is one of the greatest to ever do it so it was a very proud moment for our entire family."

After being read the compliment, Washington smiled deeply in thought.

"Wow. I'm speechless," he said. "I forgot what the question was but I'm speechless. I didn't know he said that."

"Watch out for his sister," Washington added. "His sister is a great actor. Olivia Washington."

As previously reported, The New York Times named Denzel the "Greatest Actor of the 21st Century (So Far)," with critics Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott writing that it was the easiest decision to make when compiling the list.

"We wrangled and argued about every other slot on the list, but there was no hesitation or debate about this one," Scott wrote."Denzel Washington is beyond category: a screen titan who is also a subtle and sensitive craftsman, with serious old-school stage training and blazing movie-star presence. "

The critics also noted Washington's long and successful career in Hollywood as a "rebuke to the racist industry in which he works."

With a slew of films under his belt, the Oscar-winning actor has yet to slow down. Up next he will star in the psychological thriller The Little Things where he will play a detective on the search for a serial killer.

The Little Things, also starring Rami Malek and Jared Leto, hits select theaters and HBO Max on Jan. 29.

By Candice Williams

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Finding the new COVID-19 vaccine has posed a real challenge for some Houstonians. If you're feeling discouraged, take heart. Just after Minute Maid Park and NRG Park served as mass vaccinations hubs this past week, the state of Texas is now rolling out additional vaccination hubs for the Houston area.

As state officials ramp up to distribute approximately 330,000 first doses next week, Houston hospital leaders are encouraged by the success of recent mass vaccination events like the Memorial Hermann COVID-19 drive-thru clinic at NRG Park.
An ethnic Rakhine refugee is shown in a camp for internally displaced persons in Sittwe, capital of Myanmar's Rakhine state, Jan. 12, 2021.

More than 100 ethnic Rakhine refugees in Myanmars Rakhine state called on Myanmars military in a protest on Tuesday to withdraw from villages abandoned amid heavy fighting over the last two years between government forces and the rebel Arakan Army.

The protesters, residents of camps in Rakhines Kyauktaw township, also called for an end to thefts by Myanmar soldiers of villagers property and for landmines to be cleared from areas near their former homes, sources said.

Many have now lived in the Kyauktaw camps for the last 10 months, one displaced villager told RFAs Myanmar Service in an interview on Tuesday.

We are facing hardships in securing the food and shelter we need, and these conditions are not good for our health, the villager named Saw Shwe Thein said. And this is why we want to return to our homes to retrieve some of our belongings.

But we cant go back, because military troops are still stationed there, he said.

Myanmar troops now quartered in the villages are meanwhile stealing rice, livestock, farm machinery, and other equipment, displaced villagers say, with one source calling the thefts a loss of villagers lifetime savings.

We left all our propertypaddies, rice supplies, and livestockbehind when we escaped from our homes, Than Hlaing a former resident of Rakhines Marlar village told RFA, adding, If we dont do anything now to stop these thefts, nothing will be left.

These things represent our life-long savings and this will be a massive loss for us. And this is why we are protesting to call for government help, he said.

Among other things recently stolen were 700 baskets of paddy seeds taken by government soldiers on Jan. 7 while villagers were away, Than Hlaing said.

'It is an ugly thing'

Zaw Win, a leader of Tuesdays protest, demanded that military chiefs take prompt action against soldiers who commit offenses against civilians, adding, It is an ugly thing that members of the countrys military should seize civilians property by force.

Efforts to contact Rakhine state municipal minister and spokesperson Win Myint for comment on Tuesday were unsuccessful. But military spokesperson Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun denied that government troops were responsible for thefts.

Our military forces are risking their lives to serve the country, and there is no reason for them to remove civilians property. They dont need the extra burden, he said.

Soldiers all have their own guns, ammunition, and food to carry, and they dont need anything else to bring along, Zaw Min Tun said.

Also, we are not bringing any reinforcements into these areas, and we havent built any more outposts. We have no reason to do this. We are only working to strengthen the peace process and to safeguard elections.

I would say that these allegations [against the army] were deliberately manufactured by outside groups, and not by the villagers themselves, he said, adding that landmines can be cleared from village areas only after fighting ends between government forces and the Arakan Army.

But Saw Shwe Thein said there are witnesses who have seen Myanmar troops seize civilian property in spite of official denials.

The owners of one rice mill said that around 700 baskets of paddy seeds had been stolen by soldiers and sold to a Muslim businessman from Gaung Toke village. And then a commanding officer of their unit showed up at Marlar village on Jan. 17 and told the villagers to say that nothing had been stolen, he said.

Hundreds killed, thousands displaced

More than 500 people in over 125 households once lived in Kyauktaw townships Marlar village, but fled their homes beginning in March 2020 amid armed clashes in the area and are now sheltering in camps for internally displaced persons in Kyauktaw town.

The two sides in the Rakhine war have maintained a cease-fire since Nov. 8 elections and held a series of behind-the-scenes contacts.

Two years of fighting between Myanmar government forces and the ethnic Arakan Army in several northern Rakhine townships have left about 300 civilians dead, injured hundreds of others, and left about 226,000 displaced.

Many clashes have occurred close to civilian areas, with heavy shelling directed at villages and landmines planted near civilian communities and villagers farmlands, sources say.

Reported by Ni Min Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Richard Finney.
MOSCOW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that Russia and China have built a trusting relationship, and together the countries have the ability to counter foreign threats.

"We really have a very close strategic relationship with the People's Republic of China," the minister said during his annual press conference held in an online format.

"We can talk endlessly about Russian-Chinese cooperation that embraces a very wide range of spheres, almost all spheres of human activity, and the activities of states," he added, in response to a question from Xinhua.

Speaking of cooperation on international platforms, Lavrov outlined the collaboration of both countries within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), pointing to the ongoing process of greater alignment between the EAEU and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Commenting on the recent extension of the Russia-China agreement on mutual notification for launches of ballistic missiles and carrier rockets, Lavrov emphasized that with this, both countries are contributing to ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"I believe that this reflects the trusting, forward-looking nature of Russian-Chinese relations and our mutual focus on ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region, where some of our other colleagues, in particular the United States, are trying to escalate tensions, both by conducting military activities with an open bias against China and a focus on isolating Russia," the minister said.

Lavrov further pointed to the importance of the Russia-China Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation.

"This is probably a topic of the greatest relevance today, which is designed to give impetus, new qualities to our trade and economic cooperation," he explained.

"In contrast to many countries, we have managed to prevent a large decline in trade turnover amid the pandemic. It is showing steady development," he added.

The minister emphasized that since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, both countries have cooperated closely on a range of matters including the return of Russian citizens, provision of mutual humanitarian assistance, and cooperation on vaccine development.
Taiwan cancels lantern festival over pandemic

The Taiwan Lantern Festival will be cancelled this year because of Covid-19. File image: Shutterstock

Taiwan on Tuesday cancelled a major festival during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday as it reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the biggest daily rise in local infections in nearly 11 months.



Taiwan, which has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention methods, has been unnerved by new domestic transmissions, first in December and now in a hospital in the northern city of Taoyuan.



It has reported 868 cases, the majority of which were imported, including seven deaths, with 102 in hospital being treated.



The Taiwan Lantern Festival will be cancelled this year because of Covid-19, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said, citing the recent local infection cases.



"This is a tough decision, but pandemic-prevention is our top priority," Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters.



The festival, which features oversized lanterns and fireworks displays, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and has become a major selling point for the government to attract tourists from overseas.



Lin Chih-chien, mayor of the northern city of Hsinchu where the festival was to be held, said several technology companies there had asked the government to cancel the event, citing concerns of a local outbreak curtailing production at a technology hub that hosts firms including the world's largest chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.



The announcement came shortly after Taiwan reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the most since February 29.



All four cases are related to the Taoyuan hospital outbreak and Taiwan's health ministry is planning to move more than 200 patients out of the hospital into isolation wards.



Taiwan's military has also sent chemical warfare specialists to help with disinfection work at the hospital.



"We strongly recommend that large-scale events be cancelled," Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told a separate news conference. "The situation is under our control at the moment because the cases can be clearly traced." (Reuters)

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel wrote to his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Hriday Naryan Dikshit on Monday, urging him to stop the government and police in the state from taking actions that hurt the democratic values of the country.

Citing a recent incident of throwing of ink on AAP MLA Somnath Bharti in UP's Rae Bareli, Goel said such acts malign the image of democracy in the country.

He claimed that ministers and MLAs from Delhi were stopped from visiting schools in Uttar Pradesh by the state police. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had alleged during a recent visit to Uttar Pradesh that he was stopped by the police from visiting a government school in Lucknow.

"I wish to request you to think over this matter and stop the government and the police from such acts that in one or other way hurt the tradition, dignity and values of our democracy," Goel said in his letter to Dikshit. Ink was thrown at Bharti, a three-time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from the Malviya Nagar Assembly constituency in Delhi, who was visiting Rae Bareli earlier this month, by a man.

Bharti was later arrested for criminal intimidation and his alleged remarks about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and child births in the state's hospitals. The ruling AAP in Delhi has announced that it will contest the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, with its ministers and MLAs visiting the state and attacking the BJP government there over the condition of schools, hospitals, law and order and other governance issues.

.
Lucknow:

Days after recommending a CBI probe into the alleged multi-crore scam in Shia and Sunni waqf boards, the Uttar Pradesh government might recommend a similar investigation into various anomalies in the Gomti River Front Development - a dream project of former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.



Just a couple of days back, the (Gomti River Front) probe report was submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. All necessary steps will be taken and appropriate action initiated for a CBI probe, minister of state for urban development Girish Kumar Yadav told PTI today.



If there is a need to lodge an FIR, the government will not hesitate in doing so. None of the guilty persons will be spared and stringent action will be taken against those found guilty, Yadav said.



Officials said that a case may be registered on the basis of recommendations of a four-member committee headed by UP urban development minister Suresh Khanna.



The river front has witnessed a political showdown between the erstwhile Samajwadi Party government in the state and the Adityanath government at present.



It had become a major issue during the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.On April 1, the chief minister had ordered an inquiry by a retired High Court judge in the Gomti River Front Project.



He had instructed chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar to constitute the committee and also directed for submission of the report within 45 days.



The chief minister had also directed the urban development minister and the irrigation minister Dharmpal Singh to monitor the development work at Gomti River Front.



The decision came a meeting by the chief minister to review the performance of the urban development department.



Officials told the chief minister that of the total allocation of Rs 1,513 crore, 95 per cent of the budget, which comes to around Rs 1,435 crore had already been spent, yet less than 60 per cent of the work has been completed.



Adityanath directed the officials to ensure that no effluent should flow in Gomti river and ordered expeditious diversion of drains releasing effluents and polluted water in the Gomti.



He said that till the time the river water becomes pollution-free, its beautification would hold no meaning.



Adityanath also expressed his unhappiness that the river water was so much polluted that it was very difficult to even stand at the River Front.



He said in such a scenario, a fountain on Gomti river was useless.



Gomti river, meandering through the 940-kilometre stretch of rich alluvial plains of Uttar Pradesh, is polluted by industrial effluents and domestic discharge.



The river becomes more of a flowing dumping yard for the 15 smaller and bigger towns, including Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Lucknow, Sultanpur and Jaunpur, in its catchment area.



The major sources of pollution in the Gomti are industrial waste from sugar factories and distilleries and sewage from habitations.



Adityanath had last week recommended a CBI probe into the alleged scam in Shia and Sunni waqf boards running into crores of rupees as revealed in a probe by the Waqf Council of India.



The chief minister also gave orders to dissolve both state Shia and Sunni waqf boards.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
ST. PAUL, Minn.  Three southern Minnesota projects are sharing in $3.98 million in grants from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The grants are for the cleanup of contaminated sites approved for redevelopment.

DEEDs Contamination Cleanup Grants play a critical role in the health and vitality of our communities, especially in Greater Minnesota, says DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. When you also factor in the 178 jobs created and retained  these are important investments in Minnesotas families and workers.

DEED says grants are going to:

Rochester  Bryk Apartments

The city of Rochester is awarded $853,338 in cleanup funding for this 1.18-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other contaminants. Historically used for multiple residential and commercial purposes, such as a dry cleaner, automotive repair facilities, and coal storage, this site will be redeveloped into a six-story, 165-unit apartment building with an entire floor of commercial space. It is anticipated this project will create 10 new jobs and increase the tax base by $193,884. Matching funds will be provided by the developer.

Albert Lea  Blazing Star Apartments

The city of Albert Lea is awarded $1,443,100 in cleanup funding for this 3.41-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other contaminants. Historically a part of the river channel, this site is part of a larger 33.29-acre former meat packing plant which burned down in 2001. The site will be redeveloped into a three-story, 48-unit apartment building. It is anticipated this project will create one new job and increase the tax base by $21,042. Matching funds will be provided by the city of Albert Lea.

Mankato  Riverfront OZ Redevelopment

The city of Mankato is awarded $33,908 in investigation funding for this 6.78-acre site. Former uses include a timber and cattle yard, railroad passenger depot, creamery, coal and freight sheds, tire sales and service, veterinarian clinic, and a cabinet factory. The site is currently occupied by a 35,000-square-foot grocery store. It will be redeveloped into a six-story, 66-unit apartment building with 7,200 square feet of commercial space, a 1,625-square-foot coffee shop, and a new 45,000-square-foot grocery store. It is anticipated this project will create 29 jobs, retain 85 jobs, and increase the tax base by $220,649. Matching funds will be provided by the developer.

Money will also go to cleanup projects in South St. Paul, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Moorhead, Hopkins, and Delano. DEED says these grants will leverage more than $300 million in private investment and create or retain 178 jobs. The redevelopment projects are expected to add 1,485 housing units, of which 373 units will be affordable housing. Local tax bases are expected to increase by $3.9 million through redevelopment of the sites.

In a joint statement issued by Shruti and Akshara Haasan, the actors said their father Kamal Haasan will be 'ready to interact with people after a few days of rest and recuperation.'

Actors Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan issued a statement on social media informing fans regarding father Kamal Haasan's recent surgery and health condition.

In the statement, the sisters thanked everyone for their overwhelming support, prayers, and genuine concern regarding their father's leg surgery at a Chennai hospital.

They added that they are happy to inform everyone that the surgery performed on his leg at Sri Ramachandra Hospital was a success. The statement added that the surgery was performed by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mohan Kumar, along with Dr JSN Murthy.

The statement updated fans that the actor will return home in four to five days and after a few days of rest and recuperation, he shall be ready to interact with people.

Check the statement out here

On behalf of @ikamalhaasan heres an update ! Thankyou for all the  pic.twitter.com/poySGakaLS  shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) January 19, 2021

A few days back Kamal Haasan had taken to Twitter to inform that he had undergone surgery on his leg due to an accident a few years back. The actor had revealed that in continuation to that surgery, he was required to undergo a follow-up surgery and that the doctors have advised him rest till then.

The actor stated that he undertook his professional and political responsibilities superseding the doctors' advice and the love and affection he received from the people of Tamil Nadu was an effective antidote to the severe pain he suffered during the campaign. According to the actor, he would soon undergo the surgery and come back fully rejuvenated within a few days to resume his campaign with renewed vigour.

Incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wouldn't say if he had plans to tear down portions of President Donald Trump's border wall.

'I haven't looked at that specific question,' Mayorkas told members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee during his Tuesday confirmation hearing.

Mayorkas was asked by Nebraska Republican Sen. James Lankford if he recommended 'any of the physical barriers along our southern border be dismantled or removed.'

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, told members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Tuesday that he hadn't 'looked into the specific question' of tearing down portions of President Donald Trump's border wall

DHS Secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas said he prescribed to the same thinking on the border as the late Sen. John McCain, explaining that he believed it was a 'varied and diverse challenge' and didn't need a 'monolithic answer' such as a wall everywhere

President Donald Trump's last official trip was last Tuesday to a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas. Trump had more than 450 miles of wall constructed during his four-year term, however most of it was replacing existing barriers

After saying that he hadn't explored that specific issue, he aligned his border theory with that of a former Republican senator.

'I will share with you the fact that I agree with the approach that then-Sen. McCain - an American hero in my family and in this country - that Sen. McCain took to the border, which is, it's not a monolithic challenge,' Mayorkas replied.

'The border is varied depending on the geography, depending on the specific venue and depending on the conduct of individuals around it,' he continued.

'And we don't need, nor should we have, a monolithic answer to that varied and diverse challenge,' he added.

Lankford seemed to agree with Mayorkas' thinking, pointing out that certain terrain works as a natural border.

He then told the incoming Biden administration official why he believed the border wall had been successful in some places - as it 'slows people down' and 'pushes people toward the point of entry.'

Mayorkas said during the hearing that he was told by Border Patrol officials that they needed a combination of barriers, additional staff, as well as technology and equipment.

'What I heard is we need a diverse approach to border security,' Mayorkas said.

He told lawmakers that President-elect Joe Biden was committed to halting Trump's wall project, but he would have to study the costs and benefits of actually tearing sections down.

In his four years in office, Trump had about 450 miles of border wall constructed, but the vast majority of it replaced existing barriers.

Trump's last official trip as president was last Tuesday when he visited a section of his border wall in Alamo, Texas.

As a candidate, Trump promised to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico and make Mexico pay for it.

He never delivered on the latter part of his promise.

Lankford also asked Biden's DHS nominee if he supported defunding ICE, a rallying cry on the progressive left.

'No,' Mayorkas answered.

He also didn't commit to giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional resources.

'That requires my study,' Mayorkas said.
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.
Bali security officers have been forcing foreigners caught without wearing a face mask to do push-ups in the street amid the Covid pandemic.

A video shows various tourists being asked to do twenty-five push-ups if they aren't wearing a mask, but being let off after a few minutes in Bali, Indonesia.

Two men are seen doing push-ups after being caught without masks in Badung, Bali, in a photograph posted by the Badung Regency's Public Order Agency.

Bali security officers (pictured) have been forcing foreigners caught without wearing face masks to do push-ups in the street amid the Covid pandemic

Around 8,860 violations of Bali's coronavirus laws have been recorded this week and most in touristy areas. Pictured: Members of the public do push-ups as punishment for not wearing face masks on November 10, 2020

Around 8,860 violations of Bali's coronavirus laws have been recorded this week and most in tourist areas, reported the ABC.

Eighty per cent of the people fined for flouting the rules were foreigners, said the head of the public order police in the Badung administration Gusti Agung Kerta Suryanegara.

Locals call foreigners who flout the rules 'naughty bule', meaning naughty foreigners or naughty Caucasians.

In addition to push-ups, tourists breaking the coronavirus rules have been told to sweep the streets or be fined around AUD $9.

80 per cent of the people fined for flouting the rules were foreigners, said the head of the public order police in the Badung administration Gusti Agung Kerta Suryanegara. Pictured: Public Order police from the Badung administration in Bali conducting roadside checks to enforce Covid-19 regulations, 16 January, 2021

For those who claim not to have cash on them to pay the fine, they are asked to do push-ups or sweep the street, although some foreigners consider it a joke.

Mr Suryanegara said no Australians have been fined for naughty Covid behaviour, but some have been warned.

He claimed foreigners causing most of the trouble are from Russia.

Mr Suryanegara said his troops felt like their dignity was being harassed by ignorant foreigners, who act like Covid-19 is not real.

In Bali, Covid numbers are rapidly increasing with 579 deaths and more than 20,255 confirmed cases.

As a result, Bali has declared Denpasar, Badung, Jembrana, Tabanan, and Gianyar as red zones.

The fine for failing to wear a mask is 100,000 Rupiah or about AUD $9 and Suryanegara said they were now considering increasing it to AUD $50.

'How could I not be annoyed? Sometimes we feel that we have been abused in our country,' Suryanegara said of the attitude of some foreigners who had remained in Bali throughout the pandemic.

Locals call foreigners who flout the rules 'naughty bule', meaning naughty foreigners or naughty Caucasians. In addition to push-ups, tourists breaking the coronavirus rules have been told to sweep the street or fined around AUD $9. Pictured: Public Order police making foreigners put on face masks in Bali on January 16, 2021

'They usually laugh when we tell them to do push ups. They do it, but they are laughing. There is no regret shown on their faces. It doesn't work,' he said.

He said many shouted and yelled at his officers.

'They often shout at us. Unfortunately we can't scold them. It's a test of our patience. It seems that most foreigners in Bali don't believe that Covid is real,' he said.

'Not only do they not wear masks, many foreigners also don't wear helmets, speed up their motorbikes carelessly. It is very unsettling.'

He said there was also an emerging problem with some foreigners who had remained in Bali throughout the pandemic and were now running out of money, had not paid their rent and were becoming homeless.

For those who claim not to have cash on them to pay the fine, they are asked to do push ups or sweep the street, although some foreigners consider it a joke. Pictured: Police officers forcing a Bali tourist to do push-ups after being caught without a mask
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Send Me A Trainer announces today that it has awarded its first Franchise in the United Kingdom. Send Me A Trainer is the first in-home and live online personal training on-demand franchise that is redefining the fitness franchising industry.

Fitness Market Segmentation analysis indicating the $10 Billion boom in the home fitness industry due to COVID-19. Consumers are also increasingly looking for more accountability and customized fitness programs which is the largest growth segment. Send Me A Trainer Founders Bary El-Yacoubi and Muhssin El-Yacoubi Awarding First International Franchise in the United Kingdom Over Video Conference.

During 2020, in its first year of franchising and during COVID-19, Send Me A Trainer quickly expanded and witnessed a huge increase in demand for its franchise model. In total, 10 territories were awarded across the United States with dozens of applications still under review. It also awarded its first franchise in the United Kingdom and has received multiple requests for Master Franchise opportunities in other countries. Send Me A Trainer was also featured on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in the top 100 Fitness Franchises by Franchise Connect Magazine, and featured in Authority Magazine as disruptors in the fitness industry.

"The data around the huge boom in home fitness is staggering," says Muhssin El-Yacoubi, Co-Founder of Send Me A Trainer . "Industry experts indicate that the Total Addressable Market of the home fitness industry has increased by $10 Billion annually due to COVID-19 driving consumers away from fitness clubs. Also, monthly Google search volume for "at home fitness" is up over 3x compared to pre pandemic levels. This is causing a huge demand increase for Send Me A Trainer and home fitness solutions that offer the convenience of working out from home."

"Home fitness was already popular in recent years and COVID-19 has only accelerated this trend and it is here to stay," says Bary El-Yacoubi, Co-Founder of Send Me A Trainer . "Our clients have the option to train one-on-one in-person, or live online face-to-face from the convenience and safety of their homes. In-home personal training is available in markets where we have a franchise partner and live online personal training is available nationwide in the US and will be available in the UK soon. Demand for live online one-on-one personal training has skyrocketed and this has allowed us to scale up faster and serve clients nationwide."

"Consumers are also increasingly looking for more accountability and customization in their workouts and the market is rapidly shifting in this direction," says Bary El-Yacoubi, Co-Founder of Send Me A Trainer . "Send Me A Trainer provides its clients with a high level of customized programs and accountability beyond what is possible by connected exercise equipment and video streaming services. Think about all those people that used to hire a personal trainer at the gym that are looking for customized programs and the personal accountability of a trainer. Where are they going? That's where we fit in."

Now those looking to take part in the booming home fitness industry can do so by opening a Send Me A Trainer franchise, a leading brand that has over a decade of experience in the in-home personal training industry with proprietary technology.

"Our franchises are attracted to our technology driven, home based business model with low overhead and no physical location required," says Muhssin El-Yacoubi, Co-Founder of Send Me A Trainer . "The modern business owner can now own a technology enabled on-demand business as a franchise. Our technology automates operations of the business, so franchise owners don't get caught up in tedious things like payroll. It's changing the entire concept of business ownership in the franchise world."

We are thrilled to be expanding Send Me A Trainer into the United Kingdom with our Master Franchise Partners and making this convenient and timely service available in the UK. Our first franchise is in Glasgow and is expected to launch in a few months.

Send Me A Trainer is also currently expanding internationally through Master Franchise partnerships. Master Franchisees award and oversee Send Me A Trainer franchises in their country. In the current environment with high unemployment, many people look to franchising to start their own business as an attractive career move. The same trend occurred after the financial crisis in 2008 where the industry witnessed a spike in new franchises opening. Given the sensitivity today around brick-and-mortar business, those looking to start a franchise now are primarily interested in home-based businesses with lean overhead models. This means that about 75% of all franchise concepts (that are brick-and-mortar), are essentially not relevant and all the attention is on the remaining 25%, which Send Me A Trainer is part of. Becoming a Send Me A Trainer Master Franchise partner offers an opportunity to participate in the boom in home fitness at scale.

To learn more about Franchise and Master Franchise opportunities with Send Me A Trainer and to apply, visit: https://www.sendmeatrainer.com/franchise/

Media Contact:

Bary El-Yacoubi

Send Me A Trainer

[email protected]

+1(703) 901-8087

SOURCE Send Me A Trainer
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2021) - ArcPacific Resources Corp. (TSXV: ACP) ("ACP" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has completed an extensive data compilation program resulting in the identification of highly elevated gold, copper and silver occurrences spread across the 8,136 hectare Lucky Mike Silver Lode Project (the "LMSL" or the "Project"). The work program compiled all available data including 75 separate reports dating back as far as the 1950's into a single merged database. This data includes 11,306 rock, soil, silt and core samples containing 280,716 values for multiple elements, and multiple historic geophysical surveys. ArcPacific is utilizing this information to perform extensive and in-depth detailed analysis which is presently underway.

Compilation results show extensive areas of anomalous mineralization.

The merged database allows for advanced and modern integration of data and analysis including: Litho-geochemical and geochemical analysis for geological modeling; and, Artificial Intelligence ("AI") integration for advanced target generation.

Ongoing detailed analysis of the complete merged database will produce a property geological model.

Planned 2021 follow up work will leverage the complete dataset and analysis once finalized.

ArcPacific also reports that it has engaged two separate independent contractors to interpret and model the new extensive database. This includes a copper gold porphyry expert focused on litho-geochemical and geochemical modeling with the goal to determine the probability and potential locations of possible economic mineralization on the Project.

ACP has also contracted an AI company to utilize the extensive database to sus-out "hidden" targets within the Project area. AI machine learning programs are able to identify subtle indicators hidden within 200 thousand plus geochemical sample data points and incorporate multiple types of data including the various geophysical surveys completed to draw comparisons with known areas of elevated mineralization. This can lead to AI predictions potentially identifying new mineralised areas, either within the areas covered by existing surveys, or amazingly, predict mineralized areas outside of the coverage areas even potentially predicting mineralization under cover.

Early analysis indicates the presence of multiple hydrothermal systems present on the Project, historically evident from the decades of mining activity and exploration work that has taken place. Further analysis will help to better define the relative timing and extent of the well mineralized systems present, which can then be traced to one or multiple sources. The complete data analysis, including Project maps with interpretations and priority targets, will be released once complete.

Adrian Smith, CEO of ArcPacific Resources comments, "The LMSL has seen extensive exploration and mining activity within the last century due to the presence of wide spread mineral occurrences. ArcPacific is now in a position to take advantage of previous work by incorporating all available information, to determine what is responsible for the various zones of known mineralization. Previous work has mainly focused on small areas with impressive mineralization, however the presence of wide alteration zones could be telling a more significant story. Our goal is to utilize all the available data to identify patterns associated with hydrothermal cells as a whole, in order to validate their existence and provide a road map to potentially significant economic mineralization on the LMSL."

The compiled and merged database is summarized below (complete data analysis pending):



Rock

Samples Rock

Sample

Type Soil

Samples Silt

Samples Drill

Holes Drilled

Meters Drill Hole

samples Drill Hole

Sample

Width (m) Number Recorded of 291

4,821 73 115 18,767 6,121

Assays Values Recorded 8,896

94,386 2,482



174,952



High Gold Value 50.82 g/t

Au Grab 1.2 g/t Au 9.44 g/t

Au



5.25 g/t

Au 2 meters Total Samples > 1 g/t Au 13

1 6



3

Total Samples > 0.2 g/t Au 28

8 10



20

Total Samples > 0.05 g/t Au 52

22 11



98

Total Number of Gold Assays* 146

1,234 61



1,600

Total Number of Gold Assays BD** 129

1,191 12



1,673

Average gold value of Assays*** 0.7 g/t Au

0.008 g/t

Au 0.41 g/t

Au



0.023 g/t

Au



High Silver Value 2,444.9 g/t

Ag Grab 111.1 g/t

Ag 25.3 g/t

Ag



274.6 g/t

Ag 1.06

meters Total Samples > 100 g/t Ag 20

1 0



7

Total Samples > 10 g/t Ag 91

2 2



83

Total Samples > 1 g/t Ag 163

214 3



1,157

Total Number of Silver Assays* 233

3,099 49



2,524

Total Number of Silver Assays BD** 46

591 24



2,752

Average Silver value of Assays*** 37.6 g/t Ag

0.47 g/t

Ag 1.1 g/t Ag



2.47 g/t

Ag



High Copper Value 3.54 % Cu 1m Chip 0.27 % Cu 0.52 % Cu



2.35 % Cu 1.25

meters Total Samples > 1 % Cu 22

0 0



11

Total Samples > 0.2 % Cu 64

2 1



184

Total Samples > 0.01 % Cu 162

275 4



3,275

Total Number of Copper Assays* 279

4,675 73



5,750

Total Number of Copper Assays BD** 0

18 0



78

Average Copper value of Assays*** 0.23 % Cu

0.005 %

Cu 0.011 %

Cu



0.04 % Cu



Total Samples Compiled 11,306 Total Assay Values Registered 280,716

*Total number of assays registering above detection. Note detection limits vary significantly between sample sets.

**Total number of samples recorded below detection limit. Note detection limits vary significantly between sample sets.

*** Average values based on total number of samples and values above detection limits.

Note: Gold detection limits vary between 0.1 PPB to 2 g/t.

Note: Silver detection limits vary between 1 PPB to 2 g/t.

Note: Copper detection limits vary between 2 PPM to 0.01 %.

Rickard Gold Project

ACP is quickly advancing towards its initial planned and fully permitted drilling program at the Rickard gold project (the "Rickard Project"). The drilling will target the high grade gold shoots within the well-developed vein system present at the historic Rickard gold mine on the Rickard Project. Currently ACP is nearing completion of the 3D modeling of the historic underground workings on the property, and intends to utilize all historic information available to guide the upcoming drill program.

The Rickard Project is located in the Abitibi greenstone belt in Ontario, Canada, approximately 70 kilometres from Timmins in the Timmins Gold Camp. This camp alone has produced over 80 million ounces of gold over the last 100 years, making it one of the most prolific gold camps in Canada. The Rickard Project sits within 25 to 60 kilometres of six currently producing gold mines and eight previous producers.

Additional Rickard Project updates will be provided leading up to the commencement of the 2021 drilling program.

Disclaimer

The Qualified Person for the Company has not verified the historic analytical data disclosed within this release. While the Company has obtained all historic records including analytical data from the ARIS (Assessment Report Indexing System) from the Government of British Columbia, the Company has not independently verified the results of the historic sampling.

Qualified Person

Adrian Smith, P.Geo., is Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the above-mentioned project. The QP is a member in good standing of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) as a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed above.

About ArcPacific Resources Corp.

ArcPacific Resources Corp. (TSXV: ACP) is a Canadian based exploration company expanding the exploration initiative at multiple historic past producing gold and silver mines in the Timmins Gold Camp, Ontario, and in the Nicola Mining Division in Southern British Columbia. The Company is focused on creating shareholder value through new discoveries and strategic development of its mineral properties.

For further information, please visit http://www.arcpacific.ca. or contact us at: info@arcpacific.ca or 1.778.331.3816.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

/S "Adrian Smith"

CEO and Director

Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements that address future production, reserve potential, exploration and development activities and events or developments that the Company expects. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. There are a number of risk factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those described herein. Information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/72327
ContractPodAi builds on its presence in the Asia-Pacific Region to accommodate business growth

LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ContractPodAi, the award-winning provider of AI-powered contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions, today announced the opening of its first office in Sydney, Australia, to further accommodate business growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. Building on its strong operational presence in India, ContractPodAi's new Australian office focuses on bringing the world class CLM technology to the region. ContractPodAi is one of the few global CLM companies, providing a true end-to-end solution, to have a physical presence in Australia.

"We see Australia, and the entire APAC region as an exciting market," said Sarvarth Misra, CEO and co-founder of ContractPodAi. "With this physical presence in the region, we can more directly support our existing customers there, while also using this as a stepping stone to further expand into APAC."

In addition to having a large office in Mumbai, India, ContractPodAi also boasts several clients in the region and a partnership with Rajah & Tann, one of Asia's leading law firms.



ContractPodAi has appointed Darran Wilson as Country Manager in Australia. Wilson previously held leadership positions at global legal tech companies including Thomson Reuters, as well as InfoTrack, one of Australia's leading legal tech companies.

"I am pleased to join the ContractPodAi team as Country Manager," said Wilson. "I look forward to bringing our award-winning end-to-end contract management lifecycle solution to the APAC market where in-house counsel, contract management and procurement teams have a real need for such systems. I will be working closely with businesses to truly address their contract management challenges."

To learn more about how ContractPodAi is using artificial intelligence to power the contract lifecycle management process globally, visit ContractPodAi.com

About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi)

A pioneer in the legal transformation space, ContractPodAi is now one of the world's fastest growing legal tech companies. Customers include some of the world's largest and highly regarded corporations. ContractPodAi is an award-winning easy to use, intuitive end-to-end contract lifecycle management solution aimed at corporate legal departments. It enables users to assemble, automate, approve, digitally sign and manage all their contracts and documents from one place.

Our platform is built in partnership with some of the most trusted technologies in the industry including IBM Watson AI, Microsoft Azure, DocuSign and Salesforce. ContractPodAi is headquartered in London and has global offices in San Francisco, New York, Glasgow, Mumbai and Toronto. More information is available at ContractPodAi.com.

Media Contacts:

Sara Zammit

Communications Specialist

sara.zammit@contractpodai.com

+1 (647)-405-3197

Australia Office Contact:

Darran Wilson

Country Manager, Australia

Darran.wilson@contractpodai.com

+61 2 7208 8707

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422362/Darran_Wilson_headshot.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422361/ContractPodAi_Logo.jpg
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.
To most coffee lovers, the word instant doesnt inspire much confidence. But Bay Area specialty coffee roasters are increasingly dabbling in instant coffee and other forms of single-serve coffee, a market thats exploded in recent years thanks to the K-cup.

Thanks to recent innovations in processing, a cup of instant coffee can actually taste good. Really.

Five or 10 years ago, if you had said, Why dont you do instant coffee? I would have shaken my head and said, You dont understand. Ritual is about quality, said Eileen Rinaldi, CEO of San Franciscos Ritual Coffee Roasters, which saw sales of its instant coffee, first introduced in 2019, spike to 300% compared to before the pandemic.

While instant coffee has been around since the 1800s, single-serve coffee started taking off in the U.S. in the early 2000s thanks to Keurigs explosively popular pod-based brewing system. Interest in single-serve coffee has only increased during the pandemic, as people are drinking coffee much more often at home instead of nursing cups at cafes, restaurants and office buildings. They might not want to invest in coffee brewing equipment or take the time to learn how to use it, and they often are only serving themselves.

There are probably a lot more instances of people drinking coffee on their own and not in social situations, so they dont need to brew as much, said Rich Avella of Berkeleys Highwire Coffee Roasters, which entered the single-serve coffee market with individual bags of grounds that you steep in hot water like tea.

Roughly one-third of American homes carry a single-serve coffee machine like Keurig, despite their reliance on tiny plastic cups that land in the trash. Newer options are more environmentally friendly, and theyre also convenient and transportable, making them prime candidates for traveling and camping.

Yet aficionados have long considered instant coffee to produce low-quality brews. Whats different about this new class of single-serve coffee is that it comes from specialty roasters that built their reputations on quality over convenience. Before the advent of specialty instant coffee, Rinaldi would pack her suitcase with coffee beans, an Aeropress, a grinder and even a kettle with a long spout to ensure she could still drink a satisfactory cup.

Historically, instant coffee starts with green beans that are roasted, ground, brewed with water and then concentrated to become a syrupy extract. That extract gets dehydrated into soluble granules. There have been some innovations in the technique over the years. When Starbucks debuted its instant coffee in 2009, the company merged this traditional method with micro-ground beans, which are exactly what they sound like: coffee beans ground into tiny particles that can dissolve in water.

More recently, a few start-ups emerged dedicated to creating instant coffee that tastes as expressive as that original cup of coffee  before the extraction and drying process, which roasters say usually kills the flavors. These new companies are partnering with specialty coffee roasters  such as Pennsylvanias Swift Cup with Ritual  to transform their higher quality coffee with a similar but slower process. Colby Barr of Santa Cruzs Verve Coffee Roasters, one of the first Bay Area cafes to offer fancy instant coffee, describes it as suspending it in time.

Its actually perfectly brewed coffee  we just hit pause and put it in a pack for you, he said.

That process yields the same aromas like molasses, dark chocolate or cherry that youd expect from a pour-over version, according to Barr.

The big worry was that instant coffee would taste muddled and youd need to lean into blends, he said. But with where we are now, all of our coffees and single-origins really do shine in instant.

Janelle Bitker / The Chronicle

Other Bay Area roasters such as Highwire have teamed up with Santa Cruz company Steeped Coffee to offer individual-sized bags of ground coffee, nitro-sealed to stay fresh. Highwires Avella appreciated how this style showed off the coffee in a recognizable way  the grounds look like grounds, and everyone knows how a tea bag works. Home drinkers plop a bag into hot water and let it steep for several minutes, resulting in a cup that tastes similar to one brewed in a French Press.

Its dummy-proof in terms of brewing, Avella said. Its really hard to oversteep.

Oakland roaster Mr. Espresso rolled out Steeped coffee bags in November. Vice President Luigi Di Ruocco said he was drawn to the entirely compostable packaging and lower price point than some of the specialty instant coffee brands. They can cost as much as $3 or $4 per cup, while the Steeped pouches run closer to $2 each.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Mr. Espresso is primarily a wholesale operation, bringing beans to many Bay Area cafes and restaurants alongside offices and hotels. Di Ruocco sees massive potential in the single-serve coffee bags in hotel rooms, which would only have to provide guests with the pouches, mugs and a kettle.

Restaurants are already signing on because they dont want to constantly brew big pots of coffee, especially at a time when their dining rooms are empty. While neither Mr. Espresso nor Highwire sell decaf bags, they predict their usefulness for people at home who might want to offer decaf to a friend without going through decaf beans themselves.

Verve already sells another option, Dripkits, single-serve pour-over brewers that come with pre-portioned grounds  something Barr noticed take off in Japan. Now, he expects Verve to debut even more new single-serve coffee products in 2021, which means other roasters likely arent far behind.

A lot is going to happen in the next five years in craft single-serve, Barr said. Theres going to be a big, big movement.

Highwire Coffee Roasters. Steeped bags cost $2.50 each or $20 for 10. Available at Highwires Berkeley, Oakland and Alameda cafes and online at https://www.highwirecoffee.com

Mr. Espresso. Steeped bags cost $14 for eight. Available online at https://mrespresso.com

Ritual Coffee Roasters. Instant coffee $3.99 each or $19.95 for five. Available at Rituals San Francisco and Napa cafes and online at https://ritualcoffee.com

Verve Coffee Roasters. Instant coffee $16 for six. Dripkits cost $15.50-$16.50 for five. Available at Verves San Francisco, Palo Alto and Santa Cruz cafes and online at https://www.vervecoffee.com

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
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.
Govt to Honour Wartime Actions of Commodore Creighton

The Government intends to present the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour posthumously to Rear Admiral Sir Kenelm Creighton KBE CVO (1883-1963).

This is in recognition of the role that he played during the Second World War, when he was Commodore Creighton, in support of the people of Gibraltar who were evacuated to French Morocco. 2020 was the 80th anniversary of that wartime evacuation.

It will be recalled that during May and June 1940 the mass evacuation of over 13,000 women, children, elderly and infirm Gibraltarians to French Morocco took place. However, their position there became untenable following the collapse of France in July and the sinking of the French fleet in Algeria by the Royal Navy in order to prevent the vessels from falling into enemy hands. The French authorities retaliated with air raids against Gibraltar and by forcing its civilian population out of French Morocco.

At that time, Commodore Creighton was in command of a convoy of 15 freighters that disembarked 15,000 French troops in Casablanca after the fall of France. Given the condition of the vessels, Commodore Creighton first resisted the demands of the French Admiral at Casablanca to immediately board the Gibraltarians arguing that the ships needed to be prepared to accommodate thousands of civilians, many of whom were elderly. The Vichy Admiral refused the request and threatened to arrest the Commodore and the entire convoy unless the evacuees boarded the vessels and left. Eventually, the evacuees were herded on board at gunpoint without allowing time for the vessels to be properly cleaned and victualled and the Commodore was ordered by his superiors to set sail for the United Kingdom.

Given the very poor conditions in the freighters, Commodore Creighton defied those orders and set sail for Gibraltar instead, insisting to his superiors that the ships had to be properly refurbished for the transport of thousands of civilians. This action angered his superiors in London and Gibraltar but eventually the evacuees were allowed to disembark and return to their homes while the necessary refurbishment took place.

The Commodore assisted the people of Gibraltar by resisting the French and then defying his own superiors. The Government says it believes that his support for the people of Gibraltar should be commemorated in two ways. First, the Government will propose to the Gibraltar Parliament the award of the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour posthumously and secondly a plaque to mark his actions will be placed at the Evacuation Memorial in the Waterport roundabout. The plaque will read: In gratitude  Rear Admiral Sir Kenelm Creighton KBE CVO (1883-1963) who in July 1940 assisted the people of Gibraltar in their hour of need.

Gibraltar House in London has already been in touch with close family members of Rear Admiral Creighton, who have been located in Australia. They were delighted to hear the news and will be kept informed of developments going forward.

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said: The Government is delighted to honour the memory of Rear Admiral Creighton. His vivid description of the incident with Gibraltarian evacuees in Casablanca can be read in his autobiography Convoy Commodore. He stood up for and sympathised with the plight of the people of Gibraltar to the degree that he had to be threatened with arrest by the French and he had no hesitation in defying orders when he judged that following them would have put our people at risk. It takes a brave man to stand up to authority in this way and there is no better time to mark his courageous actions for the benefit of our people. The original intention had been to place the plaque at the evacuation monument last year, on the 80tth anniversary of the year in which the events took place. Sadly, this was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other matters so I will present the commemorative plaque shortly. The Government is confident that the placing of the plaque and the posthumous award of a Medallion of Honour will provide Sir Kenelm Creighton with the recognition that his actions deserve.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.

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.
DETROIT  The resiliency, culture and heroism of Black Americans and the African diaspora will be the central theme of a virtual event that will celebrate the nations diversity on the eve of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is slated to speak at Tuesday's event, We Are One, which will also honor the historic nature of her being the first Black and South Asian woman to become U.S. vice president.

The celebration also includes a Battle of the Bands and features three marching bands from Louisiana: Grambling State University World Famed Marching Band, Louisiana Leadership Institute All-Star Marching Band and Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band.

Black voters nationwide helped deliver Bidens presidency, overwhelmingly supporting him from the start of his White House bid. Black-led organizing work across the nation galvanized voters of color and contributed to historic turnout in key battleground states.

Tony Allen, CEO of the inaugural committee, said the programming will honor acts of resilience, heroism, and commitment to unity from Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities "as the coalitions that make up our nation come together to celebrate a new chapter in our history."

Several of the nations top Black leaders will deliver remarks, including House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a close ally of Biden whose endorsement in South Carolina widened Bidens winning margin and started his avalanche of March primary victories.

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

Among other speakers: Stacey Abrams, whose voter registration and education efforts helped flip Georgia blue for Biden; Rep. Cedric Richmond; Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty; Sen. Cory Booker; and the incoming senator from Georgia, Rev. Raphael Warnock.

The event will pay homage to the legacy of the nations historically Black colleges and universities, as well as Black sororities and fraternities. Harris is the first HBCU graduate and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member to be vice president.

The sororitys international president and CEO, Dr. Glenda Glover, and Howard University President Dr. Wayne Frederick will deliver remarks.

The event will feature musical performances and appearances from activists and celebrities. It'll be hosted by Terrence J and feature Leslie Jones, DJ D-Nice, and Black cultural icons such as Frankie Beverly, The OJays, and Rapsody.

Other schools participating in the Battle of the Bands include Delaware State University, Howard University, the Texas Southern University Debate Team, Florida A&M University Marching 100, Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, South Carolina State University Marching 101 and the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands.

The event is part of five planned days of programming under the inaugurals theme of America United. It will air Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET on social media and on select channels, including Urban One, Revolt TV and The Choice channel on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service.
"I think this is one, just based on where its up to timing wise, that has fallen off the radar in this country. There has been a lot of attention on Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna," he said. "It is looking very safe and effective." It is difficult to directly compare phase one trial results, but data reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in December suggested Novavaxs vaccine produced an immune response similar to vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Paul Griffin, medical director of the Nucleus Network  contracted by Novavax to conduct clinical trials in Australia  said if all went well, the vaccine could be available for use by May or June. Credit:Justin McManus "They were able to induce higher [antibody] titres than recovered COVID patients. And thats a really good sign. When we were seeing results like that, it did highlight Novavax is one to watch, and a really promising formulation," said Kylie Quinn, an RMIT vaccine designer. Griffith University virologist Adam Taylor said the trials showed the vaccine was safe and generated good antibody responses. "Certainly, this is a useful candidate."

Other vaccines have already shown themselves capable of inducing strong immune responses and protecting people from the virus. What makes Novavax different is a hint in the early data it could not just protect people but also stop the virus spreading. Stopping or reducing transmission of the virus is valuable to protect people who cannot or will not get vaccinated. At this stage, it remains unclear if any of the vaccines available can prevent transmission. In a small study, Novavaxs vaccine effectively prevented COVID-19 growing in the noses of monkeys. Results in animals often do not translate to humans. But other vaccines have struggled to repeat the achievement; they effectively protect the lungs but still allow the virus to grow in the nose, where it could spread. A healthcare worker fills a syringe with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Credit:PAMPC While other vaccines quickly moved from phase one to phase three trials and then approval, Novavax's progress has been slower. The company started its key phase three trial on December 28 after several delays due to issues scaling up vaccine manufacture.

Novavax has had a chequered history. Two failed vaccine trials in recent years led to the companys stock plunging; it sacked 100 employees and closed two manufacturing plants. In its near-30-year history it is yet to develop an approved vaccine. Nevertheless, the company is aiming to produce 2 billion doses of vaccine this year. Novavaxs jab combines traditional and cutting-edge technology. Inside each vial are copies of COVID-19s spike protein  the cellular harpoon it uses to attach to and enter our cells  and a dose of the companys adjuvant. The adjuvant triggers the immune system, which recognises the spike protein and builds antibodies and immune cells capable of defending the body against the virus. "Its more of a traditional vaccine  the same type we have used for other vaccines we have in use," said Professor Triccas. Novavax produces the spike proteins using moth cells, and then studs them on a nanoparticle, creating a shape that looks much like the spike-covered virus. In theory, immune cells should be much more likely to spot and attack these nanoparticles, as they look just like little viruses.

The company used similar technology in a flu vaccine it is developing. In a late-stage clinical trial, it produced much stronger antibody results than a current flu vaccine. Loading Addressing the deaths in Norway, Chief Medical Officer Professor Kelly said on Tuesday: "In a normal week, 400 people do pass away in their aged care facilities. "In general terms, they were very old, they were frail, some of them were basically terminally ill." It is not yet clear if the deaths are linked to the vaccine, and Australian experts have already said they are no reason to slow the vaccine's rollout.

After a gap of two days, the



COVID-19 vaccination drive resumed in Mumbai and Pune on Tuesday morning, but unlike the first day, there was hardly any rush of beneficiaries for taking jabs in the metropolis.

A doctor at a vaccination centre in Mumbai said the response was slow in the morning, but the process was gradually picking up.

The inoculation drive resumed at nine centres in Mumbai and 28 centres in the neighbouring Pune district, officials said.

The Maharashtra government had suspended the inoculation process on Sunday and Monday due to some problems in the Co-WIN app, created by the Centre for managing registration for the vaccination.

On the first day of the vaccination on Saturday, only 1,923 out of 4,000 registered beneficiaries got the doses in Mumbai, as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

On Tuesday, the vaccination process started around 9 am at all the centres in Mumbai, as per BMC officials.

However, unlike Saturday, there was hardly any rush of registered beneficiaries at the vaccination centres.

The waiting room at a vaccination centre in the civic-run KEM Hospital was almost empty at around 10.30 am.

"Only 15 to 20 people have come since the start of the process today," a staffer at the vaccination centre said.

One or two registered beneficiaries are coming at a gap of 5 to 10 minutes, he said.

"The response was slow in the morning, but it is slowly picking up," a doctor at the facility said, adding that the centre will remain open till 5 pm.

Some health care workers, who were asked to go to the KEM Hospital for inoculation, told PTI that they received calls for vaccination from the BMC's war room between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm on Monday.

Besides, some registered beneficiaries also said they either did not receive any message, while a few said they received the message early Tuesday morning.

"I got a call for vaccination at 11.30 pm on Monday, which was very late, but haven't received any message," said a health care worker from the KEM Hospital's microbiology department, who came to take the vaccine shot.

In Pune, the vaccination resumed at 28 out of the 31 centres on Tuesday, a senior district health official said.

There are 31 vaccination centres in the district- eight each in Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic limits and 15 in rural areas.

Pune Municipal Corporation's health chief Dr Ashish Bharti said the vaccination could not be started at three centres due to some technical issues.

"We are trying to rectify the issues at the three centres. The vaccination at the remaining five centres in the city started at 10 am," he said.

He also said the administration is trying to conduct more vaccinations than the designated target of 100 per day at bigger medical facilities in Pune, like the Sassoon Hospital and the Kamla Nehru Hospital.

On the first day of the inoculation on Saturday, a total of 1,802 beneficiaries out of the targeted 3,100 were given vaccine doses in Pune.

Over 300 people had later complained of minor side- effects, as per the district administration.

(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.)
Australia could be on the verge of opening travel bubbles with other countries with low rates of Covid-19 transmission, according to the nation's top doctor.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said on Tuesday health officials hoped to soon set up a two-way travel bubble with New Zealand.

Kiwis have been allowed to enter Australia quarantine-free since October, but the deal has yet to be reciprocated by the NZ Government.

Professor Kelly said discussions were also being held to establish tourism bubbles with low-risk Pacific Island countries.

Australia could be about to open travel bubbles with other countries deemed low risk for Covid-19 transmission, officials have said. Pictured is a a spa in Queenstown, New Zealand

But he insisted the successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine - which is scheduled to begin next month - was critical to opening Australia's border.

He said the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee was doing regular risk assessments to find other 'green' countries to partner with.

'We have had tens of thousands of people who have come across the ditch in the last few months and not a single case,' he said.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said health officials had their hopes set on establishing a two-way travel bubble with New Zealand

He said the Australian Government was 'definitely open to other bubbles'.

'We haven't found another green country at this stage - there are some that are very low risk and that is playing into discussions about how people from some of those countries should be quarantined to make sure it is safe,' he said.

However, Australians were warned normal international travel is unlikely to resume until next year, even as coronavirus vaccines were rolled out.

Tourism operators are appealing for more federal government support, saying they cannot survive on business from domestic tourists alone.

Pictured: Sydney's Bondi Beach. The successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine is key to opening the borders to low-risk countries, Professor Kelly said

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond said the sector cannot survive on domestic travel alone, particularly if state borders keep closing.

'There is no way that domestic tourism can fill the gap that will be left by inbound international travel,' she told the ABC.

'Essentially your average Chinese visitor to Australia probably spends $8500 while they're here. Your average Aussie who heads off for a holiday is probably spending about $1,500.

'Make no mistake, while international borders remain closed, we have no hope of recovery.'
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said on Thursday that he will prioritize putting an end to Big Tech's censorship of conservative content on the media and various social network platforms.

"I think it's probably the most important legislative issue that we're going to have to get right this year and next Year," he said during a conference hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

The governor believes that media bias is at work based on the silencing of numerous conservative voices online in favor of the more liberal views.

"We need to really think deeply about if we are a disfavored class based on our principles, based on having conservative views, based on being a Christian, based on whatever you can say that is not favored in Silicon Valley," states Gov. DeSantis.

He also took issue with what several tech corporations have done against Parler, an alternative social networking site where conservative users were able to exercise their right to free speech.

"They decapitated this company, Parler. This was a coordinated assault on a company that was trying to compete," DeSantis said.

Furthermore, Gov. DeSantis opined that the media meddled with the election by the way they frame and present information in their broadcast.

"Big Tech can actually suppress this information and that is just simply ok? That is election interference if you want to be honest about it, and that's something that really needs to be addressed," he said, as per One America News Network..

He added that he will start taking action on the censorship issue and that they would find ways to provide people some protection.

"We're going to take action, I think you're going to see Texas want to take action," he said.

Planned censorship

On Sunday, Facebook's former chief security officer Alex Stamos told CNN that he thinks telecommunication companies including Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon should also censor contents about right wing ideologies.

He also pointed out that several conservative influencers have amassed large followings and that their access to platforms like YouTube must be curbed.

"We have to turn down the capability of these conservative influencers to reach these huge audiences. They are extremely radical, and pushing extremely radical views," Stamos told CNN.

"It is up to the Facebooks and YouTubes, in particular, to think about whether or not they want to be effectively cable networks for disinformation," he added.

Stamos also made a case of radicalism by other news outlets citing OANN and Newsmax as examples.

"One of the places you can see this is on the fact that you now have competitors to Fox News on their right, OANN and Newsmax, which are carried by all the major cable networks, who are trying now to outflank Fox [News] on the right because the moment Fox introduced any kind of realism into their reporting, immediately a bunch of people chose to put themselves into a sealed ecosystem," he said.

"They can do that both on cable. They can do it online, and that becomes a huge challenge in figuring out how do you bring people back into the mainstream of fact-based reporting and try to get us back into the same consensual reality," he added.

Fact-based?

It's a fact, however, that mainstream media have at many times either engaged in a coverup of the truth, or have peddled lies themselves, unlike the networks Stamos accused of having done so.

For example, earlier reports revealed that mainstream media such as CNN, the Associated Press, and others, did not report violent attacks Trump supporters experienced as they joined the Million MAGA March in November last year - just one of the many violent things groups like Antifa and others did across America in 2020.

At the time, political strategist Doug Stafford called out Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and mainstream media to condemn such acts.

"I want to hear Joe Biden and Kamala Harris condemn Antifa/BLM criminals who assaulted and harassed peaceful demonstrators in DC today, including elderly and families," Stafford said via Twitter. "Of course they won't. And 'media' won't make them."

Aside from not reporting the truth about certain things, mainstream media also helped peddle lies. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told One America News Network in December last year that mainstream media willingly participated in China's disinformation campaign.

"In many cases, you see American media is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party. Big media empires have operations right--there's 1.4 billion people in China, they wanna serve that market so they want to sell their movies, or their streaming products there. So they often bend the knee, kowtow to them," Pompeo said.
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.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Tram Pagoda was built in the 16th century, with many old trees radiating shade, bringing freshness and coolness all year round to the holy space.

Tram Pagoda is located in the precincts of Tram Mountain, next to the beautiful Day River. Tram Mountain is not only well-known for charming natural scenery, but also famous for many relics and pagodas which bear spiritual meaning and aged-old history.

Tram Pagoda was built in the 16th century, with many old trees radiating shade, bringing freshness and coolness all year round to the holy space. Right to the right of the pagoda is Long Tien cave (also known as Tram cave). In the centre of the cave is the Buddha altar surrounded by large and small Buddha statues.

The cave attracts visitors from all parts of the country.

Tram Pagoda is also known for a historical event during the war against the French. On December 19, 1946, the national resistance war broke out. Only one day after December 20, 1946 here, Radio Voice of Vietnam issued President Ho Chi Minh's call for national resistance.

Because of those historical vestiges, along with unique and long-standing architecture, the Tram pagoda complex has been recognized by the State as a national historical and cultural relic in 1962. At weekends, there are hundreds of Buddhists coming to visit the pagoda. It is a cultural and historical site attracting more and more tourists from near and far, at home and abroad to contemplate. Hanoitimes

Pilgrims from different regions of the country visit Tram Pagoda in the cave.

A shrine on Tram Mountain where God of Land worshipped.

Many altars of Bodhisattva and Gods are placed in the cave.

The way to Tram Cave.

The cultural and historical symbol of Radio The Voice of Vietnam.

The beauty of Tram Pagoda.

The gate to Tram Cave.

Thanh Hai

A closer look at seven record-holding pagodas nationwide Vietnam boasts a number of pagodas that hold records locally and regionally for amazing things. Lets take a tour around seven of them to discover how each site achieves such amazing feats.
BEIJING, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fang Holdings Limited (NYSE: SFUN) ("Fang" or the "Company"), a leading real estate Internet portal in China, today announced changes in its board of directors (the "Board") and management.

Change in Board of Directors

The Board has nominated and appointed Mr. Jian Liu ("Mr. Liu"), Fang's chief executive officer, as a director of the Board, effective from January 19, 2021. Ms. Zhizhi Gong ("Ms. Gong"), a director of the Board, has resigned from the Board, effective from January 19, 2021. Ms. Gong's resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. Fang thanks Ms. Gong for her efforts and contributions to the Company.

Upon the effectiveness of Mr. Liu's appointment and Ms. Gong's resignation, the Board will consist of five directors, including three independent directors.

Changes in Management

Appointment of New President

Mr. Shihang Dong ("Mr. Dong") has been appointed as Fang's president to replace Mr. Liu, effective from January 19, 2021. Mr. Liu will continue to serve as the chief executive officer in charge of the general management of the Company.

Mr. Dong joined Fang in 2014 and has since accumulated extensive experience in the Company. In particular, Mr. Dong has served as the vice president of the Company and the general manager of the Company's new home business in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Appointment of New Acting Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Peng Cui ("Mr. Cui") has been appointed as Fang's acting chief financial officer to replace Mr. Ke Wang ("Mr. Wang"), effective from January 19, 2021. Mr. Wang has resigned from the Company for personal reasons. His resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. Fang thanks Mr. Wang for his efforts and contributions to the Company.

Mr. Cui has served as the deputy general manager of the capital market department of Fang since May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cui served in the assurance department of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP San Francisco Office from January 2019 to February 2020. From December 2017 to December 2018, Mr. Cui served as a senior consultant in the transaction advisory service department of Ernst & Young (China) Advisory Ltd. From August 2017 to November 2017, Mr. Cui served as a finance manager at UBS (China) Limited. From October 2012 to July 2017, Mr. Cui served at multiple positions, including the last position as a senior assurance associate, at PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhongtian LLP. Mr. Cui received his bachelor's degree in economics from Tianjin University of Science and Technology in 2007, and a master's degree in business administration from the San Francisco State University in 2011. Mr. Cui is a regular member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

About Fang

Fang operates a leading real estate Internet portal in China in terms of the number of page views and visitors to its websites. Through its websites, Fang provides primarily marketing, listing, leads generation and financial services for China's fast-growing real estate and home furnishing and improvement sectors. Its user-friendly websites support active online communities and networks of users seeking information on, and value-added services for, the real estate and home furnishing and improvement sectors in China. Fang currently maintains approximately 74 offices to focus on local market needs and its website and database contains real estate related content covering 665 cities in China. For more information about Fang, please visit http://ir.fang.com.

SOURCE Fang Holdings Limited

Related Links

www.fang.com


It is "good" that Mick Schumacher's Formula 1 debut will take place at the rear of the field in 2021.

That is the view of German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck, who says he relates to the 21-year-old as he also had a famous father in motor sport - Hans Stuck.

"My parents raised me properly and that is also the case with Mick," he told Auto Bild.

"Mick never had that high-flying attitude that can come with a name like that. That makes it easier for him to deal with the pressure."

Stuck also thinks it is perfect that Schumacher has been placed by Ferrari at the small American team Haas, as it will work well with the young German's tendency to first find his feet at a steady pace in a new category.

"I have to say I really respect how Mick Schumacher does it," said the 70-year-old. "I also think it's good that he's not in a winning car right away, but that he has the time to get used to it.

"When the time comes, he will win. But he needs the time for that," Stuck added. "He has to calmly learn the system, the tracks, the processes in the team and so on. So I do ask everyone to give him that time."

(GMM)
The Daily Beast

REUTERSThe last time an America First MAGA rally was held in Georgia, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate seats, and America lost what might end up being around $6 trillion. The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor-Greene show on Thursday night probably wont cost us as much. Just some time with our familyand our dignity.The event opened with Rep. Jody Hice, who is running a primary against Republican Brad Rafensperger for Georgia Secretary of State. The crowd changed Lock Him Up, which was directed at Raffensperger, whose decision to follow the rule of law (though hes wobbling now while running for reelection) obviously put him on the wrong side of the mob. With a warm up act like that, theres no need for an announcer to say, Lets get ready to rumble! The sentiment is implicit.Gaetz hit the stage first, throwing out a bunch of populist, demagogic rhetoric (forever wars, socialism, rebuild America, worlds policeman, deep state) and pandering (gun control just means we have a steady aim!). He took shots at the Bushes and the McCains and the Romneys and James Comey and Anthony Faucci. He observed that Paul Ryan was giving a speech in California, and added that after Ryan ran for vice president, the party literally needed an autopsy. The upshot? This is Donald Trumps party and Im a Donald Trump Republican, Gaetz declared. One thing he didnt talk about was his wingman Joel Greenbergs guilty pleas for crime including paying a 17-year-old to have sex with both of them (which Gaetz has previously denied).The Sickening History of Marjorie Taylor Greenes HometownNot to be upstaged, Greene entered the room in a humvee, before making her way on stage, grinning from ear to ear. But her smile belied the populist anger apparently bubbling up inside her. She called out the Democrats who tear down monuments. You better bet were gonna protect Stone Mountains monument, she said of Americas largest monument to the Confederacy. She feigned the Mexican accent of a supposed cartel leader talking about how much he loved Joe Biden, who she said wants a woke military. She also called the Squad the Jihad Squad and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OCrazyo-Cortez. Really classy stuff. You see, shes not a politician. Shes just like you. If youre a jerk like that, at least.So why is this happening? First, of course, for attention. Im writing about this, and so are lots of others and, for this crew and especially Greene whos already been booted from her House committees so has nothing left, but PR like this is its own reward. Indeed, Gaetz referred to Thursdays rally as the greatest political show on earth.Even during the good old days, conservative politics was probably half Bill Buckley and half P.T. Barnum. We were business up front and party in the back (okay, maybe we didnt party quite as hardy as Gaetzwho my Beast colleagues report snorted coke with a model with a no-show government job at a GOP Trump Defender gala in Orlandoand Greene, but you get the point). Today, the entertainment wing has almost completely supplanted the governing wing.As Gaetz told Vanity Fair a while back, If you arent making news, you arent governing. And Gaetz is ok right now with any news that isnt about allegations involving sex trafficking a minor. Hes flooding the zone (also with headlines about how hes flirting with a 2024 presidential bid if Trump doesnt run) which is a great PR strategy, assuming, you know, he doesnt get indicted.There are other reasons, including the theory that, in todays world, hunkering down and laying low is seen as either a tacit admission of guiltor proof you take the whole thing seriously. Im not sure which one would be more detrimental to Gaetzs brand, but hes avoiding both like the plague.Youve heard of the big lie, well this is the big tour. Gaetzs frantic activity is either a sign of innocence or shamelessness. My moneys on the latter, but who knows? And thats the point. He may also reason that the fact that hes on stage with a prominent female may also, psychologically, lend some cover.Speaking of Greene, she has been embroiled in something of her own scandal, having compared the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Jews being forced to wear golden stars in Nazi, Germany. Once upon a time, these sort of Holocaust comparisons would have spelled the end of a political career, but in todays Republican Party, its a feature, not a bug. Greene, having embraced other crazy theories, was able to haul in over $3 million during the first quarter of the year, after all. Sure, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned it in a tweet, but that is probably as severe as the punishment gets. Greene doesnt need to hit the hustings to change the subject from her scandal, shes doing it for the fun of it. To revel in it.Im a Rational Jewish Person. Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Nuts.Thats not to say there isnt some danger to this. Gaetz and Greene might not intend this and Trump may not realize it but this is the first salvo of what could be a threat to his death grip on the party. Thats because this tour is evidence that anyoneeven two lowly House memberscan co-opt Trumps message, steal his delivery mechanism, and take their show on the road. (Sure, they have played some home games in Florida and Georgia, but they also took their horse and pony show to Arizonaand dont forget Gaetzs trip to troll Liz Cheney in Wyoming).Now, this crowd was minusculeeven compared to the sparsely attended rally Trump held a year ago in Oklahoma. Still, the event encroaches on an innovation that Trump had essentially monopolized for the last five or so years. Trump didnt invent the idea of holding rallies, of course, but he took them to a new level. They werent just for campaigns, they were for governing. Moreover, you didnt need an invitation to speak; you could just throw your own event.Not everyone can pack a stadium, of course, but thats the beauty of teaming up. Gaetz and Greene might not be the Rolling Stones packing stadiums, but maybe they are Styx and Collective Soul doing an arena joint tour.What Im saying is that, over time, Trump is in danger of having what happened to Sarah Palin happen to him. At one point, Palin was the only game in town. She was the hot commodity. But once she left her position as governor of Alaska, she became irrelevant. It took a couple of years, but a generation of younger, more relevant, imitators supplanted her. Now, Trump is a better marketer than Palin and he was, after all, the president. Still, you can see why he has to at least feign a 2024 runand why he has already announced he will be doing more of his own rallies.Gaetz and Greene clearly arent there yet, as the livestream I was watching actually cut off just before the duo came back out to perform a sort of curtain call. The livestream instead switched to something called (Im not making this up), The Right View With Lara Trump.In a more healthy Republican Party, Gaetz would be drummed out of power because of his indiscretions, and Greene would never get within a mile of Capitol Hill. Trump helped create the circumstances where they would flourish. Even if he is ultimately replaced, he has succeeded in creating a generation of Republicans who share his penchant for self-promotion, his preference for populist politics, and, well, his family values.The Matt Gaetz-Marjorie Taylor Greene event was one-third tent revival, one-third rock concert, and one-third circusand it was all a freak show. This is all to say it was a rollicking success in todays Republican Party. Expect other MAGA-types to start replicating this idea. The devil(s) went down to Georgia.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.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed millions of Americans into poverty and stripped more than 5.4 million American workers of their health insurance, according to a study by the nonpartisan consumer advocacy group, Families USA. Many people like Ms. Jackson have experienced a significant deterioration in their health because they have delayed medical procedures. The fear of large medical bills has outweighed fear of contagion for some, giving rise to an increased number of patients seeking medical treatment in a foreign country.

We are seeing a pent-up demand for medical tourism during the pandemic, particularly in the U.S. where a fast-growing number of Americans are traveling across the land border with Mexico for health purposes, said David G. Vequist IV, the founder of the Center for Medical Tourism Research, a group based in San Antonio, Texas, and a professor at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Even before the pandemic, millions of Americans traveled to other countries for savings of between 40 to 80 percent on medical treatments, according to the global medical tourism guide Patients Beyond Borders. Mexico and Costa Rica have become the most popular destinations for dental care, cosmetic surgery and prescription medicines while Thailand, India and South Korea draw in patients for more complex procedures including orthopedics, cardiovascular, cancer and fertility treatment.

In 2019, 1.1 percent of Americans traveling internationally did so for health treatments, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, although that figure only accounts for those who traveled by air and does not include the thousands of travelers who crossed the United States-Mexico border. Definitive statistics on medical tourism are hard to come by because countries have different recording methods and definitions of the sector.

Medical tourism has been decimated by coronavirus restrictions, but, even so, the twin crises of the economy and the enormous strain that Covid-19 has placed on the already faulty American health care system are pushing many patients to travel. Demand for nonessential surgeries has also been building up after more than 177,000 scheduled surgeries were postponed in the United States between March and June in 2020, according to the Center for Medical Tourism Research.
A wild mink in Utah was the first wild animal in the U.S. found with COVID-19. Credit: Peter Trimming via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have found coronavirus infections in pet cats and dogs and in multiple zoo animals, including big cats and gorillas. These infections have even happened when staff were using personal protective equipment.

More disturbing, in December the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of a wild animal infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers found an infected wild mink in Utah near a mink farm with its own COVID-19 outbreak.

Are humans transmitting this virus to wildlife? If so, what would this mean for wild animalsand people too?

How viruses hop between species

We are two scientists who study viruses in wildlife and are currently running a study investigating the potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission from humans into domestic and wild animals.

When viruses move from one species into another, scientists call it spillover. Thankfully, spillover doesn't occur easily.

To infect a new species, a virus must be able to bind to a protein on a cell and enter the cell while dodging an immune system the virus hasn't encountered before. Then, as a virus works to avoid antibodies and other antiviral attackers, it must replicate at a high enough volume to be transmitted on to the next animal.

This usually means that the more closely related two species are, the more likely they are to share viruses. Chimpanzees, the species most closely related to humans, can catch and get sick from many human viruses. Earlier this month, veterinarians at the San Diego Zoo announced that the zoo's troop of gorillas was infected with SARSCoV2. This indicated it is possible for this virus to jump from humans to our close relatives.

Some viruses tend to stay in a single species or in closely related species, while other viruses seem innately more capable of large species jumps. Influenza, for example, can infect a wide variety of animals, from sparrows to whales. Similarly, coronaviruses are known to regularly jump between species.

The question of how many and which species can be infected by SARS-CoV-2and which ones might be able to support continued circulation of the virusis an important one.

Gorillas have been affected by human viruses in the past and are susceptible to the coronavirus. Credit: Thomas Fuhrmann via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Searching for COVID-19 in wildlife

For human-to-wildlife spillover of SARS-CoV-2 to occur, an animal needs to be exposed to a high-enough viral dose to become infected.

The highest-risk situations are during direct contact with humans, such as a veterinarian's caring for an injured animal. Contact between a sick person and a pet or farm animal also poses a risk, as the domestic animal could act as an intermediate host, eventually passing the virus to a wild animal.

Another way COVID-19 could spill over from humans into animals is through indirect infection, such as through wastewater. COVID-19 and other pathogens can be detected in waste streams, many of which end up dumped, untreated, into environments where wildlife like marine mammals may be exposed. This is thought to be how elephant seals in California became infected with H1N1 influenza during the swine flu pandemic in 2009.

To study whether spillover of SARS-CoV-2 is happening, our team at Tufts is partnering with veterinarians and licensed wildlife rehabilitators across the U.S. to collect samples from and test animals in their care. Through the project, we have tested nearly 300 wild animals from over 20 species. So far, nonefrom bats to seals to coyoteshave shown any evidence of COVID-19 by swab or antibody tests.

Other researchers have launched targeted surveillance of wild animals in places where captive animals have been infected. The first confirmed infection in a wild mink was found during surveillance near an infected mink farm. It's not yet clear how this wild mink got the coronavirus, but the high density of infected minks and potentially infectious particles from them made it a high-risk location.

Bad for animals, bad for humans

When a virus infects a new species, it sometimes mutates, adapting to infect, replicate and transmit more efficiently in a new animal. This is called host adaptation. When a virus jumps to a new host and begins adapting, the results can be unpredictable.

In late 2020, when SARS-CoV-2 jumped into farmed mink in Denmark, it acquired mutations that were uncommon in humans. Some of these mutations occurred in the part of the virus that most vaccines are designed to recognize. And it didn't just happen oncethese mutations independently arose in mink farms multiple times. While it's not yet clear what impact, if any, these mutations may have on human disease or the vaccine, these are signs of host adaptation that could allow novel variants of the virus to persist and reemerge from animal hosts in the future.

Another risk is that SARS-CoV-2 could cause disease in animals. Ecologists are especially concerned about endangered species like the black-footed ferret, which is closely related to minks and thought to be very susceptible to the virus.

Human-to-wildlife spillover has happened before. In the late 20th century, the Ebola virus jumped from humans into great apes and has resulted in devastating consequences for these endangered animals. More recently, a human respiratory virus has been detected in threatened mountain gorilla populations and has caused deaths as well.

But perhaps the biggest risk to humans is that spillover could result in the coronavirus establishing a reservoir in new animals and regions. This could provide opportunities for reintroduction of COVID-19 into humans in the future. This month researchers published a paper showing that this had already happened on a small scale with humantominktohuman transmission on mink farms in Denmark.

While our team has found no evidence of COVID-19 in wild animals in the U.S. at this time, we have seen convincing evidence of regular spillover into dogs and cats and some zoo animals. The discovery of the infected wild mink confirmed our fears. Seeing the first wild animal with natural COVID-19 is alarming, but sadly, not surprising.

Explore further Coronavirus cases detected in farmed mink in Poland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
POCONOS, Pa., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buying or selling a home can be very stressful and, in some cases, full of surprises. One monumental criterion is completing a home inspection. The Inspection Boys was been created to educate home buyers about their potential future home and deliver a comprehensive inspection report. To grow their franchise opportunity faster, the Inspection Boys just announced their partnership business services franchise company, Loyalty Brands.

Founded in 2008 by serial entrepreneur John Hewitt, Loyalty Brands is a consortium of franchise brands with synergistic similarities that can work together to create a portfolio of franchise concepts. They can work together or separately to give future franchises the ability to expand their offerings or focus on one specific industry. Partnering with The Inspection Boys will help grow the brand footprint in franchising, with the goal of becoming the top home inspection company in the business.

The Inspection Boys is an emerging franchise, founded in 2017. The brand offers experienced and affordable home inspection that has protected both home buyers and sellers. A home inspection by the Inspection Boys is not simply performed to report deficiencies, damage, and defects. A buyer needs quality information to make a good decision. They advocate to help people understand the fiscal and physical impact of any damage and defects they discover.

According to John Hewitt, CEO and Founder of Loyalty Brands, "It felt right when we met The Inspection Boys team  Matthew Rivera, Robert Aglialoro and Brigitte Malik  I just knew they would fit into the culture of Loyalty Brands. We look for expertise, integrity and, most of all, people understand and help us create a world class organization."

The Inspection Boys are a franchise organization currently supporting seven franchisees but looking to grow fast.

Loyalty Brands is a team of people who have worked together for many years with several different brands, two of which are some of the largest retail operations in the United States, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax. Franchise sales and growth is their expertise, and they plan on bringing their successes to the Inspection Boys.

About the Inspection Boys

The Inspection Boys have developed a system that make life easy for franchisees. Everyone can do home inspections, but a successful home inspection business is much more than that. It is all about the connections and relationships you will develop with homeowners, and real estate agents, that separates a successful and profitable business from a "pushing-through" kind of a company. To learn more about the Inspection Boys please visit: https://inspectionboys.com/

About Loyalty Brands

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Loyalty Brands is an umbrella franchise company founded in 2018 by serial entrepreneur John Hewitt. The Loyalty Brands consist of business brokerage, small business accounting, tax preparation and added services, networking, and bartering. The company maintains a community first outlook, meaning that involvement in local communities and giving back is a core value. The multi-brand concept involves businesses that are synergistic and compatible, so potential franchisees could possibly own one or more of the brands for additional customer acquisition and co-marketing opportunities. To learn more about Loyalty Brands, please visit https://loyaltybrands.com/

Media Contact: Melissa Salyer, Loyalty Brands, 305-797-5574, [email protected]

SOURCE Loyalty Brands